Episode 648 - An Array of Archies (New Adventures of Nero Wolfe)

Summary

Podcast Summary

Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)

Episode 648 – An Array of Archies (The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe)
Date: December 14, 2025
Host: Mean Streets Podcasts

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Overview

This episode concludes a two-part spotlight on The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe, a notable Golden Age radio detective series starring Sydney Greenstreet as Nero Wolfe. Unique among detective shows, the series cycled through six different actors as Archie Goodwin, Wolfe’s witty and resourceful assistant, during its 1950-51 run. The episode explores why so many Archies appeared, provides context on each actor’s tenure, and features three full-length radio episodes showcasing Larry Dobkin, Gerald Mohr, and Harry Bartell each in the role of Archie. The host offers behind-the-scenes insights and personal commentary, making this an engaging listen for both longtime fans and newcomers to old-time radio mysteries.

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Key Discussion & Segment Guide

[00:54] Host’s Introduction and Show Context

• Recaps previous week’s showcase of the first three Archie Goodwins: Wally Mayer, Lamont Johnson, and Herb Ellis.
• Explains ongoing casting difficulties:
  • “Six different actors played the part over the single season. Due to Sidney Greenstreet's frustration with the show's low ratings, he believed his costar was dragging down the series, which led producers to set up a revolving door of actors to take on the role.”
• Introduces this week’s focus: the final three, longer-running Archies.
• Each actor’s strengths and chemistry with Sydney Greenstreet are discussed, with personal rankings by the host.

The “Array of Archies” Lineup

1. Larry Dobkin (8 episodes)

• Praised by the host as “funny, flirtatious with the women he meets... and tough when he needs to be. His rapport with Greenstreet is great. He captures the unique nature of the Wolfe-Archie relationship: affectionate, admiring, but also always slightly exasperated with one another.”
• Featured episode: “The Case of the Deadly Sellout” (A missing boxer, a lady’s hat, and blackmail escalation).

2. Gerald Mohr (4 episodes)

• Renowned for his role as Philip Marlowe. Host notes, “The role lets him show off a more playful side than he got to show as Philip Marlowe, and he too has a nice back and forth with Sidney Greenstreet.”
• Featured episode: “The Case of the Calculated Risk” (A man confesses his intent to murder—a complex web of revenge unfolds).

3. Harry Bartell (10 episodes, longest-running Archie)

• Known for a more “comedic and romantic” Archie, with a “lighter, charming” touch.
• “Bartell is really good, but I don't think he sells the character's tougher edge as effectively as Dobkin and Moore.”
• Featured episode: “The Case of the Final Page” (A murdered novelist, a missing manuscript, and a publisher’s deception).

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Episode Showcases & Highlights

[09:12] The Case of the Deadly Sellout (Larry Dobkin as Archie)

Summary:

• Wolfe and Archie are hired by a frantic boxing promoter whose star fighter has vanished.
• The case spirals into murder, blackmail, and betrayal. Key evidence: a ladies’ hat found at the crime scene.

Highlights & Quotes:

• Larry Dobkin’s Archie is sharp with comic banter:
  • “I was all set to argue with you about taking the case. You... you gave in too fast.” (09:27)
• Strong Wolfe/Archie dynamic:
  • Wolfe: “Nonsense. I'm fascinated by the thought of anyone misplacing a prizefighter. They're usually quite large, aren't they?” (09:35)
• Signature moment: Archie spars with femme fatale Jerry Fay in a snappy exchange about blackmail and motive (11:08–12:40).
• Wolfe’s detective method:
  • “If his clothes are missing, it would indicate he left voluntarily and deliberately.” (18:07)
• The case reveals romantic tangles and double-crosses. Notable finale: Wolfe’s deduction exposes the real killer in explosive fashion, using psychological traps and careful witness manipulation.

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[39:28] The Case of the Calculated Risk (Gerald Mohr as Archie)

Summary:

• A mysterious, bearded man named Caffrey visits Wolfe, confesses he plans to kill someone out of revenge, and gives Wolfe an envelope to open if anything happens to him.
• Caffrey is soon found murdered. Archie and Wolfe unravel a decades-old crime involving double-crossed business partners, betrayal, and hidden pasts.

Highlights & Quotes:

• Electrifying opening:
  • Caffrey: “Tomorrow morning, Mr. Wolfe, I'm going to kill a man.” (39:28)
• Wolfe maintains calm and logic:
  • “I've been told strange things across this desk, Mr. Caffrey, but this is the first time a murderer has confided his intention to me in advance.” (39:49)
• Archie’s quick wit with secretaries and suspects adds levity (51:13).
• Methodical investigation: Wolfe systematically narrows suspects by height, background gaps, and alibis—intellectual sleuthing at its finest.
• Gripping climax: a gun-waving confrontation in Wolfe’s office. Wolfe bluffs having a gun, Archie covers him, and they talk the killer into surrendering:
  • Wolfe: “I must confess, Archie, that my .45 is in the upstairs den where I took it to oil it last night.” (64:46)

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[68:02] The Case of the Final Page (Harry Bartell as Archie)

Summary:

• Wolfe and Archie are guests for dinner at an author’s apartment, but upon arrival, discover him murdered.
• The only clue: the final page of a new mystery novel in the typewriter; the rest is missing.
• Through investigation, Wolfe draws out the killer by tricking them into believing there’s another copy of the incriminating manuscript.

Highlights & Quotes:

• Playful opening as Archie drags reluctant Wolfe out for dinner:
  • Archie: “Would you mind giving me some slight indication that you intend to move from that chair?” Wolfe: “Just as soon as I finish this beer.” (67:26)
• Intriguing meta-moment:
  • Wolfe: “The last person to see Arthur Merle alive was the person who ended his life.” (80:11)
• A fake manuscript and a staged confrontation set the trap. The murderer falls for it and confesses.
  • Wolfe: “No, but we certainly got a murderer, eh, Inspector?” (93:13)
• Wolfe’s wry curiosity about the missing story:
  • “I wish there had been a copy of Arthur Merle’s novel. …I’d like to know what that blackmail gimmick really was.” (93:53)

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Notable Quotes (“Archie Moments”)

On Archie’s role:

• Host: “Dobkin is my favorite of the Archies from the Sydney Greenstreet series. He’s funny, he’s flirtatious…”
• Archie (Larry Dobkin): “Okay then, here’s my wrist. Slap it, Ms. Fay. I’m a bad bull.” (11:26)
• Archie (Harry Bartell): “Women are usurping everything.” (70:05)

Classic Wolfe:

• Wolfe: “Mr. Rainey, if I were not a modest man, I would point out to you that you're getting quite a bargain.” (18:47)
• Wolfe: “Monumental, but a little hasty.” (34:52)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:54 – Introduction to the three featured Archies and show context
• 09:12 – Start “Case of the Deadly Sellout” (Dobkin)
• 39:28 – Start “Case of the Calculated Risk” (Mohr)
• 68:02 – Start “Case of the Final Page” (Bartell)
• 95:40 – Outro and tease for next week’s episode

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Memorable Moments

• The host’s affectionate rankings of each Archie and analysis of their chemistry with Greenstreet.
• Each Archie’s banter and style: Dobkin’s dry wit, Mohr’s playful side, Bartell’s romantic charm.
• Three intricate mystery plots, each solved with Wolfe’s trademark blend of psychology and evidence.
• The final “fake manuscript” confrontation: a classic Wolfe trap.
• Wolfe’s closing craving for lobster bisque (36:15), and his relatable reluctance to leave home for social events.

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Tone & Language

• The host delivers insights warmly, clearly a fan and historian as well as a presenter.
• In the shows, Archie is breezy and wisecracking; Wolfe is erudite, gruff, and understatedly humorous—a perfect radio detective duo.
• Period details and radio settings convey a sense of mid-century New York, enhancing the nostalgic, atmospheric charm.

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Conclusion

This “Array of Archies” episode provides a fascinating look at the casting quirks of The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe, celebrates three memorable radio mysteries, and functions both as a fun historical survey and as a sampler of classic detective radio drama. Whether you’re nostalgic for Golden Age radio or discovering Nero Wolfe for the first time, this episode is rich in character, clever plots, and a unique flavor of sharp repartee.

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Key Quote (Host, 00:54):

“It's another assembly of Archie Goodwins with three more Nero Wolf adventures. Larry Dobkin is up first right after these messages.”

Transcript

[Archie Goodwin]

Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective the Adventures of the Saint Starring Vincent Price. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Podcast Host]

Hello and welcome to down these Me Streets with more old time radio detectives and crime fighters. Today we wrap up a two part spotlight series on the new Adventures of Nero Wolf, just in time for the December birthdays of the show's star, Sidney Greenstreet and the creator of Nero Wolf, Rex Stout. Greenstreet, who made his film debut as the fat man in the Maltese Falcon, starred as Nero Wolf in a single season show that aired from 1950 to 1951. But the show could never settle on a single actor to play Wolf's assistant and legman, Archie Goodwin. Six different actors played the part over the single season. Due to Sidney Greenstreet's frustration with the show's low ratings, he believed his costar was dragging down the series, which led producers to set up a revolving door of actors to take on the role. Last week we heard the first three, Wally Mayer, Lamont Johnson and Herb Ellis. Mayer and Johnson each appeared in one episode and Ellis made it all the way to two. Today we'll hear the final three actors, each with a longer tenure in the part and one of them coming off a dynamite run in his own radio detective series. First up is Larry Dobkin, who filled Archie Goodwin's shoes for eight episodes. At the same time he played Archie Goodwin. Dobkin also appeared on the Saint as Louis the cab driver sidekick of Simon Templer. Dobkin also played Ellery Queen on the air, and he could be heard in a ton of shows and supporting roles. Larry Dobkin is my favorite of the Archies from the Sydney Green street series. He's funny, he's flirtatious with the women he meets over the course of his cases, and he's tough when he needs to be. His rapport with Sidney Greenstreet is great. He captures the unique nature of the Wolf Archie relationship. Affectionate, admiring, but also always slightly exasperated with one another. We'll hear him in the Case of the deadly sellout from January 5, 1951, a story of a missing boxer and a lady's lost hat. Interestingly, a key supporting role in the Case of the Deadly Sellout is played by Gerald Moore, who took over the role of Archie Goodwin the following week. Maybe Sidney Greenstreet liked the cut of Moore's jib, or maybe Larry Dobkin was ready to leave Mr. Wolf's employ. Whatever the reason, Gerald Moore had a four episode run as Archie Goodwin from January to February 1951. Gerald Moore may be best known to Old Time Radio fans as Philip Marlowe. He starred as Raymond Chandler's gumshoe in a terrific CBS series that ran from 1948 to 1950. That show signed off just a few weeks before the premiere of Nero Wolf on NBC. Moore would return to the role of Marlowe for a 1951 summer series, so these four Nero Wolf episodes fall in between the those runs. Moore is my second favorite Archie after Dobkin. The role lets him show off a more playful side than he got to show as Philip Marlow, and he too has a nice back and forth with Sidney Greenstreet. The big knock on him, in my opinion, is that his episodes aren't as strong as Larry Dobkins. His best is the one we'll Hear today from January 19, 1951. It's the case of the Calculated Risk, where a man visits Nero Wolf and announces his intention to commit a murder. After Gerald Moore finished his run as Archie, actor and announcer Harry Bartel took over the role for the final 10 episodes of the series, giving him the longest tenure of any actor in the part. We just profiled Mr. Bartel in celebration of his birthday a few weeks ago in episode 646. In addition to being an actor, Bartel served as the longtime announcer for the director New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. His Archie is the most comedic and romantic. Bartell is really good, but I don't think he sells the character's tougher edge as effectively as Dobkin and Moore. Still, something must have clicked between him and Sidney Greenstreet because he lasted for 10 shows. We'll hear him in the case of the final page from March 23, 1951, one where Wolf and Archie visit a friend for dinner and discover his corpse outside of the dining room. It's another assembly of Archie Goodwins with three more Nero Wolf adventures. Larry Dobkin is up first right after these messages.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now it's winners time again. Yes, sir, Here are the two winners. The carousel contest for the week ending November 8th. Each of these listeners wins a gorgeous $100. 17 Jewel Harman Gold Watch just for writing an interesting letter about Carry Salt. The ladies watch goes to Mrs. A.O. nobles Jr. Of Gainesville, Florida, first suggestion tells you how to remove the printed dye from sugar bags or white feed bags. She suggests you dampen the bags with kerosene and sprinkle on Carrie's table salt. Then roll them up tight and let them stir. Stand overnight. Next day, just wash in soapy water and watch the dye rinse away. Sounds like a wonderful idea. And here's the winner of the man's watch. He is Mr. Sandy Riza of Cleburne, Texas. And he bases his suggestion on 30 years of experience. He says the best thing I have ever found for smoothing rough gears and silencing their noise is the use of Kerry salt mixed with gear grease or compound. Congratulations to both of the winners. And folks, if you'd like to win one of these beautiful, beautiful watches, listen for the easy rules later in this program. Meanwhile, remember, there's a fine carry salt for every farm and home use. There's deep penetrating, carries table salt, carries meat curing salt, carries mineral supplement salt and many others. Always look for the white bag box or cotton with a bright red band. Now, medical science offers you proof positive. Yes, medical science offers you proof positive no other leading cigarette is safer to smoke because no other gives you less nicotine, less throat irritating tars than the new, smoother, better tasting Raleigh. Yes, exhaustive scientific tests of America's 6 biggest selling brands based on a method used by the United States government. Tests certified by a jury of 14 distinguished doctors, including throat specialists have just proved conclusively no other cigarette gives you less nicotine, less throat irritating tarsus. So no other is safer to smoke. Yes, Rawleys are ripe, ripe for taste, ripe for throat. So enjoy Raleigh's rich tobaccos that smoother, more satisfying rawly flavor. Remember, medical science now offers you proof positive no other cigarette is safer to smoke because no other gives you less nicotine, less throat irritating tars than the new, smoother, better tasting Raleigh. Good evening, this is your Rexall family druggist with a welcome from the 10,000 independent druggists who have made the word Rexall part of our own store names. We've done that because we recommend and sell the 2,000 or more drug products made by the Rexall Drug Company. Like Rexall Milk of Magnesia. For example, here's the milk of Magnesia that's so pure and creamy smooth, so free from that unpleasant earthy taste even children spot the difference. Ask for the Rexall Milk of Magnesia at Rexall drugstores everywhere. And remember, you can depend on any drug product that bears the name Rexall. 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. Ladies and gentlemen, the ringing of that phone bell means mystery Advent. Nero Wolf's office. Archie Goodwin speaking. You're a. And you've lost your. Oh, Archie.

[Nero Wolfe]

The answer is no.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hold on a second. The answer to what is no, Mr. Wolf?

[Nero Wolfe]

I should not attempt to find a blonde for anyone.

[Archie Goodwin]

You've got the man on the phone a little wrong, Mr. Wolf. He's not looking for a blonde. He's looking for a prize fighter. Indeed.

[Nero Wolfe]

Have him come here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay. Mr. Wolf will see you at 8. So long. I was all set to argue with you about taking the case. You. You gave in too fast.

[Nero Wolfe]

Nonsense. I'm fascinated by the thought of anyone misplacing a prize fighter. They're usually quite large, aren't they?

[Archie Goodwin]

They are. But what this guy is worried about is not only finding his boy, but finding him. Ladies and gentlemen, it's the bulkiest, balkiest, smartest and most unpredictable detective in the world. That chairborne genius, Nero Wolf, created by Rex Dowd and brought to you in a new series of adventures over this NBC network in the person of Mr. Sydney Greenstreet. The Case of the Deadly sellout. That's what my boss, Nero Wolf, called it. And it almost meant curtains for the firm of Wolf and Goodwin. But let me give it to you straight. Right from the beginning. Although you ought to know that it wasn't until it was all over that I knew the very beginning of it myself. It all started in the New York flat of one Brock Rainey. Yes.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

My name is Jerry Faye.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm supposed to know you.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Being a very good friend of Paper Gato's, it's time you got to know me. May I come in?

[Archie Goodwin]

Sure. You've got a problem, Ms. Fay.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Peppy took a fall at the Garden last night against a coffee and bomb named Eubanks, right?

[Archie Goodwin]

As far as I know, Sister Gotto met his match.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Please, Mr. Rainey, do me a favor. Skip the sausage meat. It happens. I saw the 1200 bucks you counted out to him to take a quick dive in the first.

[Archie Goodwin]

You did?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

How else would I know?

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, then, here's my wrist. Slap it, Ms. Fay. I'm a bad bull.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Now look who's kidding who. I don't care if Pepe makes himself a few deals on the side. I should worry whether he gives those meat eaters on the benches a run for the ducats. What's it to me?

[Archie Goodwin]

If you're not worried, sugar plum, then neither am I. Also, I'm a very busy man.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Not too busy to pay off, I hope.

[Archie Goodwin]

Pay off to who?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

To me.

[Archie Goodwin]

For what?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

For keeping it to myself that you collected five grand from the Eubanks crowd for getting Pepe to take that dive. Certain people might not like to hear it, Ms. Fay.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah? Drop dead.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I don't think we understand each other.

[Archie Goodwin]

Which is just as well. Now get out of here.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hello, bimbo.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Okay, Mr. Rainey, have it your way. I'll go find someone with a more sympathetic ear. Someone like Larson. Arnold F. Lawson. So long.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wait. Where does Lawson come into this?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

You asking of Stalin? Lawson dropped a sizable piece of change on last night's two step.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now close the door, Jerry.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Oh, yeah. $25,000 to be exact. That's a lot of corn to lose because a cheap fight manager arranges a frame. At least Arnold Lawson might think so.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sit down.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Who's tired? Look, Mr. Rainey, it goes very simply in only one way. Lawsnet yet knows from nothing except that your boy Goto lost the fight. He may suspect, but he don't know. And he really don't have to know.

[Archie Goodwin]

Glad to hear you say that.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

And I'll be glad to see the shade of 3,000 long green banknotes.

[Archie Goodwin]

How much?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

You heard me. Three grand.

[Nero Wolfe]

Get out.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Okay, I'm going to the next phone and call Larson.

[Archie Goodwin]

Look, Jerry, give me time, huh? I haven't got that kind of dough right now.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Tell it to Larson when he gets through with you. You won't need any kind of dough, you know.

[Archie Goodwin]

I've got Gato set for a go with Mellish, the title contender. Gado can take him. Please believe me. He's gonna take him.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

So?

[Archie Goodwin]

So after what happened in the Eubanks fight, the odds on Gado will be like a war. Debt we can clean up.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I wouldn't trust you from 11:59 to midnight. Get it up now. I'll give you six hours. After that, Larson. So long.

[Archie Goodwin]

Come on. Come on. Hello? Hello, Rainy? This is Garo. Hiya, baby. Look, the boys dropped in on me.

[Nero Wolfe]

At the office at Mindy's. Lawson wants to see me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Look, bum, I'm the one with the cauliflower ears. You heard me. What do I do? Nothing. But don't go near him.

[Nero Wolfe]

Stay home.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let me take care of it. How? How? What do you do? I don't know yet. Paper. But I'll find a way. How did he find out? Your girlfriend What?

[Nero Wolfe]

She wouldn't do that.

[Archie Goodwin]

She hates the guy. Hate him? I love him. She told him. I can't believe it. I suggest you call our little doll Jerry and give her your regards for the double cross. Meanwhile, stay put in your apartment. Don't move.

[Nero Wolfe]

But rainy.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hello? Hello? 75, 3. 319, 3.

[Nero Wolfe]

What on earth are you mumbling about?

[Archie Goodwin]

The high cost of blunt indeed. Oh, you can say that again.

[Nero Wolfe]

I have no intention of doing zoo.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, be smug, but there must have been a time even in your life when Knick knacks from Tiffany figured on the budget. Not to mention steak dinners and champagne or what did you feed your girls? Peppermint lozenges. Nonsense, nonsense.

[Nero Wolfe]

They preferred lime.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, I'm dying. And he laughs. Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes?

[Archie Goodwin]

I have decided that you are giving me a raise.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, this is not a period in which unilateral decision decisions are wise.

[Archie Goodwin]

So I'll be a dope and get a raise, huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

As for your future mental attainments, you may be right.

[Archie Goodwin]

As for rage, you want to drive me to gambling? Like betting on fights or going. Okay, it's the doorbell and I'm answering it. The name's Rainey. You're Goodwin? I'm Goodwin. Come in, Ms. Wolf. End. Mr. Wolf is always in, unlike prize fighters, I guess. Come on. Thank you. Mr. Wolf. This is Mr. Rainey, the man who lost his prize fighter.

[Nero Wolfe]

How do you do, sir?

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm not doing so good, Mr. Wolfe. You gotta help me.

[Nero Wolfe]

That will depend.

[Archie Goodwin]

On what?

[Nero Wolfe]

The fee.

[Archie Goodwin]

I digress.

[Nero Wolfe]

Your problem is what, Mr. Rainey?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf. I manage a fighter named Gato. Maybe you've heard of him?

[Nero Wolfe]

I have not. However, that is of little significance. You are having difficulty with this Mr. Gato?

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm not having difficulty with him. I can't find him. Maybe you better let me give you the whole picture, huh? Very well. Well, Goddo is an up and coming boy, Mr. Wolf. He had a little upset last week with a guy named Eubanks. But everybody knows, in spite of that, Goddo's heading for the big time. I think he'll prove that when he goes against Mellish.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Mellish being another pugilist, huh?

[Archie Goodwin]

That's right, Mr. Wolfe. Now, Pepe, that's Gotto. Pepe was due at the Turf Club this afternoon to meet the opposition management and go over the setup. He was due but he didn't show. I waited all afternoon and then I started the phone calls and taxis.

[Nero Wolfe]

Results?

[Archie Goodwin]

No results. I combed every joint I ever knew him to buy a beer in and the score was zero. Matter of fact, nobody's even seen him for four days.

[Nero Wolfe]

You would have tried the gymnasiums? Naturally, I did. Does this fugitive have a home?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, 206A Rathbun street penthouse on the roof.

[Nero Wolfe]

He was not at home during all this time.

[Archie Goodwin]

That's where I tried first. Was empty as a bank on Saturday afternoon.

[Nero Wolfe]

I see. And you want me to find him for you.

[Archie Goodwin]

If Pepe blows this fight, Mr. Wolf, it'll ruin his career.

[Nero Wolfe]

And the preservation of his career is worth a good deal to you.

[Archie Goodwin]

I got a check for two grand right here.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'll get it. $2,000.

[Nero Wolfe]

Very well, Mr. Rainey. I shall take immediate steps.

[Archie Goodwin]

I got a cab waiting outside. We can get started right away.

[Nero Wolfe]

We as you remain here.

[Archie Goodwin]

But how do you expect to.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, Mr. Wolfe.

[Nero Wolfe]

You will even. Mr. Rainey, I need information. You might try the Rathburn street penthouse to start with.

[Archie Goodwin]

But I've already been there.

[Nero Wolfe]

With all due apologies, Mr. Rainey, suppose you restrict your activities to pugilists. Archie is a trained observer. You are not Archie. You will pick up whatever you can at Gartho's apartment. I especially suggest a careful check on his wardrobe.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wardrobe?

[Nero Wolfe]

If his clothes are missing, Mr. Rainey, it would indicate that he left voluntarily and deliberately for whatever reasons he may have had. If they are not Archie, you will phone me from the apartment after your investigation is over. Okay, I shall. In the meantime, devote some thought to the subject.

[Archie Goodwin]

For two grand, all you're gonna do is devote some thought.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Rainey, if I were not a modest man, I would point out to you that you're getting quite a bargain.

[Archie Goodwin]

Cut off. Gotto. He's not here. I told you that I was up here before. He left the door unlocked. I had a key. Guess I forgot to lock up after I left. Now let's look around. Bathroom? Yeah. Empty. It's a nice penthouse. That a closet? Yeah. What do you think, he's playing hide and seek? Try it out. Okay. Anything in there? Nothing. I'm looking for. What's that? You found a hat? Well, let's see. Ladies hat. Yeah, smart and expensive. Label reads a Madame Yeta original. That bunch of lace and feathers. Cost somebody a fast half a hundred. Yeah, probably one of those girls left it behind and maybe she'll call for it. Come on, we'll take a gander out on the roof. I took a gander out there. It's bare as a bone. Uh, what have we got over there with the chimney? Where over there? Just an old awning Got blown down in the storm last month. Be right with you. What are you doing? Looking under it. Oh, brother. Y you found him. Yeah, we found him, chum. A little late. Two holes in his dorsal development. Dead as a clay pigeon. Well, what have you got to say? Well, now at least the bookies will cancel all bets. We both save our dough. Yeah. I got a phone, Mr. Wolf. And There he was, Mr. Wolf, under the old canvas awning. Hmm.

[Nero Wolfe]

Where's the hat? Oh, this is it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mm, that's it, boss. Snazzy number, no?

[Nero Wolfe]

Where'd you find it?

[Archie Goodwin]

On the floor of the closet.

[Nero Wolfe]

You're right, Archie. Frothy little bit of millinery caprice. Have you any idea whose it may be, Mr. Rainey?

[Archie Goodwin]

I wish I did.

[Nero Wolfe]

You have to find out.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, how, boss?

[Nero Wolfe]

The hat is an original. See, the label under the band reads a Matamyedda original. Tomorrow morning, Archie, you will interview Madame Yett.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

And discover in your inimitable fashion for whom she made this chapeau. Hello, Archie again.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf, per your instructions, I have just talked to Madame Yeta.

[Nero Wolfe]

What did you learn?

[Archie Goodwin]

Madam Yette tells me she made that hat for a Mrs. Larson.

[Nero Wolfe]

Who is Mrs. Lawson, wife of an.

[Archie Goodwin]

Ex beer hustler who's in the chips and puts on airs. Lives in the penthouse of the Bradford Arms. I was just about to hop a cab and go up there, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good. Keep this up, Archie, and through sheer practice you may yet develop to a full blown intelligence.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I'm trying, Mr. Wolf. And after the Lawson, I do what?

[Nero Wolfe]

Return here immediately. And hurry.

[Archie Goodwin]

How do you do, Mr. Larson? Oh, Mr. Goodwin, my secretary tells me you're a detective. My boss might argue with you on that, Mr. Larson. Your boss? It happens I work for Nero Wolf. I see. And you wish to see me about. About this hat. Hat?

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh, I see.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Goodwin, please believe me, I never wear hats like that. Would your wife be likely to say the same? My wife? Just what are you getting at? Would I seem too nosy if I asked how well you and your wife know Pepe Gato? How well do we know who? Pepe Gato, the pug. No, no, not such a puck, no, huh? I lost 25,000 on him in the Eubanks fight. You asked me, he laid down like a dog. And did you talk it over with him? Talk it over with him? Never seen the man in my life. Not even at the fight? No, I placed the bet over the telephone. I'd scarcely have anything to do with a character like Goto. Mr. Goodwin. You surely won't from here on out, Mr. Larson. What do you mean? Gatto is dead? You don't say. He was murdered last night. Murdered? And what would you say, Mr. Larson, if I told you that this hat is your wife's and that it was found in a closet in Gatto's apartment? Now wait a minute. Let me get this straight. Are you implying. Not implying. Facts are sticking out. What time was this dumb brute done away with? Oh, I'd set it at somewhere between 5 and 7pm last night. You said it very conveniently. Thanks. Why, my wife and I drove out of the city at 4:30 yesterday afternoon. Didn't get back until 2 this morning. And this hat, it took wings and flew into Gato's closet. Is that the answer? No, that's not the answer. Then what is? This is a month and a half ago. I was with Celia on a bus top she was wearing that hat and the wind blew it off her head. I see. And from there we figure that somebody picked it up and it finally wound up at Gotham. You can figure anything you please. Personally, I don't feel in any way obligated to figure anything, darling.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I was just on my way out and. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were busy.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, I am busy. Celia. Wait a minute. He's not all that. Run along now, dear, you'll be late. But I want to talk to you. Run along, Celia.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Yes, darling. Sorry, I'll see you later.

[Archie Goodwin]

Beautiful. Really beautiful. I've always thought so. Goodwin, you didn't give me much of a chance to talk to her, did you? Larson? If I didn't, it's for your own good. My good? I don't get it. Celia's a sensitive person and I won't have her bothered.

[Nero Wolfe]

And do you mean to tell me you let him scare you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Let him scare me. Say, will you stop being so fearless with my life? The guy said don't bother my wife, so I didn't bother his wife. It was that simple.

[Nero Wolfe]

Apparently his wife was not blonde. Answer the phone, Auntie.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, you answer it. Now you've hurt my feelings.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh, well. Hello.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I want to speak to Mr. Nero Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Wolf speaking.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Oh, is it true that you're interested in the Gato murder?

[Nero Wolfe]

Who are you and how do you know he's been murdered?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

The second question is none of your business. And as for the first, call me Jerry J E R I.

[Nero Wolfe]

How do you do, Jerry J E I I. Where do you call?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Would you like to come to an auction?

[Nero Wolfe]

An Auction.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

You know, going, going, gone to the highest bidder.

[Nero Wolfe]

And what are you placing on the auction blog, Ms. Jerry?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

A few facts, all in good condition and guaranteed to make it a cinch to snag the Gato Killer.

[Nero Wolfe]

Sounds promising.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Only you'll have to bid against real money.

[Nero Wolfe]

May I have the address of the auction room?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

You'll have no trouble finding it. Your assistant was there last night.

[Nero Wolfe]

Where?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

The penthouse on top of 206A Rathburn street the big item goes on at four bells. Yeah? Who is it?

[Archie Goodwin]

Man named Wolf sent me.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Just a sec.

[Archie Goodwin]

You're Jerry, huh?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I was expecting the man named Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Unfortunately for me, honey, when he's expected, I usually show up.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Come on in.

[Archie Goodwin]

You see, I'm the legs of the combination. He's the brains. It makes. Makes a nice division of labor.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I see you came in plenty of.

[Archie Goodwin]

Time on the nose is our custom. Where are the rest of the bidders?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Any second now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mm. How many besides me are coming?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

One. Small auction, but big action.

[Archie Goodwin]

How'd you happen to decide on this?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I knew Gato pretty good.

[Archie Goodwin]

And you were fond of him. Pretty good, huh?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

How did you guess?

[Archie Goodwin]

You've got a key to this place of his, or you couldn't let yourself in. It adds no.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Gee, you should have been a detective.

[Archie Goodwin]

Just what I keep telling Mr. Wolf. Look, tell me, Jerry, darling, this other person who's coming to the auction, who?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

The killer.

[Archie Goodwin]

You don't say. You sure the killer isn't here already?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Look, I didn't kill him.

[Archie Goodwin]

The story you would like me to believe is that you witnessed the killing, huh? Called The Killer and Mr. Wolf and said, come on, kids, you can get me either to talk or shut up, depending on who pays the most. Bennett?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Something like that.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mm. Okay. Prove you know what you're talking about. Who is the killer? Is it Block Rainey?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Should also have your head examined, pretty boy. I talk for dough, and only for dough. Not that I'm mercenary or anything.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, okay. Tell me this. How come you saw the killer in the act?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Simple. I was here with Gato. Called me to come see him. While I was here, the shot came through the window there from the roof.

[Archie Goodwin]

You know something, sweetheart?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

What?

[Archie Goodwin]

I can't understand how a girl like you, a pretty nice girl, under all that paint and powder and Broadway shellac, how you could do a thing like this? You were in love with Godo. I know that. Everybody does. And still you're willing to keep your mouth shut? If the killer pays enough. How come? Hmm? What's the matter? Honey, did I hit a tender spot?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I. I don't think you understand. Sure, I was in love with the goof. Then along comes this other dame. She's rich and beautiful and she has everything to give him.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, do I know her?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Of course you do.

[Nero Wolfe]

Sherry. Jerry.

[Archie Goodwin]

She was just about to tell me and then the shot came through the window. From the roof, Boss, It's a flat roof outside.

[Nero Wolfe]

You didn't, I suppose he the murderer?

[Archie Goodwin]

Nope. I caught Jerry in my arms. By the time I laid her down on the couch and got out on the roof, the killer was gone.

[Nero Wolfe]

Get right over here and bring our client with you if you can find him.

[Archie Goodwin]

Rainey? That's right.

[Nero Wolfe]

He has a right to be in on the kill.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, boss, but keep away from that beer till I get there.

[Nero Wolfe]

Don't be impertinent. I should be busy phoning Mr. And Mrs. Lawson. Meanwhile, I want them here too. Besides, one bottle won't do any harm. Ah, there they are. Let them in, Archie. You remain seated, Mr. Rainey.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, Mr. Wolf. Well, come in, Mr. Larson, come in. Mr. Wolfe here? He's here. Nice of you to come. Anything to help the law.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ah, Mr. Lawson, your wife didn't come?

[Archie Goodwin]

No, Mr. Wolf. She was out when you called. Sorry, I forgot to tell you. I left work with the butler.

[Nero Wolfe]

However, Mr. Lawson, about 20 minutes ago a girl named Jerry Fay was killed. So she was killed in your neighborhood? In the flat formerly occupied by one Pepe Gato.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where would that be?

[Nero Wolfe]

Maybe your wife knows where the flat would be.

[Archie Goodwin]

How dare you, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

No histrionics, please. Where was your wife when the girl was killed? I'm advising you that if there is an alibi, now's the time to state it.

[Archie Goodwin]

I wouldn't humiliate Celia by alibi ing.

[Nero Wolfe]

For her and the police will pick her up.

[Archie Goodwin]

But she didn't kill this girl, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

You have reasons for that opinion?

[Archie Goodwin]

The best of reasons.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'd be grateful if you'd state them and let me be the judge of their excellence.

[Archie Goodwin]

One should do this one. Celia's out in the country visiting her mother. Does that settle it?

[Nero Wolfe]

Possibly. What's her mother's telephone number?

[Archie Goodwin]

Why, merely a routine joke. Well, can't you take my word?

[Nero Wolfe]

I'll take her mother's number.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, Mr. Larson, I'm sorry, I. I hoped you'd buy this story.

[Nero Wolfe]

What do you mean?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mother's been dead for 10 years. I see. Well, I don't. What's the idea?

[Nero Wolfe]

It's known as marital devotion, Archie. I suppose you realize, Mr. Lawson, that in shielding your wife, you're aiding and abetting a murderess.

[Archie Goodwin]

I haven't stopped to realize anything. When Goodwin brought me that hat, I didn't know what to say. Well, you pitched me a curve then, too. Well, I suppose you might call it that, but. And she didn't lose the chapeau off a bus stop. No, but you've got to understand, Celia's the dearest thing in life to me. Yeah, so is a lady rattlesnake to its husband.

[Nero Wolfe]

I suggest it is time for you to be objective in this matter, Mr. Lawson.

[Archie Goodwin]

What do you want to know?

[Nero Wolfe]

Tell us where she can be found.

[Archie Goodwin]

I. I have no idea.

[Nero Wolfe]

When is she expected to return home?

[Archie Goodwin]

Never. Oh. You see, we. We had an argument. I doubt that I'll ever see her again.

[Nero Wolfe]

Then we are quite on our own, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

To do what?

[Nero Wolfe]

To make a journey to Gadot's apartment.

[Archie Goodwin]

Gardo's apartment?

[Nero Wolfe]

She probably has a key to that popular abode.

[Archie Goodwin]

But she wouldn't go there, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

On the contrary, I am of the opinion that that's just where she would go. Give me my hat.

[Archie Goodwin]

Don't tell me you're gonna stir yourself.

[Nero Wolfe]

It's a most unpleasant necessity, Archie. But the lady in question is dangerous and not at all hesitant about indiscriminate gunplay. Get out the car, Archie. We'll make the journey to Rathburn street penthouse with the hope that Celia Lawson will show up in time to mourn her lost love.

[Archie Goodwin]

You want me to go along with you too, Mr. Wolf?

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, indeed, Mr. Rainey, I do. I trust this chair will hold me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Should biggest chair in the house, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, Mr. Raining.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf, am I to understand that the way you have it figured is that Mrs. Lawson killed Gato and then to keep the girl from pinning the crime on her, she killed her too.

[Nero Wolfe]

What's the matter, Mr. Rainey? Don't you think that the holds water?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, yes. I mean, of course it does.

[Nero Wolfe]

Thank you. On the other hand, there is room for doubt.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm glad to hear you say that, Mr. Wolf. Would you mind explaining?

[Nero Wolfe]

I'll explain, Mr. Lawson. Mr. Goodwin was in this room when Jerry Fay was killed, right, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Right, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

He ran as quickly as he could out onto the roof, but your wife was nowhere in evidence.

[Archie Goodwin]

What difference does that make?

[Nero Wolfe]

A good deal, I'd say. Wouldn't you, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes. A detail like that would give a jury room for doubt. Oh, don't be a fool. How so, Rainey? I was about to agree with Rainey. I Mean on sheer logic.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'm afraid I miss your point, Mr. Lawson.

[Archie Goodwin]

What if Goodwin didn't see her? That proves nothing. She fired the shots and then she ran down the fire escape.

[Nero Wolfe]

What fire escape?

[Archie Goodwin]

The one a few feet beyond the chimney.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Larson.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes?

[Nero Wolfe]

Who told you there was a fire escape there?

[Archie Goodwin]

Why? Yeah, who did? You can't see it from here, Larson. Well, I just imagine that might be sensationally accurate imagination.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Lawson, allow me to congratulate you.

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't know what you have in mind.

[Nero Wolfe]

You have in mind to see your wife convicted of the murder of Pepi Gato and so punish them both for having dared to fall in love.

[Archie Goodwin]

I love Celia. I worship her.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, that's what you expected me to believe. Hoping meanwhile that a hat would convict her, you worshiped her until she became fascinated by a young savage animal known as Peepee Gato.

[Archie Goodwin]

No.

[Nero Wolfe]

At that point the worship shifted into reverse and you went green with hate. Hate that drove you to claim that fire escape that you know so much about and shoot him in the back.

[Archie Goodwin]

You're dreaming.

[Nero Wolfe]

Jerry Fay saw you in the act. And when she was about to divulge your identity to Archie, you killed her too. Meaning to hang her murder on your wife along with the other killing. That's a lie, Mr. Larson. I didn't bring you here to apprehend your wife. There's really no reason why she should come here. I suggested this visit in the belief that you'd betray some guilty knowledge of the place and circumstances, as you have so obligingly just done.

[Archie Goodwin]

You're clever, aren't you?

[Nero Wolfe]

Monumental, but a little hasty.

[Archie Goodwin]

So why this gun in my hand? Haven't you noticed?

[Nero Wolfe]

Of course, sir. But yours is not the only gun in the world.

[Archie Goodwin]

What?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Sit still, Arnold. And don't turn her off your wife.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Lawson. Come in, my dear.

[Archie Goodwin]

Celia. What are you doing here?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I came to get a hat that I'd left in Pepe's closet. It suddenly was clear to me what was in the wind and I thought I'd better remove all evidence that you could possibly use against me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Celia, listen. You must understand.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I understand one thing only. Pepe's gone and you took him away.

[Archie Goodwin]

Listen, please. If you let me explain, you'll understand.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yeah.

[Archie Goodwin]

Please, honey, help me. Sure I'll help you, Cecilia.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Well, that's all, Mr. Wolf. What now.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie? Why is it when you drive, it always gets so crowded outside?

[Archie Goodwin]

Will it go tough on our boss?

[Nero Wolfe]

Why not? She killed a man in cold blood. Though she actually saved our lives while doing so.

[Archie Goodwin]

I hope that helps her at the trial.

[Nero Wolfe]

I hope so, Archie. After all, if she hadn't done what she did, what would have happened to the lobster beast?

[Archie Goodwin]

What? Lobster bisque?

[Nero Wolfe]

The lobster beast that Fritz is making for dinner really can't be appreciated unless it's eaten hot.

[Archie Goodwin]

You have been listening to the new Adventures of Nero Wolf starring Sydney Greenstreet. Tonight's transcribed story was based on the characters created by Rex Stuff. This is an Edwin Fadiman program produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Larry Dobkin as Archie Goodwin and Ann Diamond, Charlotte Lawrence, Gerald Moore, Don diamond and Eddie Fields. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the killer card. Don Stanley speaking. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. Saturday night is date night and NBC has a lively lineup of music and fun to help your courting along tomorrow. Dennis Day brings you a melodic and mirthful 30 minutes and then Judy Canova gets together with her gang for a sparkling session of mountain style song and laughter, followed by Singing Mc Red Foley and his friends and that exciting parcel of western tunes and mayhem, Grand Ole Opry. Here's Sam Spade. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. Ladies and gentlemen, the ringing of that phone bell means mystery adventure. Nero Wolf's office. Archie Goodwin speaking. Mr. Wolf? Yeah, he's right here. Who's this?

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, hang up. Don't ask questions.

[Archie Goodwin]

You. You have a wife.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, it's past your bedtime.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I'm afraid, Mr. Wolf, it's past his bedtime.

[Nero Wolfe]

Your bedtime?

[Archie Goodwin]

It's a client, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

That's what I was afraid of. Foolish.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hello?

[Nero Wolfe]

Hello? Well, why do you look so bewildered?

[Archie Goodwin]

He's coming right over. He says he's got a date with murder. Ladies and gentlemen, is the detective genius who rates the knife and fork the.

[Nero Wolfe]

Greatest tools ever invented by man, the founderous, brilliant and unpredictable Nero Wolf, created.

[Archie Goodwin]

By Rick Stout and brought to you in a new series of adventures over.

[Nero Wolfe]

This NBC network in the person of Mr. Sydney Greenstreet.

[Archie Goodwin]

Tonight's story, the case of the Calculated Risk, was as strange and baffling as any Nero Wolf had to deal with. It started late one night when a big shouldered man sporting a reddish beard and billing himself as Dave Capre pushed his way in, walked up to Nero Wolf's desk and rocked him with his opener. Tomorrow morning, Mr. Wolf, I'm going to kill a man.

[Nero Wolfe]

I beg your pardon, sir?

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm going to kill a man with these two hands.

[Nero Wolfe]

I've been told strange things across this desk. Mr. Gaffery, this is the first time a murderer has confided his intention to me in advance. This man, you speak up.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm not telling you his name. I'm not telling you where I'm going to meet him. This session tomorrow is going to be private and personal. But if anything happens to me between now and then, I want you to take over.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Gaffer, do you seriously think I could assist you in a matter of private business? Vengeance?

[Archie Goodwin]

That's not what I'm asking. This guy deserves to die. I plan to kill him with these two hands. Me, myself. But if I slip up, if he gets me first, I want you to see that justice is done.

[Nero Wolfe]

But I assure you, sir, I told.

[Archie Goodwin]

You this guy deserves to die. Let me tell you why. Years ago, down south, there were three men in business together. Partners. Me and two others.

[Nero Wolfe]

You know, Bugachi, if Mr. Gaffer doesn't mind.

[Archie Goodwin]

You're wasting your time, Wolf. The names I'll use will be phony. I won't give you anything you can check back on.

[Nero Wolfe]

We'll take a chance, sir. Please proceed.

[Archie Goodwin]

It happened in a town about 40 miles from the place where we had our business. We'd go in there to collect some money. The three of us. Carl, Mitch and me, Dave Caffrey. But all we collected was bad news. So bad that Carl hadn't even given our right names at the hotel. Said it was scared some of our creditors come hitting up on us. For what? We all three of us had some drinks and we'd been pacing around for nearly an hour. I can still remember the way Mitch stood and looked at me, then up at Carl, when Carl suddenly pulled to a stop and came out with this idea of his. Dave, you've got 6,000 cash on hand. You counted it, Mitch.

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, didn't we make a 6240 call?

[Archie Goodwin]

Whichever. We've got this 6000 odds, plus some slow accounts receivable against debts of 38,000. With three of us trying to live from the business, we haven't got a chance. Well, we ain't got much of a one car. But it's hopeless, Dave. With two partners, though.

[Nero Wolfe]

Two partners? You reckon I'll pull an out, Carl?

[Archie Goodwin]

I say we cut cards for it, Mitch. Low man drops out, break up the partnership after sticking together all these years.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh, wait a minute, Dave. Wait a minute.

[Archie Goodwin]

Maybe Carl's right. Maybe this could work. Carl.

[Nero Wolfe]

You mean the low man drops out?

[Archie Goodwin]

Cleave.

[Nero Wolfe]

Right now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Right now, Mitch. Other two to take over assets and debts and see if they can get this thing back in the black. Okay, Carl. Get the cards out, Dave. Well, that's what you guys want. Okay, then, here's a new deck. Shuffle them, Mitch.

[Nero Wolfe]

All shuffled.

[Archie Goodwin]

Cut them, Dave.

[Nero Wolfe]

Go ahead, Mitch.

[Archie Goodwin]

You get first pick. Spread them if you like.

[Nero Wolfe]

Here goes.

[Archie Goodwin]

Ah. Six. Your turn, Dave. Okay, nine o'. Clock.

[Nero Wolfe]

Lucky guy.

[Archie Goodwin]

Dave, I put you in. Whatever Carl pulls, I'll pull it fast. There she is, Denise. Sorry, Mitch. That leaves you elected.

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, Mitch, I'm sorry too.

[Archie Goodwin]

Guess we all had a fair whack at it. But.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let me see that ace again, Carl. Easy, Mitch. I said I was sorry. Look, Dave. Yeah, what is it, Mitch?

[Nero Wolfe]

All the eases are marked, Carl. I'm going to cram this dick right.

[Archie Goodwin]

Down your crooked throat. Mix. He's got a knife. Carl, you all right? I've cut him for keeps. What do we do now? What do we do? Look, Carter, I didn't mark those cards. I. I didn't kill Mitch. And what's more. Shut up, Dave. We're both in and out. Now come on, let's get out of here. Now what, Carl? Look, Dave, this is where we split up. Two men together, easy to trace. You head one way, I go the other. Yeah, but the door. I. I got no money.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Here.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'll split up the 6,000.

[Nero Wolfe]

This is your hat there.

[Archie Goodwin]

Stick the end rope in your pocket. Now grab that tray, get set. I'll test the next one going the other way.

[Nero Wolfe]

Get going, Dave.

[Archie Goodwin]

That's how it was, Mr. Wolf. It all happened so fast that I.

[Nero Wolfe]

This man you call Carl, he was. Seemed to be one of the world's choice creatures, Mr. Geoffrey.

[Archie Goodwin]

When I thought to look in that envelope he gave me, I found $40 and a few folds of wrapping paper in it. I was mad enough to. Well, I got off the freight and intended to go back, but then I.

[Nero Wolfe]

Picked up a paper and read all about the murder of your friend Mitch. With the statement that Kyle had accused you of the crime and that the police believed him in view of your escape.

[Archie Goodwin]

That's it.

[Nero Wolfe]

Classical, but not at all original.

[Archie Goodwin]

When I was young man, I'm stupid not had those drinks to start with.

[Nero Wolfe]

And you spent the intervening years hunting down the man, Carl, am I correct?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah. I tramped the country from east to west, from north to south. Tramped it for years searching for him. Yesterday I located him. He's a big wheel these days, up on that 37th floor of his. But tomorrow, when I get.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, Mr. Gabriel, the 37th floor.

[Archie Goodwin]

Never mind what building? Now, wait a minute, Caffrey. If you expect Mr. Wolf to help you. I don't want him to help me. I'll help myself. But if I slip up, I know Wolf's reputation well enough to know that he'll never rest till this. This rotten, chiseling murderer is sitting in the chair. That's why I've come here. Just to provide a backstop in case my dear friend of long ago manages to get the best of me.

[Nero Wolfe]

How do we know?

[Archie Goodwin]

You see this envelope? Read what it says.

[Nero Wolfe]

Nero Wolf, 601 West 35th Street, New York. Delivered to him in case of my death.

[Archie Goodwin]

That's right. And this envelope is $500. Nearly all I've got in the world. Along with it, the full details on that knife, real names, dates, the proof you'll need in case I don't finish it up.

[Nero Wolfe]

Go on.

[Archie Goodwin]

Tonight, Mr. Wolf, I'm going to give this envelope to the manager of the hotel where I'm stopping. I'm calling on. Well, Carl, tomorrow at noon, right after his secretary goes to lunch. If I'm not back in my hotel at one o' clock tomorrow afternoon, a hotel manager will deliver this envelope to you. Is that clear?

[Nero Wolfe]

Perfectly. But you don't think I'm going to allow you to go through with this wire plan, do you?

[Archie Goodwin]

You can't stop me. And don't have Goodwin follow me. I glues him in two blocks. Good night. Shall I try to tail him, boss?

[Nero Wolfe]

It's no use, Archie. Get Inspector Kramer on the phone at once. I want the police to help us head off this mur. Mirror. Wolf speaking.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's Archie. I'm calling from the morgue. And they found Capre's body in a subway washroom, mugged and stabbed. Wallet gone, pockets cleaned out, no envelope.

[Nero Wolfe]

Just two hours ago he was here. No envelope, eh?

[Archie Goodwin]

Gone.

[Nero Wolfe]

Witnesses?

[Archie Goodwin]

None so far. Homicide's calling it straight mugging and robbery.

[Nero Wolfe]

As it well might look, except for.

[Archie Goodwin]

Except for a guy named Carl. How much do I tell Kramer?

[Nero Wolfe]

All of it. Ask the inspector to start queries throughout the south on the original killing.

[Archie Goodwin]

The original killing?

[Nero Wolfe]

It's our best chance of getting a description of the man called Carr. The original killing and the partnership, starting from, say, eight years ago and working back to the middle 20s. Tell him to concentrate on towns and railway lines putting out pictures of Caffrey and pictures and dentistry fingerprints. Mr. Washington. Kramer will know.

[Archie Goodwin]

And if I come across a haystack, do I keep my eye out for needles?

[Nero Wolfe]

We are going to find Carl, Archie. We are going to Find him if he takes him now, till doomsday.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf, let's face it. We're licked.

[Nero Wolfe]

Licked, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Three days now. We found Capre's hotel here in New York. No traceable phone calls. Not a witness has turned up on that subway washroom party. And Kramer says he's getting nowhere with those answers from the Southland.

[Nero Wolfe]

The original story is bound to come slowly, Archie. We are asking a check on the unsolved killings of a dozen states over 20 year period.

[Archie Goodwin]

And what now?

[Nero Wolfe]

You start trudging, Archie. Trudging through office buildings. Through 37th floors of many office buildings. You keep trudging till we find him.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, now, wait a minute, Mr. Wolf. This is a big city, remember? I might have to go through hundreds of buildings.

[Nero Wolfe]

This morning, Archie, the municipal reference library informed me that There are exactly 34 buildings of 37 floors or higher in Manhattan. Now, when you rule out the United nations building, hotel.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, okay, maybe not so many 37 floors, but lots of offices per floor. Maybe 40 or 50. Call it 30 times 40. And you've still got 1200 to start with. And you don't know what kind of business. You don't know what Carl's real name is. You don't even know what he looks like. There could be 4,000 men like him.

[Nero Wolfe]

4,000 affluent men, aren't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, well, all right. Caffrey said he was in the chips, though. You know, for a guy who'd been bumming around, that could mean anything from 10 grand a year up. Hey, wait a minute. That cuts your field to a thousand thousand tall men. Tall? I've been over those notes. Gaffery didn't say he was tall as.

[Nero Wolfe]

Plainly as you could ask. Gaffery was almost your height. But he said. Mitch stood and looked at me, and then he looked up at Carl.

[Archie Goodwin]

Up.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, that makes Carl your height or taller.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, maybe Caffrey and Mitch were sitting down and Carl was.

[Nero Wolfe]

Caffrey told us the three were standing at the time. Check your notes. I've studied them.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, maybe that does cut it down some. Yeah, it's still a lot of citizens to start checking for a Southern accent.

[Nero Wolfe]

Don't rely on accent, Archie. Carl has had many years to lose any accent he might have had.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, that's true.

[Nero Wolfe]

And so we narrow it, Archie. A man almost surely tall. A man not using the name he was born with. A man with an unexplained gap in his past.

[Archie Goodwin]

I ought to be able to reach right out and tap him.

[Nero Wolfe]

You go skeptical again, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, it's still a Pretty big haystack.

[Nero Wolfe]

Let's see if we can't trim it some more. On these building lists I've been going over, I ruled out for now the members of professions requiring lengthy formal training. Medical men, lawyers, scientists of most kinds.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, that's chopping it down, I'll admit that.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'll have further eliminations as we get into it. And I'm putting saw pans on a second list this afternoon. Some of the credit references I'll handle by phone.

[Archie Goodwin]

So I start trudging, huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

You start trudging. And remember, Archie, since you'll probably be operating through secretaries, you're looking for a murderer named Carl, not for a new set of telephone numbers to brighten your winter. Tall. I don't know what you're peddling, Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

But if my boss put his elevator.

[Nero Wolfe]

Shoes on and stood on a box, he'd still be down somewhere around my necktie. If he stood on his money, though.

[Archie Goodwin]

We'D need a helicopter to get up near his shoelaces. Hello, Ms. Tunis. Do you mind if I sit down?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Why, of course not, Mr. Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, thanks. You know, I've been in 12 offices on this floor, and you're the first girl who's seen the employee of this survey. First crack out of the box.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Well, I'm sort of new here and I try to pay attention.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, you're not just beautiful, you've got.

[Nero Wolfe]

A head on you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Is Mr. McLean in?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

He's at lunch right now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Lunch? Oh, that reminds me. Know any good restaurants up this way?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Well, I was just going to the downstairs drugstore myself, but I wouldn't say.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, come on, put your bonnet on and let's skip the drugstore. This meal is on the Executive Resources survey. There you are, boss, the boil down.

[Nero Wolfe]

Tinsley, McLean, Fernandes, Tess, Row and Kaplan. All five of them tall. All five? A little misty in the background. You and Sorla have done well, Archie, very well. But I'm crossing off Fernandez and Kaplan. Why? The Credit Bureau report clears Fernandez and Kaplan was on a special war job. The FBI X rayed his record twice.

[Archie Goodwin]

Leaving JP Tinsley, Carson McLean and Philip Tesreau. Huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

I'd like to see all three here, Archie. Get them here one way or another. And so you do admit that Tinsley isn't your real name.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf, are you a blackmailer or what?

[Nero Wolfe]

I'm a licensed private investigator, sir. Any disclosure you make will be kept in confidence, provided it doesn't touch on the case I'm engaged on. You haven't said what the Case is, I don't intend to. If you prefer to explain this mysterious gap in your background at the district attorney's office.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I'm using the name Tinsley because.

[Nero Wolfe]

I've got an undivorced first wife out on the coast.

[Archie Goodwin]

We broke up 20 years ago, but.

[Nero Wolfe]

She said she'd see to it that.

[Archie Goodwin]

I never married again and she knew.

[Nero Wolfe]

Where I was today.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I don't say I'm a saint, but she's a vindictive woman.

[Nero Wolfe]

I see. May I have names, dates and places starting 1924?

[Archie Goodwin]

I can't quite understand your interest, Mr. Woolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

It's rather complicated. To put it briefly, Mr. McLean, I'm working in the interest of a client. Our people have found this puzzling gap in your background, and I'd appreciate such clarification as you may be able to supply.

[Archie Goodwin]

But I told you, Mr. Goodwin, I was raised and educated in the Orient. Until 32, I was in business with my father in China.

[Nero Wolfe]

Where you say your father died?

[Archie Goodwin]

Died with the Depression. I returned to New York, started this importing business in a small way. Weathered through the early 30s. And I think my bank account can assure you of my standing today.

[Nero Wolfe]

They've done so. Carson McLean and Company has an excellent credit rating.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you, Mr. Walter.

[Nero Wolfe]

To switch somewhat abruptly, Mr. McLean, would you happen to remember how you spent the evening of the 19th of this month?

[Archie Goodwin]

Of this month? Well, I could hardly wait. You say the 19th. Would that have been on a Tuesday?

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, it was Tuesday.

[Archie Goodwin]

That simplifies it. I'm nearly always at the office on Tuesday dictating the revisions in our weekly wholesalers lists. Let me see. Yes, I was there on the 19th at a tray center. Ms. Tunis and I worked till just after midnight.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ms. Heron Junis, the secretary Mr. Goodwin spoke of.

[Archie Goodwin]

She's been with me for two or three months.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ms. Tunis can confirm this dictation on the night of the 19th?

[Archie Goodwin]

Of course, Mr. Wolf, your manner is so persuasive that I'd scarcely realize your asking some extraordinary searching questions. May I ask why in the world?

[Nero Wolfe]

If you'll indulge me, Mr. McLean, my crying is nearly concluded. You say you were in China until 1932? Mr. Tesro, I'll be brutally frank. We know that your name's not Tesreau. And we know that you served a prison term from 34 to 30 for arson. I'd like some straight answers.

[Archie Goodwin]

I didn't say I wouldn't answer your questions.

[Nero Wolfe]

The past can remain your own, provided.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now, look, Mr. Wolf, I've been going straight for 12 years. And this business of mine is on the level.

[Nero Wolfe]

Now, if this is a shakedown, I'm asking where you were on the night of the 19th.

[Archie Goodwin]

And I'm telling you I stayed in town. I ate alone and I went to a movie. I caught the 11:35 for Stanford and that's all there is to it.

[Nero Wolfe]

You're denying that you were ever in business in the South?

[Archie Goodwin]

I was born in the south, but I haven't been back there since I was a kid.

[Nero Wolfe]

What about the arson?

[Archie Goodwin]

I put in four years squaring for that mistake.

[Nero Wolfe]

Let's start again. Mr. Tesso, you say you were in Cincinnati in 1931.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, Mr. Wolf, three candidates and we're still on the one yard line. Our one yard line. Tesso, McLean, Tinsley. Now rule out McLean. He gave references enough for those years in China. And with Helen Tunis, he's got the one firm alibi we've laid onto. Capre was killed before midnight.

[Nero Wolfe]

With conditions as they are in the Far East, Archie, it'll be weeks before cables came back on McLean's claims. Claims?

[Archie Goodwin]

You figure the whole Chinese background's a fake?

[Nero Wolfe]

I want you to see Ms. Tunis again, Archie, Taking all precautions for her safety. And this is one time I give you permission to ply her with all the attentions you can contrive.

[Archie Goodwin]

Are we far enough to pull tails on any of these three?

[Nero Wolfe]

I've got Saul Panzer on Tesreau and Saul promised to have men on Tinsley and McLean. Pictures of the three have gone to Cramer for circulation in the South.

[Archie Goodwin]

No answer yet from the coast on Tinsley, huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

Not yet. For the moment, Archie, you will concentrate on Helen Tunis.

[Archie Goodwin]

Helen, I've got to see you tonight.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I'd love to, Arch.

[Archie Goodwin]

Look, Helen, I phoned you to come out in the car to this way because I didn't want McLean to know we're talking.

[Nero Wolfe]

Do you still say you got that.

[Archie Goodwin]

New mink coat on your own money?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Mr. Goodwin, I don't know what right.

[Archie Goodwin]

You have to get five guys to buy your stuff.

[Nero Wolfe]

It's your business.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Mr. McLean said his wife might be sending detectives around. You can go right back to your old Mrs. Mac McLean and tell her that I. He was dictating to me.

[Archie Goodwin]

You know, baby, the harder you lie, the prettier you look. But if this is a fake alibi, and if you keep propping it up, you're going to find yourself in trouble, bad trouble. Now, how about it? Do I see you at your apartment tonight or would you rather come down with me, Nero Wolf's right now.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Archie, I. All right, I can't go with you now, and I've got a dinner date with my aunt tonight that I can't break, But I'll try to be back at my apartment by 11.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie. Near wolfs being Z. Mr. Wolf, I'm.

[Archie Goodwin]

At Helen Ches's apartment. Well, I could cut my throat for not making a. Come with me this afternoon.

[Nero Wolfe]

Trouble?

[Archie Goodwin]

Not for her anymore, poor kid. I got here three minutes ago and found her strangled. Couldn't have happened more than half an hour ago.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mac Lane McLean.

[Archie Goodwin]

Didn't Saul Panzer say he was getting a tail on him?

[Nero Wolfe]

He was a new man and he lost him. I should have left you on McLean.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, we were both wrong. What do you want me to do?

[Nero Wolfe]

Phone the police immediately.

[Archie Goodwin]

This is 32nd Street. I'm only three blocks in a job from the office. What if I come back and call from there?

[Nero Wolfe]

Come back? Then I'll phone creamer myself, Mr. Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm still kicking myself for that. Great, Mr. Wolf. Keep coming right in, Goodwin, with your handcraft. No, I wouldn't try that, McLean. And keep your hand out of that desk drawer, Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

This time you're too late, McLean. My hand's in the drawer and I think I'll leave it there.

[Archie Goodwin]

You don't think I'd shoot?

[Nero Wolfe]

I'm sure you would, but you've got two of us to cover. Now, now, Archie, don't try to draw yet.

[Archie Goodwin]

How'd you get in here, McLean?

[Nero Wolfe]

He surprised me after making his way in through the area, way below. And of course, it had to be Fritz's night out.

[Archie Goodwin]

I caught your fat friend just two seconds before he could get in his call to the police. Goodwin, I overheard his talk with you from the hallway here.

[Nero Wolfe]

My apologies for not crying out sooner. Archie, get your hand out of that drawer.

[Archie Goodwin]

Pull it out. Without the gun, Wolf, I'll let you have it now.

[Nero Wolfe]

I refuse to, Maxine. Seems obvious that you mean to kill us in any case, I'm afraid that's true, Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

When you called me here and Goodwin started making dates with Helen Tunis. Poor kid. I told her not to talk to you, he didn't. Goodwin, I've been scared of you and Wolf since I followed Colby here that first night. Colby? You knew him as Catherine. I caught up with him afterward in that subway washroom. No. Keep that hand up and watch that gun of yours, Wolf. When I found that envelope on him and read the letter to you contained in it, I knew he hadn't spilled the whole South Carolina story to you.

[Nero Wolfe]

South Carolina? Would the original knifing have been taking place anywhere near Hampton or Jasper counties?

[Archie Goodwin]

Hampton County? But our business is over the line in Georgia. It doesn't matter now.

[Nero Wolfe]

Pediatricy. We learned this afternoon that we were growing warm on South Carolina. Mr. McLean, may I ask what you hope to achieve by this insane plan project of disposing of Mr. Goodwin and.

[Archie Goodwin]

Myself and buying time? Wolf, I have 90,000 in small bills in that bag there. Plus a plane ticket of Buenos Aires. I've got a silencer on this gun. If you two aren't found till tomorrow morning, I'll be out of the country before they start looking for me.

[Nero Wolfe]

You don't think the police will put out an alarm for you when they find the body of Helen Tunis?

[Archie Goodwin]

Goodwin left it to you to report that, remember?

[Nero Wolfe]

Let's remind ourselves to be prompter on reporting death, Saatchi.

[Archie Goodwin]

Starting with our own Mr. Wool. Glad you can take it that way, Goodwin. You actually think you can knock the two of us off? I'm about to find out. Goodwin.

[Nero Wolfe]

One moment, McLean. You've never been a real gambler, you know that? With marked cards, of course. But you're not the man to face the sure loss now.

[Archie Goodwin]

The sure loss?

[Nero Wolfe]

The loss of your life within seconds after you try to pull that trigger.

[Archie Goodwin]

I told you I had a silencer. You think anyone will hear the shots?

[Nero Wolfe]

There will be more shots than you count on. My hand's on a pistol now in this drawer. And Mr. Goodwin has a.38 in his shoulder holster.

[Archie Goodwin]

You can't shoot through the desk, and Goodwin won't get a chance to draw.

[Nero Wolfe]

You're an intelligent man, McLean. Vicious, but intelligent. May I describe the certainty of your immediate death if you don't throw that pistol on the desk and give yourself up.

[Archie Goodwin]

There are two of you.

[Nero Wolfe]

I know that. But, maclean, you must be aware in the actual fact, exceedingly few men are killed instantly by a single shot, even from a pistol of heavy caliber. The one you hold is a.32 and.

[Archie Goodwin]

It'S a.45 in that draw, McLean.

[Nero Wolfe]

I assure you, MacLean, that neither of us will surrender the weapons we have. Should you start shooting, we'll both do our best to draw and keep firing till you're dead.

[Archie Goodwin]

You're stalling, Wolf. What have I got to lose by trying for your bolt now?

[Nero Wolfe]

Your life. I'll correct that. The loss of some six or eight weeks of your life, possibly months. Whatever the time necessary to bring you to trial and to convict you and execute you for the murders. You've committed.

[Archie Goodwin]

Suppose I cancel? You are. And then take my chances with Goodwin?

[Nero Wolfe]

A better choice, but still a dubious one. I am fat, exceedingly fat. And for perhaps the first time in my life, I'm thoroughly grateful for that. My bulk affects the calculation, McLean.

[Archie Goodwin]

McLean. You could pull off all seven shots and still not hit Mr. Wolf where it counts. You have to start. You better start on me.

[Nero Wolfe]

You've surgeried, Archie, and I thank you for the gallantry of it. No, it's quite likely that with two or three shots, McLean might well dispose of me. But not with your first shot, McLean, and will not permit you many more than your first.

[Archie Goodwin]

Look, if I promise to do no more than tie you two up to give me my head start, will you toss in your guns?

[Nero Wolfe]

Of course not. Do I speak for his? Both, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Check. I say, let's start it now. Wolf, if I give you half of what's in that bag, would you forget these admissions I've made and help on my defense?

[Nero Wolfe]

I told you, I refuse the bargain. I. I think that I should count five. If your weapon hasn't been tossed on the desk by then, I'll do my best to get my pistol into action. Are you in a court, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Start counting. Wait a minute, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

1.

[Archie Goodwin]

If I trade half that bag for no shooting and one hour start, no tying up, just your promise that.

[Nero Wolfe]

2.

[Archie Goodwin]

All the bag for a half hour start. 90,000.

[Nero Wolfe]

3. Are you ready, Aji?

[Archie Goodwin]

All set, sir. Except if you're the one who walks out of this, call up every number in my little red book, huh? And tell each girl I was thinking of her just before you got the five.

[Nero Wolfe]

Agreed. I resume.

[Archie Goodwin]

Four. Okay, you win. Holy sweet Susan, it worked. It worked.

[Nero Wolfe]

A commendable choice, maclean. For us at least. You see, I'm afraid I forgot to mention one slight factor which might have operated in your favor.

[Archie Goodwin]

What's that, boss?

[Nero Wolfe]

I must confess, Archie, that my.45 is in the upstairs den where I took it to oil it last night.

[Archie Goodwin]

Holy cow. You didn't have a gun. Why, you. Take it easy, McLean. I've really got one. Oh, by the way, Mr. Wolf signals off on those women, huh? When my heart gets back down out of my throat, I'll call him myself.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'll trouble you for a beer first, Archie, and then if you'll be good enough to phone Inspector Kramer, you can bid him pick up his triple murderer, the one time cutter of cards. Fortunately for us, who's never been a real gambler.

[Archie Goodwin]

You have been listening to the New Adventures of Nero Wolf starring Sydney Green Street. Tonight's trip. This transcribed story 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 Gerald Moore as Archie Goodwin and Lorraine Carter, Bill Johnstone, Howard McNear, Herb Butterfield and Vic Rodman. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the Phantom Fingers. Don Stanley speaking. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. Transcribe. Ladies and gentlemen, the ringing of that phone bell brings you mystery adventure. Nero Wolf's office. Archie Goodwin speaking. What? Oh, Fritz. Yeah. I thought it was the outside line. Yeah. Yes, thanks. I'll be right down. Fritz. Boss. Mr. Wolf, will you please hurry?

[Nero Wolfe]

You're well aware that it will avail you nothing to hurry me. Why Mr. Ware be in such a rush today?

[Archie Goodwin]

But the car. It's downstairs waiting. Fritz is all ready.

[Nero Wolfe]

Let him wait. Isn't it enough that I've agreed against my better judgment to leave the comforts of home to go rushing through the crashing traffic of the city to a dinner?

[Archie Goodwin]

That should be an inducement.

[Nero Wolfe]

Fritz could have prepared a delicious dinner. He has truffles in the pantry.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why did you promise Arthur Merle? You didn't have to accept the invitation.

[Nero Wolfe]

Quite so. He's an old friend. Besides, he does set an excellent table. It's just that I don't like the traffic.

[Archie Goodwin]

Traffic? I know why. It's that awful oxygen in the atmosphere outside. It's not the traffic.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, you're talking much too much.

[Archie Goodwin]

I know, boss. I'm impatient. Would you mind giving me some slight indication that you intend to move from.

[Nero Wolfe]

That chair just as soon as they finish this beer.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sure you wouldn't care for half a dozen sandwiches before we go to dinner?

[Nero Wolfe]

If we were going anywhere other than to Arthur Murrows, I'd agree with you. He's the only person in the world I know of, except myself, of course, who has a proper appreciation and respect for the art of preparing good food.

[Archie Goodwin]

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 chair born mass of unpredictable intellectual 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 Greenstreet. We usually refer to this story as the case of the final page. Under normal circumstances, the last page of a manuscript would be absolutely worthless unless you read all the preceding pages. But in this instance, the final page held the answer to a murder. Without that page, we couldn't arrive at the solution. Actually, we didn't even know the problem. Anyhow, I finally got Nero Wolf to the lobby of Arthur Merle's apartment building.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Going up? Up, please. Are you going up, gentlemen?

[Archie Goodwin]

Are you, honey?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Certainly. It's my job.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then, so away. After you, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

When did they install women elevator operators in this building?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I've been here for two years. Floor, please.

[Archie Goodwin]

Arthur Merle's apartment. I believe it's 8:14.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

That's right. Are you Mr. Wolf?

[Archie Goodwin]

No, this is Mr. Wolfe. I'm Archie Goodwin.

[Nero Wolfe]

Although the name Wolf would be much more appropriate for him than for me.

[Archie Goodwin]

How did you know he was Mr. Wolf?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Mr. Merle came in half an hour ago. He mentioned that he was expecting you.

[Nero Wolfe]

You see, Archie, you rushed me unnecessarily. We practically preceded him here. And we'll probably have to wait interminably for dinner.

[Archie Goodwin]

I just hate to be late.

[Nero Wolfe]

Arthur Merrill has never been on time in his life. He's no more punctual than any other writer. He's never been known to meet a deadline on time.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

This is your floor, gentlemen. Arthur Merle is just down the hall to the right. 814.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you. And by the way, I want to compliment you on your congenial attitude.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Miss.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'll speak to the management.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Oh, thank you, sir. Decent of you.

[Archie Goodwin]

What's your name, huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

Women are usurping everything.

[Archie Goodwin]

Really cost to live here. Merle's really in the chips.

[Nero Wolfe]

Every book he writes sells a million copies.

[Archie Goodwin]

Remember the last time we had dinner with Arthur Merle?

[Nero Wolfe]

I do. Delicious mountain quail. Shot them himself.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, he's quite a marksman.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, such proficiency as Arthur Merrill displayed in hunting is evidence of a wasted life.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sure, he probably never made over $500,000 a year in his whole life.

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, ring again. Don't just stand here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Surely he's expecting us.

[Nero Wolfe]

The elevator operator said he was.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, she seemed quite well informed.

[Nero Wolfe]

If I were a judge of women, which I'm not, I'd say she has a line on every male in the building.

[Archie Goodwin]

She can get a line on me anytime she wants.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, your insatiable interest in the female seems sometimes to border on the psychopathic.

[Archie Goodwin]

You know, a more pleasant way to go crazy.

[Nero Wolfe]

Phooey.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's strange. There's a light on in there. I can see it under the door. Shall I try the door?

[Nero Wolfe]

Do so, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'm not. Well, at least we can get in.

[Archie Goodwin]

He may be in the bedroom, probably in the kitchen.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'll just sit here. I must forgo the comforts of my own home. I certainly intend to avail myself of the comforts of Arthur Merle. Very much over decorated.

[Archie Goodwin]

You wouldn't like heaven unless they had orchids and beer.

[Nero Wolfe]

Not a chair in the place worthy of the name. Well, I'll try that divan while you have a look around. For what? Ah, the Merle, of course. Suppose you have a look in the study, maybe writing. Have a look my boy. I am exhausted and thirsty. See if he has any.

[Archie Goodwin]

Boss. Boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good heavens. Archie. Don't shout, I'm coming.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's Arthur Merle. Look. Slumped over his desk, a knife in his back.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yeah, he's quite dead. You haven't touched anything?

[Archie Goodwin]

Certainly not. I've been around long enough to know that.

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, you just call Inspector Kramer at Homicide.

[Archie Goodwin]

How long do you think he's been dead? I'd say a half hour from all appearances.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, and perhaps only 10 minutes.

[Archie Goodwin]

I can't understand it. Why would anyone want to kill Arthur Merle? Everybody liked him. Nice man. I'd expect such a thing to happen to.

[Nero Wolfe]

The answer is probably a considerable distance from the Christian. Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Inspector Kramer, homicide. Archie Goodwin. Inspector. Just a minute. Nero Wolf wants to speak to you. Oh no. Don't tell me you two have stirred up something on a night like this. It's 10 below zero. I'm sorry. Here you are, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hello, Inspector.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, what is it this time, Wolf? Find a dead body under Grant's tomb?

[Nero Wolfe]

I'm sorry. You'll forgive any apparent failure to find humor in your little witticism, but I'm at Arthur Merle's apartment. I suggest you come here at once. Seems that Arthur finally met a deadline.

[Archie Goodwin]

So you just walked in here and found Merle dead, huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

We were invited here for dinner.

[Archie Goodwin]

Anyone else around when you got here? No. You see anyone, Goodwin? Only the elevator operator who brought us up. Well, Mr. Wolf, since you were in on the ground floor, maybe you've got some ideas.

[Nero Wolfe]

Sorry, Inspector. Had I been able to solve the crime so soon, I would have advised you, Inspector.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, well, it's obviously murder. Obviously. You knew him well? Quite well. Ever know of his being in any trouble? No, everybody liked him. Arthur Merle, I felt didn't have an enemy in the world. Is that so? I don't think anybody pulled this as a little friendly gesture.

[Nero Wolfe]

Don't jump to conclusions, Inspector. That this murder was committed necessarily by an enemy of Merle's. Meaning it could have been an absolute stranger, a woman or a burglar. Or a madman or a crangle. As far as we know. It could have been anybody in the city, Inspector. Others been dead nearly an hour and an hour ago. I was in my own home, sitting comfortably in my own big easy chair, drinking a delectable glass of beer. Someone at the door, aren't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, just a minute, I'll answer that. Mr. Merle? No. Well, is Mr. Merle here? Yes, he's here, but he's not seeing anyone. Well, is expecting me. I'm from the Serve Rite Catering Company. We're ready to serve for four here tonight. Their dinner has been canceled. Oh, but it's been ordered. Breast of guinea hen cooked in wine and cloves.

[Nero Wolfe]

Delicious.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's prepared and waiting. I'm afraid that I must insist on seeing Mr. Merle. Mr. Merle has been murdered. Well, I'm afraid I must die.

[Nero Wolfe]

Murdered?

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, my goodness. But, well, in that case, I. Yes? Good evening.

[Nero Wolfe]

Don't you think you might have taken a bit more time with the fellow, inspector? Why, you might at least have let him serve the dinner. Guinea hen, wine and clove sounded positively delectable. Look, I've had dinner. I'm afraid you're too busy, Inspector. So busy that you've just passed up an extremely interesting bit of information.

[Archie Goodwin]

What are you talking about? What?

[Nero Wolfe]

He said he was to serve dinner for four. Well, Arthur, Merle, Archie and myself are only three.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, who else was supposed to be here?

[Nero Wolfe]

A fourth guest who either hasn't arrived yet or who arrived earlier and left.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, I see what you mean, Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good. In that case, I leave you to pursue your deductions from that premise. Archie, will you please stay with the inspector and be of any help that you can? As for myself, I'm going back to my own home, which I should never have left in the first place.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, that finishes the apartment search. Goodwin. And what have we? Nothing, except that Merle had over $300 in his pocket and he was wearing a ring worth a couple of thousand. So it couldn't have been robbery. And I don't think it was premeditated murder. Why not? The weapon, obviously. If someone had planned on killing Merle, he'd have prepared it better, used a better weapon than a blunt paper knife. Now, as I see it, someone was here before you and Wolf arrived. And for some reason that person found it necessary to kill Merle and he did it on the spur of the moment. I'm listening. It's obvious. Merle was slumped over his typewriter. The sheet of paper was in it. He'd been working. May I see it? Yeah. Starbreaker. Strange title. Page 189. He was getting well along with his latest mystery. Apparently, Gregory Thorne slipped the paper into his pocket. It was just an ordinary piece of paper, but Gregory knew its value. Used properly, as Greg knew how to use it, it would be worth a hundred thousand dollars. He walked away briskly and as he. That's all?

[Nero Wolfe]

Yeah, that's all.

[Archie Goodwin]

Must have been right. No, I'd like to read the rest of it. We didn't find any more of it. Any other ideas? No. At the moment, we seem to be right where the murderer himself left off. Oh, what is this? Open house?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Sorry to be so. Oh.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh.

[Nero Wolfe]

What?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I was. I mean, I expected to see Mr. Murrow. Is he here?

[Nero Wolfe]

Who are you?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Cynthia Roberts.

[Archie Goodwin]

Expecting you?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Well, no, that is.

[Archie Goodwin]

Come on in, Miss Roberts.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Thank you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Maybe the young lady is trying to say that he didn't have to expect her. Maybe she felt free to call without advance notice and speak. Inspector.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Inspector.

[Archie Goodwin]

What did you want to see Mr. Merle about?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I. Well, I'm. His fiance.

[Archie Goodwin]

Had dinner yet, Ms. Roberts?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Why, yes. I had dinner earlier.

[Archie Goodwin]

When were you last here, Miss Roberts?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Last night, after the theater. Arthur and I were. What's the matter? Is something wrong?

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Ms. Roberts, but Arthur Merle was murdered. And you say you hadn't talked to Mr. Merle all evening. Is that right, Ms. Ramon?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Yes, that's right.

[Archie Goodwin]

You didn't have a date with him tonight?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Oh, no.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then why did you come here?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I told you, we were engaged. I just came by, that's all.

[Archie Goodwin]

I see.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Any more questions, Inspector?

[Archie Goodwin]

None for the present. How about you, Goodwin? Nope. But maybe Wolf let me call him. Yes, I guess under the circumstances, we can't very well leave him out. Go ahead.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Oh, Austin, I just can't believe it. Why would anyone want to kill him?

[Archie Goodwin]

That, Ms. Roberts, is a question we'd all like to know the answer to. Near.

[Nero Wolfe]

Wolf speaking.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie. Boss. I'm still at Merle's. We haven't found out anything new except that Arthur's fiance dropped in a few minutes ago.

[Nero Wolfe]

Did she know anything of interest?

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't think so.

[Nero Wolfe]

What does the Inspector plan to do about it?

[Archie Goodwin]

Just a minute. He wants to know what you're going to do with her. Well, hold her. Of course he's gonna hold her.

[Nero Wolfe]

Let me speak to him.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay. He wants to talk to you, Inspector. All right. Hello, Inspector.

[Nero Wolfe]

I suggest you let the young lady go.

[Archie Goodwin]

Are you crazy? I haven't got enough suspects in this deal to be letting the hottest one go free.

[Nero Wolfe]

You can't consider her a suspect simply because she knew Arthur.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now see here, Wolf, if you go.

[Nero Wolfe]

Around arresting people at random, you'll certainly be tipping your hand to the real murderer, admitting that you don't have a real clue to go on.

[Archie Goodwin]

And just what do you suggest?

[Nero Wolfe]

Find a motive, Inspector. Find a motive. Then if you stumble on a suspect, you'll have some basis for making an arrest. At the moment, I suggest that you let the girl go and tell Archie to stop wasting his time down there and come home at once.

[Archie Goodwin]

So that's the story, boss. We went over that place with a fine tooth comb. Nothing. There's not a single suspect. The last person to see Arthur alive was the elevator girl, Christian.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, the last person to see Arthur Merle alive was the person who ended his life.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I just can't imagine that pretty little elevator gal.

[Nero Wolfe]

You don't solve crimes by imagination, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then there's Cynthia Roberts, his fiance.

[Nero Wolfe]

You suspect her?

[Archie Goodwin]

Not exactly. But just suppose she did have a motive. Maybe he threw her over. Wouldn't it have been very clever of her to come back to Arthur's apartment after the police arrived, allegedly looking for it?

[Nero Wolfe]

I thought you were the admirer of the affair of six. Archie, so far the best you can do is practically accuse the elevator girl and Arthur's fiance of murder.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, who else is there? Certainly the fellow who came with the food doesn't count. I repeat, who else is there?

[Nero Wolfe]

The entire population of the city, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thanks. Well, that's all I get. Oh, well, there was something else.

[Nero Wolfe]

What?

[Archie Goodwin]

This page 189 of what appears to be Arthur's latest novel was in his typewriter, as you can see. Just started the page.

[Nero Wolfe]

Starbreaker. Very interesting. What's the rest of it?

[Archie Goodwin]

That's all we found. What?

[Nero Wolfe]

And there was something missing.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie. Yes, boss?

[Nero Wolfe]

First thing tomorrow morning, get the address of Mr. Morton who publishes Arthur's books. Then get over to see him right away.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Yes, may I help you?

[Archie Goodwin]

I'd like to see Mr. Morton. Did you have tell him I'm from Hamas?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Oh, yes, sir. Mr. Morton, I know you have someone with you, but there's a gentleman here from the Homicide Bureau. He wants to see you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Tell him I work for Nero Wolf. My name's Goodwin.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

His name is Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Send him in.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Yes. Thank you. You may go right in, sir. The large door to your right.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thanks. Come in. Mr. Goodwin, come in. I understand you're from Homicide. Not exactly. I'm Nero Wolf's assistant. We're working with, Inspector. And what can I do for you? You've heard about Arthur Merle? Yes, I received the word when I came in this morning. It was a great shock. Oh, excuse me, Mr. Goodwin. This gentleman is Henry Childs. How do you do, Mr. Childs? Glad to meet you, Mr. Goodwin. You're with Nero Wool? I'm his. Well, his Assistant, Man Friday. Mr. Childs is a publicity agent. He handled all publicity for Arthur Merle. I've not only lost an excellent client, but a very good friend. Did you know Mr. Merle? Yes, I'd met him a number of times. With Mr. Wolf? Yes, indeed. Arthur Murrell was a great writer and a fine citizen. He'll be missed by millions. Mr. Goodwin, when was the murder discovered? Last night, shortly before dinner. Well, what are the police? I mean, what do you think the motive was? Don't know as yet, Mr. Charles. A little early for that. Well, it's certainly a shame. I. I wanted to ask you a few questions, Mr. Morton, privately. I hope you don't mind, Mr. Charles. Oh, no, no, not at all. I was about to leave. I'll run along now, Mr. Morton. See you again soon, Mr. Childs. Good morning, gentlemen. Well, Mr. Goodwin. You did a lot of business with Mr. Merle, Mr. Morton. I published every one of his novels for the past eight years. And you intended to publish his new one, the one he was working on? Yes. We had a contract. The usual agreement between you? Naturally. Although I didn't know the story, I was always sure that if Arthur wrote it, it was good. Mr. Merle's name on the novel was a guarantee that it would sell a million copies. You don't know what this last one was about? Haven't the faintest idea. We relied completely on Arthur's judgment. Not even any carbon copies? Not that I know of. Why, when Mr. Murrell was killed, the only thing missing from his apartment was the novel. The novel? The first 188 pages. All we found of it were a few lines of page 189 in his typewriter. He must have been working on it when the murderer stabbed him. The rest of it's gone. You mean Goodwin, the novel's gone. This will cost me a million dollars. Well, it cost Arthur Merle his life.

[Nero Wolfe]

Arthur Merle dead in his novel.

[Archie Goodwin]

Gone. I can hardly believe it. Well, thank you, Mr. Morton. I hope I've been of some help, although I'm sorry you haven't. But we may call on you again before it's over. You may be a Great help.

[Nero Wolfe]

Here. Wolf speaking. Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Boss, I just finished with Morton. He doesn't know a thing. Worl never discussed his stories with anyone. And as far as Morton knows, he never made carpets. I see. Where do I go from here, boss?

[Nero Wolfe]

See Cynthia Roberts.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, then you haven't dismissed the possibility that she may have had something to do with it.

[Nero Wolfe]

Being his fiance, she probably knows more about Arthur than anyone else. She may know who the fourth guest was to have been last night. And she also may know what Merle's novel was about.

[Archie Goodwin]

Right, boss. I'm anxious to know what the novel was about too.

[Nero Wolfe]

I personally don't give a hang what the novel was about. What I want to find there is someone who does know the story. Because I have a hunch that whoever knows that is the person who killed Arthur Merle.

[Archie Goodwin]

Miss Roberts, I know you want to help us find out who killed Arthur.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Oh, yes, of course. I'll do anything.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nero Wolf and I were invited to have dinner with Arthur Merle last night.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Well, I knew he was having friends in for dinner, but I didn't know who they were.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I'm sorry. I hoped you'd know whom he invited.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

No, he didn't tell me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Ms. Roberts, we have reason to believe that there was to have been a fourth person there last night.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

A fourth?

[Archie Goodwin]

The caterer came to deliver dinner for four. Now, the fourth party never did show up or else came earlier and left after Arthur was killed.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

You mean someone Arthur invited to dinner might have killed him?

[Archie Goodwin]

Maybe.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Oh, there's no one that I can think of who bore any ill will toward Arthur.

[Archie Goodwin]

We're convinced that this was done on the spur of the moment. Unpremeditated murder. Arthur Merle suddenly became a threat to someone. Now we've got to find out what the threat was and who was threatened. We'd hope you could help.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

I'm sorry.

[Archie Goodwin]

Did he ever discuss his new novel with you?

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

Oh, no. He never talked about his stories until he'd finished them.

[Archie Goodwin]

So his latest mystery contains the answer to an even greater mystery. Unless we find the first, they'll both go unanswered. Hello?

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Morton?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes.

[Nero Wolfe]

Nero Wolf speaking.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, yes, Your man Goodwin was here to see me.

[Nero Wolfe]

I presume you are interested in seeing Merle's murderer brought to justice.

[Archie Goodwin]

Certainly. Arthur was a close friend of mine.

[Nero Wolfe]

And his death cost you a best seller, I know. Now, would you be willing to help a bit? Why, yes, if I. I prepared a statement for the papers. I want you to call the literary editors first thing in the morning. Here's what I want you to tell them. Go to pencil and paper and take this down. Quote, Mr. Carlton Morton announced today the last work of the late Arthur Merle will be published according to schedule. Fortunately, it was Mr. Merle's custom to furnish his publishers with carbon copies of each day's work. Consequently, with the major portion of his.

[Archie Goodwin]

Boss. Boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good heaven, Archie, please don't be so loud.

[Archie Goodwin]

Look here in this morning's paper. Why, that rat. He lied to me. That. That.

[Nero Wolfe]

What on earth are you talking about?

[Archie Goodwin]

That publisher, Morton, he said he didn't have copies of Merle's manuscript, that he didn't know what it was about. And Listen to this. Mr. Carlton Morton announced today that the last work of the late Arthur Merle will be published according to schedule. Fortunately, it was Mr. Merle's custom to furnish his publisher with carbon copies of each day's work. Consequently, with a major portion of his latest work, Starbreaker, in the hands of his publisher, together with a complete synopsis, including the denouement, it will be possible for a ghost writer to complete the novel. It will be published posthumously in proceeds. Boss, did you hear that?

[Nero Wolfe]

I did, and it couldn't have been more to my liking if I'd written it myself. Now, excuse me, I want to make a telephone call. Who? Publisher Morton?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, I'm beginning to see he lied about the whole thing. I still don't see why he'd kill Merle, but on.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hello, Mr. Morton, this is near A wolf. Yes. Perfect. Now, I'll call Kramer and he and Archie will be waiting for you. Remember now, if anything comes of it, you are to say the manuscript is in the safe in your home and you steer the party here. Say you've recently rented this place. I hope we'll be seeing you. Yes. Goodbye. Oh, and be careful. Remember what happened to Arthur. The manuscript is in my desk in the middle drawer.

[Jerry Fay / Female Characters]

What the.

[Nero Wolfe]

You mean Archie? Look out of that window.

[Archie Goodwin]

Huh? Yeah.

[Nero Wolfe]

Out there is a city of some 5 million people. In that 5 million, there is one who murdered Arthur Merle. Now, we don't know who it is, so we can't go out and put a finger on him. But, Archie, since we can't go to him, we have only one other choice. Make him come to us.

[Archie Goodwin]

Will you tell me why we're sitting here in the dark in Wolf's office? Yes, Inspector Kramer, Mr. Wolf promised us a caller. Mr. Morton is to pretend that he's rented this place recently. Well, who's the caller?

[Nero Wolfe]

Continue until he or she gets here.

[Archie Goodwin]

You seem certain he'll come.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'm quite certain.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm just hopeful. You trying to tell me that Morton killed Merle?

[Nero Wolfe]

You're almost as dense as Archie was. No, Morton didn't do it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Unless Mr. Wolf is very wrong, which is doubtful. Before the night is over, Morton will know who did. Then it won't be long until we know, too. You should get on a quiz program. You're so good at guessing games. Listen. Someone's coming.

[Nero Wolfe]

A brilliant deduction, my dear.

[Archie Goodwin]

Creamer.

[Nero Wolfe]

I hope there are two of them, Inspector. Behind these drapes.

[Archie Goodwin]

Quick.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'll get behind the screen.

[Archie Goodwin]

All right, Mr. Morton. So far you've been very cooperative. Just keep it up. I have no intention of doing otherwise. Your gun has me completely convinced, Mr. Child. Get the manuscript? Yes. Just a moment. It's in my desk. Wait a minute. I thought you said it was in the safe. Mistake, Mr. Charles. I don't have a safe. Shall I get the manuscript? Yes, but no tricks. You be careful. I'm being exceedingly careful, Mr. Childs. There you are. Star Breaker by Arthur Merle. Yes, this is it. Thank you, Mr. Morton. Now, I trust that's all you want of me. I'm sorry. I wish that were true. Unfortunately, you see, it's not the actual novel that I want. Oh? My interest in this copy is the same as it was in the original. And that is that no one should ever learn the content. I take it you know what it's about, then? Yes. You see, Mr. Morrow made the mistake of telling me when I called a bit early at his apartment for dinner last evening. I was forced to deprive him of his life. Once I learned the storyline of this novel, this story must be kept secret.

[Nero Wolfe]

Why?

[Archie Goodwin]

Most of you people in the publishing business know me as a public relations and publicity agent for several prominent writers. Yes, actually, I've been as successful as I might in this business because a few years ago I stumbled onto a very neat and foolproof method of blackmail. Unfortunately, Arthur Merle thought of the same thing and based this story on it. If it got out, I'd be exposed and sent to prison. So he can see why I had to stop it. Why I had to kill Arthur. And why now I'll have to kill you too. Child, for heaven's sake. The contents of these pages condemn me. You know what's in them. Further, I've confessed to murder to you. You don't think I could let you live after that, do you? Child, you're insane. I'm sorry that I must repay you for your trouble in such an ungrateful manner. I'm sorry to do this to you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Charles, please.

[Archie Goodwin]

Enough. Sorry, Mr. Charles. There wasn't time to ask you to drop the gun. All right, Mr. Charles, get your hands up and stay where you are. Nice. Where are you going, Mr. Morton? Who are you?

[Nero Wolfe]

That took courage, Mr. Morton. Sorry we had to wait so long. But we had to make Mr. Charles here convict himself.

[Archie Goodwin]

Convict? What do you mean? We've been waiting here for you behind the drapes all the time. We heard every word. Mr. Charles, you're under arrest. Police.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, Mr. Giles. Only one person could have been so anxious over a copy of that novel. That's the person who killed Arthur Merle for the original. And we heard you confess to that.

[Archie Goodwin]

And that's all we need to convict you. We didn't have any proof until we set it up for you to make a second try to cover up for the first. Fortunately, the setup worked. Setup?

[Nero Wolfe]

Take a look at the rest of the manuscript, Mr. Giles.

[Archie Goodwin]

What? All the front pages are all right, but look at the rest. Why the blank. They're just blank pages. You didn't have a copy at all?

[Nero Wolfe]

No, but we certainly got a murderer, eh, Inspector? Giles.

[Archie Goodwin]

Giles. Stop. Giles.

[Nero Wolfe]

Shop.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, that's one way to avoid standing trial.

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, Archie, I'm glad you and Graham got trials. Some be up here.

[Archie Goodwin]

That was a clever scheme, boss. Making him think there was a copy. Yes.

[Nero Wolfe]

In a way, though I wish it hadn't been just a scheme.

[Archie Goodwin]

Meaning?

[Nero Wolfe]

I wish there had been a copy of Arthur Mer's Noble.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why? You never read detective stories?

[Nero Wolfe]

No, but I've drummed up so much curiosity over this one, I'd like to know exactly what that blackmail gimmick really was. Good night, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

You have been listening to the new Adventures of Nero Wolf, starring Sydney Green Street. Tonight's transcribed story by Don Arthur was based on the characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edwin Fadiman production and is directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin and Evelyn Eaton. Peter Leeds, Lucille Alex, Monica Neely, Herb Butterfield and Bill Johnstone. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the telltale ribbon. Don Stanley speaking. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's excitement for you Sunday when talented servicemen compete on the Phil Regan Show. And Sunday on NBC also means another delightful adventure with Cary Grant and Betsy Drake when they star as Mr. And Mrs. Blanding, the proud but bewildered owners of the famous dream house. The chimes are your invitation every Sunday to Mr. And Mrs. Blanding. Tomorrow, for excitement, hear Herbert Marshall in the Man Called X on NBC Foreign.

[Podcast Host]

We just heard Larry Dopkin, Gerald Moore and Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin. That will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. I hope you'll be back next week for our Christmas show. That's right. It's hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. And this year we're celebrating on Broadway with some stories from the pen of Damon Runyon and an adventure of detective Danny Clover from Broadway is my beat. And I hope you'll join me this Wednesday for another of our bonus holiday episodes. Each Wednesday in December, I'm featuring some holiday mysteries as we count down to Christmas. And coming off the heels of our Nero Wolf showcase will feature the Christmas episode from Sydney Green street show as well as a holiday adventure of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In the meantime, you can check out Stars on Suspense, my other Old Time Radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Thursdays. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit buymeacoffee.com meansts OTR. I'll be back next week with more Old Time Radio Detectives. But until then, good night and happy listening.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now here is our star, Vincent Price. Ladies and gentlemen, in a prejudice filled.

[Nero Wolfe]

America, no one would be secure in.

[Archie Goodwin]

His job, his business, his church or his home. Yet racial and religious antagonisms are exploited daily by quacks and adventurers whose followers make up the irresponsible lunatic fringe of American life. Refuse to listen to or spread rumors against any race or religion. Help to stamp out prejudice in our country. Let's judge our neighbors by the character of their lives alone and not on the basis of their religion or origin.