Episode 646 - Actor and Ad Man (Escape, Dragnet, Nero Wolfe, & Fort Laramie)

Summary

Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)

Episode 646: Actor and Ad Man (Escape, Dragnet, Nero Wolfe, & Fort Laramie)

Date: November 30, 2025
Theme: Celebrating Harry Bartel, Versatile Actor and Announcer from Radio’s Golden Age

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Overview

This episode of Down These Mean Streets is a special tribute to Harry Bartel, renowned for both his memorable roles as announcer and as an actor in numerous radio dramas. Host Mean Streets Podcasts takes listeners through Bartel’s career, highlighting his signature performances in an array of classic programs—Escape, Dragnet, The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe, and Fort Laramie. Each segment underscores Bartel’s range, from suspenseful thrillers to detective drama and frontier adventure, offering a curated showcase of his legacy and versatility.

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[00:55] Celebrating Harry Bartel: A Radio Legend’s Birthday

• Host introduces the episode as a birthday celebration for Harry Bartel, born November 29, 1913.
• Bartel’s career highlights include his work as announcer for Sherlock Holmes and Gregory Hood, and as a member of Norman MacDonnell’s radio “stock company.”
• Notable for “praising the rich, full flavor of Petri wines” on Sherlock Holmes (see [01:28]), and for his recurring roles in Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, Dragnet, The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, Escape, Gunsmoke, and Fort Laramie.

Quote:
“The Petri family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen...”
—Harry Bartel as Announcer, [01:28]

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[03:29] Iconic Roles and Radio Trivia

• Host outlines some of Bartel’s acting highlights:
  • Longest-running Archie Goodwin in The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe (see [04:30]).
  • Lieutenant Siberts on Fort Laramie.
• Noted for his reliability and chameleon-like adaptability in supporting and lead roles across genres.
• Today’s episode features full performances from Escape: Shipment of Mute Fate; Dragnet: The Big Safe; two Nero Wolfe mysteries (The Case of the Midnight Ride and The Case of the Telltale Ribbon); and Fort Laramie: Shavetail.

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Segment 1: Escape – “Shipment of Mute Fate”

Start: [09:09]
Highlight: Harry Bartel stars as Chris Warner in a tense, atmospheric story about a deadly bushmaster snake loose on a cruise ship.

Key Points

• Narration immediately sets the tone of dread (“a certain pair of beady eyes were watching every move I made…” [09:09]).
• Bartel’s performance as the anxious, responsible snake handler is central.
• Realistic depiction of mounting paranoia and procedural efforts to find the escaped snake.
• Interludes of comic relief and human drama, such as the smuggled ship’s cat Clara ([11:17]).
• Tension builds as the ship’s officers and crew search for the bushmaster to avoid panic, but the threat is omnipresent, driving some passengers to hysteria ([27:09]).
• The suspense culminates in a standoff between Chris and the snake—saved unexpectedly by Clara the cat, who blinds and kills the bushmaster to protect her kittens ([29:40] onward).

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Atmosphere-building:
  "Too much had happened to turn back now. I'd gone too far to stop..."
  —Chris Warner (Harry Bartel), [09:09]
• Dread-realism:
  "Fear was a heavy fog in the lungs of all of us, and every light on the vessel burned throughout the night."
  —Chris Warner, [25:59]
• Rescue:
  "Three reasons why that cat had fought and killed the world’s deadliest snake. And those three reasons came tottering out from under the stove on shaky little legs."
  —Chris Warner, [29:40]

Timestamps

• Snake’s escape discovered: [20:52]
• Ship search and passenger panic: [25:27]–[28:28]
• Climactic showdown with the snake: [29:40]

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Segment 2: Dragnet – “The Big Safe”

Start: [37:47]
Highlight: Harry Bartel guest stars as Officer Frank Smith (Joe Friday’s partner, preceding Ben Alexander).

Key Points

• Standard “just the facts” Dragnet storytelling, focusing on a safe burglary and Bartel as Smith supporting Jack Webb’s iconic Joe Friday.
• Detailed depiction of investigative procedure: suspect interviews, stakeouts, and suspect elimination.
• Investigators check various leads, including a parolee running a chicken ranch, a suspicious request in a fix-it shop, and a string of safe jobs.
• Ultimately break the case based on physical evidence and interviews, culminating in an interrogation and a confession.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Deadpan Dragnet style:
  "We continued questioning the suspect... Boyd typified the possible suspect. He added nothing, but he couldn't be ignored."
  —Narration, [46:03]
• Closing theme:
  "The story you have just heard was true. The names were changed to protect the innocent."
  —Narrator, [64:09]

Timestamps

• Suspect interrogation: [41:55]
• Evidence and confession: [61:01]–[63:26]

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Segment 3: The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe

“The Case of the Midnight Ride”

Start: [66:43]
Highlight: Bartel as Archie Goodwin alongside Sidney Greenstreet’s Nero Wolfe in a fast-paced, witty mystery involving cryptic phone calls, mistaken identities, and blackmail.

Key Points

• Begins with a phone call for help from “Gloria,” setting off a chain of sleuthing and comic misadventures.
• Archie and Dr. Thrumming are kidnapped and nearly executed, saved by the poor aim of their would-be killer.
• Nero Wolfe unravels the connections between the various parties, decoding audio evidence and confronting the villains in classic Wolfe fashion.
• Trademark banter and wordplay throughout, balancing suspense and humor.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Archie’s wit:
  "Well, you remember. We all went to school together. That is..."
  —Dr. Thrumming, mistaken identity thread, [72:39]
• Wolfe's logic:
  "By his speech pattern, he is undoubtedly a Canadian. But you must have missed the most important slip up.”
  —Nero Wolfe (Sidney Greenstreet), [93:24]

Timestamps

• Kidnapping and escape: [74:09]–[78:06]
• Wolfe’s deduction and wrap-up: [89:40]–[94:14]

“The Case of the Telltale Ribbon”

Start: [95:43]
Highlight: Family intrigue and attempted murder solved by Bartel’s Archie and Greenstreet’s Wolfe. Features a house full of suspects, poisoning, and a twist ending.

Key Points

• The story is launched by a mysterious invitation (delivered by an eccentric old man) and threatening notes to Eva Milott.
• Suspicions fall on various household members and staff—step-son Larry, secretary Dorothy, and husband Edward.
• The investigation exposes romantic motives, family grudges, and ultimately reveals that the victim arranged her own demise to frame others.
• Wolfe observes, “She was a very sick woman, mentally as well as physically...” [122:10]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Archie to Wolfe:
  "There's something that still bothers me... How can such a sweet motherly type as Mrs. Malotte cook up such gruesome ideas?"
  —[122:10]
• Wolfe’s dry humor:
  "You mean there's nothing in the book which says a good detective shouldn't spend a few minutes with an attractive brunette, even though she is a murder suspect?"
  —[122:50]

Timestamps

• The notes and family secrets exposed: [106:45]–[117:43]
• Climax and resolution: [119:27]–[123:24]

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Segment 4: Fort Laramie – “Shavetail”

Start: [125:39]
Highlight: Bartel as Lieutenant Siberts opposite Raymond Burr (Captain Quince), in a nuanced story of frontier discipline, responsibility, and redemption.

Key Points

• Lieutenant Siberts, young and inexperienced, brings his patrol back short a man and after breaking several orders.
• Theme of mentorship and the hard choices of command in Indian country.
• Captain Quince (Burr) covers for Siberts while holding him accountable—demonstrating the fine line between discipline and empathy.
• Bartel’s performance as the earnest but overmatched Siberts is filled with humility and resolve, anchoring the emotional heart of the story.
• The episode ends with Siberts wounded but redeemed by his actions, and accepted by Quince as a true cavalryman.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Quince’s hard wisdom:
  “We’re sitting on a powder keg… Just because some Indian strikes a match, that gives you no excuse to light one in return.”
  —Captain Quince (Burr), [131:09]

• Mentorship and forgiveness:
  “You make a good soldier... He’ll do better than that, Sergeant. He’ll make a good cavalryman.”
  —Quince to Sergeant Gorse, [151:22]

Timestamps

• Return from patrol, first debrief: [129:04]
• Confronting the consequences: [132:33]–[134:39]
• Final acceptance: [151:10]

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Final Thoughts & Legacy

• The episode concludes with the host noting Bartel’s versatility and importance in the pantheon of radio actors.
• Each segment demonstrates Bartel’s talent for creating distinct, memorable characters—whether as earnest cop, sardonic detective’s sidekick, or earnest frontier officer.
• Memorable for the seamless weaving of suspense, character warmth, and period-accurate adventure.

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Notable Quotes Recap

• On fear:
  "Fear was a heavy fog in the lungs of all of us..."
  Escape, [25:59]

• On justice and leadership:
  "We're sitting on a powder keg... and don't you ever forget it."
  Fort Laramie, [131:09]

• On suspicion:
  "You mean there's nothing in the book which says a good detective shouldn't spend a few minutes with an attractive brunette, even though she is a murder suspect?"
  Nero Wolfe, [122:50]

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Summary Table: Key Segments & Timestamps

| Show / Segment | Main Role (Bartel) | Memorable Moments | Time Range | |--------------------------------------|------------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------------| | Escape: Shipment of Mute Fate | Chris Warner | Cat Clara saves the day | [09:09]–[36:44] | | Dragnet: The Big Safe | Officer Frank Smith | Suspect process, classic Dragnet style | [37:47]–[66:31] | | Nero Wolfe: Case of The Midnight Ride| Archie Goodwin | Kidnapping, phone-phone clue | [66:43]–[94:12] | | Nero Wolfe: Case of the Telltale Ribbon | Archie Goodwin | Poisoning mystery, archival clues | [95:43]–[123:24] | | Fort Laramie: Shavetail | Lt. Siberts | Redemption and mentorship | [125:39]–[151:49] |

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For New Listeners

This episode offers an expertly curated sampler of Harry Bartel's finest moments in classic radio. Whether you're a collector or a newcomer, you'll experience the variety and depth of radio’s Golden Age—not just in gripping storylines but in the distinct personalities that actors like Bartel brought to life. His skill in slipping seamlessly among hero, sidekick, and narrator showcases why his work holds up as timeless listening.

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Endnotes:

• Episode avoids advertisements and focuses exclusively on content, highlighting how scripts, acting styles, and character relationships intertwined in the era’s best radio drama.
• For further exploration, the host encourages listeners to check out their other OTR podcast, Stars on Suspense.

Transcript

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Get this and get it straight.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Crime is a sucker's road and those.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

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.

[Host/Announcer (e.g., Old Time Radio Podcast Host)]

Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets and more Old time Radio detectives and crime. Sol. Today we're celebrating the birthday of actor and announcer Harry Bartel, a man whose voice we've heard countless times over the years. Born November 29, 1913, Bartel spent time praising the rich, full flavor of Petri wines as the announcer for the new Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and the Casebook of Gregory Hood.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The Petri family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to Dr. Watson tell us another exciting adventure he shared with his old friend, that master detective, Sherlock Holmes. And I know that Dr. Watson will agree with me when I tell you that the best way to begin a good meal is with a glass of Petri California Sherry. Before you sit down at the table, pour yourself and your family a glass of Petri Sherry. Try it. There are many ways to tell a good wine by its color, its aroma and its flavor. On every count, Petri Sherry is outstanding. The color of Petri Sherry is a clear, deep amber.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Perfect.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The aroma, well, Petri Sherry is as fragrant as a bunch of dew covered grapes picked in the early morning. But most important to you and to me is the flavor of Petri Sherry. We want a wine that tastes good. And believe me, you couldn't ask for a more delicious wine than Petri Sherry. And just to make sure you get a wine that's exactly the way you want it. Petri makes two kinds of sherry, the regular and Petri pale dry. If you're not sure which you like better, why not try them both? Don't buy one, buy two. Just be sure you always buy Petri. Petri Sherry.

[Host/Announcer (e.g., Old Time Radio Podcast Host)]

In addition to selling wine, Harry Bartel delivered dramatic performances in everything from police procedurals to Westerns. He was a member of the stock company of producer and director Norman MacDonell, who used Bartell extensively on Escape, Gunsmoke, Half Gun, Will Travel and the Adventures of Philip Marlowe and Jack Webb put the actor to good use on Dragnet. Bartell also had a recurring role on Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. He played Harry Branson, the fussy insurance Adjuster who flew frequently hired Bob Bailey's man with the action packed expense account.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

When I got to Philadelphia, I checked in at the Bellevue Stratford, shaved and showered, then went over to Harry Branson's office in the Security first building on Walnut Street. You deceived me, John. I thought when we talked long distance that you'd be here right away. But instead of flying down Soberside's, Branson hadn't changed a bit. Hair a little grayer than the last.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Time I'd seen him.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Perhaps still the same serious lad who always acted as though he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. I feel a deep personal concern over the whole matter because it was a man I put in this office myself who issued the policies. Both of them. Two policies on this fiddle you were talking about. No, John. One on the Amati violin, $30,000. Yeah. And one on Ricardo Amerigo himself for $20,000.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Who is Ricky?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Who? Well, isn't that what you said his name is? I'm sure I didn't mention anyone by the.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh, oh, oh.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Ricardo Amerigo. Yes, yes. Well, where's he?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Playing the Purple Cat.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Or maybe Wee Willys. Join over on. John, this man is a concert violinist. Or was. He's disappeared. Now, please, no more levity. Sorry, Earl. It's Harrison. Sorry, Harry.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

All right.

[Host/Announcer (e.g., Old Time Radio Podcast Host)]

To radio detective fans. Outside of his announcing work on Sherlock Holmes, Harry Bartel may be best known as the longest serving Archie Goodwin on the new Adventures of Nero Wolf. The show, starring Sidney Greenstreet as Rex Stout's master detective, ran for only one season, but six different actors played the part. In that time, Bartel had the longest tenure. He played Archie Goodwin in the last 10 episodes of the show. Outside of Nero Wolf, his best known regular radio role may be Lieutenant Siberts, the young officer under the command of Raymond Burr's Captain Quince in the frontier drama Fort Laramie, another series produced and directed by Norman MacDonald. Today, in honor of his birthday, we'll hear some of Harry Bartel's terrific radio performances, beginning with A shipment of Mute Fate, an episode of Escape from March 28, 1948. It's an adaptation of a 1934 story by Martin White, and it was presented three times on Escape and twice on Suspense. It's a nail biter about a cruise ship carrying a deadly passenger, a venomous bushmaster snake who can strike quickly and silently, and Harry Bartell as the leader of the hunt to locate it after it escapes from its carrier. Then we'll hear him opposite Jack Webb in the Big Safe, an episode of dragnet from May 1, 1952. It marks the first appearance of Officer Frank Smith, who would become Sergeant Joe Friday's full time partner later that year. Ben Alexander would make the role his own, but for the character's first time on the show, he was voiced by Harry Bartel. Next we have a pair of Nero Wolf mysteries with Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin and Sydney Greenstreet as Nero Wolf. The Case of the midnight ride from March 16, 1940, 1951 and the case of the telltale ribbon from March 30, 1951. And finally, we'll hear Bartell's Lieutenant Siberts face off against Captain Quince after the younger officer disobeys orders in the Fort Laramie episode. Shave Tale. This one originally aired on CBS on March 3, 1956. Our Bartel birthday bash will kick off with escape. A shipment of mute fate will begin right after these messages.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Why has Hollywood star Merle Oberon switched a new improved Dream 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 green.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

For Hollywood sheen, improve dream For Hollywood Sheen.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Your hair can have that Hollywood sheen.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

The very first time you use New Dream get wonderful new Green Shampoo.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

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. Did you have too many Easter eggs today? Dreaming about that vacation you can't take yet want to get away from it all we offer you escape. You are groping your way slowly through the dark hold of a ship at sea, moving carefully, step by step, searching intently for something you dread to find because you know that this ship carries a cargo of death. Escape designed to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure. Tonight, at your request, we bring back one of our most popular escape stories.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

We escaped to a harbor front in.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Venezuela and a grim voyage which started from there. As told by Martin Storm and his gripping tale A Shipment of Mute Fate. I stopped on the wharf at La Guaira, looked up the gangplank toward the liner Chancay. Standing there quietly at a moorings. The day was warm under a bright tropic sun. The harbor beyond the ship lay drowsy and silent. But all at once, in the midst of those peaceful surroundings, a cold chill gripped me and I shivered with sudden dread. Dread of the Thing I was doing and was about to do. Too much had happened to turn back now. I'd gone too far to stop. I set the box down on the edge of the wharf, placed it carefully so as to be in plain sight and within gunshot of the captain's bridge. I knew what I was going to do. But I couldn't forget that a certain pair of beady eyes were watching every move I made. Eyes that never blinked and never closed. Just watched and waited. I turned and started up the gangplank.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

You startled me, sir. Why, it's Mr. Warner.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Hello, Mother. Willis. How's the best looking stewardess on the seven seas?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I'm fine, Mr. Warner. I guess I'd better run along. I get on with my chalk.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, now, wait a minute. That's a fine greeting after two months.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

It's just that I'm so busy.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I don't believe a word of it. Sailing day's tomorrow. You're simply avoiding me, that's all.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, no, really, I'm not.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

And on the trip down from New York, you said I was your favorite passenger.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

But I'm only.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, yeah. What's that you're carrying in your apron?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

It's nothing, just. Just supplies.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Supplies? Let's have a look.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

No, please.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It's a cat.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

It's Clara, Mr. Warner. Mr. Bowman said I had to leave her ashore and I just couldn't.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Who's Mr. Bowman?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

The new second mate. Clara's been aboard with me for two years. I just can't leave her here in a foreign country. Especially with. With her condition, so delicate now.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, I see. Well, I hope you get away with it.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes. You won't tell anyone?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Not a soul. As a matter of fact, if things don't work out right, we may both end up smuggling.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I was happy to have you aboard on the trip down two months ago, Christopher. And I'm very glad you're coming along with us on the run back to New York.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, thanks, Captain Wood. There is one thing, though. I'm having a little trouble with the customs men here, and I want to.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I can't do it, Christopher. I just cabled your father this morning. Told him I'd have done it for.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You if I possibly could.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

He sent a request from New York, you know.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, I thought he would. I wired him from upriver last week.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I hated to refuse, but it's absolutely out of the question.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Captain.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What? I'm afraid I don't follow you.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Responsibility to the passengers, son. We'll have women and children aboard on a liner the safety of the passengers comes ahead of anything else.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

But with proper precautions, something might happen.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I don't know what, but something might carried worse things.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

There isn't anything worse. Any skipper afloat will bear me out. No critic. I simply can't take the chance, and that's final.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Final Wasn't final. If I could do anything about it. I hadn't come down here to spend two months in that stinking back country. And then be stopped on the edge of the wharf. Two months of it. Heat, rain, insects, malaria. I'd gone clear in past the headwaters of the Orinoco. Traveled through country where every step along the jungle trail might be the last one. Sanchez better start looking for a place to camp. Be dark in a little while. Very soon we turn to river. Camp on rocks by water. This very bad country. This very bad country we've been saying here for 10 days now. Very bad country. This, Senor Warner. This very bad country. Skip it. For all the luck we've had so far, it might as well be Central Park. Central Park. I understand. Never mind.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What's the matter?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Quiet now.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Dantes, what's wrong?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Heading the path.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

See Bushmaster. Bushmaster? The deadliest snake in the world. Bushmaster. Its Latin name was Lachesis mutar, Mute fate. It lay there in the center of the path. A 10 foot length of silent death. Coiled loosely in an undulant loop, ready to strike violently at the least movement. Here was the one snake that would go after any animal that walked. Or any man that lay there and watched us. Not moving, not afraid, ready for anything. The splotch of its color stood out like some horrible, gaudy floor mat. Lying there on the brown background of the jungle. Waiting for someone to step on it. Here was what I'd come 2,000 miles for. A bushmaster. The natives captured the snake in the Sanchez brought it to me in a rubber bag. He was shaking so hard, I thought for a moment the thing had struck him. One thing. You make sure, senor, not turn him loose in Venezuela.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Because he know I the one who catch him.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

And he know where I live. All right, Sanchez. I'll keep an eye on him. He also know you pay me to.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Catch him all the time.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

He watch and wait. You no forget that, Senor Warner. Because he no forget.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Not ever.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, after going through all that trouble and danger and laying out 1500 bucks. I wasn't gonna let a pig headed ship captain stop me at the last minute. At least not as long as the cables were still in operation. Between Laguire And New York. Good morning, Captain Wood. The boy at the hotel said you wanted to see me. That's right, Christopher. Sit down. Thanks.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Seems you weren't willing to let matters stand the way we left them yesterday.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'm sorry to go your head, Captain Wood, but I had to. Museum sent me a long way to get that snake. I'm not gonna be stopped by red tape. This'll be the only live bushmaster ever brought to the United States.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes, if I had my way. Orders of orders. Got a cable from the head office this morning. All right, Christopher. Suppose we talk about precautions.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'll handle it any way you say.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

It's got to have a stronger box. That crates too flimsy.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, it's stronger than it looks. A wire screen on top would hold a wildcat. But anyway, I bought a heavy seat chest this morning. We'll put the crate inside of it. Sounds all right.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Got lock on it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah. Heavy padlock. It's fixed so the lid can be propped open a crack without unlocking it. Snake's got to have air in dirty weather.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

That lid has to stay shut. I'll take no chances.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Fair enough.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

We'll keep the thing in my inside cabin where I sleep. You can't have it in the baggage room and nobody on board is to know about it.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Whatever you say, Captain. We won't have any trouble. After all, it's only an animal that doesn't have any magical powers.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I saw a bushmaster in the zoo at Caracas once. They had it in a glass cage with double walls. Never moved.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Just lay there and looked at you as long as you were in sight.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Enough to give a man the creeps.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Didn't know they had a bushmaster at the Caracas Zoo.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

They don't now. They found the glass broken one morning and the snake gone.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The night watchman dead.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

They never learned exactly what happened.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, the watchman must have broken the glass by accident some way. The way they figured it, the glass was broken from the inside. We sailed in four hours. End of the Caribbean with perfect weather and a sea as smooth as an inland lake. The barometer dropped a little on the third day but cleared up overnight. Left nothing worse than a heavy swell. But in spite of the calm season, pleasant weather, I found myself feeling more and more often an ominous foreboding. I was developing an almost unnatural fear of that snake. Stayed clear of the passengers. Pretty much got the habit of dropping into Captain Wood's quarter several times a day. Kept the heavy box underneath his berth. Approach it quietly and shine my flashlight through the open crack. Never once could I catch that 12 foot devil asleep or even excited. He'd be lying there half coiled, his head raised a little, staring out of those beady black eyes, waiting. Still be like that when I turned away to leave. Maybe that's what bothered me. That horrible and constant watchful waiting. The name of heaven was he waiting for.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Well, hello there, Mr. Warner.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, how are you, Mother Willis?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

My, but you and the captain spend an awful lot of time around this cabin. I'm beginning to think the two of you must have some guilty secret.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No, no, no, no, nothing like that, Mother Willis. I don't know about Captain Wood, but I certainly don't have any guilty secret. Well, she's running quite a swell out there, Mr. Bowman. Yeah, it's a little heavy all right, Mr. Warner. Guess the storm passed through to the west of us yesterday when the glass dropped. You think it missed us then, huh? Yeah, that's what the mate figures. Sure stirred up some water though. This will put half the passengers in their bunks. They'll keep Mother Willis so busy. Hey, look at the size of that wave. Great.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Gee, Hasabad, we're going to take it on the port bow.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Hang on. That was a freak if there ever was one. Not another wave that size in sight. Oh, you see them like that sometimes, even in a calm sea.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I gotta get below, Mr. Warner.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

That water probably did some real damage.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

In the officer's deck.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah. What did you say? The wheel companionway was open on the port side. The bridge cabins must have taken a.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Pretty bad smashing up.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

They're right below the. Something wrong, Mr. Warner? No, no, nothing at all, Mr. Bowman. At least I hope not. I didn't stop to find Captain Wood. Of course. I know it was only one chance in a thousand. But the chances against that freak wave were one in a thousand too. I stumbled down the companionway and along the passage to the captain's cabin.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, come in, Mr. Warner.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Mother Willis.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

My, isn't this cabin a mess trying to get some of these things out to dry.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, well, I just wanted to. Where's that box that was under the captain's bunk?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, that. I just threw it out on the deck. What the desk over there slid into.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Was all smashed, but the small box inside of it. What happened to Ed?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, they were both splintered, Mr. Warner. Broke wide open?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Why, Mr. Warner, you're white as a sheep.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Mother Willis. Mother, go find Captain Wood. Tell him to come down here immediately.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Of course, Mr. Warner. I'll go tell him right away. I can Finish up here later.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I pulled open the top drawer of the bureau. Inside, took out the captain's flashlight and loaded pistol. Mother Willis had left a mop standing by the door. I put my foot on the head of it and snapped on the handle. Every move I made turned into slow motion. I could hear my own heartbeat. Slowly, I started to search the cabin. Sodden heaps of clothing and furnishings were scattered around on the wet, black floor. I punched at them one at a time, holding the gun cocked, flashlight pointing along the stick. Nothing. I worked around the room, throwing the light into the dark corners. Back of the desk, under the bunk. Wherever I turned, I could feel those cold, unblinking eyes at my back. Watching, waiting. Using this stick, I pushed open the closet door and threw the light inside. Carefully, I poked at the boxes and junk on the floor. Snake was not in the closet. Inch by inch, I covered the entire cabin. And only then a horrible realization began to dawn on me. Captain Wood, Father Willis just told me. Hello, Christopher. It's happened. That's right. It's happened.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I see you found the gun. We better start searching the cabin.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Here, Captain Wood, I just finished searching. Oh, then women, kids and that thing loose on board a thousand places for it to hide.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Heaven help us.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Christopher.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I know you're starting to blame anybody. Now, gentlemen, I didn't call you in here to pasture. The thing's done and that's that.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You're right there, Captain.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What we have got to do is to make up our minds how we're.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Going to handle it. And it'd be easier if we didn't have to tell the passengers and crew. I've seen panics aboard liners before.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes, I agree with you, Mr. Bowman, but I don't quite see how we can avoid it.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

They've got a right to know.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

As long as that snake's loose, everybody.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

On board's in the same danger. And they all ought to know about it. Captain Wood, that thing is 12ft long. It can't simply crawl into a crack. Why don't we make a quick search of the whole ship before we spread any alarm?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I've thought of that, Christopher.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

As far as I can see, the only place it couldn't be is in the boilers or on top of the galley stove.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Might have crawled overboard.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

We can't count on that.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

We've got to assume it's on the ship somewhere. Yeah, and that could be anywhere.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

In a coil of rope, on a.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Deck chair, fire bucket. Or in a pile of clothes.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, or under some woman's birth Or a baby's crib. You've already said it. Bushmaster could be anywhere. We've got to do something. We've got to do it fast.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

All right. I think the best idea is to follow Mr. Warner's suggestion and make a quick search first. You agree to that? And if we don't find it, we'll.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Have to warn the passengers we've got to find. Alone in the dim baggage room, I went through the same movements as I had earlier in the captain's cabin. Gun in one hand, flashlight in the other, poking into every dark corner behind every trunk and box. Since the baggage room was empty, I could keep the gun cocked and ready. The rest of those poor devils were having to do the same thing barehanded, all over the ship. The search went on.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Here, now, Stuart, what on earth are you doing rummaging through my cabin?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Just checking up, ma'.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Am. Well, I'm quite sure there's nothing in here that has to be checked.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Sorry, ma'. Am. Captain's orders will only take a few minutes.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Well, I never heard of such thing. A passenger simply doesn't have any privacy at all. I've traveled on a lot of different lines, but I've certainly never heard of anything.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Sorry, sir.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I wonder if you mind moving over to the other rail?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I'd like to look through these lockers. Sure, go ahead. What's the matter? You lost something?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

No, no.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Just looking things over.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh, there's nothing in there but life preservers.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yeah, that's right.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You must be getting ready to sink the boat. Going to collect the insurance, huh? Going to send us all to the bottom, huh?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

But not one of us could find that deadly shape coiled in some dark corner or outstretched along a window seat. Not one of us caught a glimpse of that horrid head with its beady, black, watchful eyes. The thing lay waiting out there somewhere along the decks, shaded in the gathering dusk. But where? We didn't know it was nearly dark when we met together again in the chart room.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, gentlemen, there's no other way around it. We've risked all the time we can. We've got to warn the passengers.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

How do we do it, captain? Call them all together in the lounge? No. If we did anything like that, we'd.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Be asking for a panic.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

We'll get one whether we ask for it or not.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

We pick a few men and go through the cabin decks. Tell them individually inside the cabins, watch for any that act like they might cause trouble. We'll keep an eye on them, handle the crew the Same way. As soon as you're finished, arm all the deck officers and start searching again. Our only chance of preventing a riot.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Is to find that damnable snake. The slow nightmare that followed grew worse by the hour. None of us slept. All the ship's officers not on duty kept on with that endless search. Passengers locked themselves in their cabins or huddled together in the lounges, knowing all the time that no spot on board could be called safe. Fear was a heavy fog in the lungs of all of us, and every light on the vessel burned throughout the night. Morning came, brought no relief. Terror and tension mounted by the hour.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

There now, Mrs. Crane. Stop getting yourself all worked up and go back to your cabin. The horrid things probably crawled overboard anyway. Saying that. You're paid to say that. You don't know. Nobody knows. Now, everything's going to be all right. If only we can do something. If all of us could only get off the ship, they could fumigate it. Yes, that's it. We've got to. We've got to get off the ship. We've got to get off.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Wait.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Wait, Mr. Bowman. She's gonna jump. Grab her.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Hold it out, lady. Nice work, Mr. Bowman. Get her down to a cabin. And whatever you do, don't turn her loose. I never know when it might strike you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You can't put on a coat or.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Move a chair without risking your life. Something's got to be done.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It might be right here in this lounge.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

All right, mister.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Better quiet down and take it easy.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Take it easy?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You're a great officer. Why don't you do something about it? That thing might be crawling around here right under our feet somewhere. I said shut up. They're trying to start a penny. I got a right to talk.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I don't want to die. Nobody's going to tell me what. The second night passed. Morning came round again. A gray and rainy day that dragged past. Then night came down again. Third night of the terror. Again every light burned. The whole ship seethed in the throes of incipient panic. Faced by a horror they'd never met on the sea before. Crew and officers alike were on the verge of revolt. Passengers sat huddled in a trance like stupor, ready to scream at the slightest unknown sound. Seven bells. I made my way forward to the chart room. Found Captain Wood bent over a desk.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh, hello, Christopher. Come on in.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Sit down. It's got to be somewhere, Captain Wood. It's got to be. I don't know. You can search the ship for six.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Months and never touch all the places aboard. If we can only hold out for.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Two more days, we'll be in. What's the home office say?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Use the latest wireless from them. Keep quiet and keep coming.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What else can we do?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

How is it on the decks?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Pretty bad. Anything could happen.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes. That's why I took the guns away from the men. One pistol shot and we'd have a.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Riot on our hands. All things my fault, Captain Wood.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

That's what I can't forget.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Take it easy. If there was only some way I could pay for it myself, alone. I know how you feel, but it's.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

No more your fault than mine. Or the man who asked you to.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Bring that snake back alive. Nobody planned this. You better try to get a little sleep.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Mr. Bowman made some coffee down in the steward's galley a while ago. Why don't you go on down and.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Get yourself a cup? Then rest for a couple of hours. Rest? I can't rest, Christopher.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

It's not going to help anything if you stumble through a hatch half asleep and break your neck, is it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You go out and get some coffee.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

One way or another, we've got to.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Hold out for two more days. Light was on the steward's galley. Coffee pot was standing on the stove, still warm, so I didn't bother to heat it. Poured out a cup, carried it over and set it on the porcelain tabletop center of the room. Started to light a cigarette. The door of the pan cupboard beneath the sink was standing slightly ajar. I happened to glance toward it. I dropped the cigarette, moved slowly backward. I'd found the Bushmaster. As I moved, the snake slid out of the cupboard in a single sinuous glide. Drew back into a loose coil on the galley floor. Never taking his eyes off me, I moved slowly back, waiting any moment for that deadly slithering strike. How had he known it was me? He'd stayed quiet when Bowman was here. How would he pick? The first time in five days that I was without a gun. My hands touched the bulkhead behind me and I stopped. Only then I realized in terror what I'd done. The call button and the door were on the far side of the room. I'd backed into a dead end. I stared at the snake in fascination, expecting any moment the ripping slash of those poison fangs. The horrid coils tightened a little, then was still again. 10 million years of evolution to produce this moment. Homo sapiens versus lachesis muta. A man against mute fate. And all the odds were on fate. I know then that I was going to die. I could feel the Sweat run down between the painted walls and the palms of my hands pressing against it. My skin crawled and twitched and the pit of my stomach was as cold as ice. There's no sound but the rush of blood in my ears. The snake shifted again, drawing into a tighter coil. Always tighter. Why didn't the devil get it over with? Then, just for an instant, his head veered away. Something moved over by the stove. I didn't dare turn to look at it. Slowly it moved out into my line of vision. It was a cat. That scrawny cat, Clara, that mother Willis had sneaked to fort in La Guayra. Its back was arched and every hair stood on end. It moved stiff legged now, walking in a half circle around the snake. The bushmaster moved slowly and kept watching the cat. He tightened. He was going to strike at any second. He struck and missed. The cat was barely out of reach. But now she was walking back and forth again. She was asking to die. Missed again by a fraction of an inch. He was striking now without even going to a full coil. Missed again and again, always missing by the barest margin. Each time the cat danced barely out of reach. And each time she countered with one precise spat of a dainty paw, bracing her skinny frame on three stiff legs. And then suddenly I realized what she was doing. The bushmaster was tiring. The one strike was just an instant, slow. But in that split second, sharp claws raked across the evil head and ripped out both the lidless eyes. The cat had deliberately blinded the snake. He didn't bother to coil now, but slid after her in a fury, striking wildly and rapidly, always missing. And every strike was a little slower than the last one. Until finally, As the snake's neck stretched out at the end of the strike, the cat made one leap and sank. Her razor sharp teeth just back of the ugly head sanko until they crunched bone, tooth and claw. She clung as the monstrous like flailed and lashed on the floor, striving to get those hideous coils around her, trying to break her hold, to shake off the claw and certain paralyzing death that gradually crept over him and at last stilled his struggles forever. I took a deep breath, the first in minutes. The cat lay on her side on the floor, panting, resting from the fight just over. She had a right to rest. That mangy, brave, beautiful alley cat had just saved my life. And maybe others as well. But as I turned toward the stove, I suddenly became very humble. And I knew all at once what a small thing a human being really is. I and others aboard were still alive only by the merest accident. There were three reasons why that cat had fought and killed the world's deadliest snake. And those three reasons came tottering out from under the stove on shaky little legs. Three kittens with their eyes bright with wonder, their tails stiff as pokers. Up on the decks, hundreds of passengers were waiting for the news that the days and nights of terror were ended. They could wait a little longer. I pulled open the doors of the cabinet, found a can of milk. Then I drop down on my knees on the floor of the galley. Escape is produced and directed by Norman McDonnell. And tonight brought you a shipment of Mute Fate by Martin Storm. Adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield. Featuring Harry Bartel as Chris Warner, Barry Kroger as Captain Wood and Peggy Weber as Mother Willis. With Don Diamond, Sarah Selby and Frank Gerstel. Special effects by David Light. The musical score was conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Next week.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You are hanging by your.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Fingertips on the sheer face of an ice cliff, suspended 2,000ft above instant death, with your strength running out and with no chance for escape.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Next week, Escape with CE Montague's exciting story.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Action. Good night then.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Until this same time next week when CBS again offers you Escape.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. The story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. Fatima cigarettes. Best of all, King size cigarettes brings.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You Dragnet on both radio and television.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a burglary detail. For more than two months, a wave of safe burglaries has been sweeping your city. Apparently, it's the work of professionals. The jobs are well planned, well executed. There's no lead to the whereabouts of the suspects. Your job. Get them. Compare Fatima with any other king size cigarette. Yes, compare Fatima with any other king size cigarette. One, Fatima's length filters the smoke 85 millimeters for your protection. Two, Fatima's length cools the smoke for your protection. Three, Fatima's length gives you those extra puffs 21% longer than standard cigarette size. Fatima gives you more for your money. And in Kingsize Fatima, you get an extra mild and soothing smoke. Plus the added protection of Fatima quality. Buy Fatima in the bright sunny yellow pack. Best of all, King size cigarettes.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Dragnet, the documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case. Transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your Police force in action.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

It was Sunday, June 8th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of Burglary Division, Safe detail. My partner's Bill Lockwood. The boss is Captain Wisdom. My name's Friday. I was on the way back to the office and it was 8:36am when I got to room 45, burglary division.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Joe.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Oh, hi, Smith.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

There's a note in the book for.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Us from the captain about your partner, Lockwood. Yeah, what's that?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Forgot to make that sick report on him yesterday. You call him?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

How's his leg? I talked to him on the phone last night. Pretty bad ankle sprain. Doctor figures you'll be out for a couple of weeks anyway. Who's a fella you got there?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Suspect Jones and McCready picked up on stakeout. Drugstore, third in Ventura.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What do you got on him?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Creedy says they picked him up about quarter to five this morning. He and Jones were staked out inside the drugstore. Saw this fella drive up in the car get out and try the front door of the place. And he went around and backed the place, tried the back door. Then he came around in front again, tried to jimmy the door. Finally gave up, got in his car and started to drive off. Jones and McCready followed him, picked up him up and brought him in.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Where's Jones and McCready now?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You know, I told him to go ahead home. No reason for him to hang around. We carried the thing from here.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What have you done so far? Did you check him through R and I yet?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Called Frank Cunningham. He's doing it now.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What's his name?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

According to his identification, is Charles W. Boyd. An address at 239 West 92nd Street. That's what he tells us, anyway.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Is that your name, fella? Yeah, that's my name.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Saw my identification.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

No reason for me to lie. You can check me out. All right, hold your hand up there. Get these cuffs off.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, sure.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

All right.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

There you are. Thanks. Sure tired sitting here. Handcuffs sitting in one place.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Frank, you want to tell Gaffney we'll be down in the interrogation room? When R and I calls back, tell him to transfer it in there, would you?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, okay. I'll meet you then.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

All right, thanks. All right, boy, let's go. I can talk to you down the hall.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, let's get this thing over with. I don't feel good. I want to get out of here.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What are you shaking for? There's nothing to get nervous about it. You sick?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I haven't Been feeling good at all.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Last couple of days. Wouldn't you know it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Out of smokes.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Hey, say, would you happen to have a cigarette, please? Yeah. Here. Thanks. There's a light for you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, I got it.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Thanks. All right. Turn around a minute, will you? Let me look at your eyes, huh? Turn around. All right, let's go.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It's okay, Joe. I told Gaffney. He'll put through the call tomorrow night.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Oh, that's fine.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You sure? This won't take long. I'd like to get out of here and get home.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I've been sick for a week.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I ought to be in bed right now.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

We'll make it as fast as we can. All right, in here.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Have a chair, Boyd. Yeah.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

All right, mister, you say you're not feeling well, you're tired, you want to go home. So are we. We've been working all night. Now, how about getting the bottom of this thing?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'm sure I'm all for it. Try to explain to the guys who picked me up.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I don't know what it's all about. Ask me anything you want.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Now, let's start it here. Boyd, what were you doing out there hanging around that drugstore, quarter to five this morning?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

It's the same thing I told the other officers. I was sick.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I wanted to get something for my nerves. Jumpy as a cat, couldn't sleep.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Well, the drugstore was closed. That was pretty obvious, wasn't it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, that's right. Right, it was.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I just drove up there, tried the door, and I saw the joint was closed, so I left. That's all there is to it. Just what I told the other. No, that's not true, Boyd, and you know it isn't. You hung around the store for more than 10 minutes. You tried the front door. Then you waited a couple of minutes. You went around to the back. You tried to get in back there. You couldn't make it, so you came around front again. You tried to jimmy the front door, didn't you? No. No, that's not it.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You got it all wrong. How about this? Boy, is this your crowbar?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yeah. What about it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Just a car tool.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Used to fix flat tires.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Carry it around all the time in the car.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Carry it on you? No, not all the time. I just happen to have it, that's all. Now, look, boy, that's not gonna get it. The officers have picked you up. Saw you using this bar on the door of that drugstore. I thought you were willing to get onto facts. You were gonna square with us. How about it? Sure, sure, I'll square with you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I wanted to get over as much as you do. Just tell me what you wanna know. All we want is the truth. This address on your id, the one you gave us, is that your true address? You living there now?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yeah, that's right. Check it out if you want.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'm not lying.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

No reason to lie. We think there is. This address of yours is just about 10 miles away from where you were picked up. Now you tell us how much sense it makes driving 10 miles to a drugstore at 4:30 in the morning.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, I had to.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I was sick. It was the only place open. You're lying and you know it. Mister. You had to pass at least two all night drugstores on the way. Why couldn't you stop at one of those? I didn't see any stores open. I was sick. I just kept driving till I spotted a place I thought was open.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Looked at me like it was open.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

A lot of lights in the window. Inside the store too.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I didn't know it was closed, so I tried the door. Usually tried doors with a crowbar.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Boy. Oh, look, look. What are you getting at? You think I was trying to break in that place? Yeah, that's what we think.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, what for what I want to break in there? I wanted to get something for my nerves, that's all. I wanted to find a drugstore. Why should I break open a place.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

And just get a bottle of medicine? We don't think you were looking for medicine.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Void. Well then, what was it? What do you figure?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

This is what we figure, mister. You're going in that store to burglarize the safe. The area is the same, the time elements, right? So is the type of business the MO Matches right down the line. I don't know what you're talking about.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Six safe jobs in the last two months. The same time element, the same general area. Drugstores, liquor stores and markets. What about it? I don't know what you're talking about.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

It's the truth.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'm not a burglar. You got me wrong. I never touched a safe in my life.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

How many times you've been arrested, mister? Huh? How many times you've been arrested?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, a couple of times I've been picked up.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Nothing serious though.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

So help me, it's the truth.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I never touched a safe in my whole life.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It's not going to do much good lying to us, boy. We'll get everything we need from records. Well, I got a record. I ain't denying that. But I'm no burglar.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Now, what were you doing at quarter of five this morning? Trying to get in that drugstore if you're not a burglar? I tried to explain to you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I wasn't trying to break in.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I needed some medicine, something for my nerves. I thought the place was open.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'm a sick man. I swear on a Bible officer, that's just the way it was.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I got it.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Friday talking. Oh, yeah, kind of. Charles Boyd. Yeah, that's right. Mm. That's him. What do you bet? Uh huh. All the same, I think. Give me the last two. No, the last two arrests again.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

May 9th. May 22nd. All right. Cunningham. Yeah, thanks very much, Frank. You got that folder there, Those crime reports?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah. Here you are.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What do you have to say? Boyd was in custody May 9, May 22.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What was he in on?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Narcotics. He's a user. Long record. It's all the same, though. Never been picked up for anything. But narcotics.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Just about rules him out, huh? 9th and the 22nd he was in jail. He couldn't have had anything to do with those last two judges.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

It's about the size of it. You got it straight now, huh? I told you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You thought I was lying, didn't you? I'm no burglary. You know what my record is?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I never touched a safe in my life. Just checking it out, Boyd. Sometimes it happens this way. Sure. No hard feelings.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Take off now and go home. I'm not feeling well at all. I guess it's okay.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

No, you just sit still, boy. Do not go anywhere.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What do you mean?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Red tab on your card down at the record bureau. Your last arrest, May 22nd. Violation state narcotics act. You went out on a $1,500 bail. Yeah, that's right. It was all legal.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I paid for it.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Why didn't you show up for your preliminary hearing? We got a bench warrant for your arrest.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, no.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

They wouldn't do that to me, would they? I was sick in bed.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It couldn't make it to court.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

You just look at me. You can tell, can't you? I ought to be in bed. Yeah. You don't look good at all. Of course I don't. I'm a sick man. Really sick. I'll be in a hospital. Well, maybe that's where they'll send you. We continued questioning the suspect, Charles Boyd, who finally admitted that he'd gone to the drugstore early that morning for the purpose of burglarizing a place to obtain narcotics. He told us it was his first attempt at burglary. And further interrogation proved beyond a doubt he had nothing to do with the current wave of safe burglaries. He was booked on the bench warrant, and narcotics detail was notified of his arrest. For all practical purposes, we were right back where we started from two months before, when the campaign of safe jobs first started. Boyd was just another in a long line of possible suspects who had to be tracked down and checked out. In the final analysis, they meant nothing to the case. But tracking him down and checking them out meant long hours of legwork, days, even weeks, and then more hours spent interrogating him. Boyd typified the possible suspect. He added nothing, but he couldn't be ignored. In the weeks that followed, stakeouts continued in the general area where the safe burglaries had been operating. No further lead. The investigation went on. On June 17, Frank Smith and I drove out to the San Fernando Valley to check a lead on a possible suspect we'd gotten from one of our informants. His information was that the possible suspect, an ex convict by the name of Mark Chandler, who'd served time for burglary, had apparently come into some money recently. Recently? Through the parole office, we located Chandler on a chicken ranch just outside of Van Nuys.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, I've been out here almost three months now. Nice life. Pretty hard work, though. Got a few routine questions for you, Mark. Like we told you with the burglary detail. I guess you know why we're out here. Yeah, I think I get the idea. I admit there was a time when you wouldn't be very welcome, but right now it's different. Anything I can do to help. It's all right, fellas.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

We're gonna lay it right on the table for you, Mark. You own this place, Steve?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, that's right. Me and my brother.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Where'd the money come from?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

My brother, he set the whole thing up.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

You say you and your brother. Whose money bought the place, Mark?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, my brother made the down payment. You can check on it. The whole deal went through escrow right down here at the local bank. What's the deal, anyway? Didn't you check with my parole officer? Yeah, we checked with Galloway. He told us you were still on active parole. You were running a chicken ranch. Didn't say it was for your brother, though. I thought I filled him in on it. I didn't have enough cash to swing the deal. My brother put up most of the deal.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

I only had 800.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

That's your car back there in the driveway, Mark?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No, it's my brother's. Nice one, huh? Yeah, I got permission from the parole officer to drive. Say, would you mind walking back with me to the grudo shack? I got a new batch of Rhode Islands in this morning. Day old chicks.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Gotta be sure the heat's right. Yeah, all right.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

A lot of work around a place like this, eh? I just built those pens there, huh?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

They're nice. Good looking flock of chicks there wouldn't.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Be save four weeks old.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Those are barred rocks. Notice how they're starting to feather out already.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Getting nice and heavy. Make wonderful fryers, you know.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Oh, that's all? Oh, yeah.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Just a minute. Look at that mash rack. They like fiends. I just filled that thing an hour ago. That's where the money goes, you know. That mash goes for better than five bucks a sack. Look, we don't want to take too much of your time, Chandler.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

We can see you're busy.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

We got a couple of dates we'd.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Like to check with you. Where you were, what you did.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, sure.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Fell.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Just let me check the temperature in the brooder house here.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

It won't take a minute.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Come on in.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

All right.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

They're pretty cute when they're small, huh? Let me see here. Just look at that, huh, Joe?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Piled all over each other.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Must be more than a thousand of them at least. Yeah, just right. 89.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Gotta watch em pretty close the first week.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Fell up the road.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Lost a big batch last week.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Heating element in the brooder went out overnight. Oh, yeah.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Gotta shove that door hard. Sticks a little. Yeah. I'll get it. Okay. What else was it, officers?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Glad to help you any way I can. Those dates we want to check, Mark. It was almost a month ago. The week ending May 7th.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yeah. Can you account for your time on that weekend where you were, what you did?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Seven? Yeah, I was here.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Any way of proving that?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, I think so. I started here 23rd April. Been here every night since. Anyone we can check with on that? Well, my brother and his wife, they were here. They can tell you. Neighbors too. They come over for cards on the weekend. Come to think of it, I remember my parole officer was out to see me one of those weekends. I'm pretty sure of it. You can check with him.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

All right, Mark. Thanks.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Hey, what's the pitch anyway, Sergeant? The safe jobs around town, is that it? That's it.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

You heard anything, Mark? Any rumbles at all?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No, sorry. This job keeps me pretty close to home. I don't get around at all. Maybe two, three nights a month. That's the only time I get Out.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

That's all we're asking about. Before we left the suspect, Mark Chandler, we called his parole officer and he substantiated the fact that he visited with Chandler on the night of May 7, the date of one of the safe burgeries. We checked with his brother, his sister in law and the neighbors. And all of them fully corroborated his story. Before we left, we were satisfied that Chandler had nothing to do with the safe burglaries. Was just another of the more than half a hundred possibles that we checked out in the course of the investigation. On June 22, we got a lead on still another one. It came from the proprietor of a fixit shop on West Pico Boulevard near Normandy. We drove out to interview him. He gave his name as Harold Van Owen.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, just a minute, officer. Be with you in a minute.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

All right.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Okay.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Have to get these keys made. The lady will be back soon. Says she needs them.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What time you got, Frank? 10 to 12.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Getting hungry?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Well, I didn't have much breakfast. How about dropping by Felipe's? All right.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Suits me. I could use a good French dip sandwich. Haven't been down there for a while.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

All right, Officer. Sorry to keep you waiting. I had to get keys done. I promised the woman.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

That's all right, Mr. Van Oen. For what was it you wanted to see us about?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, I don't know. To tell the truth, maybe it's something, maybe it's nothing at all. I just don't know. Figured I ought to let somebody know about it, so.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The young fellow was in here the day before yesterday. Said his name was Ralph McKinley. Told me he lived around the neighborhood, but I don't think I ever saw him before. He didn't act right to me. Said he's an inventor. I doubt it, though. He just didn't look the part to me. Young fellow, you know, dresses pretty flashy. Never met an inventor that looked like.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What do you want with you, sir?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

He wanted me to make up a piece of machinery for him.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

He said it was a special part.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Of a new gadget he was working on. He brought in his own drawing of this thing. I got it down here someplace.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What did the young fella look like? Would you remember that?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, typical pool room. Cowboy, I guess. About 29, 30 years old, thin side, tall. Got a lot of gray hair for a young fella. Hair was almost gray. It needs to dry. This is what he wants me to make up for.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What do you think it's supposed to be?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Ms. McKinley said it was part of a new hydraulic press he's working on. I got a few doubts about that.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

How do you mean?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I've been tinkering around in this business long enough to know what goes into a hydraulic press. Can't see where this thing fits in at all.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What's your idea on it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I think it's a pull. Only one job they're any good for. Yeah, breaking into a safe.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Before we left the Fix It Shop, Van Owen gave us a complete description of Ralph McKinley, the man who'd ordered the gadget made for him. We showed him several mug shots of possible suspects, but he was unable to make any identification. Van Owen told us that McKinley said he'd call back in about three or four days to pick it up. Except for the man's chance remark that he lived in the neighborhood, Van Owen had no idea as to his whereabouts. 12:10pm we drove back to the office and made arrangements for an immediate stakeout at the Fix it shop. Then we checked the name and Description of Ralph McKinley through R& I and through the stats office. It got us nothing. As far as we could find out, he had no previous criminal record. The end of the week came and went. The man known as McKinley failed to show up at Van Owen Fix It Shop to pick up the article that he'd ordered. Eight o', clock, Monday morning, June 28th. We got the report when we checked in for work. Despite all precautions, another safe job had occurred over the weekend. This time at a liquor store on South Alvarado. The time the area and the MO Were generally the same. Frank and I drove out to the location. The store was located in the middle of the block, Directly beneath an apartment hotel. Two of the rooms on the second floor of the hotel were situated above the liquor store. In one of these rooms, a hole had been ripped in the floor. A hole large enough to allow a man to pass through it and gain access to the liquor store directly beneath. After we checked over the room, we put in a call for Race Tinker in the crime lab crew. Then we went downstairs to interview the manager of the hotel. Clyde Winters. Yeah, I. I rented that room Friday night. A couple of young fellows I checked in a few minutes before seven. I. I figure I'm pretty good judge of faces. It sure didn't look like thieves to me. Had their register, Mr. Woody. One signed, his name was Gordon. The other one was Richardson, I think.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The register's right outside on the desk.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

You can check it if you like. Yes, sir, we'd like to do that. When These two men, Gordon and Richardson, checked in here. Did they have any baggage with them? Would you know that? Oh, yes. If they had baggage, they. They took most of it with them. Though they left a few old clothes behind.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

They must have left for the back.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Way sometime late Sunday night. If they give.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Imagine tearing up the floor of that room.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

The lousy bums. I should like to get my hands on them.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Did they have a car, do you know?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yeah, they had a car. I got the license number two. You think you'd recognize it too many if you saw them again. Take him in a minute. You sure that I possibly. I've known him in a minute.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Especially young fellow Richardson.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

He couldn't have been more than 27, 28 years old. Hair was gray, almost completely gray.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You are listening to Dragnet Authentic stories.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Of your police force in action. To show our confidence in Fatima, we make this money back guarantee.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Buy a pack of Fatimas.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Enjoy Fatima quality, extra mildness and superbly blended tobaccos. If you're not convinced Fatima is better than the king size cigarette you're now smoking, just return the pack and the unsmoked Fatimas by August 1, 1952 for your money back plus postage. Fatima Box 37, New York.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

1.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Prove Fatima quality yourself. Compare Fatima with any other king size cigarette. 1. Fatima's length filters the smoke 85 millimeters for your protection.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

2. Fatima's length cools the smoke for your protection.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

3, Fatima's length gives you those extra puffs 21% longer than standard cigarette size.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Fatima gives you more for your money.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

And in king size Fatima you get an extra mild and soothing smoke plus the added protection of Fatima quality. Ask your dealer for Fatima in the bright sunny yellow pack. Best of all, king size cigarettes.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Monday, June 28, 8:55am the crime lab crew arrived at the scene of the latest safe burglary, the liquor store on South Alvarado, and began their investigation. The store was gone over thoroughly as well as the hotel room directly above it through which the Burgers had gained access by ripping a hole in the floor. In the store itself, a few feet from the safe, the men from the crime lab found what appeared to be a broken button, probably off a coat. They also found a crumpled envelope on the floor with the name F. Gordon on it written in pencil. Along with the half a dozen pieces of clothing found in the hotel room. The items were taken back to the crime lab for further examination. 9:10am after we finished interviewing the hotel manager, Clyde Winters, Frank Smith and I returned to the office with a license Number and description of the suspect's car, as well as exemplars of their handwriting which we'd obtained from the hotel register. We gave our DMV all the information on the car and they began an immediate check. The vehicle was registered in the Name of Ralph McKinley at a Bronson Avenue address. The lease legal owner was a local bank. We checked the Bronson Avenue place, but they told us there that the man known as McKinley had moved out seven months before. They had no information on his whereabouts. 10:20am we talked to the people at the bank which held a pink slip on the car. They told us that the last two monthly payments on the car had been mailed in from a Clifford street address. Frank and I drove out to the location. A one story duplex apartment building near the intersection of the Clifford and Beverly Boulevard.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Nice units, aren't they? Run up all over town.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

They seem to be, don't they?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'll get it.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yeah?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Your name Ralph McKinley? Yeah, that's right.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What? Police officers. You want to get your coat? McKinley? Like talk to you downtown.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What for?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What's it all about? Anybody else living here with you?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No, just myself.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Look, you mind tell me what this all about?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Got a few questions we'd like to ask you. Won't take long. I can't go with you now. I got a business point in half an hour. I've been out of town the last couple of months. I'm due back on the job today, that's all. Yeah, I just can't spare the time. Appointments all day long. I got a whole flock of business I have to clear up.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Well, that makes us even. Come on, let's go. Well, there wasn't much doubt about McKinley. He fitted the suspect's description almost perfectly. Tall, slight build, approximately 29 years of age, Prematurely gray hair. We went over the apartment, but there was no sign of anyone else on the premises. No sign of any of the loot taken in the burglary. We checked the adjoining garage, but it was empty. The suspect refused to admit that he even owned a car. Frank got on the phone, called the office and arranged for an immediate stakeout on the apartment. When the men arrived, we drove McKinley back to the City hall and took him to the interrogation room. He was arrogant and uncooperative. We talked to him for a full hour, but he admit nothing. Frank left and went down the street street to the crime lab to check with Ray Pinker on his findings. I continued questioning McKinley.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I don't care what the old man says.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

He described you perfectly. He says you were in his fix it shop a little over a week ago. You told him you were an inventor. You ordered this gadget from him here.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I don't get it. What's that supposed to prove?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Well, you admit you went to the old man. You had to make this thing up.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

For you, didn't you? I don't admit anything. Why should I?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

All we're looking for is a straight story. We're going to get it Sooner or later, McKinley. Might as well be now.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You're getting nothing from me. I don't have to tell you a thing.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

How about the hotel over on some? You stayed there last weekend?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No, of course not.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Why should I go to a hotel? I stayed at my place.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Thought you said you'd been away. You just got back in town.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Sure, that's what I said.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I just got back last week.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Well, then you didn't stay at that hotel in South Alvarado.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I told you I didn't.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I don't even know the place.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

But you know Mr. Van Owen, the old fellow at the fix it shop?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I don't know him either. I don't even go near that end of town.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What end of town?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What are you talking about?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Where you said the shop is.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I didn't mention where it was. I asked you if you knew him, Mr. Van Owen, if he ever went to his fix it shop to order anything.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Look, what are you lying for? What's the angle?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

No angle, McKinley. I told you. I like to have a straight story, that's all.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, you've got it, mister.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You heard everything I have to say.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I don't know any old man.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I don't know anything about that hotel.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Friday talking. Yeah, Don, how'd it go? Uh huh. I see. Yeah, we'll pick it up. No, we'll pick it up.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Right.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Thanks a lot. You don't lie Very good, McKinley.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Now what are you talking about?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

That was our handwriting man. He just finished checking those exemplars of your handwriting we got from you. He compared them to a signature in the register at the hotel in South Alvarado.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I already told you, I don't know the place.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Young fellow by the name of Richardson checked in there Friday night about 7 o'.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Clock.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

He signed the register. The signatures in your handwriting, McKinley? Yeah, sure, that's right.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

I don't know the place.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I never been there.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Now look, you're gonna have to do better than that, fella. The hotel manager's on his way down here now to identify you. So is Mr. Van Owen from that fix it shop. Maybe you better piece together a new story, huh?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You got my story, cop. I was out of town. You? You can't prove I wasn't.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

All right, McKinley. Anywhere you want to.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Joe.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Hi.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

How'd it go? Pretty good. Ray Pinker finished checking. I stopped at crime lab.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Here's a report on it. Thank you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Just about sews it up, no doubt about it.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yeah, you're right. All right.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What is it this time?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

More of your phony charges? I want out of here. Can't be done, McKinley. Report on the clothes found in that hotel room. You're not my clothes. I wasn't even in the place. I'd say you were cleaning tags on a pair of trousers. One of the coats traced them through the dry cleaners to you. A lie.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I told you I wasn't in the place.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

There's something else here, fella. They ran tests on all the clothes they found in your room. They found particles of fire clay from the safe that you broke into down below in the liquor store. Your coat, your trousers, they were covered with the stuff.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Save your breath, will you?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

When you ripped up the floor of that hotel room, you picked up something else on the clothes. Particles of floor varnish, small bits of wood. They all tie in. You through? No, not quite. A piece of broken coat button we picked up a couple of feet from the safe. They matched it up with one of the buttons on your coat. A broken one. The pieces fit perfectly.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Kenley, how about it? You've got my story.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

No. You got a lot to explain.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'll take my chances.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

What's the pitch, McKinley? You know you got to come up with a story. Might as well be now.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

There's no story to it. I was out of town. I told you that.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Why don't you get off it, mister? It's not going to take much to make a liar out of you. You know that.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Don't look.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Why don't you get off my back.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The two of you?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I told you everything I'm going to tell you.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Sit down, McKinley.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'm getting out of here. Sit down. All right, go ahead.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I can wait it out as long as you can.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I doubt that.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'll get him.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

All right.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Smith. Bacon, how's it? Oh, yeah, Jim, what is it?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

That right? Fine. Yeah, thanks.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Piece of news for you, McKinley? Yeah. The apartment came back to your place a few minutes ago. Our men picked him up. They're bringing him in now.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

There's news to me.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I don't have any. I'm in business for myself. That's what your partner figures. Tell me. He claims you got all the money. He thinks you were trying to run out on him. Oh, what money? Look, I showed you my wallet. You know how much I got?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Now we're going to ask you just once more.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You got it.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

There's nothing else to say.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

All right, Frank.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, let's book him in. According to Rogers, his partner's willing to talk.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I'll get the story from him. All right, McKinley, let's go.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What do you mean, go where?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Main jail. We're booking you in.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Come on, let's go.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Go ahead, Frank.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, come on.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What did he say anyway? This guy you say they picked up.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Well, your partner. We told you what he said. Why? What's the matter?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Nothing.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I understand. Better order up a stenographer, huh, Joe? Have it ready to take the statement when they bring the guy in.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yeah, it's a good idea.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Sergeant.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Let's go back.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

I'll tell you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The story you have just heard was true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. On September 19, trial was held in Superior Court Department 91. City and county of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. Now, here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Thank you, George Fenner. Friends, just a parting word about Fatima. I know a lot of you have promised yourself that you'd give Fatima's a try, but, well, you just haven't gotten around to us yet. So I'd appreciate it if you'd kind of keep us in mind the next time you buy cigarettes and ask your dealer for Fatima's. You'll find Fatima gives you more for your money. Compare them with any other king size cigarette and you'll find Fatima does have a better flavor and aroma. You'll like its extra mild and soothing smoke tomorrow. Bye, Fatima. Best of all, king size cigarette.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Ralph Arthur McKinley and his accomplice John.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Warren Hatfield were tried and convicted on.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Six counts of second degree burglary. They received sentences as prescribed by law.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Second degree burglary is punishable by imprisonment.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

In the county jail for not more more than one year. Or by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for not less than 1 nor more than 15 years. Ladies and gentlemen, to protect our nation and the free world against communist aggression, we must produce vast quantities of guns, planes, tanks and explosives. Defense of our country against aggression abroad and inflation at home depends on our ability to fill both our military and civilian requirements. Remember, the better we produce, the stronger we grow. You have just heard Dragnet. A series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department Technical Advisors.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Vance Brasher.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Heard tonight were Harry Bartel, Stacy Harris, Jack Cruchen.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Script by Jim Mosey Music by Walter Schumann.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Hal Gibney speaking.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Fatima Cigarettes.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Best of all, King Size cigarettes has brought you Dragnet. Transcribed from Los Angeles.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

There's more adventurous entertainment with Nightbeat next on NBC.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Ladies and gentlemen, the ringing of that phone bell brings you mystery adventure. Nero Wolf's office. Archie Goodwin speaking.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Who?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, yeah. Hello, Doc. How are you? What? In trouble? You?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

More trouble? You trick trouble. Archie, hang up.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It's our dentist, Dr. Thrummig.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Let him wait. We never can find him when we need him. Tell him it's after office hours.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Doc, Doc, you're talking so fast I can't make head and the tails of it. Look, look. Listen, Doc, come on over here and we'll be able to hear you. It'll only take you a few minutes. Right.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You consistently disobey me, I want to work on my paper about Odontoglasms.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Doc Trummick has a friend who's in some trouble and he needs our advice. Besides, we owe Doc a fair sized little bill. Remember, Remember?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Money again, Auntie. Money is the curse of our times.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, man. Bring on all the curses that is available. Ladies and gentlemen, it's that renowned genius who is the bulkiest, balkiest, most ponderous and most brilliant detective in the world. Yes, none other than that chairborne mass of unpredictable intellect, Nero Wolf. Created by Rex Stout and brought to you in a new series of adventures over this NBC network in the person of Mr. Sydney Green Street. This story is one we refer to as the Case of the Midnight Ride. Oh, yeah, there was a ride all right. But it would never have happened if we hadn't received another phone call a few minutes after our Dr. Thrummig phone. It was late in the evening and Nero Wolf was studying his paper on orchids while I was absorbed in playing some phonograph records.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Archie, Archie, not so loud. I can't possibly think when you play that Infanta.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What was that you said, boss?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I said I can't understand why you can't get music from a phonograph without vibrating the top of the instrument.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

That's right. That's right.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I can't understand why the neighbors haven't called the police. Do you hear that, Argie? Argy.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

All right, I'll answer.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You're fired.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Naturally. Hello?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Hello, is this Archie Goodwin?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I know Mr. Wolf's what? Me?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Archie?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, who is this?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I need help, Archie, please come at once. Please. Oh, please.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You and Nero. Who is this?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

This is Gloria. No, no, don't.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Gloria who?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Reynaldo West.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Hello? Hello? Well, did you hear that?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Another female by. What happened, boss?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Who do you know named Gloria?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Gloria? I know nothing about anyone named Gloria.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

She said her name was Gloria something. I couldn't quite get the last name, but she did say Ronaldo Road.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, it's quite possible that she resides on Ronaldo Road.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

First she asked if this was Archie Goodwin speaking. And before I had a chance to say anything, she asked me to come to her at once. She needed help for you to bring me along. I mean, for me to bring Nero along.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You don't even know what you're talking about.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, she said she was Gloria Barr of Mar or something like that. And then she said Ronaldo Road west. And then the scream. And that's all there was.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Hmm. The usual pattern of your experience with women.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Sounded like a hand was slapped over her mouth or she was grabbed by the throat. Bring Nero with you.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I am taking no more assignments this week.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Ronaldo Road west, Where is it?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I don't believe there is a Ronaldo Road West. If I remember correctly, Ronaldo Road runs north and south and is approximately 12 miles long.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

But she said west.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What she probably tried to say when she was interrupted was Reynaldo Road West, Chester, Westchester.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Of course.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Asked Inspector Kramer to try to check on that phone call.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'll ask him to try.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

By the way, do you expect to find this Goria alive, Archie?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I certainly hope so.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

And are you aware that if someone strangled her, then they must have heard her speak your name?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, and yours too. Shall I open it, boss?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Why not? Let us face it. Archie. Huh?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

It's me, Archie.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Wait till I slide the night chain off, Dr. Thrummit.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

My nose.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I forgot all about you, Doc.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Where have you been?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

It's only been three or four minutes.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I have never had such a disturbing.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Night since I had my first patient. But at first I was afraid to leave the house.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

And why were you so afraid, Dr. Thrummy?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

There were two men sitting in front of my place in the car. Oh, good evening, Nero.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Were they waiting for you, Doctor?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Why?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Not very likely.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Since she called me, I've been so completely unnerved. Here, doc, here, have some brunch.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

You know I never.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, that is.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, a small one. I am upset, you understand, Archie. Oh, that's busy.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Just who called you and upset you, sir?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, hello, Neera.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Did someone call me when you phoned me frantically that a woman called you. I couldn't understand you on the phone.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Poor Gloria.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

She was cut off.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, Gloria. Did you say Gloria? Well, didn't I?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I thought I did.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, dear. What did you say? I said Gloria. Oh, my. Isn't that strange? I thought that's what I said. No, no, no more, please. We just had a call from Gloria. Who is Gloria? Well, you remember.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

We all went to school together. That is.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, you do too remember Gloria.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You know, she was just. What is Gloria's last name? Dr. Thrumming.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, it was Gloria Barnsworth.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I don't know what it is now.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

That's what she was trying to say to me. Barnsworth.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Did she tell you where to find her?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

No, she didn't.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, dear me. She was just about to tell me.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

When I said I'd call you and.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Archie and get your help, and then.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

She was cut off.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

How do you know she's the Gloria Barnsworth you knew? And I'm supposed to know my.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Could you open the windows?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Why, yes, Archie.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, sorry, Doc. The air outside's contaminated. Oh, is that so? With what? Oxygen. Oh, these factories. Factories.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, well, I found her picture in.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

An old class photo.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Here it is.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, yeah, now I remember. But, Doc, you and this gal were several years ahead of me in school. I. I'm not in this picture. So she must be about 40 now.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, gentlemen, you both seem to have the situation well in hand now. So if you'll excuse me, I will retire to my room.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, yes, but we don't have anything figured out yet.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

But you will let me know in the morning how successful you have been. Good night.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, anyway, a woman called here and just as she was about to tell me who she was and her address, she was cut off as though she was strangled. Archie, did you say someone strangled her? I don't know, Doc. I hope not. Well, let's start our search along Ronaldo Road.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Archie.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Archie, don't answer it. They're after me.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

The men in the car.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

They saw me come in here after you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Nonsense. They found out Gloria phoned me.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Don't let them in.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Now, how could you know all that?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Dear me.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Do you mind a short one? I'm so weak tonight. Please, Archie, don't open it. I warn you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Just relax, Doc. I'll handle this. Good evening.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Evening.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Are you Archie Goodwin?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No. He is. Yes.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

No, I'm not. He is.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Put up your hands. Unhook the night chain. Now just turn off this light.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, I told you. I told you.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Where's Wolf?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, he's been in bed for hours.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

And who is this little man?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Why, I'm.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Don't you know? This is my. My brother. Brother Cuthbert.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes, he's quite right. I'm a bit old, isn't.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Here.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Shut up, Cuthbert.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

All right, get your coats and hats off that wreck.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What for?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

We're all going for a little ride along the river and it's a bit chilly.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh dear me, I feel faint.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I'm getting dizzy.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Get your hat.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes, sir.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

And put that bottle down. But it's so cold out. Get along. Here's the car. Now, Mr. Goodman, hand over that gun in your pocket.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

But I haven't got. Okay. There you are.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Thank you. Now get in the car. You get in the front seat with the driver. Goodwin.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Your brother can get back with me.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Okay. You know where we're going, driver? Yeah, yeah, but what. Get going.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

But do you know who this guy is? I do, why? Well now look, I. Well this guy is Archie Goodwin.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What if he is?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, this won't work. I mean, I didn't know it was gonna be Goodwin. He's with Nero. Wolf. What's your name, pal? I can't see, but I seem to recognize your voice.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, well, you see, it was like this.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I was in on.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Are you going to shut up and start driving? Okay, okay, I'm going.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Now see here, it's getting very late. I. I don't like this. Where are you taking us?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Keep calm, Doc. Yeah, don't get excited. Just take it easy. Listen, Goodwin, I got a wreckage for you. What's the idea back of all this, friend?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

We're off the road here, driver. Yes, but we're way out in the country. Now we'll all get out here.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Now wait a minute.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I can't get out. You too, driver. Oh, now wait a second.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What's the big idea?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Now all of you start walking over to that clump of trees. Go on.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

What's he going to do?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What do you think?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Okay, that's good. Just stand there. Now get out your gun, driver.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, now wait a minute. This is.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Get out your gun and don't turn around, driver.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Now let him have it.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Go on or I'll kill you. I don't go in for this kind.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Of stuff besides killing.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Empty a gun into them. Go on. Now just drop your gun on the ground there. Now I will take Goodwin's gun. And after I finish with it, I'll just toss it over beside his body.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Hey, now wait a minute.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Notice I have gloves on.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Hey, Doc. Dr. Thrummy. You all right, Doc?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, Archie, I'm sorry.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I'm sorry I got you into this.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I can't last long. Where are you hitting?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Tell Nero I make him a present of his new bridge work. I put in.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Let me have a look at you.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I wanted to die in my bed.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

With my friends around me. You're not bleeding. I wanted the choir to sing. What? I'm not bleeding. No. Are you?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Nope.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The driver was a bad shot. He missed both of them.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Then what am I doing down here on the ground?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You fainted at the first shot. I dropped purposely on the second shot. He missed every time. Come on, get up from there. We're very lucky people. What became of them? Hand me my gun. Oh, is this your gun? Wrap it in his handkerchief. Come over here. Yep, here he is, the driver. And he's dead.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

This is dreadful, Archie.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What do we do now? You got a lighter? Here's my pocket flash. There's his gun beside him. Don't touch it. Have a look through his pockets. I wish I knew what he meant when he said he had a record for me someplace. Picture of a girl says to Mike from Violet. Mike?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Mike.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

This fellow's face is certainly familiar, but I can't. Hey, wait a minute. Mike. Mike. Mike Jordan. That's it.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Mike Jordan.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah. Wolf cleared him on a frame up three years ago. And this girl, Violet is an entertainer in a nightclub downtown.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Violet? Yes.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

But what does all this have to do with Gloria? Strange, there's no other identification on him. Maybe the other guy took it off of him. Well, now we got to find Violet.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

How?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

We can't even find Gloria. I think now that this guy, Mike Jordan missed us deliberately. Let's start hoofing it back to that last crossroad. There was a telephone there. I'll call Nero. So that's the story so far, Mr. Wolf. Sorry to wake you up, but we wanted you to know. Yes, we did.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, such a night.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What was your reason for telling the man that Dr. Thrummick was your brother?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, I didn't want him to know that it was Doc because Gloria had called Doc and he must have known about it.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

And the driver turned out to be Mike Jordan. And what did Mike say to you in the car?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, he didn't finish, but he said, I got a record for you, Goodwin. It. And then the man shot him up.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

And when you located Violet at her place, he was cataloging recordings. Bring it in here now. Archie, sit down. Dr. Fleming. Yes, yes.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I am a bit weary. Come in, Violet. Violet, this is.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Hey, wait a minute. You're Nero Wolf.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Sedona's, right?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

What's the idea, Mr. Goodwin? Why'd you bring me here?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Will you look at this photo? It says, to Mike from Violet.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Where'd you get this?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I got it. Violet, what we want to know is where's Mike now? What's he doing? Can you tell us where he lives?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

What's Mike done now?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Can you tell us his address?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Maybe.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Do you know who he has been working for?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yeah, a guy with a big car and a lot of dough.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You've seen this man?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yeah, kind of a good looking guy. I think his name is Durant or something like that.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I understand you've been occupying yourself with cataloging some phonograph recordings.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yeah, that's what I was doing when Mr. Goodman came in. Mike's got a home recorder over at his place.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Do you have all the records that have been made on the machine so far?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

No, just what we made in the last week. Lots more at his place.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Do you and Mike know of a woman named Gloria?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

No. At least I don't remember.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

It was on Ronaldo Road. Gloria Barnsworth was her maiden name.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Where is this Ronaldo Road? I don't know.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It's in Westchester, we think.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I've never been there. What Has Mike done, Mr. Wolf? Is it bad?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

As a matter of fact, Mike is in the clear. There is no charge against him and there never will be. You haven't seen him for a couple of days?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

No, and I never go to his apartment unless him and some guests are there. Do you know where he is?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Will you give me the address of his apartment?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Okay. 324 E. 35th St.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Thank you very much, young lady.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

What's all so mysterious? Something's happened to Mike. I can tell by the way you talk.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Very well, Archie. You have a special visit to make. Look for the machine. And it's quite late, so you had best hurry.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Well, I'm going with you, Archie.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Good night, Nero.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I mean, good morning.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, I don't even know what day it is.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Come along, Violet. We'll drop you at your place first. Well, there we are, Doc. Yes. Has his name right on it. Mike Jordan. Well, we're fairly certain that no one's in there. Hey, what do you know? I didn't lock. The lights are on. I know, I know. Listen. Yes? A light humming noise but where is it coming from? Overnight Corner those wall cabinets. There it is. A radio and a phonograph combination. This and a recording machine. And the recording arm's still down on the record. Just lift it off and put the playback needle on. Yeah, there we go. Look, I don't go in for that kind of stuff.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You've been working for me for several.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Weeks now, haven't you? Well, sure, boss, but I never went in for no kind of. We're gonna pick this guy up and.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Take him for a little ride.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It ain't my line. All you do is drive the car. Okay, I'll take a chance. But remember, I'm just the driver of your car if anything happens. I didn't know nothing.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You'll do just as I say.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Incidentally, I know a lot about you. Things the police would like to know. Okay, okay, I'm working for you. I came out to Ronaldo Road to make an honest living. But I see I'm right back where I started and worse. Guy just ain't got a chance. Oh, remind me. I went to phone the place. Hello? How is it? I see. Yes, yes, tonight. Yes, tonight, just as planned. Oh, yes, yes, he's all right. All right, don't worry. Goodbye. Have you got a gun? Sure. I never used it. You won't need it. But I want you to bring it along just in case I do. Now, you've got nothing to worry about. I'll take care of everything and nothing will be traced to either of us. You got your money? Let's go, Mike. It's getting late. Well, Doc, he did say Ronaldo Road. That's where our Gloria called from. So they're all tied in together. Come along, Doc. We're going back to Mr. Wolf again, and we'll just take this record with us.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, Archie, I guess this phonograph was worthwhile after all. Yes, indeed.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Hey, don't you find this a very interesting recording, Nero?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'm sure we're going to add it to our collection.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

And these are the two men who took you on the right?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

That's right. But we're really no further along in our desire to help Gloria. That's right. Where on Ronaldo Road, boss? If we can find the address, will you go with us down there or over there or wherever it is?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I might. And you already have the clue to the address we have.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Where?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

In that phonograph recording. Play it again, Archie. Just the part where he uses the telephone and slow the speed way down. Then take down the numbers I call off.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Okay.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Boris.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Cheeks. Five. Three.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Two. Two, three. That's enough. By slowing down the record, we were able to count the clicks of each number he used on the diagram. Now, there's the number the man called. We hope it is on Rinaldo Road. Have Inspector Kramer get the address of that number combination and we are ready to make our assault.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'll call Kramer and I'll get the car out. It hadn't been out for weeks. Maybe it won't start.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

No such luck, Arty. I assure you. No such luck.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, here it is. I think we must go through this big gate.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes. Yes.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

There's the number 23.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Ronaldo, slip up to the entrance as softly as possible. Turn out your headlamps.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Here we are, boss. Easy now. Getting out.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Don't pull, Doctor. Don't pull. On.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Here we are.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Now, come along.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah. Spooky sort of place, isn't it? All big houses are like that. Must be 20 rooms. It's not a light in the place.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Use the knocker, Archie.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, stand back. Here comes somebody. Yes? Is Gloria in? What? Gloria. And who are you? We are here to see Gloria. Come, come. It's this hour of the night. Certainly not. Just a moment. She's an old friend of mine.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes, and his, too.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

He's Archie, my good man. What is your name?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Jennings, sir. In the household is in bed at this hour.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

What is it, Jennings?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Jennings.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Who's at the door?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

They're asking for you, Miss Gloria. For me?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, come in, gentlemen. You may go, Jennings, please.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Very well, miss. Just as you say.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Now, what did you want?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Say, Doc, is this the Gloria? Well, I don't know. It doesn't seem. Are you Gloria?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, why did you call us?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, then you're Archie Goodwin. Yes, and I'm Dr. Thrumming.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

But you.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I called you because I need your help desperately.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Gloria, what is going on here? This.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

And who are the gentlemen?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Well, you. You see, Uncle, Mr. Goodwin came.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Came to see you? Why?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Well, I.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Because I. I think you'd better go to your room, my dear. Don't you think that is best?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Your room and rest.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

No, no, I don't want to. I won't.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Go to your room.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

No, no, I won't. I can't. All those people walk in and out. They want to kill me.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Jennings, take her to her room.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir. Come along, Lisa.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

No. No, I won't. I won't. Let me go. There are hundreds of people that kill me.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Come along.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

No, no, please.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I'm so sorry, but there's nothing we can do with her now. Mr. Goodwin.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah. What is it you wish?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Mikhail called you uncle. Oh, pardon me. I'm near a wolf. How do you do, Mr. Woolf? Yes, she called me uncle, but I'm not really a relative. I'm Dr. Gunther, retained by the family. As you can see, the girl is.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Quite ill. Oh, well, we're old friends of Gloria's and we'd like to see her. But you just saw her.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

We don't refer to this young lady. We have in mind the elderly gloria. Now, come, Dr. Gunther. You know to whom we refer to you. You mean the girl's aunt? Well, it's very strange if you are a friend of the aunt's that you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Are not aware of her condition. Her condition?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes, the aunt has been bedridden for nearly a year. Paralysis. And it seems to be most coincidental with your visit. But she passed away this afternoon.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Died, Gloria. This afternoon? But how could that be?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

We'd like to see the remains, Dr. Gunther.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes? We'd like to see the remains. Just where are they?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

They are here, Mr. Goodwin. And if you and your brother and Mr. Wolfe will step this way to the small parlour. There you are, gentlemen. I'll leave you alone. I'll be in the library. Well, gentlemen, there she is. What do you say? Do you recognize this woman?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, yeah, it's been many years, but that is Gloria Barnsworth.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Well, good heavens.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, it's Gloria, all right.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Poor woman.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I remember now. She married a very wealthy manufacturer named Kenton who died.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

She's remained a widow, I guess.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

He said she died this afternoon. Are you sure it was an elderly woman who called you this evening? And by the way, just feel her forehead.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It's warm. She couldn't have been dead more than an hour.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

She isn't dead. No signs of pulse. Your cigarette case, please. Very slight moisture respiration barely perceptible. She's under heavy narcosis. Been given a heavy dose lately.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Let's get out of here.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Wait. Do you recognize the uncle? Rather. Dr. Gunther?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No. Do you throw me? No.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Does he look like the man who took you for a ride?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It was too dark, boss. And he was all bundled up in heavy clothes. Let's get out of here.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

The door was locked after we came in.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

He's right. Come on, doc, let's put our shoulders to it. One, two, go.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, gentlemen, what on earth does this mean?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Why'd you lock the door?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It's.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

It's a spring lock. I had no intention of locking the door. And I suggest, Archie, that you have it repaired. And now, Archie, will you step to the door and I'd inspect a creamering. He followed us up the driveway.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Yeah.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

About time. Getting cold out here. Inspector Kramer, this is Dr. Gunther. In that room is a woman he claims is dead. She is actually under the heavy influence of narcotics.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah? Who is she? Mrs. Gloria Kenton, widow of the wealthy shoe manufacturer.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

And this attractive young lady coming down the stairs is supposed to be mentally ill, which I do not believe. Her name is Gloria, too. A niece of the elder Gloria.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

But Archie and I both knew Gloria Barnsworth.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yeah, yeah, I get it, I get it. And I suggest that this man is not a doctor, but his young, glorious husband. And they're attempting to force the Aunt Gloria to change her will in their favor. This is utterly ridiculous.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The aunt was able to phone Doc Trummigan me tonight, but she was apparently caught in the actual.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

And this man, who is posing as the uncle, hired Mike Jordan to drive his car while he picked up Archie with the intent of killing him.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, this.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

This is the same man.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The same.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

And if Mike Jordan hadn't recognized Archie, both of you would be quite dead. This man double crossed Mike and killed him, believing that the whole thing would be blamed on Mike. Mike deliberately missed.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

All right, so what are you going to do about it? Come on, let's get out of here fast.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Look out. He's a cop. All right, now get those hands up and keep them up. Come along, Archie. I have another appointment. The inspector can handle it from here on.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh. Oh, dear me. What happened?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Am I all right? Yeah, you just fainted again when the shooting started.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Really? Quite fortunate that Mike Jordan recorded that conversation. Fortunate indeed.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

How did you know this uncle was the same guy who took us for a ride first?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

By his speech pattern, he is undoubtedly a Canadian. But you must have missed the most important slip up.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

What was that?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

When he escorted us to see the body, he said to you, Archie, if you and your brother and Mr. Wolf will step this way. Now, how would he believe that Dr. Thrummik was your brother? No one mentioned it, of course.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The clue I planted and then missed myself.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Quite right, Archie, quite right. What time is it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

8:00Am I certainly appreciate your coming out for me on this deal.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh, but I didn't do it just for you. There is an orchid lovers convention this morning at 9 o'. Clock.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What? And you mean.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes. I'm sure you'll enjoy it tremendously, both of you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, brother.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Say what?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Say? Nothing, Doc. Nothing at all. You have been listening to the new adventures of Nero Wolf, starring Sydney Greenstreet. Tonight's transcribed story by John Edison was based on the characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edwin Fadiman program produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin and Howard McNear, Gene Bates, Peter Leeds, Bill Johnstone, Grace Leonard and Jay Novello. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the final page. Don Stanley speaking. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. Ladies and gentlemen, the ringing of that phone bell brings you mystery adventure Nero Wolf's office. Archie Goodwin speaking. What? Who? Who is this? Who wants to speak to Mr. Wolf?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Nobody.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Nobody?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I said that. Hang up. It's late and it's too cold. And even if it weren't, I would not consider for one moment moving from this room.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Please, Mr. Wolf. I can't hear a thing this old gentleman's saying.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Does it matter? You heard what I said. No.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Now what did you say? You were late because she was killed. Who was killed? I can't hear you.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What is it about Argie?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

He says he was due here an hour ago. But she was killed.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Who was killed? What does he want?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Do you want us to solve the crime? I say, do you want us to find out who killed her? Oh, he says he knows who did it, but he has an important message for you. Well, then come right over. We'll be waiting, Mr. Jenkins.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Argie, why do you insist on taking every silly little case?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Because, boss, we need to recover from March 15. Ladies and gentlemen, it's that renowned genius who is the bulkiest, bulkiest, most ponderous and most brilliant detective in the world. Yes, none other than that chairborne mass of unpredictable intellect, Nero Wolf, created by Rex Stout and brought to you in a new series of adventures of this NBC network in the person of Mr. Sydney Greenstreet. This case I like to refer to as the case of the telltale ribbon. Perhaps a better title would be Wolf goes a hunting for. In a way, this was one of those unusual instances in which my boss, of his own free will and without any coercion, actually decided to leave the house and go to the scene of the crime. It started when the strange old gentleman who phoned us finally arrived. Well, there's our client. Mr. Wolf. Evening.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

It's me.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Who's me?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh, I just phoned you. I. I'm Jenkins.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I got a dispatch for Nero Wolf. Oh, you're Jenkins. Wow. Come in. Come here. Mr. Wolf, this is Mr. Jenkins. Says he has a dispatch for you?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yep. Yeah. Are you Wolf? I am. Where is the dispatch from? Don't know.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You don't know? How come?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh I know, but I'm supposed to say I don't. See, that's my job.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What is?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Just to say I don't know. What about the matter?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah. Who was killed?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh my goodness, it was a terrible thing. We were just crossing the turnpike and this fella come at us out of nowhere.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The killer?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yeah.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Must have been drunk I guess. Well how did it happen? Did he shoot her? Stab her? Oh no, no, he ran into her with his car and she was only 9 years old.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Your granddaughter?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

No, no, it was Bessie. But the police got him. I have to appear I guess. Probably get 90 days.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

He will.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

The murder. Murder? Was somebody murdered? I must have missed something.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Look, we're talking about Bessie and what do you want us to do about it?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Nothing.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Bessie's my old horse. Oh no.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

But say who was it that was murdered?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Nobody.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yet.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Good night, Mr. Jenkins. I thought you said it was important.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

It might be. At least that's the way I was told. What might be? This here letter I was bringing to you, this dispatch. Well, gotta get along now.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Goodbye. Well get him. What a pixie. What is in the envelope, Mr. Wolf? Look, five one hundred dollar bills. And the note says Mr. Wolf, your services are desperately needed. Come up this weekend as my guest. Signed E. Malot.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Edwin Malot, the wealthy manufacturer.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, looks as though you're going out this weekend.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, I'll pay my respects to Mr. Malot and I hope you enjoy the weekend.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Good night. Something certainly phony about this. There's no party going on here tonight. Yes, what is it? Is this the Malat place?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

It is. What do you want?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

My name's Goodwin, I'm a guest of Mr. Malott's.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

A guest?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, he invited me down for the weekend.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Weekend? Oh well you better step in please Mr. Goodwin.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Quite a bolt you've got on that door.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes, isn't it? Just sit down there please. I'll get Mr. Malott, he's in the library. Oh, here he is. This is Mr. Goodwin, sir. Says he's come down for the weekend.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Mr. Goodwin. Good evening. You've come for the weekend you say?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, wasn't that the idea, Mr. Malott?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I. I don't understand, Mr. Goodwin.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Didn't you send me this note asking me to come here?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Note? I did not. Well, well this is my personal note stationary. But I don't recall sending this. I didn't even type it and I'm in the habit of signing my name with a pen, not with a typewriter. E. Malotte.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You're certainly Edward Malott.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes. Services are desperately needed. What does this mean? What services? Who are you, Mr. Goodwin.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Are you serious? I'm a private investigator. I'm Nero Wolf's assistant.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh indeed. Nero Wolf eh? I know of him. Yes, indeed.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

And you really don't know anything about this note?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I do not.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Are you having a weekend party here?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I most certainly am not.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Then who sent this? And there were five $100 bills as a retainer.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I haven't the slightest idea. Oh Dorothy.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Will you step in here please? Ms. Davis is my private secretary. She may know something about this.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes, Mr. Millet.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What is it Dorothy? Dorothy, this is Mr. Goodwin.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

How do you do, Mr. Goodwin?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well I. How do you do Ms. Davis?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes, yes, well Mr. Goodwin is assistant to Nero Wolf.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

You don't say? Nero Wolf, the detective? Well I've heard a great deal about him and about you too Mr. Goodwin.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well now, I'm mighty glad to hear you say that Ms. Davis.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Mr. Goodwin has a note here.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Is anything wrong Edward? I heard voices. Oh, do we have company?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Nothing is wrong Eva. I was calling Dorothy, that's all. Oh, this is Mr. Goodwin. Eva, my wife. Mr. Goodwin.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

How do you do Mrs. Malone?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Mr. Goodwin, I. Yes, how do you do?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Now as I was about to say. Dorothy. Mr. Goodwin.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What's going on?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Mr. Goodwin, this is my son, Larry. Good evening. What's wrong? Mr. Goodwin has been invited here for the weekend. He has an invitation supposedly written by me. At least it's on my stationery. Look at this Dorothy. Know anything about this note?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

No, no, I certainly didn't write it.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

But it's my personal note paper and my signature is typewritten. I'd never do that.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well somebody sent it. Who's Jenkins?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Jenkins? Never heard of him.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

A little dried up old man. He delivered it to us. Maybe it didn't even come from this house.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I'm positive that it didn't. Never heard of Jenkins?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You have a typewriter here of course?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'd like to see it.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Certainly Mr. Goodwin. In the library.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

How, how far have you come, Mr. Goodwin?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

From New York. Manhattan.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, and it's such a dreadful night too.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes, yes, and it is rather late.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Late? It's only 7:30. Why not stay here for the night? Plenty of room.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes Mr. Goodwin, plenty of room.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well I don't really think that's necessary. On the other hand it would be a tough drive back to the city in this storm. I'll accept your hospitality, Mr. Malott.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Very good.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Or.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Where? Jeffreys, show Mr. Goodwin to the east wing and take care of his car.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes, sir.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Good night, Mr. Goodwin. You.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You. You mean you're all going to retire now? I haven't even had my dinner.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

We retire very early here. But Jeffreys will prepare anything you want.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Good night.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh, dear. Who moved that? Hello? Wolf speaking.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Archie boss. Well, I'm here at Malotte's place, but there ain't no party.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What happened? Are you in the right house?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'm afraid I am. They've all gone to bed. Weird bunch. His wife, who looks very sickly and I think wants to say something to me alone. And Larry the son, and Malott secretary, Dorothy Davis. She has me bothered a bit.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

How unusual. Especially if she's pretty.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

A beauty. But she seems to know all about me.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Hmm. You better come home, Archie. I can see you're in no condition to handle this case properly. Give them the money back.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, I forgot to tell you. They don't want me here. Malotte didn't send the note. No one here knows anything about it. So we can keep the dough.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Interesting. Indeed. The circumstances would indicate that you should stay there and wait for it to happen.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

For what to happen?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

For whatever it is the fates have conspired to have happen there while your shining little ego is in the midst of it.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Fine.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Who is it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It's Archie Goodwin, Mrs. Malott.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Come in, come in, please.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I saw you give me the eye when I was about to leave. I've been waiting till I felt sure they were all asleep. Now, what's up?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I wrote you that note I sent for you.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

How do I know that old man.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Jenkins is a scissor and knife sharpener who happens along every month or so? They wouldn't know him. I put five $100 bills in the envelope.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Okay? Why?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

My life is in danger. I've been threatened. I received three notes through the mail. They were all postmarked in New York City.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Did I see them?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Here they are.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

All typewriting.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

The first one reads, there is no love for you in Grey Gables. The second, why stay on in the face of death?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

And the third? The time is shorter than you think. Do you think this is a. Well, an Inside job, Mrs. Milan?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

At first I didn't, but lately I've come to think it is.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What caused you to think that?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

For some time I've been having severe spells. I thought it was indigestion, but then it occurred to me that I always broke out in cold Perspiration. I was left horribly weakened, terribly thirsty.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Thirsty? You fear you're being poisoned?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes. And since the thought came to me I've been living in fear. Fear of every bite of food or drink had so shattered my nerves that I have to take these yellow sleeping capsules to even close my eyes.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, as your husband and his secretary and your son. Larry.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Larry is my stepson.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Which one do you suspect?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

The secretary Dorothy or my husband?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Or both.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What's the motive?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Well, they're in love. She's been here over two years and they've spent most of their time together. The idea never occurred to me till last week and when I watched them it was quite obvious.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Anybody else know about these three notes?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh no.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Then I'll keep them for a while. Good night, Mrs. Malotte, and don't worry. What are you doing, Mr. Goodwin? Snooping around at father's library? Well, Larry, I was just trying to find out if this Remington was the machine you used to type those notes.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What notes? The notes you sent your stepmother.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Why?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I don't know anything about any notes. And why were you so startled? I'm not startled, I just. Well, why would I threaten her? So you do know about them? I didn't mention the contents of the notes. I just happened to see them on the table in her sitting room. You don't care too much about your stepmother, do you? Oh, she's all right. You don't care too much about Dorothy either, do you? I certainly don't. Why not? Well, I don't like her tactics, making a fool out of my father. If anybody here sent those notes, she did. You think Dorothy would have a motive? I certainly do. Of course you wouldn't have a motive, would you?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

No.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well I'm inclined to think you would.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Just what motive would I have?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You don't seem to like any woman who's too close to your father. Maybe because you'd resent anyone sharing in the estate if your father died. If I were you, Mr. Goodwin, I'd leave tonight and the sooner the better.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Good nighty. Oh, confounded boy. Yes, Archie, you have the wrong number.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

This is Sherlock Holmes speaking.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Why don't you go to bed like the others? You don't have to push it. It'll happen.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Eva Malat thinks she's being slowly poisoned, suspects her husband and his secretary.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

He could be right. What are the symptoms she suffers?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Gastric disturbances, weakness, thirst. Indeed.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What about the son? Have any ideas?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

He doesn't like his stepmother and is decidedly against his father's Secretary Dorothy. He knew all about the notes Mrs. Malott had received. Saw them on her dressing table. He believes Dorothy's the culprit.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Then I should say that Dorothy should be the next on your list.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You can say that again.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Be careful, Archie. Use your head this time.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Incidentally, Larry advised me to leave the place tonight. Bit of a threat it was too. What shall I do, Mr. Anthony?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Do?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Nothing. The trouble will come to you. Bye.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, hello there, Mr. Malott. I thought you turned in for the night.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

It's quite obvious you thought so. Mr. Goodwin. What are you doing in the library?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Why, just looking for something to read.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You'll find the books all around the walls. Not on my desk.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, I was looking for a particular kind of book. I'm very much interested in poisons.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Poisons?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, a hobby of mine. You happen to have any books on toxicology?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I do not.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

And what's that book on the fourth shelf right beside you?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Why, I. Oh, Toxic co. Where did that come from? Never saw it before.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Hmm.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Perhaps it was in that assorted collection I bought a couple of weeks ago. I hadn't noticed it. Larry probably put them on the shelves.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Mr. Malott, how long have you known Dorothy, your secretary?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

A little over two years.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Did it ever occur to you that she might be, well, infatuated, in love with you? What?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, of all the. Now see here, I don't know what you're up to and I don't know how you got hold of my stationery to write that fake note.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It isn't a fake note. My lot. I'm only trying to find out what's back of it.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Mr. Goodwin, there is nothing going on here that requires the services of a detective. And Dorothy is not in love with me.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I didn't say she was. I asked you if you thought she might be.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Well, since this conversation seems to concern me, I suppose I am at liberty to come in.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, you're still up too, Ms. Davis.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Did you hear what this man said, Dorothy?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes, I did, Mr. Milott, and I'd like to have a few words alone with Mr. Goodwin, if you don't mind. Mr. Goodwin, would you mind coming with me for a few minutes?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No, not at all.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

And well, it's rather late. Mr. Malotte, don't you think you should retire? It's a heavy day tomorrow.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, yes, yes, I suppose I should.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

And please don't let this upset you. Mr. Goodwin has been misinformed. I'll straighten him out. Come on, Mr. Goodwin, the bar is right across the hall. I'll Fix you a nice soothing drink.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

That'll be nice.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Well, now, what would you like, Mr. Goodwin?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The way it drinks? Oh, well, some 7up.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Really? Just sit down over there.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Okay. What do you want to talk about?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Well, where did you get the idea that I was in love with Mr. Milat?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

First, suppose you tell me if you are in love with him.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes, I am. But until a few minutes ago, he wasn't even aware of it. I worship him and his work. I never wanted him to know because he's married. It would have caused trouble and I'd have had to leave here. But now he knows it's true.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, now that he knows, what will happen?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I'm going to leave tonight.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Now I say.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

And since I don't own a car, Mr. Goodwin, I'm going to ask you to do me a very great favor. Would you run me into New York? I want to leave without a word. If I wait till morning, I'll have to explain to Mr. Melodic. Well, that would be most embarrassing. Archie.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, now it's Archie.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

You don't really mind, do you?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No. No, I guess I don't. I should maybe, but don't you like your drink? What'd you put in this drink?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

What do you mean?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What'd you dope it with Archie?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Why would I do that?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Might be several reasons.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

There's nothing in that drink.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No. Then suppose you drink it.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Why give it to me? I'll throw it out. If you want another drink, fix it yourself. I'll have my things ready in five minutes. Are you going to take me?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Sure. Certainly I'm going to take you. But are you sure you have to go tonight?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I must go tonight. Now.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Wish I knew why Mr. Wolf's always so right. What? Just talking to myself.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Dorothy. Larry Jeffries. Come upstairs.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

What's happened?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Call Dr. Hauser. Something terrible has happened to Eva.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, Dr. Hauser.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Poor Mrs. Malotte. No, there's nothing to be done now. It's all over. Eva. Eva. You'd better lie down, Mr. Malott. I'll phone and take care of everything.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'll be here if you need me.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I have to make out the certificate.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes. Come along, Mr. Milott.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Just a minute. You too, Larry. I don't want to make this any more unpleasant for you. But, Doctor, just what are you going to put on the certificate as the cause of death?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Acute gastritis.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Is that what you've been treating her for?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, she's had several attacks lately. I'd warned her to be cautious of.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Her diet and that was Wise advice, too. Did you know about these attacks, Mr. Malott?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes, I did.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

And you, Dorothy?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yes, I knew.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

And you knew also, Larry? No, I. I knew she hadn't been feeling well. How long had Mrs. Malotte been suffering from insomnia?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh, a year at least.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I prescribed Nembertol in yellow capsules.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Of course, I wrote a prescription every so often calling for 12 capsules.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You all knew about that, of course. I thought so. And would this be the prescription? This little box of capsules here on.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Wow.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

What's the matter, Mr. Goodwin?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

That box was open on this nightstand when we stepped into this room. All right, let's have the box, Mr. Milad. Thank you. Why'd you pick it up?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Because I. I didn't want the stigma of suicide on Eva's name, nor mine.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Suicide?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes. Eva had this prescription filled yesterday morning. The dose is one at bedtime. 12 capsules. She took one last night. I glanced at the open box when I came into the room and there were only eight capsules left. I. I knew instantly what had happened. She'd taken an overdose.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Doctor, do you think three capsules would be sufficient to cause her death?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I doubt it very much.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

So do I. Mrs. Malotte didn't die from an overdose of sleeping capsules. She was poisoned.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Poisoned? Are you crazy?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

By whom? By you or Dorothy or Larry? No, I didn't do it. I didn't write those notes.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What notes?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Mrs. Malott had received three notes threatening her life if she didn't leave this house. Each of you had a motive. So I'm sending this body to the coroner for an immediate autopsy.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I won't permit it.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The police will see to it. You have no choice.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes, AJI what now? Do you know who did it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

How do you know anything's happened?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Let us call it extrasensory perception.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, Mrs. Malotte was right. She's dead. Her doctor knew nothing about the spell she was having as being caused by anything but indigestion.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

How about an autopsy?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

It's all in the works. Looks like a metallic poison. All the symptoms.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh. Did you search the house carefully for such a poison?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I did. I'll check the drug stores in the morning.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Somebody in that house you some poison. Let me know when the autopsy report is in.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Right.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Let's see now we have Mr. Malott, Dorothy Davis and Larry the son.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

He's Mr. Malotte's son, but not the child of Eva Malott, Remember? Yes.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Is it true that Dorothy is in love with Malotte?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yep. Dorothy admitted it to me, but claimed Milotte wasn't aware of it until the night. And earlier this evening, Dorothy tried her best to get me out of the house. Insisted that I drive her into town. She tried to give me a drink which I think might have contained knockout drops.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You don't see Archie. I should have Fritz drive me up to the Mallorc place at once. Archie, are you there?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No, boss, I just fainted. And that, Mr. Wolf, is most of the story up to now.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Very interesting. Yes, indeed.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

But it isn't true. I did not put anything in Mr. Goodwin's drink.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Then did you ask him to take you into town?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, and I might have been found in a ditch.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Oh, it's ridiculous.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Why did you try to get Mr. Goodwin to take you to town?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Because I felt it would be too embarrassing to remain until morning.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Maybe you'd already given Mother the big dose of poison and wanted Goodwin out before it was discovered. Wait a minute.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Now, Mr. Miller. You claim that you knew nothing about Dorothy being in love with you. Should we believe that? You can believe it or not. Dorothy had a motive to get rid of Mrs. Malott. It seems that Mr. Milott had one.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Too, and so did Larry.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

What?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You admitted to me that you didn't like your stepmother and that you disliked Dorothy even more. I didn't say that. You said Dorothy was making a fool of your father. You resented the possibility of any woman sharing in the estate.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You knew about the sleeping capsules and you could have put poison in some of them. You could have written those threat notes. And by getting rid of your stepmother and placing the blame on Dorothy, I. You'll be getting rid of them both.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I didn't. I did not write those notes.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You were the only one who knew about them.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I was not the only one. I saw Dorothy coming out of Mother's room. It was this afternoon. Mother was out taking a sun bath. Dorothy did it. She's the one. I think you're the one. No.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

No.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Dorothy wrote those notes.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

That's a lie.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

No, she probably slipped in her mother's.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Room and wrote those notes on Mother's portable. What? Hey, just a minute. Archie, come here.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I never heard of sex.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I didn't do it. You can't send me to jail.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I'll kill you first. Larry. Drop that gun.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Don't come near me, any of you.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You're such a fool. Larry.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Give me that gun. I'll shoot.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I'll shoot.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Come on.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

There.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Now you better quiet down, kid, or Inspector Kramer will take care of you when he arrives.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Well, Mr. Wolf, what goes on Here.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Where's Goodwin?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I sent him upstairs, Inspector Kramer. Upstairs to Mrs. Malotte's room to check on something. Now here he is.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What have you been doing, Goodwin?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

This, Inspector, is the piece de resistance. This is what Mr. Wolf has been waiting for. This little black box contains a typewriter. A portable, noiseless Remington.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Mrs. Milott's typewriter. What? I didn't even know she had a typewriter. Larry knew she had one. And this is undoubtedly the very typewriter the threat notes were written on. All three of them.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You were right, boss. I knew she had a typewriter, but I didn't write those notes.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Oh, shut up, Archie.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

How do you know the notes were written on this typewriter? I've compared the type and the ribbon. They're both the same. These notes were written on this Remington. It was Dorothy.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Larry, I don't believe a word you've been saying. Dorothy couldn't possibly be guilty of such a thing. If anyone is guilty, you yourself certainly have all the earmarks.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Everybody's against me, even my own father. But I'm innocent, I tell you. Let me get it. I think I know who it is.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Hello?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah, just a second. You better take it, boss.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Wolf. Oh, yes, go ahead. Let's have it. Yes, he's here, but he won't mind. Yes, I see. Huh? You just finished? Oh, good. Right. Bye.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Was it the corner?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

The corner. Reporting that poison was found in the.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Sleeping capsules and the body. Did they find poison?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

They did.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You're right again, boss.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I'm going up to Mrs. Minot's room for a while. I want you to come along with me. Find anything yet, Archie?

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

No.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Mostly bills and invitations to bridge parties and so on.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Ah.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You find something, boss?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yes or no? This Pocketbook detective story.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What about it?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Just flipping through the pages and I find this corner turned down.

[Police Officer/Partner (e.g., Sergeant Frank Smith)]

Well?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, what is it?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Look and read.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Why stay on in the face of death?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Interesting.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The very words used in one of the notes.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Give me the book. Of course, this doesn't prove a thing either, but it does confirm what I was.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Oh, what now?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

This cinches it. Get them all up here. Archie, tell Kramer to bring them all to the bedroom.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, Mr. Wolf?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What now? As you all know, Mrs. Milott was poisoned by someone who had an opportunity to put it in the sleeping capsule. Someone in this household. Yeah, but which one?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The kin. I never bought any poison in my life.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Be quiet, will you? No, Inspector, it wasn't Larry.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

And I suppose you think I put the rest of that rat poison in your drink. Mr. Goodwin.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

No, Dorothy, it wasn't you. But how did you know it was rat poison?

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

I didn't. I just guessed. I can think, too.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Then if it wasn't Dorothy or Larry, you. You must mean me. No, Mr. Lott. Now, wait a minute. It had to be somebody. Yes. This is going to be painful for you, Mr. Malotte. Well, you. You mean that Mrs. Malotte did commit suicide? Was more than suicide. It was suicide with an attempt to have both you and Dorothy convicted of murder.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

She planted things.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

She did. I can't believe it. Show him the Pocketbook mystery.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Here's the proof.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Some of the threat notes were lifted bodily from this novel. Look on the back cover. Isn't that Mrs. Milott's handwriting? Yes. And this is the other note. The one to you, Mr. Wolf composed in pencil before she typed it out on her machine. Then, Wolf, the note you received was the same typing as the threat notes. See for yourself, Inspector. Then why the Dickens didn't actually compare them right away? Just one of those things, Inspector. There are times when even a good detective is a bit on the, shall we say, dull side. Don't you find it often true, Inspector?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Nice of you to go all the way out there, boss. I was a bit stuck.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Quite all right, Archie.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

There's something that still bothers me so. How can such a sweet motherly type as Mrs. Malotte Cook up such gruesome ideas?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

She was a very sick woman, mentally as well as physically. She probably felt she was going to die. And her warped mind seized on the opportunity to make sure that this Dorothy didn't get her man after she was dead.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

And speaking of Dorothy, she's a mighty pretty.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yeah. Some beer, please. Archie, if you were so certain that Dorothy wasn't guilty, what was the idea of spending so much time questioning her, huh?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Why, I, I, I.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Never mind the raised eyebrow department. Answer the question.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Well, there are certain rules a good detective always follows. Some are in the book, others aren't.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

You mean there's nothing in the book which says a good detective shouldn't spend a few minutes with an attractive brunette, even though she is a murder suspect? The author of that book can be none other than the incomparable Archie Goodwin. Good night, Archie.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You have been listening to the New Adventures of Nero Wolf, starring Sydney Green Street. Tonight's transcribed story by John Edison was based on the characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edwin Fadiman production, produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin and Gene Bates, Irene Winston, Ted Von Eltz, Jerry Hausner, Vic Rodman and Bill Johnstone. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the shot in the Dark. Don Stanley speaking. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's music in the air tomorrow evening. Music and fun brought to you by Dennis Day, Judy Canova and Grand Old Opry. Charming and boyish, Dennis gets himself tangled in another bewildering situation while Judy Canova gets together with her comedy pals for some mountain style goings on. And Saturday also means a killer cycle trip to Nashville for Grand Old Opry. Friday's fun includes Sam Spade and of course, the magnificent Montague. On NBC.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Saraby.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Fort Laramie. Starring Raymond Byrd as Captain Lee Quince. Specially transcribed Tales of the dark and.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Tragic ground of the wild frontier.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The saga of fighting men who rode the rim of empire, and the dramatic story of Lee Quince, captain of cavalry. Well, I still don't understand it, Captain.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

I don't imagine the War Department worries itself about what you and I think, Gors.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What I mean is it only makes that a troop of men ought to be called a troop, not a company.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

What's wrong with company, Sergeant?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I don't know, Captain, but it kind of makes us out to be an.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Infantry outfit, don't it? That bothers you?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I joined the cavalry, not a bunch.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Of road builders and day laborers. I'm not sure Captain Lawson and his men would like to hear themselves called that.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Didn't exactly mean any disrespect to him, sir. I know any frontier post ought to have some infantry stationed on it. But I just think somebody ought to get around to changing the designation.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Company.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Good enough name during the Civil War.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I guess so.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Cheer up, Gorse. May take em 10 years, but sooner or later they'll change it. I'll be commanding a troop instead of a company. Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'll be a whole heap older by 85. I sure feel better about it.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

All right, Sergeant, have Corporal Mercer make out some copies of this. Then post one at the Sadler's shop, another at the AQM stores.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir. Captain.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

What is it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Looks like Lieutenant Seiberts and the men.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Coming through the main gate now, sir. They're about seven hours late. Come on, we'll go meet him.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Prepare to dismount.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Dismount.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

That's pretty ragged. Yes, sir. Sergeant Glasser, take over.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Dismiss the platoon.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Sergeant Goris, have Lieutenant Cybert report to the orderly room as soon as he's free. Yes, sir. Well, Captain? What is it, Gorse? Say it out.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Lieutenant Seiberts is awful young, and he.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Come here straight from the point. I know that, Sergeant. You. You want me to be patient with him, that it?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Something like that, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

This is Indian country, Gors. There's not time for a man to be young. I've been patient with him for three months now.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir, but there's something else this time.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

What's that?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

His column out there is one man short.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

I can see the empty saddle, too, Sergeant. Just have the lieutenant report to me. Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Lieutenant Seiberts reporting.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

The captain is ordered Stand at ease, Mr. Syberts. You've just completed a fairly routine mission, Mr. Saberts. That correct?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

If I recall, your orders were simply to take a platoon from B Company. Proceed along the wagon road to Fort Collins, accept delivery of 60 remounts from Garrison quartermaster and return to Fort Laramie.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir, that's correct.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

You were to hold strictly to the route assigned, avoid all contact with Indian irregulars or any action which might provoke hostilities or reprisals. Were those your orders or not?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir, they were.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Were they clear? Did you understand them?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir, but.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Just ride to Fort Collins and bring back 60 horses. Those were your orders. Why didn't you carry them out?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I did, sir. Until circumstances change things.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Circumstances never change in order. The most it can do is alter the way you carry it out.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

All right.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Let's take a look at the way you carried out your orders, sir. Up until last night, when you bivouacked, everything had been normal. Then during the night, a band of Indians jumped you and got away with 35 head of horses. Why? Because you'd already violated one order, a standing order applying to all night camps in Indian country to use force. Entries on the picket line and four more out in the Points. You'd only posted three altogether.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

We were only four hours from the fort, sir, I thought.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Then you violated three more orders. You sent a detail into the fort with the horses you had left. And you led the rest of the column in pursuit of the Indians.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

But, sir, I.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

In doing so, you left your assigned route. You made deliberate contact with the Indians. And you committed an act you knew would provoke hostilities. In fact, you did everything but tear up your orders and feed them to your mounts.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

But they'd stand, and those horses have been placed in my charge. I couldn't let them get away with it.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Why couldn't you? You're an officer of the United States Cavalry, Mr. Seiberts. You're not permitted the privilege of getting mad and hitting back. We've got a job to do out here, A tough one. To keep order over an area of 10,000 square miles and to do it without men or the guns we need.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I know that, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

We're sitting on a powder keg, Lieutenant, every minute of the day and night. And don't you ever forget it. Just because some Indian strikes a match that gives you no excuse to light one in return. That clear?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

You brought back an empty saddle. How'd it happen?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

We were ambushed, sir. Private Langley was killed in the first volley. Corporal Dean and Private Wagner were wounded. We killed two at the hostels before withdrawing.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Did you bring in Langley's body?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'm sorry, sir. We were unable to recover. All right.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

That's all, Lieutenant.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir. Captain Quince, shall I expect a board of inquiry?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

That's up to the Major.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Sir. Won't he go by your recommendation?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

I can't be expected to cover up for every green lieutenant who comes off the point. I'll give him the facts.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Without recommendation.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

That'll be all, Mr. Seiberts.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Now, just a minute, Captain.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You can't expect to cover up for.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Every green lieutenant who comes off the point. And I wouldn't attempt it, Major. But I still accept full responsibility for Mr. Seibert's actions. Actions? The way I hear it, unofficially, of course. He simply lost his head. Violated his order, maybe. I didn't make the orders clear to him, sir. Clear to him?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

How could he possibly misunderstand a simple mission like that?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

He's young, major. We do things different out here in the frontier. It takes a wild ease into it. We haven't got a while. You'll realize that, sir. Left his route, attacked a band of Indians, and Lord knows what else. Major Daggett, you asking me for a detailed report? Yes, of course I'm asking for. Oh, no, no, by heaven. You've already accepted responsibility. I don't want to know the details, at least not officially. Whatever you want, sir. You mean whatever you want confounded, Lee.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You mother that troop of yours like.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

An old hen with a flock of chicks. Yes, sir. You'll take them out in the woodshed and whale the daylights out of them yourself. But you'll be hanged if you'll ever let the neighbors find it. Yes, sir.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

All right.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

You've accepted responsibility, so I'll let it go at that. Good. Provided you also accept the responsibility for pulling us out of the fire. A band of renegades, whoever they were, have attacked a cavalry column, stolen 35 horses and killed a trooper. If they get away with it, more Indians will jump reservation and join up with them. I think we can prevent that. Major, with your permission, I'd like to have a try at it.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What do you need?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

40 picked men from B Company, a second in command, and half a dozen of the best Indian scouts at the fort. Quanto for one Dancing Fox. And maybe Will Granby and Pete Hazen. All right, who'll you take as your second?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Peterson?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

No, sir. Lieutenant Siberts, you're handicapping yourself. I'd like to move out by one o'.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Clock.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

That way, a forced march will put us at the site of the ambush before dark. All right, Captain Quince, make your arrangements. Thank you, sir. Oh, and Captain. Yes, sir?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Good luck.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Thank you, sir. Sergeant Gores.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Just what do you find so funny?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

What?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Nothing, Captain. Nothing at all.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Prepare to dismount.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Lieutenant Seibert's reporting, sir. We're ready to move out on order.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Good. Sergeant Gorse.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

What do the scouts say?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Quanto talked with the scouts that were with the lieutenant at the ambush, sir. He's pretty sure they're a bunch of Cheyenne Bison clan with Squaw Dog leading them.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Squaw Dog? How many braves? Around 30, sir. And quano thinks they won't be very far away. I agree with him. This time of year, they're not likely to go north of the Laramie Mountains or west of the Sweetwater Ridge. Ten to one they'll hole up somewhere in the butte country this side of the Laramie foothills.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

That's what Quanto thinks too, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

All right, Sergeant, tell Quando and the other scouts to move out. They can cut the sign at the side of the ambush before the column arrives. We'll be there at five.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Qu you and Will Granby move out. All right, Mr. Saberts, post.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Callum. Colum, check. Prepare to mount.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Mo.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

The guide has left, Soldier.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Scouts have moved out, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Right, Sergeant. You get coffee this morning, Gors? Yes, sir. I'm glad. I have a feeling it might be a spell before you get any more. Mr. Sybert.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

You will move out with a point. Once we clear the fort, you will deploy the men as skirmishers.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

By the column of twos. Left on the guidon. Forward.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Forward.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Captain.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

What is it, Gors? I sure do like getting out the open air now and then. I just hope you feel that way two days from now. I think I will, sir. I think I will.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Lieutenant Cybert's reporting, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Yes, Lieutenant.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I've checked over the mount, sir. They're standing It. Well, all in good shape. Private Harrison's mount has a stage. Stone Bros. Not serious.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Fine. You got a match, Cyber?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir. There you are.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Thanks. Sit down. Rest your feet.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Thank you, sir. Captain, may I ask what the plans are?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

We'll let the men rest here till midnight, then push on north following the river. Unless Quanto or one of the other scouts makes contact before then.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

And after that, sir? When we find Squad dog and his men.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

No plans. At least no detailed plans as a matter of information, Lieutenant, or instruction, as you might say. I'm operating under one general order. To get the horses back, punish the Indians responsible for stealing them and for killing Private Linely. And do it without starting a blood feud.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

You pardon my saying it, sir. It sounds like a difficult mission.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Most of the jobs the cavalry does out here are difficult, Lieutenant. In time, you'll realize that.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I'm beginning to, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Hope so.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Who goes there? Advance and be recognized. One go.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Captain Quince.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

It's Quando, sir.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Over here.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Any luck, Quandu? Much luck. Find Squadog. Where? Up river at Punoico Fork, one mile west. Camp in Butte. Puno. Eco for end of forced march. We can make it before dawn. Corporal Mercer, get my horse.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Mr. Sybert, I'm going to ride out with Quando and get a look at him. You'll take command of the column.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Have the men tie down their bridle chains. Muffle all equipment. Stay by the river, but keep moving. Wait at the fork. If I haven't rejoined you, Sergeant Gorse knows where it is. That clear now? Yes, sir. All right, Quanta, lead out.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Carry on, Lieutenant.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir. Bugler on boats and saddles. Yes, sir. Sergeant Gores. Yes, sir. We'll move out in 10 minutes.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

That's him all right, Lieutenant. If it was anybody else, a point.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Flanker would have stopped him. Wonder what he plans to do.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

I just wouldn't know, sir.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I never tried to out guess the captain. Good officer, Sergeant Gorse. You couldn't find any better, sir. When we got a little time, I.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Want to tell you something else about him. Made good time, Mr. Sybetts.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Thank you, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Be full dawn about half an hour. Things are working out fine. There are about 30 of them camped in a narrow ravine between those two buttes there to the west. Luxuria is with us, Captain. The ravine's about 150 yards long. Only way out's at either end. Sides are too steep to climb. So here's what we'll do. Sergeant Gorse will send four men to each of Those two buttes. They'll climb on foot. Take positions on the rim of the ravine looking down on Squadog's camp. Understood?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Lieutenant, you'll take 12 men, circle south to come up on the far side of the buttes. You'll approach on foot to establish a skirmish line to command the mouth of the ravine. It's all broken ground. There's plenty of COVID You'll have 20 minutes to get in position. That clear?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

I'll move in. Cover this end of the ravine. You'll fire at will on your own discretion. As soon as you hear my guns open up. And with this point in mind, don't kill a single Indian unless you have to, to keep from being overrun. But that's an order, lieutenant. This whole operation is just one purpose. I want Squadog to realize one thing fast. That he's trapped. And that we can kill him and every one of his braves if we so choose. After that, we'll just see what happens. That clear to both of you?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

All right, move out.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

That's 20 minutes now, Captain.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Then we'll assume Cybert is in place. All right, sergeant. Let's wake him up.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Prepare to fire.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Ready. Fire.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Hit him again, sergeant.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Ready.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Fire.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

At the ready.

[Female Character/Announcer (e.g., Mother Willis or Dorothy Davis)]

Hold.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Well, that ought to show him. It'll be a little rough trying to come out this end.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

He ain't even going to try it, sir. Not one brave has shown up at the end of that ravine.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Here go the boys up on the rim. That'll give him something else to think about. Well, he ought to run into Sabbaths down there at the far end. Any second now.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

There he goes. Now.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

We've stopped firing. We've turned him back. Algorithm. I guess we can settle back now and wait.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

What do you figure Squad Dog's gonna do, sir?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

I know what I do. I'd hightail it out here and talk things over. You got a match, sergeant?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

No luck.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

If Squad Dog wishes to say something to the captain, let him get off his horse and speak the English he learned in mission school. And let him hand me his rifle.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Squad Dog ask why it is white man soldier attack peaceful hunting party.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Is it possible Squadog thinks I'm a fool?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

All Cheyenne? No. Captain is wiser of all men.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Then is it possible that Squadog has lost his eyesight and gone blind?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Squadog see like the eagle.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Then why can't he see 35 horses in there in that ravine with the mark of the white man's government on their flanks? Or is it possible that some of the chief's braves have made a fool of him?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

A fool?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Could it be that some of them have stolen horses and killed a soldier of the white man's army? And Squaw Dog knows nothing about it? Could it be that they've lied to you? Told you they traded for the horses? Are you a chief, Squadog? Or a fool whose men laugh at him behind his back?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I am a chief.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Then why are you not able to control your men? Why are they able to fool you so easily? Have you lost your authority?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I am chief.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

If you were chief, you would identify the guilty men and punish them yourself. Why is it necessary for the white man's army to do your job for you?

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

I do not know who does this thing.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Well, I'll give you five minutes to find out. And if you can't? Then we'll look for the guilty men with bullets. And a bullet has no eyes, Squadog. It can't tell the guilty from the innocent.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

How many brave you say do this.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Thing, I don't know, but one trooper was killed. I'd say it would take about four braves to kill a trooper.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Squad Dog, go now.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Just five minutes. And when you come out, leave the government horses in the ravine. And leave your rifles there too.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

We do not keep rifle.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

You do not? It may help remind you to supervise your braves more closely in the future. Now get going.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Five minutes are just about up, captain.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Yeah.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

He may decide to fight, but I was hoping he'd take the bait. He took the bait, captain.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yeah.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Well, it's rough justice, but it's better than a blood feud and a punitive campaign by a full regiment. Here they come, sir.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

They're riding out. All right.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Let Mr. Sybert know he can follow them through.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir. Bugler, sound recall. Well, they probably shot the four oldest.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Probably. Have Squad Dog and his braves stand by till Lieutenant Cybert gets here. He took part in the action. He has a right to share the surrender.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Guilty braves are punished. Squadog is free to go now.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Yes. You have my permission. Oh, just one more thing, Squadog. Every chief should have a rifle. But you have none.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

No.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

I will permit you to have a rifle, Squadog. Here, take this one. Now, go in peace.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Peace?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

That bloody old reprobate. Revenge is a luxury out here on the frontier, sergeant. Better this way in the long run.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Captain, why'd you give him back his gun?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Because that gun will break his back. Lieutenant. He took that rifle off of Trooper Langley's dead body. I saw the serial number that made him A big man with the Klans. Then we outfoxed him. Forced him into a spot where he had to execute his own braves to save his skin. And as a final gesture of contempt, I gave him back the gun. That'll break him. It'll save lives in the long run. They'll laugh him off the reservation before the month's out and. What's wrong, Lieutenant?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I. I caught a bullet, sir. One of the Indians. The other end of the ravine. It's not serious.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Why didn't you get attended to?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

I. Well, I had direct orders to report to you at once.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

A bullet wound's an exception. Lieutenant. Go find Corporal Graley and get him to dress that.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Oh, Lieutenant?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yes, sir?

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

About that board of inquiry, I. I.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Heard about it, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Who from?

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Sergeant Gorse, sir.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Gorse, Captain.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

He's gonna do all right.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

You make a good soldier. He'll do better than that, Sergeant. He'll make a good cavalryman.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Fort Laramie is produced and Directed by.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Norman McDonnell and stars Raymond Burr as.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Lee Quince, captain of Cavalry, with Vic.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Perrin as Sergeant Gorse.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

The script was specially written for Fort.

[Military Officer/Captain (e.g., Captain Quince)]

Laramie by Les Crutchfield with sound patterns by Bill James and Ray Kemper, musical supervision by Amerigo Marino.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Featured in the cast were Harry Bartel, Jack Moyles, Joseph Cranston and John D.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Company, tension dismiss.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Next week, another transcribed story of the Northwest frontier and the troopers who fought under Lee Quince, captain of Cavalry. Now a public service message from CBS Radio. In time of flood or fire or other disaster, feeling. Feeling sorry for the victims is not enough in itself to help those victims resume their normal ways of life. When disaster strikes, someone must be on the spot and on the job to help. And with your support, the Red Cross will be on the job wherever and whenever emergencies arise. Join and serve your local Red Cross chapter now and enjoy knowing that your membership and your contributions are helping people when a need arises throughout the the months ahead.

[Host/Announcer (e.g., Old Time Radio Podcast Host)]

We just heard Harry Bartel in Escape, Dragnet, Nero Wolf and Fort Laramie. That will do it for this week's episode. 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. 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 Crime Fighters. But until then, good night and happy listening.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Sam. Now here is our star, Vincent Price.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Ladies and gentlemen, In a prejudice filled America, no one would be secure in his job, his business, his church or his home.

[Narrator/Lead Actor (e.g., Harry Bartel or Johnny Dollar)]

Yet racial and religious antagonisms are exploited.

[Supporting Actor/Detective (e.g., Jack Webb or Sergeant Friday)]

Daily by quacks and adventurers whose followers make up the irresponsible lunatic fringe of American life. Refuse to listen to, 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.