1 00:00:28,640 --> 00:00:35,399 Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio and our second special of this 2 00:00:35,479 --> 00:00:43,159 listener support campaign. And it is actually an interesting title for a special. 3 00:00:43,799 --> 00:00:48,920 But before we do get started, it's as a support campaign. We're focused 4 00:00:49,000 --> 00:00:53,200 on one time donations today. We still do encourage you to become one of 5 00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:57,799 our Patreon supporters Patreon dot Great Detectives dot net if you'd like, But if 6 00:00:57,799 --> 00:01:00,039 you want to give a one time donation, we certainly welcome that during this 7 00:01:00,479 --> 00:01:06,319 Kim Hang throughout the year, any donation of seven dollars or more we send 8 00:01:06,400 --> 00:01:10,239 access to our premium side. But during the Listener support kim Hang, with 9 00:01:10,280 --> 00:01:14,079 a donation of twenty dollars or more, we will not only send you access 10 00:01:14,120 --> 00:01:19,359 to our premium side, we'll send you a free ebook plus one additional thank 11 00:01:19,400 --> 00:01:23,359 you gift of your choice among the items that we do have as thank you 12 00:01:23,439 --> 00:01:29,680 gifts. At the fifty dollars level, we will send you either volume one 13 00:01:29,920 --> 00:01:36,200 or Volume two of David Gallaher's Living Boy graphic novel series, the only Living 14 00:01:36,239 --> 00:01:40,239 Boy graphic novel series. Fantastic series for those of you who live in the 15 00:01:40,319 --> 00:01:44,719 United States or Canada, and with a donation of fifty dollars or more, 16 00:01:44,760 --> 00:01:48,760 will send you send it to you if you've got a child, grandchild, 17 00:01:48,920 --> 00:01:55,599 nephew, niece who's in need of some exciting and fun reading material. I 18 00:01:55,599 --> 00:01:59,560 think you'll enjoy The Only Living Boy. It's got a great kind of flash 19 00:01:59,599 --> 00:02:05,200 Gordon feel. Also, at the fifty dollars level, we'll send you Radio 20 00:02:05,480 --> 00:02:13,520 Archives Audiobook Box thirteen, which features six new adventures with Dan Holiday performed as 21 00:02:13,560 --> 00:02:17,039 an audiobook. So if you want more of Dan Holiday, of course, 22 00:02:17,039 --> 00:02:23,280 whose adventures were circumscribed to fifty two episodes over radio, this is a great 23 00:02:23,319 --> 00:02:24,879 way for the adventure to continue, and we'll send that to you with a 24 00:02:24,919 --> 00:02:30,680 donation of fifty dollars or more. And at the seventy five dollar level, 25 00:02:30,840 --> 00:02:37,280 we'll send you the Hillary Kane Mysteries Collection. It's a fascinating and fun series 26 00:02:37,520 --> 00:02:45,039 that follows a amateur detective working for a magazine in the nineteen thirties. It's 27 00:02:45,080 --> 00:02:50,879 a really fun period piece that's evocative of a lot of the great comedy mysteries 28 00:02:50,879 --> 00:02:54,199 of the era. And we will send you that with a donation of seventy 29 00:02:54,199 --> 00:03:00,280 five dollars or more. A full list of available thank you gifts are at 30 00:03:00,520 --> 00:03:06,159 support dot Great Detectives dot net. As I mentioned, the title of today's 31 00:03:06,159 --> 00:03:13,280 program is sort of appropriate for our listener support special. It's The Laws Special. 32 00:03:13,520 --> 00:03:16,639 Now, I will admit right off, this is rarely listed among the 33 00:03:16,680 --> 00:03:23,479 greatest episodes of suspense ever, but it's a personal favorite of mine because of 34 00:03:23,479 --> 00:03:29,199 the absolutely great performance that Orson Wells puts on in this one. And it's 35 00:03:29,280 --> 00:03:38,759 such an imaginative rendering and slightly a shift of point of views from the traditional 36 00:03:38,840 --> 00:03:45,080 telling of the Law Special as it was written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 37 00:03:45,280 --> 00:03:51,599 particularly being told from the criminals perspective. For our somewhat more traditional rendering of 38 00:03:51,639 --> 00:03:57,439 the story, we actually did that about a thousand episodes before a little less 39 00:03:57,479 --> 00:04:03,159 than a thousand episodes episode zero nine nine zero, an episode of Escape starring 40 00:04:03,719 --> 00:04:10,319 Ben Right. You can go ahead and listen to that, but this one 41 00:04:10,479 --> 00:04:16,120 always has a very special place in my heart for just the very interesting perspective 42 00:04:16,160 --> 00:04:20,240 it takes. So let's go ahead and take a listen to the suspense version 43 00:04:20,279 --> 00:04:27,360 of The Law Special. The original air date September thirtieth of nineteen forty three, 44 00:04:27,720 --> 00:04:30,600 And let's go ahead and take a listen to mister Orson, Well, 45 00:04:53,600 --> 00:05:00,399 fans, are you men and women in the Armed Force of the United Nations, 46 00:05:01,160 --> 00:05:09,759 We present one of America's top spine tinglers, a radio rebroadcast of a 47 00:05:09,839 --> 00:05:17,120 program dedicated to the mysterious, the unusual, and sometimes the supernatural, a 48 00:05:17,319 --> 00:05:27,839 program of suspense. The user of suspense asks you to almost believe that the 49 00:05:27,879 --> 00:05:33,000 following is true. Very well, standing beside me, surrounded by two guards, 50 00:05:32,959 --> 00:05:35,279 as a man who in a few short hours is to be put to 51 00:05:35,360 --> 00:05:40,519 death in the electric chair. His last request to the warden was that he'd 52 00:05:40,519 --> 00:05:45,199 be allowed to speak on this program and reveal what he calls some startling information. 53 00:05:46,240 --> 00:05:49,160 Warden naturally turned to us, and we at once complied, anxious at 54 00:05:49,160 --> 00:05:55,959 all times to do anything, however strange, that will hold our listeners in 55 00:05:57,160 --> 00:06:11,519 suspense. All right, ladies and gentlemen, I'm speaking, Yes, ladies 56 00:06:11,519 --> 00:06:15,839 and gentlemen, this broadcast will never be completed. I am going to tell 57 00:06:15,879 --> 00:06:19,160 you a story. The story involves a number of famous and influential people here 58 00:06:19,439 --> 00:06:24,439 as well as abroad. These people have received warning from me, and I 59 00:06:24,439 --> 00:06:27,399 am sure all of them are making it a point to listen to me. 60 00:06:27,480 --> 00:06:30,959 Now. I shall not name these great, these rich, these influential gentlemen. 61 00:06:31,040 --> 00:06:34,959 Until my story is over, they will recognize this story, They will 62 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:41,040 remember me, they will take the necessary steps for my reprieve. I shall 63 00:06:41,079 --> 00:06:44,839 expect a full pardon and safe conduct to a neutral country. These are my 64 00:06:44,959 --> 00:06:47,800 terms. I shall expect word of this to be brought to this studio during 65 00:06:47,800 --> 00:06:53,240 this broadcast. But as I have warned you, this broadcast will never be 66 00:06:53,319 --> 00:06:58,279 finished. You will never hear those names. It certain my price will be 67 00:06:58,319 --> 00:07:02,639 paid. I am presently under sentence of death for my activities in the matter 68 00:07:02,680 --> 00:07:08,759 of refueling German submarines in the Caribbean. My full confession has been reproduced in 69 00:07:08,759 --> 00:07:11,959 the popular press. You have read it, and you know the details. 70 00:07:12,279 --> 00:07:15,399 It is the least ingenious of my exploits and my first failure. So much 71 00:07:15,439 --> 00:07:19,439 for it. The story I shall tell you tonight occurred many years ago, 72 00:07:19,480 --> 00:07:24,160 but concerns, as I have said, many now living. It will interest 73 00:07:24,199 --> 00:07:30,079 you. I hope I know it will interest them very well. Then, 74 00:07:30,839 --> 00:07:33,839 on the third of June nineteen twenty five, in Liverpool, a man who 75 00:07:33,879 --> 00:07:38,959 gave his name as Monsieur Louis Carratel as to see mister James Blandly, superintendent 76 00:07:38,959 --> 00:07:41,639 of the London and West Coast Railway. He was a small manly character, 77 00:07:41,959 --> 00:07:45,759 middle aged, darkened, with a stoop so pronounced that it suggested some deformity 78 00:07:45,800 --> 00:07:47,560 of the spine. He was accompanied by a friend, a man of imposing 79 00:07:47,639 --> 00:07:51,519 his ecu from his worthy complexion. Was probably either re Spaniard or a South 80 00:07:51,560 --> 00:07:56,759 American. Turned out later that his name was gomez On peculiarity was observed, 81 00:07:56,759 --> 00:07:59,160 and whom he carried in his left hand, fastened to his wrist by a 82 00:07:59,199 --> 00:08:03,959 strap small leather dispatch case. No importance was attached to this fact at the 83 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:09,480 time, but later events endowed with much significance. Cartel was shown to mister 84 00:08:09,519 --> 00:08:22,759 Blant's office while his companion remained us. How do you do Missieu? My 85 00:08:22,839 --> 00:08:26,920 name Miss Luis carreted? Yes, sir, what can I do? Boy? 86 00:08:26,079 --> 00:08:30,680 I have just arrived from Central America this afternoon. It is extremely urgent 87 00:08:30,720 --> 00:08:33,600 that I reached Parrish without a moment's delay. It is h too bad. 88 00:08:33,960 --> 00:08:37,840 Just mister Landon Express, I am not interested in the London Express. Could 89 00:08:37,840 --> 00:08:41,799 you provide me with a special train? Yes? I think I could be 90 00:08:41,840 --> 00:08:46,559 a reas it's quite an expensive properlation. Money is of a small importance, 91 00:08:46,600 --> 00:08:50,759 monsieur, time is everything. If you can arrange a special for me in 92 00:08:50,799 --> 00:08:54,399 a hry, you may make your own terms. Mister Hood, do you 93 00:08:54,440 --> 00:09:03,480 stay o work moment please? Yes, mister plankt mena journest Charaton Hold, 94 00:09:03,759 --> 00:09:05,879 I want you to arrange a special for him. He's going to Paris. 95 00:09:07,320 --> 00:09:09,919 How's the blame? Can you pick him out in a hurry? Yes, 96 00:09:09,960 --> 00:09:13,559 I believe sai, mister brand. The line is clear through Manchester an engine 97 00:09:13,600 --> 00:09:16,960 two forty seven. The rochday was on the track. Now it could be 98 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:22,840 ready, saying fifteen minutes good who's available to trip? Engineer? Smith's am 99 00:09:22,840 --> 00:09:26,519 liking for James McPherson not as conduct Well, there you are, mister Chater, 100 00:09:26,879 --> 00:09:33,879 simple as that tender everything right away with your hood. Yes, these 101 00:09:33,919 --> 00:09:41,919 men missus Smith and mcperson mc ferson are they pressedworthy? Who? Yes, 102 00:09:41,679 --> 00:09:46,320 gods person has been company for years. I'm sure Smith who mused an expert 103 00:09:46,399 --> 00:09:52,080 engineering. Thank you, missie. I am deeply indebted you have been most 104 00:09:52,159 --> 00:10:03,759 considerate. At four thirty one, exactly by the station clucked a special train 105 00:10:03,840 --> 00:10:07,240 with Kater and Gomez steamed up the Liverpool station the line at that time was 106 00:10:07,279 --> 00:10:09,480 clear and there should have been no stoppage between Manchester. At a quarter of 107 00:10:09,559 --> 00:10:13,919 the sixth, considerable surprise and some consternation was caused him on the officials at 108 00:10:13,960 --> 00:10:16,960 Liverpool by the receipt of a wire from Manchester to say the day Special had 109 00:10:18,039 --> 00:10:22,000 not yet arrived. An inquiry directed at once to Saint Helen's, which is 110 00:10:22,159 --> 00:10:26,639 a third of the way between the two cities, elicited the following reply to 111 00:10:26,080 --> 00:10:31,919 James Blam, Superintendent never Pole Special past here pour fifty two well up to 112 00:10:33,039 --> 00:10:37,639 time, thous of Saint Helens. The wire was received at six fourteen. 113 00:10:37,159 --> 00:10:43,200 At six fifty a second message was received from Manchester. No sign of special 114 00:10:43,360 --> 00:10:48,679 was advised by you, and then ten minutes later a third more bewildering presume 115 00:10:48,799 --> 00:10:54,320 some mistake is proposed running of special local train from Saint Helen's. Time to 116 00:10:54,399 --> 00:10:58,159 follow it has just arrived, as has seen nothing of it. Kindly wire 117 00:10:58,200 --> 00:11:03,960 advising Manchester. The matter was assuming a most amazing aspect, although in some 118 00:11:03,159 --> 00:11:07,679 respects the last telegrams are relieved to the authorities at Liverpool. If an accident 119 00:11:07,720 --> 00:11:11,080 had occurred to the special, seems hardly possible that the local train would have 120 00:11:11,120 --> 00:11:15,840 passed down the same line without observing it, And yet what was the alternative? 121 00:11:16,440 --> 00:11:18,799 Where could the train be? The telegram would be stashed to each of 122 00:11:18,840 --> 00:11:24,120 these stations between Saint Helen's and Manchester, and the Superintendent at his traffic manager 123 00:11:24,399 --> 00:11:28,519 waited in the upmore sustensity instrument for the series of replies. The answers came 124 00:11:28,559 --> 00:11:31,159 back in the order of questions, which was the order of these station's beginning 125 00:11:31,200 --> 00:11:41,240 at Saint Helen's Special Past here five o'clock, Collins Green Special Past year six 126 00:11:41,360 --> 00:11:50,080 past five, Special Past here five ten, Newton Special Past here five twenty 127 00:11:50,279 --> 00:12:09,600 Kenyon Juncten Now special time has passed here, Barton mon Hood. This is 128 00:12:09,799 --> 00:12:13,639 unique thirty years of experience. I can't understand it, mister Bland. The 129 00:12:13,759 --> 00:12:18,000 special has gone wrong between Kenyon Junction and Barton Moss and yet there's no saving 130 00:12:18,080 --> 00:12:20,759 between the two stations. Special must have run off the rails, jump the 131 00:12:20,799 --> 00:12:24,559 track. But how could the four fifty Parliamentary pass over the same line without 132 00:12:24,639 --> 00:12:28,879 seeing it? Is no alternative. Food absolutely must be so, possibly the 133 00:12:28,960 --> 00:12:33,879 local Naval service, which may throw sunlight on the matter. You are Manchester 134 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:39,399 for more information Kenyon Junction with instructions that line the examine intenties I was about 135 00:12:39,600 --> 00:12:50,679 Moss. The answer from Manchester came within a few minutes. No news of 136 00:12:50,759 --> 00:12:56,080 missing special driver and guard of local crane positive. No accidents between Kenyon Junction 137 00:12:56,120 --> 00:13:01,000 and parton Moss lying quite clear, and no side of anything unusual Manchester. 138 00:13:09,879 --> 00:13:15,879 This is lunacyhood does the train vanish into thin air in England in broad daylight 139 00:13:16,200 --> 00:13:22,279 the things propostious engine and a high human beings and all lost on a straight 140 00:13:22,320 --> 00:13:35,440 line of railway. It's impossible. A monthly lapse during which both the police 141 00:13:35,480 --> 00:13:39,799 and the company prosecuted their inquiries without this lighted success. Mister Plant. At 142 00:13:39,799 --> 00:13:43,960 the end of this period of its resignation, it was excipted the fairyment unsolved. 143 00:13:45,399 --> 00:13:48,159 The reward was offered and department promised in case of crime, but they 144 00:13:48,200 --> 00:13:50,679 were both uncreated. Every day they public opened their papers with a conviction that 145 00:13:50,799 --> 00:13:56,639 so grotesque in history would at last reserved. But week after week back bye, 146 00:13:56,159 --> 00:14:00,879 the solution of remanager as far off as ever. Then a new and 147 00:14:01,200 --> 00:14:05,360 most unexpected incident occurred. This was nothing less than the receipt by missus mcperson 148 00:14:05,639 --> 00:14:09,960 of a letter from her husband, James mcperson, who had been conductor in 149 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:13,440 his terrain. The letter, which was dainted July with nineteen thirty five, 150 00:14:13,960 --> 00:14:16,799 was posted from Mozambique, Portuguese st Africa, and came to hand upon the 151 00:14:16,879 --> 00:14:22,879 July for kids a year. Wife, I've been thinking a great deal and 152 00:14:22,960 --> 00:14:26,720 I find it very hard to give you of I tried to fight against it, 153 00:14:26,240 --> 00:14:30,600 but it will always come back to me. I send you some money 154 00:14:31,240 --> 00:14:33,799 which will change in the twenty English poems. This should be enough to bring 155 00:14:33,840 --> 00:14:37,519 you here. Things are very difficult with me at present, and I'm not 156 00:14:37,679 --> 00:14:41,600 very happy finding it so hard to give you up. So no more at 157 00:14:41,679 --> 00:14:56,840 present, from your loving husband, James mcperson. For a time it was 158 00:14:56,919 --> 00:15:01,080 confidently anticipated that a letter would lead to the clearing up of the whole incident 159 00:15:01,200 --> 00:15:05,399 has directed missus Nick Hurson save to what easiest Africa. She stayed in Mozambi 160 00:15:05,559 --> 00:15:07,679 for some time, but heard nothing from the missing man. Finally she returned 161 00:15:07,679 --> 00:15:13,559 to Liverpool and solign at a story and has continued to stand right up to 162 00:15:13,639 --> 00:15:18,159 the present moment. Incredible as it may see, nothing has transpired during those 163 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:22,919 eighteen years which has shed the least light upon the extraordinary disappearance in the special 164 00:15:22,039 --> 00:15:28,639 frame which contains your coat, containion, mister Gomes and Conductor Smith, the 165 00:15:28,679 --> 00:15:33,960 engineered the fireman in sleeping. Now, after all this time, I shall 166 00:15:35,039 --> 00:15:41,879 clear up the entire affair, and unless I hear from those so highly respectable 167 00:15:41,960 --> 00:15:48,240 gentlemen who are my employers and who are completely implicated in the crime. Unless 168 00:15:48,279 --> 00:15:54,720 I hear from them before I'm finished, their names will be revealed on this 169 00:15:54,879 --> 00:15:58,960 broadcast. Take final warning, gentlemen. You know I mean what they say. 170 00:16:00,120 --> 00:16:03,720 If you are smart, you are at this moment arranging my reprieve. 171 00:16:03,840 --> 00:16:11,519 As a reminder of time is short. Sixty minutes. Now, for the 172 00:16:11,600 --> 00:16:15,080 interest of my other listeners, I shall resume the story of the lost Special 173 00:16:15,960 --> 00:16:21,759 In a word, there was a famous trial in Paris in your nineteen twenty 174 00:16:21,799 --> 00:16:25,919 five pers would recall it in connection with the months to scandal scandal in politics 175 00:16:25,960 --> 00:16:30,039 and finance. How monstrous that scandal was can never be known except by such 176 00:16:30,120 --> 00:16:33,480 confidential agents as myself at stake or the honor and careers of many of the 177 00:16:33,600 --> 00:16:37,879 chief men of Europe and the United States. The Secret Committee was formed to 178 00:16:37,960 --> 00:16:42,360 manage the business. Some subscribe to the committee who hardly understood what were its 179 00:16:42,399 --> 00:16:48,679 objects, but others understood very well. They can rely upon it that I 180 00:16:48,799 --> 00:16:52,480 have not forgotten their names. You think I could forget John Hem's gentlemen, 181 00:16:53,399 --> 00:17:02,279 you killers of the community, great, rich, respected, honorable. You 182 00:17:02,440 --> 00:17:07,720 Remember that day in May nineteen twenty five, the Fashionable country Club. Remember 183 00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:12,680 the golf game that was played there that spring morning, ladies and gentlemen. 184 00:17:12,759 --> 00:17:26,680 That was rained game. Lady, I think the whole morning started. Senator. 185 00:17:26,519 --> 00:17:30,920 Perhaps you're a little nervous. Yeah, I join your game. Well, 186 00:17:30,079 --> 00:17:33,319 I'm not sure, not sure of what of me? Promise you, 187 00:17:33,440 --> 00:17:37,599 gentlemen, you can be very sure of me. I'm the man you're supposed 188 00:17:37,599 --> 00:17:41,079 to me. The distinguished congressman here can Abaut for me? Yeah, he's 189 00:17:41,119 --> 00:17:42,640 the one, all right? This is a Learnac, misters, a learnac. 190 00:17:44,720 --> 00:17:48,440 My name is not really the learniac gentleman. But I am sure that 191 00:17:48,599 --> 00:17:52,279 fathers you know, lessening with me decides there is no need for introductions. 192 00:17:52,279 --> 00:17:57,480 I know everyone's present by syc, by your reputation, my drive, I 193 00:17:57,599 --> 00:18:08,400 believe, thank you? Not so good? What about the yards? I 194 00:18:08,559 --> 00:18:12,000 hope I'm not going to continue in this way? You're sure we could talk 195 00:18:12,079 --> 00:18:17,440 safe with you, Frank that your mind it is? Which an't we overheard 196 00:18:17,480 --> 00:18:22,400 in the middle of a golf cause there's no convenient hiding crazier or PTI points 197 00:18:22,400 --> 00:18:26,039 even in the rough where notice you're playing a great part of your game. 198 00:18:26,839 --> 00:18:29,480 You must be nervous. Mon. No, but I don't like it. 199 00:18:29,559 --> 00:18:32,680 I don't like it at all. It's not the superlative, of course you 200 00:18:32,799 --> 00:18:37,079 are accustomed to on your own enormous California estate, sir. But it's going 201 00:18:37,160 --> 00:18:41,759 to have to serve out particular rather well. Let me compliment you on the 202 00:18:41,799 --> 00:18:48,160 way you've had your syndicate of newspapers handle the recent strike situation and the editorial 203 00:18:48,200 --> 00:18:52,200 which appeared on your own signature this morning. Yes, we are calculated to 204 00:18:52,279 --> 00:18:55,400 start up. Please please, let's get on with our business. Yes, 205 00:18:55,519 --> 00:19:00,039 I mister, your service, sir, and may I suggest we continue our 206 00:19:00,119 --> 00:19:06,599 game. I know the absence of is an inconveniences. In June, a 207 00:19:06,759 --> 00:19:10,799 month from now, in Paris, there will be a most important trial during 208 00:19:10,839 --> 00:19:14,119 its progress. Pardon me, are you referring to the Servinsky driver. Yes, 209 00:19:15,160 --> 00:19:18,559 you know about it. That certain interesting details. It's not something about 210 00:19:18,680 --> 00:19:22,759 my business at the role to people myself. It is not for nothing that 211 00:19:22,839 --> 00:19:29,079 I'm known as literally continue this trial. I'm speaking in the utmost continent. 212 00:19:29,160 --> 00:19:33,599 You understand, this trial could, if certain evidence we introduced, could have 213 00:19:33,720 --> 00:19:37,880 a very serious effect upon the prestige and standing of the most important man. 214 00:19:37,440 --> 00:19:41,960 In fact, it could. Even you're shivering, Senator, you find it 215 00:19:42,079 --> 00:19:45,839 cold out. No, no, no, get on with the train and 216 00:19:45,880 --> 00:19:48,720 get to the point. For heaven say, the evidence which one man could 217 00:19:48,759 --> 00:19:51,799 bring to the trial could ruin these men. Without it, the trial who 218 00:19:51,920 --> 00:19:56,200 collapsed for want effects. But if this one man arrives in Paris, quite 219 00:19:56,319 --> 00:20:00,960 evidently you do not wish him to arrive in Paris the gentleman you have come 220 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:03,079 to the man This sounds indeed like this sort of thing which no one in 221 00:20:03,119 --> 00:20:07,680 the work can manage with such skill and successes. Myself, I must admit, 222 00:20:07,759 --> 00:20:11,640 however, that my services came rather high. Well, it's only natural, 223 00:20:11,799 --> 00:20:14,960 since there is only money, makes no difference. We have formed a 224 00:20:15,079 --> 00:20:17,960 group, a committee, and we have the command of an unlimited amount of 225 00:20:18,000 --> 00:20:19,759 money, absolutely unlimited. You here will name people in places. Now, 226 00:20:19,799 --> 00:20:25,240 who is the gentleman whose appearance in Paris would cause such a regrettable embarrassment. 227 00:20:25,319 --> 00:20:30,200 His name is Carratalloy Carata. He knows everything, documents. Where is this 228 00:20:32,599 --> 00:20:36,599 really? He's seeming from somewhere in Central America within the next few days. 229 00:20:37,559 --> 00:20:40,160 That much we know, Good Gord Tenter, and may I have an excellent 230 00:20:40,240 --> 00:20:42,759 man done every sense of America. This can I tell you will know anything 231 00:20:42,799 --> 00:20:48,039 about him? Person is personal, very little. He's a small man, 232 00:20:48,359 --> 00:20:52,519 dark he ever bodyguard a great big brutal named the Lopez, Central America. 233 00:20:52,599 --> 00:20:56,039 That would be the American Tropic. Those are my ships, you grips. 234 00:20:56,759 --> 00:21:00,480 All commenced at Liverpool. I believe that's where the ship's duck, and our 235 00:21:00,759 --> 00:21:06,279 famous trial is to begin in three weeks. That would mean that Monsieur Carretel 236 00:21:06,359 --> 00:21:08,200 would go directly to London, and I imagine that once there he will be 237 00:21:08,279 --> 00:21:11,359 heavily guarded, since it can be no surprise to him that you gentlemen are 238 00:21:11,680 --> 00:21:18,599 not without connections in the British capital. That's good cleaning. This is not 239 00:21:18,720 --> 00:21:23,839 so simple as some of my other exploits a simple assassination. There's your balls. 240 00:21:25,079 --> 00:21:29,759 You're playing a Dunlap thirty eight, aren't you. Oh? Yes, 241 00:21:29,960 --> 00:21:33,759 yes, to be sure, yes, quite as I said a simple assassination. 242 00:21:33,839 --> 00:21:37,400 The usual clumsy job will not do here. The documents might, after 243 00:21:37,480 --> 00:21:41,599 all be found, the bodyguard might survive somehow, and we have accomplished nothing. 244 00:21:41,640 --> 00:21:45,720 That's all. Are you going to play? Yes? Yes, of 245 00:21:45,799 --> 00:21:48,559 course, of course capt it again. I'm afraid, and shall we proceed? 246 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:52,880 I already have three plans in my head, gentleman. I have a 247 00:21:52,920 --> 00:21:56,160 plan for nailing him at the Central American port from which he embarks. I 248 00:21:56,279 --> 00:22:00,599 have a plan for his disposal of Bondish ship. But in each of these 249 00:22:00,759 --> 00:22:06,039 cases Idelnyak would be unable to be present, So there is the chance of 250 00:22:06,200 --> 00:22:11,359 area. I will think of a third planchetmen, I shall sail immediately to 251 00:22:11,480 --> 00:22:14,480 Liverpool on my way. They're sitting on a deck in they may sunshine. 252 00:22:15,279 --> 00:22:21,079 I shall conceive my third plan must be something special, something very special. 253 00:22:21,920 --> 00:22:26,440 Huh there I am? Is this your famous water hazard? I think a 254 00:22:26,599 --> 00:22:41,119 number seven hours agoing, and thus I undertook to bring about the complete destruction 255 00:22:41,880 --> 00:22:48,079 or must your Kara tell his bodyguard companion Gomez and his documents. Clan one 256 00:22:48,640 --> 00:22:53,000 was already out the window, as I found that the next day the Lerniak 257 00:22:53,359 --> 00:23:00,240 quite sol for springs Virginia. Baby lou unable to sleep last few have sent 258 00:23:00,440 --> 00:23:07,079 him to visit Aunt Henriette. We'll rejoin him on twenty fourth, Love Jenny. 259 00:23:10,000 --> 00:23:15,759 This telegram from Matagalper conveyed to me the information at Cartill, possibly sensing 260 00:23:15,839 --> 00:23:18,119 danger, had moved from his hotel and gone to stay with friends until the 261 00:23:18,200 --> 00:23:22,240 ship sailed, so it was impossible to carry out the idea of the fire 262 00:23:22,359 --> 00:23:26,960 in the hotel. Ship even on the twenty first was the endett my fourth 263 00:23:27,079 --> 00:23:34,000 day at sea. I heard for a moment Tlanak barren carrier ship to ship 264 00:23:34,079 --> 00:23:41,640 communication from Henryette paper canda line presented, Grace your boxer chocolate Louis has given 265 00:23:41,720 --> 00:23:47,480 up, can they for length? Grace still wants us all together for twenty 266 00:23:47,599 --> 00:23:56,200 ninth birthday party, will be rarely special raph This meant that poison had been 267 00:23:56,279 --> 00:23:59,400 given to go Messy bodyguard in an effort to buet him. At the LEAs 268 00:23:59,400 --> 00:24:03,480 start of the way, he had been unable to succumb to it. It 269 00:24:03,599 --> 00:24:07,559 from out the effects and evidence by the report that we would all be together 270 00:24:07,640 --> 00:24:11,839 on the twenty ninth. Now, carotl had refused to eat the food containing 271 00:24:11,880 --> 00:24:15,480 a poison, so much for a plan too, which was not worthy of 272 00:24:15,519 --> 00:24:18,920 me anyway, since there was always the possibility of the bodies being found in 273 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:23,720 the ocean. The man Gomez was carrying the documents in a despatch case trapped 274 00:24:23,759 --> 00:24:30,000 to his wrist, and I must tell you something now, I was glad, 275 00:24:30,000 --> 00:24:33,200 glad, mind you, that we had failed so far or the plan 276 00:24:33,319 --> 00:24:38,559 I had conceived on the night I arrived in Liverpool was so manacy, so 277 00:24:38,920 --> 00:24:45,720 absolutely unprecedented in the handles of crime, that I owed it to myself, 278 00:24:45,960 --> 00:24:51,200 to my employers, and to history to carry through. The inspiration came from 279 00:24:51,240 --> 00:24:56,160 the words in the code telegram which indicated the cartel would arrive in London and 280 00:24:56,359 --> 00:25:00,799 hire a special trainer to convey him from the pool. My British agent, 281 00:25:00,880 --> 00:25:06,720 mister Moore, and I contrived to buy over several officials of the railway. 282 00:25:07,119 --> 00:25:10,640 Now here begins this story. Course, the division head who helped us employ 283 00:25:10,799 --> 00:25:15,039 James McPherson, whom we can drive to be the conductor of any special train 284 00:25:15,119 --> 00:25:18,720 we designated. Then, further, at a some that would make them independent 285 00:25:18,759 --> 00:25:22,680 for life, we bought over an engine driver named as wald Smith and the 286 00:25:22,799 --> 00:25:26,559 fire on chance. Later these men we arranged with the division head would be 287 00:25:26,559 --> 00:25:30,680 assigned to whatever special train was hired by On the afternoon of June third, 288 00:25:32,640 --> 00:25:37,160 as I was sitting in my room at the end at Barton Moss because I 289 00:25:37,240 --> 00:25:42,319 had been a waiting m though it was yak, we should believe in a 290 00:25:42,359 --> 00:25:48,079 few minutes, he's hired a special for the engine driver and slater fireman, 291 00:25:48,319 --> 00:25:51,440 and of course are in charge. What about Moore? Will you be a 292 00:25:51,519 --> 00:25:53,440 board a freight nancwer? He even find a story about having a reached his 293 00:25:53,480 --> 00:25:56,799 sick wife at all, But can I tell would have none of it, 294 00:25:56,240 --> 00:26:02,160 he said, those sir a dozen matter. What time will you pass canyon 295 00:26:02,279 --> 00:26:04,799 junction but receives or if we leave the next few minutes, we should be 296 00:26:04,920 --> 00:26:11,319 there at five runs and forty minutes. I I can make it, but 297 00:26:11,400 --> 00:26:14,400 delay, or you can before you start. Yes, I guess it's all 298 00:26:14,440 --> 00:26:18,960 up to you from now on. Best of luckson here the council, goodbye, 299 00:26:27,680 --> 00:26:33,480 and now I went to work. Everything had been prepared for days before, 300 00:26:33,240 --> 00:26:38,759 and only the finishing touches were needed. The sidetrack just before Bought and 301 00:26:38,880 --> 00:26:45,240 Moss, leading to the abandoned heartsiase mine had once joined the main line, 302 00:26:45,960 --> 00:26:49,720 but it had been disconnected when the mine had been worked thousand years before. 303 00:26:51,680 --> 00:26:56,400 We had only to replace a few rares to connect it once more. With 304 00:26:56,640 --> 00:27:00,359 my small but competent band of workers, we had everything ready where before the 305 00:27:00,400 --> 00:27:04,200 special arrival. When it did arrive, it ran off upon a small sideline 306 00:27:04,240 --> 00:27:10,599 so easily that the jolting at the switch points appeared through being entirely unnoticed by 307 00:27:10,640 --> 00:27:15,480 the two travelers. So now I have our special train upon a small line 308 00:27:15,839 --> 00:27:19,400 which leads, or rather used to lead to the abandoned mine. You will 309 00:27:19,440 --> 00:27:22,960 ask how it is that no one saw the train upon this unused line. 310 00:27:23,240 --> 00:27:27,880 I answered that along its entire length it runs through a deep cutting, and 311 00:27:29,079 --> 00:27:30,960 that unless someone had been on the edge of that cutting, he could not 312 00:27:32,160 --> 00:27:37,279 estiate there was someone on the edge of that cutting. I was there, 313 00:27:37,279 --> 00:27:42,359 and now I will tell you what I saw. A moment the train was 314 00:27:42,440 --> 00:27:45,839 fairly on the sideline, Smith slowed down the engine, and then, having 315 00:27:45,960 --> 00:27:49,599 turned it on full speed ahead, he and Mick Pherson were slate at the 316 00:27:49,680 --> 00:27:53,880 firement, sprang off before it could do light. It may be that was 317 00:27:55,000 --> 00:27:59,480 this slowing down which first attracted the attention of the travelers but the train was 318 00:27:59,559 --> 00:28:02,920 running at top speed before their heads appeared at the open window. Makes me 319 00:28:03,039 --> 00:28:07,680 smile to think how bewildered they must have. What a catch must have come 320 00:28:07,720 --> 00:28:11,640 to their breath as he splashed upon them that it was not Manchester that was 321 00:28:11,720 --> 00:28:18,000 awaiting them but death. The train was now running at frantic speed, rolling 322 00:28:18,079 --> 00:28:22,480 and rocking over the rough and rusty line, while the wheels made a frightful 323 00:28:22,559 --> 00:28:27,039 screaming sound on the corroded surface. I was close to them and could see 324 00:28:27,079 --> 00:28:33,440 their faces. Karaitel was surpraying. I think there was something like a rosary 325 00:28:33,559 --> 00:28:37,680 dangling out of his hand. The other comes roared like a bull, but 326 00:28:37,920 --> 00:28:41,119 was drawn out by the incredible noise of the train. He saw me standing 327 00:28:41,200 --> 00:28:45,279 on the bank. When he realized he couldn't be heard, he beckoned to 328 00:28:45,440 --> 00:28:49,960 me like a madman, carrying at his wrist and hurling the dispatch box out 329 00:28:51,000 --> 00:28:53,640 of the window in my direction. Of course, his meaning was obvious. 330 00:28:55,119 --> 00:28:59,200 Here was the evidence that they would promise to be silent if their lives were 331 00:28:59,279 --> 00:29:02,720 spared. Would have been very agreeable if it could have been done so. 332 00:29:03,039 --> 00:29:11,359 But business's businesses besides, the train was now so much beyonder control. He 333 00:29:11,519 --> 00:29:17,000 ceased his howling and gesturing. When the train rattled around the curve and they 334 00:29:17,039 --> 00:29:22,240 saw the black mouth of the mine yawning before them. They were struck silent 335 00:29:22,480 --> 00:29:26,519 by what they saw, and yet they could not withdraw their heads. The 336 00:29:26,680 --> 00:29:32,160 sight seemed to have paralyzed them. I had wondered how the train, running 337 00:29:32,200 --> 00:29:36,440 at the great speed would take the pit, and I was much interested in 338 00:29:36,559 --> 00:29:40,359 watching it. One of my colleagues, who had joined me there, thought 339 00:29:40,400 --> 00:29:42,920 it actually would jump it, and indeed it was not very far from doing 340 00:29:44,000 --> 00:29:51,480 so. It leaped into the air and seemed to hang suspended for a moment. 341 00:29:51,519 --> 00:29:52,799 The funnel flew up into the air, and then the van, the 342 00:29:52,880 --> 00:29:56,640 car and the engine were all smashed up into one jump, which choked them 343 00:29:56,640 --> 00:29:59,799 out. At the Great Britain. Something gave way in the middle, and 344 00:30:00,079 --> 00:30:03,200 all mass of iron, coal, fittings, wheels, woodwork and cushions crumbled 345 00:30:03,240 --> 00:30:27,200 together and crashed into the mine. It was perfect. The deep muddy water 346 00:30:27,400 --> 00:30:32,599 standing in the bottom of the pit two hundred feet below responded to the intense 347 00:30:32,640 --> 00:30:36,720 heat of the engine boilers. It hissed loudly and blue great bubbles of black 348 00:30:36,799 --> 00:30:38,319 mire into the air. At the same time, the walls of the pit, 349 00:30:38,440 --> 00:30:42,200 loosened by the impact of the trains, had struck the opposite side gave 350 00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:45,799 way, and a mighty avalanche of rock and dirt hundered down upon the report 351 00:30:45,799 --> 00:30:52,279 of the train as it settled to a low pissing side and was covered forever 352 00:30:52,440 --> 00:30:56,079 by the mud and mire. The vapor hanging in the air ready door into 353 00:30:56,960 --> 00:31:00,720 small whists, and door was quiet again in the hearts. He is mine, 354 00:31:03,119 --> 00:31:07,839 and now, having carried out our plans so successfully, had to remained, 355 00:31:07,880 --> 00:31:11,799 only to leave no trace behind us. Our little band of workers at 356 00:31:11,839 --> 00:31:15,359 the other end had already ripped up the rails and disconnected the sideline, replacing 357 00:31:15,440 --> 00:31:18,839 everything as it had been before. We were equally busy at the mine. 358 00:31:18,279 --> 00:31:22,119 The lines which led to it were torn up and taken away. Then, 359 00:31:22,160 --> 00:31:25,440 without flurry, but without delay, we all made our way out of the 360 00:31:25,519 --> 00:31:29,279 country, most of us to Paris, my English agent to Manchester, and 361 00:31:29,400 --> 00:31:33,759 Mcperson, who stopped a word in passing about Mcperson who is foolish enough to 362 00:31:33,839 --> 00:31:37,960 write to his wife and tell her to meeting him Zambique. Naturally, we 363 00:31:37,079 --> 00:31:42,599 took steps to ensure that this meeting would never come about I have sometimes thought 364 00:31:42,640 --> 00:31:47,079 it would be a kindness to write to missus McPherson, and to assure her 365 00:31:47,119 --> 00:31:52,279 that there is no the impediment to her marrying again, But of the laws 366 00:31:52,319 --> 00:31:55,839 special. Let the English papers of that date tell how thoroughly we had done 367 00:31:55,839 --> 00:32:00,079 our work, and how completely we had thrown the cleverest to their detectives of 368 00:32:00,160 --> 00:32:05,240 a track. You will remember that Gomez threw his bag of papers out of 369 00:32:05,319 --> 00:32:09,359 the window, and I need not say that I secured that bag and brought 370 00:32:09,480 --> 00:32:15,720 them to my employers. It may interest my employers now, however, to 371 00:32:15,960 --> 00:32:23,359 learn that out of that bag I took one or two little papers as a 372 00:32:23,519 --> 00:32:30,799 souvenir of that occasion. I had no wish to read the information obtained the 373 00:32:30,599 --> 00:32:38,359 newspapers. But if you know, less than a minute before my broadcast is 374 00:32:38,400 --> 00:32:51,000 over and I have received no word the final hour, I see at the 375 00:32:51,039 --> 00:32:54,960 other end of the studio the engineer waving his hands at me that my time 376 00:32:55,160 --> 00:33:06,720 is almost done. Well, I gave you warning, you had your chance. 377 00:33:06,839 --> 00:33:14,559 Gentlemen, very well, I'll reveal your names. And the first name 378 00:33:14,599 --> 00:33:22,519 I reveal is that of Childis and gentlemen, daies and gentlemen they're trying murder. 379 00:33:22,160 --> 00:33:25,319 I want you to hear these names quickly. I know you will have 380 00:33:25,359 --> 00:33:35,240 mench me the names. Are you hear me? Are you all right? 381 00:33:35,400 --> 00:33:37,799 I built like I think quick? Will you think? Curtain music? Anything? 382 00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:55,240 And so closes the last special by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle starring Austin well 383 00:33:55,519 --> 00:34:07,240 The Knight's Tale of Suspense. This rebroadcast of Suspense was produced in the United 384 00:34:07,359 --> 00:34:53,599 States of America. H This is Andrew J. Graham, author of the 385 00:34:53,679 --> 00:34:58,480 web surface series Oh and a Man of His Wife. You're listening to the 386 00:34:58,559 --> 00:35:10,239 Great Detectives of all time Radio Welcome back. Orson Wells is an interesting and 387 00:35:10,559 --> 00:35:16,159 controversial figure. Throughout his career, he had many great performances, but there 388 00:35:16,199 --> 00:35:22,559 were also elements of various performances that didn't work quite as well, moments that 389 00:35:22,679 --> 00:35:30,039 were himmy periods where he was fighting his own inner struggles and it got reflected 390 00:35:30,159 --> 00:35:35,239 in his work. But I think at the height of his talents, at 391 00:35:35,280 --> 00:35:40,159 the height of his abilities, and when he was really on, there wasn't 392 00:35:40,280 --> 00:35:44,639 a better actor than Orson Wells, And this play, I think is a 393 00:35:44,800 --> 00:35:50,159 great example of that. This character is so perfectly crafted and well written. 394 00:35:50,639 --> 00:35:55,199 But Wells's performance here is great and at the ending does leave you in a 395 00:35:55,320 --> 00:36:01,320 bit of suspenses to what names we're going to bed, but a fantastic twist 396 00:36:01,400 --> 00:36:07,360 inning very well performed by mister Wells, and like I said, this one 397 00:36:07,519 --> 00:36:10,800 is a bit of a personal favorite, so I hope you enjoyed it all 398 00:36:10,880 --> 00:36:15,840 right. Well, a reminder, our listener support campaign does continue, and 399 00:36:15,360 --> 00:36:21,719 we do have several thank you gifts. Among those available at the twenty dollar 400 00:36:21,920 --> 00:36:29,079 level, we will gladly send you Colonial Radio Theaters outstanding adaptation of King Solomon's 401 00:36:29,159 --> 00:36:34,440 Minds. It's a fantastic adventure tale, a true classic, and Colonial makes 402 00:36:34,480 --> 00:36:39,039 it exciting, lively, and very entertaining. Also, if you're into science 403 00:36:39,119 --> 00:36:43,719 fiction, at the twenty five dollars level, we'll send you their performance of 404 00:36:44,039 --> 00:36:50,400 Ray Bradberry's The Martian Chronicles, and this is a very in depth adaptation of 405 00:36:50,599 --> 00:36:55,119 the Bradberry material and a great listen if you're a fan of classic science fiction. 406 00:36:55,480 --> 00:37:00,639 Also, you can back up autograph copies of my books in paperback form 407 00:37:02,119 --> 00:37:07,320 with a donation of fifty dollars or more if you're in the US or Canada, 408 00:37:07,559 --> 00:37:12,079 or audiobook versions of All I Needed to know I learned from Colombo tales 409 00:37:12,119 --> 00:37:15,719 of the Damnnot Flying the other day, and a full list of available thank 410 00:37:15,760 --> 00:37:20,599 you gifts is at support dot Great detectives dot net, and you can also 411 00:37:20,639 --> 00:37:23,719 support the show on a one time basis at Patreon, dot Great detectives dot 412 00:37:23,800 --> 00:37:30,159 net. Well, join us back here tomorrow for Michael Shane, and join 413 00:37:30,280 --> 00:37:38,119 us back here next Sunday for one final listeners support special Well calculated to keep 414 00:37:38,199 --> 00:37:44,280 you in suspense, but from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, 415 00:37:44,519 --> 00:37:45,960 Adam Graham signing off.