Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Shankar Diamond Matter 02/15/1959

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Shankar Diamond Matter (Original Air Date: 02/15/1959)
Release Date: September 1, 2025

---

Overview

This classic episode features America's "fabulous freelance insurance investigator," Johnny Dollar, as he is drawn into a high-stakes case centered around a legendary gemstone, the Shankar Diamond. Invited by Martha Mayfield Merriman—a shrewd, wealthy matriarch—to attend her son's Southern society wedding, Johnny’s true mission is to safeguard the million-dollar diamond rumored to bring good luck. As old secrets and family ties unravel, Johnny must sift through a house full of possible suspects, culminating in a suspenseful confrontation and a surprisingly clever twist.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

The Invitation & Setup

• [00:35 – 01:25] Johnny is contacted by Steve Kilmer from Providential Life and Casualty, who invites him, at Martha's request, to attend her son Edgar's wedding.
  • “Listen, Johnny, how’d you like to attend a wedding?... she insists that you be among those present at the ceremony.” – Steve, [00:13]
• Johnny is immediately curious about the unusual nature of the invitation and suspects Martha may foresee trouble.

Meeting with Martha Mayfield Merriman

• [02:56 – 06:03] Johnny visits Martha in her New York brownstone; their playful banter suggests a longstanding friendship.
  • “Turn me down, huh? ... I’ve already proposed to you.” – Martha, [03:09]
• Martha reveals she plans to wear the Shankar Diamond ring at the wedding and believes it will bring the couple good luck, despite knowing its million-dollar value and attracting thieves:
  • “Sure. I always do. Some of the top jewel thieves in the country have tried to snatch that rock.” – Martha, [05:36]
• She mentions her trusted staff, especially Larkin the butler (who has the safe combination and is about to retire).

The Journey South

• [09:28 – 10:58] Johnny and Martha fly to Greensboro, North Carolina, with the diamond. Martha hints that her new chauffeur, Eric Chatterley—a distant cousin of Larkin—may not be trustworthy.

Suspicion & Motive

• [10:59 – 12:15] Martha confides to Johnny her suspicions about Eric:
  • Eric's father was a notorious jewel thief.
  • She caught Eric “casing” the wall safe.
  • Eric has only been with her for a few months, recommended indirectly through family ties.

Wedding & The Scene of the Crime

• [13:40 – 16:39] At the Southern plantation, festivities unfold with high society and old wealth on display. Johnny remains alert, keeping an eye on Eric and mingling with the other guests.
• [16:39 – 17:31]
  • During the lavish reception, the lights suddenly go out after Johnny glimpses a shadowy figure (Eric) outside.
  • Martha screams—her diamond is stolen, and she’s found unconscious.

Investigation & The X-ray Revelation

• [17:32 – 18:50]
  • Johnny organizes a search and focuses suspicion on Eric, who is arrested following an x-ray that shows the diamond in his stomach.
    • “Look for yourself. … the diamond is sitting right there in the middle of his stomach.” – Police Chief, [18:37]
  • Johnny notes, however, that something is off—the stone in Eric’s stomach is only an imitation!

The Twist Unraveled—Larkin's Betrayal

• [19:11 – 22:11]
  • Back in New York, Johnny exposes Larkin:
    • Larkin, trusted by Martha and with access to the safe, had long ago replaced the real Shankar Diamond with a high-quality fake (stress glass) and used Eric as a pawn.
    • “So he evolved another scheme to have the fake one stolen by his distant cousin, Eric.” – Johnny, [21:14]
    • Larkin confesses and returns the real diamond.
  • Johnny explains:
    • “Genuine diamonds are completely trans to X-rays. So the diamond’s safe and sound and Larkin and his dearly beloved cousin are in the clink.” – Johnny, [22:15]
  • Martha is shocked but grateful, and Johnny ends with a wry reference to his own headache from the post-case celebration.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Martha’s playful proposal:
  “Turn me down, huh? Well, then I’ll just have to wait a couple of years and try you again.” – Martha, [03:09]

• On the Shankar’s reputation:
  “What? … That thing’s worth close to a million, isn’t it?” – Johnny, [04:57]
  “That’s what the insurance company says.” – Martha, [04:59]

• Suspicion cast on Eric:
  “I think the only reason Eric ever took a job with me was to get his hands on that diamond.” – Martha, [10:55]

• The x-ray twist:
  “The outline of that stone is just as clear. … But, Chief, that’s not the Shankar diamond.” – Johnny, [18:40]

• Larkin’s calm confession:
  “And you won’t need to destroy my luggage. I’ll fetch you the diamond. … If you hadn’t discovered the one Eric stole was paste, I’d never have got onto you.” – Larkin, [21:10]

• Johnny’s detective insight:
  “Genuine diamonds are completely trans to X-rays.” – Johnny, [22:15]

---

Key Timestamps

• [00:35] — Johnny is asked to attend the wedding by Steve Kilmer.
• [02:56] — Playful banter with Martha Mayfield Merriman.
• [05:36] — Martha admits she expects a theft attempt.
• [10:59] — Martha’s suspicions about Eric revealed.
• [16:39] — The Shankar Diamond is stolen during the wedding reception.
• [18:40] — X-ray shows an imitation diamond inside Eric.
• [19:11] — Johnny exposes Larkin’s role in the switch.
• [21:10] — Larkin confesses and retrieves the real diamond.
• [22:15] — The story wraps up with Larkin and Eric arrested.

---

Tone and Atmosphere

• Witty, brisk, and charming, particularly between Johnny and Martha.
• Tightly plotted with classic mystery twists and a Southern high-society setting.
• The episode mixes suspense, humor, and clever deduction, embodying the vintage radio detective style.

---

Conclusion

"The Shankar Diamond Matter" exemplifies the wit, suspense, and intricate plotting that define Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. Listeners are treated to a lively interplay of suspects, red herrings, and a classic double-cross—culminating in a smart reveal that only a true insurance investigator (and his trusty x-ray machine) could solve.

---

For fans of Golden Age radio or detective stories, this episode is a sparkling gem—pun fully intended!

Transcript

[A]

Your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean. Podbean. Podbean. Podbean. Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform. Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts. Launch your podcast on Podbean today. My school uses Podbean. My church too. I love it. I really do. 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] from Hollywood. It's time now for Johnny Dollar. Hi, Johnny. This is Steve Kilmer at Providential Life and Casualty. Steve, it's been a couple of years. Yeah, I know. Listen, Johnny, how'd you like to attend a wedding? Why not? As long as it isn't mine. Yeah, I know what you mean. Oh, you're a bachelor too, huh? Well, I would be if it weren't for a wife, four kids and a couple of grandchildren. Whoops. Johnny, do you by any chance remember Martha Mayfield Merriman? The old gal down in New York who owns Consolidated Tire and Rubber Company? Yeah, and a half a dozen other companies. Well, sure, one of my old sweethearts. Don't you remember back in 57 when I cleared up that false report of her death? I thought she rigged out herself in order to make a killing in the stock market. Well, of course she did. But Steve, she must be 73 or 4 years old. 74? Well, don't tell me she's getting married again. No, it's her son, Edgar. But she insists that you be among those present at the ceremony. Well, now that's kind of funny. I wonder why. Yeah, so do I. And I wonder why she'd have me call you unless she anticipates trouble of some kind. Johnny. Okay, Steve, I'll run on down there. 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. And now, act one of yours, truly, Johnny Dol. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Providential Life and Casualty Insurance Company, home office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Shangcar diamond matter. Expense Account Item 1, 780Train to New York in a cab to the brownstone house on Sutton Place. Martha Mayfield Merriman, who looks more like somebody's cute little grandmother than a clever stock market operator. But who thinks and sounds like. Well, judge for yourself.

[B]

Can you dig that, Johnny? That sprout of mine is finally taking the leap. You sucker.

[A]

Well, after all, Martha.

[B]

Say, how about you, Johnny?

[A]

How about what about me?

[B]

You know, marriage.

[A]

Well, let's change the subject, huh?

[B]

Turn me down, huh? Well, then I'll just have to wait a couple of years and try you again. Or has that Betty Lewis been making time with you behind my back?

[A]

Ah, do you know Betty?

[B]

No, but I heard the broadcast of that case where she kept you from getting knocked off by that gangster. That Curly water.

[A]

Yeah, Martha, she saved my life and.

[B]

Then didn't have sense enough to get her hooks in. Yeah, Johnny, the dames nowadays are really slipping. Just don't you forget though, that I've got a lead on all of them because I've already proposed to you.

[A]

Martha, you are a doll.

[B]

Sure I am. And if I was a couple of years younger, Johnny, I'd run you ragged.

[A]

What do you mean, if you were a couple of years younger? Have you forgotten our night on the town after I handled that other case for you?

[B]

Hey, we really had a ball, didn't we, boy?

[A]

Took me nearly a week to recover.

[B]

Well, then we'll just have to do it again after this wedding's over with. Speaking of which, how would you like a little snort, Larkin?

[A]

Well, don't you think maybe we'd better?

[B]

Oh, of course you would. Larkin. Larkin.

[A]

You called, madam?

[B]

Fine things. Snooping around outside the door, eh? Trying to find out what Johnny Dollar's doing here.

[A]

Oh, certainly not, madam.

[B]

Of course you were. Now, bring us a couple of drinks. Scotch on the rocks. Okay, Johnny?

[A]

Sure, honey.

[B]

Hop to it, Larkin. Oh, and crack the wall safe and bring me the ring. The ring.

[A]

Very good, madam.

[B]

No, good old Larkin. He's leaving me, you know, and I'm really going to miss him.

[A]

Hey, wait a minute, Martha. Larkin has the combination to your walls tape.

[B]

No, I'm not. What would he ever do with the junk I keep stashed away in it?

[A]

What kind of junk?

[B]

Some odds and ends and necklaces and brooches and rings mostly. A couple of bracelets.

[A]

And what's the ring?

[B]

A Shankar diamond.

[A]

What? Isn't that the one I've read about? Probably the one supposed to be the opposite of the Hope diamond. That's supposed to have good luck charm about it.

[B]

None either.

[A]

Why, that thing's worth close to a million, isn't it?

[B]

That's what the insurance company says.

[A]

And you plan to wear it when your son Edgar gets married?

[B]

Oh, well, it's silly superstition, I suppose, but maybe it'll Bring him and Mary Luann good luck in their marriage.

[A]

Mary Luann.

[B]

Mary Luann. Melanie Beaufort Exum Culpepper.

[A]

Sounds like something out of Gone with the Wind.

[B]

The most gorgeous barrel in Greensboro, North Carolina, sir.

[A]

Is that where the wedding's gonna be?

[B]

At the old family plantation right outside of town. You're going to escort me to the wedding and the bang up reception afterward. I understand those Southern folks really know how to throw a wing ding.

[A]

Hey, tell me, Martha, do you expect somebody to make a try for that diamond?

[B]

Sure. I always do. Some of the top jewel thieves in the country have tried to snatch that rock.

[A]

Now who else knows that you've called me in?

[B]

Not a soul.

[A]

Well, good. Let's keep it that way.

[B]

I'm with you.

[A]

Okay. Then I'll run on back to Hartford and get some clothes to fit the occasion.

[B]

Johnny, with you and tails. And me and a set of threads that Balenciaga socked me a couple of G's for. We're gonna knock em dead.

[A]

Then I'll come back here, we'll pick up the diamond and go down to Greensboro together.

[B]

I know. We'll take one of my company planes. Just the two of us, Johnny. With maybe a case of champagne on board. How about that, Martha?

[A]

We will have us a ball Friday. Hell, and if I have that much get up and go when I'm her age. Well, I hope she'll live forever. Yeah, the trip to Greensboro sounded like it would really be a ball. But just before I left her, Larkin brought in the Shankar diamond. All 34 carats of it. Flawless, perfect, beautiful. And it suddenly occurred to me that somebody who wanted that stone, wanted it really bad, might not hesitate to kill for it. Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar in a moment.

[B]

And now for another episode in the life of Sergeant Donald Bellwether, my husband.

[A]

That's what I call a good dinner, Eva. Oh, that was delicious.

[B]

Well, I'm glad to hear that, dear. More coffee?

[A]

Yeah, just about a half a cup, please.

[B]

There you are.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Now tell me all about your safety class. Did the boys enjoy your speech?

[A]

Oh, yeah, they sure did. Thanks to you. I did quite well. My lieutenant complimented me afterwards. Yeah, but that same lieutenant threw me a curb too.

[B]

How dear?

[A]

Well, after I gave my talk, he asked the men if there were any questions. Well, that did it. But one of the guys stood up and said, said, look Sarge, you claim There were over 95,000 deaths and over 9 1/2 million people injured in accidents in the US last year. Looks to me like all those safety campaigns and slogans are doing no good at all.

[B]

How did you answer?

[A]

I didn't. I couldn't think of an answer. I got out of it by saying I'd have more facts and figures at the next meeting.

[B]

All right, let's see now. Oh, yeah, here it is. Now, First Sergeant Bellwether, you start off by telling the boys that since 1913 the accidental death rate has been reduced 35%. Or in other words, if there hadn't been campaigns and safety measures put into effect to reduce accidents, almost a million more people would have been killed in the last 46 years. It certainly is. I'm reading it right out of the National Safety Council record book. Oh, and another thing. Accidents in the farming areas are much higher than in the city. And you know why?

[A]

Why?

[B]

Because in rural areas, there are fewer policemen enforcing safety laws and less traffic signs and signals to guide the motorists. You know, many more cars travel the city streets, and yet the per capita rate of accident is much higher. In the rural areas, of course, the reason is obvious. In the city, more safety measures are instituted and obeyed.

[A]

Reba, you are wonderful. That's a good, logical answer. I don't know what I'd do without it.

[B]

Oh, that's my Donald. That's my doll.

[A]

And now, Act 2 of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Shankar Diamond Matter, Expense Account, Item 2, 1650. The trip to Hartford for my formal clothes, then back to New York and the home of Martha Mayfield Merriman. By the time I arrived, she was packed for the trip to Greensboro, North Carolina, and the wedding of her son Edgar. Her chauffeur drove us to the airport and then, much to my surprise, took over as pilot of the huge private two engine plane that was waiting for us. Within a few minutes we were airborne and on our way. And in my pocket was the ring. The Shangar Dam.

[B]

What are you looking so glum about, Johnny?

[A]

You, Martha.

[B]

Oh, what are you talking about? I'm the one who ought to have the sour puss I propose to you. You turned me down.

[A]

Martha, I don't think you really level with me.

[B]

You think I wouldn't marry you, you good looking? No, no.

[A]

I mean about this diamond.

[B]

Now, Johnny, I don't dig you.

[A]

Well, if it'd been some real serious attempts to steal it before, I would have been warned by the insurance company.

[B]

Well, so they forgot to tell you.

[A]

So is it? Or do you have reason to think that somebody's gonna try to get it now while you're away from your usual police protection Yeah, I thought so. Okay, Martha, who did you get a look at?

[B]

My chauffeur, Johnny, the lad who's steering this crate.

[A]

Well, I can hardly help it. Do you mean to say.

[B]

Yes, yes, Johnny. I think the only reason Eric ever took a job with me was to get his hands on that diamond.

[A]

Eric who?

[B]

Eric Melvin Chatterley.

[A]

Chatterley?

[B]

Yes, He's a distant cousin of Larkin, my butler.

[A]

And Larkin's leaving you shortly to spend.

[B]

His last days in his beloved England.

[A]

Did Larkin recommend him to you?

[B]

No. No, actually, he didn't even know much about Eric, in spite of their being related.

[A]

Well, how long has Larkin been with you? Oh, years. And this Eric?

[B]

Five or six months.

[A]

Martha, why do you suspect him?

[B]

Well, now, two reasons. In checking up on him after I hired him, I found out that his old man, Byron Chatterley, is still serving time in an English prison.

[A]

What for?

[B]

He was a jewel thief.

[A]

Sure, sure. I remember reading about him. He was a real expert. Painstaking and patient. Spent over three years working out a plan to get hold of the crown jewel.

[B]

But he didn't plan long enough. And that's when they nabbed him. Some of the head shrinkers are right. If crime is in Eric's blood.

[A]

Well, what was your second reason?

[B]

Well, about a week ago, I found Eric alone in the study, and I think he was casing the wall safe.

[A]

But you're not sure?

[B]

He had a dust cloth, and he started flicking it around, muttering sound. Something about giving Larkin a hand, which is highly unlikely.

[A]

You didn't accuse him?

[B]

No. I just made it known that I was going to take the diamond with me to the wedding, and I sent for you.

[A]

But if he knows who I am.

[B]

What my business is, I don't see how he can.

[A]

I beg your pardon, madam.

[B]

Wait, Johnny. Is there any way he could have been hearing us up there in the pilot's compartment?

[A]

No, I don't see how.

[B]

Yes, Eric.

[A]

We land in Breensboro in about five minutes, ma'.

[B]

Am. Thank you, Eric. We'll be ready.

[A]

Podbean, your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world. Start your podcast journey with Podbean. Podbean, the AI Powered all in one podcast platform. Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts. Use Podbean to record your podcast. Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast. Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast. Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere. Launch your podcast on Podbean today. It's been so long. How have you Been? Hello? I'm doing well, Dave. Why are you talking that way? Please say one for a compliment or two for a question. Yeah, this is weird. I think I'm gonna go. Talking with an automated phone tree can feel pretty ridiculous. That's why when you call Pacific Source Health Plans, you'll get a real person to answer all your important questions. Pacific Source Health Plans. This is a real person. How can I help? Not automated phone trees. Find a [e-mail]. well, Johnny, Martha, the only time you'll have this diamond is at the wedding and the reception.

[B]

After all, that's the only chance us old biddies will have to show off our furs and jewelry.

[A]

Okay, and the reception? The rest of the time, it'll be right here with me. But nobody's to know that. Martha could be wrong, of course. About Eric, I mean. The fact remained that within a few hours everybody in Greensboro knew about her being there with a Shankar diamond. The Culpeppers made us comfortable in the old mansion. The suite they gave to Martha was big enough to house a family of 12. During the next 24 hours, the place was, well, I'd call it a kind of dignified madhouse. What with all the preparations for the wedding. There were house guests by the dozens. Some were obviously very wealthy, but some had just as obviously seen better days. And I couldn't help wondering if a couple of them might have designs on that million dollar diamond. I stayed as close to Martha as possible and at the same time kept a constant watch on Eric. The police, who'd been hired for the occasion appointed him as a special guard. Darn fools. They didn't know it, but they were playing right into his hands. If, that is, Martha's suspicions were right. Then, late the following afternoon, the wedding went off without a hitch. The blushing bride was beautiful and the bridegroo looked appropriately happy. After the ceremony, the ladies all retired to protect themselves in their most fetching gowns and furs and jewels. And finally, about 8pm the big reception got underway. There must have been a couple of hundred people in that ballroom. And the champagne and bourbon flowed like water. Yeah, and I danced with some of the prettiest, most gorgeous girls I've ever seen. Right out of Charles of the Ritz. Then it must have been well after midnight. I caught a glimpse of a shadowy face outside one of the big French windows. As I looked again, it disappeared. But I was sure that it was Eric. I excused myself from Martha, with whom I'd been talking, and well, that was a mistake. As I reached the window, all the lights suddenly went out. And behind me I heard a scream. It was Martha. No question of it. By the time I fought my way back through the crowd to where I'd left her, the lights came up again. Yeah, there she lay, unconscious on the floor. The Shankar diamond, stripped from her fin. Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Do you know who said, absolute freedom of the press to discuss public questions is a foundation stone of American liberty? Those words were said by former President Herbert Hoover. Mr. Hoover was well aware of the important role that freedom of the press had played in the creation and growth of the United States of America. He realized that without freedom of the press, no democratic form of government could exist. One of the first steps in the path toward totalitarianism is the creation of a controlled press. A free press hampers the work of a potential dictator. When the press is free, the people of a country are free. When the press is not free, the people of a country are in danger of slavery. Remember the words of Herbert Hoover. They are part of your American heritage. Freedom of the press is a foundation stone of American liberty. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Within a few minutes of the time the lights had gone out and Martha had been robbed. We had her upstairs in a suite of doctor in attendance. Fortunately, she'd only fainted from shock and the pain of having the Shankar diamond forcibly stripped from. I acted fast. I had the special police haul Eric Chatterley into Greensboro. Then, after organizing a methodical search of the old mansion, I checked around outside the window where I'd seen Eric's face. And there, sure enough, was a main fuse box where the lights had been turned off. I checked back with Martha to be sure she was okay, then borrowed a car and drove into Greensboro to police headquarters. You better give us some other reason to hold them on, Mr. Dolan. What do you mean, Chief? My boys went over every stitch on them, but they found absolutely no sign of that diamond you're talking about. How about his quarters there at the plantation? Now, you know as well as I do, sir, he had no chance to hide anything except on his person. Hey, no, sir. Unless you can prove me wrong, we got no reason to hold him. Wait. Where's the nearest hospital? Hospital? Yes. And Chief, I give you odds I can find that diamond on Eric Chatterley. The X ray of Chatterley's midsection took a few minutes. Development of the film, a few minutes, more careful examination of it. Only a few seconds. Great day, Mr. Dolly. You were right, sir. Yeah? Was I? Look for yourself. He must have taken it out of the ring. But the important thing, the diamond is sitting right there in the middle of his stomach. The outline of that stone is just as clear. And that's just the trouble, chief. Trouble, sir? Oh, that's the stone that Eric tore off her finger. All right, so go ahead, hold on to him. But if that's it, sir. But, chief, that's not the Shankar diamond. All right, governor, all right. You caught me with the ruddy goods on me, so I'll take the rat for it. And it won't be the first time. But you got to admit, it was pretty clever of me. Clever? When you couldn't tell the difference between the real thing and a carefully made imitation. Imitation? That's right. The stone that you swallowed. No, he told me she had the real thing when he got me the job with her. Who? Eric. At least when he wrote me I should come over from England and apply for the who. Eric, I've said enough. Yeah, I think you have it. That.

[B]

Eric have the combination of that wall safe? Of course not. As I told you, the owner.

[A]

Sure, Mother.

[B]

Well, of course I am. When you say paged in imitation Johnny, are you kidding?

[A]

When's the last time you wore the Shanghai?

[B]

At the big charity ball last spring. If it was the Shang car, not this imitation you're talking about.

[A]

I haven't had it cleaned or checked by a jeweler since.

[B]

No. Why should I?

[A]

Then it probably wasn't the Shang car. And you're sure you didn't know about this imitation?

[B]

Do you think I'd go around flashing a phony? Now, look here, Johnny. I love you dearly, but don't you cool me with a line like that. Don't rile me, boy.

[A]

Okay, honey, okay. Keep your head on. Just get ready for a quick trip back to New York as soon as I can. Find us another flyboy. During the flight back to New York, Martha asked a lot of questions. But I sidestepped all of them. Promised her a real dramatic ending to the case. And I kind of quietly prayed for one myself. When we reached the old brownstone house on Sutton Place, we told Larkin the butler, about the robbery. Then, at my insistence, went upstairs to his quarters on the fourth floor. Here you are, sir. I'm afraid I don't understand.

[B]

You've sure got me bugged, too.

[A]

Johnny Larkin. I see you're already packing for your trip back to dear old England. Yes, sir. During my four years of service with madam, I find I've accumulated quite a. I beg your pardon, sir? I'm going through every one of these bags of yours, Larry.

[B]

Now, Johnny.

[A]

Maybe even tear them apart to look for false bottoms. Hidden compartments, sir. I'll do the same thing to your clothes, your shoes, if necessary, until I find the Shankar diamond. Mr. Dollar, madam.

[B]

Now, Johnny, what's the gag?

[A]

Sometimes blood will tell. Isn't what that head shrinker said to you?

[B]

Well, yes, but I.

[A]

You were thinking only of Eric. Of his relationship with the notorious Byron Chatterley. The man who quietly, patiently spent years working on a plan to get hold of a precious stone. You forgot all about Larkin being related.

[B]

Now, just a minute.

[A]

Trusted Larkin to the point of letting him have the combination of the safe where you kept the Shankar. So he had an imitation made a beauty out of a thing they call stress.

[B]

Stress?

[A]

Yeah, It's a highly leaded glass that only an expert can tell from a real diamond when it's cut correctly. That's what you've been wearing the last few times now.

[B]

I just can't believe it.

[A]

But Larkin realized that sooner or later the fake would be spotted. So he evolved another scheme to have the fake one stolen by his distant cousin, Eric. Same blood, remember? If Eric got away with it okay and Larkin was clean, he could split with him later when Eric got wise to the phony. If Eric was caught as he was, Larkin's skirts would still be clean. Right, Larkin? Quite, sir. And you won't need to destroy my luggage. I'll fetch you the diamond. Yeah, you may as well. But I must say, if you hadn't discovered the one Eric stole was paste, I'd never have got onto you. May I ask how you did it, sir? Sure. The X ray of your beloved cousin's belly. Well, I realize that that's how you located the stone. It also told me it wasn't the real one.

[B]

Well, so help me, Johnny, I don't dig you.

[A]

We'd never have seen the real one.

[B]

What?

[A]

Genuine diamonds are completely trans to X rays. So the diamond's safe and sound and Larkin and his dearly beloved cousin are in the clink. Martha was a bit upset over what Larkin had done, but. Well, she'll get over it. Yeah, and I sure hope I get over this headache. That brawl she threw for me by way of celebration was a dilly. Expense account total, including incidentals and the trip back to Hartford. Call her 50 bucks. Yours truly, Johnny Dull. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey. Originates in Hollywood and is written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Lillian Byatth, Jack Edwards, Barney Phillips, Boris Lewis and Eric Snowden. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Doll. This is Dan Coverley speaking. Johnny Dollar has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television.