06x14 - The Inheritors

[bunniefuu]

[mellow music]

Basically, that's it, gentlemen.

The stock is our collateral.

Two hundred shares of Hasting's Electronics

valued at the close of yesterday's market

was $175,000 against the bank loan from you.

That should get us started.

'With any kind of luck'

'the Colin's plant will be converted'

'and in full operation before the year's out.'

Well, uh, Harvey?

This whole thing seems to have you a little, uh

injured, doesn't it?

How long will the plant be in receivership

till its conversion?

Six months, maybe less.

'That'll put holes in a lot of pocket books.'

I mean, the Colin's plant employs over 500 men.

Uh, gentleman, I know I'm an outsider here

and I don't want to appear callous, because it's true.

'Some people are going to be hurt'

'during this conversion period.'

But, ultimately, we'll be employing twice as many men.

We're not gonna ruin this town, gentlemen.

We're going to make it.

[phone ringing]

Yes, just a moment.

It's for you, Harvey.

- Yes. - Gentlemen!

Then I take it we're in business.

We're in business.

Thank you, Mr. Hunter, for your help.

It was a pleasure.

What's the matter, Harvey? Are you alright?

Just a moment, please.

I've been doing a little investigating on my own.

And I've come up with something

I think the rest of you should know.

Harvey, relax. Don't take the edge off everything.

No, no. Let him talk.

Let, uh, let Harvey have his day in court.

If anybody's going to court, Mr. Frye, it's not gonna be me.

Alright, Harvey.

What is it you think the rest of us should know?

Amongst other things, that your

industrial relations firm is a phony.

'I checked with the bank in Minneapolis.'

'They'd never heard of you.'

Well, Harvey, if you checked a little further

you would have found out that our parent company

moved to Chicago over three years ago.

As a matter fact, all you have to do is ask me.

But that's not the issue here, gentlemen.

Harvey's rudeness and distrust.

Harvey, why don't you face it?

You're scared to death of this deal.

'You're against any kinda progress.'

Any kind of development and you'll do

what you can to sabotage it.

Correct?

You're pretty quick on your feet, Mr. Frye.

But you're a fraud.

Your collateral is phony.

'That was the stock issuing officer'

'from Hastings Electronics in Ohio I was talking to.'

'I gave him the serial numbers of the stock you pledged.'

'And he says they were stolen.'

Something tells me that the FBI

is gonna be interested in you, too.

[intense music]

[engine revving]

[theme music]

[Marvin Miller] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring Philip Abbott.

William Reynolds.

With guest stars

Gene Raymond..

...Ray Danton

and special guest star

Suzanne Pleshette.

Tonight's episode

"The Inheritors."

[instrumental music]

[Marvin Miller] Because of the alertness of a bank official

in the small town of Mile City, Montana

a major confidence operation had been uncovered.

And within and hour, the FBI had been notified

and was able to make a positive identification

of both subjects involved.

Both men definitely established Hunter as Frye's accomplish.

But it was Frye who was carrying the ball.

You have a description of the car?

No. The stock were reported stolen on July 3rd

from Harcourt and Bryce.

A brokerage firm in Columbus, Ohio.

They were entered in the NCIC the same day.

And this the first report we've had of any attempt

to pledge them as collateral.

We're circulating photographs of Frye and Hunter.

- You suppose they'll try again? - 'I doubt it.'

They're both old hands and they've been burnt.

They'll go underground now until they think

it's safe to come up again.

Isn't this a new wrinkle for Frye?

In the past, uh, I thought he always used a woman accomplice.

He used to work with his wife.

Until he ran out on her and left to be arrested

for a confidence operation they were running.

Maybe she'll be more cooperative with us

now that she's had a chance to think it over.

Where is she living?

Since her release from prison

she's been working for a private sanitarium in Baltimore.

I can't get out there right now.

I'm dictating the final report in the Anders case.

- Tom, I wonder if.. - I'm on my way.

Soon as we're out of the state, we'll..

We'll sell the car and split the difference.

Yeah, well, I'll even throw in these stocks.

Thanks.

We were that close, you know. That close.

Forget it. It's over.

I know I could have sold that Harvey

if I just handled it right.

Will you wake up, Glen?

You gotta realize there are some people in the world

who just can't be conned.

Couldn't have fooled Harvey even if you'd have been legitimate.

But we blew the score. We blew it.

What a bust up.

What are you gonna do now?

I'm going to San Francisco to collect an old debt.

I'm gonna miss you, Les.

You're not too bright, but your got a big heart.

Now, what's that?

What's the matter?

Looks like we, uh

got a flat in the rear tire, one of the rear tires.

I don't feel anything.

I better stop and check it.

This one's okay.

Well, you better check the other side.

[dramatic music]

I'll be right back.

Mrs. Frye!

I'm with the FBI. I'd like to talk to you about your husband.

What do you want to know?

When was the last time you saw him?

Before they collared me for the rap I served.

Glen took off and let me take the fall.

Have you heard from him since then?

You're kidding.

Any idea where he might be now?

Not the slightest.

He's probably still trying to catch up with Temple.

Temple?

Yeah, the girl he dumped me for.

Thank you.

But you gotta give the devil her due.

She took him. She took him good.

'$10,000 worth.'

She got him to give her some front money

for some con they were working.

And she took off.

What's her full name?

Temple Alexander.

And you say, uh..

...your husband is following?

Well, it's not just for the money.

That, that's an ego thing. It's..

He was in love with her.

What's the name of that character?

The one who sold his soul for eternal youth?

You're probably thinking about Dorian Gray.

'Dorian Gray!'

Well, Temple is the female version.

There's a feeling about her.

I mean, it's not just beauty.

She's got a kind of innocence.

'You wouldn't believe to look at her'

'that she could do the things she's done.'

Glen isn't even in the same league with her.

Temple is pure evil.

You're embarrassing me.

Padre, isn't she everything I said she was?

Yes, she is.

Uh, you'll keep our engagement a secret, won't you?

I want to announce it at the harvest party.

Not to even tell George?

Oh, specially not George.

If he knew I was going to marry Temple, he'd say

"Don't be a fool."

I'm afraid you underestimate him.

Well, I love my son, father.

But, uh, I also know his limitations.

You will respect our confidence, won't you?

Of course.

Thank you for everything, father.

Not at all.

I'm so happy to have finally met you.

- Goodbye, father. - Goodbye.

Are you happy?

[laughs] I'm delirious.

Darling, are you sure you really want to do this?

Oh, Harlan, you keep asking me that question

like you expect me to change my mind.

Because if you did change your mind

I wouldn't be angry, I'd understand.

Oh! Now, I'm not insensitive to the difference in our ages.

But for the first time in my life, I'm happy.

I mean, I'm really happy.

Got someone who cares about me, about the way that I feel..

I think that's the difference between

two people being in love

and two people trying to take love from each other.

Have you been in love often?

Well, often enough to know the difference.

I never thought that could be a new beginning for me.

But I'm not deluding myself.

We're not young kids, running away, starting fresh.

[chuckles]

Wait a minute. Hear me out.

I know you're not marrying just me.

But the style of life I can give you.

I understand that.

I thank my lucky stars that I'm able to give it to you.

You know..

...my father lived to be 78 years old.

Now I'm not guarantying I'll live that long.

But whatever years are left

we'll make the most of it.

[mellow music]

[intense music]

- Bye! - Bye!

Oh, hi. How do you feel?

- Oh, just fine. Thanks. - Good.

You know, it's almost worth the $10,000

just to see you face, Temple.

Well, I don't have it, if that's why you're here.

I went through a lot of trouble to find you.

Now, don't spoil it.

- It's gone, I'm sorry. - Where is it gone?

Stock market.

Barry was wrestling a mark, he gave me a tip.

The stock market fell. It wiped him out.

And it wiped me out, too.

[laughing]

What?

That is so beautiful.

Uh!

Whoa!

Who is the old man?

Uh!

- Just k*lling time. - I'll bet you are.

How much, how much are you gonna knock him over for?

A couple of thousand. Things are slow, you know.

I met him in a gallery where I was cataloging in San Francisco.

Sold him a few antiques.

I'm going to decorate his apartment.

And sell him a few more antiques.

You mean some fake antiques

that Barry's been raking for you, huh?

- Oh, that's how you found me. - That's right.

Barry said you'd be delighted to see me.

Well, I kinda am in a way

even though it's gonna cost me $10,000.

Uh..

Well, you should save that for the old man, dear.

Hey, tell me something.

This, uh, this old man.

What have you got in your mind for him, really?

Why? Glen, would I con you?

Only once, sweetheart.

Only once.

Uh! Ow!

[intense music]

She's a beautiful woman, alright.

But her background belies her appearance.

She was serving a term for as*ault before

when she was 20 years old.

She met Glen Frye shortly after she was released

from the woman's reformatory.

He taught everything that he knew about the confidence game

and she improved on that.

Anything on this New York address?

No, she, uh..

...studied Art at the Pride Institute for a couple of years

while working as a cataloger at the one of the best, uh

art galleries in New York.

Uh, she left for lunch one Thursday three month ago

and, uh, never came back.

Oh, Lewis!

We may have a breakthrough in the Frye-Hunter case.

Kirby Green called a few minutes ago from Chicago.

An informer saw Lester Hunter leaving an exclusive men's shop

on Michigan Avenue.

So, I want you to get out there right away.

Great, I'll phone Kirby and have Hunter's photograph circulated

in all the better hotels and restaurants.

- Call you from Chicago. - Yep.

[instrumental music]

'We're doing a background check on Miss Temple Alexander.'

'I believe she's staying at the hotel.'

'She sure is.'

How long is she planning to stay?

Who's doin' the askin'?

Oh, private investigator, huh?

I might've guessed.

Well, can't blame George.

If I was Franciscus' son, I'd be asking questions, too

if somebody was tryin' to cut in on my inheritance.

I don't know what old man Franciscus has taken

but maybe there's hope for us all.

'How long is she planning to stay?'

'Well, I ain't to say she's goin' to be here a long time.'

[instrumental music]

We got a good lead on Hunter before you landed here.

That's why I thought you better come straight out.

Has he shown?

He's in that restaurant over there right now.

Is he with someone, Kirby?

A woman.

He's running true to form.

He's probably working on another victim.

Is that him?

Thank you.

- Hunter. - What?

Remember me? Ronald Aives.

The phoney stock.

Uh, you've got the wrong guy buddy.

Oh, no, I haven't.

Call the cops, somebody call the cops.

FBI, Hunter.

Stand where you are.

Alright, step back.

Come on, I'll show you the vineyard.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Temple.

Is there something wrong?

No. Why?

'Cause if there is..

Harlan, I need $10,000.

I can explain.

Don't.

You know..

...a marriage should be built on trust.

What do you wanna bet that he announces marriage

at the harvest festival tomorrow?

Well, that's his privilege.

I can't deny him his happiness.

It's so obvious, what she's up to.

Oh, and what is she up to?

I'll tell you what she's up to.

She's moving in on you.

Cutting your inheritance right out from under you.

Did it ever occur to you

that she might really be in love with him?

Boy, oh, boy.

You really are naive.

'Well, it's been known to happen.'

Who is she anyway?

What do we know about her? Where did she come from?

And it's not just the money either.

Your father's a proud man.

When it finally dawns on him, it..

It will, that he's been had..

...it'll destroy him.

I've hired a private detective.

At least, then, if he comes up with something

I'll be able to go to father with facts.

Not empty accusations.

Well, that's something.

But why wait? Go to him now.

No, not until what the facts are.

Now, that's the end of it. Do you hear me?

Oh, look..

Look, I didn't mean to snap at you.

[instrumental music]

I wanna talk to you.

- Who are you? - Never mind who I am.

When you give your report to Mr. Franciscus, I want you

to give Temple Alexander a clean bill of health.

Do you understand that?

- You can't frighten me. - I can't, can I?

A clean bill of health for Temple Alexander.

Or my friends and I will know where to find you.

[instrumental music]

You know..

I may be a con man but one man I never conned is myself.

There's no way I can beat this rap.

Where's Frye now?

Well, the last time I saw him

was when he left me high and dry in the boondocks.

Guess I should've expected that.

But he didn't exactly leave me with a good feeling towards him.

What kinda car was he driving?

Light green, country sedan, 1970, license number, uh



I have feeling he sold it before he got where he was going.

Where was that?

To San Francisco, to collect an old debt.

That's what he said.

From whom?

He didn't say.

[instrumental music]

Thank you.

That, uh, that was very quick.

I almost get the feeling that you can't wait to get rid of me.

Waiter.

Another glass for madam.

Well, it's not that. You said you were in trouble.

I tried to get it for you as fast as I could.

I guess this..

This settles our old score, doesn't it?

What're you gonna do now?

I don't know. Uh, this may have done it or..

May be I..

May be I can squeeze a few more dollars out.

I've been doing some checking on Mr. Franciscus.

He's one of the largest wine growers

in the state of California.

Now, you wouldn't turn your back on that, would you?

Well, he's been burned before.

Nobody is gonna get close to him.

Not the way his son hovers around.

I'd bet on you.

No.

I don't think so.

I'll be moving on to greener pastures soon.

Why don't you come with me?

Well, now.

[chuckles]

That is tempting, very tempting.

But we tried that before. It just doesn't work.

I'll hope for something.

[instrumental music]

I think the Pinot Noir's holding enough sugar to be picked.

I just tasted the Cabernet Sauvignon.

It's ready to be bottled.

Uh, by the way, this letter came for you.

George...I had a call from a Mr. McDaniel.

Before he realized he was talking to me

he let it slip that his investigation

of Miss Alexander was finished.

And so far as he could determine, there was nothing

out of character in her background.

I assume your interest in Miss Alexander was motivated

out of concern for that $10,000 check I gave her.

No, I've already written that off.

No, my interest in Miss Alexander

was motivated by my concern for you.

Well, if you were so concerned, why didn't you come to me first?

Because I didn't want to interfere.

But you did interfere in the worst possible way.

I'm sorry, father.

George..

What's troubling you?

Are you sure this girl's in love with you?

Well, is that so difficult to believe?

That a woman might find me still attractive?

No matter what I say, it'll still come out mean and petty.

Say it.

There's more at stake here, father, than your ego.

Now we're talking about the biggest winery in the country.

A tradition that's passed on from generation to generation.

We're talking about what maybe my last chance for happiness.

Well, why does it have to be either-or?

I mean, you don't have to forfeit one for the other.

No.

I wouldn't begin a marriage by cutting

my future wife out of her proper rights.

She'll be taken care of for the rest of her natural life.

- I don't wanna talk about it. - Well, we must talk about it.

I've given body and soul to runnin' this winery

and I'm going to protect it from..

- From what? - From irresponsibility.

I thought you'd be happy for me.

But your only interest is self interest.

You still haven't answered my question.

Does she love you?

Now, look, son..

Only children have to be loved.

She needs me.

Don't you understand that it's more important for me

to be needed than loved?

[paper rustling]

Uh, George.

Here's that $10,000 check back.

There's a little note with it.

"I won't need this after all, Temple."

I hope this doesn't foul up your books.

[telephone buzzing]

Yes.

Oh, good. Put him on.

- Hello, Lewis. - Yes, Art.

[Arthur] 'Agents in Denver have located Frye's car.'

'He sold it to a used car dealer there.'

'So it looks like Hunter was telling the truth.'

The car lot manager identified the seller as Frye from mugshots

and reported that he took a cab from the car lot to the airport.

Bound for San Francisco, I suppose.

[Mr. Ward] 'And Temple Alexander, she's there.'

Lewis, there's a new wrinkle here.

It seems that when Miss Alexander walked away

from that gallery in New York where she was working

she also walked away with two of their Picasso etchings

worth thousands of dollars

and substituted two frauds.

The gallery just discovered the frauds yesterday.

Hmm.

Alright, call Bennett in San Francisco, would you?

Ask him to circulate her picture to the art galleries.

We'll be out on the next flight.

[Mr. Ward] 'Alright, keep me informed, Lewis.'

Right.

[instrumental music]

Hello.

Oh.

You startled me.

Um, do you have a moment to talk?

Yes. Can I, uh, get you something?

No, thanks.

Oh, George.

You and I always seem to be at each other's throats, don't we?

That's true. I've..

I've doubted you.

May I be frank with you?

Oh, Lord.

Every time somebody says to me, "I'll be frank with you"

I know I'm in trouble.

Well, you're not making it easy for me.

I owe you an apology.

You do?

My...father's a wealthy man.

And there've been other women..

They're always out for what they can get.

And you think I'm out for what I can get, huh?

[George] 'That did cross my mind.'

But, uh, you're different.

You're genuine.

What made you change your mind?

When you returned the check.

Uh...I see.

See, I've been selfish.

But I really do care about my father.

Well, that's understandable, George.

Nobody can fault you for that.

You see, what I'm trying to say is that

I've been wrong and that I hope

that you and my father will be very happy.

And now that you'll be coming to stay with us

I hope I have the chance to show you

another side of myself.

[laughs]

George, I'm sure you and I are gonna be very good friends.

Goodbye.

[instrumental music]

I must say, gentlemen, you rocked me.

I consider myself to be a fairly good judge of character.

That's why I hired her.

But Miss Alexander fooled me.

She fooled a lot of people, Mr. Russell.

Did she give you any idea of where she might be going?

No, sir, just that she was leaving and that she was sorry.

Did she mention any names or friends of hers?

No, not really.

Say, there was one.

He did some restoring for us.

Some, uh, frames, antiques. That sort of thing.

Uh, Barry. Barry Hanson.

See what you can find out, Allen.

Mr. Russell, where was her desk?

Oh, right this way, inspector, right over here.

Do you mind if I went through it?

Not at all.

How long has she been gone?

Oh, two and a half weeks maybe.

We haven't had a chance to clean her desk yet

so you may still find some things of hers in it.

Lou?

'Fourteenth of July is missing'

'from this desk calendar.'

There's an indentation of writing on the page below it.

The fourteenth, she was working here then.

[Mr. Russell] 'Yes, she was.'

Mr. Russell, do you mind if we take that with us?

Why, no. Of course not.

Well, thanks very much, Mr. Russell for you cooperation.

[intense music]

And now I want you all to meet

the future Mrs. Franciscus.

[crowd cheering]

Thank you.

Thank you, Pam.

Oh, thank you.

Well, this is a good idea.

[indistinct chattering]

Thank you.

Excuse me. Thank you very much.

This is some of our finest champagne.

We laid it down aside a good many years back.

Little did I know then I'd be using it

on such a happy occasion.

Oh, that's very sweet, Harlan. Thank you.

Temple, you've been holding out on us.

Your brother's arrived.

Temple, you didn't tell me.

Congratulations, Mr. Franciscus.

It looks as if I'm just in time for the harvest.

[instrumental music]

Bennett checked on Barry Hanson.

He's wanted here in San Francisco

for inter-state transportation of stolen property

in a case where he passed off some bogus art work

for $10,500 to someone who thought

they were getting a bargain.

Agents canvassed the antique restorers

and came up with this address.

[instrumental music]

[tires screeching]

There is a Barry Hanson working here.

From his description, he sounds like he maybe our man.

Alright, Allen, take some agents

and cover the other exits.

Easy. Take it easy, will you? That stuff's fragile.

And that piece comes, too.

You the manager?

Yes.

I'm Inspector Erskine with the FBI

and this is Mr. Colby.

We'd like to talk to Barry Hanson.

Barry?

Barry!

'Barry!'

[instrumental music]

I just saw him a second ago. Uh, he must be around the corner.

Thank you.

[intense music]

[door creaking]

[Erskine] Barry Hanson, FBI. We'd like to talk to you.

[dramatic music]

[g*nshots]

[music continues]

Check the fire escape.

[music continues]

[music continues]

Hold it right there.

Drop the g*n.

Now raise your hands very slow.

Turn around. Slowly.

We're gonna take a walk right out the front door.

[door opens]

Grab the post.

Step back.

[instrumental music]

Beautiful set up, Temple.

What do you want?

Well, someone's got to look after you.

Protect your interests.

See that there's insurance in case

something happens to the old man.

See that something's settled on you right from the beginning.

That's the trouble with you, Temple, you..

You don't have the k*ller instinct.

Well, you know how to set the mark up, but, uh

you don't know how to put him away.

It's not gonna be that way.

Oh, yes. It is.

We're gonna ride this for a long time.

You should be thankful to me.

I set it all up.

I sent the check back, I took care of the detective.

What detective?

Don't worry. I got rid of him.

Why are you being so good to me?

For old time's sake.

[chuckles]

I'm warnin' you, Glen. Don't louse this one up.

Oh, you're not threatening me, are you?

Don't be greedy, Temple.

There's plenty here for everybody.

All of my life, I wanted something like this.

Ever see where I lived?

No, you never did.

It was dirty and ugly..

...and lonesome.

[smirks]

I'm 26 years old, Glen.

The youth doesn't last very long.

One day, you're necking in the back seat of the drive in and..

...next day, you're pulling the grey hairs out of your head.

I've got my looks now. But how long is that gonna last?

What, five years, ten years?

Take it easy, baby.

You know, man isn't gonna live forever.

Neither can I.

I'm tired.

I had enough sour notes in my life.

I want some peace.

Glen, let me off the hook.

Alright.

Alright, I'll go away. Disappear for a little while.

Till everything gets settled here.

The only thing is

I'll need a little travelling money.

Do you have Inspector Erskine for me?

- Put him on. - 'Yes, Art.'

Uh, Lewis, the lab used side lighting

on that calendar page you sent us

and the message reads

"Harlan Franciscus, Guerneville.

"One Beta Mar commode

"one Louis the sixteen writing table and chair with a ormolu

"one iron and wood Spanish chandelier

with five branches. Call Barry."

And that's it.

- Did Hanson tell you anything? - Nothing much.

Before he asked to see his lawyer

he did mention that Frye had been to see him.

He said he may have caught up with Miss Alexander already.

Alright, Lewis. Well, I hope this helps.

Thanks, Art, I'll be in touch.

Does that name, Harlan Franciscus

mean anything to you?

He's one of the largest wine producers in California.

He lives outside Guerneville.

Well, when we get back to the office

call the resident agent there and tell him we'll be coming up.

We'll radio instructions en route.

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

Hello, Glen?

Yes, it's Temple.

I have what you wanted.

Uh..

Yes, how about the restaurant at 3:30?

Okay.

[instrumental music]

Temple..

Is everything alright?

Yes. Fine.

Is there anything I can do for you?

Yes, you can help me get those three bolts of fabric

into the car so I can catch the upholsterer

before he leaves.

Alright.

[instrumental music]

Uh..

I won't be long.

Hurry back.

[engine starts]

[music continues]

- Inspector. - Van.

- Colby. - Van.

I called the house but Franciscus wasn't in.

He's expected back shortly.

Alright, let's get over there.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

That's Franciscus' car.

This place is closed today.

I know.

Thought it will give us a chance to talk.

What do we got to talk about?

Well, isn't this a little out of character

for the future Mrs. Franciscus?

Future Mrs. Franciscus is only protecting her interests.

- You're bluffing, Temple. - 'Maybe I am.'

I told you to get out. I'm not gonna let you blackmail me.

Alright, alright.

I'll clear out. Pick him clean.

- I don't care. - Uh-uh.

You'd come back.

Oh, no, I wouldn't.

You're cunning, Glen.

You don't know any other way.

You'd come back, you couldn't help it.

[instrumental music]

So I was wrong after all.

Harlan. Harlan!

[g*nsh*t]

He'll turn us in.

FBI. Drop the g*n.

[g*nsh*t]

[intense music]

I wouldn't have turned you in.

[music continues]

Well, I guess there's no fool like, uh..

Strangely enough, I don't feel foolish.

I remember something my wife said a long time ago.

She said it to our son, who was going through

the torments of first love.

"If you can't afford to be hurt," she told him

you can't afford to love."

[chuckles]

I guess that proves I'm still vulnerable.

We're all vulnerable, Mr. Franciscus.

I feel sorry for Temple.

She was reaching out for something.

I don't know much about these things, inspector

but...I think Temple turned to crime

because she though the only way to stop people from using her

was to use them first.

Does that make any sense to you?

I think you know it doesn't.

Well, I may be deluding myself, but I think in time

I could've made a real contribution to her life.

Because she was...reaching out..

...for help.

Anyway, thanks for everything, inspector.

Goodbye, Mr. Franciscus.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye, sir.

[Marvin Miller] Glen Frye recovered from his wounds and with Lester Hunter

was convicted of inter state transportation

of stolen property.

Temple Alexander and Barry Hanson

were found guilty on similar charges.

Frye, Hunter and Hanson were also charged

with assaulting federal officers

and sentenced to a penitentiary.

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