Another five minute mystery.
Inspector Craig, I just decided that working for the police department is very ratifying,
especially even more so when it gets us free passes to the psychos.
The word is gratifying, nimble brain.
To ratify means to put your stamp of approval on something.
So that's what I said. With me it's very much okay.
When I was a kid I was always crazy to join the psychos.
You know Pepper, sometimes I wonder...
Yeah?
Oh, never mind.
Inspector Craig, I've been looking everywhere for you.
Oh, hello Denny.
Pepper and I want to thank you for the passes.
I think the big show is better than ever this year.
I'm afraid I'm not going to be much of a host, Inspector.
It seems the snake charmer has been found dead and...
Murder?
It looks like suicide.
I'd like you to run over with me and give it a routine check.
Sorry to bust in on your fun this way.
Looks like suicide to me, all right, Inspector.
An open and shut case as far as I'm concerned.
It's so hard to believe. Dorothy.
You own part interest in the circus, don't you, Brian?
That's right, Inspector. Nat, Brian and I are partners.
Nat, I can't tell you how sorry I am.
Thanks.
How long were you and Mrs. Brian married?
Not long. I can't believe she'd do a thing like this.
She was the snake charmer, right?
Yes.
Suppose you tell us how it happened, Brian, so we can get the facts straight.
Well, lately Dorothy and I...
Well, that is, there have been disagreements.
Quarrels.
There was some talk about a trapeze artist, is that it?
Yes. Dorothy was insanely jealous and thought I was interested in a little tightrope walker.
Were you?
No. There never was anyone else for me but Dorothy.
And now...
All right, go on.
I came here late this afternoon to get her to listen to reason.
She refused to be reasonable.
There was quite a scene and finally she got up and ran into the dressing room.
Yes, yes, I see. These tents are divided into little rooms.
It's very clever.
You were out here, is that it?
Yes.
And she went into what could be called the other room.
All right, go on.
I had no idea what she intended to do, otherwise I...
I just can't seem to realize.
We understand.
Of course we do, Matt. Go on.
Well, that's all there is. She shot herself.
And I was sitting here all the time.
After a while I got up and left.
I was seen coming from this direction by several people.
That's why I came and told you this.
I didn't want the police to think I was hiding anything.
You did the right thing, of course.
This tent has set apart some distance from the others, isn't it?
Yes, no one wanted to be near the snake charmer's tent in case any of them got loose.
That accounts for no one hearing the shot.
There's one thing I don't get.
How is it you didn't hear the sound of a gun going off?
I told you it was late afternoon, feeding time for the animals.
Dorothy's tent is next to the giraffes.
They were making such a racket hollering for their food, I couldn't hear.
Inspector, if I may make so bold as to make a remark here,
this guy is to put it bluntly an awful liar.
Why, how dare you?
Are you sure?
Plain as the nose on my face.
Well, that's plain enough for me. Hold still, Brian. Don't make a move.
In a moment, Pepper will reveal the clue that led him to believe it was murder, not suicide.
But first...
Now, back to our story.
You better explain, Pepper. How do you know he's lying?
Because giraffes is like turtles. They don't make noises. Brother, is he dumb?
Good work, Pepper. OK, Brian, you're under arrest.
You're under arrest.