 The weird circle. In this cave, by the restless sea, we are met to call from out the past stories, strange, and weird. Bellkeeper, hold the bell, so all may know we are gathered again in the weird circle. Speak again the immortal tae haunted hotel. This is a beautiful city, its climate is ideal, its buildings picturesque, its atmosphere charming. But I felt almost physically incapable of pleasure as the oarsman tied his gondolas to the castle hotel mooring. But in my brain there was just one thought, kept flying around and around like an imprisoned bat. Why is Philip dead? Why is Philip dead? And it was this that had bought me clear across an ocean to Venice. Ah, good evening, senor. You have a reservation for Henry Westwick? Yes, senor. It was you who requested the northeast Roman the ground floor, was it not? That's right, overlooking the canal. You are lucky. In the very next mail another American named Miss James asked for the same room. But of course you had the priority. Oh, I miss James. Does that mean I can't have room 14? Sorry, senorine, I am afraid so. Unless of course you can persuade Mr Westwick to trade with you. Yours is double of 15. Next door to the young man here. But without a view of the canal. You wouldn't like to exchange, would you, Mr Westwick? I wish I could be more gallant, Miss James, but I have a special reason for wanting 14. Boy, take these bags, room 14 and 15. Just follow the page, senor. Senorina. Thank you. A special reason? You sound so mysterious. Well, as a matter of fact, I'm here to solve a mystery. Really? Oh, please tell me about it. That is, if you don't mind. No, I think I'd like to, Miss James. Just to make up for not being able to switch rooms with you. Six weeks ago my brother married. It was very sudden. He'd met this Countess Narone and her brother, Rivar, while traveling through Italy. Fallen deeply in love with her. They came here to spend a honeymoon. Oh, I thought the hotel opened just last week. Well, it did. This was formerly an old castle. Philip rented it for a month. He was scheduled to leave the day before remodeling began. But something happened? He was only here two weeks when he died. Oh, shocking. Not only that, but when I wrote to his wife for more particulars, I got no reply. She and her brother seemed to vanished off the face of the earth. It took me a month to wind up my business affairs, but I'm determined to stay here until I find out exactly what happened to Philip. How? Why? Yes, I can understand how you'd feel about your brother, Mr. Westwick. But you haven't told me the reason you want room 14. Oh, that was the master bedroom. I've got a hunch. If Narone left any clue, he could be there. Here are your rooms, sir, madame. Well, good night and very good luck. I'll see you around tomorrow evening while I was changed. I think so. After all, we Americans have got to stick together. And, uh, Henry? Yes? My first name, Elaine. I went into my own room, shut the door, and immediately that overwhelming sense of depression closed in on me again. For a few minutes there in the hall Elaine's warmth and vitality had dispelled it. Now alone in the very place of my brother's death, I felt more than ever confused and discouraged. Where to start my search? I didn't know. As I crept between the cool sheets I thought, oh, how much this room could tell me. It would only speak. If I were only sensitive enough to grasp what it was saying, then I just drifted aimlessly with the sound of the canal in my ears, lifting me up, bearing me along like a bit of wood on its surface. For a while I didn't realize the sound had changed, that it had become a murmur of voices speaking fluid Italian. But then I began to see them, a man and a woman. Their images were slightly distorted like an improperly focused motion picture. And even through my dream I knew I was outside the scene, invisible to them. An audience of one. How can you ask that of me, Rivar? You're my brother, the only one on earth I care about. How can you ask me to sacrifice myself to that? I'm an attractive bore of an American. Do you think I'm unaware of your feelings, Narona, that I'm totally blind to how much it repels you? But what can I do? They're after me again for my gambling debts. And those men of vicious completely unprincipled. My killing me wouldn't mean as little to them as snapping a toothpick. And surely you don't want my death on your soul. Oh please, Rivar, don't try to work on my sympathies. You sound like such a fool. He's not an unkind man. Didn't he lease this castle for us and let us move in just on the hope that you'd marry him? Keep still, can't you? I shall send Westwick a note by messenger saying I accept his proposal. What's today's date, Rivar? It's the 16th. December 16th. And thank you, Narona. I don't know which happened first. The screen going blank on my mind refusing any more of the vision. But suddenly I found myself sitting up straight in bed, my eyes wide open, my hands digging convulsively into the quilt on each side of my sweat-soaked body. Oh, a horrible nightmare I thought. And perhaps I could have accepted it as such. Except for one thing. In the dream there had been a waste paper basket near Narona's desk, with a newspaper lying on top of it. And while I could not see the countess nor her brother clearly, the date of that paper had been quite plain. December 15th. And my brother had written to me that his fiancee was so eager for their marriage she had inadvertently dated her acceptance a day ahead. That detail had left my mind completely. Could this dream have been an extension of reality? Emotions undergone so vivid they had left their impress on the walls to be returned to whomever would receive them. I did not sleep much the rest of the night. I spent the next afternoon in a thoroughly fruitless search for some clue to Narona's present whereabouts. It was rather glad by to clock to shower and change clothes at the hotel. I just finished dinner and decided on a stroll when I heard Elaine calling me. Henry! Hi! Do you always eat dinner so late? I made it for hours and hours and then I decided I was just too hungry. Well, I am flattered. Want to go for a walk with me? I'd love to. And you needn't be so pleased with yourself. It really isn't any special accomplishment of your own that you're the only decent looking male in the hotel. Thank you for that left-handed compliment. And are you going to chase me all over the place, Elaine? Oh, madly. Tell me, how did today's cruising go, Sherlock? Oh, not very well, I'm afraid. The only new factor I've discovered is that no one in all Venice seems to have ever seen Narona. Oh, that's incredible. I know. But Philip Bologna signed the lease and then he and Narona and Revar moved into the castle. That much the real estate agent told me. How about the servants? Surely they must have seen her? Well, there was only one. A man named Ferrari had been with the Countess a long time. Now, he's disappeared completely. Well, I suppose they took him with them, wherever they've gone. You have got a puzzle, haven't you? Well, even if I did discover that Philip was murdered, I still don't have the faintest idea of what his murderous looks like and nobody seems familiar with their titles. Probably phonies. Say, I never thought of that. You know, Elaine? What? I'm not sure, of course, but there really may be something under that hair. Why, you... Ouch. I should wear my brass knuckles in the future. Madam, please. I have a very delicate stomach. Did you hear the sound it made when you belted me? Idiot. That was my bracelet. See? Six tiny sleigh bells and a silver chain. Oh, well, I thought that they only put sleigh bells on horses. Oh, you... Maybe we'd better get back to the hotel before you really get angry. Then you'll have to carry me home. I'd never met a girl like Elaine before. Pretty, intelligent, with a sense of humor. All at the same time. It was with the greatest reluctance that I finally consented to our saying good night to making her promise that she'd see me next evening. But was that the only reason I wondered? Was I afraid that I might have another dream? I pulled the cover up to my shoulders and almost instantly, as if it'd been impatient for my coming, the dream began again. I can't stand him any longer, Eva. Not another day. We've been married just two weeks and already he's scrimping. Already he's being economical. Why don't you take the bus, Narona, instead of a cab? It's just as comfortable. And he seems to think that paying my debts absolves him of all other responsibility toward me. And what small that I should be eternally grateful to him for it. Has he said anything about those suits I bought? No, he hasn't seen the bills yet. Oh, it's hard enough on you, I'll admit, but how about me? He just stays in that library reading all the time and refuses even to let me go outside the door without him. Riva, I'm leaving him. No. Why not? We've paid off those gangsters, you call your friend. Look, let's not fool ourselves, Narona. We'll always be spending more than we've got. We can't throw him away. Just yet. Aaron, Riva, Mr. Westbrook wants to see you. I'm afraid it's that tailor there, oh Lord. Now I'll have to stand there like a disobedient little boy while he gives me a dressing table. I said I thought you were out of the house, but... Buddy, ain't seen you come in. How's your cold, Ferrari? Oh, not too good, Countess. Not too good. Only there was some way to have Westbrook's money without his presence, or if we could just make a quick killing and... Yes, a quick killing. Riva, no. Do you want to live with that man the rest of your days? Tell me, Narona, does your husband carry any life insurance? All had gone black again. I was pushing desperately through the thick sludge of sleep, struggling back into consciousness. It was nearly dawn. The world from my window looked cool and clean and quiet. I was so shaken I could barely dress. But I knew only a long walk would calm my shivering nerves. Besides, there were a few telegrams I had to send. Telegrams which might clear up the mystery of Philip's death. The day went well, incredibly better than I'd hoped. And yet, getting Mikey from the desk that evening, I realized I was right back where I started. I walked down the corridor and hesitated in front of Elaine's door. Should I knock and say hello? Or wait till I was dressed for dinner? That problem was quickly solved. Good evening. How did you know I was here? Well, ours are the only rooms at the end of this hall. I heard you walk by and stop, and no sound of a key. For a moment you had me worried. I thought you were psychic. Oh, I am, didn't you know? I am the seventh daughter of the seventh son of the seventh son. They slipped me in because they thought they were getting in a rut. Really? Oh, then I don't have to tell you what I found out today, do I? Oh, you know it already. Oh, come on inside, you horrible creature. Stop keeping me in suspense. Now, tell me all about it. Well, I feel like a pawn in a chess game, Elaine. The minute my side forges ahead, something occurs to checkmate it. Like what, for instance? Oh, like discovering Phillip had been insured for $50,000. $50,000? I telegraphed all the insurance companies in America today, and one of them cabled the information immediately. Why, Henry, you're brilliant. Whatever gave you the idea? Well, I've been having... It was just a hunch. They gave me the name of Phillip's examining physician here in town who filled in the death certificate, and I checked up on him this afternoon. Yes? No. He's straight as a die. Got the best reputation of any doctor in Venice. Now, he swears my brother died of bronchitis, and, well, I'm sure the insurance examiners weren't any too cheerful about handing out $50,000, especially with only one premium paid on it, but they believed him. Oh, that means a dead trail again, huh? I'm afraid so. Oh, Henry, I wish I could help you. Is there only something I could do? I'll tell you what, Elaine. Get into a fluffy dress and clasp those funny little sleigh bells around your wrist, and we'll go out and really see Venice tonight. Okay, Henry. I'll meet you in the lobby in ten minutes. What do you think? You've been trying to act gay all evening. That's exactly what it's been, an act. I'm sorry, Elaine. I didn't mean to worry you with my troubles. You worry me much more when you won't tell me. What worries you? I know you're tired. It's nearly two o'clock, and you've been yawning for the past half hour. Elaine, would you think me crazy if I told you I was afraid to go back into my room, afraid to go to sleep? But why? I have the most hideous dreams. All about Philip and the Countess and her brother. Oh, good heavens, Henry. That's perfectly natural. The three of them are constantly on your mind, and you are using your own as old room. But the nightmares seem to be planned. They seem to have a purpose behind them. Look, if you wish, I'll gladly change rooms with you. No. No, thanks a lot, Elaine. But the least I can do for whatever's trying to give me the message is to receive it. Good night, funny face. Sleep didn't come so easily now. Perhaps because I was too anxious to get into the dream, or because for the first time I'd acknowledged a complete belief in it. At any rate, my eyes simply wouldn't stay closed. My mind kept whirling ceaselessly. I tried to lie very quietly without thrashing, and my body grew taut and straining with the effort. Finally, just as I felt I could stand this immobility no longer, the thread snapped. My brain went limp, and her shadow play continued. Take another look, River. He promised he'd come immediately. The doctor's not here yet, Narona. Do you think I'm blind? No, no, no. I'm sorry. It's just nervousness, I guess. Poor sister. Never mind. It'll be all over with by tomorrow. Countess? Yes, Ferrari. Ah, but we should come to this, River. The only friend we have left, and we bury him in another's grave. I don't mind, Countess. In fact, I should be flattered. Think how long I shall be pointed out as a millionaire. Instead of the pauper, I really am. Twice before I had this illness, I knew a third attack would be fatal. He's coming quickly now, Ferrari. Repeat your story. Yes. I am Philip Westwick. Last week I caught cold, but I refused to have a doctor, even though my wife pleaded strenuously that I should. I hold a $50,000 policy on my life, and in the event of my death, I wished the doctor to communicate with them. My wife will arrange all the funeral details and notify my relatives in America. Right. Now I must go into the library and find my husband. He'll be pleased to see me, I'm sure. There's a small, jewel-less bill of mine he's taken in there to study. Oh, well. That'll soon be over for good. And it's most important Philip doesn't wander into this part of the house while the doctor's still here. That might prove awkward. Nirona, when do we finish with Philip? Tonight, after the doctor's safely gone. How? A night. But you know I can't stand the sight of luck. Don't worry, I intend to do this thing myself. I do not propose to have it bungled. There. He's at the door now. Wait until I'm out of sight, then answer it. And reverse. Yes. If the doctor asks where Mrs. Westwick is, tell him my constant vigilance has tired me so. I'm asleep in another room. Very well, Nirona. Very well. Tablo faded slowly before my eyes and tries my subconscious wood to call it back, make it unreal further for me. The curtain remained stubbornly closed. I didn't wake after this dream as I always had before, sank into a dense hypnotic slumber. Then I felt hot, bright fingers of sunlight touch my eyelids. I knew it was morning and I woke. Between bathroom and my breakfast, I formulated a final plan. Something in last night's vision had given me an idea. It was just a little lead to be sure, but everything else had turned out in blind dally. So I had to try it. I was sitting on the floor in the library surrounded by books and a plane walking. Oh, I'm looking for someone, lady. What? Oh, Henry. Is this where you've been all afternoon? I just came in to get a magazine because when you're not around, the hotel's so boring. Thank you for them kind words, ma'am. You can add them to my bill when I leave. What are you doing? This another clue in the case of the missing counters? Or have you simultaneously lost your mind and found a new variation on paper dally? It's a clue, I think. Sit down here. Make yourself useful. All right. Now what? Well, look through this pile of books and see if you can find a bill or a letter. I have reason to believe Narona bought some jewelry. So what? All women buy jewelry. Even I do. If we can find out where she bought it, we'll be able to get her description, see? Oh, of course. What a dope I am. I never argue with a lady. Why? If the bill's not here, it won't matter too much. I'll canvas every jewelry store in Venice until I hit the right one. How come you're so sure of this anger, Henry? Did you find out something new? Well, I had a dream about Narona last night. Oh, well, tell me, Henry. What does she look like? Is she beautiful? It's funny, but I don't really know. It's as though I'm nearsighted and can't get the image distinctly. I haven't helped me. I've tried. Hey. Well, Henry, it's a letter. We'll open it quickly. See if it's the one we want. It is. A bill made out to Philip for 3,000 lira. Oh, Elaine, this is the break. This is the opening wedge. I've got a hunch that from now on, the mystery's going to crack wide open. I'm going to phone this sure for an appointment. I don't want to be a killjoy, Henry, but it says on the bill, store hours from 10 to 6. It's nearly 7 now. Oh, well, it doesn't matter. I'll go tomorrow. Tonight we'll celebrate. We'll have truffles and nightingales, tongues and champagne. The works. We'll have the champagne. Late that night when we returned to the hotel, I felt more than ever that at last I was getting to the root of Philip's death. I crept into bed. I could wait for the dream calmly now because I was no longer running around in circles, but right at the threshold to my brother's vengeance. I... I recognized a corridor outside my own door and revived Narona walking softly toward it. You're sure you can do it? I'm not afraid. I'll go through with my end of it. Just be sure you don't mess up yours. Remember now, the biggest wine cast you can find in the cellar, and so a wide enough hole in the tops of the body will go through. Have you got the knife? Of course. Now go for heaven's sake. You make me nervous. I watched her with an icy agonized horror no earlier dream had produced. She stealthily opened the door. And I could see Philip at the window, his back tortoise, gazing out over the canal. I didn't seem to hear her footsteps sliding across the floor, coming nearer and nearer to him. I wanted a shout, scream, and he warned him against Narona. I knew I was just a spectator, watching a hideous motion picture and I could not change this ending. She stopped in, motionless, just in back of him. As our hand came up slowly, with a sharp slender knife, the blade glittering up, the bracelet on her wrist. Just as it started downward for the final crust, I heard a familiar sound. Then I realized the dream had dissolved and I was teasing up reality. I grabbed her hand. Let me go. Come, pain. Where was you? Let me go. No. I think one member of the Westwood family's quite enough. Countess Narona. One moment more and you'd never have known my identity. Yes, I would. I'd seen your hand with a knife with a sleigh bell bracelet. So, that gave me away. The last thing your brother ever paid for alive, Henry, that you had not found the bill for it, I shouldn't have tried to kill you tonight. No. When would you have tried to kill me, Countess? Perhaps never. I liked you, Henry. We've now learned of your arrival from the shipping news while we were at the land collecting Philip's influence from the branch office there. I followed you, of course, to make sure you discovered nothing. However, we were both unfortunate. Especially you, Narona. Walk in front of me to the telephone. I've got the dagger now, remember? Mike Clerk, will you please call the police, tell them there's a murderous in room 14? Yes, thank you. Go on, Narona. What about your American accent? It's quite perfect. I really am a Countess, even though from an obscure town in Luxembourg, and I was given the appropriate education. I could speak six languages fluently at the age of ten. However, one cannot turn titles into bread nowadays and so we had to live by our wits, River and I. Come in. You're a westerner. They are here. Shall I send them in? No. I shall go out to them. Henry, take this bracelet to remember me by such little death. One would not think I'm capable of sounding a deaf man. Senora, the authority's growing patient. Of course. Goodbye, Henry. Goodbye, Elaine. From the time worn pages of the past, we have brought you the immortal story of the haunted hotel. Bell Keepers, All the Bells.