3 Death Spins a Web

The Seal Book.
Once again, the keeper of the book is ready to open the ponderous volume in which is recorded all the secrets and mysteries of mankind through the ages.
All the strange and mystifying stories of the past, the present, and the future.
The Seal Book.
The Seal Book.
The Seal Book.
Keeper of the book, what tale will you tell us this time?
What tale shall I tell you? I have here tales of every kind. Tales of murder, of madness, of dark deeds and events strange beyond all belief.
Let me see. Yes, here is a tale for you. The strange tale of an old woman and of three heirs greedy for her millions.
A tale I call Death Spins a Web.
And here is the tale as it is written in the Seal Book.
In a great mansion far from the city, Mrs. Oliver Drake lies dying. Her door opens and her attorney Henry Arnold enters.
Good morning Mrs. Drake. How do you feel today?
Henry, two days ago Dr. Smith told me I had two months to live. That's how I feel, like somebody who has two months to live.
You take it well Mrs. Drake. Tell me, have those three worthless grandchildren gotten here yet?
Blanche and Vivian have. They're outside in the hall now. But you want to see them?
I don't want to see them, no. But I will. We have things to talk over.
Of course. I'll send them in. Your grandmother will see you now.
Thank you.
Oh Granny darling, it's so nice to see you again. Why you don't look sick at all.
That must be quite a disappointment to you Vivian.
Dear Granny, it's so good to see you again. How are you darling?
Dr. Smith says I may live for another ten years. Now Blanche, you mustn't look so downcast. Perhaps I can arrange to die sooner.
Granny, you know I didn't mean any-
Hello Granny, sorry I'm late.
Our family playboy has arrived. Chris, these are your cousins Blanche and Vivian.
I'm very happy to meet both of you.
Strange Chris, that we've never met before. We've been to so many of the same places. Monte Carlo, Paris, Dovey.
I'm sorry that we didn't Blanche. Until now I had no idea that I had such a beautiful cousin.
Chris, I'm Vivian, one of your unknown polo admirers. I saw you play at Bentonhurst last year. You were magnificent.
Chris is magnificent at everything that's a waste of time. By the way Chris, whatever became of that princess you were married to.
Oh you mean Irina. We were divorced two months ago Granny.
Congratulations. What about you Blanche? Are you still married to that third husband of yours?
Oh no Granny, I got rid of him a year ago.
What about you Vivian?
I'm free at the moment darling. You know if I were to search the entire world for the three most useless people, I don't think I could do better than you three.
As far as I'm concerned you're undoubtedly right darling.
If I had my way I'd cut you three vultures off without a penny and leave everything to charity.
Unfortunately under your grandfather's will I have to divide the fortune among the three of you.
But I'm permitted to divide it any way I see fit.
But of course you're going to divide the money equally between us aren't you Granny?
No dear, that's just it. I'm not.
What? I'm going to leave the fortune to just one of you. The other two will merely receive token inheritances.
But why Granny?
I feel that one of you must be just a shade less useless to society than the other two. And to that one I intend to bequeath the fortune.
I see. And have you made up your mind yet?
No. I want the three of you to live with me for a few weeks so that I can become better acquainted with each of you.
And at the end of that time I shall make my decision.
In the days that followed Blanche, Vivian and Chris spent a good deal of time with their grandmother.
Mrs Drake preferred to see them separately and often after one of the three had left her bedroom there was a gleam of amusement in her eye.
As though she were enjoying a private joke. Chris meanwhile, working on a plan of his own, also saw a lot of his beautiful cousins separately.
Oh Chris, isn't it beautiful out here?
You're very beautiful Blanche. As beautiful as the night itself.
You don't have to say that Chris. Just because there's a full moon.
It's not the moon. Darling, life hasn't been the same since I met you. The moment our eyes met I was lost.
Oh Chris. Chris, I felt the same way. Only I didn't think you did.
But I do darling.
Then you're going riding with Vivian each morning doesn't mean anything?
Oh of course not. You're the one I love and always will.
Oh Chris. Chris, I do so want to believe you. I've been so unhappy. None of my husbands ever understood me.
But I do darling. And I love you very much.
Oh. Oh.
You know that now don't you?
Yes Chris. Yes. I do.
Oh Chris. It's a wonderful morning. The air feels so clean.
Oh you look lovely Vivian with your cheeks so flushed and your hair windblown. Look at me Vivian.
Oh Chris. Chris don't.
You had no right to kiss me. Let me go.
Your lips say let me go but that isn't what your eyes are saying is it darling?
No Chris. No it's not. Oh Chris this isn't just one of your famous flirtations.
No darling. I think I fell in love with you the moment I saw you. You do care for me don't you Vivian?
Yes Chris. Yes I do.
I understand you want to see me Granny.
Yes. Come over here Chris. Well how did you make out?
What do you mean?
I said how did you make out? With Vivian of course.
So you know that I was out riding with Vivian.
I know everything that goes on in this house.
Vivian may not know that you took Blanche for a walk down by the lake last night but I know.
Oh now Granny you're not going to give my little game away are you?
Oh Chris no. I find it very enjoyable watching an unmitigated scoundrel make love to two women at the same time.
Well after all Granny if you don't leave me the fortune I have no choice but to marry whichever one of them inherits it.
But they're such stupid women Chris. You yourself are a rogue but at least an amusing one for those women.
And that's the reason you ought to leave me the fortune Granny.
The pity I'm not twenty years younger isn't it Chris? Then your charm might have some effect upon me.
Yes you're quite right.
Well Chris you'd better get back to Blanche and Vivian. After all one of them might be an heiress. An heiress' demand attention.
A week passed. A week in which Kraus Chris found it more and more difficult to play his little game.
Blanche and Vivian stopped speaking to each other and it became steadily harder for him to convince each of them that he had no interest in the other.
Good morning darling.
Oh hello Blanche.
Well aren't you even going to kiss me?
Oh of course dear.
Oh Chris I do love you so. This past week has been heavenly. Chris you do love me don't you?
Darling what a question. You know there couldn't be anyone for me but you.
Then why do you spend so much time with Vivian?
That's how I keep tabs on her.
What do you mean?
Blanche Vivian is cheating in an effort to get Granny's fortune.
Cheating? How?
The three of us agreed not to go see Granny unless she sent for us.
Yes.
Well Vivian has already broken that agreement. Several times she sneaked into Granny's bedroom to try to influence the old lady in her favor.
Why that dirty double crossing two timing. Chris do you think Vivian's getting anywhere?
Well when Granny sent for me last night she more or less hinted that it would be Vivian who would inherit the fortune.
Chris how can you take it so calmly? We've got to do something.
Please darling let me handle this. I have a plan to take care of Vivian and to take care of her very effectively.
Hello Vivian how are you darling?
Let go of me Chris. Let go.
But what's wrong darling?
Aren't you afraid Blanche may be wondering where you are?
Oh so that's it.
Yes that's it.
Vivian listen to me. Whatever time I've spent with Blanche hasn't been because I wanted to. All I've been doing is protecting our interests.
Protecting our interests.
You may not know it but Blanche has broken the agreement the three of us had. She's been sneaking in to see Granny behind our backs.
Why that low down conniving for Oxide Blonde.
That's the reason I've spent so much time with Blanche. To learn if Granny is being influenced by her.
And is she Chris?
Blanche seems to feel certain she's going to inherit the fortune.
Oh Chris what are we going to do?
You can do as you please. After I've spent days with that hag trying to protect our interests and ensure our future happiness you accuse me of making love to her.
I didn't say that.
Well you intimated as much.
Please Chris don't be angry. I'm terribly sorry I lost my temper. Please say you forgive me darling. Please. I'll never doubt you again.
A few days later after a particularly severe heart attack Mrs. Drake sent for her three grandchildren.
I suppose you're wondering why I sent for you aren't you?
Frankly yes Granny darling.
In the two weeks that you've been living with me I've come to the conclusion that you three are the shallowest and most useless people alive.
Why Granny?
If I could I'd leave the entire fortune to charity. But the will of your grandfather provides that the fortune is to be divided among you.
I want you to know that I finally made my choice.
You have?
And who's the lucky one among us Granny?
My attorney Mr. Arnold is coming from the city the day after tomorrow to draw up my will.
When I'm dead he'll reveal to you who the fortune goes to.
Until then you'll just have to be patient and try to guess.
The fortune is to be divided among you.
The fortune is to be divided among you.
The fortune is to be divided among you.
The fortune is to be divided among you.
Music
And now the story continues as it is written here in the pages of the sealed book.
For several days Blanche and Vivian and Chris have waited in suspense to learn their grandmother's decision as to who is to inherit her money.
Then one morning looking very upset Chris seeks out his cousin Blanche.
Blanche.
Chris. What is it? Is anything wrong?
Everything's wrong.
What is it Chris tell me.
Earlier this morning Granny sent for me. I managed to whittle out of her who the fortune is going to.
You did? Oh Chris who's going to get it?
Vivian.
Vivian.
Yes. We're each to receive five thousand dollars while she gets millions.
Oh Chris. Chris it's not fair.
Oh shh. Don't cry darling. I could stand the thought of losing the fortune if it weren't that I'd lose you also.
Chris what are you saying? We'll always be together.
Oh darling there's no use pretending. If we're both penniless we can't get married.
Oh Chris it wouldn't matter if we were penniless. Really it wouldn't.
That's what you say now Blanche but I know better.
Oh no.
Both of us are too used to luxury to do without it. And listen. If somehow Vivian failed to inherit the fortune it would mean that either you or I would be bound to.
In either case we could get married and have our chance for happiness.
Yes you're right. Oh I hate her. I hate her.
Darling if we want our happiness we've got to fight for it.
Chris what are you talking about?
If something were to happen to Vivian our worries would be over.
Chris you don't mean. Oh no.
Darling the happiness of two people is more important than that of one. And we could be so happy together. I can't bear the thought of giving you up.
Oh Chris. But murder would be caught.
Caught if we're clever darling. Now listen this afternoon suggest to Vivian that the two of you take the canoe and paddle to the other end of the lake.
When you get about a mile from shore you'll see me approaching in the motorboat. That will be the moment for you to tip the canoe over.
Tip the canoe over?
Yes. Then I'll pick you up and bring you back to the dock.
As for Vivian it was a simple case of drowning. By the time I reached the overturned canoe she had gone under. You were the only survivor.
Oh Chris I'm so frightened.
Well will you do it?
Yes. I'll do it. If you want me to.
Are you tired paddling Blanche?
No Vivian. The lake is certainly deserted today isn't it?
No it is this time of the year. Oh but that water is cold.
I hear a motorboat.
Oh look it's Chris. He's coming after us.
Hello you two. Who wants a lift?
Let's just ignore him Vivian.
All right. We'll pretend he isn't there. He expects us to admit we're tired.
Shall we change places? I'm tired of paddling in the stern.
All right if you like. But be careful these canoes tip very easily.
Yes I know. Now you work your way slowly toward the stern while I make for the bow.
Okay.
Now we have to slide past each other. This is a tricky part changing places in a canoe.
Blanche look out you're rocking the canoe.
Oh I can't help it.
Look out we're going over.
Hey what happened to you two?
Chris. Chris pick me up.
Swim over here and I'll help you under the boat.
Chris. Where are you?
Here I am Vivian.
Chris it's 30 yards to the boat. I can't swim that far.
Chris get me up. My clothes are dragging me under.
Wait until the boat and I'll pick you up.
Chris don't let me drown. Chris. Chris.
It's only another 20 yards Blanche.
Chris my clothes they're so heavy. I'm getting so tired.
Just a few more yards darling.
A few more yards. I couldn't swim beyond that. My life depended on it.
I'm afraid you may have to darling.
Chris. Chris come back. Chris don't let me drown. Chris.
Hello Granny. How are you?
Have the police left yet?
Yes Granny. They asked me to convey their condolences over the tragic loss of your granddaughters.
Oh it was just one of those unfortunate accidents.
Yes wasn't it. It's a pity you weren't able to get there in time to save them Chris.
I shall never forgive myself for that Granny.
I'm sure you won't. Well Mr Arnold is waiting to see me about drawing up my will and naming my heir.
But I no longer seem to have a choice in the matter. I must give you credit Chris.
You worked the whole thing out like a master.
Why Granny. Whatever are you talking about?
You may have fooled Blanche and Vivian and the police to boot. But not me Chris.
What do you mean?
Chris do you remember when the thought first occurred to you that with Blanche and Vivian gone you wouldn't have had it all?
Why Granny?
It was when you met your cousins for the first time in this room. The thought occurred to you because I said it's a pity there isn't only one of you.
Then I wouldn't have to bother deciding who should inherit the fortune.
Come to think of it I do recall you saying something to that effect.
And when I did your head came up and you stared at the two women and then you smiled and I knew exactly what you were going to do.
Of course this is all nonsense but if you say you knew what I was going to do why didn't you stop me?
Because I wanted to see happen what did happen.
But if you wanted me to inherit the fortune why didn't you promise to leave it to me in your will without...
Without forcing you to do what you did?
Yes.
My dear Chris for reasons of my own I wanted it to be quite impossible for those two vicious stupid women to inherit my money and equally impossible for you.
Well whether you want me to inherit the fortune or not I'm going to.
Are you?
Yes.
Under grandfather's will there's no way you can prevent me from inheriting it.
It's mine come what may.
Oh is it?
Yes.
What are you laughing at?
You fool.
There isn't any fortune.
What are you saying? There are millions.
There's nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Everything your grandfather left was lost in the depression.
No that can't be. You're lying.
Lying am I?
I've been paying the servants my doctor bills and other expenses by selling what few pieces of jewelry I had left.
I have nothing now. Nothing.
No.
In fact I shouldn't even be surprised if you had to pay my funeral expenses.
You witch. You planned this all from beginning to end.
Getting the three of us here. Speaking of leaving the fortune to one of us.
Driving me on to drown the two of them.
Yes. That's right.
And I can't recall ever having had so much fun in all my life.
Well you won't be having it much longer. You made a mistake in playing me for the fool.
I don't think so. You did exactly as I knew you would. Everything I expected came about.
It did did it. Did you expect this also?
You didn't expect this did you?
Well why don't you laugh now. You'll never play anybody else for a fool.
Mrs Drake is anything wrong? I thought I heard.
Good heavens. Mr Drake let go of her. Let go dear here. Let's go.
This is the only thing she didn't count on. Let go of her.
There. You can have her. She'll never play another little game like that.
Mrs Drake. Mrs Drake. She's dead.
No more than she deserved.
Chris what did you do it for? Murdering a helpless old woman. It's madness.
Helpless was she? Why she tricked me into believing she had a fortune.
Tricked me into killing to get it.
What are you talking about? She tricked you into believing she had a fortune.
She does have a fortune.
You're lying. She said there wasn't a cent of the fortune left.
You must have misunderstood her. She's worth at least eight million dollars.
And with the death of your cousins you were the sole heir to it.
Eight million dollars?
But Chris no matter what you do now that fortune can never be yours.
I saw you kill your grandmother and under the law no murderer can inherit anything from his victim.
And she planned this too. She always said she didn't want me to have her money.
And she fixed its ways so it would all go to charity.
But I'll show her. I'll show her. It's mine do you hear? Mine. Mine. Mine.
Mine.
So in the end old Mrs Drake defeated her three greedy grandchildren after all.
But what a strange way to disinherit anybody.
It looks as if murder ran in the family doesn't it?
But the sound of the great gong tells me it's time to close the sealed book again.
One moment keeper of the book. What story will you tell us next time?
Next time? Would you prefer a murder or a tale of the supernatural?
Remember I have all the stories that ever happened here and all that have yet to come to pass.
But I'll find one for you in just a moment.
And now keeper of the book. Have you found the tale you'll tell next time?
Yes. Yes I found one. It's the story about a girl who goes to live on an island.
A very strange island where the dead walk by night.
And she's a little girl. She's a little girl.
And she's a little girl. She's a little girl.
And she's a little girl who goes to live on an island. A very strange island where the dead walk by night.
And weird voices sound in the wind. I call the story Devil Island.
Be sure to be with us again next time.
The sound of the great gong heralds another strange and exciting story from...
The Sealed Book.
The Sealed Book written by Bob Arthur and David Cogan is produced and directed by Jock McGregor.