1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:10,840 Auto Light and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Herbert Marshall. 2 00:00:10,840 --> 00:00:15,920 In tonight's presentation of Suspense. 3 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:24,680 Tonight, Auto Light presents part one of the most famous of all literary puzzles, Charles 4 00:00:24,680 --> 00:00:40,160 Dickens' unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drew, our star Mr. Herbert Marshall. 5 00:00:40,160 --> 00:00:42,680 Well if it isn't Oscar, the singing limousine. 6 00:00:42,680 --> 00:00:46,200 Every car sings when it's got what I've got, hello. 7 00:00:46,200 --> 00:00:48,960 Ah, you don't have to tell me Oscar, I know. 8 00:00:48,960 --> 00:00:53,200 You've got ignition engineered auto light spark plugs, the spark plugs that are world 9 00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:55,120 famous for quality and performance. 10 00:00:55,120 --> 00:00:57,600 I'm starting the year right, Harlow. 11 00:00:57,600 --> 00:01:02,600 Ah, you sure are Oscar, because auto light spark plugs are ignition engineered to give 12 00:01:02,600 --> 00:01:04,920 top performance at all times. 13 00:01:04,920 --> 00:01:09,400 They're specified as original equipment on many leading makes of our finest cars, trucks 14 00:01:09,400 --> 00:01:10,400 and tractors. 15 00:01:10,400 --> 00:01:16,720 My auto light spark plug dealer told me spark plugs were the very heart of my ignition system. 16 00:01:16,720 --> 00:01:21,400 And he was right too, so friends, have your spark plugs checked by your nearest dealer 17 00:01:21,400 --> 00:01:24,000 who sells auto light spark plugs. 18 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:29,240 To quickly locate him, just look for the auto light spark plug sign or phone Western Union 19 00:01:29,240 --> 00:01:32,480 by number and ask for operator 25. 20 00:01:32,480 --> 00:01:38,280 And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with auto light. 21 00:01:38,280 --> 00:01:44,000 And now, auto light presents Charles Dickens' The Mystery of Edwin Drew, starring Mr. Herbert 22 00:01:44,000 --> 00:02:00,120 Marshall, hoping once again to keep you in suspense. 23 00:02:00,120 --> 00:02:06,200 This is the last night I have to live, and I will set down the naked truth without disguise. 24 00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:09,840 I was never a brave man, but the task comes without much difficulty. 25 00:02:09,840 --> 00:02:15,160 I can speak of myself as if I had already passed from the world. 26 00:02:15,160 --> 00:02:20,760 For while I write this, my grave is digging, and my name is inscribed in the Black Book 27 00:02:20,760 --> 00:02:23,760 of Death. 28 00:02:23,760 --> 00:02:36,000 It was in the organ loft of the assembly hall at Toystrom College where I first began to 29 00:02:36,000 --> 00:02:44,200 learn how a man's mind can become a thing of horrible wonder, apart, arriving tormenting, 30 00:02:44,200 --> 00:02:47,280 beyond his poor power to control. 31 00:02:47,280 --> 00:02:52,720 I'd gone there as I so often did for the peace and quiet, for the song of birds, the scents 32 00:02:52,720 --> 00:02:58,440 from gardens and woods that joined with me and my music. 33 00:02:58,440 --> 00:03:04,240 And it was there, suddenly without warning, that my mind filled with those words, words 34 00:03:04,240 --> 00:03:08,960 long forgotten, only half learned at best somewhere in the dim past. 35 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:16,960 When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness, he shall save his soul alive. 36 00:03:16,960 --> 00:03:20,280 The wicked man? 37 00:03:20,280 --> 00:03:23,080 What has that to do with me, with John Jasper? 38 00:03:23,080 --> 00:03:24,080 Simple instructory music. 39 00:03:24,080 --> 00:03:25,080 Jack? 40 00:03:25,080 --> 00:03:27,840 And why should I be filled with a strange sense of guilt? 41 00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:29,160 Are you in there, Jack? 42 00:03:29,160 --> 00:03:30,160 The wicked man. 43 00:03:30,160 --> 00:03:31,160 Me? 44 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:32,160 The wicked man? 45 00:03:32,160 --> 00:03:33,160 Jack, are you in there? 46 00:03:33,160 --> 00:03:34,160 Jack, are you in the organ, love? 47 00:03:34,160 --> 00:03:35,160 Jack? 48 00:03:35,160 --> 00:03:36,160 Who's that? 49 00:03:36,160 --> 00:03:37,160 It's I, Jack, your nephew, Edwin Drews. 50 00:03:37,160 --> 00:03:38,160 Edwin? 51 00:03:38,160 --> 00:03:43,160 I'm out here in the assembly hall. 52 00:03:43,160 --> 00:03:46,160 Edwin, Edwin, my boy. 53 00:03:46,160 --> 00:03:51,960 Jack, Jack, it's good to see you again. 54 00:03:51,960 --> 00:03:54,080 Let me see what the past three months have done for you. 55 00:03:54,080 --> 00:03:56,960 I can't say they've done you a bit of harm. 56 00:03:56,960 --> 00:03:58,160 No reason why they should. 57 00:03:58,160 --> 00:03:59,640 But tell me of yourself. 58 00:03:59,640 --> 00:04:01,280 You look a little tired. 59 00:04:01,280 --> 00:04:02,280 Tired? 60 00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:03,760 I've never felt better in my life. 61 00:04:03,760 --> 00:04:05,800 Not worried about something, are you? 62 00:04:05,800 --> 00:04:07,520 Some strain you're under, perhaps? 63 00:04:07,520 --> 00:04:09,040 In this sleepy old college town? 64 00:04:09,040 --> 00:04:10,960 Oh, but look here, come into my office. 65 00:04:10,960 --> 00:04:12,920 We're wasting all this time and talk. 66 00:04:12,920 --> 00:04:19,200 I've been saving a special welcome for you, my boy. 67 00:04:19,200 --> 00:04:22,360 Sit down and rest your weary bones while I make it ready. 68 00:04:22,360 --> 00:04:24,360 Oh, Jack. 69 00:04:24,360 --> 00:04:27,000 Jack, I'm truly home again. 70 00:04:27,000 --> 00:04:28,920 I can see that now. 71 00:04:28,920 --> 00:04:31,480 No wonder you love it here at Ploistrom. 72 00:04:31,480 --> 00:04:33,080 Is that what you think, Edwin? 73 00:04:33,080 --> 00:04:36,560 Well, who could think otherwise, looking at you? 74 00:04:36,560 --> 00:04:40,960 You're respected, your talent for teaching music, admired and looked up to. 75 00:04:40,960 --> 00:04:43,280 You'd be duty-bound to love it. 76 00:04:43,280 --> 00:04:44,280 You're wrong, Edwin. 77 00:04:44,280 --> 00:04:45,280 I hate it. 78 00:04:45,280 --> 00:04:46,280 What? 79 00:04:46,280 --> 00:04:47,280 I hate it. 80 00:04:47,280 --> 00:04:48,280 Jack, I'd never dreamed. 81 00:04:48,280 --> 00:04:55,480 Well, now, now, let there be an end to such talk, Edwin. 82 00:04:55,480 --> 00:04:58,800 We've laid our tooth much too long as it is. 83 00:04:58,800 --> 00:04:59,800 To your future, Edwin. 84 00:04:59,800 --> 00:05:00,800 I know, Jack, hold on. 85 00:05:00,800 --> 00:05:03,320 I'll not make that the first toast upon my return. 86 00:05:03,320 --> 00:05:04,320 Oh, why not? 87 00:05:04,320 --> 00:05:07,600 There's a much better one to drink to on this day of all days. 88 00:05:07,600 --> 00:05:09,800 To my future wife, Rosa. 89 00:05:09,800 --> 00:05:13,040 Of course, Edwin. 90 00:05:13,040 --> 00:05:14,040 To Rosa. 91 00:05:14,040 --> 00:05:27,880 As bestowed there, Edwin and I, drinking to her, to Rosa, I began to realize why those 92 00:05:27,880 --> 00:05:31,520 words about the wicked man have come to me just before his return. 93 00:05:31,520 --> 00:05:34,680 It has been a warning. 94 00:05:34,680 --> 00:05:41,400 A warning that might have already come too late. 95 00:05:41,400 --> 00:05:51,760 Good evening, won't you? 96 00:05:51,760 --> 00:05:57,800 Oh, it's Mr. Jasper. 97 00:05:57,800 --> 00:05:58,800 Good evening, Rosa. 98 00:05:58,800 --> 00:05:59,800 Have I startled you? 99 00:05:59,800 --> 00:06:00,800 Why, no, Mr. Jasper. 100 00:06:00,800 --> 00:06:01,800 It was only that I... 101 00:06:01,800 --> 00:06:02,800 You were expecting someone else? 102 00:06:02,800 --> 00:06:03,800 Well, Edwin said that he might get here early. 103 00:06:03,800 --> 00:06:04,800 I'm sorry I disappointed you then. 104 00:06:04,800 --> 00:06:05,800 Oh, no, it isn't that really. 105 00:06:05,800 --> 00:06:06,800 I'm being quite rude, aren't I? 106 00:06:06,800 --> 00:06:07,800 Please come in. 107 00:06:07,800 --> 00:06:08,800 Thank you, my dear. 108 00:06:08,800 --> 00:06:09,800 You look most charming, Rosa. 109 00:06:09,800 --> 00:06:10,800 I'd swear that gown was purchased in London, especially for your party tonight. 110 00:06:10,800 --> 00:06:11,800 You surprised me, Mr. Jasper. 111 00:06:11,800 --> 00:06:12,800 I didn't know you were so observant of concerning women. 112 00:06:12,800 --> 00:06:13,800 I'm sorry, I'm sorry. 113 00:06:13,800 --> 00:06:14,800 I'm sorry. 114 00:06:14,800 --> 00:06:15,800 I'm sorry. 115 00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:16,800 I'm sorry. 116 00:06:16,800 --> 00:06:17,800 I'm sorry. 117 00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:18,800 I'm sorry. 118 00:06:18,800 --> 00:06:19,800 I'm sorry. 119 00:06:19,800 --> 00:06:20,800 I'm sorry. 120 00:06:20,800 --> 00:06:21,800 I'm sorry. 121 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:22,800 I'm sorry. 122 00:06:22,800 --> 00:06:28,880 You surprised me, Mr. Jasper, I didn't know you were so observant of concerning women. 123 00:06:28,880 --> 00:06:31,560 Concerning women, Rosa, or you? 124 00:06:31,560 --> 00:06:32,560 Why, me? 125 00:06:32,560 --> 00:06:35,000 I'm only one of your music students. 126 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:36,000 No, no. 127 00:06:36,000 --> 00:06:38,640 You're a good deal more than that to me, Rosa. 128 00:06:38,640 --> 00:06:39,820 I'll open the parlor. 129 00:06:39,820 --> 00:06:48,760 We can wait there for the other guests. 130 00:06:48,760 --> 00:06:52,360 You said I was a good deal more to you than just a music student. 131 00:06:52,360 --> 00:06:53,360 What did you mean? 132 00:06:53,360 --> 00:06:54,360 Edwin's my nephew. 133 00:06:54,360 --> 00:06:55,360 You're his betrothed. 134 00:06:55,360 --> 00:06:59,360 Surely the love I bear for him extends to you also. 135 00:06:59,360 --> 00:07:04,280 Oh, I hadn't thought of your feelings toward me in just that way. 136 00:07:04,280 --> 00:07:06,280 Had you thought of them then? 137 00:07:06,280 --> 00:07:08,560 Allow me to be frank, Mr. Jasper. 138 00:07:08,560 --> 00:07:12,720 I'm going to marry Edwin despite the fact that I do not love him. 139 00:07:12,720 --> 00:07:13,720 You do not? 140 00:07:13,720 --> 00:07:20,480 Oh, as a brother, perhaps as a very dear friend, but not as one should love a husband. 141 00:07:20,480 --> 00:07:23,520 Then why marry him, Rosa? 142 00:07:23,520 --> 00:07:25,560 Because I couldn't bear to see him hurt. 143 00:07:25,560 --> 00:07:28,840 Because I promised both my parents and his that we would marry. 144 00:07:28,840 --> 00:07:31,080 There's nothing that can change your mind. 145 00:07:31,080 --> 00:07:32,760 No, Mr. Jasper. 146 00:07:32,760 --> 00:07:34,560 Not even if you loved another. 147 00:07:34,560 --> 00:07:40,920 I do love another. 148 00:07:40,920 --> 00:07:41,920 The other guests. 149 00:07:41,920 --> 00:07:42,920 Rosa. 150 00:07:42,920 --> 00:07:43,920 Excuse me, please. 151 00:07:43,920 --> 00:07:44,920 I must let them in. 152 00:07:44,920 --> 00:08:01,560 I remember little concern in the party that followed, being too occupied with my own thoughts. 153 00:08:01,560 --> 00:08:05,680 But two insolents do stand out as foreshadowing events to come. 154 00:08:05,680 --> 00:08:11,400 The first, a conversation between Dean Chris Barkle and his protégé, Neville Landless, 155 00:08:11,400 --> 00:08:16,000 a strange and intense young man, but newly arrived from Ceylon. 156 00:08:16,000 --> 00:08:21,000 Yes, of course, my dear. 157 00:08:21,000 --> 00:08:23,920 He is a beautiful girl, Dean. 158 00:08:23,920 --> 00:08:26,360 One of the most beautiful it has ever been my fortune to meet. 159 00:08:26,360 --> 00:08:29,520 It might be best for you to curb your admiration, Neville. 160 00:08:29,520 --> 00:08:31,080 Rosa's already spoken for. 161 00:08:31,080 --> 00:08:32,640 In Ceylon, that is not always the reason. 162 00:08:32,640 --> 00:08:36,200 I need hardly remind you, my boy, that this is cloistered in England. 163 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:39,800 I warrant her fiancee would not take too kindly to your attitude. 164 00:08:39,800 --> 00:08:40,800 Fiancee? 165 00:08:40,800 --> 00:08:42,400 Young Edwin Drude. 166 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:43,640 Ah, yes. 167 00:08:43,640 --> 00:08:47,040 I now understand his air of proprietorship. 168 00:08:47,040 --> 00:08:50,080 Obviously, he's not one who appreciates his good fortune. 169 00:08:50,080 --> 00:08:54,640 May I ask, Mr. Landless, the exact meaning of your remark concerning me and Rosa? 170 00:08:54,640 --> 00:08:56,240 Edwin, really, I didn't know that you... 171 00:08:56,240 --> 00:08:57,640 I don't mind, Mr. Drude. 172 00:08:57,640 --> 00:09:00,920 It seemed to me that you were taking the young lady in question rather for granted. 173 00:09:00,920 --> 00:09:02,360 I merely commented on it. 174 00:09:02,360 --> 00:09:07,320 A manner of comment that hardly comes under the heading of civility in England, Mr. Landless. 175 00:09:07,320 --> 00:09:10,320 Though perhaps your somewhat heathen background may account for it. 176 00:09:10,320 --> 00:09:12,400 Oh, come now, gentlemen, this is hardly the time or place... 177 00:09:12,400 --> 00:09:15,800 No, how does it seem very civil for you to comment so upon a stranger here, 178 00:09:15,800 --> 00:09:19,160 one who has not had your so-called advantages in upbringing? 179 00:09:19,160 --> 00:09:22,440 Perhaps the best civility is to mind our own business, 180 00:09:22,440 --> 00:09:24,600 if you will set me that example I promised to follow it. 181 00:09:24,600 --> 00:09:26,480 You take too much upon yourself, sir. 182 00:09:26,480 --> 00:09:28,960 In my part of the world, you would be called to account for it. 183 00:09:28,960 --> 00:09:30,680 By whom, for instance, Mr. Landless? 184 00:09:30,680 --> 00:09:31,720 By me, sir. 185 00:09:31,720 --> 00:09:33,120 At your earliest convenience. 186 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:34,520 Oh, gentlemen, gentlemen, please. 187 00:09:34,520 --> 00:09:36,920 Edwin, Edwin, let's have no more of this. 188 00:09:36,920 --> 00:09:38,320 I were to bring the two of you. 189 00:09:38,320 --> 00:09:39,200 I don't like it, my boy. 190 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:42,480 Nor do I care for certain comments made in my presence here, Jack. 191 00:09:42,480 --> 00:09:44,680 This is hardly a matter of moment, Edwin. 192 00:09:44,680 --> 00:09:48,600 We are all hosts here to Mr. Landless, a stranger newly arrived, 193 00:09:48,600 --> 00:09:52,200 who should respect the obligations of hospitality. 194 00:09:52,200 --> 00:09:54,600 Shall it be over then? 195 00:09:54,600 --> 00:09:57,120 So far as I'm concerned, Jack, there's no anger left. 196 00:09:57,120 --> 00:09:58,800 Mr. Landless? 197 00:09:58,800 --> 00:10:00,120 None, Mr. Jasper. 198 00:10:00,120 --> 00:10:01,800 So be it then. 199 00:10:01,800 --> 00:10:12,800 The incident is over. 200 00:10:12,800 --> 00:10:17,880 When it became time for Rosa to play, I took my place at the piano beside her 201 00:10:17,880 --> 00:10:21,440 in order to turn the pages of the music. 202 00:10:21,440 --> 00:10:25,160 I stood there watching, watching her hands caressing the keys 203 00:10:25,160 --> 00:10:30,080 like two white, tender doves, seeing her lips pursed tenderly 204 00:10:30,080 --> 00:10:36,840 in concentration, the curve of her soft cheek, her eyes intent upon her music, 205 00:10:36,840 --> 00:10:41,520 yet finding moments free to glance up into mine, a tired of emotion 206 00:10:41,520 --> 00:10:43,960 welled up within me as I watched. 207 00:10:43,960 --> 00:10:47,520 And then I saw it begin to overtake her too. 208 00:10:47,520 --> 00:10:51,600 It was evident in the trembling of her hands, the color draining from her face, 209 00:10:51,600 --> 00:10:53,560 her quickening breath. 210 00:10:53,560 --> 00:10:55,160 Oh, no, I can't bear it. 211 00:10:55,160 --> 00:10:56,960 I can't bear it. 212 00:10:56,960 --> 00:10:58,160 Take me away, please. 213 00:10:58,160 --> 00:11:00,160 Take me away. 214 00:11:00,160 --> 00:11:02,160 Take me away. 215 00:11:02,160 --> 00:11:04,160 Take me away. 216 00:11:04,160 --> 00:11:06,160 Take me away. 217 00:11:06,160 --> 00:11:09,160 It was then the decision was made. 218 00:11:09,160 --> 00:11:14,160 It was then I knew that the end result was as fixed in time 219 00:11:14,160 --> 00:11:17,160 as the inexorable approach of death. 220 00:11:17,160 --> 00:11:37,160 In this instance, the death of Edwin Drude. 221 00:11:37,160 --> 00:11:41,160 Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Herbert Marshall in Charles Dickens' 222 00:11:41,160 --> 00:11:43,160 The Mystery of Edwin Drude. 223 00:11:43,160 --> 00:11:58,160 Tonight's presentation in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 224 00:11:58,160 --> 00:12:03,160 You know, Harlow, this is the first time I've had Auto Light Resistor spark plugs under my hood. 225 00:12:03,160 --> 00:12:07,160 Well, then, Oscar Otto, you're in for the ride of a car's lifetime. 226 00:12:07,160 --> 00:12:11,160 The Auto Light Resistor spark plug is the greatest advancement in spark plugs 227 00:12:11,160 --> 00:12:14,160 for automotive use in the past 25 years. 228 00:12:14,160 --> 00:12:16,160 They sure step up my performance. 229 00:12:16,160 --> 00:12:20,160 That's because Auto Light Resistor spark plugs have something extra 230 00:12:20,160 --> 00:12:22,160 that gives you something extra. 231 00:12:22,160 --> 00:12:27,160 That extra is an exclusive Auto Light built-in 10,000 ohm resistor 232 00:12:27,160 --> 00:12:31,160 that makes possible such extra advantages as smoother engine performance, 233 00:12:31,160 --> 00:12:34,160 quick starts, and double spark plug life. 234 00:12:34,160 --> 00:12:36,160 Extra special, Harlow. 235 00:12:36,160 --> 00:12:40,160 Right, you are, Oscar, and the Auto Light Resistor type spark plug 236 00:12:40,160 --> 00:12:44,160 is only one of the complete line of Auto Light spark plugs for every use. 237 00:12:44,160 --> 00:12:48,160 So, friends, see your nearest Auto Light spark plug dealer. 238 00:12:48,160 --> 00:12:53,160 Have him check and replace worn-out spark plugs with ignition-engineered Auto Light spark plugs, 239 00:12:53,160 --> 00:12:56,160 either standard or resistor type. 240 00:12:56,160 --> 00:13:01,160 And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 241 00:13:01,160 --> 00:13:06,160 And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood sound stage Mr. Herbert Marshall 242 00:13:06,160 --> 00:13:10,160 in Elliot Lewis's production of The Mystery of Edwin Drude, 243 00:13:10,160 --> 00:13:15,160 a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 244 00:13:15,160 --> 00:13:35,160 I have said that a man's mind can become a thing of horrible wonder, a part. 245 00:13:35,160 --> 00:13:38,160 So it must have been with mine that night. 246 00:13:38,160 --> 00:13:43,160 For I know now that the plan, the complete, the perfect plan, 247 00:13:43,160 --> 00:13:53,160 was born the very moment that Edwin Drude led Rosa from the room. 248 00:13:53,160 --> 00:13:58,160 Oh, the poor girl. She's quite evidently overwrought. Yes, quite overwrought. 249 00:13:58,160 --> 00:14:01,160 Little wonder, with the strain she's had to bear. 250 00:14:01,160 --> 00:14:06,160 It can hardly be conducive to one's nerves when a fiancé becomes proprietary and overbearing. 251 00:14:06,160 --> 00:14:10,160 It will appear that your earlier differences with Edwin Drude still rankle and still endless. 252 00:14:10,160 --> 00:14:13,160 I believe I have my anger well under control, Mr. Jasper, 253 00:14:13,160 --> 00:14:16,160 though the same can hardly be said for the circumstances that provoked it. 254 00:14:16,160 --> 00:14:21,160 Oh, come now, Neville, it is hardly becoming to maintain such a disagreeable attitude. 255 00:14:21,160 --> 00:14:27,160 Hardly becoming, perhaps, but a natural reaction, and one that can be as naturally overcome. 256 00:14:27,160 --> 00:14:29,160 And just how would you suggest this to be done, sir? 257 00:14:29,160 --> 00:14:33,160 Through friendly discussion over a friendly nightcap, Mr. Landless. 258 00:14:33,160 --> 00:14:36,160 Shall we say at my gatehouse, within the hour? 259 00:14:36,160 --> 00:14:38,160 Will Drude be amenable? 260 00:14:38,160 --> 00:14:40,160 He's already accepted my invitation. 261 00:14:40,160 --> 00:14:41,160 Then I shall accept also. 262 00:14:41,160 --> 00:14:44,160 Thank you, Mr. Landless. You shall not regret it, I assure you. 263 00:14:51,160 --> 00:14:57,160 I took my leave then, and pursued my way through the silent cobbled streets of Cloisterham. 264 00:14:57,160 --> 00:15:00,160 My path led me beside the city's venerable crypt. 265 00:15:00,160 --> 00:15:06,160 That strange jumble of old walls, ancient druidic stone, and decaying monuments, 266 00:15:06,160 --> 00:15:10,160 wherein dwelt the bones of centuries of Cloisterham's dead. 267 00:15:10,160 --> 00:15:15,160 Upon reaching it, I forsook the cobbled stones of the street for the rubble of the crypt. 268 00:15:19,160 --> 00:15:23,160 Beware that there amound by the yard gate, Mr. Jasper. 269 00:15:23,160 --> 00:15:25,160 Oh, is that you, Duddles? 270 00:15:25,160 --> 00:15:26,160 Aye. 271 00:15:26,160 --> 00:15:28,160 What was it you said? 272 00:15:28,160 --> 00:15:31,160 I said, where the mound, Mr. Jasper? 273 00:15:31,160 --> 00:15:32,160 What is it? 274 00:15:32,160 --> 00:15:34,160 Lime, that's what. 275 00:15:34,160 --> 00:15:36,160 Lime? What you call quick lime? 276 00:15:36,160 --> 00:15:42,160 Aye, quick enough to eat your bones, and your boots, with a little hand stirring. 277 00:15:42,160 --> 00:15:46,160 Quick enough, surely, to eat your bones. 278 00:15:46,160 --> 00:15:49,160 Really, now you use it for your stonemason work, do you? 279 00:15:49,160 --> 00:15:54,160 Aye, though it's little enough stonework for Duddles these days. 280 00:15:54,160 --> 00:15:58,160 What with the mayor and them wanting to learn where the olden ones is? 281 00:15:58,160 --> 00:16:02,160 Oh, yes. Searching for the final resting places of ancient druids, aren't you? 282 00:16:02,160 --> 00:16:05,160 Aye, try and task it is, too. 283 00:16:05,160 --> 00:16:10,160 What with the way they're buried here, without no rhyme, no reason. 284 00:16:10,160 --> 00:16:14,160 Scattered about like in walls and under passageways. 285 00:16:14,160 --> 00:16:17,160 At best I'd say it was an impossible task, Duddles. 286 00:16:17,160 --> 00:16:20,160 Not for Duddles and his armoury, it's not. 287 00:16:20,160 --> 00:16:23,160 Hammer? How can that possibly help? 288 00:16:23,160 --> 00:16:27,160 Well, look you over here, Mr Jasper. 289 00:16:30,160 --> 00:16:36,160 Here's a wall, ticky-tiss, over six feet, crumbling bad in spots. 290 00:16:36,160 --> 00:16:40,160 Hard to tell just what might be buried there, if anything. 291 00:16:40,160 --> 00:16:44,160 But Duddles will soon put an end to that mystery. 292 00:16:45,160 --> 00:16:47,160 Aye, taps, you see. 293 00:16:48,160 --> 00:16:50,160 Solid here, unolden. 294 00:16:50,160 --> 00:16:53,160 So I goes on tapping. 295 00:16:53,160 --> 00:16:55,160 Hollow here, nothing. 296 00:16:55,160 --> 00:16:58,160 I tap some more. 297 00:16:58,160 --> 00:17:01,160 Here I find solid. 298 00:17:02,160 --> 00:17:04,160 Ah, hollow again. 299 00:17:04,160 --> 00:17:08,160 There you have it, Mr Jasper. Walls hollow. 300 00:17:08,160 --> 00:17:13,160 Toe filled with rubbish and whatnot I wage, but hollow plain enough. 301 00:17:13,160 --> 00:17:16,160 Like most of the walls around here. 302 00:17:16,160 --> 00:17:20,160 Plenty of room in them for a hundred more bodies it need be. 303 00:17:20,160 --> 00:17:22,160 Yes, I dare say. 304 00:17:22,160 --> 00:17:25,160 Well, thank you kindly for a most illuminating lecture. 305 00:17:25,160 --> 00:17:27,160 Well, no. 306 00:17:27,160 --> 00:17:32,160 You didn't say why you come visiting here in the first place, Mr Jasper. 307 00:17:32,160 --> 00:17:36,160 I don't believe I know, Duddles. 308 00:17:36,160 --> 00:17:38,160 I don't believe I know. 309 00:17:38,160 --> 00:17:42,160 When I arrived at my lodgings, Edwin was already there. 310 00:17:42,160 --> 00:17:46,160 And no sooner had we got the fire blazing and made ourselves comfortable 311 00:17:46,160 --> 00:17:50,160 than Neville Landless put in his appearance. 312 00:17:53,160 --> 00:17:55,160 Please, to sit down, Mr Landless. 313 00:17:55,160 --> 00:17:59,160 Whatever small comfort you find here, consider it to be your own. 314 00:17:59,160 --> 00:18:00,160 My thanks, Mr Jasper. 315 00:18:00,160 --> 00:18:02,160 Turn up the lamp on the desk, will you, Edwin? 316 00:18:02,160 --> 00:18:05,160 I have a pair of scissors and a pair of scissors. 317 00:18:05,160 --> 00:18:08,160 Turn up the lamp on the desk, will you, Edwin? 318 00:18:08,160 --> 00:18:10,160 I'll prepare some mulled wine for that nightcap I promised. 319 00:18:10,160 --> 00:18:12,160 Of course, Jack. 320 00:18:14,160 --> 00:18:17,160 You'll probably notice, Mr Landless, that I have the lamp so arranged 321 00:18:17,160 --> 00:18:20,160 as to illuminate a painting over the chimney place. 322 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:22,160 I have noticed it, Mr Jasper. 323 00:18:22,160 --> 00:18:24,160 You'll recognize the subject, of course. 324 00:18:24,160 --> 00:18:30,160 Miss Rosar, I could hardly fail to do so, though the portrait is far from flattering to the original. 325 00:18:30,160 --> 00:18:32,160 Don't be so hard on it, Mr Landless. 326 00:18:32,160 --> 00:18:35,160 It was done by Edwin, who made me a present of it. 327 00:18:35,160 --> 00:18:39,160 I am sorry, Mr Drude, if I had known I was in the artist's presence. 328 00:18:39,160 --> 00:18:42,160 I doubt that your remark would have differed, Mr Landless. 329 00:18:42,160 --> 00:18:43,160 Perhaps it would not have, Mr Drude. 330 00:18:43,160 --> 00:18:46,160 Oh, come now, gentlemen, let there be no more of this. 331 00:18:46,160 --> 00:18:47,160 The wine is prepared. 332 00:18:47,160 --> 00:18:52,160 So, and surely no lady, or at least the portrait of one, 333 00:18:52,160 --> 00:18:56,160 should intrude upon the drinking habits of good friends. 334 00:18:56,160 --> 00:18:57,160 For you, Mr Landless. 335 00:18:57,160 --> 00:18:58,160 Thank you, sir. 336 00:18:58,160 --> 00:18:59,160 Edwin. 337 00:18:59,160 --> 00:19:01,160 My thanks, Jack. 338 00:19:01,160 --> 00:19:07,160 Now, for the first toast of the evening, I should like to propose one to my nephew, a most fortunate man. 339 00:19:07,160 --> 00:19:09,160 A toast in truth, Mr Jasper. 340 00:19:09,160 --> 00:19:11,160 I shall drink to it. 341 00:19:11,160 --> 00:19:12,160 Thank you both, gentlemen. 342 00:19:12,160 --> 00:19:18,160 Yes, Mr Landless, I ask you to observe my nephew, for he is indeed one of the most fortunate men of the world. 343 00:19:18,160 --> 00:19:21,160 And an enviable state, if I truly possess it, Jack. 344 00:19:21,160 --> 00:19:23,160 How could you doubt it, my boy? 345 00:19:23,160 --> 00:19:27,160 A family estate that eliminates the burdens of economic necessity? 346 00:19:27,160 --> 00:19:34,160 Rosa, eager, waiting to supply you with the greatest blessings of domestic bliss and love. 347 00:19:34,160 --> 00:19:38,160 Quite different from your prospects and mine, is it not, Mr Landless? 348 00:19:38,160 --> 00:19:40,160 Yes, quite different, Mr Jasper. 349 00:19:40,160 --> 00:19:47,160 Upon my soul, Jack, I almost feel apologetic for having my way smoothed, as you describe, almost, but not quite. 350 00:19:47,160 --> 00:19:51,160 Perhaps it might have been better for Mr Drude to have known some hardships in the achievement of his possessions. 351 00:19:51,160 --> 00:19:55,160 And why, pray, might it have been better for Mr Drude to have known hardships? 352 00:19:55,160 --> 00:19:56,160 Yes, Mr Landless. 353 00:19:56,160 --> 00:19:57,160 Tell us why. 354 00:19:57,160 --> 00:20:00,160 Because they might have made him more sensible of good fortune. 355 00:20:00,160 --> 00:20:02,160 That is not the result of his own merit. 356 00:20:02,160 --> 00:20:05,160 Have you known hardships, may I ask? 357 00:20:05,160 --> 00:20:06,160 I have. 358 00:20:06,160 --> 00:20:07,160 And what have they made you sensible of? 359 00:20:07,160 --> 00:20:09,160 I have told you once before tonight. 360 00:20:09,160 --> 00:20:10,160 You've told me nothing. 361 00:20:10,160 --> 00:20:12,160 I told you that you take a great deal too much upon yourself. 362 00:20:12,160 --> 00:20:14,160 You added something else to that, if I remember. 363 00:20:14,160 --> 00:20:17,160 I did. I said that in my part of the world you would be called to account for it. 364 00:20:17,160 --> 00:20:21,160 That part of the world is a long way off, I believe, at a very safe distance. 365 00:20:21,160 --> 00:20:24,160 Say here, then. Say anywhere that gentlemen may be found. 366 00:20:24,160 --> 00:20:26,160 What would you know of gentlemen, Landless? 367 00:20:26,160 --> 00:20:30,160 You may know a common thief or a common boaster when you see him, but you're surely no judge of gentlemen. 368 00:20:30,160 --> 00:20:32,160 I have taken all I'm going to take from you. 369 00:20:32,160 --> 00:20:35,160 Here now, Edwin. Stand still. Mr Landless, give me that bottle. 370 00:20:35,160 --> 00:20:38,160 I'll give it to your precious nephew. 371 00:20:39,160 --> 00:20:43,160 I warn you, Drude, I'll cut you down some day for this. 372 00:20:43,160 --> 00:20:55,160 I swear it. 373 00:20:57,160 --> 00:21:00,160 The scene had gone well, I thought. Very well. 374 00:21:00,160 --> 00:21:06,160 And after Landless's enraged departure, after I had calmed Edwin down and sent him home, 375 00:21:06,160 --> 00:21:09,160 I waited for what I knew would inevitably follow. 376 00:21:09,160 --> 00:21:13,160 It was close to midnight when it did. 377 00:21:19,160 --> 00:21:21,160 May I come in, Jesper? 378 00:21:21,160 --> 00:21:23,160 Of course, Dean. 379 00:21:23,160 --> 00:21:29,160 I understand you had some difficulty with my protégé tonight. 380 00:21:29,160 --> 00:21:30,160 He told you? 381 00:21:30,160 --> 00:21:33,160 There was no overlooking his wrought up state when he came home. 382 00:21:33,160 --> 00:21:37,160 I questioned him at once. It must have been rather difficult. 383 00:21:37,160 --> 00:21:39,160 Murderous might be a more exact term. 384 00:21:39,160 --> 00:21:42,160 Murderous? Surely you exaggerate, Jesper. 385 00:21:42,160 --> 00:21:43,160 I hardly think so. 386 00:21:43,160 --> 00:21:46,160 But what could justify the use of such an expression? 387 00:21:46,160 --> 00:21:51,160 The facts. I feel certain that if I had not been there to intervene, he would have laid Edwin dead at his feet. 388 00:21:51,160 --> 00:21:56,160 Oh, unbelievable. And yet he did repeat to me the warning he gave young Drude. 389 00:21:56,160 --> 00:21:57,160 That he'd cut him down some day? 390 00:21:57,160 --> 00:21:59,160 His exact words, Jesper. 391 00:21:59,160 --> 00:22:02,160 I think, sir, that you have in your charge a most dangerous man, 392 00:22:02,160 --> 00:22:05,160 one who might well attempt to carry out his threat against Edwin's life. 393 00:22:05,160 --> 00:22:08,160 Oh, no, no, no. I can't believe that, Jesper. 394 00:22:08,160 --> 00:22:12,160 I'm confident that if we could get them together again, get them to shake hands upon it, 395 00:22:12,160 --> 00:22:14,160 all their differences could be resolved. 396 00:22:14,160 --> 00:22:16,160 You're much more optimistic than I. 397 00:22:16,160 --> 00:22:19,160 Surely it's worth a try for your nephew's sake, for no other. 398 00:22:19,160 --> 00:22:21,160 Talk to him. I'll talk with Neville. 399 00:22:21,160 --> 00:22:25,160 I know he'll meet with Drude whenever and wherever you say. 400 00:22:25,160 --> 00:22:27,160 Very well, Dean. I'll try. 401 00:22:27,160 --> 00:22:29,160 Though I say to you now, and you are my witness, 402 00:22:29,160 --> 00:22:32,160 I'm convinced that unless Neville Landless leaves Cloisterham, 403 00:22:32,160 --> 00:22:35,160 the end result could be nothing but tragedy. 404 00:22:42,160 --> 00:22:45,160 It was two days later that Dean Chris Barcl 405 00:22:45,160 --> 00:22:48,160 brought me assurance of Neville's willingness to cooperate. 406 00:22:48,160 --> 00:22:52,160 Immediately I sought out Edwin Drude for a dinner on Christmas Eve, 407 00:22:52,160 --> 00:22:54,160 just the three of us. 408 00:22:54,160 --> 00:22:59,160 And so the stage was set, and the hours flew, 409 00:22:59,160 --> 00:23:05,160 and the ugly streets of Cloisterham turned bright and gay with the holly and the mistletoe. 410 00:23:06,160 --> 00:23:10,160 The dinner in my lodgings went carefully and well that Christmas Eve. 411 00:23:10,160 --> 00:23:14,160 The holiday spirit burned as brightly as the fire in the house. 412 00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:18,160 There was peace on earth to all men of good will. 413 00:23:18,160 --> 00:23:22,160 Not even the unseasonable storm that began to rage outside 414 00:23:22,160 --> 00:23:24,160 could dampen the gaiety of the evening. 415 00:23:24,160 --> 00:23:26,160 Rather it served as a challenge, 416 00:23:26,160 --> 00:23:31,160 an opportunity to heighten the feeling of good fellowship that seemed to be born that night. 417 00:23:40,160 --> 00:23:44,160 It was sometime around midnight when the two men, arm in arm, took their departure. 418 00:23:44,160 --> 00:23:46,160 You would suggest something like this, Jack. 419 00:23:46,160 --> 00:23:49,160 Fancy going to see the river at this hour on Christmas Eve. 420 00:23:49,160 --> 00:23:51,160 Only a madman would suggest such a thing. 421 00:23:51,160 --> 00:23:55,160 And only two young madmen such as you would take up such a suggestion, 422 00:23:55,160 --> 00:23:57,160 if indeed you are to take it up. 423 00:23:57,160 --> 00:23:59,160 Nothing could stop me from it now, Mr Jasper. 424 00:23:59,160 --> 00:24:03,160 It's unbelievable that that sluggish, muddy stream could ever become a raging torrent. 425 00:24:03,160 --> 00:24:06,160 Nevertheless, you'll find it is so, Mr Landless. 426 00:24:06,160 --> 00:24:09,160 One of the few worthwhile sights to behold in Cloisterham. 427 00:24:09,160 --> 00:24:11,160 Our river reborn at the height of a storm. 428 00:24:11,160 --> 00:24:13,160 I warn you to be careful, however. 429 00:24:13,160 --> 00:24:15,160 The footing will be treacherous. 430 00:24:15,160 --> 00:24:19,160 You're a wicked man, Jack, to inflame us over the idea and then attempt to draw us back. 431 00:24:19,160 --> 00:24:21,160 Will you not succeed in stopping us now, Innifil? 432 00:24:21,160 --> 00:24:23,160 No, Edwin. Nothing will stop us now. 433 00:24:23,160 --> 00:24:26,160 Then come along. We'll be on our merry way. 434 00:24:47,160 --> 00:24:50,160 There is little I can tell you of the night that followed. 435 00:24:50,160 --> 00:24:53,160 For there is little that I remember clearly. 436 00:24:53,160 --> 00:24:56,160 I know only that when dawn finally broke, 437 00:24:56,160 --> 00:25:00,160 I found myself in the organ loft, playing, 438 00:25:00,160 --> 00:25:02,160 my clothing wet through, 439 00:25:02,160 --> 00:25:06,160 and burning within my brain was a memory. 440 00:25:06,160 --> 00:25:11,160 A memory of a man walking alone through the wind and rain in the black of night. 441 00:25:11,160 --> 00:25:15,160 A man walking through the deserted streets of Cloisterham. 442 00:25:15,160 --> 00:25:20,160 A street that suddenly, unknown to him, were no longer deserted. 443 00:25:45,160 --> 00:25:48,160 A memory, I said it was. 444 00:25:48,160 --> 00:25:50,160 Or was it a dream? 445 00:25:50,160 --> 00:25:52,160 I did not know. 446 00:25:52,160 --> 00:25:55,160 But as I sat there in that organ loft, 447 00:25:55,160 --> 00:25:58,160 in the dim light of Christmas morn, 448 00:25:58,160 --> 00:26:01,160 there was one thing I did know. 449 00:26:01,160 --> 00:26:15,160 Edwin's room would never be seen again. 450 00:26:31,160 --> 00:26:33,160 Suspense. 451 00:26:33,160 --> 00:26:35,160 Presented by Auto Light. 452 00:26:35,160 --> 00:26:38,160 Tonight's star, Mr. Herbert Marshall. 453 00:26:38,160 --> 00:26:41,160 This is Harlow Wilcox speaking for Auto Light, 454 00:26:41,160 --> 00:26:46,160 world's largest independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment. 455 00:26:46,160 --> 00:26:50,160 Auto Light is proud to serve the greatest names in the industry. 456 00:26:50,160 --> 00:26:53,160 They are members of the Auto Light family, 457 00:26:53,160 --> 00:26:57,160 as well as are the 98,000 auto manufacturers in the world. 458 00:26:57,160 --> 00:27:02,160 They are members of the Auto Light family, as well as are the 98,000 auto light distributors 459 00:27:02,160 --> 00:27:08,160 and dealers in the United States and thousands more in Canada and throughout the world. 460 00:27:08,160 --> 00:27:13,160 Our family also includes the nearly 30,000 men and women in 28 great auto light plants 461 00:27:13,160 --> 00:27:17,160 from coast to coast and auto light plants in many foreign countries, 462 00:27:17,160 --> 00:27:23,160 as well as the 18,000 people who have invested a portion of their savings in Auto Light. 463 00:27:23,160 --> 00:27:27,160 Every Auto Light product is backed by constant research 464 00:27:27,160 --> 00:27:32,160 and precision built to the highest standards of quality and performance. 465 00:27:32,160 --> 00:27:37,160 So remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 466 00:27:37,160 --> 00:27:49,160 Next week, part two of Charles Dickens' unfinished novel, 467 00:27:49,160 --> 00:27:55,160 The Mystery of Edwin Drude, at which time we will attempt to solve this literary puzzle. 468 00:27:55,160 --> 00:27:59,160 Our star once again, Mr. Herbert Marshall. 469 00:27:59,160 --> 00:28:20,160 That's next week on Suspense. 470 00:28:20,160 --> 00:28:24,160 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis, 471 00:28:24,160 --> 00:28:28,160 with music composed by Lucian Morawak and conducted by Lud Bluskin. 472 00:28:28,160 --> 00:28:34,160 The Mystery of Edwin Drude was adapted from Charles Dickens' unfinished novel by Sidney Marshall. 473 00:28:34,160 --> 00:28:38,160 In tonight's story, Terry Kilburn was heard as Edwin Drude, 474 00:28:38,160 --> 00:28:41,160 Betty Harford as Rosa, Ben Wright as Landless, 475 00:28:41,160 --> 00:28:53,160 Joseph Kearns as Dean Chris Sparkle, and William Johnstone as Dirtles. 476 00:28:53,160 --> 00:28:56,160 You can buy Auto Light resistor or standard type spark plugs. 477 00:28:56,160 --> 00:29:01,160 Auto Light staple batteries and Auto Light electrical parts at your neighborhood Auto Light dealers. 478 00:29:01,160 --> 00:29:08,160 Switch to Auto Light. Good night. 479 00:29:08,160 --> 00:29:27,160 This is the CBS Radio Network.