Molle Mystery Theatre 1944-07-25 Fifty Candles

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Molle Mystery Theatre Episode: "Fifty Candles"

Episode Details:

• Title: Fifty Candles
• Series: Molle Mystery Theatre
• Original Air Date: July 25, 1944
• Release Date: August 6, 2025
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

Sergeant X kicks off the evening by immersing listeners into the allure of mystery storytelling. He encourages the audience to don their detective hats, setting the stage for an interactive experience where listeners can attempt to solve the crime alongside the story's creator, Earl Der Biggers, known for the Charlie Chan series.

Sergeant X [00:10]: "There's enough would-be Sherlock Holmes in most of us so that we get a kick out of attempting to solve a crime, even if it's only on the radio."

Setting the Scene

The narrative unfolds with George Winthrop recounting a harrowing experience at a high-society gathering. He narrates his strained relationship with his former employer, Henry Drew, and the pivotal moment that leads to his involvement in the unfolding mystery.

George Winthrop [01:44]: "I stood alone in the library of my former employer, Henry Drew. It was a stern and foreboding room."

Characters Introduced

• George Winthrop: Former employee of Henry Drew, ambitious and seeking retribution.
• Henry Drew: Wealthy San Francisco millionaire with a murky past.
• Mary Telfair: Young American hired as a traveling companion for Mrs. Drew.
• Carlotta Drew: Henry Drew's wife, with her own secrets.
• Mark Drew: Henry's son, a lawyer with a strained relationship with his father.
• Hung Chin Chung: Long-time servant bound by a 20-year servitude pact.
• Dr. Su Yun Hun: Henry Drew's business partner and associate.

The Mystery Unfolds

Phase 1: The Invitation and Arrival George Winthrop returns from successfully managing a failing copper mine in China, expecting a promised reward from Henry Drew. Instead, Drew confronts George, leading to a bitter exchange and George's subsequent decision to return to San Francisco.

George Winthrop [03:02]: "Well, after four long, hard and successful years in Yunnan, I returned to Shanghai to see Henry Drew."

Phase 2: The Party and the Murder At Henry Drew's grand birthday party, tensions simmer among the guests. The centerpiece—a cake adorned with 50 pink candles—symbolizes the night's dark turn when Henry Drew is found murdered.

George Winthrop [09:03]: "I was standing alone in the Drew Library... The table was set with gleaming silver and white linen. In the center stood a cake with 50 pink candles... Henry Drew was on the floor with a knife in his chest."

Investigation and Suspicion

Detective Sergeant Barnes conducts a swift investigation, questioning each guest:

1. George Winthrop: Claims innocence, but his past dispute with Henry Drew makes him a prime suspect.
2. Carlotta Drew: Reveals her tumultuous relationship with George, adding layers to the motive.
3. Mark Drew: Displays suspicious behavior, including hiding the murder weapon.
4. Mary Telfair: Her presence and interactions hint at deeper connections.

George Winthrop [14:22]: "But I was so excited I didn't think."

Twist and Revelation

As tensions escalate, a second murder shocks the party—Dr. Su Yun Hun is also slain. The narrative takes a complex turn as Sergeant Barnes unravels the true culprit, initially leading suspicions toward Hung Chin Chung, whose long-standing grudge against Henry Drew is meticulously revealed.

Hung Chin Chung [20:21]: "Years ago, I wanted to marry Mali. I asked permission of your father, but he would not share my services with Ma Li. They hated the Dr. Mr. Drew for that. Swore that when I was free, I would kill them."

Climactic Conclusion

In a masterful twist, it's unveiled that Mary Telfair orchestrated the murders to gain control over her late husband's wealth. The "50 candles" were a symbolic clue indicating Mary's true intentions and her role in the narrative.

Mary Telfair [24:11]: "But it was done too cleverly for anyone to suspect me."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sergeant X [00:10]: "Good hunting."
• Mary Telfair [02:13]: "I ran."
• George Winthrop [06:17]: "What a character, Dr. Parker."
• Mary Telfair [13:17]: "It is good to have such honor in the eyes of my master's son."
• Hung Chin Chung [20:21]: "He swore that... I would kill them."
• Mary Telfair [24:29]: "Yes, Mark. I arrested you for the murder of Henry Drew."

Behind the Scenes and Final Twist

Post the resolution, Sergeant X teases the audience with hints of future dark and psychological stories, signaling a shift from traditional mystery to more intense narratives. However, in a final twist, it's revealed that Mary Telfair is the actual murderer, manipulating perceptions and presenting herself as a victim to conceal her motives.

Mary Telfair [24:29]: "I murdered her. But it was done too cleverly for anyone to suspect me."

Host’s Closing Remarks

Sergeant X wraps up the episode by congratulating listeners who successfully deduced the murderer, while encouraging others to engage with upcoming mysteries.

Sergeant X [23:02]: "Well, that's the curtain on tonight's mystery. Fifty candles. How did you do?"

Epilogue: A Dark Revelation

In an unexpected epilogue, Mary's inner monologue reveals her cold and calculated nature, confirming her role as the antagonist who orchestrated the murders for personal gain.

Mary Telfair [24:11]: "I murdered her. But it was done too cleverly for anyone to suspect me."

Conclusion

"Fifty Candles" delivers a captivating mystery filled with deceit, hidden motives, and unexpected twists. Through meticulous storytelling and rich character development, the episode engages listeners, inviting them to unravel the enigma alongside the characters. The integration of symbolic elements, like the 50 candles, adds depth to the narrative, making it a standout episode in the Molle Mystery Theatre series.

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Listening Recommendation: For enthusiasts of classic mystery dramas and intricate plot twists, "Fifty Candles" offers a quintessential Golden Age of Radio experience, blending suspense with engaging storytelling that remains timeless.

Transcript

[Sergeant X]

Good evening. This is Sergeant X. I don't think we need a gallop poll to tell us that nearly everybody's in favor of a good mystery story. There's enough would be Sherlock Holmes in most of us so that we get a kick out of attempting to solve a crime, even if it's only on the radio. So get out those magnifying glasses and Meersham pipes for the night's adventure in the Mystery Playhouse. Tonight, the Mystery Playhouse gives you amateur sleuths a chance to exercise your talents. We invite you to match wits with the author of tonight's story, Earl Der Biggers, creator of the Charlie Chan series, and see if you can solve his mystery before the solution is finally given. You will be presented with a murder and five likely suspects. And if you catch the various clues as they come, you'll be able to put your finger on the murderer before the curtain falls. And here is a hint to the most important clue of all. It's contained in the title of tonight's tale, 50 Candles. Good hunting.

[George Winthrop]

My name is George Winthrop. I'll never forget that horrible night. I stood alone in the library of my former employer, Henry Drew. It was a stern and foreboding room. A heavy yellow fire from the fields of marsh grass seemed to be pressing close against the window panes. I'd been invited to Henry Drew's birthday party. Inside the big house, it was oppressively quiet. And then, suddenly.

[Mary Telfair]

I ran.

[George Winthrop]

The door of the dining room table was set with gleaming silver and white linen. The center stood a cake with 50 pink candles. I took a few steps across the room and stopped, horrified. There was a body on the floor. But let's go back to the events that led up to my shocking discovery. Four years ago, Henry Drew, the San Francisco millionaire, had hired me to take charge of a copper mine in China. The mine had been a failure, and Drew promised that he, if I could make it pay, he'd reward me with a third interest in the property. Well, after four long, hard and successful years in Yunnan, I returned to Shanghai to see Henry Drew.

[Henry Drew]

Yes, Winthrop. You've done a splendid job and I'm proud of you.

[George Winthrop]

Thank you, sir. It was a tough job. I think I really earned my third interest in that property.

[Hung Chin Chung]

What?

[George Winthrop]

A third interest? Well, yes. You remember he said if I could make the mine pay, you'd give me, in addition to my salary, a third interest in the property.

[Henry Drew]

You must be dreaming, boy. That's ridiculous. I never made any such promise, and you know it.

[George Winthrop]

But you gave me a word.

[Henry Drew]

Well, I assume if you have a witness.

[George Winthrop]

Of course not. But I fulfill my end of the bargain. I demand that you keep yours.

[Henry Drew]

Oh, and I'll accept it.

[George Winthrop]

Accept what?

[Henry Drew]

Your resignation.

[George Winthrop]

Oh, so that's it. Well, you won't get away with it. I'm gonna.

[Carlotta Drew]

Oh, Am I interrupting something?

[Henry Drew]

Not at all.

[Mary Telfair]

Come in.

[Carlotta Drew]

Carlotta, have you finished your business?

[Henry Drew]

Yes, my dear. We're quite through.

[Carlotta Drew]

Through, Mr. Winthrop. I suppose you'll be glad to get back to the states.

[George Winthrop]

Yes. Yes, Mrs. Drew. Good day, Mr. Drew. I'll see you in court. I was young and ambitious, and this act of injustice seared my mind with hatred for Henry Drew. Well, I. I booked passage as soon as I could to San Francisco. The boat was crowded, and I was informed that I'd have to share a stateroom with the ship's doctor and another male passenger. When I went on board and down to my stateroom, I found that already. Make yourself comfortable, Mr. Winthrop. Oh, thank you, Dr. Parker. There'll be another gentleman in here, they tell me.

[Henry Drew]

Put my bags in here, Hong.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Yes, Ms. Hudson.

[Henry Drew]

Oh, hello, Dr. Winthrop. What are you doing here?

[George Winthrop]

These happen to be my quarters, Mr. Drew.

[Henry Drew]

Well, in that case, I'll have mine changed immediately. Come along, hon.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Yes, Mr. Drew.

[George Winthrop]

What a character, Dr. Parker. The famous Henry Drew who made his million swindling other people. Well, you have to admit he has good taste in women. Mrs. Drew is quite attractive. Oh, sure, sure. But he's old enough to be her father. Who's the young American girl that Drew hired as Traveling companion for Mrs. Drew? Oh, she's Mary Telfair. Oh, you must be interested. I am, but so far it's all on my side.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Excuse, priest, missy Drew, like Dr. Parker. Come to Drew's stateroom right away.

[George Winthrop]

Oh, yes, yes, I'll be right along, huh?

[Hung Chin Chung]

Thank you, Doc.

[George Winthrop]

You know, it's an odd thing about his relation to Drew. He's more of a slave than a servant.

[Mary Telfair]

Slave?

[Hung Chin Chung]

Yeah.

[George Winthrop]

About 20 years ago, Henry Drew saved his life. And for that, hung pledged drew 20 years servitude. Old Jewel really exercised his rights as a master, too. Once he even prevented Hung from marrying a Chinese girl that he fancied. Later, the girl married old Dr. Su. Well, I imagine Hung will be very happy when his 20 years of slavery end that he can do as he pleases. In any event, better luck with your romance.

[Henry Drew]

Yes, Mary, it's really been very funny.

[George Winthrop]

Old man Drew couldn't get another story. State room, see? So he's got to make the best of an uncomfortable situation. Bunking with Me?

[Mark Drew]

I can imagine. But he's really been very nice to me.

[George Winthrop]

Well, who wouldn't be nice to you, George?

[Mark Drew]

Look down there on deck.

[Henry Drew]

Oh.

[George Winthrop]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Dr. Park and Mrs. Drew.

[Henry Drew]

Huh?

[George Winthrop]

They're going into Drew's stateroom.

[Mark Drew]

I wish I had her clothes and her money.

[Henry Drew]

Yes, I think the good doctor has.

[George Winthrop]

More than a professional interest. It's Mrs. Drew. Yes. I gave Mr. Drew a sedative and he's sleeping quite soundly, the old fossil.

[Carlotta Drew]

It would be too bad if he didn't wake up. Couldn't you arrange matters, Doctor?

[George Winthrop]

No, Carlotta. That would be too obvious. I think we'll just have to be patient and let nature take her course. Oh, here comes Hun.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Excuse, please, Missy Drew. Mr. Drew asked me to tell you he would have dinner. Eight o'.

[Carlotta Drew]

Clock. Very well, I'll be ready.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Thank you. I told Mr. Drew he knows more.

[Carlotta Drew]

About Henry's personal affairs than I do.

[George Winthrop]

What about Drew's son, Mark? Has he made up with his father? I remember they quarreled years ago.

[Carlotta Drew]

No, he's a lawyer and he has no use for me. He thinks I married Henry for his money. And just between ourselves, Doctor, I think he was right.

[George Winthrop]

We arrived in San Francisco three days later. And then came the surprise. Old Henry Drew was giving a party at his home. It was to be a birthday party, he said. In spite of the bad blood between us, he insisted that I come. But most important reason for accepting the invitation was, well, the thought of seeing Mary again. Hung Jingcheng called for me later and we drove to the Zhu mansion on Nob Hill. The fog was thick. Hung like a plank.

[Henry Drew]

Well, I'm delighted to see you. Winthrop, take that chair up at the fire.

[George Winthrop]

Thank you.

[Henry Drew]

I've been thinking over our little business discussion.

[George Winthrop]

Please, Mr. Drew, let's not spoil your party with business. My lawyer will call on you tomorrow.

[Henry Drew]

All right, boy.

[Mark Drew]

Good evening, gentlemen.

[George Winthrop]

Oh, hello, Mary. You look beautiful.

[Henry Drew]

Pretty as a picture, Mary.

[Mark Drew]

Well, thank you, kind sir.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Excuse it, please, Mr. Dream.

[Henry Drew]

Yes, what is it, Hung?

[Hung Chin Chung]

With your permission, I will go to my room.

[Henry Drew]

All right, Hung. But be back in time to serve dinner.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Yes, Ms. Hadru. Thank you.

[Henry Drew]

I don't imagine you two will object to being left alone for a moment. I want to have a look at the table. I want to be sure all 50 candles are on the cake. Excuse me.

[Mark Drew]

I wonder whose birthday we're celebrating.

[George Winthrop]

Search me. He said 50 candles. That lets him out. He must be well over 60.

[Mark Drew]

Yes, his son Mark is coming. But his young men will under 50.

[George Winthrop]

Well, perhaps it's for Drew's partner, Dr. Su Yan Hun.

[Carlotta Drew]

Mary.

[Mark Drew]

Now what does she want? I'll be right back.

[George Winthrop]

It was then it happened. Everyone was upstairs but myself. I was standing alone in the Drew Library. It was oppressively quiet. Suddenly I heard. I ran to the door of the dining room. French window stood open to the fog. I took a few steps across the room. The table was set with gleaming silver and white linen. In the center stood a cake with 50 pink candles. Another step and I stopped, horrified. Henry Drew was on the floor with a knife in his chest. It's a Jew.

[Mary Telfair]

It's a Jew.

[Mark Drew]

Candles.

[George Winthrop]

The Jew.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Oh, my God.

[George Winthrop]

He's dead. I was shocked and horrified as I stood there in the Drew dining room with Henry Drew's dead body at my feet. I stepped quickly at the open French window and saw a dark shadow across the lawn which disappeared in the twinkling of an eye. I heard running footsteps on the gravel path outside. Without thinking the danger or consequences, I stepped out on the veranda, stumble down the stairs and try to follow along the path. And then suddenly. Hey, look out.

[Henry Drew]

Good Lord.

[Mary Telfair]

Winthrop.

[George Winthrop]

Dr. Parker, am I glad to see you. What in the world are you doing out here? Something terrible's happened. Well, what is it? Speak up, man. Henry Drew has just been murdered. We returned to the Drew house. I met Mark Drew, Henry Drew's son, for the first time. A good looking, brisk young man of 35. He'd been detained and arrived at the party just a few minutes before I found his father dead. A few minutes later, Detective Sergeant Barnes arrived. He was a cool, quick little man and all business from the word go. After a brief investigation in the house and outside, he ordered us to the library.

[Henry Drew]

All right, quiet, everybody. I have here the place cards of the guests for this birthday party. Mr. And Mrs. Drew, Ms. Telfair, Mr. Winthrop, Dr. Parker, Mark Drew and Dr. Su Yun Hun. Oh, Mr. Drew.

[Mary Telfair]

Oh, yes. Yes, sir.

[Henry Drew]

Dr. Su Yunhun lives a few doors down the block, doesn't he?

[Mary Telfair]

Yes, he does.

[Henry Drew]

He's the only guest who hasn't arrived. I wonder if you'd mind sending one of the servants to his house and ask him to come over here.

[Mary Telfair]

Of course, Sergeant.

[Henry Drew]

I'll be glad. Now, we'll start with you, Mr. Windsor. What happened?

[George Winthrop]

Well, I was standing in here alone when suddenly I heard somebody cry out. I ran into the dining room and saw Mr. Drew on the floor. He was dead.

[Henry Drew]

Did you see a knife or any other weapon?

[George Winthrop]

I didn't look for him. I heard footsteps outside on the path And I went through the open French window and tried to follow him. Then I got lost in the fog and bumped into Dr. Parker. We came in and that's about all.

[Henry Drew]

What's your position here? A friend of Henry Drew?

[George Winthrop]

Decidedly not.

[Henry Drew]

With a former employee, decidedly not. What do you mean by that, Sergeant?

[Carlotta Drew]

May I speak?

[Henry Drew]

Why, yes, Mrs. Roof.

[Carlotta Drew]

Mr. Winthrop was employed by my husband in the Yunnan mine in China. Mr. Winthrop claimed that my husband had promised to reward him with a third interest in the mine he managed.

[George Winthrop]

Well, that's true, he did.

[Carlotta Drew]

He claimed he'd been treated unfairly and quarreled violently with my husband, who dismissed.

[George Winthrop]

Well, that's not true. I resigned.

[Henry Drew]

But you admit there had been bad blood between you and Rue?

[George Winthrop]

Well, yes, I do, Mrs. Drew.

[Henry Drew]

What were you doing at half past seven?

[Carlotta Drew]

I was in my room. Ms. Telfair was helping me to dress when we heard the cry.

[Henry Drew]

What then?

[Carlotta Drew]

Miss Telfair started out of my room.

[Mark Drew]

I tried to leave, but you held me back.

[Carlotta Drew]

Naturally, I was frightened.

[Henry Drew]

Dr. Stu should be here shortly, Sergeant. Good. Where were you, Mark, when your father was murdered?

[Mary Telfair]

I. I was on my way here in a cab.

[Henry Drew]

Well, I'll check that later with the driver. For the time being, I'll assume that clears you.

[Mary Telfair]

Well, you certainly don't suspect me.

[Henry Drew]

I suspect everyone until he's proven innocent. Who's that?

[Mary Telfair]

Oh, that's Hung Chin Chung, my father's servant.

[Henry Drew]

I see. Come here.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Yes, Mr. Officer or Sergeant.

[Henry Drew]

I'd.

[Mary Telfair]

I'd like to put in a word for Hong. You see, he's been in my father's service for 20 years. I'm sure he's the sincerest mourner here tonight.

[Hung Chin Chung]

It is good to have such honor in the eyes of my master's son.

[Henry Drew]

Tell me, Hong, where were you at 7:30?

[Hung Chin Chung]

In my room on the fourth floor. My master gave me permission to go there. Mr. Winthrop. Hear that? Yes.

[George Winthrop]

Yes, that's right.

[Henry Drew]

Did you hear the cry?

[Hung Chin Chung]

No. When I came downstairs, I found my master was dead.

[Henry Drew]

All right, Hong, suppose you go out and fix us some coffee.

[George Winthrop]

Yes.

[Henry Drew]

Now, Ms. Elfair.

[Mark Drew]

Yes?

[Henry Drew]

What about you?

[Mark Drew]

When I heard Mr. Drew scream, I ran downstairs. I looked in the dining room and saw Mr. Drew.

[Henry Drew]

Yeah, go on.

[Mark Drew]

I screamed and ran from the room.

[Henry Drew]

Did you see a weapon of any sort? A knife?

[Mark Drew]

I scarcely looked. I was frightened. Then Mrs. Drew rushed in, and when she saw the body, she almost fainted. I went upstairs and got some smelling salts, came down here.

[Henry Drew]

When you took the time to get the smelling salts for Mrs. Drew, you went to Your own room first, didn't you?

[Mark Drew]

Yes.

[Henry Drew]

You wanted to hide something you'd picked up from the side of the dead man. In the dining room. Under your mattress was a pretty obvious place to hide this jade handled Chinese knife.

[Mark Drew]

Yes, I know. It was the worst thing I could have done, but I was so excited I didn't think.

[Henry Drew]

Mary, you did that for me.

[George Winthrop]

I know.

[Mary Telfair]

Wonderful.

[Henry Drew]

Then this is your knife, Mr. Winsor?

[Hung Chin Chung]

Yes.

[George Winthrop]

Yes, that's my knife.

[Henry Drew]

How do you account for the fact that it was found beside the body?

[Hung Chin Chung]

Well, it is.

[George Winthrop]

It was stolen from me, of course.

[Henry Drew]

Of course.

[George Winthrop]

Well, it must have been taken from my luggage in the stateroom on the boat. There were just three men who had access to that luggage. One was a dead man, the second.

[Henry Drew]

Was Hung Chin, and the third, Dr. Parker.

[George Winthrop]

Nonsense. What motive would I have?

[Mary Telfair]

Motive enough. A secret love affair with my father's wife. It's been going on for more than a year. Lust for money and a well known lack of scruples.

[Henry Drew]

My dear doctor, I tell you, I.

[George Winthrop]

Didn'T steal Winthrop's knife.

[Henry Drew]

Why not?

[Mary Telfair]

A man who would steal another man's wife would hardly stop at the theft of a dagger.

[Henry Drew]

Never mind, Mark. I'll take that. Hello, this is Detective Sergeant Barnes. What? When? Yes, yes, I see. Well, very well. Just don't touch a thing until the police arrive.

[Mary Telfair]

What is it, Sergeant? Is something wrong?

[Henry Drew]

Plenty. That was the servant you sent for, Dr. Su Yanhan. What?

[Mary Telfair]

Is the doctor coming?

[Henry Drew]

I'm afraid not. Dr. Su Yanhan has been stabbed to death.

[Mary Telfair]

That's incredible.

[Henry Drew]

Now wait a minute, wait a minute.

[Mark Drew]

Let's not get a hysterical, hysterical. Two murders and the second one right under your very nose. I demand that you do something. No one is safe.

[Henry Drew]

Please, Mr. Drew.

[George Winthrop]

Sergeant, I demand that you release all of us. Since we were with you, we obviously could not have.

[Henry Drew]

Parker, you weren't with me when Drew was killed.

[George Winthrop]

But are you implying.

[Henry Drew]

I'm implying nothing. For the last time, may I point out that everyone in this house is under suspicion until this murder is solved?

[Mark Drew]

Everyone. But I was upstairs and my husband was stabbed.

[Henry Drew]

And so was Miss Telfair and Hung Tin. So what? Any one of the three of you could have gone down the back steps, out the back door, through the garden, entered the French doors, killed Henry Drew and then returned the same way without being seen.

[Mary Telfair]

One moment, Sergeant. May I say a word?

[Henry Drew]

Yes, of course, Mark.

[Mary Telfair]

Well, it occurs to me there's one important link in this mystery that hasn't been explained. The 50 birthday candles.

[Henry Drew]

50 birthday candles?

[Mary Telfair]

Yes, Whose birthday is this Anyway? Father was 69. Dr. Sue was over 70. Look, may I speak to you privately?

[Henry Drew]

All right. Come along.

[George Winthrop]

Maria. I didn't kill Henry Drew. You believe that, don't you?

[Mark Drew]

Yes, Charles.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Oh.

[George Winthrop]

And that's all that matters. No matter how this evening ends, it's taught me one wonderful thing. That you love me.

[Henry Drew]

All right, everybody, I have an important announcement. My investigation is at an end. You're all free to go now, except George Winthrop, of course. You will be called later as witnesses.

[Mark Drew]

Sergeant, you don't mean this. No. It isn't true.

[Henry Drew]

I'm afraid it is, Mary. George Winthrop, I arrest you for the murder of Henry Drew.

[George Winthrop]

I dropped into a chair beside Mary to too shocked and stunned to speak. And then strange things began to happen. All the guests left except Mary and myself. Sergeant Mark Drew went into the next room and appeared to be consulting together. When they came out, Sergeant Barnes warned us to be quiet and turned out the lights. He stamped around the hall and opened and closed the doors. Then everything was quiet. The four of us marked Mary, the sergeant and I sat there in the darkness. Minutes passed like hours. What did Sergeant Barnes have in mind? It was so quiet, I could hear the clock ticking.

[Henry Drew]

Now, Mark, anyone attempting to leave or enter the house would have to pass through this hallway, right?

[Mary Telfair]

That's right.

[Henry Drew]

Good. You better slip out, take your place in front of the house now.

[Mary Telfair]

Right, Sergeant.

[George Winthrop]

Good luck, Sergeant. I tell you, I drink. Quiet. You fool.

[Henry Drew]

You ruin everything.

[Mark Drew]

Sergeant, are you. That is, are we waiting?

[Henry Drew]

Waiting? Yes. You mean.

[George Winthrop]

If you both will be quiet and.

[Henry Drew]

Listen and wait, you'll see what I mean. Not a word.

[Mark Drew]

George. He had something in his hand.

[Henry Drew]

I know.

[Mark Drew]

You do?

[George Winthrop]

Well, that takes care of that.

[Henry Drew]

What happened?

[George Winthrop]

Who is it?

[Henry Drew]

The murderer.

[George Winthrop]

Who else?

[Mark Drew]

You said that George.

[Henry Drew]

No, no, not George. Turn on the light, Mary, and you'll see the light.

[George Winthrop]

Never mind. I have it.

[Henry Drew]

Good Lord.

[George Winthrop]

It's Hong Ching Chung.

[Henry Drew]

Oh, look, he's coming due. You were right, Sergeant. Mark.

[Mary Telfair]

I caught Mali, the Chinese girl, outside in the car.

[Henry Drew]

Your men are holding a Chinese girl?

[Mark Drew]

Who's Molly?

[Henry Drew]

Mali is the wife of Dr. Su Yan Hun.

[George Winthrop]

She killed Dr. Sue.

[Henry Drew]

No. Hung committed both murders. But the two of them planned to run away together. That's why Hung had the Toothgate with him.

[George Winthrop]

Then you mean, you don't think.

[Henry Drew]

No, no. Sorry to give you such a bad time of it, George, but we had to in order to trap the real murderer. You see, everyone thought Hung was in his room when Henry Drew was killed. But it was very simple. For him to go down the back stairs, go over to Dr. Sew's, murder him, come back here and murder Henry Drew, and then return to his room. Again. The killings were simplified because both men trusted Hung and probably had no warning. Of course, it was the clue about the 50 candles that. Huh conscious now. Help him up, George.

[George Winthrop]

Right. Come here. Come on.

[Henry Drew]

All right, Hong. What have you got to say for yourself?

[Mary Telfair]

Let me speak to him, Sergeant. I'm sorry, Hong. I always thought you were loyal to my father. Long ago he saved your life. Hon Lulu, return. You swore an oath. The seven for 20 years. Today you're to be a free man.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Yes, that is all.

[Mary Telfair]

Those 50 candles on the cake were for you. This is your 50th birthday.

[Henry Drew]

So that's why old Drew said 50 candles before he died. He was trying to indicate the murderer. All right, Hung, you and the Chinese were.

[Hung Chin Chung]

The woman alone? She did nothing. She was only waiting for me.

[Mark Drew]

Me.

[Henry Drew]

Well, then, what connection did she have for you?

[Hung Chin Chung]

I tell nothing. L drew everything. All this was to me long ago. The gods arranged it. And who is man that he should struggle against the gods? Years ago, I wanted to marry Mali. I asked permission of your father, but he would not share my services with Ma Li. He took me on a long voyage. And when we returned, Ma Li had been given to the evil Dr. Su Yanhon. They hated the Dr. Mr. Drew for that. Swore that when I was free, I would kill them. They I kept my oath. Do not grieve, Mark Drew. It is the decree of the gods. Now, gentlemen, by your leave.

[George Winthrop]

Look how he has a knife.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Gentleman.

[George Winthrop]

Sergeant.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Is he?

[Henry Drew]

I'm afraid so. You've done a good job.

[George Winthrop]

She's horrible.

[Mary Telfair]

Poor Hung. You might think it's strange, but my father never meant much to me. Yet, Hong.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Well, he.

[Mary Telfair]

He was my friend for as long back as.

[Hung Chin Chung]

As I can remember.

[Mary Telfair]

If I had only known earlier what the 50 candles meant, this was might have been prevented.

[Henry Drew]

Yes, Mark, if.

[Sergeant X]

Well, that's the curtain on tonight's mystery. 50 candles. How did you do? Were you able to outsmart the author and put the finger on the murderer? Or did you just jump from one suspect to the other, finally drawing a blank? Well, if you got it right, congratulations. If not, better luck next time. Say, before you put those detective tools away, follow me to the Green room and see if you can't pick up a clue or two about our next performance in the Mystery Playhouse.

[Mary Telfair]

Follow me, please.

[Sergeant X]

Come.

[Mary Telfair]

I am alone now. The last of the funeral guests have gone, and I am alone in My study. There's been a queer sense of freedom in the house since the coffin was carried away. The coffin that now lies hidden in its solitary grave beneath the brown earth.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Claire is dead.

[Mary Telfair]

She was my wife. And yet I feel no sorrow. Little wonder it was I who murdered her. Yes, I murdered her. But it was done too cleverly for anyone to suspect me.

[Mark Drew]

Me.

[Mary Telfair]

The power of mind over matter. Now that I look back on it, I marvel. Less than a month ago she was strong and healthy. Then I began working on her. Working on her ignorant fears. Convincing her that she wasn't well. I could almost see the seeds taking root. Her appetite left her and she began to complain of stomach pains. She took to bed. The doctor, stupid fool, could find nothing wrong. But it was clear he was worried. I waited patiently. Letting her tortured mind ravish her body. And then one evening, I walked into her bedroom. There was a cup of broth on her night table. In the half darkness. I dropped the white powder into the broth. Five grains of arsenic. An hour later, she was dead. Now the worst of it is over. The long night when she lay cold and still in her room adjoining mine. The funeral. The tearful platitudes of our friends. The weeping and wailing. Over, done and gone with. The money is mine to do with as I please. No longer will it be doled out to me at her horse whim and pleasure. All mine.

[Hung Chin Chung]

I shall close the house.

[Mary Telfair]

No one will question that. The memories of familiar things are too keen to bear. But first I must discharge the cook and the housemaid immediately.

[Henry Drew]

Come in.

[H]

You wanted to see me, Mr. Goddard?

[Mary Telfair]

Oh, yes, Hannah.

[Henry Drew]

Come in and close the door, please.

[H]

Yes, sir.

[Mary Telfair]

What's that you're carrying?

[H]

It's a picture of the madam. I found it in the attic and I polished the silver frame. I thought you'd like to have it, sir, to remind you.

[Mary Telfair]

Oh, yes, of course. Thank you, Hannah.

[H]

It's a very good likeness. That is, until she was taken ill. I never saw anyone changed so far.

[Mary Telfair]

The nature of her disease. Hannah.

[H]

Somehow I can't believe she's gone. Every now and then I have a queer feeling that she's still here.

[Mary Telfair]

You're just upset.

[H]

I have a feeling she wants to tell me something.

[Mary Telfair]

Hannah, please.

[H]

I didn't mean to talk about it. But I keep listening for a voice. Waiting to hear what she wants to tell me. When they took her out of her bedroom, I wouldn't let Millie straighten up. I wanted to do it myself. And there, on the night table was the last thing I brought Her a cup of broth. She drunk part of it and I'd.

[Mary Telfair]

Rather not discuss it.

[H]

I'm sorry. I shouldn't really go on like this. Not after what you've been through. Waiting on her hand and foot. I wondered why you didn't hire a nurse those last weeks.

[Mary Telfair]

I preferred to do it myself. I was afraid a nurse would have alarmed Mrs. Goddard.

[H]

Yes, and they're always prying into what doesn't concern them, aren't they? They think they know more than doctors. Of course, some doctors don't know much of that.

[Mary Telfair]

Mrs. Goddard couldn't have had a better doctor.

[H]

And nobody could have done more for her than you did, sir. I'm sure there are few husbands would have done what you did.

[George Winthrop]

Very few.

[H]

You wanted to speak with me about something, sir?

[Mary Telfair]

It's not important, Hannah. It can wait for another time. For long minutes after the door had closed behind her. I could feel my heart pounding madly. The palms of my hands were cold and damp. Everything had changed. The feeling of well being and satisfaction was gone. And in its place was nervous uncertainty, fear. Why had she made it a point to mention the cup of broth? What else did she said? Oh, yes. Few husbands would have done more for their wives more than I did. Very few. The words had double meaning. And she meant them that way. No, it was impossible. Just a coincidence. A ghastly turn of a phrase. There was nothing to worry about.

[Henry Drew]

Nothing.

[Sergeant X]

Well, it doesn't look like you'll have much detective work to do in this one. The murderer's already told us who he is. Sounds to me like our next production is going to be one of those psychological stories going all out for terror. No, sir. I don't think there's going to be anything light and airy about our next attraction. So if you like him grim and frightening, be right back in your seats when we raise the curtain. On the web. This is Sergeant X closing the doors of the Mystery Playhouse.

[Hung Chin Chung]

Good night.

[Sergeant X]

Sleep tight.

[Mark Drew]

Sam.

[Sergeant X]

This is the Armed Forces Radio Service.

[Carlotta Drew]

SA.