Agatha Christie 970320 4.50 From Paddington pt01

Summary

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Agatha Christie 970320: "4.50 From Paddington" (Pt. 01)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: March 4, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Description:
Classic radio dramatization of Agatha Christie’s “4.50 From Paddington” featuring June Whitfield as Miss Marple. The episode recalls the golden age of radio mysteries, focusing on an intricate murder witnessed from a train, and the ensuing investigation led by the unflappable Miss Marple.

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" presents the first part of Agatha Christie's “4.50 From Paddington,” immersing listeners in a classic British murder mystery. The story begins when Mrs. McGillicuddy, a friend visiting Miss Marple, claims to have witnessed a murder on a passing train. When the authorities fail to find evidence of a crime, Miss Marple takes matters into her own hands—leading to a clever investigation involving an elaborate cast of suspects, family intrigue, and the ever-sharp observations of Christie’s beloved amateur sleuth.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Developments

1. The Shocking Witness (00:57–04:39)

• Mrs. McGillicuddy’s Claim:
  Mrs. McGillicuddy arrives in St. Mary Mead shaken, telling Miss Marple she has just witnessed a man strangling a woman on a parallel train.
  • Quote:
    • Mrs. McGillicuddy: “Oh Jane, I’ve just seen a murder.” (00:57)
    • Miss Marple (nonchalantly): “How very unpleasant.” (02:16)
• Skeptical Authorities:
  Reporting the crime to the ticket collector and local police yields little action. Both doubt the veracity of an event they believe may be an overactive imagination or misunderstanding.

2. Miss Marple’s Deduction (04:39–10:43)

• Independent Investigation:
  Miss Marple calmly believes Mrs. McGillicuddy and outlines a plan to confirm the story, referencing local geography and train schedules.
  • Notable moment:
    • Marple decides: “We shall know more, I expect, in the morning.” (06:56)
• Police Response:
  Sergeant Cornish investigates but finds no evidence of a body, reporting back that nothing suggests a murder occurred—further motivating Miss Marple.

3. The Search for Evidence (10:43–15:14)

• Calling in Lucy Islesborough:
  Deciding more proactive action is required, Miss Marple enlists resourceful Lucy Islesborough to go undercover as domestic help at Rutherford Hall—suspected site near where the body could have been disposed of.
  • Quote:
    • Marple: “It’s very simple really. I want you to find a body.” (11:44)
    • Lucy: “That’s certainly unusual.” (11:57)
• Exploring Rutherford Hall:
  Lucy is warned of potential danger and tasked with scanning the embankment and old outbuildings for clues.

4. Undercover at Rutherford Hall (16:27–22:46)

• Family Dynamics:
  Lucy, now posing as a domestic helper, meets the Crackenthorpe family—eccentric, secretive, and tied by a complicated inheritance. She quickly learns about the dynamics among siblings and the ailing patriarch, Luther Crackenthorpe.
• Key Clues Found:
  Lucy and Miss Marple discover a torn piece of fur matching the murdered woman’s coat and a cheap powder compact—important forensic leads.
  • Quote:
    • Lucy (finding evidence): “Here’s something else. A torn scrap of fur.” (21:50)
    • Marple: “It is rather gratifying to form a theory and get proof that it is correct.” (21:56)

5. Discovery of the Body (22:46–29:25)

• Tactical Search:
  Lucy enlists the help of Crackenthorpe’s grandsons in searching outbuildings under the pretext of finding golf balls. In the long barn, amid odd antiques and an ancient sarcophagus, the body is finally found.
  • Quote:
    • Lucy: “I found it.”
    • Marple: “The body?”
    • Lucy: “Yes. A woman in a fur coat. It’s in a stone sarcophagus in a barn near the house.” (27:59–28:03)
• Police Notified:
  Lucy rightly insists on informing the authorities immediately, navigating the sensitivities of the Crackenthorpe family.

6. Police Investigation & Family Suspicions (29:36–41:58)

• Official Inquest:
  Inspector Bacon and later Scotland Yard’s Detective Inspector Craddock take statements from the family, with each member’s alibi and knowledge of the victim in question.
• Inheritance Motive:
  The complicated Crackenthorpe inheritance is outlined—Luther’s children stand to inherit a fortune after his death, providing motive and deepening family intrigue.
• Possible Identity of the Victim:
  The family suspects the dead woman may be non-local—possibly French, perhaps linked to a soldier son or to past events in the family.

7. Miss Marple’s Perspective & Theories (42:36–46:55)

• Miss Marple Consulted:
  Detective Inspector Craddock, familiar with Miss Marple’s reputation, directly consults her for insight into the case. Miss Marple’s method—a blend of imaginative empathy and logical deduction—is discussed.
  • Quote:
    • Craddock: “You imagined what you’d do if you were a cold blooded murderer. Really, your mind—”
    • Marple: “Like a sink, my nephew Raymond once said. But as I told him, sinks are necessary domestic equipment…” (43:20–43:42)
• Victim’s Identity:
  Police suspect the woman is about 34, possibly French, and likely not long missing. Miss Marple suggests considering theatrical performers or others not closely tied to the area for identification.

8. Family Worries & New Suspicions (45:03–46:55)

• Possible Connection:
  Emma Crackenthorpe confides in friends, worrying that the victim could be Martine, a French woman once involved with her late brother. Cedric and others debate whether to inform the police, weighing protecting the family’s reputation against the need for truth.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Mrs. McGillicuddy’s calm yet shocking claim:
  • “Oh, Jane, I’ve just seen a murder.” (00:57)
• Miss Marple’s clinical logic:
  • “It is almost certain to be in the papers tomorrow… But it wasn’t in the morning paper. It wasn’t in any of them.” (06:56)
• Lucy recruited for undercover investigation:
  • “It’s very simple really. I want you to find a body.” (11:44)
• The tension with the eccentric patriarch:
  • Mr. Crackenthorpe: “You won’t get me out of here unless you take me out feet first.” (17:43)
• Discovery of the body:
  • Lucy: “I found it.” (27:59)
  • Marple: “The body?” (28:01)
• Miss Marple’s method, as quoted by family:
  • “Your mind—like a sink, my nephew Raymond once said. But as I told him, sinks are necessary domestic equipment and actually very hygienic.” (43:32)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:57 – Mrs. McGillicuddy reports the murder to Miss Marple
• 03:32 – First attempts to alert railway staff
• 07:34 – Reporting to police (Sergeant Cornish)
• 10:43 – Miss Marple enlists Lucy Islesborough
• 16:27 – Lucy is interviewed for a position at Rutherford Hall
• 21:50 – Discovery of torn fur
• 27:59–28:03 – The body is found in a sarcophagus
• 29:36 – Police officially investigate the family
• 33:14 – Crackenthorpe family assemble; motives discussed
• 42:36 – Craddock consults Miss Marple
• 45:03 – Emma Crackenthorpe’s worry about Martine

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Recap and Engagement

This radio adaptation captures the suspenseful and nuanced atmosphere that makes Christie’s mysteries timeless. The methodical unfolding of clues—through Miss Marple’s unique blend of common sense and deep empathy—lays a satisfying groundwork for the classic whodunit format.

The interplay between skeptical police, subdued family drama, and a quietly forceful amateur detective forms the heart of this episode. Memorable moments are delivered in the clipped yet witty British manner characteristic of the era.

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What’s Next

The episode closes as family secrets come under scrutiny and the possible identity of the victim—perhaps Martine, the French war bride—casts new suspicion among the Crackenthorpes. The investigation is far from over, with Miss Marple and Inspector Craddock digging deeper into motives, opportunity, and hidden connections within Rutherford Hall.

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For listeners, this episode is a masterclass in Christie’s slow-burning suspense and character-driven plotting. If you revel in unraveling complex mysteries, “4.50 From Paddington” promises many more revealing twists ahead.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[B]

My grandmother always used to insist that a true lady must neither be shocked nor surprised. So when Mrs. McGillicuddy, who had come down to St Mary Mead to stay with me for a few days, greeted me with the words, oh, Jane, I've just seen a murder, I merely raised my eyebrows a little and shook my head, sat her down by the fire and asked her to tell me all about it.

[A]

So, well, the angels did say. The train standing at platform three is the 450 for Brackhampton, Milchester, Waverton, Carville Junction and stations to Chatham. Passengers for Brackhampton and Milchester travel in the rear of the trip. Lord is the King of Israel.

[B]

I had all my Christmas shopping, of course, and I was lucky to find porter. Except that he ushered me to a third class carriage. What on earth did he take me for? However, at last I did get a compartment all to myself. I must admit that I fell asleep the moment the train pulled out of the station. I slept for 35 minutes, I know that, for I looked at my watch the moment I woke up. By then it was nearly dark and the train started to slow down. And just then another train going the same way as us came up and swerved inwards towards our train. Quite alarmingly, we were running alongside one another at the same speed. Speed. When suddenly the blind of one of the carriages opposite flew up. It was only a few feet away and I distinctly saw a man bending over with his back to the window with his hands round a woman's throat and he was slowly, remorselessly strangling her. Her eyes were starting from their sockets and her face had gone quite purple. How very unpleasant. And then her body went quite limp and she slumped down. And just at that moment the other train picked up speed and went off into the night.

[C]

Ticket, please.

[B]

A woman has been strangled in the train that's just passed. I saw it through the window.

[A]

Strangled?

[B]

Yes. You must do something at once.

[A]

You don't think, madam, that you may have had a little nap?

[B]

I saw it. I was as wide awake as you are. And what I want to know is, what are you going to do about it? Well, madam, you are going to do something, I suppose.

[A]

We shall be in Brackhampton in seven minutes and I'll report what you've told me. Perhaps I might have your name and address, just in case.

[B]

But of course, I couldn't be sure that he'd do anything. So just to make certain, I wrote a note for the station master.

[A]

The train now arriving at platform one is the 5:38 for Milchester, Waverton and stations to Chadworth. Passengers from Arkit Basing take the train now waiting at platform number three.

[B]

Walter, please take this at once to the station master's office.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. Oh, thank you.

[C]

Mom.

[B]

I gave him a shilling. Sixpence would have been enough, I suppose, but my mind was still dwelling on the murder. What a fantastic thing to happen. And then I caught the train to Milchester and found your taxi driver waiting for me. The best thing, I think, my dear, is for you to go upstairs and take off your hat and have a tidy up. Then we will have supper, during which we will not discuss this at all. After supper, we will go into the matter thoroughly and examine it from every angle. Jean, you don't think, do you, that I dreamt it or imagined it? Oh, certainly not. I think perhaps we should have a glass of my cowslip wine. Oh, that would be most welcome. The ticket collector thought I dreamt it. Quite polite, but all the same. The man you saw in the other train, did you say he had his back to you? Yes. So you didn't see his face? No. And the woman, can you describe her? Young, old? Youngish. Between 30 and 35, I should think. Here you are. Oh, thank you. Oh, excellent. Just the thing. Was she good looking? It's difficult to say. Her face was all contorted and. Yes, yes, I quite understand. How was she dressed? She had on a fur coat of some kind. A Palish fur, no hat. Her hair was blond and there was nothing distinctive you can remember about the man. He was tallish and dark, I think. He had a heavy coat on, so I couldn't judge his build very well. It's not really very much to go on. Oh, it's something. We shall know more, I expect, in the morning. In the morning? I should imagine it will be in the morning papers. The man would have had a body on his hands. What would he do. Presumably he would leave the train at the next station. By the way, can you remember if it was a corridor train? No, it was not. That seems to point to a train that was not going far afield. It would almost certainly stop at Brackhampton. Let us assume the murderer leaves the train there, perhaps arranging the body in a corner seat with her face hidden by the fur collar to delay discovery. Yes, I can see that is what he would most likely do. And in that case, it is almost certain to be in the papers tomorrow. But it wasn't in the morning paper. It wasn't in any of them. So I decided that the best thing for us to do was to go down to the police station and have a word with Sergeant Cornish.

[A]

A most extraordinary story, Mrs. McGillicuddy. And you've reported it to the railway officials and reported it to me. That's the correct procedure. They can rely on me to make the proper inquiries.

[B]

Thank you.

[C]

Sergeant.

[A]

What do you think could have happened to the body?

[B]

Well, I can't imagine. If it was left on the train, it would surely have been found sometime last night.

[A]

One would have thought so.

[B]

There is, of course, the possibility that the murderer pushed the body out onto the line. I suppose it could be still on the track somewhere.

[A]

As I said, Miss Marple, I'll make a few inquiries. I think you can rest assured that you'll hear about it all in a very short time.

[B]

But the day passed and so did the next day. And in the evening a note arrived

[A]

from Sergeant Cornish in regard to the matter on which you consulted me. Full inquiries have been made with no result. No woman's body has been found. I suggest that your friend may have witnessed a scene such as she described, but that it was much less serious than she supposed.

[B]

Less serious? I know what I saw. It was murder. The trouble is, I don't see what I can do about it. I don't think there's anything you can do about it. You've reported what you saw. Well, I suppose it's a relief in a way. Because as you know, I'm going to Ceylon immediately after Christmas to stay with Roderick. And I certainly do not want to put that visit off. It's up to the police now. It's out of my hands completely. And so Elspeth went off to Ceylon, leaving me with a problem to solve. Who could help me to find out where the crime might have taken place? Well, there was my nephew Raymond's second boy, David, who is in British Railways. And there was the vicar's boy Leonard, who is very knowledgeable about maps. Leonard was easy enough, since I was having Christmas dinner at the vicarage and I sent a special Christmas present to David, asking for information. He told me that the only train that could possibly have been overTaken by the 450from Paddington at that time of day was the 4.33 to market basing. So I went up to London and caught the 4.33 as far as Brackhampton. As the train neared Brackhampton, there was a long curve and I stood experimentally with my back to the window and drew the blind. The curve was sudden enough to throw me back against the window and made the blind fly up. I peered out into the darkness, but there was little that I could see. So I took the same journey by daylight, this time with a large scale map provided by Leonard. And I began to have an idea of what might have happened. But how was I to set about finding out if I were right? And then I thought of Lucy Islesborough.

[C]

I'm afraid I'm rather booked up at the moment, but I might manage something. There's a rather dowdy club in London I happen to be a member of. Why don't we meet there?

[B]

Lucy Ilsborough is a quite remarkable girl. She took a first in mathematics at Oxford and everyone expected her to go on to a distinguished academic career. But she knew all too well that an academic life is not very well rewarded. And she quite frankly liked money. She decided that to make money, one must exploit shortage. And there was a serious shortage of domestic labour. She soon became something of a legend. She would look after elderly parents or little children. She cooked divinely and was quite wonderful with dogs. There was nothing she wouldn't turn her hand to. Of course, she charged the earth for her services, but no one seemed to mind.

[C]

So what exactly do you want me to do?

[B]

It's very simple really. I want you to find a body.

[C]

What kind of a body?

[B]

A woman's body. She was murdered. Strangled, actually. In a train.

[C]

Well, that's certainly unusual. I think you'd better tell me about it.

[B]

There is only one place where the body could have been thrown off the train and would not have been found on the line. The track makes a big, big curve before coming into Brackampton, on the edge of a high embankment. If a body were thrown out there when the train was leaning at an angle, I think it would pitch right down the embankment.

[C]

But surely it would be found even there?

[B]

Oh, yes, it would have to be taken away. But we'll come to that presently. Now, just take a look at the map. Here's the place. It's right on the outskirts of Brackhampton now. But originally it was a country house with extensive grounds. And it's still there, untouched, ringed round with housing estates. It is called Rutherford Hall.

[C]

Is it an old house?

[B]

No, not particularly. It was built by a man called Crackenthorpe, a very rich manufacturer, in 1884. His son, an elderly man, is living there still with his daughter. The railway encircles half the property.

[C]

And what is it that you want me to do?

[B]

I want you to get a post there. Everyone is crying out for efficient domestic help. I should not imagine that it would be difficult.

[C]

No, I don't suppose it would.

[B]

I understand that Mr. Crackenthorp is said to be something of a miser. If you accept a low salary, I will make it up to the proper figure. Which should, I think, be rather more than your present rate.

[C]

Because of the difficulty?

[B]

Because of the danger. It is only right to warn you of that.

[C]

I don't know that the idea of danger would deter me.

[B]

I didn't think it would.

[C]

I dare say you thought it might even attract me. I've encountered very little danger in my life. But do you really believe there might be a risk?

[B]

Somebody has committed a very successful crime. There's been no hue and cry, no real suspicion. Two elderly ladies have told a rather improbable story. The police. The police have investigated it and found nothing in it. I don't think that this somebody, whoever he may be, will care for the matter being raked up.

[C]

What do I look for exactly?

[B]

Any signs along the embankment, a scrap of clothing, broken bushes, that kind of thing. And then I shall be quite close at hand. An old maid servant of mine lives at Brackhampton and takes in lodgers. She has arranged for me to have rooms there. I would suggest that you mention you have an elderly aunt living in the neighborhood and that you want to be within easy distance of her. And that you stipulate a reasonable amount of spare time so that you can go and see her.

[C]

I was going to Taormina the day after tomorrow. Oh, the holiday can wait. But I can only promise three weeks. After that, I'm booked up.

[B]

Three weeks would be ample. If we can't find out anything in three weeks, we might as well give up the whole thing as a mare's nest.

[C]

Let's hope that won't happen. I have an old friend who works in a registry office in Braghampton. She ought to be able to Help me towards getting a job at Rutherford Hall. Do you happen to know the name of the old man's daughter?

[B]

Emma, I believe. Emma Crackenthorpe.

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[C]

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[A]

Really?

[C]

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[B]

Wow, your search can really get that specific.

[A]

Really?

[B]

And you just put in your info and boom. Cars in your budget.

[A]

Mom needs a second, honey.

[B]

You can really have it delivered.

[A]

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[C]

Mommy's buying a car.

[B]

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[A]

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[C]

Really?

[B]

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[A]

Buy your car online? Really?

[C]

I wonder if this post is really what you're looking for. Missiles. Barrow. I don't want a housekeeper to supervise things. I want somebody to do the work. I quite understand. You want cooking and washing up and stoking the boiler. That's all right. I'm not at all afraid of work. It's a big house, I'm afraid. And inconvenient. Of course, we only live in a portion of it, my father and myself, that is. He is rather an invalid. I have several brothers, but they're not here very often. You have your own car? Yes. It can stand out in the open if there's nowhere to put it. It's used to it. Oh, there are any amount of old stables. There's no trouble about that. And you're sure you're happy with the sum I mentioned? Yes, that's quite all right. You see, I need to be near Brackhampton. I have an elderly aunt in a critical state of health and I want to be within easy distance of her. If I could be sure of having some time off most days. Oh, every afternoon till six, if you like. That seems perfect. I think perhaps I should warn you that my father can be a little difficult at times. I'm quite used to elderly people. I generally manage to get on with them. I suppose I better take you to meet him. He said he wanted to have a look at you.

[A]

There's one thing you'd better understand right away. Young lady, just because we live in a big house doesn't mean we are rich. We're not rich. I live here because my father built this house and I like it. After I'm dead, they can sell it up if they want to. And I expect they will want to. No sense of family. This house is well built and we've got our own land around us. Keeps us private. You won't get me out of here unless you take me out feet first.

[C]

Your home is your castle.

[A]

Laughing at me?

[C]

Of course not. I think it's very exciting to have a real country place all surrounded by town.

[A]

Quite so. You hear the traffic a bit when the wind's that way, but otherwise it's still country. Right. You'll do. Tell Emma to ring up that damn fool of a doctor. That last medicine he gave me is no good at all.

[C]

Has Mr. Quackenthorp been an invalid for long? For years now. You're sure you'll be able to cope? Quite certain. There's a woman who helps out in the mornings. Mrs. Kidder. She comes in first thing. She's got a sharp tongue, but she's quite harmless, really.

[B]

What she has to put up with, poor lady, with that regular old skinflint. All the same, she's not what I call downtrodden. Can hold her own, all right. She always sees her. Something decent to eat when the gentlemen come down.

[C]

The gentleman?

[B]

Oh, yeah. It's a big family, or used to be. The eldest, Mr. Edmund, he was killed in the war. Then there's Mr. Cedric. He lives abroad somewhere. He's not married. Paints pictures of foreign parts. Mr. Errols in the City, lives in London. Married an earl's daughter. Then there's Mr. Alfred. He's got a nice way with him, but he's a bit of a black sheep. Been in trouble once or twice. And there's Miss Edith's husband, Mr. Bryan. Ever so nice, he is, Miss Edith. Died some years ago, but he's always stayed one of the family. And then there's Master Alexander, Miss Edith's little boy. He's at school, but he always comes here for part of the holidays.

[C]

Quite a big family, as you say. Another cup of tea?

[B]

No, thanks, my dear. We seem to have got along a treat this morning. Want me to give you a hand with the potatoes?

[C]

They're done already.

[B]

Well, you are a one for getting on with things. I might as well be getting on myself, as there doesn't seem anything else to do.

[C]

Is it all right with you if I practise a Few iron shots in the ground this afternoon. Oh yes, certainly. Are you fond of golf? I'm not much good. But I like to keep in practice. It's a more useful form of exercise than just going for a walk.

[A]

Nowhere to walk outside this place. Nothing but pavements and miserable little band boxes of houses. They'd like to get hold of my land and build more of them. But they won't until I'm dead. And I'm not going to die to oblige anybody, I can tell you that now, Father. I know what they think, what they're waiting for, all of them. Cedric and that sly fox Harold with his smug face. As for Alfred, I wonder he hasn't had a shot at bumping me off himself. I'm not sure he didn't at Christmas time. That was a very odd turn I had puzzled Dr. Quimper.

[C]

I don't think that Ms. Eyes Barrow wants to hear about that, Father.

[A]

Don't see why not. But off you go, young lady.

[C]

It's just as Miss Marple said. The train slows down to make the curve and the embankment falls steeply away. Easy enough to pitch a body down it. And here's my ball. And here's something else. A torn scrap of fur.

[B]

And Elspeth said the woman was wearing a light coloured fur coat.

[C]

So it looks as if you were right.

[B]

Yes, it is rather gratifying to form a theory and get proof that it is correct.

[C]

But that isn't all. The body must have rolled down the slope at the foot of the embankment. I found this.

[B]

A powder compact. Very cheap affair. It doesn't seem distinctive in any way, but it might help.

[C]

I suppose. It must have been in the pocket of the coat.

[B]

You didn't take all the fur?

[C]

No, I left half of it on the thorn bush.

[B]

Oh, quite right. The police will want to check.

[C]

Exactly. You're going to the police?

[B]

Well, not quite yet. It would be better, I think, to find the body first, don't you?

[C]

Isn't that rather a tall order? The murderer pushed the body out of the train and then presumably he got out at Brackhampton and then probably the same night came back and removed the body. But he could have taken it anywhere.

[B]

Oh, not anywhere. I don't think you're following the thing to its logical conclusion.

[C]

You mean that he intended to kill her? That it was premeditated?

[B]

I didn't think so at first. But it really is too much of a coincidence that he should kill the girl in a fit of passion and then look out of the window and find that the train was going round a bend, exactly at a spot where he could tip the body out and where he could be sure of finding his way later and removing it. If he'd just thrown her out by

[C]

chance, the body would have been found long ago.

[B]

The more I think about it, I am sure it was very carefully planned. The man knew. He must have known all about Rutherford hall, its geographical position. Let us assume the murderer had a car. Which way would he come?

[C]

There's a way under the railway arch and along the back drive. He could go along to the foot of the embankment and carry it back to the car and.

[B]

And then he took it to some place he'd already chosen beforehand. The obvious thing, I suppose, would be to bury it somewhere in the grounds of Rutherford Hall.

[C]

It wouldn't be as easy as it sounds. Too much hard work and very noticeable.

[B]

Then in a shed, perhaps, or an outhouse.

[C]

That would be simpler and quicker. There are a lot of unused old buildings, harness rooms, workshops that no one ever goes into.

[B]

Yes, I think that's much more probable.

[C]

There's no one actually living at Rutherford hall who could be the man we're looking for. There's only old Mr. Krakenthorp.

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[C]

And the gardener?

[B]

I didn't say he was actually living there. All I mean is that he's someone who knows Rutherford hall very well. But we can go into that once you've found the body.

[C]

You seem to assume quite confidently that I shall find it. I don't feel nearly so optimistic.

[B]

I am sure you will succeed, my dear Lucy. All it needs is a little common sense.

[C]

I'll start to go through all the outbuildings systematically. The grandson, Alexander, is coming down with a friend of his to stay for the holidays. I wonder if I might be able to enlist them as helpers.

[B]

Are you looking for something?

[C]

Missiles, Barrow, A golf ball. Several, in fact. I'd been practicing golf shots most afternoons and I'd lost quite a few. I thought that today I really must find some of them.

[B]

We'll help you Won't we, James? Of course.

[C]

That's very kind of you. Do you play a lot of golf? I'm quite fond of it. I don't get much opportunity.

[B]

I suppose you don't. You do the cooking here, don't you? Yes.

[C]

Was lunch all right? Simply wizard.

[B]

We get awful meat at school. All dried up. I love beef that's pink and juicy inside.

[C]

That treacle tart was pretty smashing, too. I found a bulb here. Thank you. We wanted to set up a game

[B]

of clock golf, but the numbers are

[C]

so rusty you can hardly make out which is which. Why don't you give them a lick of white paint, Alexander?

[B]

Good idea. There are small pots of paint in the long barn.

[C]

Shall we see whether there's any white? Where's the long barn?

[B]

The stone building over there by the back drive.

[C]

Grandfather keeps a lot of his collection there. What collection?

[B]

Statues and things he had sent home from abroad when he was a young man.

[C]

Most of them are pretty awful.

[B]

Come and see.

[C]

It's just like a museum. Busts of Roman emperors and a lady with no clothes on.

[B]

The coffin's the best thing, though. Come and look.

[C]

A coffin? Grandfather says it's an ancient sarcophagus.

[B]

It came from Sicily.

[C]

It's enormous.

[B]

I found some white paints, but the brushes are all stiff.

[C]

You need some terps.

[B]

There's some in the house under the stairs. We'll go off and get it.

[C]

I'll stay and have a look around here. It could do with a good clear up. See you later, then.

[B]

Bye bye.

[C]

Mr. Crackenthorp seems to have had a genius for collecting the worst specimens of antique art that he could find. Particularly this sarcophagus. But if I wanted somewhere to hide a body, I need to find something to move the lid. Oh, this might do.

[B]

God. Braghampton. 2500.

[C]

Miss Marple.

[B]

Yes, Lucy, what is it?

[C]

I found it.

[B]

The body? Yes.

[C]

A woman in a fur coat. It's in a stone sarcophagus in a barn near the house. What do you want me to do? I ought to inform the police, I think. Oh, yes.

[B]

You must ring them at once.

[C]

But what do I tell them?

[B]

The only thing to do is to tell them the exact truth.

[C]

About you?

[B]

About everything.

[C]

But what about the family?

[B]

I think I'd better leave that to you.

[C]

May I speak to you a moment, Ms. Crackenthorp? Yes, of course. What is it?

[A]

Well, speak up, girl. Speak up.

[C]

I'd like to talk to you alone, please.

[A]

Nonsense. You can say straight out what you've got to say.

[C]

Just a moment, Father. Come out into the hall. Missiles, Barrow. Well, what is it? If there's too much work to do

[B]

with the boys here, I'm sure.

[C]

Not that at all. I didn't want to speak before your father because he's an invalid and it might give him a shock. You see, I've just discovered the body of a woman in the big sarcophagus in the long barn. But that's impossible. I'm afraid it's quite true. I've rung the police. They'll be here at any moment. You should have told me first before ringing the police. I'm sorry. I didn't hear you use the telephone. I was afraid the boys might hear if I rang up from the hall. I phoned from a call box down the road.

[B]

Yes, I see.

[C]

And you say the police are on their way? I think they're here now.

[A]

I'm sorry to have to put you through this, Miss Crack, and Thought, but have you ever seen this woman before?

[C]

I'm quite certain I've never seen her before in my life.

[A]

We're very grateful to you. That's all I want to know.

[C]

I must go to my father. As soon as I heard all about this, I telephoned Dr. Quimper. I thought it would be a wise precaution.

[A]

Your father's all right, Emma. Just go in and have a word with him. And then pour yourself a glass of brandy. That's a prescription.

[C]

Thank you, Dr. Quimper. Excuse me, Inspector Bacon.

[A]

That woman's the salt of the earth. A thousand pities. She's never married. The penalty of being the only female in a family of men. The other sister got clean away. Married at 17. Emma's quite a handsome woman, really. She'd have made a good wife and mother too. Devoted to her father, I suppose. She's not really as devoted as all that, but she's got the instinct some women have of making their menfolk happy. Well, she sees that her father likes being an invalid, so she lets him be an invalid. She's the same with her brothers. She makes Cedric believe he's a good painter. Harold believes that she relies on his sound judgment. And she lets Alfred shock her with his stories of his shady deal. Sounds like a clever woman. Well, do you want me to have a look at your corpse? Now that the police surgeon has done with it and see if it happens to be one of my medical mistakes, I'd like you to take a look. Yes, we want to get her identified. Right. Let's go. Unpleasant, I suppose, And A police surgeon estimates she's been dead between a fortnight and three weeks. Unpleasant enough. Well, Doctor? Never seen her before. No patient of mine, nor have I ever noticed her in Braghampton. She must have been quite good looking once. Who found her? Miss Lucy Islesborough, the latest lady help. What was she doing poking round in a sarcophagus? That's what I'm going to ask her. I trust she's got a good story. You were engaged by this Miss Marple to obtain a post here and to search the house and grounds for a dead body, is that right?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And you expect me to believe this story?

[C]

Not perhaps, until you have interviewed Miss Marple.

[A]

I'll interview her all right. She must be balmy.

[C]

What are you proposing to tell Miss Crackenthorp? About me, I mean?

[A]

Why do you ask?

[C]

Well, as far as Miss Marple is concerned, I've done my job. I found the body she wanted found. But I'm still employed by Ms. Crackenthorp and there are two hungry boys in the house and probably more of the family will be coming down after this upset. She needs domestic help. If you tell her that I only took the job to hunt the dead bodies, she'll probably throw me out.

[A]

I'm not saying anything to anyone yet. I haven't verified your statement. For all I know, you may be making the whole thing up. I'm here with Spinquest, where you can play and win from the comfort of your own home with hundreds of slot games and all of the table games you love with real cash prizes. Right now, $30 coin packs are on sale for $10. For new users it's [e-mail] that's S P-I N Q U-E-T.com Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spendquest.com for more details.

[B]

All the family came down for the inquest. The brothers, Cedric, Harold and Alfred and Brian Eastley, the husband of the dead daughter, Edith. There was also Mr. Wimborne, the senior partner of the family solicitors, who had come down from London at great inconvenience.

[A]

I hope that the whole matter will soon be cleared up satisfactorily. It's all been most unfortunate. By the way, Ms. Isles. Barrow, just what made you go looking in that sarcophagus?

[C]

Really? I hardly know. I did feel that the whole place needed a thorough cleaning out and there was a very peculiar and disagreeable smell.

[A]

Yes, yes, of course. The body had been there for about three weeks. A pre surgeon said I think you know we must all try and not let our minds dwell on this business. Remember, this wretched young woman was nothing to do with any of us. Ah, but you can't be sure of that, can you? Oh, really, Cedric, that seems a most uncalled for remark. I really don't see why, Harold. She was in our barn after all. What did she come there for? Possibly some assignation. I understand that it was a matter of common knowledge that the key was kept outside.

[C]

It was convenient for the Women's Institute, people who used to meet there. If we'd kept it in the house, it might have been awkward.

[A]

You're worried, Sis. What's up? Really, Cedric, do you need to ask? Yes, I do. Look, granted a strange young woman has got herself killed in the long barn and granted it gave Emma a shock at the time, I don't see why she goes on being worried now. I mean, one gets used to everything. Murder takes a little more getting used to by some people than it may in your case. I dare say murders are two a penny in Majorca. Ibiza, not Mallorca. It's the same thing. Not at all. It's quite a different island. My point is that murder may be an everyday commonplace to you. Living amongst hot blooded people and trying to paint. What do you mean, trying to paint? This discussion is unprofitable. I hope, dear Emma, that you will tell me if there is any further way in which I can be of service to you before I return to town.

[C]

It was most kind of you to come down.

[A]

Not all. It is advisable that someone should be at the inquest to watch the proceedings on behalf of the family. And now, if you will excuse me, I have arranged for an interview with the Inspector before I go. Mr. Wimble, this is Detective Inspector Craddock of New Scotland Yard. Scotland Yard? We've been called in on the case. Mr. Wimborne. As you're representing the Crackenthorp family, I feel it's only fair that we should give you a little confidential information. We have reason to believe that the dead woman is not a native of these parts. That she travelled down here from London and that she had recently come from abroad, probably from France. Indeed, that being the case, the Chief Constable felt that the Yard was better fitted to investigate the matter. I can only hope that the case will be settled quickly. It has all been most distressing. I couldn't agree with you more. Now, I should like to have a brief interview with the various members of the family. But what can that possibly have to do with an unknown young woman coming from abroad and getting herself killed here? Well, that's rather the point. Why did she come here? Had she some connection with the house? Had she been, for instance, a servant here at one time? And I need to know a little more about the family itself, their history. There's very little to tell. Josiah Crackenthorp was a manufacturer of sweet and savory biscuits, relishes, pickles, etc. He accumulated a vast fortune. He built this house. Luther Krakenthorp, his eldest son, lives here now. And the present Mr. Crackenthorpe never thought of selling the house? He is unable to do so by the terms of his father's will. Perhaps you could tell me about the will. Josiah Crackenthorpe left his considerable fortune in trust. The income from it to be paid to his son Luther for life. And after Luther's death, the capital to be divided equally between Luther's children. Edmund, Cedric, Harold, Alfred, Emma and Edith's son, Alexander. And the house that will go to Luther's eldest surviving son, or his issue. And Edmund was killed in the war. Was he married? No. So the property will actually go to Cedric. What all this has to do with the murder of an unknown young woman of foreign origin, I cannot imagine. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with it. However, perhaps someone in the family will be able to throw a little light on the matter. I'll start the interview straight after lunch. You're barking up the wrong tree, Inspector. You're suggesting, I suppose, that this woman may have come to the long barn to keep an assignation with one of us. But none of us live here. You don't seriously believe that she came here to keep a date with my revered pop? Our point is that the woman may once have had some association with the house. It may have been a considerable number of years ago. Cast your mind back, Mr. Krackenthorpe. Well, we've had foreign help from time to time, but I can't think of any likely possibilities. The others would probably know more than I would. As you heard at the inquest, the medical evidence cannot fix the time of death very accurately. Longer than two weeks? Shorter than four. Which brings it somewhere around about Christmas time. You were here at Christmas, I believe? When did you arrive in England and when did you leave? I flew in from Majorca. Got here on the Saturday before. That would be the 21st. And when did you leave? I flew back on the following Friday.

[B]

The 22nd.

[A]

Thank you. Leaves me well within the limit, unfortunately. But really, strangling Young women is not my favorite form of Christmas fun. I hope not, Mr. Crackenthal. Thank you. That'll be all. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Cocky enough for anything. Loose living lot, these artists. And very likely to be mixed up with a disruptible class of woman. Well, let's see what our correct city gent has to say about it all. We'll have a word with Harold, Crap and Thorpe. No idea who the woman could be? Never saw before in my life. And there's no possibility of her being associated with the house in any way? A servant, perhaps? Not to my knowledge, no. I understand you were at Rutherford hall for Christmas, sir. I wasn't able to get away from the office until Christmas Eve. I left here on the 30th. I had no great wish to see the New Year in here. And now, if you don't mind, I need to get back to London. I've wasted enough time in this place as it is. We won't delay you any longer, Mr. Cracken.

[B]

Thorpe.

[A]

Not very helpful. Didn't expect that it would be. Let's hope the brother Alfred will be a bit more forthcoming. It's quite an idea that the woman may have had a job here. There's a good deal of foreign domestic labor floating about. But as. As Emma didn't recognize her. I think that rules your idea out. Emma's got a very good memory for a face, no? If the woman came down from London, what gives you the idea that she did, by the way? A return ticket in her pocket, perhaps? Oh, not telling, eh? Well, granted that she came from London, perhaps the chap she came to meet had the idea that the long barn would be a nice place to do a quiet murder. He knows the setup here. Evidently. I should go looking for him if I were you, inspector. Thank you, Mr. Crackenthorp. We'll bear it in mind. Goodbye, then. You know, I've seen that chap before somewhere. Sharp customer. So sharp he cuts himself sometimes. I don't suppose you want to see me. I don't exactly belong to the family. You're Brian Eastleigh, the husband of Edith Crackenthorpe, who died five years ago. That's right. Well, it's very kind of you, Mr. Eastling. Especially if you know something you think would assist us in any way. But I don't. I wish I did. The whole thing seems so ruddy peculiar, doesn't it? Is it true she was a foreigner? Does that fact suggest anything to you? No, it doesn't. As a matter of fact, it's Possible she was French. Really? Gay Paris. On the whole, it makes it even more unlikely, doesn't it? Messing about in the barn. I mean, nobody in the family got any French connections or relationships that you know of? The Krakenthorpes aren't a very lively lot. Harold's respectably married. Don't think Alfred cares about women much. Spends his life going in for shady deals which usually go wrong in the end. I dare say Cedric's got a few Spanish senoritas jumping through the hoops for him in Ibiza. Women rather fall for Cedric. I say, I'm not being very helpful, am I? No, we're very grateful, Mr. Eastley. If you'd be so good as to ask Ms. Crackenthorpe if she'd come and have a word with us.

[C]

And you've no idea of the French woman's name? Where she came from, anything at all?

[A]

What makes you assume she was French, Ms. Crackenthorpe?

[C]

I really don't know why. Except that one. One always tends to think of foreigners as French.

[A]

You don't have some special reason for thinking that this woman is likely to be French?

[C]

No, I really don't think so.

[A]

Do you recognize this powder compact?

[C]

It's certainly not mine.

[A]

You've no idea to whom it might belong?

[B]

No.

[A]

Then I don't think we need worry you anymore for the present.

[C]

Thank you.

[A]

Think she knows anything? At a certain stage, one is inclined to think everyone knows a little more than they're willing to tell you. Anything more you want to do here? No, I don't think so. But while I'm in the vicinity, I shall take the opportunity to call on an old acquaintance.

[B]

I am so glad that you have been assigned to the case. I hoped you would be.

[A]

When I got your letter, I took it straight to the Assistant Commissioner. As it happened, I just heard from the Brackhampton people calling us in. The AC Was very interested in what I had to tell him about you. He's heard a lot about you, I gather, from my godfather.

[B]

Oh, dear Sir Henry.

[A]

Do you want to know what he said?

[B]

If it is not a breach of confidence, he said.

[A]

Well, as this seems a completely cockeyed business, all thought up by a couple of old ladies who've turned out against all probability, to be right. And since you already know one of them, I'm sending you down on the case. So here I am. How did you trace the body to Rutherford hall in the first place?

[B]

It's all in Mark Twain. The boy who found the horse. He just imagined where he would go if he were a horse.

[A]

And you imagined what you'd do if you were a cold blooded murderer. Really, you're mine.

[B]

Like a sink, my nephew Raymond once said. But as I told him, sinks are necessary domestic equipment and actually very hygienic.

[A]

Can you go a little further still? Put yourself in the murderer's place and tell me just where he is now.

[B]

I wish I could, but I have no idea. He must be someone who has lived in or knows all about Rutherford Hall.

[A]

I agree, but that opens up a very wide field. The whole setup is so well known locally, we'll never get anywhere until we identify the body.

[B]

Yes, indeed. I quite understand your difficulties.

[A]

Oh, we'll get there in the end. The MO puts her down as about 34. Her fur coat is a cheap one purchased at a London store, but hundreds of them were sold over the Christmas season. Her other clothes seem mainly of French manufacture. There are no English laundry marks. We've communicated with Paris and they're checking up there for us. Sooner or later someone will come forward with a missing relative or lodger.

[B]

I was rather thinking of things like theatrical companies touring from one place to another. And perhaps not many home ties. But one of those young women would be less likely to be missed.

[A]

Well, pay special attention to that angle. It's only a matter of time. Somebody must know who she is. Hello, Em. What is it? You're looking terribly perturbed about something.

[C]

Yes, I am. I must talk to you.

[A]

Talk away then.

[C]

I'm terribly worried. You don't think that the dead woman could possibly be Martine?

[A]

Martine? Why should it be Martin?

[C]

Well, she must have sent that telegram at roughly the time the woman was killed. Do you think that she may, after all have come down here?

[A]

Nonsense. Why should she come down here and end up in the long bar? Seems wildly unlikely to me.

[C]

You don't think I ought to tell the police?

[A]

Now, don't complicate things by bringing up a lot of irrelevant matters that have nothing to do with the case. Well, I was never convinced by that letter she wrote.

[C]

Anyway, I was.

[A]

My advice to you is to keep your mouth shut. Here comes Quimper. I can't bear the chap. But take my advice, don't go halfway to meet trouble. Well, Emma, I'm glad to say that your father's in splendid shape. Murder evidently suits him. While you're looking at a bit bleak. Anything the matter?

[C]

I am worried. Yes.

[A]

What's the trouble?

[C]

You remember what I told you about my brother? The one who was killed in the war?

[A]

You mean about his having married or wanting to marry a French girl? Something of that kind. Well, didn't you get a letter from her just before Christmas?

[C]

Yes. She said she wanted to come and see us, but then she sent a telegram to say she had to return to France. Well, the police think that the woman who was killed was French.

[A]

And you're worried that she might be your brother's girl? Yes.

[C]

I'm wondering whether I ought not to tell the police about it. Cedric says it's quite unnecessary. What do you think

[A]

I go ahead and tell them? Well, you'll go on worrying if you don't. I know you.

[C]

Perhaps I'm fool.

[A]

You do what you want to, my dear, and let the rest of the family go hang. I'd back your judgment against the lot of them any day. Forget whatever plans you have this weekend because you're staying at home and playing on spinquest. And there's never been a better time to sign up than right now. New users get $30 coin packs for just $10. All the table games you love with hundreds of slot games and real cash Prizes. That's at spinquest.com S P I N Q U S T.com Spin Quest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.