(05) Private Files Of Rex Saunders - Plan In The Killers Mind

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 05 — Private Files of Rex Saunders: "Plan in the Killer’s Mind"

Date: July 27, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode revisits the suspenseful Golden Age radio drama, "The Private Files of Rex Saunders," featuring Rex Harrison as the enigmatic investigator. The story, subtitled “Plan in the Killer’s Mind,” plunges listeners into a twisting plot of fortune tellers, stolen jewels, false identities, and murder. As Rex Saunders is pulled into a mysterious request by a desperate woman, he unravels a complicated web involving old crimes, deception, and betrayal. The tone is classic detective noir — sardonic, skeptical, and full of period charm.

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Key Discussion Points and Breakdown

1. A Dramatic Beginning in the Park

• [01:52 – 05:31]
  • Rex is enjoying a peaceful morning ride when he is drawn into drama: Carol Stevens, feigning distress on horseback, seeks his attention in a risky way.
  • The rescue is promptly unmasked as a ploy:

    "The whole thing was an act. I wanted to get your attention." — Carol Stevens [03:43].

  • Carol pleads for Rex’s help with a mysterious errand: recovering a package at Kramer's Museum, to be arranged through a sideshow mentalist, Zara.
  • Notable moment: The coded instructions:

    "You write the initials ‘LA’ on the card ... Zara will tell you that stands for Los Angeles. That will be the signal ..." — Carol Stevens [05:11].

2. The Sideshow Slink: Enter Zara the Mental Marvel

• [06:47 – 09:48]
  • Rex and his aide Alec follow Carol’s instructions, attending a mentalist show at Kramer's Museum. The performance is a front for covert communication.
  • Zara, reading Rex’s cue, sets up a post-performance meeting.
  • Suspense escalates: Zara flees, Rex and Alec give chase, but she remains elusive.

3. A Murder and the Mysterious Package

• [10:44 – 13:01]
  • In a shocking turn, Zara is shot and mortally wounded; before dying, she entrusts the mystery package to Rex, naming Ace as her killer:

    “I saw him. It was Ace. He did this to me ... Get the package to her, won’t you?” — Zara [10:48].

  • Rex sets off to the Hotel Maximum to search Zara’s room for the package, uncovering disturbing evidence: old newspaper clippings tying Zara and her husband, Ace, to previous jewel thefts.

4. Tangled Loyalties and Revelations

• [13:01 – 16:56]
  • Rex, Alec, and insurance investigator Braden Braden (posing as Braden Saunders) all probe Zara’s past and the missing necklace. Braden mentions the stolen necklace claim and casts suspicion on Carol Stevens’ mental state.
  • Rex follows up with Carol, coaxing her into confession:

    “You can drop that pose. There’s nothing wrong with you. You're hiding behind a cloak of illness ... It’s a necklace, a twenty thousand dollar necklace which was stolen.” — Rex Saunders [18:19].

    • Carol’s new revelation:

      “Zara was my sister, that's why.” — Carol Stevens [19:23].

5. Deadly Final Act: The Waterfront Showdown

• [20:32 – 23:42]
  • Carol is lured to the waterfront and killed. Rex himself is nearly murdered by Ace Collins in the climactic confrontation at Pier 37, but is saved by Braden’s timely intervention:

    “Just when I got here, I see Ace and Saunders over near the edge of the pier... I figured what was up, so I let Ace have it.” — Braden [24:01].

6. Twists Unveiled: All is Not What It Seems

• [24:43 – 27:36]
  • Rex produces the missing package: what appears to be the necklace. Braden, eager, claims checkmate — until Rex reveals the "necklace" is a fake, and Braden himself is implicated as the real mastermind.
    • Key confrontation:

      “This one’s a fake ... Yes, Braden, it’s about as fake as you are.” — Rex Saunders [25:31-25:43].

    • Braden’s unusual knowledge, his insurance connections, and a history of dirty jewel recoveries pin the crimes on him.
  • The story closes with Rex explaining how Braden orchestrated the murders to cover his own tracks.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Fortune-Telling and Fate:

  "The lines in the palm of a victim's hand are never as accurate as the plan in the killer's mind." — Rex Saunders [00:35]

• Carol’s Desperate Gambit:

  “You got to. I'll pay you anything.” — Carol Stevens [04:35]

• Murder Mystery Motive:

  “Harry Collins ... is intimately known as Ace. Zara ... worked a fortune telling racket in Chicago ... for the sole purpose of obtaining information from unsuspecting clients.” — Rex Saunders [13:27]

• Twist on Braden:

  “This one's a fake. ... Yes, Braden, it’s about as fake as you are. ... You place the suspicion squarely on yourself ... It's rather unusual you should have been aware of that fact, since I'd reported it only 15 minutes earlier.” — Rex Saunders [25:31-26:25]

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Key Timestamps

• 00:35: Episode’s philosophical theme by Rex Saunders.
• 03:46: Carol admits plotting to gain Saunders’ attention.
• 05:04: Carol’s detailed instructions for contacting Zara.
• 10:48: Zara’s dying confession, implicating Ace.
• 13:27: Discovery of Zara and Ace’s criminal past.
• 18:19: Rex unmasks Carol’s secret; Carol admits Zara is her sister [19:23].
• 23:42: Aftermath of the climactic shootout; Carol’s body recovered.
• 25:31: Rex exposes the fake necklace and Braden’s crime.

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Conclusion

This artfully tangled episode epitomizes vintage radio drama: layered plots, quick-witted dialogue, and classic suspense. Using elaborate ruses, hidden histories, and an array of shady characters, “Plan in the Killer’s Mind” delivers an intricate tale of greed and betrayal where even allies may be the enemy, and the real danger lies beneath the surface.

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Next Week Preview:
"Concerning political corruption. When bullets are exchanged for ballots, a trip to the death house is the usual upshot." — Rex Saunders [28:48]

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Transcript

[Announcer]

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[Narrator]

Rex Harrison stars in another intriguing adventure Transcribed from the private files of Rex Saunders.

[Rex Saunders]

Concerning fortune telling, the lines in the palm of a victim's hand are never as accurate as the plan in the killer's mind.

[Narrator]

And now, the private files of Breck Saunders, RCA Victor, world leader in radio, first in recorded music and first in television, brings you the celebrated star of stage and screen, Rex Harrison. In another exciting story taken from the private files of Rex Saunders, radio's newest man of mystery. We hope you enjoy these weekly stories of intrigue and adventure. And for another adventure in home entertainment, we suggest you try RCA Victors, a fine line of radio and television products now on display at your RCA Victor dealer. Now for our story.

[Rex Saunders]

It was a typical bright spring morning. I was out for a canter in the park. As my horse jogged along the bridle path. I remember thinking to myself that nothing could possibly mar the warm peace of a spring morning. It was a comforting thought, but as usual, I turned in my saddle. The horse she was riding came dashing down the path at a wild gallop. I could see her straining tight at the reins, but the animal was speeding on unchecked. She passed me in a cloud of dust. Quickly I spurred my mountain to a gallop and started after. I followed along the winding path, pushed

[Narrator]

my horse on faster and faster.

[Rex Saunders]

I was gaining gradually the gap between toes. Then as we sped round a bend in the park, I pulled up alongside

[Alec]

the runaway horse, reached out, grabbed the

[Rex Saunders]

curb rein camping animal pork for a

[Alec]

while, and then gave in.

[Rex Saunders]

Came to a stop. I dismounted her body lay limp in the saddle. I lifted her down easily, and as I carried her across the bridle path towards the grass, I looked down at her. That Prince Charming to the rescue feeling came over me. And then the sleeping beauty in my arms broke the spell.

[Carol Stevens]

You can put me down now.

[Albert Stevens]

What?

[Zara]

Put me down.

[Carol Stevens]

Sue.

[Rex Saunders]

You sure you're all right?

[Carol Stevens]

I'm all right.

[Rex Saunders]

Very well.

[Albert Stevens]

There you are.

[Carol Stevens]

Thank you.

[Rex Saunders]

May I suggest that next time you go out for a ride, you pick a less spirited horse, this animal. And you don't appear to see eye to eye.

[Zara]

Raven's all right.

[Alec]

Raven?

[Rex Saunders]

Oh, you two know each other?

[Carol Stevens]

Well, why shouldn't we?

[Zara]

He's my horse.

[Rex Saunders]

Does he usually take you for such an Exciting run.

[Carol Stevens]

I had him under control all the time.

[Rex Saunders]

Frankly, it didn't look that way.

[Carol Stevens]

An act. The whole thing was an act.

[Albert Stevens]

Really.

[Carol Stevens]

I wanted to get your attention.

[Rex Saunders]

You certainly did. But why mine?

[Carol Stevens]

Well, you're Rex Saunders, aren't you? I found out from one of the stable hands that you ride here on Saturday mornings. Mr. Saunders, I had to speak to you.

[Rex Saunders]

The telephone is a far less dramatic means than the one you employ.

[Carol Stevens]

This is not a joking matter. I need your help desperately.

[Rex Saunders]

You don't look very desperate.

[Carol Stevens]

You don't understand.

[Rex Saunders]

That, young lady, is a gross understatement.

[Carol Stevens]

I did this so I could speak, so no one would find out. I thought this would be the.

[Braden Saunders]

Well, we're alone.

[Rex Saunders]

What do you want to speak to me about, miss?

[Carol Stevens]

Please don't ask me my name.

[Rex Saunders]

Oh, one of those things.

[Carol Stevens]

I'll tell you everything after you do what I ask. I'll get in touch with you and tell you where to bring it to me.

[Alec]

Bring what?

[Carol Stevens]

The package you're going to pick up for me.

[Rex Saunders]

What makes you think that I'm going

[Alec]

to pick up a package for you?

[Carol Stevens]

You got to. I'll pay you anything.

[Rex Saunders]

I'm not in this game for money, or haven't you heard?

[Carol Stevens]

Then do it, because I need you to. Everything's at stake. You can trust me. Believe me, you can. Mr. Saunders, will you help me?

[Rex Saunders]

You're very pretty. Mystery becomes your type.

[Carol Stevens]

Will you?

[Rex Saunders]

I'll think about it.

[Carol Stevens]

There isn't much time. You've got to be there by 2 this afternoon.

[Albert Stevens]

Where?

[Carol Stevens]

Kramer's Museum. It's a penny arcade on 42nd Street. There's a sideshow downstairs.

[Rex Saunders]

I know about Kramer's.

[Carol Stevens]

You're to be downstairs by 2. There's a woman by the name of Zara. She has a telepathy act. Zara will speak to you.

[Rex Saunders]

And I take it this Zara person will tell me what's on my mind.

[Carol Stevens]

You write the initials LA on one of the cards they pass out to the crowd. Zara will tell you the initial stand for Los Angeles. That will be the signal for you two to get together. Then Zara will give you further directions. Is that clear?

[Rex Saunders]

About as clear as the finer points of the relativity theory.

[Carol Stevens]

I do? Get the package. I'll get in touch with you and explain everything. Now, don't forget. You Write the initials LA on the card they give.

[Albert Stevens]

Hello.

[Carol Stevens]

Don't say anything, Mr. Saunders. Don't mention a word. I told you, Carol.

[Rex Saunders]

Who's he?

[Carol Stevens]

Please, please, don't say a word. You mustn't tell him anything.

[Albert Stevens]

What were you doing here?

[Carol Stevens]

I went for a ride. Albert.

[Narrator]

You were told not to.

[Rex Saunders]

It was forbidden.

[Albert Stevens]

You were not to leave your room under any circumstances.

[Carol Stevens]

I'm sorry, Albert. I just had to get out. I just had.

[Narrator]

Who is this man?

[Carol Stevens]

He was helping me.

[Rex Saunders]

What do you mean helping you? The young lady's horse was out of control.

[Carol Stevens]

Raven. Something was wrong with him, Albert.

[Rex Saunders]

I managed to stop him.

[Carol Stevens]

The gentleman was very kind.

[Albert Stevens]

I see.

[Rex Saunders]

All right, Carol, get back on Raven.

[Braden Saunders]

We're going home.

[Carol Stevens]

Yes.

[Rex Saunders]

Now, if there's any way I can

[Narrator]

repay you for your health.

[Rex Saunders]

Not at all. I'm glad to be of assistance.

[Albert Stevens]

Oh, thank you.

[Rex Saunders]

Heaven knows what would have happened to Carol if I hadn't found her.

[Narrator]

You.

[Rex Saunders]

You probably noticed that my wife talked peculiarly.

[Albert Stevens]

Your wife? Yes.

[Rex Saunders]

She's under the doctor's care. Carol seems to imagine things.

[Alec]

It was induced by shock.

[Rex Saunders]

The doctor says with the proper rest

[Alec]

and treatment she'll be all right in time.

[Rex Saunders]

I phoned Alec and had him meet me at the Kramer's Museum. The street floor of the museum was the usual penny arcade with the usual variety of coin machines that ranged from hand grip testers to one minute views of flickering Maximus bathing beauties. In the rear of the arcade was the usual shooting gallery. And Alec, as usual, was concerned.

[Alec]

Sometimes I don't understand you at all.

[Rex Saunders]

What is it this time, Alec?

[Alec]

Why do we bother coming here to this place? You told me yourself that the woman's husband said she just wasn't right.

[Rex Saunders]

So he did.

[Alec]

Well, that fantastic story she told you about getting information here about a package.

[Carol Stevens]

What package?

[Rex Saunders]

She didn't say.

[Carol Stevens]

That's just what I mean.

[Alec]

It doesn't make any sense.

[Rex Saunders]

That sign over there does.

[Carol Stevens]

Huh?

[Rex Saunders]

At placards. You're right.

[Alec]

See Zara the Mental Marvel in the hall of Wonders downstairs.

[Narrator]

Next performance at 2:00pm you see, Alec,

[Rex Saunders]

there might be some sense to this excursion of ours after all. That still doesn't prove anything. No, but just to say I'm anxious to see if Zara and I have some thoughts in common. We moved with the crowd to the front of the platform where the silver letters on the black curtain spelled out Zara the Mental Marvel.

[Mental Marvel (Zara's act)]

Now we present Zara the Wonder Woman who reads your mind a little lady who knows your every thought. I see the gentleman has collected the cards upon which you have written your questions. Now Zara the Mental Marvel will astound you with her ability to delve into the recesses of your inner mind.

[Alec]

If she were able to delve prefer to be safe, sound at home rather

[Rex Saunders]

than here in crytary hard upon which

[Mental Marvel (Zara's act)]

is written the initials LA that's yours.

[Zara]

The person who wrote these initials wishes me to answer a question in relation to a city. Will the person who wrote the initial speak up, please?

[Rex Saunders]

I wrote the initials.

[Zara]

Thank you.

[Carol Stevens]

Am I correct so far?

[Zara]

The gentleman wishes some information about the city of Los Angeles. Am I right?

[Rex Saunders]

You're quite right.

[Zara]

The gentleman desires to know if a trip he plans will meet with success. Will he find what he seeks?

[Rex Saunders]

Well, will I?

[Zara]

I can only see that the gentleman is headed in the right direction. The rest is not clear yet. If the gentleman will remain for a moment after my performance, I shall be happy to discuss the matter with him.

[Rex Saunders]

All right, I'll wait. After her performance, Zara disappeared behind the black curtain which hung over her platform. While Alec and I waited for her to reappear, I noticed a woman come out of the side door at the far end of the room. She moved quickly through the sparse crowd and then hurried up the stairs that led to the street. The fast moving woman was Zara. Alec and I set out after her.

[Alec]

Deliberately trying to give us a slip.

[Rex Saunders]

So it seems, Alec.

[Alec]

Now I'm more puzzled than ever.

[Rex Saunders]

Well, we'll see what Zara can do to clear up your bewilderment.

[Alec]

Come on, let's hurry before we lose

[Rex Saunders]

her in the crowd. Just a moment. I believe we had an appointment back at Kramer's museum.

[Carol Stevens]

Oh.

[Zara]

Oh, it's you.

[Alec]

The young lady seems to specialize in disappearing acts as well as mental magic.

[Carol Stevens]

I had to get out of there. I saw him in the crowd.

[Zara]

I couldn't talk to you there. He would have found out.

[Carol Stevens]

He may be following me now.

[Alec]

Please let me go.

[Zara]

I'll meet you later.

[Carol Stevens]

Any place you say. I'll tell you where to make it to pick up.

[Rex Saunders]

Then you tell me now. You tell me everything I want know right now. I just had about enough of this.

[Carol Stevens]

Look, he's there behind you.

[Alec]

It won't work this time. Zara won't.

[Carol Stevens]

For heaven's sake,

[Rex Saunders]

Please don't try to move. You will be at the hospital in a few moments.

[Carol Stevens]

I heard what the doctor said. Not a chance. I heard him. I've got to tell you this. I saw him. It was Ace. He did this to me. I was rotten of him to do a thing like this to me. I was trying to help her, that's all.

[Zara]

Ace isn't the kind to help anybody.

[Rex Saunders]

We'll find him, Zara. I promise you.

[Carol Stevens]

Yeah, sure about the package. You get it to her, won't you?

[Rex Saunders]

Where is it?

[Zara]

In my room.

[Carol Stevens]

Hotel Max in it. It's there in my.

[Rex Saunders]

Alec?

[Albert Stevens]

Yes.

[Rex Saunders]

I tell the driver, never mind the hospital. Tell him to head for the morgue. Zara is dead.

[Narrator]

Here's the smartest graduation gift of them all. The sleek, sophisticated Victrola 45 personal phonograph. It's a gift that keeps on giving.

[Albert Stevens]

The gift that's practical.

[Narrator]

You can slip your fingers through the convenient carrying handle and take it with you wherever you go. Then too, the Victrola 45 Personal was especially designed for RCA Victor's wide selection of handy 7 inch non breakable records. Records that can play as long as ordinary 10 or 12 inchers, but last so much longer. And since all the major record companies are now recording on 45, you can be sure of enjoying all your favorite music, all your favorite stars on the RCA Victor personal phonograph. And here's an easy way to buy it. Just ask for the RCA Victor 45 EY3. Better write it down. The 45 EY3. For the Victrola 45 Personal Phonograph. By name, the RCA Victor 45 Ey3.

[Rex Saunders]

After I explained my part in the matter. Homicide. Alec and I went to the murdered woman's rooms at the hotel. Maximum. We hardly looked through Zara's effects for the mysterious package.

[Alec]

Nothing of importance. In the closet, Rex.

[Rex Saunders]

All right, Try the bed. May be hidden in the mattress.

[Braden Saunders]

Right,

[Albert Stevens]

Alec? You.

[Alec]

You found it?

[Rex Saunders]

No. But this newspaper clipping. Look at the picture about the story.

[Alec]

Well, that Zara and some man.

[Rex Saunders]

This clipping is from a Chicago paper dated June 2, 1937. Listen to what the caption under the photograph has to say. Shown above are Harry Collins and his wife Rita, who was sentenced yesterday to a five year term for a $15,000 jewel theft. Also sentenced, but to a lesser term, was Anne Vincent, sister of Mrs. Collins.

[Alec]

Wow.

[Rex Saunders]

And here's something else that'll interest you, Alec. It's in the body of the story. Harry Collins, a notorious jewel thief of long standing, is intimately known as Ace. Zara.

[Alec]

She said Ace. She said she saw and fire the shots. It was her own husband who killed her.

[Rex Saunders]

Yes, but why? Well, evidently because he knew she was about to turn over the package to us.

[Alec]

But what could be in the package?

[Rex Saunders]

The rest of this newspaper story makes that rather obvious. According to the account, Rita Collins, or Zara, as we now know her, worked a fortune telling racket in Chicago for the sole purpose of obtaining information from unsuspecting clients. Information regarding to the location available. And that simplified Ace's second story work exactly.

[Alec]

Then the package in question must.

[Rex Saunders]

Ace and Zara were back in business at the old stand. Now, let's get back to our search. Tighter bed, as I told you. In the meantime, I'll finish up going through this chest.

[Braden Saunders]

You're still looking for something, Rex. Go ahead, keep looking. Don't let this. 45 I'm holding bother you.

[Alec]

Well, how did you get in here?

[Braden Saunders]

Maybe I should have knocked, huh?

[Rex Saunders]

I believe Emily Post lists that as the acceptable manner of entrance.

[Braden Saunders]

What are you doing in here?

[Rex Saunders]

Well, believe it or not, we're the new porters. Just tidying up the place a bit.

[Braden Saunders]

You're a funny man, huh?

[Rex Saunders]

Well, it helps make these trying situations more possible.

[Alec]

Look, funny man, maybe this will make

[Braden Saunders]

you laugh on the other side of your face, you and that character. They're headed for a fast trip. The police headquarters.

[Alec]

Police headquarters?

[Braden Saunders]

You heard it straight. The Dane that lived here was knocked off this afternoon.

[Alec]

No one knows that better than we do. And for your information, this is Rex Saunders.

[Albert Stevens]

What? Saunders.

[Alec]

Mr. Rex Saunders.

[Albert Stevens]

Saunders?

[Braden Saunders]

Well, why didn't you say so?

[Rex Saunders]

That gun you're holding didn't appear to invite introduction. Oh, that's.

[Braden Saunders]

Guess I better put it away, huh? My name's Braden Saunders. Carl Braden. I guess you're kind of wondering what I'm doing here, huh?

[Rex Saunders]

In the fashion.

[Albert Stevens]

Sure.

[Braden Saunders]

I guess I can't blame you. I'm with the Acme Insurance Company. I'm a special investigator for their Claims Division. I've been trying to track down a diamond necklace that was stolen a couple of weeks ago.

[Alec]

I had my eye on that Zara dame.

[Braden Saunders]

She and that husband of hers, Ace Collins, were mixed up in a job like this out in Chicago about 10 years ago.

[Rex Saunders]

We know about the Chicago affair, Braden.

[Braden Saunders]

Well, when I spotted you two coming into the hotel and going to Czar's room here, I figured you might be in on the deal, so I walked in. Guess the joke's on me, huh?

[Rex Saunders]

Oh, I don't know, Braden.

[Braden Saunders]

Looks to me like the joke's on all of us.

[Rex Saunders]

I had reason to believe that a parcel of stolen valuables, probably your missing necklace, including among them, was hidden someplace in this room. But Alec and I covered every inch of it.

[Braden Saunders]

No luck, huh?

[Alec]

None so far.

[Braden Saunders]

Well, I guess it looks like Acme's gonna have to pay that 20,000 to Albert Stevens wife.

[Albert Stevens]

Albert?

[Braden Saunders]

That's right.

[Rex Saunders]

Albert Stevens and Mrs. Stevens. Name is Carol.

[Braden Saunders]

Yeah, Carol. A lot of help that dame's been to me after the ice was goes into a mental tailspin. Nothing she says makes any sense.

[Rex Saunders]

Alec, you stay here with Braden. I suggest you two give this place another going over. Maybe we missed a spot or two. In the meanwhile, I'm going to see a woman about a horse. I phoned Carol Stevens and told her I was on my way to her house to have a talk. She pleaded with me not to come to the house. I let her have her way. I was to park my car across the street from the Stevens place, choose to come out of the 10. Sat in the car waiting and then the door opened.

[Carol Stevens]

I'm sorry I'm late, Mr. Thomas. I had to be sure Elder didn't see me come out.

[Rex Saunders]

Where's your husband now, Mrs. Stevens?

[Carol Stevens]

He's in the library.

[Rex Saunders]

Well, come on, get in. We're going to have that talk I mentioned.

[Carol Stevens]

But there's nothing to talk about.

[Rex Saunders]

Would you rather I discussed the matter in Mr. Stevens presence?

[Carol Stevens]

All right, but please, I can't stay long. If Albert finds out.

[Rex Saunders]

I'll be as brief as possible.

[Carol Stevens]

Mrs. Stevens.

[Rex Saunders]

Why did you want me to pick up that package and what was in it?

[Carol Stevens]

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

[Rex Saunders]

You know very well what I'm talking about, Mr. Sons.

[Carol Stevens]

I've been sick. Sometimes I say things that don't seem to have any reason. I don't remember what I told you this morning. My head is going round and round.

[Rex Saunders]

You can drop that pose. There's nothing wrong with you. You're hiding behind a cloak of illness to avoid speaking the truth. I'll tell you what's on your mind. It's a necklace.

[Carol Stevens]

What?

[Rex Saunders]

A twenty thousand dollar necklace which was stolen. Your necklace, Mrs. Stevens. You were trying to get it back. Zara was probably selling it back to you.

[Carol Stevens]

No.

[Rex Saunders]

You didn't want your husband to find out about it. Why? I don't know. You selected me as the go between. I was to get it from Zara and then bring it to you and no questions asked. Isn't that it, Mrs. Stevens?

[Albert Stevens]

Isn't it?

[Carol Stevens]

No. No, I. I don't understand what you're talking about.

[Alec]

Well, you.

[Rex Saunders]

The matter's gone further than mere robbery.

[Narrator]

Much further.

[Rex Saunders]

There's been a murder.

[Carol Stevens]

What?

[Rex Saunders]

Zara's dead.

[Carol Stevens]

Zara.

[Rex Saunders]

She was murdered this afternoon by her husband, Ace Collins.

[Mental Marvel (Zara's act)]

No.

[Carol Stevens]

Oh, she couldn't be. Sarah's not dead. She couldn't be dead.

[Rex Saunders]

You seem concerned.

[Carol Stevens]

All right, Mr. Saunders, I. I'll talk. I'll tell you everything.

[Rex Saunders]

Why this sudden change?

[Carol Stevens]

Why? Zara was my Sister, that's why.

[Rex Saunders]

And this is Mrs. Stevens story as she told it to me, Alex. She was implicated in the Chicago robbery 10 years ago with her sister and Ace Collins. Carol proved that she was used as an innocent foil. And the court let her off with a light sentence. Then she came east, changed her name and married Albert Stevens.

[Alec]

But what about her stolen necklace?

[Rex Saunders]

I was just coming to that. Evidently, Ace found out that Carol had turned up here and pulled the robbery. Carol feigned illness so she wouldn't be asked questions. Questions that might lead to her real identity.

[Alec]

I see. And when her sister Zara found out that Ace had stolen the necklace. She made an effort to get it back to Carol.

[Rex Saunders]

That's about it. But Zara was murdered by Ace for her attempt to help Carol.

[Albert Stevens]

Hello? Rex Saunders? Yes. This is Albert Stevens. Carol has told me everything. About what she was, about the necklace, about you, everything.

[Rex Saunders]

I told her it was much better that way. I knew you'd understand.

[Albert Stevens]

May I speak to her, please? I beg your pardon? May I speak to Carol?

[Rex Saunders]

What makes you think your wife is here, Mr. Stevens?

[Albert Stevens]

There was a phone call about an hour ago. She said it was you. She told me you wanted to see her.

[Rex Saunders]

I didn't call your wife, Mr. Stevens.

[Albert Stevens]

But wait. Mr. Saunders.

[Braden Saunders]

What is it?

[Albert Stevens]

There's a note here on the pad next to the phone. It's in Carol's handwriting.

[Rex Saunders]

What does the note say?

[Albert Stevens]

Pierre 30 tonight.

[Rex Saunders]

Pierre 37.

[Albert Stevens]

I better get down there right away. Carol may be in trouble.

[Rex Saunders]

No, Mr. Stevens, you stay at home. I'll go down there and handle matters. I'll call you if you're needed.

[Carol Stevens]

Foreign,

[Albert Stevens]

Huh?

[Rex Saunders]

You like I tell you, Saunders, just keep walking to the river. The voice doesn't sound familiar. How does your face look familiar? Ace Collins. Where's Mrs. Stevens? In the river where you're going. She had a big mouth like his sister's. I closed them both up for good.

[Alec]

Now it's your turn.

[Rex Saunders]

All right, hold it.

[Alec]

Take a look down there at the water, Saunders.

[Rex Saunders]

That's what you're going to take a dive into.

[Alec]

And you're going to sink fast because I'm going to load you down with a back full of lead.

[Rex Saunders]

So long, Saunders. Now, you take that diet.

[Narrator]

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[Albert Stevens]

Yet.

[Narrator]

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[Rex Saunders]

The drag boat just came in. They found Mrs. Stevens body under the pier.

[Albert Stevens]

Horrible.

[Alec]

And you might have been at the bottom of the river, too, if not

[Narrator]

for a stroke of sheer luck.

[Rex Saunders]

Braden's entrance on the scene was not luck, Alec. It was nothing short of a miracle.

[Braden Saunders]

I guess it was good that I got Ace in time, huh?

[Alec]

How did you ever happen to be down here at the waterfront?

[Braden Saunders]

Well, like I told Saunders, I called the Square Stevens house. Mr. Stevens said Saunders was down here hunting for his wife. And so I came on down to lend a hand. Just when I got here, I see Ace and Saunders over near the edge of the pier, and I see Ace's gun flash in the moonlight. I figured what was up, so I

[Rex Saunders]

let Ace have it.

[Braden Saunders]

He goes into the river.

[Rex Saunders]

Well, Braden, as they say, one good turn deserves another. I'm going to repay you for what you've done.

[Braden Saunders]

Well, Saunders, it's all in the day's work. Maybe you can help me out of a situation spot sometime.

[Rex Saunders]

I think I can help you out of the spot right now.

[Mental Marvel (Zara's act)]

Alec.

[Albert Stevens]

Yes?

[Rex Saunders]

Did you bring it with you? Oh, I did.

[Albert Stevens]

Here it is. What's this?

[Rex Saunders]

That package is yours.

[Braden Saunders]

I don't get it.

[Rex Saunders]

Well, go ahead, open it.

[Braden Saunders]

What's this supposed to be, some kind of a gift?

[Albert Stevens]

Hey.

[Braden Saunders]

Well, it's the necklace. The Stevens necklace? That's right. Where'd you find it?

[Rex Saunders]

In Zara's room at the hotel, next to him.

[Mental Marvel (Zara's act)]

What?

[Narrator]

You said it wasn't there. You said you covered every inch of that room.

[Rex Saunders]

I found it in the drawer just before you walked in, Braden. I managed to slip it inside my coat before I turned around. At that time, I wasn't taking chances. I wasn't trusting anyone. You couldn't blame me, could you?

[Braden Saunders]

No, I guess I couldn't.

[Rex Saunders]

But you certainly proved yourself. There's no doubt in mine. Are you, Stan? Well, Braden, I suppose that about winds the matter up.

[Braden Saunders]

I guess it does at that.

[Rex Saunders]

Except, of course, for a few minor details.

[Braden Saunders]

How do you mean.

[Rex Saunders]

Well, first there's the matter of that necklace you're holding.

[Braden Saunders]

What about it?

[Albert Stevens]

It's paste. Huh?

[Rex Saunders]

A rather clever copy of the original, which, by the way, Alec has deposited for safekeeping in the vault of our bank.

[Albert Stevens]

This.

[Braden Saunders]

This one's a fake.

[Rex Saunders]

Yes, Braden, it's about as fake as you are.

[Braden Saunders]

What?

[Rex Saunders]

I was onto you quite a long way back.

[Alec]

What are you talking about?

[Rex Saunders]

Murders. Three of them.

[Braden Saunders]

What's the matter with you, Saunders? Are you crazy?

[Alec]

I saved your life.

[Braden Saunders]

Ace was gonna kill you.

[Rex Saunders]

I got him in time.

[Narrator]

You saw it yourself.

[Braden Saunders]

You'd be a dead duck if it wasn't for me.

[Rex Saunders]

Saving me was part of a scheme to legally do away with Ace. As I told you before, there's no doubt in my mind where you stand.

[Braden Saunders]

Look, Saunders, will you cut this gag out?

[Narrator]

The joke's a joke.

[Rex Saunders]

You place the suspension suspicion squarely on yourself. When we first met in Zara's room, at that time, you mentioned Zara's murder. It's rather unusual that you should have been aware of that fact, since I'd reported it to homicide only 15 minutes earlier.

[Alec]

What about the wire from Chicago in reply to your inquiry?

[Rex Saunders]

Now, just getting to that, Alec. Ten years ago, Braden, you were on another stolen jewel case. You recovered the jewels by paying an underworld contact. Unfortunately, that case backfired and Collins and his wife were picked up by the police. Later, Carol Stevens pretended mental illness because you were on the case. She was afraid to talk because you knew of her past. She told me everything, except about you. I don't know why you had Mrs. Stevens killed, because with her sister's death, you were no longer certain that she would remain silent. Though you made sure of her silence.

[Braden Saunders]

No comments from Braden.

[Alec]

I take it you were accurate in every detail.

[Rex Saunders]

Is that all, Rex? Just about, except for one thing. What's that? It won't take a mental marvel to grasp the unhappy thoughts which from now on will lie heavy in the recesses of Braden's Inn.

[Narrator]

In a moment, Rex Harrison will return to tell you about next week's story. First, an invitation from RCA Victor. Next chance you get, drop into your dealers and look over the wide variety of RCA Victor home instruments designed to bring you the very finest in home entertainment. We know you'll find just the right instrument for family fun at a price that will fit your family budget fine. Instruments with world famous RCA Victor quality built into every feature and detail. See them tomorrow at your RCA Victor dealer. And now, here is Rex Harrison, internationally famous star of stage and screen, to tell you about next week's adventure transcribed from the private files of Rex Saunders. Next week it's concerning political corruption.

[Rex Saunders]

Concerning political corruption. When bullets are exchanged for ballots, a trip to the death house is the usual upshot.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to another intriguing adventure transcribed from the private files of Rex Saunders, written by Ed Adamson. In the cast were Leon Janney as Alec and Barbara Weeks as Carol. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is Kenneth Banghard speaking for RCA Victor.