Original subtitles

Thank you.

Well, thanks for this.

Rather a boring evening, I thought.

Boring, but good business.

I think we'll get that contract with the quick-pipe people. Let's hope so.

Well, you can never be sure, but I had a feeling their chairman was on our side.

200 cafes in their offices. A first-class outlet, that.

Anyway, we'll see you tomorrow.

Are you sure you won't come in for a drink? No, thanks, Peter.

Harry's just said he's got some work to do.

South Coast distribution.

Got to be gone over, you know. I can vouch for that. Sales conference

tomorrow. The figures are vital.

Have you ever known a time when they weren't?

Good night.

Oh, well, if you won't, you won't.

Good night, Frank.

Good night, Peter.

See you in the morning.

Good night.

I'm sorry I've got to go over this tonight.

Harry, even if you came in out of a blizzard, you'd still go to your study.

Creature of habit, eh? You mean a non-stop dynamo who's always got work to

do. No, these shouldn't take long.

You always say that, too.

Try not to work too late. I won't.

Bullet through the heart. Killed him instantly.

Do you agree with the angle, Doctor?

Fired from the window.

Must have been a jittery burglar.

Yeah, must have been.

I'll get you a full post-mortem report by the morning.

Ballistics ought to have done their job by then, too.

Good. How's Mrs. Strickland?

If you're going to question her, I'd make it short.

Right. I'll see you in a couple of minutes.

There's money missing from the safe, sir. Well, how much?

According to Mrs. Strickland, about 50 pounds.

What about these other valuables?

Untouched. He couldn't have had time to grab anything else.

Comes with a bit of safe-cracking, Matt.

Yes. He'd have done a better job with a tin opener.

Looks like we're dealing with a raw amateur. A young thug with a gun in his

pocket.

The new regime.

The picture's plain.

He gets caught on the job, can't open the window fast enough.

Loses his head and shoots.

Exciting, refreshing Cool Cups. A so cool down drink.

Cool Cups, the drink that makes you tingle.

Cool cup, the drink that makes you sparkle.

Cool cup, the drink that's good for you. Try it today.

Yes, Strickland was big business, all right. Who was the man with him?

That's his partner, Frank Merrill.

They built up this soft drinks firm together after the war.

From scratch?

For a backyard.

The old success story.

Yes, but with an interesting twist. They were in the army together.

Strickland was a sergeant major, Merrill was his hero.

When they were demobbed, they teamed up together and pooled the resources.

Strickland became chairman. He must have had some drive.

He had. Made him a very rich man.

Some bemoaned him for 50 pounds. Inspector.

Yeah? The ambulance men are here, sir.

All right.

How's the search coming?

Nothing to report, sir. All right.

Search the room again, Rutledge, will you?

When I finish with Mrs. Strickland, have the body removed.

Right, sir.

Mrs. Strickland.

This is Inspector Mann of Scotland Yard. He'd like to ask you some questions.

There's... There's very little I can say to help.

I was upstairs.

I heard a shot.

I came running down and... And then I saw Harry.

You didn't see anyone?

No, no one. You'd just arrived home?

Yes.

Frank.

That's Mr.

Merrill.

Had brought us home.

We'd been out to dinner.

We said good night.

And then we came in here.

You didn't hear any sounds from the study?

No, none at all.

Harry wanted to work, so I went upstairs.

I had this awful... Let's see.

What about your servants?

Well, only the housekeeper lives in.

It's her day off. She was away with relatives.

Mrs. Strickland, do you know if anyone ever threatened your husband's life?

Threatened?

I don't understand.

Why should anybody want to kill my husband?

Oh, he had bitter rivals. Certainly every big businessman has that, but no

real enemies.

Why are you asking me all these questions?

Please, why are you asking? My husband was killed trying to catch a burglar.

Why are you asking me all these questions?

Why doesn't the police try to do something about this man who broke in

and killed my husband?

We're doing our best, Mrs. Strickland.

Excuse me, Inspector, but I think Mrs. Strickland should rest.

Freedom, my dear.

If only I'd come in for that.

If only I'd come in, as you and Harry had asked.

Mrs. Strickland, you really must have a rest.

Yes, of course.

They came as soon as I heard.

Harry dead.

Murdered. You went straight home, sir, after dropping Mr and Mrs Strickland?

Yes, my chauffeur drove me.

You can imagine how I feel.

It wouldn't have happened if I'd stayed.

Have a cigarette, sir.

Yes, please.

It's hard to grasp.

Harry and I were partners for years.

We were like brothers.

Have you caught the man yet?

I'm afraid not yet, sir.

You've got to get him, Inspector. This isn't just another burglary.

Why do you say another burglary, sir? I meant my own experience lately. Someone

broke into my place.

When was that?

Ten days ago.

The local peace of all the details. I only live a few miles away.

Inspector, you... You don't think there's some connection?

The same burglar.

It's a possibility, sir.

It might point to a person who knew about you and your partner.

Yes, perhaps you're right. An employee, perhaps?

Surely none of our employers, Inspector.

Well, an ex-employee, that's more likely.

Somebody who'd just been dismissed, who might bear a grudge against him.

We have dismissed people from time to time, but... I just can't believe that

they'd retaliate with a robbery.

Robbery and murder, sir.

I read the papers.

Can I be first to offer condolences?

This isn't the moment to make jokes. It's time to get out of here.

You bet.

As soon as you say the word.

And say it with my favorite color.

That's all there.

Three thousand?

You can count it later if you like.

That's all right. I trust you.

Wouldn't do to double-cross me now, would it?

Your sailing ticket's there, too.

All the way to dear old Sydney?

When you get back from this trip, sign off.

Get aboard that ship.

Don't worry.

I'll be on it.

What have you done with the money you took from the safe?

What do you think? Give it to me. It has to be destroyed.

Steady on, sport. That's good money. I told you to take that money for

appearances only. Don't be a fool.

All right.

It's a fair exchange.

It breaks my heart.

Do you want this back as well?

I told you to dump that. You should have done it by now.

Take it easy.

It'll be under 40 foot of water by tonight.

There's a flooded quarry just outside Liverpool.

Make sure of that. Now get going.

Is that an order from the boss?

or my partner in crime.

This is Mr. Merrill.

Would you come any moment, please?

Certainly.

Good morning.

Good morning, sir.

I presume you've heard about the sad death of the chairman? Yes, sir. It was

a terrible shock.

It's been a terrible shock for everyone.

Of course, sir.

Now, then, it'll be a job getting through the day.

But cool cups must be kept running, you understand?

The factory manager was asking what his instructions would be. Tell him things

go on as normal.

Later I'll have to talk to the heads of department.

In here, sir?

Yes.

From now on, I shall be using this office.

Very good, Mr Merrill.

Oh, by the way, the sales conference is due at 12 o'clock.

What about the figures?

Mr Strickland took them home. Oh, yes. He was going to work on them.

I'd better send somebody out of the house for them.

No.

On second thoughts, I think I'll go and collect them myself.

Very good sir. Thank you

Producer. How's Mrs. Strickland? She's up but still dazed. Of course.

I'd like to see her and also to collect some important business papers that must

be dealt with, you understand?

Naturally. Come on in.

Mrs. Strickland's in the study, sir. She asked if you could be left alone in

there.

Peter.

I came to see how you were.

Did you sleep at all last night?

They gave me some drugs so that I wouldn't feel anything.

You're doing very well.

Am I?

You've always been strong, Frieda. Now's the time to use that strength.

I'll do my best, Frank.

But I feel as if I'm going to break any moment. You mustn't.

I'm here to lean on.

I don't know what I'd do without you.

Good morning, Mr. Merrill.

Good morning, Inspector.

I believe you want to take away some favors.

Yes. I'd hoped under the circumstances not to mention this in front of Mrs.

Strickland, but there are certain distribution papers that... Please let

Mr. Merrill have them, Inspector. I'm sure my husband would wish business to

continue.

It is?

Thank you.

We've got some evidence.

Well, we found something.

Footprint.

New impression found by the riverbank. We believe it was made by the man who

ran out of here after the shooting.

Will that help your inquiries?

Maybe. Not much to go on.

The trouble with footprints is they're only good as proof after we've got

someone.

So you're still in the dark?

Yes, but although we're trailing in his footsteps, Mr. Merrill, we'll catch up

with this killer.

Thank you.

No, Tony.

Put another record on.

I'll put the last one on.

Oh, come on.

What about number 26, then?

That's for the birds you don't want to miss about that.

Hello, Rita. How are you?

Hi,

Rick. Sit down. Hello, Bill. Have a nice trip down?

Yeah, about the same as usual.

Want a cuppa? No, not right now, thanks.

You know, I was reading this morning about the... Turn that ruddy thing down!

Well, they put the jukebox here for them.

That's right, Dad.

And we just put another nickel in.

Listen, sonny, you ever heard of a decibel?

If you add as much as one more on to that, I'm going to squash the pair of

you so flat you'll fit on that turntable. You understand?

It's touching, isn't it?

Kids.

There's a hell of a thing that happened to Strickland.

Oh, no.

Quite a stir at the factory.

Yeah, I bet.

You know, I liked Strickland. He was one of the best.

I hope they get the swine that did it.

Yeah. You seem merry about it.

You've still got your eyes on her, eh? What do you think?

She's a great kid, Bill. I'd like to take her out of this.

Hey, you're talking all serious.

Take it how you like.

I'm chucking it anyway. Going back down under soon.

You are?

Mm-hmm.

Right after this trip.

I'll see you.

Yeah, see you.

Hello. Hello.

Didn't think you were ever going to get here, Rex.

You're late.

I had a puncture.

I've got a surprise for you. Can we talk?

Yes.

Hey,

I thought you said you wanted to talk.

Sure.

And I'm saying it with diamonds.

Rex.

I don't have to gavel the words, do I?

All right.

Have a good lunch.

I... I can't believe it, Rex.

What do you mean you can't believe it?

You think I've been stringing you along all these months like any old Sheila?

No.

But you once said that the job paid bad and... that you were on the road too

much. Forget that.

Pretty soon you can forget this too.

Just close your eyes, think of white sands, blue skies, sun the whole day

through.

Australia?

Too right.

How soon, Rex?

Didn't I tell you I had a surprise for you?

Well, yes, the ring.

I've got another.

You can give me a notice right now.

I'm picking you up on the down trip. My last.

You don't mean it.

Just you be ready and see.

You mean you want me to leave the cafe right away?

What about all the money we'll have to save?

You and I can live out of this tucker box for a long time to come.

Where'd you get this?

Ever you mind.

I could do with some help.

When you're finished.

All right, Rita, in a minute.

Thanks. It isn't stolen money, is it? Of course not.

Now, believe me, I got it straight and quick in a business deal.

Three thousand.

Three thousand?

Yeah, as they say, big deal.

Yeah, but what sort of a deal?

Now listen, Mary, don't worry your head about how I made it.

Just you be ready for me when I get back from Liverpool.

All right, I'll be ready.

That's more like it.

Now, how about a bite to eat?

Good.

Ballistics report.

What does it say?

The gun was a .38.

Does it leave a signature on the bullet? Yes.

Here's the lamp print.

Fleet Street has played it up.

Well, Strickland was famous and popular.

Press and the public.

Another Rags to Riches story.

You feeling all right, sir?

Of course I'm not feeling all right.

Firstly, we haven't arrested anyone. Secondly, I've been up all night.

Now, let's get down to business.

Well, we've pulled in the usual mob of known offenders for questioning.

All right, who's first?

That man about town, Mark Shelton. All right, sure, I'm in.

Good morning, Inspector.

Sit down.

I see you're wearing boots, Mr. Shilton.

I'm very observant, Inspector.

Do you mind telling me what size?

If you're really interested, a nine and a half.

You wouldn't have a pair with steel tips, would you?

Inspector, you don't think I go clumping around in hobnail boots, do you?

I had enough of that in the army.

I suppose before they cashiered you, they taught you how to use a revolver.

You're suggesting I killed Strickland. You're out of your mind.

Listen, Shilton, you've got three housebreaking convictions.

On one occasion, you clubbed an old man of 83 with a telephone.

Are you suggesting I'm violent?

What do you think?

I had nothing to do with that murder.

I just told your sergeant I was to party in Chelsea.

Can you prove you weren't further up the Thames?

At Strickland's house?

I don't know where the party was or whose party. I was... I was very drunk.

But I was in Chelsea, and you'll find that's the truth.

All right, children, that'll do.

Bring the next one in, Rutledge.

May I go home now?

Yes, go home and trunk you out of trouble.

I don't need that kind of advice from you.

What do you take me for?

A thief.

Nice work. Anyone spot me? Don't think so. Let's get out of here quick.

Stop! Come back!

Come back!

Hey, what's up, Rex?

Those kids. Cabin pinching.

I'll get after them.

No, it'd be too slow with the load on. Better call the police. No, don't

bother. No what?

Well, let them go.

Just like that?

What'd they, what'd they pitch? Nothing, nothing much. Take a cigarette.

Bill, it's not worth bothering about.

Did you get anything, Pete?

What about that?

A gun.

I reckon we ought to get rid of that.

Why should we?

What are you scared about, anyway?

Is it loaded?

Nah.

But I've not really tried what I'd be doing with a gun.

I know.

Maybe you'd just like to carry one.

I might start carrying one myself.

Don't be a fool.

All right, then. But let's hide it for a while.

In here somewhere.

It's not near where my dad might find it.

We've got to lose it.

What do you mean, Chuck? Are you mad?

Use your head.

We can sell it. Sell it?

Yeah.

Look, I know a pawn shop where they're not too particular.

A mate of mine sold a complete safe kit last Christmas.

What if the police should find out?

They won't.

This shop knows how to handle under-the-counter goods.

I still think we ought to dump it.

Why don't you stop being chicken?

Well, that's my alibi.

You check it. Check it, Inspector.

Well, that's what we're doing.

Here's in the clear, sir. All three witnesses corroborate his story.

All right, Avery, you can go.

Thanks,

Inspector.

It's been very nice being at the yard and meeting you again.

But you'll understand me when I say I hope not to repeat the visit.

I'm sure you do.

Well, that's the lot of them.

And everyone has a solid alibi.

Looks like we are dealing with a newcomer who isn't on the records.

Where are the papers?

Clueless yard hunts killer.

That's what I call an ambiguous, unfriendly headline.

Yes, the story's spread into the stock exchange column.

Seems there's a stare in the market about Strickland's death.

Well, a takeover bid.

Cool Cup shares went up recently.

There was a rumor that Strickland was selling out to the HCB Group.

Yeah, but this says the deal may be off.

Well, that's right. Well, wouldn't a takeover bid be more likely now

Strickland's dead?

Walter Ashton doesn't think so.

He predicts Merrill will stay put now that he's chairman.

Well, does he?

I wonder why.

Could be holding out for a bigger offer.

Oh, you seem to know your stocks and shares.

I dabble in the market sometimes.

Police were not supposed to gamble.

It's only pin money, sir. In any case, it isn't gambling. It's an investment.

Well, where does this columnist Ashton hang out?

Presumably in his office.

Well, ring him up and tell him I'll be over.

Can I have Fleet Street 9000, Walter Ashton's office, please?

Thank you.

Yes, Strickland's murder was quite a shock.

You mean in view of the takeover rumour?

I happen to know it wasn't just a rumour, Inspector.

In fact, Sir Sidney Spear and Harry Strickland had lunch together just three

days ago.

No, I'm convinced H.C.B. was serious.

You think they were going to give the cool-clubs 12, then?

In my view, yes.

But in your view, not now? No.

Why?

Do you want my honest opinion?

That's what I'm here for.

Well, yes, of course.

Well, you see, I believe Frank Merrill is a very lucky man.

Oh.

Harry Strickland was getting ready to buy him out.

You're sure about this?

My source is very reliable.

But surely they'd been close partners for years.

Well, yes, that's true, but recently Merrill hadn't pulled his weight.

They turned sour on each other, even though they kept up a front for the sake

of business.

If Strickland was determined to sell Cool Cups to HCB, why was he trying to

buy Meryl out? For two reasons.

Meryl didn't want the takeover, and HCB didn't want Meryl.

But they were anxious to take Strickland.

Yes, he would have joined their board, retaining control of the soft drink

side. And Meryl would have been out.

Eventually, yes.

Did Strickland hold the bulk of the Cool Cups yet?

Yes. So now his wife has control?

I imagine, sir.

And you don't think she'll try to sell out?

My guess is no.

You see, it depends how much influence Merrill has over her.

You mean he might be able to swear not to do a deal?

Yes, because, you see, I have a hunch.

Harris Strickland never got round to explaining his true feelings about

Merrill to his wife.

You must remember they've all been friends for a good many years.

Yes, she'll be happy to let Merrill run things his own way.

Oh, thanks.

Well, he demands to, eh?

Well, thanks very much, Mr. Ashton.

I'm glad to talk to you.

You can hang on to those.

Oh, thank you very much.

Leave this to me, Tom.

Oh, I want to speak to Daddy, Collins.

I'm afraid you can't.

Oh, isn't he here?

He's been dead for three months.

Oh.

You got something to pledge?

What about this?

Oh, do you want it or don't you?

I'll have to take it over to the window. Wait a minute.

I might have a customer for it.

I can't say for sure, though.

Could you come back in an hour?

Yeah, yeah, that's all right. I will come back.

My customer won't agree unless he sees the goods.

Yeah, well, all right, we'll leave it and we'll come back.

And naturally, owing to the unfortunate death of my colleague, you will

appreciate that a certain amount of rethinking will have to be done on this

matter. However, cool cups will continue to serve your best interests, yours,

etc., etc.

Next.

Yes? Inspector Mann to see you, sir. Very good. Send him in.

That'll be all for now.

Thank you.

Inspector. Any news yet?

No, but we're still following a few leads.

What can I do to help?

Have you got a list of recently dismissed personnel?

I want to check that angle. Of course.

Bring in the dismissals file.

I went to the wrong office, sir.

Your name's on the other door.

I suppose you think this is a rather quick switch.

Someone has to be in the chair.

You're right, Inspector.

This is the factory's nerve center, so to speak.

Now that I'm forced to perform the duties of chairman, I thought it right

to do so from the appropriate desk. Of course.

I'm sure Harry himself wouldn't have wanted to see his office empty for a

moment. I'm sure he wouldn't.

Thank you.

Here we are, Inspector.

About a dozen names.

Won't you sit down?

Thanks.

Not many over a year, when you consider the size of our payroll.

We pride ourselves on good staff relations.

I still can't believe there's a murderer among one of the people we gave notice

to.

Report just come in, Sergeant.

A gun to fit the description.

The local division's waiting for instructions.

I'll let Inspector Mann know. Tell Division we'll keep in touch. Very good.

Get me the Cool Cups factory, please.

Yes?

For you, Inspector.

Oh, thanks.

Hello, yes?

When?

Because I'll be along as quick as I can.

It seems we're getting places.

We may have found the gun that killed Strickland.

Yes, somebody tried to sell it in a pawn shop.

The murderer?

Well, that we don't know yet, Mr. Mel.

Thank you. Goodbye.

Goodbye, Inspector.

Are the customers satisfied?

Not quite.

Who are you, pulling the gun?

I bought it.

Who are you?

I'm a police officer.

Is this yours?

No, we found it.

Where?

Come on.

Now let's compare it with the one that killed Strickland. I've already set it

up on all pattern.

That's

the

gun that killed Strickland.

Markings are identical.

Right.

Now let's go through your story again.

You say you went to Birmingham for the night, and you found the gun by the

roadside on the way back.

That's right.

Why did you go to Birmingham?

We took a couple of days off from work.

We went for a ride on the mudway with our bikes.

You know, up and down.

You stayed out the night?

Yeah.

We slept in a field.

And no one saw you?

No. But we stopped for petrol. And you can't remember the name of the filling

station? No.

The other night a man was murdered in his house just outside London.

The gun you tried to sell was used to kill him.

That gun?

Yes. The only fingerprints on it were yours.

Well, we never did any murder, Inspector.

Now look, Inspector, you've got to believe us.

We found the gun.

But on the roadside?

Do you expect me to believe that?

We didn't find the gun.

I nabbed it from the cabin of a lorry.

Where? At a transport cafe.

A place called the Castle Caf.

And that's the truth, Inspector.

What kind of lorry?

I don't remember.

It was just one of the ones parked outside.

I don't remember which one.

This is something, sir.

Records have checked the gun's registration.

The owner is listed as Frank Merrill.

My gun.

Yes, Mr. Meddle, your gun.

The one that killed Harry.

I can't believe it.

Now, the bullet markings leave no doubt.

And these two youths obviously had it in for both Harry and me.

What do you mean?

I mean, my gun was stolen and my partner shot with it.

Stolen? The housebreaking, Inspector.

You remember I told you my place was burgled?

And the gun was among the missing property.

Of course, Inspector.

You'll find it listed at the local police station. I reported it at the

time.

I hope you get all the evidence you need.

I hope so too, Mr. Miller.

You heard?

Yes. That fool of an Australian. That damned fool. You were a fool to choose

him. How was I to know he'd leave the gun in a place where it could be stolen?

Do you think Inspector Mann believed you?

Well, it doesn't matter what he believes. He can't pin anything on me.

Holland could.

If they find him in time.

They're bound to check that boy's story at the transport cafe.

Then they'll trace the lorry. They'll have to move fast.

You'll have to move faster.

What do you mean?

Reach Holland before they do.

He's on his way back with a load today.

Where will he be on the route? According to his time schedule, he should be

stopping at that transport cafe in about two hours' time.

I thought I had him, Rutledge.

You think Merrill was telling the truth?

Of course he was telling the truth.

Truth of it's in this.

He did report the gun stolen, but that doesn't prove that it was.

There's no proof that the house was burned at all.

Yes, but Merrill couldn't have killed Strickland. We know he wasn't there.

We have his chauffeur's evidence. He drove Merrill home. Well, that doesn't

mean to say he wasn't responsible.

You mean he paid these young thugs to do it for him? Well, either them, or if

they're telling the truth about where they found the gun, the lorry driver.

Bring him in, Constable.

You still say you stole the gun from a lorry?

That's the honest truth, Inspector.

Right, we're going for a ride.

I want you to show me the transport cabin where the lorry was parked. Come

on, Rutledge.

No sign of Holland's lorry.

Perhaps he's already been here and gone.

No, we didn't pass him on the motorway.

Well, perhaps he took a side turning. Maybe we missed him in the traffic.

There might be some drivers in there that used to work for us.

They'd recognize me. You go and see what you can find out.

What can I get you, dear?

Nothing, thank you. I'm looking for someone.

A lorry driver. Yes.

Holland. He's an Australian.

Oh, him.

Do you know him? We know him.

Young Lockingbar himself.

Is he a friend of yours? Yes.

Why don't you ask his fiancée about him? His fiancée?

Well, he only gave her the ring yesterday.

That was on the road up north.

Mary! There's a young lady here asking about your boyfriend.

What do you want with Rex?

It's vital that I see him as soon as possible.

Why?

Never mind why.

According to his timetable, he should be here. Do you know where he is?

How do you come to know his timetable?

Who are you?

I'm not his wife, if that's what you're wondering.

Rex has never mentioned you. No, I don't suppose he has.

Wait a minute.

Are you connected with this deal he just made?

He told you about a deal? Yes. What did he tell you?

He didn't tell me anything except that he'd earned some money.

Look, why are you so anxious to see Rex?

Well, I have a friend outside who wants to talk to him as soon as possible.

Couldn't it wait till he got to London? No, I'm afraid not.

Shouldn't he be here?

He won't be here for an hour. He's having a sleep.

A sleep?

Yes, most of the drivers steal a bit of shut-eye.

He'll be in the graveyard.

Where?

It's a dump for crashed cars, 15 miles back.

Thank you very much.

His wife?

No. Oh, it's like that, is it?

I've got to go to Rex. I'll have to leave you to it, Rita. All right.

Stop it, Holmes.

Where is he?

His girlfriend works in there. I found out from her.

Well? He's up the road about 15 miles.

What do you want?

I'm coming with you. I want to know what all this is about.

Keep out of this. It's none of your business. Isn't it?

Rex was supposed to be picking me up. I'm going back to London with him. We're

getting married.

All right, get in.

Which one is it?

Well, it's not here, Inspector.

No.

It was a grey one.

Long, flat.

There. There he is, Inspector. That's the one.

Cool cups.

So you caught them, the thieving little so-and-sos. Nice work.

Well, those boys stole something from your lorry.

No, not from my wagon. They didn't. But my oppo, Rex Holland, he almost caught

me yesterday. They nabbed something from his cabin.

They certainly did.

It's quite a posse for a pack of his cigarettes.

Is that what Holland said they stole?

Yeah, well, didn't they?

They stole something more than that.

Where's Holland now?

Oh, he's maybe up the road somewhere. Maybe he's having a sleep.

What time did you get him? Oh, I can't be sure.

But his girlfriend serves behind the counter in there. Why don't you ask her?

What's her name?

Nuttall. Mary Nuttall. Right.

Wait here with the boys, Nuttall. It's right there.

Good afternoon.

Nice to meet you, Miss Nuttall.

You're too late.

What do you mean, too late?

She's given in on Otis.

Left me single-handed, too.

Do you know where she's gone?

Getting married.

Married? Who to? Mr Holland?

Yes, the Australian fellow.

He's a no-good, if you ask me.

Has he gone in his lorry?

No, I think she's meeting him back up the road.

You see, a woman called here to see Holland.

Wild dress she was, too.

Mary spoke to her. She says she had to see him right away.

Seems as if she had some business with him.

You mean Miss Nuttall went to meet Holland with this woman?

Yes, that's right. Just a few minutes ago.

There was a man, too.

He had a big car.

Bentley, I think it was.

I saw it through the window.

Can you describe him?

Oh, I don't know.

Well, he was tall.

About six foot, I should think.

Fair, wavy hair.

Quite good looking. Sort of longish nose.

That sounds like Frank Nell.

Yes, it does.

Thanks very much. It's all right.

What could he be doing looking for Rex?

Catching up with him before we do.

Look, that girl in Holland might be in real danger.

Do you know where he usually pulls in to have his sleep?

The graveyard, that's what we call it. Right, you can leave your lorry here for

the moment. I want you to show him this place. Right.

What's up? What are you doing here, Meryl? How did you know where to find

me? I told them where you'd be, Rex. What do they want with you?

Rex, what's wrong? They insisted on seeing you, so I brought them.

Sure. You brought them.

Now listen, Meryl. Some kids stole that gun. It was just bad luck. I couldn't

help it. The gun?

They tried to sell it.

You might as well have taken it to Scotland Yard.

The police got it?

Yes. And they know it was used to kill Strickland.

Rex, you killed that man.

Of course he did.

That's why you had all that money.

He paid you to do a murder.

Your boyfriend doesn't care how he earns money. Unfortunately, he's stupid.

Not only losing the gun, but involving you.

You're crazy, Merrill. You can't solve it that way. What do you expect me to

do? Sit around waiting for the police to pick you up so you can tell them I hired

you?

Mrs. Strickland!