Sherlock Holmes and Michael Shayne

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Sherlock Holmes and Michael Shayne"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Episode Title: Sherlock Holmes and Michael Shayne
• Release Date: March 27, 2025

Overview: In this episode of Case Closed!, listeners are treated to two classic crime stories from the golden age of radio. The first half delves into Sherlock Holmes' investigation of a card scandal at the Tankerville Club, while the second half introduces the adventures of private detective Michael Shayne in the gripping case of the Gray Eyed Blonde. The episode masterfully intertwines engaging narratives with authentic period dialogue, bringing timeless detective tales back to life.

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Section 1: Sherlock Holmes - The Tankerville Club Scandal

Introduction: Dr. John Watson recounts a peculiar case involving Captain Harry Prendergast, who is falsely accused of cheating at cards in the prestigious Tankerville Club. The scandal threatens his reputation and military career, prompting Holmes to intervene.

Key Plot Points:

1. Unexpected Visit and Dinner Setup (00:00 - 06:04):

   • Dr. Watson describes a rare evening when Sherlock Holmes visits him and his wife, Mary.
   • Holmes' keen observations reveal that Dr. Watson has a secret meeting scheduled at the club.
   • Quote:
     • Sherlock Holmes (04:14): "He's an unexpected guest on the maiden night out."

2. The Accusation Against Captain Prendergast (06:05 - 12:23):

   • Captain Prendergast arrives distressed, explaining he's been accused of using marked cards.
   • Suspicion falls on Colonel Sebastian Moran, a member with a dubious reputation.
   • Holmes deduces the involvement of Professor Moriarty, hinting at deeper criminal ties.
   • Quote:
     • Sherlock Holmes (08:24): "With Colonel Moran as a guardian, I'm afraid the young lady is destined to have trouble."

3. Staging the Poker Game (12:35 - 17:28):

   • Holmes orchestrates a mock poker game to expose the trickery.
   • He reveals that the cards were marked using a concealed pinhead, linking Colonel Moran to the deceit.
   • Quote:
     • Sherlock Holmes (17:08): "My dear Harkness, the markings are quite apparent, I assure you, to someone who knows what he's looking for."

4. Confrontation and Resolution (17:57 - 25:12):

   • Holmes confronts Colonel Moran, accusing him of orchestrating the scandal to prevent Prendergast's marriage.
   • A duel is arranged, but Holmes ensures Moran's plans unravel, leading to his exposure and the clearing of Prendergast's name.
   • Quote:
     • Sherlock Holmes (24:41): "A revolver duel with you is no duel. It's a cold-blooded killing."

Notable Quotes:

• Mrs. Mary Watson (10:12): "Now don't worry, Alicia. I'm sure that Mr. Holmes can find a way out of it."
• Sherlock Holmes (19:07): "I have made quite an extensive study of card shopping."

Conclusion: Holmes' brilliance shines as he meticulously deconstructs the fraud, ensuring justice is served and the honor of Captain Prendergast is restored. The resolution not only clears Prendergast's name but also thwarts Colonel Moran's malicious intent.

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Section 2: Michael Shayne - The Case of the Gray Eyed Blonde

Introduction: Transitioning from Holmes' Victorian-era mystery, the episode shifts to the noir-inspired world of Michael Shayne, a rugged private detective tackling a perilous case in New Orleans.

Key Plot Points:

1. The Blackmail Scheme (29:20 - 32:52):

   • Michael Shayne is approached by Helen Collier, seeking his help to make a blackmail payment.
   • Shayne accepts the job, intrigued by Helen's enigmatic gray eyes and the substantial payment offered.
   • Quote:
     • David Harkness (31:52): "I'm not asking you to kill anyone, Mike."

2. The Framed Robbery (33:05 - 43:34):

   • Shayne becomes embroiled in a scheme where he's framed for a $62,000 robbery.
   • After being shot and waking up in a hospital, he learns he's the prime suspect.
   • With limited time, Shayne races against the clock to uncover the truth behind the orchestrated frame-up.
   • Quote:
     • David Harkness (35:37): "He was the one?"

3. Investigation and Revelations (43:34 - 55:45):

   • Shayne meticulously investigates, tracing Helen's movements and uncovering connections to Frank Graber, a vice president involved in illicit activities.
   • The plot thickens as Shayne confronts cab drivers and bar patrons, slowly piecing together the conspiracy.
   • His relentless pursuit leads him to a climactic showdown where truths are unveiled, and culprits are brought to justice.
   • Quote:
     • David Harkness (52:16): "Pretty neat. Graeber walks off with the money and tells the police a fairy tale about being robbed."

4. Resolution and Aftermath (55:45 - 56:42):

   • The tangled web of deceit is unraveled as Shayne confronts Helen and Frank, leading to a decisive confrontation that clears his name.
   • Despite the chaos, Shayne ingeniously turns a failed deal into a profitable sideline, showcasing his resourcefulness.
   • Quote:
     • David Harkness (54:17): "My dirty Frank."

Notable Quotes:

• David Harkness (38:27): "I couldn't help it, Helen. I had to see you. Well, it's a good thing I did, too."
• Helen Collier (52:16): "Figured it all out, didn't you, Mike?"

Conclusion: Michael Shayne's adventure in The Case of the Gray Eyed Blonde is a testament to his grit and determination. Navigating through deception and danger, Shayne not only exonerates himself but also dismantles the criminal operations tied to the case. His sharp instincts and unwavering resolve ensure that justice prevails in the sultry streets of New Orleans.

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Final Thoughts: This episode of Case Closed! masterfully blends the intellectual prowess of Sherlock Holmes with the hard-boiled tenacity of Michael Shayne. Listeners are treated to richly woven narratives that highlight the timeless appeal of detective fiction, enhanced by period-authentic dialogue and immersive storytelling.

Notable Mentions:

• Host's Commentary:
  • Harry Bartel (26:05): "Someone challenges me to a duel, I have the right to choose the weapons, don't I?"
  • Basil Rathbone (27:27): "Petri wine is the kind of wine you'll always remember."

Upcoming Teasers:

• Next Episode Preview:
  • Dr. John Watson (27:27): "Next week, Mr. Bartel, I'm going to tell you an adventure that took place in the gay Vienna of the '90s. Concerns a strange tragedy that occurred on a ballroom floor and a weird series of murders that perpetuated by the Sound of Music. I call the story The Waltz of Death."

Listeners are encouraged to tune in next week for more thrilling detective adventures, continuing the legacy of these iconic characters.

Transcript

[Harry Bartel]

Welcome back to Case Closed. One hour of mystery and crime from the golden age of radio. Every Wednesday@ Relicradio.com our first story comes from Sherlock Holmes. This week we'll hear the Tankerville club scandal from April 22, 1946. After that, it's the adventures of Michael Shane in the case of the Gray Eyed Blonde. That story aired Aug. 20, 1948.

[Basil Rathbone]

Petri wine brings you Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce and the new adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And I know that Dr. Watson will agree with me when I tell you that the best way to begin a good meal is with a glass of Petri California Sherry. Before you sit down at the table, pour yourself and your family a glass of Petri Sherry. Try it. There are many ways to tell a good wine by its color, its aroma and its flavor. On every count, Petri sherry is outstanding. The color of Petri sherry is a clear, deep amber. Perfect. The aroma. Well, Petri sherry is as fragrant as a bunch of dew covered grapes picked in the early morning. But most important to you and to me is the flavor of Petri Sherry. We want a wine that tastes good. And believe me, you couldn't ask for a more delicious wine than Petri Sherry. And just to make sure you get a wine that's exactly the way you want it, Petri makes two kinds of sherry. The regular and Petri pale dry. If you're not sure which you like better, why not try them both? Don't buy one, buy two. Just be sure you always buy Petri Petri Sherry. And now I'm sure our good friend Dr. Watson's ready for us. Let's go in and join him. Good evening, Dr. Watson. Dogs seem very chipper tonight, doctor. Have they been getting into any more trouble lately?

[Dr. John Watson]

No, no, my boy. It's been a relatively quiet week for them. One meeting with a dead seal, two visits to my neighbor's chickens and a losing battle today with a cross eyed Siamese cat.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

You.

[Basil Rathbone]

You call that a quiet week?

[Dr. John Watson]

It is for them. But never mind about the dogs. Drop your usual chair and make it so comfortable. Just in time to join me in a glass of sherry.

[Basil Rathbone]

That'll be very nice, Doctor. Oh, I see you have the oldest batch box out again.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, my boy, as the story I'm going to tell you tonight took place in 1887, I thought I'd better refresh my memory on some of the details of the case. Shortly after my marriage, and as I had bought a practice in the Paddington district, I saw very little of my old friend Sherlock Holmes.

[Basil Rathbone]

How was doctoring in those early days?

[Dr. John Watson]

A struggle, my boy, a distinct struggle. Dr. Farquhar, from whom I had bought the practice, had at one time an excellent clientele, but his age, combined with an unfortunate affliction that resembles invites his dance had very much thinned it. I had confidence, however, in my youth and in my energy and I was convinced that in a very few years the practice would be as flourishing as ever. But as I said, I saw very little of Holmes in those days.

[Basil Rathbone]

I guess you were too busy to visit Baker Street.

[Dr. John Watson]

And I hear you guessed quite correctly, Mr. Bartol, quite correctly. Holmes seldom went anywhere himself, save on professional business. You can imagine my surprise, therefore, when one day on coming home from a heavy day's work, I found that Holmes had decided to pay us a visit. My wife persuaded him to stay to dinner and as the three of us sat at the table, the flickering candlelight dancing, strange patterns on the walls made it quite like old times. Holmes was in an unusually gay mood and I can remember the twinkle in his eye as he turned to my wife.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He's an unexpected guest on the maiden night out. I'm extremely grateful. This is Hudson's cooking, though excellent of its kind, lacks variety. Your dinner has been quite a treat.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

That's a very gracious little speech, Mr. Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

I've never known you to be so observant about food.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Perhaps the lack of your company, my dear chap, and the consequent lonely meals have made me conscious of Mrs. Hudson's culinary shortcomings.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

I. I suppose you're taking John out with you tonight on one of your cases?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, Mrs. Watson, though I can understand your suspicions. My visit was purely social.

[Dr. John Watson]

Then let's go into the other room and have a pipe, shall we?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Well, don't you think you'd be more comfortable at the club?

[Dr. John Watson]

So, Mary, I believe you want to get rid of us.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Oh no, dear, it's not that.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's just it that your visitor is due at any moment and you had counted on the house being empty by now.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Why, how on earth did you know that? Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Past half hour you've been glancing at the clock with mounting anxiety. I feel sure that if it had been. If it had not been for my unexpected visit, your, your good husband would already have been walking towards his club.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yeah. It is my custom to go to the Club on Thursdays. But. But how do you know?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I know your habits, my dear chap, as well, if not better than you do. It's a good thing I'm a bachelor, isn't it, Mrs. Watson?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Yes, indeed. A wife will keep no secrets from you, Mr. Holmes, I'm sure.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, Mary, dear, who is your visitor and what is the secret that you've been hiding?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

It's innocent enough, John, as Thursdays is the maid's night out and you've been going to the club, I've been letting Alicia Wentworth meet her young man here with me. A chaperoned coffin.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, that's the mystery.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, Watson, love is on the wing and I'm sure we're dreadfully in the whale. It's stroll to Baker Street, Charlie.

[Dr. John Watson]

Of course. I'll get my coat. Why didn't you tell me, man?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Well, I was afraid you might be angry, John.

[David Harkness]

Angry?

[Dr. John Watson]

Of course.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Alicia's such a sweet girl, and Harry Prendergast is a very charming young man. He comes from an excellent family, has a commission in the infantry, and the children are tremendously in love, but her beastly guardian forbid them to meet, so I. Oh, there she is now.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, we can pretend that we were just leaving anyway.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I'll get my coat.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Hello, Alicia, dear.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Oh, Mrs. Watson, I'm so glad to see you.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Come here, Alicia. This is my husband and Mr. Sherlock Holmes. How'd you tell me?

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do, my dear? It's a shame that we have to go now, but my friend and I have some very important business to attend to.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Well, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, the detective, aren't you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, Ms. Whitford.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Please don't go, Mr. Holmes, please don't. I need help so badly.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Why, Alicia, what's wrong? You're as white as a ghost.

[Dr. John Watson]

Let's go into the drawing room. Joa.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's troubling you, Miss Wentworth?

[Alicia Wentworth]

It's Harry. Captain Prendergast. I don't know exactly what's the matter, but something dreadful has happened to him.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Oh, now sit down here beside me, dear.

[Basil Rathbone]

That's it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ms. Wentworth, what reason do you have to suppose that Captain Prendergast is in trouble?

[Alicia Wentworth]

I've seen friends of his today. They spoke of him almost as if he were dead, and yet they wouldn't tell me why. And just now I went to his club and they told me that Captain Prendergast was not a member. But he is a member. He's been a member for years. Oh, what's happened to it? What has happened to him.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

There, there dear. Mr. Holmes will help you. Now don't you cry.

[Dr. John Watson]

Have you been to the police, Ms. Winter?

[Alicia Wentworth]

No doctor. You see I went to my guardian but he wouldn't let me go to the police. He said there'd be a scandal. Then he hates her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The Prendergasts are a fine family. Why does your guardian object to. Object. Object to him so strongly?

[Alicia Wentworth]

I don't think he would approve of anyone I choose. He doesn't want me to get married.

[Dr. John Watson]

Sounds like a positive ogre to me. Who is your guardian, my dear?

[Alicia Wentworth]

Colonel Moran. Colonel Sebastian Moran Indeed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He's a man who has many entries against him in my ledgers but a man that I've never met. I have long hoped to cross swords with him directly.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

But.

[Alicia Wentworth]

But how could Uncle Sebastian have anything to do with the criminal profession? Mr. Holmes? He's the son of Sir August Moran. He was once British minister to Persia. Oh you must be confusing him with someone else.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No idea it's the same man. And furthermore I'm almost certain that your guardian is the right hand man of a certain friend of mine whose name also begins with the three letters M O R. Good Lord, Moriarty. I have no proof and yet I suspect that Colonel Moran is the second most dangerous man in London.

[Alicia Wentworth]

That's Harry. It must be Harry.

[David Harkness]

Oh poor girl.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

I do hope you can help her Mr. Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall do my best Mrs. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

That is her young man at the door. It's more than likely her problem doesn't exist any longer.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I hope you're right, Watson. With Colonel Moran as a guardian I'm afraid the young lady is destined to have trouble.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Come on Harry.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Good evening, Mrs. Watson.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

I'm so glad to see you. Harry, this is my husband.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

How do you do Doctor?

[Dr. John Watson]

How do you do, my boy?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

And Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[David Harkness]

How do you do?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Captain Prendergast.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

How do you do, sir?

[Alicia Wentworth]

Harry, what's wrong? I can tell by your face that something dreadful has happened.

[David Harkness]

It has.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Darling, tell Mr. Holmes about it. He's promised to help us.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Well sir, I'm afraid this is a little outside of your province.

[Dr. John Watson]

You will find that my friend's province is quite extensive, Captain Prendergast.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I shall be more than happy to do anything I can to help, sir.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

That's very nice of you, Mr. Holmes. Well it's pretty bad. Last night I was accused of cheating at cards at the Tankerville Club. Of course I don't have to tell you that I didn't cheat but the evidence was dead against me. I'd been Winning heavily. And the cards were proved to be marked.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Marked how?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

There were pin pricks on the edges, pinpricks which indicated the card's value.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How did the pack of cards come into play?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

That's the devil of it. I myself broke open a sealed pack given to me by the club porter and I swear that was the pack that was later found to be marked.

[Dr. John Watson]

Was everyone searched?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Yes, but they found a new unopened pack in my pocket.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The obvious implication being that you had substituted the marked cards. Of course.

[Alicia Wentworth]

I can see what happened. Somebody deliberately tried to incriminate you by dropping the new pack in your pocket.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Of course, darling. But what I can't understand is how the marked pack was introduced into the game.

[Dr. John Watson]

Were there any other cards found in the room?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

None, Doctor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The Tankerville Land General Moran is a member of the club, isn't he?

[Alicia Wentworth]

Yes, he is. Uncle Sebastian uses it all the time.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

He was present at the game last night. Alicia.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Oh, Harry, now we're worse off than ever. If he thinks you cheated at cards, he'll never let us get married.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Now don't worry, Alicia. I'm sure that Mr. Holmes can find a way out of it.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

I'm afraid it'll be too late. I couldn't marry you now, Alicia.

[Alicia Wentworth]

What do you mean?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Harry, they forced me to resign from the club. That's a bad enough disgrace, but I know there's worse to come. You see, I was expecting my promotion to Major any day now. It'll be a miracle if I'm not cashiered from the regiment. What kind of a life can I offer you?

[Alicia Wentworth]

Harry, you're talking absolute nonsense.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I think, Captain Prendergast, the next step is obvious. We must remove this apparent stain on your character.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

But how?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Miss Wentworth can stay here with Mrs. Watson. The doctor and I will drive over in a cab with you to the club and see what can be done.

[David Harkness]

What?

[Dr. John Watson]

What kind of a card game were you playing last night, Prendergast?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Stud poker. Ever since the American Ambassador introduced it at the club, it's been quite a favorite.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The perfect game for marked cards. Which requires no elaborate dexterity in the dealing, simply the knowledge of your opponent's poll card. How many of you were playing?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Half a dozen of us.

[Dr. John Watson]

You? You were winning heavily, you say?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Yes, Doctor. Though one of the others, a fellow named David Harkness, was doing well. Now I come to think of it, Harkness almost seemed to know when I was bluffing. As though he could see the marked car.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, perhaps he was the one who marked Him?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

It's possible. And yet certainly no one could accuse him of tricky dealing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He was so clumsy with his bandaged finger.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Eh, how did you know he had a bandaged finger?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'll tell you that, Captain Prendergast, when you tell me what's really on your mind. There's a great deal more at stake than a card scandal, isn't there?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Yes, there is. I didn't dare to tell Alicia about it. You see, I'm fighting a duel tomorrow.

[Dr. John Watson]

A duel, Lord? With whom?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Colonel Moran. He insulted me last night. He goaded me beyond a man's patience. He taunted me until I couldn't stand it any longer. And so I challenged him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And in so doing gave him the choice of weapons.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Yes, confound it. Of course he chose revolvers.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Moran is a big game hunter of note. He was reputed to be the best.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Shot in England and I'm probably the worst in London. If only I could shoot as well as I can box. I'm regimental champion, you know.

[Dr. John Watson]

Revolvers. Good heavens, man, revolvers. A duel with Moran is. Is suicide for you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, it's not suicide. Ah, it's a thankful flood. Here, cabbie, keep the change, will you?

[David Harkness]

Oh, blimey. Thank you, Governor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Suicide?

[David Harkness]

No.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's not suicide? This is a carefully laid plan for murder. Pray heaven that we are not too late to aver.

[David Harkness]

It's Mr. Harkness that you want him, sir. Yes, he. He went to his room half an hour ago, number 108. Up the main stairs and down the corridor.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you. I want you to follow us in precisely one minute and bring a sealed pack of the club's playing cards to Mr. Harkness room. Do you understand?

[David Harkness]

Oh, yes, sir. And thank you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Did you. Did you make the arrangement?

[Basil Rathbone]

Yes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on, let's go out to Harkness's room.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Three members have cut me dead since I came in here. The most humiliating experience.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Little patience, Captain Prendergast, and I'm sure your honor will be entirely vindicated.

[Dr. John Watson]

I wish I knew what you were up to, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm going to try and restage the drama that was presented in this club last night. The only difference being that my production will never cast it. Little different now. Here we are. Now let me do the talking.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Yes?

[David Harkness]

Did you want something, Prendergast? I don't want you in my rooms.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

I don't know why they allowed you inside the club.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Those in, Mr. Harkness, please.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

No, I won't take your foot out of the door.

[Dr. John Watson]

Confound. No, Mr. Harkness, there are three of us. I think you better let us in.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

You're going to let us in, Harkness? Oh, all right. Come in.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, thank you for your hospitality, sir.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Now, perhaps you fellows will tell me what the devil you think you're up to.

[Sherlock Holmes]

With pleasure. As you very well know, Mr. Harkness, this is probably Captain Prendergast's last day on earth. He has one request to make of you. That you join him in a farewell game of poker with us to show you bear no grudges.

[Basil Rathbone]

Oh, it's fantastic.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

You're all insane.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, by the way, Mr. Harkness, I'm delighted to notice that you're sore. Finger seems to have healed with great rapidity. By an odd coincidence, you'll observe that I seem to have injured mine.

[Dr. John Watson]

Mr. Helms, when do you do that?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, in the carriage just now. Mere scratch. Fortunately, I had some first aid materials in my great coat.

[Basil Rathbone]

Come in. Yes, Taylor, what is it?

[David Harkness]

Begging your pardon, Mr. Harkness, but the gentleman asked me to bring this sealed.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Pack of cards here.

[David Harkness]

Put them on the table, Taylor.

[Dr. John Watson]

Very good, sir.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Well, what's the game?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Stud poker, Mr. Harkness. A game with which you are quite familiar, I understand.

[Basil Rathbone]

And the stakes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A man's honor. Possibly another man's freedom. Open the pack, Mr. Harkness, and deal us all a hand. I should think this might be a very unusual game.

[Basil Rathbone]

You'll hear the rest of Dr. Watson's story in just a few seconds. Time for me to explain that Petri California Sherry is not only an ideal wine to serve before dinner, but it's also the perfect wine for almost any occasion. Petri sherry is fine after dinner when you're listening to the radio or just sitting around talking. And of course, you couldn't ask for a finer party wine than Petri sherry. Especially if your party is at cocktail time. If you don't know what wine to buy, you can't go wrong with Petri sherry. But be sure it's Petri. Look for the letters. P, E, T, R, I. They spell the proudest name in the history of American wine. Dr. Watson, that was quite a game of poker you were settling down to. I have a feeling that Sherlock Holmes had an ace or two up his sleeve, didn't he?

[Dr. John Watson]

Figuratively he did, Mr. Bartell. Though at the time, I must confess that as usual, I was pretty much in the dark. David Harness opened the new sealed pack of cards and the four of us played a hand of poker. It was easy to see that our unwilling Host was far from happy. His ferrety eyes darted from one to the other of us as he played our cards. He knew that he was the victim of a conspiracy and so he was watching every move we made. Finally, as that strange game progressed Captain Pendergast leaned across the table who said.

[David Harkness]

I think you're bluffing, Harkness.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Do you?

[Basil Rathbone]

But it'll cost you exactly the limit to find out.

[David Harkness]

How curious are you, Roger?

[Dr. John Watson]

I think you are bluffing, Harkness. I'll see you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You'd be a fool to Watson when he has a straight flush.

[Basil Rathbone]

What do you mean, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Harkness, the markings are quite apparent, I assure you, to someone who knows what he's looking for.

[Dr. John Watson]

You mean that these cards are marked too?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Examine them for yourself, old chap.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

They are marked. They're pinpricked, just like they were last night.

[Dr. John Watson]

That's impossible. Harkness broke the seal of the new pack just now. We all saw him do it. He couldn't have switched the pack.

[Basil Rathbone]

And why would I do that? Even if I could, I wouldn't try and cheat Mr. Sherlock Holmes, would I?

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, Mr. Harkness. I just wanted you to know that I understood the trick.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

What trick, Mr. Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The same one that was played on you last night, Captain Prendergast. This was a demonstration of how easily a sealed pack of cards may be turned into a marked one by a man with a sore finger.

[Dr. John Watson]

What else the sore finger got to do with it, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, it's very simple, Watson. A pinhead or a thumbtack hidden under the bandage. A tiny pressure against a card one wishes to mark as it comes into one's hand. And after several deals, hey, presto, I'm out. Peck.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

So that's how it was done.

[Basil Rathbone]

You can't prove it, Holmes. You can't prove a thing. You weren't here last night.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, Unfortunately I wasn't, Mr. Harkness. Otherwise I should have had the great pleasure of exposing your trick at the time. As it is, I shall have to rely on a public confession.

[Basil Rathbone]

You'll never get a confession from her.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Possibly not. But I'm sure that you'll be interested to know that I've made quite an extensive study of card shopping. In fact, I considered giving a little lecture or demonstration here at the club.

[Basil Rathbone]

What are you talking about?

[Sherlock Holmes]

This game that we've just played was in the nature of a rehearsal. I should, of course stress this particular method as being of great local interest. I'm sure most of the gambling members will recall one man who has had unusually bad luck with his fingers.

[Basil Rathbone]

Holmes, you're trying to ruin me.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well you were willing to see Prendergast ruined and killed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But a pistol duel with Colonel Moran is almost equivalent to murder. What? What do you want me to do? From the direction of your glance, Mr. Harkness, I'm certain that you keep a loaded revolver in your desk drawer. That's very poor solution I assure you. Why not be a man? Write a confession and sign it. It'll free Captain Prendergast from any stigma and it'll help to trap the real culprit, Colonel Sebastian Moran.

[Dr. John Watson]

Moran? Where does he come into the picture, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Harkness knows, don't you?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

And I think I know. Now why don't you tell us Harkness? One thing at a time, Pendergast.

[Basil Rathbone]

I owe it to you to write a confession.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

I'll do that rather than face a public exposure in the club.

[Basil Rathbone]

But that's as far as I'll go. If you have any ideas about Moran, go and talk to him yourselves.

[David Harkness]

There's a certain honor, you know, even among thieves.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Thank you for the implication Mr. Harkness. You have writing materials here?

[Basil Rathbone]

Yes, I have writing materials home.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Splendid. Then while you are telling the truth about last night's episode we'll call on Colonel Sebastian Moran. Have you any idea where we might find him at this time of night?

[Basil Rathbone]

Yes, I have every idea.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Find him in the gun room.

[Basil Rathbone]

Thinks he has a jewel on his hands.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Tomorrow in the gun room, eh? Thank you Mr. Harness. We'll go and talk to him. You may expect us back within half an hour. Who are you fellows?

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Turn the gas up, can't you?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Colonel Moran, this is Mr. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you do Colonel Moran? I've been wanting to meet you for a very long time.

[David Harkness]

Sherlock Holmes.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

I've heard a lot about you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And I. Have you Colonel?

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Harry. What are you doing inside the club?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Mr. Holmes brought me back. We've just left David Harkness room. He's writing a confession that he engineered the swindle last night. That he deliberately tried to involve me.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

So in that case I suppose I need oil this revolver no longer. Harkness is a cheat. Dear me, how shocking.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Aren't you glad that my name will be cleared in this business?

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Of course, course I am. I'm delighted.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

And you'll apologize for the things that you said last night.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Yes Harry, I'll apologize. But you must realize that this revelation makes no difference to my feelings about your marriage to Alicia.

[Dr. John Watson]

On My soul. Kamaran. It seems to me that one went.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Dr. Watson. I think the name is Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, my name is Watson.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Dr. Watson, I would suggest that the happiness of my ward is a matter that cannot possibly concern you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now look here sir, I don't want to go.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Colonel Moran, I think I may be able to change your mind on the question of your ward's marriage.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

How very interesting. And what makes you labor under that delusion?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Would you care to have it known at the club that you had deliberately planned Captain Prendergast's murder?

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

What in thunder are you talking about?

[Sherlock Holmes]

You know sir, that a revolver duel with you is no duel. It's a cold blooded killing.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Rubbish. I was challenged, therefore I had the choice of weapons. Naturally I chose the weapon with which I was most familiar.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And you had the choice for a very good reason, Colonel Moran. You forced Prendergast into a duel because it was the only way you could be certain that he'd never marry your ward.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

Alicia. What do you know about her?

[Dr. John Watson]

More than you think. So she's at my wife's house this very minute.

[Sherlock Holmes]

She suspects you of jealousy. I think it's far more likely that the financial aspect of guardianship is involved here. Financial accounting is due upon her marriage, isn't it?

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

That's none of your business.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

And accounting is due, Mr. Holmes? Alicia told me that herself.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Exactly. And the accounts were in no state to undergo scrutiny. The answer is obvious, David Harkness. A card sharp was in need of money. You induced him to practice his cheating last night in order that you could trap Captain Prendergast into a duel.

[Basil Rathbone]

Harkness.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

What the devil do you want?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Put that revolver down you fool.

[Basil Rathbone]

I don't care about my own disgrace.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

But you're going to pay for your share in it.

[David Harkness]

Moran.

[Dr. John Watson]

Drop that revolver. Harkness, don't you see that you. Moran, you. You shot him.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

You saw that? It was in self defense. Gentlemen. He was waving a loaded revolver at me. It's most unfortunate but it was in self defense.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, self defense that removed the one dangerous witness who could have testified against you. He's dead, Watson, isn't he?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes. Shot right through the heart.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Moran, you're a cold blooded murdering devil.

[Colonel Sebastian Moran]

I demand satisfaction for that insult. These gentlemen are my witnesses. I apologize for the misunderstanding last night, but this is a different matter. You've insulted me, Harry.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The duel will take place, Colonel Moran and Dr. Watson and myself will act as seconds for Captain Prendergast. Let's make the necessary arrangements, shall we.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Ms. Watson? There's Alicia, dear, it's 2:00. What can have happened to them? They left here just after eight.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Well, if you have been married to John for any length of time, my dear, you wouldn't worry. When your husband goes out with Sherlock Holmes, you are prepared not to see him for a few days.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Mrs. Watson, what are you saying? I haven't got a husband.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Oh now Alicia, don't glower at me like that. What did you say the time was?

[Alicia Wentworth]

It's just after 2 and they left here at 8. What can have happened?

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Well, I don't know, but Mr. Holmes was with them, so don't worry, my dear. He's frightfully clever. I wouldn't be surprised.

[Alicia Wentworth]

There's the front door.

[David Harkness]

Now they're back.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Oh dear me. Now I'll have to make coco.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Harry. Harry, darling, what's happened?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Oh, lots of things, darling. I'm a member of the Tankerville Club again. I'll probably become a major and you'll certainly become Mrs. Prendergast before very long.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Oh, it all sounds wonderful. What have you two been up to?

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, it's the old story, Mary dear. Holmes solved the case and it all ended happily.

[David Harkness]

Happily?

[Sherlock Holmes]

My dear Watson, that's hardly the word to use. Harkness is dead and Colonel Moran is probably in hospital.

[Alicia Wentworth]

Please tell me what happened.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, your guardian challenged Captain Prendergast to a duel. He overlooked the fact that since he was the challenger, the choice of weapons belonged to his opponent.

[Dr. John Watson]

Perhaps you can guess what that choice was. Boxing gloves.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

We've just come from the gymnasium at the Club Alessia. I'm afraid I really gave him a thrashing.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And a well deserved one too. I'm only sorry that I couldn't put him where he belongs, behind prison bars.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh Harry, he'll be the laughingstock of London.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

I'm glad of it.

[Alicia Wentworth]

But. But that means that he'll never consent to our being married.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I disagree, Ms. Wentworth. If we keep his secret, and we've hinted that we might, I'm quite certain that he'll withdraw his objections to the marriage and somehow he'll make up his deficiencies in his guard inch of account.

[Dr. John Watson]

Probably by borrowing money from Professor Moriarty.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Oh, I think it's all wonderful, but it's well after 2:00 in the morning. Let's go into the kitchen, shall we? I'll make some cocoa.

[Dr. John Watson]

Cocoa? Spot of whiskey.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

Harry, you and Alicia stay here. You probably have some plans to make.

[Dr. John Watson]

Cocoa's not a very exciting drink.

[David Harkness]

Oh, shush.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, sorry, dad.

[Mrs. Mary Watson]

As soon as the cocoa's ready, we'll call you.

[Basil Rathbone]

Well, Doctor, that was. That was some story. You know, I'm glad the age of dueling is over. I'd hate to have someone challenge me to a duel.

[Dr. John Watson]

What's the matter, Mr. Bartel? Are you afraid of being hurt?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Afraid of being hurt?

[Basil Rathbone]

Of course not. Someone challenges me to a duel, I. I have the right to choose the weapons, don't I?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes. And what weapons would you have chosen?

[Basil Rathbone]

Cream puffs at 30 paces? Nobody's gonna hurt me.

[Dr. John Watson]

See that? Oh, no.

[Basil Rathbone]

Come to think of it, instead of cream puffs, I'd rather have a piece of cake.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, why a piece of cake?

[Basil Rathbone]

Because it tastes so good with a glass of Petri sherry. Any questions?

[Dr. John Watson]

No questions.

[Basil Rathbone]

For a while there, I'll bet you thought I'd forgotten all about.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, I've forgotten about it. Not you, Mr. Bartel.

[Basil Rathbone]

No, not anybody who's ever tasted it. Petri wine is the kind of wine you'll always remember. That's because the Petri family really knows how to make good wine. They've been making wine for generations. Winemaking is their heritage. It's an art that's been handed on down in the Petri family from father to son. From father to son. Every drop of Petri wine is clear, fragrant and delicious. As delicious as the luscious sun ripened California grapes from which it's made. Remember, the name Petrie on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark. It's the personal assurance of the Petri family that their wine is the kind of wine you like for any occasion. You can't mess with Petri wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Dr. Watson, what new Sherlock Holmes story are you planning to tell us next week?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, now, let me see. Next week. Next week, Mr. Bartel, I'm going to tell you an adventure that took place in the gay vienna of the 90s. Concerns a strange tragedy that occurred on a ballroom floor and a weird series of murders that perpetuated by the Sound of Music, I call the story the Waltz of Death.

[Basil Rathbone]

Tonight, Sherlock Holmes Adventure was written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher and was suggested by an incident in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story the Five Orange Pips. Music is by Dean Fossler. Mr. Rathbone appears through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Mr. Bruce through the courtesy of Universal Pictures where they are now starring in the Sherlock Holmes series. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week. Next week? Many communities will change time and this program will reach some of our listeners at a different hour. Consult your local newspaper or Mutual station for the exact time in your area. Sherlock Holmes comes to you from our Hollywood studios. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family for a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of these Same stations at 8:00-michael Shane, followed immediately by Sherlock Holmes. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[David Harkness]

I eased into the alley and waited. Pretty soon a side door opened and out came Helen. Just as I got to her, I heard a noise behind me. I started to turn around, but too late, A king sized comet exploded over my right ear and the ground came up and hit me in the face.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

The New adventures of Michael Shane. Private detective Michael Shane, reckless redheaded Irishman, back again in his old haunts in New Orleans. This is your director, Bill Russo, inviting you to listen to another transcribed episode which we call the Case of the Gray Eyed Blonde.

[David Harkness]

Let's see, maybe Trinity. Yep. Then where's that folder? On the Virgin Islands? Yeah. Yeah. Yep. Come in. And then maybe Havana on the way back. Sloppy joes, girls. Well, hello, Michael Shane. Mm.

[Dr. John Watson]

Hello, Mike.

[David Harkness]

Hello, Helen. Helen. Sit down.

[Helen Collier]

Thanks. From the looks of all those travel folders on your desk, I'd say you were planning a trip.

[David Harkness]

No, just taking a poor man's vacation.

[Helen Collier]

Reading travel folders. Well, probably almost as much fun as actually taking the trips.

[David Harkness]

I doubt it.

[Helen Collier]

Is something the matter?

[David Harkness]

The matter?

[Helen Collier]

You've been looking at me. Sort of.

[David Harkness]

Oh. I've never seen gray eyes like that before. Oh, make quite a dent. Gray eyes, red lips. You come to talk about trips?

[Helen Collier]

In a way. Short ones.

[David Harkness]

Oh. Cigarette?

[Helen Collier]

Thanks. I have a match.

[David Harkness]

Thanks. Trips? Yeah.

[Helen Collier]

You run errands, Mike?

[David Harkness]

Errands? Friends. What kind?

[Helen Collier]

I made a mistake quite a while ago, Mike. Big mistake. I've been paying for it ever since. Regularly.

[David Harkness]

Blackmail. Mm.

[Helen Collier]

One more payment, the account's closed for good.

[David Harkness]

So?

[Helen Collier]

So I want you to make that last payment for me tonight.

[David Harkness]

Just for my own information, Helen, you're not by any chance asking me.

[Helen Collier]

I'm not asking you to kill anyone, Mike.

[David Harkness]

That's good to know.

[Helen Collier]

No, this is all on the up and up. Here are two envelopes. The instructions are in this one.

[David Harkness]

Instructions? Yeah.

[Helen Collier]

Where and how you're to meet the man you're to meet. When you do meet him, you hand him this other envelope. In return, he'll give you a small package. You bring that back to your office. I pick it up here.

[David Harkness]

How would I go about getting in touch with you if anything went wrong.

[Helen Collier]

I don't expect anything will. But in case of emergency, try my hotel, the Dana.

[David Harkness]

You know, I just remembered a charge I might have to make in this particular case.

[Helen Collier]

Oh, what is it?

[David Harkness]

It might be for you to have dinner with me or something.

[Helen Collier]

Dinner or something might be arranged. Mike, you'll take the job?

[David Harkness]

Sure, why not?

[Helen Collier]

I'll pay you a hundred dollars. I'm sure you'll earn every penny.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

In a moment we'll return to the new adventures of Michael Shane and the case of the Gray Eyed blonde.

[David Harkness]

Well, maybe it was those gray eyes of Helen's, I don't know. At the time there was something awfully compelling about them. Plus everything else about her, from a honey colored hair to her alligator sling pumps. Plus of course the fact that I'd just gotten my license reinstated a couple of weeks before. And that hundred she was offering looked like a lot of good living for a change. So when she asked me to take the job of making a blackmail payment for her, I said yes. After she left, I opened the instruction envelope and read them over carefully. They were so thorough. I knew whoever this guy was, he wanted to be awfully sure he had the right party. I arrived at the indicated corner of Barrack Street 10 minutes before midnight. 10 minutes early. The street was deserted except for a little red and white peanut wagon that a small olive skin gent was pushing down the street toward me. When he got to me, he stopped. A peanut, senor? No thanks, they are fresh. Senor, you're working kind of late, aren't you? See, senor, These peanuts, senor, they are the best. Tell me, have you seen anyone around here in the last 10 minutes? A man? You are looking for someone? Yeah, in a way. Then perhaps while you're waiting or some peanuts? No, no, not now, thanks. He gave me a very unhappy stare and then shrugged his shoulders and pushed his cart around the corner and out of sight. I started walking down the deserted street. My footsteps echoed on the pavement. It was darker than I thought it would be. No street lights in this section. I kept trying to look over my shoulder, but I couldn't see anything. I knew that somewhere in that block somebody was supposed to tap me on the shoulder. And I was wishing he'd hurry up and get it over. I was almost at the end of the block now. Still nothing had happened. The building ahead of me on the corner was getting some work done on it. They had the front boarded up and had a boardwalk in place of the sidewalk. The street Side of the boardwalk was boarded up too. It was like a tunnel. I took a few steps into the pitch black tunnel and stopped. Something started bothering me. For a moment I couldn't figure out what it was. But then I got it. Somebody was in that border tunnel with me. Before I could do or say anything, a hand stood across my mouth and I could feel the muzzle of an automatic against the side of my neck. Brilliant boy that I am, I got the idea that mum was a word. Then the hand left my mouth and slid down and started going through my pockets. Pretty soon it came to the envelope I was supposed to deliver. Patted the envelope and slipped it back into my pocket. That I didn't get at all. Then the gun pressed a little harder onto my neck. I suddenly knew that his finger was tightening on the trigger. I dove for the ground. The gun went off. Red hot poker seared the top of my head. And then blackness. After what seemed like about a month, blackness started to fade. It faded still more started turning to white. I knew I was in a hospital. Then I spotted some bars across the windows. And I got a strong hunch it was a receiving order of the prison hospital. I tried to open my eyes more, which was pretty hard to do because my head at this point felt like two little men were playing ping pong with a hunk of hot lead. But I did manage to see someone bending over me. It was Police Inspector Lafever. Not gonna die after all. What odds could I get? You were lucky. This got creased. That's lucky. Looks like you had a little argument with your sidekick. Pretty one sided argument. Look, Inspector, maybe you wouldn't mind telling me what this is all about, huh? That's funny, Shane. I was just gonna ask you that. Mr. Graeber, will you step in here now, please? Yes, Inspector. Mr. Graber, I want you to take a good look at this man. He the one? I can't be sure. He might be. It might be what? Look, I'm the one that got shot in the head. If that's. Just a minute, Shane, I'm gonna tell you something you might possibly already know. At this point, what I know is just a drop in the bucket. Of what I don't know. Mr. Frank Graber here is a vice president of the South Atlantic Exporting Syndicate. Ever hear of them? Yeah, yeah. They ship to Cuba, South America, lots of places. I did some work for them last year. Yeah, I know. What's that got to do with coming to that? Day before yesterday, there was an unusually large deposit to be made so large that Mr. Graber here himself started out with it. Something like 60,000, wouldn't it, Mr. Graber? 62 in $1,000 bills. Yeah. Well, Mr. Graeber, never suppose you tell him what happened, Graber. Well, I went out the back door of the office building. And it wasn't until I opened my car door that I saw the man sitting inside had his hand up to the side of his face so I couldn't get a clear look at it. But in the other hand was a gun. He forced me to drive down near.

[Basil Rathbone]

The river, made me get out of.

[David Harkness]

The car and go into an abandoned warehouse. There he hit me over the head with his gun and took the money. That's too bad. But outside of welcoming you to the Battered Heads Club, I still don't see what guy could have been you, Shane. What do you mean? We found one of those thousand dollar bills in an envelope in your pocket. About then, a lot of things started making sense. Why that guy in the dark wanted to be sure the envelope was in my pocket before he tried to kill me. Yeah, it looked like somebody was very interested in having me found dead with some of that robbery door on me, thus getting me elected as chief suspect. But I knew it was going to be a tough story to sell the inspector. He ushered Graver out of the room and then came back and stood beside the bed, slowly shaking his head. Oh, I don't get it, Shane. Not three weeks ago you were telling everybody what a good boy you were going to be if you could just get your license back. So they give you your license back. So here you are right in the middle of something that smells the high heaven. Look, Inspector, I'm gonna give it to you straight. It was a frame no sale, Shane. Believe me, it's the truth. A girl named Helen. Yeah. Oh, I know it sounds phony, but it happened. She gave me a song, a dance about hiring me to make a blackmail payment for her. But what she really wanted, she and her boyfriend, I guess, was to have me found dead with some of this dough on me, thereby taking the heat off. I suppose you can back up your story by producing this girl? I can try. Still not buying. Look, Inspector, I've always cooperated with you. Yeah, well, that's the only reason I'm even listening to you. So now I need a break. A big one. You can give it to me. The only thing I can give you is time. And not much of that. How much? My next way out. I know that you're not exactly alone, though. Well, it's 7:00am I'll give until 10:00 tonight. Tonight? Have a heart that doesn't give me. I said 10 o'clock tonight. Make it midnight then. 10. Okay, 10 o'clock tonight. And Shane? Yeah, that's it. One way or another. Funny thing about the inspector. He always meant just exactly what he said. So I had something like 15 hours to find one woman in a city as big as New Orleans. A beautiful woman with gray eyes who had almost done a very neat job of fitting me for a coffin. I lost two of those 15 hours getting part of my strength back and talking the doctor into giving me my pants. The only thing I had to go on was what Helen had told me about reaching her at the hotel. Donna, the desk clerk there remembered her just as soon as I mentioned the gray eyes. Oh, yes, sure. Let's see. Helen Collier. She was registered, Andy. Not bad. Not bad at all. Was registered?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes.

[David Harkness]

Checked out first thing this morning about six, I guess it was. No forwarding address, no Esther, but she said none. Well, thanks anyway. Might ask one of the cab drivers out front. Yeah, I'm going to. Thanks. It didn't take me long to find out that none of the three cab drivers in front of the hotel Donna could have taken because none of them came on until 7. But I did get the address of the driver who worked nights there and 10 minutes later I was pounding on his door. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Come here. What do you want? Are you Joe the cab driver? Yeah, why? You have a fair this morning about six. You woke me up to ask me that? Beat it. Hey, come on, Joe, open up. Look it, friend, I don't know who you are and it's just the way I want to keep it. Now suppose you. I'm not leaving until I get an answer from you. A girl about five, four gray eyes at the hotel. Donna. Where'd you take her? I don't know what you're talking about. Now beat it. Get your foot out of the door. Okay, we'll go inside. Hey, hey, hey. What's up? Now look, the more you talk, the more I'm convinced you did take her somewhere. Now open up. I've been through too much on account of that crazy. I don't know what you're talking about. If you're trying to cover for you, you're making an awful big mistake, Joe. A mistake that could put you behind bars. She paid you to keep your mouth shut, huh? Okay, here's ten to open it. Look, from a friend. Be smart. Keep out of this. Deal. It's too late, Joe. Here's the 10. Open up. I got more than that for promise. Look, I haven't got all day and 10's all you get. Maybe that's too much. Maybe I could beat the answer out of you and save myself a 10 spot. No. Which is it gonna be? Okay, okay. All right. Now, you picked her up at the Hotel Donna at 6 this morning. Yeah. Where'd you take her? From a friend. Let me give you a dip. Don't hold your breath till you see her again. What do you mean? Where I took her was the airport.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

In a moment we'll return to the new adventures of Michael Shane and the case of the Gray Eyed Blonde.

[David Harkness]

It all started when a gray eyed blond named Helen hired me to make a blackmail payment for it. Only I found out too late. It was a frame. I got shot in the head and woke up and found myself accused of a $62,000 robbery. And was given just 15 hours by police Inspector Lafever to find Helen and clear myself. So far all I'd found was she'd left the Hotel Donna at 6 that morning to go to the airport. Well, I was out there now talking all the ticket clicks. Finally I found one who remembered her. Yes, surely those eyes of hers will be hard to forget. Well, which plane did she leave on? You remember? Let's see, I.

[Basil Rathbone]

New York.

[David Harkness]

No, that wasn't it. Come on, come on, try to remember.

[Basil Rathbone]

Now, wait a minute.

[David Harkness]

Oh, I remember. Now. Don't tell me it's that plane that's taking off out there.

[Basil Rathbone]

No, she didn't leave at all.

[David Harkness]

What? No. Bought a ticket to Havana. Midnight plane tonight. Well, at least I knew she was still in New Orleans. Of course, finding would be something else again. And then I got an idea. A long shot maybe. Right now the welcome Matt was out for anything would pass for a starting point. I went back to the Hotel Donna and over to the desk clerk. Yes, you remember me. I was in here a couple of hours ago asking about that girl with the gray eyes. Yes, you really got it bad for him. Yeah, yeah. Well, I'm sorry, but she hasn't come back. And I told you she didn't leave a forwarding address. I know. Look, her room. Has it been straightened up yet? Well, probably not. Cleaning girl's a little slow. We're thinking of letting her go at the. How about letting me in the room for a look around? Oh, now, wait a minute. Why not? You've got it bad for the girl and that's tough. But we can't have you traipsing through that room looking for her forwarding address. It's against the policy. Whose? Mine. Okay. I'll make a deal. Deal? Yeah. Here's a five. Let's just say I'm engaging the room for a couple of hours as is. Oh, well, now, why didn't you say so in the first place? Here. I'll get the key. My only chance was that Helen wouldn't feel any reason to cover her tracks too carefully since, according to her plan, I was to have been long dead by now. I practically tore the room apart. Nothing. Then I thought of the wastebasket. There were two things in it. A piece of Kleenex with the imprint of a mouth and lipstick. And a torn half of a paper match folder, some printing on it. All I could make out were the first two letters. RA and below was the word Cocktails. The name of a bar, and possibly, just possibly, a hangout of Helen's where she might be passing time and keeping undercover until that midnight plane to Havana. Oh, but which bar was it? How many of them started with R.A. my guess was quite a few. But it didn't matter how many. I had to try all of them. I went back to my office. That was a mistake. I dropped into my chair and propped my feet up on the desk. That was a big mistake. I figured I'd just rest a few minutes before I started out. That was a bigger mistake. Closed my eyes. That was my biggest mistake. When I opened my eyes again, I thought something had gone wrong with him. Everything was dark. Then I looked at my watch and almost went right up through the ceiling. Ten minutes to seven. I'd slept all afternoon. I had three hours left. I started out. The nearest bar on my list was a place with a quaint name of Rat Race. When I got there, things were already in high gear. I went in, and then I knew how the place got its name. The music was tailgate and loud, and it all came from five guys in the corner. A few couples were dancing, I guess you'd call it, on a floor about three sizes large than a phone book. The bartender sat at the end of the bar, near the musicians, reading a paper I had a tough time making myself heard. What it be, Mac? You happen to know a girl named. What's that I say to you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Can't hear you.

[David Harkness]

A girl named Helen gray eyes. 5:40. You know her? Oh, yeah. Lots of girls around. I don't. No, I don't think so. I suppose they've been asking too much to Hit the jackpot on the first nickel.

[Dr. John Watson]

Talk louder, will you?

[David Harkness]

Oh, Skipper. I threaded my way through the dances in the smoke and went out. One down, eight to go. I checked the rat race off my list. Went to a place called Radies in a pretty seamy neighborhood. It was a lot darker than the rat race here and a lot quieter. Hospitable too. I'd hardly gotten inside before a furnace eyed brunette sidled up. Hello. Hello.

[Helen Collier]

You fodging for someone?

[David Harkness]

Yeah, yeah, here I am. No, no. The girl I'm looking for is named Helen. Gray eyes.

[Helen Collier]

Helena.

[David Harkness]

Helen. What's wrong with my eyes?

[Helen Collier]

They're brown and eyes.

[David Harkness]

Yeah, so I see.

[Helen Collier]

Would you like to dance?

[David Harkness]

Have a drink? Thanks. Anyway, so I crossed off and kept going. And I kept drawing blanks. Rays, Ravachinis, radio room. And it got to be after nine. I could practically feel the inspector's official and heavy hand on my shoulder. My head was throbbing again and I was getting weaker by the minute. So I guess I was none too steady as I walked down the street. And then as I passed a little red and white peanut wagon parked at the curb, an olive skinned little gent darted out in front of me. Senora.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, you again, Senor.

[David Harkness]

Is something wrong? You? No, no. Just tired, I hear. Senor. Have some of my nice peanuts. Nice fresh peanuts. Oh, thanks. You kind of get around town, don't you? See? But senor, they are the most delicious peanuts. They will help. I don't want any peanuts, man. I tell you, senor, they are fine peanuts. The best peanuts inside of Havana. Yeah. You understand? What about Havana, senor?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What have I done?

[David Harkness]

What have I said to a friend? Please don't let me go. What'd you say about Havana?

[Dr. John Watson]

Nothing, senor.

[David Harkness]

Nothing. Nothing. It's just a place where I was born, senor. Havana, my home.

[Dr. John Watson]

That is all.

[David Harkness]

Senor, you know anything about that midnight plane of Havana? I swear that I know nothing about the mean. I prayed to Havana. Except I would like to be on it. Okay, Okay. I let go of him and he darted around to the other side of his wagon. I staggered on down the street. I still wasn't sure whether he'd been trying to tell me something or not. I didn't have time to figure it out. I had to keep going. Then I went to Raymond's. The next place on the list was a small place. No music, only a couple of people at the bar. The bartender was watching me very carefully. Hello. What can I do for you? You happen to know a girl named Helen Gray? Eyes. No, I see you. You happen to have a light on you? Light? Yeah, I was. Thanks. Thanks a lot. I walked back to the door and went out, trying hard not to tremble because the trail had gotten hot. Very hot. That bartender been just a little too quick to say he didn't know Helen. If I needed any more proof, he'd given it to me. The matchbook he'd used to give me a light was the same kind as a fragment I was carrying in my pocket. Yeah, I knew I'd finally found the place. I went around the corner, eased into the alley and waited. Pretty soon a side door opened and out came Helen. Hey. Hey, wait a minute.

[Helen Collier]

Well, hello, Mike. You really shouldn't have, you know, found you. Better look behind you.

[David Harkness]

Oh, no. That's too old to gag to. No. In a moment, we'll be back with.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

A thrilling climax to tonight's Michael Shane adventure.

[David Harkness]

I guess the business of one thing canceling out another is true. That hit on the head sort of blotted out the throbbing of the wound. And when I came to and found myself lying on the floor in a little room, my head was a lot better than I'd figured. Numb, I guess. I could hear voices, two of them.

[Helen Collier]

Stupid things to do. I told you to do.

[David Harkness]

And suddenly they began registering.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

I couldn't help it, Helen. I had to see you. Well, it's a good thing I did, too.

[David Harkness]

Shane was almost ready to grab you when I hit him just now. It's all your fault anyway.

[Helen Collier]

Why didn't you finish the job last.

[David Harkness]

Night when you had him on the boardwalk? I tried to. He's coming through here. Yeah, I've come to. So Trustworthy. Vice President Mr. Frank Graber is the big boy of the deal. Now, you shut up.

[Helen Collier]

Shane might get an argument as to who the brains really was, Mike. But it doesn't matter now.

[David Harkness]

Pretty neat. Graeber walks off with the money and tells the police a fairy tale about being robbed. Then the two of you nominate me for the fall guy. Graber's supposed to kill me, so I'll be fine with some of the dough and therefore become the chief suspect. Only Graber misses.

[Helen Collier]

Figured it all out, didn't you, Mike? Well, Frank, I guess there's only one thing to do.

[David Harkness]

Yes, and I knew what that one thing was. I knew I had to think fast and act fast to prevent that one thing from happening. If I could just divert their attention from me long enough for a dive at the window or door. And then I thought of something. Something that might possibly Take their minds off me for just a second.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Come on, Frank.

[David Harkness]

Get it over with. I. I suppose you've told Graeber about that plane ticket, Helen.

[Helen Collier]

What?

[David Harkness]

To Havana, on the midnight plane.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

What ticket?

[Helen Collier]

Why, he doesn't know what he's saying.

[David Harkness]

No, no, no. Wait. What ticket?

[Helen Collier]

Don't you see he's just trying to upset you?

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Bought a ticket on the midnight plane to Havana.

[David Harkness]

Frank, I didn't. You were going to run out on me. Oh, don't be sick. You're gonna take all that money and run out on me.

[Basil Rathbone]

Is that true?

[Alicia Wentworth]

I told you I wasn't.

[David Harkness]

I guess I knew all along, Ellen.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Only I just wouldn't face it.

[David Harkness]

But I guess I knew all along.

[Helen Collier]

What are you talking about?

[David Harkness]

I knew all the time you were telling me you loved me. How we'd wait until the heat was off, and then I'd retire on account of ill health and take the money and go to South America and have a wonderful time. Frank, all the time you were telling me those things, I. I knew you didn't mean them. I knew it.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

I wanted to believe it.

[David Harkness]

I wanted. But you're all wrong. You kept working on me. You finally got me to do this thing because you were like a disease. You were in my blood. Now you are going to run out on me, but I won't let you.

[Helen Collier]

No, Frank, that's not true.

[David Harkness]

It's too bad you won't get to use that ticket, Helen. My dirty Frank. Suddenly there was a gun in his hand. It was pointed at Helen, and I could see she didn't believe it, but I did. I dove at him, and just as I hit him, the gun went off. Helen slowly sagged to the floor. I got hold of his wrist, but I was off balance. And he was bringing the gun slowly around toward me. And. And then just as it got to me, I twisted as hard as I could and we both went down. And the gun went off again. Then the gun dropped out of his hand. He just sort of crumpled over and lay still. I stared hard at the widening red stain on his coat right over his heart. Well, I got a call through to the inspector right away, and he sort of took over from there. That was just about that. With all the loose ends tied up one way or another. Oh, yeah, except one. That plane ticket to Havana, the one Helen had bought. Nobody seemed to know quite what to do with it because she'd bought it with her own money instead of the robbery dog. Course, I had an idea what to do with it, but. Well, I gave it up After a while, I guess the little peanut vendor needed it more than I did. Of course, I didn't just give it to him. It was strictly a business deal. I traded him the ticket for his peanut wagon. So now, if the detective business ever gets too tough, well, I've always got a sideline. This is your director, Bill Russo, again.

[Captain Harry Prendergast]

Our story is based on characters created by Brett Halliday. The music is composed and conducted by John Duffy and Michael Shane is portrayed by Jeff Chandler. The New Adventures of Michael Shane is a Don W. Sharp production, transcribed in Hollywood and distributed exclusively by the Broadcasters Guild. Next week you'll hear Michael Shane in another thrilling adventure from mysterious and colorful New Orleans.

[Harry Bartel]

That's Case Closed for this week. You can find more from Sherlock Holmes, Michael Shane, this podcast and all of the other Relic Radio shows at the website relicradio.com you can find our Shoutcast stream there with even more old time radio lots to listen to there. If you'd like to help support it all, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Your support makes it happen. Thanks to those who have thanks for joining me this week. Be back next Wednesday with another hour of Case Closed.