Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Double Identity Matter 10/18/1959

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Double Identity Matter"

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: January 26, 2026
Original Radio Date: October 18, 1959
Summary By: [Your Name]

---

Episode Overview

This episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives features the classic radio drama "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" starring Bob Bailey. In “The Double Identity Matter,” freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is called on to crack a mysterious case involving a string of nearly identical deaths—older men married briefly to a young woman, dead from apparent suicides, each leaving behind substantial insurance payouts. Johnny is shocked to discover the suspect’s current alias matches that of a woman he’s emotionally involved with, leading to suspense, danger, and a clever unraveling of the truth.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Lighthearted Beginnings: Johnny and Betty

• [01:09] Johnny Dollar is on the phone with Betty Lewis, who has just returned from vacation. Their banter includes playful talk of marriage proposals and an invitation for dinner and a show.
  • “So when are you going to come over and ask me to marry you?”
    — Betty Lewis, [01:18]
  • The scene establishes Johnny’s warm, teasing relationship with Betty and hints at his reluctance to settle down due to his dangerous career.
  • Johnny sets a date for dinner, but is soon interrupted by urgent business.

2. The Call from Lieutenant Randy Singer

• [02:35] Johnny receives a call from Randy Singer of the NYPD Homicide—insisting Johnny drop everything for immediate travel to New York.
  • “Johnny, I gotta see you. Okay, I’ll run on down there first thing in the morning.”
    — Randy Singer, [02:36]
  • The urgency here sets a serious and intriguing tone for the episode’s case.

3. The Insurance Murders Puzzle

• [04:24] The heart of the case: Randy details a startling pattern in the files:
  • Four wealthy old men died within three years, each shortly after marriage to the same young woman (under different names), all ruled suicides by overdose of sleeping pills.
  • “Brother, you should have been. Here. Look here. Fall 1956... suicide. Insurance company paid off was Eastern Casualty and Trust... September 1957, Franklin P Ogborn died the same way...”
    — Randy Singer, [04:30–05:50]
  • Randy points out all victims married the same woman—under different names. But descriptions and circumstances match precisely.
  • The payout amounts and circumstances imply murder, not suicide.

4. The Shocking Twist—The Suspect Is “Betty Lewis”

• [06:43] Randy reveals the current alias and address: “Betty Lewis, 11325 East Maple Drive”—Johnny’s own girlfriend.
  • “She goes by the name of Lewis. What? Yep. Betty Lewis. What’s the matter, Johnny?”
    — Randy Singer, [06:56]
  • Johnny is visibly rattled, realizing the apparent suspect is his dear friend and potential love interest.

5. Johnny’s Investigation and Interrogation of Betty

• [15:24] Johnny confronts Betty about her whereabouts and recent activities. The conversation oscillates between banter and tension, as he slyly probes for evidence.
  • “Betty, what are you... I mean, what are you doing here?”
    — Johnny Dollar, [15:24]
  • The discussion about her vacation timeline and hair color (linked to the suspect’s disguises) forms Johnny’s first attempt at an alibi check.
• [16:54] Betty explains her recent travel, including stops in New York, but her answers seem normal.

6. The Break-in and the Mailbox Mystery

• [17:10]–[17:56] Oddities arise: Betty notices Johnny’s apartment was broken into, and her house’s mailbox was recently forced open while she was away.
  • “Do you always leave that window to the fire escape open when you go out? To say nothing of leaving the front door open, too?” — Betty Lewis, [17:15]

7. The Trap and the Real Killer

• [19:49] Johnny sets up surveillance at Betty’s home, catching the real suspect—a woman impersonating Betty—retrieving a drug package from the mailbox.
  • “By golly, you do look like her.”
    — Johnny Dollar, [21:05]
  • The imposter, caught red-handed, threatens Johnny but is subdued and driven to the police. The real culprit’s connection to the earlier murders is confirmed.

8. Case Closed—with a New Beginning

• [21:50] Johnny reflects on the successful conclusion, the exoneration of Betty, and hints at rekindling their romance.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Love and Danger:
  • “With this crazy business of mine, getting slugged and shot at all the time... it wouldn’t be conducive to a happy married life.”
    — Johnny Dollar to Betty Lewis, [01:59]
• The Investigator's Instinct:
  • “Randy, I’d bet my bottom dollar on it. In every case, the marriage was only a few weeks old, a good-looking young girl and a wealthy old man.”
    — Johnny Dollar, [06:00]
• The Confrontation:
  • “I’m serious, Betty. And tomorrow morning you go to the office as usual... That party’s gonna be tomorrow night. Because I have a sneaking suspicion that by then we’re gonna have something to really celebrate... The solution of four murders.”
    — Johnny Dollar, [19:36–19:44]
• Catching the Killer:
  • “Sorry, Ms. Whatever your name is, but I need it as part of the evidence ... That’ll pin the murders of four husbands on you.”
    — Johnny Dollar, [21:16–21:23]

---

Episode Structure: Key Timestamps

• 01:09–02:28: Johnny and Betty’s playful conversation
• 02:35–03:59: Randy calls Johnny with urgent request
• 04:24–06:56: The pattern of staged suicides revealed
• 15:24–17:56: Johnny quizzes Betty; hints at doubting her innocence
• 17:56–19:22: Betty’s story about her mailbox, leading to the key break
• 19:49–21:50: Johnny’s surveillance and apprehending the real killer
• 21:50–End: Johnny reflects, case wrapped up, personal resolution hinted

---

Tone and Style

• Johnny Dollar: Wry, self-aware, determined yet affectionate when dealing with Betty; sharp-witted in investigation.
• Betty Lewis: Cheerful, vulnerable, occasionally exasperated with Johnny’s evasions.
• Randy Singer: Brisk, by-the-book police lieutenant, deeply suspicious of quick insurance payouts.

---

Conclusion

“The Double Identity Matter” balances playful romantic banter with classic detective suspense. The case’s apparent simplicity unravels cleverly, with Johnny forced to consider whether a loved one could truly be a murderer. The resolution not only vindicates Betty but traps a cunning imposter, leading to both justice and, possibly, a happy outcome for Johnny’s love life.

---

Summary Useful For:
Those seeking a concise understanding of a classic Johnny Dollar mystery—fans of Golden Age radio detective fiction, or listeners trying to catch up quickly on this suspenseful installment.

---

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here's something most people don't realize. Great sleep doesn't happen by accident. It starts with what you're sleeping on. That's why I switched to Chic's. Their bedding is made from the same performance fabrics you'd find in elite athletic wear, but designed to help you sleep better if you run hot at night. These sheets help you stay cool and dry. If you love that cozy, ridiculously soft feel, they've got that too. Comfort that stays consistent from the moment you hop into bed. And for anyone with an adjustable bas, this is a game changer. Their stay fit corners are the best I've ever tried. No slipping, no popping off even when the bed moves. When your days are demanding, Chicz helps you wake up restored, not run down. Try them for yourself with their 60 night risk free guarantee. Upgrade your [e-mail].

[Johnny Dollar]

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] Johnny Dollar.

[Betty Lewis]

Well, here I am.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm home. Huh? Who?

[Betty Lewis]

I said I'm home from my vacation.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wow, great. Good for you.

[Betty Lewis]

So when are you going to come over and ask me to marry you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, it's you. Well, I don't know. How about if I pop the question right now?

[Betty Lewis]

Well. Well, go ahead.

[Johnny Dollar]

Will you. Will you marry me? Paula? You bet your life. Paula.

[Betty Lewis]

Who else? Why you two? Timing. This is Betty. Betty Lewis.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, yeah, I know.

[Betty Lewis]

Come clean with me, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who's Paula? Oh, now does it make any difference?

[Betty Lewis]

Paula who? Johnny. Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh. Smith Jones Brown. You pick one, you rascal.

[Betty Lewis]

I could. You weren't kidding me, weren't you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Weren't you kidding me?

[Betty Lewis]

Yeah, sure, I guess so.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh sure, honey. With this crazy business of mine getting slugged and shot at all the time. Well you know as well as I do it wouldn't be conducive to a happy married life. Not for either of us.

[Betty Lewis]

Yes, I know honey, but someday.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, someday.

[Betty Lewis]

Anyhow, I'm home again for my extended vacation, so.

[Johnny Dollar]

So how about dinner and a show and a big night all around?

[Betty Lewis]

I'd love it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Say 7 o'? Clock?

[Betty Lewis]

Make it 6:30 and I'll have cocktails ready and waiting right here at.

[Johnny Dollar]

Let him alone. It's a deal. Good.

[Betty Lewis]

I'll see you in exactly 7 hours and 31 minutes on the nose. Bye, honey.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, let's see now. Yeah, honey. Huh? Don't give me that honey stuff. This is Randy Singer. Randy, how's the old New York Police Department these days? Johnny, I got to see you. Okay, I'll run on down there first thing in the morning. No, no, I mean now. Right now. Oh, well, now, look, Randy, I got a date tonight. Important one. Yeah, and I gotta go out of town with the chief on a murder case. Leave you in a couple of hours, maybe gone a week, maybe longer. So grab a train, will ya? Well, if I could be sure getting back here by early this evening. Back there in Hartford is where you should be as quickly as possible, huh? After I've talked to you. So at this timetable I have means, anything you can grab a train in about 20 minutes. Well, now, listen, Randy. I don't have the boys in a prow car. Pick you up at Grand Central Station. Listen, will you grab your hat and come on. See you, Johnny. Randy, CBS radio brings you 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.

[Betty Lewis]

Are you smoking more now but enjoying it Bless.

[Johnny Dollar]

Have a real cigarette have a Camel.

[Betty Lewis]

Are you fisting the smoke sedation like this?

[Johnny Dollar]

Have a real cigarette have a Camel.

[Betty Lewis]

Are you looking for flavor and.

[Johnny Dollar]

Have a real cigarette and have a Camel.

[Betty Lewis]

The best tobacco make the very best.

[Johnny Dollar]

Movie have a real cigarette, a real cigarette a real cigarette have a Camel if you're smoking more today but enjoying it less Try Camels. More people smoke Camels than any other cigarette. Any filter, any king, any regular. The Camel blend of costy tobaccos has never been equaled. For rich flavor and easygoing mildness. The best tobacco makes the best smoke have a real cigarette a real cigarette a real cigarette and now act one of yours truly, Johnny Doll. Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar. To the Universal adjustment bureau, Hartford, Connecticut. Attention Mr. Pat McCracken. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the double identity matter. Pat, you have an assignment of this case. But it does concern some of the insurance companies that Universal Adjustment Bureau services. And if there's any question about reimbursing me for whatever charges I may run up. I'll read on. Expense Account, Item 149 5. Taxi to the station and a train down to New York as promised. Lieutenant, Randy Singer had a prowl car waiting for me at Grand Central. And a few minutes later I barged into his office in the Homicide division of the 18th Precinct. Okay, Conroy, okay. Just go tell the chief I'll be ready to leave by the time he is. Now go ahead. Yes, sir. Lieutenant. Sit down. Johnny, glad you could make it. All right. Tell me one thing, Randy. Is this an insurance matter? It sure is. Or rather, they are. They. Maybe you weren't called in on them, but, brother, you should have been Here. Look here. Fall 1956, John R.V. brownfield lived in a small apartment over on the east side. But the old boy had a lot of money. So what happened? Somebody knocked him off. His death was pronounced a suicide. Overdose of sleeping pills. Yeah, happens all the time. Does it? The insurance company that paid off was Eastern Casualty and Trust. Oh, how much? 41,000. Beneficiary? His wife. He'd only been married to her a couple of months. And after she collected, well, she just sort of dropped out of sight. Ask me, a lot of those companies of yours pay off too fast. Now, what do you mean by that? Listen. September 1957, Franklin P. Ogborn died the same way. Insurance paid to his widow was 30,000. TRI Mutual Insurance Company. Well, now, Randy, the mere fact that he also died from an overdose. Alison, will you. August 1958, Peter William Gerhardt, same thing. His widow collected 50 grand. Are you trying to say you don't think they were suicides? Randy, I'd bet my bottom dollar on it. Why? Now, here's the last one. Middle of last month, William Earl Chadwick. 25,000 for the widow. I said. Why, Johnny? In every case, the marriage was only a few weeks old. A good looking young girl and a wealthy old man. Also, circumstances of death were exactly the same. Exactly. You investigate them all yourself? No, they all occurred in different precincts. So until I started digging through these files, until I realized that all these men had been married. And for only a short time, mind you, had all been married to the same girl. What? Yes, sir. You're sure of that? She used a different name every time. And we have no pictures of her. But Johnny, according to the description by all the people who'd seen her. Johnny, it's one in the same gal. Okay, Randy. As long as there was insurance paid by some of the companies I work for, Right. So far I've been running this down alone on my own hook until I could really spot her. So what happens when I finally do locate this dame? I'll bite. What happens? She turns up outside my bailiwick. Also, I suddenly got to go out of town for a week, maybe longer. But you being right there. Yeah, right. Where? Hartford. That's where I've traced her to. Oh, you know her name? Sure do. So I'm handing it over to you, Johnny. You've done me A lot of favors over the years, so. Well, maybe you can collect yourself a nice commission. Oh, what is her name? Reddy. She lives at 11,325 East Maple Drive. That's right. And she goes by the name of Lewis. What? Yep. Betty Lewis. What's the matter, Johnny? Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Are you looking for a career with a lot of bright job opportunities and a chance to be someone? Then by all means, look into professional nursing. Young women between 18 and 35 who are high school graduates in good physical condition can qualify for nurses training. There are many fascinating outlets for nurses talents. They can work in hospitals, private homes, doctors offices, in research industry or the armed forces. There's a great need for women to teach nursing too. Women under 50 are also needed as practical nurses. Practical nurses require less training than professional nurses. They assist in hospitals and perform countless valuable services in private practice. This message is also addressed to men because there's an increasing number of men going into both professional and practical nursing. So find out if you can qualify for a nurse's career, inquire at your nearest hospital or inquire at your nearest school of nursing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here's something most people don't realize. Great sleep doesn't happen by accident. It starts with what you're sleeping on. That's why I switched to Chic's. Their bedding is made from the same performance fabrics you'd find in elite athletic wear, but designed to help you sleep better if you run hot at night. These sheets help you stay cool and dry. If you love that cozy, ridiculously soft feel, they've got that too. Comfort that stays consistent from the moment you hop into bed. And for anyone with an adjustable base, this is a game changer. Their stay fit corners are the best I've ever tried. No slipping, no popping off even when the bed moves. When your days are demanding, Chicz helps you wake up restored, not running run down. Try them for yourself with their 60 night risk free guarantee. Upgrade your sleep@chic's.com.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Double identity Matter. I went over the files on the so called suicides word for word. I read and reread the descriptions of the widows. They all were the same. No question about it. The same girl had been married to each of the four victims, had been married to each of them only a very short time. Then, after death from an apparent overdose of sleeping pills, she had collected the insurance and quietly dropped out of sight. But Lieutenant Randy Singer, nypd, had tracked it down and Traced it to Hartford. And according to him, according to the description, she was Betty Lewis of 11325 East Maple Drive. Betty Lewis? The girl I knew and palled around with. The girl I had a date with that very night. The one girl in the world I almost took seriously. What is it, Johnny? You know her? You know this girl? I. Yeah. That is, I. I think I've seen her there in Hartford already. Good. Then go back there. Get next to her, Johnny. Trip her up. Make her spill the beans about these murders. Murders? Well, don't you agree she must have fed those old codgers all those sleeping pills just to collect their insurance. Kind of looks that way, doesn't it? What's the matter with you, Johnny? It's as plain as the nose on your face. And, boy, how those descriptions of her all tie together. Yeah, Height, weight, build, complexion, eyes, everything. Of course, she dyed her hair differently a couple of times. Blonde. When she married her last victim, she was a redhead. What'd you say? She's a blonde. She's a blonde now. Grande. Yeah. How. How'd you get onto her? It's a long story, Johnny, but somewhere along the line, I got suspicious about those sleeping pills. They were all the same. A special prescription. Are you listening to me, Johnny? Yeah, I'm listening. Well, then I found out that not one of those old men had been given a prescription for him. So to make a long story short, I finally ran down a kid working in a drug store who'd been getting him to her. I see. But instead of nabbing him, that would have spread the alarm. You see, Johnny, I got real lucky. In the trash barrel where the kid lives, I found some letters for all written within the last month telling him to start making some more of the stuff for. In other words, Johnny, as soon as she can trick some other guy in the wedding bell. Somebody up there in Hartford. But if you can grab her first, pin those four murders on her, huh? Hey, Lieutenant. Yeah, Conroy, what do you want? That newspaper reporter that was here to see you. What newspaper reporter? I told him you was tied up with Johnny Dollar on that suicide round.

[Betty Lewis]

You what?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I seen them, Fil. They're on your trip. Conroy, you dope. When the Chief and I get back from this trip. That's another thing, Lieutenant. Huh? The Chief said if you don't want to start pounding a beat again. Well, you see, he's been waiting out front for you for about five minutes. Conroy, you crazy? Why did you say so? Tell him I'm coming. I'm coming right away. Yes, sir. Johnny, will you take it from here down? Sure, Andy. Attaboy. It's truly Johnny Dollar. In a moment, meet star Stuart Irwin. Nothing's worse for an actor than a nasty cold. To feel better quickly, I take wonderful four way cold tablets. A fast way to relieve cold distress. Right. Tests of all the leading cold tablets proved four way fastest acting. Four way starts in minutes to relieve muscular pains, headache, reduce fever, calm upset stomach. Also overcomes irregularity. Take my advice for your next cold. Take four way cold tablets. The fast way to relieve those cold miseries. Four way only 29 cents. And now here's a word about another fine product of Grove Laboratories. To get rid of embarrassing dandruff in three minutes, change to Fitch Dandruff Remover Shampoo. Three minutes with Fitch regularly is guaranteed to keep unsightly dandruff away forever. Apply Fitch before wetting hair. Rub in one minute. Add water, lather one minute, then rinse. One minute. Every trace of dandruff goes down the drain. Three minutes with Fitch and embarrassing dandruff's gone. At the same time, Fitch can brighten hair up to 35%. Get Fitch Dandruff Remover Shampoo today. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Betty Lewis]

Hi, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Betty. Betty, what are you. I mean, what are you doing here?

[Betty Lewis]

Hey, don't I even get a kiss after being away for a solid month?

[Johnny Dollar]

Betty. Tony.

[Betty Lewis]

And don't you think I'm the one who's entitled to ask questions? After all, honey, you st me up. Or did you completely forget about our date for this evening?

[Johnny Dollar]

Listen, will you?

[Betty Lewis]

Much as I hate to admit it, I guess maybe you were right, darling.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah? About what? No.

[Betty Lewis]

Decent kind of a married life, that sort of thing. You wore out on some case, I suppose.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Betty Lewis]

But you know something? I'm just not going to give up on you, Johnny Dollar. One of these days.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, buddy. Now, listen.

[Betty Lewis]

Well, what is it, Johnny? What's the matter?

[Johnny Dollar]

How. How did you get in here, Betty?

[Betty Lewis]

Well, when you didn't come for me as you promised and when you didn't answer the telephone, well, I was afraid something terrible might have happened to you. So I drove on over here to see you. The door was wide open, so I just came on in. I started looking around for you in the den, in the bedroom. And then that's when you came in, Betty.

[Johnny Dollar]

Your vacation.

[Betty Lewis]

Well, it's about time you asked me about that. I missed you while I was away, honey. A whole long month.

[Johnny Dollar]

I mean, where did you Go.

[Betty Lewis]

You didn't get all those pretty postcards I sent you from the Poconos and Atlantic City and New York.

[Johnny Dollar]

New York? How long in New York?

[Betty Lewis]

A couple of days going, a couple of days coming back, that's all. Of course it is. Johnny, what F's the matter with you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Your hair, Betty. What? What? What color was it before?

[Betty Lewis]

Well, I like that.

[Johnny Dollar]

What color?

[Betty Lewis]

Tell me, you mean to say you think I'd die or bleach it or something? You know very well that I. Johnny, what's come over you?

[Johnny Dollar]

My Dusty?

[Betty Lewis]

Well, yes, I wondered about that. Darling, I hope you're not always that sloppy leaving things scattered around that way.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, Betty, listen.

[Betty Lewis]

And do you always leave that window to the fire escape open when you go out? To say nothing of leaving the front door open, too?

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, Betty, look. Look, it's been jimmied open. See? See the marks here? Well, yeah. See, look here where it was pried open. See there?

[Betty Lewis]

Well, it's just like my nail bar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure, sure.

[Betty Lewis]

You seem almost happy about it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, maybe I am.

[Betty Lewis]

Or did you think maybe I had? Only, you know darn well I can't even use a can opener properly. Now, listen, Johnny, will you please tell me what this is all about? Why are you acting so strangely, Betty?

[Johnny Dollar]

Lewis?

[Betty Lewis]

Listen, darling, has all this big mystery anything to do with that newspaper headline I saw? Some kind of a suicide case?

[Johnny Dollar]

You don't know anything about that?

[Betty Lewis]

So that's why you were so late. And Johnny, does it have anything to do with your window being forced open? Your desk being rifled this way?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Yeah, I think so. And maybe you're coming here. Maybe you scared away whoever it was. Wait a minute.

[Betty Lewis]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute. Did you say that your mailbox out at your little house, did you say that thing had been forced open too.

[Betty Lewis]

While I was away? I don't know whether anything was taken because. Because I don't usually get much mail. But the tiny lock on it was broken.

[Johnny Dollar]

You came back yesterday, Late last night.

[Betty Lewis]

And then today. Well, you see, the nails always delivered during the day while I'm at the office.

[Johnny Dollar]

What time, Betty?

[Betty Lewis]

I don't know. 10, 11 o' clock in the morning, I think.

[Johnny Dollar]

So what happened today?

[Betty Lewis]

Well, you know that rain, that drizzle we had this morning?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Go on.

[Betty Lewis]

Well, I got back from the office and went out to see if there was any mail. Now, you love mysteries, Johnny, so maybe.

[Johnny Dollar]

You can solve this. Go on, Betty. Go on now.

[Betty Lewis]

All right. Well, there in the mud around the mailbox were the marks from those Big clodhoppers the mailman always wears. And right on top of them was some other footprints. High heels, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Of course.

[Betty Lewis]

The shoes must have been almost exactly the same size as mine. So do you suppose maybe somebody else, some woman has been using my mailbox and my address while I was away?

[Johnny Dollar]

You bet I do. Betty Lewis. What? 10 or 11 o', clock, you said.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, you mean the mailman.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's exactly what I mean. Now listen, I want a key to your house. Oh.

[Betty Lewis]

Will you marry me?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm serious, Betty. And tomorrow morning you go to the office as usual.

[Betty Lewis]

Don't you mean if I feel up to it? After we finish celebrating my homecoming tonight.

[Johnny Dollar]

That party's gonna be tomorrow night.

[Betty Lewis]

Tomorrow?

[Johnny Dollar]

Because I have a sneaking suspicion that by then we're gonna have something to really celebrate.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, like what, dear?

[Johnny Dollar]

The solution of four murders.

[Betty Lewis]

Oh, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Shortly after Betty left for the office the next morning, I established myself in a little house on East Bay Cable Drive. I parked myself behind the filmy curtains at one of the front windows and I waited. At 10:31, the mailman walked up. In addition to a couple of letters, he left a small package in the mailbox. It didn't take much to guess what was in it. I waited some more. An hour, an hour and a half. Did whoever that package was intended for, And I was sure it wasn't Betty. Did they know the mailbox was being watched? After all, they knew from the newspapers that I was on the case. But unless they appeared to collect this package, I had no case. Then it suddenly occurred to me the important thing was to be sure of having that package myself as evidence. So after making sure the street was clear both ways, I slipped out the front door, walked casually out to the mailbox. Aha. Ms. Betty Lewis. 11, 3:20. Huh?

[Betty Lewis]

Just a minute there you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, yes.

[Betty Lewis]

Just what do you think you're doing poking around in my mailbox that way?

[Johnny Dollar]

By golly, you do look like her.

[Betty Lewis]

What are you talking about?

[Johnny Dollar]

The real Betty Lewis.

[Betty Lewis]

I'm Betty Lewis. Now, if you don't mind, that package you just took out of the mailbox.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sorry, Ms. Whatever your name is, but I need it as part of the evidence.

[Betty Lewis]

Evidence?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, that'll pin the murders of four husbands on you, Johnny. Doc. That's right.

[Betty Lewis]

All right, give me that package.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, put that thing down, lady.

[Betty Lewis]

I'll pull the trigger, Johnny, if you don't give me that package. Give it to me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, whatever you say.

[Betty Lewis]

You dirty.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe you're a lousy shot.

[Betty Lewis]

No, you're hurting me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, okay. Now, back in your car.

[Betty Lewis]

Now, listen, Johnny, listen.

[Johnny Dollar]

Get in.

[Betty Lewis]

Listen, Johnny, I'll make a deal with you.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you're driving, lady. Right. Straight to police headquarters. Sure, there's a lot more to be done. Only by the police, both in Hartford and down in New York. But there's not much doubt about the outcome. Especially since the kid who supplied the drugs broke down in set plots. The insurance companies. Well, the money she had left can be prorated among them, and that'll be that. My problem, of course, will be explaining things to Betty. But you know something? That may have its pleasant aspects too. So, expense account total. Well, call it 20 bucks, provided there's also a fee on this one. Yours truly, Johnny Doll. Our star will return in just a moment. Constipation is something people don't talk much about, but it can be a problem for anyone, even doctors. And when constipation occurs, it's interesting to see just what doctors consider important about a laxative they might use or recommend. Now, a majority of the doctors we heard from had this to say. A laxative should be effective, gentle, as close to natural acting as possible. And a medicine that can be used with complete confidence. Well, pleasant tasting chocolate at Exlax is effective overnight. It helps you toward your normal regularity. Ex Lax is gentle. Next morning, it gives you the closest thing to natural action. And that's why many doctors and millions of people use Ex Lax with complete confidence. Ex Lax, the laxative that helps you toward your normal regularity gently, overnight, is Ex Lax in your medicine cabinet. Now, here is our star to tell you about next week's story. Next week, the wildest bunch of crooks I ever tangled with. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Joan Banks, Lillian Byeff, Herb Vigren and G. Stanley Jones. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Dan Cubberly speaking. Stacks the cards against a jittery gamble in suspense. Next, from the CBS Radio Network.