The Shadow: Hounds in the Hills 02/20/1938

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives

Episode: The Shadow: Hounds in the Hills (Original Air Date: 02/20/1938)
Release Date: January 8, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Overview

In this chilling episode of "The Shadow," titled Hounds in the Hills, Lamont Cranston—aka The Shadow—travels to the pine-covered hills of North Carolina, where a series of child disappearances and rumors of supernatural howling draw him into a haunting investigation. The story intertwines rustic superstition with gritty crime, as Cranston uses his mysterious powers to uncover the truth behind the vanishing boys, a haunted mansion, and a lurking menace. The episode deftly blends suspense, psychological tension, and the signature moral undertones of the classic Shadow stories.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Haunted Hills and Disappearances

• Location: North Carolina hills—an area juxtaposing backwoods poverty and wealthy winter homes.
• A decrepit mansion, guarded by savage hounds, is the home of Old Sadie Haggard and her hunchbacked son, Jake.
• Four local boys have vanished over two weeks, supposedly falling from a treacherous cliff. Suspicion abounds, fueled by rumors of eerie howling at night.
  • Quote:
    • Sheriff: “Another child’s lost, Scott. Over the cliff at the border trail. What, another one?” (05:00)
    • Lamont Cranston: “Doesn't it strike you there might be something more than just fate causing the disappearance of these children?” (05:27)

2. Character Entrances & Initial Investigation

• Lamont Cranston arrives with companions and hears of the latest missing boy, Dickie Nelson.
• The sheriff describes the dangerous cliff trail and local superstition about ghostly hounds.
• Cranston, sensing foul play, assumes The Shadow persona to probe deeper, expressing skepticism at the “ghost” tale.
  • Quote:
    • The Shadow: “Well, I've generally found that a dog howling means dog.” (06:52)

3. Inside the Mansion: Captives and Captors

• Dickie Nelson is revealed as a terrified captive, comforted only by The Shadow's invisible presence.
• Old Sadie and Jake's delusions surface; Sadie refers to Dickie as “my Jakey,” and reveals a twisted longing for a perfect child to replace her hunchback son.
• The Shadow reassures Dickie and extracts key information, confirming the other kidnapped boys are alive.
  • Quote:
    • The Shadow (to Dickie): “Pretend I’m just a shadow. But you can hear me.” (07:54)
    • Dickie Nelson: “Yes sir, but I want to go home.” (08:02)

4. Villainous Intrigue: Enter Duke and Slim

• Criminals Duke and Slim, on the run, are using the mansion as a hideout, seeing the boys' abduction as a liability.
• The Shadow confronts the criminals with a proposition: let the boys go and avoid a kidnapping charge. Duke refuses and attempts violence.
• A pivotal error: The Shadow’s handkerchief, given to Dickie, is found—allowing the criminals to use the hounds to track The Shadow by scent.
  • Quote:
    • The Shadow: “If you let me take the boys away, back to their homes, you won't be accused of kidnapping.” (13:47)
    • Duke: “Oh no. Let him have it, Slim.” (13:51)
    • Duke: “Get the dogs. They can get a scent from that handkerchief and trail him. Thy shadow can't escape this time.” (14:52)

5. Chase and Showdown in the Woods

• The Shadow is forced up a tree as the hounds, Jake, Duke, and Slim give chase.
• The captors, frustrated by The Shadow's invisibility, plan to keep him treed until daylight or until he is vulnerable.
• Discussion among the criminals reveals plans to eliminate the boys to destroy evidence—heightening the tension.
  • Quote:
    • Lamont Cranston: “We can keep him treed until he gets so weak he can't work his invisibility gag anymore. And he comes down and then the dogs get him.” (19:57)
    • The Shadow (mocking Duke): “Can't you say anything but 'oh yeah'? You're really quite scared. Stupid Duke.” (21:31)

6. Climax: Betrayals and Dogged Justice

• A failed attempt to cut down the tree leads to chaos as the hounds attack Slim. Duke is left trapped, his gun empty.
• The Shadow manipulates Jake into tying up the lead dog, ensuring Duke cannot escape and the children remain safe.
• The Sheriff and reinforcements arrive in the nick of time; Duke is arrested, Slim is presumed killed by the hounds, and Jake is taken into custody.
• The plight of Old Sadie evokes sympathy; The Shadow recommends she is sent to an institution, not prison.

7. Resolution and Aftermath

• The boys are safe, and Dickie is quietly reunited with his family.

• The Shadow thanks Margot for her help, and in a touching exchange with Dickie, urges him to keep their adventure “their secret.”

  • Quote:
    • The Shadow: “We must see that she's placed in an institution, not a prison. A place where she can satisfy her mother-love mania with dolls instead of other people's children.” (24:54)
    • The Shadow (to Dickie Nelson): “Maybe you dreamt it, Dicky. Supposing we keep it a secret, just between us three?” (25:41)
    • Dickie Nelson: "Yes, I think that's a good idea all right. But it was a swell dream." (25:46)

8. Signature Moral

• The Shadow closes with his trademark warning about the consequences of evil deeds:
  • Quote:
    • The Shadow: "As you sow evil, so shall you reap evil. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows." (28:21)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The Shadow knows." (00:27) — the iconic opening line.
• The Shadow's handkerchief trick: a clever use of tangible evidence to both help and inadvertently endanger himself.
• Duke and Slim's banter about shooting an invisible man: both morbidly comic and tense (19:50–21:36).
• Old Sadie’s tragic delusion: evokes a surprising note of pathos for an antagonist (24:54).
• Shadow’s final moral pronouncement: a quintessential moment for fans (28:21).

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Important Timestamps

• 02:28–04:06: Dickie Nelson is led to the mansion and meets Sadie and Jake.
• 05:00–06:46: Cranston learns about the missing children and the superstitious rumors.
• 07:37–09:13: The Shadow contacts Dickie inside the mansion and comforts him.
• 13:00–15:08: The confrontation between The Shadow and the criminals over the kidnapped boys.
• 16:45–19:57: The Shadow is tracked by hounds; criminals debate his fate while he is cornered in a tree.
• 22:00–23:32: The chaos as dogs turn on Slim, The Shadow manipulates Jake, and Duke is trapped.
• 24:54–25:46: Resolution and Dickie's reunion.
• 28:21: The Shadow’s signature moral.

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode maintains a suspenseful, eerie ambiance steeped in rural superstition and fear, punctuated by moments of dark humor and emotional depth—especially in the portrayal of Sadie and Jake. The dialogue is crisp, dramatic, and often delivered with a noir theatricality characteristic of Golden Age radio.

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In Summary

Hounds in the Hills is a quintessential Shadow story, blending psychological horror, crime drama, and empathy for even the most broken characters. The episode delivers suspense, action, and a powerful reminder of the Shadow’s enduring moral: that evil inevitably reaps its own reward.

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Transcript

[Lamont Cranston]

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]

The Shadow knows.

[Narrator]

Now again comes radio's strangest adventurer, the Shadow mystery man who strikes terror into the very hearts of shopsters, lawbreakers and criminals. Today on the air, Blue Coal brings you the Shadow's latest adventure, Hounds in the Hills. In just a moment, the Shadow's exciting adventure will begin. Meanwhile, I have an important message for everybody. We are now in the midst of the most treacherous season of the entire year. But you can protect your family's health during this danger period by burning blue coal. For a Blue coal gives you clean, uniform, healthful heat all winter long. And its harmless blue coloring is your guarantee of better heat at less cost. So when you order fuel, insist on Blue coal. It's Pennsylvania's finest anthracite. Your nearest blue coal dealer will be glad to send you a trial ton. Phone him tomorrow. High in the pine clad hills of North Carolina, where backwoods living is neighbor to palatial winter homes, there is a haunted mansion, relic of former grandeur. With no visible means of support. Old Sadie Haggard, half demented creature, and Jake, her hunchback son, live in one wing of the dilapidated old house. A pack of great vicious crossbreed hounds guards the old place from intruders. It is early evening. In the dim half light, two figures led by one of the hounds approach the house.

[Dickie Nelson]

I don't like it here. I want to go home. What's the matter, little boy? You ain't afraid of my dog.

[Lamont Cranston]

I am.

[Dickie Nelson]

Yes, I am. I'm afraid of your dog. And I'm afraid of you too. I want to go home to my mother. I don't want to go with you. I kick my dog wherever I go. He won't hurt you. Not so long as you're with me, he won't. Tell him what he'd do to you if he got you long, Jakey. My name isn't Jakey. My name is Dickie Nelson. And if you don't let me go home, my mother will be worried. Now, now, Jakey. Don't be scared, old Sadie.

[Lamont Cranston]

I'm your mother.

[Dickie Nelson]

Didn't know that, did you? You're not my mother. And I don't believe there's other little boys here. Like you said you missy. I got lots of friends now. Oh, Sadie, I'll show you. Mom, it's me. Jake. Yeah, that's Jake. You're what he Was for I blocked him and hurt his back. Who's that you got with your mom? Who's that? Don't you be scared of him, Dickie. I don't like him. He's awful looking. Dicky, He's a hunchback. His mother dropped him when he was a little fella like you. I dropped him. We'll start all over again with a new Jakey. I won't drop you. You won't be a hunchback like he is. I want to go home to my mother and daddy. I don't like anything here. Leave me alone. Don't touch me. Don't you touch me.

[Lamont Cranston]

Mom.

[Dickie Nelson]

You crazy old fool. You done it again. Nice drive, Lamont. Your golf's improving.

[Lamont Cranston]

So, Cranston, you don't always miss the ball, eh?

[The Shadow]

Well, that's for the vacation in North Carolina.

[Narrator]

Does for you.

[The Shadow]

Especially when you're the host, Mr. Rupert.

[Lamont Cranston]

I thought you were always on vacations, Lamont. I've never heard of you doing anything except dabbling in that mysterious laboratory of yours.

[Dickie Nelson]

Yes, just a playboy.

[The Shadow]

Yes, I just dabble a little science.

[Narrator]

A little chemistry, a little psychology.

[The Shadow]

Just dabble.

[Dickie Nelson]

Someone's calling you.

[Narrator]

Gad, it'd be in a hurry.

[Lamont Cranston]

It's the sheriff. I hope I haven't done anything wrong.

[The Shadow]

Perhaps he saw you drive.

[Lamont Cranston]

Gary. Mr. Ruber. Sorry to bother you. What is it, Sheriff? Another child's lost, Scott. Over the cliff at the border trail. What, another one?

[The Shadow]

Yes.

[Lamont Cranston]

Little Dicky Nelson this time. Good Lord, Sheriff, this is horrible.

[The Shadow]

Child lost.

[Lamont Cranston]

Is.

[The Shadow]

Is that what you said, Sheriff? Yes, sir.

[Lamont Cranston]

Fourth in less than two weeks.

[Dickie Nelson]

Lost. Lost? How?

[Lamont Cranston]

On the board of trail over cliff there.

[Dickie Nelson]

Oh, that's awful.

[The Shadow]

What is this trail, Gary?

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, it's a narrow pathway along the.

[Narrator]

Rim of a high cliff.

[Lamont Cranston]

It washes out so that a slip on the gravel starts to slide right over the cliff. And you mean to say four boys.

[Narrator]

Have been lost there and two weeks?

[The Shadow]

Yes. Doesn't it strike you there might be something more than just fate causing the disappearance of these children? But what?

[Lamont Cranston]

That I don't know.

[The Shadow]

Gary. I'd like to look at this cliff. Look, Mr. Transom.

[Lamont Cranston]

You see how the trail washes out down the cliff?

[The Shadow]

Yes. Yes.

[Lamont Cranston]

That's a thousand feet straight down there.

[The Shadow]

The river at the bottom. Yeah.

[Lamont Cranston]

I reckon the current must carry the bodies away. We haven't found a trace of them.

[Dickie Nelson]

I don't suppose there's any doubt about what happened to the boys.

[Lamont Cranston]

No, Ms. Lynn. When Bobby Mina disappeared last week, we found a ball he'd Been playing with.

[The Shadow]

Would you call that conclusive evidence?

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, this morning we snared up Dickie Nelson's cap. That was caught on some shrubbery part way down the mountain. Course, some of the colored folk around here think Go's done it.

[Dickie Nelson]

Go?

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah. See, there was howling last night about the time Dickie was lost here.

[The Shadow]

What kind of howling, Sheriff?

[Lamont Cranston]

Darned upon those, sir. They say they heard it the three times the other boys were lost. But you know how they are, colored folks up here in the hill. Superstitious.

[The Shadow]

Yes, but what kind of a howl does a ghost make in this part of the country, Sheriff?

[Lamont Cranston]

That's what I asked, but nearly could describe it. It was like a dog howling. A hound dog.

[The Shadow]

Well, I've generally found that a dog howling means dog. Perhaps I'd better reverse the usual procedure. The dog trailing a man.

[Dickie Nelson]

Those are very mysterious.

[The Shadow]

Yes, it is, Margot. Will you excuse me for a moment, Sheriff? Yeah, certainly, Mr. Frank. Margot, I think the shadow will look into this mystery.

[Dickie Nelson]

But how?

[The Shadow]

Go back to the house, Margot. I'll wireless you. I need help in my invisible state. Is the shadow going to follow the clue of the dogs? Let's see where it leads me.

[Dickie Nelson]

I want to go home.

[The Shadow]

Don't cry, Dicky. Don't cry.

[Lamont Cranston]

What's that?

[Dickie Nelson]

Who are you?

[The Shadow]

I've come here to help you. You're Dickie Nelson, aren't you?

[Dickie Nelson]

Yes, sir. But who are you? It's so dark I can't see you.

[The Shadow]

You don't need to see me, Dickie. Pretend I'm just a shadow. But you can hear me.

[Dickie Nelson]

Yes, sir, But I want to go home. Here.

[The Shadow]

Here. You've got to be a man, Dickie. I'll try to get you home, but you've got to stop crying and help me.

[Dickie Nelson]

I'm scared, that's why.

[The Shadow]

Haven't you got a handkerchief?

[Dickie Nelson]

No, sir.

[The Shadow]

Here, use my handkerchief.

[Dickie Nelson]

Thank you.

[The Shadow]

Now, dry your eyes and wipe your nose. I want you to tell me something.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes, sir.

[The Shadow]

Are there any other boys here?

[Dickie Nelson]

Yes, sir. Three of them. How did you get here?

[The Shadow]

I believe the ghost story. Dickie and I looked for a ghost, too. Howled like a hound. And then I just walked. But I didn't find a ghost. I found what I expected to find. A dog. In fact, lots of them.

[Dickie Nelson]

It may see you.

[The Shadow]

No.

[Dickie Nelson]

Didn't old Sadie or Jake see you?

[The Shadow]

No. It's dark in here. But even with a light on, people can't see me. Because I've learned how to make them feel. Think they don't see me. I blind their Eyes to me.

[Dickie Nelson]

How?

[The Shadow]

Never mind how. You must believe it. And don't be afraid of me. I'm your friend.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes, sir.

[The Shadow]

Trust me, Dickie. Perhaps I can find a way to get you and the other boys out of it. Quiet. Somebody coming.

[Lamont Cranston]

If Miss Sherry finds these kids here, they'll hang us. You crazy old fool.

[Dickie Nelson]

Don't you touch my baby. He's my Jackie. He's you. Before you came a hunchback. If you kill him, you'll be killing yourself. He's you, Jake. You keep away from me. Don't you touch me, Jake.

[The Shadow]

Don't touch that boy.

[Lamont Cranston]

Who's that?

[Dickie Nelson]

I hear it, too.

[Lamont Cranston]

Give me that lamp.

[Dickie Nelson]

I hear the two. Jake.

[Lamont Cranston]

Nobody's in here but us. Us and the kid. He got out.

[The Shadow]

No, I'm still here.

[Lamont Cranston]

Voice. Ain't nobody with it.

[Dickie Nelson]

I heard it, too. That's nothing, Jake. I'm always hearing voices. Now you're hearing them. We're both crazy.

[Lamont Cranston]

Reckon it ain't so crazy a voice can scare me. If I'm crazy like you, then voices ain't real. Now, put this out of the way.

[Dickie Nelson]

And then I'll get the others. Please don't. Help me with that, Jake. No, no, no.

[The Shadow]

Put down that stick, Jake. Put it down now.

[Lamont Cranston]

I ain't scared of voices.

[Dickie Nelson]

It ain't real.

[The Shadow]

I said drop it.

[Lamont Cranston]

Who hit me? Look at that place on my wrist. Look.

[Dickie Nelson]

Well, Jake, I've been hearing voices for a long time, but I ain't never been hit by one.

[Lamont Cranston]

You done it.

[Dickie Nelson]

Oh, I did not. I wasn't near you then. It was the kid. I never moved. Well, then who?

[The Shadow]

I hit you, Jake. Now, I'm going to give you a chance to. You save yourself. Let this boy go. Bring the other boys here. I'll take them home.

[Dickie Nelson]

No. No, they're mine. They're mine. They're. Dickie, no.

[Lamont Cranston]

I'll get rid of them my way.

[Dickie Nelson]

Please help me. I want to go home.

[The Shadow]

Trust me, Dickie. There's only one thing for me to do now, Jake. This is your last chance.

[Lamont Cranston]

Who's that? You reckon it's somebody looking for the kids?

[Dickie Nelson]

If it is Jake, it must be them. The Duke and Slim, coming to hide out.

[Lamont Cranston]

Listen.

[Dickie Nelson]

Yeah. Here, Tim.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh, Jake.

[Dickie Nelson]

He'll kill us both. He knows about my baby.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, what he don't know won't hurt him. Shut the door to the kid's rum and lock.

[Dickie Nelson]

Hurry up, Jake. Let him in. Don't say a word about my baby.

[Lamont Cranston]

Don't worry. Maybe I'm crazy, too, but I ain't that crazy?

[Narrator]

Well, what took you so long, Jake?

[Lamont Cranston]

Hello, Duke. Come in, Slim. Hurry up. Shut the door. Okay, Duke. What a dump this is. It's better than being in jail up north. If we didn't have this hideout, that's where you'd be. Hello, Old Sadie.

[Dickie Nelson]

Come in, Duke. Pops, after you. Give.

[Lamont Cranston]

Shut up. Not half with it. All Dane talks too much. Hey, staying for a while, Duke? What's it do ya? I don't care. Oh, lay off the guy, Slim. Jake. And you too, Old Sadie. Yeah, we're taking a little rest away from the cops, see? Turn the dogs loose in the yard, around the house. So they can chew up anybody that comes here looking for us. Go on, Jake. Do it now. All right, Duke.

[The Shadow]

Just a minute, Jake.

[Lamont Cranston]

Who's that? Somebody's in here, Duke.

[Dickie Nelson]

It's the voice again, Jake. They can't hear it unless they're crazy.

[Lamont Cranston]

That voice again.

[The Shadow]

Yes, Jake, that same voice. And the Duke can hear it too. Can't you, Duke?

[Lamont Cranston]

Say, what's going on here? Who is that? I tell you. Didn't hear, Duke. Who's playing tricks on me?

[The Shadow]

Duke, did you ever hear of the Shadow?

[Lamont Cranston]

The Shadow? I have, Duke. I know that's the guy to talk to you, but you can't see him. Shut up, you fool. Yeah, Shadow, I've heard about you. I never believed what I heard, though.

[The Shadow]

You can believe it now. Listen, Duke. I'm here for only one purpose. To save the lives of four little children.

[Dickie Nelson]

Don't believe him. It's a lie.

[Lamont Cranston]

Shut up. I'm handling this. Go ahead, Shadow. Go ahead, talk some more.

[The Shadow]

All right. Old Sadie and Jake there put you in a tough spot.

[Lamont Cranston]

How, Shadow?

[The Shadow]

Old Sadie is crazy. She's, well, shall we say, borrowed four little boys from places near here and made it appear that they were killed. Killed falling over a cliff.

[Dickie Nelson]

It's a lie. They was killed. I killed them and my gift took their place.

[Lamont Cranston]

Duke, the old dame is back.

[The Shadow]

Shut up. Jake here is almost as crazy as his mother. But he wants to kill the boys.

[Lamont Cranston]

Don't believe him, Duke.

[The Shadow]

Either way you'll be arrested for kidnapping.

[Lamont Cranston]

Hey, Duke, we don't want no part in kidnapping. Well, Shadow, what's the proposition?

[The Shadow]

If you let me take the boys away, back to their homes, you won't be accused of kidnapping.

[Lamont Cranston]

And give you a chance to tip off the police to where we're hiding out? Oh, no. Let him have it, Slim.

[Dickie Nelson]

Let Duke. The door. He went out the door.

[Lamont Cranston]

He's gone, Duke. He's gone. We can't get him now.

[Dickie Nelson]

Oh, yes, ma'.

[Lamont Cranston]

Am. How?

[Dickie Nelson]

Ah, the dog. If the shadow's a man, them dogs can follow his pants.

[Lamont Cranston]

If the shadow is a man, you mean the dogs will trail him by his scent even though we can't see him? He's right, Duke. But we haven't got anything to give the dogs to smell, to give them the scent.

[Dickie Nelson]

Maybe he left something in the kid's room. Let's go and see.

[Lamont Cranston]

Hey, let's see. Yeah, let's look around here. Ah, he's too clever to have left anything behind.

[Dickie Nelson]

Hey, where'd the boy get that handkerchief he's sniffling into?

[Lamont Cranston]

Handkerchief, huh? Yeah. He never had no handkerchief when he come here.

[Dickie Nelson]

Who gave you this handkerchief, little boy? A man.

[Lamont Cranston]

What man?

[Dickie Nelson]

A man who spoke to me in the dark.

[Lamont Cranston]

You couldn't see him? No.

[Dickie Nelson]

He said I had to believe he was here, although I couldn't see him then. It's a shadow's hat.

[Lamont Cranston]

Get the dogs. Get the dogs. They can get a scent from that handkerchief and trail him. Thy shadow can't escape this time.

[Narrator]

The shadow's adventure continues in just a moment. Meanwhile, I'd like to say a few words about a subject that's uppermost in everyone's mind these days. How to save money. Large savings in cooking and heating costs can be made by switching to blue coal. For blue coal is the perfect home fuel. It is the best grade of Pennsylvania anthracite. And anthracite is the fuel that furnaces, cooking stoves and parlor heaters in New England were designed to use. Blue coal gives off a steady, clean heat. It lasts longer and burns down to a fine powdery ash without giving off smoke or grime. Common to many other fuel, blue coal's cleanliness will appeal to New England housewives. For housekeeping is greatly simplified when blue coal is used. Because with this dependable fuel, you not only have a more comfortable home, but a cleaner house inside and out. These are the reasons why blue coal is so popular in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Sales in Pawtucket this winter are 12% ahead of sales for the same period a year ago. Here's another point. You buy American. When buying blue coal, it is mined and prepared in Pennsylvania by the Glen Alden Coal Company, especially for home use. So for economy and cleanliness, start using blue coal tomorrow. Order it by name. Phone your nearest blue coal dealer. You'll find him listed in the where to buy it section of your classified telephone directory under the name Blue co.

[Lamont Cranston]

Margo.

[The Shadow]

Margot Lane. The children are alive.

[Lamont Cranston]

Alive in an old house about Four miles off the cliff road. They're being held captive. There's no time to lose. I'm in the woods. The pack of hounds is trailing me. You can probably hear them. They've got my chance. Hurry. Get the sheriff. Save the children. Hurry. Come on, Jake. Keep up in front where we can see you. Don't try to hide behind the trees. If you think you can sneak back to the house. All right, Duke.

[Dickie Nelson]

All right.

[Lamont Cranston]

Slim. Yeah. Duke? If Jake starts falling back any again anymore, trying to lose us among the trees in the dark so he can go back to the house and finish off them kids, let him have it. Okay, boss. I wasn't. Honest, I wasn't. Okay, then. Come on. Hey, you, Jake. Ain't those dogs liable to turn on us? Yeah, if you was alone. Yeah, but I'm with you. You hear that, Duke? The dogs have got the shadow. It's lucky for us he left his hanging with the kids so the hounds could get the tent, ain't it, huh? Yeah. Now, there's only one or two things for the shadow to do. Stand and be chewed by them beasts, or else climb a tree. He's not invisible to a dog's nose. They can smell him if he's climbed a tree. We got him, Duke. Hey, there's the dogs. Jumping around that tree right there. See him? Well, what do we do now? Well, we can't do much while it's dark. What do you mean? I mean we gotta keep the shadow treed until it's daylight. Yeah, but you can't see him whether it's light or dark. That's right. Maybe he's beaten us after all. Listen, if we wait till daylight, then we can see where he is in the tree. But you can't see where he is. Yeah, but when he comes, he has to shake the branch he's sitting on. And when we see any of them leaves shaking, we'd shoot right at that place. It'll be like shooting at nothing. I know, Faith, if we don't get him that way, he has two other things to choose from. Yeah? What's that? We can keep him treed until he gets so weak he can't work his invisibility gag anymore. And he comes down and then the dogs get him. Well, there's nothing to do but wait till morning, then. No, but we gotta keep awake. Morning ain't far off, and then we'll see. Hey, Duke, I got the thinking sitting here last night. What about them kids? Well, Slim, what about them? We didn't do it, but they can pin a kidnapping rap on us. Not without evidence, no. But she. Oh, I get it. No evidence, huh? That's right. No kid. What do you think? Yeah. Jake here don't want no evidence either. As soon as we dispose of the man who calls himself the Shadow, no one will know. And then Jake here gets rid of the kid. That's right. Yeah, but how about Jake and old Sadie? I think they could disappear and not be missing. Yeah, that's what I thought. Hey, Thok, look. We can see the whole tree now. But I don't see nobody. No, of course not, but he's there. Now watch carefully, Slim. There's no wind. Any limb or branch that moves may be the shadow. Yeah, so when something moves, let him have it. I get it. Hey, but how do we know when we get him? He'll come down? Slim. Now you missed, Slim. Take your time. Hey, what's that? I thought I saw a branch move. We're shooting at the Shadow, Jake. And when he's unconscious of dead, we can see him all right. And then. It didn't do so good yourself, Duke. Those dogs are hungry. Yeah, I bet they look nice from up in the tree waiting for their breakfast. How can you shoot him if he can't see him? Shut up, Jake. Now take your time, Slim.

[The Shadow]

Good morning, Duke.

[Lamont Cranston]

He's there. Good morning, Shadow.

[The Shadow]

I hope you slept well.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh, yeah. And you. Now watch closely. Yeah, yeah.

[The Shadow]

Would it be too much for me to ask? How are the little boys?

[Lamont Cranston]

They're all right, Shadow, so far.

[The Shadow]

That's good.

[Dickie Nelson]

Yeah, but I'll get rid of them.

[Lamont Cranston]

Slim, get around the other side of the tree. I think he's low in the tree behind the trunk. Okay, Duke. We're taking care of you first. Shadow, you know too much. Well, what's funny, Shadow?

[The Shadow]

I'm laughing at you, Duke.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh yeah? You laugh different when I get my hands on you.

[The Shadow]

Why don't you come up here and try it?

[Lamont Cranston]

I don't have to. You'll come down.

[The Shadow]

You have a long wait.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh, yeah.

[The Shadow]

Can't you say anything but oh yeah? You're really quite scared. Stupid Duke.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh, yeah? Well, I'm smart enough to get you out of that tree.

[Narrator]

Good.

[The Shadow]

I was getting rather bored.

[Lamont Cranston]

Ah, shut up. Go back to the house and get an axe. This tree ain't too big to cut down.

[The Shadow]

Very ingenious.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah, but the dog. It ain't safe to leave without Jake. The dogs, they won't touch you. They're after the Shadow. And Jake will keep them here. Sure, sure, I'll Keep him here. Sure.

[The Shadow]

And hurry back, Slim.

[Lamont Cranston]

I scream. Okay, Duke. But don't let them dogs come after me, Jake. They'll keep the dogs here. Okay, watch it now. Hurry back. Hey, Jake. Follow the dog. Dog. They're going after Slim.

[Dickie Nelson]

They don't like him.

[Lamont Cranston]

Hey, follow back.

[Dickie Nelson]

Sl.

[Lamont Cranston]

Look out.

[Dickie Nelson]

Shut up, Shake. The dogs are attacking. Yeah, they're going to eat him.

[Lamont Cranston]

I'll shoot him, Slim. Guess you didn't shoot him soon enough, Duke.

[The Shadow]

Well, Jake, your dog's got Slim. I'm afraid you've lost most of them.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah, Ma'll be awful mad. There's only Big Tom left. But the Duke will shoot him.

[The Shadow]

No, he won't. His gun's empty. Look at him go up that tree.

[Lamont Cranston]

Big Tom didn't get him.

[Dickie Nelson]

Now you're both up in the tree, ain't ya?

[The Shadow]

No, Jake. I'm still standing right here behind you. Now do what I tell you. Go over to that tree and tie Big Tom to it so that the Duke can't get down.

[Lamont Cranston]

Why should I?

[The Shadow]

You want to get those kids out of the way, don't you? Duke won't let you.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah, he won't. Maybe. Yeah, he won't let me. Maybe.

[Dickie Nelson]

I won't tell him what I'm gonna do.

[Lamont Cranston]

Jake. Fall off this door. Tie him up. Do you hear me? Tie him up. Oh, not to my tree, you dope. Take em away. Listen to me. Don't tie him there, you half wit.

[The Shadow]

Well, Duke, we change places.

[Lamont Cranston]

I'll get you if it's the last thing I do. Shall?

[The Shadow]

You're going to have plenty to do before we meet again. Jake. Come back here. You'll have plenty of time to think about that. Here are some men that may help you out.

[Lamont Cranston]

Who are they? My Lord. What happened here?

[Narrator]

I don't know, Sheriff.

[Lamont Cranston]

Say, this is the hunchback, Jake. Hello, Jake Dukes. Up in the tree.

[Dickie Nelson]

Yeah.

[Lamont Cranston]

Sit down, Sheriff.

[The Shadow]

Got him.

[Lamont Cranston]

Reckon that dog won't attack anyone else. You killed him. Now, if our friend will come down out of the tree, I. I'll be delighted to put a pair of handcuffs onto him. I've been looking for him and his partner for some time. From the looks of things, I won't need to put the cuffs on his partner.

[Narrator]

Well, Margot, you better go back to the cars.

[Dickie Nelson]

All right? Yes, I think I will. I only wanted to see if. Yes, I'll go back.

[Lamont Cranston]

All right, men, let's take him away.

[The Shadow]

Margot. Margot.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh. Oh, Lamont.

[Dickie Nelson]

Lamont, Are you all right?

[The Shadow]

Yes, but don't speak my name.

[Dickie Nelson]

Here, darling. I Was so frightened when I got your wireless message, I. I thought it was the end.

[The Shadow]

So did I. Other boys all right?

[Dickie Nelson]

Yes, all the boys are safe. They've been taken into town. A deputy sheriff took old Sadie along. Vicky Nelson is in one of the cars up the road waiting. Oh, Laman, I feel so sorry for that poor old woman.

[The Shadow]

So do I, Margot. She's demented. We must see that she's placed in an institution, not a prison. A place where she can satisfy her mother love mania with dolls instead of other people's children. Go to the car, Margot. I'll meet you there.

[Dickie Nelson]

What are we waiting for, Ms. Lane? I want to go home to my mother. Just a minute, Dickie. I'm expecting someone. Who? Oh, here he comes now.

[Lamont Cranston]

Hello, Margot.

[Dickie Nelson]

Hello, Lamont.

[The Shadow]

Who is this young man?

[Dickie Nelson]

This is Dickie Nelson. Dickie, Lamont Cranston. Hello, Mr. Cranston.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, Dicky, I hear you had quite an adventure last night.

[Dickie Nelson]

Yes. A kind man came to my room at that terrible house, but I couldn't see him.

[The Shadow]

Maybe you dreamt it, Dicky. Supposing we keep it a secret, just between us three?

[Dickie Nelson]

Yes, I think that's a good idea all right. But it was a swell dream.

[Narrator]

And here is John Barkley, Blue Coal's heating expert, with some interesting information for you.

[Lamont Cranston]

Thank you. Ken Roberts. Good evening, friends. The health and comfort of your family during this period of widely varying temperatures depends to a great extent on whether your heating plant delivers steady, even heat when you need it. And the efficiency of your heating plant depends upon the proper use of furnace dampers. Here are some helpful hints on the proper use of these dampers. First, the turn or the smoke pipe damper should never be used for day to day control of heat. This damper should always be kept as nearly closed as possible without retarding the free burning of your fire. If you do not have automatic thermostat control of your furnace, the everyday control of heat should be left to your check damper, that flap like damper located on your chimney pipe and the ash pipe damper. To get more heat through your house, close the check damper and open the ash pit damper. Always remember, when one is closed, the other should be open. If the house is warm enough, close the ash pit and open the check damper. The proper location of these dampers is important. The check damper should be between the chimney and turn damper, the latter being between the check damper and the furnace. If the dampers are in this position, they are properly placed and if operated in the manner that I have just explained. You should not experience any trouble in maintaining an even temperature in all parts of your home. However, if you do have trouble with your furnace, phone your nearest Blue Coal dealer and ask him to send a John Barclay serviceman to your home. I thank you.

[Narrator]

Thank you, Mr. Barclay and friend. Take Mr. Barkley's tip. Phone your nearest Blue Coal dealer. Have him send a John Barclay serviceman to your home tomorrow. You have just heard a dramatized version of one of the many copyrighted stories which appear in the Shadow magazine. All the characters and all the places named are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[The Shadow]

As you so evil, so shall you reap evil. Crime does not pay. A Shadow knows.

[Narrator]

Next week, same time, same station, Blue Coal, America's finest transfer site, will again present another thrilling adventure of the Shadow. Be sure to listen. And be sure to burn. Blue Coal, the solid fuel for solid comfort. Ra.