HEWITT: Thorne didn't kill the guy.the big boss himself did it! Madden!

SCENE 283
CHAN - CLOSEUP
Chan stares out of scene, suddenly tense at this astounding news. His eyes are narrow.

CHAN: Madden?!...Hewas there?! HEWITT'S VOICE: (Off scene) Sure. He was standin' there with a smokin'.45 in his hand, glarin' down at the guy on the floor.

SCENE 284
AT TWO - MEDIUM CLOSE

Thorne was way over on one side of the room. CHAN: (Quietly) Thank you so much.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

SCENE 285
STATION - TELEGRAPH WINDOW - NIGHT - MEDIUM CLOSE
Bob is at the window. The operator finishes counting words and writes number.

OPERATOR: Eighty-four cents.

Bob pays him. The operator verifies the address.

OPERATOR:(Reading) Alexander...is that Crawford? BOB: Yes.

The operator nods. Paula enters with a written telegraph form.

PAULA: Hello there. BOB: (A mock frown) Following me again?

Paula laughs and turns to operator.

PAULA: Will you send this right away?

She hands him the money with it.

BOB: Wiring good-night to Wilbur? PAULA: No. BOB: Do you think he'd mind if I drove you back to the hotel?

As he speaks they start to exit.

PAULA: (Laughing) Why it's only four doors down the street!

FAST PAN DISOLVE TO:

SCENE 286
STREET - AT CURB - MEDIUM CLOSE
The car stops. Bob shuts off the motor.

BOB: A swell ride.

Paula laughs. They get out.

SCENE 287
EXTERIOR HOTEL - MEDIUM CLOSE
They walk up onto the deserted hotel veranda. Off scene we hear the distant whistle of the approaching night train.

SCENE 288
VERANDA - AT DOOR - MEDIUM CLOSE
They come to a stop. Bob looks at Paula.

BOB: (Thoughtfully) You know, I may as well confess something. PAULA: What? BOB: (Shaking head) If you weren't engaged to Wilbur, I honestly think I'd find myself falling in love. PAULA: (Her eyes twinkling) That would be awful, wouldn't it? BOB: (Nodding...with feeling) Good old Wilbur...he's saved my freedom.(With sudden eagerness)Will you be at the ranch tomorrow with the movie company? PAULA: (A laughing nod) Yes...but I promise not to bother you. (Adding softly) Good-night...Bob.

She enters. The door closes. Bob stands looking at it. He turns out of scene.

SCENE 289
AT STEPS AND SIDEWALK - MEDIUM CLOSE
As Bob comes down the steps, he suddenly stops, staring toward the road in surprise.

SCENE 290
ROAD - BOB'S ANGLE - PAN SHOT
Gamble is driving past in his sedan. WE PAN WITH THE CAR. It stops beside the railroad station...about two hundred feet away. The train, off scene, is approaching.

SCENE 291
BOB - MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT
Bob watches in alert suspicion and moves slowly down the sidewalk in the shadows, watching off scene.

SCENE 292
STATION PLATFORM - MEDIUM SHOT
As the train pulls in, Gamble crosses from his car to the platform. Maydorf gets off the train. He is dressed much the same as in San Francisco. Gamble greets him.

SCENE 293
BOB - CLOSE SHOT
He shows startled surprise at the sight of Maydorf. His face gets grim and his eyes narrow as he watches.

SCENE 294
STATION PLATFORM - MEDIUM SHOT
A quaint little old Chinaman gets off, one car down, carrying a carpet bag, and walks across the platform. It is Louie Wong, dressed in an amusing, ill-fitting civilian suit. Gamble and Maydorf give a brief glance at him as they say a few words, then cross quickly to Gamble's car and get in.

SCENE 295
AT BOB AND STREET - MEDIUM SHOT
Bob watches the car start swiftly in the direction of the Madden ranch. Bob walks back to his car.

SCENE 296
AT CAR - MEDIUM CLOSE SHOT
As Bob climbs into the car, Louie Wong enters scene. He recognizes the car. His face lights eagerly and he hurries to it.

SCENE 297
AT CAR - CLOSE SHOT
Bob turns in surprise as he comes up to it. He speaks rapidly. His face beams with friendliness.