Perry Mason (1957) s01e12 Episode Script
The Case of the Negligent Nymph
[WOMAN SCREAMS.]
- Sally.
WOMAN: Yes? Bring in Mr.
Dorian.
Well? You are George Alder, of course? You said on the phone that you had something of importance to tell me.
Something concerning my late Aunt Agatha? I have, and it's a matter of some delicacy.
Mr.
Dorian, get to the point.
I found this note in a bottle washed ashore at Paradise Cove.
It refers to the death of your late Aunt Agatha in a most indelicate fashion.
Shall I read it? "Dated January 28th.
Aboard the yacht Sea Witch.
I, Agatha Alder, being in sound mind, believe that I am going to be murdered by my nephew George Alder.
" "He has found out that I am changing my will and am disinheriting him for the inhumane treatment of his unhappy wife, Karen.
He's hammering on my door.
The storm will drown out my cries.
If he pushes me through the porthole--" - This is an obvious forgery.
- Obviously.
Well, the thing isn't even signed.
Would you prefer me to take it to the police? Why didn't you? Well, I deplore malicious gossip, Mr.
Alder.
Besides, the police are not known for their liberality in such matters.
How much? Would $50 seem excessive? My philosophy is simple.
Live and let live.
Besides, it would be pointless to consume the bird that has been thoughtful enough to lay the golden eggs.
George.
George, we're out of supplies.
The cupboard is bare, and I'm thirsty.
How many times have I told you to keep to your end of the house, Karen? Can't a wife visit her husband? Sally.
Get her back to her room.
Sally, are you ashamed of me? Of course not, Karen.
That's a silly question.
Just get her out.
The great George Alder, philanthropist and benefactor of the human race.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, if they only knew.
- I told you to get back to your room.
- Leave her alone.
You heard what I said.
Get her out.
One day, George, I'll be sober.
Yup, intemperance is indeed a cruel master, but you may rely on my discretion, Mr.
Alder.
- Here's your money.
- Thank you.
Today's visit will not be repeated.
Oh, I'll remember.
[SPEAKS IN FRENCH.]
Sally.
That beachcomber, Dorian, brought me a most peculiar note.
He said he found it in a bottle washed ashore at Paradise Cove.
Here, read it yourself.
I always thought your Aunt Agatha's death was a little too convenient.
This is an obvious forgery.
Is it? Is that why you paid off Dorian's blackmail? What you've done to Karen confirms what I've always thought.
You're a-- I'm quitting today.
So you were eavesdropping.
You're on dangerous ground, Sally.
- What for, slander? - No, theft.
Of what, the stamp money? I've been checking through my aunt's bank statements and I've noticed that two days before she died, she drew out large sums of cash.
There's $10,000 missing from her personal effects.
Well, with you around that doesn't surprise me.
The police may have other ideas.
Would you like me to get them for you? Operator, get me the police.
Get back to your office.
PAUL: Next time I'm hungry for fish, Perry, I'm gonna stick to a grunion hunt.
MASON: You'll find these sea bass better eating, Paul.
PAUL: What great time of night to be getting in.
[GROWLS.]
[CAT SHRIEKING.]
Come on, boy.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
[DOG BARKING.]
Hey there, stop.
Stop! PAUL: Hey, that sounds like trouble.
MASON: It's over on the Alder estate.
Take a look, Paul.
Hey, that dog will tear her to pieces.
Cast off.
PAUL: Okay, Perry.
Thanks.
Better change clothes, you'll find something to wear in the locker.
What was all that trouble? SALLY: I quit my job today, and when I went back to collect some of my things, the guard chased me away.
Ah.
What's your name? SALLY: Sally Fenner, yours? - Mason.
Perry Mason.
I thought your face looked familiar.
Mr.
Mason, that story I told you was a lie.
I broke in that house and was going through George Alder's desk when the guard caught me.
I panicked and ran.
What were you after? "Dated January 28th, on board the yacht Sea Witch.
I, Agatha Alder--" Where did this note come from? SALLY: Some beachcomber called Arthur Dorian found it in a bottle at Paradise Cove, brought it to George Alder and was paid off.
Are you sure the note was all you got? What do you think I could conceal on this outfit? Never a dull moment.
You'd better go to the police.
I wanna see what George Alder is going to do when he finds out that note's missing.
- I think you're making a mistake.
- Maybe.
If I get into trouble I'll call you.
- Well, don't lose this.
- Don't worry.
I won't.
How are you going to get back to town? Well, I left my car down by Sanderson's jetty, away from the beach.
We'll run you over to Sanderson's before we come back and tie up for the night.
Why don't you change clothes, Paul? What's the trouble, officer? Oh, Mr.
Mason, we're setting up a roadblock.
There's been some trouble up on the Alder estate.
We're looking for a young lady, attractive, blond hair, 5'6", about 24.
With a description like that, I wouldn't mind meeting her myself.
What's she wanted for? Murder.
She killed her employer, George Alder.
Take this poker and the cash box to the crime lab for fingerprint checkout.
Mr.
Hess? I want you to go over again everything that happened.
I was making my rounds when I heard a noise from the house.
I entered the library and saw Sally Fenner break out - and run down the beach.
- And then? She was picked up in one of those sports cruisers.
Did you get a good look at that boat? Not too clearly, lieutenant, it was dark, but it sounded like the boat had outboard motors.
A sports cruiser? Forbes, contact the Coast Guard.
Start checking out all sports fishing cruisers docked in this area.
Okay, Paul, but keep trying.
I've got to speak to Sally Fenner before the police find her.
Right.
[INTERCOM BUZZES.]
Yes? Lieutenant Tragg wants to see you.
The start of a perfect week.
Send him in, Gertie.
What do you suppose he's after? Maybe just a fishing trip.
And if it is, he has pretty good bait.
Well, good morning, lieutenant.
Good morning, Perry.
Della.
Well, did you have an interesting weekend? Fair.
You know, I'd like to try my hand sometime at that deep-sea fishing.
They tell me it can be quite exciting.
Not a bad sport, if they're biting.
Anything interesting in the paper? Why don't you get to the point, Tragg? You know that Alder killing was a stupid, botched-up job.
A woman somehow got into his house, was going through his desk and his cash box.
Alder surprised her and she killed him.
But we know who it is.
Her name is Sally Fenner.
Sounds like just a routine case.
Yeah, most murders are.
- What was the motive? - Well, from George Alder's records, Sally Fenner apparently stole $10,000 while working for his aunt, Agatha Alder.
Last night's burglary was just a blind.
And? She escaped by swimming out to sea, was picked up by an accomplice in a sports cruiser.
One of those new fibreglass jobs with outboard motors.
Your description covers quite a few boats.
Yeah, I suppose.
But we'll narrow it down.
I hope the boat owner comes forward, though.
- Was this visit your idea, Tragg? - Yeah.
Perry, don't chance it.
You've got no defence.
[INTERCOM BUZZES.]
Yes? There's a Miss Sally Fenner to see Mr.
Mason.
Just a minute, Gertie.
The shipment just arrived, Mr.
Mason.
Have them put it in the law library, Della.
We'll uncrate it later.
I'll be right out.
Well? Anything else, lieutenant? You're sure you won't change your mind? You know me better than that, Tragg.
But anyway, thanks for trying.
It's going to be awfully dull without you around, Mason.
Lieutenant? All right, Della, coast is clear.
Where have you been since last night, Miss Fenner? - I was busy avoiding the police.
- And how did you? I drove up a side road in the canyon, spent the night in my car.
Della, get Paul Drake on the private line right away, will you? Come over here, young lady.
Why didn't you tell me George Alder was murdered? What? I didn't kill him, Mr.
Mason.
Believe me, I didn't.
Just a minute, Paul.
Call off our search, Paul.
We've landed our mermaid.
I'd like you to take your car to the back of the building as fast as you can.
Leave the keys in the glove compartment for Della.
Then meet me out in front in ten minutes.
Right.
Della, I want Sally out of the way for 48 hours.
- Better use my apartment.
- Isn't that taking a chance? I don't want the killer to realise we know the real motive.
- Which is? - George Alder's death could be a chain reaction from Aunt Agatha's murder.
The second killing to cover up the first.
George Alder did kill her.
It's in the note.
Did you ever try typing a letter in the middle of a storm without making a single mistake? - I never thought of that.
- Neither did the murderer.
Is this where the police found him? I think so.
Or it might have been over here.
You're not sure? My memory isn't very good these days.
And this doesn't help.
Why don't you ask the guard? I will.
Why did your husband need to have this house guarded, Mrs.
Alder? It made him feel important.
Besides, he wasn't the best-loved human on Earth.
You sound almost clinical.
Why not, Mr.
Mason? For the first time in 20 years, I'm free.
A simple word, but can you realise what it means? Feeling that way, why didn't you get a divorce? Divorce an Alder? Mr.
Mason, the wife of an Alder can commit the seven deadly sins so long as she commits them discreetly.
But she must never, ever get a divorce.
- Is that Agatha Alder? - Yes.
Do you think her death was accidental? I know it wasn't.
My husband killed her.
What could have been his reason? Money.
What else with an Alder? Money which in turn comes to you, now that he's dead.
You think like a lawyer, Mr.
Mason.
What good is the money? Can it bring back my youth? Mrs.
Alder, who was aboard the Sea Witch on that last trip? George, Sally Fenner, the captain and Nina.
- Nina? - Nina Santos.
She used to be a companion-maid to Aunt Agatha.
Where is she now? She works in a Mexican restaurant called Las Chalupas.
It's off Olvera Street.
How far were you from Aunt Agatha's cabin when she went overboard? About 30 miles.
You see, as usual, I'd disgraced myself.
So I was left ashore.
They were all ashamed of me.
Even I was ashamed of me.
Mr.
Mason, have the police found Sally Fenner yet? - No, not yet.
- She didn't do it.
She's my friend.
I know she didn't do it.
She'll need some money.
Here, take this.
I'll get more later.
No, thank you, at the moment, it's not needed.
But somebody must pay.
Somebody will, Mrs.
Alder.
[MUSIC PLAYS OVER SPEAKERS.]
Does Nina Santos work here? - Who wants her? - My name's Drake.
This is Perry Mason.
We're making enquiries about the late Agatha Alder.
Uh Just one moment, sir, please.
Thank you.
[SPEAKING IN SPANISH.]
Can I help you, señores? We'd like to ask a few questions, Miss Santos.
But of course.
Would you care to sit down? Thank you.
- A little refreshments perhaps? - Thank you.
Martita.
[SPEAKS IN SPANISH.]
Miss Santos, you knew the late Agatha Alder? Of course, for many years.
Could you tell us what happened on the night of her death? I shall never forget.
It was a nightmare.
The waves were like mountains, the wind was like the breath of Satan.
But for the good Madonna, we should have all died.
- And Agatha Alder? - A terrible, terrible accident.
I wept for days.
- Are you sure it was an accident? - What else? This letter.
So it was Señor Alder.
You mean, you suspected? Always.
Madame was too good a sailor to have such an accident.
Why didn't you go to the police? Who would believe me? [SPEAKS IN SPANISH.]
That chilli is pretty hot, Paul.
Don't worry about me, I'm no tourist.
I was weaned on this stuff.
- You all right? - Yes.
Listen, Paul.
I want you to check Nina Santos thoroughly.
Find out all you can about her.
When she was married, when she bought the Las Chalupas.
- She only works here.
- Does she? Listen, Paul, in a restaurant this size usually only two people handle the cash.
The owner or his wife.
- Miss Santos, just one more question.
- But of course.
On that last trip, did Agatha Alder have any large sums of cash? I was only her maid.
Do you think it possible that George Alder could have murdered his aunt? You have madam's letter.
Señor, it is a voice from the grave.
Thank you, Miss Santos.
You've been very helpful.
Good night.
I'll drop you at the office, Paul I've gotta get back to Della and Sally.
Well, come on.
Della, this waiting is driving me crazy.
How much longer do we have to stay here? There's not too much we can do.
We'll just have to wait till Perry gets here.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
About time.
Per-- - Miss Sally Fenner? - Yes? I'm Lieutenant Tragg from Homicide.
- I arrest you on suspicion of murder.
- Don't say anything.
Don't make a statement.
Save your advice for yourself, Miss Street.
At the moment, you're coming with us.
- What for? - For aiding a fugitive from justice.
Let's go.
MASON: What is the charge against Della, Mr.
Burger? BURGER: Perry, as district attorney, I have to regard aiding and abetting a fugitive from justice as a very serious offence.
Then I'm the offender.
As my secretary, she was acting under my specific instructions.
I suspected that much.
All right, in view of that admission I won't take action against her.
- She can go.
- Thank you.
Wait a minute.
With regards to your own unethical conduct, have you anything to say? Is protecting a client so unethical? You were harbouring a fugitive.
You made yourself an accessory after the fact to a murder.
May I quote from Canon of Legal Ethics the definition of a prosecutor's job? Quote, "The primary duty of a lawyer engaged in a public prosecution is not to convict, but to see that justice is done," unquote.
I thought you might have forgotten.
Perry, just be sure when we get to court that you prove you're serving the ends of justice and not obstructing them.
All right, Miss Miller, that'll be all, thank you.
[PHONE BUZZES.]
Yes? Oh, yes.
Bring him in.
Mr.
Burger, this is Arthur Dorian, who found the bottle with the note accusing Alder of murdering his aunt.
- Hello, Mr.
Dorian, sit down.
- Thank you.
Mr.
Dorian still has the original note.
I thought he gave that to George Alder.
That was a copy, sir.
I deplore idle gossip.
I felt it my duty to retain the original document.
Well, that was a commendable precaution.
I checked it through the crime lab, this is the machine that typed it.
- Who does this machine belong to? TRAGG: Sally Fenner.
We found it in her apartment.
Is this the weapon that was used to batter George Alder to death, Lieutenant Tragg? Yes, it is, Mr.
Burger.
Your Honour, I wanna enter this poker as State's Exhibit C.
Were there any signs of forcible entry? - Yes.
- Would you describe them to us? The French doors had been jimmied, thereby giving access to the library.
- Anything else? - Yes.
There were footprints in the flower bed outside of a woman's shoes.
Now, I ask you if this is the cast that was made of those footprints? It is.
- Are these the defendant's shoes? - They are.
We picked those up on the beach.
If it please the court, I want to enter this cast and these shoes as State's Exhibit D.
Now, then, did you check the handles of those French doors for fingerprints? I lifted several prints from the door handles and the immediate area.
Did you compare those prints with those found on the cash box - and on the murder weapon? - Identical.
- And whose were they? - The defendant's, Sally Fenner.
Thank you, lieutenant.
Your witness, Mr.
Mason.
Lieutenant Tragg, you, of course, are an expert in criminal deduction? Well, experienced, anyhow.
And you are aware that the defendant was secretary - to the late George Alder? - Yes.
A secretary whose duties gave her access to her employer's desk and anything else in the house? Yes.
Yet you're surprised to find that area covered with her fingerprints? Now, lieutenant, are you familiar with the personal property the defendant took with her to the Alder house on the night of the murder? Of course.
I found her purse and key ring in the Alder house.
Did that key ring include the front door key to the Alder residence? Yes.
And with that key in her possession, she still had to break in? Thank you, lieutenant.
That's all.
Your name is Nina Santos, you live at 22 Ederline Avenue and your occupation is that of waitress? You are correct, señor.
During January of this year, were you employed by the late Agatha Alder? I was.
And were you present on the yacht Sea Witch during a storm on or about January 28th, off the coast of Catalina Island? I was.
Would you tell us what happened during that storm? It was terrible, señor.
A nightmare.
The waves were like mountains and the wind was like a thousand-- Miss Santos, I mean, what happened to Agatha Alder? But I was telling you, she was drowned.
I heard a scream and she was gone.
Did your mistress carry a large sum of money with her during this last trip? But, of course, she was going to Mexico.
And she always carried large sums of money.
- Do you know how much? - Ten thousand dollars.
How do you happen to know this? I was with her at the bank just before we sailed.
Who was the first person to enter Agatha Alder's cabin after her disappearance? Her secretary, Miss Sally Fenner.
When you subsequently went through her personal belongings and effects, - was there any money there? - Nothing.
Thank you, Miss Santos.
Your witness, Mr.
Mason.
- You are a waitress, Miss Santos? - Yes.
What is the name of your restaurant, the one you work in as a waitress? - Las Chalupas.
- Who is your employer? Isidoro Martinez.
- You live at 22 Ederline Avenue? - Yes.
- And you are not married? - No.
Would it surprise you, Miss Santos, to learn that your employer, Mr.
Isidoro Martinez, also lives at 22 Ederline Avenue? Your Honour, I resent this attempt to humiliate and degrade the witness.
This is not a court of morals, Mr.
Mason.
I'm not impeaching her morals, Your Honour, only her testimony.
For the record, here is the marriage certificate of Nina Santos and Isidoro Martinez.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING.]
You may continue, Mr.
Mason.
Thank you, Your Honour.
Now, Mrs.
Martinez, who owns Las Chalupas restaurant? I don't know.
Perhaps this bill of sale will help your memory.
Isn't it true that within two weeks after Agatha Alder died you paid $10,000 cash as down payment for Las Chalupas restaurant? - Yes.
- And isn't it possible that Agatha Alder caught you stealing that $10,000, and you covered your theft by murder? It's a lie.
Señor, it's a lie.
Agatha Alder was my friend.
For 15 years, I serve her.
She was the sweetest, kindest woman I ever know.
I tell her, I marry Isidoro, and she gave me that money as a gift.
It is true when I said that, I lie because I am afraid they think I steal that money.
But kill señora, never.
As the saints are my witness.
I swear it.
Thank you, Mrs.
Martinez.
That's all.
If it please the court, regardless of what happened to that money, there remains the fact that Agatha Alder disappeared during that storm.
And since the defence has alleged that she was murdered, I would like at this time to call Dr.
Murray.
You may step down.
Call Dr.
Murray to the stand.
I do.
Doctor, in your capacity as medical examiner for the coroner's office, did you perform an autopsy on the body of the late Agatha Alder? - I did.
- And what were your findings? She was drowned in seawater.
Did you find any marks of violence or bruises on the body? - None.
- And would you say that the death was caused by an accident or a murder? - An accident.
- Thank you, sir.
Your witness.
Dr.
Murray, is there not the distinct possibility that had Agatha Alder been pushed through a cabin porthole, there still would not necessarily have been marks or bruises upon her body? That would be possible if she could have been pushed through the porthole.
Doctor, are you aware of the fact that the portholes on the Sea Witch were oversized? Yes, I am.
In fact, I was given the exact measurements by Mr.
Burger.
And? The diameter of the porthole is four inches smaller than the hips of the deceased Agatha Alder.
Thank you, Dr.
Murray.
You've been very helpful.
That's all.
You are Karen Alder, the decedent's widow? Yes.
You know the defendant, Sally Fenner? Yes.
What would you say was the attitude of the defendant - towards your husband? - We object, Your Honour, to hearsay evidence.
I'll rephrase the question, counsellor.
Did the defendant ever quarrel with your husband? Objection.
It's a leading question.
If it please the court, this is a hostile witness who has repeatedly avoided the subpoena.
Due to the circumstances, Mr.
Mason, your objection is overruled.
- Continue.
- Thank you, Your Honour.
Is it not true that Sally Fenner, in your presence, expressed anger and contempt for your husband? She had a reason.
What was the reason? She knew he murdered Aunt Agatha.
You mean the defendant accused her employer of murder? KAREN: Why not? We all knew it was true.
A beachcomber found a note in a bottle off Paradise Cove.
It was from Aunt Agatha, accusing George of her murder.
And that note was her proof? Yes.
Mrs.
Alder, when you were interviewed at my office, you said, and I quote, "I saw the killer escape," unquote.
Is that correct? Did I say that? Yes, you did.
We have a transcript of the meeting.
You also said, again I quote, "I was awakened by a noise downstairs.
I went to my bedroom window, I saw somebody ran out of the library and onto the beach," unquote.
Do you wanna deny that statement? Why should I deny it if I said it? Well, would you then refresh your memory and describe the woman you saw coming out of the library? It wasn't a woman, Mr.
Burger.
It was a man.
- What? KAREN: A tall, lean, dark man, dressed in jeans and a tropical shirt.
Mrs.
Alder, you're under oath.
You asked the question, Mr.
Burger.
I can only answer what I saw.
- You must have remarkable eyesight.
- I have.
And there was a full moon that night.
Mrs.
Alder, on the night of the murder, did Lieutenant Tragg show you the body of your husband? - He did.
- Well, why didn't you tell him then about this killer that you've described so perfectly for us? I didn't remember.
Your best friend, Sally Fenner, was wanted for murder, but you couldn't remember? After 20 years of marriage to George Alder, I drank to forget.
Most times, it was remarkably successful.
I suggest that there's nothing wrong with your memory or your eyesight.
What you suffer from is an extraordinary amount of imagination.
I also suggest that who you saw running out of that library was your friend, Sally Fenner.
And that your testimony here is an ingenious, but obvious perjury.
Your Honour, at this point I request permission of the court to defer any further examination of this witness so that I can secure information which will prove perjury on her part.
Very well, I'll allow that.
You may step down, Mrs.
Alder.
Proceed, Mr.
Burger.
Here's the checklist of the shots I want.
You better start with the beach.
Well, how soon do you want the prints? I can give you exactly two hours.
I better get moving.
What happened that day, Mr.
Dorian? That was the day I found the bottle in the surf of Paradise Cove.
Would you describe it to the court, please? It was just a whisky bottle.
Anyway, there wasn't anything in it except the note.
And what did you do after you read the note? I made a copy.
And you took the copy to Mr.
Alder.
- Yes.
- I see.
Will the court excuse me a moment? Your Honour, we are now ready to complete our direct examination of Mrs.
Alder.
Very well.
Please, step down.
Mrs.
Karen Alder to the stand, please.
Also, Your Honour, I'd like to request your indulgence while we demonstrate some evidence.
In your previous testimony you stated that you saw a man run from the library down to the beach.
Yes.
- Is that true? - Yes.
And where were you when you saw this occur? In my bedroom.
May I have the blinds drawn, please.
All right, lieutenant.
Mrs.
Alder, is that the front of your house? - Yes.
- Next slide, please.
That's the bedroom.
And is that your bedroom? - Yes.
- Next slide.
Now, is that the beach in front of your house? - Yes.
- The next slide, please.
And that, Mrs.
Alder, is the only view from your bedroom.
Raise the blinds, please.
Thank you, lieutenant.
MAN: Lights.
I submit, Mrs.
Alder, that you've committed deliberate and wilful perjury trying to save your friend, Sally Fenner.
That you did not and could not have seen the beach that night as you said you did because the view from your bedroom window is obstructed as we've just shown.
Your Honour, I move to impeach this witness - on the grounds of deliberate perjury.
- I concur fully, Mr.
Burger.
Does the defence wish to cross-examine this witness? We do, Your Honour.
Mrs.
Alder, the night of your husband's murder, did you see any signs of disorder or violence in the vicinity of the body? The desk was ransacked, and his papers were all over the floor.
Did it look like a burglary? I'll object to that, Your Honour.
Defence counsel is asking for a conclusion of the witness.
Objection sustained.
You told Mr.
Burger you believed your husband had murdered his aunt? Yes, Mr.
Mason.
And you mentioned a note in a liquor bottle? - I did.
- Did you see such a note? I saw the bottle delivered and the finder paid off.
Mr.
Arthur Dorian.
Would you please tell the court exactly how that happened? Well, I was out of supplies, and I was thirsty, so I went to the library for a replacement.
I heard my husband discussing this note with the beachcomber.
That's when you saw the note in the bottle? The bottle was on the desk, the note was inside it.
What happened next? My husband took out his cash box and paid the beachcomber.
Mrs.
Alder, do you wear eyeglasses? No, Mr.
Mason.
Can you read that notice by the court door there? KAREN: Yes, it says, "No smoking.
" MASON: Can you read further? KAREN: It's signed, John J.
Foster.
Fire Commissioner.
Thank you, Mrs.
Alder.
You do have remarkable eyesight.
Oh, uh Concerning the size and shape of that liquor bottle, can you be sure about that? Quite sure, Mr.
Mason.
It was a small, thin-necked, square type bottle.
- May I, Mr.
Burger? - Of course.
Like this, Mrs.
Alder? I think so.
Now, in your earlier testimony, you told the court that you suffered from lapses of memory.
Oh, my memory is quite clear on this, Mr.
Mason.
I saw a bottle like that on my husband's desk.
I remember it was chipped around the neck.
Like this? Why, that's the bottle.
- You're certain? - I'm positive.
That's the bottle Mr.
Dorian found.
You are right, Mrs.
Alder, this is the bottle that was found at Paradise Cove.
But Dorian testified he brought only a copy of the note to your husband.
And at no time did he ever bring the original note or this bottle to your home.
But I saw it.
Yes, Mrs.
Alder, you did see it.
You saw it when you were consuming its contents.
You saw it when you wrote that note accusing your husband of murder.
You saw it when you threw it into the ocean at Paradise Cove.
Didn't you, Mrs.
Alder? - Well, didn't you? - Yes.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING.]
I hated him, I wanted to see him dead.
At the expense of a friend? Your friend Sally Fenner? Oh, I didn't want Sally to be hurt, Mr.
Mason.
You must believe that.
I didn't want anything to happen to her.
You see, she was the only one who wasn't ashamed of me.
But George, he-- When I killed him I had that wonderful feeling of being free.
But it didn't last very long.
I wish I had a drink.
Oh, how I wish I had a drink.
Chilli relleno and tacos.
Enchiladas, tortillas and a side order of chilli verde.
Señor? Ham and eggs.
I can't understand why he doesn't like Mexican food.
Nor I.
Well, Mrs.
Martinez, you know you are a surprising woman.
In what way, Señor Mason? Well, here I try to brand you as a thief and a liar, and you repay us with hospitality and kindness.
Anyone can make a mistake.
Besides, señor, I'm a practical woman.
Ever since my name was in the papers, my business is much better.
Well, you have three steady clients from now on.
Thank you.
You know, it may be a minority opinion, but I feel sorry for Karen Alder, the lonely alcoholic.
She had to be drunk when she killed her husband.
No, I think she was sober.
And with a woman like Karen, that's far more deadly than drink.
What made you suspect her? When Dr.
Murray ruled out Agatha Alder's death as murder, that narrowed the suspects.
What about the beachcomber? A blackmailer rarely kills the golden goose, unless it stops laying.
[DRUMS ROLLING.]
[MUSIC PLAYS OVER SPEAKERS.]
- Sauce, señor? - Mm.
Please.
That is a real hot number.
- Sally.
WOMAN: Yes? Bring in Mr.
Dorian.
Well? You are George Alder, of course? You said on the phone that you had something of importance to tell me.
Something concerning my late Aunt Agatha? I have, and it's a matter of some delicacy.
Mr.
Dorian, get to the point.
I found this note in a bottle washed ashore at Paradise Cove.
It refers to the death of your late Aunt Agatha in a most indelicate fashion.
Shall I read it? "Dated January 28th.
Aboard the yacht Sea Witch.
I, Agatha Alder, being in sound mind, believe that I am going to be murdered by my nephew George Alder.
" "He has found out that I am changing my will and am disinheriting him for the inhumane treatment of his unhappy wife, Karen.
He's hammering on my door.
The storm will drown out my cries.
If he pushes me through the porthole--" - This is an obvious forgery.
- Obviously.
Well, the thing isn't even signed.
Would you prefer me to take it to the police? Why didn't you? Well, I deplore malicious gossip, Mr.
Alder.
Besides, the police are not known for their liberality in such matters.
How much? Would $50 seem excessive? My philosophy is simple.
Live and let live.
Besides, it would be pointless to consume the bird that has been thoughtful enough to lay the golden eggs.
George.
George, we're out of supplies.
The cupboard is bare, and I'm thirsty.
How many times have I told you to keep to your end of the house, Karen? Can't a wife visit her husband? Sally.
Get her back to her room.
Sally, are you ashamed of me? Of course not, Karen.
That's a silly question.
Just get her out.
The great George Alder, philanthropist and benefactor of the human race.
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, if they only knew.
- I told you to get back to your room.
- Leave her alone.
You heard what I said.
Get her out.
One day, George, I'll be sober.
Yup, intemperance is indeed a cruel master, but you may rely on my discretion, Mr.
Alder.
- Here's your money.
- Thank you.
Today's visit will not be repeated.
Oh, I'll remember.
[SPEAKS IN FRENCH.]
Sally.
That beachcomber, Dorian, brought me a most peculiar note.
He said he found it in a bottle washed ashore at Paradise Cove.
Here, read it yourself.
I always thought your Aunt Agatha's death was a little too convenient.
This is an obvious forgery.
Is it? Is that why you paid off Dorian's blackmail? What you've done to Karen confirms what I've always thought.
You're a-- I'm quitting today.
So you were eavesdropping.
You're on dangerous ground, Sally.
- What for, slander? - No, theft.
Of what, the stamp money? I've been checking through my aunt's bank statements and I've noticed that two days before she died, she drew out large sums of cash.
There's $10,000 missing from her personal effects.
Well, with you around that doesn't surprise me.
The police may have other ideas.
Would you like me to get them for you? Operator, get me the police.
Get back to your office.
PAUL: Next time I'm hungry for fish, Perry, I'm gonna stick to a grunion hunt.
MASON: You'll find these sea bass better eating, Paul.
PAUL: What great time of night to be getting in.
[GROWLS.]
[CAT SHRIEKING.]
Come on, boy.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING.]
[DOG BARKING.]
Hey there, stop.
Stop! PAUL: Hey, that sounds like trouble.
MASON: It's over on the Alder estate.
Take a look, Paul.
Hey, that dog will tear her to pieces.
Cast off.
PAUL: Okay, Perry.
Thanks.
Better change clothes, you'll find something to wear in the locker.
What was all that trouble? SALLY: I quit my job today, and when I went back to collect some of my things, the guard chased me away.
Ah.
What's your name? SALLY: Sally Fenner, yours? - Mason.
Perry Mason.
I thought your face looked familiar.
Mr.
Mason, that story I told you was a lie.
I broke in that house and was going through George Alder's desk when the guard caught me.
I panicked and ran.
What were you after? "Dated January 28th, on board the yacht Sea Witch.
I, Agatha Alder--" Where did this note come from? SALLY: Some beachcomber called Arthur Dorian found it in a bottle at Paradise Cove, brought it to George Alder and was paid off.
Are you sure the note was all you got? What do you think I could conceal on this outfit? Never a dull moment.
You'd better go to the police.
I wanna see what George Alder is going to do when he finds out that note's missing.
- I think you're making a mistake.
- Maybe.
If I get into trouble I'll call you.
- Well, don't lose this.
- Don't worry.
I won't.
How are you going to get back to town? Well, I left my car down by Sanderson's jetty, away from the beach.
We'll run you over to Sanderson's before we come back and tie up for the night.
Why don't you change clothes, Paul? What's the trouble, officer? Oh, Mr.
Mason, we're setting up a roadblock.
There's been some trouble up on the Alder estate.
We're looking for a young lady, attractive, blond hair, 5'6", about 24.
With a description like that, I wouldn't mind meeting her myself.
What's she wanted for? Murder.
She killed her employer, George Alder.
Take this poker and the cash box to the crime lab for fingerprint checkout.
Mr.
Hess? I want you to go over again everything that happened.
I was making my rounds when I heard a noise from the house.
I entered the library and saw Sally Fenner break out - and run down the beach.
- And then? She was picked up in one of those sports cruisers.
Did you get a good look at that boat? Not too clearly, lieutenant, it was dark, but it sounded like the boat had outboard motors.
A sports cruiser? Forbes, contact the Coast Guard.
Start checking out all sports fishing cruisers docked in this area.
Okay, Paul, but keep trying.
I've got to speak to Sally Fenner before the police find her.
Right.
[INTERCOM BUZZES.]
Yes? Lieutenant Tragg wants to see you.
The start of a perfect week.
Send him in, Gertie.
What do you suppose he's after? Maybe just a fishing trip.
And if it is, he has pretty good bait.
Well, good morning, lieutenant.
Good morning, Perry.
Della.
Well, did you have an interesting weekend? Fair.
You know, I'd like to try my hand sometime at that deep-sea fishing.
They tell me it can be quite exciting.
Not a bad sport, if they're biting.
Anything interesting in the paper? Why don't you get to the point, Tragg? You know that Alder killing was a stupid, botched-up job.
A woman somehow got into his house, was going through his desk and his cash box.
Alder surprised her and she killed him.
But we know who it is.
Her name is Sally Fenner.
Sounds like just a routine case.
Yeah, most murders are.
- What was the motive? - Well, from George Alder's records, Sally Fenner apparently stole $10,000 while working for his aunt, Agatha Alder.
Last night's burglary was just a blind.
And? She escaped by swimming out to sea, was picked up by an accomplice in a sports cruiser.
One of those new fibreglass jobs with outboard motors.
Your description covers quite a few boats.
Yeah, I suppose.
But we'll narrow it down.
I hope the boat owner comes forward, though.
- Was this visit your idea, Tragg? - Yeah.
Perry, don't chance it.
You've got no defence.
[INTERCOM BUZZES.]
Yes? There's a Miss Sally Fenner to see Mr.
Mason.
Just a minute, Gertie.
The shipment just arrived, Mr.
Mason.
Have them put it in the law library, Della.
We'll uncrate it later.
I'll be right out.
Well? Anything else, lieutenant? You're sure you won't change your mind? You know me better than that, Tragg.
But anyway, thanks for trying.
It's going to be awfully dull without you around, Mason.
Lieutenant? All right, Della, coast is clear.
Where have you been since last night, Miss Fenner? - I was busy avoiding the police.
- And how did you? I drove up a side road in the canyon, spent the night in my car.
Della, get Paul Drake on the private line right away, will you? Come over here, young lady.
Why didn't you tell me George Alder was murdered? What? I didn't kill him, Mr.
Mason.
Believe me, I didn't.
Just a minute, Paul.
Call off our search, Paul.
We've landed our mermaid.
I'd like you to take your car to the back of the building as fast as you can.
Leave the keys in the glove compartment for Della.
Then meet me out in front in ten minutes.
Right.
Della, I want Sally out of the way for 48 hours.
- Better use my apartment.
- Isn't that taking a chance? I don't want the killer to realise we know the real motive.
- Which is? - George Alder's death could be a chain reaction from Aunt Agatha's murder.
The second killing to cover up the first.
George Alder did kill her.
It's in the note.
Did you ever try typing a letter in the middle of a storm without making a single mistake? - I never thought of that.
- Neither did the murderer.
Is this where the police found him? I think so.
Or it might have been over here.
You're not sure? My memory isn't very good these days.
And this doesn't help.
Why don't you ask the guard? I will.
Why did your husband need to have this house guarded, Mrs.
Alder? It made him feel important.
Besides, he wasn't the best-loved human on Earth.
You sound almost clinical.
Why not, Mr.
Mason? For the first time in 20 years, I'm free.
A simple word, but can you realise what it means? Feeling that way, why didn't you get a divorce? Divorce an Alder? Mr.
Mason, the wife of an Alder can commit the seven deadly sins so long as she commits them discreetly.
But she must never, ever get a divorce.
- Is that Agatha Alder? - Yes.
Do you think her death was accidental? I know it wasn't.
My husband killed her.
What could have been his reason? Money.
What else with an Alder? Money which in turn comes to you, now that he's dead.
You think like a lawyer, Mr.
Mason.
What good is the money? Can it bring back my youth? Mrs.
Alder, who was aboard the Sea Witch on that last trip? George, Sally Fenner, the captain and Nina.
- Nina? - Nina Santos.
She used to be a companion-maid to Aunt Agatha.
Where is she now? She works in a Mexican restaurant called Las Chalupas.
It's off Olvera Street.
How far were you from Aunt Agatha's cabin when she went overboard? About 30 miles.
You see, as usual, I'd disgraced myself.
So I was left ashore.
They were all ashamed of me.
Even I was ashamed of me.
Mr.
Mason, have the police found Sally Fenner yet? - No, not yet.
- She didn't do it.
She's my friend.
I know she didn't do it.
She'll need some money.
Here, take this.
I'll get more later.
No, thank you, at the moment, it's not needed.
But somebody must pay.
Somebody will, Mrs.
Alder.
[MUSIC PLAYS OVER SPEAKERS.]
Does Nina Santos work here? - Who wants her? - My name's Drake.
This is Perry Mason.
We're making enquiries about the late Agatha Alder.
Uh Just one moment, sir, please.
Thank you.
[SPEAKING IN SPANISH.]
Can I help you, señores? We'd like to ask a few questions, Miss Santos.
But of course.
Would you care to sit down? Thank you.
- A little refreshments perhaps? - Thank you.
Martita.
[SPEAKS IN SPANISH.]
Miss Santos, you knew the late Agatha Alder? Of course, for many years.
Could you tell us what happened on the night of her death? I shall never forget.
It was a nightmare.
The waves were like mountains, the wind was like the breath of Satan.
But for the good Madonna, we should have all died.
- And Agatha Alder? - A terrible, terrible accident.
I wept for days.
- Are you sure it was an accident? - What else? This letter.
So it was Señor Alder.
You mean, you suspected? Always.
Madame was too good a sailor to have such an accident.
Why didn't you go to the police? Who would believe me? [SPEAKS IN SPANISH.]
That chilli is pretty hot, Paul.
Don't worry about me, I'm no tourist.
I was weaned on this stuff.
- You all right? - Yes.
Listen, Paul.
I want you to check Nina Santos thoroughly.
Find out all you can about her.
When she was married, when she bought the Las Chalupas.
- She only works here.
- Does she? Listen, Paul, in a restaurant this size usually only two people handle the cash.
The owner or his wife.
- Miss Santos, just one more question.
- But of course.
On that last trip, did Agatha Alder have any large sums of cash? I was only her maid.
Do you think it possible that George Alder could have murdered his aunt? You have madam's letter.
Señor, it is a voice from the grave.
Thank you, Miss Santos.
You've been very helpful.
Good night.
I'll drop you at the office, Paul I've gotta get back to Della and Sally.
Well, come on.
Della, this waiting is driving me crazy.
How much longer do we have to stay here? There's not too much we can do.
We'll just have to wait till Perry gets here.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
About time.
Per-- - Miss Sally Fenner? - Yes? I'm Lieutenant Tragg from Homicide.
- I arrest you on suspicion of murder.
- Don't say anything.
Don't make a statement.
Save your advice for yourself, Miss Street.
At the moment, you're coming with us.
- What for? - For aiding a fugitive from justice.
Let's go.
MASON: What is the charge against Della, Mr.
Burger? BURGER: Perry, as district attorney, I have to regard aiding and abetting a fugitive from justice as a very serious offence.
Then I'm the offender.
As my secretary, she was acting under my specific instructions.
I suspected that much.
All right, in view of that admission I won't take action against her.
- She can go.
- Thank you.
Wait a minute.
With regards to your own unethical conduct, have you anything to say? Is protecting a client so unethical? You were harbouring a fugitive.
You made yourself an accessory after the fact to a murder.
May I quote from Canon of Legal Ethics the definition of a prosecutor's job? Quote, "The primary duty of a lawyer engaged in a public prosecution is not to convict, but to see that justice is done," unquote.
I thought you might have forgotten.
Perry, just be sure when we get to court that you prove you're serving the ends of justice and not obstructing them.
All right, Miss Miller, that'll be all, thank you.
[PHONE BUZZES.]
Yes? Oh, yes.
Bring him in.
Mr.
Burger, this is Arthur Dorian, who found the bottle with the note accusing Alder of murdering his aunt.
- Hello, Mr.
Dorian, sit down.
- Thank you.
Mr.
Dorian still has the original note.
I thought he gave that to George Alder.
That was a copy, sir.
I deplore idle gossip.
I felt it my duty to retain the original document.
Well, that was a commendable precaution.
I checked it through the crime lab, this is the machine that typed it.
- Who does this machine belong to? TRAGG: Sally Fenner.
We found it in her apartment.
Is this the weapon that was used to batter George Alder to death, Lieutenant Tragg? Yes, it is, Mr.
Burger.
Your Honour, I wanna enter this poker as State's Exhibit C.
Were there any signs of forcible entry? - Yes.
- Would you describe them to us? The French doors had been jimmied, thereby giving access to the library.
- Anything else? - Yes.
There were footprints in the flower bed outside of a woman's shoes.
Now, I ask you if this is the cast that was made of those footprints? It is.
- Are these the defendant's shoes? - They are.
We picked those up on the beach.
If it please the court, I want to enter this cast and these shoes as State's Exhibit D.
Now, then, did you check the handles of those French doors for fingerprints? I lifted several prints from the door handles and the immediate area.
Did you compare those prints with those found on the cash box - and on the murder weapon? - Identical.
- And whose were they? - The defendant's, Sally Fenner.
Thank you, lieutenant.
Your witness, Mr.
Mason.
Lieutenant Tragg, you, of course, are an expert in criminal deduction? Well, experienced, anyhow.
And you are aware that the defendant was secretary - to the late George Alder? - Yes.
A secretary whose duties gave her access to her employer's desk and anything else in the house? Yes.
Yet you're surprised to find that area covered with her fingerprints? Now, lieutenant, are you familiar with the personal property the defendant took with her to the Alder house on the night of the murder? Of course.
I found her purse and key ring in the Alder house.
Did that key ring include the front door key to the Alder residence? Yes.
And with that key in her possession, she still had to break in? Thank you, lieutenant.
That's all.
Your name is Nina Santos, you live at 22 Ederline Avenue and your occupation is that of waitress? You are correct, señor.
During January of this year, were you employed by the late Agatha Alder? I was.
And were you present on the yacht Sea Witch during a storm on or about January 28th, off the coast of Catalina Island? I was.
Would you tell us what happened during that storm? It was terrible, señor.
A nightmare.
The waves were like mountains and the wind was like a thousand-- Miss Santos, I mean, what happened to Agatha Alder? But I was telling you, she was drowned.
I heard a scream and she was gone.
Did your mistress carry a large sum of money with her during this last trip? But, of course, she was going to Mexico.
And she always carried large sums of money.
- Do you know how much? - Ten thousand dollars.
How do you happen to know this? I was with her at the bank just before we sailed.
Who was the first person to enter Agatha Alder's cabin after her disappearance? Her secretary, Miss Sally Fenner.
When you subsequently went through her personal belongings and effects, - was there any money there? - Nothing.
Thank you, Miss Santos.
Your witness, Mr.
Mason.
- You are a waitress, Miss Santos? - Yes.
What is the name of your restaurant, the one you work in as a waitress? - Las Chalupas.
- Who is your employer? Isidoro Martinez.
- You live at 22 Ederline Avenue? - Yes.
- And you are not married? - No.
Would it surprise you, Miss Santos, to learn that your employer, Mr.
Isidoro Martinez, also lives at 22 Ederline Avenue? Your Honour, I resent this attempt to humiliate and degrade the witness.
This is not a court of morals, Mr.
Mason.
I'm not impeaching her morals, Your Honour, only her testimony.
For the record, here is the marriage certificate of Nina Santos and Isidoro Martinez.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING.]
You may continue, Mr.
Mason.
Thank you, Your Honour.
Now, Mrs.
Martinez, who owns Las Chalupas restaurant? I don't know.
Perhaps this bill of sale will help your memory.
Isn't it true that within two weeks after Agatha Alder died you paid $10,000 cash as down payment for Las Chalupas restaurant? - Yes.
- And isn't it possible that Agatha Alder caught you stealing that $10,000, and you covered your theft by murder? It's a lie.
Señor, it's a lie.
Agatha Alder was my friend.
For 15 years, I serve her.
She was the sweetest, kindest woman I ever know.
I tell her, I marry Isidoro, and she gave me that money as a gift.
It is true when I said that, I lie because I am afraid they think I steal that money.
But kill señora, never.
As the saints are my witness.
I swear it.
Thank you, Mrs.
Martinez.
That's all.
If it please the court, regardless of what happened to that money, there remains the fact that Agatha Alder disappeared during that storm.
And since the defence has alleged that she was murdered, I would like at this time to call Dr.
Murray.
You may step down.
Call Dr.
Murray to the stand.
I do.
Doctor, in your capacity as medical examiner for the coroner's office, did you perform an autopsy on the body of the late Agatha Alder? - I did.
- And what were your findings? She was drowned in seawater.
Did you find any marks of violence or bruises on the body? - None.
- And would you say that the death was caused by an accident or a murder? - An accident.
- Thank you, sir.
Your witness.
Dr.
Murray, is there not the distinct possibility that had Agatha Alder been pushed through a cabin porthole, there still would not necessarily have been marks or bruises upon her body? That would be possible if she could have been pushed through the porthole.
Doctor, are you aware of the fact that the portholes on the Sea Witch were oversized? Yes, I am.
In fact, I was given the exact measurements by Mr.
Burger.
And? The diameter of the porthole is four inches smaller than the hips of the deceased Agatha Alder.
Thank you, Dr.
Murray.
You've been very helpful.
That's all.
You are Karen Alder, the decedent's widow? Yes.
You know the defendant, Sally Fenner? Yes.
What would you say was the attitude of the defendant - towards your husband? - We object, Your Honour, to hearsay evidence.
I'll rephrase the question, counsellor.
Did the defendant ever quarrel with your husband? Objection.
It's a leading question.
If it please the court, this is a hostile witness who has repeatedly avoided the subpoena.
Due to the circumstances, Mr.
Mason, your objection is overruled.
- Continue.
- Thank you, Your Honour.
Is it not true that Sally Fenner, in your presence, expressed anger and contempt for your husband? She had a reason.
What was the reason? She knew he murdered Aunt Agatha.
You mean the defendant accused her employer of murder? KAREN: Why not? We all knew it was true.
A beachcomber found a note in a bottle off Paradise Cove.
It was from Aunt Agatha, accusing George of her murder.
And that note was her proof? Yes.
Mrs.
Alder, when you were interviewed at my office, you said, and I quote, "I saw the killer escape," unquote.
Is that correct? Did I say that? Yes, you did.
We have a transcript of the meeting.
You also said, again I quote, "I was awakened by a noise downstairs.
I went to my bedroom window, I saw somebody ran out of the library and onto the beach," unquote.
Do you wanna deny that statement? Why should I deny it if I said it? Well, would you then refresh your memory and describe the woman you saw coming out of the library? It wasn't a woman, Mr.
Burger.
It was a man.
- What? KAREN: A tall, lean, dark man, dressed in jeans and a tropical shirt.
Mrs.
Alder, you're under oath.
You asked the question, Mr.
Burger.
I can only answer what I saw.
- You must have remarkable eyesight.
- I have.
And there was a full moon that night.
Mrs.
Alder, on the night of the murder, did Lieutenant Tragg show you the body of your husband? - He did.
- Well, why didn't you tell him then about this killer that you've described so perfectly for us? I didn't remember.
Your best friend, Sally Fenner, was wanted for murder, but you couldn't remember? After 20 years of marriage to George Alder, I drank to forget.
Most times, it was remarkably successful.
I suggest that there's nothing wrong with your memory or your eyesight.
What you suffer from is an extraordinary amount of imagination.
I also suggest that who you saw running out of that library was your friend, Sally Fenner.
And that your testimony here is an ingenious, but obvious perjury.
Your Honour, at this point I request permission of the court to defer any further examination of this witness so that I can secure information which will prove perjury on her part.
Very well, I'll allow that.
You may step down, Mrs.
Alder.
Proceed, Mr.
Burger.
Here's the checklist of the shots I want.
You better start with the beach.
Well, how soon do you want the prints? I can give you exactly two hours.
I better get moving.
What happened that day, Mr.
Dorian? That was the day I found the bottle in the surf of Paradise Cove.
Would you describe it to the court, please? It was just a whisky bottle.
Anyway, there wasn't anything in it except the note.
And what did you do after you read the note? I made a copy.
And you took the copy to Mr.
Alder.
- Yes.
- I see.
Will the court excuse me a moment? Your Honour, we are now ready to complete our direct examination of Mrs.
Alder.
Very well.
Please, step down.
Mrs.
Karen Alder to the stand, please.
Also, Your Honour, I'd like to request your indulgence while we demonstrate some evidence.
In your previous testimony you stated that you saw a man run from the library down to the beach.
Yes.
- Is that true? - Yes.
And where were you when you saw this occur? In my bedroom.
May I have the blinds drawn, please.
All right, lieutenant.
Mrs.
Alder, is that the front of your house? - Yes.
- Next slide, please.
That's the bedroom.
And is that your bedroom? - Yes.
- Next slide.
Now, is that the beach in front of your house? - Yes.
- The next slide, please.
And that, Mrs.
Alder, is the only view from your bedroom.
Raise the blinds, please.
Thank you, lieutenant.
MAN: Lights.
I submit, Mrs.
Alder, that you've committed deliberate and wilful perjury trying to save your friend, Sally Fenner.
That you did not and could not have seen the beach that night as you said you did because the view from your bedroom window is obstructed as we've just shown.
Your Honour, I move to impeach this witness - on the grounds of deliberate perjury.
- I concur fully, Mr.
Burger.
Does the defence wish to cross-examine this witness? We do, Your Honour.
Mrs.
Alder, the night of your husband's murder, did you see any signs of disorder or violence in the vicinity of the body? The desk was ransacked, and his papers were all over the floor.
Did it look like a burglary? I'll object to that, Your Honour.
Defence counsel is asking for a conclusion of the witness.
Objection sustained.
You told Mr.
Burger you believed your husband had murdered his aunt? Yes, Mr.
Mason.
And you mentioned a note in a liquor bottle? - I did.
- Did you see such a note? I saw the bottle delivered and the finder paid off.
Mr.
Arthur Dorian.
Would you please tell the court exactly how that happened? Well, I was out of supplies, and I was thirsty, so I went to the library for a replacement.
I heard my husband discussing this note with the beachcomber.
That's when you saw the note in the bottle? The bottle was on the desk, the note was inside it.
What happened next? My husband took out his cash box and paid the beachcomber.
Mrs.
Alder, do you wear eyeglasses? No, Mr.
Mason.
Can you read that notice by the court door there? KAREN: Yes, it says, "No smoking.
" MASON: Can you read further? KAREN: It's signed, John J.
Foster.
Fire Commissioner.
Thank you, Mrs.
Alder.
You do have remarkable eyesight.
Oh, uh Concerning the size and shape of that liquor bottle, can you be sure about that? Quite sure, Mr.
Mason.
It was a small, thin-necked, square type bottle.
- May I, Mr.
Burger? - Of course.
Like this, Mrs.
Alder? I think so.
Now, in your earlier testimony, you told the court that you suffered from lapses of memory.
Oh, my memory is quite clear on this, Mr.
Mason.
I saw a bottle like that on my husband's desk.
I remember it was chipped around the neck.
Like this? Why, that's the bottle.
- You're certain? - I'm positive.
That's the bottle Mr.
Dorian found.
You are right, Mrs.
Alder, this is the bottle that was found at Paradise Cove.
But Dorian testified he brought only a copy of the note to your husband.
And at no time did he ever bring the original note or this bottle to your home.
But I saw it.
Yes, Mrs.
Alder, you did see it.
You saw it when you were consuming its contents.
You saw it when you wrote that note accusing your husband of murder.
You saw it when you threw it into the ocean at Paradise Cove.
Didn't you, Mrs.
Alder? - Well, didn't you? - Yes.
[PEOPLE CHATTERING.]
I hated him, I wanted to see him dead.
At the expense of a friend? Your friend Sally Fenner? Oh, I didn't want Sally to be hurt, Mr.
Mason.
You must believe that.
I didn't want anything to happen to her.
You see, she was the only one who wasn't ashamed of me.
But George, he-- When I killed him I had that wonderful feeling of being free.
But it didn't last very long.
I wish I had a drink.
Oh, how I wish I had a drink.
Chilli relleno and tacos.
Enchiladas, tortillas and a side order of chilli verde.
Señor? Ham and eggs.
I can't understand why he doesn't like Mexican food.
Nor I.
Well, Mrs.
Martinez, you know you are a surprising woman.
In what way, Señor Mason? Well, here I try to brand you as a thief and a liar, and you repay us with hospitality and kindness.
Anyone can make a mistake.
Besides, señor, I'm a practical woman.
Ever since my name was in the papers, my business is much better.
Well, you have three steady clients from now on.
Thank you.
You know, it may be a minority opinion, but I feel sorry for Karen Alder, the lonely alcoholic.
She had to be drunk when she killed her husband.
No, I think she was sober.
And with a woman like Karen, that's far more deadly than drink.
What made you suspect her? When Dr.
Murray ruled out Agatha Alder's death as murder, that narrowed the suspects.
What about the beachcomber? A blackmailer rarely kills the golden goose, unless it stops laying.
[DRUMS ROLLING.]
[MUSIC PLAYS OVER SPEAKERS.]
- Sauce, señor? - Mm.
Please.
That is a real hot number.