The House In The Garden by Macabre

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Horror! (Old Time Radio)

Episode: The House In The Garden by Macabre

Date: August 30, 2025
Host: RelicRadio.com
Original Broadcast: December 4, 1961 (Macabre, Far East Network)

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Overview

In this chilling episode of The Horror!, the host presents "The House In The Garden," an episode of the short-lived but memorable Macabre series. This story blends gothic atmosphere, psychological suspense, and supernatural touches, all set in a remote French castle shrouded by a violent storm. A tale of obsession, revenge, and dark secrets unfolds as Inspector Bordeaux arrives at the estate, only to discover a deadly wager, mysterious deaths, and the haunting beat of voodoo drums.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Introducing the Premise

• Setting: A medieval castle in Southern France, late 1800s/early 1900s, rain-swept night. (02:48)
• Main Characters:
  • Count Jacques de Marigny – American inheritor of the castle
  • Countess Yvette – His wife, once courted by two rivals
  • The Duke de Bastille – Jacques’ embittered rival
  • Inspector Bordeaux – Arrives to investigate dire circumstances
  • Montau – Loyal but fearful servant

Memorable quote (03:55), Inspector Bordeaux’s arrival:

"Good evening, Monsieur. I am Inspector Bordeaux at the Prefecture of Police. I am here in answer to the urgent summons of Count Jacques de Marigny."
– Inspector Bordeaux (03:55)

2. The Reluctant Confession and Strange Wager

• Count Jacques reveals a decade-old wager: the Duke, in the throes of jealousy, bets he can outlast ten years of complete isolation in the castle’s stone garden house, for half the Count’s fortune and the chance to win Yvette.
• The Duke requests books on sorcery and magic during his confinement. (13:24)

Notable exchange about the wager:

"I wager I can spend 10 years alone in this house without once coming out, seeing or talking with anyone." – The Duke (09:41)

"And if you remain for 10 years?" – Count Jacques
"I collect half your fortune. One more thing, though. Yvette should wait until the wager is over before choosing between us." – The Duke (10:16)

3. Mysterious Deaths and Drumbeats

• Two deaths—of a gardener and maid—occur on consecutive nights under apparently natural causes but are presaged by the sound of jungle-like drums.
• Servants, terrified, believe in supernatural or voodoo explanations; suspicion and fear grow.
• The police and Count struggle to rationalize the fears as nerves or mischief. (12:29, 13:09)

Quote highlighting tension:

"We heard them before the gardener died. And again last night before we found Suzette." – Countess Yvette (12:39)

4. Nightly Terror and Pursuit

• The drumbeats return at night.
• The trio investigates, finding a newly dead servant and pursuing a shadowy figure up the tower, who falls to his death—apparently Francois the gardener, acting out of fear.
• Inspector suspects the real killer is still at large, intensifying the paranoia. (18:20)

Memorable, foreboding moment:

"Because, my dear, you are wrong. The real killer is still at large." – Inspector Bordeaux (18:21)

5. The Final Night and Opening the Garden House

• With all servants now fled, Jacques and the Inspector plan to spend the night guarding the garden house, believing the danger must be from within or it will cease once the ten years finish. (20:54)
• Just as they prepare, drums erupt again—from the castle!

"The drums from the castle. Yvette, quickly. We may be too late to save her." – Inspector Bordeaux (22:33)

• Montau is found stunned in the cellar, Countess Yvette is apparently dead, and blood drips ominously.

6. The Shattering Revelation

• The garden house, locked for a decade, is finally opened—empty!
• Inspector Bordeaux reveals the true plot:
  • He never was Bordeaux—he is actually the Duke, having escaped with Montau’s help.
  • The Duke and Montau’s plot was to terrify Jacques and Yvette and force the opening of the house, thus winning the wager.
• The Duke (posing as Inspector) now traps Jacques inside the dreaded garden house, sealing the tale with a cruel twist.

The climactic reveal:

"You, the Duke de Bastin?" – Count Jacques (26:59)

"My dear, have I changed so much in 10 years? ... I intercepted your summons for the police and masqueraded as Inspector Bordeaux." – The Duke (disguised as Inspector) (27:02)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & setup (medieval castle atmosphere): [02:48–03:55]
• Wager & relationship triangle established: [06:43–11:15]
• Description of the house and details of the wager: [09:41–10:45]
• Onset of mysterious deaths & drums: [12:00–14:04]
• First investigation of drumbeats: [15:32–18:20]
• Realization that the killer is at large: [18:21]
• Servants flee, last night plan: [19:10–20:54]
• Drums erupt, cellar discovery: [22:33–24:15]
• Opening of the garden house and final twist: [25:12–27:33]

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Notable Quotes

• “Man lives in a world of time and space...When he ventures beyond this limit he is in the unknown, a realm where strange forces are brought into play...This is Macabre.”
  — Count Jacques de Marigny (01:36)
• "You bet, did you say? That you mean we won't see you again for 10 years?" — Countess Yvette (10:46)
• "Voodoo drums, Inspector. Bordeaux would be the laughing stock of all France. No, my dear Count and Countess, you have made a childish wager..." — Inspector Bordeaux (13:59)
• "He could only have escaped with the help of one person. The man who brought his food." — (Fake) Inspector Bordeaux [The Duke] (26:14)
• "I intercepted your summons for the police and masqueraded as Inspector Bordeaux. Then I persuaded you to open the house..." — The Duke (27:02)
• “No, Count. Don’t close the door. We can’t get out. We’ll die. No!”
  — The Duke (trapped) (27:22)

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Memorable Moments

• The eerie escalating beat of the jungle drums preceding each death, enhancing the supernatural tone.
• The servants’ superstitions spiraling out of control and abandoning the estate in fear.
• The final confrontation in the cellar, when the drums’ origins and Countess Yvette’s fate are revealed.
• The twist ending—Inspector Bordeaux revealed as the Duke in disguise, a classic gothic betrayal.

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Tone and Style

The episode is drenched in brooding, gothic suspense. The dialogue is formal, heightened, and melodramatic, capturing the old radio tradition. The story’s pacing alternates between creepy calm and bursts of panic, keeping listeners on edge.

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In Summary

"The House In The Garden" is a quintessential old-time radio thriller: a deliciously sinister castle, a lethal love triangle, a diabolical wager, and a supernatural atmosphere punctuated by the relentless beat of voodoo drums. With every twist, listeners are drawn deeper into its web of paranoia and misdirection, culminating in a shocking betrayal and a chilling end.

Transcript

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Oh, stories. Real stories. And murders too.

[Countess Yvette]

Turn out your legs.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Turn them out. Good evening. Come in, won't you? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

For every car, I think.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Restored, we are meant to call from.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Out of the past.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Stories, strange and weird. Tales of mystery and terror by radio's.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Masters of the macabre. Stories of the supernatural, the supernormal. Dramatized fantasy and mysteries of the unknown. We tell you this.

[Countess Yvette]

Frank.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Frank. So if you wish to avoid the excitement of these magnets, play.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Ladies.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Recourse our latest to turn off your radio.

[Podcast Host]

This is the Horror. Welcome back. Thanks for joining me. This Saturday we're going to hear from Macabre this week. A series of nine episodes produced by the Far East Network of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. It aired from November of 1961 to January of 1962. Our story today is the House in the Garden. This one aired December 4, 1961.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Man lives in a world of time and space. He lives in a spectrum of the universe. When he ventures beyond this limit, he is in the unknown, a realm where strange forces are brought into play. When man attempts to misuse these forces, he is sometimes destroyed. This is Macabre.

[Narrator]

The Far East Network presents in special performance Macabre. Tonight's story, the House and the Garden.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Our story concerns a medieval castle in the south of France and the strange events that befell its inhabitants. About the turn of the century, its owner, Count Jacques de Marigny, died. His son and heir, an American art dealer, moved to France to become the master of his father's estate. One rain swept night a few years later, a black caped figure strained against the storm toward a towering gray structure looming defiantly above the barren countryside. It raced across a drawbridge into the courtyard like some giant bat closing in on its victim. A moment later, the figure pounded wildly on the massive main entrance of the ancient castle and was admitted by a small, hunched servant who led the visitor into the library. Before a roaring fire. The man stood patiently, drying himself. Presently he noticed the gaunt features of something else watching him from a darkened portal. For a moment, the two were motionless. Then the visitor took a step forward and asked.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Good evening, Monsieur. I am Inspector Bordeaux at the Prefecture of Police. I am here in answer to the urgent summons of Count Jacques de Marigny. Perhaps you'll be kind enough to inform him that I am here. Speak up, man. You cannot stand there in the shadows all evening. Good. That is better. Step over here by the fire, please. Good Lord, man. You have the look of death. What Is the matter? Take me to your matter at once. Where is Count?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I am the Count Du Monady.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

You.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Thank God you've come, Inspector.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Inspector Bordeaux at your disposal, sir. Now, will you explain these rather strange circumstances?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Yes, in a moment, Monto. Did you call, master of two glasses of brandy? Brandy, sir? Yes, brandy. Brandy is in the cellar, sir. Cellar? Well, the wine from the kitchen will do. Wine from the kitchen. Thank you, sir. Wine from the kitchen.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Your servant is frightened, Monsieur.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Please be seated by the fire, Inspector, you're drenched.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Thank you very much. A terrible night. Yes. The carriage hardly made the trip up the mountain road. But with the horses barking at the lightning, I did not expect to arrive at all.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

My apologies for summoning you on such.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

A night in so isolated a spot. A patient could die before a doctor could possibly reach him.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

The wine, Master. Thank you, Monto. That will be all.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

A moment, if you please. Although the wine is fine, the brandy would have been better. Why did you not go to the cellar for it?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Go to the cellar. That will be all. Monto, you may help in the kitchen tonight. Yes, master. Thank you, master.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

What is wrong here, monsieur? What about this cellar he seems to be afraid of?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

It's a long story, Inspector, beginning with the house and the garden.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

The house in the garden?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Yes.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Continue, please.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I sent for you because our lives here at the castle are in danger.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Oh? Who threatens you?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I am not certain.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Have you received notes or visitors who might lead you to believe that someone wants to kill you?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

No. I suppose I'm not making much sense.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I must agree, monsieur, you are not.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Will you hear me out?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

My dear Count, I am a busy man. Perhaps you should have called a doctor instead. No.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

There may be a death here tonight. You will. But listen. I can't explain very well.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

At any rate, that wine was tasty.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

My glass? I haven't touched it.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Perhaps only a sip or two. I am not a drinking man, you know.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Of course not. I'll have Montau bring us a bottle.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Ah, very good. Now, tell me about the house in the garden.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

A little over 10 years ago, my father died. Left me this estate of over a million francs. Provision was that I must occupy the castle and remain here to retain title. I lived in America since childhood, since my mother left my father when I was an infant. It was difficult, but I pulled up stakes and moved to France. And then I met an American student in Paris, Yvette Palmer. We fell in love. It was later that I learned she had another suitor, the Duke de Bastille. She couldn't Decide which of us to marry. The Duke became an enemy and threatened my life.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Why did you not go to the police?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Would they have believed me any more than now?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Good point, Monsieur. Fine wine.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Ah, yes, sir. Montau.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Just a sip or two. Or perhaps a glass. I am not a drinking man, you know.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Yes. Monteux. A bottle of port. Yes, master.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Go on with your story.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Well, one night there was a ball here in the ballroom. I was dancing with Yvette and everyone seemed to be happy.

[Countess Yvette]

Don't now, Jacques. But guess who just arrived.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Nothing matters tonight except you and me.

[Countess Yvette]

It's our friend, the Duke.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I don't recall sending him an invitation.

[Countess Yvette]

Oh, he sees us, Jacques. He's coming over.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Come on. There's no sense in having trouble on the dance floor.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

That is a pretty picture, is it not? Too in love.

[Countess Yvette]

Please don't make a scene.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Are you not leading everyone to believe I have lost you?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Keep your voice down.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Oh, you've made a choice. All right, Yvette. So it was the fortune that really mattered. You don't want and have not. Like me, a man who could give you everything but money.

[Countess Yvette]

That's not true.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Go ahead, marry. A checkbook and a place to the clothes. That is all you are getting. It won't be a man. Uhoh.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Here goes. 30 years of gentlemanly upbringing. Sorry you said that, my friend.

[Countess Yvette]

Watch out, the Duke has a knife.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I kill you.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Maybe a difference of opinion about that.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

He would have valed me if you didn't come in now. See how soft your float is? Put a knife away, you fool.

[Countess Yvette]

This knife are so embarrassing. Stop at this.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Little will be your valet. You kill me, you'll never live to marry Yvette.

[Countess Yvette]

Up off the floor. I'm ashamed of.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I. I have a better plan to settle her de France's anyway. Do you? Do you care to.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Lisa, put the knife away. I might.

[Countess Yvette]

You act like two spoiled children. You're disgraced in front of all your friends.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Very well. Let us go into the other room.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

You know, you cut my neck.

[Countess Yvette]

Oh, it's bleeding.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

You made the mistake of getting me excited.

[Countess Yvette]

Take my handkerchief. That will stop the blood.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I don't think you were bluffing.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I would have killed you.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Now, what is this plan of yours? A wager. A wager?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Yes. For what? Sticks one half your fortune?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

What? I didn't think I hit you that hard.

[Countess Yvette]

What is the wager?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

The little stone house in the garden. The one used for storage. I wager I can spend 10 years alone in this house without once coming out seeing or talking with anyone.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

What is like a prison. No windows at all. Only a door and a narrow slit at the roof for air. Stone walls are six feet thick. Make it comfortable for me.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Get a servant to lower a foot tray once a day through the slit in the ceiling. All I ask is that you send me anything I want to read. I will leave notes to that effect in the empty food trays which can be lifted out after I have eaten.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

And if you remain for 10 years?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I collect half your fortune. One more thing, though. Yvette should wait until the wager is over before choosing between us. It will be fair then, as I.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Will have as great a fortune as you suppose. You leave before the time is up.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I do that.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

You are free now.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

To make it legal, we will have a lawyer draw up contracts. We first violate the agreement, forfeits the wager.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

What do you say?

[Countess Yvette]

That you mean we won't see you again for 10 years?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

That is correct. And you must not contact me. Perhaps I will be more attractive to you when I am wealthy.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

What if I refuse to do this?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Then I will kill you.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I see. Very well. It's a deal. But remember, we'll all be bound strictly by the contract.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Exactly. Are we not men of honor?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

And that's the story behind the house in the garden. The Duke de Bastel has been there ever since.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Incredible desire. When does he get out?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

The 10 years will be up at midnight, day after tomorrow.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Has the Duke kept his bargain? To the letter.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Anto lowers the food tray once a day and we hear nothing from him all at.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

So then why have you summoned the police? Who is that, Monsieur?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

My wife. Inspector. Yes?

[Countess Yvette]

I do hope I'm not interrupting. I must talk to you.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Certainly, my dear. Inspector Bordeaux, the Countess Yvette Dumarini.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

How do you do? It is my pleasure, Madame. Yvette, did you say?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

We were married five years ago.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I see. She did not.

[Countess Yvette]

Wait, darling, we can't use the east wing tonight.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Oh, why not?

[Countess Yvette]

First the seller and network servants won't go near them. Jacques, what will we do?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Has something happened, Countess?

[Countess Yvette]

Yes. Please tell him, Jacques.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

There have been two deaths in as many nights. A gardener in the cellar two nights ago and a maid last evening in the east wing.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

How did they die?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Apparently natural deaths. Both elderly bodies were taken down to a village. Doctor said he could find nothing suspicious.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Did you expect to find anything suspicious?

[Countess Yvette]

Well, you see, Inspector, there is more.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Two deaths in two nights under natural conditions. Probably coincidence. Nothing else. Again. Why have you called the police?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

The drums.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Drums?

[Countess Yvette]

We Heard them before the gardener died. And again last night before we found Suzette.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

What manner of drum?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

The kind you might hear in a jungle.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Someone is playing the game with you.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Who? Yvette Bonto and a dozen other trusted servants live here with me. There's no one else except the Duke. And the house in the garden? Pardon me, master.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Here is wine.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Yes, Monteux. Put it by the Inspector, please. Yes, master.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I do not mean to hear.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I must tell you, servants do not think Duke's still out there.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

What?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Last three days, Duke not touched. Food on tray. Tray's come back full.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Perhaps the man is ill.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Servants think he find out. Miss Yvette, Mary, Count. Maybe he escaped.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Kill everyone with voodoo drums. Voodoo?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

One of the provisions was that he be allowed to read anything he desired. For the past few years, he's requested books on high and low. Magic, sorcery, witchcraft and the like.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

So. And when did you first hear these drums?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Two nights ago. We had just gone to bed when they began to beat.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Did you make an attempt to locate them?

[Countess Yvette]

No, Inspector. We thought one of the servants was playing on them.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

They found a gardener in the cellar the next morning.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Servants very frightened. It is easy enough to clear this up. Give me the key. I will open the house in the garden.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

No, not until midnight the day after tomorrow.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

But it's important to know if the Duke is in there.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

The contract states I will lose my entire fortune if I do that. We must wait. Couldn't you send her guards to protect us?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Protect you from what, monsieur? Voodoo drums, Inspector. Bordeaux would be the laughing stock of all France. No, my dear Count and Countess, you have made a childish wager with an equally childish duke. And now you are allowing your nerves to play fanciful tricks on you. I cannot help you. My coat to go play.

[Countess Yvette]

The road back may be washed out, Inspector. It's a terrible night, indeed.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Yes.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Yes, it is a bad night.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

You are welcome to stay the night.

[Countess Yvette]

There really is something wrong here.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Maybe you can find it if drums come again.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Servants leave, I think. Inspector, have you tried our grape wine? Best stock we've had in years.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

The wine, Indeed, yes. Put me up just for the night. Perhaps this does bear some looking into.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Fine. Two bottles of grape Montau.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Two bottles of grape, Master. Good. Monteux. Mind you, only a sip or two. Perhaps a glass. Remember, I am not a drinking man.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Thank you for remaining, Inspector. Let us retire now to the safety of our rooms. I know that you recognize the danger here. If the drums beat again to.

[Countess Yvette]

There it is again. Drums shock. Wake Up. The drums are beating.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

What? What'd you say?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Shh.

[Countess Yvette]

Listen.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Coming from the hall. Hurry. Let's go.

[Countess Yvette]

No, don't go out there, please.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Got to see who's behind us.

[Countess Yvette]

Wait for me.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Stand one side of the door. There's something outside in the hall. Watch it.

[Countess Yvette]

Shut down.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Come with me. Inspector Bordeaux here. Our midnight drummer went around the corner with East. We might apprehend the scoundrel room.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

It's not your. Either way, Inspector. You have the lantern?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I was almost asleep when I heard the sound. You were very wise to summon me. This is either a practical joke or a ghastly plan of murder. Look.

[Countess Yvette]

A shadow around the den.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Hurry. Wait, wait.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

That tapestry. It's moving. What is? Behind it?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

An alcove.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Our phantom is probably in there. Careful. Now, now, Marie.

[Countess Yvette]

Oh, no. I didn't have to do this to you.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Who is this girl, Monsieur Marie. One of my wife's maids. Is she. She's gone.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

The dreadful look of fright with the others like this.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Yes. No signs of violence.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Harry, he's getting away.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

He must have gone up the west tower. Hand of the lantern. I'll lead the way through the store.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

A man could fall to his death from his own stairway. Here, take my hand, Countess.

[Countess Yvette]

Thank you, Inspector.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

See anything up hand?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Not yet. We're almost at the top landing. Then we'll have him cornered.

[Countess Yvette]

Be careful, Jacques.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Just a little farther.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Watch it.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Broken step.

[Countess Yvette]

Go ahead. We're all right.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Hey, have a gun. Just in case.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Easy does it.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Now shine the lantern around.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Has to be up here somewhere. Look there.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

That post shot.

[Countess Yvette]

A shadow moved.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Where is the vet?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

You come out from behind that post. Now we know where you are. I have a gun.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I can't see a thing.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Keep on the way. There's something hiding right over there.

[Countess Yvette]

It must again.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Stop or I'll shoot.

[Countess Yvette]

No, I didn't do it.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Kindly raise your hand.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

No, no. You must believe me. Francois the gardener. Look out for the open window behind you. Franzois. Poor devil.

[Countess Yvette]

But why would he? What reason?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

What do you think, Inspector?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Nothing further can be done here. We'll take care of the body in the morning. I suggest we retire to our rooms and try to get some rest.

[Countess Yvette]

So relieved it's finally over, aren't you, Jacques?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I wouldn't fail to go to my door.

[Countess Yvette]

Why?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Because, my dear, you are wrong. The real killer is still at large.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Master.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Master, you awake?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

What time is it?

[Countess Yvette]

Who? Sounds like Monte calling us to breakfast.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Coming, Monte.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Hold on. Be right there. Good morning, master. Have bad news, huh?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

How's that servants hear about Marie and Francois last night.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

All leaving.

[Countess Yvette]

Why? They can't leave us here all alone.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Way out here they say Kherson Castle everyone die.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

They not stay.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Morton are like voodoo drums either.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Where is the inspector?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

He having breakfast downstairs.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Tell him we'll be right down. Yes, master.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

But hurry.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Inspector. Plan open house in garden.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Ah, the last breakfast the cook made before she left. May I share it with you?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I'll have only coffee, please. And you, Yvette?

[Countess Yvette]

Yes, just coffee.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Monto says you plan to open the house in the garden. Indeed.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

It is about time. Or do you both want to die in your sleep?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

And you believe there is someone in the castle causing this?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Not necessarily.

[Countess Yvette]

How did you know it wasn't Francois?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

The kid who we were following had already passed the tower room when we found the dead maid. He couldn't have come back without being seen. Francois found Marie before we did. Afraid we would mistake him for the murderer, he, like a coward, ran up the tower. He accidentally fell out the window.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Master, servants now gone.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Only we left.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

All right, Montau. Inspector, I have a plan. Give me one more night.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

One more night. Monsieur may find all of us dead in our beds. There is a madman loose. I cannot risk it.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Montour can guard Yvette in the castle tonight. You and I will take up watch by the house in the garden. What do you say?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I think we should leave this place immediately.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Yvette, how about it? One more night.

[Countess Yvette]

Oh, I'm frightened. But if Montau will promise not to leave me.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Montau guard Countess with life. There we are. Now, how about it?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Well, it seems I am outvoted. Very well then, one more night. However, I cannot guarantee you will be alive in the morning. The storm has passed. But the night is disagreeable, no?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Yes. Turn up the lantern, please, Inspector. It's very dark.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

There, that is better.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Now.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

This is the house in the garden, no?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Right. Made of stone, about 30ft square. No windows.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

So you mentioned. Very quiet in there. Like a tomb, eh?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

In a way. Here's the stone door. I have the only key. Without it we'd have to blast to get in. Hasn't been open since we locked him up. Uh huh.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

And that opening near the door?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

That's where his food trays are lowered. Six inches by 24. Just a slip.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

A foreboding prison. If it is still a prison, I strongly advise you to open it up for your own safety.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

He couldn't have escaped.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Who beat the drums? They came from the castle, not here in the garden.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

What do you think you wouldn't accept my explanation.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

My dear Count, please do not expect me to believe in witchcraft. Our voodoo. This is 1910, the 20th century.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Then we'll hear the drums no more. The Duke is there. And only Yvette and Monteux remain in the castle, Right?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Exactly. There is no one else left to beat them.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

If you have assumed correctly, I suppose we are reasonably safe.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Perhaps we are.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

What's that?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

The drums from the castle. Yvette, quickly. We may be too late to save her. Stop. Cellar door.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Drums came from the cellar?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I think so. I will go first with the lantern.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

There's nothing down here except rows of wine casks.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

We will be at the bottom in a momo.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

You see anything?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Only wine casks. Listen. What is dripping? Wine?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Hardly. Come on.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Dripping is growing louder. Perhaps around this corner.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Something on the floor there.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

What? Wait. Monto.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Is he dead?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

No. A blow on the head. Monto, quickly. Where is the Countess? I protect.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Countess.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Someone hit me with plum. I dragged you into the cellar. But where is the Countess?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Inspector, the dripping. It's blood.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Indeed.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Overhead. Something lying on that wine cask. Raise the lantern. It's a woman. The Countess. She is alive.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Her face is turning toward. Good Lord. What happened to her face? Yvette. No, they didn't. Oh God. They didn't do this to her.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I won't believe she is dead.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

My friend. This will not help her.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I know who did it. He couldn't stand my happiness. The Duke? Yes, the Duke killed him.

[Countess Yvette]

Out.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Let's go. I'll get the cleaning. Yes.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I advise you to calm yourself. Where are you going?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

To the uk. We'll do what he wants. At last.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

We'll open the house in the Cardinal.

[Countess Yvette]

Sar.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Most unusual. This door has been locked for years. He could not escape. Monsieur, I am completely baffled. I confess I do not know who has harmed you.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Wanteau help me with this key? Yes, master. It turned other way. Oh, all right. Turned. Turn there. Inspector, give us a hand.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Eh, Monsieur.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Door swings out. Here we go. Now. Pull.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Let me go first. I am armed. Bring the lantern. Montau.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Yes, Inspector. What do you see? Is he there?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I do not see him as yet. Shine the lantern on our Monteux.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Well?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

He is not here. He has escaped.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Why?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I believe I understand everything. At last. Count de Marigny.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Quickly. Where is he?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Inspector, give me time to think. He could only have escaped with the help of one person. The man who brought his food. You accused me?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Yes. No.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Monteux used your key to open the door. The Duke escaped and planned the voodoo drum deaths with the help of Montau. Who did the actual killing?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

No, Mantou. But why?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

The Duke promised you a part of your fortune. They hope to frighten you into opening the house early in order to collect your entire estate. And they have succeeded. Monsieur, you lose everything.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

The Duke broke his agreement first by escaping.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

Only after I learned Yvette had not waited for marriage. Has agreed now. Have you not opened the door and found me here?

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

You, the Duke de Bastin?

[Inspector Bordeaux]

My dear, have I changed so much in 10 years? You promised you not tell Beard.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

I see.

[Inspector Bordeaux]

I intercepted your summons for the police and masqueraded as Inspector Bordeaux. Then I persuaded you to open the house in the garden where you found the Duke had gone. Inspector, the door for closing will be trapped to die. No, Count. Don't close the door. We can't get out. We'll die. No. Don't do it. Count.

[Count Jacques de Marigny]

Sa.

[Narrator]

You have just heard Macabre, a special Far East Network presentation. In our cast were John Buey as Inspector Bordeaux, Walt Sheldon as the Duke de Bastelle, Shirley Ashy as Countess Yvette, William Verdier as Count Jacques du Marinier and Airman First Class James Conley as Montauke. Technical supervision by Airman First Class Larry Clemens. Special sound patterns by Air Force Sergeants Bob Eddy and Newell Stewart. This is Air Force Sergeant Al LePage speaking. Macabre was written and directed by William Verdier. Macabre comes to you each week at this time through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Podcast Host]

That's the Horror for this week. You can find more from Macabre, the Horror and all of the Relic Radio podcasts at the website relicradio.com got thousands of podcasts, cast episodes available to listen to there, and a shoutcast stream with even more Old Time Radio. All available for free thanks to your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the support links. Your donation of any amount is always helpful and appreciated. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this Saturday. I'll be back tomorrow with Strange Tales and next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.