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Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Carson Arson Matter 05/04/1958
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Your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean. Podbean. Podbean. Podbean. Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform. Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts. Launch your podcast on Podbean today. My school uses Podbean. My church too. I love it. I really do. Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for donating@ChoiceClassicRadio.com from Hollywood. It's time now for Johnny Dollar. This is Jim Parris at Worldwide Mutual. Don't tell me Jim. Let me guess, what are you talking about? The reason you call me. I can smell the smoke all the way over here at my apartment. Oh, also I heard something about the fire on a news broadcast a few minutes ago. Yes, somewhere out on Albany Avenue. He said. Yes, it's the cash and save market over the other side of town. And since your company insured it, you want me to go over and take a look? A good look. Johnny, you thinking of possible arson? I am. Okay. Why? That store is just one of a chain. Hartford, Boston, Providence, Springfield, Lowell. Yeah, yeah, I see. But how does that make it arson? This is the fourth one to go up in as many weeks. Oh, the outfit that owns them having financial troubles? The outfit that owns them is one man. Oh, John Wakefield Carson. Then I repeat my question, Johnny. If he is burning up his own markets, if you can prove it, you can save our company a lot of money. That might cost you a lot of money, Jim. What do you mean? Wait till you see my expense account. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventure ventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Worldwide Mutual Insurance Company home office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investig of the Carson arson matter expense account item one, a dollar and a quarter for a taxi from my apartment to the offices of Worldwide where I hope Jim Parris could give me a little more to go on. He did very little. First loss four and a half weeks ago was the market up in Thompsonville. How much loss in Thompsonville? $41,204. That was the smallest one in the chain. The following week the one over in Fall river burned to the ground. And the claim that? Some 58,000 odd dollars. Nothing odd about that much dough. And the loss in Lowell was a bit over 64,000. How much the claim will be on this one here in Hartford remains to be seen. How much coverage does he have on it? Around a hundred thousand, I believe. Yes, 106,000. Well, then that's probably what he's going to claim. Look, you can still see the smoke out there. Yes, and the telephone report I just got says it looks like a total loss. Will you go over and take a look at it? John Wakefield. Curse. That's right. His office is up in Boston. That's where his newest biggest market is. Ah. How much insurance on that one? Nearly half a million. It's one of the largest, most modern supermarkets. I better get over and see him in a hurry. Hmm. You want me to get there before that one goes up, don't you? Expense account, item 2. 450 for a cab to the scenario way out on Albany Road. Three or four fire companies were hard headed, but it was easy to see there wasn't a chance of saving much. It struck me that this location, part of a brand new residential area, was about as far from an established fire company as it could be. I wondered for a moment if this was deliberate. I finally ran down Hal Gibbons, an old pal and one of the best men a Narsen squad ever had. Stick your nose up in the air and take a deep one, Johnny. You smell it? Well, it's not kerosene, Hal. I don't think it's gasoline either. No, but it's something highly inflammable. The boys of that chemical truck could get it out. Might learn something first. These stores always stock a lot of cleaning fluid, stuff like that. Most of them are not inflammable. Well, how about. Johnny, look out. Hey, maybe we better move back away. Yeah. Must have got a pretty big start on the fireman, Hal. Sure, because it's so far out. Just like the markets in Thompsonville and Fall river and Lowell too. Kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it? At this point I'm more than just wondering, Johnny, have you come up with anything? Those other towns are out of my bailiwick, but I know all the boys in the departments. Have they come up with anything? No. That's why I feel I've got to get the first lead, if there is one. Right here. Has old man Carson showed up? No, not doing any of the fires. He just sits calmly in his office in Boston, mutters something philosophical about the vagaries of fortune and lets you go at that and fine a big fat insurance claim. I think I want to see that guy Carson. I don't think it'll do you any good, but go to it. Know anything about his financial situation? He's loaded. Multi millionaire. And boy, what a queer one. What's that mean? A regular nut. Always quoting Shakespeare, the Bible, poetry by a good businessman. You sure he hasn't got some big investments? Something like that, that went bad on him recently? I'm sure. There has to be something. Oh, get back, I tell you. You gotta stay back in the line. Wanna keep your job, you tell your chief I'm here. And I wanna know why this fire got out of hand. Well, who's that? Now, look, Miss. Don't choke on them. It's all right, Jerry. I'll take care of her. Whatever you say, Mr. Gibbons, but I got orders. Okay. Well, Ms. Carson, it looks like you're losing another market. The fourth one. The fourth one. In a little over a. Hey, don't I know you? I'm afraid I haven't had the pleasure, Miss. Margaret Carson, this is Johnny Dollar, the insurance investigator. Good. Now maybe we'll get somewhere. Oh, this is Walter. Walter. Oh, yes, Margaret, my fiance, Mr. Dollar. Walter Smitton. Hello, Walter. Mr. Gibbon. Walter handles the legal end of things for dad. Oh, I see. Next president of the company, Walter. I in the grocery business? Oh, no. No, sir. Thank you. The legal end is enough for me. What do you think about these fires? Four in a row? Well, if I were you, Mr. Dollar, I'd suspect arson. Walter, for heaven's sake. Why Walter? Someone trying to put Mr. Carson out of business? Something like that. Put father out of business with a couple of fires, Ms. Carson. Come on, Walter. We've seen all we need to make the dad. Goodbye, Mr. Dollar. Yeah, see ya. Like a motive, Johnny? That Waller character. If he marries Margaret Carson, then he doesn't seem to like the grocery business. Yeah, but if he could get the money from it. Yeah, I see what you act two of. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Our flag now numbers 50 stars and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. South Dakota State flag was inspired by a song. South Dakota is the Sunshine State. A stenographer named Ida Anding designed the flag with a sky blue background and a blazing sun in the center. And the words South Dakota, the Sunshine State in gold around the sun. Later, the state seal was inserted over the sun. A seal representing mining and agriculture, the prime pursuits of the state. The state's banner also carries the motto, Under God, the people rule. South Dakota State flag. The flag of the 40th state to enter the Union was adopted on March 8, 1909. And now, Act 2 of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Carson arson matter expense account. Item three, 20 cents. Phone call from a booth near the scene of the fire. I wanted more information from Jim Parris at Worldwide Mutual. Information about the policies covering the 13 cash and save markets, four of which had recently gone up in flames. I waited in the phone booth until Jim called me back. Johnny Dollar, Jim here. Oh, good. All right, here's the list of markets, Johnny, in the order of insurance coverage, starting with the smallest amount. Go ahead. Thompsonville, Fall River, Lowell, Hartford. That's the same order in which they burned. Exactly. Okay, which remaining store has the next biggest coverage? Salem. Okay, I'll start with Salem. What are you thinking of, Johnny? It's just a hunch, Jim, but. Well, I'll call you later. Item four, five dollars and a quarter for a cab back to my apartment. Item 5, $21. Even mileage in my own car. Hartford to Salem, Mass. Despite burning up the highway, it was almost dark when I pulled into Salem. It was well after dark when I finally located the cash and save market again. The store was far outside of town, and it was a long way from the nearest fire. I don't know exactly why I went there instead of the main office in Boston. After all, it was the same day as the Hartford fire and the others had all been about a week apart. As I said before, call it a hunch, but as I pulled up in front of the place, I saw the shadow of a man dart furtively around the back of the building. As I reached the far corner of the building, I stopped. But with only the sliver of a crescent moon, I could see no one. Podbean, your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean. Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform. Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts. Use Podbean to record your podcast. Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast. Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast. Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere. Launch your podcast on Podbean today. Somewhere ahead of me, I heard a door open. Then silence again. But somebody had entered that building. Slowly, cautiously, I felt my way along the wall. And then I came to it. An open door storeroom. But inside, it was pitch black. I drew my gun and carefully, quietly, fell around for a light switch. After stumbling gently against a big packing case, I Found it. I hunched down behind the case and flicked it on. All right, where are you? I heard you. I saw you come in here. Now look, I got a gun, so don't try anything funny, you hear me? Where are you? Right. Huh? Over your head. Oh, I must have been out a long time. I came to lying on a cot in the back room of Salem police headquarters a couple of gallon jars. Can you hear me? Yeah. Yeah, I can hear you. Yeah, well, it was a couple of big gallon jars of kosher pickles that he dropped on top of your head. He. Officer, I'd like to split your head open. So he brought you in here to headquarters and had the doc look you over up. Easy now. Doc says no permanent harm done. He'll give you a shot to make you sleep and rest. Now, how about this cup of hot coffee? Yeah, sure. And about a dozen aspirins. My head feels like. There you are. Nice. But you. You said he. According to him, you left yourself wide open when you sneaked in there after him. And then to turn on the lights. Son, you've got a lot to learn. Okay, so I pulled a boo boo. But do you know who it was that slugged me? Of course, son. He brought you here. Who? Owner of the market. What? Mr. John Wakefield Carson. Item 6. $2 more mileage on my car. This time down to Boston in the main office of cash and save to the private office of John Wakefield Carson. Please be calm of mind. All passion spent, Mr. Dollar. What? That's from Milton. Please sit down. Now look, Mr. Carson, about last night. Ladoff plays tricks upon us all. He did so in bringing us together last night. How did you know I was going to investigate that market of yours up in Salem? I didn't know. But look you, young man. Yeah. The fires which destroyed those four markets did so in order their value to me. So I found out. Possibly then the next to be the store in Salem. For that indeed is next in order of value. It figures. Or perhaps twas mere coincidence those accidents occurred in that order. Accidents? Remember, coincidence breeds further coincidence. That's a quotation from Brasco. Now Listen to me, Mr. Carson. For that reason I decided to inspect the Salem store myself. Inspector. That to make sure there'd be no possibility of spontaneous combustion. There. Let's get one thing straight right now, Mr. Carson. Yes. I think those fires were set. And if you'll come down to earth possible. I suppose it was Shakespeare who said fire answers fire. Through their paley flames each sees the other Zumbud face. Listen to Me? Will you? Oh, of course. I think you set those fires or had them set by Mr. I think you were going to burn down the store in Salem until I came along. When I saw you there, I thought that was your intent. Oh, sure, sure. All right, tell me this. What do you plan to do with the insurance money if you get it? Rebuild bigger and better stores where the old ones stood? Why, no. Or did you find out you hadn't made them big and modern enough for those real estate developments where they were located and decided the cheapest way for you to build. No. To build again where tragic dealt the fates. Forget the fancy quotes and answer my question. Spears said. You tread upon my patience, sir. Look, it's most enough to make a deacon swear. Answered by James Russell. Mr. Carson. What disposition of the funds I choose to make is mine alone to settle and from my heart. Carson, no. I've had enough of this. Now be on your way. Now wait a minute. Gone dollar and irk me. Now no more. Now you wait. From your heart you said. Now I have said enough. Henceforth my lips are sealed. Okay, okay. But you know something? I think you've told me who might have set those fires. And if you'll answer me just one more question. No. Okay. We'll see. Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Sometimes we may wonder why a football team doesn't quit playing and walk off the field when it finds itself 50 points behind with only a few minutes of play to go. What is that indomitable spirit that fills men with hope and keeps them going in spite of terrific odds? Keeps them going just to play the game according to the rules, just to get the job done as well as they know how. This kind of spirit pervaded the feelings of heavy bomber Crews of the 9th Air Force on that day of glory. August 1, 1943. The day of one of the most secretly planned surprise bombing missions of World War II. The day of the low level attack on the Romanian oil refineries at floeste, more than 170 B24 heavily loaded bombers took off in a swirl of red dust from Benghazi, Libya, to bomb a highly defended priority target. The element of surprise in the low level attack was to be one of their greatest weapons. But things went wrong from the start. Three planes exploded during takeoff operations. Eleven more aborted due to engine trouble. Of those that reached the target area, less than one third returned to home base. The leaders of the mission encountered navigation difficulties and difficulty in identifying the specific targets. And due to the Loss of that elemental hope, surprise. They also encountered devastating enemy firepower from flak and fighters. The mission was partially successful, but a horrifying experience. Five Medals of Honor were awarded to the heroes of the flesh to raid for valorous action above and beyond the call of duty at any time. The men would have been justified in turning back. But they had a code of conduct that made them want to see the unequal game through to the end. It was a job that had to be done. A charge of the Light Brigade in the air as they flew down the valley of death to glory. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Carson Arson. Expense account. Item seven. 80 cents. Phone call to Hal Gibbons and the arson squad back in Hartford. Yeah, Johnny. I finally found plenty in the remains of that fire. Then it was arson by some rank amateur. That's why it was hard to spot. What do you mean? When a pro sets ablaze, we know what to look for. I see. And what about the other three fires? I called the boys in those cities immediately. Heard back from them this morning. Same story. All right. Have you checked on Walter. What's his name? The fiance of Carson's daughter? You mean stepdaughter? Stepdaughter. I have, and that's what stops me. Alibis, huh? Perfect. Walter Smitton couldn't possibly have started those fires. I didn't think so. Huh. Now, that boy may call himself a lawyer, Hal, but he just hasn't the nerve to. Gumption. But who else? He stands to benefit if he marries Margaret Carson. And surely you don't think Carson himself. Johnny, call the Boston police, will you? Have them meet me at Carson's office. What for? Maybe to make an arrest. Do that for me, will you? Hunch. Maybe it was more than a hunch. Now, sure, I know there was no real clues in the case, but maybe for once I could get along with that. I went back to Carson's office and I must confess, tried a little bluff. Court? You'd hail me into court? That's right. Unless you open up and tell me what I want to know. Very well. Speak to me as to thy thinkings as thou dost, and you can forget the quotations. Walter Smitton is your lawyer, isn't he? A timid, but an eager lad who saved me many a fall. You like him like a son? I would he were my son. Or as the Bible says, a wise son maketh a hammer. All right, all right. Oh, yes, yes. You have a stepdaughter, Margaret? Alas, I have. Okay. Now, who Is to get the insurance money. You may collect. Well, that, sir, is none of your concern. You're gonna talk now, Mr. Carson, or in support. A family matter. Who gets it? I. I pledged to my wife before she died that Margaret would have all monies from any profit, any monetary gain of any kind, of any of my ventures. That would include the insurance money. I see. That, Mr. Dollar, was my pledge. And, oh, how I have rued it. Why do you say that? She's not of my blood, Mr. Dollar. She has no soul for art or poetry. And since she's come of age, she's made so many demands upon me. Money, money, money. That's all she thinks of. Unlike water, she's so bold, aggressive, headstrong. Were it not for Walter, I'd mistrust her every move. But if he's in love with her because she demands he be. And why? So she can use his legal guidance in her fight to take this business away from me. All right, Mr. Carson. I haven't notified the authorities yet, but I found proof that Margaret is the one who started those fires. You what? And you just told me why. Because the money would go to her. Oh, Mr. Dollar, I'm glad. I've suspected, yes, but because of family honor. No, no, no. I'm glad you have proof. Long last it will take her. Take this millstone from about my neck. Proof, Marcus. Well, Dolly, you'll never live to tell the authorities. I'll take that. That gun. Unless you'd like to make a deal, Johnny. It'd be worth a lot of money to you. I'd even promise not to set any more fires. Oh, you were right, Mr. Dollo. Unless I'm mistaken, Margaret, the man who just came in. What man? Who heard your little confession is from the police department. You're trying to make me look around so you can grab for this gun. Oh, no. Fact remains, he's standing right in back of you. That's right, Margaret. No. Oh, my hands. My hand. Oh, my hand. How sharper than a serpent's tooth. Is an ungrateful child. Yeah. The company will have to pay on those four markets. And the courts will have to take care of market. I'm sure they will. And next time, well, give me something clean to work on, will you? I hate this kind of stuff. Expense account total, including the trip home, $56.90. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Our star will return in just a moment. Our flag now numbers 50 stars and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Oklahoma's state flag depicts an Osage warrior's circular buckskin shield, from which hangs seven eagle feathers. Across the shield is the Indian's calumet, or pipe of peace, crossed with the white man's peace symbol. The olive branch. On the shield are small crosses, the Indian's graphic sign for stars indicating lofty ideals or a purpose for high endeavor. The background of the flag is a field of blue, the blue of the Oklahoma sky signifying loyalty and devotion. The important symbols, however, are the calumet and the olive branch. These override the shield, the symbol of war, and bespeak a predominant love of peace by a united people. Oklahoma's state flag, the flag of the 46th state to enter the union was adopted on April 2, 1925. Now here's our star to tell you about next week's story. Next week, the Rolling Stone matter. Remember that old saying about a rolling stone? Well, it applies here with a vengeance. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollic. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Virginia Gregg, Byron Kane, Harry Bartel, Jack Edwards, Joe Kearns and Forest Lewis. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Do. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.