Agatha Christie - BBC 02-02-11 The Hound of Death (1)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Agatha Christie's The Hound of Death (1)"

Harold's Old Time Radio presents a captivating dramatization of Agatha Christie's "The Hound of Death," released on March 28, 2025. Set against the backdrop of post-World War I Britain in 1920, the episode delves into themes of trauma, the supernatural, and the complexities of the human mind.

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Introduction

The episode opens with a brief introduction by the narrator, setting the scene in a Britain recovering from the Great War. The focus is on Sister Marie Angelique, a nun deeply traumatized by the horrors she witnessed at the front lines. Her plight attracts the attention of Dr. Rose, an ambitious doctor, and Alice Anstruther, a pioneering psychologist dedicated to understanding troubled minds.

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Main Characters

• Sister Marie Angelique: A frail nun plagued by violent and disturbing dreams following the war's devastation.

• Dr. Rose: An ambitious and persuasive doctor intent on uncovering the mysteries behind Sister Marie's visions.

• Alice Anstruther: A compassionate psychologist who believes in a patient-centered approach to healing trauma.

• Kitty: Sister Marie's attendant, skeptical of the supernatural explanations for her condition.

• Tom Hayden: A colleague assisting Alice in uncovering historical details related to Sister Marie's past.

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Plot Summary

Initial Assessment

Sister Marie Angelique resides in a convent that was mysteriously destroyed during the war, leaving her confined and emotionally scarred. Dr. Rose and Alice Anstruther engage in a dialogue about her condition, debating the roots of her nightmares. Dr. Rose is intrigued by the supernatural elements in her dreams, such as "The City of Circles" and "the people of the Crystal," while Alice emphasizes the real traumatic events that have destabilized her mind.

Dr. Rose: "It's the future of medicine, I think." ([05:50])

Investigative Collaboration

Alice reaches out to Tom Hayden, who uncovers historical footage and reports about the convent's destruction. They discover that Sister Marie may have witnessed inexplicable phenomena during the war, including a mysterious explosion that left only two walls standing, resembling a "great hound."

Tom Hayden: "There’s no doubt at all the village and the convent were in the way of the German advance." ([10:26])

Tension Between Rationality and the Supernatural

As Dr. Rose delves deeper, he becomes obsessed with interpreting Sister Marie's visions, believing they hold the key to understanding untapped natural laws. Alice remains skeptical of supernatural explanations, advocating for addressing the underlying trauma.

Alice Anstruther: "What it requires is a slow and patient cure." ([14:47])

Climactic Confrontation

Dr. Rose's relentless pursuit leads to a confrontation where he insists on using Sister Marie's visions to unlock hidden powers. This intensifies the conflict, causing Alice to distrust Dr. Rose's methods. The situation escalates when Sister Marie becomes increasingly distressed, leading to her removal to the hospital by Dr. Rose.

Sister Marie Angelique: "The power. I see danger. I see the hand of death loosed upon the sea so that the circle cannot be closed." ([25:50])

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Key Discussions and Insights

• Trauma and Mental Health: The episode explores how extreme experiences, such as war, can lead to profound psychological disturbances. Alice Anstruther emphasizes the importance of addressing real traumatic events to heal mental wounds.

• Supernatural vs. Rational Explanations: A central theme is the tension between supernatural interpretations of mental disturbances and scientific, rational approaches. Dr. Rose embodies the quest to find meaning beyond the visible, while Alice represents grounded, empathetic care.

• Ethics in Medical Treatment: Dr. Rose's methods raise ethical questions about the lengths to which professionals should go in seeking cures, especially when it involves delving into potentially supernatural realms.

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Conclusion

The episode concludes on a suspenseful note, highlighting the unresolved tensions between the characters. Dr. Rose's fixation on Sister Marie's visions leads to her hospitalization, leaving Alice to question the ethical boundaries of medical intervention. The narrative underscores the lingering mysteries of the human psyche and the fine line between reality and perception.

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Notable Quotes

• Dr. Rose on Understanding Trauma:

  "These are the memories that disturb her." ([20:00])

• Alice Anstruther on Healing Approach:

  "What we have here is a violent event of war that has unhinged a mind. Yes, and it is now a well-documented phenomenon." ([14:35])

• Sister Marie Angelique on Her Visions:

  "I cannot predict the future." ([18:24])

• Dr. Rose on Supernatural Forces:

  "They are important to her." ([14:27])

• Alice Anstruther Challenging Dr. Rose:

  "What we call supernatural are only the natural of which the laws are not yet understood." ([14:20])

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This dramatization of Agatha Christie's "The Hound of Death" masterfully intertwines psychological depth with supernatural intrigue, inviting listeners to ponder the complexities of the human mind and the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding.

Transcript

[Sister Marie Angelique]

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[Narrator]

Now on BBC Radio 4, Agatha Christie's the Hound of Death. It's 1920 and Britain is still recovering from the aftermath of the Great War. A nun, apparently traumatized by the scenes of horror she witnessed at the front, is brought to the attention of an ambitious doctor and a pioneering woman psychologist who attempt to try to restore her sanity. But what precisely did she see? A haunting and sinister tale which you may not want to listen to alone.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Oh, I want him.

[Dr. Rose]

The Hound Of Death by Agatha Christie.

[Alice Anstruther]

This is nice, Kitty.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Mm.

[Alice Anstruther]

Peaceful.

[Kitty]

Yes. Happy with the tea? Or should we move on to something stronger?

[Alice Anstruther]

This is lovely. Oh, funny, I'd rather forgotten how beautiful Cornwall can be.

[Kitty]

Well, perhaps if you came more often.

[Alice Anstruther]

Not fair, really.

[Kitty]

You always promised a visit, but somehow. Well, let's say I'm not a priority. Not these days.

[Alice Anstruther]

You're my sister, Kitty. Of course you're a priority.

[Kitty]

Hmm. But new friends and London calls, eh? Still, I must say I value the peace. Now, after all those years of a house filled with so many people.

[Alice Anstruther]

The Belgian refugees.

[Kitty]

I wonder why they call it the Great War.

[Alice Anstruther]

They should see some of the people I have to treat.

[Kitty]

But then one had to do something. Those poor people fleeing for their lives. Do you want a sandwich? Their cucumber.

[Alice Anstruther]

Not for me, thanks. I don't know why you bothered. You know I don't like them.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Of course.

[Kitty]

They've all been repatriated.

[Alice Anstruther]

Now, isn't the sea blue today?

[Kitty]

All except one. Our nun, Sister Marie Angelique. Actually, her case is up your street.

[Alice Anstruther]

Case?

[Kitty]

Yes. Your sort of area. The troubled mind. Neurosis. Isn't that the new word?

[Alice Anstruther]

I don't know. It depends.

[Kitty]

Personally, I prescribe a brisk walk in the fresh air. Do them far more good. But of course, Sister Marie's confined to her room. She's very frail but well looked after.

[Alice Anstruther]

Is she being treated?

[Kitty]

Oh, yes. We have a new doctor, Dr. Rose. He's very persuasive. More my type than yours.

[Dr. Rose]

Please calm yourself, Sister Marie. No, what I want you to do is to drink this for me.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Why?

[Dr. Rose]

Well, it will help to calm you. It's not unpleasant. Try to drink it, please. Then. You know I've explained that I'm very concerned to understand these dreams that torment you.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

They're Only dreams?

[Dr. Rose]

Well, of course. Absolutely. But they are unusual, as I've said. You mentioned the. The City of Circles and the people of the Crystal. Try to think about this. Explain it to me. It'll help me to understand.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Why do I dream of the Hand. The Hand of death.

[Kitty]

They thought the journey would be too much for her until she was stronger. Besides, her convent was blown up or burned or something destroyed. Anyway, all very mysterious. She's hysterical, quite frankly. Potty, in my opinion.

[Alice Anstruther]

You mean ill?

[Kitty]

Nonsense. Ill is having influenza or a broken arm. Not insane dreams. She just has to pull herself together, as I say. I telephoned the doctor. He knew exactly who you were. Very impressed. I felt as though I was announcing royalty.

[Alice Anstruther]

All hail Queen Alice. Thank you. Thank you.

[Tom Hayden]

There.

[Kitty]

His cottage is out there on the cliff.

[Alice Anstruther]

Oh, yes, I see.

[Kitty]

Look, I'll do some shopping and call back for in what, an hour?

[Alice Anstruther]

Perfect.

[Kitty]

A fish for dinner?

[Alice Anstruther]

We are in Cornwall. All right. Good morning. I'm Alice Anstruther.

[Dr. Rose]

Ms. Anstruther, this is an honor. An honor to meet you. Do please come in. Now. Can I offer you tea? A glass of wine?

[Alice Anstruther]

No, thank you.

[Dr. Rose]

This is exceptional. I think I must have read everything you've published. It's a particular fascination of mine. The study of the mind. It's the future of medicine, I think.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Nurse. Nurse, will you sit with me? Talk to me. Keep me awake. I do not want to have the dreams.

[Kitty]

Of course, my dear. Why don't I read you something from the newspaper?

[Dr. Rose]

See, I confess I'm sometimes at a loss as to how to treat her. I have her staying with the. With the district nurse.

[Alice Anstruther]

Is she liable to harm herself or others?

[Dr. Rose]

Some of her dreams are very violent. I mean, extraordinarily so.

[Alice Anstruther]

I would be very interested to meet her.

[Dr. Rose]

Well, I would be pleased if you would. I mean, perhaps you can give me some guidance.

[Alice Anstruther]

She's your patient, Doctor. I wouldn't presume.

[Dr. Rose]

No, I would very much value your opinion. Your advice, I mean. How long are you down for?

[Alice Anstruther]

Only two days. Then I have to be back in London.

[Dr. Rose]

Well, we'll go there now. It is fascinating. She's. How can I put this? It does seem to me that the things we call. That perhaps laypeople call supernatural may only be the natural of which the laws are not yet understood. Isn't that what Dr. Freud has said?

[Alice Anstruther]

Well, not exactly, but.

[Dr. Rose]

In any event, you shall see and hear for yourself.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

You look very like your sister, Ms. Anstrutter. She was very kind to me. She's a good lady.

[Alice Anstruther]

Indeed.

[Dr. Rose]

And how are you today?

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Much as usual. The days they pass, the dreams seem more real than life.

[Alice Anstruther]

Do you dream of your own country?

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Sometimes. Then sometimes of a civilization that never existed. But in my own country there was something. Some cataclysm.

[Alice Anstruther]

Cataclysm?

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Some mighty force. Something dark. Something in the darkness. And the hound? The hound? And the house of crystal. I'm tired today. I would like to sleep without the dreams.

[Dr. Rose]

I have a sedative in my bag in the car. Excuse me for a moment, Sister.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Come close, please. Come close to me. Tell me, Ms. Anstrutor. Tell me, am I mad?

[Alice Anstruther]

I would doubt that.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

And Dr. Rose? Should I trust him?

[Alice Anstruther]

I hardly know him. He seems very attentive to you.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Yes, he has many questions. Many questions. I'm not sure that I should give him the answers. Will you come to visit me again?

[Alice Anstruther]

I will try.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Do. Do. Please do. I'm very unprotected here.

[Dr. Rose]

Do you think her mad?

[Alice Anstruther]

No.

[Dr. Rose]

No, indeed.

[Alice Anstruther]

What I think is that some great event in her past, almost certainly in the war, has unhinged and dist. Disturbed her mind.

[Dr. Rose]

Yes, precisely. And if I can find that, unlock it, then. Then she may be free of it. Yes. That was my own thought. That was Exactly. Thank you, Ms. Anstruther. Thank you. I. I may even try the crystal.

[Alice Anstruther]

Hypnosis in a gentle way.

[Dr. Rose]

Do you advise?

[Alice Anstruther]

Can be of assistance. But I advise you to do so with care. I wanna what the great event could have been.

[Tom Hayden]

Hello, Alice, It's Tom Hayden. Possibly good news. I think I may have found what you asked about.

[Alice Anstruther]

Excellent.

[Tom Hayden]

There's a bit to it. You'll need to come down to me at the War Museum. There's some film you'll want to look at.

[Alice Anstruther]

Thank you, Tom. You're a gem.

[Tom Hayden]

And you're looking even younger, if I may say so.

[Alice Anstruther]

You're very sweet, Tom. And a liar. However.

[Tom Hayden]

Well, this took some doing. It was buried under an absolute mound of papers at the War Office. Had to pull a few strings, but even so, all I found there was just the basic news item.

[Alice Anstruther]

Right.

[Tom Hayden]

Wo in Brussels weren't much help either. But they did put me in touch with a chap whose unit arrived shortly afterward and took the footage.

[Alice Anstruther]

You don't? Wonderfully, Tom. It sounds an extraordinary story.

[Tom Hayden]

It is. Just in here.

[Alice Anstruther]

Thanks. So, did it really happen?

[Tom Hayden]

Well, the question is, what exactly did happen? Just sit yourself there. There's no doubt at all the village and the convent were in the way of the German advance. It is also beyond doubt that the convent blew up there. You can see it now. There's only two walls left standing. But how is another question.

[Alice Anstruther]

Well, obviously the Germans must have done it, although I can't see why.

[Tom Hayden]

No, no. They were a light cavalry unit. Didn't have that kind of high explosive. It'd be interesting to ask the nun.

[Alice Anstruther]

Quite.

[Tom Hayden]

I spoke to the chap who took this. Got him to ask around.

[Alice Anstruther]

You have been busy.

[Tom Hayden]

Well, for you, anyway. He made a few inquiries. You know, saintly nun who had visions, mysterious heavenly thunderbolt, that sort of thing. And the locals are absolutely convinced. Apparently they believe she performed a modern miracle. The Germans came into the convent and then into the chapel. That's the remains, I think. Just there on the left. And she stood there and defied them. Then it happened. Boom. She's left alive, but in some kind of trance.

[Alice Anstruther]

Interesting.

[Tom Hayden]

And only two walls are left standing. And the locals won't go past one of them because on it is a black powder mark, which actually you can't see here. But they say it's in the shape of a great hound. They call it the Hound of Death.

[Alice Anstruther]

A cataclysm.

[Tom Hayden]

Sorry?

[Alice Anstruther]

No, nothing.

[Tom Hayden]

Alice, can I ask, why am I doing all this for you?

[Alice Anstruther]

Confidential, I'm afraid, Tom. Between psychiatrist and patient.

[Tom Hayden]

Some sort of delusional, eh? Half hear a story and imagine it is their story. It happens. Poor wretches. Anyhow, hope I've been of some help.

[Alice Anstruther]

Oh, you have?

[Tom Hayden]

Dinner. Perhaps when I find out more.

[Alice Anstruther]

Absolutely.

[Tom Hayden]

You're just the same, aren't you? Mysterious as ever.

[Alice Anstruther]

I don't think so.

[Tom Hayden]

So, how's the lovely kitty? Still in Cornwall?

[Alice Anstruther]

Yes. In fact, I intend to go there tomorrow.

[Narrator]

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[Alice Anstruther]

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[Dr. Rose]

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[Alice Anstruther]

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[Narrator]

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[Alice Anstruther]

Interpretacion dis ponibles Llame al uno ocho.

[Dr. Rose]

Siete, siete, tres cuatro cinco Tres cuatro.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Ocho, cuatro. It is true. It is true.

[Alice Anstruther]

Then it is true. It is.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

It is not some nightmare. It happened. It is true.

[Dr. Rose]

Sister Marie, please try to calm yourself. Listen to me. I think you've talked enough. Now you must rest.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

No, no. This makes everything so different. It is no delusion. I stood there on the altar steps and I. I bade them come no further. I told them to depart in peace, but they wouldn't listen and came on. And it happened.

[Alice Anstruther]

What exactly happened?

[Dr. Rose]

I really think she should rest now.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

I use the power as we used to use it.

[Dr. Rose]

What power, Ms. Anstarlo?

[Sister Marie Angelique]

I lose the hand of death on them. So it is all true. Everything in my mind. The City of the Circles, the people of the Crystal. Everything.

[Dr. Rose]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to raise my voice. It's just that poor thing. Jem. What power that would be though, if one were a man who loved power.

[Alice Anstruther]

There must be some rational explanation.

[Dr. Rose]

Well, of course.

[Alice Anstruther]

Or else perhaps you were right. Maybe the things we call supernatural are only the natural of which the laws are not yet understood.

[Dr. Rose]

What? Destroying a whole building by an act of divine will?

[Alice Anstruther]

Well, perhaps not. But there seems to have been something very powerful at work here.

[Dr. Rose]

Exactly.

[Alice Anstruther]

I suppose we may never know the exact circumstances of the destruction. But I'm sure of one thing. What we have here is a violent event of war that has unhinged a mind. Yes, and it is now a well documented phenomenon.

[Dr. Rose]

True.

[Alice Anstruther]

What it requires is a slow and patient cure.

[Dr. Rose]

So, do you believe there are great forces in nature?

[Alice Anstruther]

Yes, but quite uncontrollable, quite untamed.

[Dr. Rose]

We obtain fire, the powers of wind and water and put them to our.

[Alice Anstruther]

Use by physical means, not mental power.

[Dr. Rose]

Well, of course you're right. This is all wild speculation. As you say, a slow and patient cure.

[Alice Anstruther]

Yes, well, I'm obliged to go back to London tomorrow, but I wish you good fortune, Dr. Rose, with your most unusual case. If we ever write a monograph on it, I would very much like to read it.

[Dr. Rose]

No, I'm just a. Just a country doctor with no other ambition than to heal, I'm afraid believe we should leave occult science to fortune tellers all the same. What a power that must have been.

[Alice Anstruther]

Now. Ah, Kitty, Kitty. If we don't go now we'll miss the train. Come on.

[Kitty]

I just had a rather odd phone call. Our district nurse. It seems Sister Marie is rather distrait today. I said to send for Dr. Rose, but she was very insistent I speak to you.

[Alice Anstruther]

Really?

[Kitty]

Almost belligerent. She said Marie wants to see you and says it's urgent. I mean, clearly. The woman's hysterical. But we can't, can we?

[Alice Anstruther]

We will. I'll take a later train.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Oh, I've only met you twice, but I feel I can trust you.

[Alice Anstruther]

Yes, I confess I do feel close to you.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

You are a woman.

[Alice Anstruther]

And you are a nun.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Sisters. Let us call ourselves sisters. Sister. I'm afraid. Afraid of my weakness.

[Alice Anstruther]

I'm sorry, I don't. In what way?

[Sister Marie Angelique]

The doctor. He's been very kind, but he's very persistent. He wants answers now that we know it's not all in my dreams.

[Alice Anstruther]

What answers?

[Sister Marie Angelique]

It's not well that a man should come to power before his time. Last night he showed me a crystal. I fainted. When I came round, I said I could remember nothing. To try to read the future is sinful. What I want from you is this. He wants to show me the crystal again. Will you be there beside me, Sister? I do feel how I am made weak.

[Alice Anstruther]

I will, Sister. Of course I will. Dr. Rose. Oh, Dr. Rose.

[Dr. Rose]

Ms. Anstruther. I thought you'd return to London.

[Alice Anstruther]

I meant to, but then I thought I come here so rarely that this might be the last time I'd see Sister Marie. She may soon be well enough to return to Belgium. I thought that if you were visiting her today, I might accompany you.

[Dr. Rose]

Well, I'm not sure there's much more you can do.

[Alice Anstruther]

I'd be most grateful. And I must leave tomorrow.

[Dr. Rose]

I see. I'm merely asking her to repeat her dream. Simply to cleanse herself. I'm not sure how interesting.

[Alice Anstruther]

This would be all the same. Right.

[Dr. Rose]

Well, in that case, this afternoon. Will that suit you?

[Alice Anstruther]

Admirably.

[Dr. Rose]

Now, Sister Marie, Ms. Anstruther is here to reassure you. What I want you to do is to look into this crystal. You remember what we tried last time?

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Yes, Doctor.

[Dr. Rose]

Certain people are supposed to have the gift of. Of seeing things. There.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

I cannot predict the future.

[Dr. Rose]

Your dreams are of the past.

[Alice Anstruther]

It may help you to understand it.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

If you say so.

[Dr. Rose]

Just take the crystal in your hands.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Must I?

[Alice Anstruther]

I am here.

[Dr. Rose]

Now look into it so that you can see that past. Look into it. Look deep. Yes, Deep. Deeper still. You remember, do you not? You remember. You hear me speaking to you. You can answer my questions. What do you see?

[Sister Marie Angelique]

I see the City of the Circles.

[Dr. Rose]

What circles?

[Sister Marie Angelique]

There are three circles. The first circle for the Chosen, the second for the Priestess. And the outer circle for the Priests.

[Dr. Rose]

And in the center, the House of Crystal.

[Alice Anstruther]

Do you think that.

[Dr. Rose]

Tell Me what you see. Tell me about the fifth sign.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Pure Swords. The opening of mind to mind. To prepare ourselves.

[Dr. Rose]

To prepare for the sixth sign. What is the sixth sign?

[Sister Marie Angelique]

It is too soon. A mistake. We must not complete the circle.

[Dr. Rose]

Why must you not complete the circle?

[Alice Anstruther]

She is in deep sleep.

[Dr. Rose]

Why must you not complete the circle?

[Alice Anstruther]

Take the crystal from her. She will lie back and rest.

[Dr. Rose]

Baffling and extraordinary. But so frustrating. I feel I'm so close.

[Alice Anstruther]

Dr. Rose. I think you should not continue.

[Dr. Rose]

These are the memories that disturb her.

[Alice Anstruther]

No, what disturbs her is real. A very real and terrifying event in her convention in a war. If you can bring her to terms with that to ease the painful shock, then these other visions of a jumbled religious experience will fade away.

[Dr. Rose]

But they are important to her.

[Alice Anstruther]

They seem more important to you.

[Dr. Rose]

Her future well being is important to me.

[Alice Anstruther]

Then concentrate on that.

[Dr. Rose]

She is my patient and you ask for my advice.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Have you been asleep?

[Dr. Rose]

Yes, for just a moment.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

So the heart of death is real.

[Alice Anstruther]

I have given you my advice.

[Dr. Rose]

With respect, I must ask you to allow me to treat my own patient as I judge to be in her best interests.

[Alice Anstruther]

Her interests or yours?

[Dr. Rose]

Hers, of course. Thank you for your opinion, but frankly I see no point in your continued involvement. I'm sure you.

[Alice Anstruther]

That, of course, is your privilege. I will be in London. But I'm sure you won't mind if I ask Kitty to look in on her. Ms. Anthony, I think you should calm down.

[Dr. Rose]

But you've gone too far.

[Alice Anstruther]

Remember your position, Dr. Rose.

[Dr. Rose]

I should not have allowed you to know so much.

[Alice Anstruther]

Goodbye, Dr. Rose. I will walk back by myself.

[Dr. Rose]

Be very careful on the cliff path.

[Alice Anstruther]

I'll take the night train now. Tomorrow, Kitty, first thing, and I mean first thing, you go and see Sister Marie.

[Kitty]

Aren't you making too much of a fuss about nothing? I mean, she's potty.

[Alice Anstruther]

Kitty.

[Kitty]

I'll go. You know I'll go. I just won't know why I'm going.

[Alice Anstruther]

You will listen to Sister Marie. You will take any fears she tells you very seriously. You will tell her. You will let me know at once.

[Kitty]

If you say so.

[Alice Anstruther]

I'm afraid I no longer trust Dr. Rose.

[Kitty]

But he's so effective. What has he done?

[Alice Anstruther]

He is not looking for the rational.

[Kitty]

My, what a crime.

[Alice Anstruther]

Oh, Kitty, take me seriously, please. There is something wrong.

[Kitty]

So report him.

[Alice Anstruther]

I can't have no proof. I'm not even sure I know what it is. I am frightened for Sister Marie. She will resist his questions, but not for long. Tell her I'll come Back as soon as I can. And now. Would you take me to the station?

[Kitty]

It's early for the train.

[Alice Anstruther]

I know, but I want to be settled now. Come on.

[Kitty]

I'll wait with you.

[Alice Anstruther]

No, go home.

[Kitty]

Honesty, I don't see why I can't wait. I barely had a chance to talk to you because of all this other nonsense. All right, not nonsense. All this looking for the rational.

[Alice Anstruther]

Look, there's no point in your waiting around for 25 minutes. You'll be home in 10 in the car. I will be fine.

[Kitty]

I'll miss you.

[Alice Anstruther]

I'll be back.

[Kitty]

Of course you will.

[Alice Anstruther]

Goodbye.

[Kitty]

Bye.

[Alice Anstruther]

Do not come near the altar.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

No. Do not come any further in God's house. Go. Go away in peace. Not war.

[Alice Anstruther]

No.

[Kitty]

No.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

The power.

[Kitty]

The power. No.

[Alice Anstruther]

Alice.

[Kitty]

Alice. Alice, wait.

[Alice Anstruther]

Kitty.

[Kitty]

I'm so glad I caught you.

[Alice Anstruther]

What is it?

[Kitty]

When I got home, I had another most peculiar phone call from the nurse.

[Alice Anstruther]

What?

[Kitty]

She said Dr. Rose had come and taken Sister Marie away to the hospital for a few days. She said she was quite matter of fact about it. But in the light of what you said, I thought I.

[Alice Anstruther]

You did the right thing. We must get my bags at once.

[Kitty]

But your train.

[Alice Anstruther]

Hang the train. We're going back.

[Kitty]

What can have happened?

[Alice Anstruther]

I don't know.

[Kitty]

Will they let us into the hospital at this time?

[Alice Anstruther]

I am a doctor. Hurry up.

[Kitty]

Whatever you say, dear. Let's pretend I'm an ambulance driver.

[Dr. Rose]

Gaze again into the crystal. That's it. Allow your mind to be cleared of distraction. Look deep into it. Deeper and deeper. Now I'm going to say certain words to you as I did before. And remember, I want you to answer straight away. Don't think. Just say whatever word first occurs to you. Now you hear me. Tell me you hear me.

[Kitty]

I wish we had a bell to ring. This is fun. Hospital coming up. Death.

[Dr. Rose]

Fifth sign.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Pure mind.

[Dr. Rose]

Sixth sign.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Destruction.

[Dr. Rose]

Destruction.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

La mere. Si.

[Dr. Rose]

Sea.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Armed.

[Dr. Rose]

Seventh sign.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Nothing.

[Dr. Rose]

So it never went beyond the sixth sign.

[Alice Anstruther]

They're not there. Oh, they can only be at his house. Now, Kitty, this is the time to drive. As if the devil was behind us. As he surely is in front of us.

[Kitty]

Then let's run him down.

[Dr. Rose]

The sixth sign.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Destruction. The power.

[Dr. Rose]

Tell me the secret of the sixth sign. Give me the power.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

He who was a guardian revealed the sixth sign.

[Dr. Rose]

I don't understand.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

He revealed it to the people too soon. And evil enter their hearts.

[Dr. Rose]

Is it not too soon, Sister Marie? Give me the power.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

You are not a good man.

[Dr. Rose]

I will use it for good. You know I will.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

Listen to me, please. I can't.

[Dr. Rose]

It is so simple. Don't resist me. You know I'll use the power with care.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

I must find my strength.

[Dr. Rose]

Give me the power.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

I cannot.

[Dr. Rose]

Listen to me.

[Alice Anstruther]

I cannot.

[Dr. Rose]

Listen to me.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

You will not resist.

[Dr. Rose]

Nobody knows but us. Anyone else will be dealt with.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

You will not harm myself, Sister. I see danger. I see the hand of death loosed upon the sea so that the circle cannot be closed.

[Dr. Rose]

Give me that power.

[Sister Marie Angelique]

And the sea rising up in the shape of the hound. And the land swallowed utterly once before. I remember this. I remember it on the outer steps in Belgium.

[Kitty]

There. Now you can see the lights of his cottage.

[Alice Anstruther]

Slow down. We should be careful how we approach. Stop. What? God's name. This is nice, Tom.

[Tom Hayden]

Well, Lyons Corner House isn't quite what I had in mind, however. Another cup of tea?

[Alice Anstruther]

Lovely.

[Tom Hayden]

I say, miss. Thank you.

[Alice Anstruther]

So the next day I realized how close I'd been to death. If you'd been able to seize this. This power. I knew too much. Yet I knew so little in that. Of course he was right. We know so little of the forces that are within and without us.

[Tom Hayden]

You actually believe this?

[Alice Anstruther]

I believe. I believe there are natural things of which the laws are not yet understood. They found no trace of the bodies. You know, he came close to something horrible. Something unspeakable.

[Tom Hayden]

Well, either that or ghastly coincidence.

[Alice Anstruther]

People come to peer over the cliff at the twisted wreckage down below. And many have remarked on its curious shape and say it looks like a great hound lying there.

[Tom Hayden]

And I don't have a story for the museum. Not one that anyone would believe.

[Alice Anstruther]

The more we know, the more we see how little we know.

[Tom Hayden]

Look, why don't we make a day of it, hmm? Move this on to dinner.

[Alice Anstruther]

I'm sorry. You're so kind. But I do have a friend coming round.

[Tom Hayden]

Ah. Well.

[Dr. Rose]

In the Hound of Death by Agatha Christie, Alice was played by Julia McCann and Dr. Rose by Michael Kitchen. Sister Marie was played by Marianne Borgo, Tom Hayden by Simon Treves, and Kitty by Alexis Zagerman. It was dramatised by Bill Morrison, produced by Bruce Hyman and directed by Dirk Max. And was an above the title production for BBC Radio 4.

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