And Then There Were None is a mystery novel by the English writer Agatha Christie, who described it as the most difficult of her books to write. It was first published in the United Kingdom by the Collins Crime Club on 6 November 1939, as Ten Little Niggers, after an 1869 minstrel song that serves as a major plot element. The US edition was released in January 1940 with the title And Then There Were None, taken from the last five words of the song. Successive American reprints and adaptations use that title, though American Pocket Books paperbacks used the title Ten Little Indians between 1964 and 1986. UK editions continued to use the original title until 1985.
The book is the world's best-selling mystery, and with over 100 million copies sold is one of the best-selling books of all time. The novel has been listed as the sixth best-selling title (any language, including reference works).
#andthentherewerenone #audiobook #audiobooksfree #mysteryaudiobook #agathachristie
The book is the world's best-selling mystery, and with over 100 million copies sold is one of the best-selling books of all time. The novel has been listed as the sixth best-selling title (any language, including reference works).
#andthentherewerenone #audiobook #audiobooksfree #mysteryaudiobook #agathachristie
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LearningTranscript
00:00:00And then there were none by Agatha Christie.
00:00:12In the corner of a first-class smoking carriage, Mr. Justice Walgrave, lately retired from
00:00:17the bench, coughed at a cigar and ran an interested eye through the political news in the Times.
00:00:24He laid the paper down and glanced out of the window.
00:00:28They were running now through Somerset.
00:00:30He glanced at his watch.
00:00:32Another two hours to go.
00:00:35He went over in his mind all that had appeared in the papers about Indian Island.
00:00:40There had been its original purchase by an American millionaire who was crazy about yachting,
00:00:45and an account of the luxurious modern house he had built on this little island off the
00:00:49Devon coast.
00:00:51The unfortunate fact that the new third wife of the American millionaire was a bad sailor
00:00:56have led to the subsequent putting up of the house on the island for sale.
00:01:00Various glowing advertisements of it had appeared in the papers.
00:01:04Then came the first bold statement that it had been bought by a Mr. Owen.
00:01:10After that, the rumors of the gossip writers had started.
00:01:13Indian Island had really been bought by Miss Gabrielle Turrell, the Hollywood film star.
00:01:17She wanted to spend some months there free from all publicity.
00:01:22Mr. D.B. had hinted delicately that it was to be an abode for royalty.
00:01:27Mr. Merriweather had had it whispered to him that it had been bought for a honeymoon.
00:01:31Young Lord L. had surrendered to Cupid at last.
00:01:36Journalists knew for a fact that it had been purchased by the Admiralty with a view to
00:01:39carrying out some very hush-hush experiments.
00:01:43Definitely, Indian Island was news.
00:01:47From his pocket, Mr. Justice Walgrave drew out a letter.
00:01:51The handwriting was practically illegible, but words here and there stood out with unexpected
00:01:57clarity.
00:01:58Dearest Lawrence,
00:02:00Such years since I heard anything of you.
00:02:02Must come to Indian Island, the most enchanting place.
00:02:06So much to talk over, old days, communion with nature, bask in sunshine.
00:02:11Twelve-forty from Paddington, meet you at Oakbridge.
00:02:15And his correspondent sighed herself with a flourish.
00:02:19His ever, Constance Commington.
00:02:23Mr. Justice Walgrave cast back in his mind to remember when exactly he had last seen
00:02:27Lady Constance Commington.
00:02:30It must be seven, no, eight years ago.
00:02:35She had then been going to Italy to bask in the sun and be at one with nature and the
00:02:39Contadini.
00:02:40Later, he had heard she had proceeded to Syria, where she proposed to bask in yet stronger
00:02:45sun and live at one with nature and the Bedouin.
00:02:49Constance Commington, he reflected to himself, was exactly the sort of woman who would buy
00:02:53an island and surround herself with mystery.
00:02:57Nodding his head in gentle approval of his logic, Mr. Justice Walgrave allowed his head
00:03:03to nod.
00:03:04He slept.
00:03:05Vera Claythorne, in a third-class carriage with five other travellers, leaned her head
00:03:14back and shut her eyes.
00:03:16How hot it was travelling by train to-day!
00:03:19It would be nice to get to the sea.
00:03:21Really, a great piece of luck getting this job.
00:03:25When you wanted a holiday post, it nearly always meant looking after a swarm of children.
00:03:29Secretarial holiday posts were much more difficult to get.
00:03:33Even the Agency hadn't held out much hope.
00:03:36And then the letter had come.
00:03:38I have received your name from the Skilled Women's Agency, together with their recommendation.
00:03:43I understand they know you personally.
00:03:45I shall be glad to pay you the salary you ask, and should expect you to take up your
00:03:49duties on August the 8th.
00:03:52The train is the 12.40 from Paddington, and you will be met at Oakbridge Station.
00:03:56I enclose five-pound notes for expenses.
00:04:00Yours truly, Una Nancy Owen.
00:04:04And at the top was the stamped address, Indian Island, Sticklehaven, Devon.
00:04:10Indian Island!
00:04:11Why?
00:04:13The letter had been nothing else in the papers lately.
00:04:15All sorts of hints and interesting rumours, though probably that was mostly untrue.
00:04:20But the house had certainly been built by a millionaire, and was said to be absolutely
00:04:24the last word in luxury.
00:04:27Vera Claythorne, tired by a recent strenuous term at school, thought to herself,
00:04:32Being a gainsmistress in a third-class school is much of a catch.
00:04:36If only I could get a job at some decent school.
00:04:40And then, with a cold feeling round her heart, she thought,
00:04:43I am lucky to have even this.
00:04:45After all, people don't like a coroner's inquest, even if the coroner did acquit me of all blame.
00:04:52He had even complimented her on her presence of mind and courage, she remembered.
00:04:56For an inquest it couldn't have gone better.
00:04:59And Mrs. Hamilton had been kindness itself to her.
00:05:02Only Hugo.
00:05:04But she wouldn't think of Hugo.
00:05:07Suddenly, in spite of the heat in the carriage, she shivered, and wished she wasn't going to the sea.
00:05:12A picture rose clearly before her mind.
00:05:15Sybil's head, bobbing up and down, swimming to the rock.
00:05:19Up and down, up and down, at herself, swimming in easy, practised strokes after him,
00:05:25cleaving her way through the water, but knowing only too surely that she wouldn't be in time.
00:05:30The sea, its deep, warm blue.
00:05:33Morning spent lying out on the sands.
00:05:35Hugo.
00:05:37Hugo, who had said he loved her.
00:05:41She must not think of Hugo.
00:05:44She opened her eyes and frowned across at the man opposite her.
00:05:48A tall man with a brown face, light eyes set rather close together, and an arrogant, almost cruel mouth.
00:05:56She thought to herself,
00:05:57I bet he's been to some interesting parts of the world and seen some interesting things.
00:06:01Grrrrr.
00:06:04Philip Lombard, summing up to the girl opposite in a mere flash of his quick-moving eyes,
00:06:10thought to himself—quite attractive—a bit schoolmistress here, perhaps?
00:06:16A cool customer, he should imagine, and one who would hold her own in love or war.
00:06:21He'd rather like to take her on.
00:06:23He frowned.
00:06:24No, cut out all that kind of stuff.
00:06:27This was business.
00:06:28He'd better keep his mind on the job.
00:06:32Something sadly was up, he wondered.
00:06:35The solicitor had been damned mysterious.
00:06:38Take it or leave it, Captain Lombard, he'd said thoughtfully.
00:06:42A hundred guineas, eh?
00:06:44He'd said it in a casual way, as though a hundred guineas was nothing to him.
00:06:49A hundred guineas, when he was literally down to his last square meal.
00:06:54He had fancied, though, that the solicitor had not been deceived.
00:06:59He'd said in the same casual tone,
00:07:00And you can't give me any further information?
00:07:04Mr. Isaac Morris had shaken his swivel-balled head very positively.
00:07:08No, Captain Lombard, the matter rests there.
00:07:12It is understood by my client that your reputation is that of a good man in a tight place.
00:07:17I am empowered to hand you one hundred guineas, in return for which you will travel to Sticklehaven,
00:07:23Devon.
00:07:24The nearest station is Oakbridge.
00:07:26You will be met there, and motored to Sticklehaven, where a motor-launch will convey you to Indian
00:07:31Island.
00:07:32There you will hold yourself at the disposal of my client."
00:07:35Lombard had said abruptly,
00:07:38For how long?
00:07:40Not longer than a week, at most.
00:07:43Fingering his small moustache, Captain Lombard said,
00:07:46Oh, you understand I can't undertake anything illegal.
00:07:50He had darted a very sharp glance at the other as he had spoken.
00:07:53There had been a very faint smile on the lips of Mr. Morris as he answered gravely,
00:07:59If anything illegal is proposed you will, of course, be at perfect liberty to withdraw.
00:08:06Damn the smooth little brute!
00:08:08He had smiled.
00:08:10It was as though he knew very well that in Lombard's past actions legality had not always
00:08:15been a cynic one none.
00:08:17Lombard's own lips parted in a grin.
00:08:20By Jove!
00:08:21He'd sailed pretty near the wind once or twice, but he'd always got away with it.
00:08:25There wasn't much he drew the line at, really.
00:08:29No, there wasn't much he drew the line at.
00:08:33He fancied that he was going to enjoy himself at Indian Island.
00:08:40In a non-smoking carriage Miss Emily Brent sat very upright, as was her custom.
00:08:47She was sixty-five, and she did not approve of lounging.
00:08:50Her father, a colonel of the Elm School, had been particular about deportment.
00:08:56The present generation was shamelessly lax in their carriage and in every other way.
00:09:02Enveloped in an aura of righteousness and unyielding principles, Miss Brent sat in her
00:09:07crowded third-class carriage and triumphed over its discomfort and its heat.
00:09:13Everyone made such a fuss over things nowadays.
00:09:15They wanted injections before they had teeth pulled.
00:09:18They took drugs if they couldn't sleep.
00:09:19They wanted easy chairs and cushions, and the girls allowed their figures to slop about
00:09:24anyhow and lay about half-naked on the beaches in summer.
00:09:28Miss Brent's lips set closely.
00:09:30She would like to make an example of certain people.
00:09:33She commended last year's summer holiday.
00:09:36This year, however, it would be quite different—Indian Island.
00:09:40Mentally, she re-read the letter which she had already read so many times.
00:09:45Dear Miss Brent,
00:09:47I do hope you remember me.
00:09:49We were together at Belhaven Guesthouse in August some years ago, and we seem to have
00:09:53so much in common.
00:09:54I am starting a guesthouse of my own on an island off the coast of Devon.
00:09:59I think that is really an opening for a place where there is good plain cooking and a nice
00:10:03old-fashioned type of person.
00:10:05None of this nudity and gramophones half the night.
00:10:09I shall be very glad if you could see a way to spend your summer holiday on Indian Island.
00:10:15As my guest, would early in August suit you?
00:10:18Perhaps the 8th?
00:10:20Yours sincerely, U.N.
00:10:23Oh, what was the name?
00:10:25The signature was rather difficult to read.
00:10:28Emily Brent fought impatiently.
00:10:30So many people write their signatures quite allegedly.
00:10:33She let her mind run back over the people at Belhaven.
00:10:37She had been there two summers running.
00:10:40There had been that nice middle-aged woman, Mrs.
00:10:43Mrs.
00:10:44Oh, what was her name?
00:10:46Her father had been a cannon.
00:10:48And then there had been a Miss, Bolton, Orman, no, surely it was Oliver, yes, Oliver.
00:10:57Indian Island.
00:10:58There had been things in the paper about Indian Island, something called a film star, or was
00:11:04it an American millionaire?
00:11:06Of course, often those places weren't very cheap.
00:11:09Islands didn't suit everybody.
00:11:11They thought the idea was romantic, but when they came to live there, they realized the
00:11:14disadvantages and were only too proud to sell.
00:11:18Emily Brent thought to herself, I should be getting a free holiday at any rate.
00:11:23With her income so much reduced and so many dividends not being paid, that was indeed
00:11:28something to take into consideration.
00:11:30If only she could remember a little more about Mrs., or was it Miss, Oliver.
00:11:42General MacArthur looked out of the carriage window.
00:11:45The train was just coming into Exeter, where he had to change.
00:11:48Damnable, these slow branch-line trains.
00:11:52This place, Indian Island, was really no distance at all as the crow flies.
00:11:57He had not a clue who this fellow Owen was.
00:12:01Friend of Spoof Leggards, apparently, and of Johnny Dyer's.
00:12:04One or two of your old cronies are coming, would like to have a talk over old times,
00:12:10the letter had said.
00:12:12Well, he'd enjoy a chat about old times.
00:12:15He'd had a fancy lately that fellows were rather fighting shy of him, all owing to that
00:12:20damned rumour.
00:12:21By God, it was pretty hard.
00:12:24Nearly thirty years ago now.
00:12:27Armstrong had talked, he supposed.
00:12:30Damned young pop, what did he know about it?
00:12:32Oh well, no good brooding about these things.
00:12:36One fancied things sometimes.
00:12:39Said a fellow who was looking at you clearly.
00:12:42This Indian Island, oh, he'd be interested to see it.
00:12:45Lot of gossip flying about.
00:12:46Thought that there might be something in the rumour that the Admiralty or the War Office
00:12:50or the Air Force had got hold of it.
00:12:53Young Elmer Ronson, the American millionaire, had actually built the place.
00:12:57Spent thousands on it, so it was said.
00:13:00Every mortal luxury.
00:13:03Exeter.
00:13:04And an hour to wait.
00:13:06And he didn't want to wait.
00:13:08He wanted to get on.
00:13:13Dr. Armstrong was driving his Morris across Salisbury Plain.
00:13:17He was very tired.
00:13:20Success had its penalties.
00:13:21There had been a time when he had sat in his consulting room in Harley Street, correctly
00:13:25apparelled, surrounded with the most up-to-date appliances and the most luxurious furnishings,
00:13:31and waited.
00:13:32Waited, through the empty days, for his venture to succeed or fail.
00:13:38Well, it had succeeded.
00:13:40He'd been lucky.
00:13:42Lucky and skilful, of course.
00:13:44He was a good man at his job, but that wasn't enough for success.
00:13:49You had to have luck as well, and he'd had it.
00:13:52An accurate diagnosis, a couple of grateful women patients, women with money and position,
00:13:57and word had gone about.
00:13:59You ought to try Armstrong.
00:14:01Quite a young man, but so clever.
00:14:04Armstrong had been to all sorts of people for years, and he put his finger on the trouble
00:14:07at once.
00:14:09The ball had started rolling.
00:14:11And now Dr. Armstrong had definitely arrived.
00:14:15His days were full.
00:14:16He had little leisure, and so on this August morning he was glad that he was leaving London,
00:14:21and going to be for some days on an island off the Devon coast.
00:14:25Not that it was exactly a holiday.
00:14:27The letter he had received had been rather vague in its terms, but there was nothing
00:14:32vague about the accompanying cheque, a whacking fee.
00:14:36These odds must be rolling in money.
00:14:39Some little difficulty it seemed.
00:14:41A husband, who was worried about his wife's health, wanted a report on it without her
00:14:45being alarmed.
00:14:47She wouldn't hear of seeing a doctor.
00:14:49Her nerves—nerves!
00:14:52The doctor's eyebrows went up.
00:14:54These women and their nerves.
00:14:56Perfect was Bute for business, after all.
00:14:58The women who consulted him had nothing the matter with them but boredom.
00:15:02But they wouldn't thank you for telling them so, and one could usually find something.
00:15:08A slightly uncommon condition of the—some long word—nothing at all serious, but it
00:15:14just needs putting right.
00:15:16A simple treatment.
00:15:18Well, medicine was mostly faith-healing when it came to it, and he had a good manner.
00:15:23He could inspire hope and belief.
00:15:26I could see that he'd managed to pull himself together in time after that business ten—no—fifteen
00:15:31years ago.
00:15:32It had been a near thing, that.
00:15:35He'd been going to pieces.
00:15:37The shock had pulled him together.
00:15:39It cut our kringle together.
00:15:41I drove.
00:15:42It had been a near thing, though.
00:15:46With a devastating, ear-splitting blast from a horn, an enormous, super-sports-down-main
00:15:51car rushed past him at eighty miles an hour.
00:15:53Dr. Armstrong nearly went into the hedge.
00:15:55One of these young fools who tore around the country.
00:15:58He hated them.
00:15:59That had been a near shave, too.
00:16:02Damned young fool.
00:16:06Tony Marston, roaring down into Mir, thought to himself, the amount of cars crawling about
00:16:12the roads is frightful.
00:16:13Always someone blocking your way, and they will drive in the middle of the road.
00:16:17Pretty hopeless driving in England, anyway, not like France, where you really could let
00:16:21out.
00:16:23Should he stop here for a drink or push on?
00:16:25Piece of time.
00:16:26Only another hundred miles and a bit to go.
00:16:28He'd have a gin and ginger beer.
00:16:30Fissing hot day.
00:16:33This island place ought to be rather good fun, if the weather lasted.
00:16:36Who were these Owens, he wondered?
00:16:39Rich and stinking, probably.
00:16:41Badger was rather good at nosing people like that out.
00:16:44Of course, he had to, poor old chap, with no money of his own.
00:16:47But they'd do unwell in drinks.
00:16:49Never knew these fellows who made their money and weren't born to it.
00:16:53Pity that story about Gabrielle Turle having bought Indian Island wasn't true.
00:16:57You'd like to have been in with that film-star crowd.
00:17:00Oh, well, you supposed there'd be a few girls there.
00:17:05Coming out of the hotel, he stretched himself, yawned, looked up at the blue sky, and climbed
00:17:10into the dowel-main.
00:17:13Several young women looked at him admiringly, his six feet of well-proportioned body, his
00:17:18crisp hair, tanned face, and intensely blue eyes.
00:17:23He let in the clutch with a roar and leapt up the narrow street.
00:17:27Old men and errand boys jumped for safety.
00:17:29The latter looked after the car admiringly.
00:17:32Anthony Marston proceeded on his triumphal progress.
00:17:39Mr. Blore was in the slow train from Clifton.
00:17:43There was only one other person in his carriage, an elderly seafaring gentleman with a bleary
00:17:48eye.
00:17:49At the present moment he had dropped off to Sfeeg.
00:17:52Mr. Blore was writing carefully in a little notebook.
00:17:56That's the lot, he muttered to himself, Emily Brent, Vera Claythorne, Dr. Armstrong, Anthony
00:18:05Marston, Old Justice Wargrave, Philip Lombard, General MacArthur, C.M.G., D.S.O., Manservant,
00:18:15and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers.
00:18:19He closed the notebook and put it back in his pocket.
00:18:22He glanced over at the corner, and a slumbering man.
00:18:25I had one over the eight, diagnosed Mr. Blore accurately.
00:18:31He went over things carefully and conscientiously in his mind.
00:18:35Job ought to be easy enough, he ruminated.
00:18:38Don't see how I can slip up on it.
00:18:40Hope I look all right.
00:18:42He stood up and scrutinized himself anxiously in the glass.
00:18:46The face reflected there was of a slightly military cast with a moustache.
00:18:51There was very little expression in it.
00:18:53The eyes were grey and set rather close together.
00:18:56Might be a major, said Mr. Blore.
00:18:59Oh, I forgot, as that old military gent, he'd spot me at once.
00:19:06South Africa, said Mr. Blore, that's my line.
00:19:09None of these people have anything to do with South Africa, and I've just been reading
00:19:13that travel folder, so I can talk about it all right.
00:19:16Fortunately, there were all sorts and types of colonials.
00:19:20As a man of means from South Africa, Mr. Blore felt he could enter into any society unchallenged.
00:19:27Indian Island.
00:19:29He remembered Indian Island as a boy's smelly sort of rock, covered with gulls, stood about
00:19:33a mile from the coast.
00:19:35It had got its name from its resemblance to a man's head, an American-Indian profile.
00:19:40Wow, funny idea, you go and build a house on it, awfully bad weather.
00:19:46But millionaires were full of whims.
00:19:49The old man in the corner woke up and said, You can't never tell at sea.
00:19:55Never, Mr. Blore said, soothingly.
00:19:58Now that's right, you can't.
00:20:00The old man hiccupped twice, and said plaintively, There's a squall coming.
00:20:06Mr. Blore said, No, no, mate, it's a lovely day.
00:20:11The old man said angrily, There's a squall ahead, I can smell it.
00:20:17Maybe you're right, said Mr. Blore, pacifically.
00:20:21The train stopped at the station, and the old fellow rose unsteadily.
00:20:24This is—how'll I get out?
00:20:28He fumbled at the window.
00:20:30Mr. Blore helped him.
00:20:31The old man stood in the doorway.
00:20:33He raised a solemn hand, and blinked his bleary eyes.
00:20:37Watch and pray, he said, watch and pray, there's a judgment, there's a hand.
00:20:48He collapsed through the doorway onto the platform.
00:20:52From a recumbent position, he looked up at Mr. Blore, and said with immense dignity,
00:20:56I'm talking to you, young man.
00:20:59The day of judgment is very close at hand.
00:21:05Subsiding onto his seat, Mr. Blore thought to himself, He's nearer the day of judgment
00:21:10than I am.
00:21:11But there, as it happens, he was wrong.
00:21:20Chapter Two
00:21:23Outside Oakbridge Station a little group of people stood in momentary uncertainty.
00:21:28Behind them stood porters with suitcases.
00:21:31One of these called,
00:21:33Jim?
00:21:34The driver of one of the taxis stepped forward.
00:21:36You for Indian Island, maybe? he asked, in a soft Devon voice.
00:21:41Four voices gave ascent, and then immediately afterwards gave quick, surreptitious glances
00:21:46at each other.
00:21:47The driver said, addressing his remarks to Mr. Justice Wargrave as the senior member
00:21:52of the party,
00:21:53There are two taxis here, sir.
00:21:55One of them must wait till this float-train from Exeter gets in.
00:21:58Matter of five minutes.
00:21:59There's one gentleman coming by that.
00:22:01Perhaps one of you wouldn't mind waiting.
00:22:03You'll be more comfortable that way.
00:22:05Vera Claythorne, her own secretarial position, clear in her mind, spoke at once.
00:22:11I'll wait, she said, if you will go on.
00:22:14She looked at the other three.
00:22:15Her blance and voice had that slight suggestion of command in it that comes from having occupied
00:22:20a position of authority.
00:22:22He might have been directing which tennis sets the girls were to play in.
00:22:26But Miss Brent said stiffly, Thank you, bent her head, and entered one of the taxis, the
00:22:31door of which the driver was holding open.
00:22:34Mr. Justice Wargrave followed her.
00:22:37Captain Lombard said, I'll wait with Miss, uh, Claythorne, said Vera.
00:22:43My name is Lombard, Philip Lombard.
00:22:46The porters were pining luggage on the taxi.
00:22:49Inside, Mr. Justice Wargrave said with due legal caution, Beautiful weather we are having,
00:22:56Miss Brent said, Yes, indeed.
00:22:59A very distinguished old gentleman, she thought to herself.
00:23:02Quite unlike the usual type of man in seaside guesthouses, evidently Mrs. or Miss Oliver
00:23:08had good connections.
00:23:11Mr. Justice Wargrave inquired, But do you know this part of the world well?
00:23:17I have been to Cornwall and to Torquay, but this is my first visit to this part of Devon.
00:23:23The judge said, I also am unacquainted with this part of the world.
00:23:27The taxi drove off.
00:23:30The driver of the second taxi said, Like to sit inside while you're waiting?
00:23:35Vera said decisively, Not at all.
00:23:38Captain Lombard smiled.
00:23:40He said, That sunny wall looks more attractive, unless you'd rather go inside the station.
00:23:45No, indeed.
00:23:47It's so delightful to get out of that stuffy train.
00:23:50He answered, Yes, travelling by train is rather trying in this weather.
00:23:55Vera said conventionally, I do hope it lasts.
00:23:59The weather, I mean, our English summers are so treacherous.
00:24:03With a slight lack of originality, Lombard asked, Do you know this part of the world
00:24:08well?
00:24:09No, I've never been here before, she added quickly, conscientiously, determined to make
00:24:14her position clear at once.
00:24:15I haven't even seen my employer yet.
00:24:18Your employer?
00:24:19Yes, I'm Mrs. Owen's secretary.
00:24:23Oh, I see.
00:24:25Just imperceptibly his manner changed.
00:24:28It was slightly more assured.
00:24:30Easier, in turn, he said, Or isn't that rather unusual?
00:24:34Vera laughed, I don't think so.
00:24:37Our own secretary was suddenly taken ill, and she wired to an agency for a substitute,
00:24:41and they sent me.
00:24:43So that was it.
00:24:45And suppose you don't like the post when you've got there?
00:24:48Vera laughed again.
00:24:49Oh, it's only temporary.
00:24:50A holiday post.
00:24:51I've got a permanent job at a girl's school.
00:24:54As a matter of fact, I'm frightfully thrilled at the prospect of seeing Indian Island.
00:24:58There's been such a lot about it in the papers.
00:25:00Is it really very fascinating?
00:25:03Lombard said, I don't know.
00:25:05I haven't seen it.
00:25:07Oh, really?
00:25:09The Owens are frightfully keen on it, I suppose.
00:25:11What are they like?
00:25:13Lombard thought.
00:25:14Awkward, this.
00:25:15Am I supposed to have met them or not?
00:25:18He said quickly, There's a wasp crawling up your arm.
00:25:21No, keep quite still.
00:25:23He made a convincing pounce.
00:25:25There.
00:25:26It's gone.
00:25:27Oh.
00:25:29There are a lot of wasps about this summer.
00:25:31Yes.
00:25:32I suppose it's the heat.
00:25:33And who are we waiting for?
00:25:35Do you know?
00:25:36I hadn't the least idea.
00:25:38After the loud, drawn-out scream of an approaching train was heard, Lombard said, Well, that'll
00:25:44be the train now.
00:25:49It was a tall, soldierly old man who appeared at the exit from the platform.
00:25:54His grey hair was clipped close, and he had a neatly trimmed white moustache.
00:25:59His porter, staggering slightly under the weight of the solid leather suitcase, indicated
00:26:04Vera and Lombard.
00:26:06Vera came forward in a competent manner.
00:26:08She said, I am Mrs. Owen's secretary.
00:26:10There is a car here waiting, she added.
00:26:13This is Mr. Lombard.
00:26:16The faded blue eyes, shrewd in spite of their age, sized up Lombard.
00:26:21For a moment, a judgment showed in them, had there been anyone to read it.
00:26:26Good-looking fellow.
00:26:28Something just a little wrong about him.
00:26:31The three of them got into the waiting taxi.
00:26:34They drove through the sleepy streets of Little Oakbridge, and continued about a mile
00:26:38on the main Plymouth Road, then they plunged into a maze of cross-country lanes, steep,
00:26:44green and narrow.
00:26:45General MacArthur said, Don't know there's part of Devon at all.
00:26:49My little place is in East Durham, and just on the borderline of Dorset.
00:26:52Vera said, It really is lovely here, the hills and the red earth, and everything's so green
00:26:58and luscious-looking.
00:27:00Philip Lombard said critically, Oh, it's a bit shut in.
00:27:04I like open country myself, where you can see what's coming.
00:27:08General MacArthur said to him, You've seen a bit of the world, I fancy.
00:27:13Lombard shrugged his shoulders disparagingly, I've hopped about here and there, sir.
00:27:18He thought to himself, He'll ask me now, if I was old enough to be in the war.
00:27:23These old boys always do.
00:27:25But General MacArthur did not mention the war.
00:27:32They came up over a steep hill and down a zigzag track to Sticklehaven, a mere cluster
00:27:38of cottages, with a fishing boat or two, drawn up on the beach.
00:27:42Illuminated by the setting sun, they had their first glimpse of Indian Island, jutting up
00:27:48out of the sea to the south.
00:27:50Vera said, surprised, It's a long way out.
00:27:54She depicted it differently, close to shore, crowned with a beautiful white house.
00:28:00But there was no house visible, only the boldly silhouetted rock, with its faint resemblance
00:28:05to a giant Indian's head.
00:28:08There was something sinister about it.
00:28:10She shuddered faintly.
00:28:13Outside a little inn, the Seven Stars, three people were sitting.
00:28:18There was the hunched, elderly figure of the judge, the upright form of Miss Brent, and
00:28:23the third man, a big, bluff man, who came forward and introduced himself.
00:28:27Thought we might as well wait for you, he said.
00:28:30Make one trip of it.
00:28:31Allow me to introduce myself.
00:28:33My name's Davis, Natal.
00:28:35South Africa's my Natal spot.
00:28:39He laughed breezily.
00:28:41Mr. Justice Warbrave looked at him with active malevolence.
00:28:45He seemed to be wishing that he could order the court to be cleared.
00:28:49Miss Emily Brent was clearly not sure if she liked colonials.
00:28:54Anyone care for a little nip before we embark? asked Mr. Davis, hospitably.
00:28:59Nobody assenting to this proposition, Mr. Davis turned and held up a finger.
00:29:04Mustn't delay then.
00:29:05Our good host and hostess will be expecting us, he said.
00:29:09He might have noticed that a curious constraint came over the other members of the party.
00:29:14It was as though the mention of their host and hostess had a curiously paralyzing effect
00:29:18upon the guests.
00:29:20In response to Davis's beckoning finger, a man detached himself from a nearby wall against
00:29:26which he was leaning and came up to them.
00:29:29His rolling gait proclaimed him a man of the sea.
00:29:32He had a weather-beaten face and dark eyes with a slightly evasive expression.
00:29:36He spoke in his soft, devin voice.
00:29:40Will you be ready to be startin' for the island, ladies and gentlemen?
00:29:43The boat's waitin'.
00:29:45There was two gentlemen comin' by car, but Mr. Owen's orders was not to wait for them
00:29:50as they might arrive at any time.
00:29:53The party got up.
00:29:55Their guide led them along a small stone jetty.
00:29:58Alongside it, a motorboat was lying.
00:30:01Emily Brent said,
00:30:02Oh, that's a very small boat.
00:30:05The boat's owner said persuasively,
00:30:07She's a fine boat, that man.
00:30:09You could go to Plymouth in her.
00:30:10As easy as winking.
00:30:13Mr. Justice Wargrave said sharply,
00:30:15There are a good many of us.
00:30:17She'd take double the number, sir.
00:30:20Philip Lombard said in a pleasant, easy voice,
00:30:24It's quite all right.
00:30:25Glorious weather.
00:30:26No swell.
00:30:28Rather doubtfully, Miss Brent admitted herself to be helped into the boat.
00:30:33The others followed suit.
00:30:35There was as yet no fraternizing among the party.
00:30:37It was as though each member of it was puzzled by the other members.
00:30:42They were just about to cast loose when their guide paused, boat-hook in hand.
00:30:47Down the steep track into the village a car was coming, a car so fantastically powerful,
00:30:53so superlatively beautiful, that it had all the nature of an apparition.
00:30:57At the wheel sat a young man, his hair blown back by the wind.
00:31:01In the blaze of the evening light he looked, not a man, but a young god, a hero-god out
00:31:07of some northern sonica.
00:31:10He touched the horn, and a great roar of sound echoed from the rocks of the bay.
00:31:14It was a fantastic moment.
00:31:16In it, Antony Marston seemed to be something more than mortal.
00:31:20Afterwards, more than one of those present remembered that moment.
00:31:27Fred Narrocott sat by the engine, thinking to himself that this was a queer lot.
00:31:33Not at all his idea of what Mr. Owen's guests were likely to be.
00:31:37He expected something altogether more classy.
00:31:40Topped-up women and gentlemen, in yachting costume, and all very rich and important-looking.
00:31:46Not at all like Mr. Alma Robson's parties.
00:31:48A faint grin came to Fred Narrocott's lips as he remembered the millionaire's guests.
00:31:53That'd been a party, if you like, and the drink they'd got through.
00:31:58This Mr. Owen must be a very different sort of gentleman.
00:32:01Funny it was, thought Fred, but he'd never yet set eyes on Owen, nor his missus either.
00:32:07Never been down here yet, he hadn't.
00:32:09Everything ordered and paid for by that Mr. Morris.
00:32:13Instructions always very clear and payment prompt, but it was all the same.
00:32:18The papers said there was some mystery about Owen.
00:32:21Mr. Narrocott agreed with them.
00:32:24Perhaps, after all, it was Miss Gabrielle Turrell who had bought the island.
00:32:29But that theory departed from him as he surveyed his passengers.
00:32:33Come on, this lot.
00:32:35None of them looked likely to have anything to do with a film star.
00:32:38He summed them up dispassionately.
00:32:41One old maid, the sour kind, he knew them well enough.
00:32:45She was a tartar-heated bet.
00:32:48Old military gentleman, real army by the look of him.
00:32:52Nice-looking young lady, but the ordinary kind, not glamorous.
00:32:56No Hollywood touch about her.
00:32:58That bluff, cheery gent, he wasn't a real gentleman.
00:33:01Retired tradesman, that's what he is, thought Fred Narrocott.
00:33:05The other gentleman, the lean, hungry-looking gentleman with the quick eyes, he was a queer
00:33:09one, he was.
00:33:11Just possible he might have something to do with the pictures.
00:33:14No.
00:33:15There was only one satisfactory passenger in the boat, the last gentleman.
00:33:19The one who would have ridden the car.
00:33:21What a car!
00:33:23A car such as had never been seen at Sticklehaven before.
00:33:26Must have cost hundreds and hundreds a car like that.
00:33:29He was the right kind.
00:33:31Born to money, he was.
00:33:32If the party had all been like him, he'd understand it.
00:33:37Queer business, would he tend to think of it?
00:33:39The whole thing was queer.
00:33:42Very queer.
00:33:47The boat churned its way round the rock.
00:33:49Now at last the house came into view.
00:33:52The south side of the Arden was quite different.
00:33:55It shelved gently down to the sea.
00:33:57The house was there facing south, low and square and modern-looking, with round windows
00:34:03letting in all the light.
00:34:05An exciting house.
00:34:06A house that lived up to expectation.
00:34:09Fred Narrocott shut off the engine.
00:34:11They nosed their way gently into a little natural inlet between rocks.
00:34:17Fiddle Blombard said sharply,
00:34:18"'Must be difficult to land here in dirty weather,' Fred Narrocott said cheerfully.
00:34:23"'Can't land on Indian Island when there's a south-easterly.
00:34:27Sometimes just cut off for a week or more,' Vera Clayson thought.
00:34:31"'The catering must be very difficult.
00:34:34That's the worst in Ireland.
00:34:35All the domestic problems are so worrying.'
00:34:38The boat grated against the rocks.
00:34:41Fred Narrocott jumped out, and he and Lombard helped the others to alight.
00:34:45Narrocott made the boat fast to a ring in the rock.
00:34:47Then he led the way up steps, cut in the rock.
00:34:51John MacArthur said,
00:34:52"'Ah, don't like for spot,' but he felt uneasy.
00:34:58Damned odds on the place!'
00:35:00As the party ascended the steps and came out on a terrace above, their spirits revived.
00:35:05In the open doorway of the house a correct butler was awaiting them, and something about
00:35:10his gravity reassured them.
00:35:12And then the house itself was really most attractive, and the view from the terrace
00:35:17magnificent.
00:35:19The butler came forward, bowing slightly.
00:35:22He was a tall, lank man, grey-haired and very respectable.
00:35:26He said,
00:35:27"'Will you come this way, please?'
00:35:30In the wide hall, drinks stood ready, rows of bottles.
00:35:34Antony Marston's spirits cheered up a little.
00:35:37He'd just been thinking this was a rum kind of show.
00:35:41None of his lot.
00:35:42What could old Badger have been thinking about to let him in for this?
00:35:45However, the drinks were all right.
00:35:47There was plenty of ice, too.
00:35:49What was it the butcher chap was saying?
00:35:52Mr. Owen, unfortunately delayed, unable to get here till to-morrow.
00:35:57Instructions, everything they wanted, if they would like to go to their rooms.
00:36:03Dinner would be at eight o'clock.
00:36:08Vera had followed Mrs. Rogers upstairs.
00:36:11The woman had thrown open a door at the end of a passage, and Vera had walked into a delightful
00:36:15bedroom with a big window that opened wide upon the sea and another looking east.
00:36:20She uttered a quick exclamation of pleasure.
00:36:24Mrs. Rogers was saying,
00:36:25"'I hope you've got everything you want, miss.'
00:36:29Vera looked round.
00:36:30Her luggage had been brought up, and had been unpacked.
00:36:33At one side of the room a door stood open into a pale-blue tiled bathroom.
00:36:38She said quickly,
00:36:39"'And yes, everything, I think.
00:36:42You ring the bell if you want anything, miss.'
00:36:45Mrs. Rogers had a flat, monotonous voice.
00:36:49Vera looked at her curiously.
00:36:51What a white, bloodless ghost of a woman, very respectable-looking, with her hair dragged
00:36:56back from her face and her black dress, queer and light eyes that shifted the whole time
00:37:01from place to place.
00:37:03Vera thought,
00:37:04"'She looks frightened of her own shadow.'
00:37:06"'Yes, that was it, frightened.
00:37:11She looked like a woman who walked in mortal fear.'
00:37:14A little shiver passed down Vera's back.
00:37:17What on earth was the woman afraid of?
00:37:20She said pleasantly,
00:37:21"'I'm Mrs. Owen's new secretary.
00:37:23I expect you know that.'
00:37:26Mrs. Rogers said,
00:37:27"'No, miss, I don't know anything, just a list of the ladies and gentlemen and what
00:37:32rooms they will have.'
00:37:34Vera said,
00:37:35"'Mrs. Owen didn't mention me.'
00:37:38Mrs. Rogers' eyelashes flickered.
00:37:40"'I haven't seen Mrs. Owen.
00:37:42Not yet.
00:37:43We only came here two days ago.'
00:37:45"'Extraordinary people, these errands,' thought Vera.
00:37:49Aloud she said,
00:37:50"'And what staff is there here?'
00:37:53"'Just me and Rogers' mess.'
00:37:56Vera frowned.
00:37:57"'Eight people in the house, ten with the host and hostess, and only one married couple
00:38:03to do for them.'
00:38:04Mrs. Rogers said,
00:38:06"'I'm a good cook, and Rogers is handy about the house.
00:38:11I didn't know, of course, that there was to be such a large party.'
00:38:14Vera said,
00:38:15"'But you can manage?'
00:38:16"'Oh, yes, miss, I can manage.
00:38:19If there's to be large parties often, perhaps Mrs. Owen could get extra help in.'
00:38:24Vera said,
00:38:25"'I expect so.'
00:38:27Mrs. Rogers turned to go.
00:38:29Her feet moved noiselessly over the ground.
00:38:32She drifted from the room like a shadow.
00:38:35Vera went over to the window and sat down on the window seat.
00:38:39She was faintly disturbed.
00:38:41Everything somehow was a little queer.
00:38:46The absence of the Owens, the pale ghost-like Mrs. Rogers, and the guests.
00:38:52Yes, the guests were queer, too, an oddly assorted party.
00:38:58Vera thought,
00:38:59"'I wish I'd seen the Owens.
00:39:01I wish I knew what they were like.'
00:39:04She got up and walked restlessly about the room.
00:39:06A perfect bedroom, decorated throughout in the modern style, off-white rugs on the gleaming
00:39:12parquet floor, faintly tinted walls, a long mirror surrounded by lights, a mantelpiece
00:39:20bare of ornaments save for an enormous block of white marble shaped like a bear, a piece
00:39:26of modern sculpture, in which was inset a clock.
00:39:31Beneath it, in a deeming chromium frame, was a big square of parchment, a poem.
00:39:38She stood in front of the fireplace and read it.
00:39:40It was the old nursery rhyme that she remembered from her childhood days.
00:39:45Ten little Indian boys went out to dine.
00:39:48One choked his little self, and then there were nine.
00:39:52Nine little Indian boys sat up very late.
00:39:54One overslept himself, and then there were eight.
00:39:58Eight little Indian boys travelling in Devon.
00:40:01One said he'd stay there, and then there were seven.
00:40:06Seven little Indian boys chopping up sticks.
00:40:08One chopped himself in halves, and then there were six.
00:40:13Six little Indian boys playing with a hive, a bumblebeest on one, and then there were
00:40:18five.
00:40:20Five little Indian boys going in for law.
00:40:23One got in chancery, and then there were four.
00:40:27Four little Indian boys going out to sea.
00:40:29A red herring swallowed one, and then there were three.
00:40:33Three little Indian boys walking in the zoo.
00:40:35A big bear hugged one, and then there were two.
00:40:40Two little Indian boys sitting in the sun.
00:40:43One got frizzled up, and then there was one.
00:40:47One little Indian boy left all alone.
00:40:50He went and hanged himself, and then there were none.
00:40:56Sirius smiled.
00:40:57Of course, this was Indian Island.
00:41:01She went and sat again by the window, looking out to sea.
00:41:05How big the sea was.
00:41:08From here there was no land to be seen anywhere, just a vast expanse of blue water, rippling
00:41:14in the evening sun.
00:41:16The sea, so peaceful today, sometimes so cruel.
00:41:22The sea that dragged you down to its depths, drowned, found drowned, drowned at sea, drowned,
00:41:30drowned, drowned.
00:41:31No!
00:41:32She wouldn't remember.
00:41:34She would not think of it.
00:41:35All that was over.
00:41:41Doctor Armstrong came to Indian Island just as the sun was sinking into the sea.
00:41:47On the way across he had chatted to the boatman, a local man.
00:41:50He was anxious to find out a little about these people who owned Indian Island, but
00:41:54the man, Narrakot, seemed curiously ill-informed, or perhaps unwilling to talk.
00:42:00So Doctor Armstrong chatted instead of the weather and of fishing.
00:42:04He was tired after his long motor drive.
00:42:06His eyeballs ached.
00:42:09Driving west you were dragging against the sun.
00:42:12Yes, he was very tired.
00:42:16The sea, a perfect peace, that was what he needed.
00:42:19He would like, really, to take a long holiday, but he couldn't afford to do that.
00:42:24He could afford it financially, of course, but he couldn't afford to drop out.
00:42:27He was soon forgotten nowadays.
00:42:29No, now that he had arrived he must keep his nose to the grindstone.
00:42:35He thought all the same this evening, and imagined to myself that I'm not going back,
00:42:41that I've done with London and Harley Street and all the rest of it.
00:42:45There was something magical about an island.
00:42:48In mere words, suggestive fantasy, you lost touch with the world.
00:42:51An island was a world of its own, a world, perhaps, from which you might never return.
00:42:56He thought, I'm leaving my ordinary life behind me.
00:43:01And smiling to himself, he began to make plans, fantastic plans for the future.
00:43:07He was still smiling when he walked up the rock-cut steps.
00:43:12In a chair on the terrace an old gentleman was sitting, and the sight of him was vaguely
00:43:16familiar to Dr. Armstrong.
00:43:19Where had he seen that frog-like face, that tortoise-like neck, that hunched-up attitude?
00:43:24Yes, and those pale, shrewd little eyes.
00:43:28Of course, old Wargrave.
00:43:31He'd given evidence once before him.
00:43:33Always looked half asleep, but was shrewd as could be when it came to a point of law.
00:43:38Had great power with a jury.
00:43:40It was said he could make their minds up for them any day of the week.
00:43:44He'd got one or two unlikely convictions out of them.
00:43:48A hanging judge, some people said.
00:43:51Funny place to meet him.
00:43:53Here.
00:43:54Out of the world.
00:43:59Mr. Justice Wargrave thought to himself, Armstrong?
00:44:05Remember him in the witness-box, very correct and cautious.
00:44:09All doctors are damn fools.
00:44:12The street ones are the worst of the lot.
00:44:15And his mind dwelt malevolently on a recent interview he had had with a suave personage
00:44:20in that very street.
00:44:22Aloud he grunted,
00:44:24Drinks are in the hall.
00:44:26Dr. Armstrong said,
00:44:28I must go and pay my respects to my host and hostess.
00:44:32Mr. Justice Wargrave closed his eyes again, looking decidedly reptilian, and said,
00:44:37You can't do that.
00:44:39Dr. Armstrong was startled.
00:44:41Why not?
00:44:43The judge said,
00:44:44No.
00:44:45Host and hostess.
00:44:46Very curious state of affairs.
00:44:48Don't understand this place.
00:44:50Dr. Armstrong stared at him for a minute, when he thought the old gentleman had actually
00:44:55gone to sleep.
00:44:57Wargrave said suddenly,
00:44:58Do you know Constance Carlington?
00:45:00Uh, no, I'm afraid I don't.
00:45:04It's of no consequence, said the judge.
00:45:07Very vague woman, and practically unreadable handwriting.
00:45:11I was just wondering if I'd come to the wrong house.
00:45:14Dr. Armstrong shook his head, and went on up to the house.
00:45:18Mr. Justice Wargrave reflected on the subject of Constance Carlington.
00:45:23Uncompendable, like all women.
00:45:27His mind went on to the two women in the house, the tight-lipped old maid and the girl.
00:45:33He didn't care for the girl.
00:45:35Cold-blooded young hussy.
00:45:39No, three women, if you counted the Rogers woman.
00:45:42Odd creature.
00:45:43She looked scared to death.
00:45:46A respectable pair, and knew their job.
00:45:49Rogers, coming out on the terrace that minute.
00:45:52The judge asked him,
00:45:53Is Lady Constance Carlington expected, do you know?
00:45:58Rogers stared at him.
00:45:59No, sir.
00:46:01Not to my knowledge.
00:46:03The judge's eyebrows rose, but he only grunted.
00:46:06He thought,
00:46:08Indian Island, eh?
00:46:11There's a cuckoo in the nest.
00:46:18Antony Marston was in his bath.
00:46:21He luxuriated in the steaming water.
00:46:24His limbs had felt cramped after his long drive.
00:46:27Very few thoughts passed through his head.
00:46:30Antony was a creature of sensation and of action.
00:46:36He thought to himself,
00:46:37Must go through with it, I suppose.
00:46:39And thereafter,
00:46:40Dismissed everything from his mind.
00:46:43Warm, steaming water.
00:46:45Tired limbs.
00:46:47Presently a shave, a cocktail, dinner.
00:46:51And after?
00:46:56Mr. Brawl was tying his tie.
00:46:58He wasn't very good at this sort of thing.
00:47:01Did he look all right?
00:47:02He supposed so.
00:47:05He didn't sound exactly cordial to him.
00:47:07Funny the way they all eyed each other as though they knew.
00:47:11Well, it was up to him.
00:47:13He didn't mean to bumble his job.
00:47:15He glanced up at the framed nursery round over the mantelpiece.
00:47:19Neat touch, having napped there.
00:47:22He thought,
00:47:23Remember this island when I was a kid?
00:47:25Never thought I'd be doing this sort of job in a house here.
00:47:29Good thing, perhaps, that one can't foresee the future.
00:47:35Gerald MacArthur was frowning to himself.
00:47:38Damn it all.
00:47:39The whole thing was deuced up.
00:47:42Not at all what he'd be led to expect.
00:47:44Put two pins, he'd make an excuse and get away.
00:47:47Throw up the whole business.
00:47:49But the motorboats had gone back to the mainland.
00:47:52He'd have to stay.
00:47:54That fellow Lombard, now.
00:47:56He was a queer chap, not straight.
00:47:59He'd swear the man wasn't straight.
00:48:03As the gong sounded, Philip Lombard came out of his room
00:48:07and walked to the head of the stairs.
00:48:09He moved like a panther, smoothly and noiselessly.
00:48:12There was something of the panther about him altogether.
00:48:15A beast of prey, peasant to the eye.
00:48:19He was smiling to himself.
00:48:21A week, eh?
00:48:23He was going to enjoy that week.
00:48:27In her bedroom, Emily Brent, dressed in black silk, ready for dinner,
00:48:33was reading her Bible.
00:48:35Her lips moved as she followed the words,
00:48:38The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made.
00:48:42In the net which they hid is their own foot taken.
00:48:46The Lord is known by the judgment which he executed.
00:48:49The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
00:48:52The wicked shall be turned into hell.
00:48:56Her tight lips closed.
00:48:58She shut the Bible.
00:49:00As she was rising, she pinned a cairngorm brooch at her neck
00:49:03and went down to dinner.
00:49:09Chapter Three
00:49:11Dinner was drawn to a close.
00:49:13The food had been good, the wine perfect.
00:49:16Rogers waited well.
00:49:18Everyone was in better spirits.
00:49:20They had begun to talk to each other with more freedom and intimacy.
00:49:23Mr. Justice Wargrave, mellowed by the excellent port,
00:49:28was listening in a caustic fashion.
00:49:30Dr. Armstrong and Tony Marston were listening to him.
00:49:33Miss Brent chatted to General MacArthur.
00:49:36They had discovered some mutual friends.
00:49:38Vera Claythorne was asking Mr. Davis intelligent questions about South Africa.
00:49:42Mr. Davis was quite fluent on the subject.
00:49:45Lombard listened to the conversation.
00:49:48Once or twice he looked up quickly and his eyes narrowed.
00:49:51Now and then his eyes played round the table, studying the others.
00:49:56Anthony Marston said suddenly,
00:49:58Quite these things, aren't they?
00:50:00In the centre of the round table, on a circular glass stand,
00:50:03were some little China figures.
00:50:06Indians, said Tony.
00:50:08Indian island. I suppose that's the idea.
00:50:11Vera leaned forward.
00:50:14I wonder, how many are there? Ten?
00:50:17Yes, ten there are.
00:50:20Vera cried, what fun.
00:50:23They're the ten little Indian boys of the nursery rhyme, I suppose.
00:50:26In my bedroom the rhyme is framed and hung over the mantelpiece.
00:50:29Lombard said, in my room too.
00:50:32And mine. And mine.
00:50:34Everybody joined the chorus.
00:50:36Vera said, it's an amusing idea, isn't it?
00:50:39Mr. Justice wore brave, grunted,
00:50:41but remarkably childish,
00:50:43and helped himself to port.
00:50:45Emily Brent looked at Vera Claythorne.
00:50:48Vera Claythorne looked at Miss Brent.
00:50:51In the drawing room, the French windows were open onto the terrace,
00:50:55and the sound of the sea murmuring against the rocks came up to them.
00:50:59Emily Brent said, a pleasant sound.
00:51:02Vera said sharply, I hate it.
00:51:05Miss Brent's eyes looked at her in surprise.
00:51:08Vera flushed.
00:51:10She said more composedly,
00:51:12I don't think this place would be very agreeable in a storm.
00:51:15Emily Brent agreed.
00:51:17I've no doubt the house is shut up in winter.
00:51:21You'd never get servants to stay here, for one thing.
00:51:24Vera murmured, it must be difficult to get servants anyway.
00:51:29Emily Brent said, Mrs. Oliver has been lucky to get these two.
00:51:33The woman's a good cook.
00:51:35Vera thought, funny how elderly people always get names wrong.
00:51:40She said, yes, I think Mrs. Owen has been very lucky indeed.
00:51:44Emily Brent had brought a small piece of embroidery out of her bag.
00:51:49Now, as she was about to thread her needle, she paused.
00:51:52She said sharply, Owen.
00:51:55Did you say Owen?
00:51:57Yes.
00:51:58Emily Brent said sharply, I've never met anyone called Owen in my life.
00:52:02Vera stared.
00:52:04But surely.
00:52:05She did not finish her sentence.
00:52:07The door opened, and the men joined them.
00:52:09Rogers followed them into the room with the coffee tray.
00:52:12The judge came and sat down by Emily Brent.
00:52:15Armstrong came after Vera.
00:52:18Tony Marston strolled to the open window.
00:52:21Blore studied with naïve surprise a statuette in brass,
00:52:25wondering perhaps if its bizarre angularities were really supposed to be the female figure.
00:52:31General MacArthur stood with his back to the mantelpiece.
00:52:34He pulled at his little white moustache.
00:52:37It would have been a damn good dinner, his spirits were rising.
00:52:41Lombard turned over the pages of punch that lay with the other papers on a table by the wall.
00:52:47Rogers went round with the coffee tray.
00:52:49The coffee was good, really black and very hot.
00:52:52The whole party had dined well.
00:52:54They were satisfied with themselves and with life.
00:52:57The hands of the clock pointed to twenty minutes past nine.
00:53:01There was a silence, a comfortable, replete silence.
00:53:07Into that silence came the voice.
00:53:11Without warning, inhuman, penetrating.
00:53:16Ladies and gentlemen, silence, please.
00:53:19Everyone was startled.
00:53:21They looked round at each other, at the walls, who was speaking.
00:53:26The voice went on, a high, clear voice.
00:53:29You are charged with the following indictments.
00:53:32Edward George Armstrong.
00:53:35That you did, upon the fourteenth day of March, nineteen twenty-five,
00:53:39cause the death of Louisa Mary Please.
00:53:42Emily Caroline Brent.
00:53:46That upon the fifth of November, nineteen thirty-one,
00:53:48you were responsible for the death of Beatrice Taylor.
00:53:51William Henry Blore.
00:53:53That you brought about the death of James Stephen Landor, on October the tenth, nineteen twenty-eight.
00:54:00Vera Elizabeth Claythorne.
00:54:02That on the eleventh day of August, nineteen thirty-five,
00:54:05you killed Cyril Ogilvie Hamilton.
00:54:08Philip Lombard.
00:54:10That upon a date in February, nineteen thirty-two,
00:54:13you were guilty of the death of twenty-one men,
00:54:16members of an East African tribe.
00:54:19John Gordon MacArthur.
00:54:21That on the fourth of January, nineteen seventeen,
00:54:23you deliberately sent your wife's lover, Arthur Richmond, to his death.
00:54:28Anthony James Marston.
00:54:30That upon the fourteenth day of November last,
00:54:32you were guilty of the murder of John and Lucy Coombs.
00:54:36Thomas Rogers and Ethel Rogers.
00:54:39That on the sixth of May, nineteen twenty-nine,
00:54:42you brought about the death of Jennifer Brady.
00:54:45Lawrence John Wargrave.
00:54:47That upon the tenth day of June, nineteen thirty,
00:54:49you were guilty of the murder of Edward Seton.
00:54:53Prisoners at the bar, have you anything to say in your defense?
00:55:02The voice had stopped.
00:55:04There was a moment's petrified silence, and then a resounding crash.
00:55:08Rogers had dropped the coffee tray.
00:55:11At the same moment, from somewhere outside the room,
00:55:13there came a scream and the sound of a thud.
00:55:17Lombard was the first to move.
00:55:19He leapt to the door and flung it open.
00:55:21Outside, lying in a huddled mass, was Mrs. Rogers.
00:55:26Lombard called,
00:55:27Marston!
00:55:28Anthony sprang to help him.
00:55:30Between them they lifted up the woman and carried her into the drawing-room.
00:55:33Dr. Armstrong came across quickly.
00:55:36He helped them to lift her onto the sofa and bent over her.
00:55:39He said quickly,
00:55:41It's nothing.
00:55:42She's fainted, that's all.
00:55:43She'll be round in a minute.
00:55:45Lombard said to Rogers,
00:55:47Get some brandy.
00:55:49Rogers, his face white, his hands shaking, murmured,
00:55:52Yes, sir,
00:55:53and slipped quickly out of the room.
00:55:55Rivera cried out,
00:55:57Who was that speaking?
00:55:59Where was he?
00:56:00It sounded, it sounded,
00:56:01General MacArthur sputtered out,
00:56:03What's going on here?
00:56:05What kind of a practical joke was that?
00:56:08His hand was shaking.
00:56:09His shoulders sagged.
00:56:11He looked suddenly ten years older.
00:56:13Brough was mopping his face with a handkerchief.
00:56:16Only Mr. Justice Wargrave and Miss Brent seemed comparatively unmoved.
00:56:20Emily Brent sat upright.
00:56:22Her head held high.
00:56:24In both cheeks was a spot of hard colour.
00:56:27The judge sat in his habitual pose,
00:56:29his head sunk down into his neck.
00:56:32With one hand he gently scratched his ear.
00:56:35Only his eyes were active,
00:56:37darting round and round the room, puzzled,
00:56:40alert with intelligence.
00:56:42Again it was Lombard who acted.
00:56:45Armstrong being busy with the collapsed woman,
00:56:47Lombard was free once more to take the initiative.
00:56:50He said,
00:56:52That voice,
00:56:53it sounded as though it were in the room.
00:56:56Rivera cried,
00:56:57Who was it?
00:56:58Who was it?
00:56:59It wasn't one of us.
00:57:01Like the judge,
00:57:02Lombard's eyes wandered slowly round the room.
00:57:05They rested a minute on the open window.
00:57:08Then he shook his head decisively.
00:57:10Suddenly his eyes lighted up.
00:57:13He moved forward swiftly to where a door near the fireplace
00:57:16led to an adjoining room.
00:57:18With a swift gesture he caught the handle and flung the door open.
00:57:22He passed through and immediately uttered an exclamation of satisfaction.
00:57:26He said,
00:57:27Ah.
00:57:28Here we are.
00:57:30The others crowded after him.
00:57:32Only Miss Brent remained alone sitting erect in her chair.
00:57:36Inside the second room,
00:57:38a table had been brought up close to the wall
00:57:41which adjoined the drawing-room.
00:57:43On the table was a gramophone,
00:57:45an old-fashioned type with a large trumpet attached.
00:57:49The mouth of the trumpet was against the wall
00:57:51and Lombard, pushing it aside,
00:57:53indicated where two or three small holes
00:57:55had been unobtrusively bored through the wall.
00:57:59Adjusting the gramophone,
00:58:00he replaced the needle on the record
00:58:02and immediately they heard again,
00:58:04You are charged with the following indictments.
00:58:07Bearer cried,
00:58:08Turn it off. Turn it off. It's horrible.
00:58:10Lombard obeyed.
00:58:12Dr. Armstrong said, with a sigh of relief,
00:58:15A disgraceful and heartless practical joke, I suppose.
00:58:20The small, clear voice of Mr. Justice Wargrave murmured,
00:58:24So you think it's a joke, do you?
00:58:27The doctor stared at him.
00:58:29What else could it be?
00:58:31The hand of the judge gently stroked his upper lip.
00:58:34He said,
00:58:35At the moment I'm not prepared to give an opinion.
00:58:39Antony Marston broke in.
00:58:41He said,
00:58:42Look here.
00:58:43There's one thing you've forgotten.
00:58:45Who the devil turned the thing on and set it going?
00:58:48Wargrave murmured,
00:58:49Yes, I think we must inquire into that.
00:58:54He led the way back into the drawing-room.
00:58:56The others followed.
00:58:58Rogers had just come in with a glass of brandy.
00:59:00Miss Brent was bending over the moaning form of Mrs. Rogers.
00:59:04Adroitly, Rogers slipped between the two women.
00:59:08Allow me, madam. I'll speak to her.
00:59:11Ethel.
00:59:12Ethel, it's all right.
00:59:14All right, you hear?
00:59:15Pull yourself together.
00:59:17Mrs. Rogers' breath came in quick gasps.
00:59:20Her eyes, staring, frightened eyes, went round and round the ring of faces.
00:59:25There was urgency in Rogers' tone.
00:59:27Pull yourself together, Ethel.
00:59:29Dr. Armstrong spoke to her soothingly.
00:59:32You will be all right now, Mrs. Rogers.
00:59:34Just a nasty tone.
00:59:36She said,
00:59:38Did I faint, sir?
00:59:40Yes.
00:59:41It was the voice, that awful voice, like a judgment.
00:59:47Her face turned green again.
00:59:49Her eyelids fluttered.
00:59:50Dr. Armstrong said sharply,
00:59:52Where's that brandy?
00:59:54Rogers put it down on a little table.
00:59:56Someone handed it to the doctor, and he bent over the gasping woman with it.
01:00:00Drink this, Mrs. Rogers.
01:00:02She drank, choking Ethel and gasping.
01:00:04The spirit did her good.
01:00:06The colour returned to her face.
01:00:08She said,
01:00:09I'm all right now.
01:00:10It just gave me a turn.
01:00:13Rogers said quickly,
01:00:14Well, of course it did.
01:00:15Gave me a turn, too.
01:00:17Fair made me drop that tray.
01:00:19Wicked lies it was.
01:00:20I'd like to know...
01:00:21He was interrupted.
01:00:23It was only a cough, a dry little cough, but it had the effect of stopping him in full cry.
01:00:29He stared at Mr. Justice Wargrave, and the latter coughed again.
01:00:34Then he said,
01:00:35Who put that record on the gramophone?
01:00:39Was it you, Rogers?
01:00:41Rogers cried,
01:00:42I didn't know what it was.
01:00:44Before God, I didn't know what it was, sir.
01:00:46If I had, I'd never have done it.
01:00:49The judge said,
01:00:50That is probably true, but I think you'd better explain, Rogers.
01:00:56The butler whacked his face with a handkerchief.
01:00:58He said earnestly,
01:01:00I was just obeying orders, sir, that's all.
01:01:04Whose orders?
01:01:06Mr. Owen's.
01:01:08Mr. Justice Wargrave said,
01:01:10Let me get this quite clear.
01:01:12Mr. Owen's orders were what, exactly?
01:01:16Rogers said,
01:01:18I was to put a record on the gramophone.
01:01:21I'd find the record in the drawer, and my wife was to start the gramophone when I'd gone into the drawing room with the coffee tray.
01:01:28The judge murmured,
01:01:30A very remarkable story.
01:01:32Rogers cried,
01:01:33It's the truth, sir. I swear to God, it's the truth.
01:01:36I didn't know what it was.
01:01:38Not for a moment.
01:01:39It had a name on it.
01:01:40I thought it was just a piece of music.
01:01:42Wargrave looked at Lombard.
01:01:45Was there a title on it?
01:01:47Lombard nodded.
01:01:48He grinned, suddenly showing his white, pointed teeth.
01:01:51He said,
01:01:52Quite right, sir.
01:01:54It was entitled, Swan Song.
01:02:00General MacArthur broke out suddenly.
01:02:03He explained,
01:02:04The whole thing is preposterous, preposterous.
01:02:07Slinging accusations about like this.
01:02:09Something must be done about it.
01:02:11This fellow Owen, whoever he is,
01:02:13Emily Brent interrupted.
01:02:14She said sharply,
01:02:15Well, that's just it.
01:02:16Who is he?
01:02:17The judge interposed.
01:02:19He spoke with the authority that a lifetime in the courts had given him.
01:02:23He said,
01:02:24That is exactly what we must go into very carefully.
01:02:28I should suggest that you get your wife to bed, first of all, Rogers.
01:02:32Then come back here.
01:02:35Yes, sir.
01:02:36Dr. Armstrong said,
01:02:38I'll give you a hand, Rogers.
01:02:40Leaning on the two men,
01:02:42Mrs. Rogers tottered out of the room.
01:02:44When they had gone,
01:02:45Tony Marston said,
01:02:47I don't know about you, sir, but I could do with a drink.
01:02:50Bombard said,
01:02:51I agree.
01:02:53Tony said,
01:02:54I'll go and forage.
01:02:56He went out of the room.
01:02:58He returned a second or two later,
01:03:00found them all waiting on a tray outside ready to be brought in.
01:03:03He set down his burden carefully.
01:03:06The next minute or two was spent in dispensing drinks.
01:03:09General MacArthur had a stiff whiskey,
01:03:12and so did the judge.
01:03:13Everyone felt the need of a stimulant.
01:03:15Only Emily Brent demanded and obtained a glass of water.
01:03:19Dr. Armstrong re-entered the room.
01:03:22She's all right, he said.
01:03:24I've given her a sedative to take.
01:03:26What's that a drink?
01:03:27I could do with one.
01:03:29Several of the men refilled their glasses.
01:03:31A moment or two later, Rogers re-entered the room.
01:03:35Mr. Justice Wargrave took charge of the proceedings.
01:03:39The room became an impromptu court of law.
01:03:42The judge said,
01:03:43Now then, Rogers, we must get to the bottom of this.
01:03:47Who is this Mr. Owen?
01:03:50Rogers stared.
01:03:52He owns this place, sir.
01:03:54I am aware of that fact.
01:03:56What I want you to tell me is what you yourself know about the man.
01:04:01Rogers shook his head.
01:04:03I can't say, sir.
01:04:04You see, I've never seen him.
01:04:07There was a faint stir in the room.
01:04:09General MacArthur said,
01:04:11You never see him?
01:04:13What do you mean?
01:04:15We've only been here just under a week, sir, my wife and I.
01:04:18We were engaged by letter through an agency,
01:04:21the Regina Agency in Plymouth.
01:04:24Brewer nodded.
01:04:25Old established firm, he volunteered.
01:04:28Wargrave said,
01:04:30Have you got that letter?
01:04:32Were the letter engaging us?
01:04:34No, sir.
01:04:35I didn't keep it.
01:04:37Go on with your story.
01:04:39You were engaged, as you say, by letter.
01:04:43Yes, sir.
01:04:44We were to arrive on a certain day, and we did.
01:04:47Everything was in order here.
01:04:49Plenty of food in stock and everything very nice.
01:04:52Just needed dusting and that.
01:04:55What next?
01:04:56Nothing, sir.
01:04:58We got orders by letter again to prepare the rooms for a house party,
01:05:03and then yesterday by the afternoon post I got another letter from Mr. Owen.
01:05:07It said he and Mrs. Owen were detained and to do the best we could,
01:05:11and it gave the instructions about dinner and coffee
01:05:14and put in on the gramophone record.
01:05:17The judge said sharply,
01:05:19Surely you've got that letter?
01:05:21Yes, sir.
01:05:22I've got it here.
01:05:24He produced it from a pocket.
01:05:26The judge took it.
01:05:28Hmm, he said.
01:05:30Headed Ritz Hotel and typewritten.
01:05:34With a quick movement Brewer was beside him.
01:05:36He said,
01:05:37If you'll just let me have a look.
01:05:40He twitched it out of the other's hand and ran his eye over it.
01:05:43He murmured,
01:05:44Coronation machine, quite new, and defects.
01:05:48Ensign paper, the most widely used make.
01:05:51You won't get anything out of that.
01:05:53Might be fingerprints, but I doubt it.
01:05:56Wargrave stared at him with sudden attention.
01:05:59Anthony Marston was standing beside Brewer, looking over his shoulder.
01:06:03He said,
01:06:04Got some fancy Christian names, hasn't he?
01:06:07Ulrich Norman Owen, quite a mouthful.
01:06:10The old judge said with a slight start,
01:06:13I am obliged to you, Mr. Marston.
01:06:16You have drawn my attention to a curious and suggestive point.
01:06:20He looked round at the others,
01:06:22and thrusting his neck forward like an angry tortoise, he said,
01:06:25I think the time has come for us all to pool our information.
01:06:29It would be well, I think,
01:06:31for everybody to come forward with all the information they have
01:06:35regarding the owner of this house.
01:06:37He paused and then went on.
01:06:39We are all his guests.
01:06:41I think it would be profitable
01:06:43if each one of us were to explain exactly how that came about.
01:06:48There was a moment's pause.
01:06:50Then Emily Brent spoke with decision.
01:06:52There's something very peculiar about all this, she said.
01:06:56I received a letter with a signature that was not very easy to read.
01:07:00It purported to be from a woman I had met at a certain summer resort
01:07:04two or three years ago.
01:07:06I took the name to be either Obden or Oliver.
01:07:09I am acquainted with a Mrs. Oliver and also with a Miss Obden.
01:07:14I am quite certain that I have never met or become friendly with anyone.