STAMPED FOR MURDER and THE WELL-WORN CUFF THE NEW ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE

Summary

1001 Radio Crime Solvers – Episode Summary

Date: April 29, 2026

Host: Jon Hagadorn
Stories Featured:

• Stamped for Murder
• The Well-Worn Cuff
  Show: The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe

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Episode Overview

This episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers features two classic radio mysteries from "The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe," starring Sidney Greenstreet: “Stamped for Murder” and “The Well-Worn Cuff.” The tales transport listeners to the golden age of radio where brilliant, eccentric detective Nero Wolfe and his sharp-witted assistant Archie Goodwin unravel perplexing crimes. The episode is brimming with clever banter, memorable confrontations, and intricate plots involving forgeries, murder, secret codes—and, of course, Wolfe’s famous culinary and floral obsessions.

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Stamped for Murder (01:31 – 29:42)

Main Theme

A plea for help from a young woman draws Wolfe and Archie into a web of fraud, murder, and rare Hawaiian stamps, as they hunt both a killer and a missing fortune.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Wolfe’s Reluctance & Archie’s Persistence (01:31–03:16)

• Wolfe, more concerned with gourmet food and orchids than with finances, is pressed by Archie to take on a case due to lack of funds.
• Archie’s insistent:

  “Will you for the love of heaven, stop turning down clients and turn an honest dollar?” – Archie (03:09)

The Client Arrives: The Kents’ Dilemma (03:21–04:33)

• Gloria Kent and Mr. Rodman seek Wolfe’s help: Gloria’s father spent her inheritance ($10,000) buying a forged treasure map.
• Gloria:

  “Father bought a treasure map… from a pair of swindlers named Cross and Halleck.” (04:30)

The Swindle’s Complexity (04:55–05:24)

• Rodman admits to selling old family letters, used to forge “evidence” for the con.
• Map and letters were “authenticated” by the Document Research Lab, but they were tampered with.

Wolfe Forcibly Accepts the Case (06:10–06:38)

• Archie persuades Wolfe—highlighting Gloria’s desperation—and Wolfe reluctantly agrees to find the money.

Cross & Halleck Refund the Money—Too Easily (08:19–11:06)

• Archie confronts the conmen. Surprisingly, they quickly return the $10,000 on the condition Wolfe returns the map and letters.
• Wolfe is suspicious:

  “He surrendered too quickly, Archie. Too easily.” – Wolfe (10:41)

The First Murder: Mr. Kent Slain (11:32–13:01)

• Archie visits Gloria and finds her father murdered, his throat cut.
• Gloria, distraught:

  “All I’m good for now is revenge.” (12:30)

Gloria Disappears; Inspector Kramer Enters (13:35–15:08)

• Kramer, the hard-edged police inspector, suspects Gloria but Wolfe urges focus on finding Cross, Halleck, and mystery man Ben Sanford.
• Wolfe reveals Gloria never showed at his home, contradicting what he told Kramer.

The Document Research Lab & The Real Target (15:15–17:23)

• Wolfe deduces Sanford, who authenticated the map, might be crucial.
• At Wolfe’s greenhouse, Sanford is accused of both fraud and murder.

  “You alone would have murdered Kent. For the map.” – Wolfe (18:13)

Disclosure of True Value (23:40–28:35)

• All suspects and Gloria are gathered. Wolfe exposes that the real prize on the letters: extremely rare “Missionary” Hawaiian postage stamps.
• Wolfe’s trick:

  “Secret ink, vintage 1851, will withstand the agency of heat… The envelopes are everything!” (25:25, 25:38)

• Cross and Halleck panic to save burning envelopes; Sanford’s lack of concern reveals he knows they are decoys—proof he’s the killer.

Resolution & Value Revealed (27:44–28:58)

• Wolfe:

  “Stamps worth upwards of $25,000 each.”

• Gloria’s windfall is substantial, and Sanford is exposed as the murderer.

Final Banter (29:00–29:24)

• Wolfe asks Gloria for a favor:

  “Will you use your red hair, your pretty face, your admirable figure and your ample fortune to lure Mr. Goodwin away from this house tonight? I would like to enjoy my dinner in peace.” – Wolfe (29:06)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Wolfe’s culinary priorities and flamboyant speech.
• Archie’s dry humor and loyalty.
• Wolfe’s “secret writing” reveal and stamp-collecting twist.
• Gloria’s fiery determination for justice.

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The Well-Worn Cuff (33:07 – 60:06)

Main Theme

A seemingly-simple bribe morphs into murder and blackmail, as Wolfe and Archie decipher false pretenses, phony musicians, and the meaning behind a well-worn coat cuff.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Wolfe & Archie’s Financial Concerns (33:07–36:10)

• Archie nags Wolfe into work, citing their dwindling bank account—mostly due to the costs of Wolfe’s orchids.

The Mystery Client—Charles Porter (36:14–39:44)

• Charles Porter, who claims to be a musician, offers Wolfe $1,000 to refuse a case for Dorothy Spencer (whom Wolfe has never met).
• Archie observes:

  “His right coat cuff is more worn than his left cuff. A copper happens to be a musical term… Porter thought it meant finished.” (40:00, 40:09)

Archie’s Deductions & The Impostor (40:55–41:23)

• Archie checks with the Windsor Hotel, confirming Charles Porter is a pianist.
• Wolfe deduces:

  “Therefore, the man who was here is not Charles Porter.” (42:09)

• Archie calls the real Porter—Sergeant Stebbins answers; Porter has just been murdered.

Blackmail Motives Emerge (46:07–47:11)

• Dorothy Spencer is revealed as Porter’s fiancée—he was blackmailing her with incriminating letters.
• Wolfe:

  “Love may perhaps be blind, but it is not astigmatic.” (46:58)

• Dorothy admits the motive for the murder seems clear but claims innocence.

Suspect Wheeler—Soap and Perfume Clues (52:04–53:21)

• Archie and Wolfe deduce the impostor is Wheeler, an office manager at a perfume company (due to the scent on a handkerchief and his worn cuff).

Showdown and Arrest (55:46–56:59)

• Wheeler corners Archie and Dorothy in a hotel room, planning to kill them.
• Sergeant Stebbins bursts in, shooting Wheeler, saving Dorothy and Archie:

  “It's lucky for you my flat feet got staked out here in time.” – Stebbins (56:36)

Wolfe’s Deductive Wrap-Up (57:31–59:01)

• Wolfe explains the impostor’s complex scheme: he posed as Porter to point suspicion at Dorothy for the murder he himself would commit.
• The “well-worn cuff” showed the impostor’s real occupation—a clue missed by the police.
• Justice is served; Dorothy is freed from blackmail.

Light-hearted Epilogue (59:06–60:06)

• Wolfe, with comic exasperation, shoos Archie and Dorothy away so he can resume his dinner in peace.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “A man came to me, offered me a thousand dollars to drop a client I didn’t have. Why? Because obviously, he wished to direct my attention to that client.” – Wolfe (57:53)
• Archie:

  “Let’s do it together.” – (59:22)

• Wolfe:

  “Would you very much mind conducting your immense elsewhere? I would not and do so at once. I have a very important matter to attend to.” (59:25)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Start | End | Notes | |-------------------------------|----------|----------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Stamped for Murder Begins | 01:31 | ~29:42 | The Case of the Kent family, map, forgery, and murder | | The Well-Worn Cuff Begins | 33:07 | 60:06 | Fake client, the worn cuff clue, blackmail, and murder | | Gloria Confronted for Revenge | 12:30 | 13:35 | Emotional breakdown after her father is murdered | | Stamp Revelation Climax | 25:25 | 27:55 | Secret ink red herring; the rare missionary stamps revealed| | Banter: Wolfe’s Unusual Favor | 29:00 | 29:24 | Wolfe asks Gloria to take Archie away for dinner peace | | Archie & Wolfe on the Impostor | 41:11 | 42:09 | Deduction of fake Charles Porter by musical ignorance | | Wheeler’s Take-Down | 55:46 | 56:59 | Stebbins saves Archie and Dorothy; murderer revealed |

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Tone & Style

The repartee between Wolfe and Archie is as brisk and witty as always, laced with Wolfe’s luxuriant vocabulary and Archie’s sardonic observations. The episode maintains a classic, sophisticated detective atmosphere, tempered with moments of levity and warmth.

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Conclusion

This double-feature episode delivers everything fans expect from vintage radio detective tales: twists, sharp characters, and intricate plotting. Whether tracking rare stamps or exposing a killer through the scent of soap, Nero Wolfe’s blend of eccentricity and brilliance shines, ably matched by Archie’s streetwise charm.

For listeners craving Golden Age radio mysteries, this is delightful, ingenious entertainment.

Transcript

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[Nero Wolfe]

was going to be a parent, I immediately felt a lot of anxiety and worry.

[Archie Goodwin]

So I went on to BetterHelp to

[Nero Wolfe]

try to look for a therapist to

[Archie Goodwin]

help me with that.

[Jennifer Geller]

My relationship with my family and with my boyfriend and with myself were suffering. I really needed help. I was ruminating a lot. Really getting those thoughts out to a therapist and getting feedback was just life changing.

[BetterHelp Ad Announcer]

Discover what BetterHelp online therapy can do for you. Visit betterhelp.com today.

[NBC Radio Announcer]

Stay tuned for Nero Wolf. If the chimes shudder a little on Sunday afternoon, well, they know there's mystery in store Sunday with men of action like Mike Waring, better known as the Falcon, who brings his fearless and romantic touch to the solution of another mystery. After the Falcon, it's high adventure. Then the big guy steps in. The new private eye, Charlie Wild concludes with a few casual homicides. The chimes mean mystery in action this Sunday afternoon on NBC. Transcribe.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

My boss is the smartest and the stubbornest, the fattest and the laziest, the cleverest and the craziest, the most extravagant detective in the world, Nero Wolf.

[Radio Show Narrator]

It's the adventure of stamped for murder with that brilliant eccentric private detective, orchid fancier and gargantuan gourmet, Nero Wolf, starring Sidney Greenstreet.

[Nero Wolfe]

Instructions for this morning. Archie, your Notebook, please. First, Mr. Salinsback, inform him that the Long island peafowl he sent were most unsatisfactory. Peafowl's breast flesh is not sweet and tender unless it is well protected from all alarms, especially from the air to prevent nervousness. Long island is full of airplanes. Look, Mr. Wolf, I shall want a dozen chickens that have been raised on blueberries and a fresh killed lamb for tomorrow.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Mr. Wolf, please listen.

[Nero Wolfe]

There's Mr. Goodwin, be quiet. And then dinner on the following day becomes a problem.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Mr. Wolf, dinner any day is going to be a problem if we don't pay south.

[Nero Wolfe]

And pay it with what?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

The bank account's empty.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ridiculous. They were $4,000 yesterday.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

But you bought that shipment of Orchid bulbs from wine. Old Gluckner. Mr. Wolf, we need money. You've got to stop eating and drinking beer long enough to earn some.

[Nero Wolfe]

Sh. You're an alarmist.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Will you for the love of heaven, stop turning down clients and turn an honest dollar? I've got a couple of prospects right outside the door.

[Nero Wolfe]

Send them away.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

No, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

Send them away. Tell them I've gone to Egypt.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Nothing doing, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

Confound you, Archie. Obey orders. Send them away.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Ms. Kent, Mr. Rodman. Come in, please.

[Gloria Kent]

Thank you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Confound you, Archie, you're mutinous.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Yes, sir. And you're stuck with it. This is Ms. Gloria Kent and Mr. Rodman. They arrived as advertised, with a pressing problem.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good morning. You people are here by sufferance only. I shall speak to Mr. Goodman about it later. Yes, indeed. I don't like pressing problems, Ms. Kent. What are your.

[Gloria Kent]

My father.

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed. I'm not a court of domestic relations, Ms. Kent. What did your father do, beat you? Withhold your earnings? Discourage your suitors? Mr. Goodwin should have informed you this office does not undertake cases involving marital or family problems.

[Gloria Kent]

But that's not.

[Nero Wolfe]

If Mr. Goodwin had not been beguiled by your pretty face, he might have warned you and avoided this embarrassment to you and annoyance to me.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Now, now, now, now, take it easy. Take it easy. How many times have I told you, you don't know how to handle women.

[Nero Wolfe]

Then suppose you let Ms. Kent handle me.

[Gloria Kent]

Well, it's simply this, Mr. Wolf. I had some money my mother left me. My father's just spent it without my permission. I wanted back without a scandal.

[Nero Wolfe]

Thanks, Ms. Kent. How much? How spent?

[Gloria Kent]

$10,000. Father bought a treasure map.

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed. From whom?

[Gloria Kent]

A pair of swindlers named Cross and Halleck. They've driven him crazy talking about fortune salvaged from the SS this and the SS that.

[Document Research Lab Employee]

He.

[Gloria Kent]

He's got a map and old letters he studies. He's childish.

[Nero Wolfe]

Many fortunes have been recovered. Many more await on the sea bottom. How do you know your father has been duped?

[Gloria Kent]

Well, I know.

[Nero Wolfe]

You do, Mr. Rodman?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Cross and Halleck bought some old letters

[Nero Wolfe]

for me written by my grandfather from Hawaii. They used them to manufacture the map

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

and evidence, and that's what they sold to Kent.

[Gloria Kent]

Father thought he was being so clever, he had the paper analyzed. Of course. The document research laboratory said the letters were genuine. They were, but something new had been added. I'd have never known if Mr. Rodman hadn't told me.

[Nero Wolfe]

You're a party to the swindle, Mr. Rodman. I was not. I Never knew what they were up to.

[Gloria Kent]

Mr. Wolf, you've got to help me. I can't do anything with Father. I can't convince him. Even Mr. Rodman can't.

[Nero Wolfe]

No, Ms. Kent, I'm sorry. This is not for me.

[Gloria Kent]

You must. You must.

[Nero Wolfe]

Not in my office, madam. No tears, please. Please. Archie, stop her.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Okay, okay, okay.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie. When Ms. Kent has finished her disgraceful exhibition, chew them out.

[Gloria Kent]

How dear. Walk out on a.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Easy, easy, easy. I know him. I know him. You don't. He gets into a panic when women cry or else he's curious about what Fritz is cooking for lunch. Now, just wait a minute, please. Oh, aren't you ashamed of yourself? Walking out like that on that poor

[Nero Wolfe]

kid, that hysterical gamma.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

She's lost all of her money. She needs help.

[Nero Wolfe]

I charge high fees, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

So charge a small fee. Do you want her to starve?

[Nero Wolfe]

Good heavens, starve? How monstrous.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I'm not kidding. While you'll be in here smelling your dinner, she and her father will be starving.

[Nero Wolfe]

I thought you were bringing me a paying claim.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Well, this is different.

[Nero Wolfe]

She's beautiful. Archie, you're impossible. Oh, very well. Go back into them. Get names, addresses, facts. I am not committed to Ms. Kent's case.

[Inspector Kramer]

But we'll see. Be a tribute.

[Nero Wolfe]

I pay for your weakness for a pretty face.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Rodman and Gloria Kent were gone, however, so all I had were the few facts they'd given me before they met Wolf. I felt guilty about that. When he came back into the office and sat down in his specially built chair, he closed his eyes and I glared at him. Well, how much of you is awake, Mr. Wolf? Well, they disappeared. Did you tell me you were going to help this girl just to get her out of the office? Or did you mean it?

[Nero Wolfe]

You're a gadfly.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

No, sir. No, sir. You made a promise and you're stuck with it.

[Nero Wolfe]

What did you get from Rodman?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Name, address, occupation?

[Nero Wolfe]

He's a librarian, that's all very careless, Archie. You missed a significant point.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Such as?

[Nero Wolfe]

How did Rodman discover the letters he sold were being altered by forgery and used for swindle? How did he locate the Duke, Mr. Kent?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I guess you're right. I'll ask him next time. But what about now? Are you going to get Gloria's money back?

[Nero Wolfe]

I assume you call Ms. Kent glorious. Only in order to annoy me. It does.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Stop it.

[Nero Wolfe]

Get Cross and Halleck. On my way. You'll find him at the Hotel Bogart.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Wrong, sir. According to my notes, their address is.

[Nero Wolfe]

Never mind their address. The hotel Bogard is the headquarters for successful confidence tricksters. They celebrate their victories there while the money lasts. You will possibly find Cross and Hallock drinking whiskey or lunching? Probably both.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I located Cross and Halleck in the hotel bar and lured them back to our place on 35th Street. Wolf was sitting behind his desk with his hands crossed on his impressive middle, at peace with his lunch and the world. When I ushered them in, he sat bolt upright and scorched me with a look. Good afternoon, Mr. Wolf. The tall one's name is Cross. The short one is Halleck. They want to help me invest my money. Gentlemen, Mr. Nero Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

What?

[Radio Show Narrator]

Who?

[Nero Wolfe]

Hero Wolf.

[Radio Show Narrator]

Hey, what is this?

[Nero Wolfe]

None found you out here. How drunk are they?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Not too drunk for business.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let's talk.

[Nero Wolfe]

Get out of here. Come on.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Wait a minute. You want me to keep him here, Mr. Wolf?

[Nero Wolfe]

Not by violence. Archie. Come back here. Gentlemen. Unless you want seven years in the state penitentiary.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Unless what?

[Inspector Kramer]

You got nothing on us, Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Nothing. I have the Kent case.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

The Kent?

[Archie Goodwin]

That's a laugh.

[Inspector Kramer]

We're sitting pretty.

[Nero Wolfe]

Sittin pretty you are not, sir. You imagine you possess legal immunity. Mr. Kent believe you a grotesque balderdash and will not sue for fraud. Ms. Kent cannot sue because she is reluctant to accuse her father of wrongfully obtaining her money. Ergo, you think you are invulnerable. Now, listen. But you forget me. I'm a detective with a fee to earn.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

A big fee.

[Nero Wolfe]

Quiet, Archie. I am determined to get that fee. Therefore, as Ms. Kent's agent, I can and will bring action against you. I'm indifferent to her tears or her father's disgrace. I'm indifferent to anything outside of money. You will return the $10,000 to me at once, sir, or you'll be in jail by morning. You mean that? I do, Mr. Cross.

[Inspector Kramer]

Alex, come here.

[Nero Wolfe]

Come on, honey. Okay. Here.

[Inspector Kramer]

Mr. Wolf, Alec and I have decided we don't want to get in any trouble with you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Here's your 10 grand.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Let's have it.

[Inspector Kramer]

Give the dough to Camp Mr. Wolf and get the letters and map back for us. You got a reputation for being tricky. But honest. We trust you. Come on, Alec, let's go.

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, how about that? Preposterous. No, sir. Take a look.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

$10,000. Genuine coin of the realm.

[Nero Wolfe]

That man crosses a fool. Does he imagine I'm to be fooled so easily?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

What do you mean? He left the money?

[Nero Wolfe]

He surrendered too quickly, Archie. Too easily. And that money in the envelope he was carrying? All ready to refund. Why?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Well, maybe he's got a better Sucker. I heard him mention a Ben Sanford.

[Nero Wolfe]

Nonsense. Does he need Kent's forged letters and map to cheat this Ben Sanford? Couldn't he repair another set?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I guess you're right. Something's fishy.

[Nero Wolfe]

In any event, it's no concern of mine. Thank heaven.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Why not?

[Nero Wolfe]

I'm not committed to Ms. Kent in any way. As a favor to you, I undertook to regain her money. I have done that. You may take it back to her and obtain the forged papers in return. But. Silence, Mr. Goodwin. Go to your redhead charmer. Leave me in peace. I intend to spend this afternoon with my new World atlas.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I left him 3,000 miles up the Amazon with his magnifying glass and drove up to East 69th Street. The Kent house was a broken down little brownstone. And as I went up the stoop, the door opened and Gloria Kent burst out like a skyrocket. Hey, Ms. Kent.

[Gloria Kent]

Easy, easy for me. Let go.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

What's wrong? What's wrong?

[Gloria Kent]

Wrong, wrong. Nothing is wrong. Nothing at all.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Well, how about seeing your father?

[Gloria Kent]

You want to see my father? Come inside for the love of heaven. Come inside. Mr. Good, I'll introduce you. He's in a back room. Come right through the living room.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

What else came through this living room? A hurricane?

[Gloria Kent]

No, Mr. Goodwin, something else. There's my father. Mr. Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

What in the de.

[Archie Goodwin]

He's dead.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

His throat's cut.

[Gloria Kent]

Father, this is Archie Goodwin from Nero Wolf's office. He and his boss refused to help while they could. Maybe he can help you now.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Stop it.

[Gloria Kent]

All I'm good for now is revenge, that's all. Stop it.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Stop it and look at me. When did it happen?

[Gloria Kent]

I don't know.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

When did you find him?

[Gloria Kent]

Just now.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Keep looking at me. Who went through this house like a hurricane?

[Nero Wolfe]

You? No.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Where did you go after you left the office?

[Gloria Kent]

To the laboratory.

[Archie Goodwin]

What lab?

[Gloria Kent]

Document the search. The place that checked the map.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

How long were you there?

[Gloria Kent]

Until an hour ago. I was with Mr. Rodman.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Keep looking at me. And then I had lunch with Robin

[Gloria Kent]

alone and then I came home.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

All right, all right. Now listen to me. I want you to go to Mr. Wolf's house right now. Have you got cab fare?

[Gloria Kent]

Yes.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

All right, take a cab. I've got to stay here, But I'll call Mr. Wolf and tell him you're on the way. Now get. I called Wolf, told him everything and he instructed me to advise Inspector Kramer who arrived with the homicide squad. I gave the inspector everything while the squad photographed and measured, print dusted and detective, at 3:30, Kramer took me back to the house on 35th street for a fight with Wolf.

[Inspector Kramer]

It's a great story, Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Great.

[Inspector Kramer]

Kent buys a phony treasure map. Everybody knows it's phony except Kent. But Cross and Halleck try to buy it back and Kent gets himself murdered.

[Nero Wolfe]

Did you find the map and letters in the house, Inspector?

[Inspector Kramer]

No. No, I didn't.

[Nero Wolfe]

Kill. It was after the map.

[Inspector Kramer]

A phony map?

[Nero Wolfe]

Certainly. Why? Well, if we knew that, we would know why Cross and Halleck so willingly paid back the money. And why Kent was murdered.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Maybe it's not phony.

[Inspector Kramer]

I'd better see the girl now.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh, you fancy her for the murder?

[Inspector Kramer]

Well, I'll know after I ask a few questions tonight.

[Nero Wolfe]

She's had a shock, Mr. Kramer. She needs rest.

[Inspector Kramer]

Look, Wolf, I want her.

[Nero Wolfe]

Why bother with her when there's so much to be done?

[Inspector Kramer]

Such as?

[Nero Wolfe]

Cross and Alec? Find them. And the mystery man they spoke of? Ben Sanford. These are the men you want now, not this poor overwrought girl.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, all right.

[Inspector Kramer]

The girl will be here for questioning tonight though, huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

Tonight, Mr. Kramer?

[Inspector Kramer]

Okay, you'll hear from me later on.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Well, you buffaloed him out of that. Okay. Say, why don't you want her questioned? Is she guilty?

[Nero Wolfe]

I don't know.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Well, what did she say when she got here?

[Nero Wolfe]

He said nothing. She never arrived.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

She never what?

[Nero Wolfe]

He never arrived.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Well, then why did you tell Kramer she was resting?

[Archie Goodwin]

Would he have believed the truth?

[Nero Wolfe]

She must be found. More important, we must learn why forge letters and forge Mapper produces turmoil.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Find the killer and you find the map. You said so.

[Nero Wolfe]

I said the reverse, which is an altogether different statement. Archie, I want a photograph of that map. Get it.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Oh, sure, sure. Any particular camera you want me to use?

[Nero Wolfe]

You'll find a photograph at 200 Vanderbilt Street.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Are you kidding?

[Nero Wolfe]

The lab cannot check the authenticity of old papers without photographing them in ultraviolet light, infrared light and so on. If this Document Research Lab has examined those papers, they will have photographs. Get them.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

He got out of his chair and waddled back to the house elevator. It was 4 o' clock and time for his regular afternoon session with the orchids. I drove down to the Document Research Laboratory on Vanderbilt and got such a shock that I grabbed the office phone and dialed Wolf at.

[Nero Wolfe]

This is Nero Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Mr. Wolf. Archie here.

[Nero Wolfe]

What's the matter? You lost?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

No, sir.

[Inspector Kramer]

No, sir.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

But I found something.

[Nero Wolfe]

Photographs?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

No, Mr. Wolf, I don't think you'll ever see any photographs of the Kent map. I don't think any were taken.

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

But guess who runs the document Research laboratory. No, no, no, no, no. Don't guess. You probably know a man named Ben Sanford. And he's sitting right here looking at me.

[Nero Wolfe]

Bring him home with you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Home?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

But it's four in the afternoon. This is the sacred hour when you pray over your orchids.

[Nero Wolfe]

And Mr. Sanford can join the ceremony. Hey, how about this place? How about it? There must be a million flowers up here.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

No, not flowers. Orchids. Only Mr. Wolf has 10,000 plants.

[Nero Wolfe]

Never saw anything like it.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

And you never will again, brother.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hey, what? What kind is that on the bench?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Oh, that? That's our pride and joy. Oh, Dante goes some Haryanum. Above them the Van Peter Serana. And the pink ones are the silo giani pandoratas. Now, the large object mulching flower pots is Nero Wolf. Mr. Wolf, Ben Sanford.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good afternoon, sir. Hi. I came along to be obliging. I've got nothing to say about anything. How much have you offered Cross and Halleck for their treasure map? No comment. Mr. Sanford, I'm going to make some assumptions. I assume that you are not, in fact, a document expert but an accessory to the fraud of Hallikin Cross.

[Inspector Kramer]

No comment.

[Nero Wolfe]

And you actually prepare fraudulent maps for those swindlers and then, in the guise of an expert, guarantee their authenticity? No comment. This you must answer. You did guarantee the authenticity of the map and let us can't board. It's on record. All right, I did. And will you admit they were forged? What are you, a comic? No. You guarantee the value of the Kent map? Yes. As an expert? Yes. Then you've convicted yourself of murder.

[Archie Goodwin]

Murder?

[Nero Wolfe]

What is this? Mr. Kent was murdered, sir, Evidently for the map and letters he bought. But of all persons involved, you alone believe in the value of the map. No one else does. Therefore, you alone would have murdered Kent. For the map. For the love of. Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Chew it over, brother. Chew it over. Either way, he's got you. Okay, okay. You.

[Nero Wolfe]

You want me to level here it is level, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Okay, boss. Thief type talk. It means tell the truth.

[Nero Wolfe]

It's like you say. The letters were bought from Rodman. I forged the map and evidence on them. I guarantee them to Kent.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

The swindle.

[Nero Wolfe]

The letters are without value. Oh, sure, they're old. That's all from 1851. Just tired family gossip and stuff. Indeed. There we have the problem again, Archie. Mr. Kent is swindled with a map and letters that are known to be worthless. He alone believes the fantasy of the treasure. There isn't any treasure. Never was. Yet Cross and Halleck refunded the swindle money so eagerly. It is obvious they want those worthless documents back badly. Someone else wants them so bad he murders Mr. Kent. Why?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I don't know.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, we must find the girl. There's a chance she turned to Mr. Rodman for refuge. I'm sorry, you'll have to go there at once. If the girl isn't there, bring Rodman.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Hello, Rodman, Remember me? I'm Archie Goodwin from Nero Wolf's office.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, oh, yes, good.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I came to get Gloria Kent. There's been a change in plans. Tell her to come out, please.

[Archie Goodwin]

Gloria?

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, she's not here.

[Gloria Kent]

Why should she be?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Haven't you heard?

[Archie Goodwin]

Heard what?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Well, I guess you'd better come down and see Wolf. Mr. Goodwin, I'm afraid I can't. I'm rather busy. Look, Rodman, maybe you ought to know old man Kent was murdered. What? Yes, yes, just after you and Gloria left us.

[Archie Goodwin]

Kent murdered?

[NBC Radio Announcer]

This is awful.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Mr. Goodwin, you want to see Mr. Wolf now? Get your hat.

[Archie Goodwin]

Murder.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

But believe me, I never wanted this.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'm going to tell Nero Wolf the

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

whole mess, every word of it. Okay, then, come on, let's go.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, of course. Just a minute.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I'll get my hat in the bedroom.

[Gloria Kent]

Murdered gentleman I never dreamed of.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Come on, rodman. Come on, rodman. Come on. What? I didn't hear you. Oh, rodman. What? Rodman. Oh, rodman. Good lord, what next?

[Archie Goodwin]

Come on, come on.

[Nero Wolfe]

This is Nero Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Archie here. We've had a tough break.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

While I was waiting for Rodman at the front door, he went into the bedroom for his hat. The killer was there.

[Nero Wolfe]

How do you know?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

He cut Rodman's throat terrible. The back window was open. It's the ground floor apart. When he was out and gone before I had a chance.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, where were your wits?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Let me alone. I've had a man murdered 20ft by. You think I'm cheering?

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Kramer is here and he has news for us. Archie. He could not locate Cross and Halleck in their apartment. They had not been home all day. The maid informed him that she was waiting for her weekly salary.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

So what?

[Nero Wolfe]

She was most angry and peppery. Mr. Kramer informs me.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Red Pepper.

[Nero Wolfe]

Exactly.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Okay, okay. Maybe I know what you mean. I'll try to deliver the goods this time. Goodbye. I drove down to the apartment house on Gramercy Square where Cross and Halleck lived, took the elevator up to the 10th floor, found the right door and slipped in with a pass key. Come on out, come out, wherever you are.

[Nero Wolfe]

I know you're in here.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

You fooled Kramer pretending to be the maid. But you didn't fool Wolf.

[Inspector Kramer]

You'd better.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Gloria.

[Gloria Kent]

Cut it out.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Cut it out, you idiot. Lay off, Archie. Archie, you dope. Archie Goodwin from Nero Wolf's office. Remember me? Give me the gun, Gloria.

[Gloria Kent]

Give it to me.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

That's right.

[Nero Wolfe]

Who?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Who did you think I was?

[Gloria Kent]

Pollock.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Oh, brilliant. So Wolf figured you out, huh? You are a brave girl. They killed your father. You came up here and waited for them. You were going to kill them right back, huh? Oh, that redheaded temper. And you bluffed Kramer into thinking you were the maid.

[Gloria Kent]

I had to do something. It was the only thing I could think of to come here and kill him.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Well, you're coming home with Archie. And just remember one thing. When Wolf's working for you, don't try to do any thinking. It only gets in Wolf's way. I got Gloria Kent back to the house at 7 o'.

[Archie Goodwin]

Clock.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I parked the car, brought her into the office and got the shock of my life. There was a convention on. Wolf was there with Inspector Kramer representing the cops. Cross, Halleck and Sanford were there representing the crooks. When Kramer saw Gloria, he scowled first at her and then at Wolf.

[Inspector Kramer]

So it was a slick one after all. Wolf, you didn't have the girl. You had no intention of producing her.

[Nero Wolfe]

Please, Mr. Kramer, that can wait. There are other matters more important. I dine at eight. That leaves me one hour to solve your murders.

[Inspector Kramer]

Murders?

[Nero Wolfe]

More than one?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Yes, two. Elmer Rodman.

[Archie Goodwin]

I haven't.

[Inspector Kramer]

Good one.

[Nero Wolfe]

If you please, Mr. Kramer. Not now. First, Ms. King. Good evening, Ms. Kent. I presume you have met these gentlemen, Cross, Halleck and Sanford. Take your purse, please.

[Gloria Kent]

Why?

[Nero Wolfe]

Don't think me as naive as Mr. Goodwin, Miss. When you left your home after the murder of your father, you took the map and letters with you. They are in your purse now.

[Gloria Kent]

True.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, the purse. Thank you. We have here an interesting situation. That there exists some old letters and map forged and fraudulent. They're worth $10,000 and more to Cross and Halleck. And worth two murders to a killer. Why? There must be something of great value in the letters.

[Inspector Kramer]

Such as?

[Nero Wolfe]

Something which Mr. Sanford could not see, although he worked on the document closely. Yet something which could be made manifest. What is the answer, Ms. Kent? You know it.

[Gloria Kent]

I swear I don't.

[Nero Wolfe]

Secret writing. Archie, bring the chafing dish from the dining room.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Right. Secret writing.

[Nero Wolfe]

I saw nothing when I worked down those letters. Naturally, Mr. Sandberg, the writing is invisible. That heat is an agent. It makes most Forms of secret writing visible.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

The chafing dish, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

Thank you, Archie. Place it before me and light it.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Right.

[Nero Wolfe]

Now I open Ms. Kent's purse. From it, you see, I withdraw these ancient letters which he took from her house after her father's murder.

[Gloria Kent]

That's not true.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

That's enough. Gloria, that's enough. From now on, you just listen.

[Nero Wolfe]

We remove the letters from the envelope

[Archie Goodwin]

and toast them gently.

[Nero Wolfe]

Secret ink, vintage 1851, will easily succumb to the agency of heat. Careful. Those envelopes will catch fire. Hey, hey, hey.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

They're caught.

[Nero Wolfe]

Don't be upset, Mr. Cross. Mr. Halleck. The envelopes. They'll burn safely in the dish. We can concentrate on the writing. Watch closely. I don't want to be accused of trickery. You fat fool. The envelopes are everything.

[Inspector Kramer]

Come out, Sanford.

[Nero Wolfe]

Don't sit there.

[Radio Show Narrator]

Put him out.

[Nero Wolfe]

Why, Mr. Haddock.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Well, the stamps. The missionaries are worth the fortune.

[Nero Wolfe]

The missionary, of course, you know that Mr. Cross knows. So does Mr. Sanford, right? Yeah, yeah.

[Radio Show Narrator]

Cross.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Sanford knows. You old fool.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let me.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Sanford is not alarmed. Why not, sir? I don't know what you're talking about. 50 or $100,000 is burning before your eyes, Mr. Sanford. Cross and Halleck are burning their fingers putting out the flaming envelopes. And you sit there quite indifferently. Why? Well, I. You know the value of the missionary stamps on the letters you bought from Rodman. But you know these aren't the real letters. Isn't that it?

[Inspector Kramer]

Not the real letter.

[Nero Wolfe]

I told you I'm tough to crack, Wolf. You didn't fool me with those dummies. Dummies? How do you know? Mr. Cross didn't know. Mr. Haddock didn't know. How did you? Well, I. I'll tell you, sir. Only one man could know I was framing Ms. Kent as a decoy. Only one man could know I prepared these dummy letters and pretended to take them from her purse. And that is the killer. The man who murdered her father and stole the map and letters this morning. You, sir. Mr. Sanford.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I'll be. Mr. Kramer.

[Nero Wolfe]

There's your killer. You'll find the missing map and letters on him, all concealed in his home or office. You won't need the evidence anyway. Look at his face. He self confessed.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Self confessed. Like fun. He was booby trapped.

[Nero Wolfe]

No, Mr. Craner. Not a complicated case. Really. Very simple. Elmer Rodman sold a packet of old family letters to the swindlers for a small sum. They used the letters to perpetrate their fraud on Ms. Kent's father and the

[Gloria Kent]

Stamps on the letters were valuable.

[Nero Wolfe]

They were a special Hawaiian issue, 1851. Ms. Kent, nicknamed Missionaries because missionaries use them for writing home.

[Inspector Kramer]

They are extremely rare.

[Nero Wolfe]

Stamps worth of it of $25,000 each.

[Inspector Kramer]

Hey, no wonder they were worth two murders. We found five of them on Sandburn.

[Nero Wolfe]

Excellent. Somewhere or other, Rodman discovered the value of the stamps after he sold the letters. In his effort to get them back, he communicated his discovery to the swindlers Cross, Halleck and Sanford.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

So that's why they refunded the money so fast.

[Nero Wolfe]

Precisely. In an effort to have the sale rescinded, Rodman sought out Kent and tried to convince him of the fraud. Alas, he would not listen to the truth.

[Inspector Kramer]

Mr. Kramer, I get it. And while the others were hassling around, Sanford tried to steal a march and quietly resorted to murder.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ah, there you have it.

[Gloria Kent]

Haha.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Great job, boss, Great job. So Gloria not only gets her 10 grand back, but five times 25, which is about 125,000 worth of goodies. Now, figuring your rates by the hour, that means you've done a gratis job worth about.

[Nero Wolfe]

I did not. Nor will I demand a large fee for what I have done. I will not go back on my word. But I can beg for a favor.

[Gloria Kent]

I'll only be too happy.

[Nero Wolfe]

Wait, wait, wait. I asked something that would not be easy to grant.

[Gloria Kent]

What is it?

[Archie Goodwin]

Will you use your red hair, your

[Nero Wolfe]

pretty face, your admirable figure and your ample fortune to lure Mr. Goodwin away from this house tonight?

[Archie Goodwin]

I would like to enjoy my dinner in peace.

[Gloria Kent]

That won't be difficult, Mr. Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Let's have an understanding right now, Gloria. Difficult for you or for me?

[Gloria Kent]

I'll be delighted indeed.

[Nero Wolfe]

Spend an evening with Mr. Goodwin. There is only one word for you, Miss Kent, in Cherry.

[Radio Show Narrator]

You have been listening to the new adventures of Nero Wolf, starring Sidney Greenstreet. Tonight's story by Alfred Bester was based on the famous characters created by Rex Stout, produced by Edwin Fadiman and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Wally Mayer as Archie Goodwin and Gene Bates, Howard McNair, Jay Novello, Larry Dobkin, Bill Johnstone and Herb Vigren. Music by Joseph Enos. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the careworn cop. Don Stanley speaking.

[NBC Radio Announcer]

The preceding was transcribed. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. The chimes ring for Dennis Day and Judy Canova tomorrow night on NBC. Also, Judy Canova prepares to go operatic tomorrow because her special guest is Ezio Pimza.

[Archie Goodwin]

This is Chester William Bendix R the Man Called X follows on NBC.

[Pacific Power Ad Narrator]

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[Jennifer Geller]

Hey coaches.

[BetterHelp Ad Narrator]

To celebrate five years of EverFit, a

[Nero Wolfe]

real coach shares how it transformed her business.

[Jennifer Geller]

Hi, my name is Jennifer Geller. I am the owner of Jet Fitness and I am also a performer on Broadway. I am very busy and Everfit has allowed me to grow my business from having 30 clients to over 200 clients because of how efficient the Everfit platform is. I'm so grateful for Everfit and happy five years. To see how Everfit can help you

[BetterHelp Ad Narrator]

scale your business, head to Everfit IO.

[Radio Show Narrator]

Stay tuned for Nero Wolf Saturday night Chimes on NBC mean a full hour of fun with Dennis Day and Judy Canova. Dennis always appears perplexed and bewildered, but one thing that doesn't perplex him is how to make a popular ballad come to life in his thrilling tenor voice. And there's music also on the Judy Canova Show. Plus comedy in the mischievous Canova manner. That's Judy Canova and Dennis Day tomorrow night over most NBC stations.

[Archie Goodwin]

My boss is the smartest and the stubbornest, the fattest and the laziest. The cleverest and the craziest. The most extravagant detective in the world, Nero Wolf.

[Radio Show Narrator]

It's the transcribed adventure of the Case of the Careworn Cuff with that brilliant eccentric private detective, orchid fancier and gargantuan gourmet, Nero Wolf, starring Sydney Greenstreet. The place is Nero Wolf's office At the moment. The world's greatest motionless detective is sitting in the chair which was built especially to support his £300. His eyes are closed and he's making

[Archie Goodwin]

sounds through his nose.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie.

Ask Mr. Wolf. What is it?

The phone, if you please, Mr. Goodwin.

But it's on your desk. Only eight and three quarter inches from your left elbow. All you have to do is lean forward.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Found it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie.

What do you think I am, an athlete? Hello?

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

No.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wrong number, mister. I'm sorry, Mr. Wolf, if that old phone awakened you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Wrong number.

[Archie Goodwin]

And I was not asleep. I was merely concentrating.

On what? We're out of work. There's nothing to concentrate on.

May have escaped your errant attention, Archie, but there are other subjects for thought besides murder.

[Radio Show Narrator]

Sure.

[Archie Goodwin]

Blondes and blondes.

You're right at that. Brunettes.

Phooey.

That's not a nice thing to say about any girl. Even if she does happen to be a brunette.

Archie.

Yes, sir?

Go away, you annoy me.

Suppose I did? It would get your beer for you, Fritz. Tonight happens to be Fritz's night off. However, you can always get your beer for yourself.

[Nero Wolfe]

Don't be an idiot.

[Archie Goodwin]

There are exactly 23 steps between here and the kitchen.

As you very well know, I abominate strenuous physical activity.

23 steps times 2 is 46. You could walk very slow.

Nonsense. Now that you mention it, I happen to be mildly test the. Archie, would you?

Now that I mention it, you'd better let the beer go for tonight.

[Nero Wolfe]

Why?

[Archie Goodwin]

Our stock is running low.

You mean cares.

I've been careful. Because something else is also running low. What?

Money. Federal sticks. There's plenty in the bank.

Sure, but very little of it is yours. Mr. Wolf, do you remember that batch of orchids you bought last week?

Cause I do. Magnificent and very rare specimens.

I got a magnificent bill for him this morning too.

It was large.

It was large.

[Nero Wolfe]

Confound it, I.J.

[Archie Goodwin]

i shall have to do some work.

You turned down half a dozen cases in the last few weeks.

One of them may still require me.

Most of them hired other detectives. However, there is a Mr. Wenceslas who might still be in need.

His problem is what?

As I remember, he's being followed by midgets. He wanted you to do something about it. Not that he minded the midgets so much. It was the elephants they were riding.

Man needs a psychiatrist, not a detective. Anyone else?

I can check my files, but I don't think. Saved by the bell.

Another cliche like that and I shall

answer the phone yourself.

Assassinate. You see what it is.

Okay. Hello? As Mr. Wolf is in. Yes, he'll be in. He always is.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

What? But

[Archie Goodwin]

that was a Mr. Charles Porter. He was In a hurry. He's on his way over right now. Should be here in 10 minutes.

Prospective client, I trust.

A thousand dollars worth of prospective client.

Splendid. Archie, my beard.

Okay, but look, I'm not sure you're going to accept his offer.

Indeed. What does he want me to do for his paltry fee?

That's the point. If I heard him right, he wants you to do nothing.

Archie.

Yes, sir.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I hear it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Porter.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Naturally, I'm Charles Porter. Who else would I be?

[Archie Goodwin]

It's a large field. Never mind. Come on in. I'm Archie Goodwin.

[Inspector Kramer]

Where is Wolf?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf is in here. Mr. Wolf, this is Mr. Porting.

Good evening.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Fat, aren't you?

[Nero Wolfe]

It's moderately noticeable.

[Archie Goodwin]

Out your chair for Mr. Porter.

[Radio Show Narrator]

Don't bother.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

I'm too impatient to sit. When I have business to take care of, I take care of it quickly.

[Archie Goodwin]

Very well.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Send him out of the room, Mr. Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nonsense, he's my assistant. He remains.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

I don't like it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, show Mr. Porter out.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Now wait. There's no need to get temperamental. Perhaps I'm a little abrupt.

[Nero Wolfe]

Rude.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm a worried man and impatient. You're wasting time, Mr. Porter.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

I suppose I am the reason I came to you. Young man. What are you doing with that notebook?

[Archie Goodwin]

Getting ready to make marks in it.

But no, never mind.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Mr. Wolf, you have a client named Dorothy Spencer.

[Archie Goodwin]

Have I?

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

There's no need to be coy about it. I happen to know. Then you know I want you to drop her.

[Archie Goodwin]

Drop her?

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Refuse to handle her case. Close the books on her. You know what I mean.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why should I?

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

The girl has no money.

[Nero Wolfe]

I have it doesn't answer my question.

[Archie Goodwin]

Perhaps this will appear to be a small package of dollar bills.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

It happens to be a thousand dollars.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, will you.

[Nero Wolfe]

I will.

[Archie Goodwin]

It is $1,000.

Thank you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Porter.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Yes?

[Archie Goodwin]

You're paying me $1,000 in order that I refuse to act for Ms. Spencer, nothing more?

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

That's right.

[Archie Goodwin]

What does she suspect you of?

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

I said nothing about.

[Archie Goodwin]

That is.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

You must know that as well as I do.

[Archie Goodwin]

Possibly. Nevertheless, what does she suspect you of?

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Being a blackmailer.

[Archie Goodwin]

Whereas your occupation really is.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

I'm a musician. Pianist. I'm appearing nightly at the Windsor Hotel.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, have you made out a receipt for Mr. Porter?

Yep.

Give it to him and show him to the door.

Okay, Mr. Porter.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Mr. Wolf, I want your assurance that the entire affair is definitely finished.

[Archie Goodwin]

My association with Ms. Spencer, you mean. You have my assurance that it is you Forgive a classical illusion. Cabo.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Thank you. Good night.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf. I have a secret about Mr. Porter.

[Nero Wolfe]

He smells some perfume or other.

[Archie Goodwin]

More important, his right coat cuff is more worn than his left cuff. And a copper happens to be a musical tao. Meaning? Start again from the beginning.

Oh, Porter thought it meant finished.

Therefore Mr. Porter is a liar. His ignorance of common musical term indicates that he's not a musician. The worn right coat cuff that he is an office worker.

That's kind of leaping to a deduction. But even if porter's a liar, Mr. Wolfe, there is something else.

[Gloria Kent]

He.

[Archie Goodwin]

He paid you $1,000 to drop a client named Dorothy Spencer. Mr. Wolf, you never had a client with that name. Well, that's that. Dorothy Spencer is not in any way. She's not answering a phone. Mr. Wolf, I said.

I know what you said.

That a comment.

I'm worried Mr. Porter may have assumed erroneously that Dorothy Spencer had employed or was intending to employ me. That does not explain why he lied about his occupation.

Maybe he didn't lie after all. Your deductions could be wrong.

Phooey.

Okay, take care of that right now. Phoning. Hello, Windsor Hotel. Get me the manager's office.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Thanks.

[Archie Goodwin]

Could you tell me if a Charles Porter plays the piano? It's uh huh.

[Nero Wolfe]

She sounds blonde.

[Archie Goodwin]

I see. Thanks a lot. What do you do after work? Oh, so long. She goes home and beats her husband about Porter. Archie, bad news. He does play the piano at the Windsor in the move room. So where does that leave your deductions?

Untouched, of course.

[Nero Wolfe]

Let me think.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, naturally.

Naturally what?

I came to the conclusion that Mr.

[Nero Wolfe]

Porter was an office worker. We have just discovered that Mr. Porter is not an office worker.

[Archie Goodwin]

Therefore you were wrong.

[Nero Wolfe]

I am never wrong.

[Archie Goodwin]

Therefore the man who was here is not Charles Porter.

Mr. Wolfe, do you think a man of your weight should climb out on a limb like that?

[Nero Wolfe]

Fiddlesticks. Look up Porter in the phone book and call him.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, take a second. Archie. The phone company's best friend. Yep, here he is. What do I ask him?

There'll be no need to ask Mr. Porter anything, just phone.

[Inspector Kramer]

You're the boss.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, have to say something to the guy. Hello, I'd like to speak to Charles Porter. So would you. Who is. Oh, Stebbins, huh? Yeah, that's right. Archie.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh

[Archie Goodwin]

no, no, don't, don't, don't bother. Why? I call it a coincidence.

[Gloria Kent]

Goodbye.

[Archie Goodwin]

You know who that was? No. That was Sergeant Stebbins. Sergeant Pearly Stebbins, I might add. As though you didn't know that Stebbins happens to be a sergeant in homicide.

[Gloria Kent]

Indeed.

[Archie Goodwin]

You expected this?

I Still don't know what your conversation was about.

It was about Charles Porter, who maybe was a liar, but who isn't gonna tell any more lies on account of he was just shot to death.

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

Well, well, well, if it ain't Archie Goodwin. Come in, Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you, Sergeant Stebbins.

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

I've been expecting you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, that's sweetie to say that. Pearly.

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

Why did you phone Porter?

[Archie Goodwin]

His right coat cuff was more worn out than his left.

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

So for that you had to kill him?

[Archie Goodwin]

No, actually, I killed him because he didn't know his da capo. Hey.

Yeah, hey.

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

He don't look good anymore. Guys who stop bullets with their face never look good.

[Archie Goodwin]

Burley, you've been robbed.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I did.

[Archie Goodwin]

That corpse is not Porter.

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

Now relax, Goodwin, relax. His fingerprints were on file and they check. His girlfriend says he's Porter. If he could get up and talk, he'd tell you he was Porter. And what makes you think he isn't?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, because when he visited us earlier tonight, he looked different.

[Nero Wolfe]

Not much.

[Archie Goodwin]

But you said girlfriend.

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

Yes, I said girlfriend. She's in the next room mopping up. She kind of broke down when we brought her here.

[Archie Goodwin]

You brought her here? Now, don't tell me what her name is.

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

Why shouldn't I?

[Archie Goodwin]

It's Spencer.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Dorothy Spencer.

[Archie Goodwin]

Ooh, that's what I was afraid of.

[Gloria Kent]

Sergeant, I. Oh, ignore him.

[Nero Wolfe]

He comes with the woodwork.

[Archie Goodwin]

His name is Goodwin, miss. Spencer. Archie Goodwin. Find what you were looking for?

[Gloria Kent]

What I was looking.

[Archie Goodwin]

Somebody's gone through this place like a minor league hurricane. You?

[Gloria Kent]

What business is it about mine?

[Archie Goodwin]

None, maybe. On the other hand, Nero Wolf might have other ideas. Matter of fact, I'm sure he'd have. Ms. Spencer, why don't you go see him? The address is 601 W. 35th Street.

[Gloria Kent]

I don't see why.

[Archie Goodwin]

You want your boyfriend's murderer found, don't you?

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

Now, listen, Goodwin, the police are working on this.

[Nero Wolfe]

Sure.

[Archie Goodwin]

They'll see to it nobody harms a corpse. Goodbye, Ms. Spencer. Don't forget that address. 601 West 35th Street. Believe it or not, you used to be a client of ours. Oh, Mr. Wolf, you're getting to be so brilliant. It's boring.

[Nero Wolfe]

That is all right.

[Archie Goodwin]

Tonight you deserve it. I'll get you another can of beer. But this is the last one, unless you promised it. Do some exercise. Like. Like maybe standing up and sitting down five minutes a day.

[Nero Wolfe]

Thank you.

[Archie Goodwin]

And why should I indulge in such idiotic behavior?

Well, after a while, you might be able to see your shoes.

I've Already seen them.

Oh, that was 20 years ago. Things had changed. No more buttons. Hey, that must be Dorothy Spencer.

She's undoubtedly young and beautiful.

You deduced that from the way she presses.

I deduced that from the gleam in your eye.

Bah, bah all you want. I'm going to keep the gleam shining.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Hello, Ms. Spencer. Come in.

[Gloria Kent]

Thank you,

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf is the large sitting down gentleman behind the desk. This is Dorothy Spencer, Mr. Wolf.

You will forgive me not rising. It is due to a necessary conservation of energy rather than rudeness. Archie, chair. Sure.

Here you are, Ms. Spencer.

[Gloria Kent]

Thanks.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now then, Ms. Spencer, have the police found anything but dust in supporter's closet?

[Gloria Kent]

Why, no.

[Archie Goodwin]

You were engaged to Mr. Porter.

[Gloria Kent]

I was?

[Archie Goodwin]

That ring you're wearing, he gave us you.

[Gloria Kent]

Yes.

[Archie Goodwin]

May I see it?

[Gloria Kent]

Well, all right. Here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you. Expensive, Very expensive. You may have it back, Ms. Pincer. Why are you marrying Charles Porter?

[Gloria Kent]

I loved him.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oui.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Porter, according to Archie's description, was twice your age with considerably less than half your attractiveness. Love may perhaps be blind, but it is not astigmatic.

[Gloria Kent]

I don't know what you mean.

[Archie Goodwin]

What were you searching for under the nose of the police?

[Gloria Kent]

Nothing. Nothing at all.

[Archie Goodwin]

How did your fiance earn his money?

[Gloria Kent]

He played the piano.

[Archie Goodwin]

What he earned there and a year wouldn't begin to pay for the ring he gave you. Would you like to try again?

[Gloria Kent]

I don't know how he made his money.

[Archie Goodwin]

I suggest that you do. I suggest that he earn money by the same method that he induced you to consider marrying him. Blackmail. Why was he blackmailing you?

[Gloria Kent]

Old letters I'd written when I was too young to know any better.

[Archie Goodwin]

Your motives for murdering Porter would be twofold then. Recovery of blackmail material and the avoidance of marriage to a man you dislike.

[Document Research Lab Employee]

I didn't kill Charles.

[Archie Goodwin]

Your doorbell. Archie, get Ms. Spencer into the kitchen once. Must be the police. Yeah.

Let's go, Ms. Spencer, right through that

[Nero Wolfe]

door and stay there until I call you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Front door, Archie.

Mr. Wolf. Do I know Dorothy Spencer's here?

You know nothing. A simple role for you to play.

I haven't got time to resent that insult right now. But wait until the next time you drop a collar button. Well, bless my soul, if it isn't dear old Inspector Kramer. How is the Homicide Department?

[Inspector Kramer]

Where's Wolf?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Big surprise.

[Archie Goodwin]

He's sitting.

[Inspector Kramer]

Mr. Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good evening, Inspector.

[Inspector Kramer]

Where's Dorothy Spencer?

[Archie Goodwin]

This is not the Bureau of Missing Persons.

[Inspector Kramer]

The District Attorney would like to talk to her.

[Archie Goodwin]

I shall tell her so the next time we meet.

[Inspector Kramer]

That could be right. Now she's in this house.

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't see her.

[Inspector Kramer]

Mind if I look around for myself?

[Archie Goodwin]

You have a search warrant, of course.

[Inspector Kramer]

So happens.

[Archie Goodwin]

No. But Archie, the inspector's leaving.

[Inspector Kramer]

Okay, I'm leaving. I suppose by the time I get back with a warrant, she'll be in Hoboken.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hoboken? Where's that?

[Inspector Kramer]

Look, Wolf, you can go too far. One of these days you won't be able to talk yourself out of her.

[Archie Goodwin]

I

[Inspector Kramer]

trail me to the door, Goodwin, to show what a good detective you are.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ooh.

[Archie Goodwin]

Inspector Kramer doesn't love us anymore.

Unfortunate. Archie, take Ms. Spencer to a respectable hotel. Register her under an assumed name. She is to stay there until notified otherwise. Luckily, the good inspector neglected to inform us that she was the leading suspect in a murder case. Hence, we are not accessories after the fact. And I don't want her arrested for murder as yet.

Her beauty has won you over.

You will then return here immediately.

Okay. What are you going to be doing in the meanwhile?

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

I.

[Archie Goodwin]

She shall be thinking.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

No, no, not Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Ah, our impatient and non musical friend came in through the window. How are you, Mr. Not Porter, of course.

Where's the girl?

Question is beginning to bore me.

[Nero Wolfe]

I don't know.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

I think she's here.

[Archie Goodwin]

So did the police. I might add that they were slightly closer to the truth. Incidentally, what makes you think she was Porter's accomplice? She must have been. Nonsense, she wasn't. Porter was blackmailing her, just as he was blackmailing you. In her case it was letters in yours. A previous criminal record, perhaps, that your employers might be interested in.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

I want to know where she is.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Maybe this would help you remember.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good heavens, don't point a pistol at me. It annoys me. Ah, the police, I should think.

[Nero Wolfe]

Open the door for them like a good fellow.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Oh, no, I'm leaving. But if I don't find that girl, I'll be back.

[Archie Goodwin]

Knock the plastic thing down if it isn't open.

[Nero Wolfe]

All right.

[Inspector Kramer]

Well, I've got the search warrant also,

[Archie Goodwin]

no doubt a fine tooth comb, by the way.

[Nero Wolfe]

Inspector.

[Inspector Kramer]

All right, boys, cover the house.

[Nero Wolfe]

All right.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Inspector?

[Inspector Kramer]

Yeah, what did you want?

[Archie Goodwin]

As your men go through the house, will you have one of them shut the back window? I've just had a burglar and I suspect he left it open. Unless the matter is attended to, the house might be filled with fresh air.

[Inspector Kramer]

What's the matter with that fresh air?

[Archie Goodwin]

Deadly poison. It clogs the lungs. And may I point out that they warrant your clutching in your hot little hand is not A lease on the house. Finish your search quickly, if you please. And then

[Nero Wolfe]

why not try hobo?

[Archie Goodwin]

So I just missed the inspector.

You did.

That I can stand. I'm sorry about the burglar, though.

Perhaps we can arrange to have you

[Nero Wolfe]

meet him in the morning.

[Archie Goodwin]

He left his calling card with name and address on it.

He dropped his handkerchief here on my desk.

Oh, it's a handkerchief.

It smells.

So it does.

But all of that unknown friends clothes carry the order.

[Nero Wolfe]

Therefore.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah.

You will go out immediately to the nearest drugstore, buy a specimen of every cake of soap manufactured in this country.

Mr. Wolf?

He's there. No.

I never realized just how many different brands of soap are made in this country.

You should listen to the radio more often.

So far we've sniffed at 37 cakes. None of them smell like porter. See? 38.

Hey, let me have it.

[Nero Wolfe]

Aji. Yes?

[Archie Goodwin]

These soap labeled orchid ovals. I should say, basically mislabeled orchids have no odor. Task for the evening is finished.

Why? All we know is the guy washes with a basely mislabeled soap.

No, the odor would not have been so persistent. In that case, unquestionably, our visitor works for a soap company that makes orchid ovals. Every employee of a plant in which perfume in large quantities is used inevitably carries the odor on his clothes.

Oh, and you already deduced he works in an office, huh? I go see him in the morning.

[Nero Wolfe]

You do?

[Archie Goodwin]

You know, Mr. Wolf, what with hiring rooms for girls and paying visits to a perfume factory, I'm beginning to feel like a maiden aunt.

No one would ever mistake you for a maiden aunt, Archie.

Thanks. Is that another deduction?

Maiden aunts really need a shade.

[Gloria Kent]

Market.

[Document Research Lab Employee]

Elbows.

[Gloria Kent]

Good morning.

[Document Research Lab Employee]

One arm, please.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh.

[Document Research Lab Employee]

Can I do anything for you, sir?

[Nero Wolfe]

Yeah.

[Archie Goodwin]

That is, let's postpone that question and slip in another one. I'm looking for one of your office people. In his 40s, 5 foot 10, brown hair and eyes. Speaks in a sharp, quick voice.

[Document Research Lab Employee]

He owes you money too.

[Archie Goodwin]

Who owes me money?

[Document Research Lab Employee]

Mr. Wheeler, the man you were describing. He owes everybody money, in spite of the fact that he's office manager and makes lots and lots of money. How much does he owe you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, not an awful lot. It won't break me if I don't get it. Is he in yet?

[Document Research Lab Employee]

Well, he was, but he went home. He was sort of sick.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sort of?

[Document Research Lab Employee]

He got a phone call from somebody and rushed out.

[Archie Goodwin]

Too bad. Well, I better scram.

[Document Research Lab Employee]

Well, you didn't answer my question yet. I'm off at 5. My name's Gwen.

[Nero Wolfe]

Goodbye.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wolf speaking.

Archie here. Unknown's name is Wheeler. He left the office this morning sick after he got a mysterious phone call.

Bad probably. Get to Dorothy Spencer at once and bring her here.

[Inspector Kramer]

Right.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm at Wheeler's house now. Thought I better check. His wife's here too.

[Nero Wolfe]

Blonde?

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Uh huh. How could you tell?

[Archie Goodwin]

Fetch you a smirk in your voice. Get out of there fast and don't stop to console Mrs. Wheeler.

9:08. Ah, room 909. Ms. Dorothy Spencer. Nobody home.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Shut that door behind you for the wind.

[Archie Goodwin]

What? Never mind pulling triggers, I'll shut it.

[Gloria Kent]

Oh Archie.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

I would prefer silence. Keep your hands high.

[Archie Goodwin]

Goodwin, it's unhealthy. All the blood had run into my head.

[Gloria Kent]

Archie, he murdered Charles.

[Archie Goodwin]

He did. Tut. Mr. Wheeler really shouldn't have. It's against the law.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Get into the bathroom, both of you.

[Archie Goodwin]

I already shaved.

[Gloria Kent]

I phoned him. I thought maybe he had my letters.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Porter couldn't keep his mouth shut about his other victims.

[Archie Goodwin]

He was gonna force Dorothy to marry him. Did you find his material? Wheeler?

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Yes, in an office. He read it as a front.

[Nero Wolfe]

It's all burned.

[Archie Goodwin]

And why all the melodrama?

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

You know about me, so does she. I can't trust anyone. Get into the bathroom, I said.

[Archie Goodwin]

Look, let's not lose our heads about this.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Get moving. Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

I like it here.

All right then, here is where you'll get it.

Hey, wait, wait, wait a minute. Something's wrong. I got shot and Wheeler fell down.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

I shot him.

[Inspector Kramer]

Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Stebbins. Dear Sergeant Stebbins. Oh, you little flat footed angel.

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

It's lucky for you my flat feet got staked out here in time.

[Archie Goodwin]

Just for that I'll buy you a pair of arch supports for your next birthday. David, I'm beginning not to believe this.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

You had it all figured out?

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

Well, not exactly.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well that is, ah, Wolf sent you here?

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

Well, he kind of phoned in and suggested one of us shoot down here and do some rescue work.

[Archie Goodwin]

That old devil.

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

Hey, you're not kidding.

[Archie Goodwin]

What are you laughing about?

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

Wolf wasn't sure whether you'd need rescuing from Wheeler or.

[Archie Goodwin]

Stop killing yourself with your own jokes.

[Sergeant Pearly Stebbins]

Or whether Ms. Spencer would need rescuing from you.

[Archie Goodwin]

You've been a very foolish young woman, Ms. Spencer. I suggest that in the future you exercise more care in your correspondence.

[Gloria Kent]

Oh, I shall, Mr. Wolf, but how can I ever thank you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well one, one way would be to listen wide eyed while he explains how he solved the case.

I have no intention.

Oh come on Mr. Wolf, stop stalling.

[Gloria Kent]

Please Mr. Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I'd be very happy to. As a matter of fact, I'd like to see anyone try to stop me. A man came to me, offered me a thousand dollars to drop a client I didn't have.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Why?

[Archie Goodwin]

Because obviously he wished to direct my attention to that client.

[Gloria Kent]

Me.

[Archie Goodwin]

You, Ms. Spencer. Now, then he identified himself as Charles Porter, a musician. But I tested him and discovered that he knew nothing of music.

The da capo routine.

Precisely. Therefore, he was an imposter.

[Nero Wolfe]

His purpose?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah.

To indicate by no means subtly that enmity existed between Porter and Dorothy Spencer.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Huh.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thus, when Porter was found murdered, I would presumably be convinced that Dorothy Spencer balked in her effort to enlist my aid against Porter, had resorted to most foul and bloody murder.

Most foul and bloody murder is very fancy, Dorothy.

[Archie Goodwin (Narration)]

Shows he likes you.

[Archie Goodwin]

I thereupon asked myself, why should an unknown seek to convince me that Dorothy Spencer was Porter's murderer?

And you answered yourself one reason only.

Because he himself intended to murder Porter, as he did, for which picadillo he has, thanks to Sergeant Stebbins, accuracy with a revolver already paid with his own life.

[Nero Wolfe]

Quadd ap demonstrandum.

[Archie Goodwin]

Latin for that's what you wanted to know.

[Gloria Kent]

I think you're wonderful, Mr. Wolf. And I'm going to.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ah. Be careful.

[Gloria Kent]

Kiss you, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Ms. Spencer is a very dangerous young woman today.

I feel brave.

[Gloria Kent]

Do you, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Very brave. What are you doing tonight?

[Gloria Kent]

Nothing.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let's do it together.

[Charles Porter (Impostor)]

Bah.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, is that Mr. Wolf?

I said bah. Would you very much mind conducting your immense elsewhere? I would not and do so at once. I have a very important matter to attend to.

[Gloria Kent]

Goodbye, Mr. Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Goodbye.

Night, sir.

Very important, very important.

[Radio Show Narrator]

You have been listening to the New Adventures of Nero Wolf starring Sydney Green Street. Tonight's transcribed story was based on the characters created by Rex Stout, produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Lamont Johnson as Archie Goodwin and Jane Webb, Peter Leeds, Bill Johnstone and Wilms Herbert. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the dear dead lady. Don Stanley SPE. Three chimes mean good times on NBC.

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[Nero Wolfe]

Wayfair Every style, Every Home Marketing is

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