Secrets Of Scotland Yard xx-xx-xx xxx Accurate Spelling Is Essential

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Secrets Of Scotland Yard"

Title: Secrets Of Scotland Yard
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: May 25, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Secrets Of Scotland Yard," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, unraveling a meticulously crafted murder mystery. The story centers around the investigation of Irene Wilkins' murder, highlighting the intricate work of Superintendent Garrett and Detective Sergeant Ellis as they navigate through misleading clues and unexpected coincidences to bring a cunning murderer to justice.

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The Crime Unveiled

The narrative kicks off with the Narrator pondering the thin line between thought and action in the realm of murder:

"But there's something that is different between thinking about it and carrying it out. At least I hope so." [00:02]

This philosophical musing sets the stage for the shocking discovery of Irene Wilkins' body, found in a field near Bournemouth, a picturesque seaside resort. Her tragic end marks the beginning of a complex investigation.

Identifying the Victim

Superintendent Garrett and Detective Sergeant Ellis examine Irene's body:

Superintendent Garrett: "See her clothes? Bed." [02:40]
Detective Sergeant Ellis: "Poor woman." [02:52]

Through their examination, they establish key facts about the time of death, noting the damp clothing and other forensic details that hint at the circumstances surrounding her demise.

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Following the Telegram Trail

The pivotal clue emerges from a telegram Irene had sent, prompting the investigation:

Superintendent Garrett: "Where is the telegram from, Mrs. Wilkins? Do you remember? This may be very important." [03:32]

Ms. Watkins, Irene's widowed mother, reveals the telegram's origin, sent from Boscombe:

Ms. Watkins: "It was from Boscom. I hope he'll get the brute that killed my poor girl." [03:36]

Detective Sergeant Ellis retrieves the original telegram, uncovering misspellings that suggest a deeper layer to the crime:

Superintendent Garrett: "He is immediately spelled with an I instead of an E. No E in Bournemouth." [05:19]

These discrepancies in the telegram's spelling become the cornerstone of their investigation, indicating the sender's potential identity.

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Expanding the Investigation

As the detectives delve deeper, they uncover additional telegrams with similar spelling errors, leading them to Thomas Henry Alloway, a chauffeur with a suspicious alibi:

Superintendent Garrett: "We shouldn't let the postal authorities talk it into publishing those telegrams in the newspapers." [12:39]

Despite initial setbacks in matching handwriting and alibis, the investigation appears stalled until a fortuitous encounter brings new evidence to light.

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A Fortuitous Encounter

A serendipitous moment occurs when Thomas Alloway visits a post office and interacts with Ms. Watkins, triggering her memory:

Ms. Watkins: "He was wearing one of these hats. I'd recognize that voice again anywhere." [15:32]

Through keen observation, Ms. Watkins identifies the car's license number, LK7405, providing a critical lead:

Ms. Watkins: "Look out for the countess. I must get on to the police at once." [15:13]

This breakthrough exemplifies how every small detail can be pivotal in solving a case.

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Connecting the Dots

With the license plate in hand, Superintendent Garrett consolidates the evidence:

Superintendent Garrett: "We picked up Thomas Alloway." [21:20]
Detective Sergeant Ellis: "Car's about the right size, but the tires don't match." [13:03]

Despite initial defenses, further handwriting analysis solidifies the case against Alloway, revealing his attempt to disguise his identity and the critical errors he made along the way.

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The Trial and Downfall

During the trial, Alloway's inability to maintain his façade under pressure becomes his undoing. Superintendent Garrett employs a clever tactic by testing Alloway's spelling accuracy:

Superintendent Garrett: "Now, Mr. Alloway, spell 'mouth'." [24:14]

Alloway's failure to spell critical words correctly in his telegrams versus his formal writing confirms his guilt, leading to his conviction:

Superintendent Garrett: "Thomas Henry Alloway was convicted and hanged." [25:33]

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Conclusion

The episode masterfully illustrates the importance of attention to detail and how seemingly minor elements, such as spelling errors, can play a decisive role in criminal investigations. The Narrator eloquently summarizes the case:

"Accurate spelling is essential, of course. You say if Alloway hadn't been a poor fella, he might have got away with murder." [25:34]

Furthermore, the story emphasizes the role of luck and persistence in solving crimes, showcasing the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to bring justice. As Superintendent Garrett reflects on the myriad factors that led to Alloway's capture, listeners are reminded of the intricate dance between detective work and the unpredictable nature of human behavior.

Notable Quotes:

• Narrator: "But there's something that is different between thinking about it and carrying it out." [00:02]
• Superintendent Garrett: "We picked up Thomas Alloway." [21:20]
• Ms. Watkins: "It's the man who sent that telegram." [15:01]
• Detective Sergeant Ellis: "Accurate spelling is essential." [25:34]

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Secrets Of Scotland Yard effectively combines suspenseful storytelling with insightful reflections on crime-solving, making it a captivating listen for enthusiasts of classic detective narratives.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Have you ever thought of murdering somebody? I have. I suppose most of us have. But there's something that is different between thinking about it and carrying it out. At least I hope so. Something that's different, but not something you can see or recognize or that may give you warning. For example, a murderer may have stood next to you in the list this morning. He might be the man who asked you for a light for his cigarette. Or sat next to you in the cinema. Or shared the same table as a restaurant or. Anyway, there was nothing to show that he was a murderer. That is where truth differs from fiction. I've acted in a lot of films about murder, read many crime stories. There's always something strange about the man who convicts crime. Something remote, something sinister. As a background that sinister too, an implication of evil is always present. But in real life, the most hideous crimes cast no such shadows before them. The background could be quite cheerful and ordinary. The criminal a simple, prosaic sort of fellow. Now, let us take such a scene and such an ordinary sort of chat. Going into a post office one sunny morning in the little English town of Boston and.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Telegram, please, miss.

[Ms. Watkins]

Thank you. Morning post. Come immediately. 4:30 train, Waterloo, Bournemouth Central. Something will meet. I'm afraid I can't read this bit here.

[Mr. Humphreys]

Where?

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Let me see Here. That's car. Car will meet.

[Ms. Watkins]

Oh, yes, yes, of course. Car will meet. Trick. Extent. No object.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Urgent.

[Narrator]

You've got it.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

How much will that be?

[Ms. Watkins]

Two shillings, please.

[Narrator]

Just a simple little act. Sending a telegram. The girl behind the counter thought nothing further about the man who sent it. Why should she? Would you? No reason why you should. Unless you happen to know, as I do, that he's a murderer. Two days later, the body of a woman was found in a field about three miles outside Bournemouth, a seaside resort on the south coast of England. That is where our casebook history begins. The police are inspecting the body.

[Superintendent Garrett]

See her clothes? Bed.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

They're still damp. Stopped wearing in early last night, didn't it? That's right. About half a seat. Must have happened before that, then. Last piece of work. Yes. Poor woman.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Somebody made a solid job of her, all right.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

This car track show how she was brought here. The car must have pulled up just down the road there.

[Superintendent Garrett]

I'd recognize those power marks anywhere, Said.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Well, we better take measurements of the track and wheel base, Fred. Not much more we can do to the doctor comes. We'll be along any minute now.

[Narrator]

It didn't take the police long to discover the identity of the murdered woman. She was Irene Wilkins of Streatham. London, and within a few hours her widowed mother was then on her way to Bournemouth to see Superintendent Garrett, in charge of the case.

[Ms. Watkins]

Irene had been advertising in the paper for a position as lady cook. They answered by telegram asking you to come down immediately.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Where is the telegram from, Mrs. Wilkins? Do you remember? This may be very important.

[Ms. Watkins]

Well, I remember where it came from all right. It was from Boscom. L hope he'll get the brute that killed my poor girl.

[Superintendent Garrett]

We'll get him away. He must be brave and help us all who can.

[Ms. Watkins]

I'm sorry I gave way like that, but it does seem such a shame.

[Superintendent Garrett]

I wonder if you can remember the date on the telegram.

[Ms. Watkins]

Well, it came Monday morning.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Now, that would be December 22nd. This gives us something to work on. Dr. Ellis. Yes, sir. Come here, Emily. I want you to go to the post office at Boscombe.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Yes, sir.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Tell them I want to see the original telegram form that a customer handed in on the 22nd to be sent to this address. Wilkins Pilmier Road, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Very good, sir.

[Narrator]

Boscombe. We've heard that name before, haven't we? And Buscombe is only a couple of miles from Bournemouth, so it didn't take Detective Sergeant Ellis long to get there. Nor does it take long for one of the post office clerks to search through the files and find the original copy of the telegram sent to Irene Wilkins. Sergeant Ellis made a quick trip back to Superintendent Garrett's office at Bournemouth.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Now, let's see what we can get from this telegram. Morning Post. That must be the newspaper Ms. Wilkins advertised in. Come immediately. 4:30 train, Waterloo Bond Central. Something we'll meet. Oh, car. That's what it is. Car will meet train expense. No object. Urgent. Signed Carver will beat house.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

I've checked up my name. Address fictitious.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Well, that is to be expected. I believe this was probably written by a man. You haven't anything peculiar about the spelling?

[Narrator]

I did, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

It's almost as bad as the handwriting. That's pretty awful.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Right. He is immediately spelled with an I instead of an E. No E in Bournemouth. And expensed with a C instead of an F. This might give us something to work on.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Well, a car did meet our Innie Wilkins, sir. We've got the measurements. We know the make of tyres it was fitted with.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Yes, we may be able to do something with that in time. I think our best line for the present is through this telegram.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

The handwriting and spelling are distinctive, sir.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Provide general inquiries if any more telegrams of peculiar spelling have been sent off lately. If so, get Me the original. Try the Boston area first and work out from there.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Very good, sir.

[Narrator]

When Scotland Yard takes over, investigation no. 2 is too small to be considered. Postal headquarters in London were asked to make inquiries throughout all their offices in the British Isles. It took a bit of time for Ellis to check all the branch post offices in the Bournemouth district. And it was some days later before he reported back to the superintendent. Weary but triumphant.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Come in. All right. You Ellis. Any results?

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Yes, sir. Not bad at all. Two telegrams received during the last month with similar areas of spelling.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Good.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

This is the first one, sir.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Investor Dippington? Yes, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

The handwriting matches. Odd name.

[Superintendent Garrett]

This and then from Hempstead. This time we need interview. Desire to come mortally. Bournemouth remain night of desire expensive given car will meet train sign Mrs. Cooper. Train spelling mistakes Hunter needed with an I instead of an E. Bond without an E again. If with two Fs and expenses filled with a C. Definitely looks like the same chap.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

I agree, sir.

[Superintendent Garrett]

What happened to Mrs. Or Ms. Whichever it is, Dickenson?

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

The car didn't meet her, sir, so she went back to London.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Lucky for her to think. When was this?

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

10. December 17th. Here's the other one, sir. Sent two days later on the 19th to a domestic play employment agency.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Please send my 5:30 Wardle to Boston train. Young pleasant nurse, companion of a girl of 20. Cow meat train. There's another spelling mistake in this one. Pleasant with no A. In addition, all of them even have the same phrase.

[Narrator]

Car will meet.

[Superintendent Garrett]

What do you think about it, Ellis?

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Oh, well, sir, I think that both telegrams are decoy sent by the same.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Person in contact with the employment agency, of course.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

They sent a letter at the address given Butler, Boscombe Grange, asking for more particulars. They got no reply, so he did nothing further in the matter.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Right. Well, it's back to the Boston post office for you, Alice. You must be getting quite popular with the young ladies there.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

No, sir.

[Superintendent Garrett]

What?

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

I'm not oversensitive, sir, but I get the feeling they think I'm a nuisance.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Well, now's your chance to change all that. Get talking to the clerks and see if you can find one who remembers accepting any of our illiterate friend's telegrams.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

It's only a small post office, sir. Just a man and a girl. The girl seems intelligent.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Fine. Off you go. And good hunting.

[Narrator]

So Sergeant Elliot trotted back the little post office at Buscombe and his luck was in. He found Ms. Watkins. The girl tried there alone. Ellis had not overstated the case. She was Intelligent and not reluctant to talk. Quite the reverse.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

I brought along a copy of a telegram, Ms. Watson. One that was sent from this office. Would you mind looking at it and seeing if you remember it?

[Ms. Watkins]

I'll try but I don't promise I'll recognize it.

[Narrator]

Mind you, I understand that.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Here it is. Take a look.

[Ms. Watkins]

We have so many through here you'd be surprised. They're talking of opening a bigger post office. We've really got more business than we can handle here.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Come to that, it might have been the other clerk that took this one.

[Ms. Watkins]

Well now isn't that funny after all the excuses I've been making. I do remember taking in this wire.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Splendid.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Recollect.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Is it about the sender?

[Ms. Watkins]

Now wait a minute. There was something. It was a man. I'm certain of that.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

What's he look like?

[Ms. Watkins]

I'm afraid I can't remember much about his looks, Sergeant Ellis or what he was wearing. Still, there's something about that telegram nagging at the back of my mind.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Why go. Come. Don't worry and take your time. That's what I find helps most when I'm trying to remember something. Try too hard, it just takes you that much longer.

[Ms. Watkins]

Did you say it's important?

[Narrator]

Oh, it might be.

[Ms. Watkins]

Let me read it again. Morning post come immediately. 4:30 train, Waterloo Bournemouth. Sentence terrible writing, isn't it?

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Yes.

[Ms. Watkins]

Something will meet. Old car will meet. That's it. Of course I remember it.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

I knew you would.

[Ms. Watkins]

His voice. I'd remember it anywhere. Now I'll tell you why. There was that one word I couldn't. That word car. So I asked him what it was and he said car. Car will meet. Now I don't know why but his voice gave me the creeps. It wasn't anything he said. I'm just sensitive to voices. I'd recognize that voice again anywhere.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

It's going to be a bit of a job finding a man by the sound of his voice. Still never know.

[Narrator]

Well I don't blame Ellis to you for thinking was pretty much of a wild goosey. But as he said, you never know. Meanwhile other detectives were busy in the Bournemouth Boscombe area questioning both owners and chauffeurs of all cars whose general measurements might fit the tracks left at the scene of the crime. And here's where the name of Thomas Henry Alloway comes into our story. He was chauffeur to a Mr. Sutton who owned a big gray saloon.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

What's your move Mr. Alleway? During the late afternoon evening December 22nd last that was Monday being the old man's late night, I went down to the station about 5:30, picked him up, drove him back and put the car away at 6 o' clock. Do you have your own keeper garage? No, there's only one Mr. Sutton keeps tight hold of it. I locked up, turned the key in like I always do. Thank you. Then I went into Bournemouth and had a bit of supper at the New Charm and went to a cinema. After that, came over and went to bed. What else was there to do? Pubs were all closed. But then you seem to remember it all very clearly considering this happened over a month ago. What's the matter? Is it a crime to have a good memory? Have you got a good memory for spelling? What do you mean spelling? Yes.

[Superintendent Garrett]

What are you getting at?

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Well, did you ever have any difficulty with certain words? I don't know.

[Narrator]

Well, let's find out.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Here, take this pencil and write in this notebook while I dictate.

[Narrator]

Dictate? Experiment was a flop. Alloway's handwriting turned out to be entirely different from that on the telegram. And what's more, his spelling was quite correct when it came to writing out sentences that use the misspelled words. No, it didn't look as though he could be the man Scotland Yard was after. More and more Superintendent Garrett was coming to realize he had a really tough case on his hands.

[Superintendent Garrett]

You know, Elliot, we shouldn't let the postal authorities talk it into publishing those telegrams in the newspapers.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Well, sir, it did seem a good idea at the time. Made it a lot easier for them to circularize the details of what we were after.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Yes, but it probably tipped off our murder to change his handwriting and brush up on his spelling. He's clever, whoever he is.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Of course there haven't been any more telegrams.

[Superintendent Garrett]

No, no, no. Judging from the supported, doesn't look as if Elouet's our man. Car's about the right size, but the tires don't match.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

He says he hasn't changed them since he put them on himself four months ago.

[Superintendent Garrett]

What about the owner of the car, Mr. Stockton?

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Another Chancellor. Watertight alibi for the whole evening.

[Superintendent Garrett]

It is my friend. I'm afraid for the moment we are stuck.

[Narrator]

Yes, Scotland Yard was stuck just for a moment. Then coincidence took a hand, as is so often does in crime investigations. You'll hear about it in just a moment. Against any criminal getting away with it are enormous. Just think of all the details he has to take care of in planning other crimes. If just one goes wrong, he's likely to find himself in More than a spot of bother. He's got to think of himself and what he's doing first, last and always. And he may overlook the fact that other people unimportant to him may notice things and remember them. Like Ms. Watkins, the postal clerk, with her flair for remembering voices. One day Thomas Alloway took a parcel into a Bournemouth post office. And it so happened that the clerk he handed it to was. Yes, you're right. Ms. Watkins, who had just been transferred there from the Buscombe branch.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

I want to send this parcel. I'm in a hurry.

[Ms. Watkins]

Let me have it. I'll wear it. I know that boy.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Really?

[Narrator]

An old boyfriend.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Yes. Yes.

[Ms. Watkins]

That'll be eight.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Can take me eight and a half.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

I've got the exact change. I think half of the. Yes, sir. Yes.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Here you are.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Don't t that parcel around. If you bother to look at it, you'll see it's more fragile.

[Ms. Watkins]

That's the man who sent that telegram. Quick, come to the window. Yes. He's getting into a car. A gray one. Can you see the license number? Okay. Oh, I can't quite see it.

[Narrator]

Lk7405.

[Ms. Watkins]

Error Crew 7500. 405. Look out to the countess. I must get on to the police at once. What a bit of luck meeting him. And it was him too. I'd know that voice anywhere.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Yes, hello, Ms. Watkins. Huh? Yes, of course I remember you.

[Narrator]

He has.

[Superintendent Garrett]

You got the number. Excellent. LK7405. Good work. Thank you, Ellis. As your friend, Ms. Watkins, he's recognized the man who sent the wire and he's got the license number of his car. LK7405.

[Narrator]

Ring a bell is just a sector.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

I'll look through these.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Chauffeur. No, no, no.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Yes, that's Mr. Sutton's car. The chauffeur was Thomas Henry Alloway.

[Superintendent Garrett]

That fellow again. We can't charge a man with murder because his voice resembles somebody who once sent a telegram.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

There's not much support for his al from the car being locked in Gowers that night. He could have had a duplicate key, mate.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Now all we can do for the moment is to keep a very close watch on that gentleman. If he is our man, perhaps he'll slip up somewhere.

[Narrator]

No such luck. More time went by and nothing happened. And then, believe it or not, another coincidence. Remember, this is a true case. And I'm telling you, Joe, exactly as it took place, another little fact popped up that Alloway hadn't accounted for because he'd been Concentrating on himself at the time, Superintendent Garrett received a call from a man named Humphreys.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Now, Mr. Humphrey, tell us your story in your own words.

[Mr. Humphreys]

Well, Superintendent, I traveled down to Boston on December 32nd in the same train as Ms. Wilkins.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Excuse me. You didn't know Ms. Wilkins?

[Mr. Humphreys]

No, but I recognized her photograph later in the paper. Although by that time there was nothing much I could do about it.

[Superintendent Garrett]

But I don't follow.

[Mr. Humphreys]

Well, I'll explain. I'd come to Boston to spend the night with friends just before a business trip I was taking abroad. Next day, early, I took the train to Southampton and went on board the boat. I probably wouldn't have seen the papers at all except that we were late in sailing and my cabin steward brought on board an early afternoon addition. As a matter of fact, I didn't see the paper until after dinner that night. And we'd been at sea several hours.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Right. Go on.

[Mr. Humphreys]

Well, of course I was horrified to read what had happened. She was a nice looking girl, but there didn't seem to be anything I could do, so. Well, I'm afraid I just left it at that.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Too bad, dear. I quite understand. Now, to come back to the day of the murder. Was there in your letter that you saw Ms. Wilkins get into?

[Mr. Humphreys]

Yes, when we got off our train and were having our tickets collected, I.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Was standing right behind her.

[Mr. Humphreys]

That's when I noticed her hat. I saw her into this car and I noticed it particularly because it had a peculiar luggage rack. A design I hadn't seen before. That may seem odd to you, but I must explain that I'm a motor car body designer by profession.

[Superintendent Garrett]

So naturally a beater like that would catch your eye.

[Mr. Humphreys]

That's it. But I didn't notice the license number of the car. And it wasn't until the day before yesterday that I came back on a visit to Boston. And by a strange coincidence, yesterday I spotted that same car again.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Recognized it at once by the luggage rack.

[Mr. Humphreys]

Yes, the whole thing came back to me in a flash. And this time I took the number. As the car was past me, my friends told me the case hadn't yet been cleared up. And so I immediately wrote to you.

[Superintendent Garrett]

That's very interesting indeed, Mr. Humphrey. I think this evidence may be of great value to us. Now, just one more thing. You see this pile of ladies hats on the table? Can you identify any one of them?

[Mr. Humphreys]

Yes, this one. The girl I saw get into the.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Car was wearing it. That's the hat found beside the mirror. Murdered body of Irene Wilkins.

[Narrator]

Definite proof, you say? No, not yet. But the case against Thomas Alloway was building up. What about the handwriting on the telegram? Superintendent Garrett had a bright idea. He needed something written by Alloway before the time of the murder and was able to obtain the application form Alloway filled out for his chauffeur's driving license. Would they match? They did. Perfectly proving beyond the doubt that Alloway had disguised his handwriting during the priest death somehow. We'll never know how Alloway learned of this new development. And knowing that he'd been closely watched a week. It was too much. He cracked. He forged his bus's signature to six decks and bolted. Well, that did it all off. Like a fox with the hounds after it. The police immediately issued a warrant for his arrest and searched his plat. There they found a duplicate key to the garage. So he could have taken the car out again that fatal night without Mr. Sutton knowing. And Alloway? Where did he disappear to? How on earth do you find one person among 45 million? You and I couldn't do it on our own. But if we had a vast organization like Scotland Yard behind us, it would only be a matter of time before we found our man. And so Superintendent Garrett wasn't too surprised when he got a telephone call from the prefit reading. That's 90 miles away from Bonda.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Hello, Superintendent Garrett here. We've got some good news to contender.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

This is Willing Prince headquarters. We picked up Tennis Alleyway.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Oh, nice going. How'd you pick him up? He turned into a garage here.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

That is a driving in the Parrot.

[Superintendent Garrett]

We'll bring him along for you.

[Narrator]

Sounds simple, doesn't it? But I'm sure you can imagine the many hours of patient work and the hundreds of inquiries that finally resulted in Alloway's arrest on him. The police found cards and letters in his own handwriting that matched up nicely with the telegrams. As Superintendent Garrett put it, a distinctive ugly scrawl as nasty as the man himself looks.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Now that we've got an open and shut case, at least there's just one thing more. Get a dozen of those chauffeurs we interviewed and Mr. Alley. I want to see if Ms. Watkins can pick him out of a crowd by his voice alone. Now, Ms. Watkins, you're not nervous, are you?

[Ms. Watkins]

Just a little. Now, don't mind me. I'll do whatever I can to help.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Good. What I want you to do is very simple. In the next room are several men. When we go in there, they'll have their backs turned to you and you turn yes to them.

[Ms. Watkins]

I can't see them, then no.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Men. Very important. They'll each in turn say certain words. If you recognize any of their voices, I want you to say so at once.

[Ms. Watkins]

All right.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Ready?

[Ms. Watkins]

Yes.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Just stand here facing the wall. All right, when you're ready.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Very good, sir. Will you read the words written on this card? Car.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Car will meet. Second man. Car.

[Mr. Humphreys]

Car will meet.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Third man.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Car. Car will meet.

[Ms. Watkins]

That's the man.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Thank you, Ms. Watkins. That is Thomas Allow.

[Narrator]

And without any doubt, Thomas Alloway was a clever man in several ways. But like every other human being, he unfortunately had his weaknesses. If you set out to plan a crime, and I hope you don't do it very often, you should always make allowances for the unexpected. Alloway didn't. His complete disregard for anyone but himself brought about his downfall. When brought to trial, Alloway put up a bold defense. In spite of the overwhelming weight of evidence produced by Scotland Yard, the vital and decisive moment came while Alloway was in the witness box being questioned by the Council for the prosecution.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Now, Mr. Allen, there are certain words I want you to spell and I want you to be very careful.

[Narrator]

All right?

[Superintendent Garrett]

Go ahead. The first word is. Well, mouth. Will you spell that, please?

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

B O U, R N E M O U T H. Magic.

[Narrator]

And now.

[Superintendent Garrett]

Expense. The word expense. E X T E, N, S E. What? That Immediately. I M M E D I A, T, E. Now, would you spell pleasant?

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

E, L, E, S E N T P L E, S E N, T like.

[Superintendent Garrett]

And spell pleasant.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Yes.

[Narrator]

His memory had failed him. He'd forgotten to check over the spelling in the telegram to the employment agency asking for a pleasant young nurse. His error coming when it did was enough to tip the scales of justice against him. Thomas Henley Alloway was convicted and hanged.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

We.

[Narrator]

We've called this case. Accurate spelling is essential, of course. You say if Alloway hadn't been a poor fella, he might have got away with murder. But there are more ifs in the story than that one. If Humphries hadn't been a motor car body designer, he probably never would have noticed that luggage rack on Alloway's car and so wouldn't have remembered it. If he hadn't left on his business trip when he did, his evidence would have been available immediately after the murder. If the police hadn't been forced to concentrate on the only other evidence they had, the telegram sent by Alloway to his victims, they might never have discovered Ms. Watkins. The Postal trap. If she hadn't had a special talent for remembering voices, he might never have noticed.

[Detective Sergeant Ellis]

Allowance.

[Narrator]

I think you'll agree with me that the long arm of coincidence played a large part in this case. But if none of these things had happened as and when they did, the murderer of Irene Wilkins might never have been brought to death. By the way, are you good at spelling? I'm not bad. But after listening to this case, I'm sure you will agree that it's always wise to keep a dictionary handy. In the next case, I shall be telling you about, coincidence plays no part at all. But that's the next time. Now, until we meet again. I must close this casebook of the secrets of Scotland Yard.