← Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Encore - Johnny Dollar's Summer Vacation (Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar)
01:36:06
As summer draws to a close with Labor Day weekend, enjoy this encore broadcast featuring Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar in episodes where "the man with the action-packed expense account" tries to take some time off from insurance investigating...and...
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Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison or the grave. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective the 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. Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets and more old time radio detectives and crime fighters. Summer is in full swing, so this week we're joining one of our favorite radio gumshoes on Vacation with Bob Bailey in a five part adventure of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Of course, even on vacation, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator is never too far from danger and intrigue. Today we'll hear him in the Lamar Matter. Originally aired On CBS between March 26 and March 30, 1956, this story aired the week after the five part serial the Jolly Roger Fraud. And in a nice bit of continuity it finds Johnny having just closed that case and preparing to enjoy a bit of R and R in California. Johnny was about to take a vacation when he was roped into the Jolly Roger case. So now he's taking that vacation on expense account Courtesy of Pat McCracken at Universal Adjustment. By the way, if you want to hear the Jolly Roger Fraud, you can Check out episode 276 of this podcast and I'll have a link to it in the show notes. While he's enjoying himself, Johnny is getting friendly with Vani Lamar, a beautiful and very wealthy young woman. He's even by her side when she learns that her father has suddenly passed away back home in Indiana. And he decides to accompany her home when Pat tells him the late Mr. Lamar's passing was suspicious. The five part story was written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone and the cast includes Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartel, Larry Dobkin, Howard McNear, John Dainor, Joseph Kearns and Jack Moyles. And we'll also hear Bob bailey as Johnny Dollar in a third 30 minute mystery. Today, the Ideal Vacation Matter. Once again, Pat McCracken, who's played again by Larry Dobkin, is dispatching Johnny on an assignment. Willie Bemis has escaped from prison and he's looking for revenge against Ned Grant, the reporter whose work put Bemis behind bars. Unfortunately, Grant is on vacation and can't be located, so now it's up to Johnny to find Grant before Bemis does. This is an Armed Forces Radio Service rebroadcast of a show that aired on September 22, 1957. Robert Rife wrote the script, Jack Johnstone directed, and the cast in this episode includes Mary Jane Croft, Barney Phillips, Byron Cain and Jack Edwards. Even on vacation, Johnny Dollar's work is never done. We'll kick things off with Bob Bailey in part one of the Lamar matter right after these messages. You know, gang, I'll bet you've all had one swell Fourth of July holiday. Picnics and swimming and ball games. All sorts of excitement. And the day's not over yet. But you know, I wish you'd do something before you pile into bed tonight. I wish you'd take just a minute to think about what a grand and glorious thing the 4th of July really is. What it means. Actually, you know, it means that, well, we're just about the luckiest people in the whole world to live here in the United States, where somebody believed in freedom enough to fight for it back in 1776. And where we still believe in freedom and still fight for it. Yes, sir, America's the best place in the world to live. That's what the Fourth of July really means. And don't let any of us ever forget it. Next week will mark national holidays for two great countries. On July 1, Canada commemorates the 84th anniversary of its founding as a nation. And on July 4, the United States celebrates the 175th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. May we all recognize the importance of these two great days in our lives and make continuation of our freedoms a must for ourselves, our children and the generations to follow. I dedicate this program to the fight against crime. Not merely crimes of violence and crimes of dishonesty, but crimes of intolerance, discrimination and bad citizenship. Crimes against America. From Hollywood. It's time now for Johnny Dollar, Pat McCracken. Johnny returning your call. Oh, hi, Pat. How's Southern California? My vacation on expense account. I love it. Well, don't overdo it. Just because the Jolly Roger matter interfered with that vacation you'd planned is no. Now, wait a minute. You promise full expenses? Okay. When are you coming back to Hartford? Soon as I clear up the Lamar case. Want okay expenses on it now, huh, Lamar? Yeah, Pat, this is a case that'll make your hair curl. Tonight in every weekday night, Bob Bailey and the transcribed adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense accounts submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to the Universal Adjustment Bureau, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an accounting of expenditures during my investigation of the Lamar matter. Expense account? Ah, forget it. I'm on vacation as far from Hartford, Connecticut, center of the insurance business as I can get. Yeah, I'm in La Jolla, California, and I'm staying in a big ritzy motel called El Crescenta. Alone? Oh, there is a girl down here. A lot of them in fact, but one in particular. Bonnie Lamar, her name is. Sounds like somebody in show business, doesn't it? But she isn't tall, 5ft 8, brunette, pretty as the devil. And I gave her the line that my so called business back east consists of nothing more exciting than running a filling station. How can you afford to come all the way out here to California for a vacation? To say nothing of staying at the El Crescenta. Rich uncle Vonnie died and left me a couple of thousand to do with as I see fit. This is the way I see fit. Only a couple of thousand? Gee, that's too bad. A couple of hundred thousand. I might really fall for you. Oh, Bonnie, how can you? Here I thought these last three days and evenings with you were due solely to my overwhelming personal charms. Your charm has nothing to do with it. Kiss me again. Anyhow, with Vonnie around, who needed a couple of hundred grand, the gal was just about all anyone could ask for. And I don't mean for just a quick vacation time romance. I'd spotted her the minute I'd landed here at this hotel. More like a guest ranch by the seashore. Beautiful modern cottages set around a big green lawn with a swimming pool in the center, big enough for the Olympics. Carports beside the cottages loaded with El Dorados Continentals and a handful of foreign sports jobs. And a beautiful big dining room. And a building set up to look like an old clipper ship. And food and service worthy of Oscar of the Waldorf. And what was I doing here? On expense account, remember? Yeah, I'd spotted Vonnie the night I arrived from San Diego after clearing up the Jolly Roger matter and set my sights for her immediately. Naturally, I wondered what so attractive a girl was doing alone here. She cleared that up for me at dinner the second night. I still don't understand why Daddy hasn't arrived yet. Oh, he's supposed to join you on this vacation. We always spend our vacations together. At least we have since Mother died a few years ago. You're an only child? Yes. Really? A foster child. Just as we were about to take our plane, some crisis or other arose at the plant. So he made me come along and wait for him. Lamar Metal Products. Lamar? Oh, yeah, yeah. Aircraft components. Isn't it? South Bend, Indiana. Yes. You know how crisis can arrive in a business like that? Sure, imagine so. Government orders, all that sort of thing. Yeah. Well, you'll probably hear from him before. Oh, here, wait a. Would you like to get us, Senorita, a telegram for the lady. Oh, excuse me, Johnny. Sure. Here you are, Peter. Gracias. Oh, dear. What's the matter? It's from my father, and I don't like it. Listen. Must delay departure a few more days. Doctor's orders. Nothing to worry about. Stay there in La Jolla until I join you. Love, Daddy. That's too bad, but doctor's orders. There's nothing wrong with Daddy. He had a new insurance examination just a month ago. They gave him a clean bill of health. What company? Tri Mutual something or other. But what difference does it make? There's something wrong about this. I'm sure of it. Why don't you phone him? Yes. Yes, I will. My cottage is right next door here. It was none of my business, but the name of Tri Mutual rang an old familiar bell. Yeah, I'd handle a lot of cases for them. Anyway, she wasted no time in putting through a call to her father's private number in South Bend. Yes, operator. Thank you. I don't know why I didn't go to my own cottage to make this call. My pleasure. I guess I'm a bit upset by this wire. I don't blame you. There's nothing wrong with Daddy. There can't be. Well, maybe he just made the mistake of mixing too many oysters with too many martinis. Hello. Hello, Daddy. What's this telegram you sent me? Oh. Oh, I see. Oh, well, you had me scared for a few minutes. Oh, yes, fine. Mm. Mm. Yes, if you must know the truth, I have Johnny. Dolly. Uh. Oh, very careful, gal. Oh. He says he runs a filling station, but I don't believe him. I'll tell you all when you get here. And hurry, darling, please. All right, Daddy. Good night, dear. Oh, thank goodness. You don't know how close your guess was, Johnny. Oh, it was just a slight case of indigestion. Plus the fact he wanted another day at the plant. Well, good. Then let's go back to the dining room and see what kind of indigestion we can accumulate. Well, that started it. Three days and nights of as much fun and relaxation as I've had in years. A wonderful place to stay, a private beach that I'll wager is second to none on the Pacific coast. Swimming, water skiing, skin diving, sailing, everything. This was it. Or So I thought, why make any bones about it? I'm a sucker for romance. And believe me, it wasn't hard to be serious with Bonnie. Johnny. Yeah? This is nice, isn't it? Mm. I. I don't believe in love at first sight, do you? Uh, no, no, I. But it is nice, isn't it? Hey, whoa, gal. It'd be much too easy to fall in love with you, Vonnie. And I mean the forever kind. Well, would that be so terrible? You've got one big strike against you, you know, Johnny. What? M O n e y money you lose. I have nothing except what my father gives me, you know, allowance and for clothes and things and, you know. So you see, I'm just as poor as you are. Only you aren't, or you wouldn't be staying at a place like this. Another thing, you know absolutely nothing about me. I know you don't make a living by running any old filling station. Johnny Dollar. At the sign of the flying red horse. Oh, stop it. Well, for all you know, I'm a. I'm a gangster, a safecracker, a jewel thief, or worse still, playboy scion of a wealthy family who never did a lick of work in his life. In other words, a worthless bum. Don't say that, Johnny. Even in fun. Had you fill them, huh? Yes, they're mothers. Old dowagers trying to marry them off to another wealthy family. Add the name Lamar to their end of the social register listing. Ensure the four with another fortune. I thought you said you were poor. You know what I mean. A bunch of worthless fops, that's all they are. I've seen better men among the servants and chauffeurs. A little Mexican boy who helps one of the gardeners and the young businessmen there in South Bend and in other cities, maybe earning just enough to make ends meet. But men ambitious, hard working, willing to get somewhere on their own merit. Well, you know what I mean. Mm. Why don't you marry one of them, Bonnie? It isn't as easy as that, Johnny. You know it. Maybe I was waiting for someone like you to. I still don't believe in love at first sight. Hmm. Good. Let me snuggle again right before we started this horrible discussion session. M Sun's going down, though, honey, and this little niche in the rocks is going to get cold. Yeah. Look, everybody else has left the beach. Come on, snuggle. I like it. Kiss me. And I thought I'd have to ask for it. John. Johnny. What do you do? Well. Well, I'll tell you. I live in Hartford as I told you, and I'm really. Listen, he's calling you. Yeah, you too. Oh, the spoil sport. Well, maybe it's a word from your dad. Here, up you come. Oh, I hope so. Come on, Johnny. Pedro. Pedro. Senorita, over here. Here we are. Here. What's up? Senor. Senorita. Telegrams. Telegrams. They went for the senor. Was Mark Rush. So I. Rush. Good boy, Pedro. Here. No. I'll tip you. When we get back to the motel, stop by my cottage. Johnny, it's. What's wrong, Bonnie? It's from our family doctor, I'm afraid. Here, you read it. Sure. I'll be glad to regret having to inform you. Your father died a few hours ago. Suggest you return to South Bend immediately. Oh, Danny. It was a few minutes before Vani could pull herself together enough to from the beach up to her cottage where she could pack her things for the trip back to South Bend. I told her I'd make the necessary plane reservations for her. But what I didn't tell her was the contents of the wire I'd received. The one marked Rush. It was from Pat McCracken at Universal Adjustment Bureau. A request to call him at his home in Hartford immediately. I put through the call. Hello? Pat McCracken. Well, killjoy. What's on your mind, Johnny? That's right. You got my wire. Why else do you think I'm calling? I tried to get you long distance all day. Your motel didn't seem to know where you were. Well, that was mine. They might have spoiled a beautiful romance, but. What's on your mind, Johnny? You've got to cut your vacation short. Oh, no, you don't. And you've got to come back to Hartford right away. What? Now, listen, I'm just But plan to make a long stopover in South Bend, Indiana. South Bend? That's right. Oh, I get it. This is a gag. Or did. You know I'd figured maybe on stopping over there anyhow. I don't know what you're talking about, but now listen. By a rare stroke of luck, we just got word of the death this morning of one of Tri Mutual's bigger policyholders. How much? Million and a half man named Thomas Renee Lamar. Lamar, Pat. Now, listen, Johnny. The circumstances lead us to think it may be murder. Now, here's our star to tell you about tomorrow's intriguing episode of this week's story. Tomorrow, a set of circumstances arise that are enough to keep a man from trusting even himself. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Starring Bob Bailey is transcribed in Hollywood. It is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote tonight's story. 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 Johnny Duller. I have your party in Hartford, Connecticut Now, Mr. Dollar. Oh, thanks. Just a moment, please. Hello? McCracken, Universal Adjustment Bureau. Hi, Pat. Johnny. Are you still in la? Hoya, didn't you get my telegram? Sure did. And I'm getting ready to leave for South Bend right now in the company of a beautiful, charming, lovely. Look, son, your vacation is over. Charming, lovely girl named Vonnie Lamar. Okay, okay. Now, will you. What? That's right. Thomas Renee, Lamar's daughter. Does she know her father has died? Telegram for her arrived at the same time I received yours. You didn't show her my wife? No. She doesn't know yet that you think it might be murder. 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 investigators. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Universal adjustment bureau, Hartford, Connecticut. Attention, Mr. Patrick McCracken. Following is an accounting of expenditures during my investigation of the Lamar matter. Or was it murder? Expense account, item one. I'm calling it item one, Pat, because it's really the first tab on the Lamar case. Previous expenses here in La Jolla were charged against the Jolly Roger case. Expenses for the vacation you promised me and have now so rudely interrupted. Item one. $9.60 for that long distance call to Pat McCracken in Hartford. Now, what under the sun is Vanille Lamar doing in La Jolla? Vacation. Same as I was trying to take. Now tell me something, Pat. Has a claim already been filed on Lamar's million and a half dollar policy? No claim has been filed. Well, then how'd you know about his death so quickly? Luck, pure and simple. Insurance company is Tri Mutual. Big office in Chicago. Headed up by Lawrence Comstock. Oh, sure. Known him for years. Good man. Well, he's written all of Lamar's policies himself. He got to know the old man pretty well. Personal friends, you know. Weekend golf together. Same clubs and both nuts about two handed binocle. So Comstock had been Lamar's house guest the past few days. And been with him practically every minute. The old man wasn't at his plant. Was he actually there when Lamar died? Yes. Yes, he was the one who called the doctor when the old man keeled over. Look, you Keep referring to him as the old man. Just how old was he? Oh, not too. Let me see. I've got it. He was 59. The doctor's name on a telegram was Wilson. You know his first name? No, I don't know. That stuff you'll have to get from Comstock, then South Bend. Okay. Well, at any rate, Johnny, he called me the minute the doctor pronounced Lamar dead and specifically asked that you be put on the case. Yeah, well, that's flattering. Okay, it looks like I am. But tell me something. Yeah. What makes Larry think the man was murdered? I'd rather not discuss it now. He'll give it to you when you see him. Our plane leaves in about an hour. No doubt you can be of some comfort to the daughter, her knowing that you're handling the case. Pat, that's the one thing I don't want her to know. I hung up, leaving Pat to ponder over that last remark, wired Larry Comstock that I was coming and finished my packing for the trip back East. When I'd finished, I paid my bill at the fancy motel and all I can say is, thank goodness it was on expense account. And I knocked on the door of the cottage next to mine. Yes, come in. Oh, Johnny. Hi, Vonnie. Any way I can help you more than you have? You've been wonderful arranging the flight back for me, for us. Taking care of the things here, Johnny. That's right, for us. I'm making the trip with you. But you. I thought you said Hartford, Connecticut. And your vacation? Oh, the vacation's all over. Wouldn't be any fun for me to stay around after this. Oh, darling. And South Bend is along the way. I'd feel better if I kind of took you home rather than let you make the long trip alone. Under the circumstances, maybe I have some business or something to attend to there. Darling, I don't know what. Easy, honey. You made it so wonderful when Daddy couldn't get here these last few days. And now that this terrible thing has happened, you stick by me this way. It's the only way I'd have it. You. You're so wonderful. All right, all right. Come on, now. Come on, get your things together. I've called for a cab to the airport in San Diego. Come on. Oh, thank you, Johnny. I love you for this. Sure. I can't say I exactly relish thoughts of the flight back east much as I hoped I could be of some small comfort to the girl, much as I genuinely wanted to. Such things can be pretty rough, particularly in this instance. But I Am an insurance investigator. And in a matter of this sort, a million and a half dollars at stake. The possibility of murder. Well, it's up to me to suspect everyone whether I like it or not. Yeah, I sometimes think it's a pretty rotten racket to be. Johnny. Sleep. Funny sleep. You'll need all of it you can get before you have to face things at home. I wasn't sleeping. I was just thinking and being so thankful that you're here with me. Honey, I wired ahead for a hotel reservation. What? Yep. I'm gonna stay in South Bend a few days. You? Wonderful, wonderful. Oh, no, I'm going to be honest with you. I. I also wired a friend of mine. Well, a fellow with whom I do business now and then. So I. Well, anyhow, I'll be there for a few days and maybe more. And as long as I can be of any help to you. It's funny, you know. You still haven't told me what you do. Well, don't worry about that now. But I'm curious. Tell me. It'll give us something to talk about. Did you wire anyone at your home about your arrival? Yes, Harrison, the butler. Johnny. Well, how. How about the doctor who telegraphed you? Yes, Dr. Wilson too, honey. Wilson? Wilson. Edward T. Wilson? Not tell me. No, no. Now you. You stop talking and try to get some rest. I'm going back to the lounge in the tail section so that you'll have nothing to do but get some sleep. Then you won't tell me? No, not tomorrow. I'll sleep. Thank you, Johnny. No, I can maybe. Yeah. Rough. Very rough. I felt like a traitor to her. Well, we landed in Chicago at 10am and took a cab from the airport to the Lamar home on the outskirts of South Bend. I never before realized that the big industrial city with all its huge, dirty, sprawling factories had such a wealthy residential section. And the Lamar home on Parody Lane was one of the most impressive of all. Set far back in what must have been an acre of well kept lawn. In addition to Harrison the butler, we were met at the door by the housekeeper, cook, upstairs and downstairs maids and. And a couple of other servants. All of them obviously in deep sorrow over the passing of the master of the house. And may I, most humbly, for all of us, express our deepest sympathy in this hour of this. It's all. Thank you, Harrison. Thank you all. I'm going to my room and we'll call you when. Yes, miss. This is Mr. Dollar. Mr. Dollar. He's to be admitted to the house anytime. He. I'll Be here, Vonnie, as soon as possible. And you know where to reach me. Yes, Johnny. Thank you. And now to get to work. Whether I liked it or not. I took the cab to the townhouse, dumped my bags, then back to Chicago in the office of Lawrence Comstock, Tri Mutual's representative. He was waiting for me. Well, Johnny, you sure walked into something this time. Thick one. Larry, you don't know. You don't know the half of it. The million and a half of it you gave Pat McCracken back in Hartford. The idea that Lamar's death might be murder. I think it is. I really think it is, Johnny. Why, Tom. Lamar was one of the best friends I ever had. He should have been. Your commission on the insurance he was carrying was enough to set you up for life. Oh, no, Johnny. Don't talk like that. Tom was a good friend of mine, quite aside from business. I sold him his very first policy years ago when he was just a bookkeeper for Atlas Processing Company, earning $70 a week. And when he married Delyse as his wife, who died five years ago, that policy was only for 2,500 straight life. So? Well, you know how little my commission was on that. But I liked him. I saw that he had a spark about him, that with the proper kind of encouragement, he could go places. And he did. Yeah, so I understand. I understand that Lamar Metal Products is a really big thing. General Metal Fabricators just bought them out. Oh, yes. And Tom was getting all ready to retire. Spend the rest of his days having fun. Golf, fishing, winters in California and summers in Minnesota, that sort of thing. And taking care of Vani, his adopted daughter. Yeah. Kind of worth taking care of, too, eh? I know her, Larry. Met her in La Jolla, California. Oh, then you brought her back here to face the sad fact of her father's death. Why didn't. Oh, yes, of course. The family doctor, Ed Wilson. I should have realized. He sent a telegram to Vonnie to the same place you were in La Jolla. She's a wonderful girl, John. You're telling me. But, Larry. Yes? Something you told Pat McCracken back in Hartford has led him to think that possibly Thomas Lamar was murdered. Johnny, in the years I've known Tom Lamar. Yeah? I've not only known him, but I've known his family. Wow. And much of his affairs, personal as well as business. Well, his wife, Delys. I would have married her long ago if I'd been able. Oh, get to the point, Larry. Oh, yes, of course. And his daughter, Lavon Vani. I wish she'd been my daughter, my child. Come on, Larry. Come on, get out. She's a wonderful girl. You said that. Oh, yes, of course. Well, there were things in her past, Vani's past, that even her mother and later her father didn't know about. But I did. For heaven's sake, man, get to the point. You too? Yes, me too. Yeah, me, the confirmed bachelor. Take him or leave him. Have fun. Forget him. Make a big. Come on, Larry. Listen, Johnny. Now, listen carefully. Dr. E.T. wilson. E.D. wilson, an old friend of mine, as well as Tom. Yes, it was Ed who made the last insurance examination Four months ago. Thomas Rene Lamar was in better health than you are. After all, he was only 59, and he'd lived a careful life, taking good care of himself. Well, go on. We were sure of his physical condition. Sure of it. That's why I let him add to his already large policy. Larry, you've told Pat McCracken and you've admitted to me that you think Thomas Lamar was murdered. Yes, John, because of one man. Who? The one man who shared his confidences, business and personal. Yeah. Who was closer to him than even Ed Wilson or me. Well, who? One man who alone could be sure of benefiting by Tom Lamar's death. Oh, look, Larry, that bush you're beating around is getting bigger and bigger. It's so simple, John, so discouragingly simple. All right, all right, Larry. All right. Take it any way you like. I'm here for two reasons. Because I'm assigned to this case and because of Vani. Yes, I know. Now, who is it you suspect? The man Vonnie is really in love with. I'm sorry, Johnny. Now here's our star to tell you about tomorrow's intriguing episode of this week's story. Tomorrow. Some stuff I didn't want to hear, but I had to. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Doll. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, is transcribed in Hollywood. It is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote tonight's story. 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 Johnny Dollar. Johnny, this is Vani. Oh, yes. Please come out here to the house right away. Is something wrong? Johnny, I. You said you came back here to South Bend to. Well, because you didn't want me to have to be alone to face the death of my father. Yes, dear, I. Johnny, you also said you have business here. Well, yes. Is it. Is it connected with my father's Death. Vonnie, please dear, don't lie to me. He was insured for over a million dollars. Or do you know that I. Listen, was this business of yours connected with Daddy? Was it because you too think he was murdered? Johnny, I'll. I'll come out and see 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. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by Special investigator Johnny Dollar to the home office Universal Adjustment Bureau, Hartford, Connecticut. Assignment, the Lamar matter. The question was it murder? The beautiful girl, Fani Lamarr and the beautiful romance I found during my so called vacation at La Jolla, California. Well, things really got into a bind when she received news that her foster father back in South Bend, Indiana had suddenly died. And I received word that I was assigned to the case not only because of the million and a half policy on Lamar's life, but because it looked as though it might be nothing more nor less than murder. From La Jolla, California to South Bend, Indiana was only a quick flight by plane. And the first person I contacted was Lawrence Comstock of TRI Mutual Chicago office who'd issued the policies on Lamar's life. Yes, Johnny, the only two real friends Thomas Lamar had the these past few years since his wife died were Dr. Ed Wilson and myself. And Wilson is the man you called in when Lamar died? Yes. You see, Tom and I used to spend a lot of time together. Weekend golf, belong to the same clubs, that sort of thing. We used to love playing two handed pinochle together. I was with him at his house the night he died. And so unexpectedly, Johnny, as I told you, he'd had a most thorough physical examination only a few months before, or I'd never permitted him to increase his insurance to a million and a half. Must have cost him a fancy premium. It did, it did. Prohibitive. But that was the way he wanted it for his adopted daughter. For Vani, whom you know, and if you're half a man, having spent a few days with her in La Jolla, you're in love. Oh, shut up and tell me what you know, will you? You said murder. Oh, yes. I'm sorry, Johnny. It began last weekend, as I often do. I spent the weekend with Tom Thomas Lamar. Well, Friday night Dr. Ed Wilson was with us. We played three handed pinochle. Yes, yes, Tom was in perfect health. I know he was. And our evening was all fun. Completely uninterrupted, except by young Marson Marson, Tom's confidential secretary. And he's the one. Larry, you are the one who told Pat McCracken back in Hartford that you thought Thomas Lamar was murdered. That's why you wanted me to come on out here to investigate the case. Yes. Why? Now, tell me the truth. Is it because of your great friendship for Lamar? Because of the million and a half policy through your company? Or because you really think he was murdered? Are you here because of the commission you can earn on a case as big as this? Because Thomas Lamar happened to be the father of Vonnie Lamar? I was ordered on this case from Hartford. Oh, yes. Oh, yes, of course. Okay. Okay. All right. Now, maybe I'm a silly old fuddy duddy. Maybe I'm more worked up over this case than you are, whatever the reason. But let me tell you this thing in my own way. Go on, Larry. Well, we know Ed Wilson and I. I. Because of being so close to Tom Lamar. So long. Ed, because of his medical knowledge, we know that Tom was in perfect health. His 59 years were nothing for a specimen like him. Ed left Friday night. I stayed On Saturday. We played nine holes. Golf. Tom wanted to play 18, but I didn't feel up to it. And that night we played pinochle, just the two of us. Then we got to bed early. Well, Sunday we just sat around and talked until evening when we played cards again. There was no strain, Johnny, even if the man had had a bad heart or something. I understand. Now, what about this Marson, you name? We quit shortly before midnight. I was tired, my years, no doubt. And I knew Tom would have a hard day at plan on Monday. And so I suggested we get to bed. He smiled as only Tom could smile. A warm, tolerant, yet at the same time understanding and friendly, completely friendly smile. Go on. Go on. And he said he'd probably have to take one of Ed Wilson's sleeping pills to doze off so early. But I knew, Johnny, you know what? Sugar pills. That's all Ed had ever given him. Sugar pills. I think Tom knew it too well. I went up to my room, Tom to his. I heard the water running in his bathroom about the same time I was brushing my teeth. And then the crash. Crash? Yes. I ran out through the hall to his room. He was lying on the floor of the bathroom, broken tumbler beside him. He left the bottle of sugar pills still open. He'd taken one of them. Yes. And he was dead. You. You mean. You think. No, No. I called Ed Wilson. He was there in only minutes. It was he who officially said the Tom was dead. Had died instantaneously. And he was sure it was poison. Peculiar color of the lips or something. What do you mean? Some terrible stimulant to the heart. A very rare drug that only a few researchers would know about. Even the heart of a young and healthy boy would find the influence of this drug too much too strong. Dr. Wilson told you this? Yes. What is this? I don't know. Something very rare. But he is sure that's what did it. Well, what did the police say? You called them in, didn't you, Ed did. They'd never heard of it either, the drug. But they've sent samples of the sugar pills to Chicago and to Washington for analysis. Well, we should hear from them shortly. Where is this Dr. Ed Wilson? Oh, here. I'll just write you his address. Good. Thanks. All right. Now, Larry. Yes? You told me earlier there was one man you thought might be responsible for this. Who? Walter Marson. Who's Walter Marston? Walter has been Thomas Lamar's personal private secretary for some years. Go on. And Walter has been married to Lavon for over a year. Oh, I'm sorry, Johnny, because I know how you feel about her. Well, why should that make him want to murder Vonnie's father? Because of Thomas's will. Tom made a will, Johnny, that left virtually everything he owned to the corporation of which he was the head, except for his life insurance. Is that why the amount of his insurance was so big? I suppose so. The sole beneficiary of the policy, as you know, is Vonny. Go on. Therefore, the only way in which anyone else could share in the estate is by being married to her. All right, all right. You've knocked down a couple of dream castles for me. And I'm not talking about a family fortune. I'm talking about a girl. Yes, John, I understand. If she loved him enough to marry him, let him be happy. If he shares some of that million and a half bucks, let him share it. He deserves to if she wants him to. He married her, she married him. All right. It isn't as easy as that. What do you mean, you've forgotten? You wanted to know why I think Walter Marson murdered Thomas Lamar. Yes. Yes. You see, I happen to know Vani did not love Walter. You just said she married him unknown to her foster father. What are you getting at? Somewhere, somewhere along the line, Walter Marson, shall we say, got something on Vonnie. What it was, I don't know. But he had a strange power over her, it seemed. Larry, what are you talking about? I don't know, Johnny. From the time Walter first Started working for Thomas Lamar. I. Well, I didn't trust him. And yet Tom seemed to have the most implicit faith in him. Walter was a good accountant, yes. Handled many of Tom's personal investments and handled them very well, too. Thomas paid him very well. Rewarded him always when he made unusual profits. Why not? But Walter Marson made it plain from the beginning that he wanted to work his way into Thomas shoes in the corporation. And this Thomas was. Would not have. And the reason? Because Thomas knew that many of the stock deals Walter had made in his behalf were not completely, shall we say, legitimate or legally Proper, perhaps, but not morally. So that is corporation money instead of his own, right? Yeah, that's it. Buying huge blocks in order to inflate the price and then dumping the stocks at their peak, that sort of thing. I don't know much of the details. That's out of my line. But Thomas knew very well that if Walter Marson wherever put into the corporation, he'd use the same slick methods for purely personal gain at the expense of the corporation he'd spend his life building up. How do you know about this? I was Thomas confidant, his closest friend. All right, Larry, let me do a little summing up. Walter Marston failed to dig into Lamar's money via the corporation. So he married his daughter to be sure of latching on to the family fortune. And that's it? Yes, it's as simple as that. Therefore, you're sure this Marson poisoned Lamar? Yes. And because of the findings of Dr. Ed Wilson, which haven't yet been verified? Well, no. And even if you do find proof that Lamar was poisoned, you have no proof that Marson was back of it. No. Larry, what if Vonnie had something to do with it? Oh, no. Oh, yes. Yes, that's a real possibility, isn't it? Good heavens, Johnny, you can't mean that. You. You say you know the girl? Yeah, sure. And I fell for her like a ton of bricks. Whether it's simply because I'm a sucker for such a charmer or just because she charmed me so well, I don't know. But why did she want me if she's already married? Johnny, what are you getting? A million dollars at stake. A million and a half. How she could possibly have known I'd be staying at the La Crescenta in La Jolla, California, I don't know. But with a million and a half at stake, you could find out most anything. So she worked on me, got me on her side even before she needed to. And when her father died According to plan, she knew there'd be no question of settlement of a claim for the insurance because of the way she'd so successfully drawn me into a cozy little noose. Johnny, you're out of your mind. Am I? What are you talking about? You old? Yeah, I guess I am. John, I've been a confirmed bachelor all my life, even before I was your age. But I know very well that if I had ever met Vanilla Mar, my bachelor days would have suddenly ended. Oh, you're hurt. Now that you found out she's married, you're hurt and you're angry. You're striking out at anything. You can reach anyone. And I'm sorry. Don't let it take away your judgment. I. I'm sorry too, Laurie. I didn't mean to. I really didn't. It's all right, Johnny. But now get hold of yourself. You have a job to do. Not only for me, for the company, but for yourself. Okay, Larry. Thanks. Good boy. I don't know what I'm gonna do, but I guess whatever it is, I. I better start doing it. Yes. Good luck, Johnny. Now here's our star to tell you about tomorrow's intriguing episode of this week's story. Tomorrow. Well, it doesn't take long to find out what has to be done on this case, because the turning point in the whole thing comes straight to me and with a vengeance. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Your Truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, is transcribed in Hollywood. It is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote tonight's story. 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 Johnny Dollar. Dr. Edward Wilson, Mr. Dollar. Oh, hello, Doctor. Mr. Comstock of Tri Mutual Insurance asked me to call you regarding the death of Thomas Rene Lamar. Yes, I've just left the police department. The chief autopsy surgeon. Yes, there's no question about it. Thomas Lamar was poisoned. I. I see. I'd like to talk to you, Doctor. I understand you were one of Mr. Lamar's closest friends. Yes, and one of the beneficiaries of his will. That's quite. Where did you learn that? I didn't. It was a shot in the dark. Oh, look here. Better stick close to your office, Doctor. I'm on my way over to see you 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, yours truly, Johnny Duller. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the home Office Universal Adjustment Bureau, Hartford, Connecticut. Assignment, the Lamar matter now proven to be murder. As the facts of this case lined up, it appeared that Thomas Rene Lamar, a wealthy manufacturer of aircraft components, had only two really good friends. Lawrence Comstock, who had issued him a million and a half worth of life insurance policies, and Dr. Edward T. Wilson. And a wonderful, lovely, charming adopted daughter, Lavon, whom I'd met during my brief vacation in La Jolla, California, whom I'd accompanied back here to South Bend, Indiana, when she received word of her father's sudden death. What little evidence I'd been able to pick up seemed to point to one Walter Marson, Lamar's personal secretary. Unknown to Lamar, he had married Vonnie, therefore stood to benefit from his death. Oh, I kid about it. I'd fallen for the girl heavily. And when I found out that she was already married to a slick smart promoter. Well, let's keep personalities out of this case, especially mine. I told Vonnie that I'd come up and see her out at the family mansion. But I thought I'd better contact Dr. Wilson first. Come in. Come in, Mr. Darling. I've heard a great deal about you from Lawrence Comstock. Please sit down. Thanks. Doctor, you said something over the phone that has bothered me. I want Mint's words. Apparently you and Larry Comstock were Thomas Lamar's closest friend. I don't think there's any question about it, my boy. And I'm sure Lawrence will verify that. He already has. That's why I took a shot in the dark and suggested that you're a beneficiary of Lamar's will, not his insurance. How would he know that? His daughter Vonni gets that. But his will? Does that shock you? I suppose Larry's a beneficiary too? Yes. Then either one of you might conceivably have had a motive for bringing about his death. What? Now, just a minute, doctor. Relax. I make no bones about it. This is the roughest case I ever tried to handle. Unfortunately, I started out by getting myself emotionally involved with Bonnie Lamar. Go ahead, laugh if you want to. Hardly. She's a very wonderful girl. A bit mixed up at times, perhaps. Because of. Well, because of what? Are you aware that unknown to her father, Vonnie was married? Is married? Yes, to some Walter Marson. Larry Comstock. Marson was Thomas Lamar's personal secretary. Did Lawrence tell you why she married him? I don't think he knows. It was a few short months after Thomas Lamar's wife died. A terrible blow. Both To Vonnie, who was completely devoted to her foster mother and to him. By way of quenching his sorrow, Thomas drove himself in his work 16, 18 hours a day at the plant, all his waking hours, so that he would have time to think of nothing but his work. But Vonnie had no such outlet for her emotions. Her friends, a lot of rich, ne' er do wells, rich worthless bums if you like, got her interested in gambling. She plunged into it with a recklessness and abandon that quickly got her into debt so deeply. And there was only one way out. Her father didn't know? No, but young Marson did, and he took full advantage of it. In return for her agreement to marry him, he promised to quietly obtain the necessary funds from Thomas Lamar's investments, which he, Marson handled. And he did. And she married him. Yes. But how could she? She didn't love him. You must realize her emotional state at that time. She was terribly upset over the recent death of her mother and so was her father. Of course, she knew the shock it would be if he ever knew of her gambling and the tremendous debt she'd incurred. She was beside herself, ready to do anything. So she married Marson. I could kill him. Now, let's get one thing straight, Mr. Dollar. Yes? You too were a bit upset when you came in here. You spoke as though you might think both Lawrence Comstock and I could have motive for wanting Thomas death. I'm sorry, Doctor, I. It's true that we are beneficiaries of his will, at least Thomas assured as we were. But only in a very minor way. Thomas was loyal to us, as he was to the servants who have been so devoted to him for so long and whatever little he has left us and them. I'm sorry, Doctor, I. Oh, I guess I was just feeling hurt and angry and taking it out on anyone I could find. At least that's the way Larry Comstock put it. And he was right. Now, I got a job to do. What have the police found out? Only enough to back up my immediate suspicion that Thomas was poisoned by Pyrodameron. Pyrodameron? Yes, It's a little known drug that produces tremendous but only momentary stimulation to the heart. Causes the heart to almost literally burst and it leaves virtually no traceable residue in the system. But you said the chief autopsy surgeon found out. Oh, no, no. He found only positive indication that Pyrodamerin had been used. I found the first clue to it only minutes after Thomas died. A staining of the tongue that even then was rapidly disappearing. Can you tie this drug in with Walter Marson? No. The fact that it was available at all has stumped both the police and myself. The last known source was a small island off the coast of Greece many, many years ago. And all the tiny plants from which it could be obtained as pollen were burned by the Greek government. But somebody somewhere must have had some seeds, planted them and obtained this pollen. Yes. How do you suppose Mr. Lamar took the stuff? Well, it could have been mixed with one of the medicines in the cabinet in his bathroom, but we found no traces. Uh huh. Larry Comstock said you used to give him harmless sugar pills as a kind of sedative. Yes. Thomas knew they were perfectly harmless, but he occasionally took them anyway. It was a kind of joke. Could this Pyrus stuff have been mixed with him? We found no trace in the bottle. But you would have been able to. Yes. It is only an assimilation by the human body. That dissipation is so complete as to make it virtually undetectable. I'm afraid I haven't been of much help to you, Mr. Dollar. I think you have, Doctor. I think you have. It was only a hunch, but in this business you sometimes have to depend as much on hunches, on common sense. I picked out the library nearest to the Lamar residence to do my research. Pyrodamron. You're sure that is the word? Yes. Can't you find anything on the subject? Nothing beyond what you found in the pharmacopoeia index. The name of the plant from which it is derived. Blephara. Purpose? Calandus. No common name? Yeah, no. Well, thanks. Of course, the main branch of the city library in Chicago might have something. Sure. Thanks. Why, yes. Yes, I'm sure I can find what you're looking for. You see, I myself am quite a student of rare drugs and poisons. Oh, what's that? After a long, dull day here at the library, I enjoy nothing more than curling up in a big chair in my little apartment and reading detective fiction. Oh, well, where's the book? I'll show you. But quietly, please. We must maintain the proper atmosphere for our readers. Sure. Yes, I know the poison Pyrodameron very well. It was used in that wonderful story, the Case of the Yellow Lipped Monster. Oh, excellent book. Thrilling. Oh, you should read it. Yeah, well, Pyrodammen was new to me, so as usual, I had to find out all about it. And I did find out too. The plant it's derived from where it's grown. Where it was grown, you see, it's been extinct now for many years. Yeah, I understand now. Deadly thing. Terribly deadly. But now, here is the book that will tell you all about it. The title is Flora Exotica Mediterranea. That means Exotic Flowers of the Mediterranean. Flora Exotica. What's the matter? I don't. Good heavens. It isn't here. You sure? But it was. I'm sure. It was only yesterday. Oh, dear. Well, here, do you see? It was taken out from right here. Well, who took it out? I don't know. Once your records shown. No, I never permit any books to be taken from this section without my knowledge. Never. Afraid somebody'd consult the stuff for ulterior motives? Oh, dear, no. It's just that the only ones who want these books are the rabid whodunit fans like myself, and, well, I like to talk to them. Well, isn't there some other book that might give me the information I want? Oh, not another book in the world. I know. And now. Oh, tragedy. It's been stolen. Well, this was one time a hunch didn't pay off. Quite the contrary. I'd wasted a lot of time. Expense Account, Item 9, 520. Taxi out to the Lamar mansion. I was almost relieved to learn that Vonnie was not home. I'm very sorry, sir, but she and Mr. Marson left shortly afternoon to make the funeral arrangements. Thank you, Harrison. However, as you know, Ms. Vonnie wished you to have full access to the house. And if you care to wait. How is she holding up, Harrison? Most admirably, Mr. Dollar. Under the circumstances, Mr. Lamar's passing has been a terrible thing for her, for all of us. Yes, sure, of course. What will happen to the house? I don't know. Won't Ms. Lamar continue to live in it? This morning she said no, that she'd travel for a while and then settle down somewhere else, far away from the city. Oh. And what about you, the servants? We shall, of course, have to seek employment elsewhere. Say, tell me, Harrison, didn't Mr. Lamar provide for you in his will? I do not know, sir, and I do not particularly care. His kindness and loyalty to us during his lifetime was far more important than any provision he may have made for us. Well, I guess that takes you off the list. Beg pardon? Nothing. So tell me, has Walter Marson been around much since Mr. Lamar's death? Yes, he's been most attentive to Ms. Lamar, which we've all appreciated. He lives here in the house, you know. No, I didn't know. Harrison. I'd like to see his room, sir. I'm going to lay my cards right on the table. I'm an insurance investigator. Here, my card. What? Oh, I see. Ms. Vonnie hadn't so informed because she didn't know. Well, sir. Now show me to Marson's room. Yes, yes. This way, please. Do you like Walter Marson? Yes, sir, very much. Now, what does that mean? I've never spoken of this to anyone else, Mr. Dollar. For years, Walter Marson was a clever, scheming, conniving young man with overpowering ambition to take over the Lamar Corporation. So I've heard. I'm convinced that at one time he even tried to marry Ms. Lamar. And solely for the purpose of forcing his way into the business. Just trying to. Well, yes, sir. However, in the past year or two, Mr. Marson has changed completely. What makes you think so? Because of conversations between him and Mr. Lamar that I could not avoid overhearing from time to time. Mr. Lamar knew what Martin was attempting and faced him with his knowledge of it. Here is his room. Go on. Mr. Lamarque would have made it very difficult for him in view of his record. Prison record? Yes, sir. For embezzlement. But instead, he gave the young man another chance. So, go on. And Mr. Marson made the most of it. He changed completely. I say without reservation, sir, that Mr. Marson is as honorable a young man as I know. Pretty sure of that, aren't you? Yes, sir. A butler living as close to them both for so long can in very. Pardon me, sir, but does something give you the reason to think I'm mistaken? No. No. Unless perhaps it's this book I just found lying on his desk. Book, sir? Flora Exotica Mediterrane. Now here's our star to tell you about the final intriguing episode of this week's story tomorrow, the wind up and a switch that will make your head spin. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey is transcribed in Hollywood. It is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote tonight's story. Be sure to join us tomorrow night, same time and station, for the next exciting episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. Roy Rowan's speaking from Hollywood. It's time now for Johnny Dollar. This is Larry Comstock, Johnny, at Tri Mutual Insurance. You're out at the Lamar home? Yeah. Larry, Police Crime Lab. Find out anything more about the stuff from here they took in for examination? Yes. Yes, they certainly did. Well, they found traces of that poison, Pyra Dameron, on the toothbrush that Thomas Lamar was using just before he died. Are you kidding? Oh, no, no indeed, John, not a bit. There's a murder weapon for you. A toothbrush. Larry, send the cops out here. I think I've just about got this case sewed up. 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 investigators. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense accounts submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar. Location, South Bend, Indiana, to the Universal Adjustment Bureau, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is my final entry of expenses incurred during investigation of the Lamar murder. And murder it most certainly was. It was in La Jolla, California, during my so called vacation that I met, and I must admit, kind of fell for Vonnie Lamarr. It was from La Jolla that I flew her back to South Bend, Indiana, when we both received news of her foster father's sudden death. All the clues I'd been able to dig up seemed to point to one Walter Marson, who had been Lamar's personal secretary and who lived at the Lamarrre mansion. At his room there in the house, I found the one book in the world that described the poison pirate Dameron, that had killed Thomas Rene Lamar. Poison derived from a pretty little yellow flower once raised on an island near Greece. A flower with sudden death in its pollen. Huh? You're Johnny Dollar, aren't you? Harrison, the butler said you were up here. And you must be Walter Marston. What? What are you doing in my room? Let me ask the questions, Marston. Just a minute. Look, mister, you may as well know it. I'm an insurance investigator. So Harrison said. But I don't believe it. Right here. My credentials. I see. But I thought you thought I was just a boyfriend that Vonnie Lamar met in La Jolla and who just came back here with her to comfort her over the loss of her father. Yes, yes, that's right. Well, you were wrong, mister. Partly so. The main reason I'm here is to find out who murdered Thomas Lamar and why. And I think I found out. Your hat. Well, who. Mr. Dolmer. Interesting book you've been reading here. Flora Exotica Mediterranea. Stolen from the Central Library over in Chicago, wasn't it? Yes, yes, it was. Found a poison in it, didn't you? Marson? Pyrodameron. Deadly, quick and hard to trace. So rare that the chances were pretty good it wouldn't even be recognized. But it was. Where'd you get it, Walter? As you said, at the library, I'm talking about the poison, the pirate Dameron that killed Thomas Lamar. Oh, no, no, no, you. You're all Wrong am I? Who besides Vonnie would benefit from the million and a half insurance on Lamar's life? Well, what makes you think that I know you? Because I know you're married. No. You tried to invigor your way into Lamar's business, but he wouldn't have it. All your chiseling and conniving and phony stock transactions got you nowhere. So you did the next thing you could think of. You got something on Vonnie and forced her to marry you. So you thought you'd at least be sure of a big hunk of the insurance money over my debt. Oh, no. Look, $, maybe I was married to Vonnie, but found out about her big gambling debts got her off the hook by some fancy manipulation of her foster father's investments. No doubt threatened to tell him all about it unless she did marry you and thereby guaranteed yourself a prosperous future. Oh, and you timed the whole thing beautifully when she was emotionally upset over the death of Mrs. Lamar. No, Dolly, you don't know what you're talking about. Couldn't wait for him to die a natural death, mister. Sure, go ahead. Speak up and make it good. Well, I. I was married to Vani. I'm not now. Sure, that's right. I did want a place in Lamar Metal Products. And I thought I could get it by showing Mr. Lamar how clever I was. Well, instead of throwing me out, he gave me another chance. I'll be forever grateful to him. The turning point in my life. I give you My word, Mr. Dollar, I've done nothing since that time that's been anything but completely honest and above board. Pretty speech. No, no, it's true. It's true. I swear it. Nevertheless, you married Vonnie in the whole. We're divorced. You're what? It was the only honorable thing I could do. Would you like to see the final papers? Vani mailed them to me from Reno before she went to La Jolla. You mean she. Yeah. Let me see him. Here, my desk. Don't try to pull a gun out of there, Marcel. You still don't believe me, do you? Yeah. Hmm. Then would you like to tell me who did murder Thomas Lamar? I wish to heaven I knew. That's why I got this book. Hoping to find some clue as to where the Pirate Dameron might have come from. But you sneaked this book out of the way. Because I was afraid of the very kind of suspicion that you show. Want to know something? I'm still showing. And I tell you, you're wrong. Ask Vonnie. She'll tell you where Is she? Harrison said you two had gone out together to make arrangements for the funeral. Yes, we did, and we came back together. But when Harrison told her that you were here to see her, she. Well, she said she'd be back in a few minutes. Where did she go? Oh, she's still in the house somewhere, I think. Marson, just what is your relationship with Vani now? There never was any love between us. Our marriage was only on paper. Yeah. The foster daughter of the man to whom I owe so much. It's my duty to do what I can for her in spite of her. What? Oh, even to the end we kept from him any knowledge of her dissipations. Drinking and gambling. I thought that was all over. Oh, she's more deeply in debt now than she's ever been. I'm. I'm thankful Mr. Lamar died without knowing what I'll be. But with the insurance, of course, she'll be able to pay off. Marcin, you're a dirty rat. And your accusation isn't very well veiled. Are you trying to say that I'm accusing Vonnie of the myrtle? Oh, Mr. Dollar. Yeah, go on. This book. According to this, the plant from which Pyrod Dameron is derived is now extinct. Unless somebody somewhere managed to salvage some seeds that were then planted. Yes, exactly. Lepora purpurus calendus. Found only on a small Grecian island. I. I wonder if Dimitri would know. Dimitri? What's this sudden switch? Who's Dimitri? He's the old gardener. He's here on the estate. Come on, Marson. And bring that book. Before going out to the gardener's cottage, I asked Harrison where Vani had gone. And he told us he only knew that she was somewhere in the grounds, that a car was still in the driveway. I phoned Larry Comstock again, but he'd left his office, presumably to come out here. And I called the man I talked to earlier at the library. Of course I can. As I told you before, I keep a very close check on the books in that section. Let me see now. Yeah, yeah. Yes. Flora Exotica Mediterranea has only been out four or five times in the past several years. Once to a Mr. Thomas. Thomas Hanley, to a Mr. Ralph Cummings, Ms. Lavon Lamar. And that's enough, thanks. I tried not to show Marson how I felt as we walked out to the cottage of Dimitri. The old gardener could be nothing too nice for Mr. Lamar, so I always try keep things nice. Yeah, I can see Dimitri Mr. Dollar's here to. To investigate the circumstances of Mr. Lamar's death investig. Oh, yes. I hope you find who do this terrible thing to such a fool. I want you to look at this book here. Did you ever see a flower like that? Oh, yes, yes. Where? In all country in Greece. It used to be, but no more. You never saw it in this country? No. Yes. Well, which is it? I should not say, because in all countries against the law. I don't know why. Well, I do. Go on, Dimitri. But I keep many of my nice seeds anyway. And some of them were for this flower. Yes. You don't mind? It is very pretty flower. Did you ever plant any of them? Oh, no, no, not I. Somebody else. She was always so nice to me. Funny. Ms. Lamar. Look, sir. She even send me gift on her table trip last week. Dimitri, look, look. You call it toilet case. See it have soap and toothbrush and comb. $Look, look, that toothbrush. I am looking. The yellow stain on the bristles the same color as the flower on this deadly plant. So, so pretty. She said her father one of these too. Oh dollar, I'm silly. So corny and so obvious it would never be noticed. And she was safely a couple of thousand miles away beyond any possible suspicion when the. Dimitri, did she plant any of these seeds you gave her? She often plant many kinds. Where? Show us. In the morning maybe. It's getting pretty dark now. Now, come on, come on. Marson. Yeah. You must not tell her. I show you. She always keep her little garden secret. She not even think I know. She very sweet girl. Yeah, very. But now. Oh, oh, wait. She there now. Cultivating. Cultivating with a shovel. Dimitri, go back to your cottage and stay there. Oh, you won't. Come on, Marson. She's. She's sticking. I think I know why she sees us. Go back. Go away. Both of you. Stay here. I want to talk to you. Vani, what are you doing? What I'm doing is I'm burying the little garden that was mine for daddy. Little personal things, Johnny, that I grew with my own hands for him alone. Now that he's gone, this would be only one more bit of memory. Please leave me, Johnny, to finish. Wait, Vonnie. What? Before you turn under that little yellow flower. Here, I'll show you. No, Johnny, don't touch it. Here. Source of a poison called pyrodamerin. How did you know? Here, look. Oh, no you don't. I'll kill you too. How dare you. Oh, nobody. No. Walter. Walter, help me. Help your help. Johnny was in love with me, but I turned him Down. And he. He came out here. Oh, good, Bonnie. I hate you. I hate you both. Everything would have been all right if you hadn't come along. I hate you. I. Listen, Johnny. Million dollars. Million and a half. You and I could. No, Johnny, please don't. Please believe me, this is one case I wish I'd never seen. For sure, you, the company are all right. You won't have to pay off a million and a half in insurance your gain. But me, I've lost something. Faith. Faith. And I'm sick over the whole thing. Expense account. I'll add that up later. Right now I'm going out and get roaring. Get some flowers, some clean flowers, and just sit and look at them. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Now here's our star to tell you about next week's exciting story next week. Tell me, did you ever wake up from a pleasant dream to find a smoking gun in your hand and two bodies at your feet? Well, I have. Join us next week and I'll tell you about it. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, is transcribed in Hollywood. It is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote this week's story. Heard in the cast were Virginia Gregg, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartel, Eric Snowden, Howard McNair, John Dana, Gene Tatum, Joseph Kearns, Paul Richards and Jack Boyles. Musical supervision by Amerigo Marino. Be sure to join us on Monday night, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Roy Rowan from Hollywood. It's time now for Johnny Dollar, Pat McCracken. Johnny. Universal adjustment Bureau. Oh, hi, Pat. Hey, I thought you were on vacation. I was. I got called back right in the middle of it and I kind of met Grant. You know him? Grant, the Broadway columnist? That's the one. Well, what's he got to do with your vacation? It's heavily insured by one of the companies we represent and right now he's taking his vacation. Wow. Well, Ned has made a lot of enemies in his time. I know. I read his column. And it looks like one of those enemies is trying to make Ned's vacation permanent. Savvy? I'll be right over, Pat. 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 home office, Universal Adjustment Bureau, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the ideal vacation matter. Expense account item one, $20 cents for a taxi from my apartment to the office of Universal Adjustments Bureau, where Pat McCracken was waiting for me, his face covered with sunburn and worry. Just when I was beginning to relax and enjoy my vacation. Sit down, Johnny. Thanks. Now, what's the deal about this Ned Grant when you say you read his column? You know, he prints some pretty blunt stuff sometimes. Yeah, I've often wondered how he gets away with it. A couple of years ago, he dug up some evidence on a bad boy named Willie Bemis. Bemis? Bemis? Yeah. The stuff he printed helped get Bemis convicted, didn't it? Yeah, but he swore he'd get even with Ned. Oh, well, a fellow in Ned Grant's position hears that kind of threat all the time. Besides, with Bemis in jail, what's the problem? None at all, Johnny. If he were in jail, he broke out last night. Oh, I see. Does Grant know that Bemis is on the list? I told you, Grant's on vacation. Probably as far from a newspaper as he can get. So you think he's in danger? Well, what would you think? Oh, but if Bemis has any sense, he's heading in some of the direction as fast as he can. We can't afford to take the chance, Johnny. Well, look, Pat, I still don't see where I figure in this. Why not just arrange for police protection for Grant until Bemis gets picked up? Want to protect the guy, you got to find him first. Find him? You mean you don't know where Grant is? Apparently nobody knows. Oh, great. And I'm supposed to find him? That's right. Oh, and do me a favor, huh? Like what? Find him before Willie Bemis does. Well, I know enough about Bemis to realize he wouldn't hesitate to gun down anybody who got in his way, including me. So I headed for New York. That's item two, $23.40. I located the apartment house where Ned Grant lived and had a talk with a manager in his office at the rear of the first floor. I'm sorry, Mr. Dollar, but I really don't have the slightest idea where Mr. Grant was on his vacation. Well, didn't he leave a forwarding address? No, he just told me to hold all his mail for him here until he got back. And he didn't say anything at all that would give you a clue as to where he might have gone? None at all. Oh, great. I don't know if you know Mr. Grant very well, but, well, he's unpredictable. Let's put it that way. Of course, the kind of life he leads Would make a character out of anyone. I guess you mean batting out that column every day, huh? Yes. His phone ringing every 10 minutes and strange people creeping up to see him at all hours. Really? I can understand his not telling anyone where he went on his vacation. He just wanted to get away from it all. He kept saying that this time he was going to have an ideal vacation. Ideal vacation? That could mean anything from a trip to the moon to. Well, Lord knows what. Tell me this. Did he take much luggage? Oh, I don't even know. But he hadn't been gone 10 minutes before my phone started ringing with clothes. Your phone? Yes. Mr. Grant had his disconnected before he left. Tell me, Mr. Dollar, what's so urgent about finding Mr. Grant? There's an escaped convict named Willie Bemis who has it in for him. Oh, he could be looking for Grant. If so, I have to find Grant first. I see. Well, I wish I had more information for you. Oh, I tell you, you might try Ms. Anthony Potter. Possibly she could help you. Well, who's Ms. Anthony? Doris Anthony. Well, a close friend of Mr. Graham. Oh, you know where I can find her? Where she lives? As I understand it, she has a small apartment somewhere on East 73rd Street. Good. I'll find it. Thanks, Mr. Carruthers. I walked outside and hailed a taxi. But then just as I was about to step into it, I froze because I caught a glimpse of somebody walking quickly into the service entrance at the there was just enough light to tell me it was none other than Willie Bemis. I headed back in fast and straight to the door of Crother's little office. The door of it was locked. Brothers, open up. Brothers. Okay, then, I'll open it. Hey, Crothers, what happened to you? Mr. Dollar? That's right. What happened? This man, right after you left, he came barging in. That was Willie Bemis. What did you tell him? Carters only. Only what I told you. And it looks like he and I are starting out even, huh? But this is one race I don't want to end up in. What you'd call a dead heat. Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dawson$. In a moment. And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the ideal vacation matter. I looked up Doris Anthony's address on East 73rd and took a cab. That's item three, $1.75 to her apartment. She was tall, rangy, dark hair, and somewhere along the line I'd seen her before, but I couldn't remember where. Ned Grant. How would I know where he is? He isn't exactly the sort of guy that lets you in on his plan. Hey, listen, Doris, this may be the oldest line in the book, and I know it, but haven't I seen you somewhere before? Could be. I've been around a while. Like where? Oh, I used to sing in a couple clubs around town. That's where I met Ned. He liked me, so he helped me in his column. That what you mean? Yeah, that's what I mean. His apartment manager says you're a very good friend of Ned's. He has a lot of girlfriends. My main claim to fame is I'm always handy. Well, look, Grant told the apartment manager he was going to take an ideal vacation. Any idea what that would mean or where? Sure, wherever there are girls. What do you want him for? Somebody's out to get him. What do you mean? Who? Willie Beeman. That name mean anything to you? Themis is in prison. He was. He's out now. What? When? You didn't know? I haven't read the papers today. Does that change your mind any about helping me find him? Look, really, I don't know where he is, honest. There is one thing that might help, though. Now what? Well, a week or so ago, while I was out with Ned, he stopped in at the travel agency. Davis, I think the agent's name was on 50 51st street around there. Okay, I'll follow it up. Johnny, if Ned doesn't know, beam us. Yeah, and if I don't get to him first, he's in for a real nasty surprise. There was still something about Doris that stuck in my mind. But I couldn't quite peg it. So I decided to do a little quick research on her. I dropped in to see an old friend who worked in one of the newspapers. We dug through a lot of clippings in the morgue. Doris had sung at half a dozen dozen spots around town, and there were a lot of pictures on her. Then I came to one that rang a large size bell. It was a shot of her sitting at a nightclub table and a man sitting there with her was Willie Bemis. I headed back to her apartment fast, but she was gone. The manager told me she'd left in a hurry and with a suitcase. Now I didn't know where I stood. If Doris was still friendly with Bemis, it could very well be that she knew where Grant was and was helping Willie Bemis find him. In that case, the lead she gave me on the travel agent was only a bum steer to throw me off the trail. But the way things stood, I didn't have anything else to go on at the moment. So I had to take a chance. She'd been on the level. I headed for West 50th street and the travel agent she'd told me about a man named Davis. Ned Grant. Look, customers like him I can do without. What do you mean by that? Here, I'll show you. Here we are. A reservation at Nassau. Here's one in Bermuda. Oh, and here's one for the Virgin Islands. He had you make all those for him? Everyone. That sort of thing doesn't make me very popular at those resorts, believe me. Well, it's a cinch he can't be at all those places. If you ask me, he's not at any of them. He's always doing that sort of thing. That's a lot of help. Just the same, I'm going to call those places. Where's your phone? Right there on the desk. But I tell you. Excuse me. Hello? Who? Oh, yeah, just a minute. It's for you, Mr. Dollar. Oh, thanks. Johnny Dollar. It's Doris Anthony. Johnny. Wow. Well, I didn't think I'd be hearing from you again. Why not? After I found out you were an old friend of Willie Bemis, I went back to your apartment. You'd cleared out. Johnny, I'm no longer a friend of Willie B. Oh, now, wait a minute, sister. It's the truth. But I was afraid he might come to see me. That's why I left. Oh, sure. Johnny. The reason I'm calling, I think I know where Ned could be. Where? Well, I'm not sure, but a few days ago, he went to see a friend of his named Mike Hastings. Mike owns a ski lodge up in Vermont. Ski lodge? There's no skiing this time of year. I know the lodge is closed, but Ned's gone up there once or twice before when he wanted to get away from everything. Oh, okay. Where is it? It's called Hastings Lodge. About 20 miles beyond Bradbury on a little country road. Now, look, I have no choice but to go on up there. Have you told anyone else about this? No, of course not. Okay, Doris, don't. Expense Account, Item 4, $38.50. Transportation by plane and rented car to Hastings Ski Lodge. As I jounced over the bumpy road when I rode up in the Vermont woods, I couldn't help thinking this might be strictly a wild goose chase. But at the moment, I couldn't afford to pass up any lead. It was after dark when I finally drove up to the lodge. It sprawled on the side of a hill way out in the middle of nowhere. There were no lights on, no sign of life about the place at all. The door was unlocked, locked. Inside, the room was pitch dark with all the curtains drawn. I couldn't find the light switch, but I had a real funny feeling like maybe there was somebody else in the room with me. Grant. Grant. Sorry, buddy, you got the wrong party. Famous. That's right, Willie Bemis. Just hold it right where you are, boy. How'd you find out about this place? What difference does it make? Yeah, I guess you got a point there. Except I have a nasty little idea who might have tipped you off. Where's that Grant? He hadn't shown up yet. So what happens now? So I'll wait for him. What about me? I'll give you three guesses about you. But I figure you're only going to need one of them. Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar, in a moment. And now, Act Four three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar, and the ideal vacation matter. Stand still, dollar. My gun is on the left, if that's what you're looking for, Bemis. Ah, thanks. So Doris tipped you off, huh? I had a little talk with her. And I thought she was a friend of Grant's. You never know, do you? I guess you're right, $. I'm afraid you're in my way around here. And that means you get the message, don't you? Yeah, I get the message. You see, you made just one mistake. What's that? You should have stayed at home. Yeah, I should have stayed at home, all right. And if it weren't for Ned Grant, I could have. And then it hit me. Sure. Suddenly I knew what the ideal vacation meant for that crazy Broadway columnist. The answer had been right under my nose from the start. Yeah, I'd finally figured out where Grant was, but it wasn't doing me much good. I had to get out of here. And at the moment, my chances didn't look too good. You know, Dolly, you got a very funny look on your face. Have I? Yeah, like something just rang a bell with you. Oh, sorry, Bemis. It's just my normal delirious expression. Okay, funny boy, play it your way. Over against the wall. Move. Hold it. Listen, there's a car outside. Friend of yours? I don't know. I'm not taking any chances. Now, you answer the door, dollar I'll be right behind it. And this gun will be staring at your back. It could be Ned Grant who driven up, in which case I'd have to warn him somehow. Or it could be somebody else, in which Case I had to grab their car and get out of here. One thing sure. Whoever it was, I had to move fast. Johnny. I pulled the door open wide, then threw my weight against it. It slammed into Bemis and clad them against the wall. It was off balance, so I could crawl and his gun went flying. But I couldn't see where and I couldn't take time to look. I grabbed Doris. Come on, now. Under the car. Now you're gonna help me for a change. That was Beamer's. Don't tell me you're surprised. You're the one who tipped him off about the ski lodge. But, Johnny, I had no choice. He pushed me around. Yeah, sure, Johnny. Where are we going? New York. You think Ned's there, Doris? I think he's been there right from the start. We stopped at the nearest town to call the sheriff. I wanted his boys to try and intercept Bemis. He was a cinch to be following us by now. Then we headed for the city. The sun was rising when we pulled up at Grant's apartment house. The manager didn't answer. Maybe he's still asleep. Looks like I have to take another chance on you, Doris. I tell you, I'm on the level, Johnny. I sure hope so. I gotta get up to Grant's apartment fast. Now, there's a payphone over there in the lobby. Call the police and then meet me upstairs. Go on. Okay, Johnny. I went upstairs and pounded on Grant's door, but no answer. I went to the end of the hall and out onto the fire escape. Yeah, there was a ledge. Carefully, I worked my way along it to a window. It was Grant's bedroom, all right. And there he was, sound asleep with an empty bottle on the bed table. So my hunch had been right. Sure, it was the ideal vacation for a guy who was pestered by everybody in town. Tell everyone you're leaving the city. City. Then disconnect your phone and hold up in your apartment for some real peace and quiet. I went to the front door. Doris. Yes, Johnny? Let me in. Okay, just a second. Well, Doris, I was. Well, well, well, well, if it ain't Johnny Dollar. Hello, Bemis. Now, ain't this nice? So you did it again. Dorothy Connor. Johnny, I couldn't help it. He has a gun. He made me. Yeah, sure. Pretty smart, huh, Donna? Finding Ned Grant for me. You know, I don't think I'd ever thought of looking for him here. But you did, so you're a smart boy. Okay, now, look, be. Don't interrupt me while I'm talking. Like I was saying, I'm much obliged you for helping me find Grant. Now that I got him. Okay. So I don't need you around anymore. No, don't. Slowly and with a smirking his face, Bemis raised his gun until it pointed straight at my head. Flew out of his hand. The shot had come from outside down the hall the cops. Suddenly the corridor was swarming with police. Be his gun. Why you don't. Instead he collected the part of one over his left ear. How did they got here? So you did call the police after all. You bet I did. Now do you believe I'm on the level? Yeah, Doris, I guess I do. And you took a mighty good way to prove it. What's going on here, Ned? So you finally woke up or covered up. Hey, that's. Will it be Mr. Carding away? It sure is. Well, what's he doing here? What's going on, huh? Hey, look, bright eyes, you better go on back to bed. But I don't understand. Just write the whole deal off as a bad dream, huh? Expense account total $115.25. And look, the next time you send me out to protect a guy, don't pick one who's going to sleep all the way through the deal, huh? I don't know, it. It kind of takes the sport out of it. And Pat, since I didn't find a man who ran away for you on account of he never really ran away, well, how about sending my fee on this one to the community chest? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Our star will return in just a moment. Our. And now here is our star to tell you about next week's story. Next week, an old old racket comes to light and nearly cost me my life. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey originates in Hollywood. Written by Robert Rice, it is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Mary Jane Croft, Lawrence Dobkin, Joseph Ger, Jack Edwards, Barney Phillips and Byron Kane. Be sure to join us next week, same station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Doll. This is Dan Cumberley. We just heard Bob Bailey as yours truly Johnny Dollar in the Lamar matter and the ideal Vacation matter that will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. I hope you'll be back next week when we'll hear more old time radio detectives getting away from it all, but still finding murder and mystery on vacation. Next week we'll hear Rogues Gallery the adventures of Philip Marlowe and Barry Craig. Confidential Investigator. And I hope you'll tune in this Friday for another installment in our Superman Summer Bonus series. You can also tune into Stars on Suspense, my other Old Time Radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out every Thursday. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can Click over to buymeacoffee.com Meansts OTR. Next time, more vacation mysteries. Until then, good night and happy listening. Now here is our star, Vincent Price. 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.