In this thrilling episode, we delve into a mysterious tale involving Teresa Mandon and her mother, who are entangled in a web of deceit and danger. Teresa seeks the help of Assignments Unlimited to find a companion for a balloon trip, but her story raises suspicions. Mr. Mason, the head of Assignments Unlimited, assigns Marmaduke Bray, affectionately known as Marmee, to accompany Teresa. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Teresa's intentions are not as innocent as they seem, and a missing man from Bishop Stortford adds to the intrigue.
As Marmee and Teresa embark on their balloon journey, the plot thickens with revelations of espionage and murder. Teresa's connection to a Russian spy and a dead body hidden in a sack of ballast create a tense atmosphere. With the help of Inspector Bottomley, Marmee uncovers the truth behind the mysterious disappearance and the real purpose of the balloon trip. This episode is a captivating blend of suspense, espionage, and unexpected twists that keep listeners on the edge of their seats.
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[00:00:13]
Unknown:
Get hot, old woman, if you know what's good for you. Teresa!
[00:00:25] Unknown:
Mommy? He's dead. Dead? It's no more than he deserved. He was a demented beast. Mummy Don't worry, dear. I know what you're thinking and I have a plan to get rid of the body. Mummy, you can't possibly not buy yourself. I'll get help. But where? In the village? No, not the village. London. You just leave it to me, Teresa. There's a company in the West End that will unwittingly come to my aid. Assignments Unlimited, they call themselves. And they have an office at 33 Half Moon Street.
[00:01:15] Unknown:
Killers kill twice. Therese London had a frank, open face, a friendly smile and an altogether engaging personality. It was a cheerful face, clanned by the sun and framed with a magnificent crop of corn colored hair that sparkled like a shampoo ad. I somehow knew that what she was telling me was untrue. I discovered that it must be by nature dishonest or an actor to be a competent liar. But, fabrication or not, she told her story well.
[00:01:50] Unknown:
All I want, mister Mason, is a man to escort me on a balloon trip.
[00:01:54] Unknown:
Oh, I thought they'd abandoned the idea of dirigibles.
[00:01:57] Unknown:
No.
[00:01:58] Unknown:
Not one of those things. An ordinary balloon. Well, I'm afraid, miss Mander. I'm I'm only acquainted with the party kind. But surely you've seen pictures of man balloons at least. Oh, you mean there's all the thing Phineas Fogg went around the world in eighty days. Yes. That's right. Do you mean to tell me people still say it in those things? Oh, rather. It's an international sport and terrific fun. You should try it yourself one day, mister Mason. Well, in the course of duty I'd do it, Miss Marlon. But, well, for sheer pleasure. No, thank you. I wouldn't feel at all safe in one of those things. Well, unfortunately, that's how most people feel.
[00:02:29] Unknown:
And, well, that's really the reason I've come to see you. My mother usually accompanies me on long trips but this time she's tied up. Mommy's a doctor of science, Mr. Mason, and she has an important meeting in Manchester tomorrow that she can't miss. So if you can produce a man who's not scared to come aloft with me I'll be most obliged. Oh, I'm sure we can find somebody, Miss Neddon. You just leave it to me.
[00:02:51] Unknown:
Oh, I'm surprised you can't find a young man in the village willing to chance his arm. His prize might be more than just an air trip.
[00:02:59] Unknown:
Well, I'm not interested in men, Mr. Mason. They're not interested in me.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
And you know best. I'll send a studious type along with you if that's all right. A man who'll be interested in the aerophysics of it only. That'll be perfect. Is he here now? Unfortunately not. I'll have to send for him. But he'll be ready for you within the hour. His name's Marmaduke Bray. We all call him Marmee for short. Oh. Where is your farm, miss Manning? Bishop Stortford. Do you know it? Oh, I know it well. On the Hertford Road. Yes.
[00:03:28] Unknown:
Well then, I'll come back in an hour. You, you won't let me down, will you? Our reputation is your guarantee, one might say. Oh, thank you. That's a load off my mind. Goodbye, Mr. Mason. Goodbye, Miss Mandon.
[00:03:45] Unknown:
Yes, mister Mason. Is mommy though? Well, he's not only here, mister Mason. He's been listening on the intercom to your interview with a client. Is that so? We'll send him in. I'm on my way, chief. Are you still listening in? It's a compulsion, chief. I'm a sort of twentieth century peeping Tom. I smell a mystery.
[00:04:10] Unknown:
And if you were to smell your salary at the end of the month, stay off my intercom. Check. Check. Now what are you doing? Er, Penny Fairweather wanted to hear what goes on. Oh, I give up. So what's the mystery?
[00:04:22] Unknown:
You said it would take an hour to get hold of me when all the time you knew I was in the Outer Office. I just don't believe her story, that's all. She wasn't a very convincing liar. And I couldn't see her face. What's it all about, you think? A companion on an aerial balloon trip. Well, you must admit it's the sort of offbeat job Assignments Unlimited tackles. Hermitief, if we don't know now, we'll soon find out. An hour's time, did you say? You heard her as well as I did? Oh, dear. You're still smiling over our eavesdropping. Put the coffee on, Penny. I've an hour to wait. Right away, Mr Bray. No. Don't don't don't don't get hot under the collar, chief.
[00:05:00] Unknown:
Excuse me, Mr Mason. Inspector Bottomley to see you. Bottomley?
[00:05:05] Unknown:
Oh, I'll send him in, will you, Penny? I won't keep the long or brown. You too. I don't know why we don't conduct our operations in the main street.
[00:05:14] Unknown:
Good morning, Inspector.
[00:05:15] Unknown:
How's the special branch? Not so special, Marmie, as usual. Hello, Timothy. Have a chair. Thanks, Aubrey. I'm robbing Scotland Yard here at this early hour. One of your clients. Oh? She's been under observation by men in my division. They phone in her movements every hour. And when I received a message that you'd come here, well, I thought I'd pop over and find out what she'd come here for. To raise a man then? Yes. Oh, well, that adds up. Just before you came in, I was saying to Marmee that her story didn't ring true. I wonder what she was up to. Her story is that she's about to take part in an aerial balloon race. She needs a companion. All her friends and acquaintances, being chickens, she came here.
I gave the job to Marmie. He'll be very interested to learn that it's a police case. No, no, don't run ahead of yourself, Aubrey. She's only under observation. Only? Well, it's surely extraordinary to be under observation by the Special Branch. Care to tell me what gives? You know I can't, Aubrey. But surely you've heard of a mother? Well, she said she was a doctor of science. Of course. Doctor Mander and the Hartwell Commission. I didn't connect the two. Don't tell me she's about to defect to the Ruskies. Not as far as we know.
[00:06:22] Unknown:
Doctor Mander is, to all intents and purposes, true blue British to the backbone. As a matter of fact, the immediate flap concerns a young man from the town of Bishop Storford. He's gone missing. Now, there may be no connection, of course, but the commissioner decided to keep all his acquaintances under observation.
[00:06:37] Unknown:
Well, who is this missing man of the VIP? I don't know, Aubrey. Which means you won't say. Well, what should we do? Call the whole day up? Good heavens no. Carry on as usual. But if the girl's story is phony Why should it be phony? Well, all that guff about a balloon race. Yeah. That's true at least. In fact, for all I know, her entire story may be true. It's probably completely innocent. Well, it's a relief to know that the race is genuine. And Marley can't come to much harm surrounded by competitors.
[00:07:05] Unknown:
They don't run aerial balloon races like that, Aubrey. Each person has a different goal to aim at. It's decided on time and distance in relation to the knot speed of prevailing winds.' 'Which sounds terribly complicated. Just the thing for Marmee, right up this street.' well, that's about it, Aubrey. Keep in touch, won't you? I mean, if anything, well, out of the ordinary should happen.
[00:07:25] Unknown:
I'll do that, Timothy.
[00:07:28] Unknown:
You're going already, Inspector? You know perfectly well I am since you've heard every word on the intercom. Goodbye, Aubrey. Bye. Well, what you make of it now? There's dirty work at the crossroads all night. An aerial race in a balloon.
[00:07:43] Unknown:
A missing spy. Spy? Oh, come off it, Marmee. I be no, he's anything but a nice respectable young man who's lived off to the South Of France for a long weekend with a blonde. Nice young men don't do that for a start.
[00:07:55] Unknown:
And I think the coincidence is too great for it to be a coincidence. I'm taking a walkie talkie with me. When I go up in that balloon I want you to trail me. Bottomly too if he likes. Trail you? What, in a helicopter? In a car. That's ridiculous. We'd never keep up with you. When Bismarck ordered the siege of Paris the incarcerated Frenchmen sent out all their mail via aerial balloons. The German cavalry would chase them for miles across country hoping that one might fall to earth.
[00:08:23] Unknown:
Now, if a man on horseback can keep up with a balloon, surely you can in a car.' a car doesn't go across country like a horse.' Then follow me on horseback. Well, I think I prefer British horse by Arnold Bonnet. It'll mean dodging around country lanes. I only hope Inspector Bottom is a good map reader. Mister Razor Bandon is back, sir. Oh. Oh, all right, Penny. I won't be a minute. Oh, and switch off the intercom, will you? Oh, yes, sir.
[00:08:48] Unknown:
Can you pick up the equipment you need before you go? Yes, of course. I've got a walkie talkie in my flat. I put new batteries in only a few days ago. If I'm going to Bishop Stortford with Mr Isa Mandon she'll have to take me first to my flat to pack. All right. And don't forget I have the telephone you at home to get you. And no mention of Inspector Bottom has visited. Do you think I'm mad? Okay, go on. Show her in.
[00:09:10] Unknown:
Show Miss Manderley now, will you, Penny? Yes, sir.
[00:09:14] Unknown:
It's your show now. Honey, leave it to me, chief.
[00:09:18] Unknown:
It's it's just there. All that you know, don't you? Oh, yes. Thank you very much. Great jump.
[00:09:24] Unknown:
Marmee, you talk to her. I want to look at something. Well, here I am, mister Mason, right on time. Yes, sir. Miss Mandan, mister Bray. Oh, how do you do? I'll leave you two together to get acquainted. There's a small matter that needs my attention if you'll excuse me.
[00:09:41] Unknown:
Mister Mason?
[00:09:43] Unknown:
Was that intercom on all the time, Penny?
[00:09:45] Unknown:
Intercom? Oh, yes. You did tell me to switch it off, didn't you? Well, it's switched off now, mister Mason. Listen to me. Was it switched on when miss Manard was here, when I was talking to Marmee?
[00:09:56] Unknown:
It looks like it, doesn't it? I'm certain I did turn it off just before I went over to the filing cabinet. And if someone had switched it back on, you wouldn't have taken any notice since you're used to listening into my private conversations anyway. But, chief,
[00:10:08] Unknown:
if I switched it off who could have switched it on again? Who indeed? Miss Brandon. But then she'll know all about Marmie's plans and the fact that you don't trust her. Oh, crumbs. Well, if she has got anything to do with that man who's disappeared it might be dangerous for Marmie. I mean, if they'd killed him, they might kill again.
[00:10:28] Unknown:
Killers do, don't they?' 'Yes, Penny. They do. Killers killed twice. Marmee found it hard to believe that Teresa Moundon could have anything to do with the disappearance of a man from Bishop Stauford. He found her company enchanting and had almost convinced himself that his assignment was nothing more than it appeared to be. He was interested in the details of the man, though, and pressed to raise her for details as she dravet expertly along Harford Road.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
The chief says that Bishop's Courtford is one of the prettiest villages in England. Is that right? No. Don't let the locals hear you say that. It's a town. Sorry. Have you lived there long? Yes. All my life. That's not very long.
[00:11:10] Unknown:
Mr. Mason said you were the studious type, not given to flattery. I am the studious type. In my spare time, I appreciate figures. Oh, cost accountant?
[00:11:19] Unknown:
No. Beauty queen judge. Tell me, is it true that there's a man gone missing from the town?
[00:11:27] Unknown:
Yes, quite true. Inspector Bottomley wouldn't lie, would he? Do you know Inspector Bottomley? I've heard of him. You may as well have all the information. The man was well known to my mother and me. His name was Grant Webster, and he could have been a scientist of some merit if he hadn't drunk so much. The trouble with Grant was that the moment he had a few drinks inside him he'd revert to the primitive and behaved like a beast. Who killed him then and why? Killed him? Who said he was dead? Your description of him just then. It was all in the past tense as though you knew he was dead. I always think of Grant Webster in the past tense. He was well, he was an ex fiancee of mine.
[00:12:08] Unknown:
Is an ex fiancee?
[00:12:10] Unknown:
If he's still alive. Grand made many enemies and few friends. He could never keep a friend. Or a beautiful fiancee. One thing about you, Marmie. When you're making words with a woman, you look like a wolf, the four legged kind.
[00:12:26] Unknown:
And I often behave like an ass. It must be my name. Bray.
[00:12:32] Unknown:
I like you, Marmie. I like you very much. The feeling is mutual. Still think I killed Grant Webster? If you did, I'm sure he deserved it. Then make sure you don't deserve it, Marmee. Tomorrow morning we'll be sailing over the countryside in a basket suspended from a balloon filled with helium gas. Just you and me, all alone. Have you ever been in a balloon before, Marmie? No.
[00:12:58] Unknown:
Never.
[00:12:59] Unknown:
Oh, dear. And I hope you're not accident prone. So many aerial balloonists have fatal accidents the first time up.
[00:13:18] Unknown:
See anything yet, Timothy?
[00:13:20] Unknown:
I've got the filled glasses on the barn but the balloon is behind it. She's gonna take off on time, she better get a move on and inflate the Wait a bit, wait a bit. Ah, yes, it's there. Here, have a look. You can see the balloon mushrooming out over the roof of the barn. Oh, thanks.
[00:13:35] Unknown:
See it? Yes.
[00:13:37] Unknown:
How do they keep a thing like that on the ground? I'm no expert old boy, but I believe they saw out an anchor, just like a ship. A bit primitive, isn't it? Sometimes it's not a bad thing to revert to the primitive. Excuse me. Well, who? Where did you come from? Oh, did I start with you? I'm sorry. I wondered if you could help me. I'm looking for the residence of professor Mandan. If you're settled for doctor Mandan, her farm is that one just over there with the red barn. The one the blue's just going up from. Thanks. Who's in the balloon? Do you know? I believe the correct term is in the basket. And it's Doctor. Mandan's daughter and, A friend. A male friend? Very much so. Oh, thank you very much. Now get on over there. I won't be in time to catch him but I can wait.
[00:14:17] Unknown:
Well, who do you suppose that could be? A man in a city suit on foot and in the middle of the country looking for the famous doctor Mandan and he thinks she's a professor.
[00:14:27] Unknown:
Must be a bailiff for I don't believe it. Any word from Marmie yet? No. Not a sound. Not a peep out of him.
[00:14:32] Unknown:
I suppose that walkie talkie is working. Oh, no doubt about it. He put new batteries in only a few days ago. Oh, there goes the blue now. Look, drifting east. There's quite a strong wind too. She's travelling first. I'm gonna sub up, Aubrey. We'll have to look slippery if we're gonna keep up with her. And then, I suppose Marmee isn't that thing, was her?
[00:14:59] Unknown:
Hello, Marmee. Hello, Marmee. Inspector Bottomley here. Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Over. Nothing.
[00:15:11] Unknown:
But he may be having difficulty in using it, being so close to the girl in that basket. I must admit it's not like Marley. He can easily find a way. In any case, why shouldn't he use a radio set during the trip? What possible objection could Theresa and Anne on her? If she's somehow connected with the disappearance of Grant Webster, she'll have every objection. Whatever her mission is, it's secret, and you can bet your boots you won't take kindly to Marmee Broadcasting. Oh, well, then let's go. The boon's heading for the coast, so all we can do is to follow and hope. Keep calling him on the radio, Jim. You'll never know. He might answer.
[00:15:55] Unknown:
Hello, chief. Hello, chief.
[00:15:58] Unknown:
Are you receiving me? Over. How do you like it, mommy? You're as free as the wind up here. Mommy?
[00:16:05] Unknown:
Oh, hey, it's great. Just great. We're going along in a great lick.
[00:16:10] Unknown:
We'll be over the coast in less than an hour. Hello, chief.
[00:16:15] Unknown:
Hello, chief. Can you hear me?
[00:16:17] Unknown:
Stop mumbling into that walkie talkie. It won't do you any good.
[00:16:21] Unknown:
What did you say?
[00:16:23] Unknown:
I said stop nattering at that walkie talkie. You're wasting your time. While you were asleep last night, I removed the batteries. You did what? You heard me. Check if you like. Now why would you take the batteries out of my radio set? Because I engaged you to accompany me on a private trip. I haven't the least intention of providing an interesting travelogue for mister Aubrey Mason and his friend Inspector Bottomley.
[00:16:50] Unknown:
You know about that?
[00:16:52] Unknown:
I took the intercom switch in the outer office. I heard most of your conversation with Mr Mason.
[00:16:57] Unknown:
Well, I'd be blown.
[00:16:59] Unknown:
You're quite a girl, aren't you? And don't get any funny ideas. Yes. It's a good gum, and I know how to use it. Would you mind telling me the real purpose of this trip? The Avowed One. Just a race. And I need you. At least I need your physical strength. I watched you sluicing down with a bucket at the well this morning. You're very strong, aren't you, Mr Bray? Acceptably so.
[00:17:31] Unknown:
Like I said, you're quite a girl. Oh, and you can put that toy away. It, it won't do you any good. Oh, this is no toy, Marmie.
[00:17:39] Unknown:
It's a real gun with real bullets. A real gun. Yes.
[00:17:44] Unknown:
But no bullets. I took them out when you weren't looking at breakfast this morning.
[00:17:54] Unknown:
I like you, Mr Bray.
[00:17:57] Unknown:
Now, what great physical feat must I perform to win your admiration?
[00:18:02] Unknown:
To win the race only. That big sack there contains the main ballast. We jettison that the moment we arrive over the fence, and that's right now. You you see a wide stretch of water or or bog like the fence down there? It creates a downdraft. And unless we carry ballast that we can suddenly throw overboard to give us a lift, well, we might wind up ourselves in that bog. Stand by. We're We're beginning to drop now. Quickly, Mommy. Grab that big bar of seconds, throw it overboard. Quick quick, Mommy. Now. Right.
[00:18:33] Unknown:
I I've got it.
[00:18:36] Unknown:
There.
[00:18:42] Unknown:
Perfect! A bull's eye right into the middle of the fence. Oh, I'm
[00:18:49] Unknown:
glad Mr Mason gave me you, Marmie. You're as strong as an ox. Oh, nothing to it. No, that sack didn't weigh more than the average man. Average man. Teresa, what was in that sack? Ballast. What sort of ballast? A dead body?
[00:19:05] Unknown:
What was in that sack, Teresa? If I said it was sand you wouldn't believe me. So why don't you go down there and find out? It's easy. The sack landed slapped in the middle of a swamp. 10 square miles of bog, mud, ooze and quicksand. Whatever the ballast was, Marmie, it's gone forever now.' Darling,
[00:19:45] Unknown:
it's 01:00 in the morning. I know. I too have ears. The time has come, the Walrus said. Good luck, mommy darling. Stay right there. Alright. Now this won't take more than five minutes.
[00:20:10] Unknown:
No. No.
[00:20:13] Unknown:
You're
[00:20:16] Unknown:
quite a guy, Mami.
[00:20:24] Unknown:
All right. The game's up. I'm a police officer. Marvy. Do come in, gentlemen. I'd like you to meet a disciple of Karl Marx. He has killing ways.
[00:20:37] Unknown:
This killer did kill twice. Unfortunately, the second time he's going to be his own victim.
[00:20:45] Unknown:
It wasn't merely a case of whodunit but whodunit to whom. Over a drink in the study to raise a man and explain.
[00:20:52] Unknown:
'Grant Webster was a spy in the pay of Russia but he decided to give it up when he thought that I might marry him. That was his mistake. They don't let you give up. The man whom Marmie knocked unconscious was Grant Webster's appointed executioner. I was struggling with Grant who was drunk when the assassin arrived. He shot and killed Grant and left my mother and me with a dead body. We knew that when the killer reported back that there were witnesses to the murder, he would return and kill again. So we hit upon the plan to send mother suddenly to Manchester and for me to have an escort. A very capable escort too. Thank you, my dear.
The gun that man is carrying will match up with the bullet in Grant Webster's body. So you have your killer, Inspector?
[00:21:40] Unknown:
I have indeed, Teresa. Thanks to you. And Marmee. Hey, wait a minute. What was in that sack I threw overboard from the balloon basket? Just ballast, Marmie. Just ballast.
[00:21:51] Unknown:
Inspector Bottomley had Grant Webster's body all the time.
[00:21:54] Unknown:
Then how did you get hold of me? Oh, sheer luck, darling. Sheer luck.
[00:22:00] Unknown:
Come, Mummy. It's cold down here.'
Get hot, old woman, if you know what's good for you. Teresa!
[00:00:25] Unknown:
Mommy? He's dead. Dead? It's no more than he deserved. He was a demented beast. Mummy Don't worry, dear. I know what you're thinking and I have a plan to get rid of the body. Mummy, you can't possibly not buy yourself. I'll get help. But where? In the village? No, not the village. London. You just leave it to me, Teresa. There's a company in the West End that will unwittingly come to my aid. Assignments Unlimited, they call themselves. And they have an office at 33 Half Moon Street.
[00:01:15] Unknown:
Killers kill twice. Therese London had a frank, open face, a friendly smile and an altogether engaging personality. It was a cheerful face, clanned by the sun and framed with a magnificent crop of corn colored hair that sparkled like a shampoo ad. I somehow knew that what she was telling me was untrue. I discovered that it must be by nature dishonest or an actor to be a competent liar. But, fabrication or not, she told her story well.
[00:01:50] Unknown:
All I want, mister Mason, is a man to escort me on a balloon trip.
[00:01:54] Unknown:
Oh, I thought they'd abandoned the idea of dirigibles.
[00:01:57] Unknown:
No.
[00:01:58] Unknown:
Not one of those things. An ordinary balloon. Well, I'm afraid, miss Mander. I'm I'm only acquainted with the party kind. But surely you've seen pictures of man balloons at least. Oh, you mean there's all the thing Phineas Fogg went around the world in eighty days. Yes. That's right. Do you mean to tell me people still say it in those things? Oh, rather. It's an international sport and terrific fun. You should try it yourself one day, mister Mason. Well, in the course of duty I'd do it, Miss Marlon. But, well, for sheer pleasure. No, thank you. I wouldn't feel at all safe in one of those things. Well, unfortunately, that's how most people feel.
[00:02:29] Unknown:
And, well, that's really the reason I've come to see you. My mother usually accompanies me on long trips but this time she's tied up. Mommy's a doctor of science, Mr. Mason, and she has an important meeting in Manchester tomorrow that she can't miss. So if you can produce a man who's not scared to come aloft with me I'll be most obliged. Oh, I'm sure we can find somebody, Miss Neddon. You just leave it to me.
[00:02:51] Unknown:
Oh, I'm surprised you can't find a young man in the village willing to chance his arm. His prize might be more than just an air trip.
[00:02:59] Unknown:
Well, I'm not interested in men, Mr. Mason. They're not interested in me.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
And you know best. I'll send a studious type along with you if that's all right. A man who'll be interested in the aerophysics of it only. That'll be perfect. Is he here now? Unfortunately not. I'll have to send for him. But he'll be ready for you within the hour. His name's Marmaduke Bray. We all call him Marmee for short. Oh. Where is your farm, miss Manning? Bishop Stortford. Do you know it? Oh, I know it well. On the Hertford Road. Yes.
[00:03:28] Unknown:
Well then, I'll come back in an hour. You, you won't let me down, will you? Our reputation is your guarantee, one might say. Oh, thank you. That's a load off my mind. Goodbye, Mr. Mason. Goodbye, Miss Mandon.
[00:03:45] Unknown:
Yes, mister Mason. Is mommy though? Well, he's not only here, mister Mason. He's been listening on the intercom to your interview with a client. Is that so? We'll send him in. I'm on my way, chief. Are you still listening in? It's a compulsion, chief. I'm a sort of twentieth century peeping Tom. I smell a mystery.
[00:04:10] Unknown:
And if you were to smell your salary at the end of the month, stay off my intercom. Check. Check. Now what are you doing? Er, Penny Fairweather wanted to hear what goes on. Oh, I give up. So what's the mystery?
[00:04:22] Unknown:
You said it would take an hour to get hold of me when all the time you knew I was in the Outer Office. I just don't believe her story, that's all. She wasn't a very convincing liar. And I couldn't see her face. What's it all about, you think? A companion on an aerial balloon trip. Well, you must admit it's the sort of offbeat job Assignments Unlimited tackles. Hermitief, if we don't know now, we'll soon find out. An hour's time, did you say? You heard her as well as I did? Oh, dear. You're still smiling over our eavesdropping. Put the coffee on, Penny. I've an hour to wait. Right away, Mr Bray. No. Don't don't don't don't get hot under the collar, chief.
[00:05:00] Unknown:
Excuse me, Mr Mason. Inspector Bottomley to see you. Bottomley?
[00:05:05] Unknown:
Oh, I'll send him in, will you, Penny? I won't keep the long or brown. You too. I don't know why we don't conduct our operations in the main street.
[00:05:14] Unknown:
Good morning, Inspector.
[00:05:15] Unknown:
How's the special branch? Not so special, Marmie, as usual. Hello, Timothy. Have a chair. Thanks, Aubrey. I'm robbing Scotland Yard here at this early hour. One of your clients. Oh? She's been under observation by men in my division. They phone in her movements every hour. And when I received a message that you'd come here, well, I thought I'd pop over and find out what she'd come here for. To raise a man then? Yes. Oh, well, that adds up. Just before you came in, I was saying to Marmee that her story didn't ring true. I wonder what she was up to. Her story is that she's about to take part in an aerial balloon race. She needs a companion. All her friends and acquaintances, being chickens, she came here.
I gave the job to Marmie. He'll be very interested to learn that it's a police case. No, no, don't run ahead of yourself, Aubrey. She's only under observation. Only? Well, it's surely extraordinary to be under observation by the Special Branch. Care to tell me what gives? You know I can't, Aubrey. But surely you've heard of a mother? Well, she said she was a doctor of science. Of course. Doctor Mander and the Hartwell Commission. I didn't connect the two. Don't tell me she's about to defect to the Ruskies. Not as far as we know.
[00:06:22] Unknown:
Doctor Mander is, to all intents and purposes, true blue British to the backbone. As a matter of fact, the immediate flap concerns a young man from the town of Bishop Storford. He's gone missing. Now, there may be no connection, of course, but the commissioner decided to keep all his acquaintances under observation.
[00:06:37] Unknown:
Well, who is this missing man of the VIP? I don't know, Aubrey. Which means you won't say. Well, what should we do? Call the whole day up? Good heavens no. Carry on as usual. But if the girl's story is phony Why should it be phony? Well, all that guff about a balloon race. Yeah. That's true at least. In fact, for all I know, her entire story may be true. It's probably completely innocent. Well, it's a relief to know that the race is genuine. And Marley can't come to much harm surrounded by competitors.
[00:07:05] Unknown:
They don't run aerial balloon races like that, Aubrey. Each person has a different goal to aim at. It's decided on time and distance in relation to the knot speed of prevailing winds.' 'Which sounds terribly complicated. Just the thing for Marmee, right up this street.' well, that's about it, Aubrey. Keep in touch, won't you? I mean, if anything, well, out of the ordinary should happen.
[00:07:25] Unknown:
I'll do that, Timothy.
[00:07:28] Unknown:
You're going already, Inspector? You know perfectly well I am since you've heard every word on the intercom. Goodbye, Aubrey. Bye. Well, what you make of it now? There's dirty work at the crossroads all night. An aerial race in a balloon.
[00:07:43] Unknown:
A missing spy. Spy? Oh, come off it, Marmee. I be no, he's anything but a nice respectable young man who's lived off to the South Of France for a long weekend with a blonde. Nice young men don't do that for a start.
[00:07:55] Unknown:
And I think the coincidence is too great for it to be a coincidence. I'm taking a walkie talkie with me. When I go up in that balloon I want you to trail me. Bottomly too if he likes. Trail you? What, in a helicopter? In a car. That's ridiculous. We'd never keep up with you. When Bismarck ordered the siege of Paris the incarcerated Frenchmen sent out all their mail via aerial balloons. The German cavalry would chase them for miles across country hoping that one might fall to earth.
[00:08:23] Unknown:
Now, if a man on horseback can keep up with a balloon, surely you can in a car.' a car doesn't go across country like a horse.' Then follow me on horseback. Well, I think I prefer British horse by Arnold Bonnet. It'll mean dodging around country lanes. I only hope Inspector Bottom is a good map reader. Mister Razor Bandon is back, sir. Oh. Oh, all right, Penny. I won't be a minute. Oh, and switch off the intercom, will you? Oh, yes, sir.
[00:08:48] Unknown:
Can you pick up the equipment you need before you go? Yes, of course. I've got a walkie talkie in my flat. I put new batteries in only a few days ago. If I'm going to Bishop Stortford with Mr Isa Mandon she'll have to take me first to my flat to pack. All right. And don't forget I have the telephone you at home to get you. And no mention of Inspector Bottom has visited. Do you think I'm mad? Okay, go on. Show her in.
[00:09:10] Unknown:
Show Miss Manderley now, will you, Penny? Yes, sir.
[00:09:14] Unknown:
It's your show now. Honey, leave it to me, chief.
[00:09:18] Unknown:
It's it's just there. All that you know, don't you? Oh, yes. Thank you very much. Great jump.
[00:09:24] Unknown:
Marmee, you talk to her. I want to look at something. Well, here I am, mister Mason, right on time. Yes, sir. Miss Mandan, mister Bray. Oh, how do you do? I'll leave you two together to get acquainted. There's a small matter that needs my attention if you'll excuse me.
[00:09:41] Unknown:
Mister Mason?
[00:09:43] Unknown:
Was that intercom on all the time, Penny?
[00:09:45] Unknown:
Intercom? Oh, yes. You did tell me to switch it off, didn't you? Well, it's switched off now, mister Mason. Listen to me. Was it switched on when miss Manard was here, when I was talking to Marmee?
[00:09:56] Unknown:
It looks like it, doesn't it? I'm certain I did turn it off just before I went over to the filing cabinet. And if someone had switched it back on, you wouldn't have taken any notice since you're used to listening into my private conversations anyway. But, chief,
[00:10:08] Unknown:
if I switched it off who could have switched it on again? Who indeed? Miss Brandon. But then she'll know all about Marmie's plans and the fact that you don't trust her. Oh, crumbs. Well, if she has got anything to do with that man who's disappeared it might be dangerous for Marmie. I mean, if they'd killed him, they might kill again.
[00:10:28] Unknown:
Killers do, don't they?' 'Yes, Penny. They do. Killers killed twice. Marmee found it hard to believe that Teresa Moundon could have anything to do with the disappearance of a man from Bishop Stauford. He found her company enchanting and had almost convinced himself that his assignment was nothing more than it appeared to be. He was interested in the details of the man, though, and pressed to raise her for details as she dravet expertly along Harford Road.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
The chief says that Bishop's Courtford is one of the prettiest villages in England. Is that right? No. Don't let the locals hear you say that. It's a town. Sorry. Have you lived there long? Yes. All my life. That's not very long.
[00:11:10] Unknown:
Mr. Mason said you were the studious type, not given to flattery. I am the studious type. In my spare time, I appreciate figures. Oh, cost accountant?
[00:11:19] Unknown:
No. Beauty queen judge. Tell me, is it true that there's a man gone missing from the town?
[00:11:27] Unknown:
Yes, quite true. Inspector Bottomley wouldn't lie, would he? Do you know Inspector Bottomley? I've heard of him. You may as well have all the information. The man was well known to my mother and me. His name was Grant Webster, and he could have been a scientist of some merit if he hadn't drunk so much. The trouble with Grant was that the moment he had a few drinks inside him he'd revert to the primitive and behaved like a beast. Who killed him then and why? Killed him? Who said he was dead? Your description of him just then. It was all in the past tense as though you knew he was dead. I always think of Grant Webster in the past tense. He was well, he was an ex fiancee of mine.
[00:12:08] Unknown:
Is an ex fiancee?
[00:12:10] Unknown:
If he's still alive. Grand made many enemies and few friends. He could never keep a friend. Or a beautiful fiancee. One thing about you, Marmie. When you're making words with a woman, you look like a wolf, the four legged kind.
[00:12:26] Unknown:
And I often behave like an ass. It must be my name. Bray.
[00:12:32] Unknown:
I like you, Marmie. I like you very much. The feeling is mutual. Still think I killed Grant Webster? If you did, I'm sure he deserved it. Then make sure you don't deserve it, Marmee. Tomorrow morning we'll be sailing over the countryside in a basket suspended from a balloon filled with helium gas. Just you and me, all alone. Have you ever been in a balloon before, Marmie? No.
[00:12:58] Unknown:
Never.
[00:12:59] Unknown:
Oh, dear. And I hope you're not accident prone. So many aerial balloonists have fatal accidents the first time up.
[00:13:18] Unknown:
See anything yet, Timothy?
[00:13:20] Unknown:
I've got the filled glasses on the barn but the balloon is behind it. She's gonna take off on time, she better get a move on and inflate the Wait a bit, wait a bit. Ah, yes, it's there. Here, have a look. You can see the balloon mushrooming out over the roof of the barn. Oh, thanks.
[00:13:35] Unknown:
See it? Yes.
[00:13:37] Unknown:
How do they keep a thing like that on the ground? I'm no expert old boy, but I believe they saw out an anchor, just like a ship. A bit primitive, isn't it? Sometimes it's not a bad thing to revert to the primitive. Excuse me. Well, who? Where did you come from? Oh, did I start with you? I'm sorry. I wondered if you could help me. I'm looking for the residence of professor Mandan. If you're settled for doctor Mandan, her farm is that one just over there with the red barn. The one the blue's just going up from. Thanks. Who's in the balloon? Do you know? I believe the correct term is in the basket. And it's Doctor. Mandan's daughter and, A friend. A male friend? Very much so. Oh, thank you very much. Now get on over there. I won't be in time to catch him but I can wait.
[00:14:17] Unknown:
Well, who do you suppose that could be? A man in a city suit on foot and in the middle of the country looking for the famous doctor Mandan and he thinks she's a professor.
[00:14:27] Unknown:
Must be a bailiff for I don't believe it. Any word from Marmie yet? No. Not a sound. Not a peep out of him.
[00:14:32] Unknown:
I suppose that walkie talkie is working. Oh, no doubt about it. He put new batteries in only a few days ago. Oh, there goes the blue now. Look, drifting east. There's quite a strong wind too. She's travelling first. I'm gonna sub up, Aubrey. We'll have to look slippery if we're gonna keep up with her. And then, I suppose Marmee isn't that thing, was her?
[00:14:59] Unknown:
Hello, Marmee. Hello, Marmee. Inspector Bottomley here. Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Over. Nothing.
[00:15:11] Unknown:
But he may be having difficulty in using it, being so close to the girl in that basket. I must admit it's not like Marley. He can easily find a way. In any case, why shouldn't he use a radio set during the trip? What possible objection could Theresa and Anne on her? If she's somehow connected with the disappearance of Grant Webster, she'll have every objection. Whatever her mission is, it's secret, and you can bet your boots you won't take kindly to Marmee Broadcasting. Oh, well, then let's go. The boon's heading for the coast, so all we can do is to follow and hope. Keep calling him on the radio, Jim. You'll never know. He might answer.
[00:15:55] Unknown:
Hello, chief. Hello, chief.
[00:15:58] Unknown:
Are you receiving me? Over. How do you like it, mommy? You're as free as the wind up here. Mommy?
[00:16:05] Unknown:
Oh, hey, it's great. Just great. We're going along in a great lick.
[00:16:10] Unknown:
We'll be over the coast in less than an hour. Hello, chief.
[00:16:15] Unknown:
Hello, chief. Can you hear me?
[00:16:17] Unknown:
Stop mumbling into that walkie talkie. It won't do you any good.
[00:16:21] Unknown:
What did you say?
[00:16:23] Unknown:
I said stop nattering at that walkie talkie. You're wasting your time. While you were asleep last night, I removed the batteries. You did what? You heard me. Check if you like. Now why would you take the batteries out of my radio set? Because I engaged you to accompany me on a private trip. I haven't the least intention of providing an interesting travelogue for mister Aubrey Mason and his friend Inspector Bottomley.
[00:16:50] Unknown:
You know about that?
[00:16:52] Unknown:
I took the intercom switch in the outer office. I heard most of your conversation with Mr Mason.
[00:16:57] Unknown:
Well, I'd be blown.
[00:16:59] Unknown:
You're quite a girl, aren't you? And don't get any funny ideas. Yes. It's a good gum, and I know how to use it. Would you mind telling me the real purpose of this trip? The Avowed One. Just a race. And I need you. At least I need your physical strength. I watched you sluicing down with a bucket at the well this morning. You're very strong, aren't you, Mr Bray? Acceptably so.
[00:17:31] Unknown:
Like I said, you're quite a girl. Oh, and you can put that toy away. It, it won't do you any good. Oh, this is no toy, Marmie.
[00:17:39] Unknown:
It's a real gun with real bullets. A real gun. Yes.
[00:17:44] Unknown:
But no bullets. I took them out when you weren't looking at breakfast this morning.
[00:17:54] Unknown:
I like you, Mr Bray.
[00:17:57] Unknown:
Now, what great physical feat must I perform to win your admiration?
[00:18:02] Unknown:
To win the race only. That big sack there contains the main ballast. We jettison that the moment we arrive over the fence, and that's right now. You you see a wide stretch of water or or bog like the fence down there? It creates a downdraft. And unless we carry ballast that we can suddenly throw overboard to give us a lift, well, we might wind up ourselves in that bog. Stand by. We're We're beginning to drop now. Quickly, Mommy. Grab that big bar of seconds, throw it overboard. Quick quick, Mommy. Now. Right.
[00:18:33] Unknown:
I I've got it.
[00:18:36] Unknown:
There.
[00:18:42] Unknown:
Perfect! A bull's eye right into the middle of the fence. Oh, I'm
[00:18:49] Unknown:
glad Mr Mason gave me you, Marmie. You're as strong as an ox. Oh, nothing to it. No, that sack didn't weigh more than the average man. Average man. Teresa, what was in that sack? Ballast. What sort of ballast? A dead body?
[00:19:05] Unknown:
What was in that sack, Teresa? If I said it was sand you wouldn't believe me. So why don't you go down there and find out? It's easy. The sack landed slapped in the middle of a swamp. 10 square miles of bog, mud, ooze and quicksand. Whatever the ballast was, Marmie, it's gone forever now.' Darling,
[00:19:45] Unknown:
it's 01:00 in the morning. I know. I too have ears. The time has come, the Walrus said. Good luck, mommy darling. Stay right there. Alright. Now this won't take more than five minutes.
[00:20:10] Unknown:
No. No.
[00:20:13] Unknown:
You're
[00:20:16] Unknown:
quite a guy, Mami.
[00:20:24] Unknown:
All right. The game's up. I'm a police officer. Marvy. Do come in, gentlemen. I'd like you to meet a disciple of Karl Marx. He has killing ways.
[00:20:37] Unknown:
This killer did kill twice. Unfortunately, the second time he's going to be his own victim.
[00:20:45] Unknown:
It wasn't merely a case of whodunit but whodunit to whom. Over a drink in the study to raise a man and explain.
[00:20:52] Unknown:
'Grant Webster was a spy in the pay of Russia but he decided to give it up when he thought that I might marry him. That was his mistake. They don't let you give up. The man whom Marmie knocked unconscious was Grant Webster's appointed executioner. I was struggling with Grant who was drunk when the assassin arrived. He shot and killed Grant and left my mother and me with a dead body. We knew that when the killer reported back that there were witnesses to the murder, he would return and kill again. So we hit upon the plan to send mother suddenly to Manchester and for me to have an escort. A very capable escort too. Thank you, my dear.
The gun that man is carrying will match up with the bullet in Grant Webster's body. So you have your killer, Inspector?
[00:21:40] Unknown:
I have indeed, Teresa. Thanks to you. And Marmee. Hey, wait a minute. What was in that sack I threw overboard from the balloon basket? Just ballast, Marmie. Just ballast.
[00:21:51] Unknown:
Inspector Bottomley had Grant Webster's body all the time.
[00:21:54] Unknown:
Then how did you get hold of me? Oh, sheer luck, darling. Sheer luck.
[00:22:00] Unknown:
Come, Mummy. It's cold down here.'
