Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Gruesome Spectacle Matter 9/28/1958

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Gruesome Spectacle Matter" (Released July 28, 2025)

Host: Choice Classic Radio
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
Description: Old-time radio enthusiasts are treated to one of the Golden Age's finest detective stories featuring Johnny Dollar, a savvy freelance insurance investigator navigating a complex case involving deception, murder, and hidden motives.

---

I. Introduction to the Case

The episode kicks off with Johnny Dollar, portrayed by Bob Bailey, receiving an urgent call from Ed Barrett of Tri State Life and Casualty in New York. Ed informs Johnny about the tragic death of Tommy Hargrave, who was supposedly killed in a car accident at Shadow Hill, near Bethel, New York. The incident involves a substantial insurance policy with a double indemnity clause, raising the stakes for Johnny’s investigation.

Key Quote:

• Ed Barrett [00:53]: "I was planning to go up to the fishing lodge of a friend of mine over the weekend, Tommy Hargrave. Oh, but now you've had to call it off."

---

II. Arrival and Suspicious Encounter at Shadow Hill

Johnny arrives at the serene yet secluded Shadow Hill lodge, expecting a straightforward investigation. However, things take a dramatic turn when he encounters Chief Amos Skinner, the local police chief, who brandishes a rifle and accuses Johnny of being a stranger meddling in local affairs. The tense confrontation quickly escalates, with Skinner attempting to detain Johnny, who skillfully disarms the situation by revealing his true identity and purpose.

Key Quotes:

• Amos Skinner [04:08]: "Stop right there. Don't come any closer."
• Johnny Dollar [05:03]: "You just take it easy, old man. And remember, I have the gun now."
• Amos Skinner [05:25]: "Chief Skinner. And if you think you're going to get away with this..."

---

III. Uncovering the Truth at the Crime Scene

With Chief Skinner's guard lowered, Johnny begins a meticulous examination of the accident site. He notes inconsistencies in the scene that suggest foul play rather than an accidental rollover. Collaborating with Dr. Walton, they analyze the body of Tommy Hargrave, discovering signs of a struggle and gunshot wounds inconsistent with the supposed accident.

Key Quotes:

• Johnny Dollar [08:10]: "That car is a sedan... and it's obvious it didn't roll completely over."
• Dr. Walton [13:14]: "The mark from the butt of a .38 automatic. And I've seen plenty of them."

---

IV. Digging Deeper: Suspicions Rise

Johnny's investigation leads him to question Chief Skinner's account of the incident. He scrutinizes the overturned car, finding that the vehicle was pushed rather than simply rolled over, and discovers that the ignition was turned off despite the keys being left inside. The plot thickens as Johnny identifies a pair of glasses at the scene that do not belong to Mary Hargrave, the insured beneficiary, raising further suspicions about her involvement.

Key Quotes:

• Johnny Dollar [12:19]: "Here, let's see if some of this... fingerprints on the steering wheel and we'll be."
• Amos Skinner [14:21]: "My Betsy. Johnny, you're right."

---

V. Confrontation with Mary Hargrave

The investigation points firmly toward Mary Hargrave, who stands to gain significantly from her husband's death. Johnny, accompanied by Dr. Walton and Chief Skinner, confronts her at the lodge. During the interrogation, Mary exhibits a calm demeanor and attempts to deflect suspicion. However, Johnny’s keen observations and the discovery of mismatched glasses expose her deceit, revealing that she did not lose her glasses but had planted a pair belonging to Barney Marston, the local bookie.

Key Quotes:

• Johnny Dollar [20:35]: "Brother, this is probably the wildest touch I've ever had."
• Mary Hargrave [19:31]: "The first thing I'll do when I collect the insurance is sell this place and go back to the city where my friends are."

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VI. Resolution: Unmasking the True Culprit

The climax of the episode sees Johnny connecting the dots between the falsified accident, Mary Hargrave's financial motives, and Barney Marston's involvement. It's revealed that Marston had a motive to eliminate Tommy Hargrave, who had won a substantial amount from him and threatened his business. Faced with irrefutable evidence, including the defective pair of glasses linking Marston to the scene, the true murderer is brought to justice. Johnny wraps up the case, highlighting the triumph of diligent investigation and integrity.

Key Quotes:

• Johnny Dollar [21:05]: "All right, then, if she is here, well, sir, I'll arrest her right on the spot."
• Dr. Walton [20:53]: "This lens bears no resemblance to yours at all."

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VII. Notable Quotes and Moments

• Johnny Dollar's Professionalism:
  Johnny Dollar [00:22]: "My school uses Podbean. My church too."

• Chief Skinner’s Deception:
  Amos Skinner [06:05]: "I did it as a favor to Mary and she's wife on account of she was so broke up and all."

• Dr. Walton's Critical Insight:
  Dr. Walton [13:20]: "The way the clothes are torn. As though it had some kind of a struggle."

• Johnny Dollar's Sharp Observation:
  Johnny Dollar [14:17]: "The mark from the butt of a .38 automatic. And I've seen plenty of them."

---

VIII. Conclusion

"Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Gruesome Spectacle Matter" showcases a masterfully crafted detective story rife with suspense, clever deduction, and unexpected twists. Johnny Dollar's unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth amidst deception and danger underscores the essence of classic radio detective narratives. Listeners are left captivated by the intricate plot and the resolute character of Johnny Dollar, eagerly anticipating his next adventure.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content segments, including Podbean promotions and state flag narrations, have been excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the core narrative.

Transcript

[Podbean]

Your message amplified.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Podbean]

Podbean.

[Johnny Dollar]

Podbean.

[Podbean]

Podbean. Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Choice Classic Radio]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean.

[Johnny Dollar]

To launch their podcasts.

[Podbean]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Johnny Dollar]

My school uses Podbean. My church too.

[Podbean]

I love it. I really do.

[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.

[Amos Skinner]

You for [e-mail].

[Narrator]

From Hollywood. It's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Duller.

[Ed Barrett]

Johnny, this is Ed Barrett at Tri State Life and Casualty in New York.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, hi, Ed. How are you?

[Ed Barrett]

A little sick at the moment.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, what's the matter?

[Ed Barrett]

I was planning to go up to the fishing lodge of a friend of mine over the weekend, Tommy Hargrave.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, but now you've had to call it off and brother, I know exactly how you feel.

[Ed Barrett]

Oh, Johnny, I don't think you do.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, yet, I'm a fisherman myself and when something interferes with going. What was that?

[Ed Barrett]

I just received word that Tommy had a car accident up there. Car rolled over on him. He was killed instantly.

[Johnny Dollar]

I. Oh, I'm sorry, Ed.

[Ed Barrett]

Yeah. And company policy being what it is, since he carried 70,000 in insurance, double indemnity since there was an accident involved. Well, I gotta order the usual investigation.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure, I see. Who's the beneficiary?

[Ed Barrett]

His wife, Mary.

[Tommy Hargrave]

They.

[Johnny Dollar]

They get along all right?

[Ed Barrett]

No, as a matter of fact. Nah. Now look, Johnny, don't get any crazy ideas. Just go on up there and help her all you can.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure, sure. Where?

[Ed Barrett]

Ed, the place is called Shadow Hill, near the little town of Bethel, New York. Yeah, up in Sullivan County. The police department is a man named Skinner.

[Johnny Dollar]

Police? If everything's okay.

[Ed Barrett]

It was Skinner who called me, that's all.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh. Oh, okay, Ed, I'm on my way. And if I dig up anything, Johnny.

[Ed Barrett]

I assure you that everything's all right about this one.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Ed Barrett]

You say that as though you don't believe it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, just my suspicious wine showing, I guess. Forget it.

[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 Doll. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Tri State Life and Casualty Insurance Company, New York, New York. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the gruesome spectacle.

[Dr. Walton]

Matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account, item 1 620, fair and incidentals. Hartford to New York. Item 2. 50 bucks deposit on a rental car. I swung north, crossed the George Washington Bridge, then picked up Highway 17 through Goshen with its famous racetrack, through the summer resort town of Monticello, then past White Lake, a good fishing spot, to the little town of Bethel. It really isn't much more than a crossroads. A couple of filling stations, a general store and post office, and Emmer's Hotel, where I park my bags. Shadow Hill, however, turned out to be a beautiful summer lodge sitting high above the edge of a nearby private lake. From the highway, I could see the narrow, winding road that led from the lodge down to the lake shore. I could also see the spot where a car had apparently taken a corner too quickly skidded and rolled over to where it lay on its side. Then, shortly after pulling off the highway, I could see something else. Another car just short of where the accident had occurred. It was half hidden in a clump of trees that bordered the road. And as I slowly pulled up to it, a man suddenly jumped out and leveled an old 3030 rifle at me.

[Amos Skinner]

Stop right there. Don't come any closer.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, now, just a minute, mister.

[Amos Skinner]

Who are you? What are you doing around here? Stranger, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I guess you call me a stranger.

[Amos Skinner]

But look, maybe you the stranger I'm looking for. Get out of that car with your hands up over your head and don't try no funny business.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, what is this, a hold up?

[Amos Skinner]

Do like I tell you to and be quick about it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, whatever you say.

[Amos Skinner]

Come on, come on.

[Johnny Dollar]

I like. Can't seem to. This door doesn't seem to want to.

[Amos Skinner]

You trying to pull some trick? Open that door.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, it's stuck, I guess.

[Amos Skinner]

Well, here, I'll do it. Now then, I'm kidding.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, now I'll take that gun.

[Amos Skinner]

Oh, no, you won. All right, all right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Up on your feet.

[Amos Skinner]

Just a minute. Shot.

[Johnny Dollar]

Turn around. Go on, go on, turn around.

[Amos Skinner]

You just look here.

[Johnny Dollar]

You just take it easy, old man. And remember, I have the gun now.

[Amos Skinner]

I'll lock you up for this. That's what I'll do.

[Johnny Dollar]

You'll what?

[Amos Skinner]

Yes, sir. Interfering with the law this way.

[Johnny Dollar]

The law? You.

[Amos Skinner]

That's right. See, here's my badge, see?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, okay then. Look, Mr. Skinner.

[Amos Skinner]

You lock you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yep.

[Amos Skinner]

Hey, how do you know my name?

[Johnny Dollar]

You are Mr. Skinner, aren't you?

[Amos Skinner]

Why, sure I am. Amos Skinner. Only it's Chief Skinner to you. Police Chief Skinner. And if you think you're going to get away with this, you. What's your idea?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, Chief it looks like you're just the man I came to see. Hey, only maybe you'd better have your gun back. Here.

[Amos Skinner]

Well, all right, all right. Now you. You just put your hands up and say. Now just a doggone minute. Who are you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar.

[Amos Skinner]

Johnny Dollar? That what you said? That's right, the Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm an insurance investigator.

[Amos Skinner]

Praise be to Bitsy. I might have known him, someone like you. The way you outsmarted me, banging the car door against me that way.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm sorry about that, Johnny.

[Tommy Hargrave]

I'm.

[Amos Skinner]

I'm real proud to meet you. And believe me, son, I'm just mighty glad you're here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, why do you say that?

[Amos Skinner]

Just you look here, Johnny. Over the edge of this road. Look, you see it down there? That car?

[Johnny Dollar]

Is that the car in which Mr. Thomas Hargrave was killed?

[Amos Skinner]

Oh, you know about that?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's what I came here to investigate.

[Amos Skinner]

Well, all right, then you listen here to me, Johnny. Well, I'm the one that Telephoned down to Mr. Hargrave's insurance company down to New York.

[Johnny Dollar]

So I understood.

[Amos Skinner]

I did it as a favor to Mary and she's wife on account of she was so broke up and all. Never did like her, but she was. Well, she was pretty upset.

[Johnny Dollar]

Very considerate of you, Chief.

[Amos Skinner]

And I told the insurance company just what I told everybody else, that Tommy Hargrave took this turn in the road too fast. Now, you see the turn right above here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. That's a sharp one.

[Amos Skinner]

Well, he took this turn too fast and skidded off the side and the car went over and pinned him underneath it. And that was that killed him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wow.

[Amos Skinner]

All right, now, Johnny, I just come over here from old Doc Walton's. It was down to dock that I took Tommy's body yesterday just after it happened. And you know why I come back here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I can think of one good reason from something you just told me. Yeah? From what I can see of the car down there.

[Mary Hargrave]

Yeah?

[Amos Skinner]

Well, it was because I suddenly started thinking, how could a man who knows this road so well ever make the mistake of. Hey, what were you gonna say?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, Chief, that car was coming down the road down from the lodge, wasn't it?

[Amos Skinner]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

That means he made a left hand turn right here.

[Amos Skinner]

Correct. The off the road, fell on its side and leaned right where you landed. Right where you see it. Right on top of Tommy Hargrave.

[Johnny Dollar]

That car is a sedan.

[Amos Skinner]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

And even from here I can see that the windows are all closed except for the one next to the driver's seat.

[Amos Skinner]

Correct.

[Johnny Dollar]

But now. And it's obvious it didn't roll completely over.

[Amos Skinner]

No sir. It just flipped over on its side and slid down there.

[Johnny Dollar]

And yet you say that Tommy Hargrave's body was under it.

[Amos Skinner]

That's right. Under the right side of the car where we practice. Hey, uh huh.

[Johnny Dollar]

Can you tell me how he could have fallen under that side of the car? Windows closed, Johnny. Yeah.

[Amos Skinner]

Tommy was murdered, that's what. And the car pushed over on him to make it look like an accident. And Johnny, you proved it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Couple of other things we've got to prove, Chief.

[Amos Skinner]

Eh? Like what?

[Johnny Dollar]

Who murdered him and why.

[Narrator]

Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Bob Bailey]

In a moment.

[Choice Classic Radio]

Our flag now numbers 50 stars and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Rhode island state flag is white with an anchor. First used as a colony symbol in 1647, the motto Hope was added in 1664 when the government was organized under a charter from King Charles II. A circle of 13 gold stars were added for the original 13 colonies. This is the flag of a unique colony and state which carried out a most noble experiment in freedom. The Royal Charter of 1663 reads to hold forth a lively experiment that a most flourishing state may stand and best be maintained with full liberty and religious concernments. Rhode island state flag, the flag of the 13th state to enter the Union was adopted on May 19, 1897.

[Narrator]

And now Act 2 of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the gruesome spectacle matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, Chief, tell me this. When and how did you learn of this so called accident that killed Tommy.

[Amos Skinner]

Hargrave for Mary, his wife? Oh, it was like this, Johnny. I was sitting down at Bob and Ernie's.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who are Bob and Ernie?

[Amos Skinner]

Well, they run that mobile gas station down the highway you pass on the way.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, go on.

[Amos Skinner]

Well, we were just sitting there talking about the Hamiltonian and all the.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean the Hamiltonian?

[Amos Skinner]

Well, you know the big harness race they run down the Goshen every year. Oh yeah, why it's world famous. Bigger than the Kentucky Derby.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, I know. Go on.

[Amos Skinner]

Well, we was talking about how much money Barney Marston has made taking bets on those races and we.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh Chief, you mean you have a bookie here in Bethel?

[Amos Skinner]

Well now, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that you as chief of police condone such goings on.

[Amos Skinner]

Well now we.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I'm surprised at you, Chief.

[Amos Skinner]

Oh, well, it's just a little sort of harmless betting is all. Oh sure, every man's entitled to a little. Well, you know how it is?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I sure do. Now, let's get back to the subject.

[Amos Skinner]

Yeah, sure. Well, like I say, we was sitting there talking and we seen Mary Hargrave driving by on her way back from New York, where she'd gone to do some shopping that day.

[Johnny Dollar]

She wasn't here when it happened?

[Amos Skinner]

Well, no, sir. She couldn't have been.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're sure?

[Amos Skinner]

Well, like I told you, she was in New York. Anyhow, she drove on up here so what had happened and drove right back to tell us at the gas station. We came up here, dug Tommy's body out from under, took it down to Doc Watlin's office, and that was it.

[Johnny Dollar]

How carefully have you inspected that car down there?

[Amos Skinner]

Well, that's what I was about to do when you come.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, come on, let's take a look at it.

[Amos Skinner]

Why, sure, sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

Have you any way of proving Mary Hargrave was actually in New York?

[Amos Skinner]

Proven where? No, I guess not.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, look here, chief. Keys are still in the ignition, but the ignition's turned off.

[Amos Skinner]

You're right, Johnny, you're right. This car wasn't rid over the side of the road. It was pushed.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here, let's see if we can get this door open.

[Amos Skinner]

Yeah, yeah, I'll give you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Let's see if some of this. Yeah, very good.

[Amos Skinner]

Well, what are you doing to that handful of dust?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, it's not very professional, but some of this fine dust ought to bring out any fingerprints on the steering wheel and we'll be.

[Amos Skinner]

No princess that I can see.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're right, chief. This wheel has been carefully wiped off. So whoever did it. Hmm?

[Amos Skinner]

Huh? What'd you find?

[Johnny Dollar]

Did Tommy Hargrave wear glasses, spectacles, Tommy?

[Amos Skinner]

No, sir. What?

[Johnny Dollar]

Come on, Chief. First thing I want is a look at his body. Doc Walton should say that's right. Then let's go.

[Dr. Walton]

Well, as a matter of fact, it was I who suggested to Amos to Chief Skinner. I should say that he go back and have another look at that car, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Just. Why, Dr. Walton?

[Dr. Walton]

Because a couple of things about this body made me. Well, made me wonder.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look here.

[Dr. Walton]

The way the clothes are torn. As though it had some kind of a struggle. Scratches and contusions on his hands. But more important here. Yeah, here at the base of the skull. This mark up where that car is. There are no rocks, no stones, no anything that could make a mark like this. And there's another on the face below the eye.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know what that looks like to me, Doctor?

[Dr. Walton]

What's that?

[Podbean]

Podbean. Your message amplified.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ready to share Your message with the world. Start your podcast journey with podbean.

[Podbean]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Choice Classic Radio]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean.

[Johnny Dollar]

To launch their podcasts.

[Podbean]

Use Podbean to record your podcasts.

[Johnny Dollar]

Use Podbean AI to optimize your podcast.

[Podbean]

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[Johnny Dollar]

Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

[Podbean]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Johnny Dollar]

The mark from the butt of a.38 automatic. And I've seen plenty of them.

[Amos Skinner]

My Betsy. Johnny, you're right.

[Dr. Walton]

And that would indicate Hargrave was murdered and the car pushed over on him to make it look like.

[Amos Skinner]

Yes, sir. And Johnny and me found a few other things around that car that would indicate the same thing.

[Johnny Dollar]

Doctor, I understand Thomas Tommy Hargrave did not wear glasses.

[Dr. Walton]

No, not that I know of. Of course. Mary, his wife, she wears them. Yes, she does. Can't do without them.

[Johnny Dollar]

What kind?

[Dr. Walton]

Well, just regular tortoiseshell.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know, something. Something like these, maybe?

[Dr. Walton]

Well, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

Granted, one lens is smashed and part of the frame is broken, but is this the kind she wore?

[Dr. Walton]

Yes, Mr. Donner. I'd say so. Of course. A great many honey.

[Amos Skinner]

Surely you don't think. His own wife.

[Johnny Dollar]

They didn't get along too well, did they?

[Amos Skinner]

Well, no, but after all, when any couple's been married 10, 11 years.

[Johnny Dollar]

Also, she just happens to be the beneficiary of his sizable insurance policy.

[Dr. Walton]

Good heavens. Mr. Allen.

[Amos Skinner]

Yeah?

[Johnny Dollar]

I think we'd better pay a little visit to Mrs. Mary Hargrave.

[Narrator]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Bob Bailey]

In a moment.

[Tommy Hargrave]

Many times in the history of mankind, nations have pooled their forces to exert a greater strength against a common aggressor. This happens not only in the face of a world war, but between such giant holocausts as during the Boxer Uprising in China in 1900. Six nations combined their forces to come to the aid of their citizens in the thick of the fight. Undaunted by devastating enemy fire. Chief Boatswain John McCloy of the United States Naval Contingent distinguished himself by meritorious conduct above and beyond the call of duty. For his valorous action, he was awarded his first Medal of Honor. But a man of action doesn't get the job done because of possible awards. It is the spirit of his code of conduct that guides him. John McCloy was guided by that code again and again in June 1914 during the Mexican Campaign, when the government of the United States was put upon once more to aid its persecuted citizens. Chief Boatswain John McCloy was constantly risking his life. Our landed troops were in danger of being annihilated on the beach at Veracruz, when McCloy voluntarily filled three picket launches with riflemen and led them along the seafront to draw the enemy fire. Though badly wounded, he remained at his post and gallantly directed his part of the campaign. For this action, Chief Boatswain John McCloy was awarded a second Medal of Honor, but he hadn't been concerned with medals. His only concern was conducting himself as a man should. And that is according to the code of the American fighting men.

[Narrator]

And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar, and the gruesome spectacle matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

The three of us. Dr. Walton, Police Chief Amos Skinner and I drove up to the lodge outside the little town of Bethel, New York, to see why Mrs. Mary Hargrave had killed her husband. Made it look like a car accident. That is, if she did it. And what little evidence we had pointed right straight at her. The obvious fact the car had been pushed over on him after he was killed. The marks showing he'd struggled for his life had been struck with the butt of a pistol. The fact he and his wife hadn't got along too well, that she was his beneficiary. And finally, there were the glasses I'd found in the car.

[Amos Skinner]

My Betsy. I wonder if she found out you were here, Johnny, and has flew the coupe.

[Johnny Dollar]

Isn't that her car in the yard?

[Dr. Walton]

Ah, yes, Mr. Dollateous.

[Amos Skinner]

All right, then, if she is here, well, sir, I'll arrest her right on the spot.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no, let me handle this.

[Amos Skinner]

But, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

I said please let me handle it.

[Mary Hargrave]

Yes? Oh, Dr. Walton and Chief Skinner.

[Amos Skinner]

That's right. And this here is Mr. Johnny Dollar.

[Mary Hargrave]

Oh, yes, Mr. Dollar. Mr. Barrett, if the insurance company phoned that you'd be here. Won't you come in?

[Johnny Dollar]

Surely. Thank you.

[Mary Hargrave]

I'm sorry to have been so slow in answering the door, but I seem to have mislaid a pair of my glasses.

[Amos Skinner]

Yeah, that. Johnny.

[Mary Hargrave]

I'm blind as a bat without them. Won't you all sit down?

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you.

[Dr. Walton]

Yes, thank you, Mary.

[Mary Hargrave]

I've been using an old pair of steel rims with an old prescription, but they look so terrible.

[Johnny Dollar]

I. When. When did you lose your glasses?

[Mary Hargrave]

Oh, I must have mislaid them a couple of days ago.

[Amos Skinner]

Ha.

[Mary Hargrave]

Now, what do you mean by that, Amos?

[Amos Skinner]

You know very well what I mean.

[Johnny Dollar]

You. You don't seem terribly upset about your husband's death, Mrs. Hargrave.

[Mary Hargrave]

Why should I, Mr. Dollar? We haven't been exactly getting along for years. All he seemed to care about was his fishing and betting on the horses day after day. Ah, now, I never did care about spending every summer up in this stodgy little town with all its stodgy people and, well. Oh, I didn't mean you, Dr. Walton.

[Dr. Walton]

Oh, yes, thank you.

[Mary Hargrave]

The first thing I'll do when I collect the insurance is sell this place and go back to the city where my friends are. But there's some excitement and. Mr. Dollar, those. Are those my glasses you have there?

[Johnny Dollar]

Are they?

[Mary Hargrave]

But if they look like mine.

[Amos Skinner]

Only what happened to them, sure they are hers. Johnny. What?

[Dr. Walton]

No, no, Darla, no. I don't think they are. Let me have them, please.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure. Here.

[Mary Hargrave]

What's going on here?

[Amos Skinner]

Johnny, we're just wasting time.

[Dr. Walton]

No, no, no, no, wait. These can't be hers. I should have realized.

[Amos Skinner]

Sure is.

[Mary Hargrave]

Gentlemen, please.

[Dr. Walton]

I've seen your glasses, Mary, many times. Very thick at the edges, very in the center of the lens.

[Mary Hargrave]

Well, isn't this pair.

[Dr. Walton]

This lens, the one that's still intact, bears no resemblance to yours at all.

[Amos Skinner]

Oh, no, no, no, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute. Wait. Listen, Mrs. Hargrave.

[Mary Hargrave]

Will somebody please tell me what's.

[Johnny Dollar]

Listen, will you? You say your husband was always playing the horses?

[Mary Hargrave]

Yes, of course he was. But do you mind telling me what.

[Johnny Dollar]

Happened even while he was up here?

[Mary Hargrave]

Yes, all the time.

[Dr. Walton]

Mr. Dollar, I don't see what you're driving at.

[Amos Skinner]

I sure don't.

[Johnny Dollar]

Brother, this is probably the wildest touch I've ever had. What? Mrs. Hargrave, did your husband owe a lot of money on his bedding?

[Mary Hargrave]

Owe a lot? I should say not. Just the opposite. He's been going around for nearly two weeks boasting about the big killing he made if he ever collected.

[Johnny Dollar]

Doctor, let me have those glasses.

[Dr. Walton]

Oh, ish.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look here. This little mark inside the temple.

[Dr. Walton]

Oh, that's the mark of the optometrist over in Monticello. Here you see? The same mark as in mine.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Okay, now, just sit tight, the three of you.

[Dr. Walton]

Oh, now, Mr. Duller.

[Amos Skinner]

Now, you look here now.

[Johnny Dollar]

And, Amos, don't try arresting anybody while I'm gone. It might make you look a little fool when I get back. Back from where? $, I'll see you all later. Well, that's really just about all there is to this case. Oh, except, of course, for the fact the optometrist in Monticello had no difficulty at all in matching the glasses I'd found with the prescription of. Yeah, you guessed it. They had. Belonged to the bookie Chief Skinner had told me about Barney Marston. Of course, Barney wanted to put up a fight when we faced him with the facts. But then he couldn't seem to explain the various and sundry bruises he was carrying around. Until we reminded him of the fight he'd had with Tommy Hargrave. Yeah, he'd killed him and pushed the car over on top of him. The reason for it all? Simple. Tommy had won a cool $25,000 from him, had threatened to put him out of business if he didn't pay, which he couldn't. So Barney killed him and tried to fake the accident. And you know something? I have a sneaking suspicion Chief Amos Skinner isn't going to stand for any bookies operating in Bethel, New York, from here on out. Oh, and Mary Hargrave found the glasses she'd mislaid. Expense account total, including mileage on the rental car and the trip Back to Hartford, $148 even. Yours truly, Johnny Duller.

[Narrator]

Our star will return in just a moment.

[Bob Bailey]

Our flag now numbers 50 stars, and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Kansas State flag is dark blue, and in the center is the state seal surmounted by a large sunflower, the official state flower. The seal reflects the history of Kansas. The train of ox wagons going west for most of the great roads pass through Kansas. An Indian is depicted chasing a herd of buffalo, recalling the words of the official state song. Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam. For this truly was the home of the buffalo and Indian. The east is represented by a rising sun, and the promise of future prosperity is indicated by the steamboat on the river and the farmer plowing the field Above a mountain range are 34 stars. For Kansas was the 34th state admitted to the Union. Overall is the state motto. Ad astra per aspera to the stars through difficulties. Kansas state flag. The flag of the 34th state to enter the union was adopted on March 23, 1927.

[Narrator]

Now here's our star to tell you about next week's story.

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week? Well, listen, I promise you the most unusual case and some of the most unexpected people you ever. Well, join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartel, Junius Matthews and Joe Kearns. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Do. This is Dan Coverley speaking.

[Tommy Hargrave]

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