Original subtitles

Keep bathing it, son. You'll be all right.

The water cold?

Nothing better than cold water for a... What is it? Who is it?

That fishing Johnny we saw.

All right.

If there's any talking to be done, I'll do it. See? All right, mister. George

Martin, my name. What's yours?

Stannard. Willie, they call me, Mr. Martin. All right, Willie. It looks as

though he's going to pass the time of day with us.

So let's remember our manners, shall we?

Morning.

Good morning, sir. Any luck?

Yes, bad luck.

Missed one I've been trying for for a week.

Thought I had him, but he was away and half an hour in with him.

I saw quite a big one up by the mill pond.

Did you, Big Joe?

Well, I've half an hour before the wife starts worrying about wet pizza. I'll

have a try.

You fellas all right?

Yes, thank you.

Oh, good. Well, good morning.

Good day, sir.

Do you reckon he noticed anything?

What, for instance?

These.

Handcuffed prisoners leap from police car.

Good story.

Good, man.

Hey, get on to the police station, Lieutenant.

Milton Wells.

See if they've picked up those men who escaped this morning.

Milton Wells?

What part of the country is that?

If I want to know about geography, I ask the library.

Ah.

Martin, Martin, Martin, Martin.

Martin?

Ah, running on, Stannard.

Sounds new to me.

Never mind about Stannard.

Martin's the big boy.

He beat inside practically everything except murder.

Ah, not the first time he's made a break, either.

Remember that Parkhurst break in 1937?

Oh, no, you wouldn't, would you?

Well, anyhow, he was one of those.

Sending a man down?

Yeah. Yeah, wait a moment.

Isn't that Mr. Waring enjoying a nice, quiet little holiday somewhere in the

West Country?

Ronnie? He's on his honeymoon, and he got married this morning. Yeah, where's

he staying?

The Bear, Shawbury.

Give me Waring and the Bear, Shawbury.

I don't know. Look it up.

I'll teach young women to go marrying my best reporters.

It's hardly fair. She's got to learn sooner or later.

Or better, sooner.

Bear Hotel.

What? I can't hear you.

Just a minute, Major.

Yes, this is for Bear.

Oh, I don't think Mr. Waring's arrived yet. Hold on a minute, will you? I'll go

and see.

I'm Waring. Do you want me? Mr. Waring, I didn't think you'd come yet.

Well, we've just arrived, you know. There's a London call for you. What,

already? You were saying, Major.

I want to ask you to be kind enough to watch out for a parcel from town.

Who? I said, you tackle coming. Wainwright?

I might have guessed.

Now, look, before you start, I'm on holiday.

Of course, old boy, of course.

I wouldn't dream of disturbing you, only... Well, the oddest things happen.

I hardly know how to tell you, really.

A first-class story's broken out right under your feet.

I want you to do this for me, honey.

Have a heart.

This is my honeymoon.

I know, dear boy.

I wouldn't do this to you for anything, but...

Well, it'll take me four or five hours to get a man down there.

Well, it'll only take you five minutes, seeing you're on the spot.

You'll do it for me, won't you, Ronnie?

Eh? For me?

Good. Now grab a pencil or a piece of paper and I'll give you the dope.

Got him.

I'll teach you to go gallivanting off when I'm short of staff.

Have a heart. If I had a heart, I wouldn't keep this job down five

minutes.

Ronnie?

Good man. All set?

All right, get this.

George Martin?

William Percival Stannard.

And then I'm dastardly didn't get away in the end. Cast broke. What a shame.

Yes, I got it. But I'll have him yet.

Oh, I wonder if I could have a few sandwiches left out for me tonight. I

won't be back until after 11.

Anything but spam.

Yes, that'll be all right, Major. And a large whiskey, if possible.

Very good, Major. Thank you. All right.

Yep.

Yes, I got it.

Right.

Goodbye.

Thank you so much.

Oh. Trouble?

Look, darling, I'm terribly sorry.

What's happened?

It's the paper, Meg.

I've got to do a story.

But, darling, we're on our honeymoon.

Yes, I know, darling, but there's a big, fat news editor in London called

Wainwright who just doesn't see it that way. Why pick on you?

Has he got a grudge?

Wainwright's got a grudge against everybody, including himself.

No, it's not that. It's just that I happen to be here on the spot, that's

all. What is the story? Or shouldn't I ask?

Two characters jumped a police car this morning, handcuffed together.

Oh, well, I expect they'll catch them. Then you can get your story sent off and

forget all about it.

No, I doubt it.

One of them's an old hand.

George Martin. He's a clever devil, educated and well-spoken.

I wonder who's the chief constable of the county.

That's something I've always wanted to know.

Darling, come help me ask the officer.

Excuse me, could you please tell me the name of the chief constable of the

county? Yes, it's Colonel Heatherley. He lives up at the Grange, Milton Wells.

Thank you so much.

Well, when do we go?

Go where?

See Colonel Heatherley. Heatherley? We don't.

I've got to start at the bottom.

Where's that?

Milton Wells Police Station.

Yes, but I've... It's as well to know the chief's name. It always impresses

the sergeants.

How they ever came to handcuff them together, I don't know. But that's their

worry. We don't do fool things like that in this county.

Right. Oh, there's one other thing.

This man Martin has a wife in London. She's under observation.

But there was another woman associated with Martin in the past. A Nora

Lawrence. We'd better take a look.

We know nothing of her or her whereabouts since 39.

Still, there's just a chance.

I'll be ten and seven this evening, dear.

Did you hear if they caught those two men yet?

What two men?

That, uh, Martin and Sam over there.

Martin? Yeah, jumped a police car this morning at Shawbreak.

That's the other side of Milton Wells, isn't it? Yeah, it's about 15 miles down

the road.

It's in all the papers.

10 and 7, isn't it?

Thanks. Don't bother about change.

You won't forget this skirt, Mrs. Martin. It's promised for tomorrow

evening.

Pardon, dear. It's bad today.

I should let those stockings wait a while. Here is a right angle tear near

enough to an inch. Yes, Mrs. Gully. I'll get on with it right away.

Dear, dear, dear. The way you came out of that car.

All stiff and awkward like a clothes haul. Oh, I didn't know you was going to

make a run for it. Did you think I was going to lean over and tell you?

See, you don't know me, Willie. That's the trouble.

If you'd have known who I was, well, maybe you're a bit too young for that. I

didn't want to make a run for it myself. I don't reckon it was a good thing.

Not a good thing?

Why, Willie, what do you mean?

Well, I haven't done nothing.

I'd have got off at the trial. The lawyer said so. The lawyer.

Believe the word of a lawyer, Willie, and despair.

Give up the struggle.

Surrender. Anything sooner than that.

What did my lawyer say to me?

I think, Mr. Martin, he said, our case is cast iron.

And he smiled all over his smug, respectable face.

You know what he was thinking, Willie?

He was thinking he'll be lucky if he gets away with five years.

Not that I think you'll get five years, mind.

I don't know what you've done.

Oh, it's all a mistake, Mr. Martin.

It's always a mistake, Willie.

The biggest mistake of all is to get caught.

What did you do?

Well, I come down from London on my motorbike on holiday, see? I was doing

farming and that.

The first Saturday I went along to a dance with some of the lads from the

camp. I met a girl there and when I seen her home, she tried to make out I

attacked her.

You know.

I know, William. I didn't touch her, honest. I didn't. She tore her dress

from top to bottom and hollered out.

I didn't have a chance.

Well, I believe you, Willie.

I'm about the only person in the world who will.

What are we going to do now?

That's the spirit, my lad.

I'm going to look after you for a bit, like a father, eh?

I'm the only friend you've got left in the world now, Willie.

And it's a good job for you we're tied together, otherwise you'll be making a

fool of yourself in about five minutes.

You ready to move?

Where to?

You mustn't be caught with that fishing, Johnny. Come back.

We'll cross over the bridge quick, down on the other bank, and follow the hedge

up to the wood at the top.

That'll do for a start.

Hello, Tribune.

Newsroom, please.

Hello, Bill.

Waring here. Yes, look, I'm speaking from Milton Wells.

And the police aren't being very helpful.

Well, I've got some news for you.

That car was being driven by a policewoman.

What? I want to know who she is.

Hey, what's she like? Is she married? Is she a blonde?

Now, look, Bill, you'll simply have to give me more time.

Oh, please, don't think I'm trying to hustle you, Mr. Waring.

What does it matter if we miss the West Country editions?

Listen, Waring.

Your holiday's suspended. You're back on the job.

Now, what are you going to dictate?

Well, the two men are hiding.

Somewhere within 30 square miles of here.

That's all the police know, and that's all I know.

Well, get on to it.

Here, here, here. And, um, try your photo of that lady policeman for the art

department. Goodbye.

The art department.

Honeymoon.

Meg, darling.

Well, what does he say?

I've got to stick around.

Andy wants a picture of the policewoman.

What policewoman?

The one who was in the car.

Oh, well, let's go and have a coffee first.

There's a place open right here.

All right, darling.

You see what I see, Willie? A camp.

You ever been in the army? No, no, I had a bad chest.

Well, still have.

I did five years.

Got the M.M. The M.M.? And bar.

That's not to say I wouldn't rob a coffer, though.

Wonder where the boys are.

Square bashing.

Just like the army.

Present arms at the front and jack easy round the back.

Still, I told him I wasn't grumbled. Go on.

See that corporal's battle dress? Yeah. We want that. And that cloth holder with

needles and things and his razor with blades, we want that too.

What do you want all that stuff for?

I've got an idea, Willie boy. Leave it to George. Come on into that, quick.

What, now in the night? Now or never, Willie. Come on.

Personally, I think this is a bit thick.

It's not the way I imagined our honeymoon.

I couldn't agree with you more, darling.

You'll be up all night at this rate. Two coffees, please.

I hate it as much as you do. What can I do?

Oh, nothing, I suppose.

What exactly does Wainwright want?

Oh, that's easy.

Blonde policewoman in amazing escape drama.

Handcuffed hoodlums terrorize the countryside.

Hello. Excuse me butting in, but were you just talking about those two men?

I might have been. Why? You interested?

Oh. I should just say I am. Do you think they're near here?

Why should you worry? They're not looking for you.

No, but my husband's looking for them. He's in the county police. He's a

sergeant. He's out for promotion.

A sergeant?

I might be able to help him. My name's Waring. I'm a reporter on the Daily

Tribune. Oh, press.

Yes, and the last thing that Colonel Heatherley said to me was, if you want

something on the Martin story, get hold of an intelligent sergeant. Colonel

Heatherley? Yes.

Would your friend mind if we joined her?

No, of course not.

Now on with the blouse, Willie, and out with the needle.

Take pains, Willie, my boy, take pains.

To bring down the pillars of righteousness, you've got to take pains.

I don't know what I'd have done without you, Mr. Martin.

You can call me George, Willie.

Is that your hand trembling?

Sorry.

I'm not scared, honest, I'm not.

Not when I'm with you.

Then you couldn't be in better hands, Willie.

What do the foolish do when they run away from the police?

They get impatient, they get in a panic.

They steal cars, drive a few miles and then run out of petrol.

They seem to forget that cars have numbers and that policemen can read

numbers, even if they find words a bit difficult.

We don't do that.

We travel by train. Won't they be watching the trains?

They will, yes, but we'll get by.

If it was dark, I'd feel better in the dark.

The day is done and darkness falls from the wings of night.

You know how it goes on, Willie?

No. I never learnt no poetry.

You should, Willie.

That's long, fella.

And the night shall be filled with music, and the cares that infest the day

shall fold their tents like the Arabs, and they'll silently steal away.

That's from the heart, Willie.

Hello, an AB-64.

Well, well.

Now we have an identity.

Now, you did say Sergeant Foreman, didn't you? Yes, Bert Foreman. He's dark

and he's tall and he's good-looking, but don't you tell him I told you so. Okay,

I'll ask for him personally. Yes, he's very strict, but if you tell him you

know me, he'll do anything for you.

We'll go over to the station right away.

You will put in a good word for him, won't you? I'll try my very best.

Goodbye. Goodbye.

All right, Willie? Hey, George, supposing there's a copper inside?

Oh, we'll risk it. And don't forget I'm a corporal.

Okay. Cool.

That's more like it. Come on.

Yes?

Bit of trouble, chum. I've got a deserter here due back in Oxford tonight

on a broken down lorry about three mile back up the road.

We'll have to take him by train.

That's all right, Corporal. There's a stopping train to Oxford due in a few

minutes. Yeah, I know, but I haven't got a warrant and I'm not going to pay the

bleeders fair. I've had some of that caper.

I dare say we can fix that. Your people can raise a warrant at the other end.

Let's have your particulars.

Paper call, right?

Surely, surely.

Hear I say? Yeah.

Right, let's have a compartment on our own, will you? We don't want to

embarrass the other passengers, you know.

Oh, surely, surely. I'll fix it, Corporal. You just hang on.

All right.

Have a first glass, shall we, Willie, while we're about it?

Here's your ticket and your pay book. Just sign here, will you?

I'll get the guard to lock you in a compartment, see? Then you won't have to

worry, Locks. Oh, don't bother about that, chum. Oh, no, no bother.

Don't let him lock... Shut up, you.

Get him aboard, Corporal. I'll be along for you at Oxford.

Thanks.

Is that the door lock?

No. You won't be disturbed. All the platformers are on this side.

And don't worry, I shan't forget to.

Okay. Right down.

That's all right.

Funny, no coppers.

I'd have thought they were down at the goods yard expecting us to jump a wagon.

Here, get these blinds down.

Are they on the train now?

Surely. Locked in the last compartment of the first coach.

The corporal didn't want no one barging in like.

Didn't want his prisoner jumping out, I dare say. Some hopes of that. They was

handcuffed together.

Handcuffed? Surely.

Do you mind if I take a look at him?

You're a bit late.

She's off.

There may be nothing in it. I've got to check up on everything, though. Why,

what's up?

Haven't you read the morning paper?

I looked at the racing. Try reading the news sometimes.

Do you mind if I use your phone?

Surely. So

Winnie

put you onto me, did she?

Listen, son.

If my old mother was dying and her last spoken words to me was, what do you know

about Martin and Stanard? I couldn't tell her.

Okay. Okay.

Milton Wells Police Station.

Yes.

A corporal.

Yes.

Deserter.

Yes.

Oxford.

Well, what's the next stop up the line?

Right. I'll talk to the super, but hold the train there and check up on them.

Okay.

That was about them, wasn't it?

It might have been.

If you want information, you'd better see the inspector.

I've been trying to see the inspector all day. You know that. He just isn't

here. Then you won't be able to see him, will you?

Oh, look, Sergeant, do be reasonable.

I've got no information for the press.

Of course, if I was a smart reporter, I'd get over to Chipping Eaton.

Chipping Eaton?

What's happening there? Nothing much. We're holding a local train there to

check up on a couple of suspects.

That's all.

Chipping Eaton. Thanks. Thanks a lot.

Where do we go to now? Chipping Eaton to beat a trade.

And if we hurry, I reckon we can just make it. Well, maybe we'll get some

sleep tonight after all.

Maybe, darling.

Maybe.

Chipping Eaton first. Stop, Willie.

I thought we said we was going to Oxford.

I had to say Oxford. There's no other place I could be taking you to.

When we get out, we've got a box a bit clever. Where are we making for?

You do as I say and don't ask questions.

As she slows down, we drop through that door onto the track. Follow the line

back and then hop in quick down the embankment.

See?

What's the matter, Willie?

Well, you don't think I'm cross with you, do you?

I spoke a bit sharp, but just because I know what's best for us.

What's best for both of them? I want to get back home. Of course you do, Willie.

And that's where I'm taking you in a roundabout way.

Right at this moment, there'll be a pair of policeman's boots walking up and down

outside your home.

So that's not the place to go to yet.

You got a mother?

I had a mother too, Willie.

The finest woman that ever trod this earth.

I know how you feel.

There's someone waiting to take the whole burden of your trouble on her

tired old shoulders.

and let you go to sleep like an innocent child.

It's a beautiful idea, Willie, but don't let it tempt you.

She'd be worried.

Worried? She'd be more worried if you and me turned up on her doorstep.

This is all old stuff to me, Willie.

You've got to keep on your toes, mind, but that's how I like it. You sure it's

going to be all right?

Sure.

Everything's going to be all right.

Devil's this.

It's all right, officer. Press.

Look, I'm trying to meet a train at Chipping Eden and I'm late now.

I can't help that, sir.

I've got to see your identity card.

You may not know it, sir.

There's a couple of escaped prisoners in these parts.

You don't say.

When I say go, relax.

And mind that ankle.

Go.

This is the compartment, Inspector. Come on, come on.

They've gone.

They jumped the train.

Ought to be in a ready circus, those two. Get back to the car and get hold of

the super.

Looks like it was Martin and Stannard.

No luck, Fred?

Not this time. I think it was them, all right, but they won't get far.

They must have got ahold of a battle there somehow and bluffed the clerk of

Shawbin to let them travel. What do you do now, Fred? Super.

Good night, Jess. Good night. I hope you find them.

Mind if I use your phone, Jess? That blessed paper of yours, eh? You'll read

it tomorrow.

They'll be glad to know I'm still alive.

Thanks for that remarkable piece of efficiency. We've missed the train.

Unless she's running late.

Oh, you'll get your story, darling.

There is a story.

There's always a story.

It's getting the right one that counts.

Have you asked the train gone yet? Oh, ten minutes ago.

Oh, blast.

Look, were you here?

Did the police check up on those two men? Steady, son. What's the rush? Well,

I'm a reporter on the Tribune.

The Tribune?

Oh, well, always ready to help the press. Oh, good. What happened?

You did say the Tribune. Yes, yes.

Well, it seems that a corporal handcuffed to a deserter got on the

train at Shawbury... I know, yes. ...and jumped it just as she was pulling in

here. They think it was Martin and Stallard. That seems to be the general

conclusion. I must have stolen a battle dress from somewhere.

Is there a telephone here?

Right behind you. I'd better stop.

I wonder where they are now.

Ah, a lot of people would like to know that.

Good night.

Night.

Holly Wainwright.

Bill. Look, I've got something.

They stole a battle dress.

And they took a train from Shawbury posing as a corporal. And then they

jumped the train at Chipping Eaton, and now heaven knows where they are.

Listen, Benning, I heard that story a quarter of an hour ago from our local

correspondent. And he's an old man who has to get about on sticks.

Pull your finger out.

Look, Bill, I can't be in ten places at once.

I don't want you in ten places. I want you in one place. But the right place.

What? Can you go to bed?

No. Why should you?

While these men are at large, you're training them.

Goodbye.

Well, wasn't he pleased?

Delighted.

What's the matter?

That kind gentleman who was so obliging was our local correspondent.

He beat me to it.

Oh, darling.

Well, it's no good going back to Shawbury now, is it?

Let's try and get a room in the local pub, shall we?

I wasn't far wrong, Willie.

There's our bullet for tonight.

I wouldn't have you. I can't. I'm booked right up.

If he was to come a couple of hours earlier, I could have obliged you.

Is there anywhere else near here?

That's just a trouble. I don't know that there is.

I fixed those two newspaper men over to Mrs. Buckle across the way.

Newspaper men?

London people.

Competition. Can't you possibly help us?

You see, we were only married this morning.

Me and darling.

Oh, yes, no good making a secret of it. Oh, well, I don't know.

Married this morning, eh? We'll have to do something about that.

Oh, could you, do you think?

We don't mind what it is.

I'll see what I can do, but I warn you, it's rough.

It's hardly a bridal suite, but it's better than nothing.

Oh.

Grand.

And a lovely old sister.

I do say I don't be able to give you a bit of grub if you like to come down in

the dining room.

Oh, good. Thanks so much.

Darling, I'm terribly sorry.

Darling, there's nothing to be sorry about.

It was fun.

Kiss me.

May God serve you, sweet.

Mmm.

What's his name?

Willie Stanard, the crybaby.

What's he done?

Nothing. I got in a jam. It'd have been all right. I'd have got off. Stop it,

you little fool.

Once we get out of these things, you can do what you like. Give yourself up for

all I care. Leave him alone.

He's tired out.

Got no guts.

Hopeless.

Well, what do you want me to do?

Nothing you don't want to, Nora.

Just a hacksaw. Let's get rid of these embarrassments, shall we?

How long will it take?

Don't worry. We shall be gone before daylight. If things turn out as I hope.

Hacksaw? Yes, the biggest pair of blade. These things are pretty tough.

You've made a rotten mess of things, haven't you?

I've made mistakes.

Who hasn't?

But the past doesn't exist for me.

My life begins now.

They'll never get me this time, Nora.

They'll never get me again.

You haven't changed much.

Why should I?

Hold flames burn brightest?

I'll get...

George, I'm sorry. All right, Willie, forget it.

She's right, I am tired. I didn't mean... Of course you didn't.

You're only a kid, a boy, and I forget that.

What wouldn't I give to be your age again, Willie?

All your life stretched out before you, untrodden like a field of snow.

Clean.

Who's that?

Her husband. He's not here, is he? He's somewhere in the Mediterranean, Willie.

Lying at the bottom of it.

He doth suffer a sea change into something rich and strange. What's that

mean?

Means that he won't bother us tonight.

Do you want something? Oh, good evening, Mr. Pearson.

We thought we heard something just now.

Oh, you heard me knock over a pile of scrap the boy left out.

I heard you drive out. I thought you wanted something.

I'm all locked up. Well, we came to warn you to keep locked up tonight.

Those two men?

Yes, they're right in this area.

And they must be getting mighty hungry by now.

Don't worry, they won't bother me.

I've got nothing for them.

We have.

Good night, Miss Pearson.

Good night.

Good night.

Good girl. Cool as a cucumber.

But why did I stop here?

Oh, they like to feel they're earning their money.

They've gone. I know. We heard them. Wait a minute.

Put down this paper.

What would I get if I was called harbouring a criminal?

Don't worry, you won't be caught.

Nobody's going to be caught.

Are they, Willie?

I heard someone over here.

Nora, turn on that radio.

Remember that tune?

Yes, I remember it.

I'll get you some.

Lord Martin and William Percival Stannard, who jumped from a moving

police car this morning... are still at large.

Roads over a wide area are patrolled by mobile police.

It's still there.

I'm sorry for you, Mrs. Martin, honest I am.

If there's anything Mrs.

and I can do to help, you know you've only got to say the word.

I know.

There's nothing anybody can do.

I just hope it doesn't drag on for days, that's all.

I can't understand him. What's he want to go and get himself in this mess for

and upset everybody?

He just can't help it. Well, it's about time we learned to help him.

He wants a good idea, and that's what he wants.

Ah, now you're talking.

Sometimes I think he's like this because his mother spoiled him.

His dad was killed when he was a little chap, and his mother just couldn't do

enough for him.

Well, he don't act like a mother's boy.

If you ask me, he is two people, really.

One half of him's nice and charming and kind.

Do anything for you, he would.

And the other half is frightened and angry and cruel.

When he's like that, I don't think he knows what he's doing.

A bit of discipline is what he needs.

Oh, but he got that in the army. He got there mad.

Did he?

And the very next week he goes and deserves.

There's no sense in it. He just does it.

There's something inside his mind that's not quite right.

He's just a misfit, if you know what I mean.

I know he don't deserve a missus like you, mate.

And I'd sell him so too if I knew where he was at this minute.

Dead to the world.

You'd better make the most of it.

What did you do?

Does it matter?

Yes, it does.

Robbery with violence, they call it.

No, it wasn't as bad as it sounds.

We did a job together, a fellow and me. When it came to settling day, one share

wasn't enough for him.

Wanted mine, too, so I went to see him.

Two hours later, I was inside.

He had some woman there who didn't quite appreciate the situation.

She rang up the police.

When he comes out of hospital, he'll have a lot of awkward questions to

answer.

He will come out.

He will.

Back again.

Watching the road, I suppose.

That's taught it. Now, I'll never get these things off before morning. Can I

hear? A mile off.

Well, turn on the radio.

Don't be a fool. It's the middle of the night.

Blast. Look, there's a place out at the back where you'd be safe for a bit.

It's not far.

Well, they'll see us. What if you go before daylight?

All right.

But we'd better sit quiet for a bit.

What made you come to me?

Why do you suppose?

There never was a woman in my life that took your place.

Don't fool yourself.

I guess I was handy.

Yes, you were.

But I'd rather it had been you than anyone else in the world.

Is that the truth?

Then listen.

When I get out of this trouble, I'm going right away from this country.

Africa, Australia.

Somewhere new and young.

And you know what?

You're coming out there to me.

What good is this place to a girl like you?

When I lost Jimmy, the people here were pretty good.

They let me stay on rent free.

They gave me a job down below.

They put in two men to take over Jimmy's work.

I can say I've been lucky.

You think I'm talking big, eh?

I remember what you used to say.

Too much talk.

Too many dreams.

Well, that's over.

I know where I'm going now.

You're better if you're ever going to get out of this.

Don't worry.

They'll never catch me.

We're getting light, though.

Yes, we'd better be moving along.

Can I say goodbye to you?

Like I used to?

I guess so.

Big luck.

Tomorrow there'll be rings under those eyes.

I wish everything was different.

Everything's going to be from now on.

We're not saying goodbye, Nora. We're saying hello again.

Everything starts from now.

Too much time.

Too many dreams.

I need money.

I've got a few shillings.

How much?

Ten?

About that.

Have you still got Jimmy's things?

What do you mean?

Don'ts? Coat, trousers, hat.

I can't go around in these things.

All right, wake up, will you? We'd better be making tracks.

Up the path, over the third gate on the right.

Keep on the track and then you'll come to it.

I'll bring what I can. It'll be after nine before I get up there.

Okay, I'll wait.

from the Tribune.

Welcome to the West, Waring. Hello, Brewster. Been scooping the countryside

alone and unaided?

Very funny.

Hello.

Who's here apart from you boys?

All the gang. Best story out of town for a month.

Yes, it would be.

Hello, Waring here.

Good morning, Mr. Waring.

I see you've changed your hotel.

I hope you've slept well.

What time did you get to bed?

Eight o'clock.

Nice story the local correspondent did for us.

Have you seen the paper this morning or have I got you out of bed?

I'm sorry, Bill, but there are no further developments at the moment.

Anybody else down there with you?

Oh, you're going in metal, aren't you?

The job you did for us yesterday was shocking.

Listen, Waring.

Tomorrow's paper is going to carry a story.

I want it to be your story, and I want it good.

Good luck.

You look like a man who's been talking to Bill Wainwright, right?

Right.

What are you laughing at?

Not very polite, are they, Willie?

Is this the place?

This is it, Willie.

And what a text for a philosopher.

Poor flesh, the more enduring bone, the living earth reclaims them in the end.

What, don't follow?

No, you wouldn't.

Come on, Billy, we've got to get cracking.

I've been thinking, George. You know what?

No, Willie, what?

Back at the agricultural camp where I was, I got a motorbike.

It's only about ten miles from here near Milton.

Petrol and all.

Where about is it, Willie, exactly?

In a shed opposite the first line of huts as you go in the gate.

The camp's on the main London road.

We could be on that bike and away before anyone could get a look at us.

No, Willie, that's one of the things they'll be looking for.

They'll have got the number.

Remember what I told you.

We wouldn't get five miles. No, they took everything out of the hut, I know,

but I don't think they know about my motorbike.

Willie, that's the last thing we must do.

Now, don't you go near that camp again. Or go for your bike.

If you want to stay free. Seems a pity.

Come on, Rex. Come on, boy.

What else I could do?

Did that man see you?

I don't think so. He saw me.

I think he might come back.

I don't think I should stay here.

You give me five minutes to get away and then you'll be on your way. I shall

never forget you for this, Nora.

Never.

Then we're all square.

All square?

A matter of interest.

Which of you two took that pound?

Pound? It was in my handbag. It was money from the till.

Hand it over, Willie.

What? Hand it over.

I don't know nothing about no pound. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

Give the lady back her money. Look out.

It's a dog.

We're going to get rid of him.

I

wonder

what she meant about that pound.

Search me.

Who's in there?

He's not... No!

He'll be alright.

Come on, let's grab those things and get going.

Good morning.

I hope you slept well. Oh, beautifully, thanks.

It was a bit of an overstatement, wasn't it, Owen?

Well, I kept on thinking about those two men.

Yes, well, at any rate, they can't be having a worse breakfast than this, can

they?

You can have the milk, Willie. It makes bones.

I don't know how I'll get along without you. I've told you what to do.

Don't beg lifts on the roads.

Don't go breaking into houses.

Get lost in the crowd.

Go anywhere except places where you're known.

We've got to split up and there's an end of it. I thought we were sort of

friends. Don't give me that stuff.

There's no such things as friends.

People are either useful or useless.

You're useless.

I didn't think you minded that. You didn't seem to when you pulled me out of

that car.

And what about these?

To me, Willie, you were just part of the handcuffs. Now I've got rid of them.

See?

It's all yours, son.

Give me half an hour to get away from this place before you leave. Will it

take longer than that to get this off?

You'll manage. So long.

You know, I can read Paddle like a book, my dear. He pretended it was nothing,

but I could see at once he'd had a nasty shock.

And then, of course, the whole story had to come out.

My dear, he was in the next compartment.

All the way from Shawbury to Chipping Eaton, Paddle was right next door.

Two desperate men and Paddle sitting right next door with a gold watch that

was presented to him by the bowling club last July in his left-hand waistcoat

pocket all the time. Of course, I said to Paddle, really, Paddle, you surely

don't imagine.

Oh, is there? Chase, sir? There he is.

Nice day, sir.

Get some more rain before nightfall, I shouldn't wonder.

How far is this agricultural camp from here?

Just outside, sir, on the Shawbury Road.

You joining him?

Yes, I've got some friends there.

I wonder, would you do me a favour?

I think so. What is it, sir?

Would you mind if a lady left a parcel for me here sometime tomorrow?

It's my laundry. I haven't got a fixed address at the moment.

Oh, sure. That'll be all right. What name?

Robertson. That'll be okay, Mr. Robertson.

Morning, Sarge. Morning.

Morning, Sergeant.

Morning.

Usual? Yeah.

Morning.

Morning.

Nothing come in, Sarge, about them two?

No. That was a pretty smart idea, that battle dress.

I reckon they got cleaner wives.

Oh, now get them in the end. Always do. That right, Sarge?

That's right.

We haven't got a chance.

Anything else, sir?

No, thanks.

Razor blades, shaving cream, air tonic? No, thanks. I'm in a hurry. Yes, sir.

Cut your wrist, sir. No, just a scratch. Thanks, sir.

You picked a rum on when you picked him, my dear. There's no dispute in that.

He's never been no use to no one.

You wash your hands of him now for good and all, I suppose.

Oh, I wouldn't like to do that, Mrs. Gully. Now he's in trouble.

If I could help him to another chance, I would.

There's nothing to be done.

Except sit and wait.

Oh, these men.

I'm just going next door to someone on the phone.

Well, what's wrong with ours?

Oh, I see.

It's him, eh? I expect so.

I won't be long.

Is that you, Denny?

You know who it is?

Now, listen carefully. I've only got three minutes.

I need money, badly.

Get as much as you can. Five pounds, ten pounds.

Get my Macintosh and a clean shirt and make them up in a parcel. Understand?

Go to Paddington and catch the night train from Milton Wells.

Milton Wells.

I want you to leave the parcel in the barber shop in the high street. It's the

only one.

Say it to Mr. Robertson.

Understand?

Yes, George.

Shall I see you? Are you all right?

You can't see me. You know what's happened, don't you? You do as I say.

It's a good girl. Bye.

But, George.

Hello.

Hello.

Was it him?

Yes, it was.

There. What did he want?

He wants me to go.

Where he is, to take him some money and things.

I've got to do it, Mrs. Scully, somehow.

Yes, dear, of course.

How long do you suppose Martin and the boy can keep it up?

Oh, in good escaping weather like this, anything up to a week?

A week?

Rough luck on you two.

Oh, I wouldn't mind if we were doing any good to anybody.

But just hunting a man as if he were an animal, it's... well, it's degrading. I

don't see why. He deserves all he gets.

That's right, Meg. This chap's a minister of society. So he may be.

There's no excuse for making a public circus of it. That's what we're doing.

Come on, only giving our readers what they want.

If it is what they want, and I don't believe it, they should be ashamed of

themselves.

What'll they do to him when they catch him?

Oh, give him seven years, I expect.

You can't blame a bloke for running away from that, can you?

You know what I'd do?

What? If a fellow turns out to be a confirmed criminal, I'd bump him off.

Bing. You'd do what?

Well, it's better than letting him spend three-quarters of his life in jug.

Now, look.

A dog is man's best friend, right?

Well, supposing he gets rabies. What do you do? Bump him off?

Yes, that's all very well, but where are you going to stop?

You kill mad dogs, poisonous snakes, and hardened criminals.

How far is it from that to putting your enemies in a concentration camp and

gassing them? I think it's actually... Don't say any more, Meg. Why not?

Well, I'm just thinking what I'd like to do with Wainwright.

Are you looking for somebody, mate?

Yes, that's my motorbike in there, and I want it.

Oh, how do you make that up? Well, I lent it to a young fellow by the name of

Stanard. He got pulled in by the police. Oh, that's right enough.

Well, better come inside.

Ah, she looks a treat, doesn't she? Willie looks after her well.

You don't mind lending things to a conscientious fellow like Willie

Stanard? What did they pick him up for exactly?

Didn't you see the paper?

Not the local one.

It was after a dance of Milton.

Some woman said he tried to interfere with her.

Did he?

I wouldn't know.

Pretty hysterical sort, you ask?

Poor Willie.

I think they made a mistake.

I was going to give evidence for him when his case came up, and now he's gone

and escaped.

Seems daft to me.

Best thing he can do is to give himself up. I don't think you'd better touch the

bike, mister.

Oh? Willie always said it was his.

But I told you. I lent it to him for his holiday.

Maybe you did, maybe you didn't.

What's his number?

Help him! It's Martin!

You see, Mr Evans, I must do what he asks.

I don't think he knows they're watching me.

They're still at it, are they?

If they like to follow me, I'm playing right into their hands, aren't I?

Yes.

Here, I could take you down in the cab. They wouldn't follow that.

But I couldn't afford it. That's all right. You don't want to worry about

that. You can settle it up some other time.

Now, what time have you got to get there?

Tomorrow morning early, he said.

Right. Then we'd better get going tonight.

It's very kind of you.

Yes, well, I'll give you a call later, Dux.

Get cracking, chaps. The chase is on. They've nearly caught Martin on a farm.

Where did you get that news? Milton Wells. Hard work, say. I'll say there

are. Nothing goes down, is there? Not a word.

Ronnie!

I'm coming with you.

Look, darling, I'm terribly sorry, but there's no room in the car.

I refuse to be left alone any longer. This is our honeymoon, remember?

Yes, I know, darling. I'll only be about half an hour. Besides, something might

come through on the telephone. I'll be a good girl, will you? I am. But if you're

not back in half an hour, I'll take the next train back to London. The next

train back to London from here, darling, is tomorrow morning.

Do you know who that was who just came in?

No. Who?

Martin, one of those prisoners.

Oh, well, there.

Coming in here.

Don't be silly. He wouldn't dare.

How do you know?

Bert's got a picture of him. One side facing one side. It's him, all right.

What are they going to do, Wynne?

I don't know.

Nothing.

Look.

I'll get him into conversation, and you run and get Bertie. He'll be at the

station. Bertie turns nasty.

I'll take him back to the house.

I want Bert to do this job single-handedly.

We'll now sing hymn number 181, We Know Thee Who Thou Art.

Come to give myself up.

That's right, son.

Come in and sit down.

I'll get you a nice cup of tea, eh?

Good night. Good night.

Good night.

Bless you, friend.

Good night.

Bless you, friend.

Bless you, ma'am. A beautiful service. Yes, wasn't it? It's an oasis of peace.

Yes, you know.

Good evening, friend.

Good evening.

I don't remember seeing you here before. It's your first visit, isn't it?

We always try to make you welcome. We hope you'll come again.

You see, we're trying to make a real thing of these midweek services.

But it's very difficult. There are so many other attractions out there. Do you

live in Milton? No, I'm just passing through.

You've no coat.

You'll get drenched.

You'd better come under my umbrella.

Please come in, Mr... What did you say your name was?

I didn't, but it's Robertson. Mr. Robertson, I'm sure you'd like a cup of

tea. Anyone at home?

No, they'll only be us. Mum's got the pictures.

You play the Good Samaritan often?

Oh yes, I'm always bringing people home. Mum's used to it.

Come in.

Why don't you come into the sitting room?

Clip that jacket off and dry it in front of the fire.

I'll put the kettle on.

The kettle will be ready. Never mind the tea.

What do you think? I'm in a hurry. I'm leaving right now.

One thing before I go. I see you wear a wedding ring. Well?

Your husband wouldn't be a policeman, would he?

I don't know what you mean. Not a flat-footed policeman looking for

promotion? No, no. You little liar.

Who's the idea of bringing me here? You know who I am, don't you? No, I don't.

Really, I don't. I just thought you looked lonely.

Hear something?

No. Ah!

Bruce, sir.

Now, I'm sorry he's not here.

No, they've all gone.

Yes, they should be back any minute now.

You can give me the message.

Listen, all of you. George Martin has been seen riding a bicycle in this

direction. And the police think he's making for Quarry Woods. Come on,

Ronnie. Ronnie. Yes.

Remember me?

Darling, I'm so sorry.

Is it going to be like this always?

I'm afraid so.

Until I'm a news editor.

Oh, well, if I can bear it now, I expect I'll enjoy it later.

Look, Meg, you'd better go to bed.

This will probably be an all-night session.

Oh, darling.

I don't want to go to bed.

That's all.

I knew it.

Feeling better, son?

Yes, thanks.

Now, Stan, are there one or two things I want to ask you?

Now, sit down.

You said that when you and Martin left the quarry garage, you made for a

cottage. That's right, sir. Where was it?

Near the woods, not far from the training ground.

Were you alone while you were in there?

Yes, sir.

Nobody came in?

No. But you didn't say that?

No.

What made you go?

Well, we didn't want to get caught there.

I see. So you left the cottage and went into the open. That's right, sir.

Stannard, the body of a man named Hodges was found there late this afternoon.

He'd been murdered.

You still say you saw no one? Yes, I saw him, but I didn't do it, sir. I didn't.

I didn't touch him, honest.

Thank you. That's all I wanted to know.

Stand up.

William Stannard, I now formally charge you with the willful murder of Edward

Hodges.

I warn you that anything you say may be taken down in writing and used in

evidence at your trial.

You fool to come back here.

I had to. There was nowhere else.

Well?

Tough you look a bit queer.

Do I?

Bloody little fool.

What are you going to do about it? Do?

They've got him, haven't they?

They can keep him for all I care.

He didn't do it, did he, George?

How should I know?

You were there, weren't you?

Of course not.

You mean you're not going to say anything about it?

What will you take me for?

I took you for a man once, George Martin.

If you don't tell them the truth, then I will. Nora, don't be crazy. He's only a

kid. No making out he's a murderer.

He couldn't have knocked out that fellow. He's never knocked anyone out in

his life.

But you've done it once and you'll do it again.

Unless you say something, he's finished. Okay, he's finished. So what?

You were like him once, George. Have you forgotten?

Got their hands on you early, didn't they? They finished you, all right. Shut

up! I won't shut up! They turned you into a pretty tough settlement, didn't

they? And I'm not standing around while they turn him into one of your sort just

for the want of a helping hand. You dare utter one word of... They'll kill me

too, eh?

Well, go on.

I'm not afraid.

Ah, good morning.

Am I right for Milton Wells?

Yes, straight on.

You're a long way from home. Yes, we've been on the road all night.

I don't suppose there's any chance of getting a cup of tea, is there? I'm not

really open yet.

But...

Would

you wait in there? I'll put the kettle on.

Oh, it's very kind of you.

Thanks very much.

Police station, please.

There's only a question of time now before he's rounded up.

That's it?

Put me back to weighing right, will you, Obama?

Now, I suppose you want to go back to sleep again.

Huh? You've been up all night.

Too bad, too bad.

Well, I'm afraid you can't.

This story's just starting up, and I want you in it to kill.

Anybody can do what you've done up to now.

What exactly do you want, then?

I don't want you to do anything that you don't feel you'd really love to do, Mr.

Waring. Of course, you've lost your initiative and don't like your job.

All you have to do is to tell me. All right, Wainwright.

All right.

I resign right here, and now I resign. It's all yours.

Goodbye.

Thought you never were coming.

Well, at least I haven't got to go out again.

Thank heavens for small mercies.

You may as well now.

I've resigned.

You've what?

I've resigned. I've chucked it.

Just tell that Wainwright where to get off.

Darling, you can't walk out in the middle of a story.

You'll never get another job ever.

What'll you do?

Go to bed, I hope.

Would you like another cup, mate? No, thanks. I'd like to get on if you're

ready. All right, you all go in. You get down and we'll get going.

Oh,

how much was that, miss?

With the petrol, eight and tenpence, please.

Five, four, three, and tenpence.

Thank you very much.

Oh, and thanks for the tea. Bye.

What's up? You can't go any further on this road.

Why not?

Orders? We want to get to Milton Wells.

Sorry, lady, you'll have to stop here for a bit.

We've got to round up this fellow Martin.

Who?

Martin. He's given us the slip once before.

Dangerous bloke.

Pull in on this side, please.

Yes, right away.

Morning, sir. Morning.

How many men have you got out? 35, sir.

They're driving him back in this direction.

Right. You better get the rest to move in from this side.

Yes, sir. That's what we're doing.

Good morning, sir. Good morning, Trent.

How many men have you got out?

Thirty-five, sir. They're driving him back in this direction.

Right. Then you better get the rest of the men from that side.

Yes, sir. That's what we're doing.

I think we've got him in quarters now, sir.

Pleasure to try the other side, down there.

Well, that's battle training grounds. They're heavily mined. I don't think

you'd be such a fool as to risk that.

Hello, Brewster.

Anything happen? Morning, old boy. Late as usual?

Oh, at dawn this morning, he resigned and went back to bed.

That's right.

I couldn't sleep.

All these people because of George.

They've come down to see the fun.

Fun.

It's a pity they can't find something else better to do.

Poor George.

Can't help it.

Do you know him, then?

She's his missus.

Didn't know.

What's he like?

Really? I don't know.

You're his wife.

You must.

Not really.

22 years we've been married.

14 of them he's been inside.

And five in the army.

Three years.

That's all we've had, really.

All right, Inspector, let's have a bangin'. Right, sir.

Sergeant, tell your men to move in as soon as I give the signal. Very well,

sir.

done for i mean i'll be done for if i do come back why don't you come and get me

you afraid let me use this sir we'll get the mind detectors up all right listen

to me stay where you are you hear me stay where you are we're

getting mine detectors up what for you're in the middle of a minefield

a plate like young Stenard?

You'll get a fair trial, and so will you if you're sensible. Fair trial? You make

me sick. There's no such thing.

I've had plenty trials, so I know. And I can tackle a ruddy minefield near to the

wall fighting for you, you... Do you want to see something?

Well, watch this!

You crazy fool. Have you gone mad?

Well, that's Wainwright's story. I hope it chokes him.

We'll look after her, won't you?

Don't you worry, miss. She'll be all right. Now, come on, mate.

Can I speak to you, please?

That boy, Dannet.

What are they going to do with him?

He'll stand his trial.

The murder?

Yes.

But he didn't do it.

How do you know?

I was there.

I saw what happened.

You'd better get in.

What do you want to do, mate? You want to go down and see the police? No.

I'd like to go home, if you don't mind.

That's all right.

I'm sorry.

Sorry for me, or sorry for him?

Well, I'm sorry for both of you.

He could have been a great man, really, if things had worked out different.

As it is, I suppose he's better dead.

As much as himself.