The Shadow: The Fire Bug 04/10/1938

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: The Shadow – "The Fire Bug" (04/10/1938)

Main Theme:
This episode of The Shadow, "The Fire Bug," follows Lamont Cranston (the Shadow) and Margot Lane as they unravel a series of deadly tenement arsons terrorizing the city. With growing public pressure, the Shadow works to uncover the firebug's identity, relying on his unique powers of invisibility and psychological insight to bring a cunning gang of criminals to justice—all while aiming to ensure the police commissioner receives public credit.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Arson Epidemic and Public Panic

• Multiple deadly fires have rocked tenement buildings, always starting with oil-soaked baby carriages.
• The police, led by Commissioner Weston, are under intense scrutiny and criticism (06:19).
• Media and public call for the mysterious Shadow's intervention.

Notable Quote:

"It would appear that again, the people are in need of help from that mysterious figure known only as the Shadow."
– Margot Lane reading the newspaper editorial (06:19)

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2. The Shadow’s Investigation

• Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane survey the tenement district to pursue a personal theory: each targeted building houses a fur shop that recently relocated from previous fire sites (07:34).
• Cranston suspects arson for insurance fraud and aims to expose the criminal ring.

Notable Scene:
Lamont enters the fur shop undercover and questions the owner about the fires and his insurance.

• Tense exchange signals the owner's guilt and builds suspicion (07:54–09:39).

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3. The Shadow Confronts the Arsonists

• Cranston is confronted by Hickman, the gang boss, and Verelli, the furrier. Suspicion escalates as they attempt to trap Lamont (09:39–11:14).
• The Shadow reveals himself, confronts the perpetrators, and outlines their motive:
  Insurance fraud – heavy policies on non-existent stock, followed by arson (12:04).
• The Shadow menaces them with his ability to "read minds," unraveling their psychological defenses (11:48–12:36).

Memorable Moment:

"Things in the shadows are best left in the shadows."
– The Shadow, confronting the criminals (10:51)

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4. A Deadly Escape and the Kidnapping of Margot Lane

• Margot intervenes, inadvertently aiding the Shadow's escape from the burning fur shop (16:04).
• The arsonists vow revenge, track Margot to her home, and kidnap her to lure the Shadow into a final trap (17:10–19:10).

Suspenseful Dialogue:

"We get her tonight. … Perhaps you'll lead us to the Shadow."
– Verelli and Hickman plotting Margot’s abduction (17:23)

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5. Race Against Time: The Rescue

• Ellen, Margot’s maid, discovers the kidnapping and a threatening note warning against police involvement (19:29–20:24).
• The Shadow vows to rescue Margot, instructing Ellen to seek police help only if he doesn’t return in two hours.
• The Shadow tips off Commissioner Weston, arranging a police cordon but insists the commissioner takes the credit for the arrests (21:18–22:24).

Notable Quote:

"The newspapers have done you and your force a grave injustice, Commissioner. But it is not my doing."
– The Shadow to Commissioner Weston (21:41)

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6. The Climactic Confrontation

• Margot is threatened with torture unless she reveals the Shadow’s identity (22:55–23:17).
• The Shadow materializes and manipulates Verelli, exploiting his paranoia—suggesting Hickman intends to betray and kill him.

Psychological Turning Point:

"You forget I can read Hegman's mind, Verelli."
– The Shadow, sowing discord (25:44)

• Verelli turns on Hickman, both meet their demise in a violent struggle (26:22–26:56).

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7. Resolution and Aftermath

• The Shadow frees Margot, instructs her to destroy the note revealing his identity, and promises Weston credit for the case’s resolution.
• He reinforces the show's iconic moral: “Crime does not pay.” (28:10)

Iconic Final Line:

"The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows."
– The Shadow (28:10)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:04] – First report of another tenement fire, scene set for city crisis
• [06:19] – Media pressure and editorial calling for the Shadow’s help
• [07:34–09:39] – Lamont confronts the fur dealer, suspicions raised
• [09:39–12:36] – The Shadow confronts the criminals, exposes the insurance fraud motive
• [16:04] – Lamont and Margot’s car crash provides an escape from the burning fur shop
• [17:10–19:10] – Plot to kidnap Margot unfolds; she is abducted from home
• [19:32–20:55] – Ellen discovers Margot gone; The Shadow takes charge of the rescue
• [21:18–22:24] – The Shadow arranges the police sting with Commissioner Weston
• [22:55–23:17] – Margot threatened, refuses to talk
• [25:44–26:56] – The Shadow manipulates Verelli, leading to the criminals’ demise
• [27:03–27:53] – The Shadow rescues Margot and enforces secrecy of his identity
• [28:10] – “Crime does not pay… The Shadow knows.”

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Memorable Quotes (with Attribution and Timestamps)

• "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows."
  — Announcer, classic opening (00:53)

• "Margot … in the last four buildings fired by this pyromaniac, there's been a fur dealer's shop on the ground floor."
  — Lamont Cranston (07:34)

• "I'm looking for men who have burned scores of innocent people to death … I think I have found them."
  — The Shadow to Hickman and Verelli (10:59)

• "You're caught and you know it."
  — The Shadow, psychological pressure (11:35)

• "You know too much about Hickman, Vereli … only when I'm dead will you be safe."
  — The Shadow manipulating Verelli (25:55)

• "The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows."
  — The Shadow, moral epilogue (28:10)

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Tone and Language

The episode blends suspense, noir intrigue, and the supernatural calm of the Shadow. Conversations are tense and dramatic, spiked with period slang and a grim sense of justice. The Shadow’s dialogue is methodical, menacing, and psychologically astute; the criminals display panic, cunning, and eventual desperation; Margot is courageous but endangered, adding emotional stakes.

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Conclusion

"The Fire Bug" delivers a classic tale of suspense, weaving psychological intrigue, crime-solving, and moral certainty. The Shadow’s mastery of invisibility and mind games, set against the gritty backdrop of city tenements and criminal desperation, offers a thrilling episode soaked in the signature style of Golden Age radio drama.
Listeners are reminded that, even in the darkest deeds, as the Shadow intones, “Crime does not pay.”

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here at the Zebra, research shows the average person would rather endure a root canal than search for auto and home insurance. Just try to relax or be trapped in a car for eight hours with toddlers on a sugar high. Or remove a nest of irate hornets. That's why the Zebra searches for you. Comparing over 100 insurance companies to find savings no one else can compare. Today at the Zebra.com we do the searching, you do the saving. I think I'll wait inside. 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].

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

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

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the Shadow's exciting adventure starts in a moment. But right now, motorists, I have the biggest, the most exciting news you've heard since the days of the first pneumatic tire. It's all about the tire sensation of 1938, the new Goodrich Safety Silvertown. With the amazing lifesaver tread, this new kind of tire is utterly different in appearance, design and action than anything you've ever seen or felt. At the first sign of a skid, it turns the wet road under your car into a dry track and stops you quicker, safer than you've ever stopped before. Hard to believe? Just listen to this startling proof. In exhaustive road tests made by the largest independent testing laboratory in the country against regular and premium priced tires of America's six largest tire manufacturers, no tire tested regardless of price came up to this new tire in non skid action. These severe tests, made over a three month period, also proved that the Silvertowne gave more non skid mileage than any of the other tires tested in its own price range. Averaged 19.1% more miles before the tires wore smooth. You'll never know what the word stop really means until you felt the grip of the new Silvertown on a wet, slippery road. For safety sake, make your next set of tires Goodrich. Spelled G O O D R I C H Goodrich Safety Silvert. The Shadow Lamont Cranston, a man of wealth, a student of science and a master of other people's minds, devotes his life to righting wrongs, protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty. Using advanced methods that may ultimately become available to all law enforcement agencies. Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow. Never seen, only heard. As haunting to superstitious minds as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience. The identity of the Shadow is known only to his friend and aide, Margo Lane. Today's story, the fire bug.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

Fire reported at 4th and Chestnut Street. Blaze at 4th and Chestnut. Fire reported at 4th and Chestnut street. Blaze at 4th and Chestnut.

[Crowd/Onlookers]

Keep back. Keep back of those fire lines.

[Margot Lane]

Let me throw. Let me throw my babies in the air. I've got to save her.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

I'm sorry, ma'. Am, we can't let you in there. You'd be burned to death.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

I've got to get through there. I've got to tell you my brother and sister in that.

[Crowd/Onlookers]

I don't care.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

Get back.

[Crowd/Onlookers]

Hey, you, get back. Stop that guy. Don't let him get in there. Stop him.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

Hello, Chief. How does the firebug get this time? Oh, hello, Commissioner Wesson. I had a notion this would bring you out. Near as we can check, it's three dead and six badly burned.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Oh, that's bad.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

Any idea how it started? It's the same story as the last six tenement fires, Commissioner. It started in the hallway with an oil soaked baby carriage. Callahan, there's no doubt about it. We're dealing with a pyromaniac. These six tenement houses, fires all started in hallways and in an oil soaked baby carriage.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

I know.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

That's what my department's been trying to hammer into your heads for the past 10 days. What's the matter with your police force? Can't you pick up this crazy firebug? Well, we've done our best. Rounded up every possible suspect in the city. Question hundreds of them. Well, Commissioner, I'm here to tell you that if something isn't done, then done quickly. The city council have your job and mine too. Yes, I know. Careful what you say, Kelly. Here comes a couple reporters. Well, Weston, it looks like that crazy firebugs put another one over on you. What's the matter, Commissioner? Can't you find this nut who's running around with a box of matches and a can of kerosene? We're doing everything possible. Yeah, and meanwhile, a couple of dozen poor devils get burned to death. The whole town scared stiff wondering what this maniac's gonna burn next. Maybe it's time you called in that mysterious friend of yours called the Shadow. Weston.

[Crowd/Onlookers]

Yeah?

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Why don't you get the Shadow to help?

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

You will capture the maniac without the Shadow's help. Look.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Look out.

[Narrator]

Look out. Get back there.

[Crowd/Onlookers]

Get back.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Get back.

[Crowd/Onlookers]

Back. The world came again.

[Margot Lane]

You know, Lamont, I feel sorry for Commissioner Weston. The newspapers are riding the life out of him. Listen to this editorial. Enter the Shadow Due to the inability of our police force to curb the wave of incendiarism, dozens of innocent persons in the tenement of our city have died. Weeks have passed, and yet the fiendish criminal responsible for these fires has not been apprehended. It would appear that again, the people are in need of help from that mysterious figure known only as the Shadow.

[Narrator]

Yes, Margaret.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

The newspapers are treating Weston and his part pretty roughly. Pyromaniacs are one of the most difficult type of criminals to deal with in the world.

[Margot Lane]

Therefore, enter the Shadow.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Yes, Margot. But this time, if it's humanly possible, I'm going to see that Weston gets the credit for breaking this case. If it can be broken.

[Margot Lane]

Is that why we're driving through the tenement section now?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Yes, Margot. I've been checking a theory of mine for several days now.

[Margot Lane]

Yes, but only as Lamont Cranston, the amateur criminologist.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Well, here we are.

[Margot Lane]

It's just another tenement house as far as I can see.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Except that it has a fur dealer's shop on the ground floor. Wait here for me, Margot. I'm going in there. I won't be long.

[Margot Lane]

If you see a mink coat lying around somewhere, you might bring it out with you. It might make up for the agony of curiosity you're causing me.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Well, I can tell you this much before I go in, Margot. In the last four buildings fired by this pyromaniac, there's been a fur dealer's shop on the ground floor. The man who runs this shop here had his establishment in the last place that went up in flames.

[Margot Lane]

Well, he certainly moved into another fire trap.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Exactly, Margot. And I'm curious to know why.

[Margot Lane]

Good luck, Lamont. Why put your hat over your eyes and roll up your coat collar like that?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

It's just that in case the Shadow has to visit this fur dealer later, there won't be any connection with Lamont Cranston.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Wait here.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Margot. Don't under any circumstance come in that shop.

[Crowd/Onlookers]

Old John. Old John? Like my old John?

[Margot Lane]

Antonio, you come in the house right now. Come on now. Hurry up.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Hey.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

What can I do for you, miss?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

I'm trying to match a piece of fur. You seem to have quite a collection here.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

I don't sell retail. Who sent you?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Didn't you used to have your shop over at 4th and Chestnut?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

I moved. Oh, yes.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Yes, that's right. The building you were in burned down, I hear. Several people burned to death.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Yeah, so the papers said.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

You lost all your stock, I suppose. Were you covered by insurance look here,

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

I got enough time to talk to you, mister. You better go match your fur someplace else.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Wait a minute now. Not so fast. I might be interested in some furs in wholesale lots if the price was right.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

You come back some other time. I ain't got time to talk to you.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

You don't seem very anxious to do business. Could it be that you don't care very much about selling furs you carry in stock?

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

What do you mean, mister? Who are you, anyway? What are you coming around here asking a lot of questions for? Trying to make me talk. What do you want?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Well, at the moment, I'd like to know why you're so anxious to get rid of me. Are you expecting someone?

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

What if I am? It's none of your business to get out of here.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

If you don't mind, I think I'll just have a little look around. If you haven't got what I want in the way of furs, I won't come back.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Nobody asked you to come here in the first place.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Hello, Velli.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Well, I see you're all set up in your new joint.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Yeah. I got a customer over here behind the rack.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Oh, I see. Copper?

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

I don't know. He said he come in here to match some furs. He looks phony to me.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Yeah.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Listen, Raleigh, go lock the front door and pull down the blinds. We'll soon find out what he's here for. Okay.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

We better take him in the back room.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Once over quick with the brass knuckles

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

will do the trick.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

If we won't talk without him.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

He's right back there.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Where? I don't see anybody.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Why, right in it. Hey, he ain't here. But he was just a couple of minutes ago. I seen him go in between those two racks.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Maybe he heard us talking and beat it out the back way.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

No, he can't do that.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

The door is locked.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

I got the key in my pocket.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Then he's got to be here somewhere. He couldn't have gotten out.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Hey, Eggman, wait a minute.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

You hear that?

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Yeah, you heard. It came from back there in the corner. Come on.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Look out. Maybe he's a copper. Got a gun?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

No, Verelli. I am not from the police and I carry no gun.

[Narrator]

Boss, that boy's weight.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

He came from the corner, but there's nobody there. Nothing.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

All right, shut up. There must be somebody there. Come out of there, you, and come out with your hands up, or I'll fill you full of lead.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Things in the shadows are best left in the shadows. He.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Are you. What are you doing Here. What do you want?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

I'm looking for a man. Two men, perhaps more. Who have burned scores of innocent people to death, caused thousands of dollars damage to property and terrorized the whole city. I think I have found them.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

He knows. Keep your mouth shut, Valley.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Yes, I know. You betrayed yourselves.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Who are you? Come out of there. I swear I'll shoot.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

I am the Shadow. Hegman.

[Narrator]

Shadow Hegman. The newspapers.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

For days now they've been saying the Shadow fellow could find out who set the fires. And now he's here in the shop.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Shut your mouth, Farelli. Well, I'll shut it for you for good.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Yes, he said a bullet would silence Vereli. But nothing you can do can keep me from reading the thoughts that are racing through your mind. You're caught and you know it.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Reading our thoughts? You're crazy. It can't be done.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Yes it can. I can read your mind. It is making pictures like the writing on a slate. You've given me the motive for these crimes.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

You're a broker, sure. That's right.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

Hegman's a broker.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Shut up, Verrilli.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Yes, he write heavy insurance on the stock of men like Verelius. On stock that doesn't exist.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

You're not reading my mind, Shadow. You're just guessing. You're smart, but you're not smart enough or you wouldn't have walked into this place. And I'm telling you here and now, you'll never walk out. The door's locked. I don't care how much you know, because you'll never live to tell it.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

A bullet from that gun won't save you. You've set your last fire, Boss.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

He knows everything. What are we gonna do?

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

I tell you what we're gonna do. Barelli, get me that can of kerosene.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

But it's in the back room, boss.

[Narrator]

I'm afraid to go.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

As I tell you, you yellow livered fool. So I've set my last fire, have I, Shadow?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Yes, your last fire.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Barelli, don't stand there too as I tell you. Get that kerosene. Go on.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Hey, but this Shadow. I can't see him.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

I don't know where he is.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Listen, you fool. I've heard about the Shadow. He has some trick of being able to appear in a room without being seen. But he's here all right. And if he lays a hand on you, if he tries to stop you, grab hold of him and I'll do the rest. Go on, I tell you.

[Crowd/Onlookers]

Good luck. Good luck.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

So you don't work alone, Shadow. You've set a trap for us. Well, you're caught in your own trap. Quick, Riley, get that kerosene.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

All right, all right. I'll get it. I'll get it.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Sir.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Lad.

[Crowd/Onlookers]

Andre, are you in trouble?

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Why don't you answer, Shadow?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

I'll deal with you alone. Hegman.

[Crowd/Onlookers]

I'm going to grab the balloon before

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

the police can break in here. You'll be burned. Pour it on the floor. Throw some on those fur racks. Hurry up. That girl's gone for the cops.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

We go out the back way and lock the door, huh? And then this Shadowy die.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Quick.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

All right, Shadow. Now you just try to come through this back door and I'll finish off with a bullet before the fire can get you. Come on, Burley, that's enough. Get back. Get ready to slam this door the minute I touch a match of this newspaper.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

You're signing your death warrant, Hickman.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

No, Shadow.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Yours.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Don't think you can break through the front window and get out because it's covered with steel wire.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

All right, come on. Boss, you should go up quick. Hey, boss, what's that noise?

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Just a car in the street. Come on, we're getting out. Close the door.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

Lock it.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, is the Shadow on the right track? The next few minutes will give the answer. Right now, motorists, remember this. When you're tempted to try squeezing the last thousand miles out of a worn tire, watch out. You may save 50 cents at present tire prices, but who knows?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

The Shadow knows. Suppose you had a skid a blowout while hitting it up along some fast crowded highway. Think what it might cost you in repair bills, doctor bills, hospital bills. Take the Shadow's advice. Play safe.

[Narrator]

Yes, motorists, and the way to play doubly safe is to ride on the new Goodrich Safety Silvertowns. Because this new safety sensation is really two great tires combined in one. Outside, every new Silvertown has the lifesaver tread that reduces the danger of skidding as never before. Gives you and your family a new feeling of security no matter how wet the weather. Inside the Silvertown tire is the famous golden ply protection against high speed blowouts that has already saved thousands of lives. Why should you risk your neck through skid or blowout when today you can get life saving protection against both of these common driving hazards without paying a cent extra. Replace unsafe tread worn tires with a set of the new Goodrich safety Silvertowns. The tires that give you the skid protection of the sensational lifesaver tread plus golden ply blowout protection at no Extra cost,

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Margot. That'll be the police checking up on how my car happened to crash into that first door at the exact moment the fire started.

[Margot Lane]

What are you going to tell them, Lamont? I got away in the crowd before anybody had a chance to see me.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Police said over the phone that my car was being driven by a young woman.

[Margot Lane]

Then they suspect.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

I don't think so, Margot. I told them the car.

[Margot Lane]

That makes a criminal out of me, doesn't it? Oh, but you're safe and that's all that matters.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Yes. For once I'm glad you disobeyed my orders, Margot. But now you'd better go in my study and wait. I don't want the police to find you here.

[Margot Lane]

All right, Lamont. I hope they don't get suspicious as to what really happened and discover that you are the Shadow.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Neither do I. Good evening, Sergeant. Come in. Sorry to have kept you waiting.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

That's all right, Mr. Cranston.

[Narrator]

I've just got a few routine questions to ask you.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

In addition to the information you gave

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

us over the phone. That you, Verelli?

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Yeah. Quick, let me in.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Boss. What'd you find out? Where'd that girl go?

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

I got around with the front like you told me, boss. I see her slip out of the car and I follow. She get in a taxi, but she don't get away from me.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Where is she now?

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

I follow her to where she live. We get her tonight. If you say so, boss.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Perhaps you'll lead us to the Shadow.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

But how do you know for sure the Shadow got away?

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

It's in the papers. They put the fire out before it spread upstairs. And now the cops are looking for you as the owner of the First.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Hey, look, boss. You say you take care of me if the police get after me? You swore it.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Don't worry about the cops. I'll get you out of town in a day or two. First we gotta get the Shadow. As long as he's alive, we're both as good as in the Death House.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Yeah, sure, but how are we gonna get it?

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Throw that girl, you dope. We'll get her. Leave a note for this guy La Munch he was calling to before she drove that car into the store. And I'll bet you two to one he's the Shadow. When he comes together, he'll walk into a trap he won't get out of.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Yeah, that's it, boss. We get him here in your place, we make a big fire down here in the cellar. And we get rid of both of them, eh? Yeah.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Come on, show me where this girl lives. We got to get a hold of her tonight or it may be too.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Right here. This is the house I trailed the girl to. That's the window in a bedroom. Yeah, she's got a maid, but I think she's gone now.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Okay. She's had plenty of time to get to sleep since that light went out. Go in the window, into her room and get Emerald.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

But suppose she wake up? Maybe she screams.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Not if this gag you put in her mouth quickly enough. It's soaked with chloroform.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

You wait here and help me carry her down the fire escape, huh, boss?

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Yeah. Wait right here by the window. While you're getting her, I'll pin this note on the curtains. Now, go on, get that window up and get in there. Okay, boss. I don't bump on anything. Just grab her and slap that gag in her mouth and hold it till the chloroform doesn't stuff.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

All right, I'll get her.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

You watch.

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Oh, the Lord save us. Oh, I hope that's Mr. Cranston.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Hello, Ellen.

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Oh, thank the good lord. At you, Mr. Cranston.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Ellen, I came here the minute I got your message. What's wrong? Is Miss Margot Ill?

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Oh, Mr. Cranston, it's worse than that. Ms. Margot, she's gone. She's been taken right out of her bed and out of the window. She's been spirited away.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Well, how do you know? Did you see it happen?

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Oh, no, no, sir, but. Oh, I know. I was in my room and I heard a scream, and I run in here, and there was the note.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

A note?

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Where?

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

In the bedroom there, pinned to the curtains. Come here.

[Margot Lane]

Look.

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

See?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Good heavens, Ellen, when this happened.

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Oh, about an hour ago, I think the clock had just struck two.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

You notified the police?

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Oh, no, no, sir, I didn't dare. Because I read that note first, and it said not to call the police or Ms. Marg will be killed. Here, you read it, Mr. Cranston. Oh, dear, oh, dear, oh, dear.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

You did right in not calling the police, Ellen. So they trailed Margot here. Knew that perhaps she could lead them to me.

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Oh, what are they going to do to Ms. Lane, sir? Hold her for some ransom money?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

No, no, it isn't that, ellen.

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Oh, but Mr. Cranston, I can't explain.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

But listen, Ellen, if you want to help your mistress, you must do exactly as I say.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Yes, sir. I'll do anything. I'd give my life.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

I know you would. I just want you to stay here. Don't talk to anyone. Don't tell anyone what's happened till you hear from me. Do you understand?

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir. I understand.

[Margot Lane]

Where are you going?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

I'm going to do exactly as the note says, Ellen. I'm going to find Ms. Margot and bring her back with me. If I'm not back in two hours and you haven't heard from me, turn that note over to Commissioner Weston of the police department. Remember that, Ellen. If I'm not back in two hours, take that note to Commissioner Weston.

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Oh, dear God. Don't let nothing happen to him.

[Margot Lane]

Don't let nothing happen.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

Have fine time of night to be calling. Hello.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Hello,

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

you. How did you get my private number?

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Shadow?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

I've had it for a long time.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

Well, what is it this time?

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

I suppose you caught the firebug. I suppose you're all set to make a monkey out of me and the whole police force.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

The newspapers have done you and your force a grave injustice, Commissioner. But it is not my doing.

[Lamont Cranston (The Shadow)]

So what?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Would it be worth the loss of a few hours sleep if you could trap the firebugs before morning, Commissioner.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

And who are they and where are they?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

I have an appointment with them within the next hour. When I'm finished with them. They're yours if you're ready to take them. And with them you can have the honor and credit of ending their reign of terror.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

Commissioner, what am I supposed to do? Wait here and twiddle my thumbs?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

No. Throw a cordon of police around the district bounded by 4th street and the river and from Spruce to Medley Square.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

Why, you're crazy. That'd take half my force.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

You're worth it.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

What then?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Keep in touch with headquarters. If you've not heard from me by 4:30, a note will be delivered to you telling you where to find the firebugs and the body of the Shadow.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Listen, you. I'm gonna give you one more chance to talk.

[Margot Lane]

You can't make me talk. I'll never tell you.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Well, maybe you'll think different after I've burned your fingers with a few more matches.

[Margot Lane]

I won't tell you.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

I won't who is the Shadow? Where is he?

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

Talk.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Or is this is only a taste of what you'll get? So you don't like that, eh? Well, talk.

[Margot Lane]

Oh, no, I won't tell you.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Hey, listen, boss.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Yeah?

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

I ain't gonna stay up there in the dark anymore. I'm scared. I don't wait no more for somebody I can't see.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Back up there, Verilli. Get up There. Or wait till I tell you. If you don't, I'll give you something to be scared of.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

But it's dark. I can't see all the time in the dark. I keep hearing noises, sounds. Just now, I think I hear somebody laugh. False. Somebody. Something slammed the door.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

So we meet again, boss.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

He's here. The Shadow is here.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Shut up, you gibbering fool. Really?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Sure, he's here.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

And that's just what I want. Listen, Shadow. Don't come near me. I'm warning you. I've got a gun pressed against this girl's head. One false move out of you and I'll pull a trigger. Go on, you tell him. I'm not bluffing.

[Margot Lane]

So, Monk, why did you come? They used me to get you here. To make you walk into a death trap. They're going to kill you. They'll kill us both.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

It's all right, Marco. Maybe we can.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Morelli, stand by that door. If the Shadow tries to get out, use your knife. Remember, if he gets away, you'll go to the chair.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

All right, boss. I watch.

[Margot Lane]

I'm sorry. This is my fault. All my fault.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Just a minute, Margot. Now that I'm here. Hegman, what do you want?

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

I just wanted you here, Shadow, that's all.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

I see. And you prepared another trap. Another fire trap.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

You guessed it.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

And this time the girl won't get

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

you out of it.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Because she'll be right down here in the cellar with you.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Come on, boss, quick. We get out now.

[Police Officer/Commissioner Weston]

Lock the door and start the fire.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Hey, where you are, Verilli? Don't open that door till I tell you.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Yes, barely. Listen to him. Do as Heckman orders you and you live a few minutes longer. Then you'll die with a bullet in the back.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Who do that?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Your boss?

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

He would not do that. You're lying, Shadow.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

He plans to kill us because we know too much about him. But you, you, Vereli, no more. Not until you're dead. Will he be safe? It may be a few minutes, an hour, a day.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

What do you mean, Shadow?

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Don't listen to him, Vereli.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

He's thinking about killing you, Vereli.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

I'm not. I'm not gonna kill you. You can trust me.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

You forget I can read Hegman's mind, Verelli.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Don't you believe him, Velli. He's just saying not to get you.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

But he can read the mind in the shop.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

He did it. Ah, no. I tell you, you're my friend.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

You know too much about Hickman, Vereli.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

The Shadow is right. I know too much. Only when I'm dead will you be saved.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Boss. Two can keep a secret. Only when one is dead. Vereli. When one is dead. Vereli, listen to me. When one is dead.

[Narrator]

When one is dead.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

When one is dead.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Now, listen.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Brilliant.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

That's it.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

When one is dead.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

Now, Velly. Keep away from me. Put that knife away. Don't listen to him. He's hypnotize your mind. That's another one of the Shadow's tricks. He's dead. No. No.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Brelly.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

All right. Yeah, yeah. I meant to kill you, Brelly. I was gonna do it the minute we got rid of the Shadow and his girl. But I don't need you now. I got them trapped. And I'll give you yours now.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Here. You.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

You killed me.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

But before I die, I'll get you.

[Ellen (Margot's Maid)]

Boss.

[Verelli (Gang Member)]

Get up.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

I stab you. I take you with me.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Boss.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

We keep a cigarette.

[Margot Lane]

Lamont.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Here, let me cut your ropes. Margot.

[Margot Lane]

Yes, Lamont.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Then get out of this place and go back to the apartment. Get that note from Ellen. Destroy it. The secret of the Shadow must remain a secret.

[Margot Lane]

Lamont, come with me, please. There's nothing more can be done here. The pyromaniacs are dead.

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

Yes, Margot. The firebugs have set their last fire. There's one more thing to be done.

[Margot Lane]

What's that?

[The Shadow (Lamont Cranston in disguise)]

I must get in touch with Commissioner Weston. I promised him I'd give him the credit for capturing the criminals. And he and half the police force of the city are waiting out there in the streets. The Shadow always keeps his word.

[Narrator]

You have a listening to a dramatized version of one of the many copyrighted stories which appear in the Shadow magazine.

[Hickman (Gang Boss)]

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

[Narrator]

All the characters and all the places named are fictitious and the similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.