The Feast Of Red Gauntlet by The Weird Circle

Summary

Summary of "The Feast Of Red Gauntlet" by The Weird Circle

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Horror! (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Episode: The Feast Of Red Gauntlet by The Weird Circle
• Release Date: April 26, 2025

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Introduction

"The Feast Of Red Gauntlet" is a chilling episode from The Weird Circle, a syndicated Old Time Radio series produced between 1943 and 1945. This episode delves into themes of supernatural vengeance, guilt, and the struggle between duty and morality, all set against the eerie backdrop of Sir Robert Red Gauntlet's haunted estate.

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Main Characters

• Steenie Steenson: A tenant of Sir Robert Red Gauntlet, haunted by his past involvement in the execution of three men.
• Sir Robert Red Gauntlet: The tyrannical master of the estate, whose restless spirit seeks retribution.
• Dougal McCallum: The estate's servant, loyal to Sir Robert.
• Sir John Red Gauntlet: Son of Sir Robert, tasked with managing the estate after his father's death.
• Doctor McKenna: The family doctor involved in the unfolding events.
• Major Weir: An associate of Sir Robert, deeply affected by his master's death.
• The Stranger: A mysterious, supernatural entity enforcing justice upon Steenie.

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Plot Summary

1. The Haunting Past

The story begins with Steenie Steenson recounting his involvement in the brutal hangings orchestrated by Sir Robert Red Gauntlet. Steenie, a reluctant participant, describes the grim scene:

"Three men dead, hanging on a gibbet, hanging and swaying and the gibbet creaking in the wind." (03:05)

Steenie's conscience is burdened by the executions, leading to his encounter with a supernatural stranger.

2. The Supernatural Encounter

On the night of the hangings, a spectral stranger confronts Steenie, demanding that he make amends by distributing a hidden bag of silver to the widows of the executed men:

"This is the wood of the dead, Steenie. If you kill in these woods and you linger long enough for me to find you, then you must give an accounting." (04:55)

Despite his reluctance, Steenie complies, distributing the silver but subsequently fails to pay his rent, plunging him into further trouble with Sir Robert Red Gauntlet.

3. Sir Robert's Death and Escalating Tensions

Steenie attempts to pay his rent by borrowing money from friends, only to find Sir Robert unexpectedly dead. The estate falls into chaos as Dougal McCallum dies mysteriously after claiming to hear Sir Robert's silver whistle:

"As true as I'm alive this minute, every night since Red Gauntlet's death, I've heard that whistle." (12:16)

This event raises suspicions and accusations against Steenie, who struggles to prove his innocence regarding the missing bag of silver.

4. The Quest for the Receipt

Desperate to clear his name, Steenie encounters the supernatural stranger once more. The stranger guides him to Sir Robert's castle, where Steenie obtains a receipt confirming his payment. However, Sir Robert’s son, Sir John, disputes the receipt's authenticity, leading Steenie to embark on a perilous journey to locate the lost bag of silver in a place called the "Cat's Cradle."

"I rode away from the castle, fairly seen red. Here I was... No, sir, I have not. But I brought Sir Robert's receipt for it." (22:16)

5. Confrontation and Resolution

At the Cat's Cradle, Steenie confronts supernatural forces, including Sir Robert's pet monkey, Major Weir, who sabotages his efforts. Through determination and a touch of fate, Steenie retrieves the silver bag, presenting undeniable proof to Sir John. The episode concludes with Steenie and Sir John agreeing to keep the supernatural events a secret, preserving the family's reputation.

"Maybe we can tell it someday to our grandchildren, for they'll think they're look so modern they won't believe the story anyway." (27:24)

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Guilt and Redemption: Steenie's journey is driven by his desire to atone for his past actions, highlighting the enduring impact of guilt.
2. Supernatural Justice: The episode explores the concept of otherworldly forces enforcing moral obligations beyond human capabilities.
3. Authority and Rebellion: The oppressive rule of Sir Robert represents unchecked authority, while Steenie's resistance signifies the struggle against tyranny.
4. Isolation and Desperation: Steenie's plight underscores the theme of isolation, both socially and morally, as he grapples with his conscience and external threats.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Steenie Steenson on the Hangings:

  "Three men dead, hanging on a gibbet, hanging and swaying and the gibbet creaking in the wind." (03:05)

• The Stranger Addressing Steenie:

  "This is the wood of the dead, Steenie. If you kill in these woods and you linger long enough for me to find you, then you must give an accounting." (04:55)

• Steenie on His Dilemma:

  "I'll divide the money among the three families." (06:24)

• Sir Robert Confronting Steenie:

  "What are you snails crawling in? Just you, jackana." (08:21)

• Doctor McKenna's Concern:

  "I know. This way, please, sir." (10:46)

• Sir John Red Gauntlet on Hearing the Whistle:

  "I've heard that whistle blow I the night." (12:50)

• Steenie's Plea for Acceptance:

  "I swear it wasn't in heaven that I found myself last night." (24:17)

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Conclusion

"The Feast Of Red Gauntlet" masterfully intertwines elements of horror, suspense, and morality, delivering a compelling narrative that resonates with timeless themes. Through Steenie Steenson's haunting experiences, listeners are immersed in a world where the past inexorably shapes the present, and supernatural forces demand accountability for human transgressions. This episode stands as a testament to The Weird Circle's ability to engage and terrify its audience with rich storytelling and unforgettable characters.

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For More: Explore additional tales from The Weird Circle and other spine-tingling stories at RelicRadio.com. Support the series and access exclusive content through their donate page.

Transcript

[Steenie Steenson]

Oh, stories. Real stories. And murder too. Turn out your legs. Turn them out. Good evening.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Come in, won't you?

[The Stranger]

What's the matter?

[Steenie Steenson]

Surely you're not nervous? For example, Calm, I think. Restored.

[Dougal McCallum]

We are meant to call from out of the past Stories strange and weird.

[The Stranger]

Tales of mystery and terror by radio's masters of the maa.

[Steenie Steenson]

Stories of a supernatural the supernormal dramatizing effect.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

The mystery of the unknown.

[Steenie Steenson]

We tell you this Frank Franklin. So if you wish to avoid the.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Excitement of these magnetic play la. Turn off your radio.

[Narrator]

This is the horror. Welcome back. Thanks for joining me once again and hear from the Weird Circle this week. The syndicated series that was produced between 1943 and 1945, 78 episodes in all aired at one time or another over mutual ABC and NBC stations. Our story today was first heard January 15, 1944. It's titled the Feast of Red Gauntlet.

[Dougal McCallum]

The Weird Circle. In this cave by the restless sea we are met to call from out of the past stories strange and weird. Bell keeper, toll the bell so that all may know we are gathered again in the weird circ.

[Hutchin]

Out of the past. Phantoms of a world gone by speak again. The immortal tale the Feast of Red Gothic.

[Steenie Steenson]

Three men dead, hanging on a gibbet, hanging and swaying and the gibbet creaking in the wind. It's not a pretty picture that the swinging branches recall tonight. But I never heard their mournful movement without my thoughts gone backwards. Backwards to the dour years, the terrible times of Sir Robert Red Gauntlet. This countryside will long remember him, for our fathers used to draw breath thick when they had him named Ay Steenie Steenson was his tenant. And I and every tenant man in Sir Robert Redgauntlet's ground had to join the master in his killing raids on the liberal Whigs. That night Red Gauntlet hung three neighbour men. I knew my heart was like a stone, for I held no ill will against a man myself. And worse luck would have it, I was the last man to leave the frightful scene for Davy, my old horse went lame on me. The three dead men hung high over my head, the gibbet creaking and swaying as I looked over Davy. And all of a sudden a stranger rode up through the woods. A lean gaunt creature. He was in loose, ill fitting clothes and his white mare made no sound as she stepped on dry branches. I stood frozen a minute and then somehow I plucked courage to say, what are ye, man or sperrit?

[The Stranger]

I'm a stranger to you, though I'M not a stranger in these woods. Do you know where you are, Steenie Steenson?

[Steenie Steenson]

Not rightly, sir. We rode in the road and I drank a deal of brandy for I didn't like the business we're about and I paid little attention to our direction.

[The Stranger]

This is the wood of the dead, Steenie. If you kill in these woods and you linger long enough for me to find you, then you must give an accounting.

[Steenie Steenson]

I'll have you know, sir, I. I had no part in the hanging of those three men there. Rust or salt.

[The Stranger]

But your very presence gave consent. Did you protest?

[Steenie Steenson]

I'm a tenant of Redgauntlet. My fathers and forefathers lived on his land. And it's the unwritten law, sir. We think and do as the Red Gauntlets but have no stomach for killing men on account of their opinions.

[The Stranger]

Men like you of weak wills. Tiny Stinson, let the Red Gauntlets of the world rule with bloody hands. But you're in the wood of the dead tonight. And to these three men who hang on the gibbet, you must make some restitution.

[Steenie Steenson]

Well, sir. And how can I do anything now for dead men?

[The Stranger]

They leave families, Steenie. Young ones and wives. You have a bag of silver hidden in your chimney at home. You must divide it among the three widows.

[Steenie Steenson]

But how can I do that, man? The money's for my rent. I've little get for saving. And I'm two terms back now for the rent due to Red Gauntlet. There's just the right amount of the bag. It's all the money I have, sir.

[The Stranger]

How you will pay your rent must be your own worry. But you shall not leave these woods tonight alive unless I know that you mean in your heart to divide that bag of silver among the three widows.

[Steenie Steenson]

Well, I'm no man to be blind to the corner the wind blows in. I don't know who you are or what you are, stranger. Maybe I'd soon not know. But I can feel you mean every word you say. I'll divide the money among the three families.

[The Stranger]

Good. We'll meet again, Steenie Steenson, someday. A very good night to you, and.

[Steenie Steenson]

A good night, stranger. T I started to say it, but the horseman and horse had vanished. Fairly melted into the woods before I could finish my words. Not a sound they made as the white mare stepped with a fine gait on the dead dry twigs. But keep my word, that did to the ghostly stranger the very next morning, I went to the three widows and gave them the money. Now came the problem for the rent. For Sir Robert Redgauntlet was no man to be put off for more than two terms, and I was due to pay him that very day. Now, I'd done many a man a favour in the countryside by playing the bagpipes at weddings and all that sort of merriment, and I was what you might call in demand. So I went to the friends my bagpipes had made for me and asked them for the loan of some silver from about 20 sources. I picked up the money to make the full amount, and away I trudged to Redgartlet's castle with a heavy purse. The old serving man, Dougal MacCallum, met me in the great hall. He seemed beside himself with worry as.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

He said, steamy, the master is in an evil mood, for he's suffering hard with a gout.

[Steenie Steenson]

Well, pay the rent a mus gout or no gout. By the way, Dougal, Sir Robert's pet monkey, what's his name there with him today.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

Ay, ay, the monkey. Major Weir, sitting like an evil spirit in his little red lace jacket, perched on the master's shoulder.

[Steenie Steenson]

It's afraid it'd be. Huh? Hate that little jackanapes. Well, come, man. I'd like to get this business over.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

This way, Steenie. I've never seen the master look so bad. But don't you tell him so.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Come in, come in. Don't be so slow about it. What are you snails crawling in? Just you, jackana. I'll give you the pack of my hand. Dougal, take the monk off my shoulder.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

Aye, sire. The Major's full of chatter today. Come, monk, honey, sit down like a good little beast on your pillow. Sir Robert. Steenie. Steenson's come to pay his rent.

[Steenie Steenson]

Yes, Sir Robert.

[Major Weir]

Here.

[Steenie Steenson]

Here I am.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

I see you, man. I see you. You come light handed, you son of a thistle.

[Steenie Steenson]

No, Sir Robert. The rent for two terms is right here in the bag.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Well, I'm surprised to get it all at once. This blessed gout is enough to drive a man to make a pact with the devil himself.

[Steenie Steenson]

Oh, don't say things like that, Sir Robert. The Evil One might hold you to it.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

You hypocrite. Steenie, you know as well as I do that everyone believes I've already made a pact with the devil. And everyone's sure of where I'm going when I die.

[Steenie Steenson]

I never listen to gossip, Sir Robert. Now, if you'll count Miss Silver and give me the receipt, I'd best be going.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

All right, Steenie. Dougal, take Steenie to the hall and give him a cup of brandy while I count the silver and make out the receipt.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

Come along, Steenie, with some right fine brandy just down from Edinburgh.

[Steenie Steenson]

I'm never a man, Dougal, to refuse a sample.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Oh, my feet. This old blasted ghost. Bring me a bowl of cold water.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

The master is heavenly.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Idiot.

[Steenie Steenson]

Oh, my heart. My heart. What's the matter? What can I do, Doctor? Is the Master worse? Steenie.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

Steenie. Run, man. Get on your horse and fly for the doctor.

[Steenie Steenson]

I'll do that, sir. Rabbit looks bad to me. Out of Red Gauntlets Castle I rode as fast as I could and rode hard to bring Dr. McKenna. I felt in my bones this was no light illness of Red Gauntlets. The doctor and I were soon back in the castle, and as we opened the door, I thought how uncommonly quiet it was. Then old Hutch and the butler come toward us. You're too late, Steenie.

[Doctor McKenna]

With a doctor.

[Hutchin]

Steenie and I rode as fast as we could.

[Steenie Steenson]

What happened, man?

[Doctor McKenna]

The worst, Sir Robert. Red Gauntlet is dead.

[Steenie Steenson]

Heaven keep his soul.

[Hutchin]

Well, well, that's sad news, Hutchins. Of course, I'll have to confirm the death and make out the proper papers.

[Steenie Steenson]

Yes, sir.

[Doctor McKenna]

I know. This way, please, sir.

[Steenie Steenson]

I tiptoed out and left that place of death, for I knew I'd only be in the way. And so deep was I in the thoughts of Red Gauntlet's end, that I was a fair way home, when of a sudden I remembered, hadn't I left the silver for the rent there and never got a receipt. But then I considered old Dougal was a witness to the fact that I'd brought the money, and in due time it would all be put to rights. And so the matter would have been, had not. The uncanniest bad luck happened the night before Red Gauntlet's funeral. That night, old Dugal invited Hutchins to his room for a round of drinks before they went to bed. Hutchins told me more than once about that strange night. Hardly was he seated in the room when Dougal said, hutchin, we've both served.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

The dead master a long, long time.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Aye.

[Doctor McKenna]

And though Red Gauntlet may have used an iron hand to others he was good to us. Well, here's long life here, Dougal.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

Thanky, Hutchin, but I know I'm not long for this world.

[Steenie Steenson]

Oh, come now.

[Doctor McKenna]

Don't let the Master of Death make you morbid.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

It's not to the morbid, but you know, the master and I were more like two brothers. I've followed Sir Robert through good and ill, through pool and stream, I've followed with a blind devotion. And though the master goes to the evil place, I too would have to follow. And I think it won't be long.

[Doctor McKenna]

Man, man, get hold of yourself. I'll begin to think Sir Robert's death has turned your reason.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

You're sure to think that when you hear what I have to tell you. As you know, Red Gauntlet lies in state in his own room. And I've been sleeping as usual in the room which adjoins his. If you remember, Sir Robert used to blow on his small silver whistle for me to come and turn him over in his bed. Well, Hutcheon, as true as I'm alive this minute, every night since Red Gauntlet's death, I've heard that whistle. I've heard that silver whistle blow I the night.

[Doctor McKenna]

Dougal, you make me here stand on end. Man, you must have dreamed such a thing.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

I did not dream it. I heard the silver whistle. And so frozen was I with terror that I did na stir. But in the daytime my conscience hurt me, for I can't let even death.

[Steenie Steenson]

Break my service to Sir Robert.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

Listen. There. There it is. Red Gauntlet. Silver whistle.

[Doctor McKenna]

The Lord keep our souls. It's an orphan song.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

I've got to go, Hutchin. I've got to answer Red Gauntlet's call just as I used to.

[Doctor McKenna]

But man, you cannot be turning the corpse over in its bed.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

I've got to go. Stand by me, Hutcheon. At least go with me to Red Gauntlet's door.

[Doctor McKenna]

I have no will for such doings. But I can't fail you in a pinch like this.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

Come then, the master is impatient.

[Doctor McKenna]

Never did this hall seen so long. Dougal, aren't we two addle headed old men to be answering a silver whistle blown by a dead man? And on second thoughts, Dougal, maybe we only imagined we heard the whistle.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

We did not dream it, Hutchins. Ah well, we're near to the master's bedroom now. A dread opening the door.

[Doctor McKenna]

Ay, the light of the candles might reveal to us more than we want to see.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

But open the door we must stal.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Look.

[Doctor McKenna]

The dead master lies just as we left him. Dead and quiet.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

But Hutchin, look.

[Steenie Steenson]

Look on the foot of the bed. It's the foul fiend himself.

[Major Weir]

The evil one.

[Steenie Steenson]

So shocked were Dougal and Hutchin by the sight of the Evil One sitting there at the foot of Red Gauntlets, fed at the Fainted dead away. Finally, when Hutchin came out of the faint and gathered his wits about him, he found old Dougal lying in a heap, dead. Dougal had joined Red Gauntlet in a last long journey. Now, when I heard about Dougal's death, I felt sad indeed. But I'm afraid I felt more pity for myself than anyone, for Dougal was the only witness to the silver I'd left for the two terms of rent. Now, Sir Robert Redgauntlet's son, Sir John, had come up from London for the funeral and to put things to rights in due time, he called me to come to see him, for I knew for certain he would. I stood before him in the great hall, and Sir John said, steenie Steenson.

[Major Weir]

You'Re down here for two terms rent. That's a whole year.

[Steenie Steenson]

Please, your honor, Sir John, I paid it to your father.

[Major Weir]

Oh, you got a receipt then? Doubtless, Steenie, and can produce it indeed.

[Steenie Steenson]

I hadn't time, sir, for no sooner had I set down the silver and Sir Robert was drawing the bag to him when he was taken with the pains that took him out of this wall.

[Major Weir]

Oh, that's very unlucky. But perhaps you paid it in the presence of somebody.

[Steenie Steenson]

Aye, Sir John. There was nobody in the room but Dougal McAllen. And as your honor knows, he soon followed the dead master.

[Major Weir]

Very unlucky again, Steenie, it's very strange to me that no one has told me that a bag of silver was found on the table after my father died.

[Steenie Steenson]

Perhaps the butler Hutchins knows something about it, sir.

[Major Weir]

All right, I'll see what he has to say. Hatchen. Hatchen.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Yes.

[Doctor McKenna]

Sir John Hatcham.

[Major Weir]

I wonder that I was never told about a bag of silver left by Steenie Steamson the day my father died. It should have been found on this very table by which my father had been sitting.

[Doctor McKenna]

But we found no bag of silver, sir. I came running at once when the master cried out, and it was I who put the room to rights after we'd carried out the body.

[Steenie Steenson]

But it did leave the money right there on the table.

[Major Weir]

Well, Hatchin, there's only one thing to do. Call all the servants together and question them. And if I can find no proof that the bag of silver was stone, what story then are you going to tell me, Steenie? Where will you suggest we look for the money and the evil place?

[Steenie Steenson]

If you want my opinion, sir, in the evil place with your father and his silver whistle. I paid the money for the whole year's rent and there's an end of it.

[Major Weir]

Oh, no, it's not. You will produce the rent or the receipt for the rent by this time tomorrow or I shall have you put in chains.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Now get out.

[Steenie Steenson]

I rode away from the castle, fairly seen red. Here I was. The same stainy Stainson who only a few weeks before had been the most popular piper in the countryside. The toast of every feast and frolic. And now of a sudden men would be calling me names. A thief, a cheat and worse. I rode on and on, little caring where my horse Davy led me. Finally I realized I was in a thick patch of wood. And I noticed of a sudden that beside me was riding a stranger. The lean, gaunt man in ill fitting clothes on a white mare. A white mare that made no sound as she stepped on dry branches. Just as the night of the hanging. I said, what are you, man of spirit?

[The Stranger]

I'm your friend, Steenie. I've come to help you.

[Steenie Steenson]

Unless you can lend me money. There's no other help you can give me in this world.

[The Stranger]

But there may be some help in another world. Now I can tell you this. Sir Robert Red Gauntlet is disturbed in his grave by your curses and black thoughts of him. And if you will venture to see him, he will give you the receipt.

[Steenie Steenson]

Stranger, I have the courage to go to the very gates of the evil place and a step further for that matter, for that receipt.

[The Stranger]

All right then, Steenie. Turn sharply to the left. Make your horse wind in and out of that thick settlement of black fur. Here we are.

[Steenie Steenson]

But I. But I can't believe no one either. We're in the courtyard of Red Gauntlet's castle. Where? The estate is miles away from this place.

[The Stranger]

Yours is not a question, Steenie. Go to the castle door. Dougal will let you in.

[Steenie Steenson]

Dougal?

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Where?

[Steenie Steenson]

The man's as dead as a Mac. What? What place am I in, sir?

[The Stranger]

Courage, courage, Stinny, remember, you must get that receipt. Go to the door.

[Steenie Steenson]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Go. I will for it. As soon be dead myself as to be in the fix I'm in. Well, Davy, me good horse, goodbye. If I don't come back, you'll know I've gone to heavenly days. There's Dougal standing there, waiting at the door for me. Dougal. Dougal, man. I never thought to see you alive again.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

I'm not alive, Steenie.

[Steenie Steenson]

Aye.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

Now listen carefully. When you're inside Redgauntlet Castle, take nothing from anybody there, neither meat or drink or silver, for they will bind you to that unholy party. Take nothing except that receipt, which is your own.

[Steenie Steenson]

Come. Oh, Dougal. What a ghastly scene of revelers. There's the fierce Middleton and the dissolute Roths and the crafty Lauderdale and the wild Bunshaw and all the other wicked ones I've known and played the bagpipes for its feast. And every one of them dead now, and yet I see them laughing and raveling there.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

But take note, Steenie, and death as in life. It's my master, Sir Robert Bredgauntlet, who has the place of honor at the feast.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Hello, friends. It's Dee Dee Stinson. Look who's come to visit us. And come close, hey?

[Steenie Steenson]

Yes, sir. How's your health, Sir Robert?

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Did you hear that, man? How's my health? My cd. It's as bad as could be expected.

[Steenie Steenson]

Well, I'm sorry, sir, but where's Major your monkey?

[Major Weir]

Same, sir.

[Steenie Steenson]

Strange to see you without your pattern.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Here is a little cushion ready for the monk. And before nightfall tomorrow, the little ape will be with me. Well, let's get to business. You've come here for that receipt for your year's rent, haven't you, Steenie?

[Steenie Steenson]

Yes, sir. And if you'll kindly give it to me, I'll go.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Oh, but first you must play me a tune of the bagpipes Juggle. Joel, your Nimops bring Steenie the pipes they been keeping for him.

[Steenie Steenson]

Robert. Sir Robert, this scene and your awesome presence have fairly taken my breath away. I fear I have none left to play the pipe, sir.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Then you must eat and drink, Steenie, for we do little else here, and it's likely to be ill. Speaking between a full man and a fasting one.

[Steenie Steenson]

I've not come to eat or drink, sir, but simply for what's known. Give me that receipt.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

All right, you pitiful cur. I write it here and now. Dougal, bring me the quill.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

I have everything ready, sir. Here, here.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

This 25th of November from my appointed place, I, Sir Robert Red Gauntlet, do assert that Steenie Steenson paid me in silver one year's rent, sir. Steenie's your receipt.

[Steenie Steenson]

Thank you.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

And tell my rogue of a son to go look for the bag of silver in the cat's cradle.

[Steenie Steenson]

And the cat's cradle. Yes, sir. Thank you, son.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

No, no, no, not so fast, my man. I am not done with you. Here we do nothing for nothing. On a year, this very day, you must return and pay the pipe for me. That will be your Payments and my pleasure.

[Steenie Steenson]

I dedicate a lot to your pleasure, sir. I'd refer myself only to the good Lord. At the mention of the holy name, it seemed to me that the whole earth shook and I lost both breath and scent. When it came to it was early morning. I was in the woods a full five miles from home and dating a hole horse was feeding nearby. And then I laughed and I thought what a nightmare of a dream I had. But then I realized I was holding something tight in my hands. And I looked and I found I held a receipt for the rent signed by Sir Robert Redgart. With my mind fairly in a daze, I rode at once to the castle and demanded to see Sir John. Looking like a fresh thunderstorm, Sir John greeted me with sour words.

[Major Weir]

If you have come with the excuse to save your breath DNA, have you brought me the rent?

[Steenie Steenson]

No, sir, I have not. But I brought Sir Robert's receipt for it.

[Major Weir]

But you told me only yesterday that he had not given you one.

[Steenie Steenson]

Will your honor please look at this bit of writing?

[Major Weir]

All right. Hmm. Looks like my father's hand. I must say this 25th of November from my appointed place. But the 25th of November was yesterday. If you got this receipt, Steenie, you must have gone to Hades for it.

[Steenie Steenson]

I got it from your honor's father, sir. Whether he be in heaven or someplace else, I don't know. And besides, Sir Robert sent a message to you. He said you were to look for the bag of silver at a cat's cradle.

[Major Weir]

I'm beginning to think you're either mad or a sorcerer. And I hope you recall it was only a month ago in the village when a sorcerer was burned at the stake.

[Steenie Steenson]

I had met Avalong strangely tale to tell, sir. But you'll only believe it if we do find that bag of silver in the Cat's Cradle.

[Major Weir]

Oh, I never heard such childish nonsense. I don't know any place around here by that name.

[Steenie Steenson]

Please, sir, ask old Hutchin. He knows things about the castle that everybody else has forgot.

[Major Weir]

All right, all right.

[Doctor McKenna]

You, Ryan.

[Steenie Steenson]

Sir.

[Major Weir]

Hutchin, do you know a place about the castle called the Cat's Cradle?

[Doctor McKenna]

Oh, yes, sir. It's a ruinous turret long out of use next to the clockhouse. One can only get to it by a ladder, for the opening is on the outside. It's many long years since I've heard anyone inquire about the Cat's Cradle.

[Major Weir]

Thank you, Hutchinson. Come along, Steenie. We'll go to the Cat's Cradle and see what we find. Just in Case I need it. I think I'll take this pistol that was my father's.

[Steenie Steenson]

For what purpose, sir?

[Major Weir]

It has silver bullets. And they say that silver bullets are the only kind effective against mad men and sorceress. Come, Steenie. I hope for your sake I find something up here, Steenie.

[Steenie Steenson]

Huh?

[Major Weir]

What could that be?

[Steenie Steenson]

Huh? Sir John, that's your father's silver whistle. Come down, sir. Come down. I'm afraid you'll see there, sir.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Nonsense.

[Major Weir]

I'll find out for myself.

[Steenie Steenson]

Has Red Gauntlet's pet monkey measured weir?

[Major Weir]

Look, look, Sceny. It's the monkey that's blowing the whistle.

[Steenie Steenson]

Be careful, Sir John. That monk can be mean. Awful mean, sir.

[Major Weir]

Oh, I can take care of myself. Give me that whistle, you little lady.

[Steenie Steenson]

Watch out. The monkey stretching eyes out.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Get away from me, you. Get away. Go away.

[Steenie Steenson]

Can you see inside the turret now?

[Major Weir]

Too bad I had to shoot him.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Yes, yes.

[Major Weir]

Now find the bag of silver. Cne here, here.

[Sir John Red Gauntlet]

Gotcha.

[Steenie Steenson]

A little thief of an ape. He stole the bag and hid it.

[Major Weir]

There.

[Steenie Steenson]

Now watch out.

[Major Weir]

I'm coming down. Oh, that turret's full of the junk the monkey stole. I'd have hatch and clean it out.

[Steenie Steenson]

Well, Sir John, I guess you'll have to believe I'm not a liar now.

[Major Weir]

Yes, we have solved the mystery of the missing bag of silver. And perhaps another mystery. I believe it's the monkey that blew the silver whistle those nights Dougal thought it was my dead. But we haven't solved the mystery of the receipt, Steenie.

[Steenie Steenson]

But I did talk to your father last night and he gave me that receipt for proof. Didn't I deliver your father's message to go look at the cat's cragle for the bag of silver?

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Yes, Steenie.

[Major Weir]

And I'm very worried. If this story gets out, you know what the villagers will say? That you must have strange powers. That you must be a sorcerer.

[Steenie Steenson]

I know, Sir John. And I was also thinking it wouldn't be to your credit of your good family's name for the story to get about where your father's gone. But I swear it wasn't in heaven that I found myself last night.

[Major Weir]

I see what you mean, Steenie. Well, shall we agree to keep the secret just between us?

[Steenie Steenson]

Aye, Sir John will keep it. Maybe we can tell it someday to our grandchildren, for they'll think they're look so modern they won't believe the story anyway.

[Hutchin]

From the time worn pages of the past, we have brought you the story the Feast of Red Gauntlet.

[Sir Robert Red Gauntlet]

Del Deeper hold the Bell.

[Dougal McCallum]

From the time worn pages of the past, we have heard another immortal tale in the Weird Circle. Bell keeper, toll the bell. Be here in this lonely cave by the restless sea once again. Next time for another immortal tale in the Weird Circle.

[Narrator]

There's more from the Horror, the Weird Circle and all of the Relic radio podcasts@ Relicradio.com. you'll find our shoutcast stream there as well. And if you'd like to help support this and all of the shows, a donate button. We've got some downloadable sets for certain donation amounts, though any amount is always appreciated and helpful. Thanks as always to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining joining me this week. We'll be back tomorrow with Strange Tales and next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.