Bunco Squad 1950-04-15 The Book Worm

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio - Episode Summary

Title: Bunco Squad
Episode: 1950-04-15 The Book Worm
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Host: Captain Frank Crumble
Description: Dive into the Golden Age of Radio with "Bunco Squad," a gripping episode that unravels the deceitful schemes of a cunning con man. This episode, "The Book Worm," showcases the meticulous planning behind one of the most audacious bunco schemes in St. Louis, highlighting the dangers of trusting the wrong individuals.

---

1. Introduction to Characters and Setting

The episode opens with a light-hearted exchange between Josh and Wilbur King:

• Josh: "You're my 2am wife Josh. Rent a couch on a whim. My little fluffy crazy cat who don't."
  (00:01)

• Wilbur King: "Play nice with her kids. You're a danger blue."
  (00:07)

This playful banter sets the stage, introducing the protagonists who are about to be ensnared in a sophisticated con.

---

2. The Host Introduces the Bunco Squad

Captain Frank Crumble, the authoritative host, breaks in to transition into the main narrative:

• Captain Crumble: "We interrupt this program to bring you the Latest on the 3 day old hostage situation in Grand Central Station. Field correspondent Mike Anderson on the scene. Mike, what's the latest?"
  (00:30)

This faux news segment seamlessly blends into the storytelling, maintaining the immersive old-time radio experience.

---

3. The Meet-Cute: Building Trust

Captain Crumble begins detailing the case of Wilbur King, a retired heating contractor:

• Captain Crumble: "The Kings are honest, good, churchgoing folks. Actually, that's where the whole thing started one Sunday morning, in a church overlooking Forest Park."
  (03:50)

During a church service, the Kings encounter a seemingly friendly couple, Charles and Irene Hollister, who express interest in befriending them. Their courteous demeanor and apparent common interests lay the foundation for the upcoming deceit.

---

4. The Deception Unfolds

Over two weeks, Charles Hollister expertly manipulates the Kings through charm and strategic invitations:

• Captain Crumble: "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."
  (05:31)

The Hollisters present a lucrative business opportunity to Wilbur King:

• Josh (Charles Hollister): "I intend to publish this myself. I have a printer in Jefferson City all set to go. 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."
  (10:23)

They convince King to invest his life savings, presenting the opportunity as risk-free and highly profitable.

---

5. The Scheme Comes to Light

As the Hollisters finalize their scheme:

• Captain Crumble: "The Hollisters were expert con artists, ensuring every step seemed legitimate."
  (07:32)

Wilbur King invests $15,000, believing in the promising venture. However, the Hollisters cash the check and disappear, leaving the Kings devastated.

---

6. The Aftermath and Investigation

Wilbur King faces the dire consequences of the scam:

• Wilbur King: "I don't like this, but it's such an opportunity."
  (11:22)

After discovering the betrayal, King attempts suicide, prompting his wife to seek police assistance. Detectives Scott and Levesque begin piecing together the clues:

• Captain Crumble: "Detectives Scott and Lebec were beginning to fit parts of the puzzle into place."
  (23:33)

Key evidence includes a copied manuscript and a serial-numbered watch, which link the Hollisters to the fraud.

---

7. The Con Artists' Downfall

As the police close in, the Hollisters attempt to flee:

• Josh (Charles Hollister): "I want anybody to see us running."
  (27:11)

Their plan unravels, leading to their arrest. The recovered $15,000 provides closure for the Kings, and justice is served:

• Captain Crumble: "The Hollisters were convicted of grand theft Bunco burglary and assault with a deadly weapon."
  (30:32)

---

8. Conclusion and Moralizing

Captain Crumble wraps up the episode with a stern warning about the dangers of bunco artists:

• Captain Crumble: "The bunco artist is clever. The bunco artist is vicious. The bunco artist is dangerous."
  (30:32)

He emphasizes the importance of vigilance and skepticism to protect oneself from similar deceitful schemes.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Josh (Charles Hollister) Concerning Investment Opportunity:

   • "I intend to publish this myself. ... A net profit of $120,000. That's a lot of money."
     (10:23)

2. Wilbur King's Realization of the Scam:

   • "I knew it. What an opportunity. The Hollisters are such wonderful people."
     (13:58)

3. Captain Crumble on the Nature of Bunco Artists:

   • "The bunco artist is clever. The bunco artist is vicious. The bunco artist is dangerous."
     (30:32)

4. Final Warning to Listeners:

   • "Be on your guard. The elements of tonight's case were true. Only the names were changed."
     (30:32)

---

Insights and Themes

• Trust and Deception: The episode underscores how trust can be manipulated by charming individuals with seemingly benevolent intentions.

• Vigilance Against Scams: It serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to thoroughly vet opportunities and not succumb to pressure or flattery.

• Resilience and Recovery: Despite the trauma, the Kings recover with the assistance of the Bunco Squad, highlighting the importance of community and law enforcement in overcoming deceit.

---

Conclusion

"Bunco Squad - The Book Worm" is a quintessential Old Time Radio episode that masterfully blends drama, suspense, and moral lessons. Through the narrative of Wilbur and Jane King, listeners are taken on a journey from trust to betrayal, culminating in justice served by the vigilant Bunco Squad. Captain Frank Crumble's authoritative narration ties the story together, leaving the audience both entertained and enlightened.

Whether you're a longtime fan of classic radio dramas or new to the genre, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the perils of the con artist's world and the enduring spirit of those who stand against deceit.

Transcript

[Josh]

You're my 2am wife Josh. Rent a couch on a whim. My little fluffy crazy cat who don't.

[Wilbur King]

Play nice with her kids. You're a danger blue.

[Josh]

How about I'll keep it safe for you? Poo.

[Wilbur King]

You're an unnatural piece with natural glitter under your feet.

[Josh]

Yeah.

[Wilbur King]

I glee send your box and say no more. Dust all over the place. Everybody without clay, save me Out.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

World's best cat.

[Josh]

Litter for the world's best cat.

[Wilbur King]

We interrupt this program to bring you the Latest on the 3 day old hostage situation in Grand Central Station. Field correspondent Mike Anderson on the scene. Mike, what's the latest?

[Josh]

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

[Captain Frank Crumble]

The mayor has just stepped up to the podium. He's about to dress the hundreds of.

[Josh]

Reporters and spectators and why don't we just listen in?

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Thank you. 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 hostage. And we just add that the perpetrator himself has promised to surrender in 22 minutes to our hostage negotiators.

[Josh]

22 minutes. Your Honor.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Yes, we felt as though that was not an unreasonable request. You just wanted to listen to the last part of the Boxcar 711 old time radio pod. Well, there you go.

[Josh]

It's not unreasonable.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

So even if you're at work and they got a policy against it, you march right in there, take charge of that computer. Type in your browser box boxcars711.potomatic.com or boxcars711.libson.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.

[Josh]

Around the Internet around the world. Broadcasting from Dallas and Philadelphia. This is another Humphrey Cammardella production. So you think he's smart, huh? You know, but he's fool brother. You can be taken. 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 bunko, step by step. Has 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.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Good evening. We call the confidence man a bunko 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.

[Wilbur King]

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 around. Wilbur.

[Josh]

Wilbur.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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, had never seen before.

[Wilbur King]

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.

[Josh]

I was afraid you were mistaken, my dear.

[Wilbur King]

Go after the way we stared at these poor people, too.

[Josh]

Yes, please forgive us, folks. Isn't that true, Mystique?

[Wilbur King]

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.

[Josh]

Now, 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.

[Wilbur King]

Nonsense. No trouble at all.

[Josh]

Well, it's very kind of you. Oh, I'm Charles Hollister. This is my wife, Irene.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

You do?

[Josh]

My name is King and this is Mrs. King.

[Wilbur King]

I'm so glad to know you.

[Josh]

Delighted to meet you. Yes, indeed, Most delighted.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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.

[Wilbur King]

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.

[Josh]

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 50.

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

What's stopping you?

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

Oh, don't get impatient, cookie. It never pays to rush a mark.

[Wilbur King]

Okay, honey, you're the brains.

[Josh]

Now get busy and finish copying that book I got from the library. Hi.

[Wilbur King]

To great big famous author you.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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.

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

Oh, no, please.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

That's it.

[Josh]

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

[Captain Frank Crumble]

I couldn't dream.

[Wilbur King]

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.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

What's happened?

[Josh]

I haven't found a gold mine, have you? Oh, you're not far wrong. Here, read this wire. Board of Education excited about your manuscript. Wanted for high schools throughout the States. I hollered you that. That's Wonderful, isn't it? Read the rest of it. Advance order confirmed it.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

40,000 copies.

[Josh]

Wire me Hotel Senator immediately. If you can deliver by October.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Joseph Sterling.

[Josh]

Who's Sterling? Oh, he's my literary agent in Jefferson City.

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

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. Anything. What is? 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'd be glad to do anything I could. But isn't that the publisher's job? 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? Come 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.

[Wilbur King]

Isn't it so?

[Josh]

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, well, but 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.

[Wilbur King]

Wilbur, what an opportunity.

[Josh]

Oh, no, no. It's an opportunity for me, Mrs. You see, I. I'm a writer and a scientist. I. 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.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Now the enticing bait was out, and Hollister felt sure that Wilbur King would snap at it. Well, wouldn't you? The 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?

[Josh]

Sure, John, we realize it. But it's only for a short time.

[Wilbur King]

60 days, Mr. Hollister said.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

I don't know.

[Wilbur King]

I don't like this, but it's such an opportunity. And the Hollisters are such nice people.

[Josh]

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

[Captain Frank Crumble]

I know, I know.

[Josh]

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.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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

[Josh]

What kind of chance?

[Wilbur King]

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

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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

[Josh]

Forged? Boy, you suspicious old codger.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

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

[Captain Frank Crumble]

May I see it, please?

[Josh]

Sure.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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. Thank you. 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.

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

Of course they wouldn't. This is just plain foolishness. John, I've been a pretty fair judge of men in my time, and I tell no.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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. Wilbert King in connection with a partnership that they are forming with a Mr. Charles Hollister. Yes, yes. I understand that you are Mr. Hollister's literary agent. I see. Oh, really? Well, about the order from the board of education. Yes. Yes. 40,000 copies of the book. I see. Mm. Yes, I see. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Sterling.

[Josh]

Goodbye. Well, what did he say?

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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.

[Josh]

Well, what do you say now?

[Wilbur King]

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

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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 worked.

[Wilbur King]

Any mail, Wilbur?

[Josh]

Just circular.

[Wilbur King]

I'm going across the street from Ms. Blanchard's for a few minutes, dear. She's. Why was the mess?

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

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.

[Josh]

Yes, such nice people. Operator, get me the Hotel Senator in Jefferson City. That's right. Charles Hollister. But I know he went there. Are you sure? Never registered. Thank you.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Boatman's Bank. Chief teller, please. He cashed the check the same day.

[Josh]

Yes, I understand the check was in order. Of course, you had to honor it. Operator, I want to put in another.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Call to Jefferson City.

[Josh]

The purchasing agents of the Board of Education.

[Wilbur King]

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 rover. Wilbur. Wilbur.

[Josh]

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 cds. Now, here's Captain Trumbull again. To continue tonight's Bunko Squad story. The bookworm.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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.

[Wilbur King]

No, no, no.

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

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.

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

They're always nice people. Mrs. Kane, when you've gone over all the pictures, will you come into Detective Levesque's office and make out a crime report, please?

[Wilbur King]

Yes, Lieutenant, I will.

[Josh]

I'll wait for you there. No luck? Italy? She's still looking.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

She'll sign a complaint.

[Josh]

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

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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

[Josh]

Oh, there's a book. A thick looking job. All right. Well, see what you can do with it. Will do. And this watch, beautiful. What's the connection? 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. Lend me your knife, will you, lean?

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Sure. Here.

[Josh]

Serial number jot this down. 523-1418, grillin. I'll run a make on it. Say, did you see the piece in the Globe this morning about King shooting himself? Yeah, and if Hollister sees it, he'll take off for the moon. Maybe he won't see it. Fat chance. Anybody as smart as that bird is watching the papers. All right.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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.

[Wilbur King]

Charles.

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

What's the matter? They hella copper already.

[Josh]

No worse than that. That jerk King shot himself. Oh, no. Let me see here.

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

They can't tie it to us, can they? We will care for him.

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

He didn't write Any chance.

[Josh]

Oh, what do you take me for? I didn't do anything. They can tr. Wait a minute.

[Wilbur King]

What is it?

[Josh]

My wristwatch. I gave it to King, remember?

[Wilbur King]

It wasn't engraved, was it?

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Might as well have been.

[Josh]

Has got a serial number. And I used my right name when I bought it.

[Wilbur King]

Oh, no.

[Josh]

In Toledo, remember?

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

Now, don't you crack up on me. That's all I need.

[Wilbur King]

Now, trace that.

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

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.

[Wilbur King]

Be careful. Ch. Please.

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

I'm trying to try.

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

We made it.

[Josh]

Yeah. Don't stop. Keep this thing moving. Yeah.

[Wilbur King]

Did you get the record?

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

Yeah, I know. Head for St. Louis.

[Wilbur King]

St. Louis? Why?

[Josh]

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

[Captain Frank Crumble]

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, Bunko Squad was making headway. Detectives Scott and Lebec were beginning to fit parts of the puzzle into place.

[Josh]

Hello, Lee. What's new on the King case? Well, this for One thing. I got it at the public library. A book, huh? Science Progresses by James Widmar. Published 1941. And guess what? I know. The manuscript Hollister showed Mr. King is an exact copy. Word for word, right? No wonder King thought it looked okay. Well, that locks up the intent to defraud angle.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Yeah. Who?

[Josh]

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. Levine and Wise?

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Yeah. Why?

[Josh]

Why? What's up? I just saw a teletype. Levine and Wise were knocked over last night. Uh. 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? Oh, 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. What have you got in mind? I. I think it might be a good idea to give it back to Mrs. King.

[Wilbur King]

I'm scared.

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

Suppose something goes wrong?

[Josh]

For Pete's sake, lay off. Look, 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. I tell you, I'd feel better if.

[Wilbur King]

You ditched that gun.

[Josh]

I said I wouldn't use it, didn't I? Okay, here we go.

[Wilbur King]

Chuck. Remember, no gun.

[Josh]

Oh, brace up, cookie. We won't need a gun. Can Connor out of that watch blindfolded. Okay, honey, we're on. Don't forget to keep her occupied while I look for that watch.

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

We sure missed you folks.

[Wilbur King]

I'll say.

[Josh]

Hey, where's Wilbur? The old son of a gun. Wait till he sees what I've got for him.

[Wilbur King]

Why, the check.

[Josh]

Oh, and what a check. First return, $64,000. Why, didn't Wilbur get my wire? Wire?

[Wilbur King]

Why, no.

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

Darling, what's the matter? Wilbur's in the hospital.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Why?

[Wilbur King]

He shot himself.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Oh, no.

[Wilbur King]

Poor dear. He thought. He thought you'd swindled. Swindled? He thought that over that 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, where did Mr. Hollister go? Mrs. King, don't go in there.

[Josh]

Why, Mr. Hollister, I told you to.

[Wilbur King]

Keep with all the noise you were making.

[Josh]

All right, turn the chatter and let's blow fast.

[Wilbur King]

You got the watch?

[Josh]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Wilbur King]

Come on, then. Then you are a thief.

[Josh]

Oh, shut up.

[Wilbur King]

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

[Josh]

In the closet. Yeah. Come on, Grandma. In your.

[Wilbur King]

No. Please. No.

[Josh]

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

[Wilbur King]

No. No.

[Josh]

Help.

[Wilbur King]

Help. Please. Please.

[Josh]

Let me out.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Let me out.

[Josh]

Let's slow down now. Yeah. I want anybody to see us running.

[Wilbur King]

You're sure she'll be all right?

[Josh]

Jeff, stop worrying about her. Somebody will fight her. Get in the car. It's all right, Mrs. King.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

You're safe now.

[Wilbur King]

They were just here. They took the watch.

[Josh]

We know all about it, miss. Been staked out here for several days. I saw every move they made through the window. Just now. You were in no danger.

[Wilbur King]

You were outside. Then why didn't you stop them?

[Josh]

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

[Captain Frank Crumble]

Flight 12.

[Josh]

War, New Orleans, Galveston and Mexico City.

[Wilbur King]

That's us, Chuck.

[Josh]

Hurry. Not until we get that little package.

[Wilbur King]

Got the locker key?

[Josh]

What a question. Let's see. Number 587. 56.

[Wilbur King]

Hurry.

[Josh]

Would you relax, beautiful? Relax. Plenty of time. That's right, huh? There's plenty of time. About 10 years a piece, I'd say. Why, you don't you want it this way?

[Wilbur King]

Own jack.

[Josh]

All right, get up. I want those hands. And 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.

[Captain Frank Crumble]

So there you have the case of the Bookworm. It was taken from the files of Bunco 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 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 bunco 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 bunco artist is clever. The bunco artist is vicious. The bunco artist is dangerous.

[Josh]

So be on your guard. The elements of tonight's case were true. Only the names were changed. For the protection of innocent persons. Chief O'Donnell was represented in proxy. By his permission. Next week, Captain Trumbull 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. Bunko 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.