33 Half Moon Street [SA] 65-05-20 02 Chips For The Fish Monge

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Half Moon Street [SA] 65-05-20 02 Chips For The Fish Monge" – Episode 33 of Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners to the Golden Age of radio with its immersive storytelling and rich character interactions. In Episode 33, titled "Half Moon Street [SA] 65-05-20 02 Chips For The Fish Monge," listeners are introduced to a suspenseful narrative set in London, revolving around a peculiar job assignment, mysterious characters, and a series of unexpected events that unravel a complex mystery.

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Main Plot

The episode centers on Monsieur Duclair, a newly arrived French exhibitor in England, seeking to preserve and display a Greenland whale's carcass. Duclair approaches the labour exchange, represented by Claire, expressing his need for a trustworthy night watchman to oversee his exhibit. Due to his unfamiliarity with England, Duclair is advised to contact an independent agency, Assignments Unlimited, located at 33 Half Moon Street.

Key Interaction:

• Claire to Monsieur Duclair (00:00 - 00:50): Claire explains the limitations of the labour exchange in guaranteeing reliable applicants, prompting Duclair to seek alternative solutions.

Duclair connects with Aubrey Mason of Assignments Unlimited, who assigns Machine Cannon (also known as Mikhail) to the job. Cannon is tasked with pumping formaldehyde into the preserved whale to maintain its condition.

Notable Quote:

• Aubrey Mason (01:17): "Not all the tasks undertaken by Assignments are unlimited, especially spectacular or particularly dangerous... It is perhaps an unusual request." (01:17)

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Character Introductions and Developments

• Monsieur Duclair: A French exhibitor with a unique exhibit—a preserved Greenland whale. His meticulous methods for preservation and his intent to tour England before moving to the United States establish him as a central figure with hidden motives.

• Aubrey Mason: Host of Assignments Unlimited, Aubrey is pragmatic and resourceful, ensuring that even the most peculiar jobs are handled efficiently.

• Machine Cannon (Mikhail): Assigned as the night watchman, Mikhail is portrayed as diligent yet becomes embroiled in unexpected circumstances, revealing layers of his character as the plot progresses.

• Anoushka: Introduced later as a companion to Mikhail, Anoushka adds depth to the narrative, revealing a backstory tied to political asylum and espionage.

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Key Events and Suspenseful Moments

1. Assignment and Implementation (00:50 - 03:24):

   • Duclair explains the technical aspects of preserving the whale, highlighting the use of formaldehyde and the need for a trustworthy attendant.
   • Aubrey Mason assures Duclair of their capability, leading to Cannon's deployment to Camberwell that very night.

2. Unexpected Discovery (07:00 - 13:32):

   • While on duty, Cannon experiences unexplained noises emanating from the whale exhibit, leading him to discover the bodies of Mikhail and Anoushka inside the preserved whale.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Mikhail (07:30): "I would have thought a guy could make money out of a dead whale, but this operator coins it 2,000 times two shillings. Oh, boy." (07:30)

3. Revelation of Refugees (08:45 - 14:30):

   • Anoushka reveals herself and Mikhail as Russian refugees hiding from the Russian Secret Police. Their plan was to escape to the United States by hiding inside the whale during its transport.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Anoushka (09:17): "From Russia, sir." (09:17)

4. Confrontation and Complications (15:14 - 20:28):

   • Cannon contacts Aubrey Mason, leading to the involvement of police inspectors. The plot thickens as Duclair's true intentions come to light, revealing a possible murder connected to the exhibit.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Monsieur Duclair (19:17): "It concerns the insurance. At the time of the accident, I was in bed in my hotel." (19:17)

5. Climactic Resolution (21:11 - 24:25):

   • Inspector Mason uncovers the truth about Duclair's involvement in the murder and the destruction of the exhibit. The episode culminates with the revelation that Duclair orchestrated the chaos to cover up his crime, ensuring the disappearance of the Russian refugees and himself.
   • Notable Quote:
     • Mikhail (23:41): "Well, not bad, Chief. Not bad at all. But what made him do it?" (23:41)

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Themes and Insights

• Trust and Deception: The episode delves into the complexities of trust, especially in hiring practices and personal interactions. Duclair's deceptive intentions contrast sharply with the initially trusting assignments agency.

• Escape and Survival: Mikhail and Anoushka's backstory as refugees highlights themes of escape from political turmoil and the lengths individuals will go to ensure their survival.

• Justice and Morality: The narrative questions the nature of justice, especially with Monsieur Duclair manipulating events to escape accountability. Inspector Mason represents the pursuit of truth and moral integrity.

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Conclusion

Episode 33 of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully intertwines suspense, mystery, and drama against the backdrop of London's Half Moon Street. Through intricate plotting and dynamic character interactions, the story unveils a compelling tale of deceit, survival, and the relentless quest for justice. The inclusion of notable quotes enhances the immersive experience, allowing listeners to engage deeply with the unfolding mystery.

Whether you're reminiscing about the Golden Age of Radio or discovering it anew, this episode offers a captivating journey through intrigue and revelation, embodying the timeless allure of classic radio storytelling.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Aubrey Mason (01:17): "Not all the tasks undertaken by Assignments are unlimited, especially spectacular or particularly dangerous... It is perhaps an unusual request."

• Mikhail (07:30): "I would have thought a guy could make money out of a dead whale, but this operator coins it 2,000 times two shillings. Oh, boy."

• Anoushka (09:17): "From Russia, sir."

• Monsieur Duclair (19:17): "It concerns the insurance. At the time of the accident, I was in bed in my hotel."

• Mikhail (23:41): "Well, not bad, Chief. Not bad at all. But what made him do it?"

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For listeners who haven't tuned in, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode's key elements, ensuring you won't miss out on the intricate plot and engaging character dynamics that make "Half Moon Street" a standout installment in Harold's Old Time Radio series.

Transcript

[Claire]

Claire, the purpose of a labour exchange is to provide employment, temporary or permanent. The fact is, I can't guarantee or recommend any applicant unless they have a criminal record. I'm in no position to say whether they're reliable or not.

[Monsieur Duclair]

It will be for three weeks only, monsieur, and the pay is good.

[Claire]

But I can't guarantee that the man you employ can be trusted. I merely type out the details of the job offered and post it on the notice board. You must then choose from those who apply.

[Monsieur Duclair]

I am newly arrived in England, monsieur. It will be difficult for me to judge.

[Claire]

I tell you what, why don't you try one of the independent agencies? Assignments Unlimited, Grosvenor 5995. The address, if you wish to call on them, is 33 Half Moon Street.

[Aubrey Mason]

Aubrey Mason at your service. I at Assignments Unlimited, we do anything anywhere at any time.

[Cannon]

33 Half Moon street.

[Aubrey Mason]

Chips for the fishmonger. Not all the tasks undertaken by Assignments are unlimited, especially spectacular or particularly dangerous. In fact, the unusual is the exception rather than the rule. The nervous little old Frenchman who came into my office requested the services of our organization for a task which was mundane in application and only unusual in a theatrical sense. I'd already mentally slotted cannon into the vacant niche and wondered what his reaction would be. M. Paul Duclair, for such was the clown's name, wished the services of a night attendant over the preserved body of a dead whale. On reflection, it was perhaps an unusual request. I said so you. You did say a dead whale, Monsieur.

[Monsieur Duclair]

Duclair, Our magnificent exhibit. A Greenland whale. I began with the blue sperm whale, but found it too large to transport through the doors of most oils that I hire.

[Aubrey Mason]

Extraordinary.

[Monsieur Duclair]

You see, a whale bone is immensely strong, and I discovered that if the inside of the beast is removed and the carcass inflated with air, it is possible to preserve the outer skin and membrane with formaldehyde. In time, the shell hardens and the air can be released.

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, that's most interesting, Monsieur Leclerc. I take it that you then exhibit the work envy.

[Monsieur Duclair]

I have a great success in France and I have now come to your country for a short tour of three weeks before I go on to the United States, where I hope to enjoy singular success.

[Aubrey Mason]

Just out of interest, M Declare, how do you pump up the whale in the first place?

[Monsieur Duclair]

Good question. On top of the head, it contains a pocket of amber grease. This has a high commercial value and when removed, leaves a small funnel leading to the interior of the beast. Into this a hose is connected and voila.

[Aubrey Mason]

But don't you have to make a cut in the thing to clean it?

[Monsieur Duclair]

No, that is done through the mouth. So now we have a good circulation of air. That helps to preserve the beast.

[Aubrey Mason]

Some beasts.

[Monsieur Duclair]

The greatest of all living things, monsieur. The noblest creature in all creation.

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes, I'm sure, but what exactly do you wish us to do?

[Monsieur Duclair]

I require a night watchman of impeccable integrity. He will also be required during his tour of duty at night to pump formaldehyde into the creature.

[Aubrey Mason]

Which sounds simple enough. Why must the man's character be so blameless?

[Monsieur Duclair]

An exhibit of this nature is prey to vandals, monsieur. Many times in France have I been accosted by those who would cut into the exhibit to satisfy their morbid curiosity that what I have on show is really the genuine article.

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, needless to say, I have just the man for the job. I'm not sure how you'll take it. It's an odd request, but you may rest assured that no vandal will come near your will.

[Monsieur Duclair]

I am delighted, Monsieur Maison.

[Aubrey Mason]

What were you thinking of paying this night watchman?

[Monsieur Duclair]

I thought £15 a night.

[Aubrey Mason]

Cannon will be happy to pump formaldehyde all night for that money.

[Monsieur Duclair]

I beg your pardon?

[Aubrey Mason]

Machine Cannon, one of our men here. He'll be delighted to take on the job. Where and when must he report?

[Monsieur Duclair]

Oh, tonight, if it is possible. At the exit. All in Camberwell. He'll be there, Canon, you see?

[Aubrey Mason]

That's right. I might send him down this afternoon just to give the place the once over.

[Monsieur Duclair]

That would be admirable, Mr. Mason. Thank you and good day to you.

[Aubrey Mason]

Good day, Mr. Declare, whatever the peculiarities of our profession, we never refer to any task is an odd job. We try to avoid weeding gardens wherever possible, but our boast is that we'll tackle anything. And it was to Canon's sense of professional duty that I appealed. When he came into my office, he left for Camberwell at 3.30 and I sensed that our relationship had become a little strained. An hour later, he reported back by telephone assignments unlimited.

[Mikhail]

You can say that again.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, hello, Canon. How are you making out?

[Mikhail]

Well, I've met De Gaulle's answer to Moby Dick, and I've had five minutes instruction on the formaldehyde pump.

[Aubrey Mason]

Good. Is it a real whale?

[Mikhail]

Are you kidding? The caretaker's cats had a brainstorm. Just my luck to get a job playing nursemaid to an oversized skipper.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, it's only for three weeks, Cannon, you're part of show business.

[Mikhail]

Yeah, yeah, and everybody's having A whale of a time.

[Aubrey Mason]

That was corny. Remember what your care said about vandalism? It's on the cars that the Camberwell boys might take it into their heads to carve up his exhibit.

[Mikhail]

Well, if they do, it'll provide a light relief from the formaldehyde pump. One thing about this guy Duclair, though, he's. He's got a sense of humor. He slipped me a tip when I arrived.

[Aubrey Mason]

Good for him.

[Mikhail]

What was it, a finger?

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, time I was getting home, Mr. Cannon. I locked up everywhere.

[Mikhail]

Yeah, it was quite a night, wasn't it? Who would have thought this dump sported a thousand arctic theologists?

[Aubrey Mason]

What's that, Mr. Cannon?

[Mikhail]

Fish fanciers.

[Monsieur Duclair]

You know, in all my years is.

[Aubrey Mason]

Caretaker here, I never seen such a crowd. And just to look at a whale.

[Mikhail]

Well, now you got a new angle on a poor fish. Look, I'll lock the front door after you. What time are you coming in the morning?

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, I don't usually get here till 10.

[Mikhail]

Then I won't see you, my friend. My French employer says he'll be here at 7.

[Aubrey Mason]

What will you do about supper? There's a shop on the corner that stays open till 2.

[Mikhail]

They say. No, no, no, no, no, thanks. I'll. I'll munch on a sandwich. Good night.

[Monsieur Duclair]

Good night, Mr. Cannon.

[Mikhail]

Well, I guess I'll get out before my aldehyde bump and then I can settle down with a magazine. I would have thought a guy could make money out of a dead whale, but this operator coins it 2,000 times two shillings. Oh, boy. Well, Moby, here comes your first shot. What?

[Aubrey Mason]

Look.

[Mikhail]

Hey, now I must be going crazy. That was a scream. And it didn't come from a dead whale. No. Doors are all locked. There's nobody in the rafters. Now, I didn't imagine that. I don't believe in ghosts, but there's nobody here. Hey, wait a minute. What did you Claire say about the hollow inside of this whale? Uh huh. So somebody's being smart in Camberwell. Okay. Flashlight the mouth, he said. Ah, here we are. Okay, the party's over. Come on out of there. Now you're being smart. Come on out. You got. Well, now, get him.

[Anoushka]

Give.

[Mikhail]

Before I call the cops, you better come clean and tell me what the idea is hiding inside that carpet. The police? Oh, no, you're foreigners. You mixed up with Monsieur de Clare?

[Anoushka]

No, sir. We are Russians.

[Mikhail]

Russians? This gets screwier every minute. How'd you get in there?

[Cannon]

They hid behind the veil during the lunchtime closing, then declined in through the malt.

[Mikhail]

How did you know you could get in that way?

[Anoushka]

I think, Anoushka, we better tell him everything. From the Russian Moskayev Dancers. You have heard of the Mossyev Fork Dancers?

[Mikhail]

Uh huh. You are at the Empire Hall?

[Anoushka]

That is so. We came here from France, and it was in France when we first saw the Veil. And to learn that the interior was hollow. The Mossyev Company is due to return to Russia on the day after tomorrow. And Anushka and I decided to escape.

[Mikhail]

Escape from what?

[Anoushka]

From Russia, sir.

[Mikhail]

Oh, you mean political asylum.

[Anoushka]

Yes.

[Mikhail]

But that doesn't explain why you hid out inside a dead whale.

[Anoushka]

If we ask for political asylum in England, it would be granted. But it would be easy for the Russian Secret Service to find us. They are most efficient and would track us down wherever we went. And so Anoushka and I hit upon a plan whereby we might vanish without trace.

[Cannon]

You see, sir, the Veil is to be shipped to America. We have a large supply of food and water, and it was our intention to stay hidden inside the Veil until it reached the United States. We could come out at night then all was quiet and hide back inside during the day. Once in America, we know where we can find friends.

[Mikhail]

Well, why do you know that's one up on Jonah. You mean you got all that trouble just to get to the States?

[Cannon]

The Russian Secret Police do not take kindly to escapists.

[Anoushka]

We have families in Russia, sir.

[Mikhail]

You know, you don't have a bad plan at that. You disappear without trace. In England, they check and find you haven't applied for political asylum. They check the airports and shipping lines and draw a blank. It only figures that something must have happened to you. Like suicide, sir. They forget all about you.

[Anoushka]

And they forget about our families.

[Mikhail]

Mm. Tell me, Monsieur Duclair, does. Does he know about this?

[Anoushka]

No one knows except you.

[Mikhail]

That's all right. Your secret safe with me.

[Cannon]

But are you not from the police?

[Mikhail]

No, no, I'm the watchman. You?

[Anoushka]

The watchman?

[Mikhail]

Yeah, Fred. I guess I was born under the zodiac sign of Pisces.

[Anoushka]

But the watchman in France was a much older man.

[Cannon]

Yes, we know that he slept most of the night. We know that if we made no noise, we could safely creep out after dark.

[Mikhail]

Well, with me, you don't have to worry about noise. Noise. Say, what were you. What were you screaming about inside there, anyway? Oh. Well, what is it?

[Anoushka]

In the darkness, he tripped over something. I put on my torch, and there is the body of a man with a knife through his heart.

[Aubrey Mason]

Cannon's Jaw dropped so that he resembled in miniature the very object he was guarding. Whatever my employees faults, he's not lacking in analytical intelligence, his colleagues would say. As sharp as a whip. One look at the dejected and terrified faces of the two young folk dancers was enough to convince Cannon that they at least were on the level. His reaction was straightforward and immediate.

[Mikhail]

Anoushka, you stay here. Mikhail, you're going back inside that whale.

[Anoushka]

Oh, well, if you insist.

[Mikhail]

I do insist. And what's more, I'm coming with you. Come on, let's go. Yeah. Now then, put on the flashlight. Where is it?

[Anoushka]

Right there.

[Mikhail]

As you said, a knife through the heart. Do you know this man?

[Anoushka]

I think I have seen him somewhere. I cannot be sure.

[Mikhail]

Well, have a good look. The formala. I must have seeped into him. He's well preserved.

[Anoushka]

How long do you think he's been there?

[Mikhail]

Should I know? You only stumbled on him by accident. The way he's preserved, he could have been there months. Okay, let's get out of this. Mosel. And it gives me the creature.

[Anoushka]

Are you just going to leave the body there?

[Mikhail]

Sure. In this country, in cases of murder, the body's left where it's found untouched, so as not to hamper the work of the police. Oh, here we go. You first.

[Monsieur Duclair]

Okay.

[Mikhail]

No, me.

[Anoushka]

The body is there as we saw it. Anushka hoped she might be dreaming. I. I can't say I feel much different, sir. This is the end for us.

[Mikhail]

No, no, no. Come on, cheer up. It. It might be the beginning.

[Anoushka]

When the police come, they will hold us as witnesses. Our defection will then be discovered. We will be taken back to Russia.

[Mikhail]

Yeah, that's the point. Mechanic Corpse in the body of a whale. Two Russian refugees. Hang on. There's a phone here somewhere. Look, Mikhail, while I telephone you, go back inside there and remove all traces of your presence. Didn't you say that you brought food?

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes.

[Mikhail]

Well, get it out. Make sure there's no traces of your having been in there. If there's the slightest clue to link you with the dead man, you'll wind up here the same as you would in Russia.

[Aubrey Mason]

Cannon's call came through to my apartment and woke me from a deep sleep. At first I thought he'd lost his reason, and then that he was all a jeff to get me out of bed and repay me for the task I'd handed him. But he finally convinced me that Mikhail and Anoushka were real people and that their plight was a tragic one. I gave him the only advice that Seemed sensible at the time. The young Russian runaways would be safe for a while, at least in Cannon's flat.

[Mikhail]

Okay, that's settled.

[Cannon]

Did you telephone the police?

[Mikhail]

No, my chief. I'm taking you to my flat in Chelsea. You'll be safe there for a while. Did you get everything out, Michal?

[Anoushka]

Yes, everything, sir.

[Mikhail]

Now, let's see. Quarter after two. Chances of any vandals coming now are pretty remote. I've got a car at the back of the hall and I can have you in my place in 20 minutes. I'll drop you and come back, and then I'll ring the police. Pick up your gear and follow me. Come on. Go right in. Oh, it's strictly a bachelor's apartment, ma'am, but you could give it the feminine touch.

[Anoushka]

I don't know how to say thank you.

[Mikhail]

Well, then, don't try. Help yourselves to anything you want and let's get back to the whale.

[Monsieur Duclair]

The oil.

[Mikhail]

Well, don't tell me you forgot.

[Anoushka]

Anoushka. The candle. I left the candle.

[Mikhail]

What are you talking about?

[Anoushka]

You told me to make sure nothing was left inside. I lit a candle so that I could see properly. I left it burning.

[Mikhail]

You left the candle burning inside. But the blubber. The formalda. That fish is more inflammable than an oil refinery.

[Aubrey Mason]

Let me throw.

[Mikhail]

Excuse me. Thanks.

[Aubrey Mason]

No further, sir. The roof's going in any minute.

[Mikhail]

Well, it'll be gutted. The entire building will be gutted.

[Aubrey Mason]

Yeah, it looks like it, sir.

[Monsieur Duclair]

Monsieur Canon. Monsieur Cannon. I have looked everywhere for you. I thought you might still be inside.

[Mikhail]

Monsieur Duclair, it looks like my first job as a night watchman got off to a bad start.

[Monsieur Duclair]

Do not distress yourself. It was. Well, in short. But how did it happen?

[Mikhail]

Happen? Well, that's quite a question.

[Monsieur Duclair]

I'm not sure, but where were you when it happened?

[Mikhail]

I was having a smoke.

[Monsieur Duclair]

Tell me just what you did, monsieur. Canal.

[Mikhail]

Well, I pumped in the formaldehyde like you showed me, and then I sat down on the bench to have a smoke. Suddenly, the whale started to smoke, too. You know what I mean?

[Monsieur Duclair]

Yes, A stroke of luck.

[Mikhail]

Luck?

[Monsieur Duclair]

The whale is, in short. As I said, I do not regret losing it.

[Mikhail]

But it's burned down the entire hall. The place is raging inferno. There'll be nothing left?

[Monsieur Duclair]

No, nothing left. Absolutely nothing.

[Mikhail]

And that's about everything, Chief.

[Aubrey Mason]

Now, what makes you so suspicious of Mr. Duclair?

[Mikhail]

I don't know. It's maybe the way he looked at that fire. He was. He was enjoying it. Seemed like he was hoping the Thing would be destroyed.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, it might just have been the excitement. The entire building was razed to the ground. There's nothing but a heap of ashes.

[Mikhail]

Well, don't you see? That body inside the well was reduced to a heap of ashes too. Where that guy was, he wound up in his own crematorium.

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes, I checked on the Russian dancers. They're officially listed as missing, mark you. That doesn't mean they weren't responsible for the killing. We've no idea who that man might have been. And now it seems we'll never know. Just supposing he was an official of the Russian Secret Police.

[Mikhail]

Yeah, sure. Well, I'm gonna cry about that.

[Aubrey Mason]

That's not the point. This is England. No one has the right to take another man's life.

[Mikhail]

Okay, chief, thanks for the moral lecture.

[Aubrey Mason]

I'm serious. If those two youngsters did kill a man from the Russian police, then they must be handed over to the authorities.

[Mikhail]

Well, you're right, of course, as always. But how are we going to prove who he was? How can we even prove that there was a man in there in the first place? There's nothing left. Not a single solitary thing.

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes? Monsieur Duclair to see you, sir. Send him in, please.

[Mikhail]

No. What do you suppose he was?

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, he won't have come to congratulate us on our efficiency as night watchman.

[Monsieur Duclair]

Ah, bonjour, Monsieur Maison. Monsieur Canon. As you declare most regrettable about the exhibit.

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes. Won't you take a chair?

[Monsieur Duclair]

Thank you. I explained to Monsieur Canon that financially there is nothing to worry about. The exhibit was well insured and I shall suffer no financial loss.

[Aubrey Mason]

I'm glad to hear that.

[Monsieur Duclair]

But I shall require your assistance.

[Mikhail]

You gonna pump up another well?

[Anoushka]

Oh, no, no, no, no.

[Monsieur Duclair]

It concerns the insurance. At the time of the accident, I was in bed in my hotel. In fact, the old porter woke me and told me of the disaster. Monsieur Canon was in charge of the exhibit at the time, and I would like a statement from him accepting full responsibility.

[Aubrey Mason]

Now, just a minute. You may be insured, but we're not. If you read your contract, you'll find the indemnity clause in case of accident.

[Monsieur Duclair]

Oh, it is not that, monsieur. I require a letter only to show that the exhibit was destroyed by accident to please the insurance company. You understand?

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes, I do.

[Monsieur Duclair]

Of course, I would pay for the service.

[Aubrey Mason]

When do you want the letter, monsieur?

[Monsieur Duclair]

Declare, I would like to get it off to France as soon as possible. It will save me the journey over there. If the insurance company is satisfied, they will pay us through their London office now.

[Aubrey Mason]

I'll get onto it right away, monsieur. This afternoon.

[Monsieur Duclair]

Ah, perfect. Thank you. Well, good day, gentlemen.

[Anoushka]

Goodbye, monsieur.

[Mikhail]

Good bye, Monsieur Claire. You know, Chief, something about that whale smells awful fishy.

[Aubrey Mason]

Perhaps. But I wonder why he doesn't just hop over the Channel and collect the insurance money.

[Mikhail]

Maybe he doesn't want to show his face in France.

[Aubrey Mason]

Show his face? Cannon. I wonder.

[Mikhail]

Chief, I don't like that look.

[Aubrey Mason]

Are the Russian runaways still in your flat?

[Mikhail]

Where else?

[Aubrey Mason]

You're sure no one's seen them?

[Mikhail]

Certain. I can't stall a cleaner forever. But he's been stalled before. Different reason. Naturally.

[Aubrey Mason]

I can guess what it is. I want to have a talk to them. They were, as Cameron described them, just two nice kids. However desperate their plight, I just couldn't imagine them plunging a knife into a man's heart. And the setting for the murder was too macabre for them to contemplate. I asked them about the exhibit they'd seen in France. How did you find out about the entrance into the well?

[Anoushka]

By watching the caretaker. He was an old man, and rather Surrey. The well was on show in the Place de la Poste and we hid behind one of the pillars. We saw him climbing through the mouth. When we heard that the whale was to come to London and then to go to America, we hit upon our plan.

[Aubrey Mason]

Did you meet Monsieur Duclair? He's the owner.

[Anoushka]

I don't think so. It was the caretaker we watched.

[Aubrey Mason]

You said to Cannon that you might have seen the dead man somewhere before.

[Anoushka]

I think so, but I cannot be certain.

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, there's no chance now for a second. Look, if you saw the caretaker again, would you recognize him? Oh, yes.

[Anoushka]

Anushka too.

[Cannon]

I would know him anywhere.

[Aubrey Mason]

I'll just use your phone. Canon, what hotel is to carry?

[Mikhail]

Regent Palace.

[Aubrey Mason]

Good morning. Oh, I'd like to speak to Mr. Duclair, please. Thank you. I'm going to invite him to the office early. I want Mikhail and Anoushka hidden in the inner office where they can see him. Hello? Oh, Monsieur Declare. Oh, this is Mason Assignments Unlimited. Yes, yes, I've nearly finished it. Tell me, for how long was the whale insured? Yes, yes. It couldn't have lasted forever, could it? I see. Right after the American Exhibition, you would destroy it. Well, may I ask how? Yes, of course. What better grave for a whale than to be dumped into the sea? Can we make it 1:00? Thank you, that's fine. Goodbye. There's no doubt about it now. Cannon in that outer office with these youngsters. I want two more people. Detective inspectors from the Murder squad. The stage was set for Mr. Duclair's arrival. The police officers were fully briefed and Mikhail and Anoushka waited apprehensively. When Duclair arrived, they recognized him immediately. Not as Duclair, but as the old caretaker. Publicity photographs of the real Duclear were immediately seen to be those of the dead man. And the whale Cannon, for once, was impressed.

[Mikhail]

Well, not bad, Chief. Not bad at all. But what made him do it?

[Aubrey Mason]

Jealousy, probably. Like you, he didn't fancy having a whale as a bed companion while his employer lived off the fat of the land.

[Mikhail]

The fat of the whale?

[Aubrey Mason]

All right. He murdered his boss and left his body inside the exhibit. Later, all evidence would have been removed when the whale was dumped in the Atlantic. Coming? But he couldn't take a chance on going back to France. He might have been recognized by someone in the insurance company. So he had to stay undercover.

[Mikhail]

Undercover? That reminds me. Two Russian dancers have to be smuggled into the States somehow.

[Aubrey Mason]

Funny you should mention that. I was just about to brief you on your next assignment.

[Mikhail]

Oh, no.

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, there you are. That's how the fishmonger had his chips.