Boston Blackie: Blackie Steals Necklace for Charity 08/20/1945

Summary

Podcast Summary: Boston Blackie: Blackie Steals Necklace for Charity

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Airdate: August 20, 1945 (original), featured February 14, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Overview

In this engaging Golden Age radio episode, Boston Blackie—gentleman thief and persistent sleuth—gets embroiled in an unusual charity caper that quickly spirals into a web of deception, family secrets, and murder. Tasked with “stealing” a diamond tiara for charity at the behest of an aging socialite, Blackie finds himself the fall guy for a theft he didn’t commit and at the center of a murder investigation involving a dysfunctional upper-crust family. As the plot unravels, every character’s motive is called into question, culminating in a classic whodunit finale.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. An Unusual Request: Steal for Charity (01:12 – 05:55)

• Introduction to the Case:
  Mrs. Alice Warden Vandiver, an elderly and wealthy (but cash-poor) woman, approaches Blackie, desperate to do some real good before she dies. She owns an ugly but extremely valuable diamond tiara, an unsellable family heirloom, and wants Blackie to "steal" and sell it, donating the proceeds to charity.

  “You steal it, break it up, sell the diamonds, and give the money to a charity. I don’t want a penny.”
  — Mrs. Vandiver (04:58)

• Blackie’s Reluctance and Agreement:
  Blackie is suspicious at first but convinced by Mrs. Vandiver’s sincerity—and plans to give the proceeds to a worthy orphanage with his friend Mary Wesley. He insists she not give him the safe combination for her protection.

  “No, don’t do that, Mrs. Vandiver. I don’t want you involved in this any more than necessary.” — Blackie (05:36)

2. The ‘Heist’ and a Double Cross (06:14 – 08:31)

• Executing the Plan:
  Blackie and Mary break into the safe for "fun," crack jokes, and retrieve the gaudy tiara with thoughts of charity in mind.

  Mary: “And if somebody walks in here and catches us, do you know what we’ll get then? At least 50 years.”
  Blackie: “At least 50,000 [dollars for the jewels].”
  (07:20)

• The Betrayal:
  The next morning, Mrs. Vandiver reports both the tiara and a valuable necklace stolen to the police, fingering Blackie as the likely thief. Faraday, Blackie’s friendly police nemesis, gets involved.

3. A Case of False Fingerprints (08:31 – 12:20)

• Suspicion lands on Blackie:
  Mrs. Vandiver insists to the police that Blackie committed the theft.

• A Twist—The Son’s Prints:
  Faraday finds only the fingerprints of Mrs. Vandiver’s son, Tom, on the safe—despite Blackie’s confession.

  “Your prints aren’t on the Vandiver safe. But—Faraday, get out of here...And just be glad I don’t throw you in jail for obstructing justice. You’re a policeman, Faraday, but you’re the biggest obstruction justice ever had.”
  — Blackie (09:25)

4. A Murder Turns the Tide (12:53 – 16:31)

• A Shocking Discovery:
  Blackie confronts Mrs. Vandiver about the double-cross. Returning to her home, they discover the corpse of an unknown young woman with strangulation marks.

  “You can’t waken her, Mrs. Vandiver. She’s dead.”
  — Blackie (15:28)

• Identity of the Victim:
  A wedding ring inscribed “BL from TV Junior” links the victim to Tom Vandiver Jr.

  “This girl was your son’s wife.”
  — Blackie (16:11)

5. Unraveling Family Secrets (17:22 – 19:49)

• Mary’s Discovery:
  Mary finds records showing Tom married the victim, Beatrice Lane, six months ago—with Mrs. Vandiver as a witness, contradicting her claim never to have seen the girl.

  “And she told me she’d never seen the girl before in her life.”
  — Blackie (17:40)

  “Our sweet old lady may be not only a very clever jewel thief, but a cold blooded murderess.”
  — Blackie (17:45)

• Mr. Markham Vandiver’s “Confession”:
  Markham, Mrs. Vandiver’s second husband, tries to take blame, but inconsistencies in his story, timing, and a curious detail about a cat scratching his hand raise Blackie’s suspicions.

6. Dramatic Showdown and Solution (21:02 – 24:17)

• Tom’s Agony:
  Tom, overwhelmed by accusations and grief over Beatrice’s death, is exonerated by Blackie after recounting his own last actions with the safe.

• Crime Scene Reconstruction:
  Blackie and Mary theorize about the mechanics of strangulation, leading to the insight that Markham’s “cat scratch” is actually evidence of a victim’s desperate defensive wounds.

  “The police would think that any scratches on his hand were made by a cat.”
  — Mary (24:02)
  “Isn’t it strange that it was a cat’s claw that put the finger on Markham Vandiver?”
  — Blackie (24:17)

• Final Reveal:
  Blackie exposes Markham as the murderer, who killed Beatrice when she caught him trying to pawn the stolen pearls. The coroner’s evidence confirms the real source of his hand scratches.

  “Markham’s a cinch for the chair. Yes, we’re just about perfect, Faraday. We conduct a little investigation, and the killer conducts a little electricity.”
  — Blackie (28:36)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mrs. Vandiver’s Motivation:

  “My life has been so useless. I want to do something. Something big, something helpful to others before I die.”
  — Mrs. Vandiver (04:05)

• Blackie’s Wit:

  “Being 70 is a problem? You make it look very easy.”
  — Blackie (04:01)

  “You're a policeman, Faraday, but you're the biggest obstruction justice ever had.”
  — Blackie (09:25)

  “No one under 70 could have lived long enough to figure out a gag as tricky as this.”
  — Blackie (13:32)

• Mary’s Liveliness:

  “Well, I like parties better than picnics. I’m an indoor gal.”
  — Mary (06:44)

  “Oh, goody. Just like the movie.”
  — Mary, on re-enacting the crime (23:22)

• Faraday’s Pride:

  “I always solve my cases.”
  — Inspector Faraday (25:01)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:13: Mrs. Vandiver introduces her charitable “heist” request
• 05:55: Blackie agrees to the job
• 06:14: Blackie and Mary crack the safe
• 07:39: Mrs. Vandiver reports the theft to police
• 09:25: Fingerprints twist—Tom implicated, not Blackie
• 12:53: Blackie confronts Mrs. Vandiver; discovers the murdered woman
• 16:00: Identifying the victim by her ring
• 17:22: Mary confirms Tom’s secret marriage; Mrs. Vandiver’s perjury
• 18:07: Markham’s false confession; the cat “scratch" incident
• 21:02: Tom confronts Blackie and Mary in distress
• 23:22: Mary and Blackie reconstruct the strangulation
• 24:09: Blackie connects the “cat scratch” to the real killer
• 28:36: Blackie and Faraday recap the case; justice is served

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode balances classic detective intrigue with humor, banter, and lively characters—Boston Blackie’s sardonic wit, Mary’s plucky charm, and Faraday’s bluster keep the pacing brisk. Twists and dramatic reveals maintain suspense, showcasing the cleverness of old-time radio storytelling.

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Conclusion

Blackie Steals Necklace for Charity exemplifies why Boston Blackie remains a beloved radio detective—delivering charity, chicanery, and chills amidst rapid-fire dialogue, false leads, and a final, satisfying solution. Whether you’re a seasoned old time radio fan or a curious newcomer, this episode is a testament to the staying power of radio drama’s golden age.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Hello, Blackie. Well, my favorite non entity, Inspector Faraday. Sad morning, Inspector. You shouldn't have not. I didn't, Frankie. I'm looking for Whitey Barnes, the safe cracker. Do you know him? Barnes? Let's see. Say, I have a picture of a guy called Whitey Barnes, but I don't think he's a safecracker. Wait, I'll get it for you. Thanks. I'm getting somewhere. As soon as I get you this picture, you're getting somewhere out of here. Grab that phone, will you? Parody phone to. Wait a minute. Okay. Hello?

[C]

Hello, I'd like to speak to Boston Blackie to you. It is very important.

[B]

How is it Friday? Just a minute. It's not for you, it's headquarters. I told them they could reach me here. Okay. Hello, this is Boston Blackie. What do you want?

[C]

I want you to open a safe for me.

[B]

Now look, lady, I don't do things like that. If you want your safe open, why don't you go to the police?

[C]

Oh dear, no. The police are lovely, but they aren't clever enough to do a thing like this.

[B]

Well now, lady, the police aren't exactly.

[C]

Oh, dear me, no, not exactly, but this is very difficult and it's terribly important. I want you to do it.

[B]

Sorry, lady, nothing doing.

[C]

Goodbye.

[B]

Oh, so that was headquarters, was it? Friday? All right, so it was for you. Maybe I shouldn't have done it. But I kept you out of trouble. Why don't you think about that and maybe you let somebody else in trouble. Why don't you think about that? Meet Richard Kalmer's Boston Blackie. Enemy to those who make him an enemy, friend to those who have no friend. Coming.

[C]

Boston Bracket?

[B]

Yes.

[C]

I'm Alice Gordon Vandevier. May I come in?

[B]

Oh, of course, please do.

[C]

You're so kind. I hope I'm not imposing on you too much. After all, you did refuse me on the Telephone. But I said that if perhaps I came in person.

[B]

I didn't refuse you at all, Mrs. Van der Veer. You were talking to Inspector Faraday of the police.

[C]

Oh, dear me. And I told him I wanted my safe open. I've spoiled everything.

[B]

I don't think you've spoiled anything. Faraday's a fairly understanding cup. Won't you sit down?

[C]

Then you will consider my proposition?

[B]

I am sure I will, as soon as I find out what it is. Please sit down.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

Now, what's this all about, Ms. Vandevier?

[C]

Well, I have a problem. I'm 70 years old, you know.

[B]

Being 70 is a problem. You make it look very easy.

[C]

Oh, thank you. It isn't my age. I'm thinking about Blossey. My life has been so useless. I want to do something. Something big, Something helpful to others before I die.

[B]

Well, you have money.

[C]

That's what everyone thinks. Actually, all I have is a very small income and a large diamond tiara. Very valuable, but terribly ugly. It would bring a lovely price if it were sold.

[B]

Then why don't you sell it?

[C]

I can't. It's an heirloom handed down in my family for generations. It can't be either sold or given away. No one in the family likes it. But it's too ugly to wear.

[B]

So it sits in your safe? Yes. Well, how can I help?

[C]

If the Chiara was stolen, there's very little I could do about it, is there?

[B]

I don't think the insurance company would like that.

[C]

Oh, I cancel the insurance on it. I brought the papers along to show you.

[B]

You're really serious about this, aren't you?

[C]

Oh, dear me, yes. You steal it, rake it up, sell the diamonds and give the money to a charity. I don't want a penny of it.

[B]

Well, as a matter of fact, I know someone who is very interested in an orphanage. My friend Mary Wesley would.

[C]

Dear me, I don't care if that charity at ghosting Ms. Verities would be fine, I'm sure. Will you rob the cake for me tonight? I'll give you the combination.

[B]

No, don't do that, Ms. Vandiver. I don't want you involved in this any more than necessary.

[C]

Oh, give me. Yes, that's right. You don't need a combination to get into a safe, do you?

[B]

I haven't needed one yet.

[C]

Oh, I'm so happy that you'll do this. I'll assure you would.

[B]

Well, let's just hope nothing happens before I get it done.

[C]

Don't worry, please. Absolutely nothing can Go wrong. Oh, Blackie, please hurry. Strange houses make me nervous.

[B]

A fine safe. Crackers assistant you are, Mary.

[C]

Oh, will you hurry and open this safe, darling?

[B]

Oh, I want to take my time with this one. This is fun.

[C]

Just like a picnic.

[B]

I suppose not exactly the run to the ants.

[C]

Exactly. Hey, darling, why aren't you wearing your gloves?

[B]

What for? I'm just cracking this box for fun. Oh, come on, Mary. Relax and enjoy yourself. This is supposed to be a party.

[C]

Well, I like parties better than picnics. I'm an indoor gal.

[B]

Indoorable, I'd say. Oh, black heat. Very silly. Come on, come on.

[C]

Please hurry up. So.

[B]

All right, Mary, all right. I think it's open right now. Mm.

[C]

What a noise.

[B]

I don't think this box has been open since Mrs. Van der Veer was born.

[C]

Can you find the tiara?

[B]

I can't miss it. There it is. Look at it.

[C]

No wonder Mr. Vandevir wants to get rid of his. Hideous, isn't it?

[B]

But look at the diamond in it. Wow. When we break it up, do you know what we'll get for these stones? At least 50,000.

[C]

And if somebody walks in here and catches us, do you know what we'll get then? At least 50 years.

[B]

Inspector Faraday speaking.

[C]

Inspector Faraday, this is Alice Warden Vanderveer.

[B]

You mean you're all three of them?

[C]

Can't you hear me? I said this is Alice Warden Vanderveer.

[B]

Oh. Oh, excuse me, Mrs. Vandiver. How are you, Mrs. Vandiver?

[C]

I'm terrible. My safe was robbed last night.

[B]

Okay, I'll have fingerprint man up there in five minutes. Don't touch anything, especially that safe.

[C]

All right.

[B]

And if you don't mind, Mrs. Vandiver, I'd like you to come down to my office this morning and give me a description of whatever is missing.

[C]

I've said you'll be there. You can expect me in a few hours.

[B]

Thank you, Mr. Vanity.

[C]

I think you will tell me more when I tell you who robbed my face. Hello, Blackie, this is Mary.

[B]

Good morning, Mary. How did you feel giving $50,000 to charity this morning?

[C]

Never mind about that. Have you heard the radio today? Mrs. Alice Worden Vandiver is a double crosser. What? She's told the police that safe of hers was robbed.

[B]

Oh, no.

[C]

Oh, yes. And, Blackie, you know whose fingerprints are on that safe?

[B]

Oh, somebody named me.

[C]

Yes, darling, somebody named you.

[B]

Mary, this is one time Faraday really has me behind his own personal hate ball. I've got to keep away from him.

[C]

Now, Blackie, don't you be stubborn. You go see the inspector and you tell them the whole story. Please.

[B]

I get it. Time to give in, give up and give out. Hello, Friday. Get out of here, Blacky. I'm busy. Well, I'm going to make things easy for you. You scram. I'm working on an important case, Alice. Warden Vanderb safe was robbed last night and I'm out to get the thief. You know who robbed that safe, Inspector? No, but I will. I did. I heard about the robbery only two hours ago. How did. What did you say? I said I robbed the safe. No. Yes. You didn't. I did. You'll find my prints on the safe door, maybe all over it. Oh, no. You'd wear gloves. I was in a hurry. I forgot them. Your prints are on the safe door, huh? I'll see about that. I want to explain this thing. Faraday, if this is one of your tricks. Here's Inspector Faraday. Williams, you have a report yet on the fingerprints we found on the Vandiver safe? Yes, sir. Did they check with any we have in the file? No, sir. What? They don't check with our files. But we made prints of everybody in the Vandiver house and found out the prints belonged to the son, Tom Vandiver Jr. Well, I'll be okay, William. Thanks. Now will you believe me? Tardy. Another one of your tricks, huh? I thought so. Tricks? What do you mean? I mean your prints aren't on the Vanderbird safe. But. Faraday, get out of here. Look, Inspector, you. I said get out of here and stare. All right. And just be glad I don't throw you in jail for obstructing justice. You're a policeman, Faraday, but you're the biggest obstruction justice ever had. Yes. Williams, are you sure those fingerprints didn't check with any in our file? They belong to Tom Vandiver Jr. The fingerprint department guarantees it. Okay. Send out an alarm to have young Vandevere picked up. Yes, sir. And, Inspector, Mrs. Alice Worden Vandiver is here to see you. Send her in. She's coming in now. Good.

[C]

Inspector Friday.

[B]

Hey, come in, Mrs. Vandiver.

[C]

I brought you a description of Papa stolen from my state. Here it is written down on this sheet of paper.

[B]

Thanks, Mrs. Vanderbilt. This will be a great help.

[C]

Oh, I want to do all I can to make sure you catch.

[B]

Well, tell me, Mrs. Vander, who do you think rob your safe?

[C]

Boston Blackie.

[B]

Boston Black? What makes you suspect him?

[C]

Well, he. He's been in my house several times on Parties there. And he knew the girls were in the safe.

[B]

Well, you know whose fingerprints we found on the safe door?

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Your son, Tom.

[C]

No, no, that's impossible. Why would Tom rob the faith? Everything in it would have been his someday.

[B]

Is that true?

[C]

Why, of course. He's my only heir. And Markham, that is, Mr. Vandiver is leading all year.

[B]

Mr. Wynd, that's an angle I hadn't thought of. Don't worry, Mrs. Vandiver. We'll have to pick up your son on just a routine charge, of course. But I'm sure that we won't be holding him long.

[C]

Oh, thank you, Inspector Fargo. You're so kind. Do you want me for anything more?

[B]

No, thanks, Ms. Vanderby.

[C]

Well, if I can do any more for you, you can reach me at my home.

[B]

Thank you. I'll do that.

[C]

Goodbye, Inspector Fargo.

[B]

Good lie, Ms. Vanderby. Outfit for you, Mrs. Vander. Inspector Faraday send you home in a police car.

[C]

Oh, how nice.

[B]

This way, Ms. Vander. This door here.

[C]

Thank.

[B]

Frank. Yeah. This is Mrs. Randever. The inspector wants you to drive her home. Okay, William. Get in, lady. I'll help you, Mr. Vandevo.

[C]

I can help myself, thank you.

[B]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[C]

To 2121 Riverside Boulevard.

[B]

Right, lady. All right, Ms. Vandevier, you better do some explaining.

[C]

Why, it's you, Boston Blassett.

[B]

And you, Alice Worden Vandiver. Philanthropist, pillar of society and first rate double crosser.

[C]

I am? You're the one who's. What do you call a double crosser? The diamond piara isn't the only thing missing from my face. A hundred thousand dollar pair of necklaces stolen too.

[B]

What?

[C]

And you took it when you took the diamond tiara.

[B]

Aha. I see right through this one. You stole that necklace, then had me steal the tiara so I'd be blamed for both.

[C]

I wouldn't do such a thing. I'm a respectable old woman.

[B]

Yes, and for the first time, I really believe you're 70 years old.

[C]

Why do you say that?

[B]

Because no one under 70 could have lived long enough to figure out a gag as tricky as this. Now, back to boston blackie. When Blackie robbed the Vandiver safe of a diamond tiara, he didn't even wear a glove. Because he was stealing the jewels at the owner's request. Next morning, though, Mrs. Vandiver goes to the police to report that not only the tiara, but a valuable necklace is missing. What's more, the fingerprints found on the safe don't belong to Blackie. But to Mrs. Vandiver's son. Mrs. Vandiver, however, still accuses Blackie of the theft. As we return to our story, Blackie brings Mrs. Vandiver to the door of her home. All right, Mrs. Vandiver. You and I are going inside and have a little talk. That pearl necklace was not in the sake when I robbed it.

[C]

And just where do you think it robbed that thing?

[B]

Right where it is now. In some pawn shop where you put it. Wait, I'll open the door.

[C]

I can open it myself, thank you.

[B]

Pretty clever of you. The pearl necklace was probably insured. You not only get the insurance money for it, but an additional amount to selling it.

[C]

The pearl necklace isn't even mine. It belongs to my husband, Markham.

[B]

All the more reason why you sell it. Well, you're very.

[C]

What's the matter?

[B]

You have company.

[C]

I'm not expecting any in or dream. She just sits there. She's asleep, I think. Young lady.

[B]

Young lady, maybe you'd better shake her just a little.

[C]

Yes, she seems to be alone with those marks on her neck.

[B]

You can't waken her. Mrs. Vandevir. She's dead.

[C]

Dead?

[B]

Oh. Who is she?

[C]

I've never seen her before in my life.

[B]

Maybe something in her purse will tell us who she is.

[C]

Oh, dear. I don't know what to do.

[B]

Sit down.

[C]

What do you expect to find?

[B]

A letter identification card calling Karen or something?

[C]

Oh, dear me. I see a thing.

[B]

Here's something. A ring. A wedding ring may have. Yes, it does.

[C]

It does what?

[B]

It has initials inside it. Fairly sharp, too, they say. BL from TV Junior.

[C]

TV Junior.

[B]

Yes. You know what this means too, don't you, Mrs. Vanderveer? This girl was your son's wife.

[C]

That's impossible. My son isn't married and he never was married.

[B]

This proves he was. That's an amazing coincidence. Where's the telephone?

[C]

Over there on the desk.

[B]

Thanks.

[A]

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[C]

What are you going to do?

[B]

Call Inspector Faraday of the police. There's just a chance your son ran out of here and right into the loving arms of the law.

[C]

Hello, Splatty, this is Mary, I'm at the Marriage Bureau and I have those records.

[B]

Learn anything?

[C]

Yes, you were right. Tom Vandiver Jr. Married Beatrice Lane six months ago.

[B]

Well, will that be a surprise to Mrs. Vandiver?

[C]

Well, I don't know why it should be. She was a witness to the wedding.

[B]

What?

[C]

Sure. Both she and Mr. Malcolm Vandiver signed the certificate of witnesses.

[B]

And she told me she'd never seen the girl before in her life.

[C]

What does this mean, Jackson?

[B]

It means our sweet old lady may be not only a very clever jewel thief, but a cold blooded murderess. That's my guess, anyhow.

[C]

Good guess.

[B]

But there's a key figure in this thing we haven't talked to yet.

[C]

Yes, I know. Malcolm Vandiver, husband. Tom's father.

[B]

Tom's father was Markham's brother. Markham is Mrs. Vanderbeer's second husband.

[C]

Oh, is that so?

[B]

Yes, and I'm going to see him because maybe a second husband will give me a second guess. Well, Mr. Vander, as soon as we find your stepson, this case is closed. I. I think that. I think I can save you a lot of trouble on that score, Inspector Paradis. You can save me more than trouble if you'll get rid of that cat you're carrying. Can't worry me. My cat won't harm anyone. I think you better hear what I have to say. You know something? Yes, I do. Well, you're way ahead of all of us then, Blankie. Get out of here. Get out. Oh, no. I seem to arrive just in time. You were the cat. You must be Markham Vandiver. Yes. All right, now, what do you want to say? Mr. Vanderville, I'm the one you're looking for. What? Yes, I really didn't intend to kill this girl, but you caught me coughing on the phone. Well, I've been caught talking on the phone a thousand times. I haven't killed anyone for it. I think what Mr. Vandiver means is that his daughter in law caught him talking to a fence about how much he expected for the pearls he stole. That's right. I took the pearls. When? Last night. Why? Well, they were mine, you know, but. Well, I needed money, so I knew what Mrs. Vandiver had arranged with Boston. Blackie here at 12 o' clock last night. I came down here, waited until Blackie'd gone, and then I slipped in and took Pearl. What time was this? 12 o' clock exactly midnight. Come on. Hey, hey. You always throw that chat around. The cat scratched me. Go away.

[C]

Go away.

[B]

All right, Malcolm, come On. Let's go. Wait a minute, Inspector. I've got a confession blankie. Now you stay out of this. Vandeveer's confession isn't worth the police typist trouble. He's just covering up the. Tom. I did it, I tell you. Tom Finnish. Then so are you. You said you took the pearls out of the safe at 12 o'.

[C]

Clock.

[B]

After I had opened the safe. Sorry, Vandiver. A nice try, but I didn't have the safe open until after 2:00'. Clock. Well, all right. All right what? Blackie is right. I wasn't telling the truth. Inspector, I. I just wanted to protect Tom. Forgive me, Inspector, but. Well, sure, sure, Vanderveer, I understand. What do you understand, Inspector? But Vandiver here was just trying to protect his son. You amaze me, Faraday. You're not going to make the mistake of arresting an innocent man. When have I ever arrested a guy who wasn't guilty? Let's not go into that, Inspector. Let's just get out of. Sure you don't mind stopping by my apartment a minute, Mary?

[C]

No, no, of course not.

[B]

May take a little while to get hold of Shorty, but it may be worth it. Hello? Well, this must be Tom Vander. I've got a gun. I'll kill you if you move, either one of you.

[C]

Got to be careful.

[B]

Sorry, Mary. Tom, I think you'd better get out of here. Hello? You robbed my father's safe. You got me into this. I'm not leaving until you get me out. I robbed your father's safe? Sure, the diamond, tiara. But you took the pearls. I did not. Your fingerprints were on the safe door. Only because I closed the door. All right, you didn't take the pearls. But you still wanted for murder. Murder? You killed your wife. Beatrice. You ought to know. You killed her. Beatrice is dead.

[C]

No, she can't be.

[B]

She can't be. Look, Tom, if I were you.

[C]

Please don't say anymore. I don't think you knew she was dead.

[B]

May I. May I sit down somewhere, please? Sure, Tom. Here, I'll give you a hand. Take my gun. I don't. Don't want it. Put it on the table. Aunt Mary. Beatrice. Dad, that can't be true. Right? How do you know that? How do you know it was my wife? I found her wedding ring in a purse Beatrice had in her purse. Her ring was in her purse. That's where I found it. She never carried it with her. We were keeping it a secret from her family. I kept that ring kept in my room. It couldn't be Beatrice. I'm sorry, but it was. May I go and lie down a moment? And then I want to see you, Beatrice. Sure. That's the door of the bedroom, man. Thank you. I. I won't be long. And then you can take me into Beatrice or to the police or anywhere. I don't care. I don't care.

[C]

Oh, Blackie, I feel so sorry for him.

[B]

And the worst for him isn't over yet.

[C]

What do you mean?

[B]

Well, first he's lost his wife. Now I think he's gonna lose his mother. It's.

[C]

Who? The one.

[B]

Blackie, what do you think?

[C]

Well, if the old lady didn't do it, who did he?

[B]

I don't know.

[C]

But how was Tom's wife killed? Maybe that's a clue.

[B]

She was strangled.

[C]

Oh, well, would Mrs. Vanderbilt be strong enough for that?

[B]

I don't know. Let's try to reenact the crime. It may help.

[C]

Oh, goody. Just like the movie.

[B]

All right. I put my hands in your throat like this. And press. Now what do you do?

[C]

Hey, hey, not so hard. Ouch.

[B]

What's the idea of scratching my hands?

[C]

Well, you asked me what I'd do if you'd choke me. That's what I do. Oh, you satisfied?

[B]

Sure. Yeah. That accomplished a lot, didn't it?

[C]

Now you know what'll happen to you if you ever do want a tangling.

[B]

Say, wait a minute.

[C]

We've hit something, have we?

[B]

What a clever guy that Martin Van der Veer is. While Markham was faking his confession to Faraday, he was holding a cat. Suddenly, he pretended that the cat had scratched him.

[C]

Oh, got you. That is clever. The police would think that any scratches on his hand were made of a cat.

[B]

Right. And his confession was clever too. He made that error in time on purpose. Just to make sure I'd know it was a phony.

[C]

Well, Blackie, they can tell the difference between a cat scratch and a human scratch. We can do it at the hospital.

[B]

I'm gonna call Faraday.

[C]

And if that girl scratched Mr. Vander, the coroner can tell by her fingernail.

[B]

Don't worry, Mary. I know I have this straight this time. Thanks to that cat Vandiver was holding. Isn't it strange that it was a cat's claw that put the finger on Markham Vandiver? Well, Faraday, I suppose you're plenty proud of the way you solve this case. I always solve my cases. Now, what was the idea of saying your fingerprints were on that safe? They were, Faraday. Only after I opened the safe Mrs. Vandeve cleaned the door just to protect me. Then the son came along a little later and closed it. That's why you found his prints on it, not mine. Later she denied that she knew her daughter in law to try to protect Tom. Probably. But Blackie, when I make him confess, I do it right. I know Markham Vanderbilt's motive now and everything. I can guess his motive for stealing the pearls. He needs the money he got from pawning them, plus the insurance money. And he actually told why he killed the girl in the phony confession. She caught him arranging to sell the pearls. Yes. And to plant the murder on Tom, he got the dead girl's wedding ring and put it in a purse. Did the coroner back up our theory that the girl, and not the cat, scratched Markham's hand? Sure. That was proved in the coroner's investigation. Markham's a cinch for the chair. Yes, we're just about perfect, Faraday. We conduct a little investigation and the killer conducts a little electricity. Foreign.

[A]

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