Boston Blackie: The Worthington Pearls 07/09/1945

Summary

Podcast Summary: Boston Blackie – "The Worthington Pearls" (07/09/1945)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Episode: Boston Blackie: The Worthington Pearls
Air Date: Originally July 9, 1945 | Podcast Release: January 24, 2026
Length: Approx. 27 mins

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Overview

In this classic episode, Boston Blackie, the famed detective-turned-informal sleuth, finds himself tangled in the theft of the valuable Worthington pearls. Framed, hunted by both the police and the criminal underworld, and challenged by his perennial foil Inspector Faraday, Blackie must use his quick wit to clear his name, recover the pearls, and unravel a murder—all while keeping his loyal sidekick Shorty out of trouble. The story unfolds with classic noir banter, twists, and a witty cat-and-mouse chase that typifies the Golden Age of Radio's detective genre.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

Inspector Faraday Questions Blackie About the Pearls

[00:41–04:11]

• Blackie is summoned to headquarters as a suspect in the Worthington pearls theft.
• Faraday, ever suspicious, searches Blackie and even his raincoat, but finds nothing.
• Blackie teases Faraday throughout the encounter:
  • Blackie (to Faraday): "Promise you won't tickle." (01:13)
  • Faraday: "Stop looking so smart, wise guy. I never said you had the pearls." (02:56)
• Faraday’s search is fruitless due to Blackie’s forethought.

The Mysterious Appearance of the Pearls

[04:12–06:25]

• Shorty, Blackie’s sidekick, reveals over the phone that the pearls ended up in Blackie's raincoat after a run-in with the thief, Duke Butcher.
• Shorty’s comical confusion adds levity:
  • Shorty: "When I get outside and put my hand in your raincoat pocket, what comes up but the Worthington pearls, which is unloaded on me by Duke Butcher." (05:28)
• Tension rises as Blackie realizes both the police and multiple criminals are after the pearls.

Duke Butcher’s Confrontation

[06:26–08:45]

• The menacing Duke Butcher confronts Blackie and Shorty, demanding the pearls.
• Typical hardboiled confrontation ensues, featuring classic banter:
  • Blackie: "It's not polite to point at your host, especially with a gun." (06:40)
• Blackie subdues Duke with a clever distraction, allowing Shorty to disarm him.

Inspector Faraday’s Unwelcome Visit

[08:46–09:52]

• Faraday arrives unexpectedly, forcing Blackie to stall while Shorty hides Duke.
• Blackie’s sharp tongue provides comic relief:
  • Blackie (to Faraday): "Six stolen elephants and a giraffe, and we can't open the windows or the pigeons will fly out." (09:05)

The Murder Discovery

[10:04–11:19]

• Faraday insists on searching Blackie's apartment; they find Duke Butcher murdered with a knife.
• Faraday quickly arrests Blackie for the murder.
  • Faraday: "You're not going to get away from me this time, Blackie. I got you right where I want you. For murder." (11:40)
• Blackie protests his innocence, but Faraday is unmoved.

Kidnapping by Whiney Scanlan

[13:34–15:33]

• As Faraday escorts Blackie away, a mysterious criminal (Whiney Scanlan) intervenes, knocks out Faraday, and kidnaps Blackie.
  • Scanlan: "Drop your gun, copper. What's sticking in your back ain't no Tootsie Roll." (13:39)
• Scanlan drives Blackie to the country, reveals he’s after the pearls, and that Shorty is being followed and captured too.

Blackie and Shorty Held Hostage

[15:47–18:04]

• Blackie and Shorty, now tied up in a dark farmhouse, realize Scanlan is the new threat.
• Scanlan tries to coerce Blackie into giving up the pearls, threatening Shorty.
  • Scanlan: "Gonna hand over the pearls, Blackie?" (17:46)
  • Blackie: "I can’t. I’ll tell you later." (17:12)

The Clever Ruse: Hiding the Pearls

[18:06–19:41]

• Blackie admits (falsely) that the pearls are in Inspector Faraday’s tobacco jar at police headquarters, suggesting Scanlan fetch them himself:
  • Blackie: "Mention that I like to smoke his special tobacco in my pipe. Fill your pipe, palm the pearls." (19:24)
  • Scanlan: "If I'm not back inside of two hours, my pals have got orders what to do with you." (19:41)

Scanlan’s Attempt at Police Headquarters

[20:06–21:36]

• Scanlan confidently tricks Faraday into letting him access the supposed "tobacco" in Faraday's jar, retrieving the pearls.

The Final Showdown

[22:15–24:38]

• Scanlan returns, intending to kill Blackie and Shorty, but is dramatically interrupted by Faraday and the police.
  • Faraday: "All right, Scanlan, drop that gun or I'll drop you." (22:39)
• A final twist: Blackie reveals Scanlan is also Duke Butcher's murderer.
  • Faraday: "Scanlan was trying to hijack the pearls from Butcher. That’s why he followed him to my apartment." (23:46)
• Faraday finds the pearls on Scanlan.
  • Faraday: "That's not a string of popcorn you're pulling out of Scanlan's pocket." (24:18)
• Blackie tops it off with a classic wisecrack:
  • Blackie: "Put that in your pipe. But don’t smoke!” (24:38)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being searched:

  • Blackie: “Promise you won't tickle.” [01:13]

• Wisecracking Faraday:

  • “Stop looking so smart, wise guy. I never said you had the pearls.” [02:56]

• Playful banter with the law:

  • Blackie: "Six stolen elephants and a giraffe, and we can't open the windows or the pigeons will fly out.” [09:05]

• Faraday's exasperation:

  • "You let me chase all over town for these pearls when all the time they were in the tobacco jar on my desk." [24:34]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:41 – Blackie brought in for questioning
• 02:19 – Shorty reveals the pearls’ location in Blackie’s raincoat
• 06:26 – Duke Butcher confronts Blackie and Shorty
• 08:46 – Faraday arrives at Blackie’s apartment
• 10:43 – Discovery of Duke Butcher’s body
• 13:34 – Blackie kidnapped by Scanlan
• 15:47 – Blackie and Shorty tied up in farmhouse
• 18:06 – Blackie’s plan to trick Scanlan into retrieving the pearls
• 20:06 – Scanlan’s ruse at police HQ
• 22:15 – Police rescue and unraveling of the case
• 24:18 – Recovery of the Worthington pearls from Scanlan

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Tone & Style

The episode is rich in quick-witted humor, tough-guy repartee, and suspenseful plot twists—classic hallmarks of the radio detective genre. Blackie’s irreverent banter and Faraday’s frustrated straight-man act make for brisk, entertaining exchanges. The plot moves swiftly, filled with close calls, false accusations, double-crosses, and a cleverly deployed bit of sleight-of-hand—a play on both audience and character expectations.

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For New Listeners

Even if you haven’t heard this episode, you’ll enjoy the fast-paced intrigue, well-timed jokes, and intricate puzzle-solving that makes Boston Blackie a quintessential radio detective. This episode captures the heart of old-time radio drama: snappy dialogue, suspenseful setups, and satisfying, logical resolutions—with a few good laughs along the way.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[B]

All right, Inspector Faraday. You wanted me here in headquarters questioning. Here I am. And I know some wonderful answers.

[C]

Well, Blackie, they better be good.

[B]

Well, first you answer one question for me. Why am I here?

[C]

The Worthington pearls have been stolen. That's why you're here.

[B]

Faraday, really, I'm disappointed in you. Your reason is the same old stuff.

[C]

I don't say you stole the pearls. I'm just not taking any chances. I'm rounding up every suspect in town.

[B]

Oh, well, in that case, I'm glad you didn't slight me.

[C]

I'm giving you a good going over. I got men searching your apartment now and I'm gonna have you searched, too.

[B]

Promise you won't tickle.

[C]

Now, look, be a nice boy, will you, and behave yourself. Take off your coat.

[B]

A whistle of waltz. I take all things better that way.

[C]

Hold it.

[B]

My coat.

[C]

You know what I mean. Hello, Inspector, there's a telephone call for Blackie.

[B]

Can he take it?

[C]

I suppose so. I'll put him on. Here, Blackie, it's for you. Make it snappy.

[B]

It's probably Mary Wesley wanting to know what case I'm solving for you.

[C]

Now, you never did anything for me but make trouble.

[B]

Quiet, Faraday. I don't want Mary to know that I'm on speaking terms with you.

[C]

Hello? Here's your call, Blackie.

[B]

Thanks.

[A]

Hello, Blackie. Yeah, look at it. And Shorty. Well, hey, look, boss, I stopped up at your place again today and I had a joint full of cops.

[B]

I know, but I was gonna have the place repainted anyhow. Hey, what do you want, boss?

[A]

Wow, what's up? What did I got you in a job for?

[B]

There's nothing to worry about, Shorty. Fire days after the Worthington pearls. That's all.

[A]

What did you say?

[B]

And this will give you a laugh. He's gonna search me for the pearls right now.

[A]

A plenty. You got your raincoat? Would you?

[B]

Of course I have. It's raining out, isn't it? Why do you ask?

[A]

Why? Because if you look in a left hand pocket of your raincoat, you'll find the white thin poils there. That's why.

[D]

And now Richard Karmer's Boston Blackie. Enemy to those who make him an enemy, friend to those who have no friends.

[B]

I'm trying to be patient.

[C]

What are you so happy about? Blankie.

[B]

Well, I'm glad to see you do something to earn your salary. You're actually making a job out of searching my clothes.

[C]

Well, stop looking so smart, wise guy. I never said you had the pearls.

[B]

But you're searching me for them. Oh, don't forget the trouser linings there.

[C]

I don't need any help from you.

[B]

Since when?

[C]

All right, genius, put your clothes back on.

[B]

What? No valid service.

[C]

Come on, come on. Here's your coat.

[B]

Help me on with it, will you, Faraday? And don't look so unhappy. I could have told you in the beginning you wouldn't find the Withington pearls on me.

[C]

I'm not through yet. You brought a raincoat with you. Where is it?

[B]

I brought a raincoat. What makes you think so?

[C]

I saw you, that's what. There it is on the chair. I hope I don't find the pearls in this coat. I don't want you around here giving our jail a bad name.

[B]

I'll be glad to help you find them.

[C]

You said I didn't need your help.

[E]

Uh huh.

[C]

What's this in the right hand pocket of the raincoat?

[B]

My wristwatch. I was taking it to the jewelers to have it fixed. Open the box, you'll see.

[C]

Yeah, just a watch.

[B]

Take a good look at it. Faraday. I've always said you didn't know what time it was.

[C]

Well, it's time I convinced you. You're not so smart, Blackie. I know that.

[B]

Hurry up and finish searching my raincoat, will you?

[C]

Nothing in the lining?

[B]

No.

[C]

Or in the collar?

[B]

No.

[C]

Uh huh. The left hand pocket. Huh?

[B]

What's in it, Barney?

[C]

There's nothing in it. Take this moth eaten raincoat and get out of here.

[B]

Thanks.

[C]

What are you turning up?

[B]

The callifer to keep the rain off my neck. And you to match. Thanks for lift, George. I'll take you up on something too, someday.

[E]

Yeah, I might say off.

[A]

Oh, hi. Hi Rocky. I got here as soon as I could. Did just like you told me on the phone.

[B]

That's fine, Johnny.

[A]

I sort of got here too soon. I. I couldn't get any apartment.

[B]

Look, short, when you have some fast explaining to do, how did those stolen pearls turn up in my raincoat pocket?

[A]

Oh gee, boss. They were there.

[C]

Huh?

[B]

Well, you ought to know, you told me.

[A]

I hate to hear the answer to this one, boss. What did Inspector Faraday say when he found him?

[B]

He didn't find him.

[A]

That's what I did. Huh. He didn't find them?

[B]

No. Now tell me how I happen to have them in the first place.

[A]

Well, you see, it all goes back to before the first place, Boss. You remember the morning when it was raining and I borrowed your wrinkle?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Well, I didn't want to get your ankle too wet, so I ducked in a datch's rendezvous. And who should shoulder up beside me but Duke Butcher?

[B]

I don't like that.

[A]

Oh, no, boss. I like that. Because Duke Butcher ain't looking for me.

[B]

Then I like that.

[A]

No, boss, I don't like that. Because when I get outside and put my hand in your raincoat pocket, what comes up but the white and then boils, which is unloaded on me by Duke Butcher.

[B]

Well, do you like that or don't you?

[A]

Well, I don't like it, boss, because you ain't there. And when I get back so I can tell you that you got the foils in your pocket. But I do like it that Inspector Faraday couldn't find them.

[B]

Well, he hasn't found them yet.

[A]

You like that, huh?

[B]

I don't like it, Shorty, because until Faraday finds them, Duke Butcher is going to think that you have them. And let's not worry about it. Let's do something about it.

[A]

Yeah, it's a good idea, boss. Cause Duke is sure gonna come around to me asking for them pearls.

[B]

Well, let's go into the apartment. Maybe we can get an idea.

[E]

Okay.

[A]

We better wake fast, too, boss.

[B]

Why?

[A]

Well, Duke is looking to get the pearls from me. Whiny scanner's looking to get the piles from Duke. The cops is looking to get them from everybody.

[B]

Maybe I'll be looking for them myself before we're through, Boss.

[A]

Don't you know where they are?

[E]

All right, both of you. My gre.

[A]

Black, it's Duke.

[B]

Hello, Duke.

[E]

There we are, Blacky. I don't mind the sight of blood if it's somebody else's.

[A]

Boss, don't. Don't fool with Duke.

[C]

He.

[A]

He ain't very sociable.

[B]

Or if he were, Shorty, he'd know it's not polite to point at his host, especially with a gun.

[E]

Right now I'm playing host.

[B]

Bad casting. What do you want?

[E]

Shorty hasn't told you, huh?

[B]

Oh, the pearls.

[E]

Yeah, the pearls.

[C]

Okay, Shorty.

[B]

Just a minute, Duke. Shorty doesn't have the pearls.

[C]

How do you know?

[B]

He gave them for me.

[E]

It's safekeeping, huh? So you could hand them back to me.

[C]

All right, let's have them.

[B]

Sorry, I don't have them either.

[C]

Quit stalling.

[B]

I'm not stalling, Duke. I just don't have the pearls.

[E]

I got ways of finding out about that. Don't get too close to me, Blackie.

[C]

I know you're tricks.

[E]

Come on, take off your clothes.

[B]

Oh, not that again.

[E]

Come on, toss over your coat, but gently.

[C]

All right, stand right where you are.

[E]

Toss your coat over to me. Easy now.

[B]

Okay.

[E]

It's gonna be just too bad for both of you guys if I don't find the pearl.

[B]

All right, Duke, there's my coat. Catch it.

[E]

Hey.

[B]

I said hey.

[A]

Good shot for us. Hit him right in the face.

[B]

Oh, Drop that gun.

[C]

You're breaking my arm, baby.

[B]

Let go of that gun. All right, pick up his gun, Shorty, and keep it out of his reach.

[A]

I got it for the gun to.

[D]

Take care of you, Blackie.

[B]

No. What do you bet?

[A]

Hey, you want me to hit him with something?

[B]

Plus okay, Shorty, I can handle. Yeah.

[A]

Oh, boy, Blackie, Nothing in this room could have hit him any harder than that last punch of yours.

[B]

He ought to be out for a little while.

[A]

Yeah. Well, what are we doing?

[B]

That depends on how friendly he is after he wakes up. Uh.

[A]

Oh, gee, boss, I wonder who that is.

[B]

We might try answering it to find out.

[A]

Well, what do you say?

[B]

I say, who's there?

[E]

It's Faraday.

[A]

Faraday? Wow.

[B]

You can say that again.

[A]

I'm too scared. We got Duke in here.

[B]

I'll cold. Just a minute, Faraday. I'll be right with you.

[C]

Hurry it up. I don't have all day.

[B]

Listen, Shorty, while Duke's still unconscious, tie him up and gag him. Yeah, and then run over the garage and get the car.

[A]

Okay, boss. What are you gonna do with that?

[B]

I'll keep him outside in the hall. Or better still, I'll take him downstairs to the restaurant. Okay, I'll meet you back here in half an hour.

[A]

Okay, boss. You leave everything to me I can handle. Oh, sure.

[C]

Well, it's about time, Blackie.

[B]

You don't want to come into an untidy apartment, Inspector.

[C]

Hey, hey, who you shoving?

[B]

You.

[C]

Listen, I want to talk to you inside.

[B]

I want to listen to you outside.

[C]

What are you hiding in there?

[B]

Six stolen elephants and a giraffe, and we can't open the windows or the pigeons will fly out. Now be a nice boy, will you, and come back some other time. Faraday, please.

[C]

Now, listen, Blackie, you be square with me, I'll be square with you.

[B]

But you have a head start at being square, and I do mean head.

[C]

Now, look, Blackie, I came up here to.

[B]

All right, Faraday, all right. I'm sorry.

[C]

Well, then be sorry enough to tell me what you know about the Worthington pearls.

[B]

I didn't steal them. I don't have them, period.

[C]

But you know something about them.

[B]

Question mark.

[C]

All right, question mark. You know something about them.

[B]

That's better. Yes, I do. Come on down to the restaurant and I'll try to forget. It's impolite to eat and talk at the same time.

[C]

For one half hour. You talked down in that restaurant Blankie. I still don't know what you said.

[B]

That's because you weren't listening, Paraday.

[C]

It's because you gave me double talk. Look. Now, come on, out with it, or I go into your apartment and stay till you do.

[B]

I told you all I know, but.

[C]

You told me nothing.

[B]

Then I've told you all you know, too.

[C]

Okay, then I'm coming into your apartment and I'm staying.

[B]

Don't think you're not welcome, Inspector, because you're not.

[C]

This gets me a lot of places. I'm not welcome.

[B]

Oh, Faraday, put that gun away, please. You'll hurt yourself.

[C]

Come on, come on, let's go inside.

[B]

All right, but one of us is gonna be awfully sorry.

[C]

I don't doubt it. Open up.

[B]

After you.

[C]

You first.

[D]

Faraday.

[B]

One of these days I'm really going to be mixed up in something, and you're going to be so stunned from the shock that you'll let me get away with it.

[C]

You're lucky you're not already in.

[B]

Well, Blackie, now what? Wow.

[C]

You should have been an actor, Blackie. You actually look surprised. What's Duke Butcher doing lying on the floor over there with a knife in his chest?

[B]

I don't know. And I'm sure he's too dead to tell us, Inspector.

[C]

All right, Frankie. No wonder you didn't want me in here. I'm taking you down to headquarters. Let's go.

[B]

Listen, Duke is the reason I didn't want you to come in here. But when I left, he was just knocked out unconscious.

[C]

Frankie, I'm not listening. Which shows you how smart I'm getting.

[B]

Look, Shorty was going to tie Duke up while I took you down downstairs. And then we were going to dump him with his pals, but very much alive.

[C]

He isn't tied up now, and he isn't alive. He's dead. You're going down to headquarters.

[B]

All right, Inspector, but let me get my head.

[C]

Oh, no, you don't. This time, no tricks. Why, Inspector, this is one time you're not going to blow anything in my Face, pull any rugs out from under me, throw anything at me or make any telephone calls or anything else. You're not going to get away from me this time, Blankie. I got you right where I want you. For murder. Well, they say murder will out. And believe me, now that it is out, you're in.

[D]

Now back to boston blackie. Duke Butcher stole the Worthington pearls and was forced to unload them into Boston Blackie's raincoat. Later, Blackie, while wearing his raincoat, was searched by Police Inspector Faraday. But Blackie had been warned that the pearls were in his pocket, and Faraday mysteriously failed to find the stolen goods. Still later, Duke Butcher came to Blackie's apartment demanding the pearls from Shorty. There was a fight and Butcher was knocked out. Bardy arrived, but Blackie took him downstairs to give Shorty a chance to get rid of Butcher. A half hour later, Farady and Blackie return and find Duke Butcher still in Blackie's apartment, but murdered. As we continue our story, Faraday prepares to take Blackie down to headquarters.

[C]

All right, Bikey, come on, let's go.

[B]

Won't you at least let me get my raincoat?

[C]

Faraday, I said no tricks this time.

[B]

Well, then you get my raincoat. Pawn me. What do you say?

[C]

I say, ha, ha, so you'll get a little wet. Come on, I've got a gun on you. Now, I'm going to keep it on you, and you're going to get moving.

[B]

All right? Faraday, if I go out into the rain without my coat, get wet, and die of pneumonia before you can send me to the electric chair, you'll be sorry.

[C]

I'm practically crying.

[B]

I'll get your handkerchief.

[C]

Get going, Blankie.

[B]

You first.

[C]

You first. I've got my gun sticking right in your back.

[B]

A little higher, Faraday, and move it up and down a little bit. Oh, I like that.

[C]

I said move.

[B]

All right, I'm moving.

[C]

You're pretty helpless when I don't give you a chance to pull one of your tricks, aren't you? Come on, move. This is one time you're not getting away.

[E]

I figure this is one time he is. Well, drop your gun, copper. What's sticking in your bag? Ain't no Tootsie Roll.

[C]

Okay, I dropped it.

[E]

That's the way to keep living, copper.

[C]

Well, Blackie, I guess you win if you have to have help from one of your pals.

[B]

I've never seen this guy before in my life.

[C]

What?

[E]

And I don't want you turning around to look at me, copper. I think you could use some sleep.

[C]

Look, if you think I'm.

[B]

Well, I appreciate your motives, pal, but aren't your methods a little rough? The inspector's head isn't as hard as it looks. He'll sleep enough, but when he wakes up, he won't laugh it off.

[E]

Thanks, though I didn't slug that copper to do you any favors. Mikey, let's go.

[B]

Where to?

[E]

I figure maybe you'd like a little ride in the country.

[B]

A ride in the country? That's good for the health, I hear.

[E]

Generally what's going to happen to you is going to make a monkey out.

[A]

Of whoever said that.

[B]

My, my, what a lovely day for a ride in the country.

[E]

Enjoy yourself while you can. When you find out who I am and why I want you, you won't be so happy.

[B]

How long do I have to wait for that exciting new.

[E]

When we get to where we're going.

[B]

You'Re sure we're going to get there?

[E]

Look, Blackie, you might as well know it now. I can look in that rear view mirror, too. I see your pal Shorty following us.

[B]

Oh, well, in that case, this is getting to be a little serious.

[E]

I saw Shorty behind us the minute we pulled away from your apartment. He just driven up. I'll take care of him.

[B]

What now, pal?

[E]

See that little village up ahead?

[B]

Yeah.

[E]

When we get into it, I'm gonna stop. Your pal Shorty's gonna stop, too, a block behind us. You'll figure he's playing it smart.

[B]

So?

[E]

So I was gonna pick up a couple of friends of mine in the village, but I'll send them back to ride with your pal Shorty instead.

[B]

And then.

[E]

Then we'll have Shorty join us at my place. It's gonna be a nice little party.

[B]

A party, huh? Well, why don't we go back to my apartment first and make this sort of a progressive party?

[E]

Don't worry, Blackie. I'm making all the progress I need.

[B]

Oh, brother.

[C]

Oh, hey.

[A]

Hey, Blackie. Blacky, are you all right?

[B]

I. I think so, Shorty. I think so. Hey.

[A]

Hey, boss, where are we? So dark I can't say. Nothing but nothing.

[B]

In a room, in a. In a farmhouse. Shorty.

[A]

Hey, boss, that pop on the headache gave me most of the paralyzed man. I can't move nothing.

[B]

You're probably tied up, Shorty. I am?

[E]

Oh.

[A]

Oh, yeah, yeah, I can feel the ropes. Well, that's different.

[E]

Here.

[A]

Boy, I feel bad.

[B]

Whoever these mugs are, they certainly don't know who I am. I'll have us under these ropes so fast it'll make your head Boss, the.

[A]

Guy what brung Yard, he. You don't know who he is?

[B]

I didn't ask him.

[A]

He's whiny, scamming. No. Nice guy.

[B]

Oh, I should have guessed that. He's after the Worthings and pearls.

[A]

Sure he is, Blackie. He knew Duke Butcher stole him. Maybe New Butcher loaded him on me and that I gave him to you.

[B]

That's fine.

[A]

See, Blackie, I'm sure sorry I left. Scanlan's hoods grabbed me. I was following you, so maybe I could give you some help.

[B]

Well, we'll get out of here somehow, Shorty. Oh, here comes Scanlan.

[A]

Hey, boss, if you can, I think you better give him the pearls. Why didn't Scanlon? He's well known by one off, and I can't. What he does to a guy.

[B]

I can't give him the pearl, Shorty.

[A]

Why not?

[B]

I'll tell you later.

[E]

Why don't you tell him later?

[B]

A bedtime story, Scanlan.

[E]

Hope your boys don't mind the dark.

[B]

Well, we can see if it isn't bad.

[E]

Still a wise guy, ain't you?

[B]

Blanking big boys with little guns. Don't frighten me, Scammin.

[E]

Oh, Shorty. Told you who I am, huh?

[B]

And I know what you want, too. The Worthington pearls.

[E]

You give up quicker than I thought you would. Hand him over. I'll let you go.

[B]

I can't do it.

[E]

Look, I know you haven't.

[B]

And what if I don't?

[E]

Well, we'll see how your pal Shorty here looks in black and blue.

[A]

Don't let him scare you with that, boss. I know Pro is so easy.

[E]

Gonna hand over the pearls, Blackie?

[B]

I don't know.

[C]

Yeah.

[E]

Maybe if I could show you around a little, I'll help you to find out.

[B]

I owe you one for that, Scanlan. And believe me, I'll pay you off. But don't kick him again.

[A]

That didn't hurt me none, boy. I'll tell him nothing.

[E]

You better tell me everything, Blackie. The next one will hurt.

[B]

Okay, Scanlan. I'll tell you where the pearls are. But you will have to worry about how to get them.

[E]

Where are they?

[B]

At police headquarters.

[E]

You're lying, Blackie.

[A]

You said Inspector Friday didn't find him.

[B]

He didn't, Shorty. Before he got around to searching my raincoat, I sneaked the pearls into the tobacco jar and Inspector Faraday's desk.

[E]

Okay, Blackie, you put them in police headquarters. Now you get them out.

[B]

I can't if I show my face in police headquarters, I'll be looking through bars for the next 10 years.

[E]

Then figure out a way for me to get him out of Faraday's tobacco jar, or I go to work on Shawnee again.

[A]

I'm kicked, boss. Nothing you can do.

[B]

Wait a minute. You're from out of town, aren't you?

[C]

Scanlan somewhere.

[B]

So? I don't think Faraday knows you, does he?

[E]

I'm not known to the cops anyway. I'm too smart.

[B]

Good. You can walk into Faraday's office and walk out again, can't you?

[E]

Sure.

[B]

Then you can go for the pearls yourself.

[E]

Now, how much sense does that make? I walk into a guy's office, reach into his tobacco jar, walk out again, he doesn't suspect anything. I thought you were smart, Blanket.

[B]

I'll tell you how you can get into Faraday's tobacco jar without raising suspicion.

[E]

This better be good. I think you're stolen.

[B]

Go down to see Faraday and tell him you know where I am. That should make him your buddy. But to prove you know me, mention that I like to smoke his special tobacco in my pipe. And.

[E]

And I want to try some, too. Huh?

[B]

Is that simple?

[E]

Yeah, that ought to do.

[B]

If you play at the angle that I always did smoke his tobacco and my pipe.

[E]

That sounds good.

[A]

It's perfect.

[B]

All you do then is reach inside a tobacco jar, fill your pipe and palm the pearls.

[E]

Okay, Blackie, but you better be on the level about this. If I'm not back inside of two hours, my pals have got orders what to do with you.

[A]

Uh oh, what kind of orders, Scanlan, old pal?

[B]

I'll tell you what kind of orders, Shorty. And I'll also tell you all the good jokes I know so we can die laughing.

[E]

So you're the famous Inspector Faraday I heard so much about. I'm glad to know you.

[C]

Glad to know you, Scanlon. Especially if you know where I can find Boston Blackie.

[E]

Well, I don't know exactly, Inspector Faraday, but I have a rough idea.

[C]

Give it to me and I'll smooth it out.

[E]

I saw Blackie's car turn into a side road off Harrison Pike, 10 miles north of the sitting limit.

[C]

How do you know it was Blackie's car?

[E]

Oh, I know Blackie pretty well. How Well, I used to be a friend of his.

[C]

As long as it just used to be okay.

[E]

The road Blackie turned into goes dead end into the river, Inspector. I think you might catch it.

[B]

Thanks.

[E]

Yeah. Oh, oh, by the way, Blackie Told me once how much he liked your pipe tobacco.

[C]

Oh, is that so?

[E]

Yeah, yeah, I'm a not on good pipe to back of myself. You mind if I try? Apart from.

[C]

No, no, help yourself. I've laid off smoking my pipe for.

[B]

A couple of weeks.

[C]

Here, the tobacco's in this jar.

[E]

All right. Thanks. Oh, great aroma. Hey, Inspector, what's that out in the street there? The beginning of a brawl, huh?

[B]

Where?

[C]

I don't see anything.

[E]

Those kids there screaming at each other.

[C]

Oh, they're not doing anything wrong. They're just playing a new game.

[E]

A new game? Screaming at each other?

[C]

Yeah, they call it Blackie Faraday.

[E]

I never heard of it.

[C]

You want a light?

[E]

I have one, thanks.

[C]

Why, do you like it?

[E]

Oh, it's fine.

[B]

Fine.

[E]

Blackie certainly knew what he was talking about.

[C]

He usually does. But don't ever tell him I said, so long, Inspector.

[E]

And when you catch Blackie, tell him I kind of like your tobacco jar. It had something different in it.

[A]

Miss Blackie.

[C]

Scanlan said his hoods were gonna bump.

[A]

Us if he wasn't back in two hours. Is it? Is it two hours here?

[B]

No, Shorty, I don't think so. Oh, there must be a way out of here.

[A]

Yeah, but where, boss? There ain't no windows. The door is locked, and Scanlan's hoods are right outside.

[B]

Oh, I could get through the locked door all right, but I don't know how to get through Scanlon's men without a gun.

[A]

Oh, boss, somebody's open the door. Oh, I hear it's Scanlan.

[E]

Hello, Blackie.

[B]

Did you get the pearl, Scanlan?

[E]

Yeah, I got the pearls. Thanks a lot. I sure hate to double cross a guy who was on the level with me, Blackie, but this is business. Don't move, either one of you. I'll have to let you have it right now.

[A]

Hey, boss, he's got a gun.

[B]

Don't worry, Shorty. He won't use it. He'll turn us over to his pals.

[E]

They do all my killing for me. That's how they make a living.

[C]

Well, I just put him out of business.

[E]

What?

[B]

Inspector Paraday.

[A]

Hey, Blanket, a joint's full of cops.

[C]

All right, Scanlan, drop that gun or I'll drop you.

[E]

Okay, okay.

[B]

Paraday. For once in my life, I'm glad to see you. And for once in my life, I'm not kidding.

[E]

Why did you follow me here? Copy. You don't have anything on me.

[C]

You'll get answers from me, Scanlon, when I get through with questions of my own. Take him down to headquarters. Rollins.

[E]

He can't arrest me.

[C]

Take him away, Rollins. Give him a hand, Thompson.

[E]

Look, I want to be booked right away.

[B]

Wait a minute, Faraday.

[C]

Don't you give me orders, Frankie.

[E]

That's right, Faraday. Don't listen to him.

[C]

I'm ready to do.

[B]

Don't take Scanlan away just yet.

[C]

Hold on a minute, boy.

[B]

Faraday, why did you follow Scanlan?

[C]

Well, I'm not so dumb, Blankie. I knew Scanlan was up to something when he said you liked my pipe tobacco. You don't smoke a pipe.

[E]

Now he tells me.

[B]

Faraday, you're wonderful. Scanlon is the playful little fellow who tapped you on the head when you were taking me to headquarters for the murder of Duke Butcher. Scanlon killed Butcher?

[E]

You can't prove that.

[B]

Oh, yes, I can. Duke Butcher was in my apartment looking for the Worthington pearls, which he'd stolen and then planted on Shorty.

[C]

What?

[B]

Let me finish before you start making arrests. Inspector, Scanlon was trying to hijack the pearls from Butcher. That's why he followed him to my apartment.

[C]

Wacky. This better be good.

[B]

This is very bad, Inspector, because Scanlon found Butcher tied up the way Shorty and I left him and killed him when Butcher insisted he didn't know who had the pearls.

[E]

That's crazy.

[B]

Just how crazy do you think it isn't, Inspector?

[C]

Well, I don't know. If Scanlon killed Butcher because he didn't have the pearls, who has them now?

[B]

Scanlon, huh? Scanlan has the pearls. Here, I'll show you.

[C]

I'll search him myself, Blankie. Hold him, boys. Frankie, if this is another one of your. Well, I'll be.

[B]

That's not a string of popcorn you're pulling out of Scanlon's pocket paradise.

[C]

The Worthington pearls. If Scanlan didn't get these from Butcher, where did he get them?

[B]

From the tobacco jar in your office.

[E]

What?

[C]

How'd they get there?

[B]

I put them there, Inspector, just before you searched me.

[C]

You let me chase all over town for these pearls when all the time they were in the tobacco jar on my desk.

[B]

That's right, Faraday. Put that in your pipe. But don't smoke.

[C]

It's.

[B]

It's sa.

[C]

It.