Inner Sanctum Mystery, also known as Inner Sanctum, is a popular old-time radio program that aired from January 7, 1941, to October 5, 1952.
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00:00Inner Sanctum Mysteries Good evening friends of the Creaking Dunes,
00:31this is your host to welcome you again into the Inner Sanctum, come in, come on in.
00:37No, no, please don't stand on ceremony, we're all informal here, no ties, no collars,
00:43in some cases no hair.
00:48That doesn't mean we're complete boors though, we study our Emily Goats faithfully.
00:53You wouldn't catch one of us eating his teeth with a knife.
00:57Oh no, we've been caught with knives before,
01:01sawing you might say our wild throats.
01:14Well, the preliminaries are over beginning right now,
01:19things are going to happen.
01:21So sit up, draw a deep breath and lend us an ear.
01:26We've got to get our teeth into something.
01:31Listen now to the voice of Donald Buker as Danny Williams,
01:34as he tells the weird story of the dead walk at night.
01:44Danny, where are you?
01:48Danny, Danny.
01:53There it is again.
01:54Danny.
01:55My uncle calling to me, just as he used to when I was a boy.
02:02My blind uncle tapping his cane and calling.
02:06Danny, where are you?
02:08He's dead.
02:10I wish I could join him.
02:12I've tried to a thousand times but they've always prevented me.
02:17Danny.
02:19Danny, Danny, Danny.
02:24It goes on incessantly.
02:26It never stops even when I sleep.
02:28I hear it every minute, every second.
02:31Sometimes it's hard.
02:33I can't stand it.
02:35Danny, Danny.
02:37Can't you stop it?
02:38Can't you give me one minute's peace?
02:40Danny.
02:41Why don't you stop it, you blind old fool?
02:44Danny.
02:45Leave me alone.
02:46Haven't you done enough?
02:48Leave me alone.
02:53Danny.
02:58He tapped that way with his cane.
03:01On the night I decided to kill him.
03:05We were in his room in the big house where we lived together.
03:09I had been living with him since I was 14 years old.
03:13For 10 years I'd been his companion, his nurse, his servant, his slave.
03:21On the night I was going to kill him,
03:23I slipped a length of strong cord into my dinner jacket.
03:27He was totally blind.
03:30Had been for 30 years.
03:33Yet, strangely enough, he could see.
03:38He could see with his uncanny, highly developed sense of hearing.
03:43And with that cane of his, that cane was everlastingly tapping.
03:49The wind's blowing up tonight.
03:52It'll be getting cold soon.
03:54Yes.
03:56Dan, all the servants gone?
03:58This is our night off.
04:00You going out again tonight?
04:02Yes.
04:03With Martha?
04:05Yes, with Martha.
04:09Will you pour me some brandy?
04:11Yes, Morgan.
04:18I poured out the drink.
04:20In my pocket I felt the cord, and as I handed the drink to him,
04:24I took it out and walked behind him.
04:27Now, this was the time.
04:31He slipped the cord around his neck.
04:34He wished it would be over soon.
04:38He sat there, holding a glass in one hand.
04:42I raised the cord over his head.
04:44All I had to do was crop it over his neck.
04:49Why are you standing behind me?
04:51How did you know?
04:53I heard you walk there.
04:55Why, Danny?
04:57I just wanted to look out of the window.
05:00One quick move, it would be over.
05:02But I didn't want to kill him, so I...
05:05I mean, I'd make a clean breast of it and give him a chance.
05:10Dan, how long are you going to stand there?
05:15Morgan, there's something I want to speak to you about.
05:18Well, what is it, my boy?
05:20I want to marry Martha.
05:23I, uh...
05:25I thought that was on your mind.
05:27But I need $10,000, Morgan.
05:30Will you give it to me?
05:32What are you laughing at?
05:34You!
05:35I was just waiting to see how much you'd ask for.
05:40You lied your way in pretty deeply this time, didn't you, Danny?
05:44What are you talking about?
05:45I saw what was coming.
05:47I, uh...
05:48While you were in town,
05:50we had a very interesting little talk.
05:53Did you?
05:55She told me that her father's worried about her marrying a fortune hunter.
06:01Seems he's a very wealthy man.
06:03Yes, that's right.
06:04And it seems that he won't give Martha any money when she marries
06:08unless her husband is a man of some means himself.
06:12It also seems that you lied to her.
06:15You told her you're wealthy.
06:19Why?
06:20Did you tell her the truth?
06:21No.
06:24You always were an incorrigible liar.
06:27Morgan, she got the impression that I had some money because I lived in this house.
06:31And now you have to live up to that impression so you can marry her.
06:34But you'll give me the money, won't you?
06:36Why'd you lie to her?
06:38I did it without thinking.
06:40I wanted to tell her the truth, but I couldn't.
06:42I was afraid that if she found out that I'd lied, she'd hate me.
06:46Morgan, are you going to give me the money?
06:50Danny, I'm very fond of you.
06:53I took you in to live with me when you were a poor penniless goddess knight.
06:57I educated and taught you to live like a gentleman.
07:01I even named you sole beneficiary of my estate.
07:04But that's why I'm asking you for the money now.
07:06If you're going to leave me all of it, why don't you give me a little of it now?
07:11Because I don't want you to marry Martha.
07:14Why not?
07:16I don't think she's the girl for you.
07:18You stupid, blind old fool!
07:20Dan!
07:21Martha's the finest girl I ever met.
07:22I won't have you talking about her like this.
07:24You won't have a penny of my money to marry her.
07:26You're doing this because you want me to stay with you.
07:28Now, what are you talking about?
07:29From the very first day I came here, it's been Danny do this, Danny do that, Danny read to me, Danny pour me some brandy.
07:36You've made me a servant of the slave.
07:38How can you talk this way after all I've done for you?
07:41Done for me?
07:42Did you ever teach me to work?
07:44Did you ever teach me to do anything except live in luxury when I didn't have a penny to my name?
07:49You made me someone who's of no earthly good to anything or anyone except you.
07:56Well, what are you going to do about it?
07:58Leave?
08:00No.
08:02I'm not going to leave, Morgan.
08:05You are.
08:06What do you mean?
08:08I'm going to kill you.
08:11Don't be ridiculous, my boy.
08:13You'd probably make a bungling mess.
08:16I don't think so.
08:18You see, I planned it very carefully.
08:21Danny, if you think you can frighten me into giving you that money, you're quite mistaken.
08:27I don't intend to frighten you.
08:29I intend to murder you.
08:33You...
08:35You're not serious.
08:37Yes, I am, Morgan.
08:39Danny, you...
08:41You got up, I heard you.
08:42Yes.
08:44Now don't lose your head.
08:46Perhaps we can come to some agreement.
08:48It's too late for that.
08:50I don't think you can stall me and then turn me over to the police.
08:53Danny, where are you?
08:54You'll know in a minute, Morgan.
08:57When you feel something...
09:00On your neck.
09:03Now, let go of me.
09:05It'll be over in a minute.
09:06Let go of me, you idiot, let go.
09:08Not now, Morgan.
09:10All right, all right, Danny, I'll admit it.
09:12I wanted you to stay with me.
09:15I'm blind, old and lone, but...
09:18But I let you go.
09:20I'll give you the money you want, only...
09:22Only don't kill me.
09:23It's too late now.
09:25I know you and I don't trust your promises.
09:27I'll give you anything you want.
09:29Anything.
09:30Now please, Danny.
09:31No, Morgan.
09:32Oh, if I could only see.
09:35If I could only...
09:40I'm going to be merciful, Morgan.
09:43It'll only take a few seconds.
09:46And this sword will crush the life out of you.
09:57Morgan?
10:00Morgan?
10:03He's dead.
10:07I heard the front door open and close.
10:09I had told Martha to come at nine o'clock.
10:12I ran out of the room and looked down the long stairway.
10:14Hello, darling.
10:15Martha.
10:16Shall I come up?
10:17No, no, wait there.
10:18I'll come right down.
10:19All right.
10:21I rushed back into the room.
10:22My uncle was lying on the floor.
10:24The rope twisted about his neck.
10:25His face streaked with purple.
10:26I picked up the cane and began tapping on the floor.
10:33And I placed the cane near to him.
10:35I went back to the door again and called.
10:37Good night, Morgan.
10:38Good night, Morgan.
10:44Your uncle.
10:45Oh, he's fine.
10:46I heard him tapping around up there.
10:47Yes, he likes to make a lot of noise with that cane of his.
10:50I think he gets a kick out of it.
10:52Do you think it's safe to leave him alone here?
10:54Safe?
10:55Well, of course.
10:57Look, shall we go dancing somewhere?
10:58Mm-hmm.
10:59That's a swell idea.
11:09Well, friends, do you think Uncle Morgan will stay dead?
11:14Oh, you do?
11:16Well, that shows how much you know.
11:18On this program, the dead never stay that way.
11:21So get ready for the worst, because in the next few minutes,
11:25you're going to find corpses that walk in the dead of the night.
11:30Oh, yes.
11:32They do, all right.
11:34They do.
11:36Don't you worry.
11:39Good.
11:41All right.
11:43Let's listen now to Donald Buick as Danny as he finishes his story.
11:48It was easy to lie to the police.
11:51When Martha told them that she heard my uncle tapping in his room,
11:55I was cleared of all suspicion.
11:58I suggested that the murder was committed by some thief
12:00who broke into the house to rob it after we had left.
12:03The police agreed.
12:05I received the inheritance.
12:08Martha and I planned to go to California to be married.
12:11I had lied my way out and fooled everyone.
12:15Everyone.
12:17Except myself.
12:20I knew what I had done.
12:22I couldn't forget it.
12:25I became nervous and morose.
12:27And then came that last night, before Martha and I were to go away.
12:32I was alone in the house, preparing to close it.
12:37Martha.
12:43Hello, Dan.
12:44Martha.
12:46It's so late, I didn't expect you.
12:48I know, darling, but I was afraid to leave you alone in this huge old house.
12:52I decided to come over.
12:53That's very sweet of you, darling, but there's nothing to worry about.
12:56You can't fool me.
12:57I've noticed how you were behaving these last few days.
12:59Have you?
13:00Ever since your poor uncle was killed, you haven't been quite yourself.
13:04I suppose I have been a little upset.
13:07I'm glad you came, darling.
13:09Look, I can put you in the guest room next to my uncle's old room.
13:12That's the only one beside my own that hasn't been dismantled yet.
13:15Come on, I'll show you the way.
13:17It's all right.
13:18When we get to California and we're married, you'll forget all this.
13:21I hope so.
13:23What was that?
13:25I didn't hear anything.
13:26I...
13:27I thought I heard a noise.
13:29I was right.
13:30This old house is affecting you.
13:32Maybe.
13:35You know, Martha, last night I...
13:37I thought I heard him tapping at his cane.
13:40Did you?
13:41Well, it was just my imagination, I guess.
13:44No wonder.
13:45You know, darling, I had a rather strange dream about him.
13:48You did?
13:49I...
13:50I dreamed he came to me and told me he wasn't dead.
13:54That's a crazy idea.
13:55Isn't it?
13:57Just suppose he wasn't dead.
13:59That's impossible.
14:00I saw him dead with a rope around his neck.
14:02Did you?
14:03That's funny.
14:04I went with him to the morgue and I didn't see the rope.
14:07The police had removed it.
14:08Oh, yes.
14:09Yes, of course they had.
14:11But I...
14:12Well, I saw those welts.
14:15It didn't take much imagination to see the rope.
14:18Oh, my poor Danny.
14:20I'm afraid this has affected you more than you realize.
14:22Here's your room, Martha.
14:24Danny...
14:25You've been kind of cold and distant lately.
14:29You do love me, don't you, darling?
14:31Of course, Martha.
14:34Thanks.
14:37Good night, Dan.
14:38Good night.
14:48I was awakened that night from a tortured sleep by a familiar sound.
14:53The sound of my uncle's cane tapping on the floor above me.
14:58At first I thought I was dreaming.
15:00But then I heard it again.
15:03It seemed to be coming closer.
15:05To be taking a familiar course.
15:08Yes.
15:09I had heard it a thousand times when he was alive.
15:12That same nervous, rhythmic tapping.
15:16It was coming downstairs.
15:19Tap, tap, tap.
15:22Downstairs.
15:24Cautiously.
15:25Carefully.
15:28It is on a landing now.
15:30Would it go down further or would it turn as it had done so often to my room?
15:35It came closer.
15:37Closer.
15:39It was coming to my room.
15:40There could be no doubt about that.
15:42It couldn't be alive and yet...
15:47It was knocking at the door.
15:51It took every bit of courage I had but I went to the door and opened it.
15:57There on the floor outside my door was my uncle's cane.
16:01A throb of cold icy terror shook me.
16:03I ran back into the room and half insane with panic I shouted...
16:05Martha!
16:06Martha!
16:07Martha!
16:08Johnny, what's the matter?
16:09Martha, Martha, darling.
16:10I... I...
16:12I must be going out of my mind.
16:15I saw...
16:16What did you see?
16:17That cane.
16:18That cane that you have in your hand.
16:20Put it down.
16:21I found it outside your door.
16:22I thought you'd misplaced it.
16:23No.
16:24No, that's my uncle's cane.
16:25That's the one he always used.
16:26But, Danny, there's no need to be so frightened of it.
16:29Why, you'd think it was going to hurt you the way you act.
16:32Martha!
16:33Here, you hold it.
16:34No.
16:35Danny, you're terrified.
16:36What's wrong?
16:37What's happening?
16:38Martha, Martha, don't make me tell you.
16:39Don't.
16:40But what are you afraid of?
16:41That cane.
16:42Put it down.
16:43Throw it away.
16:44The cane?
16:45Throw it away.
16:46You don't know what you're saying.
16:47Martha, why do you keep pointing it at me?
16:48Why?
16:49Danny, you've got to tell me what's troubling you.
16:50I won't put it down until you tell me why you're afraid.
16:53Martha, for heaven's sake.
16:55You can trust me, Danny.
16:56I love you.
16:57Tell me what it is.
16:58Martha.
16:59What it is.
17:00No matter what it is, I'll always love you.
17:01Don't be afraid to tell me.
17:03I killed him.
17:06Your uncle?
17:07Yes.
17:08Why?
17:09For the inheritance.
17:10I didn't want you to know that I didn't have a cent.
17:12I asked him for the money, begged him for it.
17:14He sat there in his chair telling me I couldn't have a cent.
17:17He wanted to keep me here with him.
17:19I wanted to marry you.
17:20That's why I murdered him, Martha, because I love you.
17:22Do you understand?
17:23Yes.
17:24Oh, Martha.
17:26Martha, I knew you would.
17:28You'll stand by me, won't you?
17:30Why are you smiling that way?
17:32How much money did you inherit?
17:34$200,000 in this house.
17:36You'll transfer that money to me in the morning.
17:38When the house is sold, you'll turn over that money to me too.
17:40If you don't, I'll tell the police what you just told me.
17:44Martha, I don't understand.
17:48I thought I was pretty clear.
17:50Oh, I see now.
17:53You think I'm too upset to manage the estate,
17:55and you want to take care of it for me until we're married.
17:57There isn't going to be any marriage.
18:01No marriage?
18:02No.
18:03Now that I can get the money without marrying you,
18:05there's no reason for me to tie myself down.
18:07Why should you want the money?
18:08Your father...
18:09He's been dead for 17 years.
18:11Martha, you told...
18:14You were lying to me.
18:16Yes, I was.
18:18But you were lying to me, and so it comes out even.
18:21Stop cowering at this cane.
18:23There's nothing clear about it.
18:24I made that tapping noise tonight.
18:26I thought it would make you confess, but it didn't.
18:29Oh, this is a joke.
18:31It's a monstrous joke.
18:34I wouldn't think it was so funny if I were in your position.
18:37You know, the money isn't quite all.
18:40I can use you, Danny.
18:42I might need certain things done sometime.
18:45And if you'll remember that I can send you to the electric chair whenever I choose to,
18:50you'll do them.
18:51I see.
18:52The slave merely changes masters.
18:55Where are you going?
18:56Back to my room.
18:57Oh, no, you're not.
18:58Dan, let go of me.
18:59I want to show you something, Martha.
19:00Something about this cane.
19:02You said there was nothing clear about it.
19:03Well, there is.
19:04Let me show you.
19:06You didn't know, did you, that if you press a button in the handle,
19:10the other covering slips off, and you have a sword in your hand.
19:13A sword?
19:14Yes.
19:16Look.
19:17Where?
19:18See?
19:19It's a sharp sword, forged in Italy during the Renaissance,
19:23to be used by men with less conscience than I about murder.
19:27Dan, what are you going to do?
19:28I think you know.
19:30No, Dan.
19:31You can't.
19:32Did you think I would give you that money after I murdered a man to get it?
19:34I'll let you keep the money.
19:35You think I believe you?
19:36I know lies.
19:37I won't tell the police.
19:38I swear I won't.
19:39I'll do anything you say.
19:40I'll marry you.
19:41Do you think I'd marry you after I found out that your love was a lie?
19:44Do you think I'd let you live when I know you have a secret that can enslave me?
19:48No, Dan.
19:49Take that sword away.
19:50Don't do it.
19:51I love you.
19:52Liar.
19:53Dan, don't.
19:54Please.
19:55I beg you.
19:56I'll do anything, anything you say.
19:57Don't.
20:03Martha.
20:12It was then that I first began hearing it in my mind.
20:17That tapping, tapping, tapping.
20:21That incessant tapping of the cane.
20:30When the police came, I told them everything.
20:33They asked only one question.
20:36When did you hear this tapping in your mind?
20:39After I killed him.
20:41Hmm.
20:42Well, you'll be all right after the doctor treats you.
20:45Perhaps.
20:46Meanwhile, we'll do everything we can to find the person who killed your uncle and your sweetheart.
20:51I think it's the same man.
20:53He's probably some thief who thought he'd try a second time.
20:55But I just told you.
20:57I'm the person you want.
20:59Now, Danny, you don't think I believe that story for a minute, do you?
21:03You don't believe it?
21:05After the way I saw you cry when your uncle died?
21:08And you can't make me believe that sweet girl did the things you said.
21:12I know something about human nature, my boy.
21:15No, Danny, the shock of finding your sweetheart murdered so soon after your uncle's murder was too much for you.
21:21This whole confession was a lie.
21:30For twenty years now,
21:33I've been in this cell at the St. Asylum waiting to die.
21:38I who told the truth
21:41because I wanted to die.
21:44For twenty years,
21:46I've been hearing that tapping day and night every second.
21:51For twenty years,
21:53I've been hearing my blind uncle call me if he used to when I was born.
21:58Dan.
21:59Dan, where are you?
22:02Why don't you come to me, Dan?
22:13All right, friend, you can relax now.
22:16No.
22:18No, this isn't Danny. This is your home.
22:21Our story's over and the porters are now mopping up.
22:25Well,
22:27I guess tonight's little story should teach you never to tell a lie.
22:31Lying leads to cheating and cheating leads to murder.
22:35And murder leads to insanity, all of which are very bad habits to get into indeed.
22:47Well, friends, it's time once again to close that creaking door.
22:51Until next week at the same time when we'll be back with a little hunk of horror.
22:58You'll be sure to listen, won't you?
23:01Until next week, then.
23:03Good night.
23:06Pleasant dreams.