Adventure Theater 77-xx-xx A Case of Identity

Summary

Adventure Theater 77-xx-xx: A Case of Identity

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Release Date: February 13, 2025

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Overview

In this gripping episode of Adventure Theater, titled "A Case of Identity", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a tale of deception, betrayal, and unexpected twists. The story revolves around Harry Burton and his wife Edna, whose seemingly innocent life insurance plan unravels into a complex web of deceit.

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Main Characters

• Harry Burton: A concerned husband entangled in his wife’s mysterious plans.
• Edna Burton: Harry’s wife, whose intentions regarding the life insurance policy become increasingly dubious.
• Insurance Agent: A key player in Harry and Edna's scheme, whose true motives are gradually unveiled.
• Sergeant Johnson (Gas Station Attendant): Represents law enforcement determined to uncover the truth.
• Sergeant Barton: Partner to Sergeant Johnson in the investigation.

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The Life Insurance Plan

The story begins with Edna Burton urging her husband, Harry, to take out a substantial life insurance policy. Despite Harry's initial reservations, Edna persuades him to proceed.

Edna Burton [02:00]: "She'd gotten the idea weeks ago, but she didn't want to mention it until I started on my vacation."

Harry recounts how Edna meticulously planned the insurance scheme, presenting it in small, manageable pieces to gauge his response before fully revealing her intentions.

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The Deception Unfolds

Harry decides to execute a plan to simulate his own death, ensuring that Edna benefits from the policy. His strategy involves an elaborate ruse with a coincidental encounter at a local park.

At [03:48], Harry notices a pigeon that strikingly resembles himself, symbolizing the impending chaos of dual identities.

Harry Burton [03:48]: "We were the same height, weight, same color, eyes. We could have been brothers."

Harry approaches an unsuspecting insurance agent, offering him a seemingly harmless job to fix up a rundown cabin in the San Bernardo Mountains.

Harry Burton [04:08]: "Well, there's not much work involved. I have a cabin up in the San Berdu Mountains. It's kind of run down. I need somebody to help me fix it up."

The agent, intrigued and desperate, agrees to the job for a fee, unwittingly becoming a pawn in Harry’s intricate plan.

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The Plot to Fake Death

Once at the cabin, Harry executes his plan by switching clothes with the insurance agent and setting the cabin ablaze to create the illusion of an accidental death.

Harry Burton [06:00]: "Then I saturated the upholstery with gasoline, left the can in the back seat and got out. Move over. I'll drive."

A meticulously timed fire engulfs the cabin, and Harry ensures that his appearance aligns with the insurance company's records to solidify the facade of his demise.

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The Unexpected Twist

Edna, upon receiving news of Harry's supposed death, appears devastated. However, subtle inconsistencies begin to surface, hinting at deeper layers of deception.

Edna Burton [07:45]: "There's blood on your coat. His coat."

As the story progresses, Harry returns, revealing that Edna orchestrated the entire scheme to benefit from the life insurance policy without intending to share the proceeds.

Harry Burton [13:35]: "Edna, you're not making sense."

The revelation that Edna never intended to uphold their marital trust turns the narrative on its head, showcasing her manipulative nature.

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Police Investigation and Exposure

Law enforcement, represented by Sergeant Johnson and Sergeant Barton, starts piecing together the inconsistencies in the Burton case. Edna's frantic behavior and contradictory statements raise red flags.

Sergeant Johnson [17:39]: "Mrs. Burton, something has come up."

Edna's inability to provide alibis and her evasive responses during the investigation further implicate her involvement in the deception.

Harry, leveraging his understanding of the plot, manipulates the situation to expose Edna's true intentions. By planting evidence and altering correspondence, he unravels the tangled web they had spun together.

Harry Burton [14:03]: "She made me kill a man."

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Resolution and Conclusion

In the climactic confrontation, Edna's facade crumbles as Harry confronts her with undeniable proof of her betrayal.

Edna Burton [23:18]: "She's smarter than I ever gave you credit for."

The police, now fully aware of Edna's machinations, secure her involvement in the scheme. The episode concludes with Edna facing the consequences of her actions, while Harry reclaims his identity and the narrative rests on the triumph of truth over deceit.

Narrator [23:18]: "The widow... became hysterical... Authorities discrediting the rantings of the troubled woman... Police have issued an all point bulletin..."

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Themes and Insights

A Case of Identity masterfully explores themes of trust, deception, and the lengths individuals will go to secure financial gain. The narrative delves into the complexities of marital relationships and the perilous consequences of manipulating trust for personal benefit. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of identity and the importance of honesty in relationships.

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This episode of Adventure Theater stands as a testament to the enduring allure of mystery and adventure stories from radio’s golden era. Through its intricate plot and well-developed characters, it offers listeners a compelling journey into the shadows of human intentions and the pursuit of truth.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Good evening. Welcome to Radio's Adventure Theater. Like fine vintage wine that gets tastier with the years, radio's mystery and adventure stories out of the past are still vibrant and alive. Join us now as we reach into the dusty archives for tonight's exciting drama.

[Announcer]

Tonight we bring you a transcribed story of a man who tries to lose himself. So now, starring Parley Bear and Michael Ann Barrett, A case of identity.

[Edna Burton]

Harry? Harry, answer me.

[Harry Burton]

Well, I don't know, Edna.

[Edna Burton]

You don't know what?

[Harry Burton]

I don't know if it's such a good idea. It might not work.

[Edna Burton]

Are you crazy? You think I planned something that wouldn't work? You think that?

[Harry Burton]

No.

[Edna Burton]

Well, then, what is it?

[Harry Burton]

Well, how are you so sure the insurance company will do it?

[Edna Burton]

You try him, Harry. You try finding one that won't jump to insure your life for 100,000 doll.

[Harry Burton]

That's how it started. She'd brought it up at dinner, not all at once, but in little pieces, just enough to make me curious. Then later, when she'd done everything she could to put me in a good mood, she told me all of it. She'd gotten the idea weeks ago, but she didn't want to mention it until I started on my vacation. Just in case anyone at the office noticed I was unusually nervous. Oh, yes. She'd planned it. Well, she made it sound easy. So I agreed to go along with her. The next morning, I applied for a life insurance policy, one that would pay Edna $100,000 in the event of my death. A week later, the manager of that insurance company called and asked me to stop by his office.

[Insurance Agent]

Well, Mr. Burton, it's a pleasure to meet you personally.

[Harry Burton]

Thank you.

[Insurance Agent]

It is an often we're privileged to.

[Harry Burton]

Issue such a large policy when it has cleared.

[Insurance Agent]

I believe everything's in order. If you just sign here.

[Harry Burton]

There you are.

[Insurance Agent]

All right, Mr. Burton.

[Harry Burton]

That's it. Thank you.

[Insurance Agent]

Take care of yourself, Mr. Burton.

[Harry Burton]

Half an hour after leaving his office, I walked into that park in the center of town. I'd been spending a lot of time there, watching, waiting, feeding the pigeons. Then I'd spotted the particular pigeon I'd been waiting for. We were the same height, weight, same Color, eyes. We could have been brothers. Except that he was a mousy gray the color of all stumble bums. For three days now I'd been watching him. Getting to know his habits. He showed up every morning about 11. First he'd take a walk looking for butts. Then he'd plop on the grass and sleep. This morning I wasn't going to let him sleep.

[Insurance Agent]

Hi.

[Harry Burton]

Nice day.

[Insurance Agent]

Yeah. Smoggy.

[Harry Burton]

Yes, it is. It gets your eyes.

[Insurance Agent]

Sure does. Isn't doing my head much good neither.

[Harry Burton]

Bad night, huh?

[Insurance Agent]

You don't have to have a drink on you, do you?

[Harry Burton]

No, but here's a buck.

[Insurance Agent]

Hey, how come you give me a buck, mister?

[Harry Burton]

I've got a job for you.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Job?

[Insurance Agent]

Oh, I'm not looking for no job. I've been sick. Real bad sick. Oh, you don't know?

[Harry Burton]

Well, there's not much work involved. I have a cabin up in the San Berdu Mountains. It's kind of run down. I need somebody to help me fix it up.

[Insurance Agent]

Oh, no, no, no. That sounds like. That sounds like heavy work. My doctor said I'll do the heavy work.

[Harry Burton]

Okay. It'll mean 50 bucks to you. How about it?

[Insurance Agent]

50?

[Harry Burton]

Half now and half when the job's finished. Well.

[Insurance Agent]

Well, as long as there's no heavy work then. Well, when do we go?

[Harry Burton]

Right now.

[Insurance Agent]

Now? Sure.

[Harry Burton]

Anything wrong? Do you have a business appointment?

[Insurance Agent]

Well, now, you don't have to get sassy. Okay, we go soon as I get that 25. You are. Oh, just one thing more. What's that about that drink. I could sure use it.

[Harry Burton]

You'll get it. I bought him a 49 cent bottle of wine which he opened before we got to the car. Then he insisted I drive him around to a flop house so he could pay a week's rent. Finally, we turned onto the freeway and headed for home.

[Edna Burton]

Harry?

[Harry Burton]

Yep?

[Edna Burton]

You're late. Why didn't you call?

[Harry Burton]

I was busy. I've got him in the car.

[Edna Burton]

What?

[Harry Burton]

He's in the car.

[Edna Burton]

Who is he? What's he like?

[Harry Burton]

His name's Wallace. He's a bum. A stew bum. We'll be doing him a favor. I backed the car out of the garage, careful that no one saw me. Then we started. My traveling companion wasn't feeling any pain. He polished off his bottle and passed out. No sign of anyone on that mountain highway. No houses, no cars. Not until I reached the 4,000 foot level where there was a little rundown gas station. At 12:30 we reached the cabin. I parked on the slope, pulled the emergency brake Tight. And then reached over into the back seat for the jack handle. I switched clothes with him. My keys, watch, wallet. Everything but my matches. Then I saturated the upholstery with. With gasoline, left the can in the back seat and got out. Move over. I'll drive.

[Edna Burton]

I saw was beautiful.

[Harry Burton]

Yeah, A real fire. Hot.

[Edna Burton]

There's blood on your coat. His coat.

[Harry Burton]

It's all right. I'm a drunk. I fell down. It's the usual thing. Light me a cigarette.

[Edna Burton]

Harry.

[Gas Station Attendant]

What?

[Edna Burton]

Did you leave the car in here?

[Harry Burton]

No.

[Edna Burton]

You forgot.

[Harry Burton]

Take it easy, will you? I didn't forget. The old figure I was sitting there drinking, fell asleep. The brake slipped. It'll be all right.

[Edna Burton]

When? When do you think they'll find him?

[Harry Burton]

Tomorrow, the next day? Now, when the police come, you know what to do. They'll ask a lot of questions, but don't lose your nerve. And don't. Don't What?

[Edna Burton]

What's wrong?

[Harry Burton]

I don't know. The motor's missing.

[Edna Burton]

We're stopping.

[Harry Burton]

Oh, shut up, will ya?

[Edna Burton]

Well, Harry, do something. Please do something. If they find us here like this.

[Insurance Agent]

Shut up.

[Harry Burton]

Well, it's no use. It won't.

[Insurance Agent]

You fool.

[Harry Burton]

You stupid, ignorant fool. Why didn't you notice?

[Edna Burton]

Notice what?

[Harry Burton]

We're out of gas.

[Edna Burton]

What?

[Harry Burton]

Oh, never mind. You still got a chance. There's a gas station a couple of miles from here. I'm gonna try to coast down to it.

[Edna Burton]

But if somebody see this, they won't.

[Harry Burton]

Get in the back. On the floor. Hurry up, for heaven's sake. Don't argue. Get in the back. Put that blanket over you and don't. Their lights are out. But somebody's got to be inside.

[Insurance Agent]

All right, all right. Heard you the second time. What do you want? 10 gallons of gas. Sorry. Close at 11 pumps. Locked.

[Harry Burton]

Then unlock it.

[Insurance Agent]

Now, wait a minute.

[Harry Burton]

I've got to have some gas. Do you understand?

[Insurance Agent]

Sure, I understand. But I ain't giving you none.

[Harry Burton]

You're not?

[Insurance Agent]

Now you listen to me. You listen, mister. I don't like your order and ways. Coming down here like high and mighty, blowing your horn like it was judgment day. Now, you better get.

[Harry Burton]

What do you mean by that?

[Insurance Agent]

Just what I said. Keep coasting, brother.

[Harry Burton]

Okay. I. I don't want any trouble. Only I thought maybe you'd be interested in $20.

[Insurance Agent]

Huh? How much? $20 for just 10 gallons of gas?

[Harry Burton]

That's right.

[Insurance Agent]

Reckon you do want to get home. That's a little regular.

[Harry Burton]

Anything, only hurry. Okay.

[Insurance Agent]

Okay.

[Edna Burton]

Mary, do you have enough money?

[Harry Burton]

Yes. No.

[Edna Burton]

What?

[Harry Burton]

The money I gave him isn't Here. Nothing's in these pockets but my matches and that key to that stinking flop house.

[Edna Burton]

What could he have done with it? You gave him $25, didn't you?

[Insurance Agent]

Yes.

[Harry Burton]

Quiet. He's coming back.

[Insurance Agent]

You want me to check your oil and water?

[Harry Burton]

No, no, it's not necessary.

[Insurance Agent]

Just thought I'd ask.

[Harry Burton]

What did that dirty bum do with my money?

[Edna Burton]

Here, Harry.

[Insurance Agent]

What?

[Edna Burton]

Take this. Here. It's all I have.

[Harry Burton]

Five bucks.

[Edna Burton]

It's all I have, Harry.

[Insurance Agent]

Okay. That's it. Ten gallons.

[Harry Burton]

Fine. Here's your money.

[Insurance Agent]

Hey, you said.

[Harry Burton]

When we got away from there, I noticed my throat was dry. My hands were beginning to shake. I was having trouble keeping the car on the road. Then Edna climbed up into the front seat and took the wheel. She didn't say a word. We turned onto the freeway that would take us into the city.

[Edna Burton]

You handled that very nicely, Harry.

[Harry Burton]

Thank you, Edna. Coming from you, that's a compliment.

[Edna Burton]

How do you feel?

[Harry Burton]

All right now?

[Edna Burton]

Worried about anything?

[Harry Burton]

No. Are you?

[Edna Burton]

Nothing. I'll let you off near Main Street. Keep out of sight until your beard grows out like the one Wallace has.

[Harry Burton]

Okay.

[Edna Burton]

You'll be able to learn what's happening from the newspapers.

[Harry Burton]

How will I know when you got the money?

[Edna Burton]

Call me Tuesday. If I don't have it, then I'll probably know when they're going to give it to me. And Harry.

[Harry Burton]

Yeah?

[Edna Burton]

I'll never forget what you've done for me. Never.

[Harry Burton]

You're already forgetting one thing, Edna.

[Edna Burton]

What's that?

[Harry Burton]

I didn't do it all for you.

[Edna Burton]

Didn't you, Harry?

[Harry Burton]

She stopped the car a couple of blocks from skid row. I got out and disappeared. The torn suit, bloodshot eyes and my beard put me in that mousy gray color. Few hours later, I was just another stumblebum. Three days went by before they found the body. Naturally, the newspapers played it up big.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Real big.

[Harry Burton]

With a picture of me and an obituary half a column long. There was also picture of Edna, the grief stricken wife. Taken right after she'd identified my body. I turned the page and kept on reading. And then I saw it. Only a small paragraph, but it said my widow would receive her hundred thousand immediately. Hello, Edna.

[Edna Burton]

Harry.

[Harry Burton]

Did I frighten you? I'm sorry.

[Edna Burton]

What are you doing here? How did you get in?

[Harry Burton]

You still leave that key under the back door? Matt, how many times have I told you about that?

[Edna Burton]

You shouldn't have come here. Why didn't you call?

[Harry Burton]

I did. All day and no answer.

[Edna Burton]

What if they're watching the house?

[Harry Burton]

Why should they, the police, are satisfied that I'm dead. You've got the insurance. How'd the company take it?

[Edna Burton]

I think they were suspicious. They asked me an awful lot of questions.

[Harry Burton]

Yeah, they figured to. But they could hardly go against the police findings. Death by misadventure.

[Edna Burton]

I don't want to talk about it anymore, Harry.

[Harry Burton]

No, you're right, Oliver. We've got the money now.

[Edna Burton]

I've got the money.

[Harry Burton]

What?

[Edna Burton]

And I'm going to keep it.

[Harry Burton]

Edna. Edna, you're not making sense.

[Edna Burton]

I'm not? Well, let me clarify the situation for you. I've got a hundred thousand dollars and you're dead. You're very, very dead.

[Harry Burton]

Are you? You had this idea all along, right from the very beginning. You never had any intention of sharing that money. And you made me kill a man.

[Edna Burton]

Stay right where you are, Harry. You take one more step and I'll scream. And you know how loud I can scream.

[Harry Burton]

Well, go ahead.

[Edna Burton]

Remember, you've lost your identity. I'll say you're a prowler. You broke in.

[Harry Burton]

And I'll spill the whole work, including.

[Edna Burton]

How you killed a man. No, I don't think you will. Will you, Harry?

[Harry Burton]

You're smart, isn't it? You're smarter than I ever gave you credit for. She'd always been the strong one, the aggressor. Always gotten her way up to now. That evening, after making sure she'd been picked up by her cousin to go to a movie as I usually did on Wednesdays, I entered the house again. I'd attended a sales convention the month before, and while I was away, I'd written her twice. Those letters were still on her desk. As quickly as I could, I lifted the old letters from their envelopes and replaced them with some I'd written that afternoon. In one of them, I said, darling, I can't understand why you insist I take out such a large insurance policy. If I didn't know you better, I might think you were planning to murder me. And I put the envelopes back in the desk and went into our bedroom. The keys to her coop were on the dresser. I put them in my pocket, picked up one of her shoes and started for the mountains. I reached the cabin about midnight, broke the heel from her shoe, tossed it into the ravine. Then I spattered mud on the shoe and put it back in the car. When I reached Palmdale, I made a long distance phone call.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Johnson Homicide.

[Harry Burton]

Hello. I've been reading about that Burton case in my newspaper and I thought maybe I should tell someone that I was driving Over Crestline, the night it happened.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Who's calling, please?

[Harry Burton]

I saw this car parked by a cab, and there was a man and a woman in it. And they. They seem to be arguing.

[Insurance Agent]

Arguing?

[Harry Burton]

That's right.

[Gas Station Attendant]

You remember what time it was?

[Harry Burton]

Oh, just after midnight, maybe 12:30.

[Announcer]

I see.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Could I have your name now, please?

[Harry Burton]

Well, I. I'm a family man. I wouldn't like to get involved.

[Gas Station Attendant]

But, sir, it's very.

[Harry Burton]

It was the next afternoon before I could get back in the house. But when I did, I took out Mud's battered shoe with me, planted it in her closet. I was about to look in her dresser where she usually kept her cash, when I heard edna come in.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Mrs. Burton?

[Edna Burton]

Yes.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Sergeant Johnson, Homicide Department. May I come in?

[Edna Burton]

Well, yes, certainly.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Thank you. Sorry to bother you again, Mrs. Burton, but something has come up.

[Edna Burton]

Yes?

[Gas Station Attendant]

You stated at the inquest that you were home the night of your husband's death.

[Edna Burton]

I was.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Can you furnish proof to that effect?

[Edna Burton]

I. I suppose so, but I really don't know how at the moment. I've told you everything before.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Some additional information has come to our attention. We'd like your help in clearing it up.

[Edna Burton]

Well, naturally, I'm always ready to cooperate with the police.

[Announcer]

Fine.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Then you'll answer my questions, won't you? Did anyone see you here that evening? Can you furnish any proof at all? I'm afraid I'll have to have you come along with us, Ms. Burton.

[Edna Burton]

But why? I haven't done it.

[Gas Station Attendant]

I'm sorry.

[Edna Burton]

It's utterly ridiculous.

[Gas Station Attendant]

It's necessary, Mrs. Burton. Now, if you will, please.

[Edna Burton]

Oh, all right. Let's get it over with.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Oh, Ms. Burton, before we leave your house, do you recognize this?

[Edna Burton]

What is it?

[Gas Station Attendant]

The heel of a shoe. We found it at the scene of the accident. Could it possibly have broken off one of yours?

[Edna Burton]

No.

[Gas Station Attendant]

You're positive?

[Edna Burton]

Quite positive.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Very well. I'll leave the door open. Please. My partner and a policewoman are waiting outside. They have a warrant to search your house.

[Harry Burton]

The police were going to search the house while I was there. That was almost funny. I was going to be caught in my own trap. For a moment, I panicked, and I realized the search team hadn't entered the house. As quickly as I could, I moved back to her bedroom. I was at the window, forcing it open when I heard them. And then I was out, ducking low, running along the side of the house until I reached the street. It wasn't until I reached Edna's coop two blocks away that I remembered I hadn't taken any Money from the dresser. I was broke now. Nowhere to go, nowhere to sleep, except in the car. I parked on the boulevard a couple of hours and watched the people walking by. Then later, while driving around looking for a place to park for the night, a place where I could sleep, I turned on the car radio.

[Announcer]

Insurance case of the late Harry W. Burton. Police have uncovered evidence which they say links Mrs. Edna Burton to her husband's death. The widow, when confronted with letters written by her husband and a broken shoe identified as hers, turned up in a recent search, became hysterical, blurted out a fantastic story about her husband still being alive. Authorities discrediting the rantings of the troubled woman have requested her transfer to the psychiatric division of the General Hospital for examination. You will recall her husband's car crashed into a ravine near the Angeles Crest Highway. Police at the time thought the death of Mr. Burton was accidental. Meanwhile, police have issued an all point bulletin for the car alleged to have been used in the murder plot. The car is described as a black Ford coupe, license number JGC150. It's believed.

[Harry Burton]

I've got to get rid of this car. I've got to before it's spotted. But where'll I sleep? No money. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I've got a key to a hotel room. Sure. Wallace's room. And he paid a week's rent in advance.

[Edna Burton]

Sure.

[Harry Burton]

If I'm lucky, I've got a chance. I haven't much choice.

[Insurance Agent]

Hey. Hey. Where you going?

[Harry Burton]

To my room. I. I live here, you see? Here's the key. Number 47.

[Insurance Agent]

What's your name?

[Harry Burton]

Wallace. Don't you remember?

[Insurance Agent]

No. I'm just a relief clerk.

[Harry Burton]

Oh. Well, I. I've been sick a few days. I haven't been in, so if I owe you any money, I'll pay it tomorrow.

[Insurance Agent]

You don't owe nothing.

[Harry Burton]

I don't? No.

[Insurance Agent]

Can I?

[Harry Burton]

Dude.

[Gas Station Attendant]

All right, Wallace.

[Harry Burton]

Reach. What is this?

[Insurance Agent]

Come in all the way. That's.

[Gas Station Attendant]

We've been waiting for you, Wallace. My name's Johnson, Homicide. This is my partner, Sergeant Barton. He's clean.

[Harry Burton]

Well, what do you want with me?

[Gas Station Attendant]

We'll ask the questions, Wallace. Last Tuesday you showed up here with enough money to pay your rent a month in advance.

[Harry Burton]

A month?

[Insurance Agent]

Don't tell us. You did some honest work, Wallace. You got a fine record. Don't ruin it by admitting you actually did some work.

[Harry Burton]

But I did. It was only $25. Can't a man make a little money?

[Insurance Agent]

Sure.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Sure, he can. Only this happened last Tuesday. And last Tuesday afternoon you came Bouncing, bragging about how lucky you were. You paid a month's rent in advance and said there'd be plenty more where that came from. Your drinking buddies told some of our boys about it. They were worried when you didn't come back. That may be something that happened to you on that job up in Crestline. You did this at work up in Crestline last Tuesday night, didn't you?

[Harry Burton]

No, no. No, I didn't.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Try again, Wallace. You can try all night. You're not going to beat this one. We got a description from a gas station attendant up there. Fits you to a tee.

[Harry Burton]

But you've got the wrong man, believe me.

[Insurance Agent]

Oh, sure, Wallace. Well, he's not satisfied, Johnny. Give him some more.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Okay. Woman. You don't know a woman called Edna Burton? Today, just before she blew her stack, she was yelling your name like crazy. All about a flaming rocket. Or was it a fireball? Whatever it was, you were the star of, it was.

[Harry Burton]

But I am not, Wallace. I'm Burton. Edna. Ask her. Can't.

[Gas Station Attendant]

At least not till she's allowed to have visitors at the state hospital.

[Insurance Agent]

Okay, let's go, buddy.

[Harry Burton]

No, wait, wait, wait. Please. I'll tell you the truth. You're arresting me for my own murder? I'm Burton.

[Gas Station Attendant]

That's so. If you're Burton, where's Wallace?

[Insurance Agent]

Where's.

[Harry Burton]

Where's what?

[Insurance Agent]

Well, he thinks it's funny, Johnny.

[Gas Station Attendant]

Yeah, Wine sure does some crazy things to him.

[Harry Burton]

It is funny. It's funny. Don't you see? It doesn't matter. Burton and Wallace, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter at all.

[Narrator]

And that's Adventure Theater. Join us each week at this time as we reach into the dusty archives for another thrilling story of mystery and adventure from out of the past. This is the American Forces Radio and Television Service.