Rogue’s Gallery and Bulldog Drummond

Summary

Case Closed! — “Rogue’s Gallery and Bulldog Drummond”

Podcast: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio)
Released: November 19, 2025
Main Theme: Two classic radio mysteries—one with wisecracking PI Richard Rogue unravelling an arson and murder for profit, and another following adventure-seeker Bulldog Drummond as he untangles a web of blackmail, murder, and diamond smuggling.

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Overview

This episode of Case Closed! revives two golden age radio crime tales. The first, “Rogue’s Gallery: A Fortune in Furs” (aired December 20, 1945), features Dick Powell as private eye Richard Rogue, investigating a deadly case of arson, blackmail, and double-cross. The second, “Bulldog Drummond: Murder Leaves a Lonely Trail” (aired December 24, 1947), stars Captain Hugh Drummond as he is swept up in a much larger criminal plot after an apparently random encounter with a mysterious woman.

Both stories showcase hard-boiled intrigue, fast dialogue, and the twists and turns characteristic of radio’s greatest crime dramas.

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Segment 1: Rogue’s Gallery – “A Fortune in Furs”

Begins at [00:56]

Introduction to the Case

• Richard Rogue is broke and playing snooker with a bookie when he’s summoned to meet a new client, George Grant ([00:56]).
• George Grant wants $1,000 for info about a recent warehouse fire he claims was arson ([02:00]).
• Rogue tries to negotiate with the insurance company and is promised $10,000 if he can prove the fire was arson ([03:20]).
• Before Grant can share his information, he’s murdered ([04:10]).

Investigation & Key Interviews

• Rogue visits Grant’s daughter, who reveals her father had been anxious and involved with a suspicious blonde, Bernice Maxwell ([07:36]).
  • “I can't believe that dad is dead.” —Ms. Grant ([08:00])
  • Details arise of secret meetings and sudden wealth, suggesting Grant was blackmailed or lured into criminal activity.

Emerging Suspects

• Bernice Maxwell is identified as a key figure, running a questionable escort service with side hustles in blackmail ([14:00]).
• Rogue is threatened by a gunman (“Get in. We're going places, huh?” —Gunman, [12:20]), but bluffs his way out of danger and learns more about Maxwell’s operations.

Confrontation

• Rogue confronts Bernice Maxwell at her home, using forceful bluff and threat to scare out the truth ([15:09]).
• “You had a hand in that murder, and I'm going to get the information out of you if I have to beat it out of you.” —Rogue ([16:28]).
• A criminal named Marcel arrives and tries to finish Rogue off, but Rogue regains control and, after a wild scuffle, ties up the bad guys ([21:44]).

Case Resolution

• Maxwell agrees to turn state’s evidence, giving up details on the arson plot ([25:01]).
  • “I’ll talk. I’ll tell you everything.” —Maxwell ([25:12])
• Rogue confronts Paul Matthews, the company owner, with proof of fraud and arson, outlining the whole scheme ([25:30]).
  • “The fire at your fur warehouse was deliberate arson. …We're not paying the claim, Matthews. We have absolute evidence.” —Rogue ([25:37])
• Justice is served: the two criminals get the electric chair, Maxwell and Matthews get prison, and Rogue makes a cool $10,000 ([27:23]).
• Closing banter with “You go” provides comic relief ([28:27]).

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “He was trimming me like a Christmas tree… I was born with an eight-ball birthmark.” —Rogue wryly riffing on his snooker game ([00:56])
• “I've been double-crossed once on this deal and I don't intend to take a chance on getting the same treatment from you.” —George Grant ([02:20])
• “Trouble's my business, bub.” —Rogue, facing down a killer ([18:01])
• “You killed George Grant just as much as if you pulled the trigger on him. Now talk, baby, talk, do you hear?” —Rogue pushing Maxwell for the truth ([18:23])
• “You know, amateurs like you shouldn't go mixing up with professional crooks.” —Rogue, to Matthews ([27:13])

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Segment 2: Bulldog Drummond – “Murder Leaves a Lonely Trail”

Begins at [29:48]

A Chance Encounter and an Unlikely Case

• Stormy night, Drummond meets a nervous blonde seeking his help, then holds him at gunpoint in a Manhattan bookshop ([30:43]).
  • “Put your arms what? … Please hold me. … Kiss me.” —Blonde ([31:08])
• The woman disappears; Drummond is then taken hostage by a second stranger demanding information about the same book, The Lonely Trail ([34:37]).
• Drummond is knocked out and awakens alongside a dead body in a taxi ([35:10]).

The Mystery Grows

• Drummond and his valet, Denny, investigate: the murdered man had no identification, and the mysterious woman soon appears at Drummond’s home, confessing blackmail ([41:25]).
  • “I’m being blackmailed. … In a copy of the Lonely Trail, I’d find another print of that picture.” —Mrs. Altman ([41:33])
• Treasury agent Wilson arrives, linking the plot to a major counterfeit ring ([42:29]).

The Web Unravels

• Mrs. Altman disappears with a copy of the book, but Drummond had cleverly substituted a decoy. The real clue is hidden in the original ([43:42]).
• They follow the trail to an apartment building, where the prime suspect, John Diamond, appears to have jumped to his death—but Drummond discovers he was pushed ([47:01]).
  • “He didn’t jump, Denny, he was pushed… This window he went through was locked.” —Drummond ([47:12])

Climax at the Docks

• Drummond deciphers a coded note leading to a diamond smuggling plot and intercepts the Altman couple at the docks ([51:40]).
• In a final twist, supposed lawmen are revealed to be part of the ring.
• Drummond and Denny thwart the criminals and the real Treasury Department arrests them ([53:13]).
  • “To be quite frank, Matthews. I rather expected you to show up at the dock tonight with your treasury agent act. …There was only one thing to spoil it for you. A matter of fingerprints.” —Drummond ([53:57])

Denouement

• Drummond summarizes the case: the “lonely trail” was a code for smuggled diamonds, those seeking the book drew death and betrayal, and justice is won.
• Teaser for next week’s episode: "The Cat Who Liked Coffee" ([54:20]).

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Timestamps: Key Moments

• [00:56] — Start of “Rogue’s Gallery”
• [07:36] — Rogue interviews Grant’s daughter
• [12:20] — Rogue kidnapped by a gunman
• [15:09] — Confrontation with Bernice Maxwell
• [22:00] — Rogue regains upper hand against Marcel
• [25:37] — Rogue exposes Matthews
• [29:48] — Start of “Bulldog Drummond”
• [30:43] — Drummond meets the mysterious blonde
• [34:37] — Bookshop confrontation, Drummond knocked out
• [41:25] — Mrs. Altman confesses blackmail
• [47:01] — Discovery of John Diamond’s murder
• [51:40] — Docks confrontation
• [53:57] — Drummond unmasking the criminals

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Style & Tone

True to old-time radio, both dramas feature crisp, wisecracking banter, quick battles of wits, and suspenseful action. Rogue is sardonic and streetwise; Drummond is urbane, witty, and thoroughly British—even in the face of murder and intrigue.

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For New Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Case Closed! brings to life two standout mysteries, each exemplifying the timeless charm of radio noir. You’ll discover

• Colorful private eyes versus clever criminals
• Fast, tight plotting packed with surprises
• Vintage hard-boiled dialogue with a touch of humor

If you enjoy smart detectives, edge-of-your-seat plotting, and the thrill of classic radio, this episode is not to be missed.

Transcript

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Foreign.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Welcome back to Case Closed, your weekly.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Hour of old time radio, mystery and.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Crime every Wednesday@ RelicRadio.com. if you'd like to help support Relic Radio, Case Closed all of the shows, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on the support link.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

In the show notes.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

You make it all possible. Thank you to those who have helped.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Out over the years.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

We'll begin this week with Dick Powell in Rogues Gallery. We'll hear a fortune in first from December 20, 1945. After that it's Bulldog Drummond and murder leaves a lonely trail.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

That story aired December 24, 1947.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

The F.W. fitch Company, makers of those fine fit products, presents Dick Powell as private investigator Richard Rogue in Rogues Gallery. Rogue speaking. Well, things were a little slow at the office, which is my way of saying I didn't have a client or a dime. And I was indulging in my favorite form of athletics, a fast game of snooker pool with Herb Heidi, the bookie at the deluxe pool hall. Heidi was born with a pool cue in one hand and a cue ball in the other. And I was born with an eight ball birthmark. He was trimming me like a Christmas tree. And I was glad when the elevator boy from my building yelled into the door that I had a customer in my office. So I shoved off to talk to this volunteer victim. When I opened the door to my office, I saw him standing there. A dignified looking white haired gent with a strong nose, a weak mouth and the nice middle class air of substantial citizenry. You're Mr. Rogue. That's Ryan. You want to talk business with me, Mr. Grant. George Grant? Yes. Oh, have a chair, Mr. Grant. No, thank you. I prefer to stand. Mr. Rogue, I understand that you have connections with the fire insurance companies that you are sometimes retained by them to investigate losses which might have been caused by arson. That's right. Go on. Are you interested in the fire at the Matthews Fir Company warehouse a week ago? I could be. That fire was arson, Mr. Rogue. I can tell you some very interesting facts about it. Well, good, good. That was a pretty important claim, wasn't it? The fire destroyed over $100,000 worth of furs. Well, start talking, Grant. I. I'd like to have a thousand dollars before I Talk with you, Mr. Rogue. Well, I don't usually pay out that kind of money until I know what I'm buying. I'm not saying a word, sir, until I get a thousand dollars. I've been double cross once on this deal and I don't intend to Take a chance on getting the same treatment from you. Just how much did you have to do with this torching? Grant, I don't intend to answer that question. Do I get my thousand dollars? Mr. Rogue, come back in an hour. You have the money for me then? Yeah, yeah. Come back in an hour and your story had better be good. Grant, I'm a busy man. I haven't time to fool around with crackpots. I'll have the proof. Okay. So long now. Oh, it's four o', clock, Grant. I'll see you at five on the dot. Right. I'll be here. Hello? Oh, hello, Flynn. Say, your outfit had the Matthews Fur Company warehouse fire cover, didn't he? Who is this? This is Richard Rogan. Yes, yes, we had it. $160,000 claim. Well, fine. Say, would you pay me 10% of what I saved you on that claim if I could prove the fire was arson? $16,000. No. Okay, okay. Save $16,000 and lose 160. I can afford it if you can. Wait a minute. How can you prove arson? Well, I've got a man, he wants to talk. He says he can prove arson. I believe him. I'll give you 10,000 for a conviction. I'll take it. Look, send the thousand dollar retainer over here. Special messenger right away. It's important. Hey, wait a minute. Hello? Flynn? Yes. Where have you been, Rogue? Well, my source of information has just been eliminated, but the deal's on. What do you mean? Well, he must have known too much. He's been murdered. Well, that's the beginning of a case out of my crime gallery. Call Fortunate Furs. I'll tell you the rest of the story in a minute. But first, here's Jim Doyle, who's going to tell you men how to shave off stubble without fuss or trouble. Thanks, Dick. Men, if you have that show me attitude when it comes to shaving cream, we invite you to try Fitch's no Brush. We think it has the qualities you want in a shaving cream. A smooth, non greasy texture, a skin conditioner ingredient to protect sensitive skins. And a fast action that instantly prepares your face for the grandest, coolest shave you've ever had. And to top it all off, Fitch's no Brush is reasonably priced. So we suggest you try it. See if we're not right when we say Fitch's no Brush gives a solid comfort shave. If you're one of the many who swear by a lather cream, try Fitch's Brush Cream. This cream gives loads of swell lather that stays moist all during the shave, it rinses off easily, too. Like Fitch's no Brush, it contains a skin conditioner that makes even the most sensitive skins feel cool and smooth. Yes, men. For shaving comfort, try either Fitch's Brush or Fitch's no Brush Shaving Cream. Both come in a form you like at a price you like. What's more, both will give you the kind of shave you like. So ask the man behind the counter for Fitch's Shave Cream. Fitch spelled F, I, T, C, H. And now back to Dick Powell as private investigator Richard Rogue in Rogues Gallery. Well, as I was saying, I. I was as broke as a New Year's resolution when I ran across proof that the Matthews Fur Company warehouse fire was arsoned. I called Lewis Flynn, who headed up the Fidelity Fire Insurance Company and made a deal with him for ten grand if I could prove that the fire was of incendiary origin. And while I was talking with him, George Grant, my witness, was killed leaving the building. Well, I couldn't afford to lose a ten thousand dollar fee right then. So I took a fast distance to the home of the late George Grant. I knocked at the door.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

What do you want?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

I want to talk with you. You're George Grant's daughter?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Yes. You're the police?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Yes.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Come in.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Thank you.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

I suppose you want to question me about my father's affairs.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Yes, that's right.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Come in here, buddies. I can't believe that dad is dead.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, believe me. And if you'll help me, I'm sure we can find the people who murdered him.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Sit down, please.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Thank you. Oh, Ms. Grant, what was your father's business?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Oh, don't you know? He was warehouse manager for the Matthews Fair Company. He had been pierced.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Did he have any enemies that you know of? No.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Dad wasn't the kind of a man who made enemies. He was. Well, he was sweet. Oh, I don't know. There'd been something wrong with him for the last couple of weeks. He wasn't himself. He was worried. And it was all that blonde's fault.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Blonde?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Yes, Bernice Maxwell. Dad became involved with her and he was spending too much money on her. Much too much money.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Oh. How long ago did he meet this Ms. Maxwell?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

About a month ago, I guess. She deliberately chased him. She must have had some reason for it. Dad was no great catch. He was just a little guy working for a salary, trying to get along.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

You say he's been acting strangely? In what way? Could you break that down a little bit for Me?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

I'll try. See, for a while he was talking about how he was going to have a lot of money. All of a sudden he was happy and carefree. Then he was gone from home quite a bit. One night he had a meeting here with some wealth looking men. He wouldn't tell me who they were.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Yes, go on.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Then after the warehouse fire, he was depressed and he. He talked about. He talked about killing himself. I knew he was in some awful trouble, but he wouldn't talk with me about it. He just kept calling Benice Maxwell. She wouldn't answer the phone even.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Did your father talk with you much about the fire?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

No, But I'm sure that that fire had something to do with his. His murder. I know it did. That Maxwell woman has something to do with it too. Who do you suppose that is?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

I think I know.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Please don't go away. I don't want to talk to anybody else. If you stay here, maybe they'll. Maybe they'll leave.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

This the residence of George Grant?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Yes. Who are you?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Lieutenant Urban, Homicide Squad.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Oh, won't you come in?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Hello, Urban. Rogue. What are you doing here?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Isn't he a policeman?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

No. What are you doing here, Rogue? I'm working on a case. Do you know anything about a murder that took place outside your office an hour ago? A little. I see. What are you doing out here? Well, I'm working for a client. I've got a license to do that. You want to see it?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

If he isn't a policeman, who is he?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

He's a private investigator, which is a Harvard version of a gumshoe. His name is Rogue. Richard.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Rogue it is. Well, he told me he was a policeman. I wouldn't have let him in.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

That's not very gracious of you, Ms. Grant. Shut up. Ms. Grant, did you give this man any information which you should have withheld from the police?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Well, I don't know. He kept asking me questions about. Not my father. I have to do.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

What do you know about a murder? That murder, Rogue. Who did it? I don't know. How did he get out here so fast? How did you know who the murdered man was? I don't have to answer that. Well, he'd been up to your office to see you, hadn't he, Daddy? Ms. Grant, do you know whether or not your father planned on seeing a private investigator today?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Well, I don't know. He didn't tell me. If he did.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

I'm getting a little fed up with your ethics, Rogue. Aren't you getting a little out of line, Irvin? You're withholding information. Can you prove it? This man was shot on his way out of your office. What was he talking to you about? Answer me. Did you see him talking to me? Oh, now, let's not get technical. Let's do. Let's do. You're gonna take me down to the station and sweat me. Not if you'll be reasonable. I'm not gonna be reasonable. So either pull out your cups or shut up.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Oh, please.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Oh, I'm. I'm sorry, Ms. Grant. Believe me, I really want to help you. I'm gonna take care of the people who are responsible for this murder. Even the cops can't keep you from doing that. Now wait a minute, Rogue. I'm walking out of here, Urban. I'll see you later when I deliver the killers to you so you can take a bow for the newspapers. Oh, I was burned like a bride's biscuits and feeling just as tough when I walked out of that house and passed Irvin's squad car to my coupe. It didn't do my atomic temper any good when a pasty faced gunman got out of the front seat of my car and pointed a pistol at me. Hello, Rogue. Get in. We're going places, huh? Oh, oh, okay, Junior. But be careful of that thing. It might go off. Where to, Junior? Straight down the street. I'll tell you when to turn. You. You had a visitor at your office this morning. How much talking did he do? Oh, you mean George Grant? You know who I mean. Well, he didn't talk much. Why? Who wants to know? Boys, look out where you're going, Rogue. Well, I'm not worried. I've got the wheel. Let's get this thing out of low, shall we? What are you trying to do, Rogue? Kill yourself? No, it makes me feel safer going this fast. Because you pull the trigger on that heater and you're just as dead as I am. Slow down, Rogue.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Hey.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Hey. That guy almost crashed us. What's the matter, Billy boy? You yellow? I've got a tank full of gas and this car will make over a hundred. You're going to kill us both. That's possible. As a matter of fact, it's probable. But you were going to take me for a ride anyway, weren't you? I got nothing to lose. Give me that gun. Keep your hands on the wheel, Rogue. Hey, hey, cut it off. Give me that gun. Come on. Get your hands on the wheel, Rogue. You going to crash? Give me that gun or I'll whip right into that wall ahead of it. You know me Kid, I mean it. Now give me that gun, would you? Let me go. No. Give it here. Oh, look.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Come on.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Come on.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Hey.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Hey. Well, I'll be. He's passed out. Hey. Hey. In the struggle for the gun, I twisted this torpedo's hand around and, well, he pulled the trigger himself. With me a pivoting factor. He shot himself through the chest. But it didn't look fatal to me. So I drove him to a hospital and left him there. Told them to call Urban. I used the hospital phone to check up on Bernice Maxwell and found that she was a sort of a notorious babe. Ran an escort service, which was legitimate enough, but she's had a few sidelines, such as blackmail. I got her home address out of the book and went out there. She lived in a nice enough house out on the east side of town. I rang the doorbell.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Yes?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Hello, Ms. Maxwell. I'd like to talk with you for a moment, please.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Who are you?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Let's talk about that inside, shall we?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

What do you mean forcing your way in here?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

I mean business, blondie, and that's what we're going to talk. Now, let's go in the other room and have a chat. You just lead the way. After all, you odd hostess.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

If you don't get out of here.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

I'm going to call the police. Don't bother, baby. I'm the police and I want to talk to you about a fire and a murder. So just get moving. Come on. A murder? Yes, yes, a murder. Doesn't the fire surprise you, too? Sit down.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

I don't know what you're talking about. Who are you anyway?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

That's beside the point. I want to know what you had to do with the murder of George Grant. You can talk now or later. I've got nothing but time.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

George Grant, he's dead?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Yes, very. He was murdered about five minutes after four, downtown on Grand Avenue. And I think you know who did it.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

I don't. I don't know anything about it.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

You never heard of him, huh?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

I knew him slightly.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Oh, now, please, Ms. Maxwell. You know him better than slightly. You've been running around with him or giving him the run around for the last month. You deliberately set a trap for him, didn't you? You mixed him up in that arson job on the Matthews Freight Company's warehouse. I don't know anything about arson.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

You can't come in here and threaten.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Oh, look, lady, I'm not going to be polite about this. George Grant has been murdered. You had a hand in that murder and I'm Going to get the information out of you if I have to beat it out of you. And if you think I'm bluffing, just keep on dumbing up. Now, who was mixed up on that ice and job that Grant was killed for knowing too much about? Look, I'm going to count three, then I'm going to come over there and slap the information out of you. Look.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Look, if I tell you what you want to know, will you fix it with the district attorney to let me turn state's evidence?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

It depends on how good your information is.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

You have nothing on me.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Now don't start that again. You almost had your mind made up to be smart. Don't double cross yourself. Now come on, talk.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

I have everything you need right here, Ms. Dass.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Wow, now you're talking. Now, wise guy, get your hands up. Huh? Oh, no kidding. Now look, Maxwell, this is nothing you can shoot your way out of, especially with a toy gun like that.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Sit down.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

No, if I'm gonna be shot, I wanna be standing up when I get it. This is a silly piece of grandstanding, Bobby. I'm gonna take that gun away from you before you nerve yourself into pulling the trigger.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Don't. Don't come another step. I'm telling you, if you do, I'll shoot.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

You don't think one bullet from that little.25 is gonna stop me, do you? It won't, Maxwell. I'll just keep right on coming and I'll take it away from you. And I'll put you in the pen for the rest of your life for.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Attempted murder if I don't get rid of you.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Don't be a sucker. Now think of those 13 steps to the death house. I'm coming after that gun, Maxwell.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Take one more step.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Well, I hated to slap that gun out of your hand, blondie, but you didn't want to shoot me anyway, did you?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Let go. My arm. You're hurting me.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Now talk. Who was behind that arson deal? Who was the touch off man? Who was the brain?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

I can't tell you. I can't. If I don't, they'll kill me.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Come on, come on. I haven't much sympathy for dames like you. You killed George Grant just as much as if you pulled the trigger on him. Now talk, baby, talk, do you hear? Hey, hey, hey, blondie, come out of it. Come on. Well, well, I'm a son of a gun. She passed out on me. Hey, Maxwell, come out of it now, will you come on. All right, rogue, just stay right where you are, huh? What did you do to Ben eats nothing. I. Did she talk? No. No, she didn't. That's good. How did you get here, Rogue? I drove. I. Oh, I. I got rid of that little pasty puss gunman you sent after me. Where is he? He's been taken care of. That's funny. That's exactly what's going to happen to you. Richard. Stand still while I get this gun out of that shoulder holster. Okay, okay. You're in the driver's seat. You just couldn't ever learn to stay out of trouble, could you? Trouble's my business, bub. Get up and keep your hands near. Oh, sure, sure. Well, if you're gonna let me have it, this is as good a time as any, isn't it? Time's all right, but I don't like the place, that's all. I'm going to take you out in the country. That's nice to think about. I love the complex. You know I'm going to have to kill you, don't you? You know too much. Sure, sure. You couldn't stand a police investigation, could you, Bob? No. You know, you. You should have covered me yourself when I left the Grant house. You should never send a boy to do a man's work. No. Now you're yellow too, aren't you? You haven't got the guts to pull a trigger yourself. You've got a lot of nerve talking that way when you're looking down the barrel of this gun. With you. Yeah, You're a two for a nickel penny added ten horn, Frenchy. And I'm gonna take that gun away from you and make you eat it. Yes, well, I have plans for you, Richard. I'm going to bend this gun over your head first. And then I'm going to get rid of you for good. You haven't got the guts. No. Turn around, Rogue. Well, I. I wasn't as batty as I sounded there, Believe me. I'm. I'm no hero. And usually when a guy has the drop on me, I obey orders like a corporal bucking for sergeant. But I didn't have much to lose and. And for once, I wanted to be hit over the head. Oh, I got my wish and rolled with the blow. Those old familiar stars started to circulate around my indestructible cranium. And I started to black out. But I pulled myself back and hung on to consciousness. I didn't move after I fell. I didn't have to. You see, I. I fell with my left shoulder in the shadows covering the automatic. I'D slapped out of Bernice Maxwell's hand a little earlier. When I heard this character walk away from me, I. I got my right hand on the gun. He went over to where Bernice was just coming around to this world again. I could hear him talking to her. Bernice. Bernice.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Oh, it's you, Marcel. Where is he, Og?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

He's on ice. Over there in the corner.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

You kill him?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

No. But I'm going to. They didn't want to do it here in your house. Drop that gun, Marcel. I'm taking over from here. What?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Drop it. Marcel is over there by the tiara.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

We'll return to Richard Rogue in just a moment. But first I have a suggestion for the ladies. Do you have trouble finding a shampoo that your whole family likes? If you do, why not present them with a bottle of Fitch's Saponified Coconut Oil Shampoo? We'll wager they'll be delighted with it. Because Fitch's Saponified Shampoo is a favorite with both men and women, young folks and old. Dad likes it for the businesslike cleansing it gives. Your young daughter will swoon over its fragrance and the way it gives her hair dancing highlights. Junior thinks shampoos on the whole are a nuisance. But if it's gotta be done, he'll take Fitch's Saponified Shampoo because it's so quick and easy to use. Yes, ladies, for a good all around family shampoo, it's Fitch's Saponified. Made from pure natural oils, this shampoo will not dry the hair or make it harsh feeling. Fitch's Saponified Shampoo has been granted the parents magazine commendation seal. When you buy shampoo, look for the bottle with the bright yellow label. Fitch's Saponified Coconut Oil Shampoo. And now we return to Rogues Gallery with Dick Powell as private investigator Richard Rogue. I was a little worried about my future as I stood there behind the COVID of that piano and pumped lead at myself. But if I could get in a lucky shot, I. I knew I could put him away for the murder of George Grant and the arson job at the Matthews Fur Company warehouse. I'd hit him a couple of times and his girl Bernice Maxwell was screaming at me to stop. But Marcel kept on trying to luck a shot into my anatomy. Don't move. Don't move, either one of you. I still got plenty of blood here to stop you. If you.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Going to do with us.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

I'm going to turn you both over to the cops, baby. Wow. Well, this guy will live the Hang now. Here, here. Tie him up. Use his necktie. Come on.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

He needs a doctor.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Well, I'll call one as soon as he's secured. Come on. Tie him tight now.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

He's bleeding to death.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Shut up. Here, now take mine.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Tie here.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Tie Speed tight. Really? When I'm mad. Yeah. Oh. Oh, yeah. Here's my gun. And here's the gun that's going to send your boyfriend to the chair. Now, you want to go with him, or do you want to tell me all about it?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

You mean I can still turn state's evidence?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Were you mixed up in the murder?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

No, I don't know anything about that.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

You know about the arson deal, though, huh?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Yes.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Okay, baby, start talking. Maybe I can get you a deal with the D.A.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

I'Ll talk. I'll tell. I'll tell you everything.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Well, she sang. Yeah, she sang plenty. And the words were music to my ears. When she was through singing, I tied her up tight and called Homicide to tell Urban where he could pick up a murderer and an accessory before the fact. Then I told him where I'd be. Later, I called Flynn at the Fidelity Fire Insurance Company and told him to meet me at the home of Paul Matthews, owner of the Matthews fur company, in 10 minutes. He did, and we went in together. The butler, sort of unwillingly showed us into the study where Matthews was reading. I'm Richard Rogue, Mr. Matthews, the investigator. The celebrated investigator, Mr. Matthews. This gentleman with me here is Mr. Flynn of the Fidelity Fire Insurance Company. How do you do? Well, I'm puzzled as to the purpose of your visit, gentlemen. Well, I'll unpuzzle you, Matthews. The fire at your fur warehouse was deliberate arson. Oh, why. Why, that's preposterous. It's a nice act, but no gold. We're not paying the claim, Matthews. We have absolute evidence. Let me tell you, Flynn. You made a deal with Marcel Jarnac, one of the West's leading arsonists, to start the blaze, Matthews. But you needed the loyalty of an old employee of yours, the manager of your warehouse, George Grant. Grant was an honest guy. So you and Marcel sticked a dame on him. A dame named Bernice Maxwell. You convinced now that I know what I'm talking about? No. I tell you why. Okay, then I'll give you some more dope. With Grant's help, you took all the expensive furs out of the warehouse and filled it up with a lot of junk. And then Grant sopped it all down to the gasoline and touched it off. So you want the insurance and $160,000 worth of minks and sables for burning $1,000 worth of CAT scan. It was a swindle, Matthews. We're not paying the claim. The cops have the Maxwell woman, Mazo Jarnac and a pasty faced gunman who worked with them. They've all talked. You're through, Matthews. That's the police now the homicide squad. Show the van, will you, Flynn? Sure looks like the end of the road for me, doesn't it, Mr. Rogue? Yeah, yeah, it sure does, Matthews. You know, amateurs like you shouldn't go mixing up with professional crooks. That's right. Hey, hey, cut it out. Drop that gun, Matthews.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Hey.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

What'S going on in here, Rogue? Ah, this guy, this. This Matthews tried to commit suicide. I had to take the gun away from him. That's all I've been doing all day long. Is that living? Well, it was Pasty Puss's gun that bumped George Grant. He and Marcel got the chair. Matthews and Bernice Maxwell got 10 years apiece. And I got 10 grand reward money for cracking the case. Yeah, I really had a time with that $10,000. Went to Mexico. Mexico City. Incidentally, Spent the month of January there. What a month? January. As soon as I get time, I'm going to write a book. You know what the title's going to be? I'm going to call it Lost January. Oh, dear. Incidentally, I hope you noticed that I didn't get my brains knocked out and make my regular visit to my alter enemy Hugo tonight. And.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

What'S the idea, Rogie? I missed you. Are you mad cause I threw that Betty dame off our cloud?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

No, Hugor.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Oh, but look, Rogie, I.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

You made a reservation on cloud number eight. I did not.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Oh, yes you did. You said it.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

I said what you said.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

See you next week. You go. You said it. I heard you.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Okay, okay. I've seen you. Good night, midget.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Goodbye, Rogi. Say, Rogie, aren't you gonna wish me a merry Christmas?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Oh, sure, sure. Merry Christmas. You go on. Merry Christmas, Richard.

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

So long.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Merry Christmas. Imagine that little dehydrated Santa Claus. Oh, well, I love everybody and God blesses one and all, to coin a phrase. You know what I mean?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Out of the fog, out of the night and into his American adventures comes Bulldog Drummond. That's the way it began. Crack of lightning, a roll of thunder and then the heavens opened and the rain fell in torrents. I scurried to cover under a storefront canopy and waited for a break in the weather. The store was one of those curious little bookshops you find in the narrow streets of lower Manhattan. I was looking over the titles of the books in the cluttered ill lit window when from behind me I heard her voice.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

I beg your pardon?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

I turned to see what the storm had cast my way. Right then and there I was struck with a spectacular truth of the old adage relating to what an ill wind blows. She was blonde, blue eyes, young and more than adequately proportioned.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Please. I wonder if you'd do me a favor.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

That all depends. What is it? You.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Put your arms around me.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Put my arms what?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Please. Hold me. Quickly. But he's coming now.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Who? What are you?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Please, don't ask questions. Just do as I tell you. Can't you do that for me?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Well. Very well. I must. I'll force myself. How's this?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Tighter.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

As you say this. All right.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

He mustn't see my face. Kiss me.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

This becomes increasingly mysterious and interesting.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Here he comes. Kiss me.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Hurry. These things shouldn't be rushed. However, under the circumstances.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

You can let me go now. He went by. Thanks very much.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

We. We hardly know each other.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Is it necessary?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

I take it then that I'm any old port in a storm.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

You've been very helpful.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Well, for identification's sake. Just in case you should run into this mooring again. I go under the name of Drummond. Captain Hugh Drummond. I didn't get your name.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

I didn't give it.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

What about the man who was following you? Who was he?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

I don't know.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

I don't believe you. Where do we go from here?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

In that bookstore?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Both of us?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Uh huh. There's a book I want you to pick out for me.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

You haven't been very open with me. What makes you think I'll continue to be helpful?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Oh, you will. I have a gun.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Well.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

And you can see it's aimed right at your heart. Now you have everything straight?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Yes. The book is called the Lonely Trail. It's on the shelf at the back of the store.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

That's right. Here comes the proprietor.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Good evening. I'd say that's rather debatable. But it's comfortable in here, sir. A little close. Are you looking for something in particular?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

No, no. We're just browsing around.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

I see. Go right ahead. If I can be of any help. Just call if the opportunity presents itself. I most certainly will.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

I told you not to try any monkey business.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

You can't kill me for trying. Or can you?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

That depends on you. You go back there and get that book. I'll be standing right here by the window. And remember, you Won't be out of my sight for a second.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

I walked to the back of the shop. As I went, I looked back over my shoulder. She was standing there, her eyes fixed on me, her hand in her coat pocket. The lonely trail. There it was in the circulation section. It was crammed tight between two other volumes. I pulled it down off the shelf. It seemed to be an ordinary enough book. I riffled the pages quickly. Nothing dropped out. Now, what was this all about? Then I felt someone standing next to me. Good book? I beg your pardon? I said. Is it a good book? I don't know. It was recommended in a rather odd fashion.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

That right?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Can you do me a favor? I'm in a bit of a jam. It's over, this book. What kind of a jam? Well, if you'll turn around, you'll notice there's a young lady. What young lady? The one standing near the front window. There's nobody there.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Near the window.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

What? Oh. Oh, she's gone, all right. What is this? Believe me, there was a young lady there a moment ago, and frankly, it's a great relief to see her go. She had an automatic pointed at me.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

An automatic, huh?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Like this? Yes, just. Oh, you too? All right, I walk out of the store ahead of me, and no tricks. Ah, sit down over there on that chair. See here. Would you mind telling me what this is all about? Sit down, I said. Now, go ahead and give me the story. But I've told you everything. Believe me, I was standing under that store canopy when the young lady came along. Come on, come on, give me the story. Give it to me still at that line face of yours. Right out of your hands. Go on, start talking. You're making a mistake. There's nothing I can tell you. This going over you're giving me won't do any good. Oh, no. If you'll just permit me to show you my identification. Get your hand out of that pocket. Yes, ma'. Am. I said put your hand down. Now stand up. Come on, get out of. Now turn around. Face the wall. Now, get this. I'm giving you one more chance. Just one more chance. If you don't open up now, I'm getting it out of you the hard way. And when I'm through, maybe you won't do any talking ever. I told you, I haven't the faintest idea what you want from me. Okay. And maybe this will give you the idea. I felt a tearing pain in the back of my neck. A low, dull, buzzing sound danced in my ears. I went spinning downward in a Thousand black circles, down and down and down. Then I hit something soft and bouncy, and I started up through the black well of circles. The strange buzzing in my ears dissolved into a more familiar sound. My eyes slowly opened. I was in an auto. It was a taxi. Coming around, huh? What? Feeling better, bud? Well, alive, anyway. Where. Where are we, driver? Central Park. Some of that stuff they pass out for whiskey can be awful rugged. Can it? Tell me, how did I get in this cab? Friend of yours, I guess. He handed me a couple of bucks and told me to take you two stews for an airing. Two? Yeah, you and your chum back there. I looked at the seat beside me. There was someone slumped in the corner against the armrest. I pulled the hat back from his face. It was the fellow who had pushed me around in the room. How's your pal doing back there? My pal wasn't doing very well. My pal was dead. He's still out, huh? Yes. Yes, quite. Maybe you want to take him someplace and sober him up, huh? 643 W 69th St. Driver, I'm taking him home with me. Yes?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

What?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Oh, Captain Drummond, it's you. What happened? I've been waiting for you over two hours. Where have you been, sir? Believe it or not, Denny, I was delayed by a kiss. A likely story. Just look at you. My, I got off lucky. Look at him. What? This gentleman stretched out on the floor here. Oh, dear. Who is he? I don't know. There wasn't any identification in his clothes. Where did he come from? I thought it wise to bring him home with me. Denny, from the looks of things, it might have appeared as if I'd done it.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Did what?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Murdered him. He. He's dead, sir. Very dead. Denny. Oh, dear. Here, help me lift him inside. Yes, but. Come along, Denny. Hurry, before someone walks through this corridor. Ready? Yes, sir, but hardly willing. Let's go. Really, Captain Drummond, things have come to a pretty pass. Finding corpses is bad enough, but bringing one home as a guest, well, really only be a brief stay, Daddy. I promise you. We'll take him in the living room. All right? Now put him down on the sofa. What do we do now, sir? First, I'm going to check on his identity. I want you to take a set of his fingerprints. Then I'll have Inspector Hogan make a check for me. You're going to tell Hogan we have a corpse here? Not until I get a report on the prince. Denny. Then, sir, what's the matter? Oh, my. Denny, what is it? The young lady, sir. What young lady? The one who's waiting to see you. She said it was very important. Important? I had her wait in the library.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Maybe she overheard us.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Bring him in here. What did she want to see me about? Well, she was very indefinite, sir, but persistent. She merely made mention of a book she said you would be interested in. The title was. Now, let me see. Something like the Lonesome. No, no, the. The Lonely Trail. Yes, that's it. The young lady, Denny, is she blonde, about 26? Very attractive? Oh, very. She's in the library now. Yes, sir. Show her in, Denny. Show her in here. Certainly. But that corpse. You're going to let her see it? That's my intention. Ah, very well, sir. Denny opened the door. This way, miss. Captain Drummond is in here presently. I saw her standing there in the doorway. The young lady of the bookshop. I knew it would be she. Yet somehow her presence was a minor shock to me. But not quite the shock that was to come. Hers. I'll return to our story in just a moment. The young lady of the bookshop was walking toward me. I stood before the sofa, blocking the corpse from her view. I stood there and waited in silence.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Captain Drummond, I had to see you. I had to explain to you why I did what I did.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Well, go ahead.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

You see, I'm being blackmailed. It's been a nightmare. My husband, Paul Altman, is overseas in Belgium. He'd been away for a long time, and I became friendly with another gentleman. It was perfectly innocent, but a photograph was sent to me in the mail one day. It was taken while Alan and I were dancing. My husband is very jealous.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

And your husband might take that photograph in the wrong light.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Yes. Then I received another letter this morning, and it said that I should go to that bookstore. And in a copy of the Lonely Trail, I'd find another print of that picture and directions where I could go to buy the negative.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

I see. Mrs. Altman, will you come this way, please? I want to show you something. That body on the sofa there. Oh, that's what I meant. For the murder. Do you recognize him?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Yes. Yes, he was the man who was following me.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

I'll get it. Denny, you stay here with Mrs. Altman. Yes, sir. Yes? Captain Drummond? Yes? I'd like to look through your apartment. My apartment? Why? I'm looking for a girl. I see. And what makes you think the girl you're looking for is inside? She was tracked to this building. I'm under checking the other apartments. My name is Wilson. Here are my papers. Treasury Agent? That's right. Now, do I get a look Inside. Come in. Thanks. Do you mind telling me why the Treasury Department is interested in the young lady you're looking for? We're out to break up a counterfeit ring. Looks like she's tied up in it. I see. Well, there's a Mrs. Altman inside. Alton M'. Altman. What does she look like? You'll see In a moment, Mr. Wilson. This way, please. Look out. Sashee. Denny, what in the deuce is the matter with you? Be careful, Sasha. Shoot. Why are you holding your hands in the air? That Altman woman. Can't you see she has a gun in my back? Hey, what is this? Put your hands down. Denny, she's gone.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

What?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Damn. Plays a trick smart. She must have gone out through the rear entrance. Which way, Drummond? Through that door, then turn left. She won't get far this time. Let me know when you catch her, will you, Wilson?

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Right.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

It'll be fast. A pleasure. Oh, dear. I'm sorry, sir. I never expected. Oh, that's all right, Denny. As Mr. Wilson says, she plays her trick smart. Who was he, that Mr. Wilson? The Treasury Department seems to have an interest in Gene Altman, too, Denny. He's one of their agents. Now, tell me what happened in here. Well, sir, the moment you left the room, she whipped out a gun and she made me go through that corpse's coat. There was a book in the pocket. She took the book and then made me face the door. She stood behind me and said if I budged, she'd shoot. So that's what she was after. The book? Yes. And she got it. A book, Denny, but not the one she was after. Oh, but, sir, I handed it to her. That was a duplicate copy. What? Yes. On the way home, I stopped to pick up an extra copy of the Lonely trail. The one Mrs. Altman seems to prize so much is right here in my pocket. You wait here, Denny. Oh, no, sir. I'm going with you. That bookshop has plunged you into enough trouble tonight, sir. Very well, then. If you insist. Come on. Good evening. May I help you? I was in here earlier with a young lady. I don't recall. It was during the storm. Is there something special you want? Yes, information. This is a bookshop. As you can see, it's information about a book. Rare edition. The Lonely Trail. I'm interested in finding out the Last Borrower. I'm sorry, sir, but that information is a matter of our files. We're not disposed to release such data. You know, it'd be an easy matter for me to have the Chief Inspector down here. Oh, please, that won't be necessary. This way, please. The files are open. My desk. Here it is a lonely trail. It was borrowed last by a Mr. John diamond at 331 Elm street, apartment 4B. Anything else, gentlemen? No, thank you. That's all for now. Come on, Denny. Yes, sir. This is Evans. He was here. I gave him Diamond's address, but. But I couldn't help it. I'll take care of my end. He's on his way to talk to diamond now. You'd better take care of that end. You better take care of it before he gets there. There's the house, sir. 3:31. All right, Denny. Come on, hurry. Yes, if we can make our way through this crowd. I say, I wonder what happened here. Hey. Oh, I'm sorry.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

What's the matter with you? Why don't you look where you're going?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

I beg your pardon, but we're trying to get through this crowd.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

The police say nobody gets through the line. You're just going to have to wait, mister.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Well, what's wrong?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Plenty. And of all places, it had to be one of my tenants. A man just jumped out of that fourth story window up there. They're taking him to the morgue now.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Fourth floor, that house. 331?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

The man who jumped, do you know his name?

[Ms. Grant / Bernice Maxwell / Female characters]

Sure.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

I told you I was his landlady, didn't I? Diamond. His name was John Diamond.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

I say, there's nothing in the dresser, sir. Every drawer is empty. Come in here, Daddy. Did you find something, sir? Here, look at these. What are they? Photographic development trays. Here's a bottle of print fixing solution. And this is a bottle of developer. I found them under the table. Whoever cleaned this place out overlooked these bottles. That was a break for us. What do you mean, sir? Diamond used this part of his apartment as a darkroom. Oh, then, sir, Mrs. Altman may have been telling the truth about the blackmail. Negative. Perhaps part of the truth, Denny. Anyway, I'm sure now that diamond was murdered because he, too, was connected with a lonely trail. But they say he jumped out of the window. No, Denny, he didn't jump. He was pushed. Here, look here. This window he went through was locked. Oh, I say he was pushed through the glass pane. Evidently, someone wanted to prevent him from talking to us. Now, Denny, let's get to work. Pull down that shade. We're going in for some amateur photography. Very well, sir, but now you've got me in the dark. Yes, well, that's just where we'll both be in a few Seconds in the dark. It's our one hope now of seeing light. Close the door. Now, Walter. Some developer fluid in this pan. All right. Now, some fixing fluid in this other pan. Now, snap off the light, I say. What are you doing, sir? Tearing off the paper on the inside of the back cover of the Lonely Trail. And what do you expect to find? I've found it, Denny. I've got it. What? What, sir? A piece of photographic paper, I think. Well, let's turn on the lights and see what's on it. Stay away from that light switch. Oh, really, sir. This is getting to be. Hold on, Denny. Hold on just a few seconds. You can turn on the light. Now, sir. In a moment. All right, Denny. The light. Thank heavens. Well, Denny, there it is. What does it mean? A code to this book, the Lonely Trail. What? There's a message for us in this. And I'm sure it's far more exciting than the actual literary content. Get out your pencil, Denny. The code message is given by page and letter number. Ready? Ready, sir. Page two, fourth word, second letter. A. A. Page nine, tenth word, first letter. L. L. Page 16, fifth word, third letter. Yes, I have that, sir. The letter H. Go ahead, sir. That's all, Denny. Read it back. Oh. Altman arrives New York on freighter SS Granton 24. Get to him before his wife. They plan a switch the Grantham tomorrow night. Well, I. I don't get it, sir. What kind of a switch do you suppose it refers to? I'm not sure, Denny. But we're going to be down at the docks when the Grant ties up tomorrow night, and you can look forward to seeing some familiar face. Misses Altman hasn't moved, sir. You can see she's still standing out there on the pier. You know, Captain Drummond, sometimes I don't understand you at all. No, Denny. Why, letting that woman run around loose. She might slip through your hands again. Not a chance this time, Denny. As a matter of fact, here she comes. I say, look, there's a man with her. That Denny, would be Mr. Altman. Now, what's our movement? Oh, we're going to welcome Mr. Altman back to these shores yet. Seth, they're coming right by us. Good evening, you. Gee, who is this? Don't try anything, either one of you. You're covered. But what is this supposed to be? Who are these? Mentrin?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Don't worry, Paul. I can explain everything.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

That's a familiar tune you're playing, Mrs. Oldman, but I'm becoming rather bored by it, so if you don't Mind? I'd like to hear something. I see you got them, Drummond. You beat us to it.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Good work.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Thanks, Wilson. This boat cleans up the counterfeit ring. Do they talk? Not yet. Well, don't worry, they will. They'll talk plenty. Uncle Sam's got a lot of questions to ask them. If you don't mind, I'll take them off your hands. Not at all. But I say Captain Drummond made the capture. Denny, the Treasury Department has prime jurisdiction. They're all yours, Wilson. Like I said, Drummond, nice work. And thanks. Okay, you two, get in the car. All right, Joe, let's go. Nice work, Matthews. You almost had me believing that treasury act of yours, Ms. Stuart. And the T man, how did you ever think it up? Shut up. Hey, what is the matter with. You said shut up. What's the matter with him, Gene?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

They're onto us, Paul.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

They're wise. What? That's right, Altman. Wise. You two are gonna skip on us with those rocks. I saved you from that copper for a reason, Alfman. I saved you so I could handle you. My.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

All right, Elin.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Where are the stones? I told you, I don't have them with me. A liar. Lousy liar. Where are they? Believe me, Matthew.

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

Tell him. Maybe he'll give us a break.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

What is the matter with you? You crazy?

[Denny / Mrs. Altman / Treasury Agent Wilson / Female characters]

They're in the heel of his shoe.

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Gene, take that shoe off. Wait. Never mind. You wanted those stones for yourself. Okay? You're gonna have them for a while. What? You wanted to hawk those diamonds. All right, so I'll give you a break. You can die with them on. I'll stand back. Both of you stand back so I can get a good look at those double crossing faces of yours. When you get it. Yeah, that's it. Drop that gun.

[Dick Powell / Richard Rogue / Narrator]

Comment?

[Narrator / Captain Hugh Drummond]

Drop it, I said. Get it, Denny. With pleasure, sir. He was going to kill us. Yes, yes, we heard everything outside. Everything we wanted to hear. Sorry to break up your party, Matthews. How did you know? How did you get here? To be quite frank, Matthews. I rather expected you to show up at the dock tonight with your treasury agent act. There was only one thing to spoil it for you. A matter of fingerprints. A check through the FBI showed that the fingerprints of the unidentified corpse in my apartment were those of Charles Wilson, a real treasury agent working undercover on a diamond smuggling syndicate. After I was knocked out. You killed Wilson, Matthews. Just as you killed John Diamond. I got nothing to say. You gotta prove that. That won't be hard. And to get back to that book, the Lonely Trail. For a moment, there's a trail awaiting all of you, and it's a lonely, dreary trail because each of you is going to walk it alone. I'll be back in just a moment to tell you about next week's story. Next week, while Denny and I are driving home, a man is thrown in front of our car. We discover shortly that the man was dead long before this occurrence. This strange beginning leads to a story I call the Cat who Liked Coffee. Be sure to listen, won't you? It.