Bunco Squad 1950-04-15 The Book Worm

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio – “Bunco Squad: The Bookworm”

Episode Date: November 8, 2025
Original Airdate: April 15, 1950
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Show Featured: Bunco Squad (“The Bookworm”)

---

Episode Overview

This episode features a full dramatization of “The Bookworm” from the vintage radio crime series Bunco Squad. The story, based on true police records with names changed for anonymity, exposes a dangerous confidence scam targeting a trusting, retired couple. The Bunco Squad, specialized police investigators, reconstruct the crime to warn listeners of swindlers’ increasing sophistication and the devastating emotional and financial consequences their schemes inflict on victims. The episode ultimately offers a message of vigilance for listeners, while honoring the successful work of law enforcement in bringing con artists to justice.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction to Bunco Artists and the “Case of the Bookworm”

• [03:08] Captain Frank Trumbull sets the scene, describing bunco (confidence) men as “the slickest, cleverest, most dangerous artist in the underworld.”
  • Memorable Quote: “Perhaps you haven't thought that bunco schemes can be dangerous. Well, then, listen.”
• The show is based on authentic police files, dramatizing how anyone can fall for an elaborate swindle.

2. The Victims: Wilbur and Jane King

• [03:50]–[04:51] The Kings are an honest, retired couple in St. Louis, described as “good, churchgoing folks.”
• The con begins innocuously at church when the Kings “accidentally” meet Charles and Irene Hollister, who claim to be new in town and mistake the Kings for someone else.
• An invitation to help the “lost” couple leads to a developing friendship and trust.

3. The Con Unfolds

• [05:47]–[07:32] The Hollisters skillfully ingratiate themselves:
  • They wine and dine the Kings, with Charles claiming to be a scientific writer working on a manuscript.
  • In a private moment, the Hollisters reveal their true intentions: Wilbur has $15,000, their target.
    • Quote (Irene): “A swell pitch this is gonna be… there’s a big pot of jam at the end of this rainbow. 15 grand worth.” [06:40]
• The con’s “hook” is set with a manufactured opportunity: Charles receives a fake telegram (“Advance order confirmed for 40,000 copies of his book for high schools”) and asks Wilbur to be a partner and invest $15,000 for half the profits.

4. Doubt and Treacherous Reassurance

• [11:13]–[14:28] Wilbur consults his lawyer, who is skeptical and phones “Mr. Sterling,” Hollister’s supposed literary agent, to verify the legitimacy.
  • The scam is meticulous: Sterling is a confederate, waiting to deliver a convincing confirmation.
  • Quote (Narrator): “The Hollisters were very wonderful people. And smart too. Smart enough to have their accomplice, Mr. Sterling, waiting in Jefferson City just on the chance that the Kings might call him.” [14:28]

5. The Victims Defrauded

• [15:26]–[16:22] Wilbur cashes in his savings for $15,000 and gives it to Hollister.
• The Hollisters disappear, and when the Kings can’t contact them, desperation sets in.
• Wilbur reports the crime, but is sent into a deep depression and attempts suicide.
  • Quote (Detective): “Wilbur King was in emergency hospital at death’s door...and attempted suicide the next day. Mrs. King went down to police headquarters and told her story.” [18:29]

6. Police Investigation

• [19:00]–[20:33] Mrs. King identifies the suspects. Detectives pursue leads:
  • The watch given by Hollister is traced—having a serial number and being bought in his real name.
  • The fraudulent book manuscript is exposed as an exact copy from a public library book.
  • Hollister, panicked by news of Wilbur’s suicide attempt, tries to break into a jewelry store to destroy the incriminating watch purchase record.

7. Sting and Capture

• [25:07]–[29:46] Detectives anticipate that Hollister may return for the watch. They set a trap by returning it to Mrs. King and staking out her home.
• Hollister and Irene attempt a final con to retrieve the watch, but police catch them trying to flee with the evidence:
  • Quote (Detection Scene): “Alright, get up those hands. I’ll just take that package out of the locker. If you look mine. Look, you’ve got nothing on us. I want an attorney. I know my rights.” [29:46]

8. Resolution and Real-World Warning

• [30:11]–[31:48] The narrator and St. Louis Chief of Police O’Connell explain:
  • The con criminals were convicted and sentenced; most of the Kings’ money was recovered, and Wilbur survived.
  • The scam reappeared in other cities.
  • Memorable Closing Quote (Captain Trumbull): “The Bunko artist is clever. The Bunko artist is vicious. The Bunko artist is dangerous. So be on your guard.” [31:33]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We open once again tonight the files of Bunko Squad... you will be guided through a case of bunco, step by step, as it actually happened, as it could happen to you.” (Narrator/Capt. Trumbull, [02:12])
• "A chance to make $60,000 on a $15,000 investment and at absolutely no risk. What would you do?" (Detective, [11:13])
• "But they were such nice people." (Mrs. King, expressing disbelief after the con, [19:16] and others)
• "We let them go on purpose. Lieutenant Scott is trailing them right now, right to wherever they've hidden your money." (Detective, [28:54])
• "The elements of tonight's case were true. Only the names were changed for the protection of innocent persons." (Narrator, [31:33])

---

Important Segment Timestamps

• [03:08] – Introduction to the concept of bunco schemes.
• [04:51] – The “chance” meeting with the con artists.
• [06:40] – Hollisters privately discuss their plan to fleece Wilbur.
• [10:53] – The "investment opportunity" is presented.
• [14:28] – Lawyer's call to the fake agent.
• [16:03] – The Hollisters disappear; Wilbur’s despair builds.
• [18:29] – The scam’s tragic impact: Wilbur’s suicide attempt.
• [20:05]–[25:35] – Police investigation breaks the case, trap is set.
• [28:54] – Detectives let the con artists implicate themselves.
• [29:46] – Arrest and wrap-up.
• [31:33] – Chief of Police, and final warning to listeners.

---

Tone & Language

The dramatization is earnest, period-authentic, and moralistic, using formal but accessible language and classic radio serial tropes. The narration is direct, instructional, and filled with suspense and tension, while the character voices swing convincingly between affability (the con artists’ “nice people” facade) and calculation or panic (as the plot unravels).
The show strongly emphasizes public vigilance and the subtlety, persistence, and heartlessness of con artists—delivering an authentic sense of warning and social responsibility.

---

Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode vividly dramatizes a real-life bunco (confidence) scheme from the 1950s. Through evocative audio storytelling, listeners experience how ordinary people, entrapped by trust and charm, can fall prey to intricate frauds. The show serves as both an absorbing crime story and a cautionary tale, culminating in the successful work of police and a stern warning: “Be on your guard.” The production is a classic example of the Golden Age of Radio’s blend of entertainment and public service.

Transcript

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor.

[Detective Scott]

Hey, good morning.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto.

[Irene Hollister]

Insurance for all his business vehicles.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

We're here where he needs us most. Yep, they sure are. We make it easy for him to.

[Detective Scott]

Save on all his insurance needs, all.

[Irene Hollister]

In one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, I shouldn't have looked down. It's all right.

[Irene Hollister]

We're so far up here.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Look at me. Take a deep breath. I'm good.

[Irene Hollister]

So good.

[Commercial/Advertisement Announcer]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail].

[Detective Scott]

And see how much you could save.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Get more with Geico.

[Irene Hollister]

We interrupt this program to bring you the Latest on a 3 day old.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Hostage situation in Grand Central Station.

[Irene Hollister]

Field correspondent Mike Anderson on the scene.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Mike, what's the latest?

[Detective Scott]

Well, Bill, there's rumor of good news.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

The mayor has just stepped up to the podium about to address the hundreds.

[Detective Scott]

Of reporters and spectators and why don't.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

We just listen in? Thank you.

[Detective Scott]

Thank you all. As you can tell by the smile on my face that I have good news. I'm happy and I'm pleased to announce just about 10 minutes ago all 14 captives were released unharmed to our office. And just add that the himself has promised to surrender in 22 minutes to our hostage negotiators.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

22 minutes, your honor.

[Detective Scott]

Yes, we felt as though that was not an unreasonable request. You just wanted to listen to the last part of the boxcar 711 all time radio pod.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Well, there you go.

[Detective Scott]

It's not unreasonable. So even if you're at work and they got a policy against it, you.

[Commercial/Advertisement Announcer]

March right in there, take charge of that computer.

[Detective Scott]

Type in your browser box code boxcars711.potomatic.com or boxcars711.libsyn.com that's lib S Y N. And if your boss has a problem with that, you turn around and tell him, back off, scumbag. Or you too may need a hostage negotiator. It's not unreasonable.

[Irene Hollister]

Around the Internet, around the world.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Broadcasting from Dallas and Philadelphia, this is another Humphrey Cammardella.

[Detective Scott]

So you think you're smart, huh? You're nobody's fool.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Brother.

[Detective Scott]

You can be taken.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

CBS presents Bunko Squad. The bunko artist, the swindler, the con man. He comes in a thousand disguises. He has a million tricks. He can make a sucker out of you. Be on your guard. For the protection of you, the American public. We open once again tonight the files of Bunco Squad. Authentic cases drawn from the police Records of the nation. You will be guided through a case of bunco, step by step, as it actually happened, as it could happen to you. Now, here is your host and guide, the noted authority on bunco schemes, Captain Frank Crumble.

[Detective Scott]

Good evening. We call the confidence man a bunco artist because in his evil way, that's exactly what he is. The slickest, cleverest, most dangerous artist in the underworld. Perhaps you haven't thought that bunco schemes can be dangerous. Well, then, listen.

[Irene Hollister]

It'S just me, Wilbur. I swear that Ms. Blanchard is helpless as a baby sometimes. Wilbur. Wilbur, where are you? My land. You're never a. Wilbur.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Wilbur.

[Detective Scott]

What you just heard is part of an actual case taken from the Police files of St. Louis involving one of the most dangerous and vicious bunco schemes ever to come to my attention. Here is the case of the bookworm. The unfortunate victim in the case of the bookworm is a man by the name of Wilbur King. Mr. King is a retired heating contractor who had managed to save up a sufficient nest egg to live modestly with his wife, Jane, in a comfortable home just off Del Mar Avenue. The Kings are honest, good, churchgoing folks. Actually, that's where the whole thing started. One Sunday morning, in a church overlooking Forest Park. During the services, Mrs. King had noticed a strange couple staring at her and at her husband. And when the service concluded, she was surprised to find herself greeted most cordially by a woman she. She didn't know and had never seen before.

[Irene Hollister]

Why, imagine running into you here. Well, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you have us mixed up with someone else. Oh, dear, Charles, they're not the Pearsons at all.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I was afraid you were mistaken, my dear. Go on.

[Irene Hollister]

After the way we stared at these poor people, too?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Yes. Please forgive us, folks.

[Detective Scott]

Weren't that true, Mystique?

[Irene Hollister]

You see, we're new in St. Louis. We don't know a soul. I guess it was partly wishful thinking on my part. I am sorry. Not at all. I know how it is in a strange town.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Come now, dear. These folks aren't interested. Oh. Perhaps you could tell us where we might catch a bus. To the Radcliffe Hotel on Kings Highway. Why, that's right. On our way home. We'll be glad to drop you off. Oh, I wouldn't think of putting into all that trouble.

[Irene Hollister]

Nonsense. No trouble at all.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Well, it's very kind of you. Oh, I'm Charles Hollister. This is my wife, Irene. You do? My name is King and this is Mrs. King.

[Irene Hollister]

I'm so glad to know you.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Delighted to Meet you? Yes, indeed. Most delighted.

[Detective Scott]

That meeting, accidental as it may have seemed, was part of a carefully laid plan. Try to put yourself in the King's place. They were friendly people, anxious to meet any new fellow churchgoers. So naturally, they offered them a lift. But even if they hadn't, it wouldn't have mattered. The Hollisters would have pursued the accidental meeting in another manner. Once the contact was accomplished, Hollister made himself as charming as possible. By the time I'd reached the Radcliffe Hotel, he persuaded the Kings to have Sunday dinner with him. And the next night he invited them to be his guests at the Municipal Opera. And all the while, in casual, matter of fact conversation, Charles told Wilbur King about himself and his work. That he was a writer visiting St. Louis to do some scientific research at Washington University. And the Kings were most impressed with their newfound friends. But when the Hollisters were alone in their hotel room.

[Irene Hollister]

A swell pitch this is gonna be. That old bitty nilly yak my arm off. You know what she does for fun? She puts up preserves.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Well, then, baby, you're gonna put up preserves and like it. Cause there's a big pot of jam the end of this rainbow. 15 grand worth. 15?

[Irene Hollister]

Honest.

[Detective Scott]

Jam.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Mm.

[Irene Hollister]

Well, we only cased him for about eight. How'd you find out?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, charm, baby. That old guy did everything but give me the key to a safety deposit box.

[Irene Hollister]

Oh, darling, that's wonderful. I could kiss you for that.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

What's stopping you?

[Irene Hollister]

Nothing, you lovely hunk of man. Say, maybe we can shove this kitchen along a little faster, huh?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, don't get impatient, cookie. It never pays to rush a mark. Okay, honey, you're the brains. Now get busy and finish copying that book I got from the library.

[Irene Hollister]

All right, you great big famous author, you.

[Detective Scott]

During the next two weeks, Hollister played Wilbur King like a trout. It was flattering to be wined and dined by a younger, brilliant man. And an author at that. And when the game was finally set to land, Charles was ready with the gaffe. He set the scene by inviting the Kings to a mysterious dinner celebration at the Chase.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Happy days. Oh, Mrs. King, let me fill your glass.

[Irene Hollister]

Oh, no, please.

[Detective Scott]

That's it.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Beautiful watch you have there, Hollister. I've been admiring it. A beautiful watch you have, Wilbur. Here, it's your. Oh, no, no, no.

[Detective Scott]

I couldn't dream.

[Irene Hollister]

Nonsense, Mr. King. You take it. Charles can afford it now. Hey, what is this mystery? I swear, you've got me eaten up with curiosity.

[Detective Scott]

What's happened? I haven't found a goat.

[Commercial/Advertisement Announcer]

Time is Precious. And so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a few video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Detective Scott]

Mine.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, you're not far wrong. Here, read this wire. Board of Education excited about your manuscript. Wanted for high school students throughout the states. Hollis, do that. That's wonderful, isn't it? Read the rest of it.

[Detective Scott]

Advance order confirmed at 40,000 copies. Wire me Hotel Senator immediately if you can deliver by October. Joseph Sterling. Who's Sterling?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, he's my literary agent at Jefferson City.

[Irene Hollister]

Oh, I'm so happy for both of you. 40,000 copies. Think of it, Jane.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

A toast to the book, everybody. Say, Wilbur, I've been wondering if I could ask you to do me a favor on this thing. Of course, Charles.

[Detective Scott]

Anything.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

What is it? Well, as I was saying to Irene last night, wasn't I, honey? This is a tremendous break, of course. But it also means I'll have to interrupt my present work to get this book printed. Irene came up with a wonderful idea. Why not ask you to help out? You have the time, the brains, the organizational ability. I'm glad to do anything I could.

[Detective Scott]

But isn't that the publisher's job?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, Wilbur, you don't think I'd go to a regular publisher, accept a piddling royalty with a firm order for 40,000 books in my pocket? Not on your life. I intend to publish this myself. I have a printer in Jefferson City all set to go. The way I figure, It'll cost around 30,000. I'll gross 150,000 on the order. A net profit of $120,000. That's a lot of money, isn't it so? And it'll mean a lot of work. Every student in the state will have to use a copy of my book. And that's only the beginning. There are 47 other states. Of course. Wilbur, I wouldn't expect you to take on the selling and distributing job for nothing. But it's out of my line. Oh, Wilbur, nonsense. Since when is a $60,000 profit out of anybody's line? $60,000, surely. Look, you come in with me and share in the initial printing cost. And as soon as the books are ready you take over complete supervision of sales and delivery from then on, and I'll cut you in for 50% of the profit, including the order I've already got.

[Irene Hollister]

Wilbur, what an opportunity.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, no, no, it's an opportunity for me, Mrs. King. You see, I. I'm a writer and a scientist. I've got no head for business, and I'm not interested in it. It'd be a godsend to have a businessman like Wilbur to handle things. A partner I can trust.

[Detective Scott]

Now the enticing bait was out, and Hollister felt sure that Wilbur King would snap at it. Well, wouldn't you? A chance to make $60,000 on a $15,000 investment and at absolutely no risk. What would you do? If you're like Mr. King, you'd probably ask for time to think it over. And you might not want to trust your own judgment completely. You might, as Mr. And Mrs. King did, seek advice from your lawyer. Monsanto stock, Brown Shoe. Wilbur, do you realize you're selling everything you own? Sure, John, we realize it. But it's only for a short time.

[Irene Hollister]

60 days, Mr. Hollister said.

[Detective Scott]

I don't know. I don't like this.

[Irene Hollister]

But it's such an opportunity, and the Hollisters are such nice people.

[Detective Scott]

You said yourself that Hollister was perfectly right to handle this himself instead of through a publisher. I know, I know.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Well, he's leaving for Jefferson City to pay the printer in a day or two, and I've got to put up half the money if I want a share in the profits.

[Detective Scott]

It's just that I hate to see you take a chance with practically all the money you've got.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

What kind of chance?

[Irene Hollister]

Why, Mr. Hollister is known and respected by every big scientist and educator you can name. You should see the letters he has.

[Detective Scott]

From them, stationery can be obtained and letters can be forged.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Forged? Boy, you suspicious old codger.

[Detective Scott]

Well, that's what lawyers are paid for, Wilbur, to be suspicious old codgers.

[Irene Hollister]

But what about the telegram from Mr. Sterling saying that the Board of Education had agreed to take 40,000 copies of the book?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Say, I've got that wire right here in my pocket. I forgot to return it to Charles.

[Detective Scott]

May I see it, please? Sure. Sterling, eh? Excuse me a moment. Ms. Kennedy put through a person to person call to Mr. Joseph Sterling at the Hotel Senator in Jefferson City. Buzz me when you've got him.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Thank you.

[Detective Scott]

Just an extra precaution. Wilbur, I'm sure your friend Mr. Hollister would appreciate that you're the type of man who makes a thorough investigation of a deal before he puts up his life savings.

[Irene Hollister]

But Charles and Irene are such wonderful people. I'm sure. Why, they wouldn't even suggest.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Of course they wouldn't. This is just plain foolishness.

[Detective Scott]

John, I've been a pretty fair judge.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Of men in my time, and I tell.

[Detective Scott]

No, I know, Wilbur, but a man can always be wrong. We'll see. Hello, Mr. Sterling? Mr. Joseph Sterling. Mr. Sterling, this is Judge Rowan in St. Louis. I represent Mr. And Mrs. Wilbur King in connection with a partnership that they are forming with a Mr. Charles Hollister.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Yes, yes.

[Detective Scott]

I understand that you are Mr. Hollister's literary agent. I see.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, really?

[Detective Scott]

Well, about the order from the Board of education.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Yes, yes.

[Detective Scott]

40,000 copies of the book.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I see.

[Detective Scott]

Mm. Yes, I see. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Stirling. Goodbye. Well, what did he say? He says it's the greatest book of its kind he's ever handled. He says the 40,000 order is only the beginning. He expects every school system in the country to take it. Well, what do you say now?

[Irene Hollister]

I knew it. What an opportunity. The Hollisters are such wonderful people.

[Detective Scott]

Yes, the Hollisters were very wonderful people. And smart too. Smart enough to have their accomplice, Mr. Sterling, waiting in Jefferson City just on the chance that the Kings might call him. Naturally, he confirmed the order. And so John Rowan, the lawyer, had to admit that the deal sounded okay. And Wilbur King sold out his securities, his only bulwark against old age and handed Charles Hollister a check for $15,000. The next day, the Hollisters left for Jefferson City to sign the contract with the printer. They said the bunco scheme had work.

[Irene Hollister]

Any mail, Wilbur?

[Detective Scott]

Just circular.

[Irene Hollister]

I'm going across the street from Ms. Blanchards for a few minutes, dear. She's. Why, what's the matter?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, nothing. Only we haven't heard a word from Charles and Irene for over two weeks.

[Irene Hollister]

Yes, that is strange, isn't it? Well, I'll be back in 10 minutes. I do hope nothing's wrong. They're such nice people.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Yes, such nice people.

[Detective Scott]

Operator, get me the Hotel Senator in Jefferson City.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

That's right.

[Detective Scott]

Charles Hollister.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

But I know he went there.

[Detective Scott]

Are you sure? Never registered.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Thank you.

[Detective Scott]

Boatman's Bank. Chief teller, please.

[Commercial/Advertisement Announcer]

Time is precious, and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments. And shipping is always free with Dutch. You'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Detective Scott]

He cashed the check the same day. Yes, I understand the check was in order. Of course, you had to honor it.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Operator, I want to put in another.

[Detective Scott]

Call to Jefferson City. The purchasing agents of the Board of Education.

[Irene Hollister]

It's just me, Wilbur. I swear that Ms. Blanchard is helpless as a baby sometimes. Wilbur. Wilbur, where are you? My lander never arrives. Wilbur. Wilbur.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

We'll return to Captain Trumbull and tonight's Bunko Squad story in just a moment to politely paraphrase history, George Burns while Gracie fiddles. And the result is, of course, the laugh riot heard every Wednesday evening over many of these same CBS stations. George and Gracie are two of America's best purveyors of nonsense and two neighbors everyone enjoys visiting. You can never tell what Gracie has up her sleeve, but you can always bet it'll get George into trouble. Be sure not to miss the Burns and Allen show this Wednesday and every Wednesday at that spot on your dial marked cbs. Now here's Captain Trumbull again to continue tonight's Bunko Squad story. The bookworm.

[Detective Scott]

In a game as carefully constructed as a fine watch, Charles Hollister had, as the bunco artist would say, roped his mark, told him the tale, given him the convincer, and had taken off a nice touch of $15,000 as a result. Wilbur King was in emergency hospital at death's door and attempted suicide the next day. Mrs. King went down to police headquarters and told her story.

[Irene Hollister]

No, no, no.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Do you recognize any of the pictures, Mrs. King?

[Irene Hollister]

No. I stared at these pictures until they're all beginning to look alike. Lieutenant Scott, I didn't want to come here. I should be at the hospital.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Mr. King is in competent hands. You can help him best by helping us catch these suspects.

[Irene Hollister]

I still can't believe it. They were such nice people.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

They're always nice people. Mrs. King, when you've gone over all the pictures, will you come into Detective Levesque's office? And they got a crime report.

[Detective Scott]

Please.

[Irene Hollister]

Yes, you can. And I will.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I'll wait for you there. Well, lucky at Lee, she's still looking.

[Detective Scott]

She'll sign a complaint.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, yes. She's upset, but she'll come through.

[Detective Scott]

Here's all we've got to go on, Skipper. It's not much.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, there's the book. Authentic looking job. All right. Well, see what you can do with it.

[Detective Scott]

Will do. And this watch Beautiful.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

What's the connection?

[Detective Scott]

Oh, King admired it, and Hollister took it off his wrist and handed it over. You know these con men when they're building up a mark.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Lend me your knife, will you, Lean?

[Detective Scott]

Sure.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Here. Serial number. Jot this down. 523-1418. Grueling.

[Detective Scott]

I'll run a make on it. Say, did you see the piece in the Globe this morning about King shooting himself?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Yeah, and if Hollister sees it, he'll take off for the moon.

[Detective Scott]

Maybe he won't see it.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Fat chance. Anybody as smart as that bird is watching the papers.

[Detective Scott]

All right. Lieutenant Scott had his con man figured correctly. After paying off their Confederate Joe Sterling for his assist in answering the telephone in Jefferson City. Charles and Irene Hollister were taking it easy between jobs at the Hotel Southern in Memphis.

[Irene Hollister]

Charles.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, don't bother me. Can't you see I'm reading?

[Irene Hollister]

Oh, that silly St. Louis paper. What's so interesting? In St. Louis you have to read the paper every day.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Just careful, sweetie. You never know when a sucker might get panicking under the coppers. Doesn't cost much. What the.

[Irene Hollister]

What's the matter? They hella copper already.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, worse than that. That jerk King shot himself.

[Irene Hollister]

Oh, no.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Let me see here.

[Irene Hollister]

Wilbur King, 54. Cause given his despondency when a team of confidence workers bilked him out of his life savings. Well, that's stupid.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Condition very critical. You know what that means if he dies? That's technical murder, Chuck.

[Irene Hollister]

They can't tie to us, can they?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

We were careful. Shut up and let me think. Tried to cover everything. There's nothing in the book.

[Irene Hollister]

He didn't write any chance.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, what do you take me for? I didn't do anything they can trust. Wait a minute. What is it? My wristwatch. I gave it to King, remember?

[Irene Hollister]

It wasn't engraved.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

It might as well have been. It's got a serial number. And I used my right name when I bought it.

[Irene Hollister]

Oh, no.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

In Toledo, remember?

[Irene Hollister]

You might have known, you stupid fool. Your wood full of boneheads play like that. Now you've got it.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Now, don't you crack up on me.

[Detective Scott]

That's all I need.

[Irene Hollister]

But they'll trace it.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

It may take days. And if I have anything to say about it, they'll never trace it. Come on now, start packing. We got a long drive ahead of us. Okay, here we are. Everything clear?

[Irene Hollister]

Yeah, I think so. Oh, Chuck, I don't like this.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

And I love it. I suppose. I don't know. But look, you just keep this car running. I'll be out as soon as I can. I've got to get the sales record from that jewelry store before the cops trace that watch.

[Irene Hollister]

Be careful, Chuck. Please. It.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

October, November, December. Where's December? Oh, you numbskull. Get this thing going.

[Irene Hollister]

I'm trying.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Come on, come on. Step on it. Keep going. We can make it. Take the next corner, fast.

[Irene Hollister]

We made it.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Don't stop. Keep this thing moving.

[Irene Hollister]

Did you get the record?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

No, the alarm went off before I could find it.

[Irene Hollister]

They'll never get it now. The cops will blanket this place in no time.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Yeah, I know. Head for St. Louis.

[Irene Hollister]

St. Louis? Why?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I gotta get that watch back. Our only chance is that Mrs. King hasn't told the cops about it. Now step on it.

[Detective Scott]

When things were going his way, Hollister was a smooth, affable con man. But now in trouble over his depth. Cornered, the veneer came off to reveal him for what he was. A desperate, dangerous criminal ready to stop at nothing. Meantime, in St. Louis, Bunco Squad was making headway. Detectives Scott and Lebec were beginning to fit parts of the puzzle into place.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Hello, Lee. What's new on the King case?

[Detective Scott]

Well, this for one thing. I got it at the public library.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

A book, huh? Science Progresses by James Widmar. Published 1941.

[Detective Scott]

And guess what?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I know. The manuscript Hollister showed Mr. King is an exact copy. Word for word, right?

[Detective Scott]

No wonder King thought it looked okay.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Well, that locks up the intent to defraud angle. Yeah.

[Detective Scott]

Oh, say, here's something else. I got a report from the manufacturer on the watch Hollister gave King. It was sold by Levine and Wise in Toledo.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Levine and Wise? Yeah.

[Detective Scott]

Why? Why? What's up?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I just saw a teletype. Levine and Wise were knocked over last night.

[Irene Hollister]

Uh.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, that isn't all. Nothing was taken. What? But all the sales records were disturbed. This is a break. Lee Hollister must have broken into the jewelry store trying to get the sales slip on that watch. That means he bought it in his own name. Yeah. And suppose he didn't get the sales slip? Well, we can check that. If he didn't, he might come back and try to get the watch on the chance that Mrs. King forgot to tell us about it. Lee, get that watch out of property, will you? Sure, sure.

[Detective Scott]

What have you got in mind?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I. I think it might be a good idea to give it back to Mrs. King.

[Irene Hollister]

I'm scared.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, stop it. You're getting me jittery, too. Seven years without a hitch, and then this has to happen.

[Irene Hollister]

Suppose something goes wrong?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

For Pete's Sake, lay off. But we cased the house for two days, haven't we? Not a cop in sight. She goes to the hospital, she comes home, it's all clear.

[Irene Hollister]

I tell you, I'd feel better if you ditched that gun.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I said I wouldn't use it, didn't I? Okay, here we go. Chuck, Remember, no gun. Oh, brace up, cookie. We won't need a gun. Connor, out of that watch blindfolded. Okay, honey, we're on. Don't forget to keep her occupied while I look for that watch.

[Irene Hollister]

Irene. Mr. Hollister. Darling. I'll bet you thought we'd never get back.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

We sure missed you folks. I'll say. There was Wilbur, the old son of a gun. Wait till he sees. Sees what I've got for him.

[Irene Hollister]

Why, the check.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, and what a check. First return, $64,000.

[Irene Hollister]

I didn't.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Wilbur, get my wire.

[Irene Hollister]

Wire what? No.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Can you beat that? Well, half of this is Wilbur's. What?

[Irene Hollister]

Darling, what's the matter? Wilbur's in the hospital. He shot himself. Oh, no. He thought he thought you'd swindled. Swindled? He thought that? Oh, but that's terrible, because he didn't hear from us. Oh, then it's all our fault. Oh, my dear. Oh, no, please don't feel that way. Oh, why waited, Mr. Hollister. Go, Mrs. King, don't go in there. Why, Mr. Hollister, I thought I told.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

You to keep her.

[Irene Hollister]

What do you expect with all the noise you were making?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

All right, Ken. Let's chatter and let's blow fast. You got the watch? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Irene Hollister]

Come on, then. Then you are thief.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Oh, shut up.

[Irene Hollister]

What do we do with the old lady, Chuck? We can't leave her loose now.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

In the closet? Yep. Come on, Grandma. In your garage.

[Irene Hollister]

No, please.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

No. No. Peep out of you. You'll get this gun across your head. Get in. Let out.

[Irene Hollister]

No. No.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Help.

[Irene Hollister]

Help.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Please.

[Irene Hollister]

Please. Let me out. Let me out.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

But slow down now.

[Irene Hollister]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I want anybody to see us running.

[Irene Hollister]

You sure she'll be all right?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Jeff? Stop worrying about her. Somebody will fight her. Get in the car.

[Detective Scott]

It's all right, Mrs. King.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

You're safe now.

[Irene Hollister]

They were just here. They took the watch.

[Detective Scott]

We know all about it, Mrs. King. We've been staked out here for several days. I saw every move they made through the window just now. You're in no danger.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

You were outside.

[Irene Hollister]

Then why didn't you stop them?

[Detective Scott]

We let them go on purpose. Lieutenant Scud is trailing them right now. Right to wherever they've hidden your money.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I hope.

[Detective Scott]

Flight 12 for New Orleans, Galveston and Mexico City.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Not until we get that little package.

[Irene Hollister]

Got the locker key?

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

What a question. Let's see. Number 587, 5, 6. Ah.

[Detective Scott]

Hurry.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Relax, beautiful. Relax. Plenty of times. That's right, Hunt. Plenty of time. About 10 years apiece, I'd say. Oh, why, you don't you want it this way? All right, get up those hands.

[Irene Hollister]

And.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

I'll just take that package out of the locker. If you look mine. Look, you've got nothing on us. I want an attorney. I know my rights. Oh, brother. If only one of you would think up a different line just once.

[Detective Scott]

So there you have the case of the Bookworm. It was taken from the files of Bunko Squad through the courtesy of St. Louis Chief of Police Jeremiah O'. Connell. And now we have a message for you from Chief o' Connell himself. Thank you, Captain Trumbull, for the opportunity to expose one of the most vicious swindles ever attempted in. In St. Louis. Thanks to Bunko Squad, nearly all of Mr. And Mrs. King's money was recovered. And I might add, Mr. King recovered too. The Hollisters were convicted of grand theft, bunco burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. Both are now serving a 2 to 14 year sentence in the penitentiary at Jefferson City. Thank you, Chief o'. Connell. It has recently come to my attention that the Bookworm Bunco is again being tried, this time in Cleveland, Minneapolis and Oklahoma City. We trust that tonight's dramatic presentation of this case will serve to warn the citizens of those communities. Next week we open the files of the police force in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for another unusual and dangerous bunker game. Be sure to join us then for the story of the vanishing freight cars. Until then, this is Captain Trumbull saying good night and leaving you with this warning. The Bunko artist is clever. The Bunko artist is vicious. The Bunko artist is dangerous.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

So be on your guard. The elements of tonight's case were true.

[Detective Scott]

True.

[Narrator/Captain Trumbull]

Only the names were changed for the protection of innocent persons. Chief o' Donnell was represented in proxy. By his permission. Next week, Captain Trumble again opens the files of Bunko Squad for another authentic case drawn from the police records of the nation. Join us then, won't you? And meantime, be on your guard. Bunco Squad, produced and directed by Ralph Rose, is written by Larry Goldman and Troy Leonard. Original music was composed and conducted by Del Castillo. Joe Walters speaking. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting.

[Commercial/Advertisement Announcer]

Time is precious, and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.