Pat Novak for Hire: John St. John 10/13/1946

Summary

Podcast Summary: Pat Novak for Hire – “John St. John” (10/13/1946)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Pat Novak for Hire: John St. John
Release Date: October 25, 2025
Original Air Date: October 13, 1946
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Overview

In this classic hard-boiled detective episode, “John St. John,” Pat Novak, a tough gumshoe on the San Francisco waterfront, finds himself drawn into a treacherous case involving a mysterious envelope, a murdered old man, a trail of corpses, and the elusive “John St. John.” The story spirals into a tale of double-crosses, secret organizations, and government secrets, dripping with noir dialogue and Novak's signature wit. This episode exemplifies the sharp banter and moody atmosphere of Golden Age radio detective dramas.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

Pat Novak’s Unlucky Night Begins (01:07–03:19)

• Setting the scene: Pat Novak describes life as a hired hand on San Francisco’s rough waterfront: “You don't get prizes for being subtle. If you want to make a living down here, you got to get your hand in the till any way you can.” (01:14–01:24)
• The inciting incident: Novak witnesses an old man get run down by a car. The dying man gives Novak $300 and a sealed envelope, instructing him to deliver it to “John St. John.” The only clue—the envelope bears a spliced cross mark.
  • Emil Schoenig (dying old man): “Please put your hand in here… Two envelopes… One is money for you… the other… give it to John St. John.” (02:33–03:05)

Seeking John St. John (03:19–06:54)

• No answers in the phone book: Novak can’t find John St. John and turns to his hard-drinking friend, Jocko Madigan, for help.
• Classic banter: Jocko’s comedic laments about Novak’s trouble-prone nature add levity:
  • Jocko: “You have no more self-control than a bucket of mercury dumped on a marble staircase.” (04:33)
• Splitting up: Jocko checks a license plate while Novak visits the address on the old man’s card.

Novak Meets a Femme Fatale (06:54–09:06)

• Encounter with Lee Norton: Novak is met by a tall, seductive blonde who claims not to know John St. John. The chemistry is instant and filled with quintessential 1940s flirt-hate dialogue:
  • Pat: “If they pick a Miss Blowtorch of 1946, she’ll be right up there in the running.” (06:40)
• It gets dangerous: Two toughs and Lee try to shake down Novak for the letter. He refuses and is knocked unconscious.

Waking Up to Trouble (10:44–15:22)

• Near death: Novak awakens in a gas-filled room, rescued by Jocko. Meanwhile, Lee Norton is found dead—throat cut.
• Inspector Hellman arrives: The antagonistic cop is convinced Novak is involved.
  • Hellman: “We get a call in the middle of the night, come up here and find you standing over a dead girl.” (14:22)
• Novak frames Jocko for the police: To buy some time, Novak lets Jocko get booked.

Chased by Shadows (15:22–19:56)

• Another “blonde” encounter: A second woman with similar features (implied to be Sidney Bronson) confronts Novak for the letter, but he withholds it.
  • Sidney Bronson: “I wouldn’t worry about that fellow Sidney Bronson. Because I’m Sidney Bronson. See you soon.” (18:50–18:56)
• Double-cross revealed: Novak discovers the letter is stolen.

The Case Tangles (19:31–21:27)

• Information from Hellman: The supposed killer of the girl is Walter Avery, though the timelines don't match and Avery is found dead at Seal Rocks with the envelope.
• The spliced cross appears again: Novak finds the same insignia on Avery’s belongings.

Climax at the Sanitarium (21:39–26:27)

• Tracking the conspiracy: Novak finds a card linking the case to Dr. Emil Schoenig, a psychiatrist at Bellcrest Sanitarium.

• Drugged and interrogated: Novak is subdued by a hypodermic and wakes up with Sidney Bronson and Schoenig.

• Truth emerges: Sidney and Emil argue and reveal their secret group—using “John St. John” as a code name for their espionage ring selling government secrets.

• Final gunplay: In a flurry of arguments and betrayals, Schoenig is poisoned and killed, along with Sidney, who confides the truth to Novak in her final moments.

  • Sidney: “I’ll tell you about John St. John… There was no such guy. It was the name of the group, those spliced crosses.” (25:52–25:58)
  • Novak’s closing thought: “Anybody with a name like John St. John would have killed his parents as soon as he got old enough to find out about it.” (27:23–27:28)

Resolution (28:58–29:24)

• Case wrap-up: The letter is recovered with dangerous government plans inside. Inspector Hellman asks Novak why he wasn’t killed earlier, and the episode closes on a standard noir reflection about the nature of murderers.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On waterfront life:
  Pat Novak (01:21): “It’s a happy life, if you don’t mind looking up at a headstone. Because sooner or later, you draw trouble a size too big.”

• Jocko’s critique:
  Jocko Madigan (04:33): “You have no more self-control than a bucket of mercury dumped in a marble staircase.”

• On doing favors:
  Pat Novak (05:40): “The old man gave me $300 to deliver a letter. I made him a promise.”

• Blonde banter:
  Pat Novak (06:40): “If they pick a Miss Blowtorch of 1946, she’ll be right up there in the running.” Lee Norton (07:00): “Won’t you come into my cobweb?” Pat Novak (07:04): “Sure. For a spider, you’re nice and chubby.”

• Noir wit:
  Novak (10:44): “I don’t know how long I was there, but it must have been a couple of hours. I rolled over once and tried to get up, but it was like trying to barbecue a cake of ice.”

• Classic accusation:
  Inspector Hellman (14:22): “We get a call in the middle of the night, come up here and find you standing over a dead girl.”

• The case unknots:
  Sidney Bronson (25:58): “It was the name of the group, those spliced crosses. You found out a little late, but it’s always that way.”

• The noir signoff:
  Pat Novak (29:03): “Either [a murderer] goes too far, or he doesn’t go far enough.”

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Key Timestamps

• [01:07] — Pat Novak describes life on the waterfront
• [02:22] — The old man’s dying request, mention of John St. John
• [04:07] — Jocko’s introduction and first comic put-downs
• [06:54] — Novak’s first encounter with Lee Norton, the femme fatale
• [10:44] — Novak wakes up after being knocked out and nearly gassed
• [12:54–15:22] — Scene with Inspector Hellman, Jocko gets booked
• [18:50] — Revelation that the mysterious woman is actually Sidney Bronson
• [20:42] — Discovery of Walter Avery’s corpse and the recurring spliced cross
• [22:45–26:27] — Climax at Bellcrest Sanitarium; Novak, Sidney, and Schoenig’s deadly confrontation
• [27:28] — Novak explains the “John St. John” mystery and wraps up the plot
• [28:58] — Final reflection and denouement

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Tone and Style

As always, the tone mixes gritty realism with cynical humor, loaded with witty one-liners, deadpan retorts, and a sense of weary fatalism from Pat Novak. The interplay between Novak, Jocko, and Hellman especially embodies the classic noir style.

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Summary

This episode is a textbook example of noir radio drama—dense with intrigue, double-crosses, and mysterious women, all orbiting the mythic “John St. John.” In the end, the name is a front for an underground organization trading in government secrets; everyone chasing the envelope is caught in a web of betrayal. Pat Novak’s crackling narration and acidic repartee drive a tightly plotted, satisfying mystery for fans of classic detective stories.

Transcript

[Announcer]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we.

[Pat Novak]

Bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank.

[Announcer]

You for [e-mail] Gallon Cabs present Pat Novak for hire.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Cinderella lost a shoe and so she got a mate. Modern Miss has learned from this in Gallon Camp.

[Announcer]

She'll raid four miles to a Gallon Camp. Yes, Gallon Camps, the family shoe stores with the yellow fronts. The largest shoe chain in the west with stores from Canada to Mexico to serve the West. Gal Len K A M P S Gallon Camps present Pat Novak for hire.

[Pat Novak]

Sure, I'm Pat Novak for hire. That's what the sign out in front of my office says. Pat Novak for hire. Down on the waterfront in San Francisco. You don't get prizes for being subtle. If you want to make a living down here, you got to get your hand in the till any way you can. You rob Peter to pay Paul and then you put it on the cuff. It's a happy life if you don't mind looking up at a headstone. Because sooner or later you draw trouble a size too big. I found that out Tuesday night. It was about 11 o' clock when I came out of the office and I started down the waterfront. It was raining and the street was as deserted as a warm bottle of beer. As I got near the corner, an old man stepped out of the darkness and started across the street. It was a short trip because a car started up down the street and the old man couldn't have made it with a pocket full of aces. Well, I started over to him. The car slowed down for a moment and then turned the corner and disappeared. As it passed under the street light, I caught a glimpse of the license plate in a dull, surprise way, the way you'd grab a feather out of an angel's wing. I bent over the old man and I rolled him on his back. Was breathing hard as I cushioned his head.

[Emil Schoenig]

Please help me. Can you please help me?

[Pat Novak]

Well, that's a big order, mister.

[Emil Schoenig]

I must talk to you.

[Pat Novak]

Well, if you got any good quotes, you better get them off your chest fast.

[Emil Schoenig]

My pocket. Inside my pocket. Please put your hand in here. Yeah, sure.

[Pat Novak]

Two envelopes. What about them?

[Emil Schoenig]

One is money for you. You have the other one so far. The other one. Please keep sealed and you will give it to John St. John.

[Pat Novak]

John St. John.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Yeah.

[Pat Novak]

Where does he live?

[Emil Schoenig]

We don't understand. It's not. I want to tell you, you don't understand.

[Pat Novak]

Well, he was right on that one. I didn't understand a thing except he slipped out of my arms and stopped paying taxes. I dragged him over to the side and I went through his stuff. Was nothing there. No identification, just a card with an address on the other side of town. I opened the envelope and 300 tumbled into my breast pocket. The other one was sealed. There was no name on it. But up in the corner there was some kind of marking. It looked like two crosses spliced together. Wasn't anything I could do for him except pray. And I owe some back dues. So I went over to my office and called police headquarters. I told him where the old man was and then I checked in the phone book. There was no John St. John listed. Well, so I looked up the only honest guy I know. An ex doctor and a boozer by the name of Jack o'. Madigan. A good guy with a him. A hangover is the price of being sober. I finally found him singing in a Mason street bar.

[Jocko]

Dinky Dinky Dobby?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Sure.

[Jocko]

Dinky Dinky day.

[Pat Novak]

Jocko, I want to talk to you.

[Jocko]

Ah, Patsy, just in time for the counterpoint. I'm singing a song. A little sentimental thing from my childhood.

[Pat Novak]

It'll keep. I got a problem, Jocko.

[Jocko]

You'll always have a problem, Patsy, because you can't keep out of trouble. You know that, don't you? You have no self control. All right, Jocko. You have no more self control than a bucket of mercury dumped in a marble staircase.

[Pat Novak]

All right, Jocko, Check bright talk. I just saw a guy get killed.

[Jocko]

You're like some violent disorder in nature. Some large but unprofitable storm. You keep whirling in circles, Patsy, and if you ever go more than 10ft in one direction it's because some woman is 9ft away. Then it begins all over again.

[Pat Novak]

Are you all through?

[Jocko]

Yes. Get to the point. That's another of your troubles. You never get to the point.

[Pat Novak]

Some old guy was killed down on the Embarcadero. He checked out 50ft away from me.

[Jocko]

Who killed him?

[Pat Novak]

I don't know.

[Jocko]

And why do you care? Professional jealousy.

[Pat Novak]

Some car came out of nowhere and clipped him.

[Jocko]

You sure it wasn't an accident?

[Pat Novak]

Yeah, just like the fall of France. Will you stop kneeling me? Jocko, I told you the guy got killed. He was murdered right in front of me. I gotta find a guy called John St. John.

[Jocko]

How St. John.

[Pat Novak]

John St. John. I don't feel like vaudeville and I. Jocko, the old man gave me $300 to deliver a letter. I made him a promise.

[Jocko]

Well, you can break It. Now, with only the slightest risk, I.

[Pat Novak]

Got the license number of the car. I want you to hop down and look it up. Then check at headquarters to see if the guy's got a record.

[Jocko]

I don't like policemen, they depress me.

[Pat Novak]

Check it. I gotta go out here to this address here? Uh huh. Well, what kind of neighborhood is it?

[Jocko]

Well, it's not exactly a neighborhood. It's more like an architectural afterthought. A lingering defense against the early California bay.

[Pat Novak]

All right, all right, no speeches. Just check on that license plate. Now, if I'm not at my place, try this address here.

[Jocko]

Yes, that's always very important. Interesting at this time of night. Goodbye lover.

[Pat Novak]

Jocko was right about the neighborhood when I left him. I doubled by my place and I left the envelope. I put it in another envelope and stashed it behind some books. Then I headed out to look up John St John. Must have been about midnight when I got there. And it was the kind of a neighborhood where a For Rent sign reads like a ransom note. I found the place though. It was an old rooming house, a third floor apartment. I knocked at the door and when she opened it I knew it was time to wire home for money. If they pick a Miss Blowtorch of 1946, she'll be right up there in the running. A tall blond blister with lots of Fahrenheit. She stood there leaning against the door, smiling and looking at you as if you had gold plated muscles. Gave you a weak feeling where your dinner ought to be. And her voice came right out of the oven.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Well, you're out kind of late.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah, I'm looking for a guy named John St. John.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Oh, won't you come into my cobweb?

[Pat Novak]

Sure. For a spider you're nice and chubby.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Well, a spider man. My name's Lee Norton. You want to write it down?

[Pat Novak]

I'm Pat Novak and I'm looking for a guy named John St. John.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

You seem to be running a temperature on the subject. I don't know a John St. John.

[Pat Novak]

Well, I found a dead man luggin around your address. Why?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I don't know. Perhaps he admired me from afar, like a sunset or something.

[Pat Novak]

No, he stopped admiring sunsets about 20 years ago.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I see. What are you, the avenging angel?

[Pat Novak]

He gave me a sealed envelope.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

And you were supposed to give it to a man named John St. John.

[Pat Novak]

That's right. He gave me 300 bucks to ease the pain.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Yeah, I figured that. You don't look like the charitable type.

[Pat Novak]

He Was a nice old guy. So I'm gonna find his boy.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Perhaps I could help you.

[Pat Novak]

You got a clear fast track. Let's see you go.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I told you, I don't know John St. John, but I'll do this much.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah, I know you're gonna be big hearted and offer to take that letter. Just in case you ever meet someone named John St. John. Did you pay the rent this month?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Keep the kettle on. I'll only be a moment.

[Emil Schoenig]

Lee, if we're early, just give us a magazine.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

No. Come on in. Well, just enough for bridge.

[Pat Novak]

You're right. You're only gone a moment. Who are your friends?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Don't suck.

[Pat Novak]

Did they lock the manhole before they left home?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

His name's Novak.

[Emil Schoenig]

Yeah, that's a pretty name. Don't rhyme with anything, but it's pretty, huh, Joe? Yeah, it's all right. Let's have the letter, Novak.

[Pat Novak]

You got hold of a bad rumor fella. The one I got's good.

[Emil Schoenig]

Let's have it.

[Pat Novak]

I don't want to strain your mind, junior, but try to understand. I don't have a letter.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Ask him again.

[Pat Novak]

Come on home, mister. You're not gonna get anything out of me except a small tip. Now, if you're a good boy, I'll give you a nickel for d. Your friend, too.

[Announcer]

All right, Joe. Hold him up.

[Emil Schoenig]

Yeah, just a minute.

[Pat Novak]

He's got a head of hair.

[Emil Schoenig]

Hold him up.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

All right. All right, Mike. That's enough. That's enough.

[Pat Novak]

All right, baby.

[Emil Schoenig]

Don't look so sorry you can't have everything.

[Announcer]

We'll be back to Pat Novak in just a moment. Have you ever worn uncomfortable shoes? Perhaps the size was wrong or the shoe was the wrong shape for your foot. But no matter why, there's nothing more uncomfortable than shoes that don't fit. The more you're on your feet, the more you know it. Gallen Camp specialize in properly fitting shoes for the whole family. Right from the toddler's first important step. And Gallen Camp's good shoes are built to give support to active feet. Listen to an authority on Shoes. He's Mr. John F. Stahl, 64 years young, a retired postman with a hobby. You guessed it, he likes to walk.

[Emil Schoenig]

He says, I've been on my feet most of my life since 1935, when I retired as a letter carrier. I walked 10,000 miles and just walked to San Francisco from Trinity Center, California. That was 410 miles. Walking is fun, but take it from me, you must have good shoes. That's why I stick To Gallon Camps. Gallon Camps are good shoes.

[Announcer]

And there you have it, from a man who knows. Gallon Camps are good shoes. That's why Gallon Camps are the West's favorite shoes. And Gallon Camp's tremendous value makes possible Gallon Camp's reasonable prices for style, for quality, for reasonable price, for good shoes for the entire family. Visit the stores with the yellow fronts. Mr. Stahl walked 410 miles to shop at Gallon Cabs. But there's a store in your neighborhood. And now back to Pat Novak for hire.

[Pat Novak]

You know, it's easy to sleep if you got the right friends. When those two ganops were through, I hit the floor and made Rip Van Winkle look like an insomnia victim. I didn't like the floor, but it was in better shape than my face. I don't know how long I was there, but it must have been a couple of hours. I rolled over once and tried to get up, but it was like trying to barbecue a cake of ice. There was a sick, sweet smell in the room. I tried to place it, but my nose was out on strike. So I went to sleep again. Next thing I know, it sounded like New Year's Eve.

[Jocko]

Here you go, Patsy. Up on the couch.

[Pat Novak]

What's the matter?

[Jocko]

Nothing. If you're a kitchen stove. The room is full of gas.

[Pat Novak]

Oh, some of my playmates, I guess.

[Jocko]

You weren't at the apartment, so I tried here.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah? What time is it?

[Jocko]

2 o'.

[Announcer]

Clock.

[Jocko]

Who got the quaint idea of the gas chamber?

[Pat Novak]

The girlfriend. It was love at first sight. Did she get the letter I left at home?

[Jocko]

Getting smart?

[Pat Novak]

Yeah. $300 worth. They lifted my dough.

[Jocko]

You couldn't use it where you were going. I checked on that hit and run cards listed under the name of Sidney Bronson.

[Pat Novak]

Has he got a record?

[Jocko]

No.

[Pat Novak]

Everybody's a begin. Well, let's go home.

[Jocko]

It'll be dull, but you'll get used to it. Wait until I wash my hands.

[Pat Novak]

Sure.

[Jocko]

Patsy?

[Pat Novak]

Yeah?

[Jocko]

What did your girlfriend look like? Was she the lively type?

[Pat Novak]

Yeah, why? What's the matter?

[Jocko]

Because she's not anymore.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah, those gunsels play rough.

[Jocko]

She's kind of pretty. What did she do, besides send out vibration?

[Pat Novak]

I don't know. But she knew all about John St. John. Yeah, she picked up a bait like a hungry bass. Also, look at that ring.

[Jocko]

How did you get around to that?

[Pat Novak]

The insignia on it. It's the same one that's on the envelope. Spliced crosses.

[Jocko]

Let's go home, Patsy. The police will be here.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah, even Hellman will know she's dead. Come on. We bet on your way out the door, Jocko. Try it sideways because I think it's blocked.

[Inspector Hellman]

Hello, Novak.

[Pat Novak]

You look pale. It's my color scheme. What do you care, Hellman? None.

[Commercial Voice]

From your fryer to the table. It's a quick trip for crispy fries. But how about a crosstown delivery, McCain? Sure. Crisp fries are designed to go from fryer to container to carrier to passenger seat. Across town during rush hour. Down a shortcut that wasn't all that short. To a doorstep before they hit the table. And that first bite. The crispiness speaks for itself to the last fight. McCain's sure crisp fries go the distance. See how far our fries can take your [e-mail] delivery she looks peaceful.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah. Be quiet or you'll wake her up. I'll tiptoe.

[Inspector Hellman]

She always cut her throat before she goes to sleep. Who is she, Novak?

[Pat Novak]

I don't know.

[Inspector Hellman]

It's awful cozy here for a bunch of perfect strangers.

[Pat Novak]

I don't know every dead girl in town, Hellman. You'll have to check.

[Inspector Hellman]

You can still write, can't you, Novak, huh? That's all you'll need down at headquarters. Come on.

[Pat Novak]

Get out of the haze, Hellman. You don't know who's dead yet, but you're gonna book somebody. Yeah.

[Inspector Hellman]

What are you doing up here, appraising the joint?

[Pat Novak]

I came up to find a guy named John St. John.

[Inspector Hellman]

She doesn't look like a guy named John St. John.

[Pat Novak]

She was my lead. I came up here to smell out a rat. She had a half nelson on me when two gunsels walked in.

[Jocko]

They came up to fix the gas meter, I think.

[Inspector Hellman]

You stay out of this.

[Jocko]

I'll make every effort.

[Pat Novak]

Now, if you're smart, you'll fingerprint this place. Hellman, those boys were cute. They've been in somebody's jail.

[Inspector Hellman]

I'll handle my job. You stick to murder, it'll go a.

[Pat Novak]

Long way to pin this on me, Hellman.

[Inspector Hellman]

I can go a long way, Novak.

[Pat Novak]

Not with what you got to drag.

[Inspector Hellman]

We get a call in the middle of the night, come up here and find you standing over a dead girl.

[Pat Novak]

That's right.

[Inspector Hellman]

And you want me to sprinkle powder all over? Back up and take a better look, Novak.

[Pat Novak]

The view's fine, Hellman. And if you'll take a good look, you'll know why. You haven't got anything to give the DA Except a slim lead and a fat hand. You're gonna need help.

[Inspector Hellman]

Not on this one.

[Pat Novak]

You need help to find the street. Come on back to center, Hellman. Even with both hands, you couldn't. Yeah, forget it.

[Inspector Hellman]

So take the medicine like a good boy. I'm not gonna walk out and let the two of you tour the town. I'm gonna book one or both of you on a murder charge.

[Pat Novak]

All right, Book Jocko here, then I.

[Jocko]

Love you in a generous mood.

[Pat Novak]

You got a string then, Hellman? Somebody's gotta find John St. John.

[Jocko]

Who's gonna find Jocko?

[Pat Novak]

Stop worrying. I'll bail you out.

[Inspector Hellman]

You haven't got the right size heart, Novak. You'll let him die on the vine.

[Jocko]

Helen, sometimes you're guilty of unexpected wisdom. I know it's reflex action, but it's consoling anyway.

[Inspector Hellman]

I want you, Novak. I want you bad. I'll take this guy as a down payment, but I'm gonna close out with you. Remember that.

[Pat Novak]

I will.

[Emil Schoenig]

All right.

[Inspector Hellman]

Come on, mister.

[Jocko]

Wait a minute, Patsy. You're not gonna let him lug me off like this.

[Pat Novak]

What else can I do? The guy likes you. Now, it was a bum curve to throw Jocko, but somebody had to dig us out of a hole. And Jocko wasn't the boy. You can't shovel dirt with a bar rag. I had no idea where to start. There were two murders, and they were both tied up with John St. John. He didn't look like a good guy to know. There was that insignia too. The one on the letter and the girl's ring. Oh, sure, it could be coincidence. But that's what they said about Bluebeard. The only thing I could do was open that letter. So I went back to the apartment. I didn't have to turn on the light. They were running in pairs tonight. She was sitting there on the couch, proud of a pair of long silk legs and smiling like a guy who knows he's got a million bucks in the bank. She was blonde, too. A little more lemon juice, maybe, but blonde. Anyway, she was nice and comfortable, and I got the idea she'd just signed a lease.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Good evening. How do you do?

[Pat Novak]

Not very well so far.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Sly remark, Mr. Novak.

[Pat Novak]

Now, I'm just bringing you up to date. Your girlfriend's dead.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Yes.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah. I just want to let you know the gas jets out in the kitchen.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Oh, don't shout. I'd like you better if you purr.

[Pat Novak]

I don't need your vote. Who's John St. John?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I don't know John St. John. Is he worth breaking your heart over?

[Pat Novak]

There's a good guy down on the clink sweating out a murder rep. For me. So I want John St John.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

We've got nice friends.

[Pat Novak]

Who's Sidney Bronson?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

How does that fit into the picture?

[Pat Novak]

This started with a waterfront corpse. The leftovers belong to an old guy that was hit by a car. The car's registered in the name of Sidney Bronson.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Mr. Novak, you seem so intense. It's a pity to waste it on random speculation.

[Pat Novak]

I told you I got a friend in the jug.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Loyalty's a nice trait. One of your nicest. Yeah, you're a pretty thing, Patsy.

[Pat Novak]

Well, don't get fooled by the rapper.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I'll take a chance.

[Pat Novak]

Anybody ever brief you on trouble?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

You're hard to see that far away. Come on over into focus, Patsy. Yeah, you're pretty, Patsy.

[Pat Novak]

You look like you want a bill of sale.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I'm the gentle kind, Novak. I'd just like to break your ribs.

[Pat Novak]

Go ahead. I can get a brace.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Come here, Mr. Novak. I'll bet you do a swell rumba.

[Emil Schoenig]

Yeah.

[Pat Novak]

What's on your mind?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

What you're gonna say when you find out about this gun, huh? That's right, sweetheart. My finger isn't hollow. Back up and take a look at the gun.

[Pat Novak]

Well, you got to that purse, huh?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

That's right.

[Pat Novak]

You've ruined my confidence.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Now, I'll give you a testimonial. In the meantime, I want the letter.

[Pat Novak]

You go after everything the same way.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I want the letter.

[Pat Novak]

It's in the desk. Come on. Right here in the top drawer.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Oh, let go. Stay away from me.

[Pat Novak]

I'm already here, lady. Come on. All right, drop the gun, sis.

[Jocko]

Drop it.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

You can let go of my arms now.

[Pat Novak]

Well, that's your version.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Let go of me. Let go of me. I. What was that for?

[Pat Novak]

A little something on the house and I'll beat it.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Well, you've ruined my confidence.

[Pat Novak]

You're lucky. Go on home.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

You won't change your mind about that letter?

[Pat Novak]

No.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Suit yourself. I'll be going. Oh, Patsy.

[Emil Schoenig]

Yeah?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I can't help you on John St. John. But I wouldn't worry about that fellow Sidney Bronson.

[Pat Novak]

Why?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Because I'm Sidney Bronson. See you soon.

[Pat Novak]

That began to look like a big, fat, well fed double cross. I had to find out what was in that letter, so I made tracks for the bookcase. All I could do was browse because the letter was gone. Well, things didn't look rosy for me or Jocko. I was about to buy a file and bake a cake when the phone rang.

[Inspector Hellman]

Hello, Novak.

[Pat Novak]

Oh, Hellman.

[Inspector Hellman]

The coroner got a report on that dead girl. She died at 12:30.

[Pat Novak]

Now that's pretty close. What's he gotta stop watching?

[Inspector Hellman]

15 minutes either way. Those fingerprints panned out, too. Yeah, a couple of LA strongarm men.

[Pat Novak]

Well, that's new for la. You got a call out.

[Inspector Hellman]

We already picked them up. Your favorite's name. Welcome Danglars.

[Pat Novak]

I could make a joke.

[Inspector Hellman]

I already got one. They're set up with a perfect alibi for 12:30.

[Pat Novak]

That means I killed a girl.

[Inspector Hellman]

Nobody's arguing. I got some more news.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah?

[Inspector Hellman]

I'm out at the Seal Rocks.

[Pat Novak]

You got the figure for it?

[Inspector Hellman]

We just found an envelope floating around the water. It's one of yours. You better come on out.

[Pat Novak]

You found an envelope? So what?

[Inspector Hellman]

So the envelope turns out to be in some guy's pocket. Come on out.

[Pat Novak]

Well, that only meant one thing. Whoever took the envelope out of my place got popular. It was getting late, so I grabbed a cab and rode out to the beach. When I got there, Hellman was standing down in the water. He had Jocko with him. The surf was rolling in and Jocko was much better.

[Jocko]

Hello, Percy.

[Pat Novak]

Hello, Jocko. How's jail?

[Jocko]

Dry.

[Inspector Hellman]

Thanks for coming, Novak.

[Pat Novak]

You're sweet. Where's the envelope?

[Emil Schoenig]

Here.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah, it's the same one that makes you look good. There was a letter in here. Did you take that With a guy's money?

[Inspector Hellman]

Hellman, you got all there is.

[Pat Novak]

This guy on the beach is the third one.

[Jocko]

It's my opinion the case will solve itself. We're running out of people.

[Pat Novak]

Who is the guy?

[Inspector Hellman]

His name's Walter Avery. Here's his stuff.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah, what's left. Well, the spliced cross really gets around. Keeps bobbing up. Here it is on this guy's fountain pen.

[Inspector Hellman]

I'm going to run this guy through the morgue. And then I'm going to look you up. Novak. Yeah, sure. We want you down with us.

[Jocko]

That's right. I'll introduce you to all the best people. Good night. Lover.

[Pat Novak]

Was close to five, so I tagged by my place for some sleep. I tossed around like a fish on the living room rug. Hellman called about nine to throw more dust in my eyes. He said one of the airlines had a passenger to Portland named Walter Avery. Just to make it tough. The Guy made the 12 o' clock plane and got off at Portland. I had left field all to myself. I got dressed. I looked up Sidney Bronson's number. There was no answer. So I went over. The place was locked. And I looked up the janitor. He wasn't going to let me in. But it turned out that his wife had a birthday coming up. And I found something in the apartment. It was a card. And it said Bellcrest Sanitarium. Down in the corner there was a guy's name. Dr. Emil Schoenig, psychiatrist, Vienna. Without the walls. The Bellcrest Sanitarium was down on the peninsula. So I borrowed a car and headed down that way. Everything was fine until I got in the front door. They didn't even let me, Reg. I woke up on a couch in Schoenig's office. It was dark outside and my left arm was throbbing like a love story in a woman's magazine. The radiator sitting beside me was.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Sydney, you're a deep sleeper.

[Pat Novak]

I think I got some help. What happened to my arm?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Hypodermic. You only need one arm.

[Pat Novak]

Anyway, in your case, I need a spare. Who did it?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Dr. Schoenig.

[Pat Novak]

He's a darling boy. Where is he?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Not on the phone. Trying to figure out what to do with you.

[Pat Novak]

What's that make me? A patient?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

That's one way of putting it. You made things easy. We were coming to you for the letter.

[Pat Novak]

You want to try that over again?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

We were on our way when you stumbled in.

[Pat Novak]

You're wrong, Sid. Somebody's given you a fast pitch. That letter was gone when you were up at my place.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I don't want a bum rib, Patsy. I want that letter.

[Pat Novak]

The trail in the field. Angel. I told you, the letter's gone. A guy by the name of Walter Avery took it out of my place.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Walter Avery?

[Pat Novak]

That's right. And somebody thanked him. They found him this morning making like a dead seal.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Walter Avery left for Portland last night.

[Pat Novak]

A plant. Sweetheart, you better read up on your friends.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Yeah. Thanks. Betsy.

[Emil Schoenig]

I told you to watch him.

[Announcer]

Sit.

[Emil Schoenig]

You had more shots.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

What's the difference on that?

[Inspector Hellman]

I suppose.

[Emil Schoenig]

Why don't you mix us a drink while I talk to Mr. Novak?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I'll be right with you.

[Emil Schoenig]

Well, Mr. Novak, you're one of my best patients.

[Pat Novak]

Well, that's because I like your needles. You better go easy on that drink. Yes.

[Emil Schoenig]

Why?

[Pat Novak]

Well, you'll get drunk and run somebody down the way you did that guy on the waterfront.

[Emil Schoenig]

Oh, a good guess.

[Pat Novak]

You should be proud.

[Emil Schoenig]

That's a good, sensible, final emotion.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Use your drink, Emmon.

[Emil Schoenig]

Thank you, my dear. As to you, Mr. Novak. Sorry there's no drink for you, Mr. Novak.

[Pat Novak]

He probably will be, huh? Forget it, Emil.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I talked to Mr. Novak before you came in. He thinks you're a heel.

[Emil Schoenig]

He does, and so do I. I can stand it.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

He told me about Walter Avery, I'm sorry about that. Walter got that letter. You killed him and took it. I was supposed to blunder around until you got rid of me. That's a bum choke.

[Emil Schoenig]

Emil, you're getting hysterical with laughter.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Emil, you put one of your boys on the plane. Only Novak aired the wash too fast.

[Emil Schoenig]

Suppose I did. Somebody ought to bring you up to date, Sydney. You've been hanging on too long. The free ride's over. I might as well tell you now.

[Jocko]

You're all through.

[Emil Schoenig]

I carried the whole bunch along.

[Announcer]

And I'm all through.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Steady ammo.

[Emil Schoenig]

What's the matter with me?

[Announcer]

What's the matter with me?

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Sid, give him a hand. Novak, you just had a bad drink.

[Pat Novak]

You wouldn't do that.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Sid. I'm full of surprises. You got a stomach full of poison. You got a stomach full of poison in 15 seconds. Emil, put down that gun.

[Jocko]

Emil, I want you too.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Sid, please. Emil, put down the gun.

[Announcer]

I'm a selfish fellow.

[Emil Schoenig]

This happens kind of fast for you, fellow.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Lots of noise, huh, Petsy?

[Pat Novak]

Yeah. I'll get you a pillow.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

I'd rather have your lap.

[Pat Novak]

You get mercy, not love. Maybe.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Thanks for small favors. How do I look?

[Pat Novak]

Not so good. That was the three and two pitch.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Yeah, I had it coming up. I'll tell you about John St. John.

[Pat Novak]

I know. There was no such guy.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

That's right.

[Pat Novak]

Was the name of the group, those spliced crosses.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Yes. You found out a little late, but it's always that way. That's the way I found out about you. Yeah, I had a funny little hunt about you and me. I found out a little late, but I know now, Patsy. Does that help?

[Pat Novak]

Well, John St. John was the name of an organization buying and selling government information. That old man tried to tell me, but he checked out too fast. I began to figure something like that. When those spliced crosses started showing up. Shoney killed the old man and Sydney's car. He couldn't stop because I was around. The two girls and Walter Avery were both in on the deal. Shoning knew who I was when he saw me go into my office. He trailed me to my place and left Avery there to look for the letter. He killed that girl up in the rooming house. And then he found out she didn't have the letter. When Avery showed up, he took it away from him. Threw him to the fish. He was trying to shake Sydney by sending her up to my place. After he had the letter, the scheme went haywire. When I showed up at the sanitarium. Just trying to work Himself out of that one when the payoff came. John St. John. Right from the start, Jocko said he was either dead or in the state pen. Because anybody with a name like John St. John would have killed his parents as soon as he got old enough to find out about it.

[Announcer]

We'll return in a moment to find out what bothered Inspector Hellman. But now it's Cinderella time.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Cinderella lost his shoe and so she got a maid the modern miss has learned from this in Gallon Camp she'll rate.

[Announcer]

A pretty face, a graceful figure, lovely shoes that's a combination that no man can resist. What a delightful feeling to know that from the top of your head to the tip of your toes, you are the picture of glamorous perfection. Here's what Marilyn Buford, Ms. America 1946, says.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Probably the most fun of being chosen Miss America is modeling the gorgeous clothes. What girl wouldn't be thrilled to select costume after costume from a collection of America's leading designers? And after seeing the importance they attach to the right shoes for every costume, I'm glad I learned about Gallencamps years ago.

[Announcer]

Yes, Marilyn. There's magic in a pair of shoes, as every woman knows. And having the right shoes is no longer a luxury thanks to Gallon Camps, the home of lovely shoes at reasonable prices. And that's why Miss America's favorite store is the favorite store of America's.

[Lee Norton / Sidney Bronson]

Mrs. Cinderella lost his shoe and so she got a mate the modern miss has learned from this in Gallon Camp she'll rate.

[Announcer]

And now back to Pat Novak.

[Pat Novak]

It worked out all right. They found the letter out at Shoney's place. And there were some plans for jet planes and a few other trifles. Hellman asked only one question. How come Shoning didn't kill me before I could talk to the girl? It's always that way with a guy who commits murder. Either he goes too far, he doesn't go far enough.

[Announcer]

Be sure to join us next Sunday evening. And every Sunday, same time, same station for radio's newest show, Pat Novak for hire. And don't forget, the store with the yellow front is the Gallon Camp shoe store. Gallon Camp shoes are good shoes. There's something about them you'll like. Franklin Evans speaking. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.