1 00:00:00,120 --> 00:00:02,319 Speaker 1: And now mystery thin. 2 00:00:18,800 --> 00:00:22,280 Speaker 2: Come in Welcome. 3 00:00:23,079 --> 00:00:24,199 Speaker 1: I'm E. G. Marshall. 4 00:00:25,399 --> 00:00:28,359 Speaker 2: Most people look upon their own everyday lives as being 5 00:00:28,480 --> 00:00:33,359 routine without much excitement, but that shouldn't stop anyone from 6 00:00:33,399 --> 00:00:38,119 having an active imagination. This is why we make our 7 00:00:38,280 --> 00:00:43,240 escape from the humdrum with stories of adventure, mystery and murder. 8 00:00:44,439 --> 00:00:48,159 Another mental activity most people enjoy is fitting together the 9 00:00:48,200 --> 00:00:52,240 pieces of a puzzle. The stranger the shapes, the more 10 00:00:52,359 --> 00:00:56,960 challenging that puzzle becomes. Our present puzzle concerns a young 11 00:00:57,000 --> 00:00:59,560 man who has called upon to use all his wits 12 00:00:59,600 --> 00:01:02,759 in figure figuring out the whereabouts of a string of 13 00:01:03,159 --> 00:01:04,280 deadly pearls. 14 00:01:04,680 --> 00:01:07,879 Speaker 1: Now, it's absolutely essential, Keith, that you understand the importance 15 00:01:07,879 --> 00:01:10,439 of this assignment. I believe I do, sir. If those 16 00:01:10,480 --> 00:01:14,560 pearls aren't recovered and recovered soon, it's an established fact 17 00:01:14,560 --> 00:01:17,959 that someone else will die. I understand. And no matter 18 00:01:17,959 --> 00:01:20,959 what happens, no one on that island must have any 19 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:23,959 idea who you really are, what you're doing there. Check 20 00:01:24,519 --> 00:01:27,079 you'd better be a good actor. I think I can 21 00:01:27,159 --> 00:01:31,560 manage that. What do I have to lose? You could 22 00:01:31,680 --> 00:01:40,680 lose your life. 23 00:01:42,079 --> 00:01:46,840 Speaker 2: Our mystery drama, the Deadly Pearls was written especially for 24 00:01:46,920 --> 00:01:50,920 the mystery theater by Elizabeth Pennell and stars Paul Hecht 25 00:01:51,239 --> 00:02:06,760 and Kate Reid. Although the FBI and the Honolulu Police 26 00:02:06,879 --> 00:02:11,120 were in on the case, because of certain peculiar circumstances, 27 00:02:11,199 --> 00:02:14,520 it was important that the criminal be apprehended by a 28 00:02:14,560 --> 00:02:20,400 private investigator. This hazardous assignment went to Keith Spencer, a 29 00:02:20,439 --> 00:02:24,039 young man who had proved his physical courage in wartime service, 30 00:02:24,719 --> 00:02:28,840 but other qualifications were required for the job, as explained 31 00:02:28,879 --> 00:02:32,479 when Keith had his final briefing in San Francisco with 32 00:02:32,599 --> 00:02:36,199 the head of the Gordon Investigating Service, Freid, we've. 33 00:02:36,000 --> 00:02:38,759 Speaker 1: Given you a rough time these past few days. I didn't, Minzer, 34 00:02:39,039 --> 00:02:43,120 only I am anxious to get going. You do type, 35 00:02:43,199 --> 00:02:45,840 don't you for sure? Well, I'm afraid you'll have to 36 00:02:45,879 --> 00:02:49,000 prove it. So let's do two things at once. Take 37 00:02:49,000 --> 00:02:54,199 over this typewriter and I'll dictate some paragraphs. Okay, shoot, 38 00:02:55,960 --> 00:03:05,520 and I Keith Spencer, unmarried, with no living relatives and 39 00:03:05,560 --> 00:03:11,639 no dependence. From this day forward and until the completion 40 00:03:11,879 --> 00:03:18,159 of this assignment, I have assumed the identity of Robert Keith, writer, 41 00:03:19,280 --> 00:03:27,199 and under no circumstances will I reveal my true identity? True? 42 00:03:28,159 --> 00:03:30,520 Is that all? Yeah, if you'll sign it? Sure, I 43 00:03:30,520 --> 00:03:34,319 got a pen here. Oh I suppose you should have 44 00:03:34,360 --> 00:03:36,879 signed a statement about your ability to play bridge. What 45 00:03:37,840 --> 00:03:39,680 you did assure us that you play at least an 46 00:03:39,719 --> 00:03:41,680 average game of contract? Was sure of it. I didn't 47 00:03:41,680 --> 00:03:44,439 realize it was all that important. It could be crucial. 48 00:03:45,400 --> 00:03:48,800 Our three suspects are avid bridge players when they can 49 00:03:48,840 --> 00:03:52,199 find a fourth. Okay, and before I leave, let's go 50 00:03:52,280 --> 00:03:55,680 over the basic facts once more. All right, The missing 51 00:03:55,680 --> 00:04:00,000 pearls were cultured a single strand about twenty four inches, 52 00:04:00,520 --> 00:04:02,879 so they'd hang down about twelve inches if someone was 53 00:04:02,919 --> 00:04:06,039 wearing them. They don't sound very spectacling, Yeah, but they are. 54 00:04:06,800 --> 00:04:09,319 Jonathan Colemyer, who bought them, was a partner in a 55 00:04:09,360 --> 00:04:13,599 watch company which made radium dials, and somehow he managed 56 00:04:13,599 --> 00:04:16,000 to have the pearls treated with radium so they would 57 00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:18,319 glow in the dark. When he first thought up this scheme, 58 00:04:18,399 --> 00:04:21,879 did he have an ulterior motive? Who knows? It was? 59 00:04:21,920 --> 00:04:23,839 What happened later that we care about it. And you 60 00:04:23,839 --> 00:04:26,000 don't think he started out as a murderer, Oh, that's 61 00:04:26,040 --> 00:04:29,240 beside the point. He became one. And when he found 62 00:04:29,279 --> 00:04:31,800 out how easy it was, he did it again three times. 63 00:04:31,800 --> 00:04:34,920 A Clonian who did he bump off first? The first 64 00:04:34,959 --> 00:04:37,279 woman he gave the pearls to was said to be 65 00:04:37,439 --> 00:04:40,839 very frail. When she died in an accident, cole Meyer 66 00:04:40,920 --> 00:04:43,279 was in a state of shock, so no one accused 67 00:04:43,360 --> 00:04:46,319 him of complicity in her debt. Yeah, but apparently he 68 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:49,639 did retrieve whatever presence he'd given her. Oh yeah, he 69 00:04:49,759 --> 00:04:52,879 was that type. Then he got married. He gave the 70 00:04:52,879 --> 00:04:56,519 pearls to his bride, who wore them constantly. She loved 71 00:04:56,519 --> 00:04:59,319 that string of pearls. How long did she last? A 72 00:04:59,439 --> 00:05:03,160 radium be a slow death, but it caught up with 73 00:05:03,240 --> 00:05:05,879 her after a while. And when she was dying, the 74 00:05:06,079 --> 00:05:09,000 doctors suspected radium poisoning. So why didn't they nail her 75 00:05:09,079 --> 00:05:11,399 husband right then? It never occurred to any wanted to 76 00:05:11,399 --> 00:05:14,519 suspect the pearls. How could any smart murderer pull the 77 00:05:14,560 --> 00:05:18,360 same stunt again? He fell in love with a young 78 00:05:18,439 --> 00:05:22,560 and brainless beauty, just really liked her because he didn't 79 00:05:22,560 --> 00:05:25,519 give her the pearls for a long time, not till 80 00:05:25,519 --> 00:05:27,959 he retired and they moved to Hawaii. What did she 81 00:05:28,040 --> 00:05:31,639 do to deserve such a present started playing around with 82 00:05:31,680 --> 00:05:35,319 another man. I did it. Cole Meyer gave her the pearls. 83 00:05:36,160 --> 00:05:39,399 She moved out, went off with the pearls and her 84 00:05:39,439 --> 00:05:42,720 new boyfriend to a scarcely inhabited island, a small one, 85 00:05:42,759 --> 00:05:47,600 well offshore from Oahu, And when she developed an unexplained malady, 86 00:05:48,399 --> 00:05:52,759 the boyfriend left her big hearted guy. Well after her 87 00:05:52,800 --> 00:05:57,439 death was an autopsy and this time no question radium poisoning. 88 00:05:57,439 --> 00:05:59,639 Oh why didn't the police move in and confiscate the 89 00:05:59,639 --> 00:06:03,040 pearl There were no pearls to be found. Isn't it 90 00:06:03,079 --> 00:06:06,120 possible that coal Meyer had been there in gott it? 91 00:06:06,319 --> 00:06:10,759 No way coal Meyer committed suicide without returning to the 92 00:06:10,800 --> 00:06:14,040 island without a confession about what he'd done. Good lord, No, 93 00:06:14,240 --> 00:06:17,439 he was a respected business man. Now you think the 94 00:06:17,439 --> 00:06:19,759 pearls are still on the island, We're sure of it. 95 00:06:20,680 --> 00:06:23,839 But more than that, Keith, we've narrowed down to three 96 00:06:23,920 --> 00:06:27,879 people who lived nearest the cottage where the last victim died. 97 00:06:27,959 --> 00:06:29,759 So my job then is to make friends with these 98 00:06:29,800 --> 00:06:32,319 three people and find out quietly which one of them 99 00:06:32,319 --> 00:06:35,720 has the deadly pearls. You make it sound too easy. 100 00:06:36,360 --> 00:06:40,279 Each of these people is highly eccentric, the few people 101 00:06:40,319 --> 00:06:44,279 who come and go from that island are under constant surveillance, 102 00:06:44,399 --> 00:06:49,519 including me. Naturally, the pearls were usually kept in a 103 00:06:49,600 --> 00:06:53,160 narrow box. It looked like an ordinary jeweler's box, but 104 00:06:53,240 --> 00:06:56,040 it was made of lead. Protection against the radium, of course, 105 00:06:56,319 --> 00:06:59,240 means it would be heavier than most boxes that size. Well, 106 00:06:59,319 --> 00:07:02,279 that makes it seem more elegant. The boxes covered with 107 00:07:02,439 --> 00:07:07,560 purple velvet and lined with satin our original. It won't 108 00:07:07,600 --> 00:07:09,959 look much different from any jewel box you've ever seen. 109 00:07:10,519 --> 00:07:13,160 I can't help thinking how useful a Geiger counter would be. 110 00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:15,839 That's totally out of the question. When you bring a 111 00:07:15,879 --> 00:07:18,959 Geiger near a suspected object, it starts ticking. You're sure, 112 00:07:19,040 --> 00:07:22,199 I know, no gadgets to make life easier, just your 113 00:07:22,240 --> 00:07:27,240 own ingenuity, and it'd better be damn good. Well, there's 114 00:07:27,240 --> 00:07:31,839 not much more I can say except to wish you luck. 115 00:07:35,759 --> 00:07:38,160 I did my homework, and the more I read about 116 00:07:38,160 --> 00:07:41,079 those three characters on the island, the more curious I 117 00:07:41,240 --> 00:07:44,720 was to meet them. The Honolulu police cleared me, and 118 00:07:44,720 --> 00:07:47,639 then I was completely on my own. With a photograph 119 00:07:47,720 --> 00:07:50,279 of the cottage and a map that showed how to 120 00:07:50,319 --> 00:07:53,199 find it. I was given a putt butt stock with 121 00:07:53,279 --> 00:07:56,920 a supply of canned goods, stowed the typewriter and duffel bag, 122 00:07:57,720 --> 00:08:03,000 and at last I was off. It was a cloudless 123 00:08:03,079 --> 00:08:05,560 day and I found the beaching cove on the island 124 00:08:05,560 --> 00:08:08,879 without any trouble. You couldn't see the cottage from the beach, 125 00:08:09,000 --> 00:08:12,240 but I knew how to follow directions. Plugging my big 126 00:08:12,319 --> 00:08:15,519 canvas bag, I headed up a steep and winding path 127 00:08:16,439 --> 00:08:19,720 and there it was a neat modern cottage with an 128 00:08:19,839 --> 00:08:24,240 enormous deck, from which there must be quite a spectacular view. 129 00:08:24,279 --> 00:08:28,560 But I had a spectacular view myself just then, because 130 00:08:28,600 --> 00:08:33,559 on that deck was a dazzling blonde, obviously sunbathing. She 131 00:08:33,679 --> 00:08:37,519 sprang to her feet in all her glory, and I 132 00:08:37,519 --> 00:08:40,519 would have been speechless, except I knew I couldn't be. 133 00:08:42,600 --> 00:08:45,960 Oh this is the Colemyer Cottage, isn't it? 134 00:08:46,519 --> 00:08:48,080 Speaker 3: What business is that of yours? 135 00:08:48,639 --> 00:08:52,279 Speaker 1: I'm the new tenant. This place is not for red No, 136 00:08:52,320 --> 00:08:54,840 well that's right, not anymore. I've signed the papers. It's 137 00:08:54,879 --> 00:08:56,240 mine for at least a year. 138 00:08:57,080 --> 00:08:57,799 Speaker 3: Who are you? 139 00:08:58,279 --> 00:08:59,919 Speaker 1: I'm sorry, how rude of me not to introduce me? 140 00:09:00,039 --> 00:09:02,320 I saif I'm Robert Keith, a writer in search of 141 00:09:02,360 --> 00:09:04,360 a quiet place to hang a typewride. 142 00:09:04,639 --> 00:09:06,960 Speaker 3: I don't believe you. The last thing we need around 143 00:09:06,960 --> 00:09:07,639 here is a writer. 144 00:09:07,919 --> 00:09:10,120 Speaker 1: Lady, I am planning to live here. 145 00:09:09,879 --> 00:09:11,039 Speaker 3: Not if I can help it. 146 00:09:11,960 --> 00:09:16,440 Speaker 1: Okay, I've answered your questions. How about answering one for me? 147 00:09:17,879 --> 00:09:20,039 Who are you out. 148 00:09:19,840 --> 00:09:23,279 Speaker 3: Of your business? Since you claim the house as yours? 149 00:09:23,320 --> 00:09:24,840 I'll see you open the door. 150 00:09:25,080 --> 00:09:27,639 Speaker 1: Just what I was about to do. I understand it 151 00:09:27,679 --> 00:09:34,000 takes two keys, and here they are, both of them. 152 00:09:34,240 --> 00:09:35,919 Speaker 3: Where'd you get those keys? 153 00:09:36,480 --> 00:09:37,559 Speaker 1: Now? Do you believe me? 154 00:09:39,799 --> 00:09:43,600 Speaker 3: Big deal? You opened the door, and now I know 155 00:09:43,600 --> 00:09:46,240 who you are. You're a policeman. They sent you here 156 00:09:46,279 --> 00:09:48,519 to spy on us. Well, I'm not going to stand 157 00:09:48,519 --> 00:09:48,759 for it. 158 00:09:48,960 --> 00:09:51,240 Speaker 4: The supply boat comes around tomorrow, I'll send a message 159 00:09:51,279 --> 00:09:54,480 back to my lawyer. No Penny Anti Flunky is going 160 00:09:54,519 --> 00:09:55,279 to be spying on me. 161 00:09:55,440 --> 00:09:57,000 Speaker 1: I assure you I'm not want to. 162 00:09:57,039 --> 00:10:03,399 Speaker 4: Unpack your things, Robert Keith, because tomorrow, Really, miss Missus Wash, 163 00:10:03,480 --> 00:10:06,279 this is Barbara Walsh, and you'll find that I have 164 00:10:06,399 --> 00:10:09,120 protection against people like you. 165 00:10:14,039 --> 00:10:17,960 Speaker 1: The gorgeously sun tanned Missus Walsh slipped her feet into sandals, 166 00:10:18,360 --> 00:10:21,039 picked up her beach towel from the deck and started 167 00:10:21,080 --> 00:10:23,840 along the path which led from the north side of 168 00:10:23,879 --> 00:10:29,200 the cottage. You must understand that during our entire conversation, 169 00:10:30,039 --> 00:10:35,440 Barbara Walsh was completely in the buck, no bikini, nothing 170 00:10:36,559 --> 00:10:40,159 except around her neck and dangling in long loops over 171 00:10:40,200 --> 00:10:45,159 her well formed body. Not pearls, but necklaces made of 172 00:10:45,200 --> 00:10:56,279 those decorative native seeds strung together, ropes and ropes of them. 173 00:10:56,440 --> 00:10:59,879 Speaker 2: Robert Keith may have thought he was prepared for anything, 174 00:11:00,799 --> 00:11:04,159 but this introduction to his new home was an unsettling 175 00:11:04,240 --> 00:11:07,679 experience he hadn't counted on. He has now had a 176 00:11:07,720 --> 00:11:11,960 most revealing look at one of the three suspects. We'll 177 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:14,679 be there for his encounter with the others. When we 178 00:11:14,759 --> 00:11:29,559 returned shortly with that, two knew Robert Keith found the 179 00:11:29,600 --> 00:11:33,639 cottage very much to his liking. He had expected something 180 00:11:33,720 --> 00:11:37,679 rather dark and sinister, but one wall of the living 181 00:11:37,759 --> 00:11:41,000 room had a big picture window, and in the bedroom 182 00:11:41,120 --> 00:11:44,879 there was a slanting skylight directly over the bed. It 183 00:11:45,000 --> 00:11:48,679 was certainly no place to hide, and Keith realized that 184 00:11:48,720 --> 00:11:52,600 whatever he did could be watched at close range if 185 00:11:52,639 --> 00:11:56,000 anyone cared about what he was doing. He spent the 186 00:11:56,039 --> 00:11:59,039 first evening getting settled, and after a late supper of 187 00:11:59,120 --> 00:12:02,600 can goods, he turned in for the night. At about 188 00:12:02,639 --> 00:12:05,840 three o'clock in the morning, he was sleeping soundly when. 189 00:12:08,360 --> 00:12:18,879 Speaker 1: What the devil? Hey, hey, who's out there? Well, bless 190 00:12:18,919 --> 00:12:20,960 my soul, Now, would you mind pointing that gun in 191 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:24,080 another direction? Not until I find out what's are up to? 192 00:12:24,759 --> 00:12:27,399 I was sound asleep. I am living here. No one 193 00:12:27,440 --> 00:12:29,320 lives in this house. Put up your head. I'll put 194 00:12:29,360 --> 00:12:31,320 down your gun. Would you say? I am a man 195 00:12:31,360 --> 00:12:35,000 of honor, Colonel George Medicines the name Army retired and 196 00:12:35,039 --> 00:12:38,279 no one sets foot on this island without reporting to me. Yeah, well, 197 00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:41,480 I was sorry. I didn't know that, colonel, And if 198 00:12:41,480 --> 00:12:45,200 you'll come in, I'll show you my credentials. What the 199 00:12:45,240 --> 00:12:48,240 hell's that is? Is there someone else out there? No? No, 200 00:12:48,559 --> 00:12:51,200 for any minutes. I'll check you out later. Right now, 201 00:12:51,240 --> 00:12:53,720 I recommend you go back to bed. There's a wild 202 00:12:53,840 --> 00:13:02,759 ball under the deck and I aim to get him. 203 00:13:03,519 --> 00:13:06,360 When the sun came up, it was another cloudless day, 204 00:13:06,919 --> 00:13:10,559 and after breakfast, I decided to pay a visit, not 205 00:13:10,679 --> 00:13:13,480 eager to encounter either the gun happy colonel or the 206 00:13:13,559 --> 00:13:16,720 wild eyed lady with no clothes. It seemed wise to 207 00:13:16,759 --> 00:13:21,200 seek a formal introduction to the third Island resident. The 208 00:13:21,240 --> 00:13:25,360 path to her property was overgrown with luxuriant shrubbery, but 209 00:13:25,440 --> 00:13:28,399 it opened up into an area dotted with palm trees. 210 00:13:28,480 --> 00:13:32,559 Surrounding a small stone house. Squatting in the midst of 211 00:13:32,600 --> 00:13:34,960 a flower bed was a gnome of a woman wearing 212 00:13:34,960 --> 00:13:38,840 one of those loose garments the Hawaiians call moo moos. 213 00:13:39,159 --> 00:13:40,440 Speaker 3: I wondered when you were coming. 214 00:13:41,120 --> 00:13:42,440 Speaker 1: You were you were expecting me? 215 00:13:42,559 --> 00:13:46,480 Speaker 3: Of course you're the writer who's moved into the death cottage. 216 00:13:46,879 --> 00:13:48,039 Speaker 1: I moved into the water. 217 00:13:48,480 --> 00:13:50,919 Speaker 3: Oh surely the rental agent told you that the three 218 00:13:51,000 --> 00:13:52,360 former tenants died there. 219 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:55,200 Speaker 1: I think you're just trying to frighten me. I don't 220 00:13:55,279 --> 00:13:55,960 scare easily. 221 00:13:56,159 --> 00:13:58,279 Speaker 3: I'm very sure of yourself, aren't you, mister Keith? 222 00:13:58,720 --> 00:14:01,519 Speaker 1: Oh you know my name. Well, since we're going to 223 00:14:01,559 --> 00:14:03,240 be neighbors, perhaps you'll tell me. 224 00:14:03,240 --> 00:14:06,679 Speaker 3: I am not a babcock and if you'll help me up, 225 00:14:06,759 --> 00:14:09,200 we'll go to my porch where the coffee is parking. 226 00:14:10,080 --> 00:14:14,200 Speaker 1: I assisted Miss Babcock to her feet. The aging body 227 00:14:14,320 --> 00:14:18,120 was stooped and slow moving, and her hands were badly crippled, 228 00:14:18,399 --> 00:14:21,639 yet she used them capably to pour the coffee when 229 00:14:21,679 --> 00:14:23,919 we were seated at a wicker table on her porch. 230 00:14:24,159 --> 00:14:27,600 Speaker 3: Oh, yes, mister Keith, I've lived on this island for 231 00:14:27,639 --> 00:14:30,840 a long time. That house was just a shack when 232 00:14:30,840 --> 00:14:33,240 the poor man, a writer like yourself, was stabbed to 233 00:14:33,320 --> 00:14:36,840 death in a ghastly pool of blood. The cottage was 234 00:14:36,879 --> 00:14:40,960 rebuilt before an unfortunate woman was strangled there, and then 235 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:43,639 it was fixed up with all that glass to let 236 00:14:43,639 --> 00:14:47,080 the sun in. But nothing could save the last dear lady, 237 00:14:47,080 --> 00:14:48,440 who simply wasted away. 238 00:14:49,039 --> 00:14:51,399 Speaker 1: Well, he was hoping I'll have better luck. 239 00:14:51,919 --> 00:14:55,519 Speaker 3: That depends. When were you born, mister Keith. 240 00:14:56,000 --> 00:14:57,320 Speaker 1: You mean what year? No? 241 00:14:57,320 --> 00:15:00,360 Speaker 3: No, no, no, the date, the day hour? 242 00:15:00,960 --> 00:15:06,559 Speaker 1: Oh, I was born in August, fourteenth of August. Oh, 243 00:15:06,840 --> 00:15:07,879 you sound disappointed. 244 00:15:08,240 --> 00:15:12,759 Speaker 3: You certainly don't look like Leo the Lion, and I 245 00:15:12,759 --> 00:15:13,919 would have thought that a writer. 246 00:15:14,840 --> 00:15:15,480 Speaker 1: But no matter. 247 00:15:16,200 --> 00:15:19,720 Speaker 3: There may be other factors. You belong to the northern 248 00:15:19,759 --> 00:15:22,720 sign of the zodiac, the middle point of the magnet 249 00:15:22,799 --> 00:15:24,200 of the fire triplicity? 250 00:15:25,000 --> 00:15:25,840 Speaker 1: Is that a fact? 251 00:15:25,879 --> 00:15:28,559 Speaker 3: Or you'd better not laugh at me, mister Keith. I'll 252 00:15:28,559 --> 00:15:30,919 tell you right now that you and I are destined 253 00:15:30,919 --> 00:15:35,200 to be enemies. You belong with Sagittarius, Libra or ares. 254 00:15:35,360 --> 00:15:38,000 Speaker 1: Come on, miss Babcock, I'm really not so bad. Now 255 00:15:38,039 --> 00:15:39,159 tell me about your sign. 256 00:15:39,440 --> 00:15:43,679 Speaker 3: I'm Gemini, the positive people of the air triplicity. 257 00:15:43,960 --> 00:15:45,879 Speaker 1: You mean you mean air and fired or. 258 00:15:45,919 --> 00:15:51,000 Speaker 3: Mixed dangerously, mister Keith, very dangerously. Your sign is governed 259 00:15:51,039 --> 00:15:55,000 by the sun, and your gems are Knelian and Sardonyx. 260 00:15:55,120 --> 00:15:57,279 Speaker 1: I wouldn't know a Sardonics if I stumbled over one. 261 00:15:57,519 --> 00:16:03,559 Speaker 3: My governing planet is Mercury. Emeralds, moonstones, and pearls are 262 00:16:03,639 --> 00:16:12,759 my sign, and I have a very special affinity for pearls. 263 00:16:14,279 --> 00:16:17,639 Speaker 1: Missus Walsh had obviously passed along word of my arrival, 264 00:16:17,759 --> 00:16:20,039 which was why the colonel had come trying to flush 265 00:16:20,120 --> 00:16:23,039 me out, and the reason Miss Babcock knew my name 266 00:16:23,120 --> 00:16:28,559 and occupation. So that afternoon I became a spy hidden 267 00:16:28,639 --> 00:16:31,240 in the underbrush with binoculars train on the three of 268 00:16:31,279 --> 00:16:34,320 them walking along the beach. I was darn sure they 269 00:16:34,360 --> 00:16:38,759 were planning some strategy to get me evicted. Then Colonel 270 00:16:38,799 --> 00:16:42,440 Madison left the two ladies and headed up the trail 271 00:16:42,519 --> 00:16:45,879 toward my house. I went quickly to the typewriter and 272 00:16:46,120 --> 00:16:50,639 pretended to be busily at work. Oh no, mister Keith, 273 00:16:51,120 --> 00:16:55,480 I hope I'm not disturbing you. Beautiful day, isn't it, yes, sir, 274 00:16:55,799 --> 00:16:58,600 that it is? How are you? Colonel? Could be better? 275 00:17:00,679 --> 00:17:03,480 I'm sorry of her last night. I wouldn't want you 276 00:17:03,559 --> 00:17:07,079 to think we're not hospitable around her. Do you mind 277 00:17:07,119 --> 00:17:10,160 if I sit down? Please? Please do? I was beginning to 278 00:17:10,160 --> 00:17:14,160 feel like an outcast. I gather you've met the ladies. 279 00:17:14,200 --> 00:17:17,440 They didn't exactly give me a warm welcome. Oh, pay 280 00:17:17,519 --> 00:17:22,359 no attention, batty old babcock won't be a problem. She's 281 00:17:22,440 --> 00:17:25,839 usually off in outer space, you know, jogging to the stars. 282 00:17:26,039 --> 00:17:29,799 I gather she's hipped on astrology. Mad is a hatter, 283 00:17:30,480 --> 00:17:32,480 even though she does play a good game of bridge. 284 00:17:34,000 --> 00:17:37,640 You say you're also acquainted with the Barbara Walsh If 285 00:17:37,680 --> 00:17:39,559 you mean? Have I had a good look at her? 286 00:17:39,599 --> 00:17:45,799 You're darn right studying, isn't it you said it? Tell me, colonel, 287 00:17:46,240 --> 00:17:48,599 what's a woman like that doing all by herself way 288 00:17:48,599 --> 00:17:51,920 out here? But if this were a British colony, I'd 289 00:17:51,960 --> 00:17:55,400 say she's a remittance woman. She's been paid to stay away, 290 00:17:56,200 --> 00:17:59,799 being paid very well. The big man in her life 291 00:17:59,880 --> 00:18:05,359 is of mafia type they nabbed him. My guess is 292 00:18:05,400 --> 00:18:08,599 the family is afraid she'll talk unless she's kept well 293 00:18:08,640 --> 00:18:11,000 out of the way until he's released from Joel. What's 294 00:18:11,039 --> 00:18:14,559 the info? No drug traffic I think I don't know, 295 00:18:15,200 --> 00:18:19,640 dealing in stolen goods. Let's talk about you, mister Keith. 296 00:18:20,319 --> 00:18:23,640 You write a fellow's interest me. What's your special subject? 297 00:18:23,720 --> 00:18:27,240 I'm a novelist. Science fiction sometimes were mostly light stuff. 298 00:18:28,160 --> 00:18:34,960 Know anything about pearls? No, not much. How would you 299 00:18:35,039 --> 00:18:36,640 like to come over to the other side of the 300 00:18:36,680 --> 00:18:40,799 island and watch the pearl divers? Pearl divers here? Oh well, 301 00:18:40,799 --> 00:18:44,599 it's not like Salon or the surlu Sea, but they 302 00:18:44,640 --> 00:18:47,200 go through the motions here twice a week during the season. 303 00:18:47,759 --> 00:18:51,759 Occasionally they come up with a creditable pearl. Come along 304 00:18:51,799 --> 00:18:54,880 if you want to, I'd like that very much. Fine. Oh, 305 00:18:55,400 --> 00:18:58,279 where are some stout walking shoes and I'll pick you up. 306 00:18:58,279 --> 00:19:07,720 About about an hour the colonel arrived in his old 307 00:19:07,839 --> 00:19:12,160 army uniform, carrying a sturdy walking stick. We started off 308 00:19:12,160 --> 00:19:14,720 on a barely marked trail, and I marveled at the 309 00:19:14,839 --> 00:19:18,279 beauty of the place, with its lush flowers and brightly 310 00:19:18,400 --> 00:19:22,160 colored birds. Not that way, mister Keith, we take a 311 00:19:22,200 --> 00:19:25,599 sharp turn over here, go up the hills just a minute. 312 00:19:25,960 --> 00:19:28,440 This island must be more populated than I thought. I 313 00:19:28,480 --> 00:19:32,720 hear music. Oh, it's just Barbara Walsh with her radio 314 00:19:32,799 --> 00:19:37,440 gang chares it on all day long. That or a stereo. 315 00:19:38,480 --> 00:19:45,319 Come along. Get ready for a steep climb. The path 316 00:19:45,480 --> 00:19:48,160 went straight up, and I had to scramble to keep 317 00:19:48,200 --> 00:19:51,599 the Colonel from getting too far ahead. But quite suddenly 318 00:19:51,960 --> 00:19:54,839 all the lush greenery ended and we came out on 319 00:19:54,920 --> 00:20:01,599 a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. Eh, we made it. 320 00:20:03,119 --> 00:20:07,440 That's quite a view. Hey. Now you see those small 321 00:20:07,599 --> 00:20:11,359 birt's way out there. Yeah, those are the oyster fishermen. 322 00:20:12,279 --> 00:20:16,200 The flat bottomed boats are dragging knits. Huh. And from 323 00:20:16,319 --> 00:20:19,880 those kayak looking things you may be able to see 324 00:20:19,920 --> 00:20:22,960 the young men diving. Won't they come closer to shore? No? 325 00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:25,759 Not not much close up. It's too treacherous for the 326 00:20:25,799 --> 00:20:27,799 tides who are running as high as they are today. 327 00:20:28,480 --> 00:20:30,799 Go on out on that big rock so you can 328 00:20:30,839 --> 00:20:35,000 get a better look. Is it steady, Oh, like Gibraltar. 329 00:20:36,039 --> 00:20:41,200 Go on, mister Keith, out further, held me Afred. Watch 330 00:20:41,240 --> 00:20:46,759 A step is to kick merciful happen. Now help me, colonel, 331 00:20:47,000 --> 00:20:50,160 we help me. Hang on, cheap, hang on, try to 332 00:20:50,160 --> 00:20:54,079 get a foot on. Here he grab my walking stick. 333 00:20:57,640 --> 00:21:00,240 I grabbed the stick because I had to, even though 334 00:21:00,240 --> 00:21:02,400 I knew it was the same stick that had been 335 00:21:02,440 --> 00:21:06,240 pushed into the middle of my back just a moment before. 336 00:21:11,960 --> 00:21:14,839 I'll say, you're a brave man, Keith. I like the 337 00:21:14,880 --> 00:21:17,119 way you handled yourself back there on the rocks. I 338 00:21:17,160 --> 00:21:20,720 wouldn't say I had much alternative. It was all the 339 00:21:20,839 --> 00:21:23,680 fault of your shoes, mister Keith. That's what it was. 340 00:21:24,160 --> 00:21:29,400 I warned you to wear walking shoes. I say, mister Keith, 341 00:21:30,279 --> 00:21:33,000 why don't we stop by to see Barbara right now? 342 00:21:33,319 --> 00:21:36,839 Why not? We need to drink, and she has a 343 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:39,519 good liquor as a blade. I think I'd better get 344 00:21:39,519 --> 00:21:42,000 back and tend to these scratches. Just take a look 345 00:21:42,000 --> 00:21:44,160 at my clothes. I'm in no condition to go visiting. 346 00:21:44,400 --> 00:21:46,960 And as Jewish, I leave it in at the foot 347 00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:51,039 of this hill. And oh, yes, yes, I've been meaning 348 00:21:51,079 --> 00:21:54,119 to ask you, Keith. Do you play bridge? Well I'm 349 00:21:54,160 --> 00:21:57,240 not the world's best, but yes I play. Oh I 350 00:21:57,319 --> 00:22:00,559 spread I'm rather out of practice. Well, Heaven's no, so 351 00:22:00,839 --> 00:22:05,519 we let's say my house Friday evening, come for supper 352 00:22:05,599 --> 00:22:09,119 around seven. Thank you dear me, mister Keith, you did 353 00:22:09,160 --> 00:22:13,559 get scratched up. Your hands are still bleeding. Perhaps I 354 00:22:13,559 --> 00:22:17,279 should go with you. I'll be all right. Yes, well, 355 00:22:17,599 --> 00:22:20,279 I'm off in to tell the ladies the good news. 356 00:22:20,839 --> 00:22:24,119 Good news why, yes, yes, the good news that we 357 00:22:24,240 --> 00:22:27,519 found a new bridge partner. And I might as well 358 00:22:27,559 --> 00:22:36,079 warn you to bring our fat wallet. Our steaks are high. 359 00:22:36,240 --> 00:22:39,519 After a shower and some soothing applications of witch Hazel 360 00:22:39,640 --> 00:22:43,519 and ointments, I rested on the big bed under the skylight. 361 00:22:43,759 --> 00:22:46,359 The front door was wide open for the benefit of 362 00:22:46,400 --> 00:22:52,200 a magnificent sea breeze. Suddenly I was on the alert someone. 363 00:22:52,559 --> 00:22:56,279 Someone was on the steps leading to the deck. Then 364 00:22:56,440 --> 00:23:00,720 there were slow, heavy footfalls and the tap of the cane. 365 00:23:01,200 --> 00:23:05,519 Speaker 4: Mister keys, mister Keys, are you all right? 366 00:23:05,880 --> 00:23:08,359 Speaker 1: Why? Hello, miss Babcock, Yes, come in. 367 00:23:08,680 --> 00:23:10,799 Speaker 4: I heard you'd had an accident, and I thought you 368 00:23:10,880 --> 00:23:13,440 might not be able to fix your own supper. So 369 00:23:13,519 --> 00:23:15,440 I've brought you some nice oyster stew. 370 00:23:15,559 --> 00:23:17,480 Speaker 1: Oh that's very thoughtful of you. 371 00:23:17,640 --> 00:23:20,000 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's one of my specialties. 372 00:23:20,720 --> 00:23:22,480 Speaker 1: Just warm it down, thank you, Thank you, very much. 373 00:23:22,839 --> 00:23:25,200 Sit down. Well, won't you share the stew with me? 374 00:23:25,359 --> 00:23:29,799 Speaker 3: No? No, I've had my dinner. Let me see your injury. 375 00:23:29,880 --> 00:23:32,079 Speaker 1: Are there nothing but scratches? I was lucky I. 376 00:23:32,000 --> 00:23:35,960 Speaker 3: Could be serious, and you are not lucky, mister Keith. 377 00:23:36,680 --> 00:23:39,680 I looked at the stars last night, and the heavens 378 00:23:39,720 --> 00:23:42,559 do not bode well for anyone born under the sign 379 00:23:42,640 --> 00:23:43,119 of Leo. 380 00:23:43,400 --> 00:23:46,119 Speaker 1: But you see me alive and well. I could have 381 00:23:46,160 --> 00:23:48,400 crashed all the way down those rocks and into the sea. 382 00:23:48,599 --> 00:23:52,160 Speaker 3: Look out for more danger ahead. That was simply the 383 00:23:52,200 --> 00:23:52,960 first warning. 384 00:23:57,519 --> 00:24:00,279 Speaker 1: Miss Babcock knew what she was talking about, and it 385 00:24:00,319 --> 00:24:03,480 had nothing to do with the stars. I heeded the 386 00:24:03,519 --> 00:24:06,240 oyster stew and it was delicious, in fact, the best 387 00:24:06,279 --> 00:24:10,160 I've ever tasted. But about an hour later I began 388 00:24:10,279 --> 00:24:13,759 to feel drained of all energy. I thought it was 389 00:24:13,839 --> 00:24:16,519 just a reaction from a rather strenuous day, and decided 390 00:24:16,559 --> 00:24:18,559 the best thing to do was go to bed and 391 00:24:18,720 --> 00:24:23,279 sleep it off. It was a tremendous effort to get undressed, 392 00:24:23,319 --> 00:24:27,640 but I managed to drag myself partially clothed onto the 393 00:24:27,640 --> 00:24:31,759 big bed in a prone position. I felt as though 394 00:24:31,799 --> 00:24:36,240 I were being suffocated, and panic was setting in I'd 395 00:24:36,240 --> 00:24:39,200 been poisoned, and no one was going to save my 396 00:24:39,319 --> 00:24:43,200 life this time unless I did it for myself. Literally. 397 00:24:43,279 --> 00:24:46,720 I crawled into the bathroom for the well stocked medicine kit, 398 00:24:47,640 --> 00:24:51,240 as I was prepared with antidotes for poison, but time 399 00:24:51,400 --> 00:24:54,559 was too short to figure out which one would be appropriate. 400 00:24:55,599 --> 00:24:59,200 By now, my hands and feet were growing numb, and 401 00:24:59,319 --> 00:25:04,680 breathing was getting more and more difficult. I mixed up 402 00:25:04,720 --> 00:25:09,000 a heavy pink liquid in a glass of water, and 403 00:25:09,279 --> 00:25:22,759 just before blacking out. I was very, very sick. When 404 00:25:22,799 --> 00:25:25,160 I came to, I was lying on the bathroom floor, 405 00:25:25,799 --> 00:25:30,400 weak but grateful to find I was still alive. Very 406 00:25:30,440 --> 00:25:34,519 slowly I got to my feet and staggered toward the bedroom, 407 00:25:34,599 --> 00:25:37,559 hoping at last to sleep off the effects of whatever 408 00:25:37,680 --> 00:25:42,799 had been in that poisonous stew. But my whole body sagged, 409 00:25:42,839 --> 00:25:45,559 and I knew i'd never make the bed, so I 410 00:25:45,720 --> 00:25:48,599 eased myself down on a narrow couch in the living 411 00:25:48,680 --> 00:25:55,799 room and fell instantly into a heavy slumber once again. 412 00:25:56,160 --> 00:25:58,920 It must have been about three o'clock in the morning 413 00:25:59,559 --> 00:26:04,440 when there was a sound which would have awakened the dead. 414 00:26:05,599 --> 00:26:09,200 The skylight in the bedroom back flat against the wall 415 00:26:09,680 --> 00:26:14,920 I waited for minutes that seemed like an eternity, no movement, 416 00:26:16,359 --> 00:26:21,519 absolute silence. So I crept into the next room, armed 417 00:26:21,519 --> 00:26:26,519 with a flashlight and cupping the beam, examined the bed. 418 00:26:28,160 --> 00:26:33,079 It was a mass of shattered glass in the darkness. 419 00:26:33,079 --> 00:26:36,920 Once more, I moved stealthily to the front door, opened 420 00:26:36,960 --> 00:26:43,480 it without a sound, and stared into total blackness. Slowly 421 00:26:43,519 --> 00:26:48,799 I raised the flashlight and then snapped it on full beam. 422 00:26:49,079 --> 00:26:55,319 Pointing straight down the path, facing directly toward me, stood 423 00:26:55,359 --> 00:27:01,720 the statuesque Missus Barbara Walsh fully closed a long dark cimonal, 424 00:27:03,079 --> 00:27:07,440 and over her breasts hung a necklace of gems which 425 00:27:07,599 --> 00:27:13,680 burst into life like Fourth of July sparklers. 426 00:27:17,160 --> 00:27:20,440 Speaker 2: I must warn you not to jump to conclusions. If 427 00:27:20,519 --> 00:27:23,640 you imagine that Missus Walsh was wearing the stolen pearls, 428 00:27:23,799 --> 00:27:28,799 think again. Diamonds are the jewels that glitter when exposed 429 00:27:28,799 --> 00:27:33,759 to light. A pearl is sometimes a gem of great value, 430 00:27:34,000 --> 00:27:37,400 but it is not a precious stone, and one can 431 00:27:37,480 --> 00:27:43,599 scarcely say that pearls sparkle while radium. Remember the dial 432 00:27:43,640 --> 00:27:45,599 on your watch or bedside clock. 433 00:27:46,519 --> 00:27:48,680 Speaker 1: Radium glows in the dark. 434 00:27:49,799 --> 00:28:04,200 Speaker 2: We'll be back shortly with act three. Mercifully for Robert Keith, 435 00:28:04,559 --> 00:28:08,480 the next two nights and three days were totally uneventful. 436 00:28:09,160 --> 00:28:12,559 He dozed in the sun, occasionally pecked at the typewriter, 437 00:28:13,440 --> 00:28:15,039 and did a great deal of thinking. 438 00:28:16,119 --> 00:28:17,319 Speaker 1: Keith looked forward. 439 00:28:17,039 --> 00:28:20,079 Speaker 2: Eagerly to the evening of Bridge, and as he approached 440 00:28:20,079 --> 00:28:23,400 the colonel's house for the first time, he found a charming, 441 00:28:23,559 --> 00:28:27,039 sprawling building with a table set out of doors on 442 00:28:27,119 --> 00:28:31,119 what the Hawaiians call a lanai. He was glad he 443 00:28:31,160 --> 00:28:34,680 had purchased a colorful sports shirt in Honolulu, although it 444 00:28:34,799 --> 00:28:37,680 paled beside the one Colonel Madison was wearing over his 445 00:28:37,720 --> 00:28:42,880 wife's lacks. Even Miss Babcock looked festive in her flowered mumo. 446 00:28:45,079 --> 00:28:48,240 Speaker 1: Hi ah, welcome, my boy, welcome. 447 00:28:48,680 --> 00:28:51,480 Speaker 4: You're looking much better, mister Keith, he quite recovered. 448 00:28:51,480 --> 00:28:53,680 Speaker 1: Thank you. This island air will cure. 449 00:28:53,519 --> 00:28:57,079 Speaker 3: Anything, anything but my authrighteous. Where's Barbara? 450 00:28:57,319 --> 00:29:01,240 Speaker 1: Oh is late? I suspect she's getting herself dicked out 451 00:29:01,799 --> 00:29:02,680 ready for the kill. 452 00:29:03,599 --> 00:29:07,680 Speaker 3: You expressed things so aptly, Colonel. If it's like old times, 453 00:29:07,720 --> 00:29:10,559 Barbara will come prepared for murder at the Bridge table. 454 00:29:11,119 --> 00:29:14,519 I'm speaking everybody, Oh. 455 00:29:14,400 --> 00:29:19,160 Speaker 1: Barbara, Well, you've outdone yourself. Hey, dazzling, simply. 456 00:29:18,880 --> 00:29:22,039 Speaker 3: Dais Colonel and Norah, Dear. 457 00:29:23,200 --> 00:29:24,960 Speaker 1: I believe you've met mister Keith. 458 00:29:25,400 --> 00:29:27,440 Speaker 3: My lawyer has verified that he exists. 459 00:29:27,559 --> 00:29:29,599 Speaker 1: Well, I'm glad to hear that, mister Keith. 460 00:29:29,640 --> 00:29:31,559 Speaker 3: You may have the right to live on this island. 461 00:29:31,559 --> 00:29:33,880 But that doesn't mean that I have to love my neighbors. 462 00:29:34,000 --> 00:29:35,359 Speaker 1: Oh no, no, now, Barbara. 463 00:29:35,599 --> 00:29:38,599 Speaker 4: However, since we have so little opportunity for social occasions, 464 00:29:38,599 --> 00:29:39,359 I propose. 465 00:29:39,160 --> 00:29:40,599 Speaker 3: We declare an armed truce. 466 00:29:41,000 --> 00:29:43,200 Speaker 1: But I'm not at war with you. Missus walls see 467 00:29:43,240 --> 00:29:43,839 for yourself. 468 00:29:44,200 --> 00:29:46,160 Speaker 3: Peace for the evening. 469 00:29:50,599 --> 00:29:54,720 Speaker 1: Dinner began with oysters on the half show, six enormous 470 00:29:54,759 --> 00:29:57,359 oysters for each of us. And I should be interested 471 00:29:57,400 --> 00:30:01,240 in your opinion of these Keiths, delivered by my favorite 472 00:30:01,279 --> 00:30:03,359 fisherman fresh from the beds this morning. 473 00:30:03,559 --> 00:30:07,960 Speaker 3: Colonel. Look, my horoscope said this would be a lucky day. 474 00:30:08,240 --> 00:30:09,920 Speaker 1: We'll bless my soul. 475 00:30:10,200 --> 00:30:13,039 Speaker 4: Noura has nothing on me. I found one too, but 476 00:30:13,119 --> 00:30:17,559 I suspect you, Colonel. Come on, confess all. 477 00:30:17,480 --> 00:30:22,319 Speaker 1: Right, I confess party favors. There's a pearl in every 478 00:30:22,359 --> 00:30:23,039 iceter show. 479 00:30:23,240 --> 00:30:26,920 Speaker 3: The rogue. I must say this is rather a good one. 480 00:30:27,000 --> 00:30:28,559 Nice she Oh, I. 481 00:30:28,759 --> 00:30:31,960 Speaker 4: Love them everyone they feel so good. 482 00:30:32,160 --> 00:30:33,960 Speaker 1: I thought the surprise was just for the ladies, but 483 00:30:34,039 --> 00:30:37,799 I see you included me. Very pretty colonel, let that 484 00:30:37,920 --> 00:30:41,359 be the beginning of your collection. I hope you won't 485 00:30:41,400 --> 00:30:44,559 mind if some of them are already pissed. You mean 486 00:30:44,640 --> 00:30:47,119 a pearl like this one has been removed from a string. Yes, 487 00:30:47,160 --> 00:30:50,240 that's right, part of my hobby. I seldom find a 488 00:30:50,279 --> 00:30:54,079 string that meets my standards for matchings. I rematch them 489 00:30:54,160 --> 00:30:57,319 and mix them. But come, let's finish our dinner so 490 00:30:57,359 --> 00:30:58,880 we can get on to the battle. 491 00:31:04,680 --> 00:31:05,759 Speaker 3: Right, I'll have to pass. 492 00:31:06,480 --> 00:31:10,440 Speaker 1: I say, three no trump? Well four hearts? 493 00:31:11,400 --> 00:31:14,400 Speaker 3: Five no trump? Barbara? Do you have a ring on 494 00:31:14,640 --> 00:31:18,319 every finger? Only on eight? I wish I could wear them, 495 00:31:19,039 --> 00:31:22,000 my poor crippled Oh shut up, Nora, you're just trying 496 00:31:22,039 --> 00:31:24,240 to distract me. I have a contract to make. 497 00:31:28,920 --> 00:31:31,920 Speaker 1: It was a cutthroat game, no question about it. Only 498 00:31:32,119 --> 00:31:35,920 strangely we were quite evenly matched. We played three rubbers, 499 00:31:35,960 --> 00:31:38,400 so I had my chance with each one as a partner. 500 00:31:38,920 --> 00:31:42,480 By this time we were on a first name basis. Well, 501 00:31:42,640 --> 00:31:45,799 that's it, and as usual, top honors go to the 502 00:31:45,880 --> 00:31:53,559 ladies in points, which Barbara's first and Norah followed by Bob, 503 00:31:54,400 --> 00:31:58,200 and as he's proper for a gracious host, I'm lost. 504 00:31:59,079 --> 00:32:01,359 It'd take a minute to figure out who is what here. 505 00:32:02,000 --> 00:32:04,039 Speaker 3: I think the prize should go to Robert and me 506 00:32:04,200 --> 00:32:08,000 for that last small slam. I wouldn't have dreamed that 507 00:32:08,200 --> 00:32:09,839 Leon and Gemini could work. 508 00:32:09,680 --> 00:32:14,240 Speaker 4: So well together. And tell me, mister, I mean Robert, 509 00:32:14,920 --> 00:32:18,279 never Bob. Isn't this some way you could find out 510 00:32:18,359 --> 00:32:19,759 the owl of your birth? 511 00:32:19,920 --> 00:32:20,000 Speaker 1: What? 512 00:32:20,319 --> 00:32:20,640 Speaker 3: Rubbi? 513 00:32:20,839 --> 00:32:23,000 Speaker 1: Well, if it will please you, miss Nora, I suppose 514 00:32:23,039 --> 00:32:25,079 I could write and ask my mother, will you do that? 515 00:32:25,720 --> 00:32:26,960 Speaker 3: It's very important. 516 00:32:27,880 --> 00:32:30,039 Speaker 1: Speaking of my mother, You've all given me a very 517 00:32:30,039 --> 00:32:32,480 good idea, but I'd like to send her. 518 00:32:32,319 --> 00:32:35,000 Speaker 3: A present, A present for your mother. 519 00:32:35,440 --> 00:32:38,880 Speaker 1: You'll think i'm sentimental. Many years ago, my dad gave 520 00:32:38,880 --> 00:32:42,359 her a string of pearls as an anniversary present, and 521 00:32:42,400 --> 00:32:45,000 they were her greatest treasure. It has been dead a 522 00:32:45,000 --> 00:32:47,759 long time now, and she was heartbroken when the pearls 523 00:32:47,759 --> 00:32:50,799 were stolen from her New York apartment. Oh well, we'll 524 00:32:50,799 --> 00:32:53,920 say no more. I'll fix you up. How much do 525 00:32:53,960 --> 00:32:55,799 you want to pay? But now, just a minute, Colonel, 526 00:32:55,960 --> 00:32:58,720 I'm afraid you deal in merchandise that's too rich for 527 00:32:58,799 --> 00:33:02,440 my blood. Talking about a simple string of cultured pearls 528 00:33:02,480 --> 00:33:04,799 couple of hundred dollars. Now you're on the right track. 529 00:33:05,000 --> 00:33:09,640 Speaker 3: Ridiculous. Excuse me, everybody, but I'm very tired. Time to 530 00:33:09,680 --> 00:33:10,079 go home. 531 00:33:10,200 --> 00:33:11,839 Speaker 1: I'll be happy to escort the ladies. 532 00:33:12,039 --> 00:33:12,839 Speaker 3: Don't bother with me. 533 00:33:13,359 --> 00:33:15,839 Speaker 4: Perhaps you're not aware that I've spent most of every 534 00:33:15,960 --> 00:33:18,279 night wandering around the island alone. 535 00:33:18,480 --> 00:33:20,839 Speaker 1: Oh, go with them, Barbara, will you'll have to help 536 00:33:20,880 --> 00:33:21,839 me with the dishes. 537 00:33:21,920 --> 00:33:22,400 Speaker 3: That does it. 538 00:33:26,839 --> 00:33:30,559 Speaker 1: Walking with Nora Babcock was a tortuous business, and I 539 00:33:30,640 --> 00:33:33,279 had a feeling she was in pain every step of 540 00:33:33,319 --> 00:33:36,400 the way. And we lost sight of Barbara, although she 541 00:33:36,440 --> 00:33:39,720 had an unsettling trick of appearing on the path, sometimes 542 00:33:39,759 --> 00:33:43,519 in front of us, sometimes behind when we reached the 543 00:33:43,599 --> 00:33:45,119 door of Nora's house. 544 00:33:46,759 --> 00:33:50,039 Speaker 3: She's out there somewhere, and I don't want her to hear. 545 00:33:51,359 --> 00:33:54,680 If you'll come to my house tomorrow afternoon, i'd like 546 00:33:54,759 --> 00:33:57,160 to talk to you about those pearls. 547 00:33:56,680 --> 00:34:01,559 Speaker 1: For your mother. Fine, what time around two o'clock. I 548 00:34:01,559 --> 00:34:02,400 can't be seeing you. 549 00:34:02,400 --> 00:34:05,400 Speaker 3: Good night, and now you may have the pleasure of 550 00:34:05,440 --> 00:34:06,319 seeing me home. 551 00:34:06,720 --> 00:34:10,559 Speaker 1: Oh uh, yeah, this is a pleasure and a surprise. 552 00:34:11,280 --> 00:34:13,119 Speaker 3: You want to know what I have against you, don't you? 553 00:34:13,480 --> 00:34:14,599 Speaker 1: I am curious. 554 00:34:15,000 --> 00:34:18,360 Speaker 4: Well, come to my house for nightcap, and I'll tell you. 555 00:34:24,679 --> 00:34:27,280 Speaker 1: What do you think of my pad exotic luxury. 556 00:34:28,039 --> 00:34:32,400 Speaker 3: You writers have away with words. You don't fit the pattern. 557 00:34:32,920 --> 00:34:34,119 Speaker 1: And what pattern is that? 558 00:34:35,320 --> 00:34:36,760 Speaker 3: Novelists? I despise. 559 00:34:36,960 --> 00:34:39,039 Speaker 1: Oh, come on, we're no different from anyone else. 560 00:34:39,119 --> 00:34:42,360 Speaker 4: My husband was a woman hater who wrote about women 561 00:34:42,400 --> 00:34:46,559 and knew nothing about them. Oh, that man crucified me 562 00:34:46,599 --> 00:34:51,840 in his books. I know you're different. I could tell 563 00:34:52,280 --> 00:34:57,960 from the way you talked about your mother. Come over here, 564 00:34:58,760 --> 00:35:08,639 said on the couch. That's better. Hold my hand. You know, 565 00:35:10,440 --> 00:35:12,559 you know it's been frantically dull around here. 566 00:35:13,679 --> 00:35:18,239 Speaker 1: Pretty hands. But don't your fingers get tired under all 567 00:35:18,239 --> 00:35:18,920 those rocks. 568 00:35:20,440 --> 00:35:23,360 Speaker 3: Take the rings off. It'll make you feel any more comfortable. 569 00:35:24,320 --> 00:35:33,880 Speaker 1: Let's see rubies, diamonds, sapphires. I suppose you'd never stoop 570 00:35:33,960 --> 00:35:36,119 to wearing something as simple as a pearl. 571 00:35:36,519 --> 00:35:39,039 Speaker 3: On the contrary, my most prized possession. 572 00:35:39,079 --> 00:35:43,159 Speaker 4: I own a string of priceless pearls over there in 573 00:35:43,159 --> 00:35:44,760 that velvet box. 574 00:35:45,239 --> 00:35:45,880 Speaker 1: May I see that? 575 00:35:47,039 --> 00:35:50,320 Speaker 4: I don't put them on display for just anybody. Oh, 576 00:35:52,239 --> 00:35:54,480 if you're a good boy, show them to you. 577 00:35:55,800 --> 00:35:58,480 Speaker 3: Here, let me freshen your drink. 578 00:35:59,199 --> 00:36:03,159 Speaker 1: You have some faston eating things in this room. That Buddha, 579 00:36:03,280 --> 00:36:07,159 for instance, it's carved from jade. And are these the 580 00:36:07,159 --> 00:36:10,639 pearls you said you'd show them to me. 581 00:36:11,000 --> 00:36:13,719 Speaker 3: It's locked and I have to get the key. 582 00:36:15,519 --> 00:36:21,320 Speaker 4: Oh yes, Bob, I said, I'd show you the pearls 583 00:36:22,119 --> 00:36:27,559 if you're a good boy, and I will to morrow morning, 584 00:36:29,119 --> 00:36:30,480 after you spent the night. 585 00:36:35,840 --> 00:36:38,719 Speaker 1: When I was having breakfast next morning in the sunshine 586 00:36:38,760 --> 00:36:42,239 on my deck, Yes, I was alone. I had not 587 00:36:42,400 --> 00:36:46,239 spent the night with Barbara Walsh. In my line of work, 588 00:36:46,320 --> 00:36:50,079 it has to be business before pleasure. There was no 589 00:36:50,159 --> 00:36:54,280 need to accept a bride. You see. When I picked 590 00:36:54,320 --> 00:36:58,480 up that purple velvet jewel box, it was light as 591 00:36:58,519 --> 00:37:04,199 a feather. But as I was saying while eating breakfast, well, 592 00:37:04,360 --> 00:37:07,440 good morning, you're a late rise. I went to a 593 00:37:07,440 --> 00:37:09,840 big party last night. Colonel. Come on, have a cup 594 00:37:09,880 --> 00:37:13,920 of coffee. I brought you something. I don't pay any 595 00:37:13,920 --> 00:37:16,360 attention to the looks of the box. The velvet's worn, 596 00:37:17,119 --> 00:37:21,000 it's been around for a while. It's what's inside that counts. 597 00:37:21,800 --> 00:37:24,800 I'd be glad to sell you the pearls open the 598 00:37:24,800 --> 00:37:31,280 box beautiful. Well, these are not the ones we were 599 00:37:31,280 --> 00:37:33,639 talking about last night. I mean this is a double 600 00:37:33,760 --> 00:37:38,239 strand obviously far more expensively. I know, I know it 601 00:37:38,320 --> 00:37:41,000 can be sold for several thousand dollars some day, but 602 00:37:41,079 --> 00:37:43,840 my price to you still stay on. No, no, no, colonel, 603 00:37:43,840 --> 00:37:46,639 I just can't accept it. My good man. I'm offering 604 00:37:46,679 --> 00:37:49,199 you the kind of bargain that comes once in a lifetime, 605 00:37:49,400 --> 00:37:52,199 but it'll never do for my mother. Don't you have 606 00:37:52,280 --> 00:37:55,440 something else? Yes, of course I do. I thought I 607 00:37:55,480 --> 00:37:59,039 owed you a favor. You owe me nothing. Please, Colonel, 608 00:37:59,119 --> 00:38:01,119 if you'll let me go to your house, perhaps you 609 00:38:01,159 --> 00:38:04,000 could show me another string. That would be I show 610 00:38:04,039 --> 00:38:09,800 you nothing right now, Good mornings. The colonel stopped off, 611 00:38:09,800 --> 00:38:11,960 and I knew I would have to change my approach 612 00:38:12,000 --> 00:38:14,519 if I wanted to look at his collection. And I 613 00:38:14,599 --> 00:38:17,199 think about that later, because my next appointment was with 614 00:38:17,320 --> 00:38:18,199 Nora Badcock. 615 00:38:18,599 --> 00:38:22,480 Speaker 3: Come in, Robert. Didn't we have a good time last night? 616 00:38:22,840 --> 00:38:25,639 Speaker 1: You can be my bridge partner anytime. 617 00:38:25,719 --> 00:38:32,519 Speaker 3: That's very sweet. I meant to ask you, how did 618 00:38:32,559 --> 00:38:34,079 you like my oyster stew? 619 00:38:34,239 --> 00:38:36,440 Speaker 1: Well? The taste was superb. 620 00:38:35,960 --> 00:38:38,840 Speaker 3: But didn't it help you to go to sleep? 621 00:38:40,119 --> 00:38:43,679 Speaker 1: Look a level with you, Miss b You put something. 622 00:38:43,400 --> 00:38:47,119 Speaker 4: In that stewdent you Oh, the usual dash of chili 623 00:38:47,159 --> 00:38:49,679 sawso and plenty of rich green No. 624 00:38:49,679 --> 00:38:55,960 Speaker 1: I mean I mean something, something bad. I don't understand 625 00:38:56,400 --> 00:38:58,119 that STU made me deathly ill. 626 00:38:59,000 --> 00:39:01,920 Speaker 3: Why I wanted you to sleep well after your accidents. 627 00:39:01,960 --> 00:39:04,599 So I did put in a drop or two of 628 00:39:04,639 --> 00:39:09,239 my sedatives, the kind that helps me, from one of 629 00:39:09,280 --> 00:39:14,079 those bottles. Perhaps it shouldn't have been combined with the seafood. 630 00:39:14,360 --> 00:39:16,679 Speaker 1: Perhaps I thought you were trying to poison me. 631 00:39:17,920 --> 00:39:21,039 Speaker 4: Could you have such thoughts about a poor old lady? 632 00:39:21,119 --> 00:39:22,239 Speaker 1: I take them all back. 633 00:39:24,239 --> 00:39:26,000 Speaker 3: When is your mother's birthday? 634 00:39:26,920 --> 00:39:28,559 Speaker 1: It's in June, like yours. 635 00:39:28,840 --> 00:39:32,400 Speaker 3: I knew it. I knew it. My pearls were a 636 00:39:32,480 --> 00:39:36,519 present and nothing would please me more than giving them 637 00:39:37,000 --> 00:39:37,760 to a Gemini. 638 00:39:37,960 --> 00:39:40,400 Speaker 1: Well that's very generous of you, but I please. 639 00:39:40,159 --> 00:39:43,599 Speaker 3: Get the pearls for me. Robert on that cabinet over there. Okay, 640 00:39:44,000 --> 00:39:45,840 you'll find the box is rather heavy. 641 00:39:46,760 --> 00:39:48,920 Speaker 1: You say, these pearls were given to you. 642 00:39:49,079 --> 00:39:53,760 Speaker 4: Yes, yes, by the dear lady who lived in your cottage. 643 00:39:54,199 --> 00:39:57,039 Speaker 3: I don't care of a poor thing. And before she 644 00:39:57,159 --> 00:40:01,679 died she gave me her dearest treasure. Open the box 645 00:40:01,719 --> 00:40:02,760 and tell me what you think. 646 00:40:05,039 --> 00:40:06,119 Speaker 1: I think they're perfect. 647 00:40:06,559 --> 00:40:10,559 Speaker 3: Oh, you don't know the best part. These pearls have 648 00:40:10,599 --> 00:40:14,800 a magical quality. Just wait until you see what happens 649 00:40:14,800 --> 00:40:18,039 to them at night. Pick them up, examine them. 650 00:40:19,320 --> 00:40:21,119 Speaker 1: I like the way they look against the satin. 651 00:40:21,800 --> 00:40:24,719 Speaker 4: Oh, how I love them. 652 00:40:25,199 --> 00:40:28,840 Speaker 1: No, Just when do you wear these pearls? 653 00:40:28,880 --> 00:40:32,000 Speaker 3: Oh they're not for wearing, at least not for me. 654 00:40:33,280 --> 00:40:37,039 I like to fondle them, and before my hands got 655 00:40:37,159 --> 00:40:41,320 so so bad, I use them the way the Greeks. 656 00:40:41,360 --> 00:40:46,199 Do you know worry beads. I've often taken them to 657 00:40:46,239 --> 00:40:46,800 bed with me. 658 00:40:48,559 --> 00:40:50,719 Speaker 1: These hands of yours, it's not my hands. 659 00:40:51,719 --> 00:40:54,760 Speaker 3: You see how hard it is for me to get around. 660 00:40:54,840 --> 00:40:57,480 Speaker 1: Yes, I know. Have you been to a doctor? 661 00:40:57,599 --> 00:41:01,800 Speaker 4: Values I have my medicines, though they don't do much good. 662 00:41:02,079 --> 00:41:04,800 Speaker 1: I know a fine doctor in Honolulu. I think he 663 00:41:04,840 --> 00:41:07,480 can help you. Will you let me take you to him? Oh? 664 00:41:07,480 --> 00:41:11,199 Speaker 3: I couldn't let you do that. Robert knocking the stars? 665 00:41:11,639 --> 00:41:14,760 How many times have I told you? I've been warned 666 00:41:14,800 --> 00:41:15,280 never to. 667 00:41:15,280 --> 00:41:19,000 Speaker 1: Trust to Leo look Norah for reasons. I won't trouble 668 00:41:19,039 --> 00:41:21,519 you with them. Then, of course I wouldn't want the 669 00:41:21,559 --> 00:41:24,920 Colonel or Barbara to know I am not the person 670 00:41:24,960 --> 00:41:28,639 I've pretended to be. Would it make any difference to 671 00:41:28,719 --> 00:41:31,000 you if I told you I was actually born on 672 00:41:31,119 --> 00:41:32,440 January the second? 673 00:41:32,719 --> 00:41:35,719 Speaker 3: Why all the difference in the world. 674 00:41:35,880 --> 00:41:38,440 Speaker 1: I should have known we. 675 00:41:38,239 --> 00:41:40,920 Speaker 3: Were destined to be friends from the very beginning. 676 00:41:41,000 --> 00:41:46,760 Speaker 1: Mister Keith, Yes, just Keith, that's my real first name. 677 00:41:48,239 --> 00:41:51,840 Speaker 3: I'll go with you wherever you want me to go. 678 00:41:57,239 --> 00:41:58,360 Speaker 1: Case closed. 679 00:41:59,199 --> 00:42:03,760 Speaker 2: Miss Babcock's destiny was not written in the stars, even 680 00:42:03,800 --> 00:42:07,159 though she went to her grave believing it was. The 681 00:42:07,239 --> 00:42:11,519 deadly pearls were taken out of circulation, and ra Babcock 682 00:42:11,639 --> 00:42:15,360 was given the best of care in a hospital where 683 00:42:15,360 --> 00:42:17,239 they did what they could to ease the pain. 684 00:42:17,400 --> 00:42:20,079 Speaker 1: During the short time she had left to live. 685 00:42:20,920 --> 00:42:24,079 Speaker 2: It was thought best not to shatter her dream, so 686 00:42:24,119 --> 00:42:27,920 she never knew that Keith Spencer was an orphan, or 687 00:42:27,960 --> 00:42:31,719 that her treasured pearls had been anything but a comfort. 688 00:42:32,519 --> 00:42:33,519 Speaker 1: I'll be back shortly. 689 00:42:45,119 --> 00:42:47,880 Speaker 2: Keith Spencer found a good deal more on that island 690 00:42:48,119 --> 00:42:51,559 than the missing pearls. He stepped into the lives of 691 00:42:51,639 --> 00:42:55,360 three people whose philosophies did not agree with his, Yet 692 00:42:55,360 --> 00:42:59,159 with each he had at least one point of mutual understanding. 693 00:43:00,400 --> 00:43:03,760 Our mystery was solved with the apprehension of a victim 694 00:43:03,840 --> 00:43:08,280 rather than a culprit. Our cast included Kate Reid, Paul Hect, 695 00:43:08,320 --> 00:43:12,519 Grace Matthews and Court Benson. The entire production was under 696 00:43:12,519 --> 00:43:13,840 the direction of Hyman Brown. 697 00:43:14,039 --> 00:43:14,599 Speaker 1: This is e g. 698 00:43:14,800 --> 00:43:18,039 Speaker 2: Marshall inviting you to return to our Mystery Theater for 699 00:43:18,119 --> 00:44:06,199 another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant dreams.