Original subtitles

Yes.

Well, thank you, Larry. It's good to be back.

Oh, just Maria.

Thank you, Maria.

Well, the rest of the staff should be here sometime tomorrow.

I'm sorry, Larry. I thought I saw something outside.

or possibly tomorrow, all right?

Lenny?

Lenny?

44, go ahead.

I've got a request to investigate 15151 Bella Lane.

Mrs. Evelyn Harcourt.

Friend reports telephone cutoff. She asked us to check it. 10 -4.

Oh, please, please.

All right, Mrs. Harcourt, where is it?

We know you brought him with you.

Mrs. Harker, I'm pressed for time.

All right.

It's in a secret compartment at the back of the residence hall.

to Miss Harcourt. Just checking to see if you're all right.

We had a report that your phone was cut off.

My phone?

Oh, yes, yes. I think I understand.

I had to hang up on a friend of mine. I just couldn't get her off the line.

She makes issues of the smallest things.

All right, Miss Harcourt.

Sorry to have disturbed you.

Thank you.

Please. Shut up. Please.

Help him.

Get him out of here.

Give me a hand, Jim.

The FBI.

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring Ephraim Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring Philip Abbott.

William Reynolds, with guest stars Jack Klugman, Dan

Travatti, Murray Matheson, Pilar

Surratt, and Richard Evans.

Tonight's episode, The Diamond Millstone.

24 hours after the armed robbery of the famed Lockwood Diamond from Mrs. Evelyn

Harcourt in Palm Beach, the body of a man was discovered along the roadside on

the outskirts of Folkestone, Georgia.

Still alive, he was rushed by authorities to a nearby hospital.

A bullet removed from the man was forwarded by police to the FBI

Washington, where it was identified as having been fired from an automatic

pistol owned by Mrs. Evelyn Harcourt.

Through his fingerprints, the man was identified as Hoyle Boyd Mason, a

convicted armed robber.

Because the stolen jewel had apparently crossed state lines, the FBI immediately

launched a major theft investigation.

He came out of surgery this morning, but he refuses to tell us anything, even

his name.

Now then, what do we have on his associates?

We can't connect him with anyone as yet.

He was paroled from Auburn State Prison a month ago.

Last I would address was an apartment in New York.

Jim, would you give us the details on the Lockwood diamond, please?

Yes, sir.

It's a 31 -carat, pear -shaped, brilliant cut, flawless blue -white

Estimated worth $800 ,000 to $1 million.

We've matched their method of operation on this job against the files on all top

jewel thieves.

There are still several we can't account for at the time of the robbery.

That's Ronald J. Harvey.

Philip Cook.

And Victor Amazine.

Has Mrs. Harcourt seen these pictures?

Yes, sir. But as the men wore masks, the pictures weren't much help.

She had the feeling that... Two of the men were much younger than the third.

There aren't too many fences who'd touch anything this big, but I'm sure a few

would be willing to try.

Standler and Boston might go for it. And there are a couple in California who

might make an offer.

Voss or Hutchinson.

We've got them under surveillance.

What if they plan to have that diamond cut?

Or remount it.

That might give us some time, if they plan to do it right.

That stone would take weeks of study before they'd attempt to cut it.

Any idea when they might get to do it?

We're making a summary of all the possible cutters now, Inspector.

Of course, there's a possibility they may be planning to ransom the diamond.

Either to Mrs. Harcourt or to the insurance company.

Do you think they'd have tried to make contact by now?

Well, I want them checkmated at every move.

Whether they try to sell it, or cut it, or ransom it.

I want that diamond back, and I want the men who took it.

John?

have dreamed about something like this as long as i have to understand to

understand you ever score like that before energy close kid close but this

them off you guys did fine i'm sorry we had to dump mason but that's the way the

game goes now comes the tough part trying to sell it like i told you now

going to take a lot of time and a lot of patience

What's these?

Well, let's see now. We got egg salad and ham and cheese. We

got

a bone to pick with you,

old man.

Please.

Plain truth is, I don't think you'll need Jimmy and me anymore.

What do you think, Jimmy?

That's what I think, Billy Jack.

I think you had it all planned.

Take this pretty little thing and buy that one of us.

Jesus. Says a crazy Jimmy.

I heard him.

I know.

Look at what I found stuck way down in the lining of your coat.

That's a ticket to Kansas City all the way.

Don't say nothing about Jimmy and me, just you.

You figured.

That you didn't need us anymore.

And I think that works both ways.

Go ahead.

Pull the trigger.

You'll both be as good as dead, too.

You're real babes in the woods, aren't you?

You think all you have to do is steal and then you're home free. Go ahead.

Shoot. Kill me.

See if you two ever know how to market that stone.

That diamond's so hot, you'll never get anybody to get near it.

And if you did, they'd rob you or cheat you or you'd be caught before the week

is out. Go ahead, kill me.

Find out how you need me. You need my experience, my know -how, all the

I've built up over the years, the tricks I've learned, knowing who and when and

how.

Maybe you're telling us who those contacts are.

And maybe I'd be lying.

Kill me, you'd never know, would you?

You've got an extension, old man, but don't push it.

Just don't push it.

I've been around a long time, boy.

I've come close to dying a lot of times, but I've always managed to live through

it. It's a gift, like bowling 290 or shooting golf in the 60s.

Some have it, and some don't.

Oh, Maria.

This is Inspector Erskine of the FBI.

He'd like to talk with you.

Come in, please.

You know this man?

He is the man who was shot when they took the gun away from Mrs. Harcourt.

Maria.

We have good reason to believe you were involved in this robbery.

Now, you don't have to tell us anything, and you're entitled to an attorney.

So think very carefully before you answer. Do you understand?

Yes, sir. I mean, I understand what you said, but not why you say it.

I say it because you're lying about this man.

This isn't true.

Maria, until a few days ago, Mason had been living at the Park Sherry

in New York.

You've been identified as having visited him frequently over a three -week

period.

Whoever says this lies.

You were in New York at the time, weren't you, working for Mrs. Harkin?

Yes, but I swear I did not know him.

We found it in his room.

Now, why don't you tell us all about it?

He wished information about the diamond.

I told him about the charity benefit to be held here in Palm Beach and that Mrs.

Harcourt would be wearing the diamond.

I informed him when it was delivered from the security vault.

Was anyone else with him at the time?

Before the robbery, I only saw him with one other man. He called him Billy.

We want you to go to the office with us, Ms. Montoya. We'd like to take a

statement from you.

Maria?

Yes, ma 'am.

Maria, why did you do it?

You and I could have been killed.

The man nearly lost his life.

Was it money, Maria?

Why didn't you come to me?

It was my money.

He loved me.

He told me I was beautiful.

In my heart, I knew he lied.

No, it doesn't matter.

How much are you asking?

$800 ,000.

Another few days, that diamond will be too hot to handle.

You'll be giving it away.

But you can't wait that long, Mr. Elders.

You want it now.

I do?

What makes you so sure?

Because you're excited.

You're so worked up at the thought of owning it, you're starting to sweat all

over.

I've got a lot of diamonds.

You don't have the lockwood.

Let's go.

Just a minute.

$200 ,000. No more.

$300 ,000. Take it or leave it.

All right.

Josh, by tomorrow night.

No, no, no. That's impossible.

By tomorrow night or we move on.

Now, wait.

I'll call you the rest of the time.

Where will you be staying?

We'll call you.

$300 ,000.

It just ain't that much, Billy Jack. There ain't that much.

Wake up, old man.

We're rich.

We're not making delivery.

Say again?

We're not delivering the diamond to him.

Listen, you just better make yourself clear.

I got a feeling about Elders. I don't trust him.

Then just why did you take us to see him?

Because he was always on the level before.

So what changed your mind now?

Just got a feeling.

Feeling?

Feeling? Listen, you old bag of leavings.

This our chance to get rich, now you just better give us some reason besides

just that you got a feeling.

No, I do not see him.

Well, there are just a few more pages, Maria.

Did you

find

something?

Yes. I think this one.

This is the man he called Billy.

Arthur, Maria Montoya just identified Billy Jack Lyle as one of the subjects.

He escaped from Soledad State Prison over two months ago.

He may lead us to the other.

Hold on a minute, Lewis.

Yes? Mr. Ward, the Kansas City office is calling.

Mr. McDonald on line three.

Oh, good.

Bruce, let me get back to you, will you?

Hello, Noel?

Mr. Ward, are you familiar with Murray Elders?

Murray Elders of Elders Packing?

Yes, sir.

We've had him under investigation here for the past few months.

He's a wealthy collector who's been in contact lately with some good jewel

thieves.

Now, the interesting thing is he's pledged a large block of stock against a

loan.

He pushed the transaction through this afternoon and had $300 ,000 in cash

delivered to his house.

Hmm.

Good work, Noel. That may be the break we need.

John, what do you call an inspector if conforming?

have the money?

Yes, it wasn't easy, but I got it.

When will you be here?

We won't be calling.

What?

We'll meet you just outside of town.

Do you know the Lyman Junction off Route 40?

Wouldn't it be better if you came here? We could have a little celebration.

Do you know the spot or don't you?

I guess I can find it.

Okay, we'll wait an hour, no more.

You want the stone, meet us there.

He'll be there.

John?

Help me fill this case.

If they trust you, Mr. Elders, it won't be easy.

contact with elders but elders left his house about a half hour ago we got him

under surveillance and you've been in touch with the u .s attorney yes he's

authorized an arrest it looks like elders is going to make a buy kc 25 55

ahead we followed elders to a secondary road junction at lyman crossing just off

route 40.

now he's parked and seems to be waiting for someone all right maintain your

surveillance and keep us advised we're on our way

KC -23.

Three subjects have approached Elder's car, and one of them is definitely Billy

Jack Lyle.

Let's see the money.

Show me the diamonds first.

All right, let's see it all, right on the ground.

He's right there.

Drop the gun.

Turn around.

Elders and an accomplice are holding a gun on Lyle and the other two subjects.

It looks like they're after the diamond.

KC -23, this is Inspector Erskine.

We're on our way. Move in closer.

You'll have to use your own discretion.

Make an arrest if necessary.

There's no need for that. I think there is.

I told you before, I have nothing to say.

Are you in the habit of meeting jewel thieves with $300 ,000 in your

We know you were in contact with Tate.

They have a lock with Diamond, haven't they?

Well, it seems your bodyguard does.

He signed a statement implicating you in a scheme to take the Lockwood diamond

from Amazine by force.

Would you like to tell us about it now?

Sorry.

I have nothing to say.

Come with me, please.

Lewis, the Louisiana Highway Patrol reports the car the subjects were

as driving was found abandoned near Shreveport.

That's interesting. One of the other subjects has just been identified as

Amazine. According to his file, he spent quite a bit of time in New Orleans, so

that could be where they're heading.

Well, I'll have surveillance tightened on all his known contacts there.

What is Tate's condition?

Oh, he's still in a coma.

One other thing.

Amazine has a heart complication he was being treated for in prison.

I think we should send out wanted flyers to medical personnel in the area.

Oh, good. I'll get them started right away.

You'd better get down to Shreveport.

I'll meet you there.

They know who we are.

Looks that way.

Well, what are we going to do about it?

I don't know.

Maybe go on down to New Orleans. I have some friends there.

Like the last one?

I warned you about him.

I warned you good.

Sir, don't do a thing.

What's that address?

Here in Shreveport?

Room?

Right.

Thank you. We'll be there as soon as possible.

That was a manager of a motel just outside of town, Harvey's.

He's identified Billy Jack Lyle as staying in one of the rooms.

Get another agent and come with us.

Gonna give yourself a heart attack, Billy Jack.

That's my department.

I'll be all right.

Just don't you worry about me.

Sure you will.

It's gonna be a lot more difficult, though, now that we're known.

Not only are the police after us, but every thief and stupid punk in the

is looking for us.

Are you trying to scare me off?

Well, you have to admit that diamond has caused a lot of trouble.

First Mason, then Tate.

He fell right into that mess that Cash Elders brought.

Like it was a jinx.

And I'm next, huh? Is that what you're trying to say?

Well, maybe I'll go.

You want to cash in on that stone?

Maybe I'll just forget about that.

Maybe putting a bullet in you will give me more kicks.

I doubt it.

You can't forget about the diamond any more than I can.

Greed does strange things to men's minds, Billy Jack.

We're both like that monkey who won't let go of the banana to get his hand out

of the cage.

We better wait till it gets dark, get some rest, and move on.

You done put to yourself too hard.

Get some sleep. Don't worry about me.

Oh, I do worry, old man.

I think you better get some sleep, too.

No, I'm fine.

Drink some.

You know about my heart, bully Jack?

No.

Go on, drink some more.

Where's Amazine?

You get him.

He's going to New Orleans.

Where in New Orleans?

He just said New Orleans.

The old man was right, too.

He said he'd outlast us all.

Something for monsieur.

I'm looking for Billy.

Who?

It has been so long.

Now you are so famous.

I want you to cut it.

That would be sacrilege.

And you would be reducing the value.

Enormously.

Many weeks study.

I want you to do it right away.

Impossible.

Why have I done such an insane thing?

Because I don't have much time.

If I did it, I would want half.

Half?

Okay.

Let me see if I have the right equipment.

You wait here.

Billy, we'll see about it together.

I don't think it's a good idea for you to be left alone right now.

Vincent Simon.

No, he's out of the country.

He's been working the Riviera.

We've notified the Surrey Tag.

Arnold Torrey.

He's under surveillance here, but there's no activity yet.

We're related from Billy Devereaux.

He was last seen in Boston. He dropped out of sight two months ago.

Well, the New York office just talked to an informer. Said Devereaux's headed

for New Orleans.

Let's pull his file and see what his contacts are.

A friend runs this warehouse.

He's letting me stay here nights.

What is this?

Just a feeling.

Open the door.

Billy.

Not that I don't trust you, but just in case there's somebody out there, you

tell them everything's okay.

Ask them to show themselves.

Just in case, Billy.

And make it sound convincing.

Everything's all right.

You can show yourself, boys.

All right, fellas.

Drop them and turn around.

Gentlemen, this way.

Billy, lock him in.

Now, let's cut the diamond.

What's your pleasure?

We're with the FBI.

Is Billy Devereaux around?

Billy Devereaux?

We know he comes in here quite often.

Oh, Billy, no. My goodness, he hasn't been here in a long time.

Did you know he was in town?

No, I didn't.

Are you sure?

You know, Billy and I were big fans.

And if he was in New Orleans, he'd have to come and see me.

Well, if you should see him.

Give us a call.

I surely will do.

That worked.

Sure you can, Billy.

You're the best in the business, remember?

You cut that diamond right, I'll give you a bonus.

New Orleans 30 to control. Go ahead, 30.

The subject's cab had proceeded along a row of warehouses.

Canal Street, Dock 6.

She's gone into one of them.

Inspector Erskine advises you to maintain surveillance.

He and Mr. Benton are on their way.

10 -4.

The eye came to see me.

Step away from him.

Anyone with you?

No.

All right, sit down there quietly.

Very quietly.

Anything you say.

Could smash into a thousand pieces.

Worthless dust.

Cut it!

I'll send you a picture postcard.

FBI, Amazine.

Step away from the woman.

Hands behind your head.

He's a live -down ambulance.

Unfortunately, it had been split by the time we got there.

Luckily, the cutter knew his business or it might have shattered into a thousand

pieces.

I only purchased this a few months ago after trying for years.

Paid a fortune for it.

I'd only known what it would really cost.

Hoyle Boyd Mason and James Tate recovered from their wounds and with

Amazine and Billy Jack Lyle were convicted in federal court of the theft

interstate transportation of the Lockwood diamond.

Murray Elders and Billy Devereaux were also found guilty for their parts in the

conspiracy to dispose of the diamond.