In this thrilling episode, we dive into the mysterious world of dog racing and deception. Mrs. Lavery Manners, a woman of impeccable etiquette, approaches Mr. Mason with an unusual request: to walk her dog, Tootsie, while her butler is incapacitated. However, what seems like a simple task quickly turns into a complex web of intrigue when Cannon, from Assignments Unlimited, discovers that Tootsie is not just any dog but a racing greyhound with a secret. As Cannon and his colleague Miss Fairweather delve deeper, they uncover a sinister plot involving multiple greyhounds, a dead butler, and a gang of criminal punters manipulating dog races for profit.
Join us as we unravel the layers of this canine conspiracy, where Mrs. Lavery Manners uses her cunning to outwit the dog racing system with a series of identical greyhounds trained for different distances. With the stakes high and the odds stacked against them, Cannon and Miss Fairweather must navigate through danger and deceit to bring justice to the forefront. This episode is a rollercoaster of suspense, revealing the lengths to which some will go for a gamble, and the ultimate downfall of a woman who thought she could outsmart the system.
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[00:00:05]
Unknown:
Assignments unlimited.
[00:00:06] Unknown:
Good afternoon.
[00:00:07] Unknown:
Are you open for business after hours? If you make an appointment, madam. Yes. Oh, well, 06:00 this evening? Certainly, madam. May I ask who's calling? This is Lavery Manners.
[00:00:18] Unknown:
I'm ringing from Queensgate. I'd like to discuss a small business matter with you. I'll make an appointment for you to see mister Mason then. I see you on your phone number in the newspaper. What is your address? 43
[00:00:29] Unknown:
Half Moon Street.
[00:00:55] Unknown:
Lady's laboring manners was the living embodiment of her name. Her etiquette was impeccable. She swept into my office like a galleon in full sail and, divesting herself of a priestless mutation mink, proffered a hand way to the plimsoil line with diamonds. With a toss of her immaculate quaffier she introduced herself in those dulcet tones reserved exclusively for the English aristocracy.
[00:01:19] Unknown:
'Good evening. I'm Mrs Lavery Manners. You must be Mr. Mason. I am. Docet time, Mrs Lavery Manners. Thank you. I'm sorry to have come so late but your girl was most courteous and said you'd wait for me. You see, it's a matter of some urgency. Oh, we see, Clarence, at any time, madam. Now what's your problem? Well, it's my dog, Tootsie. You see, he's accustomed to a regular routine and that entails a walk through the gardens every evening at 08:00. Now this has been the duty of my butler but unfortunately the poor fellow has met with a slight accident and has incapacitated.
I have applied to the Labour Bureau for a new butler. They're so difficult to obtain these days. In the meantime, poor Tootsie is pining away and I thought you might be in a position to supply me with a van to take him out on his leash just until my own butler is full again or until I find a temporary replacement from the bureau. Oh, nothing could be easier, Mrs Labley Manners. What time would you want him to report and where? Oh, thank you so much. You don't know what a relief it is to find someone reliable. My address is 17 Queensgate, South Kensington.
You know, just near the Victoria and Albert Museum. I'm sure your man will find it easily enough. Oh, he's well acquainted with London. He'll know where it is. Thank you again, Mr Mason. If he could report at quarter to eight, I'd like him to come acquainted with Tootsie before his first run. I'll see. He's there on time, madam. Then I'll bid you good evening, Mr. Mason. Good evening.
[00:02:53] Unknown:
A matter of some urgency. Whoever dreamed up that expression is a dog's life.
[00:03:00] Unknown:
Yes? The lady's left sir but the perfume lingers on. Why haven't you gone home, miss Fairweather? The lady said the matter was of some urgency sir so I thought I'd better stay around for a while. Well, I'm touched by your loyalty, miss Fairweather. Well, I was waiting for Canon anyway. Canon. Is he coming here? Yes, sir. We're going to the fix. You were going to the fix. Canon has work to do tonight. Oh, it always happens when it's Gregory Peck. Seventeen Queensgate. Merlcanon, we must admit, it's rather nice.
[00:03:29] Unknown:
Yeah. And what about the Chiefs charging for this dog walk? Why don't you ask the wolfy widow? We don't even know if she is a widow. Ring the bell, Merlcanon. A faint heart never won a fair French poodle. Okay.
[00:03:45] Unknown:
Yes? Oh, evening, ma'am. My name's Canon. I'm from Assignments Unlimited. You've come to take out Tootsie? Well, that's the general idea, ma'am. Yes. Good. The tradesman's entrance is right on the corner. If you'll go round to the kitchen I'll fetch the doll and his lead.
[00:04:00] Unknown:
Well, I'll be dog gone. Cannon, you ruffled proletarian.
[00:04:05] Unknown:
Head for the kitchen. Who knows? The lady might even give you a cup of tea. Yeah, out of a tin mug. Oh, cheer up, Cameron. It's a lovely night under the stars and very quite romantic in the gardens. Yeah, surrounded by an iron fence 10 feet high.
[00:04:21] Unknown:
I feel like I was in jail. Come to think of it I'd rather be in jail than at the beck and call of an old pussyfoot like this one. Here's the turning and there's a number on the back of the house too. That must be him. Yeah, you ring this time. Right.
[00:04:41] Unknown:
Come in. Come in. Don't mind Tootsie. He's quite harmless.
[00:04:47] Unknown:
Is,
[00:04:48] Unknown:
is that Tootsie? Yes. You ought to take him twice round the park. He needs plenty of exercise. But that's no poodle. L didn't say Tootsie was a poodle. A greyhound?
[00:04:59] Unknown:
Greyhound? A monster's pitch black. Sorry. It's just a manner of speaking,
[00:05:04] Unknown:
Who's this with you?
[00:05:06] Unknown:
Oh, Miss Fairweather, the switchboard girl. She's keeping me company. L asked for only one person. So you got two.
[00:05:13] Unknown:
Oh well. I'll get the lead. If you'll excuse me.
[00:05:19] Unknown:
Crummy jointers. Old tinsel and glitter in front and a chuckwagon of a kitchen in the back. The old girl sure carries her class distinction to giddy heights. Cannon,
[00:05:29] Unknown:
come and look here. What is it? Look down the passage. The place is unfurnished.
[00:05:34] Unknown:
Well, maybe she just moved in. Well, that's unlikely. Can you think of a better explanation? She's coming
[00:05:41] Unknown:
back. Here we are, leaving the collar. Hunted, see? There's a good boy. That's right. Now, Mr. Cannon, twice round the park and then bring him back to the back door again. That's all, I think. Okay, ma'am.
[00:06:01] Unknown:
Twice round Wolfe Place. Well, that puts the car bus on Gregory Peck. Oh, it'll take ages.
[00:06:07] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, maybe we could time him to a tree and look at the stars. Duty is duty, Cannon. We woke him for an hour just like the lady said. Okay. Say, tell you what. Let's see if we can get him to start up a rabbit sort of past the time. If you let go that lead, you might lose him and then the fact will be a messiah. Taking the dog for a walk mate? No. We're off to the preacher for a special license. Oh, funny, Give me the lead and I'll walk him for you. That's stranger. Look, I, I don't know who you are, but, take a powder.
Know what this is? Sure. It's a razor. You better stand closer to it next time you shave. Matey, I'm not playing games. You'll be a good boy and take your girlfriend off into the park and hand me the dog. Look. Beat it, Buster. Alright. You're listening. I'll tell you. You know something, baby? He was serious. Look. Bring him around. I'd like to have a cozy fireside chat with him.
[00:07:05] Unknown:
Oh, the dog.
[00:07:07] Unknown:
We'll let him go. What else could I do? That guy on the grass a qualified barber. Come on. Let's get after the dog.
[00:07:15] Unknown:
Come on. Oh, you hoes.
[00:07:19] Unknown:
No. I guess not. Whoever outlayn a greyhound anyway. Oh, boy. What a start to an assignment. Come on. Let's get back to the mug with carving ways. Oh, well,
[00:07:32] Unknown:
what can we tell the lady at Number 17?
[00:07:34] Unknown:
Well, that some hoodlum needed her greyhound. That canine cat means everything to her. She snuggles it to her bosom nights and coos nursery rhymes to put it to sleep. Canon.
[00:07:44] Unknown:
The man you put to sleep has gone.
[00:07:46] Unknown:
Yeah, that's right. You know what? Just my luck. It's all this class distinction that disturbs my sense of justice. I should have hit him with a rock. Well, I guess there's no use in delaying things. Come on. Let's get back. Ring the kitchen doorbell, miss Fairweather.
[00:08:03] Unknown:
Alright.
[00:08:07] Unknown:
Say, how many dogs does the old girl got? Ring again.
[00:08:14] Unknown:
What's the matter with it? Try and adore her. It's locked. Missy? But, Cannon,
[00:08:22] Unknown:
she might just have gone out or something if you break in. We can we can get into all sorts of trouble. Look, a guy tries to to slice me with a razor. We lost the dog. There's another one harling its head off inside. How much trouble can you have in one night? We've got a bunch of keys here that'll open this door. If the old girl returns while we're inside we'll say we'll lift it open.
[00:08:43] Unknown:
There.
[00:08:45] Unknown:
Come on. I'm scared. It's okay. I got my pocket flashlight. Say, the whole joint's in darkness. The old doll must have gone out. Yeah. Like you said, the place is unfurnished. What's saving mosey alarm sound?
[00:09:03] Unknown:
It's upstairs.
[00:09:05] Unknown:
Come on. Right. Okay. Okay, fella. Take it easy. Take it easy. Say, this looks like a like a printing shop.
[00:09:21] Unknown:
In Queensgate.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
Look, draw the curtains, baby. Wanna put the lights on?
[00:09:30] Unknown:
Okay. Cannon. In the corner. Is he dead?
[00:09:39] Unknown:
Yeah. It's like a dodo. What? What? How does it happen? I guess I'd say a razor. No. No. Don't don't don't come any nearer, baby. It's, it's not very pretty.
[00:09:49] Unknown:
The dog. It's Tootsie. It's Tootsie. Tootsie? It's impossible. Well, look for yourself.
[00:09:56] Unknown:
It's a canine double. It can't be Tootsie. That dog was shut in this room. The windows are shut. It's another dog. It is exactly the same as Tootsie. Look. Dogs don't spirit themselves through brick walls and they never voluntarily closet themselves with a corpse. Say, did you notice a phone, Laurel? No, I didn't. Wait a minute. Somebody's arrived. I'm gonna lie down. Wait, wait. Where can we go? In that cabin. Come on. Don't let the noise.
[00:10:37] Unknown:
Oh my Tootsie. All right. Come in, Leviva.
[00:10:43] Unknown:
Are you sure the dog don't bite? Tootsie?
[00:10:45] Unknown:
He's as tame as a kitten. Don't be silly. There's our friend in the corner.
[00:10:52] Unknown:
Somewhat make about a miss of him.
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Looks like a race. It was. How'd it happen? I don't know. He staggered back here from the park. He was taking the dog for a walk and someone attacked him. I did what I could but he was too far gone. Okay. I take
[00:11:08] Unknown:
him. You want for nobody to see him again? Yes. I make for him a nice pair of concrete boots. This cost you a plenty. Now, I'll pay. Now before I do the job. How much? 2,000.
[00:11:21] Unknown:
1 thousand now and the other when you've done the job. Okay. You get this a mess cleaned up, Plonto. I will. Poor Tootsie, you said me all alone. I don't remember drawing curtains. And I'm just
[00:11:54] Unknown:
oh. Come on. Let's get out of here, baby. Oh. While she's on the phone, there's Ivy on the wall outside. Do you think I can climb down? I'll try. Good girl. Now come on over to the window. Right. Yeah. Come on.
[00:12:09] Unknown:
Oh, quiet.
[00:12:10] Unknown:
Okay. Out you go. Go on. I'm right behind you. Let me make sure you got a good hand hold. Okay. I'll close the window. Mateus. Hey. You're a great burglar, Cat. Don't you mean a cat burglar? You're the right Tootsie. Well He's still got his collar and lean on. Come here, boy. Come on. Come here. Got him. First lucky break this evening.
[00:12:48] Unknown:
Cannon, having made a mental note never to accept a job as butler to anyone, began to retrace his steps to the office with the intention of telephoning me at the club. He didn't get that far. A newsboy caught his attention on the corner at Knightsbridge.
[00:13:03] Unknown:
Evening standard, all the dog fixtures. Evening standard, all the dog fixtures. Baby, Gav? Yeah. Here. Thanks, Gav. Evening standard, all the dog fixtures. Evening standard, all the dog fixtures.
[00:13:19] Unknown:
Cannon, what are you looking for? Just a hand. Hang on.
[00:13:25] Unknown:
Yeah, here we are. Third race at Wembley. The dogs? Yeah, that black greyhound races for his living. Which one? Now that's quite a point. Anyway, the name's the same. Look, third race. Tootsie, owner and Mrs Labry Manners. Honey, do you know how these dogs race? You ever been to the dogs? Not yet but I have a fun feeling that if you don't report that dead butler I'll soon be going to the dogs and I mean that strictly metaphorical. No, no, no. Wait a minute. Just let me read what it says here. The third race being over a longer distance should prove too much for the black greyhound Tootsie. He has shown a great turn of speed over a sprint and was winner last time out in Manchester.
Canine says Who's the canine? Racing tipster. Canine says that the Miller's son should win this race and he's expected to show firm favourite on the tote when the betting opens.
[00:14:15] Unknown:
Yeah, now what do you think of that? Well, I might think all sorts of things if you translated it for me.
[00:14:21] Unknown:
Well, it's like this. You see, tomorrow's Saturday and the big race meeting at Wembley. There are six races set for tomorrow and there are six different dogs in each race. The races themselves are run over different distances. Some dogs run well in a short sprint and others do better over a longer course because they have greater stamina. Now at the dog track they have a totalizator board. You can bet in 2 shilling pieces or in pound notes and every time somebody places a bet the amount of money shows on the tote board. The odds are calculated by the amount of money placed on each dog. Poor little things. No, no, they, they, they love it. In addition to the tote there are bookies who make their own odds. I don't see what all this has to do with the dead butler. And neither do I yet. But I want for you and me to be at that dog track tomorrow night and see how well Tootsie runs. You've forgotten one thing, Gavin.
[00:15:10] Unknown:
You have to take a dog round the park twice starting at 08:00. We'll never get to the dog track on time. Yeah, but this is where the conspiracy begins.
[00:15:19] Unknown:
If Tootsie is running in the race then he can't be walked round the park, can he? Not even a dog can be in two places at once. There are more than one Tootsie. Correct, my beautiful Belle. But Mrs. Lavery Manners doesn't know that we know. And what's more, she mightn't want us to know. Why? Well, if I knew the answer to that one I wouldn't be standing on Knightsbridge Corner looking for a coin for the telephone booth. What? You're you're going to phone her? Why not? If she says there's more than one Tootsie then we'll go to the office and ring up the chief. But if she says what I think she'll say then we keep mum and go the dogs tomorrow in time for the third race. Okay? Well, what about tonight? Well, I've got a frozen pie in my apartment and you're just the doll to thaw it out. Come on.
Are you in? That's Now hang on. I've got a phone number somewhere in my diary here. Now you keep very quiet while I'm talking. Oh, very well. There we are. +1, 3342.
[00:16:33] Unknown:
3.
[00:16:38] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:16:41] Unknown:
Hello. Mrs. Lavery Manners?
[00:16:44] Unknown:
Speaking.
[00:16:45] Unknown:
Oh, hello ma'am. Sorry to disturb you so late. This is Ken. Who? Ken in Assignments Unlimited. You know the guy who took your dog Tootsie for a walk tonight? Oh, oh, yes. What can I do for you Mr Cannon? Well, the fact is ma'am I, I bought the standard just now on the way home and, well I see in the sports page that your dog Tootsie is racing at Wembley tomorrow night. Oh, he has little or no chance. The dog's a sprinter. Yeah, well that's not why I rang, ma'am. You see my old and infirm man is coming down from Greenwich tomorrow and I thought if the dog is racing then, well you won't leave me to take him for an exercise while in the park in which case I could go to the station and meet the old lady.
Hello. Are you still there? Yes.
[00:17:26] Unknown:
Very well, mister Cannon. You may have to borrow off. But see truth that you're here on Sunday. On time like a Rolls Royce watch, ma'am. Good night, mister Cannon. Good night, ma'am.
[00:17:37] Unknown:
You catch all that? Every word.
[00:17:40] Unknown:
But Cannon, if only one dog is at the racetrack
[00:17:43] Unknown:
who will take the other one for a walk? Baby, I'm more interested in finding out who's being taken for a ride.
[00:17:51] Unknown:
Oh,
[00:17:53] Unknown:
it's exciting, Cannon. We must come to the dogs again. Yep. It's great fun if you just watch it. Well, surely a mild flatter can't do any harm. A mild fellow. No. When the gambling's big time, it gets a bit rough. Well, here come the dogs for a third race. Just watch them as the attendants walk them round. Look. There's Tootsie.
[00:18:12] Unknown:
Yeah. But which one? Well, I can't tell but
[00:18:15] Unknown:
he doesn't look as though he hasn't got a chance. Mrs. Ladry Manners was adamant that he couldn't win. Oh, where are you going? To the bookie. The betting opens now and my guess is that the odds on Tootsie are gonna drop suddenly and dramatically. You're going to have a bet but you said that wasn't wise. Oh, no. I don't consider this to be a wager, baby. I figured this is a cast iron certainty. Oh, well, the the tote's over there. Yeah, I know but I'm betting with a bookie. Tootsie is a rank outside him. For the bookie, I'll get 25 to one. Oh, well I want to bet two shingles. Well now, come on. I'm making it quick. I've only got 10, Bob. Okay. I'll loan you the rest. You tap that guy on the shoulder, he'll
[00:18:52] Unknown:
do. Excuse me? Yes, miss.
[00:18:55] Unknown:
Well, what is it? Want a petal denture? Good eyes. What with you, mate? Nothing. That Tootsie 25 to one I see. That's right. Yeah. Haven't I seen you somewhere before, mate? Sure. You're my favorite bookie. Now give me 50 to two. 50 to two, Tootsie. Party. Yeah. Thanks. Come on, baby. Let's get over to the cage. Cannon. That's the man who attacked you in the park. I know. But aren't you going to do anything about it? Not right now. But he's a bookie and that begins to add up. Now look, just stand here and watch the line of bookies. In a minute you'll see 10 different guys walk up to the 10 different bookies and each place a bed at the same time. And before any bookie can lower his odds on Tootsie, there'll be a fortune bet on the dog.
There you see, there they go. Now I know why missus Labry manners lives in Queensgate with no furniture. Well, tell me. All are in good time. There, the dogs are in the traps and ready to go. I'll only be absolutely certain after the race.
[00:20:00] Unknown:
Race number three, the third race on the card. The dogs are in the traps and here are the numbers. Number one, gypsy boy. Number two, the shadow. Three, the miller's son. Four, rotary. Trap five, Tootsie. And six, Scarfell. The mechanical hair has started. It's passing the traps. And the traps are up. It's number one away fast on the inside followed by three, four, two, six, and five. Now it's six taking over, five coming out as they race into the turn. Three dropping back there, but five still going well. One has dropped back now. It's number six from five by a short head with four to three in that order. Number one right at the back there. Now it's number three picking up with a great burst of speed. Number three, riding the best race. Three, going up through the pack and going well. But now it's five. Five, always in the race but now making the pace. Five, it is. Five, going ahead of run and five is going to win easily. Five, running out an easy winner. Yes. Number five, it is. Followed by three, six, and others also ran.
The winner of race number three, number five, Tootsie. Number five, Tootsie.
[00:21:06] Unknown:
Oh, we won, Cannon. Twenty five pounds. Would you think of it? £25
[00:21:12] Unknown:
each. Oh. Tote payout on number five, 60 shillings.
[00:21:17] Unknown:
The tote payout on number five in the third race, 60 shillings. You hear that? 60 shillings for each 2 shillings or a multiple of 2 shillings bet on the dog. In other words, 30 to one. It was a complete outsider and nobody even gave it a chance. Now look at the bookies boards before they rubbed them off. Six to four on. That means you have to put six pounds on to win four. But not the 10 men who bet just before the race. You're a clever girl, Mrs Labry manners.
[00:21:44] Unknown:
Mrs Labry manners had hit upon a certain way to outwit the strict supervision of the dog tracks. She had bred and trained a series of greyhounds, all jet black in colour. They were trained to run over different distances and she rang the changes with them racing what the acceptors thought was a sprinter over a long distance and vice versa. The odds on her dogs were therefore always high and her gang of criminal punters moved in on the bookies when she gauged the time to be ripe. The house in Queensgate was the perfect cover and provided her with a hideaway for the dogs and a print shop in which she could forge the dogs' papers that showed their physical statistics as well as their colour. Thus it was that she had a whole litter of dogs registered under one name.
The bookie Sammy suspected the truth but thought Mrs Lavery Manor's butler was the culprit and so the unfortunate butler was cut to pieces with a razor. Sammy paid the extreme penalty and at the moment Mrs Lavery Manners is safely inside an institution where she has something in common with her erstwhile litter. You see, these days she too is known only by her number.
Assignments unlimited.
[00:00:06] Unknown:
Good afternoon.
[00:00:07] Unknown:
Are you open for business after hours? If you make an appointment, madam. Yes. Oh, well, 06:00 this evening? Certainly, madam. May I ask who's calling? This is Lavery Manners.
[00:00:18] Unknown:
I'm ringing from Queensgate. I'd like to discuss a small business matter with you. I'll make an appointment for you to see mister Mason then. I see you on your phone number in the newspaper. What is your address? 43
[00:00:29] Unknown:
Half Moon Street.
[00:00:55] Unknown:
Lady's laboring manners was the living embodiment of her name. Her etiquette was impeccable. She swept into my office like a galleon in full sail and, divesting herself of a priestless mutation mink, proffered a hand way to the plimsoil line with diamonds. With a toss of her immaculate quaffier she introduced herself in those dulcet tones reserved exclusively for the English aristocracy.
[00:01:19] Unknown:
'Good evening. I'm Mrs Lavery Manners. You must be Mr. Mason. I am. Docet time, Mrs Lavery Manners. Thank you. I'm sorry to have come so late but your girl was most courteous and said you'd wait for me. You see, it's a matter of some urgency. Oh, we see, Clarence, at any time, madam. Now what's your problem? Well, it's my dog, Tootsie. You see, he's accustomed to a regular routine and that entails a walk through the gardens every evening at 08:00. Now this has been the duty of my butler but unfortunately the poor fellow has met with a slight accident and has incapacitated.
I have applied to the Labour Bureau for a new butler. They're so difficult to obtain these days. In the meantime, poor Tootsie is pining away and I thought you might be in a position to supply me with a van to take him out on his leash just until my own butler is full again or until I find a temporary replacement from the bureau. Oh, nothing could be easier, Mrs Labley Manners. What time would you want him to report and where? Oh, thank you so much. You don't know what a relief it is to find someone reliable. My address is 17 Queensgate, South Kensington.
You know, just near the Victoria and Albert Museum. I'm sure your man will find it easily enough. Oh, he's well acquainted with London. He'll know where it is. Thank you again, Mr Mason. If he could report at quarter to eight, I'd like him to come acquainted with Tootsie before his first run. I'll see. He's there on time, madam. Then I'll bid you good evening, Mr. Mason. Good evening.
[00:02:53] Unknown:
A matter of some urgency. Whoever dreamed up that expression is a dog's life.
[00:03:00] Unknown:
Yes? The lady's left sir but the perfume lingers on. Why haven't you gone home, miss Fairweather? The lady said the matter was of some urgency sir so I thought I'd better stay around for a while. Well, I'm touched by your loyalty, miss Fairweather. Well, I was waiting for Canon anyway. Canon. Is he coming here? Yes, sir. We're going to the fix. You were going to the fix. Canon has work to do tonight. Oh, it always happens when it's Gregory Peck. Seventeen Queensgate. Merlcanon, we must admit, it's rather nice.
[00:03:29] Unknown:
Yeah. And what about the Chiefs charging for this dog walk? Why don't you ask the wolfy widow? We don't even know if she is a widow. Ring the bell, Merlcanon. A faint heart never won a fair French poodle. Okay.
[00:03:45] Unknown:
Yes? Oh, evening, ma'am. My name's Canon. I'm from Assignments Unlimited. You've come to take out Tootsie? Well, that's the general idea, ma'am. Yes. Good. The tradesman's entrance is right on the corner. If you'll go round to the kitchen I'll fetch the doll and his lead.
[00:04:00] Unknown:
Well, I'll be dog gone. Cannon, you ruffled proletarian.
[00:04:05] Unknown:
Head for the kitchen. Who knows? The lady might even give you a cup of tea. Yeah, out of a tin mug. Oh, cheer up, Cameron. It's a lovely night under the stars and very quite romantic in the gardens. Yeah, surrounded by an iron fence 10 feet high.
[00:04:21] Unknown:
I feel like I was in jail. Come to think of it I'd rather be in jail than at the beck and call of an old pussyfoot like this one. Here's the turning and there's a number on the back of the house too. That must be him. Yeah, you ring this time. Right.
[00:04:41] Unknown:
Come in. Come in. Don't mind Tootsie. He's quite harmless.
[00:04:47] Unknown:
Is,
[00:04:48] Unknown:
is that Tootsie? Yes. You ought to take him twice round the park. He needs plenty of exercise. But that's no poodle. L didn't say Tootsie was a poodle. A greyhound?
[00:04:59] Unknown:
Greyhound? A monster's pitch black. Sorry. It's just a manner of speaking,
[00:05:04] Unknown:
Who's this with you?
[00:05:06] Unknown:
Oh, Miss Fairweather, the switchboard girl. She's keeping me company. L asked for only one person. So you got two.
[00:05:13] Unknown:
Oh well. I'll get the lead. If you'll excuse me.
[00:05:19] Unknown:
Crummy jointers. Old tinsel and glitter in front and a chuckwagon of a kitchen in the back. The old girl sure carries her class distinction to giddy heights. Cannon,
[00:05:29] Unknown:
come and look here. What is it? Look down the passage. The place is unfurnished.
[00:05:34] Unknown:
Well, maybe she just moved in. Well, that's unlikely. Can you think of a better explanation? She's coming
[00:05:41] Unknown:
back. Here we are, leaving the collar. Hunted, see? There's a good boy. That's right. Now, Mr. Cannon, twice round the park and then bring him back to the back door again. That's all, I think. Okay, ma'am.
[00:06:01] Unknown:
Twice round Wolfe Place. Well, that puts the car bus on Gregory Peck. Oh, it'll take ages.
[00:06:07] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, maybe we could time him to a tree and look at the stars. Duty is duty, Cannon. We woke him for an hour just like the lady said. Okay. Say, tell you what. Let's see if we can get him to start up a rabbit sort of past the time. If you let go that lead, you might lose him and then the fact will be a messiah. Taking the dog for a walk mate? No. We're off to the preacher for a special license. Oh, funny, Give me the lead and I'll walk him for you. That's stranger. Look, I, I don't know who you are, but, take a powder.
Know what this is? Sure. It's a razor. You better stand closer to it next time you shave. Matey, I'm not playing games. You'll be a good boy and take your girlfriend off into the park and hand me the dog. Look. Beat it, Buster. Alright. You're listening. I'll tell you. You know something, baby? He was serious. Look. Bring him around. I'd like to have a cozy fireside chat with him.
[00:07:05] Unknown:
Oh, the dog.
[00:07:07] Unknown:
We'll let him go. What else could I do? That guy on the grass a qualified barber. Come on. Let's get after the dog.
[00:07:15] Unknown:
Come on. Oh, you hoes.
[00:07:19] Unknown:
No. I guess not. Whoever outlayn a greyhound anyway. Oh, boy. What a start to an assignment. Come on. Let's get back to the mug with carving ways. Oh, well,
[00:07:32] Unknown:
what can we tell the lady at Number 17?
[00:07:34] Unknown:
Well, that some hoodlum needed her greyhound. That canine cat means everything to her. She snuggles it to her bosom nights and coos nursery rhymes to put it to sleep. Canon.
[00:07:44] Unknown:
The man you put to sleep has gone.
[00:07:46] Unknown:
Yeah, that's right. You know what? Just my luck. It's all this class distinction that disturbs my sense of justice. I should have hit him with a rock. Well, I guess there's no use in delaying things. Come on. Let's get back. Ring the kitchen doorbell, miss Fairweather.
[00:08:03] Unknown:
Alright.
[00:08:07] Unknown:
Say, how many dogs does the old girl got? Ring again.
[00:08:14] Unknown:
What's the matter with it? Try and adore her. It's locked. Missy? But, Cannon,
[00:08:22] Unknown:
she might just have gone out or something if you break in. We can we can get into all sorts of trouble. Look, a guy tries to to slice me with a razor. We lost the dog. There's another one harling its head off inside. How much trouble can you have in one night? We've got a bunch of keys here that'll open this door. If the old girl returns while we're inside we'll say we'll lift it open.
[00:08:43] Unknown:
There.
[00:08:45] Unknown:
Come on. I'm scared. It's okay. I got my pocket flashlight. Say, the whole joint's in darkness. The old doll must have gone out. Yeah. Like you said, the place is unfurnished. What's saving mosey alarm sound?
[00:09:03] Unknown:
It's upstairs.
[00:09:05] Unknown:
Come on. Right. Okay. Okay, fella. Take it easy. Take it easy. Say, this looks like a like a printing shop.
[00:09:21] Unknown:
In Queensgate.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
Look, draw the curtains, baby. Wanna put the lights on?
[00:09:30] Unknown:
Okay. Cannon. In the corner. Is he dead?
[00:09:39] Unknown:
Yeah. It's like a dodo. What? What? How does it happen? I guess I'd say a razor. No. No. Don't don't don't come any nearer, baby. It's, it's not very pretty.
[00:09:49] Unknown:
The dog. It's Tootsie. It's Tootsie. Tootsie? It's impossible. Well, look for yourself.
[00:09:56] Unknown:
It's a canine double. It can't be Tootsie. That dog was shut in this room. The windows are shut. It's another dog. It is exactly the same as Tootsie. Look. Dogs don't spirit themselves through brick walls and they never voluntarily closet themselves with a corpse. Say, did you notice a phone, Laurel? No, I didn't. Wait a minute. Somebody's arrived. I'm gonna lie down. Wait, wait. Where can we go? In that cabin. Come on. Don't let the noise.
[00:10:37] Unknown:
Oh my Tootsie. All right. Come in, Leviva.
[00:10:43] Unknown:
Are you sure the dog don't bite? Tootsie?
[00:10:45] Unknown:
He's as tame as a kitten. Don't be silly. There's our friend in the corner.
[00:10:52] Unknown:
Somewhat make about a miss of him.
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Looks like a race. It was. How'd it happen? I don't know. He staggered back here from the park. He was taking the dog for a walk and someone attacked him. I did what I could but he was too far gone. Okay. I take
[00:11:08] Unknown:
him. You want for nobody to see him again? Yes. I make for him a nice pair of concrete boots. This cost you a plenty. Now, I'll pay. Now before I do the job. How much? 2,000.
[00:11:21] Unknown:
1 thousand now and the other when you've done the job. Okay. You get this a mess cleaned up, Plonto. I will. Poor Tootsie, you said me all alone. I don't remember drawing curtains. And I'm just
[00:11:54] Unknown:
oh. Come on. Let's get out of here, baby. Oh. While she's on the phone, there's Ivy on the wall outside. Do you think I can climb down? I'll try. Good girl. Now come on over to the window. Right. Yeah. Come on.
[00:12:09] Unknown:
Oh, quiet.
[00:12:10] Unknown:
Okay. Out you go. Go on. I'm right behind you. Let me make sure you got a good hand hold. Okay. I'll close the window. Mateus. Hey. You're a great burglar, Cat. Don't you mean a cat burglar? You're the right Tootsie. Well He's still got his collar and lean on. Come here, boy. Come on. Come here. Got him. First lucky break this evening.
[00:12:48] Unknown:
Cannon, having made a mental note never to accept a job as butler to anyone, began to retrace his steps to the office with the intention of telephoning me at the club. He didn't get that far. A newsboy caught his attention on the corner at Knightsbridge.
[00:13:03] Unknown:
Evening standard, all the dog fixtures. Evening standard, all the dog fixtures. Baby, Gav? Yeah. Here. Thanks, Gav. Evening standard, all the dog fixtures. Evening standard, all the dog fixtures.
[00:13:19] Unknown:
Cannon, what are you looking for? Just a hand. Hang on.
[00:13:25] Unknown:
Yeah, here we are. Third race at Wembley. The dogs? Yeah, that black greyhound races for his living. Which one? Now that's quite a point. Anyway, the name's the same. Look, third race. Tootsie, owner and Mrs Labry Manners. Honey, do you know how these dogs race? You ever been to the dogs? Not yet but I have a fun feeling that if you don't report that dead butler I'll soon be going to the dogs and I mean that strictly metaphorical. No, no, no. Wait a minute. Just let me read what it says here. The third race being over a longer distance should prove too much for the black greyhound Tootsie. He has shown a great turn of speed over a sprint and was winner last time out in Manchester.
Canine says Who's the canine? Racing tipster. Canine says that the Miller's son should win this race and he's expected to show firm favourite on the tote when the betting opens.
[00:14:15] Unknown:
Yeah, now what do you think of that? Well, I might think all sorts of things if you translated it for me.
[00:14:21] Unknown:
Well, it's like this. You see, tomorrow's Saturday and the big race meeting at Wembley. There are six races set for tomorrow and there are six different dogs in each race. The races themselves are run over different distances. Some dogs run well in a short sprint and others do better over a longer course because they have greater stamina. Now at the dog track they have a totalizator board. You can bet in 2 shilling pieces or in pound notes and every time somebody places a bet the amount of money shows on the tote board. The odds are calculated by the amount of money placed on each dog. Poor little things. No, no, they, they, they love it. In addition to the tote there are bookies who make their own odds. I don't see what all this has to do with the dead butler. And neither do I yet. But I want for you and me to be at that dog track tomorrow night and see how well Tootsie runs. You've forgotten one thing, Gavin.
[00:15:10] Unknown:
You have to take a dog round the park twice starting at 08:00. We'll never get to the dog track on time. Yeah, but this is where the conspiracy begins.
[00:15:19] Unknown:
If Tootsie is running in the race then he can't be walked round the park, can he? Not even a dog can be in two places at once. There are more than one Tootsie. Correct, my beautiful Belle. But Mrs. Lavery Manners doesn't know that we know. And what's more, she mightn't want us to know. Why? Well, if I knew the answer to that one I wouldn't be standing on Knightsbridge Corner looking for a coin for the telephone booth. What? You're you're going to phone her? Why not? If she says there's more than one Tootsie then we'll go to the office and ring up the chief. But if she says what I think she'll say then we keep mum and go the dogs tomorrow in time for the third race. Okay? Well, what about tonight? Well, I've got a frozen pie in my apartment and you're just the doll to thaw it out. Come on.
Are you in? That's Now hang on. I've got a phone number somewhere in my diary here. Now you keep very quiet while I'm talking. Oh, very well. There we are. +1, 3342.
[00:16:33] Unknown:
3.
[00:16:38] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:16:41] Unknown:
Hello. Mrs. Lavery Manners?
[00:16:44] Unknown:
Speaking.
[00:16:45] Unknown:
Oh, hello ma'am. Sorry to disturb you so late. This is Ken. Who? Ken in Assignments Unlimited. You know the guy who took your dog Tootsie for a walk tonight? Oh, oh, yes. What can I do for you Mr Cannon? Well, the fact is ma'am I, I bought the standard just now on the way home and, well I see in the sports page that your dog Tootsie is racing at Wembley tomorrow night. Oh, he has little or no chance. The dog's a sprinter. Yeah, well that's not why I rang, ma'am. You see my old and infirm man is coming down from Greenwich tomorrow and I thought if the dog is racing then, well you won't leave me to take him for an exercise while in the park in which case I could go to the station and meet the old lady.
Hello. Are you still there? Yes.
[00:17:26] Unknown:
Very well, mister Cannon. You may have to borrow off. But see truth that you're here on Sunday. On time like a Rolls Royce watch, ma'am. Good night, mister Cannon. Good night, ma'am.
[00:17:37] Unknown:
You catch all that? Every word.
[00:17:40] Unknown:
But Cannon, if only one dog is at the racetrack
[00:17:43] Unknown:
who will take the other one for a walk? Baby, I'm more interested in finding out who's being taken for a ride.
[00:17:51] Unknown:
Oh,
[00:17:53] Unknown:
it's exciting, Cannon. We must come to the dogs again. Yep. It's great fun if you just watch it. Well, surely a mild flatter can't do any harm. A mild fellow. No. When the gambling's big time, it gets a bit rough. Well, here come the dogs for a third race. Just watch them as the attendants walk them round. Look. There's Tootsie.
[00:18:12] Unknown:
Yeah. But which one? Well, I can't tell but
[00:18:15] Unknown:
he doesn't look as though he hasn't got a chance. Mrs. Ladry Manners was adamant that he couldn't win. Oh, where are you going? To the bookie. The betting opens now and my guess is that the odds on Tootsie are gonna drop suddenly and dramatically. You're going to have a bet but you said that wasn't wise. Oh, no. I don't consider this to be a wager, baby. I figured this is a cast iron certainty. Oh, well, the the tote's over there. Yeah, I know but I'm betting with a bookie. Tootsie is a rank outside him. For the bookie, I'll get 25 to one. Oh, well I want to bet two shingles. Well now, come on. I'm making it quick. I've only got 10, Bob. Okay. I'll loan you the rest. You tap that guy on the shoulder, he'll
[00:18:52] Unknown:
do. Excuse me? Yes, miss.
[00:18:55] Unknown:
Well, what is it? Want a petal denture? Good eyes. What with you, mate? Nothing. That Tootsie 25 to one I see. That's right. Yeah. Haven't I seen you somewhere before, mate? Sure. You're my favorite bookie. Now give me 50 to two. 50 to two, Tootsie. Party. Yeah. Thanks. Come on, baby. Let's get over to the cage. Cannon. That's the man who attacked you in the park. I know. But aren't you going to do anything about it? Not right now. But he's a bookie and that begins to add up. Now look, just stand here and watch the line of bookies. In a minute you'll see 10 different guys walk up to the 10 different bookies and each place a bed at the same time. And before any bookie can lower his odds on Tootsie, there'll be a fortune bet on the dog.
There you see, there they go. Now I know why missus Labry manners lives in Queensgate with no furniture. Well, tell me. All are in good time. There, the dogs are in the traps and ready to go. I'll only be absolutely certain after the race.
[00:20:00] Unknown:
Race number three, the third race on the card. The dogs are in the traps and here are the numbers. Number one, gypsy boy. Number two, the shadow. Three, the miller's son. Four, rotary. Trap five, Tootsie. And six, Scarfell. The mechanical hair has started. It's passing the traps. And the traps are up. It's number one away fast on the inside followed by three, four, two, six, and five. Now it's six taking over, five coming out as they race into the turn. Three dropping back there, but five still going well. One has dropped back now. It's number six from five by a short head with four to three in that order. Number one right at the back there. Now it's number three picking up with a great burst of speed. Number three, riding the best race. Three, going up through the pack and going well. But now it's five. Five, always in the race but now making the pace. Five, it is. Five, going ahead of run and five is going to win easily. Five, running out an easy winner. Yes. Number five, it is. Followed by three, six, and others also ran.
The winner of race number three, number five, Tootsie. Number five, Tootsie.
[00:21:06] Unknown:
Oh, we won, Cannon. Twenty five pounds. Would you think of it? £25
[00:21:12] Unknown:
each. Oh. Tote payout on number five, 60 shillings.
[00:21:17] Unknown:
The tote payout on number five in the third race, 60 shillings. You hear that? 60 shillings for each 2 shillings or a multiple of 2 shillings bet on the dog. In other words, 30 to one. It was a complete outsider and nobody even gave it a chance. Now look at the bookies boards before they rubbed them off. Six to four on. That means you have to put six pounds on to win four. But not the 10 men who bet just before the race. You're a clever girl, Mrs Labry manners.
[00:21:44] Unknown:
Mrs Labry manners had hit upon a certain way to outwit the strict supervision of the dog tracks. She had bred and trained a series of greyhounds, all jet black in colour. They were trained to run over different distances and she rang the changes with them racing what the acceptors thought was a sprinter over a long distance and vice versa. The odds on her dogs were therefore always high and her gang of criminal punters moved in on the bookies when she gauged the time to be ripe. The house in Queensgate was the perfect cover and provided her with a hideaway for the dogs and a print shop in which she could forge the dogs' papers that showed their physical statistics as well as their colour. Thus it was that she had a whole litter of dogs registered under one name.
The bookie Sammy suspected the truth but thought Mrs Lavery Manor's butler was the culprit and so the unfortunate butler was cut to pieces with a razor. Sammy paid the extreme penalty and at the moment Mrs Lavery Manners is safely inside an institution where she has something in common with her erstwhile litter. You see, these days she too is known only by her number.
