In this thrilling episode, we delve into the mysterious theft of the Seal of Darius from the British Museum. Sir Henry Bower, an archaeologist, enlists the help of a private investigator, Mr. Mason, to recover the stolen artifact without involving the police. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the theft is not just a simple case of burglary but is tied to a larger conspiracy involving espionage and international intrigue. The story takes a dramatic turn when a Greek marathon runner, Papilopidas, becomes a key figure in the mystery, leading the investigators on a chase through London.
As the plot thickens, the investigators discover that the theft was orchestrated by a spy ring, with Sir Henry Bower at its center. The episode reaches its climax when the Greek runner is found dead, branded with the Seal of Darius, revealing a sinister plot to frame him. In a surprising twist, Sir Henry turns Queen's evidence, exposing a network of enemy spies and clearing the name of the Greek runner, who was an undercover CIA agent. This episode is a gripping tale of deception, espionage, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
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In this thrilling episode, we delve into the mysterious theft of the ancient Seal of Darius from the British Museum. Sir Henry Bauer, an archaeologist, enlists the help of a private investigator, Mr. Mason, to recover the stolen artifact without involving the police. As the story unfolds, we learn about the fascinating world of ancient seals and the significance of the Seal of Darius, a relic from the Persian Empire. The investigation takes a surprising turn when a marathon race in London becomes a key element in the mystery, leading to a suspenseful chase through the city.
As the plot thickens, we discover a web of espionage involving a Greek marathon runner and a network of spies. The narrative reaches its climax with a dramatic confrontation, revealing Sir Henry Bauer's unexpected role in the conspiracy. This episode is a captivating blend of history, intrigue, and suspense, as the characters navigate a complex puzzle that spans ancient history and modern espionage. Join us for a gripping tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
[00:00:00]
Unknown:
With the Blue Cash Everyday card, it's easy to earn 3% cashback on groceries at US supermarkets, US online retail purchases, and US gas stations. That's how we grow our family's little nest egg. Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-bce. Terms and cashback cap apply. There you are, Leonard.
[00:00:17] Unknown:
Just as I said, it's gone. If you look closely, you'll see that the case hasn't been forced. It's been opened by someone cognizant of museum routine.
[00:00:26] Unknown:
Mhmm. Certainly looks like it, sir Henry. Inspect it yourself. No, sir Henry. I'll I'll take your word for it, of course. The thing is, what do we do now? It really ought to be reported, you know. Of course I know that. But I want one chance of getting it back first.
[00:00:40] Unknown:
I don't want the police or the curator to know about the loss for two days. That means you'll have to stand by me, Leonard. You mean keep mum about it, Sir Henry? I believe that is the expression. Yes. But surely the police have a better chance of recovering it. Not at this stage they haven't. I'll admit I'm playing a hunch and if I'm taking a chance on a man I'm going to ask to work for me. For the very simple reason that I've never met him before but I'll call on him this morning. He has an office at 33 Half Moon Street.
[00:01:35] Unknown:
Impressed by sir Henry Bough's frankness, an unassuming little man, he peered at me over the wounds of his round lens spectacles and, when excited, seemed to have difficulty in controlling the position of his ancient dentures. But he struck me as a man accustomed to telling the truth, whatever the consequences might be. In this case, the consequences could be quite serious for Sir Henry Bhaer. However, his approach to the problem was philosophical, understandably so since Sir Henry was an archaeologist and student of ancient rites and philosophies.
My main concern was that the theft had taken place from the British Museum. You see, Mason, the museum is stuffed and stuffy.
[00:02:14] Unknown:
It's old fashioned to start with and it's not big enough anymore. The very look of it is enough to put off most people. The only time the public is remotely interested is when we winkle out a few special exhibits and display them in the main hall. When the theft took place, sir Henry, was such an exhibition in progress? Yes. And that's where I agree with the Americans. They don't use the word museum anymore. They call it an exhibition. And that's what in reality it is an exhibition of the ancients. Culture of the ages exhibited for all to see in this modern age.
I sound like a soap salesman.
[00:02:48] Unknown:
Not a bit of it. I know exactly what you're driving at and I find your conversation interesting and illuminating. I'm flattered, Mr. Mason. Thank you. Well, let me tell you about this exhibition.
[00:02:59] Unknown:
I was in sole charge of it having had more experience than most people in London at this time. It was mainly leopardiary show. Oh, does that puzzle you? I saw you blink. Stone polishing, isn't it? Cutting and polishing and etching. It's a fascinating hobby and has many thousands of enthusiasts. You see, it's a healthy hobby wandering over beaches and moors looking for stones to cut and a skilful hobby to cut and shape and polish the stones when you've found it. However, this show in the museum was to demonstrate techniques through the ages. That rubber stamp you have on your table, mister Mason, probably cost you a few shillings. But in ancient times, thousands of years BC, a stamp like that would have to be cut by hand in soft stone of similar density to the hard rubber you have on yours. And you had such stamps on display?
Seals would be a correct word. Royal seals and seals of families of ancient lineage. They would have to be made to last virtually forever since the ancients believed their royalty to be immortal and holy so a wood carving would be useless. Well, I don't wish to bore you with too much detail but these ancient seals on show included the sign of Ming Tuan dating from the first dynasty, a cast of a golden seal that had once belonged to a minor prince of the Hittites, and the seal of Darius.
[00:04:18] Unknown:
Darius? The Persian emperor? I see you know something of ancient history, mister Mason. Why, I didn't know the British Museum had in its possession the actual seal of Darius. 'It hasn't anymore.
[00:04:28] Unknown:
It's been stolen.'
[00:04:29] Unknown:
'Great start, sir Henry. When you came in here I thought you were concerned of some petty theft of a personal nature. The seal of Darius must be worth a king's ransom.' and it should be.
[00:04:39] Unknown:
Darius was the greatest king who ever lived.
[00:04:42] Unknown:
Well, the Greeks don't think so. Remember Marathon? That's like the Americans saying, Remember the Alamo.
[00:04:48] Unknown:
But we aren't here for an historical argument. No, we're not. In fact I'd like to know why you've come to me and not the police. Have you reported this loss to the police? No. Why on earth not? Only the librarian and myself know about it. You're forgetting me. Ah, but this is a confidential interview and so I can rely upon your discretion in the matter. Not of a rare item has been stolen from the British Museum, you can't. My dear chap, the only reason I've come here is to enlist your help in getting back the seal of the riot. But we're not a firm of investigators, private eyes. Oh, but there's no investigating to do. There isn't? Not at all, mister Mason. I know where the seal of Darius is.
I merely want you to go and get it back for me.
[00:05:32] Unknown:
Alright, Crash. Alright. If you don't want the job, I'll simply ring up sir Henry Byron and tell him to wait until Canon gets back. Well, he'll take on the job with the. Well, who's refusing the job, chief? All I said was if the seal of Darius has been pinched, it's your duty to report it to the police. What's more, I stand by what I say. You don't understand, Crash. You just don't understand. You never met the little man. He's completely on the list. Just because he's little? Hitler was a little guy too. If you're worrying about the enormous value attached to this seal, then you can forget about it. The intrinsic value is incalculable, but it has no immediate cash value. Or even a pawnbroker would laugh if you tried to pledge it. It's been stolen by some unknown to Sir Henry, a collector who simply wishes to gaze enraptured upon this wretched thing and dream that he is serious in Babylon. And if he knows where it is, why doesn't he go and get it back? I've just told you. He's a little man. All in stature, that is. The job's dangerous. You mean this collector's some kind of a nut? Perhaps.
Well, there's danger, to be sure. He said so. That's why he came to us, to help him recover the seal and put it back in the British Museum. What are you doing? Fearning Sir Henry to tell him to wait for Canon's return. Oh, no. You don't. Now why did you do that? I thought you didn't want the job. I've changed my mind, chief. Where is this seal of Darius? I don't know. Don't know. You just said that I know what I said. Sir Henry said we'd know the location of the seal when the evening paper came out tonight. Where do we look? The agony column? Sports page. And before you accuse me of schizophrenia, let me tell you that I've worked it all out.
Look for yourself on the back page. What's the sports headline?
[00:07:10] Unknown:
Postponed marathon now to be run at White City on Friday the thirteenth June.'
[00:07:15] Unknown:
'Sir, what does that tell us?' 'It was at Marathon that the Athenians repulsed the Prussians as they tried to invade. A chap called Philipides ran all the way to his leader to tell him the good news, and he dropped dead at the end of it. The distance he ran was the distance of a marathon race Has been perpetuated in the Olympic Games ever since. Really don't say. When did all this happen? Well, if my memory serves me right, it was in the, April.
[00:07:38] Unknown:
Athenians being Greeks. Yes. Well, of course. There is a list of runners in the marathon. One of them's named Popilopidas. And from look of his picture, he's no Norwegian. Here, let me see. Populopidas. Pop for short. So it is.
[00:07:54] Unknown:
Crash, I don't think we need confirmation from Bauer.
[00:07:57] Unknown:
The secret to this mystery lies with his Greek runner. Now what's his name? Pop for short. He's got a good record too. Harry Wilmot writes that he's the East European champion. And if there's a nip in the air on the great day, he ought to win the marathon easily. Extraordinary how these sport writers make a human race sound like a horse race. It's not only the sportswriters who do things to the human race, dear. Touche. Well, where do we go from here? Nowhere. Not until Friday. Then we go to White City and take a look at this pop guy. Well, Friday's out for me. I have a bridge date at the club. Then I'll go alone. Suits me. I've got a plate off the cuff anyway.
[00:08:29] Unknown:
The seal of Darius.
[00:08:32] Unknown:
It has marmalous ring, hasn't it, Crash? Yes, chief. For no reason at all, it sounds sinister.
[00:08:40] Unknown:
We have observers situated along the marathon route and they will relay messages to me and I in turn will tell you what the positioning is with the contestants. The first news comes from Wormwood Scrubs where the runners are strung out along Wood Lane. Britain's Mervyn Smith is leading followed by the Frenchman, Laplage, and then six British runners, Dawson, Patley, Rogers, Lane, Bristow, and Smart. And then comes Jackie Peterson from South Africa who's in very good shape. Oddly enough, the Greek runner, Papilopodas, who was particularly fancied for today's marathon at White City, is nowhere at all.
Oh, a message has just come through that pop, as he's called, has turned into Wood Lane from Westway and is running like a hair. He must have stopped off for some reason. Anyway, when they've completed the full marathon course around London, they'll arrive back here in the stadium and complete two laps for the full distance.
[00:09:36] Unknown:
As information comes through, I'll feed it to you. And meanwhile Mister Nelson has remarkable powers of descriptions. You must be Carson. I said you must be crash Carson. Do I know you? Mr. Aubrey Mason at Assignments Unlimited said you'd be here on the derriest job. His description of you was so perfect that I had no trouble at all in recognising you. Oh, is that so? And who are you, friend? I'm sir Henry Bauer. The client.
[00:10:00] Unknown:
Well, hello.
[00:10:02] Unknown:
What brings you to White City? Obviously the same thing that brings you here. Yes. But the chief said that this assignment might be dangerous. I haven't come here to look for trouble, rather to avoid it. I noticed that you were paying particular attention to the announcer in the box. You think that Papalopidas has something to do with the disappearance of the seal of the riot. Or something to do with its reappearance.
[00:10:22] Unknown:
But tell me, sir Henry, if you know the people who've stolen this thing, why don't you go to the police and tell them? And have the story spread over every newspaper in the country.
[00:10:31] Unknown:
Great grief Carson. If that happened, the British Museum would never allow us to conduct another exhibition as long as we lived. More news of the marathon runners. Quite a bit. They're now willing to cancel green and apart from one runner, the positions have not changed. That one runner is the Greek entrant prop. Not only has he made up all the lost ground, but he's now firmly established in the lead. The observer at that point remarks that had prop not been forced to stop for some reason at the beginning of the race, the outcome would by now be a foregone conclusion.
[00:11:02] Unknown:
I have some results for you for the discus. No Yes. Kensley Green is okay as far as Kensley Green. And what's that Carson? The Greek runner. What do you know about him? Nothing at all. You told the chief that he'd find the solution to this mystery on the sports page of newspaper that led to Marathon. You're here in person. Now, where do the ends tie in? They don't.
[00:11:24] Unknown:
I received a letter from a gentleman who was obviously Greek by his name requesting that his society borrowed the seal of Darius. I refused on the grounds that it wasn't mine to lend. I thought at first that the seal would be at the address on the gentleman's letter. I went there after I'd seen Mr. Mason but the house was empty. That's all I can tell you. So you just guessed that this had something to do with it. Is that what you're trying to say? Well, the coincidence is rather remarkable, isn't it? The marathon was run because of the war between the Athenians and the Persians. The seal of Darius, king of the Persians, was stolen just before a marathon is run here at White City with a Greek runner, the principal participant.
So what would they do with that seal? It's hard to fathom the mind of a person who lives behind the iron curtain. The communist. That part of Persia from which the seal originally came is now part of the Soviet Union satellite network of countries.
[00:12:13] Unknown:
And the observer from Elgin Road reports it to say the position of the marathon runners is unchanged except for the Greek runner, Populopidas. For some unaccountable reason, he's out of the race entirely. He was leading at Kensal Green Cemetery, but somewhere along the route he's dropped out. There's been no sign of him and the observer reports that he must be so far behind now that he can never hope to catch up and must be considered out of the race altogether. However, the hours are going strong and we hope to see the back. Did you hear that? Yes, he's disappeared.
[00:12:45] Unknown:
The Greek has disappeared somewhere between Kinsel Green Cemetery and Elden Road. That's the clue sir Henry. Find the Greek and you found the Sea Of Darius.
[00:12:54] Unknown:
Crash Carson had the office car parked right outside the White City Stadium. And in less than five minutes, he was winding in and out of the traffic along Wormwood Scrubs as he headed for Kensal Green Cemetery. The diminutive sir Henry Bauer, tense and alert by his side.
[00:13:11] Unknown:
If I can locate where the Greek went to, I want you to take this car and contact the chief, Paulby Mason. He's at the junior Carlton Club playing bridge. Okay? I'd rather like to come. I've never had so much fun in my life. Now that's the word to remember, life. Hang on to it. Now I figure that plenty of people must have seen the runners go by. And I'm gonna stop along the route to ask them. Anybody may have seen where this group made a duck. I doubt it.
[00:13:36] Unknown:
People would line the streets to watch the runners go by but once they were passed, the people would go home again. Isn't that so? Yes.
[00:13:43] Unknown:
But in the side streets, it is not You see a big Greek riding up a side street in a pair of shorts. Maybe, but not in the middle of London. Heavy water road map? Of Greater London. Yes, in the glove box. May I use it? I hope you so.
[00:13:56] Unknown:
Thank you. Here it is.
[00:14:04] Unknown:
The the Harrow Road. And there's Kinsall Green Cemetery right ahead. I'll turn into the Harrow Road and then we'll stop. A good idea. Can I have a look at the map? Okay. So he disappeared somewhere between here and Elgin Road. It could have been into any one of these turnings. Yes. Dozens of them. It's hopeless, isn't it? Well, patient investigation and questioning might show us where he went. In any case, if he's really disappeared, there'll be a police search for him. That may take hours, days. Well, sir Henry, you take a good look at the map. Maybe you've got some idea of where he went. That's like looking for a lost pool in a maze.
[00:14:46] Unknown:
LOTRO, Crompton, Barrens. I say, Carson, here's something unusual. These streets are numbered. You know, like in America. I didn't know we had numbered streets. I thought all London streets bore names. Yes. You thought of something? Yes. Look. Sixth Street, Fifth Street. See here. Well, say what? Darius was at his zenith in the fifth century BC. So you figure we try Fifth Street? It's just over there. Alright. Let's walk.
[00:15:17] Unknown:
I'm going to ask the first person I meet in Fifth Street if they saw a big Greek in running shorts. If the answer's in the affirmative, then we'll know that someone has been laying an easy trail for us to follow. Everything so far is tied in. Once the police know about that seal of Darius, then they'll follow the trail just as it's been blazed for us. But for what purpose, mister Carson? Why did they want to lead us on like this? That's the $64 question, Sir Henry. Well, here's Fifth Street. Keep walking. Hey, look over there. Just what the doctor ordered. An old man, selling himself in a doorway.
I bet you that he's been there the best part of a day. If anybody saw anything, that old man did. Go on. Oh, I say, I wonder if you can help us. What do you want, Nippa? Well, my friend and I are the organizers of a road race. We think that one of our runners got lost and took the wrong turning. You didn't see a big, dark haired man come along this way in a pair of running shorts, did you? Of course I did. He got blind or something. You mean he did come down this road? A geyser in red shorts. That's him. Where did he go? He ain't got his heart in running, mate.
[00:16:29] Unknown:
That I could tell you, he ain't got his heart in running. Maybe not, but where did he go? Over there. My bullnaggers boarding us.
[00:16:38] Unknown:
Boarding us.
[00:16:40] Unknown:
It's a laugh.
[00:16:41] Unknown:
Well, here's something for you. Buy us off a drink. Oh, thanks, mate. You're a real jape. Come on, Samim. Mabel Lagher's boarding house. Well, here goes. Yes.
[00:17:07] Unknown:
Are you Mrs. Lager, ma'am? I'm Mabel Laggers and still free in the bonds of holy matrimony. If you're looking for digs, you can look somewhere else. I'm full. We're not looking for digs, Mabel. Aye. Who are you? Peelers? No. That little bloke could never get into the police force.
[00:17:24] Unknown:
What do you want? We're looking for a friend of ours, a marathon runner. A what? A runner. He got lost on the way to Elgin Road and we believe that he came in here. He was dressed only in a pair of running shorts. So you mean Captain Kino? Kino? Yes. That's the man in running shorts. I'll make him out. Always on the runnies.
[00:17:42] Unknown:
Mind you, there's been plenty of blokes living here. He's been on the run but in a different way. Now the captain, for all he talks funny like, is always running around to keep fit. Now I ask you, running around to keep fit. He ain't healthy. He ought to be doing an honest day's work, didn't he? Yes. Yes. Look, do you think we could see, Captain Kino? If he wants to. Place is becoming a blooming railway station if you ask me. There's a captain, lives here for four years and don't talk to nobody and all of a sudden a place is full of people wanting to talk to him. You mean he's had other visitors today? And, three of them. Captain was out, so they waited in his room for him. Well, if you want to see him, he might as well go up too.
[00:18:24] Unknown:
Are they,
[00:18:26] Unknown:
these other visitors, are are they still in the captain's room? Must be. Haven't come down here. If they had heart of urban, wouldn't I? Well, go on up. You go. They're letting a draughty.
[00:18:37] Unknown:
Thanks.
[00:18:42] Unknown:
Give me a shout when you want to go. I'll let you out.
[00:18:47] Unknown:
Captain Keno. Well,
[00:18:50] Unknown:
I think it's the same one. Must be.
[00:18:55] Unknown:
Mister Castle, look. There on the settee.
[00:19:00] Unknown:
Yes. I can see.
[00:19:03] Unknown:
He's dead. It is Populopidas. I recognize him from the start of the race of the White City.
[00:19:10] Unknown:
'Me too. Now here he is lying on his stomach on a settee dead as a doornail. Look over at the window. That's how the visitors made their getaway.' 'His murderers.' well, Sir Henry, there's no chance of keeping the loss of the Darius seal a secret any more. This is now a case for Scotland Yard.' 'Who was that?' 'Let's have a look, see him.'
[00:19:33] Unknown:
'Brought the captain's tea.' Well, move aside.
[00:19:37] Unknown:
He's changing at the moment. I I'll take it.
[00:19:40] Unknown:
It's a very prim and proper, ain't we? Well, one knows how to behave like a lady sometimes. Yeah.
[00:19:47] Unknown:
Mabel.
[00:19:49] Unknown:
Yeah? That old man who sits in the doorway on the other side of the road, do you know who he is? What's old man? Well, he was sitting in the doorway opposite when we came in. He gave me the impression that he lived there. Then your impression's dented, mate. In this place you don't find any gentlemen and they don't live to grow old. Yeah. But I spoke to him. You did? Well then you better put more water with it because I've lived here for the past thirty years and there ain't never been no one sitting in no doorway over the road. Do me a favor and bring the tray down with you when you go out. Okay.
[00:20:20] Unknown:
The old man over the road was a plant a phony. Someone put him there to make quite sure we'd find Pop's hideaway. The old man was the last blaze on the trail. We were meant to find the Greek. Don't you know better than to touch a body? What did you turn him over for? Look
[00:20:38] Unknown:
look at his throat. He's branded.
[00:20:42] Unknown:
He's been branded in the throat. There's a pattern where the flesh has been burnt. It looks like a a warrior in a chariot spearing a lion. What sort of brand do you suppose that is? I know what it is.
[00:20:57] Unknown:
It's the seal of Darius.
[00:21:08] Unknown:
It must be a maniac. No, chief. This maniac is crazy like a fox. Care to tell me about it? I will care too, you know. I'm sorry, chief, but I I just didn't have time before. I'll give you all the lowdown. First of all, just as I've told Sir Henry Bauer and then what my preparations are for tonight. That's a secret between you and me and Inspector Goshen of the Yard. Murder squad. And what else? Oh, by the way, whatever you do, don't come near my apartment tonight. You expecting trouble? I'm hoping for trouble. Is Canon going to be sore when he finds out that he missed this one? Yes, I suppose so. Both of you are dangerous disciples.
Well, what about the seal of Darius? That's right, this chief. When the emperor Darius first had this seal made, he used it, not as you would suppose on official documents and so forth. Stand right where you are. You make one move and I'll empty this Luger into your stomach. Are you alright, Carson? Right as rain, inspector. Come on in. The door's unlocked. Now you stand quite slow, friend. There's someone out there you'll enjoy meeting. Get inside and don't find it funny business. This is an outrage. Are you kidding? Where'd you find the little man, Inspector? He was waiting in the car on the corner. Nice work, Carson. Have you questioned this man? Not yet. Would somebody kindly tell me what all this is about? You'll hear about it plenty when you stand trial, Bower.
Your friend here thought that that was me in the bed. I made it up with cushions that looked like someone sleeping. So when he climbed in through the window, he went over to the bed and plunged that knife into what he thought was me. You've got nice friends, Bauer. But you see, after I blew the gap to you, I figured that you decide to eliminate me. You can't prove a thing. You're wrong, Bower. My sergeant took two things from the glove box of your car, two things which are gonna put you inside for a long, long time. Two things, Inspector? One was a blowtorch, handy instrument for making things hot and the other thing I'll give you one guess.
That's right. The seal of Darius.
[00:23:33] Unknown:
Sir Henry Bower didn't go to prison after all. He turned Queen's evidence, and the Special Branch were able to ferret out a whole nest of enemy spies. The Greek runner was an agent for America's CIA, and Bower the chief of a red spiring. Bauer faked the theft of the seal of Duraas, and one of his men lured the Greek back to his boarding house. There he was killed and the seal branded onto his throat. Bauer called us in, knowing full well that we would find the body and that he, being in the company of Carson, had a perfect alibi.
With the Blue Cash Everyday card, it's easy to earn 3% cashback on groceries at US supermarkets, US online retail purchases, and US gas stations. That's how we grow our family's little nest egg. Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-bce. Terms and cashback cap apply. There you are, Leonard.
[00:00:17] Unknown:
Just as I said, it's gone. If you look closely, you'll see that the case hasn't been forced. It's been opened by someone cognizant of museum routine.
[00:00:26] Unknown:
Mhmm. Certainly looks like it, sir Henry. Inspect it yourself. No, sir Henry. I'll I'll take your word for it, of course. The thing is, what do we do now? It really ought to be reported, you know. Of course I know that. But I want one chance of getting it back first.
[00:00:40] Unknown:
I don't want the police or the curator to know about the loss for two days. That means you'll have to stand by me, Leonard. You mean keep mum about it, Sir Henry? I believe that is the expression. Yes. But surely the police have a better chance of recovering it. Not at this stage they haven't. I'll admit I'm playing a hunch and if I'm taking a chance on a man I'm going to ask to work for me. For the very simple reason that I've never met him before but I'll call on him this morning. He has an office at 33 Half Moon Street.
[00:01:35] Unknown:
Impressed by sir Henry Bough's frankness, an unassuming little man, he peered at me over the wounds of his round lens spectacles and, when excited, seemed to have difficulty in controlling the position of his ancient dentures. But he struck me as a man accustomed to telling the truth, whatever the consequences might be. In this case, the consequences could be quite serious for Sir Henry Bhaer. However, his approach to the problem was philosophical, understandably so since Sir Henry was an archaeologist and student of ancient rites and philosophies.
My main concern was that the theft had taken place from the British Museum. You see, Mason, the museum is stuffed and stuffy.
[00:02:14] Unknown:
It's old fashioned to start with and it's not big enough anymore. The very look of it is enough to put off most people. The only time the public is remotely interested is when we winkle out a few special exhibits and display them in the main hall. When the theft took place, sir Henry, was such an exhibition in progress? Yes. And that's where I agree with the Americans. They don't use the word museum anymore. They call it an exhibition. And that's what in reality it is an exhibition of the ancients. Culture of the ages exhibited for all to see in this modern age.
I sound like a soap salesman.
[00:02:48] Unknown:
Not a bit of it. I know exactly what you're driving at and I find your conversation interesting and illuminating. I'm flattered, Mr. Mason. Thank you. Well, let me tell you about this exhibition.
[00:02:59] Unknown:
I was in sole charge of it having had more experience than most people in London at this time. It was mainly leopardiary show. Oh, does that puzzle you? I saw you blink. Stone polishing, isn't it? Cutting and polishing and etching. It's a fascinating hobby and has many thousands of enthusiasts. You see, it's a healthy hobby wandering over beaches and moors looking for stones to cut and a skilful hobby to cut and shape and polish the stones when you've found it. However, this show in the museum was to demonstrate techniques through the ages. That rubber stamp you have on your table, mister Mason, probably cost you a few shillings. But in ancient times, thousands of years BC, a stamp like that would have to be cut by hand in soft stone of similar density to the hard rubber you have on yours. And you had such stamps on display?
Seals would be a correct word. Royal seals and seals of families of ancient lineage. They would have to be made to last virtually forever since the ancients believed their royalty to be immortal and holy so a wood carving would be useless. Well, I don't wish to bore you with too much detail but these ancient seals on show included the sign of Ming Tuan dating from the first dynasty, a cast of a golden seal that had once belonged to a minor prince of the Hittites, and the seal of Darius.
[00:04:18] Unknown:
Darius? The Persian emperor? I see you know something of ancient history, mister Mason. Why, I didn't know the British Museum had in its possession the actual seal of Darius. 'It hasn't anymore.
[00:04:28] Unknown:
It's been stolen.'
[00:04:29] Unknown:
'Great start, sir Henry. When you came in here I thought you were concerned of some petty theft of a personal nature. The seal of Darius must be worth a king's ransom.' and it should be.
[00:04:39] Unknown:
Darius was the greatest king who ever lived.
[00:04:42] Unknown:
Well, the Greeks don't think so. Remember Marathon? That's like the Americans saying, Remember the Alamo.
[00:04:48] Unknown:
But we aren't here for an historical argument. No, we're not. In fact I'd like to know why you've come to me and not the police. Have you reported this loss to the police? No. Why on earth not? Only the librarian and myself know about it. You're forgetting me. Ah, but this is a confidential interview and so I can rely upon your discretion in the matter. Not of a rare item has been stolen from the British Museum, you can't. My dear chap, the only reason I've come here is to enlist your help in getting back the seal of the riot. But we're not a firm of investigators, private eyes. Oh, but there's no investigating to do. There isn't? Not at all, mister Mason. I know where the seal of Darius is.
I merely want you to go and get it back for me.
[00:05:32] Unknown:
Alright, Crash. Alright. If you don't want the job, I'll simply ring up sir Henry Byron and tell him to wait until Canon gets back. Well, he'll take on the job with the. Well, who's refusing the job, chief? All I said was if the seal of Darius has been pinched, it's your duty to report it to the police. What's more, I stand by what I say. You don't understand, Crash. You just don't understand. You never met the little man. He's completely on the list. Just because he's little? Hitler was a little guy too. If you're worrying about the enormous value attached to this seal, then you can forget about it. The intrinsic value is incalculable, but it has no immediate cash value. Or even a pawnbroker would laugh if you tried to pledge it. It's been stolen by some unknown to Sir Henry, a collector who simply wishes to gaze enraptured upon this wretched thing and dream that he is serious in Babylon. And if he knows where it is, why doesn't he go and get it back? I've just told you. He's a little man. All in stature, that is. The job's dangerous. You mean this collector's some kind of a nut? Perhaps.
Well, there's danger, to be sure. He said so. That's why he came to us, to help him recover the seal and put it back in the British Museum. What are you doing? Fearning Sir Henry to tell him to wait for Canon's return. Oh, no. You don't. Now why did you do that? I thought you didn't want the job. I've changed my mind, chief. Where is this seal of Darius? I don't know. Don't know. You just said that I know what I said. Sir Henry said we'd know the location of the seal when the evening paper came out tonight. Where do we look? The agony column? Sports page. And before you accuse me of schizophrenia, let me tell you that I've worked it all out.
Look for yourself on the back page. What's the sports headline?
[00:07:10] Unknown:
Postponed marathon now to be run at White City on Friday the thirteenth June.'
[00:07:15] Unknown:
'Sir, what does that tell us?' 'It was at Marathon that the Athenians repulsed the Prussians as they tried to invade. A chap called Philipides ran all the way to his leader to tell him the good news, and he dropped dead at the end of it. The distance he ran was the distance of a marathon race Has been perpetuated in the Olympic Games ever since. Really don't say. When did all this happen? Well, if my memory serves me right, it was in the, April.
[00:07:38] Unknown:
Athenians being Greeks. Yes. Well, of course. There is a list of runners in the marathon. One of them's named Popilopidas. And from look of his picture, he's no Norwegian. Here, let me see. Populopidas. Pop for short. So it is.
[00:07:54] Unknown:
Crash, I don't think we need confirmation from Bauer.
[00:07:57] Unknown:
The secret to this mystery lies with his Greek runner. Now what's his name? Pop for short. He's got a good record too. Harry Wilmot writes that he's the East European champion. And if there's a nip in the air on the great day, he ought to win the marathon easily. Extraordinary how these sport writers make a human race sound like a horse race. It's not only the sportswriters who do things to the human race, dear. Touche. Well, where do we go from here? Nowhere. Not until Friday. Then we go to White City and take a look at this pop guy. Well, Friday's out for me. I have a bridge date at the club. Then I'll go alone. Suits me. I've got a plate off the cuff anyway.
[00:08:29] Unknown:
The seal of Darius.
[00:08:32] Unknown:
It has marmalous ring, hasn't it, Crash? Yes, chief. For no reason at all, it sounds sinister.
[00:08:40] Unknown:
We have observers situated along the marathon route and they will relay messages to me and I in turn will tell you what the positioning is with the contestants. The first news comes from Wormwood Scrubs where the runners are strung out along Wood Lane. Britain's Mervyn Smith is leading followed by the Frenchman, Laplage, and then six British runners, Dawson, Patley, Rogers, Lane, Bristow, and Smart. And then comes Jackie Peterson from South Africa who's in very good shape. Oddly enough, the Greek runner, Papilopodas, who was particularly fancied for today's marathon at White City, is nowhere at all.
Oh, a message has just come through that pop, as he's called, has turned into Wood Lane from Westway and is running like a hair. He must have stopped off for some reason. Anyway, when they've completed the full marathon course around London, they'll arrive back here in the stadium and complete two laps for the full distance.
[00:09:36] Unknown:
As information comes through, I'll feed it to you. And meanwhile Mister Nelson has remarkable powers of descriptions. You must be Carson. I said you must be crash Carson. Do I know you? Mr. Aubrey Mason at Assignments Unlimited said you'd be here on the derriest job. His description of you was so perfect that I had no trouble at all in recognising you. Oh, is that so? And who are you, friend? I'm sir Henry Bauer. The client.
[00:10:00] Unknown:
Well, hello.
[00:10:02] Unknown:
What brings you to White City? Obviously the same thing that brings you here. Yes. But the chief said that this assignment might be dangerous. I haven't come here to look for trouble, rather to avoid it. I noticed that you were paying particular attention to the announcer in the box. You think that Papalopidas has something to do with the disappearance of the seal of the riot. Or something to do with its reappearance.
[00:10:22] Unknown:
But tell me, sir Henry, if you know the people who've stolen this thing, why don't you go to the police and tell them? And have the story spread over every newspaper in the country.
[00:10:31] Unknown:
Great grief Carson. If that happened, the British Museum would never allow us to conduct another exhibition as long as we lived. More news of the marathon runners. Quite a bit. They're now willing to cancel green and apart from one runner, the positions have not changed. That one runner is the Greek entrant prop. Not only has he made up all the lost ground, but he's now firmly established in the lead. The observer at that point remarks that had prop not been forced to stop for some reason at the beginning of the race, the outcome would by now be a foregone conclusion.
[00:11:02] Unknown:
I have some results for you for the discus. No Yes. Kensley Green is okay as far as Kensley Green. And what's that Carson? The Greek runner. What do you know about him? Nothing at all. You told the chief that he'd find the solution to this mystery on the sports page of newspaper that led to Marathon. You're here in person. Now, where do the ends tie in? They don't.
[00:11:24] Unknown:
I received a letter from a gentleman who was obviously Greek by his name requesting that his society borrowed the seal of Darius. I refused on the grounds that it wasn't mine to lend. I thought at first that the seal would be at the address on the gentleman's letter. I went there after I'd seen Mr. Mason but the house was empty. That's all I can tell you. So you just guessed that this had something to do with it. Is that what you're trying to say? Well, the coincidence is rather remarkable, isn't it? The marathon was run because of the war between the Athenians and the Persians. The seal of Darius, king of the Persians, was stolen just before a marathon is run here at White City with a Greek runner, the principal participant.
So what would they do with that seal? It's hard to fathom the mind of a person who lives behind the iron curtain. The communist. That part of Persia from which the seal originally came is now part of the Soviet Union satellite network of countries.
[00:12:13] Unknown:
And the observer from Elgin Road reports it to say the position of the marathon runners is unchanged except for the Greek runner, Populopidas. For some unaccountable reason, he's out of the race entirely. He was leading at Kensal Green Cemetery, but somewhere along the route he's dropped out. There's been no sign of him and the observer reports that he must be so far behind now that he can never hope to catch up and must be considered out of the race altogether. However, the hours are going strong and we hope to see the back. Did you hear that? Yes, he's disappeared.
[00:12:45] Unknown:
The Greek has disappeared somewhere between Kinsel Green Cemetery and Elden Road. That's the clue sir Henry. Find the Greek and you found the Sea Of Darius.
[00:12:54] Unknown:
Crash Carson had the office car parked right outside the White City Stadium. And in less than five minutes, he was winding in and out of the traffic along Wormwood Scrubs as he headed for Kensal Green Cemetery. The diminutive sir Henry Bauer, tense and alert by his side.
[00:13:11] Unknown:
If I can locate where the Greek went to, I want you to take this car and contact the chief, Paulby Mason. He's at the junior Carlton Club playing bridge. Okay? I'd rather like to come. I've never had so much fun in my life. Now that's the word to remember, life. Hang on to it. Now I figure that plenty of people must have seen the runners go by. And I'm gonna stop along the route to ask them. Anybody may have seen where this group made a duck. I doubt it.
[00:13:36] Unknown:
People would line the streets to watch the runners go by but once they were passed, the people would go home again. Isn't that so? Yes.
[00:13:43] Unknown:
But in the side streets, it is not You see a big Greek riding up a side street in a pair of shorts. Maybe, but not in the middle of London. Heavy water road map? Of Greater London. Yes, in the glove box. May I use it? I hope you so.
[00:13:56] Unknown:
Thank you. Here it is.
[00:14:04] Unknown:
The the Harrow Road. And there's Kinsall Green Cemetery right ahead. I'll turn into the Harrow Road and then we'll stop. A good idea. Can I have a look at the map? Okay. So he disappeared somewhere between here and Elgin Road. It could have been into any one of these turnings. Yes. Dozens of them. It's hopeless, isn't it? Well, patient investigation and questioning might show us where he went. In any case, if he's really disappeared, there'll be a police search for him. That may take hours, days. Well, sir Henry, you take a good look at the map. Maybe you've got some idea of where he went. That's like looking for a lost pool in a maze.
[00:14:46] Unknown:
LOTRO, Crompton, Barrens. I say, Carson, here's something unusual. These streets are numbered. You know, like in America. I didn't know we had numbered streets. I thought all London streets bore names. Yes. You thought of something? Yes. Look. Sixth Street, Fifth Street. See here. Well, say what? Darius was at his zenith in the fifth century BC. So you figure we try Fifth Street? It's just over there. Alright. Let's walk.
[00:15:17] Unknown:
I'm going to ask the first person I meet in Fifth Street if they saw a big Greek in running shorts. If the answer's in the affirmative, then we'll know that someone has been laying an easy trail for us to follow. Everything so far is tied in. Once the police know about that seal of Darius, then they'll follow the trail just as it's been blazed for us. But for what purpose, mister Carson? Why did they want to lead us on like this? That's the $64 question, Sir Henry. Well, here's Fifth Street. Keep walking. Hey, look over there. Just what the doctor ordered. An old man, selling himself in a doorway.
I bet you that he's been there the best part of a day. If anybody saw anything, that old man did. Go on. Oh, I say, I wonder if you can help us. What do you want, Nippa? Well, my friend and I are the organizers of a road race. We think that one of our runners got lost and took the wrong turning. You didn't see a big, dark haired man come along this way in a pair of running shorts, did you? Of course I did. He got blind or something. You mean he did come down this road? A geyser in red shorts. That's him. Where did he go? He ain't got his heart in running, mate.
[00:16:29] Unknown:
That I could tell you, he ain't got his heart in running. Maybe not, but where did he go? Over there. My bullnaggers boarding us.
[00:16:38] Unknown:
Boarding us.
[00:16:40] Unknown:
It's a laugh.
[00:16:41] Unknown:
Well, here's something for you. Buy us off a drink. Oh, thanks, mate. You're a real jape. Come on, Samim. Mabel Lagher's boarding house. Well, here goes. Yes.
[00:17:07] Unknown:
Are you Mrs. Lager, ma'am? I'm Mabel Laggers and still free in the bonds of holy matrimony. If you're looking for digs, you can look somewhere else. I'm full. We're not looking for digs, Mabel. Aye. Who are you? Peelers? No. That little bloke could never get into the police force.
[00:17:24] Unknown:
What do you want? We're looking for a friend of ours, a marathon runner. A what? A runner. He got lost on the way to Elgin Road and we believe that he came in here. He was dressed only in a pair of running shorts. So you mean Captain Kino? Kino? Yes. That's the man in running shorts. I'll make him out. Always on the runnies.
[00:17:42] Unknown:
Mind you, there's been plenty of blokes living here. He's been on the run but in a different way. Now the captain, for all he talks funny like, is always running around to keep fit. Now I ask you, running around to keep fit. He ain't healthy. He ought to be doing an honest day's work, didn't he? Yes. Yes. Look, do you think we could see, Captain Kino? If he wants to. Place is becoming a blooming railway station if you ask me. There's a captain, lives here for four years and don't talk to nobody and all of a sudden a place is full of people wanting to talk to him. You mean he's had other visitors today? And, three of them. Captain was out, so they waited in his room for him. Well, if you want to see him, he might as well go up too.
[00:18:24] Unknown:
Are they,
[00:18:26] Unknown:
these other visitors, are are they still in the captain's room? Must be. Haven't come down here. If they had heart of urban, wouldn't I? Well, go on up. You go. They're letting a draughty.
[00:18:37] Unknown:
Thanks.
[00:18:42] Unknown:
Give me a shout when you want to go. I'll let you out.
[00:18:47] Unknown:
Captain Keno. Well,
[00:18:50] Unknown:
I think it's the same one. Must be.
[00:18:55] Unknown:
Mister Castle, look. There on the settee.
[00:19:00] Unknown:
Yes. I can see.
[00:19:03] Unknown:
He's dead. It is Populopidas. I recognize him from the start of the race of the White City.
[00:19:10] Unknown:
'Me too. Now here he is lying on his stomach on a settee dead as a doornail. Look over at the window. That's how the visitors made their getaway.' 'His murderers.' well, Sir Henry, there's no chance of keeping the loss of the Darius seal a secret any more. This is now a case for Scotland Yard.' 'Who was that?' 'Let's have a look, see him.'
[00:19:33] Unknown:
'Brought the captain's tea.' Well, move aside.
[00:19:37] Unknown:
He's changing at the moment. I I'll take it.
[00:19:40] Unknown:
It's a very prim and proper, ain't we? Well, one knows how to behave like a lady sometimes. Yeah.
[00:19:47] Unknown:
Mabel.
[00:19:49] Unknown:
Yeah? That old man who sits in the doorway on the other side of the road, do you know who he is? What's old man? Well, he was sitting in the doorway opposite when we came in. He gave me the impression that he lived there. Then your impression's dented, mate. In this place you don't find any gentlemen and they don't live to grow old. Yeah. But I spoke to him. You did? Well then you better put more water with it because I've lived here for the past thirty years and there ain't never been no one sitting in no doorway over the road. Do me a favor and bring the tray down with you when you go out. Okay.
[00:20:20] Unknown:
The old man over the road was a plant a phony. Someone put him there to make quite sure we'd find Pop's hideaway. The old man was the last blaze on the trail. We were meant to find the Greek. Don't you know better than to touch a body? What did you turn him over for? Look
[00:20:38] Unknown:
look at his throat. He's branded.
[00:20:42] Unknown:
He's been branded in the throat. There's a pattern where the flesh has been burnt. It looks like a a warrior in a chariot spearing a lion. What sort of brand do you suppose that is? I know what it is.
[00:20:57] Unknown:
It's the seal of Darius.
[00:21:08] Unknown:
It must be a maniac. No, chief. This maniac is crazy like a fox. Care to tell me about it? I will care too, you know. I'm sorry, chief, but I I just didn't have time before. I'll give you all the lowdown. First of all, just as I've told Sir Henry Bauer and then what my preparations are for tonight. That's a secret between you and me and Inspector Goshen of the Yard. Murder squad. And what else? Oh, by the way, whatever you do, don't come near my apartment tonight. You expecting trouble? I'm hoping for trouble. Is Canon going to be sore when he finds out that he missed this one? Yes, I suppose so. Both of you are dangerous disciples.
Well, what about the seal of Darius? That's right, this chief. When the emperor Darius first had this seal made, he used it, not as you would suppose on official documents and so forth. Stand right where you are. You make one move and I'll empty this Luger into your stomach. Are you alright, Carson? Right as rain, inspector. Come on in. The door's unlocked. Now you stand quite slow, friend. There's someone out there you'll enjoy meeting. Get inside and don't find it funny business. This is an outrage. Are you kidding? Where'd you find the little man, Inspector? He was waiting in the car on the corner. Nice work, Carson. Have you questioned this man? Not yet. Would somebody kindly tell me what all this is about? You'll hear about it plenty when you stand trial, Bower.
Your friend here thought that that was me in the bed. I made it up with cushions that looked like someone sleeping. So when he climbed in through the window, he went over to the bed and plunged that knife into what he thought was me. You've got nice friends, Bauer. But you see, after I blew the gap to you, I figured that you decide to eliminate me. You can't prove a thing. You're wrong, Bower. My sergeant took two things from the glove box of your car, two things which are gonna put you inside for a long, long time. Two things, Inspector? One was a blowtorch, handy instrument for making things hot and the other thing I'll give you one guess.
That's right. The seal of Darius.
[00:23:33] Unknown:
Sir Henry Bower didn't go to prison after all. He turned Queen's evidence, and the Special Branch were able to ferret out a whole nest of enemy spies. The Greek runner was an agent for America's CIA, and Bower the chief of a red spiring. Bauer faked the theft of the seal of Duraas, and one of his men lured the Greek back to his boarding house. There he was killed and the seal branded onto his throat. Bauer called us in, knowing full well that we would find the body and that he, being in the company of Carson, had a perfect alibi.
The Mysterious Museum Theft
Sir Henry's Secret Plan
The Exhibition of Ancient Seals
The Seal of Darius: A Priceless Artifact
The Marathon Clue
The Disappearance of the Greek Runner
The Search for the Missing Seal
The Boarding House Encounter
A Deadly Discovery
The Final Confrontation
