The Lodger by Mystery In The Air

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers: "The Lodger" by Mystery In The Air

Episode Title: The Lodger
Series: Mystery In The Air
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Release Date: December 20, 2024

---

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Relic Radio Thrillers, listeners are transported back to 1947 with "The Lodger," a suspense-filled adaptation from the acclaimed series Mystery In The Air. Featuring the iconic Peter Lorre, the story delves into themes of paranoia, deception, and the dark undercurrents of human nature. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, pivotal moments, and memorable dialogues.

---

Plot Overview

"The Lodger" unfolds in the seemingly tranquil home of Ellen and Robert Bunting. Desperate to make ends meet, the couple decides to take in a lodger, unaware that their new tenant, Mr. Sleuth (played by Peter Lorre), is anything but ordinary. As the narrative progresses, unsettling coincidences and eerie behaviors point to Mr. Sleuth's sinister intentions, culminating in a chilling revelation that threatens the safety of their daughter, Daisy.

---

Key Characters

• Ellen Bunting (Ms. Agnes Moorhead): The concerned and caring wife struggling to keep her family afloat.
• Robert Bunting (Eric Snowden): Ellen's supportive husband, deeply worried about the safety of their family.
• Mr. Sleuth (Peter Lorre): The enigmatic lodger whose calm demeanor hides a murderous intent.
• Daisy (Barbara Iler): The young, spirited daughter whose innocence makes her a target.
• Inspector (Raymond Lawrence): The methodical investigator piecing together the mystery.
• Witnesses and Newsboys: Provide crucial information that unravels the plot.

---

Detailed Summary

Opening Scenes [00:00 - 02:45]

The episode begins with Ellen and Robert Bunting grappling with the decision to take in a lodger. Inspector interrogates Ellen about recent mysterious murders linked to "the Avenger," a serial killer targeting pretty, blonde women from music halls. Ellen expresses her fears, hinting at their daughter Daisy as a potential target.

Inspector [01:13]: "Put him on the stretcher and take him to the morgue."

Introduction of Mr. Sleuth [04:18 - 07:14]

A mysterious man arrives at the Bunting household seeking a quiet room. His unsettling calmness and peculiar dialogue with Ellen introduce an air of suspense. Mr. Sleuth pays the rent upfront and makes cryptic remarks about purity and righteousness.

Mr. Sleuth [06:17]: "He brings them to their desired haven. Beautiful words, huh?"

Rising Tensions [08:23 - 12:40]

Robert Bunting is optimistic about affording their daughter Daisy's return. However, Ellen's unease grows as Mr. Sleuth's behavior becomes increasingly odd. She becomes suspicious of his intentions, especially after learning about the Avenger's latest victim.

Mrs. Bunting [09:14]: "Could there be any doubt about it now? Mr. Sleuth, our lodger, he was the murderer."

Climax: The Revelation [16:08 - 22:54]

The tension peaks as the Bunting family attends a coroner's inquest revealing that Mr. Sleuth matches the Avenger's profile. Ellen realizes the danger Daisy is in and confronts Mr. Sleuth. A dramatic confrontation ensues, leading to Mr. Sleuth's downfall as he attempts to harm Daisy but inadvertently injures himself.

Mr. Sleuth [20:06]: "And that is why I've been sent to purge your soul."

Resolution [22:12 - 23:39]

In the aftermath, the family grapples with the shock of the encounter. The inspector takes final notes, and the Buntings reflect on the harrowing experience, thankful that Daisy is safe.

Mrs. Bunting [22:42]: "Oh, mercy. Oh, he fell on the knife."

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Inspector on the Situation:

   Inspector [01:13]: "Put him on the stretcher and take him to the morgue."

2. Mr. Sleuth's Philosophy:

   Mr. Sleuth [06:17]: "He brings them to their desired haven. Beautiful words, huh?"

3. Ellen's Suspicion:

   Mrs. Bunting [09:14]: "Could there be any doubt about it now? Mr. Sleuth, our lodger, he was the murderer."

4. Climactic Confrontation:

   Mr. Sleuth [20:06]: "And that is why I've been sent to purge your soul."

5. Final Realization:

   Mrs. Bunting [22:42]: "Oh, mercy. Oh, he fell on the knife."

---

Themes and Insights

• Deception and Hidden Agendas: Mr. Sleuth epitomizes the classic antagonist who masks his true intentions behind a veneer of normalcy, reminding listeners of the dangers lurking beneath familiar facades.

• Parental Instincts: Ellen and Robert's protective instincts highlight the lengths parents will go to ensure their children's safety, a universal theme that resonates deeply.

• The Psychology of Fear: The episode masterfully portrays how fear can cloud judgment, leading characters to doubt their perceptions and struggle with trust.

• Justice and Retribution: The downfall of Mr. Sleuth serves as a narrative on poetic justice, where evil meets a fitting end, reinforcing the moral framework of right versus wrong.

---

Conclusion

"The Lodger" is a compelling episode that weaves mystery, suspense, and psychological drama into a seamless narrative. Through expertly crafted dialogues and a tightly plotted storyline, Relic Radio Thrillers delivers an unforgettable listening experience. For fans of classic radio dramas and newcomers alike, this episode offers a rich exploration of human emotions and the eternal battle between good and evil.

---

Cast and Production Acknowledgments

• Peter Lorre as Mr. Sleuth
• Agnes Moorhead as Ellen Bunting
• Barbara Iler as Daisy
• Eric Snowden as Robert Bunting
• Raymond Lawrence as the Inspector
• Ralph Sedan as the Witness
• Conrad Binion as the Newsboy

Special thanks to Agnes Moorhead for her exceptional portrayal of Ellen Bunting.

---

Looking Forward

Next week on Relic Radio Thrillers, prepare to be enthralled by "The Horror" by Guy de Maupassant, with a special musical score composed and conducted by Paul Baron. Stay tuned for another night of suspense and intrigue, exclusively on RelicRadio.com.

---

Listen to more Golden Age Radio dramas and support our shows at RelicRadio.com.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Host]

This is relic radio. Thrillers, action adventure, intrigue and suspense. Every Friday at relicradio.com we're going to hear from mystery in the air this Week, an NBC series that aired for 13 episodes between July and September of 1947. Series featured Peter lorre. Like today's episode, will. Will hear The Lodger from August 14, 1947.

[Announcer]

Mystery in the air starring Peter Laurie, presented by camel cigarettes.

[Inspector]

All right, men, I guess that's all. Put him on the stretcher and take him to the morgue.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, must I stay, inspector?

[Inspector]

For a while, Mrs. Bunting.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, dear.

[Inspector]

I need all the details for my report.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, that such a thing could have happened here, here in my own.

[Announcer]

Each week at this hour, Peter Laurie brings us the excitement of the great stories of the strange and unusual, of dark and compelling masterpieces culled from the four corners of world literature. Tonight, the Lodger by Mrs. Belloc Lowndes. Peter Laurie is the lodger and Alan Bunting is played by Ms. Agnes Moorhead.

[Commercial Voice]

Mystery in the air brought to you by camel cigarettes.

[Inspector]

Go on, Mrs. Bunting. You said you were looking for a lodger.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Yes, yes, inspector, we had to. But I never dreamed such a thing could happen here to us. Why, it was only last Tuesday night my husband and I were sitting before our fire reading the newspaper about the latest murder. It was the fifth by. By the avenger. Yes, yes, I remember saying distinctly. Robert, Robert, this avenger person, you know, he could be the fellow standing next to you or maybe the man you bump into. It's a terrible thought.

[Mr. Bunting]

Yes, but it appears to me that the avenger's too quick for the police.

[Mrs. Bunting]

And look here. Look here. It says this girl he got last night was like all the others, pretty, blonde, and she just come from a music hall. Exactly like all the rest of his victims. Oh, what a pity.

[Mr. Bunting]

Ellen, have you stopped to think who fits that description perfectly? Our own Daisy.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, suresh, what a pretty thought. Bunting. It's a good thing she's with her aunt instead of here. London isn't a safe place for any girl.

[Mr. Bunting]

Now, just the same, I can't help thinking how fine it'd be to have her here with us.

[Mrs. Bunting]

There's no sense even talking about it. We just can't afford it.

[Mr. Bunting]

I know that, Ellen, but I hope we could manage it some way.

[Mrs. Bunting]

How? Haven't I script myself half crazy trying to keep us going?

[Mr. Bunting]

I know, Ellen. Well, don't you go worrying about it. I think we can.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Now, who do you suppose that could be?

[Mr. Bunting]

Could it be someone Looking for a room?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, I wish it were. Then you could have your daisy back. Well, I went to the front door, and when I opened it, there stood a man wearing a black cape and hat he carried with a single piece of luggage. Good evening, sir.

[Mr. Sleuth]

I saw your sign. Says you have a room to rent. Yes, sir.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Yes, sir. Please, won't you come in?

[Mr. Sleuth]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Could I. Could I take your cape, sir?

[Mr. Sleuth]

No, I'm looking for a quiet room. But it should be very quiet.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, we have that, sir. Just that. Above all, our house is quiet. Your bag, sir. May I take it?

[Mr. Sleuth]

No. Just show me the room, please.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, yes. Yes, sir. It's right up these stairs, sir. This way. You see, sir, there's just my husband and me here, and we're ever so quiet. I'm sure you'll find this room to your liking. Well, here we are.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Yes, I. I think I like this room.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Yes, it is pleasant, isn't it? There's not many rooms with such pretty pictures, now, is there?

[Mr. Sleuth]

I don't know. Pretty pictures interest me very little. What I like about this room is the simplicity. I like the bareness. Yes, I. I think I'll take it. What is your name?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Mrs. Bunting, sir.

[Mr. Sleuth]

All right, Mrs. Bunting, I'll take the room.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, yes, sir. And please let me help you with your luggage.

[Mr. Sleuth]

No. Don't you touch it.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, but I only wish to.

[Mr. Sleuth]

I know. I know you only wish to help, Mrs. Bunting. It's just. Forgive me. It's just that I. I'm weary. I'm very tired. See, I do a lot of studying.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, yes, yes, of course. And of course.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Well, anyway, you can see how few things are needed. It's just what's in this bag. But this. This here is my favorite book. It's the bible. Good book, Mrs. Bunting, isn't it?

[Narrator]

Oh, yes.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, yes, indeed it is, sir.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Yes, it says, he brings them to their desired haven. Beautiful words, huh? And now, at last, I found my haven of rest. Now, Mrs. Bunting, if I pay you 30 shillings a week for this room, that's satisfactory.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh. Oh, yes, sir. Yes, that'll be quite all right.

[Mr. Sleuth]

My name is Sleuth.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Mr. Sleuth.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Yes, Sleuth. S l e u t h. Think of a hound, Mrs. Bunting, and you'll never forget my name. And here. Here are your 30 shillings.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, thank you, sir. Thank you. Would you be wishing anything now? Supper, tea or.

[Mr. Sleuth]

No, nothing. Good night, miss bunting.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Yes. Yes. Good night, sir.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Please stop that, you hear?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh. Oh, sir, What Did I do?

[Mr. Sleuth]

You were humming. That's music.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, but I. I.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Music is an instrument of sin.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Mr. Sleuth]

And you did tell me, Mrs. Bunting, that your house would be absolutely quiet.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, but it is, sir. I didn't mean any harm. Believe me, sir.

[Mr. Sleuth]

I believe you. I'm sorry I spoke sharply. I know you. You're trying to be considerate and kind.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Mr. Sleuth]

By the way, Mrs. Bunting, I think I would like some bread and some tea.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, certainly. Certainly, sir. I'll have it in an instant.

[Mr. Bunting]

So he took the room, eh, Ellen? Yes, he took the room. At 30 shillings a week?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Yes, in advance. Oh, hurry now, Bunting. Is the water for the tea heart here?

[Mr. Sleuth]

Yes.

[Mr. Bunting]

What a stroke.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Put the bread and the butter on the tray. I'll pour the water.

[Mr. Bunting]

You know, Ellen, it's wonderful. Do you realize what this means? We can have Daisy back with us.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Yes, I know, I know. Hurry with it now, hurry.

[Mr. Bunting]

Why, we can have her back with us tomorrow.

[Mrs. Bunting]

The water and the tea and I guess. Yes, it's all ready. Open the door, butting. I'll take it up to him right away.

[Mr. Bunting]

There you go, old girl. First thing in the morning, I'm going to fetch Daisy and bring her home. Oh, it's a wonderful night, Ellie. Wonderful.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh. Oh, I mustn't do that.

[Mr. Sleuth]

And she has cast down many wounded from her. Yes, many strong men have been slain by her. Come in. And to know how the wickedness of Farley.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, why. Why, Mr. Sleuth, you.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Yes, what is it?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Those pictures, those pretty girls. You've turned all their faces.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Yes, I've turned them to the wall because they are wicked and sinful.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, but, sir.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Don't you agree, Mrs. Bunting, that everything wicked and sinful should be purged from the earth? Huh?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Yes. Oh, yes. Yes, I do.

[Mr. Sleuth]

I'm happy to hear that, Mrs. Bunting. Now, if you'll excuse me, I. I have to leave.

[Mrs. Bunting]

But, sir, here's your tray. I had.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Good night, Mrs. Bunting.

[Mrs. Bunting]

You know, for a moment I was stiff with fear. I set the tray down. He hadn't so much as noticed the light supper I'd prepared for him and rushed to the winter to watch. He came out of our cottage and moved off down the street, his black cape swirling about him. Finally he was lost in the fog, and I don't know why, but I stared after him for a long, long while. Well, I did the dishes and got ready for bed. I lay there thinking, and it was almost dawn before I had convinced myself that at most, he was a trifle odd. And after all, paying 30 shillings, maybe. Maybe he had a right to his strange way. It was daylight when I was suddenly awakened by the newsboys shouting in the street.

[Mr. Bunting]

Horrible murder.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Read all about murder at King's Cross last night. Avenger strikes again.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Slowly, I realized. I thought the news boys were shouting.

[Mr. Bunting]

Horrible murder.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Avenger 26 victim.

[Narrator]

Oh, no.

[Mr. Bunting]

A victor at quake again.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Another girl falls Avengers.

[Announcer]

As the inspector takes notes of the terrifying event, Alan Bunting continues the story.

[Inspector]

And now, Mrs. Bunting, what did you do the morning you learned the avenger had murdered his sixth victim?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Well, I was a little frightened to meet our lodger, Yet I kept my thoughts to myself. After all, you know, there still wasn't much to go on. Robert had gone to make Daisy, so Mr. Sleuth ate breakfast alone. I watched him through the crack in the door. Finally, I went in with more tea.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Tea? No, no, thank you. Thank you, Mrs. Bunting. I don't care for any more tea. Thanks, you're very kind, but I have to go on with my work. Now, if you'll excuse me.

[Mrs. Bunting]

My fear really changed to pity then. Oh, he seemed so helpless and tired. And he was so considerate. This man couldn't be a murderer. It was all a coincidence. Besides, we just couldn't afford to lose that 30 shillings a week. Well, around 10 in the morning, he left the cottage, and I decided to go upstairs and have a look about his room. I had to find out what he carried in his one piece of luggage. It wasn't a bag. It was more like a case. Yes, yes, a case. A case for a knife. I rushed upstairs, my heart beating wildly at the thought I'd had the case. No. Though there wasn't anything in his closet. I went over to the chest of drawers against the wall. Nothing in the top one. In the next room, there was just some socks and some underclothes. The next one was empty. There was only one other place for the small, narrow case. The bottom drawer. And it was locked. I pulled and pulled at it, and then suddenly I heard the front door open downstairs. I rushed out of the room and down the hall.

[Mr. Bunting]

Oh, you're upstairs. Ellen. Look, Ellen, Daisy's here.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, thank heaven.

[Narrator]

Oh, mother. So good to see you. You. It's so good to be home. Whatever's the matter?

[Mr. Bunting]

Yes, you're quite white. Ellen.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, I'm all right. I'm all right. It's just that I wasn't expecting you so soon.

[Narrator]

Well, it's good to be back. The country's all right. But there's nothing like London now, is there?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, no, no, no, there isn't.

[Mr. Bunting]

Well, as long as that avengers about, you're going to have something to do to keep this young lady indoors.

[Mrs. Bunting]

London or no. London.

[Narrator]

Oh, don't you worry. Mother will see to that.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, well, Daisy, I might as well get you settled.

[Narrator]

You see, Father? What did I tell you? She'll have a dust cloth in my hand before I have my coat.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Mr. Sleuth, why is my door open?

[Mr. Bunting]

We were just leaving, sir.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Have you been in my room?

[Narrator]

Oh, not at all.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Not at all, sir.

[Mr. Sleuth]

From now on, Mrs. Bunting, I shall keep my room locked.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, but you see, sir, I was just tidying up a bit and Mr. Bunting, he brought our daughter home. She just arrived. This is Daisy.

[Narrator]

Pleased to meet you, sir.

[Mr. Bunting]

She's been away for quite a while. That's why we're a bit excited, you might say. You were probably surprised to hear us laughing and carrying on.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Yes, yes, I must say I was. I was. But then there are different kinds of joy, are there not, Daisy?

[Narrator]

Yes, as I'm sure there are.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Yes, there is the despicable evil joy of the abandoned, and then there is the divine happiness of the blessed. That's a great difference. You understand that, Daisy, don't you?

[Narrator]

Why, yes, sir. Yes, Mr. Sleuth.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Good. There are so few young women nowadays who do.

[Narrator]

I'm Mr. Sleuth. You mean. A girl's not to enjoy life at all? Not to have any fun?

[Mr. Sleuth]

Enjoyment and fun, my child, are a devil's breeding ground. All his implements are there. Pleasure and impropriety, the temptation of music, dancing.

[Narrator]

Ah, that's crazy. Why, there's nothing I like better than dancing. And I'm not.

[Mr. Sleuth]

You like to dance?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Daisy didn't know what she was saying, Mr. Sleuth. She's just a child. Daisy, you know you've never been one for dancing.

[Narrator]

You never learnt heart. But I did learn, mother, while I was away. What's so wrong about it? What's the harm in dancing?

[Mr. Sleuth]

It says she lies in wait as for a prey and increases the transgressors among men.

[Narrator]

I don't know what you mean. I've never heard such nonsense.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Nonsense? You call it scripture. Nonsense.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Daisy. Daisy, go into the front room.

[Mr. Sleuth]

It's all right, Mrs. Bunting. It's all right. I'm used to that kind of talk. Good day.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Daisy. Yes? Daisy, listen to me.

[Narrator]

What, Mother?

[Mrs. Bunting]

I've got to tell you about.

[Narrator]

About what?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Nothing.

[Narrator]

Nothing.

[Mrs. Bunting]

I. I've got to Go out for a while now. I'll. For a moment I was about to tell her my awful suspicions, but I stopped. They were only suspicions. At the same time I had a thought I'd go to the coroner's inquest they were having for the Avengers latest victim. I was hoping to hear something said that would clear my suspicions of the lodger. At least I'd give him this last chance. A lady was testifying as I took my seat. She'd seen the avenger from her window, she said, and her description of him didn't tally with Mr. Sleuth at all. I can't tell you how relieved I was till it was pointed out she couldn't possibly have seen anyone that night from her window because of the fog. Then the next witness was a Mr. Camutt. I leaned forward anxiously as they swore him in and began asking questions.

[Mr. Bunting]

You say Mr. Tennant, you're positive that.

[Mr. Sleuth]

You saw this man?

[Witness]

Positive, sir. It was only a few moments before the murder that I saw the Avenger.

[Mr. Bunting]

Describe him.

[Witness]

Well, he wore a black cape, I believe, was very gaunt looking and was carrying a small handbag.

[Mrs. Bunting]

A handbag?

[Witness]

Yes, a small narrow handbag. Such a one as might contain a knife.

[Mrs. Bunting]

A knife?

[Mr. Bunting]

Silence in the court.

[Inspector]

Proceed, Mr. Carroll.

[Witness]

Well, he had a low hesitating voice, I'd say with something of a continental accent. An educated man I judge, but quite mad.

[Mrs. Bunting]

And what do you mean by that?

[Witness]

Well, as he emerged from the fog, he was talking aloud to himself. Oh, believe me sir, he was reciting.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Scriptures from the Bible. Oh no, it can't be.

[Narrator]

It can't be.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Could there be any doubt about it now? Mr. Sleuth, our lodger, he was the murderer. I got out of the courtroom as quickly as I could. I didn't even notice it had started to rain. I hardly remember going home, running and walking. Somehow, while the nightmare of fear and terror grew bigger and bigger inside me. It was three street from our cottage that I saw my husband Robert. One thought hit me clearly. I realized Daisy must be home alone with the avenger. Bouting, bounting violin.

[Narrator]

Ellen.

[Mrs. Bunting]

What is it, Bunting? Where's Daisy?

[Narrator]

Where is she?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Where's Daisy?

[Mr. Bunting]

Why, she's at home.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, listen. Listen Bunting. Listen, Sleuth. Sleuth is the avenger.

[Mr. Bunting]

What? What are you saying?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, lodger, he's the avenger. Daisy's alone with him right now. Hurry, hurry.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Now listen to me. Careful my child, and rejoice with me in your heart for the moment is at hand. And you are not Afraid, Daisy, are you?

[Narrator]

No, I'm not afraid.

[Mr. Sleuth]

You're very beautiful. And you should live in the ways of righteousness. You hear me, Daisy? You want to live in the ways of righteousness, don't you?

[Mrs. Bunting]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Yes, I do.

[Mr. Sleuth]

I know you do. I know. And. And that is why I've been sent to purge your soul. So that you will be elevated beyond all sin and evil. You like to dance, Daisy, don't you? Already six have gone on before you and they are beyond all sin and evil. You are the seventh to be elevated, my child. And my work is almost done. For the seventh I have promised at this appointed hour. Be still, Daisy. And don't listen to the temptations of crowd when they call out your name. Because I am here to save you from all evil and wickedness that consumes you like a wildfire of scarlet and crimson. You like to dance, don't you?

[Narrator]

Yes, I do.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Look at me, my child. Look at me. And don't fear me. And do not tremble. Woe to them that call evil good and good evil. And put darkness for light and light for darkness. And therefore I must bring you down like the lamb to slaughter. And now I lift my hand with a flaming sword. For now comes the vengeance and the time to rejoice.

[Mrs. Bunting]

You.

[Mr. Bunting]

Please.

[Narrator]

You're saved. How long can I give you?

[Mr. Sleuth]

Take away your hands. Let go of me.

[Narrator]

Get away.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Don't you know that such that offer death to death and such that I put a sword to the sword and no one. No one dare to have pity on them. He.

[Mrs. Bunting]

His knife.

[Announcer]

His knife.

[Mrs. Bunting]

Oh, mercy. Oh, he fell on the knife.

[Mr. Sleuth]

Yes. And it's burning. Is burning in me like a fire. Oh, it. It purges me and consumes me. All sin and evil are falling away. Praise, praise and glory. For it is I who is the seventh. Yes, the vengeance is fulfilled.

[Mrs. Bunting]

SA.

[Announcer]

Next week, Mystery in the Air, starring Mr. Peter Laurie, brings you one of the world's great stories of the strange and unusual. The Horror by De Maupassant, with a special musical score composed and conducted by Paul Baron.

[Commercial Voice]

Listen again next week at this same time when the makers of Camel cigarettes present Mr. Peter Laurie in Mystery in the Air. Next week's play will be the Horla by De Maupassant. The artists supporting Mr. Laurie tonight were Agnes Moorhead as Ellen, Henry Morgan as the voice of mystery, Barbara Iler as Daisy, Eric Snowden as Bunting, Raymond Lawrence as the inspector, Ralph Sedan as the witness and Conrad Binion as the newsboy. And on behalf of Mr. Laurie and the entire cast. Our sincere thanks to Agnes Moorhead for her great portrayal of Ellen Bunting.

[Announcer]

This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Host]

That'S our thriller for this week. There's more from Mystery in the Air. This podcast alongside all of the other Relic radio podcasts@ Relicradio.com where you'll also find our Shoutcast stream with even more Golden Age Radio to listen to and a donate button if you'd like to help support this and all of the show. This how all of this is made possible. Thank you to those who have helped us. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.