Sealed Book 45-xx-xx ep07 The Accusing Corpse

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio — Sealed Book Ep07: The Accusing Corpse

Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Broadcast: (Golden Age of Radio, Date unknown)
Episode Summarized: The Accusing Corpse
Summary Prepared For: August 21, 2025

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Overview

This episode of The Sealed Book presents “The Accusing Corpse,” a classic radio drama full of murder, betrayal, and cunning double-crosses. The story revolves around Philip Drake, his wife Vivian, and her scheming brother Roger. Set in a brooding country mansion and the shadowy woods beyond, the tale explores desperate attempts to escape unhappiness, a fake murder, ensuing blackmail, and the ultimate irony of a body that exposes the true killer. The episode is a textbook example of pulp suspense from the Golden Age of Radio, blending melodrama, sharp dialogue, and a twist ending.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Marital Discord and Threats (03:15–04:31)

• Wealthy stockbroker Philip Drake and his wife Vivian face the dissolution of their rushed three-month marriage.
• Vivian prepares to leave, taunts Philip about another man, and asks for the car.
• Philip, desperate and unstable, threatens her with a gun — “If I can’t have you, no one else will!” (04:14, Philip Drake).
• Roger, Vivian’s brother, enters amidst the escalating confrontation.

2. The “Murder” and Its Aftermath (04:39–07:04)

• A gunshot sounds. Vivian is presumed dead, Philip distraught, and Roger proposes disposing of the body to protect Philip.

• The truth is revealed: the murder was staged. Bullets were blanks, Vivian is alive, and Roger masterminded the deception.

• Roger and Vivian plan to extort money, with Vivian hiding in a secret apartment in town.

  “It was very clever the way you taunted him into doing it.” (06:45, Roger Martinson)
  “You always know what you’re doing.” (06:59, Vivian Drake)

3. The Blackmail Game (07:39–14:46)

• Roger visits Philip and convinces him to hand over $20,000, promising silence about the “crime.”

• Vivian, frustrated by confinement, pressures Roger to speed up the extortion.

• Roger uses patience and psychological manipulation, intent on extracting maximum funds.

  “Blackmail is an art… Philip will give us many times over the money I hold in my hand.” (08:37, Roger Martinson)

• Tension grows between Vivian and Roger over her enforced hiding and Roger’s domination.

  “You will do exactly as I say, Vivian. Exactly. Do you understand?” (09:09, Roger Martinson)

4. Philip’s Growing Suspicion and the Search for the Grave (15:01–18:56)

• Under the weight of guilt and suspicion about Roger’s motivations, Philip finally confronts Roger.

• Philip demands to see Vivian’s grave, increasingly convinced the murder was faked.

• The two visit the purported burial site; Roger reluctantly digs. To their mutual shock, they discover Vivian’s real corpse, complete with a gunshot wound.

  “Vivian isn’t dead, and there’s no use pretending she is. Everything that’s happened was part of a scheme.” (18:19, Philip Drake)
  “Look…you see what I’ve uncovered?” (18:44, Roger Martinson)
  “A hand.” (18:48, Philip Drake)

5. The Poisoned Drink & Deadly Confession (22:01–23:52)

• Back at the house, Roger prevents Philip from calling the police. He prepares a drink for Philip, secretly laced with poison.

• Roger reveals his plan as Philip succumbs.

  “In a very little while...you’ll be dead.” (22:59, Roger Martinson)
  “You murdered her!” (23:28, Philip Drake, dying)

6. The Twist: Accusation from the Grave (24:13–27:18)

• Police and coroner arrive. Roger crafts a story pinning murder on Philip, asserting it was a murder-suicide.

• Coroner Dr. Smith questions Roger, uncovering inconsistencies. He produces a damning piece of evidence: a clothes delivery slip dated after the supposed murder—found in Vivian’s pocket.

• The ruse unravels; Roger is exposed as the true killer.

  “You’re lying, Mr. Martinson. I have in my hand a slip of paper…that will send you to the electric chair.” (26:27, Dr. Smith)
  “The corpse has accused you from the grave of murder.” (27:01, Dr. Smith)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Philip’s Desperation (04:14):
  “If I can’t have you, no one else will. Do you hear?” — Philip Drake

• Roger’s Ruthlessness (09:09):
  “You will do exactly as I say, Vivian. Exactly. Do you understand?” — Roger Martinson

• Revealing the Ruse (06:51):
  “You don’t think I was going to let him discover that the bullets had been removed and blank cartridges substituted, did you?” — Roger Martinson

• Twist of Fate (18:48–19:05):
  “A hand…Vivian. No. No, it can’t be.” — Philip Drake
  “Yes, Philip. Here’s the bullet hole under her heart. The bullet hole you made.” — Roger Martinson

• Downfall of the Villain (26:27–27:11):
  “You’re lying, Mr. Martinson. I have...a slip of paper that…will send you to the electric chair…The corpse has accused you from the grave of murder.” — Dr. Smith

• Roger's Agony (27:11):
  “No, it can’t be. I had everything planned perfectly. Perfectly. Do you hear? Down to the last detail. I couldn’t have failed.” — Roger Martinson

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening and Setup: 03:15–04:31
• Fake Murder and Unveiling the Plot: 04:39–07:04
• Blackmail Escalates, Tension Builds: 07:39–14:46
• Suspicion and the Night Dig: 15:01–18:56
• Poisoned Drink, True Confession: 22:01–23:52
• Police Investigation & Final Revelation: 24:13–27:18

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Takeaway

A classic tale of manipulation, greed, and ironic justice, “The Accusing Corpse” embodies the conventions of mid-century radio drama. It’s a tightly plotted story where evil unravels under its own weight, culminating in an “accusation from the grave” that poetic justice fans will savor. Suitable for any listener drawn to the macabre twists of vintage radio suspense.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

The Sealed Book. Once again the keeper of the book has opened the ponderous door to the secret vault wherein is kept the great sealed book in which is recorded all the secrets and mysteries of mankind through the ages. Here are tales of every kind. Tales of murder, of madness, of dark deeds, strange and terrible beyond all belief. Keeper of the Book, I would know what tale we tell this time. Open the great book and let us read slowly. The Great book opens one by one. The keeper of the book turns the pages and stops. Ah, the strange story of a man who would stop at nothing to accomplish his ends. A tale called the Accusing Corpse.

[Roger Martinson]

It.

[Narrator]

Here is the tale, the Accusing Corpse as it is written in the pages of the sealed book. Philip Drake, the wealthy stockbroker, is pacing nervously back and forth in the drawing room of his country mansion. His face becomes pale as Vivian, his wife, enters the drawing room, a suitcase in one hand.

[Vivian Drake]

Well, Philip, I'm all packed and ready to leave. I do hope.

[Philip Drake]

Vivian, how can you do this to me? You know I love you, that I do anything to make you happy.

[Vivian Drake]

Philip, let's not go over that again.

[Philip Drake]

Please, darling, don't leave. At least not until your brother Rogers arrived and had a chance to talk to you. He'll be here any minute.

[Vivian Drake]

Oh, nothing that righteous brother of mine can say will change my mind. Now, would you mind lending me your car to get to town?

[Philip Drake]

Vivian, if you leave me, you won't get a cent. Not a cent, do you hear?

[Roger Martinson]

Really.

[Vivian Drake]

Did you ever stop to think, Philip, that there might be another man? One with more money than you?

[Philip Drake]

Another man? Oh, no, Vivian, there couldn't be.

[Vivian Drake]

And why not?

[Philip Drake]

But we've only been married three months. Why, there couldn't have been anybody in that time.

[Vivian Drake]

But there was.

[Philip Drake]

Vivian, you can't do this to me. I love you. I love you. I won't let you go.

[Vivian Drake]

I really must be saying goodbye now. He's waiting for me in town. I don't want to be late.

[Philip Drake]

If I can't have you, no one else will. Do you hear?

[Vivian Drake]

Oh, really, you're being ridiculous. I must go now. No, silly. A gun.

[Philip Drake]

Yes, Vivian, a gun. I told you if I couldn't have you, no one else would. And I mean it.

[Vivian Drake]

Even with that gun, you can't keep me, dear, here. I'd sooner die than go on living with you. I'm going and you're not going.

[Roger Martinson]

Oh, shut.

[Philip Drake]

Vivian.

[Roger Martinson]

Philip, what happened? I thought I heard. Vivian.

[Philip Drake]

I didn't mean to do it. She was going to leave me.

[Roger Martinson]

Vivian.

[Philip Drake]

Roger, is she dead?

[Roger Martinson]

Yes. Philip, do you know what this may mean? Life imprisonment. Perhaps even the electric chair.

[Philip Drake]

Yes, I know. I lost control of myself. Nothing seems to matter now.

[Roger Martinson]

You. You simply can't throw your life away like that. Even if Vivian was my sister, I don't mind telling you that I always felt you were far too good for her. She didn't deserve to be your wife.

[Philip Drake]

Oh, please, Roger.

[Roger Martinson]

Look, if we were to get rid of the body, who could possibly know that she didn't leave here tonight as she'd planned?

[Philip Drake]

No, no, it wouldn't work, Roger. You can't get away with murder.

[Roger Martinson]

That's nonsense, Philip. Now, if we were to bury her in the woods, no one would ever find her body.

[Philip Drake]

Bury her in the woods? I couldn't do that.

[Roger Martinson]

Philip, you must let me handle this. Oh, and you better give me that gun.

[Philip Drake]

All right, Roger. Here you are.

[Roger Martinson]

Good. Now, you wait here. I'm going to get rid of the body. I think this is quite far enough. I'm afraid I'll have to bury you now, my dear Vivian.

[Vivian Drake]

Put me down, Roger. I'm tired of being carried like a sack of potatoes.

[Roger Martinson]

All right. There. Oh, and let me congratulate you on your performance as a corpse as I carried you out.

[Vivian Drake]

Roger, do you think he suspects anything?

[Roger Martinson]

Of course he doesn't. He's positive that he shot and killed you. It was very clever the way you taunted him into doing it.

[Vivian Drake]

You've got the gun, haven't you?

[Roger Martinson]

Certainly I've got it. You don't think I was going to let him discover that the bullets had been removed and blank cartridges substituted, did you?

[Vivian Drake]

No, not you, Roger. You always know what you're doing.

[Roger Martinson]

It was a lucky day when you met me.

[Philip Drake]

Look.

[Roger Martinson]

Now, here's the key to the apartment I rented in town. You'll find my car a quarter of a mile down the road.

[Vivian Drake]

All right. I'll be waiting for you at the apartment.

[Roger Martinson]

I'll be there in a few hours.

[Dr. Smith]

Hmm.

[Roger Martinson]

Well, now, let's see. This seems like a nice place to dig.

[Narrator]

The next morning, Roger called on Philip at his office, and finding Philip very nervous, reassured him that he had hidden poor Vivian's grave carefully. When Philip expressed his gratitude for Roger's help, Roger suggested that Philip could do him a favor in return by lending him $20,000 to swing a business deal. Philip was startled, but after a moment's hesitation, wrote out a check. As he wrote it, Roger smiled. Things were working out just as he'd planned.

[Vivian Drake]

Roger, did you get it?

[Roger Martinson]

Well, what does this look like?

[Vivian Drake]

Oh, darling, that's wonderful. Now we can clear out.

[Philip Drake]

What?

[Vivian Drake]

Roger, there isn't 100,000 here.

[Roger Martinson]

Why, no, dear. I only got 20,000 from him.

[Vivian Drake]

But we were after 100,000. Why didn't you get it all this morning when you saw him?

[Roger Martinson]

My dear Vivian, it simply isn't done that way. Blackmail is an art. An art that calls for the use of psychology. Philip will give us many times over the money I hold in my hand. All in due time, of course.

[Vivian Drake]

You mean I'll have to go on hiding in this miserable apartment until you've finished your little game with him? Never being able to leave it for fear someone will recognize me?

[Roger Martinson]

Oh, come now. You've got the radio books.

[Vivian Drake]

Well, I won't spend weeks in this apartment, I tell you I won't. Oh, my arm.

[Roger Martinson]

You will do exactly as I say, Vivian. Exactly. Do you understand?

[Vivian Drake]

Roger, you're hurting me.

[Roger Martinson]

It's nothing to what I will do if you disobey me. Do I make myself clear?

[Vivian Drake]

Oh, yes. Yes. I'll do whatever you say.

[Philip Drake]

Sa.

[Narrator]

And now, to continue the story as it is written in the sealed book. A week passed, a week in which Roger patiently bided his time for time he knew was working on his side against Philip. Then one morning, he called on Philip at his office.

[Roger Martinson]

Good morning, Philip. How are you?

[Philip Drake]

How do you expect me to be? This past week, I've been able to think of nothing but Vivian and what happened that night.

[Roger Martinson]

Philip, you must stop brooding over it. Whatever happened was her fault, not yours.

[Philip Drake]

Yes, you're right. Perhaps what I need is a vacation.

[Roger Martinson]

Of course, a trip would do you a world of good. And if I could afford it, I'd.

[Dr. Smith]

Go along with you.

[Philip Drake]

You mean you haven't any money?

[Roger Martinson]

I'm afraid not, Philip. That's what I've come to see you about. I must have $40,000 at once.

[Philip Drake]

40,000? Yes.

[Roger Martinson]

If I don't get the 40,000, it may mean prison for me. You wouldn't want to see that happen, would you?

[Philip Drake]

No, of course not.

[Roger Martinson]

After all, Philip, I saved you from prison. In fact, I made myself an accomplice to Vivian's murder by not turning you over to the police.

[Philip Drake]

Yes, I know.

[Roger Martinson]

But you could hardly accept expect me to remain loyal to you if you weren't willing to help me, could you?

[Philip Drake]

I see. Seems I haven't any choice. Very well, Roger. I'll write you out a check.

[Roger Martinson]

Take a look at this, Vivian. $40,000 in cash. Oh, darling, wasn't this worth staying and hiding for? And there's Plenty more where this came from. Oh, who could that be? You better get behind that screen.

[Vivian Drake]

All right, Roger.

[Roger Martinson]

Yes?

[Delivery Person]

COD for Ms. Brown comes to $64.

[Roger Martinson]

You must be mistaken. There's no Ms. Brown here.

[Delivery Person]

Well, this is the address she gave Sincara. Mr. Roger Martinson. That's your name?

[Roger Martinson]

Why, yes, but I.

[Vivian Drake]

Don't package yourself for me, Roger. How much did you say the COD was?

[Delivery Person]

$64, miss.

[Vivian Drake]

Here you are.

[Delivery Person]

Thank you, miss. Here's your receipt. Bye.

[Vivian Drake]

Bye.

[Roger Martinson]

When did you buy those clothes?

[Vivian Drake]

This morning.

[Roger Martinson]

You mean you went out shopping in spite of what I told you?

[Vivian Drake]

Well, I was sick of being cooped up in this apartment day and night. I. I had to do something for.

[Roger Martinson]

A change, and one of my plans. You risked everything with so much at stake.

[Vivian Drake]

Roger. Roger, stop looking at me like that. I. I tell you, I couldn't stand being cooped up in this apartment any longer. And if you don't get the rest of the money at once so that we can clear out, I'll go shopping whenever I feel like it. You can make.

[Roger Martinson]

You'll do exactly as I say. I won't allow anything or anyone to interfere with my plans. I've worked every step out perfectly, and there isn't going to be any slip up.

[Narrator]

Another week passed. A week in which Roger made no effort to see Philip. Then early one evening, he got into his car and drove out of the city to Philip's home in the country.

[Philip Drake]

Oh, it's you, Roger. Come in.

[Roger Martinson]

Good evening, Philip. Where are the servants?

[Philip Drake]

This is their night off.

[Roger Martinson]

You're not looking well at all, Philip. You shouldn't remain in this big house by yourself.

[Philip Drake]

What difference does it make where I am? Wherever I go, the memories of that night follow. It's hard to believe that it was only two weeks ago tonight that I killed her.

[Roger Martinson]

Two weeks ago tonight? Why, so it was. By the way, Philip, do you think you might possibly lend me $60,000?

[Philip Drake]

16Th. You can't be serious.

[Roger Martinson]

Oh, but I am.

[Philip Drake]

But I've lent you that much already.

[Roger Martinson]

Yes, I know, but I must have more.

[Philip Drake]

No, I won't give you another cent. You've blackmailed me enough.

[Roger Martinson]

Blackmail is a harsh word, Philip.

[Philip Drake]

What else would you call it? You're just as hard and grasping as Vivian was.

[Roger Martinson]

Oh, yes. But you must remember I'm alive and she isn't.

[Philip Drake]

I suppose you're glad she's dead. In life, she was worth nothing to you. In death, you were able to get $60,000 for her in death. How do I know she is dead?

[Roger Martinson]

Don't be foolish, Philip. You shot her yourself.

[Philip Drake]

Yes, but how do I know she was dead? It was you who examined her, you who told me so, and you who buried her body all by yourself.

[Roger Martinson]

I just wanted to spare you, Philip.

[Philip Drake]

Just exactly where did you bury Vivian? As a matter of fact, how do I know the whole affair wasn't staged for my special benefit? You're quite capable of such a scheme.

[Roger Martinson]

I tell you she's dead, Philip, and buried out in the woods.

[Philip Drake]

And I want to see the grave and the body you say is in it.

[Roger Martinson]

This is ridiculous. I won't go searching for a grave in the middle of the night.

[Philip Drake]

You shouldn't have to search for it, Roger. Not if you really dug one. Come along.

[Roger Martinson]

I won't do it. Why, this is.

[Philip Drake]

Come along, Roger.

[Roger Martinson]

Oh, very well. But I'm not certain I'll be able to find the grave. After all, the woods is fairly large, and it's been two weeks since. Since I buried her.

[Philip Drake]

Quite all right, Roger. We'll stay out there until you do find her.

[Roger Martinson]

The grave is someplace around here. I'm certain of it. But perhaps we ought to come back in the daytime. It might be easier to find it then.

[Philip Drake]

I know Roger shouldn't have any trouble finding it now. If it exists.

[Roger Martinson]

It does exist, I tell you. It's. It's just that the woods are so confusing at night. Everything looks so different.

[Philip Drake]

Just keep on searching, Roger.

[Roger Martinson]

Well, perhaps this is the spot. It looks something like it.

[Philip Drake]

There's only one way to make certain, and that's to start digging. Here's a shovel. Start digging.

[Roger Martinson]

Very well, Philip. If you. You insist.

[Philip Drake]

Well, Roger, you've been digging for 20 minutes now, and you haven't uncovered a body. You're a great actor, but I'm afraid this time you've overplayed your role.

[Roger Martinson]

What do you mean?

[Philip Drake]

Vivian isn't dead, and there's no use pretending she is. Everything that's happened was part of a scheme. The two of you planned to extort money from me.

[Roger Martinson]

I tell you, she's dead.

[Philip Drake]

And where's the body?

[Roger Martinson]

I thought this was the spot, but I must be mistaken. I'm sure I didn't bury her any deeper than this, but. Turn the flashlight this way.

[Philip Drake]

What is it?

[Roger Martinson]

Look. You see what I've uncovered?

[Philip Drake]

A hand.

[Roger Martinson]

Yes. This is the spot where I buried her. Just a few more shovels full. I'll have her body uncovered.

[Philip Drake]

Vivian. No. No, it can't be.

[Roger Martinson]

But it is, Vivian. Look, Philip. Here's the bullet hole under her heart. The Bullet hole you made.

[Philip Drake]

I don't want to see anymore. I've seen enough.

[Roger Martinson]

You should trust me a little more, Philip. Everything I did was for your own good. After all. You don't want to go to the electric chair, do you?

[Philip Drake]

I don't care what happens anymore. I can't stand having her death on my conscience any longer. I'm going to call the police.

[Roger Martinson]

Don't be a fool, Philip. You know it can mean the electric chair.

[Philip Drake]

I'll take my chances. Anything's better than going on living the way I have these past two weeks. I'm going back to the house and call the police.

[Roger Martinson]

Philip, come back. Hello.

[Narrator]

And now to continue the story as it is written in the sealed book. After Philip and Roger had dug up Vivian's body with the bullet hole through the heart, Philip decided that the only thing left for him was to call the police and confess. So, in spite of Roger's protests, he rushed back to the house.

[Roger Martinson]

Operator. Operator. Philip, wait. Don't do anything foolish.

[Philip Drake]

You've cut me off. Take your hand off the phone.

[Roger Martinson]

Roger, all I want you to do is to listen to me for a few minutes. Then if you still want to call the police, you can. Now, please put the receiver down. Philip. That's it.

[Philip Drake]

What do you want to tell me?

[Roger Martinson]

Well, do you mind if I mix myself a drink first? It's been a rather difficult evening.

[Philip Drake]

Very well.

[Roger Martinson]

What about one for you? You look as though you could stand a drink.

[Philip Drake]

No, thank you.

[Roger Martinson]

Nonsense. How? It'll do you good.

[Philip Drake]

What is it you want to say to me, Roger?

[Roger Martinson]

Say to you? Oh, yes. Oh, here's your drink.

[Philip Drake]

Thank you.

[Roger Martinson]

Well, what shall we drink to? We'll drink to your good luck, come what may. There. I feel a good deal better.

[Philip Drake]

All right. Now we've had our drink, what have you got to say?

[Dr. Smith]

Oh.

[Roger Martinson]

Oh, yes. What I wanted to say was I never let anything interfere with my plans. Philip, I can't allow you to go to the police, and therefore you shan't. It would spoil my plans.

[Philip Drake]

It would, would it? But I'd like to see you stop me.

[Narrator]

I have, Philip.

[Roger Martinson]

In a very little while. In fact, in just a few seconds, you'll be dead.

[Inspector]

Dead.

[Philip Drake]

What do you say?

[Roger Martinson]

Yes. Philip, the drink I mixed you was poisoned. Aren't you finding that it's becoming difficult to breathe?

[Philip Drake]

No, you couldn't have. My throat, it burns.

[Roger Martinson]

Yes, I know, but it'll all be over in a matter of seconds.

[Philip Drake]

Now I see it all. You. You murdered her.

[Roger Martinson]

Yes, Philip. Just a week ago tonight. She Died according to plan.

[Philip Drake]

I call the police, tell them.

[Roger Martinson]

I'm afraid you haven't the strength left to reach the phone.

[Philip Drake]

Philip, I.

[Roger Martinson]

You and Vivian never had a chance, Philip. I had things worked out perfectly, down to the smallest details. Hello, operator. Operator, please connect me with the police.

[Dr. Smith]

Oh, Inspector. I finished the examination of the body of Vivian Drake and her husband, Philip.

[Inspector]

Okay, Doc. Oh, this is Roger Martinson. Mr. Martinson, this is Dr. Smith, the county coroner.

[Dr. Smith]

How do you do?

[Roger Martinson]

Hello.

[Inspector]

I'll be with you in a few minutes, Doc. Just stay here.

[Dr. Smith]

All right, inspector.

[Inspector]

Now, Mr. Bartinson, you were telling me how you came to this house two weeks ago tonight to see your sister and found she was gone.

[Roger Martinson]

Yes. My brother in law, Philip, told me that she had gone on a vacation. I thought it strange at the time that she should have gone away without saying goodbye to me, as we were always very close. Then days passed and I didn't hear from her.

[Inspector]

Was it like your sister to go away and not write?

[Roger Martinson]

No. And that's what worried me so. The past two weeks, Philip kept putting me off. When I inquired about Vivian's whereabouts tonight, I couldn't stand it any longer, and I came to this house to have it out with him.

[Inspector]

What did your brother in law say when he saw you?

[Roger Martinson]

He was quite agitated at my unexpected arrival. When I threatened to go to the police, he broke down and confessed to having murdered Vivian.

[Inspector]

When had he murdered him?

[Roger Martinson]

He told me he'd done it two weeks ago tonight. That was the very night I'd come here to see Vivian. And he told me that she'd left for a vacation.

[Inspector]

I see. Go on.

[Roger Martinson]

Naturally, when he told me he'd murdered her, I was aghast. He led me to the woods and showed me the grave. We returned to the house, and before I could stop him, Philip had taken poison. I then called the police.

[Inspector]

Well, seems like a plain case of murder and suicide to me. Right, doc?

[Dr. Smith]

Perhaps. But, Mr. Martinson, I was very much interested in what you had to say regarding the murder of your sister. You say that your brother in law confessed to murdering her two weeks ago tonight?

[Roger Martinson]

Yes, that's correct.

[Dr. Smith]

And you never saw her alive after that night?

[Roger Martinson]

Why, no, of course not.

[Inspector]

What are you getting at, doc?

[Dr. Smith]

Please, Inspector. Mr. Martinson, would you mind telling me where you live?

[Roger Martinson]

Why, at 425 W. 106th St. Tell.

[Dr. Smith]

Me, were some clothes delivered to that address in your care one week ago today?

[Roger Martinson]

Clothes?

[Dr. Smith]

Yes. To be exact, a woman's sports suit which cost $64 and a ride COD why, no. You're lying. Mr. Martinson, I have in my hand a slip of paper that not only proves that you're lying, but will send you to the electric chair.

[Inspector]

Doc, what are you saying?

[Dr. Smith]

Yes, Inspector. Mr. Martinson's plan was perfect, but he slipped up badly. He forgot to search Vivian Drake's clothing before he buried her. When I examined her body just now, I found in one of her pockets this receipted bill bearing the date April 9th. That proves beyond a doubt that she was alive one week ago and consequently couldn't have been murdered by her husband on April 2, as Mr. Martinson here claims.

[Roger Martinson]

I know.

[Dr. Smith]

Yes, Mr. Martinson, was you who killed her. The corpse has accused you from the grave of murder and has given us proof of your guilt.

[Roger Martinson]

No, it can't be. I had everything planned perfectly. Perfectly. Do you hear? Down to the last detail. I couldn't have failed. I couldn't.

[Narrator]

But Roger Martinson had failed. And all because of a mere sales slip that was found in a corpse's pocket. A dated sail slip that gave the lie to his testimony and sent him to the electric chair. For murder is always without, though it takes the dead themselves to tell of. And now, Keeper of the Book, before you close the great book, show us the tale we tell next time. This one. Ah, yes. An incredible story about a young married couple who bought an old New England colonial house, a house that was cursed. Cursed with the evil spirit of a dead woman. A tale called Stranger in the House. Be sure to be with us again next time when the sound of the great gong heralds another strange and exciting tale from the Sealed Book. The Sealed Book, written by Bob Arthur and David Cogan, is produced and directed by Jack McGregor.