Air Mail Mystery 32xxxx 04: "Tear Gas"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Air Mail Mystery 32xxxx 04: Tear Gas
• Release Date: July 3, 2025
• Description: Delving into the thrilling era of radio shows before television, featuring classics like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet. This episode presents a gripping mystery involving sabotage, hidden shipments, and keen detective work.

Introduction to the Mystery

The episode opens with Irene Delroy setting the stage for a complex investigation. Irene, a clever operative from the Department of Justice, is tasked with uncovering who is behind the deliberate destruction of TransAmerican Airlines' fastest mail planes. Each incident involves the plane’s motor cutting out over perilous terrain, leading to impossible forced landings and subsequent thefts of valuable shipments.

Irene Delroy (01:29):

"Here is a mystery, ladies and gentlemen, that will challenge your powers of deduction."

Key facts introduced:

• TransAmerican Airlines has lost three high-speed mail planes.
• Each pilot survived by parachuting, reporting motor failure over dangerous areas.
• Valuable shipments are missing from each wreckage.
• Central characters: Andy Andrews (pilot), Ernest Powers (general manager), Fitzgerald (Irene's assistant), and Jimmy Gifford (reporter).

A Suspicious Incident at TransAmerican Offices

Upon returning from the latest crash site, Irene and Jimmy Gifford enter the TransAmerican offices, seeking Ernest Powers' whereabouts. They discover that Powers is opening his private office alone, raising immediate suspicions.

Irene Delroy (02:17):

"This party has just returned to the TransAmerican offices from the scene of the last crash."

The tension escalates when they notice tear gas in Powers' office, leading to the discovery of a man named Roberts lying unconscious due to the gas exposure.

Irene Delroy (02:54):

"It's gas."

Interrogating Roberts

As Roberts regains consciousness, Irene and Jimmy begin questioning him about his presence in the private office. Roberts reveals that he was searching for something, hearing noises like filing or sawing, but provides limited information before losing consciousness again.

Irene Delroy (06:07):

"What was it? Gas? Tear gas, I think. How'd it hit you? I. I couldn't breathe. It choked me."

Roberts admits that he stole the operation schedules containing crucial data on ship departures, arrivals, routes, and radio schedules.

Irene Delroy (07:37):

"The operation schedules. They're gone."

Linking the Clues

Irene connects Roberts’ presence to suspicious activities, deducing that he might be involved in the sabotage of the mail planes. She theorizes that Roberts is the same individual who purchased a seat on the latest westbound plane, intending to sabotage it.

Irene Delroy (07:39):

"I've got it. I know who the fellow was that I saw in your office."

To trap Roberts, Irene orders Powers to intercept the westbound plane, suspecting Roberts' involvement.

Ernest Powers (08:00):

"Servants of ours, hey, Mike. It's just that at Paul, but poor guy's so excited he almost forgot to cut his bike off."

Confrontation and Suspicion of Andrews

As the investigation progresses, Irene turns her attention to Andy Andrews, the pilot, suspecting he might have deeper involvement. Despite three prior crashes, Andrews appears ready to take off again, fueling Irene's suspicions.

Irene Delroy (12:07):

"When we were out in Devil's Canyon today, I took a good look at the terrain there. If I have any more trouble over that spot, I'm reasonably sure that with a little luck I can set this old bus down on the floor of the canyon."

Jimmy Gifford reveals a critical piece of information: a secret $60,000 shipment aboard the plane, unbeknownst even to Andrews.

Jimmy Gifford (12:46):

"We've kept it a secret, Jimmy. Not even Andrews knows it. But there's a $60,000 shipment aboard that plan."

Key Characters

• Irene Delroy: A resourceful and determined detective from the Department of Justice, leading the investigation into the sabotage of TransAmerican Airlines.

• Jimmy Gifford: A roving newspaper reporter and Irene’s confidant, who is romantically interested in her and plays a crucial role in uncovering the mystery.

• Ernest Powers: The general manager of TransAmerican, whose suspicious behavior and control over communications raise red flags.

• Andy Andrews: The pilot of the wrecked mail planes, now under suspicion of being involved in the sabotage.

• Roberts: The radio operator who is found unconscious after a tear gas attack, whose actions hint at a larger conspiracy.

Investigation Techniques and Insights

Irene employs several investigative techniques throughout the episode:

• Interrogation: Skillfully questioning Roberts to extract vital information about the missing operation schedules.

• Surveillance and Communication: Coordinating with field operators and intercepting communications to track Roberts’ movements.

• Strategic Confrontation: Planning to intercept the westbound plane to trap Roberts and prevent further sabotage.

Irene Delroy (05:25):

"Our receiver is completely dead. We can't get your order. We'll proceed to soft blast wet. Instructions. They pulled a fast one on us."

Climactic Resolution

The tension culminates as Irene confronts Andy Andrews, suspecting his involvement in the sabotage linked to the hidden $60,000 shipment. The episode concludes with lingering questions, setting the stage for further developments in the mystery.

Irene Delroy (12:38):

"He'll make it, all right. Those crooks aren't after just plain mail."

Jimmy Gifford (12:46):

"But there's a $60,000 shipment aboard that plan."

Notable Quotes with Timestamp Attribution

• Irene Delroy (01:29):

  "Here is a mystery, ladies and gentlemen, that will challenge your powers of deduction."

• Irene Delroy (02:54):

  "It's gas."

• Irene Delroy (07:37):

  "The operation schedules. They're gone."

• Irene Delroy (12:07):

  "When we were out in Devil's Canyon today, I took a good look at the terrain there."

• Jimmy Gifford (12:46):

  "But there's a $60,000 shipment aboard that plan."

Conclusion

"Air Mail Mystery 32xxxx 04: Tear Gas" masterfully weaves intrigue and suspense, taking listeners through a labyrinth of deceit, sabotage, and high-stakes investigation. Irene Delroy's relentless pursuit of the truth, coupled with Jimmy Gifford's investigative prowess, keeps the audience engaged as they unravel the complexities behind the tragic loss of TransAmerican Airlines' mail planes. The episode leaves listeners eagerly anticipating the resolution of the $60,000 shipment mystery and the ultimate unveiling of the saboteur.