33 Half Moon Street - SA 66-01-25 (36) The Receiver of Death

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Half Moon Street - SA 66-01-25 (36) The Receiver of Death"
Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Episode Number: 33
Title: The Receiver of Death

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "The Receiver of Death", listeners are transported to the intriguing world of detective Aubrey Mason. Set against the backdrop of a mysterious murder in a Ten Pin bowling alley, the episode weaves a complex narrative filled with suspense, deception, and unexpected twists. As Mason delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies involving impersonation, stolen identities, and hidden motives.

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Plot Summary

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with a cryptic message about unemployment benefits in Oregon, which quickly fades into the central narrative.

The Murder at the Bowling Alley

• Introduction of Characters:

  • Inspector Bottomley: A grim-faced inspector leading the investigation.
  • Mrs. Mabel Cornelius: A woman involved in the mystery, described as rich, lonely, and Australian.
  • Aubrey Mason: The protagonist detective working to solve the case.
  • Manning Redfords: A character connected to Mrs. Cornelius.
  • Penny Fairweather: Aubrey Mason’s secretary, providing both assistance and comic relief.

• Discovery of the Murder:

  • At [00:46], Aubrey Mason narrates, "A woman had been brutally murdered and the only clue led directly to my office." This sets the stage for the investigation.
  • Inspector Bottomley presents a photograph of the victim, urging Mason to identify her, to which Mason responds, "No, no, Inspector. I've never set eyes on her before." [02:21]

The Booby-Trapped Telephone

• Suspicion and Clues:

  • Inspector Bottomley reveals that the telephone was booby-trapped, suggesting premeditation: "The telephone must have been booby trapped." [03:17]
  • The only two individuals present at the time of the murder were Danny Rushton and the victim.

• Manning Redfords’ Involvement:

  • Manning Redfords contacts Mason regarding a package delivery, introducing Mrs. Mabel Cornelius: "None of us know the Australian lady here with you, but she'd been recommended to us." [05:00]

Unveiling the Deception

• Double Identity:

  • Aubrey Mason uncovers that Mrs. Mabel Cornelius at the Yacht Club is not the real Mrs. Cornelius who was murdered, leading to confusion and suspicion.
  • Mason ponders, "Was the unknown woman killed by mistake? Was the booby-trapped telephone intended for the real Mrs. Cornelius?" [13:21]

• Inspection and Confrontation:

  • Inspector Bottomley arrives at the Taunton Yacht Club, engaging with Manning Redfords and the impostor Mrs. Cornelius.
  • A pivotal moment occurs when Bottomley compares handwriting samples: "Not the same." [21:26]

The Revelation

• Mason’s Deduction:

  • Mason ultimately reveals the mastermind behind the murder: Danny Rushton manipulated the situation to benefit from his partner Manning Redfords, ensuring that the real Mrs. Cornelius would inherit a shipping fortune.
  • He explains, "The box that was stolen... contained private papers revealing the existence of a sister... the real Mrs. Cornelius." [22:41]

• The Climactic Twist:

  • The bait-and-switch involving the impostor Mrs. Cornelius leads to the unraveling of the conspiracy, showcasing Mason's ingenuity and determination to bring the culprits to justice.

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Key Discussions and Insights

Themes of Identity and Deception

Throughout the episode, the theme of mistaken and stolen identities plays a central role. The use of the name Mrs. Mabel Cornelius by an impostor highlights how deception can facilitate criminal activities.

The Role of Technology in Crime

The booby-trapped telephone serves as a critical plot device, demonstrating how technology can be exploited for nefarious purposes. Inspector Bottomley muses on the intricacies of the booby-trap: "It must have been someone who knew her movements pretty thoroughly." [02:33]

Character Dynamics and Development

• Aubrey Mason’s Leadership: Mason exhibits strong leadership and analytical skills, effectively coordinating with his secretary Penny Fairweather and handling high-pressure situations with composure.

• Inspector Bottomley’s Tenacity: The inspector's relentless pursuit of the truth underscores the dedication required in investigative work. His interactions, such as saying to Mason, "I shan't rest until I have the culprit." [03:50], emphasize his commitment.

• Manning Redfords as a Key Player: Manning’s dual role as both an accomplice and a target adds complexity to the narrative, showcasing the thin line between collaboration and betrayal.

Notable Quotes

• Aubrey Mason: "Never say die, Danny. The gods may be kind to you." [00:43]

• Inspector Bottomley: "This is a particularly obnoxious crime. I shan't rest until I have the culprit." [03:50]

• Aubrey Mason: "The murder had been committed by a complete fool or a soul endowed with fiendish genius." [13:21]

• Mrs. Mabel Cornelius: "I want you to collect a box for me and deliver it to my yacht. It's valuable and it's locked away in the office of one of my warehouses and I haven't got the key." [07:07]

• Inspector Bottomley: "The man who calls Mrs. Cornelius Poppers is Manning Redfords." [21:12]

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Conclusion

Half Moon Street - SA 66-01-25 (36) The Receiver of Death is a masterfully crafted episode that blends classic detective storytelling with intricate plot twists. Through the sharp minds of Aubrey Mason and Inspector Bottomley, listeners are taken on a journey of uncovering hidden truths and exposing deceit. The episode not only entertains but also delves into the psychological aspects of crime, identity, and the lengths to which individuals will go to secure power and wealth.

For fans of the Golden Age of Radio and mystery enthusiasts alike, this episode offers a rich and engaging narrative that holds true to the era's signature storytelling flair.

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Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• [00:43] Mrs. Mabel Cornelius: "Never say die, Danny. The gods may be kind to you."
• [02:21] Aubrey Mason: "A woman had been brutally murdered and the only clue led directly to my office."
• [03:17] Inspector Bottomley: "Who's he?"
• [13:21] Aubrey Mason: "Was the unknown woman killed by mistake? Was the booby trapped telephone intended for the real Mrs. Cornelius?"
• [21:26] Inspector Bottomley: "Not the same."
• [22:41] Aubrey Mason: "The box that was stolen from Mrs. Mabel Cornelia's office contained private papers revealing the existence of a sister."

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This detailed summary encapsulates all critical elements of the episode, ensuring that listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the plot, characters, and underlying themes without needing to access the original transcript.

Transcript

[Unknown Speaker 1]

Perdio sutra bajo redujeron susoras pondera calificar para los beneficios del segro de desempleo de Oregon Es gratis applicar sin costos nitarifas paroptender beneficios illos servicios de interpretacion estandis ponibiles presentar su solicitud es facil. Llame al Uno, ocho, siete, siete, tres, cuatro, cinco, tres, cuatro, ocho, cuatro uno, ocho, siete, siete, tres, cuatro, cinco, tres, cuatro, ocho, cuatro para yuda. Encual quier.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Take. Well done, Mabel. Too good for me, I'm afraid.

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

Never say die, Danny. The gods may be kind to you.

[Aubrey Mason]

Fair enough. A faint heart never won a fair lady. Excuse me, Mom.

[Manning Redfords]

This message just came for you. It's. It's marked urgent.

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

Oh, thank you.

[Aubrey Mason]

Is it urgent?

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

Yes. Excuse me a moment, Danny. I must make a telephone call.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Yes, of course. Let me come, let me come.

[Manning Redfords]

It's too late, sir. The telephone must have been booby trapped.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Listen, you brought her a message.

[Aubrey Mason]

What was it? I don't know, sir.

[Manning Redfords]

It was written on a piece of paper. Look, sir, it's still clutched in her hand.

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes, yes, I see it. Get it, will you?

[Manning Redfords]

Here it is, sir.

[Aubrey Mason]

What does it say?

[Manning Redfords]

It says, Dear Poppers, please most urgently ring Grosvenor 5995 or call at 33 Half Moon.

[Aubrey Mason]

The receiver of death, the grim faced Inspector Bottomley, who sat opposite me in my office. A woman had been brutally murdered and the only clue led directly to my office. I was somehow very glad that the Inspector was a personal friend of mine.

[Inspector Bottomley]

I've obtained this picture of the victim under happier circumstances. Here it is. You might look at it, Aubrey, and tell me if you know her.

[Aubrey Mason]

No, no, Inspector. I've never set eyes on her before.

[Inspector Bottomley]

There's no doubt she was murdered. And by someone who knew her movements pretty thoroughly at that time of the day. Only this Danny Rushton fellow and herself were in the Ten Pin bowling alley. The telephone was booby trapped. Since messages are always delivered by hand, it only needed such a message to send her on her last walk to a violent death.

[Aubrey Mason]

It's fiendish. Did you find out where the message came from?

[Inspector Bottomley]

Yes, it was phoned in by a man. That's all we know so far. At the moment I'm checking the movements of everyone who used the club this morning. But what puzzles me is how the Phone was booby trapped in the first place. Had it been done haphazardly, it could have killed anyone. So whoever did it knew that she'd be alone with Danny Rushton.

[Aubrey Mason]

Who's he?

[Inspector Bottomley]

He's a glib young layabot who preys on rich and lonely women. Mabel Cornelius, with her name Australian, Very rich and lonely in England.

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, the Australian bit would account for a rich woman being inside a bowling alley. Yes.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Is it a populous brought with all levels of society in Australia? Has anyone telephoned you in the past few days intimating that you might be telephoned or visited by a rich Australian woman?

[Aubrey Mason]

Absolutely nothing. But since we handled almost any kind of assignment was she may have been recommended to us by anyone for any sort of job.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Is it the recommendation that I'm interested in? She could only have been recommended by one of your old clients. Well, I won't keep you any longer, Aubrey. If anything turns up, I know you'll ring me at once. This is a particularly obnoxious crime. I shan't rest until I have the culprit. Goodbye, Aubrey.

[Aubrey Mason]

Shut up. Good hunting.

[Penny Fairweather]

Yes, sir.

[Aubrey Mason]

Come in a minute, will you, Miss Fairweather?

[Penny Fairweather]

Yes, sir.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, by the way, are the evening papers out yet?

[Penny Fairweather]

No, not yet, sir.

[Aubrey Mason]

All right. Bring your notebook.

[Penny Fairweather]

I. I put the phone through to here, Mr. Mason.

[Aubrey Mason]

Good. Ms. Fairweather, a potential clown tried to ring us this morning and she was brutally murdered.

[Penny Fairweather]

Good heavens, sir.

[Aubrey Mason]

How? You'll be able to read all about it in this evening's paper when he comes out. She was recommended to us by a person or persons unknown. A slip of paper was in her hand, and when it had our telephone number and address written on it. Assignments unlimited.

[Manning Redfords]

Good afternoon, Mr. Aubrey Mason speaking. Oh, hello. I don't suppose you remember me. Manning Redwoods is the name. Taunton Yacht Club. One of your men did a little collection job for me a few months back.

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes, Mr. Redfish, I do remember.

[Inspector Bottomley]

How are you?

[Manning Redfords]

Oh, exceedingly well. I'm ringing on behalf of a friend of mine, actually. She wants a reliable man to collect a box for her and deliver it.

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, that Sounds quite straightforward, Mr. Rivers. What's the name of the party and where must my man go to collect the package?

[Manning Redfords]

Well, I'd rather she rang in herself. Actually, I was checking up that you could accommodate her before I finally put her on to you.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, I understand. What's the lady's name, Mr. Richards?

[Manning Redfords]

Cornelius. Mrs. Mabel Cornelius. Hello?

[Aubrey Mason]

Hello?

[Manning Redfords]

Hello? Are you still there?

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes. Yes, I'm still here.

[Manning Redfords]

I thought we'd been cut off. Did you get that?

[Aubrey Mason]

Mr. Rivers, when did you last see Mrs. Cornelius?

[Manning Redfords]

When did I last see her? My dear chap, why, she's here with me now at the Yacht Club.

[Aubrey Mason]

But that's impossible, sir.

[Manning Redfords]

Look, have you taken leave of your senses, Mason?

[Aubrey Mason]

I'm sorry, Mr. Redfish. I think you'll understand better when you read this evening's paper. Mrs. Cornelius, the lady you have with you, she is an Australian, of course.

[Manning Redfords]

Do you know each other?

[Aubrey Mason]

I'm sure it will be of great interest for you to know that another Australian lady, another Mrs. Mabel Cornelius, was murdered this morning inside the Yellow Band Bowling Club.

[Manning Redfords]

Are you being serious, Mason?

[Aubrey Mason]

I was never more serious in my life.

[Manning Redfords]

Great Scott.

[Aubrey Mason]

I must tell Mabel. I must tell Inspector Botany. Will you be at the club for a while, Mr. Riffles?

[Manning Redfords]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Aubrey Mason]

Might I suggest that you stay where you are until the Inspector sees you? I'll telephone him and inform him of this development. All right, with pleasure.

[Manning Redfords]

Anything we can do to help. But first you'd better speak with Mrs. Cornelius. The matter she has in hand for you is of some urgency. Now just hold on. Oh, here she is.

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

Hello. Is that Mr. Mason?

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes, Mrs. Cornelius.

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

Manning tells me there's been a bit of trouble, but he didn't say what, only.

[Aubrey Mason]

I'll give you the rough outline after you finish Speaking to me, Mrs. Cornelius.

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

All right. I want you to collect a box for me and deliver it to my yacht. It's valuable and it's locked away in the office of one of my warehouses and I haven't got the key. I think you can get it for.

[Aubrey Mason]

Me if you tell me where.

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

A mania said that you were reliable and could do a job with a minimum of fuss. It's Cornelius Warehouse on L wharf at the St. Savior Dock in Bermondsey. My yacht is also called the Cornelius, and she's tied up at Galleon's Point in North Woolwich. You think you can find it?

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, I know London fairly well, Mrs. Cornelius. Yes, you can leave it to me.

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

Good. Be as quick as you can and ring me here at the Yacht Club when you finish the job.

[Aubrey Mason]

All right? Right.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Bye.

[Aubrey Mason]

Bye.

[Penny Fairweather]

What happened, chief? Did our client come back to life again?

[Aubrey Mason]

According to Inspector Bottomley, that would be impossible. Get him on the line, Ms. Fairweather. I'm going to send him over to the Taunton Yacht Club and suggest that he takes a certain Danny Rushton with him. If there has been any reincarnation, Danny will know all.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Ever been here before? Danny? Rather. But I promised myself at the last time would be the last time, if you know what I mean. Not so welcome anymore at the Taunton Yacht Club here. A minor disagreement with the secretary. That's typical of you, Giggles. You border on the line of confidence tricksters and finally turn to real crime when all social outlets are barred to you. You don't have to worry about this visit. It's official. A fact for which I am extremely grateful, Inspector.

[Aubrey Mason]

You go.

[Inspector Bottomley]

I phoned ahead. Mr. Manning. Redwoods and Mrs. Mabel Cornelius are waiting for us in the anteroom. David.

[Aubrey Mason]

Sir.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Are you the gentleman for the police?

[Aubrey Mason]

I am.

[Manning Redfords]

Go right through, sir.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Second door on the right. Thank you. Come on, Ruston.

[Manning Redfords]

Inspector Bottomley?

[Inspector Bottomley]

Yes. You must be Mr. Manning Redford.

[Manning Redfords]

That's right. May I introduce Mrs. Mabel Cornelius?

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

How do you do, Inspector? And who's this young man?

[Inspector Bottomley]

A witness. Mr. Danny Russian, the man who was.

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

With that woman in the bowling alley. Oh, I'd like to ask him a few questions.

[Manning Redfords]

No, no, don't get upset, Poppers, dear. The inspector will sort it all out. Here, now, you take a chair and I'll fix a drink. Oh, do sit down, Inspector. And you too, Rustin.

[Inspector Bottomley]

I'm afraid this is a personal question, Mr. Redless. Did I hear you refer to Mrs. Cornelius as paupers?

[Manning Redfords]

Oh, yes, sir. A nickname I have for her. Is that of any significance?

[Inspector Bottomley]

It could be. Where did you meet this woman calling herself Mrs. Cornelius Ruston? @ the Woolly Lamb in Shepherd's Market three nights ago. I was her constant companion after that. Where did she stay? She had a flat at 87 Woodside Grove in the West End. Mr. Edwards, do you know the Yellow Band Bowling Club?

[Manning Redfords]

No, I am not a bowling enthusiast.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Someone rang the club this morning when only Danny Rushton here and the woman calling herself Mrs. Mabel Cornelius were plagued. They left an urgent message for her to telephone an organization known as Assignments Unlimited.

[Manning Redfords]

Oh, yes, yes, I know the company very well.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Aubrey Mason.

[Manning Redfords]

Yes, capital fellow.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Do you know the telephone number?

[Manning Redfords]

Yes, I think I can remember it. Grosvenor 5995. Why?

[Inspector Bottomley]

The message left this morning at the Yellow Van Bowling Club. The message that sent this unknown lady to her death. Read, dear Poppers, please phone Most urgently Grosvenor 5995. Or call at 33 Half Moon Street.

[Manning Redfords]

Really? Have you spoken to Mason about this?

[Inspector Bottomley]

Yes.

[Manning Redfords]

And? And now the light begins to dawn. That's why Mason knew all about the bogus Mrs. Cornelius when I telephoned him.

[Inspector Bottomley]

What interests me most, Mr. Redfuss, is who was the bogus Mrs. Cornelius and what motive could she have for assuming your friend's identity?

[Manning Redfords]

It's a puzzler, isn't it? But then I've heard that confidence tricksters often assume the names of famous people.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Would you consider yourself famous, Mrs. Cornelius?

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

Well, I really hadn't thought about it. Wealthy, yes. Famous, It's a moot point. You say the message was to ring this Assignments Unlimited place. But that's a coincidence, isn't it?

[Inspector Bottomley]

To ring urgently? It had to be urgently because she might have been in no particular hurry to get in touch with Mason. In which case the booby trap would have misfired. Would needs have been dismantled. Unless the murderer was prepared to let some completely innocent person die for no reason at all. Come in.

[Aubrey Mason]

There's a call for you, Inspector.

[Inspector Bottomley]

The secretary said I was to ask.

[Aubrey Mason]

You if you want to take it now, sir.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Who's it from? Do you know, Mr. Aubrey Mason, sir. I'll take it just at the receiver, sir. You'll go right through. Thank you. Hello. Bottomly here.

[Aubrey Mason]

Hello, Inspector. Just checking up that everything's all right.

[Inspector Bottomley]

No, everything's just fine, Mason.

[Aubrey Mason]

Is Mrs. Cornelius genuine?

[Inspector Bottomley]

She seems to be. I'm having a power with them all now.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, then I'll take up no more of your time and leave you to your mystery. If it still is a mystery.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Oh, it's that all right. More of a mystery than ever. I'll see you at the club a little later on perhaps, Aubrey.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, quite a bit later. I have an important job to complete first.

[Inspector Bottomley]

All right. Thanks for ringing. Goodbye.

[Aubrey Mason]

Bye.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Now, Mr. Edwards. Mrs. Cornelius and you, Danny Rushton. What we have to determine is who sent that urgent message to the Yellow Band Club. It must have been someone you know. Mrs. Cornelius and you, Mr. Redwoods.

[Manning Redfords]

How do you work that out?

[Inspector Bottomley]

The message. It begins, Dear Poppers and only you. Call Mrs. Cornelius Papas. Mr. Redfords. Now, for the sake of argument, let's assume that you didn't ring the Yellow Band Club. It means that whoever rang thought he was leaving a message for the genuine Mrs. Cornelius from you. Interesting, isn't it?

[Aubrey Mason]

Was the unknown woman killed by mistake? Was the booby trapped telephone intended for the real Mrs. Cornelius? It seemed inconceivable that the killer, having laid his plan so carefully even to the detail of knowing Mr. Redford's pet name for her, should mix up the two women. On Danny Rushton's evidence, they bore no physical resemblance at all. Add to this the Testimony of the Mrs. Cornelius at the Taunton Yacht Club that she never went to bowling alleys and it became Increasingly clear that Inspector Bottomley was confronted with a baffling mystery. Certainly the murder had been committed by a complete fool or a soul endowed with fiendish genius. These thoughts ran through my mind as Penny Fairweather and I drove quietly to the warehouse at Saint Saviour's Dock in Burnsey.

[Penny Fairweather]

Penny for your thoughts, Chief.

[Aubrey Mason]

What?

[Penny Fairweather]

You're immersed in deep cogitation, Chief.

[Aubrey Mason]

Brows.

[Penny Fairweather]

Daddy, your brow is deep furrowed with concentration. In short, there's something on your mind.

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[Penny Fairweather]

For nothing less than a curry chicken at Vereswani's. Washed down with a course of ice bubble.

[Aubrey Mason]

Done.

[Penny Fairweather]

Oh, there's a sign that says since Savior's dock on the left.

[Aubrey Mason]

Good girl. I think I'll park here and we can walk the rest. The less conspicuous we are, the better.

[Penny Fairweather]

But why, Chief? We're on legitimate business.

[Aubrey Mason]

I explained that Mrs. Cornelius had lost the key to her office. I omitted to get a written chip from her authorizing us to break into the place. If we're seen and arrested, we'll have to spend the best part of three hours in the lockup while I get hold of Mrs. Cornelius to verify our story. And that means no curry chicken at Marishwamis.

[Penny Fairweather]

You've convinced me. Park under that lamp. It's not working.

[Aubrey Mason]

According to my map in the office, Cornelius warehouse is along this way. Come on.

[Penny Fairweather]

Oh, crumbs. Suddenly I don't feel quite so happy about this job.

[Aubrey Mason]

I think it must be the office. The stairs lead up the back. Yes. Yes. See? Yeah.

[Penny Fairweather]

Yes.

[Aubrey Mason]

Would you rather stay down here?

[Penny Fairweather]

Not in your life. That burglar might just be hiding in the shadows, ready to pounce on me.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, you read too many Penny dreadfuls. We don't even know if there has been an intruder yet. Come on. Follow me.

[Penny Fairweather]

It's open.

[Aubrey Mason]

Anybody here? Now it's empty. Penny, come in and shut the door.

[Penny Fairweather]

Oh, nobody here. But she said that place was locked.

[Aubrey Mason]

Because look at the lock. It's been forced. That's why the door wouldn't fasten Again.

[Penny Fairweather]

Chief, do you think the visitor was the murderer?

[Aubrey Mason]

Possible. Oh, crumbs. Yes. Stop saying oh, crumbs. Well, I don't see a box anywhere, do you?

[Penny Fairweather]

Well, come to think of it, the information Mrs. Cornelius gave us was a bit scanty. What's the box supposed to contain, anyway?

[Aubrey Mason]

I don't know. Well, there's nothing here that I can see. Let it sit in the safe. Well, let's try that. No, no, it's no good. It's. It's shut first.

[Penny Fairweather]

Can you force it, Chief?

[Aubrey Mason]

I'm afraid not, Penny. It's a modern make and it has a combination lock. I could get the combination from Mrs. Cornelius at the Taunton Club, of course.

[Penny Fairweather]

Well, do you know the number? I'll give her a ring.

[Aubrey Mason]

Hang on. There's a telephone director here, Tam. Wait a minute. Here we are. Tam. Tam Taine, take your Taunton. Here we are. Taunton Yacht Club. I'll underline it with a pencil for you.

[Penny Fairweather]

Oh, thanks. I'll only be a minute. Shall I say you want to speak to her?

[Aubrey Mason]

No, Penny.

[Manning Redfords]

No.

[Aubrey Mason]

No. Penny, don't touch that phone.

[Penny Fairweather]

Chief, what's the matter with you?

[Aubrey Mason]

Thank heavens you didn't touch it. That was close.

[Penny Fairweather]

What on earth's the matter with you?

[Aubrey Mason]

Look what I found on the desk. A pencil note. Read it.

[Penny Fairweather]

Dear Peppers, the moment you get in, ring Grover 59945. It's the number of Assignments Unlimited and the man Aubrey Mason I told you about. Well, Chief, it refers to you. What's it all about? I don't understand.

[Aubrey Mason]

The last time someone got that message, it was the last thing they ever did read. Look, Penny, hand me that parcel string on the other desk. Thanks. Now, I'll tie one into the string to the receiver.

[Penny Fairweather]

Be careful, chief.

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, you don't have to tell me. There. Now, Penny. We'll carefully unroll the string towards the door.

[Penny Fairweather]

Oh, sorry, chief.

[Aubrey Mason]

Your nerves aren't very good. Open the door. Now, we'll go down the stairs as fast as we can. Well, that's as far as we can go. Well, like to find out what would have happened if you picked up the telephone in that office after.

[Penny Fairweather]

Well, I'd have got the dialing tone.

[Aubrey Mason]

Perhaps. Anyway, here's your chance to make sure. Pull the string. Go on, pull.

[Penny Fairweather]

All right.

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

There.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Come in.

[Manning Redfords]

Excuse me, Inspector. A gentleman would like to speak to you on the other line in the office. He wouldn't give his name, but he.

[Aubrey Mason]

Said it was urgent. Yes, I'll come now.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Excuse me, ma'am. Gentlemen. How long do we have to stay Here, Inspector. Not much longer.

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

Thank heavens for that. I've got a headache.

[Inspector Bottomley]

I'll deal with this caller and then I think we can all go home. Where's the office?

[Manning Redfords]

This way, sir.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Thank you. Hello, Inspector Bottomley?

[Aubrey Mason]

Mason here. Inspector Aubrey.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Why all the secrecy?

[Aubrey Mason]

I didn't want the others to know I was phoning you. Another telephone has been booby tapped. What?

[Inspector Bottomley]

Who is it this time?

[Aubrey Mason]

No, it's all right. Nobody's hurt. Luckily, it was intended for the same person, Mrs. Condy. Right. There was another note. This time in the murderer's own handwriting.

[Manning Redfords]

Have you got it?

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes. Was addressed to the same nickname, Poppers.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Look, Aubrey, drop whatever you're doing. Get around here as fast as you can. Tell the lad on the entrance to the club to summon me to the office. I'm speaking to you from there now. I'll jen him up. Whatever you do, don't lose that note.

[Aubrey Mason]

All right, I'll leave it to me. Oh, I've got Ms. Fairweather, my secretary, with me. Is it all right if she comes too? Fine.

[Penny Fairweather]

Keep me away.

[Inspector Bottomley]

No, that'll be perfectly all right. Aubrey. Get here as soon as you can.

[Aubrey Mason]

Roger.

[Manning Redfords]

God, it's exciting, isn't it, sir?

[Inspector Bottomley]

Like to be a policeman on my murder squads?

[Manning Redfords]

Well, you bet, Inspector.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Here's your chance to learn.

[Aubrey Mason]

I know when that man arrives, I'm.

[Manning Redfords]

To show him into the office and.

[Aubrey Mason]

Tip you the wink.

[Manning Redfords]

I heard it all, Inspector.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Did you know that's what a good.

[Manning Redfords]

Cop always does, isn't it, sir?

[Inspector Bottomley]

Eavesdropping where a policeman is concerned is laudable. The page boy. It's impertinent. Send for me right away. My apologies to you all. It was merely a routine call. By the way, Mr. Redwoods, I think we shall be here a short while longer. The secretary asks if you would send him a note for anything you might want from the bar.

[Manning Redfords]

Oh, yes, that's rather a good idea. And how about you, Inspector?

[Inspector Bottomley]

Thank you. I'd like a bottle of beer and a glass of lemonade. Would you like to borrow my pencil and notebook? You can write down the order on that.

[Manning Redfords]

Oh, thank you. Oh, and what about you, my dear? Something.

[Inspector Bottomley]

So you made it, Aubrey. Good show. Have you got that note?

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes, here it is.

[Inspector Bottomley]

The man who calls Mrs. Cornelius Poppers is manning Redvers. Now, I bluffed him into writing out a list of drinks. And this I retrieve from the page boy. Now, we can compare the handwriting on the note with this on the drink slip.

[Aubrey Mason]

No, not the same.

[Inspector Bottomley]

Not the slightest resemblance.

[Aubrey Mason]

Resemblance? That's it resemblance thought of something, Aubrey? May I go inside and talk to your little trio, Inspector?

[Inspector Bottomley]

Well, if you think it'll help.

[Aubrey Mason]

I know it'll help. Come on.

[Manning Redfords]

Well, whether it isn't Aubrey Mason. Good evening.

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

Oh, so you're Aubrey Basin, are you? Did you complete that job I asked you to do for me?

[Aubrey Mason]

I wasn't able to. Unfortunately, the place had been broken into. What, Burgod, perhaps? Of course, I didn't have the combination to the safe. That's one reason why I came here. To get the combination. You do remember it off hand, I'm sure. Well, do you?

[Mrs. Mabel Cornelius]

You know, it escapes me for the moment. This evening's been so.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, it. Well, it doesn't really matter. What is important is Danny Rushton's home address for the indemnification certificate. We always take out such a certificate when our clients are embroiled with the law. Oh, even if they're any witnesses. Write it down there, will you, Danny?

[Inspector Bottomley]

Do as he says, Danny. It's quite legal.

[Manning Redfords]

All right.

[Inspector Bottomley]

There you are.

[Aubrey Mason]

Thank you. How interesting.

[Manning Redfords]

Now, what the blazes are you doing with that pistol, Mason?

[Aubrey Mason]

I never take chances when in the company of a cold blooded killer. You see, I know who murdered the woman in the bowling alley club. The box that was stolen from Mrs. Mabel Cornelia's office contained private papers revealing the existence of a sister. A sister who bore a strong resemblance to her. The box was stolen by Danny Rushton. Why? As a guarantee that his partners in crime wouldn't double cross him. You see, the woman who was murdered was the real Mrs. Cornelius. And the phone was booby trapped by Danny. He reasoned that if she didn't phone immediately from the bowling alley, she would. The moment she arrived at her office, Danny wrote the notes using Manny Redfish, pet name for her. Once the burning alley murder was listed as murder of person unknown by person or persons unknown, Mabel Cornelius, his sister, would have taken over the reins of a shipping fortune, ably assisted by Manning Redfords and Danny Rushton. Manning Redfords never did reveal what the real Mrs. Cornelius wanted us for. Like the other two, he'll probably maintain a stoic silence for the next 15 years. Sat.