Barrie Craig Confidential Investigator 51-11-07 The Case of the Borrowed Knife

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator – "The Case of the Borrowed Knife"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: October 13, 2025
Episode Air Date: November 7, 1951
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Length: ~28 minutes
Main Cast: William Gargan as Barry Craig; Elspeth Eric as Wilma Lord

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Overview

This episode of Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator is a classic noir detective drama centered on marriage, murder, and the seedy connections between the underworld and the upper class. Detective Barry Craig is hired by a nervous bride-to-be who fears her impending marriage might end in murder. What unfolds is a tangled web involving a notorious crime boss, a murdered henchman, and an upstanding philanthropist with something to hide. The show delivers all the drama and intrigue characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio mysteries.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. A Mysterious Client's Visit

• [00:43-02:53]
  Barry Craig muses on the loneliness of a private investigator. Wilma Lord, a hesitant and secretive woman, arrives, asks if Craig has ever “killed anyone,” and locks the office door behind her.
  • Wilma reveals she plans to marry John Waring, a much older, wealthy man and fears “death” may intervene.
  • She abruptly flees the office, using a back exit, after referencing fears of "murder"—hers or Waring’s.

2. A Murder in the Hallway

• [03:03-04:44]
  A man stumbles into Craig’s office with a knife in his back and dies. Lieutenant Rogers and police arrive, linking the dead man and Wilma to Harry Otis’ criminal payroll, and explain Otis’ efforts to dodge a crime commission.
  • Lieutenant Rogers: "The punk there with a knife in his back was on the Harry Otis payroll. Oh, Wilma Lord is on the Otis payroll." [04:18]
  • Cops posit Wilma could be flipping on Otis, prompting her need for protection.

3. Wilma Reaches Out—Or Does She?

• [06:00-06:54]
  Craig waits for Wilma’s promised call; uncertain if she’ll deliver or if the police will grab her first. She calls, arranging a secret meeting in Central Park.

4. Followed and Ambushed

• [09:08-11:38]
  On his way to meet Wilma, Craig notices he’s tailed and is knocked unconscious in the park by Beeper, an Otis henchman.

5. Interrogated by Otis

• [11:39-15:32]
  Upon waking, Craig finds himself in front of Harry Otis and Beeper. Otis presses him about the murdered man ("Jimmy") killed in Craig's office and Wilma’s involvement:
  • Harry Otis: "Up until this moment, I've been considering Mr. Craig an honest, if somewhat stupid man. Now I'm not so sure either of his honesty or of his stupidity." [15:09]

6. Craig Escapes; The Plot Thickens

• [16:24-17:21]
  Lieutenant Rogers arrives at Otis’ lair, giving Craig a chance to wriggle free. Otis and Beeper are left to be questioned by police, while Craig focuses back on Wilma Lord.

7. The Real Story Behind the Marriage

• [18:43-21:12]
  Craig confronts John Waring at his home (where Wilma is hiding). He accuses Wilma of working for Otis and manipulates Waring into admitting financial ties to the crime boss.
  • Barry Craig: "How many of the dollar bills making up your bank account came out of Harry Otis's dirty enterprises?" [22:18]

8. Otis and the Deadly Trap

• [22:34-24:13]
  Otis bursts in with a gun. Craig reveals Waring wanted to murder Wilma (via a poisoned drink) to silence her, cleanse himself of a risky witness, and escape marriage.
  • Barry Craig: "Suppose she died in his house... The case would be closed. Also, John Waring wouldn't have to marry her. He'd be rid of a witness against him." [24:00-24:13]

9. The Twist & Resolution

• [25:03-25:17]
  Craig goads Waring to drink the poisoned liqueur. Waring refuses; Otis panics. Craig reveals Otis was about to kill Waring to prevent further fallout. Craig disarms Otis, tying together the violent conspiracy for both justice and personal survival.

10. Epilogue with Wilma

• [26:14-26:40]
  Wilma returns to thank Craig—her wedding is off, she’s broke, but relieved. Craig’s signature line closes the episode: “I always believe a client. Good night, folks. See you next week.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the nature of marriage and murder:
  • “There are others that are unmade by the forced application of the vow unto death do us part.” – Barry Craig [00:04]
• The private eye’s solitude:
  • “The loneliest guys in the world. Because nobody really talks to you... A pair of ears, sometimes a gun. Nothing human. And after a while, maybe you’re not.” – Barry Craig [01:11]
• Barry Craig’s dry wit:
  • “I always believe a client. Sometimes I'm suckers, sometimes not.” – Barry Craig [21:03]
• On the collapse of criminal alliances:
  • “You must be a sinking ship. That was it. All wound up. I went home. I slept. The next day I was back on the third floor being lonely.” – Barry Craig [25:23]

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Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:43-02:53 | Wilma Lord solicits Craig’s help | | 03:03-04:44 | Murder in Craig’s office; police investigation| | 06:00-06:54 | Wilma arranges to meet Craig in park | | 09:08-11:38 | Craig is tailed and attacked in park | | 11:39-15:32 | Otis interrogates Craig | | 16:24-17:21 | Lt. Rogers & Craig’s escape from Otis | | 18:43-21:12 | Craig confronts John Waring and Wilma | | 22:34-24:13 | Otis reveals marriage plot; poisoned drink | | 25:03-25:17 | Final confrontation & resolution | | 26:14-26:40 | Epilogue: Wilma thanks Craig |

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Final Thoughts

This taut detective story blends humor, cynicism, and moral ambiguity in classic radio noir fashion:

• Themes of betrayal, corruption, and a cynical take on love and trust run through the episode.
• Craig’s enduring belief in his clients, no matter how troubled, sets him apart from colder detectives.
• The interplay between underworld figures and supposed philanthropists gives a rich, layered plot that flips expectations until the final moments.

A brisk, engaging entry in the Barrie Craig canon—true to the Golden Age of Radio’s best mysteries.

Transcript

[Barry Craig]

One thing about marriage, folks.

[Beeper]

Many are made in heaven.

[Barry Craig]

But there are others that are unmade by the forced application of the vow unto death do us part.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company presents William Gargan in another transcribed drama of mystery and adventure with America's number one detective Barry Craig. Confidential investigator.

[Barry Craig]

Barry Craig speaking. That's the name. Barry Craig. You rent an office on the third floor of the old mercantile building. You've got a city license which says you're a confidential investigator. So most of your life you sit around and wait.

[Beeper]

Some of the guys in the business.

[Barry Craig]

Hire blondes and call them secretaries. Others confide in cab drivers, bend bartender's ears, even buy dictating machines.

[Beeper]

Maybe it helps them forget that they're.

[Barry Craig]

The loneliest guys in the world. Because nobody really talks to you. The suspicious wives, the frightened parents, the desperate kids who walk into your office never even see you. To them, you're a license. A pair of ears, sometimes a gun. Nothing human. And after a while, maybe you're not. It's open.

[Wilma Lord]

How do you lock this door?

[Barry Craig]

There's a thing underneath the doorknob there. You slide it over.

[Wilma Lord]

You're very creek.

[Barry Craig]

Yeah.

[Wilma Lord]

You're not doing very well, are you? I. I could write my name on the dust on your desk.

[Barry Craig]

What name would that be?

[Wilma Lord]

Wilma Lord.

[Barry Craig]

How do you do, Ms. Lord?

[Wilma Lord]

Mr. Craig, have you ever killed anyone?

[Barry Craig]

Not for a fee.

[Wilma Lord]

Will you answer a question about the weather?

[Barry Craig]

I don't know much about the weather. Why'd you lock the door behind you, Ms. Lloyd?

[Wilma Lord]

I can't have anybody see me here.

[Barry Craig]

There's a woman comes around a couple times a week. I'll speak to her about the Dutch.

[Wilma Lord]

Well, that's not. I'm going to marry a man named John Waring.

[Barry Craig]

Uh huh.

[Wilma Lord]

He's older than I am. A lot older.

[Barry Craig]

It's a question of taste.

[Wilma Lord]

He's rich.

[Barry Craig]

Sweetens the taste.

[Wilma Lord]

We're going to be married in a few weeks. I want nothing to happen to that marriage.

[Barry Craig]

I'll hire you Cupid Craig. With a dollar sign in front of the cupid. What do you think might happen?

[Wilma Lord]

Death.

[Barry Craig]

Something wrong with Waring's health?

[Wilma Lord]

You've heard of murder, haven't you?

[Barry Craig]

I've heard of it. Whose murder? Yours or Waring?

[Wilma Lord]

Who?

[Barry Craig]

The door's locked. Who's murder?

[Wilma Lord]

I can't stay. Is there another way out?

[Barry Craig]

Back of the water cooler. Leads to the back hallway in the fire stairs.

[Wilma Lord]

I'll phone. You.

[Barry Craig]

Sure? Yeah.

[John Waring]

Get.

[Barry Craig]

Get out of my way.

[Beeper]

That gun a little heavy for you?

[Barry Craig]

I said okay. Well? The dame. Where's the dame? You don't look too good. Where is she?

[Beeper]

Got a name for him?

[Barry Craig]

The dame walked in here.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

I seen her.

[Beeper]

And now you want to take another look?

[Barry Craig]

Why not give her back a knife? Knife? The floor stopped him. I kicked the door shut behind him. The knife he'd mentioned was angling out between the shoulder blades. I didn't want anybody to confuse him with a client. The homicide squad arrived and went to work. I don't like watching the boys. They're too smooth. I start thinking of all the stiffs they practiced on.

[Beeper]

I shut my eyes.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

Are we boring you, Craig?

[Barry Craig]

Lieutenant Rogers. I've seen it all before. Too bad.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

If only we could work out an entirely new approach. Then perhaps you'd watch us.

[Barry Craig]

Stop being so tough, Trav. Everybody's forgiven you for having gone to college. Thanks. You're welcome.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

Craig.

[John Waring]

The story's no good.

[Barry Craig]

The only one I've got on hand.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

I'd say it was no good. The punk there with a knife in his back was on the Harry Otis payroll. Oh, Wilma Lord is on the Otis payroll.

[Barry Craig]

Must be a large payroll among his.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

Varied and largely illegal activities. Otis also runs a supper club over on the east side, the Gilded Lily. You can have Wilma Lord for supper there six nights a week and twice on Sundays.

[Barry Craig]

It's too early for supper.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

The last couple of months, Otis has been very busy hovering up the crime commission. The crime commission? Mr. Otis is a very large target for them. He's been doing his best to shrink recently.

[John Waring]

Woman.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

Lord could have come to you because she planned to concertise with the commission and wanted protection.

[Barry Craig]

Why me?

[Lieutenant Rogers]

You're big, you're good natured and well, I'm stupid. No, no, no.

[Harry Otis]

But you like to believe people when.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

They give you a chance to.

[Beeper]

What about the Waring angle?

[Barry Craig]

Did she pick him out of the phone book?

[Lieutenant Rogers]

There is no Waring angle. John Waring happens to be a distinguished philanthropist. That means a guy with so much money even gives some of it away.

[Barry Craig]

Thanks for the translation. I still believe Wilma Lord's story.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

Why? Because she's young, beautiful? Because she looked you straight in the.

[Barry Craig]

Eye when she told you all no Tran. Because she was nasty. Homicide wound up and went away. One nice thing about it. After they were through, the office no longer needed dusting. The clock in the church tower across the street made noises. So after a while did my stomach. But I was waiting for a phone call.

[Beeper]

Maybe the cops would get Wilmer Lord.

[Barry Craig]

Before she could reach a phone. Maybe Wilma Lord had no intention of phoning me. I've been a sucker before. I prefer to being a wise guy. So I listened to the bell, gnawed my stomach and was rewarded. Hello, Mr. Craig. Yeah, late.

[Wilma Lord]

I thought you might have gone home.

[Barry Craig]

I'm still here.

[Wilma Lord]

You're alone?

[Barry Craig]

Yeah.

[Wilma Lord]

I've got to see you. That is, if after what happened, you want to.

[Barry Craig]

I want to. I always believe a client.

[Wilma Lord]

I didn't know you'd taken the case.

[Barry Craig]

Where do we meet?

[Wilma Lord]

Well, not here at my apartment. It's too dangerous.

[Barry Craig]

Wait a minute. Would there be a couple of cops.

[Beeper]

Sitting on your lap by any chance?

[Wilma Lord]

No.

[Barry Craig]

Why not?

[Beeper]

They've got an alarm out for you.

[Wilma Lord]

The apartment isn't in my name. Look, let's make it Park. The 67th street entrance in an hour.

[Beeper]

The park in an hour.

[Barry Craig]

Homage, Lord.

[Beeper]

Don't bring a friend.

[Barry Craig]

I locked the office door. Nothing in the office worth stealing. But this way maybe I could tempt the burglar. I felt underprivileged. I'd never been burgled.

[Jake]

Hey, Mr. Craig.

[Barry Craig]

Never mind the glad greetings, Jake.

[Jake]

Terrible tragedy you had, Mr. Craig.

[Barry Craig]

That's what I meant. Stop licking your chops and let's ride downstairs, huh?

[Jake]

Terrible tragedy. Lieutenant Rogers says he didn't bleed much.

[Barry Craig]

You take the Lieutenant's word for it. By the way, Jake, did the corpse.

[Beeper]

Come up in the elevator?

[Jake]

Lieutenant asked me.

[Barry Craig]

That a coincidence, did he? Yeah.

[Jake]

Come up in the elevator. Didn't have that knife in his back at the time though.

[Barry Craig]

Maybe the elevator was too crowded. Oh, I hadn't thought of that. How about the girl?

[Beeper]

She come up the same trip?

[Jake]

Lieutenant asked me that too.

[Beeper]

Whatever made you give up that farm in Vermont, Jake?

[Jake]

Got tired of watching the Four Seasons. What I told the lieutenant was maybe she did come up in the elevator.

[Beeper]

But.

[Jake]

But I didn't see her.

[Barry Craig]

Uh huh. How about opening the door?

[Jake]

And if she was young and pretty like the Lieutenant said, why, I'd have spotted her.

[Barry Craig]

Sure, after all your experience with the Four Seasons, Jake, how about.

[Jake]

Oh, I keep forgetting.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

Mr. Craig.

[Barry Craig]

Yeah?

[Jake]

In case anybody stops around and asks for you.

[Beeper]

What did I tell him?

[Barry Craig]

Tell him I'm out checking a season. Good night, Jake. The park was close enough so I could take a couple of hamburgers aboard at Willy's Wagon. A couple of hamburgers and a cup of the stuff Willie calls coffee. Willie keeps his coffee urn shined. I was facing it. What I saw in the urn looked like what you see in the distorting mirrors in the coney Island Funhouse. Except not so funny.

[Beeper]

Willie. You got a complaint, take it up with the mayor.

[Barry Craig]

Take a look over my left shoulder, Willie.

[Jake]

It's gorgeous.

[Harry Otis]

You want I should pin a gardenia on it?

[Barry Craig]

Somebody looking into the wagon had his face plastered against the window.

[Beeper]

I don't want to turn to tip him off.

[Barry Craig]

Huh?

[Harry Otis]

You hitting the pipe again? No face, I bet you inhale too.

[Barry Craig]

Oh, forget it, Willie. You must have ducked. Here, take that up with the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Boy, you throwing dough around. What's the matter?

[Harry Otis]

You had a horse in the fifth.

[Barry Craig]

No, I had a corpse in the third. The park was half a dozen blocks over and west. I couldn't spot a tail on me, which didn't mean a thing. Good tails don't get spotted. Especially working on me. I'm easy to keep in sight from a long way off. Nobody had moved. The park around the 67th street entrance looked cozy and dark. I tossed a mental coin, came up head, which meant I should go home and spend a few hours asleep. Then I cheated. I went on into the park. An investigator's job is a funny one. Either you play it hard and believe nobody, which is fine. It's safe.

[Beeper]

You stay out of trouble.

[Barry Craig]

Maybe after 10 years you're growing ulcers because nobody likes you. But an ulcer never killed anyone yet. Or else you believe people. Then you've got trouble. You're not smart. Except maybe it's not a choice. Kept getting darker. Not a choice because it depends on the way you're built. The way I'm built? You stick your neck out. I did. Only warning was a slight of feet on the gravel path. If you hit on the head hard enough, you get knocked out. All you remember afterwards is getting up. It's a memory you're willing to trade cheap.

[Unknown Assailant]

The guy looks like he is returning to us, Mr. Otis.

[Harry Otis]

He might have fractured his skull.

[Unknown Assailant]

People, private eyes have got very thick skulls. All I know is I read about him all the time. Private eyes are always getting bopped on the skull. It don't bother him.

[Beeper]

It bothers me.

[Harry Otis]

Peeper helps a gentleman. Never mind, Mr. Craig.

[Barry Craig]

I've got a headache.

[Harry Otis]

I'm sorry. Beeper is so enthusiastic.

[Barry Craig]

Send him over a little closer to me. I'll calm him down.

[Harry Otis]

I'm afraid not, Mr. Craig. Beeper is armed. He was acting on instructions from me.

[Barry Craig]

Was he supposed to bring me in alive? I'm not that funny. How did he find me in the park?

[Harry Otis]

He trailed you there from your office?

[Barry Craig]

Uh huh.

[Harry Otis]

Rather a cold, unpleasant night. Mr. Craig, you often walk in the park?

[Barry Craig]

I managed to get there from time to time.

[Harry Otis]

You wouldn't have been meeting anyone there.

[Barry Craig]

I could use a couple of aspirin.

[Harry Otis]

Beeper was perhaps a little impatient.

[Unknown Assailant]

How was I supposed to know he had appointment Beeper? I Beg your pardon, Mr. Otis.

[Barry Craig]

Well, Craig, I could still use those aspirins.

[Harry Otis]

I see. Well, perhaps it isn't very important. What's more to the point, Mr. Craig, you had a visitor this afternoon.

[Barry Craig]

I had lots of visitors. Most of them in uniform.

[Harry Otis]

I'm referring to the gentleman who preceded the police. The gentleman whose untimely death was responsible for the visit. You didn't happen to kill him by any chance?

[Barry Craig]

The cops didn't think so. They might be prejudiced also.

[Harry Otis]

You may have pleaded self defense.

[Barry Craig]

Otis, you know better than that.

[Beeper]

A man like you has pipelines to the department.

[Harry Otis]

Very well, a question then.

[Barry Craig]

What was the gentleman.

[Beeper]

You mean the punk with the knife.

[Harry Otis]

On his back doing in your office?

[Beeper]

He was dying there.

[Barry Craig]

Hey, I'm hearing music ringing in my ears. A rather good little orchestra.

[Harry Otis]

They'd be insulted by your description.

[Barry Craig]

Don't tell him about it. This wouldn't happen to be the Gilded Lily, would it?

[Harry Otis]

You know the place?

[Barry Craig]

Sure. Some of my best friends have had supper in it.

[Harry Otis]

What was Jimmy doing in your office?

[Barry Craig]

A punk.

[Beeper]

He might have been looking for a confidential investigator.

[Harry Otis]

Oh, for what purpose?

[Barry Craig]

To help him find his lost innocence, maybe. Beeper, I'm not joking.

[Beeper]

What job was he doing for you?

[Harry Otis]

What makes you think he was doing anything at all for me?

[Beeper]

He was on your payroll.

[Barry Craig]

Indeed. The cops told me. They're blabbermouth. Pity about the civil service.

[Harry Otis]

Things would be so much easier otherwise.

[Beeper]

You could buy more for less, huh? You're not going to tell me why.

[Harry Otis]

Jimmy came into your office?

[Beeper]

I didn't say that. I'll tell you why. He was looking for the owner of the knife in his back. Oh, he never got around to telling me who it was. Would you like some information? Very much.

[Harry Otis]

At what price?

[Beeper]

We'll discuss that later. The information goes like this. Your boy came up in the elevator. He didn't have the knife in him. Then he did have when he got to my office.

[Harry Otis]

So someone presented him with a knife someplace between the elevator on your floor and your office.

[Barry Craig]

Yeah.

[Beeper]

One thing more. It wasn't right outside the office door. No, he got it near the elevator.

[Barry Craig]

He went down.

[Beeper]

There were a couple of blood stains on the hall floor indicating that he went down, stayed down for a while, pulled himself to his feet and made it to me.

[Barry Craig]

Why?

[Beeper]

You didn't like my previous suggestion?

[Harry Otis]

No, Craig. Whom did Jimmy follow to your office?

[Beeper]

It'd be nice to know, wouldn't it? I mean for me.

[Barry Craig]

Because you know, don't you?

[Harry Otis]

You mentioned something about a price for the information.

[Beeper]

What price? What do you think about matrimony?

[Harry Otis]

I have no time to discuss philosophy at the moment.

[Beeper]

Or philanthropy.

[Barry Craig]

Beeper. Yeah, Mr. Ulis?

[Harry Otis]

Up until this moment, I've been considering Mr. Craig an honest, if somewhat stupid man. Now I'm not so sure either of his honesty or of his stupidity.

[Barry Craig]

I can get your references on both counts.

[Harry Otis]

I would like to be sure.

[Barry Craig]

Beeper.

[Harry Otis]

I take them apart. Unless Mr. Craig would like to tell.

[Barry Craig]

Us another story, I'm out of story.

[Harry Otis]

You're in trouble, however, beeper. We want Mr. Craig to explain his remarks about matrimony and philanthropy.

[Beeper]

Yeah.

[Unknown Assailant]

Hold it, Craig. I wouldn't mind plugging you in a leg. Say, give me excuse. You gonna stand and take it nice.

[Barry Craig]

Okay, take it.

[Unknown Assailant]

I hope the gun barrel don't scare you permanent. How about putting your arms behind your back, huh? Gonna start getting painful soon.

[Beeper]

Thanks. Now.

[John Waring]

Hey, Who?

[Beeper]

Opportunity knocks.

[Barry Craig]

No, Otis. I've just inherited a gun. Beepers. You Weren't expecting company, Mr. Otis? I've been knocked unconscious. I've been pistol whipped.

[Beeper]

Maybe I'm sore.

[Harry Otis]

I wasn't expecting company.

[Barry Craig]

Yeah, that's the reason Beeper was startled. All right, open the door. Let's see who it is.

[Beeper]

Hello, Mr. Otis, the marine.

[Barry Craig]

Hello, Trav.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

Hi, Craig. Mind if I come in?

[Barry Craig]

The office belongs to Otis. You're holding the gun that belongs to Beefer.

[Jake]

Beeper.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

He's lying down, tired.

[Barry Craig]

He ran into a doorknob. Have a gun on him? Thanks.

[John Waring]

Who knows?

[Lieutenant Rogers]

Maybe he has a license for it. We'll see.

[Harry Otis]

Exactly what do you want here, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Rogers]

We've had the place staked out. Nobody we were interested in showed up.

[Barry Craig]

I got the report that a big.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

Man was carried in. Turns out it was Mr. Craig.

[Barry Craig]

That's how it turns out.

[Harry Otis]

The place staked out and you're looking for.

[Beeper]

If nobody minds, I'll get out in a hurry. Barry, I'm late.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

For what?

[Barry Craig]

A date.

[Harry Otis]

Wait a minute.

[Announcer]

Wait.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

Looks you were slugged and brought here.

[Barry Craig]

I guess it does look that way.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

You could prefer charges.

[Barry Craig]

Uh, it was all in fun.

[Lieutenant Rogers]

That welt across your face doesn't look funny.

[Beeper]

One of the reasons I'm in a hurry.

[Barry Craig]

What? I want to have the nasty little Bruise kissed away. Lt. Rogers didn't argue with me. He wanted conversation with Otis and Beeper. Nobody had mentioned Wilma Lord yet. Not Otis, not Trev. But they were thinking of her. So was I. I tried to park. A couple of hours had died since the appointment. But I had to make sure. I made sure. Maybe Wilma Lord had been waiting for me. Maybe not. Either way, she wasn't waiting anymore. Trab would annoy Otis for a while. He had nothing to hold him on. He had nothing to hold Beeper on for a while. Otis and Beeper would be busy with the lieutenant. After that, they might be busy about something else. I remembered Trav's definition of a philanthropist. I could use some money. My name is Barry Craig. Yes. You're John Waring. I am. Mind if I come in?

[John Waring]

It's rather late.

[Barry Craig]

So late? You sent the butler to bed, huh?

[John Waring]

Well, that is hardly. Who did you say you were?

[Barry Craig]

Barry Craig.

[John Waring]

Should I know you?

[Barry Craig]

Yes. Why? Because you're a philanthropist.

[John Waring]

Good night.

[Beeper]

I didn't finish.

[Barry Craig]

Because you're a philanthropist about to get married.

[John Waring]

Come in.

[Barry Craig]

Thanks.

[John Waring]

And here, if you please. Well, then, your name is Barry Craig. You're a reporter, perhaps?

[Barry Craig]

Not exactly.

[John Waring]

Then why your interest in my marriage?

[Barry Craig]

I've been hired to make sure it goes through on schedule. Hired by whom? Your fiance.

[John Waring]

My.

[Barry Craig]

Didn't I use the right word?

[John Waring]

You mean, Ms. Lord, how many girls.

[Barry Craig]

Were you planning to marry?

[John Waring]

Craig, I permitted you to enter my home because you seem to know about.

[Harry Otis]

About my marriage.

[John Waring]

I didn't expect you to insult me.

[Barry Craig]

I'm sorry. Blood gets on my nerves. Blood?

[Beeper]

A man was murdered in my office.

[Barry Craig]

Today, and that's why. That's why what?

[John Waring]

Nothing. This man was murdered. Had he any connection with your marriage?

[Barry Craig]

Yes. What do you think?

[John Waring]

I can't think anything about it. I'm confused.

[Barry Craig]

So confused you haven't thought of offering me a drink?

[John Waring]

I beg your pardon? Oh, yeah.

[Barry Craig]

I can almost think you were expecting me. That's two glasses you've got sitting on that coffee table with the drinks in them. One's wry by the color, the other.

[John Waring]

Mr. Craig, you're in my home.

[Barry Craig]

Looks like creme de mont. A girl's drink.

[John Waring]

I suppose it's too much to expect the behavior of a gentleman from a confidential investigator.

[Barry Craig]

Yeah, we're the sordid type. I had an appointment with Ms. Lord.

[John Waring]

She kept it, didn't she?

[Barry Craig]

Why don't we ask her? Ask. Nice drapes you've got. Pity they don't quite reach the floor.

[John Waring]

Now look here, young man.

[Wilma Lord]

Never mind. John.

[Barry Craig]

Hello, Miss Lord. Hello. Did you decide the park was too cold at this time of the year. I.

[Wilma Lord]

What made you come here?

[Barry Craig]

You wouldn't be holding up in your apartment listed in your name or not. The cops are bright nowadays. Well, where else would you duck for color? It was simple. Lucky for me, it was simple. I get confused easy.

[Wilma Lord]

What do you want?

[Beeper]

You hired me to do a job.

[Barry Craig]

I believe you. I always believe my clients. Sometimes I'm suckers, sometimes not. Because sometimes clients don't expect to be believed.

[John Waring]

I resent all this.

[Barry Craig]

Don't be in too big a hurry, Mr. Mr. Waring. Ms. Lord was afraid that the marriage.

[Beeper]

Was going to be interrupted by murder.

[Barry Craig]

Murder?

[Beeper]

She didn't get around to telling me.

[Barry Craig]

Whose murder, Yours or hers?

[Beeper]

Because another murder happened to somebody else I didn't. Somebody on Harry Otis's payroll.

[Barry Craig]

Whose idea was this marriage?

[John Waring]

I. I asked Ms. Lord to be.

[Barry Craig]

My wife and she said yes. Why?

[Wilma Lord]

I love you don't have to laugh at me.

[Barry Craig]

Harry Otis. You were on his payroll too, Ms. Lord. The crime commission was getting ready to ask him questions about his business. His tie ins with officials, his backers.

[John Waring]

I must ask.

[Beeper]

You were going to say leave.

[Barry Craig]

Let's pretend it was explained. Wilma Lodge young. She's beautiful. Maybe she could have wrangled a marriage offer out of you anyway. But her working for Otis can't be a coincidence. Sure. You asked her to marry you after.

[Beeper]

She told you she knew about your connection with Otis.

[John Waring]

My connection?

[Barry Craig]

Financial dollar bills don't have pedigrees on them. That's a shame.

[Beeper]

How many of the dollar bills making up your bank account came out of Harry Otis's dirty enterprises?

[John Waring]

This is absolutely, absolutely unwarranted.

[Barry Craig]

No. Up until five minutes ago it was a guess. A stupid guess.

[Beeper]

Because I couldn't figure any other reason.

[Barry Craig]

For the whole deal.

[Beeper]

Now it's not a guess anymore.

[Harry Otis]

It's not a guess anymore.

[Beeper]

Hello, Otis.

[Barry Craig]

I've been expecting you.

[Beeper]

And the gun.

[Harry Otis]

That's nice. Beeper's outside with a gun too.

[Beeper]

And a car with a motor idling. Another stupid guess.

[Barry Craig]

Sure.

[Harry Otis]

Stupid ones give the most trouble. If you'd had brains enough, Craig, you'd have stayed out of this.

[Barry Craig]

I couldn't. I was hired by Ms. Lord.

[Wilma Lord]

I had to.

[Barry Craig]

Harry, I'm.

[Harry Otis]

I had you set up. Waring was going to marry you so you couldn't testify against him. Why'd you bury the knife on Jimmy's back?

[Wilma Lord]

I didn't.

[Harry Otis]

I had him on you all the time.

[Beeper]

Would you have had any reason for killing a modus?

[Harry Otis]

Well, what Reason?

[Barry Craig]

Not even a stupid guess, Otis. Yes, this.

[John Waring]

This squabbling. It's unpleasant and a waste of time.

[Barry Craig]

Meaning what?

[John Waring]

Whatever Ms. Lord did or didn't do, Mr. Craig is now in a position to inform the crime commission of.

[Harry Otis]

Of our business association.

[John Waring]

Yes, that would be disastrous not only for myself, but for you as well. I. I hesitate to suggest anything violent, but.

[Harry Otis]

But what choice have we got? Precisely.

[Wilma Lord]

No, but.

[Harry Otis]

Get up, Wilma. You've still got Jimmy's death to account for.

[Wilma Lord]

Oh, you. You.

[Barry Craig]

Ms. Lord.

[Wilma Lord]

What?

[Beeper]

Don't drink that.

[Wilma Lord]

What are you talking about? Took my bees away.

[Beeper]

You in a hurry to die?

[John Waring]

The man is insane, Otis.

[Barry Craig]

Yeah, Otis, the man.

[Beeper]

Looking for a murderer.

[Harry Otis]

What was wrong with the drink?

[Beeper]

Another guess. A solid one this time. Wilma Lord's wanted by the police for.

[Barry Craig]

The murder of your punk.

[Beeper]

Wilma Lord disappeared.

[Barry Craig]

Suppose she died in his house.

[Beeper]

Waring would have the body. What?

[Barry Craig]

Buried?

[Beeper]

Burned. Either way, no more Wilma Lloyd. The cops would spend the next century looking for her.

[Barry Craig]

The case would be closed.

[Beeper]

Also, John Waring wouldn't have to marry her.

[Barry Craig]

He'd be rid of a witness against him.

[Beeper]

What he had in mind for you, Otis, I wouldn't know.

[Barry Craig]

But he had something in mind.

[Beeper]

Then he'd be free.

[Barry Craig]

He could go on being philanthropic. This is.

[John Waring]

It's childish melodrama.

[Beeper]

Murders melodrama. Only it's not childish.

[Barry Craig]

Mr. Waring.

[Beeper]

When I walked in here, you asked me if I was a reporter.

[Barry Craig]

The gag being you'd never seen me, heard of me before.

[Beeper]

A little later on, you said something about a confidential investigator not being a gentleman.

[Wilma Lord]

He must have followed me too.

[Barry Craig]

You said Wilma Lord had kept her appointment with me. How did you know if she told you?

[Beeper]

You wouldn't have confused me with a reporter if she didn't.

[Harry Otis]

Wait a minute. He was checking on her because he was planning to get rid of her.

[Beeper]

But your boy Jimmy spotted him on the third floor where my office is. Nobody else would have had any motive for killing him. Waring had to because it tipped his hand about his plan for the girl.

[John Waring]

Nonsense. Absolute nonsense.

[Beeper]

Then suppose you drink this, Huh?

[John Waring]

I. I detest creme de mont.

[Harry Otis]

Drink it, Waring.

[John Waring]

I. I shall leave now.

[Harry Otis]

I find this highly deceitful. I said drink it.

[John Waring]

You're being a fool.

[Barry Craig]

A.

[Harry Otis]

Had to be done.

[Barry Craig]

Done. The reason I knew the drink was poisoned. Take a sniff at it, Otis.

[Harry Otis]

Don't bother.

[Barry Craig]

A deep sniff. So sorry. Got it in your eyes. Thanks for the gun. You mustn't lose your temper. Waring killed Jimmy. Sure but you had to kill Waring, didn't you? If you turned him over to the cops, he'd have blabbed the crime commission beeper. Beeper. You know something, Otis? You must be a sinking ship. That was it. All wound up. I went home. I slept. The next day I was back on the third floor being lonely.

[Wilma Lord]

How do you lock this door?

[Barry Craig]

There's a thing underneath the doorknob. Oh, you remembered Somebody following you again?

[Wilma Lord]

No. I just don't want to be interrupted.

[Barry Craig]

At what?

[Wilma Lord]

Thanking. I don't have any money. I'm not marrying a rich man anymore. But I don't think you'll mind.

[Barry Craig]

I always believe a client. Good night, folks. See you next week.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to William Gargan in another exciting transcribed mystery drama from the adventures of Barry Craig, confidential investigator. Tonight's story, the Case of the Borrowed Knife was written by Lou Vitez. Next week it's an exciting story titled Dead on Arrival, about which Barry Craig.

[Barry Craig]

Has this to say. Next week I devote my time to a bashful blonde, an escaped lunatic and a stone cold corpse. And brother, is it murder. See you next week, folks.

[Narrator]

Featured in the role of Wilma was Elspeth Elizabeth Eric. Barry Craig, starring William Goggin is under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is Don Pardo speaking.

[Wilma Lord]

Foreign.

[Announcer]

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