Crime Classics and Mr. District Attorney

Summary

Podcast Summary: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio)
Episode: Crime Classics and Mr. District Attorney
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Case Closed!, RelicRadio.com brings listeners back to the golden age of radio with two enthralling segments: Crime Classics and Mr. District Attorney. Hosted by Thomas Hyland, the episode delves into historical crime stories, blending dramatic reenactments with insightful narration.

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Section 1: Crime Classics – "Mr. Clark's Skeleton in Mr. Arum's Closet"

Overview: The Crime Classics segment narrates the mysterious case of Eugene Aram, a respected schoolmaster accused of murder. Set against the backdrop of 1950s England, the story unfolds through courtroom drama, witness testimonies, and Hyland's compelling narration.

Key Points:

1. Discovery of the Skeleton:

   • The story begins with the sheriff of Knaresboro uncovering a reconstructed skeleton from St. Robert's Cave.
   • Thomas Hyland (Narrator) introduces the discovery:
     "[01:05] Eugene Aram: Daniel Clark. All right. So that's what he's been doing these 15 years."

2. Eugene Aram’s Character:

   • Portrayed as a gentle, scholarly man devoted to his wife, Ellen.
   • Janice, a 17-year-old student, harbors unreciprocated love for Aram, revealing potential motives and character depth: "[02:48] Thomas Hyland: And it was so important that it be right. For Janice was 17 and it was necessary that Mr. Aram approve her Latin. For this was her plan of capturing Mr. Aram."

3. The Arrest and Trial:

   • Aram is abruptly arrested by Sheriff Morbank for the murder of Daniel Clark, the shoemaker.
   • The prosecution relies heavily on Theodore Houseman’s testimony, who accuses Aram of plotting deceit and betrayal alongside Clark.
   • A critical moment during the trial features Aram's impassioned defense, questioning the evidence and the identification of the skeleton: "[23:02] Eugene Aram: It is said that these are the skeleton of a man. But is there any certain known proof which distinguishes the sex of human bones?"

4. Public Perception and Controversy:

   • Despite Aram's articulate defense and his standing as a beloved community member, he is convicted and sentenced to death.
   • A poignant reflection by Hyland highlights the unresolved doubts surrounding Aram’s guilt: "[26:07] Thomas Hyland: As you no doubt have noticed, we are left now with an unexplained skeleton. The first one which sent the sheriff to Teddy Houseman."

5. Final Verdict:

   • Eugene Aram is executed, leaving the community and listeners to ponder the complexities of justice and the possibility of wrongful conviction.

Notable Quotes:

• Eugene Aram’s Defense:
  "[23:02] Eugene Aram: ...I concerted no schemes of fraud, projected no violence, injured no man's person or property."
  (Timestamp: 23:02)

• Thomas Hyland on Yorkshire's History:
  "[14:17] Thomas Hyland: ...it's really one of the most invaded places in the world."
  (Timestamp: 14:17)

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Section 2: Mr. District Attorney – "Death by Adoption"

Overview: The Mr. District Attorney segment transitions to a modern-day crime story involving Larry Cashman, a used car dealer entangled in a case of blackmail, robbery, and murder. Portrayed by David Bryan, District Attorney Paul Garrett methodically unravels the mystery behind Cashman's death.

Key Points:

1. The Crime Scene:

   • Larry Cashman is found murdered and robbed at his car dealership. The only clue is a piece of surveyor's chalk at the scene.
   • Paul Garrett discusses the initial findings:
     "[30:15] Paul Garrett: The earliest word known to a district attorney is blackmail. And evil in itself."

2. Investigation Begins:

   • Garrett interrogates Dodie Smith, a cleaning man at Cashman's lot, suspecting him due to inconsistent alibis and unexplained financial behavior.
   • Dodie Smith's Admission:
     "[42:01] Striker: Who else? It was my party, wasn't it?"
     (Timestamp: 42:01)

3. Connecting the Dots:

   • Further investigation reveals that Larry had unresolved issues regarding the adoption of his child, Ann, leading Garrett to suspect motives related to custody and financial strain.
   • Larry’s Plea:
     "[31:24] Paul Garrett: You leave the baby out of this."
     (Timestamp: 31:24)

4. Surveyor's Chalk Clue:

   • The unusual surveyor's chalk leads Garrett to explore ties with local surveying crews and uncovers connections to Arthur Stryker, whose first name contradicts initial assumptions.
   • Ms. Miller’s Revelation:
     "[50:34] Ms. Miller: She said it was Arthur Stryker."
     (Timestamp: 50:34)

5. Climactic Confrontation:

   • Garrett and his assistant, Harrington, track down William Stryker, exposing him as the true culprit behind Larry Cashman's murder.
   • Final Confrontation:
     "[53:02] Paul Garrett: You hit him. He drove into a ledge. He's pinned pretty badly."
     (Timestamp: 53:02)

6. Resolution and Aftermath:

   • Stryker is apprehended, confessing to the crime linked to personal vendettas and fraudulent adoption processes.
   • Garrett’s Closing Remarks:
     "[54:42] Paul Garrett: William Stryker lived long enough to confess his masquerade..."
     (Timestamp: 54:42)

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Garrett on Blackmail:
  "[30:04] Paul Garrett: The earliest word known to a district attorney is blackmail. And evil in itself."
  (Timestamp: 30:04)

• Dodie Smith’s Confrontation:
  "[42:54] Striker: I sold a diamond ring."
  (Timestamp: 42:54)

• Final Confession:
  "[54:18] Paul Garrett: William Stryker lived long enough to confess his masquerade as the father of his dead brother's child."
  (Timestamp: 54:18)

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Conclusion

This episode of Case Closed! masterfully blends historical and contemporary crime narratives, offering listeners a deep dive into intricate cases woven with suspense and psychological complexity. Through Crime Classics, audiences explore the tragic tale of Eugene Aram, while Mr. District Attorney presents a gripping modern-day investigation led by Paul Garrett. Both stories underscore timeless themes of justice, morality, and the human condition.

Credits and Production Notes:

• Adaptation: Adapted from original court reports and newspaper accounts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin.
• Music: Composed and conducted by Bernard Herman.
• Production and Direction: Elliot Lewis.
• Voice Cast:
  • Thomas Hyland portrayed by Lou Merrill.
  • Mr. Aram portrayed by Van Wright.
  • Mr. District Attorney portrayed by David Bryan.
  • Additional voices include Betty Harford, Ellen Morgan, Herb Butterfield, Charles Davis, Richard, and Bob Lamond.

Listeners are encouraged to visit RelicRadio.com for more episodes, the Shoutcast stream, and donation opportunities to support the ongoing production of such engaging content.

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Note: This summary is crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode "Crime Classics and Mr. District Attorney" from Case Closed!, ensuring clarity and engagement for those who haven't listened to the original podcast.

Transcript

[Host]

Welcome back to case closed. One hour of Old Time Radio Crime every Wednesday at relicradio.com. our first story comes from Crime Classics. This week it's Mr. Clark's skeleton in Mr. Arum's closet. The noise it made for May 12, 1954. After that, it's Mr. District Attorney in the case of death by adoption. That story aired February 8, 1953.

[Thomas Hyland]

Good evening. This is Crime Classics. I am Thomas Hyland with another true story of crime. Listen. The sheriff of Knaresboro places a skull on the table. Now a fibia. Now a tibia. These bones have recently been dug up from St. Robert's Cave, a favorite trysting place of the town. And now he puts a femur on the table. And the skeleton is almost completely reconstructed. A jawbone, fingers and toes. Just let them lie there. The sheriff can see for himself who the skeleton is.

[Eugene Aram]

Daniel Clark. All right. So that's what he's been doing these 15 years.

[Thomas Hyland]

Tonight, my report to you on Mr. Clark's skeleton in Mr. Arum's closet. The noise it made. Crime Classics, a series of true crime stories taken from the records and newspapers of every land, from every time. Your Host each week, Mr. Thomas Highland, connoisseur of crime, student of violence and teller of murders. Now once again, Mr. Thomas Highland. The Huxley seminary for gentiles females is extinct now. And a moral might be drawn from that. Last year, on a stroll in London, its campus was defined for me a triangle bounded now by a barber shop, a sheer sharpener and a free kitchen for a type of wanderer. Gone is the ivy, gone the girlish laughter vanished. The sound of silver bells that filled the young ladies. From classroom of Greek to classroom of how to conduct oneself at 5 o'clock tea. Silence now the small excitements of spelling bees. Only the imagined echo heard of Mr. Aram's Latin class. The problem, for example, of the Latin's preference for the use of the gerundive. Consilium urbium capiandarum. A plan of capturing the cities.

[Janice]

Is that right, Mr. Aram?

[Thomas Hyland]

And it was so important that it be right. For Janice was 17 and it was necessary that Mr. Aram approve her Latin. For this was her plan of capturing Mr. Aram.

[Janice]

Why stab Eden Dabeda? I do hope I'm right.

[Eugene Aram]

Of course you are.

[Janice]

And listen.

[Eugene Aram]

Yes.

[Janice]

When an adjective modifies two or more nouns of different gender, the agreement is as follows. The attributive adjective agrees with the nearest noun.

[Eugene Aram]

As, for example, multi herbies, oppida zikique.

[Janice]

Yes.

[Eugene Aram]

You're a very good student, Janice.

[Janice]

Thank you.

[Eugene Aram]

I think now you've made up all the time you've missed so that I shall not have to tutor you in private anymore.

[Janice]

Mr. Aram.

[Eugene Aram]

Yes, you, Honor.

[Janice]

I love you, child. I love you truly.

[Eugene Aram]

Homo laudambus. As.

[Janice]

Oh, please don't try to prove anything to me in Latin, Mr. Aram.

[Eugene Aram]

Child, many girls fall in love with their teachers.

[Janice]

Oh, every girl in school is in love with you, Mr. Aram. And I love you the most.

[Eugene Aram]

That's very sweet of you.

[Janice]

And I don't care that you're married.

[Eugene Aram]

Please, Janet.

[Janice]

Look. This poem I've written to you in the corner of my book. Please read it.

[Eugene Aram]

All right.

[Janice]

I know there's some mistakes in syntax.

[Eugene Aram]

But I think you've expressed yourself quite clearly.

[Janice]

Sincerely, too.

[Eugene Aram]

I think you'd better go now, Janet.

[Janice]

Don't you think I'm beautiful?

[Theodore Houseman]

Lovely. Truly lovely.

[Janice]

Then you do love me. You're just afraid that you're.

[Eugene Aram]

I'm an older man, Jenny. Then my wife and I are blessed with happiness and love. And I cherish the life I have with her.

[Janice]

Then what of me?

[Eugene Aram]

Why, if you truly love me, you.

[Theodore Houseman]

Will suffer a broken heart.

[Eugene Aram]

It will make you more beautiful still. Now go.

[Thomas Hyland]

Now. This was no singular occurrence in the academic life of Mr. Eugene Arum. The young ladies, each genteel female of them, were caught in the web of his tender and warm charm, though never caught in his embrace. For Mr. Aram was a good man, an understanding man, a scholar of Greek and Latin and Hebrew and a gentleman in any language. He was 38 years old, and for the last dozen years, his chief devotion was Ellen, his wife. For example, that very night.

[Janice]

Close your eyes.

[Eugene Aram]

Very well.

[Janice]

Hold out your hand.

[Eugene Aram]

All right.

[Janice]

Now open them. Well, well, Eugene.

[Eugene Aram]

If you only knew how much I wanted this for you. My dear.

[Janice]

Yes, dear.

[Eugene Aram]

To have bought this. How you must have scrimped such a horrid word.

[Janice]

Scrimped? I call it saving for your joy.

[Eugene Aram]

You are my beloved.

[Janice]

Yes. Yes, I know. How was school today? Well, you're smiling. What happened? Tell me.

[Theodore Houseman]

One of my Latin students.

[Janice]

Oh, again.

[Eugene Aram]

This one thought to woo me with an interesting Latin construction.

[Janice]

Oh, poor child.

[Eugene Aram]

Well, it will pass with her if it passes with glory up.

[Janice]

Only to fall prey to Mr. Black in manners and numbers section.

[Eugene Aram]

Oh, come now, let us not judge.

[Janice]

You're too kind.

[Theodore Houseman]

There's not time in this life for malice.

[Janice]

Too gentle. Too good.

[Eugene Aram]

Truly. Do you believe that?

[Janice]

No, of course not. You're my husband. And you're My love, come sit you down to your meal.

[Thomas Hyland]

And this was no singular homecoming in the domestic life of Eugene Arum. His wife, the whole being of her, was caught in the web of his tenderness and his love. And she, unique among women, was caught in his embrace. Some other things to know about Mr. Aram. Though his salary was a small one, he gave a considerable portion of it to his church and to charities. Each holiday would see him bringing baskets to the poor. His and his name was breathed in prayers all over the neighborhood. How, you might ask, did he get along at work with his employers? For instance?

[Eugene Aram]

Mr. Adam, of all the tutors here at Huxley, you are truly a prize. Well, thank you, Mr. Huxley. I have here a letter from the proctors at the university, Ms. Adams. Oh, yes, of course. The sir, it seems. Oh. Having propounded the proof that Latin and Greek are cousin languages and not mother and daughter language. Yes, I wrote a paper to this effect and sent it to them. I underclaught you. Thank you. You're a good man. Thank you, sir.

[Thomas Hyland]

A true scholar ain't Oxford.

[Eugene Aram]

Yes. Then this other gentleman must be Eugenia. Am I not right? Who are you, sir? Morbank, Sheriff of Knaresborough. Yes? I've come for Mr. Aram. Come for him? To arrest him. Arrest him for murder. Sheriff. Yes, sir. Mr. Adams, will you loosen my shackle, please, for a moment so that I may dip a snuff? Of course. All right. Yes. Too tight? No. Sheriff. Yes, sir. Mr. Allen, you said a murder. Which is the reason you are being taken to Knaresborough in chains. Murder of Mr. Daniel Clark. That's right, sir. Who is Mr. Daniel Clark? He was the shoemaker. Why am I called to attest to his murder? You've been named. By whom? Mr. Theodore Houseman. Houseman? Houseman.

[Theodore Houseman]

Who's he?

[Eugene Aram]

You don't know him? No. He said he was a good friend of yours. Fifteen years ago, that is. I never heard of him. Well, sir, this is the way it was last month or so ago. A workman was digging in the limestone pits in Knaresborough. You remember where they are? You remember Knaresborough, don't you, sir? It's been so long since I lived there. Ah, Tracy. Sir? 15 years. Well, to go on. Yes, please. Well, sir, this workman was digging and comes across a skeleton. Now, the townspeople there couldn't for their life figure out who the skeleton was. Since pride is taken in resting people proper in the graveyard. Yes, I can see what the problem was. Well, sir, someone remembered that 15 years ago, a certain Daniel Clark Shoemaker disappeared. And it was remembered, too, that Daniel Clark had a close friend still about, named Theodore Houseman. And you spoke with Mr. Houseman, I take it? Yes, I did, sir. And Mr. Housman proved conclusively that the skeleton taken from the lion Pits was not Mr. Daniel Clark at all. Then I don't understand. But he took us to St. Robert's Cave, showed us where to dig, and sure enough, another skeleton. Right. Right you are. Which you identified as Mr. Clark's. Remain all right. Right you are with certainty, of course. Of course, sir. How do you know it was Mr. Clark? Why else would it be? I am sure I don't know. Besides. Besides what? This skeleton had a skull bashed in. What does that prove? That it was Mr. Clark. But how do you know? Why else could it be? Come along now.

[Thomas Hyland]

And to underline his logic, the sheriff, on the dusty ride from London to Knaresborough would repeat himself.

[Eugene Aram]

Why? Well.

[Thomas Hyland]

And smile smugly. When the carriage reached Naresboro, the beloved schoolmaster was stripped of his clothes, given some rags to wear, and was thrown into the naresborough jail. Jail? 15 minutes after this happened, he had a visitor. The town stapler. A man chosen by the town folk to staple desperate criminals to the jail wall. Mr. Aram was secured in such a way as hardly to be able to move at all. Certainly he was immobile to such a degree that he could not dip a snuff he dearly loved. Fifteen minutes after he was stapled, Mr. Arum had another visitor.

[Theodore Houseman]

You remember me? Yujing?

[Eugene Aram]

Vaguely, I think. Turn to the light.

[Theodore Houseman]

Well? Remember me from when you used to live here?

[Eugene Aram]

I think. I'm not sure.

[Theodore Houseman]

Teddy.

[Eugene Aram]

Teddy?

[Theodore Houseman]

Teddy Houseman. Oh, you're the one who named you murderer, I see. First I was named. Went to trial, too, but I was acquitted. You know why I was acquitted, Eugene?

[Thomas Hyland]

Why?

[Theodore Houseman]

Because I named you. I'm speaking against you at the trial, Eugene. I'm giving evidence against you. I'm the reason you're going to hang. Is there light enough? Eugene? Can you see who I am? Can you remember me?

[Thomas Hyland]

You are listening to crime classics and your host, Thomas Hyland, and his report to you on Mr. Clark's skeleton in Mr. Arum's closet.

[Eugene Aram]

The noise it made.

[Thomas Hyland]

A few words about Yorkshire, County England. For in it almost athwart the boundaries of east and West Riding lies Knaresboro. Well, Yorkshire is a county rich in historical association. The Romans were here, and the Danes, as well as the Celts and the Normans and the Northumbrians. So you See, it's really one of the most invaded places in the world. As a matter of fact, there was a time there among foreign armies when Yorkshire county was a standing joke. Roman roads can be seen as well as ruins of all types. And caves are constantly found with artifacts and shards and bones. And in such a cave, the bones of Daniel Clark.

[Theodore Houseman]

I'm sure it's Daniel Clark, for I remember when Eugene Aram dug a hole and put him there 15 years ago.

[Eugene Aram]

If it's not Daniel Clark, then who else is?

[Theodore Houseman]

It hit him over the head with a shovel and buried him. Eugene Aram did.

[Eugene Aram]

Of course it's Daniel Clark. Who else could it be?

[Janice]

But my husband is such a good man.

[Eugene Aram]

Did you know him 15 years ago, Mrs. Adams?

[Janice]

No. No, I didn't.

[Eugene Aram]

When did you meet him?

[Janice]

12 years ago in London.

[Eugene Aram]

How?

[Janice]

I was to market and he followed me home.

[Eugene Aram]

Did he?

[Janice]

And he walked up the steps behind me and I turned and I was about to tell him to hie away but he closed my mouth with a kiss.

[Eugene Aram]

Did it? Yes. Then what kind of a man would do that? Now would a gentleman do it? I asked.

[Janice]

My husband is a gentleman and romantic. And I wanted him to kiss me.

[Eugene Aram]

Did he tell you where he was from?

[Janice]

From Knaresborough, he said come to London to study and to teach and to take wife. And he said he needed to take wife before he could study or teach.

[Eugene Aram]

Did he say out about a man named Daniel Clark?

[Janice]

He spoke of poets, not shoemakers.

[Eugene Aram]

Did he say about a man named Theodore Hausman?

[Janice]

He spoke of philosophers, not liars.

[Eugene Aram]

Dead. Dead. They now an intimate of poets and philosophers. Is there? Is they now?

[Thomas Hyland]

Indeed.

[Eugene Aram]

Mr. Adam is a scholar himself who listens what he has done, what self.

[Thomas Hyland]

Taught he is in Latin and Greek and Hebrew as well as knowledgeable in.

[Eugene Aram]

Other Sanskrit languages as well as knowing history and doing sums without a backer board. And he writes in a hand elegant and fine as well as propounding theories as to the relation of one language to another. Cousins. He calls Latin and Greek dot mother and daughter, as do Hessel and Roth doth beloved by all, kindly and admired. Yet. Yet what? It looks as if he is a murderer. No, no, I'll never believe it.

[Janice]

No, no, I'll never believe it.

[Eugene Aram]

And why not, miss?

[Janice]

Because I'm his Latin pupil.

[Eugene Aram]

Yes, yes and all.

[Janice]

And I offered him my love.

[Eugene Aram]

Did you? Did you know?

[Janice]

Yes. And he did not accept it.

[Eugene Aram]

And why not?

[Janice]

Because he's a good man and he has a wife.

[Eugene Aram]

And you say he could not kill?

[Janice]

No. Not such a gentleman.

[Eugene Aram]

You admire gentleness no more.

[Janice]

It's broken my heart.

[Thomas Hyland]

Sheriff Mobank went back to Knaresboro with definite impressions. That Eugene Arum was loved by one and all. And that he was a mild man. And that no one would believe he could commit a crime so horrendous as murder. Nevertheless, Eugene Arum was brought to trial. And the greater part of the trial was devoted to Theodore Houseman's testimony. And this is the story he told 15 years ago. He said he and Eugene Arum had been friendly with Daniel Clark, the shoemaker. And one night when they were all together, Daniel said.

[Theodore Houseman]

I have an idea, gentlemen. Concerning what, Danny? Concerning a way to make us rich.

[Eugene Aram]

Do you know, Danny, how well I'll tell you.

[Theodore Houseman]

You know of my wife, that she comes into fortune.

[Eugene Aram]

You're a lucky one, Danny. But she's been coming into fortune now for over a year.

[Thomas Hyland]

And I'm still making shoes for the folks of Knaresborough.

[Theodore Houseman]

But this idea.

[Eugene Aram]

Now tell us. Tell us, Danny. Now, all the shopsmiths of Knaresborough know.

[Theodore Houseman]

That one day I come into a sum of money. True, True. And all I've to do is to buy on credit, in advance, so to.

[Thomas Hyland]

Speak, until my wife inherits her fortune.

[Eugene Aram]

Now, that's an idea if I ever heard one.

[Theodore Houseman]

And on credit you could buy the finest clothes for all of us.

[Eugene Aram]

Jewels for all of us.

[Thomas Hyland]

Silver things for all of us.

[Eugene Aram]

For me. For me.

[Theodore Houseman]

For me.

[Thomas Hyland]

For all of us.

[Eugene Aram]

And then we could go to London.

[Theodore Houseman]

And live the fancy life and beguile the London ladies.

[Eugene Aram]

Where are you from, you handsome lads? They'll say. From Yorkshire, mom, we'll say. And give us a kiss. And they'll do it. They'll want to, because we'll have money and be dressed fine. Then do it, Danny. Do your idea.

[Theodore Houseman]

Do your plan, Danny. What of your wife?

[Eugene Aram]

When we're in London, she'll be here to pay the bills.

[Thomas Hyland]

When she gets her inheritance.

[Eugene Aram]

When she gets it.

[Thomas Hyland]

And Houseman went on with his story. He told how Daniel Clark went to the shopkeepers. And from Mr. Chesney he got several services of pure silver plate. And on credit, mind you. And for Mr. Malcolm, the jeweler, a fistful of diamonds and pearls. And for Mr. 5X, the tailor, garments of leather and garments of brocade. And all this and more he brought to them. And ales and wines to have a party. And do you know where they had the party? Teddy said they had the party in St. Robert's Cave.

[Eugene Aram]

Easy.

[Thomas Hyland]

Tell us.

[Eugene Aram]

Tell us, Danny. I told Mr. Chesney that I only wanted one silver service. He insisted I take three.

[Thomas Hyland]

I told Mr. Malcolm I was just.

[Eugene Aram]

Looking about and he asked me, wasn't I the lad whose wife is coming into a fortune soon as the court allowed, and I said yes. He pressed a handful of diamonds and pearls on me. And Mr. Thymek, greediest of them all, bolts of brocade and leather, he piled me high with. What a fortune is here. Ah, let us drink and then we'll go to London. And then we'll. Danny. Oh, I like you, Eugene. Oh, warm friend. Oh, what a kind, gentle, warm friend you are, Danny. Good friend.

[Thomas Hyland]

Why.

[Eugene Aram]

Why are you laughing? Ah, the trick the shadows make in this cave. Oh, as if you're holding high a shovel above my head. As if.

[Theodore Houseman]

Well, now I believe you've killed Danny. Eugene.

[Eugene Aram]

To have cheated his wife like that.

[Theodore Houseman]

He was a cheater all right.

[Eugene Aram]

You take half and I'll take half of what he cheated her of.

[Theodore Houseman]

And what will you do with him?

[Eugene Aram]

Bury him. Bury him. Bury him.

[Thomas Hyland]

And so Teddy Houseman finished his story. Then you remember the sheriff walked over to a table in the courtroom.

[Eugene Aram]

My lord, this is the skull we found. The tibia. The tibia, the femur, the jawbone. These are the fingers and tools. Mrs. Daniel Clark. All right. Who else would it be? As Sheriff of Nesborough, I've been asking that all about and no one can give me answer.

[Theodore Houseman]

Oh, it's Daniel Calf, all right, or my name isn't Teddy Houseman. And Eugene Aram, put the side of.

[Thomas Hyland]

The shovel to him. As true as I stand.

[Eugene Aram]

And what have you to say, Eugene Aram? My lord, I labour not with guilt, but with perplexity, for my whole conduct in life contradicts every particular of this indictment. I concerted no schemes of fraud, projected no violence, injured no man's person or property. My days were honestly laborious, my nights intensely studious. It is deserving of attention, my lord, that no person, after a temperate life plunges into the very depths of evil. A man is never corrupted at once. Villainy is progressive, step by step. Therefore, you cannot believe that a man such as I committed this most hideous of all crimes. Permit me, my lord, to observe a little upon the bones which have been discovered and lain upon this table by the Sheriff. It is said that these are the skeleton of a man. But is there any certain known proof which distinguishes the sex of human bones? Perhaps at some future time, scientists will be able to tell the bones of a male from those of a female. But not so today. Now, Here is a human skull produced, which is fractured. But was this the cause of death or was it the effect of natural decay? If it was violence, was that violence before or after death? In May 1732, the remains of William, Lord Archbishop of the Province, were taken up and the bones of the skull were found broken. Yet certainly he died by no violence offered to him. For we all know he died serenely in his sleep. More, such a deed as I am accused of is wholly repugnant to every part of my life. I put myself upon the candor, the justice and the humanity of your lordship. And upon yours, gentlemen of the jury.

[Thomas Hyland]

Eugene Autumn, having been found guilty by a jury of your peers, it is the sentence of this court that you be placed in Knaresborough Prison alone.

[Eugene Aram]

So that you may commune with your soul and ask peace of your maker.

[Thomas Hyland]

And from this place be taken to the gallows and there hanged until you are dead. And your body shall then be delivered to the surgeons. May heaven rest your soul.

[Janice]

How can they hang you, Eugene? The judge himself said that yours was one of the most clever speeches he'd ever heard. I know you didn't kill that man, and all of England knows it. They're forming committees.

[Eugene Aram]

People are kind. Good news, Eugene. I've gotten up a petition. Scholars and teachers. We're banding together and we'll save you.

[Thomas Hyland]

You have nothing to fear.

[Eugene Aram]

That is wonderful of you people, humanity. Another victory will be yours.

[Janice]

Hello, Mr. Aram. Do you remember me? Do you not, Janice, your laughing pupil? I'm so out of breath, I can hardly tell you. We've gotten up a paper. All kinds of signatures. Boys and girls, students from all over England. Oh, certainly, they. They won't hang you now.

[Thomas Hyland]

As you no doubt have noticed, we are left now with an unexplained skeleton. The first one which sent the sheriff to Teddy Houseman. Well, we're left with it. It has never been identified, nor exactly why Teddy Houseman was acquitted. Wherever true crime fanciers get together in the case of Eugene Arum is mentioned, there is without fail, discussion as to whether or not he was truly guilty. Nevertheless, Eugene Aram mounted the scaffold June 12, 1758. Poised there, he was about to deliver another speech of eloquence, when, needless to say, everyone felt sorry for him. People from all over wept. Oh, such a nice man. In just a moment, Thomas Hyland will tell you about our Next crime classic, Mr. Aram's Closet. Tonight's crime classic was adapted from the original court reports and newspaper accounts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The music was composed and conducted by Bernard Herman, and the program is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis. Thomas Highland is portrayed on radio by Lou Merrill. In tonight's story, Van Wright was heard as Mr. Arum. Featured in the cast were Betty Harford, Ellen Morgan, Herb Butterfield, Charles Davis, Richard.

[Eugene Aram]

Peel and William Johnstone.

[Thomas Hyland]

Bob Lamond. Speaking here again is Thomas Hyland. Paris, France, in the year 1673 will be our next concern. That was the year almost everyone had the virus. The deadly kind, or so they thought. It's listed in my files as the lethal habit of the Marquise de Brinvilliers. Thank you. Good night, Mr. District Attorney. Starring David Bryan. Mr. District Attorney. Champion of the people, defender of truth, guardian of our fundamental rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

[Paul Garrett]

And it shall be my duty as District Attorney not only to prosecute to the limit of the law all persons accused of crimes perpetrated within this county, but to defend with equal vigor the rights and privileges of all its citizens. This is David Bryan. In a moment, we'll bring you another case from the files of Mr. District Attorney. But first, a word from our sponsor.

[Thomas Hyland]

And now, here is our star, David Bryan as Paul Garrett. Mr. District Attorney.

[Paul Garrett]

The earliest word known to a district attorney is blackmail. And evil in itself. It can also breed other and more violent crimes. It frequently ends in murder. Take the case of Larry Cashman, a used car dealer. It was a Saturday night, late. He was at his lot in the small office, waiting for somebody, not a customer.

[Larry Cashman]

Hi, Mr. Cashman. Glad to see you waited for me.

[Striker]

Never mind the friendly greeting, Striker. What do you want this time?

[Larry Cashman]

I'm kind of short of folding money. Thought you might be a pal. Help me out again.

[Dodie Smith]

You know what this is, don't you, Striker?

[Striker]

The Lord call it a shakedown. I gave you a hundred dollars two weeks ago and another hundred a month before that.

[Larry Cashman]

Does money last forever? I need more.

[Striker]

You're not getting more, not from me.

[Larry Cashman]

Well, it's too bad. I'm sorry you feel that way, Mr. Cashman. I thought you were a nice guy, the kind of a guy I'd like to see raise my baby. As long as I can't raise her myself.

[Paul Garrett]

You leave the baby out of this.

[Larry Cashman]

You can't expect me to forget about her, Mr. Cashman. After all, she's my own flesh and blood.

[Eugene Aram]

She belongs to me and my wife legally, by adoption.

[Larry Cashman]

You keep forgetting one important thing. I never signed no papers letting you adopt.

[Eugene Aram]

Your wife said you were dead.

[Larry Cashman]

She thought I was Dead, maybe. But my being here proves I ain't. And if we ever have to take this into court. Mr. Cashman, I'm little Ann's natural father. I got my rights.

[Striker]

How much?

[Larry Cashman]

Oh, I guess a hundred will see me through again.

[Eugene Aram]

I'll give you 500.

[Larry Cashman]

Well, now, that's better.

[Eugene Aram]

Let me finish. I'll give you 500 if you go.

[Striker]

To my lawyer and sign a paper waiving all rights to the baby.

[Larry Cashman]

Do you think I'm crazy? Oh, no, no. I like our arrangement. Fine. From now on, I'll be around every Saturday night to pick up my hundred dollars. I'll take tonight's payment now.

[Eugene Aram]

All right, Striker, there's your hundred, and.

[Dodie Smith]

It'S the last you're getting.

[Larry Cashman]

So this is your parting gift to me, huh? Not much, considering the size of the roll you peel it off of. All right, I'll leave you alone. I'll take my payment in full right now. Dig that roll out again and toss it on the desk.

[Eugene Aram]

I see.

[Striker]

Now, it's a gun, huh?

[Larry Cashman]

You see it? And I know how to use it.

[Eugene Aram]

I'm not gonna give you another dime, Striker.

[Dodie Smith]

All you're gonna get is what you deserve.

[Larry Cashman]

Put that down.

[Dodie Smith]

I'm calling the police.

[Eugene Aram]

You ain't calling anybody.

[Dodie Smith]

Maybe I'm stronger than you think.

[Larry Cashman]

You ain't stronger than this. Maybe you should have confided in your wife, Mr. Cashman. But you're the only one who knows about me, and you ain't ever going to tell anyone else. Thanks for the final payment.

[Dodie Smith]

Oh, hello, Chief. Sorry to get you out of bed.

[Paul Garrett]

That's what the county pays us for, Harrington. Lab crew's already been here, huh?

[Dodie Smith]

Yeah. How'd you know?

[Paul Garrett]

Think your friend boy's left some dusting powder on the desk there?

[Dodie Smith]

No. Well, the prints aren't going to be much good, though, I'm afraid. Too many people coming out of a place like this signing papers on the desk.

[Paul Garrett]

What time was this discovered?

[Dodie Smith]

About 11:30. Cashman's wife had spoken to him on the phone just after 10. Said he was coming right home. When he didn't, she called back a couple of times and got a busy signal. Finally, she called the operator. Her phone's off the hook, see? When the operator told her the line was dead, she called the police.

[Paul Garrett]

What's that?

[Dodie Smith]

What? Oh, that yellow spot on the floor.

[Paul Garrett]

Yes.

[Dodie Smith]

The lab boy said it was some kind of chalk somebody stepped on. They scraped a little of it up and took it in for analysis.

[Paul Garrett]

Cashmere used chalk to mark prices on his cars.

[Dodie Smith]

Uh, cardboard cutouts.

[Paul Garrett]

Floor is pretty clean otherwise. Newspaper basket?

[Thomas Hyland]

Empty.

[Paul Garrett]

This place must have been swept out after the day's business. That chalk was ground in there after the place was cleaned.

[Dodie Smith]

It looks that way.

[Paul Garrett]

Ashwin usually carry a lot of money on him?

[Dodie Smith]

Have to in the used car business, Chief. People selling in a hurry need a fast hour.

[Paul Garrett]

You find your money on the body?

[Dodie Smith]

Only 86 cents and change.

[Paul Garrett]

Somebody needed a fast dollar, all right.

[Dodie Smith]

Robbery motive, no doubt about it. You want to go to Cashman's home, have a talk with his wife?

[Paul Garrett]

No, let her wait until morning. She'll be in no condition to talk now. You have your car with him?

[Dodie Smith]

No, I came over to cab when I got the call.

[Eugene Aram]

Good.

[Paul Garrett]

You can ride back to the office with me.

[Dodie Smith]

Newspaper photographer and reporters over there, Chief. I've been holding them off.

[Paul Garrett]

They can go in as long as the lab crew's finished.

[Dodie Smith]

All right, Pete, you can let them go in now.

[Paul Garrett]

Okay.

[Dodie Smith]

No, no, no problems. No statements for Mr. Garrett until tomorrow. Check with the office later. Let's get out of here before they mob you.

[Paul Garrett]

I phoned Ms. Miller before I left home.

[Dodie Smith]

She'll be at the office 2 and.

[Paul Garrett]

What at 2am finding out all we can about Larry Cashman. Wife, family, known associates, the usual. The more you know about a dead man, the better chance you have to find out who killed him.

[Ms. Miller]

Here's the Cashman report, Mr. Garrett.

[Paul Garrett]

Thanks, Ms. Miller. How does it look?

[Ms. Miller]

Mostly vital statistics, I'm afraid. Cashman was 55 years old, Mrs. Cashman in her late 40s. No relative, except a two year old baby.

[Paul Garrett]

Two year old baby?

[Janice]

Yeah.

[Ms. Miller]

Oh, see what you mean. The child's adopted?

[Paul Garrett]

Yeah.

[Dodie Smith]

I thought they were kind of old to have a baby that young.

[Paul Garrett]

Was the adoption legal?

[Ms. Miller]

Yes, sir. Copy of the court record attached. They'd never had a child of their own. A couple of years ago, they took in a girl whose husband had been killed in an accident. When the mother got sick and knew she was dying, she agreed to let the Cashmen adopt the baby.

[Paul Garrett]

Get that, will you?

[Dodie Smith]

Miss me?

[Ms. Miller]

Yes, sir. District Attorney's office. Oh, yes, Pete. Fine.

[Janice]

I'll call him.

[Ms. Miller]

Thanks, Pete. From the lab. They did an analysis on that yellow chalk from the floor of the shack on Cashman's car lot.

[Paul Garrett]

Anything special about it?

[Janice]

Yes.

[Ms. Miller]

Pete says it wasn't ordinary chalks, the type that surveyors use for marking.

[Paul Garrett]

Surveyors, huh?

[Ms. Miller]

That's what he said.

[Dodie Smith]

That might help us, Chief.

[Paul Garrett]

Not unless we can find out where it ties in. What time is it?

[Dodie Smith]

Almost 8am I think we can go.

[Paul Garrett]

See Mrs. Cashman now?

[Ms. Miller]

I have to get the baby's cereal ready. We'll be waking up soon.

[Paul Garrett]

Well, that's all right, Mrs. Cashman. We don't like to ask you questions at a time like this, but it's necessary.

[Dodie Smith]

About that yellow chalk, Mrs. Cashman.

[Eugene Aram]

No.

[Ms. Miller]

Larry never used chalk. I never saw any of it here or at the lot.

[Paul Garrett]

And he had no friends or acquaintances in the surveying business? Somebody he might have sold a car to or a truck?

[Ms. Miller]

No.

[Paul Garrett]

Aside from the money he carried, can you think of any reason for anybody wanting to harm him?

[Ms. Miller]

No. There was never anybody who didn't like Larry. What am I going to say to the baby when she asks for him? How can I tell her he won't ever come home to play with her again? Would you answer that for me, please? I don't want to talk to anybody.

[Dodie Smith]

No Air might be for us, honey. Hotsheet.

[Paul Garrett]

Go ahead.

[Dodie Smith]

Hello?

[Eugene Aram]

Yeah.

[Dodie Smith]

Yeah, this is Harrington. No, go ahead. I'll write it down.

[Ms. Miller]

We were going at a picnic today. Yeah, last night. I made the sandwiches and everything. We were going to leave right after church. I knew something was wrong when he didn't come home. I knew it.

[Paul Garrett]

Try not to think about it, Mrs. Cashman.

[Ms. Miller]

Oh, what else can I think about? All week long, Larry was teaching Ann how to say picnic. She was just learning to pronounce it.

[Paul Garrett]

No, you must get a grip on yourself, for the baby's sake.

[Eugene Aram]

Yes, all right.

[Ms. Miller]

Yes, I know.

[Dodie Smith]

All right.

[Theodore Houseman]

Thanks.

[Dodie Smith]

Yeah, we'll be in soon. They need us back at headquarters, Chief.

[Paul Garrett]

All right. Well, you shouldn't be here alone, Mrs. Cashman, especially when the baby wakes up.

[Ms. Miller]

I called a nursing service just before you came. They're sending somebody over.

[Paul Garrett]

Well, that's good. Goodbye, Mrs. Cashman.

[Dodie Smith]

Goodbye, ma'am. Keep your chin up.

[Ms. Miller]

I'll try.

[Paul Garrett]

Why the rush back to the office?

[Dodie Smith]

Aren't you at cleaning? Man you wanted question guy that cleaned up Cashman's lot and office.

[Paul Garrett]

Yeah.

[Dodie Smith]

His name is Doty Smith. Boys from the Central Division just brought him in and booked him.

[Paul Garrett]

Booked him? I just wanted him for questioning. Why did they book him?

[Dodie Smith]

He looked like the one, Chief.

[Paul Garrett]

Why?

[Dodie Smith]

Well, he told him he cleaned the office last night at about 8:30. 9:00. Caspian usually closed before then, but Smith admits he was still there.

[Paul Garrett]

Nothing necessarily wrong with that.

[Dodie Smith]

No, but the boys found out that Smith was on the town last night. Threw a big party and threw a lot of money around. Still had a few hundred on him when he was picked up.

[Paul Garrett]

Come on he's going to be worth talking to. This is David Bryan. Before we continue with Mr. District Attorney, in the case of death by adoption, here is an important message from our sponsor.

[Thomas Hyland]

And now back to David Bryan, starring as Paul Garrett. Mr. District Attorney.

[Paul Garrett]

A used car dealer had been murdered and robbed. The only clue is a piece of surveyor's chalk ground into the floor at the scene of the crime. But other things seemed to point to a cleaning man named Dodie Smith. If Smith was innocent, he didn't look it. As we questioned him at the county jail, I began to forget about the surveyor's chalk.

[Dodie Smith]

Come on, Smith. Where were you last night?

[Striker]

I told you, I was at a party at my own house.

[Paul Garrett]

We know about that. But where were you before the party?

[Striker]

Working for Cashmen at the used car lot.

[Paul Garrett]

What time did your party start?

[Striker]

After 10 o'clock. Later we left the house and went to a few other places.

[Dodie Smith]

What places?

[Striker]

All dance halls, clubs, places like that.

[Paul Garrett]

With you picking up all the checks. Well, is that right or isn't it?

[Striker]

Who else? It was my party, wasn't it?

[Dodie Smith]

What time did you leave Cashman's lot last night?

[Striker]

I worked until 9. A little after maybe.

[Paul Garrett]

Was Cashman all right when you left the lot?

[Striker]

No, he wasn't. Catchman was a good man to work for most times.

[Eugene Aram]

But.

[Striker]

Well, last night somebody called him on the phone. He didn't say much to whoever it was, but he slammed the phone down real mad and yelled at me to hurry up and finish with the cleaning.

[Dodie Smith]

All right, never mind the life story. Where did you get the money? You better spill it, Smith. Cashman was robbed and you had almost $300 on you this morning when you picked up.

[Striker]

It was my own money.

[Paul Garrett]

You never made that kind of money cleaning up around a used car lot.

[Dodie Smith]

Three days ago you were broke. You borrowed $2 from Cashman's mechanic.

[Paul Garrett]

You'd better account for that money, Smith.

[Striker]

What if I tell you I'd get in trouble?

[Paul Garrett]

If you don't tell me, you'll go on trial for murder. That can be trouble too.

[Striker]

I sold a diamond ring.

[Dodie Smith]

Where would you get a diamond ring?

[Striker]

I found it.

[Dodie Smith]

Just picked it up on the street, huh?

[Eugene Aram]

No.

[Striker]

Cashman had an out of state car in a lot. The big black limousine.

[Paul Garrett]

The one on the front corner of the lot, up on the platform.

[Striker]

It's a one. He took it in on a trade two days ago. I wax all the cars as they come in, clean out the inside. I found a ring under the back seat. Must have got lost, slipped down there.

[Dodie Smith]

Who did you sell it to?

[Striker]

A guy named Portman at the jewelers Exchange. He can tell you.

[Paul Garrett]

I hope so. Open up, Fogerty. We're coming out. He can make one phone call for legal counsel if he wants.

[Dodie Smith]

I better check the Jewelers exchange.

[Paul Garrett]

Yeah, but if he's telling the truth, we're still short of murderer. He wouldn't be killing cashmen for money. Not while he was riding high with the money from that ring.

[Dodie Smith]

Well, that means we got to start over again. Well?

[Eugene Aram]

Nothing.

[Paul Garrett]

No, it means we have to start over again. From that spot of surveyor's chalk.

[Ms. Miller]

Here are the teletypes from the State Department of Highways, Mr. Garrett.

[Paul Garrett]

Thanks. It doesn't look like a very lengthy report.

[Ms. Miller]

It isn't. They're checking other state agencies, though, to see if any of them have surveying crews in the field.

[Paul Garrett]

Well, they better come up with something or I'm. Hello, Harrington.

[Eugene Aram]

Hi.

[Dodie Smith]

Portman finally broke down.

[Paul Garrett]

You buy the ring from Smith?

[Thomas Hyland]

Yep.

[Paul Garrett]

You book him?

[Thomas Hyland]

Yep.

[Dodie Smith]

Receiving stolen property. That's the end of his license.

[Paul Garrett]

And it should be good. Jewelers don't buy without asking questions.

[Ms. Miller]

Well, that's the state capitol teletype now, Mr. Garrett.

[Paul Garrett]

You better get it.

[Dodie Smith]

You having any luck here?

[Paul Garrett]

Yes, but it's all bad. Only one crew. Perfect alibis for all of them.

[Dodie Smith]

Lots of surveyors in the state. Wouldn't have to be one who was working.

[Paul Garrett]

Well, no, but a working one would be more likely to be carrying a piece of chalk on him.

[Dodie Smith]

I carry my gun when I'm off duty.

[Paul Garrett]

That's because the law says you must. You better check up on your regulations. You're never off duty.

[Dodie Smith]

You're telling me. I think an 80 hour week is a vacation. Now, if I ever.

[Ms. Miller]

Mr. Garrett.

[Paul Garrett]

What?

[Ms. Miller]

One other state crew out. Department of Water and Power.

[Paul Garrett]

They checking on them.

[Ms. Miller]

Well, it's going to take a long time.

[Paul Garrett]

Why?

[Ms. Miller]

They're mapping the route for the new viaduct.

[Dodie Smith]

Oh, great. I read about that. They're way up in the mountains, Chief. A hundred miles from nowhere.

[Paul Garrett]

There must be roads.

[Dodie Smith]

Not until they get the thing laid out and push bulldozers through. Only roads they've been able to use since the rainy season are all back trails. They need trucks with four wheel drive to get in and out.

[Paul Garrett]

Ms. Miller.

[Ms. Miller]

Yes, sir?

[Paul Garrett]

Call the police motor pool. Tell them I want to borrow a car.

[Ms. Miller]

What kind?

[Paul Garrett]

Anything they've got. With a four wheel drive.

[Dodie Smith]

Brother, I'd be more comfortable inside a cement mixer.

[Paul Garrett]

We must be getting closer to their camp.

[Dodie Smith]

Yeah. When we get there, they got a permanent Border until a nice smooth road comes through here.

[Paul Garrett]

Oh, there. There's the camp and that grove of trees to the right.

[Dodie Smith]

No cars or trucks. Half the tents down.

[Paul Garrett]

I must be breaking camp. Move further in. Jeep over there. Pack rolls on the back. Must be somebody here yet. Hello. Anybody here?

[Eugene Aram]

No.

[Paul Garrett]

Over this way.

[Dodie Smith]

And taking a field stove caught there.

[Eugene Aram]

Chief.

[Paul Garrett]

Yeah. Come on. Thought for a minute we got here too late.

[Eugene Aram]

Almost did.

[Dodie Smith]

Moved in another couple of miles.

[Paul Garrett]

Just hauling some stuff onto the new camp. You the crew foreman?

[Thomas Hyland]

Yep.

[Paul Garrett]

Jim Tracy's the name. I'm Paul Garrett. This is my assistant, Harrington.

[Eugene Aram]

Hi.

[Thomas Hyland]

Garrett.

[Paul Garrett]

That's familiar. District attorney, aren't you? That's right. How long have you fellas been working through here?

[Dodie Smith]

Oh, about eight weeks now.

[Paul Garrett]

Five days a week? No, five and a half half days.

[Eugene Aram]

Saturdays.

[Paul Garrett]

Any of your men go into the city on weekends?

[Dodie Smith]

Once in a while.

[Paul Garrett]

How about last weekend? Any of them going to town then last weekend?

[Thomas Hyland]

Yeah, yeah, four of them went in.

[Paul Garrett]

Phillips, Stryker, Martin and Canning. Ed Stryker now coming back with a truck to help me haul some of this stuff.

[Dodie Smith]

Must be a nut to j on this kind of road. And I do it weekends just to spend the night in town.

[Thomas Hyland]

I know just how you feel.

[Dodie Smith]

Hey, these fellows want to talk to you, Bill.

[Thomas Hyland]

Me?

[Eugene Aram]

What about?

[Paul Garrett]

About being in town last weekend. This is Mr. Garrett, the district attorney. Bill Stryker, Mr. Garrett. Hello, Stryker.

[Thomas Hyland]

Hi.

[Larry Cashman]

What do you want to know?

[Paul Garrett]

Just like you to account for your time Saturday night, that's all.

[Larry Cashman]

Well, we just fooled around in town, that's all. Me and three other guys in the crew.

[Paul Garrett]

You didn't do any shopping?

[Larry Cashman]

What could we buy that we'd bring back here?

[Paul Garrett]

Thought maybe one of you might been saving some money. Maybe enough to make a deal for a used car.

[Larry Cashman]

We rode our bus both ways after we got the truck to the main highway.

[Paul Garrett]

I see. Well, thanks. That's all we wanted to know.

[Larry Cashman]

What's it all about?

[Paul Garrett]

Nothing important. Just routine. Thanks. Come on, Heinen.

[Dodie Smith]

Nothing important? You mean we ride all the way up here just for that?

[Paul Garrett]

I'm afraid so. Hop in.

[Dodie Smith]

You're not even gonna talk to the other three guys that was with that one?

[Paul Garrett]

Wouldn't do any good.

[Dodie Smith]

All this work riding for nothing.

[Paul Garrett]

Sorry, I. That's life. If we only knew who made that phone call to Cashman Saturday night. Oh, Dody Smith. Said he was so upset about it.

[Dodie Smith]

Yeah.

[Paul Garrett]

We get back to the city, I want to see Mrs. Cashman again.

[Dodie Smith]

Oh, when we get back to the city. If we get back to the city.

[Ms. Miller]

No, no, Mr. Garrett. I didn't know anybody had called my husband Saturday night before I did. I just knew he was upset, that's all.

[Paul Garrett]

Anything like that ever happened before. His being upset, I mean. Coming home much later than usual.

[Ms. Miller]

Yes, it did. Two other times. First time more than a month ago, and then again two weeks ago.

[Paul Garrett]

Those other times, can you remember if they were Saturday nights, too?

[Ms. Miller]

Yes. Yes, they were. But I don't know why. I don't know what was bothering him.

[Paul Garrett]

Did he ever express any concern that somebody might harm the baby or try to take her away from you?

[Eugene Aram]

No.

[Ms. Miller]

Who could take her from us? Both of Anne's parents are dead. Her mother agreed to the adoption. Before she passed on, did you ever.

[Paul Garrett]

See or know the child's father?

[Ms. Miller]

No. He died before Anne was born. He was killed in an accident.

[Paul Garrett]

Are you sure of that?

[Ms. Miller]

Anne's mother said so. She wouldn't have lied. It's all here in this paper she signed for us before she died. See? She signed it right here. Dorothy Stryker.

[Eugene Aram]

Stryker?

[Dodie Smith]

Why, Chief, that's the.

[Paul Garrett]

I know. What was Stryker's first name, Mrs. Cashman? Was it Bill or William?

[Ms. Miller]

No, she said it was Arthur Stryker. Why? What is it?

[Paul Garrett]

I think I know who killed your husband now. And I'm beginning to have an idea why. You'll hear from us. Come on, Harrington. You know where we're going.

[Dodie Smith]

Yeah, but this time I'm not going to mind that ride. This time I know why we're taking it. This must be the foreman's tent now.

[Paul Garrett]

Let's go in. Tracy.

[Dodie Smith]

What the devil?

[Paul Garrett]

It's me again. Yar.

[Thomas Hyland]

You scared me. What'd you come back for?

[Paul Garrett]

Where is Stryker? Sleeping.

[Thomas Hyland]

He did something, huh?

[Dodie Smith]

What makes you think so?

[Thomas Hyland]

Well, I thought he acted nervous after you left. He didn't eat much tonight. Just before I turned in, I saw him take his bedroll out of his tent. He's sleeping in the bed of one of the trucks.

[Dodie Smith]

That's all we want to know.

[Thomas Hyland]

You better be careful. He's got a gun. I saw it once.

[Paul Garrett]

We know about it. You just stay right here until we take him.

[Thomas Hyland]

Don't worry. I'm a surveyor, not a hero.

[Paul Garrett]

There.

[Dodie Smith]

The trucks.

[Paul Garrett]

If you can get the cuffs on him before he wakes up.

[Dodie Smith]

Nothing in this one.

[Paul Garrett]

Must be in the other one, then.

[Thomas Hyland]

Funny, Chief.

[Dodie Smith]

He's not in this one either.

[Paul Garrett]

Only there.

[Dodie Smith]

There he is.

[Paul Garrett]

Where?

[Dodie Smith]

Right over there by the jeep.

[Paul Garrett]

Stop Striker.

[Dodie Smith]

He's got to come this way, between the rock ledges. Look out.

[Eugene Aram]

Harrington. Oh.

[Dodie Smith]

Got.

[Paul Garrett]

Harrington.

[Thomas Hyland]

You hit?

[Dodie Smith]

It's all right. How about strike him?

[Paul Garrett]

You hit him. He drove into a ledge. He's pinned pretty badly. Pretty bad.

[Eugene Aram]

Don't want to die.

[Thomas Hyland]

Don't let me die.

[Dodie Smith]

You better build a living. Get him out of here fast. Right.

[Paul Garrett]

Better make that two litters. Tracy.

[Dodie Smith]

I'm all right.

[Paul Garrett]

It's going to be a long, hard ride out, Harrington.

[Dodie Smith]

Like you said, Chief, never off duty. This is one vacation you're not going to cut short on me.

[Paul Garrett]

I promise you I won't, Harrington. I promise you.

[Eugene Aram]

Foreign.

[Paul Garrett]

This is David Bryan. I hope you enjoy this case. From the files of Mr. District Attorney. I'll be back in just a moment after this message from our sponsor.

[Thomas Hyland]

Now here is the star of Mr. District Attorney David Bryan. With a word about the program you have just heard.

[Paul Garrett]

William Stryker lived long enough to confess his masquerade as the father of his dead brother's child. And the murder of Larry Cashman. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the nearest hospital. Harrington underwent surgery for the removal of two bullets. He reported back for duty six weeks later. Now, this is David Bryan inviting you to join us when we present our next case. Based on the facts of crime. From the file of Mr. District Attorney.

[Thomas Hyland]

Mr. District Attorney was originated by Phillips H. Lord.

[Host]

You can find more From Crime Classics, Mr. District Attorney, case Closed. And all of the Relic radio podcasts@ Relicradio.com. you'll find our Shoutcast stream there and a donate button if you'd like to help support this and all of that. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back again next Wednesday with another hour of Case Closed.