- [first lines]
- Narrator: A missing person may be tracked down because his personal history and habits are known. But when he has no predictable habits, the problem is difficult, and becomes dangerous when those unpredictable habits are mixed with uncontrollable homicidal tendencies. Haldor Mattern, an ordinary-appearing man with extraordinarily strong hands, was such a person.
- [Mattern is shown walking in a wooded area. He backs into a one-inch-thick tree branch and is visibly upset. In a show of strength, he snaps the branch]
- Narrator: The search for missing persons is a police function which the Highway Patrol is uniquely equipped to perform, by reason of its mobility and widespread jurisdiction.
- [last lines]
- [Dan Mathews approaches from behind the parked car with Haldor Mattern in the driver's seat and Eileen Haley in the passenger's seat. The driver's window is open. Mattern is slowly strangling Haley with his right hand around the back of her neck. Mathews steps on some leaves and twigs, and Mattern turns his head toward the sound]
- Dan Mathews: Oh hello there.
- Haldor Mattern: Hello.
- Dan Mathews: Wait a minute. Your face is very familiar.
- Haldor Mattern: Well, it's possible. I... I'm not unknown. Do you ever go to concerts?
- Dan Mathews: Violin recitals?
- Haldor Mattern: Yes. Carnegie Hall?
- Dan Mathews: The violin virtuoso. You couldn't be.
- [Mathews opens the car door and extends his hand. Mattern removes his hand from Eileen Haley's neck, exits the vehicle, and shakes hands with Mathews]
- Dan Mathews: Believe me, sir, this is an honor.
- Haldor Mattern: Oh, you do remember my last concert at Carnegie Hall?
- Dan Mathews: I'll never forget it.
- Haldor Mattern: Then would you do me a favor? - a great favor. Would you come back with me? There's a certain person I want you to tell that I did play there. He won't believe me, but he *will* believe you. Would you come?
- Dan Mathews: Yeah, sure. Where is it?
- Haldor Mattern: Riverhead Hospital. You see, I hurt my hand, and they're trying to cure it.
- Dan Mathews: How's the other one.
- Haldor Mattern: Oh, it's all right. As good as ever. All I want for is to have you vouch for me, just to tell them that I did play there.
- Dan Mathews: Yeah, sure. We'll go right away.
- [He turns to Eileen Haley]
- Dan Mathews: Mrs. Haley, you stay here.
- [to Mattern]
- Dan Mathews: C'mon, let's take my car.