Original subtitles

Come in.

Oh, hello, Alice.

Here I am at last.

I'm sorry I haven't been able to bring you any hot water. But she says you

haven't paid her for a month and so she stopped it.

Mrs. Eagle's a smart businesswoman, eh?

Eagle?

She's a vulture.

Alice.

Oh. Here, give that to me.

I really do it for you.

Thanks. Oh, it is all right indeed it is.

I hate to see a man look silly when he need not.

I'll bring it back later.

Alice. Uh-huh?

Supposing for some reason or other you wanted to look very smart, and you had

no decent clothes and no money, what would you do?

Oh, go on, looking like myself, I should think.

Yes, I suppose that's the answer.

Oh, but looking smart does not matter for a man, though.

Oh, yes, it does, if he's looking for a job.

And I'm expecting a letter about a very important interview any post now.

Oh, I shouldn't worry about how you look.

Your voice is ever so nice.

Thanks, but I'm afraid that won't carry me far.

Clothes come first, my girl. And I can't go to an interview looking like this.

The post.

Go and see if it's for me. Yes, indeed, I will.

Alice!

Is that a letter?

Indeed it is.

Where is it? It was not for you, Mr. Drummond.

But I was only joking. It is for you.

It's happened.

Oh, Alice, my luck's changed at last.

Has it indeed, to goodness? Yes, it has indeed, to goodness.

Whatever. Look you.

I have the appointment, and I've got to ring up and confirm it. Who is it with?

Cherwins, the big paint firm. The biggest people in the paint business.

Oh, the people who make paint.

Yes, paint. P-A-I-N-T.

And they make pretty good paint, too.

But I'll show them how they can make better.

Here we are.

See this?

I've got it all worked out here. Yes, and if you go on like that, you will be

worked out too.

Never mind. Sit down.

Listen, Alice, I'm going to let you into a secret.

Now, if I get the job with this firm, and I'm going to, my fortune's made. And

the firm's too.

Talking big, aren't I? Oh, you are indeed.

Well, I'm going to be big.

That's done it.

My only suit.

Well, you'll have to get a new one now.

What with?

Fourpence?

Fivepence. The last of the family fortunes. Oh, Mr.

Drummond, I am so sorry.

I had no idea it was so serious.

I would lend you some money myself. Indeed, I would.

But I have got a secret, too.

Good for you, Alice.

What is it?

I have been saving up for months so that I can leave this blinking prison.

You're leaving?

Indeed, yes.

I gave old Mother Eagle a week's notice and she would not take it, but she will

have to, for I am going to do a bunk tomorrow while she is out.

Where are you going?

Home to Cardiff.

My young man is coming to see me off and he is going to help me.

Oh, Mrs. Eagle, sit down, won't you? Thank you. I think I'll stand.

Well, I suppose that brings us to the point. I always come to the point.

I want my money.

What do you think this place is for?

Well, I should be the last to enter into a discussion on those lines.

But just look at this.

Good of old Marston, isn't it? I don't know who Mr. Marston is. Well, Mr.

Marston is the general manager of the most go-ahead paint firm in the country.

Now, I've got a process which is just what he needs. Well?

Well, I'm going to see him tomorrow.

He only says to ring him up.

Exactly. Well, I'm going to ring him up and tell him I'm going to see him. Oh,

Mr. Roman, I've had these promises too often.

People seem to expect me to live in them.

If you can't pay now, there are lots of people that want your room. If I could

only get a hold of five pounds and make myself look presentable, I'd fix that

job and pay you right up. Well, you'd better find it quickly or you won't get

the job.

I don't suppose you could... No, I couldn't.

Try some of your friends.

I haven't any.

That's a pity.

Well, yes, there is one who might, if he's still in London. Well, you'd better

find him.

For if you don't pay me by this time tomorrow, out you go.

Well, Marston, thanks very much for the good evening.

I see.

You walk out when you're winning.

When possible.

Being framed, am I?

Think you can come to my house and make a fool of me?

We learned the game from you, Marston. Well, you're not going to get away with

this. You're not going to leave me skinned.

We're going to play more, and on the level.

You've forgotten how to play like that.

Come on, boys.

We've taught him his lesson.

Hello?

Yes?

Why don't I think about it?

But I have a letter from you telling me to ring you up.

Yes, I know it's a bit late.

Yes, I know I ought to have rung you at the office.

Well, I think it's confounded impertinence you're ringing my private

house at this time of night.

But I have a most valuable process.

Oh, you have, have you?

That's what you say.

Then you don't want to know about it, then?

All right, all right.

Well, you'd better bring it round to my office tomorrow about midday, and if I'm

not too busy, I'll see you.

Oh, thanks.

Thanks very much.

Hello. Hello.

Hello, hello. Listen, Roger Drummond speaking.

I've got to have some respectable clothes for tomorrow.

Can you possibly lend me a fiver or some clothes?

You're about my size.

I've got to look respectable. I'm in rags now.

What?

Lend you a fiver?

Lend you some clothes?

I haven't got any money and I haven't got any clothes.

And I'm too tired for practical jokes.

I've been moving into this flat all day.

Well, aren't you Jim Bennett?

No, I'm not Kim Bennett.

Do you know where he's moved to?

Anything the matter?

Will you help, please?

I'll get a doctor.

Everything all right, miss?

Where is he?

Who, miss?

The young man who was here just now.

I ain't seen anybody, miss. Saw your car park here, not so tidy as you might say.

I felt ill.

Are you all right now, miss?

Yes, but I don't think I can drive.

I'll drive you to the station, miss. There's a doctor there.

Thank you. Now, don't you worry. Everything will be all right.

George, you look after the beat. All right, but... Can you move over, miss?

That's it.

All right?

All right.

Confound the lace.

Comes addressing hurriedly.

You say the car swerved?

Yes. Did it smash?

No, no, she stopped it.

Probably some silly young thing returning from a cocktail party.

Oh, no, I don't think so. The girl was ill. That's why I called you. All right,

my boy. Let's have a look.

Well, I left her here.

I see. Did you tell her you were going for a doctor?

No. Yes, but I think she's already fainted.

There's nothing else I can do.

Oh, I suppose not.

And I suppose there's nothing else you can do.

No. Then thank you very much for the exercise.

Good night.

Well, sinners, bit of a change from last night, eh?

I've had a busy day, too.

Well, I may look smarter, but I feel shabby.

Bit thick to take that money, wasn't it?

Never mind, I'm going to pay it back tonight.

Oh, no.

This.

That's awkward.

Now I've got to get that job.

And some money.

Get this back to the police.

Good morning, sir. Morning.

Morning, Mr. Marsden.

Nice morning. Lovely, sir.

Hello, Marston.

You're late this morning.

There's an underling in the firm, Ashley. It'd be better if you called me

Mr. Marston in the office.

I see.

Mr. in the office.

An old thing when I'm being fleeced at one of your parties.

Or when you're trying to make up to my sister.

Don't mention card parties either.

Oh, why? Have you been fleeced or something?

Yes, last night.

Oh. Marion wasn't with you by any chance.

What's that got to do with it?

Oh, nothing.

Her handbag was stolen.

Really? It isn't so much the loss of the money, Uncle, but I had that diamond

bracelet in the bag.

I got it back from the jeweller.

Why? That's worth four to five hundred pounds.

I'm afraid that's not likely to be returned.

The police have all particulars, and I'm offering a reward.

Got an appointment?

Yes, with Mr Marston. All right, second door on the right. Thank you.

If you dare to read my letters... Now, don't bluster, Mr Marston.

I did open it and I read it.

What? How many more countries are you doing that trick with?

You idiot.

That's just a little sideline of mine.

I see.

So pinching royalties is just a sideline.

That contract existed before my partnership with Sir John.

Hmm.

Funny it's been renewed since in your name.

The whole thing's too complicated for you to understand.

You'll get into it in time.

Oh, I hope so.

It's very profitable, it seems to you.

Oh, shut up.

I think I shall have to ask if I can have an agreement on royalties like that

one.

I've lent you £150 already.

You took back 98 of it at cards pretty quickly, and that only left 52.

An untidy figure.

Couldn't you manage another 50?

Mr Roger Drummond to see you, sir, by appointment.

I thought I said later.

Oh, all right, I'll see him.

Sir John wants to see you, Mr Frank.

Oh, right-o, thank you.

Well, shall I ask the old man if I can have an agreement like that?

I'll manage that 50 pounds later on.

Thank you.

Mr Drummond, sir.

I hope I'm not too early, Mr Marston.

Well, I've no doubt you can tell me your business in a few words.

I outlined the idea in my letter.

Ah, yes, I really forget.

Oh, you claim some patent formally on a certain spraying process.

I own it, and it's valuable.

Yes, of course, they always are.

You're not sure of the name of the street?

No.

Well, Frank had better go round with you to the police.

You told him about it?

Yes, but he didn't seem very interested.

Hello. Here you are at last.

Good morning, Uncle John.

Marion told you about the bag?

Yes. Lucky, isn't she?

That's all you said when I told you.

Well, it's something to be able to walk about with jewellery in your bag.

Now, Frank, I want you to go round to the police station with Marion.

She's certain she could recognise the man and they may want her to go through

photographs. Huh.

That will be jolly.

I'd better get the thing moving.

All right.

I'll see you at the car then, Marion.

All right.

Well, I don't know that I'm really very interested.

Mr. Marsden, give me a chance to prove it.

Well, let me have a copy of that and I'll see if anything can be done.

A copy?

Do you think I'm a fool?

I don't know. I could tell better with a copy of that.

There's enough here to justify you giving me a chance.

What you call a chance, I suppose, means money down, a salary, the run of the

laboratories. In fact, the chance, really, for you to make experiments at

our expense.

I want 50 pounds down, a job on your staff, and a certain amount of time for

experimental purposes.

Well, I'll mention the matter to Sir John Sherwin, but I don't know that he

really wants to make a presentation of the business to anyone at the moment.

I see.

Well, while you're the general manager, I shouldn't think it's worth presenting

to anyone.

Impertinence?

Really?

Run along, my dear.

They'll probably find it. I hope so.

All right.

You'll regret it.

And who is regretting what? Oh, nothing, Sir John. This gentleman's just going.

Hence the regrets, I suppose.

Yes.

Excuse me, sir, but I have a valuable formula.

Though Mr Marston here doesn't seem to think so.

Oh, everybody has one, you know. We get a little sceptical.

But I've had mine working already, sir.

Oh, well.

In Africa.

Just a small firm.

Henschel & Co.? Yes, sir. How did you know?

There are so few of us. I've been in the business all my life.

We can't try everything that comes along, sir. No, but this is... How much

are you asking?

A hundred pounds down and a six-month contract, sir. It's going up.

My time's worth money.

Would you mind waiting in the other room, Mr...

Drummond, sir. Mr. Drummond?

Certainly.

Of course, I shall want a partnership in the event of certain profits being

reached. Yes.

But they won't be reached while you're in the waiting room, I take it? No.

No. I'm afraid not, sir.

You're not going to try and persuade me into giving this fellow a job.

Get me John Hayden on the phone.

Hello? Get me Mr. Hayden's office. I want to speak to Mr. Hayden personally.

I believe I've heard of this formula before.

A young fellow in South Africa invented it, had a row with his firm and cleared

out. Some of the cunning ones in our line of business have tried to trace

him. Hello?

Is Mr. Hayden there?

Hayden will know.

Hello, Mr. Hayden?

Mr. Hayden.

Hello, John.

Yes.

I say, you know you were talking about that young South African genius, chemist

fellow? Yes.

What was the name of his firm?

Henschel & Co?

No, no, no, nothing really.

I was just trying to tell the story and I hate to forget a name.

No, nothing more.

How many thanks, John.

I'll see you over the weekend.

Yes, goodbye.

Goodbye.

This is the boy, Marston. I'll take a level bet on it.

He's in demand and he doesn't know it.

Now give him his money and fix him up before he finds out and the others grab

him.

I must just say goodbye to Mr. Drummond.

Mr. Drummond?

Mr. Drummond?

I expect he's working at those figures. He gets all wrapped up like...

No,

he is not there.

But he must be somewhere.

I'll go and see if I can find him.

You wait here, Alf, because I want you to see him.

Fathers? No.

I've been caught on numbers before.

You say a word about this and I'll choke every one of your ruddy lives out of

you.

What, didn't you find him? No, I couldn't find him anywhere.

I suppose he is out at that appointment.

It was stupid of me not to have thought of it before. Indeed it was.

Yeah, well, we'd better not wait. Come on. Bye-bye.

Good evening, Mrs. Eagle.

Well, I told you so. I've done it.

Done what?

Signed up with Germans for six months.

I don't care about the six months.

When do you get paid?

Oh, I won't draw any salary for some time yet.

Well, as your time's up here, Mr. Drummond, you'll oblige me by packing

and leaving.

And you'll oblige me by taking this.

Something on account from the firm.

Oh, Mr.

Drummond, you are a one. Yes, aren't I?

Honest is the best policy.

You know, Drummond's got the goods there, Marston. I believe he's the best

thing that could have happened to this firm.

Well, we'll see.

He's a new broom.

He's only been here a week.

You take such personal dislikes, George.

You let him confuse your judgment.

Well, we had discussions like this about your nephew.

That was a different matter.

Frank and his sister, like my own children.

Frank's young and wild, but I want to give him a chance.

Well, it's not working out very well.

No.

Do you think it would help things if we gave him some more responsible work?

Well, it wouldn't help the work.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I, um, I just came in to see the miracle.

Meaning what exactly?

Well, everyone seems to think you're something wonderful that's happened to

the firm.

That's very nice of everybody.

Except Marston, of course.

Marston doesn't. Rather not.

I think he wanted to get you onto what he calls one of his sidelines.

Well, there's nothing doing.

I've got quite enough to do here.

What's your job?

I'm sorry.

I'm Frank Ashley.

And my job is keeping on the right side of the old man, Sir John Sherwin.

He's my uncle, you know.

Really? Yes.

I've been away since you came.

Oh, ill?

Good Lord, no. Racing.

Ever done much? I've been to the Derby. Oh, I prefer the early flat season.

I'll tell you what happened to me yesterday.

Then I'll leave you to keep young Frank a little more occupied in future.

Well, I'll do what I can, Sir John.

Hello, my dear. Hello, Uncle.

I'm just going to have a word with Drummond.

I'll be back in a minute. All right.

Well, did you have a good holiday?

All right, I suppose.

I was left alone a great deal.

Frank was at race meetings most of the time. Yes, I'm afraid that's all he ever

thinks about.

Can't you do something for him, George?

Well, when you came in, I was trying to persuade your uncle to give him more

responsibility. Oh, good.

But the trouble was, there were only five runners.

Well, I think you ought to be running unless you want to meet the old man, as

you call him.

He'll be here at any minute.

Oh, will he?

Struth, I'm off.

Cheerio, old boy. See you later.

You know, I'd be much happier if you'd worry more about me.

Why? You know perfectly well.

I thought we'd settled all that months ago.

Good morning, Diamond.

Good morning, sir.

How are the results?

Excellent. Excellent.

Very promising.

Thank you, sir.

Oh, come into my room a moment, will you? Certainly, sir.

That process is working out very well, George. We turned it a judge yet.

Is that Mr Drummond's work you're speaking about?

Yes. I've asked him to come in. I'd like you to meet him. He seems to be the sole

topic of conversation at the moment.

Come in.

Oh, Drummond, I want to introduce you to my niece, Miss Ashley.

How do you do?

Marion, what's the matter?

There must be some mistake.

What do you mean?

This is the man that stole my bag.

What?

Are you sure?

Quite sure.

Mr Drummond, what have you to say?

Nothing. Look at him. It's the truth.

Mr Marston is right, sir.

It is the truth.

But let me explain. Well, save it for the police.

Miss Ashley, I'd like you to know what prompted me to do it.

Why should we listen to him? His motive's no concern of ours? In a way it

is.

My motive in borrowing the money was merely to make myself presentable to

you. It's all right, George. We've got to hear his story.

When I came back with the doctor, your car had gone.

So I sent the bag back to the police.

Yes, I got the bag and the money.

It would have been hopeless to explain.

So I just returned everything.

Everything? Yes, everything.

And who got the bracelet?

The bracelet? It was in the bag when I sent it to Scotland Yard. That's a lie.

Miss Ashley, I assure you... Cheap pickpocket.

Well, that won't help you, Drummond.

I'm sorry, Sir John, but what I've told you is the truth.

I don't know what to believe.

Miss Ashley.

Get me the police station, please.

Hello, you're working late this evening.

Yes, sir, but I've just finished.

By the way, have you got a key to this drawer of Drummond's?

No, sir, he always kept that himself.

Oh, well, I must have it opened in the morning and cleared out.

Oh, but, sir... It's all right. Sir John's orders. Good night.

Good night, sir.

12-month sentence.

Funny how they run in batches.

One, two, three.

Six of them leaving at the same time after a 12-month sentence. Yes, sir.

Yes.

Roger Drummond. I'll see him first.

Yes, yes, yes.

Drummond first.

Well, Drummond, I'd like to have a word with the men before they leave, just to

wish them luck.

Thank you, sir. Now, don't run out in the world and think your life's ruined.

A lot of men seem to revel in doing that.

After all, 12 months is not much out of a man's life.

But tell me, what are these extraordinary signs and things?

Not a code, I hope? No, sir, a formula.

At least part of one I was working on. It's chemistry, sir. Of course, of

course. I forgot you're a chemist.

I was, sir. I don't know whether there are any points I've not touched on or

any questions anyone would care to ask.

The success of Cherwins and the very bright prospects for the coming year are

an answer probably to all possible questions.

I feel that our thanks are due chiefly to Mr. Marston. There can be no doubt

that the phenomenal growth of our trade is owing to his introduction of an

entirely new process.

Not finally perfected, sir.

That'll come.

Now, gentlemen, are there any questions?

Are there any further developments regarding the suggested amalgamation

with Clegg and Clegg? They're our strongest rivals.

At the moment, I consider that would be inadvisable. We could amalgamate later

on under more favourable terms.

Yes. I would ask that the matter be held in abeyance.

After all, I've only been experimenting on my process for 12 months. I quite

agree.

Who were you with?

Cherwin, sir.

Cherwin? Oh, that's rather a pity.

Why, sir?

Well, they've been mentioned a good deal in stock market reports. In fact,

they're going ahead in leaps and bounds.

But why should it be a pity that I was with them, sir?

Well, I mean, you might have been able to look them up and... I see.

I'm to forget these last 12 months, but nobody else can.

Drummond, your conduct has been perfect whilst you've been here.

Don't let me regret this last interview.

I'm sorry, sir.

Here are your things.

Goodbye. Goodbye, sir.

Think things over.

Make definite plans.

I've done that, sir.

I'm going straight to Cherwins.

What do you want?

This is still Sherwin's, isn't it? Looks like it.

It doesn't to me.

It's changed, hasn't it? I'll say it has.

Never stopped building for the last 12 months.

Lots of work going on. Busiest firm round here.

Is Mr Marston still here? Still here?

He's the whole outfit, he is.

I'd like to see him.

See Mr Marston?

Have you an appointment?

Is that necessary? I should think it is.

What's your business?

Very much the same as Mr Marston's.

He'll be interested to see me.

I tell you, you can't go in there without my permission.

And how do I get your permission?

By appointment.

Well, I haven't got an appointment, but I'm going in. Here, wait a minute.

Excuse me. Did you want to see anybody, sir? I'm going to see Mr. Marston. Have

you an appointment?

No. And you can't come in here, sir?

Now, you know, an older and more experienced man than you has just told

me that.

I am sorry, sir.

Drummond!

Hello, Marston.

What do you mean by this?

Quite a lot.

What do you want me to do?

What do you think?

Very little, I'm afraid.

After all, you must realize it. Exactly.

I do. Then why are you here if you realize it's quite impossible for us to

take you back? Back? Do you imagine after spending 12 months with crooks

that I want to go on associating with them?

You call us crooks?

You know what I mean, Marston. I haven't the faintest idea. I want those papers

of mine.

Papers? My formula.

If you left anything that wasn't returned, I'd better ring... Don't do

that. Where are my papers?

I tell you I know nothing of the confounded things. No?

Then what about this new process you're using?

Mr. Drummer. How are you? I'm glad to see you're out, uh, back.

What happened to those things left by Mr. Drummond? I don't quite know, sir.

You remember you told me to have the drawer opened and emptied. Yes, but hang

it, old man. Surely you had the stuff put somewhere.

There wasn't anything of any importance, sir.

All right.

There you are, you see, Drummond.

I'm sorry, but what's of value to one man means nothing to another.

I'm beginning to understand that.

Sit down, Drummond.

Thanks.

I wish there was something we could do.

I shall get a job.

Where are you going?

Clegg and Clegg, your opposition.

I've got an improvement on the formula that I worked out on those papers that

were lost.

Hmm.

You'd, uh, you'd feel uncomfortable back here, of course. Of course.

As a matter of fact, I didn't mean to be quite so harsh with you as I was just

now. It was the surprise of seeing you. Hmm.

Perhaps I did jump to the conclusion that you had picked my brains.

How easily we misunderstand each other.

Or understand each other.

Would you like me to see what I can do?

You mean about work?

Yes. My influence with Sir John and Miss Ashley.

Miss Ashley?

Yes, she's one of our directors now, you know.

Oh. You needn't worry about her. She wouldn't be vindictive.

I hope not.

Shall we leave it at that?

If you wish.

You can't expect me to engage you here and now.

Perhaps you'll think it over.

What's your address?

Almost on the premises.

The nearest I could get to Cherwins.

Good day.

Good day.

Good

day.

Good day, sir.

You rang, sir?

Yes.

You're quite sure there was nothing important in Mr. Drummond's desk? Yes,

sir. You ought to have made a list, you know.

There might have been something of value.

I don't expect to have to give you detailed instructions every time.

I'm sure there was nothing much there, sir.

Because I was amused at the time to think how he'd guarded the few bits of

things. All right.

Only try to be more methodical in future.

Yes, sir.

Well, I'll be going now, Uncle John. All right, my dear.

I'll be in to dinner.

All right.

Anything worrying you?

I believe Roger Drummond comes out of prison today.

There's no need to worry anymore.

I should feel happier if we'd done something for him.

Why, exactly?

Well, supposing... Supposing he was innocent?

Well... My dear, we behaved in the only way we could.

You look all worked up. Yes, I am.

Marion's coming in to see you. That's not very unusual, is it? Something

rather important, I imagine. She wouldn't tell me what it was.

Sounds fairly promising.

Roger? Is he out?

Oh, yes.

Difficult? What do you mean?

Well, it's rather awkward for you, isn't it?

As a matter of fact, I'm going to try and get him back into the firm.

Here? Why not?

Why not?

Did you suggest it? Yes.

You're not feeling quite yourself, are you? I know what I'm doing. He's safer

inside than out.

Are you referring to Chowin's or jail?

He'll be under my eye.

Mind you don't get it blacked.

Thanks.

Well, I've decided to take this room, Mrs. Green.

It's a good thing you left a deposit.

I've had one or two after it since you called.

Business good, eh?

All right.

Put me a couple of quid on brown sugar.

What? Yes, each way.

All right.

Hello, Marion. You're just in time. Lend me a couple of quid, will you?

Each way?

Oh, anyway. Thank you so much, dear.

Where's George?

He's gone to lounge.

Sorry.

Oh, do you know Roger Drummond's out?

Yes, I've just been talking about him to Uncle John. Oh. Well, he seems to be

living almost in the works.

Number one Abbeville place.

How do you know that? He's been in to see George.

Here? Yes.

Oh.

Hey, where are you going?

Never mind.

Don't be late tonight, Frank.

Well, give me Dougie Stewart again, will you?

Well, it's a little unusual, but of course me seeing it's you.

Miss Ashley to see you.

Oh, thank you.

Come in.

I suppose you think this is rather extraordinary.

I hardly expected it.

Sit down.

Thank you.

Mr. Drummond, I came here because I felt I had to speak to you.

I see.

You've not come to tell me there was something else of value in that bag. I

came to say how sorry I was for all that happened.

It's been on my mind ever since.

And on mine.

Is there anything I can do?

Nothing, I'm afraid.

Now you're being as unkind as I was.

I wanted to apologize for the way I behaved.

But you're making it rather difficult.

You accuse me of something I never did.

I could only believe the worst then.

And now?

I believe your story.

Well, really, that's rather funny.

I have to pay the penalty, and now I suppose I must thank you for believing

me innocent.

You're being rather unfair.

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have come here.

But I couldn't rest until I told you I was sorry.

You see, I believe in you.

And should like to help.

How did you get my address?

Through George Marston. Oh, he sent you?

No.

Miss Ashley, I have been rather brutal to you.

But this experience has made me bitter.

But believe me, I do appreciate what you've just told me.

Thank you.

We may meet again.

I hope we shall.

If I come back to the works, we shall.

Back to the works?

Marston's considering it, and he's going to let me know.

He said that?

He's gone up a hundred percent in my estimation.

That's a pretty high figure, Miss Ashley.

But still, I'm glad to be the reason of raising him to such dizzy heights.

I shall use my influence.

Then I think I can consider myself back in the firm.

I think so.

Must you go? I'm afraid I must.

Goodbye.

I wonder if it's wise to have the fellow back.

We might help you now. He's got some ideas.

No, I agree with you. As a man of ability, I'd say have him back.

But I mistrust this gentleman.

He's been in jail, you know.

First it's Marion, now you.

Marion mentioned it, did she?

No, not about having him back.

But you know, she's worried about him and all that nonsense.

Well, what do you think, sir?

We'll leave it for her there, too.

After all, there's no reason to rush it.

All right, just as you say.

Uncle John, I've got an idea.

Let's have Roger Drummond back here. Just what I was suggesting.

That's grand of you.

It's the only decent thing to do.

Your letter, sir.

Take this letter down, will you?

Roger Drummond.

Mr. Marston will give you the address.

We should be glad if you would call upon us with a view to discussing your

reinstatement in the firm.

Do you want me to burst into tears in the last paragraph or leave it at yours

sincerely?

For P.S., in haste, very hungry.

Come and dine with me, Marion.

Thanks. You're quite happy now.

Very. Mind you, Marion, we may find we're wrong.

I'm sure we're not.

Well, we've got to weigh the two things up.

Fellow's no fool.

On the other hand, he's got a yellow streak in him.

We'll see.

Well, leave him to me.

I'll keep him straight.

Well, anyway, you see what I mean, don't you?

I could be a lot of help to you.

In my work?

No. Well, yes, in a way.

You hate Marston, don't you?

Now, look here, my lad.

This isn't the healthiest place to hang around if you needn't.

And I can assure you, you needn't.

All right, all right.

You've been trying to tell me something for the last few days that I don't want

to hear.

Why? Because I'm interested in this.

Well,

I hope it'll be successful.

It will.

Successful?

You don't think he will be?

No.

Drummond's got brain, and my goodness, he works.

He puts in a lot of hours, and he's not getting anywhere.

You're really getting results?

It's almost certain now.

Exciting. Yes.

You sound depressed about it.

Marion.

Are you ever worried about Frank?

Don't tell me he's been borrowing from you.

No, but... Why do you worry about him?

I'm not worrying.

I just wanted to warn you.

He's not doing much good, you know.

Don't talk nonsense, you little rat.

I suppose you've tried snooping around him to see how much he'd pay to double

-cross me.

I was going to, but it was a bit late.

Late? Why?

Well, he's just on the point of success, I think. Oh, nonsense.

Well, we shall soon see.

Seven o'clock, sir.

Gosh, it's as late as that.

I've only got time to dress.

Are you coming back tonight, sir? Yes, I'm dining out with Miss Ashley and I'll

come back here immediately afterwards.

Oh, shall I stay?

No, no, you get home. I want to get a result on this tonight.

Well, I hope you have some luck.

Thanks. I'll see you in the morning. Good night, sir. Good night.

Just going, George?

Yes, got a game of cards tonight.

Oh, yes.

Frank's joining you? Yes, I think so.

Well, don't let him play for high stakes.

Oh, trust me.

Young Drummond's working late, isn't he? Yeah, he's got some crazy idea.

Hoping to get results tonight, I believe.

Well, I hope he'll be successful.

I like the fellow.

Well, it's all an experience.

Well, come along.

You're not really interested in Marston, are you?

Why?

I'd like to know.

That's rather direct, isn't it?

Perhaps.

Well, I'll ask you another question.

Still direct?

Still direct.

Then I shan't answer it.

All right. I'll wait.

There's no use hustling and getting bad results.

Which reminds me, I must be getting back.

Must you go back to the works tonight?

Yes. You see, things are working out pretty well.

And tonight, she'll bring a result.

It's very important.

Is this a critical evening?

Very.

I hope everything turns out all right.

I do, too.

It's been rather difficult, hasn't it?

Very.

The experiment, I mean.

Yes, without my original papers.

George Marston doesn't seem very interested.

No.

He almost made a success of it himself.

Almost?

You don't like George Marston, do you?

You know, he did help to get you back in the firm.

That's perfectly true.

But I'm still useful, you see.

Yes.

Well, I suppose you want to get back.

I don't want to, Marion.

But I must.

Means everything, this present experiment.

Of course.

I should have thought of that earlier.

I'm glad you didn't.

May I ring you up later?

It may be too late.

I should have gone to bed.

Too bad.

Waiter.

Is that Bill, please?

Well,

come along.

Good night.

Good night. There's a taxi for you outside.

I'll walk.

Better luck next time.

You know, you must have won a lot of money tonight.

Me? Yes, I'll bet you're a good deal better off than when you came here.

Good.

Well, I'll use that taxi then.

Good night.

Good night.

Good night. Good night.

Now, if you're going on behaving like the spoiled boob you are, you can stop

coming to my parties. If you go on fleecing me as you fleece the others,

I'll break up one of your parties.

I can tell a few facts about you.

Now, look here, my lad.

I'm getting tired of your attempts at blackmail.

You don't seem to realize the only reason I finance you is to keep you

happy.

One or two things you know aren't serious.

Just better not talked about for the sake of peace.

Do you understand?

What about those papers of Drummond's you stole?

I see.

So that's your latest guess, is it? You did steal them.

Rather a wild statement to make that you can't prove? I'll prove it yet. All

right, go ahead.

I'm fed up with you. Go and tell your half-baked story to Sir John, Marion,

Drummond, to the police.

Only if you get yourself into trouble, don't come squealing round here. Give me

back what I've just lost. I took nothing from you. You gambled like a fool.

That's what you always do.

You lend me money to shut me up, and then you take it away from me again at

cards. I took nothing from you.

You told me it'd be easy tonight.

So it would have been, if you played with any sense.

To you, that means cheating, I suppose.

Any more of this, and I'll try new methods.

Kicking you downstairs.

Give me back what you won from me tonight or I swear I'll find proof

against you if I go to jail for it.

Oh, don't be an idiot. I tell you I've got nothing from you or anyone else

tonight.

There you are.

That's all I've got in my pockets and I've nothing up my sleeves.

Oh, give me a drink.

Well, that's the most sensible thing you said this evening.

I'll take that call in the other room.

Perhaps it would be wiser.

I suppose next time you'll want a rather larger sum, because I had a telephone

call you didn't hear.

You're not really very clever, Frank, my boy.

Just in time to say goodnight.

I thought you'd gone to bed. It's rather late.

I've been reading.

But where are you going?

I'm just going out.

Going out at this time of night?

A nightclub.

No, no, no, don't be absurd.

I'm going to the works.

Young Drummond wanted me to. He's so keen.

But why?

I'm sworn to secrecy, really.

He seemed to want me to be the first to know of some successful experiment he

hopes to pull off tonight.

I'll come with you.

No, I shouldn't do that, Mary.

Really, I think... I believe you are going to a nightclub.

What I was going to say was, I really believe he'd rather I hadn't told you.

My dear uncle, don't be so uppish. He told me at dinner that he'd ring up and

let me know the result.

Did he?

He seems to want to confide in all of us.

Except George.

Yes, except George.

Funny. Because when all's said and done, George was the first to suggest having

him back.

It does seem rather odd, doesn't it?

You'll wait for me?

I expect he won't mind.

Oh, you needn't worry about that.

Now hurry, the car's waiting.

All right.

Good evening, sir. Still at it?

Yeah, still at it.

That's good.

Smells awful.

Now then, where's that...

That's funny.

Lost something, sir?

I had a paper.

What's it like, sir?

You don't like Sting, sir?

Not very much, thank you, sir.

It's, um... Oh, I believe I left it in Marsden's office.

Oh, I've got the master keys in the offices, sir. You have? Good. Well, we

have to be quick because Sir John's coming down to see the result. Sir John

coming down, sir? Yes.

Come on. Yes, sir.

There you are, sir.

Thanks.

That's the phone.

Better see who it is.

Very good, sir.

Hello?

Yes? Who's that?

Well, it's Mr Marston speaking.

This is the night watchman, Mr Marston.

Is Mr Frank Astley there?

Working late by any chance?

Mr Frank, sir?

Oh, no, he wouldn't do that.

Mr Drummond's here, sir, though. I just let him into your office.

What? For some papers or something he missed, sir.

I'm coming along.

I've left my keys behind.

I'm nearly at the works now. Have the doors open for me.

Good night, officer.

No, thanks.

Was that phone call from Sir John? No, sir. Mr Marston.

Marston? Yes, sir. He's coming along.

What on earth is he coming here for?

I don't know, sir.

I must go and head him off. I want Sir John to be the first to see the result.

you little fool.

I tell you, let me go, will you?

I see.

It was evidently instinct that brought me here tonight.

Conscience, more likely.

That's good coming from you.

Well, whatever it is, it's a pity you didn't come sooner.

I don't think the fellow got away with anything.

Really? Aye. Watchman, get the police.

The police? Yes, the police. Never heard of them?

I'll stay here with Mr Drummond.

Very good, sir.

Cigarette?

Thanks.

Better smoke while you can.

Your last one.

Sorry to rob you.

Got a match?

You're not seriously going to do this, are you?

You wouldn't seriously expect me not to, would you?

No.

With your position and your character, I should say not.

You're dead right.

You swine, I'd like... I shouldn't!

It'd only keep you in jail longer.

I think it would be worth it.

The police!

Marston. Let you in on it after all. He certainly has.

Hello. Hello, Marion.

Well, Drummond? Sir John, I came back here because I'd left my keys.

Lucky thing I did.

I caught Drummond here red-handed at the safe.

George!

Sorry, Marion.

We can't be polite in circumstances like these.

I'm just stating a fact.

After all, you know, once a thief... Sir John, that's a lie.

Someone's been at the safe, that's true.

But I caught him red-handed.

But he got away just before Marsden came in. A very thin story.

What was in the safe?

Nothing of importance as it happens.

The fellow I caught was making off with that box.

Could you identify him?

No, sir.

You say you couldn't and you were at close quarters?

Not very convincing, Drummond. What did you expect, Sir John?

I wonder if Frank saw anything.

Frank? You saw Frank Drummond?

No, sir.

You say you didn't see him?

My man, we met him at the gates. He said he'd just been in to see how you were

getting on.

I forgot about that.

Well, hadn't we better see what's in that box?

There's nothing very valuable in there.

Curious thing for anyone to go for, then.

What's in it?

I really forget, but that's of no importance at the moment.

I think it is.

The man was after that box or nothing.

I'd like you to look, Sir John.

Seems a fair request, George.

But I haven't got the key anyway.

Will any of these fit, sir?

Here we are, fiddling about with a box when we ought to be settling things.

Just a moment, Sir John.

Oh, let it go, Sir John.

I'm in favour of letting Drummond off.

What are these?

Can't you better see if any are missing?

These are the details of my process that Marston stole.

What?

Nonsense. I haven't looked in that box for months.

Why? These are royalty contracts.

Payable to you, George.

What have you to say?

Nothing at all.

I think we owe you a good deal, Mr. Drummond.

You have been disloyal to me and to the firm.

We'd better talk in the other room.

Who was it, Roger?

Does it matter?

No. How was the experiment?

Everything has worked out beautifully.