Episode 631 - No Rest for the Weary (The Saint, Richard Diamond, Mr. and Mrs. North, & Barrie Craig)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)

Episode: 631 - No Rest for the Weary
Release Date: July 6, 2025
Host: Merrill Ross
Featuring Detectives: The Saint, Richard Diamond, Mr. and Mrs. North, & Barry Craig

---

Introduction

In Episode 631 of Down These Mean Streets, hosted by Merrill Ross, listeners are treated to a compelling lineup of four classic detective stories from the Golden Age of Radio. This episode, aptly titled "No Rest for the Weary," showcases adventures where beloved radio detectives find themselves embroiled in mysteries that leave little room for relaxation. Featuring Vincent Price as Simon Templar (The Saint), Dick Powell as Richard Diamond, Barbara Britton and Richard Denning as Mr. and Mrs. North, and William Gargan as Barry Craig, the episode delves into thrilling narratives filled with suspense, intrigue, and masterful sleuthing.

---

1. The Saint: Murder on the High Seas

Plot Summary: Simon Templar, portrayed by Vincent Price, is enjoying a cruise when he befriends Barbara Brooks, an actress who harbors a deep fear for her life. Their budding friendship takes a deadly turn when Barbara is mysteriously thrown overboard, and Simon awakens to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. Assisted by Dr. Norman, a psychiatrist aboard the ship, Simon meticulously pieces together clues to reveal the murderer among the unsuspecting passengers.

Key Points:

• Introduction of Barbara Brooks: An actress with a hidden agenda and deep-seated fears.
• Mysterious Murder: Barbara is thrown overboard, sparking Simon's investigation.
• Dr. Norman's Role: A psychiatrist whose Freudian demeanor adds complexity to the investigation.
• Unveiling the Killer: Simon identifies Phil Rader, an exterminator with ulterior motives, as the murderer.

Notable Quotes:

• Vincent Price (Simon Templar): "Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave." [00:00]
• Barbara Britton (Barbara Brooks): "I'm just tired of pictures, that's all." [09:23]
• Simon Templar: "If I could tell you what?" [17:49]

Insights & Conclusions: The narrative masterfully intertwines character development with suspenseful plot progression. Simon's keen observational skills and ability to deduce the truth from subtle hints highlight his prowess as a detective. The episode underscores themes of deceit, ambition, and the perilous allure of crime, ultimately showcasing The Saint's unwavering commitment to justice.

---

2. Richard Diamond: William Holland Case

Plot Summary: Dick Powell's character, Richard Diamond, is approached by Arthur Holland, a man desperate to find his missing brother, William, who vanished in Bolivia. Accompanied by Lt. Walt Levinson, Diamond embarks on a treacherous journey through the Bolivian interior. The investigation leads them to Louis Frober, a mine owner implicated in illicit activities tied to the Soviet Union. As Diamond delves deeper, he uncovers a web of betrayal, espionage, and murder.

Key Points:

• The Missing Brother: Arthur Holland hires Diamond to locate his brother, William.
• Journey to Bolivia: Diamond and Levinson face natural and human threats en route to San Borja.
• Encounter with Louis Frober: A pivotal figure involved in mining pitchblende for covert purposes.
• Climactic Reveal: Frober's true allegiance and the demise of Jake strengthen the case against him.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Diamond: "I figured if I could scare you, it'd be insurance." [24:55]
• Arthur Holland: "I want to get lost in the woods somewhere." [34:39]
• Louis Frober: "You're being made a patsy, Raider." [24:23]

Insights & Conclusions: Richard Diamond's tenacity and resourcefulness are on full display as he navigates the complexities of international intrigue. The episode highlights the dangers of uncovering truth within corrupt systems and the personal costs detectives often bear. Diamond's moral compass and dedication to his clients reinforce his standing as America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

---

3. Mr. and Mrs. North: No Vacation from Murder

Plot Summary: Pam and Jerry North, portrayed by Barbara Britton and Richard Denning, attempt to enjoy a serene vacation but soon find themselves entangled in a murder mystery. Their trip takes a dark turn when Jerry becomes engaged to Mrs. Frober, only to suspect foul play as tensions escalate. Navigating through deceit and hidden motives, the couple must unravel the truth to preserve their safety and uncover the killer's identity.

Key Points:

• Vacation Turned Nightmare: The Norths' aspiration for relaxation is shattered by unexpected murder.
• Suspicious Engagement: Jerry's sudden engagement raises questions about Mrs. Frober's intentions.
• Confrontation and Deception: Barbara's discovery of the marriage license and ensuing conflict reveal deeper plots.
• Final Resolution: The involvement of detective skills leads to exposing the murderer, ensuring justice is served.

Notable Quotes:

• Barbara Britton (Pam North): "It's getting thicker, isn't it?" [09:00]
• Jerry North: "Stay out of this." [71:23]
• Pam North: "You're a real card, Roy." [66:58]

Insights & Conclusions: Mr. and Mrs. North exemplify teamwork and resilience in the face of adversity. Their journey underscores the idea that true detectives cannot escape their instincts, even during what should be downtime. The episode delves into themes of trust, marital dynamics, and the inevitability of confronting danger, ultimately showcasing the couple's unyielding pursuit of truth.

---

4. Barry Craig: Hate Is for Homicide

Plot Summary: William Gargan's Barry Craig, a confidential investigator, seeks a tranquil vacation in Vermont alongside his assistant, Jake. However, their plans are derailed when they stumble upon a murder scene involving a man with a knife in his heart. As they delve into the mystery, they encounter Dina, the farmer's daughter, whose involvement unravels a complex web of deception, greed, and vengeance. The investigation culminates in a tense showdown that tests Craig's detective acumen.

Key Points:

• Unexpected Murder Discovery: Craig and Jake find a lifeless body, propelling them into the investigation.
• Encounter with Dina: The enigmatic farmer's daughter brings suspicion and layers to the mystery.
• Clues and Deceptions: The search for evidence leads to revelations about Dina's true intentions.
• Climactic Confrontation: The confrontation with Dina and the unraveling of her motives bring the case to a close.

Notable Quotes:

• Barry Craig: "Murder is a fine art. There's a catch, though." [86:46]
• Dina (Barbara Britton): "I am all right." [75:56]
• William Gargan (Barry Craig): "Did you ever see so many stars?" [73:05]

Insights & Conclusions: Barry Craig's adventure emphasizes the unpredictability of investigations and the thin line between perceived danger and actual threats. The episode explores themes of identity, manipulation, and the lengths individuals go to protect their interests. Craig's methodical approach and unflinching determination highlight the essence of a true detective, ensuring justice prevails against treacherous odds.

---

Conclusion

Episode 631 of Down These Mean Streets offers a rich tapestry of narratives that honor the legacy of Old Time Radio detectives. Each story—ranging from high seas intrigue to international espionage, domestic betrayal, and rural mysteries—showcases the unique strengths and enduring appeal of these iconic characters. With masterful storytelling, engaging dialogues, and memorable performances, the episode not only entertains but also pays homage to the timeless art of detective fiction.

Listeners are left with a deep appreciation for the complexities of each case and the unwavering dedication of these detectives to uncovering the truth, no matter where their "working vacations" take them.

Transcript

[Vincent Price]

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 of the grave. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Dick Powell]

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective the Adventures of the Saint.

[Vincent Price]

Starring Vincent Price.

[Dick Powell]

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

[Vincent Price]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Merrill Ross]

Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets and more old time radio detectives and crime solvers. Summer is here and hopefully you've got some time planned to unplug from work or school and just enjoy yourself. Unfortunately for our friendly neighborhood old time radio detectives, a vacation usually just meant solving crimes in a different locale. Today we'll hear four mysteries where our heroes find rigor mortis instead of some R and R. First up is Simon Templer in Murder on the High Seas. Vincent Price stars as the Saint in this episode that originally aired on Mutual on September 18, 1949. Now it has another title, but it would give away the ending of the episode. So let's stick with Murder on the High Seas. After all, it's appropriate. The Saint is taking a cruise and he strikes up a friendship with a fellow passenger, an actress who's in fear for her life. And it turns out it's with good reason, as one evening on board, someone knocks out the Saint and throws his new friend overboard under the care of a fellow passenger, a psychiatrist who's on a vacation of his own. Simon relates the story and identifies the clues that helped him find the killer. This is a great episode of the Saint, and it features William Conrad as the psychiatrist doing his best. Sigmund Freud, which is how seemingly everyone played a psychiatrist on radio in the 40s. I guess Freud was still the person everyone thought of when they imagined a psychiatrist. But it's funny to imagine all of these Viennese gentlemen popping up all over the world. Then Dick Powell is Richard diamond in the William Holland Case, originally aired on CBS on May 31, 1953. Now, technically, the vacation in this episode is being taken by Lt. Walt Levinson, played by Elmer Fudd himself, Arthur Q. Bryant. Since his lieutenant pal is off the clock, diamond convinces him to join the private eye on a case in Bolivia where they're searching for the titular Mr. Holland, who seems to have disappeared without a trace. But the search is anything but easy, and the trip is anything but relaxing. No sooner have they arrived than someone's trying to kill them. Dick Powell, of course, stars as radio's singing gumshoe. Then we'll hear Mr. And Mrs. North, the amateur sleuth couple played by Richard Denning and Barbara Britton. First, the Norths have to decide where they want to spend their vacation, and once they arrive, they have to solve a crime. It's no vacation from murder, and it's an Armed Forces Radio Service rebroadcast of a show from September 1, 1953. And finally, we'll hear William Gargan as Barry Craig, confidential investigator in Hate Is for Homicide. This one originally aired on NBC on August 31, 1954. Barry is in Maine taking a vacation with the folksy elevator operator from his building. The man is Jake, played by Parley Bear, and he's doing his best impression of Titus Moody from the Fred Allen Show. But any hopes Barry and Jake had for a relaxing trip to the country evaporate when they discover a fresh corpse in a haystack. I guess it is easier to find than a needle. So now let's pack our bags and join these radio detectives on some working vacations. We'll kick things off with Vincent Price as Simon Templer right after these messages.

[Dick Powell]

From coast to coast. Ford owners agree the big new Ford brings you more for your money. More in comfort, more in performance and more in economy.

[Vincent Price]

But only through personal experience can you.

[Dick Powell]

Appreciate the restful ease of Ford's famous midship ride and the luxurious comfort of Ford's non sag foam rubber cushioned front seat. Only by driving this great car can you enjoy its smooth power and solid roadability. And only by getting the facts about Ford's economy can you understand that. So powerful, so smooth riding and so beautiful. A car can cost so little to.

[Vincent Price]

Buy, to run and to maintain.

[Dick Powell]

Find out how much it saves you. Yes, before you buy any car at any price, it will pay you to stop by your local Ford dealers. Take the wheel of the 100 horsepower V8 or its companion in quality, the 95 horsepower 6. Once you've driven it, you'll agree the new Ford is the one truly fine car in the low price field. Your best bet for hot breakfast is Quaker Oats. The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats. Delicious, nutritious, makes you feel ambitious. The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, if you want to be a.

[Dick Powell]

Star in sports and school activities, make.

[Vincent Price]

Your hot cereal Quaker Oats. Cause Quaker Oats helps grow the stars of the future. You get more growth, more endurance from.

[Dick Powell]

Oatmeal than from any other whole grain cereal.

[Vincent Price]

Remember Quaker and Mother's Oats are the same. And here's a word from RCA Victor.

[Dick Powell]

Last week the curtain went up on the 75th anniversary of the National Baseball League and the 50th anniversary of the American League. There's no better way to celebrate than by enjoying at firsthand the thrills and.

[Vincent Price]

The clean sportsmanship of baseball today.

[Dick Powell]

Baseball today.

[Vincent Price]

It's the American way.

[Dick Powell]

Of course, the next best thing to.

[Vincent Price]

A seat in the stands is a seat in front of a 19 inch RCA Victor television.

[Dick Powell]

RCA Victor's new Extra powerful picture pickup.

[Vincent Price]

Gives you the best possible reception everywhere.

[Dick Powell]

You know RCA Victor television is most in demand. But here's really important news.

[Vincent Price]

RCA Victor 19 inch television is available.

[Dick Powell]

It's on display now at dealer stores.

[Vincent Price]

So insist on the best. Insist on seeing 19 inch million proof television by RCA Victor. When you do, you'll agree, inch for inch, your best buy in television is RCA Victor 19 inch.

[Dick Powell]

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.

[Vincent Price]

Crimes against America.

[Dick Powell]

The Adventures of the Saint Starring Vincent Price.

[Vincent Price]

The Saint.

[Dick Powell]

Based on characters created by Leslie Charteris and known to millions from books, magazines and motion pictures, the Robin Hood of modern crime now comes to radio starring Hollywood's brilliant and talented actor, Vincent Price as.

[Vincent Price]

The Saint. Well, hello.

[Barbara Britton]

Who is.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, how is my favorite shipboard acquaintance this evening?

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, Simon, you startled me. I could hardly see you through the fog here on deck.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, yes, it is getting thicker, isn't it? But I suppose it's to be expected. Last night nature went on a binge of moonshine and this is her foggy morning after. Only it's evening. How can you tell through the fog? You know, you have a very pretty laugh, Barbara. I'll listen for it in all of your pictures from now on.

[Barbara Britton]

Thank you, Simon, but I'm. I'm not going to make any more pictures. I'm retiring.

[Vincent Price]

Retiring? At the peak of your career?

[Barbara Britton]

I'm just tired of pictures, that's all.

[Vincent Price]

Barbara, you'll never be able to run away from it.

[Barbara Britton]

What do you mean?

[Vincent Price]

I'm referring to whatever it is that frightens. Why don't you tell me about it?

[Barbara Britton]

Barbara, there's nothing to tell. I'm. I'm tired. I. I need a rest. Please, Simon, don't make me talk about it. There some things that. Simon, is that someone standing there?

[Vincent Price]

No. No, I don't see anyone. Oh, you are nervous, Simon.

[Barbara Britton]

If only I could confide in someone.

[Vincent Price]

If I could tell you What? Perhaps I already know more than you think I do. You're cold. Where's your wrap?

[Barbara Britton]

Over there someplace. On one of those decks.

[Vincent Price]

I'll find it. I don't see it here. Barbara, Are you sure you. Barbara. Behind you.

[Barbara Britton]

Look out. Barbara. Barbara.

[Vincent Price]

Man overboard. Man overboard.

[Dick Powell]

Maybe you'd like a swim too, saint.

[Vincent Price]

What? Hello. Oh, Mr. Templar. Mr. Templar. Oh, hello. I suppose the usual question is where am I? Sometimes they awaken from your type of custom made coma asking who am I? Evidently I wasn't hit quite that hard. I even remember who you are. Dr. Norman. It is Dr. Norman, the celebrated psychiatrist, isn't it? Yeah, that is very good template. But I'm afraid I must still confine you here to the ship's infirmary for a while. A possible concussion. Tell me, what makes a famous neurologist like you pose as a near ship's doctor? I'm really not posing, Partridge. The ship's physician is ill. I was within earshot when I heard the familiar call. Is there a doctor in the house? And no, Simon, don't try to get up. I have a flask here if a drink will make you happy. Oh, not right now, thank you. I recall I have some unfinished business to attend to. Barbara, yes. Was she. They couldn't find her in the fog. She's gone. Poor Barbara. Yes, it was a horrible accident. Horrible, yes. Accident, no. You mean to say she didn't fall overboard? She was murdered. Murdered? But who? I think I know who. In my head it feels like the Aberdeen Proving Ground. I will mix you a sedative. You know, you're not looking very well. I always look like this when I'm angry. There's only one cure. Yes, I know. The lady with the scales known as Madame Justice. You know, Tipler, I've been curious about what makes a man like you sick. Well, I'll tell you. Every eight days or so someone winds me up. Right now I'm wound up tight. Tight with Fury. Well, if, Mr. Catalyst, I would advise you to unwind. Here we are. Now drink this. It will put you to sleep after a while. Thank you. You say you think you know who killed Barbara. Simon, I was wrong. I do know. But I think you ought to talk to me. Unwind yourself. You think I need psychiatry, doctor? Well, I think you're too taut at the moment that, bless your concussion, it might be dangerous. Very well, Doctor. I'll unwind. I'll tell you the entire story, if you don't mind. Simon. Here, this will help. Derism, the metronome psychiatrist often Used it. But no, no, I don't mind. I never met Barbara Brooks. Although I doubt if there's a human being alive who hasn't heard of her or seen her in the movies. I first saw her the day we boarded ship. There was something in her expression. In the way she walked and talked and smiled. It immediately told me here was someone I should know. Her entire demeanor was an attitude of invitation, fear. Doctor, she was a frightened lady. She wanted someone near her. I walked over to her there on deck in the middle. Immediately made myself useful. Her steward evidently had become busy elsewhere. So I tipped my hat and said, somewhat idiotically, get your program here, lady. You can't tell the staterooms without the numbers.

[Barbara Britton]

I beg your pardon?

[Vincent Price]

Your steward seems to have deserted you. I've sailed this scowl before. So if it's the direction to your stateroom you're looking for, well, I would like to know. I would too. Number, please.

[Barbara Britton]

A36, main deck.

[Vincent Price]

Thank you very, very much. This way. My. My name's Templar Simon for short. And of course your Barbara Brooks. You know, we passed the bar on route to a 36 main deck. Does an old Fashioned with a new acquaintance sound inviting?

[Barbara Britton]

It will a little later appear on the ship.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, there are several.

[Barbara Britton]

You've gone now.

[Vincent Price]

In the corner, I think I saw the man you meant. A certain off center gentleman named Rader.

[Barbara Britton]

Rader? I don't know that name.

[Vincent Price]

Surely you've heard of Phil Rader. He's just as big a star in his line of work as you are in yours.

[Barbara Britton]

What is his line of work?

[Vincent Price]

Well, he's an exterminator. A human being, Mr. Tyler. I'm afraid that was obvious from the moment I first saw you. Why don't you tell me about it?

[Barbara Britton]

No, I can't. No. I'd be killed.

[Vincent Price]

As good a reason as any for not telling me. But I must warn you, I have a peculiar talent for finding things out for myself.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, no, you mustn't do anything. Please, please.

[Vincent Price]

Hello, Raider. Well, the same world's getting. Yes, yes. But I understand you're doing your share to see that it doesn't get overcrowded. Traveling for your health again, or just traveling? Just traveling, Raider. Why does the mere glimpse of you rounding a corner start a lady's teeth to chattering? Lady? I don't know any ladies. Obviously. Maybe she thought I was someone else. Maybe. And if you're of a mind to annoy her, you'll wish you were. Look, Saint, just soak up sunshine on this cruise. Don't Go poking in any dark places might be bad for you. Oh, what sort of bad? Raider? Look, big shot, just so there's no misunderstanding, you butt in where you ain't welcome on this cruise and. Yes, and I'll kill you. How is your head, Sav? And it feels as if a regimental crap game was going on inside of it with jet propelled dice. You haven't drunk your sedative yet. Here. Oh, thank you. Shall I go on taking the load off of my concussion? Yes, by all means. I think I was present at the next. Yes, Doctor, you were. It was the night of that ridiculous costume ball ship captains are so fond of arranging. Yes, I remember. We were at the bar together. You were a pirate, I recall. And you were a clown. The ball was loaded with clowns. Some of them not even aware of their clownishness. But it was gay and sprightly and the music was good. I remember our conversation, Doctor. You suddenly appeared at my elbow and said, in the most shivery, sinister manner, you know, Templer, I have a confession to make to you. Well, I'm always interested in confessions, Doctor. I've had a schoolboy crush on the beautiful Barbara ever since I saw her in pictures. First tell me, what does one do about it? Well, I know exactly what I would do if I were you, Doctor. Yes, I'd consult the nearest psychiatrist at the prices we charged. Thanks. I was hoping you'd cut a fellow in on your acquaintanceship, Templar. But if you won't introduce me, won't you at least show me which mask she's hiding under? I think I might be able to make my own introduction. Oh, very well, Doctor. Look for a sylph like figure in a blue and yellow harlequin costume. Thank you, Templar. Thank you. And if you should ever need a good psychiatrist, at the prices you charge, I will be seen.

[Barbara Britton]

Don't turn around, Mr. Templar. I have a pistol in the small of your back.

[Vincent Price]

Now really, Is that any way to enjoy a wall?

[Barbara Britton]

Listen, Sade, and it's hard.

[Vincent Price]

I'm all ears, except for the small of my back, which feels abnormally large at the moment.

[Barbara Britton]

Certain arrangements have been made, Saint. It means a big head of lettuce if they go through. So all the signs say keep out. See that you do. Now, don't turn around. This costume's so pretty. I'd hate to have to put a hole through my pocket.

[Vincent Price]

Well, it's probably just a coincidence, but I've acquired the same regard for the small of my back.

[Barbara Britton]

Keep regarding it that way, Saint. Don't Let your nose wander where it doesn't belong. And you might begin by forgetting you saw certain people aboard this boat.

[Vincent Price]

See? Just tell me how you're going to swing it, Mrs. Miller. Oh, don't be surprised. I'd recognize the notorious Lil Miller's voice on a party line. How are you gonna take him, Lil? A palm date? Or perhaps a marked deck?

[Barbara Britton]

This rod has a hair trigger. St. Just a touch. And you're Lil.

[Vincent Price]

Lil. What's the matter? Lil. Lil. Lil. Your lucky St. Give her ear. Give her ear. Don't crowd. Crowd her all you want to. She won't mind now, is she? Yes. The stiletto in the back leaves very little doubt she's dead. You know, Simon, I would never have paid the late Mrs. Miller for a professional car shop. She was anything but the professional. Card sharps are always anything but the type, Doctor. Yeah, and to think I actually played bridge with her myself. With a crook and a hot headed one at that. Well, as my old grandmother used to say, Doctor, beware of lady thieves with red hair. I guess the lady's red hair accounted for the lack of insulation in her temperament.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh.

[Vincent Price]

How does your head feel, Sam? Better, Doctor, much better. You still haven't touched your sedative, you know. Haven't I? I think you'll find that it helps, Simon. Here. Oh, thank you. Well, you know, shortly after the murder of Mrs. Miller, doctor, I called on her bereaved husband and partner in crime. A very interesting visit it was too. You have the knack for making all of your visits interesting, Simon. Tell me about it. Well, I found Miller in the bar. Quenching his sorrow with the merry waters of the river forgetful. 50 grand in the palm of our hands and beep no more, Lil. No more Lil, no more sucker no more sucker. Beep no more. 50 grand. I see you valued your wife highly. Who was the sucker, Miller? You're funny. Tell me what's still Raider cruising for Miller. And don't tell me it's a coincidence he's on board the same ship. You get funnier and funnier. Why is Barbara Brooks so afraid of Raider? You ain't even warm. Think you're a mile wide of the target. I'd better use a different kind of ammunition then, Miller. Yeah? Like what? Like a little murder performed on an unwilling sucker in Reno, huh? What do you know about that? You won't like going back to Reno, Miller. It gets hot in the summertime, especially in the penitentiary. Raider or was with willing me on this deal. All right, Miller, put the zipper On, Raider. I wasn't going to say anything, Phil. Honest, I was just. Miller. I always knew someday you'd show Canary yellow. I thought you and I had a little understanding, Saint. You've got a reputation for wrong thoughts, Raider. Yeah, but right or wrong, I back my ideas up to the hilt. Keep that frog sticker undercover, Raider, or I might take it away from you and the Dutch courage that rides with with it too. I'll keep it hidden for now. You just be careful of the places where the lights don't shine, Saint.

[Dick Powell]

Come on, Miller.

[Vincent Price]

I want to talk with you. Well, I'll be out in a little while, Phil. I. I want a drink. I'll drunk enough, Canary. Come on. You'd better go, Miller. And if you can't talk your way out of it, my regards to the fish. And I recall it was shortly after Mr. Rader passed on his second warning that you and I met for the first time. Professional? Yes, Doctor. The very next night. Well, I am very surprised at you. He had warned you to stay away from dark place. Yes, Doctor, so he had. But I'm perverse by nature and I like to poke around. I was strolling around the deck with Barbara, getting moon burns and trying desperately to get the more information.

[Barbara Britton]

So wonderful having you near, Simon. I feel safe.

[Vincent Price]

Safe? I refuse to accept the compliment, particularly on a moonlit night at sea.

[Barbara Britton]

I'm referring to danger, Simon, not romance.

[Vincent Price]

They're often the very same thing. I'd like to join the team, Barbara. Why don't you confide in me?

[Barbara Britton]

Because if I did, we'd both be dead by morning. I must go now. Good night, Simon.

[Vincent Price]

Good night. Don't turn around, Templar. I've got a. I know. A gun pointed at the small of my back. That's it. Now keep away from Barbara Brooks. Am I clear? Clear enough. Anything else? Yeah, just so it sinks in, Saint. Take this along to remember me by. Once again you enter the picture, Dr. Norman. You found me there, lying on the deck, basking in moonlight and blood. Go on, Simon, tell me the rest of it. Well, after your neat job of vulcanizing me, thus saving me a trip to the ship's doctor and innumerable words of explanation, I hit upon a strategy. And my next visit found me calling in the lion's den. I tell you, you're being made a patsy, Raider. You're on the verge of being demoted back to second class hoodlum. I can take care of myself. Well, I admit a minor sandbagging committed in your good name doesn't amount to much Raider. But what if the same someone likes your name and decides to use it in other ways? What do you mean? I mean murder. You're a lead pipe cinch to pay for one of your own someday, Raider. But meanwhile, how would you feel getting hung for somebody else's shenanigans? I'd be annoyed. You sure would. Look, I'm not rigged up with no murder, Saint. Lil meant 50 grand to us alive.

[Dick Powell]

That's what we figured the sucker was good for.

[Vincent Price]

It's a good enough reason for wanting Lil among the present instead of the late Raider. Tell me, what was the angle? Blackmail? Nah, nah, nothing so crude, Saint. I sponsor the parties. Spot him. Finger them and oil them. And the Millers squeeze them through a deck of cards. The guy's a sucker for good looking dames and card games, that's all. That sounds very uncomplicated. Easy picking. Guy ain't had the coin long enough to be smart about it. Who's the guy? He makes water heaters. The fat man with the diamonds from Passage. That's the sucker I should have tumbled. Looks like you did. I thought you were out for a bust up.

[Dick Powell]

50G is a lot of money, Saint.

[Vincent Price]

I figured if I could scare you, it'd be insurance. How about Barbara Brooks? Deal me out. I'm not in on whatever the caper is there. She saw you the day we sailed and she got scared. Maybe it's because I ain't exactly pretty. But if you really want to know something, Saint, I'll tell you. I was propositioned on a stunt against that dame a few weeks before we sailed. I turned her down. A big doe too. A martyr.

[Barbara Britton]

Deal?

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, big doe to bump her up. Not for me though. Nah, she's too prominent. Too much heat on those jobs. Who made the offer? He wasn't exactly interested in leaving his calling card scene. Just a John Smith as far as I'm concerned. But he had a description, didn't he? Everybody has a description.

[Dick Powell]

Well, sure, sure.

[Vincent Price]

He was a medium sized guy with the lights. Who turned him off? Get down. Raider. Raider. Raider. Are you Brown tie, blue shirt? Brown tie, blue shirt. Brown tie, blue shirt. Not a very harmonious color scheme, is it? Thank you, Raider. At least your last earthly utterance was in the direction of. Good. Thank you. Brown tie, blue shirt. What did he mean, Simon? Well, it means that either the man for whom I search isn't a very fastidious dresser, Doctor. Or else. Or else? Or else he's colorblind. Blue and brown just aren't worn together. Well, no I'll take that drink now, Doctor. Oh, and the sedative I mixed for you. Your concussion. Later, Doctor, later. Very well. I can see that you're going to be a very difficult patient. I hope you don't mind drinking out of another medicine glass. No, right now. I prefer it say when. A little more, Doctor. That's fine. Has such a beautiful color, hasn't it, doctor? Hasn't it, sir? Aren't you going to drink it, Simon? In a moment, Doctor, when I finish my story. Oh, yes, of course, this story. Barbara's murder was next. Yes, Barbara was next. But immediately before our last meeting on deck in the fog. Doctor, I found out what she was afraid of. You did? But how? It was easy. The steward had some keys, I had some money. The steward has enough now for that chicken ranch he's always dreamed of. You broke into Barbara's stateroom? Yes. Well, what did you find, Simon? Lingerie, perfume, stockings. And some letters, doctor. Peculiar letters. Fan made. Yes, yes, and all from the same fan. A fan she was once engaged to marry, Doctor. A fan who loved her very much and hated her in equal proportions. Who was so torn between love and hate he had to kill her. It schizophrenic. You should know. What do you mean? Well, you know the classifications. You're the doctor. Oh. Drink your sedative, Simon. A colorblind schizophrenic. I don't believe I've ever met one before, Dr. Norman. So colorblind, he mistook the green and orange harlequin costume worn by Lil Miller for the blue and yellow one worn by Barbara. That is very interesting, Simon. Poor Lil. If she'd come to the ball as anything but a harlequin, she'd have lived to take in $50,000. You. Sedative. You know, you were wrong about Lil's hair, doctor. It wasn't red. It was brown. You said it was red. I wanted to see if you'd agree. You said it. Yes, of course. Hand it to me, would you, Doctor? It's there alongside the drink. No, no. Don't try to tell them apart by their aromas, Doctor. It's obvious that they're different colors. Or can't you tell? You find it saint. I'd like very much for you to drink it, my doctor. What a pretty purple gun you're wearing. Or is it pink? Drink up, Templar. You hardly feel it. It's just a dash of prussic acid, Dr. Norman. When you give a sedative, you go overboard. Drink it, Templar. Well, you're the doctor. A toast to you, Dr. Norman. To your green shirt, blue tie and gray handkerchief. None of which match. Here's how. My eyes.

[Barbara Britton]

You threw it in my eyes.

[Vincent Price]

It was a question of your eyes or my stomach, Doctor. My eyes.

[Barbara Britton]

I'm blind.

[Vincent Price]

You'll get over it, Doctor. Which is more than can be said of me if one of those wild shots of yours should hit me. I know I shouldn't practice medicine without a license, Doctor, any more than you should. But here's a additive from me to you. Pleasant nightmares. Dr. Norman.

[Dick Powell]

You have been listening to another adventure of the Saint. The Robin Hood of modern crime. And now, here is our star, Vincent Price.

[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 expressed, 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. This is Vincent Price inviting you to join us again next week at the same time for another exciting adventure of the Saint. Good night.

[Dick Powell]

Tonight's script of the Saint was written by Michael Cramway. Our cast included Betty Lou Gerson, Gene Bates, Frank Gerstel, Bill Conrad and Barney Phillips. The music was composed and conducted by Harry Zimmerman. The Saint, based on characters created by Leslie Charteris, is a James L. Safier production and is directed by Thomas A. McEvit. Vincent Price is soon to be seen in Harry M. Popkins production of Champagne for Caesar, co starring Ronald Coleman. All you Saint fans will be glad.

[Vincent Price]

To know that the Saint comic books.

[Dick Powell]

Are on sale at all newsstands. Your announcer, Merrill Ross. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Vincent Price]

Listen.

[Dick Powell]

While the makers of Rexall drug products and 10,000 independent Rexall family druggists bring you Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. Good evening, this is Bill Foreman speaking to you for the 10,000 independent druggists who have made the word Rexall part of their own store names. They've done that because they recommend and sell the 2,000 or more drug products made by the Rexall Drug Company. This evening we want to call your particular attention to Rexall's sensational two page ad in this week's issues of Life. Look, Colliers, the Saturday Evening Post and in the Farm Journal. One page of this important two page spread announces ten great new products from the world famous Rexall Laboratories. The other page features 10 bedrock bargains available at Rexall drugstores all during the month of June for new and better health aids. For bigger and more useful bargains, be sure to check Rexall's eye opening two page ad in this coming week's issues of Life. Look, Colliers, the Saturday Evening Post and in the Farm Journal. Good health to all from Rexall. Now your Rexall family druggist brings you a transcribed half hour with Richard Diamond, Private Detective, starring Dick Powell. Dime Detective Agency. I was curious. I tasted it. I'm dying. You sound awful. Oh, if I had the energy, I'd throw my head out of the window. Hangover? Just worn out from getting my heart started. Lieutenant Levinson. Mr. Levinson. What do you mean? As of five minutes ago, I became just plain Mr. Levinson. Oh, think what a shock that's going to be to just plain Bill. At exactly three o' clock I started on my two weeks vacation. I am going fishing. I want to get lost in the woods somewhere.

[Vincent Price]

Pack in, do my own cooking.

[Dick Powell]

Catch myself a limit of nice fat steelheads and rainbows. Oh, I know the smell of fried trout and boiling coffee. Getting up the next morning, breathing that fresh mountain air and then realizing that you forgot to put out the fire and 20,000 acres have been burned flat. Yeah, that was pretty mean. I'll go on. Get next to nature. Too bad you have to stay in town and work. I hope you get scurvy. Bye, blue eyes. No. Mr. Diamond? Yeah? My name is Holland. Mr. Diamond. Arthur Holland. Well, sit down, Mr. Holland. What can I do for you? First, come over to this window. Any particular reason or do you plan on an accidental suicide? There should be a man standing across the street. He's been following me. What does this man look like? Crew cut, short, fat, wearing a black leather jacket. There he is. In front of the cigar store. Yes. Who is he?

[William Gargan]

I have no idea.

[Dick Powell]

I've never seen him before. Know why he might be following you?

[Vincent Price]

No.

[Dick Powell]

How long has he been following you? Since this morning. Okay. What did you come to see me for? My brother's name is William. William B. Holland. A long time ago he left the family and started out to see the world. Started working his way from place to place. Although William has been gone for nearly 10 years, not once in those 10 years have I failed to receive a weekly letter. But he hasn't written lately. Not for a month. Where was the last place he wrote you from? San Barrio, Bolivia. Never heard of it. It's a small city. In the interior. Now, while in La Paz, he wrote me that he'd met a man named Louis Frober. This Frober was from San Borgia, and, according to Will, practically ran the place. Will said he was going to visit him, and in his last two letters, he talked much of Frobernie's hospitality, but said that something was wrong in this town of San Borja. Didn't say what it was, didn't know. Then his letters stopped? Yes. And you wanted me to find out why they stopped. If anything's happened to your brother, Mr. Diamond, I'm quite wealthy, and I will pay you handsomely to take the job. Besides, it might turn into a nice vacation. South America is supposed to be wonderful this time of year. Vacation? Possibly. Well, Mr. Holland, I'll. I'll take the job on two conditions. What are they? Well, first, my fee. 100 a day in expenses. Accepted. Thank you. Second, that you purchase two tickets for San Borja, Bolivia.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Two tickets?

[Dick Powell]

Well, I'd like to take my assistant along. Bolivia is new territory for me, and it might be dangerous. I checked on you quite thoroughly, and I didn't find that you worked with an assistant. Well, only on the cases that take me out of town. He's a worldly man. He could find a trout and a Sahara. Lots of experience. Fifteen years with the police department. All right, what's his name? Walter Q. Levinson. The Q is for Quincy, but don't tell him I mentioned it. Well, that's how it works. Man comes in, wants me to find his brother. Last seen in South America, Walt Levinson was looking for a vacation spot. And I was looking for someone to talk to on my way to San Borja. Result. One phone call to Fatty Levinson. Bolivia. Oh, but you love it, Walt. Trout as big as sharks. Where did you get two tickets to Bolivia? Well, to tell you the truth, Fatty, I'm going down on a little job. See you when you get back. Bye. Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute, you ingrate. I've just got to find a missing brother. After that, we can relax and have ourselves the time. Oh, think of it. South America. The ocean as blue as my eyes. Native music under the golden moon. And dame Quaint little. What did you say? Dames. Well, I'll meet you at the airport.

[Barbara Britton]

Pan American Grace Clipper Flight 109 from Miami, Guatemala City, Panama, Lima, Arequipa and La Paz, boarding at Gate seven.

[Dick Powell]

All aboard Pan American Clipper. Destination La Paz, Bolivia. And enough horsepower to get us there in a snappy 14 hours. The lights of Manhattan dropping away as we turn on the first leg of our pattern. Heading up for 16,000. Looking down and wondering about a man in a leather jacket and the crew cut. Looking down as the lights begin to melt into a heavy cold front. 16,000 flying south. The pits. Changing the propellers into a mellow hum. Why don't you relax? Well, did you notice a little blonde stewardess with the high altitude features on the way in? I want to get some sleep. Now, indulge yourself. I'm going to see if I can do something about the pressure in this cabin. The water on my knee is beginning to percolate. Oh, miss. Hey, Patty. Wake up. Oh. Oh. Oh. You had yourself quite asleep. Yep. Where are we? Well, another hour, we're in Miami. How'd you make out with Miss Hummingbird? Been with Pan American three years. 60,000 miles over 2,000 hours. Name's Rogers. Gene Rogers. Baltimore. How'd you make out? Oh, shut up.

[Barbara Britton]

La compania Panagra, Nulcia, La lligada Proceedros embarcaran and El terminal de Panagra, numero tres. Pan American Great airline clipper flight 109 from New York now unloading at gate number three.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, I'm a little stiff. I didn't know you brought anything with you. What now? Well, pick up our baggage and on to San Borja. Where the devil is San Borja? How do I know? Let's go find out. And we did. San Borja, according to the information desk, was some 200 kilometers into the interior, 10,000ft above sea level, high on a plateau. And the only way there. Oh, this is swell. Dandy vacation, but what happens when my liver comes loose? Well, relax, Walt. Only 160km to go. Considering where we are, these roads are pretty good. We'll never make it. At 8 to 5, we end up riding sidesaddle on a bilious lama. Hey, driver.

[Barbara Britton]

Si, senor?

[Dick Powell]

Why no airfield in San Borja? Oh, there is one, but it is what you call the emergency. It is hard for a plane to land. Something to do with the wind. It's a plateau, isn't it? We got to climb 5,000ft yet. Sounds like an M ambitious chiropodist. 10:00 in the morning sun getting hotter. The old Ford straining up the grade like an antique teapot. 11 o' clock and the temperature crowding 120. I want to go home. Oh, we got to stop and let her cool off. Blue ocean and tropical music.

[Vincent Price]

Oh.

[Dick Powell]

How much Farther, driver? About 20 kilometers, senor. I'm going to put some water from the canteen in the radiator. Hey, Walt, let's stretch our legs, huh? Okay. Lousy humidity. Oh, it sure was empty. He means his head. Duck.

[Barbara Britton]

Wall.

[Dick Powell]

Under guard. You okay? Yeah. They're behind that hill. Go down this side and try to circle them. Keep them covered. Right. Keep your head down. Gee, I'm glad you thought of that. Walt covered me and I crawled out behind the car and took off for a bunch of trees. They didn't spot me until I'd circled them and was almost on top of them. Two men with rifles lying behind a small hill. One of them turned and spotted me moving in. What? Yeah. Okay. Okay. You all in one piece? Yeah. How about you? Fine. Two of them, huh? Yeah, bandits. I guess you got them both. Wonder what they're after. Our hides. Came close to getting them, too. The unexpected. Two men with rifles hiding behind a hill. If I hadn't gotten them, they'd have gotten us. We picked them up, dragged them over to the car, and I kept asking myself, why? Why two men behind a hill with rifles? Bandits, maybe assassins. Paid to wait there and kill us? If that was the answer, who told them we were coming? The man in the leather jacket back in New York, maybe. Dump them in the car? Yep. The drivers had it. Slug got him in the chest. Well, dump him in, too. Let's get to San Bojo and get some answers. And if you say anything about a vacation, I'll sing all the way up the hill. The two Americans, Mr. Diamond and Mr. Levinson. Come in. Come in. I am Louis Frober. How do you do, Sir? Anything else, Mr. Frober? No, that's all, Paul. Well, gentlemen, I understand you ran into some difficulty. Well, your local constabulary seemed to think there was some law against driving around San Borja with three deaths. And these bandits attacked you and killed your driver. Is that right? That's right. And you in turn, killed them? That's right. For tourists, you fight rather well. Well, not exactly tourists, Mr. Frober. We asked to see you because we were sent here to locate a William Holland.

[Vincent Price]

Ah, I see.

[Dick Powell]

May I offer you a drink? Lovely suggestion.

[Vincent Price]

Here I present the interests of Arthur Holland, William Sprawler.

[Dick Powell]

That's Ryan. Water. Straight. Well, gentlemen, I. I informed Mr. Holland that William simply left. After all, there's nothing strange about that. There you are. Thank you. Thank you. We're not looking for anything unusual, Mr. Frober. This was the last place William was heard from. So this is the most likely Place to try and locate him, of course. Well, here's to a pleasant stay in San Borja. Gentlemen and she are very good heads. Next week's issues of Life. Look, Colliers, the Saturday Evening Post and the Farm Journal carry one of the most important Rexall advertisements ever published. One page of this amazing 2 page spread announces 10 great new products direct from the world famous Rexall Laboratories. The other features 10 down to the bone bargains available at every Rexall drugstore all during June. Listen to just a couple of examples from the product page. Rexall 5x multivitamins. A new and vital formula that gives you five times the established daily requirement of all vitamins with known minimums. Special introductory offer, 10 day trial size, $1.79 Value free of extra cost with a purchase of the regular bottle of 50. Both for only $6.95. From the bargain page. Gold plated metal frame sunglasses, men's and ladies styles. Regular dollar Value now only $0.67. Remember, for new and better health aids. For bigger and more useful bargains, check Rexall's sensational two page ad in next week's issues of Life. Look, Colliers, the Saturday Evening Post and in the Farm Journal. And now back to tonight's adventure with Richard Diamond, Private detective, starring Dick Powell. Louis Frober, big man with a slight accent, drinking to our health and extending an invitation to his house for dinner that evening. One hotel in San Borja. Not many tourists, of course, according to the manager. But good rooms and hot water, according to the manager. Sandwiches and a late lunch complements the hotel. Frober owned the hotel, according to the manager. It's open. A few gentlemen would like. Mr. Frober instructed me to show you around the town. Who is it? You want to see the town? Sure glad to have you show us around. What's your name? Yavacek. Paul Yavacek. San Borja, Bolivia. Sitting on the top of the world. Two thirds dense tropical jungle. Population 335, who take two months every year to cut back the persistent jungle. Principal industry 10. The mines 2 kilometers east. Frober owned the mines, according to Paul Yavacek. Three main streets, modern, up to date. A clothing store, several cafes, a bank, telegraph office, post office and recreation hall. All built and owned by Frober, according to our guide, Paul Yavicek. You mind tin, huh? How do you get it out? Trucks, then by cargo plane. If you had arrived tomorrow, you would have passed the caravans as you came up the mountain. The ore is taken out once a week. How well did you know William Holland? Not well. Now, a few gentlemen have seen enough for today. I suggest we leave for Mr. Frober's house.

[Vincent Price]

He expects you at 7.

[Dick Powell]

A kilometer from town, in the house of Louis Frober. The jungle not far off and the heavy tropical shower right on top of us. Like Frober, the house was big and imposing, A showcase of its master's wealth and position. I am so sorry that you got caught in the shower. They are pesty things sometimes, but they don't last long. Louis.

[Barbara Britton]

Ah.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, gentlemen. My wife, Mrs. Fauber. Mr. Diamond, Mr. Levinson. How do you do?

[Barbara Britton]

How do you do? Dinner is served.

[Dick Powell]

Dinner? The long paneled dining room illuminated by a dozen candles. Music floating in from a hidden speaker. The food something to make the Waldorf chef quietly fold his tent. And the conversation.

[Barbara Britton]

Do you plan to stay in san borja long, Mr. Diamond?

[Dick Powell]

It's hard to say, Mrs. Sorbert. It's a wonderful soup. Mr. Diamond and Mr. Levinson have been sent here to try and locate William Holland.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, this soup is my own recipe, Mr. Diamond. Made from barley grown right here in Senbor.

[Dick Powell]

Just a casual dinner conversation. Unless you're conditioned, aware of the subtle interrogation. The end of a pleasant and filling meal. Armagnac in the den. And more talk about health, wealth and the weather. And more. Interrogation. 10 o'. Clock.

[Vincent Price]

Well, I am afraid you'll have to excuse me now, gentlemen.

[Dick Powell]

I have to be up at 6 o' clock and I have a hard day ahead of me. The conventional goodbyes and exaggerated compliments on a wonderful evening. Then back to the hotel. All in all, a very interesting evening, according to Fatty Levinson. Our charming hostess slipped me a note as we left. Why, Walt, I must talk with you. My husband will be leaving the house shortly before midnight. Meet me in the garden at 12. Why, Walt, it's addressed to you. Why, Ricky. A quarter to 12, then out the back of the hotel. Because in San Borja, everyone works for Louis Frober. Heading for frober's house, Walt 50 yards behind. Because in San Borja, a note asking you to meet the wife of Louis Frober might easily be a trap. Maybe William Holland had received just such a note. 12 o'. Clock. And Mrs. Frober moving through the moonlight in the garden south of the house, Walt behind a tree, ready for anything.

[Barbara Britton]

I'm so glad you came, Mr. Diamond. Where's Mr. Levinson?

[Dick Powell]

Well, he stayed behind. Why did you want to see me, Mrs. Rober?

[Barbara Britton]

It is about William Holland and my.

[Dick Powell]

Husband where is your husband, Ms. Rober?

[Barbara Britton]

He left with Paul for the mines. From what I could find out, he's going to meet someone. Someone of great importance.

[Dick Powell]

What about William Holland?

[Barbara Britton]

I am sure he has been killed. And I am sure my husband had him killed.

[Dick Powell]

Go on.

[Barbara Britton]

We first met William in La Paz. He was likeable, easy to talk to. I had been married for two years, and it was my first trip away from San Borja. I liked William.

[Dick Powell]

You know anyone in New York? Blonde, shortcut hair, plump face, Might like to wear leather jackets?

[Barbara Britton]

No.

[Dick Powell]

Go on with your story.

[Barbara Britton]

A year after I married Louis Schroeber, I began to suspect something wrong with his activities here in San Borja. The men who came to see him on business. Strange men, foreigners to South America. Long nights of business meetings and trips to the mines. When William finally came here, I told him of my suspicions. And one night he informed me he was going to the mines to investigate. I never heard from him again.

[Dick Powell]

You think it had something to do with your husband?

[Barbara Britton]

Right after that, I overheard a phone conversation by my husband. He was talking to someone he called the director.

[Dick Powell]

The director?

[Barbara Britton]

Yes. My husband said that William had found his way into the mines and had been eliminated.

[Dick Powell]

I say you've only known your husband for two years.

[Barbara Britton]

Two years and a half. I met him in Rio while he was down on one of his business trips. I married him six months later and came to Sanboha to live. Would you like to know where I met my husband, Mr. Diamond?

[Dick Powell]

If you think it's necessary.

[Barbara Britton]

With what I've come to believe, I feel that it is most necessary. I met him at a party given by the Russian embassy. Mr. Diamond, I am sure that my husband is an important official for the Communists.

[Dick Powell]

Along the road east of the Frober mines. No lights, just the moon. The sounds of the jungle raising the hair on the back of my neck. A kilometer from the mines and the dull glow in the sky pointing the way. Frober's generators and manpower working late. The kilometer passed, and the tenseness in the middle of my stomach took on crampled proportions. We climbed a hill for a better look. Pretty busy. Must be 30 trucks down there getting them loaded for the trip down the hill. Hey, listen to that. Well, I'll be darned. Is that what I think it is? The fields in Zen Borja make it tough for a plane, but for a helicopter, that's another thing. Grover left the house to meet somebody important. Anybody who comes into San Borja in a helicopter at night is A pretty good bet to be important. Our dead driver said there was an emergency field. Well, it's landing on the other side of the mines. Must be close. You want to take a look? Well, not too many men around those trucks. Before we go looking for that copter, I want to see if it's really 10 Mr. Frober is taking out of that mine. Down the hill. Walk 20 yards behind in case of trouble. Picking our way through the brush, trying not to sound like a landslide. A long road running away from the mines towards San Borja. The line of trucks, the first dozen or so, loaded and ready, their backs piled high with sacks. A short sprint and I was boosting myself up on the back of the first truck, digging into one of the sacks, feeling the heavy chunks of Oregon. Then down off the truck with the oar in my hand. You're up late, Mr. Diamond. Paul Yavacek, Frober's right hand boy, standing in the darkness, his gun pointed right at my stomach. Mr. Frober will be happy to know of your interest in his mines. Start walking up the road toward the main gate. Stay ahead of me. Keep your hands in sight. Tell me something, Javacek. How do you get 10 out of 10 pitch blend? I suggest you ask Mr. Frober. He's at the mines. He will be. Robert, you have a check? Thanks. Wall.

[Vincent Price]

Thanks.

[Dick Powell]

You all right? Yeah. It's close. You have a check? Dead. Come on, let's get out of here. Where to? Mrs. Frober said her husband had a phone conversation. I'm going to use that phone and warn Laaz about Frober. Hold it. What is it? Car coming down the road. Prober. Yeah. Jan, he's got company. Probably his important visitor. When he finds out what's happening, he'll guess it's us. We'll never get back to town before he does. Unless we drive. I will take a chance on the confusion and grab that first truck. Clear. Keys are in the truck. We must live, right? Yeah, but for how long?

[Barbara Britton]

There is a direct phone line all the way to Cavendo. The operator at Cavendo can put you through to La Paz. Bueno.

[Dick Powell]

She's talking Spanish. You better take it.

[Barbara Britton]

Esta es la senora Frober de connect laas.

[Dick Powell]

Minutes running out. Mrs. Frober looking frightened, waiting for Laaz to answer. She has them ask for the embassy. Pulling up. Rover and his important friends.

[Barbara Britton]

Mr. Diamond, I have them.

[Dick Powell]

Hello? Yes, American Embassy. Now listen carefully. I can't Repeat, this is Richard Diamond, American citizen, calling from Sanborja, Bolivia. Lewis Frober is not mining 10. It's Pitchblend and is believed to be working for the Russian government. Look out. Hello? Hello, Mr. Diamond? Rick? Okay, Mrs. Frober?

[Barbara Britton]

I'm all right.

[Dick Powell]

Take a look at Frober and his friend. Hello? Hello? What happened? Hold on a second. There's been some trouble. Rover's friend is dead. Rover's moving, but it doesn't look very good. Hello? Hello, Laaz? Yes, Mr. Diamond, go ahead. What about Frober? Wait a minute. Maybe I can get him to tell you himself. If the phone will reach Rober. Rober, can you hear me? Hello? La Paz. There's been a shooting here and Mr. Frober's dying. Robert Rober. You're dying. You want to tell us about it? You're mining pitchblende instead of 10, right? Right. You're working for the Soviet Union. Yeah. Did you send two men to ambush me? Our agents in New York watched Arthur Holland and reported that she had been hired. Guy with the crew cut in a leather jacket. Did you have William Holland killed? Yeah.

[Vincent Price]

He. He found Arthur.

[Dick Powell]

Who? Frober. Hello, Laaz. Frober's dead. This time of year, no woman wants to spend endless hours caring for her skin and makeup. Since you want the finest beauty care in the least time and with no nonsense about it, why not try the new Ann Delafield Cosmetics? Designed expressly for the busy modern woman. They give you the most for your cosmetic dollar and save time as well. There are no endless bottles and jars, no endless creams for different corners of your face and neck. Just one fine cream, the Ann Delafield All Purpose Deep Cream a day cream, cleansing cream, night cream, all creams in one. There are vitamins, too, for true beauty from within and other lovely makeup aids. Tailor made for you. Look for the fine Ann Delafield Cosmetics at Rexall drugstores everywhere. Good health to all from Rexall. Richard Diamond, Private Detective stars Dick Powell in the title role and was written by Blake Edwards with music composed and conducted by Frank Wirth. Dick Powell directed the RKO production Split Second, which is now in release. And his latest film appearance was in the Metro Golden Mayor Award winning the Bad and the Beautiful. Heard in tonight's cast were Arthur Q. Bryant, Wilms Herbert, Ben Wright, Jack Crucian, Virginia Gregg, Don diamond and Lillian Byatt. Richard Diamond, Private Detective, is transcribed in Hollywood by Jaime Del Valle. This is Bill Foreman inviting you to be with us next Sunday at this time when Rexall Drug Products again bring you Dick Powell as Richard Diamond, Private Detective Remember, for new and better health aids. For bigger and more useful bargains, check Rexall's sensational two page ad in next week's issues of Life. Look, Colliers, the Saturday Evening Post, and in the Farm Journal. You can know better health. You can save money.

[Barbara Britton]

Sam. Jerry, darling, that was a gunshot. Yeah, well, what would anyone be shooting at?

[Vincent Price]

A screech owl, maybe.

[Barbara Britton]

Darling, that was no screech owl.

[Vincent Price]

Mr. And Mrs. North, starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning. Listen as Pam and Jerry solve the mystery.

[Dick Powell]

No vacation from murder.

[Vincent Price]

Pam north stands in the center of the room, tense, expectant, waiting, staring at her husband. All set?

[Barbara Britton]

Yes.

[Vincent Price]

Pam's eyes move to the shiny 50 cent piece between Jerry's thumb and forefinger. Suddenly the coin is catapulted into the air, flips over and over, then falls back into Jerry's hand. Quickly he slaps his other hand over it, then swinging slowly uncovers it.

[Barbara Britton]

Tails. I win.

[Vincent Price]

So you do, darling.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, I'm sorry, Jerry.

[Vincent Price]

Sorry? Why?

[Barbara Britton]

Well, I know how much you wanted to go to the mountains.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, but you want to go to the seashore.

[Barbara Britton]

Not really. It doesn't make that much difference to me. Besides, I couldn't enjoy it if I thought you weren't happy.

[Vincent Price]

No, I'll be happy, Pam.

[Barbara Britton]

No, you had that cabin all picked out. And they say there's such good fishing in that lake.

[Vincent Price]

But darling, you won the toss. We're going to the seashore.

[Barbara Britton]

I'd really like to see that lake.

[Vincent Price]

Now it's all settled, Pam. We're going to the seashore.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, Jerry north, honestly, you can be so stubborn sometimes.

[Vincent Price]

But Pam, you won the toss, so.

[Barbara Britton]

I get my choice and I chose the mountain lake.

[William Gargan]

But you want to go to the seashore.

[Barbara Britton]

Not if you don't.

[Vincent Price]

But I do, darling.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, you're just trying to be a good sport about it. But I know that you really.

[Vincent Price]

No, no, really, Pam. I'd almost as soon go to the seashore.

[Barbara Britton]

Anyway, I don't think it's fair. One toss. We ought to at least do two out of three.

[Vincent Price]

Why? We agreed. One toss and you won.

[Barbara Britton]

I think it should have been two out of three. Toss again, Jerry. Oh, but Pan, I wouldn't feel right about it otherwise. Jerry, please.

[Vincent Price]

All right, Pam, do you want tails again?

[Barbara Britton]

Uh huh.

[Dick Powell]

Right. Here we go.

[Vincent Price]

Tails again. Well, that does it. You win again, darling. Two out of three. So let's not discuss it anymore. The sea. Sure it is.

[Barbara Britton]

Gollies. Jerry, isn't this mountain lake pretty?

[Vincent Price]

It sure is.

[Barbara Britton]

And we practically have the Whole island to ourselves, in fact, except for David Whitley and us. There's no one else on the island, is there?

[Vincent Price]

No, there are no cabins on the other side.

[Barbara Britton]

Well, it ought to be nice and restful then. What's that?

[Vincent Price]

Somebody on the lake.

[Barbara Britton]

A canoe turned over there, see?

[Vincent Price]

Yeah. Come on.

[Barbara Britton]

There's David in his speedboat.

[Vincent Price]

He's headed for her. He'll get to her before we can do anything.

[Barbara Britton]

If only she can stay up. Yes. There. He's reached her.

[Vincent Price]

I wonder if he's going to need any help.

[Barbara Britton]

I don't think so. He's pulling her into the boat.

[Vincent Price]

David, is there anything we can do?

[Dick Powell]

Okay.

[Barbara Britton]

Gosh, Jerry, it certainly was lucky for her he was so near when she turned over.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, from what I can see of her from this distance, I'd say it was lucky for him too.

[Dick Powell]

You feeling better?

[Barbara Britton]

Yes, thank you, much better.

[Dick Powell]

Let me pour you another brandy.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, no, no, please. I am fine.

[Vincent Price]

Sure?

[Barbara Britton]

Positive.

[Vincent Price]

Mind if I ask a question?

[Barbara Britton]

I would have to hear the question first.

[Vincent Price]

Well, your accent, it's French. But your name, Drake is not French.

[Barbara Britton]

No, it was my husband's name.

[Dick Powell]

Was.

[Barbara Britton]

He was an army officer. I met him in France during the war. He brought me to this company. He was killed in Korea.

[Dick Powell]

I'm sorry.

[Barbara Britton]

Thank you. What are you looking at?

[Vincent Price]

You in my bathrobe.

[Barbara Britton]

I'm afraid it's not very becoming.

[Dick Powell]

On the contrary.

[Barbara Britton]

And my clothes must be dry by now, so I had better be going.

[Dick Powell]

Go.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, not yet. Wait. Look, stay for lunch, huh?

[Dick Powell]

Roy and Betty will be here in about an hour.

[Barbara Britton]

Roy and Betty?

[Dick Powell]

Roy's my cousin, Buddy's my fiance.

[Barbara Britton]

You are engaged?

[Vincent Price]

Yeah. Well, how about it?

[Dick Powell]

I'm a pretty good cook.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, you.

[Dick Powell]

Don't laugh, young lady.

[Barbara Britton]

No, really, I cannot stay. My clothes.

[Dick Powell]

Well, I've got an iron.

[Vincent Price]

You can press them. Come on.

[Barbara Britton]

Well, all right, Mr. Whitley.

[Dick Powell]

David.

[Barbara Britton]

David, then.

[Dick Powell]

You know, I'm awfully glad that canoe of yours wasn't one of those non tippable numbers.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, the water's great.

[Barbara Britton]

Come on in, Betty. In a minute. I wonder what's keeping David.

[Dick Powell]

Maybe he's brushing up on his French.

[Barbara Britton]

You're a real card, Roy.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, relax. Oh, boy, felt good. Oh, I was just joking, Betty.

[Barbara Britton]

I don't like that kind of joke.

[Dick Powell]

Beware the green eyed monster.

[Barbara Britton]

Shut up.

[Dick Powell]

Temper, temper. You better watch that famous temper of yours.

[Barbara Britton]

I'm going back to the lodge and see what's going on.

[Dick Powell]

Well, Dave said he'd be right along.

[Barbara Britton]

That was 15 minutes ago.

[Dick Powell]

Hello. Here he Is now.

[Barbara Britton]

Well, it's about time.

[Dick Powell]

How's the water? Oh, great.

[Barbara Britton]

We didn't think you were coming.

[Dick Powell]

Eloise insisted on doing dishes, so I helped.

[Barbara Britton]

What a domestic little scene that must have been.

[Dick Powell]

What?

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, nothing.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, wait.

[Dick Powell]

What's the matter with you? This appears to be a case where three's company and four's a crowd.

[Barbara Britton]

Why don't you go drown yourself?

[Dick Powell]

Your wish is my command, fair lady.

[Vincent Price]

Goodbye, cruel world.

[Dick Powell]

Come on, Betty. Oh, let me alone, by crying out loud.

[Vincent Price]

You're acting like a child.

[Dick Powell]

Just because some girl has an accident.

[Barbara Britton]

A very convenient accident, if you ask me.

[Vincent Price]

What are you trying to insinuate?

[Barbara Britton]

Insinuate? She turns her canoe over right in front of your speedboat.

[Vincent Price]

You think she.

[Barbara Britton]

Yes. Yes, I do. And I'll bet she knows your bank balance right down to the last 2 million.

[Dick Powell]

Now, that's not fair.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, so sue me.

[Vincent Price]

If I'd known you were going to.

[Barbara Britton]

Act like this, I. I haven't done anything. She's the one who stayed for lunch.

[Dick Powell]

Because I invited her.

[Barbara Britton]

Well, lunch is over. The dishes are done. So get her out of here, Betty. Get her out. Either she goes or I go, and I mean it. Wheezy.

[Vincent Price]

David.

[Barbara Britton]

Coming.

[Dick Powell]

Roy. I'll be back with the speedboat in.

[Vincent Price]

A few minutes to take you to the hotel.

[Barbara Britton]

I'll go down to the dock and wait for him. Thank you, David, for. Well, everything. Rescuing me, lending me your robe, giving me lunch. It's been the nicest accident I ever had.

[Dick Powell]

Pleasure was all mine.

[Barbara Britton]

Goodbye, David.

[Dick Powell]

Eloise.

[Vincent Price]

Yes?

[Dick Powell]

I've been thinking about what we were talking about in the kitchen.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, I'm afraid I must have bored you terribly. What do men care about dress design?

[Vincent Price]

No, you didn't bore me at all.

[Dick Powell]

In fact, I was very interested. Especially your plans for opening your own place.

[Barbara Britton]

Not plans, your streams.

[Vincent Price]

Would this help them come true?

[Barbara Britton]

What's that?

[Vincent Price]

Take it.

[Barbara Britton]

A check for $5,000. I don't understand.

[Dick Powell]

It's got your name on it.

[Barbara Britton]

But I cannot take money from you.

[Vincent Price]

Why not? Don't you think a shop of your own is a good investment?

[Barbara Britton]

I do, yes. But you. You hardly know me.

[Dick Powell]

That's my lookout.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, no, David, I cannot take this money.

[Vincent Price]

No, I want you to.

[Barbara Britton]

No, thank you, but it's no pride. You take it back.

[Vincent Price]

No, thanks.

[Barbara Britton]

I don't want to seem ungrateful, but. What are you laughing at?

[Dick Powell]

Nothing. Nothing at all.

[Barbara Britton]

Goodbye.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, wow.

[Barbara Britton]

There's a difference.

[Vincent Price]

Yes.

[Dick Powell]

Yes, I know.

[Barbara Britton]

God, Jerry, look where we are. Way over by the Whitley Lodge.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah, Tired?

[Barbara Britton]

Yes.

[Vincent Price]

Well, then let's swim into Whitley's dock and walk back.

[Barbara Britton]

All right.

[Vincent Price]

Here we are. Come on, darling, I'll boost you up.

[Dick Powell]

There.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, my, I'm dead. Let's just sit here a minute.

[Vincent Price]

Okay. Jerry, someone's on the other side of the boathouse.

[Barbara Britton]

Sounds like an argument.

[Vincent Price]

Maybe we'd better get.

[Barbara Britton]

Listen, maybe you've got David fool, but not me. You thought you played it real smart a few minutes ago, didn't you? I don't understand you tearing up this check. You will receive danger. Yes, yes, and you put on a great act. But why not? With the Whitley fortune at stake, why sell out for a measly 5,000?

[Vincent Price]

Damn. Dear, let's get out of here.

[Barbara Britton]

I'm being exactly what you are, a cheap little gold digger. Don't you talk to me like that. Why, you. Jerry, Come on, Pam. You stupid. Leave me alone or kill you.

[Dick Powell]

Not today, lady.

[Vincent Price]

Come on.

[Barbara Britton]

Stay out of this.

[Vincent Price]

Come on, now. Let go. Break it up.

[Barbara Britton]

You get off this island and stay off. Or if you try to see David again, either here or in New York, I'll kill you. Do you hear me? I'll kill you. Hello?

[Dick Powell]

Hello, Eloise?

[Barbara Britton]

David? David, is that you?

[Dick Powell]

Yes.

[Barbara Britton]

You are in New York?

[Dick Powell]

Yes, I. I just got in. And I want to see you and apologize for the way Betty behaved.

[Barbara Britton]

That is not necessary.

[Vincent Price]

Maybe not, but have dinner with me.

[Barbara Britton]

What about Ms. Benson?

[Dick Powell]

What about her?

[Barbara Britton]

Have you forgotten you are engaged to her?

[Vincent Price]

No.

[Dick Powell]

No, Eloise.

[Barbara Britton]

Neither have I. David.

[Dick Powell]

Betty called again while you were out.

[Vincent Price]

Dave, what did she want this time?

[Dick Powell]

Among other things, whether or not you were going up to the lake lodge this weekend. Yes, but I'm going alone.

[Vincent Price]

All alone?

[Dick Powell]

All alone. Okay, but you're gonna have to make up your mind between Betty and that little French war widow. I already have.

[Barbara Britton]

Jerry.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, dear?

[Barbara Britton]

Isn't it, please. Peaceful, just sitting here in the dark, not saying anything? Just sitting. Jerry.

[Vincent Price]

Yes?

[Barbara Britton]

Did you ever see so many?

[Vincent Price]

So many what?

[Barbara Britton]

Stars. What did you think we were talking about?

[Dick Powell]

I didn't know we were talking about anything. I thought we were just sitting in the dark, not saying anything.

[Barbara Britton]

And we are. So did you?

[Vincent Price]

Did I what?

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, Jerry, did you ever see so many stars?

[Vincent Price]

Not since I bumped my head on the medicine cabinet.

[Barbara Britton]

Jerry north, do you have to take the romance out of everything?

[Vincent Price]

I'm sorry, darling.

[Barbara Britton]

It is peaceful, isn't it? Just sitting in the dark, not saying anything. Well, golly's Jerry, that was a shot.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah.

[Barbara Britton]

What would anyone be shooting at?

[Vincent Price]

Oh, Jerry, I'll get the flashlight.

[Barbara Britton]

It's on the table next to the door. Did you find it?

[Vincent Price]

Oh, wait till I find that light switch. Oh, here we are.

[Barbara Britton]

Have you got the flashlight?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah.

[Vincent Price]

All right, Pam. Come on, let's go.

[Barbara Britton]

Wait a minute, Jerry.

[Vincent Price]

What is it?

[Barbara Britton]

I hear someone running. I think they're coming this way.

[Vincent Price]

You're right. I'll flash on the light.

[Barbara Britton]

It's that girl. Mrs. Drake?

[Vincent Price]

Yeah.

[Barbara Britton]

Mrs. No. What is it?

[Dick Powell]

Mrs. Drake?

[Vincent Price]

What's wrong?

[Barbara Britton]

Please, please come quickly. It's David. He's been shot. There he is. If we carry him to the boat, we can take him to the mainland to adopt there.

[Vincent Price]

I'm afraid it's too late for a doctor.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, no.

[Vincent Price]

I'm sorry.

[Barbara Britton]

Here, you better sit down on these steps. That's it.

[Vincent Price]

Thank you.

[Barbara Britton]

It's so hard to believe. You went outside Just for a few moments and. And then the sh. Don't talk about it now. So awful.

[Vincent Price]

Is there a phone in the lodge?

[Barbara Britton]

No.

[Vincent Price]

No, I was afraid of that. And there's none in our cabin either.

[Barbara Britton]

There must be one on the island somewhere. Well, David Whitley's lodge and our cabin are the only two houses on the island.

[Vincent Price]

We've got to get to the police. And we'd better take Whitley's speedboat. It's faster than the outboard.

[Barbara Britton]

How about the keys? David always left them in the boat.

[Vincent Price]

Then let's go.

[Barbara Britton]

I wonder what happened.

[Vincent Price]

One thing's sure, Pam.

[Barbara Britton]

What's that?

[Vincent Price]

He didn't shoot himself. There was no gun near him.

[Barbara Britton]

Well, then it's.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, it's murder. And whoever murdered him is probably still on this island.

[Barbara Britton]

Wait a minute, Jerry.

[Dick Powell]

What is it?

[Barbara Britton]

Look. Isn't there a boat out there on the lake?

[Vincent Price]

You're right, darling.

[Dick Powell]

Hello.

[William Gargan]

Hello out there.

[Dick Powell]

Hey, you and the boat. Hello.

[Barbara Britton]

Why doesn't he answer?

[Vincent Price]

I don't know, but I think we'd better get out there and find out.

[Dick Powell]

Hello? Hello, David?

[Barbara Britton]

That's Roy. Who? David's cousin. It's eloise.

[Dick Powell]

Roy.

[Barbara Britton]

And Mr. And Mrs. North. Oh, it is funny. David was not expecting Roy this weekend. He wasn't? No.

[Vincent Price]

Didn't you hear me calling before, fellow?

[Dick Powell]

No.

[Vincent Price]

When?

[William Gargan]

A few minutes ago when you didn't answer.

[Vincent Price]

We came out to see what was wrong.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, well, I. I didn't hear.

[Vincent Price]

Well, how come you aren't using the motor?

[Dick Powell]

It stalled.

[Vincent Price]

I can't get it going.

[William Gargan]

Oh, well, just a second.

[Vincent Price]

I'll toss you a line and we'll tow you.

[Dick Powell]

All right. Thanks. Ready? Gonna go. Here you are. Catch.

[Barbara Britton]

Got it, Jerry. Here Comes another boat.

[Dick Powell]

Good.

[Vincent Price]

Maybe I can signal them with my flashlight.

[Dick Powell]

Why do you want to do that? Maybe they can save us a trip.

[Vincent Price]

He cut his engine.

[Barbara Britton]

Ahoy.

[Vincent Price]

Hello there.

[William Gargan]

You going over to the town?

[Dick Powell]

Yeah, why?

[Vincent Price]

You can do us a favor.

[William Gargan]

Will you call the police?

[Vincent Price]

Police?

[Dick Powell]

Yes, tell them to come over to this island right away.

[Vincent Price]

To David Whitley's lodge.

[Dick Powell]

There's been an accident.

[Barbara Britton]

Okay.

[Dick Powell]

Accident? What do you mean? What happened?

[Vincent Price]

David's been shot.

[Dick Powell]

What?

[Vincent Price]

That's right. So we better get back there and wait for the police.

[Barbara Britton]

Shall we go inside the lodge, Mr. Noor?

[Dick Powell]

All right. But wait a minute.

[Vincent Price]

Where's Pam?

[Dick Powell]

I don't know.

[Barbara Britton]

I don't think she came up from the landing with us.

[Vincent Price]

I thought she was right behind us.

[Barbara Britton]

What's that?

[Vincent Price]

Sounded like someone in those bushes.

[Dick Powell]

Pam, better shine your light in there.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah.

[Barbara Britton]

Someone's trying to get away.

[Vincent Price]

I'm going to see who it is. Hey, wait a minute, you. I said stop.

[Barbara Britton]

Let me alone.

[Vincent Price]

Well, Benson, what are you doing here?

[Barbara Britton]

You'll never believe me. That's why I didn't want to be found north.

[Dick Powell]

Who is it?

[Vincent Price]

Ms. Benson? Betty.

[Dick Powell]

What are you doing on the island?

[Barbara Britton]

As if you didn't know me.

[Dick Powell]

I don't know what you mean.

[Vincent Price]

Well, come on back to the lodge.

[Dick Powell]

And maybe we can get this straightened out.

[Vincent Price]

What's that? It's a boat down at the landing. But who? See, I wonder if that little imp.

[Barbara Britton]

What? Stopped?

[Vincent Price]

I have an idea what it was.

[William Gargan]

Don't you, Roy?

[Dick Powell]

What gives everybody the idea that I know so much?

[Vincent Price]

Well, here's the path. Now we'll find out.

[William Gargan]

Pam.

[Barbara Britton]

I'm coming. Jerry. Well, Jerry, did you hear it?

[Vincent Price]

I certainly did, darling.

[Barbara Britton]

That was the motor on Roy Whitley's boat.

[Vincent Price]

Uh huh.

[Barbara Britton]

He said it didn't work.

[Dick Powell]

Well, it didn't.

[Barbara Britton]

I didn't have any trouble starting it.

[Dick Powell]

Well, it wouldn't work before.

[Barbara Britton]

Perhaps not. But Ms. Benson, where did you come from?

[Dick Powell]

That's what we'd all like to know.

[Barbara Britton]

I've been here since this afternoon. Well, how did you get here? The water taxi from the hotel. We didn't hear you come. You were out on the lake in your boat. But that was early this afternoon. What did you do all day? I came in the lodge and waited for David. I fell asleep and the shark woke me up.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, what was the idea of coming out here? David told you he didn't want you around anymore.

[Barbara Britton]

I got a message from him asking me to come. That's not true. You could not have. Then what's this Read it. Turn the flashlight over here. Jerry, Mr. Whitley called and asked you to come to the Lake lodge sometime this weekend, preferably Friday. The desk clerk at my hotel took that message late last night.

[Dick Powell]

I hope you can prove that.

[Barbara Britton]

And what do you mean by that?

[Dick Powell]

I mean that message could be a fake. You could have written it yourself.

[Barbara Britton]

All right, yes. Yes, I could have written it myself. Or someone else besides David could have given it to the desk clean clerk. Someone like you, for instance. Why would he do a thing like that? To get me out here. Then he could kill David and I'd be blamed.

[Vincent Price]

That's insane.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, is it?

[Vincent Price]

Well, why would you be blamed for David's murder, Ms. Benson?

[Barbara Britton]

Because David broke his engagement to me last Tuesday. Roy knew it.

[Dick Powell]

Why would I want to kill Dave? I had no reason.

[Barbara Britton]

You had three and a half million dollars worth of reason. You're David's closest relative. It's obvious. So obvious that you had to find someone else to put the blame on, so you picked me up.

[Vincent Price]

This is fantastic.

[Dick Powell]

I. I wasn't even here when Dave was killed. Mr. And Mrs. North know that. Correction.

[Vincent Price]

We don't know whether you were coming to the island or leaving it when we saw you.

[Dick Powell]

I was on my way here.

[Barbara Britton]

Do you expect anyone to take your word for it?

[Dick Powell]

You seem to expect everyone to take your word about that message.

[Barbara Britton]

About that message. There's one thing we seem to be overlooking.

[Dick Powell]

What's that, Pam?

[Barbara Britton]

Well, if David did leave it for Ms. Benson, it would imply that he was going to make up with her.

[Vincent Price]

So?

[Barbara Britton]

So I was just thinking. Wouldn't that make Mrs. Drake a little bit angry? You think I killed David? I didn't say that. I. I mean. Well, you are wrong. He was not going to make up with Ms. Benson. How do you know, Mrs. Drake? Because my name is not Mrs. Drake. Not any longer. It is Mrs. Whitley.

[Dick Powell]

What?

[Barbara Britton]

Mrs. David Whitley. We were married this afternoon.

[Vincent Price]

Married?

[Barbara Britton]

You're lying. There's a copy of the marriage license on file in New York City.

[Dick Powell]

Ms. Benson, you won't get away with it.

[Barbara Britton]

With what?

[Dick Powell]

With David's money.

[Vincent Price]

I'll contest the marriage.

[Dick Powell]

You tricked Dave into it. He only knew you a week.

[Barbara Britton]

Twas long enough for us to know we loved each other.

[Dick Powell]

And you even met him by a trick.

[Barbara Britton]

If you want to believe that.

[Vincent Price]

It's the truth. You know it is. But I'll show you. I'll take you to court.

[Barbara Britton]

That won't be necessary. I do not wish to cheat you. I'll see you get a fair share.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, you'll see. Sure you want to be the one to decide?

[Dick Powell]

Another one of your tricks.

[Vincent Price]

So I'll settle for whatever you say. It won't work, sweetheart.

[Dick Powell]

I'm getting a lawyer and a detective. Maybe I'll even prove you're the one who killed Dave.

[Vincent Price]

All right, that's enough, mister.

[Barbara Britton]

Thank you, Mr. North. It is more than enough. I married David because I loved him. I certainly do not want to fight about his money.

[Vincent Price]

I understand.

[Barbara Britton]

Jerry, come here.

[Dick Powell]

Hmm.

[Vincent Price]

What is it, Van?

[Barbara Britton]

Shine your light here, will you? I think I found something.

[Vincent Price]

What? Oh. Where'd you find that?

[Barbara Britton]

On the path leading down to where David is lying. What is it, Mrs. North? What?

[Vincent Price]

Oh.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, it's just a pebble. A pebble? Yes, a pretty pink one. I saved them for my aquarium at home. May I see it? Oh, it's just a pebble. Come on, let's go inside. It's getting chilly out here.

[Dick Powell]

Yes, this is a funny time to be interested in pebbles.

[Barbara Britton]

Well, the fish like them. Jerry.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, Pam?

[Barbara Britton]

I'm going to put the pebble in this ashtray. Don't let me forget it when we leave.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, all right, because.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh.

[Dick Powell]

What's the matter?

[Barbara Britton]

Didn't you hear something outside?

[Vincent Price]

No.

[Barbara Britton]

I'm sure there's someone right outside.

[Dick Powell]

I didn't hear anything.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, I didn't either.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, I guess you imagined it, darling.

[Barbara Britton]

No, I'm sure it sounded like it was right outside this window.

[Vincent Price]

Well, just a second. I'll look.

[Dick Powell]

See anything? No.

[Vincent Price]

It's dark out here.

[Barbara Britton]

You can't see anything out there with a light on in here. We'd better turn it off. I do it there?

[Dick Powell]

Well, not.

[Vincent Price]

No, I still don't see anything.

[Barbara Britton]

Jerry.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, darling?

[Barbara Britton]

Click on your flashlight and shine it on the table where I left the pebble.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, yeah.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, I thought so. What are you looking for, Ms. Benson? I. I was just looking at the pebble. Uh huh. And it is just a pebble, isn't it? But you were afraid it might be a clue. Something you might have dropped after you killed David. No. Just looking to see a pebble wouldn't be so important to you if you weren't guilty. All right, Mrs. Drake. I beg your pardon, Mrs. Whitley. You can turn the light on. Yes. It's all a trick. Yes, Ms. Benton, as far as you're concerned, everything is a trick. You and Roy are both so full of suspicions you never can believe anything. So I knew if either one of you had killed David, you'd be sure I'd found a clue. If I said I'D found a pebble. Must have been quite a shock when you learned he actually married someone else. Enough of a shock to make you kill him. You can't prove it. Not by just a pebble. You being so interested in the pebble proves a lot. And I think the police will be able to prove a lot more when they get here. Especially when they find the gun. It must still be on the island. It is, Mrs. North. It's right here. All right, Mr. North. Let's have the keys to the speedboat. And hurry up. You might as well give them to her, Jerry. She won't get very far. Hear that boat coming in?

[Vincent Price]

That's right.

[Barbara Britton]

It's almost certainly the police. So I don't think Ms. Benson is going anywhere. Except to jail. Jerry.

[Dick Powell]

Yes, dad.

[Barbara Britton]

Peaceful, isn't it?

[Vincent Price]

Oh, don't say that, Pam.

[Barbara Britton]

Why not?

[Vincent Price]

Every time you do, something terrible has happened.

[Barbara Britton]

We won't anymore. The lodge is closed up. In fact, now that everything will be quiet over there, it's a shame this is our last day. Wouldn't it be fun to stay another.

[Vincent Price]

Week and rest up from our vacuums?

[William Gargan]

Oh, it sure would.

[Barbara Britton]

Let's.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, darling, I can.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, please, Jerry.

[Vincent Price]

I have to get back to the office.

[Barbara Britton]

But just one more week. You could arrange it.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, I shouldn't.

[Barbara Britton]

But you could. Oh, it would be such fun.

[Vincent Price]

No, I'm sorry, darling.

[Barbara Britton]

Let's toss a coin for it.

[Dick Powell]

Well, all right.

[Vincent Price]

Under the same conditions.

[Barbara Britton]

What conditions?

[Vincent Price]

If you win, we still do what I want.

[Barbara Britton]

All right.

[Vincent Price]

I'm glad you're so willing.

[Dick Powell]

But in that case, why toss?

[Barbara Britton]

Why, Jerry North. Don't tell me you wouldn't be as nice to me as I am to you. Go ahead and toss. I might be lucky and lose.

[Vincent Price]

Pam and Jerry are sure to have.

[Dick Powell]

More exciting adventures next week. Listen in, won't you?

[Vincent Price]

There's always mystery well sprinkled with humor on Mr. And Mrs. North. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service.

[Dick Powell]

William Gargan stars as Barry Craig, confidential investigator.

[William Gargan]

Someone once said that murder is a fine art. There's a catch, though. If you're a successful artist, they hang your paintings. If you're a successful murderer, they hang you.

[Dick Powell]

The National Broadcasting Company presents William Gargan in another transcribed drama of mystery and adventure with America's number one detective, Barry Craig.

[Vincent Price]

Confidential investigator.

[William Gargan]

Barry Craig speaking. Even confidential investigators need a vacation sometimes they've been known to take one. The place I'd chosen was Vermont. The main reason for the that was Jake. He was on vacation too. He decided to come Home and see if he'd been smart in abandoning Vermont to run an elevator on Madison Avenue. Say, Jake.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Yeah?

[William Gargan]

What's the verdict?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Madison Avenue.

[William Gargan]

Why is Madison Avenue dark and quiet like this?

[Vincent Price]

Nope.

[William Gargan]

Is Madison Avenue surrounded by tall trees, cooled by gentle breezes, filled with the fragrance of unspoiled nature?

[Vincent Price]

No.

[William Gargan]

Now, what's Madison Avenue got that this place hasn't?

[Vincent Price]

Girls.

[William Gargan]

Well, you may be right or you may be wrong. That came from directly up the road.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Nice night for a hayride, is it? Yep. Could have been a giggle.

[William Gargan]

A rather loud giggle.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Girl's got very loud giggles sometimes, especially on a hayride.

[William Gargan]

Oh, Jake, stop pulling my leg. Hey, wait a minute. What's that in the road up ahead of us?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Hay wagon.

[William Gargan]

I refuse to believe it, but it is filled with hay.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Usually are.

[William Gargan]

There's a horse out in front of it. But where's the driver? Say, Jake, would he have gone off and left the wagon out in the middle of the road?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Tain't too likely.

[William Gargan]

Oh, I'm coming up on that wagon. That girl, if it was a girl, didn't giggle, she screamed. I'd better take a look around in the hay.

[Vincent Price]

What for?

[William Gargan]

Anything larger than a needle? Yeah, there's plenty of hay up here.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Anything else?

[William Gargan]

No, I. Mr. Craig, I was rushing things. There is something else up here.

[Vincent Price]

What?

[William Gargan]

A man. A very pale man.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

What's he doing up there?

[William Gargan]

Nothing. Just being dead. He lay very still. His eyes stared up at the summer sky overhead but saw neither the stars nor the moon. The moon that shone on him and on the metal handle of the knife that was buried in his heart. He was wearing overalls and a work shirt, his short hair outlined clearly the skull beneath. There was nothing I nor anyone could do for him.

[Vincent Price]

Murdered?

[William Gargan]

Yes.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Anything on him?

[William Gargan]

No identification at all. Jake, we need a phone.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Past farmhouse, half mile back.

[William Gargan]

Let's go.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Think it's all right leaving him there?

[William Gargan]

He won't mind. The Vermont night was as quiet and peaceful as it had been before. I heard the scream and a man died of a knife wound lying on a mound of hay. Nature doesn't concern herself too much about us and our doings, which is very bright of nature.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Got to turn off the road to get to that farmhouse.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah.

[William Gargan]

Well, somebody ought to oil that gate.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Whole house is pretty run down.

[William Gargan]

Jake, get down.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Ain't necessary those shots over our heads.

[William Gargan]

Her aim might improve.

[Vincent Price]

Hurry.

[William Gargan]

You can see her farmhouse window. This time it's not the farmer with the shotgun. It's the farmer's daughter.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Spoil a lot of stories that way. She's left the window.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah.

[William Gargan]

She knows she didn't hit either of us. Those shots were either a warning or possibly a yell for help.

[Vincent Price]

How are you going to decide?

[William Gargan]

Well, if it was a warning, I don't think she'd have left the window. So it must be a call for help. Come on.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

That was real logical, Mr. Craig.

[William Gargan]

Thanks.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Let's hope it turns out to be true.

[William Gargan]

There were no more shots which did or didn't prove I'd been right. Because the shooting would be better once we were inside the house.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

First time I ever heard of targets knocking on the door.

[Vincent Price]

Huh.

[William Gargan]

The lady may have had all the target shooting she wants.

[Barbara Britton]

Who's there?

[William Gargan]

Barry Craig and Jake. Hello.

[Barbara Britton]

Barry Craig.

[William Gargan]

Yeah.

[Barbara Britton]

And Jake.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Me.

[Barbara Britton]

Neither of you look very terrifying.

[William Gargan]

Is that bad?

[Barbara Britton]

No, it's nice. Please come in.

[William Gargan]

Thanks.

[Barbara Britton]

Please make yourselves comfortable.

[William Gargan]

Nice room.

[Barbara Britton]

Rustic perhaps, but I like it.

[William Gargan]

Do you like being a farmer? Or maybe I should say a farmer's daughter?

[Barbara Britton]

Very much.

[William Gargan]

Almost as much as you like firing guns at strangers.

[Barbara Britton]

But I didn't know whether you were strangers or.

[William Gargan]

Or what?

[Barbara Britton]

Or dead men.

[William Gargan]

Maybe she was what she claimed to be, a farmer's daughter. But if she was, somebody's been telling me lies about farms. Her hairdo was sleek, as though it had been just applied. Her fingernails had had a lot of professional attention. Her daughter dress was so simple it practically yelled Paris at you. And she didn't need any of these beauty aids. She would have been beautiful without them. But not nearly so expensive. You did say dead men.

[Barbara Britton]

Yes.

[William Gargan]

You often run across dead men walking around?

[Barbara Britton]

Yes.

[Vincent Price]

Uh huh.

[Barbara Britton]

You think I'm crazy, don't you?

[William Gargan]

I don't think you're crazy at all. You've just got a peculiar vision I'm.

[Barbara Britton]

Not sure I ought to be grateful for.

[William Gargan]

Oh, forget I said it.

[Barbara Britton]

My name is Millie George.

[William Gargan]

How do you do?

[Barbara Britton]

This is or was my father's farm. He was very happy here until the dead men started walking and then he became one of them himself.

[William Gargan]

Your father's dead?

[Barbara Britton]

Over a year now.

[William Gargan]

You live here alone?

[Barbara Britton]

I don't really live here at all. I have an apartment and a job in town. But I come here often. As often as I dare.

[William Gargan]

My fingers idly traced a pattern in the inch deep dust on the table next to my chair. Inch deep dust. Millie George was very lovely. She told her ghost story neatly. But she was also a complete liar. I think maybe we'd better skip the walking dead for a minute. There's something more urgent that's Got to be done. Where's your phone?

[Barbara Britton]

I'm afraid there isn't one. Father never cared for what he called mechanical murderers.

[William Gargan]

Murderers?

[Barbara Britton]

He meant things that killed time, interrupted work.

[William Gargan]

I see.

[Barbara Britton]

Destroyed. Quiet.

[William Gargan]

I see. That's too bad.

[Barbara Britton]

Why do you need a phone?

[William Gargan]

Jake and I ran across a hay wagon some distance down the road.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh?

[William Gargan]

There was a man in it. He wasn't walking around like the people you've been telling us about.

[Vincent Price]

About?

[William Gargan]

He was lying down, but he was dead anyway. If I'd been looking for a reaction to my words, I would have been disappointed. Lily George took the news with not a flicker of anything except polite interest. But I wasn't disappointed. I'd expected that reaction. The police like to be told about stray corpses.

[Barbara Britton]

I suppose so. I think the gardeners have a phone.

[William Gargan]

Where would I find them?

[Barbara Britton]

Well, their house is about a quarter of a mile further down the road.

[William Gargan]

Oh, good. Jake.

[Vincent Price]

Ready.

[Barbara Britton]

By the way, this man, what did he die of?

[William Gargan]

A knife in his heart.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh. Suicide.

[William Gargan]

The angle of the knife's entrance wouldn't be right for suicide.

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, Then it was murder. How dreadful.

[William Gargan]

Yes, terribly dreadful. So long. So far as Millie George was concerned, murder belonged in pretty much the same category as a run and a pair of new nylons. You said how dreadful. And bought another pair. You couldn't do exactly the same thing with a damaged life, though.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Mr. Craig.

[William Gargan]

Yeah?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Millie George said the gardener's house, the one with the phone, was down the road that way.

[William Gargan]

That's what she said, Jake.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Then why are we going this way?

[William Gargan]

I want to take another look at that hay wagon.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Once wasn't enough.

[William Gargan]

I think maybe there's been a change.

[Vincent Price]

Less hay. Less.

[William Gargan]

Less corpse. It was a nice road to be taking a stroll on in the cool evening. It would have been an even nicer road if there hadn't been a hay wagon in the middle of it.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Still there?

[William Gargan]

Yeah. The horse must be getting lonely.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Being a farmer, you get a wrong angle on horse. You don't think being a horse's chum is romantic?

[William Gargan]

I'll never say hello to a horse again. Excuse me.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You get in pretty spry at climbing.

[Vincent Price]

Hay wagons, Mr. Craig.

[William Gargan]

Just practice, that's all.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Mr. Craig.

[Vincent Price]

Hmm? Count in the hay up there?

[William Gargan]

No. Just confirming a guess.

[Vincent Price]

Less corpse.

[William Gargan]

No corpse. I'd thought back at Millie George's house that the shots might have been a warning or maybe a call for help. I knew now they'd been neither. What they actually had been were distractions.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Mr. Craig.

[Vincent Price]

Maybe. Maybe he wasn't really Dead, Jake.

[William Gargan]

They don't get any deader.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Think likely you'd be fooled somebody moved.

[Vincent Price]

Him out of there.

[William Gargan]

Yeah?

[Vincent Price]

Well, what for?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Can't be many folks enjoy dragging corpses around.

[William Gargan]

Whoever dragged this one maybe didn't enjoy it at all.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Well, what was he trying to do, save undertaker's expenses?

[William Gargan]

Maybe he was trying to save his neck. I got down under the hay wagon and said goodbye to it. We wouldn't become coming back that way.

[Vincent Price]

Mr. Craig.

[William Gargan]

What is it, Jake?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Funny thing about city people, they like to walk. Oh, they do it deliberate, even when.

[Vincent Price]

They don't have to. Well, country people hate to walk.

[William Gargan]

But, Jake, we've got to get back to that farmhouse with a girl in it. Yeah, Millie. George.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

We're hoping that this time maybe she won't shoot over our heads.

[William Gargan]

We're hoping that this time she won't shoot at us at all.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

And for this, we're wearing our feet down. Clear at the ankle.

[William Gargan]

Oh, it's not as bad as that.

[Vincent Price]

It's worse.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

I got short ankles. Oh, Mr. Craig, I can tell you right now, she don't have a phone.

[William Gargan]

I know, but by this time she may have something else.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Do I want to know what it might be?

[William Gargan]

Not in your condition, you don't.

[Vincent Price]

Thanks.

[William Gargan]

We didn't have much farther to go, which was just as well. Jake had started groaning at every step. Next to Jake's snores. Jake's groans are the surest recipe for punctured eardrums. Oh, you can stop groaning, Jake. We're at the house.

[Vincent Price]

Oh, dear.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

If I got strength enough to lift.

[Vincent Price]

My head.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

At the house.

[William Gargan]

Think you can make it inside?

[Vincent Price]

Oh, dear.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

I can try.

[Vincent Price]

Fine.

[William Gargan]

Jake, it doesn't look as if anyone's going to invite us in this.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Don't make me feel bad.

[William Gargan]

We'll go in without an invitation.

[Vincent Price]

No.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

I don't know how I feel.

[William Gargan]

Find out later. Well, somebody left the lights on.

[Vincent Price]

Wasn't a Vermont man. Quiet.

[William Gargan]

Yeah. Let's try the parlor.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Anything for an excuse to keep a.

[William Gargan]

Walk in, I suppose. This is the parlor.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Nobody in here. It's the parlor.

[Vincent Price]

Hmm.

[William Gargan]

I don't like this much. The only thing left for us to do now is sit down.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Excuse me while I cheer.

[Vincent Price]

I.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

What are you waiting for? Go ahead, Grandpa. Cheer company.

[William Gargan]

So I notice. Kind of thing you're liable to run into in old houses. They come out of the woodwork, I think.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Don't try to insult me, mister.

[William Gargan]

Why not?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Anything you're liable to say is liable to be true.

[William Gargan]

Don't be foolish. I don't use that kind of language.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You also ain't using the kind of language I would like to hear.

[William Gargan]

What language would that be?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

The one telling me where the baby is buried.

[Vincent Price]

A boy or a girl? Baby Jake.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Oh, that grandpa's a joker. Grandpa could easily get his head knocked off. Put the gun down, son, and Grandpa.

[Vincent Price]

Will be glad to tangle with you.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

I ain't putting no guns down. And when I say baby, you know what I mean?

[William Gargan]

You mean something worth money?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You are a bright one. Okay, so where is it?

[William Gargan]

Even if I knew where it was, I wouldn't tell you.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Why not?

[William Gargan]

You've got the wrong Rh factor.

[Vincent Price]

Wrong?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Well, supposing I could get a hold of the right one.

[William Gargan]

It wouldn't buy you the time of the day.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

For me, language like that's got guys.

[William Gargan]

Killed by so have guns like that.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Well, this is kind of fancy, but it ain't very productive.

[William Gargan]

What makes you think I know anything about the baby?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You're in this dump, ain't you?

[William Gargan]

I'm in it.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

So what are you doing here? Looking for a beer?

[William Gargan]

It so happens I'm looking for a corpse.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Well, you're gonna find one your own only ain't gonna be in no condition to appreciate it.

[William Gargan]

Funny thing, you didn't show any interest in the corpse I'm looking for. Whose it might be.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Say Mr. Corpses is dead. They don't bother me. It's the live operators you gotta keep in mind. Like you and Grandpa.

[William Gargan]

How about the girl?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You just leave her out of this. She's for me.

[William Gargan]

Oh, and why do you think I was called in?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Hey, hey, hey, wait, mister. You trying to tell me you was called in by.

[William Gargan]

By the girl? Yes.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

That don't smell so good.

[William Gargan]

Neither do you. Let's call it a draw and go home.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You were saying the girl brought you in, huh? Okay, we find out fast. Hey, sugar. Come here, sugar. This joker informs me you brought him in on a deal. That so?

[Barbara Britton]

No.

[William Gargan]

I had a long look at the girl who'd come into the room. It was fun while it lasted. She was worth looking at. She was beautiful, non rural, undoubtedly expensive. And she was not Millie George. Well, call it mistaken identity.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Oh, cut it out, Dina. I don't know what you think he said, but it wasn't very funny.

[Barbara Britton]

It wasn't?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

It wasn't.

[William Gargan]

Oh, this girl probably is on your side. She's not the one I was talking about.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You mean there's been another babe around?

[Barbara Britton]

Oh, honey, he must mean Joey's wife.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Oh, why don't you forget you ever learned to talk.

[Barbara Britton]

Dina, that ain't a friendly attitude.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

I ain't feeling friendly. Joey makes it out of the pen, ducks for cover here on a counter. Here is where he buried the baby.

[William Gargan]

Banks wouldn't like you calling their money baby.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Well, I don't like banks.

[William Gargan]

So it was bank money. Thanks for telling me.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Who told you? Never mind. To resume. Joey gets here and the first thing anybody knows, he winds up with a knife and a ticker. This is bad.

[Vincent Price]

Taint good.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Shut up. You can't say that to a Vermont man. Why not?

[Vincent Price]

I don't rightly remember.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Well, get in touch with me when you do. What, Sal? Now will you lay off? You guys trying to confuse me or something? Joey winds up with a knife and a ticker and no dough.

[Barbara Britton]

Look, ain't you forgetting Joey's wife?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Hey, yeah, if she was around here, maybe she met him even before we got here. Grabbed the dough off' n him and then handed him a knife, huh?

[William Gargan]

Fine wife.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Nah, she never liked him so much after she found out he was a bank operator.

[William Gargan]

She was prejudiced against banks.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

She was prejudiced in favor of banks.

[Vincent Price]

Narrow minded woman.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

So I'm thinking maybe she's the one we gotta get our hands on. Now, when did you see her?

[William Gargan]

A little while ago.

[Vincent Price]

Where?

[William Gargan]

Here.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Well, she ain't in the house. We went all through it. If she knifed Joey and scrambled a doe, we better get after her.

[Barbara Britton]

Brady's a scream, ain't he?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Don't disturb my mental processes.

[Vincent Price]

Huh?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Now there wasn't no car around before, which means she must have headed for the village and railroad station. Okay, now we know where we're going.

[William Gargan]

Oh, I think we do.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

That reminds me. What about you guys?

[William Gargan]

We'll hang around, play some pinochle. I've been wanting a good pinochle game.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Dina, what do you think?

[Barbara Britton]

I think you're a big dope.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Oh, what kind of remark is that?

[Barbara Britton]

You believe too easy. Joey's wife would maybe stick up the Joey, but she wouldn't take the bank's money.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Yeah, could be right.

[Barbara Britton]

Yeah, but maybe these characters you ought to.

[William Gargan]

Don't pay any attention to her, Brady. She's a bitter woman.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You shut up.

[Barbara Britton]

You know what I say? I say get rid of them and then we'll have lots of time to find the money.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You could be right.

[William Gargan]

She could also be wrong.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

All right, so she's wrong. What do I lose if she's wrong? Mr. Craig's life and mine. In my line of business, I can't afford to be sentimental. If you die for nothing, I shall be sorry, but not very sorry. And not for very long. Okay. Here.

[Barbara Britton]

Please, Brady, not while a lady's in the room.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Oh, excuse me.

[Barbara Britton]

Dina, sometimes I think you ain't got no manners.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

I said excuse me. There's a nice, refined girl, you know. Never even packs a rod.

[William Gargan]

Well, Brady.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah?

[William Gargan]

You're an idiot.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Well, that could be.

[William Gargan]

You think Deena's really going to wait for you in that car outside?

[Vincent Price]

Well, sure.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Me and her is personally very friendly.

[William Gargan]

That was before the bank money came up. Why shouldn't she wait for me and share your execution?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Who's getting executed? I knock you guys off, we find a door, we get out of here. Nobody knows who's even around.

[William Gargan]

Dina gets out of here. You mean you don't. The cops will pick you up in a few hours.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You keep saying she won't wait for me.

[William Gargan]

That's what I keep saying. Because it's the truth. Would you like to test her before sticking your neck away out?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

What kind of test?

[William Gargan]

Fire two shots into the floor.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

What for? I got nothing against the floor.

[William Gargan]

Forgive me. You haven't got brains enough to be an idiot. Fire these shots and it'll sound to diener as though you shot Jake and me. Then if she waits for you, fine. You can go ahead with your original plan. But if she doesn't wait, if she scrams as soon as she hears those shots.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Hey, it's an idea. You know, it's even a good idea. Okay, boys, just don't get alarmed.

[Vincent Price]

Here.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You shouldn't have insulted Dina. She's okay. So just for insulting her, I'll kill you anyway.

[William Gargan]

Shut up listening. Brady.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Hey, Dina. Hey, Dina. A man betrayed.

[Vincent Price]

Craig.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Craig, you was right. I feel terrible.

[William Gargan]

You should.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

But I don't understand Dina crossing me like that. What'd she get out of it?

[William Gargan]

How much money was in the bank job?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Around 30 grand.

[William Gargan]

She gets 30 grand out of it.

[Vincent Price]

Huh.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

But she.

[William Gargan]

Were you and she together all evening?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Well, no.

[William Gargan]

But you came down to this house. Why?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

We figure this is where Joey's gonna head once we hear he has departed from the pen. But Joey don't show. Then you tell me Joey is now a corpse.

[William Gargan]

Pretty plain what happened. One way or another, Joey latched onto a pair of overalls and a work shirt, plus one wagon filled with hay. He dug up the money from wherever he'd hidden it and headed for this house.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

But before he got here, he runs into trouble.

[William Gargan]

He ran into Dina.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Now it begins to clear up. And Dina takes him for the door.

[William Gargan]

She takes him?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

I could have figured it out for myself. Yeah, all you needed was Mr. Craig.

[Vincent Price]

Brains. Better.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

He should have them. What would I do with him?

[Vincent Price]

You've got a point.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

And so is your head. Please, Grandpa. Dina does not wish to share this here dough with me. So she tries to get me to knock you guys off, then get picked up by the cops while she's traveling very fast in my car. Hey, this is revolting.

[William Gargan]

It is.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You know, you do very good. Guessing, no.

[William Gargan]

Guessing, no.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

How'd you know Joey was an escaped con?

[William Gargan]

I mentioned the fact that he was pale and that his hair had been cut short. That was enough. Farmers don't work indoors in the summer. They couldn't be pale. And why did Joey dress up like a farmer? Because he wasn't one. Escaped convicts are pale, have short hair and seek a disguise.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You know something, Craig? You're so smart, I'm beginning to worry.

[William Gargan]

What about?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

What kind of security is us criminals gonna have if private eyes like you go around being smart all the time?

[William Gargan]

The same kind of security you've always had. No security.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Well, just don't dwell on that there. I got something else to worry about. I gotta figure out a way to get a hold of Dina before she scrams out of the country with a dough.

[William Gargan]

But Brady, huh? Dina doesn't have the. Brady had a little trouble with this. Even Jake began to look worried. As far as I was concerned, I hoped because I could turn out to be wrong. And being wrong in a case of this kind was only one short step before being dead.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

But you figured it all out yourself, logically, that Dino was the one who knocked off Joey and took the doe.

[William Gargan]

What you're forgetting, Brady, is that there can be more than one logical explanation for anything.

[Vincent Price]

Huh?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

He means just because something's logical don't prove it's true.

[William Gargan]

Oh, and then, of course, logic can be twisted. As twisted as your mind, Brady, you.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Leave my mind out of this. It's got its own troubles. Please explain.

[William Gargan]

Well, Joey was a desperate man running from the police. He was also a man owning $30,000. He was finally a man in a hurry. So how would Dina have persuaded a man in those circumstances to let her get close enough to him to stab him? Well, maybe there's no way.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Well, somebody got close enough to him.

[William Gargan]

Of course. Somebody who was armed with a weapon that was dangerous at a distance. A gun, say.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Oh, so Dina.

[William Gargan]

No, no. You yourself told us Dina never carried a gun. Joey's wife wouldn't have needed to take the chance of killing him on the road. She could have waited till she had him here.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

You know something? I said you were so bright, I was beginning to get worried. I ain't beginning no more. I'm worried.

[William Gargan]

So you admit you were the one who stabbed Joey and took the money?

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Yeah, sure.

[William Gargan]

Dina scrammed just now because she was afraid you didn't intend to share the money with her, but instead would kill her the same way you'd kill Joey. Could be she realized you'd hidden Joey's body to gain time for doing just that.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

It won't do her much good. I know where she goes when she's scared. But before that, you can't shoot us.

[Vincent Price]

Why? Well, I don't know, frankly. But give me a little time and.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

I'll think of something. Too bad, Grandpa. I ain't giving you no time at all. Oh, for a fellow who's just been.

[Vincent Price]

Shot, I feel fine.

[William Gargan]

You weren't shot, Jake. Come on in, Ms. Millie. I spotted her behind those drapes a long time ago. I was looking for her. The trouble with you, Jake, is that you spent so much time thinking about the farmer, you forgot about the farmer's daughter. It didn't quite end there, though. The police removed the debris, put out a pickup for Dina, and then.

[Barbara Britton]

Barry.

[Vincent Price]

Yeah?

[Barbara Britton]

I really am a farmer's daughter.

[William Gargan]

I know.

[Vincent Price]

So, yeah.

[Barbara Britton]

How about some country cooked ham?

[Dick Powell]

You have been listening to William Gargan.

[Vincent Price]

In another exciting transcribed mystery drama from the adventures of Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator.

[Dick Powell]

Tonight's story, Hay is for Homicide, was.

[Vincent Price]

Written by Louis Vittes.

[Dick Powell]

Next week it's the strange story of.

[Vincent Price]

Ghosts Don't Die in Bed, about which Barry Craig has this to say.

[William Gargan]

We call next week's story Ghosts Don't Die in Bed, which is a true saying. It's also true, of course, that they don't die anywhere else because they're already dead. All except for one I run into.

[Vincent Price]

When? When?

[William Gargan]

Good night, folks. See you next week.

[Dick Powell]

The National Broadcasting Company has just brought you transcribed an NBC Radio Network production.

[Vincent Price]

With William Gargan starring as Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator, directed by Arthur Jacobson. Also heard Parley Baer, Joyce McCluskey, Jack Moyles and Bebe Janis.

[Dick Powell]

John Lang speaking. The Aviation Age of America is now.

[Vincent Price]

In progress and calls to young Americans.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

To keep in step by becoming members.

[Dick Powell]

Of the United States Air Force.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

If you are a high school or.

[Vincent Price]

College graduate between the ages of 19 and 26 and a half, single and in good physical condition, then you may.

[Arthur Q. Bryant]

Be eligible to win your wings as.

[Dick Powell]

An Air Force lieutenant. While in training, you'll learn to fly.

[Vincent Price]

As pilots with the latest equipment and the best instructors.

[Dick Powell]

Investigate now.

[Vincent Price]

Visit your Air Force recruiting station for additional information. There's another exciting dragnet adventure tonight on.

[Dick Powell]

Most NBC radio stations.

[Merrill Ross]

We just heard the St. Richard diamond, Mr. And Mrs. North and Barry Craig that will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. I hope you'll be back next week for more Old Time Radio detectives. And I hope you'll tune in later this week for the second installment in our Superman Summer bonus series as we continue the man of Steel's biggest radio adventure, his battle against the Atom man. You can also check out Stars on Suspense, my other Old Time Radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Thursdays. 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 buymeacoffee.com meansts OTR. I'll be back next time with more Old Time Radio Crime Solvers. But until then, good night and happy listening.

[Vincent Price]

Sam.

[Dick Powell]

Now here is our star, Vincent Price.

[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.