The Canary Murder Case (film)

For works with similar titles, see The Canary Murder Case.

A
Paramount
Picture

The
Canary
with
Margaret
O'Dell

Adolph Zukor and Jesse L. Lasky
present
The
Canary Murder Case
with
William Powell
James Hall
Louise Brooks
Jean Arthur
A Malcolm St. Clair Production

 

B. P. Schulberg, General Manager
West Coast Productions

Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation
Adolph Zukor, President
New York City

All rights reservedCopyright—MXMXXVIII

Directed by
Malcolm St. Clair

 

Photographed by
Harry Fischbeck

 

Associate Producer
Louis D. Lighton

Story and Dialogue
by
S. S. Van Dine

 

Adapted by
Albert Shelby LeVino

 

Screen Play by
Florence Ryerson

 

Passed by the National Board of Review

The Players

Philo Vance		William Powell
Alice LaFosse		Jean Arthur
Jimmie Spottswoode		James Hall
"The Canary"		Louise Brooks
Charles Spottswoode		Charles Lane
John Cleaver		Lawrence Grant
Dr. Ambrose Lindquist		Gustav von Seyffertitz
District Attorney Markham		Captain E. H. Calvert
Sergeant Heath		Eugene Pallette
Tony Skeel		Ned Sparks
Louis Mannix		Louis John Bartels

Week beginning Monday evening
Matinees Tuesday and Saturday
Drummond and Wilkins
Present
Margaret O'Dell
in the
Canary Revue
a gorgeous musical extravaganza
with
Alice La Fosse

---

Charles Spottswoode

Tell me, Vance, what happened backstage? Were you able to see the Canary?

Philo Vance

No luck, Charles. She's about as hard to get at in her dressing room as she is in that swing.

Philo Vance

If you want an idea of what I ran into back there, let me point out a few of her admirers.

Philo Vance

Do you see the man standing in the box opposite?

Charles Spottswoode

Yeah.

Philo Vance

Well, that's a Dr. Lindquist.

Charles Spottswoode

Oh.

Philo Vance

He was outside her dressing room, just now, along with these other two.

Charles Spottswoode

Mm...

Philo Vance

I understand that the Canary has her claws in all three of them.

Charles Spottswoode

Are they rich?

Philo Vance

Mm, naturally.

Charles Spottswoode

Then what does she want with my son? The allowance I give Jimmie is hardly tempting.

Philo Vance

Ah, my dear Charles, our little feathered friend in the swing there has social ambitions. She wants to be Mrs. Jimmie Spottswoode.

Charles Spottswoode

Agh! Impossible. I'd do anything in my power to prevent that, even if Jimmie still cared for her. And I still believe that she'll listen to dollars and cents.

Philo Vance

Mm, I wouldn't be too sure of that, Charles. As you know, I have more or less made a hobby of crime and the criminals. That girl is no ordinary blackmailer. And I'm firmly convinced that she'll stop at nothing to marry Jimmie.

Charles Spottswoode

But Jimmie won't have her. I tell you, he has really come to his senses.

Philo Vance

Another girl?

Charles Spottswoode

Yes. Well, you know her—Alice.

Philo Vance

Oh, yes, of course. A very nice girl, too.

Charles Spottswoode

Yes, she is. Vance, I'm afraid that I'll have to use my own judgment in this matter. I'm going to see this Canary at her apartment as soon as possible.

Philo Vance

Well, very well, Charles, but act quickly. Oh, I know you'll smile, but...you know, I have a strange premonition that the Canary is headed for disaster.

Houseboy

Evening, Mr. Spottswoode.

Charles Spottswoode

Hello, there.

Houseboy

Shall I announce you to Miss O'Dell?

Jimmie Spottswoode

No, don't bother. That's perfectly all right.

Houseboy

Very well.

Alice LaFosse

Jimmie!

Jimmie Spottswoode

Alice!

Alice LaFosse

Jimmie, you were going to see the Canary again.

Jimmie Spottswoode

No, I wasn't, dear. In fact, I had just started to put this note under her door to tell her so.

Alice LaFosse

Oh, Jimmie, I'm afraid of her. Oh, she's clever and cruel and unscrupulous. She'll hurt us again, I know she will.

Jimmie Spottswoode

No, dear, she can't hurt us now.

Charles Spottswoode

Hey, boy, will you announce my na-...uh, never mind.

Houseboy

Yes, sir.

Charles Spottswoode

Hello, Jimmie!

Jimmie Spottswoode

Why, hello, Dad!

Charles Spottswoode

Good evening, Alice.

Alice LaFosse

Good evening, Mr. Spottswoode.

Charles Spottswoode

You know, I am delighted that you and Jimmie have made it up again.

Alice LaFosse

Oh, thank you. You know, I'm gonna try to show you that all show girls aren't like...well—

Charles Spottswoode

Like the Canary, eh?

Alice LaFosse

Yes.

Charles Spottswoode

Yes, I want to talk to her. Do you suppose she's home yet?

Jimmie Spottswoode

I suppose so. You know, Dad, you're a regular guy for helping me out on this thing.

Charles Spottswoode

Oh, now, now.

Jimmie Spottswoode

You know, if the Canary ever came between Alice and me again, I don't know what I'd do. I don't know what I'd do.

Charles Spottswoode

It's all right, Jimmie. I'll do everything I can.

Jimmie Spottswoode

Shall I go along with you?

Charles Spottswoode

No, I can handle this better alone. I'll send in my name now.

and you are responsible for all my trouble. You took me away from the sweetest girl in the world. You made me steal to gratify your extravagance——and now if it weren't for Dad, I'd be in jail. He's straightened things out at the bank, and I never want to see you again.

Jim.

Houseboy

Mr. Spottswoode is calling.

Margaret O'Dell

Send him in, please.

Charles Spottswoode

Good evening, Miss O'Dell.

Margaret O'Dell

Good evening.

Margaret O'Dell

Shall we go over here?

Charles Spottswoode

Why, yes!

Charles Spottswoode

Will you sit down?

Margaret O'Dell

Thank you.

Charles Spottswoode

Well, I don't think we need waste any time, Miss O'Dell. You know why I am here. How much?

Margaret O'Dell

Nothing doing, Mr. Spottswoode. I have decided to marry Jimmie.

Charles Spottswoode

I'm afraid that marriage is quite out of the question, Miss O'Dell.

Margaret O'Dell

Oh, you're sure about that, are you?

Charles Spottswoode

I'm positive.

Margaret O'Dell

Well, how would you like me to tell the world about Jimmie's embezzling from your bank?

Charles Spottswoode

What?

Margaret O'Dell

You heard me. You know, Jimmie has a weakness for writing letters, and I have a weakness for using them.

Charles Spottswoode

If Jimmie did write you a letter, you will tear it up—now, before I leave here.

Margaret O'Dell

Sure. Go ahead. Tear it up yourself. My memory is still perfect.

Charles Spottswoode

Oh, yes, yes, I see, yes. Very well. You win. Now, what do you really want?

Margaret O'Dell

I've told you what I want. I want to be Mrs. James Spotts and that's that!

Charles Spottswoode

Oh, haven't you any heart? Won't you give him up, Miss O'Dell? For the sake of his happiness. For the sake of the girl whom he really loves. Give him up.

Margaret O'Dell

Now, what do you want me to do, burst out crying? Listen, Mr. Spottswoode, I know all about Jimmie and Alice, and if he marries her, I'll tell every newspaper in this country that he's a dirty thief!

Charles Spottswoode

No, no, you wouldn't dare do that. That's blackmail.

Margaret O'Dell

Sure it is! Call it anything you like, but get this into your head—that that's what I'm going to do!

Charles Spottswoode

Well, that remains to be seen. Good night.

Margaret O'Dell

Mr. Cleaver, please.

John Cleaver

This is Mr. Cleaver speaking.

Margaret O'Dell

Not the Mr. Cleaver, the great reformer?

John Cleaver

Yes.

Margaret O'Dell

Well, this is your favorite weakness.

John Cleaver

Margaret!

Margaret O'Dell

Don't get nervous, baby. I've got some news for you.

John Cleaver

Good news?

Margaret O'Dell

Yes, darling, I'm going to marry young Spottswoode.

John Cleaver

Well, well, well. May I send you my heartiest congratulations?

Margaret O'Dell

You bet you can, but send them from Tiffany's.

John Cleaver

What's that?

Margaret O'Dell

You heard me. And send me one of those fancy autographs of yours on a nice fat check.

John Cleaver

I'm very sorry, but I'm afraid I shall have to refuse.

Margaret O'Dell

Ah, be yourself. Big reformers who lead double lives can't refuse.

John Cleaver

Now, look here, I'll see you dead first!

Margaret O'Dell

Listen, you'll be here after the theater with the dough and like it!

John Cleaver

The little rat!

Margaret O'Dell

May I speak to Mr. Louis Mannix, please?

Louis Mannix

Quiet, quiet, my wife.

Margaret O'Dell

Don't get excited. I just thought you'd like to know I've sold the body down the river. I'm gonna marry young Spottswoode.

Louis Mannix

Haha! Splendid!

Margaret O'Dell

Yes, darling. And I've decided that you're the best man.

Louis Mannix

Best man?

Margaret O'Dell

Yeah, the best man I know of to kick in with a nice handsome present in cash.

Louis Mannix

Now, see here, you know I can't afford...

Margaret O'Dell

What you mean is you can't afford to let the ball and chain know what a big-hearted Santy Claus you've been.

Louis Mannix

Now, look here, I've told you what I'd do to you if you ever got to the wife.

Margaret O'Dell

Forget that bunk! And be on my front porch after the show with that check, or I'll get to your wife all right!

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

It's Dr. Lindquist speaking.

Margaret O'Dell

Oh, yes, Dr. Lindquist, how would you like to do me a little favor?

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

Why, certainly, Margaret. I'd do anything for you, you know.

Margaret O'Dell

How would you like to go jump in the lake?

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

Oh, Margaret, don't joke with me. I'm not in a mood for it.

Margaret O'Dell

Ah, get wise to yourself. I'm through with you. You give me the willies.

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

I have warned you, Margaret. I'm desperate! If I can't have you, no other man shall ever have you alive!

Margaret O'Dell

Tony!

Tony Skeel

In person, baby. How's my little squaw?

Margaret O'Dell

I thought you were still in jail.

Tony Skeel

Well, I got tired of the big house, Mrs. Skeel, so I dropped in to see my little wife.

Margaret O'Dell

I'm not your wife.

Tony Skeel

How come?

Margaret O'Dell

I divorced you six months ago.

Tony Skeel

Yeah? Listen, baby, a little thing like a divorce don't mean anything to me. I heard you taking those suckers down over the phone, and I'm in and in on the works, 50-50.

Margaret O'Dell

You big crook! You're not in on this one!

Margaret O'Dell

Don't, you big heel!

Tony Skeel

Hey, I ought to bump you off.

Margaret O'Dell

You do and you'll swing for it.

Tony Skeel

Yeah? Well, maybe it'd be worth it. Now, get this, I'm in on this racket, and I'll be back for my cut.

Margaret O'Dell

Yeah? Try and get it.

Tony Skeel

Say, baby, don't bother changing the box on this door. The lock I can't pick is still in Yale.

11:32 PM

Charles Spottswoode

Miss O'Dell, may I see you for a few moments, please?

Margaret O'Dell

It won't get you anything, but come ahead.

Charles Spottswoode

Thank you.

Charles Spottswoode

I have something to say to you, Miss O'Dell, which I believe will make you change your mind about Jimmie.

Paperboy

Paper, mister? Morning paper?

Louis Mannix

No. No. No.

Paperboy

Thanks, mister.

Charles Spottswoode

Very well, Miss O'Dell. That suits me perfectly. Think it over tonight, and I'll come for your answer in the morning. Good night.

Charles Spottswoode

Boy, would you call me a taxi, please?

Houseboy

Yes, sir.

Margaret O'Dell

Ahh! Ahh!

Charles Spottswoode

What's that?

Houseboy

Miss O'Dell!

Charles Spottswoode

Miss O'Dell, what's wrong?

Margaret O'Dell

Something startled me, Mr. Spottswoode, but I'm all right now.

Charles Spottswoode

Are you sure you're all right?

Margaret O'Dell

Yes, quite sure. Run along home and come back in the morning.

Charles Spottswoode

Oh, very well, then. I'll see you in the morning. Good night.

Yellow
Cab
Co.

 

S17

 

LENox 2300

Charles Spottswoode

Stuyvesant Club.

Taxi driver

Yes, sir.

Houseboy 2

Achoo!

Houseboy

Say, fella, what's the big idea of you coming in here late?

Houseboy 2

Oh, me late?

Houseboy

Yes, you late.

Houseboy 2

I've been here for an hour.

Houseboy

I don't want that stuff.

Houseboy 2

Well, I've been here—

Houseboy

I beg your pardon.

Charles Spottswoode

Mr. Spottswoode, calling on Miss O'Dell by appointment.

Houseboy

She don't answer.

Charles Spottswoode

Has she gone out, do you think?

Houseboy

I've been on all night.

Charles Spottswoode

And you haven't seen her go out?

Houseboy

No, sir.

Charles Spottswoode

That's funny. Do you suppose she can be ill?

Houseboy

We may go and knock.

Charles Spottswoode

Yes, yes, let's do that.

Charles Spottswoode

Miss O'Dell? Miss O'Dell? Are you ill?

Houseboy

Ugh! Lord!

Charles Spottswoode

What's the matter?

Houseboy

Something has happened.

Charles Spottswoode

Go get your passkey.

Houseboy

Yes, yes, sir.

Houseboy

Say fella! Just gets running up and get a cop! And, say, get a big one too!

Charles Spottswoode

Here, you'd better let me have that.

Patrolman Cassidy

What's the matter, here?

Charles Spottswoode

Something's happened in there, Officer. You'd better take that key and go in.

Patrolman Cassidy

She's dead.

Patrolman Cassidy

Police headquarters, please.

Patrolman Cassidy

Patrolman Cassidy speaking. There's a woman dead at 184 West 71st Street. It looks like murder.

Officer on phone

Okay, Cassidy.

Detective

She's been dead since midnight, Sergeant, strangled to death.

Sergeant Heath

That long, eh?

Policeman

Sergeant, the District Attorney just pulled up, and he's coming right in.

Sergeant Heath

That's great.

Policeman

He's got that Mr. Philo Vance with him.

Sergeant Heath

Well, that'll be just dandy. Sherlock Holmes on the job again, eh? Heads up, boys.

District Attorney Markham

Good morning, Sergeant.

Sergeant Heath

Good morning, Mr. Markham.

Sergeant Heath

Well, hello, Mr. Vance.

Philo Vance

How are you, Sergeant?

Sergeant Heath

Fine. Haven't seen you since the Greene murder case.

Philo Vance

Quite right.

District Attorney Markham

Oh, good morning, Mr. Spottswoode.

Charles Spottswoode

Good morning, Mr. Markham.

District Attorney Markham

Well, Sergeant, what does it look like?

Sergeant Heath

Well, Chief, it's just another clear case of robbery—all I can make out of it.

Philo Vance

Nasty business, Charles, huh?

Charles Spottswoode

Oh, terrible! As you know, I was here last night to make my final appeal to her—for Jimmie—and when I came back this morning for her answer, this had happened.

Philo Vance

Yeah. They'll probably want to keep you here for a few moments, Charles.

Charles Spottswoode

Yes, I suppose they will.

Philo Vance

And, by the way, I explained to the District Attorney on the way down about Jimmie and the girl here.

Charles Spottswoode

Oh, that's good. I'm glad you did that, Philo. You know, if I can tell you anything that will help—

Philo Vance

Well, perhaps later, Charles. Meanwhile, I'll have a bit of a look about.

Sergeant Heath

I don't think there's anything worth you looking at, Mr. Vance. It's a clear case—robbery. She put up a battle and they wrecked the joint.

Philo Vance

I see. As simple as that, eh?

Sergeant Heath

That's it.

Philo Vance

Well, just the same, Sergeant, if you don't mind, I think I'll have just one little look.

Sergeant Heath

Surely, Mr. Vance, go right ahead. Make yourself perfectly at home.

Philo Vance

Thank you, Sergeant.

Houseboy

Excuse me, Mr. Policeman, when do we sleep?

Sergeant Heath

Now, you get this, Sonny Boy. You'll go for a long sleep, unless you button up that big trap of yours.

Houseboy

Yes, sir.

District Attorney Markham

Sergeant?

Sergeant Heath

Yes, Chief?

Bankers Review
Published for the investor
Sept. 1
1928

 

10c Per Copy
$2 Per Year

 

Investors Warned Against Tipsters' Sheets

 

Downtown Shopping Area Versus Community Center

 

Danger in Decentralizing and Over-Retailing

 

Proper Concept of the Business Cycle

 

Tax Problems for Special Legislative Session

 

Building-Loan, Real Estate and Oil Developments

District Attorney Markham

Any fingerprints?

Sergeant Heath

Well, so far, no. I'll tell you, this job was done by an expert. It's perfect.

Philo Vance

Yes, that's just the trouble.

District Attorney Markham

What's that?

Philo Vance

It's too perfect.

Sergeant Heath

Well, that's a little over my head, Mr. Vance. Just what do you mean by "too perfect"?

Philo Vance

Well, Sergeant, what usually happens when a heavy lamp like that is knocked off a table?

Sergeant Heath

Well, I don't know, but I'll bite. What does happen?

Philo Vance

It usually smashes, doesn't it?

Sergeant Heath

It might.

Philo Vance

Well, look at that one.

Sergeant Heath

Well, what about it?

Philo Vance

Well, simply that that lamp was placed there to give the effect of a struggle.

Sergeant Heath

Mm, maybe.

District Attorney Markham

Let me see, Sergeant. It does look a little obvious, doesn't it, Vance?

Philo Vance

I should say so.

Sergeant Heath

Hey, boy, what happened here last night after you heard Miss O'Dell scream and you and Mr. Spottswoode ran down the hall to her door?

Houseboy

Well, she said she was all right, and I called Mr. Spottswoode a taxicab.

Sergeant Heath

And you got away with it?

Houseboy

Yes, sir.

Sergeant Heath

That's all right. What time was this?

Houseboy

It's on the call sheet that I gave you, about tw-tw-tw-tw-tw-tw-tw-tw-—

Sergeant Heath

Never mind, I can read it.

Sergeant Heath

12:10. Now, Mr. Spottswoode, where did you go last evening after you left here?

Charles Spottswoode

I went directly to the Stuyvesant Club.

Philo Vance

That's right, Sergeant. I met Mr. Spottswoode at the club shortly after twelve. We played poker until almost daylight I believe, wasn't it?

Charles Spottswoode

Why, it must have been. I know it was long after four.

District Attorney Markham

Oh, yeah, you mentioned that coming down here, Vance.

Philo Vance

Right.

District Attorney Markham

That'll be all for the present, Mr. Spottswoode.

Charles Spottswoode

Thank you, Markham. But if you do want me later on, Mr. Vance has my number.

District Attorney Markham

Quite right.

Charles Spottswoode

Goodbye.

District Attorney Markham

Goodbye.

Charles Spottswoode

Goodbye, Philo.

Philo Vance

Goodbye, Charles. I'll phone you.

Sergeant Heath

Go right ahead, boys.

Sergeant Heath

Joe.

Philo Vance

Oh, Sergeant, would you step over here for a moment, please?

Sergeant Heath

All right, Mr. Vance. What is it now?

Philo Vance

Do you observe anything peculiar here?

Sergeant Heath

Why, surely! The key is on the inside.

Philo Vance

Excellent, Sergeant. Don't you think we might go over that knob for fingerprints?

Sergeant Heath

Well, now, uh, uh... Oh, I get you, Mr. Vance. The murderer locked himself in this closet. When Spottswoode left, he came out, and croaked the Canary.

Philo Vance

No, I hardly think so, Sergeant. If you will observe, this is the one place in the entire apartment that hasn't been disturbed. Now, what does that signify? That, and the fact of the key being found on the inside?

Sergeant Heath

Just as I told you—the murderer was in this closet, and came out when Spottswoode left.

Philo Vance

Mm, I don't think you quite get my point, Sergeant. If the murderer had been in here, he would have upset this closet as he did the rest of the apartment, wouldn't he?

Sergeant Heath

Well, yes, I guess he would.

Philo Vance

Precisely. Gentlemen, it was someone else who was in that closet while the apartment was being ransacked, and that someone witnessed the murder.

Sergeant Heath

Through the keyhole.

Philo Vance

Splendid, Sergeant. And if you'll find who was in that closet, I think you'll learn from him, or her, who it was that killed the Canary.

District Attorney Markham

Sergeant, get the fingerprints, will you?

Sergeant Heath

Oh, Joe.

District Attorney Markham

Oh, Sergeant, you might check up on the other apartments. Mr. Vance and I are going outside.

Sergeant Heath

You, come here.

Houseboy

Yes, sir.

Sergeant Heath

Who lives in that apartment there?

Houseboy

Miss Alice LaFosse.

Sergeant Heath

Isn't she the dame that had the battle with the Canary the other night over young Spottswoode?

Houseboy

Y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y—

Sergeant Heath

All right, all right.

Philo Vance

Impossible to get in here.

District Attorney Markham

I'd say so.

Philo Vance

Hmm... Well, what is this? Hmm...

(By Pacific & Alliance

This sugar mill at San Juan was left minus roof and [...] of sides. Heavy sacks of sugar within probably [...] protecting main structure from storm's fury.

Philo Vance

That's odd—may prove very interesting. What do you think?

Sergeant Heath

I see, Miss LaFosse, I see. But you and the Canary had a fight over young Spottswoode, didn't you?

Alice LaFosse

Why, yes. We did have a fight. You see, she took Jimmie away from me and got him into trouble. But that's all over now. Jimmie and I made it up just the day before yesterday.

Sergeant Heath

You didn't see young Spottswoode last night, did you?

Alice LaFosse

Why, yes. He brought me home from the theater.

Sergeant Heath

Aha! So, he was hanging around here last night, was he?

Alice LaFosse

Yes, but he was with me until after 1:00 in the after—

Sergeant Heath

Now, wait a minute, lady. Wait a minute. You save your alibis till we get you down to headquarters. Go slip on your things.

Alice LaFosse

Why, look, you don't think that—

Sergeant Heath

Put them on!

Alice LaFosse

Oh, Mr. Vance, I'm frightened.

Philo Vance

Well, now, don't you be worried, Alice. Just you do as the Sergeant says.

Alice LaFosse

All right.

Sergeant Heath

You know, I'm beginning to question this robbery theory, Mr. Vance. You and I were right.

Philo Vance

Hmm? Oh, yes.

Sergeant Heath

Why, I can see plainly that this murder is all mixed up in a love pact.

Philo Vance

Hmm.

Sergeant Heath

You know Chief, I think we'd better round up this young Spottswoode and give him the works. What do you say?

District Attorney Markham

Quite right, Sergeant.

Philo Vance

Markham, I'd like you to add a few names to that list, if you don't mind. The men I mentioned on the way up here—Dr. Ambrose Lindquist, John Cleaver, and Louis Mannix.

---

---

---

---

'Canary' Murdered
Margaret O'Dell, Famous Stage Beauty Found Strangled in Apartment

 

⟨Fire⟩ Destroys ⟨Morrillard⟩ Home

---

(Special Cable to the Herald)

New York, Monday—The ⟨Morrillard⟩ mansion in the [...] regarded as one of the ⟨finest⟩ examples of the Revolutionary period of architecture, was destroyed by fire early today, with many rare species of flowers and tropical ⟨plants⟩ housed in its botanical ⟨garden⟩. The amount of the loss ⟨has not⟩ been made public, but it is ⟨believed⟩ to be fully covered by ⟨insurance⟩.

(Special Cable to the Herald)

The engagement of the artist [...] Lester Norris has arrived [...] at the winter home of his ⟨fiancee⟩, Miss Dellora Angell,

 

Gates Heiress Married Soon

---

Miss Dellora Angell Will Wed Lester Norris Within Few Days

---

With a Board of Education elected at the municipal election Monday, a fight was started here today to remove J. A. Cranston, superintendent of schools for the past eighteen years, and D. K. Hammonds, principal of the high school for eleven years. Petitions were placed in circulation asking the new board to discharge the two last year over that of the year before, was for salary account and only $15,000,000 for all othter budgetary purposes.

se of approximately $13,000-

Installation of a dredge to deepen the channel of the Kern River, lessening flood danger and reclaiming a large area of

District Attorney Markham

Well, young man, what do you know about what happened at the Canary's apartment last night?

Jimmie Spottswoode

Nothing. But look here, sir. That has nothing to do with Alice...I mean Miss LaFosse. The papers say the Canary was murdered before midnight, and I tell you we were together the whole time. It isn't fair to hold her. You haven't the right.

Philo Vance

Now, Jimmie, don't get worked up. Everything is going to be all right. Why not interview the others first, Markham?

District Attorney Markham

Very well. Gordon, take Mr. Spottswoode out in the other room and hold him there. I'll talk to you a little later, young man.

Philo Vance

Be off.

District Attorney Markham

Well, who's next on the list? Mannix.

Philo Vance

I'd like to make a bit of an experiment, Markham. Have you a pad and pencil there?

District Attorney Markham

Yes. There you are.

Philo Vance

Do you have that newspaper handy?

District Attorney Markham

Yes, right here.

District Attorney Markham

All ready?

Philo Vance

All right.

Louis Mannix

Good morning, Mr. Vance.

Philo Vance

Good morning.

Louis Mannix

Mr. Markham.

District Attorney Markham

Good morning. Will you please take a seat?

Louis Mannix

Thank you.

Louis Mannix

Sorry.

District Attorney Markham

Mr. Mannix, there are a few questions I'd like to ask you.

Louis Mannix

Questions? What about? I don't know anything about this! It was a great shock to me!

District Attorney Markham

What was a great shock to you?

Louis Mannix

Why, I thought perhaps you were going to ask me about the Canary.

District Attorney Markham

Heh, exactly. You read my thoughts, Mr. Mannix. Did you ever see that necklace before?

Louis Mannix

Why...why, yes! Fact is, I gave that to the Canary. A little token of esteem. Nice girl, the Canary. I'd met her once or twice. Haha! Casual acquaintance.

District Attorney Markham

Rather an expensive gift to give to a casual acquaintance, isn't it? Do you know that the Canary was strangled with that necklace?

Louis Mannix

Most remarkable! Unfortunate, I should say.

District Attorney Markham

Where were you last night between eleven and 1:00?

Louis Mannix

Between eleven and one?

District Attorney Markham

Yes.

Louis Mannix

Let me see... Why, I was home. I went to bed about 10:00—uh, tired out. Haha, you understand.

Philo Vance

Pardon me, Mr. Mannix.

(News photo)

watched breakers lash East Long Beach shore

 

Island and Staten shores were hit by winds
on p. 1; other pics. on pp. 1 and 20.

District Attorney Markham

Any comment to make, Mr. Mannix?

Louis Mannix

Odd habit of mine, drawing triangles.

Philo Vance

Mr. Mannix, if you were in your bed last night at 10:00, how did you manage to drop that newspaper just outside the Canary's apartment? And that edition isn't on the streets until eleven.

Philo Vance

Well, you've caught me. I'll tell the truth. It's always best to tell the truth, especially when there's no reason to lie. It was like this. The Canary called my home at dinnertime last night. Most embarrassing. Mrs. Mannix was with me. I had omitted to tell my wife about the Canary. She wouldn't have understood. The Canary told me that she was going to be married, and wanted to see me. Said that I should come to her apartment at 11:00. Well, I...haha...I couldn't argue over the phone. The missus was listening. So, I said "all right".

So, at 11:00, I went to the Canary's apartment. I entered the hall by a side door. I went directly to her apartment. I was about to enter when I heard voices inside. I listened. There was a man in there, and he was arguing. Of course, well, that was no place for me. So, I returned home without seeing the Canary, or entering her apartment.

District Attorney Markham

Well, that'll be all the questioning for the present, Mr. Mannix, but I'll have to ask you to wait in the outer office. I may want to speak to you later on.

Louis Mannix

Oh, won't you let me go home? I'll get in an awful mess with my wife.

Louis Mannix

I'm sorry. You'll have to wait.

Louis Mannix

Oh, Mr. Markham, I wouldn't run away.

District Attorney Markham

Uh, Millfield. That'll be all.

Louis Mannix

Mr. Markham, you've gotta help me square this with my wife.

District Attorney Markham

We will now have Mr. Cleaver.

District Attorney Markham

Good morning, Mr. Cleaver.

John Cleaver

Good morning, Mr. Markham. Can I do anything for you?

District Attorney Markham

Will you please have a seat?

John Cleaver

Do you mind if I smoke a cigar?

District Attorney Markham

Oh, please do.

District Attorney Markham

Mr. Cleaver, do you mind if I ask you some questions?

John Cleaver

Why, of course, if I can be of any help.

District Attorney Markham

Where were you last night between eleven and 1:00?

John Cleaver

Motoring, up the Hudson, in the moonlight, alone. Though, I don't see what that has to do with the District Attorney's Office.

Philo Vance

Well, only this, Mr. Cleaver, if you were indulging in the nocturnal beauties of nature along the Hudson last evening, now, how does it happen that this cigar band bearing your initials was found just outside the Canary's window at an early hour this morning?

John Cleaver

Well, if I was passing the Canary's apartment, you can't twist that into a crime.

Philo Vance

Oh, then, you did pass her apartment?

John Cleaver

Why, yes, I've nothing to hide. It was about dinnertime last night—the Canary phoned to me. Oh, of course, my acquaintance with her was wholly in my line as social reformer. I had hoped that she was going to leave her immoral life and marry and settle down and be a good woman.

District Attorney Markham

And you kept the appointment?

John Cleaver

Yes—yes and no. I was a little late. I arrived at her apartment, ooh, about a quarter to twelve, or thereabouts. I waited for a minute outside her window to light a cigar. Then, I glanced down to the side entrance to the building. And, who should I chance to see but Dr. Lindquist. He was behaving in a very peculiar manner—seemed to me very queer, very mysterious. I didn't like it. So, I made up my mind not to see the Canary again. And, I turned and walked back home. Now, that's all I can tell you. I'm a busy man, and I hope you'll excuse me.

District Attorney Markham

I'm very sorry, Mr. Cleaver, but I'll have to ask you to wait in the outer office. I might want to question you again.

John Cleaver

You mark my words, Markham, you'll be sorry for this.

District Attorney Markham

Haha, well, I'll take my chances, Mr. Cleaver.

Philo Vance

Charming fellow, Cleaver.

District Attorney Markham

Yeah, rather. By the way, Vance, I didn't see you pick up this cigar band in front of the Canary's apartment this morning.

Philo Vance

I didn't.

District Attorney Markham

Where did you get it?

Philo Vance

From your wastebasket.

District Attorney Markham

Wastebasket?

Philo Vance

Cleaver dropped it there when he entered. I took a chance on his not remembering that. It seemed to work.

District Attorney Markham

Well, I'll be...hmm... Very good. Dr. Lindquist.

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

Let me go! Hey!

Detective

Come on, Doctor!

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

Take your hands off me!

Detective

I chased him. We caught Dr. Lindquist, just as he was leaving town!

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

That's a lie! I was on the way to a patient.

District Attorney Markham

Won't you please sit down, Doctor? I'd like to ask you a few questions.

Doctor, where were you last night between eleven and 1:00?

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

None of your business.

District Attorney Markham

It is some of my business. You were seen coming out of the Canary's apartment at midnight.

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

Yayaya!

Detective 1

Not so fast, Doctor!

Detective 2

Calm yourself, Doctor!

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

I am sorry. I lost my temper. I am under a terrible strain! I loved the Canary dearly. And...I'm terribly upset!

District Attorney Markham

Do you know that the Canary was strangled with that necklace?

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

Good God! You...you don't accuse me?!

Philo Vance

Now, Dr. Lindquist, there's really no need for you to be excited. Now, Mr. Markham, here, is merely trying to find out what you know.

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

Know?! Know?! I know...I know nothing!

Philo Vance

One moment, Doctor. Markham, don't you think that we might postpone the interview with Dr. Lindquist for a while?

District Attorney Markham

Why, what... Very well. That will be all for the present, Doctor. I'd like to have you remain in the outer office.

Detective 1

Come on, Doctor.

District Attorney Markham

What was the idea, Vance? We had him where he was about to tell us everything.

Philo Vance

Well, on the contrary, Markham, in his present extremely excited condition, I very much doubt if he would have told us anything. I do think, however, that if we give him a chance to cool off a bit, he's very likely to tell us the truth.

District Attorney Markham

Well, perhaps you're right. Good morning, Sergeant.

Philo Vance

How are you, Sergeant?

Sergeant Heath

Good morning, Chief. Hello, Mr. Vance! Take a slant at those. There is the Canary's jewels. They were found in an ashcan about a block from her apartment this morning. I guess that kind of disproves the robbery theory. We were right, Mr. Vance.

Philo Vance

Hmm?

Sergeant Heath

I say, we were right.

Philo Vance

Oh. Oh, yes. Yes, apparently we were, Sergeant.

Sergeant Heath

Now, it's up to us to find another motive.

Philo Vance

Yes, quite right, Sergeant. You know, Markham, I've been thinking this over all morning, and I believe that I can come pretty close to the psychology of the man who committed this murder. I believe that I can pick him out from that list of suspects, if he is among them. However, it will require a bit of an experiment.

District Attorney Markham

Now, what is in your mind?

Philo Vance

Well, I'd like to use that conference room of yours, there, for a friendly little game of poker with your suspects.

Sergeant Heath

Well, now, that's a cute idea.

District Attorney Markham

Well, just what is your idea, Vance?

Philo Vance

Well, just this, Markham. A man's true nature always comes out in a game of poker. Now, I know the type and the temperament of the man who murdered the Canary. And in a game of poker, I believe that I can come pretty close to putting my finger on him.

Sergeant Heath

That's a new way of catching crooks! Hahahahaha!

District Attorney Markham

Maybe be silent, will you, please? Well, go ahead, Vance. The experiment can do no harm.

Philo Vance

Quite right. Now, I'd like to have the Sergeant tell them.

Sergeant Heath

Well, I'd be very glad to help you, Mr. Vance, as long as don't try to hang the murder on me!

District Attorney Markham

Sergeant, will you take Mr. Vance's orders, please?

Sergeant Heath

Okay, Chief.

Philo Vance

Will you get me a deck of cards, and have some poker chips handy just outside there?

Sergeant Heath

That's easy.

Philo Vance

Then bring in the suspects, and impress upon them that they may be detained here for quite a while, possibly two or even three hours.

Sergeant Heath

Well, that's okay, Mr. Vance, but, how are you gonna get these suspects into this poker game without it appearing phony to them?

Philo Vance

Well, Sergeant, I rather think that the power of suggestion will take care of that.

Sergeant Heath

Oh, "power of suggestion"?

Philo Vance

Exactly. Now, Sergeant, look in from time to time, and when I pull my handkerchief from my pocket—so—break up the game by telling them that they are all free to go home. Understand?

Sergeant Heath

I get you. But, when you release them, I'll have my boys tail them.

Philo Vance

Very good, Sergeant.

Sergeant Heath

And, Mr. Vance, here's to the power of suggestion! Hahahahahahahaha!

Philo Vance

Jimmie?

Sergeant Heath

Now, gentlemen, you're liable to be here for two or three hours, perhaps longer.

John Cleaver

That's outrageous!

Sergeant Heath

Just make yourselves at home.

Louis Mannix

Say, you know, this is going to get me in an awful mess with my wife.

John Cleaver

That is of no interest to me, sir.

Louis Mannix

I'm sorry.

Jimmie Spottswoode

What's the idea, Mr. Vance? Well, what are they going to do with Alice?

Philo Vance

Now, Jimmie, don't you worry. Nothing is going to happen to Alice.

Louis Mannix

Say, Mr. Vance, you know, this is gonna get me in an awful mess with my wife! Martha is a...my wife's a wonderful woman and all that, but sometimes she just doesn't understand me. The last time I was little...indiscreet, it cost me a fur coat. Haha! I hate to think what this is gonna cost. Haha!

Say, don't you think if you put— All right. Beg your pardon. I'm sorry. Mr. Vance, you haven't got an extra pack of cards, have you?

Philo Vance

I'm sorry, Mr. Mannix, but you're welcome to these.

Louis Mannix

Oh, no, no, no, no, thanks just the same. Haha. I wish we could play a little cards.

Jimmie Spottswoode

Say, that's a good idea! How about poker?

Philo Vance

I'm agreeable. What about the others? Dr. Lindquist?

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

Anything to pass the time.

Philo Vance

Mr. Cleaver?

John Cleaver

Well, as a rule it's against my principles, but I suppose on an occasion like this, one can relax such rules.

Philo Vance

Just draw up chairs, gentlemen.

Philo Vance

Thank you.

Philo Vance

Sergeant, how about some poker chips?

Sergeant Heath

Surely.

Detective

Chief?

District Attorney Markham

Yes?

Detective

Mr. Spottswoode is here.

District Attorney Markham

Let him in.

Detective

Come in, Mr. Spottswoode.

District Attorney Markham

Good morning, Mr. Spottswoode.

Charles Spottswoode

Good morning, Markham, good morning. I say, Markham, what are you holding Jimmie for? Surely you're not accusing him.

District Attorney Markham

No, no, of course not. We're simply trying to find out what he knows, that's all.

Charles Spottswoode

Oh, yes, yes. Where is he now?

District Attorney Markham

Why, in the other room, there, with Vance.

Charles Spottswoode

May I see him?

District Attorney Markham

Why, certainly. Of course you could.

District Attorney Markham

Mr. Vance, Mr. Spottswoode is here.

Jimmie Spottswoode

Oh! Hello, Dad!

Charles Spottswoode

Well, hello, Jimmie.

Philo Vance

Good morning, Charles.

Charles Spottswoode

Good morning, Philo.

Jimmie Spottswoode

But, Dad, what are you doing here?

Charles Spottswoode

I came to be with you, Jimmie, while you're detained.

Philo Vance

Oh, by all means. We've just started a little game of poker here, Charles. Would you like to join?

Jimmie Spottswoode

Come on, Dad, sit and take a hand.

Charles Spottswoode

Well, all right. I'll sit in.

Philo Vance

That'll be fine. I suppose you'll take that chair, Charles.

Charles Spottswoode

Thank you.

Philo Vance

Gentlemen, this is Mr. Spottswoode. Mr. Mannix.

Louis Mannix

Mr. Spottswoode.

Charles Spottswoode

How do you do, Mr. Mannix?

Philo Vance

Dr. Lindquist.

Charles Spottswoode

Doctor.

Philo Vance

And Mr. Cleaver.

Charles Spottswoode

Mr. Cleaver. How do you do?

John Cleaver

How do you do?

Philo Vance

Shall it be jackpots, gentlemen?

Charles Spottswoode

Why, yes, anything.

Louis Mannix

Yes, the missus and I usually play jackpots.

Philo Vance

Cards?

Louis Mannix

Three, Mr. Vance, please.

Louis Mannix

Thank you.

Philo Vance

Cleaver?

John Cleaver

Two, please.

Louis Mannix

So, it's between you and me, Mr. Cleaver.

John Cleaver

Yeah.

Louis Mannix

Hmm... Ha! I'll bet a white one.

Louis Mannix

Oh, so you're calling me.

John Cleaver

Yeah.

Louis Mannix

Well, just openers, pair of jacks.

John Cleaver

Three aces.

Louis Mannix

Well...

Jimmie Spottswoode

So, you called a one chip bet with three aces.

Philo Vance

Open.

Charles Spottswoode

I am out.

John Cleaver

Dealer?

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

Passes.

John Cleaver

How many, Mr. Vance?

Philo Vance

Two cards, please.

John Cleaver

Mr. Mannix?

Louis Mannix

I think I'll play these.

Philo Vance

I'll check the bet to you, Mr. Mannix.

Philo Vance

Calling.

Louis Mannix

Nine, eight, seven, six, five—and they're all spades.

Philo Vance

You bet on a sure thing, Mr. Mannix.

Louis Mannix

Ah, touché.

John Cleaver

I open for one.

Jimmie Spottswoode

I'll stay.

Charles Spottswoode

Oh, let's make it a little more interesting. Ten more.

Louis Mannix

Well, that lets me out.

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

I'm out.

Jimmie Spottswoode

And me.

Philo Vance

I'll stay with you, Charles.

John Cleaver

Cards, gentlemen?

Philo Vance

Three for me, please.

Louis Mannix

One, two, three.

John Cleaver

Mr. Spottswoode?

Charles Spottswoode

I have plenty.

Louis Mannix

Mmm.

Philo Vance

A white stack, Charles.

Charles Spottswoode

Two white stacks.

John Cleaver

Hey.

Philo Vance

Up two chips, Charles.

Charles Spottswoode

Two? Ahahaha! Oh, you want me to do the betting, eh? All right.

Philo Vance

I am afraid I am overcome by curiosity. What have you?

Charles Spottswoode

Hahaha, haha! Two deuces.

Philo Vance

They're good.

Charles Spottswoode

They're...they're what? Well, why the philanthropy, Philo?

Philo Vance

Well, I had ace high.

Charles Spottswoode

Hahaha!

Sergeant Heath

Pardon me, Mr. Vance. Could I speak to you a moment?

Philo Vance

Excuse me, please.

Sergeant Heath

We've traced the fingerprints, and this is the bird that was in the closet, and saw the Canary murdered.

Philo Vance

Gentlemen, here is the man who was in the Canary's clothes closet and who witnessed her murder.

Charles Spottswoode

Hmm! Well, I shouldn't like to be the man he saw.

Louis Mannix

Haha! Thank goodness he didn't see me through the keyhole.

Dr. Ambrose Lindquist

So, that man witnessed a murder.

John Cleaver

Singularly unattractive countenance.

Jimmie Spottswoode

Well, if he knows, why doesn't he tell who did it?

Sergeant Heath

Gentlemen, I have been instructed by the District Attorney to inform you that you're all free to go home.

Louis Mannix

Thank goodness for that! I wonder what the wife will say.

Philo Vance

Has anyone a fountain pen, please?

Jimmie Spottswoode

There's mine.

Philo Vance

Oh, thank you, sir.

Jimmie Spottswoode

Mhm!

Louis Mannix

Sorry. Bye.

Sergeant Heath

Now, what I didn't tell you about this bird, Mr. Vance—in front of the others—is that he phoned in and said that he'd be in the District Attorney's office tomorrow, and spill the whole works. He says that he saw the guy that croaked the Canary, and he'll come in and tell us who it was. Now, we haven't been able to locate him yet, so I guess we'll just have to wait.

Philo Vance

Well, Sergeant, that takes the matter out of my hands.

This is my third and last warning. If you don't come across with that money by tomorrow morning, I'm going to squeal to the police.

Philo Vance

Markham, there can be no doubt of it. The same person who strangled the Canary strangled Skeel. This new murder was done to cover up the first. Skeel was obviously blackmailing the Canary's murderer. He threatened to inform the police of what he had seen through the keyhole of the closet. And when the murderer learned yesterday at the poker game that the police knew who had been in the closet, he put Skeel out of the way at the earliest possible moment.

District Attorney Markham

I believe you're right, Vance. Oh, Martin.

District Attorney Markham

Did any of the suspects get away from your men last night?

Martin

We never lost sight of Lindquist, Mannix, and the girl, but young Spottswoode and Cleaver gave us the slip.

District Attorney Markham

That'll be all.

Martin

Okay, Chief.

District Attorney Markham

Well, Vance, that means Jimmie and Cleaver.

Sergeant Heath

Morning, Chief.

District Attorney Markham

Good morning, Heath.

Sergeant Heath

Good morning.

Sergeant Heath

Hello, Mr. Vance.

Philo Vance

Good morning, Sergeant.

Sergeant Heath

Well, Chief, everything's okay. I've got the guilty man, and I've got him right.

District Attorney Markham

You've got him?

Sergeant Heath

I hope to tell you I have.

District Attorney Markham

Where is he?

Sergeant Heath

All right, Mac. Bring him in.

Jimmie Spottswoode

Mr. Vance.

Philo Vance

Jimmie.

Jimmie Spottswoode

This fool arrested me this morning at breakfast for the murder.

Sergeant Heath

Why, it's just like shooting fish in a tub, Chief. I've got all the dope, and I've got it down pat. Motive and everything. Now, this dame Alice croaked the Canary—jealous, because she'd stolen her fella. The kid here bumped Skeel off to shut his mouth and to protect the dame.

Jimmie Spottswoode

It's a lie!

Sergeant Heath

That isn't all, Chief. I've got the evidence. And it's not psychology, Mr. Vance.

Jimmie Spottswoode

Mr. Vance, he lies! He hasn't any evidence! He couldn't have any!

Philo Vance

Just a minute, Jimmie.

Philo Vance

Sergeant, what is your theory?

Sergeant Heath

Well, I don't go on theory. I use cold facts, Mr. Vance. Now, you wait a minute.

Did you ever see that pen?

Jimmie Spottswoode

Yes, it's mine.

Sergeant Heath

You bet your life it's yours!

Take a look at that pen, Mr. Vance.

Jimmie From Dad

Sergeant Heath

Chief.

District Attorney Markham

Well?

Sergeant Heath

Now, listen to this. This morning, I found that pen on the floor, there, by the table where Skeel was murdered. And the kid here admits that it's his!

District Attorney Markham

Well, young man? What have you to say?

Jimmie Spottswoode

Yes, I killed them. Both of them.

Sergeant Heath

Huh, I guess that does it, Chief. We've got him in a sack. Now, this dame Alice—

Jimmie Spottswoode

Wait a minute! You've got what you wanted. Now, take me off.

Sergeant Heath

Take him away, Max.

Well, I'll see you later at the office, Chief.

District Attorney Markham

All right, Heath.

Sergeant Heath

Sorry, Mr. Vance.

District Attorney Markham

Well, Vance, I guess that closed the case.

Philo Vance

No, Markham, it doesn't.

District Attorney Markham

What do you mean?

Philo Vance

I mean that the boy is not guilty.

District Attorney Markham

Well, that's nonsense!

Philo Vance

Not nonsense, Markham, because I know who is guilty.

District Attorney Markham

Oh, come now, Vance, that's—

Philo Vance

I tell you, Markham, I know! And inside of one hour, you'll know, too. I'm going to telephone at once, to the real murderer, and have him come to the Canary's apartment. And I want you to be there.

District Attorney Markham

The boy has confessed everything!

Philo Vance

Markham, if you don't meet me there, you'll be the laughing stock of New York in 24 hours, because I'll have the confession of the real murderer.

District Attorney Markham

Well, all right, Vance. If you want it that way, I'll be there.

Telephone operator

Number, please.

Philo Vance

Bayview 2121.

Telephone operator

Bayview 2121.

Philo Vance

Yes, please.

Philo Vance

Uh, this is Philo Vance. I want to speak with—

Charles Spottswoode

Oh, hello, Philo, how are you?

Philo Vance

I didn't recognize your voice. I have something of extreme importance to tell you. Jimmie has just been arrested. He has confessed to the murder of both the Canary and Skeel. Do you understand?

Charles Spottswoode

Yes, I understand, Philo. Jimmie is not guilty. I am the man you want.

Philo Vance

How soon will you meet me at the Canary's apartment?

Charles Spottswoode

It'll take me almost an hour to get in from the country, but I'll be there.

Philo Vance

Good.

District Attorney Markham

It's been over an hour now, Vance.

Philo Vance

Now, don't be impatient, Markham. He'll be here.

Bell
System

District Attorney Markham

Who is it you're expecting?

Philo Vance

You wouldn't believe me if I told you. And, I must admit that without his confession, I haven't a shred of real proof to offer you.

Philo Vance

Hello? Yes. Uh, this is Mr. Vance speaking. What?! Yes. All right.

District Attorney Markham

What is it, Vance?

Philo Vance

Spottswoode has just been killed in a motor accident.

District Attorney Markham

Spottswoode killed?!

District Attorney Markham

My sympathies, old man. I know what great friends you were.

Philo Vance

It's worse than you realize, Markham. It was Spottswoode who killed both the Canary and Skeel.

District Attorney Markham

Spottswoode?

Philo Vance

I've known it ever since the poker game.

District Attorney Markham

But how could you know?

Philo Vance

Sit down, Markham.

Philo Vance

It wasn't really so difficult. Remember, the man who committed this particular crime must have had certain definite qualities—a mind capable of working out a well-planned and brilliant course of action, willing to take a desperate chance and see it through.

Now, consider the men in the game. Jimmie I ruled out at the start. But I've known him as a boy, and his youth and impulsiveness were hardly consistent with such a...such an obviously premeditated murder. Lindquist was far too excitable and erratic to have plotted such a carefully calculated crime. Cleaver, much too cautious, and entirely lacking in the necessary boldness. Mannix, timid and unwilling to take any risk except upon an absolutely sure thing.

The only man at the table with enough imagination to plan such a crime, and with sufficient self-confidence and daring to carry it through, was Spottswoode. When he held a pair of deuces, refused to draw to them, and bet every chip he had on the chance of bluffing me out, a realization suddenly dawned upon me that he was the murderer, for he was the one man of them all psychologically fitted for such an act.

District Attorney Markham

But, how about finding Jimmie's pen in the Skeel apartment?

Philo Vance

I borrowed Jimmie's fountain pen after the poker game. My hypothesis is that in the confusion, Spottswoode put the pen into his own pocket and that Jimmie saw him do it. That is why Jimmie made his confession—to shield his father.

District Attorney Markham

Yes, but against all that theory, Vance, we have certain definite facts. Now, for instance, Spottswoode left the Canary's apartment while she was still alive. He talked to her through that door. The hall boy, looking through the keyhole, saw the Canary lying on this sofa smoking a cigarette. Spottswoode then went away and spent the rest of the evening with you.

Philo Vance

True, and yet I know he committed the murder. And I've got to find out how he did it.

District Attorney Markham

I'm afraid you will, Vance, so that Jimmie can go free.

Philo Vance

Spottswoode himself was coming here to tell how it was done in order to free Jimmie. But, now, he's dead. I've got to solve it.

Bankers Review
Published for the investor
Sept. 1
1928

 

10c Per Copy
$2 Per Year

 

Investors Warned Against Tipsters' Sheets

 

Downtown Shopping Area Versus Community Center

 

Danger in Decentralizing and Over-Retailing

 

Proper Concept of the Business Cycle

 

Tax Problems for Special Legislative Session

 

Building-Loan, Real Estate and Oil Developments

Philo Vance

I think I have the whole thing. Now, follow me closely. The Canary was lying there. Spottswoode, let us say, was standing here, making a final plea for his boy, which met but an absolute refusal.

He walked around to the head of the sofa. Suddenly, he clapped his hand over her mouth, and with his other hand, caught her necklace, and before she had a chance to cry out, he strangled her.

He then proceeded to set the stage to make it appear that the crime had been committed with robbery as a motive. He stripped her jewels from her, and placed them in his pocket. Then, he took a cigarette from that box and lit it. He laid her hand here. Placed the cigarette between her fingers, so that in case anyone should look through the keyhole of that door, there, it would appear as if she were lying here smoking. He then overturned the entire apartment to make it look as if a burglar had ransacked the place.

Now, just step over here, Markham. He came to this closet door but he couldn't open it. Skeel had locked himself in, though Spottswoode didn't know that. And Skeel, through the keyhole, saw everything that Spottswoode did. That accounts for the orderly condition of this one closet, but everything else in the apartment was ransacked. And that, Markham, was the technique of the crime itself.

District Attorney Markham

But that doesn't account for the fact that—

Philo Vance

Why, just a minute. I haven't quite finished. I want you to go out into the hall, and stand at the desk, where Spottswoode stood when he ordered his cab.

District Attorney Markham

Very well.

Record

Ahh! Ahh!

Record

Something startled me, Mr. Spottswoode, but I'm all right now.

Yes, quite sure. Run along home and come back in the morning.

Philo Vance

Do you understand now? This record was Spottswoode's alibi.

VE

 

"His Master's Voice"
Victrola

 

M 5-4 Orthophonic Recording9030-B
Symphony No. 5, In C Minor—Part 4
2nd Movement—Andante con moto—concluded
(Beethoven, Op. 67)
Royal Albert Hall Orchestra
Sir Landon Ronald, Conductor
(Recorded in Europe)

 

Victor Talking Machine Co.
Camden, N.J.

 

VE

Philo Vance

Undoubtedly, the reason he returned here the next morning was to get it back, but he was prevented by the arrival of the officer who entered the apartment with him. The Canary was dead when the scream issued from the apartment that night. She was dead when she apparently spoke to Spottswoode through the door.

District Attorney Markham

But what clue led you to the phonograph record?

Philo Vance

It was this magazine.

Bankers Review
Published for the investor
Sept. 1
1928

 

10c Per Copy
$2 Per Year

 

Investors Warned Against Tipsters' Sheets

 

Downtown Shopping Area Versus Community Center

 

Danger in Decentralizing and Over-Retailing

 

Proper Concept of the Business Cycle

 

Tax Problems for Special Legislative Session

 

Building-Loan, Real Estate and Oil Developments

Philo Vance

That is hardly a magazine the Canary would have read. So, I concluded that someone else must have brought it here. Then, in running through the pages, I happened to notice this. Look closely. Do you see it?

District Attorney Markham

Why, yes, the imprint of a large circle.

Philo Vance

And on the opposite page?

District Attorney Markham

Well, the same thing!

Philo Vance

Precisely, as if a disk had been pressed between the two pages. That brought to my mind the thought of a phonograph record. And, suddenly, the whole plot became clear to me. It was the only way that Spottswoode could have committed the murder, and have produced a voice in the apartment after the Canary's death.

District Attorney Markham

But, I can't understand how he could have reproduced the Canary's voice.

Philo Vance

It wasn't the Canary's voice, Markham. Spottswoode made that record himself. Probably it was his own voice, in falsetto. And, remember, it was only necessary to fool the houseboy, and through a closed door.

District Attorney Markham

Yes, I can see it all now.

Philo Vance

He played the game, shrewdly and boldly. It was Jimmie's whole life's happiness that was at stake, and Spottswoode risked his own life for his boy.

Alice LaFosse

Goodbye, Mr. Vance. You'll never know how grateful we are.

Philo Vance

Goodbye, my dear. I wish you great happiness.

Alice LaFosse

Oh, thank you.

Philo Vance

Goodbye, Jimmie. Your happiness will come.

Jimmie Spottswoode

Thank you, Mr. Vance. I...I can't say anymore...just now.

Sergeant Heath

Well, Mr. Vance.

Philo Vance

Well, Sergeant.

Sergeant Heath

I guess we put it over again.

Philo Vance

Right you are, Sergeant. Many thanks.

Sergeant Heath

Well, I'll be seeing you later. Goodbye.

Philo Vance

Goodbye, Sergeant.

The
End

A
Paramount
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