Nick Carter and Rogue’s Gallery

Summary

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Case Closed! – "Nick Carter and Rogue’s Gallery"

Podcast: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio)
Host: RelicRadio.com
Episode Date: December 31, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Case Closed! brings listeners two classic crime mysteries from the golden age of radio: a Nick Carter, Master Detective tale titled "The Funeral Wreath: Or Nick Carter and the Mystery of the White Verbenas", followed by a suspenseful case featuring Dick Powell as Richard Rogue in Rogue’s Gallery. Both stories highlight the era’s love for clever detectives, elaborate alibis, and the unmasking of murderers through sharp observation and keen deduction.

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Part 1: Nick Carter, Master Detective

Story Title: The Funeral Wreath: Or Nick Carter and the Mystery of the White Verbenas
Featured Characters:

• Nick Carter (Detective)
• Patsy (Assistant)
• Lieutenant Riley (Police)
• Officer Green
• Johnny (Feature Writer)

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

[02:30] – The Case is Introduced

• A series of robberies plague Pine Street, culminating in the murder of old man Bramwell.
• Officer Green describes the night: while his partner steps away to check on his wife, Green spots a suspicious “undertaker” leaving Bramwell's house and placing a funeral wreath on the door.

[04:51] – The Corpse and the Undertaker

• The mysterious man, dressed in undertaker's attire, claims Bramwell died suddenly and hands over a card: “J. Atherton Osgood, mortician.”
• After a struggle, the man escapes; inside, Bramwell is found murdered, his head smashed in.

"This man interests me. He goes to commit a murder and takes a funeral wreath along to hang on the door of his victim's home. That's a new one on me."
— Nick Carter ([06:57])

[07:25] – Clues and Deduction

• Nick focuses on two clues: the funeral wreath and the business card, suspecting their authenticity might offer a lead.
• Johnny is dispatched to the library to dig up the Mortician’s Annual for information on J. Atherton Osgood.

[11:18] – Research Results

• The card belongs to a legitimate funeral home in Akron, Ohio. Johnny is tasked to find connections between Akron criminals and the current case.

[13:25] – The Wreath as a Key Clue

• Nick and Patsy visit local florists. Mr. Schwartz identifies the wreath as homemade, created by someone familiar with wreaths, not a professional florist, and notes the rare white verbenas used in the arrangement.

[17:01] – Linking the Suspect

• Nick contacts Mr. Osgood, who confirms an assistant—matching the killer's description—left his employ abruptly three months ago.

[18:35] – Undertakers Canvassed

• After questioning several undertakers, Nick and Riley learn a new assistant, “Mr. Carnes,” recently joined a local firm—matching their suspect’s profile.
• Carnes is preparing to escort a body to Cleveland and is suspected to be leaving with stolen jewels.

[21:22] – The Flowers Give Him Away

• Using the clue of the white verbenas, Nick locates Carnes’ home by spotting the rare flowers in the garden.

[23:07] – The Confrontation and Capture

• Nick confronts Carnes, accusing him of murder and robbery, and reveals the incriminating details:
  • The funeral wreath was homemade with unique flowers from Carnes' own garden.
  • The business card led back to his former job in Akron.
• Carnes attempts to shoot his way out, but is apprehended.

"Convicted by his own funeral wreath. Which is poetic justice if I ever heard it."
— Nick Carter ([25:10])

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Policemen’s Banter: Riley’s exasperation and Nick’s genial teasing, e.g.,
  "So long. I don't envy Riley when the reporters get after him." — Patsy ([10:06])
• Floral Clue Realization:
  "A florist told me that wreath wasn't made by a real florist, but by someone who's seen lots of them." — Nick Carter ([23:50])

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Key Timestamps

• [02:30] Introduction of the crime
• [05:46] The undertaker’s business card clue
• [11:18] Mortician’s Annual yields lead to Akron, Ohio
• [14:44] Discovery that wreath is homemade
• [17:01] Confirmation: suspect was undertaker’s assistant
• [21:22] The flowerbed leads to Carnes’ home
• [23:00–25:10] Carnes confronted; confession and capture

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Part 2: Rogue’s Gallery

Case: The Death Threat to Judge Colin Baker
Featured Characters:

• Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)
• Judge Colin Baker
• Betty Callahan (Reporter)
• Urban (Detective Friend)
• Mike (Photographer/Assistant/Accomplice)
• Mary Miller

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

[29:44] – Characters and Setting

• Judge Colin Baker, notorious “hanging judge” turned criminal defense attorney, throws a cocktail party after a big case win.
• Rogue attends with Betty Callahan, reporter, and mingles with party guests, including figures with grudges against Baker.

[35:29] – The Death Threat

• Judge Baker receives an anonymous death threat:

  "You won't be alive at this time tomorrow night. You can't run so far that I won't find you and kill you.” ([35:39])

• Suspicion is shrugged off, but Baker is shaken and asks Rogue to stay as a bodyguard for $500.

[39:18] – Rogue Gets Sidetracked

• After Betty leaves, Rogue is knocked unconscious and kidnapped to Mulholland Drive, chained to a tree by the mysterious assailant.
• Urban rescues Rogue, who realizes someone wanted him out of the way for several hours.

[46:57] – The Judge is Dead

• Returning to the penthouse, Rogue and Urban find Judge Baker strangled to death in a locked apartment ("blue in the face," no external marks).

"Well, the judge will never be any debtor. Blue in the face. He’s been strangled."
— Urban ([47:27])

[50:00] – The Locked Room Puzzle

• Suspects include Mary Miller, recently acquitted by Baker and present at the party.
• Rogue detects a strange smell (cyanide) in the air and investigates further, suspecting cyanide gas poisoning instead of manual strangulation.

[52:11] – The Motive Uncovered

• Research at the library uncovers the anniversary of the wrongful execution of Harold Michael, sentenced by Baker; the real killer confessed later.
• Motive points toward revenge for a legal murder.

[55:03] – Confronting the Killer

• Rogue discovers Mike, the judge’s photographer at the party, placing a crock of acid in the air conditioning.
• Mike, revealed as Harold Michael’s son, had engineered cyanide gas release, using a timed acid drop mechanism to dissolve string suspending a cyanide pellet over acid.

“I executed the man who executed him in his own private gas chamber. Just like they do it at Quentin. I waited a long time for the chance.”
— Mike ([55:03])

• Mike refuses to surrender and leaps to his death.

[56:13] – Denouement

• Rogue recaps the mechanics of the case:
  • The murder was staged with scientific precision.
  • The death was both personal and poetic justice for the killer.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Dick Powell’s Cynicism:
  “Yeah, we couldn’t cred them. You can’t call a prominent guy like the judge a crook. And you can’t call a murderer a murderer after a bought jury says he’s not.” ([32:14])
• The Locked Room Logic:
  “How could he be strangled? ... The odor of cyanide is brought out by cigarette smoke.”
  — Rogue ([49:59], [52:41])
• Killer’s Righteousness:
  "I'm glad I killed him, Rogue. I'm coming after you, Mike. I'm not waiting. Rogue. I don't like the gas chamber. Mike, Mike, don’t come back here. I'm not sorry for anything. Tell them that was my payoff line, will you, Rogue?" — Mike ([55:57])

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Key Timestamps

• [29:44] Introduction to Judge Baker’s penthouse and party
• [35:29] Judge receives death threat (anniversary reference)
• [39:18] Rogue is ambushed and kidnapped
• [46:57] Discovery of Judge Baker’s body
• [49:59] Rogue suspects gas poisoning (cyanide)
• [52:41] Motive uncovered – anniversary of wrongful execution
• [55:03] Confession and confrontation atop the penthouse

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Thematic Notes & Tone

Both radio dramas feature brisk, witty dialogue and clever plotting—the hallmarks of vintage detective stories. The tone alternates between comically light (teasing among cops and sidekicks) and suspenseful, especially as each case races to its reveal. Listeners are treated to old-time charm, methodical clue-gathering, and poetic justice, with each culprit’s undoing tied to their own signature mistake.

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Episode Highlights

• Nick Carter’s Analytical Skill: Tracking the killer through a rare flower, an undertaker’s card, and a homemade wreath.
• Rogue’s Locked Room Mystery: Ingeniously resolving how a murder is committed in a sealed penthouse via a timed poison-gas device designed for revenge.
• Classic Radio Wit: Banter such as,
  “Have your fun. But you’re laughing at this sick man. So long.” — Officer Green ([10:01])

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Conclusion

This Case Closed! episode is an exemplar of old-time detective radio, seamlessly blending gripping mysteries, colorful character work, and slices of period lingo. Nick Carter’s stakeout pivots on rare flowers and a thorny trail of undertakers, while Richard Rogue cracks a scientifically elaborate murder and unmasks a son’s quest for justice. Both cases showcase the enduring appeal of radio’s golden age detectives and their sharp, humane, genre-defining style.

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Transcript

[Nick Carter]

This is Case Closed crime stories from the golden age of radio.

[Patsy]

What's the matter? What is it?

[Narrator]

It's another case for Nick Carter, Master Detective. Yes, it's another case for that most famous of all manhunters, the detective whose ability at solving crime is unequalled in the history of detective fiction. Nick Carter, Master Detective Presented by the three great Linax Home Brighteners, Linux Clear Gloss, Linux Cream Polish and Linux Self Polishing Wax. Created by Acme, America's great producer of Acme quality paints.

[Nick Carter]

Today's curious adventure, the Funeral Wreath or Nick Carter and the Mystery of the White Verbinas.

[Narrator]

In just a moment we'll hear how Nick Carter made a funeral wreath. Give him the answer to a cold blooded murder. But first, a word of advice. As a homemaker, you know what a job it is to keep a home attractive. That's why you've appreciated the new beauty which Chemtone, the Miracle Wall Finish has.

[Lieutenant Riley]

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[Narrator]

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[Green (Police Officer)]

Well, it's like this. You see, Nick tonight after old man Bramble give me the devil this morning about there being four robberies on his street in three weeks. I picked the best man I got in the force and. And I sent him up to Pine street where all these robberies been taking place. And I told him to watch like his life depended on it. And then about 1 o' clock this morning I got to thinking about it and I decided to go up there and have a look for myself. Just to be sure, you know.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Sure I know.

[Nick Carter]

The demon of the police force goes.

[Lieutenant Riley]

On the job himself.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Oh, now look, Nicky, you gotta let me tell this or not.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Sorry, Riley, Go on with your story.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Well, like I said, I went to Pine street myself and I found the cop I'd set up there. It was right on the job okay, and everything was quiet as far as I could see. So I asked him how he was making out.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Nothing storing so far, Lieutenant. No suspicious characters around at all. You've been right here all the time, eh, Green? Oh, every minute, Lieutenant. Good. You just dropped around to be sure, Lieutenant. Have you got a minute to spare? You mean, have I got a minute? Well, it's like this. My wife's having a baby tonight. I expect she went to the hospital this afternoon just before I came on duty. And being as how I'm out here where no one could reach me, I just kind of thought I'd.

[Green (Police Officer)]

I want a corner to see if you're a father yet.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Well, yes, sir. And I. I thought that if you wouldn't mind watching here a minute, I. I just phoned from the drugstore just around the corner. Only take me a minute, sir.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Sure, sure, go ahead and phone. I'll wait till you come back. But don't stand gabbling for a half an hour.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Oh, I won't, sir. So he went off and left you all alone.

[Patsy]

Too bad.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Say, it was too bad.

[Green (Police Officer)]

If we'd both been there, we might have got that dirty crook.

[Patsy]

So what happened then, Lieutenant?

[Green (Police Officer)]

Well, I stood there in the shadow.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Of the corner house, you see, watching.

[Green (Police Officer)]

And a moment later I saw a dark figure come out of old Bramwell's house, which was just two doors up the street. I knew Bramwell and his wife lived.

[Lieutenant Riley]

There alone with all your maids.

[Green (Police Officer)]

So I wondered who it would be.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Coming out there that time. Time of night.

[Green (Police Officer)]

And what made me even more suspicious, there was no light on in the hall like there would be if somebody was saying good night to him. So I says to myself, I'll just go over and find out who he is, because I'm not taking no chances tonight.

[Lieutenant Riley]

And you went over? I did that. The guy just stood there at the.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Top of the steps. He seemed to be fumbling with something.

[Lieutenant Riley]

In a bag there.

[Green (Police Officer)]

As soon as I got up to the house, he turned around and hung something right beside the door. It was too dark to see what it was at first, but as he started down the steps, I saw it was a funeral wreath with a long streamlet of purple ribbon on it.

[Nick Carter]

How was a man dressed, Riley?

[Green (Police Officer)]

Just like an undertaker, Nick. Black gloves and a tall hat and a long black coat.

[Patsy]

Could you see his face? Oh, not very well in the dark, but.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Well, I wasn't looking for nothing like that.

[Green (Police Officer)]

So I asked him who was dead.

[Lieutenant Riley]

I regret to inform you that Mr. George Bramwell has just Passed away.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Bramwell, you say? Old man Bramwell himself?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Yes, very suddenly. Almost in his sleep, you might say.

[Green (Police Officer)]

And he was down to see me just this morning. Looking fine, he was.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Yes, very sad. Well, if you'll pardon me, I must be going. Allow me to present you with one of my cards in case you ever have need of a man in my profession. A card?

[Green (Police Officer)]

Oh, yeah.

[Patsy]

Thanks.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Thanks.

[Green (Police Officer)]

J. Atherton Osgood, mortician.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Yes. If you should ever need my services, I shall be happy to be of service in any way. Atherton as good.

[Green (Police Officer)]

There ain't no undertaker in this town where that. Hey, you. Just a minute. There ain't no one.

[Lieutenant Riley]

So long, copper.

[Patsy]

Lieutenant, what happened?

[Lieutenant Riley]

That man, the one with the black bag.

[Green (Police Officer)]

There's nobody on the street, Lieutenant. What happened to undertaker? He knocked me down. What's that? That came from Bramwell's house. Come on. Come on.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Are you all right, sir?

[Green (Police Officer)]

Can you walk? Of course I can walk. I can't go any. What's the matter here, lady? What are you screaming at?

[Patsy]

Look there.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Bramwell with his head all smashed in.

[Patsy]

Oh, gosh, Lieutenant, no wonder you're worried.

[Green (Police Officer)]

I'm afraid to read what the newspapers will say. I can see him now. Lieutenant Riley of the Metropolitan Police talks to murderer on steps and murders man's home. And then is tricked into letting him go. Ah, tis a sorry day for me.

[Nick Carter]

Well, Riley, feeling sorry for yourself isn't.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Gonna hit you anywhere. This man interests me. He goes to commit a murder and takes a funeral wreath along to hang on the door of his victim's home. That's a new one on me.

[Patsy]

Nick, why don't you give Riley a hand? See if you can't find this crook for him.

[Lieutenant Riley]

I think I will. Fancy that is, if Riley wants me to.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Wants you to? What do you think I've been telling you this for? Just to pass the time of day.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Very well, Riley.

[Patsy]

Very well.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Since you beg me so politely, I'll be only too happy to put my talents at your disposal.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Where do we begin, Nick?

[Nick Carter]

Now, you say the murderer wore gloves.

[Lieutenant Riley]

So you must have left no fingerprints behind him.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Yeah, that's right. Nick and I went all through the rogues gallery this morning. There's nothing there that looks like him.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Which leaves us, if I'm not mistaken, but two clues. The funeral wreath and the card he gave you. Neither one of them is worth the Tinker's dam. No? Why not?

[Green (Police Officer)]

Well, that's the same kind of wreath they tack on anybody's door when there's a death in the Family. And you certainly don't think that guy forked over his own card, do you?

[Nick Carter]

You're wrong on both counts, Raleigh.

[Patsy]

Now, how do you figure that?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Well, take the card first.

[Nick Carter]

May not be probably isn't his own.

[Lieutenant Riley]

But it's somebody's card. Look at it, Betsy. It's not printed, it's engraved.

[Patsy]

You're right.

[Lieutenant Riley]

If it was a phony, chances are it would just be a printed one.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Ah, good morning, folks.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Beautiful morning. Lovely morning, isn't it? Yes.

[Green (Police Officer)]

I say, you.

[Lieutenant Riley]

You report.

[Patsy]

Johnny. Come on in.

[Nick Carter]

Oh, morning, Johnny. You're just in time.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Now, look here, Johnny Woodsy, if you dare to print a word of this in that yellow rag you work for, I'll. Now, now, now, hold on, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Riley]

It's not a yellow rag and I don't work for it. I'm a feature writer and not a reporter. So just keep your shirt on, huh? Whatever it is, it's getting you all hot and bothered.

[Patsy]

Riley's in the spot, Johnny, and the very thought of publicity makes him squirm.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Oh, fear not.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Fear not, lovely policeman. Your secret shall be locked forever within.

[Lieutenant Riley]

The four walls of my heart. Lovely policeman. Who's this all about? It's a long story. I'll give you the details later.

[Nick Carter]

But right now I've got a job.

[Lieutenant Riley]

For you, if you have time to do it.

[Nick Carter]

Always at your service, Nicholas.

[Lieutenant Riley]

And the beautiful Patsy Begone.

[Nick Carter]

I want you to get hold of someone who can let you into the.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Public library at this hour of the day?

[Nick Carter]

I don't care if it is early in the morning, and I don't care how sore they get about letting you in.

[Lieutenant Riley]

But dig up somebody who can find you a copy of the Mortician's Annual. The Mortician's Annual?

[Nick Carter]

Yes, you know, it's the undertaker's trade publication.

[Lieutenant Riley]

See if you can find an undertaker named J Atherton Osgood. J. Atherton Osgood. All right, then. What?

[Nick Carter]

Come back here and let me know.

[Lieutenant Riley]

What it says about him.

[Nick Carter]

And make it a rush order.

[Lieutenant Riley]

This can't wait. Consider it Don Nicholas. I'm on my way. Toot Lou.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Nick, are you batted? Did you mean to tell me you think that guy's name really was J Atherton Osgood?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Not at all, Riley. But since it's a genuine business card, he must have picked it up somewhere along his travels. This smile Osgood may help up get a line on him. That's too much for me, Nick.

[Green (Police Officer)]

You want me for anything more here?

[Lieutenant Riley]

No, not just now, Riley. I'll let you know if I do. What are you going to do? I'd rather be shot than do what I have to do, Nick.

[Patsy]

What's that, Lieutenant?

[Green (Police Officer)]

Get down to headquarters and explain to the reporters how it happened that that clerk got away from you last night.

[Patsy]

Oh, well. Well, good luck to you.

[Nick Carter]

And you better put a shamrock over your left ear for luck.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Okay, Nico, okay. Have your fun. But you're laughing at this sick man. So long.

[Patsy]

So long. I don't envy Riley when the reporters get after him.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Well, Francie, we've got something to do ourselves. Get me the latest city directory.

[Patsy]

Right here, Nick. I was using it. What do you want to know?

[Lieutenant Riley]

I want a list of all the florists in the city.

[Patsy]

What on earth for?

[Lieutenant Riley]

We're going to call on them and see which of them made this funeral wreath and for whom. They'll get busy. Nearly through, Patsy.

[Patsy]

Just a couple more, Nick.

[Lieutenant Riley]

But what a list. Maybe we'll be lucky and only have to call on a few of them.

[Patsy]

I should hope so. Why, if we have to call on him? Aye, folks, we.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Your messenger is back, Johnny. Well? Oh, yes, yes, very well, I might say. Okay. What do you mean? Well, routed out the sweetest little redhead sub third assistant librarian you ever saw. Name was Myrtle o'. Toole, and I got her to open one of the branch libraries for me. Did you get what I wanted?

[Patsy]

That?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Sure. Myrtle was kind of sore at me for making her lose her beauty sleep, but I sold them. Oh, yes.

[Patsy]

I'm Susan Casanova Winters in person.

[Nick Carter]

Johnny, what did you find out?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Yannick? Down in black and white. J. Atherton Osgood Funeral Chapel. Akron, Ohio. Yep.

[Nick Carter]

Johnny, Patsy and I are going out.

[Lieutenant Riley]

I want you to go through the files and see what you can find that has to do with Akron. Right, Nick, about what dates they. They. Within the last year. I'm not quite sure of the dates yet.

[Patsy]

I finished the list, Nick. You want to go now?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Yes, Patsy. The sooner the better. Okay, get your hat and let's be on our way. Hi, Nick. Where you going with that funeral wreath?

[Nick Carter]

I don't know for sure, Johnny, but I hope to hang it around a.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Murderer'S neck before long.

[Narrator]

So Nick believes the funeral wreath which the killer hung in his victim's door will lead him to the killer himself. What can there be about that wreath that makes it such an important clue? We'll see in just a moment. Ever notice how much a shining, clean.

[Lieutenant Riley]

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[Narrator]

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[Lieutenant Riley]

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[Narrator]

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[Lieutenant Riley]

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[Narrator]

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[Lieutenant Riley]

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[Narrator]

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[Lieutenant Riley]

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[Narrator]

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[Lieutenant Riley]

Paint, hardware or department store, where you'll.

[Narrator]

Find all three great Linux home brighteners and Chemtone, the miracle wall finish that dries in one hour. Now back to our story. We left Nick and Patsy trying to.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Find the florist who made the funeral.

[Narrator]

Wreath which the killer hung on the door of the man he had just murdered.

[Lieutenant Riley]

That's it, Betsy. Just ahead. I Silverman.

[Patsy]

I hope this forest can tell you more than the other four we visited. They didn't know from nothing.

[Lieutenant Riley]

I hope this wreath doesn't get worn out before I find out who made it. Yes, what is it? Did this funeral wreath come from your shop? From my shop? Let me see. No, it couldn't be from here all day yesterday, business was very bad.

[Green (Police Officer)]

I send out not one single order all day. Only two customers.

[Lieutenant Riley]

All right, I'll take your word for it. But how about the day before?

[Nick Carter]

Did you send it out then?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Perhaps? That's not possible, mister. These flowers, they are too fresh. They could not have been peaked before yesterday, or so fresh they wouldn't be now.

[Nick Carter]

You mean the wreath was definite made up yesterday?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Sure, mister. Couldn't be before yesterday. Flowers there to fret. Any idea who might have made it up? That I couldn't say, mister. It's a very ordinary piece. Could be anybody made it. Okay, thanks.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Come sometime when you want to buy something, maybe.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Yes, mister. Thanks, I will.

[Patsy]

Any luck, Mitch?

[Lieutenant Riley]

No. I did find out the wreath was definitely made yesterday, that's all.

[Patsy]

Who's next on the place?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Before we visit the next place, I want to call Johnny and ask him what he found. Maybe that'll give us a lead. I found three notices from the Akron police, Nick.

[Nick Carter]

Any of them the men we want, Johnny?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Well, I can't tell. Descriptions are so general, they don't mean much. What are the dates on Them? Oh, one is dated almost a year ago. One is dated about three months ago and the other is two months ago. Nice. See? Well, not much help there, I'm afraid. And wait a minute. Two of the men are wanted for murder and robbery and the other for robbery alone.

[Nick Carter]

Okay, Johnny, sit tight.

[Lieutenant Riley]

I may need you again. So long. So long, Nick.

[Patsy]

I gather he didn't find anything that will help us.

[Lieutenant Riley]

No, not without some additional evidence. Well, I've got to call on the next florist on our list. That's the only lead we have that's any good. Mr. Schwartz, could you tell me if you made this wreath? Did I make it? No, mister, I did not make it. Well, could you tell me who might have made it? Let me look. Yes. I could not say for certain, mister, but I am in this business a long time. I think this was not made by the florist. Oh, that's so. Are you sure? No, I am not sure. But it looks as if it was made by someone who has seen a lot of wreaths like this. But it's not the regular florist. Someone who's seen a lot of wreaths like it, but not a professional florist. Funny, none of the other florists noticed that. They probably were not as experienced in the business as I am. Or they did not look closely enough. I'm sure it is not professional. And another thing, these flowers. Yes, like a book. I know all the greenhouses around here and not one of them grows flowers like these. That I'm sure. Thanks very much. You've told me a lot, Mr. Schwartz. So long. Goodbye, mister.

[Patsy]

Any lockers on this?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Patsy, I think we've got something.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Oh, good.

[Patsy]

What is it?

[Nick Carter]

Find me a telephone.

[Lieutenant Riley]

I want to talk to Mr. J.

[Nick Carter]

Atherton Osgood of Akron.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Thin, sallow looking man, thin cheeks.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Looked like a cartoon of old man gloom.

[Nick Carter]

I see, Mr. Osgood. And you say he left your employ very suddenly?

[Green (Police Officer)]

Yes, it was about three months ago. He went home one night and he never showed up again. No word from him at all.

[Nick Carter]

That's the man, all right. Thanks very much, Mr. Osgood.

[Patsy]

Could he help you, Nick?

[Nick Carter]

Yes, Patsy. He says he had a man working for him as undertaker's assistant who left him suddenly about three months ago. And his description of the man agrees with Riley's description of the man who killed Bramwell last night.

[Patsy]

So what do we do now? Visit some more florists?

[Nick Carter]

No, Betsy. We visit some undertakers.

[Patsy]

But why are you so sure? The killer works for an undertaker. Name?

[Nick Carter]

It's Logical, Patsy. He apparently came to town about three months ago. But he started these robberies, as far as we know, only three weeks ago. Now, what could be more natural than for him to get a job at the trade he knew? Undertaker's assistant. That would give him time to look over the town and decide where he wanted to pull his jobs. And it also legalized his being in town in case anything came up to question it.

[Patsy]

Well, we've tried seven undertakers and none of them had any nice fresh assistance. Hope we have better luck at this next one.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Why, yes, Mr. Carter. We do have a new assistant, a Mr. Carnes. A very fine man, most efficient. Came here about three months ago. But I'm sure he can't be the man.

[Nick Carter]

What does he look like?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Why, he's about as tall as you are. Not nearly as heavily built. His cheeks are thin. And he looks rather like. Like old man gloom. Well, I wouldn't like to say that. But he does, you know. Now that you mention it, he does rather resemble that character.

[Nick Carter]

Yes, I'd like to see him.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Why, he's not here today, Mr. Carter. He's home packing his bag. Packing his bag?

[Nick Carter]

You mean he's leaving town?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Just overnight, that's all. We're shipping one of our late clients to Cleveland. Mr. Carnes is going with a body to deliver it to relatives there.

[Nick Carter]

I see. Will you mind telling me where your Mr. Carnes lives?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Why, I'm not sure, Mr. Carter. I've never become that friendly with Mr. Ah, heavens, man.

[Nick Carter]

Surely you know where your own employees live.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Oh, but he's not one of my employees, Mr. Carter. I'm not the head of this establishment. Mr. Grayson is. He could tell you, of course.

[Nick Carter]

Well, where's Mr. Grayson? I'll ask him.

[Lieutenant Riley]

I'm very sorry to say he's not here to.

[Nick Carter]

Not here?

[Lieutenant Riley]

No, he's been called out into the country to supervise a very special. All right, all right.

[Nick Carter]

And you say you don't know Carnes home address?

[Lieutenant Riley]

No, I don't. But I believe he lives on Oakmont Terrace, if I remember correctly.

[Nick Carter]

Oakmont Terrace?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Yes, Mr. Carter, but I don't know the number. I'll find it out.

[Nick Carter]

Oh, by the way, this body that Carnes is taking to Cleveland, who got it ready for shipment?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Why, our Mr. Carnes did. He came to work early this morning in order to get it ready in time. And now he's.

[Nick Carter]

Thanks. That's all I want to know. So long. You mean you really got a lead.

[Green (Police Officer)]

On the killer, Nick?

[Nick Carter]

I mean just that. Riley, he Lives on Oakmont Terrace, but I don't know the number. Now, listen, Riley. Meet me at the corner of Oakmont and Danbury as soon as you can.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Okay?

[Nick Carter]

I want you to identify the man for me.

[Green (Police Officer)]

When I find him, I'll be out there in two shakes of a lamb's tail. Nick, I want to get my hands on that guy. I'll give him the worst trouble.

[Nick Carter]

Yes, I know. I know, Riley. But wait till we catch him first. See you at Oakmont and Denbrugh in 20 minutes. Just drive slowly along the street.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Magic.

[Nick Carter]

I want to see if I can.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Get any clue to which is Carnes house.

[Patsy]

You don't expect to find him sitting on his doorstep, do you, Nick?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Hardly, Betsy. But one of the florists I visited gave me an idea.

[Patsy]

An idea about what?

[Lieutenant Riley]

About the flowers and that wreath. He said that. Ah, there.

[Nick Carter]

That's the house. My hunch was right.

[Patsy]

You mean the house where Carnes live?

[Nick Carter]

Yes, I'm sure of it.

[Patsy]

Why, Nick, how can you tell?

[Nick Carter]

By the garden in front of the house.

[Patsy]

But what cat. Oh, there's Riley pulling around the corner up there. Shall we go meet him?

[Nick Carter]

Yes. I want to get this over with as soon as I can.

[Patsy]

Right.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Hey, Nick, let's cook it.

[Nick Carter]

Just this rally. I feel sure the killer of old man Bramwell lives in that gray bungalow up the street.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Huh?

[Nick Carter]

I think he's probably in there now. I'm going in and see. You wait outside in case he gets away from me.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Oh, but why not let me go in?

[Nick Carter]

Because you know him when you see him. I don't. So you wait outside. And you, Patsy, stay down here at.

[Lieutenant Riley]

The corner, out of the way.

[Patsy]

But suppose he tries to shoot you, Nick? Wouldn't it be safer to take Riley in?

[Nick Carter]

If there's any shooting, Riley can come in and give me a hand.

[Green (Police Officer)]

I'll do that, Nick. And happy to get a shot at that rat.

[Nick Carter]

Okay, let's get going.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Leave your car here so he won't suspect anything if you should happen to look out the window.

[Green (Police Officer)]

How'd you happen to get on the.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Track of this mug investigation, Riley?

[Nick Carter]

Investigation and deduction plus common sense.

[Lieutenant Riley]

That don't tell me much. I'll give you the details later. All right, here's the house. Now remember, stay here unless they're shooting or unless he gets away from me and you'll grab him. Right, Nick.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Good luck.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Well, Mr. Carnes here?

[Patsy]

Yes, that second door there. Shall I call?

[Nick Carter]

He's expecting me.

[Patsy]

Thanks. Oh, all right. You can go right in then.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Thanks. Hey, what the.

[Nick Carter]

Your name Carnes?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Yeah. So what? I want to talk to you. Got any reason for busting into a guy's. I mean, is that any reason why you should enter my room without knocking?

[Nick Carter]

Why, yes. I was afraid I might not catch you if I lost any time. You seem to be leaving town.

[Lieutenant Riley]

I don't know what you have on your mind, but I'm sure I'm not the one you want to see. I don't believe I know you. Well, I know you.

[Nick Carter]

You work for Grayson the undertaker, don't you? You're leaving town to chaperone a dead body to Cleveland.

[Lieutenant Riley]

That's quite correct.

[Nick Carter]

I know a lot more, too. I know you killed George Bramwell last night in cold blood. I took 3,000 in cash and 10,000 in jewels from a safe. It's a pretty slick stunt to impersonate a departing undertaker and leave the wreath in the door.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Go on. You interest me.

[Nick Carter]

But that was where you made your mistake, Carnes. Because a florist told me that wreath wasn't made by a real florist, but by someone who's seen lots of them.

[Narrator]

So I figured that the killer who.

[Nick Carter]

Might have worked for an undertaker sometime was you.

[Lieutenant Riley]

So you picked me out as the culprit.

[Nick Carter]

There's another mistake to use.

[Lieutenant Riley]

That card you picked up in Akron.

[Nick Carter]

Gave us a good line on you. Of course, going into the undertaking business here was an excellent idea from your point of view. Gave you a splendid chance to find out where the rich homes were located without attracting attention.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Is that all? Not quite. I have a hunch that if we were to pry up the lid of.

[Nick Carter]

That casket, you're going to chaperone out of town. We'd find you'd hidden the loot in there.

[Lieutenant Riley]

This is all very entertaining, but so far you haven't shown any proof that connects this wild story up to me.

[Nick Carter]

So I must ask you, how about this, then? That homemade funeral wreath was made of white verbenas, a very uncommon flower around here. And there's a fine bed of verbenas growing in front of this house. The only white verbenas anywhere around here. So put on your hat, Carnes, and we'll go out and let Lieutenant Riley identify you as the man who slugged him last night.

[Lieutenant Riley]

You can go to.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Oh.

[Patsy]

Oh.

[Nick Carter]

You take better aims, Carnes. You really hope to shoot your way out?

[Lieutenant Riley]

You got nothing on me.

[Nick Carter]

I was just trying. Whatever you're trying to do. That shot you fired just now was a signed confession of guilt.

[Green (Police Officer)]

You're all right, Dick. Did you get it?

[Nick Carter]

Yes, yes. Everything's under control.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Riley. There's your killer.

[Green (Police Officer)]

Hey, that's the guy, all right.

[Nick Carter]

Convicted by his own funeral wreath. Which is poetic justice if I ever heard it.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, Nick and Patsy will bring you a preview of next week's exciting case.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Here's a suggestion.

[Narrator]

Give your floors a handsome surface in a jiffy with Linax Self Polishing Wax. The liquid wax you simply wipe on without rubbing or polishing. Linax Self Polishing Wax keeps all your floors, wood, tile and linoleum looking their shining best yet. It's so quick to use and it dries to an elastic, satiny finish that wears amazingly and is unusually resistant to dirt and water. It contains the greatest possible amount of genuine carnava wax with no gum, shellac or resin to chip or crumble. So get it now. Linax Self Polishing Wax to keep your floors beautiful the easy way. If your dealer hasn't yet received his supply of the three great Linax home brighteners, he'll probably have them soon. Ask him to save one or all.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Of them for you.

[Narrator]

Acme will see that he gets them and you get them as quickly as possible. And now let's hear from Nick Carter himself. How about it, Nick? Have you got something new and exciting for us next week?

[Nick Carter]

I think so, Ken. In the courtyard of a new and.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Expensive apartment building, the body of a man was found floating in the lily.

[Patsy]

Pool with a large knife in his back.

[Lieutenant Riley]

There was practically nothing to tell us who did it or why.

[Nick Carter]

But when I got started on the.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Investigation, I found a very confusing trail that took me all over town in.

[Patsy]

Unexpected directions and led right to the murderer, thanks to a costly mink coat which unfortunately did not belong to me.

[Nick Carter]

Fancy. You made a nice little sum of.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Money out of that coat, even if it wasn't yours.

[Patsy]

True enough. That was some compensation for what I went through.

[Narrator]

It sounds interesting, Nick. What do you call the story?

[Lieutenant Riley]

I call it Death in the Pool.

[Patsy]

Or the Mystery of the Mink Coat.

[Nick Carter]

And that's all until next week.

[Lieutenant Riley]

So long.

[Patsy]

So long, everybody.

[Narrator]

And so long to you, Nick and Patsy. We'll be looking forward to seeing you again next week. Next week at the same time, listen to another curious experience of Nick Carter, Master Detective, entitled Death in the Pool.

[Nick Carter]

Or Nick Carter and the Mystery of the Mink Coat.

[Narrator]

Nick Cotter, Master Detective is a copyright feature of street and Smith Publications Incorporated. It is presented at this same time and over these same stations by the three great Linux home Brighteners, Linax Clear Gloss, Linux Cream Polish and Linac Self Polishing Wax created by Acme, America's great producer of Acme Quality paints. In the Nick Carter Adventurers, Lon Clark has starred as Nick. Helen Choate is featured as Patsy. Lt. Riley is played by Humphrey Davis. Original music is played by Lou White. The programs are written and directed by Jock McGregor. This is Ken Powell speaking for the thousands of Linux dealers all over America and saying so long. Until next week, this is mutual.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

The F.W. fitch Company presents Dick Powell as private investigator Richard Rogue in Rogues Gallery.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Song.

[Urban]

Be a style you stitch.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Don'T it's better.

[Urban]

Use your head, shave your hair, use Fitch shampoo. The F.W.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Fitch Company, makers of Fitch's Saponified Coconut Oil Shampoo and Fitch's Shaving Creams presents Dick Powell as private investigator Richard Rogue in Rogue's Gallery.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Rogue speaking. I guess it wouldn't be polite for me to make the statement that Judge Colin Baker was a snake. I'll just say I think there was some truth of the rumor that he did shed his skin three times a year. The judge who isn't a judge anymore was a big barrel chested guy with a dramatic mop of wavy white hair worn in a sort of a modified windblown bunch. The better to impress the juries with. He'd made himself a reputation back east as a fire eating VA and then later as a hanging judge. He'd been out here about five years and had built a statewide reputation as a brilliant criminal lawyer on a set of thief to catch a thief basis. He had just won a big case and he was having a cocktail party at his penthouse apartment on top of the building which housed his plush officers. Betty. Betty Callahan had covered the trial and now she and the photographer from her paper were covering the party. I tagged along. Oh, there was a dandy crowd there. Pasty faced politicians, tired faced women and the old two faced judge in all of his glory.

[Betty Callahan]

I think it's a lovely party.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Oh Richard, isn't this a lovely place? Clear up here on top of this building. Just like living on a mountain.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Yeah, only you can't lock the bottom entrance of a mountain. You see anybody here you would really like to know.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Now don't be bitter. You know I had to come here tonight. I don't like these people any better than you do.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Well, get it over with as soon as you can. Let's go someplace where I can take my hand off my pocket.

[Betty Callahan]

Ms. Callahan, I'm sorry I couldn't get over to you before. Indeed I am. I saw you come in. But Richard Rogue. I'm so glad you could come, sir.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Thanks.

[Betty Callahan]

And now, my dear, I suppose you like some pictures. I see you have a photographer with you.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

How thoughtful of you.

[Patsy]

Yes.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Could I get a group around the fireplace? Just you and the people connected with the trial? The defendant and the witnesses, of course.

[Betty Callahan]

I'll round them up for you immediately.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Oh, thank you, dad.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Yeah.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Mike? Yeah? You ready to go? Hey, they're sure serving good lucky here. Real scotch. None of that near scotch I get at the bar. Good.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Now here's what I want. Mike, get me some shots of the group that's forming over by the fireplace.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Right.

[Judge Colin Baker]

We'll put the judge in the middle and have everybody congratulating him and the man he saved from the gas chamber.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

I can think of a few captions for that picture, Richard. Yeah, we couldn't cred them. You can't call a prominent guy like the judge a crook. And you can't call a murderer a murderer after a bought jury says he's not. You get the idea, Mike.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Come on, Mike. You stay right here, Richard. I'll be back as soon as we've covered the odd angle on the story.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

And then we leave, right?

[Judge Colin Baker]

Yeah, just as soon as I can, dear.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

I wandered around in the crowd and listened in to scraps of conversations. Jim Dorset, an oily politician on the judge's payroll, was talking with a Mary Miller. Mary's a self made wealthy widow whom the judge had defended after she'd poisoned her husband. She was glaring hate at the judge like a death ray. And I moved within earshot of them.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Well, Mary, you enjoying yourself at this testimonial to our friend's genius?

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

I'd rather be at his wake. I'd enjoy my cocktails more.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

You can count me in on that too. I'm surprised at you though, Mary. He got you out of a pretty bad spot, didn't he?

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Yes, for exactly half the money Fred left me. I didn't kill Fred, you know. I was innocent. Oh, sure, sure.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Well, here's to meeting you again soon at his wake.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Happy little gathering. The laughter which was bouncing off the high ceiling had all the gay spontaneity of an open grave. But everybody was getting along with the judge. He was a big man. He had lots of money, lots of power. In a way, I couldn't help admiring the old boy posing over by the immense fireplace, tossing that snowy mane of his about and filling the rooms with his deep throated laughter. Betty finally got all of the pictures she wanted and came glamouring over to me. I got a little lump in my throat like I always do when I see Betty. Oh, if Mark Anthony could have seen her, Cleopatra would have been in a second barge rowing.

[Judge Colin Baker]

We'll leave in just a moment. Richard, we have to stay and drink one toast to the judge. He's going to be hurt if we don't.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Well, I wouldn't want to cause him pain.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Oh, he's getting our cocktails now.

[Urban]

He's going to bring them over.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Okay. Did you get some pretty pictures of the old windbag?

[Judge Colin Baker]

He's charming. I like him.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Shh.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Here he comes.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

How could you like a guy like that? Well, here we are.

[Betty Callahan]

Hope they're not too strong. Ms. Callahan, I wonder if you'd fall. Forgive me If I borrowed Mr.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Rogue for just a moment.

[Betty Callahan]

I have something I wish to ask his advice on privately.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Why couldn't we make it tomorrow, Judge? Betty and I are.

[Betty Callahan]

Tomorrow will be too late, I'm afraid, Mr. Rogue. This will only take a few minutes. You won't mind, will you, Ms. Callahan?

[Judge Colin Baker]

No, of course not.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Okay. All right, Judge, where do we go?

[Betty Callahan]

Nice study. Right through here. Roger.

[Urban]

Judge, you sure did a fine job.

[Betty Callahan]

Now, I received a rather alarming note tonight, Mr. Rogue.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Yes? When?

[Betty Callahan]

It was under my glass when I returned to the serving table after those pictures were taken. Here it is.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Paper and envelope from the dime store, huh? Well, can't trace them. Well, let's have a see here. Have a good time. You murderer. You won't be alive at this time tomorrow night. You're going to celebrate an anniversary. You can't run so far that I won't find you and kill you.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Hmm.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Unsigned, of course. Printed in block letters with no skill. Anybody could have written that.

[Betty Callahan]

And anybody could have left it there on the serving table.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

That's right. There've been a hundred people drifting in and out of here. You take the note seriously, Rogue?

[Betty Callahan]

I've had threatening letters before, of course, but this one, well, I have a hunch about it. A premonition.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

We'll return to our story in just a moment. First, when it comes to good grooming, your mirror can't tell you everything. It can't tell you how much clean, fragrant hair adds to that indefinable something called charm. Don't take chances on detracting from your loveliness. Keep your hair fresh and clean smelling at all times by using Fitch's Saponified Coconut oil shampoo regularly. This clear, golden liquid shampoo lathers magnificently and washes away dust, dirt, perspiration, and unpleasant odors from your hair. Fitch's Saponified Shampoo is made from mild coconut and pure vegetable oils. It never leaves the hair dry or harsh feeling. Thus you can use it as often as you like. And be sure that your hair is shining clean and free from offending odors. Have a professional application of Fitch's Saponified Coconut Oil Shampoo. The next time you're at your barber or beauty shop or buy a bottle at your drug or toilet goods counter, ask for the economical large size 16 ounces for $1. Now back to Dick Powell as private investigator Richard Rogue in Rogue's gallery.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

I didn't want to go to the party in the first place, but I wanted to be with Betty Callahan. And she had to be there. It was a victory cocktail party which Judge Colin Baker was throwing to celebrate the fact that he'd cleared another guilty murderer. I wasn't particularly happy when the judge took me in his study and showed me a note threatening him with death within the next 24 hours. In fact, I didn't pay much attention until I looked at the judge's face. He was scared.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Rogue.

[Betty Callahan]

I've had threatening letters before, but this one, well, I have a hunch about it. A premonition.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

What are you gonna do about it?

[Betty Callahan]

The safest place in the world for me to stay is right here in this penthouse. And I want you to stay with me, Rogue.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Me?

[Betty Callahan]

I'll pay you well for your time.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

What's.

[Betty Callahan]

Well, I'll give you $500 if you'll stay with me for the next 24 hours, Mr.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Rogue. Oh, 500 clams, huh? Well, Judge, that. That makes it very interesting you'll accept.

[Betty Callahan]

The assignment pin like a flash.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Just let me explain it to Betty Callahan. I. I was supposed to take her out tonight. Very well.

[Betty Callahan]

I'm sure Ms. Callahan will understand when you tell her about the fee. I need you, Mr. Rogue.

[Judge Colin Baker]

So you're so busy you have to break your date with me? That's a habit of yours, isn't it, Richard? Oh, well, you won't ever have to do it again. You'll never have another chance.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Oh, but Betty, baby, listen. The judge figures someone is going to try to kill him tonight. You don't want to be a party to a murder, do you?

[Judge Colin Baker]

You're not worried a bit about the judge and you know it, Richard. You're thinking of that $500.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Well, is that bad?

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Five bills will buy a lot of entertainment. You can have a lot of joy on $500. Don't knock it, don't sneer at it.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Well, I suppose I might just as well get Mike to take me home. I should have known that you'd get a better offer.

[Urban]

You always do.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Mike.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Yes, Ms. Callahan?

[Betty Callahan]

Ms. Camerham, I am afraid I owe you an apology.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Oh, no, Judge. I can't very well blame you if my friend Richard is so crazy about that money.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Judge, I. I got word for you. I can't take the assignment.

[Betty Callahan]

But I have your word, Mr. Ogles?

[Judge Colin Baker]

Well, I wouldn't want you to break your word with anybody else, Richard.

[Betty Callahan]

Oh, no.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Are you ready, Mike?

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

You can shove off, Mike. I'm taking Ms. Callahan home. Well, okay by me. I'm. I'm really sorry, Judge.

[Betty Callahan]

Now look, you two youngsters, there's no point in having a disagreement over this. Why don't you just stay here until the rest of the guests leave? They're beginning to leave now. Then, Mr. Rogue, you can take Ms. Callaghan home and come back.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Ah, that would leave you alone for about an hour.

[Betty Callahan]

There's only one entrance to this place. That's my private elevator. I'll give you the key. You can lock it as you leave. No one can possibly get up here.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Oh, I don't want to cause all that trouble.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Oh, it'll only be a little while, baby.

[Betty Callahan]

I hope you do this favor for me, Ms. Callahan. I need Mr. Rogue's moral support tonight. Even at my age, I feel that.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

I'm too young to die. Barry and I hung around for another hour until all the guests either walked or were helped from the cocktail party. Then the judge and I went through the penthouse like acid goes through cotton. We looked under everything that was raised from the floor and behind everything that stood a foot high. Then we turned on the floodlights and searched the area surrounding the penthouse, then the roof. There was nobody there. The Judge was alone when Betty and I rode his private elevator and locked it with a foolproof lock before we got into my car and headed for her place. Betty was annoyed and that ride home was as romantic as a tub full of wet wash. But she'd been annoyed before and I wasn't worried. I left her at her apartment and fiddle footed out to my car. I opened the car door, bent to get in. Lightning struck behind my ear. I heard the thunderbolts rocketing past and latched onto one for a wild ride through the firmament. Stars kept exploding in my face, but I. I hung on until I saw my home away from home. Good old Cloud 8. I let go, dropped an eon or two and landed as softly as a smoke ring. I didn't open my eyes for a moment.

[Urban]

Cheepy, cheepy, wake up. You're home.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Oh, hello, you gord.

[Urban]

I didn't think you were ever going to get here, Rogy. I was worried.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Where have I been?

[Urban]

I saw you go by here a couple of centuries ago. You went right past. I saw you way upstairs knocking at the pearly gate. But they wouldn't let you in.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

You gore. This isn't. Oh, tell me that this isn't.

[Urban]

Oh, no, cheapy. You're way north of there and you're alive.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Oh, I'm glad to know that.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

What happened?

[Urban]

Somebody knocked you out of the park, Rogie. And then you went for an automobile ride.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

And then.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Oh, I gotta get out of here.

[Urban]

Oh, yes, you do. You've been gone a long time. An old friend of yours is trying to get through to you. You know what time it is, rogi?

[Betty Callahan]

No.

[Urban]

It's 9:30 a.c. emma. Over you go, cheapy.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

All right, Ugor give you a shove.

[Urban]

So long, chiefy. See you next week.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

No. Oh.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Oh. Hello?

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Hello, Urban. What are you doing? I'm trying to get these handcuffs off you. Oh. Where are we? We're in the hills above Mulholland drive. Somebody brought you up here, chloroformed you and handcuffed you to this tree with your own handcuffs. You need a bodyguard, Rogie. How did you find me? I got a phone call telling me where you were to bring a file. Stand still or I'll leave you here. Oh, okay.

[Betty Callahan]

Who did it?

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

I'm waiting for you to tell me that. I don't get it. Somebody wanted you out of the way.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

For a while, Rogie.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Now, do you want to tell me what you're mixed up in? I wasn't on a case. Oh, There. Now you have to get a new chain for your bracelets. But anyway, you're unharnessed from that tree. Look, Urban, I. I was supposed to be bodyguarding judge cross Colin Baker last night. Bodyguarding that crook? Why? Well, he. He got a death threat. A note found on the serving table during a cocktail. Go on. Yeah, Somebody promised to kill him within 24 hours. What'd you leaving for? I took Betty Callahan home. Somebody must have followed me when I left the judge's penthouse. They knocked me out as I left. Betty. Maybe we'd better check on the judge's health. Maybe that note wasn't kidding. How do you feel, oozy? You can hang your head out the window on the way back we'd better see whether your client needs a bodyguard or an undertaker. My head was full of feathers and my hands felt heavy on my arms. My mouth was lined with brown blotting paper and my shoes were full of lead. I wasn't feeling very well as I got in Urban's official sedan and headed for the penthouse where I'd left Judge Colin Baker. My head ached like a broken heart until I took a couple pills from Urban's first aid kit. And by the time we pulled up in front of the office building, I felt like I had a chance at living if I wanted to. And I decided I wanted to. The private penthouse elevator was still locked just as I'd left it. That made me glad we entered it. Maybe we should have called before we took this trip. No, I. I want to see the old boy. I owe him an apology. That he's still alive. How could he be dead? Unless somebody else had a key to this elevator.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

They didn't.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

The only other key is on the judge's key ring. He told me that. And what are you worried about? I'm not worried worried. I. I just hate to give him back those nice, crisp sea notes. I saw him. I hope he's at them. This is it. Oh, good Lord. Well, the judge will never be any debtor. Blue in the face. He's been strangled. Ro.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

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[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Maybe I was surprised when I saw Judge Colin Baker looking up at me from the floor of his living room. I'm not sure. I had a hunch. Don't ask me why. I just had a hunch that he was dead. When Urban brought me out of that stupor up there above Mulholland Drive. Judge Baker's face was as blue as a policeman's coat as he lay there. And his eyes were staring wide open. Urban. And I walked over to him. He's been strangled, Rogie. Yeah. Yeah, looks like it, huh? Any marks on his throat? No, no marks. Looks like there was a struggle, though. Table kicked over. How could anybody get in here? That elevator was locked. There's no other entrance. What are you trying to do? Tell me this guy's not dead? No, he's dead, all right. But how could he be strangled?

[Lieutenant Riley]

I don't.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Cigarette, Urban? No, thanks, Rogie. So he was murdered, wasn't he? Yeah. That calls for the medical examiner. Well, I don't get it. There was nobody here when I left. There's been nobody here since.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

There's.

[Lieutenant Riley]

Hey, there's a peculiar odor in here.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Smell it.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

No, no, no. Sit down, Rogie, while I look around. There's been a murder. You're mixed up in it, and I want to talk with you. Oh, you think I killed him? I didn't know him that well. Wasn't even mad at him. Hey, what's that?

[Lieutenant Riley]

Check.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Check for $2,500 made out to the victim and signed by Mary Miller. Was she here last night? Yeah, she was here. And she didn't like the judge. But I never heard of a dame her age doing a human fly act. Maybe she had a key to the joint. But she didn't. Believe me, she didn't wave the phone. Now it's in the bedroom. I'm going to use it. Wait here. Rogue. There was a peculiar order in that room. A faintly familiar order, but I couldn't place it. My poor beat up mind was whirling a million revolutions a minute and getting no place. And then I. I remembered the note the judge received. It had mentioned an anniversary. So I decided not to wait. Instead, I took that long elevator ride and grabbed a cab for the library. May I help you? Well, yes, I. I want to see the files on the Gotham City newspapers for the last 10 years.

[Judge Colin Baker]

All right, sir. It's going to take me some time.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

To get them out of the storeroom.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Any specific dates?

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Yes, I. I would like to see copies of the editions 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 years. Ago today.

[Judge Colin Baker]

All right, sir, if you'll just have a chair.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

You sure you feel all right?

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

You look ill. Oh, I. I always look like this. Thank you. Just get me the papers, please. They're mighty important. Confidentially, I think they're going to solve a murder. The librarian got me the papers. I went to work on them. Gotham City was the city where Judge. Judge Colin Baker had made his reputation as a hanging judge. My hunch was as strong as a bride's coffee. And it paid off in the issue for seven years ago that day I found the name of Judge Colin Baker.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

On the front page.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

A man he had sentenced to the chair for murder had been executed screaming his innocence. Within an hour after the electricity had torn through the body of this man, Harold Michael, the real killer, had confessed. And this was the anniversary of that legal murder. I called Betty Callahan at her paper. She wasn't there. She was covering the police investigation of Judge Baker's murder. I took a cab back to the judge's penthouse.

[Judge Colin Baker]

Isn't this terrible, Richard? If it hadn't been for me insisting on you taking me home, the judge.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Would have been a liar or I would have been dead. Where have you been, Rogie? I told you to stay here. We're not doing your work for you, Urban. I got the motive for this murder. Now, what did the medical examiner have to say, Erin? Oh, you know the doc. He just did a little muttering about cyanide. Won't give any official opinion until he's had a chance to analyze the contents of the body. What's your theory on the motive?

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Well.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Hey, Betty, where you going?

[Judge Colin Baker]

I'm with the working press. Mike and I are going to get some pictures.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

I can hear that massive intellect of yours ticking, Rogie. And I recognize that far away look in your eyes. Now, what goes? Don't stand there like a dummy. If you've got any theories, let me in on them. Cyanide, huh? Look, Urban, this place is air conditioned, isn't it? The penthouse is, the building isn't. Yeah, I'll be back in a minute. Hey, where are you going? I'll be back in a minute. I want to check that theory of mine. Cyanide. That word brought back that dainty smell I'd noticed in the apartment when Urban and I had discovered the judge's body. Cyanide. The odor of cyanide is brought out by cigarette smoke. I had been smoking when I detected it. Ah, the pieces of this murder were falling in place like a well trained course. I found the ladder that led to the top of the penthouse where the air conditioning machinery was located. Ran up the ladder, gun in hand, and there he was, the murderer. Just lifting an earthenware croc from inside the housing of the intake fan on the air conditioning system. Put it down, Mike. Make another move toward me, Rogue, I'll let you have this crock full of acid right in your face. What good will that do you, Mike? You can't get away. Another five minutes and I would have been home free. How'd you figure me, Rogue? Why'd you have to horn in? I looked up the Gotham newspapers for seven years ago today. The day Judge Baker executed a man named Harold Michaels, an innocent man. Was he your brother? Your name's Michaels, isn't it? It was my father. And I executed the man who executed him in his own private gas chamber.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Just like they do it at Quentin.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

I waited a long time for the chance. Look, Mike, I'm not arguing right or wrong with you. But now you're a killer and I'm gonna take you in. Put that croc down. Oh, I don't think so, Rogue. I'll just stand here. I have to think. Just for my information, Mike, how did you delay the action of the gas until you knew the judge would be alone? I thought of everything. I didn't want to hurt anybody but Baker. I hung the cyanide pellet over the acid on a piece of cotton cord.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

I tested it half dozen times.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

You know it took a drop of acid 3 hours to eat through the cord. I'm glad I killed him. Rogue. I'm coming after you, Mike. I'm not waiting. Rogue. I don't like the gas chamber. Mike. Mike, don't come back here. I'm not sorry for anything.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

Tell him that was my payoff line, will you, Rogue?

[Narrator]

So long.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

No, don't.

[Urban]

Mike, don't jump.

[Richard Rogue (Dick Powell)]

Mike's plan for murdering the man who caused his father's execution was as near perfect as any murder will ever be. While the guests were having whoopi at the cocktail party, he put that jar of acid in the air conditioning intake, hung the cyanide pellet over it and was back at the party leaving that note before anybody missed him. When he found that I was going to return to spend the night with the judge, he had to knock me out, get me out of the way for at least five hours. Three hours before the cyanide fell into its acid bath and two more hours, which it took for the air conditioning system to completely change the air in the penthouse. Clever. I thought it yes, it looks like I did it again. Had a narrow escape though. But that didn't bother me. I drive every day in the Los Angeles traffic, you know what I mean? This is Dick Powell again, ladies and gentlemen. Hope you enjoyed our story tonight. Ray Buffum wrote it. Leith Stevens composed and conducted the music in D. Engelbach produced and directed. Be with us again next week, will you? We have a story for you about a black eyed senorita from Argentina, a Latin type corpse and a mysterious gold piece.

[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

We call it Latin type.

[Urban]

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[Announcer (F.W. Fitch Company)]

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