The Burning Court

The Columbia Network takes pleasure in bringing you... Suspense. Suspense. Stories from the world's great literature are pure excitement. A new series, frankly dedicated to your horror-fication and entertainment. Week by week, from the pick of new material, from the pages of best-selling novels, from the theatre of Broadway and London, The sound stages of Hollywood will parade the most remarkable figures ever know.

CBS gives you spend. Night's presentation is one of the finest of the contemporary stories of mystery and terror. John Dixon Carr's famous novel, The Burning Court. A glass of sharing by the fireside of a beautiful suburban home.

What could be more comforting? You're an admirable host, Mr. DePah, and it's really a shame our first meeting is under such a cloud. It's also a shame I have so little time to tell you which one of your guests here murdered your uncle last week.

Now, let's see now. I believe we're all here. Your wife, your friend Mr. Stevens, Captain Brennan. Yes, and incidentally yourself. Just who did you say you were? Well, no wonder you've had so much difficulty with the case, Captain.

My name is Cross, Gaudan Cross, the writer. As a matter of fact, it's because of my just completed book, poisoning throughout the ages that I happen to be here now. And Ted Stevens there happens to be a member of the firm which publishes my work.

I've never seen him until tonight, but I've been told what happened. This afternoon, he began reading my manuscript for the first time on the train. The commuters' trade, which every afternoon, deposits him safely and soundly here in Brisbane.

I imagine he was halfway home by the time he finished the first chapter. Then he turned a page. Attached to the following leaf was a picture. And looking at it, the young man stiffened suddenly, and all but cried out his shock.