Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Trout Matter 4/20/1958

Summary

Summary of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Trout Matter"

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Trout Matter
Release Date: April 7, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, listeners are transported to the serene yet suspicious waters of Lake Mojave Resort. Johnny Dollar, America’s premier freelance insurance investigator, is tasked with uncovering the truth behind a series of mysterious thefts that threaten the peace of this tranquil fishing haven.

Setting the Scene: Lake Mojave Resort

The story commences with Johnny Dollar’s departure from Hartford, orchestrated by Pat McCracken of the Universal Adjustment Bureau. Pat praises Johnny’s exceptional work, highlighting his dedication and the significant savings he has secured for their clients (00:40). Johnny sets off for Lake Mojave Resort, a picturesque location nestled in the Mojave Desert, known for its modern amenities and excellent fishing opportunities.

Notable Quote:

"Sometimes nip things in the bud even before they've happened." — Pat McCracken (00:40)

Arrival and Initial Interactions

Upon arriving at Lake Mojave Resort late in the evening, Johnny meets his old friend Buster Faber (03:47). Their camaraderie is immediately evident as they discuss the resort’s frequent fishing successes, particularly those of Ham Pratt, the general manager, who boasts impressive catches (03:55).

Notable Quote:

"You and I are going to do some fishing." — Buster Faber (04:03)

Introducing the Suspect: Gordon Hatch

The plot thickens with the introduction of Gordon Hatch, a notorious confidence man and petty thief with a history in San Francisco, Reno, and Las Vegas (04:14). Buster reveals that Hatch has recently taken residence at the resort, raising red flags about his intentions, especially considering Hatch's past grievances against a lawyer from Los Angeles who previously sent him to prison for embezzlement (04:20).

Notable Quote:

"A man like that some excuse about being full up. Something like that." — Buster Faber (04:36)

Suspicion and Surveillance

Johnny decides to keep a close watch on Hatch, suspecting his involvement in recent thefts of jewelry and money belonging to wealthy guests from Los Angeles (05:48). Despite Hatch's attempts to appear amiable and trustworthy, Johnny remains vigilant, understanding that Hatch's charm could be a facade for his illicit activities.

Notable Quote:

"If he makes a play, I'll nab him." — Johnny Dollar (12:30)

An Ominous Turn of Events

The tension escalates when Johnny feels unusually drowsy one night, suspecting that Hatch may have drugged him. This near collapse reinforces his suspicions about Hatch's true motives and capabilities (08:15). Determined to uncover the truth, Johnny and Buster prepare for a thorough investigation the following day.

The Confrontation on the Lake

Act Three delivers the climax as Johnny and Buster set out to fish in the big basin area of Lake Mojave. Their keen observation skills lead them to Hatch’s boat, where Johnny notices unusual activity—Hatch appears to be hiding something in the water between his boat and a rocky ledge (17:57).

Upon confronting Hatch, Johnny inspects the live box Hatch claims is for keeping fish alive. Instead, Johnny discovers valuable jewelry and money concealed within, proving Hatch's involvement in the thefts (21:14).

Notable Quotes:

"The only thing I can do is keep an eye on him." — Johnny Dollar (12:30)
"I'm talking about your life." — Gordon Hatch (21:44)
"I always did like trout." — Johnny Dollar (22:12)

In a dramatic turn, Hatch threatens Johnny and Buster, demanding the return of his valuables. A physical struggle ensues, culminating in Johnny disarming Hatch and ensuring his capture, effectively resolving the theft mystery.

Resolution and Reflection

With Hatch apprehended, Johnny presents his meticulously detailed expense account, underscoring his commitment to thoroughness and integrity in his investigation (22:21).

Notable Quote:

"Expense account total, including boat and bait for five days of really great fishing, cabin rental and meals and trip Back to Hartford. $815 even." — Johnny Dollar (22:21)

Conclusion

"Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Trout Matter" masterfully intertwines the tranquility of a fishing resort with the suspense of investigative detective work. Through sharp dialogue and tense encounters, the episode highlights Johnny Dollar's unwavering dedication to justice and his adeptness at unraveling complex cases, all while maintaining his distinctive charm and professionalism.

Listeners are left with a satisfying resolution, showcasing the blend of personal relationships and professional acumen that defines Johnny Dollar's character. This episode serves as a quintessential example of Old Time Radio's ability to captivate audiences with compelling storytelling and dynamic character interactions.

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Cast and Credits:

• Johnny Dollar: Bob Bailey
• Buster Faber: [Voice Actor]
• Gordon Hatch: [Voice Actor]
• Ham Pratt: [Voice Actor]
• Reba Dollar: [Voice Actress]
• Produced and Directed by: Jack Johnstone
• Written by: Jack Johnstone
• Additional Cast: Eleanor Audley, Larry Dobkin, Barney Phillips, Edgar Barrier, Junius Matthews, Russell Thorson, Alan Reeves

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Join us next week for another thrilling adventure with Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, exclusively on Choice Classic Radio Detectives.

Transcript

[Johnny Dollar]

Your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Buster Faber]

Podbean.

[Johnny Dollar]

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.

[Buster Faber]

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].

[Johnny Dollar]

From Hollywood. It's time now for Johnny Dollar. Pat McCracken. Johnny, universal adjustment Bureau. Oh, hi, Pat. Johnny, you handle a lot of difficult cases for the companies we represent. You've done a magnificent job. Job. Save some of them a lot of money. Sometimes nip things in the bud even before they've happened. And there have been times when you've given up personal plans to take them on at a moment's notice and without question. Listen, that bush you're beating around is getting pretty big. All right then, I'll get to the point. Johnny, why don't you take yourself a holiday at company expense? What? Lake Mojave Resort maybe? Where I understand you love to fish. At company expense, huh? That's right. Okay, Pat, I'll grab the first plane.

[Buster Faber]

Good boy.

[Johnny Dollar]

But brother, just wait till you see the expense account I pile up for you. Because if I ever smelled a rat, believe me, it's now 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 Universal Adjustment Bureau home office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the wayward trout. Matter expense account item 1, 174.50. Plain fare, Hartford to Los Angeles and Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Item 2, 50 bucks deposit on a rental car. I headed south on Route 95, the Mojave Desert. Thousands of square miles of sand, sun, bleached gravel and rock of cactus, sage and Joshua trees. High flat mesas, towering crags, countless trails leading off from the highway. Long abandoned roads leading up into the harsh, bleak mountains with their promise of infinite wealth to the prospectors who scratched away in their hungry search for silver and gold. And who knows, perhaps some of these were trails of the pioneers who beat a tortuous path westward to the great Pacific, who with their oxen and heavy wagons Were lucky if they made six miles a day. Yet here I was cruising along at an easy 60 miles an hour and above me, a jet plane lazily tearing off 600 miles an hour. Yeah, it made me think about the men who lived and struggled here. The men who died of hunger and thirst following the same path I was taking, Never knowing that only a few miles away beyond the mountains was the mighty Colorado. Water, food and life for those lucky enough to find it. But let's get the more practical things like Davis Dam and huge Lake Mojave on the east bank. At the lower end, Lake Mohave Resort with its clean modern cabins, boathouse, dock and harbor. Everything for a fisherman. It was after 9pm when I pulled in. My old friend Buster Faber was waiting for me.

[Buster Faber]

By golly, Johnny, I'm glad to see you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, same here, Buster. How are you? Before you start on why I'm here, how's the fishing?

[Buster Faber]

You remember Ham Pratt, general manager?

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure do. How is he?

[Buster Faber]

Went out three days in a row. Got three limits. Five, six, seven pounders.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, and I have to come here on business.

[Buster Faber]

Yeah, but as soon as you clear it up, you and I are going to do some fishing.

[Johnny Dollar]

Believe me, we'd better. Now what's the problem?

[Buster Faber]

Oh, here, let me. Let me take your bags. You're in number eight. Okay, I'll put you right next to Mr. Hatch.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hatch?

[Buster Faber]

Old time confidence man, Johnny, and just plain big time thief.

[Johnny Dollar]

Gordon Hatch?

[Buster Faber]

That's the one.

[Johnny Dollar]

Used to operate up in San Francisco over in Reno.

[Buster Faber]

Dried Las Vegas too, but they ran him out.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure, sure, he served a couple of short stretches for petty theft, things like that, but they can never nail him for anything big.

[Buster Faber]

That's right. Sit down.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Well, what's he doing here?

[Buster Faber]

Ordinarily we'd give a man like that some excuse about being full up. Something like that.

[Johnny Dollar]

I should think so.

[Buster Faber]

But Ham and I decided if we let him stay and with somebody like you here, well, maybe we could do a kind of public service.

[Johnny Dollar]

Keep talking, Buster.

[Buster Faber]

Well, Tuesday morning I got a call from some wealthy folks in Los Angeles. They wanted accommodations for themselves and their wives. Beginning tonight, they're doing now. So Tuesday afternoon, Ms. Gordon Hatch came barreling in. My wife Marilyn, not knowing who he was, Put him in number seven.

[Johnny Dollar]

What are you getting at, Buster?

[Buster Faber]

Well, those folks from LA have been here before, Johnny. And the women always come with enough furs and jewelry to a fishing resort. Well, you see, every night they drive up to Vegas to gamble and take in the fancy night spot.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, but what makes you think Hatch would come here just because of them?

[Buster Faber]

One of them's a lawyer that got him sent up for embezzlement once. And Hatch always swore that someday he'd get even.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, now, Buster, I don't think.

[Buster Faber]

He'D dry any rough stuff, anything like that. He isn't the type, but. Well, that's why I called Hartford.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, what's the insurance angle?

[Buster Faber]

There isn't any. Unless a lot of heavily insured jewelry suddenly disappears from around here. And your man in Hartford was willing to play along with that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I see.

[Gordon Hatch]

Well, so do I. I see we have another guest, Buster. How do you do? My name is Gordon Hatch.

[Buster Faber]

Mr. Hatch, this is Johnny Dollar. He's come for a few days fishing, the same as you.

[Gordon Hatch]

Excellent. We must go out together, Mr. Dollar. I found a couple of wonderful spots.

[Buster Faber]

Yeah, I understand you had pretty good luck, sir.

[Gordon Hatch]

Didn't Ham Pratt tell you about the big one I got over near sculpture rock? Nearly 10 pounds. I'm keeping him in a live box so I can take him back to Los Angeles and have him stuffed.

[Johnny Dollar]

Live box?

[Buster Faber]

Yes, big sort of box. Made a heavy screen. Johnny, you leave it in the water, it'll keep the fish alive for days.

[Gordon Hatch]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, aren't you afraid somebody will walk off with them?

[Gordon Hatch]

The nice people who come to this nice place? Of course not. And as a fisherman, I'm sure you know that even the worst crook in the world wouldn't touch another man's catch.

[Buster Faber]

Yeah. Look, excuse me, I. I hear some cars coming down the road. Must be the folks I'm expecting.

[Gordon Hatch]

Why, of course.

[Buster Faber]

I'll see you later, Ryan.

[Gordon Hatch]

Any plans for the evening, Mr. Dolan?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, not particularly. I'm a little tired.

[Gordon Hatch]

Then come along into my cabin next door. Have some excellent scotch and plenty of soda.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, I've had a pretty long day.

[Gordon Hatch]

Look, we can relax and regale each other with tall tales about the big fish we've caught here and there. After all, there isn't anything else to do out here of an evening.

[Johnny Dollar]

I kind of thought I'd wander down to the dock and see if Ham Pratt is about.

[Gordon Hatch]

Oh, save that for tomorrow. Now, come along, Mr. Dollar. I won't take no for an answer.

[Johnny Dollar]

Actually, I was glad for the invitation. I wanted to know more about this man. Sound him out, if possible, about his real reason for being here. As it turned out, we spent a very pleasant evening talking entirely about fishing. Only once, in answer to a pretty direct question, did he speak about what.

[Gordon Hatch]

I wanted him to that is all water over the dam. Mr. Dallow, if it's possible to make amends for some of the, shall we say, questionable things I may have done in the past, I can only assure you that I'm sincerely trying to make such amends. Please, please don't embarrass me this way again.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Sorry.

[Gordon Hatch]

Now, tomorrow we'll go fishing. Well, I'll not only take you to one of the hottest spots on the lake, but I'll show you the beauties I have in the live box. You'll turn green with envy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Night, Cap. Well, it's been a pretty long day and I really should hit the sack.

[Gordon Hatch]

So should I. Well, here we go. Bottoms up. And may tomorrow bring us each a limit.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then I will drink you.

[Gordon Hatch]

There we are. And I'll see you at the crack of dawn. Sleep well.

[Johnny Dollar]

Right. Right. Wrong. Sure, I was tired. It had been a long day. But not long enough to make me drop off to sleep almost before I could get out of my clothes. That night, Cap had had a lot more than scotch in it. Yeah, I'd fallen for one of the oldest tricks in the world. And until I woke up, anything could happen. Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.

[Reba]

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

[Johnny Dollar]

Please, Reba. Can't you see I'm absorbed in the sports section?

[Reba]

So I see. Who's the girl in the bikinis? A shot putter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, what's the difference if she's an athlete or a Hollywood celebrity? Why do you insist on disturbing me while I'm reading?

[Reba]

Did you drop off the laundry this morning?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, dear.

[Reba]

Did you mail my letters?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, I mailed the letters.

[Reba]

Did you know that angry, brooding and impatient drivers are the major cause of many accidents? Yes, I know why I said angry or impatient. Drivers behind the wheel cause many serious accidents. And when a driver is emotionally upset, he's more apt to make an irrational decision or take unnecessary chances.

[Johnny Dollar]

My dear wife, you ought to know by this time that I am a well adjusted individual. I have complete control over my emojis.

[Reba]

You didn't have this morning. Now, just because I burned a toast, you stormed out of the house in a fit of rage. You didn't even kiss me goodbye.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're determined to pick a quarrel with me, is that it?

[Reba]

No. I just want you to drive safely. I don't want you to be under any emotional strain when you drive a car. I want you to return home safely.

[Johnny Dollar]

I love you come here, woman.

[Reba]

Yes, Don.

[Johnny Dollar]

You sit right here on my lap and I'll give you that kiss you missed this morning.

[Reba]

And you promise you'll never again drive the car when you're angry.

[Johnny Dollar]

I promise.

[Reba]

That's my Donald. That's my doll.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Wayward Trouts matter. What is it?

[Buster Faber]

Hey, Johnny. Huh? Oh, it's Buster.

[Johnny Dollar]

Huh?

[Buster Faber]

You all right in there, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure, sure, I'm all right. Here.

[Buster Faber]

Here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Holy. What time is it anyway?

[Buster Faber]

Almost 9:00. Oh, look at those big red eyes.

[Johnny Dollar]

You weren't kidding. I feel as though I. Where's Gordon Hatch?

[Buster Faber]

Went out fishing at the crack of dawn. Said you'd promised to go with him, but he pounded on your door and finally gave up. Johnny, you look like you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, Buster. The folks you were expecting in from Los Angeles.

[Buster Faber]

Yeah, they came right after I left you and Mr. Hatch last night. Six of them. I figured you wanted to be alone with Hatch to sort of feel him out.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I did. But is everything all right?

[Buster Faber]

Yes, as far as I know. The point is, did you learn anything from Mr. Hatch last night?

[Johnny Dollar]

Only that he claims to have turned over a new leaf. Is now the soul of integrity.

[Buster Faber]

Yeah, Well, I wonder.

[Johnny Dollar]

You say he's out fishing, huh?

[Buster Faber]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Know where he went?

[Buster Faber]

Well, one of his favorite holes, one I told him about is in the big basin about 10 miles up the lake.

[Johnny Dollar]

What about the folks from LA?

[Buster Faber]

They're still asleep in their cabins. Look, Johnny, like I told you, Hatch isn't the kind of trying any rough stuff, even against Mr. Fellows. A lawyer who sent him up one.

[Johnny Dollar]

Time and he's here with that party.

[Buster Faber]

He's the one that organized it and made the reservations. Now, listen, Johnny, I may be all wrong about that.

[Johnny Dollar]

In spite of his threat to get.

[Buster Faber]

Even with Fellows, maybe he's gone straight. He. Well, he certainly acts like a nice enough guy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, well, the only thing I could do was keep an eye on him. If he makes a play, I'll nab him. If he doesn't, well, my trip out here will have been wasted.

[Buster Faber]

Wasted? I thought you and I were gonna do some fishing.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, now, that's different. Ooh. Hey, I better get some breakfast in me.

[Buster Faber]

Sure. I'll tell Mary over at the cafe to have it ready for you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, okay, Buster. Sunny side up and with plenty of strong, dark black coffee. My head felt like it might split open any second, and I was more sure than ever that Hatch had poured me a mickey last Night yet he had expected me to go out on the lake with him. This morning must have been nearly 10am by the time I'd showered, shaved, dressed and joined Buster at the little cafe. Already half a dozen early morning anglers had come back to boast about their catches and the big ones that got away. Now, don't you tell us, old Buster. But that big one, Buster, he must have been eight, eight and a half pounds.

[Buster Faber]

Yeah, I'm sure it was, Mr. Hector.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, the place I lost him was in the second coldest side of the dam by the big square rock. Second cold this side of the dam, did you say? That's right. Right next to the big square rock. Hey, Jim, I know a great spot for us to try this afternoon. Yeah, I heard that, too. Now, don't you tell us all about that spot, Buster.

[Buster Faber]

Cross my arm, Mr. Hickman.

[Johnny Dollar]

Good, good.

[Buster Faber]

Say, Henry.

[Johnny Dollar]

Henry, I want to tell you about.

[Buster Faber]

A place I promised You Feeling any better, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, much. Now, listen, if Gordon Hatch is up here after the money and jewelry of Mr. Fellows and his party or for any reason at all connected with them, I think you and I had better hop into a boat. Mr. Fellows.

[Buster Faber]

Oh, yes, Miss Fellows. Good morning.

[Johnny Dollar]

Please come outside quickly.

[Buster Faber]

Come on, Johnny. Right. Ms. Fellows, this is Johnny Dollar, friend of mine, special investigator.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, thank goodness you're here, Mr. Doller. Buster, we'd been robbed.

[Buster Faber]

Why?

[Johnny Dollar]

When, Mrs. Fellows? Sometime during the night.

[Reba]

All our jewelry.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mrs. Harkins and Mrs. Peterson's and mine. Why, it must be hundreds of thousands of dollars worth. My diamond brooch alone is worth. You found him, Martha? Yes, Ralph. Oh, this is Mr. Dollar, and he's some kind of an investigator.

[Buster Faber]

Good.

[Johnny Dollar]

I've heard of you do? I told them, Ralph, about the jewelry. Yeah, well, whoever did it got our money, too. With all we brought along to gamble in Vegas, must be over 20,000. Now, he managed to sneak into our cabins. And without waking us, too. Of course, we were pretty tired last night. Well, well, good morning, Mr. Pratt. Oh, what?

[Buster Faber]

Seems to be Johnny, glad to see you.

[Johnny Dollar]

How are you, Ham? I got some bad news for you.

[Buster Faber]

Yeah, Ham, it looks like he's done it. Oh, Gordon Hatch?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Better make a thorough search of his cabin. Gordon Hatch? Oh, no, I'm afraid so.

[Buster Faber]

Great Scott.

[Johnny Dollar]

So, Ham, look in his luggage, under the mattresses, Anywhere else you can think of.

[Buster Faber]

Right, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mr. Dollar, do you mean to say that Gordon Hatch is here at this. Better look at his car, too, Ham. Under the car and the upholstery. Look here now, Mr. Dollar. Sorry, Mr. Fellows, I'll have to talk to you later. Come on, Buster. You and I are going for a B.O. act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Do you know who Uncle Sam's lawyer is?

[Buster Faber]

If your answer is the Attorney General, you're absolutely right.

[Johnny Dollar]

But being legal advisor to the President and other governmental agencies is only part of his job. His main task is running the Department of Justice, which makes sure that the laws passed by Congress are carried out and that lawyers are available when the government must be represented in court. Let me give you an example. Suppose there is some question concerning the amount or kind of tax you should pay. Or suppose you and the government don't agree as to which of you own certain lands. That's when the Department of Justice steps in to represent the government side of the case. If anyone is brought to trial for.

[Buster Faber]

Counterfeiting, smuggling, gold hoarding, or passport forging.

[Johnny Dollar]

The Department of Justice prosecutes the case. It also handles all matters dealing with legal immigration. And all of this activity is the responsibility of an important member of the President's Cabinet, the Attorney General.

[Buster Faber]

Just as it is the duty of.

[Johnny Dollar]

The United States government to protect each and every one of you, it is the duty of the Attorney General to protect the government of the United States. 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.

[Buster Faber]

Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast.

[Johnny Dollar]

Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast. Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere. Launch your podcast on Podbean today. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Wayward trout matter. Lake Mojave was calm as a mill pond. Buster made the spray fly as we headed almost due north up toward the big Basin. But we didn't have to go that far. Buster, with the sharpest eyes I've ever known, spotted the ripples from the wake of a boat that had pulled into a deep, winding cove on the Arizona side.

[Buster Faber]

Hang on, Johnny. Looks to me like Hatch's boat went in that go.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean to say you can tell what?

[Buster Faber]

Plain as a pair of footprints in the sand. When the lake is calm like this.

[Johnny Dollar]

First thing I want to do is inspect that boat of his.

[Buster Faber]

You think he might have the jewelry and money on board?

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, he's too smart to have left him around the cabin or his car.

[Buster Faber]

Look, that's his boat in there, all right. Tied up to that low, rocky ledge that sticks out.

[Johnny Dollar]

What under the sun is he doing there between his boat and that ledge?

[Buster Faber]

Well, it looks to me like he's trying to hide something there in the water. Well, we'll soon find out.

[Gordon Hatch]

Well, first of all, Mr. Dollar, it looks like you've caught me in the axe.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Yeah, it kind of looks that way, doesn't it, Hatch? What were you so busy shoving down in the water between your boat and that ledge when we pulled out, hey?

[Gordon Hatch]

Well, I figured no one would find it here, Mr. Dara.

[Buster Faber]

Yeah, I'll bet.

[Gordon Hatch]

But I decided to move the live box into this hidden cove when I first came out this morning.

[Johnny Dollar]

The live box?

[Gordon Hatch]

Well, after all, it was you who warned me someone might try to steal some of these beautiful fish I've caught. And I'm keeping alive in it. But as long as you found me out. Go here, take a look at.

[Buster Faber]

Not a thing here on his boat, John.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, look at them.

[Gordon Hatch]

Ever see such a nice mess of bass in your life?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, they. They're beauties.

[Gordon Hatch]

And that trout on the bottom, I got him way up the lake yesterday morning. Must be £10.

[Buster Faber]

That's the one you plan to have stuffed?

[Gordon Hatch]

That's the one.

[Buster Faber]

Well, you better have it done pretty soon. He looks dead to me.

[Gordon Hatch]

Yes, he was this way when I came out this morning. So when I'm through fishing today, I'll head back to LA with him to attack Hatch.

[Johnny Dollar]

There's something I want to talk to you about.

[Gordon Hatch]

I know, $, but it's your own fault. I found it on your door till I thought I'd wake the day.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, no, that isn't.

[Gordon Hatch]

However, since you're here now. Well, why not keep our fishing date now, Mr. Hatch? Will you guys, though I don't have an extra rod in my boat.

[Buster Faber]

Oh, come on, Johnny. I'll give you one out of my boat. Rod and reel.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yeah, yeah, sure. Okay, Father.

[Gordon Hatch]

I'll take you to fishing spots even Buster doesn't know about.

[Buster Faber]

Not a sign of the jewels and stuff on his boat, Johnny, Huh? Even went through his tackle box. Maybe he's hidden the stuff somewhere along the shore. If he's the one who took it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, he looks and talks as innocent as a baby. So the only thing I can do is keep an eye on him, try to feel him out.

[Buster Faber]

Come on, boys.

[Gordon Hatch]

Time's a wasting.

[Buster Faber]

Oh, here, Johnny, you try this rod on for size.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, that looks good to me.

[Buster Faber]

And here, take along a Couple of these fast strike minnow hooks, if anything. They'll get you big bass. They sure will.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, or maybe a trout like the one that Mr. What's the matter, Johnny? Come on, Musty.

[Buster Faber]

What? What's the matter?

[Gordon Hatch]

Well, it's about time. What were you two gabbing about over there?

[Johnny Dollar]

Say, Hatch, I want another look in the live box at that big trout.

[Gordon Hatch]

I don't blame you a bit. Step into the boat. Now raise the top so you can really see it.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, I think I'll pull the whole contraption up here on the ledge.

[Gordon Hatch]

Better take the fish out of the water.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, you said that trout was dead early this morning.

[Gordon Hatch]

Well, that's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then why is he on the bottom of this thing? Why isn't he floating belly up here now?

[Gordon Hatch]

I don't know, but I don't see. Now, wait.

[Johnny Dollar]

What are you doing?

[Gordon Hatch]

All those beautiful fish in there will die like the trout.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I just want a real close look at that trout.

[Gordon Hatch]

Just a minute.

[Johnny Dollar]

These live ones will hold still long enough for me to $ put them.

[Gordon Hatch]

Back in the water.

[Johnny Dollar]

Here we are. Oh, 10 pounds. Why, this fish weighs 20 pounds if he weighs an ounce. And no wonder, the way you've got him stuffed full of. Well, how about this? A beautiful diamond brooch. No wonder you decided to get back to la. And not to stuff this trout, but to unstuff him. And how about this bracelet? Emeralds, aren't they? And look at these nice new hundred dollar bills. A bit wet, perhaps.

[Gordon Hatch]

You're holding more than money and jewels in your hand.

[Johnny Dollar]

$Oh, now put that thing away.

[Gordon Hatch]

I'm talking about your life. And I won't hesitate to pull this trigger unless you toss that money and those jewels into this boat while I.

[Buster Faber]

Toss this over at you, Mr. Hatch.

[Gordon Hatch]

Put it down, Buster, or I'll shoot you too. Toss me the jewels. Dollar Toss them. And Buster, stay where you are.

[Johnny Dollar]

How about the whole trout, Mr. Hatch? All right, drop that boy. Johnny.

[Buster Faber]

Johnny, you really clobbered him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, but. Oh, Buster, if you hadn't thrown that.

[Buster Faber]

Oar and if you hadn't hit him in the face with that wet fish, Johnny, he would have plugged you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, yeah, Buster. I always did like trout. Expense account total, including boat and bait for five days of really great fishing, cabin rental and meals and trip Back to Hartford. $815 even. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dol, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Eleanor Audley Larry Dobkin, Barney Phillips, Edgar Barrier, Junius Matthews, Russell Thorson and Alan Reeves. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dolly. This is Dan Coverley speaking. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar has been a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.