Cabin B-13 48-07-05 Bill And Brenda Leslie

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Cabin B-13 48-07-05 Bill And Brenda Leslie"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Cabin B-13 48-07-05 Bill And Brenda Leslie
• Release Date: January 26, 2025

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of "Cabin B-13", hosted by Dr. Fabian, the ship surgeon of the luxury liner Moravania, listeners are transported to a suspense-filled narrative set in post-war London. The story revolves around Bill and Brenda Leslie, a diplomatic couple whose adventurous spirit leads them into a perilous encounter with a notorious criminal, Flash Morgan.

---

Setting the Scene

Dr. Fabian sets the stage aboard the deserted Moravania anchored at Southampton. Reflecting on past voyages, he introduces the listeners to the enigmatic cabin B13, where mysterious tales unfold.

"As I sit here in my cabin B13, I'm reminded how the tides and storms of a thousand voyages have wrought nothing more strange, more sinister than man's desire for adventure in the strange ports and lands we touch."
— Fabian [01:23]

The spotlight soon shifts to Bill and Brenda Leslie as they arrive at the Hampden's Hotel in London, a quaint establishment that belies the unfolding drama.

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Arrival at Hampden's Hotel

Bill and Brenda check into Hampden's Hotel, immediately sensing an air of old-world charm:

"Quiet little hotel so dingy with its stuffiness of old carpets and yesterday's tea trays that you'd never suspect how fashionable it is or how expensive."
— Fabian [02:44]

Their appreciation for London's romanticized image is evident, with Bill reminiscing about iconic figures like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Fu Manchu. However, tension arises as Inspector Bradford contacts them with unsettling news.

---

The Encounter with Inspector Bradford

Shortly after their arrival, Chief Inspector Bradford informs the Leslies about a case of mistaken identity involving Flash Morgan, a wanted criminal:

"I can't help you if you say you didn't kill him. But I can get you off scot free if you admit you did it in self defense."
— Chief Inspector Bradford [22:30]

Bill vehemently denies any involvement, but the evidence suggests otherwise. The couple is urged to remain at the hotel until their departure to Lisbon, intensifying their predicament.

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Bill's Desperate Quest

Driven by a mix of desperation and adventurous spirit, Bill decides to confront the situation head-on. Ignoring Brenda's pleas, he ventures to 96 Fleet Street, the last known hangout of Flash Morgan. This pivotal moment heightens the suspense, showcasing Bill's determination:

"With you, yes. Every minute of it. But the diplomatic service who's. Alle bien, Madame la Comtesse."
— Bill Leslie [11:37]

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Confrontation at the Barber Shop

Inside the barber shop at 96 Fleet Street, Bill encounters Inspector Bradford masquerading as Mr. Jenkins, a barber. The tension escalates as Flash Morgan makes an unexpected appearance:

"Down to the river. That's where the bodies fall off wards and the police launchers go out."
— Bill Leslie [05:02]

A struggle ensues, culminating in Flash Morgan's demise. However, the mystery deepens as questions about the true sequence of events emerge.

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Truth Unveiled

In a dramatic twist, Brenda Leslie reveals crucial information that turns the narrative on its head:

"He went to the cupboard. He opened the door only partly and. And slashed inside. He dropped the razor inside and came back with an oilskin pouch of money."
— Brenda Leslie [26:46]

Her confession exposes that Inspector Bradford was the actual perpetrator, using the chaos to frame Bill Leslie. The revelation unravels the web of deceit, leading to the resolution of the mystery.

---

Conclusion

As Dr. Fabian wraps up the story, he reflects on the complexities of human nature and the thin line between heroism and folly:

"I hope to greet you again next week in cabin B13, I wonder what other memories of strange and sinister happenings will come back as we touch at the other ports of our world cruise."
— Fabian [28:27]

The episode concludes with hints of future adventures, leaving listeners eager for the next installment in the Cabin B-13 series.

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Notable Quotes

• Dr. Fabian:
  "The tides and storms of a thousand voyages have wrought nothing more strange, more sinister than man's desire for adventure."
  — [01:23]

• Bill Leslie:
  "Darling, you don't understand. Who the devil wants to go to Claridge's or the Savoy? This is London."
  — [03:54]

• Chief Inspector Bradford:
  "I can't help you if you say you didn't kill him. But I can get you off scot free if you admit you did it in self defense."
  — [22:30]

• Brenda Leslie:
  "He went to the cupboard. He opened the door only partly and. And slashed inside."
  — [26:46]

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Character Introductions

• Dr. Fabian: The narrator and ship surgeon of the Moravania, serving as the storyteller of the episode.
• Bill Leslie: An adventurous American diplomat with a penchant for romanticizing England.
• Brenda Leslie: Bill's British wife, whose practical nature contrasts Bill's adventurous spirit.
• Chief Inspector Bradford: The antagonist, a cunning police officer involved in framing Bill Leslie.
• Flash Morgan: A notorious criminal whose mistaken identity sets the plot in motion.
• Joseph Curtin, Naomi Campbell, and William Potmore: Voice actors portraying the central characters, bringing depth to the narrative.

---

Production Credits

• Written by: John Dixon Carr (also known as Carter Dixon), an esteemed mystery novelist.
• Performed by: Arnold Moss as Dr. Fabian; Joseph Curtin as Bill Leslie; Naomi Campbell as Brenda Leslie; William Potmore as Jenkins.
• Music Composed and Conducted by: Merle Kendrick
• Edited by: Charles S. Monroe
• Directed by: John Deetz
• Produced by: CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

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Looking Forward

The episode teases future stories, promising more intricate mysteries and compelling character developments:

"Next week, as the Moravania docks at Cherbourg, Dr. Fabian will bring you from his cabin B13 a story in which he himself plays a small part."
— [29:15]

Listeners are left anticipating the next adventure, where Dr. Fabian hints at more personal involvement and darker twists.

---

"Cabin B-13 48-07-05 Bill And Brenda Leslie" masterfully intertwines suspense, character depth, and classic mystery elements, making it a standout episode in the Harold's Old Time Radio series. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this episode promises an engaging and immersive listening experience.

Transcript

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[Unknown]

Cabin B13.

[Fabian]

My name is Fabian, ship surgeon of the luxury liner Moravania. Tonight, as we lie alongside the docks at the great port of Southampton, the ship is ghostly deserted. Our passengers on this world cruise have gone to London. And as I sit here in my cabin B13, I'm reminded how the tides and storms of a thousand voyages have wrought nothing more strange, more sinister than man's desire for adventure in the strange ports and lands we touch. I remember Bill and Brenda Leslie. It was years ago, before the war and the effect on their characters of the mortal terror that overtook them in London.

[Unknown]

CBS brings you John Dickson Carr's famous Dr. Fabian, ship surgeon, world traveler and host in cabin B13 for strange and incredible tales of mystery and murder. Directed by John Beats.

[Fabian]

London and Hampden's Hotel in Norfolk street off the Strands, a quiet little street sloping down to the river. Quiet little hotel so dingy with its stuffiness of old carpets and yesterday's tea trays that you'd never suspect how fashionable it is or how expensive. Can't you hear the lift whining as its two latest arrivals, the husband American, the white English, go swaying up to a bumpy stop.

[Inspector Bradford]

This way, sir.

[Bill Leslie]

Come on, Brenda.

[Inspector Bradford]

Will there be anything else, sir?

[Bill Leslie]

That's all, thanks. Oh, wait a minute. Here.

[Inspector Bradford]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Brenda Leslie]

Bill, darling, please don't look so bewildered.

[Bill Leslie]

Was I looking bewildered?

[Brenda Leslie]

I know. The furniture's red plush and dates back to the 1860s. I know we can't get a private bathroom.

[Bill Leslie]

By George, the waiters look as old as the furniture.

[Brenda Leslie]

But if only we'd gone to Claridge's or the Savoy or any one of a dozen places I suggested.

[Bill Leslie]

Darling, you don't understand.

[Brenda Leslie]

No?

[Bill Leslie]

Who the devil wants to go to Claridge's or the Savoy? This is London.

[Brenda Leslie]

Oh, Bill, I'm afraid I still don't understand.

[Bill Leslie]

I've been in the diplomatic service for seven years. I've been stationed in three capitals, but I've never been here.

[Brenda Leslie]

It's a lovely old town. Oh, it's home.

[Bill Leslie]

It's home to me, too, in a way. It's put a spell on my imagination ever since I was a boy. So high. Sherlock Holmes. Dr. Fu Manchu. Handsome cabs rattling through the fog.

[Brenda Leslie]

Darling, you don't think we still ride about in hansoms?

[Bill Leslie]

No, but it's the spirit of the day. Here, look out of this window.

[Brenda Leslie]

Yes.

[Bill Leslie]

Gray and black buildings, twilight coming down and.

[Inspector Bradford]

Yes, look down there.

[Brenda Leslie]

Where? I don't see anything.

[Bill Leslie]

It's one of your famous barrel organs. Here, let's have the window up. It's under our windows, Brenda. What's the tune, dear? Do you know it?

[Brenda Leslie]

Oh, something about, she was a lassie from Lancashire. It's a very old one, but it's.

[Bill Leslie]

Right, don't you see? Everything's right. And if I crane out of the window sideways like this, I can see down to the river. That's where the bodies fall off wards and the police launchers go out.

[Brenda Leslie]

Bill, please listen to me. Put your arms around me. Look down at me there.

[Bill Leslie]

I have a funny face, I admit. I have a funny face.

[Brenda Leslie]

I love you terribly, Bill. I don't mean any words like very much or a lot, just silly and terribly. But of all the romantic Americans I've ever met, you have the most absurd and fantastic ideas about England. You don't really expect to find Scotland Yard men in bowler hats trailing you every step, now, do you?

[Bill Leslie]

That wasn't the point, Brenda. I always.

[Brenda Leslie]

When you think about it, just remember the barrel organ. Safe, stodgy, comfortable. That's London, Bill. Will you remember?

[Bill Leslie]

Well, at least they've got telephones in this place. Hello?

[Inspector Bradford]

Mr. William Leslie?

[Bill Leslie]

Yes, speaking.

[Inspector Bradford]

This is the reception desk, Mr. Leslie. There's a man here who insists on seeing you. In fact, the man is on his way upstairs. He's a police officer.

[Bill Leslie]

What did you say?

[Inspector Bradford]

Police officer, sir.

[Bill Leslie]

A police officer, huh? I see. He isn't by any chance from Scotland. Yellow.

[Inspector Bradford]

Yes, sir. I thought you might like to know.

[Bill Leslie]

Did you hear that, Brenda?

[Brenda Leslie]

Yes, I heard it.

[Bill Leslie]

But surely about six hours in England.

[Brenda Leslie]

Oh, this is ridiculous, Bill. There must be some mistake.

[Bill Leslie]

Well, there probably is. All the same. Come to think of it, I don't feel very keen about facing one of these bowler hats in real life.

[Brenda Leslie]

But why do they come to us? We hadn't done anything.

[Bill Leslie]

Nothing I can think of. That's what worries me. Get ready for the hat and the raincoat and the cropped mustache. Yes?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Mr. Leslie. Mrs. Leslie?

[Bill Leslie]

That's right. Won't you come in?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Thank you. Sorry to have to trouble you, sir. I'm a police officer, Metropolitan CID here's my warrant card.

[Bill Leslie]

I see. Chief Inspector Bradford, sir.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

And I'm bound to tell you I'm here about a pretty serious matter.

[Brenda Leslie]

But we haven't done anything, Mr. Brenda.

[Bill Leslie]

Easy. Sit down, Inspector.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Thank you, sir. Now, don't mind my notebook. It's a mere formality. You and your wife arrived this morning by the Mauravania. Your wife is British and carries her own passport, correct?

[Bill Leslie]

Yes, that's correct.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

A week from today, you leave by the same ship for Lisbon. At Lisbon, you take up a new diplomatic assignment at the American Embassy.

[Bill Leslie]

Correct? Yes.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Just one moment. I'd like you to look at this snapshot I have here. Who is it?

[Brenda Leslie]

But it's Bill. I mean, well, except for that awful shirt and tie. Well, it is Bill.

[Bill Leslie]

So help me, I never had that picture taken.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

I know you didn't, Mr. Leslie. That's flash Morgan. Ever hear of him?

[Bill Leslie]

Never. Is he wanted for something?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

He's wanted for several murders we won't mention. Bank robbery. Also, he's a ripper, if you know what that means. Uses a razor and likes it.

[Bill Leslie]

Me, the image of a famous murderer.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

They don't look so different from the rest of us. Do you realize, sir, you can't leave this hotel without being nabbed as Morgan by the first copper you meet.

[Bill Leslie]

But I can prove who I am. I've got my papers.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

You got your papers? Right. Suppose Morgan gets them?

[Bill Leslie]

Morgan?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

The Mauravania sails a week from today. Somebody called William Leslie, carrying diplomatic immunity, sails with her. What's to prove it's really you?

[Bill Leslie]

You mean he might? I do. Oh, that's impossible. He couldn't get away with it.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

No, I don't think he could. But I'll give you ten to one he tries it. This is too small a country to hide in and he can't get away. He's desperate. This is his last hope.

[Bill Leslie]

What about Brenda here?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

There are Several things that might happen to Mrs. Leslie. All unpleasant. There's just one more matter I'm bound to warn you of.

[Brenda Leslie]

You've warned us, Inspector Radford. We. We appreciate it most awfully. What else could there be?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Morgan may try to get into this hotel.

[Bill Leslie]

Safe, stodgy, comfortable. I see what you mean, Brenda.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Beg your pardon, sir?

[Bill Leslie]

Oh, just a little joke between my wife and myself. It's getting chilly. Better close the window. Look here, Inspector. This Ripper, or whatever he is, couldn't possibly know there's a man who looks just like him.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

He couldn't, eh? Have you seen any evening paper?

[Bill Leslie]

No.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Some fool took a picture of you getting off the boat train. It's been published with comments on the resemblance. You'll find Morgan's story also with pictures on the front page. Here's the Standard. Read it.

[Brenda Leslie]

But haven't you got any idea where this man is?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

No, madam, we haven't. He used to have a hangout at 96 Fleet street up over a barber shop. But he won't go there now. He's loaded with money from the Whitehall bank job. He's got a razor and he's ready to use it. Now, if you'll excuse me, Inspector, wait.

[Bill Leslie]

What do you want us to do?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

I want you to stay in this hotel, both of you, until that boat.

[Bill Leslie]

Sails cooped up here for a week. Just on a theory of yours?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Yes, Mr. Leslie. Just on a theory.

[Bill Leslie]

Suppose I do go out.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

I can't stop you, sir. The guard I'm leaving here can't stop you. But I might send you some photographs of people with their throats cut. Sorry to have upset you. Good day.

[Fabian]

Hardly any change yet in the purplish white tinge of her evening. No street lamps alight, but a thin mist, white with late October chill, is creeping up from the river as Bill and Brenda Leslie still sit in the red plush room staring at nothingness.

[Bill Leslie]

Brenda.

[Brenda Leslie]

Yes, dear?

[Bill Leslie]

What was the number of that address Bradford gave us where Morgan used to hang out?

[Brenda Leslie]

I don't remember.

[Bill Leslie]

96, wasn't it? 96 Fleet Street.

[Brenda Leslie]

Why do you want to know?

[Bill Leslie]

Because I'm going there and I'm going now.

[Brenda Leslie]

Yes, I thought that was it. Bill, you can't. You mustn't. You can't do anything there.

[Bill Leslie]

I know.

[Brenda Leslie]

Then why go at all, sweetheart?

[Bill Leslie]

You know what our life is.

[Brenda Leslie]

It's a wonderful life.

[Bill Leslie]

Oh, with you, yes. Every minute of it. But the diplomatic service who's. Alle bien, Madame la Comtesse. I am sure, signor, that the Rio Alta Bridge will be a great success. Who precedes whom at dinner? Does the Elm boy's wife eat artichokes? Look, Brenda, suppose I captured Morgan before the police do.

[Brenda Leslie]

Bill, are you absolutely mad?

[Bill Leslie]

No, no, darling. Once or twice in every man's life, something taps him on the shoulder and says, come on, I dare you. Mostly we turn away and pretend we don't notice. But not this time. I'm taking the dare.

[Brenda Leslie]

Bill, come back here. You're not to go.

[Bill Leslie]

Where's my overcoat? I've got it now, this address.

[Brenda Leslie]

If you go, I'm going with you.

[Inspector Bradford]

Oh, no, no.

[Bill Leslie]

This isn't a woman's kind of dare, and you know it.

[Brenda Leslie]

It's as much my dare as it is yours.

[Bill Leslie]

96 Fleet street up over a barber shop. How do I get there? If you don't tell me, Brenda, I can easily find out.

[Brenda Leslie]

Oh, well, as a matter of fact, it's. It's not very far from here. You could walk it in 10 minutes.

[Bill Leslie]

That's better. That's much better.

[Brenda Leslie]

What about your identification papers?

[Bill Leslie]

I'm throwing them out here on the bed. Morgan won't get those.

[Brenda Leslie]

But if you haven't got those papers, you won't be able to prove who you are.

[Bill Leslie]

I'll have to risk it. Brenda. See you later. Bill.

[Brenda Leslie]

Come back. If you had any reason for going there, I wouldn't mind. But it's idiotic. Don't leave me. Please. Come back. Please. I'll be with you, Bill. I'll be with you if Morgan doesn't see me first.

[Fabian]

Footsteps. Slow moving footsteps. Footsteps on gritty pavements. Where beyond Temple Bar, Fleet street curves down into dimness. A dead street, hushed and shadowy with St. Paul's like a gray cloud far ahead. Too late for office workers, Too early for newspaper offices. Let's be Leslie on the left hand pavement. I can tell you, believe me, every half thought that tumbles through his brain as he walks.

[Bill Leslie]

Can't see the numbers. That's the trouble. Fool stunt. I wish I hadn't tried it. Can't turn back now. Seem afraid. What if something jumped out of one of these doorways?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

He's a rip arm, if you know what that means.

[Brenda Leslie]

Are you absolutely mad?

[Bill Leslie]

Mustn't remember things like that. Fleet Street, Dr. Johnson, 18th century. No people around. Street lamps lighted. Good thing I'd walk a little faster. No harm in walking a little faster. There. Number 34. Even number. Side of the street, too. Can't be far off now. Rising and as cold as is that a policeman's Helmet behind me. Up against the sky. It doesn't matter. Police mean safety.

[Brenda Leslie]

If you haven't got those papers, you won't be able to prove who you are.

[Bill Leslie]

Still doesn't matter. Nobody can see my face. Another policeman's helmet. Swear to it. Over in that alley. A little faster. Take it easy now. Don't run. They can't possibly.

[Inspector Bradford]

You there.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Oh, wait a minute.

[Bill Leslie]

Mustn't get panicky. How do you stop panic? Got to find that address. Got to justify myself. Got to run. Run. 96 little entry, no door. Flight of steps. Easy on the jump. Now. Run up quiet as you can do with glass panel. Henry M. Jenkins, barber. Door open and.

[Fabian]

A large room, perhaps not too clean, with a cork floor giving back no sound. Facing you, a window on your left, another door on your right, a wall of mirrors with two white barber chairs. This is what Bill Leslie sees amid a gleam of mirrors and a thick odor of hair tonic. On a white stool sits a little old man with yellow white hair and a reddish nose, peering up from a paper with cockney friendliness.

[Bill Leslie]

I beg your pardon. I didn't mean to crash in like this.

[Inspector Bradford]

Not a bit of it, sir. Nobody here, sir. Glad to have you come up any way you like.

[Bill Leslie]

I've come about something important. I want to shave, please, and I'll just close this door.

[Inspector Bradford]

Shave, sir? Very good, sir. If you'll just come over here. That's it. You're overcoat, sir. Allow me. And in this chair, please. Now will you just whip out the cloths and round your neck it goes.

[Bill Leslie]

Oh, wait a minute. Don't tilt me backwards yet. Are you Mr. Jenkins?

[Inspector Bradford]

And now that, sir, is what I call a real honor.

[Bill Leslie]

What's so funny about it?

[Inspector Bradford]

Sorry, sir, it's only a joke. My name is Jenkins and that's a fact. But mostly the gentleman called me Old Scratch. Old Scratch? Not in a religious way, Lummy. I should hope not. With me, a chapel goer for 40 years and a teetotaler so's me hand wouldn't shake. Excuse me, sir. Mix the larvae. No, sir, it's only a joke if they call me Old Scratch. Or as it might be, Old Nick, it's cause they know I won't nick them. Never miss with a razor. Ay, Jack. Now we just dip the chair back. And I'll bet this lather I'm putting on, he's as comfortable. Well, there's going home to tea and tippers on a night like this. It's remarkable, sir. How comfortable. Here, sir. What is it? What's wrong?

[Bill Leslie]

I was trying to signal you, that's all. Hey, keep on lathering. Don't speak any louder than I do.

[Inspector Bradford]

What is it, sir? What's up?

[Bill Leslie]

Flash Morgan has just come in. Who? Flash Morgan.

[Inspector Bradford]

But there's.

[Bill Leslie]

Quiet.

[Inspector Bradford]

There's nobody here but you and me. Lift your head up and look.

[Bill Leslie]

You didn't see him. You were looking at the shaving mug. I saw him come in by the door from the stairs when you moved the chair. You sure you don't know who Morgan is?

[Inspector Bradford]

Help me, Harry. I don't.

[Bill Leslie]

He's a killer. What about the police?

[Inspector Bradford]

The police?

[Bill Leslie]

Here. Now finish with the leather and start shaving. Make it quick. Get a razor. Yes, sir, but that's it.

[Inspector Bradford]

Where's the bloke? Is he a bloomin ghost?

[Bill Leslie]

He didn't look at either of us. He didn't make a sound. I saw him in the mirror. He bolted the glass paneled door on the inside. Look over and see if it isn't bolted.

[Inspector Bradford]

Yes, sir, it's bolted.

[Bill Leslie]

He walked to a door at the back of this room behind me. Can you see it?

[Inspector Bradford]

Yes, sir, of course I can see it.

[Bill Leslie]

Where does that door lead? Upstairs?

[Inspector Bradford]

No, sir, there's no upstairs on this side of the house.

[Bill Leslie]

But there's got to be. Morgan lived. I had some friends.

[Inspector Bradford]

Don't move your chin like that. Keep your head where I put it. If you was looking for 96 proper, you must have seen the numbers in a bad light. Oh, that's under the arch and round the back. Like a lot of these old houses. This is 96B.

[Bill Leslie]

And where does the door lead?

[Inspector Bradford]

Only to a cupboard, sir. A big cupboard. Somebody's hiding there now.

[Bill Leslie]

That's right. Morgan's there with his razor.

[Inspector Bradford]

That's the end of the shave, sir. I trust it. Satisfactory. Hot towel, sir?

[Bill Leslie]

Yes, thanks. Hot and steaming. Hang on to your nerve, old scratch. We'll get him in two minutes.

[Inspector Bradford]

Towel satisfactory, sir. I'm a peaceful man, Governor. I don't want no trouble.

[Bill Leslie]

No, it's not. When you take the towel off, go to the shelf under the mirrors and mess around with the bottles. Ask me if I'd like some kind of lotion and edge toward the glass door. When you get near it, run like blazes and yell for the police. The whole neighborhood's full of cops. Morgan will come out fighting when he hears you run. I'll pick up that high stool and try to hold him off. The cops didn't find me because they went to the wrong 96 I door behind you.

[Inspector Bradford]

Well, the knobs moving.

[Bill Leslie]

Then we'll have to do it when I count three.

[Inspector Bradford]

I can't, sir. I just ain't up to.

[Bill Leslie]

You can run, can't you? 1, 2. 3. Let us.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Stay where you are, both of you.

[Bill Leslie]

Well, well. Do I hear in Chief Inspector Radford?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

You do. Sorry to break the glass door, old Scratch, but it seemed to be bolted on the inside. Yes, it is. Can you go, boys? We may need several men here.

[Bill Leslie]

Well, Inspector, don't you recognize me? I'm Bill Leslie.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Yes, you probably are. Where's Morgan?

[Bill Leslie]

He's in that cupboard over there. I don't want to handle him. Have your men got guns?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

You don't carry guns. Sergeant.

[Inspector Bradford]

Yes, sir.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Go over and guard that window. Davis, you stay here. I'll take the wasp out of his nest.

[Bill Leslie]

Right, sir.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Coming out.

[Fabian]

Morgan.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

No. All right, have it your own way. I'm turning the knob.

[Bill Leslie]

And Lord Almighty, find that blood.

[Inspector Bradford]

Sir.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

It's Morgan, all right, but he won't give any trouble now. His throat's been cut.

[Bill Leslie]

His throat's cut. But who? Who?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Curse it, Mr. Leslie, why do you have to go and kill?

[Fabian]

There's a famous building on the Thames embankment. Once red brick with white trimming. Now smoke darkened, redolent of old stone. Inside it looks rather like a hospital Does New Scotland Yards. Not far away down the misty river, there's a great clock as three persons sit in a small official room.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Mr. Leslie, why don't you tell us the truth?

[Bill Leslie]

Inspector, I have told you the truth.

[Inspector Bradford]

So is old Scratch here, every word of it.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Let's face it, Mr. Leslie, you killed Morgan. And you don't seem to understand the law here.

[Bill Leslie]

How do you mean?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

To kill a wanted man, even a murderer, is just as serious an offense as killing the Prime Minister. I can't help you if you say you didn't kill him. But I can get you off scot free if you admit you did it in self defense.

[Bill Leslie]

Look, Inspector, I never set eyes on Morgan except when he walked through that shop. Scratch never saw him at all. I never stirred out of the chair for one second. Scratch never left me. Never even took his hands off me for a second. Neither of us did it.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Then who killed Morgan?

[Bill Leslie]

I don't know.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

The door was bolted on the inside. The window was locked. How could anyone get in?

[Bill Leslie]

I just don't know.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

You don't think a ghost got in and killed him?

[Bill Leslie]

What do you think happened?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

I know what happened. Oh. Oh, yes. You rather thought you and Morgan would try to corner each other. You were both in fleet street within 20 yards of each other when those police whistles blew.

[Bill Leslie]

And you lost both of us. What happened in the meantime?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

You and Morgan met at the barbers. There was a fight and you killed him. Unintentionally.

[Bill Leslie]

I killed him? With what?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

With his own razor. We found it in the cupboard. Then you bribed old Scratch to keep his mouth shut.

[Inspector Bradford]

Ian Spectre.

[Bill Leslie]

Easy, Scratch. Stop rocking back and forth.

[Inspector Bradford]

I'd like to tangle up me hair and pull it out by the roots. I'd like to stand on a track with a hinge in coming. I'd like to lummy. Ain't there any justice?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Morgan was loaded with money. Carried a thousand quid in an oil skin tobacco punch. It wasn't on his body. If you gave it to Scratch and Scratch hid it in the confusion after we broke in.

[Bill Leslie]

You know, Inspector, I've been wrong about this whole thing.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Oh, that's better.

[Bill Leslie]

Another way, you mean. I thought my big trouble would be to prove my identity. But you don't doubt my identity. Or do you?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

I don't know. But officially, until your wife identifies you.

[Bill Leslie]

That's what I've been asking all night and you won't answer. Where is Brenda?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Well, sir, the fact is.

[Bill Leslie]

You haven't got her locked up somewhere?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

No, of course not. The fact is we can't find her.

[Bill Leslie]

Isn't she at the hotel? No.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Your wife left the hotel just after you did.

[Bill Leslie]

Brenda left the. Where'd she go to?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

96 Fleet Street.

[Bill Leslie]

She? How do you know that?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

The real entrance to 96 is at the back, up a flight of stairs, past the barber's window. One of our men saw her there, then lost her.

[Bill Leslie]

You mean Morgan may have seen her before he came into the shop and attacked them?

[Inspector Bradford]

Mr. Leslie, you're the one who's got to take it easy. Just sit down gentle like.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Do you see now why you've got to give up this crazy story that you didn't kill Morgan and that you and old Scratch were never out of each other's sight.

[Bill Leslie]

But it's true.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Don't you see what I want to know? Did Morgan kill your wife? I want to know whether there was any blood on the razor before you fought Morgan.

[Bill Leslie]

This, as they say in the nursery books, is an office. That's a filing cabinet. You are smoking a pipe. I've got to hold on to things because they're getting blurred. Blast you, I never fought Morgan.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Want to think it over for a while?

[Bill Leslie]

Brenda's dead. That's what you're Saying, don't start to object. That's what you're intimating. And if Brenda's dead on the course of it.

[Inspector Bradford]

Chief Inspector.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Sergeant, keep out of here. I told you not.

[Bill Leslie]

Yes, sir, but I couldn't help it.

[Inspector Bradford]

She's here. She's been in the anteroom listening to every word you've said.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Who's here?

[Inspector Bradford]

Mrs. Leslie. She says she wants to give herself up.

[Brenda Leslie]

Bill.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Bill, please stay where you are, Mrs. Leslie. You want to give yourself up?

[Brenda Leslie]

No. Not for murder. Oh, I'm so horribly frightened and mixed up. I don't know what I did say, but I had to talk to you because I saw the murder committed.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

You saw it? From where?

[Brenda Leslie]

From outside the window on the back stairs. Oh, Bill, darling. I got there before you did. You had to ask directions at the beginning. I. I saw you come in into the barbershop. Yes, but I think I'd have known what happened even if I hadn't seen it.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Are you one of our women detectives, Mrs. Leslie?

[Brenda Leslie]

Please, Mr. Radford. It's because I am a woman that I'd have noticed. You're too used to it. Bill thinks that that man you call Old Scratch was never out of his sight for a moment, but he's forgotten something.

[Bill Leslie]

Forgotten what?

[Brenda Leslie]

You've forgotten. There were 30 seconds when you had a hot towel over your face and eyes.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Sergeant, better grab our friend Scratch his arms, quick.

[Bill Leslie]

Get away, Holly, please. Got him safe, man.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Go on, Mrs. Leslie.

[Brenda Leslie]

He went to the cupboard. He opened the door only partly and. And slashed inside. He dropped the razor inside and came back with an oilskin pouch of money. He put the money under a trap in the cork floor. It took less than 30 seconds if you timed it.

[Inspector Bradford]

It's a pity I ain't got another razor. Old Scratch never misses with a razor.

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

Better put the cups on him, Sergeant.

[Brenda Leslie]

I already guessed he was an accomplice of Morgan's.

[Bill Leslie]

You what?

[Brenda Leslie]

Bill, you're so adventurous, you won't use common sense. He was reading an evening paper with pictures of Morgan and you, too. But he said he'd never heard of Morgan. You spoke first, so he knew you were the American. And he saw a way of killing his partner Morgan for the money. If he just dropped that razor in the cupboard, the police would think it belonged to Morgan, wouldn't they?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

I'm afraid they would.

[Brenda Leslie]

Only I'm an awful coward. I was so paralyzed, I couldn't even scream. Somebody chased me. Maybe it was the police and I fainted in some old woman's room. I. Oh, Inspector, may I go to my husband now?

[Chief Inspector Bradford]

You may, Mrs. Leslie, with the apologies of the CID.

[Brenda Leslie]

Bill, please take me away from London before your sense of adventure starts again. I don't understand these detective stories.

[Fabian]

And so, in rather a pleasant vein, I end my story of the husband who sought trouble and the Waifu got him out of it. And as I, Dr. Fabian, ship surgeon of the Mauravania, sit here in my cabin B13, remembering this story, I wonder what other memories of strange and sinister happenings will come back as we touch at the other ports of our world cruise. I hope to greet you again next week in cabin B13.

[Unknown]

Next week, as the Moravania docks at Cherbourg, Dr. Fabian will bring you from his cabin B13 a story in which he himself plays a small part. A tale with not quite so pleasant an ending as tonight's a strange adventure, which he calls the man who Couldn't be photographed. Cabin B13 is created and written by John Dixon Carr, outstanding mystery novelist in both England and America, who is also famous as Carter Dixon. These Dr. Fabian stories are all newly written for you by Mr. Carr and have not appeared before on the air or in printed form. Dr. Fabian is played by Arnold Moss. And on tonight's drama, Joseph Curtin played Bill Leslie, with Naomi Campbell as Brenda and William Potmore as Jenkins. The music is composed and conducted by Merle Kendrick. Cabin B13 is edited by Charles S. Monroe. And the productions are directed by John Deetz. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Bill Leslie]

RA.