Eleventh Hour [SA] xxxxxx 09 Tavern of Lost Souls

Summary

Podcast Summary: “Eleventh Hour [SA] – Tavern of Lost Souls”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Aired: October 31, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the drama and intrigue of the “Golden Age of Radio,” featuring a classic radio play titled Tavern of Lost Souls. Set in a shadowy tavern on the Dover road, the story blends adventure, wit, romance, and dueling honor, all centered on the enigmatic highwayman, Beau Standish, and the noble family of Lord Twissenden. Themes of honor, class, reputation, and redemption thread through a lively period piece full of memorable characters, sharp banter, and fencing flourishes.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Setting: The Tavern and Its Rule

• The Tavern of Lost Souls is introduced as a place for gentlemen…or at least for those who can fake it.
• Kitty, the tavern’s owner, demands respect for herself and her establishment (02:07):
  • Standish: “Kitty has one rule for the tavern. A rule that you have already broken... That its clientele should drink like gentlemen.”
• An early confrontation occurs when a drunken patron insults Kitty, leading to Standish’s intervention and the threat of a duel.

2. On the Road: Robbery and Chivalry

• Lord Twissenden, his daughter Margaret, and son Eric travel to Dover, reflecting on their place in the world and past military defeats (04:15, 04:26).
  • Lord Twissenden: “If it had been left to you, America would still be a British colony.”
• The party is held up by Standish, revealed to be a highwayman. Rather than robbing them, he releases them upon learning of Eric’s military service and Margaret’s beauty (06:09).
  • Standish: “Even highwaymen can appreciate beauty, Ma’am.”

3. The Card Game and Accusations

• At the tavern that night, Standish plays cards with Lord Twissenden and Eric, winning considerable sums (09:44).
  • Eric: “You’re a cheat, Standish. A cheat and a liar.” (10:18)
• Tensions escalate, and Eric challenges Standish to a duel over allegations of cheating.

4. The Plea and Standish’s Past

• Margaret pleads with Standish not to kill her brother (11:13).
  • Margaret: “Do not rob me of my brother.”
  • Standish reveals his humble origins and lack of true “gentleman” status (11:56):
    • “But I am not. I was born into the gutter in Cheapside. My clothes are the finest that ill-gotten money can buy…But even so, I am not a gentleman.”
• Standish promises to lose the duel and spare Eric’s life (12:35).

5. The Duel and Aftermath

• The morning duel is fought with swords, “first blood” to decide the winner (16:55).
  • Eric’s Accusation: “He is, among other things, a common highwayman…” (16:22)
  • Standish allows Eric to “wound” him and win (17:39).
  • Lord Twissenden suspects Standish threw the duel to spare his son (18:12):
    • “It was almost as if you guided his sword into grazer army.”
• Eric, now flush with pride, grows arrogant.

6. A Lesson in Humility

• Eric’s arrogance becomes insufferable; his father determines he must be humbled (21:38).
  • Twissenden privately asks Standish to rematch and this time truly defeat Eric, but without harming him (22:13).
    • Twissenden: “Because ever since you fought him, he’s been more arrogant than ever…not physically. Standish.”
• Standish requests that the fencing maestro Sardini preside over the duel (23:58).

7. The Climactic Final Duel

• Fencing practice gives way to a real duel between Standish and Eric (24:32–26:12).
  • Standish skillfully bests Eric, embarrasses him, but exercises restraint—a lesson delivered, not just a victory.
  • Lord Twissenden, satisfied, promises Standish a reward and acknowledges the lesson learned (26:17):
    • “I have no doubt that now he’ll return to his regiment. And that purse you requested on the Dover Road is yours.”
• Standish takes his leave of Margaret, signifying the end of their adventure and her brief hopes (26:48).
  • Margaret: “Goodbye?”
  • Standish: "To say goodbye, what else?"

8. Epilogue and Reflection

• Standish is congratulated by Sardini for his skill, tempered by a humorous critique of his “disgusting” final thrust (27:21).
• The episode closes with the family reflecting on events and the mysterious, honorable highwayman vanishing into legend.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Kitty has one rule for the tavern…that its clientele should drink like gentlemen.” — Standish to drunken patron (02:07)
• “Even highwaymen can appreciate beauty, Ma’am.” — Standish to Margaret on the road (06:09)
• “You’re a cheat, Standish. A cheat and a liar.” — Eric, leveling the fateful accusation (10:18)
• “But I am not [a gentleman]…My clothes are the finest that ill-gotten money can buy…But even so, I am not a gentleman.” — Standish’s self-revelation (11:56)
• Margaret’s Plea: “Do not rob me of my brother.” (12:13)
• “It was almost as if you guided his sword into grazer army.” — Lord Twissenden suspects Standish’s mercy (18:12)
• “Because ever since you fought him, he’s been more arrogant than ever. I know perfectly well that you allowed him to defeat you.” — Twissenden’s request for a corrective duel (22:13)
• Final praise and critique:
  • Sardini: “Very graceful for an Englishman… The severing of his cravat, the saber movement with which you cut his shirt. Superb. And your defense, your parries…that final thrust…was disgusting.” (27:21)

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Important Timestamps

• Tavern introduction & challenge: 01:29-02:46
• Highwayman encounter: 04:58-06:32
• Card game confrontation: 09:10-10:34
• Margaret’s midnight plea: 11:11-12:35
• First duel: 16:02-17:45
• Aftermath & reflection: 18:49-21:38
• Lord Twissenden’s request: 22:06-23:50
• Final duel with Sardini: 24:30-26:12
• Farewells & epilogue: 26:48-27:27

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Tone & Atmosphere

The story is rendered in classic radio drama style—witty, brisk, and just a touch melodramatic, with a charmingly old-fashioned sense of honor and a dash of romantic tension. Beau Standish’s roguish charm, Kitty’s strength, the Twissendens’ pride, and the fencing master’s dry praise create a lively period world—a throwback to when adventure was found at the point of a sword and in the gleam of a tankard.

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If you long for dashing masks, tavern intrigue, and a play of steel and honor, “Tavern of Lost Souls” is classic radio at its most entertaining.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Time. The silent herald of life and death. Success or failure. The unseen force that measures man's destiny. Reaching its most fateful moment as it slowly strikes the 11th hour.

[C]

Must I wait upon the whim of a serving wench? More wine, girl. More wine.

[D]

The tavern's make it has come first, sir. Not drunken strangers with amorous hands insulted.

[C]

My Gad by a slip of another word.

[B]

Just one will cost you your life, sir.

[C]

What? Who the devil are you?

[E]

No.

[B]

Standish, at your service. I take it you are a stranger to the Tavern of Lost Souls.

[A]

I am.

[C]

And I shall make a point of not returning.

[B]

Then we shall both be content. Kitty has one rule for the tavern. A rule that you have already broken.

[C]

Oh, what's that?

[B]

That its clientele should drink like gentlemen.

[C]

I am a gentleman, sir, by birth.

[B]

But not by inclination. You guzzle your wine like a fast sow.

[C]

By God, sir, you dribble your wine.

[B]

Over your lace like a blubbering child. And I should enjoy the privilege of running you through. Shall we meet at dawn?

[C]

Okay. I am no swordsman, sir.

[B]

Then pistols perhaps?

[E]

His hands tremble, sir.

[C]

They can never hold pistols, though.

[D]

Glad it. Listen, Bo. You wish to lead, sir?

[C]

Yes, yes.

[B]

But first your apology, my friend. Kitty owns the Tavern of Lost Soul. She is no serving wench, Bo.

[D]

I don't want it.

[B]

But he wishes to crave your pardon. Kisses.

[C]

Yes, yes, exactly. I had no idea.

[B]

Good night, my friend.

[C]

I do have to leave now. An appointment? Most important.

[D]

Bo, if your sword would serve England as it serves me. Wine.

[B]

My dearest Kitty. My sword serves one man. Beau Standish. It is to my advantage too that peace should prevail in the tavern. Good wine and peace go hand in hand.

[D]

Your glass is empty now and will remain so.

[B]

I shall return before midnight. Kitty, I have one thing in common with our departed guest. An urgent appointment on the Dover road.

[D]

Take care, Belle. Please take care.

[B]

Unless I take considerably more than that, I shall regard this as a most unprofitable night.

[C]

Oh, Deuce. Uncomfortable night, Margaret. Cold, wet, why the devil we couldn't stay the night at that tavern we passed? I can't imagine. Father.

[D]

You gave Dickens orders that we were to press on to Dover.

[C]

Oh, that was in London. I wasn't so damn cold then. We have the packets on time, that's all. Why wouldn't Eric get me from his regiment in the summer?

[D]

Perhaps because Napoleon would bring you difficult.

[C]

Has there ever been anything else? Blessed coursing and upstart, that's all he is. Where is there deadly gumption that had driven him out of Spain months ago.

[D]

As we British were driven out of America.

[C]

Father. Margaret. I'm tired of being reminded in the middle of every discussion that 20 years ago I was betrayed at Saratoga. My regiment could have forehauled indefinitely.

[D]

I know, Father. If it had been left to you, America would still be a British colony.

[C]

Yeah, well, it's nothing to laugh about. Gel final disgrace. Disgrace. Another thing I burn. Dandelion. What the devil? Chickens.

[D]

Dickens.

[C]

What do we stop for? Where? No places to stop. A coach.

[B]

Throw down that horse pistol, my friend.

[C]

Or I shall perforce shoot it out of your hand. Well, you'd best be on your way. This is the Earl of Chittenden's coach. Then I am indeed privileged. Dandelion. There you go. The pistol.

[B]

I'm waiting.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

My left.

[C]

The highwayman. And me here like a fool without a pistol. Dickens. Your. This meet for me service.

[B]

Your lordship. My compliments. And to you, master. If you will descend, I'm sure we can terminate our business speedily and allow you to continue your journey.

[D]

I have no intention of leaving the coach, neither of.

[C]

I'm too cold.

[B]

As you wish. If you will hand me your gold, your lordship. No.

[C]

You'll have to kill me to get it, father. Well, if you lay hand on me, daughter, I'll hunt you down. I'll have to be the Bow street runners myself.

[B]

The prospect of such a chase excites my curiosity. But even highwaymen can appreciate beauty, Ma'. Am.

[D]

We are on our way to Dover to meet my brother, sir. A man who is risking his life in the service of his country, not in the pursuit of gold stolen from his betters.

[B]

Ma', am, I had no idea. I have no desire to spoil the homecoming of such a hero. You may drive on, my friend.

[C]

Well. You mean you simply only let us go?

[B]

In the face of such beauty and such valour, what else would I do? Come, lass.

[C]

We'll fly our trade elsewhere. You would be wise to make all speed to Dover.

[B]

And break the return journey of the.

[C]

TAVERN OF LOST SOULS Au revoir, my friends. Au revoir. Well, I'll be father. Well, I will anyway. Man may be a scoundrel. He acts like a gentleman. Did you get a close look at him, Margaret?

[D]

I did not wish to.

[C]

He could have killed it if he'd wanted to. Absolutely helpless were could do a thing to stop infinite mindhood. Amazing. Are we going to sit here all night, Dickens? You said I was dismissed, your lordship. Oh, not here, you fool. Halfway to Dover. All right, I'll give you another chance. But next time, shoot. And then whip up the orphans. I'll get to Dover before I freeze the nest.

[D]

Come in. Oh, Bo. You're not hurt?

[B]

Only in my pocket, where it hurts most. The most unrewarding night's work, Kitty. Except for Robert. Never mind. I think you would have visitors to stay the night to get in. Three of them. Four with the coachman.

[D]

What happened, Bo?

[B]

I stopped a coach and made the acquaintance of the Earl of Twissenden.

[D]

And he had no pooch.

[B]

I don't know. I let him go.

[D]

You let him go? But why? Why take such risks for nothing?

[B]

My dearest Kitty, the Earl has a most charming daughter. Haughty, delightful and very beautiful.

[D]

She has red hair, no doubt.

[B]

It was dark. The night, I mean. Her hair gleamed in the half light. Yes, it was Wren.

[D]

And you told him to stay here?

[C]

I did.

[B]

This tavern cannot exist without custom, Bo.

[D]

There's enough here for both of us. We could live well if you'd help me with the train.

[B]

My dear, I should die of boredom within a week.

[D]

You'll die kicking your heels for the merriment of the mob if you persist.

[B]

A tyburn, no doubt. Or perhaps they'll hang me from a gibbet on the door of the road as a warning to culliers like me. I hope their coach makes good time on the return journey because of it.

[C]

No, dear Kitty.

[B]

Because of my pocket. I have a feeling that the Earl of Twissenden will play at cards tonight, and my night's work will be worthwhile after all.

[D]

More wine, your lordship?

[C]

Ah, thank you. I need it. Standish, you say your name is, huh?

[B]

Yes, your lordship.

[C]

Standish. Standish. I don't know the name, but I have a feeling we've met somewhere before.

[E]

Have we?

[B]

I doubt it, your lordship. Well, thank you, Kitty. I believe it's your turn to play, sir.

[C]

Why? You should have anything worthwhile in this hand. Hope you've got something, Eric. Family honor's got to be retrieved somehow.

[B]

Nothing, father. Then I would Say that the center is mine. Gentlemen, I must say you're a wizard.

[C]

With the card, Standish. I've lost a fortune tonight.

[B]

Wizards are full of tricks, are they not, Standish? The swiftness of the hand that deceives the eye.

[C]

Eric. Really?

[B]

Does it not strike you as odd, father? That ill luck with a card should follow us so painstakingly? Fighting the French seems to have loosened your son's tongue, your lordship. Or is it that his Majesty's forces have tasted defeat once too often? You're a cheat, Standish. A cheat and a liar.

[D]

Get in.

[B]

Where is Lord Twissenden's room?

[D]

On the first floor. Number 13.

[B]

An unlucky number, your Lordship. My second will call on you. You own a rapier, I presume? I do. Then we shall settle for swords.

[C]

Why, Standish? The boy's overwrought Here. Surely we can come to some arrangement.

[B]

By all means, Lord Tressenden. I presume you will second your son.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

But I regret that you will be present at his death. Good night, your lords. Come in. Your ladyship.

[D]

I am not here by choice, Mr. Standish.

[B]

Then why?

[D]

I have come to plead for my.

[B]

Brother'S life, your ladyship.

[D]

I know who you are, though, Standish. It was you who held us up at pistol point earlier tonight on the Dover Road. I've talked with Miss Kitty and she tells me that you cannot kill him.

[C]

You cannot.

[B]

He has only to apologise before morning.

[D]

Do you think he will do that?

[B]

I rather hope so. I dislike rising at such an early hour.

[D]

My father knows Eric was wrong. You did not cheat.

[B]

There is always the possibility that your brother might kill me.

[D]

I know everything about you. Your skill with a rapier. How many men have you killed, Bo Standish?

[B]

The ones who use such words as cheat and liar.

[D]

But if you were a gentleman.

[B]

But I am not. I was born into the gutter in Cheapside. My clothes are the finest that ill gotten money can buy. My lace is imported from France. My sword was a gift from the great Sardini himself. My hose is imported from Spain. But even so, I am not a gentleman.

[D]

You had a chance earlier tonight to rob me, even kill me if you had wished you did not do so then. I beg you, do not do so now. Do not rob me of my brother.

[B]

Your hair is even more beautiful than I thought.

[D]

Miss Kitty has told me of your prowess with. With the rapier. Could you not defend yourself and.

[B]

And let your brother live? Lady Margaret, I. I hesitate to dwell upon the consequent blot upon my Reputation, but live he shall. Now, it is long past your bedtime, Lady Margaret. Go to your room. I give you my word that this is one affair of honor I shall contrive to lose.

[E]

Another visit with Joe and Daphne Forsyth.

[B]

Ooh.

[C]

Ow.

[B]

Ouch.

[E]

Oh.

[D]

What's wrong, Joe?

[E]

Daphne, have you been using my razor again?

[D]

Just a little. I was peeling peaches.

[E]

Oh, fine.

[B]

Why didn't you change the blade?

[E]

It feels like you've been sharpening pencils with this thing.

[D]

Now just a minute, buddy. It was you who said we could use more economy around here. And I've been shaving wherever I can. And by shaving the skin off the peaches.

[E]

But look at my face. Think how the Red Cross could have used all this blood.

[D]

It's your own fault. Ruin your economy.

[E]

Well, being penny conscious isn't such a bad idea. Not if you use common sense. Take savings bonds, for instance.

[D]

Uh, here it comes.

[E]

Go right ahead and scoff, but I got 8 million Americans who agree with me. We all buy savings bonds on the payroll saving plan because we know that investing in bonds is the best way to use our money.

[D]

We can use some of that money around here?

[E]

Well, maybe. Or maybe we just think we can. When we buy bonds, we guarantee we'll have the money in the future when we'll certainly need it more.

[D]

Stop waving that razor. You're splattering me with soap.

[E]

I don't mean to get excited, but who wouldn't? Where else can a man make an investment that's to going? Guaranteed to pay off $4 for every three.

[A]

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[E]

Guaranteed by the credit of the whole US of A. So there.

[D]

Bravo. Bravo.

[E]

All right, all right. Now let me change the blade and get back to shaving.

[D]

I think I'll stay and watch.

[E]

Why?

[D]

Because you're so cute when you cut yourself.

[E]

Oh, fine.

[C]

I must warn you gentlemen, that dueling has been outlawed in England.

[B]

His Majesty, if you want to preside at this affair, then do so. I did not come here to talk.

[C]

There are certain informalities. It must.

[B]

I have no intention of retracting my accusation. In fact, Mr. President, I reiterated the gentleman I'm to fight as a cheat and a liar.

[C]

Eric, you young fool.

[B]

Father, I made a number of inquiries about this gentleman since last night. He is, among other things, a common highwayman. Do you deny this, Standish? I dislike the word common. I regard myself as a most uncommon highwayman.

[C]

By George, I'm. Of course, you're my. I should like to examine your points, gentlemen. Please. Satisfactory? Thank you. You will remember that first blood decides the victor.

[D]

Agreed.

[B]

My adversary is going to spill rather a lot of blood. Mr. President. What a ghastly thought to entertain on such a lovely morning.

[C]

Dr. Welbeck, will you come over here, please? Of course. Get it over quickly. Mr. President.

[B]

I have an urgent case of shingles to attend.

[C]

Ready, gentlemen? Salute. En garde. Play.

[B]

I thought the army favored the Italian school. Lord Eric. Have at you. Relax your wrist, Lord Eric. Gently your fingers caress the hilt.

[C]

I am not in the cell now, Standish.

[B]

I. I intend to kill you.

[A]

Enough.

[C]

First blood to His Lordship. Doctor, will you attend Mr. Standish?

[B]

Merely scratch, Doctor.

[C]

Let me see it. Roll up your sleeve.

[B]

The greatest duelist in England. As about. I find it very disappointing.

[C]

Bear with me, boy. Our coach is waiting and I.

[B]

A moment, father. Should we meet again, Standish, I shall kill you. Do you understand?

[C]

It's nothing serious, Mr. Standish. Little blood, that's all.

[B]

Good morning, gentlemen.

[C]

Wait for me in the catic. Standish, I'd like to talk to you for a moment.

[B]

We have nothing to discuss. Your lordship.

[C]

I. I saw you drop your point after fending his attack. It was almost as if you guided his sword into Grazer army.

[B]

I assure your lordship, you are wrong.

[E]

I'm.

[C]

I'm deeply grateful to you, Standish. Very fond of his son. The only heir. Deeply grateful. Margol, I'm worried about your brother. Deeply worried.

[D]

He is rather more pompous. Than usual since the Bo Standish affair, I admit. But no doubt he'll get over it.

[C]

Where is he now?

[D]

Where he spends every hour of the day. At the great Sardini's fencing school. He's decided that having established such a reputation as a duelist overnight, Father, he can teach even Sardini.

[C]

Stupid young fool.

[D]

He's paying for lessons from Sardini. But Eric can try. Tries to make it sound as if the brute were on the other foot.

[C]

I shall be infernally glad when the young idiot goes back to his regiment. I suppose I've spoiled him a great deal. Needed a mother's influence.

[D]

Oh, we both spoiled him. Dying.

[C]

Margaret, do you know who Bo Standish is?

[D]

Yes, Father.

[C]

Oh, I'll never understand why he let Eric defeat him the first you of the duel. He made Eric look like a lumbering fool. Masterly. Masterly. It's almost as if he wanted to lose the fight. Lose it without coming to any great harm. He parried that thrust of Eric beautifully and then dropped his sword point just far enough to allow the boy to nick his arm. Margaret, are you listening?

[D]

Yes, Father.

[C]

Well, why the devil could you do that, eh? In one short night. Bo Standish holds us up at night, pistol point, refuses to take our gold, then contrives to save my son, paying the penalty of his bad manners. I don't understand. No, I simply do not understand.

[D]

I asked him to lose the duel.

[C]

I see. You what?

[D]

I went to his room after you and Eric had retired and begged him to allow Eric to defeat him.

[C]

Do you realize what you've done, girl? If anyone ever discovers the truth of the matter. I used to be the laughingstock stock of London. No, I'm. I'm glad you did it. Oh, perhaps I can make young Eric see how deucedly lucky he was.

[B]

There you are, Father. Margot, Shall I ring for Masa? I think perhaps a glass of Madeira.

[C]

I want to talk to you, Eric.

[B]

Oh, please, Father. Not now. I've had a most exhausting day. You know, Sardinia is quite good with the foil.

[C]

Do you intend to spend your entire leave fencing?

[B]

My leave? Oh, of course. I forgot to tell you. I resign my commission.

[C]

What? You did what?

[B]

Resign my commission.

[C]

And what, may I ask, you intend to do with yourself?

[B]

Perhaps the tables, play the tables and, you know, the usual thing. After all, I have some little reputation to enjoy. Now, I find the glamour that surrounds the man who defeated Beau Standish quite pleasant. Much more so than the winter mud of Spain. I say something rock you.

[C]

You've resigned your commission. And you Think the greatest fencing master in Europe is quite good with the foil. You intend to gamble? Is there anything else you intend.

[B]

Yes, Father. I intend to repair to my rooms and have Mosse bring me some Madeira. I may join you both for dinner.

[C]

Come back here, you young but fool. The strutting, conceited young popping Jack. I'm afraid the time has come, Margaret, for Master Eric to be taught a lesson he'll never forget. This time I shall visit those Standish. This time I shall plead with them.

[B]

I should like to make sure that my ears are not deceiving me. As I understand it, you wish me to challenge your son to a duel. Is it right, sir?

[C]

Quite right.

[B]

You wish me to defeat him.

[C]

I do.

[B]

But he is not to be more than scratched. At most, disarmed.

[C]

Correct.

[E]

I see.

[B]

May I ask why?

[C]

Because ever since you fought him, he's been more arrogant than ever. I know perfectly well that you allowed him to defeat you. Sandwich? I knew it at the time. And since then, Margaret has told me that she. Well, she told me.

[B]

At the risk of offending you, sir, how is it that such a paragon should possess the such an obnoxious brother?

[C]

I don't know. Which I did. I don't want him hurt, though. Not. Not physically. Standish.

[B]

Exactly. I understand.

[D]

Is everything all right, Bo?

[B]

Dearest Kitty, everything is well.

[D]

Well, just come to the door and yell when you want some more wine.

[C]

May I ask you a question, Bo? Oh, I. I presume I may call you Bo.

[B]

Of course. What is it?

[C]

How did this tavern get his name? The Tavern of Lost Souls.

[B]

I christened it.

[C]

Really?

[B]

When Mistress Kitty's parents died, they left her the tavern. I was passing one night on my way to a meeting such as our first and stopped for refreshment. The parlor was full of men in their cups, and amongst them stood Kitty with a flagon of wine held high above her head as she fought to disengage herself from the arms of a drunken sop.

[C]

Deadly.

[B]

It was like a scene from the Inferno.

[E]

Monod.

[B]

The firelight, the candles and the tankard spilled on the tables.

[C]

Well, then, isn't it time it was christened again?

[B]

I think not. There's no more famous or quieter tavern now between here and the coast.

[C]

Bo, will you do me this favor in regard to my son?

[B]

On certain conditions, sir. First, that you and Lady Margaret attend the duel. Secondly, that Sardini himself shall preside.

[C]

Sardini?

[B]

Yes. I spent five years in Spain under the guidance of Sardine. I owe my skill with a sword to the maestro. It is fitting that he should be there. This time I promise you will not escape so lightly, Standish. I'm glad to have this opportunity of demonstrating something that you seem to have found hard to believe, Sardini.

[C]

Your gladness is no greater than my own, sir.

[B]

You have met my opponent, I trust?

[C]

We have met, yes. Your seconds are ready. Oh, quite, quite ready, master. And you, Senor Standish?

[B]

Of course, master.

[C]

You will attend, doctor? I am ready. Then, gentlemen, let us commence.

[E]

Uncard.

[B]

There is no hurry. We have time to play.

[C]

With that shirt.

[B]

Made in Spain, sir.

[E]

It was.

[B]

I dislike the cut. Allow me to improve the styling.

[C]

Why you.

[B]

I'll kill you for that. I. With or without your sword, your lordship.

[C]

Sheer luck.

[B]

I lost my grip. Then pick up your sword and try again, sir.

[C]

You will retire while he does so, Senor Standish. Back three places, if you please.

[B]

Of course, master.

[C]

Your sword. Revolt. Thank you, father.

[B]

On guard, Standish.

[C]

Defend yourself.

[B]

Your cravat is abominable, your lordship.

[C]

Abominable.

[B]

At least you will now find it easier to breathe.

[C]

It will not be long before you cannot breathe at all.

[A]

Stanley.

[B]

Blade should dance, my friend. Like this. And this. Your cuff position is low, your lordship. You do allow your lordship allowing me.

[C]

To craft like so. Enough.

[E]

Doctor.

[C]

You will attend him at once, Maestro. My boy, are you all right?

[E]

Eh?

[D]

Eric, are you hurt?

[C]

Get away from me. Get away. Leave me alone. Thank you, Standish. I have no doubt that now he'll return to his regiment. And that purse you requested on the Dover Road is yours. I shall send it to the Tavern of Lost souls.

[B]

Thank you, sir.

[C]

I'd better go and attend the boy. I think you'll need me now.

[B]

Oh.

[D]

Bo. Why did you want me here?

[B]

To say goodbye, what else?

[D]

Goodbye?

[B]

But I thought. It really is the loveliest house.

[D]

Don't do good money. Please, not now.

[B]

Poor joke. That I would never do. Not with you. Goodbye, Lady Margaret.

[C]

Are you coming, Margaret?

[D]

Goodbye.

[C]

I thought.

[B]

I mean the highwayman, Margaret.

[C]

Goodbye, both. You have remembered your lessons well, Senor Standish.

[B]

Thank you, master.

[C]

I am glad that my belief in you was worthwhile.

[B]

Yes, senor.

[C]

Very graceful for an Englishman. Quite remarkable. The severing of his cravat, the saber movement with which you cut his shirt. Superb. And your defense, your parries. Quite good. But that final thrust, the lunge. That Senor Standish was disgusting.

[B]

Artificial limbs, hearing aids, glasses. Pardon me, sir.

[C]

What are you doing?

[B]

Oh, I'm going over list of things.

[E]

A dependent can't get from a Uniform Services medical facility.

[C]

Is it a business?

[B]

All over its main things that Dependence can get on their own. Oh, what else is on the list?

[E]

Well, you can't get denisiliary care. That's care like in a nursing home, you know? And you can't get care for chronic diseases and nervous disorders.

[D]

And, uh.

[B]

Oh, that's too bad.

[D]

What?

[B]

Care that is not essential, like plastic.

[E]

Surgery to improve the appearance.

[C]

That's bad.

[E]

You should see my wife.

[C]

To learn.

[B]

About care for your dependents. Read the pamphlet Dependence Medical Care Program.

[E]

Her face does look like an emergency, though.

[C]

Be listening for another mounting drama when we again present the 11th hour.