Pursuit and Boston Blackie

Summary

Case Closed! – "Pursuit and Boston Blackie"

Episode Date: December 24, 2025
Podcast: Case Closed! (old time radio) | Host: RelicRadio.com

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Episode Overview

This episode of Case Closed! transports listeners back to radio’s golden age, featuring two classic crime stories: “Pursuit: The Masked Five” and a Boston Blackie adventure. Both stories immerse the audience in tense investigations, daring escapes, and clever detective work, highlighting the relentless efforts of law enforcement and private detectives to untangle criminal puzzles.

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Segment 1: Pursuit – "The Masked Five"

Main Theme:
A tense, atmospheric manhunt led by Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard, unraveling a high-stakes bank robbery and the elusive gang behind it.

Key Discussion Points & Narrative Beats

• Scene Setting & Premise ([00:51–03:47])

  • Inspector Black and Sergeant Muffat are escorting a mysterious prisoner to London, convinced he's linked to the daring Barton’s Bank robbery of £500,000.
  • A sudden, suspicious stop on their supposedly direct train hints at foul play.
  • Memorable Line:
    • Inspector Black, weary from his passenger's complaints about manacles: "Just have to do the best you can, sir." ([03:45])

• Ambush & Escape ([05:00–07:47])

  • The train halts due to a decoy truck, and masked assailants launch a brazen rescue attempt.
  • The prisoner is killed in the chaos, and the attackers flee in a Vauxhall.
  • Quote:
    • Sergeant Muffat: "Like a doornail, sir."
      Inspector Black: "I find that neither amusing nor analogous, Muppet." ([07:43])

• Investigation & Deduction ([08:43–13:15])

  • Black and Muffat analyze the gang’s clever tactics and begin to piece together the robbers’ local knowledge.
  • A battered lorry driver, Jeremy Gullion, reveals details about the masked men and the Vauxhall.
  • They trail leads to Ambleside, arriving at the Chief Constable's house, where the suspect vehicle is inexplicably parked.
  • Quote:
    • Sergeant Muffat: "They must have been pretty familiar with these parts, sir... You think the Barton robbery could have been done by Carlisle people?"
      Inspector Black: "No, not necessarily..." ([10:09])

• Community Involvement & Tension ([14:24–16:51])

  • Inspector Black questions Chief Constable Bashford, whose car was used in the escape.
  • Bashford is indignant at suspicion but provides support and local knowledge.
  • Quote:
    • Chief Constable Bashford: "Dash it all, sir, you questioning the veracity of my statement? I've been with him since 8 o'clock." ([16:07])

• Break in the Case & Confronting the Gang ([18:20–27:57])

  • Police coordinate a county-wide dragnet.
  • Four suspects are tracked to a remote cottage; one is found dead (likely murdered by the gang to prevent him from talking).
  • Inspector Black deduces the motive: "He was probably delirious. That's why they killed him. Obviously they didn't want to leave him behind to talk." ([23:28])
  • The chase continues over treacherous terrain, finally cornering the last three gang members.
  • Dramatic Moment:
    • Three puffs of dust from warning rifle shots force the fugitives to surrender:
      Narrator: "I saw three puffs of dust explode above the head of each man. Then I saw them stop, hesitate, and begin the slow descent..." ([27:25])

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Segment 2: Boston Blackie

Main Theme:
Clever detective Boston Blackie infiltrates a gang to clear himself of a murder charge, weaving deception and wit with help from his confidante, Mary Wesley.

Key Discussion Points & Narrative Beats

• Complication Introduced: Blackie Under Suspicion ([30:25–33:36])

  • Mary Wesley hires a detective agency to shadow Blackie for his own protection as he investigates Fredericks' gang.
  • Blackie ingratiates himself with the criminals, seeking inside information but becomes a murder suspect when a watchman is found shot after a heist.
  • Memorable Exchange:
    • Mary: "I want you to follow someone."
      Detective: "Shadowing's easy, Ms. Wesley. So easy we sometimes hate to take money for it." ([31:47])
    • Who?
      • Mary: "His name is Boston Blackie." ([32:21])

• Inside the Gang: Earning Trust and Raising the Stakes ([34:00–39:11])

  • Blackie participates in a robbery, apparently shooting a watchman with blanks.
  • The watchman is later found dead; the gang suspects Blackie's loyalty but allows him to stay for now.
  • Threat:
    • Fredericks: "There may be trouble. And if there is... I'll kill you before you can move an eyelash." ([35:22])

• Detective Tension & False Alibi ([39:43–43:49])

  • Blackie’s alibi falls apart when it's revealed the supposedly tailing detective lost his trail.
  • Inspector Faraday moves to arrest Blackie for murder.
  • Comic Relief & Tension:
    • Blackie: "Your mind is so dull, you could be arrested for carrying a blunt instrument." ([41:51])

• Blackie Fights Back: Exposing the Real Killer ([44:09–48:18])

  • Blackie surmises Bill, one of the gang, shot the watchman to “cover” after Blackie had left.
  • Blackie confronts the gang for a confession, gets ambushed, and is knocked out.
  • He escapes and seeks evidence to clear his name.

• Comic Pages Clue & Cornering the Criminals ([49:50–54:33])

  • Blackie uses Tommy’s obsession with comic papers as a lead to track him down at the newspaper delivery.
  • Climax:
    • Blackie wrings a confession out of Tommy, confirming Bill’s guilt and Fredericks' involvement:
      Blackie: "That watchman was more than hurt at that hold up. He was killed. And I think you killed him."
      Tommy: "It was Bill!" ([51:09])

• Showdown & Closure ([52:19–54:33])

  • With Faraday’s grudging cooperation, Blackie arranges for Fredericks’ arrest, recovers the stolen money, and clears his own name.
  • Comic Banter:
    • Inspector Faraday: "You know, Blackie, maybe it takes a little longer when we work alone on a case, but we sure get results."
      Blackie: "Wanna know a way we can solve cases quicker?... Next case when we work alone, I'll work alright." ([54:29])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Why is it that we can't carry guns and they can?" – Inspector Black ([07:26])
• “The fifth man should have stayed here. He might be alive. Careful now. Come on...” – Inspector Black, on the dangerous price of disloyalty among thieves ([21:33])
• “I find that neither amusing nor analogous, Muffet.” – Inspector Black, on black humor amid tragedy ([07:45])
• "You shot the watchman on that job, didn't you?" "Sure. With blanks." – Inspector Faraday & Blackie, as Blackie’s alibi crumbles ([40:29])
• "He was probably delirious. That's why they killed him. Obviously they didn't want to leave him behind to talk." – Inspector Black ([23:32])
• "There may be trouble. And if there is... I'll kill you before you can move an eyelash." – Fredericks, threatening Blackie ([35:22])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Pursuit story begins: [00:51]
• Ambush on the train: [05:00–07:47]
• Interrogation of Chief Constable: [14:52–16:51]
• Raid on the cottage – one gang member found dead: [22:49–23:39]
• Final chase and surrender: [25:58–27:57]
• Boston Blackie story begins: [30:25]
• Mary hires detective to shadow Blackie: [31:22–32:21]
• Blackie joins Fredericks’ gang: [34:00–35:22]
• Robbery and watchman incident: [37:04–38:49]
• Blackie’s alibi falls apart: [41:02–42:31]
• Comic page clue at the newspaper truck: [49:50–51:47]
• Confession and Fredericks' arrest: [52:19–54:33]

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Episode Tone & Style

The tone mixes hardboiled police procedural with witty repartee. “Pursuit” is serious, methodical, and tense, focusing on logic and deduction under pressure. “Boston Blackie” blends classic detective confidence with fast-talking humor, especially in exchanges with Inspector Faraday and Mary.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode delivers two tightly constructed, suspenseful tales—from a rural English manhunt to urban gangland scheming—each showcasing how wit, deduction, and a bit of humor bring justice in the world of old time crime radio. The stories are rich in period atmosphere, expressive dialogue, and classic radio sensibility, perfect for fans of vintage whodunits.

Transcript

[Fredericks]

Foreign.

[Boston Blackie]

This is case closed crime stories from.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

The golden age of radio.

[Announcer]

This is WBBM fm, Chicago. Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. The refreshing, delicious treat that gives you chewing enjoyment presents for your listening. Enjoy. Pursuit.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Pursuit.

[Announcer]

A criminal strikes and fades quickly back.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Into the shadows of his own dark world.

[Announcer]

And then, the man from Scotland Yard, the famous Inspector Peter Black. And the dangerous, relentless pursuit when man hunts man. To make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to refreshing, delicious Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Here's a taste treat you can enjoy indoors, outdoor, outdoors, at work or at play. The cool, long lasting mint flavor refreshes you. The smooth, steady chewing helps keep you fresh and alert. Adds enjoyment to whatever you're doing. Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Healthful, refreshing, delicious. Now with John Dana starred as the famous Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard, Wrigley's Spearmint Gum brings you tonight's story. Pursuit of the Masked Five.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Muffet. What's an 11 letter word for a person who writes obituaries?

[Sergeant Muffat]

I don't know, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Necra. Necra something.

[Fredericks]

Oh.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Well, would you like to see the paper? Oh, thanks very much. I say, Inspector. Yes? Could I have the manacle on my right hand? This one's getting awfully tired. Yes, of course, You know that. That's better. Stiff. Rub it and get the circulation back. Look here, if you simply must keep me in irons, can't I have them on both hands? Must I be shackled to the seat? Afraid so, sir. Would you mind moving down now?

[Sergeant Muffat]

All right.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Perhaps you'd rather sit on this side with your back to the engine? No, thanks. Makes me deathly ill. Your hand, please.

[Boston Blackie]

Um.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

What time do we arrive in London tomorrow morning? 5:20. Frightful hour. How do you expect me to get any sleep with these things on? Just have to do the best you can, sir. We had good reason to have this man shackled to the seat in our compartment. We were confident that he was one of five men who had carried out one of the boldest and most lucrative robberies in the history of London. £500,000 from Barton's Bank, Oxford Street. This had taken place two weeks ago and the entire resources of Scotland Yard had been unable to uncover the slightest trace of clue or criminal. Until an alert shopkeeper In Carlisle, some 300 miles to the northwest, identified the serial number of one of the missing five pound notes and held the parser of the bill until the police arrived. He refused to identify himself or state how he came into Possession of the money. Moffatt and I felt that this evidence was sufficient to warrant the return of our nameless prisoner to London and Scotland Yard.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Another station, sir. I thought this was a through train.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

It is, Muffett. There shouldn't be any halts between Carlisle and Preston. That's queer.

[Sergeant Muffat]

We're slowing down, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

From the sound of that whistle, there may be something on the lines. Pop your head out and have a look.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Roger.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Excuse me. Quite all right. Station.

[Sergeant Muffat]

That's certain, sir. There seem to be some lights up there. Probably something on the crossover.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Let's go outside.

[Sergeant Muffat]

See those lights, sir?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, Conductor. What's up? Sorry, sir. A lorry stalled on the crossover. Won't be a moment. Better stay aboard, sir. Right you are. Come on, Muffin. I wish you would close that blinking door. It's cold. I'm sorry, sir. Just a moment. What? Don't close the door. He's got a gun, sir. You, sir? No. Hello, chum. No. Come on, we've got a car waiting. Well, I can't. They've got these bloody things on me. You get them off, quick. Afraid not. What do you look like under your mask? Stay where you are.

[Announcer]

Give me the key.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Now fear. If you want it, you'll have to shoot. Shoot him like that. Shut up, Blaster. For the last time, give me the key.

[Boston Blackie]

Sorry.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Give me the gun. I'll make him. No, there's no time. Come on. Shoot them off the link here. There's no time for that either. It's your fault. We told you not to go to Carlisle. But you can't let them take me. I know. Sorry. No.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Oh, Roger Moffett.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Stop here. Pull the emergency cord, Moffat. I'm going after him. I was not as fortunate as the man who had dropped from the train before me. I lost my balance and was a few seconds regaining my feet, I ran back down the railway lines. There was a Shadow Racing about 50ft in front of me. A shadow that halted a hedgerow and then disappeared.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Let's go. Right. Come on.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Come on.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, blast.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Inspector.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Here, Moffat.

[Sergeant Muffat]

You all right, sir?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Why, Moffatt, why is it that we can't carry guns and they can?

[Sergeant Muffat]

I don't know, sir. Tradition, I suppose. You all right, sir?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

No lights on her. I couldn't see the registration. Looked and sounded like a Vauxhall, though.

[Sergeant Muffat]

You better do something about your forehead, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

It's bleeding. Later. Later, Muffet. What about the prisoner? Is he dead?

[Sergeant Muffat]

Like a doornail, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I find that neither amusing nor analogous. Muppet.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Sir. Come along and have a look at that ruddy lorry. It was a ramshackle 1926 Overland, bearing no registration at all. It had obviously been driven onto the lines and abandoned, headlamps switched on for the express purpose of halting our train. We returned to our carriage for the luggage, removed the manacles from our dead prisoner and instructed the conductor to seal the compartment until the arrival of yardmen in London. Then Moffat and I climbed into the camp of the old lorry and gingerly set out for the nearest village, which was Ambleside, about 18 miles away. I drove one of these things to Devonshire once, and a lark was new then. It didn't sound any better than this.

[Sergeant Muffat]

This road doesn't help, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

You know, Muffet, this whole thing was very nicely planned and carried out.

[Sergeant Muffat]

I'd say so, sir, in spite of.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

The fact that it failed. Or did it fail?

[Sergeant Muffat]

I don't follow you, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Why didn't he blow the manacles of our prisoner with his gun?

[Sergeant Muffat]

He'd have had to turned away from us. Do it, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Why didn't he shoot us first?

[Sergeant Muffat]

Not much time, sir. The train was moving.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

No, I don't think so at that range.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Shot.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

You're finished. Shot. I'm done. Two or three seconds now, he would have had time. Perhaps they wanted to kill him. They might have been taking him from the train to kill him.

[Sergeant Muffat]

You know the one called Roger, sir. He said they told him not to go to Carlisle.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Yes. Two points there. One, we know we're looking for a man named Roger. Number two, what we hoped would happen after the robbery may well have happened. There was already dissension among the quintet. Thus, one eliminated.

[Sergeant Muffat]

I'd say that was pretty important, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Right you are. Now, another thing. We took our prisoner aboard the train half an hour before departure. They must have seen us enter the compartment. Between that time and the halting of the train, they accomplished quite a lot. Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Came here from Carlisle, got this lorry.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

They knew where the train would stop. They knew where the road would parallel the lines. They knew a great deal, Muffin.

[Sergeant Muffat]

They must have been pretty familiar with these parts, sir. You think the Barton robbery should have been done by Carlisle people and not Londoners?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

No, not necessarily. Carlisle, remember the Vauxhall drove off in this direction toward Ambleside.

[Sergeant Muffat]

They've got a good start, sir. And we're not doing much better than 20.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Hello. What's that on the road ahead?

[Sergeant Muffat]

Looks like a man, sir. Staggering all over the place.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

He's awfully drunk or badly hurt. I'd say.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Now I know I'm dead. Tis an angel in a bowler hat.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Give him a hand, Mother. Come along, sir. We'll drive you to the village in the doctor.

[Tommy]

Oh.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Busted my brains, they did.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Who did, sir?

[Sergeant Muffat]

It was. Oh, hi, Molly.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I beg your pardon?

[Sergeant Muffat]

She's my lorry. You won't be the beggars that bashed my brains in. Only you was wearing masks before.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Masks? How many were there?

[Sergeant Muffat]

You ought to know. No, no, no. You ain't gonna hit me again.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

We're policemen from Scotland Yard in London.

[Sergeant Muffat]

That don't give you no right to kill a man and steal his. Molly.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

We want to help you, sir, with the police. Oh.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Oh, I'm saved.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

These men that attacked you, how many were they?

[Sergeant Muffat]

Hundreds of them. Hundreds?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Yes, yes. Did they have a car?

[Sergeant Muffat]

A huge black thing, it were.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Could it have been a Vauxhall?

[Sergeant Muffat]

Ah, it might.

[Fredericks]

Ah.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Did you notice a registration?

[Sergeant Muffat]

Nay, nay. They ran me off the road and dragged me out and then killed me on the head.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

From which direction did they come?

[Sergeant Muffat]

Humble side, it was. Those are the ones, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Have you seen the car again, say, in the past quarter of an hour?

[Sergeant Muffat]

Oh, nay, nay, but I. I just woke up.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I see. Would you direct us to the Chief Constable of the district, Mister.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Gullion. Jeremy Gullion. And I'll direct you. Mr. Bashford lives in Ambleside.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Very well. Now get in, sir. We'll get you to a doctor.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Oh, no, no. Get away from that wheel. Jeremy Gullion allows nobody to drive Molly but himself. Now she beats her. The Chief Constable's house.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Thank you, Mr. Galleon. We want to see you again. Later.

[Sergeant Muffat]

You can find me. Everyone knows where I live.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Sir. Yes, I see it. Hot, sir.

[Sergeant Muffat]

She's been on a fast run.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

She's big, too black and it's a Vauxhall.

[Sergeant Muffat]

But what's it doing in front of the Chief Constable's house?

[Announcer]

To make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to refreshing, delicious Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. The lively, full bodied, real mint flavor cools your mouth, moistens your throat, freshens your taste. And the chewing itself gives you a little lift, helps you keep going at your best. So for real chewing enjoyment, that's refreshing and long lasting, always keep Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum handy. Healthful, delicious Wrigley Spearmint Gum will make every day more enjoyable. Now, the second act of pursuit of the Masked Five.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Our pursuit had led us to Ambleside, in the heart of the Lake District. In Mountainous westward. It had also led us into an extremely delicate situation. We were almost certain that the Vauxhall car used by the escaping criminals was the one now standing in front of the Chief Constable's house. It was my uncomfortable duty to question him as a possible suspect, a task which could be most difficult as the authority of the district lay in Mr. Bashford's hands and not in mine.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Yes?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Chief Constable Bashford? Yes. I'm Chief Inspector Black of Scotland Yard. This is Sergeant Muffin. Oh, won't you come in? Thanks so much. Scotland Yard? Well, Sergeant Moffat and I were taking a prisoner to London from Carlisle. Oh, really? Do sit down. Our train was stopped and our prisoner killed by a man, who then drove off with two or three others. Killed? Your prisoner?

[Announcer]

Really?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

We believe that they are the men who robbed Barton's bank two weeks ago. No, Mr. Bashford, I'm afraid I must ask you a rather impertinent question. Impertinent? The Vauxhall outside, is it yours? Yes, of course it is. Have you driven it tonight? No, I'm sorry, sir, but it has been driven.

[Boston Blackie]

What?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

What do you mean? Within the past half hour, sir.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Rot, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

It's absolute blasted. Radiator and bonnet are still hot, sir.

[Announcer]

Getz, are you calling me a liar?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

No, no, sir. I don't doubt your word. But somebody has driven it. Oh, we'll see about this. Peppery old goat, isn't he, sir?

[Sergeant Muffat]

Unless he wants us to think he is.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Quiet, quiet. Muffin. Who the devil has been driving my car? That's what we want to find out, sir.

[Sergeant Muffat]

By gad, somebody's going to pay for this.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Well, it was here when I came home. When was that? Oh, five, ten minutes ago. I was playing dominoes with old petal. Free, Mr. Pettle. Free can corroborate that. Dash it all, sir. You questioning the veracity of my statement? I've been with him since 8 o'. Clock. Do you leave the keys in your car when it's outside, sir? Of course I do. Nobody steals cars in Ambleside. I see. I don't. This is serious. This is juicy serious. It is, sir. And I'm sure that with your assistance, we can get to the bottom of it. There's no doubt that your car was used by the men we're after. Tell me, sir, have there been any strangers in the town recently? Of course. There are always strangers here. Tourists, don't you know. They come to throw refuse in Windermere Lake.

[Announcer]

What do these men look like?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

We don't know, sir. They have Been seen only masked. I would say that they are comparatively young, although one seemed older than the rest. Mr. Bashford assured me of his full support and immediately retired to bed, graciously allowing me the use of his telephone. Moffat obtained the map and we drew a rough circle around our present location, then notified the police of Carlisle, Penrith, Windermere, Barrow and Whitehaven. The cordon began to form. With luck, our quarry would find no road open to them. But there were the Cumbrian mountains, the fells and waters of the Lake District. And these we should have to cover inch by inch. The next morning, Moffat and I contacted by phone every village and hamlet within a 20 mile radius and explained to each local constable the problem at hand. We warned them that the men we sought were dangerous. Then there was nothing to do but wait. At 11 o' clock, our patience was rewarded. Chief Inspector Black? Yes. Oh, where did you say Pencil muppet. Here you are, sir. Thanks.

[Announcer]

Yes.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Greenup Edge, huh? Right. About six miles, huh? Good. Thank you, Constable. We'll be right over. Yes. Goodbye.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Got something, sir?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I think so. Constable at Greenup Edge says four men rented a cottage near there about two weeks ago. He thinks they might fit the general physical description we have. It's worth a try, sir, but we'll need pistols.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Chief Constable might be able to supply us, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

He might, if he is still in his office. I get the feeling that Mr. Bashford is more a girl gentleman of leisure than Chief Constable to Bobby. Makes you sign for the pistol. S. You're on, Mother. I'll stare him down. I'm in. Ah, Inspector.

[Announcer]

Any luck?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Any luck? Possibly, sir. We've received word from Green at Edge four. Suspect staying there. Well, well, we must write him down, Asa.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Nothing like this has happened in Ambleside. And by Jeffrey, sir, we write them down.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Sergeant Muffet and I are unarmed. Do you have any firearms?

[Boston Blackie]

Of course.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Always for an emergency. Reverend, Sir.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

Fine weapon. Reminds me of the old days in Afghanistan.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Tribesmen, wild devils cut your heart out. One of these? Yes, I'm sure of it, sir. Thanks very much. Not at all. I wish I'd go with you. My gout, you know. Oh, yes, I understand, sir. Well, keep in touch with me. All the best. And by the way, before you go, would you sign for these pistols, please? Yes, of course. Oh, and sir, before I forget, you needn't worry about your statement last night. My. I beg your pardon? You said that you had been playing dominoes with Mr. Pettle free and that you had not been driving your car. But of course, I did. And Mr. Pettle Free and two other neighbors attested to that fact this morning, sir. Therefore, you will be pleased to know that you are no longer a suspect. But dash it all, sir, when was I? When was I? Precautions, sir, precautions. You, as an old soldier, would appreciate that. Good morning, Inspector.

[Sergeant Muffat]

The pistols. You didn't sign for no time now, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

They'll be returned in good order. Two shillings, please. Yes, sir. But you tell me there are only four men here, Constable. That's all I've seen about, sir. But there were five a week or more ago.

[Sergeant Muffat]

One we picked up in Carlisle, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

It might be. Maybe. There's the cottage, Inspector. You know, I thought it was odd, those four. Walking trip in the mountains, they said. But they never walked.

[Fredericks]

They just stayed in the cottage.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

You better stay here, Constable. The men are on.

[Fredericks]

If you say.

[Boston Blackie]

Wait.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Wait a moment. See something, sir? May have been the curtain at the open window.

[Sergeant Muffat]

If these are our people, they chose a good place. Pretty isolated wild country, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Yeah. The fifth man should have stayed here. He might be alive. Careful now. Come on. And that's the end of the trees. Stay here and cover me, will you? Right.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

It.

[Boston Blackie]

Muppet.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Well, that's another one, Muppet.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Nasty, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Yes. You recognize him?

[Sergeant Muffat]

Grim without the mask, sir.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I'd say it was the chap on the train.

[Announcer]

Roger.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Shot him in the head while he was asleep.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I don't think asleep. Look here. Tray by the bed with untouched food. Medicine man was ill. Why kill him, sir? He might have. Wait a moment. This is Antebrin.

[Boston Blackie]

Ah.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Here's your answer, Muppet.

[Boston Blackie]

Malaria.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Malaria, sir.

[Boston Blackie]

Right.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

He was probably delirious. That's why they killed him. He couldn't go with them. Obviously they didn't want to leave him behind to talk.

[Sergeant Muffat]

You think they went afoot, sir?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Looks like it. Here, you see this? This? Hairbrushes, clothes. Oh, no, Muffet. They dictate nothing extraneous.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Only half a million pounds, eh, sir?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Yes. Now the next thing to find out is which way they went. I left the constable on guard at the cottage and Moffat and I returned to Greenup Edge. From there, the manhunt began. We felt reasonably sure that they had gone on foot. And when we went back to the cottage again, we, our hunters, confirm this. A pack of hounds from Helvellyn had been brought to the scene and immediately took up the scent, leading us into the strange and almost fictitious grandeur of the lakes and mountains of Cumberland. Yes.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Anybody ever asked me, take a walk at dinner. I'll chill up.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Slippery here. Muffet. Careful. Yes. Dogs sound excited, Muffet. Wouldn't like to have them after me, sir. There. There's the constable on the flag.

[Sergeant Muffat]

What is it, Constable?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

You must be close. Then try to travel faster.

[Sergeant Muffat]

Which way?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

We went on, stumbling and fighting our way up the grim crags and slopes of Gabbled Fell. For the fugitives weighted down by their plunder, it must have been sheer torture. 45 minutes later, against the dead gray face of rock near the barren peak, we saw three men struggling slowly upward, helpless and vulnerable. There was no crevice nor shrub to shield them from their pursuers. And except for what they may have had in their pockets, they carried nothing in their hands but their lives.

[Sergeant Muffat]

You men come down. We have rifles.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

They get to the top. So we're going to have trouble. The dogs can't get across that face. We'll have to bring them down again and take them round to the other side to pick up the trail. We'll lose the daylight.

[Boston Blackie]

Very well.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Movit, hand me the rifle. Yes, sir. Thanks.

[Sergeant Muffat]

There's a cartridge already in the chamber, sir.

[Fredericks]

Right.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I saw three puffs of dust explode above the head of each man. Then I saw them stop, hesitate and begin the slow descent to where we waited. At the foot of Gavel Fell Pursuit. And the pursuit is ended.

[Announcer]

Remember, friends, to make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to refreshing, delicious Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum. There's lots of cooling, real mint flavor in every stick, and chewing Wrigley Spearmint helps keep you feeling fresh and alert. You feel better, work better, get more fun out of doing things. So indoors, outdoors, wherever you go, keep some healthful, refreshing Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum handy. To make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to delicious Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum. Pursuit brought to you by Wrigley Spearmint Gum is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis and written by Gil Dowd and Anthony Ellis. Music was composed and conducted by Marlon Scarlet. John Dana stars as Inspector Peter Black with Raymond Lawrence as Sergeant Moffat. Also featured in the cast were Ben Rife, Harley Bear, Dan o', Herlihy, Ramsay Hill and Judah Owen. Pursuit, The makers of Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Hope you've enjoyed tonight's story of pursuit and and that you're enjoying Wrigley's Spearmint Gum every day. We invite you to join us next week at this same time when Pursuit will bring you another dramatic story of the famous Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard, relentlessly hunting down those whose Disordered passions breed violence and murder. Another story of man hunting man. When we bring you pursuit. Bob Stevenson speaking. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Boston Blackie]

What was that address again, Mary?

[Mary Wesley]

2400 Wallace Street. It should be in the next block, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

Want me to wait after I drop you off?

[Mary Wesley]

Well, that depends on what you've got to do. If it's something that might lead you into trouble, wait for me.

[Boston Blackie]

You know I never get into trouble, Mary. It's only the criminals I go after that get into it.

[Mary Wesley]

Well, that's the way it's been up till now. But every time you leave me, I start to worry.

[Boston Blackie]

Don't you trust me, lady?

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, Blackie, you know how important you are to me.

[Boston Blackie]

I'm kind of important to me too, Mary. Now, stop worrying. And here's that 2,400 address. I'll pick you up in half an.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Hour if you like.

[Mary Wesley]

I don't know how long I'll be. You better go and I'll take a cab. But, Blackie, please.

[Boston Blackie]

I promise not to get hit by some gangster's bullet. If only because we have a date tonight.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Okay? Sure.

[Boston Blackie]

I'll see you tonight. My cold ought to be better by then.

[Mary Wesley]

Well, I certainly hope so.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Bye. Bye. Morning. What can I do for you?

[Mary Wesley]

I'm Mary Wesley. I phoned you earlier this morning.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Oh, that's right, you did. Sit down.

[Mary Wesley]

Thank you.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Okay. What's your problem, Ms. Wesley?

[Mary Wesley]

First, is this as good a private detective agency as you advertise?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

We're modest, Ms. Wesley. Or even better than that.

[Mary Wesley]

Well, we'll soon find out. I have a difficult job for you.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Harder. They are better. We like them. What do you want us to do?

[Mary Wesley]

I want you to follow someone.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Shadowing's easy, Ms. Wesley. So easy we sometimes hate to take money for.

[Boston Blackie]

Oh, we will.

[Mary Wesley]

I think you'll find it rather hard to follow this person. And whatever the cost, I'll pay it. Money is no object.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

And what is the object in following this man?

[Mary Wesley]

Well, that's not important. I just want you to follow him everywhere he goes. Now, don't let him out of your sight for one minute. I want you to get a detailed report on everything he does.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

But everything can do. My man will watch him every minute. Now, just one little detail. What's the name of the guy you want shattered?

[Mary Wesley]

His name is Boston Blackie.

[Announcer]

And now back to Dick Kalmer as Boston Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

Enemy to those who make him an enemy.

[Announcer]

Friend to those who have no friend.

[Tommy]

Hello, boys.

[Fredericks]

Hello, Tommy. Where you been?

[Tommy]

Me?

[Fredericks]

I've Been? No, no, don't tell me. I know. Gone down to the Herald Building to get your newspaper off the truck again.

[Tommy]

But I had a boss. I just had to see what Dick Dash detective did to Peach Face and I couldn't wait.

[Fredericks]

You take your sweet time about going to see your dying mother, but you can't wait for the paper to come out to see what happens to Dick Dash.

[Tommy]

Ah, boy, sometimes I wait for the paper to be delivered.

[Fredericks]

You wait for the paper when you won't. Don't wake up till just before it's delivered. Now look, sit down. I want to talk to you.

[Tommy]

You want to see Dick Dash? He's gonna take the fuzz off Peach Face's kiss.

[Fredericks]

Annie, sit down or I'll take the nose off yours. Now, we got this new stick up racket going and it's going great. But it can be greater.

[Tommy]

Yeah, I know. We've been doing awful good lately, ain't we?

[Fredericks]

Yeah, but it's only the beginning. Now listen, Tommy, I want to. Want me to duck, Bosch? No, just sit where you are. I might need you.

[Boston Blackie]

I get it. I'm in. Hello, Fredericks.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Well, Boston.

[Fredericks]

Blackie. What do you want down here? As if it would make any difference.

[Boston Blackie]

To me any other time, Fredericks, I'd resent talk like that. Now I'm taking it.

[Fredericks]

What's the rover boy got roving around in his mind? You know, Tommy, don't you?

[Boston Blackie]

Who'd want to?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Look, Blackie, maybe I.

[Boston Blackie]

Sit down, small stuff. I came here to see your boss, not to clip you.

[Tommy]

Oh, is that so? Well, kid, let's start something right now.

[Fredericks]

Shut up, Tommy.

[Boston Blackie]

Okay.

[Fredericks]

Blackie may want something here, but I don't think it's trouble.

[Boston Blackie]

You're right, Fredericks. It's a job.

[Fredericks]

A job? I didn't think you worked, Blackie, except on people like us.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, a time has come when I think I ought to work with people like you. That's all right. Laugh if you want, Fredericks, but I need money. That's not funny to me.

[Fredericks]

You broke, Blackie? I don't believe it.

[Boston Blackie]

I'll tell you how broke I am. You're in a good racket. The risk is high, but so is the take. I want in.

[Fredericks]

Oh, now, Blackie, please. Aren't you being just a little corny? You don't think I'd trust you within a mile of me when I'm doing a job, do you?

[Boston Blackie]

I didn't expect you to know. But you could give me a chance. Find out if you can trust me. Then if you can let me in, I could be a big help to you.

[Fredericks]

Now, that's the first thing you said that I can believe. Blackie, I'll tell you what I'll do. You can come in on a job with us tonight.

[Boston Blackie]

All right.

[Fredericks]

Now wait a minute. I'm no sucker. You're in on my terms.

[Boston Blackie]

I'm listening.

[Fredericks]

There may be trouble. And if there is, and if I have the slightest idea that you were responsible, I'll kill you before you can move an eyelash.

[Boston Blackie]

Hello, Mary? This is Blackie.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

Oh, Blackie, I called your apartment 10 times since I got home, and you weren't there.

[Fredericks]

Now, where are you?

[Boston Blackie]

In a phone booth on Wheaton Street. I've just come from seeing Fredericks.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

Seeing him or trying to see him?

[Boston Blackie]

I saw him and he didn't see through me. Well, not completely. But he's ruined our date tonight.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

I don't mind that too much. As long as you got what you wanted. Only be careful. Please, Blackie, for me.

[Boston Blackie]

I'll do my best. I'm going out with Fredericks tonight. Sort of a trial. I'll be with him from 8 till midnight when we pull a job.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

Then I won't see you till tomorrow.

[Boston Blackie]

That's the way it looks. Oh, how did you do with your end of the deal?

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, don't worry.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

A man from the Brown Detective Agency will follow you everywhere you go.

[Fredericks]

He'll see everything you do.

[Boston Blackie]

Good. Now all I have to do is hope that Inspector Faraday doesn't interfere. Because if I'm in the groove tonight, Fredericks and his boys will be in the bag tomorrow.

[Fredericks]

Now, keep moving through the bushes till you're under that first window there, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

All right.

[Fredericks]

Fredericks and Tommy and Bill will drop the stuff down to us.

[Boston Blackie]

Yeah.

[Fredericks]

Hey, you did a good job on that lock, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

Thanks. That's my new business from now on. Hey, Fredericks, did you have to pick a place surrounded by bushes?

[Sergeant Muffat]

Ouch.

[Boston Blackie]

Those thorns hurt.

[Fredericks]

You'll get a worse pain than that from this gun in your back if you cross us tonight.

[Boston Blackie]

Why don't you stop that talk? I mean this because I want to get something out of it, and that's all. I'm glad we're out of those bushes, though. Which window do we stand at?

[Fredericks]

The one just above us now. Hey, there's Bill up there. Toss the stuff down, Bill. Okay.

[Boston Blackie]

Where's Tommy?

[Fredericks]

Watching the entrance of the building so Bill can work without having to be his own lookout.

[Mary Wesley]

Hey, down there.

[Announcer]

Catch.

[Boston Blackie]

I got it. Hey, what is this stuff just something.

[Fredericks]

That'S easier to steal and earn.

[Boston Blackie]

One guess. Money, huh?

[Fredericks]

Good guess. Hey, Bill. Yeah, boss? We're ready to make a break for it. You stick up there as a lookout till we get away.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Sure, boss.

[Fredericks]

I'll stay up here.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Hey, boss.

[Fredericks]

Yeah?

[Boston Blackie]

Watchman.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

He's coming around the back of the building.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I can see him from here. I better let him have it.

[Fredericks]

Yeah, make it snappy.

[Boston Blackie]

Wait a minute. Wide up there, Bill.

[Fredericks]

He'll hear you. Blackie, start talking.

[Boston Blackie]

I'll handle the watchman. Okay with you?

[Fredericks]

Okay, but do it fast.

[Boston Blackie]

I'm on my way. I gotta be able to tag him just before he comes around the corner of the building.

[Fredericks]

Now, wait here, Blackie. Only don't get cute. Just don't get cute.

[Inspector Faraday]

Something awful funny's going on here.

[Boston Blackie]

Good night, friend. I tagged him, Fredericks. He won't move for a while.

[Fredericks]

Better shoot him, Blackie. If he's alive, he'll know what you look like.

[Boston Blackie]

You're the boss, boss. Well, Federics, I knocked him off. We better get going now.

[Fredericks]

Okay, Blackie. That was nice shooting. All right, come on. That shot will bring the cops here in no time.

[Boston Blackie]

Believe me. I'm not waiting around to say hello to them. Let's go.

[Fredericks]

Yeah.

[Boston Blackie]

For some reason or other, I don't mind the thorns in these bushes as much as I did.

[Fredericks]

Maybe it's because you don't have a gun in your back.

[Boston Blackie]

Now, what does that mean?

[Fredericks]

But you're okay, Blackie. I can use you. Shooting that watchman will set you in solid.

[Boston Blackie]

Thanks. Hey, there's Tommy. The car. Where's Bill?

[Fredericks]

Probably still in the building. But he'll get away. If he doesn't, so what? I've got you to take his place.

[Mary Wesley]

I'm awful proud of what you did last night, Blackie. I think we ought to celebrate.

[Boston Blackie]

So it's me. Like to go to the Carlton tonight?

[Mary Wesley]

You talked me into it.

[Boston Blackie]

We're celebrating a little early, you know, honey, I'm in the Fredericks gang. All right. But I still have to find out where their next job is so I can have Faraday there to grab them.

[Mary Wesley]

What would the inspector do without you? And for that matter, what would I do?

[Boston Blackie]

Ah, that's what I like, an interruption when the conversation is getting good. Come in.

[Inspector Faraday]

Hello, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

Hello, Faraday, old pal. Mary and I were planning to go out to celebrate. Want to join us?

[Inspector Faraday]

Lanky, when you and Ms. Wesley go out, she's going home. And you're probably going downtown with me.

[Boston Blackie]

You mean There's a doubt in your mind.

[Inspector Faraday]

Not much of a one, I'll tell you that. Lankey, you've been trying to get something on a guy named Fredericks, huh?

[Boston Blackie]

Don't look now, Inspector, but I practically gotten what I want. I was on a job with him last night.

[Inspector Faraday]

That's what I thought. You shot the watchman on that job, didn't you?

[Boston Blackie]

Sure. With blanks.

[Inspector Faraday]

Blanks? Since when would a blank cartridge kill a man? That watchman was found shot to death, Blackie.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Well, listen, not that it should be any news to you, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

Hold it, Mary. You know how wrong Faraday generally is. Inspector, for your information, I went on that job last night to get evidence you need. And I did shoot the watchman, just as I said. But I used a blank cartridge, and that's definite.

[Inspector Faraday]

Maybe. Only I don't believe it. Let me see your gun.

[Boston Blackie]

Sure, if you want to. But I've taken the blanks out and reloaded it with real bullets, that's all.

[Inspector Faraday]

You never had blanks in it, Blankie? Blanks don't kill people. And that watchman you shot is dead.

[Boston Blackie]

Are you serious?

[Inspector Faraday]

You're the one who makes jokes, not me.

[Boston Blackie]

Wait a minute. I didn't kill anybody. This was part of a plan. And I have an alibi. Mary hired a detective to follow me everywhere I went. He was there when I fired at that watchman. And he must have seen that watchman get up as soon as Fredericks and I ran away.

[Announcer]

What?

[Boston Blackie]

I wanted in on the Fredericks gang so I could turn them over to you. Mary hired a private detective so if something like this happened, I'd be in the clear.

[Mary Wesley]

Private detective from the Brown Agency. Inspector Faraday. He saw it. Blackie did. And he'll prove that the watchman wasn't really shot by Blackie.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, let's have a prove it.

[Mary Wesley]

Okay, I'll call.

[Inspector Faraday]

I hope this guy saw what happened. Wacky.

[Boston Blackie]

He saw everything, Faraday. He was instructed not to let me get out of his sight. And that agency has good men.

[Inspector Faraday]

I got a good mind not to even wait to find out.

[Boston Blackie]

You've got a good mind. Your mind is so dull, you could be arrested for carrying a blunt instrument. Now, just wait till you hear what this detective has to say. I'll wait.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

Brown Detective agency. Brown speaking.

[Mary Wesley]

Mr. Brown, this is Mary Wesley.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

Oh, Ms. Wesley, glad you called. I've been trying to get in touch with you for hours.

[Mary Wesley]

Well, I haven't been home all day. Mr. Brown, I want you to speak to Inspector.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

Ms. Wesley, I'm afraid I have to give you an unpleasant report. Huh? My man lost Boston Blackie's trail late this afternoon. Couldn't find a trace of him after that.

[Announcer]

And now back to Boston Blackie. A man named Fredericks heads a Stick up gang. And in an effort to trap him, Boston Blackie joins him in a robbery. During the robbery, Blackie shoots a watchman. A private detective was supposed to be following Blackie to testify, if necessary, that the watchman got up after the shot because Blackie used blanks.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

It turns out, though, the watchman is.

[Announcer]

Found shot and killed. And when it is learned that the private detective lost Blackie's trail before the robbery, Blackie has no way of proving that he didn't kill the man. As we return to our story, Faraday prepares to take Blackie to jail for murder.

[Boston Blackie]

Faraday, you have to listen to me.

[Inspector Faraday]

I'll listen to you in the lineup, Blackie. And when I get you into that light in the detective bureau, I want you to talk plenty.

[Boston Blackie]

I like the light I'm under right now. Have you ever seen a prettier chandelier?

[Inspector Faraday]

I've never seen a prettier mess than you're in right now.

[Mary Wesley]

Inspector Faraday, please.

[Inspector Faraday]

Now, let Blackie Be quiet, Ms. Wesleyan.

[Mary Wesley]

Inspector, all Blackie needs is a little time. And then he'll find the man who killed that watchman.

[Inspector Faraday]

You've been around Blackie so much, you're beginning to think like him.

[Boston Blackie]

If you'd stick around, maybe you'd start thinking period. Give me just a few hours and I'll clear this up for you, Faraday.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I promise you.

[Inspector Faraday]

Clear enough already, Blackie. So you're going to headquarters and no tricks.

[Boston Blackie]

Why, you know I'd never pull a trick on you.

[Inspector Faraday]

No, not much. But this time you don't get a chance. Turn around, blankie. I want you back to me.

[Boston Blackie]

It's impolite. All right.

[Inspector Faraday]

Apologize to Emily Post later. Turn around, I said. This time I'm gonna make sure there are no tricks.

[Boston Blackie]

Faraday, you're making a mistake.

[Fredericks]

Sure, sure, I know.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

All right.

[Boston Blackie]

My back is turned, Inspector.

[Mary Wesley]

Won't you listen?

[Inspector Faraday]

And not to you, Ms. Wesley, so be quiet. All right, blankie, take your gun out of your pocket, then put both hands over your head.

[Boston Blackie]

With my gun in one hand?

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, with your gun in one hand pointing at the ceiling. You can't shoot me with your gun in that position. And I can walk over and take it.

[Boston Blackie]

Clever, Inspector. All right, my gun is in my hand and my hands are in the air.

[Inspector Faraday]

And I'm coming up behind you and Blackie.

[Mary Wesley]

What's happening?

[Inspector Faraday]

Hey, the lights. Blackie, come back here.

[Fredericks]

Come back.

[Tommy]

Where are you going?

[Boston Blackie]

The same place to lighten that chandelier. Just went inspector out.

[Tommy]

This guy Dick Dash sure is great, boy. Sure is great.

[Fredericks]

What do you do all night, Tommy? Wait up for Dick Dash to come.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Out in the morning? I went down and got him at the newspaper truck again this morning, boss. I think the guy's nuts.

[Fredericks]

Well, I'm glad you're not, Bill. Smart work. After the stick up last night, what made you get down to make sure that watchman was dead?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

The SAP looked up when you and Blackie ducked through the bushes, boss. We're still watching. In the second story window I saw him.

[Tommy]

Hey, boss, Dick Dash has peach face backed into a potato?

[Fredericks]

Shut up about Dick Dash, will you, Tommy?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

All right.

[Fredericks]

So you shot the watchman yourself, huh, Bill?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Yeah, and just in time too. He was just getting up.

[Boston Blackie]

I let him have it, that was all.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I wasn't surprised that guy was alive. Didn't trust bloody.

[Fredericks]

Yeah, I almost did. I sure don't now.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Think we better get out of town.

[Fredericks]

No, no, not yet. Blackie will be here pretty soon. He knows the score, knows what's happened to him. And he'll be here to make sure something happens to us. Tommy. Tommy, you put down those funnies and listen to me.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Sure, boys.

[Fredericks]

Look, you get in his closet here.

[Tommy]

In the closet? What for?

[Fredericks]

Insurance.

[Tommy]

What are you talking about?

[Fredericks]

Blackie may be here to cause trouble. If he does, he'll be standing with his back to the closet. When he starts it, I want you to come out and finish it and him.

[Tommy]

Oh, yeah, sure. Dick Dash did something like this once. Sure, boss. I'll listen from in here. If it gets tough, well, just leave it to me.

[Fredericks]

Leave Dick Dash out here. You can't read in the closet anyway. Well, yeah. First chance we have, let's get rid of that guy.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

That comic Detective Fizz gets on my nerves too. Guy goes nuts waiting to find out what's gonna happen the next day.

[Fredericks]

Well, he's not the only guy who's nuts about those things. I'm just getting so. Well, I don't like the guy anymore.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Uh, oh, yeah.

[Fredericks]

Only odds. That's Blackie. If he starts something, you know what to do. Yeah.

[Boston Blackie]

I'm in. Fredericks. Hello, Bill.

[Fredericks]

How are you?

[Boston Blackie]

Well, three out of four of us are here. Where's Tommy?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Out getting his funny papers.

[Boston Blackie]

Getting them. A little late this morning, isn't he?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Yeah, well, I'll take care of you.

[Boston Blackie]

Two before he gets here. And then handle him. Don't reach for your gun, Bill.

[Fredericks]

Tough, aren't you, Blackie?

[Boston Blackie]

You'll find out, both of you. Okay, reach and turn your back to me.

[Fredericks]

What's wrong, Blackie?

[Boston Blackie]

You know what's wrong. That watchman was found dead, and Faraday thinks I killed him.

[Fredericks]

Well, you shot him, remember? Cozy, weren't you, Black?

[Boston Blackie]

I thought so at the time. I'm a little cozier now, though. Tommy, out of that closet.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Nobody's in the closet, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

No? Then what's the comic page of this paper lying around here for? Tommy's here, all right, and he's in there. You're coming out, Tommy. Want a personal invitation? All right, these of you guys get cute now. You won't like what happens if you do.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

There's nobody in there, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

All right, Tommy, out.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

No.

[Boston Blackie]

Okay, I'll drag you out.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Come on, you little.

[Tommy]

I did it, boss. Just like in Dick Dash, Detective. When he yanked open the door, I let him have it. Black, he'll be out for an hour.

[Fredericks]

Good. It's the only place he knows about where he can find any of us. I'll beat it, both of you. I'll get in touch with you. Maybe we're out of business in this town. But after Faraday picks him up, I guarantee you so is Boston. Blackie. Oh, hello, Mary.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

Sorry to wake you up.

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, Blackie, where you been most of yesterday?

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

I was unconscious on the floor of Frederick's office. Blackie, I'm all right now, except that I still have my cold. And most of the night I've been hiding from the police.

[Fredericks]

Well.

[Mary Wesley]

Well, don't come up here. My apartment's being watched. And not because the police think I'm cute.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

I know they think I'm cute. Well, I do have a cute bump on my jaw.

[Mary Wesley]

Blackie, go to see Faraday and try to explain what really happened.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

No, Mary, he's got no reason to believe me yet. And I've got to be free in order to clear myself.

[Mary Wesley]

Well, how are you gonna start?

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

I'm not sure yet. Of course, I know who killed that watchman. Yeah, that's one of Frederick's men. But I have no proof, and I've got to find Fredericks if I can.

[Mary Wesley]

Oh, Blackie, please, now, don't do anything foolish. If you haven't found what you want by morning, give yourself up. Oh, please, I'm scared.

[Mr. Brown (Private Detective)]

Look how scared Fredericks ought to be about now. Well, I've got one lead on how to get to him. A lead that has to do with the comic pages. Only believe me, it isn't very funny.

[Tommy]

Okay, number six are all loaded.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Get rolling.

[Tommy]

Oh, hole number seven.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

You gotta haul a few hundred more this time. Hey, you.

[Boston Blackie]

Yeah, Sorry to bother you when you're busy.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Hey, I know who you are.

[Fredericks]

You're Boston Blackie. I mean, you're in an awful jam, Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

I know I am, and I'm here to get out of it. Some guy comes here almost every morning to buy a paper off one of these trucks.

[Fredericks]

Yeah, he sure does. Well, he hasn't been here this morning. Well, not yet, I mean.

[Boston Blackie]

Well, look, when he gets here, I want to talk to him.

[Fredericks]

Sure, Blackie. Want me to point him out to you?

[Boston Blackie]

No. I know what he looks like. Only it's late and looks like he's not gonna show up.

[Fredericks]

Yeah, could be. Sure would like to help you, Blackie, if I could.

[Boston Blackie]

I'm sorry. Okay. Thanks anyhow, Blackie.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Yeah?

[Fredericks]

Guy you were talking about. Here he is now.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

That's the guy.

[Fredericks]

All right.

[Boston Blackie]

Give me that paper and tell him to step behind this truck to get it.

[Fredericks]

Okay. Oh, but Blackie.

[Boston Blackie]

Give me that paper, Quinn.

[Fredericks]

Sure. Here you are.

[Boston Blackie]

Now, send that guy back here and don't tell him who he's gonna meet.

[Fredericks]

Okay.

[Tommy]

Say, mister, I'll have one of those papers this morning. I gotta see Dick Dash, detective before I leave.

[Fredericks]

Oh, you leaving town? Yeah.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Well, there's a man behind this truck.

[Fredericks]

With some extra papers. He'll sell you one.

[Tommy]

Thanks. Thanks a lot. Hey, you and the papers. Give me one of those things I gotta see.

[Boston Blackie]

You have to see me first, Tommy. And don't reach for a gun.

[Announcer]

Don't yell.

[Boston Blackie]

Keep your back up against that truck.

[Fredericks]

I didn't do nothing like you.

[Tommy]

I didn't hurt nobody.

[Boston Blackie]

That watchman was more than hurt at that hold up. He was killed. And I think you killed him.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

No, I. I didn't kill him.

[Tommy]

It wasn't me.

[Boston Blackie]

Who was it, then?

[Tommy]

I don't know.

[Boston Blackie]

Lucky I didn't hear you, Tommy, or you'd get another clip. Now, who killed that watchman?

[Fredericks]

Wait, Buggy.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Wait, wait.

[Tommy]

Don't clip me again.

[Fredericks]

It was Bill.

[Boston Blackie]

That's all I wanted to know. Okay, where is he?

[Tommy]

He left town last night. I don't know where he went. Honest, I don't know.

[Boston Blackie]

I'll find out where? He killed that watchman with his own gun.

[Fredericks]

Yeah. Black. Yeah.

[Boston Blackie]

How do you know?

[Tommy]

I heard Bill tell Fredericks.

[Boston Blackie]

Where's Fredericks? I don't Tommy, I'm gonna knock.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

He's living under the name of Cole Faction. Walton Hotel.

[Boston Blackie]

That's different. Okay, Tommy, here's your funny papers. Let's see how you like raiding him.

[Announcer]

In J.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Frankie, this is the first.

[Inspector Faraday]

Time I've ever arrested a man and.

[Boston Blackie]

Then let him go to a hotel. The things I let you get away with, Faraday. You let me come here to the Wharton. But you came with me, didn't you? I surrendered to you on that condition. Would you let me do this? Yeah, I know. All right. Here's 905. This is supposed to be Frederick's room.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

And this is where I take a.

[Fredericks]

Chance on letting you run out on.

[Boston Blackie]

Me again, isn't it?

[Fredericks]

No chandeliers and no more than five minutes or I'm coming in there and arresting you for good.

[Boston Blackie]

You mean for murder, don't you? You'll know what I mean. I always do.

[Fredericks]

Very fun.

[Boston Blackie]

But do you, Farady?

[Fredericks]

Listen at the door. Now, I promise you a near phone. You and your promises.

[Boston Blackie]

Get out of sight.

[Fredericks]

Verity, I'm out of sight. You just be sure to stay in that room. Who is it?

[Boston Blackie]

It's Tommy with the funny papers. Hello, Fredericks. Don't close the door. I'm coming in. Stop pushing, Fredericks. I'm in. Hey.

[Fredericks]

What do you want?

[Boston Blackie]

To finish what I started in your office last night. Only this time, no closet gimmicks. This is gonna be done my way.

[Fredericks]

It won't do you any good to kill me, Blackie. I can tell the police you didn't really kill that watchman.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I'm the only one that knows that Bill did it.

[Fredericks]

I'm your only alibi. You gotta keep me alive.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Do I?

[Boston Blackie]

We'll see about that.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I see you're packing.

[Boston Blackie]

Going somewhere?

[Fredericks]

You know I gotta blow town.

[Boston Blackie]

Not taking much with him. He's a son of a. Small valise.

[Fredericks]

Well, I liked it. Travel light.

[Boston Blackie]

I want to see how light.

[Fredericks]

What are you looking for in that suitcase?

[Boston Blackie]

Money. The dough you got from the stick ups. And here it is. Well, I'll take this. And you.

[Fredericks]

You know a lot, Blackie, but it's not going to do you any good outside that window behind you. It's a long way down.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

And I'm going to see that you find out personally.

[Boston Blackie]

Okay, Frederick.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Oh, you.

[Boston Blackie]

I've been waiting for this.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

I'll give you.

[Boston Blackie]

Come in. Parley.

[Inspector Faraday]

Okay, okay, I heard everything. So this guy there on the floor is the guy in back of all those robberies, huh?

[Boston Blackie]

That's him. Name is Fredericks. That character Tommy I brought down to you works for him.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Yeah, this.

[Boston Blackie]

This guy here is the boss. The guy who really shot and killed the watchman is a fellow named Bill. With a little coaxing, either Fredericks or Tommy will tell you where he's hiding out.

[Fredericks]

Good.

[Inspector Faraday]

Gonna be a lot of fun coaxing them too. You know, Blackie, maybe it takes a little longer when we work alone on.

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

A case, but we sure get results.

[Boston Blackie]

Wanna know a way we can solve cases quicker?

[Narrator / Inspector Peter Black]

Well, I sure do.

[Boston Blackie]

On the next case, when we work alone, I'll work alright.