Original subtitles

Thank you.

Whoa, boy. Steady, boy. Whoa, whoa. Steady, stop.

Steady, Bob.

Oh, that scared him.

Was it your husband?

No. It was the horse I was getting at. He's alienating my husband's affection.

You should sue for divorce.

I don't have a horse as correspondent.

You'd make a very attractive witness.

Not to a jury of punters. My husband's hoping to win the national with him.

Is he? Is that a tip?

Straight from the owner's wife.

From me to you.

Coming in for a drink?

What? Before breakfast?

I'll see you tomorrow at Aintree.

Not tonight?

No, you stay home and take advantage of a beauty sleep. I've got a previous

engagement. Business.

Blonde or brunette?

My maiden eye.

Good morning, madam.

Didn't you hear the bell?

No, madam.

I rang ten minutes ago.

I'm sorry, madam.

I was upstairs.

You're always in the wrong place when you're wanted. Or you're just deaf.

Can I get you anything, madam?

Yes, please.

Some coffee.

Yes, madam.

And the decanter's empty. See to it. The whiskey's locked up, madam.

Mr. Coates has the key.

So he's found you out at last, has he, Morton?

Where is Mr. Kurtz?

Out on exercise with the horses, madam.

Is he?

Tell Chandler to saddle me a horse and bring it round. I'll be down in a few

minutes. Very good, madam.

Good morning, George.

Morning. Mrs. Coach wants a horse. She's up early, ain't she? She hasn't been to

bed yet.

Oh, drunken visit.

Oh, dear.

George, she wants a horse.

She'll be lucky. They're all out.

Well, you can tell her. I think... George, where's Chandler?

Up on the downs, ma'am.

I want a horse.

Very sorry, madam, but they're all out at exercise.

What's this? Oh, you can't write that, Mayor. She's about to fall. Can't I?

Get my saddle.

But she isn't even ours, Madam. She belongs to Miss Penrose.

If I may say so, Madam, that's true.

Morton!

Your work lies in the pantry.

I told you to get my saddle.

I don't think so. Well, then you ought to be.

Oh, there's steady.

Steady, Jackie, go.

I think we'd better get a vet, sir.

Oh, I'll bring Mr. Balfour right away.

Are you all right?

As if you care.

You and your blasted horses.

Shall I tell Miss Penrose?

Yes.

Come on, I'll go.

Come on.

It's all right.

It's all right.

There are no signs of any real damage, but of course you can never tell.

I see.

I'm sorry about all this, Joyce.

She's all right, aren't you?

Just a little frightened and nervous.

I hope so. I've given her some bromide. She should settle down.

How about the foal?

We'll see. Don't worry, Jerry, the foal will be all right.

Philip's a pessimist.

Do you realize the foal represents Jerry's theories on advanced breeding? I

know, I know.

And if it turns out to be only half as good as Starmie's... But of course it

will. Starmie's didn't have Jackie for a mother. George!

Yes, sir?

Did you see Mrs. Coates take this mare?

Yes, sir. Well, why didn't you stop her? I'm very sorry, sir, but when Mrs.

Coates is in one of those moods, well, she's... Well, where is she now?

She's gone back to the house.

What on earth made Babs do a thing like that?

I suppose she doesn't understand animals.

Including the human variety.

Hello?

Hello, Pinky.

Yes?

Darling, be an angel and put me up for a couple of nights, will you? What's the

matter with you staying at home, Babs?

Really, the way you neglect that man of yours.

I suppose you expect me to get up at the crack of dawn each morning and hold his

hand while he exercises his dreary horses.

Oh, I know, darling. They do keep the most extraordinary hours.

Anyway, when I do try to show some interest, I still seem to get into

trouble. I took the wrong mare or something, and there's a scene coming

up. Well, I've got a house full of guests arriving for the races tomorrow,

but I'll try and put you in somehow.

Oh, thank you, darling.

I'll see you for lunch.

Bye. Goodbye.

Didn't George tell you not to ride that mare?

Yes. Then why did you? Am I supposed to take orders from servants now? You saw

the mare was in foal. I don't know anything about your wretched horses.

Now look here, Babs, I'm sick and tired. Don't shout at me as though I were a

stable boy.

It bores me.

And you bore me.

I'm going to Liverpool. I'm going to stay with Pinkford.

It's George, sir.

Jacqueline's running a temperature.

It looks like a premature birth. Well, get Mr. Balfour at once. I've already

phoned his house, sir. I'm afraid he's gone up to Liverpool.

Well, find him. Get him back here. Yes, sir.

5,

4, 25, and 30.

We'll be waiting for you.

Hello, Bums. Have you seen Jerry?

Pinky, you know, I really am very puzzled what he is going to win this

absurd race.

I've been given three absolute certainties already. What are you

backing? Starmist, of course.

Jerry's horse.

Oh, but Babs told me it hadn't an earthly.

Babs is prejudiced. I think it's a certainty.

You think so?

Is Jerry such a good trainer, then? Because, you know, he's never won a

national. Starmist is the best horse that Jerry's ever bred.

I just noticed one.

You asked John that.

Yeah. Uh-huh.

Have you seen Mr. Coates? He's not here, ma'am. He's been up all night in Miss

Penrose's mare, having some trouble.

Poor Jerry.

Well, have you seen my sister?

Mrs. Coates is here somewhere.

I'll find her. See you later, Bums. Good luck, Chandler. I say, Chandler, do you

think Starmist is really going to try this afternoon?

I don't know, Mr. Darling. I'll have a talk to him.

Oh,

dear.

How's it going? I think she's got colour.

Serious? There could be a stoppage.

Give me some Alborum jelly.

We'll back a bit.

Why don't you go home?

Been trying to get rid of me for the last couple of hours.

I have?

You know you have.

Well, you can't do much good here.

No.

I'd like to stay a while.

I've known her for a long time.

This must be the wettest National in years.

Yep.

Bit heavy going for Star Mist.

Oh, that?

Oh, he likes it.

You hope?

I hope.

More coffee?

Is Babs at the race?

I expect so.

I was given five other certainties, and you weren't any too sure yourself, you

know. Well, it's only 1,800 quid. Never mind, Mother. Have a drinky. Oh, no, we

mustn't waste time. We must go down to the paddock or whatever for.

Jerry isn't here. You must lead the winner in. Me? Oh, crazy. I'm going to

celebrate. Let's go into Liverpool.

Well, thank you. Well, I can't. I've got a house. Why don't you go back and

collect Jerry?

I said celebrate.

Why don't we all go into Liverpool and paint it a nice, bright red?

Well, here's to Starmist.

Darling, let's go somewhere else. This place is like Piccadilly Circus.

What do you want, a desert island?

Nothing wrong with this place.

Cheer up, Povit. What's on your mind?

Gerald.

Don, what would you say if I were to divorce him?

Divorce him?

On what grounds?

He bores me.

That jab prison camp took all the fun out of him.

He doesn't seem to think about anything but his horses.

He bores me.

Hardly grounds for divorce.

Isn't it?

Why don't we let him divorce me?

Don't, my favorite man. Maria.

Maria, you look beautiful.

You said that last night. But I mean it. Come and join our party. You look so

miserable. No, darling, in a minute, huh? Come on, Maria.

I know all about her. In a minute, huh?

And bring your maid and aunt.

Mine's sitting down.

Well, have a quick drink with them and then we'll go somewhere quick. No, thank

you. I would like to finish our conversation.

How long would you take your eyes off that cheap foreigner?

I think she's a very pretty girl.

And I'm quite sure she doesn't mind.

No, but I... Is

Mr. Donovan's car ready yet? Just a minute.

Donovan, double LN24.

Yes, ma'am, it's been filled and topped up. Oh, bring it round. I'll be quick

about it.

I'm in a hurry.

I'll bring it back later.

Not in bed yet? I was just locking up, sir. Oh.

Aren't you going up to Liverpool, sir? You ought to celebrate tonight.

I don't think so, Morton.

We've had rather a lot to cope with today.

Oh, by the way, sir, there's some mail and lots of telegrams on your desk.

Thank you, Morton.

Can I pour you a drink, sir?

Yes,

please do.

And have one yourself.

We'll drink the Star Mist.

Thank you, sir.

He's a great horse.

But he can't read.

Perhaps he's just as well, sir.

It might make him swollen-headed.

That's true.

To Starmist, sir. The winner.

If you'll forgive me, sir, I think I'll go to bed.

Good night, sir. Good night.

Hello. I didn't expect you back.

I got fed up and came home.

Oh, I'm sorry. I hoped you were enjoying yourself.

Did you go to the race?

Yes. Did you make any money?

A bit.

I backed Star Mist.

Would you like a drink?

Yes, lovely.

What was the drive down like?

Foul.

Who drove you?

Donovan.

What have you done with him?

Send him home.

How is he getting home?

He's walking.

Why did he leave his car?

Because... Because he wanted to.

Donovan!

Hello.

Hello, who is that?

Hello!

Why do you drive that car?

By the way, I've invited Buns Darling to lunch tomorrow.

Why do you drive that car?

What are you talking about? Why do you drive that car?

I knew there'd be a scene.

As far as I'm concerned, you can go where you like and do what you like.

But I won't have you driving that car.

What do you mean? I've hardly had a drink all day.

I'm past caring how much you drink.

That's why I do.

It's because you don't care.

You don't care what I do.

Look, I'm not going to be sidetracked.

Six months ago, your license was taken away for ten years.

Do you remember why?

A man was knocked down by a car and killed.

You were driving that car.

You were lucky it was only a license that was taken away.

Jerry, don't remind me about that. It wasn't my fault.

I'm sorry I drove the car back.

I blame Pinky, too. She should have stopped you.

Pinky didn't know. Nobody knew. I left her party early.

Your friend Donovan, then. Why didn't he stop us? He didn't know either. I've

told you, nobody knew. Oh, Jerry, don't be horrid.

Why are you suspicious of me?

Why should I lie to you?

You generally do.

Look, I don't care what you've been doing.

All I'm concerned with is you not making a fool of yourself.

Oh, Jerry, I'm so miserable.

I said I'm sorry I drove the car back. It was just that I suddenly felt that I

had to be near you.

You're the only one I care about.

You know that.

A few years ago, I might have believed you.

But it's true. No, Babs, it's not true.

Any love or affection you had for me died ages ago.

Can't we start again?

Jerry, can't we try again?

We've said all this many times.

I'll do anything.

I'll give up drink.

You've been saying that for the last six years.

No, but this time I really mean it. You've been saying that for the last six

years, too.

Look, I'm tired. It's very late. I suggest you go to bed.

You suggest I go to bed?

You smug, pompous... How dare you stand there and dictate to me?

I'm not going to be preached at by a sanctimonious horse-dealer.

I'm getting out of here. Go to bed. Give me those keys.

Give me those keys.

Give me those keys.

We've got visitors.

It's only the police.

Come on.

Hello, Philip. Good morning, Gibson.

Good morning, Joyce.

Good morning, Miss Penrose.

It's tragic, really tragic.

May I offer my condolences?

I'm very sorry about Jacqueline. She was a lovely mare.

Thank you, Sergeant.

What do you think of the foal?

Oh, he looks like a winner.

How's the baby, Philip? The little devil won't take his bottle.

Let me do it.

Well, it's no wonder it's cold.

Good morning, Gibson.

Mr. Coates.

Yes? Can I have a word with you?

Yes, of course.

Well, it's like this. We've had a message from Peace Headquarters this

morning. Oh, have you?

They want to know if you'll appear at the Police Gymkhana with Star Mist.

It'd be a great attraction, and it's for a very good cause.

Well, will you be there? Oh, aye.

It's for the Widows and Orphans Fund.

All right, Gibson.

We'll be there with pleasure.

Thank you, sir.

See? Nothing to it.

Who could resist you?

Clever girl. Now I can leave you to change his nappy. I'm off. Now, wait a

minute. Stay to lunch and keep us company.

Well, I might add that.

You know, the sister sent me a grand string of Dublin sausages.

Which they'll keep, I suppose.

If they don't, I'll be talking to the sister.

Joyce is staying.

Thanks, I'd love to.

I'd like to go home and change first. All right. Ah, for Jiffy.

Are you sure you're all right for food?

You know, Joyce could call to my place and get that string of sausages.

You can keep your string of sausages.

Where's Babs? Not back from Liverpool yet?

I'm not expecting her. She's staying at Pinkie's. What'll he have?

I don't suppose you'd have a drop of Irish in the place, would you? Ah,

sorry. Only Scotch.

I'll bless you for the only.

I'll take it.

Is that all?

No, no, water.

And don't drown it. You can put it in, but you can't take it out. They say you

should never water another man's whiskey.

Or kiss another man's wife.

Jerry, we're good friends, aren't we?

It's about Babs.

Can't you persuade her to go into one of these homes for a bit?

Where do you think she was when she was supposed to be in France last year?

Didn't do any good. What do you think?

Did you know she was in a bit of a barney in Liverpool last night? No.

Well, she was.

With Donovan.

And from what I gather, she's lucky she didn't wind up in the local Bastille.

Where did you hear all this?

Hear it? The dogs in the street are barking it.

Didn't you know she was there with Donovan? Oh, nonsense.

Donovan probably drove her.

After all, someone's got a driver, now that she's lost her license.

Donovan hasn't got a very good name.

No, I know.

She chooses her own friends.

Look, Jerry, it's not my farm to be talking to you about your wife like

this. But if she's giving you cause for a divorce, then why not?

Maybe I've been brushing my fences a bit.

But I had to say it.

Good morning, sir. Good morning, Morton.

Mr. Coates is in the drawing room with Mr. Balfour.

Thank you, Morton.

Hello, Brun. What on earth are you doing here?

Hello, Jay. Hello, Balfour. What a frightful day.

Yeah, you look a bit wet. I am. I walked over.

Silly of me, really. I should have hired a car.

That cost money.

Oh, I see. Say, I really am very wet about the legs. I'll get Morton to do

something for you. Oh, thank you. That'd be very good of you.

Well, I suppose you're feeling very proud of yourself, having won the

National. I had a shocking day at Aintree. Lost every penny.

Didn't you back Starmist?

As a matter of fact, I didn't. By the way, why weren't you there?

Oh, I'm afraid I couldn't get away.

Well, you could have joined us for cocktails in the bar later, couldn't

you? I don't like cocktails. They'd know what I'm drinking, don't you, Philip?

And I like mine in comfort.

You rang, sir?

Oh, Morton, I want to go get a cloth and dry Mr. Darling down a bit. No, no, no,

we won't make a mess in here. I'll go outside.

Has that fellow just come in to dry his pants? That's what I'm wondering.

It's a bit near lunchtime.

Were you expecting him?

I certainly wasn't.

Do you think he's come the wrong day or the wrong house?

If it's just the wrong house, that's easy. We dry him and pass him on.

Oh, not that fellow. He wouldn't make a mistake like that. He is a professional

scrounger. I bet you an even fiver he hasn't even got a knife and fork of his

own. Let's ask him.

Buns, darling.

Buns. Why do they call him Buns?

Well, who can't believe they call him darling?

Well, I do, and I make it perfectly clear that it's not a term of

endearment.

Thank you, Morton.

Ah, everything all right, love?

Yes, much better, thank you.

Fine, having dried the outside, how about wetting the inside?

Sherry or gin?

May I take the whiskey for the moment, please?

I'm afraid we've only got scotch. Thank you.

That'll do fine.

I say, Bans, I hope this isn't a rude question, but... You've come to lunch?

Well, naturally, old boy.

Why, weren't you expecting me?

Well, frankly, no. But don't be embarrassed.

We'll rustle up something.

Yes, I'm sure I'm right.

Yes, there you are.

28th, lunch, Babs. Oh, Babs asked you. Well, that's all right, then.

Why, didn't she tell you? By the way, where is she? Oh, she isn't back yet.

She's sitting with Pinky.

When I saw her at Aintree yesterday, she said she was coming back today.

Well, she hasn't.

Oh, she was probably held up by the fog then. I must say, I was sorry I didn't

stay overnight in Liverpool.

Were you out in it at all?

No. Piece of fog all the way.

12.42, didn't arrive until half past one, and then it stuck on the level

crossing. I got out and walked in the end. Everyone else was doing the same.

Oh, of course, you were on that train, weren't you, Jerry?

What time did you get home?

Me? Well, you were, weren't you? I saw you on the platform at Liverpool.

I wasn't in Liverpool at all yesterday.

I know you didn't go out to entry, old boy, but I thought you'd probably gone

out to celebrate, you know, winning owner and all that.

No. Well, I can say that you must have a double.

How many doubles did you have?

What?

I was a bit shot away.

I hardly saw more than your back.

Still, I got this one. It was you. I have a very ordinary back.

Look, if you'll forgive me, I'll go and see about your lunch.

Oh, thank you.

You know, I could have sworn it was him.

Thought he'd probably gone to bail Babs out or something. By, it shows she has

been hitting the bottle lately.

Oh, Mark, you hide no objection to a woman having a drink or two, but really.

With that Donovan fellow, too.

I hear somebody ought to tip old Jerry the wink, you know. You, for instance.

You're a pal of his.

I saw him on that platform at Liverpool last night. Did Jerry say he wasn't in

Liverpool last night?

Yes, he did, didn't he?

I'm not sure I believe him there, you know.

Probably had a date. He didn't want anybody to know about it. Oh, yes, yes,

yes. I know what you're going to say. I doubt it. I beg your pardon? I say I

doubt it. You know what I was going to say.

I was going to point out that that's the third slanderous remark you've made in

the last two minutes. Oh, my God. And it doesn't improve matters that all three

were aimed at your host and hostess.

You're a bold boy.

Hello, Joyce.

What are you doing out here? Getting a little fresh air. Bun's darling has

arrived. For lunch.

Jerry,

is something worrying you?

No, nothing.

There is, you know.

I've noticed it all morning.

Now they're out with Babs. Well, she's not back yet.

Not back?

No, she's taking the pinky.

But I thought... Hello.

Hello. How are you?

Oh, you're a lovely girl, aren't you, darling?

Oh, you're a beauty.

Oh, hello, Joyce dear. I see a new hairdo. How nice.

Thank you, Barns. How sweet of you.

Hello, young fella.

Happens to be a girl. Oh, sorry.

Like a drink, Joyce?

Cherry, please.

Lovely.

Ah, it's Babs. I expect Barnaby. Why, it can't be.

Why not?

Well, she'd come straight in, wouldn't she? Of course she would.

Oh, it is Babs.

Mrs. Collins.

Pinky! Dearie, I'm frightfully late. I know I am. I just couldn't help it. I

told Babs I would be. Hello, Joyce. Hello. Hello, Bun. Hello, Pinky, dear.

Philip, darling.

Ah, Pinky, me sweet. You're the only girl in the world that kisses me. Bless

my boy. And here's another.

Haven't you brought Babs with you, Pinky?

Babs, dear, no.

But she's staying with you, isn't she?

Oh, yes, of course, of course. Only she left this morning.

Was it this morning?

I've had to do the housework, coming and going.

Or was it yesterday?

Is she coming home?

Yes, she said she was. Do you mean she hasn't arrived?

No. Don't let me think.

She said she was... You know, I don't even know what day it is.

Yes, that's right. The last time I saw her, she was with... Well, I don't know

what can have happened. There were lots of them leaving together, and I expect

someone's asked to stay the night.

Yes, that's what's happened.

Oh, isn't that nice?

I word I'm tired. I've had a hectic week.

Yes, take the lunch, of course, Pinky.

Don't mean to say you weren't expecting me. I wish I'd brought me sausages.

How awful is this naughty offer?

We'll go into that later. I hope you and I get something to eat before the crowd

gets any thicker.

Come on, let's have some lunch. Oh, Jerry, I'm filthy. May I have a wash?

Yes, of course you may. I was invited to stay until Monday and I brought my

suitcase. Better and better. We never see enough of you.

Jerry?

What is Babs doing? Where is she?

I haven't the vaguest idea.

You said she hadn't been back. Well, she hasn't. She was here last night.

Babs? No, she wasn't. She was, Jerry. I rang up and she spoke to me.

Last night?

Yes. You mean you didn't know she came back?

But she didn't leave Pinky's until this morning. You heard her say so.

I know, but Pinky didn't seem awfully sure.

What time did you telephone?

About 11 o'clock.

And Babs answered?

Yes. But I was here the whole evening. No one telephoned.

It was her voice.

So I rang off. Oh, we must have rung the wrong number.

That's a policeman.

Something's happened to Babs.

Oh, Mr. Coates, sir.

It's Babs. I know it is.

I knew there was something wrong when I didn't find her here.

You said she was staying with someone.

No, I said she might have.

And that was silly, too. I knew she meant to come home today.

Pinky, when did she leave your house?

Well, that's just the point.

She wasn't staying with me.

She was with Donovan.

Pinky, it is Babs. What did I say?

That Donovan smashed her up?

No, it wasn't an accident.

They found her in a car in Liverpool about an hour ago.

She's dead.

They think she was murdered.

Good morning, sir.

Have a nice holiday.

Thank you.

All your reports here? Yes, sir.

Any of the relatives identified the body yet? The husband's coming in today, sir.

The car.

Trace the owner?

Yes, sir. A man called Donovan. What's he got, sir? I haven't seen him yet,

sir. Griffiths is looking for him.

Found these shoes yet?

Not yet, sir.

All right.

I'd like to see this man Donovan as soon as you've found him.

Yes, sir.

What's this bag?

It was found in the car with the body, sir.

Donovan checked out this morning. He booked two air tickets to Paris from our

travel bureau.

Left on the early train from Manchester this morning. Two tickets?

Yes. I'd like a word with your booking club. Yes.

Well, there you are. According to our records, the tank was full up.

Did Donovan know Mrs. Coates had taken his car?

Not that I know of. He better have asked Donovan.

Mrs. Coates could have picked him up outside the hotel.

Mrs. Coates.

She could have picked up anyone.

Mr. Coates, Inspector Railing would like to have a few words with you, sir.

Just a few formalities.

Mr. Coach, sir.

Good morning, sir.

Good morning.

I'm sorry about this.

That's the car your wife was found in.

Yes, so I was told.

Do you know this man Donovan, sir?

I've met him.

We've just been trying out the car.

They run well, don't they?

I really wouldn't know. I don't think I've ever driven one.

The Paris police are trying to trace Donovan now.

He's a bit of a fishy customer, but we'll get him.

Why, do you think he did it?

I think everybody did it.

Until I'm proved wrong, sir. Can I have your telephone number?

Chillington 25.

Chillington 25.

Well, thank you very much for coming down, Mr. Coates.

If there are any further developments, I'll get in touch with you. Right.

Goodbye. Goodbye, sir.

44 miles.

You're sure of that distance?

Right.

So the car traveled somewhere within a radius of 22 miles.

Yeah.

Thanks. Bye.

There you are, Gibson.

22.4 miles.

Interesting, isn't it?

Good morning.

I'm Inspector Ayling of the Liverpool Police.

I'd like to have a word with Mr. Coates.

Come in, sir.

Good morning, Sergeant Gibson.

Morning, Morton.

Mr. Coates has just gone to the stables. I'll see if I can catch him. No, no. No

hurry. We can wait.

You've got a nice place here, haven't you?

I should think you're very lucky with Mr. Coates. I am extremely lucky.

Very nice gentleman indeed.

I should think Mrs.

Coates now.

I gather that there was a good bit of talk locally about Mrs. Coates.

I am not in the habit of gossiping with the local people about my employers,

Inspector.

Of course not. I'm sure you wouldn't dream of it.

But you must realize now, Mr. Morton, a crime has been committed.

Certain questions have to be asked, and I have to have the answers.

Mrs. Coates was not very well liked locally.

Hit the bottle a bit, didn't you? Mrs. Coates did indulge rather freely,

Inspector. Was there any trouble about that?

Trouble? In what way, Inspector?

Well, I mean, rows.

Scenes between her and Mr. Coates. Mr. Coates is not the sort of gentleman to

make scenes, especially in front of the staff.

And you never overheard anything?

No rows?

Never. Not even on Saturday night?

Good morning, Inspector.

Good morning, sir.

Morning, Gibson. Good morning, sir.

I saw your car outside. Come along into the drawing.

I'm sorry to come down here and bother you, sir. It's just a few more questions

we'd like to ask. Oh, that's all right.

I think I've told you all I know about my wife's movements.

Won't you sit down?

I'll stand for a few minutes, if you don't mind, sir.

Cigarette? No, thank you. Never smoke when there's work to be done.

Gibson?

No, thank you, sir.

Well, how are things going?

We've traced Donovan.

He's got an alibi.

A red-headed one.

Frankly, sir, we've drawn blank in Liverpool so far. That's why I've come

to bother you. Well, how can I help you?

What I'm trying to get at now is where your wife meant to go after she left the

hotel on Saturday night. We know she had a bit of a turn-up with Donovan.

Then she got his car out of the garage and drove away.

Now, sir, where do you think she'd make for?

Well, she might have gone to her sister's. Yet she certainly didn't get

there. And Selborne Road's right out of her way.

That's true.

Do you think she meant to come here?

Here? Yes, to her own home.

Well, since you put it like that, yes, I suppose she might have set out to come

back here. She might even have come back here. But she didn't.

No. You don't think she would have rung or knocked and failed to wake anyone and

given it up and gone back to Liverpool?

Oh, that's the last thing she'd do.

Had she come back that evening, she'd have rung or knocked until somebody

answered. I mean, she wouldn't just turn round and go back to Liverpool,

particularly on a night like that.

No, hardly.

Can you think of any other place, sir, about 22 miles from Liverpool that she

might have meant to go to?

22 miles?

Why 22 miles?

I have a reason for fixing that rough distance, sir. I won't bother you with

it now.

But this happens to be 22 miles from Liverpool.

Yes, it is, sir.

If your wife had come back that night and knocked... I'm sorry to appear so

obstinate, sir.

Oh, that's all right.

If she had knocked, would you have heard her?

Yes, sir, I'm sure I would.

My room's directly over the front door. I'm a very light sleeper. Would the

servants have heard her?

Morton might.

His room's above mine.

But the rest of the servants, they live in the back of the house. Yes, that's

what you told me, friend.

Yes, I'm sure Mr. Coates is right about that.

Well, you've been very patient, sir. I think that's about all.

Oh, purely as a matter of form, sir. Would you mind running through what you

did that night?

It's just a matter of routine, sir, that we have to follow up in cases like this.

Oh, that's all right.

Let me see now.

I spent a very quiet evening.

I've been up the whole of the previous night and I was rather tired.

I had a meal about eight.

I came in here, listened to the radio, heard an account at the National,

answered some telegrams and letters and then I went to bed.

About what time, sir? About eleven.

And no one came to see you that night? No, no one. Morton was here, of course,

but no one else.

You didn't go out yourself at all? No.

No.

Then if Mr. Darling says he saw you on the railway platform after midnight that

night, he's mistaken.

Sir, he told you that one, didn't he?

Yes. I've had to interview a lot of people who saw your wife at the hotel

that night, sir. He was one of them.

I've just seen him. He happened to mention that he thought he'd seen you on

the railway platform.

Yes, I know. He lunched here on Sunday and said so.

I told him he was seeing things.

I'd rather gather he might have been seeing things that night, sir.

In fact, he more or less admitted it himself.

Yes. As a matter of fact, I always take the car.

I haven't travelled by train to Liverpool for over three months.

No, Inspector, I have no one to support my story, but I can assure you I spent

an entirely blameless evening here alone by the fire.

I should have asked him for a game of cards, Gibson.

Oh, well, sir, we can easily fix that up. I could say I was here all evening.

Well, that's a very handsome offer. It wouldn't do you much good, sir.

Gibson's too well known in the force.

Chinese?

Japanese. Souvenir?

In a way.

I was escaping from a Jap prisoner of war camp and one of the guards got in

the way.

You believe in taking chances?

I believe in taking chances.

Can't get you into trouble, you know. Have you ever spent two years kowtowing

for favors, locked up month after month?

Jerry, I'm sorry. I thought you were out.

Pinky.

This is Inspector Ayling from Liverpool.

Inspector, this is Mrs Collins, my wife's sister.

How do you do? How do you do? Well, Jerry, I'll leave you to it. I was just

going to do the flowers and they can wait. It's all right, Mrs Collins. We

had finished.

As a matter of fact, I'd hoped to meet you. I'd like to have a chat while I'm

here. But of course. Is that all for me?

Would you mind if I had a look round after?

And I'd like a word with the servants.

No.

Help yourself.

What are you doing up here?

Oh, there you are.

Jerry, I know it's none of my business, but have the police found anything yet?

Well, they have an idea that Babs came back here that night. I think so too.

That's what I wanted to talk to you about.

I told you I rang up on Saturday and I thought Babs answered.

Have you told anyone else?

No. Then don't.

Why not?

Because she did come back.

And I killed her.

It's true.

She went for me with that Japanese dagger.

We struggled.

She fell.

When I picked her up, she was... I couldn't believe that she was dead.

But I don't understand. She was found in Liverpool.

I drove her back in Donovan's car.

I was taking her to a hospital.

I shall never forget the nightmare of that drive.

I felt that if I could get her to a doctor quickly, there might be a chance.

I drove blindly along that road, but a train held me up at the level crossing.

It seemed like a lifetime before the gates opened again.

The fog had got thicker and thicker.

As I drove on, the trees took on weird shapes.

And the road twisted and turned.

I knew I was somewhere near Liverpool.

I could hear the ships in the river also striking to the fog.

Then a gate loomed up in front of me.

I jammed on the brakes.

A figure came towards me.

I looked at Bab.

She hadn't moved.

I knew she was dead.

I drove on for some minutes, not knowing what to do.

Then...

I panicked.

The police would never believe my story, true as it was, that I'd driven 20 miles

with a dead body just to tell them that she had collapsed and died in her own

home.

I drove the car to the first side turning and was about to leave when...

I left her there and hurried up the station and got into an empty

compartment.

Nobody knew that Babs had come home.

I remembered her telling me.

There was no reason why anyone should know that she'd come back.

Anyway, it was all over.

The train stopped the level crossing.

I got out.

I was grateful for the fog.

But someone may have seen you.

Buns. He saw you.

He said so. Did he see you? He has.

I suppose he tells the police. He has told the police. It's all right.

He was drunk.

His evidence doesn't mean a thing.

I've told them a perfectly plausible story and I am sticking to it.

Jerry, you've got to tell them the truth. They're bound to believe you. No.

It's too late.

I won't do it.

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

I didn't mean to kill her.

Do you believe me?

I believe you.

Then why do you want me to go to the police?

Because you haven't a chance.

They'll start looking around and in the end they'll find something. There's

nothing to find out. The servants.

They'd all gone to bed.

When the police found her, her shoes were missing.

What happened to them?

I don't know. I wish I did.

I'm sorry, Mr. Morton. I didn't know you were in.

What do you want, Hoskins?

I was going to clean your room.

Leave it just now.

Mr. Morton, is it true the police are here?

Why? I've got a clue.

What sort of clue?

I want to see the police.

Pinky, Alanna!

The very girl I was looking for.

I heard you were going away, so I have a nice piece of Irish butter for you in

the car. Thank you, Philip, darling. That is sweet of you. A pinky?

What are the police doing here? That's what I'd like to know. They're all so

busy asking questions that none of them have got time to think.

Good heavens, I know what happened to Babs that night as well as if I'd been

there myself.

Is that so? Well, why don't you tell them? Tell them? Of course I told them.

And do you think they'd listen?

Look, I know what happened that night.

There was poor Babs, half seas over.

Everyone knows you want a packet of daintry.

Well, someone followed her out of the bar, someone tried to get her bag.

Then when she put up a fight for it, somebody did her in. In Liverpool.

Sounds like sense to me.

It sounds like sense to anyone, no thank you, except a policeman.

And look at the policeman we've got on this job.

You know they left that car standing in Selborne Road for 12 hours before they

opened it and looked inside?

Well, maybe they had a reason.

Well, as I said to Inspector Ayling, if I leave my car outside a shop for five

minutes, there's one of you leaning against it with a notebook when I come

out. Have they found her shoes yet?

Not they.

I expect this Inspector Ayling will look around London and Birmingham for those.

Inspector Ayling, I've heard of him.

A very ambitious man. He's not wasting his time.

But I am.

Goodbye, Pinky.

Goodbye, Philip Darman.

Thank you for the butter.

And listen, don't tell Ayling where that came from.

Excuse me, sir. Well, what is it, Morton?

Inspector Ayling wants to know if he can have a word with you, sir. What again?

Where is he? In the drawing room, sir. Right.

I... I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I may be wrong, sir, but I fancy it's about something Hoskins has told him.

Hoskins? I think she has found something, sir.

Oh.

Sorry to interrupt you, sir.

Oh, that's all right, Miss Baker.

I think we may have found some evidence.

Hello, Pinky.

Hello, Jerry.

When are you going to let me see the phone?

Oh. Well, the inspector wants done the work with me. When be finished.

Well, I'll slip down by myself.

George can show me. Just a minute, Mrs. Collins. I'd be glad if you'd stay.

You might be able to help.

You ever seen that before, sir?

Not that I know of.

Have you, madam?

Yes, I've seen lots like it. It's an ordinary pocket mirror from an evening

handbag. Not so very ordinary, Mrs. Collins.

When we found Mrs. Coates, sir, her evening bag was in the car.

A black silver brocade one.

There was a pocket in it, obviously meant to hold a mirror.

The mirror was missing.

And you think that is it?

Well, it's black and silver brocade, sir. I shall have to see if it fits the

bag, but I'm perfectly certain it will.

Where was it found?

In this room, madam.

By the housemaid? Yes.

When was it found?

On the Sunday morning, sir.

The morning after Mrs. Coates was killed.

Then Mrs. Coates must have left it behind her on the Friday.

The housemaid's quite certain it wasn't here on Saturday.

Where exactly was it found?

Down the side of one of these settees, sir.

That one, I think.

Well, it might have been there for weeks.

Hardly weeks, Mrs. Collins. It was a new bag.

Mrs. Coates only bought it the day before she went away.

Come in.

Yes, Gibson?

Nothing, sir. If I just might have a word with you in a moment. Yes.

Now, Mrs. Collins, I wonder if you can help us over this mirror.

Mrs. Coates was in your house on Friday evening, wasn't she?

Yes. And I expect you saw her on Saturday evening?

Yes, yes. She came back to change.

And you probably saw her make up her face, powder her nose.

I mean, ladies do it all the time, don't they?

No, Inspector.

They don't do anything.

All the time.

Now, we did find in your sister's bag a small, round flapjack, I think it's

called. About so big.

But can you remember her using a mirror at any time?

I mean, think back. Get a mental picture.

Yes. She did?

A little mirror out of a flapjack?

Or this one?

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

She opened her...

No, she passed me her wrap and she said, hold this for me, Pinky. Then she opened

her bag and she took out a mirror.

Wait a minute, it has... Cigarette, Inspector.

No, thank you very much.

Oh, dear, I can't remember what it was like.

That's a pity, madam.

Well, Inspector, so much has happened, and anyway, I don't know what all this

is about.

Mrs. Collins, I'm trying to trace your sister's movements on Saturday night.

This mirror was found in this room on Sunday morning.

If you remember your sister having it with her in Liverpool, it's difficult to

understand how it got back here.

Unless, sir, your wife was in this room on Saturday night. That's a perfectly

reasonable assumption.

Well, the answer is she didn't have it with her. It must have been here all the

time. Don't tell me the housemaid said it wasn't. From what I've seen of that

woman's work... Sorry to be rude about your servants, darling.

Oh, that's all right. Well, from what I've seen of that woman's work, she'd

missed something bigger than a mirror.

Do you know she left my breakfast tray in my room all the morning and said she

hadn't noticed it?

Well, I'm afraid we haven't been very much help, Inspector.

Is that all?

That's all, sir.

I'd like to have a word with the butler about this.

Oh, of course. You coming, Pinky?

Yes.

Dear, it does look like rain. May I borrow a raincoat? Oh, of course. You

can borrow mine.

Any good?

Nope. Neither of them recognized it.

No? I didn't expect they would.

As soon as we've finished here, get the bag sent down from Liverpool. I bet you

five pounds the mirror fits it.

Oh, I'm not saying it doesn't. I'm only saying it doesn't get you much further

if it does.

That's as may be.

What have you got there?

Oh, a pair of ladies' evening shoes. The property of the late Mrs. Coates.

Well? Your friend the housemaid found them in her cupboard in the butler's

bedroom. She noticed them first thing Sunday morning.

She says they went there Saturday.

She thinks Mrs. Coates took them to Liverpool with her.

There we are. Fits you like a glove.

Now, if you hurry, we'll just be in time to give him his bottle.

Oh, Morton. Yes, madam?

I'm just going down to the stables for a minute. If my car arrives, will you

stick the luggage in?

Yes, madam.

The inspector wants a word with you, Morton.

I don't know how he expects me to help. Well, he has a theory that Mrs. Coates

came back on Saturday night.

So I gather.

But to me, it seems impossible.

Had Mrs. Coates returned, sir, either you or I could not have failed to hear

the car.

So you heard nothing unusual that night?

Nothing, sir.

Oh, that's what I told the inspector.

Mr. Morton.

You're in charge of the staff here?

That is correct.

How often do they clean out these rooms?

This room, for instance.

Every morning.

Thoroughly? If anyone's watching them.

This mirror.

You ever seen it before?

No.

Shortly before she went away, Mrs. Coates bought a new evening bag.

Did you ever hear her speak of losing a mirror out of it?

Where was this found, Inspector?

I'm asking questions now.

You've never seen it before?

No.

Got those shoes, Gibson?

Yes, sir.

You can hardly say that you've never seen those before.

They're Mrs. Coates's, aren't they? I'm asking you.

Yes, I think they're Mrs. Coates's.

Do you know where they were found?

In the cupboard in my room?

Yes. Then they are Mrs. Coates's.

I had forgotten all about them.

Forgotten, had you?

What are they doing in your room? Oh, Mrs. Coates gave them to me.

To have them repaired?

Almost new.

Oh, no. Mrs. Coates complained they were uncomfortable.

She said I might dispose of them.

Funny thing she gave them to you, wasn't it? Not one of the maids?

I was passing her bedroom door at the time, and she called, Huskins?

I said, no, madam, this is Morton.

She called me in and gave me the shoes.

What did she say, exactly?

I think she said, here, get rid of these.

They pinch.

When was this?

Over a fortnight ago.

Fortnight?

Are you prepared to swear to that in court?

Certainly, Inspector.

If anyone is interested in an old pair of shoes.

They might be.

So these shoes have been in your cupboard for a fortnight?

Yes.

Then if that woman Hoskins said that they didn't appear there until the day

after the National, she's not telling the truth.

She certainly is not.

That'll be all, Mr. Morton.

I'm sorry to have interrupted your work.

Ask Mr. Coates if he'd be good enough to spare me two minutes, would you? Very

good.

How long has he been in this job?

Oh, about five years, I think.

He used to work for Old Albany.

He took him out for stealing his wine or something.

Oh, I never believed the yarn.

Neither did Mr. Coates. Took him on without a reference. I don't think he's

ever regretted it.

Do you think he was telling the truth about these shoes?

Aye. I don't know.

Is that woman Hoskins prepared to swear they weren't in the cupboard before

Sunday? No, not she.

She swore they weren't. Then she said she wouldn't swear to it.

Can't one of these servants remember what shoes she took to Liverpool?

The banner made sure they were sandals.

There were eight pairs of sandals.

Sorry to keep you waiting, Inspector.

What's bothering you now?

These, sir.

These shoes.

Whose are they?

Your wife's, I think, sir.

Well? You know that when she was found, she had no shoes on, and they weren't in

the car.

Yes, I heard that. Where did you find these?

In your butler's wardrobe, sir.

In Morton's wardrobe?

Yes, sir. What did he say about them?

He says that Mrs. Coates gave them to him to get rid of a fortnight ago, sir.

They were too tight for her. Oh, in that case, these can't be the missing pair.

You've no idea what shoes your wife took to Liverpool, I suppose? Not the

slightest.

Well, darling, it's raining cats and dogs.

Oh, I see you're still here.

I'm sorry to bother you, madam, but perhaps you can help us.

Can you remember what shoes your sister was wearing in Liverpool?

What shoes?

Yes, I can, as a matter of fact. She wasn't wearing any shoes at all.

She was wearing little short boots.

Yes, yes, we found those in her suitcase. But can you remember what

shoes she was wearing when she left your house on Saturday evening?

No, I'm sorry, I can't. Do you recognize these?

Well, they're about her size.

The sort of shoes she wore.

Oh, are these the missing shoes?

Where did you find them? In the butler's wardrobe, madam.

In Morton's wardrobe?

Yes, ma'am. You said they were the missing shoes. No, madam, excuse me, I

did not. Oh, there was my handkerchief. Well, have you asked Morton about them?

That did occur to me, madam.

I've heard his feelings.

I know I had a handkerchief somewhere.

Here, what?

I've got one, darling. Wait a moment.

railway ticket. You can use that again, Jerry.

It must be out of date.

No, March the 28th. You use that again.

The inspector won't tell.

Your car is here, madam.

Oh, thank you, Morton. Is the luggage done?

Yes, madam.

Thank you, Jerry. I simply must fly. Come and see me off. Come on.

Goodbye, Mrs. Collins.

Thank you.

Jerry, there's something I must say before I go.

It's about Babs and Donovan.

You do believe I knew nothing about all that?

Of course I do.

Even though she's dead, I couldn't believe Babs could be such a fool.

Not when she had you.

What's the use of pretending? We both know it was drink.

I thought she'd be all right when she married you.

Jerry, don't... Take things too hard and don't blame yourself for anything.

I hope you'll find someone else. I hope she'll be as nice as you deserve.

I mean every word of it.

Oh, dear, my handbag.

I left it in the drawing room. I'll get it for you.

Goodbye, Morton. You will look after Mr. Coates, won't you? Yes, madam.

I'll look after him.

Goodbye, Pinky. Goodbye, Jerry.

I don't like leaving you like this. All alone.

Oh, that's all right.

Goodbye, darling.

Goodbye.

Sir.

What is it, Morton?

It's about Hoskins' clue, sir.

What about it?

Well, it turns out to be a pair of shoes which Hoskins found in my wardrobe.

in case the police should mention the matter to you.

Thank you, Morton.

Thank you, sir.

The first ticket issued on that date was 5506.

That was at midnight or just after. About what time would this be issued?

5532. Oh, that would be a long time after.

What, on Grand National Night?

Of course.

Within an hour of midnight?

In time for the 1242?

Here we are. We changed over at 1am.

5585. Oh yes, definitely in time for the 1242.

Thank you.

Get me Chillington Police.

And I wish you wouldn't smoke in this office.

Sorry?

Can't you finish that outside?

It's the Donovan report. I've just checked in his alibi and I'm afraid he's

cleared. Yes, yes, yes, I know, but you can still finish it outside.

Uh, Gibson?

Have you got a nice clean cell at Chillington?

Well, clean it up. We may need it.

Yes, that railway ticket.

Now, that's the man who hasn't come back from Liverpool by train for three

months.

You're a witness to where I found it?

Well, I saw Mrs Collins find it.

Well, same thing.

I guess the answer the moment that ticket dropped out of her pocket.

You remember the train stopped outside the station that night?

And lots of the passengers got off there so that they didn't give up their

tickets?

Well... I think that was about the worst bit of luck your Mr. Coates ever had.

Pick you up first thing in the morning.

Come on.

He doesn't want to telephone last night.

What happened with the police?

Oh, nothing very much.

Do you think they'll come back?

Well, they'll come back all right.

Why? Have they found out something? Has something happened?

They think Babs came back and that I was in Liverpool that night.

But they don't know.

They don't know.

But you said Bond's evidence didn't matter.

Pinky found a railway ticket in my Macintosh pocket.

Ticket?

The ticket you used that night.

I think it must have been.

It was dated March the 28th.

Well, the police have got it.

I told them so very definitely I hadn't travelled back by train from Liverpool

for over three months.

So now they know it was a lie.

But why did you leave it in your Macintosh pocket?

That's the maddening thing I didn't. I was sworn I didn't.

I took it out of my pocket about a hundred yards this side of the level

crossing.

I'm certain I threw it away.

Must have been some other ticket.

What are we going to do?

I'm sorry I got you mixed up in all that.

What are we going to do?

Well, if they arrest me, I shall have to tell the truth.

I can see Aileen jumping for joy.

But up to the moment, they can't prove a thing.

Boy, they can't prove a thing.

I tell you, Inspector, if you arrest Mr. Coates on the evidence you've got,

You'll be making the mistake of your life. I've got all the evidence I want.

Or will have before I'm finished.

All right, but don't say I didn't warn you.

I'm going to try a bit of bluff first, see if he won't save us some trouble.

By the way, did Mrs.

Coates ever suffer from a weak heart?

Why should I know?

Why? No, nothing.

Is Mr. Coates about?

No, I'm afraid he isn't.

Oh. Anything wrong, Inspector?

No, no, I just wanted to ask him a few questions.

Do you know when he'll be back?

No, I'm afraid I don't.

Gibson, inquire at the house, will you?

Don't bother.

I'll send one of the lads to look for him.

Thank you.

I shouldn't warn him. He might do something foolish.

Something he couldn't explain away afterwards.

That'll be playing right into our hands.

The idea, galloping all over the country, jumping five bar gates as if a

pack of howling wolves were after you.

You're lucky it's only a sprain.

How does it feel?

A bit tied up.

Not too tied up to answer a few questions, I hope.

Would you mind?

Oh, I can take a hint. Come on, Joyce.

Go on, Joyce. I'll be with you in a few minutes.

So you've some more questions to ask me, have you?

Yes, I have.

Though I'm afraid they're much the same questions as I asked before.

Oh, that's all right, as long as you don't mind the same answers.

You see, we are still working on the theory that Mrs. Coates came back.

Still?

Have you any evidence to support that theory?

Well, I mentioned that Mrs. Coates' mirror and shoes were found here on the

Sunday morning.

Oh, the Hoskins story.

I'm afraid I didn't take that very seriously.

I thought you had something more definite.

The mirror is more definite than it was, sir. We now know for certain that it did

belong to the bag Mrs. Coates had with her.

Then there's the petrol consumption of the car.

The petrol consumption?

I don't think I've heard about that.

No, sir.

There are one or two things you haven't heard about yet.

When Mr. Donovan got back to the garage that night, he was out of petrol, and

the garage attendant filled his tank up.

When we found the car with the body, three gallons had been used up.

We tested the car and found that it had been driven at the most 44 miles.

Does that suggest anything to you, sir?

No, I'm afraid it doesn't. No?

We also drove the car from the garage to the front door here and back to the spot

where it was found.

It used three gallons.

Is it quite a coincidence?

Of course, sir, it may be just a coincidence, but we don't think so.

We think it's one more pretty clear proof that the car came back here.

Did anyone see the car that night?

Not that I've found yet, sir.

Well, of course, it was very foggy.

Was it difficult driving?

I think it must have been, don't you?

I suppose it was the fog that made Mr. Darling think that he saw you coming

back that night. Or the drink.

This ticket is interesting.

Can you explain, sir, how it came to be in your Macintosh pocket?

It's dated March the 28th.

March the 28th?

This year?

This year.

They put the year on tickets?

They do.

How very careful of them. I'd never noticed it.

No, Inspector, I'm afraid I can't tell you how that ticket came to be in my

Macintosh pocket.

Strange, sir.

Because you told me you hadn't been back from Liverpool by train for three

months. I did.

And yet, March the 28th, the day after the National.

Were you in Liverpool at all that day, sir?

Yes.

I went up to identify...

Well, of course I met you, but I went both ways by car.

And you weren't up there earlier, sir?

Very early, in fact.

Soon after midnight?

I've already told you I wasn't. Because that's when this ticket was issued, just

after midnight.

Just before the 12.42.

I see.

And it was on the 12.42 that Mr. Darling thought he saw you. I thought it was the

platform at Liverpool.

Mr. Coates, have you any explanation of how this ticket came to be in your

pocket? No, Inspector, none.

No, sir?

Would you care to come down to the station and sign a statement? About that

ticket? No, Mr. Coates. About all your movements that evening.

Are you arresting me?

Not yet, sir. Then I can refuse to go.

Yes, sir, you can.

But I don't think you'll be wise to.

You see, you'll have to go in the end.

Hello, Jerry.

Hello. So sorry, busy?

Yes. I've no inspector.

I won't give him a moment, old boy. I just popped over actually.

Look, I'm very sorry, but I'm busy. That's all right, old boy. I just came

over to return your Macintosh. Oh, there's Morton. I'll let him have it.

What did you say?

Hmm? Did you hear what he said?

What, sir?

I did, sir.

Buns, just a minute.

What did you say?

Mr. Kurtz.

We hardly want Mr. Darling now.

You may not, Inspector, but I certainly do. Bunce, what did you say just now

about... I just said I was sorry I didn't realize... No, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no, no, no

Well, it was Sunday, I think. Yes, that's right. I must have picked up his

Mac as I left the house.

And you've had it ever since?

Yes, I'm afraid I have.

I won't be sorry on all that, Jerry. I'm afraid I only noticed it this morning.

Oh, it doesn't matter a bit. Can you identify it for certain?

Identify it? Good heavens, Inspector, I know my own Mac. This has got my name in

it. Darling.

In that case, sir, a ticket that was found in one of the pockets would be

yours. Oh, what sort of ticket?

A railway ticket.

From Liverpool to Chillington.

Dated March the 28th. March 28th? Oh, yes, yes, that would be mine. I came

home by train that night. You remember, Inspector, I told you the train stopped

outside the station. I got out and never gave up the ticket. There's nothing

wrong in that, is there?

Nothing, sir.

There's your ticket.

I don't want it.

Oh, for heaven's sake, Inspector, you don't think that I'd use it again?

I don't care what you do with it. I say, if my ticket has been bothering you,

Jerry, I really am most awfully sorry.

Well, I think it's the Inspector you should be sorry for.

Why, did he think it was a clue or something?

Well, I rather think he thought it might be.

My ticket?

No, no, no, I've got an animal.

Look, Jay, I'd love to stop and have a drink, but I'm having lunch with some

friends. So goodbye now, boy. Goodbye.

Well, sir, that's that.

But I hope you realize that until that ticket was explained, we had to take the

line we did.

Well, I'll be getting back to Liverpool.

Shall I be seeing you again, Inspector?

I'm not sure, Mr. Coates.

But should the verdict be natural causes... Natural causes?

Should it be, sir.

I think you may have seen the last of us.

Your wife had a weak heart, you know.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Mr. Coates.

Goodbye, miss.