The Oblong Box Page #5

in Africa?

No.

A long time ago, when you first met me,

you said you loved the land out there.

But not any more, Elizabeth.

I never want to go back there again.

- Why?

- Lve seen too much...

...of what Africa can mean...

...and what we have come to mean

to Africa.

In fact, I...

Yes?

Lve been thinking of abandoning

everything out there before its too late.

What would that mean?

Well, it would mean that wed still be

Sir Julian and Lady Elizabeth...

...but there wouldnt be anything

to go with the title.

I see.

For years now, this family has been

nothing but an empty facade.

- And yet, still youd abandon Africa?

- More than ever.

Thats the only way we can find peace.

Youll make a splendid host, Doctor.

And I feel very much at home here.

- Lm obliged to you.

- And lm obliged to you, Doctor.

Particularly as youre going to

give me shelter.

Are you suggesting that I should

hide you here in this house?

Why should I?

Your body snatchers seem to have

thrown you on the murder trail last night.

Would you like anyone to know about that?

Anyway, the penalty for grave robbing

is the noose, isnt it?

And happily or not,

my bodys alive enough to tell the tale.

Just who are you?

- Dont you know whose grave they robbed?

- I do not.

Empty graves eventually tell their story.

Youre mistaken.

They show no signs of having been opened.

So, youre the only one

who knows of my resurrection.

I couldnt have wished for better.

Lm in your good care now, Doctor.

Indeed. And for how long?

As long as need be.

I must stay hidden.

Youre going to keep me healthy as well...

...until lve paid back

some very urgent debts.

Duke!

What have you found, Duke?

Come on, Duke!

The servants have returned.

Now that youve safely taken charge

of your remarkable cadaver...

What shall I say to them about you?

Tell them...

...lm a relative, badly burned abroad...

...who prefers not to frighten people

with his scars.

Yes, I suppose thats reasonable.

- You really are a very fortunate man.

- Why do you say that?

Youre looking at someone who must be

quite unique, even in your experience.

A man turned inside out through sorcery...

...by a handful of powders

and obscure drugs.

My minds been unhinged,

my face destroyed.

Lve been killed and then brought

miraculously back to life.

I am a very remarkable creature, Doctor.

And you are only concerned

with what the servants will think.

- One has to observe the conventions.

- Be done with it, and get out!

Lock me in here if you wish,

and dont worry about the servants.

Lll only do my prowling by night.

Poor fellow. I wonder who he was?

Well find out.

This is Master Julian Kemp, Doctor.

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