The Clock-02-The Mystery Of Loring Square (aka Spangler's Attic) 10-04-55

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Clock-02-The Mystery Of Loring Square (aka Spangler's Attic)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: "The Clock-02-The Mystery Of Loring Square (aka Spangler's Attic)"
• Original Air Date: October 4, 1955
• Release Date: August 13, 2025

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Introduction to the Time Theory

Timestamp: [00:04]

The episode opens with Frederick Spangler presenting an intriguing theory about time. He suggests that the past never truly disappears but exists on a different plane, accessible only through certain means. Using a metaphor, Frederick explains:

"The past, like the palace, has not disappeared. You merely haven't been gifted with the ability to return to it."
— Frederick Spangler ([00:04])

He proposes the idea of traveling back in time, eventually choosing London in 1900, setting the stage for the ensuing mystery.

---

Arrival at the Spangler Residence

Timestamp: [01:46] to [04:12]

Frederick and his companion, Lillian Spangler, arrive at the Spangler household. They are greeted by Mrs. Flint, the housekeeper, who seems uneasy about their presence. As they settle in, subtle tensions and underlying mysteries begin to emerge.

Key interactions include:

• Lillian expressing fondness for the house:

  "Oh, it's so good to be home, Patrick."
  — Lillian Spangler ([01:54])

• Frederick mentioning his late wife, Joyce:

  "I've left it all the way it was when Joyce died."
  — Frederick Spangler ([04:53])

This establishes the backstory of Joyce's mysterious death, hinting at unresolved issues.

---

Inspector Markham's Investigation

Timestamp: [08:10] to [12:18]

Inspector Markham from Scotland Yard arrives to investigate the death of Joyce Spangler, who was presumed dead in a train wreck. Frederick vehemently denies any wrongdoing, asserting:

"Joyce Spangler is now considered to be legally dead... There is a possibility she may not have been aboard that train at all."
— Frederick Spangler ([10:14])

Lillian conveys the inspector's unsettling conclusion that Joyce might still be alive, which Frederick dismisses as:

"The inspector from Scotland Yard is an idiot."
— Frederick Spangler ([11:23])

This confrontation intensifies the suspicion surrounding Frederick and raises questions about the true circumstances of Joyce's demise.

---

Mysterious Visitors and Rising Tensions

Timestamp: [13:05] to [19:50]

Mrs. Mackintosh, Joyce's aunt, arrives unexpectedly, further complicating the narrative. She accuses Frederick of being abusive, revealing that Joyce feared him:

"Joyce was afraid of him, Mrs. Spangler. She lived in deathly fear of the man."
— Mrs. Flint ([14:39])

Frederick's demeanor shifts as he grows increasingly hostile towards Lillian and the housekeeper, leading to heated arguments. The supernatural elements intensify when Mrs. Flint mentions rumors of Joyce's ghost haunting the attic, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Notable exchanges include:

• Frederick threatening Mrs. Flint:

  "Get your things and leave this house before I drag you out myself."
  — Frederick Spangler ([19:14])

• Lillian standing up to Frederick's aggression:

  "Don't you dare to lay your hands."
  — Lillian Spangler ([19:18])

---

The Climax: Unveiling the Truth in the Attic

Timestamp: [20:04] to [24:29]

The tension reaches its peak as Frederick forcibly takes Lillian to the attic, insisting she search for evidence. Inside, Lillian discovers a concealed body beneath the rug—a revelation that exposes Frederick as the murderer. She confronts him:

"There's a body there, Joyce Spangler. Don't think I didn't know."
— Lillian Spangler ([22:29])

Frederick retaliates, revealing his true motives:

"You killed her, Lily, so you could marry me and share in her wealth."
— Frederick Spangler ([23:03])

This confrontation dismantles Frederick's fabricated narrative, proving Lillian's innocence and exposing his deceit.

---

Conclusion: Disproving the Time Theory

Timestamp: [24:29] to [23:03] end

In the aftermath, Frederick attempts to dismiss the events as mere fiction, attempting to validate his earlier time theory:

"If the story is fictitious, the theory is a fraud as well."
— Frederick Spangler ([24:29])

However, the truth unveiled in the attic disproves his theory, underscoring the power of uncovering hidden truths.

---

Key Characters & Interactions

• Frederick Spangler: The protagonist who introduces the time theory and later revealed as the antagonist.
• Lillian Spangler: Frederick's second wife, initially supportive but ultimately uncovering the truth.
• Mrs. Flint: The housekeeper, whose superstitions and gossip fuel the mystery.
• Inspector Markham: Represents authority, initially skeptical but seeking the truth.
• Mrs. Mackintosh: Joyce's aunt, bringing fresh accusations and supporting Lillian.

---

Notable Quotes with Attributions

• Frederick Spangler: "You're riding in a motorcar along a one way street... You can't make up your mind?" ([00:04])
• Lillian Spangler: "Poor Joyce. Must have been horrible." ([04:58])
• Mrs. Flint: "Everyone in the neighborhood's been talking about it. They're saying this is a house of death." ([18:37])
• Frederick Spangler: "You killed her, Lily, so you could marry me and share in her wealth." ([23:03])

---

Final Thoughts

"The Clock-02-The Mystery Of Loring Square (aka Spangler's Attic)" masterfully blends elements of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. Through its intricate plot and well-developed characters, the episode explores themes of deception, trust, and the enduring impact of the past. The revelation in the attic not only resolves the central mystery but also debunks Frederick's intriguing yet flawed theory of time, leaving listeners both satisfied and contemplative about the nature of truth and history.

---

Cast and Crew:

• Written by: Lawrence Clee
• Starring: Hart Maguire, Coralie Neville, Richard Davies, Dorothy Dunkley, Nigel Lovell, Winifred Hindle
• Production: Grace Gibson Radio
• Director: John Fall

---

Listeners who appreciate the rich storytelling of the Golden Age of Radio will find "The Clock-02-The Mystery Of Loring Square" a captivating journey through time, suspense, and human psychology.

Transcript

[Frederick Spangler]

Good evening, all. I'd like to tell you of an interesting theory in regard to time. There are some who say that the past is never gone. That it still exists on a different plane. Everything that has happened in the world continues to be, although mortals are unable to see it. Let me put it this way. You're riding in a motorcar along a one way street. It has a magnificent palace which you greatly admire. The street makes a turn and your car turns with it. Now the palace is out of sight. You can't see it anymore. But it still exists. It's still there on the one way street. Only you're not permitted to go back for another glimpse. The past, like the palace, has not disappeared. You merely haven't been gifted with the ability to return to it. So the theory goes. At any rate, suppose I told you I could take you into the past. Suppose I could flip back the years like the pages of a book once read, and give you a second reading. What period would you choose to return to? The golden age of Pericles and Greece. The Napoleonic era. You can't make up your mind? Then let me make the choice on your behalf. I don't think you'll be disappointed. London in 1900. The Gaslight and the handsome cab. Cobbled streets and staid old English houses. Mysterious and romantic. And to complete the picture, we'll choose a very foggy night to visit Loring Square. Well, we're here, Lily.

[Lillian Spangler]

Oh, help me, Don Becky. Of course.

[Frederick Spangler]

Here you are, Kelly. Much obliged, Governor. Now, come along with me.

[Lillian Spangler]

Oh, it's so good to be home, Patrick. I'm glad you decided to keep your house. I've always admired it so.

[Frederick Spangler]

Well, it's your house now, my darling, and you can do with it as you see fit. Now, where did I put my keys? Here we are.

[Lillian Spangler]

Frederick.

[Frederick Spangler]

Yes, my dear?

[Lillian Spangler]

The cabby's still there, eh?

[Frederick Spangler]

Why, so he is. Probably you want Kevin got a big pardon. Go.

[Mrs. Flint]

Next.

[Frederick Spangler]

Come on. Off we go. Now I go. Get out there.

[Lillian Spangler]

Why was he staring at us in that way?

[Frederick Spangler]

I haven't the slightest idea. He may have possibly had a nip or two, eh? Now, put your arms around my neck.

[Lillian Spangler]

Sleep here on the street.

[Frederick Spangler]

I'm going to carry you across the threshold. Come on. It's the custom, you know. There you are, Mrs. Sangla. You can now consider yourself officially married.

[Lillian Spangler]

Put me down.

[Frederick Spangler]

Darling, you know I love you very much.

[Lillian Spangler]

And I love you, Richard.

[Mrs. Flint]

Welcome home, Mr. Sanglan.

[Frederick Spangler]

Oh, thank you, Mrs. Linton. This is your new mistress. How do you do, ma'? Am?

[Lillian Spangler]

How do you do?

[Mrs. Flint]

I hope you'll find the house in satisfactory condition, ma'.

[Frederick Spangler]

Am.

[Mrs. Flint]

I've been scrubbing and cleaning it for.

[Frederick Spangler]

Over a week now.

[Lillian Spangler]

It looks splendid, Mrs. Flint.

[Mrs. Flint]

I did everything but the cellar, Mr. Spangler. Oh, I wanted to wait until there was a man in the house before I went down there. The place is so dark and damp, it gives me the creeps. I'll put your things away, ma'.

[Frederick Spangler]

Am.

[Mrs. Flint]

Is your luggage outside, sir?

[Frederick Spangler]

I'll pick them up myself, Mrs. Flint.

[Mrs. Flint]

It's quite all right, sir.

[Lillian Spangler]

I can manage. She's rather odd, isn't she?

[Frederick Spangler]

Odd?

[Lillian Spangler]

Her MANNER, I mean.

[Frederick Spangler]

Mrs. Flint is rather superstitious, but you get used to her after a while. I've had her for only a month, but I find she's very competent.

[Lillian Spangler]

I'm sure we'll be good friends.

[Mrs. Flint]

Do you want me to bring these bags up to the north room, sir?

[Frederick Spangler]

The north room? Why not the master suite?

[Mrs. Flint]

Well, sir, I was thinking that the mistress had proposed.

[Frederick Spangler]

Bring the bags to the master suite, Mrs. Flint. You understand?

[Mrs. Flint]

Just as you say, sir.

[Lillian Spangler]

Why were you irritated just now, Frederick?

[Frederick Spangler]

Oh, well, there are times when Mrs. Flint shows less than her usual amount of tact. Joyce and I had always occupied the master suite. I suppose Mrs. Flint imagined that you might prefer the change.

[Lillian Spangler]

Joyce was my friend, Frederick, and as well as your wife. A man they can never become. A cause for tact. Between, I mean.

[Frederick Spangler]

I know what you mean, Lily. And it makes me very happy. Joyce was a wonderful woman. I never thought I'd find an even finer one in you.

[Lillian Spangler]

Let's look around. It seems so long since I've been here.

[Frederick Spangler]

Well, nothing's been changed. I've left it all the way it was when. When Joyce died.

[Lillian Spangler]

Poor Joyce. Must have been horrible.

[Frederick Spangler]

I'm sure she never knew what happened.

[Lillian Spangler]

Must have been awful for you, too, Frederick.

[Frederick Spangler]

It's something I just as soon try to forget completely.

[Lillian Spangler]

Yes, this picture of Joyce on the piano is very nice.

[Frederick Spangler]

I'm sorry. I meant to get rid of that.

[Lillian Spangler]

Get rid of it? Why?

[Frederick Spangler]

Isn't it obvious, Lillian?

[Lillian Spangler]

But I don't.

[Frederick Spangler]

Well, I do. I'm sorry, Lily. I didn't mean to snap at you.

[Lillian Spangler]

Richard, darling, don't you realize how I feel about Joyce? You have no reason to be upset.

[Mrs. Flint]

I'm not upset, Lily.

[Frederick Spangler]

Now, let me have the picture. Give it to me, please.

[Lillian Spangler]

Very well.

[Frederick Spangler]

I put this away for good.

[Mrs. Flint]

The bags are in your room, sir.

[Frederick Spangler]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Flint]

Is there anything I can do for you, ma'?

[Frederick Spangler]

Am?

[Lillian Spangler]

Not right. No, thank you, Mrs. Slint. Mrs. Flint. Did you know the first Mrs. Spangler?

[Mrs. Flint]

Oh, no, ma', am, I. I've only been here a month.

[Lillian Spangler]

Oh, that's right. Mr. Spangler just mentioned it to me.

[Mrs. Flint]

She must have been a lady of taste, ma'.

[Frederick Spangler]

Am.

[Mrs. Flint]

This house was even prettier when I first came here, before the master started to get rid of all her things.

[Lillian Spangler]

But he told me he hadn't changed anything.

[Mrs. Flint]

Oh, he's done a lot of changing. That picture over there is the only thing that.

[Lillian Spangler]

Why, it's gone. Yes, Mr. Spandler just took it away.

[Frederick Spangler]

Peculiar, isn't it?

[Lillian Spangler]

What is?

[Mrs. Flint]

The way those things upset him. I'll never forget what a rage he flew into when I started to go through Mrs. Spander's trunk in the attic. The first Mrs. Spander, that is. He shouted at me and told me to my life.

[Frederick Spangler]

Mr. Flint, I believe you have some work to do in the kitchen.

[Mrs. Flint]

Yes, so I have. Excuse me, Steve.

[Frederick Spangler]

Talking is another one of her habits which could stand improvement. What was she saying to you just then?

[Lillian Spangler]

Why, she was telling me about.

[Frederick Spangler]

About what, Lily?

[Lillian Spangler]

Nothing, Frederick. Nothing at all. Come in.

[Mrs. Flint]

Good morning, ma'.

[Frederick Spangler]

Am.

[Lillian Spangler]

Oh, good morning, Mrs. Fleet.

[Mrs. Flint]

I brought your breakfast.

[Lillian Spangler]

Oh, that was very sweet of you.

[Mrs. Flint]

Mr. Sander left the house over half an hour ago. He told me to give you these keys.

[Lillian Spangler]

Oh, they're the house keys.

[Mrs. Flint]

Yes, they're all there except the key to the attic.

[Lillian Spangler]

And where's that one?

[Mrs. Flint]

Mr. Sander keeps it himself.

[Lillian Spangler]

He does?

[Mrs. Flint]

Why, that's something I never had the right to ask him. Ma', am. Someone's at the front.

[Lillian Spangler]

You can leave the train if he spends an answer.

[Mrs. Flint]

Who'd come calling at this hour of the morning? Yes?

[Frederick Spangler]

Is this Mr. Spangler's residence?

[Mrs. Flint]

Yes.

[Frederick Spangler]

Is Mr. Spangler at home?

[Mrs. Flint]

No, sir, that the mistress is in.

[Frederick Spangler]

The mistress? You mean Mrs. Spangler?

[Mrs. Flint]

The new Mrs. Spangler.

[Frederick Spangler]

Oh, I see. I'd like to talk to her, if I may. My name is Markham.

[Mrs. Flint]

Come in, sir.

[Frederick Spangler]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Flint]

You'll have to wait a bit. The mistress is just getting up.

[Frederick Spangler]

I'm in no hurry.

[Mrs. Flint]

I'll tell her you're here, sir.

[Frederick Spangler]

I'd appreciate it.

[Mrs. Flint]

The name was Markham, sir.

[Frederick Spangler]

Inspector Markham of Scotland Yard.

[Mrs. Flint]

Oh, Inspector Markham of Scotland Yard.

[Lillian Spangler]

Good morning.

[Frederick Spangler]

Good morning, Mrs. Spangler. I'm sorry to disturb you.

[Lillian Spangler]

That's quite all right. What can I do for you, Inspector?

[Frederick Spangler]

I was hoping to see Mr. Spangler. I thought it might be wiser to discuss this matter with him.

[Lillian Spangler]

He won't be home until this evening.

[Frederick Spangler]

But in that Case. Perhaps I'd better relay my message to him through you.

[Lillian Spangler]

What message?

[Mrs. Flint]

Inspector?

[Frederick Spangler]

It's rather awkward to discuss it under the circumstances. I hope you won't take offense.

[Lillian Spangler]

I'm sure I won't.

[Frederick Spangler]

I presume you know the details concerning Joyce Spangler's death.

[Lillian Spangler]

Yes, I think I do. My husband told me about it.

[Frederick Spangler]

Just what did he tell you?

[Lillian Spangler]

I. She was in that horrible train wreck several months ago. The Scottish express to Glasgow.

[Frederick Spangler]

The wreck occurred. That's true. Many people were killed, some of them practically unidentifiable when the bodies were recovered. And then there were some, of course, which were never recovered.

[Lillian Spangler]

I understood that Mrs. Spangler's body was one of those.

[Frederick Spangler]

The wreck occurred as the train was crossing a bridge. The river is a swift one, and we surmised that some of the victims might have been carried out to sea by the current.

[Lillian Spangler]

That's the way I understood it.

[Frederick Spangler]

According to Mr. Spangler, his wife was aboard that train. She was on her way to visit an aunt in Scotland.

[Lillian Spangler]

Yes.

[Frederick Spangler]

Of course, we only have Mr. Spangler's assurance that she was actually on the train.

[Lillian Spangler]

Just what do you mean, Inspector Markham.

[Frederick Spangler]

Joyce Spangler is now considered to be legally dead. It has come to my attention, however, that there is a possibility she may not have been aboard that train at all. Good evening, sweet.

[Lillian Spangler]

Good evening, Patrick.

[Frederick Spangler]

Everything go well with you today?

[Lillian Spangler]

I. I had a visitor, actually. He wanted to speak with you.

[Frederick Spangler]

A visitor?

[Lillian Spangler]

An inspector Markham from Scotland Yard.

[Frederick Spangler]

And just what did he want?

[Lillian Spangler]

I think you better see him, Patrick. It's rather important.

[Frederick Spangler]

But what did he have to say?

[Lillian Spangler]

He told me there was a possibility that Joyce was still alive.

[Frederick Spangler]

He told you that?

[Mrs. Flint]

Of course.

[Lillian Spangler]

I know it's ridiculous.

[Frederick Spangler]

How does the eminent inspector from Scotland Yard reach that rather straight, startling conclusion?

[Lillian Spangler]

Doesn't it upset you?

[Mrs. Flint]

Upset me?

[Frederick Spangler]

Why?

[Lillian Spangler]

Well, we are. I mean, you are right.

[Frederick Spangler]

My first wife is legally dead, Lily. And you and I are legally married. The inspector from Scotland Yard is an idiot.

[Lillian Spangler]

Frederick, you can hold the choices there, can't you?

[Frederick Spangler]

Naturally I can. There's nothing to be upset about. Most idiotic blunder I ever heard of. And inspector Markham's superior shall hear about it from me.

[Lillian Spangler]

He also asked me a few other questions I couldn't answer.

[Frederick Spangler]

In regard to what?

[Lillian Spangler]

Joyce's estate.

[Frederick Spangler]

What did he say about Joyce's estate?

[Lillian Spangler]

He wanted to know how much money she left and to whom the house belonged before her, then, of course. I see, I told him I believed the house was yours and that as far as I knew, Joyce left No money. It was only a guess. But I was right, wasn't I?

[Frederick Spangler]

You were wrong, Lily.

[Lillian Spangler]

Wrong.

[Frederick Spangler]

It's something that's too obvious to hide. Besides, what have I to hide?

[Lillian Spangler]

What do you mean?

[Frederick Spangler]

I inherited the house and £50,000 in cash when Joyce was killed. Well, are you enjoying your visit? You find it unique to return to the past, to roll back the years and witness an episode in the lives of two people. Yes. Two people who existed over 50 years ago in London while Victoria was still the Queen. And for all we know, according to that theory of time I mentioned before, those two and their drama of life and death may still exist. Good day.

[Mrs. Flint]

I read your pardon, Mrs. Sangar. There's a Mrs. McIntosh here to see you.

[Lillian Spangler]

Mrs. McIntosh.

[Mrs. Flint]

Yes, ma'.

[Frederick Spangler]

Am.

[Mrs. Flint]

This way, please. Thank you, Sandy. Good evening, Mrs. Spangler.

[Lillian Spangler]

Good evening.

[Mrs. Flint]

I guess you don't know who I am.

[Lillian Spangler]

I'm afraid I don't.

[Mrs. Flint]

I'm Joyce Spangler's aunt.

[Lillian Spangler]

Oh. Oh, yes. You live in Scotland, don't you?

[Mrs. Flint]

She's mentioned something about me, then.

[Lillian Spangler]

Aren't you the aunt Dress was going to visit when she was. When she was killed?

[Mrs. Flint]

Yes. Poor child.

[Lillian Spangler]

She was on her way to spend.

[Mrs. Flint]

A week with me in Glasgow. Or so the story goes.

[Lillian Spangler]

I beg your pardon.

[Mrs. Flint]

Is your husband at home, Mrs. Spangler?

[Lillian Spangler]

No, he's not.

[Frederick Spangler]

Good.

[Mrs. Flint]

I was hoping I wouldn't have to meet him. I've no use for the likes of Frederick Spangler, Mrs. Mackintosh.

[Lillian Spangler]

Haven't you forgotten that you happen to be referring to my husband?

[Mrs. Flint]

I haven't forgotten it, and I'm saying it for your own good.

[Lillian Spangler]

Why are you here, Mrs. Mackintosh?

[Mrs. Flint]

I understand there's a picture of my niece in the house.

[Lillian Spangler]

A picture I shall be pleased to.

[Mrs. Flint]

Have, if it's all the same to your husband.

[Lillian Spangler]

If you ask him for it, perhaps he'll give it to you.

[Mrs. Flint]

I have no intention of asking him. I'd like you to do that and send it home to me, if you will. I want no part of your husband in any shape or form as the.

[Lillian Spangler]

Same boy, if you please, Mrs. McIntosh. You needn't be offended.

[Mrs. Flint]

Perhaps you don't know as much about Frederick Spangler as I do. Perhaps you haven't discovered yet what poor Joyce. Discovered?

[Lillian Spangler]

Discovered what?

[Mrs. Flint]

What kind of a man he is. Joyce was afraid of him, Mrs. Spangler. She lived in deathly fear of the man.

[Lillian Spangler]

She told you that?

[Mrs. Flint]

She didn't have to tell me. I could see it in her eyes when she spoke of him. And sometimes when she'd be alone with me in Scotland. I'd hear her shrieking in her sleep, and the things she'd say would make her blood run cold. She'd deny it later, and now I know why.

[Lillian Spangler]

I don't believe a word of it.

[Mrs. Flint]

The more fool you. If you want to treat yourself to.

[Lillian Spangler]

A living death, you can stop it. Don't say another word. I've had business in my house.

[Mrs. Flint]

Very well, Mrs. Suit yourself. There's just one thing I'd like to add, and you'd do well to keep it. Her mind. Two days after Joyce's body was supposed to have disappeared in that train wreck, I received a letter.

[Lillian Spangler]

A letter? From whom?

[Mrs. Flint]

From Joyce. And you know what she wrote?

[Lillian Spangler]

She wrote that she'd changed her mind.

[Mrs. Flint]

And that she wasn't coming to Scotland after all.

[Frederick Spangler]

Lily, my dear, are you asleep?

[Lillian Spangler]

No, Sergeant, I'm still awake.

[Frederick Spangler]

I won't turn on the light and disturb you.

[Lillian Spangler]

Did you see the inspector?

[Frederick Spangler]

Yes.

[Lillian Spangler]

What happened?

[Frederick Spangler]

Nothing.

[Lillian Spangler]

What did he say to you?

[Frederick Spangler]

It was merely routine.

[Lillian Spangler]

Frederick, you're holding back.

[Frederick Spangler]

Don't talk like a child, Lily. It irritates me. I'm not holding back a thing. The incident is over and it's.

[Lillian Spangler]

It isn't altogether over, Frederick.

[Frederick Spangler]

What do you mean?

[Lillian Spangler]

Mrs. McIntosh arrived in London today.

[Frederick Spangler]

What did she want?

[Lillian Spangler]

A picture of choice?

[Frederick Spangler]

She'll whistle for that picture before she gets it from me.

[Lillian Spangler]

Why don't you send it to her, Frederick?

[Frederick Spangler]

Because I'm not interested in doing Mrs. McIntosh any personal favors. Is that clear?

[Lillian Spangler]

Dick, you never talked like that before.

[Frederick Spangler]

Oh, I'm sorry, darling. Terribly sorry. Oh, Lily, forgive me.

[Lillian Spangler]

Please don't Kiss me.

[Frederick Spangler]

Very well. Just as you say.

[Lillian Spangler]

Patrick.

[Frederick Spangler]

What is it now?

[Lillian Spangler]

Mrs. McIntosh said. She said.

[Frederick Spangler]

Well, out with it.

[Lillian Spangler]

She told me she'd received a letter from Joyce just after the accident.

[Frederick Spangler]

A letter?

[Lillian Spangler]

The letter said that Joyce had changed her mind, that she'd decided not to go to Scotland after all.

[Frederick Spangler]

So that's what the inspector was up to. Blast him. The old earl must have shown in that letter.

[Lillian Spangler]

What does it mean?

[Frederick Spangler]

Nothing. Joyce had changed her mind, but I persuaded her to go anywhere she'd planned.

[Lillian Spangler]

I see.

[Frederick Spangler]

You believe me, don't you? I ask if you believe me, Lily.

[Lillian Spangler]

Of course. Of course I believe you.

[Frederick Spangler]

Well, then, there's nothing to worry about, so long as you believe me. Nothing in the world to worry about. Go to sleep now, Lily. Pleasant dreams.

[Lillian Spangler]

You asked to see me, Mrs. Smith?

[Mrs. Flint]

Yes. I'm leaving your service, Mrs. Spangler.

[Lillian Spangler]

You are? Why? Because I can't stand this house any longer, that's why. But I don't understand.

[Mrs. Flint]

I'm sorry I can't give you notice. I'm leaving tonight suddenly. I'd hate to tell you the reason why. I'm on my way. I just hate tell you.

[Lillian Spangler]

I think you owe me that much of an explanation.

[Mrs. Flint]

You haven't heard the gossip?

[Lillian Spangler]

Haven't heard what, for heaven's sake?

[Mrs. Flint]

They're saying Mrs. Spanger, the first Mrs. Spanger, was murdered.

[Lillian Spangler]

Oh no.

[Mrs. Flint]

Everyone in the neighborhood's been talking about it. They're saying this is a house of death. And the poor Mrs. Spangler's ghost haunts the attic room.

[Lillian Spangler]

And you believe that?

[Mrs. Flint]

I've reason to believe that. Let me tell you. Some Scotland Yard has reason too. They'll be finding out a thing or.

[Frederick Spangler]

Two one of these days.

[Mrs. Flint]

I only hope it's not too late for you.

[Lillian Spangler]

Be quiet, do you hear, Lily?

[Mrs. Flint]

Oh, I was just telling the mystery.

[Frederick Spangler]

I heard what you told her.

[Mrs. Flint]

Well, there are my sentiments. Listlessly.

[Lillian Spangler]

Be quiet, Frederick.

[Frederick Spangler]

Get your things and leave this house before I drag you out myself.

[Lillian Spangler]

Don't you dare to lay your hands.

[Frederick Spangler]

On me, you hear?

[Lillian Spangler]

Don't you dare.

[Frederick Spangler]

Oh, everyone is gossiping, are they?

[Lillian Spangler]

Mrs. Flint isn't responsible for what she says.

[Frederick Spangler]

They think I'm a murderer, do they? Well, let her go. I'm glad to be rid of her. I'm glad to be rid of them all. Now I can feel this spied on. I prefer being alone. And you prefer being alone, don't you? Don't you, Lily?

[Lillian Spangler]

Yes, of course I do.

[Frederick Spangler]

For some the hands of the clock move quickly. But for Lily, each minute seemed an hour. It's 10 o', clock, Lily.

[Lillian Spangler]

Yes.

[Frederick Spangler]

I think I'll turn in. Are you coming?

[Lillian Spangler]

No, I. I'll stay up a while.

[Frederick Spangler]

Aren't you tired, Lily?

[Lillian Spangler]

No.

[Frederick Spangler]

Don't lie to me, Lily.

[Lillian Spangler]

Don't lie to you.

[Frederick Spangler]

I don't trust you, do you hear? I don't trust anyone anymore. You're all spies and you're all against.

[Lillian Spangler]

What are you saying, Frederick?

[Frederick Spangler]

Lily, is it the attic that bothers you? Is it because I keep the key to the attic and you've never been inside?

[Lillian Spangler]

I. I haven't even thought about it, Frederick.

[Frederick Spangler]

You're lying again, Lily.

[Lillian Spangler]

No, I'm not.

[Frederick Spangler]

I. Shut your lie. Next time you lie to me, my darling, I'll close my hand when I strike you.

[Lillian Spangler]

How dare you.

[Frederick Spangler]

I'm your husband.

[Lillian Spangler]

I'm getting out of this house.

[Frederick Spangler]

Oh no you're not, my dear.

[Lillian Spangler]

Go with my heart.

[Frederick Spangler]

First I Want to satisfy the curiosity. Curiosity of yours.

[Lillian Spangler]

What do you mean?

[Frederick Spangler]

You and I are going to visit the acid Lily. Now, here we are. Shall you open the door or shall I?

[Lillian Spangler]

No, Frederick, please.

[Frederick Spangler]

Stay where you are, Lily. Step inside, my dear.

[Lillian Spangler]

It's so dark in here.

[Frederick Spangler]

Well, I. Light a candle. There you are, Lily. Look around the attic. I want you to make a thorough search to reassure yourself.

[Lillian Spangler]

I have nothing to search for.

[Frederick Spangler]

No. Tell me what you know, Lily. Tell me what you know and I'll.

[Mrs. Flint]

Tell you what I know.

[Lillian Spangler]

He sent them off. Saved me.

[Frederick Spangler]

He wants to kill me.

[Lillian Spangler]

My mother's sake saved me.

[Frederick Spangler]

It's all right, Mrs. Bangler. No one answered the door, so I fought my way in.

[Lillian Spangler]

Look, I'm a bit soaring underneath the rug.

[Frederick Spangler]

What? What do you mean? The leave.

[Lillian Spangler]

There's a body there, Joyce. Spangled Bunny. Don't think I didn't know. I was just waiting for the chance to escape from the inspector and come to you. He killed his first wife and not.

[Frederick Spangler]

On earth to kill me Underneath the floor. Well, let's see. Yeah, the floor is loose, all right. When did you discover this, Mrs. Spangler?

[Lillian Spangler]

Yesterday. But the whole neighborhood knew about it before I did.

[Frederick Spangler]

They must have been psychic, Mrs. Spangler, as you seem to be.

[Lillian Spangler]

What?

[Frederick Spangler]

Take a look under the flooring. Lily.

[Lillian Spangler]

Isn'T.

[Frederick Spangler]

No. You see, we removed Mrs. Spangler's body over a month ago. You couldn't have possibly known she was there unless you put her there yourself. When Mr. Spangler discovered the body, Lily, over a month ago, he told me of his suspicions. He knew how much you wanted to marry him. And he also knew you were the last to see his wife alive. But he had no proof. You were both alone here in this house while I was away. You killed her, Lily, so you could marry me and share in her wealth. Then, believing the police were almost on top of you, you tried to blame it onto me.

[Mrs. Flint]

You mean you married me just to.

[Lillian Spangler]

Prove I killed her?

[Frederick Spangler]

I happen to have loved my wife, Lily. Mrs. Spangler's intention to visit her aunt and the train wreck were lucky coincidences for you, Lily. But not lucky enough.

[Lillian Spangler]

Apparently. I made a very bad mistake, Inspector Markham.

[Frederick Spangler]

Yes, and the gallows, Lily, were made for people like you who make mistakes. Over 50 years ago is a long, long time. And yet, couldn't it have happened today? And now I'll take you back again. From out of the past into the present. My theory of time is an interesting one, don't you think? But the story of Lily Spangler was just that. A story and nothing more. And it stands to reason that if the story is fictitious, the theory is a fraud as well. And yet, if you ever get to England, you might visit the Tower of London and consult the execution records. In the file marked November 1900, you may possibly find the name of Lily Spangler. The Clock will be heard again next week, same time, same station, written by Lawrence Clee and starring Hart Maguire. You heard Coralie Neville and Richard Davies as Lillian Frederick. Also in the cast were Dorothy Dunkley, Nigel Lovell, Winifred Hindle. The Clock is a Grace Gibson radio production, directed by John Fall.