Haunting Hour 48-12-xx (xx) Sinister Estate

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Haunting Hour 48-12-xx – "Sinister Estate"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Haunting Hour 48-12-xx (xx) Sinister Estate
Date: October 4, 2025
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Format: Golden Age Radio Drama

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio features a classic radio drama from “The Haunting Hour”: “Sinister Estate." Set in an eerie, isolated family estate, the story revolves around themes of inheritance, psychological torment, and murder. Roger Tilton, afflicted with crippling agoraphobia, is heir to the estate under the condition that he recovers or dies, with his brothers forbidden to leave Manor Park. As decades pass and resentments deepen, suspicious deaths imperil everyone, exposing dark motives and a chilling twist.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Highlights

1. Setting the Scene: The Legacy and Its Prisoners

• [01:03-02:44] The episode opens with atmospheric narration: “This is a time of mystery. A time when imagination is free and moves forward swiftly, silently. This is the haunting hour.”
• The audience is introduced to the Tilton family: Roger, a young man suffering from agoraphobia (fear of open spaces); his brothers Charles and Edward; Mr. Amos Hull (the estate administrator); and Abby, Charles's fiancée. Roger's father left a will that traps all brothers on the grounds unless Roger is cured.

2. The Will’s Cruel Design and Emotional Fallout

• [02:44-06:26] Mr. Tilton updates his will to ensure Roger’s care even at the expense of Charles and Edward – fostering jealousy and resentment.
  • Doctor: “Your son’s fears are as real to him as a dagger pointed at his heart…” [02:44]
  • Tilton: “If not, Roger will have to live on the estate until he dies…”
• [05:02-06:26] Abby expresses her frustration to Charles after years of engagement:
  • Abby: “This isn’t a home. It’s a prison… I'd rather die than stay here.” [05:33]

3. Conflict Erupts: Family Tension and Contempt

• [06:26-09:05]
  • Roger is tormented by Charles, who tries to force him across the estate boundary, revealing deep-seated contempt and frustration.
  • Charles: “All your life you’ve had your own way. Now, for once, you’re going to do what someone tells you…” [08:57]
  • Charles and Edward’s discussions hint at plotting, as Edward suggests freeing themselves by removing Roger as an obstacle.

4. The First Death: Charles is Found Dead

• [13:14-15:10] Abby finds Charles's body just outside the gates. The discovery is made more chilling by the cold reactions:
  • Gardener (Higgins): “People are supposed to be something special. But for my part, I’d much rather be with you, flowers… People. Be better if they was all in their graves to feed the flowers.” [15:10]

5. Suspicion and Accusations Mount

• [17:05-19:05]
  • Abby confronts Edward, who is chillingly indifferent:
    • Edward: “He was a fool. Sooner or later, fools die. Doesn’t matter when or how.” [17:42]
  • Abby resolves to investigate, suspecting murder rather than accident or suicide.

6. A Second Murder and Descent Into Paranoia

• [20:00-22:25] Edward vanishes, and the eccentric gardener discovers legs in a flower bed, suggesting Edward was murdered and buried there.
  • Higgins: “Not if the body were in a flower bed, ma'…” [21:52]
  • Tension escalates as Abby, Higgins, and Aunt Mildred uncover evidence of the new crime.

7. Climactic Confrontation and Shocking Twist

• [24:04–26:36]
  • Abby and others catch Aunt Mildred and Roger moving Edward’s body in a wheelbarrow toward the gate, attempting to hide it.
  • Amos arrives, reveals his complicity, and threatens Aunt Mildred.
  • The power dynamic suddenly flips when Roger, previously believed incapable of leaving Manor Park, appears beyond the gates to confront Amos:
    • Roger: “If I had let you know I was cured of my illness, I’d have collected only one third of the estate. Now I can have it all.” [26:36]
  • Abby and others realize Roger’s agoraphobia was feigned to maintain control over the estate.

8. Ending Note

• The story closes with a haunting reflection:
  • “For mystery is a strange companion, a living memory in the haunting hour…” [27:00 approx.]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Realness of Psychological Illness

  • Doctor: “Your son’s fears are as real to him as a dagger pointed at his heart…” [02:44]

• Trapped by Fear and Greed

  • Abby: “This isn’t a home. It’s a prison… I'd rather die than stay here.” [05:33]
  • Higgins: “It’s money that makes you Tiltons bitter and full of hate… Be better if they was all in their graves to feed the flowers.” [06:26, 15:10]

• Chilling Indifference

  • Edward (to Abby): “He was a fool. Sooner or later, fools die. Doesn’t matter when or how.” [17:42]

• Gardener’s Macabre Discovery

  • Higgins: “Not if the body were in a flower bed, ma'… My spading fork uncovered the legs.” [21:52]

• Confrontation and Reveal

  • Roger: “If I had let you know I was cured of my illness, I’d have collected only one third of the estate. Now I can have it all.” [26:36]

• The Haunting Hour’s Signature Epilogue

  • “For mystery is a strange companion, a living memory in the haunting hour…” [27:00 approx.]

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Important Timestamps

• [01:03] – Introduction to “The Haunting Hour” and setup
• [02:44] – Discussion of Roger's illness and the will
• [05:33] – Abby’s outburst about the estate as a prison
• [08:57] – Charles’s cruelty toward Roger
• [15:10] – Higgins the gardener’s eerie commentary
• [17:42] – Edward’s chilling indifference to Charles’s death
• [21:52] – Higgins’s discovery of a body in the flower bed
• [26:36] – Roger’s shocking confession

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Tone & Atmosphere

Sinister Estate drips with suspense, psychological drama, and moral decay. The claustrophobic estate, haunted by past trauma and greed, matches the characters’ own entrapment. Dialogue is rife with bitterness, desperation, and veiled threats—culminating in a final act of cunning and betrayal. The cast’s performances evoke the airless, tension-riddled environment of classic radio thrillers.

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Summary:
“Sinister Estate” is a masterclass in old-time radio suspense, centered on an inheritance, confining will, and fatal psychology. As heirs succumb to envy and paranoia, the ultimate revelation about Roger’s manipulation delivers a final, fatalistic twist—reminding listeners of the dark cracks that form when the mind is trapped, and greed rules all.

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Transcript

[A]

And Doug, here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug. Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us? Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Vary unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates Excludes Massachusetts.

[B]

IT.

[A]

No. Stay where you are. Do not break the stillness of this moment, for this is a time of mystery. A time when imagination is free and moves forward swiftly, silently. This is the haunting hour.

[B]

Sam.

[A]

Sinister estate no, Mr. Tilton, your son's fears are not imaginary. They are as real to him as a dagger pointed at his heart. We doctors recognize that today, 20 years ago, we might have felt as you do now. But Roger seems so normal in every other respect. Doctor, like any other lad of 19, Mr. Tilton, your son is suffering from fear of open spaces. To Roger, the world outside your estate, Manor park, is filled with terror. Doctor, please. I'll put my whole fortune at your disposal. If you can only cure him. I'm sorry, Mr. Tilton. Your millions will not help. Someday, perhaps, he may be able to cure himself. Someday, perhaps, he may not fear to leave the gates that surround Manipak. And if not, Roger will have to live on the estate until he dies. Amos, I came here to your office to face facts. I won't live much longer. Gerard Tilton, you'll reach a hundred for sure. Don't be ridiculous. Roger's illness has got 25 years from my life in a few short months. It's time that you draw up another will for me. Very well. What do you want in it? My entire fortune is to go for the upkeep of Manor park until Roger is well or. Or until he dies. And what about his brothers, Charles and Edward? I can't risk Roger being without a home and companions. They will share only after he dies or is cured. And then only if Charles and Edward live on the estate with their younger brother and never go outside the gates. I see. And who is to administer the estate? Gerard. Amos Hull. Gerard, I leave it in your trust completely. But, Abby, please be patient.

[B]

I've been patient, Charles, and I'm through being patient.

[A]

Perhaps in a little while.

[B]

A little while? A little while. It's 18 years since your father died. 17 years since Uncle Amos first brought me to visit the. The poor Tilton boys cooped up on Manipocus Estate. It's 15 years since we were engaged. Abby, I Love you, Charles, but the years are flying too fast.

[A]

But, Abby, you know my father's will. I. I have to stay here at Manor park with Roger. You'll. You'll have to marry me and live here. We. We've been through this a hundred times.

[B]

I'd rather die than stay here.

[A]

Abby, please.

[B]

This isn't a home. It's a prison. The very trees around us here seem to shut us in. This gate. It's a prison gate. No one really wants to be here. Roger is chained by his own fears, Edward. And you are fettered by your greediness.

[A]

Greedy.

[B]

Yes. Other men would have gone out and earned their own living instead of sitting here waiting for Roger to die.

[A]

Abby, I'm not greedy. But how can I think of leaving? I'm 42. Not a lick of business experience.

[B]

Oh, child, you'll just have to solve these problems for yourself. I'm tired. I'm desperately tired. You know how I feel. I've told you in the plainest words I know. Make up your mind, Charles. By tomorrow. I'll come back then to hear your answer.

[A]

Miss was right, Sir Higgins. You were behind the trees, eavesdropping. Can't I have any privacy? I'm only a gardener, but I do know something about the world. It's money that makes you Tiltons bitter and full of hate. Mind your own business. Did you ever consider the flowers, for instance? Mr. Charles, flowers are good people. Oh, shut up. Go back to your silly flowers. I'm going into the house. Shut up, he says. But he's got no manners. Now, take my daffodils. Drop of the morning, Mr. Higgins, they say to me. That's real manners, that is people. Be better if they was all in their graves to feed the flowers. I don't like to walk down here, child. It's too near the gates. Don't worry, Roger. It's safe here, isn't it? Here, yes, of course. But not out there. You're rather smug, aren't you, Charles? You feel quite contemptuous of me, don't you? Healthy people never really understand those who are ill, no matter how sympathetic they are. And you're not even sympathetic towards me. Oh, it's nothing like that at all. It's just that you're no fool, you. You know there's nothing out there. I just can't step beyond the gates, Charles, that's all. Now, look. We're standing almost on the boundary of the estate. Feel safe? Yes. Then take one more step. No. Come on, Roger. Just one more step. Just to prove there's no harm. No, that's impossible. I can't do it. Ah, you stubborn fool. You were right before. I am contemptuous of you. Your sickness would have been cured a long time ago if it weren't pampered. But I'm tired of pampering it. And tired to death of your being an invalid. All your life you've had your own way. Now this time, for once, you're going to do what someone tells you. You're Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual.

[B]

But now we want you to feel it.

[A]

Cue the emu music. Limu.

[B]

Save yourself money today. Increase your wealth. Custom my ease and save.

[A]

We say that may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com. liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty Savings. Very unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts. Going over the boundary line if I have.

[B]

Larry, you're not giving me jobs. Now you're behaving like a man.

[A]

Come on, get going.

[B]

Come on.

[A]

No.

[B]

Stop it, Charles. Stop it. I won't go over.

[A]

You can't make me think. Charles, stop it.

[B]

Charles Hilton, what are you doing?

[A]

Not it. He's getting what he deserves. A grown man chaining himself to a few acres of earth just because he's stubborn. That's all it is. It makes me sick.

[B]

Don't mind what Charles says, Roger. Mr. Hull is going to hear about this.

[A]

Now, Charles, let's be perfectly clear about this. As long as I am administrator, your father's wishes are going to be carried out to the letter, but not to the spirit. Mr. Hull, if my father were alive, he'd be spending money to have Roger cured, not forcing my brother Edward and me to waste our lives in confinement. But Roger is incurable. The doctor said so 20 years ago. All medical science has advanced since then. Yes, no doubt you were practicing advanced medical science when your Aunt Mildred stopped you this morning. No, Charles. Administering the Tilton estate takes too much of my time for me to go chasing these scientific will o' the wisps. I know why you don't care to cure Roger. As long as he's ill, you have the estate to administer. Don't be impertinent. Still like an accounting. And so would Edward. I didn't come here to discuss what you and Edward want. But I'll tell you this. One more attempt to force Roger from these grounds and both your rights to the estate will be forfeited. So old man Hull gave you a dressing down? Child yes, Edward, I don't know what to do. Through all these horrible years, only the thought of Abby has kept me going. And now she's going to leave me unless I can find a solution by tomorrow. Why wait until tomorrow? Perhaps we can work out a solution tonight. Wait a minute, Edward. If you're Listen to me. Charles. Haven't you had enough of this birdcage life? Aren't you sick to the to teeth of Roger and the whole setup? But what can we do? I. I may need your help. Charles, I demand your help. The happiness of three of us is involved you, me and Abby. But what are you planning? We get the money if he is cured or if he dies. You tried curing him. I won't do it. I can't do it. Why not? You hate him, don't you? Rogers, our brother. I can't let you do it. Do you realize, Charles, that you and I haven't been outside the gates for almost 20 years? I'm not going to rotten Manor park for the rest of my life. And remember, if you blab out anything about this, I'll take care of you too. Understand? I understand, Edward. Now get that scared look off your face. We're going outside as if nothing had happened outside. Open the door, Charles. The door. Yes, all right, Ed. Roger. How long have you been standing there? Just a few minutes, Edward.

[B]

Nice of you to drive me to Manor Park, Uncle Amos.

[A]

Coincidence. Business to attend to, Abby.

[B]

I can hardly imagine anyone's going there for pleasure.

[A]

Why say that?

[B]

Well, I'm going there because Charles has promised me an answer today and you're going on business. So we're not going to Manor park because we want to relax. How can anyone relax at Manor Park? Everybody who has anything to do with the place seems poisoned, polluted by it.

[A]

Oh, nonsense. Manor park is as good a place to relax as any.

[B]

I wish I could feel that way, uncle, but I can't. I hope I never have to come out here again.

[A]

Well, different folks have different feelings. Here we are. Abby, be a good girl and open the gates while I drive through.

[B]

Of course.

[A]

Up in. Now, Abby, I'll drive you to the main house.

[B]

No, no, I'll wait here. I can't stand this place. It gives me the shivers. You tell Charles I'm waiting for him just inside the gate.

[A]

Well, all right, Ab.

[B]

Have you seen Roger Abbey? No, Aunt Mildred, I haven't. I've been looking for him all over. Oh, Roger wouldn't be down near the gates. I'm waiting for Mr. Charles. I wish I Could find Roger. Have you seen Charles recently? I wonder what Roger's up to now. Can't anyone around here even answer a civil question? I can't stand it. I can't stand it, Aunt Mildred.

[A]

Why?

[B]

Abby, tell Charles that if he wants to see me, he'll have to come outside. I'm not going to stay in Manor park one minute longer. Do you hear?

[A]

Do you hear?

[B]

I'll be waiting outside the gate here, gallimass. Good. Charles. Oh, Charles. Charles. What are you doing lying out here in the wet grass? Charles. Charles. Charles.

[A]

On the sinister estate of Manor Park. A legacy and the terror of the unknown hold imprisoned a strange group of people. As we return to their story. Higgins, the gardener is talking to his flowers. People are supposed to be something special. But for my part, I'd much rather be with you. Flowers. Now take the people here on Manor park estate for eye garden. Old man Tilton left Manor park to Roger. He can't go out of the the place cause he's feared. Never knew a flower to fear anything. Now, Charles and Edward Rogers brothers didn't like that because they wanted part of the money. Ever heard of a flower wanting money? I guess Abby Hull knew what she was doing when she told Charles to make up his mind as to whether he wanted to marry her or have his share in the estate. But she must have loved him pretty good because she was broke up quite a bit when she found his body out there on the road outside. And Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual.

[B]

But now we want you to feel it.

[A]

Cue the emu music. Limu.

[B]

Save yourself money today. Increase your wealth. Customize and save. We save.

[A]

That may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty Savings Ferry Unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates Excludes Massachusetts, the estate.

[B]

I saw him lying right outside the gate there in the grass. Edward. I knelt down. And then I found he was dead. Well, he was murdered, Edward. I'm sure of it.

[A]

No need to worry, Abby. Your uncle will arrange to have him buried. Edward.

[B]

Edward, I'm talking about your own brother. He was murdered.

[A]

It will be a quiet funeral. No one need ever know.

[B]

How can you be so callous about Charles death?

[A]

What do you want me to do about it? Wail and beat my breast? No. But I can't bring him back to life, can I?

[B]

I don't think you wanted him alive.

[A]

He was a fool. Sooner or later, fools die. Doesn't matter when or how or how.

[B]

Or who caused the death, Edward. Of course it matters to me. Charles was trying to free himself from Manor Parks because I insisted.

[A]

He's free of it now. You don't have any reason to complain.

[B]

I don't intend to complain. With or without your help, I'm going to find Charles's murderer. And I don't think I'll have to look too far.

[A]

There, there, Abby. Now, this thing out at Manor park will blow over after a while. You'll feel better. Stay in town here. Try to forget.

[B]

I don't want to feel better, Uncle Amos. I don't want to forget. Not until I found out who murdered my poor Charles.

[A]

Well, aren't you being a little hasty? Assuming that it was murder, what else? Suicide, perhaps, or an accident. Who'd want to kill Charles anyway?

[B]

I don't know yet. But I'm going to find out. I can't understand why Edward won't help me.

[A]

Death in the family doesn't change a man's nature.

[B]

It's not just his selfishness. He was trying to discourage me from investigating.

[A]

Well, that's nothing. So was I. How about Roger? Did you ask him any questions?

[B]

No.

[A]

Why not?

[B]

He couldn't have had anything to do with it. I found Charles outside. That ruled out Roger. Does it, Uncle Amos? I. I think I'd better get in touch with the police.

[A]

No. I'd wait until I found some real clues, Abby. Otherwise they'll treat you as though you were a crank.

[B]

You're right. Edward won't like it. But I'm going back to Manor Park. I'm going to examine that place firsthand.

[A]

Excellent. I expect to be at Manor park tonight. Perhaps I can help.

[B]

Would you, please, Uncle Amos, Please.

[A]

Well, now.

[B]

Now, please.

[A]

First I have to attend to the burial arrangements. After that, I'll help you. Let's make it after dinner tonight around 10.

[B]

Oh, thank you, Uncle. Thank you. I've got some questions I'd like to ask Edward Tilton. I'll go out there immediately.

[A]

Hello, Abby. When did you get here?

[B]

Just 10 minutes ago, Roger. I was up in my room unpacking.

[A]

Well, make yourself at home. All the comforts of Manor park are yours.

[B]

Oh, Roger, must you go?

[A]

Yes. Aunt Mildred's waiting for me in the garden. Thought we'd take a walk before it gets too dark.

[B]

Roger, can't you stay just a moment? I must talk to you.

[A]

All right. It's just a second.

[B]

It. It's about Edward.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

I have a feeling that he's concealing some information. I want to talk to him very badly. But. But he's avoiding me. I haven't seen him since I've arrived.

[A]

I don't think you'll be able to talk to Edward Abbey.

[B]

Well. Well, why shouldn't I be able to talk to him?

[A]

Very simple. My brother Edward has disappeared.

[B]

Roger, don't wander too far away in the dark.

[A]

No, Aunt Mildred. I'll just sit down here under this tree.

[B]

All right, dear.

[A]

Aunt Mildred, do you know who killed Charles?

[B]

No, Roger, I don't.

[A]

Are you sure you don't know?

[B]

Of course I'm sure.

[A]

You wouldn't lie to me, would you?

[B]

Aunt Mildred, you know I wouldn't.

[A]

Roger, do you think anybody else knows who killed Charles?

[B]

Roger, be quiet. You never can tell who's listening.

[A]

Do you think anybody knows?

[B]

The one who did it knows.

[A]

Yes, he knows. That's right. He knows.

[B]

Where are you going, Roger? Be careful, dear. It's dark.

[A]

I have a flashlight. Just going down towards the road, Aunt Hogan. Just going down towards the road. Everything all right, ma'?

[B]

Am? Mistakens. Were you eavesdropping on my boy?

[A]

I never listen to what humans say. It ain't worthwhile.

[B]

You didn't hear what he said about the killing, did you?

[A]

Which killing?

[B]

There's only been one.

[A]

Mm. Mm. Two.

[B]

Who's the other one?

[A]

I don't know.

[B]

Nonsense. If you really knew someone was killed, you'd know who it was, Mr. Higgins.

[A]

Not if the body were in a flower bed, ma'.

[B]

Am.

[A]

What? My spading fork uncovered the legs. Yes, but I've already planted some flowers over there, you ninny. Ninny? Am I? I'm not going to rearrange my flower just because of some worthless corpse.

[B]

Oh, of course, of course. Tell me, Mr. Higgins, which flower bed was disturbed?

[A]

The one between the fountain and the hydrangeas.

[B]

Inside Manor Park?

[A]

Yes, Miss Randolph.

[B]

Inside the park. Oh, Roger. Roger, my poor nephew.

[A]

You shouldn't have done it.

[B]

What is it?

[A]

It's me, Miss Abby Higgins.

[B]

What do you want?

[A]

Something terrible has happened.

[B]

Uncle Amos. He's been killed.

[A]

Oh, miss, say that.

[B]

Who is it, then?

[A]

Can't tell you through this door.

[B]

One moment, I'll open it. Come in quickly.

[A]

Yes, Miss Abbey.

[B]

Now tell me everything.

[A]

Ms. Abbey, tell your uncle that he'll have to get another gardener for the estate.

[B]

My uncle won't arrive until 10 this evening.

[A]

Tell your uncle in the morning, then.

[B]

Higgins, you didn't come rushing in here just to tell me you're quitting.

[A]

I can't stay any longer after what's happened?

[B]

What has happened, Higgins?

[A]

They took my shovel.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

It was murder. That's what it was, Higgins.

[B]

Murder?

[A]

Yes. Come outside with me, Miss Abby. I'll show you.

[B]

Can't you just tell me about it?

[A]

No, no, no.

[B]

You've got to come outside, Higgins. You hated Charles and Edward, didn't you?

[A]

Yes, miss.

[B]

You don't like anyone or anything except your flowers.

[A]

Pigs are no good.

[B]

I see what you're trying to do. You want to get me to come outside, and then you're going to kill me, just like you killed Charles and Edward.

[A]

How'd you know that heaven was dead?

[B]

I'm right. You did kill them.

[A]

No, Miss Abbey. No. I ain't killed no one yet.

[B]

But you're going to kill me, aren't you?

[A]

No, ma'. Am. I hadn't thought to. All I want is to have them two punished.

[B]

What?

[A]

Roger and his aunt. They dug up all the flowers I planted. All those beautiful flowers. It was. Come outside, Miss Abbey. I'll show you.

[B]

Oh, Higgins, don't be so ridiculous. Why would they want to dig up your flowers in the middle of the night?

[A]

To get hold of Edward Tilton's body. It was buried there in the flower bed.

[B]

In the flower bed?

[A]

Yes. I saw them dump the corpse into a wheelbarrow and then they went toward the main gate.

[B]

All right, Higgins, keep walking ahead of me.

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am. We'll soon catch up to them.

[B]

You keep moving. If you make one step towards me, Higgins, I'll scream. What is it?

[A]

The wheelbarrow.

[B]

Hurry.

[A]

Yes, ma'.

[B]

Am. Hurry. Get behind his head.

[A]

Just inside the gate.

[B]

Quiet. Quiet, Roger. You'd better rest a while.

[A]

It isn't too heavy, I noticed.

[B]

I can see them now. Higgins, be careful.

[A]

Yes, ma'.

[B]

Am. Put it down here, Roger, and I'll push it beyond the gate. It mustn't be found on the grounds, Roger. You know that. It mustn't be found. Can you see what she's doing, Higgins?

[A]

Pretty well, ma'. Am. She's got the whole Nianta filled up.

[B]

My uncle will be here soon, I hope.

[A]

When he comes, we'll have to track down Roger.

[B]

That's right. I'd feel much safer here in the dark if I knew where he was.

[A]

Well, he can't be wandering far. He's somewhere inside the park for sure.

[B]

Who's that?

[A]

Someone else here, and I don't like it.

[B]

Wait a minute. I can see him now. Oh, it's Uncle Amos.

[A]

All right. Mildred, Drop the shovel and keep your hands up.

[B]

Amos. Amos. How I can explain this, Amos. I didn't have anything to do with it. I don't know who did.

[A]

Save your explanations. There's no one here to listen to them.

[B]

Very well, Amos. I'll tell them to the police. I'll make them understand.

[A]

I'm afraid you won't get to see the police, Mildred.

[B]

What do you mean?

[A]

The only one who's going to see the police is Roger when they arrest him for the murder of his two brothers. And you. Come along. Move over near that hole you were digging. Very considerate of you to dig your own grave. Saves me the trouble.

[B]

So. So it was you all the time. You planned it all, didn't you?

[A]

Go ahead and rave, Mildred. No one will hear you.

[B]

Roger. Roger.

[A]

Roger won't come out here, you know. He wouldn't move out of Manor park to save his life. Wouldn't he, Punch?

[B]

Don't let him go. I'll get his gun.

[A]

Good old cow.

[B]

You can let him go now, Roger. I'll shoot if he tries anything. Come on, Higgins. We may be able to help.

[A]

Give me the gun at Mildred. I've got you covered, Amos. Ho. I don't understand. I thought. I thought you couldn't leave the estate right now. I know you did. Well, it's been a long time since I've really been afraid. Will you call the police unmoted?

[B]

Roger, why did you pretend to be afraid to cross the boundary? Why didn't you let us know you were well?

[A]

If I had let you know I was cured of my illness, I'd have collected only one third of the estate. Now I can have it all. From shadows and stillness, mystery weaves a spell of strangest fascination, charging the mind with doubts and fears. For mystery is a strange companion, a living memory in the haunting hour.

[B]

Sa.