Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Moth Matter 03/09/1958

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Moth Matter"

Release Date: February 24, 2025
Original Air Date: March 9, 1958
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio

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Introduction

"Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" is a classic old-time radio series featuring Johnny Dollar, a skilled freelance insurance investigator with an "action-packed expense account." In the episode titled "The Wayward Moth Matter," Johnny is summoned to Florida by his fishing buddy, Earl Poorman, to investigate a seemingly minor insurance claim. What unfolds is a gripping tale intertwining national security, sabotage, and unexpected twists.

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1. The Call to Florida

The episode opens with Johnny Dollar receiving a call from his old friend, Earl Poorman, regarding a $2,000 insurance claim. Despite Johnny's initial skepticism about the significance of such a small claim, Earl hints at deeper issues involving national security.

• Johnny Dollar ([00:53]): "You got troubles?"
• Earl Poorman ([01:00]): "Yes, over a $2,000 insurance claim."

Johnny decides to take the case seriously, emphasizing his commitment to thorough investigation.

• Johnny Dollar ([01:19]): "I'll grab the first plane."

---

2. Arrival and Initial Discussions

Upon arriving in Sarasota, Florida, Johnny meets Earl, who showcases his new car embellished with modern features of the time, such as power seats and air conditioning. The camaraderie between the two friends is evident as they discuss fishing plans alongside the business at hand.

• Earl Poorman ([02:30]): "You like my new car, Johnny?"
• Johnny Dollar ([03:12]): "Blue fish."

Earl reluctantly acknowledges the mysterious nature of the claim, admitting he doesn't fully understand its connection to national security.

• Earl Poorman ([03:25]): "I told you, I don't really know."

---

3. Meeting Todd Swam and Unveiling the Mystery

Johnny is introduced to Todd Swam, the manager of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, who provides more context about the claim. Dr. John C. Alworth, a retired chemist, is at the center of the issue, working on a critical rocket fuel ingredient for Cape Canaveral's testing centers. The secrecy surrounding Dr. Alworth's laboratory in the Everglades raises red flags.

• Todd Swam ([05:39]): "Now in his small laboratory carefully hidden in the swamps of the Everglades for security reasons, Dr. Ulworth is producing an important rocket fuel ingredient..."
• Johnny Dollar ([06:03]): "But only a couple of thousand dollars worth."

Todd hints at possible sabotage, prompting Johnny to delve deeper into the investigation.

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4. Journey into the Everglades

Johnny and Todd embark on a perilous journey through the Everglades, navigating treacherous swamp terrains by airboat. The vivid description captures the suspense and danger they face, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery.

• Johnny Dollar ([07:38]): "And brother, I mean took off. What a ride."
• Todd Swam ([08:36]): "Plenty of rattlers and cottonmouths around here too."

Upon reaching the secluded laboratory, they meet Dr. Alworth, whose guarded demeanor adds to the intrigue.

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5. The Incident at the Laboratory

Inside the laboratory, Dr. Alworth reveals the details of the incident—a mysterious explosion of a rocket fuel additive contained in a tempered glass flagon. The explosion's cause remains unclear, with Dr. Alworth insisting it was an accident, while Johnny remains skeptical.

• Dr. Alworth ([10:25]): "It was an accident. Who would possibly want to?"
• Johnny Dollar ([10:51]): "I still haven't learned what happened here, you know."

Tensions rise as the lack of evidence and the secrecy surrounding the laboratory suggest foul play.

---

6. The Confrontation with Leon Salkoff

As the investigation deepens, Leon Salkoff, Dr. Alworth's assistant, becomes a person of interest. His suspicious behavior and troubled past during the war raise questions about his true intentions.

• Johnny Dollar ([12:11]): "Leon Salchow. Doctor, there was a famous... character by the name of Sarkoff during the last war."
• Leon Salkoff ([14:24]): "Put your hands above your head, mister."

A dramatic confrontation ensues when Leon brandishes a weapon, threatening Johnny and Todd. The tension peaks as Leon demands answers about their presence and intentions.

• Leon Salkoff ([14:27]): "What are you doing here? Where is Dr. Ellsworth?"
• Johnny Dollar ([14:29]): "Who are you?"

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7. Unraveling the Mystery

Amidst the chaos, Todd Swam steps in to de-escalate the situation, clarifying Johnny's role and intentions. The true motive behind the explosion begins to surface, revealing a minor yet pivotal incident triggered by an unexpected cause.

• Todd Swam ([15:05]): "I'll go. So you finally decided to come back, Mr. Sloan."
• Johnny Dollar ([19:03]): "A tiny moth triggered the reaction that disintegrated... a million tiny grains like sand."

It becomes evident that a moth inadvertently caused the explosion by interfering with the concentrated sunlight focused through the laboratory's windows, leading to the crystallization of the rocket fuel additive.

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8. Conclusion and Resolution

The investigation concludes with Johnny uncovering the unlikely yet scientifically plausible cause of the incident. The moth's interaction with the focused sunlight provided the missing piece of the puzzle, exonerating Dr. Alworth and Leon Salkoff from sabotage suspicions.

• Johnny Dollar ([19:47]): "A tiny moth triggered the reaction... Pay up this claim in a hurry, will you?"
• Johnny Dollar ([20:34]): "The more help we can give to people like Dr. Alworth and Leon Salkoff, the better."

Johnny's meticulous investigation not only resolves the insurance claim but also prevents unwarranted accusations, showcasing his prowess as a detective.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Johnny Dollar ([00:53]): "You got troubles?"
• Earl Poorman ([01:00]): "Yes, over a $2,000 insurance claim."
• Johnny Dollar ([03:12]): "Blue fish."
• Johnny Dollar ([06:03]): "But only a couple of thousand dollars worth."
• Leon Salkoff ([14:24]): "Put your hands above your head, mister."
• Johnny Dollar ([14:29]): "Who are you?"
• Johnny Dollar ([19:03]): "A tiny moth triggered the reaction that disintegrated... a million tiny grains like sand."
• Johnny Dollar ([20:34]): "The more help we can give to people like Dr. Alworth and Leon Salkoff, the better."

---

Final Thoughts

"The Wayward Moth Matter" exemplifies the classic Johnny Dollar narrative—an ordinary-seeming insurance claim that unravels into a complex web of intrigue and mystery. Through keen observation and unwavering determination, Johnny Dollar not only solves the case but also upholds justice, reinforcing his reputation as America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

This episode is a testament to the storytelling prowess of old-time radio, blending suspense, character development, and unexpected twists to create an engaging and memorable listening experience.

Transcript

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I love it. I really do.

[Johnny Dollar]

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.

[Narrator]

It's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Duller, Earl Poorman. Hi, Earl. How are things down in sunny Florida?

[Earl Poorman]

How soon can you come down here, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

You got troubles?

[Earl Poorman]

Yes, over a $2,000 insurance claim.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now wait, Earl. How. How can you justify my fee and expense account on a claim as small as that?

[Earl Poorman]

Johnny? Yeah, the responsibilities of an insurance company sometimes involve far more than just collecting premiums and paying off on claims.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, sure, keeping your clients happy, a little good old public service now and then. That's right.

[Earl Poorman]

Even a little attention to our national security.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure, but on such a small policy, I still don't see how you can justify national security.

[Earl Poorman]

Yes, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll grab the first plane.

[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. And now, act one of yours, truly, Johnny Dol.

[Johnny Dollar]

Submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to Tri State Life and Casualty Insurance Company, Sarasota, Florida. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the wayward moth matter expense accounting 19620 plane fare and incidentals, Hartford, Connecticut to Sarasota, Florida. There I was met at the airport by my old friend and fishing pal, Earl Poorman, and we drove on into town.

[Earl Poorman]

You like my new car, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

When aren't you driving a new car? Well, now, let's get down to electric.

[Earl Poorman]

Windows, power seat, air conditioning.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure. Look, you said something about national security in connection with this insurance claim.

[Earl Poorman]

Yes, Johnny, I did.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, explain yourself.

[Earl Poorman]

Well, that's the trouble. I can't.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean to say you had me fly all the way down there?

[Earl Poorman]

Now wait, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Or was it just some trick to inveigle me into fishing, huh? Is that it? A crack at some of the great Florida fishing you've been promising me all these years?

[Earl Poorman]

Well, who knows, Maybe while you're here we will be able to get in some fishing, too.

[Johnny Dollar]

Two in addition to what?

[Earl Poorman]

Sure, Johnny, I just had my boat repainted, the engine overheard. We'll go out in the Gulf for kings.

[Johnny Dollar]

Blue fish.

[Earl Poorman]

And in the bay in the bayou, back of the house. I promise you redfish and sea trout until you get tired reeling.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, all right. Just tell me why you've had me come all the way down here to investigate a lousy $2,000 claim.

[Earl Poorman]

I told you, I don't really know.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right. National security is involved.

[Earl Poorman]

Yes. Well, okay, Johnny. I issued a policy covering the chemical plan of Dr. John C. Alworth.

[Johnny Dollar]

What kind of chemicals?

[Earl Poorman]

Well, you see, I don't know.

[Johnny Dollar]

Huh.

[Earl Poorman]

I issued the policy at the specific request of Todd Swamp.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who's he?

[Earl Poorman]

Chamber of Commerce knows more about this whole area and its people than anyone else.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, surely you've seen this chemical lab.

[Earl Poorman]

No, I haven't.

[Johnny Dollar]

You what?

[Earl Poorman]

As a matter of fact, its exact location is a complete secret.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now, now, look, Earl, if you. If you've issued a policy, if you're ready to pay off a claim. But if you haven't seen. Look, how do you know a couple of thousand dollars worth of damage occurred?

[Earl Poorman]

I've taken Todd Swam's word for it. I trust him implicitly.

[Johnny Dollar]

This is the doggone this, Earl. How can I possibly investigate something if I can't, even if nobody knows what? Ah, I give up.

[Earl Poorman]

I'm sure that Todd will tell you everything. I'll take you in, introduce you to him, then I'll leave you with it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Leave me?

[Earl Poorman]

That's the way he says it has to be. Here, take the keys to my car. You'll probably need them.

[Johnny Dollar]

But how would you get there?

[Earl Poorman]

And if you need anything or if I can be of help, you know where to call me. At the office or at the house out on St. Armand's Quay.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Come on, let's go in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Todd Swan is a young, pleasant, aggressive sort of chap. Serious, alert, perceptive. He thanked Earl for bringing me, then led me alone into his private office.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Sit down, Johnny, and I'll get right to the point.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, thanks.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

I know all about you. At least all I need to know, not only from Earl Poorman, but from a lot of the cases you've handled.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, then you went up on me.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

I also know that on occasion you've handled security matters, worked hand in glove with the FBI and so on. So, all right. My job here is not only to promote Sarasota, tell the world what a nice place it is to live. Nice people, good homes, ideal climate, great fishing. Yes, Fishing, boating, just about everything.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, okay. I'm sold. But what about this Dr. John Allworth?

[Podbean Announcer 3]

My job is also to be of whatever service I can to the people of the city. All right. Dr. Allworth has lived here for years. Chemist retired. Until recently, that is.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, go on.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Now in his small laboratory carefully hidden in the swamps of the Everglades for security reasons, Dr. Ulworth is producing an important rocket fuel ingredient for use at one of the testing centers here in Florida, Cape Canaveral. He and his assistant work entirely alone for obvious reasons.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, Earl says there's been some damage at his place.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

That's why I asked him to have you come down.

[Johnny Dollar]

But only a couple of thousand dollars worth.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

That is beside the point, Johnny. I think it's a case of sabotage.

[Johnny Dollar]

But if nobody's even permitted to know where the place is.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

And if you're ready, we'll go out there right away. Okay.

[Narrator]

Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar in a moment. And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Wayward Moth matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Todd Swam. Manager of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce suggested we use two cars. So I got behind the wheel of the one Earl Poorman had left for me and followed him. We drove south on Highway 41 through Fort Myers, then swung left on Route 82 into the Everglades and finally into the big cypress swamp country. A few further south. I'm not permitted to say how many. We left the main road for a pair of wagon tracks leading into the swampy jungle. We stopped in a little clearing. From a small shack on the edge of a bio, a tall husky Indian emerged. He lowered his high powered rifle as he recognized Todd's, swam and walked over to where we'd parked.

[Narrator]

You bring a man?

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Ben osceola, this is Mr. Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hi, Ben.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

How do you do, Mr. Johnny Ben. He's to be let through here anytime he wants.

[Narrator]

Very well.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mr. Todd.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Have you the airboat ready for us already?

[Todd Swam]

Back of my house.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Good. Come on, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

The airboat parked on the edge of a bayou. Back of Ben Osceola shack was an aluminum hull about 12 foot long, square across the bow instead of pointed. Two high seats were built up on it. At the back was a powerful with a propeller of the airplane type. Todd swam and I climbed onto the precarious little seats and we took off. And brother, I mean took off. What a ride. The airboat half plane half skipped over the shallow water of the bayou, perched up over the hull itself. I kept waiting for us to flip. After a quarter mile or so we came on a vast plain of soggy grassy Marshland splotched here and there with patches of clear water. Now and then on half submerged logs, big turtles quickly drew in their heads as more than once a huge alligator gave us the bdi, then quietly sank below the surface of a shallow pool.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Plenty of rattlers and cottonmouths around here too.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks a lot. Finally, we pulled up to an acre or so of brush and trees that looked almost like an island in the middle of the swamp. On it sat a long, low building made a concrete block. This is the place, Johnny.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Unless you'd like to ride around a bit more.

[Johnny Dollar]

No. Than Todd swam. Got the introductions over in a hurry. Dr. Allworth, a short, wiry old man with sharp features and a shock of white hair, led us into the laboratory building.

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[Todd Swam]

No, no, Mr. Dollar, not in there.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh.

[Todd Swam]

No one is permitted in the laboratory except myself and my assistant.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I'm sorry, doctor, you lead the way.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

About your assistant, Dr. Ulwer.

[Todd Swam]

It was in the vault that the accident occurred.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

It was an accident.

[Todd Swam]

Of course it was. Who would possibly want to?

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Plenty of people, Doctor. And you know, it may sound corny, but this whole country has enough enemy agents.

[Todd Swam]

You speak as though we were at war, Todd.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Well, we're certainly in a cold war. And speaking of agents.

[Todd Swam]

A moment please, gentlemen, while I work the combination of this luck.

[Johnny Dollar]

This vault looks big enough for a bank.

[Todd Swam]

In it, I keep two things, Mr. Deller. The finished rocket fuel component and the delicate apparatus with which I complete the final secret stage of its production. Apparatus no one but myself has ever seen.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you're letting us see it?

[Todd Swam]

Well, the accident has rendered it completely unrecognizable.

[Johnny Dollar]

I still haven't learned what happened here, you know.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Matter of fact, I haven't either, Johnny. I certainly have my suspicions, Doctor.

[Todd Swam]

There we are. No, no, no, no, don't go in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I.

[Todd Swam]

The substance on the floor is so corrosive that. Well, look, you can see how the legs of that heavy metal table have completely corroded. Left nothing but a pile of splintered metal and rust.

[Johnny Dollar]

The rocket fuel did that.

[Todd Swam]

Now There in the corner at your left are the rotting, tangled remains of the apparatus I mentioned. The apparatus the insurance money will replace so I can make up except for valuable time lost.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Doctor, I tell you, it was no accident what happened.

[Todd Swam]

Mr. Dollar, is that the heavy glass flagon containing the finished rocket fuel Additive Glass, Doctor. A very special glass. Over an inch stick. The flagon containing about 5 liters of it was on that marble slab there in the middle of the floor ready to be crated and shipped to. Shipped to its destination.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see.

[Todd Swam]

I had completed processing it night before last. Early yesterday morning. For some reason I have not been able to determine, the flagon exploded.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Well, I'll bet I can find a reason. Where is that assistant of yours?

[Todd Swam]

Leon?

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Yes, Leon Salkhoff.

[Johnny Dollar]

Salkhoff? Yes.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Johnny. A man doing secret work for the rocket missile project hires an assistant with a name like.

[Todd Swam]

No, tell me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Leon Salchow. Doctor, there was a famous, well, I should say infamous character by the name of Sarkoff during the last war. A young chemist.

[Todd Swam]

Yes, Mr. Dallas.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mixed up in a couple of industrial bomb plots and if this is the same man.

[Todd Swam]

It is the same man.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, then, good heavens.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Exactly what I think.

[Todd Swam]

No, no, no, no, no. You're both wrong. This man was cleared in the war trials.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

What difference does that make? I say a leopard can't change his spots.

[Todd Swam]

But. But don't you see that not even he knows the combination to this vault?

[Johnny Dollar]

Some other way to get in. Those little windows up there, 8 inches.

[Todd Swam]

Square and 2 inches thick.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you're sure there's nothing in your process that would cause the bottle to explode?

[Todd Swam]

I have checked and rechecked it.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Where was Leon Salkhoff when it happened? And where is he now?

[Todd Swam]

Well, he went to Fort Myers for supplies early this morning. He should be back.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

My guess is that he kept right on going.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, Todd, I'm inclined to agree with you. Because, Doctor, if what you've told me, well, somehow someone must have got to this stuff. How high are those little windows above the ground outside?

[Todd Swam]

Oh, about five feet.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then a gun perhaps, aimed in through a window.

[Todd Swam]

But they are all in place and unbroken.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, any reason why one of them couldn't be removed from the outside, then replaced?

[Todd Swam]

Well, I. I don't know.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm going to see. I'll be right back.

[Todd Swam]

Stop. Don't move.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Todd Swam]

We must move, mister, or I will.

[Leon Salkoff]

Shoot you right through the heart.

[Narrator]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Wayward Moth. Matter.

[Leon Salkoff]

Put Your hands above your head, mister.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now wait.

[Leon Salkoff]

One move and I will pull this trigger.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who are you?

[Leon Salkoff]

I will ask the questions. What are you doing here? Where is Dr. Ellsworth? Answer me. Oster. Help me. I will shoot you down.

[Todd Swam]

Mr. Duller. Mr. Duller. Did you find anything?

[Leon Salkoff]

Doctor?

[Johnny Dollar]

Stay there. Doctor, there's a man out here with a gun.

[Todd Swam]

What's that?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, no. Don't come out here.

[Todd Swam]

Leon. Leon. No, no. That's Mr. Dollar.

[Leon Salkoff]

What?

[Todd Swam]

Johnny Duller. Insurance investigator to arrange the payment of our claim.

[Leon Salkoff]

You're sure, Doctor?

[Todd Swam]

Of course I'm sure.

[Leon Salkoff]

Well, I recognized Mr. Swan's car at the shack of the Indian. But when I saw the other car, well, I was worried about you.

[Todd Swam]

No, no, no, no. It's all right. He's here to help us.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

I'll go. So you finally decided to come back, Mr. Sloan.

[Todd Swam]

What took you so long? Leia.

[Leon Salkoff]

All the way into Fort Myers this morning I puzzled over how the flagon could possibly have exploded in the vault.

[Todd Swam]

You found the answer?

[Johnny Dollar]

Or have you known it all along? Sarcough?

[Leon Salkoff]

I do not understand, Mr. Dallas.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

I think I do, Johnny. I thought so from the first I've.

[Johnny Dollar]

Heard about you, Sarcough. About some of your activities during the last war.

[Leon Salkoff]

I pray that heaven will forgive me for what I have forced to do in that conflict, Mr. Doller.

[Johnny Dollar]

Forced?

[Leon Salkoff]

It is my hope that by serving this wonderful country that has given me refuge in some way I can make up for the terrible things I was compelled to do for the men who sought to rule the world.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, that's a very pretty speech.

[Todd Swam]

Oh, it's true, Mr. Daller. You've only to consult the records of the war trials.

[Johnny Dollar]

I may take a look at those records before I'm through with this case.

[Leon Salkoff]

I humbly beg you to do so.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

You still haven't told us where you've been all day, Leon.

[Leon Salkoff]

I tried to figure out how the explosion could possibly have occurred, so I telephoned one of our contacts.

[Johnny Dollar]

Contacts?

[Leon Salkoff]

The glass company that has furnished us with the heavy flagons.

[Todd Swam]

But there is no way the additive could have caused them to disintegrate.

[Leon Salkoff]

Disintegrate? No, no, Doctor. Where the flagon had stood, we found a pile of granulated glass. The flagon had completely crystallized.

[Todd Swam]

Oh, but even so, I. Wait.

[Johnny Dollar]

Of course. Of course.

[Todd Swam]

By some means.

[Leon Salkoff]

A critically. The formula for the glass that I obtained from the glass works indicated the possibility.

[Johnny Dollar]

Would you gentlemen mind telling us what this is all about?

[Todd Swam]

Mr. Dollar, I believe Leon has found the answer.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Well, if he has, I'll take back a lot of the things I've said and thought about him.

[Leon Salkoff]

Of course, we can't be sure until.

[Todd Swam]

We prove this, but it means waiting until morning.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, great.

[Todd Swam]

Meantime, we have a lot of work to do.

[Johnny Dollar]

We spent most of the night working like dogs, swabbing out the vault with a powerful neutralizing solution. Then, early in the morning, the four of us gathered in the vaults. A flagon like the first one was placed on the marble slab in the middle of the floor. We sat around a waiting a long time. Then I noticed something. The rays of the sun coming through one of the tiny, thick windows. The light was focused as though through a magnifying glass. Slowly, the powerful, searing pinpoint of light worked its way over to the flagon. Dr. Alworth rose and held a piece of paper. Where the rays converged, it burst into flame.

[Podbean Announcer 2]

There.

[Todd Swam]

Now you can see the tremendous heat generated at this point.

[Leon Salkoff]

Yes, and of the flagon itself.

[Todd Swam]

Exactly. The tempered, thick glass wall of the bottle. Tempered, perhaps to a highly critical degree.

[Johnny Dollar]

But to crystallize, Doctor, the way the other one did.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Leon, I still don't believe it.

[Todd Swam]

Well, many things will cause glass to crystallize. Vibrations of many kinds. You've heard, I'm sure, of the tenor who shatters a goblet by the power, the vibrations of his voice.

[Johnny Dollar]

But light vibrations.

[Todd Swam]

Oh, Doctor, of course, it should have.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Occurred by now, if it's going to at all.

[Todd Swam]

Oh, the temperature of that bottle must be terrific. The pressure building up in the glass itself. I don't understand. Still, the angle of the sun is slightly different each day.

[Leon Salkoff]

Or an imperceptible flaw in the one that exploded.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Oh, sure.

[Leon Salkoff]

Perhaps the other had some outside stimulus to act as a trigger. A sudden draft, perhaps.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Oh, any little thing excuses, Leon, your stalling. You said the other bottle was in here alone.

[Johnny Dollar]

The door's closed.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Only it wasn't. Because you exploded that thing. I don't know how, but you did it. And if that isn't sabotage. Come on, Johnny. This gag has been carried far enough.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, look, I saw it too. A tiny moth attracted by the blazing spot of light on the side of the flagon where the focus rays of the sun converged. The moth circled, flew past it, almost brushing it with his wings. We waited. He circled again, again, then dove at it. Well, Todd?

[Todd Swam]

Yes.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Leon, I apologize.

[Johnny Dollar]

Y A tiny moth triggered the reaction that disintegrated, that crystallized that bottle into a million tiny grains like sand. And simply because of the difference in temperature of his little body seems impossible. But it happened. Expense account total, including the trip Back to Hartford, $204. Even remarks. Pay up this claim in a hurry, will you? The more help we can give TO People like Dr. Alworth and Leon Salkoff, the better. Yours truly, Johnny Dullard.

[Narrator]

Our star will return in just a moment. Now here is our star to tell you about next week's story.

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week. Well, I thought my job in Florida was all done. Far from it. It had just begun. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Vic Perrin, Herb Ellis, Paul Richards, Lou Merrill and Leon Velasco. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dolly. This is Dan Cubberley, spe.

[Johnny Dollar]

This is the United States Armed Forces.

[Podbean Announcer 3]

Radio and Television Service.