Diary of Fate - Edward Matthews

Summary

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Episode Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

"Diary of Fate - Edward Matthews"

Date: May 9, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Featured Golden Age Radio Play: "Diary of Fate"
Main Cast: Herbert Lytton, Virginia Gregg, Horace Murphy, Ray Erlenborn, Ivan Ditmarris, Hal Sawyer

Overview

This episode presents a classic installment of the "Diary of Fate," a morality-driven suspense anthology where Fate itself narrates the tragic downfall of Edward Matthews. This tale of temptation, greed, and the destructive power of “little things” dramatizes how innocuous incidents can escalate into life-altering events. The story is steeped in noir fatalism, rich period dialogue, and the haunting sense that destiny is always watching.

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Key Discussions & Plot Points

The Hand of Fate & Introduction (00:36 – 03:40)

• Narrator (Fate) introduces the premise: Edward Matthews, a failed farmer, leaves the land for the city with his wife Ida but falls on hard times. Desperation sets him on a path toward “a decision for evil.”
  • “Fate plays no favorites. It could happen to you.” (00:36, Narrator)
• Fate’s narration highlights the role of trivial events—like a broken bottle and a forgotten jack—in shaping Edward’s destiny.

From Hope to Desperation: The Matthews' Hard Luck (04:22 – 07:12)

• Edward and Ida argue about selling their farm and how city life didn’t work out. Tension rises as their car gets a flat from a broken bottle, and Ida has forgotten the jack.
  • “The world's full of stupid people, Ida…” (05:32, Edward Matthews)
• They seek help at a farmhouse and meet Cyrus Blake, a farmer who offers them a meal and ultimately work.

Opportunity Knocks—But Fate Watches (08:03 – 09:53)

• Edward witnesses Cyrus Blake hiding a black metal box—which Edward quickly suspects contains a fortune.
• Cyrus offers them steady work, reigniting Edward’s bitterness toward humble farm life and intensifying his desire for easy riches.

Plotting and Temptation: Seeds of Evil (11:01 – 13:42)

• Edward is fixated on the “black metal box.” Even as Ida tries to settle into the farming community, Edward resists, pushing her to remain isolated.
  • “I don't want anybody finding out too much about us.” (13:22, Edward Matthews)
• Ida is nervous about Edward’s schemes, but Edward is determined to steal Cyrus’s box.

Fateful Discovery and the Web Tightens (14:34 – 17:18)

• Edward finds the body of Luke Huggins, a former hand, apparently killed by a horse.
• Edward sees opportunity: They can bury the body and frame the crime on Luke, creating a perfect cover for their intended theft and murder.

Deceit and Deadly Plans (18:04 – 21:30)

• Edward manipulates events so the town sheriff believes Luke is a menace. They mask their real intentions as concern for the farm’s safety.
• Edward outlines the murder plan: kill Cyrus, steal the cash, and use Luke as a scapegoat, constructing an elaborate alibi where they appear to be victims.

The Murder & Faux Alibi (21:30 – 23:48)

• Edward kills Cyrus with a stove poker, hides the money, and sets up the staged scene: he’s tied to a chair, Ida locks herself in a closet, and the key is thrown into the wall.
  • “After we've hidden the money, you tie me up in that chair real tight… lock yourself in this closet. Drop the key inside the wall…” (20:18, Edward Matthews)
• The mood is tense and frantic as they rush to complete their plan before being discovered.

Fate’s Final Twist (25:54 – 27:15)

• A “little thing” spoils everything: Ida’s forgotten, lit cigarette sets the house on fire.
• Tied and locked in, Edward and Ida are helpless; their “perfect alibi” becomes their own trap and doom.
  • “Your cigarette, Ida. You left it burning.” (26:11, Edward Matthews)
  • “The essential in your evil scheme was that both you and your wife were helpless. That was to have been your alibi. And instead it was your death trap.” (27:15, Narrator)
• Justice is grimly poetic. Fate closes Edward’s entry—his destruction delivered by the same kind of overlooked triviality that started his descent.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Fate’s impartiality:
  “Fate plays no favorites. It could happen to you.” (00:36, Narrator)

• On farming and frustration:
  “A farm spells work and more work and nothing more.” (04:31, Edward Matthews)

• On the unraveling of the plan:
  “Your cigarette, Ida. You left it burning.” (26:11, Edward Matthews)

• On the climactic irony:
  “The essential in your evil scheme was that both you and your wife were helpless. That was to have been your alibi. And instead it was your death trap.” (27:15, Narrator)

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Timestamps for Major Plot Beats

• 00:36: Fate introduces Edward’s story
• 03:17: Edward and Ida begin scheming
• 05:07: The flat tire—the first "little thing"
• 08:03: Edward witnesses Cyrus hiding the money
• 13:22: Edward reveals determination to rob and kill
• 15:34: Discovery and concealment of Luke’s body
• 18:04: Edward crafts the perfect frame-up for murder
• 21:30: The murder of Cyrus Blake
• 23:10: The alibi set-up—Edward and Ida entrap themselves
• 25:54: Fate’s twist: a forgotten cigarette ignites the fatal fire
• 27:15: Fate's summation and the story's moral closure

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Tone & Style

Retaining the brooding, suspenseful, and fatalistic tone of Golden Age radio thrillers—where even the most harmless detail can become the instrument of doom—the episode delivers a classic moral: our choices, often guided (or derailed) by trivialities, are never immune to the reckoning of fate.

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Closing Reflection

“Diary of Fate - Edward Matthews” is a suspenseful cautionary tale, illustrating how greed, desperation, and disregard for small details can conspire to destroy. The story rewards listeners with not only high-tension drama but also a reminder that in the universe of “Fate,” there are no trivial moments—only the tools of destiny.

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Transcript

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[Narrator (Fate)]

The diary of faith. Fate plays no favorites. It could happen to you. Bulk83, page 227 in the diary of Faith. Yes, here it is. The name, Edward Matthews. Occupation, farmer. A universally respected endeavor, but frustrating to you, Edward, because it entailed hard work and no prospect of immediate wealth. You sold your farm and with your wife, Ida, left for the city, where you thought a man with money in his pockets could not fail. But again, you failed. Soon your money was gone and you were faced with a decision, and you chose for evil. And then I, fate intervened with little things. A broken bottle lying in the rut of a country road, a forgotten automobile Jack. A flat tire. Yes, they changed the whole course of your life. And now, Edward Matthews, because of those little things, your life will soon be destroyed. Soon it will be time for the final entry. Under the name Edward Matthews. When I have written, I will read from his record in the Diary of Faith. The life record of Edward Matthews now lies open before me, and for a brief moment, I fade to look ahead to a single instant of ultimate decision.

[Ida Matthews]

Oh, Ad. I. I'm afraid.

[Edward Matthews]

Well, don't be. Nothing can go wrong now. Here's what we'll do. Tonight, after the old man goes to bed, I'll sneak into his room, take care of him and get the money. Then we'll hide it outside under that big rock by the spring house.

[Ida Matthews]

You recognize you, Ed.

[Edward Matthews]

Now, Ida, he won't recognize me. He'll be dead.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Yes. In the life of Edward Matthews, a grim and ruthless decision was made. A decision for evil. It was then that I, faith, again began to employ the trivial, seemingly unimportant things that determined the inevitable outcome. It is ever thus. Trifles. Yes. Remember how it all started, Edward? You and your wife had left Crane City and were driving over a lonely country road in a secondhand car. You had fought with the last of your money.

[Ida Matthews]

That's the same, Ed. I think selling the farm was a mistake.

[Edward Matthews]

Why? Just because we had a little bad luck so far?

[Cyrus Blake]

No.

[Edward Matthews]

With the farm, we had a home

[Ida Matthews]

and a roof over our heads.

[Edward Matthews]

Look, Ida, a farm Spells, work and more work and nothing more.

[Ida Matthews]

And what about you? In Crane City, you worked every day and most of every night. Seeing people, talking, business, worrying, that's another story.

[Edward Matthews]

I made a mistake in Crane City. I trusted the wrong man, that's all.

[Ida Matthews]

I'm not crying for calico and a butter churn. I just think that farming's the thing you know best.

[Edward Matthews]

Ida. When we get to St. Louis and I'm underway with Roberts and his friends, you'll see things differently.

[Ida Matthews]

I thought you needed money before you could go into business with Mr. Roberts.

[Edward Matthews]

I. I need a decent steak, but that won't be hard to raise. Look, I'm no fool either. I know a good thing.

[Ida Matthews]

And look out that broken bottle.

[Edward Matthews]

Ed, watch out. Oh, flat?

[Narrator (Fate)]

Yes, Edward. A broken bottle in your pack. It was a little thing. And now you were stopped on a country road with a flat tire.

[Ida Matthews]

You would be stupid enough to throw a broken bottle into a wagon rush.

[Edward Matthews]

The world's full of stupid people. Ida, could you move the tools? I have the jack right here alongside the spare time.

[Ida Matthews]

I'm sorry, dear. In the confusion of packing, I must have taken it out and left it in the garage.

[Edward Matthews]

Oh, you're constantly forgetting things, darling.

[Ida Matthews]

I do try to be careful. Oh, look at a farmhouse. Maybe we can get help there.

[Edward Matthews]

Well, it's our only hope.

[Cyrus Blake]

Well, what are you wanting? Out. Oh, I'm sorry, stranger. I thought you were someone else.

[Edward Matthews]

Someone else, but not exactly a friend, though. Hardly.

[Cyrus Blake]

An old count named Luke Huggins. But my hired hands of yesterday had to run him off the place. Hunter, what can I do for you?

[Edward Matthews]

Well, I got a flat tire and I don't have a jack in my car.

[Cyrus Blake]

Well, I guess I can help you out all right.

[Edward Matthews]

Here.

[Cyrus Blake]

Alone?

[Edward Matthews]

No, my wife's with me in the car.

[Cyrus Blake]

I don't touch her. You might as well be comfortable in here. You folks hungry?

[Edward Matthews]

Well, yeah, now that you mention it. Guess it's been a good five hours since we had lunch. Look, we'll be glad to pay for it.

[Cyrus Blake]

Can your wife cook?

[Edward Matthews]

Certainly, Ken. She was raised on a farm.

[Ida Matthews]

Good.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Get her.

[Cyrus Blake]

I'm alone here now. I'm not much of a hand around the stove. I've got the food and you've got the cook. We should get along all right.

[Edward Matthews]

So you see, Mr. Blake, that was the last I had to do with farming.

[Cyrus Blake]

And you, Mrs. Mathis, how do you feel about your husband leaving the land?

[Ida Matthews]

I. I don't know, Mr. Blake. Except Ed.

[Cyrus Blake]

Well, I'll admit you'll never be a Millionaire until in the land, even with tractors and the like. But I don't know of many hungry farmers either.

[Ida Matthews]

You see, Ed, we may not get

[Edward Matthews]

rich, but don't mind that Mr. Blake isn't interested in our personal problems.

[Cyrus Blake]

You're wrong, young man. I am interested.

[Edward Matthews]

What do you mean?

[Cyrus Blake]

Well, you see, I need help. I need a man in the fields. And Mrs. Matthews can take care of the house for me and I can pay.

[Edward Matthews]

Well, all right, all right. So, deal?

[Narrator (Fate)]

Yes, Edward, because of little things, the broken bottle and the forgotten jack, you now had an opportunity to return to farming the work you knew best. But an hour later, as you walked through the dimly lighted hall towards Cyrus Blake's room, you thought only of St. Louis and Mr. Roberts and the easy riches that awaited you if you had the initial investment. You were about to knock on the half open door when you saw something. Something that routed you to your tracks. In the half shadows of his room, Cyrus Blake was hiding a small metal box behind some loose bricks of the fireplace. Quickly you retraced your steps in silence until you were yards from the bedroom. Then you approached again. Noisy.

[Edward Matthews]

Mr. Blake.

[Cyrus Blake]

Oh, it's you. Yes, sir.

[Edward Matthews]

Thought I'd check with you about the morning chores. May I come in?

[Cyrus Blake]

Yes, yes, of course.

[Edward Matthews]

Thank you, Mr. Blake. Now, sir, about tomorrow.

[Cyrus Blake]

You're pretty sly, aren't you? Sly?

[Edward Matthews]

Why, what do you mean, Mr. Blake?

[Cyrus Blake]

Coming in here this way your first day on the job. Oh.

[Edward Matthews]

Oh, I see what you mean. Sort of, well, polishing the apple a bit, isn't it?

[Cyrus Blake]

Yeah, that's it. But I was just joking with you, Ed. I'm glad to see your anxious get going.

[Edward Matthews]

Yes, sir, I am anxious to get going.

[Cyrus Blake]

Hello there.

[Ida Matthews]

Good morning.

[Edward Matthews]

Hello. Morning, folks.

[Narrator (Fate)]

My Name's Tuttle.

[Ida Matthews]

Oh, Mr. Tuttle, the sheriff. Mr. Blake mentioned that you'd be here early.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Yeah, rain or shine. I missed it. Four to 10 years, see? I'm sure posting it too.

[Edward Matthews]

Well, glad to know you, Mr. Tuttle. I'm Eddie Matthews and this is my wife, Ida. We've gone to work for Mr. Blight.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Yeah, glad to hear that. I'm certain you're going to work out better in that there blue curtains.

[Edward Matthews]

What was he like, Sheriff?

[Narrator (Fate)]

He's bad, mister. Strong enough to do the work of three men. He's a bad one.

[Ida Matthews]

Where is he now?

[Narrator (Fate)]

It's hard to see. Probably up the hill some days.

[Ida Matthews]

Oh, do you think he'll come back here? Trouble for Mr. Blake or sir? Huh?

[Narrator (Fate)]

It's hard to say, ma'.

[Cyrus Blake]

Am.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Being sorry so I Get something fierce for Luke. Lift.

[Edward Matthews]

Well, I'll keep my eyes open, Sheriff. Oh, is that the mail for Mr. Blake?

[Narrator (Fate)]

Yeah, just some papers and magazine. Here you are.

[Edward Matthews]

Thanks, Sheriff. See you folks tomorrow, I reckon.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Very glad you're going to be with us.

[Cyrus Blake]

Bye now. Bye, Sheriff.

[Ida Matthews]

Ed, I'm shocking to that. That loose fellow.

[Edward Matthews]

Don't worry, Ida. I don't think we'll be around here too long.

[Ida Matthews]

What? Why, Ed, only a minute ago you said things were all right, that we wouldn't be running off.

[Cyrus Blake]

And we won't be either.

[Edward Matthews]

Not for a while, anyway. Not before I can get my hands on Cyrus Blake's throw.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Yes, Edward Matthews, you had made your decision. A decision for evil. And even as you chose, a plan was set in motion. And the end for you was certain. Soon there would be no turning back. And soon I would be able to record your final entry in the Diary of Faith. Yes, Edward. Because of a broken bottle in your path, you stopped at the farm of Cyrus Blake. And now it was transformed into a place of golden opportunity. For you had caught sight of a black metal box, a box being hidden by old Cyrus behind the bricks of the fireplace in his bedroom. And you decided then and there to have that box and its contents. Even two days later, as Ida chattered about an invitation she had received, you could think of nothing else.

[Ida Matthews]

Mrs. Todd and Mrs. Molson seem like very nice ladies. Don't you think so? Is.

[Edward Matthews]

Oh. Oh, yes.

[Ida Matthews]

They told me all about the church activities and made me promise to come and bring you to the social next week. Do you think we can go ahead?

[Edward Matthews]

Huh? Go where?

[Ida Matthews]

To the church social in town next week. We've got invited.

[Edward Matthews]

Listen, Ida, I don't want you to have anything to do with the people around here.

[Ida Matthews]

But, Ed Little nice and friendly.

[Edward Matthews]

Yeah, well, we don't need any friends here. I don't want anybody finding out too much about us.

[Ida Matthews]

Now, what do you mean by that?

[Edward Matthews]

Look, when you and the old man were out in the chicken yard this morning, I sneaked a look in that tin box of his. And just like I figured, it's full of money. Big bills. I'm gonna get that money, Ida.

[Ida Matthews]

Oh, Ed, please. We'd be caught, sure.

[Edward Matthews]

No, we won't. I'll take care of that.

[Ida Matthews]

What are you gonna do?

[Edward Matthews]

I don't know yet. Well, I'll figure it out. Something will happen and give us a chance, he'll say. We'll just keep waiting until the right time.

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[Narrator (Fate)]

The chance you were waiting for came much sooner than you expected, Edward. The very next afternoon you had gone to the little pasture at the far corner of the farm to check the fences. And there, half hidden under a stack of straw, you found something that sent the blood pounding through your veins. You ran back to the house and found. Ida.

[Edward Matthews]

Ida.

[Ida Matthews]

Ida. I'm here. What's the matter?

[Edward Matthews]

Where's the old man?

[Ida Matthews]

I don't know. I suppose he's taking his nap. Right.

[Edward Matthews]

Good. Come on with me. I think I've got the answer to all our problems, Ida. And it's down there in that corner pasture.

[Ida Matthews]

What did you find down here that's so important?

[Edward Matthews]

You'll see. Now wait til I move back this straw there.

[Ida Matthews]

Oh, it's a man. Who's Ed? Oh, Ed, who is it?

[Edward Matthews]

It's Luke Huggins, that's who it is. Look, he was kicked by one of the horses. See? There's the print of a horseshoe right in the head. He probably tried to steal one after the old man fired him and that's what happened.

[Ida Matthews]

But you. You said it was the answer.

[Edward Matthews]

Yes, it's the answer to our problems and it is. We gotta hide Luke's body so it'll never be found.

[Ida Matthews]

Hide it? But why, Ed? Why?

[Edward Matthews]

Look, no one knows he's dead. They all think he's up in the mountains. We're gonna bury him in the ground under this straw pile. And we gotta do it before the old man wakes up. Now come on.

[Ida Matthews]

Wait, Ed. I still don't see what you mean, Ida.

[Edward Matthews]

Look, nobody knows Luke is dead. But everybody knows he's a little off, you know, Strong, hot tempered. And he hated old Cyrus Blake. Now wait. Hey, hey. Who's that? Where? There, there in the car on the road. The sheriff. I forgot about him.

[Ida Matthews]

Oh, he's gonna stop at the house, Ed.

[Edward Matthews]

Yeah, I know it. I know it. Look, you go up there and keep him occupied. I'll do this job alone. Just don't let him or the old man come down here till I'm finished, you hear?

[Ida Matthews]

All right, Ed, I'll try. But hurry.

[Cyrus Blake]

More coffee, Sheriff?

[Edward Matthews]

Thank you

[Narrator (Fate)]

mighty fine pie. S Mighty fine.

[Edward Matthews]

Hey, here.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Lucky man to have a woman like that. He.

[Cyrus Blake]

You're right. Don't have to worry about a thing now. No, either. What they're doing today.

[Ida Matthews]

Why, I think he went out to fix fences, Mr. Blake.

[Cyrus Blake]

There, see that? His own initiative. I didn't say a word about fences, Ezra. That ed is an A1 farmer.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Yeah, that's fine. It'd be comforting to know your place is in good hands.

[Cyrus Blake]

Yep. I'm getting long in years now. Can't get around like I used to. I'm sort of looking for a nice couple to take over this farm.

[Narrator (Fate)]

So, sir, really mean that?

[Cyrus Blake]

Yeah, I sure do. And you can't tell I might have found them.

[Narrator (Fate)]

What do you think of that, Addie?

[Ida Matthews]

Think of what?

[Narrator (Fate)]

Why, Ms. Matthews, you seem busy looking out that winter. You didn't hear a word was said. What's going out there anyway?

[Edward Matthews]

See?

[Ida Matthews]

Oh, it's nothing, Sheriff. Nothing.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Sure, that's it, eh? Yes, Cyrus. I guess this old goat just can't hold a lady's interest. And she's got a man like that there ain't around. He comes up to pass.

[Edward Matthews]

Now, you better cut a big piece of that pie for him, Ayday.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Hey, by the way, Cyrus, you see anything?

[Edward Matthews]

Luke?

[Cyrus Blake]

No. He hadn't been back. Maybe he won't come back this time.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Wouldn't be too sure he's good. That bad streak in him. Hey, hello there, Ed.

[Edward Matthews]

Oh, Hi, Sheriff. Hello, Mr. Blake. Hi there. Here.

[Cyrus Blake]

You've been fixing fences, Ed?

[Edward Matthews]

Yeah, out on that corner pasture. Saw something down there, too, Ed.

[Ida Matthews]

You?

[Edward Matthews]

I saw a man, big man, moving through the trees outside the fence. He seems to be trying to keep out of sight, but I. I caught him looking me over, sir.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Sounds just like Luke. Better be careful. He's mad. There's no telling what he might do. Yes, Edward, it was working out even better than you had hoped. Your story of seeing a man lurking in the trees. Convinced, Sheriff? That'll be on doubt that Luke had come back. Now, you were ready. After the Sheriff left, old Mr. Blake went to the barn, leaving you and Ida alone in the house. That was your chance. You spoke swiftly, urgently as you outlined your plan.

[Edward Matthews]

Now you listen to me, Ida. The sheriff is positive now that Luke is back, anything that happens will be blamed on him.

[Ida Matthews]

But Luke is dead.

[Cyrus Blake]

Yes.

[Edward Matthews]

Yes, but only you and I know that. Don't you see what a perfect alibi it is, Ed?

[Ida Matthews]

I. I'm afraid.

[Edward Matthews]

Well, don't be. Nothing can go wrong now. Here's what we'll do? Tonight, after the old man goes to bed, I'll sneak into his room, take care of him and get the money. Then we'll hide it outside under the big rock by that spring house.

[Ida Matthews]

He'll recognize you, Ed.

[Edward Matthews]

No, Ida, he won't recognize me. He'll be dead.

[Ida Matthews]

You mean you're going to kill him? Oh, no, Ed.

[Edward Matthews]

Oh, it's the only sure way. He'll be dead in a year or two anyway.

[Ida Matthews]

Murder.

[Edward Matthews]

Ed, listen to me. Listen to me. Now, come here to the front room. Here. Now, this closet's got a heavy oak door. You wouldn't have a chance of breaking it down, now, would you?

[Ida Matthews]

No, of course not.

[Edward Matthews]

And look inside here. See this little hole in the wall? Well, the key will fit just right in there. Now, get this. After we've hidden the money, you tie me up in that chair real tight so I can't even move. And you lock yourself in this closet. Drop the key down inside the wall, through that hole. You get it? You see, when Sheriff Tattle comes by tomorrow, he finds the old man dead, the money gone, and us helpless. And we blame the whole thing on Luke.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Yes, Edward, it seemed perfect. In a few hours, the box of money would be yours. After dinner, Mr. Blake retired and soon fell asleep. But there was no sleep for you, Edward Matthews. No. You had work to do. And now, at last, the time had come. You picked up the heavy iron stove poker and went to his room.

[Cyrus Blake]

Someone there?

[Edward Matthews]

Who's there, ed?

[Ida Matthews]

No. Help.

[Narrator (Fate)]

In that instant, Edward, you committed murder. You dropped the poker and went at once to the hiding place of the money. You ripped away the bricks, tore open the box and gathered up the bundles of bills. Then you hurried out to the spring house. In a matter of moments, the money was safely hidden under the big rock, and you were back.

[Edward Matthews]

Ida. Ida. Come on. We gotta move quickly now. Get hold of yourself. You're trembling.

[Ida Matthews]

I'm all right.

[Edward Matthews]

Come on in. Now, put down that cigarette and tie me up. Here's the cord. There. That's enough. I'll. I'll tie my own legs. You better get some more for my hands. Yeah, this big chair's perfect. Heavy and easy to tie to. There. That's one leg. Come on, Ida. Come on. Start tying the cord to the back of the chair. Now, hurry up.

[Ida Matthews]

Right. I'm hurrying.

[Edward Matthews]

Tie it now so it can't slip. Everything depends on this. If it looks like I could work loose, we'll be in real trouble.

[Ida Matthews]

I'll be careful.

[Edward Matthews]

Now, here. Here are my hands. Loop the cord around my wrist. Tighter, Ryder, tighter. This has got to look authentic. That's it. Now tie it and pull him out tight. Yeah. Got it?

[Ida Matthews]

Yes. Let's see, then. You'd never get loose by yourself.

[Edward Matthews]

Oh, good girl. Now get into that closet and lock the door. And you know what to do with a key. Ida. Ida. Are you all set, Ida?

[Ida Matthews]

Yes.

[Edward Matthews]

Oh, it's fine. Well, now we got nothing to do but wait. Tomorrow we'll be rich, Ida. Very rich.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Yes, Edward. You and Ida had nothing to do but wait. And your alibi for murder was flawless. But you who listen, lest you think fate unjust, a conspirator in evil, mark well the final entry. For in a few moments, I, fate, will write for the last time in the record of Edward Matthews. When I have written, I will read from the diary of Fate. True it is that the mighty ages of eternity are but the sum of trifling moments. And also it is true that destiny is shaped by seemingly inconsequential happenings. Little things. Yes, Edward. A broken bottle led you to murder and riches. And now you sit quietly in a chair, completely confident that nothing can happen to disrupt. Your plan. For your alibi is perfect. Luke Huggins, a man already dead, will be blamed for your crime. All you have to do is wait. And then suddenly, panic grips you, Edward. For the first time you see it. Another little thing.

[Edward Matthews]

What was that? Something fell off the table. It.

[Cyrus Blake]

No.

[Edward Matthews]

Ida.

[Ida Matthews]

Dad. Dad. What's the matter?

[Edward Matthews]

Ida, the key. Can you get it back? Can you get it out?

[Ida Matthews]

No, I can't. The key. He's way down inside the wall. What's the matter?

[Edward Matthews]

Your cigarette, Ida. You left it burning.

[Ida Matthews]

It fell off the table.

[Edward Matthews]

Cigarette?

[Cyrus Blake]

Oh, no.

[Ida Matthews]

Ed. Where is it? Can you see it? Yes. It's on the old man's sweater. The one he left on his chair. It's burning under it. Smoking. Can't you do something? Can't you get to it? No. I can't even move these cards. The chair is so heavy. I don't. It's running. I can smell it. And do something.

[Edward Matthews]

I can't.

[Ida Matthews]

I can't move on it. It's on the curtains now. They're burning. Flames.

[Cyrus Blake]

They're blazing.

[Ida Matthews]

Helping get me out. Sorry, I'm. Stay here. I'd be so excited. I got. Adam. Withdraw.

[Narrator (Fate)]

Yes, Edward. The essential in your evil scheme was that both you and your wife were helpless. That was to have been your alibi. And instead it was your death trap. And now it is time to close the book. Another entry has been duly noted on the pages of eternity. And again, justice has been served in the case of Edward Matthews. And as in the cases of all mortals, I Fate am but the instrument of a plan, and the little things in life are the tools with which I work. A broken bottle lying in the road brought a man to murder. A smoldering cigarette brought him death. Ponder well the moral, you who listen and remember. There is a page for you in the Diary of Fate. The cast included Herbert Lytton, Virginia Gregg, Horace Murphy, Ray Erlenborn, Ivan Ditmarris, and Hal Sawyer. Diary of Fate is a Larry Finley transcription brought to you from Hollywood. Sam,

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