Adventures of The Abbotts 1955-02-20020 The Yellow Chip

Summary

Adventures of The Abbotts: "The Yellow Chip"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Adventures of The Abbotts 1955-02-20020 "The Yellow Chip"
• Release Date: May 29, 2025
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Relive the Golden Age of Radio with classic detective stories featuring Pat and Gene Abbott, as they navigate the thrilling world of romance and crime before the advent of television.

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Introduction

Wayne Howell sets the stage for another thrilling episode of The Adventures of The Abbotts, introducing listeners to the beloved detective couple, Pat and Gene Abbott. The episode titled "The Yellow Chip" promises an intricate blend of espionage, deception, and high-stakes gambling.

"The handsome young detective and his lovely wife invite you to join them for another exciting recorded adventure in romance and crime."
— Wayne Howell [00:39]

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Mission Assignment

The story begins with Gene Abbott narrating the unusual nature of Pat Abbott's latest assignment, diverging from his typical cases of crimes of passion and swindling to matters of national security.

Colonel Richards, a representative from Counterintelligence, visits Pat Abbott with a critical mission:

"It's top priority in Washington. It's the only subject on which every development goes directly to the president's desk."
— Colonel Richards [02:49]

The Colonel explains that a Dutch scientist's formula for precise atomic bombing has fallen into the wrong hands, and Pat is the only one trusted to retrieve it. He emphasizes the gravity of the situation, warning Pat of dire consequences should he fail.

"If you pass on the information, I'm going to reveal you are committing an act of treason against the United States government."
— Colonel Richards [03:01]

Pat accepts the mission, understanding its importance and the need to operate alone to ensure the information remains confidential.

"There's an obvious priority for a matter of this sort."
— Pat Abbott [06:22]

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Arrival in Las Vegas

Pat arrives in Las Vegas, checking into the Silver Dollar Hotel and making his way to "the Paradise," a second-rate gambling establishment. The setting is vibrant with typical Las Vegas flair—jukeboxes, slot machines, and lively patrons.

"I was at the bar. The most terrific blonde I'd ever seen came over to me."
— Pat Abbott [08:20]

Here, Pat encounters Rita Chapman, a striking blonde divorcee, setting the stage for ensuing complications.

"My name's Rita. Mrs. Henry Chapman. Until a few hours ago when the judge did me the usual favor."
— Rita Chapman [08:57]

---

The Paradise Gambling Spot

The plot thickens as Phil Grimes, a seemingly prosperous gambler, engages Rita and Pat in a high-stakes card game. Phil invites them to join a private game upstairs, luring them into what appears to be a sophisticated gambling room.

"We're starting a game upstairs. Care to join us?"
— Phil Grimes [09:55]

Pat's instincts signal that something is amiss. The presence of Phil's henchmen observing the game heightens his suspicions.

"Some of Phil's henchmen kept watching us. I knew something was wrong."
— Pat Abbott [10:19]

As the game progresses, tension builds around a mysterious "yellow chip," culminating in Phil's aggressive attempt to seize it.

"This gold chip is very pretty. Never saw one so heavy. What's the design mean?"
— Pat Abbott [13:07]

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The Yellow Chip Confrontation

The climax unfolds when Phil Grimes confronts Pat over the coveted yellow chip, leading to a dramatic struggle. Pat narrowly escapes an attempted ambush orchestrated by Phil and Colonel Richards, who is revealed to be conspiring against him.

"He killed the lights. Turn them on. The door. Where's the door?"
— Pat Abbott [14:15]

Pat's quick thinking and resourcefulness shine as he maneuvers his way out of immediate danger, but not without sustaining injuries.

"I have questions on my mind."
— Gene Abbott [07:13]

---

The Twist and Resolution

In a surprising twist, it's unveiled that Phil Grimes is actually Major Philip Lewis of Counterintelligence, who has been orchestrating the entire scenario to expose Colonel Richards' duplicity. Pat confronts the deception, leading to the arrest of Colonel Richards.

"I'm not Phil Grimes, Richards. I'm Major Philip Lewis of Counterintelligence."
— Major Philip Lewis (Phil Grimes) [26:01]

The episode concludes with Pat returning to his office, where Gene Abbott remains skeptical of his husband's adventurous tale, casting doubt on the reality of the mission.

"Gene, you asked me what happened, didn't you, Phil? Grimes gave me permission to tell you all about it."
— Pat Abbott [27:02]

Gene's disbelief adds a layer of complexity to the conclusion, leaving listeners pondering the authenticity of Pat's experiences.

"I'll never get to meet this Counter Intelligence Agent Grimes."
— Gene Abbott [27:44]

---

Conclusion

"The Yellow Chip" masterfully intertwines themes of espionage, trust, and deception, showcasing Pat Abbott's sharp detective skills and the intricate dynamics between characters. The episode delivers suspenseful moments and unexpected twists, staying true to the essence of classic detective radio dramas.

Wayne Howell wraps up the episode with credits, highlighting the talented cast and crew behind the production.

"Next week, same time, same station, another exciting adventure in crime with Pat and Gene in the Adventures of the Abbotts."
— Wayne Howell [28:52]

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Notable Quotes:

• Colonel Richards:
  "Our vulnerability to atomic bombing. I must remind you, Mr. Abbott, that you have been chosen for this because we believe your loyalty is absolutely beyond question."
  — [03:00]

• Pat Abbott:
  "You only want it because you think it'll win some games for you. Look what it did to Rita."
  — [13:38]

• Major Philip Lewis (Phil Grimes):
  "I'm not Phil Grimes, Richards. I'm Major Philip Lewis of Counterintelligence, assigned to track down the men pursuing the yellow chip."
  — [26:01]

---

Characters:

• Pat Abbott: The resourceful and determined private detective.
• Gene Abbott: Pat's skeptical and supportive wife.
• Colonel Richards: A Counterintelligence agent with hidden motives.
• Rita Chapman: A mysterious blonde divorcee entangled in the case.
• Phil Grimes/Major Philip Lewis: A cunning gambler who plays a pivotal role in the deception.
• Wayne Howell: The narrator who introduces and concludes the episodes.

Key Themes:

• Espionage and Betrayal: The mission centers around national security and the dangers of espionage.
• Trust and Deception: Characters navigate a web of lies, testing their trust in one another.
• Resourcefulness: Pat Abbott's ability to adapt and respond to unexpected challenges.

---

This episode of The Adventures of The Abbotts epitomizes the charm and suspense of Golden Age radio dramas, offering listeners a captivating tale filled with intrigue and surprise.

Transcript

[Gene Abbott]

After all, if your husband was a private detective, would you let him take a case involving a sensational blonde divorcee?

[Wayne Howell]

The National Broadcasting Company presents the Adventures of the Abbotts, starring Claudia Morgan and Les Damon as Pat and Gene Abbott, those popular characters of detective fiction created by Francis Crane. Pat and Gene are brought to you each week at this time by NBC. The handsome young detective and his lovely wife invite you to join them for another exciting recorded adventure in romance and crime. Now here is Jean Abbott to set the stage for tonight's puzzle in murder, a story she calls the yellow chip.

[Gene Abbott]

Espionage is not usually my Pat's cup of tea. He stays in the area of crimes of passion, swindling and other forms of human hijinks. So he didn't expect this visit. One bright morning at his office in San Francisco, a distinguished looking chap in a pinstripe suit sat opposite Pat's desk. He'd obviously waited until Pat was alone. Very much alone.

[Colonel Richards]

Would you mind locking your door, Mr. Abbott?

[Pat Abbott]

Oh, not at all. It's a gambit that's been played in this office before. You can also stop looking around. There's no tap. Nothing's recorded secretly in here. The walls are soundproof, too. Now, what's your name and what's the pitch?

[Colonel Richards]

I'm Lieutenant Colonel Richards, Mr. Abbott.

[Pat Abbott]

Yes, Colonel.

[Colonel Richards]

I'm in counterintelligence. My credentials.

[Pat Abbott]

Mm. What can I do for you, Colonel?

[Colonel Richards]

We keep a dossier on every private detective in the country, Mr. Abbott.

[Pat Abbott]

Well, I should hope so, sir.

[Colonel Richards]

Yours is very impressive.

[Pat Abbott]

Thank you.

[Colonel Richards]

You were a great help to us during the war.

[Pat Abbott]

What's on your mind now, Colonel?

[Colonel Richards]

In spite of the dossier, we have again run a field check on you for the past few months.

[Pat Abbott]

Mm. Did I make out all right?

[Colonel Richards]

Perfectly. The reason for the precaution is that we're obliged to ask your help again on an extremely confidential matter.

[Pat Abbott]

Oh? What is it?

[Colonel Richards]

It has top priority in Washington. It's the only subject on which every development goes directly to the President's desk. It's.

[Pat Abbott]

Yes.

[Colonel Richards]

Our vulnerability to atomic bombing. I must remind you, Mr. Abbott, that you have been chosen for this because we believe your loyalty is absolutely beyond question.

[Pat Abbott]

I understand.

[Colonel Richards]

I'm also required to inform you that from here on, if you allow me to continue, you are subject to the federal laws on giving aid and comfort to the enemy. In other words, if you pass on the information I'm going to reveal you are committing an act of treason against the United States government. Is that clear?

[Pat Abbott]

God. Go ahead, sir.

[Colonel Richards]

After the Norwegian underground blew up the Nazi heavy water plant at Wehrmacht. In 1942, the Germans redoubled their efforts to produce atomic weapons. They captured a Dutch scientist in Amsterdam. They persuaded him to work in their laboratories.

[Pat Abbott]

On what grounds?

[Colonel Richards]

They told him they wanted a radioactive missile to make pinpoint bombing even more accurate. The idea was to drop very small radioactive substances on the target. And then by using Geiger counter apparatus on the bombing planes, the bombs could be guided with amazing precision. That way, they said, only military installations would be hit and the innocent civilians would never suffer.

[Pat Abbott]

He fell for it.

[Colonel Richards]

Temporarily. He was a naive, trusting chap. He worked on the problem just long enough to develop a valuable formula.

[Pat Abbott]

What did the Nazis really want with the formula?

[Colonel Richards]

They wanted a reliable way to launch directional rockets to bomb our stockpiles.

[Pat Abbott]

Did they get it?

[Colonel Richards]

No. The Dutchman realized what they were up to and sneaked the formula out of Nazi territory.

[Pat Abbott]

Where is it now?

[Colonel Richards]

In the wrong hands. I don't believe that. I have to tell you that there are plenty of foreign agents around. Many of them have fantastic plans. A group of them has that formula.

[Pat Abbott]

Well, can't your men find it?

[Colonel Richards]

No. That's why I've come to you. We don't dare let them try. This is a brilliant group of men we're dealing with, Mr. Abbott. They happen to know the personal identity of every single one of my agents.

[Pat Abbott]

I see.

[Colonel Richards]

I. I had one agent I didn't think they knew about. He tracked the formula to Nevada, to Las Vegas. He was on the phone with me last night. Someone murdered him while he was speaking to me. Now we need someone who isn't with the department.

[Pat Abbott]

Did he get any information to you before he died?

[Colonel Richards]

Another thing. My telephone number is Elliot 34540. Don't write it down anywhere. Memorize it.

[Pat Abbott]

Elliot 34540.

[Colonel Richards]

That's right. You'll call that number only when you're at a coin telephone. There mustn't be any record of it from, say, a hotel room phone.

[Pat Abbott]

Certainly.

[Colonel Richards]

Now, here's your ticket on the 825 plane to Las Vegas. And a reservation has been made for you at the Silver Dollar Hotel. You have unlimited funds. We trace the fatal telephone call. Of course. It came from a gambling spot called the Paradise. And I'm afraid that's all we know. You'll have to take over from there. You'll carry no identification or weapons. Your wife, who I know always goes along on cases with you, has not been cleared. We preferred you do this alone, so we didn't initiate a security check on Her. Can you leave your present cases and fly tonight?

[Pat Abbott]

Of course, sir. It was an obvious priority for a matter of this sort.

[Colonel Richards]

Fine. You're not to communicate with Washington, nor with any government agency anywhere. You must function entirely on your own. Don't forget my form. Your life may depend on it. Good luck.

[Pat Abbott]

Thank you, sir. Just turn the lock. Good night, sir.

[Colonel Richards]

Good night, Mr. Abbott.

[Pat Abbott]

Elliot, 34540. Elliot 34540.

[Gene Abbott]

Quiet day, darling. Sit down, I'll get you a drink.

[Pat Abbott]

No thanks, Gene. I'm leaving.

[Gene Abbott]

Oh, wonderful. We're off in a juicy case. Where are we going?

[Pat Abbott]

For the very first time, dear, you're staying, I'm going.

[Gene Abbott]

Oh, stop teasing.

[Pat Abbott]

What's this about government matter?

[Gene Abbott]

I said stop teasing. Oh, government matter. Somebody steal Ike's golf clubs?

[Pat Abbott]

Those two words are all you're going to hear. In fact, if I didn't trust you implicitly, I wouldn't even have said that. I'd have just disappeared for a while. And don't repeat what I said either to anybody.

[Gene Abbott]

This sounds like double talk, Pat. I'll bet you have a case involving the chorus line at the Copa and you think dragging your wife along will cramp your style.

[Pat Abbott]

I wish it were just that.

[Gene Abbott]

You won't tell me a thing?

[Pat Abbott]

Nothing. You'll hear from me when it's over. The nature of this problem is such that you is out of it, dear. Sorry.

[Gene Abbott]

Well, don't get too brave, Patience. I want you back.

[Pat Abbott]

When my plane reached Las Vegas, I checked into the Silver Dollar Hotel. Then I headed for the gambling spot, the Paradise. The second rate jukeboxes, slot machines, cowboys, the usual thrill seeking divorcees in Urman Capes. I was at the bar. The most terrific blonde I'd ever seen came over to me. I tried to remember that I had a wife, but my memory kept failing me.

[Rita Chapman]

You bored too?

[Pat Abbott]

Uh huh.

[Rita Chapman]

My name's Rita. Mrs. Henry Chapman. Until a few hours ago when the judge did me the usual favor.

[Pat Abbott]

Oh, mine is Pat. Pat Abbott. You should be celebrating, shouldn't you?

[Rita Chapman]

I did, but I've sobered up.

[Pat Abbott]

Was he the oil well? Henry Chapman?

[Rita Chapman]

Yes. The distinguished industrialist who at this moment is probably out cold under a table in one of the better Dallas nightclubs. Knife is trege for Henry. I'm having not much fun, Pat.

[Pat Abbott]

It goes for me too.

[Rita Chapman]

Maybe this isn't our kind of excitement.

[Pat Abbott]

Maybe.

[Rita Chapman]

What are you doing in Las Vegas?

[Pat Abbott]

Losing money. What else is there to do?

[Rita Chapman]

Are you kidding? I've got my car outside. Pat. It's a special job. It does 110. You want to take the top down. It's a beautiful night. You want to take the wheel and play roller coaster under the mountain road?

[Pat Abbott]

Thanks, no. I wouldn't be up to it.

[Phil Grimes]

Evening, Rita.

[Rita Chapman]

Hello, Mr. Grimes.

[Phil Grimes]

You and your gentleman friend don't look like you're enjoying yourselves very much.

[Rita Chapman]

We're not.

[Gene Abbott]

Pat Abbott.

[Rita Chapman]

Phil Grimes.

[Phil Grimes]

Hello.

[Pat Abbott]

I am.

[Phil Grimes]

Well, I. I think I could suggest something that'd send your blood pressure up. We're starting a game upstairs. Care to join us?

[Rita Chapman]

Phil plays rough, Pat. You got some money?

[Pat Abbott]

Enough.

[Rita Chapman]

Enough for one of Phil's games. A very fancy number.

[Pat Abbott]

Sounds interesting.

[Phil Grimes]

I. I get very unpleasant with guys who don't pay off, Abbott.

[Pat Abbott]

So do I. Let's go upstairs. The room upstairs wasn't the usual room at all. It was the most luxurious private gambling room I've ever seen. Elaborate gold decanters for liquor, pure ivory lamp bases, hand painted wallpaper that made the room look very smart. And a knockout view of the Nevada desert in the moonlight from huge picture windows. We played five card stud, table stakes for very fancy numbers indeed. Some of Phil's henchmen kept watching us. I knew something was wrong after just a few hands. Phil and Rita were playing as though they wanted to lose. After about an hour, Phil had dealt a hand. He dropped out. I was playing against Rita. I had four diamonds, she had two aces showing. I figured the coal card was an ace. I pushed my stake in. It was heavy.

[Phil Grimes]

Nice pot. $7,000.

[Pat Abbott]

If you're seeing me, Rita, you're short 1,000 on the table.

[Rita Chapman]

Yes, so I am. I haven't anymore yellow chips. Do you want me to write a check?

[Pat Abbott]

I'll trust you till the hand is over.

[Phil Grimes]

Don't worry about it, Abbott. She's good for it. I've known Rita a long time.

[Rita Chapman]

Wait a minute. I have an idea. Where's my pocketbook?

[Phil Grimes]

Right here.

[Rita Chapman]

See if I can find it. Ah, there it is. My lucky gold chip. Always carry it with me. I'll put that in it. Works miracles for me. Never fails.

[Phil Grimes]

Where'd you get that chip?

[Rita Chapman]

Oh, I don't know. I picked it up in the game somewhere, but it's lucky as a rabbit's foot for me.

[Phil Grimes]

You sure you don't remember where you got it?

[Rita Chapman]

No. Why?

[Phil Grimes]

Nothing.

[Pat Abbott]

Let's see that other card reader.

[Rita Chapman]

It's an ace. I got three aces.

[Phil Grimes]

Sounds good. How about you, Pat? Diamond flush chip. Wasn't lucky for you tonight, Rita. The charm's all gone now.

[Pat Abbott]

Do we go on?

[Phil Grimes]

Not me. I know when to Quit. This isn't my night.

[Pat Abbott]

We do.

[Rita Chapman]

I've had enough.

[Gene Abbott]

Pat.

[Pat Abbott]

This gold chip is very pretty. Never saw one so heavy. What's the design mean?

[Rita Chapman]

Well, I haven't this lighted idea.

[Phil Grimes]

Let me see it. It's really beautiful.

[Gene Abbott]

I'll.

[Phil Grimes]

I'll buy it from you, Abbott.

[Pat Abbott]

No, I think I'll keep. It was pretty lucky for me.

[Phil Grimes]

I'd like to have that chip, Abbott, now. Worth a thousand. I'll give you 1500.

[Pat Abbott]

Don't be superstitious. You only want it because you think it'll win some games for you. Look what it did to redid 2000. No sale.

[Phil Grimes]

I want that chip, Abbott. I made you a legitimate offer for it. I'd advise you to take it. Cause one way or another, you're not walking out of here with it.

[Pat Abbott]

Oh, really?

[Phil Grimes]

Get out of here, Rita. This isn't gonna be very pretty. I'm still asking you politely, Abbott. Give me the chip.

[Pat Abbott]

Why don't you try to take it?

[Phil Grimes]

All right, Abbott, I will.

[Pat Abbott]

Put down that bottle, Phil, you crummy.

[Gene Abbott]

Hey. Hey.

[Phil Grimes]

The lights.

[Pat Abbott]

He killed the lights. Tell him I. The door. Where's the.

[Gene Abbott]

This way, Pat.

[Rita Chapman]

Toward me. Can you see me?

[Pat Abbott]

Yes, I. I see it. That's an arm.

[Phil Grimes]

Get him, will you?

[Rita Chapman]

Take me with you, Pat.

[Gene Abbott]

Take me with you.

[Pat Abbott]

Get the devil.

[Phil Grimes]

Get him. Get after him.

[Pat Abbott]

I was groggy, but I made it downstairs, not the back way. The fresh air revived me. Some poor guy was just starting his car. Grabbed him by the neck and threw him out. And I took the wheel. I stepped it up to 50, 60, 70, 75. Then in the reflector mirror, I saw them coming. I had the accelerator on the floor. Now the car just wouldn't do any better. And they were gaining. They came closer and closer. They were so close, their headlights were picked up in my mirror and almost blinded me. I made out a small group of buildings. Just ahead, there was a gas station and a large general store. With a very large glass show window. There was a dirt road, a cutoff running to the left of the station. I decided to cut suddenly, as sharply as I could to the left. Take the chance the heavy car wouldn't turn over. And it worked. They braked swerved in their car with three men in it. Headed for the sidewalk, out of control, toward the gigantic show window. I didn't climb out of my car. I didn't return to the main road. Nor did I go near the wreck. It was just possible that one of Phil's boys had enough life left in him to pull A gun and finish me off. I knew Phil wanted that chip very badly now. It had cost him three men. I also knew that wouldn't stop him. I decided to have a little chat with the one person who probably knew most about the chip. That was Rita. She'd give me her address. It was a vacation cottage near the hotel. It was 3:30 in the morning when I rang a bell.

[Rita Chapman]

Yes, who is it?

[Pat Abbott]

Pat. Open up.

[Rita Chapman]

Pat. It's good to see you. Come on in. I'll turn on a light.

[Pat Abbott]

Or shouldn't I turn it on? Read in.

[Rita Chapman]

I've tried to sleep, but I couldn't. I'm so glad you've come back. Are you all right?

[Pat Abbott]

A little shaken, but I'll be okay.

[Rita Chapman]

What happened? Where did you go?

[Pat Abbott]

We were playing hide and seek on the highway. Where's Phil?

[Rita Chapman]

I don't know.

[Pat Abbott]

Did he get into the car that followed me?

[Rita Chapman]

No. He likes himself too much. Never takes chances.

[Pat Abbott]

Where is he now?

[Rita Chapman]

I don't know.

[Pat Abbott]

This wouldn't be more malarkey, would it, Rita?

[Rita Chapman]

No. I'm not a liar, Pat. They've called me other things, but not the phony.

[Pat Abbott]

Three men are dead on the desert highway. It's too late in the ball game to get fancy now. Where is Phil?

[Rita Chapman]

I said I don't know and I don't care. I don't want to be mixed up in this, Pat. You men can play all the little games you want, but leave me out of it. Now suppose you tell the truth too.

[Pat Abbott]

What do you mean?

[Rita Chapman]

Are you really looking for him or was this an excuse?

[Pat Abbott]

Excuse for what?

[Rita Chapman]

To come knocking on a girl's cabana door at 3:30 in the morning?

[Pat Abbott]

Rito, I'm a married man.

[Rita Chapman]

But your wife isn't with you here in Vegas.

[Pat Abbott]

Well, what of it?

[Rita Chapman]

I know a Frenchman who said bringing your wife to Paris is like bringing a sandwich to a banquet. Sit down, Pat. Can I make you a drink?

[Pat Abbott]

Thanks, no.

[Rita Chapman]

Fine thing. A man comes to a girl's room with a clear view of the Nevada desert at night and the girl isn't exactly unattractive. Or is she?

[Pat Abbott]

Quite the contrary.

[Rita Chapman]

But he won't sit down, he won't drink. He paces up and down like a caged tiger.

[Pat Abbott]

I have questions on my mind.

[Rita Chapman]

So have I. Those big shoulders of yours. Pat, you play football in college.

[Pat Abbott]

Look, look, Rita, we'll get to my autobiography some other time. Now try to remember. Where did you get this yellow chip?

[Rita Chapman]

I really don't remember. Now, how long have you been married?

[Pat Abbott]

What does the chip Mean, why does Phil want it?

[Rita Chapman]

Were you this difficult with your wife too?

[Pat Abbott]

What's all this shooting for about this chip?

[Rita Chapman]

I have a wonderful record collection, Pat. You want to hear some?

[Pat Abbott]

You don't give up easily, do you?

[Rita Chapman]

It depends on what you're talking about. I don't know anything about the chip, if that's what you mean. And I know how they operate around here. You keep asking quiz questions and they'll kill you. They'd kill me if they thought I was doing too much talking. So let's drop the subject. You like my cabana, Pat? I had it specially decorated for my stay here.

[Pat Abbott]

This is very exotic decorator. Now get away from me. Neither you nor anybody else is going to con me off this job.

[Rita Chapman]

I don't even know what your job is, Pat.

[Pat Abbott]

Well, suppose we try again. What do you know about this chip?

[Rita Chapman]

I can't tell you. Please, patience. Phil probably has all the hoods for miles around outgunning for you. Now be sensible. Shut up and relax. Come over here by the window. Do you know you can see almost a hundred miles across the desert from here? Look at those stars. That don't they put you in a better mood.

[Pat Abbott]

You've got a one track mind reader.

[Rita Chapman]

Do you really object it?

[Pat Abbott]

Well, I. Look, all I'm asking you to do is tell me where you got that yellow chip. And I'm sure you could recall if you'd try.

[Rita Chapman]

All right, Pat, I'll tell you. I'll tell you whatever you want if you promise to stop talking about it and think about me instead. I want you, Pat Abbott, very badly. I'd rather tell you what I know so we can get onto something more interesting.

[Pat Abbott]

All right. Go on, Rita. Tell me about the chip.

[Rita Chapman]

The chip?

[Pat Abbott]

A shot came through a window that opened onto the porch. Rita fell and I raced outside but couldn't see a soul. When I came back to her, all I could do was phone anonymously for a doctor and check out fast. I went back to my room at the hotel and picked up a gun against instructions. Then I headed for the Paradise. It did no good. It seemed nobody had ever heard of Phil. I kept search up for about half an hour. Then I decided to make a phone call from a coin phone operator. I want Elliot 34540. That's right, Elliot 3454.

[Colonel Richards]

Oh, hello.

[Pat Abbott]

Colonel Richards?

[Colonel Richards]

Yes.

[Pat Abbott]

This is Pat Abbott, sir. Sorry to disturb you at this hour.

[Colonel Richards]

You got something for us, Abbott?

[Pat Abbott]

I think so. Can you come to my room at the hotel immediately?

[Colonel Richards]

If you're absolutely certain I am, sir.

[Pat Abbott]

I want to show you something. You'll have to see it personally.

[Colonel Richards]

I'll be there in 30 minutes.

[Pat Abbott]

Right. See you in 30 minutes. If I can stay alive. I went back to my room. I pulled down the shades, I barricaded the door. And I sweated it out waiting for Colonel Richards. It was exactly 30 minutes after my phone call. Who is it? Richards. Hello, Colonel. What have you got, Abbott? This chip, this gold ship man.

[Colonel Richards]

I see it.

[Pat Abbott]

There's a big shot gambler here. His name is Phil Grimes. He has a whole gang of hoodlums working for him. He wanted to kill me to get that ship. It originally came from a blonde named Rita. Former Mrs. Henry Chapman. One of Grimes boys just took a shot at her.

[Colonel Richards]

Fascinating design.

[Pat Abbott]

Yes. Does that design mean anything to you? Does it tie up with that Dutch scientist formula?

[Colonel Richards]

We'll have to have a nuclear physicist look at it, but I think you've done it, Abbott. I think this is it. And I'm so grateful to you.

[Pat Abbott]

I. I want to give you this.

[Rita Chapman]

Oh.

[Pat Abbott]

When I came to after Colonel Richards planted one on my jaw, I was tied up. The colonel and Phil Grimes were both sitting opposite me. And both of them had a very pleasant, pleased, triumphant expression.

[Colonel Richards]

You were very helpful to me, Abbott.

[Pat Abbott]

Was I?

[Colonel Richards]

Yes. A group of us have been after that chip for a long, long time. I couldn't move into the picture. My identity is too unknown. So I. I thought of the device of impersonating a federal agent and getting the best detective in the west to fetch it for me.

[Pat Abbott]

Thanks for the compliments.

[Phil Grimes]

I just couldn't wait to get my hands on you, Abbott. I told Richards not to kill you right away. I tied you up. I'm gonna have quite a party for myself, slapping you around.

[Colonel Richards]

The design on the chip, of course, is meaningless. Abbott, the trick with the chip is to split it open. The formula's inside. I open it this way. It's.

[Phil Grimes]

Isn't it in there?

[Colonel Richards]

No. It's empty. All right, Abbott, come on. You found a micro photograph in this chip. Give it to me.

[Pat Abbott]

I never opened the chip.

[Phil Grimes]

Ever see a man tortured?

[Colonel Richards]

Abbott, Give me the formula.

[Pat Abbott]

I told you, I haven't got it.

[Colonel Richards]

Phil, give me that knife on the table here. Do we get that micro, Rabbit? Put your hand out, Abbot. Put your hand out or I'll cut your throat. That's better. Now this cigarette. Where's the micro?

[Pat Abbott]

I haven't got it.

[Phil Grimes]

We're losing time, Richard.

[Pat Abbott]

There.

[Colonel Richards]

So we are. All right, Abbott. This knife has a good sharp edge. I'M gonna put it close to your throat like this. And for the last time, I'm gonna ask you to produce that micro.

[Phil Grimes]

Well, how about it?

[Pat Abbott]

What are you waiting for, Phil? Let's do it now.

[Phil Grimes]

Okay. Pat, get his gun. I've got it, Pat. All right. Come on. Stand up.

[Wayne Howell]

Richards.

[Phil Grimes]

What the devil?

[Pat Abbott]

What are you up to?

[Colonel Richards]

Crimes.

[Pat Abbott]

I thought.

[Phil Grimes]

Yes. You thought I was one of the boys here in Vegas. I know. You should have, too. I spent more than a year building up that role for myself and playing it. But the time's come to tell the truth and clean up this mess. You all right, Pat?

[Pat Abbott]

Yes, thanks. I'm all right.

[Colonel Richards]

I don't get it.

[Phil Grimes]

I'm not Phil Grimes, Richards. I'm Major Philip Lewis of Counterintelligence, assigned to track down the men pursuing the yellow chip. Been working on it for two years, most of it here in Las Vegas. You're under arrest.

[Colonel Richards]

Well, how did.

[Pat Abbott]

Abbott, Richard. Your impersonation of an intelligence agent was very unconvincing. I knew at the start you were a phony, but I deliberately played ball with you. Intelligence would never call me on a job like this. Certainly not the way you did. How did you know Grimes on my side? Because he said he tied me up. It was a very bad job of tying anyone up. Tipped me off immediately. So I stalled to see how much talking you'd do.

[Phil Grimes]

Let's go, Richards. I'm taking you in my custody to Washington on the first plane we can get.

[Gene Abbott]

Las Vegas, huh, dear? A gorgeous blonde, hmm?

[Pat Abbott]

Dear Gene, you asked me what happened, didn't you, Phil? Grimes gave me permission to tell you all about it. Now I'm telling you the facts.

[Gene Abbott]

Oh. Where was the microfilm? It wasn't in the yellow chip.

[Pat Abbott]

It never was. Western Intelligence got hold of it years ago, right after the war. Then they circulated the empty chip purposely to see who it would attract.

[Gene Abbott]

Very clever. And the fish were biting. But, Pat, didn't Grimes recognize you when you first came into the Paradise Club?

[Pat Abbott]

Yes, of course. He's seen a dossier on me many times, but he couldn't do anything about it. He was supposed to be one of the rats after that ship. He didn't even dare start things going. He had Rita do it. Poor kid. He couldn't get to her fast enough to keep her from being shot. But I hear she'll pull through. Grimes even turned out the lights when that scrap started. I didn't. I never knew who did till I said goodbye to Grimes at the airport in Vegas.

[Gene Abbott]

Ah, I. I'll never get to meet this Counter Intelligence Agent Grimes.

[Pat Abbott]

Oh, it's out of the question.

[Gene Abbott]

I'll never see anybody connected with the case now.

[Pat Abbott]

Gene, what are you driving at? You mean you don't believe a word.

[Gene Abbott]

Of this Pat Abbott? Did you ever hear of a better gimmick for a husband with a roving eye Than to go romping off to Las Vegas, have himself a ball and then come back with a story like that?

[Pat Abbott]

Darling, it's true. Do you think I got into a $7,000 card game with my little special checking account and my little pen?

[Gene Abbott]

Why can't I meet Grimes? Where's the blonde? Who or what have you got to substantiate this?

[Pat Abbott]

Well, I. Sorry, darling.

[Gene Abbott]

It's military information. See what I mean? That's the end of the fairy tale for tonight. Kitt.

[Wayne Howell]

The National Broadcasting Company has presented the Adventures of the Abbotts. Starring Claudia Morgan and Les Damon as those popular personalities of detective fiction. Pat and Gene Abbott. Created by Francis Crane. The cast included Everett Sloan, Jan Miner and William Johnstone. The Adventures of the Abbotts was written by Howard Merrill, produced by Ted Lloyd and Bernard L. Shubert. Directed and recorded by Harry Frazee. Next week, same time, same station, another exciting adventure in crime with Pat and Gene in the Adventures of the Abbots. This is Wayne Howell speaking.

[Pat Abbott]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.