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My name is Steve.

Oh, yes, Mr. Noble was expecting you, sir, but I'm afraid he's been taken ill.

Oh, what's wrong with him? Well, I don't really know, sir. It's some kind of

stroke, I think. Has the doctor been? Well, not yet, but he's on his way now.

When did this happen?

Well, I went into his room about ten minutes ago.

He's usually about by this time. I knocked on the door in case he'd gone

sleep, but there was no answer. Well, can I see him, Mrs. Dunning?

Yes, I suppose so, sir.

Neville? He's been working too hard, sir. That's what it is.

I told him to take things easy at his age. Doesn't look like a stroke to me.

What is it, sir? Have you seen it

before? Never.

Has Mr. Neville had his mail this morning? Yes, it's there with his

sir. Some circulars and a small parcel.

Could I see them, please?

in this parcel.

Was he all right when you brought his breakfast?

Right as rain, sir. He was looking forward to his meeting.

He was so enthusiastic about his new idea, especially when he knew that there

was interest in official circles.

It was like a tonic to him, sir.

He said it would make him a VIP.

That'll be the doctor now, sir.

I'll wait and hear what he has to say. Yes, but you might wait in the study.

Hello? 110.

Where have you been?

Go ahead, Steve.

Neville said some kind of stroke. The doctor's with him now.

Stroke? How serious?

Why, I'll know more about that when I've seen him.

The main thing is, he won't be able to attend the Missile Committee meeting

today. Or for some time, by the look of it.

I suggest that I take charge of his papers. You'll deposit them with me, and

want to know what happened to him.

I told the doctor you wanted to have a word with him, sir.

Thank you, Mrs. Dunning.

How is Mr. Neville, Doctor?

Physically, he's in reasonable shape for a man of his age.

His heart is none too strong, but he hasn't suffered a stroke.

He seems to have had a severe shock.

Shock? What, like getting a fright or bad news?

Perhaps. Anyway, I put him under sedation. Rest and sleep often work

a case of this sort.

I'll call back this afternoon, Mrs. Dunning.

Of course, if there's any change, you'll ring me up. Doctor.

Can you give any reason for Mr. Neville's condition?

No physical reason.

If you like, I can call in a second opinion.

Oh, no, that's quite unnecessary.

Well, good morning. Good morning, Doctor.

Good morning.

Oh, Mr. Neville.

What a dreadful morning. Well, it must have been very trying for you, Mrs.

Downing. Now, look, could you do something for me?

Could you get his keys for this briefcase and those desk drawers, eh?

Well, now, wouldn't it be sensible if we put all his things in a safe place

until he's well again, OK?

Yes, I'll get the keys, sir. Fine.

I see Mr. Neville has a lot of books on psychic research, but thank you very

much. And spiritualism. Well, he dabbled a bit after his wife died. It said it

gave him comfort, but I don't think he bothers now, sir.

Yes, I'll take these and... Fine.

What is it, sir? It's nothing for you to worry about, darling.

Here are your keys.

Thank you.

Hold that, please. Yes, please. Bye.

I know the face.

Forget the name.

Ah, yes.

Poor Yorick.

I knew him well, you know.

Fellow of infinite jest.

It's more than can be said for you.

Now, what do you want to see? I really am very busy.

I believe this is what they call a hex symbol.

Now, you know something about black magic, don't you?

Yes. Where'd you get it?

From a man's hand. He was ill with some kind of shock.

What does this man do?

He's a scientist.

Is he interested in the occult? Well, he's interested in psychic research,

spiritualism. That's not a connection.

Anything else?

This.

This is a very rare book.

The scientists might have let his interest lead him into a black magic

They sometimes go in for this sort of thing.

If he were in such a circle, they might have put a hex on him, like a spell.

That could account for a state of shock.

A spell, like the Sleeping Beauty, eh?

I suppose that is a parallel.

This man's a scientist, logical, intelligent.

It's not a question of intelligence, Steve, but of faith.

Black magic is based on the premise that evil, intelligently controlled, is more

powerful than good.

A man was murdered in this country a few years ago. The police now admit he was

a victim, a sacrifice for a black magic ritual.

There's plenty of evidence.

There's a famous case in France.

Nothing here, I think.

Yeah, here we are.

In 1925, the village of Varay in northern France was terrorised by what

thought to be a mad dog or a wolf.

One night after a young child had been mauled in its cot, an animal like a wolf

was seen running from the house and was fired at and wounded by a policeman.

The next day, the police followed the blood trail which led to the cottage of

farm labourer, long suspected of practising witchcraft.

They found the man in bed suffering from gunshot wounds he couldn't or wouldn't

explain, and from which he subsequently died.

Read for yourself.

The facts are taken from court transcripts, post -mortem records,

evidence, sworn testimony.

That's all right. Thank you, Mrs. Gann. There are plenty of other examples I can

find you. There's one in here, I think, of a man in England in 1947 who was

accused of assault.

He declared he'd been under a spell for five years.

And it assaulted the witch who put the evil eye on him.

That's excellent, Julia. You've got the right idea.

Now, the next little bit is at the altar.

Oh, Julia, dear.

I'm sorry we'll have to postpone your instruction because Mr.

Markle's here.

Is Peter Neville here? Did the experiment work?

Experiment? I don't like that word, Mr. Markle. It suggests the possibility of

failure. No need to be offended. Is Peter Neville here?

No, but he will be when I want him to.

In the meantime, there's some money due, isn't there? Nothing is due until you

produce Neville.

The sum agreed was 5 ,000 pounds, I believe. Not until I see Neville and his

formula. You must understand, it's not my money to throw around.

Look, I've kept my side of the bargain. The bargain was that you produce

Neville. Mr. Markle, I've done business with such people as Watterson the

physicist and Marshall the engineer.

Your predecessors not only paid me, they trusted me. I do not know you as well

as my predecessors.

Well, perhaps I know you better.

Really? Well, frankly, I think it's a waste of good money to spend it on this

magic nonsense.

Oh, I'm sorry you feel like that, Mr. Markle.

But there are other countries and agents I can do business with you now. No, no,

no. I'm sorry.

It's just that it's so important to us to get hold of Neville.

I'll give you your money. Good.

But you really will bring Neville here.

Mr. Markle, you have my word for it.

How does it work?

Black magicians have real powers.

At least over the people who believe in them.

Psychology plays a big part in the warlock's control of his victims.

Warlock? His chief magician, sometimes called a male witch.

The more receptive the victim, the greater the control.

Could this warlock influence at a distance?

Certainly. And could the victim be made to do whatever the warlock ordered?

Quite probably.

Mr. Seed, where is your scientist now?

At his home.

If he were my responsibility, I wouldn't leave him alone.

Mr. Neville was still sleeping when I looked in over an hour ago. Has anyone

been here since I left this morning? Well, the doctor came again.

What did he say? Well, there didn't seem to be any great change, so he didn't

stay long. And no one else has called? No, sir.

Now, all right, Mrs. Downing. Now, you just go and see if he's anywhere else in

the house. That's it.

He's nowhere in the house. Look in the wardrobe.

And see if any of his clothes are missing. Yes, sir.

Great suits of cleaners.

The blue one should be here, sir.

And his money's missing, too. He always puts it there when he gets into bed.

He's probably dressed and gone out. Now, you heard nothing at all? No, sir. And

no one could get in without you noticing? No, the door was locked on the

The key was in the lock? Yes, sir.

His briefcase is missing from the study. Now, did you put it away?

I haven't touched it, sir.

Neville?

Neville, come here.

is the law, Neville?

Do as thou wilt is the whole of the law.

Get the papers from him.

Are the papers the formula for the new propellant in that case, Neville?

Yes.

Give them to me.

Give them to me, Neville.

Come now, Neville.

Give them to me.

They're not here.

He's tricked you.

And you've tricked me out of 5 ,000 pounds.

Quiet, Marco.

I want that formula or there'll be trouble.

Well, it's obvious to me that someone's removed those papers without Neville's

knowing it. Who? That I don't know. Can't you look in your crystal ball?

Unfortunately, I can't do anything until I know the identity of the person who's

removed the papers. They could be anywhere.

I shall have to get the formula out of him myself.

Wake him up.

Neville, when I snap my fingers, you'll wake up.

Understand?

Neville, listen to me.

The formula for your propellant. I want it. Tell me what it is.

The formula. What is it?

Galleon, make him talk.

Look, I've fulfilled my part of the bargain. It's no fault of mine if some

interfering person has removed the papers.

But if you want me to exercise my powers again, we'll have to fix another price.

We will fix nothing.

My methods are more effective than yours.

Somehow I doubt if that will help him to remember, Marco.

We shall see.

Your methods are certainly effective, Markle.

He's dead.

Liver slightly enlarged, not excessively.

Pancreas clear.

Unusually excessive acidity in the stomach tissues.

That's the lot, Miss Timpson. I'll put it in the proper jargon later.

Hello, you must be Steed.

That's right. I'm supposed to answer your questions.

Nobody's bothered to tell me why, naturally.

Naturally. So, what do you want to know? What caused Peter Neville's death?

Coronary thrombosis.

They tell me it's one of the occupational hazards of the scientific

Mine too come to think of it. So it was natural causes?

Yes, there was the usual faring of the artery.

All the physical signs.

You're not quite satisfied?

No.

Have you any idea how his body got into the river?

No, he might have fallen in after the attack.

Could someone have pushed him in? Where is he?

I suppose so. There is something else.

Someone struck him in the face.

You can see the bruising. Could it have anything to do with his death?

Nothing.

But it must have happened just before he died.

I see. Anything else?

An unusual amount of acid in the stomach tissues. He was under intense nervous

strain. Yes, sir.

Technically speaking, of course, it was a perfectly natural death.

That's what the certificate will say.

Good. Thank you, doctor.

This is most distressing news, Mrs. Dunning.

I did not even know Peter was ill.

Well, it all happened so suddenly.

But how he got up and dressed himself, I shall never know. He was out cold when

I looked in an hour before.

You told the police, of course. Oh, yes, yes, of course. It must be very

worrying for you, sir, being an old friend of Mr. Neville's. Yes, yes, it

Have you known him long?

We were at university together.

Oh, really?

Well, I only hope I can find these papers for you, sir. Quite frankly, so

They represent several weeks' work.

Well, if you gave them to Mr. Neville, then they'll be here, sir. I'm sorry to

give you so much trouble at this time, but I need those papers for a lecture

giving.

They're terribly important.

You haven't moved any of these things, have you? Oh, no.

Did the police take anything away? Well, I don't think so, but why would they

want your papers? Would anyone else have taken them?

Well, I don't think so, sir.

Well, a man came soon after Mr. Neville was taken ill. He took some papers out

of the dispatch case, but of course they wouldn't be anything to do with yours.

This desk is private.

If these papers are here, I must find them. I am in charge of this house. I

you to make this mess.

Do as I look.

Mr. Neville kept private papers in there.

Where's the key?

I forbid you to open that drawer! Where's the key?

The key.

You remember Wotherson, the physicist who shot himself in 1959?

Uh -huh. And Marshall, the engineer?

Well, both of them were working on top -secret stuff.

In both cases, a leakage of information was established.

Nothing was proven.

Any connection with Neville?

Both men had a fairly extensive library on the occult and psychic phenomena.

Nobody thought anything about it at the time, but now with Neville added to the

list, it does seem there's a link.

Any indication they were members of the Black Magic Circle?

People don't boast about that sort of thing.

Steed, I'm convinced in my own mind that there is a connection.

We must find the common denominator.

Well, I'm going to have a look over Neville's books.

Discreetly, of course.

There may be something there.

Myrtle. Yes, sir?

Is this the bottom of the barrel?

And what are you doing here?

What are you doing here?

Same as you.

And what's that?

Trying to find out who sent the hex symbol to Peter Neville. Have you found

anything? Yes, some mathematical problems. I was just about to take them

You're welcome.

There might be something here.

You made a mess of the place, haven't you?

I'm terribly sorry. It was like this when I arrived.

All quite harmless and all bought in the same place.

And where's that?

The occult bookshop in Elm Street. It's run by a man called Cosmo Gallion. Well,

talk of the devil. Hey, got his name on it here.

A horoscope.

Probably Neville. Who is this Cosmo Gallion?

An authority on paranormal psychology.

He lectures on learned papers at erudite societies.

I didn't know he went in for this sort of thing.

Look at that.

An eagle.

He probably uses it as a kind of identification.

An eagle is the equivalent of power.

Could he be mixed up in black magic?

He's got a highly respectable reputation.

What for?

Paranormal psychology. It's the study of trance states, hypnotism, telepathy,

that sort of thing.

Wouldn't it be better if I went?

Where? To Cosmo Galliam's.

I don't think so.

How are you going to discuss paranormal phenomena with Dr. Galliam?

Let's settle down.

She's lost a shoe.

Mrs. Dunning.

She's been dead for some time, I think.

Strangled, looks like.

I'll call the police when I get back.

You shouldn't have taken matters into your own hands, Markle. My job was to

Neville's formula.

You produced Neville but no papers and you put him in such a state that he died

as soon as I started to question him.

Did the housekeeper give you the keys before she died?

She didn't have it.

Then you're a fool, Markle.

Would it be possible to see Dr. Gallagher? I'll see. What is the name?

Wait a moment.

You realize I'm working, Julia?

Yes, I'm sorry. But there's a Mrs. Catherine Gale outside.

Oh, show her in, will you, please?

It's kind of you to see me, Dr. Galleon.

Not at all.

Won't you sit down?

I've come to ask you a favor.

Well, if it's within my power.

I recently published a monograph on Obi or Voodoo. I don't know if you noticed

it. Yes, indeed. I thought it was excellent.

Thank you.

I've become most interested in the powers these witch doctors seem to have.

That's perfectly understandable.

You yourself are an expert on some of these powers.

Hypnotism, telepathy, levitation.

Yes. I like to think that I am.

I'm interested in pursuing my researches in this country.

That's why I've come to you, because I believe you might know of the existence

of a black magic group here in London.

These groups don't court publicity, Mrs. Gale. The practice is considered

criminal. Our dealings would be absolutely confidential.

They might also be unpleasant.

I'm prepared for that, Dr. Galleon. You're not afraid of these powers?

Yes, of course.

My interest is academic only.

Well, it's...

Just possible that I might be able to help you, Mrs. Gale.

I don't promise, but you see, these groups are very difficult to trace.

However, I run a small group which interests itself in psychic matters, and

you'd be most welcome to attend. And it's possible, just possible, mind you,

that I might be able to put you in touch with more advanced circles.

Thank you.

Not at all.

Now, if you are going to join our little group, it will help a great deal.

If I can cast your horoscope.

So sorry.

Just give me the date of your birth, day and year, please.

The 5th of October, 1930.

It was a Sunday, I believe.

Do you know the exact time of birth?

Yes. It was midnight.

Thank you.

I haven't seen you for some time. I'll have a large brandy, please.

You haven't been in here for some time.

I've been doing research at the museum.

Oh?

The study of paranormal psychology.

And what's that?

Oh, you know, study of hypnotism, domestic, trans -states, that sort of

Does that mean that you can tell people's fortunes?

I'm an expert at it.

Pharmistry's my speciality.

Now, what's your month?

Capricorn. We're adjacent.

I'm Aquarius.

Well, I think that's everything.

Gail, thank you.

We'll see you tonight at the meeting then.

Yes, I'm looking forward.

Will you have carved my horoscope by then? Yes, perhaps.

You know, I think this is going to prove very interesting for both of us.

Until this evening, Dr. Gallion.

Until this evening, Mrs. Gail.

You know, Julia...

That woman has every qualification to make her the perfect subject for the

ritual of Asmodeus.

Now at last I can perform that ceremony.

It's dangerous.

What if you fail?

That's a risk I must take, Julia.

Well, it's the outline, isn't it?

That's right.

What do all those little wrinkles that go across it mean?

Oh, your heart's been knocked about a bit, but not broken.

All right?

Yes. Like a drink?

Gin and tonic, please.

And I'll have a large brandy, thank you very much.

I'm invited to a little meeting he's having this evening.

What sort of meeting?

Oh, nothing much, I'd say.

He'll probably talk about unexplained phenomena.

Designed to wet the after, then?

Possibly. I'll go with you.

Doubt if he'd let you in. Oh, you can vouch for me.

Besides, I have some ideas. Might make him curious.

One gin and tonic and one brandy. Seven and ten, please.

Thank you. Keep the change, my dear.

Cheers.

Here's to palmistry.

The conditions of ascetic contemplation, as practiced in yoga, are the result of

a long development which takes us back to primitive times and the rites as

practiced then.

We can also confidently ascribe to that period the discovery...

by physical and mental practices, of an ability to communicate with the spirit

world.

The ascetic condition in which man believes he's able to rise to higher

goes back, therefore, to the Orient.

But Western man is able to progress far deeper in his quest for knowledge.

Now, at our next meeting, I shall discuss the manner in which we of the

have assimilated this knowledge.

And the manner in which we put it to you.

You... You found something to interest you, Mrs.

Gale? Yes, I did. Indeed, I did. Thank you. I hope you didn't mind I brought a

friend along. Not at all. You enjoyed my little talk. But to be quite candid, I

was disappointed.

Very elementary, didn't you think?

Yes, but we mustn't run before we walk.

How long have you been interested?

Oh, about four years. I was introduced to it by a colleague of mine, Professor

Watterson. He lent me two books, you know, I took it on from there.

Oh, uh, you're a scientist, then? I'm a physicist.

I work at Bancroft.

Oh, uh, do you come up to London often?

Often enough.

Good. Well, you must attend another one of these meetings if you'd like to. I'd

be delighted.

Thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me.

Have you carved my horoscope yet, Dr. Galleon?

Uh, I'm afraid I haven't had time, Mrs. Gale.

I'm so sorry.

He pricked up his pointed little ears when I mentioned old Watson, didn't he?

Yes.

Well, you've been too eager to recruit me, haven't you? Why not?

I don't think we're wanted here. Come on.

I think this interesting stuff is going to happen later on. Come on. Galleon

said he hadn't cast my horoscope yet. So?

This morning I could see he was dying to get to work on it. Well, you think he's

cast it already? He doesn't want you to know.

Yes, I do.

It worries me.

How do you know this man Steed is not a real physicist?

Well, for a start, his aura is wrong for a man of science, Markle. If he's

working a bankrupt, he could be very valuable.

Well, I think he's a fake.

So are you, Galleon.

First of all, you tried to make a fool of me with Neville, and now you refuse

do anything about Steed. Look, Neville was not my fault.

And I'm warning you, Steed may be dangerous. I am going to report to my

that you've cheated them.

Well, you must do what you see fit.

But first, I want back the money I paid you for Neville. Mr. Markle.

Will you excuse me? I have a little ceremony I must attend.

You and your ceremonies. You may fool them, but not me.

Mr. Markle, you're really a very stupid man.

You know, like all of your kind, you only believe what you can see and what

can touch.

We shall see who is stupid.

Gallion.

Morgan.

Still think I'm a fraud, Markle?

Oh, would you like a come out?

Thank you, no.

Palmistry doesn't interest me.

All I wanted was a helping hand and a lift. I think I can make it from there.

Sorry, I always go fast.

Yeah, well, good night.

Tell me what you find out.

Oh, so you do care.

You seem to think this is something to joke about.

I saw too much of this sort of thing when I was in Africa, Steve.

Witchcraft, superstition, blood rights.

Why don't you come out and tell me about it?

Haven't you understood anything I've said?

I'm only interested in who killed Neville.

Would you pass me my umbrella?

Thank you. You really think there's a connection between Galleon and Neville?

It's possible.

If Galleon's what he says he is. He's got a pretty compact set -up. I think

be a good idea to pay him a visit after hours.

You wouldn't... No, I wouldn't.

But I thought that you were interested.

Neville's your side of the problem.

Work something out for yourself.

I was only trying to be friendly.

And you must admit it was a bit strange to find you breaking into Neville's

house. Did I break any bones?

This ceremony hasn't been performed for a hundred years.

So we're all very privileged to watch it tonight.

It can only be performed when the subject of the ritual is a woman of

occult qualities.

I, your warlock, have found such a person.

Will with me.

Will with me, Catherine Gale.

Catherine Gale.

Catherine

Gale.

Catherine Gale.

That's him!

Do what thou wilt is the whole of the law.

Will with me, Catherine Gale.

Catherine Gale will be here.

Catherine Gale, come here.

What is the law?

Do what thou wilt is the whole of it.

Hey. Hey.

Thank you. Thank you.

You come here often?

My first visit. I don't think I'll be off again.

I needed that.

Did you find out who Galleon was working for? A man called Mogan. A special

grant's been after him for some time. They had enough evidence to arrest him.

Too late now.

What about Galleon?

The doctor says he died of heart failure.

In the long run, he doesn't.

The point is, Galleon had complete faith in his power to harness evil. But he

believed that if he failed, it would destroy him.

When I arrived, it looked as though they were going to destroy you.

Were you in the girl guide?

No, I ran out.

If you weren't under his influence, why did you turn up at that grisly ceremony?

When I find a hunt worth joining, Steve, I like to be in at the till.

Obviously.

Oh, do you know what I'd like to do now?

No, but I'm listening.

Something ordinary.

I'd like to go somewhere and watch somebody else do all the work.

Something relaxing like... Like boxing?