Nero Wolfe: The Brave Rabbit 12/01/1950

Summary

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Episode Summary: Nero Wolfe – "The Brave Rabbit" (Aired December 1, 1950)

Overview

In this classic episode of Nero Wolfe, "The Brave Rabbit," detective Nero Wolfe and his assistant Archie Goodwin find themselves drawn into a murky case involving political intrigue, murder, double-crosses, and a most unusual clue: a rabbit farm. When the Governor’s anti-crime committee suffers leaks and a murder shocks a rural county, Wolfe must unravel a chain of deception that stretches from crooked club owners to a secretary with a secret life, all while barely lifting a finger from his armchair.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Leaks in the Governor’s Crime Committee (02:20–04:48)

• The episode opens on multiple fronts: a nervous criminal enterprise, a worried governor, and suspicions of a dangerous leak in the Governor's anti-crime committee.
• Governor: “Someone is passing on confidential information.” (03:54)
• Suspicion centers on James Collier, the committee’s secretary, who has abruptly retreated to his rabbit farm.

2. Archie’s Assignment & Colorful Banter (06:01–07:29)

• Archie is tasked with setting up a meeting between Wolfe and the Governor’s representative, Williams, despite Wolfe’s usual disdain for travel.
  • Archie: “You’ve got an appointment with a Mr. Williams at the Starlight Hotel in Greendale for one hour from now.” (07:07)
  • Wolfe: “You’re insane.” (07:08)
• Wolfe, pressed by the seriousness of the case, reluctantly agrees.

3. Multiple Motives on the Rabbit Farm (10:08–13:32)

• Archie heads to Collier's farm under the pretense of car trouble. On the way, he meets Claire (an old flame of Collier’s, burdened by suspicion) and exchanges flirtatious banter heavy on puns and charm.
  • Archie to Claire: “Nice moonlight we’re having. My name is Goodwin and blondes call me Archie... Brunettes call me Archie too.” (11:10)
• Claire acts suspiciously, signaling someone as they approach the house, raising additional alarms for Archie.

4. The Murder & Its Aftermath (16:47–18:00)

• In the confusion of darkness, there’s a sudden gunshot. Archie finds himself with Claire, discovering a dead body—not James Collier, but an unknown man.
  • Archie: “I was being around when someone got murdered.” (17:07)
  • Wolfe: “And the dead man, of course, is James Collier?” (17:17)
  • Archie: “No. Sorry. Total stranger... no identification on him.” (17:23)
  • Archie describes the dead man as a nattily dressed blond with dirty fingernails—a detail that sticks with Wolfe.

5. Wolfe’s Logic and Deeper Intrigue (19:12–21:10)

• Wolfe deduces that Collier’s location isn’t mysterious—he claims to know precisely where Collier is, based solely on intelligence, not observation.
  • Wolfe: “I know where he is.” (18:57)
• Discussion reveals Veeck (a crime boss) is involved and his henchman Marshall fits the murdered man’s description.

6. The Climax at the Rabbit Hutch (21:20–22:55)

• Wolfe brings Archie back to the rabbit farm, searching for evidence. They discover a dead rabbit, skull crushed—signaling something hidden nearby.
  • Wolfe: “He may be dead now, Archie, but he was friendly. Too friendly.” (21:57)

7. The Confrontation and Revelations (23:00–27:00)

• Wolfe cross-examines Claire and exposes her role as a lookout, shielding Collier out of love.

  • Wolfe: “You had seen and recognized the murderer as the man you loved.” (23:20)

• Wolfe lays out the final chain:

  • Veeck knew Collier was leaking information.
  • Veeck’s man, Marshall, killed Collier and buried him in the rabbit run.
  • Marshall’s dirty fingernails were evidence of digging the grave (23:39–24:31).

• To cover his tracks, Veeck kills Marshall and tries to frame the missing Collier.

• Wolfe:

  • “Only one way you could have known. You had seen Archie at some time prior to the time you checked in at the hotel... Which told me Mr. Veeck had been here at the time of Marshall’s death. What was Veeck doing here? Only one thing. Murder.” (25:25–25:42)
  • Archie: “Grave, Archie?”
  • Archie: “Yeah. With James Collier in it.” (26:16)
  • Wolfe succinctly ties the final thread:
    • “The dirty fingernails were a wrong note. Indicated he’d been digging.” (26:44)
    • “Veeck killed his own trigger man to frame a dead man for it.” (26:55)

• The poetic close: Only Wolfe could see through the rabbit-farm ruse.

8. Motive for the Rabbit Farm Scheme (27:21–27:39)

• Why was Collier at the rabbit farm? Wolfe explains:
  • Wolfe: “He knew he’d be watched. He couldn’t risk conveying his information by telephone or the mails... But who would suspect a truck driver delivering carrots for the rabbits as being the go-between for Jimmy Collier and Veeck?” (27:21)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nero Wolfe’s signature wit:
  • “I dislike exercise—exercise shortens life.” (15:02)
  • “Fiddlesticks. I already know exactly what role the rabbits play in our problem.” (09:03)
• Archie’s humor:
  • “You’ve got millions in the bank, why worry?” (06:15)
  • “If anyone calls, just say I’ve gone out to Greendale to cross-examine a rabbit.” (09:59)
• Wolfe’s parting wisdom:
  • “As you go up to bed now... while you and Miss Claire stroll through the moonlight, Archie, you might remember that rosebuds have thorns.” (28:09)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:20 – Committee learns of leak; suspicion on Collier.
• 06:26 – Archie tells Wolfe of the Governor’s summons.
• 07:29 – Wolfe accepts the case.
• 10:33 – Archie meets Claire; signals intrigue.
• 16:47 – Wolfe and Veeck’s confrontation at hotel.
• 17:07 – Archie calls Wolfe; murder discovered.
• 21:10 – Wolfe deduces Collier’s whereabouts.
• 22:10 – Dead rabbit found at farm; vital clue.
• 23:00 – Wolfe interrogates Claire.
• 24:31 – Veeck enters with a gun; Wolfe unmasks killer.
• 26:16 – Collier’s grave located.
• 27:21 – Wolfe explains the rabbit farm communications.

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Character List

• Nero Wolfe – The sedentary but brilliant detective.
• Archie Goodwin – Wolfe’s wisecracking, energetic assistant.
• James Collier – Committee secretary; the initial suspect.
• Claire – Collier’s former fiancée; plays an ambiguous role.
• Veeck – Crime boss; orchestrator of murder and cover-up.
• Marshall – Veeck’s gunman; murdered to cover the trail.
• Williams – Governor’s aide; brings Wolfe into the case.

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Tone & Style

• The episode is rich in quick, dry humor, Noir-era banter, and clever deduction.
• Archie’s cheeky tone contrasts Wolfe’s gruff formality.
• The atmosphere is suspenseful, with layered motives and a classic hard-boiled sensibility.

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Final Note

Even listeners new to Nero Wolfe can enjoy this quintessential detective tale—a puzzle where nothing is as innocent as it seems, not even a rabbit. Wolfe’s refusal to “work” is, as always, bested by his curiosity and genius—while Archie provides the action and wisecracks. The clues are fair, the payoff satisfying, and the mood pure radio detective gold.

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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] Stay tuned for Nero Wolf, who follows transcribed in 30 seconds. Later tonight, over most of these NBC stations, Duffy's Tavern comes your way. And on the menu at Duffy's tonight, there's a blue plate special of grilled English language served up by the delightfully ungrammatical Archie. Plus laughs garnished with chuckles brought to you by Archie's remarkable crew. There's no cover charge at Duffy's Tavern. Just keep your dial tuned to NBC. And this Sunday means another broadcast of the big show. Your guests include Fred Allen, Douglas Fairbanks, Danny Thomas, and many, many more. Tallulah, of course, is your hostess on the big show.

Ladies and gentlemen, that phone bell means adventure. Hello? Hello. The young man answering the phone is Archie Goodwin. The mountain of a man engaged in deep thought in the oversized armchair is Nero Wolf. Mr. Wolf, we've got a case. I'm not sure whether somebody's going to kill a rabbit or a rabbit is going to kill somebody, but either way, it's going to be murder. Please, Mr. Wolf, even orchids have to eat.

Yes, sir. Mr. Wolf will take the case. As a matter of fact, he's working on it right now.

[B]

Money work. Bah.

[A]

Greatest detective in the world. Only trouble is, he is.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Archie is right. Nero Wolf is the greatest detective in the world and the fattest and the least energetic. Nero Wolf, created by Rex Stout and brought to you over this NBC network in a new series of Adventures by Mr. Sydney Greenstreet.

Tonight, it's the case Nero Wolf likes to remember as the case of the Friendly Rabb. He sometimes prefers his proverb scramble. It began in lots of places. Let's take a look at a few of them. In particular, the richly appointed library of a man named Veeck. Mr. Veeck, what's happening? Relax, Haynes. Your blood pressure. I thought it was a gag, but you really are shutting the club down. I'm shutting it down? Why? I got the joint roll and the suckers are pouring in. And next week, the governor's committee, it's moving on to Baylor county, our joint enterprises in Baylor County. I think the club needs a rest Crime committee so really admire gambling. Oh, that's different. So it is. The club needs a rest, you need a vacation. Florida, perhaps? I don't like Florida. Pick any place you like, just so long as you get out of reach. Of a subpoena. The heat's on, huh, Boss? You've just coined a phrase that may very well catch on. Get out and stay out of the state until I send for you.

[B]

Okay, Mr. Vin.

[A]

Sure, Mr.

Marshall. Yeah, that about covers us in Baylor, am I right? You're right. The deer Governor's deer committee will be sorely disappointed. However, I doubt it'll give up quite so soon.

[B]

I wouldn't think so.

[A]

Therefore, have the truck driver deliver another shipment of carrots to the rabbit farm. A Marshall.

[B]

Okay, boss.

Come in with Emerson. Good afternoon, governor. Good afternoon, Williams.

[A]

I'm disturbed. The crime committee, sir. It was doing well? Very well.

[B]

And then.

[A]

I know, sir. There's a leak. Someone is passing on confidential information.

[B]

Who?

[A]

That's the problem. Who? Started three weeks ago.

[B]

A three man committee. Wilson, McCarthy, Tolliver.

[A]

One of them.

[B]

Williams?

[A]

I'd stake my life, sir. No. Then who? You've forgotten Collier, Committee secretary. You have reason to suspect him? No, nothing that means anything. Except you do suspect him. He's been watched. Telephone calls, checked mail. I have no reason to suspect him. Except that one thing bothers me.

[B]

What's that?

[A]

He has a small farm in Greendale County. He rarely went near the place in all the time he's been up here at the capitol. But that suddenly changed three weeks ago. Yes, sir. He's been staying at the farm for three weeks. Is there anything unusual about that farm? Nothing unusual, except Jimmy Collier has gone.

[B]

In for raising rabbits.

[C]

Jimmy who?

[A]

You. Oh, hello, Claire.

[C]

You've been hiding from me.

[A]

I. I've been out here with the rabbits.

[C]

Jimmy, what's wrong?

[A]

With what?

[C]

You.

[B]

There's nothing.

[C]

You're lying. We grew up together, remember? We lived next to each other. Jimmy, we were going to be married.

[B]

Hey, wait a minute. We still are, last I heard.

[C]

You haven't heard recently enough.

[B]

What does that mean?

[C]

It means we're not getting married. But, Clara, you've been avoiding me. And you've been getting money, lots of money, from someplace. And in a shady way.

[A]

I feel all right.

[B]

You know, so what?

[C]

I've been concerned about your sudden devotion to these. These rabbits and the kind of men you've been seeing.

[B]

What do you mean?

[C]

Like the one up at the house now waiting for you?

[A]

Well, there's somebody waiting.

[C]

That's why I came down here after you.

[B]

I'd better get up there.

[C]

He's a crook. Jimmy.

[A]

Look, I. All right.

[B]

I sort of got myself in a mess. I needed money and.

[A]

But it's over, Claire.

[B]

No more.

[C]

Are you sure?

[B]

Of course I'm sure.

[C]

I wish I could believe you for your own sake, but I feel I can't. Not anymore.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Yes, Mr. Wolf.

[B]

I have to stop breathing so heavily.

[A]

Or take the evening off.

[B]

Stop breathing?

[A]

Old Dr. Titmouse wouldn't approve of that.

[B]

Who in blue and assorted Blazes is old Dr. Titmouse?

[A]

My family doctor.

[B]

Mavis, keep your puny mind. But you don't have a family.

Answer the phone.

[A]

Oh, but it might be a case. It might be very important. It might mean work, Mr. Wolf. Auntie W o r k, you've got millions in the bank, why worry?

[B]

Confound you? Do you want me to answer their phone myself?

[A]

Now you've got me. No, Mr. Wolf. Couldn't let you knock yourself out lifting a telephone receiver. Nero Wolf's office. Archie Goodwin. Speak. What?

Mr. Wolf is to go up to Greendale at. Oh, now look, friend, Mr. Wolf does not go anywhere and that includes greendale. He wouldn't stir out of the house for anybody short of the.

What? I see. Yes, sir, in an hour. Goodbye, Mr. Wolf. Brace yourself. You've got an appointment with a Mr. Williams at the starlight Hotel in Greendale for one hour from now.

[B]

You're insane.

[A]

No, I'll admit I've been tempted.

[B]

Surely. Were it not for the fact that often the native hue of resolution is sickly doer with a pale cast of.

[A]

Thought quoting hamlet will get you no place.

[B]

I would fire you.

[A]

And then who would drive you to the starlight hotel in greendale?

[B]

I'm not going to Greendale.

[A]

Nevertheless, in an hour you will be there.

[B]

And who may I inquire, Cecil?

[A]

The governor of the state.

[B]

Is that all, Mr. Williams?

[A]

That, Mr. Wolfe, is all anyone knows about the situation. Except the guilty man, of course.

[B]

An admirably clear summary, Mr. Williams.

[A]

Obviously our meeting here at the hotel was necessary. I couldn't be seen entering your house, nor would it have been advisable for you to visit the governor.

[B]

I can appreciate that. You're quite sure I need pay no attention to anyone on the committee except James Collier?

[A]

Quite sure.

[B]

Police surveillance of Collier is deemed unwise. He has certainly taken interest in rabbits. But although keeping them may perhaps be considered suspicious, it is hardly in itself of value. You have no other evidence against Collier?

[A]

I know we're clutching at straws, Mr. Wolf, but there is a leak and work is being nullified. Something must be done. Hence the governor's call for you.

[B]

Very well, sir. I shall attempt to be more than a man clutching at a straw. I should attempt Archie unpack We shall stay at Greendale, near Collier and his rabbits.

[A]

Mr. Wolf. Mr. Wolf. Oh, naturally. I know that shutting your eyes and pushing your lips in and out indicates you're thinking feverishly, but there's nothing for you to think about.

I accept your correction. What are you thinking about?

[B]

Hotel beds. They're notoriously flimsy.

[A]

Oh, you gave up on the case so soon?

[B]

Fiddlesticks. I already know exactly what role the rabbits play in our problem.

[A]

Therefore, we're going to drive out to Collier's farm. You are? While you test the hotel beds. Fine.

[B]

It will be necessary for you to spend the night at Collie's place. You will drive out there and pretend you've lost a cylinder or something.

[A]

Oh, a lost cylinder. Oh, fine.

[B]

Confound you, Archie. You can invent something plausible as a pretext. And if you are properly charming, Mr. Collier will, I hope, invite you to stay the night.

[A]

And during the night, I sleep happily, breathing the fresh country air.

[B]

Trust not.

[A]

Okay, Mr. Wolf, I accept the assignment. I will learn all I can from Mr. Collier's rabbits. Incidentally, remember the play Harvey?

[B]

I do.

[A]

Why, Harvey was an invisible rabbit, a figment of a man's imagination. I hope this rabbit venture is more tangible, Mr. Wolf.

[B]

It is, Mr. Goodwin. Will you desist in the.

[A]

Okay, okay. Oh, if anyone calls, just say I've gone out to Greendale to cross examine a rabbit.

[B]

Archie, I think you're going to be quite surprised.

[A]

Yes.

Running out of gas. And me such a big boy.

Hello. Hello. That tree a friend of yours?

[C]

The tree?

[A]

Yeah, the one you're clutching.

[C]

Oh, I. I was leaning against it.

[A]

It's an idea, but not a good one. Trees are notoriously skittish. The instant you really need one, they're out sowing wild oaks or something.

[C]

You sound as if you know a lot about trees.

[A]

Oh, I do. I was brought up in one. Look. Now, if you really have to lean, I can recognize.

[C]

No, thanks.

[A]

I tried. Nice moonlight we're having. My name is Goodwin and blondes call me Archie.

[C]

I'm not blonde.

[A]

Brunettes call me Archie, too.

[C]

And what do redheads call you?

[A]

We'll just skip that. Huh. And your name is?

[C]

Claire.

[A]

Claire. I approve.

Now, you may not believe this, but I have just run out of gas. You think I might wangle some up at your house?

[C]

My house? You mean Jimmy's house.

[A]

All right, I mean Jimmy's house.

[C]

Well, I. I don't know. He might have something.

[A]

Now, why don't we go up to the house and ask him?

[C]

Well, all right.

[A]

Jimmy who?

[C]

Collier.

[A]

Uh huh. I like to be formal when I'm borrowing gas. Would you mind waving your left hand in front of my nose?

[C]

Waving, Mike?

[A]

Yes, just try it. Don't worry, I won't bite it.

[C]

All right, I did.

[A]

And very gracefully, too. No ring in the third finger. You're not Mrs. Collier.

[C]

There isn't any Mrs. Collier.

[A]

Are you applying for the position, Mr. Goodwinite? Now remember what I confided in you about brunettes.

[C]

All right, Archie, you're a little rapid.

[A]

Maybe, but I always remember what old Dr. Titmouse said.

[C]

What did he say?

[A]

Gather your rosebuds while ye may. Old time is still a flying.

[C]

Robert Herrick wrote that.

[A]

He did? Dr. Tidmoss is a liar.

How much farther is this house?

[C]

Well, it's just beyond those trees. I.

[A]

What?

[C]

Oh, there was something, ran across the path. It brushed my legs, frightened me.

[A]

Must have been a rabbit.

[C]

I. I guess it was. I'm sorry. It was silly of me.

[A]

Oh, don't worry about it. Also, you will have noticed how much more satisfactory I am than a tree clutching at it. Moments of stress, I mean.

[C]

Archie.

[A]

Mm. But you better let go now and we'll get on to the house. See, I don't need a haircut and you're not the right type for Delilah anyway.

[C]

You mean something by that? Something nasty?

[A]

Well, that depends. What I meant is you've already signaled whoever you're supposed to signal. Nothing frightened you back there.

[C]

Why?

[A]

That scream had a lot of carrying power. Well, that's the house.

Looks peaceful enough. Archie, who were you supposed to warn if anyone came up the path to the house for?

[C]

No one. Something did frighten.

[A]

Honey, I've been lied to by experts and you're not one.

Oh. Think I ought to knock? No, we don't think I ought to knock.

Dark inside, except for a handful of moonlight filtering in through the windows.

Kind of early for Kylie to turn in, isn't it?

[C]

I wouldn't know.

[A]

Let's go find out. Now, relax, relax. Grandpa's making one of the chimes. Time is. Yeah, 10 o'.

[C]

Clock.

[A]

It's getting late. Come on.

This would be the living room, filled with early American furniture. The early Americans would be pleased. Nothing here. What's that door lead to?

[C]

I. I don't know.

[A]

Or won't tell.

Smaller room, darkest.

[B]

Come in.

Put the beer on it. Oh, you're not the bell boy.

[A]

I'm sorry. I should have remembered to bring some beer.

[B]

Indeed. And you are?

[A]

I'm a fellow guest at this hotel, Mr. Wolf. My name is Veek Veeck.

[B]

Ah, yes. A criminal of moderate intelligence and immoderate pretensions.

[A]

We won't quarrel, Mr. Wolf. I've something to offer you. You and your boy Goodwin didn't drive up to Greendale for the exercise?

[B]

I dislike. Exercise shortens life.

[A]

James Collier lives nearby. The Governor's Committee on crime is unhappy. There's been a leakage of information. It hasn't helped them in their work.

[B]

But it has helped you.

[A]

You wouldn't have left your house in New York on any ordinary job. A request from the Governor, however. Shall we stop fencing?

[B]

I don't have to fence with you.

[A]

The committee's work doesn't particularly bother me. I've already made my arrangements for retiring from active business, shall I say. However, I don't want you messing around in the meantime.

[B]

Indeed.

[A]

In your effort to discover how the committee's information leaked out, you might also discover a number of things about me that I prefer to remain undiscovered.

[B]

No one has employed me to do anything about you, sir.

[A]

Not directly, but indirectly you might have to. I want to insure myself against any such possibility. I want to make a deal with you. I'm ready to supply you with the name of the man responsible for the leak and papers proving his guilt. I have them here.

[B]

In return. For which you expect a quick conclusion.

[A]

To your activities and your return to New York, leaving my name out of your reports.

[B]

I'm neither a public official nor a philanthropist. I should do nothing about you unless it becomes necessary. You may remove your hand from your pocket. You wouldn't dare shoot me.

Now then, the name of the man.

[A]

James Collier.

[B]

Proof of his guilt.

[A]

These. A series of reports on the committee's meetings in Collier's handwriting. Thank you.

[B]

Good night, sir.

[A]

Good night.

And I hope for your sake that we do not meet again.

[B]

Archie, answer the. Oh, hello, Mr. Wolf. Yes, Archie.

[A]

I'm at the Collier place.

[B]

Since it takes only 10 minutes to get there, may I congratulate you on your speed?

[A]

I've been at the Collier place for nearly an hour.

[B]

Doing what?

[A]

Oh, meeting Claire, for one thing. Discussing rosebuds.

[B]

Your delay has been explained. Good night.

[A]

And for another, I was being around when someone got murdered.

[C]

Ah.

[B]

You laid hands on the murderer.

[A]

No. The room was dark. By the time I got Claire untangled from me and started looking for somebody with a gun, he'd left.

[B]

I see. And the dead man, of course, is James Collier?

[A]

No. Sorry.

[B]

Found it. It had to be. Who was he?

[A]

Total stranger. Ah, gee, I'm not being difficult. There Was no identification on him.

[B]

Strange. And description?

[A]

Early 30s, height maybe 5 10. Weight around 175 pounds. Blond hair, blue eyes, very natty dresser suit custom tailored with a built in shoulder holster. Don Juan shirts. Manicured but very dirty. Fingernails. Andy. Oh, company, please.

[B]

Mm. Very well. You tell them whatever you think proper. Without mentioning the governor's committee, of course. You then bid them farewell and come to the hotel.

[A]

Can't I say goodbye to Claire too?

[B]

You cannot confound your Archie. Do you think I want to wait up all night?

[A]

Police were not happy about letting me go, but I threatened to tell you on them, so they gave up.

[B]

You have told me the entire story of what occurred at the Collier farm, Archie.

[A]

Mm. All details, if you like. I wouldn't mind repeating the parts about Claire.

[B]

Phooey.

[A]

You may call it phooey. I call it love. By the way, did you know that it was Robert Herrick who wrote that? Okay, push your lips around, but you've missed something. I have? Mm. The burning question of the day. Night rather.

[B]

Which is?

[A]

Where is James Collier? Ah, stop vying. The cops want him on suspicion of murder. The way it shapes up, he shot our unknown pal and then headed for the nearest border.

[B]

Nonsense.

[A]

Mean he didn't shoot our unknown pal.

[B]

I mean, Collier's whereabouts are not a mystery.

[A]

You know where he is?

[B]

I know where he is.

[A]

I don't believe it. You couldn't know. You haven't been out of the hotel. You haven't had any cold.

[B]

Nah. Gee, I used my intelligence. If you had used yours instead of.

[A]

Opening the girl, I still wouldn't know where Collier is. Never mind. I'm impressed. What do I do now?

[B]

You get Mr. Wieck on the phone.

[A]

Huh?

[B]

He's staying here at the hotel.

[A]

Old home week.

[C]

Operator.

[A]

Mr. Veeck, please.

Hello? Hello, Mr. Veeck? Who is this? Mr. Wolf wants to speak with you. Just a second. Here you are, sir.

[B]

Thank you, Mr. V. Where were you at 10:00'? Clock?

[A]

Why? On my way to the hotel.

[B]

You checked in at 10:15, then came.

[A]

Directly to your room.

[B]

One other question. You have an employee, a man in his early 30s, blond haired, blue eyed and well dressed. Am I correct?

[A]

Yes, that is Marshall.

[B]

No, that was Marshall. Good night, sir.

[A]

Having done that, whatever it meant, we now go to sleep.

[B]

So, hey, we go to the Collier farm.

[A]

Okay, but why?

[B]

Because, Archie.

The time has come to cross examine the rabbits.

Confound you, Archie, you're not driving a truck. Be careful.

[A]

Truck drivers are careful also they are courteous.

[B]

Indeed.

[A]

Furthermore, they will always stop to help a motorist in time of trouble.

[B]

Archie, are you training to become a truck driver or have you fallen in love with a truck driver's daughter?

[A]

Her name is Susie. Her hair the color of wheat fields at high noon. Never mind turning purple. I'm about to change the subject. Boss, I have a theory. Stick to truck drivers as follows. Our boy Collier, who had been selling information to Veek, had a change of heart and decided to turn ethical. But Veek's man Marshall, at Veeck's orders, tried to apply pressure. So Collier shot him and headed for Canada.

And the girls room must have brightened my life. Oh, you mean about her playing sentry. Well, she's in ve's employ too. F don't like my theory.

[B]

It's charming. Merely happens to be wrong.

[A]

Merely happens to be. Why is it wrong?

[B]

Because, Archie, of a dead man's dirty fingernails. Marshall's fingernail.

[A]

Well, you made me bring you to the rabbit hutches. We have arrived. There are the rabbits. Go ahead, cross examine them.

[B]

Good. Many hutches. A large pen for the rabbits to run about in. Notice that they're old cowering at the far end of the pen. Ran as we entered.

[A]

That's because they don't like us maybe, huh?

[B]

One of them, however, seems to be friendly. The one up here and at the corner opposite us.

[A]

Oh, yeah, there is one here.

He's not friendly, Mr. Wolf.

[B]

Indeed.

[A]

He's dead. Somebody stole in his skull.

[B]

Interesting.

[A]

What's interesting about a dead rabbit?

[B]

He may be dead now, Archie, but he was friendly. Too friendly.

[A]

Claire, this is Mr. Wolf. Mr. Wolf, this is Claire. Claire, I'm Archie.

[B]

Ah, chair. Archie, a chair.

[A]

Try this one. Be gentle with it. If you break it, all the early Americans will hate you.

[B]

It'll serve.

[A]

Steady.

[C]

Well, now then, Mr. Wolf, I'm dreadfully tired. The police are idiots.

[B]

What, for example? Do they know that you opposed to this sentry outside this house in order to warn James Collier of any intrusion?

[C]

Well, they don't. I wasn't.

[B]

Do they know that James Collier and the dead man Marshall were quarreling?

[C]

No.

[B]

Do they know that James Collier had armed himself in preparation for this meeting with the gunman?

[C]

That isn't true, Archie.

[B]

It is true.

[C]

I don't have to say anything.

[B]

You've already said more than enough with your actions, my dear.

[C]

What do you mean?

[B]

According to Archie's report, and Archie is always meticulously accurate, when you and he opened the door of the room in which the murder took place, you screamed at the shots.

[C]

Well, of course, any girl would Scream with.

[B]

Then you clung to Archie with sufficient force and for sufficient length of time to prevent him from chasing the murderer.

[C]

Why I?

[B]

Because you had seen and recognized the murderer as the man you loved.

[C]

It was too dark to see anything.

[A]

True.

[B]

Therefore you didn't have to see the man you thought you already knew who the killer had to be.

[C]

That's a lie.

[B]

You're shielding James Collier, aren't you?

[C]

I'll never admit any of it. Never.

[B]

May not be necessary. Archie.

[A]

Yes, Mr. Wolf?

[B]

Get hold of that policeman outside. And remember what happened to one particular rabbit. Well, look around for freshly dug earth.

Midnight.

[C]

What? What are we waiting for?

[B]

A return.

[C]

Archie's.

[B]

No, it'll take him longer.

[C]

Then who's Mr.

[B]

Weeks? Of course. Complete with revolver. Come in, Mr. Veek.

[A]

It couldn't have been easier. No one outside, only the two of you here. I warned you, Wolf.

[B]

Fiddlesticks. You merely tried to use me as a prop for an alibi and a rationalization for a motive.

[C]

I don't understand.

[A]

Mr. Wolf does.

[B]

Indeed I do. Did you really think me fool enough to believe your proposal, Mr. Weak?

[A]

It was plausible.

[B]

It was nonsense. You pretended you were handing James Collier plus the proofs of his guilt over to me in an effort to keep yourself out of the picture. But your proposition was silly. No matter how much I might have wanted to help you, I would have been powerless once James Collier went before a jury. You are too intelligent not to know that.

[A]

That couldn't have given you enough to go on.

[B]

It didn't. You yourself gave me more.

[A]

I did?

[B]

When you came to my room, you told me you knew Mr. Goodwin and I had come to Greendale, checked in at the hotel.

[A]

I did.

[B]

However, when I phoned you later and asked for an account of your movements between 10 and 10:30, you replied that you had driven to the hotel, signed in and came directly to my room. Obviously you already knew of my presence in the hotel.

[A]

How? I.

[B]

Only one way you could have known. You had seen Archie at some time prior to the time you checked in at the hotel. And the only place where Archie was.

[C]

Was here at the farm?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Which told me Mr. Wieck had been here at the time of Marshall's death. What was Veeck doing here? Only one thing. Murder.

[C]

Then he killed the gunman.

[B]

No other possibility.

[C]

But Jimmy, I thought he did it.

[B]

James Cully couldn't have killed Marshall because at the time he was killed, James Collier was already dead.

[A]

Archie. What's this?

[B]

Let's play that gun first.

[A]

My arm. That's nice and cooperative. So.

He'Ll be quiet for a while. A cop is back in the rabbit pen, Mr. Wolf, guarding Collier's grave.

[C]

Grave, Archie?

[A]

Yeah. With James Collier in it.

[C]

Oh, poor Jimmy.

[A]

Veek knew the expose was coming. He had to shut Collier up. So he had his gunman Marshall kill Collier and bury him in the rabbit run back of the hutches. You spotted that boss because of a dead rabbit.

[B]

The others scurried away from the man who bore James Collier's body to that lonely spot. But one rabbit overcame his fear.

[A]

He was too friendly and got killed for it. There was that. And.

[B]

And the dirty fingernails of Marshall, the gunman who killed and buried James Collier. Your description indicated extreme neatness. The dirty fingernails were a wrong note.

[A]

Yeah, Indicated he'd been digging. So we know now, don't we? Vic killed his own trigger man to frame a dead man for it. Collier would be thought guilty. He'd be hunted among the living. And all the while.

I'm sorry, Claire.

[C]

It's all right, Archie. I didn't love Jimmy. That was all washed up. Mr. Wolf, I understand everything except why did Jimmy suddenly start staying at the farm with the rabbits?

[B]

He knew he'd be watched. He couldn't risk conveying his information by telephone or the mails. Nor could he be seen holding conversation with men who might be traced to Veeck. But who would suspect a truck driver delivering carrots for the rabbits as being the go between for Jimmy Collier and Veek?

[A]

Nero Wolf. Which is why I hope there's an adequate bed in this house for Mr. Wolf.

[C]

I'm sure I'll be able to find one.

[B]

Splendid. Archie. You will have the police removed, Mr. Wieck, and then. And then maybe Claire would like to.

[A]

Go gathering rosebuds, huh? By moonlight.

[C]

I would like to.

[B]

As you go up to bed now, I seen the moonlight more times than I care to remember. However, while you and Miss Claire stroll through the moonlight. Archie.

[A]

Yeah?

[B]

You might remember that rosebuds have thorns.

[A]

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 Martha Shaw, Hal Gerard, herb Butterfield, Howard McNear and Bill Johnstone. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the impolite corpse. Don Stanley speaking.

Free chimes mean good times on NBC. There's no cover charge at Duffy's Tavern. Just keep your dial on this NBC station this evening as Archie, the manager, played by Ed Gardner and his remarkable friends serve up another blue plate special of grilled English language, fresh laughs and whimsy. Alam Mode. Another Friday fun favorite is the delightful Life of Riley, starring William Bendix as the beleaguered Chester A. Riley. Now it's Sam Spade. Then the Magnificent Montague on NBC.