In this captivating episode of CBS Radio Mystery Theater, host EG Marshall takes us on a journey through time to the haunting tale of Castle Kerfol. Set in the 17th century, the story revolves around Anne de Cornault, a young bride trapped in a loveless marriage with the much older Baron Yves de Cornault. As Anne navigates her lonely existence at Castle Kerfol, she finds solace in her beloved dog, Chinois, and a budding friendship with Andre de Lanrivain. However, tragedy strikes when her husband mysteriously dies, and Anne is accused of murder. The courtroom drama unfolds as Anne recounts her encounters with ghostly dogs, believed to be the spirits of her slain pets, adding an eerie twist to her tale.
Listeners are drawn into the chilling atmosphere of Castle Kerfol, where the past and present collide. The episode explores themes of loneliness, betrayal, and the supernatural, leaving us questioning the boundaries between reality and the spectral world. As the story unfolds, we are left to ponder the true nature of the ghostly dogs and the fate of Anne de Cornault. This episode is a haunting reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring mysteries that linger in the shadows of history.
Listeners are drawn into the chilling atmosphere of Castle Kerfol, where the past and present collide. The episode explores themes of loneliness, betrayal, and the supernatural, leaving us questioning the boundaries between reality and the spectral world. As the story unfolds, we are left to ponder the true nature of the ghostly dogs and the fate of Anne de Cornault. This episode is a haunting reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring mysteries that linger in the shadows of history.
[00:00:01]
Unknown:
From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo, every bite is rewarding and pulse worthy with MX Gold's four times membership rewards points at restaurants worldwide. Wherever you dine, points are piling up. So bring your friends along for your next course because it's not all about the posts. It's about the company and the memories. How can gold from Amex sweeten your next food moment? Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-gold. Terms and points cap apply.
[00:00:32] Unknown:
We've invested in tomorrow.
[00:00:34] Unknown:
We're into projects for young children, playground facilities, bread making machines, libraries.
[00:00:40] Unknown:
We're into projects for school children, chairs and desks, vitamins, and flight protectors.
[00:00:46] Unknown:
We're into productivity projects, feed pulverizers, cultivators,
[00:00:50] Unknown:
chickens for breeding. And we're into health projects, like well pumps that can provide clean water. We're part of Save the Children Federation.
[00:00:59] Unknown:
Men, women, and children helping with contributions to help underprivileged children and their families on the self help road to a better life. Send your contribution or rightful information to Save the Children.
[00:01:11] Unknown:
Box nine seventy Grand Central Station, New York, New York one zero zero seventeen. That's Save the Children, box nine seventy Grand Central Station, New York, New York one zero zero seventeen.
[00:01:24] Unknown:
Won't you join our family? Please.
[00:01:30] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. I suppose that no self respecting seventeenth century European castle would be without a ghost. The story I bring you deals with not one, but several ghosts. And what makes this tale all the more fascinating to me is the rumor that these particular ghosts weren't ghosts of people at all. And although they made no sound and were seen but rarely, they represented the absolute in terror
[00:02:25] Unknown:
and the strange vendetta. My little dog.
[00:02:29] Unknown:
What have you done to my dog, my lord? I believe I told you, madam, that the dog is the emblem of fidelity. There will be no more dogs at Castle Care Hall.
[00:02:38] Unknown:
But I have never betrayed you. You cannot punish a dumb animal for a crime you think I have committed. I will hear no more of this. Oh, but you will, my lord. Someday you will. And then too late, my lord. You will wish this terrible deed undone.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, Castle Kerfol, was especially adapted from the Edith Wharton classic for the mystery theater by Murray Burnett and stars Mercedes McCambridge. It is sponsored in part by Allstate Insurance Companies and Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. Isn't it nice to know your brain?
[00:03:28] Unknown:
To see the things you want to see? To try to hide
[00:03:42] Unknown:
Based on EPA tests, Buick's midsize Century with available automatic transmission and the Buick v six got 17 miles per gallon in the city test and 25 in the highway test. Of course, those figures are only estimates. The mileage you get may vary, but what it means is this. Buick's v six centuries with automatic transmission got better overall EPA mileage ratings than any other US midsize with automatic transmission. Nice going, Buick. California to see your viewing theater for EPA figures.
[00:04:26] Unknown:
Dreams.
[00:04:27] Unknown:
We all seek to understand the many ways in which God reveals his word. The book of Job says this about dreams. God speaks first in one way and then in another, but no one notices. He speaks in dreams and visions that come in the night. When slumber comes on mankind and all men are asleep in bed, then it is he whispers in the ear of man or may frighten him with fearful sights and turn him away from evil doing to save his soul from the pit. So listen to your dreams. They could guide you to new and positive directions. For your free booklet on dreams, write to the Foundation Church, eleven forty seven First Avenue, New York, New York one double o two one.
That's the Foundation Church, eleven forty seven First Avenue, New York, New York one double o two one.
[00:05:34] Unknown:
I doubt if very many of us have ever gone or ever will go shopping for a castle. But if any of you do, there's one important thing to remember, one vital question to ask. Does the castle have a ghost? And if it does, what are its ghostly habits? This was a question which Paula Randall never bothered to ask, and this is what happened to her on her first look at the graceful turrets of Castle Kerfol.
[00:06:08] Unknown:
A sudden uncontrollable chill was my first reaction to the sight of the proud roofs and gables of Castle Kerfol. My second reaction was one of confusion mixed with a touch of anger. What in the world is I doing standing outside the Iron Gate, leading to the obviously empty courtyard of a medieval castle? Did I really want to buy this? Or had I been talked into something? I could hear the pleasant voice of my host, Henri L'Enrivain, saying,
[00:06:42] Unknown:
You really should buy Castlecarefoil, Paula. You would make a perfect hostess for that ancient manor. And it wouldn't be at all a bad thing for your business if you owned the most romantic house in Brittany. Oh, I don't think a great many people will come all the way to Brittany just to see a fashion show. Nonsense. People would travel half around the world to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking new Paula Randall fashion.
[00:07:04] Unknown:
It's spoken like a gallant Frenchman Uh-huh. But with more gallantry than truth, I'm afraid. However, I will make an admission to you, Henri. I am beginning to want roots
[00:07:15] Unknown:
to settle down somewhere. You really must see Castle Kefau today, and today is perfect. I'm driving on to Quimper. You stay here and look around. I'll pick you up on my way back. The caretaker or his wife will show you around.
[00:07:31] Unknown:
And so he left. And I suppose I was annoying because I couldn't see anyone around, and no one came to answer the bell. I tugged at it again. Still no sign of anyone. I pushed open the iron gate and stepped into the stone courtyard, and I stopped. I was facing the main building, and now I could see that this was a mere shell, a ruined front, through which the trees of the park beyond were clearly visible. But the rest of the house was still in its original splendid beauty. And as I started for the main door, suddenly, a dog barred my way.
He was such a very beautiful little dog that for a moment, he made me forget the splendid place he was defending. He was golden brown, silken haired Pekingese, and there was anger in his large brown eyes. But to my surprise, he didn't snap or bark. He gradually stepped back as I stepped forward. And then I noticed another dog, a rough brindled mongrel who limped on a lame lake. I remember thinking why there will be trouble now as the first two animals were joined by a third, a white dog with long hair who'd slipped out of a doorway. He was silently watching me. And so we stood, the dogs and I watching each other.
And then I decided to make friends. I stooped to pat the little pikinese. He didn't bark or growl or take his eyes from me. He simply moved back slowly on noiseless paws and continued to stare at me, as did the other dogs. I felt very uneasy. And I called to them. Do you know what your dogs look like, all of you? You look as though you'd seen a ghost. That's just how you look.
[00:09:40] Unknown:
Hola. I hope you haven't been waiting here long. I thought you'd be up at the castle or with the caretaker. There are no caretaker.
[00:09:48] Unknown:
What?
[00:09:49] Unknown:
I don't understand. The family are anxious to sell the place. The caretaker or his wife should be around. What can it happen? I don't know, but I saw no one. Well, I must apologize. I never would have had you go in. You know, I know no apology necessary.
[00:10:05] Unknown:
Even if I could have gotten in, I suspect the dogs would have stopped me. What did you say about dogs? Oh, yes. There were several dogs. They seem to have the place for themselves. Wait. You mean you actually saw them? Oh, you can't miss them. I saw nothing else. How many? I've always wondered. Don't tell me you've never been to Castle Careful.
[00:10:29] Unknown:
Often, but never on this day. What day? Well, I'd quite forgotten. If I'd remembered, Paula, believe me, I never would have brought you today. There is a story that goes with Castle Kerfol, an unpleasant tale. As a matter of fact, an ancestor of mine named Andre Lanrivain was mixed up in it. You know, every Breton house has its ghost story.
[00:10:51] Unknown:
What on Earth has that to do with the dogs?
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Those dogs are the ghosts of Kerfol.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
Oh, ho. Come on, Henri. Oh, yes. Do you expect me to believe that? I should expect you to believe anything,
[00:11:05] Unknown:
but you told me you saw a lot of dogs. And I know there isn't a single dog at Castle Kefau.
[00:11:13] Unknown:
At dinner that night, there was no more talk of Castle Kefau. But after the guests had left and Henri's mother said goodnight, he brought me a shabby leather bound volume from an upper shelf in his library.
[00:11:28] Unknown:
Yeah. I think you should read it. What is it? You see. Uh-huh.
[00:11:32] Unknown:
A History of the Assizes of the Duchy Of Brittany
[00:11:36] Unknown:
compare 1900. Mhmm. This book was written about one hundred years after the affair at Castle Carrefour, but I believe the account is taken almost literally from the judicial record. There was a trial? Yes. And a rather strange one. And my old ancestor, Andre de Lanrivain, figures in it. And the dogs, Andre, where do they come in? Read it. And if you should be too frightened to continue, just yell and I shall come galloping to the rescue.
[00:12:11] Unknown:
I read until well past midnight, completely absorbed, caught up in this strange transcript of what took place in a courtroom over four hundred years ago. But on this night, every word rang as clearly as if I were sitting there, listening to the judge, questioning the young and beautiful Anne de Cornault, the lovely young bride of the 62 year old Baron Yves de Cornault, the master of Kerfol Castle.
[00:12:40] Unknown:
The prisoner must understand that if this court is to arrive at the truth, the prisoner must give us, in as much detail as she can remember, the entire history of her marriage to the Baron.
[00:12:53] Unknown:
I understand, your lordship. What is it you wish to know?
[00:12:58] Unknown:
The court has heard testimony from various witnesses about the first two years of your marriage to Yves de Cornault. But what puzzles me is how you and the Baron met. My father took me to the holy shrine at Le Cronon.
[00:13:15] Unknown:
We were seeking absolution doing penance for our sins, and that was where the Baron first saw me. And And? He was smitten with me. Well, how do you know that? Because, your lordship, it was less than a week later that he came to my father's house with packed mules laden with gifts for my father and for me, and he asked for my hand. Now proceed, madame. Castlecareful was a very lonely place. And when my husband was away on his business matters, I was alone. It was my very deep sorrow that our marriage was childless, though there was never a word of reproach from my husband.
[00:14:07] Unknown:
In short, madame, you would have the court believe that yours was an idyllic union with never a quarrel between you? No. No, your lordship. We quarreled, but only over matters of small import. Perhaps madame can recreate for us one of the quarrels of small import? Yes, your lordship. It was after
[00:14:32] Unknown:
one of my husband's business trips. He came to me in the garden immediately upon his return.
[00:14:40] Unknown:
Well, it is suitable and pleasing to me to find my wife in her garden picking flowers. I am happy to please, my lord. Oh, come, Anne. My name is Eve. And it is Eve who has brought a pretty bauble for your neck. Open it. Oh,
[00:14:58] Unknown:
Oh. It is beautiful. It's magnificent.
[00:15:03] Unknown:
And I thank you. Ah, you are a beautiful creature, my Anne. I missed you.
[00:15:09] Unknown:
Then why do you not take me with you? I should not be so lonely then. The city is no fit place for young wives.
[00:15:16] Unknown:
Why do you find it so irksome here at Castlecuff Hall while I'm away?
[00:15:21] Unknown:
Oh, it isn't irksome, but I feel I am a prisoner here. I cannot even pick a flower in my garden without having a waiting woman at my heels. Wherever I go here, I am watched. You are protected, and honored. From whom do I need to be protected?
[00:15:39] Unknown:
And I am not a queen that I need such honors. A man who has a treasure like you at home, Anne, does not leave the key in the lock when he goes abroad.
[00:15:49] Unknown:
And this, your lordship, was the only point of contention between us until until I'm sorry. My apologies to the court and to your lordship, but these memories are sometimes very painful for me. When my husband returned from his following journey, he brought me a gift. The one I loved the best was a small brown silken Chinese dog that he purchased from a sailor at Bordeaux. Perhaps it was true that I loved that little dog in place of the child I never had, but he seemed pleased that I was so fond of Ching Hua. I named him that. And the little dog and I were inseparable.
And one day when I'd fallen asleep in my room with Chinois at my feet, I noticed it.
[00:16:46] Unknown:
What's this? What have you done with my magnificent necklace? Do I see it around the neck of a dog? Oh, Eve.
[00:16:54] Unknown:
I'm sorry if you're angry that I used the necklace in such a foolish fashion. Oh, Well, not at all, my dear.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
I know how much you love chinois, and it is a compliment to me that you place one of my presents around the other's neck. Oh, thank you, Eve. That was not the reason I woke you. I had to tell you that I was struck by your resemblance to my great grandmother, Julienne de Cornault, lying in the chapel with her feet on a little dog. Oh. You do not like the thought.
[00:17:28] Unknown:
Well, it is somewhat uncomfortable. Still perhaps when I am dead, you might place me beside her, also carved in marble with my dog at my feet.
[00:17:40] Unknown:
You shall have your monument
[00:17:43] Unknown:
if you earn it. And I swear I shall be faithful with my little Chinois at my feet.
[00:17:51] Unknown:
And you were not faithful. You were discovered, and you took your revenge by killing the baron. No.
[00:17:58] Unknown:
No, your lordship. I have said that I am not an adulteress. I swear that I am not Andre was my friend, my dear friend. He was a man who was not as cruel as my husband, but
[00:18:12] Unknown:
he was no more than a friend. Do you deny that you met him secretly the night your husband was killed? I have never denied that. Then why did you go meet him secretly at midnight if it were not to commit adultery? I went
[00:18:27] Unknown:
to ask him to take me away because I was certain that my husband was going to kill me.
[00:18:42] Unknown:
What a difference in lifestyles three or four centuries make. Today, if a woman commits adultery, she's just as likely to write a book detailing her experiences. In the seventeenth century, a husband would have been allowed to kill an unfaithful wife. I'll be back with act two in just a moment.
[00:19:16] Unknown:
A lot of things. Like Choices Pops, rice, and best barley malt, the Budweiser ingredient listed proudly right there on the Budweiser label. There are less expensive ingredients, but you won't find them in Budweiser. No way. There's a lot more that goes into the brewing of Budweiser than just ingredients. But it's what comes out that counts most, and that's the Budweiser taste. And that speaks for itself loud and clear. You hear me talking? And eyes of voice, Saint Louis.
[00:20:03] Unknown:
Who will cope with tomorrow for a brighter new day. There's one hope for tomorrow, the children of today.
[00:20:13] Unknown:
There is only one hope for tomorrow, the children. Yet there are children in this world right now who have no hope for a brighter today. They're hungry, illiterate, living in misery, and when they grow up, if they grow up, they'll pass on this hopelessness. And it's the world's loss and the world's shame. You can help children to grow up with healthy bodies and educated minds with a zestful life that they'll pass on to their children and to our world. Won't you please send a check to Save the Children Federation, box nine seventy Grand Central Station, New York one zero zero one seven?
That's Save the Children, box nine seventy Grand Central Station, New York one zero zero one seven. Think about tomorrow.
[00:21:13] Unknown:
People who see ghosts differ from people who see UFOs. The latter can't wait to tell the world that they have seen these strange, glowing, elliptical shaped objects floating around our planet. While those who have seen ghosts are somehow reluctant to mention the fact. Of course, the lady in today's tale was thoroughly convinced that what she had seen were simply a number of dogs, not ghosts at all. But this belief was under severe strain.
[00:21:48] Unknown:
I had become so involved in reading the trial of Anne de Cornault, recorded so completely in the ancient and crumbling book, the history of the Assizes of the Duchy Of Brittany, that I didn't even hear Henri's rapping at my door.
[00:22:03] Unknown:
Anne. Anne, are you alright?
[00:22:07] Unknown:
Oh, I'm sorry, Henri. I was lost in a courtroom four hundred years ago
[00:22:15] Unknown:
with that poor frightened girl, Anne de Cornault. Well, how do you like my ancestor, Andre?
[00:22:20] Unknown:
Well, so far, he's only been mentioned briefly, but really, I am haunted with Anne, with the girl. I feel chewed as I read her testimony. I feel as though I were she there in the court. Sometimes I even know what she's going to say before she says it. It it it it's scary,
[00:22:41] Unknown:
Henri. Well,
[00:22:43] Unknown:
then stop reading. Oh, no. No. Not a chance. Not after I saw those dogs today. You were joking, weren't you? When you said there weren't any dogs at Castle Kerfol. No, Anne. I wasn't. There are no dogs at Kerfol. After Henri left me, I returned to the book and immediately found myself back in the seventeenth century courtroom, so involved that I actually seem to be living the tortured life of that poor girl now dead some four hundred years.
[00:23:19] Unknown:
You ask us to believe that your husband would have given you permission to journey to Saint Balbe?
[00:23:26] Unknown:
Yes, your lordship. The pilgrimage was made in the company of a lady much respected by the baron. The lady, his agent aunt, and I were on a journey to Saint Balb. It was a religious pilgrimage.
[00:23:40] Unknown:
Does it not seem almost doubly sinful for a woman to meet a paramour on a religious pilgrimage?
[00:23:46] Unknown:
Andre de Lanrivain was never my paramour. I'd seen him once or twice at Casa Carrefour when he visited there with his father, but he never exchanged more than civil greetings with me. And thus, what he said to me at Saint Brab was a shock to me and a surprise. And scandalous? No. I did not think so. We met by chance under the aspen trees as the procession was coming out of the chapel. I pity you. He said. And I was surprised because I had no thought that anybody considered me an object of pity. He said no more? Only one thing.
[00:24:27] Unknown:
Call me when you need me. As in here to listen and a mouth
[00:24:34] Unknown:
to talk. As I've said, my husband was away a great deal. My life at Castle Careful was indeed lonely. My little dog, Chinois, was always with me, and he gave me great pleasure. But more and more, I thought of the meeting with Andre, the Lanvin, and of his words. And one day, I decided to test him to ascertain whether he meant what he said. Of all the Maids my husband had serving me, there was one I trusted more than the others. And it was she I sent with a note, certain that there would be no answer. But I was wrong. And he was waiting in the cops near the edge of the forest as his notes said he would be.
Milady, you came after all. It was I who sent for you and you thought I would not be here. I did not hope. Andre.
[00:25:28] Unknown:
I feel you have no life at all with the Baron. Your your gentleness and beauty is not for him. Where are you going?
[00:25:36] Unknown:
No. I see now. It was not only foolish, but it was wrong of me to have come here. Please, milady, don't go.
[00:25:43] Unknown:
Just tell me what you want from me,
[00:25:45] Unknown:
and you shall have it. There must never be a discussion of my husband.
[00:25:52] Unknown:
He shall not be mentioned. Agreed. That is a beautiful little dog you have in your arms. Yes. I love him very much.
[00:26:00] Unknown:
He was a gift from the Baron. I see. Which was very thoughtful. But much as I love my little Chinois, I admit to loneliness. I long to hear a human voice other than my maids. If my voice will help, you shall hear it as often as you wish. And,
[00:26:20] Unknown:
how often did you meet?
[00:26:22] Unknown:
Twice more, your lordship, and each time very briefly. And your husband knew nothing of these meetings? I have reason to believe he did not. You see, at the time of our second meeting, I had already realized that we must put an end to it. But there must be a reason.
[00:26:40] Unknown:
Surely, I deserve at least that from you, Anne. Some reason why we should no longer meet. Because I do not wish it. If there's one thing I know, it's that you have enjoyed kindles in your eyes when I tell you of Paris and other kindles in your eyes when I tell you of Paris and other cities I've been No. No. No.
[00:27:10] Unknown:
What you have just said is reason enough why we must no longer meet. I find myself looking forward to it too much. I know it will be like a drug to me. And the more meetings we have, the more I shall want. I must stop now while I can't But we have done nothing wrong.
[00:27:28] Unknown:
Committed no sin in the eyes of the Lord. Thank you, Andre,
[00:27:32] Unknown:
for the moments of light you have given me. I shall always be grateful, but we can meet no more.
[00:27:40] Unknown:
But you did. And why? What changed your mind? A message from him, your lordship,
[00:27:48] Unknown:
saying that he was going away for a long, long time. And he asked for only one farewell meeting.
[00:27:55] Unknown:
If I knew you would come to bid me farewell whenever I leave the country, then I should try to
[00:28:01] Unknown:
leave every day. Andre, where are you going? When do you leave? I go to the British Isles on some business,
[00:28:07] Unknown:
which is not without peril. I shall be away for six or seven months. Would you not give me some keepsake? Something of small value to you, but which I will cherish always since it will speak to me of you during the long months of separation? Oh, gladly.
[00:28:25] Unknown:
I would give what you ask, but I brought no jewels. I wear no rings. I have no trinkets. I know them. Though I knew it was wrong. I took the small necklace from around the throat of little Chinois and I offered it to Andre. At first he refused, but I urged. No. I insisted. And finally he took it. And afterwards I was sorry. And that very night at dinner with my husband.
[00:28:56] Unknown:
Well, your little dog has a giant appetite, my love. You mustn't spoil him by overfeeding. Better overfeeding than over petting the way you do. Oh, here, here. Come here, chinois. Here, here, here. Here's a piece of meat. There. Good dog. How's that? What's this? Where is his necklace? Oh, he he lost it. Lost it?
[00:29:23] Unknown:
He was running in the park, in the undergrowth, and when I picked him up I noticed that the necklace was gone. I spent a good time during the day searching for it, but I couldn't find it.
[00:29:38] Unknown:
Well, perhaps it will be found one day. Have some more wine, Madame. It's an excellent vintage. No. Thank you. Then I shall drink alone. Are you, interested in hearing about my day in the when? Yes, my lord. Will excuse me.
[00:29:57] Unknown:
I have a slight headache. I should like to retire. But of course, of course. I have my bottle for company. Moi. My little shiguar. Damn.
[00:30:25] Unknown:
There is something wrong, something troubling you? Oh, shiguar.
[00:30:30] Unknown:
He
[00:30:31] Unknown:
is dead. How how did that happen?
[00:30:35] Unknown:
I came into my room when I found him like this, lying across my pillow. Someone has strangled him.
[00:30:44] Unknown:
A pity, madame. But there is a bright side to every tragedy.
[00:30:49] Unknown:
You see? Here. Your necklace has been found. Found? What to heaven has it not been? Oh, take it away, my lord. I never wanna see it again after the use to which it's been put wound round my little dog's throat to snap off his line.
[00:31:16] Unknown:
Madam, I'm displeased that you smiled so little. I'm sorry, my lord. I shall try. No. No. No. Nonsense. I have arranged for some entertainment at Castle Kathole when I go next to a camper on business. Entertainment, I think, that will please you. That is very kind of you, my lord. You are so selfish of me. I would like to see some small measure of life appear in a wife who is at least forty years younger than I am. Yes, my lord. And so for two days while I am at Campere, I have given the gypsies permission to come here. And in return, they promise to put on some entertainments for you.
Let us hope, madame, they serve to put you in better spirits.
[00:32:14] Unknown:
Oh, it's lovely. It's so lovely. And the dogs are wonderful. Tell me, does it take you long to train them? Not too long, milady.
[00:32:25] Unknown:
The ones who are trained help me with the ones who have to learn.
[00:32:29] Unknown:
Look. This one this one is the dearest, I think. Am I mistaken? Why does he have one bill and one brown eye? Milady has a sharp eye. And he seems to like you. Would you I mean, would it be much trouble for you to train another dog if Milady wants to buy the little dog? Of course. For 3 golden coins, you may have the dog. Oh, thank you very much. I'll have one of my maids get you the coins. Have you taught your maids to lie to me, madame? I cannot understand your question, Malloyed.
[00:33:15] Unknown:
When I returned to Castle Kerfol this evening, they told me you enjoyed the gypsy entertainment I arranged for you. That you were gay and bright with laughter. And yet for me, there's only silence.
[00:33:28] Unknown:
I am sorry, m'Lord. Do I have m'Lord's permission to go to my room?
[00:33:35] Unknown:
Very well.
[00:33:37] Unknown:
I shall return, my lord, immediately.
[00:33:41] Unknown:
I hope in a more cheerful disposition than heretofore. Oh, no. No. What is it?
[00:33:50] Unknown:
What is around you? Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh my little dog.
[00:33:56] Unknown:
Here you go. Oh, yes.
[00:33:59] Unknown:
I see he has been strangled. It would seem, madame, that you have bad luck with your pets.
[00:34:15] Unknown:
Everyone knows that the ASPCA represents the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. There is, however, no ASPCM, which could stand for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Mates. Perhaps if there were such a society, there might be fewer divorces, and even more important, fewer husband wife murders. We'll be back with act three in just a moment.
[00:34:45] Unknown:
Allstate asks, do you own a small business? Go over these questions with your present group health and life insurance agent. If your agent doesn't say yes to everyone, then Talk to the good hands people.
[00:34:59] Unknown:
First question.
[00:35:00] Unknown:
Did your present basic medical expense insurance pay the very first dollar? Oh, that means you pay no deductible. For expenses such as surgery, room and board, x-ray and lab, and in hospital doctor fees? If not
[00:35:12] Unknown:
Talk to the good hand people.
[00:35:15] Unknown:
Does your present plan provide coverage for maternity expenses?
[00:35:19] Unknown:
If not Talk to the good hands people. You're in good hands with Allstate.
[00:35:26] Unknown:
See your Allstate agent to find out what an Allstate plan costs, what is and isn't covered, including benefit reductions in terms under which insurance continues enforced. Allstate Insurance Company, available in most states to businesses that qualify.
[00:35:44] Unknown:
Share a ride with a friend. Share a smile when you round the bend. Let somebody brighten up your day.
[00:36:38] Unknown:
A public service of the station, US Department of Transportation, and the Advertising Council.
[00:36:54] Unknown:
It's a scientific fact that some people have a low threshold of pain, while others can withstand a remarkable amount of punishment before they even feel the slightest twinge. It would seem to me only logical that some people would be more sensitive to the influences and specters of the past, and would find themselves powerfully affected by merely hearing or reading about past events. So I completely understand the reaction of our very modern liberated twentieth century Paula Randall to the events in the La Rivain Chateau in Brittany.
[00:37:37] Unknown:
I have been reading for hours, And I suppose I made a fool of myself later that night with my behavior. But there were extenuating circumstances. Earlier, I had told Henri de Lambre d'En, how much I had identified with the girl with Anne de Cornault whose trial I was reading about. And I had just reached the part where she found her second little dog strangled, and suddenly, the lights in my room went out. I didn't panic, not then, but I had been reading in bed. And in the dark, I reached for the bedside table to find a match to strike a light. And my hand felt something soft and furry.
And it was then that I screamed and screamed and woke the house and brought our ray bursting through my door. Paula. Paula, what is it? What has happened? The dark. Oh, we heard dead little dog. It was next to my bed. I felt it. Nonsense. There's nothing here.
[00:38:41] Unknown:
Look. It's one of your bedroom slippers with a fur on it. Look for yourself. I can't see it in the dark. Why did the lights go out? It's almost dawn. We switch back from the emergency generator now, and there are about ten minutes during which we're without electricity. Of course, not many people are usually up at this hour. I'm sorry, but I was so frightened. Henri, why did you give me this book, this history of the trials of the Duchy of Brittany? Why did you want me to read this? No ulterior motives, my pet. I thought you'd be interested in buying Castle Kerfol.
I wanted you as a neighbor. And then you saw the dogs that that clinched it. But other people must see them. You told me the caretaker and his wife leave on that particular day, so Well, they live here.
[00:39:26] Unknown:
They have ties. What are you saying? Perhaps you shouldn't finish. No. No. You go now and apologize to the household for my behavior. And we will have coffee after I finish reading. Henri was disturbed, Henri was disturbed, but he left. And I went back again to the history of the assizes of the Duchy Of Brittany. And again, the ancient words on the printed page worked their magic. And I was transported back in time to that drafty courtroom.
[00:40:03] Unknown:
And, did it not occur to you to confront your husband and ask him if he was indeed responsible for killing the dogs? And if so, what were his reasons?
[00:40:13] Unknown:
I felt that would be useless. Why useless? You did not know the Baron, your lordship. I hope that by my telling this story, you would come to know something of the mind of a man who could kill innocent animals simply because he imagined that his name had been dishonored.
[00:40:33] Unknown:
We have only your word that it was his imagination. And the word of Andre de la Raven. Who may have been your accomplice. Finish your testimony.
[00:40:42] Unknown:
There's a little more to tell. I suffered in my loneliness and the winter wore on, and then the gypsy is returned. But Milady has not bought anything. Nothing at all. No. I'm not in the mood for buying. Not even for buying happiness? No one can buy happiness. To the gypsy, many things are possible that are not known by you, madame. Take for instance, this pear shaped pendant. This is the most remarkable trinket, milady. Yes. It looks very nice. This pendant can tell the future and bring happiness. Oh, nonsense. Of course.
But, the trinket is pretty and an exceptional bargain. For you, Miredi, this will be only two levers. No. I am not Look. It is so cunningly contrived. See, it opens. A cunning contrivance. And Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. It's yours. Wait. A moment. Wasn't there a piece of paper in it? It is yours, milady. You will not regret it. No. That paper. I saw it. It said the Long River seal. I, did not notice. No, milady. I should not open it here. The privacy of your chamber would be more suitable. My dear lady, I have returned. I must see you.
I will be at the side door of the castle after midnight. The Baron has told me he is staying the night in Rome. Andre. Yes. I have returned, madam. Oh, no. And I would like your present at supper. Oh, good Lord. What am I to do now? It is a pleasant surprise to find you back tonight, my husband. I gather your business in Rand went so well that you could return so soon? It went as I expected. Milord, tell me some of the interesting things that happened to you in Rand. Madam, I find your prattle boring, and this evening it is I who have the headache. I also feel feverish.
Is there something I can do? A poultice, perhaps?
[00:43:01] Unknown:
You can keep quiet. Good night. I trust you sleep well with nothing to disturb pleasant dreams.
[00:43:13] Unknown:
And so your lordship, I returned to my room terrified. I was certain that in some way, my husband had found out about Andre and that he would be there waiting at the side door and that he would kill Andre and me. I waited in my room, but then I opened my door and stole along the passage and listened at my husband's door. I could hear him breathing heavily and with difficulty, but I was still fearful. And I went back to my room and I waited until the moon had set through the trees of the park. And then I went back again and listened at the door to my husband's room.
He still seemed to be asleep. I had only two thoughts. To get down the stairs silently, to get to the door, to unbolt it and warn Andre, tell him that I wished him to take me away. I reached the door and unbolted it and opened it. And I must tell Andre, you must go. He has come back. I think because he knew that you were coming. Please go. Go now. But I'm I want to go away with you, but not now. Go. Go now.
[00:44:40] Unknown:
And these noises you heard from your husband's room were after you had dismissed the rendezvous and closed the castle door? Yes, your lordship.
[00:44:50] Unknown:
What did you do next? I started up the stairs and I listened. What did you hear? I heard dogs snarling and panting.
[00:45:00] Unknown:
What dogs? What dogs?
[00:45:04] Unknown:
I don't know.
[00:45:05] Unknown:
And how long did you remain listening on the stairs?
[00:45:09] Unknown:
Just a few minutes. And then when I reached the room it was dark. And I found my husband splintered in steel, and I struck a spark for the candle. And then I saw him lying there dead. And the dogs? The dog were gone. Gone? Where to? I don't know. There was no way for them to get out. And we had no dogs at Castle Careful.
[00:45:36] Unknown:
You would have us believe, madame, that your husband was killed by a pack of the invisible dog. Oh, if he'd please your lordship, the bites which caused the death of Baron de Cornault were clearly visible at the inquest. Well madame, can you give the court any idea where the supposed dogs came from?
[00:45:57] Unknown:
My dead dog. My, the dogs he killed so cruelly for no reason. My dead dog. A twentieth century sun was brightening every corner of my room when I'd finished and put down the history of the trial of Anne de Cornault. And I sat there thinking I was emotionally drained when Henri de Longueva knocked at my door. Yes. Come here.
[00:46:35] Unknown:
Ah, you look beautiful. But you seem terribly worried, my lovely Paula. Only
[00:46:41] Unknown:
you can forget about my buying Castle Tefor.
[00:46:46] Unknown:
I would not want to live there now if someone gave it to me. Oh, but, Sherry, what you read happened four hundred years ago. People were different. Ari, you forget.
[00:46:57] Unknown:
I saw those dogs today. I knew nothing of all this, and yet I saw those dogs today. Do you think I could even consider living there knowing what happened to that poor girl and de Cornault? Well, as a matter of fact, Paula, you realize she got off quite easily for a woman accused of murder in those days. Easily. She was paroled to the de Cornault family. She spent the rest of her life shut up in Castle Careful.
[00:47:26] Unknown:
This has really gotten under your skin?
[00:47:30] Unknown:
You know, Henri, I think I have been fooling myself about wanting to settle down. I really hadn't told Henri the truth. I told him only half the truth. I saw the dogs at Castle Carefore. I couldn't understand why I should have seen them, unless it was a warning to me. At least I took it to be so. And thus for me, Castle Kerfol will remain a haunting, a disturbing, and an unresolved memory.
[00:48:14] Unknown:
I was impressed with this story of Castle Kerfol and the dogs and told it to a psychiatrist friend of mine. When I finished, he smiled the smile of a man with all the answers and said, it's amazing to what lengths a woman will go to avoid facing up to the fact that she's really afraid of marriage. He believed that. Do you?
[00:48:40] Unknown:
I'll be back shortly. If two bits equal one quarter, how much are 12 bits worth? Well, at your True Value Hardware store, they're worth $3.97. Hi. Pat Summerall here to explain. The 12 bits are part of a Century 13 piece drill bit set that you can get right now at your TruVadieu hardware store. It's a perfect gift for yourself, particularly if you've got a power drill for Christmas. These 12 high speed bits will drill holes from one sixteenth of an inch to one quarter of an inch in wood, metal, and other materials, And this set gives you something a lot of drill bit sets don't include, a center punch, the accurate way to start any hole. That's 13 pieces in all. They come in a folding case. Each bit fits in a slot mark with its size, so you never have to guess which bit is the size you want. Two bits may equal one quarter, but at your True Value Hardware store, 12 bits are worth $3.97.
Get the Century 13 piece drill bit set at your participating True Value Hardware store. Just remember, look under hardware in the yellow pages.
[00:49:49] Unknown:
Before I return tomorrow, I think I should tell you the world's shortest horror story. I hope you haven't heard it. It goes like this. After the atomic holocaust, there's only one man left in the world. He knows that everyone else has been killed. As he sits alone in his bomb shelter, suddenly, there comes a knock at the door. Our cast included And now a preview of our next
[00:50:29] Unknown:
tale. Come with me, Hank. Come with me. Don't worry, Susanna. I won't let you out of my sight.
[00:50:38] Unknown:
You see? There's no one here. But there was. There still is. Only what happened to the music box? It ran down. Wind it up. No.
[00:50:51] Unknown:
I should never have fixed it so that it would play.
[00:50:54] Unknown:
It doesn't matter. She would have reached me anyway.
[00:50:59] Unknown:
Wait.
[00:51:12] Unknown:
Was she just talking to you? The ghost? Yes.
[00:51:17] Unknown:
It was Rachel. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser, and True Value Hardware stores. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant dreams.
[00:52:23] Unknown:
WFAA Dallas Fort Worth.
[00:52:30] Unknown:
Happy birthday, America. For a gal 200, you still look pretty good to us. For all those Americans who are coming to your birthday party this year, there are a lot of presents to be unwrapped. The oceans rolling on rocky and tropic shores, the gentle hills, the silver lakes, the desert calm, the mighty mountains, the man made mountains of cities that throb with life, the customs and folkways of yesteryear, and the promises of tomorrow. America's Two Hundredth birthday. So much to see, so much to remember, so much to hope for. Happy birthday, America.
How we know there's a crack in your Liberty Bell, but a 200, what's a little scar? This message is brought to you by NAMBO, the National Association of Motor Bus Owners. We're celebrating our fiftieth anniversary by serving 15,000 cities and towns. We're urging all Americans to become tourists and to come to the party. Happy birthday, America.
From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo, every bite is rewarding and pulse worthy with MX Gold's four times membership rewards points at restaurants worldwide. Wherever you dine, points are piling up. So bring your friends along for your next course because it's not all about the posts. It's about the company and the memories. How can gold from Amex sweeten your next food moment? Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/explore-gold. Terms and points cap apply.
[00:00:32] Unknown:
We've invested in tomorrow.
[00:00:34] Unknown:
We're into projects for young children, playground facilities, bread making machines, libraries.
[00:00:40] Unknown:
We're into projects for school children, chairs and desks, vitamins, and flight protectors.
[00:00:46] Unknown:
We're into productivity projects, feed pulverizers, cultivators,
[00:00:50] Unknown:
chickens for breeding. And we're into health projects, like well pumps that can provide clean water. We're part of Save the Children Federation.
[00:00:59] Unknown:
Men, women, and children helping with contributions to help underprivileged children and their families on the self help road to a better life. Send your contribution or rightful information to Save the Children.
[00:01:11] Unknown:
Box nine seventy Grand Central Station, New York, New York one zero zero seventeen. That's Save the Children, box nine seventy Grand Central Station, New York, New York one zero zero seventeen.
[00:01:24] Unknown:
Won't you join our family? Please.
[00:01:30] Unknown:
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. I suppose that no self respecting seventeenth century European castle would be without a ghost. The story I bring you deals with not one, but several ghosts. And what makes this tale all the more fascinating to me is the rumor that these particular ghosts weren't ghosts of people at all. And although they made no sound and were seen but rarely, they represented the absolute in terror
[00:02:25] Unknown:
and the strange vendetta. My little dog.
[00:02:29] Unknown:
What have you done to my dog, my lord? I believe I told you, madam, that the dog is the emblem of fidelity. There will be no more dogs at Castle Care Hall.
[00:02:38] Unknown:
But I have never betrayed you. You cannot punish a dumb animal for a crime you think I have committed. I will hear no more of this. Oh, but you will, my lord. Someday you will. And then too late, my lord. You will wish this terrible deed undone.
[00:03:04] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, Castle Kerfol, was especially adapted from the Edith Wharton classic for the mystery theater by Murray Burnett and stars Mercedes McCambridge. It is sponsored in part by Allstate Insurance Companies and Buick Motor Division. I'll be back shortly with act one. Isn't it nice to know your brain?
[00:03:28] Unknown:
To see the things you want to see? To try to hide
[00:03:42] Unknown:
Based on EPA tests, Buick's midsize Century with available automatic transmission and the Buick v six got 17 miles per gallon in the city test and 25 in the highway test. Of course, those figures are only estimates. The mileage you get may vary, but what it means is this. Buick's v six centuries with automatic transmission got better overall EPA mileage ratings than any other US midsize with automatic transmission. Nice going, Buick. California to see your viewing theater for EPA figures.
[00:04:26] Unknown:
Dreams.
[00:04:27] Unknown:
We all seek to understand the many ways in which God reveals his word. The book of Job says this about dreams. God speaks first in one way and then in another, but no one notices. He speaks in dreams and visions that come in the night. When slumber comes on mankind and all men are asleep in bed, then it is he whispers in the ear of man or may frighten him with fearful sights and turn him away from evil doing to save his soul from the pit. So listen to your dreams. They could guide you to new and positive directions. For your free booklet on dreams, write to the Foundation Church, eleven forty seven First Avenue, New York, New York one double o two one.
That's the Foundation Church, eleven forty seven First Avenue, New York, New York one double o two one.
[00:05:34] Unknown:
I doubt if very many of us have ever gone or ever will go shopping for a castle. But if any of you do, there's one important thing to remember, one vital question to ask. Does the castle have a ghost? And if it does, what are its ghostly habits? This was a question which Paula Randall never bothered to ask, and this is what happened to her on her first look at the graceful turrets of Castle Kerfol.
[00:06:08] Unknown:
A sudden uncontrollable chill was my first reaction to the sight of the proud roofs and gables of Castle Kerfol. My second reaction was one of confusion mixed with a touch of anger. What in the world is I doing standing outside the Iron Gate, leading to the obviously empty courtyard of a medieval castle? Did I really want to buy this? Or had I been talked into something? I could hear the pleasant voice of my host, Henri L'Enrivain, saying,
[00:06:42] Unknown:
You really should buy Castlecarefoil, Paula. You would make a perfect hostess for that ancient manor. And it wouldn't be at all a bad thing for your business if you owned the most romantic house in Brittany. Oh, I don't think a great many people will come all the way to Brittany just to see a fashion show. Nonsense. People would travel half around the world to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking new Paula Randall fashion.
[00:07:04] Unknown:
It's spoken like a gallant Frenchman Uh-huh. But with more gallantry than truth, I'm afraid. However, I will make an admission to you, Henri. I am beginning to want roots
[00:07:15] Unknown:
to settle down somewhere. You really must see Castle Kefau today, and today is perfect. I'm driving on to Quimper. You stay here and look around. I'll pick you up on my way back. The caretaker or his wife will show you around.
[00:07:31] Unknown:
And so he left. And I suppose I was annoying because I couldn't see anyone around, and no one came to answer the bell. I tugged at it again. Still no sign of anyone. I pushed open the iron gate and stepped into the stone courtyard, and I stopped. I was facing the main building, and now I could see that this was a mere shell, a ruined front, through which the trees of the park beyond were clearly visible. But the rest of the house was still in its original splendid beauty. And as I started for the main door, suddenly, a dog barred my way.
He was such a very beautiful little dog that for a moment, he made me forget the splendid place he was defending. He was golden brown, silken haired Pekingese, and there was anger in his large brown eyes. But to my surprise, he didn't snap or bark. He gradually stepped back as I stepped forward. And then I noticed another dog, a rough brindled mongrel who limped on a lame lake. I remember thinking why there will be trouble now as the first two animals were joined by a third, a white dog with long hair who'd slipped out of a doorway. He was silently watching me. And so we stood, the dogs and I watching each other.
And then I decided to make friends. I stooped to pat the little pikinese. He didn't bark or growl or take his eyes from me. He simply moved back slowly on noiseless paws and continued to stare at me, as did the other dogs. I felt very uneasy. And I called to them. Do you know what your dogs look like, all of you? You look as though you'd seen a ghost. That's just how you look.
[00:09:40] Unknown:
Hola. I hope you haven't been waiting here long. I thought you'd be up at the castle or with the caretaker. There are no caretaker.
[00:09:48] Unknown:
What?
[00:09:49] Unknown:
I don't understand. The family are anxious to sell the place. The caretaker or his wife should be around. What can it happen? I don't know, but I saw no one. Well, I must apologize. I never would have had you go in. You know, I know no apology necessary.
[00:10:05] Unknown:
Even if I could have gotten in, I suspect the dogs would have stopped me. What did you say about dogs? Oh, yes. There were several dogs. They seem to have the place for themselves. Wait. You mean you actually saw them? Oh, you can't miss them. I saw nothing else. How many? I've always wondered. Don't tell me you've never been to Castle Careful.
[00:10:29] Unknown:
Often, but never on this day. What day? Well, I'd quite forgotten. If I'd remembered, Paula, believe me, I never would have brought you today. There is a story that goes with Castle Kerfol, an unpleasant tale. As a matter of fact, an ancestor of mine named Andre Lanrivain was mixed up in it. You know, every Breton house has its ghost story.
[00:10:51] Unknown:
What on Earth has that to do with the dogs?
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Those dogs are the ghosts of Kerfol.
[00:10:57] Unknown:
Oh, ho. Come on, Henri. Oh, yes. Do you expect me to believe that? I should expect you to believe anything,
[00:11:05] Unknown:
but you told me you saw a lot of dogs. And I know there isn't a single dog at Castle Kefau.
[00:11:13] Unknown:
At dinner that night, there was no more talk of Castle Kefau. But after the guests had left and Henri's mother said goodnight, he brought me a shabby leather bound volume from an upper shelf in his library.
[00:11:28] Unknown:
Yeah. I think you should read it. What is it? You see. Uh-huh.
[00:11:32] Unknown:
A History of the Assizes of the Duchy Of Brittany
[00:11:36] Unknown:
compare 1900. Mhmm. This book was written about one hundred years after the affair at Castle Carrefour, but I believe the account is taken almost literally from the judicial record. There was a trial? Yes. And a rather strange one. And my old ancestor, Andre de Lanrivain, figures in it. And the dogs, Andre, where do they come in? Read it. And if you should be too frightened to continue, just yell and I shall come galloping to the rescue.
[00:12:11] Unknown:
I read until well past midnight, completely absorbed, caught up in this strange transcript of what took place in a courtroom over four hundred years ago. But on this night, every word rang as clearly as if I were sitting there, listening to the judge, questioning the young and beautiful Anne de Cornault, the lovely young bride of the 62 year old Baron Yves de Cornault, the master of Kerfol Castle.
[00:12:40] Unknown:
The prisoner must understand that if this court is to arrive at the truth, the prisoner must give us, in as much detail as she can remember, the entire history of her marriage to the Baron.
[00:12:53] Unknown:
I understand, your lordship. What is it you wish to know?
[00:12:58] Unknown:
The court has heard testimony from various witnesses about the first two years of your marriage to Yves de Cornault. But what puzzles me is how you and the Baron met. My father took me to the holy shrine at Le Cronon.
[00:13:15] Unknown:
We were seeking absolution doing penance for our sins, and that was where the Baron first saw me. And And? He was smitten with me. Well, how do you know that? Because, your lordship, it was less than a week later that he came to my father's house with packed mules laden with gifts for my father and for me, and he asked for my hand. Now proceed, madame. Castlecareful was a very lonely place. And when my husband was away on his business matters, I was alone. It was my very deep sorrow that our marriage was childless, though there was never a word of reproach from my husband.
[00:14:07] Unknown:
In short, madame, you would have the court believe that yours was an idyllic union with never a quarrel between you? No. No, your lordship. We quarreled, but only over matters of small import. Perhaps madame can recreate for us one of the quarrels of small import? Yes, your lordship. It was after
[00:14:32] Unknown:
one of my husband's business trips. He came to me in the garden immediately upon his return.
[00:14:40] Unknown:
Well, it is suitable and pleasing to me to find my wife in her garden picking flowers. I am happy to please, my lord. Oh, come, Anne. My name is Eve. And it is Eve who has brought a pretty bauble for your neck. Open it. Oh,
[00:14:58] Unknown:
Oh. It is beautiful. It's magnificent.
[00:15:03] Unknown:
And I thank you. Ah, you are a beautiful creature, my Anne. I missed you.
[00:15:09] Unknown:
Then why do you not take me with you? I should not be so lonely then. The city is no fit place for young wives.
[00:15:16] Unknown:
Why do you find it so irksome here at Castlecuff Hall while I'm away?
[00:15:21] Unknown:
Oh, it isn't irksome, but I feel I am a prisoner here. I cannot even pick a flower in my garden without having a waiting woman at my heels. Wherever I go here, I am watched. You are protected, and honored. From whom do I need to be protected?
[00:15:39] Unknown:
And I am not a queen that I need such honors. A man who has a treasure like you at home, Anne, does not leave the key in the lock when he goes abroad.
[00:15:49] Unknown:
And this, your lordship, was the only point of contention between us until until I'm sorry. My apologies to the court and to your lordship, but these memories are sometimes very painful for me. When my husband returned from his following journey, he brought me a gift. The one I loved the best was a small brown silken Chinese dog that he purchased from a sailor at Bordeaux. Perhaps it was true that I loved that little dog in place of the child I never had, but he seemed pleased that I was so fond of Ching Hua. I named him that. And the little dog and I were inseparable.
And one day when I'd fallen asleep in my room with Chinois at my feet, I noticed it.
[00:16:46] Unknown:
What's this? What have you done with my magnificent necklace? Do I see it around the neck of a dog? Oh, Eve.
[00:16:54] Unknown:
I'm sorry if you're angry that I used the necklace in such a foolish fashion. Oh, Well, not at all, my dear.
[00:17:02] Unknown:
I know how much you love chinois, and it is a compliment to me that you place one of my presents around the other's neck. Oh, thank you, Eve. That was not the reason I woke you. I had to tell you that I was struck by your resemblance to my great grandmother, Julienne de Cornault, lying in the chapel with her feet on a little dog. Oh. You do not like the thought.
[00:17:28] Unknown:
Well, it is somewhat uncomfortable. Still perhaps when I am dead, you might place me beside her, also carved in marble with my dog at my feet.
[00:17:40] Unknown:
You shall have your monument
[00:17:43] Unknown:
if you earn it. And I swear I shall be faithful with my little Chinois at my feet.
[00:17:51] Unknown:
And you were not faithful. You were discovered, and you took your revenge by killing the baron. No.
[00:17:58] Unknown:
No, your lordship. I have said that I am not an adulteress. I swear that I am not Andre was my friend, my dear friend. He was a man who was not as cruel as my husband, but
[00:18:12] Unknown:
he was no more than a friend. Do you deny that you met him secretly the night your husband was killed? I have never denied that. Then why did you go meet him secretly at midnight if it were not to commit adultery? I went
[00:18:27] Unknown:
to ask him to take me away because I was certain that my husband was going to kill me.
[00:18:42] Unknown:
What a difference in lifestyles three or four centuries make. Today, if a woman commits adultery, she's just as likely to write a book detailing her experiences. In the seventeenth century, a husband would have been allowed to kill an unfaithful wife. I'll be back with act two in just a moment.
[00:19:16] Unknown:
A lot of things. Like Choices Pops, rice, and best barley malt, the Budweiser ingredient listed proudly right there on the Budweiser label. There are less expensive ingredients, but you won't find them in Budweiser. No way. There's a lot more that goes into the brewing of Budweiser than just ingredients. But it's what comes out that counts most, and that's the Budweiser taste. And that speaks for itself loud and clear. You hear me talking? And eyes of voice, Saint Louis.
[00:20:03] Unknown:
Who will cope with tomorrow for a brighter new day. There's one hope for tomorrow, the children of today.
[00:20:13] Unknown:
There is only one hope for tomorrow, the children. Yet there are children in this world right now who have no hope for a brighter today. They're hungry, illiterate, living in misery, and when they grow up, if they grow up, they'll pass on this hopelessness. And it's the world's loss and the world's shame. You can help children to grow up with healthy bodies and educated minds with a zestful life that they'll pass on to their children and to our world. Won't you please send a check to Save the Children Federation, box nine seventy Grand Central Station, New York one zero zero one seven?
That's Save the Children, box nine seventy Grand Central Station, New York one zero zero one seven. Think about tomorrow.
[00:21:13] Unknown:
People who see ghosts differ from people who see UFOs. The latter can't wait to tell the world that they have seen these strange, glowing, elliptical shaped objects floating around our planet. While those who have seen ghosts are somehow reluctant to mention the fact. Of course, the lady in today's tale was thoroughly convinced that what she had seen were simply a number of dogs, not ghosts at all. But this belief was under severe strain.
[00:21:48] Unknown:
I had become so involved in reading the trial of Anne de Cornault, recorded so completely in the ancient and crumbling book, the history of the Assizes of the Duchy Of Brittany, that I didn't even hear Henri's rapping at my door.
[00:22:03] Unknown:
Anne. Anne, are you alright?
[00:22:07] Unknown:
Oh, I'm sorry, Henri. I was lost in a courtroom four hundred years ago
[00:22:15] Unknown:
with that poor frightened girl, Anne de Cornault. Well, how do you like my ancestor, Andre?
[00:22:20] Unknown:
Well, so far, he's only been mentioned briefly, but really, I am haunted with Anne, with the girl. I feel chewed as I read her testimony. I feel as though I were she there in the court. Sometimes I even know what she's going to say before she says it. It it it it's scary,
[00:22:41] Unknown:
Henri. Well,
[00:22:43] Unknown:
then stop reading. Oh, no. No. Not a chance. Not after I saw those dogs today. You were joking, weren't you? When you said there weren't any dogs at Castle Kerfol. No, Anne. I wasn't. There are no dogs at Kerfol. After Henri left me, I returned to the book and immediately found myself back in the seventeenth century courtroom, so involved that I actually seem to be living the tortured life of that poor girl now dead some four hundred years.
[00:23:19] Unknown:
You ask us to believe that your husband would have given you permission to journey to Saint Balbe?
[00:23:26] Unknown:
Yes, your lordship. The pilgrimage was made in the company of a lady much respected by the baron. The lady, his agent aunt, and I were on a journey to Saint Balb. It was a religious pilgrimage.
[00:23:40] Unknown:
Does it not seem almost doubly sinful for a woman to meet a paramour on a religious pilgrimage?
[00:23:46] Unknown:
Andre de Lanrivain was never my paramour. I'd seen him once or twice at Casa Carrefour when he visited there with his father, but he never exchanged more than civil greetings with me. And thus, what he said to me at Saint Brab was a shock to me and a surprise. And scandalous? No. I did not think so. We met by chance under the aspen trees as the procession was coming out of the chapel. I pity you. He said. And I was surprised because I had no thought that anybody considered me an object of pity. He said no more? Only one thing.
[00:24:27] Unknown:
Call me when you need me. As in here to listen and a mouth
[00:24:34] Unknown:
to talk. As I've said, my husband was away a great deal. My life at Castle Careful was indeed lonely. My little dog, Chinois, was always with me, and he gave me great pleasure. But more and more, I thought of the meeting with Andre, the Lanvin, and of his words. And one day, I decided to test him to ascertain whether he meant what he said. Of all the Maids my husband had serving me, there was one I trusted more than the others. And it was she I sent with a note, certain that there would be no answer. But I was wrong. And he was waiting in the cops near the edge of the forest as his notes said he would be.
Milady, you came after all. It was I who sent for you and you thought I would not be here. I did not hope. Andre.
[00:25:28] Unknown:
I feel you have no life at all with the Baron. Your your gentleness and beauty is not for him. Where are you going?
[00:25:36] Unknown:
No. I see now. It was not only foolish, but it was wrong of me to have come here. Please, milady, don't go.
[00:25:43] Unknown:
Just tell me what you want from me,
[00:25:45] Unknown:
and you shall have it. There must never be a discussion of my husband.
[00:25:52] Unknown:
He shall not be mentioned. Agreed. That is a beautiful little dog you have in your arms. Yes. I love him very much.
[00:26:00] Unknown:
He was a gift from the Baron. I see. Which was very thoughtful. But much as I love my little Chinois, I admit to loneliness. I long to hear a human voice other than my maids. If my voice will help, you shall hear it as often as you wish. And,
[00:26:20] Unknown:
how often did you meet?
[00:26:22] Unknown:
Twice more, your lordship, and each time very briefly. And your husband knew nothing of these meetings? I have reason to believe he did not. You see, at the time of our second meeting, I had already realized that we must put an end to it. But there must be a reason.
[00:26:40] Unknown:
Surely, I deserve at least that from you, Anne. Some reason why we should no longer meet. Because I do not wish it. If there's one thing I know, it's that you have enjoyed kindles in your eyes when I tell you of Paris and other kindles in your eyes when I tell you of Paris and other cities I've been No. No. No.
[00:27:10] Unknown:
What you have just said is reason enough why we must no longer meet. I find myself looking forward to it too much. I know it will be like a drug to me. And the more meetings we have, the more I shall want. I must stop now while I can't But we have done nothing wrong.
[00:27:28] Unknown:
Committed no sin in the eyes of the Lord. Thank you, Andre,
[00:27:32] Unknown:
for the moments of light you have given me. I shall always be grateful, but we can meet no more.
[00:27:40] Unknown:
But you did. And why? What changed your mind? A message from him, your lordship,
[00:27:48] Unknown:
saying that he was going away for a long, long time. And he asked for only one farewell meeting.
[00:27:55] Unknown:
If I knew you would come to bid me farewell whenever I leave the country, then I should try to
[00:28:01] Unknown:
leave every day. Andre, where are you going? When do you leave? I go to the British Isles on some business,
[00:28:07] Unknown:
which is not without peril. I shall be away for six or seven months. Would you not give me some keepsake? Something of small value to you, but which I will cherish always since it will speak to me of you during the long months of separation? Oh, gladly.
[00:28:25] Unknown:
I would give what you ask, but I brought no jewels. I wear no rings. I have no trinkets. I know them. Though I knew it was wrong. I took the small necklace from around the throat of little Chinois and I offered it to Andre. At first he refused, but I urged. No. I insisted. And finally he took it. And afterwards I was sorry. And that very night at dinner with my husband.
[00:28:56] Unknown:
Well, your little dog has a giant appetite, my love. You mustn't spoil him by overfeeding. Better overfeeding than over petting the way you do. Oh, here, here. Come here, chinois. Here, here, here. Here's a piece of meat. There. Good dog. How's that? What's this? Where is his necklace? Oh, he he lost it. Lost it?
[00:29:23] Unknown:
He was running in the park, in the undergrowth, and when I picked him up I noticed that the necklace was gone. I spent a good time during the day searching for it, but I couldn't find it.
[00:29:38] Unknown:
Well, perhaps it will be found one day. Have some more wine, Madame. It's an excellent vintage. No. Thank you. Then I shall drink alone. Are you, interested in hearing about my day in the when? Yes, my lord. Will excuse me.
[00:29:57] Unknown:
I have a slight headache. I should like to retire. But of course, of course. I have my bottle for company. Moi. My little shiguar. Damn.
[00:30:25] Unknown:
There is something wrong, something troubling you? Oh, shiguar.
[00:30:30] Unknown:
He
[00:30:31] Unknown:
is dead. How how did that happen?
[00:30:35] Unknown:
I came into my room when I found him like this, lying across my pillow. Someone has strangled him.
[00:30:44] Unknown:
A pity, madame. But there is a bright side to every tragedy.
[00:30:49] Unknown:
You see? Here. Your necklace has been found. Found? What to heaven has it not been? Oh, take it away, my lord. I never wanna see it again after the use to which it's been put wound round my little dog's throat to snap off his line.
[00:31:16] Unknown:
Madam, I'm displeased that you smiled so little. I'm sorry, my lord. I shall try. No. No. No. Nonsense. I have arranged for some entertainment at Castle Kathole when I go next to a camper on business. Entertainment, I think, that will please you. That is very kind of you, my lord. You are so selfish of me. I would like to see some small measure of life appear in a wife who is at least forty years younger than I am. Yes, my lord. And so for two days while I am at Campere, I have given the gypsies permission to come here. And in return, they promise to put on some entertainments for you.
Let us hope, madame, they serve to put you in better spirits.
[00:32:14] Unknown:
Oh, it's lovely. It's so lovely. And the dogs are wonderful. Tell me, does it take you long to train them? Not too long, milady.
[00:32:25] Unknown:
The ones who are trained help me with the ones who have to learn.
[00:32:29] Unknown:
Look. This one this one is the dearest, I think. Am I mistaken? Why does he have one bill and one brown eye? Milady has a sharp eye. And he seems to like you. Would you I mean, would it be much trouble for you to train another dog if Milady wants to buy the little dog? Of course. For 3 golden coins, you may have the dog. Oh, thank you very much. I'll have one of my maids get you the coins. Have you taught your maids to lie to me, madame? I cannot understand your question, Malloyed.
[00:33:15] Unknown:
When I returned to Castle Kerfol this evening, they told me you enjoyed the gypsy entertainment I arranged for you. That you were gay and bright with laughter. And yet for me, there's only silence.
[00:33:28] Unknown:
I am sorry, m'Lord. Do I have m'Lord's permission to go to my room?
[00:33:35] Unknown:
Very well.
[00:33:37] Unknown:
I shall return, my lord, immediately.
[00:33:41] Unknown:
I hope in a more cheerful disposition than heretofore. Oh, no. No. What is it?
[00:33:50] Unknown:
What is around you? Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh my little dog.
[00:33:56] Unknown:
Here you go. Oh, yes.
[00:33:59] Unknown:
I see he has been strangled. It would seem, madame, that you have bad luck with your pets.
[00:34:15] Unknown:
Everyone knows that the ASPCA represents the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. There is, however, no ASPCM, which could stand for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Mates. Perhaps if there were such a society, there might be fewer divorces, and even more important, fewer husband wife murders. We'll be back with act three in just a moment.
[00:34:45] Unknown:
Allstate asks, do you own a small business? Go over these questions with your present group health and life insurance agent. If your agent doesn't say yes to everyone, then Talk to the good hands people.
[00:34:59] Unknown:
First question.
[00:35:00] Unknown:
Did your present basic medical expense insurance pay the very first dollar? Oh, that means you pay no deductible. For expenses such as surgery, room and board, x-ray and lab, and in hospital doctor fees? If not
[00:35:12] Unknown:
Talk to the good hand people.
[00:35:15] Unknown:
Does your present plan provide coverage for maternity expenses?
[00:35:19] Unknown:
If not Talk to the good hands people. You're in good hands with Allstate.
[00:35:26] Unknown:
See your Allstate agent to find out what an Allstate plan costs, what is and isn't covered, including benefit reductions in terms under which insurance continues enforced. Allstate Insurance Company, available in most states to businesses that qualify.
[00:35:44] Unknown:
Share a ride with a friend. Share a smile when you round the bend. Let somebody brighten up your day.
[00:36:38] Unknown:
A public service of the station, US Department of Transportation, and the Advertising Council.
[00:36:54] Unknown:
It's a scientific fact that some people have a low threshold of pain, while others can withstand a remarkable amount of punishment before they even feel the slightest twinge. It would seem to me only logical that some people would be more sensitive to the influences and specters of the past, and would find themselves powerfully affected by merely hearing or reading about past events. So I completely understand the reaction of our very modern liberated twentieth century Paula Randall to the events in the La Rivain Chateau in Brittany.
[00:37:37] Unknown:
I have been reading for hours, And I suppose I made a fool of myself later that night with my behavior. But there were extenuating circumstances. Earlier, I had told Henri de Lambre d'En, how much I had identified with the girl with Anne de Cornault whose trial I was reading about. And I had just reached the part where she found her second little dog strangled, and suddenly, the lights in my room went out. I didn't panic, not then, but I had been reading in bed. And in the dark, I reached for the bedside table to find a match to strike a light. And my hand felt something soft and furry.
And it was then that I screamed and screamed and woke the house and brought our ray bursting through my door. Paula. Paula, what is it? What has happened? The dark. Oh, we heard dead little dog. It was next to my bed. I felt it. Nonsense. There's nothing here.
[00:38:41] Unknown:
Look. It's one of your bedroom slippers with a fur on it. Look for yourself. I can't see it in the dark. Why did the lights go out? It's almost dawn. We switch back from the emergency generator now, and there are about ten minutes during which we're without electricity. Of course, not many people are usually up at this hour. I'm sorry, but I was so frightened. Henri, why did you give me this book, this history of the trials of the Duchy of Brittany? Why did you want me to read this? No ulterior motives, my pet. I thought you'd be interested in buying Castle Kerfol.
I wanted you as a neighbor. And then you saw the dogs that that clinched it. But other people must see them. You told me the caretaker and his wife leave on that particular day, so Well, they live here.
[00:39:26] Unknown:
They have ties. What are you saying? Perhaps you shouldn't finish. No. No. You go now and apologize to the household for my behavior. And we will have coffee after I finish reading. Henri was disturbed, Henri was disturbed, but he left. And I went back again to the history of the assizes of the Duchy Of Brittany. And again, the ancient words on the printed page worked their magic. And I was transported back in time to that drafty courtroom.
[00:40:03] Unknown:
And, did it not occur to you to confront your husband and ask him if he was indeed responsible for killing the dogs? And if so, what were his reasons?
[00:40:13] Unknown:
I felt that would be useless. Why useless? You did not know the Baron, your lordship. I hope that by my telling this story, you would come to know something of the mind of a man who could kill innocent animals simply because he imagined that his name had been dishonored.
[00:40:33] Unknown:
We have only your word that it was his imagination. And the word of Andre de la Raven. Who may have been your accomplice. Finish your testimony.
[00:40:42] Unknown:
There's a little more to tell. I suffered in my loneliness and the winter wore on, and then the gypsy is returned. But Milady has not bought anything. Nothing at all. No. I'm not in the mood for buying. Not even for buying happiness? No one can buy happiness. To the gypsy, many things are possible that are not known by you, madame. Take for instance, this pear shaped pendant. This is the most remarkable trinket, milady. Yes. It looks very nice. This pendant can tell the future and bring happiness. Oh, nonsense. Of course.
But, the trinket is pretty and an exceptional bargain. For you, Miredi, this will be only two levers. No. I am not Look. It is so cunningly contrived. See, it opens. A cunning contrivance. And Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. It's yours. Wait. A moment. Wasn't there a piece of paper in it? It is yours, milady. You will not regret it. No. That paper. I saw it. It said the Long River seal. I, did not notice. No, milady. I should not open it here. The privacy of your chamber would be more suitable. My dear lady, I have returned. I must see you.
I will be at the side door of the castle after midnight. The Baron has told me he is staying the night in Rome. Andre. Yes. I have returned, madam. Oh, no. And I would like your present at supper. Oh, good Lord. What am I to do now? It is a pleasant surprise to find you back tonight, my husband. I gather your business in Rand went so well that you could return so soon? It went as I expected. Milord, tell me some of the interesting things that happened to you in Rand. Madam, I find your prattle boring, and this evening it is I who have the headache. I also feel feverish.
Is there something I can do? A poultice, perhaps?
[00:43:01] Unknown:
You can keep quiet. Good night. I trust you sleep well with nothing to disturb pleasant dreams.
[00:43:13] Unknown:
And so your lordship, I returned to my room terrified. I was certain that in some way, my husband had found out about Andre and that he would be there waiting at the side door and that he would kill Andre and me. I waited in my room, but then I opened my door and stole along the passage and listened at my husband's door. I could hear him breathing heavily and with difficulty, but I was still fearful. And I went back to my room and I waited until the moon had set through the trees of the park. And then I went back again and listened at the door to my husband's room.
He still seemed to be asleep. I had only two thoughts. To get down the stairs silently, to get to the door, to unbolt it and warn Andre, tell him that I wished him to take me away. I reached the door and unbolted it and opened it. And I must tell Andre, you must go. He has come back. I think because he knew that you were coming. Please go. Go now. But I'm I want to go away with you, but not now. Go. Go now.
[00:44:40] Unknown:
And these noises you heard from your husband's room were after you had dismissed the rendezvous and closed the castle door? Yes, your lordship.
[00:44:50] Unknown:
What did you do next? I started up the stairs and I listened. What did you hear? I heard dogs snarling and panting.
[00:45:00] Unknown:
What dogs? What dogs?
[00:45:04] Unknown:
I don't know.
[00:45:05] Unknown:
And how long did you remain listening on the stairs?
[00:45:09] Unknown:
Just a few minutes. And then when I reached the room it was dark. And I found my husband splintered in steel, and I struck a spark for the candle. And then I saw him lying there dead. And the dogs? The dog were gone. Gone? Where to? I don't know. There was no way for them to get out. And we had no dogs at Castle Careful.
[00:45:36] Unknown:
You would have us believe, madame, that your husband was killed by a pack of the invisible dog. Oh, if he'd please your lordship, the bites which caused the death of Baron de Cornault were clearly visible at the inquest. Well madame, can you give the court any idea where the supposed dogs came from?
[00:45:57] Unknown:
My dead dog. My, the dogs he killed so cruelly for no reason. My dead dog. A twentieth century sun was brightening every corner of my room when I'd finished and put down the history of the trial of Anne de Cornault. And I sat there thinking I was emotionally drained when Henri de Longueva knocked at my door. Yes. Come here.
[00:46:35] Unknown:
Ah, you look beautiful. But you seem terribly worried, my lovely Paula. Only
[00:46:41] Unknown:
you can forget about my buying Castle Tefor.
[00:46:46] Unknown:
I would not want to live there now if someone gave it to me. Oh, but, Sherry, what you read happened four hundred years ago. People were different. Ari, you forget.
[00:46:57] Unknown:
I saw those dogs today. I knew nothing of all this, and yet I saw those dogs today. Do you think I could even consider living there knowing what happened to that poor girl and de Cornault? Well, as a matter of fact, Paula, you realize she got off quite easily for a woman accused of murder in those days. Easily. She was paroled to the de Cornault family. She spent the rest of her life shut up in Castle Careful.
[00:47:26] Unknown:
This has really gotten under your skin?
[00:47:30] Unknown:
You know, Henri, I think I have been fooling myself about wanting to settle down. I really hadn't told Henri the truth. I told him only half the truth. I saw the dogs at Castle Carefore. I couldn't understand why I should have seen them, unless it was a warning to me. At least I took it to be so. And thus for me, Castle Kerfol will remain a haunting, a disturbing, and an unresolved memory.
[00:48:14] Unknown:
I was impressed with this story of Castle Kerfol and the dogs and told it to a psychiatrist friend of mine. When I finished, he smiled the smile of a man with all the answers and said, it's amazing to what lengths a woman will go to avoid facing up to the fact that she's really afraid of marriage. He believed that. Do you?
[00:48:40] Unknown:
I'll be back shortly. If two bits equal one quarter, how much are 12 bits worth? Well, at your True Value Hardware store, they're worth $3.97. Hi. Pat Summerall here to explain. The 12 bits are part of a Century 13 piece drill bit set that you can get right now at your TruVadieu hardware store. It's a perfect gift for yourself, particularly if you've got a power drill for Christmas. These 12 high speed bits will drill holes from one sixteenth of an inch to one quarter of an inch in wood, metal, and other materials, And this set gives you something a lot of drill bit sets don't include, a center punch, the accurate way to start any hole. That's 13 pieces in all. They come in a folding case. Each bit fits in a slot mark with its size, so you never have to guess which bit is the size you want. Two bits may equal one quarter, but at your True Value Hardware store, 12 bits are worth $3.97.
Get the Century 13 piece drill bit set at your participating True Value Hardware store. Just remember, look under hardware in the yellow pages.
[00:49:49] Unknown:
Before I return tomorrow, I think I should tell you the world's shortest horror story. I hope you haven't heard it. It goes like this. After the atomic holocaust, there's only one man left in the world. He knows that everyone else has been killed. As he sits alone in his bomb shelter, suddenly, there comes a knock at the door. Our cast included And now a preview of our next
[00:50:29] Unknown:
tale. Come with me, Hank. Come with me. Don't worry, Susanna. I won't let you out of my sight.
[00:50:38] Unknown:
You see? There's no one here. But there was. There still is. Only what happened to the music box? It ran down. Wind it up. No.
[00:50:51] Unknown:
I should never have fixed it so that it would play.
[00:50:54] Unknown:
It doesn't matter. She would have reached me anyway.
[00:50:59] Unknown:
Wait.
[00:51:12] Unknown:
Was she just talking to you? The ghost? Yes.
[00:51:17] Unknown:
It was Rachel. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser, and True Value Hardware stores. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, pleasant dreams.
[00:52:23] Unknown:
WFAA Dallas Fort Worth.
[00:52:30] Unknown:
Happy birthday, America. For a gal 200, you still look pretty good to us. For all those Americans who are coming to your birthday party this year, there are a lot of presents to be unwrapped. The oceans rolling on rocky and tropic shores, the gentle hills, the silver lakes, the desert calm, the mighty mountains, the man made mountains of cities that throb with life, the customs and folkways of yesteryear, and the promises of tomorrow. America's Two Hundredth birthday. So much to see, so much to remember, so much to hope for. Happy birthday, America.
How we know there's a crack in your Liberty Bell, but a 200, what's a little scar? This message is brought to you by NAMBO, the National Association of Motor Bus Owners. We're celebrating our fiftieth anniversary by serving 15,000 cities and towns. We're urging all Americans to become tourists and to come to the party. Happy birthday, America.
