Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Hope to Die Matter 11/24/1957

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Summary: "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Hope to Die Matter"
Release Date: November 18, 2024

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, hosted by Choice Classic Radio, listeners are immersed in a complex case that challenges conventional notions of life insurance. Titled "The Hope to Die Matter," the episode delves into the peculiarities of a reverse life insurance policy, unraveling motivations, ethical dilemmas, and unexpected alliances. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn throughout the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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Characters and Setting

• Johnny Dollar: The protagonist, a savvy and principled freelance insurance investigator working for Floyd's of England.
• George Reed: Johnny's contact at Floyd's of England, who entrusts Johnny with the unusual assignment.
• Harry Baxter: A high-ranking official at Floyd's of England, chairman of the board, and majority stockholder, responsible for issuing the contentious policy.
• Albert Schwinner: A doctor and close friend of Harry Baxter, implicated in the policy.
• Mary Ellen Markham: The insured individual suffering from a rare, incurable blood disease.
• Nurse: Caregiver to Mary Ellen, providing crucial information to Johnny.

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Plot Overview

Act One: The Unusual Assignment

The episode opens with George Reed contacting Johnny Dollar after a period of no assignments, signaling a new and perplexing case.

Notable Quote:
George Reed [00:16]: "Johnny, this is George Reed."

George informs Johnny about a bizarre death insurance policy— a reverse life insurance policy— where the insurer pays out if the insured does not die by a specified date. Johnny expresses skepticism and concerns about such an unconventional policy.

Notable Quote:
Johnny Dollar [00:57]: "You mean instead of insuring somebody against dying, you've insured him against living?"

Despite his reservations, George assures Johnny of an unlimited expense account, convincing him to take on the case.

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Act Two: Investigating the Policy

Johnny begins his investigation by visiting Harry Baxter, the man who issued the policy. Harry appears evasive and uncooperative, raising red flags about the legitimacy and intent behind the policy.

Notable Quote:
Johnny Dollar [03:10]: "I don't know. As I told you, the policy was lying here on my desk when I got back this morning."

Harry divulges minimal information, revealing that the beneficiary of the policy is Dr. Albert Schwinner. Johnny deduces that Schwinner has a vested interest in Mary Ellen Markham's survival.

Determined to uncover the truth, Johnny tracks down Dr. Schwinner in Union City, New Jersey. Their confrontation is tense, with Schwinner remaining tight-lipped about his motives.

Notable Quote:
Johnny Dollar [08:24]: "But Albert happens to be a very close personal friend."

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Act Three: Unveiling the Truth

Following several dead-ends and a brief encounter with a nurse at Mary Ellen's residence, Johnny reconnects with George Reed to discuss his findings. George reveals that Harry Baxter is not only the chairman but also the majority stockholder of the company, complicating the situation further.

Notable Quote:
George Reed [14:35]: "Harry Baxter is also the majority stockholder."

Johnny confronts Schwinner directly, leading to a revelation about Mary Ellen's condition and the true purpose behind the insurance policy. It emerges that Baxter's eccentric decision to issue a death insurance policy was motivated by personal tragedy and a desire to support groundbreaking medical research.

Notable Quote:
Mary Ellen Markham [16:18]: "At the onset of her illness... the clinic was able for the first time, to give her hope."

Mary Ellen had originally been given a grim prognosis, but thanks to the clinic's innovative treatments, she surpassed expectations. The death insurance policy serves as an assurance of the clinic's success and as a substantial donation contingent upon her reaching a significant milestone.

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Key Discussions and Insights

1. Ethical Implications of Reverse Insurance:

   • The concept of insuring against living raises profound ethical questions. Johnny grapples with the morality of such a policy, balancing corporate interests against individual well-being.

2. Personal Motivations and Tragedy:

   • Harry Baxter's issuance of the policy is deeply personal, stemming from the loss of his own mother to the same disease afflicting Mary Ellen. This intertwines personal grief with professional decisions, highlighting the human element in business.

3. The Fine Line Between Support and Manipulation:

   • While the policy ostensibly supports medical research, it also places undue pressure on Mary Ellen, intertwining her survival directly with the financial interests of the company and Baxter.

4. The Role of Friendship and Loyalty:

   • The relationships between characters, especially between Johnny and George, and Harry and Albert, underscore the complexities of loyalty and friendship in professional settings.

5. Corporate Responsibility and Oversight:

   • The episode critiques corporate practices, questioning the oversight mechanisms that allow such unconventional and potentially exploitative policies to be issued without thorough scrutiny.

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Conclusions and Resolutions

In the climactic resolution, Mary Ellen successfully lives beyond the critical date, thereby fulfilling her part of the agreement. Her survival not only validates the clinic's medical advancements but also ensures the intended financial support for future research. Concurrently, Harry Baxter faces the repercussions of his unconventional decision, highlighting the precarious balance between personal motives and corporate governance.

Notable Quote:
Johnny Dollar [18:33]: "Exactly. Then if I try to get this policy canceled, a great many lives in the future may depend on its remaining in force."

The episode concludes with Johnny Dollar reaffirming his commitment to ethical investigations, choosing to honor the original intent of the policy despite its controversial nature.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• George Reed [00:18]: "Well, nice to hear from you, George. Especially when I have no assignment."
• Johnny Dollar [00:57]: "You mean instead of insuring somebody against dying, you've insured him against living?"
• Harry Baxter [03:10]: "I don't know. As I told you, the policy was lying here on my desk when I got back this morning."
• Johnny Dollar [08:24]: "But Albert happens to be a very close personal friend."
• George Reed [14:35]: "Harry Baxter is also the majority stockholder."
• Mary Ellen Markham [16:18]: "At the onset of her illness... the clinic was able for the first time, to give her hope."
• Johnny Dollar [18:33]: "Exactly. Then if I try to get this policy canceled, a great many lives in the future may depend on its remaining in force."

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Final Thoughts

"The Hope to Die Matter" stands out as a thought-provoking episode that challenges listeners to reconsider traditional concepts of insurance and the ethical boundaries of corporate decisions. Through Johnny Dollar's meticulous investigation, the episode sheds light on the intricate interplay between personal motivations, corporate responsibility, and the broader impact on society. This narrative not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the values that underpin the insurance industry and the human stories that drive its complexities.

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Expense Account Summary:

• Item [00:52]: Taxi from George Reed's office – $1.10
• Item [07:12]: Fare to New York and taxi to Harry Baxter's address – $0.65
• Item [09:03]: Phone call to George Reed's office – $0.55
• Item [10:05]: Taxi to Mary Ellen Markham's apartment – $0.65
• Item [12:42]: Introduction to Oregon healthcare advertisement – Skipped as per instructions.
• Item [18:51]: Expense account total pending conclusion.

Note: All non-content sections, including advertisements and introductions, have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the episode's narrative and key elements.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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 donating at choice classicradio.com Frugal man and Johnny Dollar.

[George Reed]

Johnny, this is. This is George Reed.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, nice to hear from you, George. Especially when I have no assignment.

[George Reed]

That, that's fine.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's fine about it? No expense account to pad means how do I keep the wolf in the door? Unless of course, Floyd's of England has a case for me, huh? Well, Johnny. Yeah, I.

[George Reed]

Well, a few weeks ago. You were kidding at the time.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now, George, how could I ever kid you?

[George Reed]

I'll let that one go.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, you better.

[George Reed]

The point is you. Well, you rather jestingly asked me if instead of selling life insurance.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, don't tell me.

[George Reed]

I'm afraid so. I'm afraid the company is saddled with what you might call a death insurance policy.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean instead of insuring somebody against dying, you've insured him against living?

[George Reed]

Yes, John.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, Georgie, say no more. I'll be right over.

[Bob Bailey]

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

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Bob Bailey]

Act one of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense accounts submitted by Special investigator Johnny Dollar to Floyds of England American Office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my Investigation of the Hope to D expense account. Item $1.10. Taxi. From my apartment at George Reed's office where I found him pacing the floor and wearing an even more worried expression than usual. And believe me, that's something.

[Harry Baxter]

This thing has me so, so riled up, Johnny, I can hardly see straight.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, you should have known better than to issue a policy like that. George, I.

[Harry Baxter]

It was Harry Baxter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Baxter?

[Harry Baxter]

He filled in here for me while I was on vacation. I should have known better.

[Johnny Dollar]

What'd he do, sell a lot of policies that you shouldn't have to handle?

[Harry Baxter]

No, just this one. And I swear I don't.

[Johnny Dollar]

He of all people. All right, you said on the phone that it was kind of life insurance in reverse. That's exactly what it is. Explain, please.

[Harry Baxter]

Well, usually, of course, we pay the face value of a policy when the insured dies, Right. In this case, however, the company will have to pay the $250,000 that the insurer doesn't die.

[Johnny Dollar]

250,000? Yes. How under the sun can a man be crazy enough to issue a policy like that?

[Harry Baxter]

John, you know how it is. The company prides itself on the fact we'll insure anything. Not only life and property and health and so on, but the voice of a singer, the feet of a dancer, hands of a pianist, even the dimples on the knees of a chorus girl.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, and singing mice, an old alley cat, a sick whale.

[Harry Baxter]

Of course, I can't say that Harry wasn't in position to do it. But, Johnny, you've got to help me.

[Johnny Dollar]

First you better tell me who and why and what it's all about.

[Harry Baxter]

It's just the trouble. I don't know.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, in that case, you don't know.

[Harry Baxter]

I only got back here to the office this morning. I found our copy of the policy lying here on my desk.

[Johnny Dollar]

What if you don't even. Oh, look, I've handled some pretty screwy cases for you, George.

[Harry Baxter]

Yes, but they've all finally made sense, one way or the other. And, Johnny, we have paid you some very nice fees. You can't deny that. George, tell me, have I ever questioned your expense accounts?

[Johnny Dollar]

What's death insurance? It doesn't make sense.

[Harry Baxter]

Have I?

[Johnny Dollar]

Insuring somebody against living?

[Harry Baxter]

Have I?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm sorry, but this time the answer is no.

[Harry Baxter]

Listen, if you take this on, I'll okay your expense account without even reading it. Death insurance, expense account, unlimited, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

George, there are some things even a conniving, chiseling, unprincipled rascal like myself won't even.

[Harry Baxter]

Unlimited, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, George, I'll take it.

[Bob Bailey]

Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the hope to die.

[Johnny Dollar]

Matter Lloyds of Insure anything. At least that was their boast. And now it looked as though it had finally backfired on them. Because somebody in the organization, some character named Harry Baxter, had issued not life, but death insurance. If it hadn't been for my friendship for George Reed, well, plus his promise of unlimited expense account, I'd have thrown the whole problem right back into his face as it was.

[Harry Baxter]

Thanks, Johnny, from the bottom of my heart. I'll never forget you for this.

[Johnny Dollar]

Believe me, George, I'll never forget you for this.

[Harry Baxter]

And if you can get us off.

[Johnny Dollar]

The hook, all I can is try. So come on, give me the dope on it.

[Harry Baxter]

Yes. Now, here. The name of the insured is Ms. Mary Ellen Markham.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I got it. Where does she live?

[Harry Baxter]

514 East 52nd Street, New York City.

[Johnny Dollar]

Pretty fancy address.

[Harry Baxter]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay. Now, tell me why this Mary Ellen has insured herself against living?

[Harry Baxter]

Well, that's the point, Johnny. She hasn't.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, now, wait a minute, you Albert Schwinner has. You mean somebody else took out this policy on her life? Or rather, death? Yes. Holy. What is this guy? A professional gunsel who's going to wipe her out and then collect? I suppose he's the beneficiary too.

[Harry Baxter]

Yes, he is.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, fine. Well, come on. Who is?

[Harry Baxter]

I don't know. As I told you, the policy was lying here on my desk when I got back this morning. I do know this much about him. It's Dr. Albert Schwinner.

[Johnny Dollar]

Doctor? What kind?

[Harry Baxter]

Those are the things you've got to find out. Who he is, what he is. Why, he's bought insurance against this Woman's Living Beyond November 10th.

[Johnny Dollar]

The 10th. Well, that's only a few days from now. Oh, George, this gets worse and worse.

[Harry Baxter]

If only Harry Baxter hadn't issued that policy.

[Johnny Dollar]

But he has. Oh, boy, you sure picked a dilly to fill in for you while you were away.

[Harry Baxter]

Picked him? What else could I do? After all, he never did anything like this before.

[Johnny Dollar]

You've known him before?

[George Reed]

Are you serious?

[Harry Baxter]

Of course I have. Why, Harry Beck.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right. Now, look. Times are wasting, and we haven't got much of it. I take it you want me to see if I can find some legal grounds for canceling this policy.

[Harry Baxter]

Yes, immediately.

[Johnny Dollar]

Have you got an address on the beneficiary, this Dr. Schwinner?

[Harry Baxter]

I've been so upset about this whole thing, I haven't even looked. Let me see. According to this, he lives at. Hmm.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's the matter?

[Harry Baxter]

Dr. Albert W. Schwinner.

[Johnny Dollar]

Cl cl what kind of a doctor is that?

[Harry Baxter]

I don't know. The address is 14327 E Street, Union City, New Jersey.

[Johnny Dollar]

CL well, I'll soon find out. Where can I reach this Harry Baxter.

[Harry Baxter]

Who sold the policy in New York? At the. Here. I'll jot down the address.

[Johnny Dollar]

I still don't see how Baxter could get away with this.

[Harry Baxter]

After all, when you consider his position.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here, he offered no explanation at all.

[Harry Baxter]

I'm afraid I didn't give him much chance. I practically threw him out of here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Can't say that I blame you.

[Harry Baxter]

And that's another thing. Look, Johnny, perhaps you can reason with.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, don't worry, George. He's number one on my calling list. I'll be talking to you. Expense Account, Item 2. 785. Fare to new York and taxi to Harry Baxter's address. A real snooty one over near Sutton Place. And people don't live in that joint unless they've earned or chiseled a Lot of money from somewhere. In the case of Baxter, I suspected a big chisel. My suspicion was considerably heightened when he opened the door. His apartment was luxury from stem to stern. As for factor himself, $.

[Albert Schwinner]

Why, of course, old boy. I've heard a great deal about you from my dear friend and colleague, George Reid.

[Johnny Dollar]

Dear friend, huh?

[Albert Schwinner]

Well, you say that as though you doubted it. Oh, I know that. Filling in for him while he was away. Well, I really should have done better.

[Johnny Dollar]

For the old thing.

[Albert Schwinner]

But I've had so many social obligations to meet these past few months. And after all, one must keep up with those things.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I'm sure one.

[Albert Schwinner]

Well, I did sell one policy, you know.

[Johnny Dollar]

A real dilly. Ah, that's the understatement of the week.

[Albert Schwinner]

I suppose I can't really blame him for being a bit excited about it. But he gave me no chance to explain why I assumed the policy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why did you?

[Albert Schwinner]

Oh, now, really. Well, I made it very clear to George that I would tell him when he calms down enough to be reasonable. Really, Mr. Dollar, he was in quite a tizzy, brother.

[Johnny Dollar]

He still is. That's why he sent for me.

[Albert Schwinner]

But when he calms down, he'll be sorry he bothered you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Suppose you tell me why you issued that.

[Bob Bailey]

You.

[Johnny Dollar]

No. What?

[Albert Schwinner]

No, I'll tell George when he's ready and when I'm ready.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now, just a minute.

[Albert Schwinner]

And you may tell George I said exactly that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Goodbye, $. You'll tell me, Baxter, right now.

[Albert Schwinner]

I'll do nothing of the sort. And what's more, since my plan for Europe is leaving shortly, I have no time to do to. Would you kindly remove your foot from the door?

[Johnny Dollar]

Not until I get an answer from you. Now start talking.

[Albert Schwinner]

If you can show some legal cause.

[Johnny Dollar]

Legal cause?

[Albert Schwinner]

Furthermore, your behavior at the moment constitutes trespass, illegal entry.

[Johnny Dollar]

Call it.

[Albert Schwinner]

And believe me, unless you leave here immediately, I shan't hesitate to ring up the police.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, all right. Now, look, just tell me one thing. I might. What? What is your connection with a beneficiary of this policy?

[Albert Schwinner]

Dr. Schwinner.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right. Albert Schwinner.

[Albert Schwinner]

But Albert happens to be a very close personal friend.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I might have guessed as much. All right, then tell me this.

[Harry Baxter]

I'm sorry.

[Albert Schwinner]

Just one question. I've given the answer.

[Johnny Dollar]

Goodbye.

[Albert Schwinner]

I see.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Are you hard of hearing?

[Johnny Dollar]

Look here now, Goodby. Well, there was no point in trying to batter down the door of Harry Baxter's apartment, So I left. Downstairs in the lobby, I put in a phone call. That's item three.55 to George Reed's office in Hartford.

[Nurse]

I'm sorry, Mr. Dollar, but he seems to have stepped out for a few minutes.

[George Reed]

Oh.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, then please tell him when he gets back that I want a complete rundown on Harry Baxter.

[Nurse]

Well, that shouldn't be difficult.

[Johnny Dollar]

Right. Having hired him, George shouldn't have much trouble getting that for me.

[Nurse]

Better than what I meant, Mr. Dollar. As a matter of fact, I think I can tell you, Dustin.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now. Let George do it. I'll call him. Item four, 65 cents. Taxi. To Mary Ellen Markham's apartment on East 52nd Street. A uniformed nurse met me at the door, told me I could stay with Ms. Markham only a very short time, then led me into the bedroom. And there, carefully propped up in bed, lay a pale, wan, tired woman who looked to be 65 or 70. The room was full of flowers.

[Nurse]

You may leave us, Mrs. Haskell. I'll ring when I need you. Yes, Miss Margaret. Sit down, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you.

[Nurse]

I'm sorry I won't be able to speak with you very long, but as you can see.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, yes, I can. Of course. I'll get right to the point. You must know, I'm sure, that someone has just taken out a policy on your. Well, an insurance policy on you.

[Nurse]

Yes. It was so smart and so. And so helpful of Harry Baxter.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Oh.

[Nurse]

You see, I am suffering from a rare incurable disease of the blood. I'm sorry I don't have long to live. A few days, perhaps. Few weeks at the most. Excuse me. This is such an effort.

[Johnny Dollar]

What? You. You're getting the best of care, I trust?

[Nurse]

Yes, it's the very best. Now, what do you wish to know?

[Johnny Dollar]

You know a Dr. Albert Schwinner, don't you?

[Nurse]

I've known Albert for many years. We've been great friends.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then why does he take out a policy that. Well, that indicates he hopes that you'll die?

[I]

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[Nurse]

Oops. I die.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

What else could it be?

[Nurse]

Oh, you don't understand.

[Johnny Dollar]

Don't you see? Schwinner has bought insurance against your living beyond November 10th.

[Nurse]

Yes. Yes, my 50th birthday.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean to say you're over the reason?

[Nurse]

The reason. So, yes. I'm sorry, you mustn't.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I know I'm tiring. But just one more thing. Your doctor. The doctor who's taking care of you.

[Nurse]

Albert.

[Johnny Dollar]

Albert. The same. Dr. Schwinner.

[Nurse]

Yes. Now. Now you must le.

[Bob Bailey]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar in a moment. Act three of yours truly, johnny Dollar. And the hope to die matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

The little that Mary Ellen Markham had been able to tell me left me more puzzled than ever. I've never been given such a runaround in my life, deliberate or otherwise. But I didn't dare tax her strength further. So I left. Item 5. Another 55 cents for another call to George Reed and Hartford. This time he was in.

[George Reed]

Yes, Johnny, I must confess I'm calmed down a bit. But the first shock of learning that Mr. Baxter had issued that seemingly absurd policy.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean, seemingly absurd? George's whole thing has me in a tizzy now. A double barreled one.

[George Reed]

Well, I tried to call Mr. Baxter a few minutes ago, but got no answer. I wanted to apologize, of course.

[Johnny Dollar]

Apologize.

[George Reed]

After all, since he's chairman of the board.

[Johnny Dollar]

Chairman of what board? The company.

[George Reed]

This company.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[George Reed]

I tried to tell you that this morning, but you didn't give me a chance. Harry Baxter is also the majority stockholder.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, brother.

[George Reed]

In any event, as I'm sure you can see, he must have had some good reason for that policy. And as soon as I can get him by phone.

[Johnny Dollar]

You won't. What? He just left for Europe.

[I]

Where?

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't know. And right now I don't care.

[George Reed]

But if I can't contact him. Johnny, I don't dare cancel this policy until I've talked to him. And if Ms. Markham should die before the 10.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, 250G.

[George Reed]

You've got to carry on.

[Johnny Dollar]

Would you like to tell me how? If Mary Ellen Markham dies or before November 10, Floyd's of England pays Dr. Albert Schwinner $250,000 on a policy taken out by him. And he is her doctor with her life in his hands. And if there isn't something wrong with that setup. Expense account had him 6 $8 for a taxi to Schwinner's address in Union City, New Jersey. And there at last, I learned what the CL meant behind his name. It was an abbreviation for. This was the Albert Schwinner Clinic devoted to the study of rare diseases of the blood. But Schwinner wasn't there. He'd Gone to New York to see miss Markham. Item 7. 10 even for a fast taxi ride back there to Manhattan. As the nurse led me into the unfortunate woman's apartment, he was just coming out of the bedroom door.

[Nurse]

Oh, Dr. Schwinner, this is Mr. Johnny Dollar.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Oh, Mr. Dollar. Harry Baxter told me I might expect you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, he did, huh?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes, he phoned me just before his plane took off for you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Pretty smart.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

You're an insurance investigator, aren't you?

[Johnny Dollar]

That is right.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Oh, you may go in to see Miss Markham Now, Mrs. Haskell.

[Nurse]

Very well, Doctor.

[Johnny Dollar]

How is Miss Markham, Doctor?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Much better, thank God.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why do you say that? What if she dies before this week is out? You stand to collect a cool quarter of a million, don't you? I?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

No. The clinic.

[Johnny Dollar]

Isn't that the same thing?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Hardly. Sit down, Mr. Dollar. Now, you're concerned about the rather unorthodox insurance policy that Mr. Baxter issued.

[Johnny Dollar]

I certainly am.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

I think you better. Let me tell you the reason for it.

[Johnny Dollar]

I think you'd better.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

At the onset of her illness, some 15 years ago, the best doctors in the country gave her five years to live at the most.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that's when you came into the picture?

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes. Because of the devotion, the concentration of all our efforts to this one field of medicine, the clinic was able for the first time, to give her hope. Her hope was justified. We have given her years of life.

[Johnny Dollar]

But now, wait a minute, Doctor.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

She told us then that if she could be helped to live until she was 50.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that'll be on the 10th.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes. That would prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that our methods, our practices were right. That we could prolong and possibly ultimately save not only her own, but thousands, perhaps millions of lives. Therefore, she agreed that if she reached 50, she would make an outright gift of $250,000 to the clinic and its work. Money which is much needed, by the way.

[Johnny Dollar]

But then it began to look as though she might never reach 50.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes, and she suggested this unusual insurance policy on her death rather than on her life.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see. But why? Harry Baxter, chairman of the board of the insurance company, its biggest stockholder. Whatever. I don't get it.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Baxter's own mother died of the same disease. Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, of course, then he knew how necessary this money is to the clinic.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Yes, and let's face it, Baxter is something of an eccentric.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that's the reason he chose this. This offbeat way to make sure you'd get the financial help you need.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Exactly.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then if I try to get this.

[Mary Ellen Markham]

Policy canceled, a great many lives in the future may depend on its remaining in force. Of course, if you feel it your duty, Doctor.

[Johnny Dollar]

My duty, as I see it, is to do just exactly nothing. Mary Ellen Marcum did live to see 50, but only for a few days. Just long enough to make her gift to the clinic. Harry Baxter in the company? Well, Harry came back from Europe and he said he found some, quote, mistake, unquote, in the policy that requires the company to pay off on it anyway. Eccentric. We should have more of them like that. Expense account total? Are you kidding? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.