WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:10.840 Auto Light and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Herbert Marshall. 00:10.840 --> 00:15.920 In tonight's presentation of Suspense. 00:15.920 --> 00:24.680 Tonight, Auto Light presents part one of the most famous of all literary puzzles, Charles 00:24.680 --> 00:40.160 Dickens' unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drew, our star Mr. Herbert Marshall. 00:40.160 --> 00:42.680 Well if it isn't Oscar, the singing limousine. 00:42.680 --> 00:46.200 Every car sings when it's got what I've got, hello. 00:46.200 --> 00:48.960 Ah, you don't have to tell me Oscar, I know. 00:48.960 --> 00:53.200 You've got ignition engineered auto light spark plugs, the spark plugs that are world 00:53.200 --> 00:55.120 famous for quality and performance. 00:55.120 --> 00:57.600 I'm starting the year right, Harlow. 00:57.600 --> 01:02.600 Ah, you sure are Oscar, because auto light spark plugs are ignition engineered to give 01:02.600 --> 01:04.920 top performance at all times. 01:04.920 --> 01:09.400 They're specified as original equipment on many leading makes of our finest cars, trucks 01:09.400 --> 01:10.400 and tractors. 01:10.400 --> 01:16.720 My auto light spark plug dealer told me spark plugs were the very heart of my ignition system. 01:16.720 --> 01:21.400 And he was right too, so friends, have your spark plugs checked by your nearest dealer 01:21.400 --> 01:24.000 who sells auto light spark plugs. 01:24.000 --> 01:29.240 To quickly locate him, just look for the auto light spark plug sign or phone Western Union 01:29.240 --> 01:32.480 by number and ask for operator 25. 01:32.480 --> 01:38.280 And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with auto light. 01:38.280 --> 01:44.000 And now, auto light presents Charles Dickens' The Mystery of Edwin Drew, starring Mr. Herbert 01:44.000 --> 02:00.120 Marshall, hoping once again to keep you in suspense. 02:00.120 --> 02:06.200 This is the last night I have to live, and I will set down the naked truth without disguise. 02:06.200 --> 02:09.840 I was never a brave man, but the task comes without much difficulty. 02:09.840 --> 02:15.160 I can speak of myself as if I had already passed from the world. 02:15.160 --> 02:20.760 For while I write this, my grave is digging, and my name is inscribed in the Black Book 02:20.760 --> 02:23.760 of Death. 02:23.760 --> 02:36.000 It was in the organ loft of the assembly hall at Toystrom College where I first began to 02:36.000 --> 02:44.200 learn how a man's mind can become a thing of horrible wonder, apart, arriving tormenting, 02:44.200 --> 02:47.280 beyond his poor power to control. 02:47.280 --> 02:52.720 I'd gone there as I so often did for the peace and quiet, for the song of birds, the scents 02:52.720 --> 02:58.440 from gardens and woods that joined with me and my music. 02:58.440 --> 03:04.240 And it was there, suddenly without warning, that my mind filled with those words, words 03:04.240 --> 03:08.960 long forgotten, only half learned at best somewhere in the dim past. 03:08.960 --> 03:16.960 When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness, he shall save his soul alive. 03:16.960 --> 03:20.280 The wicked man? 03:20.280 --> 03:23.080 What has that to do with me, with John Jasper? 03:23.080 --> 03:24.080 Simple instructory music. 03:24.080 --> 03:25.080 Jack? 03:25.080 --> 03:27.840 And why should I be filled with a strange sense of guilt? 03:27.840 --> 03:29.160 Are you in there, Jack? 03:29.160 --> 03:30.160 The wicked man. 03:30.160 --> 03:31.160 Me? 03:31.160 --> 03:32.160 The wicked man? 03:32.160 --> 03:33.160 Jack, are you in there? 03:33.160 --> 03:34.160 Jack, are you in the organ, love? 03:34.160 --> 03:35.160 Jack? 03:35.160 --> 03:36.160 Who's that? 03:36.160 --> 03:37.160 It's I, Jack, your nephew, Edwin Drews. 03:37.160 --> 03:38.160 Edwin? 03:38.160 --> 03:43.160 I'm out here in the assembly hall. 03:43.160 --> 03:46.160 Edwin, Edwin, my boy. 03:46.160 --> 03:51.960 Jack, Jack, it's good to see you again. 03:51.960 --> 03:54.080 Let me see what the past three months have done for you. 03:54.080 --> 03:56.960 I can't say they've done you a bit of harm. 03:56.960 --> 03:58.160 No reason why they should. 03:58.160 --> 03:59.640 But tell me of yourself. 03:59.640 --> 04:01.280 You look a little tired. 04:01.280 --> 04:02.280 Tired? 04:02.280 --> 04:03.760 I've never felt better in my life. 04:03.760 --> 04:05.800 Not worried about something, are you? 04:05.800 --> 04:07.520 Some strain you're under, perhaps? 04:07.520 --> 04:09.040 In this sleepy old college town? 04:09.040 --> 04:10.960 Oh, but look here, come into my office. 04:10.960 --> 04:12.920 We're wasting all this time and talk. 04:12.920 --> 04:19.200 I've been saving a special welcome for you, my boy. 04:19.200 --> 04:22.360 Sit down and rest your weary bones while I make it ready. 04:22.360 --> 04:24.360 Oh, Jack. 04:24.360 --> 04:27.000 Jack, I'm truly home again. 04:27.000 --> 04:28.920 I can see that now. 04:28.920 --> 04:31.480 No wonder you love it here at Ploistrom. 04:31.480 --> 04:33.080 Is that what you think, Edwin? 04:33.080 --> 04:36.560 Well, who could think otherwise, looking at you? 04:36.560 --> 04:40.960 You're respected, your talent for teaching music, admired and looked up to. 04:40.960 --> 04:43.280 You'd be duty-bound to love it. 04:43.280 --> 04:44.280 You're wrong, Edwin. 04:44.280 --> 04:45.280 I hate it. 04:45.280 --> 04:46.280 What? 04:46.280 --> 04:47.280 I hate it. 04:47.280 --> 04:48.280 Jack, I'd never dreamed. 04:48.280 --> 04:55.480 Well, now, now, let there be an end to such talk, Edwin. 04:55.480 --> 04:58.800 We've laid our tooth much too long as it is. 04:58.800 --> 04:59.800 To your future, Edwin. 04:59.800 --> 05:00.800 I know, Jack, hold on. 05:00.800 --> 05:03.320 I'll not make that the first toast upon my return. 05:03.320 --> 05:04.320 Oh, why not? 05:04.320 --> 05:07.600 There's a much better one to drink to on this day of all days. 05:07.600 --> 05:09.800 To my future wife, Rosa. 05:09.800 --> 05:13.040 Of course, Edwin. 05:13.040 --> 05:14.040 To Rosa. 05:14.040 --> 05:27.880 As bestowed there, Edwin and I, drinking to her, to Rosa, I began to realize why those 05:27.880 --> 05:31.520 words about the wicked man have come to me just before his return. 05:31.520 --> 05:34.680 It has been a warning. 05:34.680 --> 05:41.400 A warning that might have already come too late. 05:41.400 --> 05:51.760 Good evening, won't you? 05:51.760 --> 05:57.800 Oh, it's Mr. Jasper. 05:57.800 --> 05:58.800 Good evening, Rosa. 05:58.800 --> 05:59.800 Have I startled you? 05:59.800 --> 06:00.800 Why, no, Mr. Jasper. 06:00.800 --> 06:01.800 It was only that I... 06:01.800 --> 06:02.800 You were expecting someone else? 06:02.800 --> 06:03.800 Well, Edwin said that he might get here early. 06:03.800 --> 06:04.800 I'm sorry I disappointed you then. 06:04.800 --> 06:05.800 Oh, no, it isn't that really. 06:05.800 --> 06:06.800 I'm being quite rude, aren't I? 06:06.800 --> 06:07.800 Please come in. 06:07.800 --> 06:08.800 Thank you, my dear. 06:08.800 --> 06:09.800 You look most charming, Rosa. 06:09.800 --> 06:10.800 I'd swear that gown was purchased in London, especially for your party tonight. 06:10.800 --> 06:11.800 You surprised me, Mr. Jasper. 06:11.800 --> 06:12.800 I didn't know you were so observant of concerning women. 06:12.800 --> 06:13.800 I'm sorry, I'm sorry. 06:13.800 --> 06:14.800 I'm sorry. 06:14.800 --> 06:15.800 I'm sorry. 06:15.800 --> 06:16.800 I'm sorry. 06:16.800 --> 06:17.800 I'm sorry. 06:17.800 --> 06:18.800 I'm sorry. 06:18.800 --> 06:19.800 I'm sorry. 06:19.800 --> 06:20.800 I'm sorry. 06:20.800 --> 06:21.800 I'm sorry. 06:21.800 --> 06:22.800 I'm sorry. 06:22.800 --> 06:28.880 You surprised me, Mr. Jasper, I didn't know you were so observant of concerning women. 06:28.880 --> 06:31.560 Concerning women, Rosa, or you? 06:31.560 --> 06:32.560 Why, me? 06:32.560 --> 06:35.000 I'm only one of your music students. 06:35.000 --> 06:36.000 No, no. 06:36.000 --> 06:38.640 You're a good deal more than that to me, Rosa. 06:38.640 --> 06:39.820 I'll open the parlor. 06:39.820 --> 06:48.760 We can wait there for the other guests. 06:48.760 --> 06:52.360 You said I was a good deal more to you than just a music student. 06:52.360 --> 06:53.360 What did you mean? 06:53.360 --> 06:54.360 Edwin's my nephew. 06:54.360 --> 06:55.360 You're his betrothed. 06:55.360 --> 06:59.360 Surely the love I bear for him extends to you also. 06:59.360 --> 07:04.280 Oh, I hadn't thought of your feelings toward me in just that way. 07:04.280 --> 07:06.280 Had you thought of them then? 07:06.280 --> 07:08.560 Allow me to be frank, Mr. Jasper. 07:08.560 --> 07:12.720 I'm going to marry Edwin despite the fact that I do not love him. 07:12.720 --> 07:13.720 You do not? 07:13.720 --> 07:20.480 Oh, as a brother, perhaps as a very dear friend, but not as one should love a husband. 07:20.480 --> 07:23.520 Then why marry him, Rosa? 07:23.520 --> 07:25.560 Because I couldn't bear to see him hurt. 07:25.560 --> 07:28.840 Because I promised both my parents and his that we would marry. 07:28.840 --> 07:31.080 There's nothing that can change your mind. 07:31.080 --> 07:32.760 No, Mr. Jasper. 07:32.760 --> 07:34.560 Not even if you loved another. 07:34.560 --> 07:40.920 I do love another. 07:40.920 --> 07:41.920 The other guests. 07:41.920 --> 07:42.920 Rosa. 07:42.920 --> 07:43.920 Excuse me, please. 07:43.920 --> 07:44.920 I must let them in. 07:44.920 --> 08:01.560 I remember little concern in the party that followed, being too occupied with my own thoughts. 08:01.560 --> 08:05.680 But two insolents do stand out as foreshadowing events to come. 08:05.680 --> 08:11.400 The first, a conversation between Dean Chris Barkle and his protégé, Neville Landless, 08:11.400 --> 08:16.000 a strange and intense young man, but newly arrived from Ceylon. 08:16.000 --> 08:21.000 Yes, of course, my dear. 08:21.000 --> 08:23.920 He is a beautiful girl, Dean. 08:23.920 --> 08:26.360 One of the most beautiful it has ever been my fortune to meet. 08:26.360 --> 08:29.520 It might be best for you to curb your admiration, Neville. 08:29.520 --> 08:31.080 Rosa's already spoken for. 08:31.080 --> 08:32.640 In Ceylon, that is not always the reason. 08:32.640 --> 08:36.200 I need hardly remind you, my boy, that this is cloistered in England. 08:36.200 --> 08:39.800 I warrant her fiancee would not take too kindly to your attitude. 08:39.800 --> 08:40.800 Fiancee? 08:40.800 --> 08:42.400 Young Edwin Drude. 08:42.400 --> 08:43.640 Ah, yes. 08:43.640 --> 08:47.040 I now understand his air of proprietorship. 08:47.040 --> 08:50.080 Obviously, he's not one who appreciates his good fortune. 08:50.080 --> 08:54.640 May I ask, Mr. Landless, the exact meaning of your remark concerning me and Rosa? 08:54.640 --> 08:56.240 Edwin, really, I didn't know that you... 08:56.240 --> 08:57.640 I don't mind, Mr. Drude. 08:57.640 --> 09:00.920 It seemed to me that you were taking the young lady in question rather for granted. 09:00.920 --> 09:02.360 I merely commented on it. 09:02.360 --> 09:07.320 A manner of comment that hardly comes under the heading of civility in England, Mr. Landless. 09:07.320 --> 09:10.320 Though perhaps your somewhat heathen background may account for it. 09:10.320 --> 09:12.400 Oh, come now, gentlemen, this is hardly the time or place... 09:12.400 --> 09:15.800 No, how does it seem very civil for you to comment so upon a stranger here, 09:15.800 --> 09:19.160 one who has not had your so-called advantages in upbringing? 09:19.160 --> 09:22.440 Perhaps the best civility is to mind our own business, 09:22.440 --> 09:24.600 if you will set me that example I promised to follow it. 09:24.600 --> 09:26.480 You take too much upon yourself, sir. 09:26.480 --> 09:28.960 In my part of the world, you would be called to account for it. 09:28.960 --> 09:30.680 By whom, for instance, Mr. Landless? 09:30.680 --> 09:31.720 By me, sir. 09:31.720 --> 09:33.120 At your earliest convenience. 09:33.120 --> 09:34.520 Oh, gentlemen, gentlemen, please. 09:34.520 --> 09:36.920 Edwin, Edwin, let's have no more of this. 09:36.920 --> 09:38.320 I were to bring the two of you. 09:38.320 --> 09:39.200 I don't like it, my boy. 09:39.200 --> 09:42.480 Nor do I care for certain comments made in my presence here, Jack. 09:42.480 --> 09:44.680 This is hardly a matter of moment, Edwin. 09:44.680 --> 09:48.600 We are all hosts here to Mr. Landless, a stranger newly arrived, 09:48.600 --> 09:52.200 who should respect the obligations of hospitality. 09:52.200 --> 09:54.600 Shall it be over then? 09:54.600 --> 09:57.120 So far as I'm concerned, Jack, there's no anger left. 09:57.120 --> 09:58.800 Mr. Landless? 09:58.800 --> 10:00.120 None, Mr. Jasper. 10:00.120 --> 10:01.800 So be it then. 10:01.800 --> 10:12.800 The incident is over. 10:12.800 --> 10:17.880 When it became time for Rosa to play, I took my place at the piano beside her 10:17.880 --> 10:21.440 in order to turn the pages of the music. 10:21.440 --> 10:25.160 I stood there watching, watching her hands caressing the keys 10:25.160 --> 10:30.080 like two white, tender doves, seeing her lips pursed tenderly 10:30.080 --> 10:36.840 in concentration, the curve of her soft cheek, her eyes intent upon her music, 10:36.840 --> 10:41.520 yet finding moments free to glance up into mine, a tired of emotion 10:41.520 --> 10:43.960 welled up within me as I watched. 10:43.960 --> 10:47.520 And then I saw it begin to overtake her too. 10:47.520 --> 10:51.600 It was evident in the trembling of her hands, the color draining from her face, 10:51.600 --> 10:53.560 her quickening breath. 10:53.560 --> 10:55.160 Oh, no, I can't bear it. 10:55.160 --> 10:56.960 I can't bear it. 10:56.960 --> 10:58.160 Take me away, please. 10:58.160 --> 11:00.160 Take me away. 11:00.160 --> 11:02.160 Take me away. 11:02.160 --> 11:04.160 Take me away. 11:04.160 --> 11:06.160 Take me away. 11:06.160 --> 11:09.160 It was then the decision was made. 11:09.160 --> 11:14.160 It was then I knew that the end result was as fixed in time 11:14.160 --> 11:17.160 as the inexorable approach of death. 11:17.160 --> 11:37.160 In this instance, the death of Edwin Drude. 11:37.160 --> 11:41.160 Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Herbert Marshall in Charles Dickens' 11:41.160 --> 11:43.160 The Mystery of Edwin Drude. 11:43.160 --> 11:58.160 Tonight's presentation in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 11:58.160 --> 12:03.160 You know, Harlow, this is the first time I've had Auto Light Resistor spark plugs under my hood. 12:03.160 --> 12:07.160 Well, then, Oscar Otto, you're in for the ride of a car's lifetime. 12:07.160 --> 12:11.160 The Auto Light Resistor spark plug is the greatest advancement in spark plugs 12:11.160 --> 12:14.160 for automotive use in the past 25 years. 12:14.160 --> 12:16.160 They sure step up my performance. 12:16.160 --> 12:20.160 That's because Auto Light Resistor spark plugs have something extra 12:20.160 --> 12:22.160 that gives you something extra. 12:22.160 --> 12:27.160 That extra is an exclusive Auto Light built-in 10,000 ohm resistor 12:27.160 --> 12:31.160 that makes possible such extra advantages as smoother engine performance, 12:31.160 --> 12:34.160 quick starts, and double spark plug life. 12:34.160 --> 12:36.160 Extra special, Harlow. 12:36.160 --> 12:40.160 Right, you are, Oscar, and the Auto Light Resistor type spark plug 12:40.160 --> 12:44.160 is only one of the complete line of Auto Light spark plugs for every use. 12:44.160 --> 12:48.160 So, friends, see your nearest Auto Light spark plug dealer. 12:48.160 --> 12:53.160 Have him check and replace worn-out spark plugs with ignition-engineered Auto Light spark plugs, 12:53.160 --> 12:56.160 either standard or resistor type. 12:56.160 --> 13:01.160 And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 13:01.160 --> 13:06.160 And now, Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood sound stage Mr. Herbert Marshall 13:06.160 --> 13:10.160 in Elliot Lewis's production of The Mystery of Edwin Drude, 13:10.160 --> 13:15.160 a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 13:15.160 --> 13:35.160 I have said that a man's mind can become a thing of horrible wonder, a part. 13:35.160 --> 13:38.160 So it must have been with mine that night. 13:38.160 --> 13:43.160 For I know now that the plan, the complete, the perfect plan, 13:43.160 --> 13:53.160 was born the very moment that Edwin Drude led Rosa from the room. 13:53.160 --> 13:58.160 Oh, the poor girl. She's quite evidently overwrought. Yes, quite overwrought. 13:58.160 --> 14:01.160 Little wonder, with the strain she's had to bear. 14:01.160 --> 14:06.160 It can hardly be conducive to one's nerves when a fiancé becomes proprietary and overbearing. 14:06.160 --> 14:10.160 It will appear that your earlier differences with Edwin Drude still rankle and still endless. 14:10.160 --> 14:13.160 I believe I have my anger well under control, Mr. Jasper, 14:13.160 --> 14:16.160 though the same can hardly be said for the circumstances that provoked it. 14:16.160 --> 14:21.160 Oh, come now, Neville, it is hardly becoming to maintain such a disagreeable attitude. 14:21.160 --> 14:27.160 Hardly becoming, perhaps, but a natural reaction, and one that can be as naturally overcome. 14:27.160 --> 14:29.160 And just how would you suggest this to be done, sir? 14:29.160 --> 14:33.160 Through friendly discussion over a friendly nightcap, Mr. Landless. 14:33.160 --> 14:36.160 Shall we say at my gatehouse, within the hour? 14:36.160 --> 14:38.160 Will Drude be amenable? 14:38.160 --> 14:40.160 He's already accepted my invitation. 14:40.160 --> 14:41.160 Then I shall accept also. 14:41.160 --> 14:44.160 Thank you, Mr. Landless. You shall not regret it, I assure you. 14:51.160 --> 14:57.160 I took my leave then, and pursued my way through the silent cobbled streets of Cloisterham. 14:57.160 --> 15:00.160 My path led me beside the city's venerable crypt. 15:00.160 --> 15:06.160 That strange jumble of old walls, ancient druidic stone, and decaying monuments, 15:06.160 --> 15:10.160 wherein dwelt the bones of centuries of Cloisterham's dead. 15:10.160 --> 15:15.160 Upon reaching it, I forsook the cobbled stones of the street for the rubble of the crypt. 15:19.160 --> 15:23.160 Beware that there amound by the yard gate, Mr. Jasper. 15:23.160 --> 15:25.160 Oh, is that you, Duddles? 15:25.160 --> 15:26.160 Aye. 15:26.160 --> 15:28.160 What was it you said? 15:28.160 --> 15:31.160 I said, where the mound, Mr. Jasper? 15:31.160 --> 15:32.160 What is it? 15:32.160 --> 15:34.160 Lime, that's what. 15:34.160 --> 15:36.160 Lime? What you call quick lime? 15:36.160 --> 15:42.160 Aye, quick enough to eat your bones, and your boots, with a little hand stirring. 15:42.160 --> 15:46.160 Quick enough, surely, to eat your bones. 15:46.160 --> 15:49.160 Really, now you use it for your stonemason work, do you? 15:49.160 --> 15:54.160 Aye, though it's little enough stonework for Duddles these days. 15:54.160 --> 15:58.160 What with the mayor and them wanting to learn where the olden ones is? 15:58.160 --> 16:02.160 Oh, yes. Searching for the final resting places of ancient druids, aren't you? 16:02.160 --> 16:05.160 Aye, try and task it is, too. 16:05.160 --> 16:10.160 What with the way they're buried here, without no rhyme, no reason. 16:10.160 --> 16:14.160 Scattered about like in walls and under passageways. 16:14.160 --> 16:17.160 At best I'd say it was an impossible task, Duddles. 16:17.160 --> 16:20.160 Not for Duddles and his armoury, it's not. 16:20.160 --> 16:23.160 Hammer? How can that possibly help? 16:23.160 --> 16:27.160 Well, look you over here, Mr Jasper. 16:30.160 --> 16:36.160 Here's a wall, ticky-tiss, over six feet, crumbling bad in spots. 16:36.160 --> 16:40.160 Hard to tell just what might be buried there, if anything. 16:40.160 --> 16:44.160 But Duddles will soon put an end to that mystery. 16:45.160 --> 16:47.160 Aye, taps, you see. 16:48.160 --> 16:50.160 Solid here, unolden. 16:50.160 --> 16:53.160 So I goes on tapping. 16:53.160 --> 16:55.160 Hollow here, nothing. 16:55.160 --> 16:58.160 I tap some more. 16:58.160 --> 17:01.160 Here I find solid. 17:02.160 --> 17:04.160 Ah, hollow again. 17:04.160 --> 17:08.160 There you have it, Mr Jasper. Walls hollow. 17:08.160 --> 17:13.160 Toe filled with rubbish and whatnot I wage, but hollow plain enough. 17:13.160 --> 17:16.160 Like most of the walls around here. 17:16.160 --> 17:20.160 Plenty of room in them for a hundred more bodies it need be. 17:20.160 --> 17:22.160 Yes, I dare say. 17:22.160 --> 17:25.160 Well, thank you kindly for a most illuminating lecture. 17:25.160 --> 17:27.160 Well, no. 17:27.160 --> 17:32.160 You didn't say why you come visiting here in the first place, Mr Jasper. 17:32.160 --> 17:36.160 I don't believe I know, Duddles. 17:36.160 --> 17:38.160 I don't believe I know. 17:38.160 --> 17:42.160 When I arrived at my lodgings, Edwin was already there. 17:42.160 --> 17:46.160 And no sooner had we got the fire blazing and made ourselves comfortable 17:46.160 --> 17:50.160 than Neville Landless put in his appearance. 17:53.160 --> 17:55.160 Please, to sit down, Mr Landless. 17:55.160 --> 17:59.160 Whatever small comfort you find here, consider it to be your own. 17:59.160 --> 18:00.160 My thanks, Mr Jasper. 18:00.160 --> 18:02.160 Turn up the lamp on the desk, will you, Edwin? 18:02.160 --> 18:05.160 I have a pair of scissors and a pair of scissors. 18:05.160 --> 18:08.160 Turn up the lamp on the desk, will you, Edwin? 18:08.160 --> 18:10.160 I'll prepare some mulled wine for that nightcap I promised. 18:10.160 --> 18:12.160 Of course, Jack. 18:14.160 --> 18:17.160 You'll probably notice, Mr Landless, that I have the lamp so arranged 18:17.160 --> 18:20.160 as to illuminate a painting over the chimney place. 18:20.160 --> 18:22.160 I have noticed it, Mr Jasper. 18:22.160 --> 18:24.160 You'll recognize the subject, of course. 18:24.160 --> 18:30.160 Miss Rosar, I could hardly fail to do so, though the portrait is far from flattering to the original. 18:30.160 --> 18:32.160 Don't be so hard on it, Mr Landless. 18:32.160 --> 18:35.160 It was done by Edwin, who made me a present of it. 18:35.160 --> 18:39.160 I am sorry, Mr Drude, if I had known I was in the artist's presence. 18:39.160 --> 18:42.160 I doubt that your remark would have differed, Mr Landless. 18:42.160 --> 18:43.160 Perhaps it would not have, Mr Drude. 18:43.160 --> 18:46.160 Oh, come now, gentlemen, let there be no more of this. 18:46.160 --> 18:47.160 The wine is prepared. 18:47.160 --> 18:52.160 So, and surely no lady, or at least the portrait of one, 18:52.160 --> 18:56.160 should intrude upon the drinking habits of good friends. 18:56.160 --> 18:57.160 For you, Mr Landless. 18:57.160 --> 18:58.160 Thank you, sir. 18:58.160 --> 18:59.160 Edwin. 18:59.160 --> 19:01.160 My thanks, Jack. 19:01.160 --> 19:07.160 Now, for the first toast of the evening, I should like to propose one to my nephew, a most fortunate man. 19:07.160 --> 19:09.160 A toast in truth, Mr Jasper. 19:09.160 --> 19:11.160 I shall drink to it. 19:11.160 --> 19:12.160 Thank you both, gentlemen. 19:12.160 --> 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. 19:18.160 --> 19:21.160 And an enviable state, if I truly possess it, Jack. 19:21.160 --> 19:23.160 How could you doubt it, my boy? 19:23.160 --> 19:27.160 A family estate that eliminates the burdens of economic necessity? 19:27.160 --> 19:34.160 Rosa, eager, waiting to supply you with the greatest blessings of domestic bliss and love. 19:34.160 --> 19:38.160 Quite different from your prospects and mine, is it not, Mr Landless? 19:38.160 --> 19:40.160 Yes, quite different, Mr Jasper. 19:40.160 --> 19:47.160 Upon my soul, Jack, I almost feel apologetic for having my way smoothed, as you describe, almost, but not quite. 19:47.160 --> 19:51.160 Perhaps it might have been better for Mr Drude to have known some hardships in the achievement of his possessions. 19:51.160 --> 19:55.160 And why, pray, might it have been better for Mr Drude to have known hardships? 19:55.160 --> 19:56.160 Yes, Mr Landless. 19:56.160 --> 19:57.160 Tell us why. 19:57.160 --> 20:00.160 Because they might have made him more sensible of good fortune. 20:00.160 --> 20:02.160 That is not the result of his own merit. 20:02.160 --> 20:05.160 Have you known hardships, may I ask? 20:05.160 --> 20:06.160 I have. 20:06.160 --> 20:07.160 And what have they made you sensible of? 20:07.160 --> 20:09.160 I have told you once before tonight. 20:09.160 --> 20:10.160 You've told me nothing. 20:10.160 --> 20:12.160 I told you that you take a great deal too much upon yourself. 20:12.160 --> 20:14.160 You added something else to that, if I remember. 20:14.160 --> 20:17.160 I did. I said that in my part of the world you would be called to account for it. 20:17.160 --> 20:21.160 That part of the world is a long way off, I believe, at a very safe distance. 20:21.160 --> 20:24.160 Say here, then. Say anywhere that gentlemen may be found. 20:24.160 --> 20:26.160 What would you know of gentlemen, Landless? 20:26.160 --> 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. 20:30.160 --> 20:32.160 I have taken all I'm going to take from you. 20:32.160 --> 20:35.160 Here now, Edwin. Stand still. Mr Landless, give me that bottle. 20:35.160 --> 20:38.160 I'll give it to your precious nephew. 20:39.160 --> 20:43.160 I warn you, Drude, I'll cut you down some day for this. 20:43.160 --> 20:55.160 I swear it. 20:57.160 --> 21:00.160 The scene had gone well, I thought. Very well. 21:00.160 --> 21:06.160 And after Landless's enraged departure, after I had calmed Edwin down and sent him home, 21:06.160 --> 21:09.160 I waited for what I knew would inevitably follow. 21:09.160 --> 21:13.160 It was close to midnight when it did. 21:19.160 --> 21:21.160 May I come in, Jesper? 21:21.160 --> 21:23.160 Of course, Dean. 21:23.160 --> 21:29.160 I understand you had some difficulty with my protégé tonight. 21:29.160 --> 21:30.160 He told you? 21:30.160 --> 21:33.160 There was no overlooking his wrought up state when he came home. 21:33.160 --> 21:37.160 I questioned him at once. It must have been rather difficult. 21:37.160 --> 21:39.160 Murderous might be a more exact term. 21:39.160 --> 21:42.160 Murderous? Surely you exaggerate, Jesper. 21:42.160 --> 21:43.160 I hardly think so. 21:43.160 --> 21:46.160 But what could justify the use of such an expression? 21:46.160 --> 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. 21:51.160 --> 21:56.160 Oh, unbelievable. And yet he did repeat to me the warning he gave young Drude. 21:56.160 --> 21:57.160 That he'd cut him down some day? 21:57.160 --> 21:59.160 His exact words, Jesper. 21:59.160 --> 22:02.160 I think, sir, that you have in your charge a most dangerous man, 22:02.160 --> 22:05.160 one who might well attempt to carry out his threat against Edwin's life. 22:05.160 --> 22:08.160 Oh, no, no, no. I can't believe that, Jesper. 22:08.160 --> 22:12.160 I'm confident that if we could get them together again, get them to shake hands upon it, 22:12.160 --> 22:14.160 all their differences could be resolved. 22:14.160 --> 22:16.160 You're much more optimistic than I. 22:16.160 --> 22:19.160 Surely it's worth a try for your nephew's sake, for no other. 22:19.160 --> 22:21.160 Talk to him. I'll talk with Neville. 22:21.160 --> 22:25.160 I know he'll meet with Drude whenever and wherever you say. 22:25.160 --> 22:27.160 Very well, Dean. I'll try. 22:27.160 --> 22:29.160 Though I say to you now, and you are my witness, 22:29.160 --> 22:32.160 I'm convinced that unless Neville Landless leaves Cloisterham, 22:32.160 --> 22:35.160 the end result could be nothing but tragedy. 22:42.160 --> 22:45.160 It was two days later that Dean Chris Barcl 22:45.160 --> 22:48.160 brought me assurance of Neville's willingness to cooperate. 22:48.160 --> 22:52.160 Immediately I sought out Edwin Drude for a dinner on Christmas Eve, 22:52.160 --> 22:54.160 just the three of us. 22:54.160 --> 22:59.160 And so the stage was set, and the hours flew, 22:59.160 --> 23:05.160 and the ugly streets of Cloisterham turned bright and gay with the holly and the mistletoe. 23:06.160 --> 23:10.160 The dinner in my lodgings went carefully and well that Christmas Eve. 23:10.160 --> 23:14.160 The holiday spirit burned as brightly as the fire in the house. 23:14.160 --> 23:18.160 There was peace on earth to all men of good will. 23:18.160 --> 23:22.160 Not even the unseasonable storm that began to rage outside 23:22.160 --> 23:24.160 could dampen the gaiety of the evening. 23:24.160 --> 23:26.160 Rather it served as a challenge, 23:26.160 --> 23:31.160 an opportunity to heighten the feeling of good fellowship that seemed to be born that night. 23:40.160 --> 23:44.160 It was sometime around midnight when the two men, arm in arm, took their departure. 23:44.160 --> 23:46.160 You would suggest something like this, Jack. 23:46.160 --> 23:49.160 Fancy going to see the river at this hour on Christmas Eve. 23:49.160 --> 23:51.160 Only a madman would suggest such a thing. 23:51.160 --> 23:55.160 And only two young madmen such as you would take up such a suggestion, 23:55.160 --> 23:57.160 if indeed you are to take it up. 23:57.160 --> 23:59.160 Nothing could stop me from it now, Mr Jasper. 23:59.160 --> 24:03.160 It's unbelievable that that sluggish, muddy stream could ever become a raging torrent. 24:03.160 --> 24:06.160 Nevertheless, you'll find it is so, Mr Landless. 24:06.160 --> 24:09.160 One of the few worthwhile sights to behold in Cloisterham. 24:09.160 --> 24:11.160 Our river reborn at the height of a storm. 24:11.160 --> 24:13.160 I warn you to be careful, however. 24:13.160 --> 24:15.160 The footing will be treacherous. 24:15.160 --> 24:19.160 You're a wicked man, Jack, to inflame us over the idea and then attempt to draw us back. 24:19.160 --> 24:21.160 Will you not succeed in stopping us now, Innifil? 24:21.160 --> 24:23.160 No, Edwin. Nothing will stop us now. 24:23.160 --> 24:26.160 Then come along. We'll be on our merry way. 24:47.160 --> 24:50.160 There is little I can tell you of the night that followed. 24:50.160 --> 24:53.160 For there is little that I remember clearly. 24:53.160 --> 24:56.160 I know only that when dawn finally broke, 24:56.160 --> 25:00.160 I found myself in the organ loft, playing, 25:00.160 --> 25:02.160 my clothing wet through, 25:02.160 --> 25:06.160 and burning within my brain was a memory. 25:06.160 --> 25:11.160 A memory of a man walking alone through the wind and rain in the black of night. 25:11.160 --> 25:15.160 A man walking through the deserted streets of Cloisterham. 25:15.160 --> 25:20.160 A street that suddenly, unknown to him, were no longer deserted. 25:45.160 --> 25:48.160 A memory, I said it was. 25:48.160 --> 25:50.160 Or was it a dream? 25:50.160 --> 25:52.160 I did not know. 25:52.160 --> 25:55.160 But as I sat there in that organ loft, 25:55.160 --> 25:58.160 in the dim light of Christmas morn, 25:58.160 --> 26:01.160 there was one thing I did know. 26:01.160 --> 26:15.160 Edwin's room would never be seen again. 26:31.160 --> 26:33.160 Suspense. 26:33.160 --> 26:35.160 Presented by Auto Light. 26:35.160 --> 26:38.160 Tonight's star, Mr. Herbert Marshall. 26:38.160 --> 26:41.160 This is Harlow Wilcox speaking for Auto Light, 26:41.160 --> 26:46.160 world's largest independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment. 26:46.160 --> 26:50.160 Auto Light is proud to serve the greatest names in the industry. 26:50.160 --> 26:53.160 They are members of the Auto Light family, 26:53.160 --> 26:57.160 as well as are the 98,000 auto manufacturers in the world. 26:57.160 --> 27:02.160 They are members of the Auto Light family, as well as are the 98,000 auto light distributors 27:02.160 --> 27:08.160 and dealers in the United States and thousands more in Canada and throughout the world. 27:08.160 --> 27:13.160 Our family also includes the nearly 30,000 men and women in 28 great auto light plants 27:13.160 --> 27:17.160 from coast to coast and auto light plants in many foreign countries, 27:17.160 --> 27:23.160 as well as the 18,000 people who have invested a portion of their savings in Auto Light. 27:23.160 --> 27:27.160 Every Auto Light product is backed by constant research 27:27.160 --> 27:32.160 and precision built to the highest standards of quality and performance. 27:32.160 --> 27:37.160 So remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 27:37.160 --> 27:49.160 Next week, part two of Charles Dickens' unfinished novel, 27:49.160 --> 27:55.160 The Mystery of Edwin Drude, at which time we will attempt to solve this literary puzzle. 27:55.160 --> 27:59.160 Our star once again, Mr. Herbert Marshall. 27:59.160 --> 28:20.160 That's next week on Suspense. 28:20.160 --> 28:24.160 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis, 28:24.160 --> 28:28.160 with music composed by Lucian Morawak and conducted by Lud Bluskin. 28:28.160 --> 28:34.160 The Mystery of Edwin Drude was adapted from Charles Dickens' unfinished novel by Sidney Marshall. 28:34.160 --> 28:38.160 In tonight's story, Terry Kilburn was heard as Edwin Drude, 28:38.160 --> 28:41.160 Betty Harford as Rosa, Ben Wright as Landless, 28:41.160 --> 28:53.160 Joseph Kearns as Dean Chris Sparkle, and William Johnstone as Dirtles. 28:53.160 --> 28:56.160 You can buy Auto Light resistor or standard type spark plugs. 28:56.160 --> 29:01.160 Auto Light staple batteries and Auto Light electrical parts at your neighborhood Auto Light dealers. 29:01.160 --> 29:08.160 Switch to Auto Light. Good night. 29:08.160 --> 29:27.160 This is the CBS Radio Network.