Escape - Ancient Sorceries (national broadcast)

[dramatic music] I had spent a week's vacation in Wales, and was returning to London by train when it all began.

It was late afternoon.

We'd left the Welsh mountains and crossed the border into western England, passing through a countryside which appeared singularly empty, deserted of life.

Over the soft hills and the valleys between hung a faintly perceptible haze, giving to the whole landscape a feeling of enchantment and unreality.

The train at length slowed down to a stop at a tiny wayside station.

As it did so, a sudden thought occurred to me.

"Hmm, why not leave the crowded train with its irritating noises and spend the night in this peaceful spot, then take a slower and emptier train in the morning?" On the impulse, I rose from my seat, and the man sitting opposite to me said...

Why, sir, sir, we only stop here for a minute or two.

If you're thinking of walking about a bit-

No, I, uh...

As a matter of fact, I'm getting off here.

I thought you were going to London.

I'll go on in the morning.

I'm going to stay here for the night.

I strongly advise you not to.

Uh, I beg your pardon?

This, this is the village of Malton.

Malton? I, I've never heard of it.

Few people have, outside.

But if you place any value on your soul, you'll not spend the night here.

My dear sir, what are you talking about? Why not?

Because of the sleep, and because of the cats.

That's all I can tell you.

You're insane.

I'll take my bag, if you don't mind.