CBS Radio Mystery Theater (a.k.a. Radio Mystery Theater and Mystery Theater) is a radio drama series created by Himan Brown that was broadcast on CBS Radio Network affiliates from 1974 to 1982, and later in the early 2000s was repeated by the NPR satellite feed.
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00:00The CBS Radio Mystery Theater presents
00:03Come in
00:15Welcome
00:20I'm E.G. Marshall
00:22Welcome to the world of your own terrifying imagination
00:27It has been said that we are prisoners in a dark closet
00:33With small openings that on occasion admit some light
00:37Small wonder that the demons who lurk in the deepest corners
00:42Are more real to us than the sweet light of reason outside
00:46There is so much evil in our world that light turns naturally to shadow
00:52Even the love of Stephen and Amelia Stampler for their son Michael
00:57Is converted to suspicion in this dark closet we live in
01:02Reverend Stokes, I don't want a theological debate
01:05I want you to tell your congregation the truth
01:08And what is that, Dr. Stampler?
01:10That my son Michael conducts his lab experiments for scientific purposes
01:14And shall I ask him to believe in coincidence?
01:17What coincidence?
01:18That a peaceful town is ripped apart every time your son returns
01:21That cattle die for no reason at all
01:24That we are suffering epidemics and the worst drought in our history
01:28All because of coincidence?
01:31Yes
01:31This is the 20th century
01:33What else could it be?
01:35Ask your son, Dr. Stampler
01:37Ask your son Michael
01:39If he's just doing lab experiments
01:42Our mystery drama
01:52A Sacrifice in Blood
01:54Was written especially for the Mystery Theater
01:57By Milt Wissoff
01:58And stars Patricia Rowe
02:00And Ralph Bell
02:02It is sponsored in part by the Kellogg Company
02:05Makers of Kellogg Special K Cereal
02:08I'll be back shortly with Act One
02:11And now it is time to turn to the macabre and nightmare world
02:27Where there is no shortage of blood
02:30Our tale opens on a pleasant enough note
02:34In a fashionable restaurant
02:35Where Dr. and Mrs. Stampler
02:36Are celebrating a special occasion
02:39But I promise you
02:41It will end in true Gothic horror
02:44Not another drop, Stephen
02:48I've had my fill and so have you
02:50I suppose you're right, my dear
02:51But this is really so special
02:53One more dig
02:54And the Stamplers hang up their shovels
02:56Not really
02:57But we'll be digging up flower beds
02:59And compost heaps
03:01Instead of ancient grave sites
03:02No regrets
03:04None, my dear
03:05We should have retired years ago
03:07Then why not now?
03:09I mean, what can this one dig mean?
03:12Well, it will be a fitting climax to our career immediately
03:15Perhaps the most significant find of our lifetime
03:18Professor Storuvius agrees with me
03:20The last excavations there indicate
03:23A pre-Toltec civilization existed
03:25That was not completely archaic
03:27A highly sophisticated people
03:30Who worship the devil
03:31Well, why not?
03:33Most of us still do
03:34Black masses are held in California
03:37Coverns of witches gather in New Mexico
03:39Blood riots take place in the shadows of New York skyscrapers
03:43Oh, nonsense
03:44You've had too much wine
03:45Oh, too much wine
03:46I haven't had enough
03:47Come with me in a
03:48Let's toast the occasion
03:50To a splendid find
03:53To a safe return
03:56Dr. Stamler
04:04Dr. Stamler
04:05Yes
04:06I am Professor Storuvius
04:08Oh, thank you for meeting us
04:10This is my wife Amelia
04:11My great pleasure
04:13It's very nice of you
04:14Not at all
04:16Oh, here
04:17Let me put your bags in, please
04:19Will you get in?
04:21I can't tell you how I've looked forward to meeting you, Professor
04:24Miguel
04:25You, please
04:27And I am honored by the opportunity of working with Soho
04:32Eminent, a scientist
04:33And I would be delighted to have a nice hot bath
04:37And about three days of uninterrupted slumber
04:40Oh, planes are almost as uncomfortable after ten hours of flight
04:44As the small donkeys we rode to the Shenandoah site
04:48The Toltecs have always been regarded as the earliest civilization in the Americas
04:53The new finds at Ashtapulco may show one much heaviest deal
04:59You really believe it was a civilization?
05:02Almost certainly
05:03Not by our standards, perhaps
05:05But certainly in its day
05:08You shall have the opportunity to see for yourselves
05:11We leave at 5 a.m. on the morning
05:14But that's three days away
05:16Why the delay?
05:18Ah, there is much preparation
05:20Including the paperwork
05:22You shall get some rest
05:23And I will have the pleasure of acting as your host
05:27If you will permit it
05:29Of course
05:30And forgive my impatience
05:38Who's there?
05:40It is I
05:41Miguel
05:41Just a second
05:43Ah, forgive me
05:47I know it is late
05:49But it was necessary for me to see you
05:51Oh, that's all right
05:52Come on in
05:52We weren't in bed yet
05:54What is it?
05:56I, uh
05:56I am afraid I have bad news for you
05:59We will have to postpone our trip
06:02Why?
06:04It is word of trouble in the mountains where the site is
06:07What kind of trouble?
06:08Oh, nothing
06:09Serious
06:10But it will cause us some delay
06:12Why didn't you tell us soon?
06:14I just learned it, Stephen
06:15When I returned to my room
06:16How long will the delay be?
06:19Ah, well
06:19That is hard to say
06:21What kind of trouble is it, Miguel?
06:25An, uh
06:25Indian has been found
06:28Murdered
06:30It was, uh
06:32It was a ritual killing
06:34His skin has been removed
06:37Oh, God
06:40Well, we, uh
06:41Still get back to the basic question, Miguel
06:43How long will we be delayed?
06:45Then you're still bent on going?
06:47Well, of course, Emilia
06:47A native killing isn't going to stop me
06:50I've encountered worse on other digs
06:53Well, answer me, Miguel
06:54Perhaps you should forget it, Stephen
06:56Oh, come on
06:57Now, both of you
06:58I'm not going to change my plans
07:00If you insist, we will continue
07:02But
07:02I must warn you
07:04It will be difficult to assemble a crew
07:07But not impossible
07:08No, no, not impossible
07:10If
07:10If we pay enough
07:12There is always someone who will take a risk
07:15If the inducement is great enough
07:17I guess you're right, Miguel
07:20See what you can do
07:22Then you'll go along with me?
07:25I wouldn't miss it for the world
07:27They're not making much headway, Miguel
07:42Can't they dig any faster?
07:44We are up very high, Stephen
07:46More than 10,000 feet
07:48It is not conducive to strenuous exertion
07:51They didn't display too much zeal on the climb, either
07:54But they're not used to the altitude
07:55Why didn't we get men who are?
07:58But you know the answer
07:59No one else would come
08:00You haven't seen anyone else since we got up
08:02And they know better
08:02They have broken through to a new chamber
08:07And I hope it's more fruitful than the last one
08:09Let's go take a look
08:11Look there
08:14They have an opening wide enough to go through
08:17May I?
08:18Of course
08:19This is your excavation, Stephen
08:21Are you, are you all right?
08:24Yes
08:25Come on in
08:27It's, my God
08:31It's so still in here
08:34Even echoes die
08:36After thousands of years
08:39We seem to be in the ante room
08:42I imagine the main chamber is just through those doors
08:45It would appear so
08:47Get the men in here
08:48We've got to get those doors open
08:49And it looks like one heck of a job
08:51Siga pronto
08:51No, no
08:52No quiero entrerlo
08:54Siga
08:55No, no, no
08:56Siga pronto
08:56Well, what are they waiting for?
08:59They will not enter
09:00Well, tell them they'll get docked if they're not in here pronto
09:03It is no use
09:04They will not come
09:07All right
09:08Then we'll get the doors open by ourselves
09:10Let's see how thick they are
09:11Throw me a hammer, will you?
09:12It's pretty solid, big girl
09:19Stephen
09:24Look
09:25The doors are opening
09:27How?
09:29Perhaps Stephen struck some kind of a trigger mechanism by accident
09:33Well, never mind how
09:34It'll save us some sweat, that's all
09:36Stephen
09:39Please, be careful
09:42There's something in here that makes me
09:43I would go ahead
09:46Not on your life, Miguel
09:48This is one big step I'm going to take
09:50Come on, follow me
09:52Good Lord
09:57It's an enormous chamber
10:00It's like a giant cathedral
10:02Bring the lamps up
10:03That door
10:05It's cut in a single block
10:07Oh, yes
10:08It must weigh at least ten tons
10:11Look at the bar reliefs on the walls
10:14It is the devil that these people worshipped
10:18Beautiful
10:19Sinister, malevolent
10:23But beautiful
10:24Bring the lamps forward
10:26What is it, baby?
10:29It's scum
10:30It's piles of really scum
10:33We have found what we are looking for
10:35The sacrificial chambers
10:37Of the temple
10:38Yes, you're right, Miguel
10:40Can you, uh, make out these inscriptions?
10:44I see, yes
10:45They tell the story of the ritual
10:48These were
10:50Incense burners
10:52Where human hearts smoked
10:53The skulls piled at the base
10:56Of that enormous slab of stone
10:58Were
10:59Sacrifice on that altar
11:02What's that?
11:04Oh, Miguel just described it, my dear
11:06The stone slab was the altar
11:08No, I mean in the center of the altar
11:10Probably the debris of centuries
11:12I just saw something stir
11:14It's a baby
11:17Completely naked
11:20Oh, that ghost
11:21Tongue
11:22Oh, a poor child
11:24Now
11:27There, now
11:29Oh, he's lovely
11:32He's so warm
11:34Well, how could he be warm?
11:36It's so cold and damp in here
11:38Well, he must have been left here a few minutes ago
11:41Well, perhaps someone left him as a
11:43As a warning to us
11:45Oh, but impossible
11:46There is no other entrance beside the stone doors
11:50Not even windows
11:51This was the sacrificial chamber of these ancient people
11:55Well, then how, Miguel?
11:58I don't know
11:59And I'm afraid the answer, if
12:01We ever find it
12:03Will not be pleasant
12:06Well, at least whoever left him had sense enough to leave some protection
12:09There's a woven mat on the altar
12:12Si
12:12And that is one of the mysteries that troubles me
12:16What are you saying, Miguel?
12:18The fabric the child is lying on
12:21Examine it
12:23Yes
12:24Yes, I see what you mean
12:27It was woven
12:29When the temple was new
12:32When a bright star appears in the east
12:39And a child is born
12:41There is a season of celebration
12:43But when a child appears on a sacrificial slab
12:48Of the temple of an ancient people who worshipped the devil
12:51What will the season bring?
12:54We live by the philosophy
13:03That no one is born evil
13:07That only time and circumstance
13:10Can corrupt the innocence of an infant
13:13And yet, deep within us
13:17We feel some doubt
13:20When monsters arise
13:22What made Cain
13:25Was Adolf Hitler
13:28Or Jack the Ripper
13:29Ever a clean slate?
13:32Why should we not wonder even stronger
13:35When a child appears out of nowhere
13:38In the temple of Satan
13:40Well
13:43I am not happy to see you leave, my friends
13:46We'll miss you too, Miguel
13:48Oh, that of course
13:49But
13:49I wish you
13:51Had not decided to adopt the baby
13:54And
13:54Take him with you
13:56I would have preferred you to leave him here with me
13:59Until I could
14:00Assertain what his origins are
14:02I think he's right, Amir
14:04There's still time to change our minds
14:06Oh, no
14:07No, we fought harder to take him with us
14:09And those artifacts from the chamber
14:11I'm not going to give him up now
14:13What difference does it make where our son came from
14:16Or who left him there?
14:18He's a perfectly normal baby
14:19And
14:20He means more to me than
14:22The trophies we're carrying off
14:23Well, if you have made your minds up
14:26Then
14:26All I can say is
14:28Viacondios
14:29I am very delighted that you both have what you wish
14:32Stephen, you'll find we'd have an historical impact
14:36Our find, Miguel
14:38Would have been impossible without you
14:40And my gratitude for helping us with the baby
14:42We've named your godchild, Michael
14:45To you
14:46Ah
14:46A great honor, Amir
14:48You'll keep trying to trace his parents?
14:50Yes
14:51If that is what you wish
14:53Don't try too hard, Miguel
14:55It doesn't matter where he came from
14:57We're all he needs from now on
14:59I hope you are right
15:01Immediately
15:02Stamper here
15:13Oh, no
15:16I'm sorry
15:18That will have to wait
15:20And look, another thing
15:22Don't set up any more interviews
15:23My wife and I have had it
15:25All right, I'll let you know
15:28Right
15:28Don't be so short with Conrad
15:31He's only trying to promote your book
15:32I know he is, Amir
15:33But we're entitled to some privacy
15:35We've been back home for almost a year now
15:38And I'm sick of interviews and publicity
15:39The people poking around here
15:41Oh, you know you don't mean that
15:43You're positively glowing with success
15:45Yeah
15:46You proved your theory about the pre-Teltic people
15:49The influence they had on earlier civilizations
15:51And, well, just look at the results
15:53Academic honors
15:54And, oh, the fantastic sale of your books on the expedition
15:58This year's been good for you, Steve
16:00Well, of course it has, Amir
16:01But if we hadn't gone on that bloody trip
16:04We'd have some peace at least
16:05We wouldn't have Michael
16:06Well, no, you're right, my dear
16:08Oh, he's quite a handful for a kid his age
16:12Only a year old
16:14He's been walking for months
16:15And he's such a good-looking child
16:17He's so well-behaved
16:19No, too well-behaved
16:20You know, it's scary
16:22He hardly makes any sounds at all
16:23Oh, count your blessings
16:25Our neighbors envy us so
16:27They want to know how I discipline Michael
16:29He's such an angel
16:31Doesn't need any discipline
16:33Well, maybe he doesn't, but I do
16:34I've got to finish my notes for the lecture tour
16:37Are you sure you won't come with me, Amir
16:40Well, who'd look after Michael?
16:42Well, Karen
16:43She's perfectly capable
16:44Nonsense
16:45I mean, he'll be gone in a month
16:47And he needs me
16:49So do I
16:51Oh, don't tell me you're jealous
16:53Oh, no, no, no
16:54But I am disturbed
16:56You've got to give a little, Em
16:59Don't try to smother him
17:00It's no good for either of you
17:03Stephen
17:15Well, I didn't expect you home so soon
17:18It's Michael's birthday
17:20So I thought I'd be early
17:22I was taking a sentimental journey back through the years
17:26With Michael's birthday books
17:27Here he is at two
17:29Yes, I remember
17:33We took him to the zoo
17:34And he was flaccid
17:35Here he is a year ago
17:38Five years old
17:40Crying like a weed
17:41Oh, that reminds me
17:43What can I do to help with the festivities?
17:46Oh, nothing
17:47Just relax
17:48Where's Mike?
17:51Well, I sent him out to play
17:52On his birthday?
17:54Hey, I don't understand
17:56What's wrong, Emilia?
18:00Nothing
18:00The party's off?
18:04No one's going to show up?
18:06Is that it?
18:06Oh, who cares?
18:09Well, you do for one
18:10Why aren't they coming?
18:13Because we have stuffy neighbors with
18:14stuffy children
18:16I just think it's time we moved
18:18Oh, they're all out of step, hmm?
18:20That's right
18:21Take their side
18:22Oh, for heaven's sake
18:23Em, I'm not taking any side
18:25I just want to know
18:27Well, he tears butterflies apart
18:31Yanks legs off frogs
18:34Well, he's inherited your scientific curiosity
18:37Oh, you know that's impossible
18:38Well, I mean, you would
18:40You set an example for him
18:41Em
18:42Level with me, would you?
18:46What happened between Michael
18:47And the fielding child?
18:49Nothing
18:50I told you
18:51All right, then
18:52You don't mind if I call them
18:53And straighten this out?
18:54You, you, you go ahead
18:55And, and call
18:56You'll agree
18:56It's a tempest in a teapot
18:58I'd rather hear it from you, Em
18:59Sarah?
19:03This Stephen
19:04Stephen Stampler
19:06Well, yes, I know
19:08I read your note
19:09Well, can you tell me why?
19:15Michael did what?
19:19Are you sure?
19:21I see
19:23Yes, I know how you feel
19:27And, uh
19:27Thanks for being direct
19:30Bye
19:32Well?
19:36I just don't understand
19:39Curiosity
19:40It's simple, childish curiosity
19:44Children
19:44Try to discover the world
19:46Around them
19:46They, they smell
19:48Taste
19:48Feel
19:50They hurt
19:50Well, yes, sometimes they hurt
19:52Not out of malice
19:54Try to be honest, Em
19:55How would you feel
19:58If you were Sarah Fielding?
20:01I hope I'd have the good sense
20:03To take things in stride
20:04Would you?
20:06I can't believe it's you, Emilia
20:08You've lost all sense of objectivity
20:11I mean, you've lost all sense of proportion
20:13Are you trying to cast Michael as a, as a monster?
20:16I'd like to understand him
20:18But I think I need help
20:20And so does he
20:23Miller?
20:33Miller?
20:34Oh
20:34There you are
20:36How are the silver bells?
20:39Fine
20:40But the cockle shells are a bit droopy
20:43And so am I
20:44Oh, nonsense
20:45Very gallant, Stephen
20:47But age is beginning to catch up
20:50I don't know where the last ten years have disappeared
20:53Seems only yesterday that Michael was six
20:56Entering school for the first time
20:58Now he's almost grown
21:00Seventeen
21:01Oh, my
21:04You look handsome today
21:06You're even wearing a tie
21:08Yes, so I am
21:09What's the occasion?
21:11We have a friend in town
21:13Old Sir Rubius
21:15Oh, I didn't know he was in this day
21:17Neither did I
21:18He's consulting with the museum people
21:20And he'd like to see us
21:21I asked him out to lunch
21:23Ah, that was thoughtful
21:24Now, there's no need to fuss, Amelia
21:26Of course not
21:27I'll get the soil off my hands
21:28And throw something together
21:30If Miguel doesn't mind
21:31I certainly don't
21:32Well, thank you, Ann
21:32Is there anything I can get from town for you?
21:35No
21:36Just hurry back
21:37Sir Rubius is dying to see Mike
21:39What time is Mike Lou here?
21:42Oh, dear
21:43I forgot to tell you
21:45There was a letter from Michael in the morning mail
21:47He's staying at the academy through the holidays
21:50Well, that's odd
21:51Did you say why?
21:53Well, he wants to catch up with some school work
21:56And there's an experiment going in the lab
21:58He just can't leave
21:59Well, that's too bad
22:00Miguel was looking forward to a visit with Mike
22:03He made quite a point of it
22:05This is quite a machine
22:14It sounds like my coffee grime
22:17It's reliable transportation, Miguel
22:20Despite the noise it makes
22:22And how is the boy?
22:26Well, very well
22:27And so is Amelia
22:28You look fit
22:30I should be
22:32I still clamber over rocks
22:34Like a mountain goat
22:35And dig interminable tunnels
22:38Have you found anything more at the old digs?
22:42Enough to verify your findings
22:44But one thing
22:47We never discovered
22:48No trace of Mike's parents, eh?
22:51No, no
22:51I have shown the pictures you send me
22:55To every man, woman and child in the region
22:57Nothing
22:59Wait
23:02How is he getting home?
23:04He seems to like it at the academy
23:06As a matter of fact
23:08Things are going so well there
23:09He won't be home for the holidays
23:11I'm sorry
23:13It's too bad
23:14I must see him
23:17Perhaps I still can't
23:20Well, he's not due home until the summer vacation
23:22In that case
23:23Mohammed must go to the mountain
23:26That's quite a trip
23:27Not to see a godchild
23:30Well, here we are
23:34We're here at last
23:36Miguel
23:38How nice to see you again
23:41It is always a pleasure, dear Amelia
23:44Oh, you look more enchanting than you
23:48Oh, thank you
23:49You're so good for my ego
23:50I have drinks set on the terrace
23:52Would you like to unpack first?
23:54Ah, no, I think not
23:55A drink would be fine
23:57And then
23:57I must be going
23:59But you've just arrived
24:01I've prepared lunch
24:02We haven't seen you in years
24:04Too many years
24:05I know, but I may get a chance
24:07To stop in before I go home
24:09What made you change your mind?
24:11He's going to visit Mike
24:12Aren't you, old friend?
24:14Yes, I think so
24:16Oh, he'll be delighted
24:17As we are disappointed
24:19I thought so
24:20It would be nice to feel wanted by a godchild I have not seen since he was an infant
24:27I'm sure he'd love to see you
24:30He keeps asking about you all the time
24:32You can feel flattered, Miguel
24:33Well, you seem to be the only human being he has any interest in
24:36Yeah, besides you and Amelia
24:38Of course
24:39That's a strange thing to say
24:42Oh, you must forgive me
24:44I have not been in civilized company for ages
24:47My conversation is a little, how do you say, rusty?
24:52Exactly
24:52My bones and my speech are undoubtedly growing rusty
24:58That is why I want to see him on this trip
25:01I may never have the opportunity again
25:05Could you get that, Stephen?
25:17I'm just finishing the show, dear
25:19Very well
25:20Michael
25:25I don't understand
25:28No hello
25:29Should I go out and start over again?
25:32Quit, not silly
25:33Hello, darling
25:35Ah, that's more like it
25:36Stephen
25:37It's Michael
25:38Mike
25:40I know
25:40Mother had the same reaction
25:42I just got through sooner than I thought I would
25:44So I rushed home
25:46Put your bags in your room and I'll fix something to eat
25:48You look well, Dad
25:51Why shouldn't I?
25:53Leisure is good for the thinking classes
25:55You look a bit drawn
25:57Are they pushing you?
26:00No
26:00I'm pushing myself
26:02There's so much to do
26:04What's new?
26:06Your godfather paid us a visit
26:08He wanted to see you
26:09Well, here I am
26:11He had to leave
26:12Obviously, he didn't get to see you at the academy
26:15No
26:17I didn't even know he planned to make the trip
26:19Oh, that's odd
26:20He said he would go to the academy directly
26:23We must have crossed paths
26:25Oh, excuse me, Mike
26:28Hello
26:30Yes, this is Dr. Stephen Stamford
26:33Would you mind reading it?
26:37What?
26:40Would you read that again, please?
26:44Oh, my God
26:45What is it, dear?
26:49It's a wire from the academy
26:50They found Sir Rubius
26:53Found him
26:55Yes
26:56Miguel is dead
26:59Michael
27:06Michael
27:07Are you home?
27:09He's out, Amelia
27:10His car's gone
27:12Strange
27:13He seemed out of the weather this morning
27:15Well, he didn't want to attend the funeral
27:17Oh, nonsense
27:18He just wasn't feeling well
27:19You still believe that act after all these years
27:23You know, he's always avoided unpleasantness that way
27:27Well, it was unpleasant, Stephen
27:29An old friend
27:30To go that way
27:33All right, all right, Ann
27:34It's all over
27:36What could have done it?
27:39You mean who, Ann?
27:41No, I don't
27:42Nothing
27:42Human
27:44Could have been responsible for Miguel's death
27:46I wonder
27:48You wonder what, Dad?
27:51Where did you come from, Michael?
27:52You startled me
27:53I was in the garage
27:54My fan belt's loose
27:55I was tightening it
27:57You should have come to the funeral
27:58What for?
28:00I never saw Professor Sir Rubius
28:02He was your godfather
28:04You were his namesake
28:06I wasn't feeling so hot anyway
28:08I thought I was coming down with something
28:10How do you feel now?
28:11Better, I think
28:12You look healthy enough to me
28:15Well, that doesn't mean a thing
28:16I'll put the tea up
28:18And then it's off to bed with you
28:19She still thinks you're a child, Mike
28:22I know
28:23I want to talk to you, Dad
28:26That's why I came home from school
28:28All right, shoot
28:29I really don't know what I want to do
28:32I think I've had the academy
28:34But you said you liked it there
28:37You're doing well
28:39I know, but I can't make the scene there anymore
28:42Too much work?
28:44No, not really
28:45I'm just not on to some of the stuff
28:47I've got to handle there
28:48The creeps in Fairmount
28:50Are still living in the 17th century
28:52They'd have witch burning
28:54If the law didn't forbid it
28:55What's that got to do with you?
28:57Well, some of my experiments
28:59Have got them on the warpath
29:00How about your working
29:02In the physical sciences?
29:04Well, not exactly
29:05I've been going beyond that
29:07Like what?
29:08Well, for one thing
29:10ESP
29:12You've always felt I had it
29:14Well, that's not considered supernatural today
29:17Yeah, I know
29:18But the townies think it is
29:19Well, that's all the fuss
29:21I think you should stay on
29:23It never pays to bow down to ignorance
29:26I'm glad you see it that way, Dad
29:28Oh, but there's more, isn't there?
29:30What do you know about my people?
29:34Where I come from?
29:36Not too much
29:37How about Sir Rubius?
29:40Well, he thought he was on to something
29:42He was on his way to talk to you about it
29:45Hmm
29:45Too bad we missed each other
29:48Did you?
29:51Well, of course
29:52I told you I was on my way back here
29:55When I heard...
29:55That's not exactly what happened, Mike
29:57He called me from the airport when he landed
30:00What did he say?
30:03I don't know
30:04Amelia and I were out
30:06He left a message with our answering service
30:08He said he was going right out to see you
30:11That he had phoned ahead
30:13I never heard from him
30:15And that if anything happened
30:16There was a letter
30:17That he was mailing to us
30:19Well, then you did hear from him
30:21By mail, at least
30:22We never received the letter
30:25Did you?
30:28Now you're accusing me of tampering with your mail?
30:31I'm only asking, Michael
30:32Do you really think I saw Sir Rubius that night?
30:36Did you, Mike?
30:38You're as bad as the townspeople
30:40What do you want to hear?
30:42A full confession?
30:44Oh, okay
30:44I saw the old man
30:46I killed him
30:47Is that enough?
30:49Or do you want me to invent the gory details, too?
30:55Fear can be a force for good or evil
31:02It can keep us from harm
31:05Or it can be a malignancy
31:07That feeds on darkness and ignorance
31:10Is Mike a victim of rumor and coincidence?
31:16Or is he truly evil?
31:25There is a peculiar kind of fear
31:28We call courage
31:30That makes us go on
31:32When all we want to do is find peace and shelter
31:35It makes men who fear heights
31:38Climb mountains
31:40Soldiers who detest war and suffering
31:43Advance on bloody battlefields
31:46Some call it pride
31:48Rather than courage
31:50Choose now
31:52Retreat now
31:54And regret it
31:56Or go on with me
31:58To act three
31:59Mike, I've just heard from the police
32:02They're still running down leads
32:03On the murder of Sir Rubius
32:05But they admit it seems hopeless
32:07Too bad
32:08Did you ever get the letter
32:11He said he mailed you?
32:12No, I
32:13Don't know what could have happened
32:15Neither do I
32:17How are you doing in the workshop?
32:20I don't know
32:21Thank God frogs are such fast breeders
32:24I kill them off so fast
32:26No results?
32:27Only with our neighbors
32:28They seem to connect my frogs
32:30With everything bad that's happening
32:32The Gilmore child comes down with meningitis
32:35My frogs are responsible
32:36The drought and the unusual heat
32:39The salmonella outbreak
32:40All part of my wicked machinations
32:43How would you like to come out of retirement?
32:46Both of you
32:47What do you mean?
32:49I'd like to go back to the place you found me
32:51To see if I can trace my origins
32:53Maybe I'll find myself then
32:56Well, I don't know, Mike
32:58I just hadn't thought about it
33:00Well, then don't
33:02Let's just do it
33:03Oh, what a minute!
33:07It's a gift from our loving neighbors
33:09It's a brick
33:10There's a note attached to it
33:12Let me see that, Mike
33:14This is your last warning
33:20Leave or we will send you back
33:23To the hell where you belong
33:25They're not all clods after all
33:28Someone has imagination
33:29And a gift of expression
33:31This is no laughing matter, Mike
33:33I'm going to find out
33:35Who's responsible for this outrage
33:37Well, Dr. Sampler
33:44Delighted to see you
33:46I think we can do without the formalities, Reverend Stokes
33:49I just want some answers
33:51Yes, so do I
33:52I haven't seen you in charge for quite a while
33:55You're very fortunate
33:56I didn't attend last week
33:57I don't think you'd care for my reaction to your sermon
34:00Oh, then you don't believe in the presence of Satan
34:03No, I don't
34:05All I know is
34:06What that kind of talk leads to
34:08Oh, the brick, you mean
34:10I'm sorry about that
34:12Well, yes, you should be
34:13You've got these farmers half insane
34:15With your superstitious prattle
34:16Some say that about religion
34:18I wonder why
34:19All right, let's not get sidetracked, Reverend Stokes
34:21I don't want a theological debate
34:23I want you to tell your congregation the truth
34:25And what is that, Dr. Stump
34:27That my son, Mike, raises frogs for his lab experiments
34:30Shall I tell them to believe in coincidence?
34:33What coincidence?
34:33That a peaceful town is ripped apart
34:36Every time your son returns
34:38That cattle die for no reason at all
34:41That we are suffering epidemics
34:43And the worst drought in our history
34:45All because of coincidence?
34:47Yes, yes, you tell them that
34:48This is the 20th century
34:49What else could it be?
34:51Ask your son, Dr. Stump
34:53Ask him if he's just doing lab experiments
34:57I told you, Dad
35:02I'm going back where you've found me
35:03With or without you?
35:05Mike, that is foolish
35:07Sir Rubius excavated for years
35:09But found nothing
35:10What makes you think you care?
35:12Because I was born to it
35:13And Sir Rubius was not
35:15He was contaminated by Spanish blood
35:17My lines are pure
35:20I need to find my way to another world
35:23Will you come with me?
35:26You're not serious, Mike
35:28I've got to go, Mother
35:29I thought you'd understand
35:31Well, I do
35:31I just want you to think things through a little longer
35:34Go back to school
35:36Just finish this semester
35:37And then we'll all go back
35:38I promise you
35:40That makes sense, Mike
35:41It's only a few months
35:43What do you say?
35:46Okay
35:47But I won't let you stall me past then
35:49I think my word is good enough
35:52It is, Dad
35:54Then
35:54That's settled
35:55Now
35:56Why don't you take Dad out for a walk?
35:58This room needs cleaning and airing
36:00Are you implying?
36:01Not at all
36:02I'm stating it quite clearly
36:04Either I clean this place now
36:06Or I'll send in some goats
36:07To keep you company tonight
36:09Now, shoot
36:09Okay, I'll go
36:10How about the keys to the car?
36:13I thought we were going for a walk
36:15Take a rain check
36:16I'd like to drive into the city
36:18Don't be my guest
36:19Here
36:20Just drive carefully
36:22Don't worry
36:23I'll be back for dinner
36:25Can I give you a hand, Amanda?
36:27I don't think so, Stephen
36:28My, this place is dusty
36:30I'll empty the trash basket for you
36:32Just dump things into the plastic bag
36:35Don't you feed Mike, Amanda?
36:40Could I do?
36:41Look at all these hamburger wrappings
36:43Well, I think he feeds his frogs with them
36:46Oh, no
36:47What's wrong, Stephen?
36:49He was white as a sheet
36:50Yeah
36:50It's a piece of paper
36:53Well, what is it?
36:57It's part of an envelope, Amanda
36:58The one that contained
37:01The letter Serubius wrote to us
37:04Oh, my God
37:06But
37:07Why didn't Mike
37:08Destroy the letter?
37:11That's what I'm wondering, too
37:12And I don't like the answer I get
37:16Hello
37:23Yes
37:25This is Dr. Stampler
37:26He what?
37:32Can't be
37:33We'll be right over
37:35Yes, but I want to see my son
37:39What is it, Stephen?
37:41What?
37:43Stokes
37:43I don't want to see him
37:45I want to see my son
37:46Hello
37:47Hello
37:48He hung up
37:51What happened?
37:53Mike
37:54They're looking for him
37:56What for?
37:57They claim he's killed someone
37:59I don't believe it
38:00What?
38:01What, the car?
38:03I mean, was it an accident?
38:04It was no accident
38:04They found Claire Baxter dead
38:08What's that got to do with Mike?
38:11They claim he was seen near the place where the body was found
38:14Where's Mike now?
38:18He's disappeared
38:18They found our car in the ravine
38:22Oh, no
38:23I'll go see
38:24Good evening
38:29Yes, Reverend Stokes
38:31What is it?
38:32May I come in?
38:33No, you may not
38:34Now clear out of here
38:35What's wrong with you, Stephen?
38:37Please come in, Reverend
38:38Thank you, Mrs. Stampler
38:41I know it's painful
38:43But I must talk to you
38:45What is there to talk about?
38:47Your son
38:47I tried to reach you before
38:50With facts
38:51But you wouldn't listen
38:52Well, why should I?
38:53Of all these silly nonsense
38:54No nonsense this time, I'm afraid
38:56Your son
38:58Has committed murder
39:00Just because he was seen near where the girl was found
39:04Up at half the town
39:05No one else in town would kill the way Claire was slaughtered
39:08Please, I don't want to hear anymore
39:10Then we'll just sit quietly and wait
39:13For what?
39:15For your son to return
39:17And then what?
39:20Then we'll
39:21We'll do what must be done
39:24You won't wait here?
39:27Now be sensible
39:27There are men just beyond this door
39:29I would prefer to do this as reasonably as possible
39:33Do what?
39:34Just ask him a few questions, Mrs. Stampler
39:36Now please let me handle this
39:39Or would you prefer mob violence?
39:43Ask your questions, Stokes
39:44I'm here
39:45You might save yourself
39:47Not yet
39:47I've got a score to settle with old Milton
39:49Sit down, Michael
39:51It's all over for you
39:53For you, Meddler
39:54No, Asmodeus
39:56Your time has come
39:58Asmodeus?
39:59Asmodeus, Satan
40:00Whatever you call yourself
40:01Sit down and answer my questions
40:05I've changed my mind
40:06I'll answer your questions if you catch me
40:08Stop him, Stephen
40:10Please don't let him go
40:11Oh, Meddler
40:12Don't worry
40:12Stokes will never get him
40:14Neither will that mob
40:15He's on his way back
40:17Back?
40:18Where?
40:19Where we found him, Meddler
40:21In the sacrificial chamber
40:24Sarovia said
40:27Someday Mike
40:28Would return
40:29Just a while longer, Meddler
40:39I'm all right, Stephen
40:41Do you think we'll find him?
40:44He wanted so badly
40:45To find his way back
40:46He must be here
40:47I'm glad he got away from them all
40:50I'm not so sure about that
40:52I pieced together Sarovia's letter
40:55From the scraps
40:55In the wastebasket
40:56It explains a great deal
40:59Michael was not just an ordinary Indian child
41:03Abandoned by his parents
41:04The tribes have a legend
41:07About the pure-born son of kings
41:10Who is sacrificed for his people
41:12Do you think, Michael?
41:15I don't know, Meddler
41:16I don't know what to believe anymore
41:18There's...
41:22There's a light
41:23In the chamber ahead
41:25I know
41:26Hold this lantern, Meddler
41:28Hold it high
41:30Don't come any closer
41:32Michael
41:34Oh, thank God we found you
41:37Where are you, Mike?
41:40Boy, we believe in you
41:42We trust you
41:44Stay where you are
41:45Do as I tell you
41:47We want to help you
41:48Then leave
41:49That's the best you can do for me
41:51You kept me from my destiny
41:54When you took me from this tomb
41:56Let me fulfill it now
41:58We love you, Michael
41:59Please save yourself
42:01Hold the lantern higher, Meddler
42:05What is it?
42:09There's a child, Em
42:11There's a baby on the altar
42:14Where we found Mike
42:15It's Michael
42:16Oh, my God
42:18It's Michael
42:20It can't be
42:22Yes, I remember every detail
42:24Stay back
42:26Stay back, stay back a minute
42:27Don't come any closer
42:28It's a child on the altar
42:30It's Mike
42:32Someone
42:34Well, something is standing over it
42:38Oh, no
42:41Oh, no
42:42I can't believe it
42:44The child's off
42:45Oh, God, no
42:47Michael
42:49Oh, my God
42:52It's too late, Amelia
42:58It's all over now
43:01Whoever it was
43:05Has disappeared, Amelia
43:07He's gone
43:11A child is born
43:17Becomes a man
43:19Then dies
43:21The natural order of things
43:24No one can upset it
43:26But not in the case of Michael Stampler
43:30Or whatever his true name was
43:32He was plucked out of antiquity by accident
43:36And returned there by desire
43:39Our cast included Patricia Rowe
43:42Ralph Bell
43:43Don Scardino
43:44And Ian Martin
43:46The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown
43:50This is E.G. Marshall inviting you to return to our mystery theater
43:54For another adventure in the macabre
43:57Until next time
44:00Pleasant dreams
44:03The other adventure in the macabre
44:06The other adventure in the macabre
44:07The other adventure in the macabre
44:08The other adventure in the macabre
44:08The other adventure in the macabre
44:09The other adventure in the macabre
44:09The other adventure in the macabre
44:10The other adventure in the macabre
44:10The other adventure in the macabre
44:11The other adventure in the macabre
44:12The other adventure in the macabre
44:12The other adventure in the macabre
44:13The other adventure in the macabre
44:13The other adventure in the macabre
44:14The other adventure in the macabre
44:14The other adventure in the macabre
44:15The other adventure in the macabre
44:16The other adventure in the macabre
44:16The other adventure in the macabre
44:17The other adventure in the macabre
44:18The other adventure in the macabre