Original subtitles

Is that quite clear, Miss Morton?

Quite.

Transparently clear.

So that's how you spend your time.

In odd moments, yes.

I hope to do a lot more of it like that before long.

With one of your own employees?

Not mine.

Ours. Besides, there are a lot of things about Diana that you don't know.

I'll bet there are.

Well, since she's going to be a member of the family... Don't you think it

would be a good idea if you were to start being nice to her?

I'll think it over.

Roger. Just come in a moment, will you?

All right, in a minute.

Margaret, this is about the first time in your life that you've had the chance

of being a real sister to me. Hmm.

A strong father is what you need, my boy.

Now, now.

Now, don't start trying the strong woman stuff.

Your heart's too soft.

You know it is, don't you?

And you better go in there and see what's on Brother Cyril's mind.

All right.

Look here, Roger.

I've been having a long talk with Charles here.

Oh, what about? Us, of course.

I've got Boddington on the way round. I think it's as well to wait until he

comes. If Boddington's visit's got anything to do with your offer to buy us

out, Charles, nothing doing.

Now, look here, Roger.

I know you've got a sentimental attachment to the business.

For that matter, so have I.

But I do think you're taking up a very foolish attitude.

Now, Menzies, let me have those figures you got out this morning, will you?

Right.

If you'd only let Charles explain it to you as he's explained it to me. I

shouldn't alter my opinion.

Now, Menzies.

I take it these figures are up to date? Yes, sir, up to last Saturday.

Now, these figures cover our activities over the last eight months.

I want you to look at them very carefully.

All right, I will.

Did you know I was waiting here to see you?

Yes.

I looked through the keyhole.

Bad habit, that.

Leads to nasty shocks, you know. Is it?

Or rather, should I say, does it? Oh, don't look at me as if I were speaking

from experience.

Oh.

You know, I'm trying not to like you.

But I'm not succeeding very well.

Must be a family failing, I think.

I wish I had a chance to explain things to you myself.

That's a pity you came in when you did. Oh, I just came to get some money to go

shopping. But I must say, I got an eyeful.

How long's it been going on?

Oh, about three months.

Well, if you can keep a secret for three months, there must be something about

you. The secret part of it was Roger's idea.

Why? Well, he was afraid you might be against it. And as I'm leaving in about

a month's time, he didn't want me to tell you until then.

Do you love him?

Much? Of course.

That much?

No.

That much?

Throw back the head and take a deep breath.

The proper time for physical jerks, young woman, is before breakfast.

Morning, Margaret.

Morning, Charles.

Can I get a cheque, Cassidy?

Oh, ask Menzies, will you?

Bring your book, please.

Oh, Menzies.

Can I have a fibre if I give you a cheque for it?

Certainly, Miss Margaret, if you don't mind waiting till I get it out of the

safe. You see, I had already locked up for the weekend.

Oh, thanks awfully.

Is that the office of Mr. Leslie Trent, the eminent young solicitor?

Oh, and am I listening to the aforesaid Mr. Trent, the eminent young, um, et

cetera?

Shut up.

You know I'd like to take you anywhere.

And as it's near lunchtime, I'd rather take you to lunch than anywhere else.

Where?

The Café Madrid?

All right, if you say so.

In 15 minutes as the crow flies.

Lady, I'm as good as there.

Goodbye.

Do you want something to do, Pember?

No, thanks, old boy.

Oh, you'd rather sit here and read novels all day, I suppose.

Yes, I would.

Thanks for the thought all the same.

I wish you'd put that book down when I'm talking to you.

Well, I... I didn't know you wanted to talk to me. I don't much.

Oh, what's all the argument about, then? It's my duty to talk to you.

Do you realise that your father's been paying me £100 a year for the last seven

years to try and teach you law?

Good heavens, is it seven? I thought it was only six, old boy.

Do you know what he's going to say when he hears that you failed in your exam

for the seventh time in succession?

Well, I should think he'd feel jolly indignant.

Same as I do.

Indignant? Did you say indignant?

Yes. Yes, I'm almost speechless.

What can they expect when they witness this upon giving you the wrong

examinations? I don't want to be examining the things I don't know.

I want to be examined in the things I do know.

Examinations are supposed to help you, not catch you out.

Tell me, what exactly do you think you do know? Oh, why, let's go over all that

again. Crime is my subject.

Oh. Oh, one of these days I shall surprise you, Trent. Nothing you do

could ever surprise me. Oh, well, I know you're naturally concerned about me, but

you think being a lawyer is being like all the other lawyers.

Such as me, for instance.

Well, I don't wish to be rude. It's not your fault, is it? What isn't my fault?

Well, I mean, being what you are, I mean, surrounded with writs and

summonses and other irregularities.

No, it's too much like decent hard work to suit you.

Oh, it isn't that, old boy. I don't mind hard work, if it's the sort of work I

like, and it isn't too hard. But when a person can see through a mystery like I

can... Like in that mystery book, I suppose.

Yes. Well, come on, who did the murder? Ah, now I'm going to surprise you. Now,

look, I'm only at the end of the first chapter, but it's like looking through a

pane of glass to me.

Now, go on, now, go on. You turn to the end, and I promise you I haven't read it

first.

Here we are.

Well, who's the murderer?

Obviously, Ronnie.

Ronnie. Sorry to disappoint you, ma'am, but it appears to be a gentleman called

Wicklow. What?

Wicklow? Oh, I say, that's not playing the game. That's cheating.

Anybody could write that sort of ending.

All right. If you're so good at mysteries, perhaps you'd explain one to

me. Certainly, old boy, if it's worthy of my attention.

Now, state your case.

Why did your father want you to be a lawyer?

Oh, that's easy.

You see, Father's not too bright.

Therefore, he thinks I'm the same.

Ah, that explains a lot.

Oh, not quite all.

You see, Father's got a peculiar idea about law.

He thinks all you've got to do to be a lawyer is wear striped trousers and

charge people six and eight for doing things.

He's had some, you know.

Now I understand perfectly.

Ah, do you know that the Governor and I should be so different, considering

we're father and son?

Oh, I don't know.

After all, there can only be one like you.

Goodbye, Miss Truscott.

I hope I shall see you again soon.

Well, from what I've seen, you certainly will.

Here's the money, Miss Margaret. Oh, thank you, Menzies.

And there's the cheque. Thank you. I'd attend to this on Monday. Right.

This is a surprise.

How do you do, Mr. Boddington?

My dear Margaret, I'm so glad to see you.

Are you really?

Why are you always so cold to me?

Am I?

I hadn't realized it.

You don't expect me to believe that.

I don't see that it matters whether you do or don't.

Tell me, have I offended you?

If so, I'll apologize.

Oh, there's nothing to apologize for.

I think they're waiting for you in there.

Thanks.

I'll ring you up and take you to a theater one night.

When your lawyer friend's busy.

Thanks.

I'll be perfectly frank with you, Roger.

I've been approached indirectly by Leesons.

Then if our business is failing, why do Leesons want to join with us?

Oh, boy, if you must know, they don't. They want to join up with me.

Ah, Boddington, good of you to come round so promptly.

I warn you, before Mr. Boddington says anything at all, my mind's definitely

made up.

All the same, I insist, in fairness to yourself, that you have the value of Mr.

Boddington's opinion.

After all, he's our auditor, and a man of long experience, as you know.

Would you mind if I smoked?

Oh, not at all.

Here you are.

Ah. Thank you very much.

Now, I want your opinion of the proposals before us.

Why bother?

My dear fellow, surely it won't hurt you to listen, now will it? I'm afraid it's

a waste of time, as far as I'm concerned.

I'm sorry, Mr. Boddington. I don't mean to be rude when I say that.

Oh, you're just obstinate.

I shall never forget that Father founded this business, and he made it what it

is. Or was.

I'm a partner, and I intend to remain a partner.

You can do what you like. I can't do as I like.

Under the terms of the deed, I can't sell out without your consent.

You know that.

I asked Boddington to value the business. We all know that. He puts that

value at 25,000 pounds.

And remember that in accordance with your instructions, I had to deal with

the matter very liberally to even arrive at that figure.

Notwithstanding that, I offer you two 15,000 pounds each as your share.

A valuation of 45,000 pounds.

Why this generosity?

Well, if Leesons link up with me, I shan't do too badly out of it.

And there is such a thing as sentiment.

Your father was my greatest friend.

That's why.

What the devil does it matter why?

As long as Rodman does it, what have we got to worry about?

Well, you speak for yourself.

We could do a lot with 15,000 each.

I can't see why you don't jump at the offer. Well, I don't.

That's all.

Why don't they go home and let you lock up? It's after one o'clock.

You mind your own business.

You can't expect to leave their offices just because you want them to.

You're just a stubborn fool.

That'll be enough from you.

But suppose the business keeps going down and goes bust.

Well, then we'll all go bust. That's all very well for you, but what about me?

Look here, Roger.

I want capital and I'm going to have it and you can't stop me. What are you

going to do about it? Well, to begin with... I'd like to put some sense into

your silly head. You keep your temper and don't make an ass of yourself.

You've never liked me, although you're my brother.

You've always looked down on me ever since I was a kid.

I've always tried to help you. I don't want your help. I don't want it. I've

never wanted it. Please, gentlemen.

I know what I'm saying.

If you say much more, I'll give you something you won't forget.

You've interfered with everything I've ever tried to do. All my life. I've

saved you from a lot of sharks, if that's what you mean. What's that,

Roger? Oh, I didn't mean you or Boddington.

He knows what I mean.

Well... It's a pity I can't make you two fellas a business proposition without

causing you to fall out. Well, then why don't you drop it? I told you last

Saturday I wouldn't agree to it. You wouldn't agree?

You talk as if I had nothing to do with it.

Now, look here.

Will you two fellas take my advice?

Go out and have a bit of lunch together and, well, cool down a bit. I don't want

to have lunch with him.

Come on, Cyril. Don't be an ass. Take your blasted hands off me.

Now I'll tell you something you don't know.

I'm in the hands of moneylenders.

They've got my shares of security.

And if I don't cough up pretty quick, I shall lose them.

What are you going to do about that?

Buddington, I wonder if you'd mind leaving us for a few moments.

Why, certainly, Mr. Roughton.

I'm afraid this puts a rather different complexion on the affair.

Why didn't you tell us before?

Why should I?

Hmm. We don't want Boddington to hear all this.

Now, you two fellas had better go and have some lunch.

We'll talk about it again on Monday.

You damned inconsiderate little fool.

Don't you start calling me names or I'll knock your face in. You'll do what?

I'll tell you something.

You didn't know that I was engaged to be married, did you? As far as I can see,

you've knocked that completely on the head.

Perhaps it'll save you making a fool of yourself.

Hello, we meet again.

Waiting for Roger? Yes, he's a bit late.

Well, come and have a cocktail with us while you're waiting.

No, thanks. I think I'll wait. It can't be long now. Well, perhaps we'll see you

later.

Put me two pounds on Gisabelle.

Now, better still, make it two pounds each way.

Yes, I shall expect you to attend to the matter immediately and communicate with

me in due course. Thank you. Will you come in now, Barrington?

Certainly.

Well, if you don't want me anymore, I think I'll go to lunch. Oh, just a

minute. You know, that was a very generous offer you made, the Truscott

boys, Mr. Rowden. Yes, it'll take a bit of getting back.

Once I'm tied up with Leesons, it'll be all right. But are you sure you're not

putting too high a value on your prospects?

I know best about that.

Of course.

Now, I should like you to take these with you.

There are one or two notes you might make on them.

Well, it's quarter past one.

I think I'll have lunch and look them over later.

All right.

What the devil do you want? Mr. Truscott, sir. Well, what about him?

He's dead shot. What'll I do?

Good heavens.

Does Mr. Cyril know?

It's Mr. Cyril that's dead, sir.

You get

on down to the kitchen and stay there.

Did you manage to get a doctor?

A doctor's no good.

Has Mr. Roger left the building?

I didn't see nobody, sir.

Only him.

He was like that.

I say, Rowton, we ought to call the police, you know. Oh, we'll find out

what's happened first.

Well, you go up to the office and don't phone the police till I come.

Now, Bellman, what's happened?

Hello, Diana.

I hope I haven't kept you waiting long. That's quite all right, sir. It's

already past.

I'm sorry to be so late, but I've had a bit of a set-to with Cyril. Oh?

Come on, let's make up for lost time.

What did happen?

I've been trying to get some sense out of that fool Bellman.

Get me a drink out of that cupboard, will you? But aren't you going to phone

the police? You wasted five minutes already.

Yes, yes, I know. I'll do that in a minute.

But I must have a drink first.

Excuse me, sir. The bar's just closing. Would you like any more drinks?

No, thanks. Very good.

I'm sorry to be so irritable, dear.

Cheer up.

It'll all come right.

I'm not so sure.

Cyril's put me in a rotten position.

I'm not going to sell out all the same. No, I don't see why you should.

I think I'll have a word with Trent about it.

I suppose you come to this place to lunch so that you can watch Diana and

Roger doing their stuff.

Well, I knew Roger came here pretty frequently and I thought it was time I

kept a sisterly eye on him.

Do you mean to say that you didn't know about them before?

Why, did you?

No.

Hello, there's my old friend, Inspector Byfleet.

What all he wants.

Well, I know what I want, a cigarette.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Excuse me, sir. A gentleman here wishes to speak to you urgently.

Who is he? He won't keep you a moment, sir. He's just around here.

Why do people want to butt in right in the middle of lunch?

Excuse me, Diana.

Are you Roger Truscott?

I am.

I'm Inspector Byford.

Well, what do you want?

I'm sorry to tell you that your brother Cyril is dead.

Murdered.

What?

Will you excuse me, will you?

Hello, Roger. Been parking your car in the wrong place or something?

The inspector says that Cyril is dead.

Murdered.

Where did this happen, Inspector?

In the vestibule of the building where they have their offices, sir. But who

did it?

That's what we have to find out.

I should want you to come along with me to make a statement.

Well, you can take a statement any time. I'm going back to the office now. I

think you'd better follow him with the inspector's ideas, Roger. He'll save a

lot of trouble if he does.

Arrest? Yes, sir.

Arrest? What do you mean? Arrest who?

All right, Roger, I'm your legal advisor.

Don't make a scene here.

You'd better go along with the inspector and don't say anything until I come.

What the devil's the meaning of all this?

Well, you say that Cyril's dead, murdered.

Does he mean that I'm under arrest?

I'm afraid so.

All right.

Excuse me a moment. Where are you going? It's all right.

I'm just going to tell this young lady here that I'll have to leave her for a

short time. That'll be okay, Inspector.

Whatever is the matter, Roger?

Now, look here.

I've got to go away for a short time. I may be an hour or so.

I'll see you this evening.

Something's happened. Tell me what it is, Roger.

Cyril's dead.

Now, I can't stop to say any more about it now.

I'll come with you. No, no.

No, you mustn't.

Don't worry me now. Please stay here.

And when I've gone, have a chat with Margaret.

No, no. Please stay here. You don't want anyone staring at us.

I'll call round at your place later.

Tell the waiter to put this on my account.

All right. Come on.

Now, remember, Roger, don't say anything till I come along.

I've got to have a word with Margaret, and I'll follow you straight down.

Right.

What's all the bother?

Where's Roger gone?

Margaret, I've got some very bad news for you.

I want you to be brave.

Your brother Cyril's dead.

Unfortunately, I can't do any good by keeping anything from you.

Inspector Byfleet says he's been murdered.

Roger's gone down to the police station to make a statement, and I'm going along

with him.

Father's dead too.

No, it won't do any good.

I hate to have to break the news to you, sir, abruptly, but Roger's under arrest.

You mean under arrest for the murder of Cyril?

I'm afraid so.

But it's absurd.

It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life.

I'll come with you.

All right, if you insist.

Would you mind paying the bill?

I must get along. They're waiting for me.

It's Snow Hill Police Station.

It's about two minutes from here in a taxi.

Waiter. Yes, madam?

Bill, please. Very good, madam.

I can't tell you how sorry I am.

Blundering fools.

What do you mean?

Fancy suspecting Roger of murder.

You're sure that it's your revolver?

No, don't touch it.

Don't say it's yours unless you're absolutely certain.

I am certain it's mine.

But I haven't seen it for weeks.

Why did you have a revolver?

Well, I had it when I was abroad.

I've got my permit.

The last time I saw it, it was in my office drawer, weeks ago.

And you can't account for it being found beside the body of your dead brother.

I've told you. We had a row.

I left him on the landing and then ran downstairs ahead of him.

That would be about 1.15, you said.

Yes, and I went from there to the Café Madrid.

Where you arrived at 1.20.

Hello?

What?

Oh, it's for you.

Oh, excuse me.

Hello, who is it? Hello, Trent.

I've been trying to get you on the telephone all over the place.

Cyril Truscott's been murdered and Roger's under arrest.

Now, look here, I think we ought to get together as soon as possible.

Now, look here, I've got a theory, although I don't know anything about it.

The ideas are crowding in so quickly I can hardly cope with them. Oh, put a

sock in it.

What?

Hello, hello, hello.

Well,

I've told you all I know.

I'm sorry, Mr. Truscott.

But Trent, they can't insist on keeping me under arrest. I'm afraid the only

thing we can do at the moment is submit.

Will you come this way?

Very well. Don't worry.

Are you going down to Rowton's office?

Yes, sir, at once.

Well, if you don't mind, I'll come along with you.

I have no objection, Mr. Trent.

The body was found there, so he must have been shot when he was on the bottom

step.

From which side do you think the bullet was fired?

There.

About what distance?

About more than four feet.

Hmm.

From here, do you think?

Perhaps a bit closer than that.

Hmm. The janitor discovered the body, didn't he?

Yes. I'd like to have a talk with him, if you don't mind.

I don't mind at all, Mr. Trent.

I've got a statement from him, but I don't suppose he'll tell you any more

than that.

Hmm, but I'd like to have a talk with him, just to say.

Oh, that's all right, sir.

I dare say I shall be here a few minutes myself to take a few measurements. Good.

Where's his room?

Through that door and down the stairs.

I'm Mackenzie.

Leave that.

Why, Albert?

Because I tell you so.

I'm expecting some more blasted visitors.

But you can't let people see the place like this, Albert.

Are you going to do as I tell you or have I got to help you? All right,

Albert.

May I come in?

Well, this is our... Private department, sir. Was that your wife?

Yes, sir. She's just gone to tidy herself.

And who might you be, sir? Well, I'm the solicitor acting for Mr. Roger Truscott.

I want to ask you a few questions.

Oh. Tell me, where were you when you heard the shot?

I made my statement to the police, sir.

They told me to keep my mouth shut. That's all right. The inspector knows

I'm down here.

Where did you say you were?

I was down here reading the newspaper.

I rushed upstairs and there he was.

That's all I can tell you, sir.

Do you mind if I have a word with your wife?

No good asking her nothing, sir. She was in there when it happened.

She didn't even hear the shot go off.

She didn't know nothing until I come down here and tell her poor Mr. Cyril

was dead.

And when you went up to the hall, you didn't hear anybody or see anybody go

out? As far as I know, sir, the only persons in the building was Mr.

Roughton, sir, Mr.

Boddington, and the two Mr.

Truscottes. What about the other officers?

Roughton and Truscottes is the only officers in the building in you, sir.

All the others is to let. Oh, nice easy time for you, eh?

Well, I don't exactly get paid a fortune for what I have to do, sir.

Well, that's all you can tell me?

That's all I know, sir.

Well, I'm afraid I shall have to have a few words with your wife, all the same.

It's no good asking her nothing, sir, because she don't know nothing.

If you don't mind, sir, I'd rather she weren't upset no more than she has been

already.

Oh, very well.

Thank you, Melbourne.

Thanks, Inspector.

Don't mention it, sir.

I'm afraid you didn't get much information out of him.

Well, I'm going back to the office.

You coming my way, sir? Yes, I'll walk along with you.

Sure belong.

Very good, sir.

Still here, Diana?

I want to stay in here if there's any more news.

Well, there won't be any this afternoon.

You'd better go home and come in again on Monday morning.

I'd rather be here, Mr. Roughton. You see, Roger and I would have become

engaged soon.

I rather suspected something of the sort.

Because I needn't tell you how terribly sorry I am. It's cruel of them to

suspect that Roger would ever dream of such a thing.

I can't realize it yet. It's all so horrible.

You get your things on and go home.

All right, then. I'll go home in a few minutes.

I tell you, I'm a member of the firm acting for the accused man.

You sure you're not a newspaper reporter?

Do I look like one?

Well, you don't look like a lawyer if it comes to that.

You be careful.

Otherwise, I shall report you.

Is Mr.

Trent here?

He's been and gone.

I say, you know me, don't you?

Do I?

Yes, of course you do. Yes, I'm Pember.

I was article to Weathered and Weathered. You know, they defended you

when you got six months.

Here.

You all thought a bloke wanted to get a man hung.

That was years ago.

I've been going straight ever since then.

Well, never mind about that. Now I am here, you can tell me something about

this murder. Then later we can have a drink together and talk about old times.

Yes. That would be nice, wouldn't it?

Me trying to forget the past. Then you come here and tell everybody all about

it. Here, what do you think I am? You whop it.

Well, of course, if you're going to take it like that. These offices is closed

from 1 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Monday, and in business hours, people is only

admitted on business. Well, you'll find I should be here quite a lot.

I suppose this affair has upset your business pretty considerably.

Yes, it's been a terrible blow to me, Mr. Trent.

You got on well with both the boys. Of course.

I've been in the business a good many years.

I was made a partner just before their father died.

Yes, I know.

So that we can rely on you for any assistance you can give.

Well, that goes without saying. Good.

Mr. Roughton, if the police insist on carrying Roger's case through, you

realize this may be a very expensive business.

Of course.

But he must have the best counsel available.

Ah, that's the whole point. The best counsel expect the best fees.

I'm not a rich man, you know.

Well, there's one way you could get ample funds to cover any contingency.

Oh? Which way is that, Mr. Roughton?

A business proposal, I made them both.

And one, by the way, that would benefit me considerably.

Not that I'd allow that to influence me in circumstances like these.

Oh, naturally.

Mr. Boddington has called to see you, sir.

Will you ask him to wait a few minutes?

Could you find the money to buy him out?

Yes, if Roger weren't so pig-headed about it.

The defense may cost several thousand pounds, you know.

In that case, Roger will have to be reasonable.

Well, Mr. Rowden, you have somebody waiting to see you, so I won't keep you

any longer.

Perhaps we could have a chat about this some other time. Yes.

And if there's anything I can do, you know where to find me. Thank you so

much. Goodbye. Goodbye.

Give me a light, old man.

Listen, Diana, I must know what they're talking about in there. If you hear

anything important, ring me up at once and let me know, will you?

All right. Thank you.

What do you want, Buddington?

Take a look at that, Charles.

Very interesting.

What's it all about?

You know, I've always wanted a place in the country, Charles.

Went down and had a look at that one this morning.

I didn't know that you had money to invest.

New prospects, old man.

Legacy?

Sort of.

You see, Charles, I'm a man of expensive ideas.

And my difficulty in life is finding the money to gratify them.

A new side to your character, Boddington.

Not at all.

But a more or less secret one until now.

I see.

And now will you get out of my office?

Certainly.

But before I go, I want to tell you something.

Last night I went round to a little cafe I know. Cafe Rio.

A place frequented by South Americans.

I'm not asking for your confidences and I don't want them. But I want to tell

you I met a friend of mine there.

From Brazil.

Funny fellow.

Can't keep his fingers out of politics.

A great friend of the Ministry of the Interiors.

Has a lot to do with foreign contracts, I think.

I am not interested in your friends.

You are much more interested in leasings, aren't you?

Will you get out of my office?

I believe you're drunk.

In 48 hours, I'm expecting cable confirmation from Brazil, which may

cause me to see you again.

You can take that as a gentle hint.

In the meantime, I'm going to look at furniture for the little Tudor manor.

Are you going?

Certainly, old man.

Do you know, Margaret, this is just the sort of case that is worth handling.

Indeed? Yes, if I had to choose between a hundred, this would be the one I'd

pick.

So you're enjoying yourself, Claude? Well, to a man of my peculiar gifts,

this is pie, if you know what I mean.

I'm so glad you're happy.

Yes, Margaret, something to get your teeth into. No clues, no suspects except

the accused man.

And it's up to us to save him.

Yes, think of the kudos when we find the murderer.

Oh!

You don't actually believe Roger did it? Of course I don't.

Crimes aren't like that.

Not decent ones.

It's a comfort to know that.

It's simply a matter of crime psychology.

I see. And the fact that he's my brother and your friend doesn't count.

Oh, I'm awfully sorry, Margaret. But when my professional instinct is

aroused, well, I'm apt to forget they're your brothers.

You see, I feel like a bloodhound, hot on the scent.

Many thanks for the kind sympathy.

Hello, Margaret.

Excuse me a minute, will you? I want to talk to Pember.

Now, listen, my lad, I've got something useful for you to do at last. What?

You told me you bumped into a man called Bellman.

Yes, he would like to have knocked me down.

But I dare say he heard I was pretty useful with these.

Yes, I dare say he did. Now, I want you to have a talk with him.

Oh, I don't think he'd be very talkative to me. Now, listen, near Truska's office

is a pub called the, what is it, the Pig and Whistle.

Now, do you think you could go in there, meet him quite casually, and be very

surprised to see him? Oh, I know. Just drop in and say, Hello, Bellman. Fancy

you being here.

Well, you can say what you like, but give him a drink. Give him two or three

drinks. Loosen his tongue up. Oh, I get you.

Yes, now make him tight.

And then start talking about Roger and Cyril. Roger, that's a great idea.

If Bellman's holding anything back, you trust me to get it out of him.

And mix his drinks.

Yes, but don't mix your own.

Say, my boy, what do you take me for?

He's a bloodhound, hot on the scent.

If he comes home with a red herring, we'll make him eat it.

Yes, you'll have a different conception of me after tonight.

The seven years intensive crime study behind what I'm going to do.

And all the best authors, too.

What's the meaning of all that, Leslie?

Well, it's such a flimsy idea that in the ordinary way I wouldn't bother about

it. But I've seen Byfleet, and he's absolutely convinced that the case

against Rogers cast iron.

Oh, the fool.

That's why we must clutch at straws.

You see, Margaret...

To exonerate Roger, we must assume that this is a very cleverly planned murder.

But as such, it doesn't bear very close examination.

I'm so worried I can scarcely think at all.

Just suppose for a moment that the crime was planned from upstairs.

Do you mean Roughton?

I said upstairs.

Two men leave the office quarrelling.

How do the persons upstairs know that they didn't go down into the hall

together? Unless there was called back for a few moments without Roger's

knowledge. Which we can't prove anyway.

But supposing such a thing did happen.

And a signal given to a man downstairs.

Say, Bellman.

Leslie, I know how anxious you are to help Roger. But surely such a

combination of circumstances is too grotesque.

You think so?

Well, you obviously mean Rodden.

And I personally don't think he'd stoop to such a thing.

A man will do a lot if the stakes are high enough.

An enormous fortune, perhaps.

But not just two or three thousand a year.

Yes, but for the sake of argument, supposing an enormous fortune is at

stake. Then, of course, he'd have to connive with a man like Bellman.

But in your anxiety, you've forgotten one vital fact.

Oh, what's that?

Even supposing you account for everything else, why should they want to

get rid of Cyril?

Poor boy was clay in anyone's hands.

Now, if it had been Roger... Yes, you're right, though.

That's where I stub my toe every time.

Why should they want to get rid of Cyril?

Hello?

Oh, is that you, Diana? Yes.

Mr. Rowton's just gone out, but he won't be long.

The talk was about Brazil and the cafe where Boddington met some South

Americans.

I'm sure there's something on because they were almost having a row about it.

I believe Boddington expects a cable from Brazil within the next 48 hours.

That's all for the present. Goodbye.

What did Diana want?

Margaret, you hate Boddington, don't you?

Loathe him.

I've never asked you why.

When it comes to that, I have no particular reason for disliking him.

Except that when I meet him, he's, well, too friendly.

Has he ever asked you to go out with him? Oh, my dear, he asks me every time

I see him. And it doesn't matter how rude I am, he's just the same next time

I see him.

He's married, isn't he?

Separated, I believe.

Oh, but don't talk about him.

He's the sort of man that makes my spine crawl.

That's a pity. He might be useful.

If there is any large sum of money at stake, he probably knows something about

it. Although I'll never believe Charles Rotten would have anything to do with

this, I'll do anything to help.

I'm quite prepared to forget my personal feelings regarding Bartington. You know

that, don't you, Leslie?

He was there at the time.

He might know some little thing. You never know.

Have you ever heard your brothers talk about Brazil?

Never. Oh.

Well, I'm not going to ask you to see Boddington at present, but if necessary,

would you be prepared to spend the evening with him, either at a theatre or

dinner or something?

Yes, but wouldn't it be rather obvious?

Why? Well, with Cyril dead and Roger in prison, it's hardly the time I should be

thinking about festivities, is it? Ah, but you can make that an excuse.

Say you wanted distraction, something to help you to forget.

Bye, George. I must get up. I've got an appointment to see Roger. Oh, let me

come, too. Sorry.

It's a professional visit.

Your case comes up for hearing next Friday.

Yes, they told me.

Now, look here, Roger. This is becoming very serious.

We're not getting any nearer to the truth in this business.

But don't you suppose I'd realize that?

Stuck in here, waiting for a public trial.

It isn't a trial. It's a preliminary examination.

Yes.

It's a sort of sweetener.

The real fruit's to come.

Is that what you mean?

No, it's no use talking like that.

Now look here, Roger, there must be something you know that we don't know.

Roughton, for instance.

I haven't seen eye to eye with Roughton for the last two weeks.

He's always been very decent to both Cyril and me.

What about that business proposal?

Although I didn't agree, I don't blame him.

You see, our business hasn't done very well for the last couple of years.

And, well, you can't blame Roughton for wanting to look after himself.

Anyway, I do know that he offered us at least 50% more than our share was worth.

Oh? Because it would mean a very good thing for him to link up with Leesons.

I see.

Tell me, have you ever had any business dealings with Brazil?

No, never.

Do you know if Boddington ever had?

I don't know.

Boddington's a good auditor, but he's not a chap I care very much for.

So that you can think of no reason why any of your business associates should

want to get rid of Cyril. Nor me either.

Certainly not Cyril, who'd agree to anything so long as it meant ready

money.

Yes, that's the extraordinary part of it.

Well, goodbye, Roger.

I'll do my best for you.

Don't give up.

Thanks.

You'll find whiskey much more interesting than beer, Bellman.

Yes.

Quicker road to ruin, like. Oh, I see. I see that's awfully good. I must make a

note of that.

Water? Thank you.

Thanks.

Do you play that game, Mr. Pember?

What, darts?

Oh, darts. Oh, no, no, no. I say you must teach me some night. I'll teach you

all right.

Some night.

Thanks awfully.

Thanks. Well, well, cheerio.

Bottoms up.

Same to you.

Suppose you didn't want to see me about nothing in particular, did you?

Of course not. I was just down this way and popped in.

So you said afore.

Same again, please.

Just give me a double gin. Very good.

If you're interested in data, have a close look at that board. It'll interest

you. Oh, will it really?

Oh, by Jove, I will.

Two large whiskers and a large gin.

What's your idea?

I'm awfully sorry. I was just looking at something.

Well, I couldn't see anything unusual about it. Oh, didn't you?

You have a good look presently.

Well, cheerio.

Good health.

Do you think we'd do better if we sat down?

Perhaps you add.

Good evening, Mrs. Bellman. Is your husband in? No, sir. But he's not far

away, and I could fetch him for you. Oh, don't bother. You can tell me what I

want to know.

You're Mr. Rogers' solicitor. I saw you the other morning.

If my husband came in and found me talking to you, he wouldn't like it.

Why, don't expect him to be back for some time.

Don't be afraid. I shan't tell him I've seen you. I've nothing to be afraid of,

sir. Only I've got his dinner on the gas stove, and he gets so difficult when

he's upset.

All right, I'll come down with you.

Well, you won't stay long in case he comes back. No, I shan't stay long.

I suppose you can take quite a lot without showing it.

Me?

I've hardly had any yet.

Did you want to ask me something?

Did I?

Let me see.

Oh, we've got to have a few more drinks yet. You haven't finished that one.

Oh, haven't I?

I say, you seem astonishingly sober.

You drink that up quick, then we'll have a couple of nice ports.

No, I'm afraid it won't do, Mrs Bellman.

If you were in that bedroom on the Saturday morning, why didn't you hear

the shot if your husband could hear it in this room?

There's only a thin door between the two rooms, you know.

That door's been forced quite recently.

What I said was true. I was in there and I didn't hear the shot. Well, why not?

Because you won't tell Albert.

Well, if you don't say I've been here, he won't know, will he?

Well, after we closed the office on Saturday, I was going upstairs to sweep

when Albert came in and told me to leave it.

He wasn't very pleasant and we had a few words.

And then I saw a look come into his eyes and I got frightened and ran in there.

And locked the door?

Yes. What happened then?

He burst the lock in and when he got in, he was like a madman.

I begged him not to hit me.

But he did?

Yes. That's why I didn't hear nothing.

I see.

Tell me, how long's that little bell been up there?

About a fortnight.

Where does it lead to?

Mr. Roughton's office.

Come along, sir. It's long after time, and I don't want any trouble.

Now, just a moment. My friend here's very tight, and I've got to ask him some

questions.

Your friend's gone. Come on, you'd better op it. Now, look here, one more

word from you and I shall call a policeman. Oh, op it!

Oh, I say, look here, would you mind going and getting a policeman?

Now, look here, come along out of here quietly.

Don't cause any trouble.

At this hearing, Your Honour, I propose only to ask for formal evidence.

We have a drawing here showing the exact position of the body.

I propose to call three witnesses only. Mr. Mark Boddington, Mr. Charles

Roughton, and Albert Bellman, the janitor who discovered the body.

I call my first witness, Mr. Albert Bellman.

Albert Bellman! Albert Bellman!

Now, Mr. Bellman, what time was it that you heard this shot?

About, uh, quarter past one.

Can you swear that it was a quarter past one?

I didn't exactly look at the clock, if that's what you mean. It was about a

quarter past one.

Now, Mr. Bonington, you say that you were in the office with Charles Roughton

when Bellman came in to say that Cyril Truscott was lying in the vestibule,

shot. What time was that?

It had just turned 1.15.

How do you know?

Well, I just looked at my watch.

Why?

Mr. Rowton asked me to look over some papers, and I was hungry, so I reminded

him that it was past lunchtime.

You've heard Inspector Byfleet say that the message was received at the police

station at 1.25.

Do we know that Mr.

Boddington's watch was correct?

I set it by Big Ben at 12 that very day.

Thank you, Mr. Boddington.

Now, Mr. Rowton.

How do you account for the fact that although the janitor reported Cyril

Truscott's death at 1.15, you didn't phone the police until 1.25?

Well, I can't account for it.

I suppose I was dazed by the shock and the suddenness of it.

It didn't occur to you to send for a doctor, I suppose?

Well, he was obviously beyond a doctor's aid.

So you went down to see him?

Of course.

You see, you'd run down, wouldn't you? That's two floors down, a journey

occupying, say, half a minute?

Just about that.

And yet you didn't telephone for ten minutes.

The witness has said he was dazed. Surely understandable in the

circumstances.

If my friend is finished, I ask for a formal remand, Your Honor.

Excuse me, sir. You're wanted on the phone.

The young lady said it was very important.

Where is the phone? In the lobby, sir. Right, thank you.

Hello? Yes, speaking.

Oh, is that you, Diana? I say.

Foddington came round to the office to see Roughton just before they left for

the police court.

They had a terrible row.

Shall I tell you about it now?

Well, look here, the hearing's nearly over.

I'll meet you at my office in half an hour. Is that all right?

All right.

Goodbye.

Margaret, I'm so sorry about all this trouble.

And if I can do anything, it'll be a pleasure.

Thank you.

Now, don't take it too much to heart. Everything will be all right.

I'm sure it will.

And if I can do anything...

You will give me the opportunity, won't you?

Of course.

Very kind of you. I want to be kind to you.

I believe you do.

Why not have dinner with me tonight?

Oh, thank you.

Under the circumstances, I won't if you don't mind.

Of course, I quite understand.

Some other time.

I think it would be better to leave him alone, miss. Is he ill?

Well, not ill.

I would rather say a slight indisposition.

Well, he looks dreadful.

He said he felt dreadful when he came in this morning.

And he said some very harsh things about the police.

Something's wrong with Claude. Never mind about him. I'll talk to him

presently. Now then, Diana, what's your news?

Boddington came round this morning just as Roughton was leaving for court. It

was about that cable. Has he had it? Yes, and it's important.

Roughton was furious.

What did he say?

Well, I couldn't hear exactly because that fool Menzies kept coming in and

out. I distinctly heard Roughton demanding it.

Boddington just laughed and said he would keep it as his dearest possession

next to his heart.

There you are, Margaret. You hear that?

Carry on.

Boddington's got some hold over Roughton.

As they went out, I heard Roughton ask him to come round to the office after

the court case.

Barrington just laughed. He said he wasn't going to be in his office this

afternoon. He was going back to his flat to change and then going down to the

country to look at the Tudor property.

Well, thank you so much, Diana.

Now, listen, I want you to go straight back to the office.

Pretend you've been out to lunch. If anything else happens, let me know at

once, will you? All right.

Goodbye. Goodbye. All right, Rawkins, I shan't watch you any more. Thank you,

sir. Margaret, I believe there was more at stake than we thought.

The great thing to do is to get hold of that cable from Brazil.

That's easier said than done.

You know, you played up splendidly to Boddington in court.

You were extremely nice to him. Ah, but if you only knew the effort it cost me.

Did he ask you to go out with him?

Well, yeah, he always does.

Good. Now, listen, Margaret, this is very important.

I want you to phone Boddington and ask him to take you out tonight.

I'll have to leave the rest to you.

Do you think he'll have the cable on him?

Well, he'll either have it in his wallet or he'll have left it in his flat.

If he asks you back there, don't worry. I won't let you be there long.

You'd better phone him at once and make sure you're getting hold of him.

Sloan 5466.

Right.

Sloan, 5466, please.

Oh, is that Mr. Boddington?

This is Margaret Truscott speaking.

When you invited me out to dinner, did you mean it?

Because I'm feeling so miserable, I think that the change might do me good.

Yes, I'd be delighted to take you out. And I can't tell you how sorry I feel

for you and your anxiety.

Yes, I'll meet you at 8 o'clock.

Oh, that's awfully kind of you.

Thank you so much.

Goodbye.

Is it all right?

I'm meeting him at 8 o'clock. Good.

I'm afraid you're going to have a rotten time, but he might give you the

opportunity you want.

He may have that cable in his wallet.

I understand perfectly.

Well, look here, I've got a call to make, so we'll talk as we go along,

shall we?

Oh, what about Claude? Oh, that's all right. He won't wake up for hours.

If you make any more noise, I'll brain you. Why, George, would you give me a

turn, old boy, when I saw you standing there?

How did you get in? Through the front door, of course. I say you can't do that

sort of thing. Oh, can't I? What are you doing here, anyway?

Ah, the bloodhound on the scent. Oh, I wish you'd stop reading those cheap

novels. Well, now you are here, you might as well make yourself useful. We

must find that cable. Don't make a sound.

Of course not.

I say, old boy, this is jolly neat.

You blithering idiot.

I'm sorry, old boy.

Good. Why, what have you got?

It's in code, but I believe it's what we're looking for.

Well, I'll just look around and see if I can find anything else useful. You go

and clean that mess up. That's the most useful thing you can do.

J-H-U-Y-P.

J...

Brazil.

Good.

Have you solved it? It's an ordinary commercial code.

I'm going to make a copy of this cable and decode it in my office. There's no

time to do it now. Put this book away, will you? What?

Go on, hurry up.

J. H.

P. E. C.

E. S.

Well, that's that. Now perhaps we can go home. Have you cleared that mess up?

Everything's spotless. Good.

Put that thing down. Are you crazy?

Oh, no, boy.

I've never caught by the same trick twice.

By Jove, my man's left the lights on. He's always doing that, the fool.

Come in, my beautiful.

You'll find this much more quiet than that beastly Café Rio.

I've always longed to kiss you.

Now, don't be silly, Mr. Boddington.

Oh, call me Mark.

I asked you to take me out tonight because I was depressed and I thought it

might cheer me up for an hour or two.

But we're going to be good friends now, aren't we?

You know, you are very near my heart.

Not as near as your wallet.

Ooh, it's a lot of money.

I see you don't keep any private papers in it.

I'm not such a fool as that.

Margaret.

Margaret.

Margaret, what's the matter? Aren't you going to show me the rest of the rooms

in your flat?

Do you really want to see it? Of course, I'd love to.

There's only one room.

Well, how do you like it?

Very nice.

Darling, you do love me. You know you do. Now, don't start being stupid again.

Now, leave me alone.

Let go. What's the matter with you?

I'm going home. Oh, no, you're not.

You came here of your own free will and you're going when I'm ready. Really?

You'd better think again, Mr. Boddington. Why did you come out with

me? Why did you say you cared for me?

If you think you could make a fool of me... Someone at the door.

Someone at the door, you fool.

Good evening, Mr. Bonington.

I've called for Margaret.

What do you want her for?

I've come to take her home. I'm quite ready, Leslie. Good.

Well, good night. Thank you so much for looking after her. Don't mention it.

Now, you stay here.

What, outside?

Yes. What did you bring me here for, then? So that I shall know where you

are. Well, I shan't be able to hear what you're talking about. That's the idea.

Whose idea? Mine.

Yours? Yes.

Huh?

Is he in?

Listen, we're on to something big. A cablegram? Yes. I got it last night in

Boddington's flat. We've decoded it.

Rowden's engineering a huge Brazilian contract involving enormous sums of

money. But how does that explain Roger and Cyril? I don't quite know yet, but

we're going to find out. Tell him I'm here to see him, will you?

Good luck. Thank you so much.

Mr. Leslie Trent would like to see you, sir. Oh, show him in.

Good morning, Robin.

Morning, Trent. Sit down, won't you? Thank you.

Well, I suppose you've come to see me about the funds for Roger's defense.

Partly, yes.

As a matter of fact, there's a question I've been wanting to ask you.

Well, please ask it.

Did Leesons really want you to join them?

Of course.

And that was your only reason for wanting to buy the two boys out? Your

only reason?

Now, what is this?

Riddles? No.

Cables. That's a copy of the original.

That one's been decoded.

I say, Diana, if Trent wants to know where I am, I'm downstairs in the

vestibule. I've got a tremendous idea.

Brilliant. All right.

Well, now that you know, I don't mind telling you I expected to make over a

quarter of a million on this deal.

Wouldn't that have been rather tough on the two boys?

Not at all.

Why should I organize a thing like this and share it with two youngsters who

don't do a darn thing to help?

I'll tell you something else. Well, what's that?

I'm going to publicize this deal at once.

Really? What's the idea?

I'll tell you.

That outsider Boddington is trying to put me on the spot.

And I'm not going to be milked by a man like that.

I see.

Well, I'm afraid this will all have to come out of the trial and it may make

your position rather an unpleasant one.

Yes. It's a good thing it wasn't Roger who was shot.

Otherwise, my position might have been a great deal more unpleasant.

Yes, you've been extremely lucky in that respect.

Over here, Trent.

Let's forget the deal.

If there's anything I can do to help Roger, you know I will.

Thanks very much.

I may hold you to that.

I hope you will.

What are you doing?

I've come to the conclusion the murderer must have stood here.

Do you know, Pember, I believe you've stumbled onto something. Yes, brilliant,

isn't it?

What have I stumbled onto?

Hello, Bellman.

I say, what did you do with my friend the other night?

Oh, him.

He was in a terrible state when he got home. He hasn't recovered from it yet.

Really? Have a drink.

Oh, thank you, sir. I could do with one.

I thought so.

What on earth do you want to buy that man a drink for?

Well, you did, didn't you?

Must you bring that up?

How did it go?

Oh, if Leslie would only listen to me.

Now, in this book I'm reading... Well, I wish you'd sit down and read it.

Rowden wasn't a bit perturbed. He admitted everything, even justified his

conduct. But how could he?

I want you to hear this, Pember.

What? Within five hours, Roger will be free, and the man who kills Sir Roo will

be in his place.

Oh, Leslie, don't say it unless you're sure.

I'm absolutely certain.

I could kick myself for not having noticed it before.

Noticed what?

I haven't got time to answer questions now. Now listen, I want you both to meet

me at Roughton and Truscott's offices at four o'clock.

I must phone Bifley to be there as well.

The proceeding is very unusual, sir, and I've got my position to think of.

I particularly want you to be here, Inspector, and I'll make a bargain with

you. If my idea fails, we'll forget about it. But if I'm right, as I think I

am, you can have whatever credit there is.

Now then, Rowden, I believe I know who killed Cyril, and I believe I know how

it was done.

I'm afraid it'll be necessary for you to tell the Inspector about your Brazilian

deal. Well, here's a copy of the statement I've already sent to the

press, telling them all about it.

You'd better read that, Inspector.

I don't see that that's anything to do with me, sir.

Come in here, Boddington, will you?

Where were you when Roger and Cyril left this room to go downstairs?

In there.

Supposing Roughton had gone to that door and Beck and Cyril back?

Just a minute, Trent.

Don't interrupt. You promised to help. Now then, Boddington.

I've told you, I was in there.

Well, just in case the inspector gets us wrong...

Did I have time to go down to the vestibule, shoot a man, come back here

while you were in there?

No, impossible.

I wasn't suggesting anything so absurd or so crude.

Well, that's all right, as long as we know.

To make my point quite clear, Inspector, it was Roger who was in the way, not

Cyril. Pay particular attention to that point, Inspector.

I don't know what you're up to, Trent.

Perhaps you'd like to suggest I shot somebody.

Tudor property's more in your line, Boddington.

But there's one thing I do want to know.

Cyril was shot at 1.15.

What happened in the ten minutes before the police were notified?

Now, look here, Trent.

What are you getting at?

I don't think you need answer that, after all. It's no longer very

important. In fact, I don't think we need bother Mr. Boddington any further.

Would you like to hear my opinion of you?

No, thanks, old man. I'm sure we're both far too busy.

I wish I knew what was happening in there. Now, don't you worry.

I know Lazy suspects that Broughton's at the bottom of all this.

He got the idea first from that bell that runs from Broughton's office to the

janitor. He thinks that when Cyril and Roger were quarrelling that day on the

landing and Roger went on ahead, that Broughton pressed the bell to warn

Bellman, then beckon Cyril back.

But he can't prove that. He doesn't have to if his ideas are right.

Supposing he held Cyril long enough to allow Roger time to get to the

vestibule. Why should he?

My dear, that's the whole point.

Wait a minute.

Bellman. Bellman.

Somebody call me? Yes, I did. I want to ask you a few questions.

Huh?

What about?

About Roger Truscott's revolver.

You had it in your possession, didn't you?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Oh, yes, you do. You kept it in a drawer in your bedroom.

You've got no right to say things like that.

Unless you can prove it. I'll prove it, all right.

When the bell went that Saturday morning, you came downstairs and met

your wife going upstairs to clean the offices.

You ordered her back. You terrified her so much that she rushed down to the

bedroom and locked the door.

And by doing so, locked you away from the gun that you'd come down to get.

Nothing of the sort.

You then burst open the door, hit your wife, and laid her out temporarily.

That's a lie.

Far too fantastic to make sense.

I say I believe old Trent's been reading detective books on the sly.

Now, Pember, here's a chance to prove your mettle. Take this revolver. What

for? Never mind what for. Take it. Is it loaded? Of course it's loaded.

Good gracious, if it goes off bang, it'll finish me. Never mind about that.

Stand over there. What, here?

No fool.

There. That's right. Now, Roughton, you'd better come down from there. I

don't think Pember's have any good shot. What? Inspector, do you mind standing

over there, McKenzie?

Thank you.

Now then.

Cyril Truscott was shot at the bottom of the stairs where his body was found.

Had he been up the stairs, he'd have received the bullet either from above or

from below.

But the doctor swears that he received the bullet at short range in the side of

the head.

Obviously, he didn't see his murderer.

Otherwise, he'd have turned and received the bullet straight in the front of the

head. What are you trying to prove, Trent? Just this. Pember, could you jump

out from behind there and shoot at me without my seeing you? Of course you

couldn't. The murderer couldn't possibly have shot Cyril from here without

disposing himself.

Unless, of course, he was, catch, Bellman, left-handed.

There you are, Inspector. That's the man you want.

And there's the man who put him up to it.

But unfortunately, something went wrong and they shot the wrong brother.

Look out!

Take him up and get over there.

I'm awfully sorry, Bellman. I'm afraid I've given you the wrong gun.

That one isn't loaded. This one is.

Hold him!

Thank you, Mr. Trent. I'll see you later.

Leslie, does that mean that Roger will be all right? You bet it does.

But we couldn't have got away with this without our Margaret, could we?

Amazing, my dear Trent.

Amazing. Elementary, my dear Pember. Elementary.