Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Mojave Red Matter 07/13/1958

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Mojave Red Matter" (07/13/1958)

Released on June 23, 2025

---

Introduction

In this gripping installment of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar," listeners are plunged into the mysterious death of Elmer P. Hobbs at Lake Mojave Resort, Arizona. Johnny Dollar, America's esteemed freelance insurance investigator, is summoned to unravel the truth behind what appears to be an accidental drowning.

---

Case Assignment and Initial Investigation

Johnny Dollar receives a cryptic call from Red Barrett, a local fishing guide at Lake Mojave Resort, urging him to come swiftly to the scene. Despite initial skepticism, Johnny's instinct tells him there's more to Hobbs's death than a mere accident.

Notable Quote:

"But unless I know why, I'll tell."
—Johnny Dollar [02:18]

Determined to get to the bottom of the matter, Johnny contacts Jake Kessler from the Greater Southwest Insurance Company. Jake maintains that Hobbs's death was indeed accidental and discourages further investigation.

Notable Quote:

"So just you stop worrying about it and forget."
—Jake Kessler [04:52]

Unconvinced by Jake's reassurances, Johnny decides to proceed with his investigation, emphasizing his commitment to uncovering the truth regardless of initial judgments.

---

Arrival in Las Vegas and Meeting the Locals

Johnny arrives in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he's promptly approached by Jake Kessler's real persona, revealing a conspicuous reluctance to discuss the case further.

Notable Quote:

"Well, Johnny, I'd love to see you... But I swear, what's more, I'm charging my expense account to your company."
—Jake Kessler [06:29]

Frustrated but undeterred, Johnny teams up with Red Barrett and his companion, Ham (Buster Favor), who share suspicions that Hobbs's death was no accident.

Notable Quote:

"Red knows that because he's had to come out and hunt for too many people at night himself."
—Ham [12:02]

---

Investigating the Lake

Under the cover of darkness, Johnny and his team embark on a nighttime quest across Lake Mojave. Their journey leads them to a secluded cove where Red Barrett reveals critical evidence suggesting foul play.

Notable Quote:

"But Elmer had no axe on that boat. So it was somebody else, Johnny. Somebody who murdered him."
—Red Barrett [21:08]

Johnny discovers that Hobbs's boat was sabotaged—its flotation tanks had been slashed, indicating premeditated damage likely orchestrated to cause Hobbs's demise.

Notable Quote:

"The cut? Yeah. Red. Those flotation tanks were slashed open with an axe or a sharp, heavy tool of some kind."
—Johnny Dollar [21:52]

---

Conclusion and Next Steps

With undeniable evidence pointing towards murder, Johnny confronts Jake Kessler, advising him to retract the insurance claim.

Notable Quote:

"So there you have it, Jake. And if I were you, I'd call off payment on that claim immediately."
—Johnny Dollar [22:08]

However, Johnny acknowledges that the investigation isn't over, leaving the case ripe for continuation in subsequent episodes.

---

Expense Account and Final Remarks

Throughout his investigation, Johnny meticulously documents his expenses, humorously noting the cost of "shooting and retrieving one crow," a nod to his resourcefulness and dedication.

Notable Quote:

"Expense account total to the moment, 159.20, including the cost of shooting and retrieving one crow. Jake, how would you like it cooked?"
—Johnny Dollar [22:10]

Johnny signs off with his customary promise to return with further developments, ensuring listeners are eager for the resolution of the Mojave Red matter.

---

Closing Thoughts

"Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Mojave Red Matter" masterfully blends suspense, character development, and meticulous detective work. Through Johnny's unwavering pursuit of the truth, the episode delves deep into themes of trust, deception, and the relentless quest for justice.

---

For fans and newcomers alike, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of old-time radio detective stories, showcasing Johnny Dollar's exemplary investigative prowess and the timeless charm of classic radio narratives.

Transcript

[Talkspace Sponsor]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You, you'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code SPACE80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code SPACE80 at talk.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

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].

[Narrator]

From Hollywood. It's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar.

[Red Barrett]

Will you accept a collect call, Mr. Dollar, huh? It's from Lake Mojave Resort in Arizona.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, say no more, operator. Just put them on.

[Red Barrett]

Well, yes, sir. Go ahead, please.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hi, who is it this time? Buster Favor? Hemp rat.

[Red Barrett]

Johnny, this is Red.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, well, how's the fishing? Time for me to make another trek westward and find out, huh, Red?

[Red Barrett]

That's right, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Red who?

[Red Barrett]

Well, you know, the guide out here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Red Barrett, the fishing guide.

[Red Barrett]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who claims to know Lake Mojave like the back of his hand and every good spot there is in it.

[Red Barrett]

And I do, Johnny. That's a fact.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then I repeat my question. How's the fishing?

[Red Barrett]

Just as fine as ever. If you know where the good holes are, that is.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you do?

[Red Barrett]

Yes, I do.

[Johnny Dollar]

So you think it's high time I fly on out there and wet a line, is that it?

[Red Barrett]

No, sir, that's not what I'm calling you about, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, what is it?

[Red Barrett]

I don't rightly think I ought to tell you over the phone, Johnny, but I think you better come here just about as quick as you can.

[Johnny Dollar]

But unless I know why, I'll tell.

[Red Barrett]

You when you get here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, Look, I usually do my traveling on expense account for an insurance company.

[Red Barrett]

And you can this time, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

What company?

[Red Barrett]

The one that insured him. The Greater Southwest Insurance.

[Johnny Dollar]

Insured who? Red.

[Red Barrett]

Johnny, I'll tell you all that when you get here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, now look, they tell me there's.

[Red Barrett]

A plane lives New York right at high noon.

[Johnny Dollar]

Listen, Red, that'll get you into Las.

[Red Barrett]

Vegas about 9:45 tonight, okay?

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, Listen, goodbye Johnny. Red. Hmph. Crazy old coot. If he thinks for one minute then I'm going to get on a. And yet, on second thought.

[Narrator]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Greater Southwest Insurance and Liability Company, Kingman, Arizona office. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Mojave Red matter expense account item 1420. Phone call to the Kingman, Arizona office of Greater Southwest Insurance and Liability on the theory it might be well to check with their agent Jake Kessler before going off half cocked.

[Jake Kessler]

Hi, Johnny. Haven't seen or heard from you since two years ago when you came out here to investigate the murder at the old Midas Touch Mine.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I remember, Jake. Now listen. Yeah. Is. Is everything going along okay these days?

[Red Barrett]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I mean, no trouble with any of your clients, that sort of thing, huh?

[Jake Kessler]

Why not a bit, Johnny. Why do you ask?

[Johnny Dollar]

Just wondered.

[Jake Kessler]

Well, if I did have, you know who I'd call?

[Johnny Dollar]

No problems at all, huh?

[Jake Kessler]

I told you, not a. Hey, just what do you got stuck in your craw, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Nothing, nothing. I just. Well, I just. Well, well, tell me this. Any of your clients, policyholders, have any kind of trouble, accidents, anything like that over at Lake Mojave Resort lately?

[Jake Kessler]

Ah, so that's what's eating you. Well, Johnny, that claim was legitimate. It's in the home office for settlement. The company will pay it and that'll be that.

[Johnny Dollar]

What claim?

[Jake Kessler]

So just you stop worrying about it and forget.

[Johnny Dollar]

What claim, Jake?

[Jake Kessler]

No sir, Johnny, there's not a single solitary thing for you to investigate out here. So just you, you forget it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, you know something, Jake? You've just convinced me there is something to investigate. So I'm grabbing the first plane I can.

[Jake Kessler]

Well, Johnny, I'd love to see you.

[Johnny Dollar]

But I swear, what's more, I'm charging my expense account to your company.

[Jake Kessler]

Oh, and if you find out that I'm right and you're wrong.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay Jake, then you can shoot the crow and I'll eat it expense account item two, $153 plane fare. Hartford to New York and New York to Las Vegas Nevad. It was 9:45 on the dot as the big mainliners slowly circled down out of the clear starlit sky. Unless you've seen the millions of stars that twinkle brightly through the clean, dry air over the Mojave Desert, you really missed something. And as we glided down toward the landing strip on the south edge of Las Vegas, the multicolored lights of the fabulous resort town made it spot like a vast field of jewels. Beautiful. Yeah, and expensive. That is, if you insist on trying your hand at the gaming tables in the casinos that line the main drag. Believe me, brother, I know. But that's neither here nor there. As I grabbed my luggage and started for the car rental office, a tall, angular man, well tanned and dressed in blue jeans, high heeled boots and 10 gallon hats, sauntered over to me.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

So you wouldn't take my word for it?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, Jake. That's right.

[Jake Kessler]

Jake Kessler in person. And Johnny, if you're here to investigate the claim on the Hobbs policy, well, there just.

[Johnny Dollar]

Huh. Well, now I know that much. And suppose you tell me who Hobbs is or was.

[Jake Kessler]

I'll tell you all about it. And when I have, you can hop on another plane and go right on back to Hartford. And all at your own expense. I still don't see whatever made you come out here, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Apparently, the Hobbs matter. So start telling me. Well, come on, Jake. Come on.

[Red Barrett]

All right, Johnny.

[Jake Kessler]

All right. Elmer P. Hobbs, Real Estate in Los Angeles. Came over to the Lake Mojave Resort about two weeks ago.

[Johnny Dollar]

Spent a few days fishing with his.

[Jake Kessler]

Old pal, the guide they have there.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean Red? Red Barra.

[Jake Kessler]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, okay, go on.

[Jake Kessler]

And on Tuesday a week ago, he rented one of the boats and went out by himself. Apparently he went up to a place called the Big Basin.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I know it well. The lake's three or four miles wide up there.

[Jake Kessler]

Yeah, well, that afternoon a big wind came up.

[Johnny Dollar]

Regular screamer.

[Jake Kessler]

All the other boats, the landing? All but Mr. Hobbs. Ah, the next morning when the wind died down, they found his body washed up on the shore on the Nevada side.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's all.

[Jake Kessler]

That's all.

[Johnny Dollar]

You say a claim has been filed? That's right.

[Jake Kessler]

By one of his two beneficiaries.

[Red Barrett]

Who?

[Jake Kessler]

His business partner back in LA, Mr. Stuart Manley. I've passed the claim and the company will pay it.

[Johnny Dollar]

No investigation of any kind.

[Jake Kessler]

Of course there was, Johnny. The Kingman police, the sheriff's office and the county Coroner act. Accidental death due to drowning. So that's it, Johnny. Now, you just make your reservation back to Hartford at that window right over there. And you are paying the freight.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, not so fast, Jake. I'm sticking around. Well, now, you.

[Jake Kessler]

You can see for yourself there's no reason for you to be here, much less at company expense.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, after all, now that I am here, it'd be kind of silly not to run down to the lake, girl. You mean just to do some fishing on your own time? You want to drive me down there, Johnny? Yeah.

[Jake Kessler]

Johnny, do you know something about the Hobbs case that I don't? And the police and the sheriff, Jake.

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't know a thing about it.

[Red Barrett]

Okay, Johnny.

[Jake Kessler]

How do you want me to fix that crow you're gonna eat?

[Narrator]

Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

In a moment, our flag now numbers 50 stars, and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Vermont's state flag in its early form imitated our national flag, uniquely bearing 17 stripes and 17 stars with only the inscribed word Vermont to distinguish it. The good people of Vermont assumed, as did our national government, that stripes as well as stars would be added as each new state entered the Union. Vermont entered the Union after Tennessee and Ohio. And with Kentucky to join shortly, the vermonters naturally put 17 stripes on their flag. In 1818, the United States Congress put a stop to this, and since then, the stripes have always been at 13, and only stars are added for each new state. Vermont's present flag captures the famous beauty of the Green Mountain State in its coat of arms and inscribed is the phrase Vermont Freedom and Unity. Vermont state flag. The flag of the 14th state to enter the Union was adopted on April 26, 1923.

And now, Act 2 of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And the Mojave Red.

[Johnny Dollar]

Elmer P. Hobbs of Los Angeles, had died of drowning when his small boat capsized in a high wind on Lake Mojave. At least that's what Jake Kessler, his insurance agent, told me. Accident, pure and simple, he said, and I could hire myself back to Hartford and forget about it. But I didn't, simply because of the phone call I'd received from old Red Barrett, fishing guide at Lake Mojave Resort. I persuaded Jake to drive me over there on the excuse that as long as I was nearby, I might as well do some fishing. So he dropped me off, and since it was after midnight, went on back to Kingman. I wandered on down to the dock and boathouse.

[Ham]

Hello? Who's that?

[Johnny Dollar]

Him.

[Ham]

Huh? Johnny. Johnny.

[Red Barrett]

Dolly.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny.

[Ham]

Dolly. What are you doing here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Hi, I. Ham.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

You know darn well what he's doing here. Ham, the fishing has never been better. Only how'd you get the word? And how are you, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, just great, Busty.

[Ham]

Did you stop by the office, let Marilyn fix you up with a room?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no, because as I recall, old Red usually sleeps here on the dock.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Oh, Red.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why do you say it that way, Buster?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Because Ham and I are wasting good sleeping time down here wondering why he hasn't come in yet.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean he's still out on the lake? Yeah, but it's as black as the ace of spades out there.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

And no moon tonight.

[Ham]

Buster and I were about to take off and about to look for it.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

He pulled this very same stunt night before last. We finally found him drifting around about nine miles up.

[Ham]

He said he'd run out of gas. Showed his empty tank to prove it.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, but we knew better.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean, Buster?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I mean, when he saw us coming after him, he dumped out what gas he had. Oil slick all over the lake. If somebody'd struck a match.

[Red Barrett]

What?

[Ham]

You know, Red's been doing a lot of crazy things this past week or so. Ever since his old friend Mr. Hobbs died.

[Johnny Dollar]

They were pretty close and that is why he phoned me.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Red phone him?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, early this morning. And if you ask me, it's because he doesn't believe Mr. Hobbs death was accidental.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Johnny, you know something? I didn't quite believe it myself. Well, sure, we have some pretty big winds on the lake now and then. And it was a big one that day. And then when the coroner and the other authorities will. Well, who's to argue with them?

[Johnny Dollar]

Do you know if Red has found out anything? Anything at all?

[Ham]

All we know is he's given up taking out fishing parties. And spends all his time prowling around.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

The lake every day and night. Says if he can find the boat Mr. Hobbs used.

[Johnny Dollar]

What kind of a boat was it?

[Ham]

One of our regular rentals. An aluminum Arkansas Traveler.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, with a ten horse Johnson on it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, listen, those boats have flotation tanks.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Why?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, so even if it did capsize, it wouldn't sink.

[Ham]

You're right, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

And there's been no sign of it?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

None at all.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then let's go up to the lake and find Rhett. Except for the stars far overhead, the night was black as ink. And the 50 horse outboard skimmed us along at better than 30 miles an hour. Believe me, it was a strange feeling. Almost like flying through space. How Buster found his way around the island's rocky points and reefs I'll never know. But he did.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Throw your flashlight over to the left, Pam, to be about even with Sculpture Rock.

[Ham]

Yep, there it is.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Then we're coming into the big basin.

[Johnny Dollar]

Will you please tell me how you ever expect to find Red in all this darkness?

[Ham]

Oh, don't worry about him. He hears us come and he'll signal by striking a match or something.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Sure. Johnny, no matter how crazy you are, you never let somebody wander around in the dark looking for you out here.

[Ham]

Red knows that because he's had to come out and hunt for too many people at night himself.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Damn.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, on the east shore. I'm swinging over there.

[Ham]

You're right. There's fire on the beach.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, it must be Red.

[Ham]

What's she doing out here?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

We'll soon find out.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hang on.

[Red Barrett]

Well, all I have to say is you took long enough to bring Johnny up here.

[Ham]

Red. You old reprobate. One under the sun. Are you up to this time?

[Red Barrett]

I just told you. I've been waiting for you to bring Johnny. Now you can leave us and go on back to the dock. And I thank you very much, Red.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

We're not leaving until we find out what this is all about.

[Red Barrett]

And if I tell you, would you promise to leave us alone?

[Ham]

Sure, sure, we'll promise anything.

[Red Barrett]

Oh, you see, I need Johnny's help. Yes, well, because with him to follow up what I found today. Where. Johnny, you and I are going to prove that my old friend Mr. Hobbs was murdered.

[Narrator]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.

Every American fighting man has heard the expression above and beyond the call of duty. How many of us have sat down and considered just what that word duty means? According to one dictionary definition, duty is man's conduct as required by his station or occupation and that to which he is bound by moral obligation. To do or not to do. When a man does more than his duty requires, he becomes more of a man in the eyes of his fellow men. One such was Captain John Philip Cromwell, Commander of the submarine USS Sculpin. Flagship of a submarine coordinated attack group of the United States Navy. Possessing secret intelligence information of our fleet movements, strategy, tactics and attack plans, Captain Cromwell led his attack group and patrol of enemy waters around Truck island in November 1943. Just prior to the launching of our first large scale offensive in the Pacific. Despite savage enemy opposition, he established a line of submarines around the enemy held stronghold of Truk. Until his ship, the Sculpin became so rocked and battered by depth bombs that he ordered it to the surface. He engaged the enemy with deck guns, giving his crew an opportunity to abandon the mortally stricken ship. Determined to sacrifice himself rather than risk capture and the subsequent danger of revealing the secret plans to the enemy, Captain Cromwell remained aboard the Sculpin as she plunged to her death. He thereby preserved the security of the mission at the cost of his own life. Captain Cromwell earned the Medal of Honor for deep integrity and uncompromising devotion to the call of duty in the service of his country. But what he did defined the word duty better than any dictionary.

And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Mojave Red matter.

[Ham]

I'll tell you this, Johnny, Red here is one of the wildest, most irresponsible old characters I know when he wants to be. But he's okay nonetheless. And if he thinks you and he can find proof that Mr. Hobbs was murdered, well, you must have a good reason for it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, Rev.

[Red Barrett]

Oh, now, Ham. Do you think a man like Elmer Hobbs, knowing the lake the way he did, would ever let the big wind catch him off guard up here in the basin?

[Ham]

No. No, I don't, Red. I know that's the way Buster felt about it, too.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I said that to you myself, Red.

[Johnny Dollar]

But now, what's this proof you have of murder?

[Red Barrett]

Well, Ham and Buster, aren't you going on back? Now that I've told you why I wanted you to bring Johnny here?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Was there any harm in our knowing what you found, Red? After all, we might be able to help you and Johnny.

[Red Barrett]

Yeah, I thought about that. But you see, I might just possibly be wrong about. Well, I might just be wrong. And I wouldn't want to be ashamed in front of a lot of people.

[Ham]

By a lot, you mean three.

[Red Barrett]

Well, that's three times as many as just Johnny here.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Oh, well, now, look, Johnny, he means it. So Ham and I'll go on back to the dock.

[Johnny Dollar]

But I still don't see what difference.

[Ham]

Johnny, when you get to know Red as well as we do, you'll stop trying to figure out the whys and wherefores of some of the things he does and what makes him tick. But you'll also learn that in the long run, no matter how unorthodox some of those things are. Well. Oh, come on, Buster.

[Johnny Dollar]

Right.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

See you when you get back the dock, Johnny. Oh, you got some food, Red?

[Red Barrett]

You know I always keep something in my boat, Buster.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Okay.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, far be it from me, Red, but all I have to say is that whatever you think you found proof of that sure better be something.

[Red Barrett]

Oh, it is, Johnny. At least I think it is. You just scrunch yourself of places to sleep in the sand. It's pretty late, huh? Well, it took you so long to get here. And we can't see anything in the dark anyway.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now look, Red, for heaven's sake.

[Red Barrett]

Good night, Johnny. Sleep well.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that was the end of our conversation. And I began to wonder if Jake Kessler hadn't been right in the first place. If I hadn't come out here on a wild goose chase after all. But the more I wondered and thought about it with nothing but the warm desert night about us, the twinkling stars, the magic sound of fish jumping in the lake, the sleepier I got. So I slept. The smell of bacon frying over the campfire awakened me, although the sun still hadn't shone over the mountains that bordered the eastern side of the lake.

[Red Barrett]

Dash your face in the lake, Johnny. Then grab yourself some of this bacon and egg.

[Johnny Dollar]

I did as I was told. Then, squatting in the sand in front of the fire, stuffed away a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs and pancakes made from sourdough. And you know, there's something about a meal cooked over a campfire that. Well, we had other things to do. So we climbed into Red's old aluminum boat and slowly drove up the lake, staying close to shore. Finally, we reached a small, rocky cove.

[Red Barrett]

Right here is your spot, Johnny. This little cove.

[Johnny Dollar]

A spot for what? Red, you know, you still haven't told me.

[Red Barrett]

You see there? You see where somebody has climbed up the rock?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, but I'll take your word for it.

[Red Barrett]

Well, he couldn't have climbed up off of the water, so he must have climbed out of a boat.

[Johnny Dollar]

So?

[Red Barrett]

And there's footprints leading the way across the desert. And, Johnny, they aren't Elmer Hobbs footprints. No, sir.

[Johnny Dollar]

So somebody climbed out of a boat here for one reason or another and took a walk into the desert.

[Red Barrett]

The man who killed Elmer Hobbs.

[Johnny Dollar]

What makes you think so?

[Red Barrett]

Look down over the side in the water.

[Johnny Dollar]

A boat sunk down there.

[Red Barrett]

That's the boat that Elmer had. Can you see it clear?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, very.

[Red Barrett]

Then you can see it wasn't damaged enough to sink it. Not that boat.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're right, Red. Particularly since it has flotation tanks.

[Red Barrett]

But it's down there. It's sunk. You better strip to your shorts, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll go down and take a look.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Me?

[Red Barrett]

I already have. But I want you to look, Johnny, and remember I knew everything that Elmer had in his boat when he left the dock. Remember that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay. And you're sure the footprints leading into the desert couldn't possibly have been made by Mr. Hobbs.

[Red Barrett]

That I'll swear to Johnny by all this good and holy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, then.

[Red Barrett]

Now slip in easy so you won't disturb the water too much.

[Johnny Dollar]

I took a deep breath, surface dived and swam down to the sunken boat. And the water was clear. And I could see plainly. And I saw that Red was right. I bobbed back to the surface.

[Red Barrett]

Did you see him?

[Johnny Dollar]

The cut? Yeah. Red. Those flotation tanks were slashed open with an axe or a sharp, heavy tool of some kind.

[Red Barrett]

But Elmer had no axe on that boat. So it was somebody else, Johnny. Somebody who murdered him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Red Barrett]

And then sank the Bull.

[Johnny Dollar]

Fred, I'm afraid you're right. Elmer Hobbs was murdered. So there you have it, Jake. And if I were you, I'd call off payment on that claim immediately. Granted. The case isn't over yet. I still have the job of finding out who killed Elmer Hobbs. But you know something? You're gonna have to wait for my next report. Meantime, expense account total to the moment, 159.20, including the cost of shooting and retrieving one crow. Jake, how would you like it cooked? Until the next report, then. Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Narrator]

Our star will return in just a moment.

Our flag now numbers 50 stars, and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Oklahoma's state flag depicts an Osage warrior's circular buckskin shield from which hangs seven eagle feathers. Across the shield is the Indian's calumet, or pipe of peace, crossed with the white man's peace symbol. The olive branch on the shield are small crosses, the Indian's graphic sign for stars indicating lofty ideals or a purpose for high endeavor. The background of the flag is a field of blue, the blue of the Oklahoma sky signifying loyalty and devotion. The important symbols, however, are the calumet and the olive branch. These override the shield, the symbol of war, and bespeak a predominant love of peace by a united people. Oklahoma state flag. The flag of the 46th state to enter the union was adopted on April 2, 1925.

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

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week? Well, after all, the case isn't really closed. But it will be next week, believe me. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jackson John Stone, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Lucille Meredith Forest Lewis, Harley Bear, Alan Reed and Barney Phillips. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for the conclusion of this exciting story of yours truly. Johnny Dollar, this is Roy Rowan, spe. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.