Untitled Episode

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: "Sexton Blake – The Vampire Moon"

Date: July 31, 2026
Podcast Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Series: Sexton Blake
Starring: William Franklin (Sexton Blake), David Gregory (Tinker), Heather Chasen (Paula Dane)

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Episode Overview

This episode presents a full-cast dramatization from the vintage "Sexton Blake" radio series, titled "The Vampire Moon." The story revolves around Sexton Blake, his assistant Tinker, and secretary Paula Dane as they are swept into international intrigue and bio-terror when a British Intelligence agent drops dead of poisoning in a restaurant, uttering the cryptic phrase "The Vampire Moon." Their investigation uncovers a sinister plot involving deadly fungi destined for global catastrophe.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Opening Scene: Mysterious Death at the Restaurant

• Setting: Golden Lotus Chinese restaurant
• Characters: Sexton Blake, Paula Dane, Tinker, Sir Francis Mills
• Sexton Blake and team are dining when they witness a man (David Grant) collapse and die after lighting a cigarette.
• Paula notices the man acting suspicious and staring at their table.
• Initial suspicion is confusion over whether the death was a heart attack, but Blake quickly identifies the cause as poisoning.
• Notable Quote:
  • Sexton Blake, after examining the body:

    "He's dead." (02:37)

2. British Intelligence Gets Involved

• Sir Francis Mills from Intelligence reveals the victim was Grant, a top agent recently returned from Hong Kong.
• The phrase "Vampire Moon," spoken by Grant as he died, becomes the team's sole clue.
• Grant had traced criminal activities to a Chinese Triad society, but Mills is unsure if this was the intended case.
• Notable Quote:
  • Sir Francis Mills:

    "He broke all the rules, but he got results... I want you to take over." (03:13)

3. Unraveling the Mystery: The "Vampire Moon"

• The secretive "Vampire Moon" is suspected to be a codename or clue of import, possibly related to Chinese criminal societies.
• Paula and Tinker begin investigating, focusing on Grant’s acquaintances and habits, particularly the suspicious behavior at the restaurant and missing cigarette packet.

4. Consulting the Chinese Underworld: Charlie Quee

• Blake seeks the help of Charlie Quee, a discotheque owner and authority on secret Chinese societies.
• Charlie is evasive, cautioning Blake not to pursue the matter further, adding a layer of foreboding and hinting at dangerous secrets.
• Key Moment/Quote:
  • Charlie Quee:

    "In friendship, I offer you this advice. Do not go further in this matter. There is much danger for you." (09:07)

5. Blake’s Kidnapping & Revelation of the Plot

• Blake is drugged and held captive in an English countryside mill house, overseen by Dr. Holt Sing Chung.
• Under duress, Blake learns of the "Vampire Moon": a deadly fungus cultivated to produce microscopic, blood-consuming spores that could destroy populations.
• Dr. Holt details their apocalyptic intentions: survivors will be pre-selected through an antidote in food, with the rest of the world left vulnerable.
• Key Exposition:
  • Dr. Holt Sing Chung:

    "Enough to destroy the entire populations of, shall we say, Russia, America, Britain or all three." (26:22)

  • Dr. Holt Sing Chung:

    "Once the spores have germinated... there is nothing that will stop a spread of the infection." (27:00)

6. Rescue & Confrontation

• Paula, Tinker, and Jill Conway (Grant’s girlfriend) deduce the location by piecing together Grant’s clues about a mill and "flowers" (a reference to the deadly fungi).
• Tinker infiltrates the compound via river culvert, with Paula and Jill assisting from outside.
• In a climactic melee, Charlie Quee and Dr. Holt accidently break the fungal containment, threatening all of them.
• Blake and team seal the room to contain the spores and set the mill ablaze to destroy all traces of the fungus.
• Climactic Moment:
  • Tinker:

    "Quick. The door and shut it." (27:59)

  • Sexton Blake:

    "We've got to burn the place down. It's the only way to exterminate the Vampire Moon." (28:28)

7. Aftermath & Reflection

• Sir Francis Mills congratulates the team and confirms that authorities have mopped up the remaining conspirators.
• Blake explains the meaning of "Vampire Moon": a fungus that feeds on blood, round and glowing like a full moon.
• Final Wit & Wordplay:
  • Paula Dane, suffering a cold from their countryside adventure:

    "If you will wander around the countryside in your knickers..." (29:26)

  • Last laugh about mushrooms on toast, referencing the adventure's deadly fungi.

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Memorable Quotes

• Sexton Blake:

  "You should be worrying about your own immediate prospects, Mr. Blake." (24:38, said by Lai Chen Yi, needlessly taunting our hero)

• Dr. Holt Sing Chung:

  "You are looking, Mr. Blake, at a result of my life's work. The culmination of years of research. There it is. A vampire moon." (25:13)

• Sir Francis Mills:

  "The Chinese Embassy is falling over itself in gratitude—and so are the Russians. It must be the first time they've totally agreed about anything for years." (28:36)

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Important Plot Timestamps

| Time | Segment | |--------|-----------------------------------------------| | 00:36 | Sexton Blake intro/Narrator sets the case | | 02:37 | Poisoning confirmed—Grant's dying words | | 04:26 | "Vampire Moon" mentioned as clue | | 07:29 | Meeting with Charlie Quee | | 12:06 | Blake awakens captive in mill house | | 17:13 | Jill Conway recalls Grant’s cryptic "flowers" | | 19:07 | Discovery of the mill and greenhouse clue | | 25:13 | Reveal of the deadly "Vampire Moon" fungus | | 27:59 | Climax/rescue—fungi danger sealed | | 28:28 | Mill burned; plot foiled | | 29:26 | Aftermath and closing commentary |

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Episode Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is marked by suspense, intrigue, and pulpy detective wit typical of Golden Age radio dramas. The banter between Sexton Blake and his colleagues provides levity amidst high-stakes mystery and danger. There is a sense of international scope—tying British intelligence, Chinese secret societies, and bioterror—interwoven with the close camaraderie of the Blake team. The villain dialog crackles with menace and old-world gravitas, while the resolution is brisk and satisfying.

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Summary

“Sexton Blake – The Vampire Moon” exemplifies the thrilling, cosmopolitan cases that characterized this legendary detective series. Through clever deduction, teamwork, and courage, Blake and company thwart an apocalyptic plot with global stakes—proving why radio, before the era of television, could so vividly transport a whole family into worlds of high adventure and peril.

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This summary is ideal for listeners who wish to catch up on the key plot and memorable moments of this Golden Age radio drama episode, or fans of classic detective stories seeking a taste of mid-century broadcast suspense.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

The history of crime detection has produced no more famous name than that of Sexton Blake. We present William Franklin as Sexton Blake with David Gregory as his assistant Tinker and Heather Chasen as his secretary Paula Dane in a series of case histories by Donald Stewart. Today's episode is called the Vampire Moon.

[Jill Conway]

Mmm.

[Paula Dane]

That was wonderful, Mr. Blake. I adore Chinese food.

[Sexton Blake]

The amazing thing to me is where you put all this food.

[Paula Dane]

It's consumed by the amount of energy I have to put into my job.

[Sexton Blake]

That's debatable. But I might argue.

[Paula Dane]

You needn't be so smug. You ate just as much as I did.

[Sexton Blake]

I don't have to consider my figure.

[Paula Dane]

And what's wrong with my figure?

[Sexton Blake]

Just a slight suspicion of a midriff bulge. Perhaps.

[Jill Conway]

What?

[Sexton Blake]

There is not how many pulling a leg.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Paula?

[Sexton Blake]

We better be getting back to Barclay Square. I'll get the bill.

[Paula Dane]

Who's that man over there?

[Sexton Blake]

Where?

[Paula Dane]

By that pillar, just about to light a cigarette.

[Landlord]

I don't know.

[Sexton Blake]

I've never seen him before.

[Sir Francis Mills]

Why?

[Paula Dane]

But he keeps looking over here as if he knew you.

[Sexton Blake]

You're probably the attraction.

[Paula Dane]

No, he's getting up. I believe he's coming over.

[Sexton Blake]

Looks as if you're right.

[Paula Dane]

What's the matter with him? Is he drunk?

[Sexton Blake]

He's either drunk or ill. God, he's really in a bad way. Stay there, Paula. Now take it easy, old man. Let me help you out.

[Jill Conway]

I can't do any good. It's the Vampire Moon.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Got to tell to tell.

[Lai Chen Yi]

What has happened, please. Poor gentleman. Liselle.

[Sexton Blake]

Are you the manager?

[Lai Chen Yi]

Yes, I am the proprietor.

[Sexton Blake]

Tell these people to keep back.

[Lai Chen Yi]

Ah, keep back, please.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

There has been illness, Mr. Blake.

[Paula Dane]

Was it a heart attack?

[Sexton Blake]

I don't think so.

[Paula Dane]

Is he very bad?

[Sexton Blake]

He's dead.

[Lai Chen Yi]

You must make mistake.

[Sexton Blake]

Not this sort of mistake. Get a doctor as quickly as possible while you're about at the police.

[Lai Chen Yi]

The police?

[Sexton Blake]

Yes. This man was poisoned.

[Sir Francis Mills]

You're absolutely certain it was poison? Blake?

[Sexton Blake]

There's not the slightest doubt, Sir Francis. My secretary picked up the cigarette he was smoking when he fell. We analyzed it in the lab.

[Sir Francis Mills]

And what was the poison?

[Sexton Blake]

Preparation of pure nicotine. Quick and Deadly.

[Sir Francis Mills]

You didn't know David Grant, did you?

[Sexton Blake]

No. I gather Sir Francis, he was one of your boys. In intelligence.

[Sir Francis Mills]

Quite the most brilliant. That's why I'm here, Blake. I want you to take over.

[Sexton Blake]

Now, just a minute. Take over what?

[Sir Francis Mills]

Whatever it was, the Grant was up

[Sexton Blake]

to you and, you know.

[Sir Francis Mills]

Sounds silly, doesn't it? You'd understand better if you'd known Grant. He broke all the rules, but he got results.

[Sexton Blake]

A lone wolf, eh?

[Sir Francis Mills]

Very much so. He hated turning in reports. What he liked was to present the job complete, all the T's crossed and all the I's dotted.

[Sexton Blake]

I think I'd have gone rather well with him anyway. You haven't any idea what he was doing?

[Sir Francis Mills]

I'll tell you all I know, but it's precious little. He came in to see me one day about two months ago.

[Landlord]

He.

[Sir Francis Mills]

He just come back from Hong Kong.

[Sexton Blake]

Hong Kong?

[Sir Francis Mills]

And he's murdered in a Chinese restaurant. Yes, there may be something in that. He asked me to give him a kind of roving commission. He said he was onto something very big.

[Sexton Blake]

He said that for over a year

[Sir Francis Mills]

he'd been picking up a whisper here and a rumor there, and now the thing was beginning to jam.

[Sexton Blake]

He didn't give you any hint as to what this thing was?

[Sir Francis Mills]

I asked him point blank, naturally, but he wouldn't tell me. If it had been anybody else, I'd have refused. But I knew my Grant, so I agreed to what he asked. And I neither saw nor heard from him again until I was told of his death.

[Sexton Blake]

Those last few words of his, the vampire moon, do they ring any bells?

[Sir Francis Mills]

No, nothing at all.

[Sexton Blake]

He made a tremendous effort to get the words out at all. They meant something to him, something of supreme importance.

[Sir Francis Mills]

Yes, I think so, too. Blake, will you find out what Grant was working on?

[Sexton Blake]

It's a bit of a tall order, Sir Francis.

[Sir Francis Mills]

You can have all the help we can give you.

[Sexton Blake]

Which doesn't really amount to much at the moment, does it? You can't even tell me where Grant was during those two months.

[Sir Francis Mills]

Oh, I know the difficulty. That's why I've come to you.

[Sexton Blake]

There's flattery and flattery. What was the assignment in Hong Kong?

[Sir Francis Mills]

Well, you've heard of the triad societies of China.

[Sexton Blake]

Yes. Founded in the 17th century and still very much in existence. In many ways, the triad societies are rather like the mafia, aren't they?

[Sir Francis Mills]

Yes. Well, one of these societies was operating in Hong Kong. It was responsible for the trouble there. And Grant's job was to ferret out the leaders.

[Sexton Blake]

He Succeeded?

[Sir Francis Mills]

Yes. As a result, we were able to put a stop to many of their activities. But I. I don't think this was the big thing he'd stumbled on.

[Sexton Blake]

If only we knew what he meant by the vampire moon.

[Sir Francis Mills]

Will you take on the job of finding out?

[Sexton Blake]

I'll do what I can. Let me have all the dope you've got on Grant, will you? Where he lived, a list of his friends, everything you can rake up.

[Sir Francis Mills]

I'll send it round by special messenger. You'll let me know if you get onto anything?

[Sexton Blake]

Only if it's something definite. Goodbye, Sir Francis. You can rely on me to do my best.

[Sir Francis Mills]

Thanks, Blake. I'm very grateful. Goodbye. And don't forget. Anything you want. Let me know,

[Sexton Blake]

Paula, when you see Sir Francis out, will you? Come in.

[Paula Dane]

Yes, Mr. Blake.

[Sexton Blake]

This is excellent. Blake speaking. Charlie. Charlie Quee. Long time no see. How's that den of iniquity going? Yes, Those days are over, aren't they? I want to see you, Charlie. Yes, I know. It'll do fine. I'll be there.

[Paula Dane]

Well, are we working for British Intelligence?

[Sexton Blake]

Apparently we can have a shot at discovering what Grant meant by the vampire moon. Paula, Grant lit that cigarette just before he got up to come over to our table, didn't he?

[Paula Dane]

Yes. He opened a new package.

[Sexton Blake]

You're quite sure it was a new package?

[Paula Dane]

Not quite. I was watching him because he kept looking over at our table.

[Sexton Blake]

Can you remember if he left the cigarettes on the table?

[Paula Dane]

Yes. Yes, he did. He left the packet beside his plate

[Sexton Blake]

and it wasn't there after he died. I looked.

[Paula Dane]

Somebody in the restaurant must have picked it up.

[Sexton Blake]

I'm sure they did. And somebody who knew what they were about. That cigarette wasn't the only one in the packet loaded with pure nicotine. You can bet your last pair of nylons in that.

[Paula Dane]

Why was he coming over to see you, Mr. Blake?

[Sexton Blake]

I think he knew he was in

[Paula Dane]

danger in a public restaurant like the Golden Notice.

[Sexton Blake]

He was right, wasn't he? There's a strong smell of joss sticks about this, Paula. That's why Charlie Queen may be useful.

[Paula Dane]

He's a new one on me.

[Sexton Blake]

He runs a kind of discotheque near the river at Rotherhithe. And he's an authority on china, the secret, inner china that few people know anything about. How he gets his information, I have no idea. Even if he knows anything about this business, he may refuse to talk.

[Charlie Quee]

We have always been good friends, Mr. Blake. We do not meet much, but we stay very good friends a long time.

[Sexton Blake]

Quite a While now, isn't it, Charlie?

[Charlie Quee]

I help you sometimes. You help me sometimes, huh?

[Sexton Blake]

That's right.

[Charlie Quee]

But this that you tell me I cannot help you.

[Sexton Blake]

Meaning cannot or will not?

[Charlie Quee]

What are words? Sometimes they mean what you wish them to mean. Is that not so, Mr. Blake?

[Sexton Blake]

At least you told me one thing, Charlie. Whatever David Grant stumbled on is of Chinese origin.

[Charlie Quee]

Perhaps you endow me with knowledge of which I am ignorant.

[Sexton Blake]

I doubt it. You've always been a bit of a dark horse, Charlie. University education, and yet you settle down on a joint like this.

[Charlie Quee]

It has been said that a wise man carries his own surroundings in his mind.

[Sexton Blake]

What else do you carry there? The secret of the vampire moon.

[Charlie Quee]

If you would be A wise man, Mr. Blake, you will forget that you ever had any mention of the vampire moon.

[Sexton Blake]

We're getting somewhere, aren't we? You do know what Grant meant by the vampire movement?

[Charlie Quee]

Mr. Grant was perhaps a foolish man.

[Sexton Blake]

There's nothing foolish in being murdered, Charlie.

[Charlie Quee]

There's more wisdom in remaining alive.

[Sexton Blake]

Do you know the Golden Lotus?

[Charlie Quee]

I have been there, yes.

[Sexton Blake]

Do you know Lai Chen Yi?

[Charlie Quee]

Yes, I know Mr. Lai Chen Yi. He is the proprietor of the Golden Lotus.

[Sexton Blake]

Listen, Charlie, I came to see you tonight because in the past you've always been helpful. Stop hedging and come clean.

[Charlie Quee]

China is vast and inscrutable. Does anyone know what goes on inside? The Communist government exercises a stranglehold on the Chinese people.

[Sexton Blake]

You don't like the present regime.

[Charlie Quee]

Does the fact that I am entitled to wear the red coral ball answer your question?

[Sexton Blake]

It answers, too, that Charlie Cui is not your real name and that the vampire moon has nothing to do with Communist China.

[Charlie Quee]

Do not try to answer any more, Mr. Blake. In friendship, I offer you this advice. Do not go further in this matter. There is much danger for you. If you are wise, you will heed what I say.

[Narrator]

A threat.

[Charlie Quee]

A warning.

[Sexton Blake]

Keep out of our back garden, eh? Can't be done, Charlie.

[Charlie Quee]

It is regrettable, but perhaps Mr. La Chny can persuade you it would be considerably wiser.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Good morning, Paula. You got any message from the governor?

[Paula Dane]

Isn't he in?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

He hasn't been home all night. I didn't get back until quite late.

[Paula Dane]

He was going to Rotherhithe.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Rotherhithe?

[Paula Dane]

To see somebody called Charlie Quee.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

I've heard the governor mention him.

[Paula Dane]

Well, that's where he was going. Qui runs a discotheque.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

To do with his Grant case, I suppose.

[Paula Dane]

Yes. You played back the tape recording of the interview with Sir Francis Mills, did you?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

As soon as I came In. It's a good idea if the Governor's recording all the interviews. It saves a lot of time explaining.

[Paula Dane]

I hope Mr. Blake's all right. He nearly always gets a message back if he's held up or going anywhere.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

If he was onto something, he might not have had time. I don't want to start. Or anything that might muck up what he's trying to do.

[Paula Dane]

I hate these jobs for Sir Francis. They're tricky and dangerous. I saw what happened to that man Grant.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Ah, the Governor can take care of himself.

[Jill Conway]

Hmm.

[Paula Dane]

There's always a first time, Mr. Sexton. Blake's resin. Oh, it's you, Mr. Blake. Well, yes, we were a bit. Oh, I see. You don't know when. I'll tell him. All right. Goodbye. You're to cancel the appointment with the Assistant Commissioner.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

That's the danger code.

[Paula Dane]

I know. It means he's in trouble.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

What else did he say?

[Paula Dane]

That he was following up a line and didn't know when he'd be back. That was for the benefit of whoever was with him. The last bit was the real message.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

I'll go along to this place. A quiz. Perhaps I can pick up something there.

[Paula Dane]

Well, we don't even know if he got there, do we?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Well, it makes her kick off anyway.

[Paula Dane]

Well, I'm going to have lunch at the Golden Lotus.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

How can you think of food when the government.

[Paula Dane]

Oh, don't be so silly. That's where Grant was murdered, wasn't it?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Lai Chen Yi?

[Sir Francis Mills]

Of course.

[Paula Dane]

If Lai Chen Yi knows anything, I shall stick to him like. Like.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Don't say grim death, Paul. It could be bad luck.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Good morning, Mr. Blake. I trust that you feel no ill effects from the injection?

[Sexton Blake]

I have felt better.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Any slight nausea will soon pass away way. Lai Chen Yi is not used to that, Siri.

[Sexton Blake]

He prefers poison cigarettes, no doubt. Who are you?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

I am Dr. Holt Sing Chung. I would have introduced myself last night, but you were in no condition.

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[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

A fact which I regret is.

[Sexton Blake]

Is that a water mill I can hear?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Yes, this is a mill house. We are in the heart of the English countryside.

[Sexton Blake]

How delightful. You're going to keep me here, trust up like a chicken for long.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

You should be thankful, Mr. Blake. It was only at the expressed wish of Charlie Queen. That you are still alive.

[Sexton Blake]

He's very thoughtful. What happens next?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

For the present, you will remain as you are.

[Sexton Blake]

Nobody's going to miss me.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Of course, that has been far seen. Shortly you will telephone your secretary. You will say what you are told.

[Sexton Blake]

Supposing I say what I like?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

It would be regrettable if the wish of Charlie Quee could not be granted.

[Sexton Blake]

I agree with you there. Perhaps you'll tell me why I've been brought here at all.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

You might endanger a project that is nearing completion.

[Sexton Blake]

The vampire moon.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Exactly, Mr. Blake. A vampire moon.

[Sexton Blake]

All very hush hush and top secret, even to the Chinese government.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

It is known only to the brotherhood of a red coral ball.

[Sexton Blake]

Which denotes the rank of mandarin. Yes, I'm beginning to get a vague idea of what you're aiming at.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

China is the oldest civilization to have survived into this day and age, Mr. Blake. On its classical foundations. For 16 years it has been ruled by a communist government. The rule of emperors lasted for over two thirds.

[Sexton Blake]

And you believe it's time they had another going?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

As a beginning. Only as a beginning. But it is time for you to telephone.

[Lai Chen Yi]

Send Fu.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Bring the telephone and plug it in.

[Sexton Blake]

How does the Vampire Moon come into it?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

That you will know very soon, Mr. Blake. In spite of our friend Cui, I regret you will have to die.

[Sexton Blake]

I see you are a realist, Dr. Xing Chun.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

The vampire moon shall claim its first victim. You, Mr. Blake.

[Paula Dane]

Mr. Sexton. Blake's residence. This is Paula Dane. Oh, I'm sorry, but I'm out of breath. I heard the phone ringing as I came out of the lift and I ran for it. Oh, yes. Look, Nichols, do you know the Golden Lotus Restaurant? That's right. The proprietor's a Chinaman called Lai Chen Yi. Middle aged, thin, dresses immaculately striped trousers a lot. Typical city gent. I want a watch kept on him day and night. I want to know where he goes, who he sees, all about him. Got that?

[Lai Chen Yi]

Yes.

[Paula Dane]

Report to Berkeley Square. Right. And thanks.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Any luck, Paula?

[Paula Dane]

No, I've only just got back. That was Nichols on the phone. I've arranged for him to tell lie. Chen Yi, day and night. Well, how did you get on?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

I saw Charlie Cuy. He says that the governor never turned up last night.

[Paula Dane]

That could be true. They could have got Mr. Blake on the way to Rotherhithe.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

How did they know where he was going? I don't trust that chap.

[Paula Dane]

Cui, did Mr. Blake take the car?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

No. Probably thought you'd be a bit conspicuous in that district. Look here, Paula. There's a whole bunch of stuff come round from Sir Francis Mills. Oh, Grant, do you think there's anything in that that could help?

[Paula Dane]

Let's have a look at it. We can't do anything else for the moment.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Here it is in this file.

[Paula Dane]

This is a sort of security checkup on him. Almost a life history.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

He had a flat in Kensington. Would that be any good intelligence?

[Paula Dane]

People went through that with a microscope. They wouldn't have missed anything important.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

He doesn't seem to have many friends. Not the James Bond type. Here's his passport. He hasn't been out of England for over two months.

[Paula Dane]

That indicates his Vampire moon business is centered in this country. Hello. Grant had a girlfriend.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Let me see. Jill Conway. 16, Albany Mansions, Kensington. She might be worth a visit. Grant could have dropped her some hint and what he was on to.

[Paula Dane]

Oh, I doubt it. But I suppose it's worth trying to bank statement. Oh, that's no good to us. Well, that's about all.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

The only thing possible out of this lot is the girlfriend. I'll go around and see Jill Conway. Now, keep your fingers crossed.

[Jill Conway]

I wish I could help you, Mr. Tinker, but David never talked about his work. I always thought he was a journalist. I had no idea.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

I'm sorry to have to bother you just now, Ms. Conway.

[Jill Conway]

It's all right. I don't mind.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

When did you last See him, Ms. Conway?

[Jill Conway]

Four days ago. He rang and asked me if I'd like to go out to dinner. And he took me to that place where it happened.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

The Golden Lotus.

[Jill Conway]

Yes. He apologized for taking me there because he knew I wasn't very fond of Chinese food.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Did he give you any reason for taking you there if he knew you didn't like Chinese food?

[Jill Conway]

He said it was something to do with an article he was writing. That was the last time I saw it.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Can you remember what you talked about?

[Jill Conway]

He was in very good form, laughing and joking. And I was glad because for a long time whenever I'd seen him, he'd been sort of not there, if you know what I mean.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

As if he had something on his mind.

[Jill Conway]

Yes.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Did he say anything? Anything about the golden lotus or the owner, Li Chen Yi? It might even seem important to you.

[Jill Conway]

No, nothing. Oh, he made a joke about a stout elderly Chinaman at one of the tables.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

What did he say?

[Jill Conway]

Well, something about. You'd never think he'd be fond of flowers, would you? He laughed and I said I didn't think it was very funny. And David said you would if you knew the sort of flowers I mean,

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

he knew this man.

[Jill Conway]

He didn't seem to. They scarcely even looked at each other.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

What was he like, the Stout Chinaman?

[Jill Conway]

I didn't take much notice of him. Oh, he had very thick spectacles. That's really all I remember.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

I wonder what that joke was about the flowers.

[Jill Conway]

David was like that. He'd often say things that you couldn't see any point to. We were going down to the country this weekend.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Where?

[Jill Conway]

I don't know. He was going to pick me up here.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Please don't cry.

[Jill Conway]

I'm off this holiday. I'm sorry. You better go.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

I left her sobbing her eye out, poor kid. It doesn't seem to have got us very far, Paula.

[Paula Dane]

Well, we didn't know about the Stout Chinaman before, did we? Well, that's something. Now, what could Grant have meant about the flowers?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

She said he was often coming out with things like that with no point to it.

[Paula Dane]

They may not have had any point for her. They probably did for him.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

It's all very well talking. It's not getting us any nearer finding a government.

[Paula Dane]

Oh, don't you think I'm worried too?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Sorry, Paula.

[Paula Dane]

It's my fault. I shouldn't have been so snappy. Now, listen. They were going down to the country for the weekend. You said Grant was joking about this Chinaman being fond of flowers. Now, does that make sense?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

You mean flowers in the country go together? Yes, but we've no idea what part of the country.

[Paula Dane]

Oh, maddening, isn't it? I feel so helpless.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Perhaps they ought to tell Sir Francis Mills what's happened.

[Paula Dane]

Oh, I don't think Mr. Blake would like that. In any case, what could Sir Francis do? He doesn't know any more than we do. Now, let's hope that Nicholls will come up with Mr. Sexton. Blake's residence. Oh, yes, just a minute. He's here. It's Jill Conway.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Yes, Ms. Conway. Yes. Yes, it could be. Yes. Thanks very much for ringing up. Yes, I will. Yes. Goodbye.

[Paula Dane]

Well, what did she say?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

She just remembered that when Grant suggested going down to the country, he mentioned an old pub and a mill.

[Paula Dane]

A mill? Well, that might help. What kind of mill?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

He didn't say.

[Paula Dane]

Or the name of the pub?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

No, just a pub. There are thousands of pubs. But not so many mills.

[Paula Dane]

Enough to make it difficult. Particularly when we don't know what kind of mill.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

There's a book in the Governor's library on English villages. We might get an idea from that.

[Paula Dane]

Yes, I suppose we can try, but. No, no, no. Wait a. Wait a minute. This Wasn't going to be just an ordinary weekend. Grant was going to the country for a purpose.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

That's pretty certain. He was taking Jill Conway as a cover.

[Paula Dane]

Which means there are probably Chinese living in this place, wherever it is.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

So we note down the places with a mill and then phone the local police and find out if there are any Chinese in the district.

[Paula Dane]

That's right. And if we can spot a place with a mill and Chinese, we've got it.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Paula, that's a brainwave. It's a long shot, but. But let's get thrown in.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Put down that tray, Fen Fu, and then go. Hope the sound of the water wheel did not disturb you during the night, Mr. Blake.

[Sexton Blake]

That's very considerate of you, doctor.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

No doubt you are ready for your breakfast. I'll loosen your wrists sufficiently for you to eat.

[Sexton Blake]

Condemned man ate a hearty breakfast, eh?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

We have a saying in China, Mr. Blake, that to the wise man, all experience is wisdom.

[Sexton Blake]

Confucius or ma?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Neither, Mr. Blake. It originated in the Manchu Dynasty of China in 1644.

[Sexton Blake]

An old saying, in fact. There's a lot of truth in these old sayings, you know. Never count your chickens before they hatch. It was quite a good one.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

I fear you are allowing a false optimism to instill you with cheerfulness, Mr. Blade. You will feel differently when you have seen what I am soon going to show you, Mr. Blake.

[Sexton Blake]

The vampire Moon.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

I am awaiting a visit from Lai Chengyi.

[Sexton Blake]

Is he part of the conducted tour?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Mr. Wei, you are either a very brave man or a very foolish one,

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

let me assure you.

[Sexton Blake]

Did you know the late Prince Wu Ling, Doctor?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

I was not personally acquainted with that illustrious personage.

[Sexton Blake]

Wu Ling was an old protagonist of mine. On several occasions, he succeeded in getting me into a similar position at this. But he's dead and I'm still alive.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

That is something that will be rectified in a few hours, Mr. Blake.

[Sexton Blake]

That was a delusion that Wu Ling also suffered from.

[Lai Chen Yi]

Are you there, Doctor?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Yes, Mr. Lai Cheng Yi. Yes, I am here.

[Lai Chen Yi]

I am sorry to be late. I had trouble. Trouble? A man was following me. I had to elude him.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

What do you know about this man, Mr. Blake?

[Sexton Blake]

Nothing all. I mean, should I?

[Lai Chen Yi]

He was watching the Golden Lotus when I left the restaurant. He followed me.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

If you are relying upon this smile,

[Sexton Blake]

mister, I believe you are getting rattled.

[Lai Chen Yi]

This man cannot help you. I succeeded in evading him.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

You're quite sure?

[Lai Chen Yi]

Would I be here if I were not sure?

[Sexton Blake]

He must be furious at losing you. How did you give him a slip

[Lai Chen Yi]

that does not matter. Can we go up to your study, Doctor? It is important that I speak with you.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

We'll go at once. Senfu will stay with you while you Finish your breakfast, Mr. Blake, and retie your hands.

[Sexton Blake]

Oh, don't let me put you to any trouble.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

We shall return later to take you to the vampire moon.

[Landlord]

The old mill house is up at the top of Friar's Lane, sir.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Big place.

[Landlord]

You can't miss it.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

There's a Chinese chap living there, isn't there, landlord?

[Landlord]

That's right, sir. A duck or something or other. They're all Chinese up there.

[Paula Dane]

We found it, Tinker.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

We found the place that Grant was probably going to bring Ms. Conway. But we don't know that the governor's there. Would you recognize that Chinaman if you saw him? The one with the strong spectacles, Miss Conway?

[Jill Conway]

Oh, yes, I'm sure I should.

[Landlord]

Excuse me, sir, but this doctor feller wears glasses. Mighty powerful ones, too.

[Paula Dane]

That proves me right, doesn't it? Yes. Look, are there a lot of Chinese at the old mill house?

[Landlord]

Oh, good view, miss. Though they mostly look alike to me. It's something to do with what they're growing up there, I expect.

[Sexton Blake]

Growing there?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

What's that?

[Landlord]

Oh, I don't know, sir, but there's a mighty big kind of glass house they put up. Oh, excuse me, sir. I'm wanted over any other bar that

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

fits in with the flowers. Paula, we've just got to hope that this is where they did bring the governor.

[Paula Dane]

I should think it's more than likely. Now, what are we going to do next?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

We can't do very much until it gets dark. Then we can go and take a deco at this place. Ms. Conway can wait here.

[Jill Conway]

Well, I'm coming with you.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

It could be dangerous.

[Jill Conway]

I don't care if these people kill David. I'm going to help.

[Paula Dane]

All right, Ms. Conway.

[Jill Conway]

You better call me Jill.

[Paula Dane]

No, of course. Now, look, we'll have to be careful. Don't forget that they know all three of us by sight.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

And there's probably a pretty good lookout. That's why it's no good till it gets dark. Did you bring your little automatic book?

[Paula Dane]

In my handbag. What about you?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Yes, I got mine. Pity we haven't got something from Jill.

[Jill Conway]

I wouldn't know how to use a gun, but David taught me a bit of karate.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

That's fine. This mill house is a water mill, isn't it? Which means a river of some sort.

[Paula Dane]

Yes, the creel. Why?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Well, it might be possible for me to get into the place by swimming up the river. That is. Supposing the place is well guarded.

[Paula Dane]

But we can't make any plans until we see what sort of place it is.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Well, it'll be a good hour before it's dark. We'll just have to be patient. What about another drink and some sandwiches?

[Paula Dane]

I'll have a drink, but I couldn't

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

eat anything that should go down in history.

[Charlie Quee]

Landlord.

[Landlord]

Come in. Sir.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Same again, please. And could you rustle up some sandwiches?

[Sexton Blake]

I'm hungry.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

If nobody else is.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Along this path, Mr. Blake.

[Sexton Blake]

Nice to get a breath of fresh air after being shut up in that mill chamber. Very pleasant.

[Lai Chen Yi]

Make the most of it. You will not be able to enjoy it for long.

[Sexton Blake]

You really are a depressing chap, like Ching Yi.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Do you realize the seriousness of your situation, Mr. Blake?

[Sexton Blake]

Yes, but do you realize your own doctor, mine. Your future prospects don't look too good to me.

[Lai Chen Yi]

You should be worrying about your own Immediate prospects, Mr. Blake.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Please wait while I unlock this gate. Are we far to go through this much way?

[Sexton Blake]

Surely this is a greenhouse.

[Lai Chen Yi]

That is our destination.

[Sexton Blake]

Exhibit one, the vampire moon.

[Lai Chen Yi]

I trust that you will not be disappointed, Mr. Blake.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

I should warn you, Mr. Blake, that although you have been freed in order to accompany us here, there's no chance of escape. I have many servants willing call.

[Sexton Blake]

How lucky you are. Servants are practically impossible to get these days.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

You are looking, Mr. Blake, at a result of my life's work. The culmination of years of research. There it is. A vampire moon.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

This one closes the whole place, Paula. There isn't a break anywhere. And the main gate is guarded by two Chinese.

[Paula Dane]

If we had some wire cutters, we could.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

No good. Even if we had, I bet it's set off enough alarm bells to waken the dead.

[Paula Dane]

What can we do then?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

See that culvert, Jill, where the water gushes out?

[Paula Dane]

Yes.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

That must be the outlet for the part of the river that runs through

[Paula Dane]

the grounds, joining it to this part of the river.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

I'm going through that culvert.

[Paula Dane]

You never make it. He might, Joe. The water doesn't come up to the top. Well, what do we do?

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Hang on here, but don't get spotted. Well, here goes.

[Paula Dane]

I'll give Tink a three minute start and then I'm going after him. Paulie, you can't. You can't. I just. You watch me.

[Sexton Blake]

Not very impressive, doctor. Xingchong. Collection of toadstools.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

You speak with a voice of ignorance, Mr. Blake. The fungi which you see is a unique link between bacilli and fungi. It grows in and feeds on blood. The blood, in dried form, which supplies its present needs, is animal blood, but its true affinity is human blood. The ripe spores absorb through the skin or by way of the respiratory system, grow and multiply swiftly. The spores are microscopic. In each of these specimens there are many millions. Enough to destroy the entire populations of, shall we say, Russia, America, Britain or all three.

[Sexton Blake]

You presumably have an antidote?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Once the spores have germinated, Mr. Blake, there is nothing that will stop a spread of the infection. Hence, as you see, we grow them in glass containers. But the spores can be prevented from germinating. A certain chemical in the form of a tasteless powder taken in food shortly before the spores are disseminated, renders the bloodstream immune to their action. This powder will be distributed to the people of China in their normal food and they will survive. As would anybody else we might wish to save.

[Sexton Blake]

I see. Nothing else will prevent the spores from germinating?

[Lai Chen Yi]

Only fire.

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

Fire destroys the spores and the parent fungi.

[Sexton Blake]

Mr. Blake, presumably you have a further supply of these obscene growths in case anything should happen to these?

[Dr. Holt Sing Chung]

No, Mr. Blake, there is no need. These are ample for our purpose and the greatest care is adopted in their cultivation.

[Lai Chen Yi]

We have talked enough.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

You have. If any of you move, I'll shoot.

[Sexton Blake]

Tinker.

[Charlie Quee]

Over here, Governor.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Don't be foolhardy. I have a two bloody Swiss on my side. I warn you, Dr. Tinker.

[Jill Conway]

Bloody fat guy.

[Sexton Blake]

He's fallen on that container.

[Charlie Quee]

Tinker.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Quick.

[Sexton Blake]

The door and shut it.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Shut the door.

[Sexton Blake]

It's airtight. It'll keep the spores from escaping.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

But we can't leave those two in there, Governor.

[Landlord]

We've got to.

[Sexton Blake]

We daren't risk the spores of that infernal fungi getting out here.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Come the rest of those brutes. I've weaned a couple of them. Who else is that?

[Jill Conway]

Sh.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Good Lord, It's Paula.

[Jill Conway]

Oh.

[Paula Dane]

You all right, Mr. Blake?

[Sexton Blake]

Yes, I'm fine.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

I think that's something. The bodyguards.

[Sexton Blake]

Well, thanks, both of you. Now, we need petrol, lots of petrol.

[Paula Dane]

Petrol? What for?

[Sexton Blake]

We've got to burn the place down. It's the only way to exterminate the vampire Moon.

[Sir Francis Mills]

You did a good job, Blake.

[Sexton Blake]

Thank you, Sir Francis.

[Sir Francis Mills]

You've got that chap, Quee. And from the papers we found at the mill house, we've rounded up the rest of the group. The Chinese Embassy is falling over itself in gratitude, and so are the Russians. It must be the first time they've totally agreed about anything for years.

[Sexton Blake]

Most of the credit you go to Miss Dane and Tinker.

[Sir Francis Mills]

So, Francis, now, you all did a good job. If this Red Coral Boar group had got away with it, why Vampire Moon, by the way?

[Sexton Blake]

Well, the fungi lived on blood and they looked like full moons. Round and white with a phosphorescent glow.

[Sir Francis Mills]

We'll never really know if the stuff worked. Nothing left of those two chaps, Xin Chung and Chen Ye.

[Sexton Blake]

After the fire, only a few charred bones.

[Sir Francis Mills]

Was there anything you could do, Blake?

[Sexton Blake]

I doubt if it'll weigh on my conscience, Sir Francis.

[Paula Dane]

I finished those reports, Mr. Blake. Oh, I've got a shocking cold.

[Sexton Blake]

If you will wander around the countryside

[Paula Dane]

and your knickers baller, Mrs. Bardell is nearly ready with your supper and I hope it chokes you.

[Tinker (David Gregory)]

Why, what is it?

[Paula Dane]

Mushrooms on toast.

[Narrator]

That story in our Sexton Blake series was called the Vampire Moon and was written by Donald Stewart William Franklin with Sexton Blake, David Gregory Tinker and Heather Chasen.

[Sir Francis Mills]

Paula,

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