A Case for Dr. Morelle - The Gambler

Dr. Morelle and Miss Frayle are walking along the Chelsea bank. Miss Frayle says "Oh, it's a lovely night, doctor. Even if there is a bit of a mist off the river". Morelle says "We'll walk a little way further, and then get a taxi". They soon hear a telephone ringing. Miss Frayle says "That ringing. Do you hear that doctor?" Morelle says "I do Miss Frayle". She says "It's the phone in this call box. Listen, doctor". Morelle says "People who don't possess a telephone sometimes arrange to receive a call in a public telephone box". Miss Frayle says "But there's nobody waiting". Morelle says "I had already observed that". Miss Frayle says "Perhaps someone's got onto the call box number by mistake". Morelle says "That may be an explanation". Miss Frayle says "Well, I wonder if we should answer it?" Morelle says "What concern should it be of ours?" Miss Frayle says "Well, none at all, I know, but it might be someone in need of help or something". Morelle says "You mean you cannot resist giving way to that feminine curiosity of yours?" Miss Frayle says "I'm going to answer it". Morelle says "I'll hold the door open for you". Miss Frayle asks "Do you want to hear what it's all about?" Morelle says "Nothing of the kind". Miss Frayle says "I believe your masculine curiosity is just as great as mine. Hello?" The voice on the line says "Is that Dr. Franklin's house? It's Mrs. Ludlow. Tell him to come quickly. Something terrible has happened. You must come at once. It's my husband". Miss Frayle says "Dr. Morelle, someone's phoning for a doctor". Morelle says "Well, let me speak to them. Hello, Mrs..." She says "Doctor, come quickly. It's Mrs. Ludlow. It's my husband". Morelle asks "Where are you?" She says "At home. Something dreadful has happened". Morelle asks "What's the address?" She says "32 Blake Street off Sloan Street. Oh, please hurry, please". Morelle says "I'll come straight away". Miss Frayle says "What an extraordinary thing, doctor". Morelle says "She must have dialed the wrong number in her agitation".