A Change in the Weather 1988-07-24 Part 2 of 5 - Pursuit

Summary

A Change in the Weather: Pursuit

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: A Change in the Weather (1988-07-24 Part 2 - Pursuit)
Release Date: May 10, 2025

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Introduction

In Part 2 of "A Change in the Weather", listeners are thrust deeper into the tumultuous lives of Jiffy Perkins and Burko Madrid, two ex-petty thieves whose impulsive bank robbery in Brixton has spiraled into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. As they seek sanctuary in the serene yet unforgiving landscapes of the English Lake District, both the underworld and the police intensify their pursuit, setting the stage for an intricate dance of loyalty, revenge, and survival.

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The Looming Threat of BB

The episode opens with Eric Pringle setting the scene for Jiffy and Berko's predicament. After their audacious bank heist, the pair have not only amassed a fortune but also become prime targets for BB, the formidable underworld boss who orchestrated the robbery for his gain. BB's elusive nature adds a layer of uncertainty and fear for the fugitives.

Notable Quote:

"Jiffy Perkins and Berco Madrid are going to live only a short life."
— William Simons (BB) [02:37]

BB confronts his subordinate, Philip Sully, emphasizing the personal nature of his vendetta against Jiffy and Berko. This personal touch highlights BB's hands-on approach and the severe consequences awaiting the thieves.

Dialogue Highlight:

Philip Sully: "You're a philosopher, bb. We're blocking the road. There's the fuzz coming over."
William Simons: "Don't run him down till we're clear... Be at the club, 3:30 sharp."
— [03:28 - 03:51]

Through this exchange, BB makes it clear that he prefers direct involvement rather than delegating tasks, showcasing his authoritative demeanor.

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Police on the Case

Parallel to the underworld's pursuit, the local police force, represented by Detective Sergeant Digley (Trevor Nichols) and Detective Inspector Sinclair (David Sinclair), are mobilizing to apprehend the bank robbers. Scotland Yard has released details about the heist, albeit without specific descriptions of the thieves, leaving room for both speculation and determined investigation.

Notable Quote:

"A million quid."
— John Hollis [15:17]

The police are under pressure to recover the stolen funds, now estimated to exceed one million pounds, adding urgency to their search. Detective Inspector Sinclair scrutinizes Sergeant Digley, pushing him to surpass his stagnant career and leverage his personal vendettas against the Londoners involved.

Dialogue Highlight:

David Sinclair: "You're wrong. It's because you personally resemble one of your Lakeland fells... You bear a grudge against the world."
Trevor Nichols: "I bear grudges too... Hell, I hate Londoners."
— [20:16 - 20:32]

This intense interaction reveals the underlying motivations driving the police force, intertwining personal grudges with professional duties.

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Parallel Adventure: Henrietta and Louise

While Jiffy and Berko navigate their perilous escape, Henrietta and Louise, dubbed the "glee duo," embark on their own adventure in the Lake District. Their carefree exploration contrasts sharply with the tension surrounding the bank robbers, providing a respite and a touch of humor to the narrative.

Notable Quote:

"God, I feel so free up here. All this space and air. No husbands, no children. No responsibilities or cooking, washing and iron, sewing, dusting."
— Dilys Lay (Henrietta) [09:24]

Their lighthearted banter and enjoyment of the picturesque surroundings add depth to the story, illustrating the diverse lives intertwined within this narrative.

Dialogue Highlight:

Polly James (Louise): "I don't want to go back."
Dilys Lay: "Ever. Here. There you are. We'll get tipsy on Tyza. Cheers to us."
— [09:49 - 10:23]

This exchange underscores their desire for freedom and the temporary escape from their daily lives, setting up potential intersections with the main narrative.

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The Thieves' Struggles and Loneliness

As the pursuit intensifies, Jiffy and Berko grapple with their predicament, contemplating their options and the overwhelming pressure from both BB and the authorities. Their conversations reveal a deep sense of isolation and the psychological toll of their actions.

Notable Quote:

"It ain't half as lonely as solitary. But we're not digging up the loot yet. Not by a long chalk."
— Peter Craze (Jiffy) [16:03]

Jiffy's reflections highlight the strain of their fugitive status, balancing hope with the fear of inevitable capture and the consequences that follow.

Dialogue Highlight:

Peter Craze: "I've always had people ordering me about... I'm gonna be respected, and that's what the money's for."
— [17:04 - 17:18]

This monologue delves into Jiffy's motivations, revealing his yearning for respect and recognition, which he believes can be attained through the ill-gotten gains from the robbery.

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Climactic Encounters and Rising Tensions

The episode crescendos with multiple confrontations and near-misses that heighten the suspense. Jiffy and Berko's attempts to lay low are constantly thwarted by both BB's relentless pursuit and the diligent efforts of the police.

Notable Quote:

"With the powerful big boss. Cold blooded city Nigel and sleuthing Sergeant Digley. All rocking their fragile boat."
— Eric Pringle (Narrator) [26:55]

This narration encapsulates the precarious balance between the protagonists and their pursuers, emphasizing the imminent threat of being overwhelmed by both factions.

Dialogue Highlight:

Peter Craze: "What do we actually know about bb Apart from the fact he's the boss? What did Billy tell us?"
John Hollis: "I don't know. He's powerful and mean and spiteful. He never forgives a wrong."
— [25:24 - 25:50]

The uncertainty surrounding BB's true nature and capabilities adds layers of complexity to the pursuit, leaving both characters and listeners questioning the outcome.

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Conclusion and Cliffhanger

As the episode draws to a close, Jiffy and Berko find themselves in a precarious situation on a boat in Derwent water. The threat of BB's vengeance looms large, and their escape seems increasingly untenable. Meanwhile, Henrietta and Louise remain blissfully unaware of the full extent of the danger, setting the stage for dramatic intersections in future episodes.

Narrative Tease:

"How can Jiffy and Burko possibly escape drowning in Derwent water? Would that be poetic justice?..."
— Eric Pringle (Narrator) [26:55]

This cliffhanger leaves listeners eager for the next installment, anticipating the resolution of the high-stakes chase and the fates of both the thieves and the relentless adversaries in their wake.

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Character Overview

• Jiffy Perkins (Peter Craze): A former petty thief seeking respect and freedom through his ill-fated bank robbery, now grappling with the aftermath and the relentless pursuit by BB and the police.

• Burko Madrid (John Hollis): Jiffy's accomplice, whose loyalty and resilience are tested as they navigate the escalating dangers of their fugitive status.

• BB (William Simons): The menacing underworld boss responsible for the bank robbery, driven by revenge and a desire for control over his operations.

• Philip Sully/Nigel (Philip Sully): BB's subordinate tasked with tracking down Jiffy and Berko, embodying the ruthless efficiency of the criminal underworld.

• Detective Sergeant Digley (Trevor Nichols): A local law enforcement officer fueled by personal vendettas, determined to advance his stalled career by capturing the thieves.

• Detective Inspector Sinclair (David Sinclair): The higher authority in the police force, pushing Sergeant Digley to intensify the search and uphold the department's reputation.

• Henrietta and Louise (Dilys Lay and Polly James): The carefree duo exploring the Lake District, their adventures provide a lighter counterpoint to the main narrative's tension.

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Closing Remarks

"A Change in the Weather: Pursuit" masterfully intertwines the lives of criminals on the run, vengeful underworld figures, and dedicated police officers, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque yet challenging Lake District. The episode delves deep into themes of loyalty, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of one's desires, all while maintaining a gripping and engaging narrative that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

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Upcoming Episodes:
Listeners can look forward to the continuation of this saga in the next installment, where the intricate web of pursuits and personal struggles will undoubtedly lead to unforeseen consequences and dramatic resolutions.

Transcript

[Eric Pringle]

We present part two of A Change in the Weather, an unlikely adventure for radio by Eric Pringle. Jiffy Perkins and Burko Madrid, two previously petty thieves from London's East End, have robbed a bank, lost a friend, gained a fortune and traveled to the northwest of England seeking sanctuary. They're on the run from the police and also from the avenging arm of BB the underworld big boss who had organized the bank's plundering for his own benefit, not theirs. The big problem about BB Is that they don't know him from Adam. If Jiffy and Berko have had adventure thrust upon them, the Church Stretton ladies glee duo in the eager persons of Henrietta and Louise are still hunting theirs. We left them girding their loins and wellies and setting out in search of a Lake District rainbow. We left Jiffy and Berko in the hooting darkness of a lakeside wood deep, burying their treasure.

[Peter Craze]

Forget that southern sun. We're in the English Lake District. It feels like a foreign land.

[Eric Pringle]

Meanwhile, on a busy street in London.

[Philip Sully]

Come on, come on. Change these lights. Give me the green. I think London traffic lights are lodged on red. Especially to thwart motorcyclists. We receive the thin end of the wedge. I could compose an opera on the subject. Death at the Lights. A tragedy of modern times. Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner, but.

[William Simons]

I love London, so maybe it's because I this city. Nigel. John up ahead at the lights on his motorbike. Pull alongside. Nigel. City. Nigel. Nigel.

[Philip Sully]

Hello, bb, is it?

[William Simons]

Of course it's me. Take your goggles off. I want to talk. Nigel.

[Philip Sully]

She's a very strange place.

[William Simons]

I'm not shouting over a bleeding motorbike. You heard about my loss.

[Philip Sully]

I didn't think those two had it in them.

[William Simons]

You think it's funny? Nobody does that to me, Nigel. Not even you.

[Philip Sully]

I wouldn't.

[William Simons]

Of course you wouldn't. You got sense. You're an intellectual, a thinking man, an artist. I respect that. It's rare. But Jiffy Perkins and Berco Madrid are going to live only a short life.

[Philip Sully]

The lights have changed, Bibi.

[William Simons]

That's where you come in.

[Philip Sully]

There was no need to come personally. You could have sent your boys.

[William Simons]

I like to involve myself. I don't soil my hands, mind. You know that. I leave the soiling to intellectual artistes. But I like to take part, you understand? It's what life's all about. Taking part.

[Philip Sully]

You're a philosopher, bb. We're blocking the road. There's the fuzz coming Over.

[William Simons]

Don't run him down till we're clear. I know what you're like and I don't want to get that involved. Be at the club, 3:30 sharp. Right, John. Off we go.

[David Sinclair]

What the hell do you think you're playing at, mister?

[Philip Sully]

A Concerto For Motorcycle Good afternoon, Officer.

[Peter Craze]

Good night.

[Philip Sully]

You've gone up Marky since I was here last, bb. Subdued lighting, velvet curtains, discreet tables.

[William Simons]

Changing class, John? Raising the tone.

[Philip Sully]

It's Nigel, actually. Remember, Nigel? You really ought to recall people's names, bb.

[William Simons]

If you want class, I'll recall yours now, sir.

[Philip Sully]

All right, don't get excited. Just tell me about these two cock robins. I like to know who I'm killing.

[William Simons]

Gives you an edge, does it?

[Philip Sully]

Added interest and security. It's one of the reasons I'm so reliable. I know exactly what I'm doing and who I'm doing it to.

[William Simons]

Another Gene. John.

[Philip Sully]

Nigel. Thanks. So Billy recruited them himself.

[William Simons]

He recruited Jiffy. Jiffy's a Barasha who wants to be important. Wants people to respect him. Don't we all?

[Philip Sully]

Could you get at him through his family?

[William Simons]

Not a chance. His wife Jean puts it about all over the East End. And his son's a toffee nose computer freak, learning how to com with silicon chips. Jiffy would be glad to get away from them. I would.

[Philip Sully]

What about Madrid, though?

[William Simons]

You seen him? Built like a tree, but thicker. Soft wood, Nigel. Just what Perkins tells him. They're like Abbott and Costello. Burko used to work at the docks and cos he was soft and strong as a donkey, they gave him all the lousy humping jobs until they wrecked his back. Now what can a worn out docker.

[Philip Sully]

Do sing for his supper?

[William Simons]

He was fired. His wife left him. He was high and dry and stranded like a whale. On his last day he got drunk and on the way home he got drunk. And on the way home he got mugged and lost his last wage packet. Not a lot of luck, has he? Jiffy found him, picked him up off the street, introduced him to Billy and they've been together ever since. Doing jobs for me. They done all right too.

[Philip Sully]

Until now.

[William Simons]

Them and Billy was like the Three Musketeers.

[Philip Sully]

Down to two now, bb and soon to be none.

[William Simons]

You're cow blooded, Nigel.

[Philip Sully]

Good at my job.

[William Simons]

Some job.

[Philip Sully]

Pest control. What would untarnished underworld barons like you do without specialist exterminators like me?

[William Simons]

What makes you tick, son?

[Philip Sully]

Clockwork?

[William Simons]

Seems like it. You kill people like a machine. You wear a pinstripe suit and polished shoes. And then you ride a chun up motorbike. It don't add up.

[Philip Sully]

It does from where I'm sitting. I'm cultured. A pearl inside an oyster. I like speed and I'm proud of my talent. For extinction you require the dispatch of Jiffy Perkins and Berco Madrid. My pleasure, B.B.

[William Simons]

I'M sure it will be. But get the loot before you indulge yourself.

[Philip Sully]

Naturally. Priorities in order.

[William Simons]

No wonder you ain't got friends, Nigel. No wonder you work on your own. You're aggressive and cold as your own knife. You can give me the shivers.

[Philip Sully]

Is that all?

[William Simons]

Yeah. We know they got as far as Manchester. After that, the world's your oyster. Find those other two pearls.

[Philip Sully]

I always do.

[William Simons]

Yeah, I'll give you that. You do. You've never failed.

[Philip Sully]

Your health, BB and yours.

[William Simons]

And to the short, short life of Jiffy Perkins and Perco Madrid.

[Dilys Lay]

And the be too. I like to sip the honey sweet from those red lips you see. Oh, let's take a breather.

[Polly James]

Oh, my goodness. That little stream has become a waterfall.

[Peter Craze]

Look.

[Polly James]

And that hill has turned into a mountain.

[Dilys Lay]

Henry, up here they're Beck's forces and fells. Darling. They call this one Cat Bells, which is a funny name for a hill.

[Polly James]

It's sweet for a fell. Oh, mind you don't slip. A lot of these stones are loose. We could rest here. There's a flat green place between these rocks. Oh, come over and see the view.

[Dilys Lay]

Oh, are we lucky, Lou Derwent. Water blue as the sky.

[Polly James]

Keswick is toy town and at the.

[Dilys Lay]

Head of the lake gate. The jaws of Borrowdale. The jaws of. Hello. Elemental hostile.

[Polly James]

I should think they are in bad weather, but today they are soft and toothless. Like a shaggy old dog.

[Dilys Lay]

Let's drink to old dogs. Open the pop bottle. God, I feel so free up here. All this space and air. No husbands, no children. No responsibilities or cooking, washing and iron, sewing, dusting.

[Polly James]

Going to bed with him.

[Dilys Lay]

This is no place to be serious, darling.

[Polly James]

I don't want to go back.

[Dilys Lay]

We've only been here three days.

[Polly James]

I don't want to go back.

[Dilys Lay]

Ever.

[Polly James]

Here. There you are. We'll get tipsy on Tyza. Cheers to us.

[Dilys Lay]

Oh, don't ever let us quarrel, Lou. Families can fight. Friends mustn't.

[Polly James]

We won't. Ever.

[Dilys Lay]

To us then. To this place. To never going back.

[Polly James]

Never.

[Dilys Lay]

We're poor little lambs who are going astray to that scarlet nail varnish on your toes. On a rock. On Cat Bells.

[Polly James]

Dior Wellies.

[Dilys Lay]

Viva la Difference.

[Polly James]

I'd like to take a rowing boat on the lake.

[Dilys Lay]

Oh, it does look inviting. Come on then, let's go down. Oh, yes, we can tease that cockney boatman. The one who hates the Lake District. There's better places in Spain, lady. That's good.

[Polly James]

I think he's nice. Could we have that boat over there, do you think?

[John Hollis]

What's different about that one?

[Polly James]

Oh, nothing really. I like its name. Free Bird.

[John Hollis]

Oh, yeah, it's a nice name. Right.

[Dilys Lay]

Your feet squelch, darling.

[John Hollis]

Put a hole in me boot, don't they?

[Dilys Lay]

Supply you with Wellingtons. Pay you wages.

[John Hollis]

Was a church matter. Gonna fool laces even, bless him.

[Dilys Lay]

He's hardly your average Italian out of dream boatman, is he? He's more like a web footed bat, sir.

[John Hollis]

Right, get in.

[Dilys Lay]

What's your name, boatman?

[William Simons]

What?

[Polly James]

What are you called?

[John Hollis]

Why?

[Dilys Lay]

You're not very friendly, are you?

[John Hollis]

Oh, yeah. Well, my name's Bert Ryan. Muffy.

[Dilys Lay]

I'm Henry. This is Lou.

[John Hollis]

Oh, you gotta get in.

[Dilys Lay]

Well, if you help us, Brian. Oh, sweep us off our feet and carry us away in your pirate ship.

[John Hollis]

I'm not touching you.

[Dilys Lay]

Very well. I will risk life and limb.

[Polly James]

Oh.

[Dilys Lay]

Oh.

[John Hollis]

Oh.

[William Simons]

Push it off.

[Dilys Lay]

Goodbye, Brian. I thought you said you could row. You're soaking me.

[John Hollis]

I ate this job. Hate this place. Wet feet. We toast, swim all day. I've got to see Jiffy.

[Eric Pringle]

Giving rise to speculation about a renewed.

[John Hollis]

Peace initiative in the Middle East.

[Eric Pringle]

Finally, further details of the Watson bank robbery in Brixton have been released by Scotland Yard.

[Peter Craze]

Hold on, hold on.

[Eric Pringle]

Detailed descriptions of the thieves are not yet available.

[John Hollis]

Of course they are.

[Eric Pringle]

A number of leads are being followed up and the police will make an announcement soon. Revised estimates show that the cash and security stolen now total in excess of a million pounds.

[Peter Craze]

A million?

[William Simons]

Oh my God.

[Eric Pringle]

A depression over Iceland will move very slowly southeast. And bringing a change in the weather.

[Trevor Nichols]

A million.

[William Simons]

Oh, God, Jimmy.

[Peter Craze]

A million.

[David Sinclair]

Jimmy. Jimmy. Hey.

[Peter Craze]

Hey. Upload. Oops. Dripping all over the floor.

[Dilys Lay]

Oh, another London alo. The Lake district is full of cockneys.

[Peter Craze]

What's that?

[Dilys Lay]

Well, at the lake there's a boatman straight out of East End. Lou took a fancy to him. But you're my type. I like the cut of your waiter's uniform.

[Peter Craze]

I have to go, madam.

[Dilys Lay]

I bet he could show us a good time in the mountains.

[Peter Craze]

I couldn't show anybody anything. I'm flat broke. Madam.

[Philip Sully]

Me.

[Peter Craze]

I'm here. Who is it?

[John Hollis]

Jiffy?

[David Sinclair]

Jiffy.

[John Hollis]

Where are ya?

[Peter Craze]

Shut up.

[John Hollis]

Oh, there you are. I couldn't see you for trees. Why do we have to meet in a wood?

[Peter Craze]

Why do we have to meet at all? Why did you ring me?

[John Hollis]

A million quid.

[Peter Craze]

What?

[John Hollis]

What we took. They said on the radio.

[Trevor Nichols]

It's a trick.

[Peter Craze]

We couldn't have cost so much.

[John Hollis]

Well, we never counted it. Why'd they lie?

[Peter Craze]

Because I don't trust them, that's why.

[Trevor Nichols]

A million.

[Peter Craze]

Is that why you wanted to see me? Yeah.

[John Hollis]

Well, partly. I was lonely.

[Peter Craze]

Lonely? Look, can't you get into your head that we have to pretend we don't know each other? We talk by telephone. We meet only in a crisis and then it's like it's by accident. In shadows and corners and holes.

[John Hollis]

Well, that's like criminals. It's lonely. Jiffy. I don't know anybody here.

[Peter Craze]

You know me, but Yuki away.

[John Hollis]

You look all different. You got a moustache.

[Peter Craze]

Because we have to disguise ourselves.

[John Hollis]

Yeah, I know. It looks all right, your moustache. My beard don't well grow.

[Peter Craze]

I noticed. It's just turning stubble. You look like a Russian navvy.

[John Hollis]

How long till that million's safe, Jiffy?

[Peter Craze]

Oh, I wish I knew.

[John Hollis]

We've been here two weeks.

[Peter Craze]

Money doesn't call in two weeks. It doesn't get safe in two weeks.

[John Hollis]

But the birds, Jiffy. Birds? Yeah. You hear them birds? You hear that water? There's water everywhere. Sometimes you can't see it, but you hear it running in the dark with our lonely s. Jiffy, I don't like the loneliness.

[Peter Craze]

It ain't half as lonely as solitary. But we're not digging up the loot yet. Not by a long chalk. We're not going to rush and blow it when we got this far. Now, listen, Berco, I'll tell you something about me. I've always had people ordering me about. People look down on me in a bar. Even Gene and Ronnie. Especially them.

[John Hollis]

Well, I'm beginning.

[Peter Craze]

They get a dream like you. I'm gonna show them what I really am. Rub their noses in it. And I need money to do that, because money's all they respect. I'm gonna be respected, and that's what the money's for.

[John Hollis]

I understand.

[Peter Craze]

No, you don't.

[John Hollis]

No, I don't.

[Peter Craze]

But it doesn't matter. We better be going back. Looks like rain. And they say once it starts raining here, it forgets to stop.

[Eric Pringle]

Yeah.

[Peter Craze]

Look, I understand how you feel about this place. This open air, this wildness. It's hostile. Give me a bank vault. Anytime.

[John Hollis]

Million Queen.

[William Simons]

Yeah.

[Peter Craze]

They thought we were nobodies. Come on, friend. Yeah. Mind you, this makes it worse for us. The fuzz will be more determined. BB will be furious. There's no way he's going to let all that just get up and walk away.

[John Hollis]

Well, that's why I want a run, Chip.

[Peter Craze]

No, no, no, no.

[Philip Sully]

No use.

[Peter Craze]

They'll follow us wherever. We might as well stay here. They might go right past us.

[John Hollis]

Jiffy.

[Peter Craze]

It's Joseph, remember?

[John Hollis]

Oh, yeah. Joseph, what is it? Well, I miss Billy. I didn't like leaving him there all by himself in that cold street. Would they be gentle with him?

[Peter Craze]

Well, they'd better.

[John Hollis]

Yeah.

[Peter Craze]

They'd have buried him now, but there was nothing to connect him with us or the robbery. He was just a man what died.

[John Hollis]

Well, as long as they was gentle with our Billy was ours, wasn't he?

[Trevor Nichols]

Of course.

[Peter Craze]

We were partners.

[Dilys Lay]

We was friends.

[Peter Craze]

Look, we've got to put ourselves together. We go on like this, we'll crack. We'll give the game away to the first local copper with eyes in his head.

[David Sinclair]

Will somebody answer that money phone?

[John Hollis]

Yes, sir.

[William Simons]

Digley.

[David Sinclair]

Digley. Where's Sergeant Digley?

[William Simons]

Keswick Police Station.

[John Hollis]

Hello.

[Trevor Nichols]

Observe. Detective Sergeant Digley. Observation is the secret. Keep your eyes wide open. Notice everything, take notes. That's the way to success in this man's police force. You keep your nose working too. You sniff things out all over the road, are they? It's a dog's life.

[Peter Craze]

What does that idiot want now, Sir?

[Trevor Nichols]

I don't think he likes me.

[David Sinclair]

Am I the inspector here is an inspector superior to a sergeant. Are my instructions therefore to be obeyed? Don't gawp. Close the door, man.

[Eric Pringle]

Yes, sir.

[David Sinclair]

Sergeant Digley, do you ever wonder why you haven't progressed beyond Sergeant?

[Trevor Nichols]

Yes, sir.

[David Sinclair]

Come to any conclusions?

[Trevor Nichols]

Lack of opportunity, sir.

[David Sinclair]

This area is full of shape, of which you are one. But you're wrong. It's because you personally resemble one of your Lakeland fells. Your rough, craggy, slippy, sour and wet and stationary. You have a dour look. And on top of that, you bear a grudge against the world.

[Trevor Nichols]

You bear grudges too. If you had my look, sir. If you never succeeded at anything. If you'll ever been depressed by an ugly fizz. If your wife had run off with a Tottenham tourist and left you stranded. Hell, I hate Londoners. Hey, what are you saying?

[David Sinclair]

Cockneys in Cumbria. At any rate, our London colleagues believe the thieves may head our way. A Pope has the file. Memorise it. There are photographs.

[Trevor Nichols]

The Brixton bank job.

[David Sinclair]

You have been listening, haven't you, Digley? While I give you the opportunity you seek. Your chance to show these London lads what we're made of in Cumbria. Listen to me, Sergeant. I don't believe any of it. If I know London villains, this lot will be cowering in their own back alleys, rabbits in the warren. This is just the Yard getting desperate. But if there's one chance in a million, we're not going to let it slip. We're not going to look like fools in Keswick. You may not mind having your face covered in manure, but I do.

[Trevor Nichols]

If they're here, I'll find them, sir.

[David Sinclair]

That's better. Sniff around. Try the hotels, shops, caravan sites. Get among the tourists, yes, and the sheep. You know the drill. But this time, Sergeant, move.

[Trevor Nichols]

I will, sir.

[David Sinclair]

Let's be honest. This is a responsibility which I lay upon you unwillingly. I can't spare anybody worthwhile to go rampaging off on a cock and bull errand at the whim of a city's slickers. Even if it might just lead to glory. Shortages, cutbacks, sickness. We're decimated, Sergeant. So it's down to you.

[Trevor Nichols]

Don't be afraid, sir.

[David Sinclair]

I am afraid, Sergeant. Oh, well. Pope will give you backup.

[Trevor Nichols]

I won't need it, sir.

[David Sinclair]

You can't be a loner forever. Still, perhaps for once, that grudge of yours will come in useful. You'll be getting back at the Londoner who took your wife, eh?

[Trevor Nichols]

Yes, sir. I'll get the Cretanist. Cockney boy.

[David Sinclair]

Bastard for style. A personal mission. Remember the rules, though. Oh, and there's one more thing. A small item. The word is there's a contract on these two for trotting off with their masters. Takings. There's a hunter about. Watch out for him.

[Trevor Nichols]

I'll get him too, sir.

[David Sinclair]

I doubt it, Sergeant. But you get marks for trying and surviving.

[William Simons]

Whiskey, John? Yes, sir. Nigel's been dark again. Maybe alcohol will lighten his words. Let me understand you, Nigel. Keeping in touch? Bb, reporting as promised.

[Philip Sully]

I could telephone, but you would ask questions and get involved. And you might make suggestions that would get in my way. Put in a nutshell, there has been not a dicky bird in Manchester, neither feathers nor flight nor song. A dicky situation, you might say. Until last night at a concert in the Free Trade Hall.

[William Simons]

What the hell's he doing at concerts?

[Philip Sully]

Most enjoyable. A lushly romantic Brahms and Strauss programme which softened these harsh Northern days.

[William Simons]

Is he talking in code or whiskey, sir? You're a friend.

[Philip Sully]

In the interval, I met an old acquaintance who has been maintaining a low profile, but who nevertheless had heard of your sad loss and suggested where the funeral might be held. It's a long shot, but I'm going to follow it up. If you don't mind mixed metaphors. John.

[William Simons]

John.

[Philip Sully]

A little joke, Bibi. So I'm moving on to higher things. Climbing after the scent, you might say. I'll let you know whether the effort was worthwhile. Goodbye.

[William Simons]

Climbing after scent. What use is keeping in touch if I can't understand it?

[Peter Craze]

Damn em.

[Eric Pringle]

Blast.

[Peter Craze]

I thought we were safe out here on the lake. Row away, Burke.

[John Hollis]

Yes. Those women, Jiffy.

[Peter Craze]

They mustn't see us together. Row. Come on.

[Dilys Lay]

Hello. I see.

[Polly James]

Damn them.

[Dilys Lay]

They haven't heard you. They must have. Did you see Louis and our waiter? Two Londoners together.

[John Hollis]

They're not following, Jiffy.

[Peter Craze]

Okay. Slow down. You drown me.

[John Hollis]

Sorry.

[Peter Craze]

It's all right. Just caught a few crabs.

[John Hollis]

Can you get crabs here?

[Peter Craze]

If we weren't at the wrong end of a manhunt I could enjoy all the is.

[John Hollis]

Yeah.

[Peter Craze]

I just had a nasty thought. Virgo.

[John Hollis]

Don't tell me.

[Peter Craze]

What do we actually know about bb Apart from the fact he's the boss? What did Billy tell us?

[John Hollis]

I don't know.

[Peter Craze]

He's powerful and mean and spiteful. He never forgives a wrong. Remember that.

[John Hollis]

I don't want to remember that.

[Peter Craze]

And he never soils his own hands when he wants to take revenge. He puts out contracts. He goes for a nasty.

[John Hollis]

I don't like that fault, Jiffy. I don't want to hear more of that.

[Peter Craze]

The contract out on us right now. He'll be hitman right now. And we don't know what he looks like either.

[John Hollis]

I don't want to hear it.

[Peter Craze]

Hunter prowling after his quarry. He could be anywhere. He could be here.

[John Hollis]

Here?

[Peter Craze]

Do you think we wouldn't know if he was set where you are rowing this bleeding boat. He had your face and a fuss. Will be hunting us and your wife. And my wife. When they know we've got a million quid, they'll be after it like bats out of hell, dear. Drink.

[John Hollis]

Deirdre.

[Peter Craze]

I don't know for certain but she could be. She liked money. All these people tracking us burnt. Oh, we don't know who or where. But they all know us. Won't they, Jiffy?

[John Hollis]

Don't say any more.

[Peter Craze]

Phone the ground. What are you doing? Slow down. Sc. You can't go faster than you slow down. I can't swim. We're rocking the.

[Eric Pringle]

With the powerful big boss. Cold blooded city Nigel and sleuthing Sergeant Digley. All rocking their fragile boat. How can Jiffy and Burko possibly escape drowning in Derwent water? Would that be poetic justice? Anyway, will the changing Henrietta and Louise, who now have a bit of the Fells well and truly between their teeth, find that the adventure they're galloping towards is the discovery of the crooked bodies of two waterlogged felons? Oh, perish the thought, but the strangest things happen when you get a Change in the weather. Tune in. Join next time to discover what really does happen to Jiffy Perkins, played by Peter Craze and Erka Madrid, played by John Hollis and Henrietta and Louise by Dilyslay and Polly James City. Nigel is played by Philip Sully, BB William Simons, the Detective Inspector by David Sinclair, Detective Sergeant Digley by Trevor Nichols and other assorted voices by Richard Tate. A Change in the Weather was written by Eric Pringle and directed by Ian Cotterell.