Creeps by Night 44-05-23 (14) The Strange Burial of Alexander Jordan

Summary

Creeps by Night: The Strange Burial of Alexander Jordan

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Creeps by Night 44-05-23 (14) – The Strange Burial of Alexander Jordan
Release Date: May 28, 2025

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Introduction

In this spine-chilling episode of Creeps by Night, listeners are transported to the eerie ambiance of the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by the enigmatic Dr. X, voiced by Edmund Gwen, the story delves deep into the psychological torment and sinister plans surrounding the impending death of Alexander Jordan. The narrative masterfully intertwines themes of fear, mistrust, and familial tension, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

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Plot Overview

The Strange Burial of Alexander Jordan centers around Alexander Jordan, an elderly landowner plagued by the terrifying fear of being mistakenly pronounced dead and buried alive during his recurring cataleptic fits. Determined to avoid a premature burial, Jordan devises meticulous plans with his trusted doctor, Dr. Rutledge, ensuring that every possible precaution is taken to confirm his death before burial.

As Jordan's health deteriorates, his two primary heirs emerge: his nephew Ramsay and his niece Martha. Tensions escalate when Ramsay reveals his ulterior motives to inherit the Jordan estate by eliminating Martha, either through overdose or other nefarious means. The plot thickens with the installation of a bell system designed to alert anyone if Jordan awakens post-burial, setting the stage for a suspense-filled climax.

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Character Breakdown

• Alexander Jordan (Gregory Morton): The aging patriarch haunted by the fear of premature burial. His meticulous nature drives the central conflict.
• Dr. Rutledge (Gregory Morton): Jordan's loyal physician, entrusted with ensuring Jordan's safety and executing his final wishes.
• Ramsay (Everett Sloan): Jordan's nephew, whose greed and manipulative tendencies make him a formidable antagonist.
• Martha (Abby Lewis): Jordan's niece, portrayed as innocent and trusting, inadvertently caught in Ramsay's sinister plans.
• Dr. X (Edmund Gwen): The mysterious narrator guiding listeners through the dark corridors of the human psyche.

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Key Scenes and Notable Quotes

1. Jordan's Fear and Precautions ([03:20] – [05:59])

   • Jordan: “...my greatest fear is that it won’t be death and they’ll bury me alive.” ([04:00])
   • Jordan: “I want a large brass bell placed on the wall over the bed where Ramsay and Martha sleep...” ([05:57])

   In these pivotal moments, Jordan articulates his deep-seated fear of premature burial, setting up the story's central tension.

2. Ramsay's Manipulation ([12:00] – [18:50])

   • Ramsay: “I was going to jab it through his black heart. I was going to make sure he will get her. And I’m still going to do it.” ([24:43])
   • Ramsay: “A man can drink it. Slop, that’s what it is.” ([17:32])

   Ramsay reveals his malevolent intentions, showcasing his willingness to go to extreme lengths for inheritance.

3. Climactic Confrontation ([21:35] – [25:09])

   • Ramsay: “I was going to jab it through his black heart... I’m still going to do it.” ([24:43])
   • Martha: “I must be sure.” ([17:26])

   The tension reaches its peak as Ramsay's true nature unfolds, leading to a gripping confrontation.

4. Final Twist and Resolution ([26:43] – [28:52])

   • Ramsay: “I'll never find you down here. No, no, you'll dry up and rot.” ([26:45])
   • Dr. X: “That was the strange burial of Alexander Jordan...” ([27:56])

   The story concludes with unforeseen twists that leave listeners pondering the thin line between life and death.

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Themes and Insights

• Fear of the Unknown: Jordan's anxiety about premature burial symbolizes a universal fear of the unknown aspects of death and the afterlife.
• Trust and Betrayal: The intricate relationship between Jordan, Martha, and Ramsay highlights themes of trust, betrayal, and the destructive nature of greed.
• Psychological Torment: The episode delves into the human psyche, exploring how fear can drive individuals to meticulous planning and dark actions.
• The Supernatural vs. Reality: While the story remains grounded in realistic fears, subtle hints at supernatural elements keep listeners questioning the true nature of the events.

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Conclusion

The Strange Burial of Alexander Jordan stands out as a testament to the gripping storytelling prowess of Creeps by Night. Through its layered characters, suspenseful plot, and profound themes, the episode not only entertains but also offers a deep dive into the complexities of human emotions and fears. As Dr. X guides listeners through this dark tale, the lingering questions about trust, mortality, and the lengths one might go to confront their deepest fears resonate long after the final moments of the broadcast.

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Closing Remarks

As Dr. X signs off, he tantalizes listeners with a preview of the next episode featuring Peter Laura, promising another exploration into the shadows of the human mind. The meticulous production, coupled with evocative performances by the cast, ensures that Creeps by Night remains a staple for enthusiasts of classic radio horror and psychological thrillers.

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Produced by Robert Maxwell. Original music composed by Paul Creston and conducted by Joseph Stilpack. Featuring Edmund Gwen (Dr. X), Everett Sloan (Alexander Jordan), Abby Lewis (Martha), and Gregory Morton (Dr. Rutledge). Special thanks to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for their support.

Transcript

[Robert Maxwell]

We bring you Creeps By Night. Tonight, once again, we introduce the man who has agreed to serve as your guide and companion on these sometimes terrifying pilgrimages into the world beyond the realm of human understanding. The man who, for reasons that cannot be presently explained, must keep his identity a secret. Creeps by Night brings you its anonymous master of mystery, Dr. X.

[Everett Sloan]

Good evening.

[Edmund Gwen]

This is Dr. X joining with you for further research into the shadowy darkness of the unexplored, the darkness of the human mind. I wish first, however, to thank you for your letters commenting on last week's broadcast, the Walking Dead. Many of you requested that I reveal my identity and a few of you hazarded a guess as to who I am. In due time, perhaps, I will be able to step out from under my cloak of mystery. But for the present, I ask you to bear with me, since I shall have to be known only as Dr. X. Tonight. I have a rare treat in store for you, Mr. Edmund Gwen, the celebrated English actor, is our guest. The story I have chosen is drawn from the casebook of medical science and concerns itself with the often ghastly power of fear. Yes, we are all slaves to fear in one form or another. But the fear that forms the basis for our dramatization tonight is undoubtedly the most horrible of them all. It is the fear of. But wait. Let me draw aside the curtain and bring you Mr. Edmund Gwen as Ramsay in the strange burial of Alexander Jordan. For more than a century, the old Jordan house has stood on a gentle slope, mistress of the surrounding 400 acres of birch woods and pasture lands. And now, inevitably, death seems near to the last of the strong men who have always owned it. Aged, irascible Alexander Jordan in his faded, musty bedroom. The shades are drawn against the hot morning sun, and in the half darkness, his pale, hollow cheeks blend into the color of the pillowcase. He stirs as the door opens and his doctor enters.

[Gregory Morton]

That you, Rutledge?

[Everett Sloan]

Yes.

[Gregory Morton]

Come in and sit down. Close the door.

[Robert Maxwell]

What's the trouble?

[Gregory Morton]

Alex had one of my cataleptic fits last night. A bad one. I'm going to die pretty soon, Lutridge.

[Robert Maxwell]

Suppose you let me do the guessing.

[Gregory Morton]

Don't interrupt. I'm not afraid to die, mind you, I've never told anyone this, but my greatest fear is that it won't be death and they'll bury me alive.

[Robert Maxwell]

Oh, I think we can be pretty sure if it comes to that.

[Gregory Morton]

Don't be so positive. 38 years ago, a young butcher who called himself a doctor pronounced me dead when I had a cataleptic fit. He got me buried, too. If I hadn't come out of it on time.

[Robert Maxwell]

That was 38 years ago.

[Gregory Morton]

Could happen again, Rutledge. I don't care if I sound like an old fool. All my life that scared me. The idea of somebody mistaking one of those fits for death. The only nightmares I ever have. I wake up in a coffin. I put my hands up and I feel the lid there. Sometimes it's wood, sometimes it's cold glass, but there's no room to turn around. I put my hands down and I can feel the silk lining. They have me dressed in a swallow tail. They have a stiff collar on me. I reach up to tear it away. I can't breathe. I have to have air. Panic grips me. I try to shout, but no one can hear me. I beat on the carpet leg with my fists. I try to break the glass, but I can't do it. I haven't enough room. And pretty soon I know that I'm dying, really dying in the cold horror of the grave because somebody mistook one of my cataleptic fits for death. I don't want that to happen, Rutledge. And that's why I called you.

[Robert Maxwell]

Oh, you're just getting worked up over nothing.

[Gregory Morton]

Alice, listen to me. When the day comes and my nephew Ramsay or his wife Martha calls you, I want nobody but you to come, Rutledge. I don't want any other doctor to pronounce me dead. Is that clear?

[Robert Maxwell]

Don't worry.

[Gregory Morton]

I want you to go over me very carefully. If you are absolutely satisfied that I'm dead, you can go ahead with the funeral. But I don't want my body embalmed. I don't want anything done to me except to put me in a coffin. I'm getting a lawyer here to write all this down this afternoon, Rutledge. But I wanted you to hear it, too. I want my coffin put in the vault down by the birch woods. That's why I built the vault right on this property. So that nobody would ever bury me underground. All right.

[Robert Maxwell]

It'll be done just as you said.

[Gregory Morton]

Now, wait a minute. I missed it. This is the most important part. I want a large brass bell placed on the wall over the bed where Ramsay and Martha sleep. I want wires connected from that bell to the vault. Electric wires?

[Robert Maxwell]

What for?

[Gregory Morton]

I want a push button attached to the ends of those wires. And I want the button placed in my hands as I lie in the coffin. So that in case I'm not dead, in case I awaken, I can ring the Bell and let them know.

[Robert Maxwell]

Well, I must say, Alex, I don't.

[Gregory Morton]

Care what you say. I don't care what anyone says. That's the way I want it.

[Robert Maxwell]

All right, Alex. That's the way you'll get it.

[Gregory Morton]

Hand and make sure I do.

[Robert Maxwell]

Well, I've got to run over to the Pritchards. Nor is having another baby taking that digitalis faithfully.

[Gregory Morton]

Yeah, foolishness. But I'm taking.

[Robert Maxwell]

That's good. Goodbye, Alex. Get out and soak up some of that sunshine. I'll see you Thursday.

[Gregory Morton]

Send Martha in.

[Robert Maxwell]

Lone all.

[Everett Sloan]

Just a minute there, Dr. Rutledge.

[Robert Maxwell]

Oh, hello, Ramsey.

[Everett Sloan]

I'd like to know why you came this morning, Doctor.

[Robert Maxwell]

I came because I was sent for.

[Everett Sloan]

Why doesn't somebody tell me when the doctor's been sent for? Is my uncle all right?

[Robert Maxwell]

He's not dead. That's what you want to know. Not quite yet. See that he keeps on taking that prescription I left. He wants to see your wife alone, Martha. You heard me. Goodbye, Ramsay. I know the way out without your help.

[Everett Sloan]

Goodbye, Dr. Rutledge. Martha, wipe your hands. He wants to see you.

[Abby Lewis]

What did you say, dear?

[Everett Sloan]

I said wipe your hands. He wants to see you.

[Abby Lewis]

Is the doctor still in there? Is he all right?

[Everett Sloan]

The doctor's gone. He wants you in there alone.

[Abby Lewis]

Oh, for goodness sake. Now what?

[Everett Sloan]

Just a minute. Why is he asking to see you alone?

[Abby Lewis]

Why, Ramsay? How should I know?

[Everett Sloan]

Something's up. Rutledge was in there a long time. Why wasn't I told he was sent for?

[Abby Lewis]

Why he. Well, you were in the fields this morning when he asked me to call the doctor.

[Everett Sloan]

Next time, you tell me when he's sent for. Before. Listen, when you get in there, watch what you say.

[Abby Lewis]

Why, Ramsay, I don't know what you mean.

[Everett Sloan]

You know very well what I mean. Just listen and don't babble. He mightn't like my ideas about what to do with this place after he's dead. Go on in there now. You've already wiped your hands six times.

[Abby Lewis]

Yes, Ramsay, dear. You want me, Uncle Alex?

[Gregory Morton]

Yes. Come in and shut the door. Martha.

[Abby Lewis]

Yes, Uncle Alex? Was the coffee all right this morning?

[Gregory Morton]

Yes, fine, Ms. Ramsey.

[Abby Lewis]

He's. He's in the kitchen.

[Gregory Morton]

Sit down, Martha. Yes, Uncle Alec want to talk to you. Martha, Lawyer Gaines will be here sometime this afternoon to fix up my will.

[Abby Lewis]

Oh, Uncle Alec.

[Gregory Morton]

Got a feeling my time is drawing near, Martha. And I just want to make sure that worthless nephew of mine doesn't get his hands on the Jordan place. Whatever made you marry him, Martha? Never mind none of my business, but I could have told you he was no good. Never has been. I wouldn't trust him with the farm. He'd sell it before my body turned cold. But I trust you, Martha.

[Abby Lewis]

Thank you, Uncle Alice.

[Everett Sloan]

Yes?

[Gregory Morton]

I've thought it all over. I'm going to leave the place to you. At least you'll have a roof over your head and some land you can call your own. You like it here, don't you?

[Abby Lewis]

Oh, yes, I do. I'd be perfectly happy to stay here the rest of my life.

[Gregory Morton]

That's fine, because it's going to be yours.

[Robert Maxwell]

All of it.

[Abby Lewis]

Oh, Uncle Alice, you make me more cry.

[Gregory Morton]

No, no, none of that.

[Abby Lewis]

I'm sorry.

[Gregory Morton]

There's one more thing, Martha. One important thing.

[Abby Lewis]

Yes, uncle alec?

[Gregory Morton]

I've given Dr. Rutledge some very careful instructions about my burial.

[Abby Lewis]

Oh, please, Uncle Alex.

[Gregory Morton]

Nothing to be afraid of, Martha. When it comes, it'll come, and that's all. Rutledge knows what to do. He'll tell you. And I want you to promise me that you follow the instructions.

[Abby Lewis]

Yes, of course, Uncle Alex. On my word of honor, as God is my witness.

[Gregory Morton]

Thank you, Martha. By Job, you've made me feel a good deal better knowing I have someone around I can trust. Matter of fact, I think I'll get up for supper tonight. Tell Ramsay to come in and help me dress after Lawyer Gaines leaves. Tell him I don't want him in here before then.

[Abby Lewis]

Yes, Uncle Alex.

[Gregory Morton]

And don't breathe a word about this to Ramsay.

[Abby Lewis]

I won't. If you need anything, Uncle Alex, call me.

[Robert Maxwell]

Yes, I will. Oh, what did the old buzzard want?

[Abby Lewis]

His lawyer's coming this afternoon. Here to go in and help him dress after the lawyer leaves.

[Everett Sloan]

He's having supper at the table?

[Abby Lewis]

Yes. Bring in one of the special hams. I'll bake it with pineapple.

[Everett Sloan]

Did it take you 10 minutes in there to decide on baked ham with pineapple for supper?

[Abby Lewis]

What we decided is none of your business.

[Everett Sloan]

What do you mean, what you decided?

[Abby Lewis]

I said it was none of your business. Better get out and feed the chickens.

[Everett Sloan]

When did you start giving me orders?

[Abby Lewis]

Oh, go on. Out of my kitchen. I've got work to do.

[Everett Sloan]

What did you talk about in there?

[Abby Lewis]

Ramsey, you're hurting my arm.

[Everett Sloan]

I'll hurt more than Beck before I'm through. What's the lawyer coming for?

[Abby Lewis]

Would you like me to tell him you haven't fed chickens yet?

[Everett Sloan]

Something suddenly made you awfully cocky, it seems to me. Tell me what it is right now, Ramsay. Tell me. I Said Ramsay.

[Gregory Morton]

Let go of her, Ramsey.

[Everett Sloan]

I was only. Get out of the house before I lose my chipper. Go on, kid. I'm going.

[Gregory Morton]

If this ever happens again, Martha, you let me know.

[Abby Lewis]

Yes, Uncle Alex. But you shouldn't have gotten out of bed this way.

[Gregory Morton]

Oh, don't worry about me, Martha. I'm all right.

[Everett Sloan]

Bacon and eggs for his breakfast?

[Abby Lewis]

And why not? Did you fix the fence post over on the west pasture?

[Everett Sloan]

Never mind the fence post. Give me that tray.

[Abby Lewis]

You tend to your own business. I'll take the tray into him. Your breakfast, Uncle Alec. Hmm. That's funny. Uncle Alec.

[Everett Sloan]

Uncle Alex.

[Abby Lewis]

Oh, my lord.

[Everett Sloan]

Francie. Oh, Dr. Lutri.

[Abby Lewis]

Francis.

[Robert Maxwell]

I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he have everlasting life. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.

[Everett Sloan]

What's the matter with Martha, Doctor?

[Robert Maxwell]

The funeral was evidently too much for her. I gave her a sedative and put her to bed upstairs. Where's the undertaker?

[Everett Sloan]

Down at the vault with the electrician. They're waiting for you so we can close the coffin. Of all the stupid things. He's dead, isn't he?

[Robert Maxwell]

Yes, but we're observing his wishes to the letter.

[Everett Sloan]

Brass bells and electric push buttons rot.

[Robert Maxwell]

Perhaps it is. That's how he wanted it. And incidentally, as administrator of the estate, let me remind you that according to the terms of the will, either you or Martha must remain within earshot of that bell upstairs for seven days. You understand that?

[Everett Sloan]

Yes. To my life. I'm beholden to a woman.

[Robert Maxwell]

That you could do worse, Ramsay. This is a nice place. I wish it were mine.

[Everett Sloan]

If I had my way, you could bite in a minute.

[Robert Maxwell]

Well, that's neither here nor there. See that Martha gets some rest. I left a bottle of medicine on the small table beside the bed. She's to take it according to directions if she has trouble sleeping.

[Everett Sloan]

Good Lord. What's that?

[Robert Maxwell]

Her uncle wanted a bell loud enough to be heard.

[Gregory Morton]

Except.

[Robert Maxwell]

Certainly got it. The undertaker or the electrician at the crib. Touch the push button.

[Gregory Morton]

Dancy.

[Everett Sloan]

Dancing.

[Gregory Morton]

Good Lord.

[Edmund Gwen]

I forgot.

[Robert Maxwell]

The bell hung right above the bed.

[Everett Sloan]

Where she was asleep. Come on. Oh, Nancy.

[Abby Lewis]

Dr. Rutledge. Sit down.

[Robert Maxwell]

It doesn't mean anything. Martha, don't be frightened.

[Abby Lewis]

Oh, thank goodness. I was asleep. It hit me like a blow. When it rains. I couldn't even move.

[Everett Sloan]

I felt paralyzed, like in a dream.

[Robert Maxwell]

There, there. That's all right. Go on back to bed. Fall asleep again with the stuff I gave you. The bell Won't ring anymore. I'll go right on down to the vault and see if the cotton's closed. Get her back in the bed, Ramsey, and let her have another teaspoonful of that medicine tonight.

[Everett Sloan]

You just get over to the vault and stop there, monkey. I'll tend to her.

[Robert Maxwell]

See that you do. And remember, don't leave this place for seven days.

[Everett Sloan]

Oh, what's the use?

[Abby Lewis]

Is it morning? No, thank you. Go to sleep.

[Everett Sloan]

No.

[Abby Lewis]

I. I must be sure.

[Everett Sloan]

You've got things your own way, Dawn. Sleep. Don't mind me. I'm just a hired man around here. Just a hired man? Can't you at least make a cup of coffee? A man can drink it. Slop, that's what it is. Filthy slop.

[Abby Lewis]

I haven't been able to get into town and get anything fresh, Ramsay, and you know it. It's just that you're nervous and not sleeping.

[Everett Sloan]

I'll drive it to town.

[Abby Lewis]

No, Ramsay. We've still got five days to go.

[Everett Sloan]

Four clock. Why can't I sleep? Why three nights of it now. Three nights with that bell hanging over my head. Oh, Martha, you asleep? It must be that stuff worth lich gave her. I'll take some. I can't stand it any longer. I. Now maybe. Maybe I'll sleep. I tell you, Martha, there's only one thing to do with the place. Sell it.

[Abby Lewis]

You're wasting your time, Ramsay. I will not sell it. I'm not getting any younger. I want a roof over my head. That's what Uncle Alex intended.

[Everett Sloan]

But now's the time to sell farmers. We can get a good price to begin with.

[Abby Lewis]

Ramsay, it doesn't even belong to me.

[Everett Sloan]

Well, it will have two more days, won't it?

[Abby Lewis]

Yes, if that bell doesn't ring. Oh.

[Everett Sloan]

Oh, I got to sleep tonight. It's. It's not last night. Tomorrow the place is ours. I'll take some of that medicine that worked before.

[Abby Lewis]

I won't. I won't. I will.

[Everett Sloan]

Talking in her sleep. She's dreaming. Having a nightmare. Too much of this dope, maybe. You must wake up, Martha. She is dead to the world. The stuff Ruggins gave her must be powerful. That gives me an idea.

[Abby Lewis]

Don't trust you, then. No, I did.

[Everett Sloan]

You won't have to trust me much longer, you dried up old fool. Let's have a look at this model. I guess it's all right to turn the lamp on. She won't wake up. There. Now let's see what the label says. Maximum dose. 1 teaspoonful every 12 hours.

[Gregory Morton]

Caution.

[Everett Sloan]

Overdosing may be fatal. Overdosing may be fatal. Eh?

[Abby Lewis]

Sound.

[Everett Sloan]

We'll see about this. Maximum dose. One teaspoonful. I shall put three in her coffee tomorrow morning. She'd never know the difference. That stale coffee's bitter as gore anywhere, and that inflicts everything. Yes. I'm her only relative. If she dies, I get the place. Why didn't I think of this before? Why did I wait six days and nights with that bell hanging over my head? Why did I?

[Gregory Morton]

Lord.

[Everett Sloan]

Good Lord. Am I dreaming?

[Robert Maxwell]

No.

[Everett Sloan]

No, it can't be.

[Gregory Morton]

It can't.

[Abby Lewis]

Stop.

[Everett Sloan]

Stop it.

[Gregory Morton]

Ringing.

[Abby Lewis]

Sandy.

[Everett Sloan]

Ramsey. The bell. I can hear it, you fool. Quick.

[Abby Lewis]

Ramsey.

[Everett Sloan]

Stay where you are. I'll stop it.

[Abby Lewis]

Ramsay, what did you do?

[Everett Sloan]

What do you think I did?

[Abby Lewis]

The wires. You pulled out the wires.

[Everett Sloan]

Get back into bed.

[Abby Lewis]

Are you out of your mind? The key to the vault.

[Everett Sloan]

Where is it? What?

[Abby Lewis]

The key. Uncle Alex must be.

[Everett Sloan]

You're crazy.

[Abby Lewis]

He rang the bell, didn't he?

[Everett Sloan]

You were dreaming.

[Gregory Morton]

Get back to.

[Abby Lewis]

Give me that false key, Ramsay. Give it to me.

[Everett Sloan]

Now take it easy.

[Abby Lewis]

Don't stand there telling me to take it easy. Uncle Alex may be fighting for breath. Breathing?

[Everett Sloan]

About the coffin.

[Abby Lewis]

Get the key.

[Everett Sloan]

All right, all right. I'll go down now.

[Abby Lewis]

I'll go with you.

[Everett Sloan]

Doesn't need two people. Just let me get into my clothes.

[Abby Lewis]

I don't trust you, Alex.

[Everett Sloan]

You've got no right to say a thing like that. Martha, what difference does it make to me whether Alex is alive or dead? I don't stand again. Anything. He left the Jordan place to you.

[Robert Maxwell]

Ah.

[Everett Sloan]

Now, where did I put that key? Must be in this drawer.

[Abby Lewis]

Sorry, Randy.

[Everett Sloan]

I'm hurrying. There. Here it is.

[Abby Lewis]

You took something else out of that drawer, Rams.

[Everett Sloan]

I did not. Just the tea. What's the matter with you, anyway? Where am I feeling?

[Abby Lewis]

Under the bed. I'll be watching from the window. Ramsey, if Uncle Alice is alive, yell to me and I'll phone Dr. Rutledge.

[Everett Sloan]

There's a storm coming up. That wind's from the east. Now, let's see if this key fits. Fits all right, but. But it won't turn. Ah, here we are. Where's that light switch? Here it is. Yeah, that's better.

[Abby Lewis]

Phew.

[Everett Sloan]

Oh, it's foul in here. Even smells dead. There's the coffin. Hope they didn't screw down the lid. No, no. It comes right up. Yeah. He hasn't moved. He's dead. Yes. Just the way he was when they put him in there. With his hands folded over the bow button. He didn't ring that bell. Who did? Now I know.

[Robert Maxwell]

A storm.

[Everett Sloan]

Lightning shorted the wire. Sure that's what it was? It must have been. Still, I. I think I'd better make sure while I'm down here. Yes, Martha. Almost caught me taking this darning needle out of the drawer. I'll work it under his shirt and jab it through his heart. You're going to stay dead, Uncle Alex, no matter what happens. Something, Father. You followed me?

[Abby Lewis]

I told you I didn't trust you. What are you doing with that darning needle in your hand?

[Everett Sloan]

Nothing.

[Abby Lewis]

Get out of the way. Let me look at him.

[Everett Sloan]

Dead. Stone dead.

[Abby Lewis]

Who rang the bell?

[Everett Sloan]

How did I know? Maybe his ghost.

[Abby Lewis]

You were about to do something with that needle.

[Everett Sloan]

What? You really want to know? All right, I'll tell you. I was going to jab it through his black heart. I was going to make sure. He will get her. And I'm still going to do it.

[Abby Lewis]

Random. See? You're out with your mind.

[Everett Sloan]

Am I? We'll see.

[Abby Lewis]

Keep away from that coffin.

[Robert Maxwell]

Shut up.

[Abby Lewis]

Ask Queen Ramsay. The Fastians will hear me.

[Everett Sloan]

No, you won't.

[Abby Lewis]

Yes, I will. Help.

[Everett Sloan]

Help. Oh, so that's who it is. Wait till I close this door. Now scream your lungs out, Ramsay.

[Abby Lewis]

Don't do anything you'll regret.

[Everett Sloan]

Regret? That's not fair. Why waste this needle on old dead Alex? I might do much better using it on you. Jab into your heart, Ramsay. Why not? Then I get to own the place and sell it.

[Abby Lewis]

Ramsay, listen to me.

[Everett Sloan]

I listen to you plenty these last few weeks. Ever since he made you the high and mighty boss. But now it's my turn. Randy. I'll never find you down here. No, no, you'll dry up and rot. Just like he's rotting in that oven. No. Fainted before I could touch her. Wait a minute. That gives me an idea. There's a better way of doing it. Carry her up to the house. Pour that medicine down her throat. Give her an overdose. She'll be dead by morning and no one can put it on me. Oh, this is beautiful. Everything's working out fine. You're going to be rich by Miguel. Rich. Get the door open first and then. Lord. The key's on the outside and it's a snap lock. No, no. What am I going to do?

[Gregory Morton]

I'm locked in here.

[Everett Sloan]

Can't get out. The door has solid open, 6 inches thick. There are no windows nowhere. Well, the push button's in his hands. I keep ringing. Yes. Sooner or later someone will hear it. There yeah, they should do it. The questions or the matas they're bounded here it can investigate. I'll keep bringing it all night while I. Oh no. Myers. Wires in the break room I rip them out the bell won't ring. Look out. A trap attracted here A trap threat.

[Edmund Gwen]

That was the strange burial of Alexander Jordan starring Mr. Edmund Gwen. For our next exploration into the darkness of the human mind, I have invited the celebrated exponent of the mysterio, Peter Laura to be our guest. So join with us when once again we raise the shadowy curtain of the unknown and look deep into the souls of men. Until then, this is your master of mystery, Dr. X, leaving you with Creeps by Night.

[Robert Maxwell]

Creeps by Night is produced by Robert Maxwell. Original music composed by Paul Creston. Conducted by Joseph Stilpack. Supporting Mr. Gwen in tonight's presentation were Everett Sloan as Alexander Jordan, Abby Lewis as Martha, Gregory Morton as Dr. Rutledge and Dr. X as himself. Edmund Gwen appeared to be courtesy of Metro golden Mayer, whose 20 year anniversary picture, the white clips of Dover is currently being released. George G. Speaking. This is the Blue Network.