Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Diamond Dilemma Matter 03/02/1958

Summary

Summary of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Diamond Dilemma Matter"

Podcast Title: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Diamond Dilemma Matter
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
Release Date: February 17, 2025

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Introduction

In the episode titled "The Diamond Dilemma Matter," listeners are introduced to Johnny Dollar, a seasoned freelance insurance investigator working for Master’s Insurance and Trust in Hartford, Connecticut. Johnny Dollar, portrayed by Bob Bailey, embarks on a high-stakes case involving the mysterious disappearance of $2 million worth of diamonds insured under unusual terms. This detailed summary explores the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn throughout the episode, providing an engaging overview for both fans and newcomers alike.

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Act One: The Mysterious Insurance Policy

The episode kicks off with Johnny Dollar receiving a peculiar assignment from Bert Major, his colleague at Master’s Insurance and Trust. Bert presents a case that is anything but ordinary: Conrad Billings, a wealthy oil magnate from Texas now residing in an isolated mountaintop lodge in California, has insured his $2 million diamond collection against "theft by persons or things unknown on this earth."

Key Discussion Points:

• Unusual Insurance Terms: Bert Major explains the unconventional nature of the insurance policy, highlighting the significant sum of $2 million and the ambiguous coverage terms.

  • Bert Major [02:17]: "Those stones were insured against theft by persons or things unknown on this earth."
  • Johnny Dollar [05:10]: "And now they're gone?"

• Initial Skepticism: Johnny expresses skepticism about the policy's validity and the possibility of such an extraordinary theft.

  • Johnny Dollar [05:10]: "So someone took them."
  • Bert Major [05:18]: "Prove it. What someone and not something."

• Case Details: Conrad Billings' lodge is described as one of the most isolated locations, adding layers of complexity to the investigation.

  • Bert Major [04:27]: "That's right. It's one of the most isolated spots on earth."

Insights:

• The episode sets the stage for a classic detective narrative by introducing an enigmatic client and a baffling situation that challenges Johnny's investigative prowess.
• The unusual insurance clause hints at potential supernatural elements, preparing the audience for unexpected twists.

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Act Two: Delving Deeper into the Mystery

Johnny travels to San Francisco to meet Norton Shields, Conrad Billings' head of the West Coast operation. Norton provides essential information about Billings' habits and the meticulous security measures in place at the lodge.

Key Discussion Points:

• Security Measures: Norton Shields elaborates on the advanced security systems installed at Billings' lodge, including electrified fences, photoelectric cells, and surveillance cameras.

  • Norton Shields [06:44]: "At his home. At his home."
  • Johnny Dollar [14:20]: "Mr. Billings, I've made my money by leaving nothing, absolutely nothing, to chance."

• Insurance Motivations: Shields explains why Billings chose such a high-risk insurance policy, suggesting Billings' obsession with diamonds and possibly extraterrestrial interests.

  • Bert Major [05:23]: "I asked myself that question. My answer was that a billionaire...must be of sound mind."

• Investigation Plan: Johnny formulates a plan to visit the lodge, scrutinizing the security setup for vulnerabilities.

  • Johnny Dollar [19:12]: "The same way as the man who stole your diamonds."

Notable Quote:

• Conrad Billings [14:17]: "I did not say this mountaintop was in danger impregnable. I said no one could reach it without my knowledge."

Insights:

• The thorough description of the lodge's security establishes the challenge Johnny faces, emphasizing the complexity of the case.
• Johnny's analytical approach demonstrates his ability to dissect intricate details, setting the foundation for the forthcoming resolution.

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Act Three: Unmasking the Culprit

Armed with his observations and insights, Johnny returns to confront Conrad Billings directly. Through cunning deduction and leveraging the security loophole he identified, Johnny exposes the truth behind the diamond disappearance.

Key Discussion Points:

• Identifying the Vulnerability: Johnny discovers an uncovered spot between the electrified fences designed for helicopter access, which Billings overlooked.

  • Johnny Dollar [19:24]: "That's because you have it located in the wrong place."
  • Johnny Dollar [19:41]: "It's just big enough for a helicopter which is waiting for me out there right now."

• Confrontation: Johnny confronts Billings, revealing that the security systems, while impressive, had a critical flaw that enabled the theft.

  • Johnny Dollar [19:19]: "But this is impossible. Impossible?"
  • Johnny Dollar [19:24]: "That's because you have it located in the wrong place."

• Resolution: It's unveiled that Norton Shields, Billings' trusted manager and former helicopter pilot, orchestrated the theft, exploiting the identified security gap to abscond with the diamonds.

  • Johnny Dollar [20:26]: "The company that insured your diamonds against ordinary theft. Might be interested to learn that."

Notable Quotes:

• Conrad Billings [14:49]: "I simply defy you to find them."
• Johnny Dollar [19:12]: "The same way as the man who stole your diamonds."

Insights:

• The resolution underscores the theme that even the most sophisticated systems can have unnoticed vulnerabilities.
• Johnny's methodical approach and attention to detail highlight his effectiveness as a detective, turning the case on its head by focusing on human factors rather than the supernatural.

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Conclusion

"The Diamond Dilemma Matter" exemplifies the quintessential detective story, blending suspense, intelligent investigation, and a satisfying resolution. Johnny Dollar's adept handling of an otherwise baffling case reinforces his reputation as America's premier freelance insurance investigator.

Final Reflections:

• Privacy vs. Security: Conrad Billings' relentless pursuit of privacy and security ironically becomes the avenue for his downfall, illustrating the paradox of absolute control.

  • Johnny Dollar [20:00]: "And you'll have to agree that your diamonds were not stolen by persons or things unknown on this earth. The terms of the policy."

• Human Element: The episode emphasizes that human ingenuity and betrayal can often be more impactful than the unknown or unexplained.

  • Johnny Dollar [21:24]: "He'd spent millions of dollars to ensure his diamonds and his privacy. Came a real showdown, and it turned out he had neither."

Notable Quote:

• Johnny Dollar [21:24]: "He'd spent millions of dollars to ensure his diamonds and his privacy. Came a real showdown, and it turned out he had neither."

Conclusion: The episode concludes with Johnny reflecting on the case, noting the futility of Billings' obsession with privacy and control. The diamonds, while initially lost, symbolize the fragility of even the most secure endeavors when human weaknesses are exploited. Johnny Dollar's success in unraveling the mystery not only restores the insured's faith but also reaffirms his role as a meticulous and resourceful investigator.

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Key Takeaways

• Attention to Detail: Johnny Dollar's meticulous nature and ability to identify minor details are crucial in solving complex cases.
• Human Vulnerability: The episode highlights how human flaws and intentions can undermine even the most robust security measures.
• Skepticism and Inquiry: Maintaining a healthy level of skepticism drives effective investigation, preventing assumptions based on superficial elements.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bert Major [02:17]: "Those stones were insured against theft by persons or things unknown on this earth."
• Johnny Dollar [05:10]: "So someone took them."
• Conrad Billings [14:17]: "I did not say this mountaintop was in danger impregnable. I said no one could reach it without my knowledge."
• Johnny Dollar [19:24]: "That's because you have it located in the wrong place."
• Johnny Dollar [21:24]: "He'd spent millions of dollars to ensure his diamonds and his privacy. Came a real showdown, and it turned out he had neither."

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Final Thoughts

"The Diamond Dilemma Matter" is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic detective narratives. Through Johnny Dollar's journey, listeners are treated to a story of intrigue, deception, and the triumph of intellect over obfuscation. The episode masterfully balances suspense with logical deduction, providing an engaging experience that honors the golden age of radio detective fiction.

For old-time radio enthusiasts and new listeners alike, this episode offers a compelling blend of mystery and resolution, showcasing why "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" remains a beloved staple in the realm of classic detective storytelling.

Transcript

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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].

[Narrator]

From Hollywood, it's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Diller, Burt Major, Johnny.

[Bert Major]

Master's Insurance and Trust.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, hi, Bert.

[Bert Major]

You know anything about spacemen?

[Johnny Dollar]

Never saw any, if that's what you mean.

[Bert Major]

Neither have I, but I know somebody who thinks he's been contacted by them.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure, I have some whimsical friends too.

[Bert Major]

Not funny, Johnny. The company is betting $2 million that this man is either a liar or pulling one of the biggest hoaxes in history.

[Johnny Dollar]

$2 million?

[Bert Major]

That's right. Conrad Billings.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ever hear of him? Billings, Texas Oil. One of the richest men in the.

[Bert Major]

Country, right presently of California, where he's holed up in an isolated mountaintop lodge minus a two million dollar collection of diamonds he took up there with him.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you insured them?

[Bert Major]

Yes, but not against ordinary theft.

[Johnny Dollar]

What does that mean?

[Bert Major]

Those stones were insured against theft by persons or things unknown on this earth.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Bert Major]

That's right.

[Narrator]

Holy.

[Johnny Dollar]

You. You're serious, aren't you?

[Bert Major]

You bet I'm serious.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, Bert, I'll see you at your office.

[Narrator]

Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

And now, act one of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account Submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the home office, Masters Insurance and Trust Company, Hartford, Connecticut, following of expenses incurred during my investigation of the diamond dilemma. Matter expense account item 1, $3.20 for a taxi to the office of Bert. Major. I've known Bert a long time, and he's been in and out of too many deals, big and little, to get excited over nothing. But he was excited.

[Bert Major]

Now, this whole thing is incredible, Johnny. Fantastic. It's utterly impossible for $2 million worth of diamonds to simply vanish into thin air.

[Johnny Dollar]

So it's impossible.

[Bert Major]

But it's happened. The police out there in California state positively that no man on earth could possibly have gotten to those stones.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then, Bertram, tell me all.

[Bert Major]

All right. Two weeks ago, Conrad Billings called me from his lodge up in Northern California. Said he wanted to insure the diamonds.

[Johnny Dollar]

Immediately over the phone.

[Bert Major]

Over the phone?

[Johnny Dollar]

You're sure it was really he?

[Bert Major]

I'm not that naive. I had the call traced.

[Johnny Dollar]

How come he called you?

[Bert Major]

We've done some business with a wealthy friend of his in Dallas recommended.

[Johnny Dollar]

And he had the stones with him there at the lodge?

[Bert Major]

Yes. And Johnny, it's one of the most isolated spots on earth.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're sure he had them there?

[Bert Major]

He loves diamonds, Johnny, almost to the point of obsession. He plays with them like a kid plays with marbles. Lord knows he can afford to.

[Johnny Dollar]

So you insured 2 million worth of diamond marbles over the phone?

[Bert Major]

I did.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you say you aren't naive? All look. A remote lodge, an eccentric old man, some expensive baubles. Ah, a rank amateur could get at him.

[Bert Major]

You haven't listened to me, Johnny. You've missed the point entirely. I wouldn't care if he left the diamonds lying out on his front doorstep. I insured those diamonds solely against theft by persons or things unknown on this earth. That's the exact wording of the policy.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now they're gone?

[Bert Major]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

So someone took them.

[Bert Major]

Prove it. What someone and not something.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, why would anybody in his right mind want to insure against theft by other than people?

[Bert Major]

I asked myself that question. My answer was that a billionaire in active command of his business empire must be of sound mind. And if he wants to satisfy a whim and is willing to pay for it, why should my company refuse his money?

[Johnny Dollar]

You think maybe he has an obsession about flying saucers and the people or things who fly them, who knows or what?

[Bert Major]

Johnny, you've got to go out there and make some sense out of all this.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who are the contacts so far?

[Bert Major]

The head of his San Francisco office, Norton Shields. The Chief of police in Lakeview. About 30 miles from Billings Lodge. And the insured?

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, I'll call you, Bert. But not from Mars. Expense account. Item 2. $280. Deluxe Flight with trimmings. Hartford to San Francisco. A piece of fog was rolling up Market street and it was 2am when I finally got to the office of Billings Enterprises and met Norton Shields. He was wide awake, sharp, about 35.

[Norton Shields]

Yes, Mr. Dollar. I've been in charge of Billings west coast operation for 10 years with timeout for Korea.

[Johnny Dollar]

Pretty young for such a responsibility.

[Norton Shields]

Billings hired me because I know the oil business. I learned it young.

[Johnny Dollar]

You like him?

[Norton Shields]

You don't have to like a man just because you work for him. He's shrewd, knows how to make money.

[Johnny Dollar]

But he has foibles.

[Norton Shields]

Yes, he has foibles. Diamonds.

[Johnny Dollar]

Have you ever seen them?

[Norton Shields]

Sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

Where?

[Norton Shields]

Oh, here in the office at the lodge, where he is now. At his home.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're certain he took them up to that lodge?

[Norton Shields]

Three weeks ago tonight. They were spread out right here on this desk. He put them one by one in a shammy bag. Put the bag in his pocket. I walked into his car and he was driven straight to the lodge.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right. What about the flying saucers, the spacemen or whatever it is now?

[Norton Shields]

That's a new one. I learned of it when Mr. Major call disclosed the terms of the insurance and the fact that the diamonds had been. Well, that they were gone.

[Johnny Dollar]

You haven't talked this over with Billings himself?

[Norton Shields]

No. No, I haven't.

[Johnny Dollar]

Don't you think you should?

[Norton Shields]

Why? If he wants me, he'll call me.

[Johnny Dollar]

How do I get to this lodge?

[Norton Shields]

I have a company plane and pilot ready to fly you to Clear Lake in the morning. You'll be met there by a car and driver. Anything else you want, call me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why all the cooperation when you're not even supposed to know what's going on?

[Norton Shields]

A good lieutenant knows when to follow orders before they're issued. You're registered at the Mark Hopkins. You better get some sleep.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I may need it.

[Narrator]

Act Two of yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. And now, Act Two of yours Truly, Johnny Dollar and the Diamond Dilemma Matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

The company plane turned out to be a plush two engine amphibian waiting for me at a private dock near the Golden Gate Bridge. The pilot introduced himself and we headed due north up San Pablo Bay and then northwest past the Valley of the Moon. Then a few minutes later, we glided in for a landing on Clear la Largest body of water in the state of California. There I was Met by a car and a driver, as promised. How far is it to Mr. Billings, Lodge, driver? About 30 miles. What do you do when Mr. Billings isn't here? Wait for him. Do you live at the lodge? Nobody does. Just Mr. Billings. No caretakers, housekeepers, anything like that? Just Mr. Billings. Well, surely there must be someone to look after Mr.

[Narrator]

I'm hired to drive a car.

[Johnny Dollar]

I do it and that's all. The car twisted and turned through some lush country, then left the highway and climbed a narrow mountain road with signs every couple of hundred yards marked private in big letters. After several miles of this, during which we passed through a couple of gates that had to be opened manually, we came to a high steel wire gate with equally high fencing stretching out in either direction. A small redwood blockhouse squatted inside. The driver made a U turn, stopped in front of this gate, then reached around and opened the door. This is it, mister. This is it.

[Narrator]

Yep.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, if you say so. But if this is a millionaire's idea. Hey, hey, wait a minute. Well, if this really is the place, I may as well get.

[Conrad Billings]

Can't you read? You touch that gate and you'll be electrocuted. What your name? Dala.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right. Who are you and what's the speak up?

[Conrad Billings]

Where were you at exactly 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, if it means anything to you, I was talking with a man named Burt Major in Hartford, Connecticut.

[Conrad Billings]

Come in.

[Johnny Dollar]

The big gate swung open and I gingerly walked through it as per instruction from the loudspeaker nestled in the wall of the redwood blockhouse.

[Conrad Billings]

You drive, don't you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes.

[Conrad Billings]

Then get in that car you see there and follow the road.

[Johnny Dollar]

The car referred to by the voice was parked against the blockhouse on the far side. I did as I was told. After a while, the road narrowed to a single track and continued on up the mountain. At one point there was a solid granite overhang, a sheer drop of a thick thousand feet or more, and another gate that opened as I approached it and closed behind me. Finally, I rounded a turn where a fill had been made, and a moment later it came out on top. A few hundred yards away, across the terrace top of the mountain, was a charming rustic lodge. I drove over to it.

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[Conrad Billings]

Good morning, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mr. Billings.

[Conrad Billings]

Come in, come in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hearing about this man was strange enough. Seeing him was even more of a shock. About five foot two, flashing gray eyes, bullet ball. He was wearing a baggy old jacket that hung nearly to his knees.

[Conrad Billings]

This way. I want you to see my view of the lakes below. Well?

[Johnny Dollar]

Beautiful.

[Conrad Billings]

What was that?

[Johnny Dollar]

I said? I said beautiful.

[Conrad Billings]

Yes. Yes, it is. Now, Mr. Major has informed you of the insurance on my diamonds which disappeared two nights ago?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, sir, he told me that. Speak up. He told me you insured $2 million worth of diamonds against theft by persons or things unknown on this earth.

[Conrad Billings]

Exactly. And I wish to collect from your company on that basis.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I. Tell me, where did you keep them?

[Conrad Billings]

Right here on this table in front of the window. Right here.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean to say you didn't lock up such valuable property?

[Conrad Billings]

Mr. Dollar, let me show you something. Look here on my control panel. Do you recall the series of gates you pass through after leaving the main road?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Very well.

[Conrad Billings]

By means of my electronic devices, I followed your progress every inch of the way.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I'll be dying.

[Conrad Billings]

I watched your arrival at the main gate on this video screen. Ingenious, eh?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's putting it mildly.

[Conrad Billings]

What did you say?

[Johnny Dollar]

I say that's putting it mildly.

[Conrad Billings]

Yes, as I'm sure you noticed, this mountaintop is completely encircled by a 12 foot electrified fence. Between it and the inner fence is a maze of photoelectric cells. This panel controls floodlight with which I can cover every inch of ground between the two fences. These viewers are geared to the floodlights. All of this equipment is automatically activated on contact. In short, Mr. Dollar, I can detect and follow any person or thing which moves through or between these two fences.

[Johnny Dollar]

Anyone who knows electricity could cut your fences and come right on up the road.

[Conrad Billings]

I did not say this mountaintop was in danger impregnable. I said no one could reach it without my knowledge.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why did you take out such limited insurance on your diamonds?

[Conrad Billings]

Mr. Billings, I've made my money by leaving nothing, absolutely nothing, to chance. Now that man has projected objects into outer space, it is reasonable to assume that other planets may be ahead of us in technical endeavors. Diamonds would be of tremendous value to an unknown civilization.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, look, how do I know this is not just an elaborate scheme to collect $2 million?

[Conrad Billings]

A fair question, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

What would prevent you from hiding those diamonds somewhere on this Mountain.

[Conrad Billings]

I should consider that question an affront to my integrity, but under the circumstances, I do not. I simply defy you to find them.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then what's your explanation of their disappearance?

[Conrad Billings]

I have none. And unless you find one, I intend to collect from your company under the terms of the policy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mr. Major mentioned the chief of police in Lakeview. Do you mind if I talk to him?

[Conrad Billings]

Andy Prentice? Not at all. I have a direct phone to his office and his home. Would you care to talk to him now?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, thanks, but I would like to use your car.

[Conrad Billings]

By all means. I'll open the gates for you on your way down. Just one point. There must be no publicity on this matter. Understood, Mr. Billings.

[Johnny Dollar]

If I can't prove that your diamonds were taken by a person, those space cats are gonna get a lot of publicity.

[Narrator]

Act Three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar, in a moment. And now, Act Three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Diamond Dilemma matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

While I drove down the mountain with gates electronically opening and closing behind me, I did some thinking. Billings had bought and paid for his privacy at tremendous cost. I couldn't see any loopholes in the setup, yet the diamonds had disappeared. 45 minutes later, I pulled up in front of the police station in Lakeview. Obviously, I was expected by the chief of police, andy Prentice.

[Andy Prentice]

Well, Mr. Dollar, my name's Prentice. Mind if I join you?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no, hop in.

[Andy Prentice]

Just cruise down by the lake. I'm sure you want this to be a private conversation, too.

[Johnny Dollar]

Good idea.

[Andy Prentice]

What's your opinion on the diamonds?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I don't know who took them, but I'll tell you one thing. I don't believe it was some thing or somebody from outer space.

[Andy Prentice]

How would you get through all those electrified fences? Photoelectric cells, floodlights and closed circuit viewers?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Well, what's your opinion?

[Andy Prentice]

I'm as practical and logical as the next fellow. If a human being couldn't get to Mr. Billings without his knowledge and he'd call me the moment somebody tried.

[Norton Shields]

Well.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure, spaceman, what else? I noticed one thing, Chief. He's a little hard of hearing and doesn't wear a hearing aid.

[Andy Prentice]

He doesn't need one. Just turns up the volume on all that electronic stuff he has around him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, suppose someone parachuted onto the top of that mountain.

[Andy Prentice]

How would he get out?

[Johnny Dollar]

Man could dig under those fences, that would leave evidence.

[Andy Prentice]

And I've been over every inch of the ground. I've even thought of the expert pole vaulter idea. No sign. Nothing makes any sense.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see what you mean. How about a ride in Billings Private plane. I'd like to take a look at that mountain from the air.

[Andy Prentice]

I don't know what good it'll do you, but I'll go along.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, maybe there are spacemen, but I still don't believe it.

[Andy Prentice]

We're coming to it now. See the road winding up and. And there's the lodge.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Andy Prentice]

I asked the pilot to circle around the top as close as the air pockets will permit.

[Johnny Dollar]

Good, Chief. Have the pilot drop down just below the top and steer a course between the two fences. All the way around.

[Andy Prentice]

Whatever you say, old pilot.

[Johnny Dollar]

For the next few minutes, I studied the top of that mountain from all possible angles. The road leading up to it, the terraces, the lodge itself. Suddenly, an idea hit me and a few minutes later I left a somewhat puzzled chief of police at the landing dock on Clear Lake. An hour later, I was explaining who I was and what I wanted to do to a somewhat incredulous captain of police at San Francisco's International Airport. I finally convinced him I wasn't out of my mind and he reluctantly agreed to cooperate. Then, about dusk, I found myself exactly where I wanted to be. On top of Billings Mountain, calmly walking toward the lodge. Good evening, Mr. Billings.

[Conrad Billings]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

I said, good evening, sir.

[Conrad Billings]

Mr. Dollar. Why, I can. I don't understand.

[Johnny Dollar]

See? No spacesuit.

[Conrad Billings]

Why, I can't believe it. How did you do it? How did you get here?

[Johnny Dollar]

The same way as the man who stole your diamonds.

[Conrad Billings]

But this is impossible. Impossible? My electric system gave me no warning.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's because you have it located in the wrong place. What? It's in the two fences. And between them, halfway down the mountain above them, there is one level spot, 50 yards across that isn't covered by your automatic whistles and bells.

[Conrad Billings]

But it isn't. And it isn't. It's not necessary.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wrong. It's just big enough for a helicopter which is waiting for me out there right now.

[Conrad Billings]

A helicopter?

[Johnny Dollar]

You didn't see us because we came in and landed below your line of sight. You didn't hear us because you don't wear a hearing aid.

[Conrad Billings]

I can't believe it, but you must be right.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you'll have to agree that your diamonds were not stolen by persons or things unknown on this earth. The terms of the policy.

[Conrad Billings]

Of course, of course. I disallow all claim, but I.

[Johnny Dollar]

Good, good. Now, it's none of my business, Mr. Billings, but was your San Francisco manager, Norton Shields, a pilot during the time he was in Korea?

[Conrad Billings]

Why, yes. He flew rescue missions in a helicopter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. The company that insured your diamonds against ordinary theft. Might be interested to learn that. Good night, Mr. Billings.

[Conrad Billings]

Yes, good night, Mr. Tyler.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know, in some ways, I felt sorry for him. He'd spent millions of dollars to ensure his diamonds and his privacy. Came a real showdown, and it turned out he had neither. Oh, he'll get his diamonds back, sure, and probably buy some more. But privacy, with or without money, is a pretty hard thing to come by. At least in this man's world. Expense account total, including incidentals and transportation Back to Hartford. $284.30. Yours truly, Shawny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Our star will return in just a moment. Now here is our star to tell you about next week's story.

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week, a moth, a tiny moth solves a case involving our national security. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[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 Alan Botsi.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hear.

[Narrator]

Among our cast were Edwin Jerome, Paul Dubois, Frank Gerstel, Junius Matthews and Marvin Miller. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Dan Cubberley, spe.

[Johnny Dollar]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.