Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Hand of Providential Matter 11/01/1959

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Hand of Providential Matter (11/01/1959)
Release Date: February 2, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode features the classic old-time radio detective show Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, following the “action-packed expense account” of insurance investigator Johnny Dollar. In "The Hand of Providential Matter," Dollar is hired by a suspicious insurance company to investigate an apparent $200,000 embezzlement. As Dollar digs deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit, danger, and a fake insurance operation at the heart of the case.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Case Assignment

• Johnny Dollar receives a call from Mr. Ernest L. Whiteman, representing a new insurance company, Providential Assurance, about a significant embezzlement.

• Elwood Sprague, the company’s owner, offers Dollar a lucrative $5,000 fee if he recovers the stolen $200,000, quipping, “You can practically name your own fee.” (01:01)

• Dollar is immediately skeptical of the company’s casual handling of claims and their apparent lack of proper licensing.

  “That license is something we ain’t bothered with yet.” — Elwood Sprague (05:47)

2. Suspect and Investigation

• The suspect is Tom Hauser, the company's bookkeeper, who fled with the money after being told his books would be checked.

• At Hauser’s dingy rooming house, Dollar encounters the landlady, who describes Hauser leaving with all his belongings (09:44).

• While searching for clues, Dollar is ambushed by Hauser or an associate and knocked unconscious (11:18).

  “Okay, baby... I’m gonna make sure you never get up again.” — Unknown attacker to Johnny Dollar (11:21)

3. The Real Nature of Providential Assurance

• As Dollar and police investigate, it emerges through a call from Pat McCracken (Universal Adjustment Bureau) that Providential Assurance is not licensed and suspected to be an outright scam (15:23).

  “Yeah, the commission never heard of them. Exactly. So if I were you… I wouldn’t touch them.” — Pat McCracken (15:54)

• Dollar muses on whether the alleged embezzlement is part of a larger con.

4. The Confession and Showdown

• Sprague admits to Dollar that the oil tycoon persona was a ruse. He and Whiteman set up the company as a racket, collecting premiums and planning to skip town when discovered (18:31).

  “Me to front for this stranger insurance racket...collect a lot of premiums and then we'd skip town.” — Elwood Sprague (18:59)

• Whiteman planned to double-cross Sprague and meet Hauser to split the money. Fearing for his life, Sprague asks Dollar for protection (20:25).

• Whiteman arrives, gun in hand, intending to eliminate both Dollar and Sprague to cover his tracks, only to be stopped by Sargent Ed Wilson and Dollar.

  “That gun. That’s right. The one that killed Hauser… The one that’s going to kill you, Elwood, for what I heard just now…” — Whiteman (21:01)

5. Resolution

• Both Sprague and Whiteman are arrested. The scam is shut down.

• Johnny Dollar notes, with satisfaction, that while he won’t be paid the promised fee, he’s gratified to have helped bring down the racket.

  “But you know something? It doesn't matter. Because the important thing was to have had some small part in wiping out this dirty racket. Me, I feel good.” — Johnny Dollar (21:52)

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Shady Business Dealings:

  “That license is something we ain’t bothered with yet.”
  — Elwood Sprague (05:47)

• Scammer Logic:

  “You ever have to pay the taxes on profits from a couple hundred producing oil wells?”
  — Sprague, justifying a tax loss scheme (04:38)

• The Setup:

  “If you recover the money...you can practically name your own fee.”
  — Whiteman (01:01)

• Violence Strikes:

  “Okay, baby...I’m gonna make sure you never get up again.”
  — Attacker (11:21)

• Unmasking the Racket:

  “Providential Assurance Company…Yeah, the commission never heard of them. Exactly. So if I were you… I wouldn’t touch them.”
  — Pat McCracken (15:54)

• The Confession:

  “Me to front for this stranger insurance racket…collect a lot of premiums and then we'd skip town.”
  — Sprague (18:59)

• The Showdown:

  “That’s right. The one that killed Hauser…The one that’s going to kill you, Elwood, for what I heard just now through this door.”
  — Whiteman (21:01)

• A Satisfying End:

  “It doesn't matter. Because the important thing was to have had some small part in wiping out this dirty racket.”
  — Johnny Dollar (21:52)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Assignment from Providential Assurance: 00:16–03:59
• Explanation of Company Practices: 04:03–06:08
• Discovery of the Missing Bookkeeper: 09:38–10:48
• Johnny Attacked in Rooming House: 11:18–11:57
• Police Reveal Hauser is Most Wanted: 13:03–13:41
• McCracken’s Warning about the Company: 15:23–16:55
• Sprague's Full Confession: 18:31–20:13
• Final Confrontation & Arrest: 20:49–21:45
• Johnny’s Closing Reflection: 21:52

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Tone and Style

True to classic radio detective style, the tone of the episode is brisk, witty, and laden with taut, hard-boiled banter. Johnny Dollar narrates with sardonic humor and dry quips, cutting through lies and danger with cool professionalism.

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Summary

"The Hand of Providential Matter" is a prime example of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar’s blend of suspense, humor, and moral clarity. Johnny is drawn into a web of fraud and betrayal, ultimately exposing an entire insurance con. While he’s promised a hefty reward, it’s knowing he’s stopped a scam that gives him real satisfaction. The episode is a classic ride through the seedy underbelly of insurance fraud, packed with sharp dialogue, memorable characters, and a satisfying dose of justice.

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Transcript

[Johnny Dollar]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe.

[Narrator/Investigator]

To us on YouTube and thank you.

[Johnny Dollar]

For [e-mail].

[Narrator/Investigator]

Johnny Deller. This is Mr. Ernest L. Whiteman, Providential Assurance Company. Providential Assurance.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right.

[Narrator/Investigator]

You've heard of us, of course. No sir, I can't say that I have. But what's on your mind, Mr. Whiteman? Embezzled? Don't try it. I'm going to get yourself into a lot of trouble. I beg your pardon? I'm sorry, I was just trying to make it funny. Oh, yes, yes. Well now, if you dare to look into this for us. Sure, why not? Then I suggest you come here to my office and I shall give you the details. I take it there's a fee here in addition to my expenses. If you recover the money, something over $200,000, you can practically name your own fee. Great. That is up to say $5,000 on a $200,000 loss. That's right. Oh, well then maybe I'd better figure on padding out my expense account. Oh, just a minute. Oh, stop worrying, Mr. Whiteman. But if you have any intention of. Just keep your shirt on. I'll be able to see you. 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. Talk about best selling records. Here's a familiar tune about America's best selling filter cigarette, Winst. Winston. Gives you real flavor, full rich tobacco flavor. And you know that's because only Winston has filter blend up front. Choice flavorful tobaccos specially selected and specially processed for filter smoking. No wonder Winston tastes good like cigarette should smoke Winston. And now, act one of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Providential Assurance Company, Hartford, Connecticut. At this point I don't know if it's the home office or not. Anyhow, following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the hand of Providential matter. For some reason or other, dealing with a new company usually spells trouble for me. But expense account item one, a buck and a quarter for a taxi to the offices of Providential down in the square. When I say offices, I mean exactly two with a connecting door. I'm very glad to see you, Mr. Dollar. I'm Ernest L. Whiteman, Mr. Wyman. And this gentleman.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mr. Dollar, I'm the man that had Ernie Whiteman send for you. Yes, this is name is Elwood Sprague. $. I'm the owner of this business.

[Narrator/Investigator]

The sole owner, Mr. Sprague?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right, son. Providential assurance is all mine, lock, stock and barrel.

[Narrator/Investigator]

I see.

[Johnny Dollar]

Made a lot of money in oil down Texas. Couldn't find any way to spend it all, so I started this year. So what happens? All I get is more money out of it.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yeah, well, Mr. Wyman said something over the phone about an embezzlement. Exactly $200,000, that was.

[Johnny Dollar]

Go ahead and tell them all about it, my boy. Tell them how it happened.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Well, you see, Mr. Dollar, immediate public acceptance of our company is largely due.

[Johnny Dollar]

To the fact that what he means, Dollar, is the reason we sell so many policies is on account of we always pay off any claims. Real prompt, in cash and hardcore cash.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Exactly. And for that reason, we never question.

[Johnny Dollar]

A claim, just pay it off in cash. That's what we promise and that's what we do.

[Narrator/Investigator]

And for that reason, Mr. Dollow, why.

[Johnny Dollar]

So many people who can't afford much insurance come to us?

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yes, but as a result, oh, what.

[Johnny Dollar]

Happens instead of a nice tax loss, there ain't enough claims to pay your hat. All we make is profit.

[Narrator/Investigator]

You mean you've hoped to lose money in this business?

[Johnny Dollar]

Tax loss, Mr. Dollar, you ever have to pay the taxes on profits from a couple of hundred producing oil wells?

[Narrator/Investigator]

Highly. But now, Mr. Whiteman, about this impeachment. As I started to say, paying in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Cash as we do means keeping a lot of cash on hand.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Oh, then this embezzlement was of your own money? Exactly. The money was stolen from us. You kept that kind of money here in here in a safe or something?

[Johnny Dollar]

Wouldn't keep it laying around on the floor, would you?

[Narrator/Investigator]

Well, have you any idea who might have taken it? We most certainly have.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, it was Hauser.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Tom Hauser.

[Johnny Dollar]

The only one besides Whitey had the combination to the same.

[Narrator/Investigator]

He also kept the books, Mr. Dollar. Well, didn't you check his books periodically? Oh, of course I did. But when I discovered the loss this morning, I also discovered he'd been juggling the accounts. Well, how long ago did this Tom Hauser work here? Up until yesterday, as I told Mr. Sprague. I informed how last night that I planned to check the cash as well as the books this morning.

[Johnny Dollar]

So what happens this morning? He's gone and so is the money.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Well, now, when you ask me this, sounds like the most loosely run insurance company. That's the Dollar. How you ever managed to get a license from the insurance commission?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, now, that license is something we Ain't bothered with yet.

[Narrator/Investigator]

You what?

[Johnny Dollar]

We gotta make sure we gotta business first, don't we?

[Narrator/Investigator]

Are you kidding? Do you realize what the commission will do when they find out about this?

[Johnny Dollar]

Don't give it a thought, son.

[Narrator/Investigator]

To say nothing of the police.

[Johnny Dollar]

Your job is to catch that Tom.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Look here, Mr. Sprague.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then if the insurance commission or the government or anybody says we're doing wrong.

[Narrator/Investigator]

And you can bet they will, why.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then I'll pay em. Get out of this business.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Believe me, it'll cost you a lot more than this. $200,000?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, sure, maybe a couple million. It'll make a nice tax loss.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yeah, and you'll probably end up in jail.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, now, you let me worry about that. Your job is to get this embezzler. And don't forget, we're paying you 5,000 to do it.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Look, you say it may cost you millions to get out of this mess. That's right. And yet you're worried about a couple of hundred thousand.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well now, that's different.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

That was stolen, son. That was illegal.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Trying to make sense with this man was like trying to reason with a hitching post. I told him I didn't the case and that I could understand why he'd hesitate about calling in the police. Sure, they probably start asking questions with the only answers he could give them, he'd really be in trouble. I told him that my only duty as far as I could see was to notify the commission of this whole operation.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure, son. If your conscience hurts, you go ahead, notify him. After you got this money back. First after. Well, I don't know much about investigation, but seems to me it was him gone only a few hours. Well, if I was you, I wouldn't be wasting any time.

[Narrator/Investigator]

You got a point there.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure, sure. And don't you forget that five grand that's waiting for you. Will you put that money back in.

[Narrator/Investigator]

While I ask you what would you have done? And with a fee of $5,000 dangling in front of your eyes? Yeah, that's what I did. I took. Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment, Higginbotham here. We will now commence our lesson in stereophonic reproduction. Listen to the call of the Spotted Bill Snicker on ordinary stereo. Now then, on a Columbia stereo, one phonograph. Obvious difference. What the Columbia stereophonic system really causes all others to blush for. It is not composed of just a few separated speakers. Columbia is the originator and exclusive purveyor of stereo projection. Only Columbia fills every inch of A room with real lifelike sound. Now, when I was bird watching with the Duchess of. But let that pass. You simply must hear the stereo. One Phonograph by Columbia. Ask your Columbia phonograph dealer for a demonstration. And chaps, portables are priced as low as $39.95. Consoles commence at $129.95. Lost that bird. And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Hand of Providential Matter. Hoping the insurance commission wouldn't hang me if they ever found out I'd taken an assignment from this outfit, I decided to check the last known whereabouts of the embezzler, the bookkeeper who had stolen some $200,000 from them. After getting his description and his address for Mr. Sprague, I spent item two, $1.85 for a taxi to a dingy rooming house on the north side of town. At the front door, I was met by a frowzy old maid wearing a rather slovenly blue housecoat. She looked like she'd just gotten out of bed and her stringy black hair was up in paper curlers.

[Johnny Dollar]

Facial investigator, huh?

[Narrator/Investigator]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here, my credentials, Johnny Dollar, freelancing school. Well, Mr. Tom Haas ain't here right now.

[Narrator/Investigator]

I know. Have you any idea where he might be?

[Johnny Dollar]

I seen him leaving bagging baggage late last night. Guess he's gone on a trip somewhere. I was sitting by the front window having a can of beer before I went to bed, and I seen him get in his car and drive off.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yeah, well, just let me have the key to his room.

[Johnny Dollar]

Are you sure that's all right? Unless you got some kind of a warrant.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yeah, I'm sure. The key, please.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I ain't had a chance to clean his room up yet today.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Don't do it. Don't touch a thing of his until I tell you so.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, now, look, dear.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Let me have the key. And here. Here's a five spot for your trouble.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, now, you're what I'd call a real gent. And here's the key. The first apartment on the right. Top of the stairs.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yeah. Thanks.

[Johnny Dollar]

Is something wrong, Mr. Dollar? Did Mr. Hauser do something he oughtn't have done? What? What do you mean, what?

[Narrator/Investigator]

What are you talking about? Hey, I had to come back here, pick up my stuff. So he isn't here. Yeah, yeah, don't worry about this. But I'll meet you like I said. Yeah. Then we'll take care of it.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right. All right.

[Narrator/Investigator]

I'm leaving it right Away. Neither Johnny Darling or anybody else will ever. He what? Well, if he does, I'll be ready for him. Come on, now, hang up. Let me get out of here. Stop worrying, pal. I can take care of him and anybody else quietly as possible. I slipped the key into the door. I had some difficulty turning it, but finally heard the lock slip. Then I started slowly turning the knob. And then. Well, I'm not quite sure exactly what did happen, except the door was suddenly pulled open so quickly that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, baby. Oh.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Hey, you want some more? What's the idea hanging around outside? Wait a minute. You must be Dollar. Yeah. Johnny Dollar. Then, baby, I'm gonna make sure you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Never get up again. No, Just try and get down another slug out of this box. Just leave that wet rag laying there on your forehead. It'll make you feel better.

[Narrator/Investigator]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, holy. Yeah, you just stay there on the floor until you feel better.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Where. Where'd he go?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, deary. Who done this to you?

[Narrator/Investigator]

You didn't. Didn't you see him?

[Johnny Dollar]

I heard a big noise up here, and when I run up the stairs, he must have heard me and run away. He was just laying here bleeding. This way.

[Narrator/Investigator]

That window. What's outside that window?

[Johnny Dollar]

Only the fire escape. Look, dearie.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yeah?

[Johnny Dollar]

Watch the table lamp. This must have been. What?

[Narrator/Investigator]

Don't touch it.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Narrator/Investigator]

No, no, I'll. I'll wrap it in my handkerchief and.

[Johnny Dollar]

But who could have come here and done this to you? I can't imagine.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Well, I can. Tom Hauser. Item three. $1.20 for a cab to police headquarters. Anybody but Sgt. Ed Wilson would have asked a lot of questions that I didn't feel like answering. Ed simply took the lamp, told one of the boys in the lab to check and if he found any prints on it, to classify them. Then send the teletype to Washington. Item for a dollar. Even for a cab to my apartment. After a long, cool shower, I felt somewhat better. I just got back into my clothes when the phone rang. Johnny Dollar. Ed Wilson. Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Those prints on that left?

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yeah, Ed. Thomas Harker, alias Tim Hosker, alias Tommy Houser, alias just about everything else you can think of.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny, that boy is one of the 10 most wanted.

[Narrator/Investigator]

No kidding.

[Johnny Dollar]

And for everything from safe cracking to murder. You got any kind of a lead on him?

[Narrator/Investigator]

Only that rooming house where he slugged me. Then he may be a hundred miles away by now. I wouldn't bank on it. So, Ed. Yeah? You'd better put out that good old dragnet. Oh, don't worry, Johnny. But listen, Just remember one thing about him. Like what?

[Johnny Dollar]

If that boy thinks you recognize.

[Narrator/Investigator]

I didn't even get a look at him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe he doesn't know that. And if he finds out he didn't kill you, Johnny.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Wow.

[Johnny Dollar]

He'll be back to finish the job.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment, here's Hollywood star Mona.

[Johnny Dollar]

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[Narrator/Investigator]

Yes, tests of all the leading cold tablets proved four way fastest acting amazing. Four way starts in minutes to relieve muscular pains and headache, reduce fever, calm upset stomach. Also overcomes irregularity when a cold strikes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Do what I do. Take four way cold tablets. It's the fast way to relieve nasty cold distress and feel better quickly.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Four way. Only 29 cents. Now, here's a word about another fine product of Grove Laboratories. Does dandruff dull your hair, leave scalp itchy? Get Fitch Dandruff Remover Shampoo and get rid of unsightly dandruff in three minutes. Three minutes with Fitch regularly is guaranteed to keep embarrassing dandruff away forever. Apply Fitch before wetting hair. Rub in 1 minute. Add water, lather 1 minute. Rinse 1 minute. Every trace of dandruff goes down the drain. 3 minutes. With Fitch unsightly dandruff gone, Fitch can also leave your hair up to 35% brighter. Fitch Dandruff Remover Shampoo. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yes, Ed? This is Pat McCracken. Johnny. Universal Adjustment Bureau. Oh, sorry, Pat. I thought it was Ed Wilson again. Sergeant Wilson? The police headquarters? Yeah, and listen, I'm in kind of a hurry. Oh, then I won't hold you. I was just hoping you'd have time to look into what appears to be a phony insurance company for us. What? Keep talking. But if you're already working on a. No, no. Just go on with what you were saying, Pat. Well, we got a complaint about some new company here in town that we'd never heard of. Seems they're stalling on the payment of a small claim. Yeah, sure. In spite of their pledge to pay off promptly and without question. Yeah, pay off in cold cash. Yes, that's right. Providential Assurance Company. Well, what do you know about them, Johnny? I'm working on a case for them. Oh, no. Oh, Johnny, don't. I telephone the commission, you know, to find out who they are? Yeah, the commission never heard of them. Exactly. So if I were you, until we can find out whether they're a Legitimate outfit, Johnny. I wouldn't touch them. Hey, tell me, Pat, what'll the commission do? They've notified them by mail. They're sending over a committee to investigate, to look at the books and so on. When? First of the week, Monday or Tuesday. Why? Maybe too late. What if that outfit's what I think it is and if I can do what I think I can, Johnny. Well, if I can't collect my fee and expenses from them maybe I'll send a bill onto you. What? After all, I may be doing the whole insurance business. A great and glorious service. Johnny, what are you talking about? That is, if I don't get killed. Fred, I'll see you later. The question is. Wait a minute. If Providential is what I think it is, where does Tommy house's theft of 200,000 come in? If he was working for them, why did they call me Johnny Dollar? Hello.

[Johnny Dollar]

This here is Edward sprague.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Oh, yeah, Mr. Sprague.

[Johnny Dollar]

I wasn't sure I'd find you in.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yeah, I think I can understand that. Or maybe you weren't sure you'd find me around at all anymore.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no, no. Listen, don't get me wrong, $. I want to see you. I gotta see you. Right now?

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yeah, why not? They're at your office. No.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no. Well, my room here at Guilford. And you'll come home.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Are you alone, Mr. Sprague?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes. Yes, Mr. Dollar. Will you come right away?

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yeah, as soon as I can.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you.

[Narrator/Investigator]

That's funny. If he wants to see me, if he is alone. Or is this some kind of a trap? No. There was absolute sincerity in his voice. I was sure of it. Yeah, there was something else too. Fear. Maybe that was it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Fear.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Hello, Johnny? Listen, you said you'd been working with the police. So? Well, I know I'd never get anything out of you, so I call them. Listen, if this Elwood Sprague of Providential has anything to do with the beating you took. Has he, Pat? I'm on my way over to Sea Sprague right now. Well, I tried calling. Providentially isn't there. I know, but if he and that gangster, that Tommy Howell. Sorry. Patty's waiting for me over at the Guilford. Johnny, there was no time to waste. Maybe Houser was still gunning for me, but if so, well, maybe I wasn't the only one. Adam 5. A couple of bucks for a cab to the Guilford Hotel. And there in his room, I found a very different Elwood Sprague than I talked to earlier. And the story that he slowly, nervously unfolded proved to be very interesting.

[Johnny Dollar]

So maybe I didn't ever make no oil fortune there in Texas. Ain't so easy down there as you might think. But I learned to use my wits and my brains to get along by outsmarting the next man. You see what I mean, Mr. Dollar?

[Narrator/Investigator]

Then those 200 oil wells you were talking about, you made a good line.

[Johnny Dollar]

It fooled you. Didn't even fooled Ernie Whiteman for a while. That's what give him the idea.

[Narrator/Investigator]

The idea for what, Mr. Sprague? Well, me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Me to front for this stranger insurance racket. You know, collect a lot of premiums and then we'd skip town.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Right in the heart of the insurance industry.

[Johnny Dollar]

Always harder to pick out a bad apple in a barrel for, ain't it?

[Narrator/Investigator]

Oh, brother. So what happened?

[Johnny Dollar]

That Ernie's a salesman, Johnny. When he got started on the country people around here, the money come rolling in. And when somebody made a claim, we stole them on it.

[Narrator/Investigator]

How long did you think you could get away with this?

[Johnny Dollar]

Until the commission got wise to us. Then we'd move out.

[Narrator/Investigator]

The commission was planning to investigate you next week.

[Johnny Dollar]

I know. Only by that time we'd be out of here.

[Narrator/Investigator]

You and Wyvern and this Tommy Houser.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hauser. Ernie brought him in. He said because he had a record, the police would know about him. So he would take the rap if anything went wrong. But then he walks out with all the money last night.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Then you sent for me. Why?

[Johnny Dollar]

Because Ernie and me go after Hauser. He might have killed us. Ernie didn't want to send for you, but I made him. I. I held a gun on him.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Oh, real nice people.

[Johnny Dollar]

Because maybe Hauser didn't know you. Maybe you could nab him and get the money for us. So what if you did get wise to us? What if we should have to cut you in to keep you from blabbing to the law?

[Narrator/Investigator]

You rotten. Do you think everybody in this world is a crook?

[Johnny Dollar]

At least it was better than leaving Hauser get away with all of it.

[Narrator/Investigator]

It looks to me like he has so far, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now listen.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Oh, I'm listening.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, Ernie didn't know it, but I heard him on the phone. He was talking to Hauser. He was double crossing me. They're meeting somewhere to split the money.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Yeah, what else could you expect?

[Johnny Dollar]

Now listen, Johnny. Then. Then they're coming over here to kill me so that I can't talk. You see, that's when I phoned you to come over here.

[Narrator/Investigator]

And you think for one minute I'm gonna stick my neck out to save that lousy hide of yours.

[Johnny Dollar]

You got to, Johnny. You got to.

[Narrator/Investigator]

All I gotta do is turn you over to the police.

[Johnny Dollar]

Police?

[Narrator/Investigator]

How? Would you rather just sit here and wait for Hauser and Wyman? Well.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, all right, Johnny, all right.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Come on. At least it may keep you from getting shot, which is better than you deserve at this time. Wow. Ernie, back inside, please.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ernie, that gun.

[Narrator/Investigator]

That's right. The one that killed Hauser when he tried to hold out on me. The one that's going to kill you, Elwood, for what I heard just now through this door.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ernie, please, I. Johnny.

[Narrator/Investigator]

And of course, that means you'll have to go with him. $I'll get inside that room. I kind of thought you might be coming over here. What are you talking about? After I told you where I was headed? You too, Sergeant. Sergeant? The police.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right.

[Narrator/Investigator]

So you'd better drop.

[Johnny Dollar]

You think you're gonna.

[Narrator/Investigator]

Well, Johnny. Well, thanks, Ed. You too, Pat. Oh, and Ed. Yeah, Johnny? Maybe you'd better put a pair of cuffs on Mr. Sprague here. You know, to keep him out of any more trouble.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll go along peaceful.

[Narrator/Investigator]

So the big fat fee that was promised doesn't get paid to me after all. And I'm sure I may as well forget the expense account for change. But you know something? It doesn't matter. Because the important thing was to have had some small part in wiping out this dirty racket. Me, I feel good. Yours truly, Johnny Duller. Our star will return in just a moment. Constipation is something people don't talk about much, 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. Well, 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. Now, Ex Lax has been popular with many doctors and millions of people over the years because 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, a man who uses government help to promote his one man crime wave. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dullard. 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, Edgar Barrier, Junius Matthews, Jerry Hausner and Lawrence Dobkin. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Dan Coverley speaking. Next, the nerve tingling progress of a man hurled into space from suspense on the CBS radio network. Citizens of Troy, this is Neil Kelleher, the Republican candidate for mayor of Troy. I'm taking this brief opportunity to tell you that a Republican city administration will restore garbage collection and disposal to an efficient level. The Democratic administration, having burned out the municipal incinerator, has now returned to the.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ancient system of garbage and refuse disposal.

[Narrator/Investigator]

By depositing it on an open dump. I shall take steps immediately to restore the incinerator and eliminate the threat of stench and smog that will surely be blanketing the northern section of our city. As soon as the refuse piles get deep enough and the underground fires begin to burn. I intend also to eliminate the noisy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Collection of garbage in residential areas in.

[Narrator/Investigator]

The middle of the night so that Trojans can get their sleep. If you approve of the foregoing proposal, may I suggest that you can assure it's becoming a reality by voting Roe A all the way election day. Thank you.