Cabin B-13 48-12-26 The Sleep Of Death

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Cabin B-13 48-12-26 The Sleep Of Death"

Episode Overview

In this riveting episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Cabin B-13 48-12-26 The Sleep Of Death," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, the show delves into a mysterious and sinister tale set in the haunting ambiance of a French chateau. This episode, released on July 19, 2025, masterfully weaves elements of mystery, romance, and the supernatural, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

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Introduction to the Tale

The episode opens with the enigmatic Dr. Fabian, a ship surgeon and world traveler, introducing the night's story:

Dr. Fabian [00:41]: "B13 from his notebooks of the strange and sinister, Dr. Fabian brings you tonight's tale of the sleep of death."

Listeners are immediately drawn into the eerie setting:

Narrator [01:06]: "A circular bedroom high in a castle tower hung with rare tapestries filled with a haunting atmosphere of witchcraft and death. The young American, Ned Whitefoot knew that for 200 years no person who had slept in that room had lived through the night. Whatever it was that killed left no trace."

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Characters and Initial Conflict

Ned Whiteford, a young American diplomat, is introduced as he attends a festive costume ball at the American Embassy in Paris. Amidst the celebrations, Ned confronts a heartfelt conflict:

Ned Whiteford [03:22]: "When I take you back to the hotel tonight, I'm going to face this dragon uncle of yours. No, no, you mustn't. I'm going to say that you and I intend to get married and that's that."

His fiancée, Ileana, hesitates, revealing familial opposition:

Ileana [03:37]: "Because I. I can't. My uncle would never allow it."

This tension sets the stage for the unfolding drama, as Ned insists on marrying Ileana despite the warnings about her formidable uncle, Count Stephen K.

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Introduction of the Antagonist

The mysterious Count Stephen K. makes his entrance, exuding an aura of old-world charm tinged with menace:

Ileana [04:15]: "The elegant man in plain evening clothes with the order of a golden fleece across his chest."

Ned's attempt to engage with the Count leads to a tense negotiation over his intent to marry Ileana. The Count reveals the dark history of the chateau's Tapestry Room, hinting at the supernatural:

Count Stephen K. [15:01]: "There were many to worship unashamed at the grand Sabbath, to receive all favors from Satan, their master, to dance forever joyously in the red quadrilles of the netherworld."

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The Proposition and Suspension of Doubt

To resolve the conflict, Count Stephen K. offers Ned a proposition:

Count Stephen K. [07:32]: "At the Chateau d', Azee, there's a certain bedroom. We call it the Tapestry room. Yes. I assure you it will be very interesting to sleep in that room."

Ned, driven by love and skepticism, accepts the challenge to spend a night in the cursed room, setting up a classic battle of wits between man and the supernatural.

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Descent into Mystery and Horror

As Ned arrives at the Chateau d'Aze, the atmosphere becomes increasingly ominous. The Count guides him to the infamous Tapestry Room, where previous occupants have met untimely deaths without apparent cause. The room itself is described with vivid, chilling details:

Narrator [17:50]: "High up in the north tower of the Chateau d', Azay, under the conical slate roof, is the circular room hung with hated tapestries. These tapestries move slightly with uneasy mimic life to the clamor of the storm outside."

Inside, tension escalates as Ned confronts the Count, who reveals the gruesome truth behind the room's dark legacy:

Count Stephen K. [22:00]: "To a sick brain which knows but can't help itself, you have profaned this room merely by entering it. Therefore, you deserve to die."

Ned's realization that he's been drugged adds a layer of danger:

Ned Whiteford [23:07]: "Wait a minute. That won't do."

Count Stephen K. [23:09]: "Why not?"

The dialogue intensifies as Ned pieces together the sinister method of murder employed by the Count, involving chloroform to eliminate victims without trace.

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Climax: The Unraveling of Truth

In a dramatic confrontation, the Count attempts to seal Ned's fate, only for Ned to resist the impending doom:

Ned Whiteford [24:33]: "You murdering lunatic. So that's how you kill the Bishop of Tours. And that's how you're going to kill me."

The revelation that Ileana has been suffering from prolonged insanity adds a tragic twist to the narrative:

Count Stephen K. [25:22]: "Ileana has been hopelessly insane for more than 10 years."

Narrator [26:08]: "And so ends my story, the Sleep of Death. A tale which may give uneasy moments to those of you who may be inclined to fall in love at first sight."

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Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

The episode concludes with Dr. Fabian summarizing the chilling tale and teasing the next mystery:

Dr. Fabian [26:53]: "From cabin B13. CDS has brought you another strange and sinister tale of mystery and murder written by the world famous best selling author John Dixon Carr and directed by John Deetz."

Listeners are enticed with a preview of the upcoming episode, "The Dancer from Stamboul," ensuring they return for more enthralling stories.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Fabian [00:41]: "B13 from his notebooks of the strange and sinister, Dr. Fabian brings you tonight's tale of the sleep of death."
• Narrator [01:06]: "A circular bedroom high in a castle tower hung with rare tapestries filled with a haunting atmosphere of witchcraft and death."
• Ileana [24:54]: "You don't think I killed the Bishop of Tours? Didn't you, you young fool? I'm not trying to kill you. I'm trying to save you."

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Final Thoughts

"The Sleep Of Death" captivates listeners with its intricate plot, rich character development, and atmospheric storytelling. Harold's Old Time Radio successfully resurrects the charm and suspense of classic radio dramas, making this episode a must-listen for enthusiasts of mystery and vintage radio narratives.

Transcript

[Ned Whiteford]

We finally switched to T Mobile because they know that those of us here and there want to stay well connected.

[Ileana]

Let's watch a movie.

[Ned Whiteford]

Thanks to T Mobile we get Netflix included so we can all enjoy our favorite shows and movies.

[Ileana]

Quinta lista bacanissima Pero jalari.

[Ned Whiteford]

Now the hard part is getting them to agree on a movie.

[Count Stephen K.]

Switch today and get a Samsung Galaxy S25 plus with Galaxy AI on us plus your plan. Prize is guaranteed for 5 years. Save today guarantee for tomorrow. Tap the banner to learn more or visit a store. Guarantees monthly price of top tax and data exclusions like taxes and fee supply. See exclusions and details t mobile.com cabin.

[Dr. Fabian]

B13 from his notebooks of the strange and sinister, Dr. Fabian brings you tonight's tale of the sleep of death.

[Narrator]

A circular bedroom high in a castle tower hung with rare tapestries filled with a haunting atmosphere of witchcraft and death. The young American, Ned Whitefoot knew that for 200 years no person who had slept in that room had lived through the night. Whatever it was that killed left no trace. Would you, like Whitefoot, have dared to rest your head there because you were in love?

[Dr. Fabian]

From cabin B13, CBS brings you another great tale of mystery and murder written by the world famous best selling mystery author, John Dixon Carr. Directed by John deetz. Now here's Mr. Carr's famous Dr. Fabian, ship surgeon and world traveler to tell you tonight's tale.

[Count Stephen K.]

The Sleep of Death.

[Narrator]

Whiteford crossed with us to France aboard the Moravania back in 38. He was looking forward to his new position at the American Embassy. He was young and even war jittery. Paris was a magic land to him. It was on St. Catherine's Day that Ned unknowingly made a decision that brought him to the threshold of unspeakable terror and death. And he made it in the midst of the gayest celebration Paris knew the President's costume ball at the opera. Look at Ned now, wearing the uniform of one of Lafayette's offices. Look closely at the dark haired young girl in costume sitting across from him at the little table half screened by the palms.

[Ileana]

Ned, don't. Please, you mustn't.

[Ned Whiteford]

Look here, Ileana, we've got to settle this thing. You've enjoyed being here tonight, haven't you?

[Ileana]

Oh, Ned, I've loved it. After being hemmed in at my uncle's place in the country.

[Dr. Solomon]

It's like heaven.

[Ned Whiteford]

All right, when I take you back to the hotel tonight, I'm going to face this dragon uncle of yours. No, no, you mustn't I'm going to say that you and I intend to get married and that's that.

[Ileana]

I can't marry you, Ned. I told you that.

[Ned Whiteford]

But why not? Give me just one good reason.

[Ileana]

Because I. I can't. My uncle would never allow it.

[Ned Whiteford]

And that seems to you a good enough reason?

[Ileana]

Yes.

[Ned Whiteford]

This uncle of yours, what's his name? Count Stephen K. He's a Hungarian, I think he said.

[Ileana]

Yes, so am I. My mother was an American.

[Ned Whiteford]

What's he like, actually?

[Ileana]

Well, he's a little eccentric. He.

[Ned Whiteford]

What is it?

[Ileana]

There he is now.

[Ned Whiteford]

Your uncle?

[Count Stephen K.]

Yes.

[Ileana]

The elegant man in plain evening clothes with the order of a golden fleece across his chest.

[Ned Whiteford]

I see him. He looks as black as a thundercloud.

[Ileana]

Give me my mask. Quick, before he sees it.

[Ned Whiteford]

No, Ileana.

[Ileana]

Why not?

[Ned Whiteford]

We'd better face this. Out. Now sit still.

[Count Stephen K.]

Good evening, Ileana.

[Ileana]

Good evening, Uncle Stephen. Uncle, may I present Ned Whiteford?

[Ned Whiteford]

How do you do, sir?

[Count Stephen K.]

How do you do? Ileana, do you think that costume is quite the thing to wear in public?

[Ileana]

Why not?

[Count Stephen K.]

An older generation might call it immodest. It looks like.

[Ileana]

Like what?

[Count Stephen K.]

Nothing. You go and get your cloak or your domino, whatever you wore here. Uncle, please do as I say.

[Ileana]

Don't make me go home so soon. It's hardly 11 o'.

[Ned Whiteford]

Clock.

[Count Stephen K.]

I was not asking you to go home, my dear. I was merely asking you to put on a wrap.

[Ileana]

Oh, all right, I'll get it. You stay and talk to Ned.

[Count Stephen K.]

I shall be delighted.

[Ned Whiteford]

Will you sit down, sir?

[Count Stephen K.]

Thank you. You seem to have had quite a gathering at this table.

[Ned Whiteford]

Yes, some friends of mine from the embassy. They're upstairs dancing. Now.

[Count Stephen K.]

Glasses. Glasses. And still more glasses. I was quite an adept. One for musical glasses?

[Ned Whiteford]

Yes.

[Count Stephen K.]

Have you ever tried it, young man?

[Ned Whiteford]

No.

[Count Stephen K.]

You take a spoon like this and.

[Ned Whiteford]

Forgive me, sir. There's something I'd like to ask you.

[Count Stephen K.]

Yes, young man?

[Ned Whiteford]

I don't exactly know how to say this, so I'd better say it in the shortest way. I want to marry your niece.

[Dr. Solomon]

Look out, sir.

[Ned Whiteford]

You smashed one of the glasses.

[Count Stephen K.]

Doubtless a few francs will pay for it. There are other things with a higher value, at least for me.

[Ned Whiteford]

Well, maybe I ought to mention that I'm attached to the American Embassy here. That I have some money of my own and have to support Ileana.

[Count Stephen K.]

Well, indeed.

[Ned Whiteford]

I only mention at the show, well, that Ileana will be well provided for. The ambassador will vouch for me. If you'd like to ring him up.

[Count Stephen K.]

I ought to mention I have always kept Eliana, carefully guarded from the world.

[Ned Whiteford]

Almost too carefully guarded, don't you think?

[Count Stephen K.]

That, young man? Depends on my reason.

[Ned Whiteford]

I'm sorry again.

[Count Stephen K.]

You have known Ileana how long?

[Ned Whiteford]

A week.

[Count Stephen K.]

A week? You would not lose a business partner in a week. Yet you want to marry Ileana a week after you meet her.

[Ned Whiteford]

We know our own mind, sir.

[Count Stephen K.]

And you know more than the wisest men of the world. However, as one whose dearest wishes Ileana's.

[Ned Whiteford]

Happiness, I hope it is Count Cory.

[Count Stephen K.]

You doubt what I say?

[Ned Whiteford]

Oh, no, sir. Go on.

[Count Stephen K.]

Let me make you a counter proposition. I own a chateau in Touraine, not far from Paris.

[Ned Whiteford]

I know. Ileana told me.

[Count Stephen K.]

And here's my suggestion. Why not come down and visit us for a week or two?

[Ned Whiteford]

That's very decent of you, sir.

[Count Stephen K.]

Not at all. If, at the end of that time you are not cured of this infatuation.

[Ned Whiteford]

It's not an infatuation. I swear it's not.

[Count Stephen K.]

If, at the end of that time you are not cured permanently of this feeling, you may take Ileana with my blessing. Is that fair?

[Ned Whiteford]

It's more than fair, Count Cory. I don't know how to thank you.

[Count Stephen K.]

Don't try. There is just one thing, however.

[Ned Whiteford]

Yes, sir?

[Count Stephen K.]

At the Chateau d', Azee, there's a certain bedroom. We call it the Tapestry room. Yes. I assure you it will be very interesting to sleep in that room.

[Ned Whiteford]

Why? Is it haunted or anything like that?

[Count Stephen K.]

Not exactly haunted. And now, if you don't mind, I shall say good night. I think I can trust you to bring Liana safely to the hotel.

[Ned Whiteford]

Yes.

[Count Stephen K.]

In the meantime, look there.

[Ned Whiteford]

What is it now?

[Count Stephen K.]

The streams of our fellow guests pouring down the main staircase. Shapes of nightmare. Shapes of delirium. Insane, dead masks that only the eyes move. Mightn't you be terrified? Perhaps if you could look behind those masked gargoyle faces.

[Ned Whiteford]

No, I don't think so. They're only ordinary people, like ourselves.

[Count Stephen K.]

That's where you make your mistake. I shall expect you for the weekend. Good night. Good night, sir.

[Ileana]

Ned. Ned.

[Ned Whiteford]

It's all right, Ileana. You can come out from behind the palms.

[Ileana]

What was my uncle saying? I couldn't hear.

[Ned Whiteford]

Ileana, it couldn't be better. He's a very decent old boy, actually. And he's invited me to the Chateau d'. Aze.

[Count Stephen K.]

Did.

[Ileana]

Did he say anything about the Tapestry room?

[Count Stephen K.]

Yes.

[Ned Whiteford]

He asked me if I'd mind sleeping there.

[Ileana]

And you said?

[Ned Whiteford]

I said I would, naturally.

[Ileana]

You mustn't do it, Nathan. I won't let you do it.

[Ned Whiteford]

Why the devil not.

[Ileana]

Because everybody who sleeps in that room dies.

[Ned Whiteford]

Are you serious, Ned?

[Ileana]

Please don't do it.

[Ned Whiteford]

Nonsense. A lot of superstitions about every old house.

[Ileana]

This isn't a superstition, Ned. It happened once when I was a little girl. A man insisted on sleeping there. They found him dead in the morning.

[Ned Whiteford]

So how did he die?

[Ileana]

They don't know. There wasn't a mark on his body. He wasn't shot or stabbed or strangled or poisoned or hurt in any way. He was just dead.

[Narrator]

Two nights later in the part of France once called La Touraine. The wind moans down the valley and rain flickers across the apple trees. And thunder stirs in those haunted hills. It brings more comfort to a young man driven in an ancient carriage from the railway station along snake like roads. And leading to. To what destination? Ahead, a flash of lightning shows the gray walls and conical slate roofed towers of a chateau set some distance back from the road. Light shines from its narrow windows, dimly seen through the rain.

[Ned Whiteford]

Driver.

[Count Stephen K.]

Coachman. Monsieur. Is that the Chateau d' Aze up ahead? Yes, monsieur.

[Ned Whiteford]

I will take you to the very door if. If what? Why do you cross yourself? If I am permitted.

[Count Stephen K.]

What should stop you?

[Ned Whiteford]

Only fear, monsieur.

[Count Stephen K.]

I am not much afraid.

[Ned Whiteford]

What was that?

[Count Stephen K.]

Only the dogs, monsieur.

[Ned Whiteford]

They keep many dogs.

[Count Stephen K.]

Large dogs. At the Chateau d'. Aze? Those dogs?

[Ned Whiteford]

Dangerous. They have to fly at anybody who goes to the front door.

[Count Stephen K.]

I cannot say, monsieur. But I should advise you to make haste.

[Ned Whiteford]

Here's your money. Thank you. Good night, monsieur.

[Count Stephen K.]

And if one so humble as myself may be permitted a word of advice.

[Ned Whiteford]

Yes. Beware of the tapestry room.

[Dr. Solomon]

You are Edward Whiteman?

[Ned Whiteford]

Yes.

[Dr. Solomon]

Monsieur is expected. Please to enter monsieur's hat and coat.

[Ned Whiteford]

Thank you.

[Ileana]

Ned.

[Ned Whiteford]

Hello.

[Ileana]

You'd better not kiss me, Ned. Madame Slade says to look out for my uncle. She's our housekeeper.

[Ned Whiteford]

Where's your uncle now?

[Ileana]

In the drawing room.

[Ned Whiteford]

Come along, Liana. Is anything wrong?

[Ileana]

Everything's wrong. Two of my dogs were in horrible pain this afternoon. Dr. Solomon had to put them out with chloroform.

[Ned Whiteford]

You don't think.

[Ileana]

I hope Nobody's practicing, that's all. Here we are.

[Ned Whiteford]

Nice tiger skins on the floor. I say, who's that little old man with a gray beard sitting over by the fire?

[Ileana]

That's Dr. Solomon.

[Ned Whiteford]

That funny looking eyes.

[Ileana]

He watches and watches and watches. But he's an old friend of the family. Come on, let's get this over with.

[Count Stephen K.]

Ah, my young friend. Welcome to the Chateau d'. Azee.

[Ned Whiteford]

Thank you, Count Corrie.

[Count Stephen K.]

You must be Very wet. After your long drive, go up to the fire and warm yourself.

[Ned Whiteford]

Thank you.

[Count Stephen K.]

Madame Flame.

[Dr. Solomon]

Yes, monsieur?

[Count Stephen K.]

Please tell Antoine to take our guests luggage up to the tapestry room.

[Narrator]

The tapestry room?

[Ileana]

Mature.

[Count Stephen K.]

That is what I said, Madame. Fr.

[Ileana]

Yes, monsieur.

[Count Stephen K.]

An odd coincidence, Mr. Weinfeld.

[Narrator]

Dr. Solomon and I were just discussing.

[Count Stephen K.]

The fate of the last who slept in the tapestry room.

[Dr. Solomon]

This is not good, my friend. This is against my advice.

[Count Stephen K.]

Dear Dr. Solomon Crow.

[Dr. Solomon]

This is not good, I tell you. It is the wrong season of the moon.

[Count Stephen K.]

Moon? But there's no moon tonight raining cat.

[Ileana]

And dog don't talk about dawn.

[Dr. Solomon]

Nevertheless, it is the wrong season of the moon. I say no more.

[Ned Whiteford]

Cheerful man, that doctor.

[Ileana]

Don't do it, Ned. I won't be responsible if they make you do it.

[Ned Whiteford]

But look here, Count Cory. What did happen to the last fellow who slept in the tapestry room?

[Count Stephen K.]

Let's not call him a fellow young man. He was a very saintly gentleman, the Bishop of Tours. That was some time ago. Eliana was only 15 years old. But surely she must remember it.

[Ileana]

I remember it.

[Count Stephen K.]

The church said our bishop has no use for superstitions. He insisted on sleeping there. I made him as comfortable as possible. He was found dead the next morning with a crucifix still in his hand.

[Ned Whiteford]

Was it poison?

[Dr. Solomon]

There was no poison, monsieur.

[Count Stephen K.]

Here, Dr. Solomon.

[Ileana]

It's true, Ned.

[Count Stephen K.]

There were just two curious things in connection with the death. Mr. Whitefoot. The mantelpiece was found burning a stick of incense. Ordinary incense, nothing wrong with it.

[Ned Whiteford]

Yes, sir.

[Count Stephen K.]

And under the dressing table, the police found an empty jar of ointment. Now come, use your detective wits. A dead man and some burning incense and an empty jar of ointment. What do you make of that?

[Ned Whiteford]

I don't make anything of it. Is there any reason for this story of death?

[Count Stephen K.]

Reason?

[Ned Whiteford]

Any legend attached to the room or something like that?

[Count Stephen K.]

Yes, there is. Well, sir, we are a very old family, my friend. Old and perhaps accursed. When certain of my ancestors moved from Hungary to France in the 17th century, they brought certain beliefs with them. The old religion.

[Ned Whiteford]

The old religion?

[Count Stephen K.]

Yes, the cult of Diana. The witch cult, if you prefer.

[Ned Whiteford]

Now look here, sir, don't we talk about this?

[Count Stephen K.]

Ah, you smile when I say the word witch, Mr. White. Lord, you think of some humorous picture on a Halloween card. It was very different in the Middle Ages, believe me. There were many to worship unashamed at the grand Sabbath, to receive all favors from Satan, their master, to dance forever joyously in the red quadrilles of the netherworld. Some 200 years ago, an ancestress of mine, Catherine Cohari, was tortured to death in the tapestry room for professing the old religion. Many persons have not thought it safe to sleep there since. Are you answered?

[Ned Whiteford]

Come, sir. This is some kind of elaborate joke.

[Count Stephen K.]

Joke? The Bishop of Tours did not find it a joke.

[Dr. Solomon]

Not a mark on his body. I assure you, as a physician. Not a mark on his body.

[Count Stephen K.]

You hear, Dr. Solomons?

[Ned Whiteford]

I hear him.

[Count Stephen K.]

Understand me, my boy. There's no compulsion in this. If you had not the nerve to sleep in that room.

[Ned Whiteford]

Who says I haven't got the nerve?

[Count Stephen K.]

You're weakening. I think I can see it in your face.

[Ned Whiteford]

Would you like to make a little bet on that?

[Count Stephen K.]

What sort of bet?

[Ned Whiteford]

If I spend the night in this famous room and come out of it alive.

[Count Stephen K.]

Go on.

[Ned Whiteford]

Will you give your consent to the marriage? Immediately. Tomorrow morning.

[Count Stephen K.]

Why tomorrow morning?

[Ned Whiteford]

Because I don't think the atmosphere of this place is good for Ileana. What do you say? Will you do it?

[Count Stephen K.]

Very well, my boy. I accept the terms of your wager.

[Ileana]

Don't do it, Ned. For the love of heaven, don't do it.

[Narrator]

High up in the north tower of the Chateau d', Azay, under the conical slate roof, is the circular room hung with hated tapestries. These tapestries move slightly with uneasy mimic life to the clamor of the storm outside. Candles burn along the mantelpiece beside the great four poster beds. The flames of these candles waver too.

[Count Stephen K.]

As the door opens.

[Dr. Solomon]

This is the tapestry room, Monsieur.

[Ned Whiteford]

Thank you, Madam Flay.

[Dr. Solomon]

That is the mantelpiece where the incense burned. That is the bedroom. Monseigneur. The bishop died.

[Ned Whiteford]

Very inviting, isn't it?

[Dr. Solomon]

Will there be anything else that monsieur requires? Some sandwiches, a decanter of whisky?

[Ned Whiteford]

No, thanks. I had a drink with Count Cory before I came upstairs.

[Count Stephen K.]

Very well, monsieur.

[Dr. Solomon]

Monsieur's shaving water will be brought up in the morning if he requires it.

[Ned Whiteford]

Good night. Infernal old harpy. Trying to scare a fellow out of his wits to just because. Well, feel a good fire anyway. I didn't realize how cold it was.

[Count Stephen K.]

What's that?

[Ileana]

It's I. Ileana. May I come in?

[Ned Whiteford]

No, Iliana, I. I don't want you exposed to whatever it is.

[Ileana]

Ned, listen. Are you going to bed or are you going to sit up all night?

[Ned Whiteford]

I'm going to sit up all night, naturally.

[Ileana]

Then let me sit up with you.

[Count Stephen K.]

No.

[Ileana]

Why not?

[Ned Whiteford]

First, because it may be dangerous. Second, because I promised your uncle I'd go through this alone.

[Ileana]

Oh, I wish you hadn't had that drink with him.

[Ned Whiteford]

Couldn't have done anything to it. You poured it.

[Ileana]

Yes, that's true. Only.

[Ned Whiteford]

It was only one of the dogs.

[Ileana]

No. Sounded like somebody walking inside the wall of this room. Don't you hear it?

[Ned Whiteford]

By George, it is somebody walking inside the wall. You find that tapestry, Liana. Quick.

[Ileana]

Hurry.

[Count Stephen K.]

All right.

[Ned Whiteford]

Come. Corey. Where did you come from?

[Count Stephen K.]

Forgive me, my boy, for seeming to appear out of the wall and between the tapestries. Like Mephisto appearing to Faust. This red dressing gown perhaps adds to the effect.

[Ned Whiteford]

How did you get here? A passage between the walls.

[Count Stephen K.]

Exactly. A little device of my ancestors for visiting this room when its occupants are so unmanly as to bolt the door.

[Ned Whiteford]

The door is not bold that you could have walked straight in.

[Count Stephen K.]

But I could not have done it unobserved.

[Ned Whiteford]

No, maybe not.

[Count Stephen K.]

Have you had any other visitors, my boy? No. You're sure of that?

[Ned Whiteford]

Quite sure.

[Count Stephen K.]

And since nobody saw me come here. Just sit down by the fire. Please. Sit opposite me.

[Ned Whiteford]

Is this the showdown, sir?

[Count Stephen K.]

I don't understand you.

[Ned Whiteford]

There's got to be a showdown between us. Is that why you're here?

[Count Stephen K.]

I am here, young man, to explain certain things to you. We can have a cigarette. I'm not doped. That's what you're afraid of.

[Ned Whiteford]

I'll have one. Yes.

[Narrator]

Good.

[Count Stephen K.]

Right.

[Ned Whiteford]

Thank you.

[Count Stephen K.]

When I was discussing the witch cult a while ago, you did not appear to think I meant what I said.

[Ned Whiteford]

You want a perfectly frank answer to that?

[Count Stephen K.]

Yes.

[Ned Whiteford]

I think you're mad enough to mean anything.

[Count Stephen K.]

What you say, in a sense, is quite true. In an old and inbred family like ours, the mind can crack and the fantasies of witchcraft become as real, more real than the living world. Let me give you an example. Go on. The saucer on the table beside you is Ming Fossil. It was once owned by Katherine Corey, a martyr of the old religion. Yet you're using it as an ashtray.

[Ned Whiteford]

I beg the witch lady's pardon. I'll blow off the ash.

[Count Stephen K.]

A dangerous remark, sir. Don't you understand that to a sick brain which knows but can't help itself, you have profaned this room merely by entering it. Therefore, you deserve to die.

[Ned Whiteford]

Like the Bishop of Tours?

[Count Stephen K.]

Exactly.

[Ned Whiteford]

You're not going to tell me the devil killed him.

[Count Stephen K.]

The devil's agent may be flesh and blood.

[Ned Whiteford]

Then it was murder.

[Count Stephen K.]

Of course it was murder. Murder so cunningly contrived that no one ever saw through it.

[Ned Whiteford]

Go on.

[Count Stephen K.]

I asked you before to use your detective wits on this problem. Incense was burned in this room? Why?

[Ned Whiteford]

Suppose you tell me.

[Count Stephen K.]

Obviously, I think to conceal something else which would be too easily noticed.

[Ned Whiteford]

To conceal what?

[Count Stephen K.]

The smell of chloroform.

[Ned Whiteford]

Chloroform?

[Count Stephen K.]

Yes, a drug not well understood by layman. Dr. Solomon was using chloroform this afternoon to dispose of some drugs.

[Ned Whiteford]

So I've heard.

[Count Stephen K.]

Dr. Solomon. Oh, and forgetful.

[Ned Whiteford]

You mean chloroform could be stolen?

[Count Stephen K.]

It could be. Easily. Now suppose, just suppose I take a pad saturated with chloroform. I place it over the mouth and nostrils of a man already sleeping or drugged so that he gets no other way.

[Ned Whiteford]

Wait a minute. That won't do.

[Count Stephen K.]

Why not?

[Ned Whiteford]

Chloroform burns and blisters when it touches the skin. You'd leave mark.

[Count Stephen K.]

Not at all, my friend, not at all. As I first covered the mouth and nostrils with some substance like ointment. You're waking up. I now observe what follows. In a few seconds, unconsciousness. In two minutes, three minutes, certain death. Yes, but chloroform, it evaporates. Delay your post mortem for 24 hours. The very easy matter in these country districts. And no trace remains in the blood. Murder without a mark, my friend. Murder without a mark.

[Ned Whiteford]

There's just one thing you're forgetting, Count Corey.

[Count Stephen K.]

What's that?

[Ned Whiteford]

I'm not sleeping and I'm not drugged.

[Count Stephen K.]

Oh, yes, you are.

[Ned Whiteford]

In the cigarette.

[Count Stephen K.]

No, in the drink you had with me.

[Ned Whiteford]

What was it?

[Narrator]

Morphine?

[Count Stephen K.]

You've had enough to put three men to sleep. That's a try to get up.

[Ned Whiteford]

I'll try and I'll do it.

[Count Stephen K.]

You've knocked over the fire iron. You'd have been in the fire yourself if I hadn't caught you.

[Ned Whiteford]

Take your hands off me.

[Count Stephen K.]

Just as you please.

[Ned Whiteford]

If I can reach that bell.

[Count Stephen K.]

Poop. Let's sit down again.

[Ned Whiteford]

You murdering lunatic. So that's how you kill the Bishop of Tours. And that's how you're going to kill me. I?

[Count Stephen K.]

You don't think I killed the Bishop of Tours? Didn't you, you young fool? I'm not trying to kill you. I'm trying to save you. Dr. Solomon, come out from behind that secret door. Come out and be my witness.

[Dr. Solomon]

Yes, yes, monsieur. I shall always guard the family honor, even when I guess how men die.

[Count Stephen K.]

This young man evidently thinks I've been talking about myself. Am I, in the popular parlance, mad?

[Dr. Solomon]

Oh, heaven forbid, monsieur. I have never known a saner man.

[Count Stephen K.]

Have you any notion, Mr. Whitefoot, why I brought you to this house? You would not have believed me. If I had merely told you so. I had to bring you here and show you.

[Ned Whiteford]

Show me what?

[Count Stephen K.]

Come out from there.

[Narrator]

Please.

[Count Stephen K.]

Come out.

[Ned Whiteford]

Ileana.

[Count Stephen K.]

Why have I kept Ileana so well guarded from the world? Why, at a fancy dress bowl, did I object to the costume of a medieval witch whose dogs were poisoned so that chloroform should be brought? Who poured you the drink drugged with morphine?

[Ned Whiteford]

The devil's name. What are you trying to tell me?

[Count Stephen K.]

Ileana has been hopelessly insane for more than 10 years.

[Narrator]

And so ends my story, the Sleep of Death. A tale which may give uneasy moments to those of you who may be inclined to fall in love at first sight. Next week I shall tell you a story that many of you have asked me to tell Again. It's the adventure of an easygoing, straightforward New York detective who followed a beautiful murderous aspect to Port Said, the crossroads of crime. And who learn that duels are still fought with swords as well as with 38s. And so next week when I tell you this tale, I call the Dancer from Sambul. Will you join me, Dr. Fabian, here in my cabin B13.

[Dr. Fabian]

From cabin B13. CDS has brought you another strange and sinister tale of mystery and murder written by the world famous best selling author John Dixon Carr and directed by John Deetz. Arnold Moss is featured as Dr. Fabian. And in tonight's drama, Cliff Carpenter appeared as Ned Whiteford. Janice Gilbert played Ileana, and Peter Capel appeared as Count Corey. The music for cabin B13 is especially composed and conducted by Alfredo Antonini. Join us again next week, same time, Same station, for Dr. Fabian's tale, the Dancer from Stamboul. Just for fun, make a new Year's resolution to keep on listening to CBS on Sunday night next year. Otherwise you'll miss all the fun Jack Benny brings for next Sunday. January 2nd marks the day Jack moves here to CBS with all his crew, Mary Livingston, Bill Harris, Rochester, all the rest from next Sunday on the Jack Benny show will come to you exclusively over these CBS stations. The time, 7 o' clock Eastern standard time.