When Lila and Sam do not hear from Arbogast, Sam visits the motel. Sam sees a figure in the house who he assumes is Mrs. Bates, but she ignores him. Worried about further inquiries about his mother, Norman carries her from her bedroom and hides her in the fruit cellar. Lila and Sam visit the local deputy sheriff, who informs them that Mrs. Bates died in a murder-suicide ten years ago. The sheriff concludes that Arbogast lied to Sam and Lila so he could pursue Marion and the money. Convinced that some ill has befallen Arbogast, Lila and Sam drive to the motel. Sam distracts Norman in the motel office while Lila sneaks inside the house. Norman becomes agitated and knocks Sam unconscious. When Norman enters the house, Lila hides in the cellar, where she discovers that Mrs. Bates is a mummified corpse. After hearing Lila scream, Norman, wearing his mother's clothes and a wig, enters the cellar brandishing a chef's knife. Sam, having regained consciousness, subdues him.