THE BACKFIRE THAT BACKFIRED and THE LEUMAS MATTER YOURS TRULY JOHNNY DOLLAR

Summary

1001 Radio Crime Solvers

Episode: “The Backfire That Backfired” & “The Leumas Matter” (Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar)
Air Date: November 22, 2025
Host: Jon Hagadorn

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Episode Overview

This episode features two classic "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" detective stories: "The Backfire That Backfired" and "The Leumas Matter." The host transports listeners to radio drama’s golden age, where clever plotting and charismatic detectives held audiences rapt. Bob Bailey stars as Johnny Dollar, the insurance investigator renowned for turning expense accounts into adventures, close calls, and quick wit.

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Story 1: The Backfire That Backfired

Main Theme

Johnny Dollar sets out for what should have been a pleasant breakfast with his girlfriend, Betty Lewis, but is quickly drawn into an investigation involving mysterious backfires, a suspicious hot rod, and a potential murder plot against a former attorney.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Lighthearted Beginnings and a Missed Party

• Johnny Dollar is woken by Betty Lewis’s playful marriage proposal, revealing their close, flirtatious relationship.
• Johnny has just returned from business in Eugene, Oregon, and missed Betty’s housewarming (00:39–02:00).

“I know, Pat, you haven’t assigned me to a case… but having breakfast with my best gal was to be only the beginning of an insurance investigation.”
– Johnny Dollar, 03:17

2. Breakfast, Strange Noises, and Observations

• Johnny goes to Betty’s charming new home for breakfast (05:31), noting the peaceful setting and the punctual neighbor, Barton J. Robinson, a retired attorney (07:09).
• Daily, a noisy hot rod with a “backfire” streaks by at exactly 8:00 AM. Betty is used to it—everyone thinks it’s just kids (07:50–08:17).
• Dollar’s investigative instincts are piqued when he notices the car’s odd behavior and asks Betty about the license plate (09:20).

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3. A Hunch and A Clue

• The license plate on the “kids’” car is a phony; Johnny is suddenly convinced the backfires are a cover for something sinister (10:16).
• Johnny connects the timing of Robinson’s return and the reappearance of the hot rod, suspects the car’s driver is casing the lawyer's house for a crime (10:47–11:43).
• Despite Betty’s protests and disappointment, Johnny’s sense of duty prevails, and he sets out to investigate (11:44–12:04).

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4. Into Danger: Pursuing the Hot Rod

• Johnny tracks the hot rod to a shack via clues from locals at a roadside tavern. The investigation leads him to a hidden car and a trap (12:04–14:00).
• Johnny is ambushed by two criminals, Ringer and Gil, who recognize him as an insurance investigator (14:30).

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5. The Murder Plot Revealed

"You think you or anybody else could keep me from knocking off that fancy mouthpiece after sending me up the way he did? [...] The backfire will cover the shots when you murder the lawyer."
– Ringer and Johnny, 15:19 & 15:57

• Ringer intends to use the routine backfire as a cover for shooting Robinson during breakfast.
• Johnny is left tied with wet rawhide, intended as a hostage, while the villains go to commit murder (16:33).

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6. Race Against Time

• Johnny, bound and in pain, uses the rain to stretch the rawhide, finally breaking free after the deed is likely done (17:49).
• The hot rod returns; the villains realize their plan has failed and suspect Johnny warned Robinson (17:54).

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7. Showdown and Rescue

• Betty Lewis, following clues and worried over Johnny, arrives just in time—she helps disrupt Ringer and Gil, and Johnny apprehends the criminals (18:24).
• Emotional reunion and gratitude are exchanged:

"If I hadn't run into him, he would've killed—"
– Betty Lewis, 18:38
"That's okay, honey. You did the right thing."
– Johnny Dollar, 18:42

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8. Epilogue and Reflection

• Johnny credits Betty with saving the day and hints about a future together, ending with his signature itemized expense report and a gift for Betty (19:36).
• Signature humor about expense accounts and romance.

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Notable Quotes

• Flirtatious banter:
  "If you had any sense, you’d marry me, you know."
  – Betty Lewis, 06:09

• Detective’s intuition:
  "That license on it is a phony. There ain't no such number here in Connecticut."
  – Johnny Dollar, 10:17

• Villain’s plan:
  "The backfire will cover the shots when you murder Lawyer Roberts?"
  – Johnny Dollar, 15:54

• Betty’s heroism:
  "If I hadn’t run into him, he would have killed—"
  – Betty Lewis, 18:38

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Key Timestamps

• 00:39: Johnny and Betty's opening phone call
• 03:17: Johnny explains how breakfast became a case
• 07:09: Introduction of Barton J. Robinson
• 10:17: The license on the hot rod is a phony
• 14:30: Johnny is captured by Ringer and Gil
• 15:57: The murder plan explained
• 18:24: Climax—Betty intervenes
• 19:36: Johnny’s closing remarks

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Story 2: The Leumas Matter

Main Theme

Johnny Dollar travels to Vineland, New Jersey, to investigate the disappearance of wealthy glass magnate Elmer Loomis ("Leumas" spelled backward), whose beautiful young wife stands to inherit everything.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Case Setup: A Vanished Millionaire

• Les Walters from Worldwide Mutual Insurance asks Johnny to find Elmer Loomis, who disappeared without a trace.
  "That's the funny part of it." – Les, 22:26

• Loomis is a retiree, sportsman, and yachtsman. His wife Lena, 29 years his junior, is the sole beneficiary of his life insurance (24:37).

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2. Suspicions Around the Wife

• Lena Loomis throws parties, seems unbothered by her husband's disappearance, and is rumored to only have married for money (26:10–26:32).

"Don't be surprised when you find that Lena Loomis isn't at all broken up over this loss of her husband. Because she isn't."
– Sergeant Louis Tommaso, 26:09

• Lena is charming, flippant, and unapologetic about her ambition for wealth (29:35–31:43).

"Why do you think I ever married Elmer in the first place? Ooh, Elmer. Isn't that a terrible name?"
– Lena Loomis, 31:47

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3. A Web of Motives and Red Herrings

• Lena is impatient for her husband's fortune, but also realizes she must wait seven years for the statute of limitations or for his body to be found (32:11–32:15).
• Johnny presses Lena, who is evasive and soon has Johnny thrown out (33:55–34:39).
• Johnny is assaulted by Lena’s “protectors,” heightening suspicion she may have arranged Elmer's disappearance (34:49–35:24).

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4. Johnny Follows the Yacht

• A lead on the sale of Loomis's cherished yacht, The Lena, spurs Johnny to the Tuckahoe River.
• The new owner, Samuel Remley, matches Loomis’ description, but with a twist: Remley is just Loomis spelled backward (36:58–38:36).

"L-E-U-M-A-S... spelled backward, it comes out Samuel. Elmer Loomis...Samuel Remley."
– Johnny Dollar, 38:31

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5. The Twist: Disappearance as Escape

• Johnny confronts Loomis/Remley, who confesses he staged his disappearance due to unhappiness with Lena (39:06–39:09).
• Captain Wilson and the marina staff corroborate Loomis' ruse, noting his disguise and retreat (39:18–39:27).
• Loomis confides he needed time to decide about his marriage, leaving Lena under the watchful eye of his bodyguards (38:46–39:03).

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6. Resolution

• No crime—just a sad, manipulated marriage; Lena's greed is unmasked, but no charges can be brought.
• Johnny closes his expense account, reflection tinged with relief he need not solve the family drama.

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Notable Quotes

• "She's quite a beauty... all she cared about was getting her hooks on his money."
  – Les Walters, 24:37, 26:32

• "What Lena wants, Lena gets. Why do you think I ever married Elmer in the first place?"
  – Lena Loomis, 31:47

• "L-E-U-M-A-S... spelled backward it comes out Samuel. Elmer Loomis... Samuel Remley."
  – Johnny Dollar, 38:31

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Key Timestamps

• 22:03: Les Walters introduces the Leumas/Loomis case
• 24:37: Lena Loomis described—a fortune at stake
• 26:09: Sergeant Tommaso warns Johnny about Lena’s attitude
• 29:35: Johnny meets Lena—her lack of grief is evident
• 31:47: Lena’s confession of greed
• 36:58: Johnny tracks the sold yacht
• 38:31: Johnny reveals the reverse-spelling twist
• 39:06: Loomis/Remley explains his disappearance

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Memorable Moments

• The playful rapport and bittersweet chemistry between Johnny and Betty Lewis, providing emotional core and continuity for Dollar’s personal life.
• The villains plotting a murder using backfire as a mask for gunshots—demonstrating radio’s knack for inventive twists.
• The clever wordplay and classic radio twist of identity in “The Leumas Matter,” where the missing man has simply run away—under a reversed alias.

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Conclusion

This episode encapsulates classic Golden Age radio crime drama: snappy dialogue, ingenious plotting, and a blend of humor, romance, and suspense. Johnny Dollar's approach—equal parts cynic and knight-errant—makes him as compelling today as 70 years ago. Both stories showcase the genre’s love for red herrings, last-minute rescues, and the ever-appealing friction between the call of duty and the longing for connection.

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For listeners and fans:
This is a top-shelf example of detective radio fiction, balancing light-hearted banter, real jeopardy, and a twisty puzzle. With Johnny Dollar at the helm, every case is an engaging blend of danger, deduction, and a dash of romance.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Betty Lewis]

Johnny Dollar Betty Lewis.

[Johnny Dollar]

Huh? Oh hi honey.

[Betty Lewis]

Marry me?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, what's that?

[Betty Lewis]

I said will you marry me?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, just round up a preacher and I'll meet you at the church.

[Betty Lewis]

Serious, Danny? Oh, I wish you were, you rascal.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, with you Betty, I sometimes wish I could. No, no, no, wait a minute. Catch me. Still half asleep. This way.

[Les Walters]

Betty.

[Johnny Dollar]

What did I say? You'd do it up at the crack of dawn.

[Betty Lewis]

What are you talking about? It's almost 8 o'.

[Lena Loomis]

Clock.

[Johnny Dollar]

Exactly what I said, the crack of dawn.

[Betty Lewis]

You just spoiled Johnny and well, I don't know whether to forgive you this time or not.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now what have I done?

[Betty Lewis]

My house warming party.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh no.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh yes. It took me three months of hard work to get my new little house fixed up out here. No visitors, no fun, no nothing for work. And then when I do invite you and you accept.

[Johnny Dollar]

Betty, honest. Listen, that's this this is crazy business of mine.

[Betty Lewis]

Better be good, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I was out in Eugene, Oregon and there was no way.

[Lena Loomis]

Eugene, Oregon?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, one of those last minute things. Insurance investigation. There was no way I could get out of it.

[Betty Lewis]

Honest?

[Johnny Dollar]

Honest. I only got Bagley last night. But I'll make it up to you, I swear I will. Now let's see what. Betty. Hello Betty.

[Betty Lewis]

What's the matter, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

You're asking me? Those gunshots.

[Betty Lewis]

And if I suddenly groaned and dropped the telephone, would you come running out here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Are you kidding us? What?

[Betty Lewis]

Only I cannot tell a lie. That was just some hot rod kid with a cut down convertible.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, backfire, huh?

[Betty Lewis]

Yes, every morning at exactly 8:00'.

[Johnny Dollar]

Clock.

[Betty Lewis]

You can set your watch by it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Are you sure that's all it was?

[Betty Lewis]

Well, if you don't believe it, why, why don't you come over here and see for yourself? Tomorrow maybe.

[Johnny Dollar]

At 8 o' clock in the morning?

[Betty Lewis]

Sure. And honey, I'll cook you the greatest breakfast you ever had.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, but maybe even convince you that.

[Betty Lewis]

Married life isn't such a bad Idea after all.

[Johnny Dollar]

On the strength of a planter of ham and eggs.

[Betty Lewis]

Tomorrow, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, look, why don't we go somewhere tonight? I'll take you out to dinner.

[Betty Lewis]

And if you're really sorry about missing the party, if you really do want to see me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, sure I do.

[Betty Lewis]

All right, Steph. Tomorrow morning for breakfast. Goody bye, honey.

[Johnny Dollar]

So why. CBS radio brings you Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action Fact expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to the Universal adjustment bureau, Hartford, Connecticut. Attention Mr. Pat McCracken. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the backfire that backfired matter. I know, Pat, you haven't assigned me to a case. I also know I hadn't the least idea that having breakfast with my best gal was to be be only the beginning of an insurance investigation. Before it was over, I'd be lucky to get out of the whole mess alive. But believe me, that's the way it worked out. So if there's any question about your company paying this expense account, well, just read on. Okay then. Expense account item one. The following morning. That is four dollars and a quarter for a tank full of gas for my car. By the unearthly hour of 7:40am I was on my way to far out beyond the edge of Town to 11,325 E. Maple Dr. And the newly acquired domicile of my date for breakfast, Betty Lewis. Now I'm not used to this early morning stuff and was kind of surprised to find so much of the world wide awake. It was warm and pleasant, too early for the scorching summer sun. Front lawns of the rather nice homes in this section glistened with dew. The fields and trees were filled with millions of birds all singing their heads off with squirrels chattering away. Yep, real pleasant. Something I'd have to try again sometime. Betty's place, which I hadn't seen before, turned out to be a very cute one story affair. Coral roof and shutters to match. It was set comfortably in between a couple of somewhat larger homes. As for Betty, who stood there at the front door waiting for me, well, I don't know how she does it, but that ever lovin doll, even at this hour looked as smart and attractive as any man could want.

[Betty Lewis]

I just can't believe it. And it's still a full six minutes before 8 o'.

[Johnny Dollar]

Clock.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, hi honey.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. So early in the morning. You mind I do not. Come here.

[Betty Lewis]

Yeah, Johnny.

[Lena Loomis]

Gee. What?

[Betty Lewis]

This morning Air does for you. Come in. Huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Said the spider to the fly.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, sure. I make no bones about it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Your neighbors used to seeing this sort of thing?

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, sure. I've been having strange men in for breakfast every day. You know, just so the neighbors wouldn't be shocked when I finally dragged you into my trap. How do you like it, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah. Hey, looks real nice, Penny.

[Betty Lewis]

Of course, if I had some nice guy to share it with, if you had any sense, you'd marry me, you know.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. And if I had any sense I'd get out of this crazy business of mine. Then maybe I could settle down to something like a normal life. Nine to five in some air conditioned office, nice home to come home to, maybe raise a family.

[Betty Lewis]

Johnny, you know darn well you'd never be happy with that kind of a routine humdrum existence. Oh, no, you know it as well as I do. And I guess a gal could get pretty miserable wondering where you are, if you're getting slugged or shot at, maybe dead somewhere. But we do have fun together.

[Johnny Dollar]

And I'm all for it.

[Betty Lewis]

That is, when you're not standing me up for some glamorous redhead on an excuse.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're working in insurance company, Betty, so help me on a stack of Bibles.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, sure, but. Come on, come on. Your eggs will be overcooked. Now, you sit right there when you can look out the window and drink your juice.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Betty Lewis]

You really like my country estate?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Hey, who lives in that big house across the road?

[Betty Lewis]

Old Mr. Barton J. Robinson, used to be an attorney.

[Johnny Dollar]

Robinson? Sure. He's the one who prosecuted that big insurance fraud a few years ago for one of the companies I serve.

[Betty Lewis]

See him there eating his breakfast.

[Johnny Dollar]

A bachelor, isn't he?

[Betty Lewis]

Yes. He lives all alone.

[Johnny Dollar]

I think I'd better warn him to stay away from you, that you're my property.

[Betty Lewis]

He's the most punctual man I've ever seen. If he isn't there when I'm eating my breakfast. I know I've overslept here now. And if you want some toast.

[Johnny Dollar]

John. Hey, Bernie, I've been thinking.

[Betty Lewis]

Yes?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, maybe it's just my crazy colonel.

[Betty Lewis]

Wine thinking about what to.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, about that. Holy smoke, no.

[Betty Lewis]

I've got so used to it morning after morning.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hmm. Two of them.

[Betty Lewis]

No. Crazy kids.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know who they are?

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, somebody had the police come out here a couple of mornings, but of course they didn't show up then. And I guess everybody else has just got used to them the way I have now. Let's Eat.

[Johnny Dollar]

Funny, though. What a crazy backfire. Once they get past here, they stop it.

[Betty Lewis]

Well, don't worry about it.

[Johnny Dollar]

But I should have. I should have worried plenty about it. Perhaps if I'd been a mystery writer instead of insurance investigator who's used to solving mysteries after they've happened, well, I would have had sense enough to act right then immediately. Or maybe. Yeah, maybe there was still time. And you have no idea who those two are, the ones who go barreling by on that hot rod every morning?

[Betty Lewis]

Nobody could seem to find out, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

And as I said, yeah, everybody's got used to the noise of that backfiring. But listen, Betty, I'll teach you breakfast. Johnny, you call them kids, but they aren't.

[Betty Lewis]

Please, I thought we were just going to have breakfast and talk and sort of make up for lost time.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I'm sorry about that, but now.

[Betty Lewis]

Look, honestly, you have to dream up a lot of mystery and intrigue about even the most normal things that happen.

[Johnny Dollar]

They cut the backfiring just as soon as they got around that curve. 3 CFU 160.

[Lena Loomis]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

The license on that car.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, listen, honey, let me use your phone. Didn't I see one right here in the living room? Oh, yeah, but why?

[Betty Lewis]

And, Johnny, your breath would still get cold.

[Johnny Dollar]

Be right back. My phone call was to Jerry Wilson, who worked in the Department of Motor Vehicles. It took him a few minutes to dig into the files for me, but when he came back to the phone, his answer was short and to the point. Sorry, Johnny, but you must have made a mistake. You're sure about that? Absolutely. But what happened? Why do you want to know? Just curious, that's all. Oh, now, Johnny, I know you better than that fact, Jerry. And thanks. Thanks a lot. Now, Johnny. Oh, sorry, buddy.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, I guess you're right, Johnny, about driving wife crazy.

[Johnny Dollar]

I mean, I was right about that car.

[Betty Lewis]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

That license on it is a phony. There ain't no such number here in Connecticut.

[Betty Lewis]

All right, so a couple of kids didn't have enough money to buy a license.

[Johnny Dollar]

I tell you, they aren't kids. Now that I've had a chance to think about it, I'd swear there was something familiar about the looks of the one beside the driver.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, sure, some nasty criminal you've tangled with. And. Oh, Johnny, listen, this isn't why I asked you out here to cook up some deep mystery.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, Betty, this lawyer, this Barton Robinson who lives in the big house across the road.

[Betty Lewis]

I don't care about him, Johnny. I care about you.

[Johnny Dollar]

You say that every morning at this same time he's there beside that window eating his breakfast. The same time that car comes roaring by?

[Betty Lewis]

Yes, when he's here, that is. He was away for five or six weeks.

[Johnny Dollar]

Until when?

[Betty Lewis]

He must have come back last night. This morning's the first time in five.

[Johnny Dollar]

And when did this. Well, those hot rodders start coming around.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, well, I guess it was about a week after Mr. Robinson went away.

[Johnny Dollar]

Casing the joiner.

[Lena Loomis]

What?

[Betty Lewis]

Johnny, for heaven.

[Johnny Dollar]

Honey, listen to me. You probably won't forgive me for this.

[Betty Lewis]

Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, listen. Sometimes when I'm working on a case. Well, sometimes when I run out of leads, well, all I have to work on is a hunch.

[Betty Lewis]

For three months I've been waiting.

[Johnny Dollar]

Strangely enough, the hunches usually pay off.

[Betty Lewis]

I wasn't going to tell you until.

[Johnny Dollar]

Last night, so maybe my hunch is right, this is.

[Betty Lewis]

But I called the office and told.

[Johnny Dollar]

Them I wouldn't because I. I got a real big fat one about that car.

[Betty Lewis]

Go somewhere. Drive out in the country.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm sorry, honey. I really am sorry.

[Betty Lewis]

I said, kind of make up for lost.

[Johnny Dollar]

I gotta get on this thing and right now.

[Betty Lewis]

Johnny, how can you do this?

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, I'll pick you up tonight. We'll have dinner. Taking a show, make a night of it. Anything you want. I. Oh, I. I know that walking out on you this way is a dirty trick. And if you want to, you can just tell me to. Please, honey. Tonight, for sure.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, sure, Johnny. You know what a pushover I am.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks, hon. See you later. I set out to find that car, who owned it and why the big backfire racket in that particular spot day after day. There was a purpose there, I was sure of it. Not just a couple of kids out on a tear. Besides, they weren't kids. I'd seen that for myself. Because of the way the car had taken the curve down the road. It left a very clear set of tire marks. So I started a careful inspection of driveways. Even asked the people who lived along there what they knew about that car. And it took me most of the day. Expense account item two, by the way, is a buck and a quarter for a late afternoon lunch at a roadside tavern. It was there I finally got some information. You want another bottle of beer, huh, Johnny? Okay. Now, as I was saying, mister, I think I know the very car you mean. Yeah, out of 1941, tied down with straight pipes. Must have been a convertible before they throwed the top away. Makes a lot of noise, you know. Who owns it? Where I Can find it? Well, I think I seen it take the cut off one morning. Cut off? Yeah, when I was on my way to work here. What cut off? About a mile up the road to cut off over to Byerly Swamp. Good. Thanks a lot. Here's for the Ford. Well, you interested in buying that old crate? Something like that. The cutoff to Byerley Swamp wasn't much more than a pair of wagon tracks through the woods. But the tire marks I was looking for stuck out like a sore thumb. And they finally led off to an old shack half hidden by a heavy thicket. Behind it, sure enough was the car I'd been looking for. The windows of the shack were boarded up. No sign of life of it. Slowly and carefully I circled the place. Then I walked over to the door, turned the knob, opened it and you know something? I've been awfully wrong about there being nobody around. Okay, mister. Oh, no.

[Gil]

You chillin Kill him. You asked for it. Clip him, Ring A. Clip him?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Les Walters]

Oh.

[Ringer]

All right, all right. Get some water, Guilt. Bring him to. We'll find out what he's doing around here.

[Gil]

Let me go through his pockets real quick, see who he is.

[Ringer]

Get out of going, Hood.

[Johnny Dollar]

The one called Ringer was too big for me. So rather than take any more of it for the moment I lay there and let them go through my pockets. And of course they took my gun. When the little one, Gil, started pouring water not only on but into me, well, I had to come to a choke.

[Ringer]

Oh, give him the whole bucket.

[Gil]

Yeah, sure.

[Ringer]

Johnny Dollar on the insurance stick. No, no, don't try getting up on your feet.

[Johnny Dollar]

You think I could if I wanted to?

[Gil]

Yeah, you really clipped him ringing.

[Ringer]

Shut up. See, the coppers have been after me since I got out of their clink.

[Johnny Dollar]

Huh?

[Ringer]

But they couldn't find me, so they had to send you out. Is that it? $?

[Johnny Dollar]

Now what do you think?

[Ringer]

I think you're gonna be awful sorry and awful dead. You think you or anybody else could keep me from knocking off that fancy mouthpiece after sending me up the way he did? Well, nobody's smart enough.

[Gil]

You're gonna knock him off, Ringer, huh?

[Ringer]

You're gonna kill him after we get that lawyer.

[Gil]

Well, why not now, huh?

[Ringer]

Anything goes wrong, I might need dollar for a hostage.

[Gil]

Oh, sure. Only what's a hostage?

[Ringer]

Only nothing is gonna go wrong. I'm too smart for that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I guess you are at that Ringer, that business of driving by his house every day. The backfire.

[Ringer]

That's right. So nobody worries about it. No More.

[Johnny Dollar]

And the backfire will cover the shots when you murder Lawyer Roberts?

[Ringer]

That's right. Nobody will even notice. And all it takes is one good shot through his window. Just a little hole in that window. Nobody will notice unless they go up and look at it.

[Johnny Dollar]

An elaborate scheme like that just to show how smart you are.

[Ringer]

No. Because knowing I'm on the loose again, he has that house locked up like a bank vault. Not even Gil and me could get in without setting off an alarm. And he keeps the blinds down at night. Can't even see him in there.

[Gil]

But every morning at the same time, he's there at the window. So now that he's home, we got him. Tomorrow morning.

[Ringer]

Shut up, Gil. Soak up some of that raw hide so we can tie him up and get out of here.

[Gil]

Yeah, sure.

[Ringer]

RINGING I want to get some food and some sleep. Then, Dolly, we'll be back to see you in the morning. And after we do, you won't see anything anywhere anymore.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wet rawhide that shrinks when it dries. Cuts into ankles and wrists like a steel band. By the time they finally left in their hot rod, the pain was excruciating. Sure, I could roll around a bit, maybe even out the door. What good was that? There was nobody. Nobody ever came around this neck of the woods. So I lay there straining against the bonds, hoping they wouldn't cut off the circulation completely. As the rawhide slowly, inexorably. Wait. It was raining. Raining hard. I rolled myself painfully out the door into a puddle in front of. Seemed like hours. It was hours. It was long after daylight before the rawhide finally stretched enough for me to get a hand free and take off the rest of the thongs. I looked at my watch. 8:15. Which meant they'd done their job. And yeah, now they'd come back here. Then they heard it. The hot rod coming down the soggy wagon road. Quickly, I ducked back into the shag way to behind the door.

[Ringer]

So he wasn't there. We had the storm to cover us, too.

[Gil]

I don't get it.

[Ringer]

Right now he wasn't there. That winder means somebody warned him. Means that Johnny Dollar warned him. That means we're taking care of Dollar right now.

[Gil]

No, wait.

[Betty Lewis]

Listen.

[Ringer]

What?

[Gil]

That car coming down the road.

[Ringer]

Yeah, yeah, I see it. It's a girl that lives across the street from that mouthpiece.

[Gil]

What's she doing out here?

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't know.

[Ringer]

If she pulls in here, we start shooting first and find out afterwards.

[Gil]

There she is. Here she comes. Look out. Shoot. Let her have it.

[Betty Lewis]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, you don't. Baby. Darling.

[Ringer]

I'll kill you. I'll blast you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no. Ready?

[Betty Lewis]

Johnny? Johnny. If I hadn't run into him, he would have killed.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's okay, honey. You did the right thing.

[Betty Lewis]

Johnny, when you didn't come last night and this morning when the man at the road hus told me where he'd sent you to find that hot rod. So I told Mr. Robinson to stay away from his window and I came as fast as. Are you all right, honey?

[Johnny Dollar]

Are you all right? Yeah, sure. A little wet and tired.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, Johnny, I was so worried. I was so worried about you.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm sure glad you were. Thanks, honey.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, do that again. That's the sweetest kiss.

[Ringer]

Run over me, kids. Try to kill.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, shut up, Ringer.

[Ringer]

You think I'm gonna.

[Johnny Dollar]

Can't you see I'm busy?

[Betty Lewis]

Yes. More Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

It was Betty Lewis who really saved the life of that insurance attorney. So most of this expense account covers some well earned entertainment. Plus a little gift for her. No, not an engagement ring, but a big jug of my sin. But I must admit, she certainly makes me think about the merits of. Yeah, expense account total 450 bucks even. Yours truly, Johnny Doll. Now here is our star to tell you about next week's story. Next week? Well, next week, the funniest combination of names I ever saw. And brother, what trouble they cause. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Virginia, Gregg Forest, Barney Phillips and Tom Holland. This is Jim Matthews speaking. Oh, hey.

[Gift Wrapping Employee]

Welcome to gift wrapping.

[Lena Loomis]

Whoa.

[Gift Wrapping Employee]

So is Saldana.

[Customer]

Hey, can you wrap these, please?

[Gift Wrapping Employee]

Wow, iPhone 17s, you splurged.

[Customer]

At T Mobile, you can get four iPhone 17s on them. The new center stage front camera is amazing for group selfies. It's the perfect gift for everyone.

[Gift Wrapping Employee]

I'm the worst. I only got my mom a robe.

[Customer]

Well, it's better than socks.

[Gift Wrapping Employee]

So I have to trade in my old phone, right?

[Johnny Dollar]

No.

[Customer]

AT T Mobile, there's no trade ins needed when you switch. Keep your old phone or give it as a gift.

[Gift Wrapping Employee]

Incredible.

[Customer]

In fact, wrap up my old phone too, for my Aunt Rosa. Forget that. Aunt Liz will be jealous.

[Gift Wrapping Employee]

Sounds like my family drama.

[Customer]

Oh, I got it. I'll give it to my abuela. I'll take reindeer paper with. Hey, where are you going?

[Lena Loomis]

To T Mobile.

[Gift Wrapping Employee]

The holidays are better. AT T Mobile get four iPhone 17s on us. No trade in needed when you switch. Plus four lines for just 25 bucks a line. And now T Mobile is available in US cellular stores with 24 monthly bill credits and four eligible board inside essentials for well qualified customers. Photo Pay + taxes, fees and 35 device connection charge credits and imbalance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel Contact Us Finance Agreement 256 gigabytes 830 required Visit T mobile.com.

[Les Walters]

Johnny$Les Walters Johnny at Worldwide Mutual.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Well, hi, Les.

[Les Walters]

I heard your report on that man who disappeared up in Eugene, Oregon a couple of weeks ago.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Jonathan Do. Yeah, the man who never really existed.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

That was a pretty rough one, Les.

[Les Walters]

I can believe that. So it ought to be a lot easier for you to find a man who does exist. Or who did.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Well, which is it?

[Les Walters]

I wish I knew. His name is Elmer Loomis.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

L E U M A S Loomis. So what happened?

[Les Walters]

I told you, he disappeared.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

I mean, what have you got to go on? Leads, clues, whatever you want to call them. That's the funny part of it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah?

[Les Walters]

Nothing, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Absolutely nothing to go on. You call that funny?

[Les Walters]

So maybe you better come on over here. We can talk about it.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Well, now let's. So maybe you're right.

[Les Walters]

And now, act one of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to the Worldwide Mutual Insurance Company home office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Loomis matter spelled L E U M A S. No leads at all, huh? Well, at least it gives me a clean, uncluttered start. So, expense account item $1.10 for a taxi to the office of Worldwide Mutual in the Spurling Building down on the square.

[Les Walters]

Hi, Johnny. I. I suppose I could have saved time by telling you over the phone just to pack your bags and head on down to Vineland. But sit down nice.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Vineland, New Jersey.

[Les Walters]

That's right. About halfway between Philadelphia and Atlantic City.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Yeah, Les, I know the place. I handle a couple of. Hey, wait a minute. You said Loomis.

[Les Walters]

That's right. Alma Loomis, the man who disappeared.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Isn't there a Loomis Glass Company in Vineland?

[Les Walters]

One of the biggest. Up till a few years ago when he retired. Alma Loomis was the sole owner of it.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

He must be plenty wealthy, huh? Millions. Which offers a lot of possible reasons for his disappearance.

[Les Walters]

That's right. Okay then, Lester, tell me all. I thought I made myself clear, Johnny, when I said I should have sent you right on down there to Vineland, because all I know about him is that he's wealthy, retired sportsman, yachtsman, that sort of thing. And he suddenly vanished.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

How old a man is he?

[Les Walters]

According to his copy of the policy, he's 59. Straight life.

[Johnny Dollar]

Straight life.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

And who stands to benefit if his body just happens to turn up somewhere dead?

[Les Walters]

His wife, Lena.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

How old is she?

[Les Walters]

Let's see, she was 30 last June. That's right. And incidentally, I understand she's quite a beauty. At least according to Harry Ware, who sold the policy.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Incidentally, huh?

[Les Walters]

What do you mean by that?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Oh, use your head less. Young attractive woman, wealthy husband nearly twice her age. Here we go again.

[Johnny Dollar]

Dog God.

[Les Walters]

Jumping to conclusions, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Oh, no, of course not, of course not. But just how soon do you suppose I can make connections to Vineland, New Jersey? Item 2. $4 even for a couple of taxi fairs. One back to my apartment where I packed a bag. The other out to Bradley Field. Item 3, 1255 for a plane to Philadelphia. Item 4. There in the City of Brotherly Love, 50 bucks to deposit on a rental car. After a late and hasty lunch. That's item five. Two and a quarter. I drove across the Delaware river bridge and picked up Route 47. South Jersey is flat as a pancake but full of beautiful homes and rich farmland. Occasional cranberry bogs and lots of big poultry farms and peach orchards. So the drive was a pleasant one then in Vineland, the so called heart of sunny Southern Jersey. I went straight to police headquarters, a block off Landis Avenue, the main drag. I contacted Sergeant Louis Tommaso, with whom I'd worked before. As usual, he was right.

[Johnny Dollar]

The ball.

[Les Walters]

Kind of had a hunch you might be dragged in on this. How are you, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Well, pretty good, Louie. Or rather, I'm not so sure. You have any real leads on this case, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Les Walters]

Let me hand you a thought for the day. Okay?

[Johnny Dollar]

Shoot.

[Les Walters]

Don't be surprised when you find that Lena Loomis isn't at all broken up over this loss of her husband. Because she isn't. You ask me, she's downright tickled to death about it.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Is that your snide way of telling me that she's interested in somebody else? Somebody closer to her own age?

[Les Walters]

Johnny, if I could find out who that somebody else is. But who knows? Maybe there isn't any. Or maybe there's a dozen of them.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

I don't know.

[Les Walters]

This gal is the social type. One big party after another, night after night, month after month. Ever since they got married and Loomis couldn't stay far enough away from it all. Spend most of his time off on hunting or fishing trips or out on his yard.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Funny that he ever married her in the first place.

[Les Walters]

Well, when a gorgeous young charmer starts going at a poor, poor, lonely widower, nearly 60, well, what do you expect?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Apparently, all she cared about was getting her hooks on his money.

[Les Walters]

What else?

[Johnny Dollar]

When did he go?

[Les Walters]

10 days ago. Got up, had breakfast, announced he was gonna spend the day in Philadelphia, walked out the front door, and that was the last anybody ever saw him.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

What about enemies, Lou?

[Les Walters]

Now, the one that anybody knows, I mean, anything.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Any reason to think he might have been hauled off and murdered?

[Les Walters]

The only reason to think he wasn't is the fact he took some luggage, some clothing with him.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Well, that doesn't prove any.

[Les Walters]

Questioned. His wife, of course. Yeah, yeah. When you get through talking to her, you'll know just as much or as little as I do.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

How about his favorite hunting and fishing spots?

[Les Walters]

Check them all. Favorite and otherwise, nothing.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

You say that he owns a yacht? Owned, huh?

[Les Walters]

A sailboat.

[Ringer]

A big one.

[Les Walters]

Kept it down in the little town of Tuckahoe on the Tuckahoe River. So he just happened to have sold that yacht two days before he disappeared. Ah, Johnny, we haven't a single solitary thing to go on.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

You sure about that, Lou?

[Les Walters]

What do you mean?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Not even his wife?

[Les Walters]

Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar, in a moment. And now, act two of yours truly.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Johnny dollar and the Loomis matter. Expense account item 6580. Dinner for Sergeant Louis Tomaso and myself at the East Landis hotel there in Vinland, New Jersey. Gave me some directions and I left him and drove east on Landis Avenue. In case you're interested, I found out that a guy by the name of Landis founded this fair city. The Loomis home was a massive red brick affair set in the middle of, well, it must have been nearly an acre of huge lawns and trees and flower beds. 25 or 30 rooms, I'd guess, really a mansion. And the long, broad driveway was lined with maple trees. In other words, there was money here. Plenty. As for Lena Loomis, wowee. If she was, believe me, she didn't look it. Her brother, she had everything. She was tall, lithe and brunette, with just enough makeup to enhance her soft and gently tanned complexion. She wore a pair of sleek blue velvet capris and a light silk blouse, a subtle touch of arpegg that while at the risk of sounding repetitious, welcome in, Johnny. Yeah, how an old card. You're wealthy or not. Could ever raise something like this and Framed there in the doorway and a trace of moonlight filtering through the trees.

[Lena Loomis]

Believe me, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Loomis.

[Lena Loomis]

Mrs. Loomis. And with that look in your eye. It's Lena, and you know it.

[Betty Lewis]

And come in.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Yeah, sure.

[Les Walters]

Thanks.

[Lena Loomis]

Oh, darn it. You would come the one night. But I'm not having a party in here, Johnny. Yeah, the place is dead as a doornail. Then I suppose I have to give the servant some time off. Sit down. Huh? Like a drink?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Yeah, I think I could use it.

[Ringer]

No, no.

[Les Walters]

No, thanks.

[Lena Loomis]

Not even to keep me company? Scotch and soda.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

A light one.

[Lena Loomis]

I just knew that was you I saw down on land this morning.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

What'd you say?

[Lena Loomis]

I say I just knew you'd be coming down here to investigate Elmer's disappearance. So when you rang the doorbell just now, I wasn't the least bit surprised.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Oh, that's so Elmer was always a.

[Lena Loomis]

Great fan of yours. Your radio program, I mean. Will you tell about all those cases you solve? That's why I knew you the second I saw you.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Well, now, Lena.

[Lena Loomis]

Johnny, I'm so fed up with answering questions about him that Louis Tomasso from the police department has just about driven me crazy with him. He is kind of a cute guy, though, isn't he? Do you know him?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Well, as a matter of fact, I talk with him just a little.

[Lena Loomis]

Here's your drink.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, thanks.

[Lena Loomis]

Bottoms up, huh?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

These glasses must hold about a quart.

[Lena Loomis]

Well, you know what I mean, Skull.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Ah, Skull.

[Lena Loomis]

Now, Johnny, I don't know how much Louis told you about Elmer vanishing this way, but whatever it was, there's nothing more I can tell you. He's gone, that's all. And you know something? I don't mind a bit.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Yeah, well, I kind of had a notion.

[Lena Loomis]

Find his body lying around somewhere. Well, just look at all it gets me. This home and property and all the stock in the glass company he sold. And money. More money, Johnny, than you could even imagine.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Yeah, and I believe that his insurance amounts.

[Les Walters]

Oh, the insurance.

[Lena Loomis]

So that's nothing compared to all the money he has lying around in banks all over the place. It'll all be mine. And if you don't think I know how to use it.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

You know, there are a couple of things that might put a crimp in your plans.

[Les Walters]

Lena.

[Lena Loomis]

Uh, what Lena wants, Lena gets. Why do you think I ever married Elmer in the first place? Ooh, Elmer. Isn't that a terrible name?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Suppose I find out that he's been murdered.

[Lena Loomis]

Now, who would ever want to murder poor, sweet old Elmer. And why?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Well, maybe to get hold of all this money you've been talking about.

[Lena Loomis]

Of course not. I told you, I get everything.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

That's exactly what I was.

[Lena Loomis]

Just doesn't show up after seven years. Well, you know the statute of limitations.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Oh, yeah, I know.

[Lena Loomis]

What if he does come back, you know, suffering from amnesia or maybe he was in an accident somewhere, you know.

[Les Walters]

Wow.

[Lena Loomis]

So I'll do what I can to keep him happy as long as he lives. And then I'll have it all. I don't love him, Johnny.

[Betty Lewis]

Not a bit.

[Lena Loomis]

But I do try to keep him happy. It's the least I can do. And then when he dies.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, like I said, Lena, listen to me.

[Lena Loomis]

He's a handsome old dog. I'll say that for him. You see there in that picture on the table beside.

[Les Walters]

Yeah, I see.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

But now, listen.

[Lena Loomis]

Calm, wiry, with that big shock of hair.

[Les Walters]

Yes, I see it.

[Lena Loomis]

But why he kept that mustache and Van Dyke. Well, they made him look even older than he was. I mean, than he is.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

What did you mean, was?

[Lena Loomis]

What?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Now, Lena, listen. There are some things I want to know.

[Lena Loomis]

How about an Odin to, for instance.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Your husband has yachts.

[Lena Loomis]

Oh, didn't you know? He sold it just before he was. I mean, just before he disappeared. Does it matter?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Yes.

[Lena Loomis]

Well, it was some man by the name of. Well, here. Here's the bill of sale. His name is Samuel Remley.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Remley.

[Customer]

Right here.

[Lena Loomis]

R, E M L E. Samuel Remley.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

At Tuckahoe, New Jersey.

[Lena Loomis]

Well, now, you've asked a question, you've got an answer. So let's have another drink, huh?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

So help me, I simply couldn't pin her down to answering my questions. After a solid hour of trying, all I ended up with was an invitation to stick around for a big party she was throwing the following night. Young, charming, attractive, yes. But trying to make sense with her was a lost cause. Finally, standing out at the front door, ready to leave, I decided to switch my tactics.

[Lena Loomis]

You can't mean that.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

That is exactly what I mean. Because from what you've told me, what little you've told me, there's only one conclusion I can draw. John and you somehow contrive to have your husband done away with to get your hands on all that money you've been yapping about.

[Lena Loomis]

Don't you see? I get it all anyway. Sooner or later.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Why wait, huh?

[Lena Loomis]

Even if I have to wait out to seven years for that statute of limitation. Now, listen, Johnny, I don't like this. I Don't like the way you're accusing me.

[Les Walters]

You.

[Lena Loomis]

You're threatening me.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

That's right. I gave you all. All the chance I could to cooperate, but you wouldn't take.

[Lena Loomis]

Now, you just get out. You get out of here.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Sure, for the time being.

[Lena Loomis]

No, you stay away from me. Don't you ever come back.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

You better play it my way, Lena.

[Johnny Dollar]

No.

[Lena Loomis]

Get out.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

They just.

[Les Walters]

Just a minute, buddy. Huh? Who are you? Me? I just happen to be looking out for Mrs. Loomis.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah?

[Lena Loomis]

Yeah.

[Les Walters]

And I don't like what I was hearing just now. Oh, that's too bad.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Now, if you get out of my way.

[Les Walters]

Oh, no, you don't bust it. Oh, no.

[Gift Wrapping Employee]

Jerry.

[Johnny Dollar]

Jerry. That's right.

[Les Walters]

Me, Three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

When I came to, my card case was gone. There was a lump on my head that must have been made by a blackjack. And inside my head was the solid conviction that Lena Loomis was without question responsible for the disappearance, possibly the murder of her husband. I climbed painfully back into my car, drove to the hotel, and after a dirty look from the night clerk, out of room and hit the sack. Early the next morning, I was down at police headquarters.

[Les Walters]

Well, not having had a good look at them, you don't give us much to go on.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Yeah, well, look, if you pick them up. Lou, let me take care of. Now, Johnny, just say I want to question him.

[Les Walters]

Did you get anywhere with Mrs. Lewis?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

The only question I got straight answers forward.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Yeah, the yacht. Did you check out that yacht?

[Les Walters]

I told you, Louis sold it just before he disappeared. I saw the bill of sale on it myself.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Yeah, so did I. But, Louie, I got a hunch. How far is Tuckahoe?

[Les Walters]

30, 35 miles. He kept the boat at Wilson's land guard.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Now, listen, I'm gonna play this hunch for all it's worth. It was more than a hunch because it had to do with a rather strange and interesting combination of names. And the more I thought about it, well, I made tracks to the little town of Tuckahoe to Wilson's Landing on the Tuckahoe river. Here you are, Mr. Dollar. Right here is where the Lena was tied up. But the owner, this Mr. Remley, he took it out last night.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Did you know the previous owner? No, I'm kind of new here.

[Les Walters]

But the boss must have Captain Wilson.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Where is he? Been down to Atlantic City the past week.

[Les Walters]

All right.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

What does this Samuel Remley look like? Well, Mr. Remley's an old man about 60s yeah. Tall, slim, kind of wiry old. Head of hair, a mustache and a little Van Dyke beard. Oh, no, no, no, sir. Mr. Remley's clean shaved and wears a butch. Well, now, listen.

[Les Walters]

Yes, sir?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Do you know where he headed for when he took off? No, I don't think. Then show me the nearest telephone item. 73 bucks for telephone calls. I hit pay dirt on the fourth one to the Coast Guard station at Cape may. Why, yes, Mr. Dollar.

[Les Walters]

The Lena pulled in here a couple hours ago.

[Ringer]

Good.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

She's tied up at the clubhouse dock. I can see her from here. Then, Captain, I'll be right down there. The highway police must have all been looking the other way for. I'm sure I deserved a handful of tickets for speeding on the trip down to Cape May. And there I found Alina tied up and taking on supplies. The owner, well, when I told him who I was, he spread his hands, quietly smiled, led me down into the cabin and poured a couple of drinks. Salute, Mr. Don. Salute, Mr. Well, is it Loomis or Rem?

[Les Walters]

Either names Tip you off. It took a while to get through.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

This thick skull of mine, but. Well, the rather unusual spelling of your right name. L, E, U M A S News.

[Les Walters]

And spelled backward, it comes out Samuel Elmer.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Spelled backward comes out Remling. Elmer Loomis. Samuel Remley.

[Les Walters]

So obvious. I hoped it might be overlooked.

[Johnny Dollar]

But.

[Les Walters]

Oh, incidentally, I'm sorry about Pete and Jerry.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Pete and Jerry?

[Les Walters]

The bodyguards I left for Lena. Unknown to her, of course.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Oh, yeah. I can't wait to meet those boys again.

[Les Walters]

But I wanted to be sure she'd be watched over while I was away. Taking time to really figure out what to do about her. About our rather pitiful relationship.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

That's the reason for the disappearing act?

[Les Walters]

Yes. I knew that if I suggested just going away alone, she wouldn't hear of it.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

So you were staying right here in Takahoe?

[Les Walters]

Old Cap Wilson at the landing knew who I was, of course, but nobody else did. After I cut my hair and beard, nobody else had really known me there anyway.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Then last night you took off.

[Les Walters]

Well, the boys came down and told me. Oh, here. By the way, you better have your credentials back.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Oh, thanks.

[Johnny Dollar]

Where were you going?

[Les Walters]

I don't know. Most anywhere. I might have realized I wouldn't get away from you, though. I'm a great admirer of yours, Dolly. Well, thanks.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

So, what now you've had time to make up your mind? About your wife, I mean.

[Les Walters]

No. Yes, I suppose so. Well, I don't know of any formal.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Charges I ought to make against you. Of course, the violence of the police.

[Les Walters]

I'll somehow try to make up to them for all the trouble I've caused them. Would you like to sail back to Tuckahoe?

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

No, thanks. I've got my car. And who knows, maybe in, like, a little more time to think alone. So it wasn't much of a case after all.

[Les Walters]

The two thugs.

[Johnny Dollar (Alternate or continuation)]

Sergeant Louis locked them up for assault. And I guess that'll have to do for them. As for Loomis and his wife, well, I'm glad it isn't my problem. Expense account total, including the trip Back to Hartford, 8950. Yours truly, Johnny dollar.

[Les Walters]

Universal.