Unknown Broadcast | Terror on the Heath and at the Gallows: Four Horror Stories of Murder and Suspense

0:09 Ah, my dear, so good of you to come back. Oh what's that? Well? I suppose I have been in a good mindset as of late, although sometimes I feel a bit morose over the idea of missing wide open spaces, places beyond my humble habitat, as it were. Please please get comfortable. I'll get you a little something to drink, something hot to warm your soul and your spirit, while I have already found something to chill our old bones. I miss the fields and the son, I miss terror on the heat.

1:25 Come in, welcome, I'm e g marshall. I'm sure you will agree that almost every religion holds that the soul is immortal and recognizes a life after death. However, we're going to be telling you about people who believe in reincarnation, and they have a somewhat different approach to immortality. Those who believe in reincarnation are convinced that your soul lives on in another person and his body in a later life. Some men and women even claim they remember bits and pieces of their former lives. I see a gallows, it's a hanging man. I can hear the creak of the gibbet and a rattle of chambers. I hear them plainly.

2:24 There are people watching people dress strangely dressed in clothing of a different century, some of them agating and drinking. They're enjoying watching a man hang, a man like me, me, David Matts, who lives today. I see them and they're hanging, and I know I was there. I was there. Our mystery drama Terror on the Heath was written especially for the mystery Theater by Murray Burnett and stars Shepherd Strudwick.

3:18 The KCBS Mystery Theater, the Theater of the Mind. There's always news and more on KCBS. Are you a browser, I mean a browser in a bookstore. If you are, you will readily acknowledge that bookstores are sectioned off with books in various classifications. One of the largest sections has become the how to books. On those shelves, the reader can find a book that will tell him how to do almost anything, from painting or sewing.

4:00 They're making a harpsichord. Everything that is, except a book telling a man how to explain to his wife that. He's leaving her. David Darling, I didn't know this was serious, very serious. But whatever it is, we'll weather it. We've had quite a few ups and downs in ten years of marriage. Will handle it together. That's just it. This is this is something that you will have to handle alone. I don't understand. Look, Jan, I don't know any other way of saying this. I'm going to leave you. You mean that, don't you? Yes, I'm sorry, all right, David? Why I can't tell you?

4:47 You can't tell me, David, look at me. I'm the woman you loved. But at least I think you love me. For ten years You're not. Going I still love you, Jan, and I swear, Then why are you leaving? Because because I have to have to, you won't have a thing to worry about. I'll take care of you and the children, just as if. I were leaving you. I just don't believe this whole scene. It's like something out of Alice in. Wonderland or ed Gallan Pole what. I think, twenty five hundred a month should cover everything. But if you need you mean about Edgar Allan Poe. Nothing is twenty five hundred going.

5:27 To be using words as a smoke screen to hide the truth. We've never done that. I guess there's no way a man can ever tell a woman he's leaving. All I want is the reason why you're leaving. That's just what I can't tell you. What are you going to tell the children? Isn't that your job? You're the one who's leaving. Oh David, this isn't like you. What's happened? I wish you was something simple and less cruel, like being a to say, Jen, I've fallen in love and I want a divorce. But it isn't like that at all?

6:07 And what is it like a horror story? No? No, no, secretary is going to tell me that Dave Mason's not into me. He'll see me and he's going to It's all right, miss Manners, I'll see miss Dampson coming on. Well, thanks? Now, what's this business about? You're leaving? Jad? All about? I suppose this couldn't be avoided? Why would you want to avoid me? Your best friend? What is all this stuff about horror stories? Ned Grallan Poe or it's just a figure of Oh sure, just enough to make you walk away from what I know was a good marriage. Thanks long, and you're going to tell me why you're doing it, but only only if you give me your solemn promise that you won't tell Jan or Cicely.

6:53 But that's exactly I know. I know, that's exactly why you came to find out and try to help to tell Jan. But that's the one thing you can't do. Okay, you have my word. I'd like you to look at these photostatic copies of the English newspapers of the eighteen fifties? Are you kidding? Breed them? Hampstead Heath terror strikes again, vicious killer claims a victim nine year old girl, stabbed to death. Look, David, I don't see what these want. But these are just more of the same police baffled. By Heath knifings.

7:33 Inspector Gregory of Scotland yard brands, slasher esadist. That's enough to give you the general idea. Yes, it's also enough to confuse me thoroughly. What the devil? The devil? That's a good word. Ever? Hear a reincarnation one? Oh no, Now, wait a minute. You're not going to try to make me believe that you are the twentieth century reincarnation of this madman. And that should make it obvious why I must leave Jan and cannot tell her why And you believe this on the basis of these newspaper clipping not quite long. There's more, much more. It was incredible to me at first when was first about six months ago, I read a book by Robert Ripple, a book that was a factual account of the lives of three notorious criminals of the nineteenth century. I was impressed for the writing and by the author, an assistant curator of the nineteenth Century wing of the Museum.

8:29 Of English History. There was one criminal in particular that fascinated me. I somehow felt I knew him, This Hampstead Heath Knifer right, And that was when I had the first dream. Dream. Yes, I had a few drinks with Bob Ripple before coming home and we talked about some changes, and I dreamed I saw Hampstead Heath quite clearly. It's really a forest, you know. And then along a walk outside the forest, I saw a woman's figure. I ran after her, and she turned to face me with her hands outstretched, not to welcome me, long to ward me off. And when I saw a face and streaming blood, blood from knife slashes, and then.

9:19 And then I woke up. All right, all right, So you had a nightmare. That doesn't prove. That was only the first. They began to come more and more frequently, and in greater and more monstrous de tale with women and young girls and blood, and I don't want to open it up. Well, all right, all right, I'll grant you it's pretty rough, David, but still, okay, come on around behind my desk. What do you see in the drawer? A knife? Not just any knife long, that's a switch blade with a spring, lethal and illegal. Okay, when did you get it and why? I don't remember buying it, and I have no idea of how it got there, but I distinctly remember the first time I saw it there. It was a day after I had my face slept by a girl I'd never seen in my life and been called a murderer.

10:07 What I was coming back from a lunch with Bob Ripple, the author of the book that opened the floodgates, a rather attractive girl in her early twenties approached us. I don't know exactly how it happened, but. Suddenly we found ourselves face to face and started to indulge in that ridiculous walls of both stepping the same way to get. Out of each other's well. Oh, I know, I know, Suddenly she looked full at me and hissed murderer and fainted right there on the sidewalk. Well, she she was sick. That was what Bob Ripple kept telling me as he hustled me away. But why why would she call me a murderer? Well, I don't know. She's the one with problems. There's nothing wrong with you, Lon.

10:48 Do you think it's possible but that maybe this girl was the reincarnation of one of this killer's victims and she recognized me as this killer. Oh No, I don't think it's possible, but obviously you do. It was the next day that I saw the knife in my desk. Look, Dave, look, you're in a state. How would you like to see a face long, my face, my face on the picture of a nineteenth century killer? What come with me? And I show it to you, Lon. This is Robert Ripple, assistant curator of the nineteenth Century wing of this museum. Ah, nice meeting you, pleasure.

11:30 Bob and I waited the room with the photographic exhibits. Would you fill on in? Glad you This particular exhibit started because of my interest in the three notorious criminals of the era. Naturally, I collected all the newspaper clipping, stories, drawings, and photographs I could find and placed them in the room along with other items that I drew them into the collection. I hear I exhibited the degeotypes of some of the fabulous characters of the period, along with the criminals, and heal on can look at this, to Garrett type and tell me what you think. Let me see, well, good looking guy, nice face. And if you want me to say he looks like you, I'll say it. There's a great resemblance, all right?

12:11 Who is he? You tell him? That man is Charles Mason, otherwise known as the Terror of Hampstead Teeth, the killer who was hanged at Tyburn December ninth, eighteen forty one. I can remember, I can almost hear David. Let him go back, Let him remember, you can hurt him to try to bring him back. Now, I can hear the wind. And the creak of the gibbet, and the James and the people, the people shaving their eyes against the cool sun, looking up to see what kind of monster was suspended in air, paying with his life a slashed and bleeding bodies of the women he had mutilated.

13:04 God Lord, have you seen him like this before, only once. What do we do if it follows the pattern of the other time. He'll come out of it soon. He's coming around. I'm sorry. I guess I made a pool of myself. You couldn't help it, Dave weld. On, what do you think? Well? I, uh, self hypnosis? What self hypnosis? You read Ripple's book. It impressed you. You became involved in the several hours you were here. You saw that bagheera type that resembles you, and now you've hypnotized yourself into believing that you're a reincarnation of a murderous madman. I don't blame you for not wanting to believe I'm the reincarnation of a killer like Charles may Look, what just happened was frightening, but not necessarily any proof that you're right, mister Ripple. Did you you write about the hanging of Charles Mason?

14:02 Oh? Certainly, And there was nothing Dave said that he couldn't have gotten from reading your book. Huh, yes, that's right, or some of the other books I showed him. There have been many graphic descriptions of the hangings of Tyburn. Ah. Well, there you are, Dave I wish you were right, Dave. Yes, I've thought of something that might just solve your friend's problem. All right, let's hear it. One of the most horrible on Mason's crimes was the murder of a young lady named Letty Legroux in eighteen thirty seven. Her nude corpse was found on Hampstead teeth horribly butchered. Her clothes were never recovered. Or what are you trying to say? If if Dave could remember what clothes Letty Legroux was wearing. But how can we check out whether I'm telling the truth. I can give some kind of a description, but you just said nobody ever.

14:58 You'll have to trust me, Dave. I believe there might be a clue if you're willing to give it a try, of course, So we go back to the gallery. No, you stay here, I'll go fetch to the Garrett type of mission. It's hard to see because it's a storm brewing. I see the leaves blowing and the trees bending. There's something else. I think you a woman. Please, I mustn't slip afore. He's following me. I know he's following your Dear God, help me.

15:43 I see something going a dress. Yes, it's a dress, alarm dress. The girl is holding it up, she's running. I have to carry gaining the leave of the dress. What hollow is the dress? Day? Can you see? She's gone gone? The color of the dress? Was it white? No? Not white? And yelling? A yellow dress with a pale. Matching scar and a lace handkerchief. The hankeetiff is white, but the dress is yellow. There have been some fairly convincing arguments on the side of reincarnations. There are a number of reputable people who insist they can recall bits and portions of a life lived in another time.

16:40 I know one young lady who. Vividly recalls a life as a waitress in Jamestown during colonial days. But I don't know of anyone who can recall being a murderer. I'll be back shortly with that too. Now back to misteryes. On New seventy four KCBS. Most people go to museums to view the works of art. David Matson took his best friend Lan Henderson to a museum to prove to Henderson that he Mathson was really the reincarnation of a monstrous killer of the nineteenth century named Charles Mason. He showed Lawn a degerotype of Mason, and Lawn was impressed by the resemblance, but he demanded more positive poof Bob. You said there might be some clue you could learn something if I identified some.

17:42 Clothes that a girl was wearing. I did. Did you find the clue? I'm afraid we did, Dave. Afraid that means you believe that Dave is the reincarnation of Charles Mason. I told you the clothes that lennyleg Grow wore when she was slashed to death never been found. What I didn't tell you was that some six or seven years after her murder, a fine piece of white cambric that had obviously been a lady's handkerchief was found on the heath, together with some yellow material. Some historians were convinced that the handkerchief had been Ladylick Rose, and that the yellow material was part of a dress she'd been wearing, but no one could prove.

18:23 It until now. Until now, until you just described a yellow dress and a white handkerchief. Hello, Robert Ripple speaking. This is missus David Natson. You don't know me. Well, the wife of the publisher. Yes, that's right, I'd like to come and see you. What about. Husband and the reason he left me? My dear missus Matson.

19:05 I find this conversation was strange. You perfect stranger calling me to discuss your merital problems. Why in the world would you believe that I would. Be told. By whom I can't understand why mister Henderson preferred you to me because. He's our best friend, that. He finally gave me your name. They also has the information I have. That's all I want tell mister Henderson. I find he's putting you on to me cowardly. I have no intention, Missus Madison, love seeing you or discussing your husband and his actions at any time now or in the future.

19:49 I must thank you, mister Ripple for your curtesy and showing me so much of your part of the museum. Not at all, Missus Larson, when the curator called and told me you were interested in become a patron of the museum, because only natural we should try to show you the sort of things in which we spend your money. Well, and you've impressed me very much, so. If you don't think me impertinent, Missus Larson, how much so did you have any specific sum for a contribution in mine? Not precisely. I really need more information. Now I must return to Boston later today. So well, I just want to thank you for making time for me in your busy schedule. Pleasure. Oh really this picture? Uh de guerotype, Missus Lawston? Whatever?

20:36 Now? Why this man? He looks so familiar? Who's he? A notorious killer man named Charles Mason who was hanged in eighteen forty one? Now if we couldare move on's a moment. Now this vay seem somewhat strange request, But I would like this bagariat type. I beg your pardon. I'd like to purchase. Them or let me say, I would make a substantial bequest in the museum if I could have this picture. And why would you want that particular picture, Missus Larson, I take it? No other will do will? Surely I don't have to explain what you do? God, what what are you doing calling a guard to escort you out of the building?

21:19 Missus Matson? Why are you? And I'd advise you not to make a fuss, because if you so much to utter another syllable, I'll call the police and have you arrested for impersonating a donor when you had no such intention. Now get out of here. I honestly wait. I did help him at his I told you before me on the golf course all afternoon, but I told you. To get a message to him that it was a matter of. Life and death. We have I don't know why. Right now, listen, tell him I'm coming out to see him, and he should wait there for me, no matter what happens.

22:06 That picture, that picture, it. Was exactly the face of David. I've got to find one. He's trying to avoid me. It's too dark now for him to be out on the golf course. Oh ouse, Well, it's gravel. I should have remembered to change my shoes. I think I'll walk on the grass. Who's that? Is there anyone there? I know you're behind that bush, and I'm not in the mood to play any stupid games. No one. I got really nice?

22:49 Oh, oh, cham Chen, Do you realize that guy could have killed you? I don't know. I don't know why he came at me, but I'm very glad you got there when you did. Well, I didn't. I missed catching him. Didn't you see his face? No, no, He came up from behind me. He circled around the bushes. I see, do you think you should stay in this house alone? Well? Why not? It's my own home. Jen, You're not completely right. I appreciate your concern. They'd never have let me out of the emergency room at the hospital. They didn't think I was Okay. No, I'm his bandage.

23:31 It doesn't bother me at all, But you do me. Why did you send me to Ripple? Oh? Jan, how much do you know about reincarnation? You mean, the belief that your soul lives on in someone else's body after you die. Yes, yes, well what's all that got? No? Wait, David's involvement with Ripple's book has somehow convinced him that the soul of this night eighteenth century killer Charles Mason was in his body. Oh that's ridiculous. Yes, that's what I thought too. Thought. Then you believe? Yeah? Please. After reading Ripple's book, Dave told me he felt strangely familiar with all the events that related to Charles Mason.

24:16 He said he felt as if he'd almost lived them. He went to the museum to talk with Ripple about this strange phenomenon. And then he saw the picture, and well you saw it. Can you deny that. You allowed a resemblance to convince you that David was a reincarnation of a nineteenth century criminal. I refuse to believe that there's more Jack. Nothing that you can say will convince me reincarnational. Listen. People have been arguing about whether there really is such a thing as a soul for century. Now listen to me. David looked at that picture and went into some sort of a trance. He recalled actual scenes in incidents from more than one hundred years ago.

25:03 David is a bright man with a vast store of knowledge. His subconscious must retain his readings from hundreds of books and manuscripts, and then, because of some quirk and his vivid imagination, he's able to recall it. No. I know, I felt the way you did, and I brought up the subject of self hypnosis. It was then that David described the clothing of one of Mason's victims, and that's one thing he couldn't have read or heard anywhere. Then you must believe that David was right to leave me. Well, he loves you, what else could he have done? Trusted that love trusted our years together, trusted the strength that's.

25:44 Made our marriage work, and told me the truth and tried to work it out together. Well, how do you go about working something like this out? If David really is I'm not going to consider that possibility. You have to why because of that bandage you're wearing on your arm? It was somebody went after you with a knife. I know, And why would anyone want to slash you? I don't know. We live in a violent world. No, no, Jan, No, this happened at the club. This was no ordinary mugging. What are you trying to say? I'm look, are you sure there wasn't anything familiar about the man who attacked you, something that might. Remind you of were trying to make me think it was David? Aren't you? You are trying to make me say it was David. You think it was David, don't you? Jan? Look, Please, we have to get out of my house.

26:35 Please be reasonable, I said, and I meant it. Oh lord, Oh, I'm so glad you came. Now. I apologize for my behavior the other night. There was no no, no, no no. I forgive you, Jan, I understand, But what do you want from me now? To go with me to see Jason Beckwith and tell him everything you know about this strange delusion of David's. Jason Beckwith he's a. Professor of Romance languages at the university, and he's also a highly regarded student of the occult. I shouldn't say student, he's an acknowledged authority.

27:20 Jan Have you seen today's paper? No? And you haven't read the story about the woman who was killed in the park last night. Lon, I promised I wouldn't lose my temper no matter how many ridiculous though. Hold it, it's not ridiculous. A woman was slashed to death in Hudson Park Earl this morning by a man with a knife. Now that's a newspaper. I suppose that you don't have a sneaking suspicion that that man with a knife might have been David. You bet I have. David is not a killer, all right? All right? Why don't you call him and ask him where he was? He couldn't kill anyone? Are you afraid to call him?

28:05 Hello? Oh, David Darling? How are you? Jan? Look Dan? If you didn't get to check, I'm sorry, but I really have been bombed out for the last past few days. I don't remember, Bob, try to talk. Look, Jan, I'm not the guy in you. Don't you try to tell me who you are. David, you're talking to the girl who married you. You just saw what you're up against. But I do, I don't know. You know, I know exactly what you believe, and I also know it's a lot of nonsense. Oh darling, I want you to come home.

28:47 Lone should never have told you he betrayed me and did you no good? I can't face you now ever, Well he hung up on me, mm hmm. And what about last night? He couldn't remember? He well, I guess you must have been drinking. Bombed out was the phrase he used. Put your mouths to, admitting that he doesn't have an alibi for last night. He doesn't need an alibi. David is not a criminal. He thinks he is. Well. He's getting a lot of support from some of his best friends. And please believe I thoughted you wanted the museum You didn't see and hear why?

29:28 And you haven't lived with David for ten years? You think you can ever know David as I do? Oh? Well, how can I answer that? You don't try? Just come along with me and keep the appointment with Professor Beckwith. It's not unusual for a wife to believe in her husband. It's also not too startling to find that her husband doesn't believe in himself. However, it's both strange and frightening to find a wife that seems to be willing to reach back into the past to prove her husband's innocence.

30:10 I'll be back shortly with Act three. The radio station that lets you use your mind. You're listening to mystery theaters four K CDs. The power of Love against the power of death, the power of good against evil. Most of us like to believe that good will triumph, but very few of us are ever asked to put our beliefs to the acid test. Janice is doing just that. She refuses to.

30:51 Believe the evidence that her husband, David, is the reincarnation of a nineteenth century killer. And she and her husband's best friend and have come to an appointment with an expert on reincarnation and your cult. Remarkable, most interesting, in fact, one of the most remarkable stories I've ever heard. Professor you can take my word for it. I saw just what I told you. Nothing came from my imagination. My dear Henderson, do stop calling me, professor, and do stop being so defensive. I know you told me the truth. You don't mean you believe David is a reincarnation of that killer, My. Dear missus Matson, Jan, my dear Jan. Before I can answer that question, and before you panic, you have to understand more about the whole theory of reincarnation.

31:42 That's why we're here now. Reincarnation is part of some, but not all, Oriental religions, the belief that the soul needs to be reborn, and final liberation and release from this need is the highest possible achievement. Why is there a need to be reborn because of impurities in the or sin? Professor? I'm sorry, mister Beckway. The final liberation of the soul, Henderson, is possible only for a human being who has attained purity of thought. And if one doesn't have this purity of. Thought, then a new life is generated from an old just as a new candle is lighted from an old one.

32:26 A new life. You said, that's right, completely new and completely different. Trying perhaps to rid yourself of impurities. Possibly, well, then how do you account for the almost total recall that Dave had for the events and crimes connected with Charles Mason. One explanation would be that he remembers them. But if David was striving for a new life, I. Didn't say there wouldn't be traces and memories of another life. And I believe David has surfaced these memories. But that doesn't necessarily prove David Metson is the reincarnation of Charles Mason. Well how else could Dave have none could. Have experienced the things he recalled A suspectator.

33:09 No, no way back with I was in the museum and you weren't. I saw and heard a deep emotional involvement on Dave's part. He was no spectator, Henderson. You've just put your finger on the single most significant bits of evidence in this hostage history. In fact, it's the cornerstone of a theory I'm beginning to form. Come on, now, look I feel like a criminal. Now, don't be silly, but I'm setting David up. He thinks he's going to see me, and wait till you see the look he gives me when you walk into his arm. Come on, where are you going?

33:52 We're going in the back way. If I passed the desk the receptionist for phone David. Uh, you know January really something else. I just hope that they had me worry about David Law. All right, David, I'm sorry we used the back door, but it was my idea. I can Why didn't you call to tell David you look awful? You look so tired. You know you could use a vacation up at the lodge. We could, Yeah, how I wish I could that It was as simple as that. I'd love to go away with you for a while, just the two of us.

34:33 Well, we can't, what I thought. I mean, we've got some work to do. First, work Yes on your head. Now listen, Lon, what is it. She's your wife and she's great, and she has met with Professor Jason Beckwith and he's agreed to work out an experiment. What kind of an experiment? Well, I think Jan had better explain it since she's also going to be part of it. Sorry, Jan, it sounds too risky, Darling. I've told you it's a controlled experiment. Who's with yes, and Lon will be there too. The plain truth Jan is that I'm afraid, well, of course, and you're afraid to come home and you're afraid to see me alone. You're afraid to face the night. Is that the way you want to live for the rest of your life? I may have to, but don't.

35:23 You see the experiment offers us a way out. I know you're not Charles Mason in any way. And when you say it, you almost make me believe it. Well, it's true, so trust me. Oh, I trust you. It's me. I'm worried about. How's your arm? It's much better. You can see this out of the sling. The police haven't found who attacked you yet. They're working on it. Now. When do you want me to arrange for this? Badly hurt? Now? It's just a surface cut. Now listen, David Darling, it's Wendy. I'll be back in a moment. I'm not feeling I'll be with you in a minute. Jim Londo after him? What I don't want? Hurry David?

36:08 Oh, Doland, don't tell you that go down? Why did you grab my hand on? Why didn't you let me kill myself? Because that's no answer. You asked about the alternative and this is the one that takes care of everything. Are you sure about that? What? Who are you this is Jason that quest Darling. We sent for him after after your stupidity. I knew exactly what I was doing, and I knew. Why then explain it to I don't have to explain anything. You don't find it difficult to believe that the soul of a man dead more than one hundred years has been reborn in your body.

36:52 It's been pretty well proven to me. And because you're afraid of the soul of this murderer will force you into killing your wife or some other women, you decid it. To kill yourself. That's about it. And what happens to the immortal soul? What I asked? What do you think will happen to that soul that didn't die on the gallows at Tyburn in eighteen forty one? What happens when David Matson blows his brains out? What happens to that soul? I don't know? Think about it? Does it go on to inhabit another body and continue killing?

37:33 I would know that, do you know? But I'd like to try and find out if you'll help me and go along with the experiment I have in mind. You want to go ahead with this, Dave? Yes, okay, But I'm under orders to inform you that this will be the last experiment into the past, conduct it on these premises, and the Professor's briefed you on what we hope to accomplish her tonight. No, not completely. I assume it's the continuation of your trips into the past, with some additions. Mister Ripple. Those marbles you have in that bag, all right, hmm interesting.

38:17 I assume they're going to play some part in the proposed expand oh they are, as will. The clothing I have in this box? Is that a knife? It is with. A sharp blade, as sharp as I could get it. Don't you think that? I believe that On the top floor of this museum there's a long, narrow corridor which runs the length of the building. Correct connects two rally use storerooms. I'm much for you. It's probably very stuffy up There is the window we can open. Well, yes, yes, good, good, With the exception of Jan, I suggest we all get up there quickly. Excellent, mister Ripple. Er a corridor just as you described it, And now the window has been opened and we're all gathered here ready to start.

39:18 I thought Jan was She told me she had to be part of the experiment. She'll be a long leader. David, there were some things we had to keep from here, Ripple, Is there anyway you could light this corridor better? It's fine the way it is. Uh, I'll move down the corridor. Can you see this? Uh? Something shining a knife is quite visible to anyone with normal eyesight. Professor. Good, Now, Henderson, if you'll station yourself about halfway down the corridor and wait there, and uh, don't touch the marble. Don't worry. Never was any good at shooting marbles. Back with where do you want me, Professor?

39:58 As we agreed, wherever you think you'd send the museum's interest best. I think I'll stay near you. Fine. Now what we have is the corridor, perfect view, and along the corridor gleaming knife. David, you stand on my right, mister Ripple. That puts you on my left, and we all agree the corridor is quite empty. Now, mister Ripple, may I have the deguerotype here you are? Thanks? Now, David, look closely at this face.

40:39 The face of a man named Charles Mason, and David. As I drop the marbles one by one on the stone floor, they'll start to bounce. And bounce, bounce, bounce back. Through the years. Listen to them bouncing, bouncing down the long corridor of time and the years slide by, slide by, alive with. The echoes of the past.

41:20 Do you see them, David, I see them. And hear them as they walk. I'm walking walking along near the top of the hero on the heath, and I see. I see a single horse. He's silhouetted for a moment against the moon. It becomes riding, riding, and he stops. In his bounce. And he hides so carefully in the bush back with I haven't take what's happening.

42:02 That's Ripple. He's under two. He thinks he's ash. They stand stone still, the man and the horse. The bushes hid. Her. Lady, the lady, she's walking. She has a cape with a hood. I can't see her face. Pretty lace and pretty face. I no help against sharp steel, No, no, Ripple. He's got the knife. He's down the card act. Look on, I got him, I got your. Day, rolling on. Help hold me. Robert Ripple was pure evil. He was also Charles Mason wanting.

42:52 Perhaps perhaps he just saw an opportunity to destroy a good man. When he discovered that the you're a type, and realize the man in it looked exactly like you. He simply took a nameless photo and gave it a name and gave me the horrors. But, Professor, isn't there any chance of finding out who the man in that picture really was? I'd like to know his real name. Oh, David, my darling. Let's just live in the twentieth century. I admit it's difficult enough, but it's our very own.

43:36 Here we are in the twentieth century, and I have a little parlor game for you to play. Imagine yourself is some famous character in history whom you know and admire. Okay, now close your eyes and think hard and imagine yourself alive back in those days. And as you think, you may see some pictures in your mind that you've never seen before. Try it. I'll be back shortly.

44:26 I find this whole question of reincarnation fascinating. But there's an. Area that's not very well covered in the books and essays that have been written, and that is the question of animals and their souls. Do they possess souls. And indeed, do they return in some form as some other animal? Or which I don't like to believe. Are those of us who sin greatly reduced to becoming animals before we can stop trying to be reborn. Our cast included Shepherd Strudwick, Marion Felders, William Redfield, Alan Clark, and Chris Gambell. The entire production was under the direction of Hymon Brown.

45:15 Well, I suppose terror is as terror does. Well, maybe maybe not. I'm not entirely sure. Oh what's that? Oh no, no, no, I'm pretty certain they don't bite. As I think back to all the times in the past and in the future that I've had the pleasure of spending time with you, sharing such scary surprises, I'm proud to know that every evening when we gather and enjoy ourselves, it's truly a journey into fear.

46:01 You finding life rather dull, dreaming again of exotic places, wishing you were somewhere else. We offer you escape. Escape with us. Now to Istamboul, the nerve setter of Bulkan, intrigue and violence, and the story of a man caught in the fatal web of the most cold blooded political organization on earth. As Eric Ambler tells it in his famous tale, Journey into Fear, tho.

47:05 Swam as you. Yeah, it seemed as if a bar of white hot metal had been suddenly pressed against my hand, and then it was numb, but I could feel the blood beginning to trickle through my fingers. There wasn't a sound, and as I crouched against the wall, I became dimly aware that the window was open and that someone was moving by it. And then my eyes, becoming used to the darkness, I saw that whoever had been at the window had left by it. I reached for the light switch and found it. The hand hurt like the very devil. Yes, is that you Kopeikin?

48:13 Yes? What is it? I have only this moment. Come in? Where are you in my hotel room? Listen? Something right? That stupid has happened there. There was a burglar up here. He took what shots at me as I came in, and one of them hit me in the hand. Are you badly hurt? No? But give me a nasty shock. Have the police been notified? No? Not yet? Good Leave the matter to me. I will speak to a friend of mine about it. He is connected to the police and with great influence. As soon as I am finished, I shall. Come over well. There's no need for that. Excuse me, my. Dear fellow, there is ever in need. You must stay in your room until I arrived. Well, I had no intention of going out. Well, if you must come over Kopeikin, please hurry. I want to get some sleep tonight.

49:07 Does it occur to you that this man was shooting to kill you and that he came here for no other purpose? That's nonsense. The man was a thief. Why should anyone wish to kill me? I'm the most harmless man alive. Are you remember I told you that I was going to telephone a friend of mine. Yes, we are going to see him at once. Well, I'm tired, I want to go to bed. Unfortunately I have official instructions. A man tried to murder you tonight. Something must be done about. It at once. Murdered? Are you out of your mind? I am sorry, my dear fellow. I can understand your feelings. But this friend of mine is Colonel Hockey. He is the head of the Turkish secret police.

49:47 Oh no, look here goppeg And what's this all about? I thought you were my company's Turkish representative. Can you talk about secret service and all that? Brother? Please? I cannot tell you anything more. It is to our mutual interest that we go at once to Colonel Hockey. You must believe me. All this is sterearier of absolutely nothing. My dear fellow. It is most certainly not nothing. Get your overcoat, it's called out. You must realize, mister Graham, that an attempt was made to kill you tonight. Now I don't see that at all. I mean I disturbed the thief it is working, fired at me and escape the thief. Unfortunately, No, I have a duty to do, mister Graham. It is to protect you, protect me from.

50:37 What you are in the employer of vessels Keater and Bliss Limited, the English armament manufacturers. Yes, you are, I believe, mister Graham, a naval ordnance expert. I'm an engineer and a naval ordnance happens to be my subject exactly. And your firm has contracted to do some work for my government set the new guns and torpedoes to re arm our naval vessels. Well, that's true. It is also true that our government stipulated that the work should be completed before spring. Yes, exactly. Due to the international situation, we must have the equipment in our dockyards by that time. Let us suppose then that your thief had not merely graised a hand what had killed you.

51:21 Well, actually, my company would send another man out. Which would take time instagram, unless, of course, there exists sketches, drawings and all that they need to know about our ships. Oh no, I mean I was forbidden to put certain things on paper. Ah. Then if you were to die, it would take a great deal of time for another man to accomplish what you have already done. No, and when spring comes, our navy's strength is still precisely what it is now. Do you know, mister Graham, that our enemies will do anything to see. That it is so?

52:01 Anything, mister Graham, do you understand? Oh? Quite so. I have here, mister Graham, a photograph of a man. I am aware you did not catch a glimpse of the assassin's face. But I want you to cast your mind back over the time you have been in Turkey and tell me if you have ever seen him before. Ah eh ah, hello, yes, well sure positive have a look. Opeikin, he was at the cabaret you took me to tonight. I remember him at the bar. Yes, he was there. Excellent why not Romanian I hired the murderer.

52:46 We know him well. His price ranges from fifty thousand francs upward. His employer is a man named Boroshin, who in turn is hired by his country to eliminate you. Unfortunately we possess no photograph of him. I begin to understand, of course, you do now replace the problem. You must return to England safely. But how the train is out of the question. You wouldn't live for an hour your aeroplane. Unfortunately the weather here has disrupted service. There is the sastri Levant selling for Athens tomorrow afternoon, your. Small bottom, and we can see that your enemies do not bother from Athens. You can take the plane to England.

53:31 Well, I don't know, Colonel. In view of what you've told me, perhaps I should get in touch with the British embassy here. And what do you expect them to do? Send you home in a cruiser? No, no, my dear mister Graham. This is a question of time. Leaving tomorrow afternoon will lend you in Athens the day after. That is how it is to be well. I seem to have no choice in the matter. I am happy to see that you are cooperative, return to your hotel. We shall see you safely aboard tomorrow. The next afternoon go picking and Colonel Hackey saw me aboard as a bon voyage gift, presented me with the bottle of Johnny Walker and a small pistol, out of which I put in my suitcase. Besides myself, there were four other passengers, all of whom Colonel Hackey assured me were harmless. The gangway went down, I bought, the ship swayed gently, and the journey had begun. My companions were an odd assortment of continental travelers. They were the Mattis who occupied the cabin next to mine, a middle aged French couple who argued incessantly. Their voices penetrated the thin wooden bulkhead with dismaying ease.

54:52 The sheets are damn No, no, it is simply that they are called. You think not. You may sleep as you wish, but do not complain to me about your kidney's called sheets to the Halbi kidneys Sherry we hapy for our tickets. Then there was a mister Corvettli, whom I learned at the dinner table, was a dealer in tobacco. A short, heavy man with a smile fixed like that of a pentriloquist doll. I go to England. Trade in tobacco is very good. England buys much tobacco from Turkey. You know, with American dollar so expensive and possibility of war, it is good business. Mister Mattie. So I arrange a good deal of transportation for tobacco companies.

55:32 What company do you represent? A passa of Istanbul passar, I must say this excusy. The last passenger was a thick, round shouldered man with a pale face and prominent blue eyes. He introduced himself over a brandy on the lounge. My name is Halla, doctor Fritz Halla. I am a Cherman, a vest term, and I am on my way back to my country. How have you been long in Turkey? A few weeks? I came there from Persia oil business. Mister our chaology, Oh how interesting those were my fellow passengers.

56:18 At nine o'clock that night, the cutter came out from Kanakali to take off the pilot. And when it came a telegram it was from Kopeikin in Istanbul, and it read H requests me to inform you that Bannatt left for Sophia on trained all well, safe journey to England, best wishes. I thought of the pistol in my cabin and I laughed to myself. It was an egan day, intensely colored in the sun, with small pink clouds drifting in a bleached indigo sea. I lay in my bunk, I had coffee, and in later I was standing by the rail talking to the little frenchman.

57:07 Beautiful, beautiful. My wife has no appreciation for the lights such as these. Oh, what a shame my wife, you mean, Oh, well, one cannot have everything. She is a wonderful cook. Ah, fortunate. Yes. Oh, by the way, have you met our new passenger? New passenger? Yes, didn't you know? We stopped at the island of Lemnos during the night. He came aboard, then a greet. I think I hardly heard what he said, because at that moment from the lounge stepped a maund. I meet the high crowned, soft felt hat with the pale, dowy features of a face I had seen before, a face in a photograph, a photograph that Colonel Hockey had shown me.

57:51 It was the man who had tried to kill me. The Romanian by Nat. Escape under the direction of Norman McDonald returns in just a moment. Even the children cheer when they know school's open. And or Miss Brooks classroom. Yeah she's here, charming, romantic, utterly mad cat and played at the hilt by Hollywood's Eve Varden. You'll love her, You'll laugh with her again tonight, and most of these same CBS stations, or Miss Brooks starring Eve Arden. And now back to Escape.

58:39 I heard Matis's voices, though from a long way. Off, monsieur, do you not feel well? Then I turned them, without looking at the man who had just come on deck, I went below. Somehow Bannatt must have learned that I was on the Sestri Levante. He had taken the train for Sophia, and then as soon as it had crossed the Greek border, left it. It was a simple thing to fly from there to Lemnas I thought of that telegram, Oh well, those idiots, and I was caught. Bannatt wouldn't miss twice. He was a professional murderer. I had to get help, and so I went to the purses office. He was a precise little man who smiled when I talked to him. Look, I've found out there is a man on this ship who is here for the express purpose of murdering me in d And what is his name? Banat b A M A T. He's a Romanian.

59:27 Banat one woman, sir. And look here, you don't suppose he'd give his real name, do you? Banat? No, there is no one of that name or nationality aboard. He got on during the night at lemnas Ah. Hell is mister Mavrodopoulos. He's a Greek businessman. That may be what his passport says. His real name is Banat and he's a Romanian. Have you proof of that? Have I put it? Now? Look if you're just radio Colonel Hockey of the Turkish police at Istanbul, he'll confirm what I say. As I say, sir, we do not have radio for that purpose. I suggest that you leave the matter until we reach Athens. But can't you understand that man intends to kill me? No, Sir, I do not understand. Nobody on this ship is going to murder you. There are too many people about. Oh, you have had bad dreams. It is ridiculous. I want to see the captain. I am extremely busy, sir. If you will close the door as you leave. I was almost sick with fear and anger. As I left, I went back to my cabbin. Well, I could still go to the captain, but I could well imagine his reaction to my story. There was no proof, and these people were loath to stir up international complications. Oh, I was alone with my murderers, somewhere on the ship with me.

1:00:50 And then I remember the revolver Kopeikin had given me. I'd never handled a gun before, but at least it would give me a chance. It was something. I went to my suit casein I opened. It must be I put it in myself just before I got on board. It had to be there. There was nothing. Someone had been in my cabin and had taken the gun. Ah, mister Graham, we were. All worried about you.

1:01:31 I told them that you had the sickness too much. See No, I'm sorry, I had rather a bad headache. I hope that it is nothing serious. No, thank you, mister Halla. Have you met the misters. No, I haven't had the pleasure. This is our English friend, mister Grayham. How do you doing nice? The soup is nauseating, but you Graham I suggested you do that partic of it when this to keep on? Sorry, mydea, tell me, Maples, are you bound for happens or do we enjoy your company as far as Genoa.

1:02:12 I go to Athens, then perhaps I continue on or perhaps not. A difficult decision, eh mister Marredopolis. Yes, and not as your hand, mesieur. This bandage an accident. Nothing serious. A pullet wound, to be exact. Some dirty little thief took a shot at me in Istanbul. Dirty little thief. And you must look after yourself carefully. You must be ready to shoot back next time. Oh I shall. There's not the slightest doubted that to.

1:02:53 Carry a pistol, naturally, that is good. One must be so careful. You should be very careful. I don't think it's necessary. That sort of scum doesn't risk his skin with an armed man. A grin that had been on the Romanian's face faded. He hadn't liked that. And then I thought of something. Bannat had taken my gun. It must be somewhere in his cabin. If I could slip away for five minutes, there was still a chance. As soon as the luncheon ended, I excused myself and I wandered off. I could see Bannat engaged in conversation with my tea, and I prayed that it would be a long one. Bannat's cabin was strangely bare, A gray raincoat hung with a soft hat behind the door, and a battered suit case was under the lower berth. But the gun was nowhere to be found, nor was it anywhere in the cabin. I went to my quarters, feeling helpless and needing a drink to steady my nerves.

1:03:59 I have been way I think for you, mister Grab. Mister Halla. I rather think that you have been looking for something a gun? Possibly? Would this be it? Well, I don't understand how I know, mister Graham. Please don't come any closer. I sit down. I came to have a little talk with you. Sit down, you know, mister Graham. Oh mavrodupless, or should I say, but not as quite upset as I am. You have caused us a great deal of trouble and money. Yes, I begin to see now. I wonder if your name happens to be Boroshen not Halla.

1:04:39 Dear me, I had no idea that you are so well informed girl, Hackey must have been a very talkative mood. And did he know I was in Istanbul. I don't think so. I thought not. You see, in order to take care of you, I had to take a hand myself. Barnard was extremely careless at your hotel. When I found yesterday morning that you were to leave this boat, I had to move very quickly. Luckily, there was a man named Halla who had book passage with his assistant three days ago. Therefore I took over his ticket and passport. Poor unfortunate, but it would have been awkward to book passage at the last minute without attacking Colonel Hacket's attention.

1:05:20 Yes, I imagine it would. And I supposing you come to the point, certainly it must be clear to you that we cannot allow you to return to England. The obvious method of reading ourselves of your presence is to shoot you the moment you land, but that could become complicated. It could. The other alternative is to induce you to take a holiday for six weeks or more. I see. In other words, you hold up my return to England so that my company's work would be delayed to the point of uselessness. For the Turkish government. You have a keen mind, mister Graham. Tonight we rich Athens. If you like the idea, dear, you will live to see you England again.

1:06:02 And if I refuse to take this holiday, then things will be complicated, will they not? I think you're bluffing. Hasn't it occurred to you that I shall repeat this conversation to the captain. It has occurred to me as a matter of fact. The person was telling me about your little talk with him this morning. I'm afraid that the ship's officers, including the captain, have enjoyed the joke very much, as they call you the mad Englishman and love well mister Graham. Rich is it two be? If I take this holiday, where will it be? In a charming villa near Athens? You will enjoy all the comforts of home. I assure you. I shall give you an hour to think about it. Remember you are not at war, mister Graham. You are not a soultier.

1:06:54 In reality, you are doing your country no disservice. We'll ever know. He left me alone. It was not a pleasant choice he had given me. I knew that Banatta and he could keep their promise to kill me when I landed, and I was equally sure that the holiday or Rochene spoke of would be a very long one, that either way, I should never return to my wife or to England. I sat for half an hour, smoking and trying to think, and then I remembered Matty. Yes, oh, may I speak to you for a moment.

1:07:42 But of course, what is it monsieur my share? Would you come into my cabin? Certainly I should be back in a moment, My dear. I need your help. I thought that you looked serious. Is it money? No? No, I want you to take a message for me when we talk at Athens, A message, Monsieur Matti. You are the only man aboard I feel that I can trust. Oh, I am a no listen, I'm employed by a British armor manufacturer. I am working in joint service with the British and Turkish governments. No, when I get off the ship tonight, an attempt will be made to kill me. This is true. Is I'm afraid it is. What I want you to do is to go to the Turkish consulate in Athens and give him a message for me. Will you do that?

1:08:27 I will do it. You realize the message is highly confidential. I will say nothing. All right, then this is it? Inform Colonel Hackey Istanbul that Graham is forced to accompany Soviet agents Borosheen and Banat traveling with passports of Halla and Maopolis. Is it possible? Unfortunately it is I go on. In the event of my death, Please inform the British consul of these men are responsible, mon dieux. So that is why you looked sick when I spoke of mar Dopplos this morning. Why do we not to get a shoot down the fifty swine? I have you have a gun here? But yes, when won't trouble and then there is.

1:09:08 Something else you can do for me. Let me buy your revolver. I will not sell it to you. I give it to you here. Thank you, but let me help you. No, no, this is splendid. I am grateful, Monsieur Mattie, and you will take the message. It is understood, have no fear. Half an hour later, I told Barashen that I would agree to his plan. I'm sure that he didn't believe me, but nor did he know that I was armed. It was a forlorn hope. But if I was going to die, I would have the satisfaction of knowing that others would die with me. At eight o'clock sasstril Levante was approaching her birth, I had agreed to pass through customs and to meet Varashen on the street. As I stood at the rail, watching the key drawing closer, I saw Nat standing to one side, hand and pocket and a fat smile on his face. He knew that he was going to earn his fee tonight. Barrachines stepped off the ship first, turned, waved cheer a little me. Bannatt followed him, and they both disappeared into the custom shirt. I walked slowly down the gangway. Mister Corvette came pushing after me.

1:10:23 Yes, what is it, Kennel Huckey would be very angry with me if I allowed you out of my side, Hucky. I wanted to tell you before on deck, but Bynart was watching. I did not dare to say anything earlier. Your face gives away too much. Mister Graham, you correctly you're a Turkish agent, one of Hockey's men. Yes, I nearly gave the game away when I spoke of my non existent tobacco firm. I thought you would know when the Frenchman questioned me. Kennel Hockey wanted to be sure that you caught your plane safely. That is why I was aboard. But what can we do together? We go through. Customs and then we shall. Seeton's inspection, as ever on the continent, was slow, although I find myself wishing that it would never end. But it did, and if Corvette had a plan, the evidently didn't feel that way. Have mentioned he smiled at everyone, the plump little businessman who to all appearances, would deal in ladies finery rather than international intrigue. We found ourselves suitcases in hand, walking toward the street.

1:11:26 So that is over. I find these inspections so tedious. Now look here to Betley. I'm extremely grateful for your presence, But what are we going to do? Boroshen and Bannatt are waiting out there with a car. They're waiting for me. I know, I know it has all been arranged. What do you mean that we walked through those doors and do it? Nothing? Absolutely nothing? You will see. I hope you have a gun? I have good So have I? Oh? Yes, thanks to the Frenchman. There they are. But do we run for it? Go and work in mister Graham. If your hand away from your pocket, that's it. Are you mad? They'll kill us. You, mister Graham, not me. Go on. My overcoat is a gun. Please, do not make trouble. Go on, a little idiot. You're one of them too.

1:12:09 We're ready, worsh you taken long enough, hurry up. The converation left your pocket in, mister crap. I remember a perfect chuse a lative shots, and then something cracked me on the skull and I was falling. It was all very dark and comfortable, mister Graham, mister Graham, mister Graham. Ah, he's all right, mister Graham, this good picking lucky you're safe.

1:12:51 Oh, oh, good show. You've been unconscious. Really you were at the airport. Now you see. We found the bodies of two men in Ankara. They were archaeologists Halla and his assistant. I realized that Boroshine and one of his men must have boarded the ship using their passport. As I found that out, we flew a government plane here Kopekin and I to wait for you. The Greek authorities were kind. Enough to assist, yes, sir, very kind, not at all. And now, my dear fellow, the plane is waiting to take you to England. We'll see you safely aboard. Yes, I say, what about Bannatt Woshene and badly?

1:13:35 Oh? Yes, it was rather unfortunate after you felt they tried to get away in the car, someone hit a tire, there was a smash up, the petrol tank exploded. A tragedy. Oh yes, well, it's very decent of you, my dear fellow. It has been a pleasure. Come along. We will help you to your plane. I am sure you're anxious to get home to England and your wife. Come on. Under the direction of Norman MacDonald, Escape has brought you journey into fear by Eric Embler, especially adapted for Escape by Anthony Ellis. Ben Wright was starred as Graham featured in the cast where Wilms, Herbert, Edgar Barrier, Ralf Sedan and Morrison, Jack Krushian, Louke Krugman, and Shim and Ruskin.

1:14:31 The special music for Escape was composed and conducted by Ivant at Mars. My dear idea, I hope I haven't put you on edge with all the talk of fear, terror, heaths and so on. My only goal is simple, simple, It's to make you feel welcome, to make you feel comfortable, to get you to enjoy yourself and selfishly, I have a little break from my mundane as well. But I don't want you to think that I'm here to browbeat you in some way or suspect you of something you may or may not have done, because, after all, you're my friend, and the last thing I'd ever want is to be the accusing corpse.

1:15:40 The Mysterious Traveler. This is the mysterious Traveler inviting you to join him on another journey into the realm of the strange and terrifying. I hope you will enjoy the trip, that it will free you a little and chill you a little. So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves. Where are we going. We're going to journey to the grave and learn the secrets of the dead.

1:16:22 In a tale titled The Accusing Course, some years ago, when I was a county colonel, I was called in on a most interesting case, a case which had begun in the country home of Philith Drake, the wealthy stockbroker Roger. Thank goodness you were able to get here in time. Time Right after I received your call, what's wrong Philip, you sounded so upset over the phone. Thanks, Vivian. She's upstairs in her room packing. She says, she's leaving me, leaving you. Why she seems to feel unmarried has been a mistake, Roger. Won't you speak to her persuaded to stay?

1:17:15 After all, she is your sister. I am afraid, Philip, that Vivian and I have never been as close as sister and brother should be. She's always been wild and spoiled. Perhaps, Philip, it would be better if if you were to let her go. No, I couldn't do that. I love her, Roger. I wouldn't want to live without her. Won't you please try to persuade her to stay or right, Philip, I'll do my best, but I must warn you I haven't much influence e her. I'm all packing ready to why Roger Darling, what a surprise? What are you doing here. Vivian, Philip has told me. Now, surely you can be serious. You know how he loves you, everything he's done to make you happy. Roger. You aren't going to start on that, are you.

1:17:55 Some day, Vivian, you'll get just what you deserve for walking over people, breaking their hearts Every time I think of you being my sister, I feel rather please. Would you mind waiting in the other room. I'd like to speak to Vivian alone. Oh all right, Philip, call me when you want me. Really, Philip, no matter what you have to say, you're just wasting your time. Vivian, how can you do this to me? You know I love you, but I'd do anything to make you happy. That's sweet of you, dear. Would you mind letting in your car to get to town. If you leave me, Vivian, you won't get a cent, not the scent to you here. Really, did you ever stop to think, Philip, that there might be another man with more money than you?

1:18:36 Another man? Oh no, that couldn't be. And why not? But we've only been married three months. There couldn't be anyone in that time. Oh but there was, Vivian. In spite of what you've done, I'm willing to forgive you and start over with you. But Darling, I don't want you to forgive me. I want you to forget me. Vivian. You can't do this to me. I love you, I won't let you go. I really must be. Saying goodbye now. He's waiting for me. In town, and I don't want to be late. If I can't have you, no one else will do. You here being ridiculous, I must go. No, Tellip, what do you doing? A gun? Yes, Favian, not gun. I told you if I couldn't have you, no one else would. Oh, Philip, you're insane. Put that gun down.

1:19:17 If you don't change your mind about leaving, I'll kill you. Even with that gun. You can't keep me, do you hear I soon have died and go on living with you. I'm going and you're not goining to stop. You shut. Bavian, Philip, Philip, what happened? I thought I heard Vivian Roger? Is she dead? Yes? Philip? Do you do you know what this may mean? Life, imprisonment, perhaps even the electric chair. I know, nothing seems to matter now, but but you simply can't throw your life away like that. Oh. Even if Vivian was my sister, I don't mind telling you that I always felt you were far too good for her.

1:20:05 She didn't deserve to be your wife. Oh please, Roger health look for if if we were to get rid of the body, who could possibly know that she didn't leave here tonight as she planned oh, oh, it wouldn't work, Roger. You can get away with as nonsense. Philip. Now, now, if we were to bury her in the woods, but no one would ever find the body in the woods. I couldn't do that, and I'll do it. You can wait here ti my return. But Roger, will I Philip, you must let me handle this. You you better give me the gun. All right, Roger, you are good now you wait here? Will I get rid of the body.

1:20:47 Philip watched spellbound, unable to say a word, as Roger picked up the body and left the room. As Roger, carrying his burden past the gardener's shed, he picked up a shovel. In a few moments, he reached the woods, which began at the rear of the house and extended for miles. He carefully made his way through the forest underbrush until he was well out of sight of the house. Then he stopped and looked about. I think this is quite fine enough. I think you can put me down that Roger. I'm tired of being carried like a sack of potatoes. All right, Well, let me congratulate you and your performance as a corpse.

1:21:34 Do you think he suspects anything? Of course, he doesn't. He's positive that he shot and killed you. You've got the gun, haven't you? Certainly I've got it. You don't think I was going to let him discover that the bullets had been removed and blank. Cartre just uped you to do you? Oh no, not you, Roger. You always know what you're doing. I always try to my dear sister. You don't think Philip will give you any trouble, do you? Outside of being in love with me? He isn't an otter fool. Don't worry. I can handle Philip. Now here's the key to the apartment I rented in town. You will find my car quarter of a mile down the road. All right, I'll be waiting for you. I'll be there in a few hours. Let me see. Yes, yes, this seems like a nice place to dig. The next morning, Roger called on Philip at his office. With a calculating glance.

1:22:28 He noted that Philip's eyes were bloodshot and his hand trembled as the two shook hands. How are you, Philip? I couldn't sleep at all last night. I kept thinking of Vivian. What if her disappearance is noticed? People begin asking questions? All you have to do is tell him that Vivian left you and you don't know where she is, or things like that happen every day. Been very helpful to me, Roger. Never I get a chance to pay you for it, rest assured I will. That's very good at you, Philip. The truth of the matter is you will. You could do me a favor if you would, of course, what is it? Well, I'm in the midst of a business deal and I find myself a little short of capital.

1:23:11 If you could lend me some money, i'd appreciate, certainly, Roger. How much do you need? Twenty thousand, twenty thousand, there's quite a lot, naturally, Philip. If you feel you can't lend it to me, I'll go to a bank and try to Park. Isn't that I can't lend it to you, Roger, it's just the amount surprised me. Shall I make the check out to you? Yes, if you please? All right, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this, Philip. As Philip wrote out a check for twenty thousand dollars, Roger's smile. Things were working out just as he had planned.

1:23:52 An hour later, Roger entered an old brown stone House and went to apartment to see. Roger, did you get it? Ha? Ha? What does this look like? Oh Roger, that's wonderful. Now we can clear on why there is no one hundred thousand here. No, my dear, I only got twenty thousand from it, but. We were out for a hundred thousand. Why didn't you get it all this morning when you. Saw it, My dear Vivian, it simply isn't done that way. Blackmail is an art, an art that calls for the use of psychology. Philip will give us many times over the money I hold in my hand, all in due time. Of course, you mean I'll have to go on hiding in this miserable apartment until you finish your little game with him, never being able to leave it for fear someone will recognize.

1:24:36 Come, come now, Vivian, You've got the radio and books. I won't spend weeks in this apartment. I tell you I won't. I an't. You'll do exactly as I say, Vivian, exactly. Do you understand, Roger, my arm your it is nothing to what I'll do if you disobey me. Do I make myself clear? Yes? Yes? A week past Yes, a week in which Roger patiently bided his time for time he knew was working on his side against Philip. Then one morning he called on Philip at his office. Good morning, Philip, how do you expect me to be this past week? I've been able to think of nothing but Vivian and what happened that night, Philip.

1:25:22 You must stop brooding over it. Whatever happened was her fault, not yours. Yes, yeah, you're right. That's what I need is a vacation. Yes, yes, of course a trip would do you a world of good, and if I could afforded, i'd go along with you. You mean you haven't any money. I'm I'm afraid not, Philip. That's what I've come to see you about. I must have forty thousand dollars at once. Forty thousand. Yes, I know it's a good deal of money, Philip. Without it, I'll be ruined, naturally. I want to help you, Roger, but forty thousand. If I don't get the forty thousand, Philipp, I mean, isn't for me. You wouldn't want to see if that happen. But you well, of course not Roger.

1:26:04 After all, Philip, I I saved you from prison. In fact, I made myself an accomplice to Vivian's murder by not turning you over to the police. Well, yes, I know you. You could hardly expect me to remain loyal to you if you weren't willing to help me. But you, I see it seems I haven't any choice. Very well, Roger, I'll write you out of check. Roger's eyes gleamed in amusement as he accepted the check from Philip. There was no longer any doubt that Philip understood him perfectly. Things were working out exactly as he had planned. Later that day, Roger went back to the old brown stonehouse. There was a smile on his lips as he entered apartment to look at this forty thousand dollars in cash.

1:27:06 Oh, Roger, Now. Wasn't this wed staying in hiding for Vivion? And there's plenty more where this game from? Who could that be? You better get behind that screen, all right, Roger, Yes, CLD for Miss Brown and a monster sixty four dollars. Oh, you must be mistaken. There's no miss Brown here. This is the address she gave. It's in care of mister Roger Martinsen. That your name? Why, yes, but I. Don't know those packages are for me, Roger? How much did you say? The cod was? Sixty four dollars? Miss? Here you are, thank you, Miss. Here's your receipt. Goodbye, goodbye. When did you buy those clothes this morning? You mean you went out shopping in spite of what I told you.

1:27:51 Well, I was sick of being cooped up in this apartment day and night. I had to do something for a chance. And one of my plans. You risk everything with so much at stake. Stop looking at me like that. I tell you I couldn't stand being cooped up in this apartment any longer. I give you orders to stay here, well I won't. I want you to get the rest of the money at once so we can clear out, and if you don't, I'll go shopping whenever I feel like it. You can't make me. Stay, you'll do exactly as I say. I won't allow anything or anyone to interfere with my plants. I've worked out every step perfectly, and there isn't going to be any slip up. Another week passed, the week in which Roger made no effort to see Philip. Then early one evening, He got into his car and drove out of the city to Philip's home in the country. Oh you're Roger, come in, good evening, Philip. Oh well, where the servants?

1:28:53 This is their night off? Oh you're You're not looking well at all, Philip. You shouldn't remain in this house by yourself. What difference does it make where I am, wherever I go? The memory of that night follows. Hard to believe that it was only two weeks ago tonight, that I killed her two weeks ago tonight, so it was Oh well. Oh, by the way, Philip, do you think you might possibly lend me sixty thousand dollars? Sixty thousand? You can't be serious, but I am. But I lend you that much already. Yes, I know, but I must have more. No, I won't give you another cent. You blackmailed me enough. Blackmail is a harsh word. What else can you call it? You're just as hard and grasping as Vivian was. Yes, but you must remember I am alive and she isn't. And I suppose you're glad she's dead in life. She was worth nothing to you. In death, you're able to get sixty thousand dollars for her in death?

1:29:52 How do I know she is dead? I don't be foolish, Philip. You saw her lying on the floor in this very room, yes, But how do I know she dead? Was you who examined her and told me so? And you buried the body by yourself. I just wanted to spare you, Philip. Just exactly where did you bury Vivian? As a matter of fact, how do I know the whole affair isn't stage for my special benefit so that you can extart money from me. Now, surely you don't believe that, Pilip. Why you shot her with your own gun? Yes, and you took the gun away from me immediately after the shooting. Suddenly that whole affair is becoming very clear. I kid you, she's dead, Philip, and buried out in the woods. Then I want to see the grave and the body you say is in it. But this is ridiculous. I won't go searching for a grave in the middle of the night.

1:30:36 You shouldn't have to search for it, Roger, not if you really dug one. Come along. We can pick up a shovel at the tool. So I won't do it. I won't do it. I said, come along, Roger. Oh, very well, but I'm not certain i'll be able to find the grave. After all, the woods is fairly large, and it's been two weeks since I buried. That's all right, Roger, we'll stay out there until you do find her. A few minutes later, Philip and Roger picked up the shovel at the tool shed and then continued on their way to the woods that began at the rear of the house. Neither of the men spoke as they entered the woods, Roger leading the way with a flag flight. Several times he stopped trying to get his bearings, then plunged on again, hoping to find a familiar landmark, which became apparent that Roger was growing less and less sure of himself. Oh, the gravest someplace around here, I'm certain of it. Perhaps we ought to come back in the daytime. It might be easier to find it then. I know, Roger, you shouldn't have any trouble finding it now. If it exists, it does exist, I tell you, it's just that the woods are so confusing. At night. Everything looks so so different.

1:31:57 Just keep on searching, Roger, and perhaps this is the spot. It looks something like this. Well, is it or isn't it? I don't know. It looks like the place where I buried her, and yet that I'm not certain. Only one way to make certain, and that's just start digging. Yeah, here's the shovel. But suppose this isn't for the spot, then we'll dig somewhere else. In fact, we'll dig up the entire woods if necessary. After all, you're certain she is buried in the woods, an't you go ahead, Roger? Start digging? Oh very well, Well, Roger, you've been digging for twenty minutes now and you haven't uncovered her body.

1:32:42 Tell her, I told you I wasn't sure this was the spot where I buried her. You're a great actor, Roger, but I'm afraid this time you've overplayed your role. What do you mean? Libian isn't dead, and there's no use your pretending she is. Everything that's happened was part of a scheme. The two of you plan to extort money from me. I tell you she and where's a body? I thought this was the spot that I must be mistaken. I'm sure I didn't sell her any deeper than this, Philip, turn the flashlight this way. What is it? Look you see what I've uncovered? A hen, Yes, this is the spot where I buried her, Philip. Just a few more shovelful scene, I'll have her uncovered. Oh it can't be stead here you are, Philip. Of course, she's been in the ground for two weeks. But I think you can easily recognize that it's Vivian. Yes, it's Vivian. Look, Philip, here's the bullet hole under her heart, the bullet hole that you made. I don't want to see anymore. I have had enough. You should trust me a little more, Philip.

1:33:53 Everything I did was for your own good after all. You you don't want to go to the electric chair, do you. I don't care what happens anymore. I can't stand having heard death on my conscience any longer. I'm going to call a police. Don't be a pool flip. You know what might well mean the electric chair. I'll take my chances. Anything's better than going on living the way I have these past two weeks. I'm going back to the house and call it. Please come back, operator, operator. Wait, don't do anything foolish now, you cut me off. Take your hands off that phone. I want you to do Philipps, to listen to me for a few minutes. At the end of that time, you may you may do as you please. Now that's fair enough, isn't it. Nothing you can say will make me change my mind about calling the police. Listen to me first, then if you still want to call the police, you can now please put the receiver down.

1:34:51 That's it. Well, what do you want to tell me? Well? Do you mind if I mix myself at drink? First? It's it's been a rather difficult evening. Very well. Oh what about one for you? Philip? You look as though you could stand a drink? No, thank you all and answer do you go? What is it you want to say to me? Roger huh oh, yes, say you? Oh yes, yes of course. Ah, here's your drink, Philip, thank you. Well, now what shall we drink to? We'll drink to your good luck? Come what may there? I feel a good deal better all right now that we've had our drinks. Want to be about to say, oh, yes, yes, I er. What I wanted to say was I I never let anything interfere with my plans? Philip? What do you mean by that? Simply that I can't allow you to go to the police, and therefore you shan't. It would spoil my plan. Oh it would, would it. Well, i'd like to see you stop me. I have him in a very little while. In fact, in just a few seconds, you'll be dead dead. What are you saying? Yes, Philip, the drink I mixed for you was poisoned. Aren't you finding that it's becoming difficult to breathe? Well, you couldn't have had Yes, I know, Philip. It'll all be over

1:36:25 in a matter of seconds now, I see it all you, Yes, Philip, just a week ago tonight she died according to plant Cool. I'm afraid Philip that you haven't the strength left to reach the telephone. Mum. I'm afraid you and Vivian never had a chance, Philip. I had things worked out perfectly, down to the smallest detail. Hello, operator operator, please connect me with the police. It was at this point that I was called into the case.

1:37:21 Inspector Carlton called me an hour after Roger Martinson had phoned the police. When I arrived at the Drake mansion, I examined the body of Vivian Drake and that of her husband, Philip. When I had finished my examination, I entered the library where Inspector Carlton was questioning Roger Martinston. Hello, Doc, oh, doc, this is Roger Martinson. Mister Martinson, this is doctor Smith a county corner. How do you do Hello. I'll be within a few minutes, Doc. Just to go around now, mister Martinson, you were telling me how you came to this house two weeks ago tonight to see your sister and found that she was gone. Yes, yes, my in law Philip told me that she'd gone on a vacation. I thought it strange at the time that she should have gone away without saying goodbye to me, as we were always very close. The days passed and I didn't hear from her. Only was it like your sister to go away and not right? No, no, it wasn't, and that's what worried me. So he's passed two weeks. Philip kept putting me off when I inquired about Vivian's whereabouts. Well, tonight, I tonight. I couldn't stand it any longer. I came to this house to have it out with him. What did your brother in law say when he saw you? He was quite agitated, and my unexpected rival. When I couldn't get any satisfaction out of him regarding Vivian, I threatened to go to the police.

1:38:38 Then he broke down and confessed that he murdered Vivian. When did he murder He told me that he'd done it two weeks ago. Tonight. Why, that was the very night i'd come here to see Vivian and he told me that she had left for a vacation. Hmm, I see, naturally, when he told me he'd murdered her, I was aghast. He led me to the woods and showed me the grave, learned to the house, and before I knew what had happened, Philip had taken poison. Then I called the police. Well, it seems like a plain case of murder and suicide. Answered of a few questions at the inquest. I don't think we'll trouble. You anymore, mister Martin. That's quite a right, Inspector. I shall be at your service anytime. Just a moment, mister Martinson.

1:39:20 I was very much interested in hearing what you had to say to the inspector regarding the murder of your sister. You say that your brother in law confess to murdering her, two weeks ago tonight. That's right. That would be April second, wouldn't it. Yes, that's correct. Then you never saw her alive after the night of April second. Why well, why no, of course not. What are you getting at that, please? Inspector mister Martinson, would you mind telling me where you live at four hundred and twenty five West one hundred and seventh Street. Tell me were some clothes delivered to that address in your care a week ago today, April ninth? Clothes? Yes, to be exact, a woman's sports suit which costs sixty four dollars and arrived cod While why not? You're lying, mister Martinson.

1:40:11 I have in my hand a slip of paper that not only proves that you're lying, but that will send you to the electric chair. Doc. What are you saying? Yes, Inspector mister Martinson's plan was perfect, but he he slipped up badly. I forgot the search Vivian Brake's clothing before he buried her, and I examined her body just now I found in one of her pockets this receiated bill bearing the date April ninth, that proves beyond the doubt that she wasn't murdered by her husband on April second, as mister Martins in Yere claims. No, no, yes, mister Martinson, the corpse has accused you from the grave of murder and has given us proof of your gift. No, no, it can be. I had everything planned perfectly, perfectly. Do you hear down to the last detail? This is the Mysterious Traveler again. Have you enjoyed our little trip to the grave? Poor Roger, What a pity after all that planning and hard work to be tripped up by a sales slip found on a corpse just goes to prove that you have to be more careful when you're burying people you've murdered. Now, I recall another case where a woman drugged her husband, And oh, you're getting off at

1:41:43 the next stime. I'm sorry. I hope you will join me again soon, but if you do, please remember this. Next Sunday, I shall take a train that leaves at three thirty pm Eastern wartime. Don't forget Sunday afternoon at half past three. You've just heard Chapter twenty of The Mysterious Traveler, a series of dramas of the strange and unusual brought to you each week by station w R. In tonight's program, The Accusing Corpse, Don Randolph played Roger. Also featured were Maurice Tarplin and Philip Clark. The Mysterious Traveler, written by Barb Arthur and David Cogan, is directed by Jack McGregor.

1:42:36 Original music was played by Doc Whibble. You know, when I was but a young lad, I always enjoyed running up and down the hills. In fact, often I would fall down those hills. There was a feeling that would rise up in your chest as you lost control as you fell, not knowing where exactly you'd land, or when it was a feeling beyond butterflies. Oh no, it was something more exciting, more threatening. When I told my father of such a feeling, I'll never forget him saying those aren't butterflies. There the Hangman is.

1:43:39 Rope, and now the alco all of. Welcome to the period of radio drama dedicated to a supera, the unusual and the unknown. Comple with me my plans. We shall consent to the world of the unknown and forbidden dog with a veil of time to slit them and the supernatural. Rage is key. Come with me and listen to. The tailor the Hangman's Rope.

1:44:30 Kim, it came from our right. We better take a look. Yeah, I hope nothing hanging from that tree swinging back and forth. It's a man. The Harllow Fantasy will present The Hangman's Rope in just a moment, and now for our story, an original tailor fantasy entitled The Hangman's Rope. There is a legend now a.

1:45:12 Tile about the England. For twenty three years, the executioner for the crowd Jack Ketch was his nine governor Jack Kitch. I remember we were on our way back from the lake, Jim and Carol and I. For some reason, we started back to the city later than usual. We hadn't been driving for more than half an hour when one of those sudden spring storms. And now where did that come from? Someone said there might be a storm to night, and I thought we'd be home before it broke. We'd better put the wipers on.

1:45:56 We started back till late tonight. Where was that held us up? Jim, I don't know a lot of things. When I finally looked at my watch, I couldn't believe my eyes. Find out here's a man. I can come to the car. You stay here, Carol, Come on, Arnie, we'd better take a look. Yeah. Right, we didn't hit him, did we. I don't think so. How I would sell and be out in the middle of the road on a night like There's a lot of crazy people in this world, Arnie. He must have been one of them. And I'm getting soaked now. He was just about here. Huh. I can't understand, Jim fucker Claire. There far beside the tree, I don't see anything because I was wrong. You know.

1:46:47 For a minute, I thought I thought I saw someone hanging from their tree. Oh, you must have been mistaken, you know. I can't figure this out, Arnie. That guy was out here on the road, right in front of us. I saw him just as plain as day. No, there's no one around. Yeah. Uh, we'd better get back to the car. Yeah, that's for sure. There's no sense looking back at that tree, Ynnie. There's nothing back there. I don't know. I thought I saw someone swinging their back and forth with it a rope around his back car. Now you couldn't have. Maybe it was some kind of optical illusions. It could have been a shadow or a branch or anything. Yeah, that's right. Anything, Well, there's a car.

1:47:35 You two must like it out there in the rain. Are you kidding? No, I'm not. All the time that you were out there in the rain, the man you almost hit was talking to me. What did you say? You heard me? Oh no, just wait a minute. I looked back at the car a couple of times. I didn't see anyone talking to you. Oh I don't know what's wrong with your eyes. Then I asked him if we couldn't give him a lift, and he said no, we only had a. Little disc to go. Carol, Honey, this is the truth. We didn't see anyone near this car. No. Look, I can prove it. He insisted that I take this. Oh well, that's strange. Thought he was such an unusual man, not American. He insisted that I accept a ring from him, practically forced it on me. I put it in my pocket and now it's gone, and in.

1:48:30 Its place there's a funny little piece. Of rope shook. Like a. Like a han's noose. I knew Carol wasn't lying to us. I asked her if she would let me have a little piece of rope. After I dropped them off at their place, I went home, took it out and set it on the table. I can't explain it, but there was something about that rope which seemed old. It was made of him, the kind of rope you would imagine Jack Ketch might have used two hundred and fifty years ago when he was the Hangman.

1:49:12 That night, as I slept, my sleep was troubled. In my dreams, there was a huge black gallows. I saw a man climbing the stairs to his death. He reached the top and stood there. Standing beside him was a black, hooded man. He raised his hand and the trap door sprung open. There was a scream, and then I saw this man swinging back and forth. His face was hidden from me, yet there was something strangely familiar about him, as if I knew him quite well.

1:50:07 We'll return to the tale of the Hangman's Rope in just a moment. Back now to our tale of fantasy entitled the Hangman's Rope. When I awoke from my dream, I couldn't get back to sleep. From the black blankness of sleep, I had come into contact with death. As the morning approached, I fell into a nervous sleep. I was awakened. Hello, Arnie, this is Carol.

1:50:51 Could you meet Jim and me for lunch today. What time about one? I hope you'll forgive me, sounded away, Carol. I just couldn't sleep last night. I didn't sleep either, anyhow, I'll see you at one. And I guess I wasn't the only one who missed out on sleep last night. Huh, that's right. I don't know what it was, but I had the craziest dream. When I woke up, I couldn't get back to sleep. But that's what happened to me too. What kind of dreamer was it, Carol? Well, everything was dark and gloomy. I seemed to be watching an execution, an old time execution, maybe two or three hundred years old. A man walked up the steps of the gallows. Another man was there, with a black hood over his head.

1:51:47 He raised his arm. The trap door opened, and. The man swung back and forth, and there was something familiar about him. Isn't that right? Yes? But how did you know? Because my dream was the same as yours, sis, exactly the same. Jim's and my vacations were due the following week. We decided to spend it up at the lake where his family had a cottage. Carol said, she might be able to join us on the last weekend, but not before that. Jim and I left the following Friday night.

1:52:30 I can certainly use this vacation and maybe we can catch a few northerns this time. Maybe, Ah, is your family gonna come up here while we're there? No, no, Carol will be up the last weekend. That's all well, and I guess we'll have the place to ourselves. Huh, yeah, I guess. So. Hey, why are you stopping here last Sunday night? This is where we stopped. I'm gonna get out and take a look at the side of the road for a minute. Oh, Arnie, why don't you forget about it? I just want to check it, that's all. That's the tree'st I think so on that limb, that's where I saw him hanging. Oh, just thinking about it makes me nervous.

1:53:25 Come on, let's go back to the car, all right. Girl said that while we were out of the car, she was talking to the fellow we saw. If that's the case, I can't understand why we didn't see him too, you know, Jim, there just wasn't enough time for him to get away from the car without our seeing him. Unless unless, what unless he was never there? Ah, but that couldn't. Arnie look in the car seat. Another little piece of rope. Before I could stop him, Jim threw the little noose out into the darkness, a little piece of rope, and inanimate thing coiled and twisted, which somehow seemed to be alive. We reached the cottage perhaps half an hour later, and though we were both disturbed by what would happen, still it didn't interfere with our sleep. The next day we went out fishing early, had little luck, and we're on our way back to the cottage. From the woman who owned the property next door stopped us.

1:54:37 Good morning, mister Stanley, Oh. Good morning missus Bennett out for the weekend, well for the next two weeks. Oh excuse me and miss Bennett. This is Arnold Slave, pleased to meet you, mister Slade. Well, thank you. Here. You must be that young man at Harrol's good day. Yes, that's right, She'll. Make your fine wife, mister Slide. Yes. The reason I stopped, do you, mister Stanley, is this there's something strange going on out here. Oh what do you mean? Well, the constable. Came by the other day and asked me if I'd seen any strangers here. A couple of people have died over. On the other side of the lake, and the constable ain't been able to find out what happened.

1:55:19 Paw, how did these people die? Well, that's what's so strange about it. Both of them were killed by hanging hang. That's right, old mister Taylor, who lived about a mile down by the shore. He was one of them, and he couldn't hardly walk. They found him swinging from a tree, but he was several feet off the ground, and nobody can figure. Out how he got up there. What the woman had said frightened me. It seemed as if we were getting deeper and ever more deeply into something from which who would never be able to get away.

1:56:02 That night, it was Saturday, Jim and I went out for a walk. It was a particularly dark night. The moon was obscured by clouds, and as we walked along, I could hear the chirping of many crickets, and occasionally a bullfrog's hoarse voice raised in protest. Nold, this thing has me worried in what way? Jane? This whole thing last Sunday night and today, when we stopped by the tree. And then what missus Bennett told us. I've been thinking about it too. That's strange. On the crickets have suddenly stopped. It's too quiet, Jim, she came from over there.

1:56:47 We better take a look out. That's too quiet. Just as you said. There must be something terribly wrong up here. I hope nothing. Huh. Look hanging on that tree, swinging back and forth. It's it's a man. What are we going to do? We better cut him down? No, we better call the authorities first. I guess you're right. Come on, missus Bennett's got a phone. If we hurry, we may be able to get out a great deal of help to the authority. Jim, did you notice how high that branch was? I saw it. Yes, Why mister Stanley, it's your missus Bennett. They we use your phone?

1:57:34 Well I suppose so. Come in, Mike, thank you, but it's in the other room. Let what's the matter, mister Slade. It looks like something's happened to upset you. To what's happened? We were out for a walk. Yes, we heard a scream. I think you better get on your scream and come from He found a man hanging from a tree. Right, Yes, we'll stay here at Missus Bennett's. Yeah, thanks, are what you're doing me. The truth, young man. That's the truth, ma'am. Mister Stanley, is what mister Slade told me.

1:58:16 The truth. I'm afraid it is. Ah, then no one. Is safe around here. I wonder who it was. What difference does that make, Missus Bennett. A man's been murdered. It makes a lot of difference, mister Slade. If it was. Bill Roberts, then it was just like the other two. I saw him just the other day and he said someone was playing a joke on him, that he'd been sent to a little piece of rope shaped in the form of a noose. You are listening to the Tale of the Hangman's Rope on this week's Journey down the Corridors of the Hall of Fantasy.

1:58:58 We'll return to. Our story in Jeff the moment, and now back to our story entitled the Hangman's Rope. A little piece of rope. Both Jim and I stared at each other for a moment. It might be coincidence, we need that, but it was difficult trying to make ourselves believe that. About half an hour later, the constable arrived. You two found him, right, Miss Stanley, that's right. We were off taking a walk, we heard a scream and then we found him. Can't make heads and tails out of this. Three of them, three deaths in two weeks, all the same way.

1:59:41 They all received a little piece of rope just before they died, A little piece of rope. Yes, right, I say all three. I ain't seen the body yet, but I have a pretty good idea who it is, Bill Roberts. It's enough to make a person afraid of the dark. Constable, Yeah, I ain't it. Well, I want you to to take me to him. I'll go too. No, you stay here, you stay off the phone. I don't want the rest of the people to hear anything about this, at least with the time being. Things are bad enough as it is. All right, come on, let's go now. Remember what I said, missus Bennett. Don't you worry none, Constable. I think that woman stays off the phone. The whole county of you in an uproar. She doesn't.

2:00:23 Do you have any idea who's behind these deaths? Well, I haven't a funny thing. He was up so high. I don't see how he could have gotten up there by himself. No, he wish I had something to work on. Well, we'll see if he's just like the others a little while. How far away was. There? He is, constable? I want to get a look at his face. Yeah, I don't afraid of that. Who is it, Phil Roberts? But how did he get up there? Branch's twenty feet off the ground. Take an acre that the car left. Three Bill wasn't any acrobat. Well how did he get up there? I don't know.

2:01:06 Three people received pieces of rope, and then a couple of weeks later we find him. Hanging from a tree. You tell me the answer. We cut him down, but it took almost an hour to get up on that branch. To do it, we put him in the Constable's car and drove him back to town. Before he left, we told him that we too had received the little gift, the noose of rope, which had been, in three instances, the forerunner of death. When we got back to the cottage, we had a bite to eat, and, seeing as we weren't in the mood to sleep, we sat down to read. I picked up a little book I hadn't seen before and read it from cover to cover. It held an eerie fascination and I wasn't able to put it down to the last page had been turned and the last word read, Jim, where did you.

2:02:06 Get this book? I don't know. I don't think I've ever seen it before. Why it looks like a first edition of two hundred years ago. Let me see it. Here a short history concerning the mysterious reappearance of Jack Ketch, the hangman who served as executioner for twenty three years. I've never seen this book before. Well, then, how did it get here? I don't know. Jack Ketch say he was the hangman in England who took too much pleasure in his work. Isn't that right? I think? So? How much of this did you read? All of it? It's not very long, and this is what I got out of it. Before he died. The book says he had made some kind of a pact with an evil power.

2:02:52 It seems they actually do have a written copy of that agreement somewhere in England. There's his signature and an illegible scrawl that no one has ever been able to decipher. The fact promises life after death for him in exchange for certain services then the book says that year after year, some rather mysterious deaths have occurred. They find the victims hanging from the branch of a tree, a tree almost impossible to climb. And the book also says that each of the murdered people received a little piece of rope before their deaths, identical to the ones Jack Ketch used as executioner. That is the warning, the warning of death to follow. But that's impossible. The man's been dead for over two hundred and fifty years. That's right, he's dead.

2:03:43 But the rest of the story, it's exactly the same thing that's happening to us. Two days later, in late evening, the rest of the story unfolded. Gone down to the store to pick up some cigarettes. I had been down to the shore doing a little fly casting and had started back up to the cottage. I was surprised at how quickly night had fallen. I wish that I'd brought along a flashlight from somewhere across the lake. I heard the cry of a dog, and the sound of it filtered through and was carried along by the night. Are For some reason, I became unaccountably nervous. I stopped walking, I felt someone was watching me. Then from the darkness of the trees, a man emerged.

2:04:42 Here. Now where do you go? And or back up to my cottage. I was doing some fly casting till night came. Any luck, No, I'd better be going. Tell me dairy? Why nice out here? I suppose so? He's trying to sing in the little teachers They stopped little creatures, that's right, Govenor. Crickets and the frogs they stopped talking.

2:05:22 Yes they they have you frightened the beak Governor? Of course not what are you laughing at? You wouldn't understand the governor? Is that you down there, mister Snad? Oh uh, yes, missus Bennett. Do you mind if I join you? No? No, of course, not good. I'd better be going. Go. I'll see you the other t. Who are you talking to? I don't know he he just stepped out of the darkness and there he was. Well, I guess he's going now, yes, I guess he is.

2:06:04 Where's mister Stanley? He went down to pick up some cigarettes. He should be back soon. When the constable told me to tell you that he'd be. Out tonight, Oh thank you would? Would you mind walking me back to my place, mister Slade. It's rather frightening out here when it's this dark. I'll be glad to that man you. Were talking to. What did he look like? I don't know. I couldn't see his face. He had an accent. It sounded like he might have come from London. Wait a minute, eh. I, I can't understand it. The crickets and frogs. They've been starting and stopping all night. They must be afraid of something.

2:06:50 Every time they stop. What'd you say? Every time they stop? Something happens for a while. I'm walking miss Bennett back to our cottage. Anything wrong, Oh? I got back from the Star and I was wondering where you were. It's just that I have a strange feeling that something is going to happen. Let's go up to our place in missus Bennett. Maybe the constable will want to see you too. That's a good idea, man, says mister Slade. The strangest things have been happening out here lately. We'll be right there. Jim, Well, there's someone up here now. I thought of what, Jim, something's wrong, mister Slade.

2:07:35 I don't know, Jim, what's the matter? Answer me? Oh, mister slade. Look who hanging from that tree. It's it's mister Standley. There is a legend you now a pile about the hangman. For twenty three years the executioner for the Crown jack Ketch was his nine governor jack Ketch.

2:08:33 Thank you so much, my dear, for another evening. I do so enjoy them, and I hope you do too. Please know, I'll be right here waiting waiting for you to come back, same place, same time, same fear. But for now, the sun will be rising soon, and I suppose you should go home and I should head back to wherever it is I tend to go. So please be safe on your journey home. It could be a long sojourney in the dark, not knowing what might be watching, what might be waiting. But I'm sure, my dear, there's not anything to worry about. So go on now, wander your way home over the river, through the woods, past the railroad tracks in the old cemetery. But do me one favor. As you lay your head down and blink away your consciousness, be thankful for what you have be seeing you