In this chilling episode of Mystery Theater, host EG Marshall introduces "The Smile of Death," a haunting tale written by Ian Martin. Set in the picturesque town of Golden Friars, the story revolves around the mysterious return of Libby Feltham, a woman believed to have been wronged and seeking justice from beyond the grave. As the legend of the woman in the lake unfolds, the characters grapple with the eerie presence that seems to haunt the Mardikes family, leading to a series of supernatural events that challenge the boundaries between the living and the dead.
Listeners are taken on a suspenseful journey as the narrative explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and the supernatural. The episode delves into the lives of Sir Bale Mardikes, his illegitimate son Philip, and the spectral figure of Libby Feltham, weaving a complex tale of family secrets and ghostly retribution. With a backdrop of a stormy night and the ominous Snake's Island, the story builds to a dramatic conclusion, leaving the audience pondering the thin line between reality and the spectral world.
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Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall.
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Of all the tales I tell, the ones that crawl most across the skin and creep along the spine are those that bring the wronged out of the grave to seek redress from the living. And of all of those, this one to me is one of the very most haunting and chilling.
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I took the bearings all them years ago when it first was appeared. From Gladyska to Mardike's jetty and from under the old George and Dragon's Eye in Ear to the White House below Forrick Falls. I could fix a marker buoy over the very spot.
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Maybe it was a marker boy you saw, captain.
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It was no marker. It was a woman. And I say it's Libby Filtham back to collect her due for her. And in charge, murder will out.
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Our mystery drama, The Smile of Death, was written especially for the mystery theater by Ian Martin and stars Russell Horton. The pretty little town of Golden Friars stands by the margin of a sizable lake, hemmed around by an amphitheater of purple mountains, a place where legends are born and persist. And those most responsible for keeping them alive are inside the warmth of the George and the Dragon pub. Hey. That's a wet night.
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Seems like both natural and unnatural things are having a bit to say about Sao Bale's return. The Mardike's Exold, doctor Torbay. What was the thunderstorm coming on the ills of your mentioning that the baronet was coming home and her being seen again? Her? The woman in the lake. Her and her children to marry the baroness with all the money. A ghost.
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He murdered fifteen year ago.
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Oh, come now, Jack. Murder the girl disappeared. That's all. Carrying one child
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and abandoning the other.
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We were holding out a baby in her arms when we came nearer. Before she disappeared. That ghost woman.
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Doctor, was she Libby Felton?
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She had a scarf or veil like bound around about her face. And a great cloak with a big hood like their monks will be wearing. With her face all in shadow.
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As an orphan, when was it you saw this sight?
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Yesterday off the point of Snake's Island. The exact same spot she showed up to begin will ouch.
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I know there was no murder. Why why should she run away? Why should she leave them to another woman? You know, I, dear Trumble. Don't you see? That's just the point. Oh, I I'm I'm not defending Bayle's conduct or his morals, but the fact is that he and Elizabeth were never married. She had no claim on him legally or her children.
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Pure and all, doctor, she might have made quite a bit of trouble with the Baroness if she'd still been about.
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He only disappeared two days before the Baroness came down for the wedding. And showed up in the like every day from then until they went to Europe. Starcon straight out of the water. If I, the way no human being could support it, she'll.
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Forgetting that. It's an illusion or some trick of the mist against the background of Steak Island. The bear will be all by himself coming home. Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. The Baroness died a few months ago. Pneumonia. I wasn't thinking of her. I was thinking of the void. Well, Philip, oh, well, that I don't know. We should have to be patient till the end of the week when the baron has arrived.
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Oh, dear me. Where'll be the male coke stopping? Perhaps, Sir Bale decided to hurry up his return.
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Hey, my opinion. He's been summoned.
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Well, what I can see through the rain, it's not Sir Bale. You know, it's supposed to be a younger man and tall. Well, well, well, we'll soon see. He's on his way in with an end all. I could, wish you up some supper, sir. Cheese and some steak and kidney pie, if you'd like. No. No. No. Thank you. All I require is a little information and a smaller noggin of brand. No. Be be right back with it. Mhmm. Wait a minute, sir. Draw close to the fire, sir. We have a cold, unpleasant night, I thank you,
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sir. You,
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you're a stranger at least, but I could say so. Yes. You you surprised us after fashion because we were ex in expectation possibly of someone else. Our local baronet,
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sir Baal Mardite. Now you should bend this, sir. Thank you, my host.
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Yes. Mardite's hold is a very pretty object from the lakes and very much admired about you.
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As is the house of the Feadram, as the head of the glen, for all its written in ruin now. Plooster house that was on On opposite side of Lake Hughes. Exactly opposite.
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Fortune. Well, that was one of our great families down here. We've
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dwindled to nothing now. Pop pox on both their houses. Nothing but trouble. The woman who the woman who rises out of the water of Snake Island has auto.
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Pay not attention to him. I'm I'm afraid I have no time. This should be enough to pay for my brandy. Now, my noggin of information.
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Is missus Julepa well and in good health and still under the roof of Mardike Hall? Oh, yes indeed she is. I saw her early this day, bustling about getting all in readiness for Surbail's return.
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Only Surbail
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Well, yes, as I know.
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Perhaps it is as well that I preceded him. If you will excuse me?
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This room is not well lighted and I'm no longer as young as I was.
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Should I not,
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recognize you? Not really. I am quite different from the babe you brought into the world, doctor Dorey. Good heavens. As as you must know already, I am Philip Beltrum. And now if you will excuse me, I must go prepare for the return of my master.
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Now who will that be? Alright, mother Juniper. Don't expect to speculate. Just stir your old legs and open the door. Yes. Yes, sir. And I helped you. I know I've changed Mopsy, but that much
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Must have been oh, sure. I never recognized you in a thousand years. Oh, my dear boy. Come in. Calm. Well, aren't you gonna give me a hug? Oh, you're a little big for that now, but all I have to do is be asked.
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Oh, my precious little fellas. Oh, my. See, my my. Oh, how you've grown.
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Ten years it must be since I packed your little carpet bag and saw you off my couch for the continent
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the day the master took you away from me. The master. So Bale,
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who is he with you now?
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No. No. He he won't be down till the weekend then
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Oh, then we'll have a little time together. So nothing's changed, is it? In all these years If you mean, sir Bale, I'm afraid not. And the Baroness is dead.
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All her money gone with her. It'll be a hard road to eke out all our livings here at Mardikes Hall. He'd never be back here if he weren't desperate.
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I said nothing was changed. Oh, but it isn't true. You are Philip. Oh, my little Philip. Where is all the joy you had of life? The laughter you found in everything.
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Where is Papa the Juleper? Oh, John.
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He died two years ago. Oh. A quiet happy death. Don't you miss him? Oh, every moment of every day. But we had forty years together. A lot of memories for an old lady to live out life on. I still have the same joy for life. The love I tried to give you when I brought you up now. When when we did, John and me. Before your father took you away from mister Germany. Didn't you find any happiness there, Philip boy? Judge for yourself.
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I was not welcomed by my mother-in-law. Perhaps, I rested too hard on my father's conscience. No, no happiness Mopsy.
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Stay there, a moment driver. I'll raise the house so we can choose some help with the luggage. Where in the name of the devil is anyone? At? Missus Tulipan. Glad to see you're still alive. Well, as my natural offspring to speak of him as kindly as possible, why isn't he here and ready to greet me? Oh, we didn't expect you tonight. Sir Philip. Sir Philip? Well, I
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meant Philip. He took the trap over Cluston Way to bring my niece back. See if you're to be making your home. Here I I thought we need a little extra help. I asked you to make arrangements. I didn't order. Well, in your letter, you said to make already to open the hall.
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Ask you or Philip to make any plans for me beyond those I issue myself. Well, I'm afraid it's my fault. No. 'Tis Philip's. I thought by now, I thought him to have no mind of his own. Not for want of trying,
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but you won't succeed. What does that mean? Come here with me across the drive and out to the edge of the terrace. There. Look out across the lake
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towards Snake's Island. I abhor that lake, water of any kind. I won't. I can't. You must, sir Pail. Must. Too. Because I'm old in your service and not long for this world. He's
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still waiting for you. Who? Philip's mother. See her in the moonlight before Snake's Island. Standing above the water. Reaching to you for all the things she never had from you. Libby. Yes. Libby. Elizabeth
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Beltran.
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Who do you think it was brought you back here at last?
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What is that luminous shape that drifts in the eddying mist reflecting the soft, deceiving light of the moon? Is it the apparition that gossip believes rises from the lake crying out for justice? Or is it some trick of refracted light like the Loch Ness monster could be? Or the spinning disc of a UFO? I'll return shortly with act two. For a long long moment, a glowering sir bale Mardikes gazes across the lake. Then suddenly a cloud passes across the moon and the shimmering expanse of water darkens and disappears. And with it, the specter, apparition, or illusion that seemed to hover over it. As though released from a spell, the baronet turns on his heel heading back towards the house.
The old woman hard put to her to keep up with his rapid pace. Alright, driver.
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You may take all my luggage and file it inside in the hall. When my servant returns, I'll have him put it away where it belongs. Here. Take this for your service. Missus Julepah, I shall be in the study before a fire to banish this jewel from my bones. Is that brandy there? Yes, sir. Would you care for a bite to eat? No. No. I want to be alone till Philip returns. But I want to see him the moment he does. The moment. Do
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you hear? It's coming on to twilight, mister
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Beltram. Maybe we better hurry. Not not for me. I'm in no hurry to face my my employer if he's arrived yet. Well,
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that's a strange thing to say. Your employer?
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Isn't that what he is? Well,
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I I I don't mean to say anything out of turn, but Mrs. Julep is my aunt. And I know she brought you up from the time you were four till you were 12. Yes.
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Mobsy is the only real parent I ever had.
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I'm a bit confused. I mean, I know your own mother disappeared like. But you've been with your own father since you were 12 in Europe. My father, yes. Yes.
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In a manner of speaking, it isn't quite the same when you've been born as the phrase goes on the wrong side of the blanket. Well, I realize the stepmother isn't quite the same as the real one. Oh, I had a few quarrels with my stepmother. She was a cold, remote, unhappy woman. But the man from whose seed I came is something else again.
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I wish you weren't so bitter and Bitter, Jenny. Just
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just beaten, cowed and whipped and as much a slave as if I were clothed in iron. Mister Philip Please. Just
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Philip.
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Philip. Alright then, Philip. If you wish. But you mustn't give up on life. Not at our age. I have too much of it left to live
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where anything's possible. Yes. You haven't met sir Bale yet. And, maybe I had better make a little better time. Oops. Let's let's see.
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Oh.
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Lord. I thought you'd never get here. What were you up to? Nothing, aunt Margaret. Oh, sure. I wouldn't blame you. The two of you are so bright and young if you had dawdled a bit on the way. That was my fault, Mopsy. Glad I am to hear it. So you have some spirit left in you for you'll need it. D'oh, he's in a black mood, the master is, and waiting for you in the study.
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I'll go see him right away. I think it's terrible.
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I mean, how can his father treat him the way he does? How indeed.
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All for the want of a little scrap of paper. For he's his son, you've only to look at the eyes to see that. But because he has no legal standing, the father has broken him, twisted all the joy and life out of him. You mock my words, Jenny. He'll pay for that before he dies.
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Where the devil have you been, Phelton? I I I went to fetch mop,
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missus Julepher's niece from around the end of the lake. No need of that. If she wanted to work so badly, she could have walked here. It's 20 miles or more.
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You weren't all the way around to the old cloistered house poking around? No. Well, why would I have gone there? I No matter. No matter. You were gone long enough most of the day. Sir, I didn't want to push the mayor. I mean, it's it's so pretty by the lake. Pretty? Damn. If I had my way, I'd bring the miserable thing. It's little better than a cesspool. I had no wish to anger you. I needed you and where were you?
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Needed needed me? Yes.
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We've come back to a shambles and a trap. The books are hopelessness, rents unpaid or uncollected debts, and scarce enough money to keep the roof over our own heads, let alone missus Julepah. Jenny had come to help her aunt. She she asks little in return. Even that little, I doubt if we can provide. If if there's some way I could help them I want the papers in order. I want to know who owes what. I'll done them or take everything away from them that they possess. One way or another, we must have money. Let us find a way to get it no matter what it costs. If if you'll excuse me, sir Bale,
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I did arrange to have fun set aside, but you used them to bet on the horses. You
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fooling utter mistake of my use. Don't presume to criticize me. Well, I wasn't criticizing. I was only trying to explain. The devil with your explanations. I need money. Now get out and ride the valency. Bleed it out of the tenants who've been living off my absence for all these years. But they have paid faithfully, sir. You Then find a way to make them pay some more unless you want all of us to starve to death.
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Why do you take it, Philip? You don't have to be beholden to him. He isn't you. Oh, it doesn't matter anymore.
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What does is that I'm back here. Home. You think of this as home? Well, not the house. The surroundings. The what lies outside and calls me all the time. Telling me my strength and hope is there
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Oh, I think you should get away from here Philip
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Would you go with me? Yes
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Jenny
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Where would I go? Where could I take you? It wouldn't matter. No. No. There's gotta be a better answer than that. I I must have something to offer you. Didn't you say less than three days ago that you wished you had a hundred pounds? A wish. Yes. Which you translated into reality.
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Big question. No. Don't play with me. I have here in my desk a £100 note. Now where's it gone? You think I took it? It? Where else could it go? And why would I take it? To fly forever from your bondage?
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To to escape your vicious tongue, your your your constant derrogation or resentment of me because of the past I remind you of Why,
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dead, sir. I will not listen to some young puppet who told me this. Not listen, sir.
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For this young puppy is unfortunately grown to an age of decision. I want I want no more of your barbarity, your hate, your venom. I'm old enough to choose my own path.
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Financed by the money you stole. I didn't touch it.
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Believe it if you will. I am leaving. And where are you going? Back to my heritage. Back to the lake and across it to where my family's home still stands. Back to test the legend you fear that at last the Mardites, Berenice, and Estate will pass to the Feltrons. That is destiny's decision. Oh, you you can't go out of the night like this. Why not? It was a night like this that bid me home.
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Yes? What is it? It'd be Captain Jack, mister Juliper. It's a sad occasion.
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What is it? What the devil are we being roused from bed for? A corpse of ale
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drowned it under circumstances all the years on the water cannot credit and and brought home to you. Who is it? Your son, Philip Pritchard. Give me a leave to have my man bring his body in. He came to me and offered me £5 to have me and my men throw him across the lake immediately and to pass by the north end of Snake's Island. 5 Pounds, Lot of money, I knows. But it was a rough night, and I had to pay extra for a horse. We were now onto Snake Island when a skull hit it suddenly, and we broached to fighting the Riptide. Well, that was when we lost him.
He fell overboard. Oh, no, Shebils. It weren't exactly like that. There was lightning, as you know. And coming around the point of the island, all of a sudden, like, there was what you might call a a illusion. What kind of an illusion? The figure of a woman above the waterline? Oh, no. Not that one, Cher. This was an hand. A woman's hand that reached up from the water and that mister Philip bent over to grasp. And before we knew it, he was overboard and underwater
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and lost. But you brought him back again?
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Yes, sir. We, we eased up on our oars, and all of a sudden, his body was floating, calm and peaceful like. We hauled him aboard. There's not a thing we could do. Empty his lungs of water, Try the artificial respiration. Nothing nothing would bring him too. So we bring him home here.
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There's no question at all, sir Bell. You did everything you could and more. And I'm sure captain Jack and his men did terrible thing terrible thing.
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You're quite sure, Philip, he's
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well, that he's he's drowned. No pulse. No respiration. Cold as a lead image in the garden.
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No. Philip is dead. Damned irritating little fool. How am I to make do without him? It's a great loss, one's only son. You think I care for that? He was a weakling and a burden. But I had uses for him as a servant. Worst of all, he's stolen a hundred pounds from me and left me without a penny. As to that, sir, you'll
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have reason to be ashamed. Here's your hundred pound note. Why? I found it among some papers in the waste paper basket that you asked me to empty. So you crawled him from the house for nothing to his death. Well,
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how was I to know? My dad, Doctor. Torvey. Can't something be done about that corpse? He's he's grinning at me as if he pulled off some trick or something.
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Rhesus Sardonakis. The smile of death surveil. Rigamoris is setting in.
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Love. Love. Tell me that. What is a Jenny Lam? I waited You may well raise his name. For look.
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Ghost. Don't be alarmed. I am no ghost. I'm alive and well.
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In fact, I have never been in more complete control of my faculties
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in all my life.
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Who and what is he? This Philip Feltham who was drowned and pronounced dead medically? Man or ghost? And almost as amazing and Whatever metamorphosis Philip Beltram had gone through, he is a very different individual from the meek, subservient excuse for a man that he had been. Sir Bale, unable to adjust to their new relationship, was hesitant and defeated. He was no longer the master from the very first morning after Philip's renaissance for more reasons
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than one. What's that, Peltru? The beginning of the restoration
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of the Mardike's fortune, I hope. We shall have a purse with money in it.
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Goat. Guinness.
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A small fortune. No need to count them. There are 300.
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A drop in the bucket, but a beginning. What do you mean a beginning? Properly used.
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They can multiply. How? B swing, falcon, and lightning. What? The names mean nothing to you? No. I
[00:28:26] Unknown:
oh, stop a bit. They're horses in the weekend races. Two of them anyway. Right? Correct. All of them. But what of it? You're not suggesting that any of this money should be bet on them. I am? But they are also rands. They have the chance of winning. Would you like this purse of gold? Well, naturally, where did it come from anyway? From a a
[00:28:50] Unknown:
gypsy. Lend to me to lend to you under certain stringency. What? That you use it to advance your fortunes, but that you must bet at least 5 guineas each on the horses I named. And the rest? You may use as you choose, always remembering that the debt must be repaid. Gypsy chooses to call for it. Who is this gypsy? What's his name? I cannot reveal that. Well, I don't know that. I want to be involved in something so secret. What choice do you have or do you wish me to return the purse? Samuel.
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No. If it amuses you, keep your secret. I shall go to the Hettleson race course and live up to the letter of the bargain. But let me reassure you and your mysterious Gypsy, sir Beale Mardikes is still his own man.
[00:29:49] Unknown:
Welcome home, sir Bea. Good day at the races? Do you ask me that only to fix me? Why no? I'd heard your horses won. Game your hide. You heard that, did you? Yes. And at 40 to one on bee's wings, 60 to one on lightning, and 50 to one on falcon. Let me
[00:30:05] Unknown:
see. At 100 guineas apiece, that should make I didn't bet that way. I bet the favorites. Oh, oh, oh, that wasn't the agreement. I lived up to the agreement. Brought your soul. I put 5 guineas apiece on the horses and came away from that with a take of 775
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guineas. But you might have made some £15,050 if you'd followed the handicapping.
[00:30:27] Unknown:
I wanna meet this gypsy with the second sight. That can be arranged.
[00:30:32] Unknown:
Come with me now and and we'll sail across the lake to the other side where you can meet your benefactors.
[00:30:38] Unknown:
No. No man or any other force will put me on that lake. But you can help me, my boy. How? Find me one of your magic winners through this gypsy for next weekend's races and I'll plunge all this time.
[00:30:53] Unknown:
I'll let you know tomorrow. I have your answer, sir Bail. Yes? I took your money to to my principal who was angry and displeased that you did not come yourself. However, I have a name for you to put your remaining winnings on. Another bonanza at long odds. The winner at Langton Lee will be Silver Bell.
[00:31:25] Unknown:
May you be banished to eternal hell? I believe this is all a scheme of yours to ruin me, Peltrom. Why? What happened? I was fool enough to take the other money. I'd won mortgage what I could of the estate and put it all together to win a paltry 7,000 with 20,000
[00:31:43] Unknown:
bet. How could you risk everything on a mere word from me? Silverbell was the favorite.
[00:31:49] Unknown:
There was no chance for him to lose except in luck at the far turn that set his hoof in a bottle and tourist fetlock. I'm ruined. All this is gone. A street, house,
[00:32:00] Unknown:
everything I own. You could recover it if you so desired. Cross the lake with me and the Baronet Sea can still be saved. To meet this gypsy of yours?
[00:32:11] Unknown:
Yes. What chance have I left? Very well. Let's go. Must we set a course so near that accursed Snake's Island? What have you to fear? Not I did. Well, don't tell me you expect to see the famous specter rise from the sea. I tell you nothing. Get us ashore to meet this mysterious gypsy who holds my life in his hands. A new experience for you. You seem to be enjoying this. Part payment for all you've put me through, perhaps. Where are you taking me, Philip?
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Philip. Doesn't that name sound strange on your lips after all these years? Have no fear. I'm leading you to one who will restore your fortunes. I
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I think I want to turn back. You can't.
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The course is set. The die
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is
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cast. This old oak is as far as I go.
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You're you're you're not going to lead me? The path is marked
[00:33:17] Unknown:
between the ash trees to the cliff side. From there to the mulberry bush that marks the entrance to the cave. And where? Your future
[00:33:26] Unknown:
and your past.
[00:33:27] Unknown:
I don't understand you. All your life a weakling and a burden and now all of a sudden all this strength. Ever since your accident. How?
[00:33:37] Unknown:
You remember the fable of Acteon in Greek mythology?
[00:33:40] Unknown:
Who drew his strength from the ground and lost it when lifted above it? Exactly.
[00:33:45] Unknown:
I was drawn into the water, but rose refreshed and invigorated as if newborn. Go seek the one you must find and you will know why at last.
[00:33:56] Unknown:
Clyde, I I I don't know if I have the courage.
[00:34:00] Unknown:
You've gone too far to turn back. You can never turn back anymore. You will find the one you seek in the darkling cave.
[00:34:14] Unknown:
Hello? Hello?
[00:34:18] Unknown:
So you came back to me back. You can it be you, Libby? Does my appearance shock you? The eroded flesh, barnacles that cling in my hair, the whitening bone. Oh,
[00:34:37] Unknown:
lord. What can I say? Nothing. That isn't why I bad you here. But it that there's no excuse for me. I know.
[00:34:47] Unknown:
But who is I? I was young.
[00:34:49] Unknown:
I was foolish and desperate. The barrenness meant money and the future and escape. But escape
[00:34:57] Unknown:
from me and the two children you tore for my body. I took care of Philip. Oh, yes. After your fashion. The one that was never born was less than murder. I was desperate then. How desperate are you now?
[00:35:14] Unknown:
Well, that there is it's
[00:35:17] Unknown:
it's it's another situation. But you are desperate. You stand on the brink of ruin. Yes. Then will you strike a bargain with me? What? Who do you think sent you the purse with the 300 guineas? Or told you the horse that would win? You stared me wrong on the most important one. Of course. Because I had to teach you a lesson and bring you here at last so we could make a bargain with life.
[00:35:50] Unknown:
Oh, this is madness. You are long dead and gone.
[00:35:55] Unknown:
What are we discussing?
[00:35:57] Unknown:
Your future and Philip's and mine.
[00:36:02] Unknown:
I don't understand.
[00:36:03] Unknown:
I'll explain it for you. I will give you money again, and I will name you horses which will make you a rich man and the house of Martyke secure on one condition, that you give me what you should have nearly twenty five years ago, with your name. What?
[00:36:26] Unknown:
How can I marry you? Your twenty five years did.
[00:36:32] Unknown:
Philip has made all arrangements with the vicar. If you meet me at the altar of Golden Friars Church tomorrow night at 08:00, the wedding will be performed.
[00:36:43] Unknown:
But why why now is it? It's impossible.
[00:36:47] Unknown:
My dowry will be a purse of gold
[00:36:50] Unknown:
of £10,000
[00:36:53] Unknown:
and the name of a horse which will insure Mardykes and its heirs for all time. Can we meet?
[00:37:02] Unknown:
I will be there. Whatever else bettights, I will be there.
[00:37:17] Unknown:
Early, beloved, we are met here in the sight of God to join this man and this Oh,
[00:37:31] Unknown:
Captain Drake. Oh, woman from the light, mister John Wall.
[00:37:36] Unknown:
What are you talking about, men? That's only an apparition. A ghost.
[00:37:42] Unknown:
A great woman.
[00:37:43] Unknown:
So was Philip, son, but he rose from the watery grave.
[00:37:50] Unknown:
Don't talk of such things in the church. Which Lippi Falcon, Mudrat, come back, but she's alive. She spent last night at my inn.
[00:38:02] Unknown:
Boy,
[00:38:03] Unknown:
you saw her face? No. No. No. She was veiled just as she is now at the altar. Do you, Elizabeth Stanford Feltron, take this man, sir Bael Mordite, to be your lawful wedded husband?
[00:38:22] Unknown:
I do.
[00:38:23] Unknown:
And, do you, sir Bail Mardike, take this woman, Elizabeth, to be your lawful wedded wife? I do. Then by the virtue of the power rested in me as a vicar of God, I do now pronounce you man and wife.
[00:38:51] Unknown:
Dear Jenny, girl.
[00:38:53] Unknown:
What are you crying for?
[00:38:55] Unknown:
It was so beautiful, auntie. Her coming back after all these years. And finally taking her rightful place
[00:39:04] Unknown:
is Lady Mardikes. I wish my mind rested as easy as yours. And Philip,
[00:39:09] Unknown:
his rightful name at last and the stain taken away. Philip Mardikes. Oh, where will the bride and groom sleep this night?
[00:39:22] Unknown:
Marleyum. Nothing would do but Sir Bayle must off to the races his wedding night. Oh, no good to a marriage which starts with gambling. No. It was doomed anyway out of the past. You mark my words, Jenny. There is worse to come.
[00:39:43] Unknown:
Don't pop your eyes at me, my girl. I'm alone as you can see. But the Lady Mardikes Lady Mardikes will not be coming here. Get Philip and have him bring the rest of these heavy bags to my room.
[00:40:00] Unknown:
Come.
[00:40:02] Unknown:
Where do you want these father? Put them on the bed with the others. I shall have little enough use for it again. I'll get the door.
[00:40:10] Unknown:
Oh, they are heavy enough.
[00:40:13] Unknown:
She gave me three horses to parley at unbelievable odds and 10,000 pounds to wager. There's over a million on the bed. More than enough to pay all the debts, set the estate to write, and bury me. Bury you? You heard me. I must join my wife, but her home must be mine. This one will be yours. You realize that? I I I am I'm sorry, father. So am I for many things. Marry your little Jenny so there will be a lady, Mardox, to light up this gloomy old place and banish the shadows forever. Leave me alone now. As soon as it's dark, I shall go to her.
I shall never return. Father, I I get it. Philip Mardax. Soon to be sir. It's too late for me. And I go to to know better than I deserve.
[00:41:34] Unknown:
It was three days before they found sir Bail Mardikes floating face downward just off the point of Snake's Island. And when they brought him to shore, the exposure to the air set the corpse's face in that haunting grin of death. The Rhesus sardonicus. Even the undertaker with all his art was unable to wipe it away. I'll be back shortly.
[00:42:01] Unknown:
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[00:43:02] Unknown:
In the spirit of holiday giving, The Wall Street Journal offers the following advice. Give your business associates, friends, or even yourself a gift of real value. A gift that can benefit careers and help get the new year off to a successful start. Give the Wall Street Journal. The journal provides a clear complete look at the business world, and it's organized to give readers the news they need quickly every business day. From the economy to politics, personal investments to corporate finance, marketing to technology, and the law, you'll find it in the journal. What's more, the Wall Street Journal is a gift that will be enjoyed long after the holidays. Now in fact, you can send a twelve week subscription for only $29.75. That's twelve weeks for only $29.75.
[00:43:45] Unknown:
Call toll free, 802311800. Call now so the journal's gift card in your name will arrive in time for the holidays. Today's Wall Street Journal, faster, tougher, smarter. Call 802311800 now.
[00:44:12] Unknown:
Sir Bail Mardikes rests now in the family crypt, but not alone. For the night following the discovery of his body in the lake, captain Jack brought up the body of a woman in the same spot. A scarf scarf was wound about her face. But when Philip gently unwound it, there was the face of his mother, Libby, lovely and youthful as it was fifteen years ago. She lies in the vault too, beside the man who at last gave her and her son what he had denied them so long, his name. Our cast included Russell Horton, Court Benson, Ian Martin, Joan Shea, and Evie Jester. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown.
[00:44:58] Unknown:
I can't give my child everything, and that really hurts. But he knows I love him, and I'm doing everything I can. Like making sure he's healthy. I got this booklet at my food stamp office with all kinds of nutrition tips. Like what I should do about snacking and ways I can cut down on too much sugar, fat, and salt. The booklet really helps choose foods for good health and nutrition. That's real important.
[00:45:26] Unknown:
In the food stamp program, we know the job of mom isn't easy, but we're here to help. Our free nutrition booklet will help you choose the foods that are best for your kids. We've even included some simple recipes for good healthy eating. For a free copy, stop by your local food stamp office today for the love of your kids.
[00:45:46] Unknown:
I wish I could give my son more, but we're gonna be just fine.
[00:45:51] Unknown:
A public service message from the US Department of Agriculture and the Ad Council.
[00:45:58] Unknown:
This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time.
Travelling to The UK? You will need an electronic travel authorisation or ETA. It's quick and simple to apply via the ETA app or online. You'll need to apply for your ETA before travelling to The UK. Applicants will usually get a decision in up to three working days. Everyone traveling to The UK without a visa, whether visiting or passing through, will need one. It lasts two years and is valid for multiple trips. To apply now, search UK travel ETA. Exemptions apply.
[00:00:29] Unknown:
Whatever business you're in, growth isn't just about getting bigger. At ADP, we believe it's about getting stronger by turning data into insights so you can build teams that work as teams. By using our AI technology to help catch payroll errors before their errors. And by keeping ahead of thousands of changing regulations so you can keep ahead of everything else, ADP helps businesses like yours grow stronger every day. ADP, HR talent, time, and payroll.
[00:01:04] Unknown:
Come in. Welcome. I'm EG Marshall.
[00:01:10] Unknown:
Of all the tales I tell, the ones that crawl most across the skin and creep along the spine are those that bring the wronged out of the grave to seek redress from the living. And of all of those, this one to me is one of the very most haunting and chilling.
[00:01:33] Unknown:
I took the bearings all them years ago when it first was appeared. From Gladyska to Mardike's jetty and from under the old George and Dragon's Eye in Ear to the White House below Forrick Falls. I could fix a marker buoy over the very spot.
[00:01:53] Unknown:
Maybe it was a marker boy you saw, captain.
[00:01:57] Unknown:
It was no marker. It was a woman. And I say it's Libby Filtham back to collect her due for her. And in charge, murder will out.
[00:02:24] Unknown:
Our mystery drama, The Smile of Death, was written especially for the mystery theater by Ian Martin and stars Russell Horton. The pretty little town of Golden Friars stands by the margin of a sizable lake, hemmed around by an amphitheater of purple mountains, a place where legends are born and persist. And those most responsible for keeping them alive are inside the warmth of the George and the Dragon pub. Hey. That's a wet night.
[00:03:05] Unknown:
Seems like both natural and unnatural things are having a bit to say about Sao Bale's return. The Mardike's Exold, doctor Torbay. What was the thunderstorm coming on the ills of your mentioning that the baronet was coming home and her being seen again? Her? The woman in the lake. Her and her children to marry the baroness with all the money. A ghost.
[00:03:40] Unknown:
He murdered fifteen year ago.
[00:03:44] Unknown:
Oh, come now, Jack. Murder the girl disappeared. That's all. Carrying one child
[00:03:50] Unknown:
and abandoning the other.
[00:03:52] Unknown:
We were holding out a baby in her arms when we came nearer. Before she disappeared. That ghost woman.
[00:04:02] Unknown:
Doctor, was she Libby Felton?
[00:04:06] Unknown:
She had a scarf or veil like bound around about her face. And a great cloak with a big hood like their monks will be wearing. With her face all in shadow.
[00:04:22] Unknown:
As an orphan, when was it you saw this sight?
[00:04:26] Unknown:
Yesterday off the point of Snake's Island. The exact same spot she showed up to begin will ouch.
[00:04:53] Unknown:
I know there was no murder. Why why should she run away? Why should she leave them to another woman? You know, I, dear Trumble. Don't you see? That's just the point. Oh, I I'm I'm not defending Bayle's conduct or his morals, but the fact is that he and Elizabeth were never married. She had no claim on him legally or her children.
[00:05:13] Unknown:
Pure and all, doctor, she might have made quite a bit of trouble with the Baroness if she'd still been about.
[00:05:21] Unknown:
He only disappeared two days before the Baroness came down for the wedding. And showed up in the like every day from then until they went to Europe. Starcon straight out of the water. If I, the way no human being could support it, she'll.
[00:05:43] Unknown:
Forgetting that. It's an illusion or some trick of the mist against the background of Steak Island. The bear will be all by himself coming home. Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. The Baroness died a few months ago. Pneumonia. I wasn't thinking of her. I was thinking of the void. Well, Philip, oh, well, that I don't know. We should have to be patient till the end of the week when the baron has arrived.
[00:06:09] Unknown:
Oh, dear me. Where'll be the male coke stopping? Perhaps, Sir Bale decided to hurry up his return.
[00:06:16] Unknown:
Hey, my opinion. He's been summoned.
[00:06:24] Unknown:
Well, what I can see through the rain, it's not Sir Bale. You know, it's supposed to be a younger man and tall. Well, well, well, we'll soon see. He's on his way in with an end all. I could, wish you up some supper, sir. Cheese and some steak and kidney pie, if you'd like. No. No. No. Thank you. All I require is a little information and a smaller noggin of brand. No. Be be right back with it. Mhmm. Wait a minute, sir. Draw close to the fire, sir. We have a cold, unpleasant night, I thank you,
[00:06:52] Unknown:
sir. You,
[00:06:54] Unknown:
you're a stranger at least, but I could say so. Yes. You you surprised us after fashion because we were ex in expectation possibly of someone else. Our local baronet,
[00:07:05] Unknown:
sir Baal Mardite. Now you should bend this, sir. Thank you, my host.
[00:07:11] Unknown:
Yes. Mardite's hold is a very pretty object from the lakes and very much admired about you.
[00:07:19] Unknown:
As is the house of the Feadram, as the head of the glen, for all its written in ruin now. Plooster house that was on On opposite side of Lake Hughes. Exactly opposite.
[00:07:37] Unknown:
Fortune. Well, that was one of our great families down here. We've
[00:07:42] Unknown:
dwindled to nothing now. Pop pox on both their houses. Nothing but trouble. The woman who the woman who rises out of the water of Snake Island has auto.
[00:07:56] Unknown:
Pay not attention to him. I'm I'm afraid I have no time. This should be enough to pay for my brandy. Now, my noggin of information.
[00:08:06] Unknown:
Is missus Julepa well and in good health and still under the roof of Mardike Hall? Oh, yes indeed she is. I saw her early this day, bustling about getting all in readiness for Surbail's return.
[00:08:19] Unknown:
Only Surbail
[00:08:21] Unknown:
Well, yes, as I know.
[00:08:24] Unknown:
Perhaps it is as well that I preceded him. If you will excuse me?
[00:08:31] Unknown:
This room is not well lighted and I'm no longer as young as I was.
[00:08:36] Unknown:
Should I not,
[00:08:38] Unknown:
recognize you? Not really. I am quite different from the babe you brought into the world, doctor Dorey. Good heavens. As as you must know already, I am Philip Beltrum. And now if you will excuse me, I must go prepare for the return of my master.
[00:09:07] Unknown:
Now who will that be? Alright, mother Juniper. Don't expect to speculate. Just stir your old legs and open the door. Yes. Yes, sir. And I helped you. I know I've changed Mopsy, but that much
[00:09:26] Unknown:
Must have been oh, sure. I never recognized you in a thousand years. Oh, my dear boy. Come in. Calm. Well, aren't you gonna give me a hug? Oh, you're a little big for that now, but all I have to do is be asked.
[00:09:42] Unknown:
Oh, my precious little fellas. Oh, my. See, my my. Oh, how you've grown.
[00:09:50] Unknown:
Ten years it must be since I packed your little carpet bag and saw you off my couch for the continent
[00:09:56] Unknown:
the day the master took you away from me. The master. So Bale,
[00:10:02] Unknown:
who is he with you now?
[00:10:03] Unknown:
No. No. He he won't be down till the weekend then
[00:10:07] Unknown:
Oh, then we'll have a little time together. So nothing's changed, is it? In all these years If you mean, sir Bale, I'm afraid not. And the Baroness is dead.
[00:10:24] Unknown:
All her money gone with her. It'll be a hard road to eke out all our livings here at Mardikes Hall. He'd never be back here if he weren't desperate.
[00:10:33] Unknown:
I said nothing was changed. Oh, but it isn't true. You are Philip. Oh, my little Philip. Where is all the joy you had of life? The laughter you found in everything.
[00:10:48] Unknown:
Where is Papa the Juleper? Oh, John.
[00:10:52] Unknown:
He died two years ago. Oh. A quiet happy death. Don't you miss him? Oh, every moment of every day. But we had forty years together. A lot of memories for an old lady to live out life on. I still have the same joy for life. The love I tried to give you when I brought you up now. When when we did, John and me. Before your father took you away from mister Germany. Didn't you find any happiness there, Philip boy? Judge for yourself.
[00:11:26] Unknown:
I was not welcomed by my mother-in-law. Perhaps, I rested too hard on my father's conscience. No, no happiness Mopsy.
[00:11:46] Unknown:
Stay there, a moment driver. I'll raise the house so we can choose some help with the luggage. Where in the name of the devil is anyone? At? Missus Tulipan. Glad to see you're still alive. Well, as my natural offspring to speak of him as kindly as possible, why isn't he here and ready to greet me? Oh, we didn't expect you tonight. Sir Philip. Sir Philip? Well, I
[00:12:14] Unknown:
meant Philip. He took the trap over Cluston Way to bring my niece back. See if you're to be making your home. Here I I thought we need a little extra help. I asked you to make arrangements. I didn't order. Well, in your letter, you said to make already to open the hall.
[00:12:29] Unknown:
Ask you or Philip to make any plans for me beyond those I issue myself. Well, I'm afraid it's my fault. No. 'Tis Philip's. I thought by now, I thought him to have no mind of his own. Not for want of trying,
[00:12:44] Unknown:
but you won't succeed. What does that mean? Come here with me across the drive and out to the edge of the terrace. There. Look out across the lake
[00:12:59] Unknown:
towards Snake's Island. I abhor that lake, water of any kind. I won't. I can't. You must, sir Pail. Must. Too. Because I'm old in your service and not long for this world. He's
[00:13:14] Unknown:
still waiting for you. Who? Philip's mother. See her in the moonlight before Snake's Island. Standing above the water. Reaching to you for all the things she never had from you. Libby. Yes. Libby. Elizabeth
[00:13:37] Unknown:
Beltran.
[00:13:39] Unknown:
Who do you think it was brought you back here at last?
[00:13:50] Unknown:
What is that luminous shape that drifts in the eddying mist reflecting the soft, deceiving light of the moon? Is it the apparition that gossip believes rises from the lake crying out for justice? Or is it some trick of refracted light like the Loch Ness monster could be? Or the spinning disc of a UFO? I'll return shortly with act two. For a long long moment, a glowering sir bale Mardikes gazes across the lake. Then suddenly a cloud passes across the moon and the shimmering expanse of water darkens and disappears. And with it, the specter, apparition, or illusion that seemed to hover over it. As though released from a spell, the baronet turns on his heel heading back towards the house.
The old woman hard put to her to keep up with his rapid pace. Alright, driver.
[00:14:53] Unknown:
You may take all my luggage and file it inside in the hall. When my servant returns, I'll have him put it away where it belongs. Here. Take this for your service. Missus Julepah, I shall be in the study before a fire to banish this jewel from my bones. Is that brandy there? Yes, sir. Would you care for a bite to eat? No. No. I want to be alone till Philip returns. But I want to see him the moment he does. The moment. Do
[00:15:21] Unknown:
you hear? It's coming on to twilight, mister
[00:15:28] Unknown:
Beltram. Maybe we better hurry. Not not for me. I'm in no hurry to face my my employer if he's arrived yet. Well,
[00:15:36] Unknown:
that's a strange thing to say. Your employer?
[00:15:40] Unknown:
Isn't that what he is? Well,
[00:15:45] Unknown:
I I I don't mean to say anything out of turn, but Mrs. Julep is my aunt. And I know she brought you up from the time you were four till you were 12. Yes.
[00:15:54] Unknown:
Mobsy is the only real parent I ever had.
[00:15:56] Unknown:
I'm a bit confused. I mean, I know your own mother disappeared like. But you've been with your own father since you were 12 in Europe. My father, yes. Yes.
[00:16:08] Unknown:
In a manner of speaking, it isn't quite the same when you've been born as the phrase goes on the wrong side of the blanket. Well, I realize the stepmother isn't quite the same as the real one. Oh, I had a few quarrels with my stepmother. She was a cold, remote, unhappy woman. But the man from whose seed I came is something else again.
[00:16:28] Unknown:
I wish you weren't so bitter and Bitter, Jenny. Just
[00:16:33] Unknown:
just beaten, cowed and whipped and as much a slave as if I were clothed in iron. Mister Philip Please. Just
[00:16:43] Unknown:
Philip.
[00:16:44] Unknown:
Philip. Alright then, Philip. If you wish. But you mustn't give up on life. Not at our age. I have too much of it left to live
[00:16:54] Unknown:
where anything's possible. Yes. You haven't met sir Bale yet. And, maybe I had better make a little better time. Oops. Let's let's see.
[00:17:08] Unknown:
Oh.
[00:17:12] Unknown:
Lord. I thought you'd never get here. What were you up to? Nothing, aunt Margaret. Oh, sure. I wouldn't blame you. The two of you are so bright and young if you had dawdled a bit on the way. That was my fault, Mopsy. Glad I am to hear it. So you have some spirit left in you for you'll need it. D'oh, he's in a black mood, the master is, and waiting for you in the study.
[00:17:37] Unknown:
I'll go see him right away. I think it's terrible.
[00:17:41] Unknown:
I mean, how can his father treat him the way he does? How indeed.
[00:17:46] Unknown:
All for the want of a little scrap of paper. For he's his son, you've only to look at the eyes to see that. But because he has no legal standing, the father has broken him, twisted all the joy and life out of him. You mock my words, Jenny. He'll pay for that before he dies.
[00:18:09] Unknown:
Where the devil have you been, Phelton? I I I went to fetch mop,
[00:18:13] Unknown:
missus Julepher's niece from around the end of the lake. No need of that. If she wanted to work so badly, she could have walked here. It's 20 miles or more.
[00:18:21] Unknown:
You weren't all the way around to the old cloistered house poking around? No. Well, why would I have gone there? I No matter. No matter. You were gone long enough most of the day. Sir, I didn't want to push the mayor. I mean, it's it's so pretty by the lake. Pretty? Damn. If I had my way, I'd bring the miserable thing. It's little better than a cesspool. I had no wish to anger you. I needed you and where were you?
[00:18:45] Unknown:
Needed needed me? Yes.
[00:18:47] Unknown:
We've come back to a shambles and a trap. The books are hopelessness, rents unpaid or uncollected debts, and scarce enough money to keep the roof over our own heads, let alone missus Julepah. Jenny had come to help her aunt. She she asks little in return. Even that little, I doubt if we can provide. If if there's some way I could help them I want the papers in order. I want to know who owes what. I'll done them or take everything away from them that they possess. One way or another, we must have money. Let us find a way to get it no matter what it costs. If if you'll excuse me, sir Bale,
[00:19:26] Unknown:
I did arrange to have fun set aside, but you used them to bet on the horses. You
[00:19:32] Unknown:
fooling utter mistake of my use. Don't presume to criticize me. Well, I wasn't criticizing. I was only trying to explain. The devil with your explanations. I need money. Now get out and ride the valency. Bleed it out of the tenants who've been living off my absence for all these years. But they have paid faithfully, sir. You Then find a way to make them pay some more unless you want all of us to starve to death.
[00:20:05] Unknown:
Why do you take it, Philip? You don't have to be beholden to him. He isn't you. Oh, it doesn't matter anymore.
[00:20:13] Unknown:
What does is that I'm back here. Home. You think of this as home? Well, not the house. The surroundings. The what lies outside and calls me all the time. Telling me my strength and hope is there
[00:20:31] Unknown:
Oh, I think you should get away from here Philip
[00:20:34] Unknown:
Would you go with me? Yes
[00:20:39] Unknown:
Jenny
[00:20:41] Unknown:
Where would I go? Where could I take you? It wouldn't matter. No. No. There's gotta be a better answer than that. I I must have something to offer you. Didn't you say less than three days ago that you wished you had a hundred pounds? A wish. Yes. Which you translated into reality.
[00:21:05] Unknown:
Big question. No. Don't play with me. I have here in my desk a £100 note. Now where's it gone? You think I took it? It? Where else could it go? And why would I take it? To fly forever from your bondage?
[00:21:18] Unknown:
To to escape your vicious tongue, your your your constant derrogation or resentment of me because of the past I remind you of Why,
[00:21:26] Unknown:
dead, sir. I will not listen to some young puppet who told me this. Not listen, sir.
[00:21:32] Unknown:
For this young puppy is unfortunately grown to an age of decision. I want I want no more of your barbarity, your hate, your venom. I'm old enough to choose my own path.
[00:21:45] Unknown:
Financed by the money you stole. I didn't touch it.
[00:21:49] Unknown:
Believe it if you will. I am leaving. And where are you going? Back to my heritage. Back to the lake and across it to where my family's home still stands. Back to test the legend you fear that at last the Mardites, Berenice, and Estate will pass to the Feltrons. That is destiny's decision. Oh, you you can't go out of the night like this. Why not? It was a night like this that bid me home.
[00:22:26] Unknown:
Yes? What is it? It'd be Captain Jack, mister Juliper. It's a sad occasion.
[00:22:32] Unknown:
What is it? What the devil are we being roused from bed for? A corpse of ale
[00:22:38] Unknown:
drowned it under circumstances all the years on the water cannot credit and and brought home to you. Who is it? Your son, Philip Pritchard. Give me a leave to have my man bring his body in. He came to me and offered me £5 to have me and my men throw him across the lake immediately and to pass by the north end of Snake's Island. 5 Pounds, Lot of money, I knows. But it was a rough night, and I had to pay extra for a horse. We were now onto Snake Island when a skull hit it suddenly, and we broached to fighting the Riptide. Well, that was when we lost him.
He fell overboard. Oh, no, Shebils. It weren't exactly like that. There was lightning, as you know. And coming around the point of the island, all of a sudden, like, there was what you might call a a illusion. What kind of an illusion? The figure of a woman above the waterline? Oh, no. Not that one, Cher. This was an hand. A woman's hand that reached up from the water and that mister Philip bent over to grasp. And before we knew it, he was overboard and underwater
[00:24:03] Unknown:
and lost. But you brought him back again?
[00:24:07] Unknown:
Yes, sir. We, we eased up on our oars, and all of a sudden, his body was floating, calm and peaceful like. We hauled him aboard. There's not a thing we could do. Empty his lungs of water, Try the artificial respiration. Nothing nothing would bring him too. So we bring him home here.
[00:24:43] Unknown:
There's no question at all, sir Bell. You did everything you could and more. And I'm sure captain Jack and his men did terrible thing terrible thing.
[00:24:53] Unknown:
You're quite sure, Philip, he's
[00:24:55] Unknown:
well, that he's he's drowned. No pulse. No respiration. Cold as a lead image in the garden.
[00:25:03] Unknown:
No. Philip is dead. Damned irritating little fool. How am I to make do without him? It's a great loss, one's only son. You think I care for that? He was a weakling and a burden. But I had uses for him as a servant. Worst of all, he's stolen a hundred pounds from me and left me without a penny. As to that, sir, you'll
[00:25:27] Unknown:
have reason to be ashamed. Here's your hundred pound note. Why? I found it among some papers in the waste paper basket that you asked me to empty. So you crawled him from the house for nothing to his death. Well,
[00:25:43] Unknown:
how was I to know? My dad, Doctor. Torvey. Can't something be done about that corpse? He's he's grinning at me as if he pulled off some trick or something.
[00:25:55] Unknown:
Rhesus Sardonakis. The smile of death surveil. Rigamoris is setting in.
[00:26:07] Unknown:
Love. Love. Tell me that. What is a Jenny Lam? I waited You may well raise his name. For look.
[00:26:34] Unknown:
Ghost. Don't be alarmed. I am no ghost. I'm alive and well.
[00:26:40] Unknown:
In fact, I have never been in more complete control of my faculties
[00:26:45] Unknown:
in all my life.
[00:26:56] Unknown:
Who and what is he? This Philip Feltham who was drowned and pronounced dead medically? Man or ghost? And almost as amazing and Whatever metamorphosis Philip Beltram had gone through, he is a very different individual from the meek, subservient excuse for a man that he had been. Sir Bale, unable to adjust to their new relationship, was hesitant and defeated. He was no longer the master from the very first morning after Philip's renaissance for more reasons
[00:27:53] Unknown:
than one. What's that, Peltru? The beginning of the restoration
[00:27:56] Unknown:
of the Mardike's fortune, I hope. We shall have a purse with money in it.
[00:28:02] Unknown:
Goat. Guinness.
[00:28:06] Unknown:
A small fortune. No need to count them. There are 300.
[00:28:10] Unknown:
A drop in the bucket, but a beginning. What do you mean a beginning? Properly used.
[00:28:16] Unknown:
They can multiply. How? B swing, falcon, and lightning. What? The names mean nothing to you? No. I
[00:28:26] Unknown:
oh, stop a bit. They're horses in the weekend races. Two of them anyway. Right? Correct. All of them. But what of it? You're not suggesting that any of this money should be bet on them. I am? But they are also rands. They have the chance of winning. Would you like this purse of gold? Well, naturally, where did it come from anyway? From a a
[00:28:50] Unknown:
gypsy. Lend to me to lend to you under certain stringency. What? That you use it to advance your fortunes, but that you must bet at least 5 guineas each on the horses I named. And the rest? You may use as you choose, always remembering that the debt must be repaid. Gypsy chooses to call for it. Who is this gypsy? What's his name? I cannot reveal that. Well, I don't know that. I want to be involved in something so secret. What choice do you have or do you wish me to return the purse? Samuel.
[00:29:27] Unknown:
No. If it amuses you, keep your secret. I shall go to the Hettleson race course and live up to the letter of the bargain. But let me reassure you and your mysterious Gypsy, sir Beale Mardikes is still his own man.
[00:29:49] Unknown:
Welcome home, sir Bea. Good day at the races? Do you ask me that only to fix me? Why no? I'd heard your horses won. Game your hide. You heard that, did you? Yes. And at 40 to one on bee's wings, 60 to one on lightning, and 50 to one on falcon. Let me
[00:30:05] Unknown:
see. At 100 guineas apiece, that should make I didn't bet that way. I bet the favorites. Oh, oh, oh, that wasn't the agreement. I lived up to the agreement. Brought your soul. I put 5 guineas apiece on the horses and came away from that with a take of 775
[00:30:22] Unknown:
guineas. But you might have made some £15,050 if you'd followed the handicapping.
[00:30:27] Unknown:
I wanna meet this gypsy with the second sight. That can be arranged.
[00:30:32] Unknown:
Come with me now and and we'll sail across the lake to the other side where you can meet your benefactors.
[00:30:38] Unknown:
No. No man or any other force will put me on that lake. But you can help me, my boy. How? Find me one of your magic winners through this gypsy for next weekend's races and I'll plunge all this time.
[00:30:53] Unknown:
I'll let you know tomorrow. I have your answer, sir Bail. Yes? I took your money to to my principal who was angry and displeased that you did not come yourself. However, I have a name for you to put your remaining winnings on. Another bonanza at long odds. The winner at Langton Lee will be Silver Bell.
[00:31:25] Unknown:
May you be banished to eternal hell? I believe this is all a scheme of yours to ruin me, Peltrom. Why? What happened? I was fool enough to take the other money. I'd won mortgage what I could of the estate and put it all together to win a paltry 7,000 with 20,000
[00:31:43] Unknown:
bet. How could you risk everything on a mere word from me? Silverbell was the favorite.
[00:31:49] Unknown:
There was no chance for him to lose except in luck at the far turn that set his hoof in a bottle and tourist fetlock. I'm ruined. All this is gone. A street, house,
[00:32:00] Unknown:
everything I own. You could recover it if you so desired. Cross the lake with me and the Baronet Sea can still be saved. To meet this gypsy of yours?
[00:32:11] Unknown:
Yes. What chance have I left? Very well. Let's go. Must we set a course so near that accursed Snake's Island? What have you to fear? Not I did. Well, don't tell me you expect to see the famous specter rise from the sea. I tell you nothing. Get us ashore to meet this mysterious gypsy who holds my life in his hands. A new experience for you. You seem to be enjoying this. Part payment for all you've put me through, perhaps. Where are you taking me, Philip?
[00:32:49] Unknown:
Philip. Doesn't that name sound strange on your lips after all these years? Have no fear. I'm leading you to one who will restore your fortunes. I
[00:33:00] Unknown:
I think I want to turn back. You can't.
[00:33:03] Unknown:
The course is set. The die
[00:33:07] Unknown:
is
[00:33:10] Unknown:
cast. This old oak is as far as I go.
[00:33:14] Unknown:
You're you're you're not going to lead me? The path is marked
[00:33:17] Unknown:
between the ash trees to the cliff side. From there to the mulberry bush that marks the entrance to the cave. And where? Your future
[00:33:26] Unknown:
and your past.
[00:33:27] Unknown:
I don't understand you. All your life a weakling and a burden and now all of a sudden all this strength. Ever since your accident. How?
[00:33:37] Unknown:
You remember the fable of Acteon in Greek mythology?
[00:33:40] Unknown:
Who drew his strength from the ground and lost it when lifted above it? Exactly.
[00:33:45] Unknown:
I was drawn into the water, but rose refreshed and invigorated as if newborn. Go seek the one you must find and you will know why at last.
[00:33:56] Unknown:
Clyde, I I I don't know if I have the courage.
[00:34:00] Unknown:
You've gone too far to turn back. You can never turn back anymore. You will find the one you seek in the darkling cave.
[00:34:14] Unknown:
Hello? Hello?
[00:34:18] Unknown:
So you came back to me back. You can it be you, Libby? Does my appearance shock you? The eroded flesh, barnacles that cling in my hair, the whitening bone. Oh,
[00:34:37] Unknown:
lord. What can I say? Nothing. That isn't why I bad you here. But it that there's no excuse for me. I know.
[00:34:47] Unknown:
But who is I? I was young.
[00:34:49] Unknown:
I was foolish and desperate. The barrenness meant money and the future and escape. But escape
[00:34:57] Unknown:
from me and the two children you tore for my body. I took care of Philip. Oh, yes. After your fashion. The one that was never born was less than murder. I was desperate then. How desperate are you now?
[00:35:14] Unknown:
Well, that there is it's
[00:35:17] Unknown:
it's it's another situation. But you are desperate. You stand on the brink of ruin. Yes. Then will you strike a bargain with me? What? Who do you think sent you the purse with the 300 guineas? Or told you the horse that would win? You stared me wrong on the most important one. Of course. Because I had to teach you a lesson and bring you here at last so we could make a bargain with life.
[00:35:50] Unknown:
Oh, this is madness. You are long dead and gone.
[00:35:55] Unknown:
What are we discussing?
[00:35:57] Unknown:
Your future and Philip's and mine.
[00:36:02] Unknown:
I don't understand.
[00:36:03] Unknown:
I'll explain it for you. I will give you money again, and I will name you horses which will make you a rich man and the house of Martyke secure on one condition, that you give me what you should have nearly twenty five years ago, with your name. What?
[00:36:26] Unknown:
How can I marry you? Your twenty five years did.
[00:36:32] Unknown:
Philip has made all arrangements with the vicar. If you meet me at the altar of Golden Friars Church tomorrow night at 08:00, the wedding will be performed.
[00:36:43] Unknown:
But why why now is it? It's impossible.
[00:36:47] Unknown:
My dowry will be a purse of gold
[00:36:50] Unknown:
of £10,000
[00:36:53] Unknown:
and the name of a horse which will insure Mardykes and its heirs for all time. Can we meet?
[00:37:02] Unknown:
I will be there. Whatever else bettights, I will be there.
[00:37:17] Unknown:
Early, beloved, we are met here in the sight of God to join this man and this Oh,
[00:37:31] Unknown:
Captain Drake. Oh, woman from the light, mister John Wall.
[00:37:36] Unknown:
What are you talking about, men? That's only an apparition. A ghost.
[00:37:42] Unknown:
A great woman.
[00:37:43] Unknown:
So was Philip, son, but he rose from the watery grave.
[00:37:50] Unknown:
Don't talk of such things in the church. Which Lippi Falcon, Mudrat, come back, but she's alive. She spent last night at my inn.
[00:38:02] Unknown:
Boy,
[00:38:03] Unknown:
you saw her face? No. No. No. She was veiled just as she is now at the altar. Do you, Elizabeth Stanford Feltron, take this man, sir Bael Mordite, to be your lawful wedded husband?
[00:38:22] Unknown:
I do.
[00:38:23] Unknown:
And, do you, sir Bail Mardike, take this woman, Elizabeth, to be your lawful wedded wife? I do. Then by the virtue of the power rested in me as a vicar of God, I do now pronounce you man and wife.
[00:38:51] Unknown:
Dear Jenny, girl.
[00:38:53] Unknown:
What are you crying for?
[00:38:55] Unknown:
It was so beautiful, auntie. Her coming back after all these years. And finally taking her rightful place
[00:39:04] Unknown:
is Lady Mardikes. I wish my mind rested as easy as yours. And Philip,
[00:39:09] Unknown:
his rightful name at last and the stain taken away. Philip Mardikes. Oh, where will the bride and groom sleep this night?
[00:39:22] Unknown:
Marleyum. Nothing would do but Sir Bayle must off to the races his wedding night. Oh, no good to a marriage which starts with gambling. No. It was doomed anyway out of the past. You mark my words, Jenny. There is worse to come.
[00:39:43] Unknown:
Don't pop your eyes at me, my girl. I'm alone as you can see. But the Lady Mardikes Lady Mardikes will not be coming here. Get Philip and have him bring the rest of these heavy bags to my room.
[00:40:00] Unknown:
Come.
[00:40:02] Unknown:
Where do you want these father? Put them on the bed with the others. I shall have little enough use for it again. I'll get the door.
[00:40:10] Unknown:
Oh, they are heavy enough.
[00:40:13] Unknown:
She gave me three horses to parley at unbelievable odds and 10,000 pounds to wager. There's over a million on the bed. More than enough to pay all the debts, set the estate to write, and bury me. Bury you? You heard me. I must join my wife, but her home must be mine. This one will be yours. You realize that? I I I am I'm sorry, father. So am I for many things. Marry your little Jenny so there will be a lady, Mardox, to light up this gloomy old place and banish the shadows forever. Leave me alone now. As soon as it's dark, I shall go to her.
I shall never return. Father, I I get it. Philip Mardax. Soon to be sir. It's too late for me. And I go to to know better than I deserve.
[00:41:34] Unknown:
It was three days before they found sir Bail Mardikes floating face downward just off the point of Snake's Island. And when they brought him to shore, the exposure to the air set the corpse's face in that haunting grin of death. The Rhesus sardonicus. Even the undertaker with all his art was unable to wipe it away. I'll be back shortly.
[00:42:01] Unknown:
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[00:43:02] Unknown:
In the spirit of holiday giving, The Wall Street Journal offers the following advice. Give your business associates, friends, or even yourself a gift of real value. A gift that can benefit careers and help get the new year off to a successful start. Give the Wall Street Journal. The journal provides a clear complete look at the business world, and it's organized to give readers the news they need quickly every business day. From the economy to politics, personal investments to corporate finance, marketing to technology, and the law, you'll find it in the journal. What's more, the Wall Street Journal is a gift that will be enjoyed long after the holidays. Now in fact, you can send a twelve week subscription for only $29.75. That's twelve weeks for only $29.75.
[00:43:45] Unknown:
Call toll free, 802311800. Call now so the journal's gift card in your name will arrive in time for the holidays. Today's Wall Street Journal, faster, tougher, smarter. Call 802311800 now.
[00:44:12] Unknown:
Sir Bail Mardikes rests now in the family crypt, but not alone. For the night following the discovery of his body in the lake, captain Jack brought up the body of a woman in the same spot. A scarf scarf was wound about her face. But when Philip gently unwound it, there was the face of his mother, Libby, lovely and youthful as it was fifteen years ago. She lies in the vault too, beside the man who at last gave her and her son what he had denied them so long, his name. Our cast included Russell Horton, Court Benson, Ian Martin, Joan Shea, and Evie Jester. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown.
[00:44:58] Unknown:
I can't give my child everything, and that really hurts. But he knows I love him, and I'm doing everything I can. Like making sure he's healthy. I got this booklet at my food stamp office with all kinds of nutrition tips. Like what I should do about snacking and ways I can cut down on too much sugar, fat, and salt. The booklet really helps choose foods for good health and nutrition. That's real important.
[00:45:26] Unknown:
In the food stamp program, we know the job of mom isn't easy, but we're here to help. Our free nutrition booklet will help you choose the foods that are best for your kids. We've even included some simple recipes for good healthy eating. For a free copy, stop by your local food stamp office today for the love of your kids.
[00:45:46] Unknown:
I wish I could give my son more, but we're gonna be just fine.
[00:45:51] Unknown:
A public service message from the US Department of Agriculture and the Ad Council.
[00:45:58] Unknown:
This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time.
