Nero Wolfe: Deadly Sell-Out 01/05/1951

Summary

---

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Nero Wolfe: Deadly Sell-Out (01/05/1951)

Episode Overview:
This episode features "Nero Wolfe: Deadly Sell-Out," a hard-boiled murder mystery from the classic radio detective series. The story unfolds as Nero Wolfe and his witty assistant, Archie Goodwin, become embroiled in the murder of a missing prizefighter. The case quickly escalates into blackmail, double-crosses, and further murder, plunging the team deep into New York's criminal underworld. As always, Nero Wolfe’s incisive intellect and Archie's street-smart banter lead the way.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Case Introduction and Missing Prizefighter

• Archie Goodwin answers the office phone to a new client, Brock Rainey, who’s seeking help finding his missing prizefighter, Pepe Gato. Wolfe is surprisingly interested:
  • Wolfe (00:53): “I’m fascinated by the thought of anyone misplacing a prizefighter. They're usually quite large, aren't they?”
• Context: Gato recently lost a fight, and it’s suspected he may be in danger.

2. Blackmail and the Underworld

• At Brock Rainey’s apartment, Jerry Fay tries to blackmail him after witnessing a payoff for Gato to throw a fight. She threatens to expose him to Arnold Lawson, a wealthy man who lost $25,000 on the fixed fight. The tension is thick with betrayal and desperation for money.
  • Jerry Fay (03:18): “Okay, Mr. Rainey, have it your way. I'll go find someone with a more sympathetic ear. Someone like Lawson. Arnold F. Lawson. So long.”
• Rainey tries to stall her, needing time to pay her off, setting the stage for escalating stakes.

3. Discovery of Gato’s Murder

• Archie and Rainey search Gato's penthouse. They discover a woman’s expensive hat and, more grimly, Gato’s body under a roof awning:
  • Archie (11:38): “Yeah, we found him, chum. A little late. Two holes in his dorsal development and... dead as a clay pigeon.”
• The hat is tagged as a custom piece by "Madame Yeta," which leads to the next phase of investigation.

4. Tracing the Hat to a New Suspect

• Wolfe sends Archie to Madame Yeta, who reveals the hat belonged to Mrs. Celia Lawson, wife of Arnold Lawson.
• Archie interviews Arnold Lawson, who provides a convoluted alibi and claims the hat was lost by his wife weeks before:
  • Lawson (15:06): “A month and a half ago. I was with Celia on a bus top, she was wearing that hat and the wind blew it off her head.”

5. The Blackmailer’s “Auction” and Her Murder

• Jerry Fay contacts Wolfe to “auction” off information about the killer, inviting Archie to Gato’s penthouse:
  • Jerry (17:00): “A few facts, all in good condition and guaranteed to make it a cinch to snag the Gato killer.”
• Just as Jerry is about to reveal the murderer’s identity, she is shot through the window, mirroring Gato’s demise. Archie gives chase, but the killer escapes.

6. Gathering the Suspects—Revelation and Confession

• Wolfe gathers Brock Rainey, Arnold Lawson, and attempts to summon Mrs. Lawson. Arnold is evasive about his wife's whereabouts and reveals he and his wife had a falling out.
• Wolfe notes a contradiction when Arnold demonstrates knowledge of a fire escape at Gato’s penthouse, which he shouldn’t know about:
  • Wolfe (24:51): “Who told you there was a fire escape there?”
• Wolfe exposes Arnold as the actual murderer, motivated by jealous hatred of his wife’s affair with Gato:
  • Wolfe (25:15): “You worshipped her until she became fascinated by a young savage animal known as Pepe Gato. No, at that point, the worship shifted into reverse and you went green with hate.”

7. Climax & Justice

• Arnold draws a gun to avoid arrest, but Mrs. Lawson appears with a gun of her own, returning to collect her hat and ultimately stopping Arnold, presumably by lethal means.
• Wolfe and Archie reflect on the moral grayness and the necessity of her act:
  • Archie (27:17): “Will it go tough on her, boss?”
  • Wolfe (27:17): “Why not? She killed a man in cold blood, though she actually saved our lives while doing so.”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Archie Goodwin’s wit throughout (e.g., bantering about raises and women’s hats):
  • “There must have been a time in your life when knick-knacks from Tiffany figured in the budget. Not to mention steak dinners and champagne—or, what did you feed your girls, peppermint lozenges?” (06:18)
• Classic Wolfe arrogance:
  • “Mr. Rainey, if I were not a modest man, I would point out to you that you're getting quite a bargain.” (10:05)
• Dramatic confrontation and deduction:
  • “Mr. Lawson, allow me to congratulate you. You have in mind to see your wife convicted of the murder of Pepe Gato and so punish them both for having dared to fall in love.” (25:06)
• Final wisecrack about dinner:
  • “If she hadn't done what she did, what would have happened to the lobster bisque?” (27:25)

---

Important Timestamps

• 00:53 – Wolfe agrees to take the case, intrigued by a missing prizefighter.
• 03:18 – Jerry Fay threatens to expose the fight fix to Lawson unless paid off.
• 11:38 – Discovery of Gato’s body.
• 12:52 – Archie contacts Madame Yeta; learns the hat was made for Mrs. Lawson.
• 15:06 – Arnold Lawson weaves an alibi about how the hat ended up at Gato’s flat.
• 17:00 – Jerry Fay offers to “auction” the killer’s identity.
• 19:32 – Jerry nearly reveals the murderer but is shot.
• 24:51 – Wolfe exposes Arnold for knowing details he shouldn’t.
• 25:15 – Wolfe deduces Arnold’s motive and method.
• 26:19 – Mrs. Lawson confronts Arnold, gun in hand.
• 27:25 – Wolfe’s closing musing about lobster bisque and justice.

---

Tone and Style

The episode is filled with sharp, fast-paced banter between Archie and Wolfe, atmospheric noir elements, and hard-boiled detective work. The world is grimy and corrupt, but the dialogue remains witty and slyly humorous, in classic Nero Wolfe style.

---

Summary Use:
For listeners who missed the episode, this summary provides a detailed walk-through of all the major plot points, character dynamics, and turns of the case, ending with the clever unraveling of the mystery and moral ambiguity that makes Nero Wolfe stories so enduring.

Transcript

[Archie Goodwin]

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].

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the.

[Brock Rainey]

Ringing of that phone bell means mystery adventure.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nero Wolf's office, Archie Goodwin speaking. You're a. And you've lost your.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh, Keith. The answer is no.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hold on a second. The answer to what is no, Mr. Wolf?

[Nero Wolfe]

I shall not attempt to find a blonde for anyone.

[Archie Goodwin]

You've got the man on the phone a little wrong, Mr. Wolf. He's not looking for a blond. He's looking for a prize fighter. Indeed.

[Nero Wolfe]

Have him come here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay. Mr. Wolf will see you at 8. So long. I was all set to argue with you about taking the case. You. You gave in too fast.

[Nero Wolfe]

Nonsense. I'm fascinated by the thought of anyone misplacing a prize fighter. They're usually quite large, aren't they?

[Archie Goodwin]

They are. But what this guy is worried about is not only finding his boy, but finding him alive.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, it's the bulkiest, B.O. luckiest, smartest and most unpredictable detective in the world. That chair. Born Genius. Nero Wolf, created by Rick Stoud and brought to you in a new series of adventures over this NBC network in the person of Mr. Sydney Greenstreet.

[Archie Goodwin]

The Case of the Deadly Sellout. That's what my boss, Nero Wolf, called it. And it almost meant curtains for the firm of Wolf and Goodwin. But let me give it to you straight. Right from the beginning. Although you ought to know that it wasn't until it was all over that I knew the very beginning of it myself. It all started in the New York flat of one Brock Rainey.

[Jerry Fay]

Yes, the name is Jerry Fay.

[Brock Rainey]

I'm supposed to know you.

[Jerry Fay]

Being a very good friend of Paper Gato's, it's time you got to know me. May I come in?

[Nero Wolfe]

Sure.

[Brock Rainey]

You've got a problem, Ms. Fay.

[Jerry Fay]

Debbie took a fall at the Garden last night against a coffee and bomb named Eubanks, right?

[Brock Rainey]

As far as I know. Sister got home at his match.

[Jerry Fay]

Please, Mr. Rainey, do me a favor. Skip the sausage meat. It happens. I saw the 1,200 bucks you counted out to him to take a quick dive in the first.

[Brock Rainey]

You did?

[Jerry Fay]

How else would I know?

[Brock Rainey]

Okay, then, here's my wrist. Slap it, Ms. Fay. I'm a bad bull.

[Jerry Fay]

Now look who's kidding who. I don't care if Pepe makes himself a few deals on the side. I should worry whether he gives those meat eaters on the benches. A run for the ducats. What's it to me?

[Brock Rainey]

If you're not worried, sugar plum, then neither am I. Also, I'm a very busy man.

[Jerry Fay]

Not too busy to pay off, I hope.

[Arnold Lawson]

Pay off to who?

[Jerry Fay]

To me.

[Archie Goodwin]

For what?

[Jerry Fay]

For keeping it to myself that you collected five grand from the Eubanks crowd for getting Pepe to take that dive. Certain people might not like to hear it, Ms. Fay.

[Brock Rainey]

Yeah? Drop dead.

[Jerry Fay]

I don't think we understand each other.

[Brock Rainey]

Which is just as well. Now get out of here. Hello, bimbo.

[Jerry Fay]

Okay, Mr. Rainey, have it your way. I'll go find someone with a more sympathetic ear. Someone like Larson. Arnold F. Lawson. So long.

[Brock Rainey]

Wait. Where does Larson come into this?

[Jerry Fay]

You asking us? Stalling. Larson dropped a sizable piece of change on last night's two steps.

[Brock Rainey]

Now close the door, Jerry.

[Jerry Fay]

Oh, yeah. $25,000 to be exact. That's a lot of corn to lose because a cheap fight manager arranges a frame. At least Arnold Lawson might think so.

[Brock Rainey]

Sit down.

[Jerry Fay]

Who's tired? Look, Mr. Rainey, it goes very simply in only one way. Lawson yet knows from nothing except that your boy Goto lost the fight. He may suspect, but he don't know. And I really don't have to know.

[Brock Rainey]

Glad to hear you say that.

[Jerry Fay]

And I'll be glad to see the shade of 3,000 long green banknotes.

[Brock Rainey]

How much?

[Jerry Fay]

You heard me. Three grand.

[Nero Wolfe]

Get out.

[Jerry Fay]

Okay, I'm going to the next phone and call Lorson.

[Brock Rainey]

Look, Jerry, give me time, huh? I haven't got that kind of dough right now.

[Jerry Fay]

Tell it to Larson when he gets through with you. You won't need any kind of dough, you know.

[Brock Rainey]

I've got Gatto set for a go with Mellish, the title contender. Garo can take him. Please believe me. He's gonna take him.

[Archie Goodwin]

So?

[Brock Rainey]

So, after what happened in the Eubanks fight, the odds on Gado will be like a war.

[Nero Wolfe]

Debt.

[Brock Rainey]

We can clean up. We can make it.

[Jerry Fay]

I wouldn't trust you from 11:59 to midnight. Get it up now. I'll give you six hours. After that, Larson. So long.

[Archie Goodwin]

Come on. Come on. Hello? Hello, Rainey? This is Garo.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hiya, baby.

[Brock Rainey]

Look, the boys dropped in on me.

[Nero Wolfe]

At the office at Mindy's. Lawson wants to see me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Lawson? Look, bum, I'm the one with the cauliflower ears. You heard me.

[Nero Wolfe]

What do I do?

[Archie Goodwin]

Nothing.

[Brock Rainey]

But don't bow near him. Stay home. Let me take care of it. How?

[Archie Goodwin]

How?

[Nero Wolfe]

What do you do? I don't know yet.

[Archie Goodwin]

Paper. But I'll find A way. How did he find out? Your girlfriend. What?

[Nero Wolfe]

She wouldn't do that. She hates the guy.

[Brock Rainey]

Hate him?

[Archie Goodwin]

I love him.

[Brock Rainey]

She told him.

[Archie Goodwin]

I can't believe it.

[Brock Rainey]

I suggest you call our little doll Jerry and give her your regards for the double cross.

[Archie Goodwin]

Meanwhile, stay put in your apartment. Don't move.

[Nero Wolfe]

But rainy.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hello?

[Brock Rainey]

Hello?

[Archie Goodwin]

75, 3. 319. 318.

[Nero Wolfe]

Achieve. What on earth are you mumbling about?

[Archie Goodwin]

The high cost of blunt.

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, you can say that again.

[Nero Wolfe]

I have no intention of doing so.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, be smug, but there must have been a time even in your life when Knick knacks from Tiffany figured on the budget. Not to mention steak dinners and champagne or. What did you feed your girls? Peppermint lozenges. Nonsense, nonsense.

[Nero Wolfe]

They preferred lime.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, I'm dying. And he laughs. Mr. Wolf. Yes? I have decided that you are giving me a raise.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, this is not a period in which unilateral decisions are wise.

[Archie Goodwin]

So I'll be a dope and get a raise, huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

As for your future mental attainments, you may be right.

[Archie Goodwin]

As for Ray, you want to drive me to gambling? Like betting on fights or going. Okay, it's the doorbell and I'm answering it.

[Brock Rainey]

The name's Rainey. You're a good one.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm Goodwin. Come in.

[Brock Rainey]

Is Wolf in?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf is always in. Unlike prize fighters, I guess. Come on. Thank you. Mr. Wolf, this is Mr. Rainey, the man who lost his prize fighter.

[Nero Wolfe]

How do you do, sir?

[Brock Rainey]

I'm not doing so good, Mr. Wolfe. You gotta help me.

[Nero Wolfe]

That will depend.

[Brock Rainey]

On what?

[Nero Wolfe]

The fee.

[Archie Goodwin]

I digress.

[Nero Wolfe]

Your problem is what, Mr. Rainey?

[Brock Rainey]

Mr. Wolf, I manage a fighter named Gato. Maybe you've heard of him.

[Nero Wolfe]

I have not. However, that is of little significance. You are having difficulty with this Mr. Gato?

[Brock Rainey]

I'm not having difficulty with him. I can't find him. Maybe you better let me give you the whole picture, huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

Very well.

[Brock Rainey]

Well, Goddo is an up and coming boy, Mr. Wolf. He had a little upset last week with a guy named Eubanks. But everybody knows, in spite of that, Goddo's heading for the big time. I think he'll prove that when he goes against Mellish.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Melish being another pugilist, huh?

[Brock Rainey]

That's right, Mr. Wolfe. Now, Pepe, that's Gotto. Pepe was due at the Turf Club this afternoon to meet the opposition management and go over the setup. He was due but he didn't show. I waited all afternoon and then I started the phone calls and taxis.

[Nero Wolfe]

Results?

[Brock Rainey]

No results. I combed every joint I ever knew him to buy a beer in, and the score was zero. Matter of fact, nobody's even seen him for four days.

[Nero Wolfe]

You would have tried the gymnasium? Naturally, I did. Does this fugitive have a home?

[Brock Rainey]

Yeah. 206A Rathbun street penthouse on the roof.

[Nero Wolfe]

He was not at home during all this time.

[Brock Rainey]

That's where I tried first. Was empty as a bank on Saturday afternoon.

[Nero Wolfe]

I see. And you want me to find him for you.

[Brock Rainey]

If Pepe blows this fight, Mr. Wolf, it'll ruin his career.

[Nero Wolfe]

And the preservation of his career is worth a good deal to you.

[Brock Rainey]

I got a check for two grand right here.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'll get it. $2,000.

[Nero Wolfe]

Very well, Mr. Rainey, I should take immediate steps.

[Brock Rainey]

I got a cab waiting outside. We can get started right away.

[Nero Wolfe]

We as you remain here.

[Brock Rainey]

But how do you expect to.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, Mr. Lope, you will even.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Rainey, I need information. You might try the Rathburn street penthouse to start with.

[Brock Rainey]

But I've already been there, lord.

[Nero Wolfe]

Your apologies, Mr. Rainey. Suppose you restrict your activities to pugilists. Archie, As a trained observer, you are not Archie. You will pick up whatever you can at Gartho's apartment. I especially suggest a careful check on his wardrobe.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wardrobe?

[Nero Wolfe]

If his clothes are missing, Mr. Rainey, it would indicate that he left voluntarily and deliberately for whatever reasons he may have had. If they are not Archie, you will phone me from the apartment after your investigation is over. Okay, I shall. In the meantime, devote some thought to the subject.

[Brock Rainey]

For two grand, all you're going to do is devote some thought.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Rainey, if I were not a modest man, I would point out to you that you're getting quite a bargain.

[Archie Goodwin]

Cut off.

[Narrator]

Got all.

[Brock Rainey]

He's not here. I told you that I was up here before.

[Archie Goodwin]

He left the door unlocked.

[Brock Rainey]

I had a key. Guess I forgot to lock up after I left.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now, let's look around. Bathroom?

[Brock Rainey]

Yeah.

[Archie Goodwin]

Empty. It's a nice penthouse. That a closet?

[Brock Rainey]

Yeah. What do you think, he's playing hide and seek?

[Archie Goodwin]

Try it.

[Brock Rainey]

Okay.

[Archie Goodwin]

Anything in there?

[Brock Rainey]

Nothing I'm looking for.

[Archie Goodwin]

What's that? You found a hat? Well, let's see.

[Brock Rainey]

Ladies hat.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah. Smart and expensive. Label reads a Madame Yeta original. That bunch of lace and feathers Cost somebody a fast half a hundred.

[Brock Rainey]

Yeah, probably one of those girls left.

[Archie Goodwin]

It behind and maybe she'll call for it. Come on, we'll take a gander out on the roof.

[Brock Rainey]

I took a gander out there. It's bare as a bone.

[Archie Goodwin]

Uh, what have we got? Over there with the chimney.

[Brock Rainey]

Where over there? Just an old awning got blown down in the storm last month.

[Archie Goodwin]

Be right with you.

[Brock Rainey]

What are you doing?

[Archie Goodwin]

Looking under it? Oh, brother.

[Narrator]

Y.

[Brock Rainey]

You found him.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, we found him, chum. A little late. Two holes in his dorsal development and.

[Brock Rainey]

Dead as a clay pigeon.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, well, what have you got to say?

[Brock Rainey]

Well, now at least the bookies will cancel all bets. We both save our dough.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah. I got a phone, Mr. Wolf. And There he was, Mr. Wolf, under the old canvas awning.

[Nero Wolfe]

Where's the hat? Oh, this is it. Mm.

[Archie Goodwin]

That's it, boss. Snazzy number, no?

[Nero Wolfe]

Where'd you find it?

[Brock Rainey]

On the floor of the closet.

[Nero Wolfe]

You're right, Archie. Frothy little bit of millinery caprice. Mm. Have you any idea whose it may be, Mr. Rainey?

[Brock Rainey]

I wish I did.

[Nero Wolfe]

You have to find out.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, how, boss?

[Nero Wolfe]

The hat is an original. See, the label under the band reads Madam Yetda Original. Tomorrow morning, Archie, you will interview Madame Yette.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

And discover in your inimitable fashion for whom she made this chapeau. Hello, Archie.

[Brock Rainey]

Again.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf, per your instructions, I have just talked to Madame Yeta.

[Nero Wolfe]

What did you learn?

[Archie Goodwin]

Madam Yeta tells me she made that hat for a Mrs. Larson.

[Nero Wolfe]

Who is Mrs. Larson?

[Archie Goodwin]

Wife of an ex beer hustler who's in the chips and puts on airs. Lives in the penthouse of the Bradford Arms. I was just about to hop a cab and go up there, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good. Keep this up, Archie, and through sheer practice you may yet develop a full blown intelligence.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I'm trying, Mr. Wolf. And after the Larsons, I do what?

[Nero Wolfe]

Return here immediately and hurry.

[Archie Goodwin]

How do you do, Mr. Larson?

[Arnold Lawson]

Oh, Mr. Goodwin, my secretary tells me you're a detective.

[Archie Goodwin]

My boss might argue with you on that, Mr. Larson.

[Arnold Lawson]

Your boss?

[Archie Goodwin]

It happens I work for Nero Wolf. I see.

[Arnold Lawson]

And you wish to see me about.

[Archie Goodwin]

About this hat. Hat?

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh, I see.

[Arnold Lawson]

Mr. Goodwin, please believe me, I never wear hats like that.

[Archie Goodwin]

Would your wife be likely to say the same?

[Arnold Lawson]

My wife? Just what are you getting at?

[Archie Goodwin]

Would I seem too nosy if I asked how well you and your wife know Pepe Gato?

[Arnold Lawson]

How well do we know who Pepe Gato, the pug.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, no, not such a pug. No. Huh?

[Arnold Lawson]

I lost 25,000 on him in the Eubanks fight. Yes, me, laid down like a dog.

[Archie Goodwin]

And did you talk it over with him?

[Arnold Lawson]

Talk it over with him? Never seen the man in my life.

[Archie Goodwin]

Not even at the fight?

[Arnold Lawson]

No, I placed the bet over the telephone. I'd scarcely have anything to do with a character like goto, Mr. Goodwin, you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Surely won't from here on out, Mr. Larson.

[Arnold Lawson]

What do you mean?

[Archie Goodwin]

Gatto is dead?

[Arnold Lawson]

You don't say.

[Archie Goodwin]

He was murdered last night.

[Arnold Lawson]

Murdered?

[Archie Goodwin]

And what would you say, Mr. Larson, if I told you that this hat is your wife's and that it was found in a closet in Gato's apartment?

[Arnold Lawson]

Now wait a minute. Let me get this straight. Are you implying.

[Archie Goodwin]

Not implying. Facts are sticking out.

[Arnold Lawson]

What time was this dumb brute done away with?

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, I'd set it at somewhere between 5 and 7pm last night.

[Arnold Lawson]

You said it very conveniently.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thanks. Why?

[Arnold Lawson]

My wife and I drove out of the city at 4:30 yesterday afternoon. Didn't get back until 2 this morning.

[Archie Goodwin]

And this hat, it took wings and flew into Gato's closet. Is that the answer?

[Arnold Lawson]

No, that's not the answer.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then what is?

[Arnold Lawson]

This is a month and a half ago. I was with Celia on a bus top she was wearing that hat and the wind blew it off her head.

[Archie Goodwin]

I see. And from there we figure that somebody picked it up and it finally wound up at Gotham.

[Arnold Lawson]

You can figure anything you please. Personally, I don't feel in any way obligated to figure anything, darling.

[Jerry Fay]

I was just on my way out and. Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were busy.

[Arnold Lawson]

Yes, I am busy. Celia.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wait a minute. He's not all that.

[Arnold Lawson]

Run along now, dear, you'll be late.

[Archie Goodwin]

But I want to talk.

[Arnold Lawson]

Run along, Celia.

[Jerry Fay]

Yes, darling. Sorry, I'll see you later.

[Archie Goodwin]

Beautiful. Really beautiful.

[Arnold Lawson]

I've always thought so.

[Archie Goodwin]

Goodwin, you didn't give me much of a chance to talk to her, did you? Larson?

[Arnold Lawson]

If I didn't, it's for your own good.

[Archie Goodwin]

My good? I don't get it.

[Arnold Lawson]

Celia's a sensitive person and I won't have her bothered.

[Nero Wolfe]

And do you mean to tell me you let him scare you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Let him scare me? Say, will you stop being so fearless with my life? The guy said don't bother my wife, so I didn't bother his wife. It was that simple.

[Nero Wolfe]

Apparently his wife was not blonde. Answer the phone, Auntie.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, you answer it. Now you've hurt my feelings.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh, well. Hello.

[Jerry Fay]

I want to speak to Mr. Nero Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Wolf speaking.

[Jerry Fay]

Oh, is it true that you're interested in the Gato murder?

[Nero Wolfe]

Who are you and how do you know he's been murdered?

[Jerry Fay]

The second question is none of your business. And as for the first, call me Jerry. J E R I.

[Nero Wolfe]

How do you do, Jerry J E I, I. Where do you Call.

[Jerry Fay]

Would you like to come to an auction?

[Nero Wolfe]

An auction?

[Jerry Fay]

You know, going, going, gone to the highest bidder.

[Nero Wolfe]

And what are you placing on the auction blog, Ms. Jerry?

[Jerry Fay]

A few facts, all in good condition and guaranteed to make it a cinch to snag the Gato Killer.

[Nero Wolfe]

Sounds promising.

[Jerry Fay]

Only you'll have to bid against real money.

[Nero Wolfe]

May I have the address of the auction room?

[Jerry Fay]

You'll have no trouble finding it. Your assistant was there last night.

[Nero Wolfe]

Where?

[Jerry Fay]

The penthouse on top of 206A Rathburn street the big item goes on at four bells. Yeah? Who is it?

[Archie Goodwin]

Man named Wolf sent me.

[Jerry Fay]

Just a sec.

[Archie Goodwin]

You're Jerry, huh?

[Jerry Fay]

I was expecting the man named Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Unfortunately for me, honey, when he's expected, I usually show up.

[Jerry Fay]

Come on in.

[Archie Goodwin]

You see, I'm the legs of the combination. He's the brains. It makes. Makes a nice division of labor.

[Jerry Fay]

I see he came in plenty of time.

[Archie Goodwin]

On the nose is our custom. Where are the rest of the bidders?

[Jerry Fay]

Any second now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mm. How many besides me are coming?

[Jerry Fay]

One small auction, but big action.

[Archie Goodwin]

How'd you happen to decide on this?

[Jerry Fay]

I knew Godo pretty good.

[Archie Goodwin]

And you were fond of him. Pretty good, huh?

[Jerry Fay]

How did you guess?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, you got a key to this place of his or you couldn't let yourself in? It adds no.

[Jerry Fay]

Gee, you should have been a detective.

[Archie Goodwin]

Just what I keep telling Mr. Wolf. Look. Tell me, Jerry, darling, this other person who is coming to the auction, Who?

[Jerry Fay]

The killer.

[Archie Goodwin]

You don't say. You sure the killer isn't here already?

[Jerry Fay]

Look, I didn't kill him.

[Archie Goodwin]

The story you would like me to believe is that you witnessed the killing, huh? Called The Killer and Mr. Wolf and said, come on, kids, you can get me either to talk or shut up, depending on who pays the most. Bennett?

[Jerry Fay]

Something like that.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mm. Okay. Prove you know what you're talking about. Who is the killer? Is it Block? Rainey?

[Jerry Fay]

Should also have your head examined, pretty boy. I talk for dough, and only for dough. Not that I'm mercenary or anything, but.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, okay. Tell me this. How come you saw the killer in the act?

[Jerry Fay]

Simple. I was here with Garo. Called me to come see him. While I was here, the shot came through the window there from the roof.

[Archie Goodwin]

You know something, sweetheart?

[Jerry Fay]

What?

[Archie Goodwin]

I can't understand how a girl like you, a pretty nice girl, under all that paint and powder and Broadway shellac, how you could do a thing like this. You were in love with Garo. I know that. Everybody does. And still you're willing to keep your mouth shut if the killer pays Enough. How come? Hmm? What's the matter, honey? Did I hit a tender spot?

[Jerry Fay]

I. I don't think you understand. Sure, I was in love with the goof. Then along comes this other dame. She's rich and beautiful and she has everything to give him.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, do I know her?

[Jerry Fay]

Of course you do.

[Nero Wolfe]

Sherry.

[Archie Goodwin]

Jerry. She was just about to tell me and then the shot came through the window. From the roof, boss. It's a flat roof outside.

[Nero Wolfe]

You didn't, I suppose, see the murderer?

[Archie Goodwin]

Nope. I caught Jerry in my arms. By the time I laid her down on the couch and got out on the roof, the killer was gone.

[Nero Wolfe]

Get right over here and bring our client with you if you can find him.

[Archie Goodwin]

Raining.

[Nero Wolfe]

That's right. He has a right to be in on the kill.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, boss, but keep away from that beer till I get there.

[Nero Wolfe]

Don't be impertinent. I should be busy phoning Mr. And Mrs. Lawson. Meanwhile, I want them here too. Besides, one bottle won't do any harm. Ah, there they are. Let them in, Archie. You remain seated, Mr. Rainey.

[Brock Rainey]

Okay, Mr. Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, come in, Mr. Larson, come in.

[Arnold Lawson]

Mr. Wolfe here?

[Archie Goodwin]

He's here. Nice of you to come.

[Arnold Lawson]

Anything to help the law.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ah, Mr. Lawson, your wife didn't come?

[Arnold Lawson]

No, Mr. Wolf. She was out when you called. Sorry, I forgot to tell you. I left work with the butler.

[Nero Wolfe]

However, Mr. Dawson, about 20 minutes ago a girl named Jerry Fay was killed.

[Arnold Lawson]

So?

[Nero Wolfe]

She was killed in your neighborhood. In the flat formerly occupied by one Pepe Gato.

[Arnold Lawson]

Where would that be?

[Nero Wolfe]

Maybe your wife knows where the flat would be.

[Arnold Lawson]

How dare you, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

No histrionics, please. Where was your wife when the girl was killed? I'm advising you that if that is an alibi, now's the time to state it.

[Arnold Lawson]

I wouldn't humiliate Celia by alibi ing.

[Nero Wolfe]

For her and the police will pick her up.

[Arnold Lawson]

But she didn't kill this girl, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

You have reasons for that opinion?

[Arnold Lawson]

The best of reasons.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'd be grateful if you'd state them and let me be the judge of their excellence.

[Arnold Lawson]

One should do this one. Celia's out in the country visiting her mother. Does that settle it?

[Nero Wolfe]

Possibly. What's her mother's telephone number? Why, merely a routine j.

[Arnold Lawson]

Well, can't you take my word?

[Nero Wolfe]

I'll take her mother's number. Well, Mr. Lawson, I'm sorry.

[Arnold Lawson]

I. I hoped you'd buy this story.

[Nero Wolfe]

What do you mean?

[Arnold Lawson]

The mother's been dead for 10 years.

[Nero Wolfe]

I see.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I don't. What's the idea?

[Nero Wolfe]

It's known as marital devotion, Archie. I suppose you realize, Mr. Lawson, that in shielding your wife, you're aiding and abetting a murderess.

[Arnold Lawson]

I. I haven't stopped to realize anything. When Goodwin brought me that hat, I didn't know what to say.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, you pitched me a curve then, too.

[Arnold Lawson]

Well, I suppose you might call it that, but.

[Archie Goodwin]

And she didn't lose the chapeau off a bus stop.

[Arnold Lawson]

No, but you've got to understand, Celia's the dearest thing in life to me.

[Brock Rainey]

Yeah, so is a lady rattlesnake to its husband.

[Nero Wolfe]

I suggest it is time for you to be objective in this matter, Mr. Lawson.

[Arnold Lawson]

What do you want to know?

[Nero Wolfe]

Tell us where she can be found.

[Arnold Lawson]

I. I have no idea.

[Nero Wolfe]

When is she expected to return home?

[Arnold Lawson]

Never.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh.

[Arnold Lawson]

You see, we. We had an argument. I doubt that I'll ever see her again.

[Nero Wolfe]

Then we are quite on our own, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

To do what?

[Nero Wolfe]

To make a journey to Gadot's apartment.

[Archie Goodwin]

Gardo's apartment?

[Nero Wolfe]

She probably has a key to that popular abode.

[Archie Goodwin]

But she wouldn't go there, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

On the contrary, I am of the opinion that that's just where she would go. Give me my hat.

[Archie Goodwin]

Don't tell me you're gonna stir yourself.

[Nero Wolfe]

It's a most unpleasant necessity, Archie. But the lady in question is dangerous and not at all hesitant about indiscriminate gunplay. Get out the car, Archie. We'll make the journey to Rathburn street penthouse with the hope that Celia Lawson will show up in time to mourn her lost love.

[Brock Rainey]

You want me to go along with you too, Mr. Wolf?

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, indeed, Mr. Rainey, I do. I trust this chair will hold me, should I?

[Brock Rainey]

Biggest chair in the house, Mr. Wolfe.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, Mr. Rainey.

[Brock Rainey]

Mr. Wolfe, am I to understand that the way you have it figured is that Mrs. Lawson killed Gato and then to keep the girl from pinning the crime on her, she killed her too.

[Nero Wolfe]

What's the matter, Mr. Rainey? Don't you think the theater e holds water?

[Brock Rainey]

Well, yes. I mean, of course it does.

[Nero Wolfe]

Thank you. On the other hand, there is room for doubt.

[Arnold Lawson]

I'm glad to hear you say that, Mr. Wolf. Would you mind explaining?

[Nero Wolfe]

I'll explain, Mr. Lawson. Mr. Goodwin was in this room when Jerry Fay was killed, right, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Right, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

He ran as quickly as he could out onto the roof, but your wife was nowhere in evidence.

[Arnold Lawson]

What difference does that make?

[Nero Wolfe]

A good deal, I'd say. Wouldn't you, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, A detail like that would give a jury room for doubt.

[Brock Rainey]

Oh, don't be a fool, how so?

[Archie Goodwin]

Rainey?

[Arnold Lawson]

Well, I was about to agree with Rainey. I mean, on sheer logic.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'm afraid I miss your point, Mr. Lawson.

[Arnold Lawson]

What if Goodwin didn't see her? That proves nothing. She fired the shots and then she ran down the fire escape.

[Nero Wolfe]

What fire escape?

[Arnold Lawson]

One a few feet beyond the chimney.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Larson?

[Arnold Lawson]

Yes?

[Nero Wolfe]

Who told you there was a fire escape there?

[Archie Goodwin]

Why, yeah, who did? You can't see it from here, Larson.

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, I just imagine there might be sensationally accurate imagination. Mr. Lawson, allow me to congratulate you.

[Arnold Lawson]

I don't know what you have in mind.

[Nero Wolfe]

You have in mind to see your wife convicted of the murder of Pepi Gato and so punish them both for having dared to fall in love.

[Arnold Lawson]

I love Celia.

[Brock Rainey]

I worship her.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, that's what you expected me to believe. Hoping meanwhile that her hat would convict her, you worshiped her until she became fascinated by a young savage animal known as peepee Gato. No, at that point the worship shifted into reverse and you went green with hate. Hate that drove you to claim that fire escape that you know so much about and shoot him in the back.

[Arnold Lawson]

You're dreaming.

[Nero Wolfe]

Jerry Fay saw you in the act, and when she was about to divulge your identity to Archie, you killed her too, meaning to hang her murder on your wife along with the other killing. That's a lie, Mr. Larson. I didn't bring you here to apprehend your wife. There's really no reason why she should come here. I suggested this visit in the belief that you'd betray some guilty knowledge of the place and circumstances, as you have so obligingly just done.

[Arnold Lawson]

You're clever, aren't you?

[Nero Wolfe]

Monumental, but a little hasty.

[Arnold Lawson]

So why this gun in my hand? Haven't you noticed?

[Nero Wolfe]

Of course, sir, but yours is not the only gun in the world.

[Archie Goodwin]

What?

[Jerry Fay]

Sit still, Arnold, and don't turn around.

[Nero Wolfe]

Your wife, Mr. Lawson. Come in, my dear.

[Arnold Lawson]

Celia. What are you doing here?

[Jerry Fay]

I came to get a hat that I'd left in Pepe's closet. It suddenly was clear to me what was in the wind, and I thought I'd better remove all evidence that you could possibly use against me.

[Arnold Lawson]

Celia, listen, you must understand.

[Jerry Fay]

I understand one thing only. Pepe's gone and you took him away.

[Arnold Lawson]

Listen, please. If you let me explain, you'll understand.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yeah.

[Arnold Lawson]

Please, honey, help me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sure, I'll help you, Cecilia.

[Jerry Fay]

Well, that's all, Mr. Wolf. What now.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie? Why is it when you drive, it always gets so crowded outside?

[Archie Goodwin]

Will it go tough on our boss?

[Nero Wolfe]

Why not? She killed a man in cold blood, though she actually saved our lives while doing so.

[Archie Goodwin]

I hope that helps her at the trial.

[Nero Wolfe]

I hope so, Archie. After all, if she hadn't done what she did, what would have happened to the lobster bisque?

[Archie Goodwin]

What lobster bisque?

[Nero Wolfe]

The lobster beast that Fritz is making for dinner really can't be appreciated unless it's eaten hot.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to the new Adventures of Nero Wolf, starring Sydney Greenstreet. Tonight's transcribed story was based on the characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edwin Fadiman program produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Larry Dobkin as Archie Goodwin and Ann Diamond, Charlotte Lawrence, Gerald Moore, Don diamond and Eddie Fields. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the killer card. Don Stanley speaking. Three Chimes mean good times on NBC. Saturday night is date night and NBC has a lively lineup of music and fun to help your courting along tomorrow. Dennis Day brings you a melodic and mirthful 30 minutes, and then Judy Canova gets together with her gang for a sparkling session of mountain style song and laughter, followed by singing Mc Red Foley and his friends and that exciting parcel of western tunes and mayhem, Grand Ole Opry. Here's Sam Spade. Three chimes mean good times on NBC.