1 00:00:00,280 --> 00:00:24,920 Speaker 1: The CBS Radio Mystery Theater Presents. Come in, Welcome. I'm 2 00:00:25,079 --> 00:00:28,719 g Marshall. We have a story to tell you which 3 00:00:28,760 --> 00:00:31,199 will take you back in time to a period when 4 00:00:31,239 --> 00:00:34,479 our country was very young, and the country from which 5 00:00:34,520 --> 00:00:40,000 we separated was centuries old. One reason we are Americans 6 00:00:40,359 --> 00:00:43,600 and not Englishmen is that King George the Third was 7 00:00:43,679 --> 00:00:48,679 mad periodically during his early years on the throne, continuously 8 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:53,200 for the last eleven This eleven year period, known as 9 00:00:53,240 --> 00:00:56,960 the Regency, provides us with the background for the story 10 00:00:57,000 --> 00:01:01,399 that follows. And I must confess maria gratitude seemed very 11 00:01:01,439 --> 00:01:02,079 odd to me. 12 00:01:02,640 --> 00:01:08,920 Speaker 2: It was odd, doctor, unless you understand, understand and accept 13 00:01:09,680 --> 00:01:15,239 her ability to remove herself from this world, remove her health. 14 00:01:16,480 --> 00:01:19,439 Speaker 1: I don't know anyway that that can be done until 15 00:01:19,480 --> 00:01:20,599 death does it for us. 16 00:01:20,920 --> 00:01:24,480 Speaker 3: She says, it's very like death, but a very happy thing. 17 00:01:25,480 --> 00:01:28,159 Speaker 1: It would be pleasant, wouldn't it to think of death 18 00:01:28,239 --> 00:01:32,120 as a happy thing, at least for the one who died? 19 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:35,760 Speaker 2: But I fancy it is, doctor. It's those who must 20 00:01:35,799 --> 00:01:38,560 live on who suffer, wouldn't you say? 21 00:01:47,599 --> 00:01:51,879 Speaker 1: Our mystery drama The Climbing Boy was written especially for 22 00:01:51,920 --> 00:01:56,480 the Mystery Theater by Elspeth, Eric and Stars. Marion Sodis. 23 00:01:57,079 --> 00:02:00,719 It is sponsored in part by newick Moor Division. I'll 24 00:02:00,760 --> 00:02:17,159 be back shortly with that one. The Regent, who was 25 00:02:17,199 --> 00:02:19,800 not to become George the Fourth till the death of 26 00:02:19,800 --> 00:02:23,520 his mad father in eighteen twenty, was not a wicked man, 27 00:02:23,840 --> 00:02:26,759 nor even a malicious one. It was simply that he 28 00:02:26,879 --> 00:02:30,719 lived exclusively for his own pleasure, and in so doing 29 00:02:31,199 --> 00:02:34,960 set the lifestyle for most Englishmen, at least for those 30 00:02:34,960 --> 00:02:38,439 who could afford it. One who could not afford it 31 00:02:38,520 --> 00:02:39,199 tells us. 32 00:02:39,120 --> 00:02:45,199 Speaker 2: Why had it not been for the deep and abiding 33 00:02:45,199 --> 00:02:48,680 affection I bore Lady Emily. I should never have accepted 34 00:02:48,680 --> 00:02:52,639 her invitation to spend a fortnight at Feathers. I despised 35 00:02:52,680 --> 00:02:56,360 Lord Hollander, and I'm sure he thoroughly reciprocated my feeling. 36 00:02:57,400 --> 00:03:00,599 But her invitation carried more I felt than a desire 37 00:03:00,639 --> 00:03:03,960 to enjoy my company. It held a note of desperation. 38 00:03:05,319 --> 00:03:08,360 I hope, my dear Maria, you will not be put 39 00:03:08,400 --> 00:03:11,319 off by the fact that Lord and Lady Agramont will 40 00:03:11,360 --> 00:03:15,080 also be I guess it is nothing new for Rodney 41 00:03:15,120 --> 00:03:18,199 to bring his mistress into our home, and this time 42 00:03:18,639 --> 00:03:22,520 give the audacity to invite her husband as well. You 43 00:03:22,599 --> 00:03:25,879 know what a foolish, foppish man, Lord Agramont is to 44 00:03:26,000 --> 00:03:29,199 have to sit by and witness Rodney's dalliance with Hester 45 00:03:29,360 --> 00:03:32,479 is bad enough to listen to William's inanities. It is 46 00:03:32,560 --> 00:03:35,560 more than I can endure. And so it was that 47 00:03:35,639 --> 00:03:42,000 I grimly packed my portmanteau and took the coach to Feathers. Maria, Maria, 48 00:03:42,400 --> 00:03:44,599 prod of you to come only for you, my dear, 49 00:03:44,639 --> 00:03:48,360 would I? Oh, Maria, come upstairs and I show you 50 00:03:48,400 --> 00:03:51,599 to your room. Just leave your portmanteau. Tipson will bring 51 00:03:51,639 --> 00:03:57,800 it up, or somebody will come on. Here's your room 52 00:03:58,159 --> 00:04:02,919 right next to mine. Oh oh, it's lovely. Well it's 53 00:04:02,960 --> 00:04:05,639 a bit on the chair side right now, so it's 54 00:04:05,680 --> 00:04:08,439 the whole house for that matter. But Rodney's having the 55 00:04:08,520 --> 00:04:11,240 chimney swept out this morning, and once that's done, we'll 56 00:04:11,280 --> 00:04:13,879 have a great roaring fire going for it. Oh that'll 57 00:04:13,919 --> 00:04:17,079 be lovely. Oh, Maria. I know I'm not giving you 58 00:04:17,160 --> 00:04:19,920 time to settle in or anything, but I had to 59 00:04:19,959 --> 00:04:23,120 talk to you privately. You're the only one I can 60 00:04:23,240 --> 00:04:27,040 talk to. You're my only friend. Really, Emily, dear, don't 61 00:04:27,160 --> 00:04:29,959 urgitate yourself. So of course, you can talk to me, 62 00:04:30,120 --> 00:04:33,079 but I haven't even asked you if you're hungry, if 63 00:04:33,079 --> 00:04:35,399 you want a cup of tea or anything at letter 64 00:04:35,480 --> 00:04:39,720 you're trembling, now, what is it? Of course you you 65 00:04:39,879 --> 00:04:42,920 know how things are between Rodney and me. Yes, I 66 00:04:43,000 --> 00:04:47,480 have some idea, not good hester agramont. She's only the 67 00:04:47,600 --> 00:04:50,720 latest in the long line of mistress's. He's head her 68 00:04:50,800 --> 00:04:53,279 husband doesn't seem to chair and to bring them both 69 00:04:53,319 --> 00:04:57,040 into this house only for the weekend, but that it 70 00:04:57,120 --> 00:05:00,959 should be this weekend, Maria. It's just a year ago 71 00:05:01,079 --> 00:05:05,839 that it happens, you mean, Peter, that we lost him. 72 00:05:06,279 --> 00:05:09,639 Rodney hasn't approached me since that. I hadn't wanted him to. 73 00:05:10,519 --> 00:05:13,639 Oh it's not because he's breathing for our son. Oh no, 74 00:05:13,800 --> 00:05:18,120 it's not that. It's because he's become well, let's say, 75 00:05:18,519 --> 00:05:23,600 weary of me, weary of my spells. He dislikes them intensely. 76 00:05:23,879 --> 00:05:26,800 What spells? You don't have spell alway as I do. 77 00:05:27,600 --> 00:05:31,879 Rodney's right about that, my dead spells, he calls them. 78 00:05:32,240 --> 00:05:36,000 And that's not at all a poor description either, for 79 00:05:36,160 --> 00:05:39,360 I feel very close to death during those spells, Emily, 80 00:05:39,519 --> 00:05:43,920 come mean now I do, But it's a happy feeling. 81 00:05:44,000 --> 00:05:46,959 Believe me, it is that it can be. What on 82 00:05:47,000 --> 00:05:49,959 earth you talking about? It's not a physical death, Maria. 83 00:05:50,759 --> 00:05:55,839 During the spells, I'm here all right, I talk, walk, eat, drink, 84 00:05:56,399 --> 00:06:00,240 and order the servants about and plan meals, all the 85 00:06:00,279 --> 00:06:04,920 things I always do. Only part of me isn't here 86 00:06:04,959 --> 00:06:09,399 at all. Well where is it? I don't know precisely, 87 00:06:10,800 --> 00:06:13,920 but not here? How long has this been going on? 88 00:06:14,759 --> 00:06:19,959 Since Peter died or since shortly after poor little boy? 89 00:06:20,920 --> 00:06:23,720 He was only five years old, Maria, I know, and 90 00:06:23,839 --> 00:06:29,519 I suppose it's in my my dead spells. I'm trying 91 00:06:29,560 --> 00:06:33,639 to be with Peter. I have the feeling that he 92 00:06:33,759 --> 00:06:34,199 needs me. 93 00:06:34,720 --> 00:06:35,720 Speaker 3: And you say this has. 94 00:06:35,639 --> 00:06:37,959 Speaker 2: Been going on for a whole year. Well, the first 95 00:06:37,959 --> 00:06:41,240 one was just under a year ago. I didn't know 96 00:06:41,279 --> 00:06:43,639 what to make of it. I didn't mean to do it, 97 00:06:43,839 --> 00:06:48,480 not the first time. I can go off now any 98 00:06:48,600 --> 00:06:53,439 time I want to. You you want to? You do 99 00:06:53,519 --> 00:06:58,160 it on purpose, oh, Maria, Yes, when I can't bear 100 00:06:58,199 --> 00:07:01,920 it here any longer. It's it's wonderful to have some 101 00:07:02,040 --> 00:07:05,720 place to go. I've ground you that there are times 102 00:07:05,720 --> 00:07:09,639 when I'd like a place to go. But Emily, where 103 00:07:09,720 --> 00:07:14,680 is it that you go. I don't know. Perhaps I 104 00:07:14,759 --> 00:07:18,800 do now, but I I can't talk about it. And 105 00:07:18,959 --> 00:07:23,439 in another world. Who my body is here? My body 106 00:07:23,600 --> 00:07:31,839 with all its faculties, sight, speech, hearing the essence of myself. 107 00:07:33,199 --> 00:07:36,439 It's somewhere else. You make it sound like some sort 108 00:07:36,480 --> 00:07:44,680 of mystical experience. Perhaps it is, Emily. Tell me something when. 109 00:07:44,480 --> 00:07:46,720 Speaker 3: You when you. 110 00:07:47,600 --> 00:07:54,000 Speaker 2: Go somewhace else and yet your body stays here? Yes, well, 111 00:07:55,000 --> 00:07:59,240 can can it? Can you be seen? Is there something, 112 00:08:00,040 --> 00:08:02,759 I mean as there something of you that can be recognized? 113 00:08:03,480 --> 00:08:08,639 I'm not quite sure. One time, when I went off 114 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:11,680 in the middle of the night, Rodney swear as he 115 00:08:11,759 --> 00:08:15,839 saw a ghost wandering across the lawn, the ghost of 116 00:08:15,879 --> 00:08:20,199 a woman, he said, with long dark hair trailing down 117 00:08:20,240 --> 00:08:24,839 her back nearly to her knees, as yours does. Oh 118 00:08:25,839 --> 00:08:29,399 you and I know there are no ghost. And that night, 119 00:08:29,800 --> 00:08:33,519 being so put out by Rodney's teasing, I know I 120 00:08:33,600 --> 00:08:37,960 wanted him to see me, wanted it intensely that he 121 00:08:38,000 --> 00:08:42,960 should see and understand. I could leave him any time 122 00:08:43,039 --> 00:08:48,000 I wanted to, in the spirit, if not in the flesh. Oh, Emily, 123 00:08:48,039 --> 00:08:50,759 I do hope you know what you're about. I'm able 124 00:08:50,799 --> 00:08:57,200 to live Maria otherwise of the words what who knows? 125 00:08:57,679 --> 00:08:59,679 Speaker 3: Emma vera? 126 00:09:00,360 --> 00:09:01,519 Speaker 2: Yes, who is it? 127 00:09:02,120 --> 00:09:02,480 Speaker 3: William? 128 00:09:02,600 --> 00:09:07,399 Speaker 2: Mother? Is it all right? And of course come in William. 129 00:09:08,159 --> 00:09:10,240 Speaker 3: Ah Tipson said, I might find your here. 130 00:09:10,480 --> 00:09:12,919 Speaker 2: Do you remember, Maria? True William? 131 00:09:13,399 --> 00:09:16,000 Speaker 3: Oh yeah, that's how I o Maria very well? 132 00:09:16,039 --> 00:09:16,320 Speaker 2: And you. 133 00:09:17,919 --> 00:09:20,399 Speaker 1: For I heck about the countryside for an hour of 134 00:09:20,399 --> 00:09:23,159 her nunsion? What you might come with me? Emily hate 135 00:09:23,159 --> 00:09:23,840 to ride alone? 136 00:09:24,080 --> 00:09:26,679 Speaker 2: I'm afraid not. There's so much to be done here. 137 00:09:26,960 --> 00:09:31,120 Speaker 3: Oh, Maria, I don't ride. Ah, that's a pity. 138 00:09:31,200 --> 00:09:33,639 Speaker 2: Well why don't you ask Rodney to accompany you. I'm 139 00:09:33,679 --> 00:09:34,519 sure he'd love. 140 00:09:34,480 --> 00:09:38,879 Speaker 3: To, he would, but he's otherways engaged. Oh, oh, not 141 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:41,639 what you think, my dear. No, now, his time's being 142 00:09:41,639 --> 00:09:45,480 taken up by some local fellow name of Hardy. 143 00:09:45,720 --> 00:09:49,600 Speaker 1: I believe Hardy had two small boys with him. 144 00:09:49,720 --> 00:09:52,799 Speaker 2: But that Harding the chimney sweep. 145 00:09:53,200 --> 00:09:56,840 Speaker 1: Yes, yes, I believe there was some talk about cleaning 146 00:09:56,879 --> 00:09:57,799 our chimneys. 147 00:09:57,960 --> 00:09:59,639 Speaker 2: But we have a machine for doing that. 148 00:10:00,039 --> 00:10:02,679 Speaker 1: All right, I'm off the stables. See you at the 149 00:10:02,720 --> 00:10:03,559 lonesome tables? 150 00:10:05,240 --> 00:10:08,960 Speaker 2: Can't be He kind of called in Harding we have 151 00:10:09,000 --> 00:10:12,679 a machine. I never heard of a machine for sweeping chimneys. Well, 152 00:10:12,919 --> 00:10:17,240 it isn't really a machine. It's a very very long brush. 153 00:10:17,519 --> 00:10:20,480 You can reach way up the chimney with it. I 154 00:10:20,519 --> 00:10:23,759 had one sent down from London only last week. Well, 155 00:10:23,840 --> 00:10:27,320 let's go downstairs and see what's happening. Yeah. I can't 156 00:10:27,360 --> 00:10:30,559 bear the thought of using these climbing boys. They're so young. 157 00:10:31,240 --> 00:10:33,360 They have to be at least at eight years of age. 158 00:10:33,399 --> 00:10:35,600 That's a law, but they shouldn't be used at all. 159 00:10:36,200 --> 00:10:39,159 There should be a lot of that ef. The Select 160 00:10:39,200 --> 00:10:41,840 Committee has just failed for the third time to pass 161 00:10:41,840 --> 00:10:44,360 a bill like that. It was laughed down in the 162 00:10:44,399 --> 00:10:49,519 House of Lords. Knockdown. What was there to laugh at? Oh? 163 00:10:49,600 --> 00:10:53,519 Someone made what they considered a very funny speech saying 164 00:10:53,519 --> 00:10:56,159 that the climbing boys were like a dose of kalamel 165 00:10:56,440 --> 00:11:02,080 prescribed by a doctor to clean out the system. Notty, 166 00:11:02,120 --> 00:11:05,600 what's going on? I won't not in my house. 167 00:11:05,799 --> 00:11:11,039 Speaker 1: Up you go, my boy, he's you're at this mile Rodney. 168 00:11:11,080 --> 00:11:14,960 Speaker 2: Whatever are you doing? Why aren't you using the long crush? 169 00:11:15,440 --> 00:11:19,879 Speaker 1: Why go past? Semi honey? You sware to me tips 170 00:11:19,919 --> 00:11:22,120 and flatly refused to use the brush. And what was 171 00:11:22,159 --> 00:11:22,519 I to do? 172 00:11:22,759 --> 00:11:26,360 Speaker 2: You could have used it yourself myself. Oh come, you 173 00:11:26,519 --> 00:11:29,320 promised no climbing boy would enter this house. 174 00:11:30,039 --> 00:11:32,600 Speaker 3: Can't you hustle him up a bit harding? He's only 175 00:11:32,639 --> 00:11:34,480 gone up about six feet and stop there? 176 00:11:34,759 --> 00:11:35,720 Speaker 2: What are you going to do? 177 00:11:36,559 --> 00:11:37,559 Speaker 3: Nothing too? Girls? 178 00:11:37,639 --> 00:11:43,000 Speaker 1: Take lady Oranda nearby, knop one out what I'm giving 179 00:11:43,039 --> 00:11:45,960 this aliboy? Pin my idiot coming pitch on earth for 180 00:11:46,399 --> 00:11:48,519 I mean, go up after the little run and give 181 00:11:48,600 --> 00:11:50,360 him a few jags with a pig. 182 00:11:52,000 --> 00:11:52,639 Speaker 2: On feature. 183 00:11:52,759 --> 00:11:53,799 Speaker 3: He had a movie more. 184 00:11:54,559 --> 00:11:55,840 Speaker 2: You can't you can't? 185 00:11:55,919 --> 00:11:58,320 Speaker 3: All right? Oh yeah, well you hit a few jabs 186 00:11:58,360 --> 00:12:01,080 with the pick and do you not take any moving 187 00:12:01,159 --> 00:12:02,720 on up? You know we can. 188 00:12:02,799 --> 00:12:04,159 Speaker 2: Believe what I'm seeing? 189 00:12:04,840 --> 00:12:06,080 Speaker 3: Now? Are you going up there? 190 00:12:08,600 --> 00:12:08,720 Speaker 2: Now? 191 00:12:08,879 --> 00:12:09,240 Speaker 3: Looker? 192 00:12:09,759 --> 00:12:10,320 Speaker 2: What mover? 193 00:12:11,120 --> 00:12:12,440 Speaker 3: Well, I'm off. 194 00:12:12,559 --> 00:12:17,080 Speaker 1: Nobody wants a bit of a cross country right, we're basy, William. 195 00:12:18,000 --> 00:12:20,559 You're having a bit of trouble as over there with 196 00:12:20,639 --> 00:12:25,039 the climbing bars. Everyone wants new torture. Got up a 197 00:12:25,039 --> 00:12:29,440 few feet more march buday. Well, I've got a way 198 00:12:29,480 --> 00:12:33,440 to fix that, saw Donald. Lady Millburn's a week ago, William? 199 00:12:33,519 --> 00:12:34,399 Speaker 2: What are you doing? 200 00:12:34,919 --> 00:12:37,399 Speaker 1: I've got a little bit of hay here. I was 201 00:12:37,440 --> 00:12:39,039 saving it to give to my horse. 202 00:12:39,320 --> 00:12:42,559 Speaker 2: You're not liking you cross. 203 00:12:44,000 --> 00:12:46,639 Speaker 3: Now let's set a little something. Let's see what we've 204 00:12:46,759 --> 00:12:56,399 got here. Here's a few pages from London. Lett it bluf. 205 00:12:56,600 --> 00:12:59,320 Speaker 1: If he doesn't want his teek burnt to a christ, 206 00:13:03,840 --> 00:13:05,960 go to your Rulely. 207 00:13:07,120 --> 00:13:07,879 Speaker 3: Is he moving? 208 00:13:08,080 --> 00:13:16,840 Speaker 4: Oh he must be god he found Oh my god, Oh, 209 00:13:16,840 --> 00:13:19,639 poor boy. 210 00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:31,759 Speaker 1: Man's inhumanity to man all true, dear listener. And it 211 00:13:31,840 --> 00:13:35,759 all happened just this way. Yes, small boys who had 212 00:13:35,799 --> 00:13:39,559 no one to protect them, no parents, no friends, no 213 00:13:39,639 --> 00:13:44,360 one who cared, and no government. So it went in 214 00:13:44,440 --> 00:13:47,080 merry England during the reign of the Prince of Pleasure. 215 00:13:48,080 --> 00:14:03,639 I'll be back shortly with that too. The last we 216 00:14:03,759 --> 00:14:06,679 heard from our climbing boy was not a spoken word. 217 00:14:07,559 --> 00:14:10,879 Indeed we have yet to hear him speak at all. No, 218 00:14:11,000 --> 00:14:13,879 it was a sound of his small body crashing down 219 00:14:13,919 --> 00:14:17,799 the chimney of Lord Rodney Hollander's country estate, after pins 220 00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:20,759 had been stuck into his dangling legs in an effort 221 00:14:20,759 --> 00:14:23,200 to force him further up the chimney, and as a 222 00:14:23,279 --> 00:14:27,320 last resort, a fire had been lighted beneath him. Now 223 00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:30,840 it is an hour later, and luncheon is being served. 224 00:14:32,360 --> 00:14:35,759 Speaker 3: Well everly she should be here as she's upstairs, I 225 00:14:35,840 --> 00:14:40,120 believe doing what I believe. She's with the boy the 226 00:14:40,159 --> 00:14:41,200 climbing bar. 227 00:14:41,480 --> 00:14:44,440 Speaker 2: The one who fell down the chimney. He didn't fall, 228 00:14:44,480 --> 00:14:47,440 He simply let go and dropped. Why didn't she send 229 00:14:47,519 --> 00:14:50,080 him home with harding? I believe she's giving him a 230 00:14:50,120 --> 00:14:53,080 bath of what a bath? 231 00:14:53,840 --> 00:14:54,600 Speaker 3: You said? A bath? 232 00:14:55,960 --> 00:14:56,759 Speaker 2: Whatever wore? 233 00:14:57,360 --> 00:15:00,919 Speaker 1: I've always on the Soviet time, A boys never be 234 00:15:01,720 --> 00:15:03,159 It makes sense now, doesn't it. 235 00:15:03,360 --> 00:15:08,440 Speaker 3: You will excuse me upstairs, but there's a saddle of 236 00:15:08,559 --> 00:15:09,720 mutton coming, Marie. 237 00:15:09,799 --> 00:15:12,039 Speaker 2: I've had enough. Thank you. I'll be with Emily. 238 00:15:13,440 --> 00:15:16,360 Speaker 3: I'm not sure madas a sort of friend, Emily should 239 00:15:16,440 --> 00:15:21,559 cultivate Rodney. I know what can I do? Emily is 240 00:15:21,679 --> 00:15:22,960 very set in her ways. 241 00:15:32,960 --> 00:15:35,879 Speaker 2: Dear boy, I'm going to have to let your soak 242 00:15:35,919 --> 00:15:39,679 in the warm water. The dirt is ground into your skin. 243 00:15:41,320 --> 00:15:43,159 I'm afraid to scrub any harder. 244 00:15:44,919 --> 00:15:45,679 Speaker 3: Just sit here? 245 00:15:46,320 --> 00:15:57,279 Speaker 2: May I thank you? What's your name? M You don't know? 246 00:15:58,679 --> 00:16:00,200 Is that what you're trying to tell me? 247 00:16:01,720 --> 00:16:02,039 Speaker 1: It is? 248 00:16:03,440 --> 00:16:03,679 Speaker 3: Well? 249 00:16:04,440 --> 00:16:07,000 Speaker 2: Why don't we give you a name? Would you like that? 250 00:16:08,799 --> 00:16:11,720 How would you like to be called? Well? 251 00:16:12,879 --> 00:16:14,360 Speaker 3: How about Peter? 252 00:16:15,679 --> 00:16:18,799 Speaker 2: Do you like that? For a name. What you do, 253 00:16:20,120 --> 00:16:24,919 then we shall call you Peter. Peter shall be your name, 254 00:16:25,320 --> 00:16:30,840 very uh, Maria, I was just talking to the boy here. 255 00:16:31,559 --> 00:16:34,519 He's not very talkative himself, but I expect that because 256 00:16:34,519 --> 00:16:38,840 he's shy. Are you shy? Peter? I don't think he 257 00:16:38,960 --> 00:16:41,440 knows the word. Oh, there's so much he doesn't know. 258 00:16:42,320 --> 00:16:43,159 Speaker 3: Uh, Peter. 259 00:16:44,200 --> 00:16:46,080 Speaker 2: If that's to be your name for the time being, 260 00:16:46,120 --> 00:16:49,120 at least, how old are you? Yes, darling? 261 00:16:49,879 --> 00:16:52,879 Speaker 3: How old do you know? I? 262 00:16:54,559 --> 00:17:01,759 Speaker 2: You're eight years old? Yes? Eight? Hurria, I don't believe it. 263 00:17:02,559 --> 00:17:07,759 Fight Look that tiny body. He's not a choose old. 264 00:17:08,240 --> 00:17:11,200 He looks more to be like five or even four. 265 00:17:11,519 --> 00:17:17,759 His occupation does not encourage growth. However, you're not really 266 00:17:18,160 --> 00:17:19,559 eighty years old, are. 267 00:17:19,440 --> 00:17:20,440 Speaker 3: You, Peter? Yes? 268 00:17:20,799 --> 00:17:21,599 Speaker 2: I I. 269 00:17:22,480 --> 00:17:23,680 Speaker 3: He's just been told. 270 00:17:23,400 --> 00:17:26,799 Speaker 2: To say that, threatened. Probably he's about the age my 271 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:30,720 boy with me had he lived. Well, let's get on 272 00:17:30,839 --> 00:17:34,799 with his bath, shall we. It's going to take a 273 00:17:34,920 --> 00:17:37,160 month of soaking before you'll get rid of this dirt, 274 00:17:38,119 --> 00:17:43,640 wand of crust all over him him heavens all may 275 00:17:43,680 --> 00:17:46,319 what do they give you to eat? Yes, Peter, dear, 276 00:17:47,160 --> 00:17:51,160 what does mister Harding feed you? Tell me? I want 277 00:17:51,200 --> 00:17:59,039 to know. Please, nothing, nothing is that possible, O Marie. 278 00:17:59,160 --> 00:18:01,519 Fetch him some milk and whatever else you think that 279 00:18:01,599 --> 00:18:05,880 it is? Maybe some of the luncheon. Soon, Yes, do hurry, Peter, 280 00:18:06,640 --> 00:18:10,759 you shall have some nice, rich, fresh milk right from 281 00:18:10,759 --> 00:18:15,079 our own sweet cows. You like that, won't you? Won't you? 282 00:18:17,319 --> 00:18:22,640 I don't believe you know what milk is? Is that possible? 283 00:18:28,319 --> 00:18:31,319 I've come to fetch some milk. She's with the boy. 284 00:18:31,599 --> 00:18:36,400 The milk's for the boy. The boy, Maria, I forbid it. Nevertheless, 285 00:18:36,559 --> 00:18:40,319 this is my house, it's my milk, and I forbid it. 286 00:18:40,480 --> 00:18:44,279 Nobody feeds the climbing boys, Maria. There's first of fin 287 00:18:44,359 --> 00:18:44,960 for themselves. 288 00:18:45,079 --> 00:18:45,400 Speaker 3: Rodney. 289 00:18:45,440 --> 00:18:48,240 Speaker 2: These boys are sold to the older men who use them. 290 00:18:48,599 --> 00:18:50,279 Not only that, they're often kidnapped. 291 00:18:50,519 --> 00:18:54,880 Speaker 3: Oh, I can't believe. Well, it's quite cool. You know 292 00:18:54,960 --> 00:18:58,599 the story of the Strickland Boy, don't you? Strickland the 293 00:18:58,599 --> 00:18:59,759 Stricklands from Manchester. 294 00:19:00,039 --> 00:19:02,279 Speaker 2: As a climing boy came crashing down the chimney of 295 00:19:02,279 --> 00:19:05,640 a home they were visiting, A tiny boy and very handsome, 296 00:19:06,079 --> 00:19:07,839 and the Stricklands took him home with him. 297 00:19:08,039 --> 00:19:10,880 Speaker 3: Ah, it's mistake, grave mistake right there, and when. 298 00:19:10,759 --> 00:19:13,480 Speaker 2: The boy saw the silver forks the stricklands use. He 299 00:19:13,599 --> 00:19:16,160 cried out, my papa has forks like this. 300 00:19:16,920 --> 00:19:17,440 Speaker 3: No whir. 301 00:19:17,680 --> 00:19:20,119 Speaker 2: And the boy said the Lord's prayer each night without 302 00:19:20,119 --> 00:19:20,799 being taught it. 303 00:19:21,319 --> 00:19:23,319 Speaker 3: Ah, this is boy of good family. 304 00:19:23,480 --> 00:19:26,079 Speaker 2: Yes, And then the story came out after some investigation. 305 00:19:26,799 --> 00:19:29,799 The boy's mother was dead, the father was traveling abroad, 306 00:19:29,960 --> 00:19:31,279 and the child had been left in the care of 307 00:19:31,279 --> 00:19:34,559 an uncle. The Gypsies abducted him and sold him to 308 00:19:34,640 --> 00:19:38,640 a sweep for ten guineas. And that boy was four 309 00:19:38,880 --> 00:19:40,440 years old four. 310 00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:43,519 Speaker 3: Ah, yes, that's very young. 311 00:19:43,640 --> 00:19:45,039 Speaker 2: Well, if you'll take a look at the boy in 312 00:19:45,079 --> 00:19:48,119 the tub upstairs, you'll conclude that he could be four 313 00:19:48,200 --> 00:19:51,920 years old five at the very most. And now, if 314 00:19:51,920 --> 00:20:01,079 you'll excuse me, I'll fetch the milk. I put him 315 00:20:01,079 --> 00:20:05,440 in my bed, Maria, poor little boy. He looks so frail, 316 00:20:05,519 --> 00:20:08,160 doesn't he. He couldn't take the milk, or perhaps I 317 00:20:08,200 --> 00:20:10,759 should have heated it. I sent for doctor Carruthers. 318 00:20:10,799 --> 00:20:12,240 Speaker 3: If you don't eat, you'll die. 319 00:20:12,880 --> 00:20:13,480 Speaker 2: Do you know that. 320 00:20:15,119 --> 00:20:15,519 Speaker 3: You do? 321 00:20:15,960 --> 00:20:18,640 Speaker 2: What did he say? He doesn't say anything. He just 322 00:20:18,720 --> 00:20:23,240 nods his head. What does that mean, I'd say it 323 00:20:23,279 --> 00:20:29,799 means he wants to die, Peter. That's not what you want, 324 00:20:30,119 --> 00:20:34,799 is it? My die? You want to live in glow up, 325 00:20:34,839 --> 00:20:38,680 to be a fine, strong boy and have a wonderful life. 326 00:20:39,799 --> 00:20:48,480 Don't don't turn your head away. Please please look at me. Now. 327 00:20:49,160 --> 00:20:54,279 You're not going to die. I'm not going to let 328 00:20:54,359 --> 00:21:00,279 you die. 329 00:21:03,000 --> 00:21:05,880 Speaker 3: Too bad, lady Emily had to miss that's superb dinner. 330 00:21:06,519 --> 00:21:09,440 Speaker 1: There was no need for her to miss it. Emily's 331 00:21:09,559 --> 00:21:12,759 very stubborn sometimes, yes, I see, that makes it quite 332 00:21:12,799 --> 00:21:17,519 difficult for me, you understand. For I swear that woman 333 00:21:17,640 --> 00:21:23,720 gets more pecuniar all the time, but were peculiar when 334 00:21:23,759 --> 00:21:26,079 she has these spills. 335 00:21:26,200 --> 00:21:29,559 Speaker 3: You know, I'd say, hold on, I do believe Emily 336 00:21:29,599 --> 00:21:30,200 is coming down. 337 00:21:30,680 --> 00:21:36,279 Speaker 1: Oh my dear, I'm glad you could join us. 338 00:21:34,759 --> 00:21:37,759 Speaker 2: Maria, she said, the boy we're expecting, doctor carrub it. 339 00:21:37,880 --> 00:21:43,680 Momentarily you sent for corrobbers in Heaven's name. Why because 340 00:21:43,720 --> 00:21:46,640 the boy is ill? But you should have. 341 00:21:46,680 --> 00:21:50,200 Speaker 3: Sent him back to Harding. Let Harding look after him. 342 00:21:50,319 --> 00:21:52,960 Speaker 2: It's because of Harding the boy is ill. 343 00:21:53,119 --> 00:21:57,920 Speaker 3: Oh nonsense, Rodney, Hardney. 344 00:21:58,359 --> 00:21:59,720 Speaker 2: I want to adopt this boy. 345 00:22:00,599 --> 00:22:01,519 Speaker 3: Adopt him. 346 00:22:01,759 --> 00:22:04,759 Speaker 2: He's just about the age Peter would be. Now, that's 347 00:22:04,759 --> 00:22:06,160 what Maria thinks, and so do I. 348 00:22:07,319 --> 00:22:08,440 Speaker 3: He needs care. 349 00:22:08,680 --> 00:22:12,720 Speaker 2: And love and all sorts of things I can give him, 350 00:22:12,720 --> 00:22:16,319 and that he's not going to get from anyone else. 351 00:22:16,720 --> 00:22:18,599 He goes on with the life he's been leading. 352 00:22:19,079 --> 00:22:24,559 Speaker 3: Dear Emily, I know your tender heart, but why should 353 00:22:24,640 --> 00:22:28,559 you give him anything? He's not your responsibility. 354 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:33,000 Speaker 2: I know that I want to make him my responsibility. 355 00:22:34,119 --> 00:22:36,079 I want to adopt him. Rodney. 356 00:22:36,079 --> 00:22:38,759 Speaker 3: Oh no, it's out of the question. Try it. 357 00:22:38,799 --> 00:22:39,480 Speaker 2: Out of the question. 358 00:22:39,920 --> 00:22:43,880 Speaker 3: Simply is I have no desire for a son not 359 00:22:44,119 --> 00:22:47,960 my own I have. We know nothing at all about 360 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:48,480 this boy. 361 00:22:48,599 --> 00:22:51,119 Speaker 2: We could ask Hardy, We could ask him from whom 362 00:22:51,160 --> 00:22:54,480 he bought him or stolen him. No, no, no, him 363 00:22:54,599 --> 00:22:59,319 might find out something interesting, Rodney. Now, Maria, kindly keep up. 364 00:22:59,440 --> 00:23:02,240 I just wanted to remind you of the Stricklands. They 365 00:23:02,319 --> 00:23:05,680 adopted that boy, they educated him. Yes, did you see Arouney, 366 00:23:05,799 --> 00:23:06,920 We could do the same. 367 00:23:07,720 --> 00:23:08,480 Speaker 3: I don't know. 368 00:23:08,599 --> 00:23:10,839 Speaker 2: That must be the doctor I saw his trap puller. Oh, 369 00:23:10,920 --> 00:23:12,920 let him in, Marie, and take him upstairs, will you? 370 00:23:13,039 --> 00:23:18,440 Of course, I shall have Broughtney. Please do this one 371 00:23:18,480 --> 00:23:31,759 thing for me. Please in here, doctor Cravis. 372 00:23:31,599 --> 00:23:32,559 Speaker 3: Uh after you. 373 00:23:32,720 --> 00:23:41,960 Speaker 1: It's true, this is the patient. Yes, this is not 374 00:23:41,960 --> 00:23:43,279 not Lady Emily's boy. 375 00:23:43,519 --> 00:23:45,880 Speaker 2: No, he's a climbing boy who was brought here to 376 00:23:45,880 --> 00:23:47,160 sweep out the chimneys. 377 00:23:47,680 --> 00:23:51,599 Speaker 3: Why this boy is half dead already? Why wasn't I 378 00:23:51,640 --> 00:23:52,359 called sooner? 379 00:23:52,880 --> 00:23:57,599 Speaker 2: Only we didn't know he felled down the chimney. 380 00:23:57,480 --> 00:24:00,240 Speaker 3: No more than four five. 381 00:24:00,319 --> 00:24:03,200 Speaker 2: I say, we get him some milk that he couldn't 382 00:24:03,279 --> 00:24:03,759 keep it down. 383 00:24:05,039 --> 00:24:09,319 Speaker 3: He hasn't had milk in a long time. He ever 384 00:24:11,720 --> 00:24:13,519 the boys dying, It's. 385 00:24:13,440 --> 00:24:17,480 Speaker 2: True, but he can't. He can't die. 386 00:24:17,759 --> 00:24:23,599 Speaker 3: There's nothing I can do these climbing boys. There's no 387 00:24:23,720 --> 00:24:24,200 hope for him. 388 00:24:24,240 --> 00:24:25,599 Speaker 2: But there must be something you can do. 389 00:24:25,799 --> 00:24:29,720 Speaker 3: A die of exposure of bad food or no food, 390 00:24:29,839 --> 00:24:34,200 of burns, beatings, over work. Most of all, I say, 391 00:24:34,240 --> 00:24:37,839 they the die of a wish to die. 392 00:24:38,359 --> 00:24:44,160 Speaker 2: That's what Emilena. Yeah, we were saying. He didn't seem 393 00:24:44,200 --> 00:24:45,039 to want to live. 394 00:24:46,440 --> 00:24:46,839 Speaker 3: Would you? 395 00:24:48,480 --> 00:24:51,799 Speaker 1: Would you want to live his life? Their lungs are 396 00:24:51,799 --> 00:24:55,319 filled with mortar and soot that blinds them, chokes them. 397 00:24:55,319 --> 00:24:58,839 Most of them develop asthma or some other respiratory condition. 398 00:24:59,359 --> 00:25:02,240 Their needs and that was a bruised terrible. 399 00:25:02,279 --> 00:25:03,440 Speaker 2: It's also terrible. 400 00:25:03,559 --> 00:25:05,640 Speaker 1: Crime is true to you and All the climbing boys 401 00:25:05,680 --> 00:25:08,559 have been sent up chimneys that were already on fire. 402 00:25:10,440 --> 00:25:15,640 I think our climbing boy his breathe is last, mister, 403 00:25:17,079 --> 00:25:20,279 don't grieve. He's better off. 404 00:25:20,559 --> 00:25:26,599 Speaker 2: But Lady Hollander was going to adopt. She's below stairs 405 00:25:26,640 --> 00:25:27,759 now talking to her husband. 406 00:25:28,039 --> 00:25:33,200 Speaker 1: I'm sorry the boy couldn't be shaved. Perhaps a year ago, 407 00:25:33,599 --> 00:25:34,160 who knows. 408 00:25:35,279 --> 00:25:37,279 Speaker 5: I don't know how to tell her. She lost her 409 00:25:37,319 --> 00:25:40,119 own little boy just five years ago. The boy named Peter, 410 00:25:40,279 --> 00:25:44,319 wasn't she started to call this squan Peter. He didn't 411 00:25:44,400 --> 00:25:45,920 seem to know his own name. 412 00:25:46,799 --> 00:25:50,839 Speaker 2: Maria. I brought Rodney up to see the boy. Doctor carrathers, 413 00:25:50,920 --> 00:25:51,480 thank you for. 414 00:25:51,480 --> 00:25:54,279 Speaker 3: Coming, Lady Hollander, how are you, colors? 415 00:25:54,920 --> 00:25:57,200 Speaker 2: What's the matter? Doctor? 416 00:26:00,039 --> 00:26:07,279 Speaker 1: Boy is dead, Lady Honda, when you say he's dead, yes, Rodney, Well, 417 00:26:08,519 --> 00:26:10,400 a good thing we didn't go ahead with what we 418 00:26:10,400 --> 00:26:11,599 were talking about, isn't it. 419 00:26:12,640 --> 00:26:15,960 Speaker 3: The boy must not have had a decent constitution, hey. 420 00:26:15,799 --> 00:26:21,039 Speaker 1: Doctor, he wasn't very strong, or we'd have had all 421 00:26:21,079 --> 00:26:23,920 sorts of trouble with him, wouldn't we if we'd adopted him. 422 00:26:24,079 --> 00:26:26,599 Speaker 3: Hey, we were thinking of it. 423 00:26:26,839 --> 00:26:30,960 Speaker 1: Probably you would have had yes, Well, one damn thing 424 00:26:31,000 --> 00:26:31,559 after another. 425 00:26:32,880 --> 00:26:37,839 Speaker 3: That's what it would have been. Williemley leave her alone? Rodney? 426 00:26:38,400 --> 00:26:43,880 Speaker 1: Which is all right, aren't you? I'm all right, lady Honda. 427 00:26:44,599 --> 00:26:45,880 How are you all right? 428 00:26:46,920 --> 00:26:50,599 Speaker 2: Doctor Carruthers. I'm so sorry we got you over here 429 00:26:50,599 --> 00:26:55,200 to new purpose. Won't you stay for supper? I think 430 00:26:55,240 --> 00:26:59,599 it's roast beef tonight? Please stay, doctor, You could spend 431 00:26:59,640 --> 00:27:01,960 the night. It is well if you like, Please, doctor, 432 00:27:02,039 --> 00:27:03,279 I'd so like to talk to you. 433 00:27:03,640 --> 00:27:07,240 Speaker 3: Oh, very kind settled. 434 00:27:07,480 --> 00:27:11,599 Speaker 2: Come doctor, I'll show you to your room. I'll get 435 00:27:11,680 --> 00:27:13,119 tips and to make it up for you. 436 00:27:13,440 --> 00:27:14,920 Speaker 3: That's most kind of you. Lady. 437 00:27:17,200 --> 00:27:21,200 Speaker 1: She's gone off again, one of her big spills. 438 00:27:21,799 --> 00:27:24,759 Speaker 3: Blast. Why should I have to put up with this? 439 00:27:25,359 --> 00:27:28,160 Speaker 2: Come to the window, Rodney. I want to show you something. 440 00:27:28,440 --> 00:27:29,880 Speaker 3: Eh, what is it? 441 00:27:30,880 --> 00:27:36,000 Speaker 2: Look down there among the yew trees. Well, I don't 442 00:27:36,000 --> 00:27:40,400 see anything, you don't. It's the outline of a woman. 443 00:27:41,680 --> 00:27:45,759 She's holding a small boy by the hand, and now 444 00:27:45,759 --> 00:27:50,119 she's leaning over and he's whispering something in her ear 445 00:27:50,640 --> 00:27:56,559 and she's nodding her head. Pity you can't see it. 446 00:27:56,559 --> 00:27:57,880 It's very clear to me. 447 00:28:07,160 --> 00:28:10,960 Speaker 1: You'll remember that Lady Emily Hollander had or believed she 448 00:28:11,039 --> 00:28:14,480 had the ability to make herself seen by whomever she 449 00:28:14,519 --> 00:28:19,720 wished during the so called spells. Why then, is her 450 00:28:19,759 --> 00:28:24,240 outline so distinct this time to Maria, while Lord Hollander 451 00:28:24,400 --> 00:28:27,599 sees nothing. We shall try to bring you the most 452 00:28:27,680 --> 00:28:30,720 cogent answer of which we are capable when we come 453 00:28:30,759 --> 00:28:45,519 back with Act three. The climbing boy is dead, dead 454 00:28:45,559 --> 00:28:49,960 at a very tender age, no more than five dead, 455 00:28:50,000 --> 00:28:52,960 at almost the very moment when a new life might 456 00:28:53,000 --> 00:28:55,759 have dawned for him under the tender care of Lady 457 00:28:55,799 --> 00:28:59,680 Emily Hollander. Dead before he had hardly experienced life at all. 458 00:29:00,799 --> 00:29:03,440 Now let our story be carried forward by the woman 459 00:29:03,480 --> 00:29:05,359 who began it, Miss Maria. 460 00:29:05,480 --> 00:29:13,759 Speaker 2: True supper that evening was a horror. Emily sat at 461 00:29:13,759 --> 00:29:16,559 the head of the table and conversed in a manner 462 00:29:16,559 --> 00:29:18,720 that could only signify that she was having one of 463 00:29:18,720 --> 00:29:23,839 her dead sparrows. As her husband turned them most assuredly. 464 00:29:23,960 --> 00:29:25,880 She was not the Emily who had been my dear 465 00:29:25,960 --> 00:29:29,960 friend for so many years. Doctor Carruthers and I maintained 466 00:29:29,960 --> 00:29:32,720 silence for the most part. It wasn't till we had 467 00:29:32,799 --> 00:29:36,880 left the table that I could draw him aside. Doctor Caruthers. 468 00:29:37,279 --> 00:29:39,119 Could we take a stroll on the veranda. I do 469 00:29:39,240 --> 00:29:40,039 need to talk to you. 470 00:29:40,279 --> 00:29:45,279 Speaker 3: O course, he's true. I have for you. 471 00:29:46,119 --> 00:29:52,279 Speaker 2: Thank you, doctor Curuthers. I want to assure you that 472 00:29:52,359 --> 00:29:55,160 the woman you saw tonight presiding over the dinner table 473 00:29:55,880 --> 00:29:58,720 is not Emily, is not Lady Hollanda. 474 00:29:59,079 --> 00:30:03,519 Speaker 3: Uh oh. It was her body, of course, but she 475 00:30:03,799 --> 00:30:08,279 was not in it. I don't think I'm following you. 476 00:30:08,480 --> 00:30:10,079 The spirit is elsewhere. 477 00:30:10,799 --> 00:30:13,960 Speaker 1: Yes, I can fess her attitude when we were forced 478 00:30:13,960 --> 00:30:16,039 to tell her the boy had died was not all 479 00:30:16,079 --> 00:30:20,200 that I had expected, particularly when you had told me 480 00:30:20,319 --> 00:30:23,960 she was considering adoption. It seemed very odd. 481 00:30:24,079 --> 00:30:25,119 Speaker 3: It was very odd. 482 00:30:25,160 --> 00:30:31,440 Speaker 2: And this unless you understand and accept Lady Holland's ability to. 483 00:30:33,200 --> 00:30:39,680 Speaker 3: Remove herself from this world remove for shelf I I 484 00:30:39,720 --> 00:30:42,279 don't know any way that can be done until death 485 00:30:42,440 --> 00:30:43,319 does it for us. 486 00:30:43,359 --> 00:30:46,000 Speaker 2: So she told me only this morning that it's very 487 00:30:46,240 --> 00:30:50,400 like death, it seems close to death, but that it's 488 00:30:50,400 --> 00:30:51,559 a very happy thing. 489 00:30:53,039 --> 00:30:56,279 Speaker 1: It would be pleasant, wouldn't it to think of death 490 00:30:56,440 --> 00:30:59,720 as a happy thing, at least for the one. 491 00:30:59,680 --> 00:31:05,599 Speaker 3: Who But Lady Hollander obviously does not. Ah. 492 00:31:06,920 --> 00:31:10,920 Speaker 1: Only her mind seems to stray away, not her mind, doctor, 493 00:31:11,519 --> 00:31:13,319 her soul, as I stand correctly. 494 00:31:13,720 --> 00:31:16,920 Speaker 2: Oh, I'm so grateful you consented to stay, Doctor Caruthers. 495 00:31:17,559 --> 00:31:22,440 I saw he needed someone to talk to. Now there's 496 00:31:22,519 --> 00:31:26,319 one more thing. Yes, after you and Lady Hollander left 497 00:31:26,319 --> 00:31:29,279 the room this afternoon, Lord Hollander, and I were there alone, 498 00:31:30,519 --> 00:31:32,640 and I chanced to be standing by the window and 499 00:31:32,839 --> 00:31:37,000 looking out, and I saw. I hesitate to tell you 500 00:31:37,039 --> 00:31:40,799 because you'll think me daft, not you, is true. I saw. 501 00:31:42,119 --> 00:31:48,160 Speaker 3: A woman by the yew trees, yes, and a small child, 502 00:31:48,400 --> 00:31:52,400 little boy. Oh yes, what was there about that to 503 00:31:52,519 --> 00:31:53,119 perturb you. 504 00:31:53,440 --> 00:31:56,720 Speaker 2: It's my belief, doctor, against my best judgment, against my 505 00:31:56,880 --> 00:32:01,640 common sense. It is my belief that as soon as 506 00:32:01,720 --> 00:32:04,079 Lady Hollander heard of the death of the climbing boy, 507 00:32:05,359 --> 00:32:12,279 her spirit, her soul, if you like, withdrew withdrew from 508 00:32:12,279 --> 00:32:16,359 the room of death and went outside under the yew trees. 509 00:32:17,759 --> 00:32:24,400 And there she met well who knows, the soul of 510 00:32:24,440 --> 00:32:31,720 her son Peter were the soul of the climbing boy. 511 00:32:36,519 --> 00:32:42,240 So one way or another, we got through that dreadful evening, 512 00:32:43,920 --> 00:32:46,000 everyone prepared to retire for the night. 513 00:32:46,920 --> 00:32:49,799 Speaker 1: I suppose, Lord Hollando, you have made arrangements for the 514 00:32:50,160 --> 00:32:51,319 disposal of the body. 515 00:32:51,839 --> 00:32:52,880 Speaker 3: You mean the climbing boy. 516 00:32:53,440 --> 00:32:56,680 Speaker 1: Oh yes, as hiding came over and took it away 517 00:32:57,039 --> 00:33:01,799 just before supper, all taken cat up. Now, I must 518 00:33:01,839 --> 00:33:06,200 say Harding was put out. He had great expectations for 519 00:33:06,279 --> 00:33:09,599 that boy, just the right size and all for Chimney's weeping. 520 00:33:10,640 --> 00:33:12,680 Still couldn't have helped aspose. 521 00:33:18,000 --> 00:33:21,519 Speaker 2: I could not fall asleep. The awful events of the 522 00:33:21,599 --> 00:33:25,200 day crowded in on me. The sight of the boy's 523 00:33:25,319 --> 00:33:28,799 puny body in the tin tub of water flashed over 524 00:33:28,880 --> 00:33:30,599 and over again before my eyes. 525 00:33:32,319 --> 00:33:33,640 Speaker 3: The words of doctor. 526 00:33:33,400 --> 00:33:37,960 Speaker 6: Carruthers, wish boy s half dead already. 527 00:33:38,160 --> 00:33:42,920 Speaker 3: Echoed in my head. His sad tongue climbing boys. 528 00:33:44,119 --> 00:33:48,720 Speaker 6: There's no hope for him, A die of exposure, a 529 00:33:48,920 --> 00:33:54,799 bad fool, no food, a world. Most of all, I'd 530 00:33:54,839 --> 00:33:55,799 shade a die. 531 00:33:56,920 --> 00:33:57,920 Speaker 3: I wish to. 532 00:33:58,079 --> 00:34:03,640 Speaker 2: Die, small one that I could not sleep, small wonder. 533 00:34:04,079 --> 00:34:06,160 In the wee hours of the morning, I was the 534 00:34:06,160 --> 00:34:10,760 first to smell the smoke. It was unmistakable. It was 535 00:34:10,840 --> 00:34:13,679 the smell of smoke, and not too far away. I 536 00:34:13,760 --> 00:34:15,920 sprang from my bed, seized my wrapper, and ran to 537 00:34:15,960 --> 00:34:20,599 the door of my robe. Smoke thick, acrid smoke was 538 00:34:21,599 --> 00:34:24,440 gray clouds from one of the rooms, in the room 539 00:34:24,480 --> 00:34:28,000 of my host, Lord Brodney Hollander. I opened my mouth 540 00:34:28,039 --> 00:34:31,920 to all. At once I saw through the whirling smoke 541 00:34:32,599 --> 00:34:37,360 a figure, a woman leaving Lord Hollander's bedroom, and with 542 00:34:37,440 --> 00:34:45,239 a great effort and concentration she was so she was 543 00:34:45,360 --> 00:34:47,760 dragging a limp and prostrate. 544 00:34:47,280 --> 00:34:48,119 Speaker 3: Bobby with her. 545 00:34:49,119 --> 00:34:52,320 Speaker 2: It was emmia. At last, I found my voice and 546 00:34:52,360 --> 00:35:01,920 screamed the general opening the doors along the corridor brought around. 547 00:35:01,960 --> 00:35:19,800 The fire was extinguished in due time. The servants headed 548 00:35:19,800 --> 00:35:23,280 black tips and accomplished it with the most part. Doctor Crabbers 549 00:35:23,280 --> 00:35:25,039 and I both admired their fearlessness. 550 00:35:25,639 --> 00:35:29,199 Speaker 1: There wasn't much but smoke in the room. The actual 551 00:35:29,239 --> 00:35:30,639 fire was confined to the chimney. 552 00:35:31,800 --> 00:35:35,199 Speaker 2: Then Rodney died of the smoke yees suffocation. 553 00:35:35,920 --> 00:35:39,760 Speaker 3: There was nothing to be done to him, one art 554 00:35:40,599 --> 00:35:45,639 douce of Haard. What was that? Doctor? His feet was singed, 555 00:35:46,320 --> 00:35:49,800 The bottoms of his feet had been burned. What do 556 00:35:49,880 --> 00:35:50,400 you make of that? 557 00:35:51,280 --> 00:35:54,719 Speaker 1: I mean, since the fire never really reached out into 558 00:35:54,760 --> 00:35:55,639 the room. 559 00:35:55,840 --> 00:35:58,239 Speaker 2: Well, I'm sure I can't explain it. 560 00:35:58,320 --> 00:36:03,239 Speaker 3: Doctor. If you can't, what about lady agramont what about us? You? 561 00:36:03,280 --> 00:36:04,119 She'll be all right. 562 00:36:04,280 --> 00:36:06,360 Speaker 2: She was found in the hall, wasn't She was. 563 00:36:06,400 --> 00:36:07,719 Speaker 3: Just outside her own room. 564 00:36:08,559 --> 00:36:11,199 Speaker 1: I suppose she was the first to smell the smoke 565 00:36:11,280 --> 00:36:12,960 and came out to invest. 566 00:36:13,480 --> 00:36:15,400 Speaker 2: But then, why didn't she cry out? 567 00:36:15,920 --> 00:36:16,280 Speaker 3: Didn't you? 568 00:36:16,559 --> 00:36:17,519 Speaker 2: I didn't hear her. 569 00:36:18,199 --> 00:36:21,360 Speaker 3: Or somebody cried out. That's what roused me. 570 00:36:21,920 --> 00:36:26,760 Speaker 2: Yes, that's true, someone did it. I had one more 571 00:36:26,840 --> 00:36:29,719 chance to speak with Emily. She was still in one 572 00:36:29,719 --> 00:36:33,199 of her so called dense spells. Yet there were moments 573 00:36:33,199 --> 00:36:36,239 when she seemed the same Emily. I always know. Can't 574 00:36:36,280 --> 00:36:38,480 you stay for her a bit, Maria, or I must 575 00:36:38,480 --> 00:36:40,400 go up to London. Emily, tend to a few matters, 576 00:36:41,159 --> 00:36:43,519 matters of importance, by dear, Otherwise I wouldn't leave you. 577 00:36:44,400 --> 00:36:46,679 But the good doctor corrupt does stay on for a 578 00:36:46,760 --> 00:36:48,599 day or two, and by the time he leaves, I'll 579 00:36:48,599 --> 00:36:51,960 be back good Hester and Willie have already left. 580 00:36:52,039 --> 00:36:52,280 Speaker 3: I know. 581 00:36:53,119 --> 00:36:53,679 Speaker 2: I'm glad. 582 00:36:55,239 --> 00:36:57,480 Speaker 3: Why did you do it, Emily? Do what? 583 00:36:58,880 --> 00:37:00,719 Speaker 2: I was the first to discover the smoke, you know, 584 00:37:01,480 --> 00:37:05,960 that is the first after you. That's how I happened 585 00:37:05,960 --> 00:37:08,960 to see you dragging Hester's body out of Rodney's room. 586 00:37:09,480 --> 00:37:14,559 Uh uh, you saw that, Why did you do it? Well, 587 00:37:14,599 --> 00:37:17,519 it wouldn't have been proper, now, would it for people 588 00:37:17,559 --> 00:37:22,079 to find out that Hester shared Rodney's bed. No, Rodney 589 00:37:22,079 --> 00:37:24,639 would have hated that. But even so, why didn't you 590 00:37:24,679 --> 00:37:27,000 cry out as soon as you saw the smoke? No 591 00:37:27,079 --> 00:37:29,639 matter where it was coming from. Oh, I know very 592 00:37:29,639 --> 00:37:32,440 well where it was coming from before I saw it, 593 00:37:33,519 --> 00:37:35,719 even before I smelled it. But how could you How 594 00:37:35,760 --> 00:37:38,760 could you have known I was waiting for it? 595 00:37:39,559 --> 00:37:40,440 Speaker 3: Whatever do you mean? 596 00:37:40,800 --> 00:37:45,320 Speaker 2: I've been told told? What told that there would be 597 00:37:45,360 --> 00:37:49,559 a fire in that particular Chimney at precisely three fifteen 598 00:37:49,639 --> 00:37:53,239 in the morning? But who could have told you? Why? 599 00:37:53,360 --> 00:38:00,880 The climbing boy, Maria? He told me, And then I 600 00:38:00,960 --> 00:38:03,679 remembered standing in the room where the boy lay dead. 601 00:38:04,760 --> 00:38:06,760 I heard Rodney's voice as I had heard it. 602 00:38:06,840 --> 00:38:10,880 Speaker 3: Then, damn, Why should I have to put up with this? Maria? 603 00:38:11,039 --> 00:38:14,039 Why should I come to the window? Rodney? 604 00:38:14,079 --> 00:38:16,119 Speaker 2: I want you to see something. What is it to 605 00:38:17,360 --> 00:38:20,239 look down there among the yew trees? 606 00:38:21,119 --> 00:38:22,440 Speaker 3: Well, I don't see anything. 607 00:38:23,199 --> 00:38:27,280 Speaker 2: It's the outline of a woman. She's holding a small 608 00:38:27,360 --> 00:38:32,760 boy by the hand. Now she's leaning over and he's 609 00:38:32,880 --> 00:38:37,079 whispering something in her ear, and she is nodding her head. 610 00:38:40,039 --> 00:38:44,360 Was that when the climbing boy had told Emily that 611 00:38:44,440 --> 00:38:46,800 there would be a fire in Rodney's chimney at three 612 00:38:46,840 --> 00:38:51,639 fifteen in the morning, I would have plenty. 613 00:38:51,320 --> 00:38:53,239 Speaker 3: To ponder on my journey up to London. 614 00:38:53,960 --> 00:38:56,039 Speaker 2: Emily herself put me in the carriage which would take 615 00:38:56,079 --> 00:38:59,280 me to the stage coach. Goodnye, my dear. I'll see 616 00:38:59,320 --> 00:39:02,400 you in a few days. Yes, that will be good. 617 00:39:02,719 --> 00:39:05,440 And then we must make plans. Plans for your future. 618 00:39:05,559 --> 00:39:10,000 Oh yeah, plans. You won't want to stay here, I 619 00:39:10,079 --> 00:39:12,880 don't know. Perhaps you'll try London for a while. You 620 00:39:12,960 --> 00:39:15,880 can stay with me. I have room. We'll talk about it. 621 00:39:17,039 --> 00:39:25,840 Good Bye, my dear, good Bye Maria, come back soon. Well, 622 00:39:25,960 --> 00:39:30,519 I thought to myself, I've accomplished something for my friends. Now, 623 00:39:30,559 --> 00:39:33,760 I thought, as we drove past the broad Landers, if 624 00:39:33,800 --> 00:39:36,239 only I can get her interested in the reform movement, 625 00:39:36,639 --> 00:39:41,199 there's hope for her. But then, as the carriage picked 626 00:39:41,280 --> 00:39:44,480 up speed, we passed the Rose Garden and came to 627 00:39:44,519 --> 00:39:49,079 the clump of yew trees, and there I saw her. 628 00:39:50,000 --> 00:39:54,360 I saw Emily. Well, rather, I saw the outline of Emily. 629 00:39:54,840 --> 00:40:00,679 I called to the coachman to stop. Yes, one could 630 00:40:00,760 --> 00:40:05,079 say the figure was made of vapor or a stem, 631 00:40:06,239 --> 00:40:09,639 and yet its dimensions and form were very clear, and 632 00:40:09,800 --> 00:40:13,960 down its back hung long dark hair almost to its knees. 633 00:40:14,960 --> 00:40:21,519 I stared and stared until the horses grew impatient. But 634 00:40:21,679 --> 00:40:26,480 I saw something else. I saw a tiny figure of 635 00:40:26,599 --> 00:40:32,920 a boy, and then the figure of another boy. There 636 00:40:32,920 --> 00:40:35,920 were two of them, and both were running fast, fast, 637 00:40:36,519 --> 00:40:38,719 and she held out her arms, and they both ran 638 00:40:38,800 --> 00:40:41,320 into them, and she held them close, and she laughed 639 00:40:41,360 --> 00:40:49,039 and very loud. And then as I stared, the strangest 640 00:40:49,039 --> 00:40:53,800 thing of a lorcers. Two boys and she was holding 641 00:40:53,800 --> 00:40:57,679 in her arms, looked at each other, though still loving, 642 00:40:58,519 --> 00:41:05,960 And even as I stared, they became one boys. Lee 643 00:41:06,159 --> 00:41:10,519 was laughing and Emily was laughing and holding him and 644 00:41:10,639 --> 00:41:13,440 rocking him in her arms, and they laughed together for 645 00:41:13,599 --> 00:41:20,239 the sheer joy of being together. And I knew, having 646 00:41:20,239 --> 00:41:20,599 no all. 647 00:41:20,559 --> 00:41:34,079 Speaker 3: Probability, Emily would never come up to London. A sad story, 648 00:41:34,239 --> 00:41:34,559 was it? Not? 649 00:41:35,519 --> 00:41:41,079 Speaker 1: A boy dead, a man too, a woman not quite right, well, 650 00:41:41,440 --> 00:41:42,440 not quite right. 651 00:41:42,599 --> 00:41:47,800 Speaker 3: Mentally, A very sad story really, yet ending in laughter. 652 00:41:48,840 --> 00:41:51,400 How can that be? Well? 653 00:41:51,480 --> 00:41:51,559 Speaker 6: Know? 654 00:41:52,280 --> 00:41:55,400 Speaker 1: But this we wish for you, dear faithful listener, that 655 00:41:55,599 --> 00:41:59,079 whatever the sadnesses that enter your life, you will find 656 00:41:59,239 --> 00:42:04,880 somewhere in some manner, the lightning, the livining sound of laughter. 657 00:42:05,679 --> 00:42:20,119 Speaker 3: I'll be back shortly. Our story of the. 658 00:42:20,119 --> 00:42:23,320 Speaker 1: Climbing Boy took place, as we have neglected to tell you, 659 00:42:23,639 --> 00:42:27,480 in the year of our Lord, eighteen nineteen, in another 660 00:42:27,519 --> 00:42:30,920 country than ours, at a time when men laughed in 661 00:42:31,039 --> 00:42:34,599 parliament at the fact that little boys were sent up chimneys. 662 00:42:35,639 --> 00:42:38,519 It is another time now and another place. Things are 663 00:42:38,519 --> 00:42:43,840 different now here, But are they. If you think so, 664 00:42:44,639 --> 00:42:48,960 you haven't been paying attention. Our cast included Marion Soeldis 665 00:42:49,000 --> 00:42:53,199 e v Justter Court Benson and Ian Martin. The entire 666 00:42:53,239 --> 00:42:59,880 production was under the direction of Hymen Brown and now 667 00:43:00,360 --> 00:43:05,719 a preview of our next tale. He's in jail, jail, 668 00:43:07,639 --> 00:43:12,280 why what for? I suppose for smuggling. Smuggling. 669 00:43:13,519 --> 00:43:17,639 Speaker 2: That's impossible, that it has been a mistake, I'm sure 670 00:43:17,679 --> 00:43:18,039 of it. 671 00:43:18,679 --> 00:43:20,199 Speaker 3: We have to get a hold of Arthur Klemon. I 672 00:43:20,239 --> 00:43:22,840 already did, but doesn't he practice that kind of law. 673 00:43:22,880 --> 00:43:24,760 You'll get someone else if he can't handle it. 674 00:43:25,519 --> 00:43:25,880 Speaker 2: Handle. 675 00:43:26,000 --> 00:43:28,800 Speaker 7: What all I know is Ted called me and they 676 00:43:28,800 --> 00:43:31,159 allowed them one phone please Bert get to it. Well, 677 00:43:31,239 --> 00:43:34,000 he said Bert, I'm being accused of smuggling. Call Arthur 678 00:43:34,079 --> 00:43:34,920 and then tell Myra. 679 00:43:35,599 --> 00:43:37,599 Speaker 2: But what is he accused of smuggling? 680 00:43:37,800 --> 00:43:41,559 Speaker 7: Heroin or cocaine? I'm not sure they founded in his 681 00:43:41,639 --> 00:43:47,000 a Tashare case. But it's all a mistake, a terrible mistake. 682 00:43:48,559 --> 00:43:54,199 Or else it's a joke, a very bad joke. 683 00:43:54,960 --> 00:43:57,679 Speaker 1: This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to 684 00:43:57,760 --> 00:44:02,559 our Mystery Theater for another advent venture in the macabre. 685 00:44:02,679 --> 00:44:07,199 Speaker 3: Until next time, pleasant dreams.