Murdoch Mysteries (2008–…): Season 9, Episode 14 - Wild Child - full transcript
(theme music)
(man panting)
- (man screaming)
- What a way to die,
- mauled to death...
- Henry...
you don't know that's what happened.
You didn't see it, George.
Those terrible scratches
on his face alone
would let you know if you did.
Sir.
What have you, George?
Sir, the man who discovered him was
checking his snares this morning.
He seemed surprised, almost disappointed
to find out he'd snagged a human.
I suppose he was expecting his dinner.
Right. Have him come down to
the Station House for a word.
Do we know the victim's identity yet?
He has nothing on his person, sir.
We searched the area
for his wallet, no luck.
Judging by the scratches on his face,
I'd say he was attacked
by an animal of some kind.
- Higgins has a theory, sir.
- Uh, George...
Does it pertain to this case?
He certainly thinks it does,
he hasn't shut up about it.
(Higgins sighs.)
Henry?
Sir, it's like a...
I only saw it for a minute.
Saw what?
You better follow me, sir.
This way.
Now, I warn you, sir,
- it's not a pretty sight.
- I'll prepare myself.
You may want to keep
your distance as well.
(girl grunting)
Stay back, sir.
It may look harmless,
but I've seen that thing kill and
eat a live chicken with my own eyes.
Really?
Look no further, sir.
It's your killer.
(grunting)
How do you know about this, Henry?
Well, I paid to see it, sir.
Ten cents, but it was worth it.
From the shores of Borneo, sir.
Could have been the mountains,
I don't recall exactly, sir,
- but someplace...
- Who cares for her?!
Well, a keeper. He collects the money.
- I don't know, she hardly seems to be...
- What the hell are you two doing in here?
Show's not open for another hour.
Detective Murdoch, Toronto Constabulary.
But you still have to pay.
- Ten cents each you owe me.
- I've paid once already. He hasn't...
- Who are you?
- Mick Travis.
And this is my property, so
police or no police, you're trespassing.
- Now what do you want?
- A man was killed last night
not half a mile from here.
- Where were you?
- "Where were you?"
Don't you be flimflamming
with your penny-ante questions.
You're not interested in where "I" was.
Very well.
Where was she?
She was locked up all night
and nowhere near your dead man.
(Murdoch): And why
do you keep her caged?
To keep her safe.
It's in her own best interest.
And charging admission
to view her in a cage,
is that also in her best interest?
She's... paying her keep.
- Mr. Travis, is it?
- Aye.
You're coming with us
to the Station House.
- I have no reason to.
- Do I have to arrest you?
- Come on!
- Don't lay your hands on me.
- (girl grunting)
- I'm doing nothing the law says I can't!
Unlawful confinement
of a person or persons.
You're coming with us.
I finished my anatomy report
on the unclaimed bank robber.
- Mrs. Braxton?
- Yes.
I appreciated the
opportunity, Dr. Ogden.
Well, if you put what
you learn to good use,
her unfortunate death
will not be for nothing.
I trust that she
offered some challenges.
Yes, she did.
Good.
Now we can give Roland's
mother a proper burial.
Thank you, gentlemen.
So what did you glean?
Surely there was something.
There was indeed, Dr. Ogden.
Mrs. Braxton was not a full woman.
Meaning?
She had no ovaries.
She was born without a
complete reproductive system.
She couldn't bear children?
Whoever she is, she
isn't your baby's mother.
Who is this girl that
you keep locked up?
And don't give me that
story about Borneo.
I... came across her in
the Appalachian Mountains
some ten years ago.
Well, she came across me, more like.
How so?
I was asleep in the caravan when I heard
something rummaging around my campfire.
In the darkness, I thought it was a bear
- and almost shot it.
- Where did she come from?
No idea.
You ask me, she was raised by wolves.
Highly unlikely.
Sir, she's as wild as
the day is long, mister.
So, you keep her caged like a beast.
Look, she's clothed and fed
and in a better state
than when I found her.
And before you start,
she's legally mine.
I have the paper to prove it.
There you go.
Named her Fen for the record.
Check for yourself.
And she's happy where she is.
I very much doubt that.
There's no force the way I handle her.
She's content
as long as she gets
fed. So no law broken.
See for yourself.
I've nothing to hide.
Do you know this man?
Never clapped eyes on him.
I had to stop myself from
throttling the man who keeps her.
I had neither the ability to
arrest him or to rescue her.
She is his legal property.
That's appalling!
A man is allowed to exhibit
a young girl in a cage,
and there's nothing I can do about it.
(Julia sighing)
What of our victim's body?
His wounds were mostly superficial,
the most pronounced
being facial lacerations.
He was gouged, likely by claws or nails.
And this.
A deep bite on his right hand.
The wounds were made with
pointed incisor teeth.
So likely an animal attack then?
That would have been my conclusion if
not for the stab wound in his upper back.
The thrust was a downward
motion, but not a fatal blow.
- Then how did he die?
- He bled to death.
If he hadn't been trapped,
he may have survived.
What time would he have been stabbed?
I couldn't say. I only know that he died
between 2 and 4 in the morning.
He may have been in the
snare for hours afterwards.
That or that he was
attacked while in the snare.
By this feral child?
No, she was inside a cage
at the time of the murder.
William, I'd be most interested
in examining her if it would help.
Of course.
Thank you, Julia.
Oh, I spoke with the nanny at the hotel,
and she assures me that Roland is fine.
I know you were concerned about
leaving him with a stranger.
She'd let us know if he needs us?
Of course. Of course.
And the animal bones that
I saw in her cage, George,
some of them are too
big to be from chickens.
She may be eating cats and dogs even.
Maybe even a goat? Could
be a small goat, Henry.
You know, you joke,
but the keeper told us
she fought off a wolf
when she was 7 years old.
She has a nasty scar
on her arm to prove it.
These would be the wolves
that raised her, I assume.
Don't be so ridiculous, George,
it wouldn't be the same wolves.
The attack likely
came from a rival pack.
Henry, let's get to work. Right?
What were you hoping
to catch, Mr. Hewitt?
Well, it wasn't a man,
I can tell you that.
You see, something is
killing livestock at my farm.
I reckoned whatever it is roams
the ravine and I aimed to catch it.
Your farm is near where
you set the snare, correct?
- Yes.
- Were you home that night?
Did you not hear a man cry out?
Well, I heard noises, but
I thought it was the animal
I was looking to catch.
I didn't know it was human
until I checked the snare this morning.
- God rest his soul.
- (knocking on door)
- (indistinct chatter)
- ♪♪♪
(woman): My detective
agency is at your disposal.
- I appreciate that, Miss Pink.
- How can I help?
I have just learned
some distressing news
about the baby William and I adopted.
Well, about his
deceased mother actually.
What is it?
She wasn't born with a
complete reproductive system.
She couldn't have been
Roland's natural mother.
Well, that must have been
a bolt out of the blue.
It never occurred to either of
us to question his parentage.
And what do you want me to do?
Find out if his natural mother is alive.
- Can I ask for your discretion?
- Absolutely.
What do you know about
the mother and her husband?
Not much.
Nigel Braxton was a
safecracker from England.
His wife, Joanne, was
from Stratford, Ontario.
I think her maiden name was Perly.
And they have no surviving family.
- How old is the child?
- About 9 months.
Are you sure that you
want to know the truth?
What do you mean?
It's a question that I
ask all of my clients.
What I find out for them isn't
always what they'd hoped for.
At this moment, I can't say.
I will be in touch.
Thank you.
She's gone!
I came back from the Station
House to set up for the show,
- and she was gone.
- Has this happened before?
She's never been set free.
I don't know what she's capable of.
This lock, it's faulty.
Did you not notice?
Sure if I noticed, I would
have fixed it, wouldn't I?
This means the girl
could have gotten out
the night of the murder.
(indistinct chatter)
Constables will pair off
and search for this girl
in an orderly fashion.
The local farmers who are
upset about their dead livestock
will be joining us.
The armoury has been opened,
but only use force if necessary.
Having said that, be cautious.
This girl could be vicious.
Crabtree, bring the lads up to speed.
(small chuckle)
Our little man doesn't seem too harmed
by his day with the nanny.
I won't be staying for dinner;
I'm joining the search for
the missing young woman.
You think she could be the killer?
I don't know, but I'd
rather a mob didn't decide.
- Still have no idea who she is?
- No.
But in spite of Mr. Travis'
claims, she wasn't always feral.
At the very least, she had a
mother who gave birth to her.
Yes, she did.
- Are we ready, men?
- (farmers): Ready!
I say we shoot whatever it is
and ask the questions after!
- (farmers cheering)
- You pull a stunt like that and it'd be murder.
I'll personally see to it that
you all bloody hang for it,
no matter who pulls the trigger.
She killed a man and won't get away
with it as long as I'm standing.
Night will fall soon, that's
when she's likely to move.
Ready the torches!
You'll not be readying
anything until I say so, got it?
Right then.
Each of you will pair
up with a constable.
Crabtree, you talk to that farmer.
You, stick with me!
♪♪♪ (indistinct chatter)
- Keep your eyes open!
- Yes. Do you see that trail?
Ah, George, there you are!
- Sir.
- I need you to come with me.
The girl, Fen, she's likely to
flee from the light of the torches.
But then, sir, how will we see?
- With these.
- Good gracious!
Now, George, if you
were trying to get away,
which direction would
you be likely to go in?
- Sir, I would follow the river.
- Exactly.
(door closing)
So you have something?
Not yet.
I need more information on Roland.
Any physical details that
may help to identify him?
There's nothing.
He's completely perfect.
Freddie, now that you're
here, I've been thinking...
Yes?
If Roland's parents
were looking for him,
surely they would have
informed the Constabulary.
Maybe so.
Perhaps... they don't care.
You're having second thoughts.
You asked if I wanted
to know the truth...
perhaps not knowing is the best course.
You wouldn't be the first of
my clients to change their mind.
No father could be better than William.
He loves the boy. He truly is his son.
And you, Julia?
I can't bear the thought
of not having Roland.
Well then it's settled.
He couldn't have better parents,
you must never question that.
(Julia sighs.)
- I'm gonna take this way!
- Come on, over here!
- I've got nothing!
- Help me!
Nothing that way!
Look. Over there!
It won't get away this time!
- Everyone, stay close.
- It's over here! Come on!
Keep up with them! Go! Go!
- Move it!
- Alright, alright, I see it!
There! There!
- Oh! Ugh! Ugh!
- (Hewitt): Get it! Get it!
Hewitt, get back!
- No! Don't hurt me, please!
- Dead or alive!
Please!
He's no more of a beast than I am.
Let's leave the man in peace.
♪♪♪
Can you see alright, George?
Sir, as clear as day.
Ugh! Argh! Well, not...
quite as clear as day,
but I can see. I can see.
- Shhh!
- What is it?
It's Mr. Travis.
Looking for his girl, no doubt.
That's the thing, George.
He's quite purposefully
walking the opposite direction,
towards his campsite.
That's odd for sure.
I'll follow him, George.
You keep going along the river.
That's the direction he just came from.
Sir.
(strange panting)
(girl panting and grunting)
Sir?
(girl grunting)
- Sir! Sir!
- (Murdoch's sighs in frustration)
Come here quick!
(girl grunting) Sir!
It's alright.
(girl grunting)
It's alright.
(George screaming)
Sir! Sir! Sir!
- AAARGH!
- George!
AAAH!
Get off him!
(girl grunting)
Stop! Hold still.
You're fine.
(handcuffs clinking)
Well done, George. You're alright?
I think so, sir.
(girl grunting)
She's tethered!
Someone is hiding her here.
Travis most likely, sir.
Alright.
You must have stumbled upon her lair.
You approached her. She felt
threatened, so she attacked you.
Should I bring her back to the cells?
No, no.
The Toronto Asylum under Dr.
Ogden's care will be best.
Right.
Do you think she's the killer, sir?
Certainly seems capable of it.
I'd have to agree.
Alright.
(Fen grunting)
Fen, I'm going to put you
to sleep for a little while.
(indistinct chatter)
(Dr. Ogden exhales.)
My goodness!
Hard to believe it's the same girl.
Her persona was very much exaggerated.
Her hair and body unwashed...
That's quite a scar.
Yes. From an animal
attack some years ago.
Mr. Travis claims that
she was mauled by a wolf.
It's quite possible, William.
Her teeth have been deliberately
filed down into points.
I took an impression.
It matches our victim's bite mark.
I'd be worried about that, George.
Dr. Ogden looked at it, she
says it's healing nicely.
It does hurt like the Devil though.
- Maybe you caught something.
- Something?!
- Rabies?
- Henry, she's a girl, not a dog!
What if she bit a dog
before she bit you?
George, you're not thinking clearly.
- That's a symptom, you know?
- Where is he?!
Huh?
You've no right to keep her!
She's my property,
and I've a lineup of customers waiting.
Well, then they'll just have to wait.
But thanks for popping in
because we've got some questions
we'd like to ask you.
- What were you doing in the woods last night?
- Looking for the girl. Why else?
You were not looking for
her; you were hiding her!
Now, why would I do that, huh?
Stop playing the
innocent. You let her out,
tied her up, no doubt waiting for
the perfect opportunity to go back,
get her, and leave town.
Meanwhile the Constabulary
and half the neighbourhood
are on a wild goose
chase looking for her.
Enough with the lies, Mr.
Travis. What is going on?
You're right.
I was leaving.
I wanted to get her as
far away from this town
before you bloodthirsty
lot strung her up
for something she had
nothing to do with.
We have evidence that
she attacked the victim.
- Like what?
- Her bite mark on his hand.
You call that evidence?
(Travis laughing)
I warn all the spectators not
to get too close to her cage.
That only proves the man
can't listen to sound advice.
- When did the victim see her?
- How would I know?
Lots of people come through.
She's quite the attraction.
Now, where you keeping her?
She's in better hands than yours.
(Fen grunting and panting)
You're safe here, Fen.
Safe.
No one will hurt you.
(Fen grunting)
(Fen panting)
Would you like to listen to some music?
(Fen grunting)
(piano and guitar music playing)
(Fen panting more slowly)
(Fen grunting)
What are you trying to say?
William.
You're just in time to see
these gestures she's making.
- (Fen grunting)
- What do they mean?
I have no idea. They
require further observation.
But her appearance, her choice in food,
the scars; they all suggest she's
been living in the wild for some time.
Fascinating.
I can understand why people
would want to pay to see her.
Well, Julia, surely not.
(Julia): What are we doing
but watching her, William?
About time you paid for
help. How much you offering?
- Five cents.
- Ten.
A nickel, final offer! What do you know?
- I seen him.
- Did you now?
- He went to see that beast in the cage.
- What of it?
I took him there. Near the river.
- (birds singing)
- ♪♪♪
What?!
It was right here two days ago!
Yes, I'm sure it was.
Give us that nickel
back, you little thief!
The tent was right here!
Honest! I swear it's the truth!
Here. You stay out of trouble, alright?
So, the victim was
definitely attacked here
at Travis's campsite.
Which the lying sod
failed to tell us he moved.
Bloody Irish tinkers!
Nothing but trouble when they
show up in their caravans.
Ten to one that that
knife's the murder weapon.
Not a single fingermark, sir.
There are traces of blood,
but it's been deliberately wiped clean.
Had to be Travis.
- The girl wouldn't have the wherewithal to do that.
- Exactly.
But then, what about the bite marks?
Well, the victim got too close to her.
As you discovered, Fen reacts
violently when approached.
Indeed she does.
So the victim and the girl
were involved in an altercation.
Or Travis set her on him.
Either way, Travis stabbed him
and then tried to cover it up. But why?
Any news from the victim, Crabtree?
Nothing yet, sir, but
I've widened my search,
sent out a province-wide description.
Constables.
Come with me, I've found the killer.
"Constables."
See. I got it. A vicious coyote.
- And he's the killer?
- He is indeed.
Ah... So, uh...
explain to me how he could use that?
- ♪♪♪
- (Fen panting)
- (indistinct chatter)
- (distant woman): Bye-bye!
Julia!
This is a nice surprise.
- How are you?
- (Baby babbling)
I just picked up our little man and
thought we'd drop by for a visit.
I've been trying to get
Fen interested in food.
She shows a passing interest in oatmeal.
- (Fen grunting)
- (Murdoch): Any other changes?
She's still making the gestures,
but I haven't been able
to decipher any pattern.
It certainly doesn't match any
sign language that I can find.
(Murdoch): Perhaps it is just random.
- (baby babbling)
- Hello, Roland.
Am I ignoring you? (Julia chuckling)
- Oh!
- The nanny says that
- we are to feed him more often.
- Hahaha!
- He's hardly underfed, William.
- I agree, but she insists.
There. No?
See, you're not even hungry.
(Fen grunting)
Do you see that, William?
(Fen grunting)
You like the baby?
- You want to see the baby?
- (Fen grunting)
I think she's more
interested in you, William.
Pa!
- She's speaking.
- Paaa! Paa.
- After a fashion.
- Paa...
Do you think maybe she recognizes
that I'm Roland's father?
And that's what all the
speaking and gestures are about?
It seems to be some form
of primitive language.
- Pa.
- Well, we know she had a father at some point.
It appears so.
- (indistinct conversations)
- I've been expecting your call.
You have?
You don't seem the type
of person who's comfortable
with unanswered questions.
I want you to keep
looking for his parents.
Well, in fact,
I've carried on with my search,
anticipating this very thing.
So you have something?
Please tell me it's not a
mother pining for her lost child.
Not exactly. After her parents died,
I found out that Joanne
Perly left Stratford.
But the trail went cold after that.
So I checked into Mr. Braxton.
It seems he left England for
the bright lights of Brantford.
There, he met and married Joanne.
How did they get Roland?
The woman I think was Roland's mother
lived out of town on a homestead.
She went into labour
earlier than her time.
There were complications, and she died.
What happened to Roland?
The rural midwife was
the only person present.
She reported that the
baby was never delivered.
The midwife was Joanne Braxton.
She stole the dead woman's child?
It's the only birth she attended
that fits with Roland's age.
And then she and her husband
left the area shortly after.
What about Roland's
father? Is he still alive?
He is.
He was working out of the province
at the time of his wife's death.
He never questioned the official report.
My God!
No one knows the baby exists.
No one misses him.
No one mourns him.
He is yours, Julia.
Is this good news or bad?
What would William say?
He still doesn't know.
Keeping a secret this profound from him
would be a betrayal of
the trust between us.
But if I tell him...
He will feel duty-bound to
return Roland to his father.
So leaving him in blissful ignorance
could be the better path.
If you think you can do that.
Sir?
I found a missing persons'
report that matches our victim.
- Who is it?
- A Hugo de Jaager.
Left his family home in
Peterborough for Toronto a week ago.
Hasn't been heard from since.
- What's all this?
- Sir, this is his research.
He told his mother before he left
he was sure he was going
to find her this time.
- "Her"?
- The girl, sir.
The feral girl.
Finding her became his life's work.
George, these were written years ago.
Mr. de Jaager would have
still been in school.
Indeed he was, sir.
I took the liberty of
going through his material.
His diaries were very intriguing,
very well-written for a young lad.
And what did you learn?
Well, sir, it seems young Hugo preferred
his own company to that of other boys.
He spent long hours wandering
the woods near his family farm.
I suppose you could say
he was a loner type, sir.
In any case,
one day while exploring
one of his usual haunts,
he came upon a strange
and wondrous sight ...
a pair of feral creatures, sir,
a girl and a boy.
He describes them in great detail, sir,
their wild appearance,
their animal-like movements,
often on all fours, sir.
- I can probably illustrate...
- Perhaps another time, George.
- Thank you. Go on.
- Right.
Sir, when Hugo tried
to convince his mother,
or anybody else who would
listen, about the children,
they dismissed his
tales as wild imaginings.
But he never stopped looking
for the children, sir.
This is all very interesting, George,
but what has it to do with our case?
Hugo stopped trying to convince
people about the children.
They became part of
his own private world.
Until one day,
the partially decomposed body
of a young boy was found in
the woods by some hunters.
Apparently, he'd been
attacked by wolves.
Near the boy's body
was the torn and bloody
clothes of a young girl.
But the girl was never
found, dead or alive.
He became haunted by the mystery
of what happened to this young girl.
It took hold of him
as you can see.
He's been searching for her ever since.
And he came to Toronto
believing that he had found her.
According to his last words to his
mother, sir, he was quite confident.
I think perhaps he did find her
and paid the price for it.
♪♪♪
When am I getting my property back?
Settle down, Travis. We need
to ask you a few questions.
We now know that you found
Fen somewhere a little closer
- than the Appalachian Mountains.
- (utensil clanking in pot)
- So what if I did?
- So where was it?
Would be 20 miles or so
outside of Peterborough.
Not a very glamorous locale,
so I dressed it up a little.
Give the punters their money's worth.
- So the whole story's a lie?
- Not all of it.
I did almost shoot her
thinking she was a bear.
She was very young, no
more than 8 I reckoned.
Badly injured and starving.
I fed her, treated her wounds.
She recovered, got back her strength...
but never uttered more
than the odd sound.
And never took to being civilized.
Happy in her own filth.
And that's when you started thinking
she could help pay her own way,
and you created the
myth of "The Wild Child."
That's about the sum of it, yeah.
Until Mr. de Jaager
discovered your campsite.
He threatened to expose
your show as a hoax,
and you realized you were
about to lose your meal ticket.
- What are you saying?
- What the detective is saying
is you had clear motive for murder.
(Travis and Brackenreid laughing)
I'm glad you find it funny because
you're under arrest, Travis.
Seems like I'm not the only one
with a gift for the tall tale, huh?
You gents have come up with a beaut.
Might even work it into my show.
This was the murder weapon.
My constable found it
at your old campsite,
the one you were staying
at the night of the murder.
Why did you move campsites?
I move whenever I want.
It's the beauty of a home on wheels.
This is your knife, is it not?
Might be...
might not be.
But I doubt you can prove
I ever touched that thing.
So if I'm the murderer...
show me the evidence that'll hang me.
I didn't have enough
to hold him in custody.
The only person who knows what
happened that night is Fen.
The bite mark is proof enough
that she met Mr. de Jaager.
But we can't communicate with her.
- (Roland babbling)
- William, how did those two children
come to be living in the
woods? They were so young.
George is combing The
Peterborough Examiner for clues.
There has to be a story,
but likely not a happy one.
- (Roland babbling)
- And one that we may never know.
Julia...
when he is old enough,
we're going to have to tell
Roland about his parents.
As hurtful as it may be to
learn that they were criminals...
... you should know.
Should know, hmm? (Murdoch chuckling)
Are you sure?
Yes, I should meet Roland's father.
His name is Harold Connor.
Julia, it will be hard to turn
back once you go down this road.
♪♪♪
(knocking on door)
- Good day.
- Good day. How can I help you?
I'm collecting for the
local children's hospital.
Would you care to make a
donation, however modest?
Well, cabinet makers don't make much,
but I think I could
contribute a little something.
- (coins clinking)
- Every penny counts.
- Do you have children?
- No, I don't.
It's a shame.
There was a time when I thought
I'd pass my skills on to a son,
or a daughter for that matter.
But it wasn't to be.
50 cents,
- would that be enough?
- Absolutely.
You know, you might have more
luck in another part of town.
People around here are barely
putting food on the table.
It's not they don't have
good hearts, you understand?
I just don't want my neighbours feeling
badly for having to say no to you.
Of course, it's very thoughtful.
- Thank you for your time.
- Have a good day.
- (coins clinking)
- (door closing)
I started when the poor
boy's body was found,
and I'm working backwards
from there. I'm down to 1890.
It's very illuminating, sir, once
you drop into the minutiae of it.
Here's a story about a sow
that gave birth to 13 piglets.
Now that's a North
Kawartha township record.
Very interesting.
Sir, come look at this.
A farmer reports two
British Home Children
ran away from his employ:
a boy, 8 years old,
and a young girl of 5.
Seems the farmer was more
concerned with the hardship
of replacing them than the
welfare of the children.
These Home Children,
they were orphan workers,
sent there as cheap labour.
They were often very mistreated.
Whatever the reason they may have left,
these could be the two children
Mr. de Jaager saw in the woods.
The girl could be Fen,
sir. The timeline matches,
this is 13 years ago.
It says the boy was mute.
Sir, that's probably why
the wolves caught him.
The poor thing couldn't
cry out to scare them away.
Wolves are like that, sir, they'll
go for the weakest of the bunch.
Perhaps she tried to save him
and almost got herself mauled to death.
If I'm needed, I'll be at the Asylum.
- Check into that detail.
- Julia.
I believe I've discovered
the origin of Fen's gestures.
- You have?
- She ran away with a boy who was mute.
- Pardon?
- Right, uh, sorry.
George found a report
of two Home Children
who ran away in roughly the
area where Hugo de Jaager
says he spotted two feral children.
They would have been
about 8 and 5 at the time.
Wasn't the boy 11 when
he was killed by wolves?
Yes, and Mr. Travis figures that
Fen was about 8 when he found her.
The two of them survived
all that time alone.
Perhaps they developed this language
to communicate with each other.
That's extraordinary, William.
- (Fen grunting)
- Fen?
Fen.
Fen...
This man. Man...
Um...
who... hurt... this man?
Perhaps using her own
experience of pain may help
to convey the question
you're trying to ask.
Fen.
Hurt.
(slowly): Hurt.
Hurt.
Pff! Pfff!
Hurt? Hurt.
(Fen moaning loudly)
Yes, hurt.
Fen...
this man.
Who hurt... this man?
Pa! Pa!
That's the same gesture
and sound she made
- when she saw you with Roland!
- Is she saying father?
- She could be.
- Paaaaa! Ah!
I think she's trying to tell
us who hurt Mr. de Jaager.
- (Fen): Pa!
- You were feeding Roland
when she became so animated.
Perhaps she's referring
to the man who feeds her?
Her keeper, Mick Travis.
Is she trying to tell
us he is the killer?
(Fen grunts once.)
(Fen grunting)
There's only one way to find out.
- What the hell am I doing here?
- Look at it as a field trip!
(Travis): Look, I've cooperated with you
clowns. If you think I know anything else,
- you're wasting your time!
- Pa?
- GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!
- I've just had enough of you,
you lowlife piece
of... Ah! (Fen grunting)
(screaming and grunting)
Get off! Get off!
(Travis): My property and lay off!
(man): You can't do that, she's a human!
- (Fen grunting)
- Don't lay your hands on her!
(stabbing sound)
(man screaming)
Come on! Get off! Get off!
Shh! Shh!
- Shhh! It's alright. Shh-shh!
- Are you alright, sir?
I think so.
It's alright. Shh!
See, Fen? No harm done.
Huh? I wasn't hurt.
- Fen was helping, I know.
- Pa. Pa.
It's alright, girl. It's alright now.
Fen stabbed Hugo de Jaager.
She was trying to protect Mr. Travis.
You caught your murderer.
Makes you happy, does it?
You're going to advocate for
Fen to remain at the asylum.
Yes...
though I can hardly argue that
she wasn't in her right mind
when she stabbed Mr. de Jaager.
She was attacking a man she thought
was harming her father, a
perfectly rational action.
But she didn't have
men's rea, a guilty mind,
so I have considerable leeway.
Can she be helped?
I don't know.
But with further attention and care,
she may be able to learn
to control her wildness.
And become civilized.
(Julia sighs.)
Given the behaviour of some of
the so-called civilized people
we encounter in our work, I
wonder what we'd be teaching her.
Well, she did show us that
she's capable of empathy, Julia,
by attempting to protect
Mr. Travis the way she did.
It is the hallmark of humanity.
No matter what we may
think of him as a man,
she saw him as her father.
William, there's something
I have to tell you.
(Julia sighs.)
You have to look your best, little man.
You're about to meet
someone very special.
♪♪♪
(sigh)
Mr. Connor.
Detective Murdoch.
He...
he is a miracle.
Meet your son... Roland.
- (Roland laughing)
- He's a...
he's a lovely little man,
and it's been our
honour to care for him.
You are the very best of people.
I have some things for him
that you might find useful.
I'll arrange to have them sent over.
I cannot thank you enough times.
I wish you a long and
happy life together.
(Roland babbling)
(touching music)
(Julia sobbing briefly)
(Julia gasping)
(Julia crying)
Announcer: On an all-new Murdoch...
Solving a secret code.
This is why he was murdered.
Are you sure you want to do this?
I want to see what he saw.
Announcer: This time,
going undercover...
Bloody, copper!
Announcer: Isn't what
it's cut out to be.
Murdoch Mysteries, next
Monday at 8:00 on CBC.
(man panting)
- (man screaming)
- What a way to die,
- mauled to death...
- Henry...
you don't know that's what happened.
You didn't see it, George.
Those terrible scratches
on his face alone
would let you know if you did.
Sir.
What have you, George?
Sir, the man who discovered him was
checking his snares this morning.
He seemed surprised, almost disappointed
to find out he'd snagged a human.
I suppose he was expecting his dinner.
Right. Have him come down to
the Station House for a word.
Do we know the victim's identity yet?
He has nothing on his person, sir.
We searched the area
for his wallet, no luck.
Judging by the scratches on his face,
I'd say he was attacked
by an animal of some kind.
- Higgins has a theory, sir.
- Uh, George...
Does it pertain to this case?
He certainly thinks it does,
he hasn't shut up about it.
(Higgins sighs.)
Henry?
Sir, it's like a...
I only saw it for a minute.
Saw what?
You better follow me, sir.
This way.
Now, I warn you, sir,
- it's not a pretty sight.
- I'll prepare myself.
You may want to keep
your distance as well.
(girl grunting)
Stay back, sir.
It may look harmless,
but I've seen that thing kill and
eat a live chicken with my own eyes.
Really?
Look no further, sir.
It's your killer.
(grunting)
How do you know about this, Henry?
Well, I paid to see it, sir.
Ten cents, but it was worth it.
From the shores of Borneo, sir.
Could have been the mountains,
I don't recall exactly, sir,
- but someplace...
- Who cares for her?!
Well, a keeper. He collects the money.
- I don't know, she hardly seems to be...
- What the hell are you two doing in here?
Show's not open for another hour.
Detective Murdoch, Toronto Constabulary.
But you still have to pay.
- Ten cents each you owe me.
- I've paid once already. He hasn't...
- Who are you?
- Mick Travis.
And this is my property, so
police or no police, you're trespassing.
- Now what do you want?
- A man was killed last night
not half a mile from here.
- Where were you?
- "Where were you?"
Don't you be flimflamming
with your penny-ante questions.
You're not interested in where "I" was.
Very well.
Where was she?
She was locked up all night
and nowhere near your dead man.
(Murdoch): And why
do you keep her caged?
To keep her safe.
It's in her own best interest.
And charging admission
to view her in a cage,
is that also in her best interest?
She's... paying her keep.
- Mr. Travis, is it?
- Aye.
You're coming with us
to the Station House.
- I have no reason to.
- Do I have to arrest you?
- Come on!
- Don't lay your hands on me.
- (girl grunting)
- I'm doing nothing the law says I can't!
Unlawful confinement
of a person or persons.
You're coming with us.
I finished my anatomy report
on the unclaimed bank robber.
- Mrs. Braxton?
- Yes.
I appreciated the
opportunity, Dr. Ogden.
Well, if you put what
you learn to good use,
her unfortunate death
will not be for nothing.
I trust that she
offered some challenges.
Yes, she did.
Good.
Now we can give Roland's
mother a proper burial.
Thank you, gentlemen.
So what did you glean?
Surely there was something.
There was indeed, Dr. Ogden.
Mrs. Braxton was not a full woman.
Meaning?
She had no ovaries.
She was born without a
complete reproductive system.
She couldn't bear children?
Whoever she is, she
isn't your baby's mother.
Who is this girl that
you keep locked up?
And don't give me that
story about Borneo.
I... came across her in
the Appalachian Mountains
some ten years ago.
Well, she came across me, more like.
How so?
I was asleep in the caravan when I heard
something rummaging around my campfire.
In the darkness, I thought it was a bear
- and almost shot it.
- Where did she come from?
No idea.
You ask me, she was raised by wolves.
Highly unlikely.
Sir, she's as wild as
the day is long, mister.
So, you keep her caged like a beast.
Look, she's clothed and fed
and in a better state
than when I found her.
And before you start,
she's legally mine.
I have the paper to prove it.
There you go.
Named her Fen for the record.
Check for yourself.
And she's happy where she is.
I very much doubt that.
There's no force the way I handle her.
She's content
as long as she gets
fed. So no law broken.
See for yourself.
I've nothing to hide.
Do you know this man?
Never clapped eyes on him.
I had to stop myself from
throttling the man who keeps her.
I had neither the ability to
arrest him or to rescue her.
She is his legal property.
That's appalling!
A man is allowed to exhibit
a young girl in a cage,
and there's nothing I can do about it.
(Julia sighing)
What of our victim's body?
His wounds were mostly superficial,
the most pronounced
being facial lacerations.
He was gouged, likely by claws or nails.
And this.
A deep bite on his right hand.
The wounds were made with
pointed incisor teeth.
So likely an animal attack then?
That would have been my conclusion if
not for the stab wound in his upper back.
The thrust was a downward
motion, but not a fatal blow.
- Then how did he die?
- He bled to death.
If he hadn't been trapped,
he may have survived.
What time would he have been stabbed?
I couldn't say. I only know that he died
between 2 and 4 in the morning.
He may have been in the
snare for hours afterwards.
That or that he was
attacked while in the snare.
By this feral child?
No, she was inside a cage
at the time of the murder.
William, I'd be most interested
in examining her if it would help.
Of course.
Thank you, Julia.
Oh, I spoke with the nanny at the hotel,
and she assures me that Roland is fine.
I know you were concerned about
leaving him with a stranger.
She'd let us know if he needs us?
Of course. Of course.
And the animal bones that
I saw in her cage, George,
some of them are too
big to be from chickens.
She may be eating cats and dogs even.
Maybe even a goat? Could
be a small goat, Henry.
You know, you joke,
but the keeper told us
she fought off a wolf
when she was 7 years old.
She has a nasty scar
on her arm to prove it.
These would be the wolves
that raised her, I assume.
Don't be so ridiculous, George,
it wouldn't be the same wolves.
The attack likely
came from a rival pack.
Henry, let's get to work. Right?
What were you hoping
to catch, Mr. Hewitt?
Well, it wasn't a man,
I can tell you that.
You see, something is
killing livestock at my farm.
I reckoned whatever it is roams
the ravine and I aimed to catch it.
Your farm is near where
you set the snare, correct?
- Yes.
- Were you home that night?
Did you not hear a man cry out?
Well, I heard noises, but
I thought it was the animal
I was looking to catch.
I didn't know it was human
until I checked the snare this morning.
- God rest his soul.
- (knocking on door)
- (indistinct chatter)
- ♪♪♪
(woman): My detective
agency is at your disposal.
- I appreciate that, Miss Pink.
- How can I help?
I have just learned
some distressing news
about the baby William and I adopted.
Well, about his
deceased mother actually.
What is it?
She wasn't born with a
complete reproductive system.
She couldn't have been
Roland's natural mother.
Well, that must have been
a bolt out of the blue.
It never occurred to either of
us to question his parentage.
And what do you want me to do?
Find out if his natural mother is alive.
- Can I ask for your discretion?
- Absolutely.
What do you know about
the mother and her husband?
Not much.
Nigel Braxton was a
safecracker from England.
His wife, Joanne, was
from Stratford, Ontario.
I think her maiden name was Perly.
And they have no surviving family.
- How old is the child?
- About 9 months.
Are you sure that you
want to know the truth?
What do you mean?
It's a question that I
ask all of my clients.
What I find out for them isn't
always what they'd hoped for.
At this moment, I can't say.
I will be in touch.
Thank you.
She's gone!
I came back from the Station
House to set up for the show,
- and she was gone.
- Has this happened before?
She's never been set free.
I don't know what she's capable of.
This lock, it's faulty.
Did you not notice?
Sure if I noticed, I would
have fixed it, wouldn't I?
This means the girl
could have gotten out
the night of the murder.
(indistinct chatter)
Constables will pair off
and search for this girl
in an orderly fashion.
The local farmers who are
upset about their dead livestock
will be joining us.
The armoury has been opened,
but only use force if necessary.
Having said that, be cautious.
This girl could be vicious.
Crabtree, bring the lads up to speed.
(small chuckle)
Our little man doesn't seem too harmed
by his day with the nanny.
I won't be staying for dinner;
I'm joining the search for
the missing young woman.
You think she could be the killer?
I don't know, but I'd
rather a mob didn't decide.
- Still have no idea who she is?
- No.
But in spite of Mr. Travis'
claims, she wasn't always feral.
At the very least, she had a
mother who gave birth to her.
Yes, she did.
- Are we ready, men?
- (farmers): Ready!
I say we shoot whatever it is
and ask the questions after!
- (farmers cheering)
- You pull a stunt like that and it'd be murder.
I'll personally see to it that
you all bloody hang for it,
no matter who pulls the trigger.
She killed a man and won't get away
with it as long as I'm standing.
Night will fall soon, that's
when she's likely to move.
Ready the torches!
You'll not be readying
anything until I say so, got it?
Right then.
Each of you will pair
up with a constable.
Crabtree, you talk to that farmer.
You, stick with me!
♪♪♪ (indistinct chatter)
- Keep your eyes open!
- Yes. Do you see that trail?
Ah, George, there you are!
- Sir.
- I need you to come with me.
The girl, Fen, she's likely to
flee from the light of the torches.
But then, sir, how will we see?
- With these.
- Good gracious!
Now, George, if you
were trying to get away,
which direction would
you be likely to go in?
- Sir, I would follow the river.
- Exactly.
(door closing)
So you have something?
Not yet.
I need more information on Roland.
Any physical details that
may help to identify him?
There's nothing.
He's completely perfect.
Freddie, now that you're
here, I've been thinking...
Yes?
If Roland's parents
were looking for him,
surely they would have
informed the Constabulary.
Maybe so.
Perhaps... they don't care.
You're having second thoughts.
You asked if I wanted
to know the truth...
perhaps not knowing is the best course.
You wouldn't be the first of
my clients to change their mind.
No father could be better than William.
He loves the boy. He truly is his son.
And you, Julia?
I can't bear the thought
of not having Roland.
Well then it's settled.
He couldn't have better parents,
you must never question that.
(Julia sighs.)
- I'm gonna take this way!
- Come on, over here!
- I've got nothing!
- Help me!
Nothing that way!
Look. Over there!
It won't get away this time!
- Everyone, stay close.
- It's over here! Come on!
Keep up with them! Go! Go!
- Move it!
- Alright, alright, I see it!
There! There!
- Oh! Ugh! Ugh!
- (Hewitt): Get it! Get it!
Hewitt, get back!
- No! Don't hurt me, please!
- Dead or alive!
Please!
He's no more of a beast than I am.
Let's leave the man in peace.
♪♪♪
Can you see alright, George?
Sir, as clear as day.
Ugh! Argh! Well, not...
quite as clear as day,
but I can see. I can see.
- Shhh!
- What is it?
It's Mr. Travis.
Looking for his girl, no doubt.
That's the thing, George.
He's quite purposefully
walking the opposite direction,
towards his campsite.
That's odd for sure.
I'll follow him, George.
You keep going along the river.
That's the direction he just came from.
Sir.
(strange panting)
(girl panting and grunting)
Sir?
(girl grunting)
- Sir! Sir!
- (Murdoch's sighs in frustration)
Come here quick!
(girl grunting) Sir!
It's alright.
(girl grunting)
It's alright.
(George screaming)
Sir! Sir! Sir!
- AAARGH!
- George!
AAAH!
Get off him!
(girl grunting)
Stop! Hold still.
You're fine.
(handcuffs clinking)
Well done, George. You're alright?
I think so, sir.
(girl grunting)
She's tethered!
Someone is hiding her here.
Travis most likely, sir.
Alright.
You must have stumbled upon her lair.
You approached her. She felt
threatened, so she attacked you.
Should I bring her back to the cells?
No, no.
The Toronto Asylum under Dr.
Ogden's care will be best.
Right.
Do you think she's the killer, sir?
Certainly seems capable of it.
I'd have to agree.
Alright.
(Fen grunting)
Fen, I'm going to put you
to sleep for a little while.
(indistinct chatter)
(Dr. Ogden exhales.)
My goodness!
Hard to believe it's the same girl.
Her persona was very much exaggerated.
Her hair and body unwashed...
That's quite a scar.
Yes. From an animal
attack some years ago.
Mr. Travis claims that
she was mauled by a wolf.
It's quite possible, William.
Her teeth have been deliberately
filed down into points.
I took an impression.
It matches our victim's bite mark.
I'd be worried about that, George.
Dr. Ogden looked at it, she
says it's healing nicely.
It does hurt like the Devil though.
- Maybe you caught something.
- Something?!
- Rabies?
- Henry, she's a girl, not a dog!
What if she bit a dog
before she bit you?
George, you're not thinking clearly.
- That's a symptom, you know?
- Where is he?!
Huh?
You've no right to keep her!
She's my property,
and I've a lineup of customers waiting.
Well, then they'll just have to wait.
But thanks for popping in
because we've got some questions
we'd like to ask you.
- What were you doing in the woods last night?
- Looking for the girl. Why else?
You were not looking for
her; you were hiding her!
Now, why would I do that, huh?
Stop playing the
innocent. You let her out,
tied her up, no doubt waiting for
the perfect opportunity to go back,
get her, and leave town.
Meanwhile the Constabulary
and half the neighbourhood
are on a wild goose
chase looking for her.
Enough with the lies, Mr.
Travis. What is going on?
You're right.
I was leaving.
I wanted to get her as
far away from this town
before you bloodthirsty
lot strung her up
for something she had
nothing to do with.
We have evidence that
she attacked the victim.
- Like what?
- Her bite mark on his hand.
You call that evidence?
(Travis laughing)
I warn all the spectators not
to get too close to her cage.
That only proves the man
can't listen to sound advice.
- When did the victim see her?
- How would I know?
Lots of people come through.
She's quite the attraction.
Now, where you keeping her?
She's in better hands than yours.
(Fen grunting and panting)
You're safe here, Fen.
Safe.
No one will hurt you.
(Fen grunting)
(Fen panting)
Would you like to listen to some music?
(Fen grunting)
(piano and guitar music playing)
(Fen panting more slowly)
(Fen grunting)
What are you trying to say?
William.
You're just in time to see
these gestures she's making.
- (Fen grunting)
- What do they mean?
I have no idea. They
require further observation.
But her appearance, her choice in food,
the scars; they all suggest she's
been living in the wild for some time.
Fascinating.
I can understand why people
would want to pay to see her.
Well, Julia, surely not.
(Julia): What are we doing
but watching her, William?
About time you paid for
help. How much you offering?
- Five cents.
- Ten.
A nickel, final offer! What do you know?
- I seen him.
- Did you now?
- He went to see that beast in the cage.
- What of it?
I took him there. Near the river.
- (birds singing)
- ♪♪♪
What?!
It was right here two days ago!
Yes, I'm sure it was.
Give us that nickel
back, you little thief!
The tent was right here!
Honest! I swear it's the truth!
Here. You stay out of trouble, alright?
So, the victim was
definitely attacked here
at Travis's campsite.
Which the lying sod
failed to tell us he moved.
Bloody Irish tinkers!
Nothing but trouble when they
show up in their caravans.
Ten to one that that
knife's the murder weapon.
Not a single fingermark, sir.
There are traces of blood,
but it's been deliberately wiped clean.
Had to be Travis.
- The girl wouldn't have the wherewithal to do that.
- Exactly.
But then, what about the bite marks?
Well, the victim got too close to her.
As you discovered, Fen reacts
violently when approached.
Indeed she does.
So the victim and the girl
were involved in an altercation.
Or Travis set her on him.
Either way, Travis stabbed him
and then tried to cover it up. But why?
Any news from the victim, Crabtree?
Nothing yet, sir, but
I've widened my search,
sent out a province-wide description.
Constables.
Come with me, I've found the killer.
"Constables."
See. I got it. A vicious coyote.
- And he's the killer?
- He is indeed.
Ah... So, uh...
explain to me how he could use that?
- ♪♪♪
- (Fen panting)
- (indistinct chatter)
- (distant woman): Bye-bye!
Julia!
This is a nice surprise.
- How are you?
- (Baby babbling)
I just picked up our little man and
thought we'd drop by for a visit.
I've been trying to get
Fen interested in food.
She shows a passing interest in oatmeal.
- (Fen grunting)
- (Murdoch): Any other changes?
She's still making the gestures,
but I haven't been able
to decipher any pattern.
It certainly doesn't match any
sign language that I can find.
(Murdoch): Perhaps it is just random.
- (baby babbling)
- Hello, Roland.
Am I ignoring you? (Julia chuckling)
- Oh!
- The nanny says that
- we are to feed him more often.
- Hahaha!
- He's hardly underfed, William.
- I agree, but she insists.
There. No?
See, you're not even hungry.
(Fen grunting)
Do you see that, William?
(Fen grunting)
You like the baby?
- You want to see the baby?
- (Fen grunting)
I think she's more
interested in you, William.
Pa!
- She's speaking.
- Paaa! Paa.
- After a fashion.
- Paa...
Do you think maybe she recognizes
that I'm Roland's father?
And that's what all the
speaking and gestures are about?
It seems to be some form
of primitive language.
- Pa.
- Well, we know she had a father at some point.
It appears so.
- (indistinct conversations)
- I've been expecting your call.
You have?
You don't seem the type
of person who's comfortable
with unanswered questions.
I want you to keep
looking for his parents.
Well, in fact,
I've carried on with my search,
anticipating this very thing.
So you have something?
Please tell me it's not a
mother pining for her lost child.
Not exactly. After her parents died,
I found out that Joanne
Perly left Stratford.
But the trail went cold after that.
So I checked into Mr. Braxton.
It seems he left England for
the bright lights of Brantford.
There, he met and married Joanne.
How did they get Roland?
The woman I think was Roland's mother
lived out of town on a homestead.
She went into labour
earlier than her time.
There were complications, and she died.
What happened to Roland?
The rural midwife was
the only person present.
She reported that the
baby was never delivered.
The midwife was Joanne Braxton.
She stole the dead woman's child?
It's the only birth she attended
that fits with Roland's age.
And then she and her husband
left the area shortly after.
What about Roland's
father? Is he still alive?
He is.
He was working out of the province
at the time of his wife's death.
He never questioned the official report.
My God!
No one knows the baby exists.
No one misses him.
No one mourns him.
He is yours, Julia.
Is this good news or bad?
What would William say?
He still doesn't know.
Keeping a secret this profound from him
would be a betrayal of
the trust between us.
But if I tell him...
He will feel duty-bound to
return Roland to his father.
So leaving him in blissful ignorance
could be the better path.
If you think you can do that.
Sir?
I found a missing persons'
report that matches our victim.
- Who is it?
- A Hugo de Jaager.
Left his family home in
Peterborough for Toronto a week ago.
Hasn't been heard from since.
- What's all this?
- Sir, this is his research.
He told his mother before he left
he was sure he was going
to find her this time.
- "Her"?
- The girl, sir.
The feral girl.
Finding her became his life's work.
George, these were written years ago.
Mr. de Jaager would have
still been in school.
Indeed he was, sir.
I took the liberty of
going through his material.
His diaries were very intriguing,
very well-written for a young lad.
And what did you learn?
Well, sir, it seems young Hugo preferred
his own company to that of other boys.
He spent long hours wandering
the woods near his family farm.
I suppose you could say
he was a loner type, sir.
In any case,
one day while exploring
one of his usual haunts,
he came upon a strange
and wondrous sight ...
a pair of feral creatures, sir,
a girl and a boy.
He describes them in great detail, sir,
their wild appearance,
their animal-like movements,
often on all fours, sir.
- I can probably illustrate...
- Perhaps another time, George.
- Thank you. Go on.
- Right.
Sir, when Hugo tried
to convince his mother,
or anybody else who would
listen, about the children,
they dismissed his
tales as wild imaginings.
But he never stopped looking
for the children, sir.
This is all very interesting, George,
but what has it to do with our case?
Hugo stopped trying to convince
people about the children.
They became part of
his own private world.
Until one day,
the partially decomposed body
of a young boy was found in
the woods by some hunters.
Apparently, he'd been
attacked by wolves.
Near the boy's body
was the torn and bloody
clothes of a young girl.
But the girl was never
found, dead or alive.
He became haunted by the mystery
of what happened to this young girl.
It took hold of him
as you can see.
He's been searching for her ever since.
And he came to Toronto
believing that he had found her.
According to his last words to his
mother, sir, he was quite confident.
I think perhaps he did find her
and paid the price for it.
♪♪♪
When am I getting my property back?
Settle down, Travis. We need
to ask you a few questions.
We now know that you found
Fen somewhere a little closer
- than the Appalachian Mountains.
- (utensil clanking in pot)
- So what if I did?
- So where was it?
Would be 20 miles or so
outside of Peterborough.
Not a very glamorous locale,
so I dressed it up a little.
Give the punters their money's worth.
- So the whole story's a lie?
- Not all of it.
I did almost shoot her
thinking she was a bear.
She was very young, no
more than 8 I reckoned.
Badly injured and starving.
I fed her, treated her wounds.
She recovered, got back her strength...
but never uttered more
than the odd sound.
And never took to being civilized.
Happy in her own filth.
And that's when you started thinking
she could help pay her own way,
and you created the
myth of "The Wild Child."
That's about the sum of it, yeah.
Until Mr. de Jaager
discovered your campsite.
He threatened to expose
your show as a hoax,
and you realized you were
about to lose your meal ticket.
- What are you saying?
- What the detective is saying
is you had clear motive for murder.
(Travis and Brackenreid laughing)
I'm glad you find it funny because
you're under arrest, Travis.
Seems like I'm not the only one
with a gift for the tall tale, huh?
You gents have come up with a beaut.
Might even work it into my show.
This was the murder weapon.
My constable found it
at your old campsite,
the one you were staying
at the night of the murder.
Why did you move campsites?
I move whenever I want.
It's the beauty of a home on wheels.
This is your knife, is it not?
Might be...
might not be.
But I doubt you can prove
I ever touched that thing.
So if I'm the murderer...
show me the evidence that'll hang me.
I didn't have enough
to hold him in custody.
The only person who knows what
happened that night is Fen.
The bite mark is proof enough
that she met Mr. de Jaager.
But we can't communicate with her.
- (Roland babbling)
- William, how did those two children
come to be living in the
woods? They were so young.
George is combing The
Peterborough Examiner for clues.
There has to be a story,
but likely not a happy one.
- (Roland babbling)
- And one that we may never know.
Julia...
when he is old enough,
we're going to have to tell
Roland about his parents.
As hurtful as it may be to
learn that they were criminals...
... you should know.
Should know, hmm? (Murdoch chuckling)
Are you sure?
Yes, I should meet Roland's father.
His name is Harold Connor.
Julia, it will be hard to turn
back once you go down this road.
♪♪♪
(knocking on door)
- Good day.
- Good day. How can I help you?
I'm collecting for the
local children's hospital.
Would you care to make a
donation, however modest?
Well, cabinet makers don't make much,
but I think I could
contribute a little something.
- (coins clinking)
- Every penny counts.
- Do you have children?
- No, I don't.
It's a shame.
There was a time when I thought
I'd pass my skills on to a son,
or a daughter for that matter.
But it wasn't to be.
50 cents,
- would that be enough?
- Absolutely.
You know, you might have more
luck in another part of town.
People around here are barely
putting food on the table.
It's not they don't have
good hearts, you understand?
I just don't want my neighbours feeling
badly for having to say no to you.
Of course, it's very thoughtful.
- Thank you for your time.
- Have a good day.
- (coins clinking)
- (door closing)
I started when the poor
boy's body was found,
and I'm working backwards
from there. I'm down to 1890.
It's very illuminating, sir, once
you drop into the minutiae of it.
Here's a story about a sow
that gave birth to 13 piglets.
Now that's a North
Kawartha township record.
Very interesting.
Sir, come look at this.
A farmer reports two
British Home Children
ran away from his employ:
a boy, 8 years old,
and a young girl of 5.
Seems the farmer was more
concerned with the hardship
of replacing them than the
welfare of the children.
These Home Children,
they were orphan workers,
sent there as cheap labour.
They were often very mistreated.
Whatever the reason they may have left,
these could be the two children
Mr. de Jaager saw in the woods.
The girl could be Fen,
sir. The timeline matches,
this is 13 years ago.
It says the boy was mute.
Sir, that's probably why
the wolves caught him.
The poor thing couldn't
cry out to scare them away.
Wolves are like that, sir, they'll
go for the weakest of the bunch.
Perhaps she tried to save him
and almost got herself mauled to death.
If I'm needed, I'll be at the Asylum.
- Check into that detail.
- Julia.
I believe I've discovered
the origin of Fen's gestures.
- You have?
- She ran away with a boy who was mute.
- Pardon?
- Right, uh, sorry.
George found a report
of two Home Children
who ran away in roughly the
area where Hugo de Jaager
says he spotted two feral children.
They would have been
about 8 and 5 at the time.
Wasn't the boy 11 when
he was killed by wolves?
Yes, and Mr. Travis figures that
Fen was about 8 when he found her.
The two of them survived
all that time alone.
Perhaps they developed this language
to communicate with each other.
That's extraordinary, William.
- (Fen grunting)
- Fen?
Fen.
Fen...
This man. Man...
Um...
who... hurt... this man?
Perhaps using her own
experience of pain may help
to convey the question
you're trying to ask.
Fen.
Hurt.
(slowly): Hurt.
Hurt.
Pff! Pfff!
Hurt? Hurt.
(Fen moaning loudly)
Yes, hurt.
Fen...
this man.
Who hurt... this man?
Pa! Pa!
That's the same gesture
and sound she made
- when she saw you with Roland!
- Is she saying father?
- She could be.
- Paaaaa! Ah!
I think she's trying to tell
us who hurt Mr. de Jaager.
- (Fen): Pa!
- You were feeding Roland
when she became so animated.
Perhaps she's referring
to the man who feeds her?
Her keeper, Mick Travis.
Is she trying to tell
us he is the killer?
(Fen grunts once.)
(Fen grunting)
There's only one way to find out.
- What the hell am I doing here?
- Look at it as a field trip!
(Travis): Look, I've cooperated with you
clowns. If you think I know anything else,
- you're wasting your time!
- Pa?
- GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!
- I've just had enough of you,
you lowlife piece
of... Ah! (Fen grunting)
(screaming and grunting)
Get off! Get off!
(Travis): My property and lay off!
(man): You can't do that, she's a human!
- (Fen grunting)
- Don't lay your hands on her!
(stabbing sound)
(man screaming)
Come on! Get off! Get off!
Shh! Shh!
- Shhh! It's alright. Shh-shh!
- Are you alright, sir?
I think so.
It's alright. Shh!
See, Fen? No harm done.
Huh? I wasn't hurt.
- Fen was helping, I know.
- Pa. Pa.
It's alright, girl. It's alright now.
Fen stabbed Hugo de Jaager.
She was trying to protect Mr. Travis.
You caught your murderer.
Makes you happy, does it?
You're going to advocate for
Fen to remain at the asylum.
Yes...
though I can hardly argue that
she wasn't in her right mind
when she stabbed Mr. de Jaager.
She was attacking a man she thought
was harming her father, a
perfectly rational action.
But she didn't have
men's rea, a guilty mind,
so I have considerable leeway.
Can she be helped?
I don't know.
But with further attention and care,
she may be able to learn
to control her wildness.
And become civilized.
(Julia sighs.)
Given the behaviour of some of
the so-called civilized people
we encounter in our work, I
wonder what we'd be teaching her.
Well, she did show us that
she's capable of empathy, Julia,
by attempting to protect
Mr. Travis the way she did.
It is the hallmark of humanity.
No matter what we may
think of him as a man,
she saw him as her father.
William, there's something
I have to tell you.
(Julia sighs.)
You have to look your best, little man.
You're about to meet
someone very special.
♪♪♪
(sigh)
Mr. Connor.
Detective Murdoch.
He...
he is a miracle.
Meet your son... Roland.
- (Roland laughing)
- He's a...
he's a lovely little man,
and it's been our
honour to care for him.
You are the very best of people.
I have some things for him
that you might find useful.
I'll arrange to have them sent over.
I cannot thank you enough times.
I wish you a long and
happy life together.
(Roland babbling)
(touching music)
(Julia sobbing briefly)
(Julia gasping)
(Julia crying)
Announcer: On an all-new Murdoch...
Solving a secret code.
This is why he was murdered.
Are you sure you want to do this?
I want to see what he saw.
Announcer: This time,
going undercover...
Bloody, copper!
Announcer: Isn't what
it's cut out to be.
Murdoch Mysteries, next
Monday at 8:00 on CBC.