Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Delectable Damsel Matter 06/15/1958

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Delectable Damsel Matter
Release Date: May 26, 2025

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Introduction to the Case

In this captivating episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, hosted by Choice Classic Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio to follow the adventures of America's premier freelance insurance investigator, Johnny Dollar. The story, titled "The Delectable Damsel Matter," unfolds with Johnny receiving an intriguing proposition from Rip Single, a charismatic insurance salesman with a questionable past.

Notable Quote:
"Rip Single: So, how'd you like to have a date with her?" ([00:27])

Characters Involved

• Johnny Dollar: The diligent and resourceful insurance investigator.
• Rip Single: Johnny's colleague, known for his charm and shady tactics.
• Hildegard Ransom (Hildy): A wealthy heiress with a penchant for wild adventures.
• Sergeant Donald Bellwe: Hildy's husband, a patriotic military man facing unexpected challenges.

The Proposition and Initial Investigation

The episode kicks off with Rip Single approaching Johnny with a personal invitation to date Hildegard Ransom, a name buzzing in society circles. Rip hints that this meeting isn't solely for romance but ties into their professional realm. Intrigued and always eager for a new case, Johnny agrees to fly out and meet Hildy.

Notable Quote:
"Johnny Dollar: Hey, Rip, take me to her." ([12:18])

Upon arriving, Johnny discovers that Hildy is the owner of the legendary "Cape Star"—a stunning emerald-encrusted brooch worth nearly $300,000. However, Hildy claims the gem is missing, prompting a joint investigation.

Uncovering the Mystery

As Johnny delves deeper, he learns about Hildy's extravagant lifestyle and her history of eccentric escapades, such as a destructive stunt involving dynamite to modify her property. This background paints Hildy as someone who craves excitement, possibly explaining her sudden disappearance of the Cape Star.

Notable Quote:
"Rip Single: She has the money, she has the time. She's done everything under the sun that normal people do. So now she keeps looking for the unusual." ([10:10])

Johnny's investigation leads him to a lavish yacht, where he meets Hildy and a suspicious crew member named McCarty. Tensions escalate when Johnny suspects foul play involving the missing emerald, leading to a high-stakes confrontation on the high seas.

The Confrontation and Resolution

The plot thickens as Johnny engages in a nautical showdown with McCarty, who is revealed to be smuggling narcotics. A dramatic pursuit ensues, culminating in Johnny successfully apprehending McCarty and recovering the Cape Star. Hildy admits that the disappearance of the gem was a ruse to entrap the smuggler, showcasing her cleverness and resourcefulness.

Notable Quote:
"Hildegard Ransom: Johnny, how can you say such a thing? Of course not." ([17:00])

Sergeant Donald Bellwe's Subplot

Interwoven with the main narrative is the subplot involving Sergeant Donald Bellwe, Hildy's husband. Donald grapples with the responsibility of delivering a crucial safety speech, highlighting the dangers of traffic accidents over battlefield casualties—a poignant commentary on domestic issues amid global conflicts.

Notable Quote:
"Sergeant Donald Bellwe: On many days during the Korean conflict, more servicemen lost their lives on the highway than on the battlefield." ([08:15])

Conclusion and Reflections

The episode concludes with Johnny reflecting on the unexpected twists of even the most routine cases. The successful resolution not only restores Hildy's treasured gem but also reinforces Johnny's reputation as a meticulous and unwavering investigator.

Notable Quote:
"Johnny Dollar: It's funny, isn't it? You never know what you're going to get into when you take on even the most routine kind of case." ([21:31])

Final Thoughts

The Delectable Damsel Matter masterfully blends suspense, wit, and character development, offering listeners a memorable journey through Johnny Dollar's investigative prowess. With its rich dialogue and intricate plot, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of old-time radio detective stories.

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Production Credits:
Produced and directed by Jack Johnstone.
Featuring voices of Virginia, Greg, Jet Stratton, Barney Phillips, Jack Moyles, and Frank Gerstel.

Join us next week:
Tune in for another thrilling adventure of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, where every case promises excitement and intrigue.

Transcript

[Johnny Dollar]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Bring to you the greatest old time radio shows.

[Johnny Dollar]

Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] from Hollywood, it's time now for Johnny.

[Rip Single]

Daller Ralph Single Johnny at Model Guarantee Insurance Company.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, hi, Rip. How's Hollywood's most eligible bachelor?

[Rip Single]

Listen, do you know who Hildegard Ransom is?

[Johnny Dollar]

Are you kidding? That gal's coming out party hit the society column of every newspaper in the country. Yeah, I know.

[Rip Single]

So, how'd you like to have a date with her?

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, wait a minute. Weren't you dating the luscious Hildy Ransom a while back?

[Rip Single]

Yeah, I was, but I threw her over.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, Rip, you just don't appreciate the finer things of life.

[Rip Single]

Oh, no? Well, if you had to put up with some of her wild ideas or.

[Johnny Dollar]

Crazy antics, so what? What difference does it make? All that beauty, all that money.

[Rip Single]

Look, I ask you, you want to date with it at company expense?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, why not?

[Rip Single]

Then grab the first plane you can and fly on out here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, I'm on my. What's the catch, Rip?

[Rip Single]

I'll meet you at the Los Angeles International Airport.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, fine. But suppose you give me some idea. Bob Bailey in the Exciting Adventures of the man with the Action Packed expense Account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And now, act one of yours truly, Johnny Dol. Expense account submitted by Special investigator Johnny Dollar. To the Mono Guarantee Insurance Company, Los Angeles office. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the delectable damsel matter expense account item $107 even. Hartford to New York. And a DC7 mainliner to Los Angeles. Single is a good name for Rip. He has a knack for meeting wealthy, important people. Particularly, they practically swoon under his spell. And he sells them insurance. I'm not sure I approve his love him and lead him tactics. But it's no wonder. He knew Hilly Ransom, heiress to a couple of million bucks.

[Rip Single]

Hi, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

But he hadn't told me why he wanted me to meet her. And I was sure it wasn't just for a date.

[Rip Single]

Daydreaming, Johnny, Huh? Your bag is right here on the rack. Come on, I'll help you put in the car and we'll take off.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, hi, Rip. Sure. Where's the car?

[Rip Single]

Over here in the parking lot. Hey, what were you dreaming about there at the luggage pickup?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, Hildeg. Who else? And I take it your little romance with her, the one that hit the headlines a while back. Is all over, huh? Oh, sure, sure.

[Rip Single]

But I got her insurance business, all of it. And Johnny, if I had to, I could live off the premiums of that one account alone.

[Johnny Dollar]

And it must be pretty big, because if I remember the way you live, fancy clothes, fancy apartment.

[Rip Single]

Well, you can take it with you, boy. Besides, it's all good for my business. Here we are. Hey, you like this little old truck?

[Johnny Dollar]

The little old truck was a brand new El Dorado Biarritz paint job. Gold fittings instead of chrome. Every accessory you can think of, including a bar in the back seat. Yeah, Playboy party boy, Rip. Single hadn't changed a bit.

[Rip Single]

And if you make contacts, make them right where the money is. And if it's a pretty girl that has the money and you can charm her into your arms, baby, you made a sa.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, okay. Now tell me, Rip.

[Rip Single]

Johnny, did you ever hear of the Cape Star?

[Johnny Dollar]

What's that?

[Rip Single]

Well, it's an emerald as big as a robin's egg in a 14 carat moun loaded with diamonds and rubies. A brooch value nearly 300,000 clams.

[Johnny Dollar]

This Hildegard Ransom owns it.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Uh huh.

[Rip Single]

Or did.

[Johnny Dollar]

How'd she lose it?

[Rip Single]

Well, all I know is that she called me and she said it was missing and that she wants me to go out and have a look.

[Johnny Dollar]

Out where?

[Rip Single]

Well, I don't want that wacky dame to get her hands on me again. Now, you heard of some of her crazy escapades? Like the time she flooded half of the Bel Air estates?

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Rip Single]

Well, she didn't like the looks of a fire plug on her five acres up there. So she had the gardener plant some dynamite under it. Oh, brother, I gotta do something for laughs, she said.

[Johnny Dollar]

The old story of the idle rich with too much time on her hands, huh?

[Rip Single]

Yeah, that's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

That kind of stuff can lead to trouble sometimes. Where is she? Rep belair, did you say?

[Rip Single]

Well, when she's home, which isn't often. Right now I think it.

[Johnny Dollar]

What? The Sam Hill? Oh, sure, sure.

[Rip Single]

All the comforts of home here now.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hello?

[Hildegard Ransom]

RHS 1121?

[Rip Single]

That's right. Operator, one moment please.

[Hildegard Ransom]

I have a call for you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, thanks. Oh, brother, when I get rich enough to put a mobile phone in my.

[Rip Single]

Car, it doesn't cost much. As a matter of fact, Single.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Are you coming out here to see me or aren't you?

[Rip Single]

Oh, well now, Hildy.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Fifth time I've called. And Rip, if you don't do something about my loss of the Cape Star, if you call the police. Well, sure, of course, I might have known you would. So they'll tell the papers. More publicity for you in that lousy insurance business.

[Rip Single]

But, Hildy, I. I always notify the police.

[Hildegard Ransom]

You know what that means? It means reporters, photographers, cops, half the town falling all over themselves when I get in. So if you are somebody else, and I don't mean the cops, if you don't get out of.

[Johnny Dollar]

Do you know what I'll do?

[Hildegard Ransom]

I'll cancel every policy I have with you. My own. The houses, the cars, this old top, everything. Here.

[Rip Single]

Will you take this, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure. Hello.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Hello. Didn't you hear what I said?

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, miss.

[Hildegard Ransom]

What? Who's that?

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Johnny. So we got you. Well, now we'll have some action because you'll come out here right away, won't you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, that depends.

[Hildegard Ransom]

I don't know what to do. Cape Star Emerald gone. And Rip so busy he can't leave his office. Johnny, you have to come.

[Johnny Dollar]

Please. Well, look.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Oh, I knew you would, honey. And I'll be waiting for you. Rip can tell you how to get here. Bye.

[Johnny Dollar]

Uh, yeah.

[Rip Single]

Don't be fooled, Johnny. She really is that charming when she wants to be.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, Rip, take me to her.

[Rip Single]

Uh, not quite.

[Johnny Dollar]

Huh?

[Rip Single]

That old tub she mentioned is our 165 foot diesel yacht.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Rip Single]

And near as I can guess, is about four score and 70 miles off.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure. Well, you expect me to walk?

[Rip Single]

Oh, she also has a cruiser, a 58 footer, parked down at Balboa.

[Johnny Dollar]

You can go in that. Then you'd better swing around, brother. We're driving north.

[Rip Single]

Oh, there's a private airport up here off Sea Boulevard where I keep my plane.

[Johnny Dollar]

Your own plane? Sure. Holy smoke. Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.

[Hildegard Ransom]

And now for another episode in the life of Sergeant Donald Bellwe, my husband.

[Johnny Dollar]

Reba. Reba, where are you?

[Hildegard Ransom]

In the kitchen, dear. I'm coming. Donald, what are you doing home so early? Are you sick?

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

No, no, I'm not sick. I came home early to get some work done. But you're gonna have to help me.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Help you with what?

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

Well, you got me into this, you're gonna have to help me get out.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Donald, you're not making sense. What did I get you into?

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

Well, it all started this morning. I walked into the lieutenant's office and I started bragging about how well delivered her speech on safety at the BTA meeting.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Ah, that was sweet of you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sweet.

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

But the lieutenant was quite impressed. In fact, he was so impressed, he assigned me to give a talk on safety tomorrow. At the enlisted men's meeting.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Well, good for you, Sergeant. You can do it.

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

Well, gee, I don't know, Reba.

[Johnny Dollar]

What'll I say?

[Hildegard Ransom]

Well, just say that. Wait a minute. Here's some notes on traffic accidents. Just read these aloud.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Oh, come on, come on. Just try them for size.

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

Well, okay. Men, what if a disaster wiped out every man, woman and child in Springfield, Illinois? We'd be shocked, wouldn't we? So would the entire world. Yet a total of 95,000 accidental deaths occurred two years ago in the United States. That's about 10,000 more than the population of Springfield, the capital of Illinois.

[Hildegard Ransom]

At it, boy, you're doing fine.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, go on.

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

And don't think the men in uniform are exempt from accidents. In one branch of the service alone, 600 were killed and 5,000 injured in a 12 month period. On many, many days during the Korean conflict, more servicemen lost their lives on the highway than on the battlefield. Wait a minute, Reba. These aren't notes. This is a full speech, all typed and ready.

[Hildegard Ransom]

That's right, dear. I wrote it for you this morning.

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

Well, how did you know?

[Hildegard Ransom]

Well, your lieutenant and his wife were at the PTA meeting.

[Johnny Dollar]

Put up job.

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

I see it all now. I only hope I can do this fine speech justice.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Oh, you will, darling.

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

I'll try.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Oh, that's my Donald. That's my doll.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Delectable Damsel Matter. During the ride from Los Angeles to Balboa and Rip Single's private plane, he admitted to me that he hadn't made all his money in the insurance business. Seems a rich uncle had conveniently died some years before. Lucky stiff. A rip. I mean.

[Rip Single]

Look, all I know, Johnny, is that Hildy took the cake Emerald along with her on this yachting trip and now it's gone. Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

How much of a trip?

[Rip Single]

Oh, Lord knows where she's been. She said she might end up in China, the Philippines, most anywhere. You see, she has the money, she has the time. She's done everything under the sun that normal people do. So now she keeps looking for the unusual. Anything for a thrill.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Well, when did she discover the stone was missing?

[Rip Single]

She radioed to me today.

[Johnny Dollar]

From out on the high seas? Yeah.

[Rip Single]

She said she was certain she had it the day before because she worn it. And then when she went to look for it, it was gone.

[Johnny Dollar]

Some member of the crew, do you suppose?

[Rip Single]

I don't know. Maybe she dropped it overboard.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean purposely to collect the insurance.

[Rip Single]

Who knows?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, but if she has so much money.

[Rip Single]

Well, who knows, May. Maybe she hasn't lost it at all. She just wants company. Oh, look, there's Newport and Balboa down below. I'll circle Hildy's little summer house before we land.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hildy Ransom's little summer house turned out to be a mans on the waterfront. And tied up to the long dock was not only the cruiser, but a snappy little speedboat, a small sailboat and a couple of outboards. All very nice. Not so the skipper of the cruiser. No, my orders the last time I spoke to the Hill tomorrow were to take you out to her, Mr. Single, nobody else.

[Rip Single]

Look, we just talked to Ms. Ransom by radio and she wants you to take Mr. Dollar out there.

[Johnny Dollar]

And I tell you my last orders.

[Rip Single]

Well, forget your last order.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, look. Hey, wait a minute, please. Skipper, have you got a radio on this cruiser? All right then make contact with the Hildemorth. Find out for yourself. Okay, I'll do it at the same time you can get a position. Okay, we'll see.

[Rip Single]

Well, give dear Hildeema love or whatever else you can think of, anything that'll keep her from switching her insurance to somebody else.

[Johnny Dollar]

You are a louse, aren't you? You don't like me, do you? No. Were you ever really serious with her, Rip?

[Rip Single]

Yeah, sure, but I'm just not the marrying kind. So, Johnny, the field is clear for you. And if you want to latch onto a few million bucks, she's really mighty sweet. Attractive gal. Well, let me know how you make out, Johnny. And please find that emerald.

[Johnny Dollar]

I beg your pardon, sir. Yeah, we're ready to sail whenever the gentleman's ready. Okay, skipper, let's go. The cruiser turned out to be a dilly luxury from stem to stern. And the trip out to the Hill to Morrow took much longer than I expected. In spite of the powerful engines that sent us through the water at over 18 knots, it was well after dawn the next morning. We hold to alongside the hillamora and that 165 foot diesel yacht made the cruiser look like a broken down rowboat. As for Hildy Ransom, 5 foot 6 or 7, she was blonde and she was beautiful with quick blue eyes that had fun and laughter sparkling in them. And a figure.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Well, come on, Johnny, come aboard. And Marty, you keep the cruiser around in case Mr. Dollar wants to go ashore again. Hi, Johnny. Welcome aboard the old tub.

[Johnny Dollar]

You call this floating palace a tub?

[Hildegard Ransom]

Well, after the hose that got shot into it, someone were still afloat. You've been shot at off formosa in the China coast. We had a ball for a while. I thought some of the red aircraft were going to strafe us one night. But it got too dark for them. And the captain, the old fuddy duddy turned off all our running lights and we headed out to sea again.

[Johnny Dollar]

What under the sun were you doing off the China coast, Ms. Ransom?

[Hildegard Ransom]

Oh, just finding out what goes on in the world. You know what I really wanted to do? Why pay a visit to Joe Enlai, the red General? Why not? But they wouldn't let us ashore long enough without a lot of fuss and bother. So now let's go into my quarters and talk about the Cape Stock.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, okay.

[Hildegard Ransom]

I could kill that Rip Single for not coming out here, but I'm so glad you could. Hmm. You're even better looking than I'd heard.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Are you as much of a wolf as Rip says you are?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, now, wait a minute, I.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Okay, I'll find out for myself. It might be fun finding out, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

For a minute, I began to wonder. Maybe Rip wasn't the only one in this affair who turned on the charm to further his own ends. Hildy Ransom, let's face it, was a wealthy ne' er do well who'd do anything for thrill. Couple her with a character like Rip Single? Yeah, I wondered. But then, walking along the deck with her, I saw something that suddenly changed my mind. One of the crew who ducked into a doorway when he spotted me.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Who?

[Johnny Dollar]

I wasn't sure, but I had a sudden mental image of his eyes somewhere in the past, looking at me over the sights of a gun. Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.

[E]

Do you know who said, that? Man is free who is protected from injury? Those words came from Daniel Webster, one of the most eloquent orators in American history. Webster knew that a man could not be free unless he lived in a country which recognized his right to freedom and created laws to protect that freedom. A slave state may say that its citizens are free, but as long as a single citizen can be harmed by the whim of a country's rulers, true freedom does not exist. A man is free only if his rights to freedom are protected. Remember the words of Daniel Webster. They are part of your American heritage. The free man must be protected from injury.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Delectable Damsel.

[Hildegard Ransom]

I thought I could have waited till we got in to report the loss of the emerald, but. Sit down, Johnny, and I'll have some drinks brought in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, thanks.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Now, listen, because of where we've been on this trip, we'll have to go through customs and there'll be the police and the reporters and so on. And whoever took the Cape Star might have a chance to.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's the matter?

[Hildegard Ransom]

That drawer where I kept it. I'm sure I left that closed after I'd hunted for it and. Excuse me. Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah?

[Hildegard Ransom]

Look. Look, it's here. The Cape Star.

[Rip Single]

It's back.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're sure?

[Hildegard Ransom]

Yes, of course. Here, look at it.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you're sure it wasn't there before?

[Hildegard Ransom]

Of course I am. I turned this cabin upside down.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hildy, this isn't some kind of a gag, is it? What? I mean, you're having me come all the way out here to find something that wasn't lost after all.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Johnny. Oh, Johnny, how can you say such a thing? Of course not. Now that you are here and the Star is safe and sound, I think we'll have fun together, huh? Hildy, I've got so tired of the other guests I have on board. Stuffy old old Professor Randolph and his boring wife and Charlie Burton and that girl he's always pawning over.

[Johnny Dollar]

The Cape Star was actually missing.

[Hildegard Ransom]

I swear it, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, then. I still have a job to do. I want to meet these guests of yours. Also, I want to talk to the crew.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Of course, Johnny, but later. I'll have some drinks brought in. We can plan ourselves a ball between now and when we put a new to port. Yes, Ms.

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

Ransom.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Yes, Captain.

[Johnny Dollar]

One of the men, One of the crew. Name's McCarty. Yes, it looked like appendicitis, ma' am. And I took the liberty of sending him ashore in the cruiser. It'll get there long before we can.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Of course, Captain, you've done exactly right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute. I'm not so sure of that.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Why, Johnny McCarty, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Short, dark, with a scar on his chin. Yes, sir.

[Rip Single]

They've already left.

[Johnny Dollar]

What? Yes, sir. Ten to one that McCarty is the man I want. John, we gotta stop. A radio call to the cruiser brought no response. And I had a sneaking suspicion the skipper of it had a gun in his back. A gun held by the supposedly sick McCarty. And the yacht, despite its size and power, could never catch up with that cruiser in a thousand years. If you're right, Mr. Dollar, we'll radio to the Coast Guard, intercept it. But I couldn't be sure that I was right. And then I noticed the speedboat slung between davits on the yacht's after deck.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Of course, Johnny. And I'll Go after them with you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, you won't.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Just for kids, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Please, no. Then six, eight, ten minutes later, however long it took to get the speedboat overside, the first mate and I were tearing across the ocean in pursuit of the cruiser. That cruiser will do an even 20 knots if the opens are wide, Mr. Dollar. But she's no match for this baby. And pour it on. Come on. You see him yet? You sure do. Dead ahead. Yeah, yeah, I see him. Where's the skipper? McCarty's up on the bridge alone. Hey, look out. That pump of smoke. He's shooting at us. Then hang on. I'm gonna swerve around. But he'd never hit us at this range anyhow. Hey, down low. He might get lucky. You got a gun to answer him? No. Or is it very pistole? Use it for shooting up the stress flares. Where is it? This cabinet under the dash. You see it? Yeah.

[Rip Single]

Right.

[Johnny Dollar]

It's no match for a.38. But if you can swerve us in close enough, keep swerving. Right. Hey, look, it's time to reload and get us in there fast. Here we.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Well, let him have it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Let him have it. Yeah, you got him. You got him. Come on, give me another load. Give Dollar.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Right here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Watch him. Huh? He's changing course. Hey, you're right. Look out, he's turning. He's turning into. I kind of pieced things together after the yacht, the Hildemara picked us up. By sheer luck, my shot with a flare gun had struck McCarty full on. He was badly burned. And after the smash up, the mate had pulled me out of the drink. By then, the yacht caught up with us.

[Hildegard Ransom]

And do you know what he was doing, Johnny? That man who called himself McCarthy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, hi. Hi. Healthy.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Smuggling narcotics that he picked up in China. He knew he'd never get through customs when we came to port. So he stole the Cape Star just long enough to make sure the cruiser would come out to us. He knew I'd send for somebody.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah, I get it. Then he played sick to go back on the cruiser. That way he'd avoid customs and the police.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Homie, where is he now?

[Hildegard Ransom]

Below, locked up. And after the way you hit him with that player, well, now he is sick. Darn it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Darn it.

[Hildegard Ransom]

We didn't have to get him into a doctor. Gee, Johnny, you and I could cruise around and. Well, it will be two or three days before we get to port.

[Johnny Dollar]

Three days. And what are three days? But, oh, well, expense account total, including transportation back to Hartford $230 even remarks. It's funny, isn't it? You never know what you're going to get into when you take on even the most routine kind of case. Yours truly, Johnny Doc. 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, Greg, Jet Stratton, Barney Phillips, Jack Moyles and Frank Gerstel. 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.

[Hildegard Ransom]

Sam.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar has come to you.

[Sergeant Donald Bellwe]

Through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.