1 00:00:00,120 --> 00:00:04,480 Speaker 1: The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents. 2 00:00:03,839 --> 00:00:21,519 Speaker 2: Come in. 3 00:00:22,600 --> 00:00:27,679 Speaker 3: Welcome. I'm e. G. Marshall. What is terror? 4 00:00:28,519 --> 00:00:32,719 Speaker 1: It's really only a word unless you've experienced it, And 5 00:00:32,759 --> 00:00:36,439 once you've experienced it, there's no word for it. It 6 00:00:36,520 --> 00:00:42,439 defies description. There are all forms of terror, extreme fear 7 00:00:42,479 --> 00:00:43,520 of physical. 8 00:00:43,119 --> 00:00:45,520 Speaker 3: Injury for one. 9 00:00:45,079 --> 00:00:49,119 Speaker 1: Paralyzing fear of insupportable pain physical. 10 00:00:49,240 --> 00:00:51,840 Speaker 3: Or mental, mental. 11 00:00:52,759 --> 00:00:56,200 Speaker 1: This, I'm told, can be the most horrifying form of 12 00:00:56,359 --> 00:00:57,399 terror of them all. 13 00:00:57,880 --> 00:00:59,960 Speaker 4: You're trying to terrify me, mister Staves. 14 00:01:00,240 --> 00:01:04,159 Speaker 5: Terrify Miss Meade. You've got me all wrong. We here 15 00:01:04,239 --> 00:01:07,040 at the Bureau of Human Affairs don't terrify people. 16 00:01:07,079 --> 00:01:08,599 Speaker 4: Then why don't you tell me what it is you 17 00:01:08,640 --> 00:01:09,159 want to know? 18 00:01:09,280 --> 00:01:12,680 Speaker 3: Why don't you tell me? After all, you are the 19 00:01:12,680 --> 00:01:13,920 one who knows, But. 20 00:01:13,959 --> 00:01:16,680 Speaker 4: I know nothing. That's what's terrifying. You want me to 21 00:01:16,680 --> 00:01:18,799 tell you something, but I don't know what it is, 22 00:01:18,920 --> 00:01:19,719 but you do. 23 00:01:20,560 --> 00:01:22,760 Speaker 3: You simply haven't thought about it enough. 24 00:01:22,959 --> 00:01:24,400 Speaker 4: I have thought and food. 25 00:01:24,480 --> 00:01:28,439 Speaker 5: No, no, you only think you thought. Go home, Now, 26 00:01:28,799 --> 00:01:32,840 go home, Missmead, and think some more. 27 00:01:42,519 --> 00:01:46,719 Speaker 1: Our mystery drama, A Small Question of Terror was written 28 00:01:46,840 --> 00:01:50,920 especially for the Mystery Theater by George Loather and Stars 29 00:01:51,079 --> 00:01:54,840 Terry Keane. It is sponsored in part by Buick Motor 30 00:01:54,879 --> 00:01:59,040 Division and Uncle Ben's Long Grain and Wild Rice. I'll 31 00:01:59,079 --> 00:02:11,840 be back shortly with at one And as I said 32 00:02:11,840 --> 00:02:17,879 at the outset, terror can take many forms disguises. Consider 33 00:02:17,919 --> 00:02:22,360 the case of Alexis Mead, a young woman, intelligent, attractive, 34 00:02:23,120 --> 00:02:28,000 occupation sales clerk, engaged to be married, lives with her 35 00:02:28,000 --> 00:02:32,039 widowed mother Emily, whom she supports. The place an apartment 36 00:02:32,159 --> 00:02:37,240 in well a city, a city in well a country. 37 00:02:37,919 --> 00:02:43,800 Time could be today, could be tomorrow, not important. What's important? 38 00:02:43,919 --> 00:02:48,759 Is it happened and it could happen again. 39 00:02:49,520 --> 00:02:52,479 Speaker 4: But mother, what does the Bureau of Human Affairs want 40 00:02:52,520 --> 00:02:58,080 with me? What could this? What's his name? Where's the letter? Here? 41 00:02:58,080 --> 00:03:03,520 It is Gilbert? What could he possibly want with me? Now? 42 00:03:03,560 --> 00:03:06,280 If you ask me, Alexis, If you ask me, it's 43 00:03:06,319 --> 00:03:09,919 probably nothing at all, some little unimportant matter about Oh, 44 00:03:10,000 --> 00:03:13,319 I don't know nothing to get upset about, Dear Ala. 45 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:16,439 This is from the Bureau of Human Affairs, which is 46 00:03:16,560 --> 00:03:19,719 just a cover for the secret police. And this man 47 00:03:19,800 --> 00:03:23,120 Stainer is titles here under the signature the Director of 48 00:03:23,199 --> 00:03:25,800 Interrogation in Heaven's name. What could he want to interrogate 49 00:03:25,919 --> 00:03:30,120 me about well, I can't imagine. I really can't unless 50 00:03:30,159 --> 00:03:35,000 you did something you shouldn't have done, did you, Alexis like, oh, 51 00:03:35,039 --> 00:03:38,039 I don't know. Complain to someone maybe at the office, 52 00:03:38,080 --> 00:03:40,719 that we haven't enough to eat, that the protector of 53 00:03:40,919 --> 00:03:44,840 glorious Protector has called for austerity measure of at least 54 00:03:44,840 --> 00:03:48,639 stop running on. I'm sorry, dear, I do talk too much. 55 00:03:48,879 --> 00:03:55,199 I know, Mother, you didn't complain about something anything. Did 56 00:03:55,240 --> 00:04:00,840 you me complain say anything that somebody might might have reported? 57 00:04:01,120 --> 00:04:05,919 Not really, Alexis, Oh, I do talk too much. I do, 58 00:04:05,960 --> 00:04:08,400 I know, But my dear, you know better than to 59 00:04:08,479 --> 00:04:11,400 ask me that. Oh you know better than to even 60 00:04:11,520 --> 00:04:14,800 think I be foolish not to say anything critical of 61 00:04:14,879 --> 00:04:19,360 our protecture or the government or anything. Mother. I'm sorry, dear. 62 00:04:21,560 --> 00:04:25,439 The letter gives no reason why this mister Sturmer was 63 00:04:25,519 --> 00:04:31,000 to see you, sier No, it just says I'm to 64 00:04:31,079 --> 00:04:34,279 appear at his office Monday at three pm. Well, you'll 65 00:04:34,319 --> 00:04:37,160 find out then what it is he was when you 66 00:04:37,199 --> 00:04:40,040 get there. That's four days from now, mother, I've got 67 00:04:40,040 --> 00:04:42,319 to wait and worry for four solid days to say 68 00:04:42,360 --> 00:04:47,120 nothing of night worry. Oh my dear, I certainly wouldn't worry. Mother. 69 00:04:48,600 --> 00:04:51,279 Some people who have gone into the Human Affairs building. 70 00:04:52,279 --> 00:04:55,480 In fact, a good many people have never been seen 71 00:04:55,600 --> 00:04:58,240 or heard of again. Oh, I've heard that. Well, you 72 00:04:58,279 --> 00:05:06,360 can believe it. H I'll get it. Hello Eric, Honey, Oh, Eric, 73 00:05:06,639 --> 00:05:08,439 how are you darling? Well, I'm not sure. 74 00:05:09,120 --> 00:05:11,000 Speaker 1: I just got home and found a letter waiting for 75 00:05:11,040 --> 00:05:13,040 me from the Bureau of Human Affairs. 76 00:05:13,800 --> 00:05:18,639 Speaker 4: You too, you Yes, I'm ordered to appear at three 77 00:05:18,639 --> 00:05:22,920 o'clock next Monday. I've been told to be there too. 78 00:05:22,959 --> 00:05:27,000 Speaker 1: Who signed your letter was somebody named Stainer? Gilbert Stainer. 79 00:05:28,079 --> 00:05:29,399 Speaker 3: What do you suppose this is all about? 80 00:05:29,680 --> 00:05:32,120 Speaker 4: I wish I knew. I wish I knew now instead 81 00:05:32,120 --> 00:05:33,399 of having to wait until Monday. 82 00:05:33,600 --> 00:05:34,439 Speaker 1: Yeah, me too. 83 00:05:35,439 --> 00:05:38,839 Speaker 4: It kind of worries me, Alexis it scares me, Eric, 84 00:05:40,160 --> 00:05:54,600 It scares me half to death. Yes, my name is 85 00:05:54,600 --> 00:05:58,199 Alexis Mead and I. Oh, yes, you're here to see 86 00:05:58,199 --> 00:06:02,079 mister Stayner at three o'clock. Yes, you're early. Oh I 87 00:06:02,600 --> 00:06:06,360 was afraid of being late. Afraid What would you be 88 00:06:06,680 --> 00:06:10,199 afraid of, Miss Mead? Well, I didn't mean afraid, except 89 00:06:10,319 --> 00:06:13,800 that's what you said. There's nothing to be afraid of 90 00:06:13,839 --> 00:06:17,720 Miss Need. If you have nothing to fear. I haven't 91 00:06:18,240 --> 00:06:23,800 well then Eric Alexis what did he want? Stainer? What 92 00:06:23,879 --> 00:06:27,160 did he ask you? You're next, Miss Mead? Uh, I'll 93 00:06:27,160 --> 00:06:31,639 see you later, Alexis come to dinner tonight. Okay, Miss 94 00:06:31,639 --> 00:06:33,560 Need is here, mister Stainer, thank you. 95 00:06:33,680 --> 00:06:38,519 Speaker 5: Miss Peters do come in, Miss Mead, thank you and 96 00:06:38,680 --> 00:06:43,680 sit down please that chair in front of my desk. Well, now, 97 00:06:43,680 --> 00:06:46,279 Miss Mead, first, let me say I'm sorry if you've 98 00:06:46,279 --> 00:06:47,959 been put to any inconvenience. 99 00:06:48,079 --> 00:06:50,439 Speaker 4: Oh no, no, but you did. 100 00:06:50,319 --> 00:06:52,480 Speaker 5: Have to take off from your job early. I'm told 101 00:06:52,560 --> 00:06:54,240 you lose two hours pay. 102 00:06:55,439 --> 00:06:58,720 Speaker 4: Who told you it's so, isn't it? Yes? 103 00:06:58,839 --> 00:07:01,759 Speaker 5: But bureau will see that you're reimbursed for any loss 104 00:07:01,759 --> 00:07:02,319 of pay. 105 00:07:02,199 --> 00:07:04,839 Speaker 3: You incurred today or may incur in the future. 106 00:07:06,199 --> 00:07:09,000 Speaker 4: The future, I'll be coming her again. 107 00:07:09,240 --> 00:07:12,079 Speaker 3: That will depend entirely on you. How is your mother? 108 00:07:13,759 --> 00:07:17,240 Speaker 4: My mother is fine? Thank you fine. 109 00:07:17,759 --> 00:07:20,360 Speaker 5: That arthrit is flare up she suffered last week. That's 110 00:07:20,360 --> 00:07:23,920 over with, Yes, delighted. 111 00:07:23,319 --> 00:07:25,000 Speaker 3: To hear it. A cup of coffee. 112 00:07:25,120 --> 00:07:29,680 Speaker 4: No, thank you, mister Stanner. I'd like to know whygarette? 113 00:07:30,680 --> 00:07:31,000 Thank you. 114 00:07:31,199 --> 00:07:34,480 Speaker 5: I'm oh, that's right. You gave up cigarette several months ago. 115 00:07:34,720 --> 00:07:38,480 Too expensive, what with the tax, the SYURRT tax and all. 116 00:07:38,519 --> 00:07:39,439 Speaker 3: I believe you said. 117 00:07:40,639 --> 00:07:42,639 Speaker 4: I don't recall saying anything like that. 118 00:07:42,800 --> 00:07:46,000 Speaker 3: No, no, but that is why you quit. 119 00:07:47,680 --> 00:07:51,759 Speaker 4: Yes, mister Stanner, you certainly didn't ask me here to 120 00:07:51,759 --> 00:07:53,879 discuss my reasons for giving up smoking. 121 00:07:54,279 --> 00:07:55,560 Speaker 3: No goodness me, No. 122 00:07:55,759 --> 00:07:56,839 Speaker 4: Then why am I here? 123 00:07:57,199 --> 00:08:00,639 Speaker 5: It could be that I just like to talk and 124 00:08:00,839 --> 00:08:02,920 look at pretty women. 125 00:08:04,720 --> 00:08:06,399 Speaker 4: I beg your pardon a. 126 00:08:06,519 --> 00:08:10,680 Speaker 5: Joke, because it's a joke, although you are extremely attractive, 127 00:08:10,720 --> 00:08:10,920 you know. 128 00:08:11,800 --> 00:08:12,160 Speaker 4: Thank you? 129 00:08:12,759 --> 00:08:16,680 Speaker 3: Well. Now, I asked you to come here today because. 130 00:08:18,560 --> 00:08:22,519 Speaker 4: Because I thought there might be something you cared to 131 00:08:22,560 --> 00:08:27,319 tell me, something I cared to tell. 132 00:08:27,160 --> 00:08:30,199 Speaker 5: You, something you might care to tell. 133 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:35,279 Speaker 4: Me, such as I don't know. Well, if you don't know, 134 00:08:35,399 --> 00:08:39,559 I'm sure I don't. I mean, what could I know? 135 00:08:41,120 --> 00:08:42,919 If you could give me some idea, some idea of 136 00:08:42,960 --> 00:08:45,159 what it is you're after, not after. 137 00:08:44,960 --> 00:08:48,600 Speaker 5: Anything, mismade the way you put it, what is it 138 00:08:48,720 --> 00:08:52,720 you're after? You make it sound as if I'm pursuing you. 139 00:08:52,679 --> 00:08:55,799 Speaker 4: Trying to No, I didn't mean it that way. 140 00:08:55,960 --> 00:08:57,279 Speaker 3: No, No, of course you didn't. 141 00:08:58,840 --> 00:09:03,519 Speaker 5: Well, well, is there something you might care to tell 142 00:09:03,600 --> 00:09:04,080 the bureau? 143 00:09:04,679 --> 00:09:05,120 Speaker 3: Tell me. 144 00:09:06,720 --> 00:09:09,120 Speaker 4: I can't think of anything, mister Stana. 145 00:09:09,159 --> 00:09:09,720 Speaker 3: Are you sure? 146 00:09:10,360 --> 00:09:11,080 Speaker 4: I'm positive? 147 00:09:11,279 --> 00:09:12,840 Speaker 5: Perhaps if you gave us some thought? 148 00:09:13,320 --> 00:09:16,879 Speaker 4: What thought? How can I think about something when I 149 00:09:16,919 --> 00:09:18,679 don't know what to think about? 150 00:09:18,840 --> 00:09:19,679 Speaker 3: It will come to you. 151 00:09:20,120 --> 00:09:23,120 Speaker 5: Think about it long enough, and it'll come. It might 152 00:09:23,159 --> 00:09:25,000 be in the morning when you're at work, or or 153 00:09:25,080 --> 00:09:27,080 during meal time, or in the. 154 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:28,519 Speaker 3: Middle of the night in bed. 155 00:09:28,600 --> 00:09:32,679 Speaker 5: You'll suddenly say to yourself, that's it. 156 00:09:34,559 --> 00:09:36,799 Speaker 3: That's what I have to tell the bureau. 157 00:09:37,399 --> 00:09:39,840 Speaker 4: Mister Stana. I'm sorry, but I can't imagine. 158 00:09:39,840 --> 00:09:40,320 Speaker 3: You'll see. 159 00:09:40,440 --> 00:09:43,759 Speaker 5: You'll see now you just go away and think about 160 00:09:43,759 --> 00:09:46,159 it a while and you'll see. 161 00:09:46,600 --> 00:09:48,159 Speaker 3: And let me escort you to the door. 162 00:09:48,360 --> 00:09:50,799 Speaker 4: Mister Tanner, please, I assure you believe me. There is 163 00:09:50,879 --> 00:09:56,399 nothing I know of can think of your hand, mister. 164 00:09:56,200 --> 00:10:03,879 Speaker 5: Stanner, Sorry your coat. I was only admiring the cloth. 165 00:10:03,919 --> 00:10:10,200 I like the h feel of cloth like this, so soft, 166 00:10:11,639 --> 00:10:16,360 so pleasurable to the touch. Soft is a woman's skin. 167 00:10:18,279 --> 00:10:22,759 Good day, mister Stanna, good dame, is mead? Do some 168 00:10:22,919 --> 00:10:27,519 thinking now, see what you can come up with before. 169 00:10:27,279 --> 00:10:28,159 Speaker 3: Our next meeting. 170 00:10:37,600 --> 00:10:41,720 Speaker 4: Before our next meeting. Last thing, he said, just as 171 00:10:41,759 --> 00:10:45,240 I laught, Oh, stop worrying and eat your dinner, Alexis, 172 00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:47,879 what there is of it, and you Eric. 173 00:10:48,200 --> 00:10:51,519 Speaker 1: Those were his last words to me too. That means 174 00:10:51,519 --> 00:10:52,759 he's going to call us in again. 175 00:10:52,960 --> 00:10:57,519 Speaker 4: Obviously have my meat to let mother. No, No, you 176 00:10:57,639 --> 00:10:59,840 finished the meat. I don't want anymore. You don't want 177 00:10:59,879 --> 00:11:02,200 it anymore because you think I haven't had enough. Well 178 00:11:02,240 --> 00:11:05,039 you haven't, none of us has, none of us ever does. 179 00:11:05,120 --> 00:11:06,360 Speaker 1: Everything's in short supply. 180 00:11:06,960 --> 00:11:09,759 Speaker 4: Oh and the prices. I was saying to Maggie Norton 181 00:11:09,759 --> 00:11:11,919 known it the other day. I'd never been the supermarket, 182 00:11:12,279 --> 00:11:14,000 you know. We hadn't seen each other in Mom. You 183 00:11:14,120 --> 00:11:19,279 didn't say anything to Maggie anything that might be misconstrued, 184 00:11:19,519 --> 00:11:21,519 what anything she could have reported to the Bureau of 185 00:11:21,600 --> 00:11:25,240 Human Affairs. No, what do you take me for, Alexis, 186 00:11:25,360 --> 00:11:28,360 I'm only trying to find out, searching for whatever it is. 187 00:11:28,440 --> 00:11:33,480 Stainer knows, didn't he say he doesn't? No, Mother, he knows. 188 00:11:34,200 --> 00:11:36,039 Eric and I wouldn't have been order to appear if 189 00:11:36,039 --> 00:11:39,679 he didn't know. He's just playing cat and mouse, That's 190 00:11:39,679 --> 00:11:41,759 what he's doing. He's trying to get me, get us 191 00:11:41,799 --> 00:11:43,840 to confess to something. We confessed of. 192 00:11:43,879 --> 00:11:47,200 Speaker 1: What I'm telling you, I'm so on edge, even now, 193 00:11:47,480 --> 00:11:49,960 even after just one meeting with him, I tell him 194 00:11:50,000 --> 00:11:52,320 what he wants to know if I knew what it is? 195 00:11:53,639 --> 00:11:57,200 Speaker 4: Eric, are you sure you don't don't know? 196 00:11:58,320 --> 00:12:01,879 Speaker 1: Yes, I don't get your alexis is there? 197 00:12:02,720 --> 00:12:05,879 Speaker 4: Could it be that you may be said something sometime 198 00:12:06,039 --> 00:12:08,679 to someone that might have been better left unset? 199 00:12:09,120 --> 00:12:12,320 Speaker 1: Sometimes I'm gonna not, of course not, but but what. 200 00:12:13,279 --> 00:12:14,519 Speaker 4: Don't be so touchy? 201 00:12:14,759 --> 00:12:14,960 Speaker 6: Eric? 202 00:12:16,240 --> 00:12:19,360 Speaker 4: You could have said something? I could, mother cry, not a. 203 00:12:19,279 --> 00:12:23,039 Speaker 1: Word, not an full alexis not me. You just don't 204 00:12:23,039 --> 00:12:27,519 know who you can trust anymore. I guess there wouldn't 205 00:12:27,519 --> 00:12:29,159 be any more coffee, missus need would. 206 00:12:29,200 --> 00:12:32,600 Speaker 4: Maybe a few drops? Eric, give me your cup. Well, 207 00:12:32,720 --> 00:12:35,120 something has been said, and if we're smart you are, 208 00:12:35,240 --> 00:12:39,120 we'll find out what it was. Because one thing is sure. 209 00:12:39,480 --> 00:12:42,759 What happened with mister Gilbert Stainer today is only the beginning. 210 00:12:44,080 --> 00:12:45,159 Speaker 1: I think I know what you mean? 211 00:12:45,840 --> 00:12:49,639 Speaker 4: You know what I mean? What do you mean? Nothing? 212 00:12:49,679 --> 00:12:49,919 Speaker 3: Mother? 213 00:12:51,120 --> 00:12:51,600 Speaker 4: Oh? Mother? 214 00:12:51,720 --> 00:12:52,480 Speaker 3: Mother? Please? 215 00:12:52,600 --> 00:12:57,679 Speaker 4: Please what you don't start crying? What you mean even me? 216 00:12:57,840 --> 00:13:01,399 Be dad? Oh? Why so you're afraid to say have 217 00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:04,840 a good day to someone, or keep well or anything well? 218 00:13:04,879 --> 00:13:07,960 I said to Maggie Norton. We hadn't seen each other 219 00:13:08,000 --> 00:13:10,720 in months, and we were talking about the scarcities and 220 00:13:10,799 --> 00:13:13,360 the high prices, and she said not to worry because 221 00:13:13,399 --> 00:13:16,879 the Protector would take care of things eventually. And I said, 222 00:13:18,360 --> 00:13:22,200 I could have bit my tongue. I said, you know, 223 00:13:22,360 --> 00:13:27,320 Joe Kith, I said some day he would protect us 224 00:13:27,360 --> 00:13:33,240 to dance. Eric, I dropped your cup. I'm sorry, mother, 225 00:13:34,440 --> 00:13:37,159 you didn't say that to Maggie Norton. Oh. I could 226 00:13:37,240 --> 00:13:40,960 have bit my tongue. But I told you. You said 227 00:13:40,960 --> 00:13:42,519 it to me once, and I told you then to 228 00:13:42,600 --> 00:13:46,039 never say it again. Eric, what is it? 229 00:13:46,039 --> 00:13:46,600 Speaker 3: It's nothing? 230 00:13:47,440 --> 00:13:51,879 Speaker 4: Why did you drop the cap? Was it what mother 231 00:13:52,039 --> 00:13:53,120 just said? No? 232 00:13:53,120 --> 00:13:54,879 Speaker 1: No, honestly, is that. 233 00:13:54,919 --> 00:13:56,360 Speaker 4: What Stainer is after? 234 00:13:58,360 --> 00:13:58,639 Speaker 3: Is it? 235 00:13:58,919 --> 00:14:01,559 Speaker 4: Wow? How do I know it's is after? You do 236 00:14:01,720 --> 00:14:07,519 know what mother said about the Protector protecting us to death? 237 00:14:09,279 --> 00:14:13,799 Is that it? Eric, for Heaven's sake, tell me. I 238 00:14:13,840 --> 00:14:17,120 can't stand not knowing. I can't stand it. 239 00:14:24,279 --> 00:14:29,919 Speaker 1: So terror, like a stain, is already spreading through Alexis 240 00:14:29,960 --> 00:14:32,559 mead to know the truth will be. 241 00:14:32,600 --> 00:14:36,000 Speaker 3: Bad, but not knowing is even worse. 242 00:14:36,919 --> 00:14:39,799 Speaker 1: As Gilbert Stainer is well aware, a human being can 243 00:14:39,840 --> 00:14:43,919 face what he knows, but fear of the unknown is 244 00:14:43,960 --> 00:14:45,960 the most corrosive destroyer of the. 245 00:14:45,960 --> 00:14:47,720 Speaker 3: Human spirit yet discovered. 246 00:14:48,639 --> 00:14:59,039 Speaker 5: I'll return shortly with that too. 247 00:15:01,120 --> 00:15:06,480 Speaker 1: A small question, A simple, seemingly innocent question. Is there 248 00:15:06,519 --> 00:15:12,159 anything you'd care to tell me? A small, simple question, yes, 249 00:15:13,080 --> 00:15:16,039 but one fraught with terror for those who were asked 250 00:15:16,039 --> 00:15:19,440 by Gilbert Stainer of the Bureau of Human Affairs. For 251 00:15:19,559 --> 00:15:23,240 Alexis mead of whom he has asked it. In the 252 00:15:23,279 --> 00:15:26,759 apartment she shares with her mother, Alexis faces her fiance 253 00:15:27,080 --> 00:15:27,840 Eric and. 254 00:15:27,799 --> 00:15:32,879 Speaker 4: Cries, Eric, you know you do know, For Heaven's sake, 255 00:15:32,919 --> 00:15:35,000 tell me. I can't stand not knowing. 256 00:15:35,519 --> 00:15:38,679 Speaker 3: All right, I'll tell you. I didn't want to. 257 00:15:39,559 --> 00:15:41,759 Speaker 1: I was afraid it would make things worse for you, Eric, 258 00:15:41,840 --> 00:15:46,399 tell me. This afternoon, Stayner asked me if I had 259 00:15:46,399 --> 00:15:50,360 ever heard anyone make that remark about the Protector. Of 260 00:15:50,399 --> 00:15:53,480 course I lied. I said no, you had heard it? 261 00:15:54,279 --> 00:15:56,440 Speaker 4: Where? Who said it? 262 00:15:57,440 --> 00:15:58,840 Speaker 1: Honey? 263 00:15:58,960 --> 00:15:59,440 Speaker 3: You did? 264 00:16:01,679 --> 00:16:05,240 Speaker 1: I don't you remember? We were sitting in the park 265 00:16:05,279 --> 00:16:08,720 and you said, well, I don't remember the exact words, 266 00:16:08,720 --> 00:16:12,519 but something like mother said, the funniest thing today could 267 00:16:12,600 --> 00:16:15,039 be a dangerous thing if she ever repeated it. And 268 00:16:15,080 --> 00:16:18,240 I warned her not to but you just had to 269 00:16:18,279 --> 00:16:22,840 tell me you said, and you told me you don't remember. 270 00:16:24,360 --> 00:16:30,480 Speaker 4: Yes, sir, I'd forgotten about it. It didn't seem important. 271 00:16:30,519 --> 00:16:34,759 Then there was no one around. No one could have overheard, 272 00:16:36,919 --> 00:16:37,320 was there. 273 00:16:37,759 --> 00:16:38,519 Speaker 3: I don't remember. 274 00:16:39,320 --> 00:16:39,519 Speaker 4: You know. 275 00:16:39,600 --> 00:16:42,200 Speaker 1: We had a little laugh over it, and then I 276 00:16:42,240 --> 00:16:43,399 guess we both forgot it. 277 00:16:44,240 --> 00:16:47,200 Speaker 4: And he did ask you, stayner, if. 278 00:16:47,080 --> 00:16:51,080 Speaker 1: I'd ever heard that remark made by someone, And like 279 00:16:51,159 --> 00:16:52,120 I said, I said, no. 280 00:16:52,519 --> 00:16:55,320 Speaker 4: Well is it? Is it such a terrible thing to say. 281 00:16:55,679 --> 00:16:58,080 I said it as a joke. You said it as 282 00:16:58,120 --> 00:16:58,519 a joke. 283 00:16:58,639 --> 00:16:58,840 Speaker 1: Mother. 284 00:16:58,960 --> 00:17:01,519 Speaker 4: The trouble is, the world we live in is no joke. 285 00:17:03,000 --> 00:17:04,960 I meant nothing. You meant nothing when you said what 286 00:17:05,039 --> 00:17:09,279 you said about protecting us to death, that they can 287 00:17:09,319 --> 00:17:12,079 take a thing like that and build it and build 288 00:17:12,119 --> 00:17:18,680 it Alexis I'm sorry. So that's what he's after. He 289 00:17:18,759 --> 00:17:24,920 wanted me, wants me to say, perhaps you mean a 290 00:17:25,000 --> 00:17:30,359 remark my mother once made about the protector protecting us 291 00:17:30,400 --> 00:17:34,519 to death? Would they torture me then kill me? They'll 292 00:17:34,559 --> 00:17:36,759 never torture you, mother, because they're never going to find out. 293 00:17:38,200 --> 00:17:42,319 Eric didn't tell Staner where he'd heard it, and I'll 294 00:17:42,359 --> 00:17:45,480 certainly never tell him under torture. Not under the worst 295 00:17:45,480 --> 00:17:46,519 torture they can think of. 296 00:17:47,559 --> 00:17:50,720 Speaker 1: Eric, don't worry, missus Mead. They'll get nothing out of me. 297 00:17:51,319 --> 00:17:52,119 I promise you that. 298 00:17:52,319 --> 00:17:53,119 Speaker 4: Oh, thank you. 299 00:17:53,200 --> 00:17:53,920 Speaker 3: Eric, thank you. 300 00:17:55,559 --> 00:17:59,640 Speaker 4: Make a little more coffee, not much, we can have 301 00:17:59,640 --> 00:18:07,880 a little well, Eric, yes, keep that promise. My mother. 302 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:14,279 She's old and she's sick and I love her. Keep 303 00:18:14,319 --> 00:18:26,200 your promise. Eric. Well, don't stand there staring at me 304 00:18:26,240 --> 00:18:29,599 as if you'd seen a ghost, Miss Mead, sit down. 305 00:18:31,839 --> 00:18:36,039 There is something wrong. I uh. I was asked to 306 00:18:36,039 --> 00:18:38,200 come and see mister Stainer again. I didn't expect to 307 00:18:38,200 --> 00:18:43,839 find you behind his desk, miss or is it Miss Peters? 308 00:18:44,039 --> 00:18:48,519 Miss Peters, and mister Stayner was called away unexpectedly. I'm 309 00:18:48,519 --> 00:18:52,359 taking over for him temporarily. I am his assistant. You know, 310 00:18:53,279 --> 00:18:57,160 I didn't know he is. And perhaps it's just as 311 00:18:57,200 --> 00:19:01,960 well his being needed elsewhere. At the moment he himself thought, 312 00:19:02,200 --> 00:19:05,640 he mentioned that you might speak more openly to me, 313 00:19:06,720 --> 00:19:11,480 you know, woman to woman, Miss Peters. Let's get something straight. 314 00:19:12,720 --> 00:19:14,519 I didn't know then and I don't know now what 315 00:19:14,680 --> 00:19:16,799 it is he wanted me to tell him, But of 316 00:19:16,880 --> 00:19:24,920 course you do. I do not Who was that? What 317 00:19:25,119 --> 00:19:29,880 was what that scream? Dream? You heard a scream? You 318 00:19:29,920 --> 00:19:32,640 know I heard a scream. It came from the torture 319 00:19:32,720 --> 00:19:35,160 chambers in the cellar. How don't tell me you believe 320 00:19:35,200 --> 00:19:38,160 the stories you've heard in his need you know about 321 00:19:38,200 --> 00:19:40,559 the hideous tortures that go on in this place if 322 00:19:40,599 --> 00:19:44,519 we are not in the habit of torturing people here now, 323 00:19:44,599 --> 00:19:48,839 don't look so frightened, my dear. My goodness, the color 324 00:19:48,839 --> 00:19:52,680 has drained out of your face here let me Oh, 325 00:19:52,720 --> 00:19:55,160 what are you doing, my dear? I'm sorry? Did I 326 00:19:55,240 --> 00:19:59,079 hurt you? I only pinched your cheeks just a little 327 00:19:59,119 --> 00:20:02,720 to bring the color back. Oh, I am sorry if 328 00:20:02,759 --> 00:20:09,759 I hurt you, I didn't really did I. No, Well, 329 00:20:09,799 --> 00:20:13,640 I'm glad to hear that. My good heavens. I wouldn't 330 00:20:13,680 --> 00:20:15,680 hurt you for the world, my dear, none of us would. 331 00:20:16,480 --> 00:20:20,279 Gilbert Stainer, there isn't a gently more sympathetic man on 332 00:20:20,319 --> 00:20:24,759 this earth. Any woman will tell you that, any woman 333 00:20:24,839 --> 00:20:31,359 who gets to know him that is. Yes, yes, I'm 334 00:20:31,440 --> 00:20:34,640 sure you'll see when you get to know him better. 335 00:20:35,319 --> 00:20:37,960 But he is a man, you know. By that, I 336 00:20:38,039 --> 00:20:41,559 mean he can be well brutal too. He has that 337 00:20:41,680 --> 00:20:45,359 other side to him. A side that shows when he, well, 338 00:20:45,400 --> 00:20:49,759 you might say, loses patience. Take a tip from me, Alexis, 339 00:20:50,000 --> 00:20:54,039 don't make Gilbert lose his patience. Thank you for the advice. 340 00:20:55,680 --> 00:20:58,359 But is it now, Alexis, you know what it is 341 00:20:59,079 --> 00:21:03,440 that scream letting your imagination run away with you? Don't 342 00:21:03,440 --> 00:21:06,720 you start imagining things like frightful tortures and slow deaths. 343 00:21:07,960 --> 00:21:10,720 All you have to do, my dear, is tell us 344 00:21:11,000 --> 00:21:14,119 if there's anything you would care to tell us, if 345 00:21:14,160 --> 00:21:16,839 you would tell me what it is you want to know? 346 00:21:17,759 --> 00:21:20,839 But how could we know what it is you'd care 347 00:21:20,920 --> 00:21:23,319 to tell us? Oh, this is impossible. It's just playing 348 00:21:23,400 --> 00:21:27,599 simply and Parnana. You're tired, my dear, and those screams 349 00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:31,119 you thought you heard are still bothering you. I tell 350 00:21:31,160 --> 00:21:36,519 you what, you go home and think things over. I 351 00:21:36,640 --> 00:21:39,440 don't have, but you do. Gilbert and I have been 352 00:21:39,440 --> 00:21:42,599 through this many times before, Alexis, Believe me, we have. 353 00:21:43,240 --> 00:21:46,640 And always people come back and say, is this what 354 00:21:46,680 --> 00:21:51,680 you wanted to know? And it always is. You'll remember, 355 00:21:52,920 --> 00:22:10,759 I know you will. You'll remember Eric, Eric, are you hung? Eric? 356 00:22:13,400 --> 00:22:17,640 What took you so long? I was a ah for 357 00:22:17,839 --> 00:22:20,519 three days in night? I tell them for you again 358 00:22:20,559 --> 00:22:28,319 and again you haven't come to I've been very busy 359 00:22:29,759 --> 00:22:33,920 while you're limping. Or I hurt my back? You did? 360 00:22:34,920 --> 00:22:39,200 Or they did? They? You know who I mean? He 361 00:22:39,279 --> 00:22:43,079 had your torture, didn't he? Stainer? What gave you that idea? 362 00:22:43,200 --> 00:22:47,680 The way you're limping and your jaw still swollen? Eric, 363 00:22:49,799 --> 00:22:53,400 they tortured me? Oh yes, oh my darling, my. 364 00:22:53,599 --> 00:22:58,480 Speaker 7: Poor don't don't what, don't touch me, don't even come 365 00:22:58,519 --> 00:23:02,839 near me. I, oh, my. 366 00:23:02,680 --> 00:23:04,079 Speaker 4: God, darling. 367 00:23:04,240 --> 00:23:06,599 Speaker 6: What I told them? 368 00:23:07,279 --> 00:23:12,720 Speaker 7: I told them I couldn't help myself, the pain impossible, 369 00:23:12,759 --> 00:23:15,960 not to tell, not to dream at all as long 370 00:23:16,000 --> 00:23:16,480 as I could. 371 00:23:16,799 --> 00:23:19,200 Speaker 4: What? What did you tell them? 372 00:23:19,359 --> 00:23:19,720 Speaker 1: You know? 373 00:23:20,039 --> 00:23:21,559 Speaker 4: Tell me anyhow? I'm not sure. 374 00:23:22,000 --> 00:23:26,039 Speaker 1: I told them, yes, I'd heard someone make that remark, 375 00:23:26,799 --> 00:23:29,000 our protector will protect us to death. 376 00:23:29,960 --> 00:23:30,880 Speaker 3: And then I told him. 377 00:23:32,079 --> 00:23:36,559 Speaker 7: I told them, Alexis forgive me, forgive me. 378 00:23:38,079 --> 00:23:40,400 Speaker 3: I told them it was you. 379 00:23:42,839 --> 00:23:47,839 Speaker 4: It's all right, It's going to be all right. The 380 00:23:47,880 --> 00:23:49,960 first thing we must do is keep her head's not panised. 381 00:23:50,119 --> 00:23:51,359 Speaker 1: But she don't understand. 382 00:23:51,839 --> 00:23:52,799 Speaker 4: I'm in no danger. 383 00:23:52,839 --> 00:23:53,279 Speaker 3: You are. 384 00:23:54,359 --> 00:23:56,640 Speaker 1: I saved my own neck by sacrificing you. 385 00:23:56,839 --> 00:24:00,240 Speaker 4: Don't you realize you're in as much danger as I 386 00:24:00,519 --> 00:24:04,319 you are involved. Now you're an accessory to the clime crime. 387 00:24:04,359 --> 00:24:05,119 Speaker 3: What crime? 388 00:24:05,640 --> 00:24:09,160 Speaker 4: A harmless remarked Eric, don't you understand it's what the 389 00:24:09,200 --> 00:24:12,279 stainers of this world feed on, turning the innocent into 390 00:24:12,319 --> 00:24:15,839 the guilty. It's their business, it's what they live for. 391 00:24:16,319 --> 00:24:19,240 What can we do? The first thing I must do 392 00:24:19,960 --> 00:24:23,279 is protect mother? Or did you tell them that too? 393 00:24:23,440 --> 00:24:25,839 That mother was the first time? No? All right, then 394 00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:29,839 then at least she's safe. But they'll question me again 395 00:24:29,880 --> 00:24:34,319 now and torture is more than likely. I could kill 396 00:24:34,400 --> 00:24:36,319 my So none of that. Now, we've got to keep 397 00:24:36,359 --> 00:24:44,000 our heads. Think. Let me see, uh, Luke, Luke Stephens. 398 00:24:44,400 --> 00:24:46,160 Speaker 3: Luke Stephens. What about him? 399 00:24:46,279 --> 00:24:48,000 Speaker 4: That place of his in the mountains. It's not too 400 00:24:48,079 --> 00:24:48,960 far from the border. 401 00:24:50,119 --> 00:24:50,920 Speaker 1: What are you talking about? 402 00:24:50,960 --> 00:24:51,519 Speaker 3: The border. 403 00:24:51,559 --> 00:24:53,799 Speaker 4: It's got to escape, leave the country. There's no other way. 404 00:24:54,200 --> 00:24:54,440 Speaker 3: Now. 405 00:24:54,519 --> 00:24:57,519 Speaker 4: If we could get to Luke's place, we could hide 406 00:24:57,519 --> 00:25:00,720 there for a few days, then slip over the border. 407 00:25:00,680 --> 00:25:01,599 Speaker 3: It's impossible. 408 00:25:02,000 --> 00:25:04,279 Speaker 1: I'm being watched now, you're being watched. 409 00:25:04,519 --> 00:25:06,400 Speaker 4: We must be, I'm sure of that. But we've got 410 00:25:06,440 --> 00:25:08,960 to try. We can't be any worse off than we 411 00:25:09,000 --> 00:25:11,279 are now, So listen to me. Yes, I'm going to 412 00:25:11,319 --> 00:25:15,000 go home. I will get mother in an hour. Let's 413 00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:17,720 say an hour. You go down, get in your car 414 00:25:17,880 --> 00:25:19,920 and drive to that favorite spot of oars in the park. 415 00:25:20,799 --> 00:25:23,880 Mother and I will meet you there, and then we'll 416 00:25:23,880 --> 00:25:25,839 get in your car and head for Luke's place in 417 00:25:25,839 --> 00:25:26,400 the mountains. 418 00:25:26,680 --> 00:25:28,279 Speaker 3: But if we're being watched. 419 00:25:27,960 --> 00:25:30,880 Speaker 4: We'll have to take the only chance we've got got 420 00:25:31,039 --> 00:25:31,799 to give them a slip. 421 00:25:32,319 --> 00:25:35,440 Speaker 1: Not much chance of that, no, but. 422 00:25:35,480 --> 00:25:44,400 Speaker 4: It is the only chance we've got. I don't understand, Alexis. 423 00:25:45,119 --> 00:25:47,519 Why suddenly do you want to go for a walk 424 00:25:47,519 --> 00:25:51,000 in the park. I don't feel like going for a walk, Mother, 425 00:25:51,119 --> 00:25:53,119 Please don't argue. I want to go for a walk, 426 00:25:53,160 --> 00:25:54,960 and I want you to come with me. Will you're 427 00:25:55,000 --> 00:25:59,160 acting very strangely, Alexis. And here, what are you stuffing 428 00:25:59,160 --> 00:26:03,160 in your handbag? They please have qushus have a candy bar, 429 00:26:03,839 --> 00:26:07,119 the candy we've been saving for a special treat, Alexis, 430 00:26:07,160 --> 00:26:09,720 what is this? I will tell you later. Will tell 431 00:26:09,799 --> 00:26:12,680 me now, or I will not step one foot out 432 00:26:12,680 --> 00:26:16,240 of this apartment. Mother, Please trust me. Oh my goodness 433 00:26:16,279 --> 00:26:23,359 of teens, we have visitors. I'm afraid we do. Yes, 434 00:26:23,960 --> 00:26:24,759 are you, Alexis? 435 00:26:24,880 --> 00:26:32,200 Speaker 5: Maid, Yes, set your mother there, Yes, Bolsavia to come 436 00:26:32,240 --> 00:26:33,000 and may please? 437 00:26:33,440 --> 00:26:36,000 Speaker 4: Where and why are we to come with you? 438 00:26:36,440 --> 00:26:37,519 Speaker 3: I can't answer that. 439 00:26:38,920 --> 00:26:50,319 Speaker 4: You don't have to. I know where and why. 440 00:26:50,519 --> 00:26:54,079 Speaker 1: Alexis Mead fights the terror that tries to surge through 441 00:26:54,079 --> 00:26:56,839 her as she and her mother go with the agent 442 00:26:56,880 --> 00:26:57,880 from the Secret. 443 00:26:57,519 --> 00:27:02,039 Speaker 3: Police to what torture death? 444 00:27:03,400 --> 00:27:16,599 Speaker 1: We'll find out when I returned shortly with Act three, 445 00:27:17,039 --> 00:27:21,200 an innocent remark has brought Alexis Mead, her mother, and 446 00:27:21,279 --> 00:27:27,200 her fiance Eric to the brink of torture and possible death. Eric, 447 00:27:27,440 --> 00:27:31,039 breaking under the torture's exquisite pain, revealed he'd heard the 448 00:27:31,079 --> 00:27:35,119 remark from Alexis, but Alexis has not yet divulged that 449 00:27:35,200 --> 00:27:38,039 her mother, Emily, first made the remark to her. 450 00:27:39,200 --> 00:27:40,160 Speaker 3: Not yet. 451 00:27:40,880 --> 00:27:43,440 Speaker 1: Now, as all three sit and wait in a small 452 00:27:43,519 --> 00:27:47,200 room at the Bureau of Human Affairs, a fourth presence 453 00:27:47,319 --> 00:27:52,799 waits with them, an invisible but palpable presence whose name 454 00:27:53,000 --> 00:27:54,079 is terror. 455 00:27:55,240 --> 00:28:02,160 Speaker 4: Two hours they've kept us waiting two hours? Why? Why? 456 00:28:02,400 --> 00:28:04,599 For the same reason they picked you up and brought 457 00:28:04,599 --> 00:28:07,440 you here with mother and me so we could break 458 00:28:07,480 --> 00:28:10,519 each other down with our personal fears and tension. Alexis 459 00:28:10,680 --> 00:28:13,319 I want you to be honest with me. All this 460 00:28:14,519 --> 00:28:18,039 it's because of that remark. That's silly, joking remark. I 461 00:28:18,160 --> 00:28:22,680 may know, I'm sure it is. What else? I don't 462 00:28:22,720 --> 00:28:25,279 know what remark you're talking about. Mother. You never made 463 00:28:25,279 --> 00:28:32,680 any remark. I know I'm the one about the problem. 464 00:28:33,200 --> 00:28:35,559 To me, I am trying to silence you, mother, But 465 00:28:35,599 --> 00:28:36,880 I might have known that's impossible. 466 00:28:37,039 --> 00:28:39,000 Speaker 3: Room could be bugged, bugs. 467 00:28:39,000 --> 00:28:42,559 Speaker 4: Bugs, hidden microphones. Mother. Now, please, please don't say another word. 468 00:28:43,759 --> 00:28:46,359 Speaker 1: You come with me me. 469 00:28:47,160 --> 00:28:48,039 Speaker 4: Where are you taking her? 470 00:28:48,119 --> 00:28:48,559 Speaker 3: Come along? 471 00:28:48,759 --> 00:28:52,599 Speaker 4: But I wait a minute. Please? My mother is old, 472 00:28:52,720 --> 00:28:59,599 she's old, and she's sick. Wait, please wait, Eric, what 473 00:29:00,240 --> 00:29:00,759 to do to work? 474 00:29:01,680 --> 00:29:02,680 Speaker 1: I don't like to think. 475 00:29:03,119 --> 00:29:06,240 Speaker 4: I can't stand it not to know what they're going 476 00:29:06,319 --> 00:29:10,160 to do to work. They're doing this to break me down. 477 00:29:11,720 --> 00:29:14,519 They know what my mother means to me. They're using fear, 478 00:29:14,759 --> 00:29:17,599 my fear of what they may do to her to 479 00:29:17,680 --> 00:29:18,119 break me. 480 00:29:18,559 --> 00:29:23,559 Speaker 1: You can't be sure of that, yo, that's why what for? 481 00:29:23,920 --> 00:29:24,079 Speaker 3: Yes? 482 00:29:24,200 --> 00:29:26,640 Speaker 5: Come along, please, they're. 483 00:29:26,440 --> 00:29:27,480 Speaker 1: Going to tort to me again. 484 00:29:28,160 --> 00:29:29,359 Speaker 3: I won't be able to stand it. 485 00:29:29,880 --> 00:29:33,480 Speaker 4: I let's come along now, Alexis. 486 00:29:34,119 --> 00:29:43,880 Speaker 6: Oh my god, oh god, yes god, Oh, I go 487 00:29:43,960 --> 00:29:45,640 on my knees, and I beg you to help me. 488 00:29:47,119 --> 00:29:49,000 I've never had help of you in the past, but 489 00:29:49,119 --> 00:29:52,640 I need you now me with me. I beg you, 490 00:29:54,039 --> 00:29:56,039 if there's a way out of way to escape, show 491 00:29:56,079 --> 00:29:58,599 it to me. Not for my sake, but there's mothers 492 00:29:58,599 --> 00:30:02,119 and Eric. I'm not begging for myself, but remember because 493 00:30:02,160 --> 00:30:03,000 I love them with. 494 00:30:03,279 --> 00:30:06,759 Speaker 4: Fine, Miss need What on earth are you doing on 495 00:30:06,799 --> 00:30:13,200 your knees praying? Miss Peters? Oh? 496 00:30:13,240 --> 00:30:14,000 Speaker 3: Come now? 497 00:30:14,400 --> 00:30:19,160 Speaker 4: You don't really believe in God, do you? I don't know. 498 00:30:20,240 --> 00:30:25,279 Come along, Gilbert. Mister Stainer is ready to see you. 499 00:30:25,319 --> 00:30:25,519 Speaker 3: Now. 500 00:30:26,240 --> 00:30:29,279 Speaker 4: I've told him all I know, which was that you 501 00:30:29,400 --> 00:30:33,799 knew nothing a lie, of course, But never mind. He 502 00:30:33,920 --> 00:30:37,799 has something to tell you. What Come along, my dear, 503 00:30:38,920 --> 00:30:40,039 find out for yourself. 504 00:30:47,279 --> 00:30:51,319 Speaker 5: Sit down, Miss Mead Alexis, if I may sit down? No, no, 505 00:30:51,359 --> 00:30:54,519 don't leave us, Miss Peters. Alexis won't mind if you stay. 506 00:30:54,559 --> 00:30:58,200 I'm sure you're all friends by this time, though you 507 00:30:58,440 --> 00:31:04,079 certainly don't look very friendly, Alexis, mister Stainer, Hilbert, Please, 508 00:31:05,039 --> 00:31:07,200 I do want to be your friend, Alexis. I've wanted 509 00:31:07,200 --> 00:31:09,400 to be from the first, and I must say that 510 00:31:09,440 --> 00:31:12,880 I'm puzzled by your attitude. You have nothing to gain 511 00:31:12,960 --> 00:31:16,599 by being unfriendly toward me, and much to gain by 512 00:31:16,640 --> 00:31:18,279 being otherwise. 513 00:31:19,279 --> 00:31:20,720 Speaker 3: And Miss Peters will tell you. 514 00:31:20,680 --> 00:31:22,559 Speaker 4: That it's true, Alexis. 515 00:31:22,680 --> 00:31:25,880 Speaker 5: I know that once Alexis realizes I want to be 516 00:31:25,920 --> 00:31:29,880 her friend, she'll be amenable to my wishes. You will 517 00:31:29,880 --> 00:31:31,400 now want you, Alexis. 518 00:31:32,359 --> 00:31:39,799 Speaker 4: That depends mister Stainer, the Gilbert, Mister Stainer. That depends 519 00:31:40,279 --> 00:31:41,119 on your wishes. 520 00:31:42,079 --> 00:31:45,079 Speaker 5: My only wish at the moment is for you to 521 00:31:45,079 --> 00:31:49,160 tell me the truth about what. When I first asked 522 00:31:49,160 --> 00:31:51,640 you here, I made clear to you that I simply 523 00:31:51,720 --> 00:31:55,880 wanted you to tell me anything you thought the Bureau 524 00:31:55,880 --> 00:31:56,359 ought to know. 525 00:31:56,480 --> 00:31:58,119 Speaker 4: And I made it clear to you that I knew 526 00:31:58,119 --> 00:32:00,200 of nothing, could think of nothing. 527 00:32:00,359 --> 00:32:02,720 Speaker 3: But of course you know now that you were wrong. 528 00:32:02,960 --> 00:32:05,920 Speaker 5: I know nothing of the soil very well, Alexis, Sir, 529 00:32:07,039 --> 00:32:12,599 Miss Meade, I'll be plain with you. I first asked 530 00:32:13,000 --> 00:32:16,039 ordered you to come and see me because I learned 531 00:32:16,079 --> 00:32:19,039 of a remark that had been made, a treasonous remark. 532 00:32:19,599 --> 00:32:21,039 When I asked you to tell me about it, you 533 00:32:21,079 --> 00:32:22,200 denied all knowledge. 534 00:32:21,920 --> 00:32:24,160 Speaker 4: Of You never asked me about a treasonous remark. You 535 00:32:24,240 --> 00:32:26,480 asked me if there was anything I cared to tell you. 536 00:32:26,759 --> 00:32:30,160 Speaker 5: Certainly, a treasonous remark or remark punishable by death, my 537 00:32:30,279 --> 00:32:34,680 dear slow death says you know, would be something you 538 00:32:35,160 --> 00:32:36,160 cared to tell. 539 00:32:36,319 --> 00:32:39,240 Speaker 4: If I'd known about the remark, I didn't, and I 540 00:32:39,400 --> 00:32:40,240 don't curious. 541 00:32:40,880 --> 00:32:42,319 Speaker 3: After all, you made it. 542 00:32:43,519 --> 00:32:46,240 Speaker 4: I I made it. 543 00:32:46,440 --> 00:32:49,240 Speaker 5: Your fiance Eric didn't tell you when you visited him 544 00:32:49,279 --> 00:32:52,559 late this afternoon. I can have him brought here to 545 00:32:52,559 --> 00:32:55,319 this office in minutes. He didn't tell you. 546 00:32:56,519 --> 00:33:04,200 Speaker 4: He said something about my having said something about our 547 00:33:04,240 --> 00:33:05,559 protector's hand. 548 00:33:06,720 --> 00:33:09,000 Speaker 3: What did you say about our protector? 549 00:33:09,440 --> 00:33:13,920 Speaker 4: If we said jokingly, I meant nothing by it, perhaps, 550 00:33:13,920 --> 00:33:17,720 But what did you say I said, if Steve kept on, 551 00:33:19,119 --> 00:33:22,720 our protector would protect us to death. 552 00:33:23,839 --> 00:33:29,559 Speaker 5: Well, at last, at last, Peter's she has admitted, well, 553 00:33:29,599 --> 00:33:30,400 of course. 554 00:33:30,119 --> 00:33:33,680 Speaker 4: We knew she would. Gilbert, you never fail. You always 555 00:33:33,720 --> 00:33:35,240 have a way with women. 556 00:33:35,880 --> 00:33:36,240 Speaker 3: Thank you. 557 00:33:37,279 --> 00:33:39,440 Speaker 5: So, then, miss Mead, you admit you said this to 558 00:33:39,480 --> 00:33:43,599 your fiancee yes, knowing that treason is punishable by death. 559 00:33:43,599 --> 00:33:46,039 Speaker 4: I've told you we said it's a joke, a joke. 560 00:33:47,000 --> 00:33:50,039 Speaker 5: Unfortunately I failed to see the joke. If there is 561 00:33:50,079 --> 00:33:52,680 something funny in the thought that our protector will protect 562 00:33:52,799 --> 00:33:55,640 us to death, no, I simply don't see it. 563 00:33:56,640 --> 00:33:59,079 Speaker 3: Perhaps you would explain it, miss. 564 00:33:58,759 --> 00:34:03,039 Speaker 4: Meave, if it has to be explained. Yeah, just can't 565 00:34:03,200 --> 00:34:07,759 be explained. I've admitted I said it. What more do 566 00:34:07,839 --> 00:34:10,960 you want? What more? If I'm guilty of treason? I'm 567 00:34:10,960 --> 00:34:14,679 guilty of treason, then torture me, kill me, But let 568 00:34:14,719 --> 00:34:16,760 my mother and Eric go happily. 569 00:34:16,559 --> 00:34:19,639 Speaker 5: If it's possible, if it's at all possible, After you 570 00:34:19,800 --> 00:34:23,199 tell me who first made the remark to you? 571 00:34:25,039 --> 00:34:25,400 Speaker 3: Who? 572 00:34:27,559 --> 00:34:28,760 Speaker 4: No one? 573 00:34:29,039 --> 00:34:31,039 Speaker 3: There was someone? 574 00:34:31,320 --> 00:34:32,280 Speaker 4: There was no one? 575 00:34:32,400 --> 00:34:35,360 Speaker 3: We know there was someone? Who was it? 576 00:34:35,440 --> 00:34:36,960 Speaker 4: If you know? Why do you ask me? 577 00:34:37,280 --> 00:34:41,519 Speaker 5: Oh? First, we're unfriendly. Now we're arrogant and not being hurt. 578 00:34:41,639 --> 00:34:43,559 Speaker 3: You are what I say you are. 579 00:34:45,559 --> 00:34:50,039 Speaker 5: Now let me tell you something, my independent, arrogant little wendset, 580 00:34:52,599 --> 00:34:58,360 and you will be my witch before runs through you. 581 00:34:58,360 --> 00:35:00,280 Now you can make it easy on yourself for a 582 00:35:00,360 --> 00:35:02,920 hard which shall it be? The easy way is to 583 00:35:03,000 --> 00:35:05,039 admit to me here and now who made the remark 584 00:35:05,119 --> 00:35:10,880 to you? Hard way? I shall simply hand you over 585 00:35:10,960 --> 00:35:17,199 to Miss Peters Well the easy way, the hard way? 586 00:35:17,239 --> 00:35:22,880 Speaker 4: Which the easy way? 587 00:35:24,840 --> 00:35:28,360 Speaker 3: You're being wise? Who said to you? 588 00:35:29,360 --> 00:35:32,360 Speaker 5: Our protector will protect us to death? 589 00:35:33,800 --> 00:35:36,480 Speaker 3: Oh? 590 00:35:36,599 --> 00:35:40,480 Speaker 4: You want me to tell you in front of miss Peters. 591 00:35:41,079 --> 00:35:47,719 Well you don't, do you? Why shouldn't you? Oh? I 592 00:35:47,719 --> 00:35:50,360 guess I said the wrong what wrong thing? Oh? 593 00:35:50,760 --> 00:35:51,840 Speaker 3: What are you saying? 594 00:35:53,800 --> 00:35:59,039 Speaker 4: Oh, Gilbert, Gilbert Darling, I can't tell you with her here? 595 00:36:00,000 --> 00:36:00,840 Speaker 3: Well is she saying? 596 00:36:01,639 --> 00:36:04,159 Speaker 4: What the devil is she saying? Gilbert? 597 00:36:04,719 --> 00:36:07,239 Speaker 3: I don't know. I don't know what Smith. 598 00:36:07,039 --> 00:36:12,679 Speaker 4: Meade, I I can't tell you that, Gilbert, Please ask 599 00:36:12,719 --> 00:36:13,400 her to lease. 600 00:36:13,440 --> 00:36:18,440 Speaker 3: Ask her to Let's see, I see a little game. 601 00:36:19,559 --> 00:36:22,519 Speaker 5: You're trying, some little game you're trying to suggest in 602 00:36:22,559 --> 00:36:26,320 front of Miss Peters, trying to suggest that somehow, in 603 00:36:26,360 --> 00:36:30,519 some way, there's there's something between us, between you and me. 604 00:36:30,840 --> 00:36:35,400 Speaker 4: No, no, there's nothing between you and me. Nothing one moment. 605 00:36:35,719 --> 00:36:38,320 If there is something, there's nothing. 606 00:36:38,119 --> 00:36:39,440 Speaker 3: There is nothing. 607 00:36:40,559 --> 00:36:45,159 Speaker 5: Now don't look at me like that. Peters, there is nothing. Now, 608 00:36:45,199 --> 00:36:49,440 you'll little you'll you answer me in front of Peter's 609 00:36:49,480 --> 00:36:49,920 answer me? 610 00:36:50,559 --> 00:36:53,159 Speaker 3: Who said it to you first? Who? 611 00:36:54,199 --> 00:36:59,119 Speaker 4: All right? Gilbert? I see you trust miss Peters, though 612 00:36:59,159 --> 00:37:03,960 I certainly wouldn't that if she was my assistant. I 613 00:37:03,960 --> 00:37:07,280 mean not with all the suspicion, the mistrust, the doubt 614 00:37:07,519 --> 00:37:11,960 we all live with these days. Why she could have 615 00:37:12,119 --> 00:37:16,599 your job ten minutes after you were executed. She'd snap 616 00:37:16,639 --> 00:37:19,679 it up too. You know that for the last time. 617 00:37:19,840 --> 00:37:20,800 Speaker 3: Who told you? 618 00:37:22,000 --> 00:37:30,400 Speaker 4: Well, if you insist you did, of course I I, Gilbert, 619 00:37:30,440 --> 00:37:34,760 have you forgotten that night, oh, that first night together, 620 00:37:34,840 --> 00:37:37,239 that gloriously rapturous. 621 00:37:36,719 --> 00:37:38,480 Speaker 3: Night in the name. 622 00:37:38,639 --> 00:37:41,280 Speaker 4: But I know you were well, you weren't drunk, but 623 00:37:41,360 --> 00:37:44,559 you know you talked a little too much, maybe said 624 00:37:44,800 --> 00:37:46,280 some things you'd not have said. 625 00:37:46,320 --> 00:37:50,800 Speaker 5: If no, no, she's lying, Peters, I swear she's. 626 00:37:50,679 --> 00:37:53,960 Speaker 4: Lying, you say so. I suppose she is. But it's 627 00:37:54,079 --> 00:37:57,960 well known, Gilbert, mister Stana that you have a way 628 00:37:58,039 --> 00:37:58,440 with women. 629 00:37:58,920 --> 00:38:05,320 Speaker 5: Not this woman, not this little conniving rob. Believe me, Peters, 630 00:38:05,320 --> 00:38:06,280 now believe me. 631 00:38:06,519 --> 00:38:11,719 Speaker 4: I believe you, mister Stainer, And I'm sure our protector 632 00:38:11,800 --> 00:38:16,920 will too. What do you mean, our protector will? He'll 633 00:38:17,000 --> 00:38:21,000 believe that everything I say in my letter is a lie, 634 00:38:21,280 --> 00:38:23,280 nothing but a lie. 635 00:38:23,719 --> 00:38:26,199 Speaker 3: Say what in your letter? 636 00:38:27,280 --> 00:38:33,000 Speaker 4: What letter? Gilbert Darling? I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, but 637 00:38:33,079 --> 00:38:35,920 we do live in an age of terrible mistrust and suspicion, 638 00:38:36,000 --> 00:38:39,400 and well, a girl has to protect yourself. And so 639 00:38:40,519 --> 00:38:44,599 I wrote a letter to our protector telling him all 640 00:38:44,639 --> 00:38:46,519 about us. 641 00:38:47,000 --> 00:38:50,199 Speaker 5: There is nothing to tell about us. If you said 642 00:38:50,239 --> 00:38:52,000 there was, you lied, You lied. 643 00:38:52,039 --> 00:38:53,880 Speaker 4: No darling, But let's hope he thinks. So? 644 00:38:54,760 --> 00:38:57,480 Speaker 5: Oh, and when did you. 645 00:38:57,599 --> 00:38:58,519 Speaker 3: Send this letter? 646 00:38:59,239 --> 00:39:04,199 Speaker 4: Oh? I didn't you? You didn't send it, Gilbert? Of 647 00:39:04,320 --> 00:39:07,840 course not. Would I want any harm to come to you, 648 00:39:07,960 --> 00:39:12,920 after what we've been to each other, weeks of torture, 649 00:39:14,079 --> 00:39:17,320 flow death? Would I want that for you? 650 00:39:17,800 --> 00:39:19,920 Speaker 3: Where is this letter? 651 00:39:20,639 --> 00:39:23,920 Speaker 4: I have it? Or I mean a friend of mine 652 00:39:23,960 --> 00:39:27,840 has it? My friend, Gilbert, if I told you that, 653 00:39:30,320 --> 00:39:33,679 of course I can't. But you needn't worry about it. 654 00:39:33,719 --> 00:39:39,119 My friend won't send it unless well unless something happens to. 655 00:39:39,039 --> 00:39:46,920 Speaker 5: Me, unless a shrewd little wench feeders a very shrewd 656 00:39:47,039 --> 00:39:52,559 little wench. There was, there is nothing between us, and 657 00:39:52,639 --> 00:39:53,599 there is no letter. 658 00:39:53,760 --> 00:39:56,199 Speaker 3: I'm sure of that, are. 659 00:39:56,039 --> 00:39:57,360 Speaker 4: You, mister Stayner? 660 00:39:57,840 --> 00:40:00,159 Speaker 3: Of course, of course yes. 661 00:40:01,760 --> 00:40:05,199 Speaker 5: Still well there, Well, this has all been a it's 662 00:40:05,239 --> 00:40:08,360 crossed my mind more than once, the tempest in the 663 00:40:08,360 --> 00:40:12,440 Teapot Mountains, out of Mole Hills, the remark that was made. 664 00:40:12,239 --> 00:40:19,000 Speaker 3: We've we've taken it too seriously. We well you will lie? 665 00:40:19,039 --> 00:40:19,199 Speaker 4: Then? 666 00:40:20,800 --> 00:40:26,519 Speaker 3: Oh, no, handan none, you may go. 667 00:40:26,679 --> 00:40:31,039 Speaker 4: Mismead and my mother and my fiance. 668 00:40:31,239 --> 00:40:33,880 Speaker 3: They can go too, Thank you. 669 00:40:34,719 --> 00:40:38,119 Speaker 4: Thank you very much. But I want a safe conduct 670 00:40:38,199 --> 00:40:38,599 out of. 671 00:40:38,559 --> 00:40:40,719 Speaker 3: The country, for safe conduct for. 672 00:40:40,719 --> 00:40:46,239 Speaker 4: All three of us, my mother, my fiance, and myself. 673 00:40:47,000 --> 00:40:50,599 Speaker 3: I er, I'll see it's arranged. 674 00:40:51,599 --> 00:40:58,039 Speaker 4: Good day, goodbye, goodbye. Oh And to you, Miss Peters. 675 00:40:59,000 --> 00:41:02,559 I think I said to you a little earlier. I 676 00:41:02,599 --> 00:41:05,960 think I said I didn't know whether I believed in 677 00:41:06,079 --> 00:41:11,880 God or not. Yes, I believe in him now, Miss Peters, 678 00:41:12,920 --> 00:41:18,880 I believe in him now. 679 00:41:20,320 --> 00:41:22,679 Speaker 1: I don't recall Alexis writing a letter. 680 00:41:22,760 --> 00:41:27,719 Speaker 3: Deal could have though not important. I mean, whether there 681 00:41:27,840 --> 00:41:28,920 was a letter or wasn't. 682 00:41:29,199 --> 00:41:32,039 Speaker 1: What strikes me as important is that she called on 683 00:41:32,199 --> 00:41:36,800 God for help only in extremity. Seems to me we 684 00:41:36,880 --> 00:41:40,679 all of us make that same mistake. Sure, call on 685 00:41:40,719 --> 00:41:43,320 him when you need help, but call on him when 686 00:41:43,320 --> 00:41:44,360 you don't need anything. 687 00:41:44,639 --> 00:41:45,360 Speaker 3: Just call. 688 00:41:46,440 --> 00:41:49,599 Speaker 1: Doors always open twenty four hours a day. 689 00:41:50,599 --> 00:42:03,719 Speaker 3: I'll be back shortly. All is well. 690 00:42:04,199 --> 00:42:08,519 Speaker 1: Alexis and Eric are married now, living contented lives in 691 00:42:08,559 --> 00:42:12,840 this country. Alexis mother's well too. Talking of Blue Streak. 692 00:42:12,880 --> 00:42:16,480 As always, there's a difference, though, in this country. She 693 00:42:16,480 --> 00:42:19,880 can say what she wants to say and does without 694 00:42:19,920 --> 00:42:24,440 worrying about it. Our cast included Terry Keene, Gordon Gould, 695 00:42:24,719 --> 00:42:28,760 Joan Shay and Leon Jenny. The entire production was under 696 00:42:28,760 --> 00:42:35,559 the direction of Hyman Brown. And now a preview of 697 00:42:35,599 --> 00:42:36,800 our next tale. 698 00:42:37,639 --> 00:42:42,239 Speaker 8: I stepped out just before sunset, choosing my footing carefully, 699 00:42:42,920 --> 00:42:49,519 watching the sitting sun and thinking of Anne. And suddenly, yes, 700 00:42:51,000 --> 00:42:55,400 standing in front of me, beyond the battlements in midair 701 00:42:57,960 --> 00:43:05,360 was the figure of Alfred Monked, faintly luminous as he 702 00:43:05,599 --> 00:43:07,119 stands behind you. 703 00:43:07,480 --> 00:43:12,719 Speaker 1: Now was this before the news of the duel reached 704 00:43:12,719 --> 00:43:15,440 Wincott two weeks. 705 00:43:15,760 --> 00:43:17,079 Speaker 8: I didn't know the date of it then as I 706 00:43:17,079 --> 00:43:22,760 do now. It was March fourteenth, the same day as 707 00:43:22,760 --> 00:43:27,119 I stood on the battlement a very moment the bullet 708 00:43:27,280 --> 00:43:29,480 entered his side and killed him. 709 00:43:29,719 --> 00:43:32,840 Speaker 1: Radio Mystery Theater were sponsored in part by Uncle Ben's 710 00:43:32,880 --> 00:43:36,719 Long Grain and Wild Rice and Berwick Motor Division. This 711 00:43:36,920 --> 00:43:39,719 is Aj Marshall inviting you to return to our Mystery 712 00:43:39,760 --> 00:43:43,039 Theater for another adventure in the macabre.