[first lines]
[Hitchcock is standing by a pool table and wearing an eye-patch]
Himself - Host: Oh, good evening. You know, uh, this came as somewhat of a surprise to me. I was under the impression that all pool tables were kidney-shaped. I guess that's only true in Hollywood. Our story tonight will be in a somewhat different vein. It is a tale of mystery and intrigue on a transcontinental express. It is called... The title seems to have slipped my mind. It's, um...
[man enters with a pool cue and taps the end of it, significantly]
Man with Pool Cue: You've, uh, dropped your cue.
[hands Hitchcock the cue and walks off. Hitchcock unscrews the end of cue, takes out a piece of paper and reads it]
Himself - Host: The title of tonight's play is "Safe Conduct."
[looks off stage in the direction of where the man with pool cue walked off]
Himself - Host: Thank you very much.