← Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Episode 636 - Good Guys Gone Bad (The Whistler & Suspense)
02:07:28
Sometimes it’s good to be bad, or at least it’s good to hear it when radio detective stars switch sides and play some pretty dastardly villains. We’ll hear four of our favorite on-air heroes star as crooks for a change in episodes of radio’s...
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Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective the Adventures of the Saint, starring Vincent Price. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets with more old time radio detectives and crime solvers. This week we've got a roster of four radio detective stars. But they aren't playing their signature characters. Instead, we'll hear each of these actors best known for playing private eyes on the air, shed their moral fiber and appear as criminals in two of radio's best thriller anthologies. First, we've got a trio of tales from the Whistler. Howard Duff, Jeff Chandler and Gerald Moore. Or as we know them, Sam Spade, Michael Shane and Philip Marlowe star in Backlash. Originally aired on CBS on April 21, 1947. Confession originally aired on August 21, 1949. And Warm Reception originally aired on November 19, 1950. Each man plays a crook they might have captured on their own programs. Duff is a greedy man planning the murder of his wealthy aunt. Chandler is a gangster on the run who coerces a doctor into helping him with his getaway. And Moore is a murderer who decides to expand his operation into blackmail and will close with Dick Powell, who who's best known as radio's singing gumshoe Richard Diamond. He stars in Slow Burn, an episode of Suspense that originally aired on CBS on February 23, 1950. Powell plays a boxer whose life is upended by an up and comer in the ring. A returning war hero who not only takes Powell down a peg, but steals his girl. Powell plans to take his revenge with a move that will put the young fighter down for the count permanently. The good guys are going bad. We'll kick things off with Howard Duff in the Whistler right after these messages. Here's sensational news for Shavers, a terrific money saving offer on Colgate Shave Cream and Eversharp Shick Injector Razor. Listen. For only $0.89, Colgate offers you one a genuine ever Sharp Chick injector razor whose retail value alone is $1. Two, an injector with 10 blades and three, a large size tube of Colgate Shave Cream. Either Colgate Brushless or Colgate Lather. And you get all this for only $0.89. Right, men, here's your chance to get the ideal shaving combination at tremendous savings. Imagine only $0.89 buys you a genuine ever sharp schicked injector razor. The world's only razor that changes blades automatically. As Bill said, its retail value alone is $1. You also get an injector with 10 super keen super smooth ever sharp schick blades. Retail value 49 cents. And to top it all, there's a large size tube of Colgate Shave Cream. Take your choice Colgate Brushless or Colgate Lather. In one combination package you get everything you need for swift, smooth, comfortable shaves. And it cost you only $0.89. Yes sir. Colgate offers this outstanding bargain to prove that no cream tops Colgate Brushless or Colgate Lather for shaves that are slick, sweet and free of razor scrape. Whether you prefer a brush and you try Colgate Rapid Shave Cream or you choose the convenience of Colgate Brushless, you'll find this because they're light and finer textured. Colgate Shave creams completely surround, soften and support each bristle. The better than greasy heavy creams. Your razor doesn't skid or slip, but when you use Colgate Brushless, it cuts through clean and smooth. Try it tonight. Why has Hollywood star Merle Oberon switched to new improved green shampoo? Because compared to dulling soap shampoos, this wonderful new dream reveals up to 33% more sheen. Follow Merle's secret for shining hair. It's new dream for Hollywood sheen improved dream for Hollywood Sheen. Your hair can have have that Hollywood sheen the very first time you use Nudrine. Get wonderful new green shampoo Looking for a good food buy? Then get Velveeta Kraft's famous pasteurized processed cheese food. Velveeta is one of the best food buys you can make because Velveeta is not only delicious, but it's nourishing too. And you can use Velveeta so many ways in snacks, sandwiches and for a variety of economical hot main dishes. Melt Velveeta for a smooth golden cheese sauce to extend leftovers or to use a new made dishes. Make it your handy helper for all kinds of money saving hot meals. Get it tomorrow. Your best buy in cheese food Velveeta made only by Kraft. A word of advice for those of you who suffer from acid indigestion, heartburn or gas. Do you know about the little white tablets in the little green pocket roll just awaiting for the moment when you need em to bring your acid indigestion under control? Tums are the little white Tablets in the little green pocket roll TUMS for the Tummy. T U M S bring relief quicker than you'd ever gu Best for any kind of acid distress Keep them handy in the pocket roll Keep your tummy under tum control. The modern Tums formula has never been surpassed for effectiveness. Always carry Tums 10 cents 3 roll pack a quarter or get the new 6 roll Tums pack with free metal carrier only 49 cents. I dedicate this program to the fight against crime. Not merely crimes of violence and crimes of dishonesty, but crimes of intolerance, discrimination and bad citizenship. Crimes against America. The Signal Oil Program. The Whistler. That whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil program. The Whistler I am the Whistler and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. Yes, friends, it's time for the Signal Oil program. The Whistler, rated by independent research the most popular west coast program in radio history. In gasoline, you know it takes extra quality to give you extra mileage. And Signal is the famous Go farther gasoline. So look for the Signal circle sign in yellow and black that identifies friendly dealer owned signal service stations from Canada to Mexico. And now the Whistler's strange story. Backlash. They sat at the table in silence, the dinner almost over. George Turner on one side and his wife Jan opposite him. George could feel the tension between them growing from the moment Jan's Aunt Irene had excused herself to take the telephone call. It was a difficult situation. George had always hated Aunt Irene with all his heart. Only the housing shortage and the prospect of rent free lodging had induced George to bring Jan to Irene's home and humbly asked permission to stay there. Of course, it was difficult for a man like George to be humble under any circumstances. And by now he was telling himself that it would be the greatest of all possible pleasures to kill Aunt Irene with his bare hands. The muffled sound of her voice was still coming from the next room when George looked up from his tapioca pudding to find Jan watching him quietly. George. What? Well, I. I don't quite know how to say this, darling. Go ahead and say it. This is jump on George night. Haven't you heard? No one's jumping on you, George. I just wish you'd try to understand. Uncle David means a great deal to me, you know. And so what? What do you owe Uncle David? What's he ever done for you? Oh, is that the only unstandard. You ever judge people by what they've done for you? The point is that Uncle David's and I feel that it's right to go to him. You mean Aunt Irene feels that it's right? It was her idea in the first place. Why not admit it? It was my idea, too, George. Now, listen to me, Jan. This is no time for you to travel 3,000 miles across the country to visit an ailing uncle. And don't give me that drivel about owing it to him. Unfortunately, it's not a matter of loyalty. It's a matter of geography. Is that clear? Yes, George, I suppose it's. Do you mind passing me that? Thank you. Well, Aunt Irene? It was Uncle David's position, Jan. Long distance, he says. It's only a matter of days now. Thank heaven. Oh, George. At least we'll have something new to talk about at dinner. George Turner and Irene, please. Well, I wonder what Uncle David thinks. He's always thought the world in all of you, Jan. Why, please, Aunt Irene, I'd rather not talk about it now. Of course, dear. I know how disappointed you must be. After all, Uncle David. Irene, will you forget Uncle David? I will not, George Turner. And don't you dare use that tone of voice on me. This is my house. Good Lord. You have to throw that in my face every night at dinner. Oh, you're just like your brother, aren't you? You're lookin up alike to be twins. And what's worse, you're cut from the same cloth. Oh, Aunt Irene. Don't stop her, Jan. Don't stop her. She loves it like a kid sticking a pin through a bug. Your brother Ed's a criminal. I put him where he belongs. Sure, Ed's a criminal. He belongs in prison. But that's not the point. The really horrible part is the morbid delight that showed on your face, dear Aunt Irene, the day you took the stand and set him up. Everything I testified was true. Yes, but the only thing that never came out was your reason. You thought if Ed went up, I'd be ruined and Jan would leave me. Stop it, George. Oh, no. Let's have it all out on the table. You testified against Ed, hoping it would get Jan away from me. You let us come to live here so you'd have a better chance to get Jan away from me. Now you wanted to go 3,000 miles across the country just so you can get her away from me. That's not true. Not a word of it. But by heaven, you've given me an Idea. If I thought I could save Jan from the misery you'll bring down on her head, I'd. I'd. So at last it comes out. Well, go ahead, Irene, do your darndest. But I'll warn you in advance, it won't work. It won't work because my brother Ed and I are cut from the same cloth. Remember? Yes, George. It's all out on the table. And as you stomp out of the house and walk alone down the street of the dark Elm Line street and try and cool off, it all goes round and round in your mind. You know that Irene means what she says. After a choir like that, she will try to separate you from Jan. And you know, too, that you'll never let that happen. That you won't stand by and lose the only person in the world, yourself excepted, who ever meant anything to you. So the idea begins to grow, George. And the next day at the office, it's still there like a hangover. And you find it hard to concentrate on your work. Anderson's usually pretty thorough in covering his territory. Pretty hard to see how he get a miss. Brad. Charles. George. Oh, yeah, Martin, that was. What account was that? Bradshaw. Oh, yeah, Bradshaw. That's at San Vicente. What are you talking about, Bradshaw? Drugs at midfield. You've been on these books long enough to know that, of course. Sure. I'm sorry, Martin. I just. Mr. Turner? Yes? There's a man to see you. Excuse me, Martin. Thanks. Who is he? Well, he wouldn't give me his name. Why not? Over there at the counter. The little man in the dark suit. Thanks. Yes, sir. You're George Turner? That's right. I ran across a little item I thought you might be interested in. 50 cent piece with a hole in it. Where? Seen it before. Where did you get it? Friend, that's all. Just this. A note comes with it. Want to take a look? Let me see it. Quick. Take it easy. The dame over there is looking at us. Here, if you want to meet somebody. You interested? Yeah. Yeah, I'm interested. Good. Room 238, Franklin Hotel. 10 tomorrow morning. He picks up the note and leaves, pausing a moment at the office door to toss you a wink. And you look again at the 50 cent piece with a hole in it. It's like a magic charm, isn't it, George? The minute you saw it, the dull ache inside you vanished. Aunt Irene, the crisis, Jan's trip west. It was all unimportant after all, wasn't it? Yes. That 50 cent piece is going to make everything so simple. Martin? Yes? You won't mind if I knock off for a few minutes, will you? Why not? I'll be right back. My wife's going west, you know, probably tomorrow. And I thought you talked her out of it. Oh, not a chance. It's her favorite uncle and all that. I want to pick up a corsage for it. The florist. And another thing, Martin. Where was that place you bought the candy the other day? That was the best candy I ever tasted. Valentine's on 8th Street. Oh, yeah, Great. I want to get a box for Aunt Irene. It's about time I did something for the old girl with the prologue of Backlash. The Signal Oil Company brings you another strange story by the Whistler. But now here's an important announcement about a change in time for the Whistler. Beginning next Monday, the Whistler will be heard each week one hour earlier at 8:00 instead of 9. Remember, beginning next Monday, the Whistler one hour earlier. 8:00 clock instead of 9. Friends, at the beginning of this program, you hear me say, in gasoline, it takes extra quality to give you extra mileage. And Signal is the famous go farther gasoline. But just what does Signal mean by that word quality? Well, translated into driving language, gasoline quality means quicker starts, faster pickup, smoother knock, free power. In order for Signal to give you that kind of performance, the thrill of alert, surging power that puts extra pleasure into driving, Signal gasoline must help your motor run more efficiently. And when your motor runs more efficiently, you naturally get extra mileage. That's why Signal says your best yardstick of gasoline quality is your speedometer. Check yours and you'll find it's true. In gasoline it takes extra quality to give you extra mileage. And remember, Signal is the famous go farther gasoline. Good reason why drivers who want the tops in gasoline quality and those who appreciate extra value are switching to Signal. And now back to the Whistler. It was an amazing thing, wasn't it, George? Just last night it seemed intolerable, with nothing ahead but dreary months of fencing with a vicious, dominating woman. Of silent, tense evenings at the dinner table while she picked away at the heart of your marriage to Jan, of useless rages and long, lonely walks in the night. But it's over now. You can see daylight ahead. And the thing that made the difference jingles in your pocket. The 50 cent piece with a hole in it that the furtive little man left with you. This afternoon you arrive home on schedule, a box of chocolates and Jan's corsage held playfully behind your back. Anybody Home, Jan. Aunt Irene. Oh, there you are. Good evening, George. Oh, hello, Aunt Irene. Where's Jan? She'll be down in a minute. Close the door. It's drafted. I have something to tell you, George. Great. I'm listening. I had a long talk with Jan today. Oh? We decided. We, mind you, not I, that you're entirely unfair about the trip. I see. George, Jan is leaving tomorrow to visit Uncle David and nothing you will say will change her mind. Is that clear? Of course. Well, is that all you're going to say? I think it's a wonderful idea. The trip will do her good. George. George, I want you to try and understand, darling. Understand? What's there to understand? Well. Well, you see, Aunt Irene decided. I just told him. Oh, well, George, you see, I. He thinks it's a fine idea. What? Of course, dear. I know when I'm wrong. Fella can't be right all the time, can he, George? What a. Wait a minute. What are you hiding behind your back? Peace offering for you, darling. Oh, a corsage. Well, after all, my wife's going to travel in style. What is this, George? And for you, Aunt Irene, a box of chocolates. Tell me, what have you got in the back of your head? Now, it's very simple, Aunt Irene. I know I said some intolerable things last night and I'm sorry. I thought it over very carefully and decided you were completely right. It's unfair of me to keep Jan from making the trip, that's all. You expect me to believe that? I've been wrong about a lot of things, Aunt Irene. I want to change. Now, I hope you'll try and understand when I tell you it's going to be different from now on. Oh, George, it's wonderful. When are you leaving, Jan? Tomorrow morning at 10:30. Oh, you'll forgive me if I don't see you off. Of course. George and Irene will drive me to the station. Well, thanks, dear. You see, I. I have a very important appointment at 10 o'. Clock. 10 o'. Clock. Right on time. Turner. Come in. Thanks. This is Mr. Frawley, Dan. George Turner. How do you do? Sit down, Turner. Thanks. We dropped the four bit piece along with my note to let you know. This is the McCoy. You recognize it, I see. Yeah, it's my brother Ed's pocket piece. He's carried it for years. Ed's a nice boy. Shame to see him wasting his life away in a murder ramp. Yeah, and Dan here likes to help nice guys. Just like he said in the note. Yeah. We want to get your brother out, Mr. Turner. That takes an organization, doesn't it? We got one. Takes money, too. Prison breaks don't come cheap. How much? 3,000 bucks. 3,000? Maybe it's not worth that much to you to see your brother sprung. Maybe you don't like your brother. No, it's not that. You said he was a nice guy, Frawley. Tell me, does he still have red hair or is prison life turned to gray? I get it. You don't trust us, huh? Your brother doesn't have red hair, Turner. Or gray. Sandy, like yours. About the same height and the same build. In fact, you could pass for him. Does that satisfy you? I've seen him, yeah. Yeah, I guess you've seen him all right. You think you'd recognize your brother's handwriting? Why, certainly I would. Okay. Take a look at this letter, George. This Frawley is okay. I know you've never liked me, but please make a deal with him. Someday I'll pay you back. Thanks, Ed. Satisfied? Yeah. But how'll this thing work? That's our end. Don't you worry. We got it cased and it can't miss. When's this thing coming off? Don't know yet. But you can count on this. 12 hours after it comes off. We figured to have your brother in Mexico. I see. You want to think it over for a while. No, now I've done all the thinking over I have to. But I'll have to scout around to get that money. I can have it for you in 24 hours. Okay. Okay, Turner. It's a deal. Yes, George, it's a deal. A completely new deal for you. Because for once in your life, you hold a hand that's all aces. And as you go about raising the necessary $3,000, using your wife's trip as an excuse, you plan exactly how you'll play your cards. With Jan safely on her way to California the next day, you managed to get the money to pay. Then, after three days of anxiously watching the newspapers, you're driving home from work with your next door neighbor, Mr. Cameron. The car radio playing softly as the two of you talk. Ah, well, I'm always glad when we're out of that traffic. Oh, yes. You know, I was reading an article on that, George. Some psychologists claim that half our nervousness is due to the increased traffic since the war. Yes, I read that they blamed the other half on living with relatives. Why, yes, so they did. Well, of course, it's a lot of foolishness with some people. Your case, for instance. Your wife's. Aunt Irene is A fine woman, George. She's all right. Sometimes I. Well, I don't think you understand her exactly. You know, we think a good deal of her down at the Garden Club. Well, she may be fine at the Garden Club. Now, wait a minute, George. Before you say anything against her, let's skip it. I don't want to talk about her anymore. George, this is Don Daly with a special item. Let's catch this, huh? In a daring daylight break, three prisoners escaped from the state penitentiary this morning, killing one guard and wounding three others. Two of the fugitives have already been taken into custody by the swift work of state and county officers. The third, however, is still at large. This man is Edward Turner, 37, a lifetime killer. Turner is said to be armed and dangerous. He is thought to be. I. I am sorry, George. That's your brother, isn't it? Yes. I guess I better hurry up and get home. There may be some calls or something. Yes, George. You want to get home in a hurry now, but not for any call. You want to make sure that Aunt Irene's there, that she'll stay in the house. You also want to get up to the attic and pick up that old bundle of your brother Ed's clothes stored away in a trunk. That's the first thing you take care of. Then you hurry downstairs again to find Aunt Irene pacing the floor. Well? Something wrong, Aunt Irene? You know perfectly well what's wrong. Oh, you heard the news on the radio, too. I don't suppose you were going to tell me. Well, I didn't see any point in alarming you. It'll be in the papers soon enough. You'd like Ed to come here, wouldn't you? You're probably counting on it. Oh, now, please, Aunt Irene. Haven't I been trying my best to get along? He'll. He'll try to kill me. He swore he would that day in the courtroom. Now, Aunt Irene, he wouldn't try anything that foolish. Why, all the police in the state will be watching this area. This amuses you, doesn't it, George? The fact that I wanted Jan to go away, that I'm alone in this house. You're not alone. I'll be here. And if it'll make you feel any better, I'll phone my friend, Lieutenant Andrews. I'll tell him you want police protection. You'd really do that for me, George? Why, sure. So just take it easy, Aunt Irene. Everything's going to be perfectly all right. You don't intend to phone, do you, George? You get Irene to go to her room. And then you sneak down to your car in the alley where you left it. You toss the bundle of clothes into the back and drive to a secluded spot at the edge of town. It doesn't take long to change from your suit into the old one of Ed's. And a bit of dirt rubbed on your face makes the the disguise more perfect. You're thinner than Ed, yes, but even Frawley remarked how much you look alike back in town. You run the car into an alley, cut the lights and walk the few short blocks to Grinelli's Bar, a place that has changed very little since the days when Ed used to hang around it. This is an important step, George. You must establish Ed's presence in town. Hello, boys. Surprised to see me? Watch it, Grinelli. Don't do anything foolish. You see, I haven't got anything to lose. You have Ed Turner. Hey, you gotta go quick, Ed. The police will be. The police are figuring I'm 100 miles from here. What do you want? I'm short of cash, Granelli. Very short. I thought you'd like to give me 50 bucks. No, no, no. I can't do that. I can't help a criminal. Deadly. So you believe it too, huh? All that lying old dame had to say you had a fair trial. Sure, and they hung it on me. So now I want a fair chance to even things up and beat it. The money, Grinelli. Get it out of the register. But, Ed. Get it. All right, I'll get it. This is no good, Ed. They could close me down. So could I. Thanks. Just don't any of you do anything until I'm away from here. I wouldn't like it. And maybe killing comes easier for me now. It wasn't easy, George. But you know as you hurry back to your car that there were four people in that bar who will swear Ed Turner was in town tonight at large. Five minutes later, you pull into a service station, change clothes in the washroom and scrub the dirt from your face. No one pays any attention as you toss the little bundle of Ed's clothes in the back of a truck which is pulled in for gas. The next thing is your alibi. Just in case something should go wrong, you drive over to the theater in your own neighborhood. The picture is one you saw a week ago on a business trip. Before going in, you purposely stop and chat a minute with the manager. Then you go inside, take a seat near the fire exit and sit down to wait. Half an hour later, you decide it's time. You get up unnoticed and walk toward the fire door fumbling in your pocket. Your hand lights on the 50 cent piece. And as you slip out, you insert it carefully into place, holding back the latch. Yes, George, you'll want to be able to get back the theater when the night's business is over. After you've murdered Aunt Irene. It's only a few minutes to the house from the theater. You walk with quick, determined steps. This part won't be difficult, will it, George? No. You can't wait to walk in. Hey, wait a minute. What's. Hello, George. What's the matter? Lieutenant Andrews. Little late to be getting home from work, isn't it? What? No, I was home before. I just went out for a little walk. What brought you back, George? Forget something? Or did you want to make sure your wife's aunt was dead? The Whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending to tonight's story. Meantime, since this is spring, the season when a young man's thoughts turn to love and also to oil changes, if he has a car, I'd like to say a word tonight on both subjects. Love, that is, and oil changes. If you really love your car and want to keep it young, happy and purring with contentment, make this spring's oil change a change for the better. In short, make it a change to that amazing new type signal lubricant. That's your guarantee of a sweeter running motor. Signal Premium Motor Oil. You see, because it combines five scientific new compounds with 100% pure paraffin base Signal Premium Motor oil does much more than just lubricate. In fact, tests prove Signal Premium actually keeps motors six times cleaner and reduces cylinder wear one third. So remember, if you want a sweeter running motor, if you want to keep wear down and performance up, the oil to change to this spring is Signal Premium motor oil. And the place to get it. Your friendly neighborhood signal service station. And now, back to the Whistler. Well, George, you stand there speechless, stunned. Almost as if someone had struck you with a sledgehammer when you walked through the door. Aunt Irene lying on the floor, dead. Andrew's from the homicide squad, staring at you, his lean face full of questions. You never figured it this way, did you, George? Not with Frawley's promise that they'd have ed in Mexico 12 hours after his prison break. But now it begins to make sense, doesn't it? Ed must have decided not to leave without evening the score with Aunt Irene. You take your time thinking it all through before saying anything. And then you realize that it's better this way. Ed's safely out of town by now. But he'll be blamed if you simply say you saw him. And you can say that, George, because Grinelli and those people in the bar will back you up. Yes, it's better this way. You want to tell us what happened, George? Yeah. Yeah, sure, Andrews. It was just an awful shock, that's all. I guess it's pretty simple. My brother Ed, he was in town this evening. You talked to him? No, I saw him, though. I don't think there could be any mistake. And, of course, you know how he felt about Aunt Irene. Yeah, we know. Only we're more interested in how you felt about her, George. What do you mean? Mr. Cameron here says you hated her enough to kill her. Wait a minute. You're not accusing me. That's exactly what I'm doing. Yes, Only last week at the Garden Club, Irene. Yeah, yeah, you've told us all that, Mr. Cameron. All right, so we did quarrel. So I hated her. But that doesn't mean I killed her. He's lying, Lieutenant. I heard her scream. I heard him run out of the house. It was my brother. It must have been my brother. He swore he'd kill her. You've got to find him. He's on his way to Mexico. He's on his way, all right, but not to Mexico. He was killed less than an hour ago in a running battle with the police. That doesn't make any difference. I tell you, he came here. We know you're lying. You see, four witnesses are ready to swear that at the exact moment of the murder, your brother was downtown in Grinelli's. Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil program. The Whistler each Monday at 9. Brought to you by the Signal Oil Company. Marketers of signal gasoline and motor oil and fine quality automotive accessories. And now let me remind you once more. Beginning next Monday, the Whistler will be heard one hour earlier, eight o' clock instead of nine. Featured in tonight's story were Howard Duff and Henrietta Tedro. The Whistler was produced by George W. Allen with music by Wilbur Hatch, story by J. Douglas Ware, and was transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. This is Marvin Miller speaking for the Signal Oil Company. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. And now stay tuned for the program that is rated tops in popularity for a longer period of time than any other west coast program in radio history. The Signal Oil Program. The Whistler Signal, the famous Go Farther Gasoline. Invite you to sit back and enjoy another strange story by the Whistler. For extra driving pleasure. The signal to look for is the yellow and black circle sign that identifies signal service stations from Canada to Mexico. And for Sunday evening listening pleasure. The signal to listen for is this whistle that identifies the signal. Oil program. The whistler. I am the whistler. And I know many things. For I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men. And women have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. And now the whistler's strange story. Confession. The group around Dr. Rourke's bed moved away as he beckoned with his last remaining strength, indicated that he wanted to be alone with his son. It was all right, the nurse decided, because his boy, James Rourke, was a doctor himself. She directed the others out, moved silently after them, and closed the door. James sat on the edge of the bed and listened at what his father had to say. It was an amazing story, something the dying man had to clear up. It wasn't really his own story, but that of one Tony Delgado, former public enemy number one. It was late, the steamer dock almost deserted, when the big car pulled up near the gang plank and Tony Delgado stepped out and turned to the driver. Salidi. Yeah, Tony. Not Tony, you fool. You want me picked up before this tub even says okay? Okay. Not Tony. What do you got on your passport? Tony Delgado is no more. The boss is now David Delmas. Delmas. He's kind of close, isn't it, Mikhail? It should be closed, Chief, so you don't slip. I'm not slipping. Just see that you guys. Don't you do any singing, Salidi? One little bit. Why do you always think I'm gonna be the opera star? I don't sing to nobody. See that you don't. You better go aboard, Chief. Yeah. Nice trip, Mr. Delmont. Go on, get back in the car. Here, Chief, is your passport. Thanks, Mikhail. You're okay. I'll keep an eye on Saleet for you. Don't worry. You'll make it, Chief. Sure, sure. I always have. Well, so long, Mikhail. Don't take any lead, slugs. You watch from the rail as the lights from the Golden Gate fade into the distance. And you feel safe, secure. Don't you, Tony? It's like the beginning of a new life. One that's free of the police. A new life under another name, David Delmas. You enjoy it even more only a few hours later at a cocktail party on board, when you manage a meeting with a very exciting girl, Sharon Phillips, you feel a sense of amusement inside as you introduce yourself in the Ship's lounge? No, not at all. Delmas. David Delmas. Oh, It's a pleasure, Mr. Delmas. They say that shipboard friendships sometimes lead to all kinds of things. Oh, may I get you another cocktail? If you'd like. Manhattan, please. Sure. Oh, just a moment. I want you to meet someone. An old friend. Dr. Dr. Rourke. Rourke. Over here, doctor. Oh, hello, Sharon. So you decided to take the trip after all. Dr. Rourke, Mr. Delmer. Hi. How do you do? I. I'll get that drink for you, Sharon. Oh, hurry back, won't you? Yeah, sure. It's a shock, isn't it, Tony? Seeing Dr. Rourke. And you know that it surprised him too. It's been a long time, hasn't it? And you know that you must talk to him alone. And soon he's gone. When you return with Sharon Phillips, drink. But later, out on the deck, you see him standing by the aft rail quietly smoking his pipe, and you saunter over. Well, we meet again, Dr. Ross. Oh, yes. I wondered when you'd be Cornering me alone, Mr. Delgarno. Delmas. David Delmas. I don't suppose I have to ask you why you're traveling under an assumed name. The police again? Yeah, yeah, the police again. But, Doc. Yeah? You're gonna keep my secret, not say anything, am I? You haven't said anything yet. No. No, I haven't. You're wise, Doc. Very wise. I could mess up your life too, you know. In what way? As your memory, doc. The time you fixed up my shoulder after that hunting accident. I remember. Sure. And you remember it, wasn't it? Hunting accident at all? I learned that later, Tony. Make it, Dave. David Delmas. Don't tell me what to make it. I'll say what I please. When and to whom. You can't threaten me, Delgarno. Sure, sure. I know your son. He's a doctor too, isn't he? Yes, he is. I wonder how his associates would feel if they heard his old man, Dr. Rock Senior, had helped a criminal and never said anything about it. My son, you wouldn't. I would. So just forget Tony Delgado or your son. Young Dr. Rourke will have his life messed up but good. I see. You're running away, I suppose. You suppose? Good. Doc. What are you doing? One of your own prescriptions, maybe. Here. Little sea voyage. I'm doing a favor for a friend. Is he on board? Yes. Don't go gettin any ideas. You can tell him about me. I want no one to know, doc, till I'm free and clear. Then it doesn't make Any difference? I understand. Just skip mentioning anything to your friend. Understand that too. It would scarcely matter if I did. My friend is making his last voyage. Huh? His body is in a casket in the hold. I am escorting him to. To his final resting place. His last request. Okay, Doc. I guess you won't do any talking. I'll see you around. Not if I can avoid it. Did I hurt your feelings, old man? Well, forget it. See, I'll call on you anytime for anything. And you'll do whatever Tony Delgado says. Sorry, I forgot my new name. Delmas. David Delmas. He speaks a little differently from Delgado. Delmas is going to be a real gent. But he's the same guy, Doc. The same guy. H F Hansen of San Diego is the Whistler fan. To whom we are sending a $20 signal gasoline book this week. As a token of our appreciation for writing this limerick. There was a young man from Del Mar. Who traded his horse for. For a car. After many a test he found signal gas best. Cause it made his new car go so far. Signal. Signal. Signal gasoline. Your car will go far with. Go, Father Gasoline. We're glad that our friend from Del Mar Found signal gas best. But he really wouldn't have had to make all those tests. If he had just followed the lead of that increasing number of drivers. Who each year are switching to Signal. In fact, so many drivers have switched to Signal. That the number of independent signal stations has grown and grown from a modest beginning in Southern California. Into an organization serving six western states from Canada to Mexico. Wouldn't you like to discover what has made so many folks. Prefer Signal gasoline above all others? Then next time your gas tank gets thirsty, just remember the advice on those Signal billboards you've seen. Next time, fill up with Signal. The famous Go Farther Gasoline. It's clear sailing again, isn't it, Tony? As David Delmas. You're safe on the ship, Not a worry. And Dr. Rourke will say nothing. Because he's afraid that his son, a young doctor with a bright future. Will be hurt by the knowledge that his father once helped a criminal. He took a bullet out of your shoulder, didn't he, Tony? After a bank job he didn't know. But it's the same now. After all these years. He'd never be believed. And you'll take any advantage to be safe. You think very little about it the next few days. You're too busy with that girl, Sharon Phillips. She's exciting, isn't she, Tony? And seemingly very interested in you. Oh, you won again, David. I'm Afraid I'm no shuffleboard player. Oh, David, I. I like you to call me that, Sharon. David, what do you do? You work? I mean, why do you ask that? Oh, no reason except that. Well, we have been seeing a good deal of one another. I asked Dr. Rourke if he knew anything. Rourke? What did he say? Why, nothing. Nothing at all. That's why I asked you. Oh, Sharon, I'm just a guy moving about, seeking. Seeking? Yeah. Something. Someone like you. David, this Stuart's coming at me. I don't think so. You're the fool. What is it, Stuart? Mr. Delmos. Could I see you alone, sir? Sure, sure. We'll dance twice around the main funnel. What do you want? Later then, sir. Alone. Look, what is it? I don't mind, David. I'll join you later. Mr. Long. Not much later. Ten minutes, John. Now, boy. Easy, Tony. I might not like that. Tony. Where did you. I've seen your picture. So what? This. Mr. Delgado. This radiogram from San Francisco for Mr. David Delmas. Let me see. Saliti's singing received well. Here. Anticipate big reception for you in Australia. Mikhail Saliti. That double crossing little Squidward. If I dipped off the cops, huh? If I ever get my hands. Save your breath, Mr. Delgaro. You can still lick him from here. You got a Sunday punch? Yeah, yeah. Your friend, Dr. Rourke. What about Rourke? He's escorting a stiff, isn't he? So? So what's to prevent us from disposing of his quiet friend? You take his place in the casket, go ashore as nice as you please. Nobody's the wiser. You're a bright boy, boy, and your end of it. Just give me a little help, that's all. Help? Yeah. Maybe you could get a little package ashore for me. What's in it? A million dollars in diamonds. You just take it in with you, deliver it to me later, we both get a break. I'll pick it up after you're safe on shore. What do you say? I'll have to think it over. I'll get in touch with you. Okay. But remember, it's your only chance. It's a way out, isn't it, Tony? But you're not certain you want to take it. You tell yourself there must be another way you can escape the police. We'll be waiting for you when your boat docks at Sydney. In the days that follow, you search for the answer. Find yourself thinking more and more of the stewards of plan. Then one evening as you stroll along the half deserted deck. Evening, Mr. Delmas. Beautiful night, isn't It. Yes. Yes, it is. Steward, do you have a light? Right. Oh, here you are, sir. Thanks. Been a pleasant voyage, wouldn't you say, sir? Too bad. It'll all be over soon. Dark day after tomorrow, you know. Yeah. Yeah, I know. By the way, Mr. Delmas, Ms. Phillips has been inquiring about you. What? Asked if I'd seen you. She's in the lounge. Oh, thanks. Nice young lady, that Miss Phillips. Seems quite taken by you, if I may say so, sir. That so? I got eyes, you know. Yes, sir. Very attractive woman. Lots of money, too, I hear. Too bad if anything happened to spoil your beautiful friendship. Like the police, eh, Mr. Delmas? Yeah, it would be too bad. Been thinking anymore about my proposition? Sure, I've been thinking about it. It's. It's a deal. It's a deal. Bring the package to my stateroom in 10 minutes. Here's the package, all wrapped up nice and proper. It's not a very big one, is it? Not very, but it's worth a million dollars. What's your cut? 20,000 on delivery. All right, beat it. I'll take care of things from now on. Is Dr. Roark in it? Not yet, but I'll handle him. You understand that part's between you and the doc? Sure, sure. Well, gotta get topside. Just a minute. Yeah? How do I get this package to you when I'm ashore? Don't worry, Tony. I'll be close by all the time. After he's left your cabin, your gaze wanders back to the small package lying on the desk. You stare at it for a moment, then quickly you walk over to it and rip it open. You're examining the contents of the package when quickly you close the box, slip it into the desk drawer. Come in. Hello, David. Oh, Sharon, Come in, come in. I was beginning to wonder where you disappeared to. I was just on my way up to the lounge. Oh, the Fenway's have asked a few people to their stateroom. Want to go along? Have I been invited? Oh, have you? Mrs. Fenway won't take no for an answer. What's the occasion? Oh, nothing special. There'll be drinks and cards. I suppose Mrs. Fenway has suddenly discovered the game of blackjack. She's crazy about it. Wait till she starts losing. Come on, David. The Fenway's are waiting. I have to go up on deck for a minute. Sharon, why don't you run along? I'll join you later. Oh, all right. Go on, honey. It's important I take care of this matter right away. Very. Oh, Steward. Huh? Oh. Oh, Mr. Delmas. I didn't see you. Rather dark here. Yeah, nice and dark. Out for a bit of a stroll? I am. Join me. Well, come on. It's. It's business. You'd like to make ten grand easily, wouldn't you, Steward? Ten grand? When I left the States, there was a reward out on me. Ten grand. Is that so? Yeah, that's so. You knew about that, didn't you? Why, no. No, I didn't. You figured you'd like to collect, didn't you? Why, I don't know what you're talking about. You wanted to hide me out where the cops couldn't find me. Then you'd lead them to me. How am I doing? Oh, that's crazy. Why would I turn you in for ten grand. When you're holding a package for me that's worth 20? I opened it, buster. You opened it? Yeah. All I found was a handful of dime store glass. Now, how about. Now, wait a minute. You got me all wrong. No, I don't think so. What are you gonna do? You're a smart punk. You can figure it out, can't you? It was easy, wasn't it, Tony? The steward won't bother you anymore. Sharon and the rest of the passengers will think he's fallen overboard. When you retire for the night, you're confident you're in the clear, that your plan can't fail. Then the following morning, there's a knock on your stateroom door. Come in. Your breakfast, sir. Oh, thank you. Set it down here, will you? Yes, sir. You're new, aren't you? Where's the other steward? I had. Well, it's rather odd, sir. He's disappeared. What? The ship has been searched. He isn't aboard. Are you sure? Yes, sir. One of the passengers on the deck last night thought he heard a splash. You mean the steward might have fallen overboard? That's exactly what might have happened, Mr. Delmar. Oh, Dr. Rock. Good morning. Good morning. That'll be all, Stewart. Yes, sir. Too bad about the steward falling overboard, wasn't it? Yeah. Tough. Well, accidents will happen. I don't think it was an accident. You join me, Doctor. Thanks. I've already had breakfast. The eggs look good. You sure you won't. No. You were. You were saying, Doctor? It wasn't an accident, was it? Accident? Oh, you. You mean the steward? How does it feel to be a murderer? I've often wondered. Have some coffee, Doc. He knew too much about you, didn't he? I noticed from the first day when he saw us talking together. He Was rather inquisitive, in a guarded sort of way. Probably recognized you. He was a smart little operator, Doc. But not smart enough. I hated to do it. Especially after he'd given me that bright idea. What bright idea? Way of getting off this boat. You see, the police are gonna be waiting for me when the boat docks in Sydney. Sit down, Doc. Sit down. You know, it's gonna be tough for both of us if they grab me. Tough on your son, too. What are you going to do? Well, there's a way I can slip past them. Fuel, help. And I'm pretty certain you will document how you told me you're accompanying an old friend to his final resting place. Yes, that's right. Sure, sure. And that's how I'm gonna slip off this boat and never think of looking there for me. You. You're not suggesting that. Right again we make a switch. No. No, I can't do that. I won't. Relax, Doc, relax. You can't ask me to do such a thing. I'm not asking. I'm telling. What's more, you'll keep your mouth shut or you know what happens to your son. Now beat it, huh? Listen to me. We'll be docking tomorrow night. I'll let you know in plenty of time. Plenty of time. You watch Dr. Rourke as he backs out of your stateroom, a stunned, horrified look on his face. You're not worried, are you, Tony? You know he'll go through with it, for his son's sake. You spend the rest of the day with Sharon, enjoying the deck games, chatting pleasantly with the other passengers. And then early that evening, when you've just finished dressing for dinner, you pour yourself a drink. A knock on your stateroom door interrupts your first sip. One of the ship's officers steps into the room. Yes, what is it? I'll have to ask you to come with me, sir. Oh, Captain wants to see you. What about? You'll come quietly. Mr. Delgado. We've just received a radiogram from the San Francisco police. I see. Mind if I finish my drink? Would you care for one? If you'll come with me, sir. Oh, come on. Have a drink. An instant after you throw the drink in his face, your fist connects with his chin and he slumps to the floor. Quickly. You close the door. Stand for a moment with your back to it, your mind spinning wildly. They've discovered you now, haven't they, Tony? You. And you've got to move fast. Leaving the unconscious officer sprawled out on the floor, you hurry to Dr. Rourke's stateroom that's what I said. Now. It's got to be now. We don't dark until tomorrow. Sure, but as soon as that officer wakes up, they'll be tearing this boat inside out. Looking for me. Please, Delgaro, don't ask me. Look, I haven't got time to argue. Get going. I'll wait here for you. The minutes drag by, and you wait for Dr. Orc to return, pace his stateroom floor, stopping occasionally to pour yourself a drink from the decanter on the nightstand. An hour goes by, and then finally. Where have you been? I. I had to be careful. Is everything all set? Yes. I. I just had a talk with the captain. What are you double crossing? No, no, no, no, no, wait. I. I told him I thought I saw you trying to hide in one of the lifeboats. Saw you lose your footing. I see. The boat is circling the area now. Hey, pretty smart. Pretty smart, Doc. Yeah, that calls for a drink. I. I could use one. I see you've helped yourself. Yeah, I've had a few. It'll make me feel better while I'm resting in that box down below. Tony, there's something I've got. Look, we've talked enough, but this is important. I know all I need to know. Come on. Finish your drink. We're going down into the hole where you can make me nice and comfortable. I said come on. I don't want to talk about it anymore. Very well. You seem to be giving the orders now. Here's some hot weather mathematics for drivers. Take the temperature of the day, add 2,800 degrees, the temperature inside the cylinder head of the average motor. That adds up to a lot of heat. Good reason why your motor needs the protection of the improved types Signal oil that's engineered to stand up under heat. Signal Premium compounded motor oil. You see, in addition to 100% pure paraffin, base Signal Premium contains scientific compounds that do things which oil alone cannot do. One of these compounds, for instance, keep Signal Premium from breaking down at high temperatures and forming harmful gum or varnish. Another compound prevents bearing corrosion. And still another compound actually removes carbon. That's why we call Signal Premium, the oil that does so much more than just lubricate. So if you want your motor to stay young, get your next oil change at a signal station. Change to the improved type Signal oil that stands up under heat. Signal Premium compounded motor oil. In stunned silence, young Dr. Rourke sat on the edge of his father's bed, listening to the dying man as he told his story in a voice that had now faded to a bare whisper. The end was near for the elder Dr. Rourke. And as his son James leaned forward to catch the last few remaining words, an expression of horror across his face. Dad. Dad, you let Tony Delgado get away. No, no, son. He didn't get away. But you let him take another man's place in the casket. Your friend. Yes, he took my friend's place in the casket. The body I was accompanying to its final resting place. But you see, there was something Tony Delgarno didn't know. Or what was that, dad? That my friend had chosen as his final resting place. A aerial at sea somewhere near. Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil program. The Whistler. Each Sunday night at this same time brought to you by the Signal Oil Company, marketers of Signal gasoline and motor oil and fine quality automotive accessories. Remember, if you would like the fun of having your friends hear a limerick of yours on the Whistler, the address to which to send it is Signal Oil Company, Los Angeles, California. All limericks become the property of Signal Oil Company. Those selected for use on the Whistler will be chosen by our advertising representatives on the basis of humor, suitability and originality. So, of course, they must be your own composition. Featured in tonight's story were Ira Groesel and Herb Butterfield. The Whistler was produced by George W. Allen, directed by Sterling Tracy, with story by Joel Malone and Adrian John Doe, music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. The Whistler is entirely fictional and all characters portrayed on the Whistler are also fictional. Any similarity of names or resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Remember, at this same time next Sunday, another strange tale by the Whistler. Marvin Miller speaking. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. And now stay tuned for the program that is rated tops in popularity for a longer period of time than any other west coast program in radio history, the Signal Oil program. The Whistler Signal. The famous Go Farther Gasoline invites you to sit back and enjoy another strange story by the Whistler. I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. And now for the Signal Oil Company, The Whistler's strange story. Warm reception. The setting seem usual enough. A train speeding through the night, winding serpent like amidst the narrow passes and clefts of its mountain roadbed. And inside, in the club car, everything was as usual. Too. The low hums of conversation, a waiter moving among the passengers, attending to their desires. The friendly arguments over who buys the next bits of conversation like this. Yeah, but you ought to see this country in the daytime, Jones. Beautiful this northwest. I'd like to make it sometime this night. Travel can get dull. Nothing happening? Nope. Whole train's just one big canasta game. Nothing really exciting going on at all. Nothing really exciting going on at all. No. Not unless one could peer into a compartment a few cars back. It's more than a card game there. It's a struggle between two men, a struggle over a knife. And then the train lurches. The grappling gamblers fall, and only one gets up. A man named Greg Fallon. Yes, Greg. He's dead. Your card game is really over, isn't it? And you needn't bother to cheat anymore. To win. You can take it all, but there's something else you better do, isn't there? You'd better take your suitcase and get off the train before the body is discovered. It's slowing down now, going up a steep grade. But you'll have to hurry, Greg. Hurry. Hey, how about a ride, Mac? Sure. Tap off that train? No, certainly not. I. I thought it stopped here at the crossing. I wanted to get on. How far are you going right away? It's a couple of miles beyond Twin Pines. Hey, Twin Pines. Mm. Twin Pines, huh? That's just where I'm going, Mack. That's my old hometown. Okay, hop in. It's been 10 years since I've seen Twin Pines, Mike, but I'm going to enjoy dropping in on those dear hearts and gentle people. Yes, Greg. Twin pines. It's been 10 years since you left. A short time after getting out of school. Twin Pines. Perhaps it's fate, Greg. You knew you were scheduled to pass through your old hometown, but you didn't realize you were so close. It might be just the spot you're looking for. It's almost midnight when the driver drops you off on the main street. Most of the stores are closed, but there's still the old hotel and Steve Giannacco's restaurant. You decide to drop in on Steve for a while, and you're pleased at the welcome you receive not just from little Steve, but from several other old acquaintances you meet inside. Two hours slip by, and when you finally check in at the hotel across the street, you feel a warm glow from the combination of spirits and small talk at Steve's. Yes, Greg. Settling back in the bed, you reflect that your surprise homecoming is a Pleasant one. And somehow you're due for a change in luck. The very next morning, as you step from your shower there's a phone call to suggest that your hunch might be right. Hello? Greg Farland? Yes. Imagine after all these years. And do you know who this is? Why, I'm not sure. Mrs. Morrison. Remember Morrison, Mrs. Morris? Oh, sure. You live up on the hill. You were a friend of Mom's. Friend indeed. Your mother was my very dear friend, Greg. And now that you're in town, I do want to see you. Well, sure, Mrs. Morrison. I'd like to see you, too. Could you come up to the house tonight? Say about 8:00'? Clock? Oh, I think so. I'll be looking forward to talking to you again, Craig. My, it's been 10 years, easy. Yeah, 10 years. Well, thanks for calling, Mrs. Morrison. I'll see you tonight. Goodbye. Bye. Old lady Morrison. Loaded with dough, as I remember. Will I be there? Greg. Greg, wait a minute. I'm walking along with you, huh? Who is it? Oh, Steve Janakos. Hey, where do you go, huh? Calling in Mrs. Morrison? Yeah, how'd you know? Old Steve knows what goes on in Twin Pines. Come on, I don't want to make you late. Can we still cut across this lot? Same as ever. You're enjoying being back, ain't you, son? I sure am. Say, Steve, you. You meeting somebody, huh? It's pretty dark, but I think there's somebody up ahead by the trees. The shot from a gun. There was somebody by the tree. Yeah. It's okay. They're gone. Close, huh? But why all this? Some homecoming. Who would want to be shooting at us, Greg? At you? I don't know, Steve. Haven't any idea. I guess my reception's getting a little warmer than I ever expected. Do you believe in magic? Whether you do or not, here are some tricks that'll open your eyes. The ingredients. One car, your car and some signal ethyl gasoline. Combine the two, then jump behind the wheel and let your accelerator foot take over from there. As you pull away from the curb, you'll feel magic in the way Signal ethyl pep propels you forward. As you point your car up hills that used to call for shifting. You'll hear magic in the way Signal ethyl transforms pings into purrs. And when you start your car on cold mornings, you'll see it spring to life instantly as if touched by a magic wand. Want to know the secret of this driving magic signal ethyl. The premium quality of signal's famous go farther gasoline is engineered to bring out the best in any car. So you don't have to be a magician to enjoy magic performance like this. All you have to do is drive into a signal service station and fill up with signal. Ethel. It's a puzzling, terrifying situation. Isn't your chance visit to your hometown after the accidental killing of a gambling companion on a train? Everything was going beautifully with old friends welcoming you, showing pleasure at your return. Until. Until a few minutes ago, while passing through a vacant lot on your way across town to old Mrs. Morrison's, you were almost the victim of a mysterious gunman, weren't you? Yes. And now, arriving at Mrs. Morrison, it's still on your mind as you wonder who tried to take your life. Mrs. Morrison smiles as you enter, rises to greet you, and then surprise. Oh, Greg, you are surprised, aren't you? Why, it's wonderful, Mrs. Morrison. Go on, meet them all. Talk to them. Your old boyfriends from school, your best chums, and even an old girlfriend or two. Yeah, so I see. You move about the large living room, greeting many of the guests, wondering as you do, which one tried to kill you. Because, you reason, it must have been that way. Only Mrs. Morrison, Steve and the people at the party knew you were coming here. It had to be someone in this room because Steve was with you in the shop, was fired. Someone, Greg. But who? You talk to them all, wondering and asking. And then Doris Edwards. Odd how you somehow end up in the garden with her, isn't it? Or is it so odd, Greg? Well, Doris, it's been a long time. Three husbands ago, free and clear now. Quite. My last husband, Roger, got the flu. A very bad case. He died. He died? Roger, huh? Roger. Oh, you don't know him. An out of towner, oil and bonds. He left me some money. Oh, I noticed you were puzzled by all those people inside. I mean, you almost seem to be wondering why some of them were here. Oh, no, I was just curious about them, I guess. It's been so long. I didn't know I had that many friends. I don't think you have. I don't think very many of us have, Greg. You know, Edith acted strangely. Almost as if she was. She was afraid of me. Edith? Maybe you'd rather she were out here with you. Oh, no, I'm sorry, Doris. It's just that. I'll skip it. And if you must know, Edith acts strange all the time. Ever since. Well, since her sister was killed. Her sister? Nearly 10 years ago. Just about the time you left town. Laura? Yes. George Winton's wife. She Was murdered. They found her body behind the depot. People talked about it for years. I guess that's one date they'll always remember. December 2, 1940. December 2. Why, that's the night I. You what? Nothing. Funny I never heard about it. I didn't know Laura was dead. Can't we get back on a more pleasant subject? What? Not now, Doris. I really think I should go inside. Mrs. Morrison might be wondering about me. You know something? I'm wondering about you myself. All right. Come on. To be continued. Edith. Oh. Oh, Greg. Leaving the party so early? Well, yes. Without saying goodbye? Oh. May I have this? Here. What are you doing? Give me my purse. Wait a minute, baby. Just want to have a look. Well, a.38. Give me that. Take it easy. One bullet fired recently, too. Why'd you try to kill me tonight? Kill you? I don't know what you're talking about. Oh, yes, you do, sweetheart. She got the idea in that pretty little head of yours I murdered your sister. Well, I've got news for you. I didn't even know about Laura, what happened to her until a few minutes ago. You're lying. You knew about us, didn't you? But our little romance behind George's back. Yes. Yes. And I know she was with you the night she was killed. Well, if you were so sure, why didn't you tell the police? They could have found me. I wasn't hiding. I didn't want to disgrace her memory. That wouldn't have brought her back. Besides, I always knew you'd come back someday. You figured you could take care of me by yourself. Yes. You're wrong, Edith. The last time I saw Laura, she was mad, but very much alive. I'm supposed to believe that? I can prove it if old Mr. Mayberry is still ticket agent at the railroad station. Is he? Yes. Well, Laura was with me when I bought my ticket that night. And we never left the station until I got on the train. Mayberry knows that. Oh, I see. Here. Here's your gun. Still loaded. Go ahead, pull the trigger. Great gun. Sure run on home like a good little girl, huh? Forget it. You know, Greg, that was quite a party Mrs. Morrison gave for you. Yeah. Real nice of the old doll. I must say, I was rather surprised. I expected tea. Got scotch? Well, she likes her spirits. Say, George Winton still live out this way? About three blocks from me. Why? I was just thinking maybe I'll have you drop me off there, say hello. Oh, no. Only for a few minutes, baby. You can wait for me. That's better. All surprised to see me, George? No, not exactly. I heard you were in town. Here, sit down. Thanks. I only dropped in for a minute. I just heard about Laura. Quite a shock. Yes, yes. Seems I was probably the last person to see Laura alive. Outside of the murderer, that is. What? Yeah, I had a date with her the night she was murdered. You. Oh, then it was you. She. Sit down, George. Relax. I'm gonna fill you in on some facts. Yeah, I'm the guy that she was playing around with. Oh. Why are you telling me this now? There's the reason you came back to Twin Pines. Uh huh. I told you I didn't find out what happened to Laura until Mrs. Morrison's party. And I learned that Laura was killed the very night I left. Not long after she saw me off on the train. I got to thinking, George. I remembered seeing a guy hanging around the depot. You. Me? It's ridiculous. No, no, no. I saw you, all right, while I was telling Laura goodbye. And I remember. I remember how glad I was I was leaving. I knew you'd have a scene with Laura. Apparently, you did. A violent one. No, no, I tell you, you. I'm off it, George. Laura told me many times you were beginning to suspect her. She even wrote me letters suggesting we change our meeting place. She was afraid you'd kill her if you found out about us. She wrote all that down in her letters. I still have them. What are you gonna do with them? Well, I suppose I could turn them over to the police, huh? Tell them what I know. But then it just so happens I find myself temporarily pressed for some ready cash. George, do you suppose you could advance me a couple of grand? That's it. No. No, I won't do it. You won't get a cent. Bank opens at 10. Just slip a few bills in an envelope and drop it off for me at the hotel, huh? Hello. Morning, George. Just received your contribution. Thanks. And by the way, you're still in the real estate business, aren't you? Yes. Good. I've decided to settle here for a while, so I'll need a modest little place to call home. Find me something, will you? Now, look, I don't want. I don't care what the red is. I'll leave that up to you. All right. I'll see what I can do. Good. You know, when I decided this morning about renting, you were the first man I thought of. Yeah? I'm giving you the business, George. The following afternoon, you move into a small cottage on a quiet side street. It's not exactly what you had in mind. But George explains it's only temporary. And so you begin your new life in Twin Pines. In the days that follow, you find yourself spending more and more time with Doris. And then one evening, as the two of you are dancing at the fashionable Lakeview Lodge. You know something, Greg? You haven't told me yet what you do for a living. Haven't I? The way you throw your money around. Hey, you wouldn't have known. Own an oil well or two, by any chance? Sorry, no. Disappointed? Ah, not me. I wouldn't care if you didn't have a nickel. I have changed, haven't I? Well, I hear your dear departed left you with a hundred grand in the bank. 125, to be exact. What are your plans, Greg? I don't know. I'll look around, maybe find something worthy of my varied talents here. Oh, dear. I'd rather hope we'd move out of Twin Pines after we got married. Married? Yeah. Well, this is so sudden. I hadn't expected a proposal. Well, you're getting one. How am I doing? Twist my arm. All right. Like this. You. You talked me into it, baby. It's fantastic, isn't it, Greg? The way things have turned out. The breaks that have come your way since your return to Twin Pines? First George Winton and the opportunity to shake him down for some easy money, and now you're making plans for your marriage to Doris, perhaps the wealthiest woman in town. Yes, things are going very well for you, aren't they? That is, until one afternoon when you run into George on the street and he asks you up to his office. Well, George, what's on your mind? Wondering how you arrived in Twin Pines, Greg. You come up by train? No, no, as a matter of fact, a friend of mine gave me a lift. He was on his way south. What are you getting at? Happened to bump into Fred Jessup last night. He's one of the conductors on the line, lives here in town. Jessup? Jessup? Never heard of him. Well, probably not. He's only lived here a few years. He was telling me about a murder that happened on the train the night you got here, Greg. Seems the police have a few leads on the case. Really? Yes. See, Jessup saw a man hurrying away from the murdered man's compartment. A man had been playing cards with the victim earlier in the evening. Good for Jessup. Two other passengers on the train told the police they'd been in the card game with the victim and this other man. They'd left them in the compartment quarreling. So, what's all this got to do with me? Jessop described the man to me. He can identify him without question. His description fits you perfectly. Me? Come on. Come off at George. Would you be willing to face Jessup with a police present? Now, look, George. You're trying to hang something on me, and I don't like it. So lay off. If you don't, I'm liable to get sore. Good and sore. Maybe I'll tell the cops about your killing Laura. Maybe that's what I want you to do. What? Be a relief. To get it over with. I don't suppose you'd understand. Ten years I've been living with this horrible thing that I've done. You're not making sense. You stick your neck in a noose. Yes, And I take you along with me for black. The murder of that man on the train. Oh, yes. Yes, Greg, I'd see to it. You got what you deserved. You're to blame for what happened to Laura. If you'd only left her alone. So now it's my fault, huh? I want you to get out of town, Greg. Tonight. On the. On the 704. If you're not on that train when it pulls out, so help me, I'll. I'll go to the sheriff. You haven't got the nerve. Haven't I? I'm warning you. This is your last chance. Get out of town tonight or you'll regret it, Greg. That's all I've got to say. He means it, doesn't he, Greg? He'll turn himself in. And you, too, if you don't leave Twin Pines tonight. Still, there's Doris. You don't want to leave her and her money. Back at the cottage, you pace the floor, wondering what you must do. By nightfall, you've reached a decision. You take the.45 automatic out of your suitcase, slip it into your pocket and hurry downtown to George's office. The lights are still on. You hurry around to the parking lot. In the back and in the shadows, you wait. Hello, George. Oh, Greg. What are you doing here? I've decided not to take your advice. I'll settle things my own way. What are you doing with that gun? Gonna hop in your car, go for a little ride? George, now wait. You're gonna have an accident. I haven't decided exactly what it's gonna be. But listen, Greg, I. I was bluffing. I was just trying to scare you out of town, that's all. I swear to you, I'll never say a word. Sorry. You catch him as he slumps forward and drag him into his car and a few minutes later you're racing down the highway toward his house on the outskirts of town. As you near the train crossing, you hear it in the distance. The 704. Greg. In a few minutes it'll round the bend, reach the crossing. That's it. The train. Yeah. It's a perfect setup, George, for your little accident. You park the car on the tracks, stall it with the keys left in the ignition, ease George in behind the wheel and then hurry off into the darkness a hundred yards away. You turn and wait. A quarter of an hour later you're back at the cottage and your hand is shaking as you unlock the door and step inside. You stand there for a moment in the darkened room and a shiver runs through you. The room is as cold as ice. You turn on the lights and then the wall heater stand before it, rubbing your hands. Finally, when the chill has left you, you pour yourself a spirit stiff drink, settle down on the easy chair. It's done, isn't it, Greg? George Winton will never bother you again. Hello. Hello, darling. I'm just about finished packing. Haven't changed your mind about marrying me, have you? Of course not. I ought to warn you though, Doris. I'm only marrying you for your money. Well, there's plenty of it. And it'll last us a long while. Long time. We'll have fun, Greg. Lots of fun. Sure, Doris. I'll be over in about half an hour to pick you up. Will you be ready? Ready and waiting, baby. Everything is swell now. From the outside, all automobile batteries look pretty much alike. But it's what's inside that counts. And inside, new Signal Deluxe batteries is an engineering advance so drastically different, so vastly better, it has been called the greatest battery improvement in 20 years. I'm talking about Signals Microporous, all rubber separators which hold twice as much acid solution between the plates. As a result, Signal Deluxe batteries assure drivers two big advantages. One, up to 35% more power for quicker cold weather starting and to take care of the many electrical devices on today's cars. And two, such long life Signal guarantees these rugged batteries for a full 30 months on a service basis. That means extra low cost per day. Even lower when you consider the trade in allowance signal dealers are giving for old batteries. And liberal credit terms are available. So play safe to be sure of dependable trouble free performance now and for a long time to come. Get today's extra long life battery. The Signal Deluxe battery. The town of Twin Pines was shocked about the accident at the train crossing. About the news of George Winton's tragic death there. But hardly anyone other than the sheriff knew about still another train at the cottage where Greg Fallon had been living. The cottage owned by Steve Jonakos, who had been hurriedly summoned by the sheriff. What happened, Sheriff? Well, Doris Edwards came by here to pick up Greg Fallon. Found him in that chair over there, unconscious. Unconscious? Yeah. The gas heater wasn't lighted, but the gas was pouring out full blast. Oh, my. That's terrible, Sheriff. I feel like it's my fault, too. All my fault. Yeah, I've heard you've had trouble with that heater blowing out before. Yes. Yes. That's why I told George Winton not to rent the house until I put in a new heater. But George said it would only be for a little while. He promised me. He promised me he'd warn Greg about the heater. Well, it doesn't look like he did. Man who's been warned about a gas heater blowing out doesn't leave it turned on full blast and go to sleep. I shouldn't think so. Maybe George didn't warn Greg. Maybe he had a reason for wanting him dead. Dead? Greg is dead? Yeah. Got a call from the hospital just a few minutes ago. Greg Felon was dead on arrival. You know, Steve, it's kind of weird the way things work out sometimes. What do you mean? Oh, just this. Doris arrived here soon enough to save Greg's life, but she couldn't get him to the hospital in time. The railroad crossing was blocked because of the train accident that killed George Winton. Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil program. The Whistler. Each Sunday night at this same time, Signal has asked me to remind you that for many boys in the service away from home, for many underprivileged children, for many families less fortunate than you, this Thursday will be a happier Thanksgiving Day thanks to your gift to the Community Chest. Featured in tonight's story were Bill Foreman, Gerald Moore and Marlo Dwyer. The Whistler was produced and directed by George W. Allen with story by Adrian John Doe, music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. The Whistler is entirely fictional and all characters portrayed on the Whistler are also fictional. Any similarity of names or resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. Remember, at the same time next Sunday, another strange tale by the Whistler, Marvin Miller, speaking for the Signal Oil Company. Stay tuned now for our Ms. Brooks, starring E. Varden, which follows immediately over most of these stations. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System Suspense Autolite and its 96,000 dealers present. Transcribed Mr. Dick Powell in Slow Burn, our suspension Produced and edited by William Speer Fill her up, sir? Please do, my personable peddler of petroleum. How about your battery? Why, lad, I've got an Auto light stay full battery. The battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use an auto Light stay full battery. Say. Say no more, my good fellow. For when you've said auto light stay full battery, you've said the ultimate. This demon deliverer of starting stamina has over three times as much liquid reserve above the plates as batteries without stay full features. You sound like Harlow Wilcox. I sound like every motorist in modern memory who's been moved to murderous fury by one of the major causes of battery failure, namely a thirsty battery. But who has discovered the delight of the Autolite stay full battery. A battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. Sure, but you still sound like Harlow Wilcox to me. Well, by a curious coincidence, that couldn't happen again in a thousand years. I am Harlow Wilcox. Well, why didn't you say so? Because right now I'm too busy saying you're always right. With Autolight and now with Slow Burn and with the performance of Dick Powell, Auto Light hopes once again to keep you in suspense. I'm standing here staring at a clock on a dresser in a crummy hotel room. I've been watching the minute hand drag itself up the face of the clock. And I'm not gonna pull my eyes away from that minute hand until it touches 12. Because at 12, the slow burn that started in my insides way back three months ago, the slow burn that built till my whole body was on fire is going to be soothed. Yeah. In another few seconds, it's going to be 12 midnight. And I'll be able to breathe again. Then they can come get me. I won't care. There it is. I can make that call now. Morning, Harold. Let me speak to Todd Sloan, Sports department. Todd Sloan speaking. This is Johnny Wilson. Johnny, don't interrupt. This call is a sense to be traced. I got a lot to say. The cops have a tight circle around this town, and I know I got no exit. But before they get me, I want to clear a few things up. Now listen to me. I did it. I'm not denying it. I'm telling you why I did it. And you're gonna print it. Because you're a right guy. Johnny. Shut up. I don't have much time. It all started the Day I fought in Duville, Pennsylvania. Daniel. My wife didn't want me to fight, but to me it was the fastest way to make a buck. I was just beginning. Then, right after the war and the cold town was the best I could do. I was fighting Tony Todd, a good boxer and a puncher. In the second round was just squared off and the crowd pulled to its feet, roaring the guy's name, not mine. And not Tony. Me it didn't throw, but Tony it did. He dropped his guard just long enough. Tony was flat on his back, out cold. I let the referee raise my mitt. Then I walked to Lefty Wilkins, my manager. Nice work, Johnny. Oh, thanks, thanks, Lefty. What was he shouting about? Ain't you heard? The hometown kid who won that medal of honor blew into town today. Not only that, he blew into the arena just before you tagged Tony. Well, how to glad hand the kid myself. Then he made it easy for me. Ah, you don't have time. We're to meet Courtney Barr at the club Trianon in 30 minutes. Okay, okay. And just this once, let your tongue lay flat inside your face. I'll do the talking. Okay, I think man. Okay. In the second round, Johnny Wilson victorious over Tony. You saw Johnny fight tonight, Mr. B. He's good. It takes more than good these days. We know that, Mr. Bar. That's why I ask you win. All we need for him is the right buildup and the connection. Now look, when I Angela short a nightclub or a fighter, I want a reasonable chance to get my money back. Lefty, you never brought a fighter up to the top yet. But this time it's different. Johnny Wilson is the next champ. Oh, don't beg him, Lefty. If he's too blind to recognize a good thing when it's shoved in front of him, let him get a seeing eye dog. Oh, I'd take a chance on Johnny if he had an exploitation angle. The way it is now, there's too many good boys bouncing around. Don't need the build up. Will have to go into him. No, I'm returning to New York tonight. Goodbye. Gentleman. Yeah, he's got nothing. Nothing but money. Someday I'm going to walk into a bank and look at the stuff. You know they keep the trap behind little cages. Uhuh. There's that kid again, the metal boy. Name's Chuck Masters. They say you got 30 Japs. 30 Japs. Now I'd like to meet the hero. Well, it looks like maybe you will. He's coming right at us. Pardon me, but aren't You Johnny Wilson? Yeah, that's right. I got to the stadium just in time for the knockout. Sure like to congratulate you. Oh, thanks, thanks. 30 jabs, huh? You've been pretty busy. Me? I was in the medical Corps. Walter Reed Hospital. Have a drink, Chuck? Oh, no, thanks. I can't stop. My family's waiting. I. I really have a favor to ask, Mr. Wilson. I'm chairman of the Juvenile Delinquency Committee. Well, let me offer my congratulations. Thanks. Now, if you'll offer just one more thing. Your services in an exhibition. You mean a benefit? Yeah. Look, sonny, you're a nice, clean cut American boy and I like your style. But the only benefits I fight are for the Johnny Wilson fight. Now, now, wait a minute, Johnny, wait a minute. After all, we don't want to see no kids go wrong, do we? Who are you figuring on Johnny fighting? Well, nobody yet. I just got the idea. Do. Do you box, Chuck? Me? Well, I did a little boxing in the 39th Infantry. Strictly amateur. Then it's a natural. You box, Johnny? Oh, now, wait a minute. I couldn't. Sure, sure you could. And you look like a welter too. If you get into the ring with Johnny, it's a deal. A good idea. Good publicity. You don't understand. You can't ask a guy to fight unless you're willing yourself especially for nothing. You do, we do. You don't. We don't. Wow. Okay, it's a deal. Thursday night at the stadium. Yeah. Yeah. All right, Lefty, what's the setup in the ring Thursday? I want you to make him look good. I want the Kid to think he's a wonder boy. I want to sign him. And then? Then I take him to BAR as my new fighter. Medal of honor and all. No bar like that, endorsed by Congress. Keep talking. We've got some of the exploitation Angley's talking about. And with the dough we make on Chucky Boy, we'll finance you to the title. Get a load of the crowd. Any more people come in and have to ration the oxygen. That's what bar means by exploitation. That medal of honor drags him in. There it is. Remember, Johnny, don't win. You don't have to lose, but don't win. Well, it was a fair enough fight like Lefty wanted. I didn't lose it. I didn't win it. The kid was a cinch to sign. And Lefty wired by to find out if he was interested. He was. And now we were in New York in the Copa Club signing the contracts. There's one thing, Lefty. Now that Chuck is signed, where does Johnny here fit in? Oh, Johnny's gonna stop boxing for a while. He's gonna groom Chuck. Me, I wasn't having any conversations just then. I was watching Chuck watch a long haired slinky dame come towards our table. She had on a gown that had no straps and didn't need any. It was sweet rhythm in her walk and she wore a hands off look that beat blood into a guy's head. She stopped at our table and Chuck's mouth flopped open. I said, well, gentlemen, this is my wife. Hello, Daniel. This is Chuck Vasters. Sit down, baby. So you're the new fighter? Yeah. I hate fighting. Oh, you'll frighten the boy. And I hate the parasites who live off. Oh, have a drink, baby. Why do you take that, Johnny? Shut up. Hey, new fighter, why don't you duck up before they knock that gentle look out of your eyes? I don't want to fight, Mrs. Wilson, but I need money. Johnny looked like you when he first started. And after only 4000 push ups a day. Look at me now. Childhood sweetheart, sweetness and light. Now he's not happy unless I wear gowns like this. There's nothing wrong with that dress. Hey, baby, have you heard? I'm going to stay out of the ring for a bit. I'm going to teach Chuck here a thing or two. Look, can tell with me behind him, he may get to be our next champ. You've given it up, Johnny. What happened? He's just taken a risk, Daniel. That make you sore? Not me. It just sounds like Johnny's using his head. And that sounds so strange it makes me suspicious. Ah, great. Little kidder, ain't you Chuck? Hey, Mr. Bar. Come on baby, let's dance. Now the publicity buildup started. Chuck was a hero. The story of the signing hit the papers coast to coast, border to border. The fighting Marine, they traced his medals to every beachhead. I even came in for some publicity as Chuck's best friend. The guy who was sidetracking his own career to train him. And on the day Chuck signed for his first fight with Whitey Carnes in the Bronx Coliseum, it was who should come in to give him his medical but my old CO from the man Med Corp. Doc Peterson. Hey, Corporal Johnny Wilson. Well, don't make me say what are you doing here? Tell me. I'm a fighter, Captain. Well, well. That's a far cry from Walter Reed Hospital, huh, Johnny? How you doing? So far the army paid off Better. No, Doc, this is Chuck Masters. Oh, Hiya, Chuck. Say, according to all the publicity, I hear you're going to be the next welder champion. Yeah, with bars of money. We opened a training camp in the Berkshires. I taught Chuck to box and he learned fast. His left wasn't too good, but his right was okay. And he was shifty. Three days before his fight with Carnes, Chuck and me were in the ring sparring and. Hold it, Johnny. That's Anya. Oh, Daniel. Hiya, chump. Well, baby, I don't need. All right, all right. What are we waiting for? Oh, it's you, huh? Hello, lefty. Training camps is no places for Danes, you know that. Yeah, yeah, that's right. You never watched me train before. What's the magnet? I got the day off and I wanted to watch the process whereby they turn a guy like him into a guy like you. I looked at her lips while she was talking and the thought that she might be hoping for somebody else's lips on hers Chucks and maybe tore at my inside. The gong sounded and I went for him. Take it easy. Take it easy. Cut it out. Cut it out, Johnny. Cut it out. What's the matter with you? You nuts? Why you slugging like that? Well, I figured Chuck is about ready for anything. Come on, Chucky boy, put him up. Let's see if you can take it, Johnny. Take it easy. I really cut loose then. Been storing it for a time. Long, long time. I belted him good. He went down and stayed there. When they carried him out, he opened his eyes but didn't look at me. He looked at Daniel. And she looked back at him with tears in her eyes. I should have killed them both then. Autolyte is bringing you Dick Powell in Slow Burn, tonight's production in radio's outstanding theater of thrills. Suspend. Well, your gas tank is full now, Mr. Wilcox. Let's see. Six tenths of a gallon. That'll be 14 cents. Ah, now there's a car for economy like that. Auto Light stay Full battery. It really gives you a long run for your money. Why, did you know that in tests conducted according to SAE lifecycle standards, autolyte stay full batteries gave 70% longer average life than batteries without Stay full features? Sure did. Oh, well, did you know that Autolite Stay Full batteries have fiberglass retaining mats at every positive plate to hold the power producing material in place? Oh, I sure did, Mr. Wilcox. Well, did you know that this powerful pusher offer of pulsating pistons has more than three times as much liquid reserve above the plates as batteries without Stay Full features? Sure. That's why it needs water only three times a year in normal car use. That does it. Give me that gas pump. From now on, you can sell Autolite. Stay full batteries and I'll sell gas. Oh, but Mr. Wilcox, don't you see? I couldn't give you a wrong answer. Why not? Cause you're always right with Autolight. And now Auto Light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage our star, Dick Powell in small, slow burn, a tail well calculated to keep you in suspense. Still on the phone, Todd? Yeah, they'll hold it a second. I want to gander out the window. The cops in large numbers, Todd. But they won't find me for a while, and I only need a little more time to finish. Well, Chuck won his first fight. Naturally, he was getting the slow, careful buildup. He won a second fight over in Jersey. So then Lefty began to book him. He said Courtney Barr wanted Chuck to go out and make a tour, get a list of knockouts so he'd have a record. So I sat on my mitts. The day Chuck got back from his tour, he called and Daniel invited him to dinner. How was the tour, Chuck? Oh, fine. I had a couple of fights that were terrific. In Denver, I fought Willie Myers. What a boxer. But I found his weakness. See, when he was getting set to throw his right, he always flipped his elbow just a bit. From then on, he was my meat. You're beginning to enjoy fighting, Chuck. Why shouldn't he enjoy it? There's money in it. Sure. 50% of the purse and a bonus. Don't forget the bonus. Scrambled brains, cauliflower ears and a nose smattered all over your face. A good fighter keeps his nose straight. Johnny was just like Chuck when he first started fighting. Kills a man's better instincts. I'll get the dessert. I'll help you. So I got no instincts. I'm just a bum, huh? Cut the pie, Johnny. Now give me the knife. I'm not worth anything, huh? I stay with you because I'm trying to salvage what I think is still there. And that crack that I used to be like Chucky as Johnny. We can still save it. I want it to be the way it was. You stay away from him. What's the use? Come in and finish your dinner. You heard me. Stay away from Chuck or I'll finish him. Every sports rider was wondering who was going to fight Mike Gruin. No. Nobody got a crack at the champ unless he fought Gruen first. I knew who it was gonna be. Me. And with the money Left. He got out of Chuck's fights. That was the deal we'd made. But, well, I was getting itchy about it. All this time, I wasn't getting any particular buildup. We were on the lake, cruising around, relaxing after two weeks of hard training. Bar and Chuck were watching a kid horsing around, doing handstands in a canoe. I took Lefty to the other end of the launch. Yeah, yeah. Look, Lefty. I know, Johnny. I know. Now, don't worry about the Gruen bout. Maybe it would be smarter, Lefty, if you gave up my contract on the surface. Then you could hold off Chuck while my new manager signed me for that match. I. I can't, Johnny. Oh, why not? Now, don't get mad, but I had to give bar 50% of your contract or he wouldn't back Chuck originally. But I got it fix. I spun around, saw a canoe floating, bottoms up. Chuck was ripping off his clothes, but I got out of mine fast, too. Me and Chuck hit the water together. Did you see him, Johnny? Huh? No. I saw the kid, but I wasn't telling Chuck. He'd come up about 20 yards away, and he went down in the same spot. This was going to be publicity for me. I dove to the kid, grabbed his hair and pulled him up. When the boat came up alongside, Lefty hauled him in. When they pulled me into the boat, I saw Lefty point to the landing. Oh, look at that carload of reporters that just drove up. Chuck, you and trying to get out of those wet clothes. I'll take care of the reporters. Reporters. Now, send them along, boys. Photographers. Bring on that evening, I was sparring with Chuck, sharpening his footwork, when Danya came up with the New York papers. Don't you two ever get out of that ring. Oh, and by the way, congratulations. Yeah. Oh, you hear all about the hero stuff on the lake. Yeah. Congratulations. But she wasn't looking at me. She was looking at Chuck. I hopped out of the ring, grabbed the newspapers out of her hand. The story was there, all right, in big block headlines. Chuck Masters Saves Boy from Dry Medal of Honor Winner does it Again. Me? I wasn't even in the comic section. This is all wrong, Daniel. Johnny saved that kid. Yeah, Johnny saved that kid. Now Johnny's gonna save himself. Where's that Lefty Wilkins? Oh, that's a dirty trick, Johnny. Chuck, you're trying to tell me you knew nothing of this? Your picture and life history on the front page, I swear. Now your eyes open, Johnny. Look what they've done to Chuck. How they Made him lie just for the sake of politician. I didn't lie. And what publicity. Your fight with Mike Gruen on the sports page. The whole double cross opened up like a filthy sunflower. I was the patsy, the fall guy, the jerk, the dummy. I was gonna be the next champ. Yeah, the next champ. Under the dunce cap, I wanted to pound someone, something, anything. My eyes focused on Daniel. I'm glad this has happened. Maybe, Johnny, now you'll give up. We'll have a chance to live decent, normal lives. I'm glad this has happened. Nice spark. Plugged this whole thing so I could get that gruin bout. I fixed it. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Shut up. You hit me, you miserable skunk. Come back here. Let her alone. Oh, I've been waiting for this. Chucky boy. Take it easy. Wait a minute. Take it. What's going on? Come on. Take it easy. All right, Noel, throw Wilson off the ground. Yeah, yeah. Throw that bum out. Pull them out. Get out of here. They threw me out, all right. And while they were doing it, I was thinking I was going to kill Lefty Wilkins. That was definite. And I remember that all Daniel worried about was Chuck. Chuck's character. Chuck's gentle look. Yeah, I remember. Was going to kill Lefty. And for Chucky boy, I was going to think up something special. Very special. Day after day, I'd wake up with a new idea. But none good enough. Then one night I walked into a bar and saw someone. Someone who was going to give me the answer. It was my old C.O. doc Peterson. Johnny Wilson. Come on over. Bring your drink with you. Thanks, Captain. Still medicing for the boxing commission? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Still fighting? Yeah. Off and on, off and on. Glad to see you, Johnny. Hey, you're the second guy I've seen from our old outfit recently. Yeah. You remember that lieutenant in the Chemical Corps who nearly lost his eyes? I saw him. I met his new wife. A real message. I guess we didn't do such a good job on his eyes. Eyes? What do you mean, Captain? You remember. The fool got bichloride of mercury in him. Severe corneal lacerations. Lucky thing we caught him when we did, or he'd have gone permanently blind. Ah, it's a terrible thing when a man loses his eyesight. Yep. Suppose it wasn't a man in your profession, huh, Johnny? Huh? Yeah. Yeah. Good thing. A guy can tell when that stuff gets in his eyes. And a guy can always tell. Burns like mad. Yeah. Yeah, I guess it would. Well, I gotta be on my way, Johnny. A captain? How long Would that stuff have to be in a guy's eyes to blind him permanently? 26 hours about if he's in top condition. The captain left. And me. I walked the streets all night. Most of the next morning until the 42nd Street Library opened. I went through five medical books before I found what I wanted. Eye anesthesia. Ponticain causes loss of sensation in the eye without affecting the eyesight. I went up to the training camp. The Gruen bout was in three days. I had to get back in favor. I piled it on good. I played it with hearts and flowers, everything. Poor Johnny boy. I'm sincerely sorry. That's the way it is, Chuck. I'm sorry for the hassle I caused. I'd sure like to be with you the night of the fight. Well, okay, Johnny. It'd be funny fighting a local match without you in my corner. Sounds fishy to me. You ain't the kind to forgive. Well, it ain't fishy, Lefty. Since Daniel left, things have been lousy with me. I'm out of dough. I gotta eat. I need the job. He gets the job, Lefty. He writes it. He taught me everything I know. I want him in my corner. When we walked down the aisle in the garden for the ring, I had three things in my bag. A, long, sharp knife for Lefty Wilkins and the Pon Cane. And B, chloride of mercury for Chucky Boy. At the end of the fourth round, Chuck was way out in front and left. He was beaming all over. Well, nice going, Chuck. Hey, he's a cinch. Then I reach for the Vaseline that every fighter has smeared over his eyebrows the keep his eyes from getting cut. I had the Vaseline loaded with Pontic. I smeared it all around those eyes of his. Now all I had to do was wait until the Ponan took effect. The next three rounds were a nightmare. Chuck seemed as good as ever and Gran was weakening fast. Suppose he got knocked out before I got the B chloride in Chuck's eyes? Well, everything's still okay, Chuck. Hey, sure must be pooped, Johnny. He hit me in the eye three times that round. I didn't even feel it. Yeah. That's so awful. Oh, come on, dummy. Swab my face below cold water. Boy, that's round. I'll kill him. He leaned back. I picked up a sopping sponge from the outer bucket, the one with the bichloride. And I swabbed his face and kept swabbing it while the liquid ran over his forehead and down in his eyes. He didn't even wince as the poison drained under his lids, into his eyes and over his eyeballs. He started the eighth round strong and cocky. He pushed Druin all over that ring. And then all of a sudden, it happened. He stopped and put his gloves to his eyes, trying to rub away the creeping blindness. Gruin played his cagey. He thought it was a trick. But his Chuck desperately hunted for him. Druin caught, wisely, punched, smiled into Chuck, throwing Tori's head off. He had chucked with everything but the ring post kept going down and coming up for more. Oh, it was beautiful. I picked up my bag and left the corner. On the way out, I stopped for a moment where Lefty Wilcom bent forward, agonizing in his seat as he watched the championship go out the window. He didn't even move when I shoved a knife into his back. The crowd was screaming for the kill as I walked up. Still there, Todd? Yeah. The law's going to be in in a second. The reason I couldn't call you for your bulldog additions. I had to be sure the 26 hours is up. Otherwise you could have warned Chuck and his eyesight could have been saved. I want him to stay blind. All right, Travis. Take it easy. Take it easy. You can have me. I got what I wanted. You admit you killed Lefty Wilkins? Sure. And it was a pleasure. And Chuck the champ, how does he like it? Got any jobs for fighters who can't see? Why don't you ask him? What? Hello, Johnny. Chuck. Well, what are you. Yes, Johnny. He can see. He's not blind. But you can't see. I don't believe it. You can't. Your old CO Is at the ringside, Johnny. Doc Peterson. He knew what it was a minute it happened. He fixed up my eyes. You can't see. You can't see. You can't see. You're the one who's blind, Johnny. Suspense. Presented by Autolight. Tonight's star, Dick Powell. Thanks, Mr. Wilcox. Come back again. I'll do that, son. I'll be back not only for gasoline, but anytime. I need ignition engineered auto light spark plugs. Or any one of the more than 400 other products made by Autolite for cars, trucks, planes and boats in 28 plants coast to coast. These include complete electrical systems used as original equipment on many makes of America's finest cars and trucks. Spark plugs, batteries, generators, coils, distributors, starting motors, Bullseye sealed beam headlights. All engineered to fit together perfectly. Work together perfectly because they're a perfect team. So don't accept electrical parts. Supposed to be as good. Ask for and insist on Autolite original factory parts at your neighborhood service station, car dealer, garage or repair shop. Remember, you're always right with Autolite. Next Thursday for suspension, Loretta Young will be our star. The play is called Lady Killer and it is, as we say, a tale well calculated. To keep you in suspense, tonight's transcribed suspense play was produced and edited by Will William Speer and directed by Norman Macdonald. Music for suspense is composed by Lucian Morowek and conducted by Lud Gluskin. Slow Burn is an original play for radio by Fred Freiberger. Dick Fowl may currently be seen in the motion picture version of the best selling novel Mrs. Mike and May be heard each week in his own radio show, Richard Diamond, Private Detective. In the coming weeks you will hear such stars as James Mason, Ronald Reagan and Ginger Rogers. And don't forget, next Thursday, same time, Autolite will present Suspense starring Loretta Young. You can buy Autolite staple batteries, Autolite resistor or regular spark plugs, Autolite electrical parts at your neighborhood Autolite dealers. Switch to Autolite. Good night. Would you intentionally weaken your country? No. So don't do it unintentionally. Don't listen to or spread rumors against any race or religion. Speak up against prejudice for unity and understanding. Strengthen America at home and abroad. Accept or reject people on their individual worth. Let's make brotherhood week last throughout the year. This is cbs, the Columbia broadcasting System. We just heard the Whistler and suspense and villainous turns from Howard Duff, Jeff Chandler, Gerald Moore and Dick Powell that will do it for this week week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. I'll be back next week with more old time radio detectives. In the meantime, you can check out stars on Suspense, my other old time radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Thursdays. 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 week with more old time radio mysteries. But until then, good night and happy listening. Now here is our star, Vincent Price. Ladies and gentlemen. In a prejudice filled America, no 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.