All language subtitles for s3e20 trojan horse

(music)

(theme music)

Now keep watch.

Kirby?

This is collection day.

You got the money?

Who are you?

I collect for
your bookmakers.

I told your people
I can't pay.

Not for another
month yet.

Well, that's too bad!

(grunts)

Stop it!

- Get out of it!
- You've done enough!

He's not moving!

What?
Let's have a look.

He's dead.

- We've killed him.
- Are you sure?

Yeah. Come on.
Let's get out of here.

But we can't leave him here!

We'll send someone down
to move him.

Come on!
Let's get out of here!

(sighs)

(theme music)

What about Silver Boy?

It's a filly.

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

Tax Collector
out of Silver Virgin.

How's that?

Hmm? I was just reposing
the problem.

I've got it.

Shining Money.

Tax Collector money,
Silver Shining.

Revenue Girl.

Tax, money, virgin,
girl, hmm?

Yeah.
Sounds all right.

Let's see
if it's been used.

Ah!

Revenue Girl won
a handicap in 1959.

And lost the St. Michael
Stakes in '51.

And my shirt along with it.

(laughs)
Good morning, sir.
Can I help you?

How do you do.
Mr. Meadows?

No.
Pantling, Major Pantling.

Oh, Steward
of the Jockey Club.

That's right, yes.
This is Mr. Meadows.

I'm terribly sorry.
My name is Steed.

One of your stablemen
told me I'd find you here.

What can we do
for you, Mr. Steed?

Well, I'm here about
the new four-year-old

you're stabling,
Sebastian II?

Are you from the press?

No, no. I'm from
the Foreign Office.

Oh.

We're concerned about
Sebastian, you know.

Cigar?

Oh, that's extremely
good of you.

Comes from
a very good home.

You know...
Oh, thank you.

A horse belonging
to a Sultan

is a little like a VIP
visiting the country.

Well, you might have given
him some VIP treatment,
mightn't you?

Waived your silly
quarantine rules.

I'm very sorry.
Has there been some trouble?

Sebastian's become
very attached to one
of the Sultan's spaniels.

Normally,
they travel together.

Otherwise,
he gets very nervous.

There's no other country
but Britain refuses to
let a dog enter, you know.

It's a crying shame.

No trouble about
a racehorse, though,

so long as he's to race.

Well, you're not suggesting
there should be quarantine
for thoroughbreds, are you?

Oh, no, certainly
not, Major.

I should think not
indeed.

Like some sherry?

Thank you very much.

What exactly do you
want to know, Steed?

Well, this is the first time
a Sultan's entered a horse
in this country.

It wouldn't help with some
rather delicate negotiations

going on at this moment
if anything were to
happen to Sebastian.

What do they think
might happen?

Well, the recent
doping scandals,
you know, in the country.

Frightful business.
Absolutely frightful.

Thank you.

I take it your people
think I don't know

how to look after a horse!

No, no, no.
Of course not.

If you prefer, you
could stable him in
Number 10 Downing Street.

I don't think that
the Prime Minister
would like that too much.

A rather small house.

No, I think that this letter
will explain everything.

Probably want to take
him away, you know.

Just keep an eye on him.

This Sultan fellow,
we want his oil, don't we?

That amongst other things.

Any unfortunate incident
might sever what otherwise

could be a very
beautiful friendship.

Hmm.

Well, I think this
is an impertinence.

But it seems to be
in order.

What exactly
do you want to do?

Oh, just be around,
you know.

Now look here.

I've never had any
trouble with doping,

if that's what
you're worried about.

Oh, of course not.

My stables are more difficult
to get into than most banks.

I suppose you'll want
to drop by now and then.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

And thank you, Major,
for the sherry.

Morning, everyone.

Oh, this is Mr. Steed.
My daughter, Ann.

How do you do?

Oh, hello.

Perhaps you could show him
over to the stables, Ann?

Yes, of course.

By the way, have you found
a name for the new filly?

No, no, no, not yet.

Awful problem, you know.

You can't use a name
that's been used before.

And the name must
have some connection
with its sire and dam.

Yes.

Tax Collector
out of Silver Virgin.

Tax Collector
out of Silver Virgin.

Yes. Though we don't
want to bother you
with that now.

Perhaps you'd give it
a thought, Ann.

I've done nothing else
all morning.

Would you like to come
with me, Mr. Steed?

Delighted, yes.

Tax Collector
out of Silver Virgin.

That's right.

How about Impossible?

Well, goodbye.
See you later, gentlemen.

This place is a mess, Brown.

I want you to clean it up
when you get back.

You ready to go?

- Yeah.
- Right.

Morning, ma'am.

Morning, Johnson.
How's Sebastian?

Well, he's a bit jumpy
after this morning's
gallop.

Hasn't settled down yet.

Anything special
you want to know?

No. We just want
to look at him.

- Thank you, Johnson.
- Yes, ma'am.

- Morning, sir.
- Afternoon.

Well, come on out,
you old devil.

Well, he is a fine fellow,
isn't he? How are you?

Well, if you want
to make yourself
known to Sebastian,

you'd better be
properly introduced.

Here, give him
some sugar.

With the Sultan's
compliments.

I'm very sorry
it isn't Turkish Delight.

Oh, really.

Why are you
so interested
in Sebastian?

Well, there are certain people,
you know, in Whitehall

that wouldn't like anything
to happen to Sebastian.

Would they, old boy?
You have a good nibble there.

On the other hand, I don't
think they need worry.

I've never seen such
security arrangements.

Do they always have
these electrified fences

around training establishments?

Mr. Steed, we don't just
let any Tom, Dick or
Harry in here, you know.

Oh, no.
I was very impressed.

Do you know anything
about horses,
Mr. Steed?

Yes. I know
which end is which.

Well, thank goodness
for that.

I thought you might be
one of those terribly
dull civil servants.

Oh.

Have you ever heard
of a horse that was
kinky about a spaniel?

I think I'll have a little
more sugar, young lady,
if you don't mind.

Oh, mind your fingers.

Oops. Ooh, he nearly
got me the first time.

Perhaps we could go
riding together one day.

My dear young lady,
that would be a pleasure.

Well, that could be fun,
couldn't it, Sebastian?

We'll all do that.

You ever find anybody
trying to get
at your horses?

No, and we don't
intend to, either.

No one could get in here.

Not even the police
if they wanted to.

Well, what about
the stablemen?

Oh, well, most of
the men working here
started as boy apprentices.

I know them all.

Oh, really?

I can assure you
they're absolutely
loyal to my father.

(bookies chatter)

Right, well,
I think that settles

your next
assignment, Brown.

Oh, by the way,

you'll find a gentleman
waiting outside.

Would you send him in,
please?

Thank you.

There was a bloke down at
the stables this morning.

Wanted to look
at the Sultan's horse.

Oh, do you know
who he was?

Never seen him before.

From the Foreign Office
or something.

Really?

Oh, it's probably
nothing to worry about.

Well, well.

Come on in.

(chatter silenced)

Sit down.
There's no charge.

Get him a brandy.

I believe you
wanted to see me.

Yes, I always like
to see people

after they've done
the job for me.

Didn't you know the man
had a weak heart?

Mr. Ffordsham,

or should I say,
The Honorable,

when a client opens
a turf account with me,

I don't demand to see
a medical certificate.

Everyone knows that
if they try to take
a bookmaker for a ride,

like Kirby did
or like you tried to do,

they've got to face
the consequences.

I don't think I wish to
accept your hospitality.

Let's see.

How much did
you owe me?

1,000 pounds.

You placed bets
on credit

knowing you didn't
have that kind
of money

in the bank?

It's not against the law!

Ah, a lot of people
think that.

But they're wrong.

It's as much a crime
to defraud a bookmaker

as it is to defraud
a tailor.

Look, the debt was canceled out
last night, wasn't it?

I accepted your third
alternative.

Yes, alternative one,
to pay up,

which in your case
was impossible.

Alternative two,
to get beaten up,
very painful.

Alternative three,
to help beat up
someone else

who owed me money.

- So now we're quits!
- Not quite.

I want to know what you
intend to do next.

Well, that's my business.

Perhaps, but I'd like
to hear about it.

I intend to leave
the country.

I see.

Well, I don't think
we can really agree
to that.

But it's got nothing
to do with you!

I have my social conscience
to consider.

You're a non-convicted
murderer.

I never touched the man.
Johnson did it.

I had to drag him off.

Is that so, Johnson?

No. He beat him up,
not me.

But that's a lie!

Sure, sure.

We all know that.

But what Mr. Johnson and I
want to impress on you

is how it could look
to a judge and jury.

You see, Kirby's body
was removed last night

by some other
friends of mine.

I only have to lift one
of these telephones.

This is really what
you'd call...

checkmate,
Mr. Honorable.

You're involved in this
as well, Heuston.

Really?

You and Johnson came to me.

Offered your services
as debt collectors.

I thought you were a genuine
little two-man agency.

I wasn't to know anything
about your methods.

And you'd betray
Johnson?

If it came
to the pinch, yes.

Except he's a friend
of longstanding

and he'd be in South America

before anyone
knew anything about it.

But you're not quite
in that category... yet.

Are you suggesting
that I could be?

You have two alternatives
open to you now.

One, go to prison
for manslaughter.

That's if they're lenient
and don't press for murder.

Two, that you become
another of my...

longstanding friends.

And collect more debts
for you!

No, no, no,
nothing so crude.

I run another business
far more refined.

We need men like you,
strong in lineage,

and a little light
on principle.

I don't think I'm interested.

I'm afraid
you have no choice.

You see, we kill people
to order.

A man like you
will be useful.

Good manners,
public school accent,
acceptable anywhere.

You'd be highly trained
and grossly overpaid.

Now go away
and think about it.

Come on.

And before you get
any high-minded ideas

about running
to the police,
remember Kirby.

I'll give you
until tomorrow morning

to, uh,
make up your mind.

(bookies chatter)

Steed: a very powerful...

Well, I apologize
for earlier remarks.

You ride very well.

Thank you very much.

I didn't expect
racehorses to be...

Well, to change direction
quite so sharply.

Oh, did you want
something, Smith?

Beg pardon, miss.

But I was waiting
to see your father.

I'm afraid he's not here.

Is there anything
I can do?

No. It was your father
I wanted to see.

It's just this murder charge
they've got me brother on

comes up next week.

Oh, when did
you hear this?

It's in the paper, miss.

Where? Show me.

See there?

Oh, Smith,
this is terrible!

Oh, hello, Ann.
Your father around?

No, he's out.

Oh, pity.
I wanted to see him.

I'm sure Griggs
is charging too much

for those moth-eaten
carrots of his.

Am I butting in?

It's about Smith's brother.
He's coming up on trial.

Oh, let me see.

What happened exactly?

Well, amazing story.

Apprentice jockey
disappears.

A month later, turns up
in South America,
of all places.

Takes a potshot
at a plantation tycoon

he's never seen before,
misses and gets caught.

Amazing.

You mean,
he disappeared from here?

From these very stables.

Reliable lad,
keen, good rider.

Been with Mr. Meadows
since he was 15.

What about the British
Embassy out there?

Can't they help
your brother?

Well, there's nothing
much they can do.

Evidence damning,
caught red-handed.

If you beg pardon, sir,
I found something out
that might help.

Jerry was in debt.

He was gambling heavy.

- Not Jerry!
- Betting horses?

I'm afraid so, sir.

Well, didn't he know
the rules of the stable?

Well, of course, sir.

But I suppose
he was tempted.

Anyhow, I found
this old notebook
among his things

where he put down
which horses he was backing

and how much
he was losing.

I think maybe that's
why he went away.

No reason to try
and commit a murder.

I was thinking,

if I could get out there,
I could talk to him.

Do you know who he
owed money to?

No, sir. That's what
I'd like to find out.

All right. You have
a bank account?

No, sir.

Then I'll make it
out to cash.

Enough to cover your fare
and moderate expenses.

I'll speak to Mr. Meadows

and get him to give you
a week off.

Thank you.
Thank you very much, sir...

That's all right.
Don't you worry.

I'll fix it
with Mr. Meadows.

But don't forget there's
the Credeton Cup tomorrow.

You're riding in that.

I won't go before then,
miss.

I wouldn't let Mr. Meadows
down or the Major.

Good. Then
that's settled.

Thank you very much,
Major.

Thank you, miss.

Thank you, sir.

Good luck to you
tomorrow.

That was very kind
of you, Major.

Oh, we must look after
the troops, you know.

Anyway, if he rides me
a winner tomorrow,

I shall be amply repaid.

I must be getting along.
Goodbye.

Let's hope he will, eh?

He's a very generous man,
the Major.

When did he start
owning horses?

Only the last few years,
I think.

I remember he used to say
how poor he was after

he came out of the Army.

Living on his pension,
you know.

He was quite bitter
about it.

I suppose he must have
been lucky on the horses.

Yes, I suppose
he must have.

Track announcer: They're under
starter's orders now,

but Green Fingers has
turned around.

Oh, an now Transfer Supervisor
has broken the tape.

They're all in line now

and soon they'll be off
at any moment

just as soon as they've
got that tape across again.

4 pounds to win
on number four, please.

Thank you, madam.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Time to get
to work, hmm?

Hey?

Oh, I want to get something
on Transfer Supervisor,
number five.

Oh, you've plenty
of time, sir.

Good. I have
five pounds each way
on Transfer Supervisor.

Haven't seen you
here before.

Probably not, sir.

This happens to be
my first day.

Let's hope
it's your lucky window.

10 pounds, please, sir.

Look, you don't want
to stay in there.

You can't see the racing.

Come out and enjoy
the sunshine, eh?

That's against the rules.

Besides, I wouldn't get
much work done, would I?

Who wants to work?

Well, aren't you here
to play the field?

Huh, I suppose
you could say that.

How about 6:30?

There is no 6:30, sir.

The last race is at 5:30.

Oh, 5:30.

Perhaps you could
give me the benefit

of your professional
experience.

Now there we are.
There are the runners.

Which one?

What about number two,
Fifth Symphony?

No, no.

Number three,
Lower Depths.

(chuckles)

Shop Window.

Shop Window.

Look, I do have other
customers besides you, sir.

I'm terribly sorry.
I suppose you have.

Look, I'll have five pounds
each way on Sharp Window.

I'll be at the Member's
Exclosure at 5:45
for a drink.

You join me there, eh?

I'll see what I can do.

And that will cost you
20 pounds, sir.

And 20 pounds coming up.

And we'll celebrate at 5:45.

Well, I hope you win.

Okay, fine. Thanks a lot.

Announcer: but they're off,
all off to a fine start

except Transfer Supervisor
who's been left at the post.

Now first one to show
is Cancer Major...

- Win?
- Thank you.

And Hold the Line it is,
the leader...

Do people come all this way
just to watch the television?

More realistic
in the end.

Anyway, the atmosphere's
more important.

Want to find somewhere
quiet with a stool?

My horse is still running.
And I'm watching the race.

Of course.

- Come on, Scavenger!
- Come on, Scavenger.

(crowd cheering)

Come on, Scavenger!

Come on, Scavenger!

Scavenger!

- He's gonna make it.
- He is.

I can't see him.

Can't you?

There he comes.

- Come on, Scavenger!
- Come on, that's right!

You encourage him!

Did he make it?

Hold the Line has it...

Oh!

Oh...

Oh, jolly bad.

It was nice of you
to meet me
at the station.

Terribly sorry.

I had to see a fellow
about a horse.

What do you really
want me down here for?

I'm a bit rusty
on my tictacs.

(laughs)

Well, I hadn't thought
of that one.

Now I got some
press cuttings here.
There you are.

Oh, hello, Smith.
Hey, jolly good luck.

Thank you, sir.

Bet my shirt on you.

And most of my wardrobe,
I might say.

- Who's that?
- He's Lynton Smith.

He's the brother of
the fellow that was accused

of taking a potshot

at a plantation millionaire
in South America.

Yes, this is
a very odd case.

He doesn't appear to have
had any motive whatsoever.

Even odder thing is that
he was an apprentice jockey

at the same stable
as his brother.

Well, how did he get
to South America?

Well, that does intrigue us.

Steed, what's
your real interest
in Meadows' stables,

that horse Sebastian

or the attempted killing
of this millionaire?

Oh, hello, Mr. Meadows.

Sorry, Steed.
Can't stop.

An unlikely stable
with electrified fences
around it.

Photoelectric cells,
operating alarm bells,
the lot.

The whole place
is like a fortress.

They're very wise
precautions

with all the doping
going on these days.

Has it occurred to you
that there could be

something going on
inside?

I mean, someone the police
are looking for

could be hidden in there.

Are you basing your suspicion

on the coincidence of this boy
turning up in South America?

In the past 12 months,

there have been at least
12 unsolved murders of rich men.

Either important businessmen
or political bigwigs.

You mean,
like Luther Strissel,
the West German banker?

Exactly, and not one single
one of them has been found.

And in each case,
someone stood to gain.

Either a political rival
or a business competitor.

But now that the attempt
has failed, well,

thank goodness,
we've got someone
in our hands.

If these stables are
as security bound
as you say,

how do you propose
to get in there?

I mean, by yourself?

Well, there's one thing
I've observed.

They got a procedure
for checking you in.

But they don't seem
to have one for
checking out again.

Are you fond of bran mash?

Ah, come on.
We got to hear the next race.

I have a small
interest in it.

I'm more interested in...

ridden by Johnny Simpson.

Way down at the far end
of the course,

they seem to be having
a little bit of trouble

with Shop Steward,
but I think they...

Yes, and they're off!

And already Shop Steward
is well into the lead.

Second is Fifth Symphony
ridden by Ted Hicks

who did a hat trick
in Newbury last week.

He's closely followed now
by Lower Depths, number 12,

breaking ground from
Distant Point in 5th position.

But coming now
to the second fence...

Want a refill?

Thanks.

Smith!

Tony!

Smith's fallen off!

You missed it!

You mean, the horse threw?

No. Smith just fell off!

Really? Was he hurt?

I don't know.

Well, it's probably nothing
to worry about, huh?

Look, I think
I ought to go home.

He could have been hurt.

But you're spending the day
with me, remember?

I'm sorry, Tony,
but I want to get back.

Oh, don't worry,
darling.

You'll see.
He'll be all right.

(murmuring)

(theme music)

What is it now,
Johnson?

Well, it's the new
stable hand, Mr. Meadows.

The Honorable
Lucien Ffordsham.

The Honorable?

From now on,
known as Ffordsham.

He wants to earn
a living for a change,

learn a trade.

I see.

Hello, Mr. Meadows.

I'll be with you
in a moment, Steed.

Ffordsham can have the room
over number two stable.

Right, sir.
This way.

Afternoon, sir.

Afternoon to you.

I suppose
you've come to see

no one's ridden off
with Sebastian.

First of all,
I want to see you

about Mr. Smith's
accident yesterday.

Now have you got
any ideas?

Must have been half cut through
before the race started.

Looks as though sliced
with a razor.

I could have sworn
everything was all right

when I gave Lynton Smith
a leg up in the parade ring.

25 years as a trainer.

Nothing like this has
ever happened before.

I see.

These dopers
will stop at nothing.

They can't get at the horse,
they'll get at the rider.

This time, they've gone too far.

It will be a charge of murder.

I'm going to call the police.

Are you sure
they were horse dopers?

I mean, Lower Depths
wasn't a hot favorite.

They couldn't
have nobbled.

There would be
no point in it,

in nobbling
either the horse
or the jockey.

I think there were
more personal
reasons.

What do you suggest we do?

Hold off calling the police
until after the post mortem.

All right.

And in the meantime,

I'd like to have
a small word

with Sebastian.

I'll get someone
to take you...

Oh, don't worry.
I know my way.

You just phone up and tell
them I'm coming, okay?

Right.

Meadows here.

Mr. Steed wants
to enter the stables.

Let him in, please, yeah?

What?

Well, that's your department.
Deal with it.

Yes, I know,
but we've no choice, have we?

Hello, Sebastian.

How's the climate
suiting you then,
old boy, eh?

I haven't got
anything today.

I'm stingy.

Ahh.

Oh.

Very nice, too.

There.

This is the house.

Number 17,
Avenue de la Grande Armée.

His car.

Registration number
8293-MY-75.

The man leaves this house
in this car every morning
at 10 past 8:00.

He's driven along
the Champs-Elysees
to Concorde,

Follows the same
to Boulevard de Palais,

turns right and continues
to Boulevard St. Michel.

He stops at number 29.

Excellent.

Now your assignment.

Ah, Patrice Dubois,
age 54.

Major shareholder of
the House of Souchais.

Good.

Here's your passport
and money.

And you'll need these.

You'll fly with the horses
and three other stablemen
tonight.

It's a chartered aircraft
departing at 7:25.

When you arrive
at Chantilly,

rooms have been booked for all
of you at the Pension Groujarde.

At exactly 11:00 tonight,
a light blue car

will be parked outside
the pension.

Here are the car keys.

You can be in Paris
in 30 minutes.

You go to number 69,
Avenue Emile Bonne.

Report to Monsieur Goldstein.

He'll put you up
for the night.

Right.

Contact me when
you get back tomorrow.

To your very good health.

I'll take any calls now.

Who?

Oh, send her in,
will you?

Mrs. Gale.

Do come in.
Won't you sit down?

Well, what can I do
for you?

Your settler and
I can't agree on a bet.

What's the problem?

I placed an each way Yankee
with 10 pound stakes.

On the first,
I put three to one.

Robin Hood, seven to two.

Wally Firms, 11 to 4.

And Reedy River
at five to one.

Now that was a total
investment of 220 pounds.

That checks.

They came up, so I should
have got back 9,690 pounds,

18 shillings and tuppence.

What's the quibble,
tuppence?

No, Mr. Heuston,
a matter of 65 pounds,
12 and 7 pence short.

Your settler checked it once

but refuses to check it again.

See, I think he's
reckoning the crack-off

at a quarter of the odds
instead of a third.

You mean, there were less
than eight runners a race.

Yes. Hold the Line
was scratched.

You see, even reckoning
at a quarter,

that would make
the place double come to...

15 pounds,
2 and a penny less.

The place trebled 30 pounds,
6 and thruppence less.

And the place
accumulated 20 pounds,
4 and thruppence less.

That's a total discrepancy
of 65 pounds, 12 and 7 pence.

Tell me, how do you
calculate it?

Well, I take the place odds,

add one unit to each,

multiply them together,

and subtract one unit
at the end.

Then I know the odds against
the doubles and trebles.

Incidentally,

your settler got it right
with Wallop Home.

He took into account
there were less than
eight runners in that race.

Mrs. Gale,
have you ever worked
for a turf accountant?

No.

But I've been a race girl
for a long time.

Well, I'm very glad
there aren't any more
like you about.

We'd be out of business.

Tell me,
do you know this one?

When would a punter
definitely win

by backing every horse
in a race?

Well, say there were
10 horses.

You add one to the odds
of each of those 10 horses.

Then you take the reciprocal
of those 10 numbers.

And if the sum of the reciprocal
is less than one, you must win.

You're very talented,
Mrs. Gale.

I'm glad you think so.

Because there's something
I wanted to ask you.

Oh? You want to extend
your credit?

No. I'm looking for a job.

Well, but the money
you've just won, why work?

Winnings don't last forever.

You should know that,
Mr. Heuston.

True.

Yes, well, this
business of mine

is certainly
expanding.

Okay, you're on.

And what are the terms?

70 pounds a week,
mostly tax-free.

You'll be this side
of the glass wall.

A lot of the time,

you'll be completely
in charge of the place.

I have another enterprise

which is taking up more
and more of my time.

Anyone with your head
for figures would be,

well, pretty useful
about the place.

Useful enough,
would you say,
to be worth 100?

You drive
a hard bargain.

Okay, 100 pounds.

When do I start?

You've already started.

Then perhaps you'd show me
the office routine?

With pleasure.

Outside phone,
internal phone.

That one's direct
to my London office.

Now over here we have,
in these cabinets,

we have client's
references in here.

Now our credit
clients in here.

And what's in there?

Oh, you could call those
the dead files in there.

Dead or...
about to be dead.

Where did you get it?

It was picked up
on the course.

You can see it's been
deliberately cut.

Well, I pointed it out
to Steed.

And he didn't want to
take it to the police,
heh?

No. Strange, isn't it?

I'm beginning to wonder
about Mr. Steed.

And where he is.

When did you
last see him?

He wanted to see
Sebastian again.

He has a letter
of authority.

What else could I do?

I'll tell you, Major,
I'll be darn glad

when that horse
is out of here.

And Steed too.

I don't trust that fellow.

I don't trust him.

Ahh.

(clatter)

(banging)

Caviar?

Aah! Oof!

All right, now hurry up
and settle down.

Right, before we start
this evening,

I want to introduce you
to Ffordsham

spelled with two small Fs.

How do you do?

Take a pew.

Now I want to devote
the first half

of this evening to poisons.

Now poisons come
in two main categories:

irritant and corrosive.

In nature

and in man's historical
applications of poisons,

both categories have
but one purpose: to kill.

And it was a lovely meal.

Oh, it's my pleasure.

By the way,
do you mind if I smoke?

No, not at all.

Thank you.

What made you
give up mathematics
and take to bookmaking?

Well, there's more money
in bookmaking.

That the only reason?

Well, I've always been
a greedy man, Cathy.

At university,
my mathematics tutor
said to me,

"Mathematicians
could rule the world".

So this gave me
a big idea.

And I calculated that,
with my knowledge,

I could just
about ruin

any of the local
professional gamblers.

I started with poker,
won hands down.

Then on to roulette,
but small fry.

So I set about
to bookmaking.

That's where
I came unstuck.

Because horses
aren't just figures
to juggle with.

They're living
creatures.

So are the people
who handle them.

And you dope them?

Well, you know the old saying
on the race course, Cathy.

The punter who hasn't got
a horse in his family tree

stays a punter forever.

No, the only way
to win at this game

is to know who's been
given orders to lose.

So, you got into debt
with a bookmaker.

That's right and instead
of kicking my teeth in,

he asked me to go
and work for him.

I reminded him that I'm
still working for a degree.

His words were, "Stop
being a high-minded idiot."

Sell out and grow up."

So you sold out.

No, not immediately.

I worked for that man
for about three years.

Then I opened up
my own account.

So really one could say
you were trapped into
bookmaking.

But grew to like it
afterwards?

You could say that.

I've been trapped
into other things
as well since then.

But I wouldn't say
I enjoy them.

I can't see you doing
anything you didn't want to.

Well, there are
those occasions

when one has
no alternative.

It's either that
or...

Or what?

Take now,
for instance.

I have to leave you.

Must you?

I have no alternative.

(snaps fingers)

Waiter? Check, please.

Now the next bit's
rather complicated,

so I want you
to pay attention.

Now the spring loading is
operated by this trigger here.

Now as you've just seen,
it takes considerable pressure

to force the spring back.

So that'll have to be done

before you reach
the actual site of operation.

I mean, anyone seeing you
trying to get that spring back

in the Royal Enclosure
would likely to get

a bit suspicious,
aren't they?

(laughter)

Well, once you've got this
spring back into position,

you are now equipped
with one of the deadliest

short-range weapons
ever invented.

To complete its deadliness,
the dart is inserted here.

Now the poison
on the tip of the dart

will remain potent
for a good four hours.

Now the great advantage
of this weapon

is that it can be used in
a seemingly innocent way.

As the race is in progress,

preferably at the height
of excitement,

you turn your binoculars
away from the horses

and take aim at the subject.

Now with the built-in
rangefinder, which is there...

Pass it along...

Accuracy up to 10 yards
is guaranteed.

Now take a good look
'cause you can't afford
to make mistakes.

Now, ejection of the dart
is achieved by pressing
this button here.

And as you've seen tonight,

the mechanism operates
without any sound at all.

(door opens)

Well, here's the man
you've all been waiting for.

Right, that'll be the lot
for tonight.

Good evening, gentlemen.

Four weeks' pay
for only three days' work.

Do you understand?

Right. You're up at dawn.
You better turn in now.

- Here's yours.
- Thanks.

Tell me, how's Ffordsham
making out?

Oh, he'll be all right.

You know, I think
it's time we used him.

Well, name the job
and I'll set it up
for him.

Okay. Let's go.

I want to know who he is.

He came here with a letter
from the government

requiring me to allow him
into the stables

to watch over Sebastian II.

I don't think we've
anything to worry about.

Steed was in the harness
room last night.

He beat up Brown.

Likely
he saw everything.

What's that got
to do with me?

Are you still pretending
you don't know

what goes on
in your own stables?

What you and Johnson do,
I don't want to know about.

- Well, let me remind you...
- I don't want to hear!

We train killers, highly
professional murderers.

And you're part
of the organization,

whether you like it
or not.

Now I want you to get
that horse Sebastian
out of there.

Can't do that.
The Sultan is my friend.

Just because you hobnob
with aristocracy
means nothing to me.

Look, I've told you
what you want to know.

Steed's interest
is solely confined to
the welfare of one horse.

I'm sure of that.

Well, I'm not.

I thought we agreed that
you'd keep away from here.

I'd look after this end
of the business!

We also agreed
that you be careful

whom you let
into the stables.

They're still mine,
you know.

Are they?

With 10,000 pounds
outstanding gambling debt?

I've only got to
breathe the word

that you're in debt
to a bookmaker

and your stables
will be worth nothing.

Big decisions,
little man.

You did say Pantling?

That's right.
Ronald Pantling.

Actually,
Major Ronald Pantling.

Oh, yes, I've got it here.

I'm afraid I can't raise
your credit without...

Hello, Major.

Ah, good to see you,
Heuston.

Your delightful
young lady is being
very patient with me.

Says you're increasing
my maximum credit.

Oh, that'll be all right,
Catherine.

By the way, I've got some rather
private business to attend to.

I wonder if you could
sort this out

with the Major
in the outer office?

Yes, of course.

Thank you.

- This way, Major.
- Thank you.

Very good of you,
old chap.

Not at all.

(bookies chatter)

Send him in now.

Thank you.

Heuston: Come in.

Sit down.

I have an assignment
for you.

This is where he lives.

This is his car.

This is the man
you have to kill.

(theme music)

Ronald Pantling.

Is he at the club now?

No, I don't want
to hold on.

Look, surely you must know
if he's there or not.

Hello, Ann.

Major, I've been
phoning everywhere

to try and find you.

Why?
What's the trouble?

I wondered if you knew
where my father was.

No.

You see, he didn't
come in to breakfast
this morning.

And no one's seen him.

Well, perhaps he had
to go up to London.

I'm sure he would
have told me.

Well, have you tried
the police?

Oh, no, of course not.

One of their jobs,
you know,

tracing
missing people.

Then maybe
I should phone them.

Well, let's not do anything
too drastic for the moment.

You leave it to me.

I'm so worried. He's never
done anything like this before.

No, but you
leave it to me.

I have an idea who
may know something
about this.

You can settle that
by phone.

Can I see you?

Yes.

That'll be all for now,
Catherine.

I'll be outside checking
on the next race.

Well, who's the bird?

She's got brains.

Don't worry.

She doesn't know
anything about us.

Yet.

But she could be
trying to.

I want you to
find out everything
you can about her.

Okay.

All right.
What was it
you wanted?

Well, it's about
that old fool, Meadows.

What about it?

Well, he came into
the stables with a gun.

Had some idea
about taking us down

to the police station.

- When was this?
- Last night.

I tried to get you.

But I take it
you were out on the town.

I see.

Well, what did you do?

I took the gun off him,
of course.

Suppose he expected us
to touch our caps to him,

call him sir and go along
like good little boys.

Where is he now?

Well, he got a bit rough.
There was a fight.

Look, you're not
gonna like this.

But there was an accident.

I mean,
it was an accident.

You fool, Johnson.

I'm sick and tired of
being treated like a serf!

They think they can treat me
like an animal!

You're still a fool.

Where's the body?

Well, he's all set
to go on a journey.

Don't worry,
no one will find it.

It does rather change
the situation,
doesn't it?

I mean, now
your girlfriend, Ann,

will have to be told
the truth, won't she?

Hello, Miss Meadows.

I'm afraid my father
isn't here.

It's just me.

I just wanted to give
Sebastian some sugar.

Well, without my
father's permission,

I can't have you admitted
to the stables, Mr. Steed.

They know your voice
on the phone.

You just pick it up
and tell them I'm coming.

Not without my father's
permission.

Oh!

Oh, let me help you.
Oops!

Just for me?

Not even for you.
Look, I must go.

Morning, Mr. Steed.

Good morning to you.

Holding the fort?

I was just admiring
this fine old desk.

No value. Wood worms.

Oh.

You've seen Ann?

I was giving her a hand.
She just went out.

She seemed a trifle upset.

Oh, I don't wonder.
Meadows has disappeared.

- Oh?
- I didn't like
to tell her.

But I had a very odd letter
in the post this morning.

I'll read some of it to you.

"My dear old friend,
I've suddenly realized

"what a mess I'm making
of my life.

But the facts
have to be ..."

It's terrible
handwriting.

Ah. "If anything
happens to me",

"I want you to run
the stables

until Ann is of age
to take over."

No wonder she was upset.

I want to have a word
with Sebastian.

Do you mind phoning up
and saying I'm coming?

Delighted.

Thank you very much.

I don't think I'll ever
make a stableman.

(chuckles)

Major Pantling here.

You're to admit Mr. Steed.

Yes, I'm acting on behalf
of Mr. Meadows.

Hello, old boy.
How are you?

Here you are.

That'll supplement
your diet a bit.

By the way, keep your eye
on the liability
on 5th Symphony.

We don't make her
a loser on the books.

Who?

Miss Meadows?

I see.

All right, send her in.

Ann, how nice to see you.

How are you, hmm?

Tony, have you
seen my father?

No, not today.
Isn't he at the stables?

No.

Will you have a drink?

I don't want anything.
Tony, Dad's disappeared.

Well, do you know
anything about it?

Why should I?

Because you've got some
sort of hold over him.

That's why he's forbidden me
to see you again, isn't it?

I thought it was because
a bookmaker wasn't fit company

for a trainer's daughter.

Oh, you know
that's not the reason.

Tell me something, Ann.

Why did you defy
your father's wishes?

Because I wanted to know
what was going on.

Is that the only reason
for seeing me?

Well, no.

I'm glad.
(kiss)

Come and sit down, hmm?

Ann, you've got
to know sooner or later.

So I might as well
tell you now.

Your father's
had an accident.

- He's dead.
- What?

You might as well know
the rest too.

And please do me the favor
of not passing judgment

till you've heard it all.

There's an organization
that I'm in

and that your father
was part of.

It all goes on in what
are now your stables.

I don't believe you.

It all starts off
with one man getting
the edge somehow

on two other men who
don't know each other.

He says to one man,

"Obey my orders

or my other man
will kill you."

He says that
to the other man, too.

So both of them are in
terror of the unknown.

Then on, it's like
building a pyramid

from the top downwards
getting bigger and bigger.

What's an organization
like that for?

To kill,
to make money.

An organization
based on terror

can be used
for anything.

My father was living
under this threat too?

We all are,
but the pay is good.

Oh, shut up!

I'm sorry.
I'll be serious.

You know, it was fun
when it started,

because of the money.
But after a time,

you know, anyone
who steps through
that door

may be
my Trojan Horse.

Because just like
the wooden horse

that the Greeks
let the Trojans
drag into their city,

the person coming
through that door
may look all right,

but they may have been
ordered to kill me.

Then you're not the head
of this organization.

No, Ann, I'm one step
down the pyramid

and I never know
who my killer will be

if ever
I step out of line.

Such as planning
to run away from it all.

That would be stepping out
of line, wouldn't it?

You? Of course.

The most innocent-looking
Trojan Horse
there could be.

Oh, no. I'm not
part of your racket.

The only reason
I've been seeing you

is because I knew you had
some hold over Dad.

I wanted to protect him.

Well, now you've told me what
I've been trying to find out.

Ann? It won't
solve anything.

Give it to me.

Oh!

(grunts)

Now phone the police.

Hello. Kirby here.

Assignment in Paris
completed.

Request permission
to enter stables.

Right. Thanks.

Mrs. Gale?

Yes?

You may remember me?
Major Pantling?

I wonder if you'd come out
to the stables with me.

Which stables?

Meadows.

Something I want
to discuss

with you and
your friend Steed.

He's out there now.

Car's outside,
engine ticking over.

There in no time.

All right.

Yeah?

Yeah?

Well, what do you mean,
he's not there?

Police?

Right.

What do you hope
to get out of it?

This organization
can't go on forever.

Be quiet.

Would 1,000 quid
interest you, in cash?

I make that
in a month now.

How about an Earldom?
I could fix that for you.

What's he
talking about?

He's trying
to bribe me.

Well, you won't get far
with that, mate.

You can't bribe people
when they know they got

a gun in their own back.

And what did
Heuston say?

He said to do away
with him.

Well, go on, shoot.

I've just given you
an order!

Heuston's just confirmed this
over the telephone, has he?

I'm telling you,
shoot him!

Anyone around?

- Keep out of here!
- What's going on here?

Kirby!

You said he was dead!

Ffordsham!

- (gunshot)
- Aah!

All right, now.

Who else is due
for my execution?

Just himself,
I believe.

Stand against the wall!
Come on, help him up.

(gunshot)

Hold it!

Fetch the gun!

Thank you very much,
Your Lordship.

Where was Mr. Steed when
he asked you to fetch me?

He must have been here
somewhere.

He spoke to me
on the house phone
from the stables.

Must be in there.

Not very bright
for someone.

Bad management.

Not meant for
your eyes at all.

Strange day all around,
what?

Sorry, Mrs. Gale.

In there.

All right, Major.

I'll relieve you of
your shooting stick.

Looks as if we need
some more carrots.

You'd better
order five tons.

Yes, and what
about some hay?

Well, you can see
about that too.

How are the new stable
hands coming on?

Oh, they'll be
all right.

And by the way, Five Acres
has got a cough again.

Oh, he's just
putting it on.

But Brandy Snaps is
fit at as a fiddle.

- Good.
- Hello, hello.

Oh, you just off?

- I'm afraid we must.
- Oh.

What's it like running
the stables on your own?

As you can see, I'm not
completely on my own.

Lucien is helping me out.

Yes. So we'd better
get those orders off.

Where do you keep
the books?

They're in the office.
Come on, I'll show you.

You haven't met Sebastian,
have you, Mrs. Gale?

No, I haven't.

Sebastian,
this is Mrs. Gale.

There you are.

Hello, Sebastian.

And we're off to
a good relationship.

Is he ever going
to run in a race?

Very shortly,
and under my colors.

The Sultan's made me
a present of him.

Hasn't he, Sebastian?

That's very generous of him.

Yeah. He's
a four-year-old,
you know.

Four-year-old?

You must be joking.

Eh?

(neighs)

(theme music)