Episode 3
(Onboard the pirate ship, in the Captain's cabin, the Princess, Doctor and Kewper are sat around a table. Nearby, Jamaica watches them, a pistol in his hand. At this moment, the Princess is shuffling a deck of cards. Once she has finished shuffling, she places every card face down on the table.)
PRINCESS: Right, who wants to go first?
DOCTOR: I will.
PRINCESS: As you wish, but beware. First, pick any five cards.
(The Doctor picks up five cards. As he does, Kewper watches with interest and Jamaica drifts over, eyeing what's going on curiously.)
DOCTOR: There you are, five cards.
PRINCESS: Now, hand them over to me, and I shall tell your future.
KEWPER: (Frightened) Witchcraft?
PRINCESS: If that is what you want to call it, then who am I to stop you.
(Jamaica aims his gun at the Princess.)
JAMAICA: There'll be no witchcraft aboard this ship.
PRINCESS: It's harmless enough, I promise. But once the cards are revealed, fate will be set.
DOCTOR: I am not afraid.
PRINCESS: Even of death?
JAMAICA: I can tell you that without cards. Death!
PRINCESS: Now, don't be in such a hurry. The cards will reveal all in time. Watch.
(Jamaica leans over to watch, but keeps the gun raised in the Princess' direction.)
KEWPER: Well, get on with it, let's see what ye can do, witch.
PRINCESS: Less of the, 'witch,' thank you. Now, quiet while I concentrate.
(The Princess lays down the five cards flat on the table, then, with her eyes closed, she holds her hands over the cards and begins to hum...)
KEWPER: (Quietly) What is she doing?
DOCTOR: Calling on the elements, sir.
KEWPER: Be it dangerous?
DOCTOR: Only if she's interrupted.
(The three men wait, two with bated breath, until the Princess stops humming and opens her eyes. The Princess turns over the first card. It's the Jack of Hearts.)
PRINCESS: (To Doctor) Yes, this is you, good sir.
(Turns over the next card. It's the Jack of Clubs.)
PRINCESS: And this represents Mr. Kewper.
KEWPER: I am no knave, witch!
PRINCESS: I only read the cards, sir.
(The Princess turns over the next card. The Jack of Spades.)
PRINCESS: Ah, yes, and this one is you, Jamaica.
JAMAICA: Me?
PRINCESS: Yes.
(Turns over the fourth card. It's the Queen of Hearts.)
PRINCESS: And this is would be myself. It seems to be concerning what's happening right now, in this very room.
KEWPER: Well, what's going to happen?
(The Princess turns over the last card. The Two of Diamonds.)
PRINCESS: Interesting.
JAMAICA: What is it?
PRINCESS: Two of us will find treasure beyond their wildest dreams.
JAMAICA: Which two?!
PRINCESS: I cannot say.
JAMAICA: Why not?
PRINCESS: I'm out of cards.
JAMAICA: Then start again!
PRINCESS: Very well.
JAMAICA: And tell me my future.
PRINCESS: If that's what you wish.
(The Princess collects all the cards form the table and starts shuffling.)
PRINCESS: (While shuffling) Now, Jamaica. In order to get a better reading, I'm going to need to you to answer a few questions. Firstly–
(The Princess sends the deck of cards flying in rapid fire, one after the other, right into Jamaica's face. The sudden attack throws him off and he stumbles back, pistol aiming off to the side away from his captives.)
DOCTOR: Now, Kewper!
(Kewper leaps from his seat, grabs Jamaica and whacks him on the back, knocking him out.)
DOCTOR: Well done, innkeeper! Now, a rope. Tie him up.
(Kewper first grabs the pistol and stuffs it into his trousers. He then grabs some rope and kneels down to bind Jamaica's hands and legs.)
KEWPER: A guileful trick, Princess.
(While Kewper tends to Jamaica, the Princess quickly picks up the scattered cards off the floor.)
PRINCESS: Why, thank you, Mr. Kewper.
KEWPER: It was a trick, was it not?
PRINCESS: Now, that would be telling.
DOCTOR: No time for idle speculation, my friends. We have to get away from this boat as soon as we can.
KEWPER: Will not be easy without being seen.
PRINCESS: He's right. The sun's already risen, and it looks like a clear day.
DOCTOR: Well, we can't just sit here and wait for Pike to return, can we?
KEWPER: Then we must try.
DOCTOR: Yes, that's what I'm saying. And we've got to hurry if we're to help our friends.
KEWPER: But first we must seek the aid of the Squire.
PRINCESS: Will he be able to release our friends?
KEWPER: Aye, once he be informed, he will let them free. No doubt of that.
DOCTOR: Very well, but first we must get ashore.
KEWPER: My boat will be alongside.
DOCTOR: Good, lead the way.
(Kewper draws the pistol and approaches the door. He opens it slowly and quietly, and peers outside. He signals for the Doctor and Princess to follow him out. The pirate crew members who are on deck, are busy playing a game of cards. Kewper, the Doctor and Princess stay low as they sneak towards the ladder. They then climb down into Kewper's tied up boat. Once Kewper then unties the ropes, he pushes off, and as quietly as he can, starts to row back to shore.)
(Later, back on land, the Doctor, Princess and Kewper are approaching the inn. But as they do, they hear voices from the stables. The Doctor points to the stables, and Kewper nods. Kewper then points to the door to the inn. The Doctor also nods. Kewper then heads insides the inn while the Doctor and Princess head around to the stables.)
POLLY: (From inside the stables) The Doctor may not be a soldier, but he's jolly crafty at getting himself out of trouble. At least, he was when we were in London.
BEN: Yeah, and the Princess ain't too bad either. Pretty brave when it counts.
(The Doctor and Princess enter the stables.)
PRINCESS: Well, that's very kind of you to say, Ben.
(Ben and Polly turn around in astonishment. With them is a man in a black cloak with long black hair – Blake.)
POLLY: Princess?!
BEN: Doctor?!
POLLY: What happened to you to you both? Where did they take you? How did you escape?
PRINCESS: Slow down, Polly, slow down. We can only answer one question at a time.
DOCTOR: Suffice it to say, we have escaped with Kewper. (Ben and Polly look to each other in concern) You remember, the innkeeper?
BEN: But he's in with the Squire!
DOCTOR: Yes, that's right, he knows the Squire.
(Kewper enters behind the Doctor and Princess, seeing Ben and Polly but not Blake who's behind them.)
KEWPER: We came to rescue you, lads. We know who killed the Churchwarden.
POLLY: Who did, then?
KEWPER: Well, the villain they call Cherub.
(Blake steps forward.)
BLAKE: The villain who is now involved in more villainy with your Squire!
KEWPER: (Angrily) Mister Blake.
POLLY: It's true. And what's more, Mister Blake knows that Ben and I are innocent and it's you and Squire that are–!
BEN: No, Polly!
(Kewper pulls out his pistol, aiming sweepingly at everyone in the stables.)
KEWPER: It's a trap you set for me, is it?!
DOCTOR: Kewper, what is the meaning of this! Put that down before–
KEWPER: Keep back!
(The Doctor backs up along with everyone else.)
PRINCESS: I feel as though we've missed something.
BEN: They're smugglers, Princess. Him, Squire and the Churchwarden.
POLLY: The man we met before.
PRINCESS: Ah. (To Blake) And you are, sir?
BLAKE: Blake, one of the King's revenue men.
KEWPER: Aye, a revenue spy!
PRINCESS: Ah, and he now Kewper – and by extension his cohorts– know you know about them. Hence the gun that is now being pointed at us.
BEN: That's about the size of it, Princess.
KEWPER: Aye, and if not for you saved me from death, I'd slay you all now.
PRINCESS: Well, that's something I suppose.
KEWPER: But the next time we meet, look not for pity then.
(Kewper backs towards the door, then turns and flees outside. Blake chases after him. Outside, Kewper mounts a horse and rides off.)
BLAKE: Stop in the name of the law!
(Kewper fires his pistol but it misses completely, nevertheless, Blake ducks and the time travellers take cover behind the door of the stables. When they come out of cover, Kewper has raced away.)
BLAKE: Blast!
(Blake returns to the stables.)
BLAKE: He has escaped.
DOCTOR: Yes, we saw.
BLAKE: You must be the Doctor.
(Blake offers the Doctor a hand and the Doctor shakes it.)
DOCTOR: Yes, sir, I am. A pleasure.
BLACK: Likewise.
DOCTOR: (Gesturing to Princess) And this is my friend–
BLAKE: The Princess. (Bows) I am at your service, my lady.
PRINCESS: Eh, thank you. That's…most gracious of you.
(Behind the Princess, Polly and Ben giggle quietly.)
BLAKE: I only wish our meeting could be under better circumstances.
DOCTOR: Yes, well, I think now would be a good time to compare notes and make sure we're all on the same page.
BLAKE: Very well. You know my story already from what's just happened. I am one of the King's revenue men. I was sent to investigate rumours of a smuggling ring run by the Squire. As it transpires, the stories are true.
DOCTOR: Yes.
BLAKE: But tell me of your tales.
DOCTOR: Well, as you've no doubt heard from our friends, the Princess and I were captured by a man named Cherub who works for a pirate captain named Pike.
BLAKE: Pike you say… Were they planning a ransom?
PRINCESS: No, they believed us to hold knowledge about Avery's buried treasure. Pike wants it.
DOCTOR: And according to Kewper, he'll destroy the entire village to get it.
BLAKE: Indeed? Strange secrets, these. But when?
DOCTOR: Well, I can't be exact, sir, but pretty soon. I should say tonight or tomorrow night.
BLAKE: Then help is desperately needed if these pirates are to be thwarted.
BEN: But why go after the village?
BLAKE: 'Tis Pike's way. Death is second nature to him.
DOCTOR: Yes, at least the smugglers will have prior knowledge of Pike's plan, now that Kewper has escaped.
BLAKE: If they're at each other's throats, this should give me the time I need to get men and arms.
DOCTOR: Yes, be off with you, sir.
BLAKE: Aye. (Calling outside) Stable boy! Here, I say!
POLLY: Perhaps they'll just fight it out between them.
BLAKE: No, when their blood is up nothing will stand before them.
(Tom appears in the doorway, but when he sees the Princess, he turns frightened and pale.)
BLAKE: What's the matter with you, boy?
(Tom continues to stare at the Princess in horror.)
PRINCESS: Are you all right, dear?
(Tom feverishly nods his head.)
BLAKE: Well, don't just stand there, lad, get me my horse, quick. Quickly, I say!
(Tom spirits from the doorway back outside. The Princess is confused, while Ben and Polly exchange looks and try desperately not to laugh.)
BLAKE: Pray God I'll be back soon enough.
(Blake heads outside to get his horse and leave.)
DOCTOR: That young man seemed to be fixated with you, Princess.
PRINCESS: I wonder why.
POLLY: Actually, Princess…
BEN: We can answer that.
PRINCESS: Oh, do tell?
BEN: Well, see, Polly had this idea on how to escape the jail, earlier.
POLLY: Yes, I remembered the people of this time believed in witches and so… Well, we said you were one and we were your apprentices…
(The Doctor chortles.)
PRINCESS: Oh… I see.
POLLY: You don't mind, do you?
PRINCESS: As much as any woman minds being called a witch. (To Doctor) It seems to be a recurring idea this time around, however.
DOCTOR: (Chortling) Well, my dear, you can understand why.
PRINCESS: I suppose… In any case, that was very clever, Polly, well done.
POLLY: Thank you.
BEN: Right, well, now that all that's sorted, let's get out of here.
DOCTOR: And go where?
BEN: The Tardis.
DOCTOR: I'm afraid the tide will be in by the time we get there, my boy. We shall have to wait until tomorrow morning to take our leave.
BEN: Ah, but we can leave, Doctor. See, you don't know about how we met old Blakey.
POLLY: There's a secret passage in the crypt of the church. We discovered it when Blake came out, having only recently discovered it himself.
PRINCESS: That must be how they smuggle their goods.
POLLY: That's what we were thinking.
BEN: But that's not the interesting thing, you see.
PRINCESS: Oh?
BEN: The passage leads into a network of tunnels, and one of them leads smack down to where the Tardis is! So, all we've got to do is get back to the old church, go down the passage, and we're away.
DOCTOR: Yes…
BEN: What's the trouble, Doctor?
DOCTOR: Well, I'm afraid, my boy, we can't leave at the moment.
POLLY: What? But why not?
DOCTOR: Yes, well, I know it's difficult for both of you to understand, but we're under moral obligation.
BEN: Well, about what? We've got no ties here.
PRINCESS: No, we don't, Ben, you're right. But at the same time, we can't leave knowing the village is in danger.
DOCTOR: Especially when its destruction might be due to our actions.
POLLY: But what have you done?
DOCTOR: Oh, my dear, child, we've done quite a bit in the time we've been here. Or have you a recent lapse of memory?
PRINCESS: If we hadn't been here, Polly, then Joseph Longfoot couldn't have told us his secret. And if that hadn't happened, then perhaps Pike wouldn't have gotten tangled up with the smugglers and now be planning to destroy this entire village.
POLLY: But you can't know that.
DOCTOR: Nevertheless, we've gotten ourselves involved in this mess, and we intend to see it through to the end.
BEN: But you heard what Blake said. We wouldn't stand a chance against Pike's mob. They're a right bunch of yobbos.
PRINCESS: Nevertheless, we won't run away. But we understand if you both feel differently. This isn't your fight. Furthermore, we brought you here by accident, and as such it's our responsibility to look after you both. So, if you'd rather wait in the ship, we'll of course take you back, where you'll be safe. But we won't leave, not until we know everyone here is safe as well.
POLLY: But what can you two do against pirates?
DOCTOR: (Chortling) What indeed?
BEN: Well, what does that mean?
DOCTOR: Well, you seem to forget, young man, that we've already met Pike, and we know something that he doesn't.
BEN: Yeah, and what's that?
PRINCESS: But we've already told you.
POLLY: When?
PRINCESS: Just a moment ago.
(Ben and Polly stare at the Doctor and Princess, not understanding.)
DOCTOR: The clue to the treasure.
PRINCESS: The one given to us by Joseph Longfoot.
POLLY: So, he did tell you something.
PRINCESS: Well, I did say so that a moment ago. You two should pay more attention.
POLLY: Sorry.
BEN: All right, but what good's that going to do?
DOCTOR: Well, I think if we're able to find that treasure first, we might be able to bargain.
BEN: Well, I don't fancy it. I can't see him standing around chatting.
PRINCESS: He'll have to, if he wants the treasure.
POLLY: Which I'm sure he does.
DOCTOR: And anyway, we only need to stall him long enough for Blake to return with his men, and then from there, the rest will be history, as they say.
POLLY: I suppose…it would be awful to just leave them when we could help, wouldn't it?
DOCTOR: Our thoughts exactly, my dear.
BEN: Oh, a right couple of nut cases you lot are… Oh well, all right, I'll try anything once.
PRINCESS: I had a feeling you were going to say something like that.
BEN: Yeah, how so?
(The Princess pinches Ben's cheek.)
PRINCESS: You're just too kind, Ben.
(Ben rubs his cheek while Polly giggles.)
PRINCESS: You too, Polly. And if either of you change your mind and want to wait in the ship, then tell us.
DOCTOR: Somehow, I don't see that happening, Princess.
(Ben and Polly smile proudly at one another.)
DOCTOR: Now, let's get down to the church and hope that our luck still holds out. Come on, come on.
(The Doctor leads the group out of the stables. As they go, Tom is waiting by the door. Tom jumps in fright as the Princess goes past, but in spite of his reaction, she still smiles and waves goodbye to him. While the Doctor and Princess then continue on along the path, Ben and Polly briefly stop.)
BEN: Hey Tom. Thanks again, mate.
POLLY: Bye, Tom.
(Ben and Polly then follow the Doctor and Princess, as they head towards the church. Leaving behind a relieved, but still frightened Tom, who watches the time travellers as they go.)
(Later on, outside the front of the church, in the cemetery, the Doctor is pacing up and down the paths. Nearby, on one of the stone coffins, the Princess and Polly are playing a game of cards, with the coffin serving as the table. Beside them, Ben is sat on the ground with an impatient frown on his face.)
POLLY: Do you think the Doctor will be much longer working it out, Princess?
PRINCESS: I'm sure he won't be too long. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he's doing this for show.
POLLY: You mean he's already worked it out?
PRINCESS: It wouldn't be the first time.
POLLY: Hmm… Gin.
(Polly shows her cards, laying them down on the coffin. The Princess frowns are her cards, before laying them down likewise.)
PRINCESS: I swear I used to be better at this game.
BEN: Oh, I've had enough of this. (He gets up) If that old geezer's been wasting our time, I'll–
POLLY: Calm down, Ben.
BEN: (Calling) Here, Doctor!
DOCTOR: Oh, for heaven's sake boy, what is it?!
BEN: Have you figured out that clue yet?
DOCTOR: Well, of course, I haven't! If I had, do think we'd be stood about here?! No, we'd be off collecting the treasure. Now, be quiet and let me think.
(The Doctor resumes his pacing.)
POLLY: (To Princess) He doesn't know.
PRINCESS: So, it seems.
BEN: Oh, I can't stand all this waiting around, malarkey.
PRINCESS: Then come and join us.
BEN: Yeah, thanks, Princess, but playing cards isn't exactly what I had in mind.
POLLY: Let's play a different game then. Let's see who can find the oldest headstone.
BEN: Aye, all right. At least then it'll feel like we're searching for something.
(Polly and Ben start wondering around the headstones, while the Princess picks up the cards she and Polly were playing with.)
BEN: (Calling) Here, Duchess, I've got one from fifteen ninety-two.
POLLY: That's not old, soppy. Don't forget we're not in the twentieth century, this is sixteen hundred and something.
BEN: Oh yeah, I forgot. (Looks to the next headstone & chuckles) Hey, this one's a laugh. 'Henry Hawksworth, he did die, of drinking too much small beer, when he was dry.'
POLLY: Some of these old names are fantastic. Hey, listen to this. Lucinda Maltree.
(The Doctor looks up suddenly.)
DOCTOR: (To Polly) What did you say, dear?
POLLY: Lucinda Maltree.
(The Doctor comes over to join Polly and Ben, as does the Princess.)
PRINCESS: Doctor? Have you thought of something?
DOCTOR: It's…It's on the tip of my… (Looks around the graveyard) These names… (Realisation) Yes... Yes, that's it!
POLLY: What is?
DOCTOR: (To Princess) Dead man's secret.
BEN: What?
PRINCESS: I don't follow, Doctor?
DOCTOR: Well, it's the answer to the puzzle, of course, don't you see? All these dead people.
PRINCESS: I don't understand.
BEN: Hold on, dead man's secret. That means the names on tombstones, right?
DOCTOR: Precisely, my boy!
PRINCESS: (Realising) So the clue…
DOCTOR: Is related to the headstones.
BEN: What, here in the graveyard?
DOCTOR: No. No, not here. Far to exposed…
POLLY: Hey, in the crypt!
DOCTOR: Yes, my dear, exactly! Good heavens, what an inspired thought. Come on, quickly.
(The Doctor hurries towards the church with everyone following him. They head inside and then go down into the crypt beneath the church. It's dark and dusty, with alcoves housing stone coffins, as well as lists of names carved into various parts of the walls. The time travellers carefully descend the stairs into the crypt.)
POLLY: What was the secret the Churchwarden told you, Princess?
PRINCESS: If I recall, it was, 'This is Deadman's secret key. Ringwood, Smallbeer, Gurney.'
DOCTOR: Yes, and now we must find those names.
BEN: But there's dozens of names in here.
DOCTOR: Well, we best get started then.
BEN: Hold on, don't you want to see the secret passage first?
DOCTOR: Secret passage? Oh yes, of course, dear boy. Well, where is it?
BEN: Up here.
(Ben leads the group over to a nearby wall with names written along it. He presses a stone on the adjoining wall, and then a section of the wall with names slides away, revealing a man-made tunnel.)
DOCTOR: Yes. Oh, that's very clever. Yes. Very clever indeed, yes. Now just shut it up again, will you. Then we can get on.
BEN: Okay, you're the governor.
(Ben presses the stone again and the walls slides closed.)
BEN: I still don't know how we're going to find just three names. (Pointing to the wall of names) I mean, look at this, there's hundreds here.
POLLY: Let's start with the tombs first then.
PRINCESS: Good idea, Polly.
(The four time travellers split off and begin looking at the stone coffins in the alcoves. After a moment…)
POLLY: Ringwood! I found Ringwood!
DOCTOR: Oh, good, my dear! Now, you remember where that one is and then continue with the search. The more eyes we have looking the quicker we'll find this secret treasure.
(Across the room.)
BEN: Hey, Gurney! I've got Gurney. That's two of 'em.
POLLY: Only one more to go.
(At another alcove.)
PRINCESS: The last one's here. This is Smallbeer.
DOCTOR: Splendid! Yes, absolutely splendid!
POLLY: Well, that's all of them.
BEN: Yeah, but I can't see how it helps us?
PRINCESS: Perhaps it's the point where all three names crossover.
POLLY: Hey, that's a thought.
DOCTOR: There's too much guess work involved.
BEN: How do you mean?
DOCTOR: Well, if we draw a line between two of the tombs, and then draw a line from the third we get one spot, that's true. But if we then connect a different a pair of tombs and use a different one to intersect–
PRINCESS: Then we end up with at least three different possible spots, if not more.
DOCTOR: Yes, it would be more helpful if we found a fourth name. That way we would have two obvious lines that intersect.
POLLY: X marks the spot.
PRINCESS: But we were only given three names, Doctor.
DOCTOR: Yes, we were… But I'm starting to wonder…
POLLY: Wonder about what, Doctor? Tell us.
DOCTOR: Well, my dear, perhaps–
KEWPER: Aye, Doctor, tell us!
(Kewper and a large man in official looking clothing with long hair underneath a capotain hat – the Squire – have descended the stairs to the crypt, sneaking up on the time travellers. Each are carrying pistols now aimed at the group. The Doctor puts himself in front, putting out an arm to keep Ben behind him, while the Princess pulls Polly closer to her and attempts to shield the young girl.)
DOCTOR: And what are you doing here, sir?!
KEWPER: The same as you, my friends. Seeking Avery's treasure.
SQUIRE: Aye, you may not have murdered the Churchwarden, but this does indeed show you're more than innocent travellers.
DOCTOR: And what name might yours be?!
SQUIRE: Edwards, sir, Squire Edwards, local magistrate–
KEWPER: Oh, let's not waste time on formal greetings! The secret, old man.
DOCTOR: For what purpose?
SQUIRE: To forestall Pike, and–
BEN: And line your own pockets! Yeah, fine magistrate you are.
KEWPER: Hold your tongue, cur! Riches are for them that takes 'em.
PRINCESS: Kewper, don't do this, please–
KEWPER: I told you last we met, not to look for pity! I spared you last 'cause ye helped me escape Pike. But this is treasure, and I'll have it!
DOCTOR: Well, you'll get not help from us.
(Kewper steps closer to the time travellers.)
KEWPER: You'll talk, (Aims at Ben) or these young sprigs will die for it!
PRINCESS: No!
DOCTOR: Here, now! Be careful, sir!
SQUIRE: Nay, nay, Kewper, surely not.
KEWPER: Oh, be not lily-livered now! This gold is not for weaklings.
SQUIRE: I will not kill in cold blood!
KEWPER: They knows the secret. They must be made to talk.
SQUIRE: Not by this unholy threat. Let them be bound and we'll make our search ourselves.
KEWPER: What, and waste precious time? This is madness. The threat alone will have them talk.
SQUIRE: Not even that will I stomach, sir. Let us behave like gentlemen.
KEWPER: Gentlemen? Was this gold got by gentlemen? Is it now to be got by kindness?!
SQUIRE: I will have my way, sir!
KEWPER: Don't truss up thy temper, I say!
SQUIRE: Rogue, I could have thee hanged if I will.
KEWPER: Threaten you me with the rope? Then you shall stand with me on the gallows.
SQUIRE: You grow overbold.
KEWPER: The rope will make more mark on your fine skin.
(Behind Kewper and the Squire, Cherub has snuck down the stairs into the crypt as well. He has a pistol in one hand, and knife that he's ready to throw in the other. The time travellers spot him.)
PRINCESS: Behind you!
(Kewper and the Squire turn around, but Cherub has already thrown his knife. The blade hits Kewper in the chest. He screams before collapsing to the ground.)
DOCTOR: Look out!
(A gun is fired. Polly screams…)