The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Insomnia Caper 10/24/1948

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Insomnia Caper

Episode Release Date: December 14, 2024
Original Air Date: October 24, 1948
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Description: Dive into the thrilling world of old-time radio's greatest detective, Sam Spade. In "The Insomnia Caper," Sam navigates a complex web of deceit, danger, and dark secrets in the heart of San Francisco.

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1. Introduction to Sam Spade's Night

The episode opens with Sam Spade grappling with insomnia, highlighting his vulnerability despite his tough demeanor.

• Sam Spade ([02:06] - [02:31]):
  "From Samuel Spade license number 127596 fatigue is accumulated Subject the Insomnia Caper Dear Dundee..."

Sam's attempt to rest is interrupted, setting the stage for the night's unfolding events.

2. The Mysterious Neighbor

Evie (later revealed as Doreen Dubar) approaches Sam with concerns about her boyfriend, Dan McCrae, a merchant seaman with a volatile temper.

• Evie ([01:13] - [01:28]):
  "Talked to Mabel on the phone... I'm deathly afraid of him. His name's Dan McCrae. He's a merchant seaman."

Her distressed state compels Sam to investigate, despite his initial reluctance.

3. Confrontation with Dan McCrae

Dan McCrae confronts Sam, leading to a tense altercation that exposes underlying tensions.

• Dan McCrae ([07:24] - [07:37]):
  "So you're the guy, huh? The old lady said you was good looking in a deep well."

• Sam Spade ([07:37] - [07:43]):
  "You stupid. Can't you read? The name's on the door, Spade. Here's my card."

Their encounter escalates, with Dan revealing partial memories of violent encounters and the mysterious Frank Shepherd.

4. Unraveling the Mystery of Frank Shepherd

Lieutenant Dundee contacts Sam to discuss the peculiar death of Frank Shepherd, a man linked to Dan McCrae.

• Lieutenant Dundee ([09:01] - [09:30]):
  "I found Shepard. Not much of a fighter... he's dead."

Sam's investigation leads him to examine Shepherd's body, uncovering crucial evidence.

• Sam Spade ([10:27] - [12:10]):
  "There was a tiny cut on his scalp... the prong of the silver buckle wasn't silver. It was tempered steel."

He discovers a unique belt buckle, hinting at a deeper conspiracy involving narcotics.

5. The Role of Ship Models and Hidden Clues

Ship models become a pivotal element in the investigation, symbolizing hidden activities and secrets.

• Sam Spade ([24:34] - [24:39]):
  "It fits in a little lock that releases the little mechanism that makes the false bottom fall out of a little boat."

Evie's (Doreen's) explanation reveals the involvement of narcotics, tying together the ship models and Shepherd's role as a federal narcotics agent.

6. The Climactic Revelation

In a dramatic confrontation, Sam faces Doreen Dubar, uncovering the truth behind Shepherd's death and Dan McCrae's motives.

• Evie ([25:05] - [25:25]):
  "And I had to let Dan think the worst because I was born to secrecy... I thought we were too sleepy to care."

• Sam Spade ([25:57] - [26:07]):
  "Sometimes I think you've been a detective secretary too long. Warps the outlook, Sam."

Sam deduces that Sven, the old carpenter, died of natural causes exacerbated by stress, dispelling initial suspicions of foul play.

7. Conclusion and Reflection

Sam Spade wraps up the case, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of real-life investigations compared to fictional detective stories.

• Sam Spade ([26:26] - [26:40]):
  "Sometimes the excitement of his criminal activities, fear of discovery... But it smells. Might have just been old age."

Sam's insights highlight the complexities and unexpected turns in detective work.

8. Key Themes and Insights

• The Duality of Appearances: Characters like Evie/Doreen and Dan McCrae showcase the thin line between facade and reality.
• The Role of Evidence: Sam emphasizes the importance of tangible evidence over hearsay, as seen with the unique belt buckle and ship models.
• Moral Ambiguities: The episode delves into the gray areas of morality, questioning motives and the true nature of justice.

9. Notable Quotes

• Sam Spade ([05:11] - [05:16]):
  "Please don't send me away. I'm deathly afraid of him."

• Evie ([24:20] - [24:22]):
  "He told you to play along with them?"

• Sam Spade ([26:19] - [26:22]):
  "See that's what I mean. You jumped to conclusions."

• Evie ([26:38] - [26:40]):
  "That'll never happen to you, Sam."

---

Final Thoughts:
"The Insomnia Caper" masterfully intertwines suspense, character development, and intricate plotting, staying true to the essence of classic detective narratives. Sam Spade's relentless pursuit of truth, coupled with the episode's rich dialogues and plot twists, offers listeners an engaging and immersive experience into the Golden Age of Radio detective stories.

Transcript

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[Sam Spade]

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 donating at choice classicradio.com the Adventures of Sam Spade Detective I just.

[Evie]

Talked to Mabel on the phone. She works in the sleep shop. You know, next to the Knobby Nest. Yeah, and she says they advise their nightmare customers to put a heating pad under the kidney and instead of milk toast, just a little beef broth and some water, wine and pine oil.

[Sam Spade]

In the wine?

[Evie]

No, in the broth. I mean the brass. Oh Sam, look at you. Black eyes and scratches. Your lips caught. You didn't go home at all. I did so when you promised me you were going straight home to that much needed rest. And all the time you knew you were going straight to some sorted barn get into a brawl. I even bought these things from the.

[Sam Spade]

Sleep shop next door to the knobby net 2. Detective Lieutenant Dundee, Homicide Details San Francisco.

[Evie]

Police Medical authorities agree that lost sleep can never be made up.

[Sam Spade]

From Samuel Spade license number 127596 fatigue is accumulated Subject the Insomnia Caper Dear Dundee, Honest Lieutenant, this is how I got into that mess last night. Honest. I've been feeling a little rocky for two or three days. There was nothing much wrong with me, but as my secretary, the ineffable Ms. Serene, said, Sam, what you need is.

[Doreen Dubar]

A good night, please.

[Sam Spade]

Which Lieutenant, is how I happened to be at home in bed at 10:30 in the PM wearing a sleep shade, earplugs and quiet pajamas. At 10:45 my right arm went to sleep. I turned over. That's when one of the earplugs fell out. I tore off the sleep shade, dug the plug out of my other ear, stuck my head under the pillow and was just beginning to drowse off. But I sat up and lit a cigarette. The city plunged again into the silences of the night. The fog was creeping in on little cats feet.

[Evie]

I'll put an end to your romance against Michael Paper and I'll take you.

[Sam Spade]

Then all was peace and quiet again in Post Street. Nothing but the sound of foghorns way out in the bay and the rhythmic throb of the cable car mechanism under the California straight incline. This time I almost made it. And then.

[Evie]

He gets shut. Now he will get shot. Get out of.

[Sam Spade]

I went over to the window and peered out. The room was on a level with mine in a building just across the alley. I had had occasion to scrutinize said room and its occupant on happier occasions. She was young, red haired and also had a nice profile which I had observed in silhouette against the window blind when she did her nightly setting up exercises. I now observed that she had a boyfriend and he seemed to be angry. Not wishing to pry into her affairs, I closed my window. Drew the blind, went back to bed. It was stuffy with the window down, but quieter. I actually fell asleep. I dreamed I was home in bed and somebody was knocking on my door. How true.

[Evie]

Please open the door. Let me in.

[Sam Spade]

Who is it? Evie?

[Evie]

Yes.

[Sam Spade]

Okay. Okay. Oh. What?

[Evie]

Please don't be angry. May I come in for a minute?

[Sam Spade]

You're in.

[Evie]

Oh, thank you. I know this seems peculiar. A perfect stranger saw you in the window.

[Sam Spade]

That makes us even.

[Evie]

I have department across the alley.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, I know.

[Evie]

And you saw him. You saw him striking?

[Sam Spade]

No.

[Evie]

You must have heard.

[Sam Spade]

I heard a lot of stuff breaking.

[Evie]

For my ship models. He threw them all over the room, broke them to bits. They weren't especially valuable and besides, they were presents from him.

[Sam Spade]

Now I get it now. You came here to tell me all about your collection of ship models. I think that that's real neighborly of you, Mr. Dubar.

[Evie]

Doreen Dubar.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah. Well, it was nice meeting you. Drop in again sometime and I'll show you my collection of crop flies.

[Evie]

Please don't send me away. I'm deathly afraid of him. His name's Dan McCrae. He's a merchant seaman. His boat just got in today.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, but why me?

[Evie]

Well, I've seen you in the window so many times, I somehow felt I knew you. I spoiled, I suppose. I don't even know your name.

[Sam Spade]

Look, sweetheart, if you think you're going to rope me in as a witness to that lover's quad.

[Evie]

Please, no, it's more than that, believe me. I can't tell you everything.

[Sam Spade]

But why tell me anything?

[Evie]

Okay, I'm sorry. Pardon me for living. I know it's wrong of me to want to stay Alive.

[Sam Spade]

I don't want to be hard hearted about it, but if you're really afraid of the guy, you ought to go to the cops.

[Evie]

You don't understand it. You in there?

[Sam Spade]

Dan Badger, no doubt from the game of the same.

[Dan McRae]

Open the door.

[Sam Spade]

Look, John, before you say anything, let me put you straight. You picked the wrong sucker.

[Dan McRae]

So you're the guy, huh? The old lady said you was good looking in a deep well. I think I'll fix that part of it right now.

[Sam Spade]

Hey, wait a minute.

[Dan McRae]

Oh, so you're going to make it easy for me?

[Sam Spade]

Hey. Okay.

[Evie]

What have you done to me?

[Sam Spade]

He'll be all right, Lo. I'll give you some water, all right? Is he coming around? Where'd she go? Hey. Hey, Dan, wake up. Come on, swallow it. What'd you hit me with?

[Dan McRae]

Where's Doreen?

[Sam Spade]

She dissolved. Come on, get up. Okay.

[Dan McRae]

Okay, shepherd, this is your round.

[Sam Spade]

Who? Not that it matters, Danny boy, but who?

[Dan McRae]

You're Frank Shepard, ain't you?

[Sam Spade]

You stupid. Can't you read? The name's on the door, Spade. Here's my card.

[Dan McRae]

Huh? A detective. What was she doing here?

[Sam Spade]

Her story was that she was running away from you. Now beat it, will you?

[Dan McRae]

Can't be too fast for me. I'm sorry, Spade. I've been at sea too long, I guess. The old lady over there told me Doreen was seeing the sky every night. Channel fever or something. I blew my cough.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, no, hard fever, Spade. Oh, forget it. But when you do catch up with that guy shepherd, watch your left. You telegraph it. Homicide. Shepherd's paw reach up to pick halls of. Oh, boy. Look at me. I'm do that, baby. What is right here, huh?

[Lieutenant Dundee]

Spade, this is Dan McRae.

[Sam Spade]

Who?

[Lieutenant Dundee]

The guy you. You beat up one.

[Sam Spade]

Look, look, I just got to sleep. Call back tomorrow. Better yet, don't call.

[Lieutenant Dundee]

Listen. You gotta listen to me. I found Shepard. Not much of a fighter. I mocked him up a little anyhow, just to scare him.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, I'm back to the bar. Have one for me?

[Lieutenant Dundee]

Listen, I'm okay now. I sobered up like a shot. I only came back here to phone.

[Sam Spade]

Makes sense. Will you?

[Lieutenant Dundee]

When I got back to the ship, he was there. In my cabin.

[Sam Spade]

What?

[Lieutenant Dundee]

He's dead.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, Shepherd.

[Lieutenant Dundee]

Yeah, he's dead.

[Sam Spade]

Hit him too hard?

[Lieutenant Dundee]

I don't think so. But I've got to know. You're a detective now. Look, I haven't got much money.

[Sam Spade]

Let's start earning some. This is going to cost you. Hello, Dan.

[Dan McRae]

Glad you got here quick.

[Sam Spade]

I'm a Real fast, sleepwalker.

[Dan McRae]

Yeah, yeah.

[Sam Spade]

Come on.

[Dan McRae]

I'll take your board.

[Sam Spade]

Give me the rundown. Shepherd took your girl while you were away at sea. You slapped her around a little broker toy boats and generally behaved like a bad boy. We'll skip that little exhibition match in my apartment. Then what?

[Dan McRae]

Come on up this ladder about those ship models. One was missing. She acted funny about it. And guess where it was. In Shepherd's hotel room. Yeah, the Boston Hotel up on Broadway. Crumb dump. I shook the address out of that old lady.

[Sam Spade]

Never mind that now. So you went there? Went up to his room, worked him over.

[Dan McRae]

But he was alive when I left there.

[Sam Spade]

That's clear.

[Dan McRae]

Then I had drinks in a lot of different places. I think I was in some other fights.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah? You look at.

[Dan McRae]

I don't know who with. Just faces.

[Sam Spade]

A lot of blurs.

[Dan McRae]

I don't even know where all I went. Then I don't remember anything till I'm in an all night beanery down here on the Embarcadero and a cab driver's holding me up on the stool, pouring coffee to me. Then I came aboard.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, Come on.

[Dan McRae]

Come on in my cabin.

[Sam Spade]

I'll show you. There were a few bruises and ring marks in the face, but they'd been cleaned up and smeared with methinks. I know you're not supposed to touch anything until homicide gets there, Lieutenant, but this one had obviously already been pampered with, so I didn't think you'd mind if I rolled him over just enough to peek at the back of his head. There was a tiny cut on his scalp near the base of the skull. Not more than a quarter of an inch long, but it hardly bled. I twist the pocket and his wallet. $38. Identification card. Frank R. Sheppard, Boston Hotel, San Francisco. And a snapshot of Doreen sailing a model Chinese junk in a pond someplace. In his cigar case, cigars around his middle. A tooled leather belt with hammered silver buckle. It was a popular type Hickok belt, but something about the buckle didn't quite figure. The prong of the silver buckle wasn't silver. It was tempered steel. And instead of being pointed, the end was flattened out and ground to a sharp cutting edge. There were two notches on either side of it that didn't look like they'd been put there for decoration. I took the belt off, rolled it up and put it in my coat pocket.

[Dan McRae]

Well, what do you make of it?

[Sam Spade]

You touch it? No. Why? The man falls forward, not back. The cops will say he was killed.

[Dan McRae]

Someplace else and brought here, then I'm in the clear.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah. Unless they form a theory that you brought the body down here to dispose of it.

[Dan McRae]

Then why didn't I?

[Sam Spade]

Maybe you lost your nerve. Maybe you sobered up. How?

[Dan McRae]

What killed him?

[Sam Spade]

I don't know. Maybe internal injuries. Maybe a head injury. Or both. From that beating you gave. Maybe just dropped dead. Heart attack? That's for the police medical examiner to find out.

[Dan McRae]

You mean you're going to call the police?

[Sam Spade]

I have to.

[Dan McRae]

But I called you to. I. I thought you could clear me before.

[Sam Spade]

Wait a minute. You told me yourself you drew a blank. You don't know where you were or what you were doing.

[Dan McRae]

What are you going to do?

[Sam Spade]

Call the police now?

[Dan McRae]

Wait.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, I suppose you have to. I do. You first. Yeah. I say you're taking it pretty well. I had a small dream. Abstractions, you know, cubes and circles. Nothing worth describing. But after I'd given homicide the rumble and crawled home to my own trundle, I did better. I dreamed I was Wild Bill Hickok, the belt tycoon. I was working on a promotion scheme for a new combination belt buckle, toothpick and murder weapon. Sam Spade, Sleepyhead. The United States Armed Forces Radio Service is presenting the weekly adventure of Dashiell Hammett's famous private detective, Sam Spade.

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[Sam Spade]

Use Podbean.

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[Sam Spade]

Nuts. Sam, you need Garage. Harry speaking.

[Lieutenant Dundee]

Yeah, this is Dundee. Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Okay, Lieutenant, you got me. What time is it?

[Lieutenant Dundee]

Wait a minute. Ten after three.

[Sam Spade]

Any sign of Dangerous Dan McRae? That rat. My clients.

[Lieutenant Dundee]

Another whip about that girl. Sam Dubar, Dorin El Balboa apartment, Sutter Street.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, give me that description again. Go over and take a look at it.

[Lieutenant Dundee]

I'm in her apartment now. She says she never heard of you and she doesn't know anybody named Dan McCray. And she says she only went out once tonight to a drugstore to get some batteries for her hearing aid and some elastic stocker.

[Sam Spade]

All right, Dundee, if you want to swallow a pack of lies. All right, check the drugstore.

[Lieutenant Dundee]

And she's wearing them now. Bring her over there, Sam. But she's a little feeble.

[Sam Spade]

Okay, Dundee, I'll be right over. Hello, Dundee. Come in, Sam. I want you to make sure. Sam, this is the apartment. Yeah, that's my window just opposite. You can see the bed that I just got out of to come over here in response to your untimely call. Will you come in here, Ms. Jubar?

[Doreen Dubar]

Certainly, Lieutenant. I'm very anxious to meet that man's acquaintance.

[Sam Spade]

He was about 65 years old with a pleasant, motherly face, gold rimmed bifocals, hearing aid and snow white hair. Over her shoulder, I could see into the kitchen. Sitting at a table facing away from me was an old man. In front of him on the bench were three ship models in various stages of disrepair. Broken masts, rudders, and with a mallet and a tiny chisel, he was shaping a piece of wood. I guessed that it was a broken st from one of the halls. Well, Sam still say this is the same apartment? Yeah, same apartment, different people.

[Doreen Dubar]

But you must be mistaken, young man. My brother and I have lived in this same apartment for nearly 20 years.

[Sam Spade]

She's lying, Dundee. Have you checked the janitor, the building manager, anybody? Janitor says she's been living here since he took the job in 41. We're trying to locate the building manager. Now, according to your story, Sam, the girl in McRae had a big row in here. Busted up a lot of furniture stuff. I don't see any sign of it. They could have cleaned it up. It doesn't make sense. Okay, I dreamed the whole thing with those ship models. I didn't dream them. McRae mentioned them. The girl mentioned them. Busted ship models. There they are on the table in the kitchen.

[Podbean Announcer]

My goodness. Seems to be the trouble Now, Dory, you cry. Is this young man so excited about my models?

[Doreen Dubar]

I declare, Finn, I can't make head or tail of it. Something about a girl with the same name as mine and a young man, I forget his name, who seems to have killed somebody named Shepherd.

[Dan McRae]

I believe it was your thought.

[Podbean Announcer]

Was it about the ship motto, young man? Dory, could it be the girl who brought these over to me to repair what was her name, it's just on.

[Doreen Dubar]

The tip of my tongue. Who did she say sent her friend. Wasn't that Shepard there?

[Lieutenant Dundee]

No, I.

[Sam Spade]

With all due respect, your age, nuts. I'm getting out of here, Tony, while I can still remember my own name. I gotta get some sleep. Hey, wake up. Oh. Oh, Sam, get out of my bed. I'm sorry.

[Dan McRae]

I was beat. I didn't know where else to go.

[Sam Spade]

You can go to jail. Their beds don't have inner springs, but it's a free fly.

[Dan McRae]

Listen, I had to make that break. It would have been a murder rap for sure.

[Sam Spade]

You mean your memory came back?

[Dan McRae]

I had a funny feeling I'd seen that guy shepherd somewhere before. And just before I slugged you, while we were standing there in the companion way, it came back to me. That guy Shepherd. He came aboard ship yesterday. When we docked, he flashed a badge on the gangway watch and asked to see the ship's carpenter.

[Sam Spade]

The one that made those ship models for you.

[Dan McRae]

Yeah, yeah, but don't you see? Manslaughter is one thing, cop killing is another.

[Sam Spade]

This ship's carbon. And what's he look like?

[Dan McRae]

Oh, thin, round, 65, lame, talks like a Swede.

[Lieutenant Dundee]

City morgue.

[Sam Spade]

Maxie. Sam Spade. That stiff Tag Shepherd.

[Lieutenant Dundee]

Shepherd. Yes, Sam. Just got him back. I think it's all there. Most autopsy boys careless.

[Sam Spade]

What killed them, Maxie?

[Lieutenant Dundee]

Puncture warned face of the spring. Go small, sharp instrument.

[Sam Spade]

Anything new on his id?

[Lieutenant Dundee]

Well, Shephard seems to be a phony handle, Sam, but it'll have to do till reveal comes along. Sergeant Pous let it drop that the boys at his hotel thought he was a detective. Funny thing about Sheppy boy, Sam. No belt, no suspenders, very loose trousers. How do you keep them up?

[Sam Spade]

By the time I got to him, it didn't matter.

[Lieutenant Dundee]

Hey, I figured he was wore a belt and somebody swiped it off.

[Sam Spade]

That's an interesting theory, Maxie. I'll see what I can do with it. I tucked Danny boy back into my bed, locked him in and gum shoot around the block of the Balboa apartment just to be mean. I woke up the janitor and checked the statement on the old couple in Doreen's apartment. He worked three buildings, was sure of the old woman that backed down a little on the man. Which is why I expected was sure of the floor but not of the apartment number. Didn't know any tenants by name. Which goes to show, Lieutenant, what police statements are sometimes worth. I thanked him, stole his pass key and went upstairs. I didn't expect to find Anybody home? In Doreen's apartment, I was half right. Sven, the old carpenter, was sitting in a chair staring straight ahead of me. He looked as though he were in a daze. I walked over to him. Even close up, he didn't look dead, but he was. Body still warm. No visible wounds, but he was wearing a tooled leather belt with a hammered silver buckle. The prong of the buckle was tempered steel and had the same peculiar shape as the one in my pocket. The one I had taken off a shepherd's body. The ship models were gone. What was left of them I found in the fireplace. And in the charred remnants of what had once been the hull of the toy Chinese junk, I found something that hadn't burned. It was a small metal cylinder with two pins projecting from it on either side. About the middle of it. It looked like a miniature lock mechanism, which it was exactly the key, you guessed it was the prong of that belt buckle. The cylinder was empty except for a few white grains that looked like sugar. I tasted them. It was not sugar, but in the dope traffic they sometimes call it that. About then I heard footsteps outside in the hall. I ducked into the closet, leaving the door cracked enough to see out.

[Doreen Dubar]

Stand over there, Doreen. Don't try anything. I won't shoot you unless I'm forced to.

[Evie]

No, you didn't shoot Fret Frank shepherd, did you?

[Doreen Dubar]

Don't ever mention that name again.

[Evie]

Well, Sven, don't just sit there staring.

[Doreen Dubar]

We've just time to catch the boat. Ben, Answer me.

[Evie]

I don't think he can answer you, Mrs. Brownridge.

[Doreen Dubar]

Oh, what are you talking about? Ben. Ben. He's dead.

[Evie]

I'm Careful. She's got a gun.

[Sam Spade]

Hand it over, grandma. You won't need it anymore.

[Evie]

You killed him.

[Sam Spade]

Yes. I'm a desperate character. Hand it over.

[Doreen Dubar]

Come and get it. It should be easy for you. Such a strong young man. And I'm such a weak old woman.

[Sam Spade]

Now look, you don't have your glasses on. And this.45 is too heavy for an elderly type criminal. Now sit down and keep quiet.

[Evie]

Sam. I thought you'd forgotten all about me.

[Sam Spade]

I've been trying to all night. Where were you?

[Evie]

They locked me in a closet in.

[Sam Spade]

Her apartment next door.

[Evie]

They were going to take me with them, get rid of me on the boat. After what they did to Frank, they had to get out fast.

[Sam Spade]

Shepard. Who was Sheppard anyway?

[Evie]

I can't tell you that.

[Sam Spade]

He was a federal narcotics agent, wasn't he?

[Evie]

How did you know?

[Sam Spade]

You just told me. Now tell me the rest of It?

[Evie]

Well, honest. Honestly, I didn't know anything about it till about a month ago. I was dusting the ship models and knocked one off the shelf. It broke and something spilled out of it. Mrs. Bronrig was here when it happened. She rushed for it and ran out of the room with it. She said she'd take it and get it repaired for me. And then this girlfriend of mine came by while I was sweeping the white powder up. She's a nurse. She tasted it, told me it was dope. Well, I didn't want to do anything until I talked to Danny, but she reported it. And that's when Frank Shepard came to see me. From the narcotics squad.

[Sam Spade]

He told you to play along with them?

[Evie]

Yes. They arrested the man Mrs. Brownrigg was telling it to. And Shepard told her he was taking the man's place so he could spy and get evidence. She believed him because of the belt.

[Sam Spade]

That's the belt?

[Evie]

Yes, that. That thing on the belt, it's really a little key that fits in a relief.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah. Yeah, it fits in a little lock that releases the little mechanism that makes the false bottom fall out of a little boat. Why don't you find out that Shepard was a narcotics agent?

[Doreen Dubar]

I didn't. I saw them together so much that I began to think they might double cross me. Then I thought about that sailor Dan, that roughnecked boyfriend of hers. So I went to Dan and told him I thought his girl had taken up with Shepard while he was away at seas.

[Evie]

And I had to let Dan think the worst because I was born to secrecy. But Dan, so violent and jealous, he said he'd kill Shepard. So I came to you. You were a witness that Dan hit me. And I thought we might have him arrested so nobody else would get hurt. But I guess you were too sleepy to care.

[Sam Spade]

What? Sorry. Sorry. I must have dropped off to sleep. Period. End of report.

[Evie]

But, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, angel?

[Evie]

Didn't you arrest that terrible old Mrs. Earwig?

[Sam Spade]

Brown wig, Effie, wasn't it?

[Evie]

Brown wig, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

One of her aliases, no doubt in reply to your previous question. Yes.

[Evie]

Who killed Mr. Shepherd, Sam? And how?

[Sam Spade]

Look, if you'll recall that Sven was shaping a piece of wood with a small chisel and a mallet. The fatal wound, you recall.

[Evie]

Oh, and who killed Sven?

[Sam Spade]

Sit down. I want to have a serious talk with you. Now, over here. Stop twisting your handkerchief, Effie. Sometimes I think you've been a detective secretary too long. Warps the outlook, Sam.

[Evie]

Are you trying to tell me that my services are no longer required?

[Sam Spade]

See that's what I mean. You jumped to conclusions. As in the instance of the death of Sven.

[Evie]

I only asked who killed him, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Exactly. Did it ever occur to you that some people, especially old feeble people just die quietly sitting in a chair sometimes. Sometimes in bed in their sleep?

[Evie]

That'll never happen to you, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Sick. But it did happen to Sven. Perhaps the excitement of his criminal activities fear of discovery, his impending flight were too much for his heart. On the other hand, it smells. Might have just been old age. Of course, the point is, Effie, it does happen. Never in detective stories. Only in real life. Well, I guess that's all. Good night, Sam.

[Evie]

You're not sleepy?

[Sam Spade]

Nevertheless, I'm going home to bed.

[Evie]

Oh. Well, good night, fan.

[Sam Spade]

Good night, sweetheart. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service the voice of information and education.