In this thrilling episode, we delve into a suspenseful tale involving a seemingly simple assignment that quickly spirals into a web of intrigue and danger. Our protagonist is tasked with delivering a hangman's rope to Paris, only to find himself embroiled in a sinister plot involving a mysterious woman, a pugilist, and a suitcase with a secret. As the story unfolds, we are taken on a journey through the underbelly of Paris, where nothing is as it seems, and every character harbors a hidden agenda.
With the help of his resourceful assistant, our hero navigates through a series of perilous encounters, ultimately uncovering a smuggling operation that uses the guise of official business to transport illicit goods. The episode is a gripping narrative of deception, courage, and the relentless pursuit of truth, culminating in a dramatic revelation that ties all the loose ends together. Join us as we explore the depths of human cunning and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets.
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[00:00:01]
Unknown:
From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo, every bite is rewarding and pulse worthy with MX Gold's four times membership rewards points at restaurants worldwide. Wherever you dine, points are piling up. So bring your friends along for your next course because it's not all about the posts. It's about the company and the memories. How can gold from Amex sweeten your next food moment? Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-gold. Terms and points cap apply.
[00:00:35] Unknown:
Under secretary's office, good morning. Give me Michael James, miss. Confidential. Who am I speaking, please? Charles Lane works. You're going through, sir.
[00:00:46] Unknown:
Mister Charles Lane to speak to, sir. Thank you. Hello, Charles? Hello, Michael. Sorry to warn you, but there's a minor snag in the parish strip for Bernard Higgins. Bernard, the assistant public hangman? Yes. You know, he's been detailed to,
[00:01:00] Unknown:
perform his duties in France on the Avenue Fock murder. Yes. That's right. One of our soldiers was found guilty.
[00:01:06] Unknown:
What about it? Higgins has left by air, but he's also left instructions that his rope is to be sent over by special messenger.
[00:01:13] Unknown:
The hangman's rope? Afraid so. Who shall I send? One of your men? Well, I I can't spare anybody, Charles. Tell you what, there's a firm just off Piccadilly who specialize in odd sort of jobs. Give them a ring on Grosvenor 5 Double 95.
[00:01:26] Unknown:
Double 9 5. Got that. What's your address? Just a minute.
[00:01:30] Unknown:
Assignments unlimited. 33 Half Moon Street.
[00:01:50] Unknown:
When Charles Lane outlined the job he had for us, it seemed so simple and straightforward that I thought it hardly worth the attentions of a special operator. A British soldier had been convicted of murder in France and must be executed there under British law. The assistant hangman, Bernard Higgins, had been detailed for the task and had left by air for Orly Airport in Paris. But for some reason, he left his rope behind with instructions that it was to follow him. There was apparently some urgency, and the rope was to be dispatched immediately by special messenger. A macabre assignment, perhaps, but a simple one.
Lane handed me a closed suitcase and a return ticket to Paris, And since the weather was fine, I decided to enjoy a few hours in Paris myself. Leaving details of my whereabouts with miss Fairweather, I left with a suitcase for London Airport, boarded the Paris plane, and half an hour later touched down on French soil.
[00:02:51] Unknown:
Bonjour, monsieur.
[00:02:53] Unknown:
You will be staying long in Paris, monsieur. Oh, just three hours. I'm catching the afternoon plane back again. Do you have a reservation? Yes. Here it is. Thank you, monsieur.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
Where would you like to sit on the return journey? Upfront? Well, that'll be fine.
[00:03:09] Unknown:
Your luggage, monsieur? Oh, the suitcase? Well, not exactly. I'm to deliver it. May I see? Of course. Oh, these, these papers go with it. Merci.
[00:03:21] Unknown:
The British Ministry of Works, I see. Just a moment, monsieur. I think there has a message for you. And, It was left by a gentleman an hour ago.
[00:03:37] Unknown:
There. Thank you. Oh, it's oh, yes. It's just to change the address to where I am to deliver the suitcase. Hop here.
[00:03:46] Unknown:
Is there anything you have to declare, monsieur? No. Nothing at all. The suitcase. May I look inside? Of course. It is quite heavy. What do you carry here from the Ministry of Works? It's a hangman's robe.
[00:04:01] Unknown:
Pateron, missus. The soldier who's to be hanged tomorrow. The hangman is here already, and the suitcase contains his robe. Well, don't you want to look inside? That will not be necessary, monsieur. Thank you. That is our this note from the hangman.
[00:04:16] Unknown:
Oh, it was the young man who left the note. Yes.
[00:04:19] Unknown:
The pabler. Well, is something wrong? No. No. No. Well, it says I am to go to 16 Riviables.
[00:04:25] Unknown:
Do you know where that is by any chance? I am sure that the taxi driver will be here. Manuel? Take this gentleman to 16. Yes, senor. Many of our taxis are determined these days by Spanish immigrants, monsieur, but Emmanuel knows Pappeis intimately. Good day, monsieur.
[00:05:02] Unknown:
The
[00:05:05] Unknown:
Capitano seemed in a hurry to take his leave of you, signor. Yes, he did rather. You speak English very well. In Paris, the language is as necessary as French, signor. The capitano did say Rue F Y Ave. Yes. Well, why do you ask? It's a quarter of Paris that has a a bad reputation, signor. But no doubt you have a good reason for going there. I have? Must I wait for you, signor? No. That won't be necessary. Thank you. You are to meet someone there, signor? Now look, Manuel,
[00:05:34] Unknown:
I suppose you drive me to where I want to go and attempt to ask so many questions. Ah, now I understand.
[00:05:39] Unknown:
What you understand? An English gentleman is put into my taxi by the Capitano of Customs, and I must drive to Rufia. The Capitano gives me much work, senor. Manuel will ask no more questions. No questions at all?
[00:06:10] Unknown:
There you are. Keep the change. Gracias, senor,
[00:06:14] Unknown:
and good luck, senor.
[00:06:18] Unknown:
Sixteen. Well, he was certainly right about the area. Unsavory is a mild word. I wonder why Higgins wanted the suitcase delivered here. Well, there was one way to find out. Yeah, that's odd. I'm not Hello? Hello? Anyone at home? Hello? There's no one here. Oh, there's a note on the tin. Please leave suitcase on table. Thank you, Higgins. There's something fishy about this. I don't know what your gain is, mister Higgins, but I'm not leaving the suitcase here. Where are you going to, mate? Where? Oh. Where did you come from? The kitchen. You brought Higgins's robe? Yes. It's in this suitcase. Why don't you leave it on the table like he asked in the note? Who are you, may I ask? A friend?
[00:07:20] Unknown:
You should have told the taxi to wait. You'll have to walk halfway back to the river to get another one.
[00:07:25] Unknown:
Well, go on. Put the case on the table and scarf it. Okay. Let's get one thing straight, old chap. I'm not the least intention of leaving anything here until I meet again in person. My instructions are to leave the suitcase with him and no one else. Now do I make myself quite clear? I told you I was a friend, didn't I? Can you identify yourself? Are you trying to be funny, mate? Well, perhaps I was, unconsciously. Well, then if you're a friend of Mr Higgins, you can tell him that I've left his suitcase at the original address, the Hotel Cormelon. You can collect it there at the desk.
[00:07:53] Unknown:
Now, now just a minute, mate. Not so fast. I tried to be friendly with you, didn't I?
[00:07:58] Unknown:
Now, just give me the case like a good bloke and scamper. And if you know what's good for you, you'll keep your mouth shut, see. Are you threatening me, my fellow? Give me that case. Oh, I'll be put it down. What an unsavoury character. Like the area you live in. Well, I'll leave you at your sweet dreams and walk towards the river. Stay where you are. Or who the blazes are you?
[00:08:23] Unknown:
Let's say that I'm a woman with a purpose. Now put the suitcase on the table. I warn you. I'll use this gun on the least provocation.
[00:08:33] Unknown:
It seems to me that a lot of people are going to do a lot of trouble just to lay hands on a hangman's room. Perhaps. Just do as I say. Oh, who you try to fool? That gun you're waving at me isn't fitted with a silencer. If you fan it, you'll have half the neighbors about your ears followed by the gendarmerie.
[00:08:48] Unknown:
See that vase on the mantelpiece?
[00:08:53] Unknown:
Nice shot.
[00:08:54] Unknown:
Nice sound. It's as familiar here as Beatle music in a working class suburb. I'm not beginning to believe you. That's better. Now, what's your name? Mason. Aubrey Mason. Yours? It's not important.
[00:09:08] Unknown:
Are you from the Ministry? No. No. I run a private organisation. Assignments unlimited. I was employed to bring the suitcase here by the Ministry.
[00:09:17] Unknown:
I thought you looked a bit too intelligent for a Ministry man. You can handle yourself too. The tiger got quite a shock and he's an ex pudalist. No. No, don't turn around. I'm not quite sure what to do with you, Mr. Mason. You've upset our plans quite a bit. Now tiger. The rotten lousy Hold it. Once is enough. You could only get better of him when he wasn't looking. Why he took me by surprise, Nada. Didn't he? Pity a man like him has to come to an untimely end. He'd be worth 6 of you. But I have a feeling that Mr. Mason, whoever he might be, has far too many scruples. Alright. Tie him up and dump him in the corner.
The hatchet will be here at midnight and he can write Feeny to Mr. Mason.
[00:10:11] Unknown:
It's getting okay. I'm coming every time I try to take a bath. What do you want? Miss Buchanan, do you have to shout like that? Oh, it's you. Well, how do you know it's me? Look. What is this? A guessing game, miss Penny Fairweather of Assignments Unlimited. I know your voice anyway. I was taking a bath, and it's my night off. Well, there's no need to stand on your dignity. I'm not standing on my dignity. I'm standing on oh, never mind. I suppose the chief wants me. I'm afraid he might. You're afraid he might. Look. He either wants me or he doesn't. If you'll just let me explain, mister Gammons. Okay. Okay. What is it?
[00:10:46] Unknown:
Mister Mason left for Paris late this morning. He was supposed to take the afternoon plane back. He booked, but he hasn't returned.
[00:10:53] Unknown:
Well,
[00:10:54] Unknown:
maybe he got tied up. Do you know he always leaves a message?
[00:10:58] Unknown:
Did you, did you check with the airport? Of course. So what was he doing in Paris anyway? Delivering a hangman's rope.
[00:11:05] Unknown:
Well, it's one way of boosting the export draw. It was for mister Higgins, the executioner. I phoned him in Paris, and he hasn't received the rope, nor has he seen mister Mason. I got a little worried, so I've owned you.
[00:11:17] Unknown:
Okay. So I'll go to Paris in the morning, see if I can find him. Do you mind if I get back to my back? Couldn't you go tonight, mister Cannon? There's a Westbury freight plane. Leaves in half an hour. It would all be on the expense sheet. What am I supposed to do all night in Paris? Well, that, that wasn't a very intelligent remark, miss Fairweather. Okay. I'll go. Well, I've booked two seats.
[00:11:38] Unknown:
Two seats? Oh, I thought I'd come with you to give you the full brief. Oh, well, then that remark wasn't so unintelligent after all. What's that, mister Cannon? I never mind skipping. I'll pick you up in ten minutes, mister Cannon. Well, that should give you time to make yourself respectable.
[00:11:52] Unknown:
Well, my life became respectable when you booked that second seat. Okay, Penny Fairweather. But if you've got me off on a wild goose chase, you know what I'll do with that Haman's rope?
[00:12:03] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, you've just told me, mister Cannon. Skip it.
[00:12:15] Unknown:
My head was throbbing like a million devils gone mad. I felt sick, and my tongue was twice its size in my throat. After a while, I became conscious of my surroundings. The dingy room, the table, and the suitcase. The suitcase? Oh, yes. There it was on the table just as I'd left it. Fragments of the cheap vase littered the floor, and I remembered the girl with the gun and the loud she'd called Tiger. But I was alone, bound hand and foot. My eyes alighted on the suitcase again, and suddenly, I had an overwhelming compulsion to see what was inside. Then I saw the broken fragments of pottery again.
I rolled over and over towards the mantelpiece. Sitting up, I searched behind my back with my bound hands and with numb fingers caught a sharp fragment of the vase. My head swam again, and I lost my balance. The sharp edge on the broken pottery knifed into me, and I felt a warm trickle of blood oozing from a cut in my thigh. I tried again. This time, I wedged the piece of vase in between a crack in the fire grate. Then I began to saw the rope binding my hands slowly, slowly, with infinite patience. Slowly, slowly.
[00:13:37] Unknown:
Are you sure it's alright for us to come in here, mister Cannon? Look. The guy at the airport said this is where the captain goes to relax. We gotta talk to the captain, so we come here. Come to think of it, the captain hasn't got bad taste at that. Oh, no. No. I was, I was looking for a captain of customs all the airport they said he might be here. V, monsieur. Captain Jacques Leroy. That one, monsieur. Not the blonde. Lady friend, monsieur. Oh, I see. Yeah. No. Thanks. Thanks very much. Come on. Excuse me. Captain Leroy?
Yes? Well, my name's Canon. I'm looking for a man who should have boarded the afternoon plane back to London. He didn't make it, and I wondered if you might remember him. How could I remember him if he didn't arrive? Well, he, he came in on the late morning plane. You couldn't mistake him because his luggage was, well, let's say, out of the ordinary.
[00:14:34] Unknown:
Not the man with the.
[00:14:35] Unknown:
Yeah. That's right. Any idea where he went to?
[00:14:45] Unknown:
They come this way. My wife, you know. She would be upset if she knew the contents of that suitcase. Yeah. Well, it was only a quail of him broke. I know. I know. They always make it out of it stronger. Yes. Yes. I have a sniff. Missy, I put your friend in a taxi. There was a note left for him to go to Number 16, Rue Fialde. It is what you call a rough quarter of Paris. He was taken there by a Spanish taxi driver, Manuel. I do not know his our name. That is all I can tell you. Good night 16. Yes. That is correct, monsieur.
[00:15:20] Unknown:
Well?
[00:15:21] Unknown:
Well, now we know where he went. Let's grab a cab where Hutton was sent, which is more than I can say for the captain's wife. He seemed quite upset about the rope. And do you know why Penny Fairweather, his wife His wife? Yeah. She's giving him too much rub. I wonder why the guy that wouldn't wait for us, mister Kevin. Well, this looks like a crummy joint to me, Amy. I shouldn't have brought you along. You'd have no compunction about bringing Gail Hamilton. Well, that's different. Well, number 16. Here it is. It shall have been the doorbell. No. No. No. No. Not yet. There's something here that's, that's offbeat.
The chief came over here at the request of the Ministry of Works. That makes the journey official. Now why would they have something delivered to a flat house like this? The customs captain said mister Mason received a note asking him to change the exhibition. Well, that checks. You said this hangman fellow Higgins didn't get the rop the placenta. Well, that's what he told me on the phone. Mhmm. Okay. You stay close behind me. We're going in. What is it?
[00:16:47] Unknown:
Look under the door. Blood.
[00:16:51] Unknown:
Yeah. You're right. Oh. It's locked. Look, I'm gonna bust it in. Stand back. Is is that you, Kevin? The chief? Yeah. Yes. Me, chief. You alright? Yes.
[00:17:04] Unknown:
Listen. Don't break down the door. Have you got your skeleton keys? You bet. Well, use them. Okay. Mr Mason! Oh, it's it's all right, Miss Fairweather. May I ask why you brought her to a place like this, Cameron? It wasn't his fault, Mr. Mason. I wanted to come. We only played a hunts, chief. We didn't know. Lock the door again, will you, Cannon? We're lucky from the inside? Yes. Our birds will be back sometime, I think. I'd like them to find the door just as they left it. Okay. What happened anyway? Oh, I was held up at gunpoint by an attractive young lady and cashed by an ex pugilist. So far as I can gather, simply so that they could get their hands on a hangman's rope.
But after messing me up, they left the suitcase containing the rope behind. You mean the rope's still in there? Coiled, but fortunately not knotted.
[00:18:00] Unknown:
Well, it could be they're friends of the condemned man and just wanted to keep the rope from the hang. Oh, possibly.
[00:18:06] Unknown:
Would it be kind to delay the execution of a friend when he's doomed anyway? No evidence, maybe. Oh, there's machinery of law to take care of that contingency. Yeah. But this is France, Chief. Well, the man was tried by British justice. Hence, the hangman of not Madame Lieutine.
[00:18:20] Unknown:
How did you find me here? The captain of the airport said that you could
[00:18:25] Unknown:
I can hear someone coming. But move to the window, chief. I'll deal with whoever it is. Not on your life, Cameron. That's our heavy tread. It just might be an ex pugilist named Tiger. I have a small score to settle.
[00:18:46] Unknown:
Well, not bad. Not bad at all. You haven't lost the touch, chief. And, looking at him, I'd say that you've more than evened the score.
[00:18:57] Unknown:
I haven't, Cannon. That's not the tiger. I've never set eyes on this man before. We waited in that filthy hovel until dawn, but no one else came. The search of the heavily built stranger revealed an armpit holster that carried a small, shiny steel hatchet honed to razor sharpness. Well, the purpose of his visit was pretty obvious. He didn't recover consciousness. I must have hit him harder than I intended. But reflecting on the reason for his presence, I felt no regrets. At dawn, we delivered the rope to the hangman, aloof with his officialdom and surly at the delay. And two hours later, spruced and clean again, we were winging our way back to London.
[00:19:45] Unknown:
Well, chief, it's got me bamboozled. Nothing go over with the hatchet meant business. Now I won't go to all that trouble just to keep a public hangman from his hemp and rose. I can't fathom it either, unless they thought I was the hangman. You mean some nut working on, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth? Well, it's a remote possibility.
[00:20:05] Unknown:
You know, maybe that's why Higgins the hangman travels with no luggage. Charming thought. They might have warned me. Good heavens. What's the matter? Keep your newspaper in front of my face. Alright. She's gone past. Watch for her coming back. She mustn't see me.
[00:20:23] Unknown:
Oh, it was,
[00:20:24] Unknown:
it was some dame. Who is it? The young woman who held me up at gunpoint last night. Morkini. I was never more serious in my life. Well, shall I tell the pilot to radio her? No. No. Not yet. I'm absolutely sure it's the same woman, of course, but it's another thing to prove it. When we land, we'll check with the manifest and see who she is. Then I think it'll be time for the police.
[00:20:45] Unknown:
Will all passengers extinguish cigarettes and pass the seat belts, please? We're coming to land now at London Airport. Will all British and French nationals report through Exit B,
[00:20:57] Unknown:
other nationals through Exit Y? Alright. I'll use my own back at this time. I made a slit in it. While she's seated, it's her. No doubt about it. A girl like that, it's unbelievable.
[00:21:09] Unknown:
No be, chief, but that hatchet was awful new. You know I'm gonna turn that door. I just got a feeling that if we give her enough rope, she'll hang
[00:21:21] Unknown:
herself.
[00:21:30] Unknown:
Miss Hellwell, sir. The pleasant to list. Seat number 18. Mrs. Narda Lazar. Do you know anything about her? Oh, Mrs. Lazar. Well, she's reckoned to be the best dressed in England or France. Not surprising. An old man's supposed to have left her a fortune. She's always on the society page. Goes to the continents just about every week.
[00:21:48] Unknown:
Anything else you want to know, sir? No. You've been most kind. Yes, I'm here for your trouble. Thank you, sir. Come on, Canon. Well? Well. Well, is there a word to describe that? Sure. Screw him. Look, chief. I'm gonna tell that doll like I said. If you don't hear from me for three or four days, don't worry. You won't do anything illegal, Canon.
[00:22:09] Unknown:
Oh, chief. You know me better than that. Yes. I do. That's why I asked. Just leave it to me. I've got an idea about this hangman's rope deal. Could be. I'll use it to tie up the loose ends.
[00:22:21] Unknown:
I'd noticed that Canon had made a note of Nader Lazar's address and wondered what reception he'd received when he paid her a call. I wasn't kept wondering long. The morning newspaper headlines screened the news from every corner. Read all about it. Society woman missing. Mrs Lazar missing from London flat. Read all about it. Where was the mysterious Mrs Lazar? Only Cannon knew. But she was safe, well cared for and nurtured by the patient Cannon. In fact, he was the lady's only companion for three days. He did nothing, nothing at all. He didn't even talk to the lady. Yet at the end of three days, it wasn't just the headlines that were screaming.
[00:22:57] Unknown:
All right. Whoever you are, you win. You win, I tell you. What do you want? Money. I'll give you anything you like. Just name it. But, but let me free.
[00:23:09] Unknown:
I just wanna know why you send a hatchet man to carve up my chief. I also wanna know why you stole a hangman's rope and then threw it away.
[00:23:18] Unknown:
I'll tell you. I'll tell you anything you want to know. I bet you will.
[00:23:23] Unknown:
But, you know, I don't think you have to tell me a thing, Nada Lazar. I think I know it already.
[00:23:35] Unknown:
Cannon phoned the police, and the mystery was ended. Mrs. Nada Lazar was not left a wealthy woman on the demise of her husband. But she had grown accustomed to the sweet life and didn't take kindly to giving it up. Accepted as she was in social circles and known to be a constant traveler, she took to smuggling. Mrs Lazar was a resourceful woman. Narcotics were her speciality, and like most dope peddlers, she fell for her own wares. Addicted to drugs, she broke down under the three days' surveillance by Canon and told him everything. Canon had guessed right.
On my trip to the continent, the suitcase containing the hangman's rope also contained a fortune in Mariellana. She guessed that the customs official would never open the case to examine its grisly contents. Nothing is more unnerving than a hangman's hemp and rope. Marijuana, by the way, is also called Indian hemp, which gave the story its title, Hemp for the Hangman.
From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo, every bite is rewarding and pulse worthy with MX Gold's four times membership rewards points at restaurants worldwide. Wherever you dine, points are piling up. So bring your friends along for your next course because it's not all about the posts. It's about the company and the memories. How can gold from Amex sweeten your next food moment? Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-gold. Terms and points cap apply.
[00:00:35] Unknown:
Under secretary's office, good morning. Give me Michael James, miss. Confidential. Who am I speaking, please? Charles Lane works. You're going through, sir.
[00:00:46] Unknown:
Mister Charles Lane to speak to, sir. Thank you. Hello, Charles? Hello, Michael. Sorry to warn you, but there's a minor snag in the parish strip for Bernard Higgins. Bernard, the assistant public hangman? Yes. You know, he's been detailed to,
[00:01:00] Unknown:
perform his duties in France on the Avenue Fock murder. Yes. That's right. One of our soldiers was found guilty.
[00:01:06] Unknown:
What about it? Higgins has left by air, but he's also left instructions that his rope is to be sent over by special messenger.
[00:01:13] Unknown:
The hangman's rope? Afraid so. Who shall I send? One of your men? Well, I I can't spare anybody, Charles. Tell you what, there's a firm just off Piccadilly who specialize in odd sort of jobs. Give them a ring on Grosvenor 5 Double 95.
[00:01:26] Unknown:
Double 9 5. Got that. What's your address? Just a minute.
[00:01:30] Unknown:
Assignments unlimited. 33 Half Moon Street.
[00:01:50] Unknown:
When Charles Lane outlined the job he had for us, it seemed so simple and straightforward that I thought it hardly worth the attentions of a special operator. A British soldier had been convicted of murder in France and must be executed there under British law. The assistant hangman, Bernard Higgins, had been detailed for the task and had left by air for Orly Airport in Paris. But for some reason, he left his rope behind with instructions that it was to follow him. There was apparently some urgency, and the rope was to be dispatched immediately by special messenger. A macabre assignment, perhaps, but a simple one.
Lane handed me a closed suitcase and a return ticket to Paris, And since the weather was fine, I decided to enjoy a few hours in Paris myself. Leaving details of my whereabouts with miss Fairweather, I left with a suitcase for London Airport, boarded the Paris plane, and half an hour later touched down on French soil.
[00:02:51] Unknown:
Bonjour, monsieur.
[00:02:53] Unknown:
You will be staying long in Paris, monsieur. Oh, just three hours. I'm catching the afternoon plane back again. Do you have a reservation? Yes. Here it is. Thank you, monsieur.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
Where would you like to sit on the return journey? Upfront? Well, that'll be fine.
[00:03:09] Unknown:
Your luggage, monsieur? Oh, the suitcase? Well, not exactly. I'm to deliver it. May I see? Of course. Oh, these, these papers go with it. Merci.
[00:03:21] Unknown:
The British Ministry of Works, I see. Just a moment, monsieur. I think there has a message for you. And, It was left by a gentleman an hour ago.
[00:03:37] Unknown:
There. Thank you. Oh, it's oh, yes. It's just to change the address to where I am to deliver the suitcase. Hop here.
[00:03:46] Unknown:
Is there anything you have to declare, monsieur? No. Nothing at all. The suitcase. May I look inside? Of course. It is quite heavy. What do you carry here from the Ministry of Works? It's a hangman's robe.
[00:04:01] Unknown:
Pateron, missus. The soldier who's to be hanged tomorrow. The hangman is here already, and the suitcase contains his robe. Well, don't you want to look inside? That will not be necessary, monsieur. Thank you. That is our this note from the hangman.
[00:04:16] Unknown:
Oh, it was the young man who left the note. Yes.
[00:04:19] Unknown:
The pabler. Well, is something wrong? No. No. No. Well, it says I am to go to 16 Riviables.
[00:04:25] Unknown:
Do you know where that is by any chance? I am sure that the taxi driver will be here. Manuel? Take this gentleman to 16. Yes, senor. Many of our taxis are determined these days by Spanish immigrants, monsieur, but Emmanuel knows Pappeis intimately. Good day, monsieur.
[00:05:02] Unknown:
The
[00:05:05] Unknown:
Capitano seemed in a hurry to take his leave of you, signor. Yes, he did rather. You speak English very well. In Paris, the language is as necessary as French, signor. The capitano did say Rue F Y Ave. Yes. Well, why do you ask? It's a quarter of Paris that has a a bad reputation, signor. But no doubt you have a good reason for going there. I have? Must I wait for you, signor? No. That won't be necessary. Thank you. You are to meet someone there, signor? Now look, Manuel,
[00:05:34] Unknown:
I suppose you drive me to where I want to go and attempt to ask so many questions. Ah, now I understand.
[00:05:39] Unknown:
What you understand? An English gentleman is put into my taxi by the Capitano of Customs, and I must drive to Rufia. The Capitano gives me much work, senor. Manuel will ask no more questions. No questions at all?
[00:06:10] Unknown:
There you are. Keep the change. Gracias, senor,
[00:06:14] Unknown:
and good luck, senor.
[00:06:18] Unknown:
Sixteen. Well, he was certainly right about the area. Unsavory is a mild word. I wonder why Higgins wanted the suitcase delivered here. Well, there was one way to find out. Yeah, that's odd. I'm not Hello? Hello? Anyone at home? Hello? There's no one here. Oh, there's a note on the tin. Please leave suitcase on table. Thank you, Higgins. There's something fishy about this. I don't know what your gain is, mister Higgins, but I'm not leaving the suitcase here. Where are you going to, mate? Where? Oh. Where did you come from? The kitchen. You brought Higgins's robe? Yes. It's in this suitcase. Why don't you leave it on the table like he asked in the note? Who are you, may I ask? A friend?
[00:07:20] Unknown:
You should have told the taxi to wait. You'll have to walk halfway back to the river to get another one.
[00:07:25] Unknown:
Well, go on. Put the case on the table and scarf it. Okay. Let's get one thing straight, old chap. I'm not the least intention of leaving anything here until I meet again in person. My instructions are to leave the suitcase with him and no one else. Now do I make myself quite clear? I told you I was a friend, didn't I? Can you identify yourself? Are you trying to be funny, mate? Well, perhaps I was, unconsciously. Well, then if you're a friend of Mr Higgins, you can tell him that I've left his suitcase at the original address, the Hotel Cormelon. You can collect it there at the desk.
[00:07:53] Unknown:
Now, now just a minute, mate. Not so fast. I tried to be friendly with you, didn't I?
[00:07:58] Unknown:
Now, just give me the case like a good bloke and scamper. And if you know what's good for you, you'll keep your mouth shut, see. Are you threatening me, my fellow? Give me that case. Oh, I'll be put it down. What an unsavoury character. Like the area you live in. Well, I'll leave you at your sweet dreams and walk towards the river. Stay where you are. Or who the blazes are you?
[00:08:23] Unknown:
Let's say that I'm a woman with a purpose. Now put the suitcase on the table. I warn you. I'll use this gun on the least provocation.
[00:08:33] Unknown:
It seems to me that a lot of people are going to do a lot of trouble just to lay hands on a hangman's room. Perhaps. Just do as I say. Oh, who you try to fool? That gun you're waving at me isn't fitted with a silencer. If you fan it, you'll have half the neighbors about your ears followed by the gendarmerie.
[00:08:48] Unknown:
See that vase on the mantelpiece?
[00:08:53] Unknown:
Nice shot.
[00:08:54] Unknown:
Nice sound. It's as familiar here as Beatle music in a working class suburb. I'm not beginning to believe you. That's better. Now, what's your name? Mason. Aubrey Mason. Yours? It's not important.
[00:09:08] Unknown:
Are you from the Ministry? No. No. I run a private organisation. Assignments unlimited. I was employed to bring the suitcase here by the Ministry.
[00:09:17] Unknown:
I thought you looked a bit too intelligent for a Ministry man. You can handle yourself too. The tiger got quite a shock and he's an ex pudalist. No. No, don't turn around. I'm not quite sure what to do with you, Mr. Mason. You've upset our plans quite a bit. Now tiger. The rotten lousy Hold it. Once is enough. You could only get better of him when he wasn't looking. Why he took me by surprise, Nada. Didn't he? Pity a man like him has to come to an untimely end. He'd be worth 6 of you. But I have a feeling that Mr. Mason, whoever he might be, has far too many scruples. Alright. Tie him up and dump him in the corner.
The hatchet will be here at midnight and he can write Feeny to Mr. Mason.
[00:10:11] Unknown:
It's getting okay. I'm coming every time I try to take a bath. What do you want? Miss Buchanan, do you have to shout like that? Oh, it's you. Well, how do you know it's me? Look. What is this? A guessing game, miss Penny Fairweather of Assignments Unlimited. I know your voice anyway. I was taking a bath, and it's my night off. Well, there's no need to stand on your dignity. I'm not standing on my dignity. I'm standing on oh, never mind. I suppose the chief wants me. I'm afraid he might. You're afraid he might. Look. He either wants me or he doesn't. If you'll just let me explain, mister Gammons. Okay. Okay. What is it?
[00:10:46] Unknown:
Mister Mason left for Paris late this morning. He was supposed to take the afternoon plane back. He booked, but he hasn't returned.
[00:10:53] Unknown:
Well,
[00:10:54] Unknown:
maybe he got tied up. Do you know he always leaves a message?
[00:10:58] Unknown:
Did you, did you check with the airport? Of course. So what was he doing in Paris anyway? Delivering a hangman's rope.
[00:11:05] Unknown:
Well, it's one way of boosting the export draw. It was for mister Higgins, the executioner. I phoned him in Paris, and he hasn't received the rope, nor has he seen mister Mason. I got a little worried, so I've owned you.
[00:11:17] Unknown:
Okay. So I'll go to Paris in the morning, see if I can find him. Do you mind if I get back to my back? Couldn't you go tonight, mister Cannon? There's a Westbury freight plane. Leaves in half an hour. It would all be on the expense sheet. What am I supposed to do all night in Paris? Well, that, that wasn't a very intelligent remark, miss Fairweather. Okay. I'll go. Well, I've booked two seats.
[00:11:38] Unknown:
Two seats? Oh, I thought I'd come with you to give you the full brief. Oh, well, then that remark wasn't so unintelligent after all. What's that, mister Cannon? I never mind skipping. I'll pick you up in ten minutes, mister Cannon. Well, that should give you time to make yourself respectable.
[00:11:52] Unknown:
Well, my life became respectable when you booked that second seat. Okay, Penny Fairweather. But if you've got me off on a wild goose chase, you know what I'll do with that Haman's rope?
[00:12:03] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, you've just told me, mister Cannon. Skip it.
[00:12:15] Unknown:
My head was throbbing like a million devils gone mad. I felt sick, and my tongue was twice its size in my throat. After a while, I became conscious of my surroundings. The dingy room, the table, and the suitcase. The suitcase? Oh, yes. There it was on the table just as I'd left it. Fragments of the cheap vase littered the floor, and I remembered the girl with the gun and the loud she'd called Tiger. But I was alone, bound hand and foot. My eyes alighted on the suitcase again, and suddenly, I had an overwhelming compulsion to see what was inside. Then I saw the broken fragments of pottery again.
I rolled over and over towards the mantelpiece. Sitting up, I searched behind my back with my bound hands and with numb fingers caught a sharp fragment of the vase. My head swam again, and I lost my balance. The sharp edge on the broken pottery knifed into me, and I felt a warm trickle of blood oozing from a cut in my thigh. I tried again. This time, I wedged the piece of vase in between a crack in the fire grate. Then I began to saw the rope binding my hands slowly, slowly, with infinite patience. Slowly, slowly.
[00:13:37] Unknown:
Are you sure it's alright for us to come in here, mister Cannon? Look. The guy at the airport said this is where the captain goes to relax. We gotta talk to the captain, so we come here. Come to think of it, the captain hasn't got bad taste at that. Oh, no. No. I was, I was looking for a captain of customs all the airport they said he might be here. V, monsieur. Captain Jacques Leroy. That one, monsieur. Not the blonde. Lady friend, monsieur. Oh, I see. Yeah. No. Thanks. Thanks very much. Come on. Excuse me. Captain Leroy?
Yes? Well, my name's Canon. I'm looking for a man who should have boarded the afternoon plane back to London. He didn't make it, and I wondered if you might remember him. How could I remember him if he didn't arrive? Well, he, he came in on the late morning plane. You couldn't mistake him because his luggage was, well, let's say, out of the ordinary.
[00:14:34] Unknown:
Not the man with the.
[00:14:35] Unknown:
Yeah. That's right. Any idea where he went to?
[00:14:45] Unknown:
They come this way. My wife, you know. She would be upset if she knew the contents of that suitcase. Yeah. Well, it was only a quail of him broke. I know. I know. They always make it out of it stronger. Yes. Yes. I have a sniff. Missy, I put your friend in a taxi. There was a note left for him to go to Number 16, Rue Fialde. It is what you call a rough quarter of Paris. He was taken there by a Spanish taxi driver, Manuel. I do not know his our name. That is all I can tell you. Good night 16. Yes. That is correct, monsieur.
[00:15:20] Unknown:
Well?
[00:15:21] Unknown:
Well, now we know where he went. Let's grab a cab where Hutton was sent, which is more than I can say for the captain's wife. He seemed quite upset about the rope. And do you know why Penny Fairweather, his wife His wife? Yeah. She's giving him too much rub. I wonder why the guy that wouldn't wait for us, mister Kevin. Well, this looks like a crummy joint to me, Amy. I shouldn't have brought you along. You'd have no compunction about bringing Gail Hamilton. Well, that's different. Well, number 16. Here it is. It shall have been the doorbell. No. No. No. No. Not yet. There's something here that's, that's offbeat.
The chief came over here at the request of the Ministry of Works. That makes the journey official. Now why would they have something delivered to a flat house like this? The customs captain said mister Mason received a note asking him to change the exhibition. Well, that checks. You said this hangman fellow Higgins didn't get the rop the placenta. Well, that's what he told me on the phone. Mhmm. Okay. You stay close behind me. We're going in. What is it?
[00:16:47] Unknown:
Look under the door. Blood.
[00:16:51] Unknown:
Yeah. You're right. Oh. It's locked. Look, I'm gonna bust it in. Stand back. Is is that you, Kevin? The chief? Yeah. Yes. Me, chief. You alright? Yes.
[00:17:04] Unknown:
Listen. Don't break down the door. Have you got your skeleton keys? You bet. Well, use them. Okay. Mr Mason! Oh, it's it's all right, Miss Fairweather. May I ask why you brought her to a place like this, Cameron? It wasn't his fault, Mr. Mason. I wanted to come. We only played a hunts, chief. We didn't know. Lock the door again, will you, Cannon? We're lucky from the inside? Yes. Our birds will be back sometime, I think. I'd like them to find the door just as they left it. Okay. What happened anyway? Oh, I was held up at gunpoint by an attractive young lady and cashed by an ex pugilist. So far as I can gather, simply so that they could get their hands on a hangman's rope.
But after messing me up, they left the suitcase containing the rope behind. You mean the rope's still in there? Coiled, but fortunately not knotted.
[00:18:00] Unknown:
Well, it could be they're friends of the condemned man and just wanted to keep the rope from the hang. Oh, possibly.
[00:18:06] Unknown:
Would it be kind to delay the execution of a friend when he's doomed anyway? No evidence, maybe. Oh, there's machinery of law to take care of that contingency. Yeah. But this is France, Chief. Well, the man was tried by British justice. Hence, the hangman of not Madame Lieutine.
[00:18:20] Unknown:
How did you find me here? The captain of the airport said that you could
[00:18:25] Unknown:
I can hear someone coming. But move to the window, chief. I'll deal with whoever it is. Not on your life, Cameron. That's our heavy tread. It just might be an ex pugilist named Tiger. I have a small score to settle.
[00:18:46] Unknown:
Well, not bad. Not bad at all. You haven't lost the touch, chief. And, looking at him, I'd say that you've more than evened the score.
[00:18:57] Unknown:
I haven't, Cannon. That's not the tiger. I've never set eyes on this man before. We waited in that filthy hovel until dawn, but no one else came. The search of the heavily built stranger revealed an armpit holster that carried a small, shiny steel hatchet honed to razor sharpness. Well, the purpose of his visit was pretty obvious. He didn't recover consciousness. I must have hit him harder than I intended. But reflecting on the reason for his presence, I felt no regrets. At dawn, we delivered the rope to the hangman, aloof with his officialdom and surly at the delay. And two hours later, spruced and clean again, we were winging our way back to London.
[00:19:45] Unknown:
Well, chief, it's got me bamboozled. Nothing go over with the hatchet meant business. Now I won't go to all that trouble just to keep a public hangman from his hemp and rose. I can't fathom it either, unless they thought I was the hangman. You mean some nut working on, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth? Well, it's a remote possibility.
[00:20:05] Unknown:
You know, maybe that's why Higgins the hangman travels with no luggage. Charming thought. They might have warned me. Good heavens. What's the matter? Keep your newspaper in front of my face. Alright. She's gone past. Watch for her coming back. She mustn't see me.
[00:20:23] Unknown:
Oh, it was,
[00:20:24] Unknown:
it was some dame. Who is it? The young woman who held me up at gunpoint last night. Morkini. I was never more serious in my life. Well, shall I tell the pilot to radio her? No. No. Not yet. I'm absolutely sure it's the same woman, of course, but it's another thing to prove it. When we land, we'll check with the manifest and see who she is. Then I think it'll be time for the police.
[00:20:45] Unknown:
Will all passengers extinguish cigarettes and pass the seat belts, please? We're coming to land now at London Airport. Will all British and French nationals report through Exit B,
[00:20:57] Unknown:
other nationals through Exit Y? Alright. I'll use my own back at this time. I made a slit in it. While she's seated, it's her. No doubt about it. A girl like that, it's unbelievable.
[00:21:09] Unknown:
No be, chief, but that hatchet was awful new. You know I'm gonna turn that door. I just got a feeling that if we give her enough rope, she'll hang
[00:21:21] Unknown:
herself.
[00:21:30] Unknown:
Miss Hellwell, sir. The pleasant to list. Seat number 18. Mrs. Narda Lazar. Do you know anything about her? Oh, Mrs. Lazar. Well, she's reckoned to be the best dressed in England or France. Not surprising. An old man's supposed to have left her a fortune. She's always on the society page. Goes to the continents just about every week.
[00:21:48] Unknown:
Anything else you want to know, sir? No. You've been most kind. Yes, I'm here for your trouble. Thank you, sir. Come on, Canon. Well? Well. Well, is there a word to describe that? Sure. Screw him. Look, chief. I'm gonna tell that doll like I said. If you don't hear from me for three or four days, don't worry. You won't do anything illegal, Canon.
[00:22:09] Unknown:
Oh, chief. You know me better than that. Yes. I do. That's why I asked. Just leave it to me. I've got an idea about this hangman's rope deal. Could be. I'll use it to tie up the loose ends.
[00:22:21] Unknown:
I'd noticed that Canon had made a note of Nader Lazar's address and wondered what reception he'd received when he paid her a call. I wasn't kept wondering long. The morning newspaper headlines screened the news from every corner. Read all about it. Society woman missing. Mrs Lazar missing from London flat. Read all about it. Where was the mysterious Mrs Lazar? Only Cannon knew. But she was safe, well cared for and nurtured by the patient Cannon. In fact, he was the lady's only companion for three days. He did nothing, nothing at all. He didn't even talk to the lady. Yet at the end of three days, it wasn't just the headlines that were screaming.
[00:22:57] Unknown:
All right. Whoever you are, you win. You win, I tell you. What do you want? Money. I'll give you anything you like. Just name it. But, but let me free.
[00:23:09] Unknown:
I just wanna know why you send a hatchet man to carve up my chief. I also wanna know why you stole a hangman's rope and then threw it away.
[00:23:18] Unknown:
I'll tell you. I'll tell you anything you want to know. I bet you will.
[00:23:23] Unknown:
But, you know, I don't think you have to tell me a thing, Nada Lazar. I think I know it already.
[00:23:35] Unknown:
Cannon phoned the police, and the mystery was ended. Mrs. Nada Lazar was not left a wealthy woman on the demise of her husband. But she had grown accustomed to the sweet life and didn't take kindly to giving it up. Accepted as she was in social circles and known to be a constant traveler, she took to smuggling. Mrs Lazar was a resourceful woman. Narcotics were her speciality, and like most dope peddlers, she fell for her own wares. Addicted to drugs, she broke down under the three days' surveillance by Canon and told him everything. Canon had guessed right.
On my trip to the continent, the suitcase containing the hangman's rope also contained a fortune in Mariellana. She guessed that the customs official would never open the case to examine its grisly contents. Nothing is more unnerving than a hangman's hemp and rope. Marijuana, by the way, is also called Indian hemp, which gave the story its title, Hemp for the Hangman.
