THE INVISIBLE MAN and THE HONOR OF ISRAEL GOW FATHER BROWN MYSTERIES

Summary

1001 Radio Crime Solvers: Father Brown Mysteries

Episode: "The Invisible Man" and "The Eye of Apollo"
Podcast Host: Jon Hagadorn
Release Date: December 24, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of "1001 Radio Crime Solvers" features two classic adaptations from G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown mysteries: “The Eye of Apollo” and “The Invisible Man.” The show captures the golden age of radio and its detective storytelling, delivering a blend of intrigue, wit, and moral questioning. In these dramatized tales, the quietly insightful Father Brown joins with former criminal and private detective Flambeau to unravel seemingly impossible crimes—illuminating human nature and the unseen motives beneath the surface.

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The Eye of Apollo (00:01–26:58)

Main Theme

An apparent accident in a modern office building leads Father Brown to uncover the dark interplay between faith, blindness—both physical and spiritual—and deadly ambition.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Structure

1. Introduction to the Setting (01:29–04:23)

• Father Brown is contacted by Inspector Bagshaw regarding Flambeau and a mysterious new religion led by Kalon, the "sun priest."
• Father Brown visits the new office block, encountering the building’s eccentric residents and elevator system.

2. The Stacy Sisters and Modernity (06:04–11:13)

• Pauline and Joan Stacy run a typewriting bureau; Pauline is fixated on health, efficiency, and eschewing spectacles for "scientific" reasons.
• Discussion about human weakness, pride, and technology's impact:
  • “True scientific invention is the force of man. And woman too, she says. But these nasty props and potions the doctors sell, they are the marks of our slavery.” — Flambeau relaying Pauline Stacy’s view (09:37).

3. Flambeau’s Reformation (11:13–13:20)

• Flambeau discusses his attempt to go straight as a private detective.
• Notable moment:
  • “I am human. I am frail. For all my size and strength, for many years the life of the criminal is the only life I know. Now I try to change. Pray for me.” — Flambeau (12:10).

4. The Fatal Incident (13:20–16:08)

• Pauline routinely joins Kalon for daily sun worship on the balcony.
• A sudden tragedy: Pauline falls to her death down the elevator shaft.
• Sounds of a crash and crowd panic; questions about whether it was an accident or murder.

5. The Investigation: Who Had Motive? (16:08–21:12)

• Suspicion falls on Kalon, Joan Stacy, Flambeau, and even Father Brown.
• The will: Pauline had written one in favor of Kalon and the Church of Aten right before her death, but did not sign it.
• Kalon offers polemics on innocence vs. guilt; Father Brown reflects:
  • “Is anyone without sin? There have, I feel, been sins committed here... but I doubt whether they could lead to a conviction in a court of law. I confess, I am defeated.” (20:54)

6. The Revelation: A Case of Sight and Blindness (22:01–24:10)

• Father Brown deduces Pauline’s “accident” was due to her near-blindness and refusal to wear spectacles, worsened by staring at the sun.
• The elevator was called above her, leaving the shaft empty.
• Kalon's possible involvement: he knew about her impairment and may have withdrawn the lift at a crucial moment.

7. Final Insights: Human Guilt (25:41–26:29)

• Joan Stacy is not entirely guiltless: she tried to prevent the will’s signing by emptying all fountain pens, hoping blindness would cause Pauline not to notice.
• Quote:
  • “Ah, but, Inspector, she is not wholly without guilt. One was to guess that her sister was in danger and to come down to the public house... the other was more deceit... She emptied all the fountain pens into the waste paper bin.” — Father Brown (25:41)

8. Denouement (26:29–26:58)

• Father Brown reveals he sensed Kalon’s guilt due to his unnatural calm at the moment of the death.
• Justice, in the legal sense, is elusive, but spiritual culpability is revealed.

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Notable Quotes and Moments

• “We are taught that principles, motives are what we should judge a man on.” — Father Brown (17:39)
• “Let Cain pass, for he belongs to God.” — Father Brown, referencing Kalon after the confrontation (24:54)

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Important Timestamps

• 04:14: Father Brown on the symbolism of the sun and the “great gold eye”
• 13:25: Flambeau’s warning about Kalon and the Stacy fortune
• 21:58: Kalon’s mystical rationalization of the accident
• 22:05: Father Brown’s deduction about Pauline’s blindness
• 25:41: Father Brown discussing Joan Stacy’s indirect culpability

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The Invisible Man (29:05–55:38)

Main Theme

A locked-room murder mystery explores not just how a killer can evade sight, but how societal “invisibility” helps crime flourish. Father Brown scrutinizes the literal and figurative "blind spots" of the privileged.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Structure

1. Romantic Subplot and Arrival of Threats (29:30–37:32)

• Laura, a coffee shop worker, is courted by John Turnbull Angus.
• Laura’s past: she once refused two suitors who have now returned—Isadore Smythe (inventor, prospering) and James Welkin (nondescript and enigmatic).
• Ominous threats from Welkin, including a note:
  • “If you marry him, he will die.” — Anonymous, later identified as Welkin (37:45)

2. The Threat Increases (37:32–40:06)

• Smythe reveals repeated threats and intimidation; Welkin’s presence is felt, but never seen.
• Father Brown recommends Flambeau as a detective; the group resolves to protect Smythe.

3. The Set-Up: Security and Surveillance (40:25–45:16)

• Smythe’s home is fortified: combination locks, alarms, cleaning woman on watch, hall porter, chestnut vendor, and even a policeman alerted.

4. The Locked-Room Puzzle Unfolds (46:05–49:43)

• Despite all precautions and witnesses, Smythe is killed.
• Mysterious wet footprints (coming in and out) suggest an unknown perpetrator.
• The body is missing, but traces of blood and disturbance are found.

5. The Solution: Social Invisibility (49:43–54:05)

• Father Brown’s insight: the murderer, “the invisible man,” was visible all along, but overlooked because of his role.
• The killer was James Welkin, disguised as a postman—even carrying the body out unnoticed.
• “Rich people never notice the presence of servants. They take them for granted. To them they are invisible.” — Father Brown (51:33)

6. Language and Perception (52:22–54:05)

• Father Brown explains how people only answer what they think you mean, leading to crucial misunderstandings in eyewitness testimony.

7. Epilogue: Justice and Wealth (54:58–55:38)

• Laura discards Smythe’s will, rejecting sudden wealth:
  • “She was determined that the man she would marry would... carve his own way in the world. What a challenge for young Mr. Angus.” — Father Brown (55:13)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “You know how rich people never notice the presence of servants? They take them for granted. To them they are invisible.” — Father Brown (51:33)
• “James Welkin was dressed as a postman.” — Father Brown’s breakthrough (52:51)
• “All language is used like that. You never get a question answered literally, even when you get it answered truly.” — Father Brown on miscommunication (53:00)

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Important Timestamps

• 37:45: Threatening note glued to the shop window
• 40:25: Strategies set for Smythe’s security
• 46:54: Discovery of mysterious footprints
• 49:24: Blood trail but missing body
• 51:33: Father Brown explains “social invisibility”
• 52:51: Solution revealed—Welkin as postman
• 55:13: Father Brown on wealth and character

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Episode Tone and Style

The dialogue is witty and brisk, with Father Brown's humility and quiet wisdom often contrasted against Flambeau's flamboyance and Inspector Bagshaw's directness. The stories blend humor, subtle moral lessons, and social observation. Father Brown’s methods emphasize human psychology over technical clues, and his deductions often challenge the audience’s—and his companions’—assumptions about guilt and innocence.

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Conclusion

This double-feature showcases the enduring appeal of the Father Brown mysteries—where logic, empathy, and attention to the overlooked point the way to truth. Both "The Eye of Apollo" and "The Invisible Man" unravel puzzles of sight and perception—showing that blindness is not just a physical condition, but a metaphor for prejudice and inattention.

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Further Listening:
Next week: "The Honour of Israel Gow" (stay tuned for more classic Father Brown drama).

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“I knew Kalon had done it before we came into the front door. Human nature. In the middle of Kalon's prayers, there was a crash, a scream... but Kalon continued, unperturbed. He did not start or even look down. He clearly expected something of the kind.” — Father Brown (26:29)

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Father Brown]

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[Flambeau]

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[Father Brown]

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[Flambeau]

Qualifying credit required.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Ever notice how ads always pop up at the worst moments? When the killer's identity is about to be revealed? During that perfect meditation flow on Amazon Music, we believe in keeping you in the moment. That's why we've got millions of ad free podcast episodes. So you can stay completely immersed in every story, every reveal, every breath. Download the Amazon music app and start listening to your favorite podcasts. Ad free.

[Narrator]

Concluded with Prime. We present the eye of Apollo, adapted by john scottney with andrew sachs as father brown.

[Father Brown]

Saint Francis Xavier's. This is Father Brown speaking. Oh. Oh. Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes, certainly. Yes, good. Goodbye. Yes, goodbye. That was the police.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Mother of God. Oh, I'm sorry, Father, but what would the police be wanting with us?

[Father Brown]

Oh, begorrah. I should never have put the Holy Father's head on the counterfeit sovereigns.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

You're mocking me, Father.

[Father Brown]

I'm sorry. It's a gentleman called Inspector Bagshaw. I met him last November. He wants to see me about a man called Flambeau.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Flambeau?

[Father Brown]

A criminal. A criminal, yes. I had hopes I might, but. Yes, well, anyway, Inspector Bagshaw wants me to go to Scotland Yard.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Scotland Yard?

[Father Brown]

Such a long way, isn't it? I must be back here this afternoon. I must.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

20 minutes on the Tuppenny Tube, Father. He can meet you at the station.

[Father Brown]

The Tuppenny Tube?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

The electric underground train. Go from here on the clr. The Central, that is, Father. Then change it. Oxford Circus for the new Bakerloo line.

[Father Brown]

Burn editions. Burn editions. New tread door. Read all about it.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Read all about it.

[Father Brown]

No, thank you. Could you just tell me how to get out of this underground station?

[Flambeau]

Yeah, sir, just up there.

[Father Brown]

Oh, thank you so much. So kind of.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

What was a daisy, Father?

[Flambeau]

Oh, dear, oh, dear.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Are you all right now?

[Father Brown]

A bag shot? No, I couldn't see a thing coming out from there, you know, into this. Bright side.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Oh, I see.

[Father Brown]

My glasses. I think sometimes I need glasses to look for my glasses.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

There we are.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Father Brown]

Now, tell me about Flambeau.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Yes.

[Flambeau]

What?

[Father Brown]

New devilry has he been up to?

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Well, that's the funny thing. He seems to have changed his ways. Opened up a straight business as a private detective. He's got an office in one of these new apartment blocks over here.

[Father Brown]

Private.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Yeah.

[Father Brown]

Well, well, rejoice with me. I have found my sheep that is lost.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

He said he reckoned he could make more money out of detective work than out of crime. He wouldn't at Scotland Yard, I can tell you that.

[Father Brown]

Yes, we too know something of poverty.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Oh, yes, indeed. Frankly, sir, I value your opinion about whether Flambeau is pulling the wool over our eyes. He did particular art to see you, and his office isn't far from here. So if you wouldn't mind, we can.

[Father Brown]

This is it.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

How many can finish working on it? The big tall one with the sign. You can see it, can you?

[Father Brown]

Oh, the great gold eye. Yes, yes, even I can see that Mr. Flambeau now seems to be taking as much trouble to advertise himself as he once took to conceal himself.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

No, no, no, no. That's not Flambo's office. He's got the office underneath. That's one of the new religions fellow calling himself Kalon. It can't be his real name. Calls himself the new priest of Aten or something.

[Father Brown]

Ah, Ten. The Egyptian sun God.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

You couldn't see it. Sounded fishy to us. I'm willing to bet it's something to do with old Flombo, but we can't prove any connection.

[Father Brown]

He must look out, this Kaylon. The sun gods were always the cruelest. Oh, what does that monstrous eye mean?

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Well, as I understand it, Father, according to our report, they've got this theory. A man can endure anything if he thinks the right way. They're two big symbols of the sun and the open eye. They reckon if a man is really healthy, he can stare at the sun.

[Father Brown]

Really healthy man wouldn't want to.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

I'm with you there, sir. Anyway, I'll wait for you in the pub over there. We can compare notes afterwards.

[Father Brown]

Yes, right. Yes, fine.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Mind the revolving door.

[Father Brown]

Oh, that's better. Yes.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

You okay, Reverend?

[Father Brown]

Oh, yes, sir. Thank you. One small things are.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Yes?

[Father Brown]

I'm the supervising engineer for the elevator construction. I beg your pardon? Oh, sorry. I build the lift.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Oh, I wanted to warn you.

[Father Brown]

Why? Is something wrong with them?

[Narrator]

Sir?

[Father Brown]

In our opinion, the quietest super silent.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Elevator system is the best in the world.

[Father Brown]

The quietest system is 53% quieter than any other. Really?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Father Brown]

Is it electric? Oh, yes, sir.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Oh, yes, I.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Anyway, although the elevators are working. I must ask you to wait for the attendant.

[Father Brown]

Of course.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

You see, the safety catch on the outer doors isn't yet working to maximum efficiency.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Mr. Wilson. No lift boy again, I see. Now I will be no more dependent on boys than on men. I am quite capable of working the thing myself. And you, you going to wait all day or will you come with me?

[Father Brown]

I was told by the.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Oh, that's all right, Reverend. Ms. Stacy can handle the elevators just fine. Oh, fine and dandy.

[Father Brown]

Well, then, thank you so much.

[Narrator]

Most kind of you.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Now, nine here and you?

[Father Brown]

Oh, I, I, I don't know if you'd know. It's Ms. Flambo.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Ah, the 10th, just above mine. There are only three floors occupied. 10 and up.

[Father Brown]

Oh, it certainly is very fast.

[Flambeau]

Eight.

[Father Brown]

Nine.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Good. Oh. Oh. Stupid gym. Crack company.

[Father Brown]

What do you mean? Quieter?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Super silent lifts. This door is always getting dark. Why couldn't they have gone to one of the big lift firms?

[Father Brown]

Let me help.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

There.

[Father Brown]

Ah, now, don't tell me. I'm beginning to get the hang of these things. I shut this door. Yeah. No, this one shuts easier than it opens. Oh, dear.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Shouldn't you be inside?

[Father Brown]

I did.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Don't you want the next floor up? I'll call the lift back.

[Father Brown]

Oh, no, no, no, thank you. Stairs. If there are stairs, I'd rather. I'm used to stairs. They're not electrical.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Another helpless man. Come and meet my sister, Joan.

[Father Brown]

Oh.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

We have a typewriting agency. Just the two of us. Oh, Joan, did you move that wastepaper bucket? Oh, I'm sorry, Paulina. I told you before, everything in this office is carefully placed in its most efficient position. Please don't move anything. Efficiency and light. Those are our watchwords.

[Father Brown]

Electric light.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

We do have electric light, of course, but. No, I meant the one true light of heaven. The stairs are just here, my dear.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Father Brown, you startled me. Always die hard. I didn't hear the lift.

[Father Brown]

Ah, well, I'm sorry. I had a contretemps with the lift. I came through the Ladies Electrical Typewriting Bureau.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

I do not think there is yet such a device as an electrical typewriting machine. But when one is invented, assure yourself the Mrs. Stacey would be the first to have a model. But please, please, do sit. Let me take your umbrella.

[Father Brown]

Oh, thank you. That is kind. Ah, miss. Ms. Pauline seems a very strong willed lady.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Oh, yes, she is, she is. She has most strict principles. Not just the scientific progress, but also the health of the body. Oh, would you like some coffee? Real French coffee?

[Father Brown]

Oh, yes, yes, please. The health of the body.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Yes. You saw her sister Joan? Yes. She is very short sighted. Hereditary disease, I believe. Their poor father died completely blind. Let me see now. The coffee grinder. Where's the coffee grinder?

[Father Brown]

The coffee grinder.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Yes, I was there last week. I wanted some typewriting. The brave Pauline, she will not allow Joan to wear spectacles. She catches her wearing them. She tears them from her nose and stamps on them. Miss Pauline, I said, you believe in all this scientific improvement. Why cannot science help in this way too? I remember her words. True scientific invention is the force of man. And woman too, she says. But these nasty props and potions the doctors sell, they are the marks of our slavery. We must train ourselves not to need them. We must learn to stare. I'm blinking in the sun.

[Father Brown]

Very curious. I'm afraid I can't stare unblinking at anything. But if Ms. Joan has such poor eyesight, how can she see the little letters on the typewriting machine?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

She is a touch typewriter. These professional typewriters, they don't need to look at the letters. They know the keyboard by heart. And how, you ask, does she read the material she has to typewrite? Answer, she does not. Another scientific miracle. You see this? To all their clients, like me, they supply a phonograph. We dictate what we have to say here. And into the mouth of the machine deliver the wax cylinders and allep. They are typewritten.

[Father Brown]

Well, it all sounds very wonderful. One has to admire their enterprise. It must be. It must be difficult to make ends meet.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Pardon?

[Father Brown]

To make a living.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Ah, yes, yes, yes. Well, no, there is no difficulty there. Ms. Pulleen, she is from one of your county families. She inherited a fortune. It is wholly to her credit that she prefers to work.

[Father Brown]

I see. Monsieur Flambeau, I must ask you very directly, is Ms. Stacy's fortune in any way connected with your setting up office immediately above her bureau?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Connected? How do you mean? Ah, I see. You think that I am.

[Father Brown]

I'm asking you if this office is merely a front. Isn't that the word?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

The coffee, Father Brown, I will answer you equally directly. No, it is not.

[Narrator]

Yeah, thank you.

[Father Brown]

Thank you.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

As to whether I would be tempted to go back to a life of crime, that is more difficult. Frankly, I do not know. You said things to me when we last met which touched me. But I am human. I am frail. Yes, yes. For all my size and strength for many years, the life of the criminal is the only life I know. Now I try to change. Pray for me.

[Father Brown]

I do, Mr. Flambeau. I have a confession to make. Inspector Bagshaw asked me to come and see you, to try you. He's waiting downstairs in a public house opposite.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

He is? Bagshaw? Ah, good. We shall have lunch together. I must warn him against this Kalan who has the apartment above mine.

[Father Brown]

Oh, the.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

The sun priest, so he says. I tell you, Father. Me, I know the criminal mind. I ought to. I've got one myself. That man. He is the one to watch regarding the fortune of our Miss Stacy.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Oh, just a half of bitter for me, Mr. Flamboy. What's going on over there on the balcony?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Oh, that is your son, Priest. He comes out at noon every day to stare at the sun and chant some nonsense. See there, two floors below there is Ms. Poly. She comes out of her office onto her balcony five minutes before Kin appears. She just stares. And in a minute or two she'll go in and reappear with him on his balcony. Each day the same. It's ridiculous. I'll go and get the drink.

[Father Brown]

There's Joan Stacy.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Who?

[Father Brown]

Oh, that lady over there.

[Narrator]

Oh, yeah.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

You know, she's not the sort of woman I'd expect to see alone in a public house.

[Father Brown]

Perhaps she's got an assignation, Inspector.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

She's been here almost as long as I have. She's a very fine looking woman.

[Father Brown]

Shall I introduce you? Well, good afternoon, Ms. Stacy. Good afternoon, Sa.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance.

[Flambeau]

You, madam.

[Narrator]

Very pleased.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

I beg your pardon.

[Father Brown]

This is Inspector Bagshaw.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

How do you do?

[Father Brown]

How do you do?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Here. Here you are. The. The drinks.

[Flambeau]

Ah.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Hello, Miss Stacy. There. Look. Pauline's gone in from her balcony. In a moment you'll see her up with Kaya. Can I get you a drink, Ms. Stacy?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Oh, no, that's. What was that?

[Father Brown]

Didn't you hear anything?

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Yes, I did.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Yes, I did.

[Father Brown]

Look over there. There's something happening over there.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Oh, come on. Oh, yes, quickly.

[Father Brown]

Excuse me.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

I'm a police officer. Narling.

[Narrator]

What happened?

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

I warned you.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

I told her the lift wasn't safe.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Yes, well, never mind that now. Go and get a doctor, though. I'm afraid it's too late.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

How can Paulina step into thin air into an empty lift shell?

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Well, what's she forgotten?

[Father Brown]

Pushed.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Well, if she was, it didn't have been kin who pushed her. He's still chanting.

[Supporting characters / Minor roles]

Away.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Excuse me.

[Father Brown]

No, Ms. Stacy. Ms. Joan. Don't come any closer. It's your sister. I'm afraid she.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Yes, I warned her. I warned her about the lift. I warned her of many things.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

She would not Miss, there is something very peculiar here. I'm going to see Kay.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Go with him, will you, Father Brown? Thank you very much. Brian. I want to make a few stairs calm down.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Well, I don't think those stairs are meant for climbing.

[Father Brown]

Oh, well, here we are. The Stacy's office.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Aren't you coming up to Karen's floor? It's another two floors.

[Father Brown]

No, I think we may find this floor more interesting. You notice the open gate to the lift chart? Yes, yes. And your height? Look.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Look here in the waste paper bucket.

[Narrator]

Blood.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

See?

[Flambeau]

Blood.

[Father Brown]

Blood. What? Oh, no, no, no. Red ink, would you? And green ink.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

And blue ink.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

That's incredible.

[Father Brown]

And black ink. Well, that's funny. It wasn't here before. You see this bin, Ms. Pauline? She knocked it over. I'm sure. I'm sure I'd have noticed the ink. Why? Listen. There comes the lift.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Oh, yes. Kaylan.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

What are you doing here?

[Father Brown]

Ah.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

Where is Pauline, my dear? Why didn't she come up to join me?

[Father Brown]

Pauline. Ms. Pauline Stacey is dead.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

She fell down the empty lift shaft. Dead?

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

Pauline is dead.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Maybe she's sad.

[Narrator]

I must sit down.

[Father Brown]

Of course, of course, yes.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

Those damned, damned tricksy lips. That woman. That woman who is dead was my love and my bride.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Come on, Shah.

[Father Brown]

She was your wife.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

No, no. Not after the manner of your tin chapels. What the world calls lawful matrimony. But after a purer, sterner law higher than anything you can understand.

[Father Brown]

Allow me to try.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

Would you learn from me?

[Father Brown]

Perhaps I might learn something. You see, we are taught that principles, motives are what we should judge a man on. If, say, a man has bad principles, it is, well it is his fault if he commits a crime.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

You would convict men of crime? I would convict them of innocence. You would convince them of sin? I would convince them of virtue. All your church is but a black police.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

A black police. I ask you. The man is a charlatan.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Police.

[Father Brown]

Oh, them stairs.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Oh, don't talk to me about the police. Now I know what they mean when they say when you want one, you can't find one. Blow my whistle for five minutes. I was before any of the uniform branch turned up. Oh, this is the deceased sister, Ms. Joan Stacy. Yes, of course, you both know her, don't you? You must be Kalon. Right. I've got my breath back. We might as well get started. I don't mind telling you, I can't put my finger on it, but something stinks here. It looks like an accident. Could even be suicide. But I smell murder. Now, Mr. Kaylon, what were you doing? Just before the. Well, before Ms. Stacy fell, going into.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

Stacey's office with a document for Pauline to sign. Then I went upstairs to commence my prayers.

[Father Brown]

Upstairs?

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Just for the record, what was the document you were taking to be signed?

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

It was Ms. Pauline Stacy's will. She'd asked me to check it before she signed. Arline did love me.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

And.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

And this very morning, before she died, she wrote on that table a will leaving me and my church half a million pounds.

[Father Brown]

See for yourself.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

The will is on the table over there.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

I gave and bequeathed to church of. My knowledge of English law may be limited, but how is this valid? It is not signed.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

Not signed?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

What?

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

What monkey tricks you've been up to, Joan.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

How dare you.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

See here, gentlemen. Here's your death explained. The poor girl is writing her will in my favor. Her cursed sister here comes in, struggles for the pen, drags her to the shaft and throws her down before she can finish.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Mr. Caelo, Ms. Stacy here has the same alibi as the other chief suspect. I myself was only a few yards from her when the murder occurred.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

And who is the other chief suspect?

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

You are Flombo.

[Narrator]

Mm.

[Father Brown]

And I?

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Well, yes, you. You do have a motive.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

When I am called to dock, many hundred people will go into the witness box and testify that I was standing on my balcony two floors above Pauline's office when she fell to her death. Could I be in two places at once?

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Oh, well, I don't know, Father Brown.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

So the little inquisitor defers to the Grand Inquisitor. But I still say I am without sin.

[Father Brown]

Oh, is anyone without sin? There have, I feel, been sins committed here. Sins of omission and sins of commission. But I doubt whether they could lead to a conviction in a court of law. I confess, I am defeated.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Defeated? You are defeated?

[Father Brown]

Yes, I feel I am.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

Then let me tell you what I think happened.

[Father Brown]

Oh, Miss, please do I be.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

I solemnly believe that in some ecstasy of noble thought, Pauline attempted a miracle. Yes, it is well known to students of the higher truths that certain adepts and Illuminati have attained the power of levitation, of being able to float in empty air. Perhaps Pauline believed she had achieved such a level. Perhaps in her eyes.

[Father Brown]

In her eyes. In her eyes? Yes, that's it.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

But I see you do not understand.

[Father Brown]

Oh, but I think I do.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

What do you mean, Father?

[Father Brown]

Monsieur Flambeau, you told me that you could understand how a criminal behaves because you yourself were a criminal. I am very short sighted. I know how short sighted people behave. Miss Joan is Very short sighted. Her father died blind. The disease is hereditary. Miss Pauline also inherited it, though she refused to admit it. Two things I recognized in the lift. She could not read the numbers on the floor indicator. She had to count the floors as we passed. And she did not see the waste paper bin she knocked over. I'm always doing things like that. Without my spectacles. I'm blind. But Miss Pauline refused to wear spectacles. She made her eyes worse by straining them and staring into the sun. Coming in from the sun, she. She could not see. There was no lift in the shaft.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

So it was an accident after all.

[Father Brown]

But tell me, Kaylon, why, when we saw you take a lift to descend two floors from your office to Miss Stacy's, why did you choose, as you told us, to walk up the same two floors, why didn't you take the lift?

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

What do you mean?

[Father Brown]

Huh?

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

What are you getting at?

[Father Brown]

Am I to suggest you are a strong man, mister? The lift gate on Pauline's floor was faulty. I myself saw she could not open it unaided. And no doubt in a generous spirit, you were in the habit of leaving the gate open with the lift in position so that she could enter it and ascend to join you on your balcony. Yes.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

What if I was?

[Father Brown]

Well, now, suppose. I'm only supposing, of course, suppose to day, shall we say. But believing that Miss Pauline Stacey had signed a will in your favour, you were tempted.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

Tempted? The word means nothing.

[Father Brown]

Very well. You chose. When you had walked up the two floors to your office, you chose to press the little electric button to summon the lift to your floor. Would that not mean that at Pauline Stacey's floor the door would remain open? And that instead of finding the lift she expected, and assuming, as I suggested, that she could not see, she would step confidently into the empty shaft because you had called the lift to your own floor?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

That's it. I have him. Inspector.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Mr. K, I charge you.

[Father Brown]

No, no, I was only conjecturing. And I'm sure there can be no charge against this man in law. As he said, there were hundreds of witnesses to the fact he was praying to his God when Pauline died. Let him go, Miss Fland. Please.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Please.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

Who are you, you cursed black spy, to weave a spider's web round me. I. I will leave now and none of you can stop me. No.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

No, no.

[Father Brown]

No, Monsieur Flambeau. Let him pass. Yes, let Cain pass, for he belongs to God.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Inspector.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Oh, Miss Joan, I do apologise. I'm afraid in all the excitement, I'd rather forgotten about you.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Am I free to go too? This has all been something of a shock.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Oh, well, of course, Ms. Stacy. Ms. Joan, if there's anything I can do.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

No, thank you, Inspector. Father Brown. Monsieur Flombeau.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Mademoiselle. So I am the only suspect remaining, Inspector.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Oh, I didn't really suspect you, Flambeau, nor Ms. Joan.

[Father Brown]

Ah, but, Inspector, she is not wholly without guilt.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Then what was her crime, Father?

[Father Brown]

Well, one was to guess that her sister was in danger and to come down to the public house to disassociate herself from that danger. The other was more deceit, really, and something of a gamble. Knowing her sister intended signing the will, she emptied all the fountain pens into the waste paper bin here, hoping her almost blind sister would not see she had not made a mark. Yes, yes, it was a gamble Kaylon could easily have checked. But he was preoccupied with his own evil thoughts. The gamble paid off. Hence her relief when she knew there was no signature.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Let me see. Fifteen minutes since the murder by my watch. Is that a record for a solution, Inspector?

[Father Brown]

I knew Kalon had done it before we came into the front door. Human nature. In the middle of Kalon's prayers, there was a crash, a scream, the hullabaloo of the crowd and a policeman blowing his whistle for five minutes. But Kalon continued, unperturbed. He did not start or even look down. He clearly expected something of the kind.

[Narrator]

In the Eye of Apollo by G.K. chesterton. The part of Father Brown was played by Andrew Sachs Flambeau Livier Pierre Bagshaw Bill Wallace Kalin Bruce Boa Pauline Stone Stacy Nerissa Knights Joan Stacey Lisa Flanagan Wilson Garrick Hagan Sister Melinda Walker News vendor Robin Sommers the Eye of Apollo was adapted by John Scottney and directed in Bristol by Alec Reid. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces.

[Father Brown]

Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com Switch and now T Mobile is in US cellular stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the.

[Flambeau]

Cost of optional benefits, plan features and.

[Father Brown]

Taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines.

[Flambeau]

Qualifying credit required.

[Supporting characters / Minor roles]

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[Narrator]

The Father Brown Stories by G.K. chesterton. We present the invisible man adapted by john scottney with andrew sachs as father brown.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Our tidings of comfort and joy. Comfort and joy.

[Father Brown]

Our tidings of comfort and joy.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

God rest you merry gentlemen. You just.

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Merry Christmas, mister.

[Narrator]

And to you.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Oi. Penny for the weights.

[Narrator]

Weights? What weights? There's only one of you.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Penny for the weight then?

[Narrator]

Penny for the guy? That'd be more appropriate. Christmas isn't for another week.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Yeah.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

No.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Screw.

[Narrator]

Well, so here you are then. Invest it wisely.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Sixpence.

[Narrator]

God.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Thanks, guv. Thanks very much. Merry Christmas, mister.

[Narrator]

Merry Christmas.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

See ya.

[Narrator]

Merry Christmas, Mrs. Wilkins.

[Father Brown]

Oh, you, Mr. Angus?

[Narrator]

Yes, I'm afraid so. It's snowing again out there in a bitter wind.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Oh, really, Mr. Angus.

[Narrator]

My word. Those plum puddings look absolutely deadly. Oh, Mr. Angus. Look, I'll just pop through to the tea room for a warming cup of your delicious coffee.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Well. Oh, Mr. Angus.

[Father Brown]

Oh, Laura.

[Narrator]

Alone at last.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

And what would you like, Mr. Angus?

[Narrator]

Ah, the blessed ghastliness of Mrs. Wilkins patisserie. It makes her tea room such a haven of privacy. A small cup of black coffee, please. How much are the coconut kisses?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

A penny. A penny?

[Narrator]

Oh, dear. Can't afford it. I'll have to have a real kiss instead.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

John, don't. Mrs. Wilkins will see. I'll get your order.

[Narrator]

Hello, Mrs. Wilkins.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

All that, Mr. Angus.

[Narrator]

I might have known her idea of Christmas decorations would be holly. Extremely prickly holly. Not a twig of mistletoe. Hey, Mrs. Wilkins.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

She'll throw you out. Here's your order. Will that be all?

[Narrator]

Oh, just one thing more. I want you to marry me.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Those are jokes. I don't allow.

[Narrator]

No, really, truly. I'm being perfectly serious for once in my life. As serious serious as the Hate me.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Bun a ha' penny bunny marriage Is.

[Narrator]

Expensive, like the bun one pays for. Is indigestible, like the bun. It hurts.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

John. There's something I must. Anyway, what will your uncle say?

[Narrator]

Oh, who cares? Look, the old admiral cut me off without a penny years ago on account of my gross and irredeemable socialism. That's how I became a poor starving artist. Well, a rather inadequately paid newspaper illustrator, actually. I repeat, I'm being perfectly serious. I've even saved money. I have sold my soul. I've drawn nothing for weeks but jolly robins, jolly fat little men with sacks and white beards, jolly reindeer, jolly candles, jolly holly iPhone.

[Father Brown]

Bought you a ring.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

Look.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Oh, it's lovely. Oh, John, you are serious. Only. Oh, this is terrible. You don't give me time to think.

[Narrator]

Ah, I'm not such a fool.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

There's something I must tell you. I've got a break in half an hour. Where can we meet?

[Narrator]

Oh, the usual place in the park.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

But it's snowing.

[Narrator]

Well, we'll build a snowman.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Hello, John.

[Narrator]

Hello there. One snowman. Nearly finished. You haven't got a pipe and a carrot about you, have you?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

To finish him off, Mr. Angus, before there's a minute more of this nonsense. I must tell you something about myself as shortly as I can. There's nothing I'm ashamed of of. But it's. It's a nightmare. What now? My father owned a name. The red fish at the. I used to serve behind the bar.

[Father Brown]

Ah.

[Narrator]

I always knew you were reared among nobler beverages. And tea and coffee.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Look, do you mind if we walk? I'm freezing.

[Flambeau]

Right.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Nobbery is a sleepy little hole tucked away in the worlds. The only people who ever came to the Redfish were the usual commercials. And Mel, who had nothing better to do than lean about in a bar room and bet on horses.

[Narrator]

Sounds quite idyllic. The exotic strangers and the sport of kings.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Now, for myself, do hold your tongue and listen. There were two of them in particular.

[Flambeau]

Really?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

I was a bit sorry for them. They were so unattractive. One was very small. A tiny little man. He had little bright black eyes like a bird's. And he was curiously clever at all kinds of things. Like making a jumping kangaroo out of five cigars. Or getting 15 matches to set fire to each other like a regular firework. Isadore Smythe, that was his name.

[Narrator]

And the other one, was he, by contrast, enormously tall?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

He was quite tall. He had light colored hair. I think that was what was so dreadful about him. He was so completely nondescript. A dreary silent, ordinary man. James Welkin he was called. He never did anything except soak in our bar parlour and go for long walks by himself in the dull, grey hills all around. So I was startled and very sorry when they both. They both offered to marry me in the same week.

[Narrator]

Good Lord. Did you marry them both? No.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

I did a very, very silly thing. I had a horror of their realizing. I refused them because I found them both so impossibly unattractive. So I made up some gas about never meaning to marry anyone who. Oh, it sounds ridiculous, but I was very young. Anyone who hadn't carved his own way in the world. Two days later, the old trouble began. I suddenly heard that both of them had gone off to seek the fortunes. As though they were in some silly fairy tale.

[Narrator]

And now they've come back from the gold fields of Australia with red shirts, huge moustaches and sacks full of halftime nuggets.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Not quite. What time is it?

[Narrator]

Half past.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

I must be getting back. Come on. We must hurry.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute. What happened?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

About a fortnight ago, I got a letter from Smythe. And this last week he's called in the tea room twice. What? I suppose you've seen all the hoardings. All about this smart, silent service.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes, I know. Turn a switch, a housemaid who doesn't flirt, set a dial, a cook who is never crossed.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Or all kinds of fancy machines for doing the housework. Vacuum, carpet sweepers, steam washing machines, electric refrigerators, electric kettles. Well, anyway, these machines, whatever they are, they're making him pop pots of money.

[Narrator]

All right, now, Laura, we're here, we're back, and we've still five minutes to spare. And there's something you haven't told me.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

What?

[Narrator]

The other man.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Yes, you're right. Yes, he's the one I'm frightened of. I haven't seen him, but I've heard him Just how it was just a few seconds before Smythe let her come through the door. I heard his laugh. I opened the door and there was no one there. Good Lord, I'd forgotten how he laughed. It's one of the reasons I found him so unattractive.

[Narrator]

I say, that's rum.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Yes, it is, isn't it?

[Narrator]

No, I didn't mean that. Though it is, of course, having this here. Well, this paper stuck to the shop window. This thin strip. Do you know what it says?

[Father Brown]

If you marry him, he will die.

[Narrator]

Who the devil are you?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Is it all?

[Flambeau]

Sorry I startled you. It's these rubber sole shoes. One of My own products. They're very quiet, especially in the snow. And this gentleman, Laura.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Mr. John Turnbull Angus. Mr. Isadore Smythe.

[Flambeau]

How do you do?

[Narrator]

How do you do?

[Flambeau]

It is undoubtedly Wilkins writing, is it not, Laura?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Aye.

[Flambeau]

I came to tell you that I too have heard from James.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Have you?

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Yes.

[Flambeau]

Five times in the last fortnight. He's left threatening letters at my flat.

[Father Brown]

Yet the porter swears he didn't see.

[Flambeau]

Anyone in the least suspicious. And here he is pasted up some sort of dado on public shop window while people in.

[Narrator]

Shop window? Why so? While the people in the shop were having their tea.

[Flambeau]

Well, rather.

[Narrator]

Well, the person in the shop was having his tea. There's only that little priest.

[Flambeau]

What? Must speak to him. What?

[Father Brown]

Ah, yes, can't stop. Oh, Mr. Angus.

[Narrator]

Evening, Mrs. Wilkins. I see trade is looking up a customer.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

A guest.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Oh, Laura.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

I'll explain in a minute. Mrs. Wilkins.

[Narrator]

Excuse me, are you speaking to. Could we. Could we have a word with you a minute please, Father?

[Father Brown]

Oh, yes, yes, certainly. If you marry him, he will die.

[Narrator]

Oh, dear. The thing is, Father, do you see.

[Father Brown]

Anybody stick it up there?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

I wonder what those little holes can be.

[Flambeau]

There's probably sandpaper. Easy enough to get hold of and no one could possibly trace it. More important though, Father, did you see anyone stick it there?

[Father Brown]

No, no. Then I wouldn't. You see, I'm terribly short sighted and I was rather a long way away. Oh, I have perfect eyesight. I assure you I saw nobody.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's amazing. Look, if I were you smiling chap, I'd put the whole thing in the hands of some energetic private inquiry agents.

[Flambeau]

Well, you're right, of course, but some of these private detective fellows are.

[Father Brown]

Well, now there. Perhaps I may be able to help. I know an extremely clever fellow. His name's Flambeau. Oh, he's a foreigner?

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Yes.

[Father Brown]

His office is in town, but his flat's not far away. Do mention me, Father Brown. It's only a few stops on the penny omnibus.

[Flambeau]

Penny omnibus? Be done. I'll go in my car.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Go with him, John.

[Narrator]

Why?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

You may need help.

[Narrator]

No, look here.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

No, don't worry. The threat's against Mr. Smyth, not against me. Remember, I know James Welkin.

[Flambeau]

A designed car myself. Mr. Angus. As you see, it is extremely simple to drive anybody by mun will not need to employ chauffeur. It's remarkable to keep a servant, Mr. Angus.

[Narrator]

No, I can't afford to.

[Flambeau]

I can't afford to. I'm a millionaire, but I choose not to. My rival. I Suspect, I should say our rival.

[Narrator]

Welkin.

[Father Brown]

Welkin, yes.

[Flambeau]

He was left a little money when I last saw him. He was drinking his play pretty deeply into that capital. I don't know what Laura told you. Well, she gave me whatever lock Laura may have imagined. I always earned every penny I spent. I had to. My parents there were already long dead. They've been servants of it all. Between them they earned 50 pound a year for a 12 hour day. Black leading grates, boiling laundry. Mind your backs heating up water on fire and carrying up for master's bath sweeping and dusting. It killed my mother.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry to hear it.

[Flambeau]

Such drudgery is unnecessary. I believe that in 60, 70 years time, say by 1970. 1980, no one will need to employ domestic servants or to be employed as a servant. And the reason? Machines of which the machines I manufacture are but the primitive ancestors. It will be the new golden age. With a golden age without slavery.

[Narrator]

I take mine. That was obsolete.

[Father Brown]

Animal.

[Flambeau]

I get carried away. Amstead, we must be nearly there. What's the address?

[Narrator]

Locknow Mansions.

[Flambeau]

How very odd. I live at Imalaya Mansions, just round corner. Look, why don't you come up to my flat? I'll show you Wilkins letters and you can run round and get that Flambeau. Ch. Here we are. My flat. Well, avert your eyes.

[Narrator]

I beg your pardon?

[Flambeau]

While I turn this combination lock to neutralize burger alarm system. Otherwise when I open door, bells will ring in here and in hall porter's office.

[Father Brown]

Oh, I see.

[Flambeau]

Good. Now we can go in. See, electric light comes on as we enter. Come through to the kitchen.

[Father Brown]

Shut the door.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Oh, yes.

[Narrator]

Lord, what a battery paraphernalia. What's that?

[Flambeau]

That is my electric knife sharpening and polishing machine.

[Narrator]

I say, I wouldn't half mind having one of those 33 guineas. 33 guineas? What's a bit steep?

[Flambeau]

Costly. Like so many of my machines, it is at present vastly more expensive than human servant it replaces. Oh, fortunately for me, my things are fashionable among the far sighted. Did you know that on King Edward's yachty has no less than three electric refrigerators? One just for champagne.

[Narrator]

Really?

[Father Brown]

Ah, here, here.

[Flambeau]

Here are the letters. Living room is through there. Door of course is automatic. I just press this button here.

[Narrator]

So. And if you go to see her today, I will kill you. That's the last. And it came this morning. Aye, Good. Look, have you a glass of whiskey? I think I need one.

[Father Brown]

Of course.

[Narrator]

Watch this.

[Flambeau]

I call it my invisible footman. You see the little rails on the Floor.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Flambeau]

Now, look at that metal cabinet over there. I press this switch on the arm of my chair.

[Kalon / James Welkin / Male antagonist characters]

Now, this one.

[Narrator]

Do I take a drink of it?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Oh.

[Narrator]

Smythe. Smythe. Are you all right?

[Flambeau]

It's still experimental. I haven't got the circuits quite right. That's one disadvantage. A human thought that would explode in a blue flash and give off clouds of smoke.

[Narrator]

You haven't seen my uncle's butler. Look, if you don't mind, I think I'll forget about the whiskey and trot over to this Flombo fellow. Too sweet.

[Flambeau]

Yes, yes. Right this way.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Flambeau]

Mr. Angus, I don't know how to.

[Narrator]

Oh, think nothing of it, old boy. Work as of the world. Unite, you know.

[Flambeau]

Aye. May the best man win, eh?

[Narrator]

Look, look. I see you've got one of these spy hole things in the door. Smile, I beg you. Open this door to no one till I get back. H. I won't. Cheerio, then.

[Flambeau]

I'll put the alarm on.

[Father Brown]

Goodbye. Champagne Charlie is me name. Champagne drinking is me game.

[Narrator]

All, Madam Scott. Scrubbing away, I see.

[Father Brown]

Yes, sir. Scrubbing.

[Narrator]

Did you know that one day you might be replaced by a machine?

[Father Brown]

Oh, good.

[Narrator]

Well. But for the moment, I want you to take this with my best wishes for a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.

[Father Brown]

Thank you, sir. Oh. Oh, thank you.

[Narrator]

And when I come back, I shall.

[Father Brown]

Give you another half crown.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Another half crown?

[Narrator]

Yes. Because I want you to watch that door.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Yes.

[Narrator]

And if anyone tries to go in there, I want you to nip down in the nip. And tell the hall porter immediately. Anyone.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Do you understand?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Splendid. Compliments of the season.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Flipping puffs.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Well, at least the snow has stopped.

[Father Brown]

Yes.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

You see, I am from the south, Mr. Angus. I do not share your northern taste for winter weather. So you told Smy to open the door to know.

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

And you set the cleaning woman on center duty. What else?

[Narrator]

Well, I also warned the whole porter, of course. Oh, and the hot chestnut man outside. Oh, and best of all, there was a policeman outside. I explained everything to him, and he agreed to keep guard.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

You did well.

[Narrator]

Thank you, Mr. Flambo. You see, there's the hot chestnut man now, and that's the policeman with him.

[Father Brown]

Who are the other two?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Father Brown.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Laura.

[Flambeau]

Laura.

[Father Brown]

Hello.

[Supporting characters / Minor roles]

What are you doing here?

[Narrator]

Why have you brought this gentleman with you?

[Father Brown]

Oh, Ms. Laura insisted on coming. I should explain. She told me the whole story. And she thought she would tell Welkin if he turned up at Smythe's flat, that she had no intention of marrying Smythe and I. Yes. I just tagged along to give her moral support. We've only been here a couple of minutes. We came on the penny omnibus. Oh, do have a chess that. They're very good of you, sir. Oh, yes, Constable.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

There we are.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Thanks, sir.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

And you didn't see anyone go in, did you, Constable?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

No, Miss.

[Father Brown]

Not a soul, sir.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Good. Well, all seems well. We'll just go in and double check with the whole.

[Father Brown]

These footprints.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Which ones?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

These.

[Father Brown]

These ones here. Going in. Yeah. And these ones coming out. Oh, yes.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

They seem to be the same person. An extremely heavy man. Or he could be carrying a load.

[Father Brown]

Yes.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Good firm stride. Good workman. Like boots with hobnails. I read an excellent monograph on footprints when I was first setting up to be a detective. They're very clear.

[Father Brown]

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. That's what struck me. Me. I fear we may be too late. Let's see the hall porter. Would you come with us, Constable?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Oh, yes. A very ingenious gentleman, Mr. Smy. He rigged up this telephone system from his room upstairs. Down here to my desk.

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Anyway, gents.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Oh, and madam, you can take it from me. Nobody's been in since this young gentleman went away.

[Father Brown]

Then what are these patches of melting snow leaving upstairs?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Yes, yes. See, the snow has hardly melted, despite the warmth here. These footprints were made within the last few minutes.

[Father Brown]

God.

[Narrator]

The invisible man.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Father, you stay down here with Ms. Laura. Mr. Angus, will you come up with me?

[Narrator]

Of course.

[Father Brown]

I better go with them, sir. Yes, Constable. Just a moment. Yes, sir, could I. Could I just have a word, please? After the ball is over. After the break.

[Narrator]

See, the WED marks lead straight to his door. No one went in.

[Father Brown]

Can I have me half crown now, sir?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

And see, look there. Fainter marks coming out. As Father Brown said, we may be too late.

[Father Brown]

What about me half crown?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Spies.

[Narrator]

Smiley, are you all right?

[Father Brown]

Two shillings and sixpence.

[Narrator]

I have to break the door down.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

There is an easier way. I have my skeleton keys.

[Narrator]

Be careful.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

What's the matter? Good. I haven't lost my touch.

[Narrator]

Well, that's strange. Smythe has an electrical alarm. He said he was putting it on.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Yes, I know the kind of thing. There's usually a switch somewhere. Ah, there. But it's off.

[Narrator]

Look, it's a tiny flat. I'll try the kitchen. You try the living room, would you?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Mon Dieu. What's the matter?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Look there on the carpet. A trail of blood. Someone must be wounded. Oh, dead.

[Narrator]

But where's the body?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

I simply do not understand it. There are but Four rooms. All of them we have searched for thoroughly. The body must be somewhere. We must get Father Brown up here.

[Narrator]

What, the little priest?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Yes, yes, yes, we'll call him on that internal telephone thing. Yes, here it is. Hello, Is that the concierge? I mean, you know, the whole porter. That's good. Look, this is Mr. Flambeau, one of the gentlemen in Mr. Smythe's flat. Would you kindly ask Father Brown to come up? Oh, and the policeman? Yes? Ah, he's not there. Well, just Father Brown then. Huh? Thank you.

[Narrator]

Well, here we are, Father Brown.

[Father Brown]

Ah, yes, I'm sorry about the policeman. I. I sent him off on an errand.

[Narrator]

Why don't you come up here as well? It's not a pretty sight, you know.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

I wanted to know what happened.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Yes, well, so do we come through?

[Father Brown]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

You'll notice, Father, the wet footprints, they come right into the flat.

[Narrator]

Yes, yes, but why were you interested in the footprints outside?

[Father Brown]

Yes, well, they were the only ones that weren't partially obscured by snow. They were made after it stopped. Do you mind if I just potter about?

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

No, no, no, of course. Just go ahead.

[Father Brown]

Yeah, it'll be. Ah. Ah, now this is interesting.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

What is it?

[Narrator]

We didn't think any of those papers were relevant.

[Father Brown]

No, no, no, they're not. This, this one. This might interest you, Miss Laura. Here.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Oh, thank you, Father.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

You, please. All right if I come in, sir?

[Father Brown]

Oh, yes, yes, yes, Constable, do come in.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

We arrested him as you suggested, sir.

[Father Brown]

Well done, well done. You've acted very promptly.

[Narrator]

Thank you, sir.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

He confessed at once.

[Narrator]

We're going to drag the canal for the body. Good, good. But sir, the little priest triumphs again. Look, will someone please explain? You've caught the invisible man.

[Father Brown]

Oh, only mentally invisible, Mr. Angus. You know how rich people never notice the presence of servants? They take them for granted. To them they are invisible.

[Narrator]

Yes, but Smyth had no servants.

[Father Brown]

Ah, well, there are public servants as well as domestic servants. When those four honest people said that no one had gone into the Mansions or the flat, they meant no one they noticed. And Ms. Laura, there was something you said to me which wasn't true.

[Narrator]

What I say, Father?

[Father Brown]

No, no, don't be annoyed. She thought it was true. But there can't be no one in the street outside just after a letter has been delivered. And then, of course, there was the stamp paper.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

And look, I. I can't stand it anymore. Who is this fellow? What does he look like? What is the usual get up of a mentally invisible man?

[Father Brown]

Oh, he's dressed Rather handsomely, in red, blue and gold. And in this striking and even showy costume, he entered Himalayan Mansions under eight human eyes.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

What?

[Father Brown]

Yes, he killed Smythe in cold blood. After Smythe opened the door to him and he came down in the street again, carrying the dead body over his shoulder.

[Narrator]

Dear Father Brown, are you raving mad or am I?

[Father Brown]

You're not mad, only a little unobservant. James Welkin was dressed as a postman.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

So it was working after all.

[Father Brown]

See, nobody ever notices postman somehow. Yet they have passions like other men. And. And don't they carry large sacks where a small cock can be stowed quite easily? Have you ever noticed this, that people never answer what you say? They answer what you mean or what they think you mean. You see? Suppose one lady says to another in a country house, is anybody staying with you? The lady doesn't answer. Yes, the butler, the three footman, parlour maid and so on. Though the parlour maid may be in the room or the butler behind her chair, she says, there's nobody staying with us. Meaning nobody of the sort knew me. But now, suppose a doctor inquiring into an epidemic asks who is staying in the house? Then the lady will remember the butler, the parlour maid and the rest. All language is used like that. You never get a question answered literally, even when you get it answered truly. And when these four quite honest people said that no man had gone into the mansions, they didn't drag me. The no man had gone into them. They meant no man whom they could suspect of being your man. A man did go into the house and did come out of it, but they never noticed him.

[Narrator]

Ingenious.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Absolutely horrid. Let's talk about something else. Oh, look here. Smythe's Patent Waste Disposal System. The dustman. You don't have to tip. Let's try it. This paper will do.

[Father Brown]

Oh, here's the button.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Extraordinary.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

And now, Mr. Angus.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Yes?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Don't you find it close in here?

[Father Brown]

Close?

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Would you care for a walk in the park?

[Inspector Bagshaw / Police Officer]

Oh, yes.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes. Yes, very much. Excuse us, gentlemen. Excuse us.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Goodbye, Monsieur Flombeau.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Mademoiselle.

[Ms. Joan Stacy / Laura / Female characters]

Father Brown.

[Father Brown]

Oh, goodbye, Miss Laura.

[Mr. Flambeau / Male characters]

Now, tell me, Father Brown, what was on the paper? I thought you said it was important, yet she threw it away.

[Father Brown]

Yes. Yes, it could have been important to some people, I suppose it was. Isadore Smythe's will. He left her everything. One and a half million pounds and a half. But I don't think Miss Laura would wish to be wealthy after all, didn't she say? She was determined that the man she would marry would. What was the phrase? Would have to carve his own way in the world. What a challenge for young Mr. Angus.

[Narrator]

In the invisible man by g.k. chesterton. The part of father brown was played by andrew sachs flombeau olivier pierre laura eileen tully john turnbull angus anthony hyde isadore smyth, michael drew, Mrs. Wilkins and charlady margot boyd, policeman peter acre urchin melinda walker. The invisible man was adapted by john scottney and directed in bristol by alec reid. Our next week's story is the honor of israel gao.