Alias Nick Beal Page #8

vanity, ambition,

I made certain alliances

with various groups of corrupt figures.

Alliances which I realize now

will prevent me

from serving my state properly.

Needless to say, I am ashamed of myself.

So ashamed that I am taking

the only action possible.

I resign the governorship

in favor of an honest man,

a man who was once my friend,

Lieutenant Governor Paul Norton.

Congratulations, Foster.

Impressive speech, fine gesture.

Virtue triumphant.

I'm surprised to see you

take it so well.

Why shouldn't I?

Your plans didn't quite work out.

Just the opposite.

They worked out exactly as scheduled.

Except that you lost a governor.

They're a dime a dozen.

But you won't get Norton.

No, I won't get Norton.

Or the state seal either.

We'll talk about that later.

Yes we will. Soon.

Martha?

Martha.

Hello.

Remember the forfeit clause

in our contract, Foster?

Well, tonight's collection night.

China Coast at eleven o'clock.

Got it?

I advise you to be there, my friend.

And don't let the fog throw you.

It won't bother us.

Not where we're going.

Almas Perdidas.

The Island of Almas Perdidas.

There's no such place listed

in the atlas

or on this globe.

That's the way the contract reads.

But if the island doesn't exist

I'm sure the contract isn't valid.

Tom,

the things I signed in good faith,

I gave my word in effect.

The last six months I've been

acting selfishly and in bad faith.

I'm through doing that.

I'm through going against my conscience.

Your conscience tells you

to go with Beal?

Why don't you talk to Martha?

She's gone away somewhere.

Besides if this is

what you're hinting at,

if there's something

strange about it, I don't want

to involve her.

Then you admit the possibility.

I don't know.

Do you know Spanish?

No.

I wondered if you knew

what the translation of

the Island of Almas Perdidas was.

The Island of Lost Souls.

Strange, isn't it?

But that can't be.

- I know.

As you once said, it's the wrong century

for superstition.

For werewolves, vampires and devils.

For even enchantments and black magic.

But Joseph, I do know this

spiritual problems exist today

just as they did in earlier centuries.

The battle between good and evil

still goes on.

We all fight it.

Every day of our lives.

When you found the courage

to renounce the governorship

you expiated your sins.

You confessed.

You washed yourself clean.

That was your battle.

And it was with yourself not with Beal.

He can't make you

go anywhere or do anything

if you're no longer willing.

Don't you realize, Joseph

you've already won.

Forget Beal.

Go to Martha who remembers you

as you were.

As you still are.

She still loves you.

The two of you can make

a fresh start together.

She's at my house.

Thanks, Tom.

Taxi.

Hello, Mr. Foster.

- Hello, Larry.

838 Kerserage Place.

Dr. Garfield's house?

Yes.

Are you sure that's where you want

to go, Governor?

Hello, Larry.

The printer said to tell you he was

sorry he was late with these.

That's alright.

Say, Dr. Garfield?

That Mr. Beal.

What about him?

I never knew he was a taxi driver.

He isn't.

I just saw him in a cab

driving off with Mr. Foster.

Leaving, Foster?

Yes, I'm leaving. I'll see you

at home tomorrow, Beal.

Think you'll get there?

Of course.

He was crossing against the light.

Is he badly hurt?

I'll call an ambulance.

That won't be necessary.

I'll take care of him.

He has to catch a boat.

We've got to find him.

How?

That place that he first met Beal.

Joseph said it was his headquarters.

Do you remember the name?

No.

Try.

Perhaps Larry would remember.

If he's still outside.

Here we are, my friend.

Yes, brethren, every word is true.

I've walked in the darkness.

Glory be.

I've wrestled the devil and thrown him.

I've pinned his shoulders to the mat.

Yes, I've pinned his shoulders

to the mat.

I wonder if he knows

it's two falls out of three.

Not quite time yet.

We'll have a drink.

A glass for my friend.

Can't get through.

We've got to.

A man's life may depend on it.

I got my orders, mister.

Everyone takes the detour.

Just follow the signs.

As for your job, you'll never miss it.

We've important plans for you.

Wonderful work. Travel everywhere.

Good evening, Mr. Beal.

Good evening, Cuthbert.

Good evening, Mr. Beal.

Hello, Foster.

Yes, you'll be a valuable addition.

Good front, inspire confidence

and people will trust you.

Shall we move along?

The last time I was here

was quite exciting.

The city was on fire.

Picked up quite a lot of

recruits that night.

Made quite a transportation problem.

Joseph!

What are you doing, darling?

Fulfilling an agreement, Mrs. Foster.

No, he's coming home.

I'm afraid you're wrong.

He's given his word on paper.

Right, Foster?

That's right.

Joseph.

I doubt if he put his name

to anything, Mr. Beal.

No?

Take a look.

Good, clear signature.

You'll find everything else

in order too.

It should be. My company has negotiated

quite a number of these.

Your company?

A trading company, Reverend.

With representatives

in all parts of the world

Now if you'll just return it,

we'll be on our way.

It seems to be alright.

Sorry.

Pick it up.

Wait a minute, Tom.

Suppose you pick it up, Mr. Beal.

It's right at your feet.

You've jockeyed me into sort of

a morality play, haven't you?

Only we've a pier instead of

the knave of a cathedral.

But the props are the same.

It's always been bell and candle

or that worn out book of yours.

It always will be.

I'm ready, Beal

If you are.

- No.

You saved yourself

just in time, didn't you?

There will be others who won't.

A lot of others.

And I'll tell you why.

In everyone,

there's a seed of destruction

a fatal weakness.

You know that now, Foster.

You're lucky.

You're luckier than I was when I fell.

But that was a long time ago.

He's gone.

But where?

I wouldn't ask.

You've won.

That's the important thing.

Forget him.

Go home.

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