1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:11,160 demons 2 00:00:11,160 --> 00:00:15,720 Suspense. 3 00:00:15,720 --> 00:00:36,080 For you men and women in the armed forces of the United Nations, we present one of America's 4 00:00:36,080 --> 00:00:45,280 top spine tinglers, a radio rebroadcast of a program dedicated to the mysterious, the 5 00:00:45,280 --> 00:00:50,240 unusual and sometimes the supernatural. 6 00:00:50,240 --> 00:00:54,880 A program of suspense. 7 00:00:54,880 --> 00:01:01,840 The producer of Suspense asks you to almost believe that the following is true. 8 00:01:01,840 --> 00:01:03,960 Very well. 9 00:01:03,960 --> 00:01:08,040 Standing beside me surrounded by two guards is a man who in a few short hours is to be 10 00:01:08,040 --> 00:01:10,040 put to death in the electric chair. 11 00:01:10,040 --> 00:01:14,720 His last request to the warden was that he be allowed to speak on this program and reveal 12 00:01:14,720 --> 00:01:17,600 what he calls some startling information. 13 00:01:17,600 --> 00:01:23,200 The warden naturally turned to us and we at once complied, anxious at all times to do 14 00:01:23,200 --> 00:01:39,960 anything, however strange, that will hold our listeners in suspense. 15 00:01:39,960 --> 00:01:47,280 Ladies and gentlemen, this broadcast will never be completed. 16 00:01:47,280 --> 00:01:49,280 I'm going to tell you a story. 17 00:01:49,280 --> 00:01:54,640 The story involves a number of famous and influential people here as well as abroad. 18 00:01:54,640 --> 00:01:57,960 These people have received warning from me and I am sure all of them are making it a 19 00:01:57,960 --> 00:02:00,200 point to listen to me now. 20 00:02:00,200 --> 00:02:04,880 I shall not name these great, these rich, these influential gentlemen until my story 21 00:02:04,880 --> 00:02:06,320 is over. 22 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:11,200 They will recognize the story, they will remember me, they will take the necessary steps for 23 00:02:11,200 --> 00:02:12,840 my reprieve. 24 00:02:12,840 --> 00:02:16,680 I shall expect a full pardon and safe conduct to a neutral country. 25 00:02:16,680 --> 00:02:17,680 These are my terms. 26 00:02:17,680 --> 00:02:22,880 I shall expect word of this to be brought to this studio during this broadcast. 27 00:02:22,880 --> 00:02:26,920 But as I have warned you, this broadcast will never be finished. 28 00:02:26,920 --> 00:02:29,080 You will never hear those names. 29 00:02:29,080 --> 00:02:32,280 It is certain my price will be paid. 30 00:02:32,280 --> 00:02:37,120 I am presently under sentence of death for my activities in the matter of refueling German 31 00:02:37,120 --> 00:02:39,080 submarines in the Caribbean. 32 00:02:39,080 --> 00:02:41,920 My full confession has been reproduced in the popular press. 33 00:02:41,920 --> 00:02:44,000 You have read it and you know the details. 34 00:02:44,000 --> 00:02:48,200 It is the least ingenious of my exploits and my first failure. 35 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:49,360 So much for it. 36 00:02:49,360 --> 00:02:54,200 The story I shall tell you tonight occurred many years ago but concerns, as I have said, 37 00:02:54,200 --> 00:02:55,600 many now living. 38 00:02:55,600 --> 00:02:58,320 It will interest you, I hope. 39 00:02:58,320 --> 00:03:00,560 I know it will interest them. 40 00:03:00,560 --> 00:03:04,120 Very well then. 41 00:03:04,120 --> 00:03:09,200 On the 3rd of June 1925 in Liverpool, a man who gave his name as Mr. Louis Caratel asked 42 00:03:09,200 --> 00:03:12,320 to see Mr. James Bland, the superintendent of the London and West Coast Railway. 43 00:03:12,320 --> 00:03:16,280 He was a small man, this Caratel, middle-aged, darkened with a stoop so pronounced that it 44 00:03:16,280 --> 00:03:18,280 suggested some deformity of the spine. 45 00:03:18,280 --> 00:03:21,760 He was accompanied by a friend, a man of imposing physique from his war. 46 00:03:21,760 --> 00:03:25,600 The complexion was probably either a Spaniard or a South American. 47 00:03:25,600 --> 00:03:27,600 Turned out later that his name was Gomez. 48 00:03:27,600 --> 00:03:31,120 On peculiarity was observed in him, he carried in his left hand fastened to his wrist by 49 00:03:31,120 --> 00:03:34,000 a strap, a small leather dispatch case. 50 00:03:34,000 --> 00:03:38,360 No importance was attached to this fact at the time but later events endowed it with 51 00:03:38,360 --> 00:03:39,360 much significance. 52 00:03:39,360 --> 00:03:44,120 Mr. Caratel was shown to Mr. Bland's office while his companion remained outside. 53 00:03:44,120 --> 00:03:55,880 How do you do, Monsieur? 54 00:03:55,880 --> 00:03:56,880 My name is Louis Caratel. 55 00:03:56,880 --> 00:03:57,880 Yes, sir. 56 00:03:57,880 --> 00:03:58,880 What can I do for you? 57 00:03:58,880 --> 00:04:01,800 I have just arrived from Central America this afternoon. 58 00:04:01,800 --> 00:04:04,840 It is extremely urgent that I reach Paris without a moment's delay. 59 00:04:04,840 --> 00:04:05,840 Paris, eh? 60 00:04:05,840 --> 00:04:06,840 That's too bad. 61 00:04:06,840 --> 00:04:08,480 You just missed the London Express. 62 00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:10,880 I am not interested in the London Express. 63 00:04:10,880 --> 00:04:12,640 Could you provide me with a special train? 64 00:04:12,640 --> 00:04:15,480 Yes, I think that could be arranged. 65 00:04:15,480 --> 00:04:18,320 It's quite an expensive proposition. 66 00:04:18,320 --> 00:04:20,520 Money is of a small importance, Monsieur. 67 00:04:20,520 --> 00:04:21,600 Time is everything. 68 00:04:21,600 --> 00:04:24,480 If you can arrange a special for me in a hurry, you may make your own terms. 69 00:04:24,480 --> 00:04:25,480 There you go. 70 00:04:25,480 --> 00:04:28,120 Mr. Hood, will you step over here a moment, please? 71 00:04:28,120 --> 00:04:29,120 Yes, Mr. Bland. 72 00:04:29,120 --> 00:04:34,240 Mr. Hood here's our traffic manager, Mr. Caratel. 73 00:04:34,240 --> 00:04:35,240 Mr. Caratel. 74 00:04:35,240 --> 00:04:38,040 Hood, I want you to arrange a special for him. 75 00:04:38,040 --> 00:04:39,040 He's going to Paris. 76 00:04:39,040 --> 00:04:40,040 How's the line? 77 00:04:40,040 --> 00:04:41,680 Can you fix him up in a hurry? 78 00:04:41,680 --> 00:04:43,720 Yes, I believe so, Mr. Bland. 79 00:04:43,720 --> 00:04:49,800 The line is clear through Manchester and engine 247 at the Rochdale is on the tracks now. 80 00:04:49,800 --> 00:04:51,720 It could be ready, say, in 15 minutes. 81 00:04:51,720 --> 00:04:52,720 Good. 82 00:04:52,720 --> 00:04:54,480 Who's available for the trip? 83 00:04:54,480 --> 00:04:55,480 Engineer Smith, sir. 84 00:04:55,480 --> 00:04:58,120 And I can put James MacPherson on as conductor. 85 00:04:58,120 --> 00:05:00,280 Well, there you are, Mr. Caratel. 86 00:05:00,280 --> 00:05:01,280 Simple as that. 87 00:05:01,280 --> 00:05:03,800 Tender everything right away, will you, Hood? 88 00:05:03,800 --> 00:05:05,840 Yes, sir. 89 00:05:05,840 --> 00:05:08,640 This man, Mr. Smith and... 90 00:05:08,640 --> 00:05:09,640 MacPherson? 91 00:05:09,640 --> 00:05:10,640 MacPherson. 92 00:05:10,640 --> 00:05:11,640 Are they trustworthy? 93 00:05:11,640 --> 00:05:12,640 Oh, yes. 94 00:05:12,640 --> 00:05:13,640 Of course. 95 00:05:13,640 --> 00:05:14,640 MacPherson has been with the company for years. 96 00:05:14,640 --> 00:05:19,640 I'm sure Smith, although new, is an expert engineer. 97 00:05:19,640 --> 00:05:20,640 Me? 98 00:05:20,640 --> 00:05:21,640 Thank you, monsieur. 99 00:05:21,640 --> 00:05:23,120 I am deeply indebted. 100 00:05:23,120 --> 00:05:33,120 You have been most considerate. 101 00:05:33,120 --> 00:05:37,440 At 431 exactly by the station clock, the special train with Caratel and Gomez steamed out of 102 00:05:37,440 --> 00:05:38,440 the Liverpool station. 103 00:05:38,440 --> 00:05:41,680 The line at that time was clear and there should have been no stoppage between Manchester. 104 00:05:41,680 --> 00:05:45,640 At a quarter after six, considerable surprise and some consternation was caused among the 105 00:05:45,640 --> 00:05:49,720 officials at Liverpool by the receipt of a wire from Manchester to say that the special 106 00:05:49,720 --> 00:05:51,200 had not yet arrived. 107 00:05:51,200 --> 00:05:55,720 An inquiry directed at once to St. Helens, which is a third of the way between the two 108 00:05:55,720 --> 00:05:58,800 cities, elicited the following reply. 109 00:05:58,800 --> 00:06:05,920 To James Bland, Superintendent Liverpool, special passed here at 452, well up to time, 110 00:06:05,920 --> 00:06:07,960 dows of St. Helens. 111 00:06:07,960 --> 00:06:10,000 The wire was received at 640. 112 00:06:10,000 --> 00:06:13,240 At 650, a second message was received from Manchester. 113 00:06:13,240 --> 00:06:17,080 No sign of special was advised by you. 114 00:06:17,080 --> 00:06:21,520 And then 10 minutes later, a third, more bewildering. 115 00:06:21,520 --> 00:06:24,800 Presume some mistake is the proposed running of special. 116 00:06:24,800 --> 00:06:28,800 Local train from St. Helens, time to follow it, has just arrived and has seen nothing 117 00:06:28,800 --> 00:06:29,800 of it. 118 00:06:29,800 --> 00:06:31,360 Kindly wire advice it. 119 00:06:31,360 --> 00:06:32,360 Manchester. 120 00:06:32,360 --> 00:06:35,840 The matter was assuming a most amazing aspect. 121 00:06:35,840 --> 00:06:39,280 Although in some respects, the last telegram was a relief to the authorities at Liverpool. 122 00:06:39,280 --> 00:06:42,880 If an accident had occurred to the special, it seemed hardly possible that the local train 123 00:06:42,880 --> 00:06:45,680 could have passed down the same line without observing it. 124 00:06:45,680 --> 00:06:48,800 And yet, what was the alternative? 125 00:06:48,800 --> 00:06:50,080 Where could the train be? 126 00:06:50,080 --> 00:06:54,440 A telegram was dispatched to each of the stations between St. Helens and Manchester, and the 127 00:06:54,440 --> 00:06:58,480 superintendent and his traffic manager waited in the utmost suspense at the instrument for 128 00:06:58,480 --> 00:07:00,120 the series of replies. 129 00:07:00,120 --> 00:07:04,280 The answers came back in the order of questions, which was the order of the stations beginning 130 00:07:04,280 --> 00:07:07,280 at St. Helens. 131 00:07:07,280 --> 00:07:09,400 Special past here, 5 o'clock. 132 00:07:09,400 --> 00:07:12,400 Collins Green. 133 00:07:12,400 --> 00:07:15,640 Special past here, 6 past 5. 134 00:07:15,640 --> 00:07:17,480 Earlstown. 135 00:07:17,480 --> 00:07:20,480 Special past here, 510. 136 00:07:20,480 --> 00:07:21,480 Newton. 137 00:07:21,480 --> 00:07:24,800 Special past here, 520. 138 00:07:24,800 --> 00:07:28,040 Kenyon Junction. 139 00:07:28,040 --> 00:07:30,320 No special train has passed here. 140 00:07:30,320 --> 00:07:33,320 Barton Moss. 141 00:07:33,320 --> 00:07:43,640 Hood, this is unique in my 30 years of experience. 142 00:07:43,640 --> 00:07:45,800 I can't understand it, Mr. Bland. 143 00:07:45,800 --> 00:07:49,120 The special has gone wrong between Kenyon Junction and Barton Moss. 144 00:07:49,120 --> 00:07:52,120 And yet, there's no siding between the two stations. 145 00:07:52,120 --> 00:07:54,320 Special must have run off the rails, jumped the track. 146 00:07:54,320 --> 00:07:58,200 But how could the 450 Parliamentary pass over the same line without seeing it? 147 00:07:58,200 --> 00:07:59,760 There's no alternative, Hood. 148 00:07:59,760 --> 00:08:01,440 Absolutely must be so. 149 00:08:01,440 --> 00:08:06,200 Possibly the local may have preserved something which may throw sunlight on the matter. 150 00:08:06,200 --> 00:08:10,320 We'll wire to Manchester for more information, and to Kenyon Junction with instructions that 151 00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:19,520 line be examined intently as far as Barton Moss. 152 00:08:19,520 --> 00:08:23,280 The answer from Manchester came within a few minutes. 153 00:08:23,280 --> 00:08:25,160 No news of missing specials. 154 00:08:25,160 --> 00:08:27,480 Driver and guard of local train positive. 155 00:08:27,480 --> 00:08:30,680 No accident between Kenyon Junction and Barton Moss. 156 00:08:30,680 --> 00:08:33,680 Line quite clear, and no sign of anything unusual. 157 00:08:33,680 --> 00:08:34,680 Manchester. 158 00:08:34,680 --> 00:08:45,160 This is lunacy, Hood. 159 00:08:45,160 --> 00:08:48,440 Does a train vanish into thin air in England in broad daylight? 160 00:08:48,440 --> 00:08:49,440 The thing's preposterous. 161 00:08:49,440 --> 00:08:55,720 An engine, a tender, car, five human beings, and all lost on a straight line of railway. 162 00:08:55,720 --> 00:08:56,720 It's impossible. 163 00:08:56,720 --> 00:09:10,280 A month elapsed, during which both the police and the company prosecuted their inquiries 164 00:09:10,280 --> 00:09:11,840 without the slightest excess. 165 00:09:11,840 --> 00:09:14,640 Mr. Bland, at the end of this period, offered his resignation. 166 00:09:14,640 --> 00:09:15,640 It was accepted. 167 00:09:15,640 --> 00:09:17,240 The affair remained unsolved. 168 00:09:17,240 --> 00:09:21,800 A reward was offered, and a pardon promised in case of crime, but they were both unclaimed. 169 00:09:21,800 --> 00:09:25,160 Every day the public opened their papers with the conviction that so grotesque a mystery 170 00:09:25,160 --> 00:09:30,880 would at last be solved, but week after week passed by, and the solution remained as far 171 00:09:30,880 --> 00:09:31,880 off as ever. 172 00:09:31,880 --> 00:09:35,840 Then a new and most unexpected incident occurred. 173 00:09:35,840 --> 00:09:40,080 This was nothing less than the receipt by Mrs. McPherson of a letter from her husband 174 00:09:40,080 --> 00:09:43,200 James McPherson, who had been conductor of the missing train. 175 00:09:43,200 --> 00:09:48,200 The letter, which was dated July 5, 1925, was posted from Mozambique, Portuguese East 176 00:09:48,200 --> 00:09:51,040 Africa, and came to hand up on the July 14th. 177 00:09:51,040 --> 00:09:57,640 My dear wife, I've been thinking a great deal, and I find it very hard to give you up. 178 00:09:57,640 --> 00:10:01,760 I try to fight against it, but it will always come back to me. 179 00:10:01,760 --> 00:10:06,080 I send you some money, which will change into 20 English poems. 180 00:10:06,080 --> 00:10:08,320 This should be enough to bring you here. 181 00:10:08,320 --> 00:10:12,680 Things are very difficult with me at present, and I'm not very happy, finding it so hard 182 00:10:12,680 --> 00:10:14,120 to give you up. 183 00:10:14,120 --> 00:10:15,960 So no more at present. 184 00:10:15,960 --> 00:10:28,160 From your loving husband, James McPherson. 185 00:10:28,160 --> 00:10:32,040 For a time it was confidently anticipated that the letter would lead to the clearing 186 00:10:32,040 --> 00:10:33,040 up of the whole incident. 187 00:10:33,040 --> 00:10:36,680 As directed, Mrs. McPherson sailed to Portuguese East Africa. 188 00:10:36,680 --> 00:10:40,200 She stayed in Mozambique for some time, but heard nothing from the missing man. 189 00:10:40,200 --> 00:10:45,320 Finally she returned to Liverpool, and so the matter stood, and has continued to stand 190 00:10:45,320 --> 00:10:47,080 right up to the present moment. 191 00:10:47,080 --> 00:10:52,280 Incredible, as it may seem, nothing has transpired during those 18 years which has shed the least 192 00:10:52,280 --> 00:10:56,560 light upon the extraordinary disappearance of the special plane which contained Mr. Carl 193 00:10:56,560 --> 00:11:01,760 Attil and his companion Mr. Gomez, and McPherson, the conductor, Smith, the engineer, the fireman 194 00:11:01,760 --> 00:11:02,760 named Slater. 195 00:11:02,760 --> 00:11:11,600 But now, after all this time, I shall clear up the entire affair, and unless I hear from 196 00:11:11,600 --> 00:11:18,360 those so highly respectable gentlemen who were my employers, and who are completely 197 00:11:18,360 --> 00:11:25,880 implicated in the crime, unless I hear from them before I'm finished, their names will 198 00:11:25,880 --> 00:11:27,920 be revealed on this broadcast. 199 00:11:27,920 --> 00:11:30,000 Take final warning, gentlemen. 200 00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:32,360 You know I mean what I say. 201 00:11:32,360 --> 00:11:37,120 If you are smart, you are at this moment arranging my reprieve. 202 00:11:37,120 --> 00:11:43,320 Just to remind you, time is short, you have just six minutes. 203 00:11:43,320 --> 00:11:49,200 Now for the interest of my other listeners, I shall resume the story of the lost special. 204 00:11:49,200 --> 00:11:55,080 In a word, there was a famous trial in Paris in the year 1925, perhaps you recall it, in 205 00:11:55,080 --> 00:11:58,640 connection with a monstrous scandal, scandal in politics and finance. 206 00:11:58,640 --> 00:12:03,520 How monstrous that scandal was can never be known except by such confidential agents as 207 00:12:03,520 --> 00:12:04,520 myself. 208 00:12:04,520 --> 00:12:08,360 At stake were the honor and careers of many of the chief men of Europe and the United 209 00:12:08,360 --> 00:12:09,360 States. 210 00:12:09,360 --> 00:12:11,960 A secret committee was formed to manage the business. 211 00:12:11,960 --> 00:12:17,240 Some subscribed to the committee who hardly understood what were its objects, but others 212 00:12:17,240 --> 00:12:19,600 understood very well. 213 00:12:19,600 --> 00:12:23,560 They can rely upon it that I have not forgotten their names. 214 00:12:23,560 --> 00:12:26,560 You think I could forget your names, gentlemen? 215 00:12:26,560 --> 00:12:34,480 You pillars of the community, great, rich, respected, honorable men. 216 00:12:34,480 --> 00:12:40,080 You remember that day in May 1925, the fashionable country club, remember? 217 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:45,080 And the golf game that was played there that spring morning. 218 00:12:45,080 --> 00:12:55,080 Ladies and gentlemen, that was the strangest golf game ever played in the history of this 219 00:12:55,080 --> 00:12:56,080 world. 220 00:12:56,080 --> 00:12:57,080 Oh, Grach, look at that drive. 221 00:12:57,080 --> 00:12:58,080 I've been playing badly all morning. 222 00:12:58,080 --> 00:12:59,080 You topped it, Senator. 223 00:12:59,080 --> 00:13:00,080 Perhaps you're a little nervous. 224 00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:01,080 I beg your pardon? 225 00:13:01,080 --> 00:13:02,080 May I join your game? 226 00:13:02,080 --> 00:13:03,080 Well, I'm not sure that we should... 227 00:13:03,080 --> 00:13:04,080 Not sure of what? 228 00:13:04,080 --> 00:13:05,080 Of me? 229 00:13:05,080 --> 00:13:08,680 I promise you, gentlemen, you can be very sure of me. 230 00:13:08,680 --> 00:13:10,440 I'm the man you're supposed to meet. 231 00:13:10,440 --> 00:13:12,800 The distinguished congressman here can vouch for me. 232 00:13:12,800 --> 00:13:13,800 Yeah, he's the one all right. 233 00:13:13,800 --> 00:13:14,800 This is the Lerniak. 234 00:13:14,800 --> 00:13:16,800 Mr. The Lerniak, may I present... 235 00:13:16,800 --> 00:13:21,760 My name is not really the Lerniak gentleman, but I am sure that bothers you no less than 236 00:13:21,760 --> 00:13:22,760 it does me. 237 00:13:22,760 --> 00:13:24,400 Besides, there is no need for introductions. 238 00:13:24,400 --> 00:13:29,680 I know everyone present by sight and by reputation. 239 00:13:29,680 --> 00:13:32,680 My drive, I believe. 240 00:13:32,680 --> 00:13:33,680 Thank you. 241 00:13:33,680 --> 00:13:36,680 Not so good. 242 00:13:36,680 --> 00:13:41,440 Two hundred and what, about 50 yards. 243 00:13:41,440 --> 00:13:44,160 I hope I'm not going to continue in this way. 244 00:13:44,160 --> 00:13:46,480 You're sure we can talk safely here, Frank? 245 00:13:46,480 --> 00:13:48,520 Please set your mind at ease. 246 00:13:48,520 --> 00:13:51,640 We shan't be over heard in the middle of a golf course. 247 00:13:51,640 --> 00:13:56,520 There is no convenient hiding place here for dictaphone, even in the rough, where I notice 248 00:13:56,520 --> 00:13:58,760 you're playing the greater part of your game, Senator. 249 00:13:58,760 --> 00:14:00,240 You must be nervous this morning. 250 00:14:00,240 --> 00:14:01,680 I know, but I don't like it. 251 00:14:01,680 --> 00:14:02,680 I don't like it at all. 252 00:14:02,680 --> 00:14:08,280 Well, it's not the superlative course you are accustomed to on your own enormous California 253 00:14:08,280 --> 00:14:12,480 estate, sir, but it's going to have to serve our particular purpose. 254 00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:17,200 Oh, by the way, let me compliment you on the way you've had your syndicate of newspapers 255 00:14:17,200 --> 00:14:21,800 handle the recent strike situation and the editorial which appeared under your own signature 256 00:14:21,800 --> 00:14:22,800 this morning. 257 00:14:22,800 --> 00:14:25,800 It's well calculated to stir up trouble with the labor. 258 00:14:25,800 --> 00:14:27,320 Please, please, let's get on with our business. 259 00:14:27,320 --> 00:14:28,320 Yes, I... 260 00:14:28,320 --> 00:14:29,320 Mr. The Lerniak... 261 00:14:29,320 --> 00:14:33,600 Thank you all service, sir, and may I suggest we continue our game? 262 00:14:33,600 --> 00:14:36,440 I know the absence of caddies is an inconvenience. 263 00:14:36,440 --> 00:14:37,440 Mr. The Lerniak... 264 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:38,440 Certainly. 265 00:14:38,440 --> 00:14:42,360 In June, a month from now in Paris, there will be a most important trial... 266 00:14:42,360 --> 00:14:43,360 Ah, yes. 267 00:14:43,360 --> 00:14:44,360 ...during its progress. 268 00:14:44,360 --> 00:14:46,040 Pardon me, are you referring to the Sarinski trial? 269 00:14:46,040 --> 00:14:47,040 Yes. 270 00:14:47,040 --> 00:14:48,760 You know about it, then? 271 00:14:48,760 --> 00:14:50,360 Well, certain interesting details. 272 00:14:50,360 --> 00:14:54,840 I know something about my business after all, to keep myself informed about these matters. 273 00:14:54,840 --> 00:14:57,320 It is not for nothing that I am known as the most... 274 00:14:57,320 --> 00:14:58,880 Let me continue, please. 275 00:14:58,880 --> 00:15:02,720 This trial, I'm speaking in the utmost confidence you understand. 276 00:15:02,720 --> 00:15:07,080 This trial could, if certain evidence were introduced, could have a very serious effect 277 00:15:07,080 --> 00:15:10,160 upon the prestige and standing of some most important men. 278 00:15:10,160 --> 00:15:12,480 In fact, it could even... 279 00:15:12,480 --> 00:15:14,640 You're shivering, Senator. 280 00:15:14,640 --> 00:15:16,080 You find it cold out here? 281 00:15:16,080 --> 00:15:17,080 No, no, no. 282 00:15:17,080 --> 00:15:18,080 Get on with it, Frank. 283 00:15:18,080 --> 00:15:19,080 Get to the point. 284 00:15:19,080 --> 00:15:20,080 For heaven's sake, please. 285 00:15:20,080 --> 00:15:23,160 The evidence which one man could bring to the trial could ruin these men. 286 00:15:23,160 --> 00:15:25,800 Without it, the trial will collapse for want of facts. 287 00:15:25,800 --> 00:15:28,280 But if this one man arrives in Paris, I... 288 00:15:28,280 --> 00:15:31,080 But evidently, you do not wish him to arrive in Paris. 289 00:15:31,080 --> 00:15:32,080 No. 290 00:15:32,080 --> 00:15:33,720 Gentlemen, you have come to the man. 291 00:15:33,720 --> 00:15:37,080 This sounds indeed like the sort of thing which no one in the world can manage with 292 00:15:37,080 --> 00:15:38,800 such skill and success as myself. 293 00:15:38,800 --> 00:15:42,120 I must admit, however, that my services come rather high. 294 00:15:42,120 --> 00:15:43,120 Well... 295 00:15:43,120 --> 00:15:44,960 It's only natural since there is only one... 296 00:15:44,960 --> 00:15:46,480 The money makes no difference. 297 00:15:46,480 --> 00:15:50,200 We have formed a group, a committee, and we have the command of an unlimited amount of 298 00:15:50,200 --> 00:15:51,200 money. 299 00:15:51,200 --> 00:15:52,200 Absolutely unlimited, you hear? 300 00:15:52,200 --> 00:15:53,200 We will name people and places now. 301 00:15:53,200 --> 00:15:57,440 Who is the gentleman whose appearance in Paris would cause such regrettable embarrassment? 302 00:15:57,440 --> 00:15:59,520 His name is Caratel, Louis Caratel. 303 00:15:59,520 --> 00:16:00,520 He knows everything. 304 00:16:00,520 --> 00:16:02,120 He has papers, documents, all the evidence. 305 00:16:02,120 --> 00:16:03,120 Yes, yes, I understand. 306 00:16:03,120 --> 00:16:04,760 Where is this Monsieur Caratel at present? 307 00:16:04,760 --> 00:16:09,840 Well, he's sailing from somewhere in Central America within the next two days. 308 00:16:09,840 --> 00:16:10,840 That much we know. 309 00:16:10,840 --> 00:16:11,840 Good, good. 310 00:16:11,840 --> 00:16:12,840 Central America. 311 00:16:12,840 --> 00:16:13,840 I have an excellent man down there in Central America. 312 00:16:13,840 --> 00:16:18,160 This Caratel, you know anything about him personally, his personal habits? 313 00:16:18,160 --> 00:16:19,160 Well, very little. 314 00:16:19,160 --> 00:16:20,160 He's a small man, dark. 315 00:16:20,160 --> 00:16:23,880 He has a bodyguard, a great big bruiser named Lopez Gomez or something like that. 316 00:16:23,880 --> 00:16:27,760 Let me see, from Central America, that would be the Americano Tropicana. 317 00:16:27,760 --> 00:16:28,760 Those are my ships. 318 00:16:28,760 --> 00:16:29,760 You do. 319 00:16:29,760 --> 00:16:32,440 The trips all commence at Liverpool, I believe. 320 00:16:32,440 --> 00:16:36,720 That's where the ships dock and our famous trial is to begin in three weeks. 321 00:16:36,720 --> 00:16:40,480 That would mean that Monsieur Caratel would go directly to London, and I imagine that 322 00:16:40,480 --> 00:16:44,200 once there he would be heavily guarded, since it can be no surprise to him that you gentlemen 323 00:16:44,200 --> 00:16:49,200 are not without connections in the British capital. 324 00:16:49,200 --> 00:16:50,200 That's good, clean thinking. 325 00:16:50,200 --> 00:16:56,360 See, this is not so simple as some of my other exploits, a simple assassination. 326 00:16:56,360 --> 00:16:57,360 There's your ball, sir. 327 00:16:57,360 --> 00:17:00,800 You're playing a Don Lapp 38, aren't you? 328 00:17:00,800 --> 00:17:03,480 Yes, yes, to be sure, yes. 329 00:17:03,480 --> 00:17:04,480 Quite. 330 00:17:04,480 --> 00:17:08,440 As I said, a simple assassination, the usual clumsy job will not do here. 331 00:17:08,440 --> 00:17:13,720 The documents might, after all we found, the bodyguard might survive somehow, and then 332 00:17:13,720 --> 00:17:15,600 we have accomplished nothing, not so. 333 00:17:15,600 --> 00:17:17,160 Are you going to play? 334 00:17:17,160 --> 00:17:19,400 Yes, yes, of course, of course. 335 00:17:19,400 --> 00:17:20,800 Topped it again, I'm afraid. 336 00:17:20,800 --> 00:17:22,000 Shall we proceed? 337 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:24,720 I already have three plans in my head, gentlemen. 338 00:17:24,720 --> 00:17:29,240 I have a plan for nailing him at the Central American port from which he embarks. 339 00:17:29,240 --> 00:17:32,600 I have a plan for his disposal aboard the ship. 340 00:17:32,600 --> 00:17:37,520 But in each of these cases, I, de Lerniaque, will be unable to be present, so there is 341 00:17:37,520 --> 00:17:39,320 the chance of failure. 342 00:17:39,320 --> 00:17:41,840 I will think of a third plan, gentlemen. 343 00:17:41,840 --> 00:17:46,120 I shall sail immediately to Liverpool on my way there, sitting on the deck in the May 344 00:17:46,120 --> 00:17:47,120 sunshine. 345 00:17:47,120 --> 00:17:53,400 I shall conceive my third plan, it must be something special, something very special. 346 00:17:53,400 --> 00:17:55,400 There I am. 347 00:17:55,400 --> 00:17:57,040 Is this your famous water hazard? 348 00:17:57,040 --> 00:18:11,400 Well, I think a number seven iron will do it. 349 00:18:11,400 --> 00:18:16,720 And thus I undertook to bring about the complete destruction, or Monsieur Caratelli's bodyguard 350 00:18:16,720 --> 00:18:19,680 companion Gomez and his documents. 351 00:18:19,680 --> 00:18:25,480 Plan one was already out the window as I found out the next day. 352 00:18:25,480 --> 00:18:28,960 De Lerniaque, White Sulphur Springs, Virginia. 353 00:18:28,960 --> 00:18:35,680 Baby Lou, unable sleep last few nights, have sent him to visit Aunt Henriette. 354 00:18:35,680 --> 00:18:38,880 Will rejoin him on 21st. 355 00:18:38,880 --> 00:18:42,200 Love, Jenny. 356 00:18:42,200 --> 00:18:47,400 This telegram from Matagalpa conveyed to me the information that Caratelli, possibly 357 00:18:47,400 --> 00:18:52,920 sensing danger, had moved from his hotel and gone to stay with friends until his ship sailed. 358 00:18:52,920 --> 00:18:56,040 So it was impossible to carry out the idea of the fire in the hotel. 359 00:18:56,040 --> 00:18:58,720 His ship leaving on the 21st was the Henriette. 360 00:18:58,720 --> 00:19:04,640 On my fourth day at sea, I heard from a... 361 00:19:04,640 --> 00:19:10,120 De Lerniaque, Baron Carrier, ship to ship communication from Henriette, proper canine 362 00:19:10,120 --> 00:19:11,120 line. 363 00:19:11,120 --> 00:19:13,720 And at Grace, your box of chocolates. 364 00:19:13,720 --> 00:19:16,800 Louise has given up candy for Lent. 365 00:19:16,800 --> 00:19:21,720 Grace still wants us all together for 29th birthday party. 366 00:19:21,720 --> 00:19:24,120 Will be really special. 367 00:19:24,120 --> 00:19:26,200 Ralph. 368 00:19:26,200 --> 00:19:31,200 This meant that poison had been given to Gomez, the bodyguard, in an effort to get him at 369 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:32,200 least out of the way. 370 00:19:32,200 --> 00:19:35,520 He had been unable to succumb to it. 371 00:19:35,520 --> 00:19:36,520 He'd thrown off the effects. 372 00:19:36,520 --> 00:19:41,400 And it was evidenced by the report that we would all be together on the 29th. 373 00:19:41,400 --> 00:19:45,880 Now Caratelli had refused to eat the food containing the poison. 374 00:19:45,880 --> 00:19:50,640 So much for plan two, which was not worthy of me anyway since there was always the possibility 375 00:19:50,640 --> 00:19:53,480 of the bodies being found in the ocean. 376 00:19:53,480 --> 00:19:57,720 The man Gomez was carrying the documents in a dispatch case strapped to his wrist. 377 00:19:57,720 --> 00:20:01,160 And I must tell you something now. 378 00:20:01,160 --> 00:20:02,160 I was glad. 379 00:20:02,160 --> 00:20:05,840 Glad, mind you, that we had failed so far. 380 00:20:05,840 --> 00:20:11,720 For the plan I had conceived on the night I arrived in Liverpool was so magnificent. 381 00:20:11,720 --> 00:20:19,520 So absolutely unprecedented in the annals of crime that I owed it to myself, to my employers, 382 00:20:19,520 --> 00:20:22,280 and to history to carry through. 383 00:20:22,280 --> 00:20:26,040 The inspiration came from the words in the code telegram which indicated that Caratelli 384 00:20:26,040 --> 00:20:33,120 would arrive in London and hire a special trainer to convey him from Liverpool. 385 00:20:33,120 --> 00:20:39,280 My British agent Mr Moore and I contrived to buy over several officials of the railway. 386 00:20:39,280 --> 00:20:40,960 Now here begins the story. 387 00:20:40,960 --> 00:20:45,440 First the division head who helped us employ James McPherson, whom we contrived to be the 388 00:20:45,440 --> 00:20:48,440 conductor of any special train we designated. 389 00:20:48,440 --> 00:20:52,640 Then further at a sum that would make them independent for life we bought over an engine 390 00:20:52,640 --> 00:20:56,280 driver named Oswald Smith and the fireman John Slater. 391 00:20:56,280 --> 00:20:59,880 These men we arranged with the division head would be assigned to whatever special train 392 00:20:59,880 --> 00:21:02,120 was hired by Caratelli. 393 00:21:02,120 --> 00:21:08,960 On the afternoon of June 3rd as I was sitting in my room at the inn at Barton Moss, the 394 00:21:08,960 --> 00:21:11,240 call I had been awaiting came through. 395 00:21:11,240 --> 00:21:12,240 It was McPherson reporting. 396 00:21:12,240 --> 00:21:13,240 Hello Mr Delanyak, we shall be leaving in a few minutes. 397 00:21:13,240 --> 00:21:14,240 He's hired the special. 398 00:21:14,240 --> 00:21:15,240 Good. 399 00:21:15,240 --> 00:21:22,040 Smith will be engine driver and Slater fireman and of course I'll be in charge. 400 00:21:22,040 --> 00:21:23,040 What about Moore? 401 00:21:23,040 --> 00:21:24,040 Will he be aboard? 402 00:21:24,040 --> 00:21:25,040 Afraid not sir. 403 00:21:25,040 --> 00:21:28,040 He gave them quite a story about having to reach his sick wife and all, but Caratelli 404 00:21:28,040 --> 00:21:29,040 would have none of it. 405 00:21:29,040 --> 00:21:31,040 You said though sir that it didn't matter. 406 00:21:31,040 --> 00:21:32,720 It doesn't matter. 407 00:21:32,720 --> 00:21:34,720 What time will you pass Kenyon Junction? 408 00:21:34,720 --> 00:21:39,000 Let me see sir, if we leave the next few minutes we should be there at 5.10. 409 00:21:39,000 --> 00:21:40,000 5.10. 410 00:21:40,000 --> 00:21:41,000 It's a 49 minute run sir. 411 00:21:41,000 --> 00:21:42,000 45 minutes. 412 00:21:42,000 --> 00:21:45,000 I can make it, but delay all you can before you start. 413 00:21:45,000 --> 00:21:46,000 Yes sir. 414 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:48,000 I guess it's all up to you from now on. 415 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:49,000 Best of luck sir. 416 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:50,000 Here they come sir. 417 00:21:50,000 --> 00:21:51,000 Goodbye. 418 00:21:51,000 --> 00:22:04,120 And now I went to work. 419 00:22:04,120 --> 00:22:09,480 Everything had been prepared for days before and only the finishing touches were needed. 420 00:22:09,480 --> 00:22:17,600 The side track just before Borton Moss leading to the abandoned Harty's mine had once joined 421 00:22:17,600 --> 00:22:22,400 the main line, but it had been disconnected when the mine had been worked out some years 422 00:22:22,400 --> 00:22:23,920 before. 423 00:22:23,920 --> 00:22:28,640 We had only to replace a few rails to connect it once more. 424 00:22:28,640 --> 00:22:32,840 With my small but competent band of workers we had everything ready well before the special 425 00:22:32,840 --> 00:22:34,380 arrived. 426 00:22:34,380 --> 00:22:39,520 When it did arrive it ran off upon the small sideline so easily that the jolting of the 427 00:22:39,520 --> 00:22:44,840 switch points appears to have been entirely unnoticed by the two travellers. 428 00:22:44,840 --> 00:22:50,640 So now I have our special train upon the small line which leads or rather used to lead to 429 00:22:50,640 --> 00:22:52,320 the abandoned mine. 430 00:22:52,320 --> 00:22:56,360 You will ask how it is that no one saw the train upon this unused line. 431 00:22:56,360 --> 00:23:02,020 I answer that along its entire length it runs through a deep cutting and that unless someone 432 00:23:02,020 --> 00:23:05,840 had been on the edge of that cutting he could not have seen it. 433 00:23:05,840 --> 00:23:08,760 There was someone on the edge of that cutting. 434 00:23:08,760 --> 00:23:13,920 I was there and now I will tell you what I saw. 435 00:23:13,920 --> 00:23:19,080 The moment the train was fairly on the sideline Smith slowed down the engine and then having 436 00:23:19,080 --> 00:23:24,040 turned it on full speed ahead he and McPherson was slated as the fireman sprang off before 437 00:23:24,040 --> 00:23:25,040 it was too late. 438 00:23:25,040 --> 00:23:30,660 It may be that it was this slowing down which first attracted the attention of the travellers 439 00:23:30,660 --> 00:23:34,920 but the train was running at top speed before their heads appeared at the open window. 440 00:23:34,920 --> 00:23:38,600 Makes me smile to think how bewildered they must have been. 441 00:23:38,600 --> 00:23:43,400 What a catch must have come to their breath as it flashed upon them that it was not Manchester 442 00:23:43,400 --> 00:23:47,440 that was awaiting them but death. 443 00:23:47,440 --> 00:23:52,960 The train was now running at frantic speed rolling and rocking over the rotten rusty 444 00:23:52,960 --> 00:23:58,840 line while the wheels made a frightful screaming sound on the corroded surface. 445 00:23:58,840 --> 00:24:01,120 I was close to them and could see their faces. 446 00:24:01,120 --> 00:24:03,360 Caratel was praying I think. 447 00:24:03,360 --> 00:24:07,480 There was something like a rosary dangling out of his hand. 448 00:24:07,480 --> 00:24:12,160 The other Gomez roared like a bull but was drowned out by the incredible noise of the 449 00:24:12,160 --> 00:24:13,160 train. 450 00:24:13,160 --> 00:24:17,840 He saw me standing on the bank when he realised he couldn't be heard. 451 00:24:17,840 --> 00:24:23,000 He beckoned to me like a madman tearing at his wrist and hurling the dispatch box out 452 00:24:23,000 --> 00:24:24,720 of the window in my direction. 453 00:24:24,720 --> 00:24:27,360 Of course his meaning was obvious. 454 00:24:27,360 --> 00:24:31,720 Here was the evidence that they would promise to be silent if their lives were spared. 455 00:24:31,720 --> 00:24:37,200 It would have been very agreeable if it could have been done so but business is business. 456 00:24:37,200 --> 00:24:44,520 Besides the train was now so much beyond our control as it was very much. 457 00:24:44,520 --> 00:24:49,240 He ceased his howling and gesturing when the train rattled around the curve and they saw 458 00:24:49,240 --> 00:24:53,240 the black mouth of the mine yawning before them. 459 00:24:53,240 --> 00:24:58,640 They were struck silent by what they saw and yet they could not withdraw their heads. 460 00:24:58,640 --> 00:25:01,920 The sight seemed to have paralysed them. 461 00:25:01,920 --> 00:25:07,760 I had wondered how the train running at a great speed would take the pit and I was much 462 00:25:07,760 --> 00:25:09,580 interested in watching it. 463 00:25:09,580 --> 00:25:14,280 One of my colleagues who had joined me there thought it actually would jump it and indeed 464 00:25:14,280 --> 00:25:18,680 it was not very far from doing so. 465 00:25:18,680 --> 00:25:23,680 It leaped into the air and seemed to hang suspended for a moment. 466 00:25:23,680 --> 00:25:27,720 The funnel flew off into the air and then the van, the car and the engine were all smashed 467 00:25:27,720 --> 00:25:31,360 up into one jumble which choked the mouth of the great Brit and something gave way in 468 00:25:31,360 --> 00:25:36,320 the middle and the whole mass of iron, coal fittings, wheels, woodwork and cushions crumbled 469 00:25:36,320 --> 00:25:45,680 together and crashed into the mine. 470 00:25:45,680 --> 00:25:59,400 It was perfect. 471 00:25:59,400 --> 00:26:04,280 The deep muddy water standing in the bottom of the pit 200 feet below responded to the 472 00:26:04,280 --> 00:26:06,520 intense heat of the engine boilers. 473 00:26:06,520 --> 00:26:10,200 It hissed loudly and blew great bubbles of black mire into the air. 474 00:26:10,200 --> 00:26:14,160 At the same time the walls of the pit loosened by the impact of the train as it struck the 475 00:26:14,160 --> 00:26:18,840 opposite side, gave way and a mighty avalanche of rock and dirt thundered down upon the rapid 476 00:26:18,840 --> 00:26:25,480 of the train as it settled to the low, pissing side and was covered forever by the mud and 477 00:26:25,480 --> 00:26:31,560 mire, the vapor hanging in the air shredded off into thin small wisps and all was quiet 478 00:26:31,560 --> 00:26:36,560 again in the hearty mine. 479 00:26:36,560 --> 00:26:41,560 And now having carried out our plan so successfully it remained only to leave no trace behind 480 00:26:41,560 --> 00:26:42,560 us. 481 00:26:42,560 --> 00:26:46,320 A little band of workers at the other end had already ripped up the rails and disconnected 482 00:26:46,320 --> 00:26:49,440 the sideline replacing everything as it had been before. 483 00:26:49,440 --> 00:26:51,520 We were equally busy at the mine. 484 00:26:51,520 --> 00:26:55,520 The lines which led to it were torn up and taken away then without flurry but without 485 00:26:55,520 --> 00:26:56,520 delay. 486 00:26:56,520 --> 00:27:01,280 We all made our way out of the country, most of us to Paris, my English agent to Manchester 487 00:27:01,280 --> 00:27:05,920 and MacPherson to East Africa, a word in passing about MacPherson who was foolish enough to 488 00:27:05,920 --> 00:27:09,520 write to his wife and tell her to meet him in Mozambique. 489 00:27:09,520 --> 00:27:14,600 And naturally we took steps to ensure that this meeting would never come about. 490 00:27:14,600 --> 00:27:19,000 I have sometimes thought it would be a kindness to write to Mrs. MacPherson and to assure 491 00:27:19,000 --> 00:27:23,840 her that there is no impediment to her marrying again. 492 00:27:23,840 --> 00:27:27,880 But of the loss special let the English papers of that date tell how thoroughly we had done 493 00:27:27,880 --> 00:27:32,320 our work and how completely we had thrown the cleverest of their detectives off our 494 00:27:32,320 --> 00:27:34,040 track. 495 00:27:34,040 --> 00:27:39,880 You will remember that Gomez threw his bag of papers out of the window and I need not 496 00:27:39,880 --> 00:27:44,920 say that I secured that bag and brought them to my employers. 497 00:27:44,920 --> 00:27:54,280 It may interest my employers now however to learn that out of that bag I took one or two 498 00:27:54,280 --> 00:28:00,120 little papers as a souvenir of that occasion. 499 00:28:00,120 --> 00:28:09,440 I had no wish to read the information obtained by these papers but it is now, oh it's less 500 00:28:09,440 --> 00:28:17,520 than a minute before my broadcast is over and I have received no word. 501 00:28:17,520 --> 00:28:22,680 It is the final hour. 502 00:28:22,680 --> 00:28:28,840 I see at the other end of the studio the engineer waving his hands at me that my time is almost 503 00:28:28,840 --> 00:28:30,520 up. 504 00:28:30,520 --> 00:28:40,360 Well I gave you warning you had your chance gentlemen. 505 00:28:40,360 --> 00:28:50,440 Very well now I reveal your names and the first name I reveal is that of Charles Potter. 506 00:28:50,440 --> 00:28:55,280 Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen they're trying murder. 507 00:28:55,280 --> 00:28:57,760 I want you to hear these names quickly. 508 00:28:57,760 --> 00:28:59,480 I know you will avenge me. 509 00:28:59,480 --> 00:29:00,480 The names are. 510 00:29:00,480 --> 00:29:01,480 Beams. 511 00:29:01,480 --> 00:29:02,480 After him, there he goes. 512 00:29:02,480 --> 00:29:07,480 Delania, Delania can you hear me are you all right? 513 00:29:07,480 --> 00:29:08,880 Hey Bill play something quick will you? 514 00:29:08,880 --> 00:29:24,320 Theme curtain music anything. 515 00:29:24,320 --> 00:29:28,720 And so closes the last special by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle starring Orson Welles. 516 00:29:28,720 --> 00:29:36,040 Tonight's tale of suspense. 517 00:29:36,040 --> 00:29:49,600 This rebroadcast of suspense was produced in the United States of America. 518 00:29:49,600 --> 00:30:01,880 Thank you.