Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Blinker Matter 07/06/1958

Summary

Summary of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Blinker Matter"

Podcast Title: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Blinker Matter
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Original Air Date: July 6, 1958
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, licensed insurance investigator Johnny Dollar delves into the mysterious disappearance of Andrew Foreman, a successful importer whose life is insured for $50,000. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, this installment titled "The Blinker Matter" takes listeners through a labyrinth of deceit, hidden motives, and unexpected revelations, epitomizing the suspenseful storytelling of old-time radio detective dramas.

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Act One: The Foreman Disappearance

[02:55] The story commences with Johnny Dollar submitting his expense account, setting the stage for his investigation into Andrew Foreman's sudden disappearance. Upon arriving in San Francisco, Johnny meets Marcia Foreman, Andrew’s young wife, at their opulent apartment overlooking the bay.

Notable Interaction:

• Marcia Foreman (03:54): "I'm just having coffee on the terrace, Mr. Dollar. Won't you join me?"
• Johnny Dollar (04:15): "Oh, I'm just looking up the bay."

Marcia reveals that a mysterious man named Blinker visited their home the night before Andrew vanished. She describes Blinker as "dressed in rough clothes, a seaman's jacket," with a "scar on his right cheek, a thin nose, and dark, rather beady eyes" ([05:54]). Johnny probes into whether Andrew had any prior knowledge of Blinker, to which Marcia firmly denies, stating, "No, I'm quite certain he hadn't" ([05:50]).

Act Two: Unraveling the Mystery

[06:46] Seeking more insights, Johnny visits Detective Lieutenant Scapella, an old friend in the police force. Together, they dissect the credibility of Marcia’s account.

Key Points:

• Scapella (07:04): "You think Blinker could have killed Foreman?"
• They discuss the possibility of Blinker being a fabricated persona, emphasizing the suspicious nature of Marcia’s detailed description ([07:13]).

Johnny’s investigation leads him to Wayne Arnold, Andrew’s attorney, who divulges a critical piece of information—a phone call from Blinker demanding $10,000 under mysterious circumstances ([09:18]).

Significant Quote:

• Wayne Arnold (09:41): "It was a strange conversation. He sounded nervous, excited, almost out of breath."

Johnny deduces that Blinker might be involved in Andrew’s disappearance, possibly as a hostage or victim of ransom. Despite Arnold’s assertion that he has no personal knowledge of Blinker, Johnny remains skeptical about the authenticity of the character.

Act Three: Clues at the Waterfront

[15:00] Following a lead, Johnny visits Gus's Café near the pier, hoping to find information about Blinker. Gus, the café owner, confirms Blinker’s last known presence but reveals that the sailor never boarded the freighter Indian Princess, raising more questions ([15:25]).

Discovery: Johnny examines Blinker’s belongings, uncovering a hollow carved elephant containing white powder—a clue pointing towards narcotics involvement. This discovery shifts the investigation towards potential drug trafficking linked to Andrew’s importing business ([17:23]).

Resolution: Confronting the Culprit

[19:23] The culmination of Johnny’s investigation leads him back to Andrew Foreman, who he confronts in the warehouse where his shipments are stored. Through a series of revelations, Johnny exposes that Foreman attempted to blackmail using the narcotics hidden in the carved elephants. Confronted with indisputable evidence, Foreman admits to the scheme but denies any involvement in the disappearance, ultimately implicating Blinker, whose body is later found floating in the bay ([18:06]).

Dramatic Exchange:

• Johnny Dollar (19:24): "Look, I found out what you were importing in those carved elephants. He tried to blackmail."
• Andrew Foreman (19:54): "Look, you've got no proof of anything."

Foreman’s inability to provide a satisfactory explanation or alibi leads to the closure of the case, affirming Johnny’s deduction that narcotics played a pivotal role in the confusion surrounding his disappearance.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Johnny Dollar submitting his final expense account, summarizing the costs incurred during his investigation and affirming the resolution of the case. Through meticulous detective work and unwavering determination, Johnny uncovers the truth behind Andrew Foreman’s disappearance, highlighting themes of deception, greed, and the pervasive reach of organized crime within seemingly legitimate businesses.

Final Remarks:

• Johnny Dollar (21:00): "Andrew Foreman made a complete statement to the police. The murder case against him is open and shut."

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Notable Quotes

• Marcia Foreman (03:54): "I'm just having coffee on the terrace, Mr. Dollar. Won't you join me?"
• Wayne Arnold (09:41): "It was a strange conversation. He sounded nervous, excited, almost out of breath."
• Gus (16:34): "He had a carved elephant about 6 inches high."
• Johnny Dollar (19:23): "Look, I found out what you were importing in those carved elephants."

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Insights and Themes

• Deception and Trust: The episode underscores the importance of trust and skepticism in investigative work, as Johnny navigates through conflicting testimonies.
• Hidden Motives: Andrew Foreman’s involvement in narcotics trafficking reveals the darker side of business success.
• Persistence in Investigation: Johnny Dollar’s relentless pursuit of the truth exemplifies the dedication required in solving complex cases.

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Conclusion

"The Blinker Matter" stands out as a compelling narrative within the Johnny Dollar series, blending intricate plotlines with character depth. Choice Classic Radio effectively captures the essence of old-time radio detective stories, offering listeners an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience. This episode not only entertains but also invites reflection on the complexities of human motivations and the relentless quest for truth in the face of adversity.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You, you'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code SPACE80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist. Today at talkspace.com, save $80 with code SPACE80 at Talk.

[Advertiser]

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[Podcast Host]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time.

[Narrator]

Radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe.

[Johnny Dollar]

To us on YouTube and thank you.

[Podcast Host]

For [e-mail].

[Narrator]

From Hollywood. It's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar. Fred Wills assured him. Johnny. Oh, hi Fred. What's on your mind at the moment? San Francisco. Oh, nice town to have on you, Martin. What's new out there? That's what I hope you're going to tell me. What do you mean, Johnny? There's an importer out there name of Andrew Foreman. We're carrying a $50,000 policy on his life. So? So have you ever heard of an importer getting exported? I don't get you Fred, I'm afraid that's what's happened to Foreman. Last night he disappeared. I'm on my way.

[Narrator]

Bob Bailey and the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed exp account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

And now act one of yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the home office Surety Mutual Limited, Hartford, Connecticut. Following as an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Blinker matter. Expense Account Item 1, $178.50. Transportation and incidentals to San Francisco. On the flight out, I studied the dope. Fred Wills. It sent me. Andrew Foreman, age 51. Occupation, importer. Health good. Judging from the hefty premium he had to pay, his importing business must be okay. Wife, Marcia Foreman, age 35. Sixteen years younger than her husband. And Marcia was the sole beneficiary. My plane landed about 8 in the morning. An hour later I was at the Foreman's apartment. It was spacious, modern, with a lot of glass and the kind of view of the bay that you had to pay plenty for. Yeah, there was money written all over the place. And Marcia Foreman looked right at home.

[Marcia Foreman]

I'm just having coffee on the terrace, Mr. Dollar. Won't you join me?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, thanks. I could use some out here. You sure got a beautiful view here.

[Marcia Foreman]

Yes, I never get tired of watching the bay, the ships. There's always something going on. Well, here you are.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks.

[Marcia Foreman]

What is it, Mr. Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I'm just looking up the bay.

[Marcia Foreman]

Alcatraz? Yeah, Such a grim looking place.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, it's a real exclusive club. But I managed to get a couple of new members into it.

[Marcia Foreman]

I don't think I care for the kind of job you have, Mr. Dollar. Trouble wherever you go.

[Johnny Dollar]

Suppose we talk about your troubles.

[Marcia Foreman]

All right. I told the police all I know when I filled out the missing persons report. But I'll go over it again for.

[Johnny Dollar]

You, if you don't mind. Your husband disappeared the night before last.

[Marcia Foreman]

Yes, that's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

What time?

[Marcia Foreman]

I'm not sure. Around 9:00 clock that night, somebody came to see him. A strange sort of man.

[Johnny Dollar]

How do you mean strange?

[Marcia Foreman]

Well, he was dressed in rough clothes, a seaman's jacket. He said he was an old friend of my husband's.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did he give you his name, Mrs. Foreman?

[Marcia Foreman]

Only blinker.

[Johnny Dollar]

Blinker?

[Marcia Foreman]

Yes, he said that's what everybody called him, I guess because he kept blinking his eyes very rapidly.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see.

[Marcia Foreman]

Well, I showed this, this Blinker person into the den where my husband was and left the two of Them together. A few minutes later, my husband came out and told me he was going to drive Blinker downtown and find him a hotel room. So I went to bed. I was tired, went right to sleep. And, well, my husband and I have adjoining bedrooms. When I went in to call him yesterday morning, he was gone. The bed, it hadn't been slept in. I called his office thinking he might have decided to work late, but they hadn't seen him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then you call the police?

[Marcia Foreman]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mrs. Foreman, had your husband ever mentioned this man Blinker before?

[Marcia Foreman]

No, I'm quite certain he hadn't.

[Johnny Dollar]

Can you describe him?

[Marcia Foreman]

Well, he. He wasn't above medium height. Age? Oh, maybe in the 40s. A scar on his right cheek, a thin nose and dark, rather beady eyes. I'm afraid that's the best I can do.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, considering that you only got a brief look at him, I'd say that was a pretty complete description.

[Marcia Foreman]

Mr. Dollar, do you think this person, Blinker, could have done anything to my husband?

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't know, but I'm sure the police are looking for him. Just one more question, Mrs. Foreman. Suppose blinker had nothing to do with your husband's disappearance?

[Marcia Foreman]

I. I'm afraid I don't follow you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, what I mean is, can you think of any reason, any reason at all why your husband might want to disappear?

[Marcia Foreman]

No, Mr. Dollar. Absolutely not.

[Johnny Dollar]

Marsha Foreman sounded pretty certain of that last answer. Maybe just a little bit too certain. Expense account item 2. A $80 cab fare to the office of an old friend of mine, Detective Lieutenant Scapella.

[Detective Lieutenant Scapella]

Jono. If Foreman took this character Blinker to a hotel, it's no hotel we ever heard of. We've covered them all.

[Johnny Dollar]

You think Blinker could have killed Foreman?

[Detective Lieutenant Scapella]

It's a possibility. What's another maybe there is no Blinker.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, Capella, I thought about that too.

[Detective Lieutenant Scapella]

General, didn't it hit you there was something strange about Mrs. Foreman's story? She said she let Blinker in the apartment. She showed him to the den. Now, she could have only seen him a couple of minutes, yet she rattled.

[Johnny Dollar]

Off a complete description of him. Sure it to me, Scapella. Right between the eyes and the way she described.

[Detective Lieutenant Scapella]

Yeah, I know. Seaman's jacket. Beady, blinking eyes, scar on the right cheek. He sounds real distinctive.

[Johnny Dollar]

Real distinctive or real fake?

[Detective Lieutenant Scapella]

Trouble is, smelling a fake's one thing, proving it's another. What do we got for a motive?

[Johnny Dollar]

For one thing, 50,000 bucks she was Formant's sole beneficiary.

[Detective Lieutenant Scapella]

That's interesting. That's Real interesting. Excuse me, gentlemen. Capella. Oh. Oh, yes. What? I see. Yes. Okay. Yes. All right. Thanks, Mr. Emil. John. Looks like we better back up and start all over.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean?

[Detective Lieutenant Scapella]

That was Wayne Arnold, That's Foreman's attorney. He had a telephone call this morning.

[Johnny Dollar]

From Foreman?

[Detective Lieutenant Scapella]

No, but from somebody just as interesting.

[Johnny Dollar]

Blinker.

[Detective Lieutenant Scapella]

Yeah, Blinker.

[Narrator]

Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar, in a moment. And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar, and the Blinker matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Like Scapella said, we had to back up and start all over again. Just when we talked ourselves into thinking Marsha Foreman's story about Blinker was phony. Her missing husband's lawyer phoned and told us he just heard from Blinker. Item 3, $1.70. CareFair to the office of Wayne Arnold, Foreman's attorney. I met him just coming out his door.

[Wayne Arnold]

Did you wish to see me, Mr. Arnold? Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm Johnny Dollar.

[Wayne Arnold]

Oh, yes, the insurance investigator. Mrs. Foreman told me you'd been questioning her. Look, I'm sorry, but I'm in rather a hurry. I have an appointment and I'm late for it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sorry, but this will only take a minute or two. I was in Lt. Scapella's office when you phoned a while ago about this man Blinker. Mr. Arnold.

[Wayne Arnold]

Oh, yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

When did you hear from him?

[Wayne Arnold]

Just a little while ago. I called Marsha Foreman right away, and she thought I ought to call Scopella.

[Johnny Dollar]

What did Blinker say on the phone?

[Wayne Arnold]

It was a strange conversation. He sounded nervous, excited, almost out of breath. Said he wanted money, $10,000. If he didn't get it, he'd. And that's as far as he got. He stopped suddenly, said he'd contact me later, then hung up. What do you make of it, Mr. Daller?

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't know. Could be he's holding Foreman for ransom.

[Wayne Arnold]

That's what it sounded like to me.

[Johnny Dollar]

I take it you don't know this Blinker.

[Wayne Arnold]

I never heard of him until Marcia told me about him showing up night before last.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay. Just one more thing, Mr. Arnold. How long have you been the foreman's attorney? Three, four years.

[Wayne Arnold]

Why?

[Johnny Dollar]

Any reason you know of why he might want to disappear?

[Wayne Arnold]

None that I can think of.

[Johnny Dollar]

Another woman, maybe?

[Wayne Arnold]

I doubt it very much.

[Johnny Dollar]

How about his importing business?

[Wayne Arnold]

As far as I know, it's in excellent shape.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay. Thanks. Mr. Arnold.

[Wayne Arnold]

Mr. Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah?

[Wayne Arnold]

This man Blinker, why would he have it in for Andrew Foreman?

[Johnny Dollar]

Good question. I know. Sorry, I don't have an answer to it. I went down the elevator and outside I Stopped at the corner to get some cigarettes. And that was my first lucky break, because just as I was leaving the counter, I saw Arnold come outside. And the way he looked up and down the street made it plain he wanted to see if anybody was watching him. He got into his car and drove off. I grabbed a taxi, that's item four, and trailed him. He drove into Golden Gate park and stopped. I got out down the road and worked my way toward him behind some bushes. Pretty soon a woman came over and got into his car. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I didn't need to, because when I saw the kiss, I got the message. The woman was Marcia Foreman. I went back into town and waited for Marsha outside her apartment door. She showed up about half an hour later.

[Podcast Host]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare.

[Marcia Foreman]

You can.

[Podcast Host]

You'll meet on your schedule, wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist. Today at talkspace.com save $80 with code space80 at talk.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Marcia Foreman]

Hi, Mr. Dollar. What is it? Is something wrong?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, Something's real wrong. Mrs. Foreman, I want to talk to you.

[Marcia Foreman]

All right, come in. But I've already told you all I know.

[Johnny Dollar]

The story you told me about this man, Blinker. There's no such person, is there?

[Marcia Foreman]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

You and Arnold made it up.

[Marcia Foreman]

I know that's not true.

[Johnny Dollar]

What about you and Arnold? Mrs. Foreman?

[Marcia Foreman]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, then tell me. Did you enjoy your visit with him in Golden Gate park an hour ago?

[Marcia Foreman]

Oh, that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Marcia Foreman]

Well, all right. Mr. Dollar. Wayne, Arnold and I have. We've been in love for some time.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did Your husband know?

[Marcia Foreman]

I'm not sure. We were trying to find the right time to tell him. I don't think he'd really have cared very much. My husband and I haven't gotten along very well the last year or two. I guess I really didn't know him when I married him. Mr. Dollar, this has nothing to do with my husband's disappearance. You must believe that.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's so.

[Marcia Foreman]

I didn't make up the story about Blinker. I didn't kill my husband, if that's what you're thinking.

[Johnny Dollar]

Has he been killed?

[Marcia Foreman]

I. I don't know. You. It got me confused.

[Johnny Dollar]

If you didn't do it, how about Arnold?

[Marcia Foreman]

No, he'd have no reason. Sadie wasn't even in town the night before last.

[Johnny Dollar]

I can check that.

[Marcia Foreman]

I know you can.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mrs. Foreman. Maybe you're telling me the truth and maybe you're not. Sooner or later, I'm gonna find out.

[Marcia Foreman]

Which I am telling you the truth.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then can you give me any reason at all why your husband has disappeared?

[Marcia Foreman]

There's. There's one possibility, Mr. Dollar. It might have something to do with his importing business.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's that mean?

[Marcia Foreman]

My husband. Well, he seems to have made a lot of money out of his importing business. More than the kind of thing he usually imports would warrant.

[Johnny Dollar]

What does he import?

[Marcia Foreman]

Oh, trinkets. Curios from the Orient, mostly.

[Johnny Dollar]

Have you a key to your husband's office?

[Marcia Foreman]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Let me have it. I want to take a look around. I went over the papers in Foreman's office and found out his last shipment had come in three days ago on the Indian princess. Mrs. Foreman had said Blinker was wearing a seaman's jacket. I headed for the waterfront, but the ship was gone. Near the pier was a beat up eating place called Gus's Cafe. A woman with an apron came over. She was about 6ft tall and almost that wide.

[Gus]

What can I do for you, buddy?

[Johnny Dollar]

Want to talk to the owner. Gus?

[Gus]

That's me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Your Gus?

[Gus]

Short for Gussie. What's on your mind, buddy?

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny. Johnny Dollar. I want some information.

[Gus]

You a cop, buddy?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, I'm not a cop.

[Gus]

You look like a cop.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, listen, that freighter that shoved off from this pier, the Indian Princess.

[Gus]

Doc's there regular.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know any of the sailors from her?

[Gus]

That's about all of them. They all come in here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, look. Gussie. Gus. Okay, Gus. You ever happen to hear of a sailor named Blinker?

[Gus]

Sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know him? Sure. About medium height, scar on the right cheek. Blinks his eyes all the time.

[Gus]

I said I know him. What do you want, an affidavit?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, Gussie, you're the most beautiful thing that's happened to me all day.

[Gus]

That's what they all tell me, buddy. Flattery don't get him a thing. Might help you, though. You're kind of cute.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Look, did Blinker sail on the Indian Princess?

[Gus]

No.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then where is he?

[Gus]

Fact is, I don't know. Blinkers disappeared.

[Narrator]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar, in a moment. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Blinker matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then you don't have any idea where Blinker is now, Gus?

[Gus]

Not the slightest, buddy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, God. Great. And I'm right back where I started from.

[Gus]

Blinker was mixed up in something, all right. What do you mean, the Indian Princess, Doc, the other night, Blinker come in here for a cup of coffee. That's one thing the sailors around here all miss when they're out to sea. My coffee. There's no one makes coffee like me. Why, there's nobody on the whole coast.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I know about Blinker now.

[Gus]

Well, seemed pretty pleased with his, sir. Said he was onto something good.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did he say what he meant by that?

[Podcast Host]

No.

[Gus]

Just sat there looking pleased with herself. Oh, yeah, he showed me the elephant. Said it was gonna make him a lot of money.

[Johnny Dollar]

What elephant?

[Gus]

He had a carved elephant about 6 inches high. Must have picked it up somewhere. Maybe he was gonna sell it. I don't know.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hmm. Foreman imported curios from the Orient. His last shipment came in on the Indian Princess. That elephant could have been part of it.

[Gus]

Foreman? Who's he?

[Johnny Dollar]

Never mind. Well, I wonder where I go from here.

[Gus]

I wonder what I'm gonna do with all Blinker's stuff if he don't show up for it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe I'm. What did you say about Blinker's stuff? What stuff?

[Gus]

I got a back room where I let the boys keep their gear when they're ashore.

[Johnny Dollar]

You've got Blinker's things there now?

[Gus]

Sure have.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why didn't you tell me?

[Gus]

You never asked me.

[Johnny Dollar]

In the back room, I went through Blinker seabag. Near the bottom, I found a carved elephant. An ordinary looking elephant until I twisted one of the legs loose. It was hollow. And inside, a little paper packet full of white powder. Suddenly, the whole deal slid into place. And just as suddenly, the whole deal made me slightly sick. Now, I wanted to see the rest of those elements real bad. According to the records informant's office, the shipment was in a warehouse. I went outside and over to the piercing.

[Gus]

Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Huh? Oh, Gus.

[Gus]

Come here a minute, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, look, I'm in a hurry. Thanks for everything. I'll see you later.

[Gus]

You got time to see this over here near the pier.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute.

[Gus]

Yep, the body all right. One of the boys just fished it out of the water. I sent him to call the cops.

[Johnny Dollar]

Looks like it's been in the water quite a few hours, Gus.

[Gus]

Yep. Blinker, all right.

[Johnny Dollar]

I knew I had to work fast now. I headed out on the pier for the warehouse. Once, I thought I heard footsteps somewhere behind me. I stopped and listened. There was no sound. It was dark inside the warehouse. But with the help of matches, I located Foreman shipment. I took a crowbar and opened one of the crates. It was full of carved elephants. I picked up one of them. Yeah, it had a hollow leg. And the hollow leg was full of the same white powder. I hit the floor fast. The shot had come from over near the door. I eased my gun out and waited. Five, ten minutes went by. I kept quiet. Then suddenly, a shadow loomed up near the crates. We saw each other at the same time.

[Narrator]

My shoulder.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well. The missing man himself, Andrew Foreman. Look, I found out what you were importing in those carved elephants. He tried to blackmail. I don't know what you're talking about. Oh, sure, sure. You probably told him you'd pay off. That's when you drove him downtown, night before last. Then you tried to kill him. But he must have got away. He called your lawyer, tried to put the squeeze on through him, but he had to hang up in a hurry. You were probably getting close. You finally caught up with him, didn't you, Foreman?

[Narrator]

Look, you've got no proof of anything. Why should Blinker try to blackmail me?

[Johnny Dollar]

Like I say, he found out about the narcotics in those hollow elephants. Was put there without my knowledge. You have no proof I was involved. You know Foreman. It doesn't much matter. You've got even bigger troubles than that staring you in the face.

[Narrator]

I don't understand.

[Johnny Dollar]

Blinker's body has been recovered from the bay. I wouldn't know anything about that. You've got no proof of that either? No. There were two bullet holes in blinker. Five will get you 10. The slugs in them came from this gun of yours. The gun? Yeah. This is something that can be proved. Well, all right. I just didn't have any choice. Item 5. $183 even. Transportation and incidentals. Home expense account. Total $434.50. Remarks. Andrew Foreman made a complete statement to the police. The murder case against him is open. And shut. So it looks like he's going to beat the narcotics rap after all the hard way. Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Today's story was written by Robert Stanley. Heard in our cast were Paula Winslow, D.J. thompson, Harry Bartel, Stacy Harris, Vic Perrin and Bob Bruce. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Roy Rowan speaking.

[Marcia Foreman]

Sam Sa.

[Detective Lieutenant Scapella]

Dollar has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television.

[Marcia Foreman]

It.