WHItehall-1212 and Let George Do It

Summary

Case Closed! – “Whitehall 1212” & “Let George Do It”

Episode Date: December 18, 2025
Podcast Host: RelicRadio.com
Theme: Revisiting classic crime stories from old-time radio's golden age.

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Overview

In this episode of Case Closed!, listeners are treated to two evocative and suspenseful crime dramas: “Whitehall 1212,” renowned for authentic cases based on Scotland Yard’s files, and “Let George Do It,” following the adventures of savvy private investigator George Valentine. Both stories explore the unpredictability of crime, the eccentricities and darkness of human behavior, and the timeless allure of deduction.

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“Whitehall 1212” – Case #270809: The Francesca Nicholson Case

[00:10] – [28:39]

Main Theme

A true-crime dramatization from Scotland Yard’s Black Museum, narrated in a style blending dry wit with grim fatalism. Inspector Eric Lincoln investigates the disappearance of Francesca Nicholson, uncovering layers of eccentricity and brutality beneath the surface of rural England.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Setting the Stage in the Black Museum

• [01:29] Peter St. John (Reporter): Explains the Black Museum’s purpose—items collected not from morbid curiosity, but as lessons on the motive, means, and mistakes of crime.
• “If you’re contemplating this oldest of crimes, bear in mind...we have thousands of reminders of the hopelessness of it. And change your mind before the hangman says to you, 'stand here, please.'” (01:56)

2. Francesca Nicholson’s Disappearance

• Character Sketches: Francesca is not conventionally attractive—tall, bespectacled, with striking eyes and prominent teeth. Her disappearance is mysterious; she lived quietly with her mother and apparently had no enemies.
• Initial Suspect: Her odd boyfriend, Norman Tufty—a poorly groomed, eccentric chicken farmer with missing teeth, no eyebrows, and a missing toe.
• “Chickens live in a much nicer place than he does.” – Peter, (05:23)

3. Interrogating Norman Tufty

• Tufty’s Odd Behavior: Responds to questions with bizarre flippancy—admits to killing and burying Francesca, but in a tone suggesting he is either mad or mocking the authorities.
• “I killed her. Oh, did you? Killed her, then buried her too.” – Tufty, flippantly (10:47–10:54)
• The Constable later reports Tufty joked (or confessed) about chopping Francesca up on his chicken block, then laughs “like a jackass.” (17:17–17:50)
• Inspector’s Insight: Suggests murderers have a compulsion to mention their crime elliptically, pushing boundaries to see what they can get away with.

4. Eyewitness & Evidence

• Violet Ditkit (Kennel Maid): Confirms seeing Francesca with Tufty the afternoon she disappeared, carrying a small suitcase.
• Physical Evidence: Peter St. John snoops and finds a bloodstained shirt and an attache case belonging to Francesca, leading the investigators to believe she met a fatal end on the farm.

5. Confrontation & Resolution

• Breakthrough: The search produces Francesca’s suitcase in a recently-dug grave; Tufty is arrested.
• Motive Revealed: The suitcase contains an unfinished baby dress—Francesca was pregnant. Tufty had a wife already and killed Francesca when she pressured for marriage. He tried to fake her suicide but was unconvincing.
• Outcome: Tufty is ultimately executed for his crime after a determined police inquiry.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On murder and fate:
  “Thousands of reminders of the hopelessness of it.” (01:56)
• On Tufty’s character:
  “He reminded me of a crafty pig. He smiled an unpleasant gat tooth smile…” – Inspector Lincoln (10:09)
• Inspector’s dry summary of Tufty’s guilt:
  “The fruity odor increases will presently suffuse the entire room.” – Peter, on Tufty’s suspiciousness (08:27)
• The case’s bitter punchline:
  “That was why Norman Tufty murdered her. He already had a wife, and he said at the trial that she had hanged herself at the farm… But it was easy to disprove; the corpse’s neck was not broken. But Norman Tufty’s was most thoroughly at Wandsworth Prison five weeks later, on a cold and foggy morning.” – Inspector Lincoln (27:49–28:39)

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“Let George Do It” – The Floaters

[29:54] – [56:44]

Main Theme

Classic American noir: George Valentine, private eye, is drawn into a web of intrigue and murder on the Mexican border, where missing people, stolen jewels, and false suicides converge.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Midnight Mystery Call

• [30:49] – George receives a frantic call at 2 a.m. from Bernice Hillary, who claims she may be in deadly danger at the Border Motel near Mexico.
• “If I run away, they’ll catch me. And if they do, they...they might hang me.” – Bernice (31:21)

2. At the Border Motel

• George, with his assistant Brooksie, arrives to find the motel rundown and Bernice deeply agitated.
• Discovery: In a nearby cabin, George uncovers the bodies of Helga, a melancholy European woman, and an unnamed “coughing” man—both apparently dead by suicide with poison.
• Clue Found: Two whiskey glasses, a small box with a bitter almond odor (cyanide or similar poison).

3. Untangling the Web (Motives & Suspects)

• Bernice’s Fears: She’d let Helga and the man use her cabin and is terrified of involvement in a double suicide—or murder.
• Helga’s Backstory: A “floater,” trying to get permanent residency, with a border marriage of convenience. Bernice sees herself as an innocent bystander.
• Stolen Brooch: An emerald-and-platinum jewel hidden in a purse becomes central. Multiple people, including a mustachioed Mexican detective (Jose), are searching for it (41:02–41:22).
• Fred Dexter: Motel manager, connected to both the border underworld and the missing brooch.
• Janie, the Chambermaid: Reveals Helga left her a purse for safekeeping, which George later discovers has been rifled to steal the brooch.

4. Digging Deeper: Truth vs. Appearances

• Suicide or Murder? George’s investigation gradually exposes the "double suicide" as a mutual murder-for-profit.
• Twist: Helga and her new husband poisoned each other, each hoping to get away with keeping the entire value of the brooch after smuggling it into the U.S.
• Key Clue: A missing lipstick from Helga’s purse—which at first seems critical, but George slyly observes, “I just realized that clue was no good.” (56:18)

5. Resolution & Reflection

• The jewel theft and subsequent double homicide unmask the tragic destructiveness of greed on the borderlands, turning "floaters" into casualties.
• Brooksie’s Melancholy: “Sad part of the world, George. I wonder if Bernice and Fred Dexter will ever wake up to what their lives are really for.” (56:01)
• George’s Final Insight: Even the best clues can deceive—lipsticks get everywhere.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Bernice’s Desperation:
  “If I run away, they’ll catch me. And if they do, they...they might hang me.” (31:21)
• George’s Cynicism:
  “You get mixed up in anything, and your father, or whoever it is, will haul you back to St. Paul...for my money, you ought to be spanked.” (37:07)
• On human nature at the border:
  “The border...collects the floaters from both sides like flies and dust against the screen. Only some of them don’t get away.” (43:00)
• Revealing the murderers' plot:
  “Neither one of them was the kind who could take half of anything, and they both knew it. So the minute they were safely past immigration—bang. Only instead of a bang, they picked the obvious method down here...poison.” (55:34)
• On the limits of deduction:
  “Well, I’ll tell you a secret. I just realized that clue was no good.” (56:18)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:10] Opening credits, “Whitehall 1212” introduction
• [01:29–03:03] Explanation of the Black Museum and the meaning of its artifacts
• [05:00–08:52] Interview with Norman Tufty; the case takes a strange turn
• [10:47–12:09] Tufty’s fake confessions to murder
• [19:01–20:06] Eyewitness Violet’s account confirming last sighting
• [27:09–28:39] Attache case and final arrest, case conclusion
• [29:54] “Let George Do It” begins
• [30:49–31:21] Bernice’s emergency call
• [35:34–36:12] Discovery of the bodies—presumed double suicide
• [41:02–41:22] Jewel smuggling and brooch revealed as motive
• [43:00] Brooksie and George reflect on the border as a tragic space
• [54:00–55:48] George reconstructs the mutual murder and exposes the flaw in the lipstick clue
• [56:01–56:44] Philosophical coda: human frailty and irony in solving mysteries

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Conclusion

Case Closed! expertly transports listeners to the crackling world of radio noir—where crimes are both puzzles and parables. In “Whitehall 1212,” stoic British wit collides with rural grotesquerie; in “Let George Do It,” the American border is exposed as a tragic crossroads for desperate dreams, bad deals, and hard lessons. Both stories remind us: the golden age of radio remains gold not only for its atmosphere, but its unflinching look at the best and worst of human nature.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is Case Closed Crime stories from the golden age of Radio. Whitehall 12. 1212.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

This is scotland yard. For the first time in history, Scotland Yard opens its official files to bring you the authentic true stories of some of its most baffling cases. These are the true stories, the plain, unvarnished pack, just as they occurred, reenacted for you by an all British cast. Only the names of the participants have, for obvious reasons, been changed. The stories are presented with the full cooperation of Scotland Yard. Research on Whitehall 12 is furnished through Percy Hoskins at the London Daily Express. The stories for radio are written and directed by Willis Cooper. Listen now to Chief Superintendent John Davidson, curator of Scotland Yard's famous Black Museum, for a briefing on case number 270809.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Good afternoon. I hope you don't think that we are mere souvenir collectors here in the Black Museum. We do collect articles that have figured in many of the crimes we have solved. But we have better reasons for doing so than the morbid satisfaction of gloating over them. They form a kind of criminal compendium, not of how to do murder, but how murder has been done. And the items we have on our shelves here fall into several categories. Illustrations of motives, demonstrations of methods and means, and examples of the mistakes that caused the murderers arrest and punishment. Of course, we have these souvenirs from other types of cases. But the reputation of the Black Museum rests largely upon the predilection of the human race for violent and unlawful death. If you're contemplating this oldest of crimes, bear in mind the fact that here at Scotland Yard we have thousands of reminders of the hopelessness of it. And change your mind before the hangman says to you, stand here, please. As he did to the man who owned this dark grey shirt. Yes, that's blood on it. Some of it is. His Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln solved that. Case number 270809. I'll ask him to take over.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

John, you're always quoting a verse from the Bible about the wicked fleeing when no man pursueth.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Proverbs, 28th chapter, first verse.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

And what happens when the wicked stand still and all men pursue it?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

You can't pursue a man that's standing still, Eric.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

But when he joins the pursuit, he stumbles over the last man in the race.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

John, who's the last man?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

The hangman. Francesca Nicholson had been missing nearly a week when Peter St. John of a well known London evening newspaper laid the packet of photographs on my desk.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

She's not particularly pretty, is she?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

She was not particularly pretty too Tall.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Five foot nine and a half.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Wears eyeglasses.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

You tell me. Her eyes are blue and quite pretty. Like a gazelle's, this fellow said. I never seen a gazelle.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Gazelles have brown eyes. Quite prominent teeth.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Like horses, aren't they? Well, you think she'd not be too hard to find.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I should say so.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Well, they haven't found her.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

What's her name? Nicholson.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Nicholson? Yes, sir. Francesca Nicholson. Lived with her mother in Kensal Rise. Had her hair done one day, put on a new dress, packed a small attache case and bunged off not to return.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I can read, Peter. Sorry. How old is she?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

26, it says there. All right. Quite. Horizon.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Been rowing with her mother?

[George Valentine]

Me?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

The girl. Fool. Mother assured me that they were on the best of terms.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Maybe mother was telling a wobber. Maybe mother beat her.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Don't think so, sir. Neighbours are on cancelled rides, though they're pretty palsy.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

The girl have any enemies? None.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Discernibles.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Huh. Boyfriend?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

One. The coat that discussed gazelle's eyes.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

What's he like?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I think he bathes often enough. Two front teeth missing, no eyebrows. Dirty blonde hair. No great toe on his left foot.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

How do you know about his toes?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

He told me about them.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

In detail. Where's he live?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Crowborough, Sussex. Reeves. Chickens down there. Lives in a sort of hut.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

The chickens.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Chickens. Live in a much nicer place than he does.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

What's his opinion?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

He's sure the Mormons have got her.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Mormons?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

That's what the silly blighter said.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Mormons don't kidnap people.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I suggested that. So he changed his mind. Said you might have had a nerve storm and wandered onto the moors and perished.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

What moors?

[George Valentine]

Just moors.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

In the middle of her nerve storm.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Nerve storm? Is the man crazy?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Well, as our American cousins say, I think he has a button or two missing. Seriously, though, he's frightfully upset about her disappearance. Tried to be helpful. That's where I got these photographs.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

How did he find out she was missing? You tell him?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

No. That's where she was headed for when she left home.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Crowborough.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Crowborough? On the chicken farm?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Why?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

We've been engaged for four years.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Yes, we'll be married.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Quiet. I don't know about her except what I hear, but he is genuinely in love with her. Tears as big as small hen's eggs appear every time he mentions her.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Poor blighter. Well, what was I mean? Did she go to visit him often?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Every few months. Apparently he used to stay with a family named Powers. The chicken farms a mile or two outside the town.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

These Powers people, they know anything about all this?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

They're quite mystified. They were expecting her, but she didn't show up.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

This boyfriend, what's his name?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Tufty. Norman Tufty. He came into the palace to greet her and there she wasn't.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Then he reported her missing.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Not for three days. Hard to telegraph from Crowber, I suppose, or hadn't the money or something. But he wrote a postcard to her mother. Quite worried.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

You see the postcard?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

There it is. Right there beside the photograph.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Oh, yes. My own darling Francesca. Where did you get to? Saturday? I went to meet you but did not turn up. I suppose you were detained unexpectedly for some reason or other. What's that word?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Devotedly, I think.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Devotedly. Norman doesn't seem very devoted.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

British understatement, old boy.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

And when did he call the police? The same day.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

He didn't call the police himself, he.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Oh, he didn't.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

It was the powers. Mrs. Powers, who seems to be very nice, talked to a constable of the Sussex Police she knows, and he came round to the chicken farm.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Mean, this devoted Norman didn't even do that much.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Oh, he told me he was going to walk into the police station and tell them himself as soon as he'd finished feeding the chickens.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Suppose he really would have, Peter.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Constable told me that our boy chicken fancier was quite annoyed when he called. Spoke quite sharply about people who stuck their long noses in his business.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Aha, said the Chief Inspector.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I twirled my moustache too when I heard that one. Well, Mrs. Powers told me that Mr. Tufty came roaring in from the chicken farm, full of reproaches for her, because she told the constable that Miss Francesca was missing.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

This thing's beginning to smell quite fruity, isn't it?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

He called Mrs. Powers certain unpleasant names. He owled, the lady said, like a hype.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Mr.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Powers heard the altercation and came up threatening to.in one and Norman left in a towering but ineffectual rage. He's a little bit of a chap. The fruity odor increases will presently suffuse the entire room. I call on Mr. Norman Tufty again to ask him a few civil questions. Mr. Tufty was out. I must have inadvertently snooped a bit in his absence.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Apprehensible, I think.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

In the course of my inadvertent snooping, I found this in a cupboard.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

That's it. Envelope addressed to Norman Tufty, Esquire. The chicken ranch near Crowbar, Sussex, sir.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

What? Have a look at the return address in Chief Inspector.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Mrs. Norman Tufty might be his mother. Or boy.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

He's an orphan. Smell anything now?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

After receiving permission from the Sussex Chief Constable, I went to crowborough and Peter St. John with me. I found a small room at the local hotel, the Pied Merlin, whilst Peter took the other one after breakfast the next morning. Worst I ever ate in my life. We tramped out to the chicken farm. Mr. Norman Tufty kicked at a hungry hen who was investigating the contents of a peaked green biscuit in near the door of the hut and walk towards us. Peter St. John hadn't exaggerated. When he spoke of Tufte's disregard for baths, he reminded me of a crafty pig. He smiled an unpleasant gat tooth smile at Peter.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Oho.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Oho.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Mr. Tufte. The journalist fella. You remember me, snooper, Asking questions. I don't want to know no more of your ilk, mister. What do you want now? I was interested in what you might have heard of your fiance, Mr. Tufte. Think I murdered her? I was trying to pick up any news. Well, I haven't heard anything, Mr. No news at all. Give you a spot of news for Arthur Crown.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Done.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

What's the news? I killed her. Oh, did you?

[George Valentine]

Killed her, then buried her too.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Where, Mr. Tufty? Oh, see where that old black ant scratching there by the old tree stump.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ah, that's the place.

[George Valentine]

Dug a hole and buried her deep.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Well, tell me how you killed her, Mr. Tufte. Hit her over the head with the axe. She didn't half bleed.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Let her blood on your shirt, Mr. Tufty.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Who's this fella? This, Mr. Tufty, is Chief Inspector Lincoln of Scotland Yard. Well, blimey, let's give it out.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

As good as you get.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

That's rich, that is. Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard. That is funny, isn't it? You're a funny bladder syngene. Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard. That's good. Say, who are you? Another one of those journalist chaps or what?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

As a matter of fact, I am Chief Inspector Lincoln of Scotland Yard.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I'm all right, man. Even talks like a Scotland Yard blog, like right out of the cinema.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

And here's my card.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

You're not going to arrest me, are you, sir?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

This awful thing, sir. Me making a fool of myself this way. I thought you was joking too.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

It wasn't a very good joke, mister.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Well, I hardly know what to say, sir. I know it was a terrible thing to say. And my poor darling princess come missing like this. I'm surprised you can make jokes at all. I'm not ashamed of myself. Is this injured. And you too, Chief Inspector Lincoln, making such jokes about my poor darling Francesca. Nobody knows if she's. If she's laying dead in the fields or held prisoner by a band of white slavers.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Oh, come, come, Tufty.

[George Valentine]

Scotland Yard and find her.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Tufty.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't think so.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Of course we will. Oh, do find my darling Chief Inspector. Go out and search the highways and the byways and bring her safe back to me. Sad. Maybe she's run down by some bitten.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Run driver and lost her memory.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Calm yourself, Mr. Tufton. Oh, put a sock in it. Hold your tongue, you nasty sod. You. Look here, oaf. You hold your own filthy tongue or I'll stuff it on your throat. You.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Stop him.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Stop him, Chief Inspector. He'll murder me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He'll kill me.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Stop him, Chief Inspector.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Shut up. Get back to your chickens, Tufftick. I'll talk to you later. Without Mr. St. John. Come on, Peter.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

But, Chief Inspector.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

We'll find your Francesco. All right, Tufty.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Speaking of smells, my dear Chief Inspector, what a towering stink Mrs. Norman Tufty will raise if and when you do.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

You suppose that bar is open at the Pied Merlin? What we both need is a glass.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Of beer, preferably two.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

The bar was open and the beer, by contrast with the breakfast, was reasonably satisfactory. Peter swilled down his first glass and set it down.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

And what do you make of that, my dear? Watson inquired. Holmes.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

The man's crackers.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

That was a hatter. Four beer, please, miss.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Doesn't like you, does he?

[George Valentine]

Score one all.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I don't like him.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

You porterfellows ask too many questions.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Think that was why he told us that fairy story?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

No.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

What do you think?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

About the same as you think.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Oh, I think of it. I'm of two minds.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Are you?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

One, he's either insane, probably, or two, he's resorting to an old device which has been used successfully by better men than Norman Tufty, Esq. Which is telling a half truth in the hope that nobody'll believe him.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

You think he killed the girl?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

You know the Scotland Yard? Ben, I work for a living.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

There's a. There's a compulsion murderers sometimes feel to talk about the murder in a kind of elliptical fashion. Seem to enjoy seeing how far they can go without getting themselves caught.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Remember that chap at Wembley who killed his mother? Remember? Oops. Talking about things lying on the floor just like a dead woman, he kept saying to people. We hanged him. Reported the execution. Ah, good Morning, Constable.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Morning, Mr. St. John. I hear there's a Scotland Yard gentleman here in the village, sir. Would you be in?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

This is Chief Inspector Lincoln. Yes, Constable. Ernest Busby and Chief Inspector.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Morning, sir. Morning, Constable.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Have a pot of pig's inner, Constable?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I'm on duty, sir. I was wondering, Chief Inspector, if you'd seen Mr. Norman Tufte yet. Yes, we saw him earlier this morning. I wonder why I didn't say anything to me about seeing you, sir.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Oh, you've seen him this morning, too?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I did that, sir.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I trust he received you courteously.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I was out that way, Chief Inspector. Matter of a dog. Had no license and stopped by to inquire whether Mr. Tufte had any new information about his missing Ms. Francesca. He was feeding the chicken? No, sir. He was digging a knoll. Digging a hole? Well, more properly, sir, filling up a hole. One of his ends had died of the pip, sir. And he was burying so. Do you think he's stotty? Excuse me? Insane, sir.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Surely one buries chickens when they die.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

He patted down the ground with a spade, sir. And he looked up at me and.

[George Valentine]

He grinned at me.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Kind of crazy like, sir. And what did he say, Constable? I made a note of his exact words, sir. Just like I buried poor darling Francesca after I cut her up in pieces on the chopping block there. Pointing to the chopping block where he chops up the chickens heads, sir. And then what, Constable? Well, sir, I admit I was horrified.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I think you would be, sir.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

If you please, I'm talking to the Chief Inspector.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Forgive me.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Forgive me. What did the man do, Constable? Sir, he bursted out laughing like a ruddy jackass. Did you think he was dotty, sir? A compulsion, Constable. Is that actionable, sir? Fortunately no, Constable.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Could be if he keeps it up, couldn't it, Chief Inspector?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

We'll see.

[George Valentine]

Oh, I almost forgot, sir.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Forgot what, Violet? I'm calling the young lady, sir. What young lady, Constable? Violet, come in, please. Violet. Who's this? Come on in, Violet. Now, these gentlemen won't hurt you. Gentlemen, this is Miss Violet Ditkit. He was employed as a kennel maid by Colonel James Seymour, who raises Bedlington terriers on the place next to Mr. Tufte's.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Morning to you, gentlemen.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Morning.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Good morning, Violet.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Is a bit of information I thought you might like to hear firsthand, Chief Inspector. Well, Ms. Ditkit speak at Viley do.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I seen her, sir?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Who? Miss Ditgart. Speak up, Violet.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, they're Miss Francesca, sir.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Miss Francesca Nicholson. When did you see her, Miss Dydgart?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Saturday, sir.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Tell the Chief Inspector how it was, Violet.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, sir, I was walking up the lane to the kennels and Ms. Francesca comes hurrying along the by road toward Mr. Tuffy's farm. And I see her and she seeing me and she said, hello, Violet. And I said, hello, Ms. Francesca. And she said, have you seen Mr. Tuffy? And I said, no. And she said, oh, there he is. Hello, darling. And I started to hurry faster and I said, Goodbye, Ms. Francesca. And when I come to the end of the lane, she was walking along with him.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

What time is that, Saturday, Ms. Ducas?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, about half after 2 on Saturday, sir.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

That's all she knows, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

She told me you was carrying one of the little suitcases, sir.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

An attacher case.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, one of the little suitcases, sir. Like a doll. Baby suitcase. Can I go now, Constable? Please?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Unless you wish to ask any more questions, Chief Inspector. No, you may go, Mr. Dicklus.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The doggies will be crying for their lunch, sir.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

By all means, let's not keep them from their lunch, Mr. Cooks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, sir. They get pig's liver and skimmed milk. Thank you, sir. Goodbye, sir.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

She telling the truth, you think, Constable? Violet did get down. Now, I to tell a lie, sir. She says she saw Ms. Nicholson. She's seen it. What are you thinking so hard about, Peter?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I'm wondering whose blood that is on Tufte's shirt.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sir. There's a gentleman out here to see the other gentleman, sir.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Who, me?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, sir. The other gentleman, he said Me? Yes, you, sir. The gentleman in the checkered jacket, he said, sir.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Who? Is he around?

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's Mr. Tuffy, sir.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Oh.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Go ahead. See what he wants. Now, Peter.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He's coming, Mr. Tuffy. Good day, Duke.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Does Tufty know that Violet saw? No, sir. I met her after I talked to him. She won't say anything, will she? To him, I mean. No, sir. I don't think so.

[George Valentine]

It's rather shy being with dogs all the time.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Besides, if she does, she knows I'll warm her bottom with a birch twig, eh? She's my niece, sir. What do you think, Constable?

[George Valentine]

About all this?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Yes, well, the nasty little beggar digs a very neat hole in the ground, sir. I shouldn't wonder if he's had practice. Here's Mr. What's his name, sir? Sinjan. He's a reporter. Oh. Well, what's he want, miss?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Another bill, please.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes. Another pint, sir.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Quite simple and quite to be expected, Chief Inspector. Oh, what he wanted to know.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, thank You a fierce.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

In fact, he offered to give my half crown back if I tell him what that Scotland Yard man was up to. Oh, what he was going to do.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Why don't you tell him?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I told him that you were coming out this afternoon with a gang of navies and dig up his whole bloody farm. Chief Inspector.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I did not at once follow out the suggestion of Peter St John, although I'd already made up my mind to find out whether Norman Tufte had been burying dead chickens or a dead woman. I wanted another talk with the man. I sent Constable Busby to bring him to the local police station, where I could talk in an atmosphere more calculated to impress a man of Norman Tufte's type. He sat down opposite me, smelling of chickens. Don't you ever change your clothes, Tufty? I asked curiously.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Haven't any clothes to change to, Chief Inspector.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I'd like to check a little more on what you've told us, if you don't mind.

[George Valentine]

I don't mind.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

All right. When did you last see Ms. Francesca Nicholson?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Five months ago.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Where? My farm.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

She came down from Kensar Rise to visit me. Stayed in the village with Ms. Powers. But you spent a great deal of time at my farm.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

You were engaged to be married, right? You intended to marry. Of course she believed that, did she?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

She did.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

What did you do when she didn't show up on the Saturday when she was supposed to arrive?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Why, I stayed around my farm and worked, then came into town and waited for her.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I have found a witness who saw Ms. Nicholson on that day.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I don't believe it.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

And who saw her with you.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I don't believe that either. You're trying to.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Trying to what, Mr. Tuplay? Yes. Excuse me, sir. Yes. Yes, Constable Busby. I've got it, sir. Thank you. You can get started then.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Right. Busby. Did you tell Chief Inspector you seen.

[George Valentine]

Her that day with me?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

It wasn't Constable Busby who saw you, Tufte. Go on, Councilor. I want to know what happened.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Yes, sir. I know your police tricks.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I, I, I interrupted you, Tufte. What was it you were accusing me of when, Constable Busby? You said I was trying something. Now what am I trying to do to you?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

You're trying to make me talk.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

In my poor benighted fashion. That is exactly what I'm trying to do, Tati. It's quite legal, I assure you.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I won't talk. I didn't do nothing.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

You told two separate people that you murdered Ms. Nicholson and buried her body.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I was having A joke with you. I.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Wasn't that a. Wasn't that joke? And rather poor taste after I see you're still wearing that bloodstained shirt.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

It's my blood. I caught myself killing chickens.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

You seem to have bled a lot.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Some of it. It's chicken blood.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Well, I'm sure you wouldn't object to allowing our laboratory to examine the shirt, would you? Would you?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

You're trying to free me up.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

You've been reading crime novels. American crime novel. I'd like to tell you something, Tufty. Constable Busby came in here to tell me that he has obtained a search warrant. What for? You dig up your farm.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

They won't find anything.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I won't?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

They won't.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

They'll be there in a few minutes.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

But I tell you, they won't find anything.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Well, they'll try. They have to dig up every inch of your farm. Beginning at that place where you said you were burying the chicken this morning and progressing on to where you told Mr. St. John and me the body was buried. Tufty, listen. I don't hear any.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

What do you think they'll find?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

The body of Francesca Nicholson.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Well? Well, I didn't kill her.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Who did?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I love Francesca.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Do you also love your wife?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

How do you know about her?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

You shouldn't let letters lie about.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Yes.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

I'm not my wife. And is that why? Who is it?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I even I, Xerxes the King.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

What do you want, Peter?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I want to show Mr. Tuftea something. What? Something I found in a hole, Chief Inspector.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Look, Mr. Tuftea. What is that?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

After I get the dirt brushed off, you'll see that it's in the Teche case.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Where'd you get it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where did you get it?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

It was in a shallow grave, Mr. Tuftea, where you said you were burying a chicken this morning. Oh, it's all quite legal, Chief Inspector. I was there with my spade poised when they brought the search warrant. I came back here on a motorbicycle which I rented very fast.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Mr. Tuff, dear.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

That was all I heard. Uh huh. You heard me coming. Let's take a look at the name on this attache case.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Francesca, listen to me. Listen to me, Mr. Tapi. I arrest you on suspicion of murder.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

It'll take much more than suspicion, Mr. Chief Inspector Tiang. Me? Oh, don't worry about that, old boy. Constable Busby was digging up her left leg and I had to hurry away.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

On suspicion of murderer Francesca Nicholson. I warn you that anything you say will be taken down in writing and may be used in evidence.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

I'd be glad to take it down, Taptain. I use a typewriter quite well. Speak up, old lawyer.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

When the attache case that had belonged to Francesca Nicholson was unlocked and opened, it contained one article. An unfinished dress for a baby. That was why Norman Tufty murdered her. He already had a wife, and he said at the trial that she had hanged herself at the farm. When he told her he couldn't marry her and the baby would have to be born without a name, it was easy to disprove that the corpse's neck was not broken. But Norman Tuftes was most thoroughly at Wandsworth Prison five weeks later, on a cold and foggy morning. Foreign.

[George Valentine]

Today on Whitehall 121212 were Harvey Hayes.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Horace Braham, Lester Fletcher, Morris Dallimore, Gordon Stern and Patricia Courtley. Whitehall 1212 is written and directed by Willis Coop.

[George Valentine]

If your home is dry, there's no.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Silt on the living room floor. You can be truly grateful. But you have neighbors who are much less fortunate. The victims of devastating floods appeal to you for help. Their immediate need is for food, for shelter, for clothing and medicine. There's another need which remains long after the floodwaters recede. There's the business of rebuilding, repairing, refurnishing. These jobs will take money, a lot of money. And that's why your neighbors appeal to you. Through your contribution to the Red Cross, you'll be able to do the job that has to be done. Look around your living room. Has it been spared the flood defects? While you're still grateful, give to your less fortunate neighbors whose living rooms are covered with silk. Give to the Red Cross. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[George Valentine]

Personal notice. Dangers, my stock and trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you got a job for me, George Valentine. Write full details. Standard Oil Company of California. On behalf of independent Chevron gas stations and Standard stations throughout the west, invite you to let George do it. The floaters another adventure of george valentine.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Dear Mr. Valentine Knight Mr. Valentine, please. Please.

[George Valentine]

Hey, who is this? Who's this speaking?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Won't you wake up? Can't you wake up and try?

[George Valentine]

Hey, look lady, it's 2 o' clock in the morning.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I already told you. My name is Bernice Hillary. And you've simply got to come here. I don't know anybody to turn.

[George Valentine]

Come where? Why?

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's only a few hours drive. For you. I'm the fourth cabin on the left. The Border Motel. It's a big place with palm trees and cactus. The Mexican border.

[George Valentine]

It isn't Far Mexican border, the American side.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's the trouble. Only drive fast, please. Drive fast. You've got to get here before I said.

[George Valentine]

Why, what's the matter? Will you calm down a minute?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Will you be.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, no, no. The fourth cabin you can find it. It's a big one off by itself. My car is parked right beside it. I. I can't stay here and I can't leave. I'm all alone. I don't know what to do. If I run away, they'll catch me. And if they do, they. They might hang me. It wasn't much of a drive. Oh, no.

[George Valentine]

This doesn't look like much of a place either, does it? Looks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah. Might have been once. Nobody awake but us chickens here. That's the third cabin.

[George Valentine]

The motel's all run down.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[George Valentine]

Business on the border must be slacking off. Wait a minute. Here's her car.

[Narrator/Announcer]

If it is, she certainly doesn't need anybody's help. Enough chromium to start a bicycle shop.

[George Valentine]

Yeah. Come on, let's take a look. Probably locked.

[Narrator/Announcer]

George.

[George Valentine]

No, it isn't. It's what? Excuse me. No, you don't. This isn't a drive in movie, buster. What are you doing sitting in that car? Excuse me? I said, chump, slow down, will you? Senor, I take it back. You don't excuse.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Okay.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

What do.

[George Valentine]

You don't. But the senorita will. Excuse me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, you.

[George Valentine]

Oh. Oh, what a chump.

[Narrator/Announcer]

George, are you all right?

[George Valentine]

Oh, yeah, sure. Nobody here but us chickens, huh? First one I ever saw with a mustache.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He tried to hide when we came along, but here, see, he'd been rifling the dash compartment.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Yeah.

[George Valentine]

The car's registered to Ms. Bernice Hillary St. Paul, Minnesota. Now, Brooksie, she's a long way from home.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. Valentine? Ms. Brooks. That's right.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're Bernice, aren't you? Come in.

[George Valentine]

Okay. Now, would you please.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You got here before sunrise, didn't you? Dawn's just coming, isn't it?

[George Valentine]

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. What's going on?

[Narrator/Announcer]

She's hysterical. No, no, I'm not. I. I'm just sorry I made you go to all this trouble, coming down here for nothing. For nothing.

[George Valentine]

Well, look, we're here now, Bernice. So what's the story? For better or worse, let's have it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I've only been here about 36 hours. I stopped over to have my car fixed. I'm on my way to Mexico City. That's where my best friend lives. She married a man who has a tango Band. Oh, it's wonderful if you like that style. I do. People are much more adult than you.

[George Valentine]

Wait a minute. Let's stay in one key, huh? You're a little young, Bernice, to be galloping off down there all alone, aren't you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm 21. It's none of your business. I didn't ask you here to discuss.

[George Valentine]

All right, all right. So you're on your way to Mexico.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Father know about it? I said it's none of your business, any of it.

[George Valentine]

Come on, get to it. You stopped here and last night something happened.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

What?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I. I met the woman last night for the first time. She's German or mid European or something. She didn't tell me herself, but the chambermaid did. I was curious.

[George Valentine]

Who is this you're talking about?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Bernice?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Helga, I think her name is. Not even a citizen. People sneak back and forth here, you know. They never get farther. But they do stay here for a few hours. Well, anyway, she was talking to some friend, I guess. Real sour looking apple. He coughed a lot. Then one of those immigration men came. Came in the other end of the bar. Well, at least I guess that's what it was. Anyway. She asked me if they could bring their drinks over to my cabin. She and the man, I mean. So they slipped out. Well, I didn't even come over here until hours later. I had to pick up my car at the garage.

[George Valentine]

You're wasting a lot of words. Are there two rooms in this place, Mr. Valentine?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I started to go to bed in here. I'd forgotten all about those two. No, wait a minute.

[George Valentine]

Other rooms through here, I guess, huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Wait, wait. I didn't have anything to do with it. Not anything. I just opened the door.

[George Valentine]

I'll look for myself. Thanks. I catch on fast. But I see what you mean. They're both dead.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's a double suicide, George.

[George Valentine]

Yeah. Angel poison. Looks like it hit her harder than it did him.

[Narrator/Announcer]

There's two whiskey glasses there. This little box is what it must have been in. Not almonds, but it's something that smells a little like it.

[George Valentine]

There he is in the chair. Looks like maybe she changed her mind when it was too late. Tried to make it to the phone.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I didn't see all that at first. Can you blame me? All I could see was something dark. And I touched it and she was dead.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, well, never mind. Bernice, who's the manager of this motel? The owner.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Fred Dexter. I think that's it.

[George Valentine]

Go find it, won't you, Booksie?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, sure. George.

[George Valentine]

Washed out Looking blonde, muddy skin, cheap clothes. So that's Helga, huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

She was a sad sort of person, I guess. Chambermaid says she's been trying to get into the country for months. Legally, it's only a few blocks. She'd sneak over this for an evening sometime.

[George Valentine]

Sure, I know. To pretend she was already an American instead of a floater in nowhere, living with the chickens on a dusty border, waiting for some quota. Yeah, lots of people like that nowadays, Bernice. Waiting at the Golden Gate. Guy looks about the same. Holes in his shoes. Skinny, gray hair. You said he coughed a lot.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't know who he is. I don't know and I don't care. That's why I sent for you, Mr. Valentine. To tell the police.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Yeah.

[George Valentine]

You get mixed up in anything, and your father, or whoever it is will find out where you are, haul you back to St. Paul.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look, I'll pay you.

[George Valentine]

A thousand dollars all over you, Bernice. And it's also written all over you how mad you are because these two people were inconsiderate enough to pick your own to die in. Well, kid, for my money, you ought to be spanked. And if you think I want to face the music for you, you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Please. Please, Mr. Balance.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Stay there.

[George Valentine]

Wow. Early caller.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I guess I got the wrong cabinet.

[George Valentine]

No, no, wait a minute. Looking for Miss Hillary.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This ain't the cabin I thought it was. Really, it ain't.

[George Valentine]

You work here, don't you? You're the chambermaid.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look, mister, is. Is Helga there?

[George Valentine]

Helga? Yeah, she's here.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Why?

[Narrator/Announcer]

She's a friend of mine. Asked me to keep something, that's all.

[George Valentine]

Keep what?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, it's a purse. Only I'm on my way to work now, mister, and I just. Hey, what's that? Hey, what's the matter?

[George Valentine]

Hey, Bernice. Bernice, come back here.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Hey, you.

[George Valentine]

Oh, for the. Okay, chambermaid, come in here, will you? Come on.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Who?

[George Valentine]

What are you talking about? Well, the chambermaid, she was just here. What do you think this is, Waldorf Towers? Dexter's my name.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Fred Dexter.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, I figured. But where is.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

That's Janie.

[George Valentine]

Laundress, cook, bottle washer. She's on her way to work, that's all. Getting my breakfast. And don't get so lathered up. Cops will be here. Nothing to steam about. Been plenty of suicides in this town before. Okay, maybe you're right. Funny as suckers, too, I'll bet. Just like me. Well, if we call the police, Mr. Valentine, I will just.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Wait.

[George Valentine]

What about this guy who coughed? Who Was he? He and that Helga Dane. Birds of a feather. Nothing to live for. They flocked together. It's easy to drink your last toast if there's somebody with you to keep you.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Courageous.

[George Valentine]

He never would have been admitted. Made the quota, so. Yeah, but I said, what about him? Who was he? You're stubborn. Why don't you leave well enough alone? That's what the people do down here. That crazy dame who skipped out on a bill.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Bernice?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Hillary.

[George Valentine]

Forget her. You can't get far if they do find her. There's nothing to say. It's a closed case. Buster, for the 10th time, I'm just passing some advice. The guy who coughed, I don't even know his name. Seen him a number of times the past few years. He was an American citizen, wasn't he? Oh, sure, yeah. But he was sick, broke. Lived on sleeping pills, whiskey and dreams. Always been that way. Bought a case, came here to get rich and didn't. There's a lot of money floating back and forth, you know, if you're smart enough to latch on or something. He wasn't. Are you? Look at this rat's nest.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

E. I had big ideas once.

[George Valentine]

Thought I might latch onto something. Oh, skips. Okay. That Mexican mustache who hit me. How about him? I never saw him in my life.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Okay, then.

[George Valentine]

This woman Janie, who works for you. She's fat, reads movie, magazine. I know what she's like. I just want to know where she lives. You mean a room? Where is it? How should I know? In town someplace.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Why?

[George Valentine]

You want a date? I'm gonna do a little floating around myself, buster. Maybe I can latch onto something.

[Narrator/Announcer]

George, where have you been?

[George Valentine]

Well, I finally found that chambermaid Janie's place in town. But, George, she was keeping that purse for Helga, like she told me. All right. Nothing in it much. Kleenex comb, about 16 bucks. Eyebrow pencil, handkerchief, period. And a torn lining. Somebody beat me to it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What do you mean?

[George Valentine]

Oh, Brooksie. I have a tiny little emerald here and around one end of it, a bit of platinum wire.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

What?

[George Valentine]

Yeah. All told, worth a hundred bucks. Maybe. But this is something jarred loose from something bigger when it was jerked out. A brooch, maybe.

[Narrator/Announcer]

A what?

[George Valentine]

Something worth plenty. You get it? That dame Helga shouldn't have been so sad after all. Maybe she didn't have a citizenship, but at least she had.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Then he shouldn't have been sad either. The man who caught. That's what I've been trying to reach you for. They must have owned that thing together. Darling, I checked the immigration people like you said. And she wasn't here illegally. Not this time. The two of them were married several months ago down in Ensenada.

[George Valentine]

How do you like that? Motives go flying out the window, don't they?

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's what I mean. Helga was the wife of an American citizen. And they had something worth money too. So they had everything to live for. Why would they commit suicide?

[George Valentine]

To be more blunt, Brooksie, who murdered them?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Foreign.

[George Valentine]

To tonight's adventure of George Valentine in just a moment. People are sensitive to seasonal changes, that's for sure. But you know that the gasoline in your car is also sensitive to seasonal changes. You bet it is. And that's why Chevron supreme gasoline is climate tailored to each different altitude and temperature zone. This scientific tailoring is based on year round weather reports from all over the West. Today, tomorrow, any day in the year. Depend on Chevron supreme to get the best out of your car wherever you drive. Try a tank full of this premium quality gasoline. You'll notice right away how much better your car responds. Faster starts in any weather, smoother pickup in traffic, ping free power on hills. In fact, you can't buy a better gasoline for today's high compression engine. Get a tank full of climate tailored Chevron supreme tomorrow. Ask for it at standard stations and at independent Chevron gas stations. Where they say and mean we take better care of your car. And now back to tonight's adventure of George Valentine. The border between countries that collects the floaters from both sides like flies and dust against the screen. Only some of them don't get away. Like the mid European Helga and the sad man who coughed. Yes, the couple who at first you thought had entered into a suicide pact. Only now you realize they were both murdered. And right in the motel cabin of your client, Bernice Hillary, who has since disappeared. Only who committed murder and why.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look, mister, I told you the truth, didn't I? Why should I lie?

[George Valentine]

I don't know, Janie. Why should you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

But sure I know they was married. Helga on that mopey looking thing. But what of it? She's been married before. I don't see what she's seen in the guy anyway. Did you tell the police you knew? No, I did. Why not? Why should I? But they didn't ask me. Leave well enough alone, mister, that's what I say. Even if people have been murdered. Oh yeah, I know. Helga wasn't much, I guess. Had to duck out of her own country for something a long time ago. I don't know What? I don't know anything, really, except, well, she was a person. You know what I mean? You broke her heart when Clark Gable was married. Sort of liked her.

[George Valentine]

All right, Jenny. She was a friend of yours, period. And yesterday when she and her husband came in, she gave you her purse and asked you to keep it for her. I wonder why.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, holy gosh, how should I know? It's a tough town. She was kind of nervous, anyway. Like maybe the two of them was being followed. I noticed it at the time.

[George Valentine]

Okay, followed. Only I suppose you didn't know why the purse was so important. What was in it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

There was a few bucks in it. Don't kid me. That ain't what he meant. Was hidden in the lining something made out of emeralds and platinum.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

What?

[Narrator/Announcer]

In Helga? Well, you don't think I'd be here if I didn't know about it? Oh, no, no. I don't mean that. I never stole anything in my life, and neither did Helga. I'm sure she wouldn't. It might have been a hairloom or something.

[George Valentine]

Okay, Janie, okay. We're wasting our time. Skip it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, George, what are you gonna tell the police?

[George Valentine]

Everything I know about it, but I wish it were more. Well, 16 for all. Here we are. The Saddle Shop. Farm supplies.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, it's a pretty good trade, too, doesn't it? I just want to double up on something the police already have. Found out the poison. You remember that little box that smelled like Ammons?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[George Valentine]

Well, they say it's some kind of stuff used on vermin. And this is a place that sold it. I told the police, Mr. Valentine. Don't remember much. Hot day for this time of year. Well, did a man buy it or a woman? Afternoon there, Fred. Nice weather. What did you say?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Was it a man or a woman?

[George Valentine]

Lipstick. What? Fished out some change out, dropped a lipstick. I know because I picked it up to hand it back. Afternoon, Mr. Gonzalez.

[Narrator/Announcer]

George. Thought was a woman?

[George Valentine]

No, man. Man bought it. Okay, okay. Some guy mixed up with a woman, he. Shut the door back there, will you, Fabio?

[Narrator/Announcer]

All these people. What's back there anyway, Mr. Heimer? Harness room and a few slot machines. I could see.

[George Valentine]

That's nice.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

All right.

[George Valentine]

Now, listen, buster, make it fast. A man bought the poison yesterday. Who was it? Oh, no. It's what I told the police. You mean you run a gambling joint? It's not smart to tell on people. Relax, son, relax. Too hot a day for that. I'm blind.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Blind?

[George Valentine]

But I didn't. But you've been saying hello by name to all these people who've been walking back. Old customers, that's all. Recognize their steps. Oh, I see. Okay. I. I'm sorry. Come on, Brooksie. You're going the wrong way, Mr. Valentine. Harness room is for friends. Oh, I got some money to throw away. Okay. Friends. Thanks. Only Brooksie, Maybe you better. No, no. There's a ladies table. Help yourself.

[Narrator/Announcer]

George, why are we here?

[George Valentine]

When that door was open, I saw a guy. Angel. The far end of the room. Sitting right by the window. A guy with a mustache. Hello, chum. Huh? Having nice cards, senor? No, no, I'm not playing now. I am. Come on outside. I want to talk. Oh, no, no, senor. Excuse, please. Never mind that excuse routine again. Don't be tough.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Not you.

[George Valentine]

Not a soccer for the laugh. Come on outside. I'm staying here. You say anything, say it here. Say goodbye. You chump. Stop it. Get away from me. Time to argue, senor. Take it easy. Just a friendly little spat, folks. That's.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Five, 10, 15.

[George Valentine]

People are upset when things happen. It's pretty bad for business. This isn't hush money, friend. We're paying you to take care of this guy. Oh, he'll come to in time. Need a beef steak maybe.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll bet he gets hamburgers.

[George Valentine]

You're smart, lady. But I better keep that wallet of his for him. Not so fast, Heinrich. He only has traveler's checks anyway.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Traveler's check?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, Mexico City.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Let me see that letter.

[George Valentine]

Okay, try your Spanish.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Jose. Oh, Jose. That's him, George. Jose. He's a detective. What be good reward in it if you can trace for me, darling. He was on the trail of an emerald brooch.

[George Valentine]

So that's what it was.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Emerald brooch. Stolen from. Stolen, George. From. Anyway, some, you pronounce it. Jewelry store, Mexico City, two months ago. Signed by an insurance company. That's it.

[George Valentine]

So tough boy here is a detective.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He must have been looking. And Bernice, Hillary's car for the bros.

[George Valentine]

Hey, wait a minute, angel.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What are you talking about?

[George Valentine]

Jose didn't start swinging till I tried to get him outside. To get him to move. To get him away from his chair by the window. Why?

[Narrator/Announcer]

So that's what he was watching. Chromium. That old garage across the alley. George, that's Bernice Hillary's car. George, how long are we gonna wait here?

[George Valentine]

Well, it's a nice comfortable car, isn't it?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Go.

[George Valentine]

See you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But it's dark already. We should tell the police.

[George Valentine]

Oh, well, the border's a funny place. Collects the Strays from both sides. Everybody looking for a little excitement or some easy money. Turning into floaters.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, George, really. I don't know. Out in the alley, you hear that key?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, but you don't need them for the garage. No, somebody's got them for the car. Now, stay there in the seat.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Do I. Georgia.

[George Valentine]

They can't see me in the shadows.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

What? Who's in there?

[George Valentine]

Easy, buster. I'm right behind you. Oh, yeah. Now turn around slow. Dexter.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Yeah, yeah, sure.

[George Valentine]

What did you do, steal this car?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What happened to Bernice? She drove away in the car this morning.

[George Valentine]

What'd you do with her, Brooksy? We know the guy who bought this part. Poison was mixed up with a girl.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

What? What's that?

[George Valentine]

So maybe she loaned him the car.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

No, no. I tell you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What's the matter? There's no one in the street. Can't you start again?

[George Valentine]

Hello, Bernice.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. Valentine?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, Mr. Valentine. The sucker you called down here last night to face the music for you. So you wouldn't have to interrupt your joyride to Mexico City.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But I didn't do it. Helgen the man. It was a double suicide.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

That's right.

[George Valentine]

That's what the police says. Sure, sure. Only, let's have the brooch.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What? I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Valentine. I know it was silly of me to run out on you like that. This morning I rode around town intending to come back. But Mr. Dexter here saw me. He said I'd just be in more trouble. And he knew a place to hide the car, so I.

[George Valentine]

Right across the alley from the place where the poison was bought.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What poison?

[George Valentine]

The poison that killed Helga and her husband. It's a little town. I don't know where else you'd hide a car. You're an old hand around here, Dexter. Only an old hand would know which place has a blind man running it. Convenient. So there wouldn't be any identification. So what? Lots of people know about. Come on, Dexter. I want the brooch.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

What brooch?

[George Valentine]

This morning I asked you where Janie lived. You said you didn't know. It took me a little time to find it. And when I found it, I found a certain purse. A brooch had been ripped out of it so fast, part of it stayed behind in Janie's place. And she said you'd been there before.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He's holding his hand against his coat pocket.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

All right, all right.

[George Valentine]

So you got it?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Yeah.

[George Valentine]

Stolen in Mexico City. Probably by Helga. It was hidden in the lining of A purse yesterday for only one reason. To smuggle it across the border, which she did, so people in this country don't even know about. Was your big chance, wasn't it, Dexter?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

But what if it was?

[George Valentine]

You know what it feels like to sit down here in the dust, losing your door, when a big chance is floating right past you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. Valentine, I didn't know he had it. Honestly, I didn't.

[George Valentine]

Oh, sure, Bernice. Last night. Who besides you knew that Helgen. The man could be found in your cabin? Well, it was murder, lady. Plain and simple. Murder. And the police know it. No, there's a mountain of evidence 14ft high stacked against the two of you. Look, I. I took the broacher, but I did it when I thought there was a double suicide. Nobody would know. Evidence or not, I don't know anything about murder. You ask me that.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

There's Bernice here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I know it, George.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

But you said.

[George Valentine]

I said a lot of things to find out.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Things.

[George Valentine]

Maybe a more complete autopsy and some rigmarole will help, but I gotta hang my hat on a piece of lipstick and it's not easy.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Lipstick?

[George Valentine]

You mean Bernice's lipstick?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

No, no.

[George Valentine]

Neither one of you went into action until hours too late. No. There's somebody else, Fred. Two other people with perfect motives and their actions. Check who the man who bought the poison was mixed up with a woman. Had her lipstick in his pocket. Only I happen to remember a comb, some change, handkerchief, eyebrow pencil. Period. What's missing from the list?

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Lipstick.

[George Valentine]

Whose purse was it missing from?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Helga.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Yeah.

[George Valentine]

A floater. Brooksie, who couldn't stand to share the profits. And the new husband she married to get in this country, knew he couldn't trust her to make a split. Sure, sure. Helgen, the guy with a cough. The double suicides. How else could it have happened? Did you ever stop to think they could have killed each?

[Narrator/Announcer]

A double murder time so perfectly it looked like a double suicide. The gingham dog and the calico cat.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Yeah, yeah.

[George Valentine]

The husband was filled up with his own sleeping pills. Helga must have fed them to him earlier in the bar. Then she borrowed Bernice's room so he'd have a nice place to dine without being able to yell for help.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That gave him a chance to use the poison he bought from the blind. Mr. Hindman.

[George Valentine]

Helga didn't marry that guy for love. She did it cold bloodedly to buy herself a ticket into the United States where she could safely dispose of the.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Brooch to get the man to do it. She Must have had to offer the poor groom a 50. 50 split.

[George Valentine]

Poor groom? Neither one of them was the kind who could take half of anything, and they both knew it. So the minute they were safely past immigration, bang. Only instead of a bang, they picked the obvious method down here. The one either one might have got away with.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Poison.

[George Valentine]

Suicide by just another floater.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The boredom. Sad part of the world, George. I wonder if Bernice and Fred Dexter will ever wake up to what their lives are really for.

[George Valentine]

I think they've already started. Angel.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here's the car. Have the keys?

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Mm.

[George Valentine]

In my pocket. Look out.

[Chief Inspector Eric Lincoln]

Chicken.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know, George, I was awfully impressed with you. The lipstick. Noticing a clue like that. You noticing lipstick.

[George Valentine]

Well, I'll tell you a secret. I just realized that clue was no good.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But it was perfectly obvious. Helga just given it to her husband.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Well, now, look.

[George Valentine]

Any man should have realized. Hey, hey, look. Look what was in my pocket. One of your lipsticks. And can you prove when or where I got it? Probably been there for weeks. Women are always doing that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

George, you're right. It doesn't prove anything. But explain just one more thing to me, will you?

[George Valentine]

Sure. Sure.

[Peter St. John (Reporter)]

Go ahead.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is not my lipstick.

[George Valentine]

Like a rolling stone, a rolling wheel bearing gathers no moss. But when your car has gone 5,000 miles, you can be sure the wheel bearings have been exposed to a lot of grime, moisture and road dirt and dry bearings that need repacking are in danger of being ground to pieces by the weight of your car, to say nothing of the uneven tire wear they can cause. So why not play it safe and ask for the protective service offered to you at Standard stations and at independent Chevron gas stations? Here, the experts are specially trained to keep your car's wheel bearings in a one condition. They use only rpm wheel bearing grease, a lubricant that's tailor made to seal out harmful grit, dust and moisture. A lubricant that won't harden in cold weather, won't melt in hot weather. So for your own safety and economy, have your wheel bearings repacked every 5,000 miles. Ask for this protective service at independent Chevron gas stations and at Standard stations, where they say and mean we take better care of your car. Tonight's adventure of George Valentine has been brought to you by Standard Oil Co. Of California on behalf of independent Chevron gas stations and Standard stations throughout the West. Robert Bailey has starred as George. Let George do it is written by David Victor and Jackson Gillis and directed by Don Clark. Virginia Gregg appeared as Brooksie. Jane Webb was heard as Bernice, Eddie Fields as the mustache, Ruth Parrott as Janie, Tony Barrett as Dexter and Joe Duvall as Heinrich. The music was composed and presented by Eddie Dunstetter. Your announcer, John Hen. Listen again next week, same time, same station, to Let George do It. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.