Mystery is My Hobby xx-xx-xx (001) Allen Fisher Is Murdered aka Faithless Wife

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Mystery is My Hobby (001) – Allen Fisher Is Murdered aka Faithless Wife"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: January 13, 2026
Episode Theme:
This classic radio drama episode explores the murder of wealthy mining engineer Allen Fisher, drawing listeners into a spider-web of love, jealousy, and deception. The plot revolves around a "June and January" marriage, an alleged affair, and a web of false leads and calculated misdirection.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: The "June and January" Marriage

• [00:03–03:30]
  • Allen Fisher, recently married to Helene—a much younger woman—is concerned about his wife's possible infidelity.
  • Fisher summons Frank Woodman, a young attorney, to his study under the pretense of seeking legal advice for a "friend."
  • Fisher details his “friend’s” predicament: married to a younger woman who’s fallen for someone her own age (subtly implying Helene and Frank).
• Notable Quote:
  • Fisher: “Perhaps I'd better explain further then… my friend began to think of some means of removing the young man from the scene—that is, killing him.” (03:00)

2. Blackmail and Moral Dilemmas

• [03:31–05:37]
  • Fisher (thinly veiling himself as “my friend”) discusses with Frank the prospect of paying off the young man to leave, highlighting the transactional nature of their predicament.
  • Frank cynically prices his own hypothetical participation:
    • $25,000? Not enough.
    • $50,000? Still too low.
    • $250,000? “That’s out of the question.”
• Notable Quote:
  • Frank: “I'd say the sum should be in direct ratio to the young man's promise for your friend's wife. In other words, every man has his price.” (04:22)

3. The Murder and Immediate Investigation

• [05:37–08:00]
  • Tension escalates as Fisher senses someone outside with a gun—shots are fired.
  • Transition to the arrival of Bart Drake (amateur detective) and Inspector Danton who question the subjects and examine evidence.
  • Main evidence: Only Fisher’s and Woodman’s fingerprints on the gun found at the scene.
• Notable Quote:
  • Bart Drake: “Unfortunately, there are neither witnesses nor evidence to substantiate Mr. Woodman’s rather fantastic story. And as a lawyer, he should know it.” (06:48)
  • Mrs. Fisher (Helene): “The fact that I admit being in love with Frank gives him a motive. Is that correct, Mr. Drake?” (07:47)

4. Introduction of a Red Herring: Horace Gay

• [08:00–09:30]
  • A mysterious envelope arrives for Helene with a newspaper clipping about a convict, Horace Gay, who once loved her and vowed to kill any man she married.
  • Helene seizes on this as an alternate suspect—possibly to protect Frank from suspicion.
• Notable Quote:
  • Helene Fisher: “Before they took Horace away, he swore that if I ever married anyone else, he'd… he'd kill him.” (09:16)

5. The Midnight Intruder & The False Alibi

• [11:58–14:00]
  • Later that night, a prowler is reported in Helene's room. Shots are fired through the screen door.
  • The butler (Lewis) and others respond. Helene claims to have seen a man’s wristwatch glowing in the dark, fueling the Horace Gay theory.
  • Bart Drake deduces the shot was fired from inside, not outside—casting suspicion back on the household.
• Notable Quote:
  • Bart Drake: “The ragged ends of the screen… pointed outwards. That proved conclusively that the shot came from inside the room.” (19:19)

6. The Lovers’ Conspiracy

• [15:08–17:18]
  • Intimate conversation between Frank and Helene: Helene admits she planted the newspaper clipping herself (using an old article) to give the impression Horace Gay was involved.
  • She fires the shot herself, fabricating the “prowler” story to mislead investigators.
  • Helene asks Frank to dispose of the gun for her but doubts his innocence.
  • Helene Fisher: “Of course I fired the shot. There wasn't any prowler… Wasn't that clever?” (16:31)
  • Frank Woodman: “You think I killed Allen, don’t you?... Of course I did.” (17:13, sarcastic/conflicted tone)

7. The Detective’s Trap & True Culprit Revealed

• [18:50–22:57]
  • Drake and Danton confront Frank and Helene, pressing for the gun and revealing the evidence against Helene.
  • Key deductions:
    • Helene was not in bed when the butler entered post-shot.
    • She wore heavy boots and avoided walking to hide an injury.
    • Allen Fisher shot her as he died; her limp revealed her guilt.
    • The “prowler” and “Horace Gay” were deliberate distractions to protect Frank and herself.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Bart Drake: “Because if you’d taken one step, Lewis would have known you couldn’t walk without limping.” (22:06)
  • Bart Drake: “That’s why she’s been wearing riding boots all day. And every time we’ve seen her, she’s either been lying down or sitting.” (22:36)
  • Helene Fisher: “Frank, the gun… Shoot them! Shoot them!” (22:49)

8. Epilogue – Motives and Reflections

• [22:57–end]
  • Drake explains to Danton that Helene’s real motive in concocting the Horace Gay tale was to save Frank from a murder charge.
• Notable Quote:
  • Drake: “She was in love with Woodman, so she tried to pin the murder onto someone else.” (23:22)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Fisher’s sarcasm about “cigarette-smoking generations,” capturing the tension between old and new. (02:15–02:45)
• The escalating “price negotiation” for the theoretical lover’s silence, veiling confrontation with mock legal argument. (04:10–05:15)
• Drake’s logical takedown of the fake alibi:
  • “How did she know it was a man’s wristwatch? Why not a woman?” (20:02)
• The gasp: “I got him”—the dying man’s words proving crucial. (07:09 and 22:10)
• The emotional breakdown as Helene pleads with Frank to help her evade justice, exposing both love and desperation.

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Important Timestamps for Segments

• 00:03–03:30 — Fisher’s veiled confession and set-up
• 05:37–06:42 — The murder and entrance of the detective
• 08:00–09:30 — The Horace Gay red herring is introduced
• 11:58–14:00 — Intruder episode & Drake’s analysis
• 15:08–17:18 — Frank and Helene’s private plotting
• 18:50–22:57 — The detectives’ final reveal and confrontation
• 22:57–end — Epilogue and motive revealed

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Conclusion & Episode Tone

In true Golden Age radio fashion, the episode blends high melodrama, logical deduction, and social commentary on love, money, and loyalty. The dialogue is crisp, often sardonic, and the performances heighten the tension and emotional stakes. The plot twists keep listeners guessing until Bart Drake’s signature methodical revelation of the murderer's guilt.

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Transcript

[A]

Mystery is my hobby. Tonight's story began one evening last summer. Alan Fisher, wealthy mining engineer, recently married to his young and beautiful wife, was being called upon by a young attorney named Frank Woodman. Good evening, Frank. Come in. I got your message, Fisher. Sounded urgent. It is. I have a special case I want you to handle for me. Shall we go into the study? Okay. As I told you over the phone, I have an important engagement. I think what I have to say will preclude the possibility of your engagement. Sit over there, please. What's the idea of locking the door? Don't get alarmed. I merely want to ensure privacy. That's what, a felony? He won't drink. My wife isn't home tonight. She doesn't even know that you're here. Oh, now what did you want to say about it? Sit down, sit down. May take some time to my apartment. Your appointment can wait. Cigar, Frank? All right. You know one who smokes cigars? Of course. I'd forgotten. You live in a cigarette smoking generation, don't you, Frank? You and Helene. See here, Fisher. If you don't, you'll indulge an old man. A lifelong habit. I'll light up. There's nothing like an after dinner cigar, my boy. You should try it sometime. I'll stick to cigarettes. Look, what's this all about? Of course you're curious, aren't you, my boy? Well, this case I want you to handle involves a very dear friend of mine. Do I know him? You know him, my boy, very well indeed. What's his name? Perhaps it's someone I wouldn't even be interested in representing. On the contrary, I think you will, Frank. However, for the moment, I shall withhold his identity until you decide it's nonsense. You don't care to. He's quite an elderly man, Frank. About 60, I should judge. Recently, he had the good fortune to meet and marry a very lovely young woman. Oh, I see. One of those June and January affairs. A very apt description, my boy. However, my friend, despite his age, was sincerely and honestly in love with his young wife. He believed he could make her happy. They all would do, do they, Frank? That's one of the things I'm curious about. As a lawyer, I felt that you could advise me. It depends upon the girl, I suppose. That is exactly what I wanted to hear. It depends upon the girl. I don't get it. Perhaps I'd better explain further then. For a time, my friend and his young wife were quite happy. Then one evening at a party, my friend's wife was presented to a Personable young man of about her own age. That usually happens too. Yes. Thereafter, my friend lived in torment of doubt and suspicion. Your friend's stories following the usual pattern, I suppose. It is. To you, a lawyer. His predicament must be an old story. Yes, and a tiring one. I'm sorry. However, there is a point in my friend's story where it deviates from the customary pattern. Oh? Yes. My friend, though aware of his wife's infidelity and knowing that she was perhaps more to blame for the situation than the young man, did not accuse her of her disloyalty, nor throw her out into the cold, cruel world. No. What did he do? Unfortunately, my friend realized that without his beautiful young wife, despite her faults, life would scarcely be worth living. Still don't get it. You will in a moment, Frank, I'm sure. Realizing the depth to which his love went, my friend began to think of some means of removing the young man from the scene that is killing him. Vicky, you can tell your friend Vormy that he's a fool. He wouldn't get away with it. My friend realizes that, Frank. He knows that murder would not solve the problem, so he thought of another means of accomplishing his purpose. Another? My friend is quite wealthy, Frank. He happens to know that the young man in whom his wife is interested is, shall we say, not too well off. I see. Coincidentally, the young man is a lawyer, Frank, like yourself. You can understand how difficult it is for struggling young lawyers these days. Yeah, I know all that. Now, as a lawyer, Frank, I want you to advise me what to do. Would you suggest that I tell my friend to offer the young man a sum of money to leave the country? Being very subtle about it, of course. Well, no harm in trying. What sum would you suggest, Frank? I'd say the sum should be in direct ratio to the young man's promise for your friend's wife. In other words, every man has his price. That's it. What would you say to $25,000? I'd say it wasn't enough. 50,000. The young man would be crazy if he took it. Why could I? He'd go on $50,000 and set himself up in business and live the life to which he'd be in turn, entitled. Entitled? We'd have to sacrifice the young wife, wouldn't he? There should be some compensation for that. I see. $75,000 is still way low. Low? Be reasonable, Frank. My. My friend loves his wife madly. She's all he has left in life. Then your friend should be willing to Pay whatever amount the young man has. What would that figure be? A quarter of a million dollars. A quarter of a million? But that's. Well, that's out of the question. My friend hasn't any such amount. I think your friend is lying. He isn't, Frank. I swear it. Then your friend's a fool to even think about. For heaven.

[B]

Frank.

[A]

What the devil's the matter? What are you telling us? Don't move. There's someone outside the French door as. He has a gun. You're crazy. Oh, no, I'm not. Stay where you are. I've got a gun in this pocket. Put that gun down, you fool. Don't think he can trip you turning off for a guy like. You See, under the circumstances, Mr. Fisher, it would. Excuse me, please. I think that calls for me.

[B]

Of course.

[A]

Yes. Hello, Bart. Hello, Inspector. What did his fingerprints show? There were two sets on the count. Frank Woodman's and Fisher. I see. Anything else? Anything else? What more do you want? Helping Judas Bar. We already know that Woodman was making a play for Fisher's, Inspector. And Mrs. Fisher is with me. Now. Get down there as soon as you can, Inspector. There are some new developments that I want to discuss with you. New developments? You don't mean you suspect. As soon as you can, Inspector. Goodbye. I'm afraid that the case against Frank Woodman looks rather bad, Mrs. Fisher.

[B]

Yes, I overheard what Inspector Dabson said about the fingerprints, Mr. Drake. I'm sure you're making a mistake. Frank Wooden.

[A]

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, there are neither witnesses nor evidence to substantiate Mr. Woodland's rather fantastic stories. And as a lawyer, he should know it.

[B]

But if there were someone outside the French door.

[A]

Dr. Danton's men have covered every inch of ground outside the French doors, Mrs. Fisher. There's no evidence that anyone was there.

[B]

And you lend no credence to Frank's story that he picked up the gun and ran through the French doors after the Slayer?

[A]

I might, except for one thing. Mr. Woodman stated that an instant before your husband died, he gasped. I got him.

[B]

What's so fantastic about that?

[A]

Mrs. Fisher, the police medical examiner stated that your husband was killed instantly. If that is true, he couldn't have said I got him after he was shot, could he?

[B]

I see.

[A]

And Louisa Butler heard your husband and Mr. Woodman quarreling. Woodman substantiated this?

[B]

Well, I should think that the mere fact that Frank did substantiate the quarrel.

[A]

Would indicate that he had a clear conscience. No, Mrs. Fisher. Woodman was merely being clever. He Knew that the case against him was bad. Therefore, it was to his advantage to make the admission. And the fact.

[B]

The fact that I admit being in love with Frank gives him a motive. Is that correct, Mr. Drake?

[A]

Not quite. The fact that Mr. Woodman knew that you would inherit your husband's fortune when he died and that you were in love with him provided the motive.

[B]

That's unkind.

[A]

It's brutal and cruel. Murder is also brutal and cruel.

[B]

Mrs. Peters, are you going to arrest Frank?

[A]

I'm afraid Inspector Danton will have no choice. I beg your pardon. Come in, Lewis. What have you left? The mail, sir. It's just King. Shall I leave it here, Mrs. If you don't mind, Lewis, I'll take the leopard.

[B]

Let him have it, Louis. I seem to be deprived of my rights as a citizen.

[A]

Why don't you go upstairs and lie down, madam? You've been wearing those heavy riding boots and that jacket all morning. You must be.

[B]

Thank you, Louis. I couldn't sleep. I'll remain here until it's over.

[A]

Mrs. Fisher, did you ever know a man named Horace Gay? Horace Gay?

[B]

What about him?

[A]

This envelope addressed to you contains a newspaper clipping that Horace Gay escaped from prison last week.

[B]

Oh, no. Let me see it. Was there anything else in the envelope?

[A]

No, that's all. Just a footing. Then you do know Mr. Gagen?

[B]

A long time ago, he was in love with me. We were to be married.

[A]

What happened?

[B]

Horace worked in the bank. Funds were found missing and Horace was accused. He killed a man.

[A]

Did your husband know about this?

[B]

No. Telling Alan would have done no good. I'd completely forgotten. Mr. Drake. Before they took Horace away, he swore that if I ever married anyone else, he'd. He'd kill him.

[A]

And you think that? Possibly.

[B]

Don't you see? It was Horace outside those French doors. It must have been. Oh, thank heavens. You can't arrest Frank now. You can.

[A]

There. Mrs. Fisher, you mustn't get excited. Let me help you.

[B]

No. Get away. Fundy. Lois. Well, Mr. Drake.

[A]

You're really in love with Mr. Woodman, aren't you, Mrs. Fisher?

[B]

Yes, I am. I'm desperately in love with him. Is it wicked to love a man and try to protect him?

[A]

Not at all. Only I don't think you're trying to protect Frank Whitman. Okay, bud. We spent the whole day looking for clues that don't exist. Now we're right back at the scene of the crime where we started from. When are you gonna let me arrest somebody, Inspector, you can stop arresting anytime you like. Whom do you want to arrest the guy who murdered Alan Fisher. Naturally. And who is that, Inspector? It's Frank Woodman. You said so yourself. He had a motive, his fingerprints around the gun. Oh, doggone it, Bart. I wish you wouldn't change your mind so often. I haven't changed my mind, Inspector. How do you account for that shot that came through the fence door? How do I account for it? You said yourself that Woodman probably fired the shot just to throw us off. Did I? Well, the broken glass was inside the study, Inspector. That indicates that the shot came from the outside. Besides, there was only one shot fired from Fisher's gun. No, Inspector, I'm afraid there was someone outside those French doors. Well, I'll be dog gun, but you're giving me a headache. Whose side are you on anyway? Let's start crying out loud. Oh, really sound unhappy, Inspector. Let's see. What time is it? Nine o'. Clock. That's odd. Yeah, isn't it though? Every time it gets to be 9 o' clock it's odd. What's odd about it? It doesn't happen soon. I've been. Oh, hello, Whitman. Come in. I've been expecting you. I can give that back to you, Drake. I've been expecting you. No dentin to take you off to jail, you mean? Yeah. Look you guys, I'm tired of sitting around this house waiting for you masterminds to build a case against me either make a formal arrest. Oh, so you're tired of waiting for us to build a case against you, Barbara. Well, let me tell you something. We got a case that'll send you to the chair quicker than this. If you have a case against me while this stalling. You seem pretty sure of yourself, Woodman. Sure I am. I'm a lawyer, Drake. You haven't got anything on me. I know it and you know it. So what's the game? We got enough on you to keep you sitting in this house, bub, even if you are tired. As a matter of fact, Woodland, we are playing a game. The first half is over and in a moment something.

[B]

Judas. Listen to that.

[A]

I think the second half of the game has begun. How do you know? Never mind that, let's get up there. Hey, there's a butler at the top of the stairs. I see him. This way, gentlemen. What are you running? A conducted tour? There's Mrs. Fisher's room. Come in. Take a look out that window. Okay. Well, Mrs. Fisher, feel safe now. Darling, tell us what happened.

[B]

I. I went to bed about an hour ago. I must have dropped off to sleep. I didn't realize how exhausted I was.

[A]

Oh, you poor kid. I think she can talk without you holding her in her arms. Woodman, please stand over there. Listen, you can't. Over there, I said. Okay. Very well, Mrs. Peter. Go on with your story.

[B]

It was pitch dark. Suddenly I woke up.

[A]

Was it the shots that wakened you? Quit crying. A drink. The poor girl's upset. One more remark out of you and you'll spend the rest of the night in jail. Go on, Mrs. Peter.

[B]

No, it wasn't the shots that wakened me, Mr. Drake. I'm not sure what it was. It was pitch dark, and the first thing I saw was the luminous dial of a man's watch blowing in the dark, only a few feet from my head.

[A]

Horrible. Who are. Mrs. Peter? What happened?

[B]

Well, that's what I screamed. The man, whoever he was, must have become frightened. He ran out into the balcony, banging the screen door shut behind him.

[A]

But there was a shot.

[B]

Apparently, after he got outside, he remembered what he'd come for. I could see him standing there, silhouetted against the sky. Then he. He raised his hand and shot through the screen door.

[A]

Good heavens. There's a hole through the screen, all right. How's the babe? She's all right, Inspector. By the way, Mrs. Fisher, after the shot came, did you get out of bed?

[B]

No, of course not.

[A]

Then who turned on the lights in this room? I did, Sir. I heard Mrs. Fisher scream and came running along the hall. I opened the door and snapped on the light, then closed it again and came back to the stairs. To start to conduct a tour, I suppose. Well, yes, sir, I did. I didn't think it discreet to remain in Mrs. Fisher's room when she. That stinks, Louie. For all you know, Mrs. Fisher was murdered in bed. But you were too shy to stay in the room. It's a pretty. Some other people can't be as distinct. Oh, shut up, Junior. You're not married to the lady either yet. But I think we got ourselves another suspect.

[B]

That's ridiculous. Lewis is the most trustworthy butler I've ever known.

[A]

Thank you, madam. He's also the only butler you've ever known, Mrs. Bishop. By the way, when you saw the prowler standing out in the balcony, didn't you recognize him?

[B]

Recognize him? You mean that Harris?

[A]

Yes. It's a possibility that shouldn't be overlooked, Mrs. Fisher. I'm surprised. All right, Inspector, let's get going. Yeah, sure. Good idea. Where are we going? We're going to look the grounds over for Horus, Inspector. We can't have these good people thinking themselves under suspicion if Horace is our man.

[B]

Is that your friend?

[A]

Yes. Turn on the bed. I'd like it. Darling.

[B]

Oh, Frank. I love you so.

[A]

I love you. I got this signal to come back. Is anything wrong?

[B]

Oh, darling, I want to help you. You know that, don't you?

[A]

Of course.

[B]

Frank, listen to me. Have you ever heard of Horace Gay?

[A]

Not until Drake spoke of him. Who is he?

[B]

He's an escaped convict from St Sim. He was sent up from London.

[A]

Because.

[B]

I told Drake that Horace Gay and I were once in love. I told him that after the trial, Horace threatened to kill any man that I married.

[A]

Colleen, you don't mean that you.

[B]

Of course not. I never heard of Horace Gay until I read about him in the paper. I cut out the clipping and mailed it to myself.

[A]

But why, in heaven's name?

[B]

But don't you see why? I wanted Drake and everyone else to think that Horace Gay had come back and murdered Alan.

[A]

But what if they capture Horace?

[B]

They won't, darling. That's how I was clever. The clipping came from a year old paper. The police have practically given up searching for Horace Gay.

[A]

Yes, it was clever. Very clever. But I still.

[B]

Stop worrying, darling. Horace Gay is probably in South America by now.

[A]

I'm not worrying. It's an ingenious idea. There's only one thing wrong.

[B]

I know what you're thinking. I've taken care of that too.

[A]

Taking care of what?

[B]

The gun dial. Look, I kept it under my throat.

[A]

Do you mean that you.

[B]

Of course I fired the shot. There wasn't any prowler. And when Drake suggested that the prowler might have been Horace, I pretended I'd forgotten about him. Remember?

[A]

Yeah, I remember.

[B]

Well, if I had been the one who had suggested Horace, Drake might have thought it was a setup. Wasn't that clever?

[A]

Very clever. What are you going to do with the gun?

[B]

Silly. If I'd thrown it out the window, why, they would have found it with my fingerprint. No, darling. Drake must never find the gun so.

[A]

Expect me to get rid of it for you.

[B]

Darling, it's for your own good. You've already been searched. They'll never learn. Yes, Frank.

[A]

You. You think I killed Ellen, don't you?

[B]

Didn't you, Frank?

[A]

You'll be a fool. Of course I did.

[B]

Frank.

[A]

What?

[B]

Come back here.

[A]

Hello.

[B]

Sit down here.

[A]

Listen to me.

[B]

You listen to me, Frank. D. Listen carefully. Perhaps you didn't murder Allen. If you say you didn't, it's all right with me. But I Didn't I? All right, all right. Drake and Danton think you did.

[A]

Did you prove a thing?

[B]

Darling, Darling, Suppose you're wrong. Suppose they can prove that you.

[A]

What do you mean it looks bad?

[B]

You did have a motive. You did quarrel with Alan. Your fingerprints were on the gun. You and I both have admitted we were in love.

[A]

But Helen, I tell you, that wouldn't stand up in court. It's. It's circumstantial.

[B]

Was an important man s. They've got to send someone up for his murder.

[A]

And you think I'm the go.

[B]

Darling, let's not take that chance. Brig is practically convinced that this Horace Gay is the murderer. If they don't find the go, how.

[A]

Will I get rid of it? What do they find it on?

[B]

Well, they won't, darling. Don't let them. Oh, dad didn't attack me the way I couldn't bear it. I couldn't bear it, darling.

[A]

Here comes Dick and Danson.

[B]

Oh quick darling, put the gun in the pocket.

[A]

Well, well, well, look who's here. The little man who wanted everyone else to be so discreet about going into a female bedroom. Look here, dancing now have your nose. We understand, Woodman. Becoming indignant won't help the situation. Mrs. Fisher, I'll have to ask you to get dressed and come downstairs.

[B]

Afraid I must disappoint you, Mr. Drake, I really don't feel up to it.

[A]

And I'm afraid I haven't the time nor the patience to tolerate your disappointment. Mrs. Fisher, you will meet us in the living room in 10 minutes. Now just a minute, Drake. These high handed methods of yours are a little too much to take. Are they Whitman? And what do you plan to do about it? You see, Junior, we're not kidding.

[B]

Mr. Drake, I absolutely refuse.

[A]

If you do, Mrs. Feature, we'll have a patrol wagon here in 10 minutes. Inspector, perhaps you'd better assist Mr. Woodman down to the living room in case he has similar ideas. Ideas? About joining our party. It'll be a pleasure. Come on, little man. Come to papa. Well, that 10 minutes are up, but shall I call a wagon? We'll wait a moment or two longer, Inspector. In the meantime, Woodman, I think you'd better hand over the gun. What? What gun? What are you talking about? I'm talking about the gun that Mrs. Fisher used to shoot the hole through the screen. Woodman. It wasn't outside the house. And I'm sure that Mrs. Fisher wouldn't want it found in a room. But how? I mean, I haven't handed over Junior Well, I. Look here, you can't. We. It is. But just like we figured. You see, Woodman, the ragged ends of the screen made by the bullet passing through, pointed outwards. That proved conclusively that the shot came from inside the room. Get it. Junior, tell them what else we know about. Very well, Inspector. We know that there was no man in Mrs. Fisher's room. Woodman. The whole thing was a product of her imagination.

[B]

That's a lie.

[A]

You can't prove a thing. We can. Mrs. Fisher said she woke up, she saw the glowing dial of a man's wristwatch in the darkness. Well, how did she know it was a man's wristwatch? Why not a woman? I beg your pardon, Mr. Drake? Oh, yes? Mrs. Fisher is waiting for you in the library. Library? We told her we'd be here in the living room. Mrs. Fisher prefers the library, sir. Oh, she's trying to show her independence, eh? Well, no, no, Inspector. Meeting us in the library is the cleverest move Mrs. Fisher has made tonight. But on the other hand, it's a dead giveaway that she is the one who murdered her husband.

[B]

Come in, gentlemen. I hope I didn't keep you waiting.

[A]

Not at all, Mrs. Fisher. Say, stop me if I'm out of order, but aren't you dressed kind of funny, Mrs. Fisher?

[B]

Funny, Inspector Datton?

[A]

Why? Well, wearing a riding hat at this time of night. Those heavy.

[B]

I love riding Trojans, Sector Danton. I never had a chance to wear them very much before I married Alan.

[A]

That's a very nice act, Mrs. Fisher. I admire your courage. No, no, Louis. I think you'd better remain. Very well, Drake. Before we left the living room, you said that. Yes, yes, I know, I know. Lewis, what was the real reason that you didn't remain in Mrs. Dix's room after you turned on my light?

[B]

Why, I. I was not in bed, that's why. Mr. Drake, must you be so trying? What possible difference can it make?

[A]

A great deal, Mrs. Fisher. You were not in bed. You've gotten up and run over to the screen door to unfasten the latch from the inside, isn't that right?

[B]

No, I'd gotten up to chase the problem. I'd make nothing to pick up my dressing gown and Lewis.

[A]

Nonsense, nonsense. When Lewis switched on the light, you were standing in the center of the floor. You made no effort to get back into bed. Isn't that right, Lewis? Right? Well, yes, it is. Yes, of course. And why didn't you run Back to bed, Mrs. Fisher? Why? I'll tell you why. Because if you'd taken one step, Lewis would have known that you couldn't walk without limping. Limping? What the dear? Limping. When you shot at your husband through the French drawers, Mrs. Fisher, he didn't die instantly, as I told you before. He lived long enough to mutter that he got whoever shot at him, just as Woodman said. Helene, it isn't true.

[B]

I don't believe you.

[A]

Yes, it is.

[B]

Your husband shot back at you.

[A]

He hit you in the leg and you realized you had to cover that wound. Say, that's why she. Yes, Inspector. That's why she's been wearing riding boots all day. And every time we've seen her, she's either been lying down or sitting. Exactly. And that's why Mrs. Forster came down to the library instead of the living room. She didn't want us to see her limping.

[B]

Frank, the gun. The gun that I gave you. Shoot them. Shoot them.

[A]

I'm sorry. I mean, Mighty nice you'd asked me to stay with you tonight, Bart. It would have been a long trip out to my place. Well, I'm glad to have your company, inspector. Anything ironed up for you? No, thanks. I can't go to sleep. Twin beds this year. Say by. Yes, mister. Why did the babe dream up that Horus Gay gag? Because we convinced her that we had enough evidence to send Woodman to the chair. That would have meant complete failure of her plan. She was in love with Woodman, so she tried to pin the murder onto someone else. I see. Good night. Good night, inspector. Say bye. Yes, Inspector. You stop me for God. Oh, yes. Okay, Inspector. Mystery is my hobby.