Father Brown 86-10-12 (09) The Arrow of Heaven

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Father Brown 86-10-12 (09) The Arrow of Heaven

Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Main Theme / Purpose

This episode features a dramatized adaptation of "The Arrow of Heaven," a Father Brown mystery by G.K. Chesterton. The story unfolds as Father Brown visits America and becomes entangled in a locked-room murder involving a priceless artifact known as the Coptic Cup, its wealthy and paranoid owner, and an elusive villain named Daniel Doom. The episode blends classic detective fiction with period Americana, exploring themes of justice, guilt, and the limits of security.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Arrival in America and Setting the Scene

(00:30–04:55)

• Father Brown’s Arrival: Father Brown is welcomed by customs officers at the New York port. They joke about his umbrella and notoriety.
  • Col. Matt Craig (to newsmen): “I'd rather face an Apache war party any day.” (02:59)
• Introduction to Key Figures:
  • Col. Matt Craig and his aviator nephew, Captain Peter Wayne, are described; Wayne is optimistic about the future of aviation.
  • The legend of Brander Merton’s castle—imported stone by stone from Scotland—is introduced as the setting for the coming drama.

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2. The Legend of the Coptic Cup & Daniel Doom

(04:56–08:25)

• Background on the Cup:

  • The Coptic Cup is a jeweled chalice, cursed through the deaths of its previous millionaire owners, both of whom received threats from "Daniel Doom."

  • Brander Merton, current owner, fears for his life and is obsessively protected.

  • Security measures at the castle include steel-capped walls, a single locked entry, and electrified fencing.

  • Father Brown, on the security: “Oh, dear, what a grim sight.” (07:14)

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3. Tense Introductions and Shadows of Guilt

(08:25–12:45)

• Father Brown Meets the Household:

  • Merton’s staff includes John Wendell Horde (his secretary, whose father was a Doom victim), Norman Drage (guest), and Harris (bodyguard).

  • Daily routine: Merton spends a solitary 15 minutes to privately admire the Coptic Cup.

  • Horde explains: “For a quarter of an hour out of each 24 hours. That is all the real solitude he has. And for a very curious reason...” (10:04)

• Father Brown’s Questions:

  • He observes and questions the excessive security and hints at ulterior motives—why destroy all of Horde’s father’s financial papers unless it was to force the sale of the cup?

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4. The Locked Room Murder

(14:29–15:54)

• Father Brown wakes for his appointment; Harris escorts him to Merton’s room.

• They find Brander Merton dead, an arrow protruding from his neck, the skylight open, and the Coptic Cup missing.

• Chaos ensues: the alarm is raised, Harris searches the roof, and speculation exists that the murder weapon—a traditional arrow—was shot from above.

  • Father Brown, quietly shocked: "What is it? What's the matter? ... He's got an arrow in his neck, Mr. Wendell. And the skylight's wide open." (15:01, 15:07)

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5. Initial Suspicions and the Nature of the Crime

(16:09–21:51)

• Process of Elimination:
  • Father Brown methodically excludes suspects. Horde was with him, Harris was nearby, Barnard the lawyer had opportunity, and Captain Wayne and Col. Craig were at the flying field.
• Discussion at the flying field:

  • Father Brown asks about shooting arrows from an airplane, fueling suspicion.

  • Father Brown meets Norman Drage, confronting his bitterness and underlying secrets.

  • Father Brown: “A hustler? Oh, really? A hustler.” (17:04)

  • Father Brown on the murder method: “An arrow from heaven, you might say.” (15:40)

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6. The Reveal: Motive, Means, and Identity of Daniel Doom

(22:07–26:23)

• Final Gathering:

  • Father Brown assembles the main characters and systematically eliminates suspects, explaining the psychological reveals from their reactions.

  • Father Brown: “I felt it extremely unlikely that you went careering over the castle in a huge noisy machine while an elderly gentleman leaned out at a perilous angle and unerringly shot a red Indian arrow through a skylight.” (22:41)

• Explanation:

  • The murder weapon was not fired from above; the arrow was used as a knife and staged to appear as if it had been shot.

  • John Wendell Horde confesses during a phone call to Father Brown that he killed Daniel Doom.

  • Father Brown: “He has gone off to be alone with his conscience. ... John Wendell caught up with Daniel Doom and killed him.” (24:54–25:37)

  • Barnard incredulous: “Brander was actually Doom himself. I don't believe it.” (26:23)

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7. The Moral & Aftermath

(26:23–28:29)

• The True Identity:

  • Brander Merton himself was Daniel Doom, the original murderer and architect of the artifact’s bloody legacy.

  • John Wendell, obsessed with revenge, kills Merton after discovering the truth.

  • In the tragic climax, Father Brown announces that John Wendell has taken his own life.

  • Father Brown, with grief and guilt: “Oh, I feel I'm terribly to blame. I. I deeply, deeply regret to tell you. Mr. Wendell has taken his own life. God have mercy on his soul and on mine.” (27:02)

• The Dilemma of Justice:

  • Others propose covering up the double tragedy for the sake of Merton’s reputation.

  • Father Brown insists that true justice requires confronting the truth, not hiding it.

  • Father Brown’s closing words:
    “If Daniel Doom has got his desserts, Brandon Merton has got his desserts. If that was good enough for Doom, by all that is holy, it is good enough for Merton. Take your wild justice or our dull legality, but in the name of Almighty God, let there be an equal lawlessness or an equal law. I ask you gentlemen to do the same.” (27:52)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On American security obsessions:
  “Mr. Merton is in effect, a prisoner in his own house.” – Father Brown (11:16)

• On justice and revenge:
  “He has gone off to be alone with his conscience... I deeply regret to tell you. Mr. Wendell has taken his own life. God have mercy on his soul and on mine.” – Father Brown (27:02)

• Closing ethical reflection:
  “Take your wild justice or our dull legality, but in the name of Almighty God, let there be an equal lawlessness or an equal law.” – Father Brown (27:52)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:30–04:55: Arrival, introductions, and live-in guests at the castle
• 05:03–08:25: The legend of the Coptic Cup and Daniel Doom
• 10:13: Explanation of Merton’s solitary ritual with the Cup
• 14:29–15:54: Discovery of the murder scene
• 17:00–19:04: Father Brown investigates the possibility of using an airplane for the crime
• 22:07–24:01: The gathering for the denouement and systematic elimination of suspects
• 24:51–27:02: Phone confession and tragic resolution

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Tone and Style

The episode’s tone blends suspenseful mystery with the philosophical and ethical musings characteristic of Father Brown stories. There is banter and period detail—Americana of the early 20th century—mixed with the quietly devastating moral revelations at the story's close.

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Conclusion

This classic radio adaptation delivers a tightly woven mystery with psychological depth and a surprisingly modern critique of both justice and its failings. It stands as a rich recreation of Chesterton's story for lovers of classic detective fiction and radio drama alike.

Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

The Father brown stories by G.K. chesterton. We present the Arrow of Heaven adapted by John Scottney with Andrew Sachs as Father Brown.

[Father Brown]

The items on this list are all.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Items prohibited from being imported into the.

[Father Brown]

United States of America.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

You got any of these?

[Father Brown]

Oh, may I see?

[Captain Peter Wayne]

No.

[Father Brown]

No. Good heavens, no. No.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Good.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Anything to declare?

[Father Brown]

No, I don't think so. Oh, thank you.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

I hope you've got your umbrella.

[John Wendell Horde]

Your famous umbrella.

[Father Brown]

My umbrella? I didn't think I had to declare it. Just a little wisecrack. A joke.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Ba de bra.

[Father Brown]

A joke. Oh, you know my name? I've never been here before.

[Norman Drage]

No.

[John Wendell Horde]

Your name? Father Brown.

[Father Brown]

Well, I reckon just about everyone in little old New York's heard of your exploits. Really? Father Brown? Yes. On behalf of the Fraternity of New York Customs offices, I'd like to welcome you to the United States of America.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Oh, boys, I can tell you Father.

[Father Brown]

Brown's clean and I'm sure he'll be.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Happy to answer your questions.

[Blake Barnard]

Hoffman and the New York Bugle.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Hey, Father Brown, how do you explain a recent crime wave in New York City?

[Father Brown]

Is there one?

[Harris]

Is there going to be a war, sir? Between the German Kaiser and the British Empire this year? Next year?

[John Wendell Horde]

What in your opinion, sir, will the American woman be wearing in 1940?

[Father Brown]

I would really idea.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Come on now, Bush. Come on, give Father Brown a break.

[Father Brown]

Colonel Craig, thank heavens.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

I've seen my nephew. He's bringing up the automobile outside. Father Brown.

[Harris]

Father Brown. Are you staying at Brandon Burton's castle?

[Father Brown]

Castle?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Yes. Yes he is. Boys.

[Blake Barnard]

Colonel Craig, you got any information on the latest measures Mr. Merton's taken to catch Daniel to?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Well, you tell me. I've been away in Europe the last couple of months.

[John Wendell Horde]

Can you tell us where he keeps the Coptic cup?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

No comment, boys, no comment.

[Harris]

Who do you think?

[Father Brown]

Daniel, do.

[Harris]

Father Brown.

[Father Brown]

Daniel.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Now, gentlemen, gentlemen, please. We're only just off the boat. Father Brown is tardy. No doubt the issue in a press paper later. Come on now. Thank you all. Thank you. Let's wait. Father Brown. Excuse us.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Boys, over here.

[Father Brown]

Uncle Hickory.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Over here.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Hi there, son.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

So you got him away from the newsman all right.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Those boys. I tell you, I'd rather face an Apache war party any day. This is my nephew, Father Brown. Father Brown, Captain Wayne.

[Father Brown]

Oh, how do you do, Captain?

[Captain Peter Wayne]

It's an honor to meet you, sir.

[Father Brown]

Oh, I hardly see.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Uncle Hickory says you're rooming with us for a couple of days at old Brander's castle.

[Father Brown]

Yes, indeed. Yes, your. Your uncle and I met on shipboard. And as I had some time to spare before my conference, he kindly invited me to stay with him at Mr. Merton's. But what is this about a castle? I didn't know there were any castles in America.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Oh, this was shipped stone by stone from Scotland. My old partner, Brander, he has to be mighty careful about his safety. And that old heap seemed pretty well the most secure building he could find. You wait till you see it.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Well, now, we'll stop a minute or two here at Mason's Hollow.

[Father Brown]

Oh, last I thought we were never going to stop before.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

We've hardly come any distance. Mason's hollow is only 50 miles from Manhattan itself.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Father Brian. My nephew's an aviator. His ideas and destinies are based on flying, he considers it. Soon them machines will be as common in the United States as automobiles are now.

[Father Brown]

Oh, really? That is fascinating. Excuse me asking, Captain Wayne, but why. Why do you call your Uncle Hickory?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Ah, that was a nickname I picked up in the old days.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

My uncle's kind of a modest man, Father Brown, but I can tell you Hickory Crake was one of the most famous Indian scouts in the old frontier days. He's something of a living legend. That was before he quit to start trading with old Merton.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

My nephew exaggerates, Father. Mind you, it's true. I did have quite a lot to do with the engines. Fact in the end is that's why I resigned. I got to like the engines a whole lot better than the guys who were destroying their way of life in the name of progress.

[Father Brown]

Oh, yes, well, I can understand your point of view, Colonel. There was something else I wanted to ask you, if you don't mind.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Fire away.

[Father Brown]

What is all this business about Daniel Doom and the copper? Is that a horse race?

[Captain Peter Wayne]

No, sir, it's not. No, siree.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

The Coptic cup is a sort of chalice. I suppose you'd call it sat with uncut precious stones of various kinds. It goes back certainly before the time of Mohammed.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

It's led to the death of two millionaires who owned it.

[Father Brown]

Oh, I see? And Mr. Merton is the third owner. Is that why he fears for his safety?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Well, that's one reason, though. Anyone has possession has to be careful.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

If you ask me, it's the main reason. The first victim was Titus P. Trant, the Copper King. Seems it was sort of an heirloom in his family. He got these threatening letters from someone calling himself Daniel Doom. Then one day he was found with his head in his own lily pond.

[Father Brown]

Goodness.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

The cup.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

It was in a bank vault. Went with the rest of the property to a cousin of his called Brian Horde.

[Father Brown]

My goodness. And he too got letters signed Daniel Doom?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

He sure did.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

One day he was found lying at the foot of a cliff outside his seaside residence. Buried dead. But the strange thing was, the intruder, Daniel Doom, or whoever he was, went out of his way to destroy an enormous number of papers. Set fire to them. Stocks, bonds, that kind of stuff. It left Horde's affairs in a hell of a mess.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Horde's wetter had to sell the cup to sort out her financial problems.

[Father Brown]

I see. And Mr. Merton bought it? Yes. Has he also had threatening letters?

[Captain Peter Wayne]

I imagine he has.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Well, I'm pretty sure. But Brander keeps hisself to herself these days. No one but his secretary sees his letters. But I've seen him real upset and annoyed with letters. Letters he tore up before the secretary saw them.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Hey, let's get out of here. See who's coming out of that drugstore.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

That's that son of a bitch Grady. Too late. He's seen us. Well, hi there.

[Norman Drage]

Colonel Craig. Captain Wayne.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Hello.

[Norman Drage]

I'm real glad to see you. See you two. I don't believe I've had the pleasure, sir.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Father Brown, Norman Drake. Hello.

[Father Brown]

How do?

[Norman Drage]

Will you give me a ride up to the house, Captain Wayne? It's one of my days for a business consultation with good old Brander.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

All right, you better get in. Oh, well, here we are. We have to stop here by the outer wall.

[Father Brown]

Oh, heavens. Oh, dear, what a grim sight.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

That's Brander's private secretary's idea. John Wendell. He got this set up. It goes right around the grounds with just that one locked door. And that's armor plated. The wall's capped with steel. You can run a powerful electric current right through it. Good heavens. Yeah. When you get to the castle itself, you have to enter by an enclosed elevator.

[Norman Drage]

Having second thoughts about staying with Brander, Father Brown?

[Father Brown]

No, far from it, Mr. Drage. It is my duty to visit prisoners and all miserable men in captivity.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

I know what you mean, Brander. Me? We Used to take our wagons deep into the heart of renegade territory. And he never worried. And now he's as scary as a jackrabbit. And what's the use of all these fortifications. You can't defend against the unexpected. Why, I remember once at Fort Bowie. I was there with Brander. A solitary Apache came up. One half naked brave with just a little knife under the barrels of 50 carbines. Yet he killed a trooper right up on the parapet.

[Father Brown]

What happened?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

He threw it. Quick as a flash, he threw that dern knife. Oh. Hey, they've spotted us. They're opening the gates. Come on, let's get inside.

[Father Brown]

It's very kind of you to have me as your guest, Mr. Merton.

[J]

Not at all. In fact, I'd be glad of your advice. Hickory tells me you've got a pretty sharp reputation. With regard to the criminal element, shall we say?

[Father Brown]

Oh, hardly, I'm afraid.

[J]

I'd be very glad if you'd join me for luncheon. And afterwards I'd be grateful if you'd have a talk with me in private. When am I free this afternoon. Join?

[John Wendell Horde]

About 3:30, sir. Just after you finish.

[J]

3:30 is then. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some private business to discuss with Drage here. You better come on through, Drage. I assume you won't be staying till lunch.

[Norman Drage]

I know how much you'd like me to, Branda, but no, I won't, thank you.

[J]

I'll leave you with my secretary, Father Brown, while I get this over with.

[Father Brown]

Oh, thank you so much.

[J]

Come on, Drake.

[Norman Drage]

Excuse me, gentlemen.

[Father Brown]

Yes. Goodbye.

[John Wendell Horde]

I'm very proud to have met you, sir. I've heard a lot about your reputation.

[Father Brown]

Please don't mention my reputation, Mr. Wendell. I feel as though I'm some sort of exhibit in a museum.

[John Wendell Horde]

As you wish, sir. Lunch is at one shop. Mr. Merton likes his guests to be punctual for meals. I should warn you. Oh, after lunch he generally spends an hour or so with his lawyer. Then I go through the afternoon's program with him. After that, I leave him alone for 15 minutes. He insists I do that each day at 3:15. Oh, excuse me. Harris.

[Harris]

Yes, sir?

[John Wendell Horde]

Harris, Father Brown has an appointment with Mr. Merton at 3:30.

[Harris]

Yes, sir.

[John Wendell Horde]

Harris is Mr. Merton's private bodyguard. He tries to make sure the boss is never left alone with strangers.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Really?

[John Wendell Horde]

Or alone at all. Really?

[Father Brown]

But you said he is alone at 3:15 each day.

[John Wendell Horde]

Ah, yes. For a quarter of an hour out of each 24 hours. That is all the real solitude he has. Oh, and that he insists on. And for a very curious reason.

[Father Brown]

Yes?

[John Wendell Horde]

The Coptic cup is hidden somewhere in that room. None of us knows where. But every day he takes it out and worships it, you might say. Alone.

[Father Brown]

Oh, dear. But isn't that dangerous? Is there a window? I don't know about these things, but surely someone knowing his habits with a rifle. Oh, no, no, no, no.

[John Wendell Horde]

There's no window, only a skylight. And that's the only door with Harris on the other side. You've seen the other precautions. The doors are all kept locked. And here's the switch to turn on the electrocuting current round the walls. And of course, we're all armed. It's pretty unlikely Doom could get in. But if he did, he'd never get out.

[J]

How did you enjoy your first taste of American cooking, Father Brown?

[Father Brown]

It's quite delicious, Mr. Merton.

[J]

If you'd like to have some coffee, I'm sure John Wen to join you.

[John Wendell Horde]

Of course.

[Father Brown]

Thank you.

[J]

Well, that's it, then. I'll see you both later.

[Father Brown]

Oh, indeed. Thank you. Yes.

[John Wendell Horde]

Cream and sugar, Father Brown?

[Father Brown]

Oh, how kind. Yes, please.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Both.

[Father Brown]

Yeah. Mr. Wendell, I hope you don't mind me saying this, but I was just thinking, these precautions you've taken. Yes? Well, aren't they a little excessive? Mr. Merton is in effect, a prisoner in his own house.

[John Wendell Horde]

Maybe he does complain sometimes, but this Daniel Doom is a kind of session with me. My full name is John Wendell Horde.

[Father Brown]

Horde? Wasn't that the name of the second victim?

[John Wendell Horde]

He was my father. Yes. Daniel Doom killed him and ruined my mother, as well as murdering Titus Trant, who is a kind of uncle to me. When the family went bust, Mr. Merton took me on here.

[Father Brown]

Yes, Yes. I gather this Daniel Doom destroyed a number of important papers at your father's house.

[John Wendell Horde]

Yes. Seems like when he couldn't find the cup in his rage, he destroyed anything he could get his hands on.

[Father Brown]

It was a crazy, senseless act. Perhaps. Unless.

[John Wendell Horde]

What?

[Father Brown]

Well, unless it was a deliberate act of cunning. After all, with the destruction of the shares and so forth, your mother presumably had to sell the cup.

[Norman Drage]

What did you mean?

[Father Brown]

Well, it's. It was just a thought. Oh, dear, it's been a tiring day. Would it be possible for me to have a doze in the guest suite until my appointment?

[John Wendell Horde]

Oh, of course.

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[Colonel Matt Craig]

Day.

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[John Wendell Horde]

Father Brown. Father Brown.

[Father Brown]

Where am I? Oh, oh, yes, yes, yes, of course. Yes.

[John Wendell Horde]

If you'll come this way.

[Father Brown]

Thank you.

[John Wendell Horde]

Harris, show Father Brown in, will you?

[Harris]

Yes, sir. This way, sir.

[Father Brown]

Cute.

[Harris]

It's Father brown for you, Mr. Merk. Jump in, Jehoshaphat.

[Father Brown]

What's the matter? Oh, God have mercy.

[John Wendell Horde]

What is it, Father Brown?

[Father Brown]

What is it? What's the matter? I fear you must press your switch, Mr. Wendell.

[John Wendell Horde]

Has he been shot?

[Father Brown]

It depends what you mean by shot.

[Harris]

He's got an arrow in his neck, Mr. Wendell. And the skylight's wide open.

[Father Brown]

Here, let me see.

[John Wendell Horde]

So it is an the Coptic cup. Why isn't the cup here? What's happened to it?

[Father Brown]

Aren't you going to press your switch?

[Norman Drage]

I sure am.

[John Wendell Horde]

And I'll set off the alarm, too.

[Father Brown]

Yes, indeed.

[John Wendell Horde]

Harris, get onto the roof. He may still be there.

[Harris]

Yes, sir, Mr. Wendell.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Watch me.

[Blake Barnard]

Watch where you're going.

[Father Brown]

Huh?

[Blake Barnard]

What the hell's happening?

[John Wendell Horde]

Wendell?

[Father Brown]

I'm afraid it's already happened.

[Blake Barnard]

Hey, Wendell, who is this little guy?

[John Wendell Horde]

Father Brown, this is Blake Barnard, Mr. Merton's lawyer. He's dead, Mr. Barnard.

[Blake Barnard]

So, Brander's dead, is he?

[Father Brown]

Sorry.

[Blake Barnard]

I can't sound more surprised. I guess we all knew it was going to happen sometime.

[Father Brown]

An arrow from heaven, you might say.

[Blake Barnard]

Well, you might say that, Reverend. I say, let's check the roof.

[John Wendell Horde]

Harris is up there right now. Me, I'm going down to check the guard at the bott. Excuse me.

[Blake Barnard]

What's this arrow from heaven nonsense? You really believe it's a miracle?

[Father Brown]

Oh, no, no, no. Miracles are never shrouded in mystery. They're really quite straightforward. When I said an arrow from heaven, I was thinking of aviation. Ah, here's Harris.

[Harris]

Well, if Daniel Doom was on the roof, he sure ain't there now. I'd best report back to Mr. Wendell. Where is he?

[Father Brown]

He's downstairs talking to the guards. Oh, Harris, when he's finished, would you ask him to have a word with me?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Sure thing, Reverend.

[Father Brown]

And by the way, did Mr. Wendell leave this floor at all while I was asleep?

[Harris]

No, sir. No, he didn't. He was here all the time. He was in his office when Mr. Merton was with Mr. Barnard here. Then he went to see Mr. Merton himself?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Yes.

[Harris]

Then when Mr. Merton was. Well, when I guess he was killed, he was with me. Hey, hey, you don't suspect Mr. Wendell, do you, sir?

[Father Brown]

I suspect everyone, Mr. Harris, if you ask him to see me as soon as you can, please. As quickly as you can.

[Harris]

Yes, sir.

[Father Brown]

Yes? Do you have an address for Norman Drage, Mr. Barnard?

[John Wendell Horde]

I do.

[Blake Barnard]

He's in an apartment on the east side.

[Father Brown]

I'd like that address and have you.

[Blake Barnard]

An automobile right outside with my chauffeur.

[Father Brown]

Perhaps you'd be good enough to drive me to the flying field. I believe Captain Wayne and Colonel Craig are both there at the moment. And then if you drive to a station where I can get a train into New York.

[Blake Barnard]

Father Brown, I'm getting to like you. You're a hustler.

[Father Brown]

A hustler? Oh, really? A hustler. Ah, here's Mr. Wendell.

[John Wendell Horde]

You wanted to see me, Father Brown?

[Father Brown]

Yes, Mr. Wendell, for reasons that I'm sure you understand, you had to be the person I first suspected of murdering your employer. I see. But the actual circumstances of the murder seem to make that very unlikely. Have you informed Colonel Craik and Captain Wayne of what has happened?

[John Wendell Horde]

No, not yet. I was just going to telephone the flying field.

[Father Brown]

Yes, I'd rather you didn't. Mr. Barnard has kindly agreed to take me to the flying field in his motor car. I think it would be best if we broke the news to them.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Why, howdy, There, Bernard.

[Blake Barnard]

Hi.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Colonel and Father Brown, this is an unexpected pleasure.

[Father Brown]

Well, I'm afraid Mr. Merton wasn't able to see me and Mr. Barnard kindly drove me over. Is Captain Wayne about?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

That's him up there now. He even took me up earlier.

[Father Brown]

They have machines that carry two people then?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Sure.

[Father Brown]

Do you know, Mr. Barnard, Colonel Craig once saw an Indian kill a man by throwing a knife.

[Blake Barnard]

Is that so?

[Father Brown]

But I should imagine the bow and arrow was a more common weapon.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Well, it used to be the old Sioux and Comanche braves could shoot an arrow straight as a bullet and do it from the back of a pinto pony.

[Father Brown]

Even on the move, they could shoot an arrow accurately.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

They sure could. As long as you're properly balanced and brace yourself.

[Blake Barnard]

Sounds like you did it yourself, Hickory.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

I had to go a few times and I guess I won't. Wasn't so bad. But that's all ancient history now. Hey, see, here's my nephew. Land.

[Norman Drage]

Peter.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Uncle Hickory.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

We got visitors.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Father Brown. If I'd known you were coming, I'd have given you more of a show.

[Father Brown]

You seem to be doing pretty well as it was.

[John Wendell Horde]

Her.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Shucks, that was nothing. These kites are amazing. You wouldn't believe how maneuverable they are nowadays.

[Father Brown]

Yes. Tell me, would it be possible to get within, say, a hundred yards of a tree or a building? A hundred yards?

[Captain Peter Wayne]

I could get you within 50 yards. You want to come up for a demonstration?

[Father Brown]

No, no, not just now, thank you. In fact, I've come to make an apology. I'm afraid I won't be able to join you for a meal this evening. Instead, I'd be grateful if you would meet me at Mr. Merton's house at 8:30.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Well, what is this?

[John Wendell Horde]

What's the matter?

[Father Brown]

Well, I'm afraid. I'm very much afraid Mr. Merton was killed.

[Blake Barnard]

What?

[Father Brown]

Yes, at about 3:25 today.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Good God. A pearl. God. How did it happen?

[Blake Barnard]

By an arrow. Shot down through the skylight.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

What the hey. Now I get it. What the hell are you standing up to tell us? We murdered my old partner.

[Father Brown]

I don't understand.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

This clever dick here was asking me all about shooting arrows while you're on the move. And all about flying machines that can carry two people.

[John Wendell Horde]

So?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Well, don't you see? He thinks you flew me up over Brandish House and then I shot the Aradon through the skylight.

[Father Brown]

I'm not accusing you of anything at the moment, but I would be grateful if you join us this evening.

[Norman Drage]

Who's there?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Hello?

[Norman Drage]

Who is it?

[Father Brown]

Mr. Drage.

[Norman Drage]

Who the hell are You. Oh, it's you.

[Father Brown]

Do you. Do you always greet your visitors with a revolver, Mr. Dredge?

[Norman Drage]

Why do you want?

[Father Brown]

I just dropped by to tell you that Branda Merton has been murdered. Has he?

[Norman Drage]

Well, let me tell you, he deserted a hundred times over.

[Father Brown]

Oh. Well, why didn't you murder him then? Why not, Mr. Drage?

[Norman Drage]

Hey, wait a minute. You want to know why I didn't murder him? You're a nice sort of clergyman. Hey, if that's your way of saying I did, well, prove it, that's all. As for him, I reckon he was no loss.

[Father Brown]

Yes, he was. I would guess he was a loss to you. That's why you didn't kill him. Even though I'm pretty sure you do know the identity of the so called Daniel Doom.

[Norman Drage]

What do you get?

[Father Brown]

Now, would you perhaps agree with me that in the circumstances all Mr. Merton's elaborate defences were a trifle absurd as protection against Daniel Doom?

[Norman Drage]

Daniel Doom?

[Father Brown]

Let me tell you, he didn't murder Branda Merton any more than you did.

[Norman Drage]

You know?

[Father Brown]

A guess, Mr. Drage. I shall be at a little meeting at Mr. Merton's house at 8.30 this evening. @ that meeting I shall voice certain suspicions about you. These suspicions may well be unfounded. If they are not. However, I suggest you use the next few hours to good effect. You understand?

[Norman Drage]

I. Damn it. Yes, I do understand, but.

[Father Brown]

Good. Then you've confirmed what I've suspected. Goodbye, Mr. Dredge. I doubt if we shall meet again.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

I don't like it at all. Come in.

[Father Brown]

Gentlemen.

[Harris]

Father Brown.

[Blake Barnard]

Ah, good evening, Father Brown.

[Father Brown]

Good evening, Mr. Barnard. Mr. Harris, will you join us too, please?

[Harris]

Yes, sir.

[Father Brown]

Now, is everyone here?

[Blake Barnard]

No, no. I'm afraid Mr. Drage and Mr. Wendell are missing.

[Father Brown]

Ah, not to worry. I saw Mr. Drage and telephoned Mr. Wendell from New York. I told him he needn't attend.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Father Brown, what is this fiasco? I'm perfectly aware you believe Peter and I kill Brander.

[Father Brown]

Oh, I assure you I don't.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Why, you practically told us.

[Father Brown]

No, no, Captain Wayne, you told me. I felt it extremely unlikely that you went careering over the castle in a huge noisy machine while an elderly gentleman leaned out at a perilous angle and unerringly shot a red Indian arrow through a skylight. But I had to suspect everyone and you had to prove your innocence.

[Blake Barnard]

And how the hell did they do that?

[Father Brown]

Are you with their hamster? Barnard? You recall how until they actually knew of the crime, they virtually fell over each other in explaining to us how they could have Committed it until they realized what they were accused of. Now, a guilty person would never have behaved like that. Besides, how did they steal the Coptic cup? Did they yank it up on a fishing line?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

But the Coptic cup is missing.

[Father Brown]

In a sense. But I suspect it still lies hidden in whatever secret place Brander Merton concealed it. I don't believe he ever took the cup out today.

[Blake Barnard]

Then who did kill Brander?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Wait.

[Blake Barnard]

It wasn't Norman Drage.

[Father Brown]

Yes, you're right. It wasn't Norman Drage. Now, Drage is a criminal, but he didn't commit this crime. He was blackmailing Mr. Merton. His were the letters you saw Merton tearing up, Colonel. Well, he wasn't likely to kill the goose that laid the golden eggs.

[Blake Barnard]

So who did it?

[Father Brown]

Well, Mr. Barnard, you were out of the room when the murder occurred. You had plenty of time to go up to the roof and come down. And from what you told me of the nature of Mr. Merton's business affairs, I've no doubt that as his confidential adviser, you could find a way to benefit from his death.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

This is outrageous.

[Father Brown]

No, no, you were my principal suspect. But then on the train I remembered Mr. Craik's story about the Indian throwing the knife and I realized I'd been a fool. Surely if a knife can be used as a missile, then a missile such as an arrow could also be used as a knife. Sure, Brandon Merton was stabbed to death with an arrow pushed into his neck like a poignard. But I'm told he kept some arrows in his office as souvenirs of his days on the frontier.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

He did? He sure did. Why didn't I think?

[Father Brown]

Because, Mr. Craig, if an Indian has a knife, you naturally expect him to stab with it. If a man has an arrow in his neck, you expect it to have come from a bow. Especially if the murderer has the presence of mind to open a skylight and place the body beneath it. But, gentlemen, before I go on, I. I must tell you the substance of John Wendell's telephone conversation with me. He has given me permission to tell you. He. He has gone off to be alone with his conscience. I'm sorry to tell you that John Wendell caught up with Daniel Doom and killed him.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Well, I'll be good old Wendell if he croaked Doom.

[Father Brown]

He did a Good day's work, Mr. Wayne. Did not Daniel Doom deserve a fair trial?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

You can't blame a man for downing a crook like that. Father Brown, of course.

[Blake Barnard]

Say, how did he get him?

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Huh?

[Father Brown]

Oh, he stabbed him with an arrow. John Wendell Horde for that was his full name. Holy to me was he admitted to me, obsessed with catching his father's murderer. Now, Drage somehow discovered that Brandon Merton was Daniel Doom and blackmailed him. And when John Wendell realized who Doom actually was, partly, I fear, through some hints I dropped, well, he confronted Merton with it. There was a struggle and he seized the first weapon that came to hand.

[Blake Barnard]

Brander was actually Doom himself. I don't believe it. Craig.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Do you believe it? Yes, I do. What? I've known Brander 40 years, and when he wanted something, nothing would stop him getting it. And he sure wanted that cup. Now, he's done some dirty things in his time. Get that, Harris. She who's called.

[Harris]

Yes, Mr. Craig. Mr. Merton's residence. It's for you, Father Brown.

[Father Brown]

Oh. Oh, thank you.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Thank you.

[Father Brown]

Hello? Yes.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Oh. Oh.

[Father Brown]

Oh, dear me. Oh, yes, thank you. Thank you. Oh, I feel I'm terribly to blame. I. I deeply, deeply regret to tell you. Mr. Wendell has taken his own life. God have mercy on his soul and on mine.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Gosh. Oh, golly.

[Captain Peter Wayne]

Well, I hate to say it, but I reckon that's a relief.

[Father Brown]

What in God's name do you mean?

[Colonel Matt Craig]

That means that now we can hush the whole thing up, Father Brown.

[Father Brown]

Well, I for one am ready to tell the truth to the proper authorities.

[Colonel Matt Craig]

Oh, no, no.

[Blake Barnard]

We couldn't have a thing like this, Getty. Now, surely not White Brand or Merton was a thing like the President of the United States.

[Father Brown]

He was a. He was Daniel Doom. A mad murderer for whom you had no pity, whom you thought was rightly slaughtered without trial. Very well, then. If Daniel Doom has got his desserts, Brandon Merton has got his desserts. If that was good enough for Doom, by all that is holy, it is good enough for Merton. Take your wild justice or our dull legality, but in the name of Almighty God, let there be an equal lawlessness or an equal law. I asked poor Wendell to examine his conscience. I feel I must examine mine. I ask you gentlemen to do the same.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In the Arrow of Heaven by G.K. chesterton, the part of Father Brown was played by Andrew Sachs, Barnard by Ed Bishop Harris by Guy Gregory Wendell by Andrew Branch, Norman Drage by Sean Prendergast, Branda Merton by Richard Durden and Peter Wayne by Johnny Myers, Matt Craik by Harry Taub, and the Customs Officer by Tim Reynolds. The Arrow of Heaven was adapted by John Scottney, and the director from Bristol was Alec Reid.