1 00:00:00,645 --> 00:00:03,910 In a few minutes, this man is going to be murdered. 2 00:00:04,081 --> 00:00:06,208 The question is, who killed him? 3 00:00:06,384 --> 00:00:07,817 Was it the frustrated nephew? 4 00:00:07,919 --> 00:00:10,387 Do you really believe that a devoted nephew 5 00:00:10,488 --> 00:00:11,785 would kill his uncle? 6 00:00:11,956 --> 00:00:13,048 The spurned housekeeper? 7 00:00:13,157 --> 00:00:14,624 He had no further need of me. 8 00:00:14,792 --> 00:00:16,487 The fiancé with a shady past? 9 00:00:16,594 --> 00:00:17,959 I could get away with murder out here. 10 00:00:18,129 --> 00:00:19,255 The willful heiress? 11 00:00:19,363 --> 00:00:20,489 I didn't kill my father! 12 00:00:20,665 --> 00:00:22,428 Or was it someone else? 13 00:00:22,600 --> 00:00:23,498 Hold it. 14 00:00:23,668 --> 00:00:25,829 I'm sorry, Reverend. I couldn't find the right door. 15 00:00:25,937 --> 00:00:27,097 Match wits with Ellery Queen 16 00:00:27,271 --> 00:00:30,434 and see if you can guess who done it 17 00:01:32,570 --> 00:01:34,299 Ellery, will you please hurry? 18 00:01:34,405 --> 00:01:37,067 What's the rush, Dad? The fish will still be there. 19 00:01:37,174 --> 00:01:38,664 The best fishing's early in the morning. 20 00:01:38,776 --> 00:01:41,904 Then why are we leaving in the middle of the night? 21 00:01:42,013 --> 00:01:43,640 Now, what? 22 00:01:43,748 --> 00:01:46,444 I can't find my book on famous American murders. 23 00:01:46,550 --> 00:01:47,710 On top of the desk. 24 00:01:47,885 --> 00:01:50,410 Oh, yeah. Thanks. 25 00:01:51,355 --> 00:01:53,789 Ellery, let's get going. 26 00:01:53,891 --> 00:01:55,222 I can't find my glasses. 27 00:01:55,860 --> 00:01:58,090 In the bookcase. 28 00:02:03,567 --> 00:02:05,228 And if you're looking for your car keys, 29 00:02:05,336 --> 00:02:06,894 they're in the ashtray. 30 00:02:07,004 --> 00:02:08,995 - Ashtray? - That one. 31 00:02:10,274 --> 00:02:12,071 Oh, yeah. 32 00:02:19,283 --> 00:02:22,446 You'd forget your head if it wasn't fastened on. 33 00:03:11,469 --> 00:03:13,494 What's the matter with the blasted thing? 34 00:03:13,604 --> 00:03:16,164 It's hard to say. What we need, I think, is a mechanic. 35 00:03:16,273 --> 00:03:17,638 What's the matter with our mechanic? 36 00:03:17,742 --> 00:03:20,643 Didn't he see something was wrong when you took it in for a checkup? 37 00:03:20,745 --> 00:03:21,575 Checkup? 38 00:03:22,279 --> 00:03:23,268 You mean you didn't? 39 00:03:23,814 --> 00:03:25,509 Dad, I think I forgot. 40 00:03:25,616 --> 00:03:28,141 Not sure I forgot, but I think I forgot. 41 00:03:28,252 --> 00:03:29,810 How could you forget? 42 00:03:29,920 --> 00:03:31,683 We've been planning on this fishing trip for weeks. 43 00:03:31,789 --> 00:03:33,051 We've been talking about nothing else. 44 00:03:33,224 --> 00:03:34,748 As far as this car's concerned, 45 00:03:34,859 --> 00:03:37,089 I've turned in better junk to the scrap drive. 46 00:03:39,330 --> 00:03:40,592 Well, here comes a car. 47 00:03:40,698 --> 00:03:42,461 - Hey! Hold it! - Hey! Hey, hey! 48 00:03:44,835 --> 00:03:46,996 Stop in the name of the law! 49 00:03:47,104 --> 00:03:48,594 That was the sheriff's car. 50 00:03:48,706 --> 00:03:50,139 I know what it was! 51 00:03:50,241 --> 00:03:51,333 What do we do now? 52 00:03:58,549 --> 00:03:59,948 Are we gonna need the rifle, Sheriff? 53 00:04:00,050 --> 00:04:02,018 - Bring it. We'll see. - Yes, sir. 54 00:04:09,393 --> 00:04:11,657 [ Rings doorbell ] 55 00:04:13,697 --> 00:04:15,358 Morning, Tilda. 56 00:04:15,466 --> 00:04:17,730 Oscar. What are you doing here? 57 00:04:17,902 --> 00:04:19,130 I came over to see Eben Wright. 58 00:04:19,303 --> 00:04:22,534 Mr. Wright doesn't like to be disturbed when he's in his study. 59 00:04:22,706 --> 00:04:24,833 But, Tilda, he sent for me. 60 00:04:25,776 --> 00:04:29,177 Oh, well, in that case, wipe your feet. 61 00:04:38,989 --> 00:04:40,581 You might have told me you were coming. 62 00:04:40,691 --> 00:04:41,851 What did he say on the phone? 63 00:04:41,959 --> 00:04:44,860 Precious little. Just to hustle on over here with my two deputies. 64 00:04:44,962 --> 00:04:47,328 By the way, Tilda, I hope I can count on your vote 65 00:04:47,431 --> 00:04:48,728 come Election Day. 66 00:04:48,833 --> 00:04:50,858 - We'll see. - Well, here's a little reminder. 67 00:04:51,035 --> 00:04:54,664 I'll pin it on myself... if I have a mind to wear it. 68 00:04:54,839 --> 00:04:57,364 I can't think of any place I'd rather see it. 69 00:04:57,541 --> 00:05:00,101 Mr. Wright is in the study. Knock. 70 00:05:10,788 --> 00:05:12,255 [ Knocking on door ] 71 00:05:12,356 --> 00:05:13,186 Come in. 72 00:05:13,290 --> 00:05:15,019 [ Door opens ] 73 00:05:18,929 --> 00:05:20,396 I'd about given up on you. 74 00:05:20,497 --> 00:05:21,555 Well, I tell you, Mr. Wright, 75 00:05:21,665 --> 00:05:23,826 that old county car won't do more than 50. 76 00:05:23,934 --> 00:05:25,299 Been a long time since I nailed a speeder. 77 00:05:25,469 --> 00:05:26,436 What would you have done 78 00:05:26,537 --> 00:05:28,027 if this was a real emergency situation. 79 00:05:28,205 --> 00:05:30,571 Well, likely you'd have mentioned it to me on the phone. 80 00:05:30,674 --> 00:05:32,141 What can I do for you, Mr. Wright? 81 00:05:32,309 --> 00:05:34,402 You know my daughter Julia's getting married in two days. 82 00:05:34,578 --> 00:05:36,045 I know that. Yes, sir. 83 00:05:36,146 --> 00:05:37,238 Right after the ceremony, 84 00:05:37,348 --> 00:05:39,748 she and her husband are leaving for their honeymoon. 85 00:05:39,917 --> 00:05:42,511 I'm giving them a very special wedding present. 86 00:05:42,620 --> 00:05:44,451 That's why I called you, Oscar. 87 00:05:44,555 --> 00:05:46,455 I want it guarded while it's in this house. 88 00:05:46,624 --> 00:05:48,216 Some kind of jewelry or something like that? 89 00:05:48,692 --> 00:05:49,624 Not really. 90 00:05:49,793 --> 00:05:51,658 Have you ever seen anything like this? 91 00:05:51,762 --> 00:05:53,093 What in blue thunder is that? 92 00:05:53,264 --> 00:05:56,392 That's a Chinese temple dog -- solid gold. 93 00:05:56,500 --> 00:05:58,127 - Those red stones. - Rubies. 94 00:05:58,302 --> 00:06:00,270 And the green ones are emeralds. 95 00:06:00,437 --> 00:06:03,702 This was my wedding gift to my bride -- Julia's mother. 96 00:06:03,807 --> 00:06:06,367 Its value has increased to nearly half a million dollars. 97 00:06:06,477 --> 00:06:07,444 Is that a fact? 98 00:06:07,611 --> 00:06:10,409 When I asked my nephew Warren to bring it up from New York City, 99 00:06:10,514 --> 00:06:13,381 I expected him to bring a couple of armed guards with him. 100 00:06:13,484 --> 00:06:14,746 You know Warren. 101 00:06:14,919 --> 00:06:18,514 He throws this gold dog into a suitcase with his underwear, 102 00:06:18,622 --> 00:06:20,317 comes up here on the train alone. 103 00:06:20,491 --> 00:06:22,152 Don't you worry none, Mr. Wright. 104 00:06:22,259 --> 00:06:24,853 I guarantee its safety as long as it's in my county. 105 00:06:24,962 --> 00:06:26,190 - Ralph? - Yes, sir. 106 00:06:26,297 --> 00:06:28,765 You stand out front with your rifle. Stu, you go 'round back. 107 00:06:28,933 --> 00:06:30,662 You question everybody coming into this house 108 00:06:30,768 --> 00:06:31,962 that you don't know personally 109 00:06:32,069 --> 00:06:34,162 and search everybody going out, no matter who. 110 00:06:34,338 --> 00:06:35,066 - Got it? - Yes, sir. 111 00:06:35,172 --> 00:06:36,730 Well, get cracking. 112 00:06:38,042 --> 00:06:40,237 Don't you worry about a thing, Mr. Wright. 113 00:06:43,213 --> 00:06:45,977 Hey, Julia, look at that. 114 00:06:46,083 --> 00:06:47,710 What, darling? 115 00:06:49,586 --> 00:06:51,076 It's a deputy sheriff. 116 00:06:51,188 --> 00:06:54,248 There's another one in the front of the house. 117 00:06:54,358 --> 00:06:57,486 It looks like an armed camp. I don't like that. 118 00:06:58,929 --> 00:07:00,556 What's he doing? 119 00:07:00,664 --> 00:07:03,633 He -- He's waving to somebody in the garden. 120 00:07:04,168 --> 00:07:05,897 - Sir? - Huh? 121 00:07:06,003 --> 00:07:07,470 Oh, I'm sorry. Were you talking to me? 122 00:07:07,571 --> 00:07:08,595 I didn't realize. 123 00:07:08,706 --> 00:07:10,401 Would you mind telling me what you're doing out here? 124 00:07:10,507 --> 00:07:13,442 Oh, not in the least. I was just flicking an aphid off that leaf. 125 00:07:13,544 --> 00:07:14,875 What are you doing out here? 126 00:07:14,979 --> 00:07:17,880 - You're not the gardener. - No. Are you? 127 00:07:17,982 --> 00:07:20,507 Now, look, Mister, you got any business in this house? 128 00:07:20,684 --> 00:07:22,174 Well, I really don't see what business 129 00:07:22,286 --> 00:07:23,583 my business is of yours. 130 00:07:23,687 --> 00:07:25,848 Well, there happens to be a very valuable object in there. 131 00:07:26,023 --> 00:07:27,786 Well, I happen to be the one who brought it from New York. 132 00:07:27,891 --> 00:07:29,882 See, I'm Warren Wright, Eben's nephew. 133 00:07:30,060 --> 00:07:31,425 - Oh, really? - Mm-hm. 134 00:07:31,528 --> 00:07:33,155 Well, I can't take your word for that. 135 00:07:33,263 --> 00:07:35,026 Well, would you like to see some identification? 136 00:07:35,132 --> 00:07:37,965 I have my driver's license right here. 137 00:07:39,136 --> 00:07:40,535 Well, I am sorry, Mr. Wright. 138 00:07:40,637 --> 00:07:43,970 Oh, that's all right. I understand, Constable. 139 00:07:44,608 --> 00:07:46,098 I live in New York mostly. 140 00:07:46,210 --> 00:07:49,008 No reason why you should know who I am. 141 00:07:50,614 --> 00:07:52,047 Yes, sir. 142 00:07:54,251 --> 00:07:57,277 Deputies are on the job, sir. You can rest easier now. 143 00:07:57,388 --> 00:08:00,255 I'll check back later on in the day. Bye now. 144 00:08:03,961 --> 00:08:06,452 I can let myself out, Tilda! 145 00:08:10,968 --> 00:08:13,334 - Everything okay, Ralph? - So far. 146 00:08:13,437 --> 00:08:15,496 You did say to check everybody coming out of the house? 147 00:08:15,606 --> 00:08:17,198 - Everyone, no matter who. - Yes, sir. 148 00:08:17,307 --> 00:08:19,673 Sir, then I guess I better check you. 149 00:08:19,777 --> 00:08:21,438 - Me? - Well, yes, sir. 150 00:08:21,545 --> 00:08:24,070 You're a real stickler, Ralph. Okay. 151 00:08:25,616 --> 00:08:26,913 - Everything okay, Ralph? - Yes, sir. 152 00:08:27,017 --> 00:08:28,644 Good. I'll see you around lunchtime. 153 00:08:46,770 --> 00:08:48,829 [ Clock dings ] 154 00:08:49,740 --> 00:08:52,504 - Sure you won't have one, Julia? - No, thank you. 155 00:08:52,609 --> 00:08:55,806 - Warren, scotch? - Water, please. 156 00:08:57,948 --> 00:09:00,416 This thing is parched. 157 00:09:00,517 --> 00:09:03,680 Tilda, doesn't anyone ever sprinkle the plants around here? 158 00:09:03,787 --> 00:09:05,914 I do, when they need it. 159 00:09:06,023 --> 00:09:07,718 Lunch is ready. 160 00:09:07,825 --> 00:09:08,621 Where's Daddy? 161 00:09:08,725 --> 00:09:10,386 He always has a glass of sherry before lunch. 162 00:09:10,494 --> 00:09:13,190 - Maybe he's breaking with tradition. - Eben? Impossible. 163 00:09:13,297 --> 00:09:14,491 I'll fetch him. 164 00:09:14,598 --> 00:09:16,259 Well, good. That'll give me time to finish this. 165 00:09:16,366 --> 00:09:18,527 Well, here's to the day after tomorrow, honey. 166 00:09:18,635 --> 00:09:19,966 Cheers. 167 00:09:30,013 --> 00:09:32,072 [ Tilda screams ] 168 00:09:36,120 --> 00:09:37,553 - Tilda, what is it? - What's the matter? 169 00:09:37,654 --> 00:09:38,916 Is Daddy in here? 170 00:09:39,022 --> 00:09:42,014 What's wrong? What's wrong? What happened? 171 00:09:59,543 --> 00:10:03,343 Ellery, you'll never catch a fish without a fly in the water. 172 00:10:03,447 --> 00:10:05,438 Dad, do you really think there's trout in there? 173 00:10:05,549 --> 00:10:06,516 I know there is. 174 00:10:07,284 --> 00:10:11,186 I got a big fella last year on the line, but he broke off. 175 00:10:11,288 --> 00:10:12,346 He's the one I'm after. 176 00:10:12,523 --> 00:10:14,991 You mean you came back here for the same fish? 177 00:10:15,159 --> 00:10:16,854 Of course I did. Ever hear of Moby-Dick? 178 00:10:17,027 --> 00:10:18,426 Yes, I have, Captain Ahab. 179 00:10:18,529 --> 00:10:20,429 Tell you what, I'll read, and you fish. 180 00:10:20,531 --> 00:10:23,261 Ellery, there he is. He just dimpled. 181 00:10:23,367 --> 00:10:24,891 I'm gonna put this right on his nose. 182 00:10:27,871 --> 00:10:29,498 I got it! I got him! 183 00:10:30,040 --> 00:10:31,564 Oh, Lord, don't let him break off. 184 00:10:32,709 --> 00:10:34,768 Inspector Queen! 185 00:10:34,878 --> 00:10:35,902 Oh! 186 00:10:36,013 --> 00:10:37,640 You made me lose my fish! 187 00:10:37,748 --> 00:10:39,716 The hotel said I'd find you here. 188 00:10:39,816 --> 00:10:42,307 I take it you are Inspector Richard Queen 189 00:10:42,419 --> 00:10:44,046 of the New York Homicide Bureau. 190 00:10:44,154 --> 00:10:45,314 Well, what about it? 191 00:10:45,489 --> 00:10:47,719 And you must be Ellery Queen. 192 00:10:47,891 --> 00:10:49,222 We know who we are. Who are you? 193 00:10:49,393 --> 00:10:51,361 Oh. Henry Palmer. 194 00:10:51,461 --> 00:10:53,827 I own Palmer Groceries in the village. 195 00:10:53,931 --> 00:10:56,923 I'm also running for election against Oscar Eberhart. 196 00:10:57,100 --> 00:10:58,431 Sheriff Eberhart? 197 00:10:58,602 --> 00:10:59,569 You know him? 198 00:10:59,736 --> 00:11:01,033 I've seen the name. 199 00:11:01,205 --> 00:11:03,969 Well, he's been the incumbent for five terms, 200 00:11:04,074 --> 00:11:06,804 and folks are saying it's time for a change. 201 00:11:06,910 --> 00:11:10,676 Now, we got the first murder in this county in 20 years, 202 00:11:10,781 --> 00:11:12,112 and I know he's gonna flub it. 203 00:11:12,282 --> 00:11:13,510 Murder? 204 00:11:14,218 --> 00:11:15,276 Ellery! 205 00:11:15,953 --> 00:11:18,444 Somebody killed Eben Wright. 206 00:11:20,390 --> 00:11:23,052 You know, Wrightsville was named for his great-grandpa. 207 00:11:23,827 --> 00:11:26,591 He's the one who started Wright Galoshes Company. 208 00:11:26,763 --> 00:11:27,855 Never heard of it. 209 00:11:27,965 --> 00:11:29,865 ELLERY: I think I've seen their slogan. 210 00:11:30,500 --> 00:11:32,695 "You can't go wrong with two Wright galoshes.” 211 00:11:33,237 --> 00:11:34,431 That's it. 212 00:11:35,072 --> 00:11:39,031 You can see we got one real important murder investigation. 213 00:11:39,209 --> 00:11:42,736 And I just feel it in my bones that Oscar Eberhart can't handle it. 214 00:11:42,846 --> 00:11:44,245 That's why I came to you. 215 00:11:44,414 --> 00:11:46,382 Be a real feather in my cap 216 00:11:46,483 --> 00:11:49,714 if I could get you to step in unofficial-like. 217 00:11:49,820 --> 00:11:51,310 Wrightsville's off my beat. 218 00:11:51,488 --> 00:11:54,252 My dad came up here for a well-earned rest. 219 00:11:54,424 --> 00:11:56,187 What about you? 220 00:11:56,293 --> 00:12:00,024 This is a real fascinating murder, Mr. Queen. 221 00:12:00,130 --> 00:12:01,222 In what way? 222 00:12:01,398 --> 00:12:02,626 Ellery! 223 00:12:02,799 --> 00:12:05,597 Well, take the way he was killed. 224 00:12:06,803 --> 00:12:08,031 How was he killed? 225 00:12:08,939 --> 00:12:11,908 He was hit on the head with a dog. 226 00:12:13,143 --> 00:12:15,737 [ Laughs ] 227 00:12:18,882 --> 00:12:20,406 A dog? 228 00:12:21,652 --> 00:12:22,983 Chinese dog. 229 00:12:32,729 --> 00:12:34,060 What are you trying to pull, Henry? 230 00:12:34,164 --> 00:12:35,722 I thought you could use a little help, Oscar. 231 00:12:35,832 --> 00:12:38,323 I'm very grateful, but everything's under control. 232 00:12:38,435 --> 00:12:39,800 QUEEN: Good. Glad to hear it. 233 00:12:39,903 --> 00:12:43,031 Come on, Ellery. We still have the rest of the afternoon. 234 00:12:43,140 --> 00:12:45,506 Dad. 235 00:12:45,609 --> 00:12:47,372 Do you have any lead on the murderer? 236 00:12:47,477 --> 00:12:48,739 Well, I wouldn't exactly say that. 237 00:12:48,845 --> 00:12:50,335 Oh, tell the truth, Oscar! 238 00:12:50,447 --> 00:12:52,312 You couldn't catch rainwater in a sponge. 239 00:12:52,416 --> 00:12:53,781 Now, just a doggone minute, Henry. 240 00:12:53,884 --> 00:12:55,511 I just wonder what the voters are gonna say 241 00:12:55,619 --> 00:12:58,110 about you turning away professional advisers. 242 00:12:58,221 --> 00:13:00,587 - That's what I wonder. - Well, these fellas can stay. 243 00:13:00,691 --> 00:13:01,988 But you keep your professional advice 244 00:13:02,092 --> 00:13:04,890 till I need beans and baloney, especially baloney. 245 00:13:04,995 --> 00:13:07,964 You see what you're up against. Good luck. 246 00:13:08,065 --> 00:13:09,896 Sheriff, can you tell me where the body was found? 247 00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:10,625 Down here. 248 00:13:10,734 --> 00:13:12,531 He was struck from behind while looking at this ledger. 249 00:13:12,636 --> 00:13:12,965 I see. 250 00:13:13,070 --> 00:13:14,697 Beats me how the murderer got out of the house. 251 00:13:14,805 --> 00:13:16,363 My men were watching it, front and back. 252 00:13:16,473 --> 00:13:17,770 - What about the windows? - Stuck. 253 00:13:17,874 --> 00:13:19,171 They've been that way since last year, 254 00:13:19,276 --> 00:13:20,470 when the house was painted. 255 00:13:20,577 --> 00:13:22,738 There must be other windows. Can't all be stuck. 256 00:13:22,846 --> 00:13:25,178 No trace of footprints in the flower beds under the windows. 257 00:13:26,049 --> 00:13:27,812 Sounds like an inside job. 258 00:13:27,918 --> 00:13:29,749 Who else was in the house at the time of the murder? 259 00:13:29,920 --> 00:13:31,182 Tilda MacDonald, the housekeeper. 260 00:13:31,288 --> 00:13:32,778 She's the one who found the body. 261 00:13:32,889 --> 00:13:34,288 Julia Wright, the daughter. 262 00:13:34,391 --> 00:13:36,222 And Gordon Wilde, the fella she's gonna marry. 263 00:13:36,393 --> 00:13:37,917 I see. Just those three? 264 00:13:38,095 --> 00:13:40,188 And Warren Wright, Eben's nephew. 265 00:13:40,297 --> 00:13:43,994 Warren tends to be away so much, I forget him. 266 00:13:44,101 --> 00:13:46,399 May I see the murder weapon? 267 00:13:46,503 --> 00:13:48,027 Have those things been checked for prints? 268 00:13:48,138 --> 00:13:49,264 Yeah. Wiped clean. 269 00:13:49,373 --> 00:13:51,136 We're not that far out in the sticks, Inspector. 270 00:13:51,241 --> 00:13:51,935 Thank you. 271 00:13:52,042 --> 00:13:53,976 Ralph, take this evidence down to the sheriff's office 272 00:13:54,077 --> 00:13:55,044 and lock it up. 273 00:13:55,145 --> 00:13:56,544 Is that the ledger you were talking about? 274 00:13:56,646 --> 00:13:57,772 Yep. Found it where he dropped it, 275 00:13:57,881 --> 00:14:00,975 open to the page I marked with a tag. 276 00:14:01,084 --> 00:14:02,449 "WW." -- Warren Wright? 277 00:14:03,053 --> 00:14:05,681 It appears Eben kept a record of every penny Warren spent. 278 00:14:05,856 --> 00:14:08,256 In red ink. He wrote him off as a loss. 279 00:14:08,425 --> 00:14:09,949 Well, that's Warren, all right. 280 00:14:10,060 --> 00:14:11,994 I wonder if he was holding it when he was struck? 281 00:14:12,095 --> 00:14:13,892 Don't forget this, Ralph. 282 00:14:13,997 --> 00:14:15,658 - What's in the box? - Personal effects. 283 00:14:15,766 --> 00:14:17,131 I haven't had a chance to check them yet. 284 00:14:17,234 --> 00:14:19,862 I was hoping they'd be cigars. 285 00:14:19,970 --> 00:14:22,905 - Do you mind if I talk to Tilda? - She's out back. 286 00:14:23,006 --> 00:14:25,531 - You want to talk to everybody? - Sooner or later, yeah. 287 00:14:25,709 --> 00:14:27,301 - You coming, Dad? - No, thanks. 288 00:14:27,411 --> 00:14:29,379 I came to catch trout, not murderers. 289 00:14:29,479 --> 00:14:31,447 Enjoy yourself. I'm going fishing. 290 00:14:34,217 --> 00:14:35,616 I don't know what else I can tell you, 291 00:14:35,719 --> 00:14:37,812 except what I've already told Sheriff Eberhart. 292 00:14:37,921 --> 00:14:39,548 Well, when you found the body, Mrs. MacDonald -- 293 00:14:39,656 --> 00:14:40,884 Miss MacDonald. I'm not married. 294 00:14:40,991 --> 00:14:42,788 I'm sorry. Miss MacDonald, when you found the body, 295 00:14:42,893 --> 00:14:44,918 where was the weapon? 296 00:14:45,028 --> 00:14:47,792 On the floor, near his head. 297 00:14:47,898 --> 00:14:49,991 There was blood on it. It was his blood. 298 00:14:50,100 --> 00:14:52,568 I see. Do you know if there was anything taken from the room? 299 00:14:52,669 --> 00:14:53,795 No. 300 00:14:53,904 --> 00:14:56,930 Whatever the reason for murdering Eben, it wasn't robbery. 301 00:14:57,040 --> 00:14:59,838 Do you know if he ever had any violent disagreements with anyone? 302 00:14:59,943 --> 00:15:02,878 - You mean his nephew Warren? - Yeah. Did he quarrel with him? 303 00:15:02,979 --> 00:15:05,174 - They had their differences. - I see. 304 00:15:05,282 --> 00:15:07,682 - Well, could you tell me--? - What? 305 00:15:07,784 --> 00:15:09,445 I don't eavesdrop, Mr. Queen. 306 00:15:09,619 --> 00:15:10,881 You want to know anything about that, 307 00:15:10,987 --> 00:15:13,353 you discuss it yourself with Mr. Warren Wright. 308 00:15:13,523 --> 00:15:16,356 This is kind of a strange time to be doing laundry, isn't it? 309 00:15:16,526 --> 00:15:18,756 I don't think so. A body can't just sit around and mope. 310 00:15:19,429 --> 00:15:20,760 You were fond of him? 311 00:15:22,165 --> 00:15:24,133 He was very good to me. 312 00:15:24,234 --> 00:15:25,929 I came here to tutor his daughter, Julia, 313 00:15:26,036 --> 00:15:27,060 after his wife passed away, 314 00:15:27,170 --> 00:15:29,604 and then I just stayed on to manage his affairs 315 00:15:29,706 --> 00:15:31,264 and run his house. 316 00:15:32,642 --> 00:15:34,542 What are you going to do now? 317 00:15:34,644 --> 00:15:35,906 I'm gonna put the wash away. 318 00:15:36,012 --> 00:15:39,709 No, I mean after you leave this house. 319 00:15:39,816 --> 00:15:43,047 I haven't really thought about it. Excuse me. 320 00:15:53,563 --> 00:15:55,690 I don't know anything about Mr. Ellery Queen, 321 00:15:55,799 --> 00:15:57,790 and I don't see why we have to answer any of his questions. 322 00:15:57,901 --> 00:16:00,131 Aren't there enough local cops without sending out for more? 323 00:16:00,237 --> 00:16:02,137 It's not my idea, Mr. Wilde. 324 00:16:02,239 --> 00:16:04,366 Then tell him to go away. You're in charge, aren't you? 325 00:16:04,474 --> 00:16:06,135 Well, yes, I am, but there are certain things that-- 326 00:16:06,309 --> 00:16:08,869 - Are you in charge, or aren't you? - Yes, I am, Ma'am. 327 00:16:09,045 --> 00:16:10,808 But there are some who think that Mr. Queen 328 00:16:10,914 --> 00:16:12,404 would be helpful in my investigation. 329 00:16:12,582 --> 00:16:14,709 I get the distinct aroma of politics. 330 00:16:14,818 --> 00:16:16,979 Why does Mr. Queen want to question us? 331 00:16:17,153 --> 00:16:18,381 Well, it's not just you. 332 00:16:18,488 --> 00:16:20,718 It's everyone who was in the house at the time of the murder. 333 00:16:22,025 --> 00:16:24,858 Do you mean that we are suspected of...? 334 00:16:26,429 --> 00:16:27,623 I can't even say it. 335 00:16:27,731 --> 00:16:30,131 What about it, Sheriff? Are we suspects, huh? 336 00:16:30,233 --> 00:16:32,497 I'm sure that no one thinks that Miss Wright 337 00:16:32,602 --> 00:16:34,229 had anything to do with it. 338 00:16:34,337 --> 00:16:35,235 What about me? 339 00:16:35,438 --> 00:16:38,100 Well, I don't know what goes on in Mr. Queen's mind. 340 00:16:38,275 --> 00:16:40,505 - Did he mention me specifically? - Gordon. 341 00:16:42,145 --> 00:16:45,945 I need a rest. I feel a terrible headache coming on. 342 00:16:48,051 --> 00:16:49,951 What am I going to tell Mr. Queen? 343 00:16:50,687 --> 00:16:54,088 Tell him we're in my room. 344 00:17:10,140 --> 00:17:12,074 You know you're fishing in my spot? 345 00:17:12,842 --> 00:17:14,537 I didn't see no sign, stranger. 346 00:17:14,644 --> 00:17:16,441 Why don't you keep going right on downstream? 347 00:17:16,613 --> 00:17:19,047 I don't want to go downstream. The fish I want is right here. 348 00:17:20,016 --> 00:17:21,643 You mean you seen him -- the big fella? 349 00:17:21,818 --> 00:17:23,547 Seen him? I hooked him twice. 350 00:17:23,720 --> 00:17:26,587 Well, if you can, so can I. 351 00:17:26,690 --> 00:17:29,591 Not with that yellow fly, you won't. He's only taken to red. 352 00:17:29,759 --> 00:17:32,421 Oh, red flies, blue flies. It don't make no difference. 353 00:17:32,929 --> 00:17:33,987 You're just wasting your time. 354 00:17:34,097 --> 00:17:36,190 Why don't you step out of there? Let me take a crack at him? 355 00:17:36,299 --> 00:17:38,130 - I got him! - You have? 356 00:17:38,234 --> 00:17:41,294 Will! You're wanted in town. 357 00:17:41,404 --> 00:17:42,928 Oh, doggone it! 358 00:17:43,106 --> 00:17:44,505 Aw, that's too bad. 359 00:17:44,608 --> 00:17:47,975 Oh, the sheriff sent me for you. I've been looking all over. 360 00:17:48,078 --> 00:17:51,639 - What's so all-fired important, Stu? - Well, there's been a murder. 361 00:17:51,815 --> 00:17:54,909 Oh, that's a fine way to spoil a man's fishing. 362 00:17:55,085 --> 00:17:56,780 What have you got to do with the murder? 363 00:17:56,953 --> 00:18:00,047 I'm the county coroner. Who's dead, Stu? 364 00:18:00,156 --> 00:18:02,283 - Eben Wright. - Eben? 365 00:18:02,392 --> 00:18:05,156 - That's right, Will. - What happened to him? 366 00:18:05,328 --> 00:18:07,159 Got hit in the head with a dog. 367 00:18:08,064 --> 00:18:10,999 A dog? Didn't even know he had a dog. 368 00:18:11,101 --> 00:18:14,468 Well, come on, Stu. We got work to do. 369 00:18:15,105 --> 00:18:17,266 It's all yours, friend. 370 00:18:24,581 --> 00:18:25,946 Where is everybody? 371 00:18:26,049 --> 00:18:27,949 Miss Wright and Mr. Wilde have gone upstairs. 372 00:18:28,051 --> 00:18:29,075 Before you go, Mr. Queen, 373 00:18:29,185 --> 00:18:31,119 I don't want you to get the wrong idea, 374 00:18:31,287 --> 00:18:33,551 but Mr. Wright was a very powerful man in this county, 375 00:18:33,657 --> 00:18:36,148 and I was counting on him in my election. Now that he's dead-- 376 00:18:36,326 --> 00:18:37,987 You're hoping his daughter will give you her support. 377 00:18:38,161 --> 00:18:39,560 Well, that's about the size of it. 378 00:18:39,729 --> 00:18:41,060 Have you questioned her at all? 379 00:18:41,231 --> 00:18:42,994 Well, no. I don't want to upset any apple carts. 380 00:18:43,166 --> 00:18:45,157 I can understand the political wisdom of that, 381 00:18:45,268 --> 00:18:46,530 but, you see, I'm not running for office, 382 00:18:46,636 --> 00:18:49,127 so maybe I can ask a few questions without stepping on any toes. 383 00:18:49,239 --> 00:18:50,831 - You'll keep me informed? - Absolutely. 384 00:18:50,940 --> 00:18:53,909 Much obliged, Mr. Queen. Proud to have you on the team. 385 00:18:55,845 --> 00:18:58,006 Oh, yeah. Thank you. 386 00:18:58,114 --> 00:19:00,708 First door. You can't miss it. 387 00:19:02,686 --> 00:19:04,654 It's just so horrible. 388 00:19:04,754 --> 00:19:06,585 But why would anybody want to do a thing like that? 389 00:19:06,690 --> 00:19:08,180 It just doesn't make sense. 390 00:19:08,291 --> 00:19:10,623 I know this is a bad time to be asking questions. 391 00:19:10,727 --> 00:19:12,058 It's a lousy time! 392 00:19:12,162 --> 00:19:14,027 Can't you see she's all broken up, the poor kid? 393 00:19:14,130 --> 00:19:15,859 Yes, but I have to find out a couple of things. 394 00:19:15,965 --> 00:19:17,159 It's all right. 395 00:19:17,267 --> 00:19:19,064 I have to get straight in my own mind 396 00:19:19,169 --> 00:19:21,660 where everybody in this house was at the time of the murder. 397 00:19:21,771 --> 00:19:23,864 - I was here, in my room. - I see. 398 00:19:23,973 --> 00:19:26,134 - Mr. Wilde? - Why should I tell you? 399 00:19:26,242 --> 00:19:28,506 Well, you're gonna have to tell somebody. 400 00:19:28,611 --> 00:19:30,238 Gordon, please. 401 00:19:30,346 --> 00:19:31,973 Gordon was with me in my room. 402 00:19:32,082 --> 00:19:34,209 - Julia. - We did nothing wrong. 403 00:19:34,384 --> 00:19:35,408 I know. 404 00:19:35,518 --> 00:19:36,951 Besides, we're going to be married. 405 00:19:37,053 --> 00:19:38,213 Yes, I know that. 406 00:19:38,388 --> 00:19:41,687 Oh, and Daddy won't be here to give me away. 407 00:19:41,791 --> 00:19:43,986 - Anything else, Queen? - Yes. 408 00:19:44,094 --> 00:19:46,722 Did Eben Wright object to your marrying his daughter? 409 00:19:46,896 --> 00:19:48,989 That has nothing to do with it! Daddy was wrong! 410 00:19:49,099 --> 00:19:50,896 Gordon is not marrying me for his money! 411 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:53,696 But it's your money now -- most of it, anyway. 412 00:19:53,870 --> 00:19:55,098 That is, unless he spent it all. 413 00:19:56,072 --> 00:19:57,369 Spent it? 414 00:19:57,474 --> 00:20:00,671 Mr. Queen, my father held on to the first dollar he ever earned, 415 00:20:00,777 --> 00:20:02,938 the last dollar, and every dollar in between. 416 00:20:03,046 --> 00:20:05,640 But his wedding gift is very, very generous. 417 00:20:05,749 --> 00:20:07,717 That Chinese monstrosity? 418 00:20:07,884 --> 00:20:09,215 Daddy knew what I really wanted, 419 00:20:09,319 --> 00:20:10,911 and he could have given it to me easily. 420 00:20:11,020 --> 00:20:12,920 What was that? 421 00:20:13,022 --> 00:20:15,456 I wanted him to make Gordon a full partner in the company. 422 00:20:15,625 --> 00:20:18,059 - Then you didn't want the dog? - Of course not. 423 00:20:18,228 --> 00:20:21,220 It was on loan to the museum for the remainder of Daddy's lifetime. 424 00:20:21,397 --> 00:20:23,126 I couldn't even sell the dreadful thing. 425 00:20:23,233 --> 00:20:25,224 All I could do was send it back to the museum after the wedding. 426 00:20:25,335 --> 00:20:27,428 I mean, what kind of a present is that? 427 00:20:27,537 --> 00:20:30,802 Oh, I sound so mean and vindictive. I did love him. Really, I did. 428 00:20:30,974 --> 00:20:31,998 Do you see what you've done? 429 00:20:32,108 --> 00:20:33,370 You ask her one more question, 430 00:20:33,476 --> 00:20:36,172 and you're gonna have to answer to me! 431 00:20:37,580 --> 00:20:41,846 I'd -- I'd watch that temper of yours if I were you, Mr. Wilde. 432 00:20:43,453 --> 00:20:45,683 Plants are a hobby of mine. 433 00:20:45,789 --> 00:20:48,690 I certainly have had lots of time to pursue my hobby -- 434 00:20:48,792 --> 00:20:50,350 much too much time. 435 00:20:50,460 --> 00:20:51,950 You didn't work for the family, Mr. Wright? 436 00:20:52,061 --> 00:20:52,993 Oh, no. 437 00:20:53,096 --> 00:20:55,155 Uncle Eben wouldn't let me near the place. 438 00:20:55,331 --> 00:20:57,765 He claimed I lacked business sense. 439 00:20:57,867 --> 00:21:00,495 Occasionally, he did use me for an errand boy, 440 00:21:00,603 --> 00:21:02,002 but he never -- never -- 441 00:21:02,105 --> 00:21:04,266 consulted me on anything important -- never. 442 00:21:04,440 --> 00:21:05,771 And you resented that? 443 00:21:05,875 --> 00:21:07,775 Well, it was a family business, 444 00:21:07,944 --> 00:21:10,674 and I was his only-living male relative. 445 00:21:10,847 --> 00:21:12,974 I mean, I should have had some say. 446 00:21:13,082 --> 00:21:15,107 - Well, I guess you will. - You think so? 447 00:21:15,218 --> 00:21:16,776 Well, I'm sure you'll inherit your share. 448 00:21:16,886 --> 00:21:20,515 Yes, my fair share. Yes, that's true. 449 00:21:20,623 --> 00:21:22,352 And I'm going to need an office, aren't I? 450 00:21:22,458 --> 00:21:23,322 - What? - An office. 451 00:21:23,426 --> 00:21:26,224 I must pick out an office with lots of light. 452 00:21:26,329 --> 00:21:29,127 That way, I can surround myself with ferns. 453 00:21:29,232 --> 00:21:30,460 - Ferns? - Ferns. 454 00:21:30,567 --> 00:21:33,195 - That'll make you happy? - Ferns? 455 00:21:33,303 --> 00:21:34,395 Ferns make me happy? 456 00:21:35,505 --> 00:21:36,802 What a question. 457 00:21:36,906 --> 00:21:38,373 Now let me ask you one. 458 00:21:38,541 --> 00:21:41,237 Do you really believe that a devoted nephew 459 00:21:41,344 --> 00:21:42,811 would kill his uncle 460 00:21:42,912 --> 00:21:45,972 simply to gain control of a galoshes factory? 461 00:21:46,649 --> 00:21:49,243 Well, that would depend on how much the factory's worth. 462 00:21:49,419 --> 00:21:53,412 Millions! I thought you knew that. 463 00:21:53,523 --> 00:21:55,354 When rubber was impossible to get during the war, 464 00:21:55,458 --> 00:21:57,050 they started making plastics. 465 00:21:57,160 --> 00:22:00,357 In the right hands, this factory could be a gold mine. 466 00:22:00,463 --> 00:22:03,591 - He was talking to me, Tilda. - Oh, you're quite right. Quite right. 467 00:22:03,700 --> 00:22:06,260 Mr. Queen, there's some lovely, fresh coffee inside. 468 00:22:06,369 --> 00:22:09,133 - Wouldn't you like some? - Yes, I would. Thank you. 469 00:22:10,073 --> 00:22:11,335 I see your game, Tilda. 470 00:22:11,441 --> 00:22:12,533 You just want him to think 471 00:22:12,642 --> 00:22:14,371 I had a good reason for killing Uncle Eben. 472 00:22:14,477 --> 00:22:16,240 I can't think of anyone who had a better reason. 473 00:22:16,412 --> 00:22:19,108 Oh, can't you? Well, think harder! 474 00:22:19,215 --> 00:22:21,581 Look, don't you try to throw suspicion on me. 475 00:22:21,684 --> 00:22:23,584 I happen to know what Eben thought of you. 476 00:22:23,686 --> 00:22:26,519 And I happen to know what he thought about you, my dear, 477 00:22:26,689 --> 00:22:29,783 so just keep out of my way! 478 00:22:33,329 --> 00:22:34,455 [ Honks horn ] 479 00:22:37,600 --> 00:22:38,259 Hi, Dad. 480 00:22:38,368 --> 00:22:39,596 Hope you had better luck than I did. 481 00:22:39,702 --> 00:22:42,466 Only the mosquitoes were biting. I did more scratching than fishing. 482 00:22:42,572 --> 00:22:44,802 Is that what you're using for bait? 483 00:22:45,708 --> 00:22:49,235 Oh. The sheriff started campaigning as soon as I drove up. 484 00:22:49,345 --> 00:22:51,973 You know, Palmer's right. This murder's too much for Eberhart. 485 00:22:52,148 --> 00:22:54,241 He's running scared. 486 00:23:08,498 --> 00:23:10,591 Well, what do you think, Ellery? Did the nephew do it? 487 00:23:10,700 --> 00:23:12,895 Dad, I thought you were only interested in fish. 488 00:23:20,243 --> 00:23:26,648 If it was the nephew, why did he pick now to kill Eben Wright? 489 00:23:26,749 --> 00:23:28,546 The wedding. 490 00:23:28,651 --> 00:23:31,245 Eben Wright was about to acquire a new son-in-law. 491 00:23:31,354 --> 00:23:34,687 Now, this made Warren's position even more insecure. 492 00:23:34,857 --> 00:23:36,825 Now, Julia made it quite clear 493 00:23:36,926 --> 00:23:39,952 that her father had no intention of taking Gordon into their business. 494 00:23:40,129 --> 00:23:42,324 Yeah, but you told me that Eben Wright 495 00:23:42,432 --> 00:23:45,595 never consulted Warren about important matters. 496 00:23:45,702 --> 00:23:47,294 Maybe Warren didn't even know about it. 497 00:23:47,403 --> 00:23:49,200 It's that "maybe” that bothers me. 498 00:23:49,305 --> 00:23:51,500 All right. I'll give you one without a maybe. 499 00:23:52,342 --> 00:23:53,969 Julia Wright is disappointed 500 00:23:54,077 --> 00:23:56,341 because her father isn't gonna take her new husband 501 00:23:56,446 --> 00:23:58,539 into the company as a partner. 502 00:23:58,648 --> 00:24:01,879 With Papa dead, she inherits a goodly share of said company, 503 00:24:01,985 --> 00:24:04,783 and her husband winds up with his partnership, after all. 504 00:24:04,954 --> 00:24:07,821 Now, Ellery, you got to admit, that makes sense. 505 00:24:07,924 --> 00:24:10,825 What? I can't hear you, Dad. I'm in the shower. 506 00:24:13,262 --> 00:24:15,560 Are you expecting somebody? 507 00:24:15,665 --> 00:24:17,223 [ Knocking on door ] 508 00:24:19,202 --> 00:24:20,726 Yeah? Oh. 509 00:24:20,837 --> 00:24:24,273 Well, how's it going, Inspector? You catch him? 510 00:24:24,374 --> 00:24:25,534 Not after you scared him away. 511 00:24:25,708 --> 00:24:28,040 - The killer? - The fish. 512 00:24:29,379 --> 00:24:30,903 What about the murder investigation? 513 00:24:31,080 --> 00:24:33,947 You'll have to ask my son about that. 514 00:24:34,050 --> 00:24:36,177 - Oh, hi, Mr. Palmer. - Evening. 515 00:24:36,285 --> 00:24:37,843 Did you find any good clues? 516 00:24:37,954 --> 00:24:39,683 Hard to say. I'll have to sleep on it. 517 00:24:39,789 --> 00:24:42,257 Yeah. We were just about to turn in. 518 00:24:42,358 --> 00:24:44,792 I thought you city folks were night owls. 519 00:24:44,894 --> 00:24:46,327 Only in the city. 520 00:24:46,496 --> 00:24:48,361 In the country, we go to bed with the chickens. 521 00:24:49,298 --> 00:24:51,823 Gotcha. We'll get together first thing in the morning. 522 00:24:52,001 --> 00:24:55,266 Oh, no. No. We're getting up at the crack of dawn to go fishing. 523 00:24:56,639 --> 00:24:59,369 Oh, say, I brought you a little something 524 00:24:59,475 --> 00:25:02,376 to make up for before. 525 00:25:02,478 --> 00:25:04,173 Surefire for those big babies. 526 00:25:05,381 --> 00:25:06,871 Hey, those are nicely tied. 527 00:25:06,983 --> 00:25:07,950 A hobby of mine. 528 00:25:08,084 --> 00:25:10,951 I tie the best trout flies in the county. 529 00:25:11,120 --> 00:25:13,748 They're yours. Watch the hook. 530 00:25:13,856 --> 00:25:15,050 Thank you, Mr. Palmer. 531 00:25:15,224 --> 00:25:17,283 I'll use those first thing in the morning. 532 00:25:17,393 --> 00:25:19,827 Mr. Palmer, do you know the county coroner? 533 00:25:19,929 --> 00:25:20,918 - Will Bailey? - Yeah. 534 00:25:21,097 --> 00:25:22,689 I sure ought to. 535 00:25:22,799 --> 00:25:25,427 I lost 8 bucks to him at draw poker last night. 536 00:25:25,535 --> 00:25:26,433 Why, you want to meet him? 537 00:25:26,602 --> 00:25:28,194 Yes, I'd like to ask him a couple of questions. 538 00:25:28,371 --> 00:25:31,704 Well, he has breakfast every day at the coffee shop. 539 00:25:31,808 --> 00:25:32,934 We'll see him there tomorrow. 540 00:25:33,743 --> 00:25:36,769 I guess I won't be trying these first thing in the morning. 541 00:25:36,946 --> 00:25:39,176 - Dad, do you mind? - Oh, no. No. 542 00:25:39,282 --> 00:25:42,877 Did anybody think I just came up here to go fishing? 543 00:25:42,985 --> 00:25:45,453 - Good night. - Good night. 544 00:25:45,555 --> 00:25:48,149 - Good night. - Good night. 545 00:25:50,760 --> 00:25:52,387 [ Gargling ] 546 00:26:07,276 --> 00:26:09,210 People are dying all over the place. 547 00:26:09,312 --> 00:26:11,075 Never know who they're gonna bring in next, 548 00:26:11,180 --> 00:26:12,772 snuffed out in the prime of life. 549 00:26:12,882 --> 00:26:15,009 The trouble is, people don't take care of themselves. 550 00:26:15,118 --> 00:26:17,416 It was all them wartime shortages. 551 00:26:17,520 --> 00:26:19,818 Why, nowadays, people act like pigs. 552 00:26:19,922 --> 00:26:23,085 Uh, could I have a little more of the maple syrup 553 00:26:23,192 --> 00:26:24,819 and a couple more pats of butter, please, Mamie? 554 00:26:24,927 --> 00:26:26,224 - Sure thing. - Thank you, Mamie. 555 00:26:26,329 --> 00:26:27,728 They got me so busy, 556 00:26:27,830 --> 00:26:30,594 I hardly have time to even get my fishing boots wet. 557 00:26:30,700 --> 00:26:32,099 If there's anything I like, it's fishing. 558 00:26:32,201 --> 00:26:33,463 And eating. 559 00:26:33,569 --> 00:26:35,594 Just black coffee for me, Mamie. 560 00:26:35,705 --> 00:26:37,434 What about you, hon? Cream and sugar? 561 00:26:37,540 --> 00:26:39,633 - Huh? - You want some cream and sugar? 562 00:26:39,742 --> 00:26:41,835 It's no use. He can't make any major decisions 563 00:26:41,944 --> 00:26:43,639 until he's had his morning coffee. 564 00:26:44,347 --> 00:26:46,110 Well, how does he take it? 565 00:26:46,282 --> 00:26:48,273 Leftover, lukewarm, and lumpy. 566 00:26:50,019 --> 00:26:52,613 Did I tell you I got that big fella on my line again yesterday, Henry? 567 00:26:52,788 --> 00:26:55,382 Yeah. And he got away from you again, right, Will? 568 00:26:55,558 --> 00:26:56,650 [ Laughs ] 569 00:26:56,826 --> 00:26:59,920 Mr. Bailey, you were about to tell us about Eben Wright. 570 00:27:00,029 --> 00:27:01,724 Speaking as the next sheriff, Will, 571 00:27:01,898 --> 00:27:04,628 I'd appreciate any information you can give these crime experts 572 00:27:04,734 --> 00:27:06,998 that I personally brought into the case 573 00:27:07,103 --> 00:27:08,730 for the good of all the people of this county. 574 00:27:08,838 --> 00:27:10,066 Yeah. Yeah. 575 00:27:10,173 --> 00:27:13,404 Well, I gave him a thorough examination, head-to-toe. 576 00:27:13,576 --> 00:27:16,477 The voters can rest assured that, come Election Day, 577 00:27:16,579 --> 00:27:20,242 I will be just as thorough in my pursuit of lawbreakers. 578 00:27:20,349 --> 00:27:22,613 - What did you find out, Mr. Bailey? - Not very much. 579 00:27:22,718 --> 00:27:26,313 Don't hold anything back, Will. The people have a right to know. 580 00:27:26,489 --> 00:27:31,085 If you'll stop campaigning for a minute, I'll tell the people! 581 00:27:32,028 --> 00:27:34,690 Now, in my judgment, Eben expired 582 00:27:34,797 --> 00:27:36,594 as a result of being struck on the head. 583 00:27:36,699 --> 00:27:38,064 Well, that's hardly news. 584 00:27:38,234 --> 00:27:39,531 Was it a hard blow? 585 00:27:39,702 --> 00:27:41,226 Hard enough to do the job. 586 00:27:41,404 --> 00:27:42,666 Could a woman have done it? 587 00:27:43,272 --> 00:27:44,170 Possible. 588 00:27:45,274 --> 00:27:46,707 Now we're getting somewhere. 589 00:27:47,810 --> 00:27:49,903 What about bruises or lacerations? 590 00:27:50,079 --> 00:27:51,671 Anything that might indicate a struggle? 591 00:27:51,847 --> 00:27:55,112 No. As I say, the killer was behind him. 592 00:27:55,218 --> 00:27:56,412 Probably never knew what hit him. 593 00:27:56,919 --> 00:28:00,082 No, there were no more marks on the body at all, except... 594 00:28:00,256 --> 00:28:01,223 Except what? 595 00:28:01,657 --> 00:28:04,888 Speak up, Will. It's your duty as a public servant. 596 00:28:06,028 --> 00:28:07,723 Well, I was looking under his fingernails 597 00:28:07,830 --> 00:28:09,195 through a magnifying glass. 598 00:28:09,298 --> 00:28:11,732 I thought maybe I might find some scrapings of skin or hair. 599 00:28:11,834 --> 00:28:12,528 And? 600 00:28:13,269 --> 00:28:16,238 Well, all I found was a minute puncture 601 00:28:16,339 --> 00:28:18,204 in the ball of his right thumb. 602 00:28:18,307 --> 00:28:20,207 He must have got that just before he died. 603 00:28:20,376 --> 00:28:23,209 A puncture in the thumb? 604 00:28:26,148 --> 00:28:27,513 Well, here it is. 605 00:28:27,617 --> 00:28:30,017 See for yourself -- right there in the M.E. report. 606 00:28:30,119 --> 00:28:30,881 Thank you. 607 00:28:30,987 --> 00:28:33,080 "Puncture in the ball of the right thumb." 608 00:28:33,189 --> 00:28:34,451 Now, what the heck does that have to do 609 00:28:34,557 --> 00:28:35,489 with the way he was killed? 610 00:28:35,591 --> 00:28:36,649 He was hit over the head. 611 00:28:36,759 --> 00:28:39,751 I didn't say he wasn't. I said he had a hole in his thumb. 612 00:28:39,862 --> 00:28:42,092 - Does it mean anything, Ellery? - I'm not sure, Dad. 613 00:28:42,198 --> 00:28:44,029 Coroner, do you happen to remember what was in his pockets? 614 00:28:44,133 --> 00:28:46,601 Oh, the usual -- keys, coins, handkerchief. 615 00:28:46,769 --> 00:28:48,964 Nothing more than you'd expect to find in somebody's pocket. 616 00:28:49,405 --> 00:28:51,134 Take yourself, Mr. Queen. 617 00:28:51,307 --> 00:28:53,775 What have you got in your pockets right this minute? 618 00:28:53,876 --> 00:28:56,367 I can tell you that -- a hole. 619 00:28:56,479 --> 00:28:58,777 I know because I had to pick up the tab for breakfast. 620 00:28:58,948 --> 00:29:00,779 Here's the forms you wanted, Will. 621 00:29:00,883 --> 00:29:02,145 What's this, some kind of caucus? 622 00:29:02,251 --> 00:29:04,344 Oscar, this has nothing to do with politics. 623 00:29:04,453 --> 00:29:05,784 Well, he wouldn't be here if it didn't. 624 00:29:05,955 --> 00:29:07,786 It seems like somebody's nose is out of joint. 625 00:29:07,890 --> 00:29:09,653 I'm not worried about some grocery clerk 626 00:29:09,759 --> 00:29:11,522 putting his thumb on the scales of justice. 627 00:29:11,627 --> 00:29:15,119 Now, see here, both of you. Quit your campaigning. 628 00:29:15,231 --> 00:29:17,665 The coroner's office is above petty politics. 629 00:29:17,833 --> 00:29:19,858 Yeah, till next election, when you have to run again. 630 00:29:19,969 --> 00:29:21,095 Sheriff, I'm glad you're here. 631 00:29:21,203 --> 00:29:23,194 We were just talking about the confiscated belongings 632 00:29:23,306 --> 00:29:24,500 taken from Eben Wright's body. 633 00:29:24,607 --> 00:29:25,801 You suppose I could have a look at them? 634 00:29:25,908 --> 00:29:27,603 Will tell you about the telegram that was found on him? 635 00:29:27,710 --> 00:29:28,369 Telegram? 636 00:29:29,679 --> 00:29:31,613 Come to think of it, there was a telegram. 637 00:29:31,714 --> 00:29:32,510 I forgot about that. 638 00:29:32,682 --> 00:29:35,480 How many dead men you examine have telegrams in their pocket? 639 00:29:35,651 --> 00:29:36,447 [ Laughs ] 640 00:29:36,552 --> 00:29:37,382 Not many. 641 00:29:37,553 --> 00:29:39,043 I'd like to know more about that telegram. 642 00:29:39,155 --> 00:29:41,248 Since you know this much, it was from New York -- 643 00:29:41,357 --> 00:29:43,222 a private detective named Sykes. 644 00:29:43,326 --> 00:29:45,624 It said, "A full report on G.W. will follow." 645 00:29:45,728 --> 00:29:46,990 G.W. -- Gordon Wilde. 646 00:29:47,163 --> 00:29:49,859 Eben Wright was having his son-in-law-to-be investigated? 647 00:29:50,032 --> 00:29:51,829 Dad, do you think you could call Sergeant Velie 648 00:29:51,934 --> 00:29:53,231 and have him talk to Sykes? 649 00:29:53,869 --> 00:29:55,336 Okay, Sykes, let's hear it. 650 00:29:55,438 --> 00:29:57,429 Look, I don't have to tell you nothing about nothing. 651 00:29:57,540 --> 00:29:58,837 I know my rights. 652 00:29:58,941 --> 00:30:01,739 You see that? I'm a licensed private investigator. 653 00:30:01,844 --> 00:30:04,438 I don't have to take no pushing around from the police department. 654 00:30:04,547 --> 00:30:06,640 What was in that report you made for Eben Wright? 655 00:30:06,749 --> 00:30:08,546 That is confidential information. 656 00:30:08,651 --> 00:30:10,778 If you want to find out, ask my client. 657 00:30:10,886 --> 00:30:12,046 Your client's dead. 658 00:30:12,221 --> 00:30:14,553 Well, if he won't tell you, neither will 1. 659 00:30:14,724 --> 00:30:16,817 Aw, come on, Sarge. Let me go back to work, huh? 660 00:30:16,992 --> 00:30:18,755 Tell me about Gordon Wilde. 661 00:30:18,928 --> 00:30:20,725 Never heard of him. 662 00:30:22,098 --> 00:30:25,932 Here's the Sykes file you wanted from Traffic, Sergeant. 663 00:30:26,035 --> 00:30:28,128 Thanks, Gracie. 664 00:30:30,406 --> 00:30:33,432 - Well, Algy, what do we got here? - What? What do you have there? 665 00:30:33,609 --> 00:30:37,067 Parking violations -- unpaid. 666 00:30:37,246 --> 00:30:41,876 And here's a speeding citation, an illegal turn. 667 00:30:42,051 --> 00:30:44,076 And here's another where you knocked a guy's fender off 668 00:30:44,186 --> 00:30:45,278 and left the scene. 669 00:30:45,388 --> 00:30:48,755 This could cost you your license, Algy. What about it? 670 00:30:48,858 --> 00:30:50,325 [ Sighs ] 671 00:30:50,426 --> 00:30:53,623 Okay, Sarge. What do you want to know? 672 00:30:57,366 --> 00:30:58,799 [ Door opens ] 673 00:31:00,603 --> 00:31:02,400 - Any calls, Ralph? - No, sir. 674 00:31:02,505 --> 00:31:04,336 Inspector Queen's expecting a call from New York. 675 00:31:04,440 --> 00:31:07,034 Get the key for the property lockup. 676 00:31:07,143 --> 00:31:08,770 You gonna look at the evidence in the Wright case? 677 00:31:08,878 --> 00:31:09,776 I made a list of everything, 678 00:31:09,879 --> 00:31:11,506 if there's something special you want to see. 679 00:31:11,614 --> 00:31:13,206 I'd like to see the personal effects. 680 00:31:13,315 --> 00:31:15,909 Oh, yes, sir. Got them in a cigar box. 681 00:31:16,018 --> 00:31:17,280 This has been tampered with, Sheriff. 682 00:31:17,386 --> 00:31:18,375 What are you talking about? 683 00:31:18,487 --> 00:31:21,081 - Well, the lock's been jimmied. - Well, open it. 684 00:31:21,190 --> 00:31:22,817 It's empty. Somebody stole the evidence. 685 00:31:22,992 --> 00:31:25,085 Doesn't say much for your security, Sheriff. 686 00:31:25,194 --> 00:31:27,094 Ralph, did you leave this office for one minute? 687 00:31:27,196 --> 00:31:28,857 No, sir, I sure didn't. 688 00:31:28,964 --> 00:31:31,228 Well, maybe for one minute, when I went to check the cells. 689 00:31:31,333 --> 00:31:32,493 There's nobody in the cells. 690 00:31:32,668 --> 00:31:33,862 Well, it says on my duty schedule 691 00:31:33,969 --> 00:31:35,732 to check the cells every hour on the hour. 692 00:31:35,838 --> 00:31:37,829 That means if we've got a prisoner in the lockup. 693 00:31:38,007 --> 00:31:39,634 It doesn't say that, Sheriff. 694 00:31:39,742 --> 00:31:41,471 Deputy, you mentioned a list of evidence. 695 00:31:41,577 --> 00:31:44,273 Oh, yes, sir. I listed everything that went there, in detail. 696 00:31:44,380 --> 00:31:47,679 - May I see that list? - Oh, you bet. I've got it right here. 697 00:31:48,484 --> 00:31:50,315 Uh, somewhere. 698 00:31:50,419 --> 00:31:51,579 Would this be it? 699 00:31:51,687 --> 00:31:53,848 - Oh, yeah. In detail. - Thank you. 700 00:31:53,956 --> 00:31:56,982 The evidence pointed to somebody, and, what's more, somebody knew it. 701 00:31:57,092 --> 00:31:58,821 Is that any use? 702 00:31:58,928 --> 00:32:00,919 Well, it's certainly detailed. 703 00:32:01,030 --> 00:32:02,497 It even has the exact amount of change 704 00:32:02,598 --> 00:32:04,293 that Eben Wright was carrying -- 83 cents. 705 00:32:04,400 --> 00:32:07,961 "Keys, pocket comb, handkerchief -- white cotton. 706 00:32:08,070 --> 00:32:10,698 Wristwatch -- gold. Ring -- monogrammed, gold. 707 00:32:10,873 --> 00:32:12,067 One telegram from New York." 708 00:32:12,174 --> 00:32:14,233 - That's it. - No, it's not, Dad. 709 00:32:14,343 --> 00:32:16,140 The cigar box wasn't all that was stolen. 710 00:32:16,312 --> 00:32:19,281 Yeah. The ledger and the murder weapon. 711 00:32:19,381 --> 00:32:21,941 Looks like a case of grand larceny in the sheriff's office. 712 00:32:22,051 --> 00:32:23,712 How's that gonna look on Election Day? 713 00:32:23,886 --> 00:32:24,784 Not too good. 714 00:32:24,954 --> 00:32:27,013 While you were checking empty cells. 715 00:32:27,189 --> 00:32:29,180 [ Telephone rings ] 716 00:32:29,291 --> 00:32:30,519 Sheriff's office. 717 00:32:30,626 --> 00:32:31,991 Oh, yeah, just a minute. He's right here. 718 00:32:32,094 --> 00:32:33,288 Long distance, Inspector Queen. 719 00:32:33,395 --> 00:32:34,919 Yeah, Velie. What you got? 720 00:32:35,030 --> 00:32:37,328 An earful, Inspector. 721 00:32:37,433 --> 00:32:39,628 Algy Sykes is a slow starter, 722 00:32:39,735 --> 00:32:42,295 but he had a lot to say after I got him going. 723 00:32:42,404 --> 00:32:45,703 For instance, "Gordon Wilde" is only an alias. 724 00:32:45,875 --> 00:32:48,605 What else did Sykes say? 725 00:32:48,711 --> 00:32:50,941 No kidding. 726 00:32:51,046 --> 00:32:53,640 All right. Thank you, Sergeant. Talk to you later. 727 00:32:53,816 --> 00:32:55,181 What did he have to say, Dad? 728 00:32:55,351 --> 00:32:59,549 Gordon Wilde had an arrest record going back to reform-school days. 729 00:32:59,655 --> 00:33:01,782 And if Wilde knew that report was on its way, 730 00:33:01,891 --> 00:33:06,351 I'm not surprised the late Mr. Wright is the late Mr. Wright. 731 00:33:10,366 --> 00:33:12,357 I found the telegram right here on the table, 732 00:33:12,468 --> 00:33:13,935 after I returned from shopping. 733 00:33:14,036 --> 00:33:15,628 - Then it came when you were out. - Well, yes. 734 00:33:15,738 --> 00:33:18,104 Otherwise, I would have taken it straight in to Mr. Wright's study. 735 00:33:18,207 --> 00:33:20,368 Of course. That means somebody else signed for it. 736 00:33:20,476 --> 00:33:21,670 Well, I got that. 737 00:33:21,844 --> 00:33:23,835 So many telegrams came in for Julia's wedding 738 00:33:23,946 --> 00:33:26,107 that the boy began leaving them under the door. 739 00:33:26,215 --> 00:33:28,183 Wilde found it, opened it, read it, and resealed it. 740 00:33:28,350 --> 00:33:30,545 - Why didn't he just destroy it? - Why don't you ask him? 741 00:33:30,719 --> 00:33:32,584 Ralph, bring down Mr. Wilde for questioning. 742 00:33:32,688 --> 00:33:34,019 Yes, sir. 743 00:33:34,123 --> 00:33:36,284 - Did I hear Gordon's name? - Oh, yes, Miss Wright. 744 00:33:36,392 --> 00:33:39,759 There are a few questions that only your fiancé can answer for us. 745 00:33:39,862 --> 00:33:42,695 - Questions about what? - His past, for one thing. 746 00:33:42,865 --> 00:33:44,298 Oh, dear. 747 00:33:44,466 --> 00:33:46,127 You don't seem too surprised. 748 00:33:46,235 --> 00:33:48,294 Ralph, what's taking you so long? Bring him down! 749 00:33:48,470 --> 00:33:50,700 Wilde ain't in his room, Sheriff. I looked everywhere. 750 00:33:50,806 --> 00:33:51,704 He ain't up here at all. 751 00:33:51,874 --> 00:33:53,774 - Do you know where he is? - No. 752 00:33:53,943 --> 00:33:55,706 Search the rest of the house. Start in that room. 753 00:33:57,112 --> 00:33:59,478 He can't be in there. I just came from there. 754 00:33:59,582 --> 00:34:00,640 Maybe he's in the garden. 755 00:34:00,816 --> 00:34:03,478 Unless I miss my guess, he's nowhere near the house. 756 00:34:03,652 --> 00:34:05,142 He saw us coming and knew we were onto him. 757 00:34:05,321 --> 00:34:07,084 Gordon wouldn't run away. 758 00:34:07,256 --> 00:34:09,281 Even if he knew he was suspected of murder? 759 00:34:10,059 --> 00:34:10,787 Oh! 760 00:34:10,893 --> 00:34:11,484 Oh! 761 00:34:22,338 --> 00:34:22,997 Oh! 762 00:34:23,105 --> 00:34:24,629 [ Coughing ] 763 00:34:26,709 --> 00:34:27,641 What happened? 764 00:34:27,743 --> 00:34:29,142 Well, you seem to have fainted. 765 00:34:29,244 --> 00:34:32,611 When Mr. Queen said that Gordon was the murder suspect. 766 00:34:32,715 --> 00:34:34,410 Now, Tilda, you know that's ridiculous. 767 00:34:34,583 --> 00:34:39,782 Julia, maybe it's time you stopped playing the Little Princess 768 00:34:39,888 --> 00:34:42,186 and began to face a few unpleasant facts 769 00:34:42,291 --> 00:34:44,054 about your Prince Charming. 770 00:34:44,159 --> 00:34:46,559 I will not have you speaking to me that way. 771 00:34:46,662 --> 00:34:49,153 Please leave this room. 772 00:34:49,264 --> 00:34:51,459 Of course, Miss Julia. 773 00:34:55,137 --> 00:34:59,733 And this house -- as soon as possible. 774 00:35:04,313 --> 00:35:06,144 Do you think Gordon killed my father? 775 00:35:06,315 --> 00:35:08,078 Well, there's a lot of circumstantial evidence 776 00:35:08,183 --> 00:35:09,275 that points in that direction. 777 00:35:10,252 --> 00:35:12,186 But Gordon would never hurt anybody. 778 00:35:12,354 --> 00:35:13,378 Well, he threatened me. 779 00:35:13,989 --> 00:35:17,254 But you know he didn't mean it. That was just a temper flare-up. 780 00:35:17,359 --> 00:35:18,291 What evidence? 781 00:35:18,794 --> 00:35:20,591 Uh, the telegram telling your father 782 00:35:20,696 --> 00:35:22,687 that a report on G.W. was on the way. 783 00:35:22,865 --> 00:35:24,696 It was downstairs on the table. 784 00:35:24,867 --> 00:35:27,358 - Now, if he opened it-- - That's ridiculous. 785 00:35:27,469 --> 00:35:29,334 Anybody could have opened it. 786 00:35:29,438 --> 00:35:32,635 Well, that's true. Even you could have. 787 00:35:32,741 --> 00:35:35,505 You've been receiving congratulatory telegrams all week. 788 00:35:35,678 --> 00:35:37,441 - You could have opened it. - No. 789 00:35:37,546 --> 00:35:38,672 And found out your father 790 00:35:38,781 --> 00:35:41,249 was having your fiancé investigated by a private detective. 791 00:35:41,350 --> 00:35:42,248 It's not true. 792 00:35:42,351 --> 00:35:45,479 Confronted him with it, quarreled with him, 793 00:35:45,587 --> 00:35:48,556 picked up the nearest heavy object -- a Chinese dog-- 794 00:35:48,724 --> 00:35:50,191 No, Mr. Queen, I swear it. 795 00:35:50,292 --> 00:35:52,886 I never saw that telegram, and I didn't kill my father! 796 00:35:53,062 --> 00:35:55,462 I only said it could have happened. 797 00:35:55,564 --> 00:35:58,055 Anyone could have opened that telegram. 798 00:35:58,167 --> 00:36:02,035 I don't know why it would concern anybody else. 799 00:36:02,137 --> 00:36:05,038 Would you excuse me for just a moment? 800 00:36:10,979 --> 00:36:14,437 Put me through to the state police barracks, please. 801 00:36:18,554 --> 00:36:21,045 Your dad went out to check on the cars in the garage 802 00:36:21,156 --> 00:36:23,386 to see if Wilde borrowed one. 803 00:36:25,227 --> 00:36:27,457 Right. Right. 804 00:36:27,563 --> 00:36:29,929 Yeah, this is Sheriff Eberhart in Wrightsville. 805 00:36:30,032 --> 00:36:33,832 Harry, we've got a murder suspect on the loose. 806 00:36:33,936 --> 00:36:37,497 Yeah, I want you to send out an all-points highway bulletin. 807 00:36:37,606 --> 00:36:40,302 He goes under the name of Gordon Wilde. 808 00:36:40,409 --> 00:36:41,808 The description's as follows. 809 00:37:22,084 --> 00:37:23,608 Sorry. 810 00:37:25,387 --> 00:37:27,412 Hope I didn't interrupt your train of thought. 811 00:37:27,523 --> 00:37:29,616 Oh, my train isn't going anywhere. 812 00:37:29,725 --> 00:37:31,192 That's a nice fern. 813 00:37:31,293 --> 00:37:33,488 Yes. Maidenhair. 814 00:37:33,595 --> 00:37:36,826 It could be nicer. The poor thing's been neglected. 815 00:37:36,999 --> 00:37:39,991 My uncle didn't always give me free access to his study. 816 00:37:40,169 --> 00:37:42,262 Now, of course, I can come and go as I please. 817 00:37:42,371 --> 00:37:44,737 Did you ever grow succulents? 818 00:37:44,840 --> 00:37:47,434 Well, I've had some small success with echeveria. 819 00:37:47,609 --> 00:37:49,167 - Cactus plants? - Yes. 820 00:37:49,344 --> 00:37:52,336 I do prefer ferns, though, don't you? I mean, they're so fragile. 821 00:37:53,148 --> 00:37:57,209 Warren, when you brought that Chinese temple dog 822 00:37:57,319 --> 00:37:58,980 up from New York, 823 00:37:59,087 --> 00:38:01,180 where -- where did your uncle keep it? 824 00:38:01,290 --> 00:38:02,188 Where did he put it? 825 00:38:02,291 --> 00:38:03,280 Well, he put it right there. 826 00:38:03,392 --> 00:38:04,757 I mean, that's the last place I saw it. 827 00:38:04,860 --> 00:38:06,555 Right here, huh? 828 00:38:08,363 --> 00:38:10,729 If you're looking for dust, you won't find any. 829 00:38:10,833 --> 00:38:12,824 You can say what you want about Tilda MacDonald. 830 00:38:12,935 --> 00:38:14,732 She's a gem of a housekeeper. 831 00:38:14,903 --> 00:38:17,133 Why my uncle didn't ask her to marry him years ago, 832 00:38:17,239 --> 00:38:18,069 I'll never know. 833 00:38:18,207 --> 00:38:19,765 Would Tilda have married him if he asked her? 834 00:38:19,875 --> 00:38:21,001 In a flash. 835 00:38:21,176 --> 00:38:22,768 I mean, she's been in love with him for years. 836 00:38:22,878 --> 00:38:24,709 I thought the whole town knew that. 837 00:38:24,813 --> 00:38:27,077 I'm from out of town, remember? 838 00:38:28,250 --> 00:38:32,482 Yes, I loved him... with all my heart. 839 00:38:32,588 --> 00:38:34,749 How did he feel about you? 840 00:38:34,857 --> 00:38:38,850 I thought he loved me, too, till his daughter got engaged. 841 00:38:38,961 --> 00:38:41,361 For years, he used Julia as an excuse for not marrying me. 842 00:38:41,463 --> 00:38:42,862 "It wouldn't look right.” 843 00:38:42,965 --> 00:38:44,660 Oh, I heard it all. I believed it, too. 844 00:38:44,766 --> 00:38:47,997 I had no reason to think that he'd lie to me. 845 00:38:48,103 --> 00:38:50,765 But once Julia was married, he wouldn't have had that excuse. 846 00:38:50,873 --> 00:38:53,671 That same thought occurred to me in the middle of one night. 847 00:38:53,775 --> 00:38:55,766 I mentioned it to Eben. 848 00:38:55,878 --> 00:38:58,506 He said it was too late for marriage. He was too old. 849 00:38:58,614 --> 00:39:01,014 He was too set in his ways. 850 00:39:02,150 --> 00:39:04,983 He wanted to maintain the status quo. 851 00:39:06,021 --> 00:39:07,784 No. 852 00:39:07,890 --> 00:39:10,586 I would have accepted that. I loved him. 853 00:39:11,193 --> 00:39:12,660 No, he said something quite different. 854 00:39:12,761 --> 00:39:15,059 He wanted to give this house to the children 855 00:39:15,163 --> 00:39:16,357 as a surprise wedding present 856 00:39:16,465 --> 00:39:18,228 when they came back from their honeymoon. 857 00:39:18,333 --> 00:39:20,426 He was gonna find a small apartment in town. 858 00:39:20,602 --> 00:39:24,265 He had no further need of me. 859 00:39:24,373 --> 00:39:26,398 I hated him for that. 860 00:39:27,709 --> 00:39:28,403 How much? 861 00:39:30,746 --> 00:39:32,475 Oh, not that much. 862 00:39:33,115 --> 00:39:34,742 - Ellery! - Dad. 863 00:39:36,018 --> 00:39:37,849 Why didn't you tell somebody you were coming out here? 864 00:39:37,953 --> 00:39:38,817 What's the matter, Dad? 865 00:39:38,987 --> 00:39:40,784 We found out how Gordon Wilde got away. 866 00:39:40,889 --> 00:39:42,288 He used his fiancé's car. 867 00:39:42,457 --> 00:39:45,085 But I've got a good notion that she gave him the keys. 868 00:39:45,260 --> 00:39:47,490 Well, so what? She loved him. She'd do anything for him. 869 00:39:47,663 --> 00:39:49,824 Yeah, well, I think she knows where he went. 870 00:39:49,932 --> 00:39:52,298 But she's locked herself in her room. She won't come out. 871 00:39:52,401 --> 00:39:53,459 If she's done herself any harm... 872 00:39:53,568 --> 00:39:54,694 - Have you got the key? - I do. 873 00:39:54,803 --> 00:39:56,134 Hurry! 874 00:39:56,238 --> 00:39:57,671 Hurry! 875 00:40:00,475 --> 00:40:01,635 Another chicken flew the coop. 876 00:40:01,743 --> 00:40:03,233 She's gone to him. They're running off together. 877 00:40:03,345 --> 00:40:04,642 I'll give the state police a description. 878 00:40:04,746 --> 00:40:06,441 Wait. I have a hunch where they might have gone, 879 00:40:06,548 --> 00:40:07,310 but I'd like to go alone. 880 00:40:07,416 --> 00:40:09,145 - You can't do that. - Please. Just give me one hour. 881 00:40:24,299 --> 00:40:25,527 Stop here. 882 00:40:25,634 --> 00:40:28,159 Here in the middle of nowhere? 883 00:40:32,007 --> 00:40:34,805 Seems like a lonely spot to leave a young lady. 884 00:40:34,910 --> 00:40:37,572 - How much do I owe you? - 50 cents even. 885 00:40:37,679 --> 00:40:39,909 - Keep the change, Delbert. - Thank you, Ma'am. 886 00:40:40,015 --> 00:40:42,882 I still feel bad about leaving you all by yourself out here. 887 00:40:42,985 --> 00:40:45,954 - I'll be all right. - Okay. 888 00:41:29,297 --> 00:41:31,458 Gordon? Gordon, where are you? 889 00:41:31,566 --> 00:41:33,056 - Here. - Oh! 890 00:41:33,168 --> 00:41:34,999 - Oh, you frightened me. - I'm sorry. I'm sorry. 891 00:41:35,103 --> 00:41:36,365 I heard a car drive up, 892 00:41:36,471 --> 00:41:38,336 and I didn't want to take a chance on being seen. 893 00:41:38,507 --> 00:41:41,032 That was the taxi. I sent it away. 894 00:41:41,143 --> 00:41:44,010 - You sure you weren't followed? - Positive. 895 00:41:44,513 --> 00:41:46,037 Now, you intend to go through with this? 896 00:41:46,214 --> 00:41:49,240 Yes, but I do wish you'd go back and talk to them. 897 00:41:49,418 --> 00:41:50,749 No. Absolutely not. 898 00:41:50,919 --> 00:41:52,511 - But, Gordon-- - Listen. 899 00:41:52,687 --> 00:41:53,585 Do you trust me? 900 00:41:54,256 --> 00:41:56,281 You know I do. I lied for you, didn't I? 901 00:41:57,259 --> 00:41:58,351 You didn't lie. 902 00:41:58,527 --> 00:42:01,985 - I told Ellery you were in my room. - I was. 903 00:42:02,097 --> 00:42:04,088 But I let him think you were there the whole time. 904 00:42:04,266 --> 00:42:07,702 I didn't tell him that you left and were gone for several minutes. 905 00:42:07,803 --> 00:42:09,703 I went to get a drink. 906 00:42:09,805 --> 00:42:12,399 You didn't come back with a drink. 907 00:42:12,507 --> 00:42:13,599 Is that how you trust me? 908 00:42:15,477 --> 00:42:17,308 Okay, okay. 909 00:42:17,412 --> 00:42:19,437 I decided it was too early and settled, instead, 910 00:42:19,548 --> 00:42:21,516 for a glass of water. 911 00:42:21,616 --> 00:42:22,947 Do you believe that? 912 00:42:23,051 --> 00:42:25,110 I love you. That's what's important. 913 00:42:25,954 --> 00:42:29,446 In other words, you don't have to believe me. 914 00:42:29,558 --> 00:42:30,616 But what about later? 915 00:42:30,792 --> 00:42:34,319 Are you gonna look at me across the breakfast table some morning 916 00:42:34,429 --> 00:42:36,363 and wonder whether I've been telling the truth? 917 00:42:36,465 --> 00:42:38,228 No. Never. 918 00:42:39,000 --> 00:42:42,993 So I'm okay "cause you want me to be? 919 00:42:43,105 --> 00:42:45,573 Prison, criminal records -- doesn't matter? 920 00:42:45,674 --> 00:42:46,834 Not to me. 921 00:42:47,642 --> 00:42:50,941 You know, we're miles from the nearest house. 922 00:42:51,046 --> 00:42:53,480 If you screamed, nobody could hear you. 923 00:42:54,382 --> 00:42:56,942 I could get away with murder out here. 924 00:42:57,119 --> 00:43:00,577 - Do you still trust me? - Yes. 925 00:43:29,818 --> 00:43:33,345 Do you, Gordon, take this woman in holy matrimony, 926 00:43:33,522 --> 00:43:37,185 to love and to cherish in sickness and in health, 927 00:43:37,359 --> 00:43:41,022 so long as you both shall live, so help you God? 928 00:43:41,129 --> 00:43:42,858 I do. 929 00:43:42,964 --> 00:43:43,988 And do you, Julia--? 930 00:43:44,099 --> 00:43:45,191 Hold it. 931 00:43:46,301 --> 00:43:47,393 JULIA: Ellery! 932 00:43:48,503 --> 00:43:50,437 Don't pay any attention to him. 933 00:43:50,539 --> 00:43:51,938 He can't break in like this. 934 00:43:52,040 --> 00:43:55,009 Julia -- I'm sorry, Reverend. I couldn't find the right door. 935 00:43:55,110 --> 00:43:56,509 Julia, do you know what you're doing? 936 00:43:56,678 --> 00:43:58,646 She's getting married to me. Now go away. 937 00:43:58,747 --> 00:44:01,580 - He never saw that telegram. - Then why did he run? 938 00:44:01,750 --> 00:44:02,978 What was I gonna do? 939 00:44:03,084 --> 00:44:05,814 I saw those cops coming back. I'm an ex-con. 940 00:44:05,921 --> 00:44:07,889 He panicked. Can you understand that? 941 00:44:07,989 --> 00:44:08,819 Let's talk. 942 00:44:08,990 --> 00:44:12,721 Can this wait until later? I have a christening at 11:30. 943 00:44:12,827 --> 00:44:14,454 We don't have anything to talk about, Queen. 944 00:44:14,563 --> 00:44:15,757 You're just like all the rest of them. 945 00:44:15,897 --> 00:44:17,091 You see a guy with a record, 946 00:44:17,199 --> 00:44:18,996 and you're ready to pin a murder on him. 947 00:44:19,100 --> 00:44:20,829 If you'll just listen to me for one moment. 948 00:44:21,002 --> 00:44:22,902 I told you to go away. 949 00:44:23,905 --> 00:44:25,930 Don't do that! Stop it! 950 00:44:26,041 --> 00:44:27,030 The poker. 951 00:44:28,543 --> 00:44:30,773 Of course. 952 00:44:30,879 --> 00:44:33,006 I should have thought of that. 953 00:44:33,949 --> 00:44:36,816 I know who killed Eben Wright, and I'll bet you do, too. 954 00:44:36,918 --> 00:44:39,614 The fireplace poker's important because it wasn't used. 955 00:44:39,721 --> 00:44:42,554 Oh, and don't forget the puncture in the victim's right thumb. 956 00:44:42,657 --> 00:44:44,352 And the murder weapon. 957 00:44:44,459 --> 00:44:45,790 Got it? 958 00:44:51,466 --> 00:44:53,229 It's a good chance for you to campaign, Henry. 959 00:44:53,335 --> 00:44:55,826 You don't get a crowd this size every day. 960 00:44:55,937 --> 00:44:59,031 Since they didn't come to hear you. 961 00:44:59,207 --> 00:45:00,265 Is everybody here? 962 00:45:00,375 --> 00:45:02,468 Well, half the Wrights, it looks to me. 963 00:45:02,644 --> 00:45:05,044 Ralph, you stand by that door and don't let anybody out. 964 00:45:05,146 --> 00:45:06,773 Yes, sir. 965 00:45:08,316 --> 00:45:10,750 A rather unusual crime took place in this room. 966 00:45:10,852 --> 00:45:13,548 The murder weapon was a valuable art object -- 967 00:45:13,655 --> 00:45:18,092 a gold Chinese temple dog encrusted with precious jewels. 968 00:45:18,193 --> 00:45:20,787 But why was it the murder weapon? Let's see what happened. 969 00:45:21,930 --> 00:45:25,093 Eben Wright was standing here, taking a ledger off this stand. 970 00:45:25,200 --> 00:45:26,690 Now, his back was to most of the room, 971 00:45:26,801 --> 00:45:27,995 including the fireplace. 972 00:45:28,937 --> 00:45:33,601 Now, if the killer had struck out of anger, malice, or frustration, 973 00:45:33,708 --> 00:45:36,108 or simply a desire to be rid of Eben Wright, 974 00:45:36,211 --> 00:45:38,975 why not do the easiest thing -- 975 00:45:39,080 --> 00:45:41,514 grab the most obvious weapon in the room? 976 00:45:45,287 --> 00:45:48,518 Now, I admit, that's a bit of a cliché, 977 00:45:48,623 --> 00:45:51,888 but it sure would have served the purpose. 978 00:45:51,993 --> 00:45:53,961 And it was a lot more convenient than the Chinese dog, 979 00:45:54,062 --> 00:45:54,824 which is over here. 980 00:45:54,929 --> 00:45:55,953 That choice was deliberate. 981 00:45:56,064 --> 00:45:57,827 The killer wanted to strike Eben with that dog. 982 00:45:57,999 --> 00:46:01,400 Do you think there was some special significance in that? 983 00:46:01,503 --> 00:46:02,765 WARREN: Yeah, that's good. 984 00:46:02,937 --> 00:46:05,633 Maybe you should look for a man named Rex or Rover. 985 00:46:06,875 --> 00:46:08,570 No, the truth is a lot simpler. 986 00:46:08,677 --> 00:46:11,805 It has to do with the motive -- robbery. 987 00:46:11,980 --> 00:46:13,538 But, Ellery, there's nothing missing. 988 00:46:13,715 --> 00:46:15,945 - Oh, yes, there is. - What? 989 00:46:16,051 --> 00:46:18,178 The dog is missing. 990 00:46:19,487 --> 00:46:21,011 Forget that it's a murder weapon 991 00:46:21,122 --> 00:46:23,750 and remember that it's a valuable art object, 992 00:46:23,858 --> 00:46:25,689 because that's what the killer had in mind 993 00:46:25,794 --> 00:46:28,592 when he chose it as the means of killing Eben Wright. 994 00:46:28,697 --> 00:46:31,825 He couldn't carry it out of the house with the two deputies watching. 995 00:46:31,933 --> 00:46:33,298 But he knew that after the murder, 996 00:46:33,401 --> 00:46:35,130 it would be taken out as part of the evidence. 997 00:46:35,236 --> 00:46:37,727 So all the time, he was planning to steal it 998 00:46:37,839 --> 00:46:39,704 right out from under the sheriff's nose. 999 00:46:39,874 --> 00:46:43,071 Well, let's go back for just a minute. 1000 00:46:43,178 --> 00:46:44,873 The killer has just struck, 1001 00:46:44,979 --> 00:46:47,413 and Eben Wright has fallen to the floor. 1002 00:46:48,917 --> 00:46:50,214 But a flicker of life remains, 1003 00:46:50,318 --> 00:46:51,842 and he desperately wants to leave us a clue 1004 00:46:51,953 --> 00:46:53,614 to the killer's identity. 1005 00:46:53,722 --> 00:46:56,452 But as the killer places the Chinese dog next to his victim, 1006 00:46:56,558 --> 00:46:58,992 he sees that feeble movement, 1007 00:46:59,094 --> 00:47:02,086 and he tries to pry open Eben Wright's hand 1008 00:47:02,197 --> 00:47:03,596 to remove that incriminating evidence 1009 00:47:03,698 --> 00:47:07,532 without noticing that it has pricked Wright's thumb. 1010 00:47:07,702 --> 00:47:11,798 Dad, you saw a list of the items taken from Wright's body. 1011 00:47:11,906 --> 00:47:14,033 Was there anything there that would have caused the puncture? 1012 00:47:14,142 --> 00:47:15,370 Nothing with a sharp point. 1013 00:47:16,044 --> 00:47:17,443 Well, but there should have been, 1014 00:47:17,545 --> 00:47:20,708 because he gave one to everybody else -- even to me. 1015 00:47:22,684 --> 00:47:23,742 Get out of my way, Ralph! 1016 00:47:23,852 --> 00:47:26,616 Sheriff, you said not to let anybody out -- anybody. 1017 00:47:32,127 --> 00:47:35,062 I saw the handwriting on the wall. 1018 00:47:35,163 --> 00:47:37,654 I was gonna lose the election. 1019 00:47:37,766 --> 00:47:39,631 I started out as a deputy more years ago 1020 00:47:39,734 --> 00:47:41,133 than I can care to remember. 1021 00:47:42,237 --> 00:47:44,569 What would I do now? 1022 00:47:44,672 --> 00:47:47,641 I'm too old to start over again as a deputy. 1023 00:47:48,209 --> 00:47:52,703 My record's not good enough to get me elected anywhere else. 1024 00:47:52,814 --> 00:47:55,248 All those years of hard work, and you wind up with nothing. 1025 00:47:55,417 --> 00:47:57,408 And then Eben Wright showed you that statue. 1026 00:47:57,585 --> 00:48:00,179 All those rubies and whatnot that could be pried off 1027 00:48:00,288 --> 00:48:04,725 and the gold melted down and sold separately. 1028 00:48:04,826 --> 00:48:09,627 That's enough to make a body mighty comfortable in his old age. 1029 00:48:09,731 --> 00:48:12,598 The idea just flashed into my head. 1030 00:48:12,700 --> 00:48:15,168 I hit him with it, just the way Mr. Queen said. 1031 00:48:16,171 --> 00:48:18,901 Later on, I pried open the property box in my office 1032 00:48:19,007 --> 00:48:24,172 and took the Chinese dog and all the other evidence. 1033 00:48:24,279 --> 00:48:28,306 It's hidden in my house, down in the basement, 1034 00:48:28,416 --> 00:48:29,974 behind the furnace. 1035 00:48:34,923 --> 00:48:38,188 - Ralph, you got the cuffs? - Yes, sir. 1036 00:48:43,598 --> 00:48:47,056 I hope you fellas realize I had it figured all the time. 1037 00:48:47,168 --> 00:48:48,157 Is that a fact? 1038 00:48:48,269 --> 00:48:50,100 Oh, sure. Easy as pie. 1039 00:48:50,205 --> 00:48:52,537 Well, next year when you come up this way again, 1040 00:48:52,640 --> 00:48:55,507 be sure and drop by the sheriff's office and say hello. 1041 00:48:55,610 --> 00:48:58,010 I'll be there. 1042 00:48:58,112 --> 00:48:59,477 Let's go fishing, Dad.