Episode 1

The package was lying by the front door- a cube shaped carton sealed with tape, their name and address printed by hand: "Mr. and Mrs. Arthur lewis, 217-E Thirty-seven street, New york, New york 10016". Norma picked it up, unlocked the door, and went into the apartment. It was just getting dark.

After she had put the lamb chops in the boiler. She sat down to open the package.

Inside the carton was a push-button unit fastened to a small wooden box. A glass dome covered the button. Norma tried to lift it off, but it was locked in place. She turned the unit over and saw a folded piece of paper scotch-taped to the bottom of the box. She pulled it off:" Mr. Steward will call you on at 8:00 PM."

Norma put the bottom unit beside her on the couch. She reread the typed note, smiling.

A few moments later, she went back into the kitchen to make the salad. The doorbell rang at 8 o'clock. "I'll get it." Norma called from the kitchen. Arthur was in the living room, reading. There was a small man in the hallway. He removed hus hat as Norma opened the door.

"Mrs. Lewis?"

"Yes?"

"I'm Mr. Steward."

"Oh, yes." Norma repressed a smile. She was sure now it was a sales pitch.

"May I come in?" asked Mr. Steward.

"I'm rather busy," Norma said.

"Don't you want to know what it is?"

Norma turned back. Mr Steward's tone had been offensive. " No. I don't think so," she replied.

"It could prove very valuable," he told her

" Monetarily?" She challenged.

Mr. Steward nodded, "Monetarily", he answered.

Norma frowned. She didn't like his attitude.

"What are you trying to sell." She asked.

" I'm not selling anything," he answered.

Arthur came out of the living room. " Something wrong?"

Mr. Steward introduced himself.

" Oh\, the _______" Arthur pointed towards the living room and smiled.

"What is that gadget, anyway?"

"It won't take long to explain," replied Mr. Steward. " May I come in?"

"If if your selling something_________\," Arthur said.

Mr. Steward shock his head, " I'm not."

Arthur looked at Norma. "Up to you." she said.

He hesitated. "Well, why not?" he said.

They went into the living room and Mr. Steward sat on Norma's chair. He reached into an inside coat pocket and withdraw a small sealed envelope. " Inside here is a key to the bell-unit dome," he said. He sat the envelope on the chair side table. " The bell is connected to our office."

" What's it for." asked Arthur.

" If you push the button," Mr. Steward told him, " Somewhere in the world someone you don't know wil die. In the return for which you will receive a payment of $50,000."

Norma stared at the small man. He was smiling.

"What are you talking about?" Arthur asked him.

Mr. Steward looked surprised. " But I've just explained," he said.

"Is this a practical joke?" asked Arthur.

" Not at all the offer is completely genuine."

"You aren't making any sense\," Arthur said. " You expect us to believe______."

"Who do you represent." demanded Norma.

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