1 00:00:02,560 --> 00:00:12,570 * 2 00:00:12,610 --> 00:00:24,920 * 3 00:00:28,760 --> 00:00:30,790 Good evening, friends... 4 00:00:33,130 --> 00:00:35,600 and critics. 5 00:00:35,630 --> 00:00:40,140 Welcome to Alfred Hitchcock Presents. 6 00:00:40,170 --> 00:00:42,170 I say this for those of you 7 00:00:42,200 --> 00:00:44,910 who may be under the impression, 8 00:00:44,940 --> 00:00:49,110 you have tuned into a production of Salome 9 00:00:49,140 --> 00:00:52,310 with me playing John the Baptist. 10 00:00:55,320 --> 00:00:57,450 I'm sure you're wondering why I, 11 00:00:57,490 --> 00:00:58,550 of all people, 12 00:00:58,590 --> 00:01:01,520 would be in a steam cabinet. 13 00:01:01,560 --> 00:01:05,130 Actually, I'm having my suit pressed 14 00:01:05,160 --> 00:01:08,160 and was too modest to remove it. 15 00:01:19,170 --> 00:01:21,940 (train chugging) 16 00:01:21,980 --> 00:01:25,610 (train whistle) 17 00:01:25,650 --> 00:01:27,780 We had to hurry that a little. 18 00:01:27,820 --> 00:01:29,780 You see, there's a certain party 19 00:01:29,820 --> 00:01:33,460 who wishes to press his suit, 20 00:01:33,490 --> 00:01:36,090 a matter he will attend to at once. 21 00:01:39,230 --> 00:01:51,210 * 22 00:01:52,110 --> 00:01:57,210 * 23 00:01:57,250 --> 00:01:58,180 If they don't move now, 24 00:01:58,210 --> 00:02:00,280 we'll have to give them away. 25 00:02:00,320 --> 00:02:02,450 Well, it's this crazy hot spell, Jan. 26 00:02:02,480 --> 00:02:04,550 Oh, last August it was a cold spell. 27 00:02:04,590 --> 00:02:06,820 I don't remember Henry ever blaming the weather. 28 00:02:06,860 --> 00:02:10,460 Well, he wouldn't have blamed you, either. 29 00:02:10,490 --> 00:02:12,460 You're the best buyer in the market, Jan. 30 00:02:12,490 --> 00:02:14,500 You know how many times Henry said that. 31 00:02:14,530 --> 00:02:17,070 My husband had a good word for everybody. 32 00:02:17,100 --> 00:02:18,300 But having an eye for style 33 00:02:18,330 --> 00:02:21,540 is not the same as having a head for business. 34 00:02:21,570 --> 00:02:22,970 Just how bad is it, Jan? 35 00:02:23,070 --> 00:02:24,140 Really? 36 00:02:24,170 --> 00:02:26,410 Or shouldn't I ask? 37 00:02:26,440 --> 00:02:28,840 I can't keep any secrets from you, Evy. 38 00:02:28,880 --> 00:02:30,580 I'm seeing Selwin at the bank this noon. 39 00:02:30,610 --> 00:02:33,950 If I can't get an increase on the loan 40 00:02:33,980 --> 00:02:35,550 I don't know how to do these things. 41 00:02:35,580 --> 00:02:38,350 When Henry was alive, he always used to handle it. 42 00:02:38,390 --> 00:02:41,290 There, now let's hope this'll get a bite. 43 00:02:41,320 --> 00:02:42,390 Don't look now, 44 00:02:42,420 --> 00:02:44,930 but I think you've hooked something already. 45 00:02:44,960 --> 00:02:46,860 Oh, Mel Reeves? 46 00:02:46,900 --> 00:02:48,800 Now what's he doing here? 47 00:02:48,830 --> 00:02:49,860 He knows perfectly well 48 00:02:49,900 --> 00:02:51,700 I'm not buying anything right now. 49 00:02:51,730 --> 00:02:52,930 Maybe he's interested in selling 50 00:02:52,970 --> 00:02:54,600 a different brand of goods. 51 00:02:58,740 --> 00:02:59,740 Uh-huh. 52 00:02:59,770 --> 00:03:01,080 See what I mean? 53 00:03:01,110 --> 00:03:02,240 Oh, Evy! 54 00:03:02,280 --> 00:03:03,950 Well, he's cute. 55 00:03:04,050 --> 00:03:05,050 I don't understand you. 56 00:03:05,080 --> 00:03:06,850 Don't you ever intend to look at another man? 57 00:03:06,880 --> 00:03:08,180 He's been after you long enough. 58 00:03:08,220 --> 00:03:09,280 Don't be silly. 59 00:03:09,320 --> 00:03:10,920 I'm just a good account. 60 00:03:10,950 --> 00:03:11,890 Is that all? 61 00:03:11,920 --> 00:03:13,520 Anyway, he should know better than to walk 62 00:03:13,560 --> 00:03:18,460 through the front door with his sample bags. 63 00:03:18,490 --> 00:03:20,960 You know, you girls have the nicest things on the boulevard. 64 00:03:21,060 --> 00:03:23,200 I saw whose legs you were looking at. 65 00:03:23,230 --> 00:03:25,100 I can't see you now, Mel, really. 66 00:03:25,130 --> 00:03:26,470 You should have called me first. 67 00:03:26,500 --> 00:03:28,740 So you could tell me not to come out? 68 00:03:28,770 --> 00:03:29,970 As long as I am here, I-- 69 00:03:30,070 --> 00:03:32,070 Evy has to go to lunch in 15 minutes 70 00:03:32,110 --> 00:03:33,840 and I have an appointment at the bank. 71 00:03:33,880 --> 00:03:35,740 Well, if it's financial advice you're seeking, 72 00:03:35,780 --> 00:03:37,750 just remember, I'm yours for free. 73 00:03:37,780 --> 00:03:39,080 Thanks, but I'll manage. 74 00:03:39,110 --> 00:03:40,250 Sure, but anyone starting out 75 00:03:40,280 --> 00:03:41,320 with your physical assets 76 00:03:41,350 --> 00:03:43,790 ought to be worth a cool million by now. 77 00:03:43,820 --> 00:03:45,650 Oh, Mel. 78 00:03:45,690 --> 00:03:46,820 What's with your boss, Evy? 79 00:03:46,860 --> 00:03:48,620 She takes everything I say the wrong way. 80 00:03:48,660 --> 00:03:51,260 Maybe 'cause you came in the wrong way. 81 00:03:51,290 --> 00:03:52,190 Oh! 82 00:03:52,230 --> 00:03:54,530 Well, this is just a social call. 83 00:03:54,560 --> 00:03:59,270 I don't know where you get your sales resistance. 84 00:03:59,300 --> 00:04:01,540 Hey, what's this? 85 00:04:01,570 --> 00:04:04,170 Oh, I should have come this way before. 86 00:04:04,210 --> 00:04:06,810 "In case of emergency call Mrs. Manning, 87 00:04:06,840 --> 00:04:08,640 New York 40470." 88 00:04:08,680 --> 00:04:11,350 My number's down there, too. 89 00:04:11,380 --> 00:04:13,480 Oh, yeah, Evy Wilson-- 90 00:04:13,520 --> 00:04:18,250 Poplar 26744. 91 00:04:18,290 --> 00:04:19,090 You're cute. 92 00:04:19,120 --> 00:04:20,260 Mel, you know I have rules, 93 00:04:20,290 --> 00:04:22,190 when it comes to mixing business with pleasure. 94 00:04:22,220 --> 00:04:23,260 Oh, so have I, 95 00:04:23,290 --> 00:04:25,260 but entertaining accounts is my business. 96 00:04:25,290 --> 00:04:27,130 Evy, I won't be at the bank long. 97 00:04:27,160 --> 00:04:28,860 Mel, I'm afraid I just have to go. 98 00:04:28,900 --> 00:04:30,270 Okay, and don't worry about Evy. 99 00:04:30,300 --> 00:04:32,100 I'll keep her company till you get back. 100 00:04:32,130 --> 00:04:33,070 And don't worry about me. 101 00:04:33,070 --> 00:04:34,670 I'm through for the day. 102 00:04:34,700 --> 00:04:38,410 I have no more calls to make. 103 00:04:38,440 --> 00:04:41,810 Oh, Mel, really, you're wasting both our time. 104 00:04:41,840 --> 00:04:43,080 I have to move some of my stock 105 00:04:43,110 --> 00:04:44,380 before I can buy any more. 106 00:04:44,410 --> 00:04:45,310 I'm not surprised. 107 00:04:45,350 --> 00:04:46,820 You were overbought last season. 108 00:04:46,850 --> 00:04:48,180 So, take your line down the street 109 00:04:48,220 --> 00:04:49,680 and sell it to Lucille's. 110 00:04:49,720 --> 00:04:51,090 Oh, no, honey child. 111 00:04:51,120 --> 00:04:53,420 As long as you're in Glen Oaks, the line's yours. 112 00:04:53,460 --> 00:04:55,090 Even the boss says so. 113 00:04:55,090 --> 00:04:57,160 You gave us our best runner all season. 114 00:04:57,190 --> 00:04:58,990 Maybe I'm in the wrong end of this business. 115 00:04:59,090 --> 00:05:00,830 Oh, I wouldn't say that. 116 00:05:00,860 --> 00:05:01,900 Anyway, I just dropped by 117 00:05:01,930 --> 00:05:03,830 to get your opinion on our new samples. 118 00:05:03,870 --> 00:05:05,270 Oh, you flatter me. 119 00:05:05,300 --> 00:05:06,330 Oh, no. 120 00:05:06,370 --> 00:05:08,670 You've got what it takes when it comes to style. 121 00:05:08,700 --> 00:05:10,310 What'd your husband used to say? 122 00:05:10,340 --> 00:05:12,570 "I do the buying, but I let my wife do the picking." 123 00:05:12,610 --> 00:05:13,680 A real shrewd merchant. 124 00:05:13,710 --> 00:05:16,140 All right, Mel, you've rubbed it in enough. 125 00:05:16,180 --> 00:05:17,680 No offense. 126 00:05:17,710 --> 00:05:20,250 Anyway, didn't I say that you've got what it takes? 127 00:05:20,280 --> 00:05:22,480 You just smile pretty enough at that bank manager 128 00:05:22,520 --> 00:05:23,750 and he won't look at your statement. 129 00:05:23,790 --> 00:05:25,520 And if you don't stop needling me, 130 00:05:25,550 --> 00:05:27,190 I'm not going to look at your line. 131 00:05:27,220 --> 00:05:30,230 All right, all right, you win. 132 00:05:30,260 --> 00:05:32,190 Now suppose we take the chip off our shoulder. 133 00:05:32,230 --> 00:05:33,060 Mel! 134 00:05:33,060 --> 00:05:36,670 (teapot whistling) 135 00:05:36,700 --> 00:05:38,570 Would you turn that off, please? 136 00:05:48,640 --> 00:05:50,710 This looks like you're ready to set off a moon rocket. 137 00:05:50,750 --> 00:05:51,880 Isn't it clever? 138 00:05:51,910 --> 00:05:56,420 I'm thinking of taking out a patent. 139 00:05:56,450 --> 00:05:57,650 Some gadget. 140 00:05:57,690 --> 00:05:59,650 Oh, Evy calls it my 1:00 whistle. 141 00:05:59,690 --> 00:06:01,090 I'm always forgetting lunch. 142 00:06:01,120 --> 00:06:02,820 At least it reminds me to make tea. 143 00:06:02,860 --> 00:06:05,330 Well, I'll see that you have more than tea today. 144 00:06:05,360 --> 00:06:07,030 I'll take you out to lunch. 145 00:06:07,030 --> 00:06:09,430 I don't know when I'm getting back from the bank. 146 00:06:14,240 --> 00:06:15,270 I'll wait. 147 00:06:26,820 --> 00:06:30,790 Jan, I'm afraid I haven't been a very good friend to you. 148 00:06:30,820 --> 00:06:32,220 Oh, you don't have to apologize, 149 00:06:32,250 --> 00:06:33,720 I know you're a busy man. 150 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:34,790 No excuse. 151 00:06:34,820 --> 00:06:37,290 I should have kept closer tabs on you. 152 00:06:37,330 --> 00:06:38,390 According to this, 153 00:06:38,430 --> 00:06:40,160 you've got too much tied up in inventory. 154 00:06:40,200 --> 00:06:42,930 If you don't get into a more liquid position, 155 00:06:42,960 --> 00:06:44,270 you'll be in serious trouble. 156 00:06:44,300 --> 00:06:46,530 But that's what I'm trying to do. 157 00:06:46,570 --> 00:06:48,200 If it wasn't for this weather-- 158 00:06:48,240 --> 00:06:49,270 I know. 159 00:06:49,300 --> 00:06:51,370 However, money's gotten tight these days, Jan. 160 00:06:51,410 --> 00:06:52,870 Downtown would never approve 161 00:06:52,910 --> 00:06:55,480 an increase in your loan the way things are. 162 00:06:55,510 --> 00:06:58,080 I don't understand, I mean, 163 00:06:58,080 --> 00:07:01,380 if it was someone who wasn't familiar with the store-- 164 00:07:01,420 --> 00:07:02,550 But you know what it's done. 165 00:07:02,580 --> 00:07:04,390 You know what it can do! 166 00:07:04,420 --> 00:07:05,820 Times have changed, Jan. 167 00:07:05,850 --> 00:07:08,560 However, if you need a few more months on your present loan-- 168 00:07:08,590 --> 00:07:09,890 But that's not enough! 169 00:07:09,920 --> 00:07:12,890 I need money now to take care of my summer inventory. 170 00:07:12,930 --> 00:07:14,430 Then do what Henry used to do. 171 00:07:14,460 --> 00:07:16,100 Advertise, get people in. 172 00:07:16,130 --> 00:07:17,700 Then give them real bargains. 173 00:07:17,730 --> 00:07:20,540 That's the way to move your stock. 174 00:07:20,570 --> 00:07:22,570 I'll be with you in a moment, Mr. Edwards. 175 00:07:25,570 --> 00:07:28,440 Well, I really must be getting back to the store. 176 00:07:28,480 --> 00:07:30,350 Come in and see me any time, Jan. 177 00:07:30,380 --> 00:07:32,680 I hope you didn't mind my sounding like a Dutch uncle. 178 00:07:32,710 --> 00:07:33,620 Oh, not at all. 179 00:07:33,650 --> 00:07:35,050 I appreciate your advice. 180 00:07:35,050 --> 00:07:36,650 Good girl. 181 00:07:44,660 --> 00:07:46,660 Like a shoulder to cry on? 182 00:07:46,700 --> 00:07:47,700 Oh, please. 183 00:07:47,730 --> 00:07:49,760 How about that lunch? 184 00:07:49,800 --> 00:07:51,170 I couldn't eat a thing. 185 00:07:51,200 --> 00:07:53,500 I've got a better idea, how about a drink? 186 00:07:53,540 --> 00:07:54,740 And don't worry about Evy. 187 00:07:54,770 --> 00:07:56,170 I already bought her a sandwich. 188 00:07:56,200 --> 00:08:00,240 Come on. 189 00:08:00,280 --> 00:08:10,290 * 190 00:08:10,320 --> 00:08:20,360 * 191 00:08:20,360 --> 00:08:25,670 * 192 00:08:25,700 --> 00:08:27,240 I ordered doubles. 193 00:08:27,270 --> 00:08:28,400 On an empty stomach? 194 00:08:28,440 --> 00:08:29,870 Oh, it'll be good for you. 195 00:08:29,900 --> 00:08:31,210 Here's luck. 196 00:08:35,210 --> 00:08:38,350 I really shouldn't be doing this. 197 00:08:38,380 --> 00:08:40,080 Jan, you're a funny girl. 198 00:08:40,120 --> 00:08:41,180 I'll bet you weren't such a square 199 00:08:41,220 --> 00:08:43,350 before you married Henry. 200 00:08:43,390 --> 00:08:45,290 Maybe it's time you had another man around the house. 201 00:08:45,320 --> 00:08:48,360 Now don't start that again. 202 00:08:48,390 --> 00:08:51,130 Well, at least a merchandise man. 203 00:08:51,160 --> 00:08:52,830 Jan, do you know how many dresses 204 00:08:52,860 --> 00:08:54,900 you had on that sale rack? 205 00:08:54,930 --> 00:08:56,230 Oh, approximately-- 206 00:08:56,260 --> 00:08:58,770 One hundred and forty-six! 207 00:08:58,800 --> 00:09:01,140 I counted the sweaters on sale, too. 208 00:09:01,170 --> 00:09:02,100 Well, that wasn't so bad, 209 00:09:02,140 --> 00:09:03,100 but when I walked in the back room 210 00:09:03,140 --> 00:09:04,910 and saw what you had stacked there. 211 00:09:05,010 --> 00:09:06,240 You should have gone through my books. 212 00:09:06,270 --> 00:09:08,440 Then you could tell me what I have on order. 213 00:09:08,480 --> 00:09:10,350 Anyway, if I were your banker-- 214 00:09:10,380 --> 00:09:12,180 Mel, please, I've had my fill 215 00:09:12,210 --> 00:09:13,250 of Dutch uncles. 216 00:09:13,280 --> 00:09:14,620 All right, all right. 217 00:09:14,650 --> 00:09:23,220 * 218 00:09:23,260 --> 00:09:26,160 Well, there is a way of solving your problems. 219 00:09:26,190 --> 00:09:27,160 No matter what I do, 220 00:09:27,200 --> 00:09:31,230 I can't meet my bills or pay the bank. 221 00:09:31,270 --> 00:09:34,040 It's that bad, huh? 222 00:09:34,040 --> 00:09:37,340 You know your stock is worth a lot of money, 223 00:09:37,370 --> 00:09:38,770 if you have the right insurance. 224 00:09:38,810 --> 00:09:41,510 Oh, I'm insured, but who'd bother to steal it? 225 00:09:41,540 --> 00:09:43,680 Who said steal? 226 00:09:43,710 --> 00:09:44,950 There's nothing wrong with your shop 227 00:09:45,050 --> 00:09:47,420 that a good fire couldn't cure. 228 00:09:47,450 --> 00:09:49,350 (laughing) 229 00:09:49,380 --> 00:09:52,350 * 230 00:09:52,390 --> 00:09:55,090 You're serious. 231 00:09:55,120 --> 00:09:57,360 Oh, now, wait a minute. 232 00:09:57,390 --> 00:09:59,060 Going bankrupt is one thing, 233 00:09:59,060 --> 00:10:01,960 but going to jail is another. 234 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:03,030 Not necessarily. 235 00:10:03,060 --> 00:10:05,170 Is that why you're out? 236 00:10:05,200 --> 00:10:06,130 Now, do I look like the type 237 00:10:06,170 --> 00:10:08,300 who'd go around starting fires? 238 00:10:08,340 --> 00:10:11,140 Well, I'm not so sure. 239 00:10:11,170 --> 00:10:14,810 But I know someone who does. 240 00:10:14,840 --> 00:10:18,810 What? 241 00:10:18,850 --> 00:10:21,180 Let's have another drink. 242 00:10:25,750 --> 00:10:28,290 So, you say it's his business? 243 00:10:28,320 --> 00:10:29,490 But what about the police? 244 00:10:29,520 --> 00:10:31,660 What about the insurance company? 245 00:10:31,690 --> 00:10:33,500 (shushing) 246 00:10:33,530 --> 00:10:35,100 Isn't it their business, too? 247 00:10:35,130 --> 00:10:38,330 Sure, and they're on to all the tricks. 248 00:10:38,370 --> 00:10:41,170 So, how does your friend do it? 249 00:10:41,200 --> 00:10:42,100 Interested? 250 00:10:42,140 --> 00:10:44,070 No. 251 00:10:44,110 --> 00:10:46,370 Just curious. 252 00:10:46,410 --> 00:10:48,040 Oh, you see? 253 00:10:48,080 --> 00:10:50,280 I told you I shouldn't have any more. 254 00:10:50,310 --> 00:10:53,080 We'll fix it then. 255 00:10:53,110 --> 00:10:55,380 You got a bar towel, please? 256 00:10:55,420 --> 00:10:59,350 Thank you. 257 00:10:59,390 --> 00:11:01,290 Uh, one more, please. 258 00:11:05,690 --> 00:11:07,560 I'm sorry. 259 00:11:07,600 --> 00:11:08,930 I'm terribly sorry. 260 00:11:08,960 --> 00:11:12,070 It's all right, it could happen to anybody. 261 00:11:12,070 --> 00:11:16,910 It happens all the time. 262 00:11:16,940 --> 00:11:20,340 Now, to get back to your question. 263 00:11:20,380 --> 00:11:23,350 We'll say I have a friend whose store is in trouble. 264 00:11:23,380 --> 00:11:26,880 I call up a certain party, let's call him Al. 265 00:11:26,920 --> 00:11:29,850 Now, the first thing Al asks me is about the alarm system. 266 00:11:29,880 --> 00:11:32,890 I checked yours, very simple. 267 00:11:32,920 --> 00:11:35,820 Then he asks me the location of the skylight. 268 00:11:35,860 --> 00:11:37,260 That's all. 269 00:11:37,290 --> 00:11:39,290 Then, one night, the store is robbed. 270 00:11:39,330 --> 00:11:40,760 Robbed, but I thought that you said-- 271 00:11:40,800 --> 00:11:41,960 All right, now, wait a minute. 272 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:44,170 Just let me finish. 273 00:11:44,200 --> 00:11:46,500 A burglar breaks in through the skylight, 274 00:11:46,530 --> 00:11:47,840 takes a few things, 275 00:11:47,870 --> 00:11:49,300 but he's careless. 276 00:11:49,340 --> 00:11:52,110 A cigarette is dropped in the waste basket, 277 00:11:52,140 --> 00:11:53,610 or near the wrapping table, 278 00:11:53,640 --> 00:11:56,240 like in my friend's back room. 279 00:11:56,280 --> 00:11:58,280 There's even a bottle of cleaning fluid there. 280 00:11:58,310 --> 00:12:00,050 Very dangerous. 281 00:12:00,050 --> 00:12:01,250 So a fire starts. 282 00:12:01,280 --> 00:12:03,690 A careless burglar starts a fire. 283 00:12:03,720 --> 00:12:05,050 My friend collects a lot of money 284 00:12:05,050 --> 00:12:07,060 and Al gets a cut. 285 00:12:07,090 --> 00:12:09,290 And you? 286 00:12:09,320 --> 00:12:11,330 I was able to help a friend. 287 00:12:11,360 --> 00:12:12,390 That's all? 288 00:12:12,430 --> 00:12:16,260 * 289 00:12:16,300 --> 00:12:19,300 All right, Jan, I'll lay it on the line. 290 00:12:19,330 --> 00:12:21,640 I've been on the road for a long time. 291 00:12:21,670 --> 00:12:22,500 And like a lot of the guys, 292 00:12:22,540 --> 00:12:24,840 I've got nothing to show for it. 293 00:12:24,870 --> 00:12:26,110 But an interest in a store. 294 00:12:26,140 --> 00:12:28,080 Well, that could be a future! 295 00:12:28,110 --> 00:12:29,140 I see. 296 00:12:29,180 --> 00:12:31,080 Jan, with your style sense and my horse sense, 297 00:12:31,110 --> 00:12:32,850 we could really go someplace. 298 00:12:32,880 --> 00:12:34,980 Isn't that something to think about? 299 00:12:35,080 --> 00:12:36,920 How can I? 300 00:12:36,950 --> 00:12:41,790 Everything's all so mixed-- 301 00:12:41,820 --> 00:12:46,330 Thank you. 302 00:12:46,360 --> 00:12:47,800 Do you have a better idea? 303 00:12:47,830 --> 00:12:49,130 Oh, I don't know, Mel. 304 00:12:49,160 --> 00:12:51,800 With all the drinks, don't ask me to think. 305 00:12:51,830 --> 00:12:55,140 Let me do the thinking. 306 00:12:55,170 --> 00:12:56,670 Now, look, today is the 10th. 307 00:12:56,710 --> 00:12:59,010 When does your accountant come in? 308 00:12:59,110 --> 00:13:01,380 -Tomorrow, today-- -All right. 309 00:13:01,410 --> 00:13:03,210 Now, when he does, be sure to tell him 310 00:13:03,240 --> 00:13:05,480 to take the books home with him. 311 00:13:05,510 --> 00:13:07,080 -The books? -Yes. 312 00:13:07,120 --> 00:13:08,120 In case there is a fire, 313 00:13:08,150 --> 00:13:09,680 you wouldn't want your records destroyed, 314 00:13:09,720 --> 00:13:11,050 would you? 315 00:13:11,090 --> 00:13:14,660 -Records? -Oh, Jan, listen! 316 00:13:14,690 --> 00:13:16,730 What did I say? 317 00:13:16,760 --> 00:13:21,060 To tell Bernie to take the books home with him. 318 00:13:21,100 --> 00:13:23,300 Right, so you can prove your inventory. 319 00:13:23,330 --> 00:13:25,830 Now, that's why you mustn't forget to tell him. 320 00:13:25,870 --> 00:13:29,970 Tell Bernie to take the books home. 321 00:13:30,070 --> 00:13:34,310 That's right. 322 00:13:34,340 --> 00:13:35,540 Now you're talking. 323 00:13:51,290 --> 00:13:52,690 Jan, I was worried. 324 00:13:52,730 --> 00:13:54,100 Where've you been all afternoon? 325 00:13:54,130 --> 00:13:56,300 I just sent your sister looking for you. 326 00:13:56,330 --> 00:13:59,230 Oh, I'm sorry, Evy. 327 00:13:59,270 --> 00:14:01,700 You didn't get the loan? 328 00:14:01,740 --> 00:14:03,240 No. 329 00:14:03,270 --> 00:14:05,310 As soon as Susan gets back, you go on home. 330 00:14:05,340 --> 00:14:07,310 I'll close up. 331 00:14:07,340 --> 00:14:11,550 Oh, Evy, what would I ever do without you? 332 00:14:11,580 --> 00:14:13,350 No more Jeanette's. 333 00:14:13,380 --> 00:14:17,250 Isn't there anything you can do? 334 00:14:17,290 --> 00:14:19,790 Oh, Mel was talking about something. 335 00:14:19,820 --> 00:14:24,130 You see, there are lots of people you can turn to. 336 00:14:24,160 --> 00:14:25,730 The books. 337 00:14:30,070 --> 00:14:32,070 So there you are! 338 00:14:32,070 --> 00:14:33,070 Jan's not feeling well. 339 00:14:33,100 --> 00:14:34,770 You take her home, I'll close up. 340 00:14:34,800 --> 00:14:36,740 She's been awfully worried lately. 341 00:14:36,770 --> 00:14:38,510 The car's in back, Jan. 342 00:14:41,910 --> 00:14:45,550 What did she do, tie one on? 343 00:14:45,580 --> 00:14:47,320 If Bernie comes, 344 00:14:47,350 --> 00:14:49,520 tell him to take these home. 345 00:14:49,550 --> 00:14:52,420 I promise. 346 00:14:52,450 --> 00:14:53,990 It's important, Evy. 347 00:14:54,090 --> 00:14:55,620 Mel said so. 348 00:14:55,660 --> 00:14:57,260 It mustn't be left here. 349 00:14:57,290 --> 00:14:59,290 I understand. 350 00:14:59,330 --> 00:15:00,630 You won't forget? 351 00:15:00,660 --> 00:15:02,200 I promise. 352 00:15:02,230 --> 00:15:12,240 * 353 00:15:12,270 --> 00:15:20,780 * 354 00:15:20,820 --> 00:15:24,520 (phone ringing) 355 00:15:24,550 --> 00:15:31,430 * 356 00:15:31,460 --> 00:15:33,700 Jan! 357 00:15:33,730 --> 00:15:36,630 Jan, the phone! 358 00:15:36,670 --> 00:15:40,100 Who could be calling at this hour? 359 00:15:40,140 --> 00:15:42,540 Hello. 360 00:15:42,570 --> 00:15:46,680 Uh, yes, this is Mrs. Manning. 361 00:15:46,710 --> 00:15:51,580 Yes, I'm the owner of Jeanette's Dress Shop. 362 00:15:51,610 --> 00:15:53,750 What? 363 00:15:53,780 --> 00:15:57,220 I'll be right down! 364 00:15:57,250 --> 00:15:58,320 What happened? 365 00:15:58,350 --> 00:15:59,820 A fire. 366 00:15:59,850 --> 00:16:01,220 The store's on fire! 367 00:16:08,460 --> 00:16:11,270 Boy, bring that two and a half inch line over here 368 00:16:11,300 --> 00:16:16,200 and put it through that window. 369 00:16:16,240 --> 00:16:17,370 I got the ladder up, chief. 370 00:16:17,410 --> 00:16:18,940 All right, but don't go inside 371 00:16:19,040 --> 00:16:20,710 till you play your line in there first. 372 00:16:20,740 --> 00:16:22,080 Right. 373 00:16:22,110 --> 00:16:25,480 Oh, Jim, play your line on the building next door, 374 00:16:25,510 --> 00:16:27,380 we don't want this thing to spread. 375 00:16:33,920 --> 00:16:35,160 Mrs. Manning? 376 00:16:35,190 --> 00:16:36,590 Will you come with me, please? 377 00:16:36,620 --> 00:16:38,090 Can I come, too, I'm her sister? 378 00:16:38,130 --> 00:16:40,460 Oh, certainly, I just want to get some information. 379 00:16:43,470 --> 00:16:45,070 Oh, it's awful. 380 00:16:45,070 --> 00:16:46,840 At least you're insured. 381 00:16:46,870 --> 00:16:48,940 Oh, it's pretty well under control now, 382 00:16:48,970 --> 00:16:52,070 but I'm afraid your stock and fixtures will be a total loss. 383 00:16:52,070 --> 00:16:53,840 How did it happen? 384 00:16:53,880 --> 00:16:56,980 Well, somehow it broke out in the rear of the store. 385 00:16:57,080 --> 00:17:00,480 Now, would you mind answering a few questions, Mrs. Manning? 386 00:17:00,520 --> 00:17:01,880 Well, I-- 387 00:17:01,920 --> 00:17:04,020 Your insurance company? 388 00:17:04,020 --> 00:17:05,820 The Great Northern. 389 00:17:05,850 --> 00:17:08,590 Great Northern. 390 00:17:08,620 --> 00:17:10,730 And your landlord? 391 00:17:10,760 --> 00:17:13,400 The Guarantee Title and Trust on Main. 392 00:17:13,430 --> 00:17:15,700 (siren wailing) 393 00:17:22,800 --> 00:17:23,740 Miss Evelyn Wilson. 394 00:17:23,770 --> 00:17:25,210 Was she an employee of yours? 395 00:17:25,240 --> 00:17:26,780 Is Evy here? 396 00:17:26,810 --> 00:17:27,910 Well, she was. 397 00:17:27,940 --> 00:17:31,780 Apparently, she went into the store to get this. 398 00:17:31,810 --> 00:17:33,550 My records! 399 00:17:33,580 --> 00:17:35,250 I don't understand! 400 00:17:35,280 --> 00:17:38,090 But before we got here, someone had called her. 401 00:17:38,120 --> 00:17:40,820 Her telephone number was on the door. 402 00:17:40,860 --> 00:17:42,720 She seemed quite upset. 403 00:17:42,760 --> 00:17:44,290 Said that she'd forgotten something, 404 00:17:44,330 --> 00:17:45,430 and before any of us could stop her, 405 00:17:45,460 --> 00:17:46,900 she went in the building. 406 00:17:46,930 --> 00:17:48,160 What happened, is she all right? 407 00:17:48,200 --> 00:17:51,830 Well, the ambulance got here as fast as they could, 408 00:17:51,870 --> 00:17:54,140 but I'm afraid it's third degree burns. 409 00:17:54,170 --> 00:17:56,400 Oh, Evy. 410 00:17:56,440 --> 00:17:57,270 Sorry, Mrs. Manning, 411 00:17:57,310 --> 00:17:58,710 we won't hold you any longer. 412 00:17:58,740 --> 00:18:00,480 Take her home and give her a good sedative. 413 00:18:00,510 --> 00:18:02,110 There's nothing she can do here anyway. 414 00:18:02,140 --> 00:18:04,150 The clean-up crew will take care of anything that's valuable 415 00:18:04,180 --> 00:18:06,650 and it will be noon before anybody can go in there. 416 00:18:06,680 --> 00:18:07,620 Thank you. 417 00:18:07,650 --> 00:18:08,650 Come on, Jan. 418 00:18:08,680 --> 00:18:11,020 Get a good night's sleep, Mrs. Manning. 419 00:18:11,020 --> 00:18:14,460 Jim, get a lot of water on the building next door. 420 00:18:20,200 --> 00:18:23,160 Uh, I'm sorry, ma'am, but no one's allowed in here. 421 00:18:23,200 --> 00:18:24,730 I'm Mrs. Manning, the owner. 422 00:18:24,770 --> 00:18:27,040 I came to see something. 423 00:18:27,040 --> 00:18:27,840 Okay, sure. 424 00:18:27,870 --> 00:18:29,440 Go ahead. 425 00:19:00,740 --> 00:19:03,000 I suppose congratulations are in order. 426 00:19:06,040 --> 00:19:08,610 Looks like you're clean as a whistle. 427 00:19:08,640 --> 00:19:09,710 Go away. 428 00:19:09,740 --> 00:19:11,710 Well, that's not a friendly attitude to take. 429 00:19:11,750 --> 00:19:14,220 Especially toward a new business partner. 430 00:19:14,250 --> 00:19:16,380 Leave me alone. 431 00:19:16,420 --> 00:19:18,550 Why so upset, because of Evy? 432 00:19:18,590 --> 00:19:21,520 Yeah, I read about it, I'm sorry, too. 433 00:19:21,560 --> 00:19:22,720 But, accidents will happen. 434 00:19:22,760 --> 00:19:24,230 It's unfortunate. 435 00:19:24,260 --> 00:19:25,790 We'll make it up to her. 436 00:19:25,830 --> 00:19:27,230 Get out of here. 437 00:19:27,260 --> 00:19:28,400 Just get out! 438 00:19:28,430 --> 00:19:30,070 I know how you feel. 439 00:19:30,100 --> 00:19:32,470 You'll get over it soon as that check comes in. 440 00:19:32,500 --> 00:19:33,800 Did you hear me? 441 00:19:33,840 --> 00:19:35,400 Or do I have to call somebody? 442 00:19:35,440 --> 00:19:38,170 All right, all right. 443 00:19:38,210 --> 00:19:42,380 Only, don't stay angry too long. 444 00:19:42,410 --> 00:19:45,410 We've got a lot to talk over, you and I. 445 00:19:45,450 --> 00:19:51,750 * 446 00:19:51,790 --> 00:19:53,190 Be seeing you. 447 00:19:53,220 --> 00:20:03,230 * 448 00:20:03,260 --> 00:20:13,310 * 449 00:20:13,310 --> 00:20:23,250 * 450 00:20:23,280 --> 00:20:32,090 * 451 00:20:32,130 --> 00:20:33,330 Oh, I'm sorry. 452 00:20:33,360 --> 00:20:34,360 Mrs. Manning? 453 00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:35,200 Yes. 454 00:20:35,230 --> 00:20:36,160 I'm Frank Voss, 455 00:20:36,200 --> 00:20:39,670 The Great Northern Insurance Company. 456 00:20:39,700 --> 00:20:40,640 Care for a cigarette? 457 00:20:40,670 --> 00:20:42,000 No, thanks. 458 00:20:42,040 --> 00:20:42,970 Now, it looks like we're going to have 459 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:44,670 quite an extensive claim here. 460 00:20:44,710 --> 00:20:45,810 I was just checking over the figures 461 00:20:45,840 --> 00:20:47,710 before I left the office this morning. 462 00:20:47,740 --> 00:20:50,010 Your inventory was rather large, wasn't it? 463 00:20:50,050 --> 00:20:52,710 I mean, compared to previous years? 464 00:20:52,750 --> 00:20:54,220 When my husband was alive, 465 00:20:54,250 --> 00:20:56,550 he was able to handle these things better. 466 00:20:56,580 --> 00:20:59,590 Oh, I wasn't criticizing your business ability, Mrs. Manning. 467 00:20:59,620 --> 00:21:01,860 But it's just that, well, under these circumstances-- 468 00:21:01,890 --> 00:21:04,630 A fire couldn't have happened at a better time? 469 00:21:04,660 --> 00:21:07,300 Mrs. Manning, I wasn't going to say that at all. 470 00:21:07,330 --> 00:21:09,260 You and your husband have been doing business with our firm 471 00:21:09,300 --> 00:21:13,170 far too long for us to jump to a conclusion like that. 472 00:21:13,200 --> 00:21:16,070 In our terms, you're a preferred risk. 473 00:21:16,100 --> 00:21:17,740 I see. 474 00:21:17,770 --> 00:21:18,970 Mrs. Manning, in my job 475 00:21:19,070 --> 00:21:20,340 you have to be able to judge people 476 00:21:20,380 --> 00:21:21,680 as well as evidence. 477 00:21:21,710 --> 00:21:23,510 If your answers are acceptable to me, 478 00:21:23,550 --> 00:21:25,980 they're acceptable to my company. 479 00:21:26,080 --> 00:21:28,580 That's very kind of you, Mr. Voss. 480 00:21:28,620 --> 00:21:33,420 I wish that I were the kind of person you think I am. 481 00:21:33,460 --> 00:21:35,860 Oh, what do you mean? 482 00:21:35,890 --> 00:21:39,730 Do you really think this fire was an accident? 483 00:21:39,760 --> 00:21:44,530 Well, that'd be rather hard to prove one way or another. 484 00:21:44,570 --> 00:21:45,730 Well, it wasn't. 485 00:21:45,770 --> 00:21:46,700 Mrs. Manning, I must warn you 486 00:21:46,740 --> 00:21:48,240 that arson is a criminal offense. 487 00:21:48,270 --> 00:21:49,200 Anything you might tell me 488 00:21:49,240 --> 00:21:50,440 I'd have to report to the police. 489 00:21:50,470 --> 00:21:53,540 I'll tell them anything they want to know. 490 00:21:53,580 --> 00:21:54,810 There, you see. 491 00:21:54,840 --> 00:21:57,380 I'm a better judge of character than you thought. 492 00:21:57,410 --> 00:21:59,550 I was hoping that you'd face up to the facts 493 00:21:59,580 --> 00:22:01,120 and tell the truth. 494 00:22:01,150 --> 00:22:03,650 I don't know who set the fire, 495 00:22:03,690 --> 00:22:06,520 but there's a way you can trace him. 496 00:22:06,550 --> 00:22:08,090 Trace who? 497 00:22:08,120 --> 00:22:09,860 The arsonist. 498 00:22:09,890 --> 00:22:12,690 The man who broke through the skylight. 499 00:22:12,730 --> 00:22:13,600 But, Mrs. Manning, 500 00:22:13,630 --> 00:22:15,960 nobody broke through the skylight. 501 00:22:16,060 --> 00:22:17,430 But the glass. 502 00:22:17,470 --> 00:22:19,530 The broken glass, I saw it. 503 00:22:19,570 --> 00:22:21,070 Oh, a few pieces, perhaps, 504 00:22:21,070 --> 00:22:22,940 But most of it is up on the roof. 505 00:22:22,970 --> 00:22:24,570 The heat blew it out. 506 00:22:28,240 --> 00:22:31,710 Well, then he came in another way. 507 00:22:31,750 --> 00:22:34,150 He was supposed to make it look like a robbery. 508 00:22:34,180 --> 00:22:35,280 Mrs. Manning, there's no use trying 509 00:22:35,320 --> 00:22:37,450 to put the blame on somebody else. 510 00:22:37,490 --> 00:22:40,260 I thought you'd decided to tell the truth. 511 00:22:40,290 --> 00:22:42,660 But I am telling you the truth. 512 00:22:42,690 --> 00:22:45,160 Mrs. Manning, the evidence is all here. 513 00:22:45,190 --> 00:22:49,700 Unfortunately for you, the fire didn't destroy it. 514 00:22:49,730 --> 00:22:51,870 Look. 515 00:22:51,900 --> 00:22:53,670 It happened just the way you planned it. 516 00:22:53,700 --> 00:22:58,340 The clock turned on the hot plate at exactly 1:00 am. 517 00:22:58,370 --> 00:22:59,370 Then the cleaning fluid 518 00:22:59,410 --> 00:23:01,310 and the wrapping materials did the rest. 519 00:23:01,340 --> 00:23:14,720 * 520 00:23:14,760 --> 00:23:16,930 But don't you understand? 521 00:23:16,960 --> 00:23:19,360 That's how I make my tea. 522 00:23:19,390 --> 00:23:22,830 It was set for 1:00 pm. 523 00:23:22,860 --> 00:23:25,470 It must have gone on again by accident. 524 00:23:25,500 --> 00:23:29,870 Mrs. Manning, if you had given me this information before, 525 00:23:29,900 --> 00:23:31,840 I might have believed you. 526 00:23:31,870 --> 00:23:33,640 But you yourself just admitted-- 527 00:23:33,680 --> 00:23:35,380 But I am telling you the truth. 528 00:23:35,410 --> 00:23:37,710 I am. 529 00:23:37,750 --> 00:23:40,450 The clock wasn't turned off properly. 530 00:23:40,480 --> 00:23:41,880 It was an accident. 531 00:23:41,920 --> 00:23:45,090 Please, Mrs. Manning-- 532 00:23:45,090 --> 00:23:48,290 But you've got to believe me. 533 00:23:48,320 --> 00:23:51,590 It was an accident, I tell you. 534 00:23:51,630 --> 00:23:52,830 An accident. 535 00:23:52,860 --> 00:23:56,830 * 536 00:23:56,870 --> 00:23:57,770 Please. 537 00:23:57,800 --> 00:24:01,740 * 538 00:24:07,110 --> 00:24:10,310 I can't seem to get out of here. 539 00:24:10,350 --> 00:24:14,380 The certain party I mentioned a short time ago 540 00:24:14,420 --> 00:24:17,050 locked me in and is now selling 541 00:24:17,050 --> 00:24:20,090 three baseballs for a dime... 542 00:24:20,120 --> 00:24:22,060 to passersby. 543 00:24:22,060 --> 00:24:25,360 I'm not sure what he has in mind, 544 00:24:25,390 --> 00:24:27,300 but I don't like the way 545 00:24:27,330 --> 00:24:30,630 they are looking at me. 546 00:24:30,670 --> 00:24:35,140 Fortunately, we had already planned to inject something 547 00:24:35,170 --> 00:24:38,540 at this time that may save my life, 548 00:24:38,570 --> 00:24:40,910 a more inviting target. 549 00:24:40,940 --> 00:24:43,380 Here it comes now, after which 550 00:24:43,410 --> 00:24:45,350 I shall try to rejoin you. 551 00:24:50,450 --> 00:24:53,890 As you see, I managed to escape. 552 00:24:53,920 --> 00:24:58,290 Next week, we shall be back with another story. 553 00:24:58,330 --> 00:25:02,030 Until then-- 554 00:25:02,060 --> 00:25:04,370 (train chugging) 555 00:25:04,400 --> 00:25:05,500 (train whistle) 556 00:25:10,070 --> 00:25:12,140 Plum pudding. 557 00:25:12,170 --> 00:25:14,180 Good night.