WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:08.000 Auto Light, episode 98, Ronald Coleman in tonight's presentation of Suspense. 00:08.000 --> 00:17.440 Tonight, Auto Light brings to life one of the most famous detectives in literature as 00:17.440 --> 00:23.960 we dramatize E.C. Bentley's classic novel of deduction, Trent's Last Case, our star 00:23.960 --> 00:26.960 Mr. Ronald Coleman. 00:26.960 --> 00:32.760 Say, Hap, would you hand me that spark plug, please? 00:32.760 --> 00:34.160 No, the other one. 00:34.160 --> 00:35.160 Thanks. 00:35.160 --> 00:36.840 They both look alike to me, Harlow. 00:36.840 --> 00:39.960 Well, they do look alike, Hap, but there's a big difference. 00:39.960 --> 00:41.920 This one is ignition engineered. 00:41.920 --> 00:45.680 That means it's built by Auto Light, the people who really know spark plugs. 00:45.680 --> 00:47.160 What makes you say that, Harlow? 00:47.160 --> 00:51.360 Why, Auto Light makes complete electrical systems specified as original equipment on 00:51.360 --> 00:54.080 many leading makes of our finest cars. 00:54.080 --> 00:57.720 That means that Auto Light engineers specialize in ignition. 00:57.720 --> 01:01.680 And because spark plugs are the very heart of a car's ignition system, they just naturally 01:01.680 --> 01:05.680 design spark plugs to give you the smoothest performance money can buy. 01:05.680 --> 01:10.720 I guess I better be mighty sure I get only ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs 01:10.720 --> 01:12.440 from now on, eh, Harlow? 01:12.440 --> 01:16.040 Right, Hap, because when you have ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs in your 01:16.040 --> 01:21.040 car, truck, or tractor, you have the finest spark plugs money can buy. 01:21.040 --> 01:26.880 So friends, be sure you get the very best by insisting on standard or resistor type 01:26.880 --> 01:29.400 ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs. 01:29.400 --> 01:34.640 They're world famous for quality and performance, and they're made by the world's largest independent 01:34.640 --> 01:38.000 manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment. 01:38.000 --> 01:43.240 And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 01:43.240 --> 01:50.520 And now, Auto Light presents E.C. Bentley's Trent's Last Case, starring Mr. Ronald Coleman, 01:50.520 --> 02:06.200 hoping once again to keep you in suspense. 02:06.200 --> 02:11.600 The last case to which I, Philip Trent, applied myself in the field of criminology and detection, 02:11.600 --> 02:15.040 occurred in the spring of 1910. 02:15.040 --> 02:20.960 I must acknowledge that the intricacies of the crime were worthy of the brain of Sigsbee 02:20.960 --> 02:21.960 Manderson. 02:21.960 --> 02:27.920 This colossus among financial giants had manipulated power and wealth in every corner of the world. 02:27.920 --> 02:33.200 He centralized industries of continental scope, smashed families and fortunes, and along with 02:33.200 --> 02:36.880 each dollar, he accumulated an enemy. 02:36.880 --> 02:43.960 When Sigsbee Manderson was murdered, the world lost nothing worth a single tear. 02:43.960 --> 02:48.560 The day of his death, Sir James Malloy, publisher of the London Record, asked me to cover the 02:48.560 --> 02:50.080 case for his paper. 02:50.080 --> 02:57.600 I agreed and immediately took the train to Bishop's Bridge. 02:57.600 --> 03:00.040 Trent? 03:00.040 --> 03:03.880 Philip Trent? 03:03.880 --> 03:09.240 Wait for an old man. 03:09.240 --> 03:12.200 Why Mr. Couples, by all this miraculous. 03:12.200 --> 03:13.200 How are you? 03:13.200 --> 03:14.200 Oh, it's Philip. 03:14.200 --> 03:15.200 Reckless. 03:15.200 --> 03:18.920 I expected you'd be down to Bishop's Bridge to write about the murder. 03:18.920 --> 03:21.920 Well, that's rather a colorless way of stating it. 03:21.920 --> 03:26.960 I should prefer to put it that I have come down in the character of avenger of blood, 03:26.960 --> 03:30.760 to hunt down the guilty and vindicate the honor of society. 03:30.760 --> 03:32.560 Families waited on at their private residences. 03:32.560 --> 03:35.440 Famous turned your head. 03:35.440 --> 03:38.480 This tragic affair will not blend well with your lightheartedness. 03:38.480 --> 03:42.680 Ah, now Mr. Couples, you have more than a bystander's interest in the case. 03:42.680 --> 03:44.080 I have indeed. 03:44.080 --> 03:47.840 Come now, you didn't do the great man in. 03:47.840 --> 03:51.920 Mabel Manderson is my niece and there are some things you will learn which may prejudice 03:51.920 --> 03:52.920 you. 03:52.920 --> 03:56.720 I wanted you to hear them from me so your good judgment would not be impaired by gossip 03:56.720 --> 03:57.960 or malicious tongues. 03:57.960 --> 03:58.960 Good. 03:58.960 --> 04:01.600 So you're going to walk to the Manderson place with me? 04:01.600 --> 04:03.960 Oh, much too far to walk. 04:03.960 --> 04:05.760 I'll take you in my motor car. 04:05.760 --> 04:09.880 Oh, now, now, you will go slowly, won't you? 04:09.880 --> 04:11.280 Oh, very slowly. 04:11.280 --> 04:17.320 You get in, I'll crank the engine. 04:17.320 --> 04:35.760 Now, how about your niece? 04:35.760 --> 04:38.560 My niece had been married to Manderson for five years. 04:38.560 --> 04:42.600 They got along rather well despite the difference in their ages. 04:42.600 --> 04:46.680 She was just eighteen when they married and he was close to fifty. 04:46.680 --> 04:50.200 Several months ago, for no apparent reason, he began to treat her miserably. 04:50.200 --> 04:52.640 He was surly, contentious and insulting. 04:52.640 --> 04:56.680 When she could bear it no longer, she turned to me. 04:56.680 --> 05:00.880 I offered to speak to him, demand an explanation for his outrageous behavior. 05:00.880 --> 05:02.240 Why didn't she speak to him herself? 05:02.240 --> 05:05.520 Mabel is the most gentle and even-tempered person. 05:05.520 --> 05:07.480 She wanted to avoid a bitter squabble. 05:07.480 --> 05:09.880 A rare woman indeed. 05:09.880 --> 05:11.800 I tried to see Manderson for a week. 05:11.800 --> 05:15.920 When I finally did catch up with him, I was doubly angry for his shabby treatment of his 05:15.920 --> 05:17.560 wife and for avoiding me. 05:17.560 --> 05:19.280 And did you get any satisfaction? 05:19.280 --> 05:22.320 He refused to discuss the matter. 05:22.320 --> 05:26.000 In the presence of witnesses, I'm afraid I made a rather rash statement. 05:26.000 --> 05:30.200 I expressed the view that men such as he did not deserve to live. 05:30.200 --> 05:32.800 I wouldn't worry about that, Mr. Couples. 05:32.800 --> 05:34.560 That opinion seems to be universal. 05:34.560 --> 05:37.600 The strange thing is, why your niece married Manderson. 05:37.600 --> 05:40.360 Oh, yeah, here we are. 05:40.360 --> 05:44.800 Would you mind opening the gates, please? 05:44.800 --> 05:47.320 No, no, no, this will be fine. 05:47.320 --> 05:51.080 I'd like to nose around the grounds a bit, unless you want to drive in. 05:51.080 --> 05:52.960 No, no, no, no, I'm staying in town. 05:52.960 --> 05:58.120 If you should want me, I'm at the Hotel Royal. 05:58.120 --> 06:06.600 Thank you for the lift, Couples. 06:06.600 --> 06:11.080 I passed through the gates and walked the path between tall walls of hedges. 06:11.080 --> 06:17.320 A gap in this green wall took me to a gravel track that led to the small gardener's cottage. 06:17.320 --> 06:20.480 Someone was poking about as they were looking for something. 06:20.480 --> 06:22.320 My approach startled the fellow. 06:22.320 --> 06:24.440 This is private property. 06:24.440 --> 06:25.720 What are you doing here? 06:25.720 --> 06:29.120 My name is Trent, and you, John Marlow. 06:29.120 --> 06:33.520 Oh, yes, Secretary to Mr. Manderson, I believe. 06:33.520 --> 06:36.520 You seem to have lost something. 06:36.520 --> 06:37.880 Perhaps I can help you look. 06:37.880 --> 06:42.440 No, I was just hoping I could find something here, something that the murderer may have 06:42.440 --> 06:43.440 dropped. 06:43.440 --> 06:45.360 This is where Manderson's body was found. 06:45.360 --> 06:48.000 Ah, and have you found anything? 06:48.000 --> 06:51.120 No, I really didn't expect to. 06:51.120 --> 06:57.520 I've just been so, so upset, bereaved, devastated by the master's death. 06:57.520 --> 07:00.600 Frankly, no, I'm limp, that's all. 07:00.600 --> 07:03.280 I've been up all night driving, haven't had any sleep. 07:03.280 --> 07:05.840 You should, you should do your driving during the day. 07:05.840 --> 07:09.840 Mr. Manderson had sent me on an urgent errand to Southampton just before he was killed. 07:09.840 --> 07:12.880 Oh, then you weren't around when the deed was done. 07:12.880 --> 07:15.960 I have accounted for myself to Inspector Merch. 07:15.960 --> 07:20.800 But now that your employment here has come to an abrupt end, do you plan on leaving Bishop's 07:20.800 --> 07:21.800 Bridge? 07:21.800 --> 07:26.280 Mrs. Manderson has asked me to stay, to clear up various papers and loose ends. 07:26.280 --> 07:28.600 Oh, well, then I shall see you about. 07:28.600 --> 07:29.600 You shall. 07:29.600 --> 07:33.960 Mr. Trent, I would like to offer a suggestion. 07:33.960 --> 07:38.320 Snoop around if you must, but leave Mrs. Manderson alone. 07:38.320 --> 07:41.360 I've already heard that she's the most fragile creature. 07:41.360 --> 07:43.120 But have no worries, Mr. Marlow. 07:43.120 --> 07:53.320 I am gentle as a bird. 07:53.320 --> 07:57.800 When Marlow left me, I potted about the uncut grass which still showed where the body had 07:57.800 --> 07:58.800 lain. 07:58.800 --> 08:00.800 Then I started towards the large house. 08:00.800 --> 08:04.920 There was a man standing in the open French doors of the study. 08:04.920 --> 08:08.320 Why, Trent, come in, come in. 08:08.320 --> 08:10.440 Ah, me, trois-zeve-zots. 08:10.440 --> 08:15.920 I did think for once I was the head of Scotland Yard, and now here again is the largest officer 08:15.920 --> 08:19.000 in the entire force already filling that prime position. 08:19.000 --> 08:20.960 How are you, Merch? 08:20.960 --> 08:22.440 Earning my wages, Trent. 08:22.440 --> 08:24.400 Ah, then you've arrested the bloke. 08:24.400 --> 08:25.920 What done the old fellow in? 08:25.920 --> 08:26.920 Good work. 08:26.920 --> 08:28.880 No, I didn't say that. 08:28.880 --> 08:32.200 It'll take more than you or me to put the cuffs on anyone in this case. 08:32.200 --> 08:34.280 Oh, come now, what about the butler? 08:34.280 --> 08:36.120 And the upstairs maid, the cook, the gardener? 08:36.120 --> 08:38.280 Why, the place must be teeming with likely suspects. 08:38.280 --> 08:40.280 That's the trouble. 08:40.280 --> 08:43.080 Nothing was not what I'd call a lovable chip. 08:43.080 --> 08:44.080 Too many suspects. 08:44.080 --> 08:50.520 Why, why, some bloke could have come here from Tanganyika or Timbuktu, pulled the trigger, 08:50.520 --> 08:52.400 and then gone home, easy as you please. 08:52.400 --> 08:53.800 The gun hasn't been found? 08:53.800 --> 08:54.800 No. 08:54.800 --> 08:56.680 I have the bullet here, a.32. 08:56.680 --> 08:57.680 Ah. 08:57.680 --> 09:02.080 Such a small bullet to have ruined such a large brain. 09:02.080 --> 09:03.960 Any powder burns? 09:03.960 --> 09:04.960 None. 09:04.960 --> 09:08.440 The gun was fired from a distance of about five feet. 09:08.440 --> 09:11.480 The medical examiner has fixed the time of death at about midnight. 09:11.480 --> 09:12.480 Where's the body? 09:12.480 --> 09:14.800 At Ackerman's Mortuary in town. 09:14.800 --> 09:20.840 I have a photograph here, taken where the body was found. 09:20.840 --> 09:23.840 Let me see. 09:23.840 --> 09:28.280 The best dress cops I've ever seen. 09:28.280 --> 09:29.280 Except for the shoes. 09:29.280 --> 09:30.280 The shoes? 09:30.280 --> 09:33.560 Well, they're very expensive and practically new. 09:33.560 --> 09:35.760 I'd like to see them if they're about. 09:35.760 --> 09:39.160 Everything Mr. Manderson was wearing when he was killed has been returned to his room. 09:39.160 --> 09:41.560 I suppose it'd be all right if I went up and sniffed around. 09:41.560 --> 09:42.560 Of course. 09:42.560 --> 09:44.560 I'll lead the way. 09:44.560 --> 09:47.400 I've gone over everything thoroughly. 09:47.400 --> 09:50.000 I don't know why you're so interested in the shoes. 09:50.000 --> 09:54.320 Merch, don't you think it rather strange that Manderson was dressed meticulously when he 09:54.320 --> 10:00.800 was shot, hair parted neatly, tie in place, waistcoat completely buttoned, yet the laces 10:00.800 --> 10:03.320 of the shoes were untied? 10:03.320 --> 10:05.000 Perhaps his feet bothered him. 10:05.000 --> 10:06.600 I have terrible pains with... 10:06.600 --> 10:09.360 Could robbery have come into it, you think? 10:09.360 --> 10:12.760 Anything missing from Manderson's pockets or from the house? 10:12.760 --> 10:13.760 No. 10:13.760 --> 10:18.880 As a matter of fact, Manderson's wallet was overstuffed with about 5,000 pounds. 10:18.880 --> 10:21.600 That's more than pocket money, even for a millionaire. 10:21.600 --> 10:27.160 There was also a pouch of valuable uncut diamonds in one of his pockets. 10:27.160 --> 10:29.520 No robbery is certainly out. 10:29.520 --> 10:33.840 This is Manderson's room here. 10:33.840 --> 10:35.240 Good diamonds, eh? 10:35.240 --> 10:37.480 Has anyone guessed at their value? 10:37.480 --> 10:40.640 About 10,000 pounds. 10:40.640 --> 10:44.800 Well, good heavens. 10:44.800 --> 10:46.520 Don't you think diamonds are worth that much? 10:46.520 --> 10:50.520 Yes, yes, but I'm more impressed by the array of shoes in this wardrobe. 10:50.520 --> 10:54.920 Why, there must be 50 pairs if there's one. 10:54.920 --> 10:58.200 Aha, this is what I want. 10:58.200 --> 11:01.640 How could you tell that those were the shoes Manderson wore last night? 11:01.640 --> 11:04.480 Well, look here, there's a tear near the tongue. 11:04.480 --> 11:07.040 Well, as I said, they must have been a bit tight for him. 11:07.040 --> 11:11.600 Now, why would he with 50 pairs to choose from, select the one pair that pinched? 11:11.600 --> 11:13.200 You know how it is. 11:13.200 --> 11:17.080 I've become attached to an old bathrobe, much too tight for me. 11:17.080 --> 11:20.880 Yet I, I favor it over a new one that the wife gave me on my birthday. 11:20.880 --> 11:22.680 It's odd, very odd. 11:22.680 --> 11:25.760 Merch, I wonder if we could have a look at Marlow's room now. 11:25.760 --> 11:30.360 Certainly, it's just down the hall, but Marlow's in the clear. 11:30.360 --> 11:35.080 He left at 11 last night, an hour before Manderson was killed. 11:35.080 --> 11:38.720 He got to the Bedford Hotel in Southampton at 6.30. 11:38.720 --> 11:42.720 Couldn't possibly have made the drive in less than seven and a half hours. 11:42.720 --> 11:44.880 What was the errands Manderson sent him on? 11:44.880 --> 11:47.480 He was to meet Mr. Harris and give him a package, 11:47.480 --> 11:50.400 some big secret business affair of Manderson's, I imagine. 11:50.400 --> 11:53.560 And Marlow delivered the package and returned to Bishop's Bridge? 11:53.560 --> 11:55.920 He returned without making the delivery. 11:55.920 --> 11:59.200 Harris didn't appear. 11:59.200 --> 12:01.040 You might at least knock before intruding. 12:01.040 --> 12:03.720 Oh, I'm sorry, Marlow. I thought the room was unoccupied. 12:03.720 --> 12:07.440 No offense, Mr. Marlow. Trent here is working on the case. 12:07.440 --> 12:09.720 He might call this visit an official police business. 12:09.720 --> 12:13.240 I've told you all I can. If you don't mind, I'd like to nap. 12:13.240 --> 12:16.560 Marlow, when you first went to work for Manderson, 12:16.560 --> 12:19.080 did he require a graduate of Oxford? 12:19.080 --> 12:20.840 All he wanted was a capable secretary. 12:20.840 --> 12:22.000 But you were at Oxford. 12:22.000 --> 12:22.960 I was. 12:22.960 --> 12:24.840 Marvelous place, Oxford. 12:24.840 --> 12:27.840 Gave us a great school and a fine style of shoe. 12:27.840 --> 12:32.080 By the way, Marlow, what size shoe do you wear? 12:32.080 --> 12:34.480 Inspector, if you don't remove this gentleman, 12:34.480 --> 12:35.920 I shall report this to the authorities. 12:35.920 --> 12:38.160 Oh, come off it, Mr. Marlow. 12:38.160 --> 12:42.800 Let's indulge Mr. Trent in a question or two. 12:42.800 --> 12:44.880 I wear size 10C. 12:44.880 --> 12:45.680 Thank you. 12:45.680 --> 12:47.560 Thank you. 12:47.560 --> 12:51.400 Marlow, have you any idea what was in that package for Mr. Harris? 12:51.400 --> 12:51.880 No. 12:51.880 --> 12:53.400 Where is it now? 12:53.400 --> 12:55.040 A messenger came for it this morning. 12:55.040 --> 12:57.880 Do you have any idea who this Mr. Harris may be? 12:57.880 --> 12:59.160 Have you ever met him? 12:59.160 --> 13:00.480 No. 13:00.480 --> 13:02.840 Mr. Manderson had many private business arrangements 13:02.840 --> 13:04.880 about which I was kept in the dark. 13:04.880 --> 13:08.440 I was his secretary, not a business partner. 13:08.440 --> 13:10.320 Isn't it rather odd that an American would 13:10.320 --> 13:12.280 hire an English secretary? 13:12.280 --> 13:13.280 Well, not at all. 13:13.280 --> 13:15.200 Maybe. 13:15.200 --> 13:16.960 Mrs. Manderson is English. 13:16.960 --> 13:19.040 That is why Mr. Manderson lived in England a good part 13:19.040 --> 13:20.280 of the time. 13:20.280 --> 13:23.080 He wanted his wife to feel at home among her own people. 13:23.080 --> 13:25.920 And I assume you did your part in that regard. 13:25.920 --> 13:27.440 I beg your pardon? 13:27.440 --> 13:29.200 I beg yours, Marlow. 13:29.200 --> 13:31.840 Well, take your nap and pleasant dreams. 13:37.720 --> 13:39.880 Inspector Merch went off to complete arrangements 13:39.880 --> 13:43.160 for the inquest, leaving me alone in this marble mausoleum 13:43.160 --> 13:45.720 of a house to wait for Mrs. Manderson. 13:45.720 --> 13:48.120 I then sent a telegram to Oxford University 13:48.120 --> 13:50.760 and requested an immediate reply to my inquiries 13:50.760 --> 13:53.800 about John Marlow's undergraduate activities. 13:53.800 --> 13:57.200 Then I wrote my first dispatch for the London Record, 13:57.200 --> 14:00.360 setting forth everything I knew, but keeping to myself 14:00.360 --> 14:04.360 those suspicions which I hope would soon be confirmed. 14:04.360 --> 14:06.880 Since Mrs. Manderson didn't appear, 14:06.880 --> 14:10.480 I decided to have another look at the garden as cottage. 14:10.480 --> 14:13.960 But a compelling thought turned me instead 14:13.960 --> 14:17.280 towards the sound of the sea. 14:17.280 --> 14:19.720 Standing at the edge of the cliff, 14:19.720 --> 14:22.680 I watched the beautiful movements of water, 14:22.680 --> 14:25.600 the wash of a light sea over broken rock. 14:25.600 --> 14:30.520 And then, then my heart seemed to stop. 14:30.520 --> 14:33.320 Close to the point where the cliff dropped sheer, 14:33.320 --> 14:35.720 a woman of remarkable beauty was sitting, 14:35.720 --> 14:39.720 her face full of some distant dream. 14:39.720 --> 14:43.840 I knew who this woman must be, Mabel Manderson. 14:43.840 --> 14:47.120 She was at once everything that poets and painters 14:47.120 --> 14:50.040 have tried to express with pen and brush. 14:50.040 --> 14:53.320 Yet this woman, who appeared to be devoid of evil 14:53.320 --> 14:56.120 and incapable of murder, this woman, 14:56.120 --> 14:59.680 whose husband's death had made her the wealthiest of widows, 14:59.680 --> 15:05.120 wore on her lips a faint, yet unmistakable smile. 15:05.120 --> 15:24.320 Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Ronald Coleman 15:24.320 --> 15:27.720 in E.C. Bentley's Trent's Last Case, 15:27.720 --> 15:30.320 tonight's presentation in radio's outstanding 15:30.320 --> 15:42.120 theater of thrills, Suspense. 15:42.120 --> 15:44.120 There's one thing I've learned, Harlow, 15:44.120 --> 15:46.920 and that's to make sure I get ignition-engineered 15:46.920 --> 15:49.720 auto light spark plugs for my car every time. 15:49.720 --> 15:51.920 Well, you've learned a mighty important lesson, Hap, 15:51.920 --> 15:54.720 because money can't buy finer spark plugs, 15:54.720 --> 15:56.920 and that's proven every day by millions of car, 15:56.920 --> 16:00.320 truck, and tractor owners under all kinds of conditions. 16:00.320 --> 16:02.920 You see, auto light spark plugs are designed by men 16:02.920 --> 16:06.120 who specialize in ignition, and because they know ignition, 16:06.120 --> 16:08.320 they know how important it is for spark plugs 16:08.320 --> 16:10.920 to work as a team with the complete ignition system. 16:10.920 --> 16:13.920 Is that why you say they're ignition-engineered, Harlow? 16:13.920 --> 16:17.920 Right you are, Hap, so friends, treat yourself to the best. 16:17.920 --> 16:20.120 Ask for and insist on ignition-engineered 16:20.120 --> 16:21.720 auto light spark plugs. 16:21.720 --> 16:24.320 They're world famous for quality and performance. 16:24.320 --> 16:26.720 Ask your dealer for the standard or resistor-type 16:26.720 --> 16:29.720 best suited to your car and your style of driving. 16:29.720 --> 16:31.920 And remember, from bumper to tail light, 16:31.920 --> 16:34.920 you're always right with auto light. 16:34.920 --> 16:38.520 And now, auto light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage 16:38.520 --> 16:41.320 Mr. Ronald Coleman in Elliot Lewis's production 16:41.320 --> 16:44.520 of E.C. Bentley's Trent's Last Case, 16:44.520 --> 16:49.120 a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 16:49.120 --> 17:02.320 To continue my narration of the peculiar circumstances 17:02.320 --> 17:04.720 surrounding the death of Sigsby Manderson, 17:04.720 --> 17:08.520 the last case to which I, Philip Trent, applied myself, 17:08.520 --> 17:11.720 the sight of Mrs. Manderson at her sanctuary on the cliff 17:11.720 --> 17:14.520 had a most unsettling effect on me. 17:14.520 --> 17:18.120 I returned to the house and nervously paced the floor of the study 17:18.120 --> 17:20.520 for I don't know how long. 17:20.520 --> 17:23.520 When the door opened and my name was spoken, 17:23.520 --> 17:26.320 I stared stupidly. 17:26.320 --> 17:30.120 Mr. Trent, I am Mrs. Manderson. 17:30.120 --> 17:33.320 You are Mr. Trent, I believe. 17:33.320 --> 17:36.120 I believe, yes, Mr. Trent. 17:36.120 --> 17:37.920 Please sit down, Mr. Trent. 17:37.920 --> 17:40.320 I would like to help you in any way I can. 17:40.320 --> 17:41.520 Thank you. 17:41.520 --> 17:43.520 I'm sorry for inflicting myself upon you 17:43.520 --> 17:45.720 at this tragic time, Mrs. Manderson, 17:45.720 --> 17:48.720 but I have just a few questions. 17:48.720 --> 17:53.120 Last night, did your husband retire at the usual time? 17:53.120 --> 17:54.920 Yes, at 10.30. 17:54.920 --> 17:58.520 Then sometime after 11, I heard him move about in his room, 17:58.520 --> 17:59.920 which adjoins mine. 17:59.920 --> 18:02.720 I called and asked him if anything were troubling him. 18:02.720 --> 18:04.720 He said no, he was just a bit restless 18:04.720 --> 18:08.320 and would ask Mr. Marlowe to take him for a drive to relax his nerves. 18:08.320 --> 18:10.920 And did the drive with Marlowe bring the desired results? 18:10.920 --> 18:12.520 Well, I thought so. 18:12.520 --> 18:15.120 At about midnight, I heard my husband return 18:15.120 --> 18:16.920 and asked if he felt better. 18:16.920 --> 18:18.320 He replied that he did, 18:18.320 --> 18:21.120 and that he'd sent Marlowe on an errand to Southampton. 18:21.120 --> 18:22.920 I see, thank you. 18:22.920 --> 18:25.120 Your uncle, Mr. Couples, 18:25.120 --> 18:28.320 mentioned that Mr. Manderson behaved strangely towards you 18:28.320 --> 18:29.920 in the past month or so. 18:29.920 --> 18:31.520 Well, he did, rather. 18:31.520 --> 18:33.120 I put it down to the pressure of business 18:33.120 --> 18:34.520 that it's begun to tell on him. 18:34.520 --> 18:36.920 And was he of a very jealous nature? 18:36.920 --> 18:39.120 He had no reason to be jealous. 18:39.120 --> 18:42.320 There were no quarrels, differences of any kind? 18:42.320 --> 18:44.120 Not quarrels, really. 18:44.120 --> 18:45.920 My husband liked to spend money. 18:45.920 --> 18:48.120 I never learned to. My needs were modest. 18:48.120 --> 18:50.120 I've long feared that the large amount of cash 18:50.120 --> 18:53.520 my husband always had on hand was an invitation to burglars. 18:53.520 --> 18:55.920 And was he in the habit of carrying a pouch 18:55.920 --> 18:57.720 full of diamonds in his pocket? 18:57.720 --> 19:00.320 He often bought expensive jewels for me, 19:00.320 --> 19:02.120 but they were kept in the safe. 19:02.120 --> 19:04.320 Since they were not put to use by me, 19:04.320 --> 19:06.520 perhaps he had decided to dispose of them. 19:06.520 --> 19:07.920 Of course. 19:07.920 --> 19:11.120 I know this must be a harrowing experience for you, Mrs. Manderson, 19:11.120 --> 19:15.920 but you do want your husband's murderer brought to justice. 19:15.920 --> 19:18.120 I will help in any way I can. 19:26.120 --> 19:29.120 I didn't think I would learn anything by attending the inquest, 19:29.120 --> 19:33.120 so while it was being held, I strolled to the telegraph office. 19:34.520 --> 19:35.520 Yes, sir? 19:35.520 --> 19:38.120 I expected a telegram yesterday. 19:38.120 --> 19:39.720 I wonder whether it has come in. 19:39.720 --> 19:41.120 What is the name, please? 19:41.120 --> 19:42.520 Trent. Philip Trent. 19:42.520 --> 19:45.920 Trent. It does sound familiar. 19:45.920 --> 19:47.120 Why, of course. 19:47.120 --> 19:50.720 A batch of telegrams was delivered to Mrs. Manderson last night. 19:50.720 --> 19:53.520 Sympathy messages, you know, the poor thing. 19:53.520 --> 19:55.720 Yours went out of the house along with the others. 19:55.720 --> 19:57.120 You're sure of that? 19:57.120 --> 19:59.120 Why, look here. The delivery book. 19:59.120 --> 20:02.920 You can see it's signed by the person who received it. 20:02.920 --> 20:04.920 Thank you. Thank you very much. 20:04.920 --> 20:10.920 The receipt bore a signature in a clear hand. 20:10.920 --> 20:12.920 John Marlowe. 20:22.920 --> 20:24.920 I found myself at the cliff again, 20:24.920 --> 20:28.920 and each crashing wave was like a hammer blow on my heart. 20:28.920 --> 20:31.920 I was certain of the contents of the telegram. 20:31.920 --> 20:34.920 Only one thing was not clear, and that was a motive. 20:34.920 --> 20:38.920 And each time the answer tried to insinuate itself into my mind, 20:38.920 --> 20:41.920 I consciously pushed it away. 20:41.920 --> 20:44.920 I could no longer look at the case impersonally. 20:44.920 --> 20:47.920 After the first sight of Mrs. Manderson sitting on this very rock 20:47.920 --> 20:49.920 while she gazed at the sea, 20:49.920 --> 20:52.920 I knew that she could be motive enough, innocent or not, 20:52.920 --> 20:55.920 for any deed, good or bad. 20:55.920 --> 20:56.920 This came for you last night. 20:56.920 --> 20:58.920 What? Why, what, what? 20:58.920 --> 21:01.920 Why, you're in the habit of skulking up on people? 21:01.920 --> 21:04.920 I, I almost lost my footing. 21:04.920 --> 21:06.920 Be more careful. It's a long way down. 21:06.920 --> 21:09.920 Well, what are you, uh, waiting for? 21:09.920 --> 21:12.920 Surely you don't expect me to thank you for withholding my telegram since last night? 21:12.920 --> 21:14.920 You weren't here. 21:14.920 --> 21:17.920 You didn't expect me to chase over the countryside looking for you. 21:17.920 --> 21:20.920 All right. Uh, thank you. 21:20.920 --> 21:23.920 I imagine you'll be leaving Bishop's Bridge, Trent. 21:23.920 --> 21:27.920 The inquest jury returned a verdict of murder by persons unknown. 21:27.920 --> 21:30.920 Inspector Merch believes the crime was committed by a crank. 21:30.920 --> 21:33.920 You're a veritable storehouse of information, Marlow. 21:33.920 --> 21:37.920 And now if you'll excuse me. 21:37.920 --> 21:42.920 When Marlow left me, I tore open the telegram. 21:42.920 --> 21:47.920 Response to your inquiry, John Marlow, member of Dramatic Society. 21:47.920 --> 21:52.920 Excellent in roles calling for disguise and vocal impersonations. 21:52.920 --> 21:54.920 Ah. 21:54.920 --> 21:56.920 I knew what I had to do 21:56.920 --> 22:00.920 and I approached my task with the deepest pain and gloom. 22:00.920 --> 22:03.920 Mr. Trent, I didn't realize you'd come in. 22:03.920 --> 22:06.920 Forgive my playing. The piano is my only release. 22:06.920 --> 22:08.920 No, no, please continue. 22:08.920 --> 22:11.920 I, I've... 22:11.920 --> 22:14.920 Aren't you feeling well? 22:14.920 --> 22:15.920 Perhaps some brandy. 22:15.920 --> 22:18.920 No, no, no, thank you, Mrs. Manderson. I, 22:18.920 --> 22:22.920 I've written the story of this case and addressed it to the publisher of the record. 22:22.920 --> 22:25.920 It's all here in this envelope. 22:25.920 --> 22:29.920 It contains certain things which I have concluded about your husband's death. 22:29.920 --> 22:33.920 Things not suspected by anyone else. 22:33.920 --> 22:38.920 Mrs. Manderson, I am not free to suppress this evidence on a mere whim. 22:38.920 --> 22:40.920 I want the truth. 22:40.920 --> 22:42.920 Are you asking me if I perjured myself at the inquest? 22:42.920 --> 22:45.920 Since I have a passion for truth, I do not attend inquests. 22:45.920 --> 22:51.920 But you knew why your husband changed his attitude towards you in the month or so preceding his death? 22:51.920 --> 22:53.920 What have you found out? 22:53.920 --> 22:55.920 I want you to tell me. 22:55.920 --> 22:57.920 All right. 22:57.920 --> 23:00.920 He knew that I was weary of life with him. 23:00.920 --> 23:08.920 The constant parties, business conferences, scheming, complicated plans for amalgamations, corporations, which went on constantly. 23:08.920 --> 23:13.920 I couldn't ask him to pass a butter at dinner without getting the latest market prices on that commodity. 23:13.920 --> 23:19.920 I refused to attend his dinners. I wouldn't pay hostess any longer at his dull parties. 23:19.920 --> 23:22.920 That is why his attitude changed. 23:22.920 --> 23:24.920 There was no talk of divorce? 23:24.920 --> 23:26.920 None. 23:26.920 --> 23:28.920 Did you plan to continue living with him? 23:28.920 --> 23:32.920 Why? Why do you ask me that? 23:32.920 --> 23:40.920 I know that your husband became contemptuous of you because of John Marlowe. 23:40.920 --> 23:42.920 There you have the envelope. 23:42.920 --> 23:44.920 Send it to the record or withhold it as you choose. 23:44.920 --> 23:50.920 I'm done with this. This is my last case. 23:50.920 --> 23:55.920 I watched her trembling hands tear open the envelope and extract the story. 23:55.920 --> 24:00.920 The story that told how Marlowe had shot Manderson at eleven o'clock, had impersonated him at midnight, 24:00.920 --> 24:03.920 had worn the dead man's shoes to cover up his own footprints, 24:03.920 --> 24:10.920 and had been in such haste that he neglected to tie the laces when he returned them to the feet of the murdered man. 24:10.920 --> 24:14.920 I dared not guess how deeply Mrs. Manderson was involved in the plot. 24:14.920 --> 24:19.920 Besides being the motive for it, I wanted to be done with the affair 24:19.920 --> 24:23.920 and get as far away as possible from the woman who now stood so near to me. 24:23.920 --> 24:25.920 I can't send this off, Mr. Trent. 24:25.920 --> 24:27.920 I'm sure you have good reason. 24:27.920 --> 24:29.920 The best. You are wrong. 24:29.920 --> 24:34.920 Impossible. I can prove that Marlowe masqueraded as your husband. 24:34.920 --> 24:39.920 Oh, listen, please. My husband sent Marlowe off to see a man who never existed. 24:39.920 --> 24:46.920 In the package addressed to the mythical Mr. Harris with my husband's wallet with five thousand pounds and the pouch of diamonds. 24:46.920 --> 24:52.920 He intended only to wound himself and then had Mr. Marlowe arrested for theft and attempted murder. 24:52.920 --> 24:59.920 Like you, my husband suspected there was something between Marlowe and me. There never was. 24:59.920 --> 25:00.920 Oh, Mrs. Manderson. 25:00.920 --> 25:04.920 When Marlowe started to drive off, he heard the shot and drove back. 25:04.920 --> 25:07.920 My husband was dead, a suicide. 25:07.920 --> 25:09.920 He realized then what my husband had planned. 25:09.920 --> 25:14.920 He replaced the wallet and diamonds in the pockets, then borrowed the shoes for reasons you guessed. 25:14.920 --> 25:18.920 They were torn because Marlowe's feet were a little too large for them. 25:18.920 --> 25:20.920 But you said you had seen Manderson at midnight. 25:20.920 --> 25:29.920 I said I had heard his voice. Marlowe's a good impersonator. He was trying to protect himself and me. 25:29.920 --> 25:34.920 Now, Mrs. Manderson, I couldn't have been that far from the solution. 25:34.920 --> 25:36.920 You were even further away, Trent. 25:36.920 --> 25:37.920 Why, couples. 25:37.920 --> 25:40.920 Manderson was not a suicide. 25:40.920 --> 25:41.920 What? 25:41.920 --> 25:43.920 I killed him. 25:43.920 --> 25:44.920 This is too ridiculous. 25:44.920 --> 25:48.920 I was out walking that night. I saw Marlowe drive off. 25:48.920 --> 25:51.920 Then I came upon Manderson just as he was about to shoot himself. 25:51.920 --> 25:57.920 I tried to stop him. We struggled. And during the struggle, the gun went off accidentally. 25:57.920 --> 25:59.920 How could I have been so wrong? 25:59.920 --> 26:06.920 I think I know why. Your talents must be better suited to reporting than the detective business. 26:06.920 --> 26:10.920 My dear Mrs. Manderson, I couldn't agree with you more. 26:10.920 --> 26:14.920 This eye-bow shall be Trent's last case. 26:14.920 --> 26:20.920 [♪triumphant music playing on the radio. 26:20.920 --> 26:30.920 [♪music playing on the radio. 26:30.920 --> 26:33.920 Suspense. 26:33.920 --> 26:37.920 Presented by Auto Light, the night star, Mr. Ronald Coleman. 26:37.920 --> 26:44.920 This is Harlow Wilcox speaking for Auto Light, the world's largest independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment. 26:44.920 --> 26:52.920 In 28 plants from coast to coast, Auto Light makes over 400 products for cars, trucks, tractors, planes, boats, and industry. 26:52.920 --> 26:58.920 These products include dial indicating and recording thermometers, bumpers, die castings, and batteries, 26:58.920 --> 27:04.920 such as the famous Auto Light Stay Full, ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs, both standard and resistor types, 27:04.920 --> 27:09.920 voltage regulators, wire and battery cable, Auto Light bullseye sealed beam units, 27:09.920 --> 27:14.920 and Auto Light original service parts for all Auto Light electrical systems. 27:14.920 --> 27:18.920 Auto Light is proud to serve the greatest names in the industry. 27:18.920 --> 27:23.920 So, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light. 27:23.920 --> 27:30.920 [♪triumphant music playing on the radio. 27:30.920 --> 27:36.920 Next week, we combine fact and fiction. The fact, the murder of Mary Cecilia Rogers. 27:36.920 --> 27:41.920 The fiction, Edgar Allan Poe's solution of that crime, the mystery of Marie Roget. 27:41.920 --> 27:49.920 Our star, Mr. Cornell Wilde. That's next week on Suspense. 27:49.920 --> 27:52.920 Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis. 27:52.920 --> 27:56.920 With music composed by Lucian Morawick and conducted by Lud Bluskin, 27:56.920 --> 28:00.920 Eddie Bentley's Trent's Last Case was adapted for Suspense by Oliver Gard. 28:00.920 --> 28:07.920 Featured tonight's cast were Ellen Morgan, Joseph Kearns, Richard Peel, Gloria Ann Simpson, and William Johnstone. 28:07.920 --> 28:14.920 And remember next week, Mr. Cornell Wilde and Edgar Allan Poe's The Mystery of Marie Roget. 28:14.920 --> 28:18.920 You can buy Auto Light standard or resistor type spark plugs, Auto Light original service parts, 28:18.920 --> 28:21.920 and Auto Light Stay Full batteries at your neighborhood Auto Light dealers. 28:21.920 --> 28:24.920 Switch to Auto Light. Good night. 28:24.920 --> 28:29.920 This is the CBS Radio Network. 28:29.920 --> 28:55.920 Music