The Shadow: Circle of Death 11/28/1937

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives
Episode: The Shadow: Circle of Death (originally aired 11/28/1937)
Release Date: November 13, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode follows the mysterious vigilante, The Shadow (Lamont Cranston), as he intervenes when an innocent man, Paul Gordon, is framed for murder by a criminal gang. As Gordon faces imminent execution, The Shadow leverages his cunning, deductive powers, and ability to cloud men's minds to uncover the truth and deliver justice before it’s too late.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Shadow’s Methods and Philosophy

• Opening Monologue: The Shadow’s iconic line reminds listeners of his mythic presence:

  “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.” (00:59, Lamont Cranston)

• Cranston’s Dual Life: Margot Lane pleas for Cranston to abandon his dangerous vigilante identity and join the police, but he asserts the necessity of remaining outside the law to be most effective:

  “My entire usefulness to the organized forces of law and police lies in my remaining outside those forces...” (03:20, Lamont Cranston) “No one must ever know. No one but you…” (03:38, Lamont Cranston)

2. Paul Gordon’s Plight – Desperation and Setup

• Gordon’s Struggles: The episode sympathetically depicts Paul Gordon’s fall from grace—unemployment, family illness, and hopelessness:

  “Darling, if I could only get a job. I’ve got my health and I’ve got brains. But no one seems to want them.” (05:29, Paul Gordon)

• Framed by Criminals: Lured by Red and Lefty under false pretenses, Gordon becomes the getaway driver in a bank robbery, setting up his wrongful conviction (06:21–09:12).
• Memorable Moment: The frame job is chilling as Gordon is left behind by the real criminals with the evidence planted on him.

3. Margot Lane’s Fears and Loyalty

• Margot voices the emotional toll and fear for Lamont’s safety, further humanizing the central cast:

  “It’s hard to tell whether I really know the man or only his shadow.” (12:09, Margot Lane)

4. The Shadow's Investigation and Unique Abilities

• Mentalism and Deduction: The Shadow uses his suggestive and psychic skills to extract crucial details from Gordon’s memories:

  “I see in my mind the pictures you create in yours. Like television... Or like mental telepathy or mind reading, hypnotism, whatever you choose.” (17:16, Lamont Cranston)

• Breakthrough: Through Gordon's recollections, The Shadow deduces a crucial mistake left by the real criminals—Lefty’s ungloved thumbprint on the rearview mirror (18:54–19:10, 21:54–22:21).

5. The Shadow’s Psychological Tactics

• Intimidating the Criminals: The Shadow’s unseen presence terrifies Lefty and Red, sowing paranoia about their “perfect crime”:

  “You have pinned your crime on an innocent man. He shall not suffer. But you will.” (12:49, Lamont Cranston) “Are you sure you didn’t reach up with your bare right hand and turn that rear view mirror?... If the police find that fingerprint, you’ll burn, Lefty.” (22:13–22:38, Lamont Cranston)

6. Race Against Time – The Last-Minute Rescue

• Tension Near the Chair: The episode builds suspense with Gordon minutes from execution; Margot and The Shadow rush to have the real evidence discovered (24:03–25:17).
• Dramatic Stay of Execution:

  “Warden, he says don’t electrocute this man. They’ve got the other two guys in Gordon’s garage trying to rub out some fingerprints... This fellow didn’t do it. It was a frame up.” (25:17, Prison Official relaying governor’s message)

7. The Shadow’s Parting Moral

• Classic Closing: The Shadow reminds listeners of the consequences of evil:

  “The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.” (28:13, Lamont Cranston)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• Lamont Cranston:

  “Perhaps. But until they do…Ah, darling, stop frowning.” (03:06)
  “No one must ever know. No one but you…” (03:38)
  “No crime is perfect. There's always somewhere, a loose end.” (16:36)

• Margot Lane:

  “It’s hard to tell whether I really know the man or only his shadow.” (12:09)
  “They can’t send an innocent man to the chair. They can’t do it.” (23:32)

• Dramatic Rescue:

  “Wait a minute, men…Warden, wait. The governor’s on the phone. He says stop, hold up everything.” (24:55–25:17)

• Final Moral:

  “The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.” (28:13)

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Important Segments (Timestamps)

• Opening/The Shadow’s Introduction: (00:59–01:13)
• Paul & Margot – The Philosophy of the Shadow: (02:38–04:28)
• Gordon’s Downfall: (05:06–09:15)
• Courtroom & Conviction: (09:12–10:35)
• Margot Helps Mrs. Gordon: (11:06–12:20)
• Criminals’ Confession & Paranoia: (12:20–13:08, 20:29–22:38)
• The Shadow’s Telepathic Investigation: (16:36–18:53)
• Rush to Save Gordon: (24:03–25:33)
• The Shadow’s Closing Moral: (28:13)

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode maintains a suspenseful, melodramatic tone with fast-paced exchanges, trademark radio-era music stingers, and The Shadow’s unique combination of gravitas, theatrical narration, and philosophical musings on justice and anonymity.

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Summary in Context

For listeners new to The Shadow, this episode is a classic example of pulp-era radio detective stories: a wrongly accused protagonist, a devious criminal plot, last-minute justice, and a morally unyielding, supernatural detective working from the shadows to defend the innocent. It encapsulates the show’s enduring appeal: the thrill of hidden knowledge, the fear of evil lurking within society, and the hope that unseen justice will prevail.

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Transcript

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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].

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Blue Co presents the Shadow, A man of mystery who strikes terror in the very souls of sharpsters, lawbreakers and criminals. All signs point to a severe winter. Be prepared. If you want to be sure of even dependable, healthful heat in any kind of weather. Insist on Blue Coal. America's finest anthracite. Mined from the fields of northern Pennsylvania. The coal that has colored a harmless flow at the mine. For your protection. You can't take me to the gang. You can't do it. Let me out of here. Let me.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Paul. Gordon, listen. I can't see anybody.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who's that?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I am the Shadow.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Stop.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

We haven't much time. We must hurry. Gordon, you're in the death house. Charged with murder.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, I'm innocent. I'm innocent, but nobody knows it.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Take courage, Gordon. The Shadow. Nose. All right, Margot. Won't you sit down? I told Adbal to serve our coffee here in the library. That she'd rather go on the terrace.

[Margot Lane]

No, I prefer it here.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Then I see you smile. That frown is most unbecoming, Lamont.

[Margot Lane]

Give it up.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Give what up, my dear? Drinking coffee?

[Margot Lane]

I'm serious, Lamont Cranston, when I foolishly let you know that, do you remember what you said? It will be exactly five years next week.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

But there's still so much to do, Margot.

[Margot Lane]

Well, then let somebody else do it. Don't you realize that you can't keep on like this forever? Someone's certain to identify you. And when that someone does, someone else is certain to kill you.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Perhaps. But until they do. Ah, darling, stop frowning.

[Margot Lane]

I don't mean necessarily to give up your work, Lamont, but this other. Let the Shadow just disappear and come out openly join the organized forces of law and police.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Won't you realize, Margot, that my entire usefulness to the organized forces of law and police lies in my remaining outside those forces? In remaining always, the Shadow would They approve my methods. Would they believe in my science?

[Margot Lane]

You would make them believe? You could make them approve and in.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Doing so, reveal my secrets, my knowledge? Reveal them and eventually let them fall into the hands of organized crime. No, Margot. No one must ever know. No one but you. Why do you think I've devoted countless hours to investigating electrical and chemical phenomena? Why do you think I went to India, to Egypt, to China? What do you think I studied in London, Paris and Vienna? Except to learn the old mysteries that modern science has not yet rediscovered? The natural magic modern psychology is beginning to understand. And, well, magic. That wouldn't seem so natural. I studied and learned for a purpose, my dear.

[Margot Lane]

All right, Lamont. I realize all that. But now. Now the entire underworld has but one objective. To erase the shadow.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

And to me, that means until they know what the Shadow is and who he is, what can they do? Stop and think how many criminals are either dead or in prison because of our activities? Why, even now, tonight, as we sit quietly here. Somewhere, an innocent human being may be in desperate trouble. Somewhere, perhaps, there is a problem that can never be solved except by the Shadow. What did the doctor say, Grace?

[Margot Lane]

It was good news. And bad too, I'm afraid, dear.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Well, whatever it was, dear, tell me.

[Margot Lane]

Well, he said the baby could be perfectly well again within a year.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Oh, thank God for that. Poor kid. She's had a tough time. Well, what else?

[Margot Lane]

This part isn't so good, Paul. She'll need treatments during all that time. Paul, Treatments cost money.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I know. Well, we'll have to manage somehow. You didn't do a very good job marrying me, dear. Darling, if I could only get a job. I've got my health and I've got brains. But no one seems to want them.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, they will, dear. They've got to.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

You're right about that. We're just about down to rock bottom. I raised every cent I can on the house and car. There isn't anything left.

[Margot Lane]

You and I are still left, Paul. And we've got to take care of Sally. She's our daughter, Paul, and she's got to have her chance.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

She's going to have it somehow. Tomorrow I'll start out and take anything I can get.

[Margot Lane]

Darling, perhaps tomorrow things will break for us.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Yes, if only they don't break the wrong way.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come on. Bed. Okay. Over here. I'll let them see. Excuse me, but are you the boss here? That's right. I'm looking for a job. Nothing doing, buddy.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I'll do anything.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Wait on table, wash dishes, anything at all. I Don't need any more help.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Well, how about delivering things?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I've got a card. Nope. I don't deliver nothing, miss. I don't need you.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I see.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, thanks. Hey. Hey, you, bud. You calling for me? Yeah, Shadan.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Have a beer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, thanks, I. I don't drink anyhow.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Sit down.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Meet a friend of mine named Lefty.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

My name's Red.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look at my hair and you'll know why.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Well, I'm glad to meet you both. Gordon's my name. Paul Gordon. Well, did you want to talk to me about something? We might. Might be able to help you out.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sounds like you're looking for a job. You bet I am. I need one. You know anybody that could use me?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Maybe. We don't know you yet. So far as that goes, I don't know you either. See, Red, the guy's smart. Yeah, maybe too smart. Now look here, Mr. Gordon.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We need a car and we need somebody to drive it for us.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

You understand? Well, I've got a car and I can drive.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Is it a good car?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Has it got speed?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll guarantee you up to 80.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

It's not bad. It's not bad. Now listen, kid.

[Narrator/Announcer]

How about meeting us Tomorrow morning at 9 o'?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Clock? All right. Where? Well, let's see. We're going to.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I got it right in front of the uptown bank. We gotta go there first to cash a check.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Well, how about $5 a day?

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's so. But you remember, be there at 9 o' clock or you don't get no job. Don't worry, I'll be there. I'll be there at 8 o'.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Clock.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, buddy, you can't keep this car in front of the bank all day. Can't you see that sign? No parking? I'm not parking, officer.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I'm waiting for a couple of men.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm working. Hey, what's that? Sounds like shots in the bank. Hey there. You got him, Lefty. Here he is with the car. Come on, you start that bus for him. Step on and fella. Hey, but you can't do yet.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Go.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I will choke. Let him have it, Red. Hold him off. I'll hold him. We should never have shot the cop. Can't you get no more speed out of this car, fella? She's doing all she can. Shoot at that tire. I missed him flying a windshield. Hey, let me out of this. Take the car. Don't think I'm in with you. That's just what we're figuring on now. Here comes the curve. After you make that stop get ready, Red. I'm ready. I'm just leaving the evidence. Put it under the seat cushion. Okay. Goodbye, Gordon. Thanks for the. Hey, hey, wait, you guys. Don't leave me like this. They'll think I did it. Hey, come on back, will ya?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Come back.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Up in a hand. Come on, get him up. All right, officer. I haven't got a gun. I wasn't in this. They made me drive the car. Yeah, keep your hands up just the same. Go through the car, Charlie. Okay, sarge. Now, fella, you might as well come clean on this. I haven't done anything. I tell you, I'm innocent. Hey, sarge, I got it under the rear seat cushion. A bag full of bills and a gun. That's the gun that bumped off my buddy Louie. And you say you're innocent? Yes, I am. Well, it'll take more than saying so to keep you out of the electric. Order in the court. Order in the car. Paul Gordon, the jury have found you guilty of robbery under arms and statutory murder. You have been shown to have had both motive and opportunity. The prosecution has piled up a mass of incontrovertible evidence, and I myself have no doubt of your gift. Therefore, in accordance with the law, I direct that you be taken from here to the place from whence you came, and that there you be put to death in the manner stated by the law. And may God have mercy on your soul. Hey, who's that?

[Margot Lane]

Where's that last one?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Bring that person before the corpse. Well, I. I don't know where he is, your honor. The last came from over there. In that corner. Yes. Yes, your honor, but there's no one in that corner. Only a shadow.

[Margot Lane]

Go to sleep, dear. Mother will be right here in the next room. Oh, God, please help me. Help me. I don't know what to do. Yes? Who is it? My name is Margot Lane. I have a message for you, Mrs. Gordon. You're not a reporter, are you? No, I'm a friend. I've come to help. Oh, then please come in. What is it you want, Ms. Lane? Mrs. Gordon, your husband has a friend who's going to help him. Here's a thousand dollars in cash. That's for you and Sally. A thousand? Who was it sent this to me for? That I can't tell you. But the message with it is not to lose hope. Well, then there is hope for Paul, then. The man who sent this to you never fails. Who is he? Well, that I can't tell you. But, Ms. Lane, you know him. Sometimes I wonder whether I do. I Love him. But I wonder whether I know him. What do you mean? It's hard to tell whether I really know the man or only his shadow.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, Lefty, tonight the fall guy goes to the chair. That's what he gets for being a sucker.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Yeah. There's not a clue that even points our way.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Not even a print. We had gloves on all the time. You had yours up for a minute.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

When you were sitting next to him. Yeah, but I didn't touch the wheel. Then we ain't left a clue. You think so? Who said that?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You, Lefty?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

No, I thought it was you. It was I. You cannot see me. Who are you? And where are you? I am here. In the room, in the shadow. You have pinned your crime on an innocent man. He shall not suffer. But you will.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't know who you are, where you are, but you're bluffing anyway. You got no evidence. We didn't leave a clue.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

You did leave a clue. A clue that will send you to the chair. Where was it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're lying.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Wouldn't you like to believe that? Keep thinking about it. Keep thinking about the clue that you forgot. Margo Lane. Paul Gordon is in the death house and is to die in the chair tonight. I am going to him now. We can still save him. Stand by for orders.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In a few moments, we will return to the shadows. But before we do, let me stress this one fact for home heating. Anthracite is best and America's finest anthracite is blue coal. Anthracite is a healthful fuel. It gives steady, uniform heat that helps prevent colds and cuts down doctor's bills. For with anthracite there is no quick chilling of the house such as you get with fuels of the on and off type or with quick burning fuels that flare up and burn out. Bear in mind that heating plants in this part of the country were especially designed to burn anthracite. So before that cold snap catches you unaware, call your local blue coal dealer. You'll find his name listed in the where to buy it section of your classified directory under the words Blue Coal. Call him tomorrow and order a supply of America's finest anthracite.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Gordon, have you got any word from the governor? I'm sorry, Gordon. The governor refuses to take any action. Then I've got to go. Tonight at 11 o'. Clock. But what time is it now? Almost 10. Is there anything I can do for you? No, thank you. Very well. These guards will move you to another cell. I'll be back in a little while. Ready, Gordon? Yes, Scott. I'm just gonna move you to another cell. What does it matter? The one you're going to is nearer. Nearer to the chair. Is that it? All right, let's go. All right, Gordon, walk the left. We'll be right here. Behind you. Unlock the door into this preparation chamber, Pete. Okay. Just a second. All right. Gone through, Gordon. Watch him, Pete. I'll shut the door. What's the use of all this trouble? What chance have I got now? I'm afraid you haven't got much, fellow. I wouldn't say that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What do you mean?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Holy smokes. Look behind you. Where? There. Too bad. I hated to do that, but there wasn't any other way. And he'll only be out for a while. Now, Gordon, listen to me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where are you?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I can't see you anymore. Where have you gone? Back into the shadow. Now, Gordon, we haven't much time. Listen to me. No crime is perfect. There's always somewhere, a loose end. The only reason that all crimes aren't solved is because there's some one fact that someone knows and doesn't tell. And sometimes they don't tell because they don't know that they know. I told everything I know in court. They wouldn't believe me then because you couldn't prove what you said. We are going after the proof now, you and I. How? I'm going to think with your mind. I don't know what you mean. Don't try to understand. Just do as I tell you. I want you to concentrate, Gordon. Fix your mind on everything that happened that day. Make mental pictures. I'll see what you see. I'll try now. No, no, Gordon. Stop thinking about your wife and baby. How did you know I was thinking about. I saw it in your mind. I see in my mind the pictures you create in yours. Like television. Yes. Or like mental telepathy or mind reading, hypnotism, whatever you choose. There's no time to talk. Stop talking. Think. I will. I will. I'm thinking now. The picture is getting clearer. That's better. Go on. The restaurant, the bar. Gordon, stop thinking about the electric chair. It blurs the picture. I'll try. I'll try. That's better. The car in front of the bank. Yes, I see it. The policeman. The crowd.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Wait a minute. The small man with red hair. He was the one you called Red. Yes. Yes, I see him. Crooked nose, short glasses. I know that man. He's Red Sloan. It's hard to see. I know. Think for your life. Try hard. Yes. You started the car. The other lefty Was in front with you, Lefty. Lefty. See him for me, Gordon? Ah, yes, a scar on his left cheek. Quite in tumor. Mention that in court? I forgot. Never mind, concentrate. Yes, yes, Lefty. Couldn't keep you covered with a gun and look back at the same time. What did he do? He reached up and twisted the rear view mirror. Now we've got it. That's the loose end. That's where his thumbprint will be. Gordon, now I can save you. You've told the truth. You didn't know. You knew, right?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're a poo for. Come in here again.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

This is the fight.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We picked up that kid that's burning tonight. What you want to come in here for? This is as good a place as any, ain't it? Hey, telephone for you, Lefty. Telephone? Yeah. Maybe you never heard of it, but it's a great invention. But nobody knows I'm here. Well, somebody knows because they're waiting on the phone for you. It's over there on the wall. Okay, don't be too long.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Let. Hello?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, what are you laughing at?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Who is this? Lefty, did you ever hear of the Shadow? Yeah. Say, what is this? Too bad about young Gordon, isn't it? Lefty?

[Narrator/Announcer]

What do you know about that?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

The Shadow knows.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who are you? What do you want?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

I want justice. Justice for Paul Gordon, Lefty. And I'm going to get it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But you ain't got no evidence.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

No. Perhaps there are some fingerprints, Lefty.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I know we had gloves on. There couldn't be no fingerprints.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Did you have gloves on all the time? Yeah, sure I did. You're left handed. Now listen carefully, Lefty. When you were sitting in the front seat of Gordon's car, your gun was in your left hand, remember?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, you ain't nobody, are you?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

It's just.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, how do you know?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

What did you do with your right hand?

[Narrator/Announcer]

My right hand?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

You took off your right glove, didn't you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, I didn't. I didn't.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Oh gosh, I'm going nuts. And you couldn't see the car that was chasing you because the angle of the rear view mirror was adjusted for the driver and you weren't driving. So do you remember what you did?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, no, I didn't. I didn't take it off.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Are you sure you didn't reach up with your bare right hand and turn that rear view mirror? Are you sure, Lefty?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, no, I didn, I didn't.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Maybe I did that. If the police find that fingerprint, you'll burn, Lefty. Just the way young Gordon's going to burn tonight. Goodbye, Lefty.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

He hung up. No, no, I won't burn.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I read. Read jab long enough. Say, who was the guy? Never mind that. Where's that car of Gordon's now? In his garage, I guess. I heard his wife.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Listen.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What? I got a hunch there's some fingerprints of mine on that car. Red, we got a white morpher there. Or maybe we'll burn in that chair too. Come on, let's go.

[Margot Lane]

But, Commissioner.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm sorry, Ms. Lane, but I don't see what we can do.

[Margot Lane]

But I tell you, Paul Gordon is innocent. The men who committed the crime are free.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where did you get this information? That I can't tell you, Ms. Lane. Paul Gordon was convicted of murder by due processes of law. Tonight he pays for his crime in the electric chair. If the police listened to every crank who came in here claiming new evidence.

[Margot Lane]

They can't send an innocent man to the chair. They can't do it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, but they can send a guilty man. And according to the evidence, Paul Gordon is guilty.

[Margot Lane]

Commissioner, suppose that afterwards, when it's too late, they discovered that Paul Gordon wasn't guilty after all. And suppose I testified that the police refused to listen.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, what do you want me to do? If it's within reason, I'll do that.

[Margot Lane]

I want you to send some men to that garage. I want you to catch the guilty men and see that justice is done.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

One night I'm fighting. Brace up, Gordon. It won't be long.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Keep your chin up, buddy. My turn next. How long, fella? Good luck.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Goodbye, kid. Where is he? He promised to save me. Who, son?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't know. It was a voice.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Just a voice. He. He said he'd stand by. Now, steady, old man. Don't lose your nerve, Gordon. Open it up, men.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, I won't go in there. I didn't do it. I didn't kill him. I didn't, I tell you. He said he'd stand by. Gordon, wait only a few minutes more. Just a few minutes. Don't take me in there yet. Now, wait, please. Please.

[Margot Lane]

He said please wait.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Easy, Gordon. I'm sorry.

[Narrator/Announcer]

If we might go in that door, I'm gone. It'll be too late then. Take him in, men. No, no, no. No, wait. Oh, where are you? Where's that voice? Where did he go? Please come back. Wait a minute, man. Well, what is it? Warden, wait. The governor's on the phone. He says stop, hold up everything. What's the governor say? He Wants to talk to you on the phone.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Warden.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He says don't electrocute this man. They've got the other two guys in Gordon's garage trying to rub out some fingerprints. One of them was shot and died. But before he died, he spilled it all. This fellow didn't do it. It was a frame up. Oh, thank God. He got me in time. Gordon. Gordon, did you hear that?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

Yes, yes, I heard it. That voice said he would. I'm free. You're not going to electrocute me, Gordon, you're not. No, no, Gordon, the Governor saved you. Governor? No, it wasn't the governor, it was somebody else. Or something else. What do you mean? Gordon, who saved you? I don't know. It was a voice, just a voice. I never really saw him. He was only a shadow.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Before another adventure with the shadow draws to a close. John Barclay, Blue Coal's heating expert, would like to say a few words. Mr. Barclay. Good evening, friends. If you're interested in having a more comfortable home this winter, be sure to call your local Blue Coal dealer. He's more than a fuel dealer, he's an authority on modern home heating. You see, for more than six years I've trained servicemen for these Blue Coal dealers. These men known as John Barkley servicemen have added thousands of families like yours to enjoy a greater degree of comfort and to save heating dollars too. I'm going to read part of a letter typical of many received from satisfied customers using Blue Coal and John Barclay service. I quote in part, the service rendered by your John Barclay serviceman has been invaluable to me. We were burning a ton of coal a week and having great difficulty in keeping our fire going throughout the night. Your serviceman made me many helpful suggestions regarding the proper way to regulate the furnace and recommended the use of Blue Coal. We not only reduced the amount of fuel consumed to one half, but actually got more heat. Think of that, friends. In this case, a family cut their fuel bill in half simply by following the advice of a John Barclay serviceman whose services were given without charge. Now you don't have to buy Blue Coal to benefit from John Barclay service, no matter what kind of fuel you're using or from whom you've been buying. If you have any heating problems, consult the Blue Coal dealer. You'll be very glad to place his John Barkley serviceman at your disposal to solve your problems. I thank you. The story you have just heard is copyrighted by the Shadow magazine. Real names are never used in these Shadow stories.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston)]

The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.