In this thrilling episode, we delve into the world of antiques and mystery as Mr. Merryweather, an antique dealer, finds himself in possession of a valuable grandfather clock. With a price tag of 2,000 guineas, the clock attracts the attention of various characters, including a night watchman named Cannon, a mysterious woman named Jane Fenton, and a man named Trigg. As the night unfolds, Cannon encounters unexpected visitors, each with their own interest in the clock, leading to a series of intriguing events.
The plot thickens when Lord Blenstock enters the scene, revealing a hidden history of the clock involving the Duchess of Fiontail's missing jewels. As Cannon and Lord Blenstock investigate, they uncover the truth behind the clock's secret, leading to a surprising discovery that changes everything. Tune in to find out how the mystery unravels and why the episode is aptly titled "Saved by the Gong."
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[00:00:00]
Unknown:
The game is on the line, and I've only got a shot clock's worth of time to tell you about Subway's six ninety nine foot long deal. That's right. Order now on the Subway app and get any foot long on the menu for just $6.99. Fresh sliced deli meat, fresh crispy veggies, too much good stuff. Get it now on the Subway app. Any footlong for just $6.99. Use code 699 f l now. Only here for a limited time. Redeemable at participating US restaurants. Subway app online orders only. Add ons, additional plus tax. Additional fees apply on delivery. Excludes footlong snacks. Limited time.
[00:00:31] Unknown:
Early nineteenth century and as perfect as the day the craftsman made it. I shall hate to part with it from the shop. Is there any demand for old grandfather clocks, mister Merryweather? Well, for a perfect antique, there is always a demand. Even at the price I shall ask. And that is? 2,000 guineas. Oh, you better double the locks on your doors, mister Merryweather. Two thousand guineas is a great temptation. I've done better than double the locks, mister Perry. I have an appointment this afternoon with a gentleman who supplies night watchmen. Is he reliable? Oh, yes. Indeed. They call themselves Assignments Unlimited,
[00:01:06] Unknown:
and they have an office at 33 Half Moon Street. Aubrey Mason at your service. At Assignments Unlimited, we do anything anywhere at any time. 33
[00:01:16] Unknown:
Half Moon Street.
[00:01:36] Unknown:
And so it occurred to me, mister Mason, that I would be wise to place a night watchman in the shop while the grandfather clock is there, provided the cost is not too exorbitant. Oh, I don't think you'll find the fee exorbitant, mister Merryweather.
[00:01:49] Unknown:
It rather depends on how long you will need a watchman. Well, now that's hard to say.
[00:01:53] Unknown:
Of course, I'm delighted with the grandfather clock myself, but you never can tell with buyers of antiques. I'll read the Google example of 10 and pottery, a twelfth century, you know, that came into my possession. I thought it would go the next day. But it stood on the shelf for three years before the Duchess of Bafford happened along and took it up. Three years?
[00:02:15] Unknown:
But surely for that length of time, you'll be better off employing someone permanently.
[00:02:19] Unknown:
Oh, the clock won't stay in the shop as long as that. I have an option on it for only one week. I could never afford to buy it myself. And if you fail to sell it? Then it goes back to the auctioneering company to be knocked down to the highest bidder. Oh, I understand.
[00:02:34] Unknown:
Since it's not your property, you want to make sure of its safekeeping. Precisely, mister Mason.
[00:02:40] Unknown:
If anything happened to the clock, I really don't know what I'd do. I could never reimburse the auctioneering
[00:02:46] Unknown:
company. So I take it you want us to supply a man for well, any time up to a week. Is that it? Precisely, mister Mason.
[00:02:53] Unknown:
Oh, dear. I do hope somebody takes that. You know, I've heard of a similar clock that was knocked down for a few shillings to a dark laborer. And you know what he did? Took out the clock for his children to play with and used the case to keep his pigeons in. I can't bear vandalism, mister Mason. Well,
[00:03:14] Unknown:
perhaps the poor fellow didn't know its value. Yes. I suppose so.
[00:03:18] Unknown:
Well,
[00:03:20] Unknown:
I suppose I must get back to the shop. I'll expect your man about six. I don't usually leave until then. Well, good day to you, mister Mason. Good day, mister Merryweather.
[00:03:33] Unknown:
And we never did discuss the fee after all. Yeah. Well Yes, sir. Good. Cannon on, will you? Yes, sir.
[00:03:42] Unknown:
You are through to mister Cannon, sir.
[00:03:45] Unknown:
You, do you want me, chief? Yes. I got a job for you. How are you feeling after your Rivera holiday? All keyed up, chief. Then I've got the perfect job to help you unwind. You're going to play nursemaid to a grandfather clock.
[00:04:09] Unknown:
Take the bus, he says. Night watchmen never go by cab. Why do I keep working for that guy at oh, well, this is it. Clement, Merryweather. Antiques and Object Noir. Well, might as well make the new boss.
[00:04:28] Unknown:
Oh, good afternoon, sir. I was just about to close-up.
[00:04:33] Unknown:
May I help you with something? Sure. Show me the water faucet. Oh, I'm sure I don't recollect that piece. I'm Canon, the watchman. And, since I'm gonna be here all night, I figured it might be a good idea to know where I can rustle up some coffee. The what? Oh, yes. Yes. Of course. You must be from Assignments Unlimited. Check. Check? That's right. Assignments Unlimited. I understand that I start on the job from, 6PM, and I'm right on time. Well, a little early in point effect.
[00:05:01] Unknown:
Can't mistake the time here, mister Tennant. Look around you. I have more than a dozen clocks in the shop of all ages,
[00:05:08] Unknown:
but they all keep the present time. Yeah. So, so what do I have to do? Well, you simply have to guard the shop during the night. Oh, especially this beauty here.
[00:05:20] Unknown:
What is it? Oh, come, mister Cannon. It's a grandfather clock. You mean this, old piece of junk can tell the time? Holy smock.
[00:05:32] Unknown:
A lovely sound, isn't it? Music to the ears. Music?
[00:05:37] Unknown:
Why don't you play a record of the Rolling Stones for accompaniment?
[00:05:40] Unknown:
I beg your pardon, mister Cannon? That's alright. Forget it.
[00:05:45] Unknown:
Wow.
[00:05:47] Unknown:
You won't have much chance of sleeping on the job, mister Cannon?
[00:05:50] Unknown:
You mean these carts go off every hour on the hour? Of course. Yes. I keep everyone in apple pie order.
[00:05:57] Unknown:
Oh, perhaps you'd like me to explain the origins to you. Some of the time, mister Merryweather,
[00:06:03] Unknown:
that faucet for the coffee. Oh,
[00:06:06] Unknown:
that's out at the back. See, you go past the medieval armor under the early Norman tapestry and turn left by the warming pans. Boy, David Crockett should have seen this. Well, I leave you to it then, mister Cannon.
[00:06:22] Unknown:
Browse round if you wish. Yeah. I'd like to, with a blazing torch.
[00:06:26] Unknown:
Good night. Good night.
[00:06:34] Unknown:
Now what did he say? Pass the armor. Push aside the tapestry. Brother, this must have been hung up by the doll who made it. Warming pans. Now what do you suppose a warming pan would look like? This maybe? Copper kettle on the end of a baseball bat? Turn left. Uh-huh. Eureka. And I'm on at that. Archimedes used a bath. That works. And now the gas ring. Great. Now all I need is a pot. Ah, the warming pan. No. On second thoughts, I don't know what they use those pans for. Well, somebody at the door, and I only suppose that is. It could be old Merryweather forgot to wind up one of his clocks.
Now I'm on this job for a week. I better steal his keys. Oh, has mister Merryweather gone home? That's right, ma'am. Something I can do for you? Well, I wanted to have a look at a grandfather clock he's just acquired. Unfortunately, I just delayed in the traffic. Well, it'll be back in the morning, ma'am. Oh, that's no good. I'm afraid. It'll be too late. Ma'am, this timepiece has stood around for a long time. It'll still be here in a couple of thousand years more. In fact, I go so far as to say that,
[00:07:54] Unknown:
this is the grandfather of all grandfather clocks. I've come in from the country, you see. I have to go back tonight. Daddy will ring through in the morning and arrange purchase by telephone if I can inspect the clock this evening. You mean you,
[00:08:06] Unknown:
you wanna buy this thing? If it's worth the price, mister Merryweather asked. Step right in, lady. Just step right in. Oh, thank you. While you're at it, there's a dozen more draped around. Maybe the old boy had given to you wholesale. Are you the new assistant here then? No. I'm the night watchman first day on duty. Oh, I see. But only until somebody buys that grandfather car.
[00:08:27] Unknown:
You don't sound too happy with your job. I'm not.
[00:08:31] Unknown:
So, do you know all about this time gear? I mean, how they wind up, you know? Oh, I do indeed. Why do you ask? Look, is it possible to fix a clock so that it won't chime? I I mean, just temporarily, of course. You see there's, there's more than a dozen ticking away in here and every hour on the hour, they all set up a chiming together and, well, it makes me feel like a mouse trapped on the bells of Saint Mary's.
[00:08:55] Unknown:
He's a quaint old chap, isn't he? Mister Merryweather.
[00:08:58] Unknown:
I can fix them for you if you like. Ma'am, you're an angel in disguise. Oh, and there's one other thing. Yes? Look. If, if this is an embarrassing question, just forget I asked it. But, do you happen to know what a what a warming pan was used for? Of course. To warm the bed. Okay. But,
[00:09:17] Unknown:
what about the long handle? Well, they used to put hot coals in the pan and push it in far up under the bed covers.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
And don't tell me you're going to warm your bed with one. No. No. I I was gonna make coffee. The water's there, the gas ring's there, but, I don't have a coffee pot.
[00:09:32] Unknown:
You really are most amusing, mister I can't. Just just can't. Oh, I'm Jane Fenton, by the way. I'm sure there must be a coffee pot of some sort. Yes. Here we are.
[00:09:44] Unknown:
What about this? Oh, that's great. Look. Suppose I go past the armor under the tapestry, out back and make coffee while you fix the clocks. I've got sugar, instant coffee and a can of cream. Oh, that'd be wonderful Mr. Cannon. I'd love a cup of coffee. Then I'm on my way. You muzzle these chronometers for me and I'll be your friend for life. When I've finished, not one clock will chime tonight.
[00:10:04] Unknown:
Now you go off and make the coffee. But, you gotta show me how to start them up again in the morning. You look after the coffee, I'll take care of the clock.
[00:10:19] Unknown:
My kid with the company of this most attractive girl went up to the back of the shop to boil water for the coffee. Jane Fenton, he thought, must really know about clocks, but he half expected to hear her clattering around the shop. But she made no sound.
[00:10:33] Unknown:
Eventually, the coffee was ready, and beaming with delight, Cameron returned to where he'd left the girl by the grandfather clock. Come and get it. Coffee's ready. But you know something? We forgot cups to drink from. Maybe you can rustle up a couple of mean bowls of, miss Fenton? Miss Fenton, where are you? Did you fix the clots? Miss Fenton? Holy mackerel. There's something screwy about this. Hey, miss Fenty. She's not here. But she couldn't have gone through the door, and I've heard the doorbell. Bell. Yeah. Well, what do you know? The striking pin on the bell is held back by tape. She didn't even look at the clocks.
The only bell she fixed was the one on the door. Now I wonder why she did that.
[00:11:31] Unknown:
Willedered Cannon shook his head and turning marched back to his coffin. The girl, Jane Fenton, had taped the shop's doorbell so that he wouldn't hear her leaving. But why? If she objected to fixing the clocks or if she objected to Canon for that matter, surely all she had to do was thank him politely and go. It was then he noticed something about the grandfather clock.
[00:11:53] Unknown:
Five minutes to seven. Must have stopped. Unless if she did fix one of the clocks. Now how do you suppose I start it up again? The pendulum's inside the door. Oh, it's locked. And there's no key. I don't think she opened it without a key.
[00:12:15] Unknown:
Hello there. Oh, I'm lucky.
[00:12:18] Unknown:
I thought you'd be closed already. The shop is closed.
[00:12:22] Unknown:
Well, the door was open so I came in. Are you Mr. Milver? No. I'm the watchman. Like I said, the shop's closed. Oh, pity.
[00:12:29] Unknown:
Look, I wanted to look at the grandfather clock. I understand it's for sale.
[00:12:33] Unknown:
Well, how is it you wanna look tonight? It's, after seven. The clock will still be there tomorrow, my friend. Yes. I realize that.
[00:12:40] Unknown:
You say you're the night watchman? Uh-huh.
[00:12:43] Unknown:
Then I'm sure a pound note wouldn't be out of place. If it was in my pocket, it would. What's the idea? You, you're trying to bribe me? Bribe?
[00:12:50] Unknown:
Happen. All I want to do is have a look at the clock, you know, to see if it's worth what he's asking. And what is he asking? 2,000 guineas. You're not serious? Very serious. And I wouldn't be surprised if mister Merryweather had a dozen buyers in here tomorrow morning. 2,000 guineas for that load of junk? If it's genuine, it's early nineteenth century. A masterpiece of construction and a very valuable antique. Well, can I have a look at it? I still ask you, why tonight? You see, if it's the genuine article, then I shall be outside the shop at the crack of dawn to be sure of getting in first. For 2,000 guineas? In cash. Here's the pun note.
[00:13:27] Unknown:
Well, you'll get no joy out of that grandfather. It's locked and there isn't a key. Well, I can manage all right. I'm an expert with clocks of all kinds. Well, in that case, you can do me a favor. All these other clocks are wound up and going. At 08:00, they all start right off chiming together. Could you fix them for one night so that they keep the peace? I'd wanna know how to start them up again before mister Merryweather arrives. Very well. Come with me and I'll show you.
[00:13:52] Unknown:
With the pendulums, you just hold them still. Mhmm. See, this is the pendulum. Yep. Now there are seven.
[00:13:59] Unknown:
I'll show you the first one and we'll we'll do them together. Okay. Alright.
[00:14:04] Unknown:
You just Yeah. Hold it now. Yes.
[00:14:08] Unknown:
Simple as that. Then, why didn't she fix them? What's that, O'Bend? Oh, nothing. I, I get into the habit of talking to myself. You know how it is. A night watchman leads a lonely life. Yes. I suppose, sir.
[00:14:21] Unknown:
Well, let's fix the pendulums. Now look, will you fix the others while I take a look at the grandfather? Okay. But, see you don't damage it getting the door open. I won't. Don't worry.
[00:14:39] Unknown:
What are you doing in that thing?
[00:14:41] Unknown:
Testing for dry rot. It's a beautiful piece, but if a worm gets into the wood, the clock is useless. In time, the whole thing will be reduced to powder. Oh, not the working parts, of course. This pendulum of brinsters is made of solid brass. It's heavy. It lasts forever.
[00:14:56] Unknown:
So, what's the verdict?
[00:14:59] Unknown:
Unfortunately, there is a trace of Worm. It's still in magnificent condition. It's a magnificent piece to acquire, although I'm I'm not sure that his price isn't too high. However, it was good of you to allow me to examine it. Well, it's the easiest pound I ever earned, and you ever lost, mister, Oh, Trigg's the name. Mister Trigg. Mhmm. Yeah. Now I must go. It's getting late. Yeah. Only twenty five past seven.
[00:15:23] Unknown:
Oh, of course, all the clocks have stopped. It's,
[00:15:25] Unknown:
twenty five to eight. Yes. And you've got a long night in front of you, I suppose. Good night. Good night.
[00:15:33] Unknown:
I, I think I'll have a look at that clock myself. Then he locked it again. Wonder what they were looking for. Oh, well, clocks won't chime again tonight, so, I may as well get a few hours sleep. Oh, brother. Business as usual. Old Merryweather should move a stall onto the railroad station. Okay. Okay. I'm coming.
[00:16:00] Unknown:
The shop's closed. Now, I know that. Do you think I've lost my sense of sight? What do you want? Who are you? The night watchman. And if you'll just stand to one side, I'll come in. Look, I'm the night watchman. Nobody comes in after hours. Do you know whom you're addressing? Nope. And once more, I don't care. You impertinent fellow. Okay. Take it easy, grandeur. I am Lord Blenstock and a customer of this Merryweather. I'll see you lose your job over this.
[00:16:24] Unknown:
Be doing me a favor now. Good night. The shop is open for business at nine in the morning. Just a minute.
[00:16:30] Unknown:
Perhaps I was a little hasty. The fact is I left a briefcase somewhere today. It has some important papers in it which are confidential. I've retraced my steps to everywhere I can think of that I visited today, but I've had no luck.
[00:16:42] Unknown:
I was in this shop this morning, and I wondered if by some chance I left it here. So you wanna come in and look around. Is that it? Yes. Okay. Come on in. But, make it snappy. I wanna get some rest. Well, are you allowed to sleep on the job? Well, I've tried three times to make a pot of coffee. Every time, it goes cold on me. This shop is busier when it's closed than when it's open. What's that? You've had other nocturnal callers? Not only that. I've had other night visitors. Who were your other visitors? A dame called Jane Fenton and a guy named Frigg. What?
And why the surprise, Duke? What did they come here for? Well, mister Merryweather has available possession in the shop. He wouldn't think so to look at it, but it's worth 2,000 guineas.
[00:17:25] Unknown:
That clock over there. The grandfather clock? The same. Oh, may I look at it? Oh, no. Not you too. I'd make it worth a while.
[00:17:34] Unknown:
You know, a couple of months on the night watching I could retire. Okay. Go ahead. Help yourself. It's locked, but, I've no doubt you can open it. As a matter of fact, I can. I am not Yes. An expert in these things, I know. So were the others. At least, they said they were. Mind you, I know that Trigg knew his stuff. He fixed all the clocks so they wouldn't chime. I counted they were ruining my beauty sleep. What excuse did miss Fenton and mister Trigg make? Well, it, it wasn't a lost briefcase. They came right out and said they wanted a pre inspection of the antique. Did they tell you who they were?
[00:18:04] Unknown:
What's your name, by the way? Cannon. Well, Cannon?
[00:18:07] Unknown:
They always said that they might be interested in buying it. That's all.
[00:18:11] Unknown:
How odd. The clock was delivered here from the auctioneers. If they were all that keen, they could have made a deal with Merryweather at any time today. Well, Jane Fenton said she'd come in from the country. Yes. That's true. She lives just outside London. It was only an hour away and the clock was well advertised. Everyone knew it was in this shop.
[00:18:29] Unknown:
So you've, you've got my interest roused. Who and what are miss Jane Fenton and mister Trigg? Antique dealers. Then I don't get it. I mean, why didn't they give mister Merryweather a ring? You may well ask. Isn't it obvious that they wish to examine the clock unobserved?
[00:18:45] Unknown:
But, I watched Trigg at work. He said he was looking for termites. That's not true. He wasn't looking for termites. He was searching for something else.
[00:18:54] Unknown:
Well, like what?
[00:18:55] Unknown:
That's what we're going to try and find out, Cannon. You mean you don't know? No. Man, I really did come to look for my briefcase. It's there on Merriweather's desk.
[00:19:05] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. You know, it's screwy. So, how do we find out what they wanted to find out? Meriwether loves his possessions as a mother loves its child.
[00:19:16] Unknown:
Lippen says he makes copious notes of the history of his antiques, whereas another keeps a snapshot, Elbin.
[00:19:23] Unknown:
His ledger's on the desk. Let's get to work. Thoroughly intrigued, Cameron poured over the ledger with Lord Winslow. The fiery old man attacked the pages with gusto. And at last I got it. Here, Cannon. It's here. Oh, yeah. What have you found? Now listen to this. Mhmm. In 1847,
[00:19:43] Unknown:
on the death of the Duchess of Fiontail, the clock was held under guard by members of the household. Rumor had it that the Duchess' jewels had been secreted in the clock since no sign of her jewels was ever found, and it was known that they had not been sold. Well, what do you think of that?
[00:20:00] Unknown:
They were looking for jewels. Or maybe Jane Fenton found them. I didn't tell you that she left in a hurry while I was in the back making coffee. You may be right, of course, but I see no reason why we shouldn't search for them.
[00:20:13] Unknown:
They must be carefully hidden if they are there. Merryweather must have carefully inspected his prize, and it's obvious that he didn't find any jewels. Then, what are we waiting for? Stay right where you are. Oh, no. Not another visitor. Come on, bother you. It's a fair cop, my lance. My good fellow, do you know to whom you're talking? No. I don't. But the sergeant will be interested at the station. I beg your pardon. You made a big mistake, my lads, stopping those clocks. I hear them every night on my beep, but I didn't hear them at 08:00. So I thought, that's funny. I came to investigate.
Now are you coming quietly, or do I have to use force?
[00:20:49] Unknown:
Protestations, Lord Lenstoke and Callaghan marched up to the police station. It took them a few minutes to establish their identities, and they were promptly released with an apology. Lenstoke and Cannon hurried back to the shop in Bumpton Road.
[00:21:03] Unknown:
Oh,
[00:21:04] Unknown:
dandos. Dandos, mister Cannon. It's beauty lost forever. I,
[00:21:11] Unknown:
I don't know what to say, mister Merryweather. I mean, the the cop insisted that we accompany him. I know. I know. Oh, vandalism is the most evil of all vices. Well, they, they might find the culprits. I mean, we know that Trigg and miss Fenton came here. They must have found out about the jewels.
[00:21:27] Unknown:
A fairy story, mister Kenyon. I examined the clock myself. There were no secret compartments.
[00:21:35] Unknown:
Tell me. Was, was this clock insured? No. Oh, holy cow. 2,000 guineas.
[00:21:42] Unknown:
Who's gonna pay the auctioneering company? I can't. I haven't got 2,000 shillings.
[00:21:46] Unknown:
See, I just don't know what to say. Well, the working parts are okay, though. Maybe you could build a new case or something. I mean, Triggs said the pendulum was made of solid brass. He said it'll last forever. Then Trigg's a fool.
[00:21:59] Unknown:
A heavy pendulum needs a counterbalance. This clock was fitted with a light copper skinned bulb type pendulum. But what does it matter now? Without the case, the clock is valueless. Mister Kenan, are you all right? What? Why are you looking at me like that?
[00:22:20] Unknown:
Mister Merryweather, don't bank on anything, but, I've got a funny feeling that your sentiments about vandals are going to undergo a rapid and violent change.
[00:22:31] Unknown:
The axe used by the interloper was lying handy. My operator picked it up and with one blow severed the valve at the end of the pendulum.
[00:22:42] Unknown:
You see? It's hollow.
[00:22:45] Unknown:
Of course. Much like a ball valve on her cistern. But, mister Merryweather, it's not empty.
[00:22:52] Unknown:
Here. Take a look.
[00:22:54] Unknown:
Well, I never. So it wasn't a fairy story after all. The old girl did hide her jewels in the clock.' 'Yes.
[00:23:04] Unknown:
A small fortune in precious stones lay at his feet, small enough and light enough not to affect the working of the grandfather clock. And now you know why the story tonight was called Saved by the Gong.
The game is on the line, and I've only got a shot clock's worth of time to tell you about Subway's six ninety nine foot long deal. That's right. Order now on the Subway app and get any foot long on the menu for just $6.99. Fresh sliced deli meat, fresh crispy veggies, too much good stuff. Get it now on the Subway app. Any footlong for just $6.99. Use code 699 f l now. Only here for a limited time. Redeemable at participating US restaurants. Subway app online orders only. Add ons, additional plus tax. Additional fees apply on delivery. Excludes footlong snacks. Limited time.
[00:00:31] Unknown:
Early nineteenth century and as perfect as the day the craftsman made it. I shall hate to part with it from the shop. Is there any demand for old grandfather clocks, mister Merryweather? Well, for a perfect antique, there is always a demand. Even at the price I shall ask. And that is? 2,000 guineas. Oh, you better double the locks on your doors, mister Merryweather. Two thousand guineas is a great temptation. I've done better than double the locks, mister Perry. I have an appointment this afternoon with a gentleman who supplies night watchmen. Is he reliable? Oh, yes. Indeed. They call themselves Assignments Unlimited,
[00:01:06] Unknown:
and they have an office at 33 Half Moon Street. Aubrey Mason at your service. At Assignments Unlimited, we do anything anywhere at any time. 33
[00:01:16] Unknown:
Half Moon Street.
[00:01:36] Unknown:
And so it occurred to me, mister Mason, that I would be wise to place a night watchman in the shop while the grandfather clock is there, provided the cost is not too exorbitant. Oh, I don't think you'll find the fee exorbitant, mister Merryweather.
[00:01:49] Unknown:
It rather depends on how long you will need a watchman. Well, now that's hard to say.
[00:01:53] Unknown:
Of course, I'm delighted with the grandfather clock myself, but you never can tell with buyers of antiques. I'll read the Google example of 10 and pottery, a twelfth century, you know, that came into my possession. I thought it would go the next day. But it stood on the shelf for three years before the Duchess of Bafford happened along and took it up. Three years?
[00:02:15] Unknown:
But surely for that length of time, you'll be better off employing someone permanently.
[00:02:19] Unknown:
Oh, the clock won't stay in the shop as long as that. I have an option on it for only one week. I could never afford to buy it myself. And if you fail to sell it? Then it goes back to the auctioneering company to be knocked down to the highest bidder. Oh, I understand.
[00:02:34] Unknown:
Since it's not your property, you want to make sure of its safekeeping. Precisely, mister Mason.
[00:02:40] Unknown:
If anything happened to the clock, I really don't know what I'd do. I could never reimburse the auctioneering
[00:02:46] Unknown:
company. So I take it you want us to supply a man for well, any time up to a week. Is that it? Precisely, mister Mason.
[00:02:53] Unknown:
Oh, dear. I do hope somebody takes that. You know, I've heard of a similar clock that was knocked down for a few shillings to a dark laborer. And you know what he did? Took out the clock for his children to play with and used the case to keep his pigeons in. I can't bear vandalism, mister Mason. Well,
[00:03:14] Unknown:
perhaps the poor fellow didn't know its value. Yes. I suppose so.
[00:03:18] Unknown:
Well,
[00:03:20] Unknown:
I suppose I must get back to the shop. I'll expect your man about six. I don't usually leave until then. Well, good day to you, mister Mason. Good day, mister Merryweather.
[00:03:33] Unknown:
And we never did discuss the fee after all. Yeah. Well Yes, sir. Good. Cannon on, will you? Yes, sir.
[00:03:42] Unknown:
You are through to mister Cannon, sir.
[00:03:45] Unknown:
You, do you want me, chief? Yes. I got a job for you. How are you feeling after your Rivera holiday? All keyed up, chief. Then I've got the perfect job to help you unwind. You're going to play nursemaid to a grandfather clock.
[00:04:09] Unknown:
Take the bus, he says. Night watchmen never go by cab. Why do I keep working for that guy at oh, well, this is it. Clement, Merryweather. Antiques and Object Noir. Well, might as well make the new boss.
[00:04:28] Unknown:
Oh, good afternoon, sir. I was just about to close-up.
[00:04:33] Unknown:
May I help you with something? Sure. Show me the water faucet. Oh, I'm sure I don't recollect that piece. I'm Canon, the watchman. And, since I'm gonna be here all night, I figured it might be a good idea to know where I can rustle up some coffee. The what? Oh, yes. Yes. Of course. You must be from Assignments Unlimited. Check. Check? That's right. Assignments Unlimited. I understand that I start on the job from, 6PM, and I'm right on time. Well, a little early in point effect.
[00:05:01] Unknown:
Can't mistake the time here, mister Tennant. Look around you. I have more than a dozen clocks in the shop of all ages,
[00:05:08] Unknown:
but they all keep the present time. Yeah. So, so what do I have to do? Well, you simply have to guard the shop during the night. Oh, especially this beauty here.
[00:05:20] Unknown:
What is it? Oh, come, mister Cannon. It's a grandfather clock. You mean this, old piece of junk can tell the time? Holy smock.
[00:05:32] Unknown:
A lovely sound, isn't it? Music to the ears. Music?
[00:05:37] Unknown:
Why don't you play a record of the Rolling Stones for accompaniment?
[00:05:40] Unknown:
I beg your pardon, mister Cannon? That's alright. Forget it.
[00:05:45] Unknown:
Wow.
[00:05:47] Unknown:
You won't have much chance of sleeping on the job, mister Cannon?
[00:05:50] Unknown:
You mean these carts go off every hour on the hour? Of course. Yes. I keep everyone in apple pie order.
[00:05:57] Unknown:
Oh, perhaps you'd like me to explain the origins to you. Some of the time, mister Merryweather,
[00:06:03] Unknown:
that faucet for the coffee. Oh,
[00:06:06] Unknown:
that's out at the back. See, you go past the medieval armor under the early Norman tapestry and turn left by the warming pans. Boy, David Crockett should have seen this. Well, I leave you to it then, mister Cannon.
[00:06:22] Unknown:
Browse round if you wish. Yeah. I'd like to, with a blazing torch.
[00:06:26] Unknown:
Good night. Good night.
[00:06:34] Unknown:
Now what did he say? Pass the armor. Push aside the tapestry. Brother, this must have been hung up by the doll who made it. Warming pans. Now what do you suppose a warming pan would look like? This maybe? Copper kettle on the end of a baseball bat? Turn left. Uh-huh. Eureka. And I'm on at that. Archimedes used a bath. That works. And now the gas ring. Great. Now all I need is a pot. Ah, the warming pan. No. On second thoughts, I don't know what they use those pans for. Well, somebody at the door, and I only suppose that is. It could be old Merryweather forgot to wind up one of his clocks.
Now I'm on this job for a week. I better steal his keys. Oh, has mister Merryweather gone home? That's right, ma'am. Something I can do for you? Well, I wanted to have a look at a grandfather clock he's just acquired. Unfortunately, I just delayed in the traffic. Well, it'll be back in the morning, ma'am. Oh, that's no good. I'm afraid. It'll be too late. Ma'am, this timepiece has stood around for a long time. It'll still be here in a couple of thousand years more. In fact, I go so far as to say that,
[00:07:54] Unknown:
this is the grandfather of all grandfather clocks. I've come in from the country, you see. I have to go back tonight. Daddy will ring through in the morning and arrange purchase by telephone if I can inspect the clock this evening. You mean you,
[00:08:06] Unknown:
you wanna buy this thing? If it's worth the price, mister Merryweather asked. Step right in, lady. Just step right in. Oh, thank you. While you're at it, there's a dozen more draped around. Maybe the old boy had given to you wholesale. Are you the new assistant here then? No. I'm the night watchman first day on duty. Oh, I see. But only until somebody buys that grandfather car.
[00:08:27] Unknown:
You don't sound too happy with your job. I'm not.
[00:08:31] Unknown:
So, do you know all about this time gear? I mean, how they wind up, you know? Oh, I do indeed. Why do you ask? Look, is it possible to fix a clock so that it won't chime? I I mean, just temporarily, of course. You see there's, there's more than a dozen ticking away in here and every hour on the hour, they all set up a chiming together and, well, it makes me feel like a mouse trapped on the bells of Saint Mary's.
[00:08:55] Unknown:
He's a quaint old chap, isn't he? Mister Merryweather.
[00:08:58] Unknown:
I can fix them for you if you like. Ma'am, you're an angel in disguise. Oh, and there's one other thing. Yes? Look. If, if this is an embarrassing question, just forget I asked it. But, do you happen to know what a what a warming pan was used for? Of course. To warm the bed. Okay. But,
[00:09:17] Unknown:
what about the long handle? Well, they used to put hot coals in the pan and push it in far up under the bed covers.
[00:09:23] Unknown:
And don't tell me you're going to warm your bed with one. No. No. I I was gonna make coffee. The water's there, the gas ring's there, but, I don't have a coffee pot.
[00:09:32] Unknown:
You really are most amusing, mister I can't. Just just can't. Oh, I'm Jane Fenton, by the way. I'm sure there must be a coffee pot of some sort. Yes. Here we are.
[00:09:44] Unknown:
What about this? Oh, that's great. Look. Suppose I go past the armor under the tapestry, out back and make coffee while you fix the clocks. I've got sugar, instant coffee and a can of cream. Oh, that'd be wonderful Mr. Cannon. I'd love a cup of coffee. Then I'm on my way. You muzzle these chronometers for me and I'll be your friend for life. When I've finished, not one clock will chime tonight.
[00:10:04] Unknown:
Now you go off and make the coffee. But, you gotta show me how to start them up again in the morning. You look after the coffee, I'll take care of the clock.
[00:10:19] Unknown:
My kid with the company of this most attractive girl went up to the back of the shop to boil water for the coffee. Jane Fenton, he thought, must really know about clocks, but he half expected to hear her clattering around the shop. But she made no sound.
[00:10:33] Unknown:
Eventually, the coffee was ready, and beaming with delight, Cameron returned to where he'd left the girl by the grandfather clock. Come and get it. Coffee's ready. But you know something? We forgot cups to drink from. Maybe you can rustle up a couple of mean bowls of, miss Fenton? Miss Fenton, where are you? Did you fix the clots? Miss Fenton? Holy mackerel. There's something screwy about this. Hey, miss Fenty. She's not here. But she couldn't have gone through the door, and I've heard the doorbell. Bell. Yeah. Well, what do you know? The striking pin on the bell is held back by tape. She didn't even look at the clocks.
The only bell she fixed was the one on the door. Now I wonder why she did that.
[00:11:31] Unknown:
Willedered Cannon shook his head and turning marched back to his coffin. The girl, Jane Fenton, had taped the shop's doorbell so that he wouldn't hear her leaving. But why? If she objected to fixing the clocks or if she objected to Canon for that matter, surely all she had to do was thank him politely and go. It was then he noticed something about the grandfather clock.
[00:11:53] Unknown:
Five minutes to seven. Must have stopped. Unless if she did fix one of the clocks. Now how do you suppose I start it up again? The pendulum's inside the door. Oh, it's locked. And there's no key. I don't think she opened it without a key.
[00:12:15] Unknown:
Hello there. Oh, I'm lucky.
[00:12:18] Unknown:
I thought you'd be closed already. The shop is closed.
[00:12:22] Unknown:
Well, the door was open so I came in. Are you Mr. Milver? No. I'm the watchman. Like I said, the shop's closed. Oh, pity.
[00:12:29] Unknown:
Look, I wanted to look at the grandfather clock. I understand it's for sale.
[00:12:33] Unknown:
Well, how is it you wanna look tonight? It's, after seven. The clock will still be there tomorrow, my friend. Yes. I realize that.
[00:12:40] Unknown:
You say you're the night watchman? Uh-huh.
[00:12:43] Unknown:
Then I'm sure a pound note wouldn't be out of place. If it was in my pocket, it would. What's the idea? You, you're trying to bribe me? Bribe?
[00:12:50] Unknown:
Happen. All I want to do is have a look at the clock, you know, to see if it's worth what he's asking. And what is he asking? 2,000 guineas. You're not serious? Very serious. And I wouldn't be surprised if mister Merryweather had a dozen buyers in here tomorrow morning. 2,000 guineas for that load of junk? If it's genuine, it's early nineteenth century. A masterpiece of construction and a very valuable antique. Well, can I have a look at it? I still ask you, why tonight? You see, if it's the genuine article, then I shall be outside the shop at the crack of dawn to be sure of getting in first. For 2,000 guineas? In cash. Here's the pun note.
[00:13:27] Unknown:
Well, you'll get no joy out of that grandfather. It's locked and there isn't a key. Well, I can manage all right. I'm an expert with clocks of all kinds. Well, in that case, you can do me a favor. All these other clocks are wound up and going. At 08:00, they all start right off chiming together. Could you fix them for one night so that they keep the peace? I'd wanna know how to start them up again before mister Merryweather arrives. Very well. Come with me and I'll show you.
[00:13:52] Unknown:
With the pendulums, you just hold them still. Mhmm. See, this is the pendulum. Yep. Now there are seven.
[00:13:59] Unknown:
I'll show you the first one and we'll we'll do them together. Okay. Alright.
[00:14:04] Unknown:
You just Yeah. Hold it now. Yes.
[00:14:08] Unknown:
Simple as that. Then, why didn't she fix them? What's that, O'Bend? Oh, nothing. I, I get into the habit of talking to myself. You know how it is. A night watchman leads a lonely life. Yes. I suppose, sir.
[00:14:21] Unknown:
Well, let's fix the pendulums. Now look, will you fix the others while I take a look at the grandfather? Okay. But, see you don't damage it getting the door open. I won't. Don't worry.
[00:14:39] Unknown:
What are you doing in that thing?
[00:14:41] Unknown:
Testing for dry rot. It's a beautiful piece, but if a worm gets into the wood, the clock is useless. In time, the whole thing will be reduced to powder. Oh, not the working parts, of course. This pendulum of brinsters is made of solid brass. It's heavy. It lasts forever.
[00:14:56] Unknown:
So, what's the verdict?
[00:14:59] Unknown:
Unfortunately, there is a trace of Worm. It's still in magnificent condition. It's a magnificent piece to acquire, although I'm I'm not sure that his price isn't too high. However, it was good of you to allow me to examine it. Well, it's the easiest pound I ever earned, and you ever lost, mister, Oh, Trigg's the name. Mister Trigg. Mhmm. Yeah. Now I must go. It's getting late. Yeah. Only twenty five past seven.
[00:15:23] Unknown:
Oh, of course, all the clocks have stopped. It's,
[00:15:25] Unknown:
twenty five to eight. Yes. And you've got a long night in front of you, I suppose. Good night. Good night.
[00:15:33] Unknown:
I, I think I'll have a look at that clock myself. Then he locked it again. Wonder what they were looking for. Oh, well, clocks won't chime again tonight, so, I may as well get a few hours sleep. Oh, brother. Business as usual. Old Merryweather should move a stall onto the railroad station. Okay. Okay. I'm coming.
[00:16:00] Unknown:
The shop's closed. Now, I know that. Do you think I've lost my sense of sight? What do you want? Who are you? The night watchman. And if you'll just stand to one side, I'll come in. Look, I'm the night watchman. Nobody comes in after hours. Do you know whom you're addressing? Nope. And once more, I don't care. You impertinent fellow. Okay. Take it easy, grandeur. I am Lord Blenstock and a customer of this Merryweather. I'll see you lose your job over this.
[00:16:24] Unknown:
Be doing me a favor now. Good night. The shop is open for business at nine in the morning. Just a minute.
[00:16:30] Unknown:
Perhaps I was a little hasty. The fact is I left a briefcase somewhere today. It has some important papers in it which are confidential. I've retraced my steps to everywhere I can think of that I visited today, but I've had no luck.
[00:16:42] Unknown:
I was in this shop this morning, and I wondered if by some chance I left it here. So you wanna come in and look around. Is that it? Yes. Okay. Come on in. But, make it snappy. I wanna get some rest. Well, are you allowed to sleep on the job? Well, I've tried three times to make a pot of coffee. Every time, it goes cold on me. This shop is busier when it's closed than when it's open. What's that? You've had other nocturnal callers? Not only that. I've had other night visitors. Who were your other visitors? A dame called Jane Fenton and a guy named Frigg. What?
And why the surprise, Duke? What did they come here for? Well, mister Merryweather has available possession in the shop. He wouldn't think so to look at it, but it's worth 2,000 guineas.
[00:17:25] Unknown:
That clock over there. The grandfather clock? The same. Oh, may I look at it? Oh, no. Not you too. I'd make it worth a while.
[00:17:34] Unknown:
You know, a couple of months on the night watching I could retire. Okay. Go ahead. Help yourself. It's locked, but, I've no doubt you can open it. As a matter of fact, I can. I am not Yes. An expert in these things, I know. So were the others. At least, they said they were. Mind you, I know that Trigg knew his stuff. He fixed all the clocks so they wouldn't chime. I counted they were ruining my beauty sleep. What excuse did miss Fenton and mister Trigg make? Well, it, it wasn't a lost briefcase. They came right out and said they wanted a pre inspection of the antique. Did they tell you who they were?
[00:18:04] Unknown:
What's your name, by the way? Cannon. Well, Cannon?
[00:18:07] Unknown:
They always said that they might be interested in buying it. That's all.
[00:18:11] Unknown:
How odd. The clock was delivered here from the auctioneers. If they were all that keen, they could have made a deal with Merryweather at any time today. Well, Jane Fenton said she'd come in from the country. Yes. That's true. She lives just outside London. It was only an hour away and the clock was well advertised. Everyone knew it was in this shop.
[00:18:29] Unknown:
So you've, you've got my interest roused. Who and what are miss Jane Fenton and mister Trigg? Antique dealers. Then I don't get it. I mean, why didn't they give mister Merryweather a ring? You may well ask. Isn't it obvious that they wish to examine the clock unobserved?
[00:18:45] Unknown:
But, I watched Trigg at work. He said he was looking for termites. That's not true. He wasn't looking for termites. He was searching for something else.
[00:18:54] Unknown:
Well, like what?
[00:18:55] Unknown:
That's what we're going to try and find out, Cannon. You mean you don't know? No. Man, I really did come to look for my briefcase. It's there on Merriweather's desk.
[00:19:05] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. You know, it's screwy. So, how do we find out what they wanted to find out? Meriwether loves his possessions as a mother loves its child.
[00:19:16] Unknown:
Lippen says he makes copious notes of the history of his antiques, whereas another keeps a snapshot, Elbin.
[00:19:23] Unknown:
His ledger's on the desk. Let's get to work. Thoroughly intrigued, Cameron poured over the ledger with Lord Winslow. The fiery old man attacked the pages with gusto. And at last I got it. Here, Cannon. It's here. Oh, yeah. What have you found? Now listen to this. Mhmm. In 1847,
[00:19:43] Unknown:
on the death of the Duchess of Fiontail, the clock was held under guard by members of the household. Rumor had it that the Duchess' jewels had been secreted in the clock since no sign of her jewels was ever found, and it was known that they had not been sold. Well, what do you think of that?
[00:20:00] Unknown:
They were looking for jewels. Or maybe Jane Fenton found them. I didn't tell you that she left in a hurry while I was in the back making coffee. You may be right, of course, but I see no reason why we shouldn't search for them.
[00:20:13] Unknown:
They must be carefully hidden if they are there. Merryweather must have carefully inspected his prize, and it's obvious that he didn't find any jewels. Then, what are we waiting for? Stay right where you are. Oh, no. Not another visitor. Come on, bother you. It's a fair cop, my lance. My good fellow, do you know to whom you're talking? No. I don't. But the sergeant will be interested at the station. I beg your pardon. You made a big mistake, my lads, stopping those clocks. I hear them every night on my beep, but I didn't hear them at 08:00. So I thought, that's funny. I came to investigate.
Now are you coming quietly, or do I have to use force?
[00:20:49] Unknown:
Protestations, Lord Lenstoke and Callaghan marched up to the police station. It took them a few minutes to establish their identities, and they were promptly released with an apology. Lenstoke and Cannon hurried back to the shop in Bumpton Road.
[00:21:03] Unknown:
Oh,
[00:21:04] Unknown:
dandos. Dandos, mister Cannon. It's beauty lost forever. I,
[00:21:11] Unknown:
I don't know what to say, mister Merryweather. I mean, the the cop insisted that we accompany him. I know. I know. Oh, vandalism is the most evil of all vices. Well, they, they might find the culprits. I mean, we know that Trigg and miss Fenton came here. They must have found out about the jewels.
[00:21:27] Unknown:
A fairy story, mister Kenyon. I examined the clock myself. There were no secret compartments.
[00:21:35] Unknown:
Tell me. Was, was this clock insured? No. Oh, holy cow. 2,000 guineas.
[00:21:42] Unknown:
Who's gonna pay the auctioneering company? I can't. I haven't got 2,000 shillings.
[00:21:46] Unknown:
See, I just don't know what to say. Well, the working parts are okay, though. Maybe you could build a new case or something. I mean, Triggs said the pendulum was made of solid brass. He said it'll last forever. Then Trigg's a fool.
[00:21:59] Unknown:
A heavy pendulum needs a counterbalance. This clock was fitted with a light copper skinned bulb type pendulum. But what does it matter now? Without the case, the clock is valueless. Mister Kenan, are you all right? What? Why are you looking at me like that?
[00:22:20] Unknown:
Mister Merryweather, don't bank on anything, but, I've got a funny feeling that your sentiments about vandals are going to undergo a rapid and violent change.
[00:22:31] Unknown:
The axe used by the interloper was lying handy. My operator picked it up and with one blow severed the valve at the end of the pendulum.
[00:22:42] Unknown:
You see? It's hollow.
[00:22:45] Unknown:
Of course. Much like a ball valve on her cistern. But, mister Merryweather, it's not empty.
[00:22:52] Unknown:
Here. Take a look.
[00:22:54] Unknown:
Well, I never. So it wasn't a fairy story after all. The old girl did hide her jewels in the clock.' 'Yes.
[00:23:04] Unknown:
A small fortune in precious stones lay at his feet, small enough and light enough not to affect the working of the grandfather clock. And now you know why the story tonight was called Saved by the Gong.
