In this gripping episode, we delve into the mysterious and chilling tale of Mrs. Ada Canby, an elderly woman who finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and murder. The story begins with Mrs. Canby receiving a clean bill of health from her doctor, only to reveal that she has taken in a new boarder, Mr. Paulson, who is suffering from a severe cold. As the plot unfolds, Mr. Paulson makes a shocking deathbed confession, claiming responsibility for a murder committed ten years prior, and implicating an innocent man, Lindell, who was wrongfully imprisoned. Mrs. Canby is left with the moral dilemma of whether to report this confession to the authorities.
As Mrs. Canby grapples with her conscience, she takes in another boarder, Stuart Winfield, who seems charming but harbors his own secrets. The tension escalates as Mrs. Canby uncovers more about the past crime and the potential involvement of a man named Arnold Shelton. The episode explores themes of justice, morality, and the resilience of the elderly, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that reveals the true nature of the characters involved. Join us as we unravel this intricate mystery and discover the strength and wisdom of Mrs. Canby, proving that the old ones are indeed hard to kill.
(00:34) The Health of Mrs. Ada Canby
(02:00) The Mysterious Boarder, Mr. Paulson
(05:49) A Shocking Confession
(10:46) The Investigation Begins
(15:04) A New Boarder, Stuart Winfield
(25:17) Sleepless Nights and Troubling Thoughts
(32:14) The Truth Unveiled
(37:07) A Miraculous Survival
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[00:00:02]
Unknown:
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[00:00:35] Unknown:
And now here's act one of the old ones are hard to kill. It begins with a stethoscope, a blood pressure reading, an electrocardiogram, and an altogether satisfying report on the health of missus Ada Canby.
[00:00:54] Unknown:
Well, I can't see a thing to complain about, Ada. That little congestion you had last time is all cleared up. All in all, I'd say you're doing fine. For a woman my age, you mean. The older the chicken, the tougher it is to kill. That's what my grandmother used to tell me, and she lived to be 98. Speaking of relatives, you, see much water. My grandson?
[00:01:18] Unknown:
Oh, they use your once a year visit, and he always comes up with the same complaint. What's that? Then I shouldn't be living all alone.
[00:01:26] Unknown:
Oh, that big house of yours must get pretty lonely sometimes.
[00:01:30] Unknown:
Well, the truth is, doctor George, I'm not alone there. Mhmm. You're not? I decided to take in the border last month. Really? I haven't written Walter about it. I'm sure he'd object to my taking in a stranger, but there's really nothing wrong with mister Paulson except his health, maybe. His health? What's wrong with him? Oh, the poor man's had a terrible cold for the past two weeks. Well, let me do a thing for him, though. Well, now where did you meet this, mister Paulson? He answered the ad, Iram. He's just back from South America. Been living in Brazil for years. He's a very nice gentleman, really.
He keeps himself and tends his birds. He has the loneliest blue parakeets. You can hear them chirping all over the house.
[00:02:20] Unknown:
It's the friendliest song. Well, I, I don't see anything wrong with what you're doing, Nada.
[00:02:26] Unknown:
Just make sure you don't go and catch the man's cold. There's not much chance of that. Poor man hardly ever leaves his room. Well, how much do I owe you? I'll send you the bill. I'm sure you'll forget all about it. Promise me you'll send it.
[00:02:52] Unknown:
Oh, dear. Oh,
[00:02:56] Unknown:
dear. Mister Paulson? Are you alright? Yes, missus Calvary. I'm alright. That cough Well, that cough sounds whistling out to me. Why don't you let me mix your little hot milk and honey? No. Thank you, missus Canby. Thanks very much.
[00:03:15] Unknown:
I'm going to try to catch some sleep. Well,
[00:03:18] Unknown:
alright, if you say so. I guess it's time I was in bed myself. My, listen to that poor man. What if he keeps his birds away too? Missus Gamby,
[00:03:41] Unknown:
please.
[00:03:42] Unknown:
Please. For the sake, is is he calling me? Missus Gamby. He is calling me. I'm coming, mister Paulson. Oh, no. Where are those darn slippers? I'll be right there. What's the matter? This is Kenby. Mister Paulson. Just look at you. Why didn't you tell me you were so sick? I would have called the doctor. Oh, Oh, too late now. Too late. I I know a very good doctor. I saw him only this afternoon. I'll go and call him right now. Please listen to me. Well, I've got to get help for you, mister Carlson. Dying. Dying confession. Well, do do you wanna preach? Is is that what you want? Richardson
[00:04:33] Unknown:
murdered ten years ago. What? Murder. I did it. I killed him for money. I was paid. Did you hear me? Oh, lord.
[00:04:44] Unknown:
Mister Paulson, do you know what you're saying? Do you understand me?
[00:04:49] Unknown:
Lyndell is innocent. I killed Richardson,
[00:04:54] Unknown:
not Lindell. Well, then let let me get help. And you can tell them yourself, mister Paulson, and the police and the doctors.
[00:05:01] Unknown:
You tell them, please. Tell them to free Lindell. He's innocent. Tell them I'm the one who killed Richardson ten years ago. Well, I don't know anything about such things and I know what. I did it. I killed Richardson.
[00:05:16] Unknown:
I did it. I don't I don't wanna hear it. I don't please don't tell me Missus Paulson, I mister Paulson. Oh, dear. God. I I think he's gone. Let's see about this letter now. Dear Walter, I hope you don't mind my turning to you for advice, but I really don't know what to do. It's been three days since my mister Paulson passed away, and I still haven't told the police what the man said to me. I just can't bring myself to get mixed up in anything, I said. Dear, what's the use of writing, Walter? You'll probably think I've dreamed it all up. No. I'll just forget it.
Only how do you forget such a thing? Those names, I keep hearing them. Richardson, Lindell. Lindell is innocent. Dear god, what's so true? Is mister Paulson actually murdered this Richardson and and Lindell is innocent? Only well, who are they? I wonder if a telephone book will well, why not? Let's see. Richardson, Richard, alright. See that, J. R. S. Yeah. Yes. Yes. You're too. Oh, lord. This doesn't tell some. Well, I'll try Lindell. That wouldn't be as confident, I suppose. Yes. Yes. Here it is. It's only about half a dozen then. C l d e l l l. Oh, oh my heavens. Lindell and Richardson.
Both names together. Lindell and Richardson Investments. Nine concourse. Four one five three one three two. I wonder Yeah. Well, maybe maybe it's the only way to be sure. Oh, hello. May I speak to, mister Lindell? He isn't? Well, then what about mister Richardson? Oh, I see. Well, is there someone there I can speak to? Yes. Yes, please. Thank you.
[00:08:10] Unknown:
Hello. This is mister Kelton. Mister, may I be of service?
[00:08:14] Unknown:
Or maybe you can. I I wanna know about your mister Richardson, about when he died. I think I did business with him once a long time ago. Well, it's ten years, madam, just about. But, if you're interested in investment advice Well, I'll think about it. Thank you very much. Ten years. Well, it could be a coincidence. I guess it all depends on how he died.
[00:08:47] Unknown:
Well, missus Canvey. Please come in. Have a seat. Thank you. Well, now, how can we be of help to you?
[00:08:54] Unknown:
I didn't come here to get help, mister Shelton. I came to help you as a matter of fact or rather somebody, you know. Who would that be? Mister John Lindell, the man who was supposed to have murdered mister Richardson. I'm afraid I'm not following you. Well, it took me all week to find out what happened to those two men. And finally, I found the story in the old newspaper room down at the library about mister Lindell being indicted for killing his partner. But I'm I'm sure you know the whole story a lot better than I do. Well, of course, I know the story,
[00:09:30] Unknown:
but that was quite a long time ago, missus Gambit. Ten years
[00:09:34] Unknown:
doesn't seem so long when you're my age. Anyway, the point is that I can help you, missus Lindell. Only I can't do it alone.
[00:09:44] Unknown:
Did you know John Lindell? No. No. I didn't.
[00:09:48] Unknown:
Nor mister Richardson for that matter. The man I knew was named Paulson. Who? I ran into a room to mister Paulson, and he died about eight days ago of pneumonia. I was there when it happened. Oh, that's unfortunate. But, Before he died, mister Paulson told me something about mister Richardson's murder. He said mister Lindell hadn't been responsible, that he, mister Polson, had committed it for money.
[00:10:17] Unknown:
Missus Kenby,
[00:10:19] Unknown:
listen to me. It was this man Lindell that bothered him. The fact that he was in prison for something he didn't do. I thought I should tell you this, mister Chilton, because you knew both of these gentlemen. It said so in the newspaper.
[00:10:34] Unknown:
Missus Kenby, my my dear woman. Why? I don't know what silly story you heard, but it's completely wrong. There wasn't any question about what happened.
[00:10:48] Unknown:
This border of yours, whatever his name is, merely had an obsession. Well, just the same, I thought you could follow through on this business. Yeah. Tell the police. Because if it is true, mister Lindell should be freed. On evidence like that? No. I don't know anything about evidence. I'm just telling you what I heard. Well, never mind. I suppose I should have told the police myself. Wait. Wait, missus Gandhi. Let me put your mind at rest.
[00:11:21] Unknown:
John Lindell is no longer in prison. Do you hear some? He's dead, missus Gandhi. He's been dead for the last three years. Oh. He wasn't a young man when all this happened, when he accused his partner, Fred Richardson, of defrauding him and shot him dead. He died
[00:11:39] Unknown:
in prison.
[00:11:40] Unknown:
Even if all you say is true that this man was Richardson's murderer, you can't help John Lyndell any longer. He's beyond that. But his name, don't you want to his name? Have you any proof? Any living witness? Just myself. Forget it, missus Candy. That's my advice to you.
[00:12:00] Unknown:
The old wound is healed. Don't reopen it. Oh, and it troubles me so.
[00:12:08] Unknown:
I haven't thought of anything else since it happened. Perhaps if I saw a minister, if I had some advice from a man of God Missus Kenvey,
[00:12:19] Unknown:
now you said something.
[00:12:21] Unknown:
Now you've shown me the way. That's where our answer lies, dear woman, in prayer. Mhmm. In the forgiveness of our dear lord. Will you pray with me, miss Kenvi? Pray here. Why not? God is everywhere. Please join me. Me. Dear lord, tell us what to do. Give us your divine guidance. Show us the path to righteousness. Mistress, tell me. Help us, oh lord. Help us to understand. Teach Teach us to forgive the sins of others and to forget them to forget. I feel much better now, missus Candy. Do you? I'm not sure. Let's turn this matter over to god, miss Canby. Not to the police, but to the lord. It's in his hands now. Don't you agree?
[00:13:16] Unknown:
Well, in a way that's true since they're dead now. All of them. Yes? Missus Candy? Yes?
[00:13:36] Unknown:
My name's Stuart Winfield, missus Candy. I understand you have a room for rent. Yes. Yes. Yes. I do. Well, I'm new in town. I just arrived from Philadelphia. I've I've been staying at a hotel, but I'd like something homier.
[00:13:49] Unknown:
Well, the room I have is $35 a week. I can offer you any meals, but you can use a kitchen all you want. Well, that sounds good to me. Would, would you like to see the room? Yes, ma'am. I sure would. Would. Well, come on in then. Thank you. By the way, how did you know I had a room for rent?
[00:14:11] Unknown:
I was gonna place an ad this weekend. Oh, I, I I guess someone at the hotel mentioned it. I forget just who. Say, this is a real fine old house, missus Canby. Mhmm. I can see that I'm going to like this place
[00:14:25] Unknown:
just fine.
[00:14:32] Unknown:
And so missus Canby has a new border. He's a very personable young man with a great deal more charm than old mister Paulson had. Perhaps in a little while, missus Canby will be able to forget her former border and the shocking confession he made on his deathbed. I'll be back shortly with act two.
[00:14:57] Unknown:
To
[00:15:05] Unknown:
Stu Winfield took no time at all to make himself at home in eighty Canby's big old house. He loved everything about his room. The fine old four poster bed, the crazy quilt that Ada herself had sewn up forty years ago, the lace curtains on the window. He even loved mister Paulson's blue parakeets. But what he really seemed to like best was missus Canby herself.
[00:15:33] Unknown:
This take me two minutes to get these same sheets on the bed. Here, let me give you you a hand. Oh, I can manage. I've been making this bed for almost fifty years. Fifty? You've lived in this house that long? I didn't hear when I got married back in 1919. My husband David bought it for us. My only son Ralph was born in it. And you've lost them both? Yes. They're both dead, but
[00:15:58] Unknown:
I haven't lost them. Oh, yes. Yes. I understand, missus Canby. I guess I feel that way about my mom. Your mother's dead? Yes. She died when I was two.
[00:16:09] Unknown:
Mister Winfield, are you sure you want these birds in your room? I could take them to the parlor if you want. No. No. I think they're great. I I think
[00:16:21] Unknown:
but there is something you can do for me. What's that? Would you mind not calling me mister Winfield? Oh? That's what they call my father. My name's Stewart. Well, well, alright.
[00:16:32] Unknown:
Stewart? Dear Walter, I think it's about time I told you that I have a border in my house. Mister Winfield is the nicest young man you could wanna meet. He's a great deal friendlier than my first gentleman, mister Paulson, and he seems to like nothing better than to sit around evenings and talk. We talk about his home and his parents and his plans for the future. I think the poor boy misses his home and family, and I'm sort of a substitute for all that.
[00:17:10] Unknown:
You know, it isn't really fair, missus Candy. You said I had kitchen privileges, but that doesn't mean you have to cook for me. It's a pleasure, Stuart. I haven't had anyone to cook for in years. You're kidding.
[00:17:23] Unknown:
You mean to say you cooked this good without practice? Oh, you're just being nice. I'm sure that stew is just plain ordinary. It's terrific. No kidding.
[00:17:33] Unknown:
It tastes like well, it it tastes like home, if you know what I mean. It depends on whose home you mean. Well, my mom cooks stews like this. That's what I meant. Your mom? Mhmm. What? But she died when you were only two. Oh, well, I I guess I I didn't mean my mom exactly. I I was thinking of my aunt Martha. I mean, she's the one who sort of took over the cooking and stuff after my mother died and my father's sister, you know? I see. Well, that was lucky that you had someone to take her place. Yeah. That's right.
[00:18:07] Unknown:
Excuse me. My steward, you're not coming down with anything, are you? No. No. I'm fine. Just a little case of the sniffles. Listen. If your room isn't warm enough, I have an extra bottle. No. No. The room's just fine. Don't worry about it. Oh, you'll be sure now. I know know I felt a little guilty about poor mister Paulson when he got sick. Maybe I didn't take good enough care of him. Paulson? Mhmm. Was that your former boarder, the, the bird lover? Yes. Yes. That was his his name. My poor man. Tell me about him. Well, I don't really know that much about him. He lived here less than two months. What sort of a guy was he? Well, very quiet. He kept himself.
Did you say he was from South America? I don't remember if I did or not.
[00:18:52] Unknown:
Well,
[00:18:53] Unknown:
you must have said it.
[00:18:55] Unknown:
Yeah. Yes. Of course. He was American, but he'd been living in Brazil. I don't know why exactly. Although, come to the sake of it, maybe I do. What do you mean? Well, it it just occurred to me that Brazil might be just a place for someone who came into a lot of money and and wanted to leave the country. I don't understand. Is that Oh, my. I really think you are getting a cold, Stuart. I'm getting that blanket out this minute. No. Wait, missus Tandy. I'd rather hear about Never mind. I don't wanna take any chances. I'll be right back.
Yes, Mrs. Canby. Don't take any chances.
[00:19:45] Unknown:
Stuart? Yes? Come in.
[00:19:49] Unknown:
I bought your tray, Stuart. Oh,
[00:19:52] Unknown:
no. You shouldn't have. You shouldn't have gone to all that trouble, missus Kennedy. A nice bit of trouble. Besides,
[00:19:58] Unknown:
you've got to have some supper.
[00:20:00] Unknown:
Feed it cold and start a feeling. That's I mean, I I was going to come out to the kitchen and and get myself a sandwich or something. You're gonna have to bring a tuxedo.
[00:20:09] Unknown:
Oh, look at that. Is that roast chicken? Well, that's what it's supposed to be.
[00:20:15] Unknown:
I hope it tastes alright. Noodle soup with dumplings. Mrs. Candy, you're spoiling me rotten. Do you know that? Yeah. I just thought it'd be a good idea if you stayed in bed and took it easy.
[00:20:26] Unknown:
You weren't planning to go out tonight, were you? No. No. I was just gonna stay in and read for a while. Maybe watch television. Oh, that's good.
[00:20:35] Unknown:
Here, I'll just set this trade on.
[00:20:38] Unknown:
Service here is just too good.
[00:20:41] Unknown:
Oh, we we never, never finished our talk the other day about that border of yours than mister Paulson. Well, there's not much to say about him really. Well, you said something about his living in South America. You said you thought you understood why he was living there. Sounded real interesting.
[00:21:01] Unknown:
Well, the truth is, Stuart, there is something to tell about mister Paulson. Maybe, maybe you can help me feel better about it all. About what? I'm not gonna tell you if you don't eat.
[00:21:15] Unknown:
Alright, missus Canby. I'll eat.
[00:21:18] Unknown:
Well, it happened just about three weeks ago.
[00:21:33] Unknown:
You know, I'm talking, missus Candy. That's about the best roast chicken I've had in years. I'm sure it's burned your appetite with all my child. No. No. That was a really interesting story. But what do you think of it all, Stuart?
[00:21:46] Unknown:
No. The killer is the man who hired mister Paulson. Don't you see? Is it right that he should get away with it? No. Wait a
[00:21:55] Unknown:
minute. You're jumping to conclusions. No. I'm not.
[00:21:58] Unknown:
Mr. Paulson told me that he was hired to do this thing. Well, maybe he was hired by Lindell.
[00:22:03] Unknown:
Maybe Lindell hired him and then Paulson got a cold feet and Lindell did the shooting himself.
[00:22:11] Unknown:
No. I'm sure that isn't true. You see, I read the newspaper article all about it.
[00:22:16] Unknown:
Well, you you really were thorough about this. Weren't you, missus Candy?
[00:22:22] Unknown:
You poor man. That cold's gone to your chest now, hasn't it? No. I'm I'm alright. Stop
[00:22:29] Unknown:
stop worrying about me.
[00:22:31] Unknown:
Let's talk about
[00:22:33] Unknown:
this this other problem of yours. Well,
[00:22:35] Unknown:
maybe I'm making it more of a problem than it should be. Maybe if I just told the police everything, I could forget once
[00:22:44] Unknown:
and for all. No. I,
[00:22:46] Unknown:
I I really couldn't advise that, missus Candy. Well, it said in the newspaper story that the two men were partners in that investment firm. And mister Lindell thought that his partner Richardson was cheating, taking money out of the firm, and that's why he's supposed to have shot him. Wasn't there a witness to the shooting? Why? Yes. I think there was. Come to see it. It was mister Shelton. That's right. That's right. Well, doesn't that doesn't that wrap it up for you? Well, it would if it wasn't for mister Paulson.
[00:23:21] Unknown:
Listen, missus Candy. You know how much I like you. Why in just a few days, you're more like family to me than my aunt Martha ever was. Well, it's nice of you to say Stuart. And that's why I want you to listen to me about this. That's why I want you to forget about this whole foolish thing.
[00:23:44] Unknown:
Listen, Julia. You sound awful, Stuart. Just test. I'm alright. No. You're not alright. I'm gonna get you some cough medicine right this minute.
[00:24:14] Unknown:
Hello? Mister Chobellet, it's me, Winfield. Ma'am, what's happening?
[00:24:21] Unknown:
I think I better stick around for a few more days, mister Chelten.
[00:24:25] Unknown:
The old lady's beginning to get fidgety if if you know what I mean.
[00:24:38] Unknown:
Well, something tells me that Stuart Winfield isn't such a nice young man after all. Could it be that he wasn't telling missus Kenby the truth about his dear mother and his aunt Martha? Could he have not told her the truth about his plans for the future? Of course, the real issue is what sort of plan does he have for Ada Canby's future? I'll I'll be back shortly with act three if you want one. Poor missus Canby. She isn't Poor missus Canby. She isn't sleeping well tonight. But of course, missus Canby has good reasons for insomnia. Her thoughts are whirling.
Her border steward was right. She doesn't want the bother of going to the police. And she firmly believes in the old adage, if you don't trouble trouble, trouble won't trouble you. But still Oh my.
[00:25:49] Unknown:
I'm just never gonna get to sleep. Poor Stuart. She's still coughing. I'm sure that room is just too dry. Never should have let any borders in until I got the windows fixed. That poor borders I'll never forget the terrible night Mr. Paulson was coughing Sabassy And the way he looked all gray and shrunken If only I knew he was so sick. No. If only he'd never even come to this house.
[00:26:29] Unknown:
Missus Cat, I'm Jim Richardson.
[00:26:35] Unknown:
I I ever forget the sound of that man's voice. That poor man. All the years he spent in jail for something he didn't do.
[00:26:50] Unknown:
Let sleeping dogs fly, missus Candy. My aunt Hunt always said,
[00:26:57] Unknown:
let sleeping dogs fly. I thought, man, I could get some sleep. Let us turn this matter over to God, missus Carey. Talk to the police. I strange man he is, mister Choppen, where he talked about god praying at his desk. Of course, god is everywhere, but
[00:27:25] Unknown:
his desk.
[00:27:39] Unknown:
Someone had to pay him. Mister Paulson wasn't the only guilty one. Someone else was too. Fuck.
[00:27:49] Unknown:
Fuck. Fuck.
[00:27:51] Unknown:
Oh, dear Lord. Mister Shelton. Shelton. What did that newspaper article say? The chief witness against mister Lindell was Arnold Shelton. But how could he be a witness? There's something that never happened. How could he be? I'll have to tell someone. I'll have to talk to someone. Yes. I'll tell Stuart about it in the morning. Stuart,
[00:28:32] Unknown:
are you awake? Yes. I'm up, missus Sandy. Come in. Oh, no.
[00:28:40] Unknown:
Now don't tell me I'm getting breakfast in bed too. Well, I know you had a terrible night last night, Stuart. You were coughing much worse than ever. I guess that medicine wasn't very good. Sorry I kept you awake, missus Tandu. Oh, that wasn't your fault. Oh. Something else kept me up. What was that? Oh, my mind, I guess. Maybe I should say my conscience. Well, that sounds serious. Well, it is something serious, Stuart. Well, I might have let a man get away with murder. No. It's even worse than that. He did something worse than murder. You're talking about Paulson again, ain't you? No. I'm talking about the man who hired mister Paulson.
He didn't just have that man Richardson shot. He let an innocent person go to jail and die there. And that's like committing two murders murders if you ask me. I have to tell you something that occurred to me last night. Sure. Go ahead. Well, it's about mister Chelten, mister Arnold Chelten.
[00:29:51] Unknown:
Yeah. Go on. Ain't listening.
[00:29:55] Unknown:
Stewart, I wonder if maybe the reason mister Shelton was so upset with me, the reason he didn't want me to go to the police was because he was afraid. Explain what you mean. What I mean is maybe mister Shelton had good reason besides the one he told me. He was working for both mister Richardson and mister Lindell at the time of the murder. Well, so what? Well, he was also the chief witness at the trial, a witness for the prosecution.
[00:30:28] Unknown:
But he saw the shooting, didn't he? But that's just the point.
[00:30:33] Unknown:
He saw mister Lindell shoot mister Richardson. Well, that's not what you told me last time. I mean, that he was an eyewitness. No. That's right. He didn't actually see the shooting. He was miles away when it happened. I don't quite remember the details.
[00:30:52] Unknown:
There was something about a phone call maybe?
[00:30:55] Unknown:
Yes. Yes. That's what it was. He claimed that mister Richardson was talking to him on the phone when mister Lindell showed up at his apartment. He said that Richardson cried out something about Lindell having a gun. And then he heard the shot. But how could that have happened if the gun was fired by mister Paulson? If, missus Canby,
[00:31:18] Unknown:
that's the big little word, isn't it? If he
[00:31:23] Unknown:
Don't you see what I'm saying, Stuart? Arnold Sheldon had the most to gain. Gain. From what? From both these men leaving the firm. That leave the whole thing to him. All those customers, all the investments he has, all the commissions, whatever they call it. Are you accusing this guy, Shelton, of being the killer? Yes. It's it's the only answer, Stuart. Look. If that was the case, the police would have figured it out. But they didn't. There was nothing in the stories I read that pointed any suspicion at mister Cheltenham. I don't suppose it's even a curse of them.
And now the company is all his.
[00:32:09] Unknown:
You don't you don't call out evidence, do you?
[00:32:13] Unknown:
Well, then why did he let me go to the police? Why did he try so hard to talk me out of it? That man was praying to us. He was taking the name of the Lord. Oh, I'm sorry, Stuart. I'm so sorry. I won't bother you anymore. I know what I have to do anyway. This is Candy. I won't be gone long, Stuart. No. No way. But the minute I get back, I'm going to call doctor George and ask him to come over.
[00:32:47] Unknown:
You're saying Never mind the doctor. You're calling the police. No. No. I don't call.
[00:32:53] Unknown:
You're right. I don't want them tracking my in my parlor. I'm going down to the station house and talk to them. I'll get dressed now and go straight there. Please. Please think about what you're doing. I'll tell them what I know and they can do the rest. Honey, you try to eat something, Stewart. Please. Missus
[00:33:25] Unknown:
candy. Sheldon? What is this with you? I told you not to
[00:33:40] Unknown:
What are you talking about? The old lady, I can't stop her. She's decided
[00:33:45] Unknown:
What? She figured it out. Figured out exactly what you did, Sheldon, and how you did it. You fool. Stop her. Do you hear me? That wasn't part of the deal, Sheldon. It's all of the deal now. The price didn't include anything like that. The price just doubled. Old ladies are always having accidents. Make her have one. Make her have one now, Winfield.
[00:34:10] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:34:12] Unknown:
Alright. Alright. Alright. How you doing? She's gonna she's gonna have a fall down there and sell her steps right now. I gotta get my robe on and my slippery face. I gotta hurry. Ellen
[00:34:46] Unknown:
What are you doing out of bed? Now you'll go right back there in a second. I gotta I gotta talk to you, missus Camby, before you go to the police. Just listen to you. You're all winded. You can hardly talk, Stuart. Now go back to bed before you catch them on morning, too. Don't go, Mrs. Canby. It would be better if you never went to the police.
[00:35:06] Unknown:
Better for you. Better for me. For you? I don't understand. Well, then I I wouldn't have to hurt you, Mrs. Canby. That's what I mean. I wouldn't have to do anything
[00:35:20] Unknown:
bad to you. Stuart, what in the world are you talking about? Come on, old lady.
[00:35:25] Unknown:
You're smart, alright? You really think think things through. So now think a little harder. Do you know?
[00:35:32] Unknown:
Do you know what you knew about mister Poston? That's right. That's how you knew my room, mister Red, because mister Shelton told you. Now you're getting
[00:35:56] Unknown:
Mister Sheldon did. I was hoping you'd never change your mind about calling the police. Dude. I didn't want this part of it. This isn't the part I like. No. Relaxes You're right in the bed, missus Candy. She didn't like my aunt Martha would have been if I if I had an aunt Martha. It's, it's alright. I'd be glad that it wasn't you at the bottom of those stairs.
[00:37:07] Unknown:
Well,
[00:37:08] Unknown:
will he be alright, doctor George? Now I do want to worry about that man for. Truth is his injuries don't amount to very much. Couple of broken ribs seem to be the worst of it. But he'll be a patient for some time before they can put him in prison where he belongs. Him and his, friend. What was that man's name again?
[00:37:32] Unknown:
You mean mister Chatham? Have they arrested him? Yeah. Yeah.
[00:37:38] Unknown:
That's what the police technician said. I understand. Stewart's injuries aren't safe. It's not not the fault that Nate Wenfield was sick. His case was diagnosed as simple pneumonia at first, and then I remembered about your first border.
[00:37:55] Unknown:
Nelson, was it? No. Of course. Yes. Of course. But he had pneumonia too. He died of it. Oh, is is pneumonia contagious?
[00:38:04] Unknown:
Yes. Yes. It is. But this disease was even more contagious. It's a pneumonia caused by a disease called cysticosis, better known as paraffema. Oh. You get it from sick birds like the parakeets in your spare room.
[00:38:24] Unknown:
Oh, no. Mister Kosas,
[00:38:26] Unknown:
Bert? Sorry, Ada, but it had to be taken out and destroyed. Oh, what a shame. There's one reason, I feel sorry for them. They saved your life. Made mister Winfield too weak even to throw a little old lady down the flight of steps. Those poor little creatures. Yeah. But you can be grateful they didn't make you sick too. Pirate fever is so contagious that no more than one person in a thousand could be exposed to it and escape infection. It was pretty darn close to a miracle, they do.
[00:39:05] Unknown:
We're hard to kill, doctor. Remember? The old ones are hard to kill.
[00:39:17] Unknown:
They say that people are living longer than ever before. And when we look at Ada Canby, we can understand why. She's a tough old lady. So tough she could withstand the threats of man, beasts, and birds. So let that be a warning to all those who think that our senior citizens are easy prey for crime. Watch out. They may turn the tables on you or the stairs. I'll be back shortly. We have one final comment for you on behalf of Ada Canby and old people everywhere. There's a saying, there's no fool like an old fool, but it's also true that there's no wisdom and strength like old wisdom and strength.
There. Does that make you feel better about your next birthday? Our cast included Agnes Moorehead, Leon Janney, and Roger DeCovin. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dreams.
What you're hearing is Hardie fiber cement siding living up to its reputation as the siding that handles hail impact with ease. James Hardie knows how important a reputation is, especially when you're a contractor. That's why Hardie's siding withstands severe weather better than vinyl siding, with styles to match its strength, so you can be sure you're providing your clients with the best. Protect your reputation with exterior products by James Hardie.
[00:00:35] Unknown:
And now here's act one of the old ones are hard to kill. It begins with a stethoscope, a blood pressure reading, an electrocardiogram, and an altogether satisfying report on the health of missus Ada Canby.
[00:00:54] Unknown:
Well, I can't see a thing to complain about, Ada. That little congestion you had last time is all cleared up. All in all, I'd say you're doing fine. For a woman my age, you mean. The older the chicken, the tougher it is to kill. That's what my grandmother used to tell me, and she lived to be 98. Speaking of relatives, you, see much water. My grandson?
[00:01:18] Unknown:
Oh, they use your once a year visit, and he always comes up with the same complaint. What's that? Then I shouldn't be living all alone.
[00:01:26] Unknown:
Oh, that big house of yours must get pretty lonely sometimes.
[00:01:30] Unknown:
Well, the truth is, doctor George, I'm not alone there. Mhmm. You're not? I decided to take in the border last month. Really? I haven't written Walter about it. I'm sure he'd object to my taking in a stranger, but there's really nothing wrong with mister Paulson except his health, maybe. His health? What's wrong with him? Oh, the poor man's had a terrible cold for the past two weeks. Well, let me do a thing for him, though. Well, now where did you meet this, mister Paulson? He answered the ad, Iram. He's just back from South America. Been living in Brazil for years. He's a very nice gentleman, really.
He keeps himself and tends his birds. He has the loneliest blue parakeets. You can hear them chirping all over the house.
[00:02:20] Unknown:
It's the friendliest song. Well, I, I don't see anything wrong with what you're doing, Nada.
[00:02:26] Unknown:
Just make sure you don't go and catch the man's cold. There's not much chance of that. Poor man hardly ever leaves his room. Well, how much do I owe you? I'll send you the bill. I'm sure you'll forget all about it. Promise me you'll send it.
[00:02:52] Unknown:
Oh, dear. Oh,
[00:02:56] Unknown:
dear. Mister Paulson? Are you alright? Yes, missus Calvary. I'm alright. That cough Well, that cough sounds whistling out to me. Why don't you let me mix your little hot milk and honey? No. Thank you, missus Canby. Thanks very much.
[00:03:15] Unknown:
I'm going to try to catch some sleep. Well,
[00:03:18] Unknown:
alright, if you say so. I guess it's time I was in bed myself. My, listen to that poor man. What if he keeps his birds away too? Missus Gamby,
[00:03:41] Unknown:
please.
[00:03:42] Unknown:
Please. For the sake, is is he calling me? Missus Gamby. He is calling me. I'm coming, mister Paulson. Oh, no. Where are those darn slippers? I'll be right there. What's the matter? This is Kenby. Mister Paulson. Just look at you. Why didn't you tell me you were so sick? I would have called the doctor. Oh, Oh, too late now. Too late. I I know a very good doctor. I saw him only this afternoon. I'll go and call him right now. Please listen to me. Well, I've got to get help for you, mister Carlson. Dying. Dying confession. Well, do do you wanna preach? Is is that what you want? Richardson
[00:04:33] Unknown:
murdered ten years ago. What? Murder. I did it. I killed him for money. I was paid. Did you hear me? Oh, lord.
[00:04:44] Unknown:
Mister Paulson, do you know what you're saying? Do you understand me?
[00:04:49] Unknown:
Lyndell is innocent. I killed Richardson,
[00:04:54] Unknown:
not Lindell. Well, then let let me get help. And you can tell them yourself, mister Paulson, and the police and the doctors.
[00:05:01] Unknown:
You tell them, please. Tell them to free Lindell. He's innocent. Tell them I'm the one who killed Richardson ten years ago. Well, I don't know anything about such things and I know what. I did it. I killed Richardson.
[00:05:16] Unknown:
I did it. I don't I don't wanna hear it. I don't please don't tell me Missus Paulson, I mister Paulson. Oh, dear. God. I I think he's gone. Let's see about this letter now. Dear Walter, I hope you don't mind my turning to you for advice, but I really don't know what to do. It's been three days since my mister Paulson passed away, and I still haven't told the police what the man said to me. I just can't bring myself to get mixed up in anything, I said. Dear, what's the use of writing, Walter? You'll probably think I've dreamed it all up. No. I'll just forget it.
Only how do you forget such a thing? Those names, I keep hearing them. Richardson, Lindell. Lindell is innocent. Dear god, what's so true? Is mister Paulson actually murdered this Richardson and and Lindell is innocent? Only well, who are they? I wonder if a telephone book will well, why not? Let's see. Richardson, Richard, alright. See that, J. R. S. Yeah. Yes. Yes. You're too. Oh, lord. This doesn't tell some. Well, I'll try Lindell. That wouldn't be as confident, I suppose. Yes. Yes. Here it is. It's only about half a dozen then. C l d e l l l. Oh, oh my heavens. Lindell and Richardson.
Both names together. Lindell and Richardson Investments. Nine concourse. Four one five three one three two. I wonder Yeah. Well, maybe maybe it's the only way to be sure. Oh, hello. May I speak to, mister Lindell? He isn't? Well, then what about mister Richardson? Oh, I see. Well, is there someone there I can speak to? Yes. Yes, please. Thank you.
[00:08:10] Unknown:
Hello. This is mister Kelton. Mister, may I be of service?
[00:08:14] Unknown:
Or maybe you can. I I wanna know about your mister Richardson, about when he died. I think I did business with him once a long time ago. Well, it's ten years, madam, just about. But, if you're interested in investment advice Well, I'll think about it. Thank you very much. Ten years. Well, it could be a coincidence. I guess it all depends on how he died.
[00:08:47] Unknown:
Well, missus Canvey. Please come in. Have a seat. Thank you. Well, now, how can we be of help to you?
[00:08:54] Unknown:
I didn't come here to get help, mister Shelton. I came to help you as a matter of fact or rather somebody, you know. Who would that be? Mister John Lindell, the man who was supposed to have murdered mister Richardson. I'm afraid I'm not following you. Well, it took me all week to find out what happened to those two men. And finally, I found the story in the old newspaper room down at the library about mister Lindell being indicted for killing his partner. But I'm I'm sure you know the whole story a lot better than I do. Well, of course, I know the story,
[00:09:30] Unknown:
but that was quite a long time ago, missus Gambit. Ten years
[00:09:34] Unknown:
doesn't seem so long when you're my age. Anyway, the point is that I can help you, missus Lindell. Only I can't do it alone.
[00:09:44] Unknown:
Did you know John Lindell? No. No. I didn't.
[00:09:48] Unknown:
Nor mister Richardson for that matter. The man I knew was named Paulson. Who? I ran into a room to mister Paulson, and he died about eight days ago of pneumonia. I was there when it happened. Oh, that's unfortunate. But, Before he died, mister Paulson told me something about mister Richardson's murder. He said mister Lindell hadn't been responsible, that he, mister Polson, had committed it for money.
[00:10:17] Unknown:
Missus Kenby,
[00:10:19] Unknown:
listen to me. It was this man Lindell that bothered him. The fact that he was in prison for something he didn't do. I thought I should tell you this, mister Chilton, because you knew both of these gentlemen. It said so in the newspaper.
[00:10:34] Unknown:
Missus Kenby, my my dear woman. Why? I don't know what silly story you heard, but it's completely wrong. There wasn't any question about what happened.
[00:10:48] Unknown:
This border of yours, whatever his name is, merely had an obsession. Well, just the same, I thought you could follow through on this business. Yeah. Tell the police. Because if it is true, mister Lindell should be freed. On evidence like that? No. I don't know anything about evidence. I'm just telling you what I heard. Well, never mind. I suppose I should have told the police myself. Wait. Wait, missus Gandhi. Let me put your mind at rest.
[00:11:21] Unknown:
John Lindell is no longer in prison. Do you hear some? He's dead, missus Gandhi. He's been dead for the last three years. Oh. He wasn't a young man when all this happened, when he accused his partner, Fred Richardson, of defrauding him and shot him dead. He died
[00:11:39] Unknown:
in prison.
[00:11:40] Unknown:
Even if all you say is true that this man was Richardson's murderer, you can't help John Lyndell any longer. He's beyond that. But his name, don't you want to his name? Have you any proof? Any living witness? Just myself. Forget it, missus Candy. That's my advice to you.
[00:12:00] Unknown:
The old wound is healed. Don't reopen it. Oh, and it troubles me so.
[00:12:08] Unknown:
I haven't thought of anything else since it happened. Perhaps if I saw a minister, if I had some advice from a man of God Missus Kenvey,
[00:12:19] Unknown:
now you said something.
[00:12:21] Unknown:
Now you've shown me the way. That's where our answer lies, dear woman, in prayer. Mhmm. In the forgiveness of our dear lord. Will you pray with me, miss Kenvi? Pray here. Why not? God is everywhere. Please join me. Me. Dear lord, tell us what to do. Give us your divine guidance. Show us the path to righteousness. Mistress, tell me. Help us, oh lord. Help us to understand. Teach Teach us to forgive the sins of others and to forget them to forget. I feel much better now, missus Candy. Do you? I'm not sure. Let's turn this matter over to god, miss Canby. Not to the police, but to the lord. It's in his hands now. Don't you agree?
[00:13:16] Unknown:
Well, in a way that's true since they're dead now. All of them. Yes? Missus Candy? Yes?
[00:13:36] Unknown:
My name's Stuart Winfield, missus Candy. I understand you have a room for rent. Yes. Yes. Yes. I do. Well, I'm new in town. I just arrived from Philadelphia. I've I've been staying at a hotel, but I'd like something homier.
[00:13:49] Unknown:
Well, the room I have is $35 a week. I can offer you any meals, but you can use a kitchen all you want. Well, that sounds good to me. Would, would you like to see the room? Yes, ma'am. I sure would. Would. Well, come on in then. Thank you. By the way, how did you know I had a room for rent?
[00:14:11] Unknown:
I was gonna place an ad this weekend. Oh, I, I I guess someone at the hotel mentioned it. I forget just who. Say, this is a real fine old house, missus Canby. Mhmm. I can see that I'm going to like this place
[00:14:25] Unknown:
just fine.
[00:14:32] Unknown:
And so missus Canby has a new border. He's a very personable young man with a great deal more charm than old mister Paulson had. Perhaps in a little while, missus Canby will be able to forget her former border and the shocking confession he made on his deathbed. I'll be back shortly with act two.
[00:14:57] Unknown:
To
[00:15:05] Unknown:
Stu Winfield took no time at all to make himself at home in eighty Canby's big old house. He loved everything about his room. The fine old four poster bed, the crazy quilt that Ada herself had sewn up forty years ago, the lace curtains on the window. He even loved mister Paulson's blue parakeets. But what he really seemed to like best was missus Canby herself.
[00:15:33] Unknown:
This take me two minutes to get these same sheets on the bed. Here, let me give you you a hand. Oh, I can manage. I've been making this bed for almost fifty years. Fifty? You've lived in this house that long? I didn't hear when I got married back in 1919. My husband David bought it for us. My only son Ralph was born in it. And you've lost them both? Yes. They're both dead, but
[00:15:58] Unknown:
I haven't lost them. Oh, yes. Yes. I understand, missus Canby. I guess I feel that way about my mom. Your mother's dead? Yes. She died when I was two.
[00:16:09] Unknown:
Mister Winfield, are you sure you want these birds in your room? I could take them to the parlor if you want. No. No. I think they're great. I I think
[00:16:21] Unknown:
but there is something you can do for me. What's that? Would you mind not calling me mister Winfield? Oh? That's what they call my father. My name's Stewart. Well, well, alright.
[00:16:32] Unknown:
Stewart? Dear Walter, I think it's about time I told you that I have a border in my house. Mister Winfield is the nicest young man you could wanna meet. He's a great deal friendlier than my first gentleman, mister Paulson, and he seems to like nothing better than to sit around evenings and talk. We talk about his home and his parents and his plans for the future. I think the poor boy misses his home and family, and I'm sort of a substitute for all that.
[00:17:10] Unknown:
You know, it isn't really fair, missus Candy. You said I had kitchen privileges, but that doesn't mean you have to cook for me. It's a pleasure, Stuart. I haven't had anyone to cook for in years. You're kidding.
[00:17:23] Unknown:
You mean to say you cooked this good without practice? Oh, you're just being nice. I'm sure that stew is just plain ordinary. It's terrific. No kidding.
[00:17:33] Unknown:
It tastes like well, it it tastes like home, if you know what I mean. It depends on whose home you mean. Well, my mom cooks stews like this. That's what I meant. Your mom? Mhmm. What? But she died when you were only two. Oh, well, I I guess I I didn't mean my mom exactly. I I was thinking of my aunt Martha. I mean, she's the one who sort of took over the cooking and stuff after my mother died and my father's sister, you know? I see. Well, that was lucky that you had someone to take her place. Yeah. That's right.
[00:18:07] Unknown:
Excuse me. My steward, you're not coming down with anything, are you? No. No. I'm fine. Just a little case of the sniffles. Listen. If your room isn't warm enough, I have an extra bottle. No. No. The room's just fine. Don't worry about it. Oh, you'll be sure now. I know know I felt a little guilty about poor mister Paulson when he got sick. Maybe I didn't take good enough care of him. Paulson? Mhmm. Was that your former boarder, the, the bird lover? Yes. Yes. That was his his name. My poor man. Tell me about him. Well, I don't really know that much about him. He lived here less than two months. What sort of a guy was he? Well, very quiet. He kept himself.
Did you say he was from South America? I don't remember if I did or not.
[00:18:52] Unknown:
Well,
[00:18:53] Unknown:
you must have said it.
[00:18:55] Unknown:
Yeah. Yes. Of course. He was American, but he'd been living in Brazil. I don't know why exactly. Although, come to the sake of it, maybe I do. What do you mean? Well, it it just occurred to me that Brazil might be just a place for someone who came into a lot of money and and wanted to leave the country. I don't understand. Is that Oh, my. I really think you are getting a cold, Stuart. I'm getting that blanket out this minute. No. Wait, missus Tandy. I'd rather hear about Never mind. I don't wanna take any chances. I'll be right back.
Yes, Mrs. Canby. Don't take any chances.
[00:19:45] Unknown:
Stuart? Yes? Come in.
[00:19:49] Unknown:
I bought your tray, Stuart. Oh,
[00:19:52] Unknown:
no. You shouldn't have. You shouldn't have gone to all that trouble, missus Kennedy. A nice bit of trouble. Besides,
[00:19:58] Unknown:
you've got to have some supper.
[00:20:00] Unknown:
Feed it cold and start a feeling. That's I mean, I I was going to come out to the kitchen and and get myself a sandwich or something. You're gonna have to bring a tuxedo.
[00:20:09] Unknown:
Oh, look at that. Is that roast chicken? Well, that's what it's supposed to be.
[00:20:15] Unknown:
I hope it tastes alright. Noodle soup with dumplings. Mrs. Candy, you're spoiling me rotten. Do you know that? Yeah. I just thought it'd be a good idea if you stayed in bed and took it easy.
[00:20:26] Unknown:
You weren't planning to go out tonight, were you? No. No. I was just gonna stay in and read for a while. Maybe watch television. Oh, that's good.
[00:20:35] Unknown:
Here, I'll just set this trade on.
[00:20:38] Unknown:
Service here is just too good.
[00:20:41] Unknown:
Oh, we we never, never finished our talk the other day about that border of yours than mister Paulson. Well, there's not much to say about him really. Well, you said something about his living in South America. You said you thought you understood why he was living there. Sounded real interesting.
[00:21:01] Unknown:
Well, the truth is, Stuart, there is something to tell about mister Paulson. Maybe, maybe you can help me feel better about it all. About what? I'm not gonna tell you if you don't eat.
[00:21:15] Unknown:
Alright, missus Canby. I'll eat.
[00:21:18] Unknown:
Well, it happened just about three weeks ago.
[00:21:33] Unknown:
You know, I'm talking, missus Candy. That's about the best roast chicken I've had in years. I'm sure it's burned your appetite with all my child. No. No. That was a really interesting story. But what do you think of it all, Stuart?
[00:21:46] Unknown:
No. The killer is the man who hired mister Paulson. Don't you see? Is it right that he should get away with it? No. Wait a
[00:21:55] Unknown:
minute. You're jumping to conclusions. No. I'm not.
[00:21:58] Unknown:
Mr. Paulson told me that he was hired to do this thing. Well, maybe he was hired by Lindell.
[00:22:03] Unknown:
Maybe Lindell hired him and then Paulson got a cold feet and Lindell did the shooting himself.
[00:22:11] Unknown:
No. I'm sure that isn't true. You see, I read the newspaper article all about it.
[00:22:16] Unknown:
Well, you you really were thorough about this. Weren't you, missus Candy?
[00:22:22] Unknown:
You poor man. That cold's gone to your chest now, hasn't it? No. I'm I'm alright. Stop
[00:22:29] Unknown:
stop worrying about me.
[00:22:31] Unknown:
Let's talk about
[00:22:33] Unknown:
this this other problem of yours. Well,
[00:22:35] Unknown:
maybe I'm making it more of a problem than it should be. Maybe if I just told the police everything, I could forget once
[00:22:44] Unknown:
and for all. No. I,
[00:22:46] Unknown:
I I really couldn't advise that, missus Candy. Well, it said in the newspaper story that the two men were partners in that investment firm. And mister Lindell thought that his partner Richardson was cheating, taking money out of the firm, and that's why he's supposed to have shot him. Wasn't there a witness to the shooting? Why? Yes. I think there was. Come to see it. It was mister Shelton. That's right. That's right. Well, doesn't that doesn't that wrap it up for you? Well, it would if it wasn't for mister Paulson.
[00:23:21] Unknown:
Listen, missus Candy. You know how much I like you. Why in just a few days, you're more like family to me than my aunt Martha ever was. Well, it's nice of you to say Stuart. And that's why I want you to listen to me about this. That's why I want you to forget about this whole foolish thing.
[00:23:44] Unknown:
Listen, Julia. You sound awful, Stuart. Just test. I'm alright. No. You're not alright. I'm gonna get you some cough medicine right this minute.
[00:24:14] Unknown:
Hello? Mister Chobellet, it's me, Winfield. Ma'am, what's happening?
[00:24:21] Unknown:
I think I better stick around for a few more days, mister Chelten.
[00:24:25] Unknown:
The old lady's beginning to get fidgety if if you know what I mean.
[00:24:38] Unknown:
Well, something tells me that Stuart Winfield isn't such a nice young man after all. Could it be that he wasn't telling missus Kenby the truth about his dear mother and his aunt Martha? Could he have not told her the truth about his plans for the future? Of course, the real issue is what sort of plan does he have for Ada Canby's future? I'll I'll be back shortly with act three if you want one. Poor missus Canby. She isn't Poor missus Canby. She isn't sleeping well tonight. But of course, missus Canby has good reasons for insomnia. Her thoughts are whirling.
Her border steward was right. She doesn't want the bother of going to the police. And she firmly believes in the old adage, if you don't trouble trouble, trouble won't trouble you. But still Oh my.
[00:25:49] Unknown:
I'm just never gonna get to sleep. Poor Stuart. She's still coughing. I'm sure that room is just too dry. Never should have let any borders in until I got the windows fixed. That poor borders I'll never forget the terrible night Mr. Paulson was coughing Sabassy And the way he looked all gray and shrunken If only I knew he was so sick. No. If only he'd never even come to this house.
[00:26:29] Unknown:
Missus Cat, I'm Jim Richardson.
[00:26:35] Unknown:
I I ever forget the sound of that man's voice. That poor man. All the years he spent in jail for something he didn't do.
[00:26:50] Unknown:
Let sleeping dogs fly, missus Candy. My aunt Hunt always said,
[00:26:57] Unknown:
let sleeping dogs fly. I thought, man, I could get some sleep. Let us turn this matter over to God, missus Carey. Talk to the police. I strange man he is, mister Choppen, where he talked about god praying at his desk. Of course, god is everywhere, but
[00:27:25] Unknown:
his desk.
[00:27:39] Unknown:
Someone had to pay him. Mister Paulson wasn't the only guilty one. Someone else was too. Fuck.
[00:27:49] Unknown:
Fuck. Fuck.
[00:27:51] Unknown:
Oh, dear Lord. Mister Shelton. Shelton. What did that newspaper article say? The chief witness against mister Lindell was Arnold Shelton. But how could he be a witness? There's something that never happened. How could he be? I'll have to tell someone. I'll have to talk to someone. Yes. I'll tell Stuart about it in the morning. Stuart,
[00:28:32] Unknown:
are you awake? Yes. I'm up, missus Sandy. Come in. Oh, no.
[00:28:40] Unknown:
Now don't tell me I'm getting breakfast in bed too. Well, I know you had a terrible night last night, Stuart. You were coughing much worse than ever. I guess that medicine wasn't very good. Sorry I kept you awake, missus Tandu. Oh, that wasn't your fault. Oh. Something else kept me up. What was that? Oh, my mind, I guess. Maybe I should say my conscience. Well, that sounds serious. Well, it is something serious, Stuart. Well, I might have let a man get away with murder. No. It's even worse than that. He did something worse than murder. You're talking about Paulson again, ain't you? No. I'm talking about the man who hired mister Paulson.
He didn't just have that man Richardson shot. He let an innocent person go to jail and die there. And that's like committing two murders murders if you ask me. I have to tell you something that occurred to me last night. Sure. Go ahead. Well, it's about mister Chelten, mister Arnold Chelten.
[00:29:51] Unknown:
Yeah. Go on. Ain't listening.
[00:29:55] Unknown:
Stewart, I wonder if maybe the reason mister Shelton was so upset with me, the reason he didn't want me to go to the police was because he was afraid. Explain what you mean. What I mean is maybe mister Shelton had good reason besides the one he told me. He was working for both mister Richardson and mister Lindell at the time of the murder. Well, so what? Well, he was also the chief witness at the trial, a witness for the prosecution.
[00:30:28] Unknown:
But he saw the shooting, didn't he? But that's just the point.
[00:30:33] Unknown:
He saw mister Lindell shoot mister Richardson. Well, that's not what you told me last time. I mean, that he was an eyewitness. No. That's right. He didn't actually see the shooting. He was miles away when it happened. I don't quite remember the details.
[00:30:52] Unknown:
There was something about a phone call maybe?
[00:30:55] Unknown:
Yes. Yes. That's what it was. He claimed that mister Richardson was talking to him on the phone when mister Lindell showed up at his apartment. He said that Richardson cried out something about Lindell having a gun. And then he heard the shot. But how could that have happened if the gun was fired by mister Paulson? If, missus Canby,
[00:31:18] Unknown:
that's the big little word, isn't it? If he
[00:31:23] Unknown:
Don't you see what I'm saying, Stuart? Arnold Sheldon had the most to gain. Gain. From what? From both these men leaving the firm. That leave the whole thing to him. All those customers, all the investments he has, all the commissions, whatever they call it. Are you accusing this guy, Shelton, of being the killer? Yes. It's it's the only answer, Stuart. Look. If that was the case, the police would have figured it out. But they didn't. There was nothing in the stories I read that pointed any suspicion at mister Cheltenham. I don't suppose it's even a curse of them.
And now the company is all his.
[00:32:09] Unknown:
You don't you don't call out evidence, do you?
[00:32:13] Unknown:
Well, then why did he let me go to the police? Why did he try so hard to talk me out of it? That man was praying to us. He was taking the name of the Lord. Oh, I'm sorry, Stuart. I'm so sorry. I won't bother you anymore. I know what I have to do anyway. This is Candy. I won't be gone long, Stuart. No. No way. But the minute I get back, I'm going to call doctor George and ask him to come over.
[00:32:47] Unknown:
You're saying Never mind the doctor. You're calling the police. No. No. I don't call.
[00:32:53] Unknown:
You're right. I don't want them tracking my in my parlor. I'm going down to the station house and talk to them. I'll get dressed now and go straight there. Please. Please think about what you're doing. I'll tell them what I know and they can do the rest. Honey, you try to eat something, Stewart. Please. Missus
[00:33:25] Unknown:
candy. Sheldon? What is this with you? I told you not to
[00:33:40] Unknown:
What are you talking about? The old lady, I can't stop her. She's decided
[00:33:45] Unknown:
What? She figured it out. Figured out exactly what you did, Sheldon, and how you did it. You fool. Stop her. Do you hear me? That wasn't part of the deal, Sheldon. It's all of the deal now. The price didn't include anything like that. The price just doubled. Old ladies are always having accidents. Make her have one. Make her have one now, Winfield.
[00:34:10] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:34:12] Unknown:
Alright. Alright. Alright. How you doing? She's gonna she's gonna have a fall down there and sell her steps right now. I gotta get my robe on and my slippery face. I gotta hurry. Ellen
[00:34:46] Unknown:
What are you doing out of bed? Now you'll go right back there in a second. I gotta I gotta talk to you, missus Camby, before you go to the police. Just listen to you. You're all winded. You can hardly talk, Stuart. Now go back to bed before you catch them on morning, too. Don't go, Mrs. Canby. It would be better if you never went to the police.
[00:35:06] Unknown:
Better for you. Better for me. For you? I don't understand. Well, then I I wouldn't have to hurt you, Mrs. Canby. That's what I mean. I wouldn't have to do anything
[00:35:20] Unknown:
bad to you. Stuart, what in the world are you talking about? Come on, old lady.
[00:35:25] Unknown:
You're smart, alright? You really think think things through. So now think a little harder. Do you know?
[00:35:32] Unknown:
Do you know what you knew about mister Poston? That's right. That's how you knew my room, mister Red, because mister Shelton told you. Now you're getting
[00:35:56] Unknown:
Mister Sheldon did. I was hoping you'd never change your mind about calling the police. Dude. I didn't want this part of it. This isn't the part I like. No. Relaxes You're right in the bed, missus Candy. She didn't like my aunt Martha would have been if I if I had an aunt Martha. It's, it's alright. I'd be glad that it wasn't you at the bottom of those stairs.
[00:37:07] Unknown:
Well,
[00:37:08] Unknown:
will he be alright, doctor George? Now I do want to worry about that man for. Truth is his injuries don't amount to very much. Couple of broken ribs seem to be the worst of it. But he'll be a patient for some time before they can put him in prison where he belongs. Him and his, friend. What was that man's name again?
[00:37:32] Unknown:
You mean mister Chatham? Have they arrested him? Yeah. Yeah.
[00:37:38] Unknown:
That's what the police technician said. I understand. Stewart's injuries aren't safe. It's not not the fault that Nate Wenfield was sick. His case was diagnosed as simple pneumonia at first, and then I remembered about your first border.
[00:37:55] Unknown:
Nelson, was it? No. Of course. Yes. Of course. But he had pneumonia too. He died of it. Oh, is is pneumonia contagious?
[00:38:04] Unknown:
Yes. Yes. It is. But this disease was even more contagious. It's a pneumonia caused by a disease called cysticosis, better known as paraffema. Oh. You get it from sick birds like the parakeets in your spare room.
[00:38:24] Unknown:
Oh, no. Mister Kosas,
[00:38:26] Unknown:
Bert? Sorry, Ada, but it had to be taken out and destroyed. Oh, what a shame. There's one reason, I feel sorry for them. They saved your life. Made mister Winfield too weak even to throw a little old lady down the flight of steps. Those poor little creatures. Yeah. But you can be grateful they didn't make you sick too. Pirate fever is so contagious that no more than one person in a thousand could be exposed to it and escape infection. It was pretty darn close to a miracle, they do.
[00:39:05] Unknown:
We're hard to kill, doctor. Remember? The old ones are hard to kill.
[00:39:17] Unknown:
They say that people are living longer than ever before. And when we look at Ada Canby, we can understand why. She's a tough old lady. So tough she could withstand the threats of man, beasts, and birds. So let that be a warning to all those who think that our senior citizens are easy prey for crime. Watch out. They may turn the tables on you or the stairs. I'll be back shortly. We have one final comment for you on behalf of Ada Canby and old people everywhere. There's a saying, there's no fool like an old fool, but it's also true that there's no wisdom and strength like old wisdom and strength.
There. Does that make you feel better about your next birthday? Our cast included Agnes Moorehead, Leon Janney, and Roger DeCovin. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is EG Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time. Pleasant dreams.
