THE PURSUIT ON LINDY ISLAND and PURSUIT OF THE FIREBIRD PURSUIT CBS RADIO

Summary

Podcast Summary: 1001 Radio Crime Solvers

Episode Title: The Pursuit on Lundy Island & Pursuit of the Firebird (Pursuit – CBS Radio)
Original Air Date: April 26, 2026
Featured Detective: Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard
Host: Jon Hagadorn

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Episode Overview

This episode presents two compelling tales from the golden age of radio detective dramas, both featuring the relentless Inspector Peter Black. The stories, "The Pursuit on Lundy Island" and "Pursuit of the Firebird," showcase classic whodunit mystery, sharp characterization, and methodical detective work as Scotland Yard faces seemingly unsolvable cases. Themes include the perils of jealousy and trust, the blurry lines of guilt and innocence, and the complexities of piecing together hidden truths in foggy, atmospheric settings.

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1. The Pursuit on Lundy Island

[Start – 31:00]

Main Plot

Inspector Peter Black’s holiday on the Devonshire coast is abruptly ended when the body of a woman is found washed ashore on Lundy Island. Black, working with Inspector Flowerdew and local officials, untangles a tightly woven mystery involving love, mistaken identity, and murder.

Key Discussion Points

• Discovery of the Albatross ([03:30])
  The detectives find an unmanned vessel, the Albatross, adrift near the island. Evidence of blood and a possible bullet gouge raise suspicions.

• Identification of the Victim ([09:00])
  Local fisherman William Blee (serving as an informal constable) reveals the dead woman is Maggie Pratt, the Sinfield's companion, not Mrs. Sinfield as first thought.

• Sinfield Family Dynamics ([12:00])
  Mrs. Sinfield arrives on the island seeking a divorce; her husband is absent on a fishing trip. Her arrival, and that of her Irish companion, stirs gossip and suspicion.

• Second Body Found ([17:34])
  Jack Kettle, Maggie's fellow passenger, is discovered dead with gunshot wounds—providing concrete evidence of murder.

• Sinfield Under Scrutiny ([19:51])
  Inspector Black interviews Daryl Sinfield, noting a missing rifle and bloody traces that could link him to the murders.

• Critical Scene: The Gun and Motive ([23:32])
  An empty and recently fired rifle is found on Sinfield's boat, supporting the idea of a jealous husband targeting his wife and her presumed lover.

• Twist: Plausible Alternate Suspects ([24:41])
  Black considers if Mrs. Sinfield and her companion, Cahill, are framing Sinfield; the thick fog and the boat's trajectory play critical roles.

• Climactic Confrontation ([27:07])
  Evidence, including ballistics and fog conditions, clears Cahill and Mrs. Sinfield. Ballistics prove Sinfield's guilt, revealed as he nearly attacks his wife in a final act of desperation.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Mr. Blee, I am at your service. Whilst he slaughtered his majesty's language, William Blee managed to convey some rather interesting facts.” – Inspector Black ([11:39])

• “He shoots her first. She topples overboard. He never sees her again. Then Kettle. First through the shoulder, then in the back. He reaches the wheel and tries to swing out of range. Splendid reconstruction, if I do say so myself.” – Inspector Black ([24:06])

• “This bullet, sir, is scarcely bluff. It was recovered from the man's body and has been traced to your rifle.” – Inspector Black ([29:14])

• Sinfield’s veiled confession and attempted assault:

  • “Yes. Yes, that's all. This time I'll do the job properly.” – Daryl Sinfield ([29:28])

Key Timestamps

• [03:30] – Boarding the Albatross, first clues
• [09:00] – Victim identified, islanders’ gossip
• [17:34] – A second body washes ashore
• [23:32] – Crime scene: rifle discovered
• [27:07] – Suspects confronted, truth revealed
• [29:14] – Forensic proof and Sinfield confesses

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2. Pursuit of the Firebird

[34:10]

Main Plot

Inspector Black is innocently drawn into a murder mystery through a chance encounter at a record shop, where the wrong album (The Firebird) contains a mysterious private audio recording. The recording implicates a private detective and connects to a web of blackmail, jealousy, and a long-unsolved disappearance.

Key Discussion Points

• Coincidence as Catalyst ([34:16])
  Black jokes about how “coincidence” launches fictional detectives into adventure—and finds himself similarly ensnared.

• The 'Wrong' Record ([37:31])
  Black gives Mrs. Moffat a birthday gift: what should be a music album, but one record is a private, dramatic recording of a secretive, quarrelling couple.

• Audio as Evidence ([39:17])
  The recording captures an argument, implied infidelity, and a murder. The detectives realize it’s not a radio play but a real-life document of a crime.

• Murder of the Private Detective ([44:11])
  The detective who sold the record is murdered before Black’s eyes—confirming the recording’s lethal importance.

• Chasing Leads: From Sound to Scene ([47:00])
  The investigation uses audio clues—train whistles, bells, time cues—leading Black and Moffat to Paddington and out to sleepy Twyford, piecing together the geography of the crime.

• Revelation of the Past ([55:43])
  They realize the murder happened years ago. The woman, Daphne Lane, was declared missing in 1945; the recording has been a blackmail instrument ever since.

• Confrontation and Confession ([57:41])
  Black visits Gilbert Amberley and his wife, Grace; under pressure, Grace confesses. Amberley admits his coverup and murder of the blackmailer. The two are left in a poignant moment—bound together by crime, facing separation.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “In crime fiction, coincidence seems to be the most popular motivating force... However, it was pure coincidence that launched me to the pursuit of the Firebird.” – Inspector Black ([34:16])

• “Go on, Inspector. I bet you did it on purpose. You’ve probably got an appointment with a pretty blonde Mrs. Moffett tonight. You are the only woman in my life, Moffett.” – Mrs. Moffat & Inspector Black, lightening the mood before the darkness unfolds ([43:36])

• “I submit these facts to you, sir, that on a certain night in October 1945, either you or Mrs. Amberley shot to death the woman Daphne Lane in the cottage at Twyford… that the recording taken by a detective Baxter, hired by your wife, has been used as a weapon of blackmail against you.” – Inspector Black ([59:18])

• “Five years dreaming of it and living it every hour of the day… I want it to be finished. I’m glad it is.” – Grace Amberley ([60:32])

Key Timestamps

• [36:00] – The mysterious record, first played
• [39:17] – Detective links recording to a crime
• [44:11] – Inspector Black discovers Baxter’s murder
• [47:00] – Investigating the clues: trains, locations
• [55:43] – Timeline twist: murder from the past
• [57:41] – Final confrontation, confessions, closure

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In the Words of the Cast

• "Murder is an unpleasant business and needs to be disposed of as quickly as possible."
  — Inspector Black ([27:20])

• "You see, it's only been during these frightened years we found a closeness and even happiness we'd never known before."
  — Gilbert Amberley ([61:05])

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Listener Takeaways

• Classic radio crime drama excels at juxtaposing atmospheric intrigue and sharp dialogue, with plenty of twists and red herrings.
• Inspector Black models both logical deduction and empathy—he carefully weighs evidence but also navigates the tangled emotions that often drive crime.
• Antique forensic details—ballistics, autopsies, and even sound analysis—exemplify old-school detective work.
• The episode skillfully balances dark themes with moments of subtle humor and glimpses into the detectives' home lives.

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Recommended for Listeners Who:

• Appreciate golden-age radio mysteries and whodunits.
• Love tightly plotted stories with a twist and shifting suspects.
• Enjoy clever sleuths like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot.

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Next Episode Teaser

“Pursuit will bring you another dramatic story of the man from Scotland Yard relentlessly hunting down those whose disordered passions breed violence and murder.”

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Transcript

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[1001 Radio Crime Solvers Host]

Welcome to 1001 Radio Crime Solvers podcast. This is your host John Hagedorn and we want 1001 radio crime solvers to be your favorite place to go to enjoy a great mix of vintage detective shows from the golden age of radio. The scripts were great, the action was hot and even the old commercials are enjoyable. And now Another episode of 1001 Radio Grime Solvers is ready to go. Enjoy.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Pursuit, Pursuit. A criminal strikes and fades quickly back into the shadows of his dark world. And then the man from Scotland Yard. The relentless dangerous pursuit when man hunts man. Now with Ted De Courcy as starred as the famous Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard. We bring you tonight's story of violence and murder. The pursuit on Lundy Island. Bit slippery, sir. Mind your step.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Thank you, Inspector.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, Captain. We're ready to go. Our store for lines. Oh, we may as well go into cabin, sir. Hour and a half run to Lundy Ranch. You on Andy. Stand by with a boat hook. Keep me clear of the pilings.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Aye, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Bit of luck tonight. Dark, but fogs lifted for a moment.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, sir. Oh, I say, flower, you. I'm afraid I'll have to catch some fags from you. I seem to have left mine at the end. I'd gone to a favorite inn of mine near Clovelly on the northern coast of Devonshire for a weekend holiday. Even a Scotland Yard man must rest. But unfortunately the criminal doesn't take that into consideration. The body of a woman had been washed ashore on the island of London. Inspector Reginald Flowerdew of the Barnstable Constabulary, knowing that I was in the vicinity, had phoned for assistance and picked me up. We drove to Biddeford and there boarded a motor launch which was soon churning through the dark waters of Bristol Channel, bound for the island of landing at 10pm approximately four hours after the body had been discovered. We cited the warning light on the high crags overlooking the quiet village.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Of course it's every man do his

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

choice, but I prefer heavier tackle.

[Inspector Peter Black]

I see. Still say it depends on the fish. My dear fellow, you might as well use a converted billiard jewel for a salmon.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, sir, you do have a point there. You see something of the s?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I'm not sure, sir.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Something up.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I. I see it. A small vessel, no lights. She's making no headway. Sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's me Flew. Yes. Would you and the chief inspector come one day?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Right now. Bloodyard.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Drifting with no lights. Ahoy the boat. Ahoy there.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Perhaps we'd better have a look, Captain.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Guess it fool's probably asleep below. Get a line on it, Andy. Hello on board.

[Inspector Peter Black]

They would hurt us, Captain. Let's have a look.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Dandy, Check me a torch.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Take the wheel. Keeper stirring in.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Well? Nothing above decks. Shall we try?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

The cabin.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Seems to be stuck.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I'll be blowed.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Empty. No sign of anything. Everything ship shape. Send me a torch. Captain.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Eh, Isn't we here yet?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Thank you. Albatross. Registered in the name of Daryl Sinfield. Home port Penzance. Come along. I want to have a better look on deck.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Wonder if the murdered woman on Lundy

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

could have come from this boat.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Possibly, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Wait a minute.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, quite possibly. Look here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Blood.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Don't you think?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, quite. He's by the wheel. The injured person stood at the controls for some time. How far offshore are we, Captain?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Oh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, Judge. About a mile and a half.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Queer. I suggest we take her in tow. If you'll send one of the crew to take the wheel, I think I should like to stay aboard. Aboard the derelict I noted the following points. The anchor was in place at the bow. The engine cold but in working order. The fuel tank was half filled in the mahogany paneling. Near the wheel was a deep gouge which might have been caused by a bullet. And on closer scrutiny of the cabin I discovered more traces of blood there.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Bloody footprints.

[Inspector Peter Black]

We were met at the landing by a narrow and rather foul old fashioned fisherman whom I learned had elected himself island constable.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

About time. Are you the copper from Barnstaple?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Police.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Inspector Flower. Due. This is Chief Detective Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

I'll be blooded. You mean you brought Scotland Yard all the way from London for one poor scattered female in. My name is William Blee.

[Inspector Peter Black]

How do you do, sir? Yes, correct. The dead woman, where was she found?

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Found her myself, down to Grouper Cove. I was fishing.

[Inspector Peter Black]

In your telephone message you mentioned foul play.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Foolish.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Do you know who she is?

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

I. Well, she's lying in the shed on some nets. Covered her with a tar. Come. There she is. Oh aye.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Oh, you say?

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

A surfish day. The rocks didn't do her face any good.

[Inspector Peter Black]

You were saying, Mr. Blee, that you knew who she was.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Aye. First I thought it was the Sinfield woman.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Oh, Sinfield.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

But it ain't. Tis her companion, Maggie Pratt Sinfield.

[Inspector Peter Black]

That would be Mr. Daryl Sinfield.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Aye.

[Inspector Peter Black]

He owns the Albatross.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Aye.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Do you know where he is?

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Aye.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Mr. Bleeding. I'm delighted to have you assist us, but I'd be most grateful if you would be a little more literal and a little less monosyllabic.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

That's a blabberish mouthful all right. He's fishing. He went off in his other boat. The tern.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Hello, Inspector.

[Inspector Peter Black]

What is it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Looks like bullet wound in the head. Point of entrance here, exit here.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, Mr. Blee. Is Mrs. Sinfield on the island?

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Aye, she is. She's out at the cottage with that keel flagoned Irishman of hers. Kyle.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Has she been notified of the death?

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Aye. She got vapourish and the Irishman's taking care of her.

[Inspector Peter Black]

I'll want you to take me out there.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Ay, ay. Tis a short walk though, mayhap not for a cityish man.

[Inspector Peter Black]

I'm sure I can manage with your help. Flower. Jewel. We'll want to get the body back to. I'd like an autopsy as soon as possible. And laboratory Tests of the blood stains.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Right you are, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I'll take it myself if you want

[Narrator/Announcer]

to carry on here.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Good. Shaw. Oh, by the way, would you send a message through to the yard for me?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, of course, sir.

[Inspector Peter Black]

I'd like Detective Sergeant Moffet assigned to the case. Request that he catch the first plane, will you?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Right you are, sir.

[Inspector Peter Black]

And now, Mr. Ple. I am at your service. Whilst he slaughtered his majesty's language, William Blee managed to convey some rather interesting facts. Namely that Mr. And Mrs. Sinfield had separated some two months before and that she had not been on the island since that time, but had arrived by plane during the afternoon with the keel flagoned. Irishman Kyle. The Sinfield cottage turned out to be something more than a cottage. It rested on a knoll and commanded a view of the sea and a promontory that stretched out before it.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Ah, There she be, Mr. Black, and I'll go no further.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Huh.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

I'll have naught to do with that skirtish woman and that blister bladdering, Kyle.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

I'll wait for you. While you're in there, I'll do some clamming for tomorrow's fishing.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Good evening, Mr. Cahill.

[Mr. Cahill]

Yes.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Inspector Black. Scotland.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Yeah.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Oh. Oh, yes, yes.

[Announcer/Producer]

About Ms. Pratt.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Yes, of course.

[Mr. Cahill]

Won't you come in?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Thank you very much.

[Mr. Cahill]

Come into the library. Do. There's a fire there. Hamlet, that is. Mrs. Sinfield is terribly upset. Maggie's been with her four or five years.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, I understand.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

Who is at the door of you?

[Mr. Cahill]

Oh, this is Inspector Black, my dear Mrs. Sinfield. Inspector.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

How'd you do, madam? Is there any news of Jack?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Jack? Mrs. Sinfield?

[Mrs. Sinfield]

Yes. Didn't you know? Jack Kettle, who's on the Albatross with Maggie?

[Inspector Peter Black]

I think you'd better tell me from the beginning.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Well, no.

[Mr. Cahill]

Perhaps you'd rather.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

I'm all right. Mr. Cahill and I came over to the island this afternoon to talk to my husband. We had planned to cross in the Albatross, but Jack found motor trouble and so we flew. If we hadn't.

[Mr. Cahill]

Now, please, Pamela, don't think about what might have been. Jack Kettle is a sailor of sorts, Inspector. He's been taking care of the albatross. Mrs. Sinfield told him to bring the boat over after repairs, and Maggie was to come with him.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

Maggie's always been with me.

[Mrs. Moffat]

I can't stand it. Would want to harm her.

[Inspector Peter Black]

We found the boat, Mrs. Infield.

[Mr. Cahill]

The albatross?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

And Jack.

[Inspector Peter Black]

The boat was adrift approximately a mile and a half offshore.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

It was Empty.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Empty.

[Inspector Peter Black]

I'm truly sorry that I have to question you at this time, but it's terribly important to establish these details. Now, at what hour might you have expected them to arrive here?

[Mr. Cahill]

Well, no, it's difficult to say, Inspector. It'll depend upon the extent of the repairs. But they still should have got here before nightfall. We watched for them until it was too foggy to see anymore.

[Inspector Peter Black]

I gather, Mrs. Sinfield, that your husband has not yet returned.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

No, I don't know where he can be.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Have you any means of communication with the village? No, I'm afraid not, Mr. Cahill. I'd appreciate a notification as soon as Mr. Sinfield does return.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

[Mr. Cahill]

I'd be happy to. You're staying in the village?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, at the inn, I believe. Well, I think that's all. Good night, Mrs. Enfield.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

Thank you, Inspector.

[Mr. Cahill]

I'll see you to the door, sir.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Thank you,

[Mr. Cahill]

Inspector. Did you. Did you find absolute nothing aboard the Albatross?

[Inspector Peter Black]

I'm afraid not. Incredible.

[Mr. Cahill]

What could have happened?

[Inspector Peter Black]

That is what I intend to find out. Good night, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Good night.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Well, Mr. B.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Finished your clamming?

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Nay, I never crabbed. I thought to serve a better purpose by peeping through the window at that rancid pair. You learn little, I'll be bound.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Not quite. I noted there must have been a marked resemblance between the Dead woman and Mrs. Sinfield.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Ay, I thought you would.

[Inspector Peter Black]

The next morning, Moffat arrived by special plane, and over a late breakfast of porridge and smoked roe, I brought him up to the mark on the case.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Well, sir, rather messed up your holiday, I'd say.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Well, I've known Inspector Flowerdew for quite some time. I couldn't very well let him down. More Muppet?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

No, thank you, sir. I'm quite finished.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Ryan Doe. I haven't heard from the Sinfield place. I think we'd better hop out there.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Worried about the husband, sir?

[Inspector Peter Black]

I'm not sure.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

This is a pretty place, sir.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, it is. I imagine fishing is quite good. I'd like to try my hand here, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, Mr.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Fly.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Oh, dear. William Blea. Muppet. The local something or other. What is it, Mr. Blee?

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Ah, scuttering wind. No good for fishing. Yorkish. Well, we've got another one.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Another one?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Mr. Blea.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Hey, I was coming to fetch you. He just swished ashore the body of a man.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Pursuit with Ted decocia starred as Inspector Peter Black. The pursuit on Lundy island continues in just a moment.

[Announcer/Producer]

Gracie Allen has one of the sweetest dispositions in the world, but her Sweetness and light. Get the acid test when a hit and run driver smashes up a fender on her beautiful jalopy. Tomorrow night, acid test. There's plenty of acid. When Gracie finds that husband George is probably the responsible party. So be listening when the Burns and Allen show comes your way on most of these same CBS stations this Wednesday night.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Yourself slippery on these slimy rocks.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Do you recognize him, please?

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Nay.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Then it isn't Mr. Sinfield.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Me?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Well, get him back to the village.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Right, sir.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Oh, the cavalry feed.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Yes, sir.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Do you think it's the chap from the Albatross, Jack Kettle?

[Inspector Peter Black]

I'm afraid so. But come along, I'll. The poor, sudden friend that had once been a man was identified Jack Kettle, by papers in his pocket. He'd been shot twice, once through the left shoulder and then in the back. But here the bullet had not passed through his body. Now he had something concrete with which to proceed. By the time I had arranged for removal of the body to the mainland so that the bullet could be recovered, another development had occurred. Daryl Sinfield had returned from his fishing trip and was waiting for me in the study of his house on the knoll.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Sit down, Inspector. Sit down. I hope you don't mind my receiving you in here, but since my. My dear wife is in the house, this is the one room where I may find privacy. My hunting and fishing room.

[Inspector Peter Black]

I envy you, sir. You have a magnificent collection of rods and guns.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Thank you. I take a great deal of pride in them.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, you must. Mrs. Sinfield, I presume you've learned of the tragic events of the past few hours.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Yes, my wife told me. Any word of the young sailor?

[Inspector Peter Black]

I'm afraid so. He too had been shot. His body was recovered a short time ago.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Lundy has been such a peaceful place.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Mr. Sinfield, we discovered the boat Albatross unmanned and adrift about a mile and a half offshore last night. Did you at any time during your fishing trip sight her?

[Daryl Sinfield]

I'm sorry, I was fishing over Five Mile Bank. That's off the. The southern tip of the island.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Tell me, sir, any luck?

[Daryl Sinfield]

I'm afraid not. It was rotten. Oh, I managed to muck up my boat with a few bloody mackerel and so.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Shame. Well, I shall probably be calling on you again, sir. I hope you won't mind.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Oh, no, no, of course not. Inspector, I hope you'll understand if I don't show you to the door. As long as my wife is in this house with that man car, he'll. I allow myself the indulgence. Of self possession pity and prefer not to face either one of them.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, Grant. Oh, one more point, sir. Do you keep the cabinet to your gun collection locked?

[Daryl Sinfield]

No, I've never had any reason. I find Lundy folk are quite honest.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Well, that's a refreshing fact, sir. Good morning.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Goodbye, sir.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

Oh, Inspector.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Oh, There you are, Mrs. Sinfield. I was about to look for you.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

You and I just heard about poor Jack. Won't you come into the library, please?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Of course.

[Mr. Cahill]

Oh, good morning, Inspector. This is shocking news. Have you progressed at all?

[Inspector Peter Black]

This is a very odd affair. As a matter of fact, you can help me. I'm trying to establish a time element. Since you didn't know when the Albatross left the mainland after her repairs. Could you give me the name of the darkmaster?

[Mrs. Sinfield]

No. He would, Inspector. The Albatross wasn't in need of repair. We lied to you.

[Announcer/Producer]

Oh.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

Didn't seem important at the time. I still have my pride and I. I didn't want anyone to know that I'd come to beg my husband to give me my freedom. When I told him yesterday that you and I were coming over on the Albatross to settle things once and for all, he said he'd be gone by the time we got here. He didn't want to see us. That's why we took the plane. We thought we could catch him unaware.

[Mr. Cahill]

Maggie and Jack Kettle were to pick us up in the albatross later.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Mrs. Sinfield, is your husband in the habit of carrying a rifle aboard his boat?

[Mrs. Sinfield]

Why do you ask?

[Inspector Peter Black]

When I talked to him, I noticed that one was missing from his gun cabin.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

I really couldn't be sure. I know he practices a great deal. He's a wonderful marksman. Good heavens. You don't suspect.

[Inspector Peter Black]

My dear Mrs. Sinfield, at this moment, I have no alternative but to suspect everyone. Muffet and I wanted to look at Sinfield's fishing boat, the Turn. We found her moored at his private landing at the inlet. We went aboard and made our discovery in the cabin. Well, Muffin, here it is.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

A 303, sir.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes. One shell in the chamber and an empty clip. Capacity? 5.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

That means he fired 4, sir. And recently, from the smell of it.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Doesn't make sense, Muffet. An innocent man might leave a rifle like this? Would a murderer?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

He might, sir. He did have a motive. A jealous husband planning to do away with his wife and her lover. We know he expected them on the Albatross. He could have waited on his boat.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Good show, Muppet.

[Inspector Peter Black]

An expert marksman say, 150 yards. Close enough for accuracy, but distant enough to bring about a mistake in identity.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

You did mention a resemblance between the maid and Mrs. Cynthia.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Right you are. He shoots her first. She topples overboard. He never sees her again. Then Kettle. First through the shoulder, then in the back. He reaches the wheel and tries to swing out of range. Splendid reconstruction, if I do say so myself. There's only one thing wrong with it.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

What's that, sir?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Mr. Cahill and Mrs. Sinfield. We have only their word that they didn't see the albatross come into this inlet. Perhaps they did see it. They could have waited high on that cliff, farmed with one of the husband's rifles.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

But why, sir, if they.

[Inspector Peter Black]

My dear chap, so that we would do exactly what we have done. Build a most excellent case against Mr. Sinfield. The arrest of an unwanted husband would be a novel way of getting rid of him.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Even to the extent of spending the lives of two innocent people.

[Inspector Peter Black]

If such was their plan. Yes. I left Mavi, too, to further search Mr. Sinfield's fishing boat. A heavy afternoon mist had started to drift across the island, and I walked out on the high promontory that stretched like an accusing finger from the house on the knoll. There at the edge of the cliff, I searched for traces of a hidden rifleman.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Oh. Tis a clammish day, Mr. Black.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Mr.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Bleak.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

But no clams to be found. The tide is too high.

[Inspector Peter Black]

I wasn't looking for Thames, Mr. Bleed.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Oh, then you're looking for Ways and means.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Yes, Mr. Bl.

[Inspector Peter Black]

I owe you an apology. I underestimated you. Are you looking for cans, or are you looking for shells?

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

That is a riddle. Ish question, friend Black. It calls for a riddish answer. The one is the both, and the both is the one. But the weather is driveling again.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Tell me, is it usually like this at this hour?

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Aye. You can set your watch by at this time of year.

[Inspector Peter Black]

In other words, the fog comes over the island and moves out across the channel toward the mainland.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Aye.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Could it be foggy here in the inlet, but a mile or so offshore? Remain clear, as it was last night when I arrived.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Ay, that's what it does every day. And tis a sad truth, for it'll bring deadness to a man.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, Mr. Bley, I think it will. The strange old fisherman accompanied me back to the cottage on the knoll and left me at the front door. Inspector Flowerdew had returned from the mainland with complete autopsy, ballistics and laboratory reports. Moffitt had gathered the suspects together in the library.

[Daryl Sinfield]

You have forced me into a very unpleasant situation, Inspector. To be in the presence of this man, this woman, whom I no longer consider my wife.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

You think it's any more pleasant for us?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Please. Please, darling.

[Inspector Peter Black]

I'm sorry for you all. But murder is an unpleasant business and needs to be disposed of as quickly as possible.

[Mr. Cahill]

If you're prepared to do that, why are Pamela and I forced to witness it?

[Inspector Peter Black]

For a very good reason, Mr. Cahill. We have proof of innocence. Which in this case, establishes proof of guilt.

[Daryl Sinfield]

You are being devious.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Come to the point.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Very well, Mr. Sinfield. I shall. Your wife and Mr. Cahill came here and awaited the arrival of the albatross. Mr. Cahill, do you consider yourself accurate with a rifle?

[Daryl Sinfield]

Of course he is.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

He's a fine shot.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Mr. Cahill. Could you hit a man at 300 yards?

[Mr. Cahill]

Now, now, look here.

[Announcer/Producer]

I don't know what you're trying to

[Mr. Cahill]

do, but I have.

[Inspector Peter Black]

You see, Mr. Sinfield, they did have opportunity, but they also had fog. Fog that made it impossible to see even 30ft.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Are you suggesting that their supposed innocence makes me guilty?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Exactly, sir.

[Inspector Peter Black]

We found a rifle on your boat. It had been fired.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Of course it had. I shot a basking shark while I was fishing. I often do. A great ugly brute shy the fish away.

[Inspector Peter Black]

That would be most difficult to prove. I suppose you will also deny that you were aboard the Albatross after you shot both of its passengers.

[Daryl Sinfield]

I shall.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Quite so. How do you account for the blood stains we found on your fishing boat? Quite easily.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Have you never caught mackerel, sir? They bleed like pigs.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Exactly. And we found traces of that mackerel blood aboard the Albatross.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Tommy rot.

[Inspector Peter Black]

It proves nothing. Very well. According to the autopsy report, your shots were not alone responsible for Kettle's death. He jumped from the Albatross and drowned. Why would he do that?

[Daryl Sinfield]

How should I know?

[Inspector Peter Black]

He jumped from the boat because you were pursuing him. When you failed to find him on deck, you went into the cab cabin, leaving further traces on the floor.

[Daryl Sinfield]

I repeat, you have no proof.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

It's all guesswork.

[Daryl Sinfield]

You're trying to bluff.

[Inspector Peter Black]

This bullet, sir, is scarcely bluff. It was recovered from the man's body and has been traced to your rifle. Well, Mr. Sinfield, I think that's all.

[Daryl Sinfield]

Yes. Yes, that's all. This time I'll do the job properly.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Daryl Sinfield's clutching fingers never reached his wife's throat. But they spoke his guilt much more eloquently than all of the evidence amassed against him. Pursuit and the pursuit is ended.

[Announcer/Producer]

Pursuit is produced by Elliot Lewis. The script is written by Anthony Ellis and Gil Dowd, who directed tonight's show. Music was composed and conducted by Leith Stevens. Featured in the cast were Raymond Lawrence, Joseph Kearns, Dan o', Herlihy, Bill Johnstone, John Dana, Peggy Weber and Ramsey Hill.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Pursuit. Next week, Pursuit will bring you another dramatic story of the man from Scotland Yard relentlessly hunting down those whose disordered passions breed violence and murder. With Ted de Coursier starring as Inspector Peter Black. Next week we will present another story of man hunting man when we bring you Pursuit.

[Announcer/Producer]

This week, the Boy Scouts of America are celebrating their 40th anniversary. During those four decades, nearly 20% of the country's male population has been identified with the scouting movement whose aims are to develop physical fitness, build strong character and train for good citizenship. This is cbs where burns and alan are every Wednesday night, the columbia broadcasting system.

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[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Go to ro.

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[Announcer/Producer]

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the Mike's Hard Lemonade Lemons.

[Inspector Peter Black]

I'm Sunny, a powerhouse of full bodied bite.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I'm Tina, ready to bring the zesty Za Za zing. I'm Kakaka Cal.

[William Blee (Island Constable)]

Fresher than a cold plunge.

[Announcer/Producer]

Three unique characters, one unmatched flavor. Mike's Hard Lemonade. Made with real character. Please drink responsibly. Mike's Hard Lemonade Company, Chicago, Illinois. Premium malt beverage with flavors.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Pursuit. Pursuit. A criminal strikes and fades quickly back into the shadows of his dark world. And then the man from Scotland Yard. The dangerous, relentless pursuit. When man hunts man.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now with TED Decor.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Starred as the Famous Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We bring you tonight's story of violence

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

and murder, the Pursuit of the Firebird. In crime fiction, coincidence seems to be the most popular motivating force when launching the heroic investigator into his usually ludicrous and often utterly fantastic involvements. As a man from Scotland Yard, I sometimes envy these supermen of the printed page, both for their amazing intuition and for their irresistible attraction to the opposite sex. Especially the latter. However, it was pure coincidence that launched me to the pursuit of the Firebird. And I had neither intuition nor the embraces of a beautiful woman to aid me. Simply the square toe deficiency of Detective Sergeant Mother.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Very well, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Very well.

[Mr. Quail]

I shall hold it for you. When will you return?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Tomorrow afternoon. Thank you. Chief Inspector Black, fancy meeting you here. More to the point, Mr. Baxter, fancy meeting you here. I wasn't aware that you counted music

[Inspector Peter Black]

among your varied interests.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Why not? You'll change your attitude toward private detectives one of these days. We do a lot of good for the private citizen. Well, ta ta, Inspector.

[Mr. Quail]

How nice to see you, Inspector. Good evening.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

How are you, Mr. Quail? I'd like a copy of the Firebird, sweetie. You have it.

[Mr. Quail]

Oh, what a shame. There's just one copy and I'm saving for the gentleman who just left.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

And. What?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Oh.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Oh, yes, yes. Oh, that's a pity. It's Mrs. Muffet's birthday. I'm going there for supper. I wanted to give it to her.

[Mr. Quail]

Oh, look here. I'm sure I can get another before tomorrow afternoon. He won't be in until then.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

That's very kind of you, Mr. Quail. I'm ever so much obliged.

[Mr. Quail]

I refer to a present for me. How is Mr. Moffat?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

As ever, Mr. Crail. Marty.

[Mr. Quail]

Just a moment, sir. Please give him my regards and his dear lady.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

You wish me to bid you, please?

[Mr. Quail]

Of course. There you are.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Thank you, Mr. Quail.

[Mr. Quail]

And now, sir, what can I do for you?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Oh, a gentleman came in a few

[Gilbert Amberley]

moments ago, a friend of mine.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I was wondering about his musical taste

[Mr. Quail]

for a suit for present.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I noticed it was rather a lovely evening as I made my way to the tube station with Mrs. Muffet's birthday present tucked under my arm. The Muppets lived in a comfortable, solid house in Maida Vale. I always enjoyed my all too infrequent visits there. The Sergeant's wife of placid, happy soul and the Sergeant, not the Muppet of Scotland Yard, but the Muppet of slippers and pipe of coal, scuttle and fireplace. But my pleasant musings were marred by one fact. From the moment I left the record shop, I had been followed by the private detective Baxter. Almost to the door of Moffat's home.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Inspector.

[Mr. Quail]

I'm so glad, Mrs. Moffet.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Many happy returns.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Oh, record. You remember. Oh, you really shouldn't, you know. I'm much too old.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Nonsense, my dear.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Just for that, Inspector, I shall tell you what we are going to have.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

No, no, no, no. Let me guess. Veal and pot pie.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Oh, you. Detective Moffat. Moffat, the inspector's here.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Half aloe, sir. I'll be there.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Jiffy.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I don't.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Please, make yourself comfortable.

[Mr. Quail]

Here.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Your favorite chair. May I open it now?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Yes, yes, of course.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Oh, the Firebird.

[Mr. Quail]

How wonderful.

[Mrs. Moffat]

I'll put it on while I'm finishing supper.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Well, sir, and what do you have?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Nothing. Nothing, thanks, Muppet.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

I received a new fishing tackle catalog by post this morning, sir. Perhaps you'd like to have a look. What is it, sir?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Muffet, you remember a private detective, Baxter?

[Mr. Quail]

What?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

That dirty little mucker? I thought he'd been sent to Wandsworth long ago.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

He followed me to Mr. Quail's record shop.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

All the way here, sir.

[Mr. Quail]

Yes, yes.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Now the run. Be a good chap and have a

[Mr. Quail]

look out the window, will.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

There's somebody there, sir. About 50ft down the street.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Records shop. Records. Baxter. And a firebird he was granted by this album.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Muffet, why did you take it off?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

The inspector wants to see something.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Anything wrong?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

No, dear.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I'll be hanged. This one's a dud. No label. It looks like one of those. What the devil do they call them? Transcription records. Private recording, you know.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Oh, what a shame.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Oh, I'm frightfully sorry, Mrs. Muffet. I say, do you think you can play it, Maret?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

I'm not sure, sir, but I'll try. There she goes, sir. Doesn't seem to have anything on it, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Listen.

[Mrs. Moffat]

It's ever so exciting, isn't it? Just like a BB3 play. Somebody's making a drink.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

What do you think, Captain?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Is there to think, Mommy? I don't know,

[Station Master]

darling.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

How did you get here?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Oh,

[Mrs. Moffat]

Are you expecting somebody else?

[Gilbert Amberley]

Oh, of course not.

[Mrs. Moffat]

She's already here. Simply dying. Meet her.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

She?

[Gilbert Amberley]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Mrs. Moffat]

You told her that you're already married.

[Gilbert Amberley]

How the devil did you find me here?

[Mrs. Moffat]

I hired a detective who followed you every Friday night when you told me you were staying at the club. You went to Kelly and caught the 825 while I was there tonight, I came out in the same train with you.

[Gilbert Amberley]

Very well. I. I took this cottage in secrecy because I. I think her husband has

[Mrs. Moffat]

the right to be a lol about that, too. He must have chosen a more imaginative name than. Was that fair idea? You behave that way with the. Be so careful doesn't even travel on the same train with you. Her's just arrived.

[Gilbert Amberley]

Now look here, this isn't doing any good.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Are you going to clear out or shall I?

[Mrs. Moffat]

Neither one of us will both wait for her. Make me a drink.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Well, sir, it seems to have cut off.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Let it run on. There may be more.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Whatever can it be? Terribly well played, don't you think?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

It's not a play, Mrs. Muffet.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

You really think there's something to it?

[Mrs. Moffat]

No, I'm quite comfortable where I am. Well, Gilbert, you can't see the lady waiting outside. Ask her to come in. Or shall I. Come in, my dear? I'm your best one, Grace.

[Mr. Quail]

I want you stay where you are, Grace,

[Mrs. Moffat]

Instead of.

[Mr. Quail]

I don't like the sound of that, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Not I, Muffet.

[Mr. Quail]

You can't believe it.

[Mrs. Moffat]

It couldn't be.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Oh, yes, Mrs. Muffet, it could. When did it happen and where, sir? I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Muffet. I'm afraid I shan't be able to share your birthday party.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Poor dear. It's a shame you don't get a moment's peace.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I'll take this album and get another for you tomorrow. I promise you that next time nothing will interrupt my visit.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Go on, Inspector. I bet you did it on purpose. You've probably got an appointment with a

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

pretty blonde Mrs. Moffett tonight. You are the only woman in my life, Moffett.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Why don't you say things like that to me?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

I don't have to. I'm married to a year old girl.

[Mr. Quail]

Oh, you're terrible.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

No need for you to come out, Moffatt. I can manage him alone.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

I don't see him, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Probably waiting for me down at the corner. Fog's coming in. Better phone the Yard, have them send a car out. Mr. Baxter is so interested in these records. We'll see what he has to say about them at the Yard.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

All right, sir. I'll see you in the morning.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Good night, Marvin.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Good night, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

The sideboard began to swell around the light from a solitary lamppost as I searched the street for the private detective. Then I saw him. Baxter was lying across the pavement with his head lolling over the curbing. I bent over him.

[Mr. Quail]

He was dead.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Who is it? That you, Moffatt?

[Mr. Quail]

Inspector sir, are you all right?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Inspector?

[Mr. Quail]

Inspector, look, he's moving.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Muffet.

[Gilbert Amberley]

Muffet.

[Mr. Quail]

Yes, sir.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Oh, you got a nasty crack there. Oh, the patrol car found you, and the dead manly brought you inside.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Oh, my head. I'm a blasted idiot, Muffet. Whoever it was got the record.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Don't worry about that now, sir. We'll take care of your head first.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

All right, Monitor.

[Gilbert Amberley]

All right.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Next morning, in a foul mood and with a crashing headache, I went to Scotland Yard and put through a query on the deceased, Baxter. I wanted information on his files. If then with Moffat, I returned to the record shop of Mr. Quail on Wigmore Street.

[Mr. Quail]

Ah, inspector. Good morning, Mr. Moffit.

[Inspector Peter Black]

Mr. Quail.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Concerning the firebird you sold me last evening.

[Mr. Quail]

Extraordinary performance, don't you think?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Yes, particularly the last record.

[Mr. Quail]

Ah, yes. Beautiful.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Mr. Quail, that record was not in the album.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Oh.

[Mr. Quail]

Oh, yes, of course. How could I have forgotten? I tried to catch you after you left. The Mr. Baxter who had bought the album left the last record in the playing booth. Here we are. I'm terribly distressed. Some customers are so hopeless.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Another man came in while I was here. Had you ever seen him before?

[Mr. Quail]

Another man? No, no, no, no, no. He didn't buy anything. He went out again. Yes, I remember. That's right.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

You are quite sure that both men

[Inspector Peter Black]

were strangers to you?

[Mr. Quail]

Oh, yes, quite sure. Conscience, don't you know.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Well, if either comes in again, I'd be obliged if you'd call me at the Yard.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Of course.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Thank you.

[Mr. Quail]

Inspector, you forgot the record.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I'll come back for it, Mr. Crowell.

[Mr. Quail]

Very good. Good morning.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

You think he knows more than he stays, sir?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I can't believe that he does, Moffatt. I've known him for some time. Baxter could have told us. Or if only we had that record.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

It kept me awake last night, sir. How many times did the clock strike? In the beginning, I said it was nine, and Mrs. Moffett insisted it was ten.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

No, it was ten. Muffett, I think. And there was a train pulling out. We heard that.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

That's right, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Yes, but from where? There was no town mentioned.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Or was there no somebody? I think it was the woman spoke of Paddington Station.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Paddington? Yes. She'd hired a detective. Detective who followed her husband to Paddington. Paddington Station? Come on. We're going down there.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In just a few moments, we'll bring you the second act of pursuit with Peter Black, the man from Scotland Yard. But first, a brief word of interest to all of us. Freedom of information is one of our most precious guarantees. And if we don't take advantage of it, well, it's like letting a tasty

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

apple go to rock right in front of your eyes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

For in a democracy like ours, the more the people know, the stronger our democracy is. As a serviceman and as a citizen, you have an obligation to your country to know the score. And an obligation to yourself too. It's easy and pleasant to fulfill that obligation. Get the facts, the complete information, by reading newspapers, magazines, books and listening to your radio. Keep your eyes and your ears open. Information is more important to you now than ever before. Remember, the more you know, the higher you go. It's as simple as that. And now we return you to pursuit and Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard,

[Inspector Peter Black]

Scotland.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

We are trying to ascertain the point of arrival of a particular train. Very well, sir.

[Station Master]

What time does it leave here, sir?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Yes, that we don't know. But it arrives at 10pm oh, sir, but where?

[Station Master]

There's a great many trains that arrive at 10pm somewhere.

[Mr. Quail]

Yes.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Wait a moment, Muppet. A departure time was mentioned on the record. Instead of going to the club on Friday evenings, the husband came to Paddington and caught the. What time was it, Martin?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

I can't remember, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

My husband was followed by a detective. Came to Paddington and caught the 8:25. Yes, that's it, sir. Now, sir, what trains leave here on Friday night at 8:25. Friday night?

[Station Master]

Just a moment, sir. Friday night. 8, 20, 25. Here we are. Paddington. Hi, Wickham. Leave Paddington at 8:25. R. Wickham. 9:56 high Wickham.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

That sounds like it, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

No, no, Muffet. The husband left at 8:25. But he and his wife were already in the house when the other woman arrived at 10 o'.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Clock.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

That was the train we heard. Yes, yes, but we are getting somewhere. What are the stops on the way to High Wycombe?

[Station Master]

It stops on the 855 planes.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Well, that's out then.

[Station Master]

Mr. Murray. There's another 8:25, sir. Leaves Paddington for Reading.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Are there any other trains that leave later and make 10 o' clock stops on that route? 10 o'? Clock? Just a second.

[Station Master]

Here's one. Leaves a train at 9:15, arrives at Windsor and Eaton at 10.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Good, sir.

[Station Master]

And another leaving at 9:25. Arrives at Twyford at 10:02. That's only to sit down.

[Mr. Quail]

Good.

[Station Master]

That's a lot, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

You're absolutely positive? Oh, yes, sir.

[Station Master]

Friday night? Yeah, it is.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

May I have this schedule, please?

[Station Master]

Certainly, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Thank you. Well, Muffet, Windsor, Neaton or Twilight.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Well, it's something, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

You know, Sergeant, my headache is beginning to disappear. The pursuit had a nightmarish quality. The investigation of the private detective led us nowhere. He had numerous enemies, it could be assumed, but no files in his dilapidated office. So up to this point, we had nothing to follow but the elusive sounds and voices on a recording that was had heard only once. We didn't know who the principals were and we didn't know when the incident had taken place. But we were a little closer to knowing where it had occurred. Moffet and I spent a day questioning railway personnel and house brokers at Windsor Neaton. When we had finished, the results were negative. We didn't know whether this proved failure or progress. And so the following morning we moved on to Twyford. And by early afternoon, we found ourselves still with no answers. We left the station master apologetically shrugging his shoulders, and walked slowly up the high street.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

I don't know, sir. You'd think that in a way station like this, somebody would remember a young woman who got off a through train every Friday night.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Yes, I know. Well, there's only one housebroker here. We'll just have to trust to luck.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

There must be at the end of the road, sir. The station master told his number 318.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

This is 162Mature Army. Look here, Moffett, assuming that the case is as we discussed it, does this make sense? The woman hires the detective Baxter to follow an object evidence against her husband. She learns from his reports that under an assumed name he let a cottage the tag then installs a recording apparatus in order to substantiate evidence.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Then why did the wife come there herself?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Possibly to confront him with the girl. At any rate, when the scene ended in violence, the record was used by the tech as a blackmail device.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

And you stumbled into it, sir, when you bought that album of the firebird to Mrs. Moffat.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

So it seems. But who died in that room? The wife, Grace, or Daphne, the eternal other woman?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Well, it sounds right, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Yes, and so do those bells, Muffet. Hear them? Ever since we first heard them this morning. I'll swear they're the same as those on the record.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Well, I've got much of an ear for it, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I hope you're right.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Oh. Oh, there it is. Password. The Hammerfish House Brokers.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Good day, gentlemen. Good afternoon. Mr. Passworthy.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, no.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I'm a hammer fish. Mr. Passworthy died 15 years ago.

[Mr. Quail]

He was a senior partner of the firm.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I'm Chief Inspector Black of Scotland Yard. How do you do, Mr. Hammerfish, we're trying to locate a gentleman by the name of Harold Smith, whom I have reason to believe let a cottage in Twyford. Possibly from yourself, Smith? A little difficult that, sir.

[Mr. Quail]

Can you tell me when?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Well, as a matter of fact, I can't. You are the only housebroker in the village, are you not? Oh, yes. But then if he has been renting, he would deal with you. Definitely, sir. You don't know where the cottage is? No. But you know that it is here in Twerford? I think so. Mr. Hammerfish. You have quite a problem, have you not, Inspector? Yes, rather. I'm afraid it's another town, sir. There's absolutely no one by the name

[Mr. Quail]

of Harold Smith letting a cottage through Byhouse.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Well, thank you very much, Mr. Hammerfish. I'm sorry to have troubled you. I wish you luck, gentlemen. Thank you.

[Mr. Cahill]

Muffet.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Yes, sir?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

When do you think the shooting took place?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Oh, I don't know, sir. Two weeks ago, possibly three.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Why? Why do you think that? And why have I?

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Well, I really couldn't say so.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Of course you couldn't. Because it's psychologically right for us to think that all the actual events, the man who followed me, the attack, the murder of Baxter, they've all been recent. Therefore, we have assumed that the recorded events took place recently. But suppose they didn't mut it? Suppose they took place a year ago? Two years? Three. Even more by gun, sir.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

That hadn't occurred to me.

[Mr. Quail]

Hmm.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Now, let's return to Mr. Hammerfish. Possibly his files will refresh his memory. And they did. Ten minutes later, a page filled with the Spencerian scroll of Mr. Hammerfish told us that Harold Smith had engaged a cottage on Millbridge Road in June of the year 1945. We followed the history of the cottage, and as we did so, the path of pursuit unwound and straightened into its inevitable course. Now, Inspector, here we are. As I told you, I had never seen Mr. Smith. All our business was done by post. In October of 1945, he notified me. Here's the letter. That a sudden change of plan necessitated

[Mr. Quail]

his leaving the cottage.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

He paid me for a month after that, sir.

[Assistant/Sergeant]

Rather unusual.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

I'd forgotten. Two days later, a Mr. Amberley came here and asked to purchase the same cottage.

[Mr. Quail]

He insisted that he could be satisfied with no other.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Amberley? Yes. Gilbert C. Amberley. Muffet. Gilbert. Gilbert. The voice on the record that finally came to life. Moffatt and I left Twyford by the first train. And an hour and 15 minutes later were in the army, we consulted the files of missing persons for the year 1945. And then, when we had found what we sought, our case was all but complete. We were now ready to go to the address given to us by Mr. Hammerfish.

[Mr. Quail]

Yes?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Mrs. Amberly?

[Mrs. Moffat]

Yes.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Inspector Black of Scotland Yard. This is Sergeant Moffett. May we come in?

[Mrs. Moffat]

Please do. Did you want to see my husband?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

If you don't mind.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Not at all.

[Mrs. Sinfield]

You follow me.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Thank you,

[Mrs. Moffat]

Gilbert.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Oh, yes, my dear.

[Mrs. Moffat]

These gentlemen are from Scotland Yard. Inspector Black and Sergeant Moffat.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Oh. Well, won't you sit down?

[Inspector Peter Black]

Thank you.

[Gilbert Amberley]

Mr. Amberly, I must say that no good reason. I feel guilty. Does a visit from the police always inspire such a reaction? I've really had no contact with you chaps.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Then you've been extremely fortunate, sir, up to now.

[Gilbert Amberley]

What do you mean?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Five years ago, a girl was reported to the Yard by a friend as missing. Her name was Daphne Lane. She has never been found. Oh, Grace. Perhaps the gentleman would like some tea? No, thank you, sir. To continue, Miss Lynn was known to have visited a cottage in Millbridge Road at Twyford, which was let in the name of Harold Smith. That was you, sir. Nonsense.

[Gilbert Amberley]

I. I own a cottage there. But, Smith, it's nonsense.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Do you also deny, sir, that three days ago at approximately half past five, you were in a gramophone shop on Wigmore Street? I. Yes, I do. Very well. And also that you followed a man by the name of Baxter to Maida Vale.

[Gilbert Amberley]

Why the devil should I follow anyone?

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Because, sir, you knew that Baxter was in possession of a record that has been very important to you during the past five years. And that by mere chance, the record found its way into my hands. Record? I submit these facts to you, sir, that on a certain night in October 1945, either you or Mrs. Amberley shot to death the woman, Daphne Lane, in the cottage at Twyford. That the recording, taken by a detective Baxter, hired by your wife, has been used as a weapon of blackmail against you. That three nights ago, after following Baxter, you killed him and then took the incriminating record from me. Facts?

[Gilbert Amberley]

You call these facts? Why? They're theories. And since they do not concern me, I must ask you to leave.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Very well, Mr. Amberley. But when I do, I'm going back to the cottage at Triford and I shall tear up every inch of ground and cellar because I'm convinced that you didn't purchase the place for sheer sentiment's sake. And I am sure you know what I am going to find. Grace, no.

[Mr. Quail]

Stop it.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

And if she doesn't stop it, Mr. Amberley, will you shoot her?

[Mrs. Moffat]

Been horrible five years, Grace.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

No, no, no, don't, please.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Five years dreaming of it and living it every hour of the day. I can't help it, Gilbert. I want it to be finished. I'm glad it is.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Well, Mr. Ambler? It's true.

[Gilbert Amberley]

And I admit my part in it. My loyalties were to my wife, not for that poor girl. I wanted to protect Grace. In order to do so, I. I

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

had to kill Baxter. You were a little late, sir, in realizing those loyalties.

[Gilbert Amberley]

Funny you should say that, Inspector. You see, it's only been during these frightened years. We found a closeness and even happiness we'd never known before.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Grace. Oh, my dear. And so a husband and wife would been drawn together by murder. Spent their last few moments before their formal arrest. An arrest which would part them forever. Pursuit. And the Pursuit is ended.

[Announcer/Producer]

Pursuit is produced and directed by Elliot

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Lewis and written by Gil Dowd and Anthony Ellis.

[Announcer/Producer]

Music was arranged and conducted by Marlon Skiles. Featured in the cast were Raymond Lawrence, Doris Lloyd, Peggy Weber, Joseph Kearns, Luke

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Krugman and Bill Johnstone.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Pursuit.

You've been listening to Pursuit Dynamic Tales from the Files of the man from Scotland Yard, wherein Man Huntsman Pursuit is a regular presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service, the voice of information and education.

[Mrs. Moffat]

Sam.

[1001 Radio Crime Solvers Host]

That wraps it up for Tonight's show at 1001 Radio Crime Solvers. We really enjoy good reviews, so when you have a chance, say something nice about a selection of shows or maybe suggest some to us. Thanks for joining us. See you next time.

[Detective Sergeant Moffat]

Sam. It.

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