WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:27.000 Suspense! 00:27.000 --> 00:32.000 The studio's outstanding theatre of thrills brings you an hour of suspense. 00:32.000 --> 00:35.000 A full 60 minutes of The Larger. 00:35.000 --> 00:40.000 An eerie tale of 19th century London directed by William N. Robeson 00:40.000 --> 00:46.000 and produced by Robert Montgomery, who tonight also stars as The Larger. 00:46.000 --> 00:52.000 The Larger 00:52.000 --> 00:56.000 This is Robert Montgomery with a few words about a city. 00:56.000 --> 01:05.000 A sprawling, furious city, which had slackened its pace to allow the miasma of horror to settle even to its furthest corners. 01:05.000 --> 01:12.000 I say horror, but there was a fascination too, for there is always a fascination where there is violent death. 01:12.000 --> 01:17.000 The city? It was London. And the year was 1888. 01:17.000 --> 01:22.000 A London terrorized by the Fifth in a succession of horrible murders. 01:22.000 --> 01:29.000 Such is the very real setting for The Larger, for Mrs. Bellic-Lown's novel is based on fact. 01:29.000 --> 01:33.000 It was almost certain that these deeds were the work of one person, 01:33.000 --> 01:37.000 for this meager identity was established by the victims themselves. 01:37.000 --> 01:41.000 They were all young, all attractive women. 01:41.000 --> 01:45.000 It was the killer, still at large, who absorbed the imagination of the great city. 01:45.000 --> 01:51.000 The killer who had taken special pains to make it clear that some obscure and terrible lust for vengeance possessed him. 01:51.000 --> 01:56.000 And because of him, laughter was forced, conversations waned, 01:56.000 --> 02:00.000 and there were silences where there should have been good talk between neighbors. 02:00.000 --> 02:05.000 Only in homes, doors bolted and blinds drawn, was the talk easy. 02:05.000 --> 02:11.000 As for example, in the home of Ellen Bunting. In particular, Ellen Bunting. 02:11.000 --> 02:17.000 Ellen was no different from all the middle-aged housewives dwelling in London's squalid Whitechapel district. 02:17.000 --> 02:23.000 Her home was a small segment plastered into a block-long tenement in Maribon Road. 02:23.000 --> 02:29.000 Ellen read the newspapers as avidly as she said her prayers, so she knew all the facts of the case. 02:29.000 --> 02:36.000 And she knew it was quite proper to refer to the wielder of the knife as the Avenger. 02:36.000 --> 02:43.000 This particular night, she and Robert Bunting, her husband, sat before their fireplace, reading the newspaper account of the latest murder. 02:43.000 --> 02:48.000 The Avenger had struck again. 02:48.000 --> 02:54.000 Why, he might be anybody. He might be the fellow you pass on the street, the one standing next to you. 02:54.000 --> 02:59.000 He might be the one who's standing next to you. 02:59.000 --> 03:04.000 He might be a friend of yours. He might be your friend. 03:04.000 --> 03:09.000 He might be your friend. 03:09.000 --> 03:14.000 He might be your friend. 03:14.000 --> 03:20.000 He might be the fellow you pass on the street, the one standing next to you, the man you bump into. 03:20.000 --> 03:24.000 Oh, it's a terrible thought. 03:24.000 --> 03:29.000 Yes, if only the police had something to go on, but the Avenger's just too quick for them. 03:29.000 --> 03:35.000 Oh, they do say here, Bunting, that the police have a clue they won't say anything about. 03:35.000 --> 03:41.000 Them who says that says wrong. The poor chap who was on point duty in the street where the last one happened, 03:41.000 --> 03:45.000 there's a yell, he says, but he took no notice. 03:45.000 --> 03:49.000 The coppers will have to stick to it better than that to catch a slick one like the Avenger. 03:49.000 --> 03:56.000 It says here he left his calling card again, a bit of grey paper on which the monster writes his name. 03:56.000 --> 03:59.000 Funny kind of visiting card, ain't it? 03:59.000 --> 04:02.000 It isn't a thing to make a joke about, Bunting. 04:02.000 --> 04:06.000 Or was it a square piece of paper or one of them three-cornered ones? 04:06.000 --> 04:08.000 It don't say which, Bunting. 04:08.000 --> 04:14.000 Well, it should. Those are the things I like to know about. Keeps a body informed. 04:14.000 --> 04:19.000 Huh. And a fair girl again, just like all the rest. 04:19.000 --> 04:29.000 And let's see. Described by her friends as a very light-hearted girl. What a pity. 04:29.000 --> 04:37.000 Hmm. Did you ever stop to think who fits that to a tee? In fact, fits all those girls? 04:37.000 --> 04:40.000 Did you ever stop to think about their talent? 04:40.000 --> 04:42.000 Why, no. Who? 04:42.000 --> 04:45.000 My own Daisy. 04:45.000 --> 04:48.000 Yes. Yes, Bunting, that's a fact. 04:48.000 --> 04:53.000 Well, maybe it's a good thing she's with her aunt instead of here. 04:53.000 --> 04:56.000 London night a safe place for any girl right now. 04:56.000 --> 05:01.000 Just the same. I can't help thinking how fine it'll be to have a bed. 05:01.000 --> 05:06.000 Now, Bunting, you know that Daisy seems like my very own, even if she is my stepchild. 05:06.000 --> 05:11.000 But I'm telling you, there's no sense even thinking about having her back right now. We just can't afford it. 05:11.000 --> 05:16.000 I know that, Ellen. Only, well, maybe we could manage it some way. 05:16.000 --> 05:21.000 Oh, haven't I scrimped myself off crazy trying to keep us going. But you don't care about that, do you? 05:21.000 --> 05:24.000 No, your Daisy's more important to you than I am. 05:24.000 --> 05:27.000 No, no, Ellen, that don't sound like you. 05:27.000 --> 05:32.000 We haven't had a lodge for months. Nobody even comes to look at the rooms anymore. 05:32.000 --> 05:34.000 But things will work out, Ellen. 05:34.000 --> 05:39.000 They ain't never going to work out. Soon we won't even have a roof over our heads. 05:39.000 --> 05:42.000 Oh, I'm sorry, Robbie. 05:42.000 --> 05:46.000 Oh, no. Well, don't go worrying. Another second, old girl. 05:46.000 --> 05:49.000 For the first thing, you know you won't be pretty no more. 05:49.000 --> 05:50.000 Eh? 05:50.000 --> 05:52.000 You'll have your face all wrinkled and... 05:52.000 --> 05:54.000 No, see you, Bunting. 05:54.000 --> 05:56.000 Come now, now. Let's see you smile. 05:56.000 --> 05:59.000 Oh, leave me alone. I won't. 05:59.000 --> 06:02.000 Oh, get on with you. 06:02.000 --> 06:05.000 Now, who do you suppose that could be? 06:05.000 --> 06:07.000 It's awfully light for visitors. 06:07.000 --> 06:11.000 Bunting, do you think it could be somebody looking for rooms? 06:11.000 --> 06:13.000 Why, it just might be. 06:13.000 --> 06:15.000 You want me to go to the door? 06:15.000 --> 06:16.000 No, I'll go. 06:16.000 --> 06:19.000 Mike, like as not it's Mrs Fane wanting the loan or something or other. 06:19.000 --> 06:23.000 Now, you be sure and get a good look before you let anybody in, dear. 06:23.000 --> 06:25.000 I'm coming, I'm coming. 06:28.000 --> 06:30.000 Yes, sir? 06:30.000 --> 06:34.000 Is it not true that... that you let lodgings? 06:34.000 --> 06:37.000 Yes, sir. Won't you come in, sir? 06:37.000 --> 06:39.000 Thank you. 06:39.000 --> 06:42.000 Could I... could I take your cape, sir? 06:42.000 --> 06:45.000 Thank you. However, there's no need. 06:45.000 --> 06:49.000 I am looking for rooms, quiet rooms. Above all, they must be quiet. 06:49.000 --> 06:52.000 Oh, yes, sir. You'll find all my rooms quite quiet, sir. 06:52.000 --> 06:55.000 All of them? How many are there? 06:55.000 --> 06:57.000 Just now, I have four left. 06:57.000 --> 07:00.000 The house is empty, save for my husband and me, sir. 07:00.000 --> 07:02.000 Oh, that sounds very suitable. 07:02.000 --> 07:04.000 You'll pardon me, sir, but the door... 07:04.000 --> 07:07.000 I am happy that you closed the door, madam. 07:07.000 --> 07:10.000 It's not safe to leave one open in London these days. 07:10.000 --> 07:12.000 That is a thing you should remember. 07:12.000 --> 07:15.000 It would be so easy for anyone to slip in. 07:15.000 --> 07:18.000 Oh, you're sure, sir. You needn't be afraid of that. 07:18.000 --> 07:20.000 Now, your bag. May I touch it? 07:20.000 --> 07:23.000 No. No, I'll hold it. 07:23.000 --> 07:25.000 If you'll be so good as to show me the rooms. 07:25.000 --> 07:28.000 Oh, yes. Yes, sir. They're right up these stairs, sir. 07:28.000 --> 07:30.000 Thank you. This way. 07:30.000 --> 07:34.000 Thank you. You see, sir, there's just my husband and me here, 07:34.000 --> 07:36.000 and we're ever so quiet. 07:36.000 --> 07:39.000 And I'm sure you'll find these rooms to your liking, sir. 07:39.000 --> 07:41.000 Here we are. 07:41.000 --> 07:45.000 Now, I'll just light the gas. 07:46.000 --> 07:48.000 There. Ah. 07:48.000 --> 07:52.000 It's very good. It is pleasant, isn't it, sir? 07:52.000 --> 07:55.000 Capital, capital. First rate, quite first rate. 07:55.000 --> 07:57.000 Exactly what I wanted. 07:57.000 --> 08:00.000 You must understand, madam, that I am a man of science, 08:00.000 --> 08:04.000 and I often require the presence of great heat. 08:04.000 --> 08:07.000 This seems like a capital stall. 08:07.000 --> 08:09.000 Oh, it is, sir. 08:09.000 --> 08:12.000 And the sink. It will be exceedingly useful to me. 08:12.000 --> 08:14.000 Exceedingly. 08:14.000 --> 08:16.000 And these pictures, sir. 08:16.000 --> 08:19.000 There's not many rooms in such pretty pictures, are there, now? 08:19.000 --> 08:22.000 The Three Graces. They've been in the family for years, sir. 08:22.000 --> 08:25.000 Yes, yes, yes. I... I'm tired. 08:25.000 --> 08:27.000 Tired, very, very tired. 08:27.000 --> 08:29.000 Indeed, sir. 08:29.000 --> 08:31.000 Then you mean to take my rooms? 08:31.000 --> 08:34.000 Where's my bag? Surely I had a bag when I came in. 08:34.000 --> 08:37.000 It's over there, sir. By the door, where you put it when we came into the room. 08:37.000 --> 08:39.000 Oh, yes, I beg your pardon, madam. 08:39.000 --> 08:42.000 But there is something in that bag which is very precious to me, 08:42.000 --> 08:45.000 something I procured with infinite difficulty, 08:45.000 --> 08:48.000 and which I could never come by again without getting into great danger. 08:48.000 --> 08:50.000 I'm sure of it, sir. 08:50.000 --> 08:52.000 Now, uh... now about the rooms. 08:52.000 --> 08:55.000 Oh, yes, yes, yes. I'll take them. 08:55.000 --> 08:58.000 The very simplicity, the bareness of them, impresses me. 08:58.000 --> 09:00.000 And about terms, sir? 09:00.000 --> 09:02.000 About terms. I... terms. 09:02.000 --> 09:04.000 My name is Sleuth, madam. 09:04.000 --> 09:07.000 S-L-E-U-T-H. 09:07.000 --> 09:10.000 Think of a hound and you will never forget my name. 09:10.000 --> 09:13.000 And assure yourself that I am quite willing to pay you. 09:13.000 --> 09:16.000 I am quite willing to pay you, shall we say, 09:16.000 --> 09:18.000 a month's rent in advance. 09:18.000 --> 09:22.000 What would you say to 15 shillings a week, sir? 09:22.000 --> 09:24.000 And if I offered you two pounds, 09:24.000 --> 09:27.000 might I then rely on your not taking another larger? 09:27.000 --> 09:29.000 Oh, yes, sir. 09:29.000 --> 09:31.000 First rate, first rate. 09:31.000 --> 09:34.000 Then everything seems quite suitable, Mrs... 09:34.000 --> 09:36.000 Bunting, sir. 09:36.000 --> 09:38.000 Mrs. Bunting, Mrs. Bunting. 09:38.000 --> 09:42.000 You see, I expect to do a great deal of studying here in this room. 09:42.000 --> 09:44.000 The Holy Bible. 09:44.000 --> 09:46.000 Oh, yes, sir. 09:46.000 --> 09:48.000 And please, sir, let me help you with your luggage. 09:48.000 --> 09:50.000 No, no, don't touch it. 09:50.000 --> 09:52.000 But, sir, I only wish to... 09:52.000 --> 09:54.000 Of course, of course, Mrs. Bunting. 09:54.000 --> 09:56.000 You only wish to help. You must forgive me. 09:56.000 --> 09:58.000 It's just that I am so very weary. 09:58.000 --> 10:00.000 Oh, I'm sorry, sir. 10:00.000 --> 10:03.000 He bringeth them to their desired haven. 10:03.000 --> 10:06.000 Beautiful words, Mrs. Bunting. 10:06.000 --> 10:08.000 Indeed they are, sir. 10:08.000 --> 10:11.000 And now at last I've found my haven of rest. 10:11.000 --> 10:13.000 I'll be going now, sir. 10:13.000 --> 10:15.000 Is there anything else? 10:15.000 --> 10:17.000 Oh, yes, of course. 10:17.000 --> 10:19.000 Of course there is. Your money, Mrs. Bunting. 10:19.000 --> 10:25.000 Ah, now, let's see. Here's five, six, seven, eight pounds. 10:25.000 --> 10:27.000 There. 10:27.000 --> 10:29.000 Thank you, sir. 10:29.000 --> 10:31.000 And would you wish supper now? Tea? 10:31.000 --> 10:33.000 Nothing, thank you. Nothing. 10:33.000 --> 10:35.000 Good night, sir. 10:35.000 --> 10:37.000 Good night, Mrs. Bunting. You have... 10:37.000 --> 10:39.000 Stop it! 10:39.000 --> 10:41.000 You are humming a song. 10:41.000 --> 10:44.000 Music, Mrs. Bunting, save that expressing the majesty of God 10:44.000 --> 10:46.000 is an accompaniment for irreverent gaiety 10:46.000 --> 10:48.000 and an instrument of sin. 10:48.000 --> 10:51.000 It bespeaks of obscene gods in revelry. 10:51.000 --> 10:53.000 It is the tongue of the devil mocking the saints. 10:53.000 --> 10:55.000 Yes, sir. 10:55.000 --> 11:00.000 And you, you assured me your dwelling was quiet. 11:00.000 --> 11:02.000 But it is, sir. 11:02.000 --> 11:04.000 Believe me, sir, I didn't mean any harm. 11:04.000 --> 11:06.000 Believe me, sir. Of course, of course, of course. 11:06.000 --> 11:09.000 I am sorry, Mrs. Bunting. I fear I spoke sharply. 11:09.000 --> 11:11.000 I don't wish you to think me rude. 11:11.000 --> 11:15.000 After all, you have been so very kind, so considerate. 11:15.000 --> 11:20.000 Oh, well, I hope I know a gentleman when I see one. 11:20.000 --> 11:23.000 Thank you. Thank you very much. 11:23.000 --> 11:25.000 And on second thought, Mrs. Bunting, 11:25.000 --> 11:28.000 perhaps a bit of bread and butter would be pleasant. 11:28.000 --> 11:41.000 Bread and butter, certainly, sir. I'll have it in an instant. 11:41.000 --> 11:43.000 Ellen, Ellen, did he take the room? 11:43.000 --> 11:45.000 Come into the kitchen where he won't hear us. 11:45.000 --> 11:48.000 Ellen, he took it. Tell me, he took the room, didn't he? 11:48.000 --> 11:50.000 Yes, Robbie, we're all right now. 11:50.000 --> 11:54.000 Look, eight pounds a month in advance. 11:54.000 --> 11:56.000 Oh, it's wonderful, it's wonderful. 11:56.000 --> 12:00.000 Ellen, oh, Ellen, you see what this means? 12:00.000 --> 12:04.000 Yes, Robbie, you can have Daisy now. You can bring her home. 12:04.000 --> 12:06.000 Here, hand me that dish. 12:06.000 --> 12:08.000 Right. Do you know something, old girl? 12:08.000 --> 12:13.000 We're not going to worry too much about Daisy being in danger, that avenger fellow. 12:13.000 --> 12:15.000 Whatever do you mean, Robbie? 12:15.000 --> 12:19.000 Well, she's not one for dancing, you know, or any kind of like entertainment. 12:19.000 --> 12:21.000 And what's that to do with it, please? 12:21.000 --> 12:24.000 Something I read here in the paper while you was with the gentleman. 12:24.000 --> 12:31.000 They found out that every one of the avenger's victims had just come from a dancing party or a musical. 12:31.000 --> 12:34.000 Oh, never mind the avenger now, Bunting. 12:34.000 --> 12:37.000 Here, hurry, take this bread and butter up to the lodger. 12:37.000 --> 12:48.000 That was the first and the last time Mr. Bunting served the lodger. 12:48.000 --> 12:50.000 The man who called himself Sleuth 12:50.000 --> 12:56.000 made it at once clear that he preferred to be waited on only by one person and that person his landlady. 12:56.000 --> 13:01.000 He gave her very little trouble. His oddities were something to occupy her mind. 13:01.000 --> 13:02.000 They amused her. 13:02.000 --> 13:08.000 And Mr. Sleuth had none of those tiresome disagreeable ways with which landlady's are only too familiar. 13:08.000 --> 13:12.000 To take but one point, Mr. Sleuth did not ask to be called unduly early. 13:12.000 --> 13:19.000 It was a great comfort not to have to turn out to make the lodger a cup of tea at seven or even half past seven. 13:19.000 --> 13:37.000 Mr. Sleuth seldom required anything before eleven. 13:37.000 --> 13:43.000 Nothing about her new lodger really distressed Alan until the evening of the third day. 13:43.000 --> 13:51.000 It was time for Mr. Sleuth's dinner and she started up the staircase to his room. 13:51.000 --> 13:57.000 She had cast down many molded from her. Many strong men had been slain by her. 13:57.000 --> 14:00.000 Come in. 14:00.000 --> 14:05.000 She saith unto him stolen waters are sweet and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. 14:05.000 --> 14:08.000 But he knoweth not that the dead are there and that our guests are in the depths. 14:08.000 --> 14:10.000 Why, Mr. 14:10.000 --> 14:12.000 Yes. What is it? 14:12.000 --> 14:15.000 Those pictures, those pretty girls. 14:15.000 --> 14:19.000 Half human monsters, madam, who stare at me and eat of my sinew. 14:19.000 --> 14:22.000 You've turned all their faces to the wall. 14:22.000 --> 14:46.000 A woman is a narrow gate. She also lieth and waiteth for a play and entreateth the transgressors among men. 14:46.000 --> 14:51.000 And that maneuver, that strange action was the beginning of Alan's concern. 14:51.000 --> 14:57.000 Logically it was nothing. Mr. Sleuth simply had a queer kind of fear and dislike of women. 14:57.000 --> 15:03.000 And where one's lodger is concerned, a dislike of women is better than, well, the other kind. 15:03.000 --> 15:11.000 Besides, the next morning brought Daisy and laughing welcomes, for the sight of such a carefree girl was enough to gladden any parent's heart. 15:11.000 --> 15:18.000 And half-born suspicions withdrew into their own peculiar recesses of Alan's brain. 15:18.000 --> 15:27.000 For Daisy was pink-cheeked, blue-eyed and gay. She was also young and lovely. And she was blonde. 15:27.000 --> 15:30.000 Oh, it's so good to be home. 15:30.000 --> 15:34.000 Oh, Daisy, you're even prettier than I remembered you would be. 15:34.000 --> 15:40.000 That's right, Daisy. Let me look at you, darling. Did you have a nice time at your auntie's? 15:40.000 --> 15:44.000 Oh, yes, but I'm glad you wrote me to come back. 15:44.000 --> 15:48.000 That old answer's nothing to do. At least nothing exciting to do. 15:48.000 --> 15:53.000 And Joe will be coming around to see you now, Daisy. I told him you was coming home today. 15:53.000 --> 16:00.000 Joe Chandler? That policeman? I don't know whether I want to be serious friends with a policeman. 16:00.000 --> 16:05.000 Him that walks around all day and's too tired when he comes home to have any fun. 16:05.000 --> 16:11.000 A girl could do worse than have a policeman for a friend these days with the Avenger about. 16:11.000 --> 16:17.000 The Avenger don't worry me none. Even though he's got two more victims last night. 16:17.000 --> 16:22.000 Two more? Yes, the cabbie was telling me about it. On the way down from the station. 16:22.000 --> 16:27.000 The slutty devil. Got them within a few yards of each other. He's got a nerve. 16:27.000 --> 16:31.000 Daisy, you talk like you've been taken in by him. 16:31.000 --> 16:33.000 Oh, Mother. 16:33.000 --> 16:36.000 Oh, that'll be Joe, I'm thinking. I'll go, Father. 16:36.000 --> 16:39.000 Daisy. 16:39.000 --> 16:43.000 Hello, Joe. It's nice to see you. 16:43.000 --> 16:46.000 Oh, Daisy. I've missed you something terrible. 16:46.000 --> 16:50.000 It's nice of you to say so. Won't you come in? 16:50.000 --> 16:54.000 Thank you. Good afternoon, Mrs. Bunting. Mr. Bunting. 16:54.000 --> 17:00.000 Hello, Joe. Daisy was just telling us she heard from a cabbie that the Avengers struck again. 17:00.000 --> 17:02.000 Aye, that he has. 17:02.000 --> 17:05.000 Well, tell us about it, Joe. Have they got any clues? 17:05.000 --> 17:10.000 Well, they have and they haven't. But the yard is circulating a description at last. 17:10.000 --> 17:12.000 Well, go on, tell us, Joe. 17:12.000 --> 17:18.000 Well, it ain't given out to the public yet. But I guess you folks aren't the public. 17:18.000 --> 17:20.000 Of course not. Tell us, Joe. 17:20.000 --> 17:24.000 Well, this is the way we got it at eight o'clock this morning. 17:24.000 --> 17:32.000 Wanted. A man of age approximately 28, height five feet eight inches, complexion dark. 17:32.000 --> 17:40.000 No beard or whiskers, wearing a black diagonal coat, hard felt hat, high white collar and tie. 17:40.000 --> 17:42.000 Very respectable appearance. 17:42.000 --> 17:46.000 What I'd like to know is why on earth did the people who saw him try and catch him? 17:46.000 --> 17:50.000 Well, it's this way, Daisy. No one person did see all that. 17:50.000 --> 17:57.000 You see, at such time when the murders took place, not much of anybody was about especially on a foggy night. 17:57.000 --> 18:02.000 One woman declares that she saw a chap walking away from the spot where it's done. 18:02.000 --> 18:06.000 And another one says the Avenger passed her by. 18:06.000 --> 18:15.000 And well, the inspector who has charge of that sort of thing looked up what other people said and well, that's how he made up this wanted. 18:15.000 --> 18:17.000 Well, did they find the murder weapon yet? 18:17.000 --> 18:22.000 No. No, but from the condition of the bodies they know what it's like. 18:22.000 --> 18:24.000 What is the condition of the body? 18:24.000 --> 18:25.000 Daisy. 18:25.000 --> 18:27.000 Well, Daisy, you ought to see the way he... 18:27.000 --> 18:28.000 Joe! 18:28.000 --> 18:32.000 Oh, I guess I'd better not go into that. 18:32.000 --> 18:41.000 But I can say that the inspector described the murder weapon as a peculiar kind of knife, keen as a razor and pointed as a dagger. 18:41.000 --> 18:43.000 And the Avenger knows how to use it. 18:43.000 --> 18:44.000 Oh. 18:44.000 --> 18:48.000 I'd give anything, Joe. I'd give anything to see the locks of a knife like that. 18:48.000 --> 18:51.000 You cruel, bloodthirsty girl. 18:51.000 --> 18:52.000 I learn. 18:52.000 --> 18:57.000 Of course I'd like to see it. It'd be fine looking at a knife like that. 18:57.000 --> 19:04.000 Well, if they catches them and you come along with me to see our black museum at the yard, you'll certainly see the knife. 19:04.000 --> 19:08.000 Black museum? Well, whatever do they have a museum in your place for? 19:08.000 --> 19:14.000 Oh, it's a regular chamber of horrors where they keep all sorts of things connected with crime. 19:14.000 --> 19:17.000 Things like knives murders are being committed with? 19:17.000 --> 19:25.000 Oh, much more than knives, Mr. Bunting. Why, they've got there in little bottles the real poison what people have been done away with. 19:25.000 --> 19:28.000 And can you go there whenever you like? 19:28.000 --> 19:33.000 Why, of course. And I can take you too. And your daddy if he wants it. 19:33.000 --> 19:41.000 Well, what do you say to today, Joe? The three of us. Daisy and you and me. I don't expect Ellen would want to go. 19:41.000 --> 19:43.000 To turn me sick. 19:43.000 --> 19:46.000 Well, I guess I could. 19:46.000 --> 19:53.000 Sure you could, Joe. Ellen ain't on in this turn. She can just stay home and mind the cat. 19:53.000 --> 19:58.000 I beg his pardon. I mean the lodger. 19:58.000 --> 20:23.000 I won't have Mr. Sleuth laughed at. I'm sure it's very kind of you, Joe, to think of giving Bunting and Daisy such a rare treat. 20:23.000 --> 20:32.000 How curious, how amazing to reflect that one unseen mysterious stranger had touched the lives of those ordinary people. 20:32.000 --> 20:36.000 Ellen and Bunting and Joe and Daisy. 20:36.000 --> 20:40.000 Here in this drab neighborhood on that bitterly cold dreary day. 20:40.000 --> 20:48.000 Here they had all been thinking of, talking of, evoking one unknown mysterious personality. 20:48.000 --> 20:54.000 That of the shadowy and yet terribly real human being who chose to call himself the Avenger. 20:54.000 --> 21:00.000 And the effect was a very real one. A sort of witchery. The very name Avenger seduced common sense. 21:00.000 --> 21:05.000 And somehow even Mrs. Bunting realized the irony of her presence among such talk. 21:05.000 --> 21:21.000 While this thought threaded vaguely through her mind, she took her tea, doing everything as was her way, with a certain delicate and clean precision. 21:21.000 --> 21:26.000 A sound startled her. Shuffling, hesitating steps were creaking down the house. 21:26.000 --> 21:33.000 She looked up and listened. Surely the lodger was not going out again into the cold and foggy afternoon. 21:33.000 --> 21:39.000 Of course not. Mr. Sleuth was evidently about to do something that he had never done before. 21:39.000 --> 21:43.000 He was coming down into the kitchen. 21:43.000 --> 21:50.000 Yes, sir. What can I do for you, sir? I hope you didn't ring, sir. 21:50.000 --> 21:56.000 No, no I didn't. The truth is I didn't know you were here, Mrs. Bunting. My gas stove has gone wrong. 21:56.000 --> 21:57.000 Yes? 21:57.000 --> 22:05.000 So I came down to see if I, if you had a gas stove. I'm going to ask you to allow me to use it tonight for an important experiment I wish to make. 22:05.000 --> 22:08.000 You'll find it very cold down here, sir. 22:08.000 --> 22:12.000 It seems most warm. Warm and cosy after my cold room upstairs. 22:12.000 --> 22:16.000 For the matter of that, you ought to have a fire in your bedroom these cold nights. 22:16.000 --> 22:21.000 Certainly not. I dislike an open fire. I thought I had told you as much. 22:21.000 --> 22:30.000 Yes, I remember. I, very good, sir. I'll be out of the kitchen in half an hour. You can use it then, sir. 22:30.000 --> 22:37.000 Thank you all the same, Mrs. Bunting. But I shall come down later. All together later after you and your husband have gone to bed tonight. 22:37.000 --> 22:41.000 I assure you I will pay you something for the use of the stove, Mrs. Bunting. 22:41.000 --> 22:45.000 Oh, no, sir. I wouldn't think of charging you anything for that. 22:45.000 --> 22:56.000 That's very generous of you. Sometimes I believe that you are too generous towards me. I feel I have become a burden to you. Have I, Mrs. Bunting? 22:56.000 --> 22:59.000 Oh, no, sir. 22:59.000 --> 23:02.000 Then I'll bid you good afternoon, Mrs. Bunting. 23:02.000 --> 23:16.000 Yes, sir. 23:16.000 --> 23:20.000 It was as simple as that. A simple request by her lodger. 23:20.000 --> 23:28.000 But another part of Ellen's mind seemed to be working independently of requests, asking her insistent questions. 23:28.000 --> 23:39.000 Her house seemed to her alive with alien presences, and she would catch herself listening, which was absurd, for of course she could not hope to hear what Mr. Sleuth was doing two flights upstairs. 23:39.000 --> 23:49.000 She wondered briefly on what the lodger's experiments consisted. It was odd that she had never been able to discover what it was he really did with that gas stove. 23:49.000 --> 24:10.000 All she knew was that he used a very high degree of heat. 24:10.000 --> 24:32.000 And later, waiting for sleep to come to her that night, such thoughts persisted. They inserted themselves like a cloud between a sweet dream and the dreaming of it. Questions, questions and contrived answers and sudden realizations, as for example the curious matter of Mr. Sleuth's three suits, which he had purchased the very day he had arrived at Ellen's home. 24:32.000 --> 24:51.000 Today, when she had dusted his room, she had noticed that one of those suits had completely disappeared. 24:51.000 --> 25:03.000 It was intensely dark, intensely quiet, the darkest quietest hour of the night when Mrs. Bunting was awakened by sounds at once unexpected and familiar. 25:03.000 --> 25:14.000 Her sleep had been restless with constant disturbing images, and so when she heard the first stealthy footsteps outside her bedroom, she was fully conscious. 25:14.000 --> 25:24.000 Suddenly she followed those steps down the stairs, down the hallway. She heard the front door open and then click shut. 25:24.000 --> 25:51.000 Her stillness fell upon the house, and outside the streets were so silent she could hear distinctly the clock from a church tower a mile away told the hour. 25:51.000 --> 26:07.000 Like her troubled fancy, she pictured a long, long figure plodding through the swirling fog, moving quietly, stealthily, seeking, stalking, finding. 26:07.000 --> 26:13.000 When soon after she heard the lodger return, there was no surcease from the horrible dread which possessed her. 26:13.000 --> 26:21.000 It grew into something shrill, something that made her crouch in her bed, her thumb clasped between her teeth, stifling a scream. 26:21.000 --> 26:36.000 And then she remembered, of course, the stove. The lodger had told her he would use the stove that night for an experiment, for an experiment that needed an intense amount of heat. 26:36.000 --> 26:44.000 Then there was no more sleep, nearly a tormented state of half-awareness which suddenly stripped away soon after dawn. 26:44.000 --> 26:46.000 Horrible murder! 26:46.000 --> 26:50.000 Horrible murder, the piercing scream of a newsboy down in the street. 26:50.000 --> 26:53.000 The Avenger strikes during night! 26:53.000 --> 26:58.000 Ellen Bunting heard the boy cry out the Avenger's latest stroke made during the night. 26:58.000 --> 27:13.000 No! No! 27:13.000 --> 27:33.000 In tonight's full hour of suspense, Mr. Robert Montgomery appears in the title role as the Lodger. Tonight's study in suspense. 27:33.000 --> 27:37.000 In just a moment, we will return with Act Two of Suspense. 27:37.000 --> 27:42.000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. 27:42.000 --> 27:46.000 Now, back to our Hollywood soundstage. 27:46.000 --> 28:10.000 With Mr. Robert Montgomery in the title role, and with Act Two of the Lodger, we again calculate to keep you in suspense. 28:10.000 --> 28:15.000 When Mrs. Bunting went down to her kitchen that morning, everything looked just as she had left it, 28:15.000 --> 28:22.000 except that the cavernous whitewashed room seemed to be filled with an acrid kind of fog and the smell of burned cloth. 28:22.000 --> 28:28.000 She twisted a newspaper, lighted it, then stooped and flung open the door of her gas stove. 28:28.000 --> 28:32.000 A fierce heat had been generated there since she had last used the oven, 28:32.000 --> 28:38.000 and through to the stone floor below had fallen a mass of stringy black soot. 28:38.000 --> 28:44.000 Somehow she wasn't surprised. Somehow it was as she expected. 28:44.000 --> 28:50.000 Yet her first glimpse that morning of the gray-faced Lodger all but banished her sleepless night's terror. 28:50.000 --> 28:55.000 Mr. Sleuth looked lonely, very, very lonely and forlorn. 28:55.000 --> 28:59.000 There was a kind of pitiable, helpless weariness in his eyes. 28:59.000 --> 29:03.000 She found she was hoping desperately that her unspoken fears were unfounded, 29:03.000 --> 29:08.000 and she knew that she must be certain, certain before she voiced her fears to a soul. 29:08.000 --> 29:11.000 And there was one thing she could do. 29:11.000 --> 29:15.000 Examine the Lodger's single piece of luggage. What could it hold? 29:15.000 --> 29:19.000 Not much in the way of clothing, surely. It was too small, too narrow. 29:19.000 --> 29:23.000 It was more like a case, a case for a knife. 29:28.000 --> 29:32.000 It was just noon when Ellen found her opportunity to search the Lodger's room. 29:32.000 --> 29:36.000 When the bell was tolling the hour, Mr. Sleuth himself walked from the house, 29:36.000 --> 29:41.000 and she watched the tall, thin figure in the black, invinous cape disappear down the street. 29:41.000 --> 29:45.000 She waited a few minutes, and then she rushed upstairs. 29:48.000 --> 29:52.000 Daisy! What are you doing in Mr. Sleuth's room? 29:52.000 --> 29:55.000 Oh, whatever's the matter with you, Martha? 29:55.000 --> 29:58.000 Oh, well, I'm... I'm all right. 29:58.000 --> 30:00.000 But you've gone white. 30:00.000 --> 30:02.000 You gave me a fright, child. 30:02.000 --> 30:07.000 Ha! I'll bet father a sixpence that I'd have a dust cloth in my hand before you'd mention it. 30:07.000 --> 30:09.000 You see, I've won. 30:09.000 --> 30:11.000 Oh. 30:11.000 --> 30:15.000 Well, are you glad you've come home, Daisy? 30:15.000 --> 30:18.000 Oh, you don't know how fond it is to be back again. 30:18.000 --> 30:20.000 Well, just yesterday I was saying to Jo, 30:20.000 --> 30:24.000 the country's all right in its way, but there's nothing like London. 30:24.000 --> 30:26.000 It's a truth now, Mother, isn't it? 30:26.000 --> 30:29.000 Yes. Yes, I suppose it is. 30:29.000 --> 30:31.000 And Jo. 30:31.000 --> 30:33.000 He's a nice one, Mother. 30:33.000 --> 30:35.000 I like Jo. 30:35.000 --> 30:38.000 I'm glad of that. Jo's a steady one. 30:38.000 --> 30:40.000 Daisy. 30:40.000 --> 30:44.000 Daisy, as long as that avenge is about, 30:44.000 --> 30:47.000 I say you should do something about those fair locks of yours. 30:47.000 --> 30:49.000 Don't worry about that. 30:49.000 --> 30:52.000 I'll dye them, maybe, or just pin them up under my hat. 30:52.000 --> 30:55.000 I'm afraid that wouldn't do, Daisy. 30:55.000 --> 30:58.000 What kind of a man is this? Larger of yours? 30:58.000 --> 31:00.000 Oh, I don't know. He's... 31:00.000 --> 31:03.000 He must be a queer one, sitting up here most all day by himself. 31:03.000 --> 31:06.000 Awful lonely, like I calls it. 31:06.000 --> 31:09.000 People do what they care to do, child. 31:09.000 --> 31:11.000 Well, whatever does he do with himself all day? 31:11.000 --> 31:14.000 He reads. Reads the Bible. 31:14.000 --> 31:16.000 Oh, never. 31:16.000 --> 31:18.000 That's a funny thing for a gentleman to do. 31:18.000 --> 31:20.000 There's nothing to laugh at. 31:20.000 --> 31:24.000 I should feel ashamed of being caught laughing at anything connected with the Bible. 31:24.000 --> 31:26.000 He must be a queer card, that Larger. 31:26.000 --> 31:30.000 He's no queerer than a lot of people I could mention. 31:30.000 --> 31:34.000 Daisy, you go into the Larger's sitting room and dust up. 31:34.000 --> 31:37.000 I'll take care of things in here. 31:37.000 --> 31:41.000 And you won't send me back to Old Ants? 31:41.000 --> 31:44.000 I can stay here, Mother, can't I? 31:44.000 --> 31:47.000 I suppose, child. 31:47.000 --> 32:05.000 I suppose you can. 32:05.000 --> 32:08.000 And Mrs. Bunting went about her work. 32:08.000 --> 32:10.000 Quickly she moved to the closet. 32:10.000 --> 32:13.000 The contents were a bit different from the last time. 32:13.000 --> 32:15.000 Another one of her Larger's new suits had disappeared. 32:15.000 --> 32:18.000 But somehow she expected that, too. 32:18.000 --> 32:22.000 It fitted with the smell of burned cloth she'd noticed that morning in the kitchen. 32:22.000 --> 32:25.000 But she found nothing under the bed. 32:25.000 --> 32:28.000 She went then to the chest of drawers against the wall. 32:28.000 --> 32:33.000 She opened the top drawer and found inside nothing but a frayed shirt and two handkerchiefs. 32:33.000 --> 32:35.000 The next drawer, under clothes and socks. 32:35.000 --> 32:37.000 The next, empty. 32:37.000 --> 32:42.000 There remained then only one possible place for the small, narrow bag. 32:42.000 --> 32:44.000 The bottom drawer. 32:44.000 --> 32:46.000 And it was locked. 32:46.000 --> 32:49.000 Tugging at the drawer, she heard suddenly the opening of the door behind her. 32:49.000 --> 32:59.000 Panic-stricken, she froze to the spot and then slowly, ever so slowly, she turned her head. 32:59.000 --> 33:02.000 Mr. Sleuth. 33:02.000 --> 33:04.000 Mrs. Bunting? 33:04.000 --> 33:07.000 You...you've invaded my privacy? 33:07.000 --> 33:09.000 Why, I...I was just... 33:09.000 --> 33:12.000 My cupboard door is awry. 33:12.000 --> 33:14.000 Does this mean that you have been searching my room? 33:14.000 --> 33:16.000 It's about her, Snuffbox, sir. 33:16.000 --> 33:20.000 My husband, Bunting, that is, remembered an old Snuffbox. 33:20.000 --> 33:21.000 He thought still my... 33:21.000 --> 33:25.000 Does this mean that I must keep each drawer locked to prevent your spying upon me? 33:25.000 --> 33:27.000 Oh, no, sir. 33:27.000 --> 33:30.000 You see, sir, Bunting has a very high opinion of that Snuffbox. 33:30.000 --> 33:32.000 What are you talking to? 33:32.000 --> 33:35.000 Quickly, tell me, who is this? 33:35.000 --> 33:38.000 This is my stepdaughter, sir. 33:38.000 --> 33:40.000 Daisy. 33:40.000 --> 33:42.000 She just arrived yesterday, sir. You see... 33:42.000 --> 33:44.000 Pleased to meet you, sir. 33:44.000 --> 33:46.000 She's been away for quite a long while, sir. 33:46.000 --> 33:49.000 We really didn't know when she was returning home, Mr. Sleuth. 33:49.000 --> 33:52.000 That's why I didn't mention Daisy when you took the rooms. 33:52.000 --> 33:57.000 And I must say, sir, that I was surprised to hear about us taking in a lodger. 33:57.000 --> 33:59.000 And pleased about it, too, sir. 33:59.000 --> 34:04.000 Yes. Yes, I...I must say that I am the one who was surprised. 34:04.000 --> 34:07.000 Yes. And perhaps even pleased. 34:07.000 --> 34:09.000 Thank you, sir. 34:09.000 --> 34:11.000 Yes, of course, I am pleased. 34:11.000 --> 34:16.000 There are, Miss Daisy, all kinds of pleasures, are there not? 34:16.000 --> 34:20.000 Yes. I'm sure there are. 34:20.000 --> 34:23.000 The despicable evil joy of the abandoned. 34:23.000 --> 34:27.000 Those who seek the darkness to sip the juice of forbidden fruit. 34:27.000 --> 34:32.000 Surely, surely, Miss Daisy, you shun such pleasure as that. 34:32.000 --> 34:35.000 Oh, yes. That is us, but... 34:35.000 --> 34:38.000 A vast difference, that, from the divine happiness of the blessed. 34:38.000 --> 34:41.000 Those of clean hands and pure heart. 34:41.000 --> 34:43.000 You do understand me, don't you? 34:43.000 --> 34:45.000 Oh, yes, sir. Yes, Mr. Sleuth. 34:45.000 --> 34:47.000 I devidly hope so, Miss Daisy. 34:47.000 --> 34:53.000 Nowadays, there are so very few young women like yourself who do understand. 34:53.000 --> 34:57.000 In fact, I all but despaired ever of finding one. 34:57.000 --> 35:00.000 I'm sure it's nice of you to say so, Mr. Sleuth. 35:00.000 --> 35:05.000 It is a people who do err in their hearts, and they have not known my ways. 35:05.000 --> 35:10.000 Unto them I swore in my wrath that they should not enter unto my rest. 35:10.000 --> 35:13.000 True words, Miss Daisy. True. 35:13.000 --> 35:15.000 Yes, sir. 35:15.000 --> 35:18.000 Now, I must be putting things away downstairs, Mr. Sleuth. 35:18.000 --> 35:20.000 Of course, Miss Daisy. 35:20.000 --> 35:22.000 And I must rest. 35:22.000 --> 35:26.000 Believe me, it has been a revelation to meet you. 35:26.000 --> 35:28.000 Oh, thank you, sir. 35:28.000 --> 35:31.000 I'm sure we shall have much to discuss. 35:31.000 --> 35:33.000 Yes, sir. 35:36.000 --> 35:39.000 He's a queer one, all right, Mother. 35:39.000 --> 35:42.000 But such a gentleman, isn't he? 35:42.000 --> 35:44.000 The End 35:59.000 --> 36:03.000 At that moment, Ellen had been determined to pour out her terrible knowledge. 36:03.000 --> 36:07.000 But the moment was fleeting, and Ellen's resolve fled with it. 36:07.000 --> 36:13.000 She felt herself that perhaps the past few days had been nothing more than a tormenting play of imagination. 36:13.000 --> 36:17.000 There would be a coroner's inquest tomorrow into the Avengers' last murder. 36:17.000 --> 36:23.000 Jo would take her. With Jo, they would admit her, and there perhaps she would hear evidence to disprove all her fears, 36:23.000 --> 36:28.000 to assure her there was no earthly harm in Daisy's being so near the lodger. 36:28.000 --> 36:36.000 This was her gravest concern now, for on the next morning Mr. Sleuth made it a point to see the girl more than once, 36:36.000 --> 36:42.000 and fearfully Ellen saw that Daisy welcomed the visits, that her eyes shined whenever the lodger's name was mentioned. 36:42.000 --> 36:49.000 That afternoon, she heard once more the voices of her stepdaughter and the lodger coming to her through the kitchen door. 36:49.000 --> 36:53.000 She hesitated before entering, tense, apprehensive. 36:53.000 --> 36:58.000 Oh, doobly, Mr. Sleuth, I'd never known a gentleman with such funny ideas. 36:59.000 --> 37:03.000 Oh, Mother. Mother, you should hear what Mr. Sleuth was just saying. 37:03.000 --> 37:06.000 Perhaps, Daisy, you would excuse yourself. 37:06.000 --> 37:10.000 He thinks people, and especially girls, should spend all their time praying. 37:10.000 --> 37:15.000 I sought to explain to her, Mrs. Bunting, that all women are placed on this earth filled with wickedness. 37:15.000 --> 37:17.000 I'm not so sure of that, Mr. Sleuth. 37:17.000 --> 37:21.000 And they therefore must cleanse from themselves that evil which they possess. 37:21.000 --> 37:24.000 They must struggle constantly to find the paths of righteousness. 37:24.000 --> 37:28.000 Mr. Sleuth, you mean a girl's not to enjoy life at all, not have any fun? 37:28.000 --> 37:33.000 Frivolity, my child, is the harbinger of destruction. It is the devil's breeding ground. 37:33.000 --> 37:38.000 And all his implements are there. Temptation, pleasure, wine. 37:38.000 --> 37:41.000 Oh, there's nothing allot better than a glass of wine and allot... 37:41.000 --> 37:42.000 You drink? 37:42.000 --> 37:47.000 She didn't know what she was saying, Mr. Sleuth. Just a child. She never tasted wine. 37:47.000 --> 37:49.000 Daisy, you'd better go now. 37:49.000 --> 37:51.000 Frivolity, my child, is the devil's breeding ground. 37:51.000 --> 38:00.000 Mark this. Those who consort with temptation, with impropriety, with illicit music and dancing, those are the accursed... 38:00.000 --> 38:05.000 Oh, but that's crazy. However can you say that there's nothing allot better than an evening of dancing? 38:05.000 --> 38:06.000 You dance? 38:06.000 --> 38:10.000 She's joking, Mr. Sleuth. That's why she's joking with you. 38:10.000 --> 38:14.000 Daisy's just a child. She's never been one for dancing. She's never even learned how to dance. 38:14.000 --> 38:18.000 But I did learn, Mother, while I was away. 38:18.000 --> 38:21.000 What's so wrong about it? What's the harm in just a nice dance? 38:21.000 --> 38:25.000 She lieth in wait as for a prey and increaseth the transgressors among men. 38:25.000 --> 38:28.000 I don't know what you mean. I'm sure I never heard such nonsense. 38:28.000 --> 38:36.000 You call holy scripture nonsense? So what I prayed against has come to pass. You are beyond salvation. 38:36.000 --> 38:39.000 That's not so. I'm a good girl. I am. I won't have you saying this. 38:39.000 --> 38:41.000 Daisy, Daisy, go into the front room. 38:41.000 --> 38:46.000 It's quite all right, Mrs. Bunting. I must be going upstairs anyway. 38:46.000 --> 38:50.000 I'm used to being misunderstood, you know. 38:50.000 --> 38:55.000 People never realize that my efforts are for the greater good of humanity. 38:55.000 --> 38:58.000 They don't know that I'm their benefactor. 38:58.000 --> 39:00.000 Of course. 39:00.000 --> 39:06.000 And that power unhigh will direct my hand toward the expulsion of all evil. 39:06.000 --> 39:10.000 All the evil in the world. 39:10.000 --> 39:16.000 Daisy, Daisy, listen to me. 39:16.000 --> 39:18.000 Yes? 39:18.000 --> 39:22.000 Daisy, I've got to tell you about... about... 39:22.000 --> 39:24.000 About what, Mother? 39:24.000 --> 39:30.000 Nothing. I suppose nothing. 39:30.000 --> 39:34.000 Then I'll go out for a while. I'll tell Joe I'd meet him. 39:34.000 --> 39:42.000 Yes. Yes, I suppose it's... really... nothing. 39:42.000 --> 39:50.000 But there was something. 39:50.000 --> 39:59.000 Though the words had not yet shaped themselves in her mind, there was a knowledge stark and terrifying. 39:59.000 --> 40:03.000 It was as if a grinning face were leaning towards her. 40:03.000 --> 40:06.000 She was a woman of the past. 40:06.000 --> 40:13.000 And in her mind, there was a knowledge stark and terrifying. It was as if a grinning face were leaning towards her. 40:13.000 --> 40:17.000 Whispering and a hand at her back, thrusting her forward. 40:17.000 --> 40:23.000 Ellen ran up the steps. She had to know. And who, who but the lodger could tell her. 40:30.000 --> 40:32.000 You are welcome, Mrs. Bunting. 40:32.000 --> 40:35.000 But I believe propriety dictates that you knock. 40:35.000 --> 40:36.000 Mr. Sleuth. 40:36.000 --> 40:37.000 Yes? 40:37.000 --> 40:42.000 It's... it's about Daisy, sir. 40:42.000 --> 40:46.000 She is a great disappointment to me, madam. And I suppose to you. 40:46.000 --> 40:52.000 Yes. Yes, that must be it. You want me to help her seek salvation. You want me to kneel with her... 40:52.000 --> 40:56.000 Oh, no! No, sir. It isn't that at all. 40:56.000 --> 41:03.000 Well, then what is it, madam? Come, I was preparing myself for a walk. It's a fine dark day for a walk. 41:03.000 --> 41:07.000 Surely you wouldn't go out now. It isn't fit for anyone to be out in that fog. 41:07.000 --> 41:13.000 You must be justing, Mrs. Bunting. From this window I saw Miss Daisy go into the street not five minutes ago. 41:13.000 --> 41:21.000 A very sweet looking young girl, Miss Daisy. A pity she has estranged herself from innocence. 41:21.000 --> 41:24.000 You don't know what you're saying, Mr. Sleuth. 41:24.000 --> 41:27.000 Come to the window, Miss Bunting. Listen. 41:27.000 --> 41:33.000 How very quiet and still London is in the fog. Not a sound. 41:33.000 --> 41:39.000 Yes. Yes. It's very quiet today. 41:39.000 --> 41:42.000 Too quiet, I'm thinking. Quite natural, like. 41:42.000 --> 41:49.000 And I, for one, have a delicate feeling for nature. So now, Mrs. Bunting, if you'll excuse me, I... 41:49.000 --> 41:55.000 But aren't you afraid, Mr. Sleuth? Aren't you afraid of going outside? 41:55.000 --> 41:57.000 Afraid? Afraid of what? 41:57.000 --> 42:03.000 I was thinking of the police. 42:03.000 --> 42:06.000 The police? 42:06.000 --> 42:17.000 But what is man? What is man's puny power and his strength when set against that of the highest power? 42:17.000 --> 42:23.000 So Ellen had tried and she had failed. But even then she had had her moment of triumph. 42:23.000 --> 42:30.000 Looking out of the window she had seen Daisy, arm in arm with Joe Chandler and smiling up into his face. 42:30.000 --> 42:35.000 She was relieved when the lodger left the house. She needed this time for thinking. 42:35.000 --> 42:38.000 And now she knew what she must do. 42:38.000 --> 42:44.000 In an hour or so Daisy would be coming home with Joe and then she would ask him to take her to the coroner's inquest. 42:44.000 --> 42:47.000 She must give the lodger that last benefit of doubt. 42:47.000 --> 42:57.000 And if that should fail then she would tell Bunting or go to the police. And in an hour as she expected. 42:57.000 --> 42:58.000 Oh. 42:58.000 --> 43:03.000 It's me, Mrs. Bunting. I've come to see you about something. Mind if I come in? 43:03.000 --> 43:08.000 Yes, yes, come in, Joe. But where's...where's Daisy? 43:08.000 --> 43:13.000 That's what I've come to see you about, Mrs. Bunting. About Daisy. You see... 43:13.000 --> 43:15.000 Where is she, Joe? What's happened? 43:15.000 --> 43:20.000 You see, we were walking and Miss Daisy asked to be by herself for a while for the reason that... 43:20.000 --> 43:21.000 No! 43:21.000 --> 43:27.000 Now, now, now, don't take on Mrs. Bunting. I don't think what I've got to say can take you by surprise. 43:27.000 --> 43:30.000 From the look or two you've been casting me lately. 43:30.000 --> 43:34.000 Why, Joe? Whatever are you talking about? 43:34.000 --> 43:43.000 Well, like I say, Mrs. Bunting, it's your daughter. It's Daisy. I want her hand. I want to marry her. 43:43.000 --> 43:47.000 Mr. Bunting now said if it's all right with you, it's all right with him. 43:47.000 --> 43:50.000 Then Daisy's all right. Nothing's happened to my Daisy. 43:50.000 --> 43:56.000 Well, of course, of course she's all right. She told me she wanted to do something about me and she... 43:56.000 --> 43:58.000 She didn't want me around while she'd done it. 43:58.000 --> 43:59.000 Oh. 43:59.000 --> 44:02.000 I left her with her daddy just a minute ago at the corner pub. 44:02.000 --> 44:09.000 Well, as far as I'm concerned, you have my blessing, Joe. 44:09.000 --> 44:12.000 Oh, that's mighty fine, Mrs. Bunting. 44:12.000 --> 44:15.000 And Joe, I want you to do something for me. 44:15.000 --> 44:18.000 Of course I will. Just ask me, Mrs. Bunting. 44:18.000 --> 44:23.000 Joe, I... I want to go to the coroner's inquest tomorrow. 44:23.000 --> 44:26.000 Coroner? But why? 44:26.000 --> 44:33.000 I've got a reason for wanting to go there. I want you to take me, Joe. 44:33.000 --> 44:35.000 Well, I guess I could. 44:35.000 --> 44:39.000 Why, sure. Of course I'll take you, Mrs. Bunting. 44:39.000 --> 44:43.000 Oh, I'd be proud to take my future more any place, she says. 44:59.000 --> 45:03.000 So the last frantic search for disproving evidence had begun. 45:03.000 --> 45:07.000 And the next day, with the knowledge that Bunting was left in the house to look after Daisy, 45:07.000 --> 45:10.000 Ellen boarded the underground train with Joe Chandler. 45:10.000 --> 45:16.000 During the last few days, all her perceptions had become sharpened by suspense and fear. 45:16.000 --> 45:20.000 She realized now, as she looked into the stolid but bewildered face of Joe, 45:20.000 --> 45:24.000 how she herself would have regarded any woman who wanted to attend such an inquiry 45:24.000 --> 45:30.000 from a simple morbid feeling of curiosity, and yet, seated at the coroner's court, 45:30.000 --> 45:38.000 that was just what she was about to do herself. 45:38.000 --> 45:43.000 Ellen, seated near the rear of the room, listened to each of the witnesses, 45:43.000 --> 45:46.000 and from them she found none of the hope she had come for, 45:46.000 --> 45:51.000 for none of them had seen the Avenger or knew what he looked like. But then... 45:51.000 --> 45:55.000 Miss Lizzie Cole may step forward. 45:55.000 --> 45:58.000 Right here, Miss Cole. Thank you. 45:58.000 --> 46:06.000 Now, we quite understand, Miss Cole, that you think you saw the individual 46:06.000 --> 46:10.000 who has perpetrated these terrible crimes. 46:10.000 --> 46:15.000 Let us begin at the beginning. What sort of hat was this man wearing? 46:15.000 --> 46:17.000 It was just a black hat. 46:17.000 --> 46:20.000 A black hat, thank you. And the coat? 46:20.000 --> 46:23.000 Were you able to see what sort of coat he was wearing? 46:23.000 --> 46:26.000 He hadn't no coat. I remember that very particular. 46:26.000 --> 46:32.000 He's a queer one, I said. As it was so chilly, everybody as can wear some sort of coat this weather. 46:32.000 --> 46:36.000 But the statement you gave to the newspaper reporters says that the Avenger, 46:36.000 --> 46:40.000 according to you, was wearing a coat, a big heavy coat. 46:40.000 --> 46:45.000 I never said so. I was made to say that by the young man from the newspaper. 46:45.000 --> 46:49.000 Just put in what he liked in his paper he did, not what I said at all. 46:49.000 --> 46:52.000 And you assert that he looked at you, is that correct? 46:52.000 --> 46:54.000 Frightened me after death he did. 46:54.000 --> 46:59.000 If you could really see his countenance, for we know that the night was dark and foggy, 46:59.000 --> 47:02.000 will you please tell me what he was like? 47:02.000 --> 47:04.000 Dark. He was dark. 47:04.000 --> 47:08.000 So it went with Miss Lizzie Cole. Most positively, most confidently, 47:08.000 --> 47:12.000 the witness declared the man she had seen hurrying by in the darkness was tall. 47:12.000 --> 47:18.000 No, no, no, he was short. He was thin. No, no, he was a stoutish young man. 47:18.000 --> 47:23.000 And as to whether he was carrying anything or not, Miss Cole absolutely refused to commit herself. 47:23.000 --> 47:26.000 The next witness was a Mr. Canot. 47:26.000 --> 47:30.000 This elderly gentleman was certain that he had not only seen the Avenger, 47:30.000 --> 47:32.000 but that he had talked to him. 47:32.000 --> 47:39.000 It was near Whitechapel, he testified, only a few minutes before the murder of Mr. Coroner, when I saw him. 47:39.000 --> 47:42.000 He was quite a tall man, a very gaunt looking. 47:42.000 --> 47:46.000 I see. And this man you think was the... 47:46.000 --> 47:48.000 The Avenger. 47:48.000 --> 47:53.000 You're quite certain that you met him on the very night he committed the murder we are now investigating? 47:53.000 --> 47:59.000 I do so declare, sir. And I might mention a thing about him to which you might attach importance. 47:59.000 --> 48:03.000 The man carried a bag, a rather light-colored leather handbag. 48:03.000 --> 48:05.000 A handbag, you say? 48:05.000 --> 48:12.000 Yes, sir. A small, narrow insert. It was such a bag as might contain a long-handled knife. 48:12.000 --> 48:14.000 A knife! 48:14.000 --> 48:17.000 Please, we must have quiet. Quiet. 48:17.000 --> 48:24.000 Now, Mr. Canot, what made you suppose that this stranger could possibly be the Avenger? 48:24.000 --> 48:28.000 Well, this man, as he approached me in the fog, stopped and turned to me. 48:28.000 --> 48:33.000 And there was a very wild, mad look on his face, sir, if I may say so. 48:33.000 --> 48:34.000 And he spoke to you? 48:34.000 --> 48:39.000 Well, as he emerged from the fog, he was talking aloud to himself. 48:39.000 --> 48:48.000 Then, as he saw me, he said, this night, my friend, a night fit for the commission of dark and salutary deeds. 48:48.000 --> 48:52.000 Yes, sir, that's exactly what he said, sir. 48:52.000 --> 48:53.000 Is that all? 48:53.000 --> 49:01.000 He had a rather high, hesitating voice. An educated man, I would judge, but quite mad as I've told you, sir. 49:01.000 --> 49:02.000 What do you mean by that? 49:02.000 --> 49:07.000 Well, as he passed by, then, he continued to speak into himself aloud. 49:07.000 --> 49:12.000 Oh, believe me, sir, believe me, he was reciting scriptures from the Bible. 49:12.000 --> 49:15.000 Scriptures from the Bible? 49:15.000 --> 49:20.000 Horrified Helen, half rose from her seat, only half hearing the confusion about her. 49:20.000 --> 49:22.000 Scriptures from the Bible, you say? 49:22.000 --> 49:23.000 Aye, sir. 49:23.000 --> 49:26.000 And you asked the court to believe that? 49:26.000 --> 49:31.000 I would say, Mr. Canot, that the man we are looking for would be least of all a religious man. 49:31.000 --> 49:33.000 And that's where you're in error, Mr. Coroner. 49:33.000 --> 49:37.000 The religious note is the very key to the case. I'm convinced of that, sir. 49:37.000 --> 49:41.000 Very interesting. And now, if you please, you may stand down, Mr. Canot. 49:41.000 --> 49:48.000 Just a moment, sir, just a moment. You must understand, sir, the man you're looking for must be a religious maniac. 49:48.000 --> 49:50.000 That is the only possible explanation. 49:50.000 --> 49:55.000 And you must understand, sir, time is going on. I have an important witness to call, a medical witness. 49:55.000 --> 49:56.000 Now, if you could... 49:56.000 --> 49:57.000 But certainly you're not going to... 49:57.000 --> 49:59.000 You may stand down, Mr. Canot. 49:59.000 --> 50:02.000 The court was dismissing the very truth. 50:02.000 --> 50:05.000 Ellen knew that. She could no longer keep silent. 50:05.000 --> 50:07.000 Her hand shot forth and she screamed. 50:07.000 --> 50:09.000 I... I want to... 50:23.000 --> 50:26.000 On the verge of speaking, she had fainted. 50:26.000 --> 50:30.000 And then, when Ellen was revived a few minutes later, she said... 50:30.000 --> 50:32.000 She said... she said nothing. 50:32.000 --> 50:35.000 Her brain was in too great a turmoil, her nerves too shocked. 50:35.000 --> 50:40.000 Like one in a dream, she allowed herself to be led by Joe Chandler from the courtroom. 50:49.000 --> 50:51.000 Joe took his leave to go on duty. 50:51.000 --> 50:56.000 And as Ellen Bunting's train pulled away from the station, a new torture came to her. 50:56.000 --> 51:03.000 Forming in her mind was the awareness that if Sleuth were the murderer, she was equally responsible for his crimes. 51:03.000 --> 51:05.000 She had been giving him protection. 51:05.000 --> 51:10.000 If anything should happen to Daisy, she would be equally guilty. 51:10.000 --> 51:26.000 Fully as guilty as the Avenger. 51:29.000 --> 51:32.000 As Ellen neared her neighborhood, her dread was increased. 51:32.000 --> 51:37.000 With each moving footstep, with each heavier boom of thunder from the rainstorm that was almost here, 51:37.000 --> 51:40.000 the grip of terror grew tighter and tighter about her. 51:40.000 --> 51:43.000 She moved faster and faster. If only she were in time. 51:43.000 --> 51:49.000 The first light drops of rain sprinkled her brow as she turned into Marabon Road. 51:49.000 --> 51:53.000 Then she saw Bunting... walking toward her. 51:53.000 --> 51:59.000 Sharply, like the dart of a knife blade, the one fact pierced her mind. 51:59.000 --> 52:08.000 Daisy was now alone with the lodger. 52:12.000 --> 52:14.000 Bunting! Bunting! 52:14.000 --> 52:16.000 Ellen, Ellen, what is it? 52:16.000 --> 52:22.000 Tell me, Bunting! Where's Daisy? Where is she? I say, where is Daisy? Where is she? I say, where? 52:22.000 --> 52:25.000 At home, at home. Where I left her, Ellen. Where, where, where... 52:25.000 --> 52:27.000 Oh, no, Bunting! No! 52:27.000 --> 52:29.000 What is it, Ellen? What is it? 52:29.000 --> 52:33.000 Listen to me. Try to understand. 52:33.000 --> 52:36.000 Sleuth... Sleuth is the Avenger. 52:36.000 --> 52:38.000 What? What do you say? 52:38.000 --> 52:59.000 Roger is the Avenger, Bunting. Daisy's in danger. Hurry! 52:59.000 --> 53:01.000 Daisy! Daisy! 53:01.000 --> 53:04.000 Daisy! Where are you? 53:04.000 --> 53:09.000 Oh, look, in the kitchen, Bunting. You try the sitting room. 53:09.000 --> 53:12.000 Daisy! Daisy! 53:12.000 --> 53:14.000 Where are you, Daisy? 53:14.000 --> 53:16.000 Answer me, Daisy! 53:16.000 --> 53:17.000 Try the bedroom. 53:17.000 --> 53:20.000 I did. It's not there. It's not downstairs. 53:20.000 --> 53:31.000 Oh, then that's just his room. 53:31.000 --> 53:34.000 I am ready, O Lord, ready to smite thine enemy. 53:34.000 --> 53:40.000 For man born of woman is born unto trouble, and I shall cleanse thy kingdom on earth. 53:40.000 --> 53:42.000 Yes, I shall show her thy wrath from heaven. 53:42.000 --> 53:44.000 Go on, open the door. 53:44.000 --> 53:49.000 Speak, Lord, I am ready. The power unhigh will direct the expulsion of evil. 53:49.000 --> 53:51.000 The knife! He's got the knife! 53:51.000 --> 53:52.000 Daisy! 53:52.000 --> 53:57.000 Thy servant heareth. I behold Satan and lightning fell from heaven. 53:57.000 --> 54:02.000 In this woman I behold him, and lightning strike him dead. I... 54:22.000 --> 54:25.000 Bunting! Bunting! Is she all right? 54:25.000 --> 54:27.000 Yes. Take her out, darling. 54:27.000 --> 54:31.000 No, Bunting. You can't stop the fire. We must save ourselves. 54:31.000 --> 54:34.000 Come away, Daisy. 54:34.000 --> 54:36.000 He... he... 54:36.000 --> 54:39.000 He's dead, child. He's dead. 54:39.000 --> 54:55.000 I... he's dead. 54:55.000 --> 55:01.000 Joe... Joe... the Lord... 55:01.000 --> 55:04.000 There, there, there, Daisy, there. Don't try to talk about it. 55:04.000 --> 55:12.000 I'll tell you, Joe, it was queer, it was, as if the Lord himself struck the house with lightning 55:12.000 --> 55:17.000 and spread the fires of Elder Cleanse whatever the lodger had touched 55:17.000 --> 55:22.000 to burn down the house and all that's in it. 55:22.000 --> 55:25.000 Our house, everything we own. 55:25.000 --> 55:29.000 No, not everything, Ellen. 55:29.000 --> 55:34.000 Daisy's safe. That's all that should matter to us. 55:34.000 --> 55:39.000 She's safe. Thank heaven. 55:39.000 --> 55:43.000 Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. 55:43.000 --> 55:46.000 Death by Act of God. 55:46.000 --> 55:51.000 Thus the final entry in Scotland Yard's record of the famous Avenger case. 55:51.000 --> 55:56.000 Yes, the day which brought an end to Mrs. Bunting's lodger 55:56.000 --> 56:11.080 brought also an end to the knife slings we call the 56:11.080 --> 56:15.080 but also an end to the knife slings which had terrorized London. 56:15.080 --> 56:21.080 But curiously enough, there were those at Scotland Yard who were never quite sure 56:21.080 --> 56:26.080 that the charred remains of a man they removed from the ashes of the Bunting home 56:26.080 --> 56:29.080 were indeed those of the Avenger. 56:29.080 --> 56:35.080 Any more than Mrs. Bellock-Lownes, who novelized the case, was ever quite convinced. 56:35.080 --> 56:38.080 And there are those who will tell you that the real Avenger, 56:38.080 --> 56:44.080 a tall man clad in an invinous cape, a man almost exactly like Mr. Sleuth, 56:44.080 --> 56:52.080 left England and came to America to live in a town near your town. 56:52.080 --> 56:57.080 He would be quite old now, but it may be true. 56:57.080 --> 57:00.080 Yes, perhaps as it is written in Holy Scripture, 57:00.080 --> 57:08.080 he did fly upon the wings of the wind to walk as a stranger in many strange places. 57:08.080 --> 57:13.080 He knoweth now that the dead are there. 57:13.080 --> 57:18.080 Hast found me, all mine enemy? 57:18.080 --> 57:24.080 Beautiful words, those, don't you think? 57:24.080 --> 57:43.080 Beautiful words. 57:43.080 --> 57:47.080 This is Robert Montgomery without the invinous cape. 57:47.080 --> 57:50.080 And I want to thank Jeanette Nolan, who played Ellen, 57:50.080 --> 57:56.080 and Peggy Webber, who was Daisy, for their splendid performances in tonight's play. 57:56.080 --> 58:01.080 Next week we have chosen a story whose elements are natural counterparts of suspense. 58:01.080 --> 58:05.080 I guess you could call it a love story, one kind of a love story. 58:05.080 --> 58:10.080 For indeed there is a man and there is a woman who fall in love and they marry. 58:10.080 --> 58:15.080 It is practically probably only a mischance of fortune that the man has no material means 58:15.080 --> 58:18.080 and the woman comes from a family of substantial wealth. 58:18.080 --> 58:24.080 And the dire chain reaction of events, which are then set in motion against the bride's family, 58:24.080 --> 58:28.080 are undoubtedly matters of mere coincidence, I imagine. 58:28.080 --> 58:31.080 Yes, you could call it a love story. 58:31.080 --> 58:38.080 We'll leave it to your own good judgment after you hear Beyond Reason by Devry Freeman. 58:38.080 --> 58:42.080 Next week's study in suspense. 58:42.080 --> 58:47.080 Mr. Montgomery may currently be seen in the Universal International Production Ride the Pink Horse. 58:47.080 --> 58:53.080 The Lodger was adapted for suspense by Robert Tullman and directed by William N. Robeson. 58:53.080 --> 58:58.080 Lud Gluskin is our musical director and conductor, and Lucian Morrowak composes the original scores. 58:58.080 --> 59:08.080 Next week here, Beyond Reason on radio's outstanding theater of thrills, one hour of suspense. 59:08.080 --> 59:14.080 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.