WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:10.720 Auto Light and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Peter Lawford in tonight's presentation 00:10.720 --> 00:12.720 of Suspense. 00:12.720 --> 00:23.400 Tonight, Auto Light presents part one of the first detective novel ever written, a tale 00:23.400 --> 00:26.840 considered by many to be the greatest ever written. 00:26.840 --> 00:36.640 Wilkie Collins, the Moonstone, our star Mr. Peter Lawford. 00:36.640 --> 00:38.800 Last call, last call. 00:38.800 --> 00:40.440 Last call for what, Harlow? 00:40.440 --> 00:43.440 Why, last call for that winter car check, Hap. 00:43.440 --> 00:46.760 Not much more time to get the oil and grease changed, put in antifreeze. 00:46.760 --> 00:49.520 And check those important spark plugs, too. 00:49.520 --> 00:51.480 You said it, Johnny Plug Check. 00:51.480 --> 00:54.720 The spark plugs are the very heart of a car's ignition system. 00:54.720 --> 00:57.520 You've got to be right for quick cold weather starts. 00:57.520 --> 01:01.040 So have them checked by your nearest Auto Light spark plug dealer. 01:01.040 --> 01:03.080 He's an expert on cleaning and adjustment. 01:03.080 --> 01:06.180 But suppose those spark plugs are worn out, Harlow. 01:06.180 --> 01:10.280 Why then, Hap, your Auto Light spark plug dealer will heartily and happily suggest a 01:10.280 --> 01:15.420 set of world famous Auto Light spark plugs, like the amazing Double Life Resistor spark 01:15.420 --> 01:16.420 plug. 01:16.420 --> 01:21.120 So get those spark plugs checked tomorrow and you'll avoid cold weather sorrow. 01:21.120 --> 01:24.200 And do it at your Auto Light spark plug dealers. 01:24.200 --> 01:29.400 To quickly locate him, phone Western Union by number and ask for operator 25. 01:29.400 --> 01:34.640 And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 01:34.640 --> 01:40.360 And now, Auto Light presents part one of Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone, starring Mr. Peter 01:40.360 --> 01:55.160 Lawford, hoping once again to keep you in suspense. 01:55.160 --> 02:04.320 Look, my lord, there's the house. 02:04.320 --> 02:05.880 Silence, boy. 02:05.880 --> 02:06.880 My eyes behold. 02:06.880 --> 02:09.880 Has your chosen a place, my brother? 02:09.880 --> 02:14.560 Beneath these trees, my brother, are we observed? 02:14.560 --> 02:15.560 No. 02:15.560 --> 02:16.560 Begin it. 02:16.560 --> 02:20.560 Boy, look to my eyes. 02:20.560 --> 02:22.560 Please, please, not again. 02:22.560 --> 02:24.240 Please don't, please. 02:24.240 --> 02:26.240 Look to my eyes. 02:26.240 --> 02:30.640 Yes, my lord. 02:30.640 --> 02:37.160 In the name of the regent of the night, lord of the world, whose arms embrace the four 02:37.160 --> 02:46.600 corners of earth, your servants, oh lord, dedicated to end the vile sacrilege of unbelievers, 02:46.600 --> 02:55.240 dedicated to restore what is rightfully yours, use this body we offer you. 02:55.240 --> 02:59.560 Give us the power of your sight. 02:59.560 --> 03:02.320 You heard him, my brother. 03:02.320 --> 03:11.320 He the Englishman who has returned from foreign past. 03:11.320 --> 03:15.720 Is it to this house and no other he will travel today? 03:15.720 --> 03:19.200 To this house and no other. 03:19.200 --> 03:22.240 And he brings it with him? 03:22.240 --> 03:27.200 Yes, he brings it. 03:27.200 --> 03:33.040 And as the sun sets, he will enter the house? 03:33.040 --> 03:36.040 I can't see. 03:36.040 --> 03:37.040 See? 03:37.040 --> 03:38.040 Tell us. 03:38.040 --> 03:39.040 I can't. 03:39.040 --> 03:40.040 The elements rises in my head. 03:40.040 --> 03:41.040 I can't see. 03:41.040 --> 03:42.040 This is enough, my brother. 03:42.040 --> 03:43.040 He will come and he will bring in wisdom. 03:43.040 --> 04:11.320 It was in May of 1848 that I received news of the death of my uncle, Colonel John Hearncastle. 04:11.320 --> 04:15.680 The letter caught up to me in Italy with instructions that I return to England and perform my duties 04:15.680 --> 04:19.040 as executor of my uncle's will. 04:19.040 --> 04:23.440 Not having seen my uncle since childhood, I thought neither one way or the other about 04:23.440 --> 04:24.440 his death. 04:24.440 --> 04:27.440 But I remembered the story. 04:27.440 --> 04:31.560 A black sheep with a strong dash of savage. 04:31.560 --> 04:35.280 He had fought in India and come home with a vile reputation which had closed the doors 04:35.280 --> 04:38.160 of all his relations against him. 04:38.160 --> 04:43.040 His sister, Lady Julia Verinda, had taken the lead in this respect. 04:43.040 --> 04:46.320 Colonel John never set foot in her great Yorkshire house. 04:46.320 --> 04:51.440 Naturally, this all went through my mind as I entered the office of our family lawyer, 04:51.440 --> 04:52.440 Mr. Matthew Brown. 04:52.440 --> 04:53.440 Well, very well, Mr. Franklin Blake. 04:53.440 --> 04:54.440 You're looking fit, quite fit. 04:54.440 --> 04:55.440 Thank you, sir. 04:55.440 --> 04:56.440 You're looking well yourself. 04:56.440 --> 04:57.440 Let's see now. 04:57.440 --> 04:58.440 How many years has it been? 04:58.440 --> 04:59.440 Oh, five at least, sir. 04:59.440 --> 05:00.440 Five. 05:00.440 --> 05:01.440 My, my, my. 05:01.440 --> 05:02.440 How time flies. 05:02.440 --> 05:12.080 Now, sir, now, this letter Colonel Hearncastle's with. 05:12.080 --> 05:13.560 You're acquainted with your duties? 05:13.560 --> 05:14.560 Yes, sir. 05:14.560 --> 05:19.320 I've signed papers and there's a birthday gift left to my cousin, Rachel Brimber. 05:19.320 --> 05:20.320 I'm to take it to her. 05:20.320 --> 05:21.320 Very good, sir. 05:21.320 --> 05:22.320 Now to work. 05:22.320 --> 05:27.720 First clause provides for support and safekeeping for his animals, cats and dogs and horses 05:27.720 --> 05:30.280 he seemed to prefer for human company. 05:30.280 --> 05:33.520 This paper covers that, you'll sign here. 05:33.520 --> 05:34.960 All right, sir. 05:34.960 --> 05:39.560 Second clause directs his fortune to be used wholly for the establishment of a professorship 05:39.560 --> 05:41.680 of chemistry at Cameron University. 05:41.680 --> 05:45.160 Rumours were that Colonel was addicted to opium. 05:45.160 --> 05:48.320 I suppose that explains the chemistry. 05:48.320 --> 05:49.680 Sign here. 05:49.680 --> 05:52.360 Yes, I've heard he took runs. 05:52.360 --> 05:56.000 The third clause you might as well read yourself. 05:56.000 --> 05:57.800 Read from here. 05:57.800 --> 05:58.800 Right. 05:58.800 --> 06:04.000 Thirdly and lastly, I give him bequeathed to my niece, Rachel Brimber, only child of 06:04.000 --> 06:06.560 my sister, Lady Julia Brimber. 06:06.560 --> 06:09.800 A yellow diamond? 06:09.800 --> 06:12.920 Belonging to me and known in the East as the Moonstone. 06:12.920 --> 06:15.920 Mr. Brath, a diamond? 06:15.920 --> 06:20.000 Oh, yes, there's a diamond of it. 06:20.000 --> 06:21.000 Read on. 06:21.000 --> 06:27.360 That said diamond should be given to my niece, Rachel, on her first birthday after my death, 06:27.360 --> 06:31.680 subject to the condition that her mother, Lady Verinda, be living at the time, and that 06:31.680 --> 06:36.880 my diamond be given into the hands of my niece by my nephew, Franklin Blake, in the presence 06:36.880 --> 06:40.240 of my sister, that said Julia Verinda. 06:40.240 --> 06:45.120 This I do in free forgiveness of my sister's conduct in closing her doors to me and publicly 06:45.120 --> 06:48.800 injuring my reputation as an officer and a gentleman during my lifetime. 06:48.800 --> 06:52.480 And the most generous forgiveness it turned out to be. 06:52.480 --> 06:54.280 The wicked Colonel's diamond. 06:54.280 --> 06:55.280 You have it here? 06:55.280 --> 06:56.280 No, no, the bank. 06:56.280 --> 06:58.600 Been in the bank vault for years. 06:58.600 --> 07:03.520 At one time the Colonel hinted of a conspiracy against him, claimed the stone was some sort 07:03.520 --> 07:10.160 of sacred Indian jewel, part of a four-handed moon garland, which to any serious person 07:10.160 --> 07:12.280 sounds like drug addiction. 07:12.280 --> 07:14.560 Is this Moonstone really worth it? 07:14.560 --> 07:18.680 We've had three appraisals, cost quite a stir, the size and colour. 07:18.680 --> 07:23.080 There's a flaw, but the least value put on the stone is 30,000 pounds. 07:23.080 --> 07:24.080 Thirty thousand? 07:24.080 --> 07:25.080 What an old diamond. 07:25.080 --> 07:32.480 There was also a paper instructing that if he died mysteriously, which he did not, the 07:32.480 --> 07:38.400 jewel was to be sent secretly to a diamond cutter in Amsterdam and cut up into several 07:38.400 --> 07:39.760 smaller stones. 07:39.760 --> 07:42.480 That way he thought to destroy its identity. 07:42.480 --> 07:43.480 Strange. 07:43.480 --> 07:45.320 The Colonel knew its worth. 07:45.320 --> 07:46.320 Why? 07:46.320 --> 07:49.800 Nothing strange, sir, when it comes to drugs. 07:49.800 --> 07:52.280 When will you be leaving for Yorkshire, Mr. Blake? 07:52.280 --> 07:57.280 Tomorrow afternoon, Lady Julia's invited me down to stay for two weeks before the birthday. 07:57.280 --> 07:59.520 You'll carry 30,000 pounds. 07:59.520 --> 08:00.520 Take care, my boy. 08:00.520 --> 08:01.520 I shall, Mr. Brown. 08:01.520 --> 08:05.920 You know, somehow I wish that I'd seen more of the Colonel. 08:05.920 --> 08:06.920 Heavens no sir. 08:06.920 --> 08:11.400 Contrast is so, but he was truly a wretched man. 08:11.400 --> 08:13.480 Goodbye, Mr. Blake. 08:13.480 --> 08:24.600 My regards to Lady Brindga, Miss Richard. 08:24.600 --> 08:28.480 Early the next morning I went to the bank, presented my authorization and was led to 08:28.480 --> 08:30.520 the strong room. 08:30.520 --> 08:35.920 I unlocked the family vault and saw a little wooden box. 08:35.920 --> 08:41.420 I slid open the cover and nestled in cotton with the stone. 08:41.420 --> 08:45.360 Even in that dim light, their stream had burst like the harvest moon. 08:45.360 --> 08:52.360 It drew my eyes into a yellow deep as unfathomable as the heavens themselves. 08:52.360 --> 08:59.120 A strange, eerie feeling began to grip me, almost hypnotic. 08:59.120 --> 09:02.480 I had to force myself to close the lid. 09:02.480 --> 09:05.720 I put the box carefully in an inside pocket, left the bank and plunged into the street 09:05.720 --> 09:09.560 crowd reaching the station just in time. 09:09.560 --> 09:30.600 Towards noon I arrived at the quiet country town of Frizzingall, feeling almost my natural 09:30.600 --> 09:31.600 self. 09:31.600 --> 09:37.200 For two weeks the moonstone was going to be my responsibility and I prudently decided 09:37.200 --> 09:40.080 to place it in the local bank. 09:40.080 --> 09:44.120 I then hired a carriage and was driven out to the great Brindga house sitting high on 09:44.120 --> 09:47.160 the Yorkshire coast near the sea. 09:47.160 --> 09:53.080 The place had practically been a second home my youth and I felt a warm, comfortable sense 09:53.080 --> 09:54.080 of return. 09:54.080 --> 09:59.040 Mr. Franklin, sir, won't you come in please? 09:59.040 --> 10:00.840 My lady and Miss Rachel are out, sir. 10:00.840 --> 10:02.800 We weren't expecting you till this evening. 10:02.800 --> 10:04.600 I had a sudden change in plans. 10:04.600 --> 10:05.600 I hope it's no bother. 10:05.600 --> 10:06.600 Oh, no bother, sir. 10:06.600 --> 10:11.240 Only my father, he was so looking forward to meeting you at the station. 10:11.240 --> 10:12.240 Your father? 10:12.240 --> 10:14.200 Betridge, sir, the family steward. 10:14.200 --> 10:17.720 Oh, good old Betridge, of course. 10:17.720 --> 10:18.720 So you're his daughter. 10:18.720 --> 10:21.400 Well, you were just a bet... 10:21.400 --> 10:22.400 Where is he? 10:22.400 --> 10:23.400 Down the beach walk, sir. 10:23.400 --> 10:25.520 The place they call Shivering Sand. 10:25.520 --> 10:27.800 He went to fetch one of the maid's lunch. 10:27.800 --> 10:28.800 That ugly place? 10:28.800 --> 10:29.800 I'll surprise him. 10:29.800 --> 10:30.800 Mr. Franklin? 10:30.800 --> 10:35.800 Pardon, sir, but do you know any travelling jugglers? 10:35.800 --> 10:36.800 What? 10:36.800 --> 10:37.800 Indian jugglers, sir. 10:37.800 --> 10:41.240 They came to the house to show us their tricks. 10:41.240 --> 10:44.640 I overheard them talking about a gentleman from foreign past coming here. 10:44.640 --> 10:46.680 And you're just that from the continent. 10:46.680 --> 10:50.160 His father drove them off because he thought they had snakes. 10:50.160 --> 10:53.160 No, no, I don't know any jugglers. 10:53.160 --> 10:54.160 Excuse me, sir. 10:54.160 --> 10:55.160 Father said it was silly. 10:55.160 --> 11:09.720 The beach walk led to one of the ugliest little bays on the Yorkshire coast. 11:09.720 --> 11:12.720 It was quicksand. 11:12.720 --> 11:19.680 At the turn of the tide, the whole face shivered and trembled in a most gruesome manner. 11:19.680 --> 11:23.120 Rounding the dunes, I saw two figures watching the tide. 11:23.120 --> 11:27.400 A woman and the plump, friendly form of old Betridge. 11:27.400 --> 11:30.400 Why do you visit this horrid place? 11:30.400 --> 11:33.400 I'm drawn to it, Mr. Betridge. 11:33.400 --> 11:35.400 Something draws me. 11:35.400 --> 11:36.400 Sand. 11:36.400 --> 11:38.400 The way it shivers. 11:38.400 --> 11:39.400 Betridge! 11:39.400 --> 11:40.400 What? 11:40.400 --> 11:41.400 Who is it? 11:41.400 --> 11:43.400 Don't you recognize me? 11:43.400 --> 11:46.680 My lord, this is Mr. Franklin. 11:46.680 --> 11:47.680 How are you, Betridge? 11:47.680 --> 11:50.680 How a fine boy, all grown to a man. 11:50.680 --> 11:51.680 Rosanna. 11:51.680 --> 11:53.280 This is our Mr. Franklin. 11:53.280 --> 11:55.800 Yes, I know Mr. Franklin. 11:55.800 --> 11:56.800 You know me? 11:56.800 --> 11:57.800 Yes, sir. 11:57.800 --> 11:58.800 From your pictures in the house. 11:58.800 --> 11:59.800 Excuse me. 11:59.800 --> 12:00.800 Please excuse me. 12:00.800 --> 12:01.800 That's an odd girl. 12:01.800 --> 12:02.800 Rosanna's our newest maid. 12:02.800 --> 12:03.800 She's a bit strange. 12:03.800 --> 12:04.800 Mark it down to them. 12:04.800 --> 12:05.800 I must say you're looking to pink, sir. 12:05.800 --> 12:06.800 Thank you. 12:06.800 --> 12:07.800 Tell me something, Betridge. 12:07.800 --> 12:08.800 Anything, sir. 12:08.800 --> 12:09.800 What? 12:09.800 --> 12:10.800 About the Indian jugglers we have. 12:10.800 --> 12:11.800 I met your daughter in the morning. 12:11.800 --> 12:12.800 I was wondering if you'd like to meet her. 12:12.800 --> 12:13.800 I'd like to meet her. 12:13.800 --> 12:14.800 I'd like to meet her. 12:14.800 --> 12:15.800 I'd like to meet her. 12:15.800 --> 12:16.800 I'd like to meet her. 12:16.800 --> 12:17.800 I'd like to meet her. 12:17.800 --> 12:18.800 I'd like to meet her. 12:18.800 --> 12:19.800 I'd like to meet her. 12:19.800 --> 12:25.640 I'd like to meet her. 12:25.640 --> 12:30.180 I looked around. 12:30.180 --> 12:42.800 She was when she was a little boy. 12:42.800 --> 12:43.800 See. 12:43.800 --> 12:44.800 I see. 12:44.800 --> 12:47.800 You've done me wrong, sir. 12:47.800 --> 12:48.800 No. 12:48.800 --> 12:51.800 No, not really, I'm sure. 12:51.800 --> 12:55.800 Come along. 12:55.800 --> 13:00.800 Perhaps it was silly. 13:00.800 --> 13:02.800 A conjure trick. 13:02.800 --> 13:07.800 But I felt rather clever for having put the diamond back in a bank. 13:07.800 --> 13:11.800 Still, it had to be coincidence, and reaching the house, I resolved to keep my imaginings 13:11.800 --> 13:12.800 to myself. 13:12.800 --> 13:18.800 Lady Julia and Rachel weren't expected home for sundown, so I went to my room to unpack. 13:18.800 --> 13:22.800 I lay down on the bed to rest, and I must have dozed off. 13:22.800 --> 13:27.800 When I opened my eyes, it was dark. 13:27.800 --> 13:29.800 Who's there? 13:29.800 --> 13:30.800 It's me, sir. 13:30.800 --> 13:31.800 Rosanna. 13:31.800 --> 13:32.800 What are you doing? 13:32.800 --> 13:34.800 Just coming to wake you, sir. 13:34.800 --> 13:35.800 It's near dinner. 13:35.800 --> 13:37.800 Good Lord, and I haven't even unpacked. 13:37.800 --> 13:40.800 I did it while you slept, sir. 13:40.800 --> 13:41.800 It's the dinner bell. 13:41.800 --> 13:43.800 Blast, I haven't got time to change. 13:43.800 --> 13:44.800 How do I look? 13:44.800 --> 13:47.800 You are so elegant, Mr. Franklin. 13:47.800 --> 13:54.800 Thank you, Rosanna. 13:54.800 --> 13:55.800 Franklin? 13:55.800 --> 13:57.800 Yes, Lady Julia. 13:57.800 --> 14:00.800 Franklin, dear boy, so good to have you back. 14:00.800 --> 14:02.800 It's good to be back, Lady Julia. 14:02.800 --> 14:03.800 You look exactly the same. 14:03.800 --> 14:05.800 Oh, you're kind, Franklin. 14:05.800 --> 14:08.800 But you, I don't think I'd have recognized you. 14:08.800 --> 14:09.800 I would. 14:09.800 --> 14:11.800 I would have recognized you, Cousin Franklin. 14:11.800 --> 14:13.800 Rachel, dear. 14:13.800 --> 14:15.800 This is Rachel. 14:15.800 --> 14:18.800 This is Rachel, the little girl whose hair you so delighted in pulling, 14:18.800 --> 14:20.800 and put frogs down her back. 14:20.800 --> 14:22.800 And got kicked in the shins for it. 14:22.800 --> 14:24.800 I can't believe it. 14:24.800 --> 14:25.800 That you did those things? 14:25.800 --> 14:26.800 Why, Cousin Franklin. 14:26.800 --> 14:30.800 Well, no, I mean you're beautiful. 14:30.800 --> 14:31.800 Really, sir? 14:31.800 --> 14:32.800 Thank you, sir. 14:32.800 --> 14:34.800 And you've grown handsome. 14:34.800 --> 14:35.800 Now we're even. 14:35.800 --> 14:39.800 Rachel, now come to dinner, you too. 14:39.800 --> 14:46.800 Franklin, you must tell us all about the continent. 14:46.800 --> 14:48.800 And there it began. 14:48.800 --> 14:52.800 Rachel was undoubtedly the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. 14:52.800 --> 14:55.800 I couldn't take my eyes off her. 14:55.800 --> 14:59.800 In the days that followed, I found myself trying to spend every waking moment with her. 14:59.800 --> 15:02.800 Recalling our days as children. 15:02.800 --> 15:04.800 Walking, riding. 15:04.800 --> 15:10.800 I even thought of bird watching. 15:10.800 --> 15:14.800 By the second week, I was very deeply in love. 15:14.800 --> 15:15.800 Franklin. 15:15.800 --> 15:16.800 Where are you? 15:16.800 --> 15:18.800 In here, my sitting room. 15:18.800 --> 15:20.800 What on earth is this? 15:20.800 --> 15:21.800 I'm painting. 15:21.800 --> 15:24.800 This door needed doing, so I'm doing it. 15:24.800 --> 15:26.800 I know, but cupids and birds. 15:26.800 --> 15:27.800 There, all done. 15:27.800 --> 15:30.800 Now don't smudge it, it's wet. 15:30.800 --> 15:32.800 This one's supposed to be you. 15:32.800 --> 15:33.800 What do you think? 15:33.800 --> 15:36.800 It's not quite my nose. 15:36.800 --> 15:37.800 Who's this fancy one here? 15:37.800 --> 15:39.800 Oh, that's Godfrey Abelwhite. 15:39.800 --> 15:42.800 Cotton Godfrey, don't you remember him? 15:42.800 --> 15:44.800 Dashing Godfrey. 15:44.800 --> 15:46.800 Oh yes, the ladies' man. 15:46.800 --> 15:48.800 Works with women's committees or something, doesn't he? 15:48.800 --> 15:50.800 He'll be here for the party tonight. 15:50.800 --> 15:51.800 All the Abelwhites. 15:51.800 --> 15:53.800 Party? 15:53.800 --> 15:56.800 Franklin, today's my birthday. 15:56.800 --> 15:58.800 Oh, good Lord, Rachel. 15:58.800 --> 16:01.800 Stupid, happy birthday. 16:01.800 --> 16:02.800 Thank you, sir. 16:02.800 --> 16:04.800 I'm dying to know what it is. 16:04.800 --> 16:05.800 What? 16:05.800 --> 16:07.800 The black sheep colonel's gift. 16:07.800 --> 16:09.800 Mother said it wouldn't be anything nice. 16:09.800 --> 16:11.800 Well, you did bring it. 16:11.800 --> 16:13.800 Yes, yes. 16:13.800 --> 16:14.800 Rachel, what time is it? 16:14.800 --> 16:15.800 Almost four. 16:15.800 --> 16:16.800 I've got to do something. 16:16.800 --> 16:18.800 There's just time. 16:23.800 --> 16:25.800 Not having mind for anything but Rachel, 16:25.800 --> 16:26.800 I'd even forgotten the day. 16:26.800 --> 16:28.800 I rode full speed to Frenzengold, 16:28.800 --> 16:30.800 took the diamond from a bank, 16:30.800 --> 16:32.800 and returned all dust and lather. 16:32.800 --> 16:34.800 I bathed, hopped into my party clothes, 16:34.800 --> 16:37.800 and made it downstairs just as the first guests arrived. 16:37.800 --> 16:39.800 How do you do, everybody? 16:39.800 --> 16:40.800 The Abelwhites. 16:40.800 --> 16:41.800 Mr. and Mrs. 16:41.800 --> 16:42.800 Twin daughters. 16:42.800 --> 16:43.800 Hello. 16:43.800 --> 16:45.800 And ladies' committee man Godfrey. 16:45.800 --> 16:47.800 Cousin Franklin. 16:47.800 --> 16:48.800 Lovely to see you. 16:48.800 --> 16:49.800 Oh, pardon me, cousin. 16:49.800 --> 16:50.800 There's Rachel. 16:50.800 --> 16:52.800 Lovely to see you. 16:52.800 --> 16:56.800 He went to Rachel and very neatly monopolized her attentions. 16:56.800 --> 16:58.800 The rest of the guests arrived, 16:58.800 --> 17:01.800 and then, thank heaven, it was time to open the presents. 17:01.800 --> 17:03.800 From the late Colonel Herne Castle. 17:03.800 --> 17:04.800 A box. 17:04.800 --> 17:05.800 No, Rachel, not that first. 17:05.800 --> 17:06.800 Oh, don't be silly, Mother. 17:06.800 --> 17:08.800 It won't bite. 17:08.800 --> 17:10.800 Oh. 17:10.800 --> 17:12.800 Oh, my, look. 17:12.800 --> 17:14.800 Just look. 17:14.800 --> 17:15.800 Exquisite. 17:15.800 --> 17:16.800 It's simply exquisite. 17:16.800 --> 17:18.800 Mother, look at it. 17:18.800 --> 17:19.800 No. 17:19.800 --> 17:20.800 Put it down, Rachel. 17:20.800 --> 17:22.800 It means no good. 17:24.800 --> 17:26.800 I looked at Lady Julia. 17:26.800 --> 17:30.800 Her eyes, set in an ash-white face, were riveted on the diamond. 17:30.800 --> 17:32.800 She quickly recovered her composure, 17:32.800 --> 17:35.800 but underneath I saw the same uneasiness I, too, had felt 17:35.800 --> 17:38.800 when I first saw the Moonstown. 17:38.800 --> 17:41.800 Then I knew why the Colonel's gesture of forgiveness 17:41.800 --> 17:44.800 had left the diamond to Rachel. 17:44.800 --> 17:49.800 She was fascinated, but Lady Julia was repelled. 17:49.800 --> 17:52.800 She could have thrown it as far as she could. 17:52.800 --> 17:53.800 Oh, look, everyone. 17:53.800 --> 17:55.800 Out on the terrace. 17:55.800 --> 17:58.800 The whole party turned. 17:58.800 --> 18:04.800 Standing on the terrace were two Indian jugglers and a boy. 18:20.800 --> 18:23.800 Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Peter Lawford in Wilkie Collins' 18:23.800 --> 18:27.800 The Moonstown, tonight's presentation in radio's 18:27.800 --> 18:31.800 outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 18:41.800 --> 18:45.800 Say, Harlow, who is this Johnny Plugjack, anyway? 18:45.800 --> 18:48.800 Well, you might call him the motorist's conscience, Hap. 18:48.800 --> 18:52.800 He's here to remind us to beat winter by having the oil and grease changed, 18:52.800 --> 18:54.800 putting in antifreeze. 18:54.800 --> 18:58.800 And the most important thing to do is check the spark plugs, too. 18:58.800 --> 18:59.800 You sure should. 18:59.800 --> 19:02.800 The spark plugs are the heart of a car's ignition system. 19:02.800 --> 19:06.800 When they're right, your chances of starting every time are better than ever. 19:06.800 --> 19:08.800 So have your spark plugs checked. 19:08.800 --> 19:11.800 If replacements are needed, your auto light spark plug dealer 19:11.800 --> 19:15.800 will recommend auto light spark plugs like the double life resistor spark plug 19:15.800 --> 19:18.800 that gives you smoother performance. 19:18.800 --> 19:23.800 And the resistor spark plug is only one of a complete line of auto light spark plugs 19:23.800 --> 19:26.800 ignition engineered for every use. 19:26.800 --> 19:28.800 So before winter hits hard... 19:28.800 --> 19:32.800 Check those important spark plugs. Don't delay. 19:32.800 --> 19:35.800 You should have done it yesterday. 19:35.800 --> 19:40.800 Yes, see, your auto light spark plug dealer, because from bumper to tail light, 19:40.800 --> 19:42.800 you're always right with auto light. 19:42.800 --> 19:46.800 And now, auto light brings back to our Hollywood sound stage 19:46.800 --> 19:52.800 Mr. Peter Laufford in Elliot Lewis's production of Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone, 19:52.800 --> 19:55.800 a tale well calculated to keep you in... 19:55.800 --> 19:58.800 Suspense! 19:58.800 --> 20:02.800 As if from nowhere, the Indians appeared on the terrace. 20:02.800 --> 20:05.800 The party streamed out to watch them. 20:05.800 --> 20:09.800 They were doing some ridiculously simple tricks and not doing them too well. 20:09.800 --> 20:13.800 Rachel was standing quite near them. I went to her quickly. 20:13.800 --> 20:15.800 Where on earth did they come from? 20:15.800 --> 20:17.800 I don't know. 20:17.800 --> 20:26.860 They were coming from the 20:26.860 --> 20:28.860 The Moonstone. 20:28.860 --> 20:30.860 Where on earth did they come from? 20:30.860 --> 20:32.860 Rachel, where's the diamond? 20:32.860 --> 20:34.860 Right here in my hand, see? 20:34.860 --> 20:36.860 Don't hold it up like that. 20:36.860 --> 20:38.860 Well, they've stopped. Is that all? 20:38.860 --> 20:41.860 All right, you fellows, here's money. Now be off with you. 20:41.860 --> 20:43.860 Thank you, sir. 20:43.860 --> 20:46.860 Really, there wasn't very much to it. 20:46.860 --> 20:52.860 They picked up the money, not at all eagerly, and went off down the drive. 20:52.860 --> 20:57.860 They were trying to draw from it what the Colonel believed of the Moonstone was true. 20:57.860 --> 21:00.860 It was not forgiveness, but his vengeance. 21:00.860 --> 21:04.860 And I had been the instrument to put it in Rachel's hands. 21:10.860 --> 21:15.860 The dinner was quite gay, except for Lady Julia, who seemed very solemn, and myself. 21:15.860 --> 21:20.860 The talk turned around the diamond, Cousin Godfrey leading the abominable joke. 21:20.860 --> 21:26.860 After all, it's only carbon, you know. Just carbon. 21:26.860 --> 21:35.860 We should heat it over a fire, Miss Rachel, expose it to a current of air, and poof, no more anxiety about it safekeeping. 21:35.860 --> 21:40.860 Not funny, Mr. Blake? 21:40.860 --> 21:43.860 No, Dr. Candy, it didn't strike me. 21:43.860 --> 21:49.860 I suspect you haven't been sleeping well. You should let me give you a course in medicine. 21:49.860 --> 21:54.860 In my opinion, Dr. Candy, your course in medicine and groping in the dark are one and the same thing. 21:54.860 --> 21:59.860 Ah, but you're groping for sleep, sir. I could help. 21:59.860 --> 22:03.860 I've heard of the blind eating the blind, doctor. Now I know what it means. 22:03.860 --> 22:06.860 Oh, no, really, sir. If I may say... 22:06.860 --> 22:09.860 Gentlemen, ladies, please, shall we continue in the drawing room? 22:09.860 --> 22:22.860 Better, Randy and Soda for the gentlemen. 22:22.860 --> 22:26.860 We adjourned to the first note of the seasonal rainstorm. 22:26.860 --> 22:32.860 I hoped to reach Rachel, but Cousin Godfrey made his move quicker and was already swarming over this charm. 22:32.860 --> 22:39.860 He was staying the night, and since I felt a great urge to kick him, I prudently kept to myself. 22:39.860 --> 22:44.860 The approaching storm prodded the guests home early before the roads turned a mile. 22:44.860 --> 22:47.860 Dr. Candy was the last to leave. 22:47.860 --> 22:53.860 Storm's the least of my worries. A doctor's skin is waterproof, you know. 22:53.860 --> 22:54.860 Good night, Mr. Blake. 22:54.860 --> 22:55.860 Good night, doctor. 22:55.860 --> 23:03.860 If you're troubled sleeping tonight, try a brandy and soda. Good night. 23:03.860 --> 23:07.860 Well, that's that. I think I'll bid you all good night myself. 23:07.860 --> 23:08.860 No, not yet, Rachel. 23:08.860 --> 23:09.860 Oh, no, not yet. 23:09.860 --> 23:11.860 Rachel, where are you going to keep the diamond? 23:11.860 --> 23:13.860 The cabinet in my sitting room. 23:13.860 --> 23:15.860 My dear, but it has no lock on it. 23:15.860 --> 23:18.860 Mother, is this a hotel? We've no thieves. 23:18.860 --> 23:20.860 I want you to come to my room, Rachel, first thing in the morning. 23:20.860 --> 23:23.860 Yes, Mother. Good night, Godfrey. 23:23.860 --> 23:26.860 Good night, cousin Rachel. See you early. 23:26.860 --> 23:28.860 Rachel, may I see you up? 23:28.860 --> 23:31.860 Please do, Franklin. 23:31.860 --> 23:32.860 What were you and Godfrey... 23:32.860 --> 23:36.860 Talking about? He proposed to me. 23:36.860 --> 23:40.860 You're not going to... I love you, Rachel. 23:40.860 --> 23:43.860 A little more time, Franklin, please. 23:43.860 --> 23:45.860 The diamond, I've got to tell you... 23:45.860 --> 23:57.860 I'll put it right in my cabinet. Good night. 23:57.860 --> 23:59.860 Everything all right, sir? 23:59.860 --> 24:00.860 Yes, thank you, Betridge. 24:00.860 --> 24:04.860 There's a brandy and soda nightcap at your bedside, sir. 24:04.860 --> 24:31.860 Good night. 24:31.860 --> 24:35.860 Mr. Franklin, wake up, sir. Please wake up. 24:35.860 --> 24:38.860 Betridge, morning already? 24:38.860 --> 24:40.860 Yes, sir. Something terrible's happened, sir. 24:40.860 --> 24:41.860 Rachel... 24:41.860 --> 24:44.860 She's all right. The diamond, it's gone. 24:44.860 --> 24:48.860 Get my robe. Thanks. Come on. 24:48.860 --> 24:50.860 How did they break in, Betridge? 24:50.860 --> 24:51.860 Who, sir? 24:51.860 --> 24:52.860 Those blasted jugglers, of course. 24:52.860 --> 24:55.860 I've been all over the house, sir. It's still locked up tight. 24:55.860 --> 24:57.860 Don't worry, cousin. Please don't be scared. 24:57.860 --> 24:58.860 Rachel, don't talk. 24:58.860 --> 25:01.860 No, I don't want to talk. I won't. 25:01.860 --> 25:04.860 Lady Julia, how is Rachel? Is she... 25:04.860 --> 25:05.860 How ill? 25:05.860 --> 25:06.860 She's upset, cousin. 25:06.860 --> 25:09.860 You won't talk about it, Franklin, even to me. 25:09.860 --> 25:10.860 I'll go for the police. 25:10.860 --> 25:16.860 Betridge, saddle a horse, the fastest you've got. 25:16.860 --> 25:18.860 I dashed to my room, dressed quickly, and got outside, 25:18.860 --> 25:20.860 just as Betridge arrived with a horse. 25:20.860 --> 25:22.860 I rode full gallop, furious with myself 25:22.860 --> 25:24.860 for not having spoken up about the Indians. 25:24.860 --> 25:27.860 I was only thankful they hadn't touched Rachel. 25:27.860 --> 25:30.860 Reaching the police in Trenzigal, I rushed in 25:30.860 --> 25:33.860 and received the shock of my life. 25:39.860 --> 25:42.860 Are those your jugglers, Mr. Blake? 25:42.860 --> 25:43.860 Sure. 25:43.860 --> 25:46.860 Yes. Yes, those are the ones, all right. 25:46.860 --> 25:49.860 Ah. There was a fussy at the tavern. 25:49.860 --> 25:51.860 There are three of them, according to the record, 25:51.860 --> 25:54.860 that have been here in jail since 11 last night. 25:54.860 --> 25:57.860 From what you tell me, this moonstone 25:57.860 --> 26:00.860 was still in the owner's possession at 11. 26:00.860 --> 26:03.860 These men couldn't have taken it. 26:04.860 --> 26:07.860 I saw the record with my own eyes. 26:07.860 --> 26:10.860 It was impossible. 26:10.860 --> 26:13.860 If not the Indians, who? 26:13.860 --> 26:25.860 Almost a year was to pass before the discovery of the truth. 26:36.860 --> 26:38.860 Suspense. 26:38.860 --> 26:40.860 Presented by Auto Light. 26:40.860 --> 26:42.860 Tonight's star, Mr. Peter Lawford. 26:42.860 --> 26:46.860 In part one of Wilkie Collins, the Moonstone. 26:46.860 --> 26:49.860 This is Harlow Wilcock speaking for Auto Light, 26:49.860 --> 26:52.860 the world's largest independent manufacturer 26:52.860 --> 26:54.860 of automotive electrical equipment. 26:54.860 --> 26:59.860 In 28 plants from coast to coast, Auto Light makes over 400 products 26:59.860 --> 27:03.860 for cars, trucks, tractors, planes, boats, and industry. 27:03.860 --> 27:08.860 These products include bumpers, die castings, and batteries, 27:08.860 --> 27:10.860 such as the famous Auto Light Stayful, 27:10.860 --> 27:15.860 ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs, both standard and resistor types, 27:15.860 --> 27:20.860 voltage regulators, wire and battery cable, Auto Light bullseye sealed beam units, 27:20.860 --> 27:25.860 and Auto Light original service parts for all Auto Light electrical systems. 27:25.860 --> 27:30.860 Auto Light is proud to serve the greatest names in the industry. 27:30.860 --> 27:46.860 So, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 27:46.860 --> 27:51.860 Next week, the concluding portion of the first detective novel ever written. 27:51.860 --> 27:56.860 The discovery of the truth, part two of Wilkie Collins, the Moonstone. 27:56.860 --> 27:58.860 Our star, Mr. Peter Lawford. 27:58.860 --> 28:14.860 That's next week on Suspense. 28:14.860 --> 28:17.860 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis, 28:17.860 --> 28:21.860 with music composed by Lucian Morrowick and conducted by Lud Bluskin. 28:21.860 --> 28:27.860 Wilkie Collins, the Moonstone, was adapted for Suspense by Richard Chandley. 28:27.860 --> 28:30.860 In tonight's story, Ellen Morgan was heard as Rachel. 28:30.860 --> 28:35.860 Featured in the cast were Betty Harford, William Johnstone, Ben Wright, 28:35.860 --> 28:43.860 Herb Butterfield, Pat Hitchcock, Norma Varden, Eric Snowden, Alastair Duncan, and Dick Beal. 28:43.860 --> 28:49.860 Peter Lawford will soon be seen co-starring in the Columbia picture, It Should Happen to You. 28:49.860 --> 28:56.860 And remember, next week, Mr. Peter Lawford, in the concluding portion of Wilkie Collins, 28:56.860 --> 29:05.860 the Moonstone. 29:05.860 --> 29:08.860 You can buy Auto Light standard or resistor type spotlights, 29:08.860 --> 29:12.860 Auto Light original service parts, and Auto Light day full batteries 29:12.860 --> 29:14.860 at your neighborhood Auto Light dealer. 29:14.860 --> 29:22.860 Switch to Auto Light. Good night. 29:22.860 --> 29:34.860 This is the CBS Radio Network.