Bulldog Drummond 42-01-04 (22) Death Rides A Racehorse

Summary

Summary of "Bulldog Drummond 42-01-04 (22) Death Rides A Racehorse"

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Bulldog Drummond 42-01-04 (22) Death Rides A Racehorse
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Description: Dive into the thrilling adventures of Bulldog Drummond as he navigates the perilous world of horse racing, deception, and murder in this gripping episode.

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported into the high-stakes realm of horse racing, where ambition, betrayal, and murder intertwine. Featuring the intrepid Bulldog Drummond, the story unravels a complex plot involving a champion racehorse, a deceitful jockey, and a quest for justice.

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The Rise of White Star

Establishing Success

The episode opens with Al Russo, a talented jockey, achieving a remarkable victory with his horse, White Star. Drummond observes:

Bulldog Drummond (01:49): "Of him now, Mr. Peters, I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it myself."

Despite White Star's lackluster performance last season, Drummond's strategic maneuvering pays off as the horse begins to show unprecedented promise.

Key Interactions

Drummond encourages Russo's success, hinting at deeper motives:

Bulldog Drummond (02:14): "Well, you'll do plenty of crying, Mr. Connors. White Star's going to be a real champion this season."

This sets the stage for future conflicts and reveals Drummond's vested interest in White Star's performance.

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The Sudden Plea for Help

Al Russo's Distress Call

Al Russo's demeanor shifts as he requests Drummond's assistance:

Al Russo (04:06): "I'm riding White Star in the fourth race this afternoon."

The urgency in Russo's voice signals impending danger, prompting Drummond and his assistant, Denny, to investigate further.

Unraveling the Mystery

As Drummond delves deeper, he discovers that Russo's sudden improvement might be orchestrated, raising suspicions about foul play in the racing community.

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The Race and Its Aftermath

A Suspicious Performance

During the pivotal race, White Star, under Russo's control, unexpectedly stumbles:

Helen Peters (07:26): "Russo's just sitting there on his horse, hands hanging limp at his side."

Alarming signs point towards poisoning, leading to Russo's untimely death on the track.

Investigative Breakthrough

Drummond examines Russo's saddle, uncovering incriminating evidence:

Bulldog Drummond (10:52): "The hypodermic circle on the inside of the saddle contained the poison."

This discovery propels Drummond into a deeper investigation, aiming to uncover the mastermind behind the murder.

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Unmasking the Conspiracy

The Dual White Stars

Drummond identifies a critical clue—a ringer horse identical to White Star:

Bulldog Drummond (18:31): "This White Star we're looking at is a ringer for the White Star at Overton."

This revelation suggests a deliberate scheme to manipulate race outcomes for financial gain.

Confrontation with Nick Connors

The tension culminates in a dramatic face-off between Drummond and Nick Connors:

Bulldog Drummond (22:14): "You're a lousy double crosser."

As the truth unfolds, Connors' deceit is exposed, leading to his downfall and the restoration of justice.

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Notable Quotes

• Bulldog Drummond (03:20): "I'm paying you to ride White Star the way I say to ride him. Is that right, Al?"

• Al Russo (04:54): "I'll be waiting for you where I sit."

• Bulldog Drummond (12:17): "Here's what you do... Everything will be set for the night."

• Helen Peters (22:33): "What?"

• Bulldog Drummond (18:38): "A ringer is a sort of stand-in, a replacement to be used at an arranged type."

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Conclusion and Insights

"Death Rides A Racehorse" masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and the classic charm of Bulldog Drummond. Through intricate plotting and compelling character dynamics, the episode captivates listeners, showcasing Drummond's relentless pursuit of truth against a backdrop of deceit and danger. As the story concludes with Connors' exposure, it sets the stage for future adventures, promising even more intrigue and excitement.

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Teaser for Next Episode:
Drummond and Denny will head to a seashore resort, only to find the carnival owner dead on his scenic railway. Their investigation will lead them through a labyrinth of attractions, uncovering connections between murder and smuggling in "Death Loops the Loop." Stay tuned for the next thrilling installment!

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

Every home.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Out of the fog, out of the night, and into his American adventures comes Bulldog Drummond.

[Al Russo]

In the great light of early morning, the young woman and the man stand at the finish line of the training track, their eyes intently following the racehorse as the jockey breaks it down the home stretch. The young woman holds the stopwatch tensely in her hand. The horse rushes past the finish line and the young woman snaps the control lever on the watch. The jockey slowed his mount down and brings it back to the finish line at a slow buck. Easy, boy, easy.

[Helen Peters]

How do we do, Miss Peters?

[Nick Connors]

147 and a half, Al.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Nice riding, kid.

[Al Russo]

Well, thanks, Mr. Connors. A mile and a 16th and 147 and a half. That's not bad, eh, Miss Peters?

[Nick Connors]

Not bad? That's darn good, Al. That's White Star's best time to date. Well, Mr. Connors, what do you think.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Of him now, Mr. Peters, I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it myself. White Star was a complete washout last season as a two year old. You know his record. He didn't show in the money once. I really figured I'd pull this smart deal when I sold him to you.

[Nick Connors]

Sorry for your bargain now, huh?

[Bulldog Drummond]

Well, bargain's a bargain anyway. This was just a trial run. I'll hold off crying into my beer until I see how he makes out in a money raise.

[Al Russo]

Well, you'll do plenty of crying, Mr. Connors. White Star's going to be a real champion this season.

[Nick Connors]

That's right. With Al Russo up, he's a sure winner.

[Narrator]

With anybody up, Mr. Peters?

[Al Russo]

This pony's got what it takes. Hey, I better get him back to the stable for a rub down. I see you later.

[Nick Connors]

All right, al.

[Helen Peters]

Wow.

[Al Russo]

Yeah.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Mr. T. Hold it a minute, will you? I'm going back to the stable. I'll walk with you.

[Al Russo]

Sure.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Do you mind, Ms. Peters?

[Nick Connors]

No, go right ahead. And don't forget you're buying me champagne at the clubhouse if White Star wins tomorrow.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Champagne? It'll be all right, Al. Let's go.

[Narrator]

Right.

[Bulldog Drummond]

What are you trying to pull Al.

[Al Russo]

What do you mean, Nick?

[Bulldog Drummond]

You know what I mean. You know just what I mean. You let this nag out all the way this morning on that track. You were riding in full. What was the idea?

[Al Russo]

I just wanted to see what he could really do.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Yeah? Why?

[Al Russo]

Just curious.

[Bulldog Drummond]

I told you to hold him back, didn't I? I got you the job with that Petersdame, so you do what I tell you. White Star wins when I say he wins. And not before he comes in under the wire when the odds are where I want them. You understand that?

[Al Russo]

Oh, yeah. Sure, Nick. Just as you say. But, Nick, one thing bothers me.

[Bulldog Drummond]

What?

[Al Russo]

What did you have done to this hay burner last season? He didn't have any more chance than a snowball and a Sahara. You dumped him on Helen Peters because he was a flop. Now all of a sudden he runs like man of War. What's the angle, Nick?

[Bulldog Drummond]

I'm paying you to ride White Star the way I say to ride him. Is that right, Al?

[Al Russo]

Yeah, that's right.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Okay, so you just do that. I'm not paying you to ask questions. Remember that. You get too nosy, and instead of riding that nag, you're liable to end up jockeying a hearse. Just remember that, Al.

[Al Russo]

I'll get it, Denny.

[Narrator]

Very well, Pop.

[Al Russo]

Hello? Captain Grumman? Yes. I gotta talk to you in the jam. Who is this? Russo?

[Narrator]

My name's Al Russo.

[Al Russo]

I'm jockeying out at the Westwood track. Just what sort of jam are you in, Mr. Russo?

[Narrator]

I'm riding White Star in the fourth race this afternoon.

[Al Russo]

I'm out at the track now. I'll be going to the post in an hour. And I gotta talk to you before the race. Can you make it out here fast? You still haven't told me what this is all about. Well, you gotta come. I'll meet you in front of the grandstand, section C. You got that? Section C. Mr. Russo, I hadn't planned to spend the afternoon out at the track. So if you expect me to alter my schedule, you'll have to be a bit more explicit. Just why do you want me to meet you? Well, look, I can't talk here. I think they spotted me coming into this booth. They? Who are they? The ones who are going to kill me. What?

[Narrator]

That's right, Captain Drummond. I gotta get protection.

[Al Russo]

I can't go to the cops. You can save me if I talk to you before White Star goes to the post.

[Narrator]

I'll be waiting for you where I sit.

[Al Russo]

Now get out here as soon as you can. Hello, Mr. Russo. Hello? Hello, Denny. Denny.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. What is it, sir?

[Al Russo]

Hurry. Bring the car around front. We're going out to the Westwood racetrack.

[Narrator]

Westwood race track? But I thought we were.

[Al Russo]

There's a change in our plans, Denny.

[Narrator]

But, sir, why this sudden and new interest in the horses?

[Al Russo]

It's not the horses. It's my usual and old interest. Murder. Now, hurry, get the car. I'll be out in a moment.

[Narrator]

Well, sir, we've been standing here in front of the grandstand for 10 minutes and no sign of your harried Mr. Russo. You know what, sir?

[Al Russo]

What, Denny?

[Narrator]

This may be nothing more than some sort of practical joke. Maybe there is no such person as Al Russo.

[Al Russo]

There's an Al Russo all right.

[Narrator]

How do you know, sir?

[Al Russo]

I checked the racing page in the newspaper before we came out here. Just as he told me over the phone, he's scheduled to ride White Star in the fourth race.

[Narrator]

Well, if he's going to show up here, he'd better make it soon. The fourth race will begin in a few moments.

[Al Russo]

Come on, Denny.

[Narrator]

Where are we going, sir?

[Al Russo]

To the paddock. Russo should be there. Maybe he could.

[Nick Connors]

Pardon me.

[Al Russo]

Yes?

[Nick Connors]

You're captain Drummond?

[Al Russo]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Hadn't we better hurry? It's almost post time.

[Nick Connors]

Please, I must talk to you, Captain Drummond.

[Al Russo]

Sorry, miss. Perhaps later.

[Nick Connors]

Just Al sent me.

[Narrator]

Al Russo?

[Nick Connors]

Yes.

[Al Russo]

Where is he?

[Nick Connors]

He couldn't meet you here.

[Narrator]

Well, where is he?

[Nick Connors]

He was afraid to come out into the open.

[Al Russo]

And just who are you?

[Nick Connors]

I'm Al's wife, captain Drummond. He's in trouble.

[Al Russo]

So he said over the phone.

[Nick Connors]

Well, he's got to talk to you. He wouldn't tell me what it was, but I know it's something terrible. You will help him, won't you?

[Al Russo]

I'll do everything I can. Thank you.

[Helen Peters]

Thank you.

[Al Russo]

Now, where can I speak to your husband, Mrs. Rousseau?

[Nick Connors]

Over there at that line of telephone booths under the grandstand. He's waiting for you. He's in the third booth. Al said I should wait out here and see if they follow you to him.

[Al Russo]

All right, Mrs. Rousseau. We'll be back to talk to you after I see your husband.

[Nick Connors]

Yes, I'll be right here.

[Al Russo]

Come along, Denny.

[Narrator]

I'm with you, sir.

[Al Russo]

Third booth. Here it is, Denny.

[Narrator]

Why, it's empty, sir. There's no one in there. Yes, Mrs. Russo said he was waiting here for you.

[Al Russo]

Denny, Mrs. Russo isn't a woman of her word. For more reasons than one.

[Narrator]

What do you mean by that, sir?

[Al Russo]

Look over there where we were talking to Mrs. Rousseau.

[Nick Connors]

Why?

[Narrator]

She's not there. She's disappeared.

[Al Russo]

Exactly. Come on, Denny, hurry.

[Narrator]

Where to now?

[Al Russo]

The paddock.

[Narrator]

What do you suppose this is all a. Why did Mrs. Russo tell us her husband was in that telephone booth and then vanish herself?

[Al Russo]

I think that's your answer, Dennis.

[Narrator]

I say they're calling the horses to the post. To the fourth race.

[Al Russo]

Exactly. And there goes White Star to the starting gate with the others. That's your answer, all right. We were tricked by Mrs. Russo. It was a stall to keep us away from her husband until the race began.

[Helen Peters]

This is Gilson Rand with Westwood, bringing you a description of the fourth race, a $7,000 purse handicap. The horses are at the starting gate, number five, Lucky Boys acting up a.

[Al Russo]

Bit at the post.

[Helen Peters]

Now they've got him back in line. They're off at clean start, trying a tight back as they move down the stretch toward the first turn. They're now out in front by a length, bit Lucky Boy, follow by Sunrise, with White Star announcing a desired position. And as they round the first turn, it Lucky Floyd's still out in front now by two lengths Till the sunrise. And coming up fast, it's White Star trailing in the pack behind the leaders who Fly By Night full time. Lonely Star. Wait. There goes White Star dropping back snuggly. Hold it. Something's wrong out there now. Russo Upper White Star has let go the train. White Star is now climbing to a waltz. Russo's just sitting there on his mountains, hands hanging limp at his side. Yes, there's something radically wrong out there. Russo is shaking his head. And now he falls forward on his horse. White Stars come to a standstill. And there he goes. Russo has tumbled off his mouth. The emergency gate has just opened. Yes, and there's the ambulance right now going out on the track. Russo was lying there in the dirt, his body motionless.

[Narrator]

Captain Brummond.

[Al Russo]

Yes, Denny?

[Narrator]

Miss Peters and her stable hand, Dave Turner are outside.

[Al Russo]

All right. Show Ms. Peters in first.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. This way, Ms. Peters.

[Nick Connors]

Captain Drummond, I'm Helen Peters.

[Al Russo]

How do you do?

[Nick Connors]

I've just learned from the track officials that my jockey, Al Russo, was poisoned.

[Al Russo]

Yes, that's what happened. I've been asked to handle the investigation. I don't know whether you were informed of the matter, but Russo called me earlier this afternoon.

[Nick Connors]

Al called you?

[Al Russo]

Yes.

[Nick Connors]

But why?

[Al Russo]

He wanted me to help save his life. Ms. Peters, what do you know about Al Russo?

[Nick Connors]

Nothing, except that he was a good jockey. Captain Drummond don't understand. Why should anyone want to murder Al?

[Al Russo]

I was about to ask you the same question.

[Nick Connors]

As far as I know, he didn't.

[Narrator]

Have any enemy, Ms. Peters, according to Russel's wife.

[Nick Connors]

His wife?

[Narrator]

Yes. A young lady about your height, blonde.

[Nick Connors]

I didn't know I was married. He didn't tell me.

[Al Russo]

Denny, I doubt seriously if the young woman was Rousseau's wife. While you went for Ms. Peters, I checked with the other jockeys here. As far as they knew, Russo was single. That mysterious woman was just playing her part in the murder game.

[Nick Connors]

Captain Drummonds.

[Al Russo]

Yes, Ms. Peters.

[Nick Connors]

I was with Al in the paddock when he mounted White Star. He seemed perfectly well then.

[Al Russo]

He was at that point.

[Nick Connors]

But they said he was poisoned.

[Al Russo]

That's correct.

[Nick Connors]

How? No one was near him after he left the paddock for the starting gate.

[Al Russo]

Rousseau's death was caused by a strong and swift acting poison. That poison was injected into his system.

[Nick Connors]

Injected?

[Al Russo]

Denny, let me have that saddle.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Al Russo]

The medical examiner found a puncture on the inside of Rousseau's right thigh.

[Narrator]

Here's the saddle, sir.

[Al Russo]

Hold it up a bit, Denny, so Miss Peters can see.

[Narrator]

Right, sir.

[Al Russo]

Miss Peters, you'll notice this sticking out of the right side of White Star's saddle.

[Nick Connors]

The knee.

[Al Russo]

The Murder Wesson. There's a hypodermic circle on the inside of the saddle there. The hypodermic contained the poison.

[Nick Connors]

Who could have put that into the saddle?

[Al Russo]

I haven't the slightest idea, Ms. Peters. When is White Star scheduled to race again?

[Nick Connors]

Next week at Overton Park. I've entered him in the Wilson Handicap, but with Al gone, I've no jockey. Al could handle White Star. He got more out of him than.

[Al Russo]

Any other rider just now. Ms. Peters. I'm not concerned with White Star, Winnie. I just want to make sure that he runs at Overton park next week. It may be our only chance to catch a killer.

[Bulldog Drummond]

You got another jockey, Mr. Connors? What you get, Dave?

[Al Russo]

Teddy Lynch. Lynch is a smart kid, Mr. Connors. He knows how to ride the wind. He can bring White Star under the wire in the Wilson Handicap next week.

[Bulldog Drummond]

What about Drummond? Well, he and that stooge of his are hanging around the stable all the time.

[Al Russo]

This is the first chance I got to come over here.

[Narrator]

What are you gonna do about Lynch?

[Al Russo]

You won't be able to get to.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Him with Drummin around. I'm not getting to Lynch.

[Al Russo]

You mean you're going to let White.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Star come in for a win? Not on your life. Told you I was holding that egg from the win until I get the odds up high enough for a big killing. And next Week, they won't be anywhere near where I want them.

[Al Russo]

Yeah, Mr. Connors, but how are you going to stop it?

[Bulldog Drummond]

When are you taking White Star to Overton Park?

[Al Russo]

Thursday night.

[Bulldog Drummond]

You drive over by Route 6.

[Al Russo]

Yeah. All right.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Here's what you do. Ten miles outside of town, there's an intersection. Halsley Corners is called. I know the place. Okay. You turn right onto 15A and go along for seven miles. Then you come to a sign that says the Oaks. It's a farm a little off the main road.

[Al Russo]

The Oaks.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Right. I'll meet you there. Everything will be set for the night.

[Al Russo]

Pulling in reverse, eh, Mr. Congress?

[Bulldog Drummond]

What do you think? I got too much invested to let White Star win yet. Get everything straight, Dave. Sure, but what about Drummond? What about him? Maybe he'll take it into his head to follow the truck. If he does, it'll be the last following he'll ever do. Don't worry about Drummond. I'll have everything set for him, too.

[Al Russo]

Take it easy, boy, now, easy.

[Nick Connors]

He seems to be a little nervous tonight, Dave.

[Al Russo]

I think White star kind of misses Al. Ms. Peters. I don't usually have this trouble loading.

[Helen Peters]

Him on the truck.

[Bulldog Drummond]

This way, boy. Come on, easy to.

[Al Russo]

Good evening, Miss Peters.

[Nick Connors]

Oh, Captain Drummond. I thought you and Teddy lynch went on to Overton.

[Al Russo]

I changed my mind, Denny and I have some work to do. I sent lynch on ahead. By the way, what do you think of Lynch?

[Nick Connors]

Seems to be a fine jockey.

[Al Russo]

I told you he'd work out. We both may get what we want at Overton. You a victory for White Star. And I, Al Russo's murderer. All set, Ms. Peters.

[Nick Connors]

Well, then you better get started, Dave.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Sure. Thank.

[Al Russo]

Just soon as I get this ramp up, I'm off.

[Nick Connors]

You found any trace of that woman who said she was Mrs. Russo?

[Al Russo]

Not a sign of her. But I have an idea she'll show up sooner or later.

[Bulldog Drummond]

All ready to get underway, Ms. Pin?

[Nick Connors]

All right, Dave. I'll see you tomorrow morning at Overton.

[Al Russo]

Good night.

[Nick Connors]

Good night. I drive you back to town, Captain Drum?

[Al Russo]

No, thank you very much. Here comes Denny with my car now.

[Narrator]

All set, sir?

[Al Russo]

Yes. Yes, Denny. See you at Overton, Ms. Peters. All right, Denny, let's go.

[Narrator]

Right, sir.

[Al Russo]

Peters on the tail of that truck?

[Narrator]

Right, sir.

[Al Russo]

Not too close. I don't want him to suspect he's being followed.

[Narrator]

Well, so far he's sticking to the route, Captain Drummond.

[Al Russo]

Yes, but it's still quite a way to Overton.

[Narrator]

What makes you think something surprising may happen?

[Al Russo]

In the absence of clues, Denny, I have to Fall back on hunches.

[Narrator]

Well, if you ask me, I think we're out on a wild horse chase, if you pardon the fun.

[Al Russo]

Slow down, Denny. He's turning off the road.

[Narrator]

I say, perhaps you were right about that fellow, Dave. Sir, that's not the way to Elverton.

[Al Russo]

Step on it, Denny. Get up to that intersection right now. Take that turn fast. I don't want to lose track of that truck.

[Narrator]

Hold on, sir.

[Al Russo]

Here we go.

[Narrator]

Ah, there he is up ahead.

[Al Russo]

He's picking up speed to keep after him.

[Narrator]

Wonder where he's taking White Star.

[Al Russo]

We should soon find out.

[Bulldog Drummond]

That.

[Al Russo]

Denny.

[Narrator]

What is it, sir?

[Helen Peters]

Look, look.

[Al Russo]

That car pulling out up ahead.

[Helen Peters]

It's coming across that swing off the road.

[Al Russo]

Before we crash.

[Narrator]

Head on.

[Al Russo]

Denny. Denny.

[Narrator]

Oh, I. I'm all right, though. It left my arm. We're certainly lucky. We might have been killed.

[Al Russo]

That apparently was their intention.

[Narrator]

You mean that wasn't an accident?

[Al Russo]

Not by a long shot. That car was evidently waiting for us to come along. Someone had made preparations in the event that the truck carrying White Star was tailed. At any rate, Denny, one of my hunches has been proven correct. No doubt about it. We were on the right track.

[Narrator]

Yes, but now, unfortunately, sir, we've been derailed.

[Al Russo]

Only temporarily, Denny. Only temporarily.

[Narrator]

But what about the truck? We've lost it.

[Al Russo]

Oh, I'm sure White Star will turn up at Overton safe and sound.

[Narrator]

Yes, but what about us?

[Al Russo]

Well, first we get in touch with the local police and arrange for our sudden passing.

[Narrator]

Sudden passing? What do you mean, sir?

[Al Russo]

We're dead, Denny.

[Narrator]

Dead.

[Al Russo]

That's the way the newspapers will carry the story. Carry Hugh Drummond and Denny killed in auto crash. How does that sound to you?

[Narrator]

Frightful. What's the idea?

[Al Russo]

I want our would be assailants to think they were successful. It'll make our work more simple. So, Denny, for the time being, we're dead.

[Narrator]

Very well, sir. I'm dead. Now, would you mind telling me just what work we corpses are to do?

[Al Russo]

Denny, I'm afraid this is going to confound you even more.

[Narrator]

Go ahead, sir, but break it to me gently.

[Al Russo]

You've heard the one about the horse of a different color.

[Narrator]

Continue.

[Al Russo]

Well, Denny, we're setting out to find a horse of the same color.

[Narrator]

Dear. Frankly, sir, it doesn't make one bit of sense. But sense or no sense, I suppose we ghosts should sit together.

[Al Russo]

All right, we'll try that barn first.

[Narrator]

Really, Captain Drummond, we're taking quite a gambler about farms in this fashion. We're liable to run up against A farmer who'll take us for trespassers and greet us with a load of buckshots.

[Al Russo]

I'm afraid we'll just have to chance that.

[Narrator]

Very well, sir. But how long are we going to keep this prowling up?

[Al Russo]

Until I find what we're looking for. I'm sure it's someplace in this area. All right, open that door and we'll see what this barn has to offer. All right, come on. Close the door.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Al Russo]

The horse stalls are over there. Let's go. Denny.

[Narrator]

What is it? Sir?

[Al Russo]

That horse in the end stall, sir. Come on.

[Narrator]

Why, Captain Drummond, this horse, he has a white marking on his head. The same marking?

[Al Russo]

Yes, It's White Star all right, Denny, but.

[Narrator]

But I still don't understand. You said when you checked yesterday that White Star had arrived at Overton.

[Al Russo]

So he did.

[Narrator]

Well, then, who is this horse?

[Al Russo]

White Star.

[Narrator]

Oh, now, really, sir. Nothing can be in two different places at the same time. Would you mind telling me what this is all about?

[Al Russo]

All right, Denny. All right. Here's the way I see it. This White Star we're looking at is a ringer for the White Star at Overton.

[Narrator]

Ringer?

[Al Russo]

A ringer is a sort of stand in, a replacement to be used at an arranged type.

[Narrator]

But why?

[Al Russo]

Well, Denny, in horse racing, there's a very good reason. Money. The two White Stars are identical, probably in all factors but one. Speed. That's where the money angle is put to work. You remember we checked on White Star's past record?

[Narrator]

Yes, it was quite undistinguished.

[Al Russo]

Exactly. No wins. The odds against White Star coming in first are great.

[Narrator]

Oh, I see, sir. If White Star wins, the one who bets on him will be richly rewarded.

[Al Russo]

That's right, Denis. And the chances are that one of the White Stars stands a very good chance of winning.

[Narrator]

I say, Captain Drummond, do you suppose Ms. Peters knows about this?

[Al Russo]

From the way things look, it doesn't appear so. White Star was sold to her last season by Nick Connors. In the past, Connors dealings in horseflesh have been on the shady side.

[Narrator]

Well, then perhaps Connors had something to do with Al Russo's murder.

[Al Russo]

It's altogether likely, Denny, but we'll have to prove that by drawing Connors out.

[Narrator]

How do you expect to accomplish that, sir?

[Al Russo]

By seeing just how interested he is in the way White Star runs. Denis, we're getting this horse out of here.

[Narrator]

And then what?

[Al Russo]

You and I are taking him to Overton to make an unauthorized switch in horses. Then we'll wait until tomorrow's race and see if we can encircle the murderers with our ringer.

[Narrator]

I say. Connors is here, sir. I saw him in a box at the other end of the grandstand.

[Al Russo]

All right, Denny. Now we'd better remain out of sight until after the race.

[Narrator]

I. I saw Ms. Peter stable hand Dave, too. He's wearing a bandage around his head as a result of that blow I delivered to him last night before we switched horses. Must be quite a headache, sir.

[Al Russo]

But nothing, Denny, compared to the headache the state is going to give him when we wind this case up.

[Narrator]

You know, Captain Drummond, one thing bothers me.

[Al Russo]

What's that?

[Narrator]

I wonder which of the two is the real White Star. The one who ran so badly last season.

[Al Russo]

We'll soon learn that, Denny. Ah, there they go.

[Bulldog Drummond]

And as they come around the far.

[Helen Peters]

Turn, it's Seminole still out in front by two lengths over Rocky Ridge with Dusty King moving up to take third position of the Wind Songs. Seminole has now extended his lead by three full lengths. And wait, there's White Star coming up blast on the inside. Yes, he's making his bid. White Star with Teddy lynch up. He passes Dusty King to capture the number three spot. And he's still moving up. White Star, the 20 to one shot up there among the leaders. And around the turn into the home stretch, it's Salmon Holes still in the lead. And there goes White Star past Rocky Ridge into second place. And he's still coming up fast. Johnny Teddy Wrench is pushing his mouth, pushing, pushing. And now it's White Star challenging Seminole.

[Narrator]

And he's up there.

[Helen Peters]

Seminole and White Star neck and neck. White Car and Seminole as they head for the finish line. And here they come. And they strike.

[Al Russo]

White Car.

[Helen Peters]

White car. Luminous.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Hello, Ms. Peters.

[Nick Connors]

Nick. Nick. White Star won today.

[Bulldog Drummond]

You don't say.

[Nick Connors]

I don't know how it happened. I can't figure it out.

[Bulldog Drummond]

You can't, huh? I can.

[Nick Connors]

Nick. What's the matter?

[Bulldog Drummond]

You're a lousy double crosser.

[Nick Connors]

What are you talking about?

[Bulldog Drummond]

What am I talking about? You, the dirtiest double dealing dame on the face of the earth. That's what I'm talking about.

[Nick Connors]

Nick, I couldn't help it if White Star wanted. He just ran.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Well, White Star doesn't run that well. He hasn't got it in him. The ringer was in there today.

[Nick Connors]

What?

[Bulldog Drummond]

Don't give me that. What business. You were setting yourself up for some quick change and a run out. I got it all figured.

[Nick Connors]

Nick. You're wrong.

[Al Russo]

I just checked with the farm.

[Bulldog Drummond]

The ringer wasn't There. You got him out. You pulled a double switch on me.

[Nick Connors]

No, no, honestly.

[Bulldog Drummond]

We were going to split a nice take, you and me, but you, you couldn't wait. You wanted to make a grab for yourself, just like Al Russo did. What made you think you'd get away with it?

[Narrator]

What made you think so?

[Nick Connors]

You're wrong, Nick. You're wrong. I didn't know. I don't know what you're talking about.

[Helen Peters]

I rig up a neat stuff.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Nobody knows the connection between you and me. I rig it up neat so we can get out with a clean take. You sit high and dry. I get the dirty work done. I get rid of Russo. Then I put Drummond and that stooge of his out of the way. And all the time. All the time. You're setting me up for a lousy sucker.

[Nick Connors]

Nick, believe me, I didn't switch the horses. I had nothing to do with much.

[Bulldog Drummond]

You didn't?

[Nick Connors]

Please, you've got to believe me.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Get over there by the window.

[Nick Connors]

What? What are you going to do to me?

[Bulldog Drummond]

I got another plan for you and me now. Only this time it's sure to work. I'm seeing to it personally. You're going out that window, Nick.

[Helen Peters]

You're going out that window and smacking.

[Bulldog Drummond]

That lying face of yours.

[Helen Peters]

Stop moving.

[Nick Connors]

Nick, please wait for me.

[Al Russo]

Get over the window, for heaven's sake.

[Nick Connors]

He's got a listen.

[Bulldog Drummond]

Get out of the window.

[Helen Peters]

Get going, I say.

[Al Russo]

Get over your army. Someone's Drummond.

[Narrator]

Don't move, either one of you.

[Al Russo]

Sorry to disappoint you, Captain Drummond, he.

[Nick Connors]

This man was gonna kill me.

[Al Russo]

Yes. Denny and I heard him talk about it from the adjoining room. We heard everything you two said. You see, Ms. Peters, we followed Nick Connors here. All right, Denny, you may show them the way out.

[Narrator]

Delighted, sir.

[Al Russo]

Ms. Peters. Connors, you and the others in this scheme will be starting off soon in a race run by Justice. A race for your lives. And believe me, in a contest like that, there won't be any ringers. I'll be back in a moment to tell you about next week's story. Next week, Denny and I visit a seashore resort and find the carnival owner dead on his own scenic railway. Our investigation leads us from attraction to attraction and from murder to smuggling. I call this story Death Loops the Loop. Be sure to listen, won't you.

[Narrator]

Sam?