Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Diamond Matter 09/14/1958

Summary

Summary of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Diamond Matter"

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Introduction

In the captivating episode titled "The Wayward Diamond Matter," Choice Classic Radio's host delves into a classic tale of insurance fraud, deceit, and relentless detective work. Starring the ever-diligent Johnny Dollar, this episode masterfully intertwines suspense, sharp dialogue, and intricate plotting to deliver an engaging narrative that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

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Act One: Uncovering the Fraud

Setting the Scene (00:47 - 02:35)

The story begins with Johnny Dollar meeting with Peter Hanley and Nancy Merrill at the luxurious Beverly Hilton. The trio discusses the recent unraveling of Randolph Merrill's yacht explosion—a scheme revealed as a ruse to conceal the fact that the yacht never sank. Nancy reveals that while Randolph was cleared of wrongdoing, the plot thickens with the discovery of fake jewels presented by Mrs. Merrill.

Key Dialogue:

• Nancy Merrill [01:03]: "You cleared up that matter for us. You proved conclusively that Randolph Merrill did not lose his yacht, that the explosion and the sinking were fake."

• Johnny Dollar [02:17]: "Her jewels that you'd insured for $100,000... those jewelry pieces were fake. Paste."

Through meticulous investigation, Johnny deduces that the substitution of fake jewels was a strategic move to facilitate an insurance claim, signaling a sophisticated fraud operation.

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Act Two: The Detective's Pursuit

Escalation and Encounter (10:17 - 13:31)

Johnny, accompanied by Peter Hanley, travels to Westwood to delve deeper into the mystery. Here, Johnny encounters Sam Benjamin, an inexperienced detective whose bungled efforts threaten to compromise the investigation. The interaction highlights Johnny's frustration with unqualified assistance and underscores the high stakes involved.

Key Dialogue:

• Johnny Dollar [11:12]: "You've been walking up and down in front of this house all morning?"

• Sam Benjamin [12:20]: "I told you, my brother. And don't you say anything about my brother."

The tension escalates as Sam's incompetence leads to his abrupt dismissal, emphasizing the perilous nature of their mission to unearth the truth behind the fake diamonds.

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Act Three: Confrontation and Resolution

Unmasking the Culprits (15:45 - 22:32)

Johnny's relentless pursuit leads him to Howard's Hillcrest Jewelry in Westwood Village, where he uncovers critical evidence of substitution between genuine diamonds and imitations. His confrontation with Peter Hanley (revealed to be the mastermind) brings the plot to a head. Peter, desperate to protect his scheme, attempts to eliminate Johnny, resulting in a tense standoff.

Key Dialogue:

• Peter Hanley [17:00]: "When I removed the genuine diamonds from your various pieces and replaced them with paste, it was with the distinct understanding..."

• Johnny Dollar [20:24]: "I'll save you the trouble of looking for me. Howard."

Despite Peter's threats, Johnny's quick thinking and strategic maneuvering lead to his successful apprehension of the fraudsters, ensuring justice is served.

Expense Account Revelation (21:27 - 22:32)

In a signature Johnny Dollar twist, the resolution includes a detailed account of his expenses, showcasing his professionalism and the tangible efforts behind solving the case.

• Johnny Dollar [21:31]: "Expense account total, including additional mileage on my rental car and the trip back to Hartford. $218."

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Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

The episode concludes with a sense of triumph as Howard and Nancy face the consequences of their fraudulent actions. Johnny Dollar's meticulous investigation and unwavering determination underscore the moral that deceitful schemes ultimately unravel under scrutiny.

Teaser for Next Week:

• Johnny Dollar [24:27]: "Next week, a quiet little fishing pier on the coast of California. Only they call it the Pier of Death. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar."

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Notable Themes and Insights

• Integrity in Investigation: Johnny Dollar exemplifies the ideal investigator—methodical, ethical, and tenacious—highlighting the importance of integrity in uncovering the truth.

• Consequences of Greed: The fraudulent actions of Peter Hanley and Nancy Merrill serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of greed and deceit.

• Professionalism vs. Incompetence: The contrast between Johnny's professionalism and Sam Benjamin's ineptitude emphasizes the value of expertise and competence in critical fields.

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Final Thoughts

"The Wayward Diamond Matter" is a quintessential Johnny Dollar episode, blending intricate plotting with character-driven storytelling. Listeners are treated to a compelling narrative that not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about honesty, diligence, and the inevitable downfall of fraudulent endeavors. As always, Choice Classic Radio delivers an exemplary Old Time Radio experience, celebrating the Golden Age of detective stories.

Transcript

[Podbean]

Your message amplified.

[Sam Benjamin]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast Journey with Podbean.

[Johnny Dollar]

Podbean.

[Sam Benjamin]

Podbean.

[Johnny Dollar]

PodBean. PodBean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Peter Hanley]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Podbean]

Launch your podcast on podbean today.

[Nancy Merrill]

My school uses Podbean.

[Sam Benjamin]

My church too.

[Johnny Dollar]

I love it. I really do. Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows.

[Bob Bailey]

Like us on Facebook.

[Sam Benjamin]

Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Narrator]

From Hollywood. It's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Duller, Peter.

[Nancy Merrill]

Hanley at Western Maritime and property.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah, Mr. Hanley, I found this.

[Nancy Merrill]

Message to call you. You're still in town at the Beverly Hilton?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, that's right.

[Nancy Merrill]

I thought you'd be back in Hartford by now.

[Johnny Dollar]

When I can enjoy a spot like this on expensive count.

[Nancy Merrill]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

This California weather? The swimming pool here at the hotel?

[Nancy Merrill]

Wait, no, no, no, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait.

[Nancy Merrill]

You say on expense account? Why, sure, $, you cleared up that matter for us. You proved conclusively that Randolph Merrill did not lose his yacht, that the explosion and the sinking were fake.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right.

[Nancy Merrill]

And incidentally, as you anticipated, the yacht was found in a small Mexican seaport, all ready to be rebuilt and repainted to thoroughly disguised.

[Johnny Dollar]

Good. Now, Mr. Hanley.

[Nancy Merrill]

Oh, by the way, in spite of his earlier vindictiveness, Merrill has decided to plead guilty and throw himself on the mercy of the court.

[Johnny Dollar]

Has he signed a confession?

[Nancy Merrill]

Well, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then I'll bet he changes his tune by the time he goes to trial. Sure, that's an old trick to slow things up, gain time. Are you having Mrs. Merrill held as an accessory?

[Nancy Merrill]

The Merrill has made and signed a statement completely clearing her. So to hold her now would only complicate matters.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hanley, either you haven't yet read my expense account report, or I forgot to. Or I forgot to tell you what tipped me off. That that bear was trying to pull something on us.

[Nancy Merrill]

Oh, what was it, Mr. Dolan?

[Johnny Dollar]

Her jewels that you'd insured for $100,000.

[Nancy Merrill]

Oh, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yes. Hanley, that jewelry Mrs. Merrill showed us was fake. Paste.

[Nancy Merrill]

Heavens.

[Johnny Dollar]

Dollar, you. You still think I ought to go back to Hartford?

[Nancy Merrill]

No, no, no, no. Not until you found out where the real jewels are. Can you come down to the office, Mr. Dollar? Right away?

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure, if you like it.

[Nancy Merrill]

No, no, no, no. I'll drive out there to your hotel.

[Johnny Dollar]

Whatever you say.

[Nancy Merrill]

Yes, I'll drive out there. I'll Be there right away.

[Johnny Dollar]

Scotch and soda be all right.

[Nancy Merrill]

Yeah. What?

[Johnny Dollar]

You suddenly sound.

[Narrator]

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

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by Special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Western Maritime and Property Insurance Company, Los Angeles, Calif. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the wayward diamonds matter. Expense account item 1, $2 a quarter for drinks in my room at the Beverly Hilton. By the time room service had delivered them, collected the tip and left, Peter Hanley arrived. Yeah, come in.

[Nancy Merrill]

I make no bones about it, Mr. Dollar. I had completely forgotten about those jewels of Mrs. Merrill's.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, well, I can't say that I. We were so intent on exposing the so called sinking of that yacht.

[Nancy Merrill]

Exactly.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, all right, Relax here. Come on now, sit down and relax while we map out a plan of action. Thank you.

[Nancy Merrill]

After you hung up, I suddenly remembered that you had mentioned the fact that those jewels were fake to Mrs. Merrow herself.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, that's right.

[Nancy Merrill]

All right. Well, how did you know that they were fakes, Mr. Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

You remember when we sat in their living room out in Westwood while they gave us that cock and bull story about the yacht going down?

[Nancy Merrill]

Yes, yes, I remember all right.

[Johnny Dollar]

She handed me the jewels to look at. I kind of absentmindedly dragged one of the so called diamonds across the glass top of the coffee table and realized it didn't scratch it. Nor did any of the others, which proved they weren't diamonds at all but some kind of imitations. Look, why, why kid about it, Hanley? Up to that point they'd had me believing their story about losing that yacht.

[Nancy Merrill]

You weren't alone, Dolly. You weren't alone. But now I suppose we'd better call in the police about that jewelry.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why the police?

[Nancy Merrill]

Well, to see if they can find the originals.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now look, look. The Merrells are a clever pair. They proved that when they almost got away with a $150,000 claim against you for a boat that didn't sink after all.

[Nancy Merrill]

Very true, Dolla, very true.

[Johnny Dollar]

So you can be pretty sure they didn't take the diamonds out of that jewelry and just hand them over to some fence around here.

[Nancy Merrill]

Yes, you're right. Later. I suppose she figured to lose the fakes, have them stolen, then claim the insurance.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, probably. If we hadn't nabbed the old man for the yacht. Fraud. You say she hasn't been held?

[Nancy Merrill]

No, but I see now that we. She should have been, in spite of her husband's Statement that she was completely innocent of any complicity in the whole scheme.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I think she should have. You know, it's gonna take a lot of money to defend him. And with him and the clink, she's the logical one to raise it with the diamonds.

[Nancy Merrill]

The real diamonds?

[Johnny Dollar]

Uh huh. That's my guess.

[Nancy Merrill]

Very well then. I'll go over to police headquarters right away. Charge her with fraud, you know, because of the diamonds themselves. And see that she is held until she tells us where we can recover them.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hadn't you better get evidence of fraud first?

[Nancy Merrill]

Mere fact that she substituted paste for the real diamonds in that jewelry dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, a lot of people do that. Never wear the real stuff in public unless they have a lot of guards around. Well, even so. Oh no, Henley, you've got to prove that she's actually got rid of the real ones. Or tries to. You see, I don't think she's had a chance to yet.

[Nancy Merrill]

Why not?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no, listen, I'm running up a nice fat item for you on my expense account.

[Nancy Merrill]

What kind of an item?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, so far it only amounts to $150.

[Nancy Merrill]

What? For?

[Johnny Dollar]

Fee to a private detective agency. Somebody to tailor 24 hours a day.

[Nancy Merrill]

In the hope of finding out what she's doing with the genuine stones.

[Johnny Dollar]

More important, to find out how she'll try to dispose of them.

[Nancy Merrill]

But she may have done that some time ago.

[Johnny Dollar]

I doubt it. Why? It's only recently they've needed dough. Granted, they had two plans. The phony sinking of the yacht and later, if that worked, a phony loss of their phony diamonds.

[Nancy Merrill]

But why later?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, to run them both together would look suspicious. What's more, apparently saving the jewels made the yacht accident look legitimate.

[Nancy Merrill]

Yes, I suppose so.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure. Remember this? She made a big thing of having.

[Nancy Merrill]

Saved her jewelry when we still believed the wreck was legitimate.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right. She made a big point of displaying those phonies to us because she wanted to be sure we'd not only see them, but believe they were the originals. That we'd be witness to the fact she still had them.

[Nancy Merrill]

Yes, I see. But she must recall that you finally recognized them as Pace.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, like you and I almost forgot about it. Simply because they had nothing directly to do with the matters at hand.

[Nancy Merrill]

And she may think that we have forgotten.

[Johnny Dollar]

I mean, I doubt it. The point is, now she needs money. He saw to it that she stayed free to raise it.

[Nancy Merrill]

And the diamonds are probably her only way of getting it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Which is why I put a detective on her. Oh, excuse me. Johnny Dollar. Yeah. What? Well, how did. Yeah, well, look, I'll be right over.

[Nancy Merrill]

What is it, Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, that detective I was talking about has just lost his job.

[Nancy Merrill]

I don't understand.

[Johnny Dollar]

He just came to.

[Nancy Merrill]

Came to?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, at the home of Mrs. Merrill.

[Nancy Merrill]

He's in her home?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, but she isn't. She'?

[Narrator]

Act two of yours truly. Johnny Dollar.

[Bob Bailey]

In a moment. Although most men by nature don't feel in a combat mood much of the time, there are some who just can't get enough of a good fight. Particularly if there's a good, sound reason for it. In July 1900, when American fighting men were protecting the rights and liberty of their fellow countrymen during the Boxer Uprising, the battle was a furiously fought affair. Army Private Robert H. Von Schlick, serving with Company C of the 9th United States Infantry Division, was in the thick of the fracas. Although he had been wounded previously. While carrying a wounded comrade to a place of safety, he rejoined his command, which partly occupied an exposed position on a dike. Private Von Schlick remained there after his company had been withdrawn, and in spite of the hail of bullets around him, single handedly continued to fire into the enemy ranks. Oblivious to the fact that he was a conspicuous target, he refused to leave the fight until he was literally shot off his position by the enemy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Podbean, your message amplified.

[Sam Benjamin]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with podbean.

[Podbean]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Peter Hanley]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Johnny Dollar]

Use Podbean to record your podcast.

[Sam Benjamin]

Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast.

[Johnny Dollar]

Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast.

[Sam Benjamin]

Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

[Johnny Dollar]

Launch your podcast on PodBean today.

[Bob Bailey]

Private Robert Von Schlick earned the Medal of Honor for valiant devotion to duty and added heroic background to the code of conduct of American fighting men.

[Narrator]

And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Wayward Diamonds matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

In separate cars. I still had my rental job. Pete Hanley, the insurance man, and I drove out to Westwood, just beyond Beverly Hills.

[Nancy Merrill]

You're sure that detective was here at the Merrill home when he called you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, that's what he said, but if.

[Nancy Merrill]

He was supposed to simply tail.

[Johnny Dollar]

Come on. Come on.

[Sam Benjamin]

Mr. Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, that's right. And I take it you're Sam Benjamin. Holy smoke. What happened to you? Where's Mrs. Merrill?

[Sam Benjamin]

Well, like I told you on the phone, Mr. Dollar, she's gone.

[Johnny Dollar]

Any idea where Lucy?

[Sam Benjamin]

Hey, you mind If I sit down, I don't feel so good.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no, go ahead. Go on. Sit down. All right. Y' all set?

[Sam Benjamin]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, what happened?

[Sam Benjamin]

Well, I was walking up and down the street.

[Johnny Dollar]

Huh?

[Sam Benjamin]

You know, real casual. So as not, there was no street.

[Johnny Dollar]

You've been walking up and down in front of this house all morning?

[Sam Benjamin]

Yeah, all morning. But like I say, real casual.

[Johnny Dollar]

So where did you ever learn to be a detective? Some correspondence course?

[Sam Benjamin]

Oh, now, look, Dolly, you shouldn't talk like that. I resent it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay. All right, go ahead and resent it. But prowling up and down in front of the house?

[Sam Benjamin]

My brother runs a very good detective agent.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Sam Benjamin]

And if he didn't think I was a good operator.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, what happened?

[Sam Benjamin]

Well, I see her come out the back door, you know, Ms. Merrill.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wow.

[Sam Benjamin]

And I see her go out and she opens up the garage.

[Johnny Dollar]

And where were you?

[Sam Benjamin]

Well, by good luck, I just happened to be in front of the driveway about then. So, real casual, I lean over and I start tying up my shoelace, you know, so she won't get suspicious of me.

[Johnny Dollar]

You see? Go on, go on. Well?

[Sam Benjamin]

Well, she gets in the car and she gives me a look, but that's all. So I figures me being so casual, no, she's not wise to what I'm doing around here, you know?

[Johnny Dollar]

Bet she wasn't.

[Sam Benjamin]

But that's where you're wrong, Darla. Cause somehow she must have figured it out, even with me being so casual.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, all right, what happened?

[Sam Benjamin]

Well, dollar she comes bound out of the garage so fast, I didn't have.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hardly time to casually ran you down.

[Sam Benjamin]

So I was casual about it. By the time I pick myself up and I find out I got any busted bones, she's down the street and around the corner.

[Johnny Dollar]

What kind of a car was she driving? Gee, no. What was the license number?

[Sam Benjamin]

I don't know.

[Johnny Dollar]

You don't know?

[Sam Benjamin]

Well, then how it happened so fast?

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, whoever assigned you to this job ought to have.

[Sam Benjamin]

I told you, my brother. And don't you say anything about my brother.

[Johnny Dollar]

How did you get into this house?

[Sam Benjamin]

Well, my order said if she made any move, I was to phone you. I figured nearest phone was in here.

[Johnny Dollar]

How did you get in?

[Sam Benjamin]

Well, I looked around and seen one of the back windows was open.

[Johnny Dollar]

Do you have any authority to enter this house? A warrant, maybe?

[Sam Benjamin]

No, but I have my orders to phone you just as soon as I could. And like I said, I figured the nearest phone. You want to see my orders? No, I don't. Well, look, see, Here, now, you look.

[Johnny Dollar]

You can take those back to your office and shove them in your darling brother's face.

[Sam Benjamin]

Oh, now you're saying things against my brother.

[Johnny Dollar]

Don't forget to tell him you're fired.

[Sam Benjamin]

Aw, now, look. Dollar anybody can make one little mistake.

[Johnny Dollar]

You asked me, you made them all. Now, go on, get out of that chair and get out of here.

[Sam Benjamin]

Oh, no. Listen.

[Johnny Dollar]

I suppose that car that's parked right across the street, I suppose that's yours. Sure.

[Sam Benjamin]

So as if she made a move, I could follow her without wasting no time.

[Johnny Dollar]

Real casual, huh? So she wouldn't know you were following her.

[Sam Benjamin]

Of course.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, go on, get out.

[Sam Benjamin]

Oh, now, look, you wasn't about you being fired?

[Johnny Dollar]

You bet I was. And you can tell your brother he and his agency are. Oh, go on. I'll settle with him later.

[Sam Benjamin]

Look, I'm not used to being treated like this. And when I told my brother.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, brother. Well, Hanny, it looks like I called in the wrong detective agency. I'm sorry.

[Nancy Merrill]

I am?

[Johnny Dollar]

Afraid so.

[Nancy Merrill]

And I suppose you and I have no more right to be in this house than that idiot had. So perhaps we'd better leave.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure, but not until you get on the phone and call the Department of Motor Vehicles. Oh, find out from them the year, make and model of Mrs. Nancy Merrill's car.

[Nancy Merrill]

Or better still, I can. I can call my office.

[Johnny Dollar]

Your office? Yes.

[Nancy Merrill]

We issued the insurance on that car.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, good. Meantime, rather than just sit here and twiddle my thumbs, I'm gonna have a look around.

[Nancy Merrill]

But, Dolly, if our simply being here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Is illegal, would you stop worrying about it and get on that phone in the bedroom? I found the jewel box, all right, but no sign of the jewels. However, in a desk, I did find a receipt. A receipted bill for some work done by a jeweler in Westwood Village. The amount of the bill. Yeah, it was more than enough to cover the substituting phonies for the diamonds in that jewelry. So when Hanley got the description of Nancy Merrill's car, I sent him over to West LA Police headquarters to have my pals over there put out an APB on it. Then I hopped into my own car and headed for the jewelry store in Westwood. And you know something? If I'd had any idea of what was waiting for me there, believe me, I'd never have gone alone.

[Narrator]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Nancy Merrill]

In a moment, our flag now numbers 50 stars. And behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Kentucky's state flag is dark Blue, with the seal of the commonwealth encircled by a wreath of goldenrod, the state flower. Within the seal, two friends embrace, their right hands clasped, their left resting on each other's shoulders, their feet on the verge of a precipice which illustrates the motto beneath them. United we stand, divided we fall. Kentucky's state flag. The flag of the 15th state to enter the Union was adopted on March 26, 1918.

[Narrator]

And now, Act 3 of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Wayward diamonds matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Howard's Hillcrest Jewelry is a small but very exclusive shop on Wayburn Avenue in the Westwood Village section of Los Angeles. There, with the help of a receipt I'd found in Nancy Merrill's desk, I hoped to get on the track of the missing diamonds. I entered this snooty little shop and asked for the owner.

[Peter Hanley]

I'm sorry, my good man, but Mr. Howard. Howard is engaged with one of our important clients.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I'm here on rather important business.

[Peter Hanley]

Well, if you care to leave your name. And he wishes to see you. Perhaps we shall call you.

[Podbean]

Ah, Mrs. Smythe, can you please.

[Peter Hanley]

How delightful to see you again. And did little cheeps. He liked the jeweled color we selected for him. Such a lovely puppy. You know, he's the favorite of all my doggy friends. Just as you're my favorite.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe I'd better look for this Howard myself.

[Peter Hanley]

Mrs. M. Kenworthy. You have no idea how it brightened the day to have you drop in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oops, wrong department. What can I show you today?

[Peter Hanley]

Some little tricket for your cat?

[Podbean]

We have some privacy things. And real emerald.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no, but you must.

[Podbean]

Please.

[Peter Hanley]

Nancy. Nancy, my dear.

[Podbean]

Yes, Howard, my pet.

[Peter Hanley]

When I removed the genuine diamonds from your various pieces and replaced them with paste, it was with the distinct understanding.

[Podbean]

I know, dear, I know. But now I have to have the real stones put back.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why?

[Peter Hanley]

As I understood, it was in order to have the fake gems stolen so that you could collect on the insurance.

[Podbean]

Oh, of course it was. Of course.

[Peter Hanley]

Not so loud, Nancy.

[Podbean]

Howard, our plan to claim that the yacht exploded, failed. Randolph is in jail.

[Peter Hanley]

He didn't involve you in that. I must say, rather foolish plot.

[Podbean]

Oh, no. But I have to go through the motions of getting him legal help.

[Peter Hanley]

Excellent, my dear. I hope they keep him in jail. Howard, Randolph has stood in the way of our romance too long, my pet.

[Podbean]

Howard, please listen. Because of the yacht, they sent an insurance investigator out here.

[Peter Hanley]

Investigator?

[Podbean]

Yes. Mr. Johnny Dollar Dollar.

[Peter Hanley]

Good heavens.

[Podbean]

You know him?

[Peter Hanley]

I know about him. I don't like this.

[Podbean]

And he found that these jewels I Have now are paste. Now you've got to put the original stones back so that when he sees them again he'll think he was mistaken.

[Peter Hanley]

Impossible. I've already disposed of them through various connections. Why did you show him those fakes?

[Podbean]

Well, I. I thought. I thought.

[Peter Hanley]

You thought wrong, you stupid wench.

[Podbean]

Oh, how.

[Peter Hanley]

Don't you see? You may have opened the door to investigation of some of the other favors I've and other customers to beat your insurance company.

[Podbean]

Oh, but I didn't think.

[Peter Hanley]

Oh, of course you didn't. But if Dollar ever connects me with those imitations.

[Podbean]

Oh dear, I know. And if they ever find out that the loss you faked here in the store that you collected so much on.

[Peter Hanley]

Nancy, if they ever discover that that was faked, I'll go up for life, thanks to you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh no.

[Peter Hanley]

I could kill you for being such a fool.

[Podbean]

Oh, but darling, I didn't know. I didn't realize.

[Peter Hanley]

You don't know anything.

[Podbean]

Howard, please.

[Peter Hanley]

Oh shut up. Shut up and let me think.

[Podbean]

If there's anything, anything I can do.

[Peter Hanley]

I said shut up.

[Nancy Merrill]

Howard, will you be quiet.

[Peter Hanley]

I got to think this thing out. I knew from the beginning that that stupid trick with the yacht wouldn't work out. I told you so.

[Podbean]

But it fooled the police and the Coast Guard. How are we to know the insurance company would send that Johnny Dollar out here?

[Peter Hanley]

Will you stop talking about him? We've got to figure our way out of this mess. Who else besides Dollar knows about the phony jewels I made up for you?

[Podbean]

No one, Howard, except my husband, of course.

[Peter Hanley]

Are you sure?

[Podbean]

But how could they know?

[Peter Hanley]

What if your husband talks?

[Podbean]

Oh, he doesn't dare. Don't you see? He's the one who sent me here to get the stones back. So that Dollar can't prove he saw the imitations.

[Peter Hanley]

And I tell you I can't get them back. They're probably scattered all over the country by now.

[Podbean]

But don't you see? Unless we can show them to him. The real ones, I mean. Show them to this Johnny Donald.

[Peter Hanley]

No, no, no, it's impossible. So that means only one thing, Nancy.

[Podbean]

Replacing the fakes with some other genuine stones.

[Peter Hanley]

No, no, that would take months. No, Nancy, it means that I have to get rid of this man Dollar.

[Podbean]

That gun?

[Peter Hanley]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Uh huh.

[Podbean]

You'd. You'd kill him?

[Peter Hanley]

Yes, Nancy, I'll kill him if I can find him.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll save you the trouble of looking for me. Howard. What? $. And is that the gun you plan to kill me with?

[Peter Hanley]

Yes, that's right. And I think I'd better kill you right now.

[Podbean]

Oh, Howard, darling, please.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, put that thing down, Howard. You're not gonna shoot with customers out front.

[Peter Hanley]

My private vault is just outside this back door of my office. $. And it's open in there. The sound of a shot won't be heard out front.

[Johnny Dollar]

No kidding?

[Peter Hanley]

No kidding. All right, walk out that little door.

[Johnny Dollar]

Walk. You don't really leave me much choice, do you?

[Peter Hanley]

Open it carefully. No tricks.

[Johnny Dollar]

Tricks? With a gun on my back?

[Peter Hanley]

All right, open the door.

[Johnny Dollar]

Go ahead. Well, it seems stuck. Maybe you'd better open it.

[Peter Hanley]

I said no tricks. You open it.

[Podbean]

Howard, you don't know what you're doing.

[Peter Hanley]

You bet I do.

[Johnny Dollar]

Go ahead.

[Peter Hanley]

$.

[Johnny Dollar]

You may be sorry for this, you know.

[Peter Hanley]

Will you quit stalling and open it?

[Johnny Dollar]

Whatever you say, Mr. Howard.

[Peter Hanley]

Mr. Howard.

[Sam Benjamin]

Oh, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Peter Hanley]

Mr. Howard, there are some men here to see you. Nancy, go out there. Tell him I'm not to be disturbed. I'll see them in a few minutes.

[Podbean]

Oh, please, dear.

[Johnny Dollar]

Go ahead. Go on. Mr. Howard, these men are from the police.

[Bob Bailey]

The police?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, bless Peter Handy.

[Peter Hanley]

Oh, no, you. Yes, I do.

[Nancy Merrill]

$. Are you all right? Those shots.

[Peter Hanley]

Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hiya, Pete.

[Nancy Merrill]

Huh? Oh, thank heavens. Thank heaven.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, looks like he's okay, Mr. Hanley. But $1 under the sun did you.

[Sam Benjamin]

Do to our friend Howard here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, we had a little argument, Sergeant. I'll tell you all about it, and then you can haul him off to the clink. Oh, hey, listen, if you've got something.

[Narrator]

On Howard Howard, you'll be our friend for life.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sergeant, I've got plenty. Good.

[Narrator]

Because, brother, we've been trying to catch.

[Johnny Dollar]

Up with him for years. Coincidentally. Have you got a cell for Mrs. Merrill, too? You bet we have. Expense account, item two. $50 in legal fees to make a deposition so I won't have to hang around for a trial or two or three. And I have a sneaking suspicion that Howard and Merrill and his wife are going to have a long, long time to think things over. Expense account total, including additional mileage on my rental car and the trip Back to Hartford. $218. Even yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Our star will return in just a moment.

[Bob Bailey]

There are some men who, after being practically pushed into the service, find their element and commit heroic deeds. Frank Luke was that sort of young man. Soon after the United States entered World War I, Luke was taunted by his patriotic family into joining up. He was commissioned a second lieutenant after completing his flight training with the Signal Corps Air Service. That small beginning of today's Mighty Air Force Lieutenant Luke found it difficult to accept the discipline so necessary in the military. When he got to France and was assigned to the English Spads, his attitude worried his commanding officer. But Luke's performance in the air didn't. In less than two months in aerial combat, he accounted for seven enemy aircraft. And earned himself the nickname of Balloon Buster for knocking down 11 or 12 of those menaces to the ground troops. The observation balloons. For his gallant action in the face of great danger and overwhelming odds, he was awarded two Distinguished Service Crosses and the Medal of Honor. Shortly before the end of the war, Lt. Frank Luke made his last heroic combat flight. After having just returned from a sizzling air battle. He refueled his Spad and took off on an extra duty mission. Pursued by eight enemy planes, he shot down three balloons. He was wounded, and his plane was so badly damaged in the action. That he had to make a forced landing in a German cemetery. Perhaps the irony of it struck him at the time. When called upon to surrender, he preferred to open fire with his automatic and fight to the death. Though he was only 21 years of age, Lieutenant Frank Luke May have had trouble adjusting to the military life. But when he did, he was a gallant fighter and a credit to his country.

[Narrator]

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

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week, a quiet little fishing pier on the coast of California. Only they call it the Pier of Death. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Paula Winslow, Ben Wright, Jack Cruchen, Jack Edwards, Marvin Miller and Joseph Kearns. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Roy Rowan speaking.

[Bob Bailey]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.