Nero Wolfe and WHItehall-1212

Summary

Podcast Summary: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Description: Dive into crime stories from the golden age of radio. Featuring cops, robbers, and private investigators, Case Closed! reopens classic cases, allowing listeners to experience these timeless mysteries once again.
• Episode: Nero Wolfe and Whitehall-1212
• Release Date: April 9, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Case Closed!, RelicRadio.com presents two gripping cases featuring the legendary detective Nero Wolfe. The first story, "The Phantom Fingers," originally aired on January 26, 1951, and the second, "Whitehall 12 and the Murder of a Bloody Belgian," aired on March 30, 1952. Hosted by Archie Goodwin, Nero Wolfe navigates through intricate mysteries, showcasing his unparalleled detective skills.

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Case 1: The Phantom Fingers

Summary: Nero Wolfe and his assistant, Archie Goodwin, are thrust into a perplexing mystery involving the murder of a man named James Miller. The case unfolds in an isolated house accessible only by a treacherous bridge, cut off by flooding—a perfect setting for a classic whodunit.

Key Points:

1. Unexpected Arrival:

   • The case begins with a phone call intended for Nero Wolfe but mistakenly reaches Archie, hinting at impending trouble.
   • Notable Quote:
     [00:11] Nero Wolfe: "I shall need some beer, Archie."

2. Isolation and Suspicion:

   • Wolfe and Archie find themselves stranded at a remote house due to severe flooding.
   • They encounter three individuals: Mr. Wagner, Ms. Shirley, and Mr. Cregan, each with potential motives.
   • Notable Quote:
     [10:32] Nero Wolfe: "This is very strange."

3. Discovery of Victims:

   • A tramp named Joe is found injured near the house, claiming to have witnessed a theft after Miller's death.
   • Later, the corpse of James Miller is discovered, raising suspicions about the true murderer.
   • Notable Quote:
     [15:10] Nero Wolfe: "There is no one in this house besides yourselves. Except, of course, for the dead man upstairs."

4. Fingerprint Conundrum:

   • Wolfe examines the fingerprints on the murder weapon—a knife found at the scene—and discovers inconsistencies.
   • The fingerprints do not match any of the present individuals, suggesting a deceptive ploy.
   • Notable Quote:
     [24:16] Nero Wolfe: "Precisely. A reversal then of the actual appearances."

5. Resolution:

   • Through keen observation and logical deduction, Wolfe uncovers that Ms. Shirley manipulated the fingerprints using a photographic negative technique, effectively framing herself.
   • Her lie about wearing high heels during a walk reveals her deceit, leading to her confession.
   • Notable Quote:
     [26:25] Nero Wolfe: "She merely loaded her fingers so heavily with ink that she falsified the markings."

Conclusion: The Phantom Fingers showcases Nero Wolfe's exceptional ability to unravel complex mysteries through meticulous analysis and psychological insight. This case emphasizes the detective's skill in identifying deception and his unwavering determination to uncover the truth.

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Case 2: Whitehall 12 and the Murder of a Bloody Belgian

Summary: The second case transports listeners to early 20th-century London, where Stanley and Archie's investigation delves into the gruesome murder of Mademoiselle Albertine du Rocher. Set against the backdrop of Zeppelins raiding London, the story intertwines personal vendettas and meticulous police work.

Key Points:

1. Discovery of the Crime:

   • On November 2, 1917, after a Zeppelin raid, the remains of a woman, Mademoiselle Albertine du Rocher, are found in a jute bag labeled "Argentine La Plata Cold Storage."
   • Notable Quote:
     [31:15] Nero Wolfe: "It's a woman's earring. A pair couldn't have cost a great deal."

2. Initial Investigation:

   • Inspectors Stanley Toland and Archie Goodwin examine the crime scene at Munster Square, uncovering torn sheets and bloodstains.
   • They discover discrepancies, such as the missing sheet and animal blood at the scene.
   • Notable Quote:
     [33:18] Archie Goodwin: "I want to see if it's really animal blood, my boy."

3. Suspect Interrogation:

   • The focus narrows to Etienne Langlois, a butcher allegedly linked to the victim, and his acquaintance, Mademoiselle Francoise Grima.
   • Langlois becomes the prime suspect as inconsistencies in his alibi and the presence of animal blood tie him to the crime.
   • Notable Quote:
     [39:43] Archie Goodwin: "He look like a bloody butcher."

4. Breakthrough Evidence:

   • A key piece of evidence surfaces when an earring belonging to Francoise Grima is found at the crime scene, linking her directly to the murder.
   • Forensic analysis confirms the animal blood was human, solidifying Langlois's guilt.
   • Notable Quote:
     [26:46] Nero Wolfe: "She stabbed the tramp."

5. Arrest and Conviction:

   • Wolfe and Archie present their findings, leading to the arrest of Etienne Langlois.
   • At the Old Bailey, evidence and testimonies convict Langlois and Grima, resulting in their eventual execution.
   • Notable Quote:
     [57:03] Archie Goodwin: "Etienne Langlois and Francoise Grimas were hanged at Wandsworth Prison in May 1918."

Conclusion: Whitehall 12 and the Murder of a Bloody Belgian exemplifies the blend of historical context and detective prowess. Nero Wolfe's methodical approach and Archie Goodwin's investigative support unravel a complex case rooted in personal motives and clever deceit, highlighting the enduring nature of classic detective stories.

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Case Closed! delivers two enthralling Nero Wolfe mysteries, each meticulously crafted to engage listeners with intricate plots and compelling characters. From the isolated setting of The Phantom Fingers to the historical depths of Whitehall 12, Nero Wolfe's detective acumen shines through, reaffirming his status as a timeless icon in crime-solving lore.

For fans of classic detective stories and old-time radio dramas, this episode offers a rich and immersive experience, seamlessly blending suspense, deduction, and the charm of golden-age radio storytelling.

Transcript

[Narrator]

This is Case Closed. One hour of old time mystery and crime from the golden age of radio. Every Wednesday@ Relicradio.com. our first story comes from the new adventures of Nero Wolf. This week we'll hear the case of the Phantom fingers from January 26, 1951. After that, it's Whitehall 12 and the murder of a bloody Belgian. That story aired March 30, 1952. Ladies and gentlemen, the ringing of that phone bell means mystery adventure. Nero Wolf's office. Archie Goodwin speaking. What? You're expecting Mr. Wolf? At your place in three hours. Your place is where? Yes, well, I'm expecting hedy Lamar in 15 minutes. Yeah, but, mister, we're both out of luck.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, what are you babbling about?

[Narrator]

There's a character on the phone who's laboring under the naive delusion that you're about to make a trip upstate.

[Nero Wolf]

His name?

[Narrator]

Finley. He said.

[Nero Wolf]

In that case, he's quite correct.

[Narrator]

Yeah, he's quite. Yes, Mr. Finley. Mr. Wolf will be there. Yeah. Goodbye.

[Nero Wolf]

I shall need some beer, Archie.

[Narrator]

The bottle opener's in the right hand drawer.

[Nero Wolf]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

What one of us needs is a psychiatrist. You're voluntarily leaving your happy home, exposing yourself to the elements, entrusting your only life to a savage automobile?

[Nero Wolf]

I am?

[Narrator]

Oh, somebody's offered you the United States treasury, huh?

[Nero Wolf]

Mr. Finley happens to grow orchids. Among them, he has developed a plant possessing spurred labilli. I have an opportunity to purchase a couple of the plants, therefore.

[Narrator]

I don't believe it.

[Nero Wolf]

But, Archie, according to the reports I have received, he has produced a strained black cypripidium.

[Narrator]

Oh, well, in that case. But, Mr. Wolf, while it's true that black may be the color of your true love's hair, it is also true that black is the color of funerals. Ladies and gentlemen, it's the detective genius who rates the knife and fork. The greatest tools ever invented by man. The ponderous, brilliant and unpredictable Nero Wolf, created by Rex Doubt and brought to you in the person of Mr. Sydney Greenstreet. Beginning of the case of the Phantom Fingers actually had nothing to do with black orchids. The first act was played in an old house at the end of an old dirt road. It was short and simple, as short as life and as simple as murder.

[Nero Wolf]

Joe, I didn't believe the letters I got. Didn't believe him until now. I've been a lonely man.

[Archie Goodwin]

No wife, children.

[Narrator]

Joe, it was all coming to you after I died. There was no need for you to steal from me. All you had to do was wait.

[Nero Wolf]

Joe, that Done.

[Narrator]

Put it down.

[Nero Wolf]

No. Ay.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Nero Wolf]

Mr. Wolf, how much longer?

[Narrator]

Oh, now maybe. Why?

[Nero Wolf]

I'm a fool.

[Narrator]

Yeah, well, payday's tomorrow. I refuse to agree with you. Besides, the trip's been fine so far. Huh? So there's snow on the road, but phooey. Well, it's nice snow. Pretty soon it'll be spring. And in the spring, if you mention.

[Nero Wolf]

Old titmouse once more, I shall strangle you.

[Narrator]

No, no, it's against the law. But you know that snow melts much faster, the trees won't look so pretty.

[Nero Wolf]

Trees? Are they really necessary?

[Narrator]

Uh huh. People cut them down and make paper out of them. They take the paper and make dollar bills. Mr. Wolf, we're surrounded by future fees.

[Nero Wolf]

I prefer the finished product. What on earth is that?

[Narrator]

Sounds like a river.

[Nero Wolf]

Indeed.

[Narrator]

Except there aren't any rivers around here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hey.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah, up ahead. What?

[Narrator]

It's a river. Only it isn't a river.

[Nero Wolf]

It's wet.

[Narrator]

It's wet and it's got waves on. It had to start raining too. Nature free road behind us is covered with water. Just have to keep going onward and upward.

[Nero Wolf]

Would you like to recite Excelsior to me?

[Narrator]

Sure. Shades of night were falling fast when.

[Nero Wolf]

Through an alpine village passed an idiot of your caliber. No doubt an infernal engine has died.

[Narrator]

No, no. The road dips up ahead. And where it dips, there's a junior Mississippi growing up.

[Nero Wolf]

Splendid.

[Narrator]

Not so splendid. We can't go back and we can't go forward.

[Nero Wolf]

Why not?

[Narrator]

They didn't build this model to swim.

[Nero Wolf]

No foresight. What do we do now?

[Narrator]

Well, we could abandon the car and walk.

[Nero Wolf]

Are you mad? Are you seriously suggesting I indulge in a foot race with a flood?

[Narrator]

Yeah, well, not seriously. But.

[Nero Wolf]

You'Ve decided to give the car a swimming lesson.

[Narrator]

No. There's what looks like a cow path leading off the highway to your right. Maybe it's a road.

[Nero Wolf]

We progress. We now follow the footstep of the cow.

[Narrator]

It is a road. An old dirt road. Not only that, it goes up.

[Nero Wolf]

Is that good?

[Narrator]

Theoretically, we might get above the water that way.

[Nero Wolf]

And if the theory fails.

[Narrator]

Mr. Wolf, how are you on the Australian crawl? Hey, there's been another car on this road before us. You can see the tire tracks in the mud.

[Nero Wolf]

Interesting. An indication that there are other maniacs about. I myself would not have chosen this particular spot to picnic in.

[Narrator]

It's not that. There's somebody lying on the road.

[Nero Wolf]

People have peculiar habits. Ignore him and drive them.

[Narrator]

Uh, hold on a moment, Mr. Wolf. You better come out here, My man.

[Nero Wolf]

Is has its limits. The answer is no. Serious, Archie.

[Narrator]

Very serious.

[Nero Wolf]

Very well. Oh, good heavens.

[Narrator]

Yeah, still alive.

[Nero Wolf]

But man's being shot. He's Mummy Joe.

[Narrator]

Yelling for Joe.

[Archie Goodwin]

Be still. Oh, don't forgive stealing.

[Narrator]

Don't.

[Nero Wolf]

So much for that. Pick him up, Archie. Put him in the car.

[Narrator]

Might be bad for him to be moved.

[Nero Wolf]

No, there is nothing that can be bad for him. He's dead. Is this drastic road leading anywhere, Argy?

[Narrator]

Well, seems to be a clearing up ahead. Maybe.

[Nero Wolf]

Hey, it's a house, Brandon.

[Narrator]

I'm not so sure. It's perched up on top of a cliff, surrounded on three sides by nothing. On the side facing us, there's a deep ravine and a small wooden bridge.

[Nero Wolf]

Island in the air.

[Narrator]

Yeah, high enough to keep above water, maybe. But now that bridge doesn't look too good. Rain may have weakened it.

[Nero Wolf]

You have no choice, Archie. I have no intention of being drowned in these barbadic surroundings. The bridge, Archie.

[Narrator]

Okay, hold on. No, a thing's collapsing under us.

[Nero Wolf]

Our momentums.

[Narrator]

You serve well. If it doesn't 37 blondes are going to be wearing black. Correction, 38. I forgot the one in Gimble's bargain basement. Hey, made it. The bridge will never be the same, though. There's a car ahead of us in front of the house.

[Nero Wolf]

The car from which our friend, our dead friend, was thrown. Only one set of car tracks in the mud along the road and here.

[Narrator]

And all we have to do is walk in, ask for the owner of.

[Nero Wolf]

The house and possibly, possibly not, Archie, go through the corpse's pockets.

[Narrator]

Well, that's not cricket. Yeah, all right, all right, I'm going through. Not much on him. Handkerchief, silver. Driver's license. The name was James Miller. Address? Garner Lane, Walden. Now, I've got an idea. This is Garner Lane, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolf]

In which case someone named Joe was looking after the house for him, committed theft and murdered Miller. Miller's body was then dumped on the road in the hopes that the floods would wash the body away. No one at the house seems to have noticed their arrival.

[Narrator]

Nope. Well, let's go in and ask for Joe, huh?

[Nero Wolf]

Very well. With the bridge down, there's absolutely no way of getting on or off this place.

[Narrator]

Except for a mountain goat. I don't know any mountain goats. I used to know a plain goat once, though. Indeed, he ran at the fifth to Jamaica.

[Nero Wolf]

Stop mourning.

[Narrator]

I never Maunder. Also, I never win bets on horse races. That's why I continue to work for you.

[Nero Wolf]

That is also why you had better Ring the doorbell.

[Narrator]

Okay, okay. Nobody's gonna break a leg rushing to open the door.

[Nero Wolf]

Suppose you try. I have it. More than enough of the weather.

[Narrator]

Is that polite? Besides, the killer may have some more bullets in that gun.

[Nero Wolf]

Are you afraid?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Nero Wolf]

Who a the door, archie?

[Narrator]

But old Dr. Titmouse would say. Well, never mind. Hey, somebody was careless leaving the door open like that. On the other hand, does the spider ever shut its web? The answer is no. Are we flies? Yes.

[Nero Wolf]

Out of my way. Archie.

[Narrator]

There are lights up ahead. Must be the living room.

[Archie Goodwin]

Excuse me.

[Narrator]

Hey. Sure, sure. You're excused.

[Archie Goodwin]

You live here, sir?

[Narrator]

Do we? No, don't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Of course not.

[Nero Wolf]

This is very strange.

[Archie Goodwin]

I came out to see the people who live here or the person.

[Narrator]

I found the door open and no one about.

[Archie Goodwin]

I've been sitting in this corner now for a long time.

[Narrator]

Well, it's a pity no one offered you a plum pie when you could have stuck in your thumb.

[Nero Wolf]

You saw no one enter, sir?

[Archie Goodwin]

No one at all, I think. Want to go any further, it would have seemed like prime.

[Nero Wolf]

Perhaps you had better come along with us.

[Archie Goodwin]

All right. You know this place.

[Narrator]

It has an evil atmosphere. Certainly has. What it needs is fresh air.

[Nero Wolf]

This would be the living room door jar it is.

[Narrator]

Looks as pretty as a picture. Abby. Oh, hello.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, just think of it.

[Narrator]

Five minutes ago, you know, I didn't know you existed. And you didn't know I existed.

[Nero Wolf]

And now, Archie, your existence would have a sudden end unless you keep quiet. Excuse us for intruding, Ms. Intruding, but.

[Archie Goodwin]

I really should ask you to excuse me.

[Nero Wolf]

You do not live here. I wish I did, but, you see.

[Archie Goodwin]

I've been out walking.

[Nero Wolf]

I live maybe a whole mile from here.

[Archie Goodwin]

And then when the flood began, I. I thought I'd come in here and stay for a while.

[Nero Wolf]

You found an empty house.

[Narrator]

That's not what I found. As old Dr. Titmouse has often said.

[Nero Wolf]

Go through the rest of the house, Archie.

[Narrator]

Go through the. Well, never mind. I'll. Somebody's walking. Coming downstairs. I'll go and see.

[Nero Wolf]

Come on into the living room.

[Narrator]

Meet your guest in one or several.

[Nero Wolf]

Pieces as you prefer. You what? Hi, you folks. Who said that? That's very funny. I think I'll laugh. May I ask why? Because this here ain't my dump.

[Narrator]

I was just casing the joint.

[Nero Wolf]

I mean, I was just taking a stroll through the house. I'm eccentric. Oh, clever. However, I think you better stay. Why? Because you may turn out to be the owner of this house after all. I rather think introductions Are in order, Helen. Thanks, Shirley.

[Archie Goodwin]

My name is Wagner.

[Nero Wolf]

Joseph Wagner.

[Archie Goodwin]

Lewis.

[Narrator]

How about you? Stroller. Craigen.

[Nero Wolf]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Cregan.

[Nero Wolf]

Pig Louie. Sam. Mr. Cregan, while you were strolling upstairs, did you notice anyone else about. No. There was no one outside when Archie and I entered. The bridge is down, effectively cutting us off from further visitors. We may assume, therefore, that we are the only people in known about this house. Yeah, it's cozy, ain't it? Which further means that one of you three is a murderer. What's it? The murderer is the person who owns or lives in this house. All three of you denied being that person. Conclusion? One of you is a liar. I hardly expected a full immediate confession. However, we are absolutely isolated. Isolated here. No one is going to come or leave until we have our killer.

[Archie Goodwin]

You know, you can't really keep us here.

[Nero Wolf]

The flood can and will. Remember, the bridge is no longer.

[Archie Goodwin]

Do you see?

[Nero Wolf]

Just the five of us alone. No one else inside the house. No one outside.

[Archie Goodwin]

Therefore.

[Narrator]

Correction, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolf]

Maybe it's a branch or something happening against the door. And nightly. Archie.

[Narrator]

Okay, I'll go see who or what it is. Hey, I got him. Somebody shut the door. Yeah, all right, I get it.

[Nero Wolf]

A disreputable and unwashed gentleman. Head badly hurt. Is he conscious, Archie?

[Narrator]

I don't know. He's mumbling something.

[Nero Wolf]

Legs pushed off. Bells and legs.

[Narrator]

He's passed out. I guess he was trying to say that somebody pushed him out on a ledge. Side of the cliff maybe. Must have regained consciousness and crawled to the house. Where'll I put him, Mr.

[Nero Wolf]

Wool? Bedroom. I suppose we'll need first aid. He can't get a doctor. Regan. Where are the bedrooms? One right up at the head of the stairs. And don't ask me how. I happen to know we shan't. Archie.

[Narrator]

Okay. I'll need somebody to help me carry him up without shaking him too badly.

[Nero Wolf]

Cregan. Okay.

[Narrator]

Let'S go.

[Nero Wolf]

As for the rest of you. Mr. Wagner, Ms. Shirley. I suggest we return to the living room. But I don't see any reason why we should take orders from you. One of you is a murderer. I include Mr. Cregan, of course.

[Archie Goodwin]

But that poor man wasn't dead.

[Nero Wolf]

Not for lack of trying. However, I was not referring to him.

[Archie Goodwin]

You mean. You mean someone else has been killed?

[Nero Wolf]

Precisely. That is why I hope we should not hear another knocking at the door. It could only be a corpse. Aji and Krigan.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Nero Wolf]

The injured man still out.

[Narrator]

Probably got a concussion.

[Nero Wolf]

Did he say anything further, Al?

[Narrator]

He babbled a bit.

[Nero Wolf]

I don't know if we should assume we're among friends. Archie, exactly what did he say?

[Narrator]

Well, he was pushed over the edge of the cliff because he saw Miller killed.

[Nero Wolf]

Did he also see who?

[Narrator]

No. Passed out before he had a chance. He's an old tramp, Mr. Wolf. He was bumming his way through the country when he saw the murder.

[Nero Wolf]

He must have decided on a touch of blackmail and receiving a concussion instead. Which may last for hours or for days.

[Narrator]

Somebody's playing with the lights.

[Nero Wolf]

Some fool.

[Narrator]

The switch was over this way. Lights are on again. Whose idea was that?

[Nero Wolf]

I had nothing to do with this. Me neither, Ms. Shirley. Why did you scream?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, someone rushed against me in the darkness.

[Nero Wolf]

You were standing near the table. This table, Archie.

[Narrator]

Nothing on the table except a bunch of keys on a ring. Something screwy. Why should a guy put the lights out just to deposit a bunch of keys on a table?

[Nero Wolf]

Obvious. Without doubt, those are the keys of this house. Possession of them will have disclosed which of you lives here and which of you therefore killed Miller. It's late. I shall sleep down here. Lacking an elevator to transport me upstairs.

[Narrator]

The elevator's lacking?

[Nero Wolf]

Yes. The rest of you should be able to find bedrooms upstairs. Good night. Archie.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Nero Wolf]

Follow them upstairs. Spend the night awake.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Nero Wolf]

Good heavens, Archie.

[Narrator]

On my way. What's cooking up here? Somebody's playing with the lights up. Strike a match. You don't have to. I got a flashlight. Oh, here it is. Light switch. You know, this putting out of lights is getting to be somebody's bad habit. Well, all three of you seem to be okay. Stay here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where are you going?

[Narrator]

Tramp's room. Right here at the head of the stairs. Think of all your good deeds while I'm gone.

[Nero Wolf]

All right.

[Narrator]

Downstairs again?

[Nero Wolf]

What again? Oh, dear.

[Narrator]

What happened? That was more than a bunch of keys this time. That knife, there's blood on it. There should be. I just pulled it out of a man's heart. Well, Mr. Wolf, one of these three babies doused the lights, popped into the tramp's room, deposited the knife in his chest and popped right out again.

[Nero Wolf]

The knife you're holding?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Nero Wolf]

Intelligent of you to wrap a handkerchief around the handle.

[Narrator]

Well, whoever killed the tramp didn't have time to fool around with gloves, so.

[Nero Wolf]

There should be prints on the knife handle. Satisfactory, Archie?

[Narrator]

That's mild enthusiasm, Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

On that desk, an ink pad.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Nero Wolf]

Ms. Shirley, you carry free Spider, of course.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, I do.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie will need it to bring out the prints on the knife. He will then fingerprint each of you, compare your prints with Those on the knife and we shall have a murderer to hand over to the police. Archie, will you begin, please?

[Narrator]

Here they are, Mr. Wolf. Three cards labeled with Ms. Shirley's name, Cregans and Wagner's. Their respective prints are on each card.

[Nero Wolf]

Good. I have the knife here. Several quite distinct prints on should be child spray to Archie.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Nero Wolf]

Take your own prince and mine.

[Narrator]

What?

[Nero Wolf]

Yours, I say quickly.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. All right. Give me your thumb. Thank you. Now mine. Thank me.

[Nero Wolf]

There's something wrong. Something wrong and deadly. Losing this house tonight.

[Narrator]

All as a card with your prince in mind.

[Nero Wolf]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

Now you got five cards altogether.

[Nero Wolf]

So I have. Archie. What now take the ink pad and a fresh card with you.

[Narrator]

Where am I going with him?

[Nero Wolf]

Upstairs, Mr. Wolf.

[Narrator]

There's nobody upstairs except the corpse.

[Nero Wolf]

Precisely. It is his friends I want.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, this is so ridiculous.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I got the dead man's prince.

[Nero Wolf]

Will all of you please sit?

[Archie Goodwin]

All right.

[Nero Wolf]

But good heavens, young woman, be careful. We want no accidents.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sorry, I caught my high heels in the rug.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, the card with the corpse's prints on it.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Nero Wolf]

Thank you.

[Archie Goodwin]

You know, I've had quite enough of this nonsense.

[Nero Wolf]

Have you, Mr. Wagner?

[Narrator]

And so have I, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolf]

Also, I don't think you know what you're doing. Perhaps not. However, I have something rather interesting to tell all of you. There is no one in this house besides yourselves. Except, of course, for the dead man upstairs. There is no one on the rock on which this house stands except for another dead man in our car.

[Narrator]

Look, we already know all that.

[Nero Wolf]

Bear with me. We may rule out secret passages, unusual hiding places or anything of that esoteric and childish nature. We may also rest assured that no one has come to or left this house or rock within the last few hours.

[Narrator]

That means we're kind of hermetically sealed here, huh? Meaning also that whoever was here when the tramp was killed is still here. Still here in this room.

[Nero Wolf]

Correct, Archie. Now then, I have checked the dead tramp's prints against those on the knife. Theoretically, suicide was possible. However, the prints do not match.

[Narrator]

That guy was in no condition to kill himself anyway.

[Nero Wolf]

True. Then I checked Archer's prince and mine against those on the knife.

[Archie Goodwin]

No similarity, but no one suspected either of you.

[Nero Wolf]

Thank you, but I had to be thorough. That left only the three of you. I compared your cards and the prince on them with the prince on the handle of the knife. And I want you to remember one thing very clearly. We are the only living people in this house or on this rock of land. No tricks are Possible and may be ruled out. All right, so what this the prince on the handle of the knife that pierced the heart of the man upstairs. Do not match his prints or the prints of anyone in this room. No, mine wouldn't match.

[Archie Goodwin]

Would you mind saying that again?

[Narrator]

He doesn't have to. In those cards, Mr. Wolf has the prints of everybody here and yet none of them match the prints on the knife handle.

[Archie Goodwin]

But in that case, who are or, or what killed him? There must be someone else in the house.

[Nero Wolf]

I give you my word, there is not. Hey, you thinking about ghosts or something? Ghosts never leave fingerprints.

[Narrator]

I, I, I've got to get away.

[Nero Wolf]

I can't stand this. Me too. Come on, lady.

[Narrator]

But I, I'll come along with you.

[Archie Goodwin]

If you don't mind.

[Narrator]

Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolf]

Let them go. The bridge is down. They can't get far.

[Narrator]

Okay. I don't get it. Good one on the fingerprint business. And who killed Miller plus the tramp?

[Nero Wolf]

The identity of the killer, Archie, is quite obvious.

[Narrator]

It is? To who?

[Nero Wolf]

To whom?

[Narrator]

Who's whom? That's a joke. Yeah, I'm stalling for self respect, you know.

[Nero Wolf]

Of course I do. I have no conclusive proof. However, I had hoped the fingerprints would be of assistance there, but they proved to be phantoms.

[Narrator]

I'm still smarting about the other thing. You know, it's at times like this that I almost agree with you about my intelligence.

[Nero Wolf]

Lack of intelligence.

[Narrator]

Yeah, well, don't rub it in. Don't rub it in. Just go ahead. Yeah, well, maybe you better rub it in. From now on you may refer to my brain in the negative.

[Nero Wolf]

In the negative. Bless you. I.

[Narrator]

What I've just done, I don't know, but can I have a raise? No, I'll take it back.

[Nero Wolf]

You can't get the others in at once.

[Narrator]

Mr. Wolf. You now have the appearance of Mr. Wolf being surrounded by several dozen bottles of beer. What have I done?

[Nero Wolf]

You've explained the fingerprints. Archie, hurry. I don't want to keep the killer in suspense.

[Narrator]

I don't care. No, I'm very nervous.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie.

[Narrator]

They're all here.

[Nero Wolf]

Yes, but they're all making a noise. Stop them. Surely.

[Narrator]

Mr. Craig and Mr. Wagner, will you please shut Mr. Crag?

[Nero Wolf]

Wolf?

[Narrator]

They have.

[Nero Wolf]

Thank you, Archie. Now then, I have known for some little time which of you killed the tramp and Miller. I lack proof, however.

[Archie Goodwin]

And you. You have it.

[Nero Wolf]

Now, I will admit for a while I was flummoxed by the negative evidence of the fingerprints. They seem to indicate that the tramp was murdered by a phantom however, the word negative itself has solved the minor problem.

[Narrator]

Minor? To who? To whom? Never mind.

[Archie Goodwin]

Shh.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, what is the salient feature of a film negative?

[Narrator]

Well, I suppose it's the fact that the dark's a light and the light's a dark.

[Nero Wolf]

Precisely. A reversal then of the actual appearances. Now, are there any similarities between filmed images and fingerprints?

[Narrator]

In a way you could call the worlds and hollows that determine the individual characteristics of a fingerprint the lights and darks, huh?

[Nero Wolf]

You could, Ayesha. Ms. Shirley, would you help in an experiment? Of course. Thank you, Archie, I want you to take Ms. Shirley's fingerprints once again.

[Narrator]

Okay. Pad and card. Here you are, Ms. Shirley.

[Nero Wolf]

All right, Archie. Quick, grab her arm.

[Narrator]

I got it. Usually I don't have to be coached.

[Archie Goodwin]

But let go of me. What are you trying to do?

[Nero Wolf]

Ms. Shirley, you already had pressed your fingers on the ink pad once. Why were you about to do it a second time?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I. I just wanted to make a better impression.

[Nero Wolf]

Truly. Archie wiped some of the ink off her fingers.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, but then it won't be any good.

[Nero Wolf]

It'll be very good, Archie.

[Narrator]

I've done it.

[Nero Wolf]

And take the prints.

[Narrator]

No.

[Archie Goodwin]

No. Let go of me.

[Narrator]

Maybe I never hurt women if I can help it, but right now I won't be able to help it. Mr. Wolf wants your prince all over again. So down on the nice white card. No, thanks.

[Nero Wolf]

Will you let me have that card now, Archie?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Nero Wolf]

In the meanwhile, hold on to Ms. Shirley.

[Narrator]

A pleasure indeed.

[Nero Wolf]

Would you continue to think so, Archie, if I told you that Ms. Shirley's first name is not Peg, but it happens to be Josephine, for which the diminutive is Joe.

[Narrator]

Glad they're fixing the bridge. I was beginning to think we'd be here forever.

[Nero Wolf]

Truly, we have been.

[Narrator]

You know, if those black orchids have been holding their breath waiting for you, they're gonna be red in the face. Hey, new breed red orchids, huh?

[Nero Wolf]

G. Missed you.

[Narrator]

Talk well, it's fun. Also, you've been holding out on me about the case.

[Nero Wolf]

I surrender.

[Narrator]

Okay. You know, when we compared the new prints of Josephine with those on the knife, he could have knocked me over with a sash weight. They were identical.

[Nero Wolf]

Naturally, she stabbed the tramp.

[Narrator]

Yeah, but what was the fingerprint gag?

[Nero Wolf]

She merely loaded her fingers so heavily with ink that she falsified the markings. She filled up the hollows and walls with ink. The result was that ridges became hollows and vice versa, in the same fashion that a photographic negative falsifies lights and darks.

[Narrator]

You got that? When I Mentioned the word negative. It works, huh?

[Nero Wolf]

Try it sometimes.

[Narrator]

Yeah. The very next bank I rob. But you said you knew who killed Miller in the tramp even before you exposed the fingerprint gimmick. How?

[Nero Wolf]

We knew Miller's murderer lived in this house, had been stealing from him and so on. Stealing what? Cash, of course. He, as the girl admitted, was an eccentric, kept his money on the property. Cregan had probably heard of it. Hence his casing of the house.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Nero Wolf]

Our problem, therefore, was to discover who lived in this house. All three suspects denied it. Josephine Shirley told us, as you may remember, that you'd gone for a walk and then been driven by the flood to this house where we found her.

[Narrator]

Now, that's what she said it could have been.

[Nero Wolf]

No, because as you may also remember, she tripped at one point over the living room rug and mentioned why.

[Narrator]

Sure, sure. She said she was wearing high heels. Oh. Because out in the country there are no pavements, so girls don't go for walk and high heel shoes. Therefore, she hadn't gone for a walk. Therefore she was lying. Therefore she killed Miller. And I should have noticed those heels myself.

[Nero Wolf]

You should have. Arjun. Your trouble, I suspect, was that you didn't notice the feet for the legend.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to. The New Adventures of Nero Wolf starring Sydney Green Street. Tonight's transcribed story was based on the characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edwin Fadiman program produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Gerald Moore as Archie Goodwin and Gigi Pearson, Howard McNear, Tim Graham and Eddie Fields. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the vanishing shells. Don Stanley speaking. Three chimes mean good times on NBC.

[Nero Wolf]

Whitehall 12.

[Archie Goodwin]

This is Scotland Yard. For the first time in history, Scotland.

[Narrator]

Yard opens its official files to bring you the authentic true stories of some of its most baffling cases.

[Archie Goodwin]

These are the true stories. The plain, unvarnished facts just as they occurred, reenacted for you by an all British cast. Only the names of the participants have, for obvious reasons, been changed. The stories are presented with a full cooperation of Scotland Yard. Research on Whitehall 12 comes from Percy Hoskins, chief crime reporter of the London Daily Expression.

[Narrator]

The stories for radio are written and directed by Willis Cooper. Here is the man in charge of Scotland Yard's famous Black Museum, Chief Superintendent.

[Archie Goodwin]

John Davidson, to brief you on case number 504. Mr. 701.

[Narrator]

Good afternoon.

[Nero Wolf]

All the exhibits I have charge of here at the Black Museum are not in themselves horrible or gruesome. I admit that Several of the exhibits in this case, number 504701 are so dreadful that we reserve them for the use and study of our own people. Exclusively policemen are notoriously a strong stomached lot. But this one that I brought with me is not such a one. Look at it. It's a woman's earring. A pair couldn't have cost a great deal. Handmade, I think, by some village jeweler in France many years ago. Can you make out the design? Crudely carved representation of a left hand holding a heart and what seems to be a flower.

[Archie Goodwin]

The other one of the pair was.

[Nero Wolf]

Similar, I'm told by those who have seen it, except that it was a right hand. This is the only one left of the pair. Retired Chief Superintendent Cedric Pickard is a little older today than he was then. Cedric.

[Archie Goodwin]

I was a brand new inspector then. John.

[Nero Wolf]

You still remember all the details of this case though?

[Archie Goodwin]

For 35 years I've been trying to forget them. John. On 31st October 1917, the Zeppelins raided London for the next to last time. About 8 o'clock on the morning of November 2, some 32 hours after the air raid, I received a call from E division of the Metropolitan Police in Bow Street. I hastened there at once. They had four things to show me. One, a badly blood stained sheet. Two, a large jute bag labeled Argentine La Plata Cold Storage. Three, a stout cord which had been tied round the bag. Four, torn bit of pasteboard on which was scrawled in pencil the words Bloody Belgium most curiously misspelled. There was a civilian there too. Squatty man with a cast in his left eye, wearing a remarkably dirty cap. He stood up when I looked at him.

[Nero Wolf]

I'm Sammy Elwood, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

I found it.

[Nero Wolf]

Them things, I mean.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, did you then, Roadman? I am, sir. I work at Regent Square in Bloomsbury. Where'd you find those?

[Nero Wolf]

In the central garden in the square, sir, behind the railing. I seen it when I first come to work this morning, sir. But I wanted having breakfast first, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good thing I did too. And then I untied the bag. When I come back, I run for a policeman.

[Nero Wolf]

Right away, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why? Why'd you run for police? The bag, sir.

[Nero Wolf]

There was a lady in it.

[Archie Goodwin]

The lady, rather the remains of the lady, for she was lacking a head and hands, had been taken to the mortuary. Sam the roadman obviously knew nothing about it except what he discovered when he untied the bag marked cold storage. He went back to work, a faint green tinge still underlying the grime on his face and hands. I examined the evidence. The pasteboard on which was written Bloody Belgium, I hazarded, might indicate that someone who disliked bloody Belgians had caused the death of this one. The bag, I decided, should go to the laboratory for examination. I looked for laundry marks on the bloodstained sheet. There was one down, down in one corner. I telephoned it into the Criminal Records Office and started for my office at New Scotland Yard. The telephone was ringing as I came in. Yes? Inspector Picard here. A thousand.

[Nero Wolf]

Toland?

[Archie Goodwin]

Here, sir. We found out about that laundry mark, sir. The one you phoned in. Good. It belongs to a Mademoiselle Albertine du Rocher. Belgium?

[Nero Wolf]

Don't know, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

Address? 50 Munster Square. That's over east of Regent's park, sir. That's very good, Sergeant. I'll run over there at once. Care to come along with me? Why, if I can get permission to leave Here, sir. Get your hat. I'll take care of that. Accompanied by Sergeant Montitolon. He was a much better man on a case than on a CRO telephone, and they knew it. I proceeded to Munster Square and we were admitted to Mademoiselle de Rocher's two room flat by the landlady, an old French woman with a mustache. Bed's all torn up. Sheet seems to be missing. No sheet here. Look under the bed.

[Nero Wolf]

One, two, three pairs of shoes.

[Archie Goodwin]

No sheets under here. What are you looking at, sir? Is that blood there on the pillow? Looks like it. And here, sir, on the blanket. Lot of it. I wonder. Sir. There's somebody at the door. Landlady. I can speak a sort of French, sir. Hello, Madame.

[Nero Wolf]

Entrez.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hello. Come on in. The keyhole's drafty. Pardon? Come in. Ask her if she knows where Mademoiselle de Rocher is. Mademoiselle de Rocher? She is gone.

[Narrator]

She speaks English.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, really? Where's she gone to? ETL oh, she is gone since Sunday. Saturday Here she go for to see.

[Nero Wolf]

Her sister in Notting man.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nottingham. Notting man. What's her sister's name? The boss? She doesn't know, sir. She. She go away to hide in the Abris when the Boche come in. The air raid on the ground in the tubes.

[Narrator]

Park.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nottingham to compri. What time does she leave? A quelleur d'partique?

[Narrator]

Near midnight.

[Archie Goodwin]

Saturday. Yes, yes, yes. She didn't come back, huh? No. Nottingham. Nottingham? Oui. Ask her who might know her sister's name in Nottingham. Madame Lalaba. What man? Madame? In the picture there. Oui, oui, oui.

[Nero Wolf]

CE Langlois.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's Langlois, her sweetheart. He might know, she says. Where is he? Where is his home? Oh, Charlotte Street. 101 Langloire. Etienne, Pierre, Petite boucherie, Voucherlotte, Numerous en. What'd she say? She says his name's Langlois and He lives at 101 Charlotte Street. I know that. What else did she say? She says he has a small butcher shop there. The butcher Languire was not there in his combination living quarters and shop in the basement of a hundred and one Charlotte street when Toland and I arrived. The heavy door was strongly barred and locked. Toland spoke to an attractive French woman who seemed to be the charwoman. At least she was armed with broom and pale, obviously recently used. Pardon, Mademoiselle. Monsieur Langlois. What she say? She says he's gone.

[Narrator]

Oui, monsieur.

[Archie Goodwin]

Who she? Je suis Francoise Grimar. Mademoiselle Francoise Grimar.

[Nero Wolf]

C'est moi.

[Archie Goodwin]

La fiancee d'etienne Langlois. What she say? She is the sweetheart of Langlois, she says. How many sweethearts has this fellow got? Oh, I don't think we'd better ask her that, sir. What you say? She wants to know what we're talking about, Madame. Mademoiselle. You tell us, Owen. Mademoiselle. Come on, sir. Au revoir, mademoiselle.

[Nero Wolf]

A la bonheur, monsieur.

[Archie Goodwin]

Goodbye, madam.

[Nero Wolf]

Mademoiselle.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, bye. Wonder how much she knows about this affair. Said she was Langlois sweetheart, didn't she? That isn't all she said, sir. I gather that said Langlois had butchered a calf in there Saturday night. She did. That's why she had to clean up the place. I hope she didn't clean it up too well. Why, sir? I'd like a sample of that blood. I don't understand you, sir.

[Narrator]

Can't.

[Archie Goodwin]

I want to see if it's really animal blood, my boy. I posted two detectives at the Charlotte street location to keep a close but inconspicuous watch on the home butcher shop of ATM Pierre Langlois to report the butcher's return. Toland. I went back to the Munster Square address where Albertine de Rocha had lived. The moustached landlady assured her she knew nothing more of the affairs of Mademoiselle Durocher. She did, however, add that Monsieur Langlois had put in an appearance there after the de Rocher woman had left. Ask her when Tolan I said. Queljure Madame Dimash Sunday. What did he want, Madame? He had Food for the cat. Mademoiselle Durocher asked him to do so. Was he alone? Huh? A tale cell. How long was he here? 15 minutes. I know he fed the cat. Come on. The cat. The cat. Did he feed the cat? Eat. Eat. No. Why? That's what he was here for, wasn't it?

[Nero Wolf]

Chei perdu.

[Archie Goodwin]

The. The cat's what? Perdu.

[Nero Wolf]

Pardu.

[Archie Goodwin]

He has run away. What did he do with the cat? Food. Oh, he take it away with him. Why didn't he leave it here? Je ne sais pas. Was he here alone in this room all that time? Did he take anything from here when he left? The food for the cat. That all?

[Nero Wolf]

I don't know.

[Archie Goodwin]

You sure, monsieur? If he takes something from this flat, it is hers, not mine.

[Nero Wolf]

Comprenez? I don't know.

[Archie Goodwin]

O, si. He is her sweetheart, you say, n'est CE pas? It is all right if he takes something? I don't know. Not my business. A sheet seems to be missing from the bed. I don't know. I see. Well, that's. That seems to be, sir. Well, thank you, madam. Goodbye. Goodbye, monsieur. Oh, I knew there was something else I wanted to ask you. Oui, monsieur? Do you know a woman named. What's her name? Tom? Who is her? The woman who told us about Langlois. Oh, Francoise Grimar. Ah, Noah. No, no, I have never heard of her. Nowhere in all London is the art of thrusting one's nose into other people's business. At lower ebb than in Soho, with its enormous foreign population. Our uncooperative landlady was a conspicuous practitioner of the ancient injunction live and let live as toland. I approached 101 Charlotte street, half a mile away, Detective Sergeant John Mullins, one of the men I'd posted to watch the Langlois establishment, called to me.

[Nero Wolf]

Hey, Inspector.

[Archie Goodwin]

Who's that? Oh. Oh, it's you, Mullins. Yes, sir.

[Nero Wolf]

Been looking for you, sir. You wanted your office at the Yard and I.

[Archie Goodwin]

What's up? He's come back, sir. Langlor? Must be him, sir. He looks like a bloody butcher.

[Nero Wolf]

He came up and unlocked the door.

[Narrator]

Of the place and went inside.

[Archie Goodwin]

He's still there?

[Nero Wolf]

Must be.

[Archie Goodwin]

We haven't seen him come out. Third.

[Nero Wolf]

The woman came up and knocked at.

[Archie Goodwin]

The door, sir, about 10 minutes ago and was admitted by him. Young. Well, not so young, Sergeant, but very handsome, I'd say. What'd she say? We couldn't hear Zan.

[Nero Wolf]

But she's there now.

[Archie Goodwin]

At least she hasn't come out either.

[Narrator]

She's Telling him all about the two.

[Archie Goodwin]

Policemen who were asking questions about him this morning. I'll take my oath he was there. So was Mademoiselle Francoise Grima. They had been sharing a bottle of villainous looking bat rouge. The kind the French soldiers call pina. Pina, right. Is said to dissolve the teeth of. Taken in quantity by an amateur. Neither Langlois nor Mademoiselle Grima were amateurs. Apparently they looked at us a trifle owlishly. However, we gratefully declined a drink. Langlois will peanut.

[Nero Wolf]

What do you want, policeman? Pan Garritien.

[Archie Goodwin]

What she say? Be careful what you say, sir. What? That's what she said, sir. Oh.

[Nero Wolf]

What do you want?

[Archie Goodwin]

We'd like to ask you a few questions, Monsieur Langlois.

[Nero Wolf]

Ask them.

[Archie Goodwin]

I do not guarantee to answer.

[Nero Wolf]

Que tu die, Etienne?

[Archie Goodwin]

Que dic. Je ne premerien. Mademoiselle Grimoire told us that she'd cleaned your place out. He did not clean it well enough. What did she say? She says I should be more careful when I butcher. You do your butchering in here?

[Nero Wolf]

Sometimes, monsieur.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mais c'est to Francoise. This blood on the walls, here on the floor. Animal blood then? From the calf I slaughtered. Would you mind if I take a small sample of it? Why not, monsieur? You will find it is calf's blood. Oh, monsieur. Take what you like, if you please, Tollen. Yes. Just scrape some of those stains, eh? Here, take this envelope. Yes, sir. Label it. Thank you. Now, if you'll open the door and hand it to Mullins. Ask him to hurry it back. You don't mind, Monsieur Langlois? I don't mind. Yes, sir. He's to take it to Sidney Belloc in the laboratory and have him tested at once to see if it is animal blood. It is, Mrs. And rush me a report here at once. I'll wait. Yes. Thank you, Monsieur Langlois. Is that all you wish, monsieur? I should like to ask another question or two, if I may, monsieur. Now, you are not required to answer this question, Monsieur Langlois. I know that. Ask it. You knew Mademoiselle Albertine du Rocher?

[Nero Wolf]

Did you know?

[Archie Goodwin]

I take it the lady did know her? She certainly did, sir. What is a. Well, Albertine Durocher.

[Nero Wolf]

And now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Excuse me, monsieur. I think it is better you go from here, Monsieur Langlois. I have several more questions. I am sorry, monsieur. I will not answer them. Well, you don't have to, of course, I am sure. But you will see that the matter of Mademoiselle Albertine Durocher is A very painful one for Mademoiselle Guimain and myself. Oh, allure. Oh, Albertine, you must. No, monsieur, I have answered enough. I know the British lord too, Monsieur. You may not enter my dwelling without a warrant if I wish you not to. Nor must I answer questions unless I so choose. You have no warrant. I choose not to answer any more of your questions. I ask you to go away from my house. The door, monsieur. A thwarted policeman is a sorry sight. We shambled down Charlotte street in the general direction of Scotland Yard. And the small measure of self respect we detained in our retreat to its sheltering walls was quickly stripped from us by Sergeant Mullins, who met us on the stairway to my office. I was just starting out to find you, sir. Yes, Sergeant? That sample of blood you sent me back with, sir. Yes? Laboratory says it's animal blood, sir.

[Nero Wolf]

Not human at all.

[Archie Goodwin]

Toland and I went home, but a night of even troubled sleep helps. I found obtaining a search warrant not too difficult. And armed with it, Toland, Mullins and I returned to Charlotte Street. Langlois greeted us with a tolerant smile, I think you'd call it if you were a novelist. It was the blood of an animal, was it not, Inspector? Yes. Yes, it was, Monsieur Langva. You see, I did not lie to you, Nezber. I have brought a search warrant. Is there any other room or building on these premises which you use for slaughtering? May as well tell me. We shall find it anyway. There is a small shed out this door, monsieur, but I have not used it for many months.

[Nero Wolf]

Out this door, monsieur?

[Archie Goodwin]

Go ahead, Marlon. You know what you're looking for. Right, sir. Is there a basement here? It is used for storage. We'll have a look at it later. Toland. Yes, sir. Have a good look round the other rooms first, Toland. Yes, sir. Monsieur, I assure you I'm the second thought to. Just run round to Munster Square, will you? Is that not where the Mademoiselle des Rocher lived? Just run around there, will you, and see what Tom Bennett's found out. Yes, sir. If his report isn't ready, wait for it and come back here at once. Right, sir.

[Nero Wolf]

May I ask.

[Archie Goodwin]

There's a pathologist over there with some portable laboratory equipment, monsieur. He's over there looking at some blood stains. Now, if you don't mind, I'll start in this room. Is this an abattoir tomb, monsieur? It is my kitchen. It was a most dingy kitchen, a most filthy kitchen. I inspected it carefully. Greasy saucepan, well scrubbed, butcher's knives, mouldy Pails of rubbish, stinking half empty tins of decayed fruit food. And under the ancient sink, a pile of stained linen. The third item I picked up was a blood stained towel. Animal blood too? I asked Langlois. He didn't reply. And then something fell out of the folds of the towel onto the floor. I picked it up. What's this? I asked.

[Nero Wolf]

It is an earring.

[Archie Goodwin]

It belongs to Francoise. To Mademoiselle Grimar. An earring, I said. I dropped it into my pocket. Let's ask her about that. I will give it to her, monsieur. Thank you. I'll just ask her to identify it when she comes in. Where is she, by the way?

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, is she?

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't know. We'll find her. Did you say this is animal blood on this towel, monsieur? From the calf which I slaughtered. How did an earring ever get in here? She lost it Saturday night whilst you were slaughtering the animal, monsieur. Who's that?

[Nero Wolf]

Me, sir. Sergeant Mullins.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, come in, Mullins. Did you find anything? These bags, sir, jute bags. What's it say on them? You read it. Langlock, Argentine, La Plata Cold storage. I have dozens of them. Curious. The same kind of sack the body was in. Well, let's keep them, Mullins. Now, who's that? Oh, here you are, sir. Vinnet says the stains are animal blood, so he's certain. I wonder how animal blood got in Mademoiselle de Rocha's room. Monsieur, I must speak to you. Eh? Very well. So you and Mullins go down to the cellar and see what you can find. Got a torch?

[Nero Wolf]

Yes, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, on now. Monsieur. Wait, monsieur. There's nothing down there. Get along. Monsieur, I confess. Go on. I did not kill her. Oh. I went to feed a cat. I found her dead in her room. She had been attacked. Oh, blood. I'm reliably informed that that is animal blood, monsieur.

[Nero Wolf]

I was frightened.

[Archie Goodwin]

The concierge, the landlady, she knew I was there. I might be accused of murder. That is possible. I brought the body back here. That blood out there in the kitchen, that is human blood. Her blood. I put her in the sack, but I did not kill her.

[Nero Wolf]

I did not, I tell you.

[Archie Goodwin]

In the night I got my horse and trap and I drove to Region.

[Nero Wolf]

Square with the body.

[Archie Goodwin]

And what did you do with the hand and the head? We found the head, sir.

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, no.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's in a cask downstairs, sir, with a hand. Can't identify it, sir, but there's an earring in one ear. The other's been torn.

[Narrator]

Out.

[Archie Goodwin]

If we can find it. Who's that now? Come in. Good morning, Mademoiselle Grimald. Mademoiselle, do you recognize this earring? What'd she say? She says it's the one that got caught in the towel, sir. Why, it's the same as the one. The one down in the cellar, sir. She says they've found it. They found the head. Stop.

[Narrator]

Stop.

[Archie Goodwin]

She'll understand it. 18. Langlois, I arrest you on a charge of willful murder. I arrest you for the willful murder of Albertine de Roa. I warn you that anything you say will be taken down in writing and may be used in evidence. At the trial at Old Bailey, it was proved that Albertine de Rosa, instead of going to the air raid shelter when the alarm was given, had instead gone to the home of her lover, Langlois, who was entertaining Francoise Grima. A quarrel ensued, and the Derosan woman was struck on the head and killed. We found the murder weapon, a cleaver owned by Langlois. The only fingerprints on it were those of Francoise Grima. Langlois had gone to the dead woman's flat in Munster Square the next night with a container of animal blood in an attempt to make good his hastily conceived story. Then, realizing he must do better than that, he resorted to the practice of his profession. His handwriting matched the bloody Belgium written on the pasteboard with a body. It was a joke, he said, to foil people.

[Narrator]

It didn't.

[Archie Goodwin]

Etienne Langlois and Francoise Grimas were hanged at Wandsworth Prison in May 1918.

[Narrator]

You have heard another in the series.

[Archie Goodwin]

Whitehall 12, compiled from the official files of Scotland Yard.

[Narrator]

Research is from Percy Hoskins of the London Daily Express.

[Archie Goodwin]

Whitehall 12 will not be heard next Sunday, giving way to a special broadcast.

[Narrator]

Of the Masters Open golf tournament from Augusta, Georgia.

[Archie Goodwin]

But we shall return to you at this time, two weeks from today.

[Narrator]

Among those heard in this reenactment of.

[Archie Goodwin]

A celebrated case were Horace Brehm, Harvey Hayes, Lester Fletcher, Evan Thomas, John Dirt, Patricia Courtly and Elizabeth Eustace. The stories for radio on Whitehall 1212.

[Narrator]

Are written and directed by Willis Coop. Three chimes mean good times.

[Archie Goodwin]

On NBC this evening, the big show.

[Narrator]

Stars Judy Canova, Fred Allen, Jan Murray.

[Archie Goodwin]

Vivian Blaine, Portland Hoffa, Johnny Johnston, and.

[Narrator]

Your glamorous hostess, Tallulah Bankhead.

[Archie Goodwin]

With Meredith Wilson directing the Big show orchestra and chorus.

[Narrator]

Then later this evening, Theater Guild on the air.

[Archie Goodwin]

Co stars Lily Palmer and Rex Harrison. Then tomorrow afternoon and every weekday afternoon, be sure to hear the new dramatic series, the Doctor's wife.

[Narrator]

Yes. Morning, noon and night.

[Archie Goodwin]

For the best in radio entertainment, stay tuned to NBC.

[Narrator]

Remember tonight, Theater Guild stars Rex Harrison.

[Archie Goodwin]

And Lily Palmer on NBC.

[Narrator]

You can find more from Nero Wolf, Whitehall 12, this podcast and all of the other Relic radio shows@ Relicradio.com our shoutcast stream is there with even more old time radio streaming 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And if you'd like to help support it all, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. We've got some downloadable sets for certain donation amounts, so any amount is always helpful and appreciated. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this Wednesday. I'll be back next Wednesday with another hour of Case Closed.