Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Larson Arson Matter 11/08/1959

Summary

Podcast Summary: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Larson Arson Matter

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Air Date of Original Episode: November 8, 1959
Podcast Release Date: February 9, 2026
Detective: Johnny Dollar (portrayed by Bob Bailey)

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Overview

This episode of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" dives into an apparently straightforward insurance case involving threats of arson and murder, but quickly reveals deeper layers of deception and intrigue. Freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is summoned to investigate disturbing threats against an ex-gangster, Bertie Larson, only to find himself ensnared in a plot of insurance fraud, betrayal, and attempted murder.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Case Introduction: A New Threat (00:17 – 03:34)

• Harry Branson from Philadelphia Mutual calls Johnny Dollar for urgent help—a policyholder, Bertie Larson (an ex-gangster involved in gambling and narcotics), has been receiving threats to his life, home, and family, especially since testifying before a live-televised investigative committee.
• Bertie’s home, personal possessions, and his life are heavily insured, with his wife Nora as the beneficiary. Recent threat escalations and a suspicious can of gasoline left on his doorstep set the stage for arson fears.

Notable Quote:
Harry Branson: “John, it may be all of them, unless you're able to put a stop to what's going on.” [00:34]

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2. Digging Deeper: Insurance & Motives (03:34 – 06:55)

• Johnny arrives in Philadelphia to discuss with Harry, who outlines sizable policies on Bertie’s house, possessions, and life—totaling $70,000. Harry suspects Bertie is genuinely in danger due to his criminal connections and committee testimony.
• Larson claims anonymous phone threats warn him to “clam up,” with escalating intimidation tactics like gasoline left at his home.
• Police involvement has been nominal but ineffective; Harry insists only Johnny can “protect” the company’s interests.

Notable Quote:
Johnny Dollar (to Harry): “If everything goes, including Bertie himself, somebody’s liable to collect plenty.” [05:09]

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3. The Attack: Misunderstandings and Violence (07:15 – 09:32)

• Johnny visits Bertie’s house, finds it apparently empty, but notices signs of life. Investigating a gasoline smell by the garage, he is suddenly struck from behind and loses consciousness.
• Wakes up in the hospital, attacked not by a gangster, but by Bertie himself who mistook Johnny for an arsonist. Bertie claims to be on edge from all the threats, and says his wife Nora is taking refuge in the Catskills.

Notable Quote:
Bertie Larson (apologizing): “I’m sure sorry I did it, Dollar. The hospital bill’s on me, so live it up, huh?” [10:37]

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4. Police Perspective: A “Small-Time” Guy? (11:31 – 14:11)

• The sergeant handling Bertie's case is skeptical—he asserts that Bertie is small fry, claiming Bertie’s cooperation is being leveraged by the committee to smoke out bigger criminals. The threats may be fabricated for attention or profit.
• Johnny presses about the gasoline incident, but the sergeant dismisses it as an accident caused by gunshots in the scuffle.

Notable Quote:
Sergeant: “Bertie Larson isn’t the man this investigating committee's after... He was never more than a messenger boy for the big shots.” [12:17]

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5. The Sting: Johnny’s Suspicion Grows (15:43 – 19:53)

• Confined to the hospital, Johnny senses something off—especially about the specific details of the gasoline and Bertie’s overblown claims.
• He sneaks out, visits the Larson home, and discovers Bertie with minimal furniture (most allegedly sent to relatives), as if preparing for a loss claim.
• Bertie describes a new attempt on his house, showing evidence of a break-in. Johnny sees through it—the “break-in” was staged from inside, no footprints outside, and the setup is classic insurance arson fraud.

Notable Quote:
Johnny Dollar (revealing the setup): “No wonder you served a term for arson, among other things. Listen, I mean, the sloppy setup you made here...” [18:40]

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6. Double Cross & Arrest: The Real Plot Emerges (19:53 – 20:57)

• Confronted, Bertie tries to pull a gun, but Nora enters, aiming a weapon at Johnny.
• Bertie plans to have Nora kill Johnny, torch the house, and make it appear Johnny’s body is Bertie’s for the insurance—but Nora turns on Bertie, revealing her own plan to double-cross him as well.
• The police sergeant bursts in and saves Johnny, arresting both Bertie and Nora before they can execute their scheme.

Notable Quote:
Bertie Larson (to Nora): “We’ll fire the joint and get up in the country where Josie and Mac will swear we’ve been with them all the time!” [20:10]
Nora (double-crossing): “After this nice setup, I’d be crazy if I didn’t take all I could get out of it... Now it's you, Dollar.” [20:34]

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7. Case Closed & Reflection (21:07 – End)

• Johnny tidies up loose ends: the insurance company and police take over, Bertie and Nora face justice, and the motives for the arson attempt are crystal clear—financial desperation and greed.
• Sergeant’s quick action is credited for saving Johnny.

Notable Quote:
Johnny Dollar (to Sergeant): “You know something, Sergeant? Yeah, I’m mighty glad.” [21:07]

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Memorable Moments & Timestamps

| Scene/Quote | Speaker | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------|------------------|-----------| | “It may be all of them, unless you’re able to put a stop to what’s going on.” | Harry Branson | 00:34 | | “If everything goes, including Bertie himself, somebody’s liable to collect plenty.” | Johnny Dollar | 05:09 | | “I’m sure sorry I did it, Dollar. The hospital bill’s on me, so live it up, huh?” | Bertie Larson | 10:37 | | “Bertie Larson isn’t the man this investigating committee’s after...” | Sergeant | 12:17 | | “No wonder you served a term for arson, among other things. Listen, I mean, the sloppy setup you made here...” | Johnny Dollar | 18:40 | | “We’ll fire the joint and get up in the country where Josie and Mac will swear we’ve been with them all the time!” | Bertie Larson | 20:10 | | “After this nice setup, I’d be crazy if I didn’t take all I could get out of it... Now it's you, Dollar.” | Nora Larson | 20:34 | | “You know something, Sergeant? Yeah, I’m mighty glad.” | Johnny Dollar | 21:07 |

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Structure & Flow of the Episode

• Light banter and sarcasm typical of Johnny Dollar set an irreverent but tense tone.
• Suspense grows with each revelation, from fear of gangland retaliation to realization of an elaborate insurance scam.
• The story culminates in a classic double-cross and near-fatal encounter, all resolved by dogged investigation and timely police intervention.

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Conclusion

This episode is a layered tale that showcases the dangers and duplicities lurking behind high-profile insurance cases, especially those mixing past crime with present desperation. It features classic hard-boiled dialogue, plenty of twists, and a pace that keeps listeners guessing to the very end. The chemistry between Johnny, the anxious Harry Branson, small-time con Bertie, and the cynical police sergeant brings the golden age detective drama to vivid life.

Perfect for: Fans of noir detective stories, tales of double-cross and intrigue, and admirers of the tradition of radio’s greatest gumshoes.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[B]

Johnny Dollar.

[C]

John, this is Harry Branson at Philadelphia Mutual Liability and Casualty Insurance Company.

[B]

Well, it's about time, Harry. How come I haven't heard from you lately?

[C]

Fortunately, we've had no problems recently. That is, nothing requiring investigation.

[B]

Until now, huh?

[C]

Well, yes.

[B]

So what's the trouble? Arson? Mayhem? Murder?

[C]

John, it may be all of them, unless you're able to put a stop to what's going on.

[B]

Hmm, sounds interesting. Who's involved in all this? And don't tell me you've been selling insurance to some gangster.

[C]

Well, as a matter of fact, he is.

[B]

What?

[C]

An ex gangster? At least he was known to have been mixed up with gangsters for several years.

[B]

Who?

[C]

Bertie Larson.

[B]

Larson? Well, at least the name sounds appropriate. So tell me what he's. Wait a minute. Yes, John, Isn't Bertie Larson the punk they've had before that special investigating committee? Yes, the committee on narcotics and gambling. The one that has the hearings on television now and then?

[C]

That's the one.

[B]

Well then, Harry, if you want my advice, you'll cancel his policy, pay him off with interest and forget him.

[C]

I'm afraid that's impossible. What's more, since those hearings began, we've increased the face value of some of his policies.

[B]

You have what?

[C]

Yes, but now in view of the threats he's been receiving.

[B]

Threats?

[C]

On his life, his home, his family.

[B]

Well, John, maybe you're in trouble.

[C]

John, do you think you can help us?

[B]

And get my head blown off by some gunsel? Harry, this kind of stuff I shouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.

[C]

But don't you see?

[B]

In spite of the big fee your company will have to pay me in addition to my expenses.

[C]

John, just a minute.

[B]

At least it'll guarantee me a decent funeral.

[D]

A funeral?

[B]

But if that's the way you want it, as long as you're willing to pay through the nose for my services.

[C]

But John, I didn't say John. That is. Listen to me, John.

[B]

Okay, keep your shirt on, Harry. I'll run on down there and see you.

[E]

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.

[B]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[F]

Winston tastes good like a cigarette should. Winston tastes good like cigarette should. Winston gives you real flavor. Full rich tobacco flavor. Winston's easy drawing too. The flavor comes right through to you. Winston tastes good like a cigarette should.

[G]

A modern filter. Sure, Winston has it, but that's only the beginning of a Winston up front, up where it really counts. Winston Pack's exclusive filter blend. Light flavorful tobaccos specially selected and specially processed for filter smoking. Filter blend. That's why it's fun to smoke. Winston. America's best selling filter cigarette.

[F]

Winston tastes good like a cigarette should.

[E]

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

[B]

Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Philadelphia Mutual Liability and Casualty Insurance Company. Following is the kind of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Larson arson matter. Expensive con. Item 11120 for a train to Philadelphia in a taxi to Philly Mutual's office over on Walnut Street. It was late in the afternoon, but Harry Branson, the perennial worry ward, was still there waiting for me. And he wasted no time in getting down to business.

[C]

Now, Bertie Larson, or more properly, Herbert James Larson, lives out in Penfield, John.

[B]

Oh, yeah, that's kind of part of West Philadelphia, isn't it, Harry?

[C]

Just beyond. He and his wife live in a very nice one story brick home that we've insured for some $30,000.

[B]

And he must have done fairly well in the rackets and had sense enough to put some aside.

[C]

Also, John, we've insured his personal property, furniture, clothes, all the things in the house and so on for some $20,000.

[B]

No kidding. And didn't you say you've increased some of his insurance lately?

[C]

To the figures I just mentioned? In the beginning he was underinsured, but the policies provided for the increase at his option. Provided?

[B]

Yeah. Well, that's all right. You don't need to go into detail.

[C]

Provided, of course, that in no event should stipulated coverage exceed actual appraised valuation.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Well, now, Harry, accordance with paragraphs A, B and g of Article 21 of our Standard comprehensive policy.

[B]

Oh, oh, yes, John.

[C]

Also, his life is insured with us.

[B]

For $20,000, making a total of 70,000.

[C]

70,000?

[D]

Yes.

[B]

So if everything goes, including Bertie himself, somebody's liable to collect plenty.

[C]

Exactly.

[B]

Okay, who's the beneficiary?

[C]

His wife, Nora.

[B]

I see. And now you say that somebody's been threatening him.

[C]

Oh, yes. Ever since he agreed to appear before this investigating committee.

[B]

Uh huh. What kind of threats?

[C]

Over the telephone he tells me, warning him that if he continues to testify. Well, they haven't directly threatened his life, as I understand it, but they might as well have. And then last week.

[B]

Wait a sec, Harry. Haven't the police been in on this?

[C]

Oh, yes, yes, they Have. And for a while they kept some men stationed about his place.

[B]

So naturally nothing happened.

[C]

But last week, John, when he returned from one of the hearings, he phoned me and said that he'd found a can of gasoline standing on his front doorstep.

[B]

Ah, just a hint of what might happen if he doesn't clam up. And that's an old style gang warning.

[C]

Yes. A very obvious threat to burn up his home.

[B]

But he's continued to appear at the hearings.

[D]

Yes.

[C]

And if he's killed off by these people, if his home is burned out from under it by.

[B]

By what people, Harry? Has he any idea who might be behind this monkey business?

[C]

Well, of course, it must be someone who was involved with him in narcotics and illegal gambling at one time or another.

[B]

But he doesn't know exactly who?

[C]

Not specifically. He says he never recognized the voice on the phone. And of course it was probably, well disguised.

[B]

Do you suppose he's still involved in the rackets?

[C]

Oh, apparently not, or we'd never have sold him insurance. But then, who can be sure? The point is, John, that if anything does happen to him or to that home of his, the company will have to pay out sizable sums of money. Naturally, we don't want to do that.

[B]

No.

[C]

And if he can be protected properly. Well, John, that's why I telephone to you.

[B]

Yeah, but Harry, the kind of protection you seem to want for him is something for the police to provide.

[C]

John, I am convinced that the protection they are giving Birdie Larson is wholly inadequate.

[B]

You told them so?

[C]

I most certainly have, but they. They simply refuse to listen to me. They? Well, that is why I called you.

[B]

Oh, I'm. I'm sorry, Harry, but it seems to me that. Well, okay. Give me his address, tell me who the police contact is, and I'll see what I can do for you. I dropped my bags at the Bellevue Stratford. Then, having missed my lunch, I spent item two, five and a quarter for a drink at some early dinner. Item three, 50 bucks deposited on a rental car. And I headed out through West Philadelphia to the address in Penfield. As Harriet said, it was a nice place. Not large, but neat and modern, sitting at the end of a new street. Apparently, there was no one home. I looked around to see if there was a patrolman watching over the place. No one. Nothing. And the street itself was deserted. I was just about to swing around and head for police headquarters when I noticed a thin streak of light from one of the rear windows, in spite of the drawn shades. Yeah, I suppose I'll learn one of these days. Not to be so curious, but I walked quietly up the driveway beside the house. Then I heard something. Just a little sound. As though someone had quietly opened or closed a door at the side of the garage in the rear. And I suddenly caught the smell of gas. Of raw gasoline that was coming from the garage. I carefully edged my way on back there. Hoping I wouldn't trip over something in the darkness that would give me away. The smell of gasoline was stronger now. Much stronger. My next step was into a puddle in front of the garage door. I remember bending over to sniff at it. And it was gasoline, all right. And I remember a flashlight stabbing through the darkness behind me. But as I rose and turned.

[E]

Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Question. Where will you find the leading stars of the entertainment world? Answer. Right here on CBS Radio. Gary Moore, Arthur Godfrey, Andy Griffith, Bob and Ray, Art Linkletter, Amos and Andy and more. The gang's all here. You'll also find the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera back on the air. Remember the star's address, CBS Radio. And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Larson arson matter.

[B]

I came to in a hospital room, and I had company. One of them was in a blue uniform with brass buttons. With the stripes of a sergeant on his sleeves.

[D]

So you decided to come back to the land of the living, huh?

[B]

The other was a man of about 40. Big, beefy. And in spite of his rather flashy clothes. He looked as though he hadn't shaved his fat, truculent face for a couple of days.

[A]

Well, I'm sure glad he's okay, Sergeant. Only how was I to know he wasn't somebody come to carry out them threats against me?

[D]

Oh, you know, you're lucky you didn't aim those shots at him, Birdie.

[A]

Me actually trying to kill somebody, Sergeant, Like I told you. I know the noise you'd bring on the nearest flat foot.

[B]

Birdie, huh?

[A]

Yeah. Gee, Mr. Dollar.

[D]

Now, you just take it easy, Dollard. Birdie nearly broke your head. When he found you prowling around his home a while ago.

[E]

Oh, brother.

[B]

You're telling me.

[A]

But I didn't know. Well, I didn't know who you was. Told me to cop one through your pockets and seen your identification.

[D]

Okay.

[B]

Now, look.

[A]

I come home and seen you sneaking around. And had gasoline all over my garage like somebody was gonna put a torch.

[D]

Oh, okay, okay, Bertie.

[A]

So you can't blame me for slugging.

[D]

Ah, yeah, yeah. Now, Birdie, come on.

[A]

I'm sure sorry I did it, Dollar. Oh, dolla. The hospital bill's on me, so live it up, huh?

[B]

Oh, yeah, sure.

[D]

Okay. Now, Birdie, Dollar's gonna be all right, so you go along, huh? I'll check with you later.

[A]

Oh, yeah, sure. Okay. Oh, I'm going up in the country to make sure my wife's all right.

[B]

Up in the country?

[A]

Yeah, up in the Catskills with a couple of relatives, Mac and Josie. Well, you don't think I'd leave a stay around here with those people on the phone saying they're gonna burn me out if I don't stop yapping.

[B]

That committee and you don't know who it is making the threats, huh?

[A]

I sure wish they did.

[D]

Okay, run along now, Bertie.

[B]

No, wait, please.

[D]

What is it?

[B]

Well, I'd like to talk to Birdie some more.

[D]

Sure. Not until the medics say you're all right and let you out of here. And besides, I want to talk to you myself. Now, go along, Birdie.

[A]

Yeah, sure.

[B]

All right.

[D]

Now, look, Sergeant, just stay flat on the bed. Dollar and. Now, you're lucky Birdie didn't kill you. And I can't say I would have blamed him. Why didn't you come to me before trying to contact him? I could have given you all the information you need about this case. Now, look, Sergeant, not only have saved.

[C]

You a lot of trouble, but kept.

[D]

You from getting banged on the head. Okay, okay, all you private dicks are alike.

[B]

Now, listen, will you?

[D]

As for that nosy guy over at your insurance company who's been bothering me three and four, four times a day, well, now I've got two of you to keep from upsetting the apple cart.

[B]

What's that supposed to mean?

[D]

Bertie Larson isn't the man this investigating committee's after.

[B]

What?

[D]

Of course not. He's strictly small time. And he hasn't even been that since he served a stretch on a burglary, arson, rap.

[B]

What about the narcotics and gambling? That's under investigation.

[D]

He was never any more than a messenger boy for the big shots.

[B]

Well, now, what's the importance of these hearings?

[D]

Now, don't you see if the committee can hold him up as a guy who talks and doesn't get hurt by him. It'll help them flush out some of the others. And who knows? Maybe some of his information might have a little value and he'd be glad to give it.

[B]

Yeah?

[D]

Why, Bertie's been trying to run a used car business.

[B]

Legitimate, or is it cover up for something else?

[D]

Legitimate?

[B]

You're sure of that, Dolly?

[D]

That stupid punk has been so scared since he got out of the clink?

[B]

Yep.

[D]

And listen.

[B]

I'm listening.

[D]

The publicity that he's been getting from the hearings, you know, because of cooperating with the committee, why, it's practically made.

[B]

A public hero out of him.

[D]

Who knows? Maybe it'll help his business enough to get him out of the red for once. That's why he's singing like a canary. Probably making half of it up just to keep his name in the paper.

[B]

Well, what about the threats he's been getting?

[D]

You know something? We've only got his word about those threats. For all we know, he's making them up himself.

[B]

Maybe.

[D]

Oh, all right, all right. So what if some of his old pals are calling him up, telling him to lay off, huh? They try anything foolish, we'll nab him. Matter of fact, there are a few of those guys around here we just love to have something on. Maybe all this will flesh them out for us.

[B]

Or get Bertie killed.

[D]

Ask me, I don't think anybody'd even bother to rub him out.

[B]

I hope you're right, Sergeant.

[D]

Sure. Sure.

[A]

Dope, Al.

[D]

That's that.

[B]

Nope.

[D]

And around. Come on over to the station and see me. But meantime, leave this to me, will you?

[B]

Oh, wait a minute, will you? What about that gasoline he mentioned that was spilled all over his garage?

[D]

Oh, one of those shots he fired and now look. Drilled a hole in a can of gas he had lying around. Yeah, sure saw it there myself.

[B]

Look, Sergeant.

[D]

See you later, Dolly.

[B]

Wait a minute, will you? Sergeant. Sergeant.

[E]

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

[H]

Freeman who feels like acting with a miserable cold. I relieve cold distress the fast way with four way cold tablets.

[B]

Yes. Test of all the leading cold tablets proved four way fastest acting. Amazing.

[E]

Four way starts in minutes to relieve muscular pains and headache, reduce fever, calm upset stomach.

[B]

Also overcomes irregularity when a cold strikes.

[H]

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

[B]

Four way only 29 cents.

[E]

Now, here's a word about another fine product of Grove Laboratories. Had dandruff for years. Now get rid of it in three minutes with Fitch. Dandruff remover shampoo. Three minutes with Fitch regularly is guaranteed to keep unsightly dandruff away forever. Apply Fitch before wetting hair. Rub in one minute. Add water, lather one minute, then rinse. One minute, every trace of dandruff goes down the drain. Three minutes with Fitch. Embarrassing. Dandruff's gone. Fitch can also leave hair up to 35% brighter. Get Fitch dandruff remover shampoo today. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[B]

Something all wrong about the whole setup. I'd smelled the gasoline around that garage before Bertie Larson had slugged me. And what about the can of gasoline he said was left on his doorstep as a warning? Like somebody'd burn him out if he kept on testifying before the Special Investigating Committee? Were the police overlooking that? And then suddenly I began to smell a rat.

[D]

A big one.

[E]

Don't ask me why.

[B]

I climbed rather painfully out of the hospital bed, put on my clothes and pulled the corny trick of going out by way of the fire escape. Luck was with me. The police had left my rental car in the hospital parking lot. I spent on him for a buck and a half on a bar and a grill for a slug of brandy and some hot black coffee. But I was still feeling pretty rocky, so I took my time driving out to Bertie Larson's place again. As I stepped out of the car, I noticed a light coming from an open window at the rear and a big sedan back in front of the garage. The trunk of it wide open. Birdie's or the car of someone who'd come to put the torch to his home. I didn't have to wait long for an answer. Bertie, huh? Going up in the country, huh? To see your wife? Oh,$ yeah, that's right.

[A]

Say, listen, Ellie, it's lucky you come by here.

[B]

Is it lucky for you or for me?

[A]

Oh, no. Listen, I come by to pick up some things, you know, to holler to my wife. You know what happens?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

When I pulls up in the driveway, there's some guy running away out back. So I yells him to stop, but he keeps on going. And it's so dark, I can't see where to throw a shot. And listen.

[B]

I'm listening.

[A]

Then I smell gasoline. It's coming from inside the house. So I unlock the door and go in. And you know what I find in there?

[B]

Go on, Verdi.

[A]

Come on. Come on inside, dollar I'll show you. Oh, it's lucky I come by here. That's all I gotta say.

[B]

Hey, wait a minute. Were you figuring on moving out of here, huh?

[A]

What do you mean?

[B]

Well, now, don't tell me this is all the furniture you keep in this place.

[A]

Of course not. I sent a lot up to Josie and Mac from while my wife is staying with them.

[B]

But if the place burned down, you wouldn't hesitate to collect insurance on all the furnishings, would You.

[A]

You're trying to be funny, darling. Now, look. Look here in my den. You see? You see where somebody dumped gas all over the rug? Laid them celluloid strips and out over the windowsill so as you could put a match to it from the outside.

[B]

Yeah, I see, Birdie.

[A]

Well, it's a guy I seen running away from here. Was gonna burn me out. You see how he broke in by forcing a screen on that window?

[B]

I see where this screen was bashed out from the inside.

[A]

What'd you say?

[B]

And I failed to see any footprints in the flower bed below it. No wonder you served a term for arson, among other things. Listen, I mean, the sloppy setup you made here.

[A]

What are you talking about?

[B]

You've been losing your shirt in the used car business. So it looked like you might have to take a chance on the rackets again.

[A]

Are you out of your mind?

[B]

But then this investigating committee came along. Talking freely before them gave you an excuse to claim you were getting threats.

[A]

Oh, now, listen.

[B]

Filled up the insurance on this place to the limit. Then gave out the tale about gasoline left on your doorstep as a warning.

[A]

Oh, listen.

[B]

All of it. So that when your house went up in flames, everybody would think it was set by the mythical person was supposed to be making the threats.

[A]

You're crazy.

[B]

Anytime. Of course, you've carefully emptied the place of anything valuable in storage with these pals of yours, Josie and Mac, up in the Catskills. If any such people really exist, this home and the garage would probably be nothing but ashes right now. If I hadn't come along earlier, I.

[A]

Could have killed you then, Dallas. So kill me.

[B]

I think you were just a lousy shot. Yeah, but when all that noise brought the police and you found out who I am. Why, sure, sure, you could use me to help build up your case. For whenever you decided to fire this place, you thought. But it didn't work, Birdie, because. Oh, no, you don't. Come on. Put your hand up.

[D]

Come on.

[B]

Over your head. Reach, Birdie, now.

[A]

Now listen.

[B]

Can't even pull a gun quickly, can you?

[H]

You don't need to.

[B]

What?

[A]

Don't move.

[H]

I'm right in back of you. Drop the gun.

[A]

Kill him. Yeah, yeah, Nora, kill him. We'll fire the joint and get up in a country where Josie and Mac will swear we've been with him all the time.

[H]

Yeah, Birdie.

[A]

Yeah, that's what we're doing. Listen, we'll strip this guy after you knock him off. They'll find his bones after the fire and they'll think it's me. That's another 20 grand of insurance to collect.

[H]

No, Birdie. What? I'm leaving both of you here.

[A]

You gone crazy?

[H]

After this nice setup, I'd be crazy if I didn't take all I could get out of it. You ready, Birdie? Oh, no.

[A]

Listen.

[H]

All right, darling. Now it's you.

[B]

Drop it, Nora.

[H]

Where'd you come from, you dirty.

[B]

Thanks, sergeant.

[D]

That's okay, $, but you can be mighty glad. That hospital called me up when they found you'd sneaked out on him.

[B]

You know something, Sergeant? Yeah, I'm mighty glad. Expense account total, including my hospital bill, my room at the Bellevue and a couple of meals. Plus, of course, the trip Back to Hartford. 79.75 remarks. Why bother? From here on in, it's up to the company and the police to straighten things out. Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[E]

Our star, will return in just a moment.

[I]

Constipation 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 chocolate and Exlax is effective overnight. It helps you toward your normal regularity. Exlax is gentle next morning. It gives you the closest thing to natural action. And that's why many doctors and millions of people use Exlax with complete confidence. Exlax, the laxative that helps you toward your normal regularity. Gently, overnight. Is Ex Lax in your medicine cabinet?

[E]

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

[B]

Sarasota, Florida. A body floating in a bayou and one too many suspects. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[E]

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, Don diamond and Bert Holland. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is dan cubberley.

[D]

The last trip. A bizarre way to end a romantic triangle on suspense. Next on the cbs radio network.