 opening the doors of the mystery playhouse for Peter Laurie. Tonight we bring you a superior story of crime and punishment by Freeman Will's cross. It's called the level crossing. Five years ago, Duncan Thwaite stole 1,000 pounds from his firm, and only one man knew it. And for five years, this man, John Dunn, had blackmailed Thwaite. This afternoon, when Dunn called on Thwaite for another payment, he didn't know that the other man had murder in his heart. Yes, Dunn? Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Thwaite. Here in your office. But I'm indebted to you again about Mr. Thwaite. Your son. Yes, he's got into more trouble, and he must produce 500 quid or he'll get run in. I was wondering, Mr. Thwaite, if maybe you could help me. The devil with your son. Then you never say straight out what you want. Oh, status you like, Mr. Thwaite. Just 500 quid. Again, much from one gentleman to another. 500. You wouldn't like the moon by any chance? Oh, come now, sir. To a gentleman like you, 500's a mere nothing. He ain't surely going to make a difficulty over a party like that. You needn't think you're going to get it from me. A small sum I could manage, but not 500. 500, Mr. Thwaite. You wouldn't cheat a poor man out of his bit of money. Don't be a fool, don't you? I paid you something like 3,000 in the last five years, and I'm about fed up. Don't push me too far. Too far, Mr. Thwaite. Well, I wouldn't put you about, not for the world, I wouldn't. I'd never have mentioned this, Thwaite. And if I didn't know, you could oblige with ease. Oh, I could oblige, could I? But since you know so much, just tell me how. Well, I wouldn't have presumed to suggest it, Mr. Thwaite. But since you asked me, sir, what about postponing the new house? Many a man had given his ears for a little place in the country. How did you know about that? Oh, nothing to it, sir. Everyone knows that Mrs. Thwaite's been looking over the old coming place, and it's not odd to guess why. Coming up in the world, aren't we? Going out to live there with all the pot heads. Donny, if you think that you can... Just a moment. Just a moment, there, sir. No use losing our tempers, is there now? No. No. No use in losing our tempers. And I'm not in such a great hurry, sir. Tomorrow I would do. I could call you at your office tomorrow. I have to have it for the money, I mean. No, no. Not here. That's indiscreet. You come to my house, Don. You come to my house tomorrow night, and we'll take care of the whole business. All right, sir. And, by the way, bring along those quotations of maximum. No harm to have a reason for your call. By the way, Don, can I wait a bit for the tender today and have another look at the coming stage? It's a nice house, Donton. I don't see why we shouldn't have it now. But still, darling, I... Oh, really, as hard up as you. For 10, we could get it on the installment plan. Oh, I don't want to start that. That way you never know what you own or where you are. Oh, thank you, Jane. Just put the coffee down here. Cream and sugar, sir. I'll have it black tonight, Jane. You'd be better not to have it at all. Well, then you wouldn't need those sleeping powder. It's only for my nerves, dear. That's all, Jane. Thank you, ma'am. And now, Donton, about the house. You don't want it, perhaps, but what about me? What about my living in this shabby neighborhood? Before I married you, I always lived in a really fine place. Why, I'm ashamed to ask my sense here. I tell you, I see this. What more I'm not going to stand it? I know. I know all about it. I know what you'll do, and you should have it in time. But, uh, we'll have to wait. Believe me, I haven't the money. I don't want to pry into your stupid, Donton. But I'll tell you this. If you don't buy that house, I'll... Well, you could at least meet the first installment. Hilda. Yes? Hilda, why do we always have to do this, to talk like this? When we were first married. Donton, I'd be most thankful for a perfect wife, really. I've never asked you about various rather considerable sums of money. Those expenses you have periodically. You know, very well as we've been going on for years. Oh, what's the use of talking about it? By the way, if this clerk of yours is coming here tomorrow evening, I shan't be home. I'll be using the cart. I'll be sure to leave the keys. You must have them. I haven't. Er, sir, on the ring with the others. Dear. Yeah? About the house. I may have a plan. Would it make you feel happier if... Well, I mean, if I were able to turn up the money, and then... I mean, maybe things can be better with us, Hilda. Perhaps, Donton, perhaps. Well, I never really know, Doug, once. I've thought of everything. The things faith, faith is how it is. Only a little care in ugly ten minutes. And once more I'll be a free man. John Dunn, die. Oh, that's him. It must be him. Jane? Yes, sir? Jane, I expect that'll be Mr. Dunn. He was to stop my un-business this evening. Yes, sir. He'll show him into my study, Jane. And I won't be needing you any more this evening. Unless I work late, I might drink for some coffee. I shan't be going out this evening. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. No. I haven't forgotten anything. I couldn't have forgotten anything. Oh, my watch. I almost forgot my watch. I've got to set it by the clock. There. I can't slip up now. I just don't let myself go into a funk. Mr. Dunn, to see you, sir. Good evening, Don. Good evening, sir. Oh, it's those Maxwell quotations, I suppose. Yes. We'll do them at once. Get them out, Don. Now I'll initial them. No use in taking half a precaution. Who came here to get some dealt with? So we'll deal with them. Here they are, sir. Hey, that's right. Yes, Don. That looks quite all right. I'll initial them just as they are. You'll find these business papers on him. I'll say he came out to get some initials. Good. Now that's out of the way. Now about the other matter. Time to drink. We'll just have time to work. By the way, have a drink. No use in foiling, even though we've got on pleasant business to do. No, thanks. I'm not taking anything tonight. What do you afraid of? The thing I'm going to poison you? Here. Take it to the counter. Pour out the same for both of us. That's all right. Now, look here, Don. It's not a bit of use when you're talking about 500 pounds. I think we haven't got it. And that's all there is to it. I told you that already. Well, I say I'm anxious to meet you. How would this do? Yes, see? You always will have your little joke, Mr. Traid. Don't be a fool, Don. Take 50 and go away and be thankful. 500, Mr. Traid. My son, I mentioned, please. But can't found it, old man, haven't I told you? I can't do it. If you don't believe me, look here. Look at my bankbook. It's balanced as of today. Look, look at the date. A book, Mr. Traid. Oh, you surprised me, sir. A man with your skill in juggling figures in books. I seem to recall a little matter. Oh, right, old man, you're making my job easier for me to go right ahead. The drink ought to be starting to work by now. Oh, I've got to keep talking. Well, I made you an offer. I'll tell you seriously, Don, if you don't take it, you'll get nothing. I'm going to end all this. And may I ask, Al? I'll sell this house and pay the money back with interest. I'll take my medicine. Then I'll go abroad under a new name and start fresh. That's your wife, sir. That's sunny, sunny, or business. You can leave her out of this. My wife will leave the country first. If you must know, she'll be waiting for me under the new name when I get out. It's been three years. You can't see more. So you'd better take your 50. Later, I'll make it 300 a year. I think the drink's beginning to work. Well, may what have I given him too much? I can't feel it in. But then, I used to those internal sleeping powders. I have to work fast now. It's not much time left. Well, what about it? Will you take it or leave it? Five-handed. Five-handed, I won't miss a place not a penny less. No, I didn't give him too much. It's just about. Are you sure, Dunn? Are you quite sure this is your final decision? Yes. Five-handed. All right. I'm through. Finished. Go and do your work. Well, they haven't, Mr. Frazier. It's not you yet. You're not that much of a fool. Come on, pay up. Five-handed. Not feeling well? Have a drop more 50, Dunn. It'll fix you up. Don't you just, though? Don't get moving now. I've got to be back here by time your terms do. I'll be my study, then, for Jane. You'll be able to establish that fact as I here. I'll reset the clock. Then I'll draw her attention to the time in some way. That's strange, that, Mr. Frazier. I did feel a bit giddy for a time, but... I'm better now. It'll be just as you may expect. Yes, I dare say. Well, if you're going on this train, it's time to start. Keep on this business and let me know your decision tomorrow. Or here. Take the 50 in any case. Here. All right. I say your clock's fast. Ten minutes here. I don't think so. You must be slow. Look at my watch, here. Yes, I... I guess perhaps mine is... Look, here. You're not quite fit yet. I'll see you to the station. Don't take trouble. Trouble? Why, it's no trouble at all. There now. What? Don't forget to reset the clock. Then I'll ring for James right there. I'm back. Don't fall on that ugly face of yours yet. You'll know when it's time. The hammer. Yes, it's here in Michael's pocket. There. That was quiet. James will never hear that. She'll never know I left the house. Oh, it's a perfect night. Black. That's pitch. What? Oh, no. No. That couldn't be the training, not yet. No. It's just a print. Maybe one of those will come through sooner. Well, so much the better. Oh, infinitely black. I wish my heart wouldn't pound this pitch. But I... guess it's only natural. But I've got to keep control. It will all be over soon. Then I can be free. I'm already. I've got everything. I've thought of everything. The hammer's right in my pocket. One quick blow. Then put it on the track. Just beyond the level 40. A few more steps. All right now. I'll let him get a few pieces ahead of me. There. The hammer. Bring it up. Slowly. One quick blow. Hello. Oh, no. I can't do it. I can't do it. It's all gone wrong. There's just one thing I've overlooked. Just one thing. But now... Done. I dare say you'll be all right. Now, done. I'll be turning back now. Yes, sir. Yes. You've got plenty of time. Good night, hon. Good night, sir. See you tomorrow, sir. What's wrong with you? Why did you come to the door? Well, it seems it's done. Will there be anything more, sir? Coffee for that? No. I guess I'll just go up to bed now. You can close up. Good night, sir. I... I didn't do it. I'm not a murderer. I must have been crazy. I've had to live all my life. Remembering. Afraid of my own dreams. Afraid of myself. Nothing, nothing could be that bad. Nothing that can happen to me now could be that bad. The last moment I was saved. I... I'm saved. I didn't do it. I'm not a murderer. After all... Up so early? I decided to come down for breakfast. Duncan, we must have another set of cheese made. It's so awkward having to ask you whenever I want to use the car. Here you are. Thank you. Here's your cheese, sir, and your egg will be ready directly. Thank you, James. Mmm, it's a fine morning. I must say you're very cheerful today. I had a wonderful night's sleep. I didn't even hear you come in, dear. Oh, yes, I feel fine. But, Mr. Swate, have you heard the news? News? Who's news? The milkman just told me. Oh, they do say he was cut up something terrible. They found him down by the clock in this morning, sir. Who was it, James? Mr. Dunn, sir. Run over by a train at the clock in, he was. Currently, momentous and not altogether unwelcome news that the man who had been blackmailing him had met with a fatal accident at the railroad crossing. Duncan, Swate, hurried down to the scene of the tragedy. The body was already moved, and the police were in charge. Sergeant Salutatus, Swate, appeared. Sad affair this, Mr. Swate? Ah, you knew the old gentleman didn't you, sir? You knew him? Of course I knew him. Why, he was with me last evening going in some business. It must have been when he was leaving me that this happened. It's awful, I think it's given me quite a shock. Oh, accidents will happen. Yes, I know, Sergeant, but I feel a bit responsible about it. Dunn had had to drop too much, and I thought it was wise to come out to see him take us to the station. The cold air seems to be making him all right. So I turn back before we reach the crossing. I see, I see. Well, there'll probably be an inquiry, sir. Inquiry, Sergeant? Uh, routine, of course, sir. Oh, yes, of course. Jolly routine. That's right. Jolly routine. The defense may continue. May it please your lordship. I should like to point out to this court and the gentleman of the jury one last and buried vital fact. My client, Mr. Duncan's weight, went quite openly to the railroad crossing with the late Mr. Dunn. Mr. Swate made no attempt to conceal that action either from his servant or the following morning from the police. A murderer gentleman does not openly admit may advertise his presence at the scene of a crime. To clear the end at this was no crime. This regrettable tragedy was an accident pure and simple. Crown witness, your lordship. The crown may proceed. My lord and gentleman of the jury, we have heard the testimony of the accused in which he describes his actions on that fatal night. The crown wishes to go on record here and now in this respect. The accused's testimony, we are prepared to accept word for word as the truth. However, however, the crown is not prepared to accept Mr. Swate's account of his actions that night as the whole truth. There were, in fact, other actions of which the accused has not seen fit to inform you. The crown is prepared to prove and will prove that this man is a cold and calculating murderer. The crown is prepared to document each detail of this monstrous crime with inconceivable evidence. Let us then consider, point by point, the evidence which proves that Duncan Swate made preparation to murder John Dunn, had the motive to murder John Dunn and did, in fact, murder the late John Dunn. First, the post-mortem examination proved that John Dunn was drugged by sleeping powders similar to those in possession of the accused. Second. Yes, I did notice the clock in the study just before dinner. It was correct answer, but when I showed Mr. Dunn in, it was ten minutes past. First, this paper found among the effects of the deceased was left in a sealed envelope and refers in detail to certain fake ledger entries made by the accused some five years ago. Fourth, on various occasions, withdrawals of considerable sums from the bank account of Mr. Duncan Swate were followed by the deposit of identical sums into the account of the late Mr. John Dunn. Fifth. The engine wheels was covered with it, Governor. That is all over they was with blood. And sixth, the hammer-bearing Swate fingerprint found in the pocket of the coat he wore that night. Gentlemen of the jury, the crown rest. I asked you to bring in the verdict of guilty premeditated murder. From the face of the evidence, you cannot do otherwise. I come in the hope of bringing some comfort to you. God's mercy is infinite, even on this last month. If there's something you wish to tell me... No one could believe. No one could believe. I did plant a murder of John Dunn. I had no choice. I had to put an end to his blackmail of face losing my wife. So I started out for the station that night with John Dunn and murdering my heart. But I turned back. Whatever they say, I turned back. Guilty as I am in my heart. My hands are guiltless of that man's blood. I swear it. It was an accident. He must have grung it in, stumbled over the tracks. I was ready and easy to kill him. Everything was planned, but something happened. Something that made Dunn's face that night. Suddenly dawned on me as I neared the tracks. Then I made a fatal error. I could not go through with a murder. You see, if I could have ended the house without attracting attention and reset the clock, my maid would have certainly testified that I was in the house at the time of John Dunn's death. Could you see? I couldn't get into the house because my wife had taken the keys. That was The Level Crossing by Freeman Will's Croft. Now I know you'll agree with me that Mr. Croft can weave a story as ingeniously as the best of them. But it's time once again to close the doors of the mystery playhouse. This is T4Y saying good night. Sleep tight. This is the armed forces radio service.