A Little Matter of Memory

Originally Aired: September 30, 1954 In Suspense #565, "A Little Matter of Memory," Edward Mansell and his wife Joan are recuperating in an isolated cottage on the English moors when they discover two disturbing notes. One is an obscenely worded death threat from escaped lunatic Barrington Howard, who has already murdered five people after sending similar warnings. The other is from George Beale, a curate offering protection through the dangerous night. As Edward and Joan attempt to flee toward the village of Buckworth, they encounter a helpful constable who persuades them to return to their cottage. He shares crucial information about Howard: the former actor and acrobat has one peculiar trait that led to his original capture—a compulsive total recall about Germany that he cannot help but display when the topic arises. Back at the cottage, Edward and Joan barricade themselves inside and wait nervously in the dim lamplight. With both the homicidal Howard and the protective curate expected to arrive, the couple faces a terrifying question: when someone finally knocks on their door, will they be able to tell the rescuer from the killer?