In this episode, we delve into the intriguing world of mystery and suspense with the story "The Return of the Morrisbys." The narrative explores the age-old question of life after death and the possibility of returning from the grave, perhaps in the form of an animal. We follow the story of Richard Moresby, a man who finds himself entangled in a web of supernatural occurrences following the death of his wife, Una. As Richard grapples with the bizarre notion that his wife may have reincarnated as an animal, he is haunted by strange encounters with various creatures, leading to a chilling climax.
The episode takes us on a journey through Richard's attempts to reconcile his disbelief with the eerie events unfolding around him. With a backdrop of suspenseful storytelling, we are introduced to a cast of characters, including the enigmatic Doctor Singh, who preaches the doctrine of transmigration of souls. As Richard's paranoia grows, the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, culminating in a dramatic and unexpected conclusion. Join us as we explore this captivating tale of mystery, reincarnation, and the unknown.
(01:38) Introduction to the Mystery
(03:13) The Story of Richard Moresby
(09:03) The Temple of Metapsychosis
(15:49) A Deadly Decision
(25:03) The Aftermath of Death
(33:52) A Haunting Realization
(37:03) The Final Confrontation
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Unknown:
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In the time before AT and T fiber Internet
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What? What are you doing in me dungeon? It's the only place where the bloody Wi Fi works. Oh, and you don't mind the spiders? Spiders? What spiders? Oh, no. They're everywhere.
[00:01:09] Unknown:
In the time after AT and T fiber Internet. It's nice having fast reliable Wi Fi in the whole house, for sure. The dawn of a better Internet era with AT and T fiber. Limited availability in select areas. Check eligibility at a t t dot com slash get fiber. AT and T smart Wi Fi extenders may be required. Sold separately. Restrictions apply.
[00:01:38] Unknown:
Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. Welcome to the sound of suspense, the fear you can hear. For the next fifty two minutes, we're going to take you into the world of mystery, into the world of terrifying imagination. The story you are going to hear concerns a question which has been asked since the first men on earth were born and died. Is there a life after death? Is there a way to return from the grave? And if there is, can we come back in the body of a living creature, even one that has claws instead of fingernails?
[00:02:26] Unknown:
Here is one chilling answer. Doctor Singh, you have to tell me. Could my wife have come back as a bird,
[00:02:33] Unknown:
a sparrow, something like that? Well, your wife was a rather big woman, mister Morrisby, in the physics. How about a snake?
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A seagull? How about a cat? A great big fat cat.
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A a cat.
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Our mystery drama, The Return of the Morrisbys,
[00:02:56] Unknown:
was written especially for the Radio Mystery Theater by Henry Slesser and stars Patrick O'Neil. I'll be back shortly with act one. Now here is act one. Like all murder stories, sooner or later, it reaches the office of a daily newspaper.
[00:03:23] Unknown:
You wanted to see me, chief? You bet I wanna see you, Prouty. Come in and shut that door. I bet I know what it's about. That story I filed on Richard Moresby. Right? I got a flash for you, Prouty. This is a newspaper office, not a fiction magazine. You take this story of yours and see if you can sell it to a weirdo digest or something, but get it off my desk. Now wait a while, Max. I know it's offbeat, but I thought I handled it with a with a kind of a light touch. Stories about murder can't be handled with a light touch, not on this paper. But it's accurate. I mean, this is exactly what the guy Moresby told me just before he died. Well, he must have been out of his head. He asked for somebody to hear his story. That's how I got to meet him. I was at the hospital covering that subway accident. Now that story made sense to me. Nothing but nice, clear facts. But this nonsense Please. Let me tell you about this guy.
Maybe you'll change your mind. Alright. What about him? Well, for one thing, he was a real distinguished looking guy. The only thing peculiar about him was his eyes. His eyes? Yeah. They were the palest blue eyes I ever saw on a man. They weren't really blue at all. They they were they're like silver. Big deal. So he had silver eyes. And when he started to tell me about himself,
[00:04:41] Unknown:
well, I just had to hear the whole story, chief. Yes. I was born in London. My family moved to The States when I was young. They didn't improve much on the climate when they did. We lived in Vermont. I don't think I was ever warm enough until the age of 24 when I moved to Southern California. I lived on beaches, a superb swimmer, a superior surfboarder,
[00:05:01] Unknown:
and a terrible bum.
[00:05:03] Unknown:
It was on the beach at Malibu that I met the woman who was to become my wife. Her name was Oona. She was as pale as a gardenia, a gardenia with bones. Oona had more bones than any other woman I've ever met.
[00:05:17] Unknown:
Lovely day, isn't it? I beg your pardon? I said it's a beautiful day. I don't think I've ever seen the ocean look prettier.
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Frankly, the Pacific always looked a little muddy to me.
[00:05:28] Unknown:
I wonder if that's what Balboa said when he first saw it. Oh, he probably said, what a great place for surfing. Ah, I see you have a surfboard. Yes. As a matter of fact, I think I see a wave that I like. Will you excuse me? I wish I had the nerve to try it. Yeah. You really should. Well, bye now. Maybe I'll ask my chauffeur to teach me.
[00:05:49] Unknown:
I'm sorry. What did you say? Charles, my chauffeur.
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He's very good at sports. Sho shit. Uh-huh.
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You know, come to think of it, that wave doesn't look so good after all. By the way, my name is
[00:06:05] Unknown:
Richard. Richard Morrison. How do you do? My name is Una.
[00:06:14] Unknown:
Una Vandermeier. That was her name. As soon as I realized that she was from the Van der Meijer family, she didn't seem half as bony as she did before. In fact, not only did I become accustomed to Una's appearance, I was even able to tolerate her inane conversation.
[00:06:33] Unknown:
Can't you just feel the mystery of the stars, Richard? Sometimes I feel their vibrations as if they're trying to communicate with me. Do you ever feel that? Well,
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sometimes, I suppose.
[00:06:46] Unknown:
I really think we must be one with the universe, Don't you? I really believe there's just one great universal soul and we're all part of it. Don't you think so too? Yes. Of course. Right on, as they say.
[00:07:06] Unknown:
You see what I mean? She talked that way all the time from the first day of our honeymoon. Well, it was a a fine honeymoon just the same. It lasted a whole year on the beaches of the Caribbean, the French Riviera. I got browner and browner. Oh, and I got freckles. Finally, we returned to our home in Los Angeles and settled down to a quiet, comfortable marriage. On earth is that your play? It's sitar music, darling.
[00:07:47] Unknown:
Oh, it's just so spiritual.
[00:07:49] Unknown:
What what made you buy the record?
[00:07:52] Unknown:
Mhmm. And doctor Singh recommended it. Who? Doctor Singh at the temple of metapsychosis.
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You know? The temple of what? Metapsychosis.
[00:08:01] Unknown:
I told you about joining the temple last week. Oh, Richard. Sometimes I think you don't listen to me.
[00:08:12] Unknown:
Now as you may know, Southern California abounds in quasi religious organizations. And she'd gone through a number of them without discovering the universal soul at any of their altars. Darling,
[00:08:23] Unknown:
please come to one of doctor Singh's lectures. He's such a magnificent speaker. He emits such vibrations.
[00:08:37] Unknown:
And I went. You see what an obliging husband I was? And actually, it turned out to be more interesting than I thought. The temple itself was unpretentious, and doctor Singh was an impressive man. And when he spoke, I realized why his message had such appeal for Una because he preached a doctrine that combined eternal life with the love of small animals.
[00:09:03] Unknown:
The soul is immortal. The soul cannot die. The soul upon leaving the body must make its passage elsewhere. There is a science called eschatology, which deals with the last four things, death, judgment, heaven and hell. It is the most ancient of all sciences. And from its wisdom has come the inescapable certainty of the transmigration of souls. Yeah. Yeah. I know. It's a bit weird, but stay with it. And where does the soul go? According to the wise men of all generations past, the soul departs from the mouth of the dying. It is consequently a small thing.
A bird, a snake, a mouse, a mouse, a dove, or a hawk, a dog, a cat, an insect. For these small creations of God are empty vessels placed upon earth for only one
[00:10:06] Unknown:
trackless eternity. Yeah. Yeah. It's pure right. Of course. But that's what the man said, And Una sat there and believed every single word. Oh, wasn't he marvelous, Richard?
[00:10:18] Unknown:
Isn't it wonderful that the soul never dies? That we can all come back as little animals. I'm not sure I wanna come back as an animal. But you'd still be you, Richard. Oh, don't you see? Mhmm.
[00:10:31] Unknown:
Well, by the way, what, what was that envelope you handed doctor Singh after the meeting? The envelope?
[00:10:37] Unknown:
That was my donation, of course. Your donation to the temple? Yes. To support the work of doctor Singh to open other temples around the world. Uh-huh. Well, how how how much money was in the envelope? What does it matter, Richard? I'm just curious. $2,000.
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Dollars. To to Una. Una, you go to that temple once a week. Do you always give that kind of donation? Oh, it's all in a very good cause, Richard. Well, in an equally good cause that of finding out exactly how much of my wife's money was supporting this nonsense, I sneaked to look at illness checkbooks. The answer astonished me. Not only had my wife put more than $30,000 into doctor Singh's collection plate, she had also donated some 20,000 more to various institutions for the care and feeding of cats, dogs, and birds.
[00:11:34] Unknown:
It was so kind of you to honor us with a visit, doctor Singh. I know how terribly busy you are. On the contrary,
[00:11:42] Unknown:
you were kind to invite me to your lovely home.
[00:11:46] Unknown:
Now tell me, doctor Singh, what determines the kind of animal one becomes when the soul escapes after death?
[00:11:55] Unknown:
Missus Moresby, that is a question which has baffled wise men for countless generations. But isn't it possible to do, well, research? Yes, missus Morrisby. I don't doubt that we could find the answer to such great questions if only we had the proper resources. But, unfortunately, that would require money.
[00:12:18] Unknown:
A great deal more money than the movement has at present. Well, it seems to me you don't do badly.
[00:12:32] Unknown:
Well, there you are. Hello, Richard.
[00:12:36] Unknown:
Where have you been all morning? Right here, my little sewing room.
[00:12:41] Unknown:
Don't tell me you were sewing. Don't be silly.
[00:12:44] Unknown:
Actually, I've been composing something. A letter? Oh, Oh, something more important than that. Richard, do you realize that I have no last will and testament? Well, why should you? Healthy young chicken like you. I can't call myself young anymore, Richard. You'll always be young to me, darling. Oh, that's very sweet. But just the same, it's only practical to have a will. Would you read it over, Richard, and see if it well, if it sounds legal enough? Certainly.
[00:13:15] Unknown:
Well, let's see now. I, Una van der Meijer Moresby, a resident of the city of Los Angeles, state of California, residing at 8 Sheridan Drive, being over the age of 21, and of sound and disposing mind and memory. Darling, this is superb. Where on earth did you get the language? Well, to tell you the truth, I copied it out of daddy's will. The one that left you 10,000,000. Yes. Well, I don't see how you could go wrong. Let's see now. Not acting under duress, menace, fraud, or undue influence of any person whomsoever and
[00:13:47] Unknown:
Good lie. Oona. What's that? What is it? What You're you're
[00:13:51] Unknown:
not serious about this. Oh, about making a will? Well, of course I am. I mean, this this bequest to the temple,
[00:13:58] Unknown:
mumbo jumbo. What's wrong with it? Now listen, darling. I told you how important doctor Singh's work is, but it requires money to carry it on. Tons of money. So the least I can do is to help the poor man as much as I can. But you're giving him 90%
[00:14:15] Unknown:
of your entire fortune. Ah, you'll still have a million dollars if I go first, Richard. Isn't that enough? No. It isn't. I I no. I mean, the whole thing is ridiculous. Don't you realize that man is a fraud, a charlatan? What? For heaven's sake, Una, open your eyes. Don't you realize the simple truth? Your money won't build any temples. It's just going to line the pockets of that turban phony.
[00:14:40] Unknown:
Richard, what a terrible thing to say. Well, you told me you liked doctor Singh, that you were very impressed by his theory of transmigration.
[00:14:50] Unknown:
Darling, I was only saying all that to please you. But now I'm telling you that the only thing doctor Singh is planning to transmigrate is your money into his savings account. And frankly, I'm not gonna let him do it. Richard,
[00:15:03] Unknown:
will you do it? You're tearing up my will. That's right. How dare you do such a thing? It's my money and I'll do whatever I please with it. Oh, no. Darling, I just want you to have a chance to come to your senses. Oh, there's nothing wrong with my senses. I can see very clearly what the real trouble is. If I didn't leave a will, all my money would go to you, wouldn't it? Well, naturally, I'm your husband. You don't have any other else. That's why you're acting this way. It's just plain and simple greed. Oh, no. Listen to me. No. It's alright. It's alright. I'm glad you tore up that will, Richard, because I realize now that I was quite wrong.
[00:15:37] Unknown:
Do you? Yes.
[00:15:39] Unknown:
It's a mistake to leave only 9,000,000 of my money to the temple. I'm going to leave all of it to doctor Singh.
[00:15:50] Unknown:
When Oona actually drafted that incredible document and called our attorney for a Monday morning appointment, I realized that I had to do do something very drastic before the weekend was over. I had to kill my poor misguided wife. I had to make her one with the universe.
[00:16:17] Unknown:
It's obvious that mister Moresby is going to be a very reluctant murderer. The question is, will his reluctance get in the way of his efficiency? We'll get the details when we return shortly with act two. Now let's return to Richard Moresby. In order to find him, we'll have to search the highway, for Richard has taken his white jaguar out for a spin.
[00:16:53] Unknown:
But there he is now. On Saturday morning, I took a little spin in my x k hour and did some thinking on the open road. I didn't wanna kill poor Luna, of course. The whole idea was repellent. But on the other hand, the thought of doctor Singh spending the fortune that was rightfully mine was even more abhorrent. However, I decided I would make one more stab at a reconciliation.
[00:17:26] Unknown:
Darling?
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Can I come in? It's your living room too.
[00:17:31] Unknown:
It doesn't feel like it. Matter of fact, I've felt like a stranger in this house for the past two days. I suppose that's my fault. Well, you haven't been exactly cordial, have you? I've hardly been home, Richard.
[00:17:45] Unknown:
I spent all day yesterday at the temple and all morning at the pet breast kennels.
[00:17:50] Unknown:
And how are all the little souls doing?
[00:17:53] Unknown:
You just won't stop being irreverent, will you? It's been my money all along, hasn't it, Richard? From the very beginning, you were attracted to my money. Now, darling, if you thought that, you would never have married me. I didn't wanna believe it. I don't wanna believe it now. Well, now, how how can I prove to you that you're mistaken? Richard, do you really
[00:18:15] Unknown:
want to prove it? Of course. I'll do anything you say. Alright.
[00:18:20] Unknown:
Now I know exactly what you can do. You can let me leave my money to doctor Singh in the temple. The whole 10,000,000? Yes. Because that's the only way I'll know that it's me you love.
[00:18:40] Unknown:
Well, you can't say I didn't try. But owner's decision now left me with absolutely no alternative. I was still deeply unhappy about the necessity of taking a life. However, fate was was kind to me that very afternoon.
[00:19:00] Unknown:
Now you're sure that you want me to continue reading, Richard? Of course, darling. Well, I'm sort of embarrassed about this part. It's it's it's a paper that I wrote myself. Or something you wrote? Yeah. I wrote it this morning. I was going to show it to doctor Singh. It's, well, it's a sort of a poem. It's called death.
[00:19:23] Unknown:
Snappy title.
[00:19:24] Unknown:
Hope I can read my own handwriting. Death has become nothing to me. Death holds no fear for me. Come, death, I welcome you. Lead me to the woods, the waters, the air above the earth. Come. Take me, death. Your touch is kind. Richard? Oh, Richard, why do you look like that? Is it really that terrible? Oh, terrible. Oh, no. No. No. My darling, it's it's beautiful.
[00:20:06] Unknown:
You mean it? You must give it to me, Ula. I'm I must have it. You like it that much? Yes. I certainly do. Oh, well, I'll I'll type it up for you, Richard. No. No. No. I I I must have the original. No. Just just the way you wrote it. Oh,
[00:20:21] Unknown:
darling. I'm so flattered.
[00:20:24] Unknown:
What will you do with it? Oh, why? I'm I'm going to I'm gonna put it in a frame, of course. And I know just where I'm going to hang it. Yes. I could hardly believe my ears. Una had written her own suicide note in her own handwriting. It was truly calmer at work. Now, there was no question of failure and no longer any need for delay.
[00:20:56] Unknown:
Oh, what a lovely idea this was, Richard. Candlelight dinner for two. Yes. Yes. I I I thought you'd enjoy. So sweet of you to handle the whole menu with Cook. You spoil me shamefully.
[00:21:16] Unknown:
And that night, I spoiled her just a bit more by bringing hot cocoa to her in bed. Oh, oh, Richard. You shouldn't have bothered. But I know how you you like your hot cocoa before retiring only. You can't get to sleep without it. No. The parker could have brought it to me? Oh, no. This is something I had to do myself. Oh. Oh, drink it down now. Yes. I'm drinking it. Does it taste alright?
[00:21:43] Unknown:
Oh, tastes just fine.
[00:21:51] Unknown:
Now that was very good news since I prepared the hot cocoa myself. And I had no idea whether 25 melted sleeping pills would seriously affect the flavor. Finally, Una was all tucked in for the night. I went into my study, picked up the poem she had written for doc to sing, and brought it to the bedroom. I placed it carefully on the night table beside her. Then I bent over my sleeping darling to see if she was getting along alright.
[00:22:21] Unknown:
She was very, very quiet. And
[00:22:24] Unknown:
then a dreadful thing happened. Luna opened her eyes.
[00:22:31] Unknown:
Rich. Rich. Richard. Oh, Richard.
[00:22:35] Unknown:
I I started now. Go go back to sleep.
[00:22:38] Unknown:
Richard, I'm I'm sick. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. You're only sleepy. Coco tasted so strange.
[00:22:47] Unknown:
I didn't want to upset you Richard, but I'm so No. You you'll do much better in the morning, Oona. I I promise you tomorrow morning, you'll you'll be one with the universe. Richard, that paper. What paper, Donna? My
[00:23:02] Unknown:
it's my
[00:23:04] Unknown:
palm. My my palm. Doctor Singh, what's it doing? I I well, I was just just reading it over, darling. That's all. And, And that
[00:23:13] Unknown:
bottle of my sleeping pills. Oh, it's it's empty. The bottle is empty. Oh, Richard. Richard.
[00:23:27] Unknown:
What have you done? Nothing, darling. Nothing now. Go just go to sleep. Coco, you
[00:23:33] Unknown:
put sleeping pills in it, all of them. I think Don't try to get up, Ola. Please. Now don't. Don't. Don't. Don't. You're trying to kill me. You're
[00:23:44] Unknown:
trying to do a murder. Now for heaven heaven's sake, Oona, stop saying things like that. Do you want the servants to hear? Help somebody. Help. No. Come on. Lie down. Lie down, Oona, for heaven's sake. Come on now. Lie lie down. Lie down. There. That's
[00:23:59] Unknown:
that's better. You won't get a wet wither. You won't get a wet wither. Richard.
[00:24:08] Unknown:
I promise you. Anything you say, darling. I'll
[00:24:12] Unknown:
come back, Richard. You know I'll be
[00:24:16] Unknown:
back. Yes. Yes. Of course. Just just welcome death, the way you wrote in your little poem.
[00:24:26] Unknown:
Be back. I swear it.
[00:24:42] Unknown:
The funeral was held two days later. It was a magnificent occasion, of course. I gave Ola a farewell that was consistent with her vast fortune. Everything was the best. Cotton, flowers, preacher, everything. Her burial place was one of the choicest bits of real estate at Forest Lawn. The only discordant note was the fact that doctor Singh insisted on saying a few words at the service. They were familiar words, but frankly, they gave me a slight bit of a chill. The body
[00:25:17] Unknown:
of Una Morsby is dead, but her soul lives on. The soul cannot die. The soul is immortal. It has left the earthly remains of this woman and has sought the body of a small living thing. There, it will abide until the almighty is ready to choose its next home. Mourn not the end of Una Morsday, for there is no end.
[00:25:47] Unknown:
I couldn't help congratulating myself on suicide. The police had to be informed naturally, and they too agreed with the doctor's verdict. Una had died by her own hand, and she had died without a will. There was simply no question that the matter would be probated in my favor. Suddenly, I realized I was not only rich, but a rich willower. What vistas opened for me? The devil. Look out, you stupid mongrel. The dog trying to get run over. I admit I was shaken up by it. I mean, it was sort of a coincidence, you
[00:26:34] Unknown:
know, right after the fiddle and and all that.
[00:26:43] Unknown:
I was very glad to be home again, you can be sure.
[00:26:47] Unknown:
Excuse me, mister Margeby. Yes, Parker. Cook is worried about the raccoon, sir. The what? There's been a raccoon at the kitchen door all morning, and Cook is badly alarmed, I'm afraid. I've tried to scare scare
[00:27:03] Unknown:
it away, but it keeps for turning. A raccoon, for heaven's sake. Why don't you just shoot it and make a coat out of it? I was wondering if you wished me to call the game warden, sir. Please, Parker. Do whatever you please about it. I'm gonna take a nap.
[00:27:17] Unknown:
Yes. Very good, sir.
[00:27:23] Unknown:
I went upstairs at once, undressed, got into bed. It was a warm day and yet yet I found myself cold. I got out the electric blanket and soon felt very cozy indeed. In fact, I felt so much better that I made a phone call. Hello? May I speak to Rachel? Thank you very much. Hello, Rachel? Yes. Who is this? Rachel, you you probably don't even know my name, but it's it's Moresby, Richard Moresby. Hello? You met me at the club numerous times. I I'm the rather distinguished looking gentleman who sits at the table on the far right corner. Oh, yeah. Well, that's not my station. Yeah. I know. I know it isn't, and I've always regretted it. Frankly, I would have enjoyed my lunches at the club even more if you had served them. Listen. I'm pretty busy right now. Well, what I wanted to find out was if you're busy this evening.
[00:28:24] Unknown:
Oh, what do you have in mind? Oh, a little,
[00:28:28] Unknown:
quiet dinner perhaps. Is that all you had in mind? Why don't we just wait and see? I can pick you up outside the club whenever you're free. Yeah. Holly, no. It's you. I mean, I'm I'm still not sure which gentleman you are. Oh, that'd be sitting in an exhale jaguar. Do you think you'll recognize it? A jack?
[00:28:46] Unknown:
I get off at 06:30.
[00:28:49] Unknown:
See you then. Yes. I was feeling very good now. Very good indeed. I would have drifted off into a pleasant sleep except for one thing. The moment I thought a bomb had gone off in the room. Then I realized it was nothing more than a bird. A foolish sparrow had dived in head first into the plate glass window of the bedroom and now lay stunned on the carpet. I looked at the thing's fluttering little heart and suddenly, I was struck by a terrifying competition of my own. The dog,
[00:29:28] Unknown:
the raccoon, the bird.
[00:29:31] Unknown:
Good lord. Could one of them
[00:29:35] Unknown:
have been Una?
[00:29:44] Unknown:
Has Una Moresby returned from the grave? Nonsense. Such things don't really happen. But, perhaps we should reserve judgment until I return shortly Now let's see if common sense has returned to our hero. He's doing a sensible thing right now. He's taking a good refreshing shower.
[00:30:19] Unknown:
By the time evening came, I was feeling better. All my peculiar notions about Oona's animal reincarnation seemed ludicrous as I stood in front of the shaving mirror. I thought about the delicious young woman that was waiting for me at the club. I'd admired Rachel's way with the tray for months, but ever faithful to my wife, I hadn't done more than gaze from afar. Faithful to my wife, I hadn't done more than gays from afar. But now things were gonna be different.
[00:30:47] Unknown:
Yes. Who is it? It's Parker, sir. Yes. Come in, Parker. It's alright.
[00:30:54] Unknown:
Excuse me, sir. A bit of emergency in the kitchen.
[00:30:58] Unknown:
Well, what is it? A snake, sir.
[00:31:01] Unknown:
A what? Cook insists that there's a snake curled up in the telephone wire. Oh, that's ridiculous, Parker. Cook says it's there, mister Moresby.
[00:31:11] Unknown:
They do get into the house sometimes. Well, tell Cook she's seeing things. Tell her to stop nipping at the cooking, Sherry, and she'll soon stop seeing snakes. Yes, sir.
[00:31:21] Unknown:
What was that? I would guess it was Cook, sir. Oh, for heaven's sake. Go down and see to it, Parker. I'll try, sir. But I'm not very good with snakes, sir. Well, what do you think I am, an expert?
[00:31:41] Unknown:
But that wasn't the end of it. 10 later, Parker was back upstairs saying that the snake had left the kitchen and run into the living room. No. I I suppose snakes don't run, they slither. It slithered into the living room and was now embracing still another telephone wire, obviously mistaking it for a long lost love. But then another another unsettling thought came into my mind. What if the what if the snake no. No. That that was ridiculous.
[00:32:14] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:32:15] Unknown:
Hi. Is this mister Moresby? Yes. Who's this? Rachel from the club. Oh oh, yes. Rachel, what is it?
[00:32:22] Unknown:
Listen. Could you make it six instead of 06:30? I'll try to sneak out a little early. Yes. Fine. I'll be there as soon as I can. In the jaguar. Right? Yes. Yes. In the jaguar. Listen. The reason I wanna leave earlier is because my husband always picks me up at 06:30. What was that? So I asked one of the girls I work with to tell him that I I got another job someplace. In Ingea, he likes me to earn extra money. Yes. I I see. So just to make the story look good, I guess you'll have to lend me a few dollars after our
[00:32:55] Unknown:
date. Yes. Of course. Listen.
[00:32:58] Unknown:
I really do remember you, Sugar. You're the handsome one with a cute bald head.
[00:33:10] Unknown:
See you soon. As it happens, I have a very full head of hair. But distressing as Rachel's telephone call was an an even more disturbing thought intruded. The snake was in the telephone wire. What if the snake had been trying to listen in on the extension phone? I I I knew the idea was absurd, but I I couldn't help the superstitious shiver of dread. In fact, I was so troubled that I I decided to forego my date with Rachel, the waitress. It it it wouldn't matter anyway. She she'd be angry at some man at the club with a cute bald head. The next day, I I did the only thing that really relaxed me.
I went to the beach. It proved to be an excellent idea. I stretched out on the golden sand and let the sun warm me. I listened to the waves beating against the shore. I listened to the haunting cries of seagulls circling overhead. Suddenly, I was aware that the gulls which had been hovering over the water were now hovering over me. Instead of their cries being sad and fainted, now they now they seemed menacing. I I stood up hastily, but the gulls seemed to be increasing in number. I saw their sharp pointed beaks, their raking claws. They were predators, of course.
How many times had I seen them swoop into a dive and snatch up some poor fish out of the sea?
[00:34:41] Unknown:
And there was one sea down in particular.
[00:34:43] Unknown:
Its beady eyes seem to be staring at me. It it it was my imagination, of course. I I I wasn't a fish. I was a man. But just the same, I I I found myself found myself running down the beach, running running for dear life. And that's that's when when I knew it was time to see a doctor.
[00:35:10] Unknown:
Yes, mister Morjay. I'm very pleased that you honored this emperor with your presence.
[00:35:16] Unknown:
I'm grateful that you're willing to see me, doctor Singh. I realized that, well, you you had a disappointment. A disappointment? I'm afraid I don't understand. I know my wife made certain promises to you concerning her will. I believe she mentioned some modest donation. She wasn't in her right mind, of course. I mean, when she took those sleeping pills. Yes. It was very sad.
[00:35:41] Unknown:
I trust that she has found the peace and happiness
[00:35:44] Unknown:
that she sought. Frankly, that's that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I I mean, about about whether you really believe that my wife is well, that that she's some kind of animal right now. But, of course, I believe it, mister Moresby.
[00:35:58] Unknown:
I don't merely believe. I'm positive. When your wife passed from this world into the next,
[00:36:07] Unknown:
her soul made its escape. Yes. Yes. I I know how it goes, but but what I really like your opinion about is what what sort of animal do you think she might be now?
[00:36:18] Unknown:
I told you, mister Mosby.
[00:36:20] Unknown:
We have no way of knowing. But can't you take a guess? I I mean, you said it it might be influenced by a person's karma. Am I am I quoting you right? Yes.
[00:36:30] Unknown:
The kind of person she was in life may well determine the kind of animal she is now. Your wife was soft. Your wife was gentle. Your wife was independently spirit. Now,
[00:36:45] Unknown:
what animal does that remind you of? I I don't know. I I I I can't think.
[00:36:51] Unknown:
Then go home and think about it, mister Morsbin. Go home and try to be one with the universe.
[00:37:03] Unknown:
I went home, and I tried to be one with the universe. And when that didn't work, I tried being one with a bottle of Scotch. I was still in the library asleep in the big leather chair when I heard the noise in the cellar. I simply had to investigate. I looked into the cellar and found that one bare bulb wasn't enough for a thorough search. I found a flashlight and went down the summer steps. At first, at first, there was nothing I could see.
[00:37:37] Unknown:
But then,
[00:37:39] Unknown:
there's an empty oil can. Swiftly, my my flashlight picked out the culprit. At first, I I I thought it would turn out to be a mouse, but instead
[00:37:49] Unknown:
instead, it was a large white cat.
[00:37:56] Unknown:
I don't like cats. I never had skulking cynical creatures. When the beam of my flashlight hit it, the cat froze. I saw it was an alley cat, its its fur shaggy, its its eyes baleful in the light. It was fat, and yet it was bony too. I I said scat, but it didn't scat. Instead, it started to walk toward me. And I knew for certain what doctor Singh admits. I knew for certain I was looking at the reincarnation of my wife. As soon as that hideous apparition howled at me, I I made a tower to dash for the cellar door. Once once I was on the other side, I remembered the hunting rifle that Una had given me for Christmas.
It it stood unused in an upstairs closet. I I I found it. I loaded it and brought it back to the cellar. I hadn't fired a rifle since boyhood. I I stood on the top of the stairs with my flashlight, picked out the ghostly white form of the cat. I put down the light, raised the weapon, and squeezed the trigger. The report was deafening, but the recoil was worse. My precarious balance in the top step was lost. I fell to the bottom. I try to get up again, but the the pain in my right leg was agonizing. I found out later that it was broken. But the cat the cat was still alive, and it was regarding me at at eye level now.
Its fur matted with plaster dust. Its its eyes filled with hatred. I tried to crawl toward my fallen rifle. Just as I saw the creature dancing towards me, I I screamed.
[00:40:02] Unknown:
Oh,
[00:40:05] Unknown:
my hand was on the rifle now grasping it. Too quickly in my panic, my fingers touched the trigger, the rifle went off again. Well, that's
[00:40:21] Unknown:
how Moresby ended up in the hospital, chief, with a broken leg and a bullet in his hip. And then he died. But I think he was telling the truth. You could see it in his eyes. His silver eyes. Right? Yeah. His silver eyes. And you really believe that the guy's wife came back as a cat to get her revenge? What does it matter? It's still a good story? Sorry, Prati. I can't okay it. Well, what if I got more details? What what what if I talk to this doctor Singh if I went to the Moresby cellar and found that cat? And what would you do then? Ask her if she's missus Moresby?
I still think it's worth a try, chief. I'll tell you what, Prouty. What are you doing for lunch? I hadn't thought about it. Well, think about buying my lunch. You? There's a pretty good restaurant right around the corner where the Morrisby's live. Now we can get a bite there and then check out that cellar. So, this is where it happened. Forsby fell from these steps when he fired that rifle. Hey. You can still see the plaster dust where the bullet hit. Yeah. I see it. But I don't see any white cat. It might be hiding some place. Or it might be a figment of his imagination. Maybe so.
Hold it. Did you hear something? No. Listen. There it is. Look. It's a cat, alright. And it looks like it just found its supper. Oh, that mouse is still alive. Yeah. But not for long. Look at it squirm. He's eating it. Yep. And there goes your mouse. Oh my god. What's the matter, Proudly? Never see a cat eat a mouse before? Chief, did you see that mouse? Sure. I saw it. But didn't you notice something? Like cat
[00:42:33] Unknown:
And so the cat and mouse game comes to an end. But according to doctor Singh, there is no end. Perhaps Richard Moresby will have his turn next in another after life. I'll be back in a few moments. Do you believe in reincarnation? Do you believe the dead return? We have to believe it because here we are, the reincarnation of radio drama. We hope you'll keep us alive by listening again to the radio mystery theater. Our cast included Patrick O'Neil, Marion Zeltas, Mick Prior, and Dan Aco. The entire production is under the direction of Hyman Brown.
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[00:00:55] Unknown:
In the time before AT and T fiber Internet
[00:00:59] Unknown:
What? What are you doing in me dungeon? It's the only place where the bloody Wi Fi works. Oh, and you don't mind the spiders? Spiders? What spiders? Oh, no. They're everywhere.
[00:01:09] Unknown:
In the time after AT and T fiber Internet. It's nice having fast reliable Wi Fi in the whole house, for sure. The dawn of a better Internet era with AT and T fiber. Limited availability in select areas. Check eligibility at a t t dot com slash get fiber. AT and T smart Wi Fi extenders may be required. Sold separately. Restrictions apply.
[00:01:38] Unknown:
Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall. Welcome to the sound of suspense, the fear you can hear. For the next fifty two minutes, we're going to take you into the world of mystery, into the world of terrifying imagination. The story you are going to hear concerns a question which has been asked since the first men on earth were born and died. Is there a life after death? Is there a way to return from the grave? And if there is, can we come back in the body of a living creature, even one that has claws instead of fingernails?
[00:02:26] Unknown:
Here is one chilling answer. Doctor Singh, you have to tell me. Could my wife have come back as a bird,
[00:02:33] Unknown:
a sparrow, something like that? Well, your wife was a rather big woman, mister Morrisby, in the physics. How about a snake?
[00:02:40] Unknown:
A seagull? How about a cat? A great big fat cat.
[00:02:45] Unknown:
A a cat.
[00:02:53] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, The Return of the Morrisbys,
[00:02:56] Unknown:
was written especially for the Radio Mystery Theater by Henry Slesser and stars Patrick O'Neil. I'll be back shortly with act one. Now here is act one. Like all murder stories, sooner or later, it reaches the office of a daily newspaper.
[00:03:23] Unknown:
You wanted to see me, chief? You bet I wanna see you, Prouty. Come in and shut that door. I bet I know what it's about. That story I filed on Richard Moresby. Right? I got a flash for you, Prouty. This is a newspaper office, not a fiction magazine. You take this story of yours and see if you can sell it to a weirdo digest or something, but get it off my desk. Now wait a while, Max. I know it's offbeat, but I thought I handled it with a with a kind of a light touch. Stories about murder can't be handled with a light touch, not on this paper. But it's accurate. I mean, this is exactly what the guy Moresby told me just before he died. Well, he must have been out of his head. He asked for somebody to hear his story. That's how I got to meet him. I was at the hospital covering that subway accident. Now that story made sense to me. Nothing but nice, clear facts. But this nonsense Please. Let me tell you about this guy.
Maybe you'll change your mind. Alright. What about him? Well, for one thing, he was a real distinguished looking guy. The only thing peculiar about him was his eyes. His eyes? Yeah. They were the palest blue eyes I ever saw on a man. They weren't really blue at all. They they were they're like silver. Big deal. So he had silver eyes. And when he started to tell me about himself,
[00:04:41] Unknown:
well, I just had to hear the whole story, chief. Yes. I was born in London. My family moved to The States when I was young. They didn't improve much on the climate when they did. We lived in Vermont. I don't think I was ever warm enough until the age of 24 when I moved to Southern California. I lived on beaches, a superb swimmer, a superior surfboarder,
[00:05:01] Unknown:
and a terrible bum.
[00:05:03] Unknown:
It was on the beach at Malibu that I met the woman who was to become my wife. Her name was Oona. She was as pale as a gardenia, a gardenia with bones. Oona had more bones than any other woman I've ever met.
[00:05:17] Unknown:
Lovely day, isn't it? I beg your pardon? I said it's a beautiful day. I don't think I've ever seen the ocean look prettier.
[00:05:25] Unknown:
Frankly, the Pacific always looked a little muddy to me.
[00:05:28] Unknown:
I wonder if that's what Balboa said when he first saw it. Oh, he probably said, what a great place for surfing. Ah, I see you have a surfboard. Yes. As a matter of fact, I think I see a wave that I like. Will you excuse me? I wish I had the nerve to try it. Yeah. You really should. Well, bye now. Maybe I'll ask my chauffeur to teach me.
[00:05:49] Unknown:
I'm sorry. What did you say? Charles, my chauffeur.
[00:05:53] Unknown:
He's very good at sports. Sho shit. Uh-huh.
[00:05:58] Unknown:
You know, come to think of it, that wave doesn't look so good after all. By the way, my name is
[00:06:05] Unknown:
Richard. Richard Morrison. How do you do? My name is Una.
[00:06:14] Unknown:
Una Vandermeier. That was her name. As soon as I realized that she was from the Van der Meijer family, she didn't seem half as bony as she did before. In fact, not only did I become accustomed to Una's appearance, I was even able to tolerate her inane conversation.
[00:06:33] Unknown:
Can't you just feel the mystery of the stars, Richard? Sometimes I feel their vibrations as if they're trying to communicate with me. Do you ever feel that? Well,
[00:06:44] Unknown:
sometimes, I suppose.
[00:06:46] Unknown:
I really think we must be one with the universe, Don't you? I really believe there's just one great universal soul and we're all part of it. Don't you think so too? Yes. Of course. Right on, as they say.
[00:07:06] Unknown:
You see what I mean? She talked that way all the time from the first day of our honeymoon. Well, it was a a fine honeymoon just the same. It lasted a whole year on the beaches of the Caribbean, the French Riviera. I got browner and browner. Oh, and I got freckles. Finally, we returned to our home in Los Angeles and settled down to a quiet, comfortable marriage. On earth is that your play? It's sitar music, darling.
[00:07:47] Unknown:
Oh, it's just so spiritual.
[00:07:49] Unknown:
What what made you buy the record?
[00:07:52] Unknown:
Mhmm. And doctor Singh recommended it. Who? Doctor Singh at the temple of metapsychosis.
[00:07:58] Unknown:
You know? The temple of what? Metapsychosis.
[00:08:01] Unknown:
I told you about joining the temple last week. Oh, Richard. Sometimes I think you don't listen to me.
[00:08:12] Unknown:
Now as you may know, Southern California abounds in quasi religious organizations. And she'd gone through a number of them without discovering the universal soul at any of their altars. Darling,
[00:08:23] Unknown:
please come to one of doctor Singh's lectures. He's such a magnificent speaker. He emits such vibrations.
[00:08:37] Unknown:
And I went. You see what an obliging husband I was? And actually, it turned out to be more interesting than I thought. The temple itself was unpretentious, and doctor Singh was an impressive man. And when he spoke, I realized why his message had such appeal for Una because he preached a doctrine that combined eternal life with the love of small animals.
[00:09:03] Unknown:
The soul is immortal. The soul cannot die. The soul upon leaving the body must make its passage elsewhere. There is a science called eschatology, which deals with the last four things, death, judgment, heaven and hell. It is the most ancient of all sciences. And from its wisdom has come the inescapable certainty of the transmigration of souls. Yeah. Yeah. I know. It's a bit weird, but stay with it. And where does the soul go? According to the wise men of all generations past, the soul departs from the mouth of the dying. It is consequently a small thing.
A bird, a snake, a mouse, a mouse, a dove, or a hawk, a dog, a cat, an insect. For these small creations of God are empty vessels placed upon earth for only one
[00:10:06] Unknown:
trackless eternity. Yeah. Yeah. It's pure right. Of course. But that's what the man said, And Una sat there and believed every single word. Oh, wasn't he marvelous, Richard?
[00:10:18] Unknown:
Isn't it wonderful that the soul never dies? That we can all come back as little animals. I'm not sure I wanna come back as an animal. But you'd still be you, Richard. Oh, don't you see? Mhmm.
[00:10:31] Unknown:
Well, by the way, what, what was that envelope you handed doctor Singh after the meeting? The envelope?
[00:10:37] Unknown:
That was my donation, of course. Your donation to the temple? Yes. To support the work of doctor Singh to open other temples around the world. Uh-huh. Well, how how how much money was in the envelope? What does it matter, Richard? I'm just curious. $2,000.
[00:10:54] Unknown:
Dollars. To to Una. Una, you go to that temple once a week. Do you always give that kind of donation? Oh, it's all in a very good cause, Richard. Well, in an equally good cause that of finding out exactly how much of my wife's money was supporting this nonsense, I sneaked to look at illness checkbooks. The answer astonished me. Not only had my wife put more than $30,000 into doctor Singh's collection plate, she had also donated some 20,000 more to various institutions for the care and feeding of cats, dogs, and birds.
[00:11:34] Unknown:
It was so kind of you to honor us with a visit, doctor Singh. I know how terribly busy you are. On the contrary,
[00:11:42] Unknown:
you were kind to invite me to your lovely home.
[00:11:46] Unknown:
Now tell me, doctor Singh, what determines the kind of animal one becomes when the soul escapes after death?
[00:11:55] Unknown:
Missus Moresby, that is a question which has baffled wise men for countless generations. But isn't it possible to do, well, research? Yes, missus Morrisby. I don't doubt that we could find the answer to such great questions if only we had the proper resources. But, unfortunately, that would require money.
[00:12:18] Unknown:
A great deal more money than the movement has at present. Well, it seems to me you don't do badly.
[00:12:32] Unknown:
Well, there you are. Hello, Richard.
[00:12:36] Unknown:
Where have you been all morning? Right here, my little sewing room.
[00:12:41] Unknown:
Don't tell me you were sewing. Don't be silly.
[00:12:44] Unknown:
Actually, I've been composing something. A letter? Oh, Oh, something more important than that. Richard, do you realize that I have no last will and testament? Well, why should you? Healthy young chicken like you. I can't call myself young anymore, Richard. You'll always be young to me, darling. Oh, that's very sweet. But just the same, it's only practical to have a will. Would you read it over, Richard, and see if it well, if it sounds legal enough? Certainly.
[00:13:15] Unknown:
Well, let's see now. I, Una van der Meijer Moresby, a resident of the city of Los Angeles, state of California, residing at 8 Sheridan Drive, being over the age of 21, and of sound and disposing mind and memory. Darling, this is superb. Where on earth did you get the language? Well, to tell you the truth, I copied it out of daddy's will. The one that left you 10,000,000. Yes. Well, I don't see how you could go wrong. Let's see now. Not acting under duress, menace, fraud, or undue influence of any person whomsoever and
[00:13:47] Unknown:
Good lie. Oona. What's that? What is it? What You're you're
[00:13:51] Unknown:
not serious about this. Oh, about making a will? Well, of course I am. I mean, this this bequest to the temple,
[00:13:58] Unknown:
mumbo jumbo. What's wrong with it? Now listen, darling. I told you how important doctor Singh's work is, but it requires money to carry it on. Tons of money. So the least I can do is to help the poor man as much as I can. But you're giving him 90%
[00:14:15] Unknown:
of your entire fortune. Ah, you'll still have a million dollars if I go first, Richard. Isn't that enough? No. It isn't. I I no. I mean, the whole thing is ridiculous. Don't you realize that man is a fraud, a charlatan? What? For heaven's sake, Una, open your eyes. Don't you realize the simple truth? Your money won't build any temples. It's just going to line the pockets of that turban phony.
[00:14:40] Unknown:
Richard, what a terrible thing to say. Well, you told me you liked doctor Singh, that you were very impressed by his theory of transmigration.
[00:14:50] Unknown:
Darling, I was only saying all that to please you. But now I'm telling you that the only thing doctor Singh is planning to transmigrate is your money into his savings account. And frankly, I'm not gonna let him do it. Richard,
[00:15:03] Unknown:
will you do it? You're tearing up my will. That's right. How dare you do such a thing? It's my money and I'll do whatever I please with it. Oh, no. Darling, I just want you to have a chance to come to your senses. Oh, there's nothing wrong with my senses. I can see very clearly what the real trouble is. If I didn't leave a will, all my money would go to you, wouldn't it? Well, naturally, I'm your husband. You don't have any other else. That's why you're acting this way. It's just plain and simple greed. Oh, no. Listen to me. No. It's alright. It's alright. I'm glad you tore up that will, Richard, because I realize now that I was quite wrong.
[00:15:37] Unknown:
Do you? Yes.
[00:15:39] Unknown:
It's a mistake to leave only 9,000,000 of my money to the temple. I'm going to leave all of it to doctor Singh.
[00:15:50] Unknown:
When Oona actually drafted that incredible document and called our attorney for a Monday morning appointment, I realized that I had to do do something very drastic before the weekend was over. I had to kill my poor misguided wife. I had to make her one with the universe.
[00:16:17] Unknown:
It's obvious that mister Moresby is going to be a very reluctant murderer. The question is, will his reluctance get in the way of his efficiency? We'll get the details when we return shortly with act two. Now let's return to Richard Moresby. In order to find him, we'll have to search the highway, for Richard has taken his white jaguar out for a spin.
[00:16:53] Unknown:
But there he is now. On Saturday morning, I took a little spin in my x k hour and did some thinking on the open road. I didn't wanna kill poor Luna, of course. The whole idea was repellent. But on the other hand, the thought of doctor Singh spending the fortune that was rightfully mine was even more abhorrent. However, I decided I would make one more stab at a reconciliation.
[00:17:26] Unknown:
Darling?
[00:17:27] Unknown:
Can I come in? It's your living room too.
[00:17:31] Unknown:
It doesn't feel like it. Matter of fact, I've felt like a stranger in this house for the past two days. I suppose that's my fault. Well, you haven't been exactly cordial, have you? I've hardly been home, Richard.
[00:17:45] Unknown:
I spent all day yesterday at the temple and all morning at the pet breast kennels.
[00:17:50] Unknown:
And how are all the little souls doing?
[00:17:53] Unknown:
You just won't stop being irreverent, will you? It's been my money all along, hasn't it, Richard? From the very beginning, you were attracted to my money. Now, darling, if you thought that, you would never have married me. I didn't wanna believe it. I don't wanna believe it now. Well, now, how how can I prove to you that you're mistaken? Richard, do you really
[00:18:15] Unknown:
want to prove it? Of course. I'll do anything you say. Alright.
[00:18:20] Unknown:
Now I know exactly what you can do. You can let me leave my money to doctor Singh in the temple. The whole 10,000,000? Yes. Because that's the only way I'll know that it's me you love.
[00:18:40] Unknown:
Well, you can't say I didn't try. But owner's decision now left me with absolutely no alternative. I was still deeply unhappy about the necessity of taking a life. However, fate was was kind to me that very afternoon.
[00:19:00] Unknown:
Now you're sure that you want me to continue reading, Richard? Of course, darling. Well, I'm sort of embarrassed about this part. It's it's it's a paper that I wrote myself. Or something you wrote? Yeah. I wrote it this morning. I was going to show it to doctor Singh. It's, well, it's a sort of a poem. It's called death.
[00:19:23] Unknown:
Snappy title.
[00:19:24] Unknown:
Hope I can read my own handwriting. Death has become nothing to me. Death holds no fear for me. Come, death, I welcome you. Lead me to the woods, the waters, the air above the earth. Come. Take me, death. Your touch is kind. Richard? Oh, Richard, why do you look like that? Is it really that terrible? Oh, terrible. Oh, no. No. No. My darling, it's it's beautiful.
[00:20:06] Unknown:
You mean it? You must give it to me, Ula. I'm I must have it. You like it that much? Yes. I certainly do. Oh, well, I'll I'll type it up for you, Richard. No. No. No. I I I must have the original. No. Just just the way you wrote it. Oh,
[00:20:21] Unknown:
darling. I'm so flattered.
[00:20:24] Unknown:
What will you do with it? Oh, why? I'm I'm going to I'm gonna put it in a frame, of course. And I know just where I'm going to hang it. Yes. I could hardly believe my ears. Una had written her own suicide note in her own handwriting. It was truly calmer at work. Now, there was no question of failure and no longer any need for delay.
[00:20:56] Unknown:
Oh, what a lovely idea this was, Richard. Candlelight dinner for two. Yes. Yes. I I I thought you'd enjoy. So sweet of you to handle the whole menu with Cook. You spoil me shamefully.
[00:21:16] Unknown:
And that night, I spoiled her just a bit more by bringing hot cocoa to her in bed. Oh, oh, Richard. You shouldn't have bothered. But I know how you you like your hot cocoa before retiring only. You can't get to sleep without it. No. The parker could have brought it to me? Oh, no. This is something I had to do myself. Oh. Oh, drink it down now. Yes. I'm drinking it. Does it taste alright?
[00:21:43] Unknown:
Oh, tastes just fine.
[00:21:51] Unknown:
Now that was very good news since I prepared the hot cocoa myself. And I had no idea whether 25 melted sleeping pills would seriously affect the flavor. Finally, Una was all tucked in for the night. I went into my study, picked up the poem she had written for doc to sing, and brought it to the bedroom. I placed it carefully on the night table beside her. Then I bent over my sleeping darling to see if she was getting along alright.
[00:22:21] Unknown:
She was very, very quiet. And
[00:22:24] Unknown:
then a dreadful thing happened. Luna opened her eyes.
[00:22:31] Unknown:
Rich. Rich. Richard. Oh, Richard.
[00:22:35] Unknown:
I I started now. Go go back to sleep.
[00:22:38] Unknown:
Richard, I'm I'm sick. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. You're only sleepy. Coco tasted so strange.
[00:22:47] Unknown:
I didn't want to upset you Richard, but I'm so No. You you'll do much better in the morning, Oona. I I promise you tomorrow morning, you'll you'll be one with the universe. Richard, that paper. What paper, Donna? My
[00:23:02] Unknown:
it's my
[00:23:04] Unknown:
palm. My my palm. Doctor Singh, what's it doing? I I well, I was just just reading it over, darling. That's all. And, And that
[00:23:13] Unknown:
bottle of my sleeping pills. Oh, it's it's empty. The bottle is empty. Oh, Richard. Richard.
[00:23:27] Unknown:
What have you done? Nothing, darling. Nothing now. Go just go to sleep. Coco, you
[00:23:33] Unknown:
put sleeping pills in it, all of them. I think Don't try to get up, Ola. Please. Now don't. Don't. Don't. Don't. You're trying to kill me. You're
[00:23:44] Unknown:
trying to do a murder. Now for heaven heaven's sake, Oona, stop saying things like that. Do you want the servants to hear? Help somebody. Help. No. Come on. Lie down. Lie down, Oona, for heaven's sake. Come on now. Lie lie down. Lie down. There. That's
[00:23:59] Unknown:
that's better. You won't get a wet wither. You won't get a wet wither. Richard.
[00:24:08] Unknown:
I promise you. Anything you say, darling. I'll
[00:24:12] Unknown:
come back, Richard. You know I'll be
[00:24:16] Unknown:
back. Yes. Yes. Of course. Just just welcome death, the way you wrote in your little poem.
[00:24:26] Unknown:
Be back. I swear it.
[00:24:42] Unknown:
The funeral was held two days later. It was a magnificent occasion, of course. I gave Ola a farewell that was consistent with her vast fortune. Everything was the best. Cotton, flowers, preacher, everything. Her burial place was one of the choicest bits of real estate at Forest Lawn. The only discordant note was the fact that doctor Singh insisted on saying a few words at the service. They were familiar words, but frankly, they gave me a slight bit of a chill. The body
[00:25:17] Unknown:
of Una Morsby is dead, but her soul lives on. The soul cannot die. The soul is immortal. It has left the earthly remains of this woman and has sought the body of a small living thing. There, it will abide until the almighty is ready to choose its next home. Mourn not the end of Una Morsday, for there is no end.
[00:25:47] Unknown:
I couldn't help congratulating myself on suicide. The police had to be informed naturally, and they too agreed with the doctor's verdict. Una had died by her own hand, and she had died without a will. There was simply no question that the matter would be probated in my favor. Suddenly, I realized I was not only rich, but a rich willower. What vistas opened for me? The devil. Look out, you stupid mongrel. The dog trying to get run over. I admit I was shaken up by it. I mean, it was sort of a coincidence, you
[00:26:34] Unknown:
know, right after the fiddle and and all that.
[00:26:43] Unknown:
I was very glad to be home again, you can be sure.
[00:26:47] Unknown:
Excuse me, mister Margeby. Yes, Parker. Cook is worried about the raccoon, sir. The what? There's been a raccoon at the kitchen door all morning, and Cook is badly alarmed, I'm afraid. I've tried to scare scare
[00:27:03] Unknown:
it away, but it keeps for turning. A raccoon, for heaven's sake. Why don't you just shoot it and make a coat out of it? I was wondering if you wished me to call the game warden, sir. Please, Parker. Do whatever you please about it. I'm gonna take a nap.
[00:27:17] Unknown:
Yes. Very good, sir.
[00:27:23] Unknown:
I went upstairs at once, undressed, got into bed. It was a warm day and yet yet I found myself cold. I got out the electric blanket and soon felt very cozy indeed. In fact, I felt so much better that I made a phone call. Hello? May I speak to Rachel? Thank you very much. Hello, Rachel? Yes. Who is this? Rachel, you you probably don't even know my name, but it's it's Moresby, Richard Moresby. Hello? You met me at the club numerous times. I I'm the rather distinguished looking gentleman who sits at the table on the far right corner. Oh, yeah. Well, that's not my station. Yeah. I know. I know it isn't, and I've always regretted it. Frankly, I would have enjoyed my lunches at the club even more if you had served them. Listen. I'm pretty busy right now. Well, what I wanted to find out was if you're busy this evening.
[00:28:24] Unknown:
Oh, what do you have in mind? Oh, a little,
[00:28:28] Unknown:
quiet dinner perhaps. Is that all you had in mind? Why don't we just wait and see? I can pick you up outside the club whenever you're free. Yeah. Holly, no. It's you. I mean, I'm I'm still not sure which gentleman you are. Oh, that'd be sitting in an exhale jaguar. Do you think you'll recognize it? A jack?
[00:28:46] Unknown:
I get off at 06:30.
[00:28:49] Unknown:
See you then. Yes. I was feeling very good now. Very good indeed. I would have drifted off into a pleasant sleep except for one thing. The moment I thought a bomb had gone off in the room. Then I realized it was nothing more than a bird. A foolish sparrow had dived in head first into the plate glass window of the bedroom and now lay stunned on the carpet. I looked at the thing's fluttering little heart and suddenly, I was struck by a terrifying competition of my own. The dog,
[00:29:28] Unknown:
the raccoon, the bird.
[00:29:31] Unknown:
Good lord. Could one of them
[00:29:35] Unknown:
have been Una?
[00:29:44] Unknown:
Has Una Moresby returned from the grave? Nonsense. Such things don't really happen. But, perhaps we should reserve judgment until I return shortly Now let's see if common sense has returned to our hero. He's doing a sensible thing right now. He's taking a good refreshing shower.
[00:30:19] Unknown:
By the time evening came, I was feeling better. All my peculiar notions about Oona's animal reincarnation seemed ludicrous as I stood in front of the shaving mirror. I thought about the delicious young woman that was waiting for me at the club. I'd admired Rachel's way with the tray for months, but ever faithful to my wife, I hadn't done more than gaze from afar. Faithful to my wife, I hadn't done more than gays from afar. But now things were gonna be different.
[00:30:47] Unknown:
Yes. Who is it? It's Parker, sir. Yes. Come in, Parker. It's alright.
[00:30:54] Unknown:
Excuse me, sir. A bit of emergency in the kitchen.
[00:30:58] Unknown:
Well, what is it? A snake, sir.
[00:31:01] Unknown:
A what? Cook insists that there's a snake curled up in the telephone wire. Oh, that's ridiculous, Parker. Cook says it's there, mister Moresby.
[00:31:11] Unknown:
They do get into the house sometimes. Well, tell Cook she's seeing things. Tell her to stop nipping at the cooking, Sherry, and she'll soon stop seeing snakes. Yes, sir.
[00:31:21] Unknown:
What was that? I would guess it was Cook, sir. Oh, for heaven's sake. Go down and see to it, Parker. I'll try, sir. But I'm not very good with snakes, sir. Well, what do you think I am, an expert?
[00:31:41] Unknown:
But that wasn't the end of it. 10 later, Parker was back upstairs saying that the snake had left the kitchen and run into the living room. No. I I suppose snakes don't run, they slither. It slithered into the living room and was now embracing still another telephone wire, obviously mistaking it for a long lost love. But then another another unsettling thought came into my mind. What if the what if the snake no. No. That that was ridiculous.
[00:32:14] Unknown:
Hello?
[00:32:15] Unknown:
Hi. Is this mister Moresby? Yes. Who's this? Rachel from the club. Oh oh, yes. Rachel, what is it?
[00:32:22] Unknown:
Listen. Could you make it six instead of 06:30? I'll try to sneak out a little early. Yes. Fine. I'll be there as soon as I can. In the jaguar. Right? Yes. Yes. In the jaguar. Listen. The reason I wanna leave earlier is because my husband always picks me up at 06:30. What was that? So I asked one of the girls I work with to tell him that I I got another job someplace. In Ingea, he likes me to earn extra money. Yes. I I see. So just to make the story look good, I guess you'll have to lend me a few dollars after our
[00:32:55] Unknown:
date. Yes. Of course. Listen.
[00:32:58] Unknown:
I really do remember you, Sugar. You're the handsome one with a cute bald head.
[00:33:10] Unknown:
See you soon. As it happens, I have a very full head of hair. But distressing as Rachel's telephone call was an an even more disturbing thought intruded. The snake was in the telephone wire. What if the snake had been trying to listen in on the extension phone? I I I knew the idea was absurd, but I I couldn't help the superstitious shiver of dread. In fact, I was so troubled that I I decided to forego my date with Rachel, the waitress. It it it wouldn't matter anyway. She she'd be angry at some man at the club with a cute bald head. The next day, I I did the only thing that really relaxed me.
I went to the beach. It proved to be an excellent idea. I stretched out on the golden sand and let the sun warm me. I listened to the waves beating against the shore. I listened to the haunting cries of seagulls circling overhead. Suddenly, I was aware that the gulls which had been hovering over the water were now hovering over me. Instead of their cries being sad and fainted, now they now they seemed menacing. I I stood up hastily, but the gulls seemed to be increasing in number. I saw their sharp pointed beaks, their raking claws. They were predators, of course.
How many times had I seen them swoop into a dive and snatch up some poor fish out of the sea?
[00:34:41] Unknown:
And there was one sea down in particular.
[00:34:43] Unknown:
Its beady eyes seem to be staring at me. It it it was my imagination, of course. I I I wasn't a fish. I was a man. But just the same, I I I found myself found myself running down the beach, running running for dear life. And that's that's when when I knew it was time to see a doctor.
[00:35:10] Unknown:
Yes, mister Morjay. I'm very pleased that you honored this emperor with your presence.
[00:35:16] Unknown:
I'm grateful that you're willing to see me, doctor Singh. I realized that, well, you you had a disappointment. A disappointment? I'm afraid I don't understand. I know my wife made certain promises to you concerning her will. I believe she mentioned some modest donation. She wasn't in her right mind, of course. I mean, when she took those sleeping pills. Yes. It was very sad.
[00:35:41] Unknown:
I trust that she has found the peace and happiness
[00:35:44] Unknown:
that she sought. Frankly, that's that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I I mean, about about whether you really believe that my wife is well, that that she's some kind of animal right now. But, of course, I believe it, mister Moresby.
[00:35:58] Unknown:
I don't merely believe. I'm positive. When your wife passed from this world into the next,
[00:36:07] Unknown:
her soul made its escape. Yes. Yes. I I know how it goes, but but what I really like your opinion about is what what sort of animal do you think she might be now?
[00:36:18] Unknown:
I told you, mister Mosby.
[00:36:20] Unknown:
We have no way of knowing. But can't you take a guess? I I mean, you said it it might be influenced by a person's karma. Am I am I quoting you right? Yes.
[00:36:30] Unknown:
The kind of person she was in life may well determine the kind of animal she is now. Your wife was soft. Your wife was gentle. Your wife was independently spirit. Now,
[00:36:45] Unknown:
what animal does that remind you of? I I don't know. I I I I can't think.
[00:36:51] Unknown:
Then go home and think about it, mister Morsbin. Go home and try to be one with the universe.
[00:37:03] Unknown:
I went home, and I tried to be one with the universe. And when that didn't work, I tried being one with a bottle of Scotch. I was still in the library asleep in the big leather chair when I heard the noise in the cellar. I simply had to investigate. I looked into the cellar and found that one bare bulb wasn't enough for a thorough search. I found a flashlight and went down the summer steps. At first, at first, there was nothing I could see.
[00:37:37] Unknown:
But then,
[00:37:39] Unknown:
there's an empty oil can. Swiftly, my my flashlight picked out the culprit. At first, I I I thought it would turn out to be a mouse, but instead
[00:37:49] Unknown:
instead, it was a large white cat.
[00:37:56] Unknown:
I don't like cats. I never had skulking cynical creatures. When the beam of my flashlight hit it, the cat froze. I saw it was an alley cat, its its fur shaggy, its its eyes baleful in the light. It was fat, and yet it was bony too. I I said scat, but it didn't scat. Instead, it started to walk toward me. And I knew for certain what doctor Singh admits. I knew for certain I was looking at the reincarnation of my wife. As soon as that hideous apparition howled at me, I I made a tower to dash for the cellar door. Once once I was on the other side, I remembered the hunting rifle that Una had given me for Christmas.
It it stood unused in an upstairs closet. I I I found it. I loaded it and brought it back to the cellar. I hadn't fired a rifle since boyhood. I I stood on the top of the stairs with my flashlight, picked out the ghostly white form of the cat. I put down the light, raised the weapon, and squeezed the trigger. The report was deafening, but the recoil was worse. My precarious balance in the top step was lost. I fell to the bottom. I try to get up again, but the the pain in my right leg was agonizing. I found out later that it was broken. But the cat the cat was still alive, and it was regarding me at at eye level now.
Its fur matted with plaster dust. Its its eyes filled with hatred. I tried to crawl toward my fallen rifle. Just as I saw the creature dancing towards me, I I screamed.
[00:40:02] Unknown:
Oh,
[00:40:05] Unknown:
my hand was on the rifle now grasping it. Too quickly in my panic, my fingers touched the trigger, the rifle went off again. Well, that's
[00:40:21] Unknown:
how Moresby ended up in the hospital, chief, with a broken leg and a bullet in his hip. And then he died. But I think he was telling the truth. You could see it in his eyes. His silver eyes. Right? Yeah. His silver eyes. And you really believe that the guy's wife came back as a cat to get her revenge? What does it matter? It's still a good story? Sorry, Prati. I can't okay it. Well, what if I got more details? What what what if I talk to this doctor Singh if I went to the Moresby cellar and found that cat? And what would you do then? Ask her if she's missus Moresby?
I still think it's worth a try, chief. I'll tell you what, Prouty. What are you doing for lunch? I hadn't thought about it. Well, think about buying my lunch. You? There's a pretty good restaurant right around the corner where the Morrisby's live. Now we can get a bite there and then check out that cellar. So, this is where it happened. Forsby fell from these steps when he fired that rifle. Hey. You can still see the plaster dust where the bullet hit. Yeah. I see it. But I don't see any white cat. It might be hiding some place. Or it might be a figment of his imagination. Maybe so.
Hold it. Did you hear something? No. Listen. There it is. Look. It's a cat, alright. And it looks like it just found its supper. Oh, that mouse is still alive. Yeah. But not for long. Look at it squirm. He's eating it. Yep. And there goes your mouse. Oh my god. What's the matter, Proudly? Never see a cat eat a mouse before? Chief, did you see that mouse? Sure. I saw it. But didn't you notice something? Like cat
[00:42:33] Unknown:
And so the cat and mouse game comes to an end. But according to doctor Singh, there is no end. Perhaps Richard Moresby will have his turn next in another after life. I'll be back in a few moments. Do you believe in reincarnation? Do you believe the dead return? We have to believe it because here we are, the reincarnation of radio drama. We hope you'll keep us alive by listening again to the radio mystery theater. Our cast included Patrick O'Neil, Marion Zeltas, Mick Prior, and Dan Aco. The entire production is under the direction of Hyman Brown.
