Original subtitles

Thank you.

Thank you.

But I just want more pint, John.

No, you've had plenty, George. You just want more?

No, it's nigh on closing time anyway. Now you go up home.

Hey,

that's not the way.

I ain't going down by the line.

I'm going to take a shortcut across the castle ground.

Oh, it's full moon tonight, George.

Look out, the black monk don't get you.

I do well with a black monk. That's right. He's supposed to be old Nick

himself. So the story goes.

Yeah.

For centuries, the inhabitants of Brockham village have believed the ruins

of the old castle to be haunted.

The legend tells that at full moon, the figure of a monk in black robes and cowl

rides round the ruins on a black horse which breathes fire.

Dad, when can we go on the path?

The wireless says it's raining.

Which way is the fiction, please?

Through the archway on the right. Thank you.

That's where the fiction is. Well, don't you spoil Jerry's story. It's out of

this world.

Any person crossing the path of this apparition vanishes from the face of the

earth, whisked off to feed the eternal fires of hell. For the Black Rider is

none other than the devil himself.

Now we come to the present. What an interesting story.

It's most interesting.

We must find out more about this legend.

When can we have a lolly, Dad?

I'd pay the black rider to whisk him off.

Where can I buy a copy of the news and mail?

I'm afraid you can't, sir. I hear they're sold out.

We're sold out.

Run away.

Go on, run away.

Oh, he's found it.

Hello.

Robert Flack speaking.

We're sold out.

What?

Sure you can speak to the editor.

and the publisher, and the printer.

I'm all of them, see, and we're still sold out.

Trade's good.

I've got a job for you, Jerry. Want to follow up on the Black Rider story?

The sooner we forget about that corny nonsense, the better.

It may be corny, but we're nearly sold out on it. If we print any more, we'll

be sold out.

Oh, it's nonsense.

It's what the public likes.

Don't you tell me what the public likes. It's your job to make them like what I

give them. Here.

Run away!

Go on, you horrible little thing! Go on!

Those babies, you're in Pettenhall Village.

That's right.

Oh, but Mr.

Platt. You know, you and your reporters are all alike.

You think you can sell a local paper on stunts.

But let me tell you something.

It's the baby shows and the flower shows that keep the circulation steady, not

black riders.

Come on, Jerry, it's time we got off home.

Oh, well, I can't come just yet. Oh, why not? Well, I've got a date. Oh, an

appointment.

But your mother's asked me earlier me into tea.

Oh, good heavens, I'd forgotten all about that. Well, look, you go on over

and get started and I'll come over as soon as I can.

Now, you listen to me, Jerry Marsh. That's no way to behave to your mother.

Oh, she won't mind. But I do.

And Mary will, too.

I'm not going to sit back and watch you paying your mother up like this. Your

father and me were friends and neighbours for 20 years.

I know how he felt about you popping in and out of jobs like a jack-in-the-box.

Well, I didn't know what I wanted to do till I started with the paper. Why do

you suppose I put you on the paper in the first place? Because I like the

colour of your eyes? You said it because you thought I'd make a good reporter.

Never mind what I said.

I did it to help you get settled back home with your mother.

Well, I came back from Canada as soon as you offered me the job. I don't know why

you went out there in the first place. If this country's good enough for me,

it's good enough for you, too. Oh, listen, Mr Plankton. You're doing the

listening. Look, I don't think just because you cooked up a bit of tripe

like that black rider... Oh, block the thing!

Robert Black speaking.

It's too late. You know as well as I do that all advertising copy has to be into

this office at 5.30.

It's too late.

No.

No, you can't persuade me to change my mind.

Very well, then give it to the Gazette.

You're my... Jerry!

Why do these things always have to happen? Hang on there. Oh!

Ted Lintop, what the place is you doing here? Evening, Mr. Black.

Club notes for this week's issue.

Seen Jerry? He just dashed out.

Do you want this or shall I take it around to the printing office?

Swanhaven Motorcycling Club. Special trial Saturday the 14th. Tent lids are

on sale.

I thought some of the public might like to come along and have a deco.

If they value their necks, they'll stay indoors. You know, if there's one thing

I hate more than anything else in this world, it's motorcycles and everything

to do with them. I won't take it. Okay, Mr. Black, I'll get the Wessex Gazette

to put it in.

I hear their circulation's much higher than the news and mail.

That'll be three inches four by an inch twelve, Bob.

I've also seen the super and got permission to fix a checkpoint at

Brockham Arms.

So what?

I thought it'd be a good follow-up story for you. If the black rider does turn up

and win a reliability trial.

Where's Mary?

Won't be a moment. Just tidying up a bit.

It's a shame Jerry has to be late. We're working him too hard.

Nothing to do with me. I told him to be home at six o'clock sharp. What is this

appointment, then? That's what I'd like to know.

You know, Jerry's been behaving very strangely of late.

But you said he was settling down so well.

So he is in his work.

Well, then.

I'm thinking of Mary.

But he's devoted to Mary.

Is he?

Then what does he do with his evenings?

His evenings?

Has he told you where he goes? No.

He hasn't told Mary either.

It's not fair. She's never looked at anyone except Jerry. You don't mean that

you think... Good evening, Mrs. Marsh.

Sorry I'm so late, but we've had such a rush at the library today. The Black

Rider story.

Hello, Dad.

You're not late, dear. Come and sit down. I'm sure Jerry won't be long.

Oh, really?

Making him work late again, Father?

I'm doing nothing of the sort of... Mary, I want to know what the trouble is

between the two of you.

Trouble? Why should you think there's any trouble? Well, I've got eyes in my

head. And if I find that that young fly-by-night's been playing fast and

loose with your... Oh, don't be so ridiculous, Father.

Jerry's old enough to do what he pleases, and I'm certainly not

interested in what he does with his time. But I am interested. You know,

I've got a... You're jumping to conclusions, Mr. Platt. Jerry wouldn't.

What wouldn't, Jerry?

Hello, dear. Come and sit down. I'm sorry I'm late.

Hello, Mary.

Hello.

What's the matter with you all?

I've got some news for you. Good news?

I'll say it is. Give you the biggest shock of your lives.

Well, come on out with it.

Oh, excuse me. That'll be for me.

Hello?

Yes, Ted.

Yes, I've got her. Oh, she's an absolute beauty. I can hardly believe she's mine.

What? No, why should I want to change my mind? She's terrific.

I had her out last night. I didn't get back till late.

Fast, I'll say she is.

Where's Mary?

In the garden. Oh, Fletcher. Oh, no, you don't, Jerry Marsh. Have you gone mad?

Haven't you any regard at all for Mary's feelings?

What on earth are you talking about?

Really, Jerry, you might have closed the door.

Oh, no.

Look, this isn't a laughing matter. I demand an explanation.

He just can't be well.

He'll be feeling a darn sight worse by the time I finish with him.

Come on, all of you.

Well, there she is. Isn't she a beauty?

What do you think of her?

Jerry!

Come and be introduced.

When did you get her? Today.

I've been saving for months for her.

I've joined the motorcycling club and Ted Lintott, the secretary, has been

rushing me around in the evenings trying to find me a bike. So that's what you've

been doing and I thought... I thought it would be a surprise for you. We've

always wanted to get her around a bit. Now we can.

This is the cheapest motoring for two in the world.

Jerry, I won't let you ride that horrible thing.

You'll kill yourself.

Steady, Mum. Remember, I was a dispatcher rider on the Normandy

beaches. I never minded you riding on the beaches. The sand's nice and soft.

But not one member of the club's been involved in an accident in 12 months.

Oh, there's nothing to worry about, Mrs Marsh.

You keep out of this.

I don't hold with motorcycles either.

Nasty, noisy, clattering, banging bags of machinery.

Modern ones aren't noisy.

Safe as houses if you drive them properly. That's the trouble. None of

you youngsters ever do.

Besides, think how useful it'll be. I'll be able to dash after real-life stories.

Bang on. You don't need a motorcycle to report on a baby show. Oh, now, Dad,

don't be silly. Nobody's asking you to ride it. They'd better not.

And if you think that I'm going to let you go traipsing around the countryside

on that darn pillion looking like a cross between a sack of potatoes and a

chimpanzee, you've got another thing coming. Oh, that settles it, then.

Come on, Mary.

Let's go out to Brockham Castle and see if we can get a follow-up story on the

black rider.

Me and the chimpanzee. You sure you know how it works?

Well, not really, but if my memory serves me right, I used to kick it.

Something like this.

They'll be brought home in an ambulance.

Yes.

Well, they needn't expect to see me at the funeral.

Sightseeing? Who do you think they've come to see? George or the Ruins?

Come on.

Evening. How do you eat?

Evening, Frank.

Evening, Miss. Evening, Frank. What are you going to have, Mary?

Oh, cider, please. Cider and half a bit of a me, please. With the most horrible

sight that ever a human man ever set his eyes on.

Black he were.

Black as the devil.

And do you know why?

Because he were the devil.

Tell George I'd like a word with him. Oh, you won't get him yet a while, sir.

You're only good for beer. He's on double scotches. Oh?

Cool, and a great black stallion of his was smoking flame, belching out of his

nose. Cool.

And the smell of fire was terrible.

One thing was worse than that, though, was the sound of his off-beats belching

on the dunes as he galloped back to hell.

Cheers. Cheers.

Ah, and the next business was this.

Flippin' old liar.

He's certainly working his story up.

If you did hear anything, it was probably from our depot. How far is that

from the castle?

Oh, not more than a quarter of a mile.

We've got prototypes, the latest tanks, and we're running engine endurance

tests. Well, not at night.

No, no, not at night.

My dad and his dad before him, they used to say, he always comes at the full

moon. Never go near the castle at full moon, they used to say.

And by crikey, I never will again.

Surely you're very wise.

Goodbye. Goodbye. Thank you very much. Bye-bye.

Why, but... Good evening, sir.

It's all yours now, sir.

Beer's better than an empty glass.

Where's Rykov got to?

We'll sound the horn. He'll come.

Well, Karen.

It's lucky he likes his drink.

There's no harm done, I think.

Maybe good.

Perhaps now people will stay away from the ruins about full moon.

We can afford to take no risks.

Next time I shall arrange for Rakoff to be on watch.

That's poor stuff after Scotch. No, we're not all millionaires, George.

Give him another one.

Who were your rich friends, anyway?

Oh, I don't rightly know their names.

That was Mr. Brenner, who's rented Brockham Manor furnished. And the lady?

Well, I do hear he says she's his niece.

Some uncles have all the luck. He's a foreigner.

Got pots of money. Or he did have till George here got hold of him. It was him

who's got hold of me.

And you can't blame him.

After all, it's not every week as you can...

Face up to a bloke who's met the devil himself.

Put a sock in it.

You wait till you've had a taste of our fire.

It gives you a powerful thirst.

Yeah, well, next time you get the taste, you let me know, George.

Come on, then.

Good night, all. Good night, sir.

What do you think of George's story?

I agree with the corporal. Flippin' liar.

He's trading in on it, all right.

I've had so many free pints in his life.

Just the same, he must have heard or seen something.

No, probably one of those tanks at the depot.

Maybe.

Next full moon, I'm going to have a look for myself.

Such an interesting book.

I'd like to take that one with me. I hope you like it as much.

I don't expect I shall.

I've lost my glasses.

Are you nearly through? Oh, shan't be long, Joyce. Oh, you go on. I'll lock

up. Right, dear.

Bye. Bye.

Hello. Doesn't she look lovely?

Meaning me or the bike?

I'll give you a rubdown as well. Jerry, stop it.

Look, I've brought you something.

What is it?

Open it and see.

A mascot.

To bring you luck in the club trial.

Oh, it's wonderful. Bless you, Mary.

What do you think you're doing?

Look, Mary's given me a mascot.

All you can think of nowadays is tinkering with this blasted machine of

yours. I do not tinker.

You'd do better to pay more attention to your work here. Oh, have a heart, Dad.

It's Saturday.

I'm working this afternoon anyway. I'm doing a report on the club trial.

But I don't want a report on the club trial. Oh, you will when you've read it.

I'll just go and get my help. Oh, wait a minute. I'll come with you. I've got

something to show you before we go. You're not proposing to go on this mad

jamboree, are you? I certainly am. I am sitting on the pillion.

But I promise you one thing. What's that?

I shan't look like a sack of potatoes.

The legend of the Black Rider of Brockham Castle was widespread in the

early decades of the century, possibly due to the efforts of smugglers who are

believed to have used the ruins as a collecting centre and saw in the legend

a means of safeguarding their privacy.

What do you think about that?

I think it's terrific.

Well, do you think anything like that could be happening nowadays?

Well, of course. Why not? There's plenty of smuggling still going on, according

to Geoff Morgan.

Geoff Morgan?

He's with the Customs and Excise. He's in the Water Guard. Oh, I don't think

I've met him. Well, you will this afternoon. He's a member of the Club.

I just sat on the darn thing to see if it was as uncomfortable as it looks, and

I... I just got on the machine to see if it's as uncomfortable as it looks, and I

suppose I must have touched something there and something down there. Before I

knew where I was, the blaster machine almost exploded underneath me.

You haven't hurt the bike, thank goodness. The bike? Well, what about me?

I feel as if I've been shaken up in a concrete mixer.

No one to blame but yourself, Dad. It's getting on for one, Jerry.

Come on, off we go.

Lucky for you, there wasn't a policeman about.

Policeman? Should have had your old plates up. So long, Dad.

Young devils.

Well, I made it. Do you think you've won? Oh, sure I haven't, but it's

something to have finished.

Here's the results.

First,

Jeff Morgan.

Well done, Jeff. Is he the one in the Coast Guard? Yes.

Second,

Bill Utley.

That's him.

And third, our latest recruit, Jerry Marsh.

Good Lord.

Jerry, how wonderful.

The mascot really did bring you luck.

It must have.

Congratulations, Jerry. Good effort for a first attempt.

It was the bike, not me.

Jeff, I don't think you've met Mary. You're the one to be congratulated. I

had an unfair advantage, really. Why?

Well, I know this country like the back of my hand.

What, looking for smugglers? That's the general idea. These little fishing boats

can slip in anywhere.

Can you get from here to the sea, cross-country? Well, there aren't any

roads. It's easy enough on a motorbike. It's a lovely trip, too. I'd show you

myself if I wasn't on duty in the harbour tonight.

There's a full moon. Jeff!

Jeff Morgan, coming.

See you later.

Full moon tonight.

UGH!

So you see, it was an accident. I only meant to knock him out.

Of course.

You don't know your own strength, my dear Racco.

It'll be an interesting experience for you, facing a murder charge.

What is?

I tell you, I didn't mean to kill him.

The fence broke.

Oh.

I'm sure the judge will take that into account.

Well,

who was the man?

How should I know?

What was he like?

I didn't see him clearly.

But he had a motorcycle.

There was one parked by the hedge.

And you remembered to take its number?

I was just going to when I heard him on the walls, close to the entrance to the

dungeon. So you didn't remember to take its number?

The motorcycle had a mascot on it. I saw that.

What a sure instinct you have for trivialities.

You'd make a fine politician, my dear Rakoff.

I was only trying to help.

Well, let me explain in words of one syllable.

Mario, here is only a few more trips to make. After that, we're finished. We go

back. But now, thanks to you, we have a dead man on our hands.

They'll be searching, police, questioning.

We may have to stop work.

Perhaps start all over again.

I wouldn't be you when we get back, Raccoff.

That is, of course, if you escape the gallows over here.

That well is very deep, you know.

They may never find the body.

And there's no murder without a corpse.

No, they won't stop them from searching. The last thing we want is a search of

the ruins. But you're forgetting the black rider.

You'll think it's another of his victims, you know.

Some poor motorcyclist.

Another scoop for the news and mail.

Dunque, signore, questa prossima volta sarà l'ultima. No, no, no, due.

Ma come due? Uno ci basta. Dopo devo tornare. Va bene, va bene.

What's he say?

He says one more trip should make it complete.

I think we'd better risk it.

Now let's see, what date will it be?

The sooner the better. We need full moon. But if the police... We need full

moon to bring high water for the boat.

And to bring the Black Rider to Brockham Castle.

Here we are for Swanhaven. Full tide two days after full moon. That's the 26th.

So for us it'll be the 28th.

And this time the boat will wait and take us with it.

Mrs Marsh, what's the matter? It's Jerry.

What's happened to him? He's not back.

He's not in his room.

Come in.

He's killed himself.

What?

I always knew that horrible machine had been the death of him. You mean he's had

an accident?

I took him up a cup of tea, as I always do on a Sunday. He wasn't there.

Perhaps he went out early. But his bed hasn't been slept in.

Something terrible's happened to him.

What's going on down here? What's all the commotion about?

Jerry's missing.

Missing? Mrs. Marsh is afraid he's had an accident on his bike.

I always said he would. Never mind what you said.

Do something.

Do? What? Go and look for him. He may be bleeding to death by the roadside. Go

and search for him.

What, on me flat feet?

You ought to be able to get him out. You ought to have a car.

Well, I haven't, so there.

If Jerry can have a motor bicycle, why not you?

I tell you, I... What?

I know where Jerry was going last night.

Where?

Rockham Castle.

It was full moon. He wanted to see for himself.

The Black Crider.

Yeah.

Crackers, both of you.

Hello. Give me the police.

Oh. Oh.

Well, I thought there'd been an accident, but there hasn't. No.

No, everything's all right.

No. No, there's nothing you can do. Thank you.

I'm very sorry I troubled you.

Morning, everyone. Sorry I put you in a flap. Where have you been? Just look at

your face. What's happened? It's all right. It's only a bit of an accident.

I said so. I always knew that machine was a blasted death trap. It wasn't the

bike. It was in the ruins. I got knocked out. A stone fell on me. Oh, you poor

boy. Let me... No, it's all right, Mother. Just a cup of tea and a bit of

sleep. I'll be 100%. Yes, yes, of course. I'll go make you a nice cup of

tea.

Lucky for you, it wasn't more serious.

Me? A lot of help you would have been with no means of getting about.

I'm going back to bed.

Mary? I wasn't hit by a stone. I was knocked out deliberately.

Jerry.

When I came to, I was down the bottom of the well. I don't know whether I fell

down or somebody pushed me. How did you get out?

I stumbled around for a while and then I found a shaft that leads from the bottom

of the well up to the dungeons.

That was lucky.

Yes, it was.

But here's the real gem.

I heard what George Amble heard.

You mean Hoofbeats the Black Rider? No, it's not Hoofbeats.

It's a heavily silenced motorbike.

It made off down the lane towards Brockham Manor.

To Brenner's.

Yes, well, it was daylight when I got out and I went down to the gate by the

signpost and had a look around and I found this.

Seaweed? What's a piece of fresh seaweed doing five miles inland?

You mean it got caught up in a motorbike?

Well, Geoff Morgan says it's an easy run from the coast to Brockham across the

Downs. So perhaps that old book had something.

Well, that's what I think.

I'm sure there's some sort of smuggling going on and the Brenners know something

about it.

What I want to know is, what are the biggest smuggling rackets nowadays?

What's the idea? Thinking of starting one up for yourself?

Don't be such a cloth. I mean, what's paying the most?

Diamonds? Watches? I'd lay off those. We've got them all taped. What else is

there? Suppose you tell me first why you want to know.

All right, Jeff.

Look, I'm working on a story and I think it's something big. And if you'll

cooperate, it'll be a clean-up. Ah, but who cleans up? The Water Guard or the

News and Mail? Both of us.

Okay, you give me the dope and we'll do the rest. All right. Well, I've got to

get my facts straight first.

So all I want from you is a little harmless information.

The question is, is it harmless?

And that's something my boss will have to settle.

You wait here a minute. Okay.

Come in.

Yes, what is it?

Jerry Marsh of the News and Mail is here, sir.

Oh.

What's he want?

Come in, Jerry.

Now, Mr. Marsh, I understand you have some information to give us about a

smuggling organization.

Yes, well, I have a hunch that something fishy is going on at Brockham Castle. I

thought when I read your article in the news and mail, very fishy.

Well, I believe it's possible for things to be landed on the coast and then take

them overland to Brockham Castle by motorcycle.

What sort of things?

Well, I'm rather hoping you tell me that.

Have you got any facts to support this ingenious theory?

Well, yes, sir, I've got one.

I found this in the Brockton Castle grounds.

And you believe this came off a motor bicycle that ran across to the castle

from the coast?

Oh, yes, I do, sir.

Has it ever occurred to you, Mr. Marsh, that hundreds of holidaymakers visit

Brockton Castle taking their kids with them?

Well, yes, I know about that. And that practically every kid picks up seaweed

on the beach and then throws it away again anywhere?

Well, no, I hadn't thought about that.

Try thinking more frequently, Mr. Marsh. It'll save your time and mine.

Good day.

Yes, but you're going to show mr. Marsh out balloon Then come back here, please

Well

shut the door

You didn't get that young man any information

did you know sir

I don't blame him. It's his job to cook up a story. But if he got onto this,

there'd be Mary Hades to pay.

May I see it, sir?

A real menace, if ever there was one.

Now they've succeeded in reducing atomic bombs to the size of an artillery shell,

the door's wide open.

Do you mean that the parts are so small they can be smuggled in and then

assembled here?

Read what it says.

Once in this country, they can be assembled into atomic sabotage weapons

easily concealed at any key point. And then exploded by remote control,

obliterating an entire locality.

Pretty thought, isn't it?

One man, comfortably seated in an armchair with his finger on a button.

What is it?

Have you got that list of Mario's last assignment?

I'm just checking it. I'll have it ready for you in half an hour.

There's nothing in the local papers. I've been right through them. Yes, I

know. I don't like it.

Somebody must have found that motorcycle.

Unless whoever it was escaped from the well and removed it.

Oh, that would make even better reading.

You're probably too frightened.

I told you the black rider would work for us. We can't afford any further

risks so near the end.

It's essential that we find out who that snooper was.

Well, what do you suggest?

Checking every motorcycle in the country until we find the mascot.

There's no need to do that.

Rakoff has now remembered something else.

This bicycle had a badge on it.

It belongs to the Swanhaven Motorcycling Club.

I think that gives us something to work on.

Well, that's all the dope you can give me.

I see.

Well, thank you very much.

Yes, goodbye.

No luck?

As far as I can discover, there's never been a more downright respected

gentleman than Mr. Martin Brenner.

Rich, well-connected, with an unblenished character.

To cap it all, that woman Karen really is his niece.

Where do we go from here?

Search me.

Why don't you take a look round Brockham Manor?

I'm a rotten burglar. I always lose my jemmy.

Well, couldn't you interview him for the paper?

Tell me, Mr Brenner, is it true that you've taken Brockham Manor for the

smuggling?

Good

Lord.

What is it?

What do you suppose he's doing here?

Snooping, I imagine.

We can't know. We suspect him.

Do you think he's found out to earth the ruins that night?

Well, it's possible. He might have identified the bike.

Let's go in and see your father, see what he knows about it.

Yes, what is it?

Well, um...

I wondered what Martin Brenner was doing here.

Mr. Brenner came to see me on business. And what did he want?

What the devil's he got to do with you? Oh, now, Dad, no need to get worked up.

Oh, here we are.

Swanhaven 209.

Well, I wasn't being inquisitive, Mr. Platt. Hello?

Ted Lintott?

I've just had Mr. Martin Brenner in from Brocken Manor.

He wants you to get in touch with him straight away.

He's got a garden fate on next week, and he wants you and your blessed

motorcycling club to stage a gymkhana.

I told him what I thought of the idea, but he seemed set on it.

There's no accounting for tastes.

Yes, at Brockham Manor.

Don't thank me.

If you want my opinion, it'll ruin the fate.

Mr. Plack, I'd be very happy to cover the story.

You'll do nothing of the sort.

I'll cover it myself.

The house, the French windows are open. I think everybody's out here watching

the Gymkhana.

You'll get your chance after the egg and spoon race. Well, can't you come with

me? No, I've got to be in every event, so they'll stay watching me.

I don't even know what I'm supposed to be looking for.

Well, anything suspicious.

What if I'm spotted?

Well, then, don't for goodness sake, well, you wanted a part of your nose.

Nonsense. These boys have got perfect control of their machines.

Hello, Mr. Plack.

I didn't expect to see you here. Or Mrs. Marsh.

Well, Jerry wanted us to come and support him. I didn't like letting him

down, you know.

Enjoying yourself?

Might be worse.

Attention, please.

The next event will be the egg and spoon race.

Will competitors please assemble at the starting post?

This should be fun.

Mary's riding with Jerry.

Unfortunately, my pillion ride has failed me.

So you're out of it, eh? Yes, unless I can find a substitute.

What about you, Mr. Plank? Certainly not. He'll break his neck.

Nonsense. If Mary can do it, I certainly can. I'll have a crack. Okay, hop on.

Back to back.

Right?

Yes, go on, wake up.

Thanks, Mr Brown. Must be very difficult riding back to France. Oh, there's

nothing to it, really, you know. Just a good sense of balance and a steady hat.

Oh, right.

I'm sorry.

No, it's my fault. I should have seen the bump.

Anyway, it wouldn't have done to beat your father.

Attention, please.

The next event will be the obstacle race.

Now's your chance. Go round the back of the tent and cut across to the house.

I knew what I was looking for. Go on with you.

I'm so sorry. I... I wanted to make a telephone call.

Oh, yes.

I tried to find someone to ask permission, but there was no one about.

I do hope you don't mind.

Well, I hope you managed to get through all right. Oh, yes. Yes, thank you. It

was only a local call to Swanhaven.

Oh, that'll be fourpence.

Oh, please don't bother. I'm sure my uncle would have no objection to your

using his telephone.

Will competitors please assemble in front of the judges' table... Oh, I must

go. I'm in this. Really?

Who are you riding with?

Jerry Marsh.

He's got a new machine. We stand quite a chance.

But how exciting. I'd like to see it.

I'll come with you.

Come.

Who's the judge?

That's Mr. Brenner.

Do you think it's to be trusted?

Of course he is. He's a very nice man.

I don't like his hat.

I think she suspects you.

I don't know.

How to lie low to death, the 28th, that matters.

Unusual mascot.

I'm glad you like it. Mary here gave it to me.

Ladies and gentlemen,

the winner of the Concorde d'Elegance is number 14, Jerry Marsh. He's done it. I

knew they'd win. The best part on the ground.

Found her standing by the desk.

She said she'd been telephoning.

I see.

Very well, we shall have to deal with both of them. If I could get at his

machine before they leave... No.

That's a crude wrap-up and far too chancy.

Though I fancy I have a much better idea than that.

This is what I've worked out.

Tomorrow's the 28th.

So at sundown, I'll go along to... We'll go.

No, darling, you can't come in on this.

Last time you went on your own, you got hit in the head.

This time I'm coming with you, and we may get something done.

Have another sandwich. All right, you win.

Well, we'll hide out in the lane where it reached the Brockham Manor Drive, and

then we can keep a check on anybody that comes in or anybody that goes out.

And then?

Well, if we get hold of anything definite, we'll go along and see old

Racton, then hand everything over to the water guard, on one condition.

Which is? That I get an exclusive story.

Mary, if it's true what we think is happening, all the national papers will

want the story, and then I'll really be getting somewhere.

With boots that pinch and an outside in hats.

And a wedding ring in my pocket.

Jerry. Where your father won't be out of kick, I'll be in the money.

You really mean that?

Of course I mean it. Why do you think I want the story?

You know, I like you.

A lot.

I must run, or I'll be late for the library.

See you tomorrow.

What's wrong with tonight?

At the library staff party at Blanchester.

Oh, so it is. I'd forgotten.

No flirting with that chief librarian.

I bet he's a wolf.

No, only a bookworm.

Hey.

Yes? You're Miss Black, the assistant librarian?

Yes. I've got some books from the Blanchester Broward. Oh, I know nothing

about them. It was fixed up with the chief librarian.

They're in here.

Which are they?

Those. If you check them over, I'll carry them in for you.

Oh, all right.

Hey! What on earth?

Sip quite still.

More tea, Jerry? Thank you, Mother.

Sorry to burst in so early, but have you seen Mary?

Mary? No.

She hasn't been home all night. What gracious.

Oh, no, but she went over to the library staff party. She's probably missed her

bus and stayed over with Joyce. Oh, there's nothing to worry about, Mr.

Platt. Have a cup of tea. I'll go and make a fresh pot.

I've just been on to the chief librarian. She didn't even turn up at

the party.

Good Lord, I wonder... I don't know what to think about this. I've got to get in

touch with the police.

No, look, I'll take you up on the bike. Then you can see the superintendent

personally. Thanks, Jerry.

This has just arrived.

What is it?

Your girlfriend is taking a trip. If you want her to return, don't interfere in

other people's business.

If you contact police or other authorities, she's had it.

But I don't understand.

It's just ordinary cheap paper, typewritten, posted Southampton, 7pm.

All according to boys' own formula.

Do you mean this is some sort of stupid joke? This is no sort of joke. She's

been kidnapped.

Don't talk such nonsense. I should have told you before, Mr Plack. Open the

door. I've got the key. Make some excuse to Mother and get over to the office as

soon as you can. I've got some telephoning to do.

See you later, dear.

So I went along to Brockham Manor and there was no one there.

Then I checked with the house agents and they said the Brenner and company had

moved out yesterday afternoon.

They're getting to pay the rent?

No, no, no.

Everything's in order on the surface, but I believe there's some serious

racket going on underneath if they're willing to go as far as kidnapping.

We've got to get Mary back. Well, that's why we're here.

Jeff, when I went along to see your old man, he said he couldn't do anything for

me until I produced some sort of fax. Well, I've got one here.

But I daren't show it to him or the police because of Mary.

If there's a boat that can smuggle things into this country, there's a boat

that can smuggle Mary out.

Oh, you're right, Jerry, but what can we do?

Ted, I want the club to help me arrange a special coast-watching operation for

tonight.

There's your tracing, Jim.

It's taken off the ordnance map, and it shows the coastline and tracks across

the Dines as far as Brockham. Your watch point is marked, too, and mind you keep

to it.

That way we can be certain that a ten-mile section is covered.

Any questions?

Yes, you haven't given me one. Nor me.

You two won't need one. Your job will be to cover the lane from the manor down to

the ruins.

What are those, Jeff?

Signal flares.

Hand them round, will you, Ted? Yeah. I pinched them from the Coast Guard

stores.

Now, there's one for each watching point.

If you spot anything suspicious, send up a flare.

Then the riders who are nearest can go in support and the rest converge on

Brockham. Oh, one more point.

There's a full moon out tonight, so try to manage without headlights.

When's I water, Jeff?

20 minutes after 12, but keep your eyes skinned all the time.

They might have watchers out, and this has got to look like another cross

-country run.

Well, all set?

Right, let's make a start.

Sure you can manage?

Well, I won the egg and spoon race, didn't I?

know your positions.

Disperse and good luck.

Nearly 12.30.

They couldn't have missed the signal, could they? Not from up here, no.

Maybe they've missed the tide.

Look at that.

They're off and they haven't got Mary with them.

Then we'll get after that chap.

Look at him. He'll never get up that cliff.

Come on.

Light the flare.

I think he went in there.

Right.

You wait here and tell the others to surround the castle. That way we'll make

sure of the basket. Right.

Okay, let's go.

He says there are motorcycles all over the dam.

Customs? Dogginari?

No, no credo. Neanche la polizia. Mi sembra piuttosto una gara di

motocicletti. He doesn't think so.

Or police. More like some sort of motorcycle trial.

Well, I don't like it. The sooner we're through, the better.

Here, look.

Another sign of himself.

Well, it's his machine. He must be somewhere. It's a continental bike. Look

at that silencer, Jeff. No wonder old George thought it sounded like

hoofbeats. Never mind the machine. It's the rider we want.

I know where he'll be. The dungeons.

Oh, that's it.

Now there's only the remote control to fix.

It's too big for us now. I'll have to report. We've got to get after that

boat. But what about Mary? They won't harm her now that they know we're onto

them. Look, there's four of us up here. That's enough to take them. When the

shooting starts, it's a job for my skipper.

All you've got to do is to keep them down there.

But supposing they've got Mary down there with them? They'd pick us off one

by one on that narrow stair.

You don't need the stair.

There's a shaft from the old well.

One I escaped from. We want some rope. I've got a tow line in my saddlebag.

You get it. You come with me.

Can you hear anything, Rackoff? No, it's all quiet.

I'll be set in a minute.

What about the boat?

We'll be waiting in Mallard Cove.

We'll get there by the road.

Here we are.

Oh, good.

You and Jim look after the entrance.

Ted, you follow me down, OK? OK.

Now, look, be careful, boss.

Take this train. OK.

OK.

Right.

Good. Better go. Yep.

Now to the wall. El Morro.

Back off. Step up. See if it's all clear outside.

Where about the girl?

Are you going to take her with us? We'll have to. We can't afford any risks.

Okay. Now, careful, boy.

Got it? You're all right.

Okay.

Hurry. I saw someone in the courtyard.

Don't move.

Now keep your hands up.

Look out.

Someone's coming.

Okay, Jeff.

Situation's well in hand.

Okay, sir.

Hang on, Wario.

Thank God, yes. They're all yours, Mr. Rackton.

Look at this, sir.

It fits the description on the secret list, doesn't it?

Yes, yes, it does.

Looks like my hunt is right after all, Mr. Rackton. But I still don't get their

racket. It's not diamonds or watches. No, just an atomic sabotage weapon.

That's all fitted with remote control. They've been smuggling in the past and

assembling it here.

What on earth's the good of it in Brockham Castle?

Couldn't be better placed.

Right next door to the tank experimental depot.

Atomic sabotage weapon?

It's... It's the story of the century.

Oh, what a pity you won't have room to print it. What do you mean, room to

print it? You're covering a baby show.

Now, look... This newspaper, always on the lookout for young men with

initiative and real news sense, is pleased to announce that Jerry Marsh has

joined the reporting staff and will take up his duties... After his honeymoon.

Oh, Jerry, it can't be true. I'm dreaming.

By the time you woke up.

Heaven's sake, can't you wait until you're married?

Well, it's very difficult. I'm sorry.

And while you're still with the news and mail, Jetty Marsh, will you kindly not

park your motorcycle slap in the middle of the yard?

Oh, sorry, Mr. Plack. I'll move it right away.

What on earth?

It's mine.

Dad! Yes?

Since I've been elected president of the Swanhaven Motorcycling Club, I must have

some means of transport. The only trouble is, I don't know how to start

the dancing. Oh, we'll soon show you how to do that.

Get in, Mary.

You jump on the band.