WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:17.720 And now, tonight's presentation of radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 00:17.720 --> 00:20.220 Tonight we bring you a story from your newspaper. 00:20.220 --> 00:22.660 It is based upon absolute fact. 00:22.660 --> 00:25.080 Only certain portions have been dramatized. 00:25.080 --> 00:27.920 We call it, The Greatest Thief in the World. 00:27.920 --> 00:44.680 So now, starring Mr. Ben Wright, here is tonight's Suspense play, The Greatest Thief in the World. 00:44.680 --> 00:50.680 The files of criminal record office in Scotland Yard contain two bulky folders. 00:50.680 --> 00:53.760 One relating to the evidence against Peter Marion. 00:53.760 --> 00:57.720 The other against a criminal known only as the Squire. 00:57.720 --> 01:01.400 Between Peter Marion, we're in possession of a number of facts. 01:01.400 --> 01:05.320 Some we gain through our own investigation, others through interested parties. 01:05.320 --> 01:08.920 Concerning the Squire, we know a good deal less. 01:08.920 --> 01:12.960 That for some five years he committed dual thefts amounting to half a million pounds 01:12.960 --> 01:14.600 is common knowledge. 01:14.600 --> 01:19.640 That at no time until the end did we find one scrap of evidence is further stated in 01:19.640 --> 01:21.000 the file. 01:21.000 --> 01:25.120 The question that the Yard has not been able to satisfactorily answer is whether Peter 01:25.120 --> 01:28.560 Marriott and the Squire were one in the same. 01:28.560 --> 01:30.640 The case is a mathematical fantasy. 01:30.640 --> 01:36.280 For example, we know that Peter Marriott attended a shooting party in the West Riding as the 01:36.280 --> 01:39.240 guest of Sir Leslie and Lady Bandrick. 01:39.240 --> 01:47.560 We know the gist of what transpired, but was the Squire present at that time? 01:47.560 --> 01:55.600 Good shooting, Marriott. 01:55.600 --> 01:57.160 Oh, thank you, sir. 01:57.160 --> 01:59.360 Best if I know how you do it. 01:59.360 --> 02:02.720 Every time I get a shot of them, those blinking parties seem to know it's me. 02:02.720 --> 02:04.200 Oh, it's just bad luck, sir. 02:04.200 --> 02:05.200 It'll get better. 02:05.200 --> 02:06.200 But they do, you know. 02:06.200 --> 02:08.200 They fly off screaming with laughter. 02:08.200 --> 02:09.720 It's old band bridge. 02:09.720 --> 02:10.720 Come on, you chaps. 02:10.720 --> 02:11.720 Nothing to worry about. 02:11.720 --> 02:12.720 Oh, really, sir. 02:12.720 --> 02:13.720 Oh, well. 02:13.720 --> 02:14.720 Perhaps tomorrow. 02:14.720 --> 02:15.720 I'm for a drink. 02:15.720 --> 02:16.720 Why don't you? 02:16.720 --> 02:17.720 Why don't you? 02:17.720 --> 02:21.040 By the way, be meaning to ask you ever since you got here. 02:21.040 --> 02:23.600 It keeps slipping my mind. 02:23.600 --> 02:27.240 Anything new in London about that the Squire chap? 02:27.240 --> 02:28.640 I don't think so, sir. 02:28.640 --> 02:29.640 Not since his last haul. 02:29.640 --> 02:31.640 You've heard about him out here, too. 02:31.640 --> 02:33.800 Well, who doesn't hear about him? 02:33.800 --> 02:34.800 It's a disgrace. 02:34.800 --> 02:37.280 I can tell you I've read in the letter for times. 02:37.280 --> 02:38.880 Parliament should do something. 02:38.880 --> 02:41.480 No, I understand Scotland Yards up a tree. 02:41.480 --> 02:42.480 Bunglers. 02:42.480 --> 02:43.480 Not like the old days. 02:43.480 --> 02:47.120 Catch the man and give him a horse, whip him in, send you to Dartmoor. 02:47.120 --> 02:48.480 That's what we'd have done. 02:48.480 --> 02:50.480 Well, they say he's quite clever. 02:50.480 --> 02:51.480 Clever? 02:51.480 --> 02:52.480 Nonsense. 02:52.480 --> 02:55.480 Papers are making a hero of the blighter. 02:55.480 --> 02:56.480 The Squire. 02:56.480 --> 02:57.480 Impudence. 02:57.480 --> 02:58.480 Man's not a gentleman. 02:58.480 --> 03:01.480 He's just a blasted little jewel thief. 03:01.480 --> 03:05.480 Well, I don't imagine the Honourable Percy Pindell considers him little. 03:05.480 --> 03:06.480 Oh, yes. 03:06.480 --> 03:08.480 That was the last one, wasn't it? 03:08.480 --> 03:12.480 According to the paper, 20,000 pounds, an emerald necklace and two diamond rings. 03:12.480 --> 03:13.480 Percy's a fool. 03:13.480 --> 03:15.480 Always told himself, too. 03:15.480 --> 03:18.480 A child could have opened that safe of his. 03:18.480 --> 03:22.480 I'd like to see the Squire try his game with me. 03:22.480 --> 03:24.480 A different story, I can tell you. 03:24.480 --> 03:26.480 Well, I might want to do it, sir. 03:26.480 --> 03:29.480 By the way, did you tell me that you used to dabble in the diamond market? 03:29.480 --> 03:31.480 Oh, that was a few years ago, sir. 03:31.480 --> 03:32.480 Nothing much. 03:32.480 --> 03:36.480 This evening I must show you one or two nice little things I bought Lady Pavlain in Italy. 03:36.480 --> 03:44.480 I'd love to see them, sir. 03:44.480 --> 03:52.480 Two days after the shooting party, Sir Leslie Banbridge reported that jewels amounting to the sum of 8,000 pounds had been stolen from his safe. 03:52.480 --> 03:54.480 It was the Squire's work. 03:54.480 --> 03:59.480 No prints, just the unmistakable methods that had tantalised us for five years. 03:59.480 --> 04:04.480 At that time, there was no more reason to suspect Peter Marriott than the other 18 guests, 04:04.480 --> 04:07.480 all of whom had seen the jewels in question. 04:07.480 --> 04:11.480 We know now that there was a girl in Peter Marriott's life, 04:11.480 --> 04:27.480 a girl whom we felt to be a rather odd acquaintance for a man in his position. 04:27.480 --> 04:28.480 Hello, Ginny. 04:28.480 --> 04:30.480 Well, where you been? 04:30.480 --> 04:32.480 Thought you was coming by last week. 04:32.480 --> 04:33.480 Oh, I'm sorry I was away. 04:33.480 --> 04:34.480 You brass knobs on. 04:34.480 --> 04:35.480 No, honestly. 04:35.480 --> 04:38.480 I brought you a present. 04:38.480 --> 04:39.480 You have? 04:39.480 --> 04:41.480 Oh, you are a duck. 04:41.480 --> 04:42.480 Well, I've missed you. 04:42.480 --> 04:44.480 Give me a kiss. 04:44.480 --> 04:47.480 Oh, you have missed me, haven't you? 04:47.480 --> 04:49.480 Where's the present? 04:49.480 --> 04:56.480 Here. 04:56.480 --> 04:58.480 Oh, Peter. 04:58.480 --> 05:00.480 Oh, it's lovely. 05:00.480 --> 05:02.480 Thanks ever so. 05:02.480 --> 05:03.480 Is it real? 05:03.480 --> 05:04.480 Oh, absolutely. 05:04.480 --> 05:05.480 You couldn't find a better ruby anywhere. 05:05.480 --> 05:06.480 Doesn't look real. 05:06.480 --> 05:08.480 Well, you take my word for it. 05:08.480 --> 05:09.480 It is. 05:09.480 --> 05:10.480 Oh, how lovely. 05:10.480 --> 05:11.480 Oh, you shouldn't have. 05:11.480 --> 05:13.480 Must have cost a packet. 05:13.480 --> 05:16.480 Well, you're my girl, aren't you? 05:16.480 --> 05:18.480 Oh, Ginny, look, you see this parcel? 05:18.480 --> 05:20.480 I want you to keep it for me just for a little while. 05:20.480 --> 05:21.480 Oh, what is it? 05:21.480 --> 05:22.480 Oh, it's nothing important. 05:22.480 --> 05:24.480 You don't have to open it up. 05:24.480 --> 05:26.480 I wouldn't. 05:26.480 --> 05:30.480 Well, as a matter of fact, it's like the other parcel I gave you a few months ago. 05:30.480 --> 05:32.480 Oh, gone. 05:32.480 --> 05:33.480 Pictures. 05:33.480 --> 05:34.480 Right. 05:34.480 --> 05:36.480 Oh, you'll get in trouble one of these days, you will. 05:36.480 --> 05:38.480 Anyway, I don't believe you. 05:38.480 --> 05:40.480 I bet those aren't pictures in there. 05:40.480 --> 05:41.480 Oh. 05:41.480 --> 05:42.480 What do you really do? 05:42.480 --> 05:44.480 I mean for a living. 05:44.480 --> 05:46.480 Well, I've told you nothing very much. 05:46.480 --> 05:47.480 Dark exchange. 05:47.480 --> 05:48.480 I have some money. 05:48.480 --> 05:49.480 Why? 05:49.480 --> 05:50.480 I wondered. 05:50.480 --> 05:52.480 What made you wonder? 05:52.480 --> 05:54.480 Well, I think maybe you're a bit shady. 05:54.480 --> 05:56.480 Oh, what an odd thought. 05:56.480 --> 05:57.480 Is it? 05:57.480 --> 05:58.480 Well, what's so odd about it? 05:58.480 --> 06:00.480 Why don't you ever take me nowhere? 06:00.480 --> 06:04.480 Why do we always have to meet here, never go dancing or nothing? 06:04.480 --> 06:05.480 Well, Jenny, isn't it nice here? 06:05.480 --> 06:06.480 No, it ain't. 06:06.480 --> 06:09.480 You're ashamed of me because I'm not a swell like you. 06:09.480 --> 06:10.480 Jenny, it isn't that. 06:10.480 --> 06:12.480 It's only that I want to be with you alone. 06:12.480 --> 06:14.480 Yes, I don't think. 06:14.480 --> 06:17.480 Well, what do you want me to say then? 06:17.480 --> 06:20.480 I don't know, but there's something funny about you. 06:20.480 --> 06:22.480 Oh? 06:22.480 --> 06:24.480 A man was here the other day. 06:24.480 --> 06:25.480 A man? 06:25.480 --> 06:26.480 Who? 06:26.480 --> 06:27.480 What do you mean? 06:27.480 --> 06:29.480 Oh, so there is something. 06:29.480 --> 06:31.480 Jenny, tell me about it. 06:31.480 --> 06:34.480 He was just asking about the gent who visited me last night. 06:34.480 --> 06:36.480 That was you, Peter. 06:36.480 --> 06:37.480 What did you say? 06:37.480 --> 06:40.480 I told him I wasn't the avid, a gas, and was strange, isn't it, Oppet? 06:40.480 --> 06:41.480 Well, what did he look like? 06:41.480 --> 06:44.480 Look here, I don't like the way you're talking like a ruddy copper. 06:44.480 --> 06:46.480 I don't think I'm going to tell you anything. 06:46.480 --> 06:49.480 Well, I'm sorry, Jenny, but please, go on. 06:49.480 --> 06:51.480 No, I don't feel like it. 06:51.480 --> 06:53.480 Now, look, I've got to know. 06:53.480 --> 06:55.480 It's important. 06:55.480 --> 06:59.480 Well, 999, ask the police. 06:59.480 --> 07:01.480 I think you'd better tell me. 07:01.480 --> 07:03.480 You eat me. 07:03.480 --> 07:05.480 What did he look like? 07:05.480 --> 07:06.480 Jenny? 07:06.480 --> 07:07.480 Was he all right? 07:07.480 --> 07:09.480 Maybe a little thinner, black hair. 07:09.480 --> 07:10.480 He looked something like you. 07:10.480 --> 07:11.480 Well, how was he dressed? 07:11.480 --> 07:12.480 I don't know. 07:12.480 --> 07:13.480 All right, I suppose. 07:13.480 --> 07:15.480 Gray overcoat, bowler. 07:15.480 --> 07:17.480 He wasn't a copper, I don't think, if that's what's worrying you. 07:17.480 --> 07:18.480 He was too polite. 07:18.480 --> 07:19.480 Any name? 07:19.480 --> 07:20.480 No. 07:20.480 --> 07:22.480 Said he was a friend of yours from abroad. 07:22.480 --> 07:26.480 Said when I saw you to say something about Canada. 07:26.480 --> 07:28.480 You know what he meant. 07:28.480 --> 07:30.480 That can't be. 07:30.480 --> 07:32.480 He's dead. 07:32.480 --> 07:34.480 It can't be. 07:40.480 --> 07:45.480 Immediately following the bandage robbery, the squire was inactive. 07:45.480 --> 07:51.480 We kept an eye out for the stolen jewels, but as in the past, there was no sign of them. 07:51.480 --> 07:59.480 However, we learned one interesting fact, that Peter Marriott had attended several parties given by victims of the squire. 07:59.480 --> 08:06.480 Although it was a very slight chance and quite possibly coincidental, we felt it advisable to assign a plainclothesman to watch him. 08:06.480 --> 08:12.480 On September 7th, 1949, the detective made his routine report. 08:12.480 --> 08:16.480 Follett's suspect, a lion's teeshot, knotting hill gate. 08:16.480 --> 08:18.480 He sat at a corner table alone. 08:18.480 --> 08:24.480 Five minutes later, he was joined by another man, was unable to hear the conversation. 08:27.480 --> 08:29.480 Hello, Peter Marriott. 08:29.480 --> 08:30.480 Hello. 08:30.480 --> 08:31.480 Sir Don. 08:31.480 --> 08:34.480 I don't think I would have recognized you. 08:34.480 --> 08:36.480 You've had quite a job done on your face, haven't you? 08:36.480 --> 08:37.480 Yes. 08:37.480 --> 08:41.480 Well, rather like old times, eh? 08:41.480 --> 08:43.480 What happened? I thought you were... 08:43.480 --> 08:46.480 Not now, my dear fellow. It's a long story. 08:46.480 --> 08:48.480 Don't worry, you'll hear about it. 08:48.480 --> 08:50.480 How long have you been in London? 08:50.480 --> 08:51.480 Ages. 08:51.480 --> 08:52.480 Nearly six years. 08:52.480 --> 08:54.480 Funny, you took so long getting in touch. 08:54.480 --> 08:55.480 Yes, isn't it? 08:55.480 --> 08:58.480 You look prosperous, I must say. 08:58.480 --> 08:59.480 So do you. 08:59.480 --> 09:01.480 I suppose that girl told you I'd been inquiring. 09:01.480 --> 09:02.480 Yes. 09:02.480 --> 09:05.480 Well, I thought it best to make sure. One doesn't want to make mistakes, does one? 09:05.480 --> 09:08.480 Look here, will you get to the point? What do you want? 09:08.480 --> 09:10.480 Same dear fellow, aren't you? 09:10.480 --> 09:13.480 All right. First, what about my name? 09:13.480 --> 09:16.480 I thought you were dead, there's no harm there. 09:16.480 --> 09:18.480 You know I couldn't use my own name after I left Canada. 09:18.480 --> 09:23.480 Yes, but my dear fellow, Peter Marriott, there can't be two of us, you know. 09:23.480 --> 09:24.480 Why not? 09:24.480 --> 09:27.480 Because when I found out five years ago that you were calling yourself that, 09:27.480 --> 09:29.480 I had to change my name to something else. 09:29.480 --> 09:32.480 Well, now I think I want my own back. 09:32.480 --> 09:33.480 You can have it. 09:33.480 --> 09:35.480 There must be more than a few Peter Marriott's in the world. 09:35.480 --> 09:38.480 Definitely, but we're special, you and I. 09:38.480 --> 09:40.480 Very special. 09:40.480 --> 09:41.480 Oh, go on. 09:41.480 --> 09:45.480 You see, I've been reading a lot about you. You're quite a toff. 09:45.480 --> 09:50.480 Races, hunt balls and all that. I've followed you very closely. 09:50.480 --> 09:54.480 You can be a great help to me, old man. Great help indeed. 09:54.480 --> 09:55.480 What's the game? 09:55.480 --> 09:58.480 We can do business together, just like old times. 09:58.480 --> 09:59.480 I don't think so. 09:59.480 --> 10:12.480 But I do. You and I and the Squire. 10:12.480 --> 10:18.480 For the next month, well into October, Peter Marriott, as a suspect, became a dad. 10:18.480 --> 10:23.480 He led an exemplary life and we began to feel that once again we'd made a mistake. 10:23.480 --> 10:26.480 He attended several parties and no robbery attempts followed. 10:26.480 --> 10:34.480 However, it was two days after a ball given by a wealthy sportsman that our detective assigned to Marriott made his report. 10:34.480 --> 10:42.480 October 28th. Suspect left his flat at 5.30 p.m. and walked toward Tube Station, followed but lost him. 10:42.480 --> 10:47.480 Cannot be certain whether he made this move on purpose or not. 10:47.480 --> 10:48.480 Is that the house? 10:48.480 --> 10:49.480 Yes. 10:49.480 --> 10:51.480 Well, you're not going to drive up to it, are you? 10:51.480 --> 10:53.480 Oh, look, I didn't ask you to come along, you know. 10:53.480 --> 10:57.480 Well, I suppose you know what you're doing. 10:57.480 --> 10:58.480 Now, you can stay here. 10:58.480 --> 10:59.480 But there are lights on in there. 10:59.480 --> 11:00.480 Servants' quarters. 11:00.480 --> 11:03.480 But what if I say if a bobby comes along? 11:03.480 --> 11:04.480 You see that switch under the dash? 11:04.480 --> 11:05.480 Where? Oh, here? 11:05.480 --> 11:08.480 Flick it. Then step on the starter. 11:08.480 --> 11:11.480 The motor won't catch. You can say you're having motor trouble. 11:11.480 --> 11:34.480 All right. 11:34.480 --> 11:40.480 Come on. Did you get it? 11:40.480 --> 12:09.480 I think I went in for a cup of tea, do you? Of course I got it. 12:09.480 --> 12:25.480 You are listening to The Greatest Thief in the World, the night's presentation in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 12:25.480 --> 12:33.480 Mr. Smith, no relation to the one you know, planned for a nest egg to start saving with United States savings bonds someday. 12:33.480 --> 12:36.480 He put off starting month after month, year after year. 12:36.480 --> 12:38.480 And you know what happened? 12:38.480 --> 12:41.480 All the money he didn't save wasn't there when he needed it. 12:41.480 --> 12:43.480 Don't you be like our Mr. Smith. 12:43.480 --> 12:51.480 Be like many smart Americans who purchase United States savings bonds regularly for a nest egg that is there. 12:51.480 --> 13:04.480 Now we bring back to our Hollywood soundstage Mr. Ben Wright, starring in tonight's production, The Greatest Thief in the World, a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 13:04.480 --> 13:25.480 Once again the squire had struck, this time to the tune of 14,000 pounds in Oriental jewels. 13:25.480 --> 13:30.480 Once again the resources of Scotland Yard were unable to discover one shred of evidence. 13:30.480 --> 13:35.480 It was useless to bring Peter Marriott in for questioning because we had no proof of his complicity. 13:35.480 --> 13:44.480 There was nothing to do but intensify our surveillance and hope that a piece of the stolen jewelry would turn up or that one of our informers would uncover something. 13:44.480 --> 13:51.480 On November 26, 1949, Marriott drove down to Kent and the estate of Lord Simon Lettington. 13:51.480 --> 13:52.480 John. 13:52.480 --> 13:53.480 Hello. 13:53.480 --> 13:55.480 Just running over to Patty Puth. 13:55.480 --> 13:56.480 Want to come? 13:55.480 --> 13:56.480 Yeah, love to. 13:56.480 --> 13:57.480 Hop in. 13:57.480 --> 14:01.480 Oh. 14:01.480 --> 14:02.480 Hey, Dave. 14:02.480 --> 14:03.480 Murderous. 14:03.480 --> 14:04.480 Too much for me last night. 14:04.480 --> 14:05.480 Take an aspirin. 14:05.480 --> 14:06.480 You'll need it for tonight. 14:06.480 --> 14:08.480 If I have one more hot buttered rum, I'll die. 14:08.480 --> 14:10.480 Oh, not you, Peter. 14:10.480 --> 14:14.480 I say, Daddy was furious with me this morning. 14:14.480 --> 14:15.480 Why? 14:15.480 --> 14:16.480 For behaving the way I did with you. 14:16.480 --> 14:17.480 Oh? 14:17.480 --> 14:19.480 He saw us kissing in the playroom. 14:19.480 --> 14:23.480 Said I had no right to lead you on, that you were a very nice young man and deserved a better fate. 14:23.480 --> 14:26.480 His lordship is a discerning man. 14:26.480 --> 14:27.480 Peter. 14:27.480 --> 14:28.480 Hmm? 14:28.480 --> 14:31.480 What were you doing in the library this morning? 14:31.480 --> 14:32.480 Nothing. 14:32.480 --> 14:33.480 Why? 14:33.480 --> 14:37.480 I saw you looking at the safe, just like a burglar. 14:37.480 --> 14:38.480 Very suspicious. 14:38.480 --> 14:39.480 Oh, a rot. 14:39.480 --> 14:42.480 There's probably nothing in it, anyway. 14:42.480 --> 14:43.480 Ha. 14:43.480 --> 14:46.480 Besides, no self-respecting cracksman would touch a thing like that. 14:46.480 --> 14:47.480 It's too easy to open. 14:47.480 --> 14:49.480 I bet the squire would. 14:49.480 --> 14:50.480 Ah, rank amateur. 14:50.480 --> 14:52.480 He learned everything from me. 14:52.480 --> 14:54.480 Do you want anything in the village? 14:54.480 --> 14:56.480 Oh, you might drop me at the pillar box. 14:56.480 --> 14:57.480 I have a couple of cards to post. 14:57.480 --> 14:58.480 Right. 14:58.480 --> 15:01.480 I'll meet you in half an hour outside the cinema. 15:06.480 --> 15:11.480 Our man followed Marriott when he left Lady Joan Lettington's card in Paddock Wood. 15:11.480 --> 15:16.480 Marriott posted two cards, then strolled down the road to the Hotel Rackham. 15:16.480 --> 15:19.480 He entered there, went into the tavern. 15:19.480 --> 15:21.480 Our man remained outside. 15:21.480 --> 15:22.480 And what are you, sir? 15:22.480 --> 15:24.480 Oh, er, double scotch. 15:24.480 --> 15:25.480 Double scotch? 15:25.480 --> 15:26.480 Yes, sir. 15:26.480 --> 15:27.480 Make a Johnny Walker, will you? 15:27.480 --> 15:28.480 All right. 15:28.480 --> 15:29.480 Right you are, sir. 15:29.480 --> 15:32.480 A bit of pre-Christmas cheer, eh? 15:32.480 --> 15:33.480 Listen, I don't like this. 15:33.480 --> 15:34.480 Outside. 15:34.480 --> 15:35.480 See in the mirror? 15:35.480 --> 15:37.480 I think it's a man from the yard. 15:37.480 --> 15:39.480 I've noticed him hanging about. 15:39.480 --> 15:41.480 Yeah, that won't do at all. 15:41.480 --> 15:43.480 What does it look like in the house? 15:43.480 --> 15:44.480 How the devil should I know? 15:44.480 --> 15:45.480 Give me time, can't you? 15:45.480 --> 15:47.480 You're a bit touchy, aren't you? 15:47.480 --> 15:50.480 My dear old boy, in this business one can't get nervous. 15:50.480 --> 15:52.480 You ought to know that. 15:52.480 --> 15:53.480 You should have stayed in London. 15:53.480 --> 15:54.480 No, it's better this way. 15:54.480 --> 15:56.480 We can keep an eye on one another, eh? 15:56.480 --> 15:58.480 Oh, this will buck you up. 15:58.480 --> 15:59.480 Double scotch, sir. 16:08.480 --> 16:11.480 On November 30th, Marriott returned to London. 16:11.480 --> 16:16.480 We had an idea that he'd contacted someone in Rackham Hotel Tavern. 16:16.480 --> 16:20.480 Possibly the elusive stranger we knew to be meeting Marriott from time to time. 16:20.480 --> 16:23.480 In any event, we kept a man at Paddock Wood. 16:23.480 --> 16:28.480 No attempt was made during the next three weeks upon Lord Leadington's house, 16:28.480 --> 16:30.480 and we could do nothing but wait. 16:30.480 --> 16:37.480 On December 21st, it was noted that Peter Marriott visited Virginia Hibbert in Hammersmith at a late hour. 16:37.480 --> 16:38.480 How are you? 16:38.480 --> 16:42.480 You really have no consideration for me at all, really, you haven't. 16:42.480 --> 16:44.480 What fine time of night to come calling. 16:44.480 --> 16:47.480 Oh, I'm sorry, Ginny, but I had to talk to you. 16:47.480 --> 16:48.480 Oh, what's up? 16:48.480 --> 16:50.480 Please listen. 16:50.480 --> 16:54.480 Now, I may have to go away, and I may not be able to see you again. 16:54.480 --> 16:55.480 Ever? 16:55.480 --> 16:56.480 Ever. 16:56.480 --> 16:58.480 You're a good girl. 16:58.480 --> 17:02.480 Sometimes I haven't been kind, but I've always known that I could trust you. 17:02.480 --> 17:05.480 It hasn't just been making use of you. 17:05.480 --> 17:07.480 I hope not. 17:07.480 --> 17:10.480 Ginny, that man who came to ask you about me... 17:10.480 --> 17:12.480 Has he got something to do with it? 17:12.480 --> 17:13.480 Yes. 17:13.480 --> 17:18.480 I knew him a long time ago in Canada. 17:18.480 --> 17:19.480 Cool. 17:19.480 --> 17:20.480 We worked together. 17:20.480 --> 17:22.480 It was in a mining town. 17:22.480 --> 17:26.480 One night there was a game, a poker game. 17:26.480 --> 17:28.480 It ended in a fight. 17:28.480 --> 17:32.480 My face was badly slashed, and I shot a man. 17:32.480 --> 17:33.480 Lummy. 17:33.480 --> 17:34.480 I ran away. 17:34.480 --> 17:36.480 The doctor did plastic surgery on my face. 17:36.480 --> 17:38.480 I changed my name, too. 17:38.480 --> 17:40.480 The bloke who came back, is he the man you... 17:40.480 --> 17:42.480 No, no, no, no. 17:42.480 --> 17:44.480 The man I shot was a miner. 17:44.480 --> 17:47.480 The fellow who came back was the one I worked with. 17:47.480 --> 17:50.480 I thought he'd been killed in the fight. 17:50.480 --> 17:53.480 You see why I was afraid when you told me about him. 17:53.480 --> 17:55.480 He knows about that man that I killed. 17:55.480 --> 17:56.480 Dirty water. 17:56.480 --> 17:57.480 Black Malaigne? 17:57.480 --> 17:59.480 Yes, Ginny. 17:59.480 --> 18:01.480 And I'm going to have to do something about it. 18:01.480 --> 18:02.480 The police are following me. 18:02.480 --> 18:06.480 You see, I can't let this go on. 18:06.480 --> 18:09.480 Now, look, there's some money in here, and I want you to take it. 18:09.480 --> 18:11.480 You don't have to do that. 18:11.480 --> 18:12.480 You've treated me all right. 18:12.480 --> 18:15.480 I don't want your money, and I don't want you to go away. 18:15.480 --> 18:17.480 No, no, please, it's for you. 18:17.480 --> 18:18.480 There's a thousand pounds here. 18:18.480 --> 18:20.480 No. 18:20.480 --> 18:22.480 Take it and get out of London, Ginny. 18:22.480 --> 18:25.480 Go to a nice little town and get married. 18:25.480 --> 18:27.480 No, I want to be with you. 18:27.480 --> 18:28.480 Take me with you. 18:28.480 --> 18:30.480 I could learn to be a lady, honest. 18:30.480 --> 18:32.480 I'd try. 18:32.480 --> 18:36.480 You are, dear Ginny. 18:36.480 --> 18:39.480 Oh, don't go, Peter. 18:39.480 --> 18:41.480 Don't go, please. 18:41.480 --> 18:43.480 Maybe I'll come back, and if I do, I'll look for you. 18:43.480 --> 18:44.480 Truly? 18:44.480 --> 18:45.480 Truly. 18:45.480 --> 18:47.480 Give us a kiss. 18:54.480 --> 19:00.480 On the morning of December 22, 1949, our file on Peter Marriott was still inconclusive. 19:00.480 --> 19:07.480 He was a strong suspect, but there was the other man whom we knew he had seen from time to time. 19:07.480 --> 19:11.480 There was now the possibility that he was the squire. 19:11.480 --> 19:17.480 We expected an attempt on Lord Leadington's house and kept our detective in Paddock Wood. 19:17.480 --> 19:20.480 That same night on the 22nd, Lord Leadington's safe was opened, 19:20.480 --> 19:23.480 and a large amount of currency as well as jewelry was stolen. 19:23.480 --> 19:29.480 The plain clothesman we'd left to guard the estate was later found unconscious in some bushes. 19:29.480 --> 19:32.480 You were an idiot to come back to the hotel. 19:32.480 --> 19:33.480 They'll be looking for you. 19:33.480 --> 19:34.480 Or for you. 19:34.480 --> 19:38.480 Ah, quite a haul. I like the paper best. 19:38.480 --> 19:41.480 Diamonds are pretty, but they're a bloody nuisance to get rid of. 19:41.480 --> 19:43.480 You won't have to worry about that anymore. 19:43.480 --> 19:44.480 Huh? 19:44.480 --> 19:47.480 I'm fed up. Things were all right with me before you turned up. 19:47.480 --> 19:51.480 Think how much nicer it is for me. You've been such a help. 19:51.480 --> 19:53.480 I can do so much better business with you. 19:53.480 --> 19:54.480 It's finished. 19:54.480 --> 19:58.480 Oh, come on now. You'll feel better after a drink. 19:58.480 --> 20:01.480 We'll have to get away from here. At least you'll have to. 20:01.480 --> 20:04.480 I imagine half of Scott and Yard will be here soon. 20:04.480 --> 20:05.480 What about that detective? 20:05.480 --> 20:07.480 Oh, I put him out. He'll live. 20:07.480 --> 20:10.480 Not a very nice Christmas present, I'm afraid. 20:10.480 --> 20:12.480 I meant it, you know, about us. 20:12.480 --> 20:14.480 Oh, no, you didn't. 20:14.480 --> 20:16.480 Because you wouldn't like people to know, would you? 20:16.480 --> 20:17.480 It doesn't matter. 20:17.480 --> 20:19.480 Oh, but it does. 20:19.480 --> 20:22.480 What do they do to murderers in Canada? Hang them? 20:22.480 --> 20:25.480 Or that delightful American system, electricity? 20:25.480 --> 20:26.480 You're a fool. 20:26.480 --> 20:30.480 You think I've spent these years getting where I have to allow you to come along and muck it up? 20:30.480 --> 20:34.480 You've had it too soft, Peter. You're spoiled. 20:34.480 --> 20:39.480 You're the one who's had it soft. I could talk, too. 20:39.480 --> 20:43.480 You know, I have an idea that you're threatening me. 20:43.480 --> 20:45.480 That's not very healthy, is it? 20:45.480 --> 20:46.480 No. 20:46.480 --> 20:50.480 I shouldn't try it, Peter. Whatever you're thinking. 20:50.480 --> 20:52.480 Turn around. 20:52.480 --> 20:53.480 Why? 20:53.480 --> 20:56.480 I don't want to shoot you in the back. 20:56.480 --> 20:59.480 Is that what you're going to do? Kill me? 20:59.480 --> 21:01.480 Turn around. 21:01.480 --> 21:04.480 We're in a hotel, you know. There's bound to be noise. 21:04.480 --> 21:07.480 I'll count to three. 21:07.480 --> 21:10.480 Don't do it, old boy. I have a gun, too. 21:10.480 --> 21:11.480 One. 21:11.480 --> 21:14.480 I was always a better shot than you. Remember? 21:14.480 --> 21:15.480 Two. 21:15.480 --> 21:18.480 Last chance. Put down your gun. 21:18.480 --> 21:32.480 Three. 21:32.480 --> 21:37.480 We found the body in the bedroom of the hotel raccom, Panicwood Kent. 21:37.480 --> 21:40.480 A single shot had been fired through the head. 21:40.480 --> 21:42.480 The pistol lay on the floor. 21:42.480 --> 21:46.480 The jewels stolen from Lord Lettington's safe were on the dressing table. 21:46.480 --> 21:48.480 The currency was missing. 21:48.480 --> 21:52.480 However, there were one or two points still left unanswered. 21:52.480 --> 21:55.480 The gun was devoid of fingerprints. 21:55.480 --> 21:59.480 The deceased was not wearing gloves at the time his body was discovered. 21:59.480 --> 22:06.480 There was further the question of an open window and scuff marks on the sill. 22:06.480 --> 22:12.480 Scotland Yard still is not certain who went through that window. 22:12.480 --> 22:15.480 The real Peter Marriott? 22:15.480 --> 22:17.480 The imposter? 22:17.480 --> 22:21.480 Or the one known as the Squire? 22:21.480 --> 22:41.480 Suspense. 22:41.480 --> 22:47.480 In which Mr. Ben Wright starred in tonight's true story of the greatest thief in the world. 22:47.480 --> 22:51.480 Next week, the story of a pet cat and the fear it carried with it. 22:51.480 --> 22:54.480 We call it The Black Death. 22:54.480 --> 23:06.480 That's next week on Suspense. 23:06.480 --> 23:10.480 Suspense is produced and directed by Anthony Ellis, who wrote tonight's script. 23:10.480 --> 23:14.480 The music was composed by René Garagin and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. 23:14.480 --> 23:25.480 Featured in the cast were John Dodsworth, Joseph Kearns, Betty Harford, Ella Morgan, Edgar Barrier, and Raymond Lawrence. 23:25.480 --> 23:40.480 You'll enjoy romance every Saturday in the daytime on the CBS Radio Network. 23:55.480 --> 24:20.480 You'll enjoy romance every Saturday in the daytime on the CBS Radio Network.