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THE BEE OR NOT TO BEE MATTER and THE MONTICELLO MYSTERY MATTER JOHNNY DOLLAR
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During this time, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar attracted some of the best writers in Hollywood, including Jack Johnstone, E. Jack Neuman (using the pen name John Dawson), Robert Ryf, and Les Crutchfield. Bob Bailey also wrote a script while he was...
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Zoe Saldana
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Imported for well qualified, plus tax and $10 connection charge payout via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days credits end imbalance due if you pay off early or cancel. Johnny Dollar. Pat Fuller. Johnny, at Universal Adjustment Bureau. Well, hi, Pat. Pat Fuller, did you say? That's right. How come? What? Well, Pat McCracken's always been my contact over there at your place. Five or six years now. Haven't you heard? Pat's retired. Retired? Yeah. At his age? Well, he's only about, let me see, 50 on the nose. Been here since he was 25. So now he's off and gone with a real nice pension from the company. Son of a gun. Well, I always did know I was in the wrong end of this business. You want a job as a company man? Who knows? Maybe you can live long enough to earn a nice, soft pension, too. If that is, you'll do the same thing he did that I'm doing. What do you mean? Well, you know, instead of keeping your own hours, traveling around all over the country all the time, new places, new faces, lots of excitement. Well, you'd have to be tied down to a desk nine to five, day after day, month after month, year after year. Yeah, but think of the advantages. You'd have. Christmas off and New Year's and the Fourth of July. Well, now, let's. And all Sorts of free life and health insurance and other benefits. A couple of weeks off with pay. Let's forget it, Pat. I think I'll stay freelance and free. Whatever you say, Johnny. Anyhow, with McCracken gone, I've taken over what's on your mind. And I hope it's something that'll get me really away for a change. Don't ask for it. Before this thing's over, you may find yourself having to cover the whole country from stem to stern. It sounds intriguing. What is this thing? One of the oldest and simplest rackets that ever hit the insurance business. But one of the hardest to catch up with. Tell me all. Why don't you come on over here? I will. All right. I'm on my way. The CBS Radio Network brings you Mandel Kramer. In the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed 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 home office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the be or not to be matter. Expense account item $1.20 for a cab. To Universal Adjustment Bureau. Down on the square. Pat Fuller was about 40, I'd say. And in spite of his easy, casual manner. It was obvious he didn't miss a trick. Very much like his predecessor, Pat McCracken. Wow. Glad to see you, Johnny. How are you, Pat? Fine. Sit down. Let me tell you all about it. Okay. Cigarette? Thanks. Now, as you know, Johnny, here at Universal Adjustment. We handle claims for a list of insurance companies. As long as you're on, I know all over the country, every state in the Union. But only the sizable claims. The little ones for a few hundred. A few thousand dollars? Well, it's cheaper for the companies to handle them. To pay them off themselves. Sure. However, they're all required to inform us about them, even if they involve only pennies. I see. But unless there's something unusual about those small settlement reports. They're simply glanced at and then filed away. Well, now, I take it you've run across something unusual. I sure have. You see them here. 13 reports and claims paid out by 13 different companies. The smallest for $250. The largest, thanks to an impulsive darn fool hotel manager, is for over 4,000, you said, for one of the oldest rackets in the business. False injury. Like the one I busted out on the coast a while back with some old wino. Was carefully run down, his leg broken. Then the insurance split with him. Something like that. These reported injuries were all the results of falls. Sounds like the hotel or department store caper. Then it is. Hotel? Yeah. Couple goes to a nice hotel, registers just for one night. The man carefully explains to the clerk that they have important business in some other town the following day. Sure. Just before checkup time, they casually walk across the lobby and she suddenly trips on the edge of a rug or slips on the polished floor, lets out a yellow flying. All the rest he yells for the manager, hauls her up to the room. By the time the manager gets there, she's putting on the agony act. And they threaten to sue the pants off the hotel and raise big thing, right? They usually demand around a hundred thousand. Threaten to call in some local lawyer they just happen to know. Yes. And the manager, all excited and hoping to avoid a lot of adverse publicity as well as a lawsuit, has them sign a release, pays them something in cash, whatever they can talk him into, and they're on their merry way. Pat, why don't these hotel managers ever learn to hold on to people like that and make them undergo a medical examination? Oh, this pair is clever, Johnny, in more ways than one. How do you mean? Well, the woman usually slips on a spot of oil or grease. Who's to prove that they put it there themselves? After all, nobody's watching them every second simply because nobody knows who they are and what they're up to. Yeah, I see what you mean. But also, Johnny, in every one of these cases, some doctor has been called and made a quick examination and confirmed the fact that there was an injury and insisted that they stay around for a while. No, no, no. Like I said, they've already established the fact that they have to be in some other city on business, thousands of dollars at stake. That if they're made to stick around, then they'll really sue. Yeah. 13 in a row, you say? All over the country, and all within less than four months. Doggone it. That if there really is an injury in each case, at least enough to fool a doctor. I know that's puzzled me too. Well, it doesn't sound like the same couple then, does it? But it is. I'm sure of it now. Why? Well, Johnny, you know as well as I do that most crooks develop a sort of pattern, whether they themselves realize it or not. Well, you know that some of them set a pattern deliberately. You know, leave a regular trademark. Just to show off. Right. Or just to make the cops look silly. Exactly. Now, they haven't used the same names each time? Oh, no, no, of course not. But what they have done now, what about their descriptions? Is it covered in these reports? Oh, yes, but they. They don't mean very much because one time she's a blonde, the next time a brunette. And then a redhead, you know, and the same thing goes for him. Thick glasses one time, a mustache another clean shaving the next, and so on. But look, here I have a picture of them. Oh, how'd you get this? Photographer in a hotel lobby in Chicago taking pictures of a model showing off some clothes. They happen to be in the background. You see? There they are. Yeah. Oh, fine. This. This will be of help, even if they. Even if they fool around with a disguise or two. But now to get back to this pattern that you mentioned. Really? The show off element, as you call it. Yep. The home address they give when they register. Fictitious one. I don't know, but it's always the same. What is it? 21st street and Fairmount Avenue. Where? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Well, if it isn't fictitious, it might give us 21st and Fairmont. Yes, in Philadelphia. That's right. Oh, great. What? Had something to work on. All right, Pat. This case may be tougher than you think. Could even be dangerous. Oh. That is, if that address ever really was his. The man. Why, Johnny, what is it? A not too exclusive little place known as Eastern Penitentiary. Four cars left out at night or in unheated garages. Don't ask for trouble, ask for to bite. Xerox Antifreeze. Winter time is trouble time for many of us who leave our cars out at night or in unheated garages. So don't ask for trouble. Ask for Dupont Xerex Antifreeze. Xerox outlasts winter. It protects your car against sudden drops in temperature all winter long. It won't boil away even during a warm spell. And Xerox has an exclusive rust inhibitor, Mr. 8, that protects all engine metals, including aluminum, against rust and corrosion. So for safe, dependable protection, do as millions of motorists have done for over 20 years. Ask for Xerox Antifreeze. It's made by Dupont. Remember, four cars left out at night or in unheated garages. Don't ask for trouble, ask for Dupont Xerox Antifreeze. Okay. Now, Pat, you could spend a lot of time and money sending a copy of this picture to every hotel in the country, together with a warning to look out for this couple. But do you know how many hotels probably wouldn't mean a thing because of the way they change their appearance somewhat each time? And because they're pros and they're Smart. They'd get wind of the fact that they're being looked for and duck undercover. Maybe even try some other caper until the heat died down. After all, if they're clever enough to stand a doctor's examination. Because I still don't get that part of it. I don't either. Anyhow, to really nail them down, it looks to me like they'll have to be caught in the act. How can you possibly know where they'll operate next with this fake injury racket? Now, you said they've been all over the country. Look for yourself. Boston, Philadelphia, Houston, Albuquerque, Chicago, Miami, Portland, Oregon. Portland, Maine. Portland, Indiana. They seem to like that name. Part of a pattern. Who knows? Go ahead. Seattle, Wichita, Kansas City. And Minneapolis, Minnesota. And I'll be darned if I can see any pattern. They're pretty smart to move around so much. It'd be a lot easier to figure the next move. If they covered one area, even one state at a time. There might be a chance of finding some plan in their movements. But there was only a relationship between these cities. Even some alphabetical order, something to latch onto. A pattern? Yeah, some pattern. Aside from their method of operation, of course. That ridiculous address. A state penitentiary yet? Maybe there is. What? It's only a wild hunch, but sometimes those are the ones that pay off. What are you thinking of? Can I borrow this picture of them? Sure. And a list of the towns they've hit so far. Of course. I take it there's no question about my being on expense count. Of course you are. Where are you going? Johnny, what are you gonna do? You think they'd like to see me in the state? Pennsylvania. Spence account item 2. 2410 for a cab to Bradley Field. A plane of the City of Brotherly Love. And then the cab to 21st street and Fairmont Avenue. Eastern Penitentiary. One of the assistant wardens was all cooperation. And after studying his records for a few minutes, he came up with some highly valuable information. Yes, Mr. Dollar, it's Harry Bean, all right. There's no question of it. Harry Bain finished out his term for burglary only a little over a year ago. Burglary? Yeah, And I must confess, I'm not at all surprised that he's operating again. Also, I'm not surprised that he's changed his type of operation. Why do you say that? Would. He's a very clever criminal, if for no other reason than that he was able to escape conviction for so long. He had an arrest record a mile long, you know. No, I didn't know yes, all over the country. Chicago to Houston to Seattle to Miami. All over. I see. But they could never convict him because always before he'd pull a job, he'd enlist the services of some local mouthpiece. Go on. Yeah. He'd have an alibi rigged before he made a move. It was only by actually catching him in the act with the goods in his possession that they were able to nail him down here in Pennsylvania. In other words, what you're saying to me is that I better catch him and that female partner. Catch him in the act? Yes. But are you sure that he and his partner have pulled all these fake injury jobs? You're thinking of a doctor's opinion each time that there really was some injury to the woman. A really sprained ankle or a busted knee or whatever. Yeah, of course, after all, recovery from something like that some 13 times in only four months. I know, I know. It bugs me, too. Unless you can definitely prove there's no actual injury after one of her falls. And regardless of a doctor's opinion, mind you. In other words, Mr. Dodd. In other words, Warden, the first thing I have to do is find out where they're going to pull their little stump next and be there when they do. Yes. All right, then maybe that's where you can help me. How? You have a list of all the cities where this Harry Bane operated before you got him? Yeah, I did. Boston, Houston, Fortnight. No, no, wait. Just. Just one minute now. Just let me. Let me check your list against this list of mine. All right? Now, go ahead. Okay. Boston, Houston, Portland, Oregon. Check Portland, Maine, Portland, Indiana, Miami. Wait a minute. Huh? Yeah. All right, go ahead. New Orleans. Oh, Chicago, Seattle, Wichita, Minneapolis, Albuquerque, Little Rock, Duluth. Yeah. Kansas City, and here in Philadelphia. Good. Then there is a pattern. What? Mr. Darwin, you gave me the same 13 cities that I have on my list. All of them places where he already had a contact with a crooked lawyer from his burglary days. Also, you gave me three new ones. New Orleans, Little Rock and Duluth. Towns that he hasn't hit yet with this new racket. But I'm betting that he will hit them. New Orleans, Little Rock and Duluth. Right. And if I can be there when he tries it. Excuse me. Yes? Is Mr. Johnny Dollar there, Warden? Yes, he is. Just a minute. Just for you, Mr. Dollar. Oh, thanks. Johnny Dollar, Pat Buller. Johnny, they've done it again. Where? Little Rock, Arkansas. Good, good. Sure is, Pat. I'm on my way. What? Where to? Well, take your choice. New Orleans or Duluth, Minnesota. What? The most effective aid to Needy Families Abroad is given each year through the religious organizations of America. They are so efficient that a single dollar will send more than 300 pounds of food to feed hungry mouths in lands overseas. But our religious groups go much further. Besides food, they send clothing, medicine and bedding. They help support hospitals and clinics and develop self help projects. Keep faith with those in need abroad. Give through your faith. Item three. Two and a quarter for a cab to the Bellevue Stratford. And there I ran up item 4. $181.40 in phone calls to the manager of every sizable hotel in both Duluth and New Orleans. I'd got a list from one of the big hotel associations that was only too glad to help. Item 5, $61. Even for all the books, magazines and papers I could read. And for plenty of room service, I didn't even go out for meals. After three days of it, I just about had my fill of doing nothing but reading, eating and sleeping. But then. Johnny Dollar, this is Monsieur Jacques Debereau at the Hotel de Philippe in New Orleans. Monsieur Dollar. Yes. I promised to call you if anyone from up there in Pennsylvania happened to register here in our splendid hotel. Yes, we now have with us a couple by the name of Chatsworth. Monsieur and Madame Henry Chatsworth. Oh, so it's Chatsworth now. They're people from here in Philadelphia. Yes, but they're such lovely people. And they gave 21st and Fairmont as their address here. Yes, they did. But they're such lovely people, Monsieur Dollar. Now, listen, I just refuse to believe they're those horrid rascals that you. Telephone. Now, you just hang on to them. I'll grab the first plane. I can hang on to them. What? But they're only staying overnight. I know. Go north on business tomorrow. That's what he thinks. Item six, $4 for a cab. Item seven, 8,000, 145, plane fare. But the only flight I could get didn't leave until the wee small hours of the morning. So it wasn't until after breakfast that we finally pulled in New Orleans. Item 8. Another four bucks for a cab to the Hotel de Felipe. And there the prissy little manager suddenly became a real problem. And I tell you, Ms. Do, that I simply refuse to believe that that nice Miss, you and Madame Chatsworth are those horrible cooking men. Why, they're lovely people, Mr. Devereaux. What's more, you're only a private investigator. You have no real. I know that only too well. And for that reason alone, sir, I must refuse you admittance to this will. You please listen. If you wish to call in the police, have them station their men about heaven. A bunch of police swarming all over this place. Harry Bain, who calls himself Chatsworth, would smell him a mile away. He and the dame widow would simply take a powder. At least that would save my hotel from any embarrassing situations, which is all I care about. Sure. And would let them scot free again. And I simply refused for these as such lovely people. You said that. And I meant it too, sir. Now, if that's all, Monsieur Dollar. Oh, all right, all right. Mr. Devereux, you almost make me wish they would knock you over. I have told you, you simply refuse to believe. Yes. Now, must I order you off the premises? You mind if I stop at your bar long enough for a drink? I think I need one. Not at all. But I shall be watching you. Oh, I'm sure you shall. Oh, good morning, Mr. Chatsworth. Madame Chatsworth. You're up early this morning. I dust behind a pill and listened. Oh, yes, monsieur. We plan to have breakfast, catch only snatches of their conversation. And I just pray that Devereaux wouldn't tip him off. Well, we'd like to stay, Mr. Devereaux, but we've got to leave for New York. Big business deal up there. And if me and the Mrs. Aren't there right on time to sign some papers, it could cost us a fortune. I mean, really big money. Yeah. So we're all packed and we'll be leaving right after breakfast. Oh, I'm so sorry. But of course, I had to stand. Sure, I knew you would. Well, come along, dear. Yes, Henry. Oh, my, am I hungry. Now, Monsieur Dollar. Miss, your dollar. While the manager looked for me in the bar, I ducked across to the other side of the lobby, grabbed the bellboy and shoved a five spot into his hot little hand. But for Watcher Mr. And Mrs. Chatsworth, the number of their suite. Well, it's 214. But may I ask now where can you and I have a little talk all alone? But even a 10 spot wouldn't persuade him to part with his uniform for the rest of the morning. So I'm afraid I had to use other tactics. So I made sure he was comfortable in the linen closet, where I tied him up, gagged and left him. Then, grabbing a handful of towels, I ran up the back stairs to the second floor, where thanks for the borrowed bellhops uniform. And it was a pretty sad fit. A chambermaid let me into 214. The Chatsworth luggage was packed all right. They were all ready for Takeoff. But I had to find some clue as to how they passed the medico examination after one of the so called accidents. So I carefully went through the bags one at a time. Now, what did I find? You'd never believe it. It was nothing more or less than I heard a key in the door. So I slipped into the bedroom and under a bed. Oh, Henry, this is killing me. Killing me. Yeah, I know it, honey. And boy, you get that manager up here and a doctor too. You hear me? Okay, now, where is it? We gotta act fast here in this suitcase, Henry. Good. Now pull down your stocking. What? What's the matter? I thought I'd lock that suitcase. Well, never mind that. Don't worry about it. Now, here. Are you ready? As ready as I ever am. I guess I just wish it didn't hurt. Ought to be used to it by now. Here we go. If it hurt a little, you wouldn't sound with kid. Now, that ought to do it. I go in the bathroom, slap on some iodine to hide the marks they made, then lie down on the bed. Yeah, okay. See how good it's taken already. Look like the worst brain ankle that manager ever saw. Clever. It was sheer genius. When the manager brought it out to them, they put on a hat, stood upon a pocket. Just one look at that doctor and he was super silver. But when he shifted, the bang gave his chest words that he'd stay around for 100 years. Are you old? Oh, didn't you hear what I said? She isn't in New York with me by tonight on that business deal, it could cost us a million. So if you make her stay here, I'll sue you too. The way I'm gonna sue this hotel for that slippery floor down there in the lobby. Please, Mr. Chasmuth, not so loud. You know what's good for you, sawbones? You'll give her something to ease the pain so we can catch our plane. Then you'll get out of here. Please, doctor. You better. And as for you, Mr. Devereux. Yes, sir. Well, I've heard plenty about cases like this. About you hotel guys being so careless with slippery floors. And I'm gonna sue you for $50,000. Please, Mr. Chatsworth. Okay, okay. You've been nice to us, so I'll make it 10 or 15,000. Oh, no. You know a lawyer by the name of Frankie Tabello? That crook? One of his. All I care is he gets me ten grand for this. Mr. Chatsworth. Yeah? Perhaps the injury isn't as bad as it looks. And if we Pay the doctor' and say two or three hundred dollars. What? You're out of your mind. I don't want the lawsuit or the publicity, and I'm only trying to. A thousand, perhaps. In cash. Immediately. Now, listen, I've got you over a barrel and you know it. So you're going to pay for this and plenty. Now make me a decent offer. And the price? They settled on 2,000 bucks, cash. Immediately. But as Devereaux, the poor excited sucker, was about to go downstairs and get it, I crawled out from my uncomfortable spot under the bed. And you know something? Henry Bain and the woman gave up without a struggle when they found out who I was and what I was doing there. And the manager, when I pulled the little glass jar out of their suitcase and showed him how they made their phony accident look so real. Real enough to fool a doctor. Believe it or not, the shock was so much for me, almost fainted. So that was that. And the expense total comes to $471. Wait a minute. I forgot to tell you about the trick. Their little trick for making that ankle swell up and look like the worst sprain on record. You see, that jar, the one that Bain had opened and then clapped against her ankle, contained exactly three nasty little yellow jackets. Bees. Yes. Clever. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Now here is our star to tell you about next week's story. Next week, one of the nicest killers I've ever met. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, is written by Jack Johnstone. Produced and directed by Bruno Zarato, Jr. Music supervision by Ethel Huber. Johnny Dollar is played by Mandel Kramer. Also featured in our cast, where John Thomas as Pat Fuller, Ivor Francis as the hotel manager, Robert Garden as Harry Bain, alias Chatsworth, Griffith Warner as Mrs. Chatsworth, and Bob Donnelly as the assistant warden. Be sure to join us next week, same time, same station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Aunt Hannah speakers. Johnny Dollar. Mr. Dollar, this is Henry Foreman down here in Port Jarvis, New York. Port Jarvis? That's right. Lucky man. I beg your pardon? Well, the Delaware river on one side and the Neversink on the other. And that Neversink just happens to be one of my favorite trout streams. Oh, I see. Many's the time I've wet a line in that piece of water. Foreman, did you say? Yes. I'm the local representative for Inter allied life insurance company. What can I do for you, Mr. Foreman? Not for me, Mr. Dollar, but for one of my clients. I should say the husband of one of Our clients? One of our rather important clients, yes. His name is Rudolph and he lives a few miles north here. The other side of Monticello. I see. Lovely place. Two or three hundred acres of beautiful woodland, a private lake and so on. Sounds very nice. Usually though, this time of year they're back in New York. Their big apartment, one of those luxurious duplex fairs on East River. Also sounds like they're really loaded. Loaded? Oh, yes. Oh, you mean. Yes, Mr. Dollar, they're. They're quite wealthy. Well, now, what's his problem? I haven't the least idea. Hmm. All I know is that he called me a few minutes ago and he asked. Well, as a matter of fact, he insisted. Insisted that you come and see him if that is, you have some free time. And by that he meant anything from a few days to a few weeks. Funny. Must have something to do with his insurance. I, I don't know, Sir. Well, look, Mr. Foreman, he did make it very plain that it's most important. Important to you, that is, to you personally. To me? Yes. He implied that if there were any question about your expenses, so on, why, he'd be more than glad to pay your expense account himself. Ah, yes. In other words, Mr. Dollar, in other words, maybe I can be a little free with the old expense account for a change. Well, now, that isn't quite what I was thinking. Well, let's pretend it was, though. Well, now, look, now, just relax, Mr. Foreman. I'll grab a plane or a train or something and be down there to see you. I'll see you. The CBS Radio Network brings you Mandel Kramer in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Inter Allied Life Insurance Company office in Port Jarvis, New York. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Monticello mystery matter. Expense account Item 1, $9 and 10 cents plane to New York. Item 2, 50 bucks deposit on a rental car. I picked up Route 46, then 23 and some 70 odd miles later pulled into Port Jarvis and the point where Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York all come together. It's a nice little city there on the Delaware, quite a railroad center and even better known for its glass companies. Henry Foreman's office was on Main Street. And after the usual how to dos, I again asked the question. Believe me, Mr. Dollar, I don't know anything more about it than I told you on the phone. But in view of this company's policy of service to its clients. Service of any kind. Well, I felt we must to his request that you be brought down here. I see. And after all, when you consider the size of Mrs. Teckler's life policy alone, the annual premiums we collect on it. And remember this too, sir. She was a client of the company's long before she married Teckler. She's the widow of the late Horace Rathbun Melinger. Well, you know the big steel and oil fortune. Yes. Well, it's no wonder then the Tecla's are loaded. Precisely. Well, just give me their address and I'll see what I can do about inaugurating a share the wealth program. I drove north on 42 for some 25 miles to Monticello. Especially at this time of the year, this foot of the Catskills country is mighty beautiful. Then west for a few miles to the little town of Bethel. Then north on a narrow, twisting little road to a spot somewhere between Canoza Lake and Swan Lake. There was a tall steel wire fence about the place, but the heavy gate was unlocked, so I went on through. And there it was. About as isolated and beautiful a place as I've ever seen. It might as well have been a hundred miles away from the dozens of resorts and vacation spots that dot that area. The main building, the lodge, I guess you'd call it, is a kind of a large two story log cabin affair with a high peaked roof that would shed the winter snow. Was surrounded on three sides by tremendous trees and they framed the lodge perfectly. It was a picture spot of the sort you. You've seen a movie. And on the fourth side, out in front of the lodge and not more than a hundred yards away, one look at that blue placid lake and there must have been at least 20 acres of it. Made me wish that I brought along every bit of fishing tackle I'd ever owned. As I stood there by the side of my car taking it all in, a pair of lunker smallmouth bass jumped clear of the wash, scattering it like the proverbial pearls in the sunshine. So you like it, huh? Like it? Oh, brother. What a fisherman's heaven this is. Yes, it really is. And you must be Johnny Dollar and I'm Rudy Tekla. And how are you? Spellbound. If you want the truth. I didn't think a place like this ever really existed. Look at that. Did you see him? I saw him. Gun. Mr. Tucker. That bass just broke water out there. Must be over three pounds. You're a fisherman too? I certainly Am. What are we doing just standing here? I thought you might just possibly feel that way about it. Why, sure. Why aren't we out there and. Oh, it is slightly out of season, isn't it? Well, what's the difference? Private lake on private property. If a game warden comes around, I just chew him away. I also forgot that I'm supposed to be up here on business. Oh, are you? Well, aren't I? Not so far as I know. You're kidding. Not a fit. Well, you sent for me, didn't you? Yes, that's right. My wife and I sent for you, but not on business. I don't get it. Not on business. Not a bit of it. Why then, Johnny, suppose you pawn into the house. Here, I'll help you with your bag. Well, now, wait, Mr. Techwer. Oh, now, come, come, Mr. Tekler. A fine fishing pal you're going to make. To you, it's Rudy. Okay, okay, Rudy. Fine. Now, what was that crack about a fishing pal? I'll come along into the house. Meet Nancy, my wife. Come on. All right. But if you're implying that you sent for me just to fish this beautiful lake of yours. Well, why not? I'm afraid it's a little hard to believe. I don't see why. Well, let's just say I've been around, Mr. Rudy. Well, then maybe if Nancy tells you the same thing. Well, much as I'd like to, I still won't believe it. Come along and will see. Maybe. Maybe because of long years in this job of mine, I'm overly suspicious. But it all seemed just a little too good to be true. Now, I ask you, what would you think of a couple of complete strangers casually handed you the sort of chance and situation you've only dared dream about all your life? Yeah, and when I met Mrs. Tetler there in the lodge, that silly little bell in the back of my head that saved my job and even my life on occasion, that warning, if you like, suddenly began to ring out loud and clear. Have you ever stopped to realize how lucky we are? When people behind the Iron Curtain turn on their radios, they hear only what their leaders want them to hear. In this country, you can flick a switch day or night and get a true complete report of what's happening everywhere. You get the news first, fastest, most accurately and most completely. When your dial is set to this CBS Radio Network station because the network is serviced by the far flung fact gathering facilities of expanded CBS News, experienced CBS newsmen stationed in strategic places the world over are on top of a story the moment it breaks. For news about local, state, national and international affairs. Even the news from out of this world. Count on the frequent broadcasts of expanded CBS News. Hear CBS News every hour, on the hour, every weekday. Wherever you are, keep in touch with the world through world spanning CBS News. In this land where the news is free and reliable, let CBS News satisfy your need to know. Mrs. Rudolph Tetler, beneficiary of the vast Horace Rathbone Mellinger fortune, was short, sweet, pert and pretty. About 5ft 2 or 3, with a trim, almost wiry figure. She had a pale, flawless complexion. Sparkling dark blue eyes that contrasted with her light colored hair. And she gave the impression of being very active, very alert. In spite of the fact that she must have been almost 60 years of age. Then. You do like our little country place, Mr. Dolly? Like it? I love it, Mrs. Stetler. I knew you would. We do too, don't we, darling? You know the answer to that as well as I do, Nan. And Johnny, you must call me Nancy. Even if only to flatter me and make me feel young again. Well, you are young, Nancy. Well, thank you. In spite of the fact I had to ask for it. You see, Johnny, this was Horace's. He was my first husband. Horace's hunting lodge. We used to come up here during the deer season and we'd have all sorts of people around shooting off guns and playing poker all night and eating their heads off and making a general nuisance of themselves. But Horace liked it, so I put up with it. Spite of all the work it meant for me. It certainly did and it still does. And I think we ought to be a couple of the servants up here. Oh, yeah, done. Well, you work much too hard all the time we're here. Yes, but I like getting away from the servants for a change and all their problems. Well, I know, Nan, and it's no hardship for me. Does me good. Keeps me healthy. Well, just the same, Nancy. Next year when we come up here. Next year. Well, we'll see. But if I'm feeling as well as I do now. Well, anyway, Johnny. Yes? After Horace died. Well, Rudy's never liked hunting, have you, dear? Well, Johnny, I'm. No, but I just don't like killing, that's all. I mean, poor dumb animals. Fishing, though, that's something else again. I'm with you. So after Rudy and I got married, that was in 58. Well, that's when he put in the lake. Docked it with nice big bass and some pickerel and sunfish and bluegill. Oh, you have me Fairly drooling, you know that. Well, I'm glad, because that's the reason I thought of having you up here. And when I suggested it to Rudy. Now, honey. Well, at first he thought I was silly. But then when he had a chance to think it over, he was just as enthusiastic about having you here as I was just to go fishing. Well, Johnny, I'll make a true confession. I'm an old fan of yours. Oh, I never miss those weekly radio reports you make on the cases you solve. Maybe I'm lucky you don't know about the ones I don't solve. I think the work you do is wonderful, and I wanted to meet you for years. Well, I thank you, ma' am. Well, but never having any insurance problems, well, I just couldn't think of a logical excuse. And I knew you'd only be bored to death at any of the constant round of big, dull parties we have to give all winter long down in New York. And believe me, Johnny, they are dull. But they're expected in this circle that we're obliged to travel in. You know, Johnny, old friends of Horace. So what can we do? Anyway, one Sunday night, listening to one of your radio reports, I suddenly realized you constantly talk about things. So here you are. And please stay as long as you like. Nancy, I love you dearly. Good. By way of celebration, darling, why don't you pour us all a drink? Good idea. And then while I'm fixing dinner, there'll still be about an hour of daylight. Why don't you two go out on the lake? A very good idea. And Johnny Dollar, if you don't bring back at least a couple of five pounders. I promise, Nancy. Honest Injun. Short, sweet, pert and pretty. I said I should have added one more adjective. Smart. And that's why, in spite of her excuse for having me around, I wondered what her real reason was. But they didn't give me much time for wondering or anything else. Within half an hour, Rudy and I were out on the lake, that beautiful hunk of water so loaded with fighting bass that who could miss coming in with a limit? But we did, for no sooner had we got started, across toward the far side where there was plenty of reeds and lily pads the big ones like to hide under. Ah, Johnny, it looks to me I see the place, Rudy. And if there aren't some lunkers over there, I'll eat my shirt. No, no, no. What I was thinking. I still think we could have caught a sack full right off the dock. But not the big ones. No, What I was thinking of is that mass of black clouds moving in on us there. Ah, you're right. Look. There's a little chop building up in the water. Yes, I'm afraid we're in for a sudden blow and a lot of rain. You know what that does to the fishing. Oh, darn it. Especially in a shallow lake like this one. But I tell you, it's not as shallow as it looks. No, see, this was a kind of canyon up here in these mountains before we dammed it up. And some of the spots are nearly 20ft deep. Maybe we better figure. Yeah, here it comes. Boy, don't you mean. Here it is. Wow. Regular cloud. Hmm. Certainly can't fish in this. Can't even see where we are. I'm afraid you're right, Rudy. Well, don't you worry. We'll have plenty of time in the days ahead for all the fishing you can take. Well, that may be a bigger order than you think. Of course, if this blows over, we can come out tonight again. Sometimes the night fishing is great. I'll try anything, but as long as it keeps up like this. Oh, well, I'm sorry. So we'll go on back to the dock, if I can find it. Then back to the house, build a big fire. We can sit in front of it and drown our sorrows, huh? You mean, if we don't get ourselves drowned first? Right after cocktails, and plenty of them. During the delicious dinner Nancy had cooked for us, although we talked about nothing but fishing, I began to wonder again. Because I suddenly became aware of something between these two that hadn't shown before. But I couldn't quite put my finger on. A sort of tension that they both very obviously tried to hide. This very young man and the older, wealthy woman he'd married. Later, in the living room, as we sat in front of a roaring fire and Rudy became a bit too generous with the high balls, especially his own. I wanted some more, because several times when he glanced over at her while she was talking to me. There was a very strange look in his eyes. Fear. Could it have been fear? But of what? I decided I'd better get him alone and talk to him. But by the time Nancy went up to a room to bed, the drinks had had their effect on him, and he didn't make very much sense. Just one more little one, huh, Johnny? I mean, for a sort of nightcap. No, thanks, Rudy. I've had enough. You always drink this much? Oh, well. Remember what I said this afternoon? Drown your sorrows, I said. Drown your sorrows yeah, Johnny, it's a very good idea. Okay, bottoms up. Oh, Rudy, are you worried about something? Why me? But lots of money, I never have to do a lick of work. Nice little wife, couple of nice places to live. Not me, Johnny. Not a thing in the world. Not as long as I can drown my sorrows. Hey, let's have just one more. Now, look, if the weather stays clear the way it is right now, and we're going to do any fishing tomorrow morning, maybe we better hit the sack, huh? Yeah, sure. Okay. You find your way up to your room all right? I think I can. The point is, can you? Me? Oh, sure. Right next to Nancy's room. You're on the other side. Oh, well, shall we? I think we'd better. I helped him up to his room, put him to bed, and he promptly went out like a life. What he'd said about the clean, cool mountain air was certainly true. I slept like a log, almost as though I'd been drugged. And not because of the after dinner drinks. I'd watch that pretty carefully. Then shortly after sunup, came the rude awakening. Yeah. Yes, tell me. Tell me. Yes. What's the matter? Rudy, what is it? It's Nancy. Something's happened to her. Come on, quickly, quickly. All right. What is it, Rudy? What's happened? She's gone. Nancy's gone. Something's happened to her. Look. Look at this. Her bed's been slept in, but she isn't here. All right, now just take it easy. Maybe she just got up early to fix breakfast for us before we go out on the lake. No, no, Johnny, she isn't anywhere. I mean, not anywhere in the house. I've looked all over. Out for an early walk, maybe? What, without getting dressed? How do you know that? Look, the only things that are missing are the nightgown she wore and her robe and a pair of slippers. Now, wait a minute. You mean you've checked every other article of clothing she owns? No, no, no, of course not. But those things are missing. Did you look around the ground? Oh, yes, all over. Except in the woods, of course, which just happens to cover most of the of this place of yours. Johnny, the point is, she's gone without letting me know. I say something's happened to her. How many cars do you keep here? Well, just the one, but it's still in the garage. Besides, Nancy doesn't drive. Did you look for any footprints when you were outside? Yes, in the mud from that rain we had. Yeah. Yes, Johnny, there were none. How about tracks down at the gate? The road is paved down to the gate, even out to the highway. Is there any way off the property except through that gate? No. No, there's. There's no other way out. What could have happened to her? Just calm down, Rudy. Let me get some clothes on and we'll look around. I. I hope she's all right. Any reason why she shouldn't be? Well, no, of course not. And yet. Yes? Well, there was something last night, Johnny. There in front of the fireplace. Yeah. Well, didn't you get the feeling, too, that she was worried about something? Now that you mentioned it, yes. But what? I wish I knew. And maybe I'd. I'd know what's happened to her. All right. You go downstairs and make some coffee while I get into my clothes. Then we'll have a look around. I still didn't understand all his alarm until we had a look around that place. And I mean all of it. There was no sign of her anywhere. No clue as to why or where she'd gone. And to leave by that front gate. And only a nightgown and a robe. I really must have been wrong about that. But even if she did change, why aren't those things still here? And why did she leave? And without letting me know? Johnny, it isn't like her. Rudy. Any problems between you two? Oh, good heavens, no. Nothing serious. In spite of all her money and let's face it, your comparative union. Oh, no, wait. Now, wait a minute. Now. I resent that, Johnny. I mean, whatever implication you're trying to make. What about your drinking? What do you say? That just because I happened to have a few too many last night. Oh, no, now, that's ridiculous. And she would have told me if she'd really objected to it. Speaking of which, I think I could use one. Yes. Yes, so can I. All right, I'll get a couple. No, no, no. I'll get them. The stuff is still on the bar from last night. I'll get them. Rudy. You just sit tight and keep an eye out this front window in case. Well, but I. All right. Bourbon, you know. Yes, I know. It had really hit me. Two things. Several things. Like the complete lack of a hangover. Though I'd had to help him up to bed only a few hours before. Nancy and I had been drinking scotch. He'd taken all of his from a bottle of bourbon, so I checked that bottle. Bourbon. Nothing but weak tea. So he'd been putting on an act last night. Why? And why the insistence on keeping my glass filled? More things. That crack about drowning his Sorrow, for instance, Was Nancy his sorrow because she got wise to the fact that he'd married her only for money? And was she the one who was really afraid? Is that why she'd sent for me? Of course, he hadn't wanted me around at first until he realized what a wonderful cover up I'd be for him. But then, where was the body? There was one place. A very obvious place. Maybe so obvious I wasn't expected to think of it. It's the obvious we most often overlook. Or was all this just wild speculation on my part? I had to find out. You, you say? A hunch, Johnny? Yes, Rudy. And by some miracle they usually pay off for me. Well, what kind of a hunch? There's one place on this property we didn't think of where you just sit tight and finish your drink while I have a look. Well, all right, Johnny. You wait here. I'll be back in a few minutes. The little dam there at one end of the lake was a simple affair. Two concrete abutments with a wall of probing planks between them, one on top of the other. To raise the water level, you added a plank. And to lower it, of course, it was a bit of a struggle to pry away the top one, but I managed it. And the water started pouring out into a sort of canyon below. And then, as I fully expected. Johnny. Johnny, what are you doing? Are you out of your mind? Yes, I know, Rudy. I hate the spoils. The whole lake will go down. You want to give me a hand and help me pull another one of these planks until we get the water low enough to see where you left your body after you killed her last night. Well, Rudy. Johnny, look, it won't be necessary, you see. I show you the spot. But listen. Listen to me. I'm listening. Not only the insurance, but all of her estate. It'll mine. And without her to dole it out to me like she would to a child. And there's plenty, you see. There's plenty for both of us, Rudy. We'll both be rich, Johnny. You understand? You see what I mean? It'll be so easy. Rudy, I hate to sound corny. Yes, but why don't you try telling that to a judge? Any comments? Why bother? I hate this kind of case. But it does happen. Expense account total, including mileage on the rental car and the trip Back to Hartford, 7170. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Now here is our star to tell you about next week's story. Next week? The Everglades of Florida. And believe me, there are spots in there that can be pretty dangerous. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar is written, written by Jack Johnstone, produced and directed by Bruno Zarato Jr. Music supervision by Ethel Huber. Johnny Dollar is played by Mandel Kramer. Also featured in our cast were William Redfield as Rudy, Adele Ronson as Nancy, and Randall Osborne as Henry Foreman. Be sure to join us next week, same time, same station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Aunt Hannah speaking. Hi, Zoe Saldana. Welcome to T Mobile. Here's your new iPhone 16 Pro on us. Thanks. And here' phone to trade in. You don't need a trade in. When you switch to T Mobile, we'll give you a new iPhone 16 Pro plus we'll help you pay off your old Phone up to 800 bucks and you still get to keep it. There's always a trade in. Not right now. @ T Mobile. I feel like I have to give you something in return for karma. That's okay. 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