Mystery Loves Company is the second part of the eleventh episode of the series Heathcliff and Dingbat. This is based on the Heathcliff, rather than Dingbat. It is followed by third part of the eleventh episode: French Fried Fracas.
Synopsis[]
Heathcliff and two sanitation workers find themselves in a comedic duel over the stolen Stiffany diamond. As they compete to return the jewel to its rightful owner for a reward, a cunning diamond thief also schemes to reclaim it.
Plot[]
As Heathcliff narrates his day while walking along a fence, he notices a shadowy figure dropping a diamond into a trash bin before disappearing from sight. Intrigued, Heathcliff investigates the bin and discovers the sparkling gem. Just then, a sanitation truck arrives, and the two workers, Clem and Digby, exit. Unbeknownst to them, Heathcliff hides in the bin, and Digby unknowingly scoops him up and places him in the truck.
When the truck opens, Heathcliff makes a daring escape, diamond in paw. Clem recognizes the diamond as the recently stolen Stiffany diamond, which has garnered a hefty reward for its return. He decides to confront Heathcliff, leading to a comical scuffle where Clem ends up tossing Heathcliff into a shed while Digby looks on.
As Heathcliff escapes, Clem shares a plan with Digby. Clem will chase Heathcliff down an alley while Digby waits with a net. However, Heathcliff stays alert and swiftly evades their trap, leaving them empty-handed. Clem, realizing they lost track of the cat, hears Heathcliff’s voice again and resumes the chase. Heathcliff cleverly kicks a nearby can, which strikes Digby as he demands to know where the diamond is.
Their antics continue as Digby, following Clem's instructions, rolls a tin can down a hill in pursuit of Heathcliff. However, a series of mishaps ensue, culminating in a collision that sees both Clem and Digby bumble their way into more trouble. Amidst the chaos, Heathcliff seizes the opportunity to claim his reward but is suddenly confronted by a mysterious stranger trying to steal the diamond back.
As Clem and Digby chase after the mysterious figure, Heathcliff finds himself in the right place at the right time. He escapes through the sewers while the stranger heads toward the Stiffany's High Priced Jewelry store. Rushing to claim the reward, Heathcliff discovers the mysterious stranger posing as a store clerk, revealing himself to be the infamous diamond thief. Heathcliff manages to catch him red-handed and returns the diamond.
Anticipating a grand reward, Heathcliff is dismayed to receive only a crisp five-dollar bill. Blaming inflation for the meager reward, he decides to make the best of the situation. Using the money, he treats himself and the sanitation workers to sandwiches at a café called Sub/Sandwich City. Grateful for the meal, Clem and Digby thank Heathcliff. He feels satisfied, having done a good deed by returning the diamond to such a prestigious establishment while enjoying his tuna sub with a chuckle.
Characters[]
- Heathcliff
- Clem
- Digby
- Mysterious Stranger / Jewel Thief / Diamond Clerk
- Investigator
Trivia[]
- The scene when Heathcliff somersaults the trash cans in the air, is a call-back to Heathcliff's tendencyy to dump trash bins seen in the orignal George Gately comics.