Night Surgeon (SA) xx-xx-xx Seat Belts aka Car Accident

Summary

Podcast Summary: Night Surgeon (SA) – "Seat Belts aka Car Accident"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: January 15, 2026

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Overview of Main Theme

This episode of "Night Surgeon," a classic radio drama set in a bustling city hospital, deals with the tragic aftermath of a high-speed car accident involving two teenage boys, Alby Hook and Mark Ashbury. The story examines personal responsibility, the importance (and illusion) of safety features like seat belts, parental expectations, and the psychological toll of trauma and guilt. As the hospital staff try to heal the body, the episode explores how truth and conscience are more complex to mend, culminating in a dramatic confrontation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Car Accident: Recklessness and Its Roots

• Setup (01:20–03:29):

  • Alby and Mark, two teenage boys, are out driving a powerful car that looks unremarkable but has a "jazzed up engine."
  • They engage in reckless driving, with Mark seemingly egged on by Alby to "see what she can do.”
  • Mark loses control during a game of “chicken” with another car, resulting in a devastating crash.

  Quote:
  "All those squares on the road don't have a clue that I can catch her. I want to see their faces when I burn past them." — Alby (01:38)

Hospital Aftermath: Piecing Together the Truth

• Initial Reporting (03:29–04:12):

  • Dr. Lindsay and Dr. Morgan discuss their rounds, specifically mentioning Albert ("Alby") Hook, the young man brought in from a 'car smash.'
  • Alby undergoes surgery and has a traumatic awakening, reliving the accident in his delirium.

  Quote:
  "That's Alby Hook now. He's playing up a bit. You better get down there, Bart." — Dr. Morgan (04:21)

• Revelation of Death (06:09–06:21):

  • It’s quietly revealed to the audience, but not yet to Alby, that Mark, the other boy in the crash, has died.

  Quote:
  "Why would you? He's dead." — Dr. Lindsay on Mark, to Nurse Parish (06:21)

Interaction with Alby's Father: Seeking Comfort and Facing Guilt

• Father’s Visit (07:11–08:59):

  • Alby’s father visits. Alby insists he tried to stop Mark, explaining that Mark was driving too fast and playing "chicken.” Alby claims the seat belt saved his life, suggesting he was the passenger.
  • The father confirms, believing Alby’s story. Grief and survivor’s guilt are palpable.

  Quote:
  "I must have been thrown forward and my head hit the dash... Well, the seat belt saved me. You remember the seat belt you had fitted, dad?" — Alby (08:17–08:30)

Hospital Staff Doubts: Anatomy of an Accident

• Staff Conversation (10:23–11:44):

  • Nurses and doctors speculate on the accident, recognizing that, contrary to Alby’s story, the state of the car and the injuries suggest inconsistencies.

  Quote:
  "Ali said the seat belt saved him. You must have been a careful driver to wear a seat belt. You don't find a lot of kids bothering about seat belts." — Dr. Lindsay (11:21–11:23)

• Mark's Workshop: A Clue Emerges (12:56–14:26):

  • Dr. Morgan visits Mark’s mother, learning Mark was making a replacement seat belt buckle for Alby’s car—a crucial detail.

  Quote:
  "It was to replace one in the car. It's for a seat belt or something, he told me." — Mrs. Ashbury (14:14–14:21)

The Truth Unravels: Suspicion, Confrontation, and Confession

• Re-examining Evidence (17:43–19:38):

  • Dr. Morgan and Dr. Lindsay visit the wreck. Police confirm the only faulty seat belt buckle was the very one Alby claimed saved him, implying Alby couldn't have used it.

  Quote:
  "The only faulty seat belt buckle in the car was the one Elbie had said saved his life." — Dr. Morgan (24:16)

• Airport Confrontation (19:53–23:27):

  • Before Alby and his father leave for an overseas trip, Morgan confronts them at the airport. He accuses Alby of driving and of switching Mark’s body to the driver’s seat after the accident to avoid blame.
  • Alby eventually cracks under pressure and confesses.

  Quote:
  "Yes, I was driving the car. Yes, I framed it. So what? It was my car, wasn’t it?" — Alby Hook (23:07)

Closing Reflections: Consequences and Moral Lessons

• Psychological Insight and Resolution (24:03–24:28):

  • Dr. Morgan explains that it was the faulty seat belt—supposedly used by Alby but known to be broken—which proved Alby lied about being the passenger.
  • The episode closes on the somber note that “the players are drawn from real life,” and not all stories have happy endings.

  Quote:
  "A casualty ward is like a great theater, but the players are drawn from real life. And not every story has a happy ending. So much depends on the night surgeon." — Dr. Morgan (24:28)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “What's the matter with you? You'll wake up and live, man. Get with it.”
  — Pushing the theme of teenage recklessness and social pressure (02:29–02:31)

• "The seat beside him is called the death seat. So many passengers are killed, you see. They get flung through the windscreen, all sorts of things."
  — Dr. Lindsay, reflecting on the dangers for car passengers (11:10–11:21)

• “You must have been a careful driver to wear a seat belt. You don’t find a lot of kids bothering about seat belts.”
  — Observation about youth and safety (11:23)

• “He managed to move Mark Ashbury's dead body into the driving seat before he himself staggered away from the car.”
  — The central moral shock of the episode, as the truth is revealed (22:24–22:30)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• (01:20–03:29): Reckless driving and the accident.
• (03:29–04:48): Arrival at hospital, Alby’s trauma and delirium.
• (06:21): Quiet revelation of Mark's death.
• (08:24–08:59): Alby claims seat belt saved him.
• (12:56–14:26): Discovery of the unfinished seat belt buckle.
• (17:43–19:38): Staff re-examine evidence, question Alby’s story.
• (19:53–23:27): Dr. Morgan confronts Alby and his father at the airport.
• (24:03–24:28): The final reveal tying together the seat belt detail and Alby’s deception.

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode preserves the melodramatic, thoughtful, and slightly didactic tone of classic radio drama, using character dialogue to illustrate psychological distress, generational conflict, and the complexity of human nature under pressure. The dialogue is delivered with a blend of clinical detachment (from doctors) and raw emotion (from the teens and parents).

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Summary

"Seat Belts aka Car Accident" uses a harrowing car accident to explore not merely the mechanics of trauma medicine but also the deeper wounds of guilt and truth. What begins as a night in the casualty ward unfolds into a study of moral responsibility and parental blindness. The episode’s twist hinges on a faulty seat belt—the detail that unravels a desperate cover-up. By the end, with tragedy exposed and consequences looming, the story leaves listeners pondering how much lies can cost, and how difficult it is to “save” more than just the body.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Casualty ward, Dr. Lindsay speaking.

[C]

Yes, I see.

[B]

Yes, I've got it. Right, we'll be ready. Sounds like one for the Night Surgeon.

[C]

Night Surgeon? Dynamic dramas set against the background of a great city hospital.

[D]

Wow. What do you think of a Martin a plan, huh? Certainly got plenty of towel, right?

[B]

Must be those twin cies.

[D]

Yeah, that's what did it. 95. We hit back there. I didn't even have a flutter. Some car.

[C]

All right. Even if she doesn't look it, you'd never kiss.

[D]

She's got a jazzed up engine in her.

[B]

Looks just like an ordinary car.

[D]

That's the way I like it. All those squares on the road don't have a clue that I can catch her. I want to see their faces when I burn past them.

[B]

I'll bet if you're lucky, I'll be.

[D]

Having an old man who buys you things all the time. I mean this car.

[B]

Gosh, it's a wonder your old man.

[D]

Didn'T keep it for himself. What for? He's got two others already.

[B]

Say, here's a laugh though.

[D]

He had it all filled up like it was for himself, you know, Ashtrays all over the place, cigarette lighter, even seat belts.

[B]

Yes, I noticed that. He must think you're a pretty steady driver. Steady?

[D]

Ah, come on, let's really give her the work. See what she can do, huh?

[B]

Oh, I dunno, Alby.

[D]

Oh, come on.

[B]

No, really.

[D]

And I should be getting home.

[B]

My.

[D]

My mother worries if I'm out after nine and I haven't told her I'll be late. Ah, so what, Tim? It's gonna make any difference? Yes, but Ellie, I don't. What's the matter with you? You'll wake up and live, man.

[C]

Get with it.

[B]

Well, okay, you say so.

[D]

All right, Lights on and. Ah, come on, baby, get the lead out of your feet. Hey, watch it. There's a. There's a car coming. I know, but you're on the crowd on the road. Al Chicken. Huh? Albie is still coming.

[B]

Okay?

[D]

Stupid square. Okay, we'll see who's Gonna move over, Alby.

[E]

Pull over.

[D]

I think I like the finding him. Anyone's gonna move over, Tim?

[B]

That's all I have to report, Doc. Nothing spectacular arising from my first rounds.

[C]

Good. But one thing you might do. Keep an eye on that young fellow. Fellow from the car smash, would you?

[B]

Oh, sure. What's his name again? Hook.

[C]

Albert Hook. We got his name from the police. They've been in touch with a father. He's on his way.

[B]

I understand.

[C]

Right. I think the op was successful. He'll be okay, but let me know how he goes.

[B]

Will do.

[C]

Incidentally, his father called him Elby. He rang me before he left home, just after I came out of the theater. Might be worth remembering when he comes around. His name?

[B]

Sure, if he's only a kid, he. Dr. Morgan.

[E]

Doctor, it's Nurse Parish.

[C]

Yes, Nurse?

[E]

I think you'd better take a look at Albert Hook.

[C]

No. Has he come around yet?

[E]

Yes, he has, and he's inclined to be a bit hysterical.

[C]

I felt all right, nurse. Dr. Lindsay will come down immediately.

[E]

Very well, Doctor.

[C]

That's Alby Hook now. He's playing up a bit. You better get down there, Bart.

[B]

I'm on the way.

[D]

Oh, no. Mark. No. Mark. Pull over.

[C]

Pull over.

[D]

He's not gonna give way. He'll hit him over with.

[E]

Take it easy, Albert. It's all over. You're safe now. Now, don't worry.

[D]

Can drive like that.

[B]

Trouble.

[E]

Now he's talking away as though he's.

[B]

Still in the car.

[E]

Doctor, he looks very upset.

[B]

Alby.

[D]

No.

[B]

Alby, can you hear me?

[E]

What?

[B]

You're in Hospital. I'm Dr. Lindsay.

[C]

You're all right.

[D]

Hospital?

[B]

Yes. Close that door, witness.

[E]

Yes, Doctor.

[B]

Come on.

[D]

I told Mark not to do that. Don't worry about it.

[B]

It's all over now.

[C]

And you're all right.

[B]

Mark. Where's Mark? Never mind about him now. We'll talk about it later. Just lie back and relax. Lie back. Okay.

[E]

That's better.

[C]

Hello? Yes.

[E]

Yes, Doctor.

[B]

What happened? Did he start this as soon as he came round?

[E]

No, I couldn't say. I had to leave the room for a minute. And when I came back, he was already talking like that.

[B]

How long were you away?

[E]

I said a minute. Perhaps it was two, no longer.

[B]

I don't like to give him a sedative after the medication he's already had.

[E]

He seems to be quieter now.

[B]

Yes. I'll tell you what. We'll see if he stays calm now that he's come round properly or less. If not, I'll have to sedate Him.

[E]

Very well, Doctor.

[B]

Oh, and don't leave him again. You better stay here until relieved. I'll tell Sister. Okay. Right. His father's on the way. I understand. If he wants to see the boy, he can. But only for five minutes, no more.

[E]

Very well. I must say that the father's taken his time, hasn't he? The boy's been in long enough. A couple of hours.

[B]

Well, the police had to find Mr. Hook. Both the boys. Both? Both the boys were unconscious after the smash and couldn't tell him anything. By all accounts, it was quite a praying.

[E]

I didn't know there was another.

[B]

Why would you? He's dead.

[A]

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[E]

You can stay only five minutes, Mr. Hook. Doctor's orders.

[B]

I see. How is he?

[E]

He's going to be all right, but he's still a bit groggy from the medication.

[B]

Can I talk to him? Of course.

[E]

He may be a little slow in understanding you and answering.

[B]

Albeit. St. Dad, can you hear me all right? Dad? They tell me you're going to be all right, son.

[D]

Oh, dad. I'm glad you came.

[B]

Of course I came. I came as soon as I heard. But it took him a little time to find me. That's why I'm business.

[D]

It wasn't my fault, darling, if I tried to stop him.

[B]

Don't worry about it, Mark. I. I shouldn't have let him drive at all.

[D]

But he kept nagging at me. I'd never have a smash like that. You'd always told me to be careful, dad, but I always have been. But Mark wanted to find out what the car would do. He was like a crazy man. We must have been doing about 80 hours yelling at him to slow down. We saw this car coming and it wouldn't move over. Mark was playing chicken with it. He wanted to faucet to pull over for us. He stuck to the middle of the road until the last second. Then he lost control.

[B]

Oh, that doesn't matter.

[D]

I could see we were skidding off the road. Then something Hit me. I must have been thrown forward and my head hit the dash.

[B]

No wonder you weren't killed.

[D]

Well, the seat belt saved me. You remember the seat belt you had fitted, dad?

[B]

Seatbelt. They found you yards away from the car. Yeah.

[D]

I came to after the smash. My first thought was to get out in case it caught fire.

[B]

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

[D]

I couldn't do anything for Mark.

[B]

I saw that he was.

[D]

It was a terrible mess behind the wheel. I got the seat belt undone. The door was open. I sort of fell out of the car and took a couple of paces and that's all I can remember.

[B]

I'm thankful you're alive, son.

[D]

Mark's dead, isn't he, Albert? They won't tell me. Nobody will tell me. So he must be dead.

[B]

Yes, Mark is dead.

[D]

Tried to sleep. I tried to, Dad.

[B]

I know, I know. It was his own fault. Miracle is he didn't kill you as well.

[D]

You've always told me to be careful, Dad. I wouldn't do a thing like that.

[B]

No.

[D]

You know, I've always been interested in engines. You know, souping them up and all that. But it was just fun. I never liked driving fast.

[B]

Don't worry, son. I know how things were. And everything's going to be all right now. We'll have you out of here and home again in no time. How's Mom? Well, naturally she's worried about you. But I made her stay home. She was too upset to come tonight. I'm glad I'll be able to tell her you're all right. Oh, yes, dad. You tell her not to worry. I will. Now you've got to rest. It will again. I've got to go and see the chief surgeon about you.

[E]

Okay?

[B]

Okay, dad.

[C]

See you later, huh?

[B]

See you later, Alfie.

[E]

Been waiting long, Bar? I just couldn't get away any earlier.

[B]

I'll think nothing of it. Leap aboard the chariot.

[E]

I had to wait till I was riding. Dr. Morgan still wants somebody to stay with Alby Hook. He had a bad shock, that kid. It's a shame.

[B]

Well, they shouldn't have been rocketing around in that souped up bomb of his.

[E]

Oh, it wasn't a bomb. It's a practically new car.

[B]

Oh, yes.

[E]

They've been tinkering with the engine. I believe. We like to tune up engines or whatever it is boys like to do with engines.

[B]

Must have wanted to get more speed out of it.

[C]

More mileage.

[E]

Strange, really. Father says he's always been a careful driver.

[B]

He didn't like driving fast, if that's so then?

[E]

Well, the other boy was driving when they crashed.

[B]

Oh, I see.

[E]

This thing crashed against the steering column.

[B]

It's funny that.

[E]

Funny, yes.

[B]

Often as not, the steering wheel helps to save the driver in a smash. The seat beside him is called the death seat. So many passengers are killed, you see. They get flung through the windscreen, all sorts of things.

[E]

Ali said the seat belt saved him.

[B]

Seatbelt? You must have been a careful driver to wear a seatbelt. You don't find a lot of kids bothering about seat belts.

[E]

Well, you should. If everybody worried about wearing a seat belt, driving would be a lot safer.

[B]

Hold on. You don't have to lecture me. I've had belts on this car for ages. But I don't notice you ever using yours.

[E]

You do now.

[B]

There.

[E]

Now you can plang the car anytime you like.

[B]

Thanks. We might as well get going. Oh, hello. There's Doc Morgan. Do you want a lift, Doc?

[C]

Oh, hello, Doctor. Did I hear you offering me a lift on.

[B]

I didn't notice your car as usual place.

[C]

No, it's all right. I left it at the garage. They're bringing it over. By the way, do you know where Elder Avenue is?

[B]

Elder Avenue? Oh, sure. It's at the north end. Turn down Grover Street. He runs off that a couple of blocks down, I think.

[C]

Oh, fine. I'm going out to see Mrs. Ashby, the mother of the boy who was killed.

[B]

Oh, yes.

[C]

It may have been his fault that there was a smash, but she's a widow and I imagine the offer of a helping hand won't go amiss.

[B]

Yes, good idea. Document.

[C]

Very interesting. A nice little lathe. He must have been very keen on Metal Working, Mrs. Ashbury.

[E]

Yes, he was. Most of his spare time was spent in this workshop, Doctor. Sometimes I had a job getting him out of it for meals even.

[C]

What sort of things did he make?

[E]

Oh, models of engines, things like that. Beautiful they were, too. Worked marvelously. He never made anything that didn't work properly.

[C]

Well, I must say he doesn't sound like the kind of lad who. But then it's very difficult to know your children really well. And at his age, there's often the urge to let off in one way or another.

[E]

I still can't believe he's gone.

[B]

It's you.

[C]

You must let me give you something to take. Mrs. Ashbury assented to you. I'm all right.

[E]

I don't need anything.

[C]

Oh, what's this?

[B]

What?

[E]

Oh, that. Well, strangely enough, that's something he was fixing for Albie Hook. It was something for the car he Was making it. Actually, he was very good like that.

[B]

Mark was.

[E]

He was always doing something for one of his friends. They'd come to him with all kinds of gadgets that needed fixing.

[C]

This looks like a buckle of some kind.

[E]

Yes, he made it himself. It was to replace one in the car. It's for a seat belt or something, he told me.

[C]

A seat belt? Oh, yes. Yes, that's. That's what it looks like.

[E]

Certainly Elby won't be needing it now.

[B]

No.

[E]

It was good of you to call and see me, Doctor.

[C]

Now, you're sure there's nothing I can do?

[E]

I'll be all right. I have friends, you know. They're doing all they can. All anybody can do. Nobody can bring Mark back to me, can they?

[B]

Yes, that's right, Mr. Hook. Dr. Morgan asked me to give you a ring. Well, thanks very much, Doctor. I don't mind telling you his mother and I would be glad to get Elby home again. I'm sure you will. Actually, he could go out tonight, but I think it'll be best to leave until the morning. Oh, yes, yes, by all means. Another night in hospital won't do him any harm. Righto, then. What time will you be in for him? Oh, say about 10 o'. Clock. 10 o'. Clock. Fine. I'll leave a note for the day staff. Thank you, Doctor.

[C]

Good night.

[B]

Good night.

[C]

Yes?

[E]

Pathology reports on your desk.

[B]

Yes, they're there somewhere.

[E]

Finished with them?

[B]

They're all yours.

[E]

Good. I'll take them down then. Oh, by the way, about our trip to Craggy Mountain.

[B]

What trip?

[E]

You were going to drive me out to see Sylvia's new baby one day.

[B]

Sylvia?

[E]

Oh, Sylvia Blaine. You remember.

[B]

No, never mind. If I was dumb enough to let myself in for a chore like that, it's no wonder I don't remember.

[E]

How about tomorrow?

[B]

No, no can do. Can we leave it till next week?

[E]

When? Next week?

[B]

Oh, for pity's sake.

[E]

Well, you've been going to drive me out for weeks now. Let's make it definite. Tuesday.

[B]

Okay, next Tuesday.

[E]

We can make a day of it. I'll fix a picnic lunch and we can drive to the top of the mountain and have it there.

[B]

I bet that sounds better than gooing over some ugly baby.

[C]

Okay, it's a date.

[D]

There.

[E]

That looks like a lot.

[B]

I am? You are. Oh, boy, this was some meal you dished up.

[E]

Just a second. Buzz, open the door, will you?

[C]

What?

[E]

You've jammed the end of the seat belt in it. I can't move the handle in just a Second, then. Oh, that's better. Oh, while you're here, show me how this buckle works, will you? When I used up the last time, it came undone.

[B]

Oh, it's perfectly simple. Buckles on seat belts are foolproof. Even idiots can work them easily.

[E]

Yes.

[C]

You sound as though you're selling them.

[B]

Let's see. No, I don't sell them. Although maybe you haven't. I say, what seat belt? And why didn't I seek that before? Yes, I wonder what's the matter with you. I don't know. I just had a wild thought. Something Doc Morgan mentioned to me.

[D]

What about?

[B]

About that kid, Alby Hook, the one who had the car crash. And the other boy.

[E]

Oh, I'll be. Hook, for heaven's sake. He was discharged from the hospital last week.

[B]

Come on, let's get this fixed.

[C]

I want to get back to town in a hurry.

[B]

There's something I want to check.

[C]

They found us. They did? We were lucky. The wreck had been taken to some wrecker's yard. But was still pretty much as it was after the crash.

[B]

My first contact with the police. They said they didn't think there was much hope of checking on a thing like that. Now, what did they find out?

[C]

That you were right.

[B]

Who are you ringing now?

[C]

The boy's father, of course. This is something that needs checking on. Sister, would you give me the home of Mr. Arthur Hook, please? You'll find the number on an old card referring to Albert Hook, who was discharged last week. Or you can look it up in the book. Shouldn't be hard to find. Right.

[B]

What are you going to say to him, Doc?

[C]

Just what we know, isn't it?

[B]

Beating the gun a little.

[C]

How do you mean?

[B]

He won't like what you're implying. You know. He thinks the light shines out of that boy.

[C]

I know. But then perhaps we have just one more case of a spoiled brat leading his father by the nose. Happens all the time these days.

[B]

Yes, but you mightn't find the father too easy to convince.

[C]

I'll take a chance on that. Dr. Morgan.

[B]

Oh, yes.

[C]

Thank you, Sister. Hello, this is Dr. Morgan, the Central Hospital. Is that Mrs. Hook now? I wonder, could I speak to your husband, Mrs. Hook? Oh, I see. What time do you expect him back? He's what? Oh, well, I'm sorry, Mrs. Hook, but this could be rather urgent. What time does the plane leave? I see. Well, thank you. I beg your pardon? No, no. No message. Thanks. As a matter of fact, I may just take a run out to the airport. I can probably catch him There. Thank you. I'm sorry to troubled you. Good night.

[B]

What was all that?

[C]

Book is on his way to the airport. He's taking his darling son on a holiday for a month.

[B]

That's a long time to wait.

[C]

Too long. That's why I'm driving straight to the air airport now. I'll be back as soon as I can.

[B]

Well, won't be long now. Oh, come sit down, son. Come give us a call and it's time to board the plane.

[D]

No, I'm okay, dad.

[B]

It's good to slam my feet a bit.

[D]

I'll be sitting a fair while in plane.

[B]

You don't want to overdo it, you know. He would have been out of bed a few days.

[D]

Hello.

[B]

What?

[D]

Where's that doctor from the hospital? I wonder what he's doing here.

[B]

Oh, yes, yes, I see him. He's coming over here. Perhaps he's on his way somewhere, too. Might even be on our aircraft. That'll be quite a coincidence.

[D]

I've had enough of doctors for a while. I don't want to talk to him.

[B]

Oh, no, no. That's not very sociable. That'll be hello there, Doctor. Oh, fancy meeting you here.

[C]

Well, it's not as much of a coincidence as you may be thinking, Mr. Hook. I came especially to see you. See us? Your wife told me you were taking your son on a trip tonight. I particularly wanted to see you before you left.

[B]

What can be a surgeon to the world?

[C]

A matter of culpable negligence, perhaps, and manslaughter.

[B]

Culpable? Are you feeling all right, doctor?

[C]

Mr. Hawkes, suppose I tell you that the police have made an interesting discovery about the accident your son was in.

[B]

Well, it doesn't make sense, but it does to me. Now, look here, Doctor. I can't think why you come rushing out to the airport like this, but I'm not too pleased about it, I can tell you. I don't want Alvie upset.

[C]

I can understand how you feel. But then you're under the impression that the other boy was driving your son's car that night, aren't you?

[B]

Certainly I am. Because that's how it was. Everybody knows that.

[C]

Your son doesn't. Do you, Aldy? Why, in fact, you know perfectly well that Mark Ashbury wasn't driving the car because you were driving. Now, look here, you LB.

[B]

Dr. Morgan. I want.

[C]

I'm asking your son a question, Mr. Hook. Let him answer.

[B]

It's not fair to the man. You of all people should know that. I said let him answer.

[C]

Elvie.

[D]

I don't Know what you're talking about. Mark was driving the car.

[B]

There now, you.

[C]

Impossible. He couldn't have received the injuries that killed him if he had been behind the wheel.

[B]

Wheel? Now, wake up. If that's so, how is it that it's mentioned only now it's weeks since.

[C]

The accident was overlooked. At the time the police surgeon made his report, it was only by chance that a diligent police officer going over the report noticed something which raised the matter again.

[B]

But that's incredible. You listen.

[C]

Your son was driving, and he was the cause of the crash. After the crash, he had a moment of consciousness. And because he has a cunning, egocentric brain, he saw at once that he would be blamed. And he managed to summon the strength to move Mark Ashbury's dead body into the driving seat before he himself staggered away from the car.

[B]

That's not true. It's a pack of lies. Alfie, tell him he's a liar.

[D]

Go on, Sunset.

[B]

You're not all those things he said. You're a good boy. You've always been a good boy. You wouldn't do anything to make me and your mother ashamed. I know that. Ever since you were a toddler. You were a son we could be proud of.

[D]

Shut up, dad, will you?

[B]

What?

[D]

Can't you ever talk about anything except how good I was when I was a kid? Look, it makes me sick.

[B]

Help me. What are you saying?

[C]

I think he's trying to say that I'm telling the truth. Mr. Hook.

[B]

No. No, that isn't true.

[D]

No, of course it's true. He knows that. Look, what's the matter with you? I'm sick of the whole thing. Yes, I was driving the car. Yes, I framed it. So what? It was my car, wasn't it?

[B]

You killed that boy.

[D]

He didn't have to ride with me if he didn't want to.

[B]

He could have taken Monster.

[D]

You little animal.

[C]

You could have gone with him to the police station.

[B]

Mr. Hook, I just wish the police had found out about the other boy's injuries sooner than that. This. They should have.

[C]

That wasn't possible. You see, the injuries to Mark Ashbury don't prove anything.

[B]

Huh? But you.

[C]

You said I made it up. I had to say something to force LV into confessing.

[B]

Force him? But if it isn't true.

[C]

It's true that he was driving the car. Only I couldn't prove it.

[B]

Well, how the devil could you say it's true?

[C]

You told me the first time you came to the hospital. You told me that Elby had said the seat belt in the front passenger seat of the car saved his life.

[B]

Yes, that's right.

[C]

My assistant, Dr. Lindsay reminded me of that. I'd forgotten. You see, I learned that Mark Ashbury had been making a new seat belt buckle for your son's car. We checked with the police and they told us that the only faulty seat belt buckle in the car was the one Elvie had said saved his life.

[B]

That means he couldn't have used a belt. He was lying to me. Yes.

[C]

And I asked myself why he would lie about that if he told the truth about everything else. And to me the only answer was that he had good reason to lie because he was responsible for the death of Mark Ashbury. A casualty ward is like a great theater, but the players are drawn from real life. And not every story has a happy ending. So much depends on the night surgeon. This is the united states armed forces radio and television service.

[B]

Sa.