Oct 10, 2026 · 30 min · 10 segments
It has been said that no night ever passes over London Town that sees not some strange and curious event, some occurrence too incredible to bear repeating in the light of day.
How horribly true are those words.
[dramatic music] It's been over a year now since the night I first met the amazing Professor Gilder.
I had delivered a sermon at the rectory of St. Swithin in the East End, and was passing through the foyer in departure when I was accosted brusquely by an odd little man, remarkably sharp featured, his face adorned by a pointed black goatee.
Pardon me a moment, please.
I believe you're Father Murchison.
Yes, that's right, but I don't think I've had the pleasure of-
Perhaps you've heard of me.
My name's Gilder, Professor Gilder.
Gilder, why, yes.
You're the famous psychologist.
Yes, yes, psychologist, biologist, anthropologist, philosopher, and that takes care of that.
Sir, I never attend religious services.
[laughs] It appears you've done so tonight.
I came for one reason, to hear you, find out why an otherwise normal colleague of mine thinks you're the most convincing speaker he's ever listened to.
And did you find out?
No, your talk was intelligent, logical.
Therefore, it could never convince anybody of anything.
[laughs] Thank you.
You're a direct man, Professor Gilder.
No time to be anything else.
Like to have you dine with me, Father Murchison, say a week from tonight, 7:00.
Uh, can't we make it two weeks? Uh, I'm preaching at St.
Saviour's that night, just around the corner from the park, and I'm afraid it'll have to be nearer 8:30 than 7:00.
It has been said that no night ever passes over London Town that sees not some strange and curious event, some occurrence too incredible to bear repeating in the light of day.
How horribly true are those words.
[dramatic music] It's been over a year now since the night I first met the amazing Professor Gilder.
I had delivered a sermon at the rectory of St. Swithin in the East End, and was passing through the foyer in departure when I was accosted brusquely by an odd little man, remarkably sharp featured, his face adorned by a pointed black goatee.
Pardon me a moment, please.
I believe you're Father Murchison.
Yes, that's right, but I don't think I've had the pleasure of-
Perhaps you've heard of me.
My name's Gilder, Professor Gilder.
Gilder, why, yes.
You're the famous psychologist.
Yes, yes, psychologist, biologist, anthropologist, philosopher, and that takes care of that.
Sir, I never attend religious services.
[laughs] It appears you've done so tonight.
I came for one reason, to hear you, find out why an otherwise normal colleague of mine thinks you're the most convincing speaker he's ever listened to.
And did you find out?
No, your talk was intelligent, logical.
Therefore, it could never convince anybody of anything.
[laughs] Thank you.
You're a direct man, Professor Gilder.
No time to be anything else.
Like to have you dine with me, Father Murchison, say a week from tonight, 7:00.
Uh, can't we make it two weeks? Uh, I'm preaching at St.
Saviour's that night, just around the corner from the park, and I'm afraid it'll have to be nearer 8:30 than 7:00.
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