A Murder is Announced Leslie Darbon adapted from a story by ‘Agatha Christie ‘A SAMUEL PRENGH ACTING EDITION PAM RENCH FRE! 1830 [Link] [Link]ACT ONE Scene 1 (vo draingroms in an early Vcorian house Chipping Cleghorn lich have been made into one som. The morning of rida the tisteth, The wall ‘Ooh orignal ssparaed the tao rooms sce rare since part oft has had fo bet itch. Ta ‘upstage and harder alma! dnc net a Ts doors hap locke and lb fered lo sth Locked Dow Info of the remaining pe of wal — hich juts ‘ut into the rom thee a ecaioal lable of ome (quali 11 areal crfsman’ pc ith fone carile a, Bautfily caren Is plac this psion i «an atemp help integrate the 00 roams moe. On (i tbl hee « Dresden lamp. A shepherds. A (quel pac of preletn. Bade «sor cig ox hich Kept highly plished. Beside the “ting out” pee of wal lif is @ Sheraton buena ~eithoud ‘dub a dalght ob th. On po ie amex ‘Art Nowa china aie. Somathng ony distinction arther long Uf 8 comet the Mas Door. Avery ‘ade dor since tas fashioned nth day en ladies ‘woe evinans and the with ma i esi for the ‘ass rough int the rom, theft wala age place tho carved sarod = wal in hsping eth ‘he general surowndings On the mantpes we find “mage cek rch non ~ Bi rio predominant sqursh shape but with beatiful ‘rmenal rset has the mt cise chine Th oe side ofthe replace the i sdeoard whch(what as the smaller the to vik, eis by winds 1 rahe fom flr en ty (The whole es of sip eganc. Net something ‘erly to look at ahough leasing lo the ree something to ee in) (AS te curtain vis, MS BLACKLOCR st the bay Lindow waving gondiye fo someone She s boon tmiddleage, but stil a very attractive woman che bas cert Wake ate er figure and fetus, Jota SSMOMONS, er nie, aged Iaenyfor a nent, tt sting chairing a nespopor) MIS BLACKLOGK. Good ye. TWA. You really do make 106 much fuss of her, Aunt Lay.me (hss mACKLOCK furs fon the window and move to UA ~a small rie on face) [MISS BLACKLOGK. Well, Philipa’s been through rather @ ot, Jlla. And tell me what's wrong with tying to make Iie a bit more pleasant? JULIA. Nothing I suppose. ‘MISS BLAGKLOGK 1 such ite ting — waving good ye. Bat, ithelps. ado the sme for yo, suum fy (MSS BLACKLOGK pcs up 2 eupaper and sin chat) MISS BLACKLOGK. (chucling) Why, Julia. Ie sounds a i you're jealous. {JULI Me? Certainly not But, she sony a lodiger, MISS BLACKLOCK. Come to tht. So ae you. (A moment pases, JULIA offer a ite hot) Look. 1 was pleased to ave you here ~ and just at pleased to have Philipa. She's had a lotto cantend ith. Flow would you fel if your husband had died so young leaving you with a eid, JOUA, I don't know. J wouldn't have got married in my teens. Tm nots daft. \MISS BLACKLOGK. Ah the wouble is, we're not all as ‘worldly as you ae, ula, (a moment's pause as MISS BLACKLOCR'S point vices) {JOUA.T'm sory, Aunt Ley. ‘MISS BLAGKLOGK. Oh there's 0 need JU, No, no~ Pv been spiel, And, believe it oF not, I ‘ther ike Phillipa, We seem to be on the same wave length. But, you do make too much fe ~ of allo ws, ‘MSs BLACRLOGE. I lke having young people around me, ‘So when your mother asked if you could way here, 1 vas delighted, It meant SULA. If you're uying 1 be funny.(BUN iter foe JUL con ish) [BUN [once read a book called that. muzars Are you sre, Bunny? [BUNAY. No, No, chat wasn't it Let me se. le was called — ‘Daath Wine Black Linge (Thea oko hain amazement. Shook pa them ing benign) (After a moment of thought.) No, no. Ym wrong. Death Wea Bra and Panter Tht’ i Deitel. Nice book though there were some parts that T didn't quite ‘understand, (She Beams at then.) (The Main Doors open and N88 LACRLOCR ents.) ‘MSs RLACKLOCK. There is something you can do fr me, Patrick. rTUCK Anything, MASS BIACKLOCK.(guing 1 the drinks) There's not much shen. (Sle pis up Bote) Put this away and get a few one pate (ex lok ae atl, ple) arRuck. There's more than halfa bot. DMS BLACKLOGK. I's been open along ime. (She hands the ote 1 him. He takes the Bote and Took at ven more) PATRICK. Bu. (fe chcks hime end goes tthe dor) (as earm4cx reaches the Mate Dor topes od TZ ‘ens, She lands thar ie an wshrabo!f make a ‘axnouncemen) METZ. (eying to Be dignified) Hire are Mrs, Swettenham, ‘and her son Edmind Sweuenam. Thank yu. Youre ‘welcome (GULIA fat fur her ack PRLIPA just manage to ep straight face PATRICK laughs MOTI us.) ‘Why you laugh at me?PATRI. (cntoling Aisa Tween you ~i¢vas something ‘else —honest. Darra. You - you keep out of my kitchen! 2M BLAGKLOCK. Mit (ra tums, and almost bnacs th SWETTENGLAMS ying as sheet) rr, This way, please, (012 eit ES, SETTING ad FOAUND ent ‘She is a woman in her late fifties. He stents oF fuentyseven, «sous young man with pretensions of ing wie: Fe has ot had anything publi ye Hes dark and somewhat fogrooking, although he 4 in fa, voy English.) (ASS BLACKLOGK. moves up ogre.) MISS BLACRLOGK Clara. Edimndl. How nice of you to call Ms. SWETTENHAM. (auth) We were - just passing ~ MIS BLACKLOCK. Realy? MS, SWETTENHA Thats ight — n't Edmund? (Ste ts t DMN for spor, bt clays heart sna intt) EDMUND. Yes, Mother ~ dha’ right. PATRICK ets rough the Main Door) MIS. SWETTENIAM. We were in the car and I said to Edmund - who dives much too ft you know -"Oh, look, Edmund. We're pasing Lnle Paddocks. Lety would never forgive us If we dida’t drop in and say hell." And Edmund said. (She unt him gain) ‘What was i you sid? (te swallows had. ary, hei erase) EDMUND. "What a good idea." DMRS, SWETTENHAM, And I sid "Ye, it it” So, here weas BLACKLOCK Wel twas very nice of you to think of ‘us Do se down, (To MUNS) Isn't, Bunny? BUNNY. What is, Let? ‘Mi$$BLACHLOGE. Clara and Edmund were jos passing and ‘decided t0 drop in and see how we were RUNNY. Ob, but this morning you sd they'd be bound to ell n ~bursing with euros you sid ~ after seeing {he announcement in the Gate You dd see it, did't you, Clara? (Af he gro could oem yp ond soa lof thet ‘ull be merciful) ms, SWETTENHLAM. Wel I er dhat twas it the One. BUNNY. Right atthe bottom of the Peronal Column... (PATRICK ens ith bef shy) Ms, SWETTENHLAM. Oh, yes. I may have noticed it. (She (95a nero ie ough) [BUNNY Julia aid you'd be here, too, Wild horses, wouldn't ‘keep you aay. (06RS, SWETTENHAM ond JULIA sulle swell at ach ther. MISS BLACKLOCK atleps 10 ase the ‘barattment) ‘MIS BLACKLOGE. Well, anypeay ~ now that you are here PATRICK. (picking vp) Toally unexpected. MISS BLAGKLOGK, (iain at hin) Pasick Erle’ al have drink. arcs Un? ‘MISS BLACHLOGE. Dns PATRIGE. (waking up) Yes, of course. Sherry, Mrs. Swetenham’? (BUSS BLAGKLOGK lends MURS. SWETTENIAM and EDMUND acs tthe ay wind) as, swErTENAN, (til lite ur eu) Wel wm ~ yes, that wil be fine, hank you. Parc. Edessa?‘EDMUND. Thankyou (Parma fuses hima the sddoard ein din Jor courant. EDMUND, sil enbarrase, turns his ‘stetont PHILLIP.) ‘Wiel, Philip. You looked very busy this morning. -ULLIPA. Things got even more hectic after you Tet. JUL. (ing on i) Use. You two have been having set ‘meetings, eh? Helching something? mea, (sething) Taere vas nothing scm about i and we're not hatching anything ‘EDMUND. (sill mbarszd) No, no. BY no means. You se, 1 had to call at Dayas Hall with some honey for Mes Leas, SUA. Thats you sty. PIULIPs, Julia. {JOUA Yes, darling? PHILLIA. I should be careful. Otherwise a few things ‘might come out that che rest of us would consider ‘most peculiar. (@xrmIc eps ifs the drinks 0 stp storm ing up.) PATRICK Drinks, everyone! (PATRICK hands MRS. SWETTENHAM and EDMUND ‘heir drinks; thn M085 BLACKLOGK and BUNNY. He hand a lass echt YOUR and PHLLIPA) Cheers (They toh see eins, il angry with ne amar and ‘aralout io drink) Tre laced yours witha dath of janie! (This stops then miata ARK rises his lass to them and tothe ethers. The ote rt his {ting bu the tw gs ve tll ait dds. Then OM acetate he pong) {FOUA. Oh, well- you can oly die once. Cheer(QUUIA drinks ond PHMLEIPA floes her example OLA indicts tthe to mow back tthe main part ‘fhe dcaingroom. While they ae lking wp sar ‘Positions fx the room, M88 BLACKLOGK. erases 10 ‘he cigantiedor onthe smal table, PATRICK tema ear the drinks. BUNNY goes fo her chat hich is Peston so that sein th be pase let MISS [Link] and EDMUND sor so ‘hat they ae adit tne withthe Matn Doo 38S [BAGKLOGK crs to PRLAEA withthe eget, [PIMLIPA als one and EDMUND lights or har wth match) bun. ety? ‘MISS BIACKLOGE. Yes? ‘unr, When is this murder gong to ake place? ‘MRS, SWETTENHAML Sith. (Sh als the has jana ‘nto quick fr somerne who wat ust passing” and ot tao conan} [BUNNT, (MRS. SWETTENHAN) Are you the mudere®? (ws, SeTTENHAM stort by BUR iets 10s eee ei) RS, SWETTENILA. Me? OF course I'm not? [BUNNY Well, you seem to know ll abou MRS. SWETTENILAM. (aso) Well, r= it wasin the Gaze wasn't? MS BLACKLOGK. (helping cut) woulda’ be surprised if ‘everyone in Chipping Cleghora saw ths morning. xs. SWETTENILM, (thant) Yes ys, indeed. . (BSS BLACRLOGK indicate the ck) MISS BLAGKLOCK. Ie’ nearly sixth, and If e's going to happen at ali be any moment now. Cigar, anyone? MS, SWETTENIEAM. No, hank you. PRITLITA. Yes pleas, Lea,(MISS BLACKLOCK ase fo PHRLIEA and offers @ ‘got to VALERA wha hs one EDNEUND gs forbes) ‘Thankyou, Edmund (Tho cck start chime the halen Al es rn to look att Boeybods fess tenet clock. We am ames fl he eson Ae the st chine ving out, ‘heights go ou losing the rom in tal darkness) (We hear Bune gap ~ abuot a sonam. One o two ‘ies speak out: “hat happening?” “Wha the {hts out? “Come on ~ yout had your joke. Pa hen ck om," or godin sas op playing aru. 1s to fy any, “and 0 on). (Then the Main Door bursts open sith a eash, and 4 powerful flashight plays rnd the rum, The ma, Aang the lashigh i uD SERA ~ a yung Sat ‘ational) ‘Scone, (brking) Get your hands up! Stay where you are (Phe flashlight ands em UU... Her hands ee illby ‘ride seis wry) (Mor ong) sat: Get your hands up! you want 19 et out ofthis alive doa you're tol. (iis tome of oc is such tat UL bee instant The Aashight ewes on MRS. SWETTENHADC wg ‘arte ay, but whose hands wo ch theeting if she ald make them do 0. Th it news sings om to "EDMUND ~ uth has made on half erie ete toa the ode) ‘You! Hight High above your head! (Te menace i this man's oie leaves no dows in EDMUND's mind. His hands shoot up. BUNNY shaking wth fas and is eu of hr chai and sanding (n tiptoe nan effort todo a hei tld. The ight sings tom her and lands on PRTRUCK th, fr nc, ehosing kins)‘Yu, ava from the doo. Go, (Phe ight tyson PATRICK righ end then moe om be jus abou where MSS BLACKLOCE stoning) Now! (A his point, we har fs eo sats fed ~ then a tiny pouse— folowed ty a hed sh. The ae scerat sereans, than, the flashlight fll tthe ground and ‘ins round before Bongo, anda the set we hear a heooy thud. Then thee i snc, held for moment untfJOUA breaks) {]UUA. For God's sake. Someone put the igh on! MRS. SWETTENHAM. Hat he gone? YUNLLIPA. I can’t see ~ have you got thote matches Edmund? (EDMUND sare fre moment) OMUND. Blast! That as the lst one. Rs. SETTER. Someone pu the hs on PATRIGK. They must be fused ZDMUND. Where’ the fisebon? ‘PaTHIGK Inthe hall go. (ear PATRICK ees te rom and stumble) What che hel? {JouR. What i PATRICK, Sty calm. Il sn have the lights back on (earns exis through the Main Dor) Dur (mals ety. (Sh wal fora momento feo — ‘the isn ph Ley? ‘Ms BLACKLOGE. I's all sight, Bunny — stay calm, BUNNY. Pm fghtened., MISS BLACKLOCK, (strana) There's no nee... (A-moment, and thn the Ligh ome on) EDMUND. He's unconscious. Must have knocked himself(extmacx eves) Parc. Whois? EDMUND, I've no idea. Better get his gun ~ before he ‘comes round, PATRICK Yes. (Hest th gun by RUDE CHIE, and is about tock i up ut checks hel. He ahs @hanahecki fom ‘spoke and ils th gun wp the bare) ‘Mi BLACKLOCK. Will sameone please help me, (All star t0 308 BLACILOGK end ee the by (of RUDY SCHERZ the flor MISS BLACKLOCK hat ‘ood al dar these ofa face ad aloe her wit Mouse 146 0 wey aati ight sey for he alo go ScHEN forte momen) [BUNNY (hrf) Ley. (eeryone moves her a ake nay stay om her Fe Thy cd rounds fring uations: ‘Ts she badly ‘hurt? las tare,” “Somme gt hr brany,” ondeom) -PEILIPA. Brandy? We'd better cll doctor, MIS BLACKLOGK. No! I shall be al right (A the same tine we hear banging on 0 dior oftage ‘nd MITEL somaming = Dut gute ditt. No one thes 6) nate ti sage JUL ond PELIPA. ep 65S. BIAGRLOGK to cate) 2M BLACALOGK. I's nothing ~ just my ea. (EDMUND nates PATRICK hong the gum in the Ianahecig) "EDMUND. Why the handkerchiet? PATRICK. findignentT don’t suppose the police would be very happy fT got my Gagerprnt al over i. as. SMETTENHAM, Police? EDMUND. They’l have tobe called in, mother (Phe banging on the dor andthe soutng off continues, PaLIPA furs toi)muzar. 1 ha Mii? erntck Yes, Someone seems to have locked her in the ‘ining 00m. amuse Why do tha? sxriac. ve no ies. ‘Tsp Had’ we Detter let her out? youn rildoit PATRICK, No, There might be 2. 1'N1do tin a moment, ins, SWETTINILAM, Are yo feeling ewer, Let? ‘MSS HLAGHLOGK, (ath thin si) Thankyou. (A MARPLE ls, wih MIT ce behind) ass MARPLE. What happened? {JoUA Aunt Lety’s been shot at ‘ASS MARPLE fends down 1 examine RUD SCHENZ, ‘ako a heft) ‘Mss MARPLE By his man? (RERICK moe 10 hr and he dy MIF is fen to ‘he spot.) -BATRIGE. OF course! Is he coming round? MSS MARPLE. (aking) No. [Link] who he i? MSS MARPLE. I know who he is (Tha al at ok at MARPLE) is name is Rad Scherz— (paus)~and he's dead! (curtain) ”Scene 1 (The same The fllsing Satay erning,) (As the curtain goes up, BSPBCTOR CRADDOCK is ‘ying inthe sane poston asthe ody inthe pres ‘cone. SERGEANT MELLORS is sanding bl the sideioardtoking a CRADDOCK. CRADDOCK, me 9f about ity, ries ond okt a he ule hs in the ly the soar) (GRADDOGE. $0, He fies two shots fom ere — hits the wall ~and then shoots mse? MELLORS,IThe tipped, he could have done it accidental, Cexan0cK. Are they al here, now? MELONS, Yes, i Grombling and moaning, (CRADDOCK. (uth appre uintrs) Oh, ‘MELONS. And I Should wateh that Eamtnd Swettenham, ‘cxan00ce. Why? ‘MEILORS.I should think he abit ofa lef-wing intellectual ‘aADDOGK I dia’ get that impreson lastnight MELLONS, He's been a bit bolehy with me, sic. He was having a go at the Force this morning. Sprouting on bout our Gestapo methods. ‘GRADDOGE. Oh = Cs! Why do Tawa pick the avkoard MELLORS. You do seem to auras them, sf, ‘CRADDOCK. Why can’t] get a nice, peaceful, lawabiding Tot who do as they're told and answer my questions ith a certain amount of eli, ‘MELONS. Not yours, si (GRADDOGE Once! Just oncel That’ all I ask (He fats 4p, pointing.) Somebody up there doesn’ like me, Sergeant. And, what's more ~ (dating of) - that lot ‘out there are tying to compound the fslony MELLORS. (fra moment Shall wheel them in?aanp0cx. There's nothing es for iti there? ‘MriLONS. "rad nos (MELLORS gos 0 he Laced Doron es ae.) ‘apoE. Not that doot it’ een ele for year, (MELLON goes ou hough the Matn Deo end acess {othe diingroom, asking the fopleo come rough {nto the draingroom. They do, ero wha as ‘the om athe eof the presi ne, catering ‘among thence as hye) (a normal ie} Can Thave your atention, please? (hate n note) iit, please. (Thay it ake no atic) (Stoatng) Perea! (They ar al ite taken aback. The chatter des tnstont) ‘That's very good of you, I do appreciate your cooperation. ‘nS. SWETTENAN, This i very inconvenient, Ispector. itis Saturday, There's sopping, and lots ofjbs to be done, (canpock. 1 understand your problem, Mrs Swetenharm ‘But, may 1 remind you, aman died here fst might, = Fight on the spot where you're sanding (A tide hori a tetas, Ms. SET TENHAM {ifr positon) ~ and whist it may not seem overly important to you ~ itis to me and sociey in general. So if i's not {king too mach ' ike you to push your shopping {0 the back of your mind fora wile and answer a few auesions EDMUND. (iitatedb) 1 would have thought there were ‘enough quesons asked last night.‘exanD0cx. A, wel - peshaps you dont think the same ‘way as me, young man. Ys, T should think that's the answer ~ we think ellferenty. But, i you east your ‘mind back = way, way back olst night youl sorely recall that [allowed you all go home and get some rest on the understanding that you'd co-operate fly this moming. EDMUND. Wel, e's peefecy clear what happened, This ‘man ~ Scherz was his name, I belive ~ ‘ceann0ce. Ys "EDMUND, - broke in here -inending to weal ~ from Miss Blacklock ~ or de rest of us ~ fied the shots to scare us ~ tripped in the dark ~ and killed himsel, poor devi (CRADDOCK 196 in for moment) ‘exunD0ck. I understand you're abit ofa writer? EDMUND. (embarrass) Wel et~ yes =I do wrt ‘GeapDOGK. Wel, hope all your plots aren't as obvious as that = otherwise I don't think I'l be very interested ia reading any of your books (TULA ste a ough.) Now, er - pshap we could get on with this— MISS BLACKLOGK. I'm sure we're all perfeey willing to do anything you atk, Ingpector. But, it has been quite a shock wus, you nom, (CRADDOCK. I appreciate that, Mis Blacklock. But, you sce, fora start ~he dida't break in, No loks broken. No windows forced. 2 MARPLE. Hie must have come in by the back door ~ 1 aid (CRADDOCK. (oS BLACRTOCE) And, a vas saying when, Miss Marple interupted me, there's your ety bad habit of leaving the doors unlocked forall and andy to come and go a they plea Mas BLAGKLOGK. locked the front door —(cmann0cx For once ‘MISS RLACKLOGK. - and everyone in the vilage does it~ leases them open, I mean. ‘GRADdOGE. Foolish - very foolish. MSS BLACKLOGK. I suppose I mast hae let the Back door ‘open when T went to lock up the ducks (cRADDOGE. Now, Miss Blacklock, lastnight you sald you new this Rodi Scherz 3055 BLACKLOCK. Hardly knew, Inspector. His father ‘med a small hotel in Montreux. T spent many years Jn Switzerland helping to murse my sister and T used to havea meal there oceasionally, Recently Thad hunch {The Royal Spa Hotel in Medenham Wells. He wat there. He approached me ~ sald he recognized me and that he was ver hereto geta thorough grounding inthe hotel busines, However, must point out chat 1 tad no vecollection of him at all: Bat 3 few das later te called on me her... ‘exunn0ck. He's been here before? MISS BLAGKLOGE. Yes BUNA. remember, Leuy. You were very uptet. He aked you for some money. DISS BLACKLOGK. That's right. He gave me some story about his father being taken seriously ill and he Sesperately needed money for his ir fare. Well believed he was lying. Afterall if his father owned a hotel, surely his family could afford to send him the fare? T told him T had no intention of lending bim ‘money. What surprised me most was that he did’ ‘make fas. He us eft ikea lamb. ‘CRADDOCK. I see, Do you think he may have called here purely to look around? See what the layout of the Fhouse was? That sort of thing. ‘MiSs BLACSLOCK. Well. I haven't given i much thought ~ ‘unl now I suppose that's what he mutt have been up to, Not that it would have done him any good. I don't ‘keep more tian afew pounds in the howe,‘cxapD0GK. Valuables? [MISS BLACKLOCK. Nothing. ‘CRADDOCK. Jewelery? Sher? ‘MISS BLACKLOCK. Nothing worth a great deal Litde bits and pieces. The sver's rearonable ~ nothing mote, Mita was cleaning it ast night. (re instantly springs if) Mrz. 1 not touch it! eis nothing to you Secret Police ‘officers. You come here. You blame me all the ‘ime. twas the same where I come from. Torture, Interrogation, But, I do not ersck. You understand. T 0 not break I tel them nothing (Ste samp er ot «and stands there deft ith hr hands o hr his) Ya (cxanD0Ck stands the fo @ momen, longsuffering ‘hen eas othe ther) {GRADDOGE. I she always ke this? MrTZL. Torture me! You get nowhere! Tam innocent! Innocent! Iwas locked in the ining roan, Thea ‘my bundred-perceat albi~ as you sal {CRADDOGE. Anda very good alibi Perhaps oo good on the surface. Now us st down, And ty to emember that I'm not to keen on the histrionic, Marra, (tl frou) il no. ‘CRADDOCK. Alt ah ~ ah! Fim) St (TFs, ihe ol.) ‘GRADDOEK, Let me sy this to all oF you. T don't want to bbe here anymore than you do. There's a very good football match on at Milchester this aftemoog Td ‘very much lke wo see. But, other things are more — Pressing. Plese. Can we continue this interrogation ‘Without any more inerrupions? Mis Blalock, We've ‘stblished that you knew Rudk Scherz, MSS MARPLE. Excuse me, Inypector. I'm sory to interrupt Thnew him, too.ook along he length of his nase a he Ser erp! MISS MARPLE ole suey at him) ‘cxsno0ck You dia’t mention this ast night. NIARPLE {did ~ but, you weren't here at the time, Sand, well when you arrived you rather neglected me. cranpock Did TOD. Ses MARPLE. Probably because I didn't arsve uni after he, ef ~ action ~ tok place ‘qxanpock Hi ~ rather like ming tothe end of the ‘book to see who the ier eh? (This the start of hasan. A rapport which pals asthe story nol.) sss MARPLE, As analogy it doesn’t work. Because that’s “cheating usually gues who is widhout resorting t0 those tcc, Do you turn othe last page? cexann0ck (nifing) I only I could. You, er ~ knew Rudi ‘Scher, you si? sass MARIE I stayed tthe Royal Spa whit Iwas having Yntensive weatment for sheumatsn, He made up 7 il ‘cxApDOCK. (ning) Ad sss wAnrL There were one or wo ~ discrepancies — ich T couldnt fal 10 noice, ofcourse. ‘cxan000x. OF course. ‘MISS MARPLE, Teas clear to me that he was "on the make" vs they say in the trade. Naturally wien the rors were pointed out he apologized profusely. But, we both knew. ‘cxapo0cx. Did you report him? ‘MS MARBLE. There war nothing I could acially rows. ‘exanDOCK He does seem to have been abit of villain. Th know more soon. The Sw police are running a check on him. (pau) tke you allt tke up the ‘nace postions you were in lastnight as fa 2 posible, that is when the shots were fiedDSS MARPLE, Do you want me to leave? Iwas coming up the deve ‘@xs000GK So you were ouside when you heard the shots were you? MISS MARPLE, I as, Inspector As you will realize I came ' through the backdoor. Mita was banging shout in the diningroom. Tet her out and then we both came in here. {CxADDOGK Tel you what you can do. Keep an ey om her 1 don’t want her banging about again ‘METZ. ring) 1am not banging about ~ (ie cai on in Hungarian) mind en oped hd ‘craDocK. Shs ~ ssh ssh .2 MITA. At, {GkADOOGK. And sosh again! (hm AeAnPL ates METZ by te rma eds hr to ‘he sf ty the wind} MIS MARPLE. Come and sit down, Mie ‘CRADDOCK. Now come along everyone, prlese (Phe thers now start tae wp tr pastons) ‘Thank you. Thank you very much. (egos ote Main oor) The lights go out ~ and a flashlight comes cr, then lands on~ jou! (eid tputa JOU. My hands weren't up thought ic was &oke, Then he barked at me, Iwas soightened tpt my hands Up high ike this. (Sh demonstrates} ‘CRADDOCK. He couldn’ complain a that, coud he? TULA drops Aer hands) TULA. thought he was going to shoot me. ‘GXADDOGE. You're Mis Blacloct’s niece, Right? SULA. (pled and hesitant Wel - yes. CRADDOCK. Thats the sort of answer I like, Full of confidence. You ae Mis Blackloc’s nice?| 1 JULIA, (indignant) Ie just that I don’t see what my ‘elationship with Aust Leay hast do with ‘asnn0ck. May I suggest that you leave me to work that fut? In any cae vas merely tying foetal who you are. {oU,You can check up om ifyou ike (GRADDOGK. I wil: Your mother lives inthe south of France understand? JUL, (newoush) She's ved thee for some time, Tests ‘er health ‘exADDOCK (afr 0 moment) Thank you. Ms, Swettenham? Mas, WET TENEAM. Ys? (Phe gard each ther for re moment) RAPDOCK. The light moved on to you next, Mrs, ‘Swettenham? as, SWETTENHAN. I wat totally dazled. I coulda’ see ‘anything. I just heard that voice ~ frightening — eral. ‘emannock. You haven't all dat long retrned to this ‘county, I that igh? Mis, SWETENTIAM. Yes. My husband wa inthe Diplomatic Service. He died abroad. Naural I reued with Edmund, ‘cxunn0cK. Where were you~ abroad, tha is? MRS, SWETTENHAM. (bother) Why? Turn. My husband was With the Trade Delegation dere. (Ca worried by tis Tine of tteregain,) 1 don't see what my personal life has got to do with his. (eRAnD0ck igre hr ast remark.) ‘uann0cK If my knowledge of geography hasn't entirely ‘deserted me ~ Turin isnot all dat fr from the Sis order, ist? Dans, SWETTENAM, No. ‘ckADOOGK. Thank you, Mr, Swettentam, DMN springs her dee.)Datum. Just what are you insinuating? (GRADDOCK tums sous 0 fac him, ond cs at hi (GRADDOKK. The light fel on you next, didi? EDMUND, (or defini) es, ia ‘GkADDOGK. Thank you very much, (ih hsb urs doesn.) DMUND. Aren't you going to askme any more questions? (BRADDOCK. Not right now. (He tn back te fe PHBL.) Mrs. Haymes. The ight never fellom you atl id IDLER, No it dda’, ‘CRADDOCK. You were actully facing the door PRILLIPA. That’ sight. ‘GRADDOGE. Was it posible tose this man at all? PHLZIPA. Not rally ~it was effi c see anything GRaDDOGK Bu. you were ina goed position, PILLEPA. 1c was very datk I suppose I could make outa shape but nothing more CRADDOCK, (afer w moment) How long ago Aid your husband die? (Ths question sms to ow vase.) PHTAAPA. (rtd) Why? What on cath has it got to do vith ae (CRADDOCK. lke 10 know when and why you came to lve here ‘PUIZEPA.I till don’ see what the relevance i. (ORADDOGK moos 50 tat he clase or Clery, it aks hel uneasy) {GtADDOK. Does i strike you as odd that virtually al of you are newcomer to Chipping Cleghorn? (A moment. Thay al i atte wnconfrale) ‘HILLIPA. 15 ~ never occured to me unl now ‘auDoocK Oda though...‘imzupa, I came here a few months ago because Twas dered job Restoring the gardens a Days Hal. Pm {ald hordeuluris, ‘uanpock That's nice, Gardener! (He ns is tention to ‘BUNNY, Miss Bunn. ‘Bunn. You've not going to give me the third degree are you, Inspector? ‘exabo0. oii) Not today But, iyo can tell me what sou saw =f anyhing ~ I'd be very grateful You were in ‘good postion to see Mis Blacklock and the gutiman, ifthe Highs had been on, une (peed) Yes, Tas. (GRADDOGK I want you to think ery hard and ell me what on sv ifort lights went out. BUNNY. Before? ‘CRADDOCK. Ye. Then wel see what you remember after the lights went out ‘Bonny, Let me se ~Lety was holding the vse Miss BEACKLOGK. No, Bunny, dear, Twas holding the ‘cgareuetbox. Pd been handing them round (BUNNY los pus) BONNY. (though) I remember now. You were holding the cigareue-box, not the vase ‘exan00c%. Then what, Miss Bunne:? BONNY. The flash ‘GuppocK From the torch? [RUNNY No. ‘auppocx On? BUNNY. There was 2 flac, It must have been the light on the cigaretebox: We always keep it polished. ‘cxuDoocK. Ab, [BUNNY, Then it was dark and he fired his gun at poor ‘Letty, How could aayone do that? ‘cxann0ck You actully saw him ire the gun? BUNA, ew the gun Bre at Let.(GRADDOGE. Thank you, Mis Bune BUNNY. He should be locked up, OU Bunny, e's dead. [BUNNY. Secves hm right, He tied to murder Letty (Cxanpoce mess RarnucK.) ‘GRADDOGK. You were bythe dor. Having afew dink? PATRICK. only had one, you know. {CxADDOGK. Whatever you sy But you were by the door ‘PATRUCK. No, Iwas by the door bute told me to more away from it. Afer the Fst two shots, he brashed past. ‘me and I tied top him up. (CRADDOCK That's when you think he fle PATRICK. Yes, [euppose so, (GkaDDOGK And after dat you went out to mend the fase? PATRICK Yes. didn't mend it I simply switched the fuses ‘around, It was quicker and easier. I was eay for me, ‘ofcourse, Tnew exact where the fusebox was = hos {© open = and which Great was alerted. fe tads a ([Link]’s ous PSIRICK ces ips nro) (GkandOcK You're Mis Simmons brother? PATRICK. (ti neous) Um = Tn a year olde, (CRADDOCK. Miss Blacloct’s nephew? PATRICK Er no. ‘aun0cK 1 understood you were. MISS MACKLOCK. We're second: cousins, Inspector, Patrick's mother my fs coun, PATRIGK We call her Aunt because our mother always | teferred to her as that... So, when we came 40 lie j j here ~ (he shrugs is ho) wel {GxADBOGK. How long have you been living here? PATRICR. Three months ~ [should think. (GXADDOGK So the thee of you have only really known, ach other since about June or ul his yea?ass BIACKLOGE. 1 did now shem a ehildren, (GuADDOCK. Minn. see. (TOMASS BLACALOGK,) Would you ‘ind sanding in dhe exact position you were in when the shots were ied, please? (BASS HEACHLOCK oaks a washes hrf and ‘hack again to tht se sn oslion. CRADDOCK ‘noo lo het and trace the ath the bul would have Token bf i eno the wal. He di for ac hole Wee that one could ery ei have iced her) ‘Well. That was avery narrow escape, wasn't i? Ss BACRLOGK. Twas extremely formate, {(CRADDOGK fur fom hero adres he ots.) ‘cxaDpOcK Right Wel, sha was’ too painful was i? _JOUA. We can go? (@uupoOGK. You can. Bot, do all say in the village, won't, you? Don't ake a sudden and unexpected holiday oF Anything like that Dass MARPLE. Excuse me, Inspector? ‘exsn000% Yes, Mist Marple? DSS MARPLE. You haven't questioned me. ann 0ck But, you cd rn up unt fer he, DMS MAREE. (a tinge ndgmanty) Suppose I was ing? ‘Suppose Iwas Rul Sever accomplice? I eould aly have locked Mit inthe diningoom. I could have hidden fora while ~1 know the layout of the house ~ then pretended t tar up afer ia all ver? ‘@xapoOGK In that ase, TH put you under ares [MISS MARPLE, (astonished) But, I didn't ~ and I wasn't his accomplice! ‘@xADDOGK In that cas, you're fre to go! (ASS MARPLE triad that he has bom gating at her = eating he) ‘miss naReLE. How very disappointing, You're having a ame with me, Inspector.‘exand0cx. And you with me, Miss Marple. shall question you=vhen I'm ready. 08 ae. Very wel ‘CRADDOCK. Thank you everyone ~ I shall be talking to you all gain soon. Mis Blacklock, like you to say. (oeryone fle out exept CRADDOCK. and MASS ane.) ‘Sie own, please, Miss Blacklock (ss BLACKLOCK goes to 0 chair, clearly a litle nervous He mous 05 poe her A momen 2 they ifacing each oth lesion ring to rei) (Serious) Mis Blacklock Ms BLACRLOGK. (ners Yes, {GRADDOGK.T think t's cards on the able ime MS BLAGKLOCK wari) don’t understand, Inspector ‘GRADDOOK. I think you do, (note ment pases ~ mae ten bls.) Someone trie till you lst night. Mas BLAGKLOK ezining) Ob no! No, Ingpectt! {CRADDOCK. think there’ no doube oft MIS BLACALOGK. But, sly? ‘CRADDOCK. I hope we're going to ind out ‘MISS LACKLOGK I chink you're wrong, Inspector. There were plenty of opportunities for Rudi Scherz to sme if he wanted eo, Why wal il last night? Why invite (CRADDOCK. What makes you think itwas Rudi Scher? MISS BLACKLOCK. Well - wasn’t ‘GRADDOGK. He did place the advertement in the Gaste ‘MISS LACKLOGK. Well, there you a. Isort of proves my Point If he'd wanted to kill me, why not wait bend | hedge and pop me a when na one was about? No, T'm sorry Inspector. I think you're wrong. He didnt come here oil me.pee) exsmnoce. Someone cou ave pth up tit ass LACRLOGK (de Pu im vp oP Thunoce Someone who wanted you dead ~ and i agar to pay Rod Scher 9 othe jb. You see Finfnoto mate hi dou was snnesdent sss mAcKLOGE. How could ite anything ese? He upped and shor ime, caxunoocx No. Soppsing there was someone else And ari ths sonscone sed a he done his job Tha ied your Would’ be safer to hoot Rot Sher so tat thee ws no pony of i geting hugh byte pls and eng the uh? sass macaroce I see exactly what you are saying Teper cxsn00ck. You age with me thes? 2s macxrocx No, Because Why should anyone ‘xanooc. ve fsing you might be ble to answer that. Ss ACHLOGK a ve no ene that know of i on eal terns wih everyone in he lage. es too cos (Trevis fuse CRADDOCK ene hint nove) caan00ce. Who ges your money you de? (us RLACELOCK ks dep be, v5 [Link] tis mlnecesy, nopeco? Cannock Pelee, Mis lachoe, Indie me. Answer aon, (Sie cn fore monet) sss ACLOCK, cont Paik an ula ccunnocn Ice ss RLACRLOGE og) T might a thatthe frie silanes i Banner S suppose the becomes aspect to! The print = there ely inveimuch oem. Paty, Ps not woh made.{Gxu000GK Bur, nevertheles, all de of them benef MISS BLACKLOGK. And not one of them would harm » alr on my head! ‘CRADDOCK. You'd be surprised what people will do for money (88 BLAGRLOGK ls hrc She esp and mses ‘ay fom him inn ate ning the nero o amend) MOSSBLACKLOGK. Really Inspector—1find this conversation ‘gxeremely distastefal. You ae accusing people very dear to me, People Tut ye, with myifel (Thre ous Bach i wary of he other) {cRADDOGK. Have you got anything of great alu? MSS BACKLOG. (sate Noting special ~ nothing oat ‘ofthe ordinary. (uD00CK (naa Those peas you're wearing? ASS BLACKLOGK'S hand ges up 0 her throat in a ‘fx acton = justo ouch hn or seo) MISS LACKLOGK. They ae rice. ‘CRADDOCK. (on 3) Oh? MISS BACELOGE. But onl Lo me. They belong to my ser We were very close. I wear them all the time: They Somehow — and I don't suppose you'll understand is, for one minute ~ keep mein touch with hen RADVOGK, (afer a momen) I like 10 think T'm not ‘nsensitve. But, ill think someone i ying to yOu. Can you come back othe wall please. (Phe goo te wl wrth bles er) he'd merely intended to fighten you and everyone he, e could have ied the shot into the ceiling But think The cock struck the haleiour Bread farmed to it The lights went ont. The door sang open.| (she sas ti, the Main Door stars t suing open: Mass BLACKLOGK gasps. CRADDOCK’ jar dps open) (inal the Man Door swing full fen to reseal ~ ‘MISS MARPLE, tho tending the with ty gu i ‘ne hand anda torch inthe othe) MSS HLACKLOGK Miss Marple! (QUSS MARPLE moves into the rom, locking quite menacing) ‘Guupp0ck Give me tat gant MISS MANPLE. I to. I ies peces of port, ‘GuADDOCK. What itis all about? MISS MARPLE. I couldn't help wondering how tha young. ‘nan could be in three places at once ~ fusing the Tights, locking Mit in te dining room and opening the door widh a gun ia one hand and a torch in the ‘other I count. Thad o put the gun dawn, open the ‘door and pick it up after I seems to mee was avery athlete young man, ‘GaDDOGK Good point, Miss Marple ass MARPLE. Inspector ~ that's praise indeed. Tell me, ‘do you think its posble that Rudi Schers had a accomplice? ‘eRADDOCK. Mis Marple? ss MARILE. Yee? ‘eRADDOCK. Would you lke my job? DSS MARPLE. Yes, but Pd never make a policeman, ‘eRADDOCK. You think not? ass naRPLE, Im not tll enough. T started on that litle ‘charade in the hope that it might help to prove my theory that Rudi Schere came here 19 murder Miss Dlacklock‘CRADDOCK. 've been ying to convince her of that mele ethaps now you'l believe that it's not the ranting of an hysterical old copper. Someone is wating te ‘murder you and it ean happen any nov! ‘MISS BLAGKLOCK Just because fst Marple agrees with you ~it doesnt mean to say you're eight (cRADDORK I'm tying to sve youre DMISSMARPLE. I believe hat, 10, Mss Blacklock. (GRADDOGK. Someatoe eres reason, And yu know it~ it may be hidden deep in your mind we've gott bring MISS BLACKLOCK. (Heston) There's no reason ~ I'm cxan00cK Perest! Think! MSS MARPLE. But ~I understand that one day you could ‘inherit milions, (Thee is. stunned sence) (RADOOGK Mist Macple? (ISS LACKLOGK starsat MISS MARBLE who fs tore than a itl uncomfortae), ‘MISS MARPLE, Miss Bunner was teling me when we were having coffee in the Bue Bird Colfer House 2M BLAGRLOGK Trust Bonny! shall have todo something about her ‘GRADDOGK. Why have you been keeping something back from me? ‘MISS LACELOGK. I's nating It doesn't concern this case or you! In fc, it's most unlikely to happens {GRADDOGK. Do Ihave wo ask Miss Marple or Mis Bunner for the deals? (Theis pews CRADDOCK is sing.) MISS BLACKLOGK. (colh) Miss Marple is referring to Randal Goedle' wil ‘GRADDOGK. Randall Gedler?iss MARPLE, He was a financier, Inspector. Very ‘tamboyant Hailed a 2 gens inthe C9. ss BLACRTOGK. Hl wat. wat his personal secretary ~ for nary twenty yea. He made milions ass MARPLE. But, without you it might never have happened. ss BIACKLOGK. You seem very well informed, Miss Marple. Wy don't you tell he inspector? as MARPLE. (enborese) Im sorry. T did't mean to Be ride (A moment passes. Then OSS BLACKLOOK swils 0 poogs) Mss nLACKLOGK. No, I'm sorry, Miss Marple. But, you ‘know that Bunny does gee things muddled. You may have gota strange version ofthe truth, ‘GRADDOGK. What the uth? MISS BLACKLOCK I loaned Randall Goedler some money in his cary dye everyting I had, He was up against ita sep from losing all he'd worked for. He did't {more or less beeame a junior partner When he died be lea fortune ‘exunp0ck To whom? MIs BLACKLOCK. His wife, Belle. In tust for her during, er lifetime. When she de. it eomes we. (CRADDOCK gis along, lw while) ‘eRAnDOCK. Ant you believe this has nothing to do with ‘he shooting? MISS BLACKLOGK. How can 1? Rui Schere didn’t really ‘know me, let alone Randall Goedler. And his wil vont made public ‘eRAnBOCK. Ie can be looked up in Somerset House, Tell ‘me, how does Mrs, Goede feel towards you 6 BLACREOGE. (ough) I aven't een he for years We ‘were avaye great fiends,ii leis MISS MARPLE. (Lotion) Miss Banner was saying that her ‘hal it oo good atthe moment. ss BLACKLOCK Belle was never very strong. But, Randall lays said she'd oudive us all ~ it wonda’t sepsis Ime, The rouble is wel apparendy he has diiealty femembering anything or anyone now. Poor Belle. should go and see her. But, shelves in Seotand ~and i's uch along way. You know, Inspector, Tve had an ‘excelent reaon for murdering Bll for years ‘GRADDOGE. Sof she det you get everything Ss BLACKLOCK. Well ~ mos of (GRADDOGK. (afar a Dry momen) What happens ifyou die before she docs? (Thee is afouse) MS BLACKLOGK. Ic gos to Pip and Emma (CRADDOCK. Who? MISS BLACKLOGK, (ingest does sound funny, doesn't 1? Randall ha shee ~ Soni They fell ext when he ‘martied a man calle Dimi Stafordis~ he sounds Greek, but he wan't - mid European or somewhere. A real rogue ~ very handsome, mind you. Randall hated ‘cxan00ck. So he eu Sonia ot of his wil? ‘MISS BLACKLOGK. Thar's quite ight, Inspector butt da’t matter, She was rich in her own right. Anyway. Belle and Randall’ lawyers persuaded him to put someone ‘ee in the yl in cate I ded before her. Very senlbe. Well, the only communication we received from Sonia was lee to Bele, two or three years after she ‘married, saying Sonia was deirously happy and had fiver beth to pine 2s MARELE Pip and Emma. ‘MS BLACKLOCK Yes. I suppose the ames were some sort ‘of joke bemseen her and er husband. One was born it before midnight and one jus ater.cxanvo6k So, there's a young man and a young lady meewere wh stand to become milionairs. ns8 LACKLOGK IE. (Shops heel.) TeaaodOcK. Ifyou die before Belle Goedler. Does anyone now what happened to Sonia and her husband? syass HLAGRLOGK. The last we heard they were living i aterm Burope ‘eqanpoex How old would Pip and Ema be now? ss BIAGRLOGE, Twente or si~ something ike dat, Gerovock They must be found. Have you any idea that they ook ike? sas nLACKLOGK, None, There were no photographs ~ si even if ere had been they woulda’ help ws tecognie Pip and Emma nov. ass aANPLE. What did Sonia lok ike? They may resemble ‘er mss MACKLOGK, Sonia. Oh. She was dark ~ rather temperamental and very atracive ‘exxn000X thougyil) Pp ~and Emin. ss MARPLE, Or Sona, inspector. Supposing her husband Din Stanford, wast (oss BtACKLOGK ned agree) “You sid he was 2 rogue, Supposing he went throogh UI her money. Geary she'd sand to gun if you died ss MARPLE Yes. ‘CRADDOCK. So, there are a east four people who would ‘benefit from your deat, Mis Blacklock. ss ane Yes. MSS BLAGRLOGK. OB, but you can discount Patrick and “ia aon If die before Belle Goer they only get ‘a pluance Ccxanboex. A tis stage I don't believe in discounting tno And advise you todo the sme(The Main Dar opens and vrs enters pushing te trolley ith cafe and tissue om te Her dren, 1 accentuated y he Black dns he is mening, Hs eee yh lah he has mands ry pil) (The others turn ther MEE ks at hem fr Moment, wondering why thy re stain at hoy MITZI anything wrong? dass mLAciLocK. No. 2METZL Then why ou look atm so swange? DISS BLACKLOGK I hadn't realized, No Mit ~ nothing at all (Era furs Wo x, ut CRADDOCK tps hr) (CRADDOCK, Just a minute, Mi DMrT2. What you want, policeman? {GRADDOEK. Have you any relations inthis country? Ira. Why you want to know? ‘ceapnocn. Any fami METAL My familys dead ~ masa, MSS MARPLE T understood they were sent to Siberia. DMITZL Who told you tha? MISS MARPLE. Mise Burnes. (GRADDOGK. You mean you have no one ~ brother ~ or something (A moment. MITZ watchs him cous) ara. Tam alone. {HADDOCK No English claves? isan cousins perhaps, Marta. Me? English? Hub! (Ske laughs) If t vos new ag fanny [would be insulted (PADDOCK AL some time I ned wo see al your papers MITZL. (risus) Everything isin order! I report tothe ‘immigration authorities every thee months (HADDOCK. Calm down. ts routine. 'm obliged to doit‘unr, Why you not arrest me now? You tink T do his me dis murder Very wel Arrest mel (er hands ‘pont, fats ene.) Pac onthe handcul (the Main Deor opens and BUNS ent, METZ. Idi ther hands) sunny Goodl You're arresting er ae you Inspector? urrZ. I don’t cave! Artest me! ‘GRADDOCE. (Hiatal) Put your hands down ~ 1 ‘the mood. arr us hr hands down.) ‘pons You shoud arrester She sles cup! azz [not steal anything, you sup old woman! Mss LACRLOGE, (adnonishng Mit NorZt No. I don't care. She accuses me of stealing, F do a35 LAGRLOGE. Bunny, wha'itall about? Munn, One of your favourite coffee cups, Letty. 1's Muisng, They were on the Welsh reser in the ktees ae Si wos' let anyone go in there. There were st Chow there are only fre. sass BLAGRLOGK. I won't be angry, Mi. Did you break ‘one? Marz (her nostrils flaring) Fest murder, Now stealing Kad why? Because 1am a foreigner. Thats che troth! (Sherine an acasng finger af BONNY) I's et heb (Qe screwy one. She bas done something with it and forgoten, She should be put aay! ass LAGHLOCE. You'te being very rode, Miva. Apologke to Mis Banner. ‘urr2tNott go! You find someone else. not bcken your doorstep agai (it he 72 urs end ets) ‘unss BLAGELOCK. T do apologize for that outburst. Regrestable~ but she’s always ike it ‘quan ck. 'm afraid she can lear,MISS BLAGKLOGK Oh, She won't, don't worry. She's such an explosive person, [BUNNY And Har/You should check up on het, Inspector T daresay we'd all be surprised if we knew ee ruth about Aer (Thre moments pou) Ss BLACKLOCK. inating tll) Wel, she dos make ‘excellent coffe. BUNNY. It's the only thing she doesn't pat gale MISS BLACRLOGR. Mise Marple? MISS MARPLE. Jove some thank you, MISS BLACKLOGE. Inspector? (GeADDOK. Not right now, ifyou don’ mind, 1 ike to ‘ake anodher look round, Perhaps you would show me the rest ofthe house MISS BLAGKLOGE. Yes, of course. Bunny, you pour the ‘cofee, would you? BUNNY. Oh es (bass BLACKLOCK. and CRADDOCK ci) (SUNNY moves oe lly opr out eee) You like back, don" you? ss MAL. No.1 ike i whit, BUNNY. Tha’ ght (She hands MISS MARPLE he cf) (as MARPLE tals nue” lk tit and mower lsat fo thet our Soe ale, and BUSY ows hose a cafe) don't know how you drink it lack 1 ike mine with low of milk and sugar I've always had a set tooth, (They Bath it dow wth cf) Leny was always teasing me about it when we were children, I emember as aL. Not many fiendships laa long a yours BUNNY. She rescued me, you know.is MARILE, (fez) From what? ‘BUNNY, Iwas deste MSS MARPLE. Surely no "RUNNY. Don't you believe me? MSS MARPLE, Oh, yes—of course [UNM She's #0 good. Not only to me eveyone MISS MARPLE. She does sem to ake rather a Tot of people ‘under her wing. unt. Too trstng. Too using by fa: MISS MARELE. She doesn’t suike me asthe sor of person "who's eal fooled, BUNNY, She's not a woman of the world, you know. Not ike ws. Mis MARPLE. But, ifthe worked for Randall Goedler all ‘hese years. BUNNY limo dps her cf, Du roo.) ‘sor, (fase) Ob, yes. She did. Who tld you tha? ‘MIs MARELE. Yu did. The other day. BUNG It's a secret Don't el anybody. Pout Lou. Poor Poor, Lot. Whenever I think of her dat poem comes tomind. a8$ MARPLE. What poem's that? BUNNY. (indignantly) Why, dhe one that goes. "And sad alction bravely borne.” (She sigs) mss ARLE. What "sx aflicton,” Miss Banner? BUNNY, stant) = wha? MSS MAROLE. Sad fiction [BUNNY All dose years looking after her sister ~ only she "would have done it 086 MARKLE. Tuberculosis wasn't i? BUNNY. Gave up everything ~ everything. Nobody ‘appreciates her ~ not lke Ido, And that Patrick. “He's alway aking advantage of her. ‘ss MARELE, He seems sucha nice young man,BUNNY. Huh! He keeps borrowing money from her and peer paying it back. Tt wouldnt rorpise me if as tnim who pat that Rudi Scherz up to coming here That night Always playing practical jokes. They were probably going t share the proceeds #0 he could pe Lety the money he owes her. (She quis wi) tes tke all the young people duese days. They've no respect = for anything ‘Mi8§ MARPLE. Things aren now. sunny. Come and lok a this. RUN gets pend gos tothe seboard by the wall Che the bus elo, MISS NARPLE is coe om her hs) See what one of them did o this beautiful sideboard ‘There, A cigarette burn, I's only the young people who smoke in this howe ass MARPLE, What ashame [BUNNY Sch a Bentfl piece. 08 MARPLE es, ros his. (he india he Desde ft) ‘BunNT. Dresden, We have two. A shepherd here, Anda shepherdes in the spare room. sass AaRPLE. No. This isthe shepherds, Mis Bunner all that easy for them, you BUNNY. Oh! I always dhought the shepherd was in. this room, Oh, deat, oh dear. This dreadful business Mis Marple It realy bas got on tp of me. Pm more confsed than ever. ass MAPLE. (otc the dad vis) Go gracious. Tam ‘ory, Mss Bunner, The volts have ded. Ta hoped they say Fes all dough next week [BUNNT. How sly fe. Horgot to water them. MSS MARPLE. Bu. un. No wonder ass MARBLE. Well nevermind, 1 bring you lots more cand I think 1 know someone who can repai his $0 Jou'd never node iad been damaged.UNO. Tht would be wonderful MSS MARILE, I really ought o be gong now. 'BUNNY. Must you? It’ 50 nic having someone to talk to ‘who understands. ‘MISS MARPLE. Ihave some shopping to do. (hss Manet moves tthe Lech Door bu cannot ‘pen it) [BUNNY. Ob, no. That one's always sealed up. This table wed to be in front off. Then people Knew they couldn't go through MISS MARPLE. Seems ike a good idea. ‘BUNNY. Ie vas. But, Philipa suggested i would be ewer here. She said would ~ integrate ~ the rooms mone Teas two rooms originally, you see (8s RPL tums back tothe door and laksa ‘more ly. She nts the hinges have bo a) MISS MARPLE. (ough) Is there a hey? BUNNY. Ab, The builders were very clewr You see, the same key fil the locks on the downstairs room, So Sensible, But there's a diferent key foreach bedroom, MISS MARPLE. (oy) So sensible BUNNY. show you. (BUNNY gs 0 the Man Door and takes the hey out 9 the lack. She rts othe Lthed Doo wth nd ‘rs ounce dif and SS MARL steps oh) You see— it's very sti: But you sil cant open it ANS NARELE owen; manage Yo wick without "Much trouble songs open ina sence) SS BLACKLOCK elas bough he Man Dao) MIS BLACHLOCK.(indignanty) What ae you doi? This ‘door has’ been, M85 MARPLE. (embarassed) I~ really am trsiby sory MISS BLACKLOGK. Mie Marple![BUND Ob, Lety~ its all my ft. Las explaining t0 “Miss Marple abowt Philips suggesting you move the table away from the dooe MSS MARPLE, I was ay fall, Mise Blacklock. Ym afraid ‘have an insatiable curiosi. Please don’t blame Miss ‘Bune: (She clos the do) really am sorry. MSS BLAGKLOGK. No - there's no need. With all that’s been going on I'm ara 'm 2 Kule overwrought MISS MARPLE. My nerves ae litle on edge too. (ASS BLACKLOGK mone clase te dor) MISS BLACGKLOGE. This door hasnt been apened since they'd made these two rooms into one. And I believe ‘that was at the end of the las century. (The Main Door opes and CRADDOCK enter, holding cafe xp) ‘GRADDOGK. Al, Miss Bunner. My Sergeant's found your missing coffee cup. Inthe bushes by the duck pond BUNNY. How lovely. I should fave asked you to find i in the Bt place, shouldn't You beng a detect, (cxapDock. (ur) Yes ~ it's all part ofthe job ~ we find rmising budgerigars as well MISS BLAGKLOGE. But, how di my colTee cup get there? (BRADDOCK. (oily sarcastic) Using my obvious powers of detection ~ I would say someone threw it there. (He sls at MIS MARPLE, oo 1 sharing thee) ave You any idea why there shouldbe ol in i, Miss Blacklock? ‘MISS MARIE. I think Ihave, Inspector. ‘GkaDDOGK. Surprise me, Miss Marple MISS MARILE, The hinges have ben oiled ~ quite recent, Vasay (CRADDOCK moves to the Leched Door and, afer examining opens i dasing telling perk) crapn0cK What! So that it would open silently So f Rad Scherz had an accomplice ~ie could have been anyone in this room lastnight. Why should he need to usethis door? Well whoever heise the only one who knows the door can be opened, ad he may ry to we Jagan, Lets hope I'm nere when he dows (Phe clack chine the hal hou) "leven thirty. must get back to de sation, Would you ke a it Mise Marple? MOSS MARPLE. Oh thankyou, low ery kind. MBS BIACKLOGE. Goodness, haven't fed the ducks ye. UNA. Can Ihelp you, ety? (BUNNY, CRADDOCK ond MISS BEACKLOCK re fo ‘he Main Doo MISS MARPLE ges tthe sf to hp hart ag) MISS BLACKLOGK. Well ~ allright, come slong, Poor creatures musi be wondering what's gone wong todey {Goody Miss Marple (CRADDOCK, MASS BLACELOCK and BUNNY exit rough the Main Door MSS MARPLE pcs up the Aniting bag and moves othe Main Dor) 3, SWETENHLAM. (af caling Letty, Ley. (Phe Laced Door sng en and ns SENN enter Sh has ajar of honey. She mows dewnaage and Sends the} (BSS MARL ews ss she going out end csi the Main Dor) Ws me ~ Clara. forgo o leave the honey. (ootain)ACT TWO, Scene 1 (The same. Te fling Sunday afternoon.) (QS HLACKLOGK, PATRICK, BUNNY and PHILLIPA ‘a in the desing om, MSS BEACRLOCK, PATRICK fand PIELLIPA ae sting trying to read te Sunday newspaper, ut BUNTY i iting odin er hum, Intent om gating tht attentions eer shes foing sary fr heel.) BUNNY, Iwas aLvely irda present, ety MISS MLACKLOGK. I'm sorry, Bunny. Ie would ave been 4 etter present if 1 could have got into the shops esterday. [BUNNY No. No. A box of handkerchiefs was just what 1 wanted. (Bu we rales na) PATRICK. («bit sakura), er = get you something on Monday, Bunny. ‘BUNNY. [don’t want you to put youre to any trouble, Patrick, PATHIGK If only the Inspector ad let ws get aay eater ~ really am Sorry S$ RLACKLOGK. So am 1, Bunay ~ about the party as vel ‘PimLLaA, Bux, we couldn't have gone ahead wit could BUNNY. No. That's what I sad. 1" have to cancel my Dicthday party afer this dreadful busines. 1 don't ‘mind ~It doesn’ upset me.‘PATRUCK I didn’t see why we coula’t have gone ahead ‘with it Tmean, a man none of us knew ~ came here “eed to rob us and almost killed Aunt Lety and just becase he got what he deserved, you deide poor Bunny ao ster ‘use. I can't believe tha even goucan be so insensitive, Patrick PATRICK. Oh, I'm quite sensitive sometimes ~ I mean, 1 ‘have noticed the way you and Edmund Swetenham Took at each other (eae ths, But et cont) HOLLIPA, Wha’ wrong, Patrick? Are you jealous? MISS BEACRLOGE, Whatever's this? Lover Uf? PRILLIPA lo quickly on the defense ¢ most certainly int that! PATRICK. sixng the opportuni to tea) Careful, darting You know what they say about the lady who doth protest too much (BUNNY relict she has ler oxo a he cemte 9 alacion and she canna als ths station fo ‘antie) ‘ony, Oh dea oh dea. Pleate don't argue. Ihave sucha Theadache But what wit that dreadfl shooting ~ and all those question ~ wel the pain = (ob lds hand her aad) quite devastcing MISS EEACRLOGE., (a litle itty) Why don’t you take something fork? BUNNY. No, oI shall be al ight, MSS BLACHLOGK. Don't be ily. BUNNY. [can't find my asptins anywhere, Ley MISS BLACRLOGK, There's botle of apirin on my bedside ‘able, BUNNY. (oeakening) Thank you~ withstanding it MISS BLACELOGE. OF course you ae— but, why ser? mn quite capable ofBONNY. Wel Ms BLACKLOGK. Sal go? [BUNNY. No, no, no ~the least I ean do sgt them mye (UNNY gts pin“ hr fet and aking peat rama” of es tough the Mat Dao) PHILLIPA. (lo MSS BLACKLOGK) You really do know her well don't you Miss Blacklock? She surprised me this time. Holding out so long before mentioning her “headache.” PHULIPA, But you sud she'd develop a sinker ~ and you were ght PATIUGK. Ta pity we could’ have the par, She's been. looking forward tot so much, MISS BLACKLOGK. I'm glad i washer suggestion to cancel PATRICK. I mean — where’ the barm.,.? (Tho a fous) MISS BLACKLOCK. (lo PEMLLIP, appealing) IF we had her ‘cake with tea ~ and sort of tamed i inte » small ary just or the family? PATRICK IU cheer her up no end, Only a teeny weeny ary. imLLrA. Oh blast you. You're making me fel dread, PATRICK T' buy you a milk tout down atthe One Tun ‘PmILLIPA. Oh, go say. Well, we've got to have tea anyway. So, why not MISS LACKLOGK. Oh, good. Get Julia and tell Mtl we've going to have the eake ater al PATRICK, Right ~ ob, (Parc ets through the Main Dor) MSS MLAGKLOGK Philips I don't want tobe lnguistine but there's something worrying you, st dete? PRILLPA. (fra moment pos) Well ‘MSS BLACKLOGE. I anything to do with your son?‘PHILLIPA. No, he's fine. He loves his school ~ the fees — well obviously theyre abit of problem. ass BLACRLOGE. Ah thes there is something. PILLsPA. be al right. MISS BLACRLOGK, Anything you tll me will be in the stitet confidence ‘PRILAPA. There's noting 0 tell realy. MiSs BLACKLOCK. Very well. But, I've got something 10 tell ‘you that may help case your wort. putzira They're noting I can't cope with MISSBLACKLOGR. I kiow you're weryindependent Philip. Tean’t help you much a tbe moment but perhaps ‘PHILLIPS. Please, Lety ~ don't gve it another thought. shall be able on manage ass BLACKLOCK.T want you to know, I spoke to my solicitor yesterday. I'm changing eny wil. Apart from Baran’ legacy ~ everthing goes 700. (eames comply tan aback) HILIPA, Me? Bu you can't be sri. Mis BLACKROCK. Oh yx ~'sall in hand PIMLIPA. But, I don’ wane i You must’ do this, What ‘about Pasick and Jul? 1s BLACKLOGK. They have no lam on me. You are now the main beneficiary ‘PHILIPS, Why? Why are you telling me all this? MSs BLACKLOCK. Well. I don’t dink it’ at alla bad idea for people to know that 'm changing my wil mse can't you doit MSS BLACKLOCK. Believe me, Philip, there's a very good ‘reason for what I'm doing. You won't get much 11 {ie now, but fT lie, one day youl eame into a lot of AMP Die? You're not going to die MISS BLACKLOGK. You never kno.(The Main Door opens and MITE enters to eennce he aro of MSS MARPLE, MRS, SWETTENEUA and [EDMUND SWETTEHAM in er ua sled manner) MTZ, Here are Miss Marple, Mrs. Swettenham and ‘Edmund Swettenham, Thank you, you're welcome (erat eis MSs BLACKLOCK gets up to get the rivals, whoa have lite paces) MISS BLAGHLOGK. Miss Marple, Clara, This ia suprise. reaking off) ‘There's nothing wrong, b there? 1s, SWETTINEANL Wrong? ‘MIS MARPLE. (lugkingh) T suppose when the thre of us turn up here these days i dee wera asf wouble nt {ar behind MRS SWETTINILAM. (indignant) Wel, 1 certainly hope is re had enough for one weekend! ‘MISS MARPLE. I'll my fal. Dropping in like this. Yelle ‘ound to Clara ant Hamu to suggest hope You don't mind. It seemed euch a shame: Mis Bonner having to cance! her pay. MS, SWETTENHAM. We thought we'd bring her a lite resent each. I'm afraid we haven't got saything very excita MS BIACELOGE. But how kind MRS, SWETTENHAM. We won't say, of coun, ‘MISS BLAGRLOGK. Oh, but you must sty to tea. Mia's ‘made a benutfl cake and Bunny wil be so pleased MSS MARPLE. We'd love stay, Thank you (The SWETTENHAMS and MSS MARPLE lok atone ‘othr qustoningl EDMUND vente ft) ‘DMUND. Yes. Is chat ll sight with you, Philips? PROLLIPA.(nwprsed) Oh - well yes, of couse, MSS BLACKLOGK. Good. (GUAR and PATRICK ener tough the Main Dor)JOUA. Wel Ie looks a we're ging to have a pary ater al BLACKLOGK. Well, we won't have the party just ea MRS, SWETTENHAM. By the way, Ley. Did you find the honey? iS BLAGKLOGK. Oh, Clara. Tam sorry. I Forgot. Thank ‘you very much, MRS. SWETTENIAM, I came i the back door and couldn’ ‘nd you anywhere. How sly of me forgetting to leave tin the Sint place. We otal the way home before we noticed, did't we, Edmund? ‘EDMUND. (lng sufering) Pm sure we could have efit ‘uni eome other me. ns, SWETTENILADE But, is your ia, (A moment pause) Mss BLACKLOGK. Actually we did need i Mia als uses honey in her special cake. ns. SnEFTENILAM, (io EDMUND} You see (EDMUND jgnres era ums MS MARPLE) EDMUND, Well Miss Marple looks ike this ime you'l be fn a he Kil (Theis powse His tac atouieisnt appro) DMRS, ETTENHAM. Don't say things lke that, Edmund “That's something we ll want o forget. IDMUND. How can we, I's by no means over. ‘IULiPA. I'm afrald you're sight, Edad DMS, SWETTENHAM. (wore) I'm sure the Tnspectr fs ‘atid JUUA. I don’t think hei PATRICK. He thinks someone paid Rd Schere oll Aunt ‘easy ~ and they ery agin ‘MISS BLACKLOCK. You shouldn't have mentioned that, Patrick ‘EDMUND. Good God. That puss all ous under suspicionMISS MARPLE. I'm alfa Inspecor Craddock has oinchade allofus here now. ‘PATRICK Yes. How long were you out inthe hall, Miss Marple? We only have your word fr I that you were ‘coming up the drive when the shots wete fired (A moments pews Alls avon Mass MARPLE.) ASS MARILE. My dear boy. Pm sure im ery high on his Tit YPRMLIFA, Really? (aside nce) And yon seem to get on swell with him, MSS MARPLE tink he nds me milly amusing MBS BLACKLOGE. (after a paw, changing he subj) Patric, ‘why don’ you se f Bunnys coming, (PATRICK gut the Main Dor and ons it chink ts nk rough) Nm SWETTEULM. Srey here’ no ong Lo be any FOMUND, By hat dyou mean any more murdes, Mosher, as, swerraenust Do you hve to? ‘MISS BLACKLOGK. Well, I think that i’ all ovr, 00. So, let's forgec it shall we? And tr 10 enjoy oursches (Parr ces the dor) PATRICK She's coming. (Herts tote ahs) (Afra moment of iting, the Main Door opens ond [BUNNY eles. Shas the tea in hr hand, ‘and is srr to em all) ALL. Hippy Bir, Bunny, (BUN Dram ite a chia he so then.) UND But I cancelled my pay MIS BLACKLOGE. We're all gong to have some cake anda ‘up ofa, Bunny, [BUNNY Oh, wha 2 lovely surprise (ON MARPLE hands BUNNY a smal ox)DMS MARPLE. And here's litle something to wish you a very happy icthday, Miss Banner, ‘BUNNY. (taking i) Thank you. That i Kind, Miss Marple ‘Ym afraid i's only handkerchies BUNNY’ fae dps.) BUNNY, rey Just what I wanted (EDMUND hands har a beg.) EDMUND. fapolgtical 'sonly apples fom the garde. (RUNNY face ops ex mor) [BUNNY What lovely thought. (OMS, SWETTENIAM hands fr © wrapped jor of fone) MRS SWETTENHLA. And I've brought you some honey. -BUNNY. How kind, MRS, SWETTENHAN, I'm afraid but dhe bees aren't so very bbs just now, it's only hala jr. ‘Bunny. Oh, well~ it cant be helped. (pou) T must take these aspirin. Thave a thumping headache sil. ‘MISS BLACKLOGK, Patrick. There's some soda water on the sideboard, [BUNNY, Aren't ly having a headache on my birthday PATRICK goes tthe sidloard, ak out a glass ond ‘uit soda int the gs the past BUNNY ond "blac th soda wat WONNY tates fom him, 9 a couple of aspirin in her mouth nd swallows ‘hem with the ci of the oda ter Thais moment eat al ys ron ht) MISS BLACRLOGK, You'll oon fel beter, (The Main Door opens and Mra enters pushing the ‘roll. Oni is an enormous colt cake ~ Deus Daath It hax one morons candi th ileal the candle shold be i)(oer turns as METZ pushes the tlle aco the 0m) ‘MS MARPLE. What a magnificent cake MITZI excel mysel. This time I put a special sect igrelent in. Give i hat extra bit of flavour: Mae it ‘moe than perfec. PILLIPA Fae you noticed the candle, Bunay. BUNT. Yes, PATRICK. Only ond MSS MARPLE. Of course. There int room fo ll wensyne ‘candles, there? MISS BLACKLOGK. (smiling) You've got to blow out the ‘candle, Bunny. (BUNNY ses forward — a picture of happiness. She ‘sand peor the cond flickers and goes out ‘They gic her a char) FRMLIPA. Do hurry up and cuit, Pony OLA. Yes, wee all dying to try it (Tha watch as BUNNY picks up the hij and cus the fs pice of cab She aces ton one fhe smal ples ‘head fei) BUNNY. Whos Sis? ‘MISS MARPLE, You! You're the birthday person. You must ‘atthe fist slice. JUL. Go on, Bunny: I cut the rst QULIA moves 10 start euting te cate into pice [BUNNY stars mb on the ce) MIS BACKLOG. Don’ forget to make & wish, (BUNNY takes a huge ite ad es reef make a ‘dh, JULIA stars hand the cake around Every (ake a pice but dos mot actualy str eating ye Th esl watching BUNNY, wl sing) PATRICK. What ae you wishing, Bunny? (BUNNY open he pe and smiles ati.) | |[BUNNY. I'm not telling. Ie won't come toe. JUUA. IFT were you, Tt wish him dea. PATRICK. Ifyou werent my sister. JOU, (ith on iscsi) Bot Tam, (Suddent, BUOY starts coughing. gts wore and ‘rcmer a chbing no) MBS. SWETTENHAM, Someone bang her back. (Before anyone con do ths BUNNY es a final cake — ‘ass puffing and os bulge ~ end ds to he fon ‘Themis momen, 25 hy al stand tha ied: Shock and ho ening oi te. Then 38S DBLAGHLOCK move fo BUNNY ond the eters gather und) MSS BLAGKLOGK ting) I's the exctement~ is been oo much for her. (She undoes the mack of BUNNY ouse) (Bs MARPLE joins MSS BLACKLOCK omar as 20 ‘hat RUNNY i Beton them) MIS BLACKLOGE. Someone get some brandy. PRIULIPA. Sarely we should call the doctor. Jun, I'l cll him, Ley, what’ the doctor's number? MSS HLACKLOCK. Fie ght. (QULIA is about ttlphone ti hen MESS MARPLE Stops he) DMS MARL. (quick) I'm aid there's no need. (All ges tn toss sano) Ws too late (PAI, ho has bun owing with ie of ca, Toa dawn at the plate shone) ‘arm Delicious Death! (curtain)4 MURDER Is axwouNceD 7” Scene 11 (7h same Th fling Monday moring (i ea iss, TRICK an AA econ in ‘eroom) JOLLA. What are we going to do2 PATRICK We'l think of tometing Fgh? ound to find out ~ it can't lst much longer. PATRICK Don't worry. ‘oUA Don't wory? For God! sake, Pauick! FAERCK Wel chew nothing by pain. [Link] wil hep me, won yon Jam, Haven't 11 don everything you asked, JOUA. I ka0m — you've Deen wonders (hei) T need yu. Fat Well eres no way back Can't top nom SULA. Whats done is done PATRICK. di efor you, (has momentary hn bak git) seta Door oben and M08 BLACRLOCK and EEITGTOR CuaDDOCK ener Sie bole oon ad ‘ond Cla he ft tsp one apg creak A. Good morning, Mis Simons How are ou, Mr. Simmons? PATRICK (oor Well~ dank you ‘UA Have you found out any more? oer ae ME Post-war anything, are we Fa shade ut Ob, no ~ noting ata, UA. No. aunnock WeltPATRICK. Ob, I see, Well go and feed the ducks oF something. (earnucK ond JUL ae aut tei) ‘exapD0cK Mr. Simmons. (PATRI and JULIA stop and PATRICK tums to ‘GRANDOCK. Thi ae que case) PATRICK. (nerwoush) Ys? {GRADDOCK. Did you know you've got lipstick on your cola? tearm hand shoot pt salar. Cleary he {embarassed ad JUL to. it she mah beter ob of hiing har embarassment) armor, I~ didn't mean ~ Tid puta ean shirt on ‘this morning. (CRADDOCK. Well, he can’t blame you, can he Miss ‘Simmons? suas Hara ArH. Well the ducks. (Tha re aout to move of) ‘exaDo0ce By the way Mis Simmons? sUUA. Yeo ‘GRADBOCK. You workin the pharmacy a the local hospital, on’ you? UU. warty) That's ight. ‘CRADDOGE. Thank you. (PARRICK and OLA cntnue on ti ay fo th Ma ‘Door and ext without aother werd) “There are more urgent thing. Now, Miss Blacklock ass BLAGHLOGE. I'm really not up © answering a lot of ‘questions CexaDDock. (sympathy) be as bret as Tan. But, ‘you've had another fuck escapenO (wpe Oh? Then how ws the cake olkoned? Did Mii” CRADDOCK, (inuraing Twas’ the cake MSS LAcKLOC. Bu. es Oy st eat oto bt spire) (GANDOGK ~ ie was these MBS BLACALOGE. My aspirin? oe aa, kn. The ons you normaly keep by your be. MSS BLACRLOGK, (pany) No no, eamnOk Someone vans you dead ~eryey tay (A moments pou The tenon buds) nna ph ham ppoorerne Sta taney aiary} has deteriorated recenyp MIS RLAGKLOCK.T knew she wasn't we penn deta from the Scoutsh police that ‘he’s now seriously dt8 LAGRLOGE. I should goto her. Poor Belle {eRADDOGK It could be poor Mis Blaclock (She los atm, afi.) sa36 BIACKLOGE. Pip and Fama. ‘Grapnocx. Yes. They are uppermost in my mid, but it oat be combination of hem and thts parents wo seeltving t Kill you, The father. Dimit Stanford ‘oa sl he was a rogue Would he goa far as murder to gtmoney? (A moment's pss.) 85 BLACKLOGK. (fer) do anyehing yo 5% ‘GRADDOGE. Good. You musty to remember eveying Mou can about hmm ~ Sonia ~ and Pip and Emma hang and everyting, But, dhe som and daughter rigour Theyre uppermost sa my mind, Have you any photographs of then? ‘ass LACKLOGK. Well ~ Belle Goedler is more likely t0 Yhave photographs of dem shan Ta ‘enannoex. Im afraid we drew almost a complete Blank ae han They allowed the potice up tere w Iook Shower the house ~ they found nothing. Have you hing? What rm boping is dha Pip may rake afer Ih father ~ oF Emma her mother iss BtACKLOGK. Or the other way round ‘exap00c. Bact sass BIACKLOGR. There was an old bur, havent seen it Yor yar e shouldbe in the house somewhere. ‘oRADbOcE Find i MSs BLAGRLOCK. It night take aide while ‘exannock Would you Tike some help? Mass BLACKLOGK. Let uy Fist! (ISS BLAGKLOCK ens ‘he Main Dor) (rmiLiiea is standing thee. She enters. ISS eacktLoeK wits a moment, then exits, losing the ‘eo behind he)‘[Link] you want tose me? | ‘GuaD00CK. Yes, Mir ayes Dos down, | (Pama it rath heated) PHILLIPA. Oh, dear ~ his sounds serous, | ‘PADDOCK. tea poe) 1 you be about something Mn Haymes ~ you have to over your trachs very, vay caf, PAM T= don't. | HADDOCK Yes, you do understand. Don’t ie any more, i] You know what T'm talking abou, {A moments pause. Dering this nd the flong, PHNLLIPA dich and wes a and) PHILIPA (tity) Everyone says we have more freedom way the word is~ more undestanding tn kre wat Wel, Inspector Cadac, you uy Seng {GkADPOGK. I don’ think ic Would work! (hess pte of ber.) Psa. Tan easy i stall vag, ‘GRADDOGE So, you invented a husbandt ‘Pamuzta, How do yu think Lety Blacklock would react she Knew te rh? (GtADPOGE. She suikes me a8 being a sympathetic and ‘ndertnding person, Whats moe, she ao fool ae A eaking supcion she may have guesed cae (PUMLLRA hand ges 4p hr mou) | HILLIPA So, thats why. ‘cunnock Wha ‘PRILLIPA She's so ind tome there arent many lik hee i {Gano Does your son know the th? PHILLPA. He believes ~ his father die, ‘GxA0DOCK. Sy. He't Find out someting FRILIPA Maybe,‘eRupock. My advice to you iso tell him ~and everyone ‘e. ‘EMEP Wil you tel the others iT don’? Isnt a xime. ‘GRAMDOCE. I couldn’ ive with it But, is upto you -PHILIPA. Hoe di you find ot (RADDOCK. We do 2 lot of routine Work. HLZIRA. You've been checking up on me? (cxap000%, Sort of ‘Pazar. You make it sound very casa (GRADOOGK. isn, Buti sping (A moment pose) mses. Puzling? (CRADDOCK. It's only a smal hing ~but Pm sure you can help. fs about your son's birth ceifcate. Paucar, (ary Yes? (CRADDOCK. It gives the mother's name as ~ Phillipa Haymes. HRLLIPA. (neooush) Well ~ thats me ‘e2AD00CK. Ah, wel that case, dere ia problem. oes dos her end) ‘You see ~ we can't find bith cerifcate~ for anyone ‘vith your name ~ well, not one that corresponds with at we know about you (Pear tok pa him and ites er ip.) (Phe Moin Dor opens and MISS BLACKLOGK ents, taryig a ploraphi alum.) ass BLACRLOGK. I've fond it. Arn interrupting? ‘GeADDOCK Your timing is perfec. Ms. Haymes and T have {ust fined. (He pauses) Forte ine eng? (PHULLEPA gets wp, fer mind cleanly ina ws, ‘seth aor. Cling he dn Pein) [Ae there any photos of Sonia and her husband? ‘as BLACKLOGE. I haven't hada chance to lok yt.(RADE sat to turn the age of the abun.) (CRADDOCK. (ning) tat her? MISS BLACKLOGE. No ~ that’ Belle. Int she beautflP (GRADDOCK fading) “Belle at Skeyne?™ MISS BIACKLOGK, Thats ther place in Seoand, I'm afraid the writing i rather faded (GuumOGK Tellme when there's one of Sonia and Dimer. (Ge contest arn the pags and then sos abr He te els up the lions tha con tfc fag, ‘at lh jes lly a the lnk page, ‘Sonia and Dimitri ~ Dimi Belle Dime and Sen, = Steme Bele, Stand Sonia” ie taps eading) Someone got to this ahead of you, Mis Backes, didn they? MSS BLACKLOGE. I foks as though they've been ripped (Peis 00 0 fe mare og and the hong ‘P what ae crt sme tere) cxanp0ck Letters MISS BLACKLOGE. They'll be fom me tomy ster: (She holds ut ha hand total them) PADDOCK. IFyou've Ho objection Fatih o skim through these, MIS BLACRLOG. Well ‘CUDDOCK (efsing be pu off There might be something ~ about ~Sonia~ or Dimi, (As GRADDOGK mentions ie name the Main Door bens ond METZ entes, with eudeor ltes om, act canying aia) MIT. Mis Blackiock MIS BLACKLOGK, (ritatdy) Pleas, Mit, Not now. I don't vant tobe interrupted a te moment D2. I not interrupt I give you the sack Igo! (She trns ‘nd mates ar Back the Mas Dan) MSS BLACRLOGK. Miirr does not ane She els nithont a backward lanes, slamming the dor blind he) ‘ps BLACKLOGK tro CRADDOCK) (appeting) She can' 0. ‘exapd0cK. Certainly not as BLACHLOGK I'l go ater her ‘CRADDOCK. OF course. And when you catch up with hen you might tel her that she won't get any farther than the bus sation. (iS BLACKLOGK makes hued x) (ewaon0.c sts doum and stort trend he ters) (After & moment the Main Door opens and 9188 MARPLE eto.) MSS MARPLE Inspector! {CRADDOGE. (coring the lets) Ah, my litle seu, You're sin in ime ‘as nar, Some people say I'm ike a bad penny. {eRADDOCK, Bat, not me, Mss Marple Hot Me MSs MARPLE. I passed Miss Blacklock ~ she told me to ‘come in. Tht gil of bers, Mit, was haring down the ‘tive lke a manic. ‘exappox. She is rather pecan isn't she? Well, Now you're here you can mae yourself wef and help me Jeith ae reacarch. (He elds ete) ass MARPLE, Certainly, bur I do have to tlk to Mis Blacklock... ‘exanb0or. It won't take long ~ and T don’t think you'd "want to pass up the opportuni of going through omeone' old lester! 1 MARPLE th broad smi) Inspector! That's no ke ime = whose are they (@wanD0cx holds he tes out hr. Sh takes them.)‘GRADDOGE. It's from Mist Blacklock to her ster, harlot, yo find anyehing that might be help ech ‘ndmating~ read tout to mes please, MSS MARILE. Very well (The oan opps ach th ons reting (CRADDOCK. Here's something that’s been mentioned before, as MARPLE. Ob? ‘CRADDOCK It refers wo her disfigurement - Charlottes hate Reng) “ts not as Bad a you think ise You shouldn't lock yourself away." MS MARPLE. I Wonder wat vas thi diiguemend AADDOGK Ie doesn’ say specifically don't suppose a anything nach, 208 MARPLE. Then Why shoul he lock herself nay? ‘GUDBOGE. In ty experience, mox women are exert ‘ain, How would you react if you had a mole cana, end ot your nose? MIS MAREE 1 wold’ have to look at it ‘GtaDPocK But, most women would hide themselves (The go back to thar rspcive ats.) MISS MARPLE, I's mentioned inthis one, to. Listen, (adn) do wish you'd get out more, No ong ee GRANDOGK. You see. Pure vanity! Miss Marple. (Though) Maybe (CRADDOCK. tl ing ats nt) Ab, This is what ve been looking for MESS MARPLE. What i (GADDOGE About Sonia Goedler — the Aights she had ith her brother: (Reang) “Sonia has tach aio femper I's quite wring sometimes: ‘MISS MARPLE Did you ever find ay photographs of Sonia?‘cuann0cK They've disappeared ~ rather convenient. Dun iolent temper, and Mis Blacklock says ae was akan atacve. Makes you think, doesnt ass MARPLE. (iheughfel) Yes. It does indeed Yospector, Segoe fac oa tie) Here's someting interowing, rcdng) sou can always tell when. Sonia is A857 ee ane habit of clenching and unclenching her fhands?” Who does that remind you of? cqunnock You've got me there, That's something I've ‘missed. ‘uass MARPLE. And, you don't miss much, do you? Julia SGonmons does 1 when she's ~ agitated, T've been aching ver careful watch on hat yoons woman ‘cxanbOck Well, Te checked out both Juin and Pauick eetnons, The French police contacted thelr mother aarthe South of France and she confirmed that they sere saying here ss MAROLE Really? There's no sse? ‘Gmupp0ck. Well unles the woman in te South of France fon their mother. ass MARPLE. Could she be Soni? Keeping out of he way van sal oer. ‘cuaunoox. ‘The Freach police must have checked on her, "They're very thorough. ss MARL. S0, she f Leuy Blacklock’ cousin? ‘exsDDOCK Almost certainly, Sas mane. Twas hoping we'd found Bana but Teno ear as aways 2 posi Twas wrong SUSPECKAR Julia, She isn't the only one who does that hand Jrenehng busines, Phlipa Haymes docs cas well, ‘cqunnoce. That's very observant of you, Miss Marple, Ten ‘out of en. sass wane, 1's very frvsrating that there ft & ‘photograph of Sons ‘cRAbDOGE. Yes Sonia Goedler seems 10 have disappeared oft he face ofthe exh.nT ONE wat is mean? ding) “Loy oy ag and buck up Tone eo ‘ay make alot of diference® naa ete) tare bee sme spec ANMOCK TD. That wy Ms Bock sent er since toString tS sees ma CRADDOCK mee Seon rf Te soa lm th ag) Who doc ta remind you a NO ART mu adm doe lok tke Cara Seta ba cunooct Bor sas HP ROCK "Lead Kindly Light war her tore gy 80K i or me eek 2| | ary ny fag vastus Dont Pe de er ere —seiy—wiat Tie | A Me hep Poon ee rmauesoe | oe 1 and Comien-nephom=niees——| eat pen outed TT eee uenpeeralycaine | Oe Deon wh Cone tt) pare cate | eee tapas ‘aan Nevo ny rung? aan ey ea Tee meting mst 3. ee acc se mc opi om) extn. Cova HO OU ea ets gh sD) fra hays MACHO et) ame Ontos a you ts morning, Maes om Com kn rato habe 1 nn mth ons ome ae es x pry eine aL Te Pago Hay cong concn fas macaoen on Der on ots a ac eh sin a rumiaeA. Whats wroog?| MOSS BLAGKLOGR. Where are Patrick and Ja? YPRILIPA, I~ tink they're upstairs Why? (ASS wLACKLOGK hands PHILIP the te o rad. PHTLIPA stn through i) 1 don't understand. MISS BLACKLOGK. (ething) Will you please get them for | (Pamutara nods hand the let back ond ext rg !e Bain Do easing sight open) | PRILLIPS. (Jia? Pick? Ley wants a word wth you, ( (ie hear a maf rep. Then Pasa her had ‘usd the dane) Shall go? MIS BLACKLOGK 74 lke you to say (RATLIPA pases fore momen, then ier recat, MISS BLACRLOGK sil exting) (PATRICK ents lone) "PATRICK Julia won't be a moment. (BSS BLACKLOCK indies «chat MIS BLACKLOGK. (str St down! MISS BLACKLOGK. I've received this leer: (Reading) "Dear ‘Aunt Ley I hope i wll eal righ for me tocome os FoN 00 Tuesday? Patcck was going ole me know box hn hasn't My train arrives at about sisiteens te ps rang) 1 signed, "Your aectionately, jie” PATRICK. O, God, 1MISSBLACELOCK, (indicating the ler) This is from your sinter? Parc, I'm afraid so. | NISSRLACRLOCK. Then who isthe young woman upsain? | PATRICK I can explain.1 BLACRLOGK Do! fParmucK. I know it wat a stupid thing to do. But, Jia ~ ‘ny ral sister ~ didn't want to take up the job a the hospital here You se, she was offered ajob up in the North at some dheatre ~ aan asistant sage manager ‘She's always been stagestruck and she knew Mother ‘would be furious if she took it mass BLACKLOCK. Will You please explain who that woman ‘supstain? arRIGK. I'm uying to. We did’ come straight here when wre fist cae back to England. There were friends 10 ce paris to go to. That's how we me Juli= the one ‘opal, Tmean, Shean Traher el foreach oder and she wast doing anyhing in particular, seemed ikea marvellous iea for the gis wo swap idensics. ed it for obvious reasons. And if Moher believed my sister was here ~ well, se coulda objet was going tote you but {couldn't in these circumstances. Ms8 BLAGELOGK. Who is hat young woman? arBUGK. Wel (The Man Dao pens and OUR ents.) (eas BACKLOG toms fae her) MSS HLACRLOGK, Who are you? (quusA lnk a PATIUGR. Thos @ women se) WHO AREYOU? Jaa. I'm Emma Samford. (curtain)Pee 0 mae a run foe YOU'd only have ugh up with mee YOU woulda’ have got out of Chipping Tat Are you going to arrest med OopROF 1 Wold eo tac where Your brother js St PU haven the nines de, BADD OCE Ht his magne family opal, JeMA T honey don’t kaon, ered ee Has agred tha a fv her ni amend 1010) ig an Wee you fae ie oa nts iu cra al te ee yy oe Wer yor motes hens{JULIA Believe me, I'd love to know that Ive vearched ‘crenpiere. She made a good job of disappearing. Teven went to Scodand to see fT could get some information MSS BLACRLOGE. You went 1 sce Belle? {JUUA. Why not She's my anne. T alto hoped she might help me. But, twas no use. She's noc part of this world anymore. Then I goto thinking about my unde ofcourse, Linew he was very seh. It occurred 0 te that if Aunt Belle died, Twas probably his only frvivng relative. So, I went along to Somerset Howse land looked up his wil Was I surprised! I searched ‘everywhere for someone who even knew Lety Blacklock, Then I had the most incredible stroke of Ick, Through an acquaintance I managed wo meet Patrick and hi ste. When the swap was suggested I had to sop ase sounding to cage. ss BLACKLOCK. I admire your selFcontrol. Ik must have een quite an effort waiting forthe right opportunity to take a potshot at me. (Phe tephone rings MSS BLACRLOCK unset) Hello, Chipping Cleghorn eightseven... Hold on. Tnspecor, it's for you. ‘CRADDOCK. (ino the Lesphone) Hello. Craddock here. "Yes.. What. Well Keep me informed. (He mplacs the ‘mceiet) That's a disturbing development. Mis Marple thas been mig since she lft hee thi poring. (A general chorus of elamations: “OR, m0," “ow | teri," (Checking his watch) That's nes seven hours. | (The Main Door opens and marx enters with MRS. | ‘SWEXTENHAM ond EDMUND.) brr2t. (unnaturally) Mrs. Swettenham and her som ‘Edmund, Thank you. You're weleome.JUL Huh We ll know what a ile ar she ig ‘GeADDOCK. Ferdene? Bcnlight =I could see ~ 1 could see Miss ieee (She points arnas macsnock) ‘MISS RLAGILOCK. Me? Oh Mi. cee nat’ absurd, she couldn’ posiby have seen Mis Blacklock, Decause se sw yong wasn Bas SWETTENILA Edmund - that’ not possible.‘pmmsea You're wrong, Inspector. ve to him (Tye 1 to oh thr) Heist Pip! Tam. (A moment) ‘You wrongly assumed Pip was or. (TULA) Ema, Jou ke the truth, Why did't you sy 80? jeuth Because T suspected who you were. The Inspector Me ighe Twas holding back out of Eamily loyal. 1 ‘id wat 0 give you say. ss RLACRLOGE. (angi) You of alt people, Filia. ‘MIP (col, fn conta) Ta sorry, Ley. But when my “nother de I was desperate for money. Hers had gone ‘art ago, She tld me about dhe wil and 1 discovered Tor myc chet Belle Goedler was serious} il ‘exan00cx You had gone to alot of rouble. (rma, Ie was important to me. wanted seeurisy Not for me, for my fon, So, Teame here suns BLAGRLOGE. Ts prepared orp both of You. tea Yes, well~ ices past of my plan to get nto your 004 Books. ss BLACRLOGE. (ite) Andi worked, didn’ PasLLIA, But, I grew fond of ou. pss BLACRLOGE. 1 even changed my wil a your favo PHM tPa, That scared me sf You sad there was & ery ood reason for doing i 1 Hhought you'd found out no really was. That you were warming me off fom trying to get sy uncle's money M86 LAGRLOGK, (shaking fer hed) You were coming oil ‘me for it. amie. (fer a momens pose) Itneser occurred to me = ‘ven though fee {was more ented toi than you. But, dere is, Lam Pip. And Tm glad you know. (Se rs he ation o CRADDOCK.) ‘exams You ovo have been secing quite alo ofeach other, haven't yourrr nt Mel, theres no need wsupect Edmund ‘any more, Ingpector, UDDOCK. Isnt there? Mr Syetenham' a sroggting ge galt Publed = we wou GABDOCE. You're in debt up o your eybate EDMUND, Nonsense! Noack! TE prove ft. The bank ~ ene bookmaker, XDMUND, So what! Does that, was, (esinished) Ic can't be right ~ not Eamund.. PATRICK Inspector aren't you, ear gO ECB. You acd wo see your cory anaes {208 8 pouble, Me, Sweucnineg eet pleas) re "Gul You ake Mr. Swetena home, lease? Patrick. Ye. Yes, of coun‘eRADDOCK A cal to her doctor wouldn't do any har PATRICK, (gt) Come slong, Mrs. Swettentam.. (He tales rar.) be al ight~you se. ‘exanbOCK. Miz you are 2 magnificent Ha ‘MIT Ido wel Yes. Idd what you ak? ‘CRADDOCK. To the lett! (Ti MISS BLACKLOGK,) Sorry t0 Thave given you sucha fight ‘Mass BLACKLOGK. You ara clever ge Mit. burr. Thank you, Mis Blacklock, I get you some coffee. "Yu look red. Mis ELACKLOGK. That woud be mice. rr, Black and strong, 3s BLACKLOGE. A itl milk you doa’ ind. ‘rr. Wak How yo dink it—horsible! ara ext.) (GRADDOGK. Nov, Miss Dlacklock, you can relax, you're perfect afe ow sss BEACKLOCK. Thank God. You might have told me you'd arranged ic ‘eRADDOCK. Then you woulda’ have reacted as you di 1k ‘ras alle unorthodox, bc it worked 1s BLACKLOGK. What fit hada’? ‘caano0cK. I'd have been in abit ofa mess, wouldn't I? ‘mas BLACKLOGK. What about Miss Marple? ‘qRADDOCK. Perhaps they've got some news down at the ation, I hope to God she didn’t Sind out about ‘Edmund Swettenham before we dd AAS BLACKLOCK. You'l let me know when you hear anything? ‘CRADDOGE. Yes. OF course. 1s BACKLOG. If oly she adi’ interfered. (GRABDOE. Ilse you inthe morning. ‘mas BLACRLOGK. Thank you, Inspector. {(CRADD0Ca ets as the Main Dor opens and ITZ enters casing tao cups of ae.)ji are ee Jou re Mis Blalock. Nice an song, tpt Justa led makin (MOSS BLACKLOCK tot athe cf and frowns, [MISS BLACRLOCK. One drop oF two? ‘Marz. take a liber I do myself some, MSS BLACKLOGE. OF courne, (Pho sip thet cafe ond ene teach ther, (Re sta co MITZL Now, Mis Blacklock. We havea pice ie chat MIS BLACKLOGK. (veri) Oh... MIF 1 need money Lots of money, MOSS BAGLOGK. apparent patel) Why ell me? (Mra oughs~ a mal, coutius laugh) ‘MET2. think you wil help me, 285 BAACKLOCK. I haven't go any money, Mit None to spare, tha i MITEL Bat soon — youl Be sch, Vey ret. Then you gine ‘me lot of money (There is 0 moment's pause) MSS BLAGKLOCK I er — don't think wil ar_Obs es You il. Because T help you. Nowyou help MS BLACRLOGK. But, I pay you t0 help me — withthe cooking dhe house. ‘al No, 0, no, Tha snot what mean Jus now, ell big whopper forthe Inspector. Exeriiev's ke Not this ume, MISS LACILO You don't know what the truth, Miz ‘METZ. Yes. think I do. That policeman eame to me sad 3% "Mii ~ you are a good Ba" Iay yen ity int {ROU tel lie for me.” he sy. You say wien yo lent {rough the keyhole you see ~ Mis Blacklock in goe hae