Original subtitles

Barnaby Joan.

Starring Buddy Epson.

Also starring Lee Meriwether.

With guest stars Lawrence Luckinville.

Ellen Weston.

Kaz Garris.

Tonight's episode, Time to Kill.

I loathe Mara.

But Grace was right about the souffle.

I can't thank you enough for getting me out tonight. It's my pleasure, George.

But you're not going already, are you? Oh, I don't know, Colby. Those wines

really did me in.

Maybe I ought to pass on the cognac. George, it's a 1938.

Like a good woman, it won't stand neglect much longer.

1938, a memorable year. Just you wait.

Another masterpiece?

I hope you weren't expecting anything less. Not from you. Why don't you get

of here and finish this tomorrow morning?

Oh, thank you.

Good night, Mr. Lasker. Good night.

Colby?

In here, George. I was beginning to think you weren't sure it was aged

You tell me.

Well?

Incredible.

11 o 'clock already?

It's the perfect time to enjoy a rare old cognac.

And even rarer Havana cigars.

Well,

where'd you get these?

Havana, of course.

Now, George, as I was saying at dinner, California vineyards are an investment

that cannot afford to be overlooked.

A vineyard?

Yeah. I've been doing some checking up around Calistoga.

Do you have any idea what the profit is on owning all those fields up there?

In less than five years, the return on your investment... George, the return on

your investment... George.

Hold it right there.

Now turn around.

Nice and easy. Put your hands on the window.

In less than five years, the return on your investment would have tripled,

George.

George.

George. What?

I was talking about vineyard investment.

Ownership near Calistoga.

Oh.

I must have dozed off.

I think you were about to.

I told you we should have saved this for some other evening when I could relish

it wide awake.

I suppose you're right.

Yes, just a minute.

George, it's your answering service.

Thank you.

Weatherly. We've been trying to reach you, sir.

What? Someone's broken into your house. When?

A little while ago.

Shall I connect you?

No, no, I'll be right there.

Can you believe that?

While we've been sitting here, someone's broken into my house.

And nothing else was taken, Mr. Weatherly? Nothing else. I've been all

house. Just the exeter.

Mildred's diamond.

Mildred? My late wife, Lieutenant.

I bought it for her.

Lieutenant? Oh, Barnaby?

Well, are you listening to the police band again, or is this official?

Oh, this is official.

California Meridian Insurance called me. They had the diamond insured for a

million dollars.

And worth at least half again as much as that in today's market.

Mr., uh... Jones.

I'm Barnaby Jones, private investigator.

It's an awfully expensive stone not to keep in a bank vault.

I did. I brought it home to have it reappraised and sold.

How many people knew you had the diamond here in the house?

As I told the lieutenant here, just a few friends.

Your appraiser, of course, and my servants.

You've already made a list, Barnaby.

I'll get a copy over to Betty if you like.

Like who's who?

You got a symphony conductor?

Stockbroker?

Important banker?

Not exactly the kind of people you find on the ten most wanted list.

Of course not. I told you. These are my friends.

What about the servants?

Been with me for years.

I don't understand.

Why do you think the thief must be someone I know?

The exeter was the only thing taken, Mr. Weatherly, and only those people close

to you could have known about it.

And people talk.

Your friends may have mentioned it to one of their friends.

I tried to track down a piece of gossip. You never know how it started or how

many people know about it.

Yes, well, it's been a long night. If you don't need me anymore, Lieutenant, I

think I'll get some rest.

Of course, Mr. Wendland. Thank you.

We'll be in touch later.

I could end up being a long list.

Would your list include Weatherly?

You mean the game of steal it yourself and collect the insurance?

I doubt it.

Weatherly was having dinner at a friend's house at the time of the

Colby Lassiter by name. Anyway, this has all the earmarks of a simple bust and

run. The thief broke in here, went straight to the desk, got the stone, and

hightailed it out.

You figure he ran into the patrolman on the way out.

He must have.

It was a struggle.

The guard was shot at very close range with his own gun.

The thief must have been pretty sure of himself.

Set off the alarm with West Oak Security ten minutes away.

Look, Barnaby, do you mind if I send you the full report later?

It's been kind of a long night for me, too.

You tired?

I'm fresh as a daisy. Why don't you get yourself a little rest? I'll poke around

a little.

I am a little more impressed with you now.

I had no idea it was the Exeter diamond that we were talking about.

Can you cut it?

Have you heard of the Cashman diamond?

Oh, yes.

The man who recommended you in Marseille said that was your work.

You see, I come recommended.

You arrive without a name and no credential.

This is all you have to know about it.

Oh, but I know a little more about you than this, my friend.

In fact, you're an amateur.

A lucky amateur.

Too bad about the security man.

A professional would have handled it better, n 'est -ce pas?

Are you finished?

With this or with you?

When will you be able to cut it?

Tomorrow. Two days, maybe a week.

First I study the photos, mark the sketches.

I haven't got a week.

I will get in touch with you.

How?

Oh, no.

I will get in touch with you.

Honey, be careful now. I'll be right back.

My granddaughter.

Babysit for now that I have all this time in my retirement.

I can keep you working for a while, Andy.

Yeah, I bet he told me.

The exeter, huh?

Boy, that rock must be worth a pile of dough.

What do you hear in the street?

Not a rumor.

Frankly, I don't think I'm going to pick up much out there on this one. What do

you think?

Not the same as you.

The job is too crude to have been done by any of the folks you know.

I figure it was an amateur.

Amateur with good inside information.

It's not my turf.

Cutters are.

I think he's going to have a hard time disposing of a stone of that size and

reputation unless he's syndicate connected.

I could ask around on that. I think you'd do better to concentrate on who

friend might get to cut the thing.

The smaller it is, the easier to get rid of.

A diamond that size is going to need a specialist.

There's not too many guys around that can handle it.

There's Jerry Bonner, but he's in a slammer.

Doug Spivak, he's too old.

Wait a minute.

There's a new guy around town I heard about.

A Frenchman.

What do you know about him?

Nothing.

Find out.

Still only half?

You get the rest when you come up with an answer.

I'll be not even a hello for your prodigal wife

Don't tell me you're still mad at me

Claire, you know, I could never stay mad at you

Excuse

me There's a Mr. Jones to see you.

I hope I'm not interrupting.

Well, now that you're here, Mr. Jones, what is it?

I'm a private investigator looking into the theft of the Exeter diamond for

California Meridian Insurance.

Oh, yes.

That's George Weatherly's diamond. Remember, that's the one he bought from

Mildred years ago.

I understand Mr. Weatherly was having dinner here last night when it was

Yeah, that's right. His answering service called with the news.

Were the other guests still here?

No, they all left a short time before.

You didn't tell me you had a dinner party last night. It was just a small

dinner. The Claiborne's were here, the Danubas.

Do I understand that you weren't at the party?

Oh, no.

I was still in Switzerland last night, your time. On a skiing trip.

But I'm fascinated.

You mean you think someone who was here might have taken it? At this point, Mrs.

Lasseter, I'm not just looking for a needle in a haystack. I'm looking for a

haystack.

How do you expect us to help you with it?

Well, it's beginning to look a little bit like an inside job.

Somebody that knew Mr.

Weatherly, knew he had the diamond home for reappraisal. Sounds fairly

preposterous to me.

I'm trying to talk to everyone who knew about the Exeter.

Possibly you may have even mentioned it to someone.

Excuse me, Mr. Jones, there's a telephone call for you. Oh, thank you. I

you don't mind. I left the number with my secretary.

Not at all.

Yes?

Barnaby, Andy Burns just called.

He left the name of a man who knows about the French diamond cutter he

to you.

Fireway? He's the chef at the Le Pomerol restaurant.

Le Pomerol restaurant.

Yeah. Got it. Thank you, Betty.

Nice plates, Le Pomerol.

A bit too Provencal for my taste, but... Well, thank you for the tip and for

your time. Sure.

Mrs. Lassiter.

Colby.

When I called you from Geneva, the airport, it was Monday morning Swiss

That would be Sunday night here, between 10 and 11.

So? The line was busy.

When I was here with George?

Three separate times. I had the overseas operator keep trying for over an hour.

Line must have been out of order.

But you said George's answering service got through.

Oh.

Well, but they weren't calling from overseas, now were they?

Oh, the line trouble must have been at your end.

That's possible.

Of course it is.

What are you doing here?

What do you think? You left Switzerland without even saying goodbye.

Follow me?

What?

Get you, Jess.

I had no idea that... You suppose my affections were just part of the

Learn how to ski and fall in love in two weeks.

Kurt, I'm married.

You know that.

You could leave him.

We talked about that, didn't we?

Oh, look, I never meant for it to go this far.

I didn't think you did either.

I'm sorry.

I can feel I've embarrassed you.

It's the last thing in the world I wanted.

Oh, please.

I didn't mean to hurt you.

I really did care.

I'm staying at the Parkhurst Hotel here in town. I'll be there for a while,

seeing what the prospects are.

If you'd like to talk, you can reach me any time.

No closer to the source.

A swift pass with a match.

A little inclined gesture.

Where is your sense of showmanship?

Again, s 'il vous plaît.

Snap.

The march.

Voilà. Alors, the pass.

Oh!

I don't believe it.

Did you see that?

Did you?

Yes, very colorful.

I may suggest he could use a little practice.

You heard?

Over there.

never get it right.

Once a short order cook, always a short order cook.

What can I do for you?

I'm Barnaby Jones, a friend of mine, Andy Burns.

Oh, Andy Burns.

Yes, he told me that you might be knowledgeable about a diamond cutter who

in this area.

In this area?

In Marseille, perhaps, but not here.

Who are you looking for?

He's a Frenchman. He's competent enough to handle a stone the size of the

Exeter. Ah, the Exeter.

Yes.

It is possible I know him.

We did business once before I was forced to retire by the authorities.

The celebrated Cashman Diamond.

Can you believe that Marcel tried to cheat me?

Marcel did that? Yes.

What's his last name?

Marcel de Laud.

He had the gall to come in here only a month ago and ask me for a job.

Incredible. I nearly threw him out bodily.

Well, as you were tossing him out, did he happen to mention his address?

No.

Well, no matter. I have some friends who owe me favors down at the Bureau of

Immigration. Thank you very much.

Oh, Mr. Jones.

You will come back to dine, perhaps.

I have some superb coquilles Saint -Jacques you might like.

Mm, scallops.

Yeah, I'll be looking forward to that.

The place is still here.

I've studied the photos, marked the sketches.

Now, there is only the cutting left.

What happened?

I don't know.

These things, they happen, but rarely.

So rarely. How could it?

Some flaw.

Infinite, decimally small. No one could see.

That can't be. That's impossible.

Diamonds don't crumble like that.

This is nothing but sand.

We have been taken.

This is glass.

Glass.

But you saw.

Somebody else could have been fooled.

Maybe.

But not you.

You're a diamond cutter.

I was concentrating on the angle of the blade. I didn't take care of the stone.

That stone has not been out of my possession until I handed it to you just

minute. That's it. That's got to be it. You switched it. How could I?

Are you sure? Where is it now, sir?

In your pocket?

Lieutenant. Well, I see you got my message.

What message?

Until a half an hour ago, I was with a friend of mine in the Bureau of

Immigration trying to find this address.

Was that Marcel DeLoud that just wheeled out?

Yeah. One of the neighbors found him. When we got here, there he was. And

were these.

That's the Exeter, all right.

And pieces of glass all over the floor.

Glass. Looks like Marcel tried to pull a duplicate on our friend, the thief.

But he was too smart to fall for it.

Any evidence as to who our friend is?

No.

Well, we know one thing about him. He's still in town.

Well, what does he do now?

Look for another cutter?

Maybe.

Maybe he thinks it over and makes a phone call.

The California Meridian.

Well, the last time you looked this ghastly was the morning after that three

-day housewarming on Ibiza.

And a good morning to you, too.

Do you want to talk about it?

About what?

What's bothering you?

Did something go wrong with the laser stock?

Oh, Claire.

Why can't I get a cup of coffee in this joint? You should have asked me at three

this morning when you came home.

It wasn't anywhere near that late. It was.

I was up.

I saw what you hid in the candle.

And then there was this in the morning paper.

How did you get that diamond, Colby?

You seem to have put it all together.

You did it yourself?

Like always, you underestimate me.

There are two men dead.

That couldn't be helped.

All I planned to do was steal the jewel.

For us.

That fight.

That fight in Nice. It was about money.

Money!

You and I never thought twice about money before.

George's fortune does not rest on that diamond.

It was in his home. It was going to be so easy. No one would be hurt.

Except that guard.

Claire, he caught me.

I didn't want to kill him.

Why did he have to pick that time?

And this diamond cutter.

Deload.

Do you know what he was trying to do?

After all I went through to get that stone?

He wanted to steal it.

He was trying to substitute a glass phony.

And he pulled a gun on me. I had no choice, Claire.

I was afraid I was going to lose you.

That doesn't say much for me.

I couldn't have taken that, living without you.

I would have done anything.

You should have told me.

Well, now you know.

I wish it hadn't ended this way.

What are you going to do now?

That's what kept me awake most of the night, trying to figure out.

It's too risky to try to find another diamond cutter now.

And there's no way I can sell this thing whole.

Unless... I sell it to the right buyer.

Now, according to the call, the thief wants $400 ,000 for the accident.

Black. Thank you.

Now, that still saves the company over half a million dollars, considering that

we're still in the old appraisal.

So we've decided to agree to the buyback.

That sounds like quite a bargain to me, if I've ever heard one, Mr. Reynolds.

California Meridian wants Barnaby to be the go -between, knowing the thief has

already murdered two people. I don't think we have to worry too much about

Lieutenant. These two cases look like self -defense, sort of. I think he'd be

more careful this time.

Yeah.

He's not getting used to killing.

Look, Barnaby, I'm not letting you go to any drop points without us looking off.

Oh, wait.

The man specifically said no police.

I don't care what the man stated, Mr. Reynolds.

Barnaby wears a transmitter and stays in our sight, or I'm not going to let him

go through with it.

Mr. Reynolds is afraid you won't be discreet.

Oh.

Well, tell him about my two years on the vice squad.

You hear that, Mr. Reynolds?

We are...

me let you up because you said you were going home.

Is that the only reason? Yes.

The least I could do was say goodbye.

Colby will be back in a minute.

It's Colby I came to see.

Colby?

I know how you feel about me.

Perhaps I can persuade him to change his mind.

Let me change your mind.

I'm more in love with Colby now than I was before.

Things must have changed between you and Colby.

He needs me now.

He never did before.

Well, I don't intend giving up so easily.

Kurt, it's no use.

Please go through the kitchen. Why should I? I haven't done anything.

Kurt, don't do this to me.

I could use a drink. How about you?

Yeah, I'll die.

Well? It's all set.

They've agreed to 400 ,000.

The Exeter's worth a lot more than that, but I had to settle.

Jones will be the go -between.

Jones? I recognize you. No, he won't. I wear a mask, some piece of cloth with

the eyes cut out.

Where do we make the exchange?

We'll send him around to a series of phone booths. Then we'll make the

in an abandoned farmhouse on Route 7.

Are you sure it's safe?

It's wide open. There's no chance for him to play any tricks.

There's no ice. Where's Hannah?

Considering what's going on, I told her she could take a few days off.

Good.

So keep your fingers crossed, my darling.

If we get the cash, we'll be home free.

Face away.

Put the attache case on the ground.

What's he doing?

Where's the diamond?

There's been a change of plan.

Maybe on your part. Our agreement was... Unless you wish to be shot where you

stand, Mr. Jones, I suggest you return to your vehicle and drive.

Who the hell is that?

Who's Kurt?

Who is Kurt?

Thanks, Lieutenant.

I'm sure Barnaby's anxious to know. Right. Bye.

Don't tell me, let me guess.

Our friend in intensive care is from Switzerland.

He is either a bobsledder, a ski instructor, or a mountain climber.

A ski instructor. Will you tell me how you guessed that?

His accent, for a starter.

And then his complexion is ruddy, weather -beaten, like he's been out in

cold too long. Two and two.

You are going to tell me how he fits into everything.

I have an idea.

Yeah, but Lieutenant Biddle said they didn't find the diamond on him.

Well, maybe he didn't steal it, but he knows who did.

But how? He just arrived from Geneva a couple of days ago.

And Mrs. Lassiter just flew in from Switzerland on Monday. Ski trip, she

But they were both out of the country on Sunday when the Exeter was stolen.

Colby Lassiter wasn't.

That's impossible. I thought he was with George Weatherly during the time the

diamond was stolen.

So did I.

Colby. There's nothing to say.

Take me with you. I don't think so. Please.

There's no time to argue. You heard the radio.

If your boyfriend regains consciousness, I'm sure the first thing he'll do is

tell him about me.

At least let me finish about Kurt. I don't want to know.

I consider myself lucky to have ended up on the right side of what was probably

a very neat double cross.

He followed me here on his own. I didn't ask him to come. You didn't tell him

about the meeting with Jones at the farmhouse? No.

Kurt was here when you came back from making the arrangements.

I was telling him it was over between us. He went out through the kitchen and

thought he was gone.

He wasn't, I guess. He must have stayed in the kitchen and overheard everything.

I really do want to believe you.

It's the truth.

I have no reason to lie to you now.

Wouldn't you? With Kurt suddenly out of the picture?

Oh, Colby.

You said you did this for me.

I love you.

Don't leave me behind.

All right.

Get your things.

As I said, I went over it several times with the lieutenant.

I'm sure nothing new will come out of it.

Well, I got a lot of hound dog in me. Once I get the scent, I just can't quit.

And we're up to the cognac. And the Havana.

It was just 11.

Now, Colby has this antique grandfather's clock. Perhaps you've seen

Well, after that dinner and all that wine, plus the cognac on top of it,

must have nodded off for a moment.

It was then that I...

Is something the matter?

Cognac, nodding off, waking up. What happened exactly after you nodded off?

Well, let's see. I took another sip of the cognac. I took a puff of my cigar.

And then I got up to thank Colby for a pleasant evening and...

Wait a minute.

No.

My mind isn't as sharp as it used to be.

What is it?

Any little thing you can remember might be important to you. The cigar.

It's been quite a while now, but the more I think of it, the more I'm sure

it's not just my imagination.

It wasn't clipped.

You mean the end wasn't clipped? I do it automatically.

You see, Mildred gave me this gold cigar clipper.

Oh, it must be 30 years ago now. I'm never without it.

Then why didn't you clip the cigar that Colby gave you? Well, that's just the

point.

I remember I did.

That was before you dozed off. Exactly.

Now, when I puffed on it a few moments later, well, I could almost swear it

wasn't clipped anymore, which is impossible, right?

Two cigars.

How about that?

What time was it when you dozed off?

Well, I told you, it was 11.

Is that on your wristwatch or on Colby's grandfather's clock? Oh, no, no, I...

I don't wear a watch anymore.

Retired mine when I retired.

Swore I'd never wear that little ulcer maker again.

What are you getting at, Joe?

A trick with time, Mr. Weatherly.

A trick with time.

Yes, this is the only way out of the building that isn't covered by the

-circuit TV system.

It's an emergency fire exit.

People can get out through here all right, but they can't get in.

Unless...

Could I use some of that cleaning powder?

Oh, sure.

What are you going to do?

A little dusting.

See that?

Yeah.

Somebody taped that latch down.

Looks like they were planning to use this exit as an entrance as well.

Somebody in the building?

Yes, someone who wanted to leave for a while, then come back without the man at

the desk noticing.

Well, Mr. Lassiter, I'm glad I ran into you. The case is just about wrapped up.

Just needs a little of your time.

Well, Mr. Jones, we are in a bit of a hurry here.

Why, just take two minutes.

Well, if you have the case all wrapped up, as you say, I don't understand why

you need to talk to us. Well, it's just a matter of confirmation.

Little things like the way you cut Mr.

Weatherly out of the herd at the end of your party that night with the special

brandy.

Cognac. And the clever way that you set the clock ahead and then set it back to

the correct time when you came back, that was a neat trick.

Clock.

Clock.

Are you accusing me, Mr. George?

You only made one little mistake.

That was when you forgot to clip the end of Mr. Weatherly's second cigar.

What are you talking about?

The Havana that came with the cognac.

I double -checked all the guests, and they all left about 10 .20.

According to George, it was right after that that he took his first sip and

nodded off for three seconds.

But the next thing he remembered was the phone call from his answering service

at 11 .02.

That's 42 minutes.

Not at all, huh?

It's a pretty healthy snooze. Tell me, what kind of drug did you put in his

glass? Just for my information.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you anything.

This is entirely circumstantial.

Not really, Mr. Lassiter.

And once your friend Kurt has told his story to the police, I'm sure they'll

want to talk to you, too.

It's over, you know.

No more, Colby, please.

If you use your head, Mr. Jones, I won't have to kill you.

I just want to have you along for a little extra insurance.

Claire, you drive.

Now, sir, will you please get in?

I don't advise it.

Either of you.

All right, Mr. Jones.

My compliments to you.

Would you please convey my apologies to George Weatherly?

Get the police.

Yes, sir.