BONUS - Dollar Days: The Alvin Summers Matter

Summary

Podcast Summary: "BONUS - Dollar Days: The Alvin Summers Matter"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
• Host/Author: Mean Streets Podcasts
• Episode: BONUS - Dollar Days: The Alvin Summers Matter
• Release Date: June 4, 2025

---

Introduction

In this bonus episode of Down These Mean Streets, Mean Streets Podcasts delves into the gripping five-part storyline, "The Alvin Summers Matter," featuring America's renowned freelance insurance investigator, Johnny Dollar. Originally aired on CBS between October 24 and October 28, 1955, this serialized adventure marks Johnny Dollar's first international case, taking him to Santo Tomas, Mexico, in pursuit of the elusive embezzler, Alvin Summers.

Setting the Scene

Host Introduction: The episode opens with the host setting the stage for listeners, highlighting the significance of the "Alvin Summers Matter" within Johnny Dollar's career. The narrative emphasizes the show's stellar cast, including Virginia Gregg, Parley Bear, Tony Barrett Martin, Marvin Miller, and Don Diamond, under the skilled production and direction of Jack Johnstone.

Host Quote:

"The big thing for me is what Roger Ebert called the law of economy of characters. When there are only a few characters in a story, it becomes pretty easy to guess which of them is going to turn out to be the villain."
(00:56)

Episode Breakdown

Part 1: Arrival in Santo Tomas

Johnny Dollar is summoned to Santo Tomas, Mexico, following an anonymous tip about Alvin Summers, who embezzled $75,000 and fled the United States. Upon arrival, Johnny encounters several key characters:

• Benito: A seemingly friendly bellhop at Johnny's hotel who offers assistance.
• Aloof American Businessman: Represents the suspicious elements in Santo Tomas.
• Gloria Harris: A beautiful woman who offers to help Johnny in exchange for assistance with her own predicament.

Key Interaction: Johnny meets Benito, who agrees to help locate Alvin Summers for a fee.

Quote:

Johnny Dollar: "Here he is in the Alvin Summers."
(03:19)

Part 2: Building Suspicion

Johnny begins his investigation, navigating the quaint yet suspicious town. His interactions with Benito lead him to suspect that not everyone in Santo Tomas is friendly. An attempted ambush by Benito heightens the tension, suggesting deeper conspiracies.

Conflict Introduction: Johnny is pistol-whipped by Benito, signaling that his pursuit of Summers is fraught with danger.

Quote:

Benito: "Don't play games with me, $. Next time you get more than the barrel of the gun."
(15:23)

Part 3: Unraveling Lies

Johnny's relationship with Gloria deepens as she reveals her true intentions. She is not merely on vacation but is entangled in her own web of deception. Gloria confesses to being stranded without a passport and offers to help Johnny locate Summers in exchange for assistance.

Twist Reveal: Gloria admits, "The truth is, I'm stranded down here," indicating her motive is intertwined with Johnny's case.

Quote:

Gloria Harris: "The truth is, I'm stranded down here."
(46:18)

Part 4: Confrontations and Clues

As Johnny follows the leads provided by Gloria and Benito, he faces increasing threats from mysterious figures like Lieutenant Gomez and the ominous Senor Kraus. The tension escalates with confrontations that lead to violence, including the death of Benito Escanza.

Critical Incident: Benito is found dead in Johnny's hotel room, deepening the mystery and implicating Johnny further.

Quote:

Benito: "I know what happens to a three time loser."
(41:57)

Part 5: The Final Showdown

The culmination of Johnny's investigation leads to a dramatic confrontation between Johnny and Gloria, who is revealed to be Alvin Summers. The intricate plot unravels as trust is betrayed, resulting in a deadly showdown on Johnny's hotel balcony.

Climactic Revelation: Gloria's true identity as Alvin Summers is exposed, revealing her as the mastermind behind the deceptive plot.

Final Exchange:

Johnny Dollar: "You and she were working against each other. She wanted me to lead her to Summers. You wanted to find him yourself."
(68:34)

Character Analysis

• Johnny Dollar: The astute and resourceful insurance investigator determined to recover the embezzled funds. His ability to navigate complex social interactions and unravel deceit underscores his expertise.

• Alvin Summers/Gloria Harris: Initially presenting as a distressed woman seeking help, she is ultimately revealed as the true antagonist, orchestrating the events to recover her stolen money.

• Benito Escanza: The bellhop whose ambiguous loyalty and eventual demise highlight the dangerous undercurrents in Santo Tomas.

• Lieutenant Gomez: Represents the corrupt and insufficient local law enforcement, hindering Johnny's investigation.

• E.K. Carson: The quirky zipper salesman who provides comic relief and becomes an unintended pawn in the unfolding drama.

Key Themes and Insights

• Deception and Trust: The episode masterfully explores the themes of trust and betrayal, showcasing how protagonists can be misled by seemingly trustworthy allies.

• Isolation and Vulnerability: Johnny's presence in a foreign, unfamiliar town emphasizes his vulnerability and the heightened sense of isolation faced during his investigation.

• The Cost of Investigation: Johnny's detailed expense accounts serve as a narrative device to illustrate the financial and personal costs associated with relentless pursuit.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Host on Character Economy:

   "When there are only a few characters in a story, it becomes pretty easy to guess which of them is going to turn out to be the villain."
   (00:56)

2. Johnny Dollar on the Case:

   "I'm leaving right now to find out. I've got a lead on where he lives."
   (50:39)

3. Gloria's Confession:

   "I lied to you once. Only once. When I told you I'm here on a vacation."
   (46:21)

4. Confrontation Between Johnny and Gloria:

   Johnny Dollar: "You and she were working against each other. She wanted me to lead her to Summers. You wanted to find him yourself."
   (68:34)

5. Final Revelation:

   Alvin Summers: "I always do. I always do."
   (70:56)

Conclusion

"The Alvin Summers Matter" is a quintessential example of Golden Age radio drama, blending suspense, intricate plotting, and memorable characters. Through Johnny Dollar's relentless pursuit, listeners are taken on a thrilling journey filled with twists, alliances, and ultimate betrayal. The episode not only entertains but also provides a deep dive into the complexities of human motivations and the dangers inherent in the quest for justice.

Final Host Remarks: The host wraps up the bonus episode by encouraging listeners to explore more of Down These Mean Streets and its rich catalog of Old Time Radio Detectives, promising more captivating stories in future episodes.

---

Key Cast:

• Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar
• Virginia Gregg
• Marvin Miller
• Don Diamond
• Tony Barrett
• Parley Bear

Production Credits:

• Writer: Robert Rife
• Producer/Director: Jack Johnstone
• Announcer: Roy Rowan

Additional Notes: For fans of classic radio detective stories, this bonus episode offers a nostalgic yet fresh experience, capturing the essence of Johnny Dollar's character and the timeless allure of crime-solving adventures.

Transcript

[Johnny Dollar]

Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the.

[Alvin Summers]

Gut of the prison of the grave. The story you are about to hear is true.

[Narrator]

Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Johnny Dollar]

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective the.

[Alvin Summers]

Adventures of the Saint Starring Vincent Price. 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.

[Host]

Hello and welcome to a bonus episode of down these Mean Streets where we're continuing our spotlight series on the serialized run of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. These are the five part storylines that aired from 1955 to 1956 and that stand out as some of the best radio drama produced during the golden age. Today we're catching up with America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator in the Alvin Summers Matter. Originally aired on CBS between Monday, October 24 and Friday, October 28, 1955. This marks the first international adventure of the serialized run as Johnny's case brings him to the sound of Santo Tomas, Mexico. He's on the trail of the titular Mr. Summers, an embezzler who fled the United States with $50,000. And Johnny's been summoned to Mexico by an anonymous tip, a message from a man who reported he knows where to find Summers and the money. Johnny arrives and quickly meets a possibly too friendly bellhop at his hotel, a maybe two aloof American businessman and a beautiful woman who offers to help him find Summers if Johnny agrees to help her. And then there's the man who ambushes Johnny and pistol whips him. And that's all in the first episode. It's an intriguing mystery, not the best of the shows, but far from the worst. The big thing for me is what Roger Ebert called the law of economy of characters. When there are only a few characters in a story, it becomes pretty easy to guess which of them is going to turn out to be the villain. The cast includes Virginia Gregg, Parley Bear, Tony Barrett Martin, Marvin Miller, who we know best as the announcer on the Whistler and Don diamond, an actor known for his accent work. The five part script was written by Robert Rife and the show was produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. And of course, Bob Bailey stars as yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Here he is in the Alvin Summers.

[Narrator]

From Hollywood. It's time now for Bob Bailey as.

[Alvin Summers]

Johnny Deller, Fred Wilkins at Northeast Infidelity.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, hi Fred.

[Johnny Dollar]

I got a case for you. Remember the Alvin Summers embezzlement?

[Alvin Summers]

Sure. He took off with 75,000 bucks about six months ago. Right.

[Johnny Dollar]

We held a bond on him, so.

[Alvin Summers]

We'Re stuck with it. So this morning a guy called from a little town on the west coast of Mexico. Santo Tomas was. But I gathered he had some information.

[Johnny Dollar]

On Summers and wanted somebody to go.

[Alvin Summers]

Down there and talk to him.

[Johnny Dollar]

I nominated you then.

[Alvin Summers]

He's expecting me. Huh. What's his name?

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't know.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, how do I contact him and send it to us? I'm afraid I don't know that either. You mean I'm supposed to go looking for somebody whose name I don't even know? How come he's so coy?

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't think it's a case of being coy, Johnny. Before we could get very far into the conversation, the connection was broken off and at his end.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay, friend, I'm on my way.

[Narrator]

Tonight and every weekday night, Bob Bailey and the transcribed adventures of the man with the action packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Alvin Summers]

Yours truly, Johnny Doll expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the home office, Northeastern Fidelity and Bonding, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an accounting of expenditures during my investigation of the Alvin summers matter. Item 1, $220 plane, train and boat fare to Santa Tomas, Mexico. For a town trying to be a resort, Santa Tomas shouldn't be so hard to get to. The last lap was by far the worst. A creaky twice a week boat from Mazatlan. And I may be wrong, but it looked to me like the only outfit interested in making a resort out of Santa Tomas was the big new hotel up on a cliff overlooking the sea. The Playa del Mar. The rest of the town just didn't seem to care. It was a sleepy fishing village. A dilapidated pier along curving beach with the jungle crowding in on it and a miscellaneous assortment of adobe shacks huddled here and there, sort of digging their feet into the ground. Even at a distance, the Playa del Mar looked too rich for my purpose. So I checked in at the other hotel. It was an old two story job in town that I found after carefully detouring around a belligerent rooster scratching up a meal in the street outside. Once inside, I couldn't help feeling that the rooster was better off. It was small, dingy and hot. I signed the beat up ledger that passed for a register and a little character wearing a ragged shirt with no collar, a big grin and a baseball cap swooped down on me and grabbed.

[Benito]

My suitcase right up the stairs. Senor.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay. Are you the star of the Santa Tomas Nine or something? The baseball cap.

[Benito]

Oh, it's A first class hotel. Here I got to wear a uniform.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, sure. Silly of me. Which way?

[Benito]

Follow me. Senor. You come here to fish?

[Alvin Summers]

Not exactly.

[Benito]

My cousin has a very good boat to hire a cheap.

[Alvin Summers]

Sorry.

[Benito]

Oh, well, if you're here on just a vacation, I'll be glad to show you the scenic size for a very small fee.

[Alvin Summers]

Hey, look, promoter, before you start making a career out of me, how about showing me my room?

[Benito]

Okey dokey, senor. Here. It's a very nice room, no?

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, sure. Hey, look, can we get a little air in here?

[Benito]

Oh, see, I turn on the overhead fan. It's better, no?

[Alvin Summers]

No. There's a balcony out here.

[Benito]

Oh, see? With a beautiful view of the ocean. Senor dollar Beautiful.

[Alvin Summers]

The only thing I can see is the wall of that building across the alley.

[Benito]

Ah, but if you climb up on the railing and stand in the corner and look over the roof of the building, there in the distance, you'll see the beautiful.

[Alvin Summers]

Look.

[Benito]

Benito.

[Alvin Summers]

Senor Benito. I gather that in addition to a few other assorted enterprises, you're the bellboy in this establishment.

[Benito]

I do everything.

[Alvin Summers]

I must really be a strain.

[Benito]

Oh, see, I'm always straining.

[Alvin Summers]

Been in Santa Tomas long?

[Benito]

Si, senor, too long.

[Alvin Summers]

Have you heard my name mentioned around town lately? Anybody asking for me?

[Benito]

No, senor.

[Alvin Summers]

Holy rhetoric. Oh, the door to the balcony.

[Benito]

It's nothing, senor. Only the fan. Well, when the fan is on the door, it blows shut. You're jumpy, senor. See? You are jumpy.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, well, I'm in a good business for it, but you know. Tell me, did you ever hear the name Summers?

[Benito]

Summers? Senorin, Santo Tomas is always Summers, okay?

[Alvin Summers]

I mean a man named Summers. Alvin Summers. Here's his picture. Take a look. Ever seen before?

[Benito]

Senor, in this heat is strained to use the memory.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, well, you. You think this might make you forget the heat.

[Benito]

Quien sabe, senor dollar it might help.

[Alvin Summers]

Here.

[Benito]

$5American. Gracias.

[Alvin Summers]

Now, how about it?

[Benito]

Si, senor.

[Alvin Summers]

I have seen this man here in Santa Tomas?

[Benito]

I think so.

[Alvin Summers]

Where? How long ago?

[Benito]

I don't remember, but I'll try to find out for you.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay? Benito, that bill I gave you? I've got a few more just like it. If you can locate the guy in this picture, Alvin Summers, or if you can find anybody who's asking about me.

[Benito]

Senor, for that kind of money, I'll not only find him, I'll bring him to you on a silver planter.

[Alvin Summers]

Item 2 on expense account. 5 doll American to Benito, the bellboy. Flying blind the way I was in this deal, I figured I needed all the help I could get. And who knows, Benito just might turn something. After he left, I stretched out on the rickety bed and tried to figure out a plan of operations. I had to make myself conspicuous if I wanted the man who'd called the home office to contact me. On the other hand, if Alvin Summers himself was in the vicinity, I'd have to be pretty inconspicuous to stand a chance of getting anywhere near him. Trying to do both at the same time might not be exactly easy. Yeah. $Well, yeah. Who are you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Carson's the name. E.K.

[Alvin Summers]

Carson.

[Johnny Dollar]

And I'm sure glad I found you, friend.

[Alvin Summers]

Hey, you the guy who telephoned and wanted to see me?

[Johnny Dollar]

I sure am.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, my luck seems to be holding up pretty well.

[Johnny Dollar]

Not too well, I hope. Yes, sir. As soon as I saw you check in, I phoned a desk clerk to ask who you were. I says to him, he looks like an American to me. See, I'm in room 10 downstairs.

[Alvin Summers]

Wait a minute, desk clerk? I thought you meant that long distance call.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, the reason I hope your luck's not too good, friend. I'm sure hoping to get you into a little cribbage game.

[Alvin Summers]

Cribbage?

[Johnny Dollar]

You play, don't you?

[Alvin Summers]

No, I'm strictly the gin rummy type.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I could teach your friend.

[Alvin Summers]

Wouldn't take a jiffy. Sorry, I thought you were somebody else.

[Johnny Dollar]

I sure wish I could get you in a little game, friend. Gets mighty lonesome making arounds these small towns.

[Alvin Summers]

Are you in business here?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm a traveling man. Regional sales manager for Hold Tight Zippers.

[Alvin Summers]

Zippers down here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure thing. All a matter of education. As I often say, business is where you find it. Why, half the world is just waiting to be zipped up. Great thought, ain't it?

[Alvin Summers]

Terrifying. Look, Mr. Carson, if you'll excuse me.

[Johnny Dollar]

What about that cribbage game, friend?

[Alvin Summers]

Sorry. As I told you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, I'll bet if you just learned to play the game, you'd find out it was a whale of a lot of fun.

[Alvin Summers]

I'll wait.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, then, why don't we have us a good talk about business?

[Alvin Summers]

If you don't mind, I've got a few things to do around here, so.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure, sure, I know. To tell you the truth, I guess I'm just plain lonely. Day times aren't so bad when I'm out on the road, but nights I don't seem to be able to find anyone to talk to.

[Alvin Summers]

Now that you're here, yeah, well, maybe we can have a drink sometime.

[Johnny Dollar]

Say, I'd sure like that. Then maybe we could get up a little game later.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, maybe. I ushered E.K. carson, the cribbage king, politely but firmly out of the door. I'd figured him for the man who wanted to talk about Alvin Summers. But all he apparently had on his mind was cribbage and zippers. I ambled on downstairs into the cantina next door. I cut my way through the smoke to the bar and looked around. A few tired looking characters at the tables. And over in one corner, a little fella bent over a guitar, eyes closed and a world all his own. Then I saw the girl three stools down the bar from me. But when I looked up again after a drink, she was only one stool away.

[Gloria Harris]

Hi.

[Alvin Summers]

Hi.

[Gloria Harris]

Welcome to Santa Tomas.

[Alvin Summers]

Thanks.

[Gloria Harris]

Really something, isn't he? That guitar player? I saw you watching him. You know those guys give me the creeps. They start playing and all of a sudden they're gone real far away. I don't think he even knows there's anybody else in here.

[Alvin Summers]

Lucky man, huh?

[Gloria Harris]

Yeah. It's funny. Cheap rundown bar like this, nobody listening to him except us.

[Alvin Summers]

And he's playing like he's on a cloud.

[Gloria Harris]

Yeah. There's a flamenco singer like that up the hotel at night, out on the terrace when she starts those wailing songs of hers. She gives me the creeps, too.

[Alvin Summers]

Up at the hotel? The Playa del Mar.

[Gloria Harris]

Yeah.

[Alvin Summers]

You must be down here to see how the other half lives.

[Gloria Harris]

You mean to see if anybody lives in this town. I sure picked me a great spot for a vacation.

[Alvin Summers]

Pretty dull, huh?

[Gloria Harris]

Real. At least it has been.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, say, do you know that guy over there?

[Gloria Harris]

The American at the corner table?

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, the muscle man.

[Gloria Harris]

I sure don't.

[Alvin Summers]

You certain?

[Gloria Harris]

Of course I am. Why?

[Alvin Summers]

Well, he's been staring at us.

[Gloria Harris]

Oh.

[Alvin Summers]

Never saw him before.

[Gloria Harris]

Of course, I've never been in here before. Maybe he's the bouncer.

[Alvin Summers]

He sure looks like he could qualify.

[Gloria Harris]

Well, look, he's leaving.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah. I guess we made him self conscious.

[Gloria Harris]

I guess I'd better leave, too.

[Alvin Summers]

Where to, Gloria? Johnny.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny. I think I'll go back up to the hotel and change.

[Alvin Summers]

Then what?

[Gloria Harris]

I don't know. There's a moon tonight.

[Alvin Summers]

Got a date?

[Gloria Harris]

Mm.

[Alvin Summers]

Me?

[Gloria Harris]

Mm.

[Alvin Summers]

When?

[Gloria Harris]

On the terrace. Half an hour.

[Alvin Summers]

She left and I sat there a drink or two, thinking her over and wondering what her anger was. I was pretty sure she was interested in me for more than my manly charms. And it occurred to me that it Might not be too unpleasant finding out what was on her mind. Especially if it could help me locate an embezzler named Alvin Summers. I went up to my room to change. When I got there, I found I had company.

[Benito]

Close the door.

[Alvin Summers]

Wow. My friend from the bar downstairs.

[Benito]

I said close the door.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay. Why the gun?

[Benito]

Turn around. Face the wall.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay.

[Benito]

Hands against the wall.

[Alvin Summers]

Hey, look. What are you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Shut up.

[Alvin Summers]

If you're looking for my gun, it's under my left arm. Thanks.

[Benito]

Now turn around.

[Alvin Summers]

So, what's this all about?

[Benito]

That's just what you're going to tell me. What's your name?

[Alvin Summers]

Johnny Dollar. I'll bet, cross my heart.

[Benito]

We'll try again. What's your name?

[Alvin Summers]

I told you, Johnny Dollar.

[Benito]

You can think of a better one than that.

[Alvin Summers]

Wise up, buster. It sounds so phony. It's gotta be legitimate. And speaking of names, what's yours?

[Benito]

I'm asking the questions you're answering.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay, we'll play it your way.

[Benito]

What are you doing down here, Dollar?

[Alvin Summers]

Look, I'll make a deal with you. You tell me why you wanna know, and maybe I'll be.

[Benito]

Don't play games with me, $. Next time you get more than the barrel of the gun.

[Alvin Summers]

Hey, look, I don't know what this is all about.

[Benito]

Okay, we'll cut out the question and answer routine. I know why you're here. Oh, so forget it, $. Drop the whole thing and beat it.

[Alvin Summers]

Maybe I'll like it around here, but.

[Benito]

You won't like it around here anymore, $. You'll learn to hate it.

[Alvin Summers]

You and that gun put up a pretty convincing argument.

[Benito]

I'll give it to you once more, $. Slow and easy, so you can get it this time. Go on away. Don't ever come back. If you don't go now, you won't ever go.

[Narrator]

There'll be another exciting episode in the story of the Alvin Summers matter. Tomorrow.

[Alvin Summers]

Tomorrow night. A threesome on a moonlit beach. A beautiful girl, me and a guy with a knife. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey is transcribed in Hollywood. Written by Robert Rife it is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Be sure to join us tomorrow night, same time and station for the next exciting episode of Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Roy Rowan speaking from Hollywood. It's time now for Bob Bailey as.

[Alvin Summers]

Johnny Dollar.

[Gloria Harris]

Where have you been, Johnny? I thought we had a date.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, Gloria, I'm sorry, baby. I've already had a date.

[Gloria Harris]

What?

[Alvin Summers]

Remember the big gorilla at the corner table downstairs in the cantina? The one who kept staring at us?

[Gloria Harris]

Sure. What about him?

[Alvin Summers]

Well, he was waiting for me in my room just now. He didn't like the way I parted my hair, I guess. So he changed it with a gun barrel.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, are you all right?

[Alvin Summers]

Aside from a lump or two. Sure.

[Gloria Harris]

Sounds to me like you need a little nursing, Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

I always do.

[Gloria Harris]

It's beautiful out on the terrace tonight.

[Narrator]

Tonight, in every weekday night, Bob Bailey in the transcribed adventures of the man with the Action Packed Expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, Yours truly, Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Dollar, Santo Tomas, Mexico. Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to the home office, Northeastern Fidelity and Bonding, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an account of additional expenses during my investigation of the Alvin Summers embezzlement case. Item 4, $3American. To Eduardo Moreno, M.D. the doctor who dressed the assorted lumps and bruises I'd collected from the strong arm, who seemed quite convinced that I should leave town. For a moment, I figured he could be the man who was to contact me with information as to the whereabouts of Alvin Summers, the embezzler. But as it turned out, all he wanted to say to me was goodbye. And he said it very convincingly. But Gloria was waiting for me. She definitely seemed to want to get better acquainted. And although I didn't know what her angle was, I figured it might be fun finding out. I left the joint where I was staying and went up to the Playa del Mar, the big, expensive hotel we're looking to see. There was a terrace with some tables and a flamenco singer wailing at the moon. Gloria was at one of the tables.

[Gloria Harris]

Hi, Johnny. What in the world happened to you when I talked to you over the phone?

[Alvin Summers]

I'm sorry I'm late, Gloria. You can see by my face I ran into Kind of a rough detour.

[Gloria Harris]

You all right now?

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, you said it was that man who kept staring at us in the bar where we met.

[Alvin Summers]

That's the one. Real charming fella. Muscles, too.

[Gloria Harris]

What happened?

[Alvin Summers]

I went to my room to change before coming up here. He was waiting for me. Worked me over. The general idea was I should leave Santa Tomas in a hurry.

[Gloria Harris]

But why?

[Alvin Summers]

I don't know yet. But somewhere along the line, I'm gonna make it a point to find out. Cigarette?

[Gloria Harris]

Thanks. Well, looks like things are picking up a little.

[Alvin Summers]

How so?

[Gloria Harris]

I told you I'd found this place pretty dull so far. But now with you getting beat up and told to get out of town, it's beginning to sound a little more interesting.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, I could do with more dullness and a few less bruises, believe me.

[Gloria Harris]

You must be down here on a lot more than just a vacation, Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, I don't know. A lot of people apparently come down here to this town just for a vacation. That's why you told me you came here, remember?

[Gloria Harris]

There's only one difference.

[Alvin Summers]

What's that, Glorian?

[Gloria Harris]

I really am on a vacation, and I don't think you are.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh?

[Gloria Harris]

You're not the Santa Tomas type.

[Alvin Summers]

Why not?

[Gloria Harris]

Mexico City, maybe. Havana, maybe. But not Santa Tomas. No, I think you came down here to meet somebody. Or to find somebody.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay, suppose I did. Who would I be looking for?

[Gloria Harris]

If you don't know, how would I?

[Alvin Summers]

Looking for you, maybe.

[Gloria Harris]

Now that's the nicest thing that's been said to me all day. If you are, it's too bad I didn't know it sooner.

[Alvin Summers]

Why?

[Gloria Harris]

It would have made this town a little more bearable. Waiting?

[Alvin Summers]

Or maybe you've been looking for me.

[Gloria Harris]

Let's not be blunt here. I thought I was being so subtle.

[Alvin Summers]

You have been looking for me.

[Gloria Harris]

I must admit. I've been looking for someone who's alive in this town. Of course. What I should say is that I've always been looking for you. That I.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay, okay. I guess that leaves me right where I started from.

[Gloria Harris]

Hmm?

[Alvin Summers]

Skip it. So we're just two happy people on a vacation.

[Gloria Harris]

Yeah. Okay, John.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay. Hey, that music that the flamenco singer you were telling me about?

[Gloria Harris]

Mm. Sounds pretty weird, doesn't she? But I like it. You know something? Mm, sounds even weirder from down below on the beach.

[Alvin Summers]

Tone.

[Gloria Harris]

Like to see for yourself?

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah. Yeah, I think I'd like to.

[Gloria Harris]

Give me a minute.

[Alvin Summers]

What's the matter?

[Gloria Harris]

Speaking of people staring at you, that guy again.

[Alvin Summers]

Where is he?

[Gloria Harris]

No, it's a little man this time. Over at the end of the terrace. See him?

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, that's Benito.

[Gloria Harris]

Who?

[Alvin Summers]

The bellboy of my hotel. Excuse me. A man. Be right back.

[Gloria Harris]

Sure.

[Benito]

Senor Dollar.

[Alvin Summers]

Hi, Avenido.

[Benito]

The desk clerk told me you'd come up here.

[Alvin Summers]

What's on your mind?

[Benito]

You told me you'd pay me money if I could get some information for you.

[Alvin Summers]

That's right. I want to know if anybody's been trying to contact me. You turn up anything?

[Benito]

Not about that, senor, but the picture.

[Alvin Summers]

You showed, the one of Alvin Summers.

[Benito]

See, I told you I thought I'd seen him here in Santo Tomas. Now I'm sure of it.

[Alvin Summers]

Good boy.

[Benito]

Tonight I talked to a friend of mine. I described Senor Summers to him. He told me he used to work for him as a houseboy.

[Alvin Summers]

Good. Did he tell you where Summers is now?

[Benito]

No, he could not tell me that.

[Alvin Summers]

Couldn't or wouldn't?

[Benito]

I do not know, senor. But he tell me where the house is that Summers live there.

[Alvin Summers]

Where is it?

[Benito]

You could not find it, senor. It's in from the beach in the jungle a little way. I would have to take you there.

[Alvin Summers]

All right, let's go.

[Benito]

Not now. I'm supposed to be on duty back at the hotel. I must get down there at once before the hotel clerk finds out I'm gone.

[Alvin Summers]

When do you get off duty?

[Benito]

At midnight. I'll come to your room then and take you to senor Sommer's house.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay, Midnight. Good boy, Menino.

[Benito]

A real good boy, senor.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, yeah. Here.

[Benito]

Gracias, senor. But you should not have come here.

[Alvin Summers]

Now look, I've already had one guy tell me to leave town tonight. Don't you start.

[Benito]

No, I mean you should not have come here to the Playa del Mar.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, why not?

[Benito]

Because after you pay your check here, senor, you'll not have any more money left to pay me with.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, don't worry about it, Vanita. I'll bully you through somehow. See you later.

[Benito]

Si, senor.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, hello. $.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

Carson. E.K. carson.

[Alvin Summers]

Remember? Sure, the zipper salesman. What brings you up here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, same thing as you, friend. Out doing a little steppin' I thought.

[Alvin Summers]

You told me down at the hotel that you figured half the world was just waiting to be zipped up. How can you afford to take the time off?

[Johnny Dollar]

All work and no play, friend. Haven't you heard?

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, well, I have a date. See you later, Carson.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm still waiting to get you into a cribbage game, friend.

[Alvin Summers]

Good. That's just what you do. You mean play cribbage? No, I mean keep waiting. When I got back to the table, Gloria was gone. I looked around. No sign of her. This I didn't get and I didn't like. Why would she pull a disappearing act on me?

[Gloria Harris]

Now, Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Then I spotted her just off the terrace on the path that led to the cabanas on the beach. I went over. She. She was carrying a scarf and wearing a one piece bathing suit. The scarf looked bigger.

[Gloria Harris]

Hi.

[Alvin Summers]

Wow.

[Gloria Harris]

I thought as long as we were going down to the beach, we might as well go for a swim.

[Alvin Summers]

Why not? Be right with you. Item five on expense account. $7 for one pair of swimming trunks, five for the trunks and two bucks to get the hotel shopkeeper out of bed. To sell them to me. After all, I figured I ought to stay close to Gloria. That's the way she seemed to want it, and I wanted to know why. She could have some information on the whereabouts of Alvin Summers I could use. Well, she might.

[Gloria Harris]

Oh. Oh, that was fun.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah.

[Gloria Harris]

Come on. There's a place over against the rocks at the foot of the cliff.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay. What do we do now? Build a fire and roast marshmallows.

[Gloria Harris]

I'm sorry. I didn't bring any marshmallows.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, it's just as well. I'm strictly the hot dog and beer type anyway.

[Gloria Harris]

Here we are. This is my place, Johnny. I come down here almost every night.

[Alvin Summers]

It's nice.

[Gloria Harris]

I told you there was a moon tonight. Yeah, the flamenco singer. Music comes right down the rocks to us.

[Alvin Summers]

Doesn't she ever get tired?

[Gloria Harris]

Doesn't seem to.

[Alvin Summers]

What's she singing about? Do you know?

[Gloria Harris]

Huh? It's about a man in jail in Little Town. His sweetheart tosses a rose to him through the bars. Drives him crazy cheerful. There aren't any walls around you, Johnny. The only trouble is I don't have a rose.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, who needs a rose?

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, darling.

[Alvin Summers]

Glory of luck. I.

[Gloria Harris]

You were saying?

[Alvin Summers]

You know something? I forgot what it was.

[Gloria Harris]

Good. Let's keep it that way, Darling.

[Alvin Summers]

Hold it.

[Gloria Harris]

So who's thinking of moving? Shh. What is it?

[Alvin Summers]

They're in the moonlight, coming along the beach.

[Gloria Harris]

Two men.

[Alvin Summers]

Take a good look at the one in front.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah? I want to work me over in my hotel room tonight. And it looks like he brought along a stooge with a machete.

[Gloria Harris]

They're looking for you.

[Alvin Summers]

Get around behind the rock here, then back up the path to the hotel. No. Quiet. Get going.

[Gloria Harris]

I'm not going. Would you please, Johnny, Please don't go out there. Now. Stay out of sight. They can't see us here in the shadows.

[Alvin Summers]

Gloria. Sooner or later I got a little matter to settle with that big ape and might as well be sooner.

[Gloria Harris]

No, please, I. I don't want you to get hurt again.

[Alvin Summers]

Johnny.

[Gloria Harris]

I'm not going to leave you.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay. Okay. Come on. Let's shift around to the other side of this rock and keep it quiet.

[Gloria Harris]

Can you see that?

[Alvin Summers]

Keep your head down.

[Benito]

Keep your eyes open. I saw him come down the path about half an hour ago. Maybe it's farther up the beach. Now.

[Alvin Summers]

Watch the water.

[Gloria Harris]

That was close. Too close.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, are you in some kind of trouble?

[Alvin Summers]

Not yet. You seem pretty concerned about me.

[Gloria Harris]

I am.

[Alvin Summers]

You sure that was why you didn't want me to tangle with him, of course. You don't know the guy, huh?

[Gloria Harris]

I told you I didn't. Why?

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, I was just wondering if maybe he was a friend of yours and didn't want me moving in on him.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, you're talking crazy. I've never seen him in my life before today in the bar of your hotel. I told you I didn't want you to get hurt again. I mean it. I. Maybe this will prove it.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, it's a pretty strong argument. Look, Gloria, I hate to. Believe me, but I've gotta leave.

[Gloria Harris]

What?

[Alvin Summers]

Must be almost midnight.

[Gloria Harris]

So?

[Alvin Summers]

So there's something I gotta take care of.

[Gloria Harris]

Oh, fine.

[Alvin Summers]

I know. I'm sorry.

[Gloria Harris]

Pretty strange vacation you're on, Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah. So my timing was terrible, but I had to meet Benito the bellboy in my hotel room at midnight to find out more about Alvin Summers whereabouts. I walked Gloria back up to her hotel and headed for mine. It was a couple of minutes after 12 when I got there. I walked into my room and started to reach for the light switch. Then I froze. The moonlight was streaming in through the louvered door to the balcony and I could see a silhouette against it. Somebody was out on that balcony, crouching against the door. Slowly, carefully, I eased over to it. Then suddenly jerked it open. Bonito. And I knew I wasn't going to get any more information about Alvin Summers out of him. After all, you can't do much talking when your throat's been cut.

[Narrator]

There'll be another exciting episode in our story of the Alvin Summers matter tomorrow.

[Alvin Summers]

Tomorrow? Well, there are some people you just wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley. But sometimes it can't be helped. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey is transcribed in Hollywood. Written by Robert Rife it is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Be sure to join us tomorrow night, same time and station, for the next exciting episode of Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Roy Rowan speaking from Hollywood. It's time now for Bob Bailey as Johnny Darren.

[Benito]

This is Lieutenant Gomez of the Santo Tomas Police Department.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, yeah, Lieutenant, I have been trying.

[Benito]

To reach you for some time.

[Alvin Summers]

Sorry, I was out making some funeral arrangements.

[Benito]

It is about the dead man that I wish to speak to you, senor.

[Alvin Summers]

Fire away, Lieutenant. What's on your mind?

[Benito]

Precisely the question I was about to ask you.

[Alvin Summers]

What do you mean?

[Benito]

Surely I do not need to remind you that Benito Escanza was found dead in your hotel room earlier this evening.

[Alvin Summers]

You certainly don't. But I've already told one of Your cops, the whole story.

[Benito]

Perhaps. Perhaps not. I suggest that you come to see me so that we can discuss it further.

[Alvin Summers]

Is that an invitation or an order?

[Benito]

Let us call it an invitation. But if you do not accept, we will have to come and get you.

[Narrator]

Tonight and every weekday night. Bob Bailey in the transcribed Adventures of the man with the Action Packed Expense Account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Alvin Summers]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, Santo Tomas, Mexico. Expense account submitted by Special investigator Johnny Dollar to the home office, Northeastern Fidelity and Bonding, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an account of additional expenses during my investigation of The Alvin Summers $75,000 Embezzlement Case Item 6, $25American Funeral and burial expenses for Benito the bellboy. Somebody had to do it, and he apparently had no family. After I made the arrangements with the town's undertaker, I went back to my room and received Lt. Gomez's polite but firm invitation to drop in on him. So I went on down to police headquarters.

[Benito]

Sit down, Senor Lola.

[Alvin Summers]

Thanks, Lieutenant. So. So.

[Benito]

The autopsy has confirmed the fact that Benito Escanson died from knife wounds.

[Alvin Summers]

I didn't need an autopsy to tell me that. It was obvious.

[Benito]

But what is not obvious is your part in all of this.

[Alvin Summers]

Look, the story hasn't changed a bit since I told it to your Sergeant Romero. I went back to my room at midnight. I opened my balcony door and in rolled Benito. His throat had been cut.

[Benito]

That is the story. As to what is behind the story, that may well be another matter.

[Alvin Summers]

For instance?

[Benito]

For instance, in a case such as this, everyone is a potential suspect. Everyone, including you.

[Alvin Summers]

Isn't this being pretty ridiculous, Gomez?

[Benito]

Is it? Then perhaps you would be kind enough to tell me if there was some legitimate reason Benito had his throat got in your hotel room.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, in the first place, if you're interested in alibis, I've got one.

[Benito]

Indeed.

[Alvin Summers]

Indeed. I was with a girl named Gloria Harris up at the Hotel Playa del Mar all evening. You can check that.

[Benito]

Oh, you may be quite certain that I am checking on all your activities this evening, senor.

[Alvin Summers]

In the second place, if you're interested in motives, I don't have one, no. Why would I want to kill Benito when I was hoping to get some information from him?

[Benito]

Information of what source, Senor Dollar?

[Alvin Summers]

I guess I better start at the top, Lieutenant. Here's my card.

[Benito]

You're an insurance investigator?

[Alvin Summers]

That's right. About six months ago, a man named Alvin Summers up in the states embezzled $75,000 from the company he worked for. The outfit I'm representing in the deal wrote the bond on him. So they were stuck for the money.

[Benito]

$75,000.

[Alvin Summers]

Couple of days ago they got a long distance phone call from down here in Santo Tomas. The man who called claimed that he had information about Alvin Summers. That's why I came down here.

[Benito]

Who was the man who telephone?

[Alvin Summers]

We don't know. I came on the chance that he might contact me here or that I might get some kind of lead on Alvin Summers whereabouts.

[Benito]

And have you?

[Alvin Summers]

No, on both counts. Benito said he knew about a place where Summers used to live. He was going to take me there tonight. But apparently somebody had other ideas. And a knife to back them up.

[Benito]

I see nobody has tried to contact you.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, sure, sure. Several people have. But always for the wrong reason. First, there was a man named Carson, a zipper salesman. He contacted me for the purpose of setting up a cribbage game.

[Benito]

Cribbage? What is this? Cribbage?

[Alvin Summers]

Now that's something I hope I never find out. Then there was a strongarm who bounced me around with a gun barrel and suggested politely that I wanted to leave town.

[Benito]

Oh, what did he look like?

[Alvin Summers]

Well, he was heavy in the shoulders, thick neck, low forehead, short dark hair, scar over the bridge of his nose, scarlet.

[Benito]

That would be Senor Kraus.

[Alvin Summers]

You know him?

[Benito]

I know him by sight.

[Alvin Summers]

Who is he? What's his pitch?

[Benito]

That is something I do not know, senor. You must understand that Santo Tomas is a rather strange town. And a dangerous one.

[Alvin Summers]

Coming.

[Benito]

Can't you see that I'm busy? Sergeant Romero.

[Alvin Summers]

Boris, about Senhor Dolla.

[Benito]

Oh, well, what is it?

[Alvin Summers]

Well, I have talked to a Senorita Gloria Harris at the Hotel Playa del Mar. She said that Senor Dara was with.

[G]

Her throughout the evening.

[Benito]

Very well, Romero. One thing more.

[Alvin Summers]

We have just arrested a man, American tourist. Senor Carson.

[Benito]

I will talk to him when I have time.

[Alvin Summers]

Hey, wait a minute. That's the zipper salesman I was telling you about.

[Benito]

Indeed.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah. Hey, look, maybe he ties into this deal after all. What's the charge, Romero? It's disturbing the peace. Oh, great. Just when I thought I had a lead. What's the matter? He got a few too many under his belt? Maybe.

[Benito]

Well, Romero here.

[Alvin Summers]

Here's the report. Senor Carson is outside.

[Benito]

Gracias. That will be all. I will talk to the man. See you, Lute. Senor Donald, if you know this man, perhaps you had better come with him.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay.

[Johnny Dollar]

$Say, I'm sure glad to see you.

[Alvin Summers]

Hi, Carson. What seems to be the trouble?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, it wasn't as Much as they made a dol. Fella goes out stepping. Sometimes he.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, you know, he steps a little too far.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I was only having a little fun.

[Benito]

Senor Carson, this report states that you are at the Hotel Playa del Mar this evening.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right.

[Benito]

But now, Lieutenant, it further states that you became increasingly noisy, and that at one point, during a dance by an entertainer, you grabbed a serape from one of the musicians and attempted to join in the dance.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, Lieutenant, maybe I was a little out of line, but I further that.

[Benito]

When the dancer refused to dance with you, you chased her around the patio.

[Alvin Summers]

Several times, trying to sell her a zipper, maybe.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no dollar let up on a guy, will you?

[Benito]

And that finally, when the musician attempted to get his serape away from you, you broke his guitar over his head.

[Alvin Summers]

Say, when you get going. You're a real tiger, aren't you?

[Benito]

Are these things true, Senor Carson?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I. I suppose the facts are correct, but they sound different somehow down here. I was just trying to have a little fun, you know.

[Alvin Summers]

See?

[Benito]

Sergeant Romero will conduct you to the magistrate. Romero?

[Johnny Dollar]

Doll, are you just gonna stand there and not do anything? After all, we both live at the same hotel and.

[Benito]

And.

[Alvin Summers]

And.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, you're a big help.

[Alvin Summers]

What'll happen to him, Lieutenant?

[Benito]

He will have to pay the damages, and there will be a fine which.

[Alvin Summers]

Will probably go on his expense account. Lieutenant, you started to tell me about this Beetlebrow Krause, who put a few dents in me.

[Benito]

I started to say that before the people from Mexico City built the new hotel, this town, unfortunately, used to be something of a haven for undesirable characters from the United States.

[Alvin Summers]

Fugitives, huh?

[Benito]

Some of them still remain. And although I know very little about Senor Krauss, it is probable that he is one of them.

[Alvin Summers]

Could be.

[Benito]

You say that he and Senor Carson are the only ones who have made any effort to contact you?

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah. Except for Gloria Harris, of course. I still haven't found out what's on her mind. I mean, what else is on her mind? She says she's down here on a vacation.

[Benito]

Indeed. In that case, it has certainly been a long vacation.

[Alvin Summers]

What do you mean?

[Benito]

She's been here for several months, to my knowledge.

[Alvin Summers]

Well. Well, now, that's very interesting, Lieutenant. Thanks. Anything else you want to ask me about Bonito?

[Benito]

Not at the moment, but I suggest you remain available.

[Alvin Summers]

You know where to find me.

[Benito]

One moment, Senor Dola. A word of warning. As I told you, this town can be a dangerous place. I would suggest that you be quite careful.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, yeah.

[Benito]

And one thing I wish to impress upon you. If you are at any time tempted during your investigation to take the law into your own hands, I assure you that you will regret it.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, in that case, I hope you're around when and if I need you.

[Benito]

Whether or not I am available, the warning still applies.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay. Be seeing you.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Wow, Gloria. I thought you were tucked in for the night.

[Gloria Harris]

I couldn't sleep, so I called your hotel.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh?

[Gloria Harris]

They told me that the bellboy had been murdered, that you were at the police station, so I came down here. Is there anything I can do?

[Alvin Summers]

Not for Benito. I'm afraid.

[Gloria Harris]

He was killed in your room.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah.

[Gloria Harris]

You think he could have been killed by mistake?

[Alvin Summers]

Mistake? You mean maybe I was supposed to be the target? Hey, it's a thought.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, you're in trouble of some kind. I wish you'd tell me what it is. You're not just down here on a vacation.

[Alvin Summers]

Speaking of vacations, Gloria, let's.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, what is it?

[Alvin Summers]

Keep looking straight ahead. There's somebody across the street, in the shadows. He's tailing us.

[Gloria Harris]

Can you see who it is?

[Alvin Summers]

When he goes past that light, I'll be. What? Do you know my old friend Krause again?

[Gloria Harris]

You mean the man who came to your room and was looking for you on the beach?

[Alvin Summers]

That's the boy. Funny how he always seems to pop up when I'm with you.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, I tell you, I don't know him.

[Alvin Summers]

What does the matter right now? Come on. Turn into the alley here. Okay, now keep going straight down this alley and out the other end. Go back to your hotel and I'll call you there later. I may be a while.

[Gloria Harris]

What are you going to do, wait for him? No, John.

[Alvin Summers]

Look, Gloria, don't give me any argument this time. Get going. After she was out of sight, I ducked into a doorway. Then I waited. Yeah, Krause was following, all right. I waited until he got right up to me, then I dove at him. You? That's right. Me. Drop the gun.

[Johnny Dollar]

Drop it.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, this time I'm ready for you, sweetheart. Funny thing about me, Krauss, I don't like guys working over me with a gun barrel. Ever. All right. Now you're gonna tell me what this is all about, why you've been tailing me, why you worked me over with a gun barrel in my room last night. I want to hear all about it, you know why? Talk. I said talk.

[Benito]

You're not taking me back.

[Alvin Summers]

Taking you back?

[Benito]

I know you came down here after me. But I ain't going back.

[Alvin Summers]

What are you talking about?

[Benito]

I know what happens to a three time loser.

[Alvin Summers]

Three time Want me back home, you gotta carry me. Hey, wait a minute. You ever hear of a man named Alvin Summers? How about Gloria Harris?

[Benito]

Oh, no.

[Alvin Summers]

No. You sure about that? Cross? Look.

[Benito]

Done. Look, I'm telling you the truth.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, I guess you are. You're too punchy right now to give me a routine. Yeah, I think I get it. You're wanted in the States. You figured I was a cop and came down here to make a pinch. Brother, right now I sure wish I was. You mean you. No, I'm no cop.

[Benito]

You say you made a mistake.

[Alvin Summers]

You sure did, buster. No hard feeling? Oh, no, no, not at all. I just love the feel of a gun barrel whipping across my face. Krause, I got a nice little piece of advice for you. Next time, you better find out what the score is before you jump into the ball game. I left him there in the alley and went back to my hotel. Then, just as I was about to open the door to my room, I heard someone moving around inside. I went quietly down to the end of the hall, out the window, then eased along the balcony back toward my room. Inside it was dark, but I could make out someone bent over my luggage. Searching it. I edged across the room slowly. Then I lunged. Hello, Gloria.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, Johnny. Helping me unpack, maybe?

[Gloria Harris]

Look, I. I can explain.

[Alvin Summers]

Johnny, you know something? That's just exactly what you're gonna do.

[Narrator]

There'll be another exciting episode in our story of the Alvin Summers matter. Tomorrow.

[Alvin Summers]

Tomorrow night. How to fall into a trap in one easy lesson. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bailey is transcribed in Hollywood. Written by Robert R. It is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Be sure to join us tomorrow night, same time and station, for the next exciting episode of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Roy Rowan speaking from Hollywood. It's time now for Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah. Remember me, sweetheart?

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, I didn't.

[Alvin Summers]

I'm the guy you were making the big pitch for dancing moonlight on the beach. The complete routine. Oh, I gotta hand it to you, baby, that was real nice acting.

[Gloria Harris]

No, it wasn't acting, Johnny. I meant it. All of it.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, sure, Gloria, sure. That's why I catch you here and searching my room. That's all part of the big romance, huh?

[Gloria Harris]

I can explain.

[Alvin Summers]

And that's just what you're gonna do. Hey, look, Gloria, one guy has already wound up dead on this deal. I've got a strong Hunch I'm number two man on the list and this baby I do not want.

[Narrator]

Tonight and every weekday night, Bob Bailey and the transcribed adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Alvin Summers]

Yours truly, Johnny Doll Santo Tomas, Mexico. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the home office, Northeastern Fidelity and Bonding, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an account of additional expenses during my investigation of the Alvin Summers embezzlement of $75,000. Item 9, $17.60 Business Entertainment for one Gloria Harris. Believe it or not, I wasn't going to put that item on the account because I figured it might just possibly be a private romance. But when I caught Gloria searching my hotel room, I knew she tied into the deal somehow that she could give me information on Summer's whereabouts.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, please.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, no. You're not leaving, Gloria. Not yet.

[Gloria Harris]

I'm not trying to get away.

[Alvin Summers]

I.

[Gloria Harris]

What's the use? You'd never believe me.

[Alvin Summers]

Why should I? You lied to me.

[Gloria Harris]

I lied to you once. Only once. When I told you I'm here on a vacation.

[Alvin Summers]

I'm not surprised.

[Gloria Harris]

The truth is, I'm stranded down here.

[Alvin Summers]

Stranded? Oh, sure. That's why you're staying at the Playa del Mar, the most expensive hotel in town.

[Gloria Harris]

I don't mean no money. I mean no passport. It's true. You got a cigarette, Johnny?

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah. Here.

[Gloria Harris]

Thanks. Yeah. I've been stuck in this ratty town for four months now, just hoping every day that I could figure out some way or find somebody to help me get back to the States.

[Alvin Summers]

How come you picked this town, assuming I believe you?

[Gloria Harris]

Because I heard that fugitives from the States sometimes came here. I've been drifting around for a year from place to place. I guess I thought my luck had changed here. It hasn't.

[Alvin Summers]

How'd you lose your passport in the first place?

[Gloria Harris]

I'll tell you. If you really want to know, Johnny personally, I'd rather skip it. It's a long story and not a very pretty one. It's all in the past. Let's just say I made a mistake about a guy.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay, Gloria. Okay. But there's one little item you haven't told me. Why you were searching my room just now?

[Gloria Harris]

Because I was trying to find out something about you, Johnny. The reason why you're down here.

[Alvin Summers]

Why?

[Gloria Harris]

So maybe I could make a deal with you.

[Alvin Summers]

Deal?

[Gloria Harris]

You helped me get a passport, and I'll help you.

[Alvin Summers]

How can you help me?

[Gloria Harris]

You're looking for Alvin Summers, aren't you?

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, am I?

[Gloria Harris]

Six months ago, he embezzled $75,000 up in the States and took off.

[Alvin Summers]

Go on.

[Gloria Harris]

You came down here to find him. You're an insurance investigator.

[Alvin Summers]

Keep talking.

[Gloria Harris]

That's all. That's it.

[Alvin Summers]

Now, maybe you wouldn't mind telling me how you know all of. Oh, sure. That report in my suitcase, in the picture.

[Gloria Harris]

Alvin Summers. I know him. I can help you, Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Where is he?

[Gloria Harris]

First I've got to know if you'll help me.

[Alvin Summers]

The passport.

[Gloria Harris]

The passport?

[Alvin Summers]

What do you expect me to do about that?

[Gloria Harris]

In your business, Johnny, you must meet a lot of people. All kinds. Maybe one of them has an extra passport or two. For a price, maybe.

[Alvin Summers]

All right, I'll see what I can do.

[Gloria Harris]

That the best you can say?

[Alvin Summers]

That's the best. Take it or leave it.

[Gloria Harris]

All right, I'll take it. I haven't any choice.

[Alvin Summers]

Now, about Alvin Summers.

[Gloria Harris]

I'll take you there. To Summers place.

[Alvin Summers]

Where is it?

[Gloria Harris]

Down the beach about a mile below town, then into the jungle a little way.

[Alvin Summers]

How come you know where it is?

[Gloria Harris]

I met Alvin Summers a couple of months ago.

[Alvin Summers]

Here in Santo Tomas?

[Gloria Harris]

Yeah, I went there once for dinner.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay, you take me there, Gloria.

[Gloria Harris]

First, I'd better go up to the hotel and change. The country's pretty rough on clothes.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay. I'll meet you at your hotel in half an hour.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, I only lied to you about one thing. The reason I was down here. The rest of it. I meant last night on the terrace and on the beach. I meant all of it. Really, Johnny. And I mean this.

[Alvin Summers]

You know, I'm kind of glad you told me that. See you in half an hour. I stayed there a while after she left, going over the case in my mind. Maybe she was telling me the truth. But whether she was or not, I had to follow up any lead I could find because I was getting nowhere the way things were. Half an hour later, as I was starting out of my room to go pick her up, my phone rang. It was a long distance call from the States.

[Benito]

Fred Wilkins at Northeastern Fidelity. Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Hi, Fred.

[Benito]

Well, how's the fishing down there?

[Alvin Summers]

Fishing? Matter of fact, it hasn't been so good so far, Fred.

[Benito]

Ah, that's too bad. But I bet the swimming is all right, huh?

[Alvin Summers]

Whoa, there. What's eating you?

[Benito]

I didn't send you down there for a vacation.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, you got a great sense of humor. You should see this place. Vacation?

[Benito]

Then what have you been doing down there?

[Alvin Summers]

What do you think I've been doing? I've been looking for whoever it was that telephoned you and said he had information on Alvin Summers.

[Benito]

You couldn't have been looking very hard. He called me again this morning.

[Alvin Summers]

He what?

[Benito]

That's right. He wondered if I'd send anyone down there yet.

[Alvin Summers]

Hey, look, Fred, this guy is not easy to find, believe me. And I think I know why. Obviously, somebody doesn't want him to talk. And that somebody could be Alvin Summers about one jump behind him.

[Benito]

Summers? You think he's around?

[Alvin Summers]

There could be. I'm leaving right now to find out. I've got a lead on where he lives. There's somebody at the door. I'll call you when I get anything.

[Benito]

Do that.

[Alvin Summers]

Fishing. Oh, Lieutenant Gomez. Well, look, I'm in sort of a hurry right now.

[Benito]

This will not take long.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay. What is it, Lieutenant?

[Benito]

Early this morning, one of my men found Senor Kraus in the alley.

[Alvin Summers]

How is he feeling?

[Benito]

He had been badly beaten. He would not tell us anything, but it was fairly obvious who had done this to him.

[Alvin Summers]

So?

[Benito]

So the last time we talked, Senor Dollar, I warned you not to attempt to take the law into your own hands.

[Alvin Summers]

Now listen, Gomez, if you think I want to take a pistol whipping like he gave me and not do anything.

[Benito]

About it, do not misunderstand. I care nothing about Krauss personally or what happens to him. I'm thinking about something more important. For instance, you are looking for Alvin Summers, a man who quite obviously does not want to be found.

[Alvin Summers]

So?

[Benito]

So when you find him, it is quite possible that there will be trouble.

[Alvin Summers]

Granted. But let's face a few facts, Lieutenant. You and your boys can't help me. You're in charge of the Santa Tomas police force, all two men. And I imagine you've got a few other things on your mind besides an ambassador from the States and an insurance investigator.

[Benito]

Let me.

[Alvin Summers]

So that means I've got to do it on my own.

[Benito]

Very well. Senor Dollar. This morning I attended the funeral of Benito in Scanza, who was killed because he had information about Alvin Summers. If you find Summers and take the law into your own hands again, I fear I may have to attend another funeral. Yours.

[Alvin Summers]

That's what I liked about Gomez. He was the cheerful type. Well, I picked up Gloria at her hotel and we headed for Summer's place. We walked down the beach about a mile below town. The beach kept narrowing as the jungle crowded closer and closer to the water.

[Gloria Harris]

This place is in from the beach a ways. There's a little path pretty soon that leads in. You could walk right by it and never see it. Here it is.

[Alvin Summers]

And that's just what we'll do. Walk right by it. I don't want to lead anyone else here.

[Gloria Harris]

There's nobody else on the beach.

[Alvin Summers]

I'm not talking about the beach. That's a regular jungle in there. 20 people could be watching us so we'd never see them.

[Gloria Harris]

Oh, I guess so.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay, we'll go in here, then work our way back to the pack. Brother, this is pretty thick in here.

[Gloria Harris]

Yeah. You're walking through thick brush like this, you always feel like somebody's watching you. Imagination gets pretty strong sometimes.

[Alvin Summers]

I think it's a little more than imagination.

[Gloria Harris]

What do you mean?

[Alvin Summers]

Stop a minute. Listen.

[Gloria Harris]

I don't hear it.

[Benito]

Shh.

[Alvin Summers]

Johnny.

[Gloria Harris]

Yeah?

[Alvin Summers]

Somebody's tailing us again. Look. Keep moving straight ahead. I'm gonna circle and see if I can intercept him.

[Gloria Harris]

All right, but be careful.

[Alvin Summers]

Gloria moved on, and I started circling to the right. Every few seconds, I'd stop and listen. Yeah, he was still there. I pegged the direction of the sound and started edging toward it slowly. Then my foot caught in a bucket. I scrambled to my feet and kept going in the same direction. There was a small clearing ahead. I reached it, stopped and listened. Nothing. Whoever I was chasing seemed to know the country better than I did. He disappeared. I caught up with Gloria a couple of hundred yards farther along the trail.

[Gloria Harris]

Any luck, Johnny?

[Alvin Summers]

No. Whoever it is is pretty good at keeping out of sight.

[Gloria Harris]

Are you sure it was a person? Might have been some kind of animal.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah.

[Gloria Harris]

Maybe you can see a corner of Alvin Summers hut from here. Past that big tree.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah. Come on. And stay behind me.

[Gloria Harris]

All right.

[Alvin Summers]

If there's any trouble.

[Gloria Harris]

You think there will be?

[Alvin Summers]

Look, a guy who's this careful about hiding doesn't usually welcome visitors. Quiet now. No sign of life. Keep back against the wall. I'm going to open the door. Okay. Gloria.

[Gloria Harris]

Nobody home, huh?

[Alvin Summers]

Nobody home. Well, he seems to have a pretty comfortable place here.

[Gloria Harris]

You like to live in jungles.

[Alvin Summers]

Hmm? Yeah.

[Gloria Harris]

What?

[Alvin Summers]

Looks like he hasn't been around for several days. The food in these cupboards pretty moldy. Yeah. I guess they've cleared out.

[Gloria Harris]

They?

[Alvin Summers]

Uh huh. He and whoever was here with him.

[Gloria Harris]

What makes you think someone was?

[Alvin Summers]

For one thing, two sets of dirty dishes over there.

[Gloria Harris]

Maybe he just wasn't neat.

[Alvin Summers]

He'd have to have been awfully neat to use two toothbrushes and two kinds of toothpaste. And two people have been eating at this table. See the crumbs?

[Gloria Harris]

Maybe there's something around here that could give you a clue to where he might be.

[Alvin Summers]

Now, Maybe. If he's still alive.

[Gloria Harris]

What do you mean? You think he isn't?

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, I don't know. But if somebody else was living here too, it could mean he had a partner in this deal. And it's a funny thing about that kind of playmates. Sooner or later they start quarreling about who's gonna hold the marbles. $75,000 worth in this case.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, if he is dead, that leaves you nowhere.

[Alvin Summers]

Maybe not. Listen.

[Gloria Harris]

What?

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah. Sounds like our shadow is somewhere outside. Keep talking, Gloria. Normal tone. I'm going out the back way and see if I can spot him.

[Gloria Harris]

Why don't you look around the hut, Johnny?

[Alvin Summers]

Gloria kept up a line of patter while I slipped out the back door and into the brush. I listened.

[Gloria Harris]

You want me to do anything?

[Alvin Summers]

Nothing but the sound of Gloria's voice. He had to be someone. But where? I worked my way around to the front of the cabin. Still undercover. No sign. I kept on around the other side. Then, as I started to climb over a fallen tree trunk, I saw a shadow out of the corner of my eye. Hold it.

[G]

Don't turn around.

[Alvin Summers]

The voice was behind me. I could see the rest of the shadow now. A hand with a gun. And I knew it was zeroed in on my backbone. I said hold it. I'm holding.

[G]

Drop your gun. Kick it backwards. Quick.

[Alvin Summers]

Hey, look, whoever you are, don't turn around, okay?

[G]

And don't try to move.

[Alvin Summers]

Mind telling me?

[G]

Keep your eyes straight ahead. Any move, any move at all, it'll be your last.

[Narrator]

There will be the final exciting episode in our story of the Alvin Summers matter. Tomorrow.

[Alvin Summers]

Yes, tomorrow. How to find out what you've been looking for. The hard way. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey is transcribed in Hollywood. Written by Robert Rife it is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Be sure to join us tomorrow night, same time and station, for the next exciting episode of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Roy Rowan speaking from Hollywood.

[Alvin Summers]

It's time now for Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar. I told you, that's my name. What do you want, an affidavit?

[G]

I've got to be sure.

[Alvin Summers]

Look, you've got me out here in the middle of the jungle with a gun in my belt. Don't turn around and I can't even see you. You think I'd be kidding you at a time like this?

[G]

Any move, any move at all and.

[Alvin Summers]

It'Ll be your last.

[Narrator]

Tonight and every weekday, Bob Bailey and the transcribed adventures of the man with the action packed expense Account America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Alvin Summers]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, Santo Tomas, Mexico. Expense accounts submitted by Special investigator Johnny Dollar to the home office, Northeastern Fidelity and Bonding, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an account of additional expenses during my investigation of the Alvin Summers embezzlement of $75,000. Item 12, 2 cents. Just what I figured my life was worth at the moment. Gloria Harris had taken me down the beach and into the jungle to show me the hut where Alvin Summers had been hiding out. There was no sign of him. But I heard a noise outside in the underbrush and went out to investigate. I didn't see a thing. But I felt something, a gun barrel, pressing against the back of my neck.

[G]

I want to talk to you, Dollar.

[Alvin Summers]

You've got a quaint way of arranging a conversation. Believe me, I could do better if you take away that gun.

[G]

Don't answer.

[Alvin Summers]

Who's answering?

[G]

Johnny, wait. Well, be in your hotel room in exactly one hour.

[Alvin Summers]

Look, what's this all about?

[G]

You're looking for Alvin Summers, aren't you?

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, am I?

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, where are you?

[G]

I've got some information about him for you.

[Alvin Summers]

Let's have it now.

[G]

Now, I've got to talk to you alone. Be in your hotel room in town in an hour, understand? Look, do as I say and be sure you're alone. Alone.

[Alvin Summers]

Okay.

[G]

Now, just keep looking straight ahead. Don't turn around and don't tell anyone about this. Anyone, understand?

[Alvin Summers]

You make it pretty clear.

[G]

I'll be watching you, Dolly. You won't see me, but I'll see you.

[Alvin Summers]

I can believe it. Mister.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, please. Johnny, where. Oh, here you are.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, here I am.

[Gloria Harris]

Why didn't you answer me?

[Alvin Summers]

I came out here looking for a guy, remember? How am I gonna find him if I start shouting at you?

[Gloria Harris]

But I got worried when you didn't come back to the hut.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah?

[Gloria Harris]

That noise you heard outside, did you see anything?

[Alvin Summers]

No, I didn't see a thing.

[Gloria Harris]

Johnny, didn't you find anything to give you a lead on where Summers might be?

[Alvin Summers]

I don't know.

[Gloria Harris]

But you said if I helped you find him you'd see what you could do about getting me a passport back to the States.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, sure. Come on, let's get out of here.

[Gloria Harris]

Suits me fine. This place gives me the creeps. All these trees and vines, broad daylight, but you can't see a thing.

[Alvin Summers]

I know.

[Gloria Harris]

My imagination. Still working overtime. Got that feeling we're being watched again. Funny, isn't it?

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, real funny. We kept on toward the beach. Gloria was fidgeting because she thought somebody was watching us. I was fidgeting because I knew somebody was. And I had a strong hunch he was the man whose long distance phone call to the States brought me down to Mexico in the first place. We got back to the beach. I took Gloria up to her hotel and went down to mine in town. As I crossed the lobby toward the stairway to the second floor, out popped a familiar face.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hello, friend.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, Carson. Lieutenant Gomez let you out of jail, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, let's get one thing straight, friend. I never was actually in jail.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, you're lucky. I've seen the jail, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, I just had to pay a fine, and that judge they got in this burg read me the riot act, but then they let me go.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, good. So now it's back to selling zippers, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure is. And I'm behind schedule, too. Checking out right now, as a matter of fact. A lot of territory to cover. Like I always say, half the world's.

[Alvin Summers]

Waiting to get zipped up. Yeah, you told me.

[Johnny Dollar]

I did? Say, $. I'd like you to do me a favor. Oh, that little trouble I got into last night up at the Playa del Mar Hotel? I'd sure appreciate it if you'd keep quiet about it when you get back to the States.

[Alvin Summers]

You mean you don't want anybody to know you got plastered, grabbed a serape and did the fandango? Broke a guitar over the musician's head?

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, can't we just forget about that?

[Alvin Summers]

Believe me, I had until you reminded me. Now, Carson, I'm reasonably sure we don't know the same people and won't be seeing each other again. I'd say the secret of your lurid past was pretty safe.

[Johnny Dollar]

I sure hope so, friend. But about not seeing each other in the States, I was planning on looking you up.

[Alvin Summers]

Goodies.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, sir. I got a deal for you.

[Alvin Summers]

Sorry, but I have all the zippers I can use at the moment.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, that's not what I mean, friend. I've been trying to get you into a cribbage game, remember?

[Alvin Summers]

How can I forget?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, instead, I'm gonna look you up in the States and let you teach me to play gin rummy.

[Alvin Summers]

How could I be so lucky? Oh, sorry. I think that's my phone. So long, Carson.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll sure look you up back in a good old USA.

[Alvin Summers]

Hello? Hello? Hello?

[G]

Keep your hands on the table.

[Alvin Summers]

What? Oh, my shadow again.

[G]

Anybody follow you?

[Alvin Summers]

Not that I know of. You're early.

[G]

I know. And I searched your room.

[Alvin Summers]

That's become an old Santa Tomas custom.

[G]

To make sure you really were Johnny Dollar.

[Alvin Summers]

So now you know. What about it? You can turn around. I don't know. Maybe you'll tell me. What? Wait a minute. A decent shave and you'd match that photo I have in my suitcase. Alvin Summers?

[G]

Yeah, I'm Alvin Summers.

[Alvin Summers]

I don't get it. I had you figured for the man who made that long distance call to the States that tipped me off to come down here.

[G]

You're right about that, too.

[Alvin Summers]

You put the finger on yourself.

[G]

If you want to call it that.

[Alvin Summers]

Well, what happened? Your deal go sour on you? Maybe, yeah. Okay, sit down. Take it easy. Tell me about it. I'll turn on the overhead fan. Pretty stuffy in here, Dollar.

[G]

That phone call you got just now hung up.

[Alvin Summers]

Clerk downstairs must have rung the wrong room.

[G]

Or somebody was checking to see if you were here.

[Alvin Summers]

Could be. Okay, suppose you start from the top. What was that? Relax. What? Just one of the charming features of this room. You turn on that big overhead fan, it slams the balcony door.

[G]

Oh, well, turn it off, will you? I'm kind of edgy.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah, sure.

[G]

You asked me if my deal had gone sour. It went very sour. Oh, I had it all figured out. I was planning it for a year. I was gonna embezzle the 75,000 and really live.

[Alvin Summers]

Live big. Yeah.

[G]

Instead of that, I spend all my time hiding. Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Tampico. You name it, I was there. Always undercover, always hiding. Did you ever spend much time hiding, Dolly?

[Alvin Summers]

No, not much.

[G]

Oh, it's a great life.

[Alvin Summers]

Great.

[G]

Every time somebody looks at you on the street, you're sure he's after you, tailing you. You wake up in the middle of the night. You see a shadow outside, turns out.

[Alvin Summers]

To be just a bush.

[G]

But you spend the rest of the night sweating. Finally, I just couldn't take it anymore. The rest of my life that way.

[Alvin Summers]

You know, Summers, a lot of guys figure that out before it's too late. Too bad you didn't. Yeah.

[G]

So finally I owned the bonding company. Long distance. I knew they'd send an investigator. They sent you? I thought if I could talk to someone like you, see what could be done.

[Alvin Summers]

There's only one thing can be done at this point, Summers. Come back with me to the States. Bring back what's left of the money.

[G]

60,000.

[Alvin Summers]

That'll help. But you know there can't be any deal.

[G]

Yeah, I. I guess I always knew that.

[Alvin Summers]

Here.

[G]

Take the gun.

[Alvin Summers]

Thanks. Now, what about the money?

[G]

It's in a safe deposit box in Mexico City. Here, here's the key.

[Alvin Summers]

One thing I don't get, though. Summers. Yeah, you wanted me to contact, but you were sure playing hard to find.

[G]

Well, I had to be careful. I got a look at you the first day you arrived. I wasn't sure you were the one, so I decided to come to your room that night. But then I saw somebody else coming here, so I gave up.

[Alvin Summers]

How? Was it the bell boy? Benito? Hey, that'll be just before he got knifed.

[G]

Oh, no, I wasn't the one who killed him. $I'm no killer. Just the fool who runs away with somebody else's money, remember? Anyway, I didn't have another chance to get to Ital today. I had to keep undercover so they wouldn't find me.

[Alvin Summers]

Wait a minute, wait a minute. Who's they?

[G]

The man who arranged for me to come down here. And the girl who is going to make it all worthwhile.

[Alvin Summers]

The girl? Summers.

[Gloria Harris]

Don't me, Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Gloria. Hello, baby.

[Gloria Harris]

Here, let me leave the gun right where it is. Johnny, put that safe deposit key on the table.

[Alvin Summers]

I guess you're calling them.

[Gloria Harris]

Thanks.

[Alvin Summers]

And it all adds up. You found out Summers here was planning to turn himself in. You didn't want that money to slip through your fingers. But Summers disappeared from his hideout. You couldn't find him, so you figured you'd let me find him for you.

[Gloria Harris]

That's right. And it worked. And you're so right about that money, you think I'd give it up now?

[G]

Gloria.

[Gloria Harris]

Keep out of it, Alvin. If you want to go back and be a boy scout, that's your business. The money stays with me, Johnny.

[Alvin Summers]

Yeah.

[Gloria Harris]

This doesn't have to be the end of it for us.

[Alvin Summers]

So now we get the pitch about making beautiful music, huh?

[Gloria Harris]

I'm not kidding, Johnny. 60,000 is a lot of money.

[Alvin Summers]

You know, you put on quite an act. Maybe I believed a little bit of it, but if I did, I quit the moment you walk through that door just now.

[Gloria Harris]

Okay, Johnny, that's enough. I thought maybe you'd be smart, but if you won't, you leave me no choice.

[Alvin Summers]

No, Gloria, don't. Gloria. The balcony. Out on the balcony.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hold it, Carson. Stay right where you are, friend.

[Alvin Summers]

Oh, shut up. She's dead.

[Johnny Dollar]

She crossed me.

[Alvin Summers]

You and she were working against each other. She wanted me to lead her to Summers. You wanted to find him yourself.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right. And Summers, you took a lot of finding.

[Alvin Summers]

That's why you killed Bonito the bellboy, to shut his mouth. Then you went up to the big hotel and clowned around so you'd get arrested and that way set up an alibi for the evening.

[Johnny Dollar]

I was pretty proud of that little idea, $. And it's all worked out just the way I wanted it. You see, right from the start, Carson.

[Alvin Summers]

Was holding all the trumps. They were made out of lead. And I knew he was going to start dealing them any second. Then I remembered the overhead fan. The switch was right next to my elbow. The balcony door was open and Carson had his back to it.

[Johnny Dollar]

What are you doing?

[Alvin Summers]

Just turning on the fan. I need some air. Can you blame me? Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're sweating, aren't you, Dollar? What's the matter? You losing your nerve? Well, it really doesn't matter what the.

[Alvin Summers]

The door slammed, Carlson whirled and I knocked the lamp off the table. By the time I hit the floor, my gun was out. I picked up the lamp and lit it again. Summers was crouched in a corner across the room. Sitting on the floor was Carson, staring stupidly down at the red bullet hole in his side. I picked his gun up.

[Johnny Dollar]

All four dollars.

[Alvin Summers]

Summers, call the police station. Lieutenant Gomez. Yeah, all right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Help me. Dollar.

[Alvin Summers]

Hurts. Yeah, it hurts. But not as much as it hurt Benito and Gloria. I, I. You finally got me into a game, didn't you, friend? And you lost. Expense account, item 13. Double the amount of item 1. $440 transportation back to the States for Alvin Summers and me. And you know, I turned them over to the authorities as soon as we got back. That's the way he wanted it, Gloria. Well, once in a while I get to wondering if she really meant some of the things she told me. Not that it matters. Conclusion of report, expense account. Total $923. Yours truly, Shawnee$.

[Narrator]

Remember, please. There'll be a new exciting story on Johnny Dollar beginning next Monday.

[Alvin Summers]

Next week. The Valentine matter. And believe me, it's not the kind of valentine you'd wish on even your worst enemy. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, is transcribed in Hollywood. Written by Robert Rife, it is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in this week's cast were Virginia Gregg, Marvin Miller, Don Diamond, Tony Barrett and Parley Bear. Be sure to join us on Monday night, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Roy Rowan speaking.

[Host]

We just heard the Alvin Summers matter, starring Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar. That will do it for this bonus episode. Thanks so much for joining me. I'll be back on Sunday with our next regular show. In the meantime, you can check out stars on Suspense, my other Old Time Radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Thursdays. Remember, if you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit buy me a co coffee.com mean sts otr I'll be back next time with more Oldtime Radio Detectives. But until then, good night and happy listening.

[Alvin Summers]

Now here is our star, Vincent Price.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ladies and gentlemen. In a prejudice filled America, no one would be secure in his job, his business, his church or his home. Yet racial and religious antagonisms are exploited daily by quacks and adventurers whose followers make up the irresponsible lunatic fringe of American life. Refuse to listen to or spread rumors against any race or religion help to stamp out prejudice in our country. Let's judge our neighbors by the character of their lives alone and not on the basis of their religion or origin.