The Black Figurine of Death | Marquis of Death - The Hall of Fantasy

[00:00:00] And now... The Hall of Fantasy Dedicated to the supernatural, the unusual, and the unknown. Come with me, my friends. We shall descend to the world of the unknown and forbidden,

[00:00:29] down to the depths of the veil of time. The supernatural reigns... I thought it was one of you! It was Sawyer. He came out late tonight. I found him out in the mausoleum about an hour ago. Here's his room. Try the door. It's open. On the floor!

[00:00:58] Is he? Yes. He's dead. In just a moment, the Hall of Fantasy will present The Black Figurine of Death. And now, for our story. An original tale of fantasy by Richard Thorne entitled The Black Figurine of Death.

[00:01:22] All the years of man's existence, no matter what he has learned, have been taught from generation to generation. Still, he carries in the innermost depths of his mind a certain fear of the darkness. A fear of the night, which is somehow associated with death. And which in actuality, is the fear of death itself.

[00:01:51] Each of us in his lifetime will probably come in contact with some psychic phenomenon. Either directly or indirectly through the experience of a relative or acquaintance. An experience never to be forgotten. And about such an experience is my story tonight. I was there with the others the night he died. We stood at the foot of the bed, Joyce and Harold and I.

[00:02:21] Amos Jansen's head was cushioned on a pillow and in his hand he held a little figurine. You sent for us, Uncle Amos? Of course I did! Otherwise you wouldn't be here in my room, Harold. No, Uncle Amos is no... Be quiet! Be quiet, all of you! Ah! You're here too, David. Yes, sir, I... I didn't ask for a speech, young man. I'll do the talking if you don't mind. I must speak to all of you, while I still have time. Why don't you rest, Uncle Amos? Rest?

[00:02:50] You'd like to see that, wouldn't you, Joyce? And David? And Harold? What? No answer from any of you? I know why you can't say anything. Because it's the truth. Now, see here, Uncle Amos. Don't listen to me, young man! These last years of my life, you've all left me alone. You've had more important things to do. That is, until tonight. Ah, tonight you're all here, because you know I'm dying.

[00:03:17] You've come here like a pack of wolves, waiting for me to die. Waiting for your chance to inherit my estate. Oh, that's not true, Uncle Amos. No, isn't it? I think it is. Oh, don't worry. You'll inherit the estate, the three of you. But in the end, you'll wish you never had. What do you mean, Uncle Amos? That though I die, you'll see me again. All of you who've hated me. And you'll know of my presence when you see this.

[00:03:46] Oh, that's just a little figurine, Uncle Amos. Ah, you'll wish you'd never seen it before I'm through. You'll wish that you'd never known me. That you'd never been born. Before you die, you'll all learn what fear is. You'll learn how it feels to be... Built to be... Uncle Amos! Here's dead, George. Oh, no!

[00:04:12] A little figurine lay there on the floor. It had fallen from Uncle Amos' hand just as he died.

[00:04:41] And when it struck the floor, it had broken into three pieces. I picked them up and held them in my hand. The pieces fitted together perfectly. Much like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. It was a queer little figure. Its arms raised in supplication. A look of fear upon its face. There was something...

[00:05:08] Three days later, Uncle Amos was buried in the family mausoleum at the north end of the estate. A week after that, we had gathered again in the library of the old house with Carl Sawyer, the executor of the estate. As you know, your uncle appointed me as executor of the estate and left instructions that the three main heirs, ten days following his demise, be gathered together in this house for a reading of the will. You told us that earlier, Mr. Sawyer. So I did. Are you all seated comfortably?

[00:05:38] Quite comfortably, Mr. Sawyer. It's a rather long will, you know. Now, I shall begin. I, Amos Johnson, being of sound mind and body, do make ordain and publish this instrument as my last will and... Mr. Sawyer, why don't you just tell us about the will? That's a rather unusual procedure, David. David's right, Mr. Sawyer. It'll save a lot of time and trouble. Well, perhaps you're right. Let me see.

[00:06:02] Now, referring to the disposition of the monies and property, it's to be divided equally amongst the three of you. Of course, there are certain gifts to the servants. Naturally. Yes, naturally. There is a considerable amount of money to be divided even after taxes. Each of you will be independent for life. I can't understand Uncle Amos willing us the entire estate. The night he died... Uh, contrary to what you may think, your uncle Amos was really quite fond of you.

[00:06:32] Is that all to the will, Mr. Sawyer? No. Of course you realize that if one of you were to die, his or her share of the estate would be divided between the two remaining heirs. And there is one other provisor which I cannot quite understand. Yes? Your uncle made one condition referring to the disposition of the monies. Let me see if I can find that. Oh, yes, yes. Here it is. May I read it, please?

[00:06:58] The heirs are to reside in the family house on the estate for a period of one year. If this is not done, their claim to the estate is to be nullified and they are to be left without a penny. Unfortunately, they were present very infrequently during the last years of my life. Well, that's a rather strange provision. Yes, isn't it? However, as executor of your uncle's will, it is up to me to make sure the provisions are carried out.

[00:07:25] And believe me, I feel a deep sense of duty to your late uncle. The four of us discussed the will until the early hours of the morning. We persuaded Sawyer to spend the night with us, to return to the city in the morning. The house became quite silent. And the only sound I heard was the ticking of the clock on my dresser.

[00:07:54] I wondered about the provision of the will on which Uncle Amos ordered that we make our residence in his house. I was lying awake in bed thinking of that when standing outside my door in the hallway was the housekeeper. Mr. David? Yes, Emily? I found this in my bedroom tonight. Oh, let me see it. Here.

[00:08:19] It's a little black figurine, just like the one my uncle had. Hmm. You can have it back now, Emily. It frightened me, so I came to you, Mr. David. How do you think it got there, Emily? Well, there's something strange going on in this house, Mr. David. And I have an idea. I know who's in bed. Who's talking out there? It's you, David.

[00:08:49] And Emily. You're up rather late, aren't you? Yes, Mr. Sir. I was just going to bed. If you'll excuse me. Good night, Emily. Good night, sir. I'll see you in the morning. Well, I suppose I'd better get back to bed, too. Good night, David. Good night, Mr. Sir. I watched him go back into his room. Then I turned and went back into mine.

[00:09:14] Emily had been on the point of saying something to me, something that was important enough to her to make a special trip to my room. I got back into bed. I wondered what she'd wanted to tell me. Little by little, sleep clouded my brain. And I was half asleep.

[00:09:45] Back now to our story. An original tale of fantasy by Richard Thorne entitled The Black Figurine of Death. I had been just on the point of falling asleep.

[00:10:01] It was a scream. At first, I thought it might have been you, Joyce. I think it came from the servants' quarters. Emily! What did you say, David? It'll keep... Come on! Do you think it was the housekeeper, David? It has to be. Maybe she was startled or something. Well, we'll see in a moment. No, that's her room just down the hall. I hope it's nothing serious. It was serious enough to make her scream.

[00:10:31] Emily! Emily, is anything wrong? Well, try the door, David. Right. It's unlocked. The lights aren't in there. She's not in bed. She's... Oh, on the floor! Maybe she fainted.

[00:10:42] The police came out and went over everything. There were no clues to follow. They said that Emily had been strangled, but there was nothing to indicate who might have done it. The police continued their investigation for almost a month.

[00:11:10] But at the end of that time, all they could write down in their case book was murder. Unsalved. One evening, about six weeks after Emily's death, Harold, Joyce, and I were in the living room. The police said they'd never be able to find out who did it unless something new turned up. And it probably won't. Oh, the whole thing frightens me.

[00:11:39] I still remember Uncle Amos' dying words. That though I die, you'll see me again. All of you who have hated me. And you'll know of my presence when you see this. What makes me shudder every time I think of it. I've been thinking about what he said too, Joyce. I wonder if he could come back. You mean come back after death? Yes. Don't be a fool, Harold. Once a man dies, he's dead. Is he? I'm not so sure of that. You shouldn't talk that way, Harold. It's frightening. Would you come out with me to the mausoleum, Dave? Why?

[00:12:09] When I came in, you probably weren't looking over there. I wasn't either. Another little black figurine. Broken just like the others. Gave me an eerie sensation. The little figure was broken into three pieces. I looked at Harold. He seemed to be as afraid as I was. We locked up the mausoleum again and went back to the house.

[00:12:39] By that time, I began to wonder if perhaps Uncle Amos was striking back at us. From beyond the grave. We said goodnight about 11 and retired to our rooms. I'd fall into a half-doze and then snap out of it again. I felt as if someone were watching me.

[00:13:10] That there were unseen eyes in the dark waiting for me to fall asleep. I knew it was only my imagination. Yet, that feeling would not go away. At three o'clock, I got out of bed. I decided to return to the mausoleum. As I went out the front door, I noticed a light drizzle had sprung up.

[00:13:38] Something drew me toward the mausoleum. A compulsion. An inner force over which I had absolutely no control. I walked slowly up the gravel walk leading to the mausoleum. Not even noticing the light rain which fell on me. Close enough to see the doorway, I received a distinct shock.

[00:14:05] For the door was open and there was a circle of light behind it. To the door. And the noise made the man inside whirl around. In his hand he held a gun. David!

[00:14:28] I asked you the same question, Mr. Sawyer. An original tale of fantasy by Richard Thorne entitled The Black Figurine of Death. I had gone into the mausoleum.

[00:14:55] Standing there with a gun in his hand was the executor of the estate, Carl Sawyer. David! What are you doing here? I... I might ask you the same question, Mr. Sawyer. I began to wonder. I... I don't believe in people coming back after they die, but... Is that the reason for the gun? I didn't know what I'd find. I wanted to be safe, that's all.

[00:15:23] Now that I see it's you, I'll put it back in my pocket. By the way, David, what are you doing out here? I... I was restless. Harold thinks everything that's happened has some supernatural significance. All his talk made me nervous. I see. And do you think that there is something supernatural about the way Emily died? I... Don't know, Mr. Sawyer. I... Just...

[00:15:51] I just wanted him to spend the remainder of the night with us. Besides, I wanted to keep an eye on him. I didn't feel much like sleeping, so I went down to the library, picked out a book, and sat down to read. Yes? Mr. Sawyer told me you were down here. What's the matter?

[00:16:21] I can't sleep. David, I... I talked to Mr. Sawyer for almost ten minutes. He said he thinks that you're in back of everything. What did you say to that? I told him I thought he was wrong. Thanks for your confidence, Joyce. The more I think about it, the more I think that Harold's right in what he says. You mean that Uncle Amos has come back to life? Yes. I'd keep an eye on Sawyer if I were you. Do you think he's in back of it? I'm not sure. But you must have some reason for it.

[00:16:50] I went out to the mausoleum tonight about an hour ago. Sawyer was out there. He had a gun in his hand. They told me he was just curious. Why should he suddenly get curious at three o'clock in the morning? It does seem rather odd that he might be out. Stay away, please! I don't want to move! What couldn't happen again? It just couldn't. We'll see. Is that your name? Yes. I heard a shot. But so did we. I thought it was one of you. Sawyer? He came out late tonight. I found him out in the mausoleum about an hour ago. Here's his room. Try the door. It's open.

[00:17:18] A grotesque position of death. By one outstretched hand, it was a gun and by the other, broken into three pieces, was a little black figurine.

[00:17:47] The police, they said they'd be out as soon as they could. The three of us went downstairs to the living room. It must be that there's no other explanation. I told you before that there are certain things which can never be explained. The deaths of Emily and Sawyer prove that. You don't still think that Sawyer was in back of it, do you, David? Hardly. Will or no, Will, I'm leaving here now.

[00:18:16] I'm not going to stay around here and be killed like the others. I'm going to leave too, David. What about you? I don't know. I still can't make myself believe that. David! Stay here. No, no, I'll go with you.

[00:18:33] I suppose that Harold had picked it up on his way to the room.

[00:19:10] I decided to go out to the mausoleum to see if Joyce was right, to see if Harold's dead body would be found there. Together we started out through the rain-filled night. Why don't we wait until the police come, David? If this is something supernatural, then they wouldn't be able to help us anyway. David! What's the matter? The mausoleum doors open. You can stay here if you want. I'm going in. I'll go with you.

[00:19:39] I don't like it in here, David. Neither do I. I slide on. You can see me then. We'll be very soon. Here's the gun, David.

[00:20:08] That's what I plan is very carefully, David. When the police arrive, they'll find the three of you, David. Tell them that Sawyer was behind it all. But he killed both of you out here, and then he came into the house searching for me. It was a fight. The gun went off. Kill Emily and Sawyer. Kill both of you, too.

[00:20:36] What a hokum I fed you about Uncle Amos coming back, do you? Of course not!

[00:21:10] Remember what Uncle Amos said when he was... That he'd come back and settle with us. I wonder if it was just an accident that had slipped out of the crypt. Or whether Uncle Amos really did come back.

[00:21:27] The events portrayed in these programs are fictional.

[00:22:01] And any similarity to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

[00:22:31] And now...

[00:23:15] Yes, Andre! Yes, I see you. Where is he? Over here. Don't worry. He is alive. What happened to him? I will show you. Let me light a match. Take a look at his throat, Monsieur. Three little red marks. That is correct, mon ami. The mark of the vampire bat.

[00:23:49] And now for our story. An original tale of fantasy by Richard Thorne entitled, The Marquise of Death. My brother went with me to Milot in the southern part of France. For while I wrote my novel, he was to rest. The doctors in the States had told him to take a complete six months rest. I knew of no better place than which to do it.

[00:24:17] It was a warm evening in June when it began, this tale I tell. A warm evening, cooled by the soft breath of a summer's breeze. Everett, my brother, had gone for a walk. Monsieur Andre de Cour, the son of the mayor of Milot, had dropped in for a glass of wine. Another glass, Andre? Oh, one more and that is all. And how are you coming with your novel, mon ami? I haven't even started, Andre. He's only been here two weeks, you know. What's the matter? Why do you wait so long to begin?

[00:24:47] Oh, you whine, Andre. Ah, avec plaisir. No, I can't explain it, Andre. It just can't get started. I thought I had a good plot when I came over here, but the more I think about it, the less I like it. Then you do not know what you'll write about? No. I hope you'll not think it presumptuous of me, monsieur. But I know the story you could write. Oh? I shall tell it to you. Have you ever heard of those they call the undead? Les morts qui vivent? The undead? Doesn't that refer to someone who lives even after death?

[00:25:16] Oui, but in a very certain way, mon ami. One who lives after death by feeding upon the blood of the living. A woman who was known as the Marquise de la Mauparte. The name rings a bell somewhere in my memory, but I can't quite place it. It should, mon vieux. Many stories have been written of the frequent appearance that she's made since her death. Since her death?

[00:26:05] Oui. The man who cared for his people as much as they cared for him. He was a lonely man, the Marquis. But he entrusted himself with his people and this way forgot his loneliness. When he was almost 45, he married her. No one knew how she came to this province, nor when she arrived. Immediately, the Marquis began paying attention to her. And in a short while, they were married.

[00:26:35] It was after the marriage that the Marquis began to change. She seemed to bring out in him everything that was bad. One night, there came to this province an unknown carriage drawn by four full black horses. The driver whipped the horses and called out harshly to them.

[00:27:01] Those who saw the carriage said the driver had the eyes of a madman. The carriage raced along the road, stopping finally when it came to the Chateau Maupar. No one got out of the carriage, but the driver jumped down and made his way into the Chateau. The driver claimed to be the father of the Marquis and that she must return home with him for a while.

[00:27:31] And indeed, the Marquis appelled his story. I must go with you, my husband. But it will not be for long. And so, she went with the black-caped man with the terrifying black eyes. One month to the day she left, she returned. The same man drove the carriage.

[00:27:56] The Marquis La Maupar rolled inside. They arrived in the dead of night. We are here, my daughter. As I see. You have what I have promised you. As long as time exists, so shall you exist.

[00:28:24] Others may die, but you will live forever. Remember that at night when the sky is dark and the moon is high in the heavens, then you shall walk the earth while others sleep. Then you may strike them down. The Marquis went into the Chateau and the carriage and man disappeared and were never seen again.

[00:28:54] It was after her return that the Marquis developed an aversion to sunlight. By day she would sleep, and when the sun had set, she would wake and live while others slept. The Marquis soon died, and he was laid to rest. And one by one, the servant died. And those that were left ran away saying that she had caused their deaths.

[00:29:22] And they said that the mark on her neck she had when she returned to the Chateau Mauparte had been caused by a vampire. And that she too had become one of the dead who live. Les morts qui vivent. Is that all for the story? Oh, my no, mon ami. It captures your interest, I see. Yes, go on. The Marquis disappeared shortly after that. But occasionally the villagers would see her, and some lived to tell about it.

[00:29:52] What do you mean? Many they found dead. Those who were brave enough to go abroad at night. Dead with the triple puncher of the vampire bat on their throats. You don't actually believe that, do you? Oui, I do. But André, you don't expect me to... I tell you, I saw her, mon ami. When I was younger, I didn't believe the tale. Another lad and I had gone over to the Chateau to play around the ruins. It became quite late, and the sun set in the west. Suddenly she was there, in back of me standing there in a black gown,

[00:30:22] with her raven tresses falling down over her shoulders, her skin the color of pale ivory. And her eyes looking through me, holding me in a trance by their power. Oh no, I shall never forget her, mon ami. She must be beautiful the way you describe her. Words cannot do justice to her. By the way, where's your brother? Oh, he said he was going for a walk along the river. Which way? North or south? I don't know, why?

[00:30:52] Because the ruins of the Chateau Maupart stand north of Milot on the river. No one ever walks there alone at night. You really expect me to believe that story? I would if I were you, monsieur. The Marquise walks along the bank of the town river at night. If your brother is walking north, toward the Chateau, he is apt to meet her. And that meeting monsieur could very well result in his death.

[00:31:22] Back now to our story. An original tale of fantasy by Richard Thorne entitled The Marquise of Death. We sat there in the gathering darkness. Andre Lecour had just told me a story I found difficult to believe. Yet he sat there, sipping his wine. And a look in his face told me that he believed it. Believe me, mon ami.

[00:31:49] If your brother is walking north along the banks of the town, he is apt to meet the Marquise. And that meeting could very well result in his death. You really do believe the story, don't you? But of course I do. And I would advise you to believe it too, mon ami. What do you think I should do? Go searching for him. Hello? I shall go with you, monsieur. All right. Come with me. Together we shall go to the bank of the town. Perhaps we may not find him.

[00:32:16] But if we do, he will be a victim of the dead who live. What if he walked the other way? Then we shall have made the trip for nothing, but at least we'll know. Should I try calling him? Oui. Everett!

[00:32:48] He's around here. You should have heard that. He might not be able to hear you, monsieur. Maybe we ought to split up. A good idea, but do not go far. Stay within voice of each other. All right. You go south. I'll go north. We'll meet again here in ten minutes. Ten minutes. Au revoir. See you later. I watched him walk off. It was getting quite dark when I started down the river. It couldn't have been more than three minutes from the time we paused.

[00:33:17] When she stepped out from behind the tree. François, monsieur. Good evening. Are you looking for someone? How did you know? I heard you calling to him. Have you seen anybody around here? No one, monsieur. What are you doing down here? I am walking, monsieur. You live around here? We're the chateau, monsieur. The chateau. Oui.

[00:33:46] What are you staring, monsieur? All right. Diddy! Your friend. He is calling to you, monsieur. Adiento. Diddy! I found him! Where are you? Follow the river now. Adiento. Coming, Diddy! Yes, Andre. Where are you? Right along the river bank. Yes. Yes, I see you. Where is he? Over here.

[00:34:16] Hebrick. Don't worry, he's alive. What happened to him? I will show you. Let me light a match. Take a look at his throat, monsieur. Three little red marks. And that is correct, mon ami. The mark of the vampire bat.

[00:34:45] We shall know how your brother is in a few minutes, mon ami. Stop wearing holes in your carpet. I saw someone out there, Andre. Out where? By the river. Who? Who was it? A woman. A woman? Yes. What did she look like? I don't know. It was pretty dark. She stayed by us bringing Ed back here. Did she talk to you? Yes. What did she say? She said she was out walking, that she lived near the chateau. You know, her eyes, they were the only things I could really see clearly. They seemed to burn and shine in the darkness. I felt like I was being hypnotized and then you called me.

[00:35:15] That snapped me out of it. Then you have met the marquise of death, mon ami. And had I not called you when I did, you would not be alive to tell about it. Did she say anything else? Yes. She said, a bientot, two or three times. You know what that means, do you not? Something like I'll see you again soon, isn't that it? Oui. And she means that, monsieur. She will see you again. The doctor's coming. Yes. Perhaps he can tell us how badly your brother has been hurt.

[00:35:44] How is the doctor? Is it a narrow escape? You are his brother? Yes. He will need blood transfusions. He has lost a great deal of blood. Then, do you think we should take him to the hospital? We cannot do that, monsieur Gormont. Why not? This is a very delicate matter. The people of Milo will not allow it. What do you mean, Dr. Moreau? You tell him, Andre. Oui, doctor. What he means, David, is that she will follow your brother wherever he goes. The doctor cannot take the risk of bringing him to the hospital.

[00:36:12] The danger to the other patients would be too great. You can't just... I shall bring it back here, monsieur Gormont. All right. He was walking down by the river, was he not? Oui. Monsieur Gormont and I went after him. We found him just in time. Those three marks on his throat. You know what they are, monsieur? The marks of the vampire bat. The mark of the Marquise of Death. Well, there isn't anything they've done to stop her. Because we cannot find him, monsieur. Besides, the townspeople are afraid to go after her.

[00:36:41] They went out in sufficient numbers. They've tried that before, mon ami. When the sun shines, they've gone out and searched for her resting place. For she lies helpless during the rain of the sun. They've searched all day, and yet they've not found it. And those unlucky ones who stayed after dark, some of them went to join those she had claimed earlier. That's why they do not go out after her, mon ami. They are afraid, and with good reason. What do they do? There are protective measures, monsieur Gormont.

[00:37:09] Garlic, the cross, things which the dead who live fear. But it is getting late. I shall return as quickly as I can. What was that? It sounded like a window breaking. It came from upstairs. Come on. Go the origane conscious house. I doubt it. Then what broke the window? We'll see right now. Look out! What was it? The dead who live. The vampire bat. What's it doing here?

[00:37:38] Let me see. He's all right, isn't he? No, monsieur Gormont. He is not all right. He will not need the transfusion now. Your brother... is dead. Back now to our story. An original tale of fantasy by Richard Thorne entitled, The Marquise of Death.

[00:38:12] The three of us, Andre LeCour, Dr. Moreau and myself, stood there staring out the broken window after the thing that had flown out. My brother lay in the bed, eyes open, seeing nothing. He will not need the transfusion now. Your brother is dead. What? That is correct. Remember what Andre said about her returning? Well, she did. She came back before we could do anything for him. Now, it is too late.

[00:38:40] To stand here and calmly say that he's dead, you accept it for a fact, but you don't propose to do anything about it. What can we do, mon ami? We can go find her. We can destroy her. Oh, others have tried before you, monsieur Gormont, with no success. I don't care. I'm going out there even if I have to go alone. You cannot go out there alone. But I am. And you're not going to stop me. I shall go with you, mon ami. And I, monsieur, I shall go with you too. What about him? It will be all right, monsieur Gormont.

[00:39:07] There is nothing more she can do to him. Before we started out, the doctor insisted on picking up some things. Eventually, we were ready and we started out into the blackness of the night. You have everything? Yes. All right. Let us go. Where shall we begin, doctor? At the ruins of the chateau, Andre.

[00:39:36] Why don't you bring all those things, Dr. Moreau? The wooden stake, the crosses? If we find the mort qui vivent, the dead who live, we shall have need for the things we have brought. We must stay close together. Close enough so that we can always talk to each other. No matter what happens, we must not become separated. We all have a lumped depression. A what? A flashlight, mon ami.

[00:40:06] What are we to look for? A trail. A good pat worn smooth by the years of returning to her resting place. I've been thinking since we started out tonight. And that, I am sure, is the only way we can find her. At either end of the path, there we shall find the resting place of the Marquise of Death. Let's begin. Oui. I will take the center, Andre. You take the left. All right. Monsieur Gormand, you take the right. We will circle the chateau and bury in length from it.

[00:40:31] Look not only for the path, but for the presence of each of us, so that she cannot destroy us singly. All right. Let us go. Right. Bonne chance, monsieur. Bonne chance. Good luck. That is far enough, Monsieur Gormand. Right. Look for the football. Oui. Bonne chance, Monsieur. We meet again. What? Célance. Where did you come from?

[00:41:00] I have been following you, Monsieur. You're so beautiful. My eyes. Look at my eyes. Your eyes. And I come close to you. Like this, Monsieur. Yes. Adieu, Monsieur.

[00:41:30] David! David, are you all right? Are you all right, Monsieur Gormand? I... What happened? Let me see your neck, Monsieur. Is he all right? Oui. She did not touch him. All of a sudden, she was here beside me. She told me to look into her eyes. I couldn't help myself. And then... I seem to be going to sleep. It is a good thing, Andre. Look back and saw you, Monsieur Gormand. We'll reach you just in time. We will have to stay together. The three of us. We cannot split up. Oui. You're standing right there. Right where... Look. Where? Right there. It's a path.

[00:42:00] You have found it! What should we do? We have the path, Monsieur Gormand. And this is gone. It's a way from the chateau. Always before we search near the chateau. The woods can't be up ahead, Doctor. She cannot harm us as long as we stay together. Put the cross around your neck, Monsieur Gormand. It's Andre and I have time. Right. Had you worn it there before, she would not have come near you. Now, the woods begin here. Let us go slowly then.

[00:42:30] The path is well hidden. Oui. No wonder we have missed it so many times before. Look. Up ahead. A cave. The path leads into a cave. Then that must be a rusting place. Let us go quickly. Be careful. She will be around here somewhere. It's getting close to morning. The sky is lightening. Oh, the better for us, Monsieur Gormand. She will be powerless when the sun rises. This is the cave. Let us go inside.

[00:43:01] Shine your lamp to posture ahead of us. I see something. Up ahead. It's a coffin, Monsieur. Aye. She will be returned soon. The sun will rise in a short while. She must return here to sleep through the day. To the other side. Into the...

[00:43:32] There was a bat up there. Suddenly it changed into a beautiful woman.

[00:44:37] Why did you kill her that way? That is the only way. The dead who live can be killed, mon ami. So perishes the Marquise de la Mauvaart. The terrible toll of death she has taken through the years is now ended. She has crossed a barrier from which there is no return. The dead.

[00:45:03] Below has been freed from the curse of the Marquise of death.

[00:45:09] The words portrayed in these programs are fictional.

[00:45:39] And any similarity to actual events or persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[00:46:08] This has been a Cryptic County Podcast. To listen to our other storytelling podcasts like Let's Not Meet and Odd Trails, visit crypticcountypodcasts.com. We'll see you next time. What happened next? If this was a horror story... That's what ought to happen next. It did. I'm doing it on this part. You're doing it. Quite better. Thank you.