Calling All Cars 34-01-10 ep007 Caliente Money Car Holdup

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Calling All Cars 34-01-10 ep007 Caliente Money Car Holdup
Release Date: April 23, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Caliente Money Car Holdup", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a tense tale of crime, courage, and the unwavering spirit of law enforcement. The episode masterfully captures the suspense and drama reminiscent of classic radio shows like Dragnet and The Shadow, ensuring an engaging experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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The Threat Emerges

The story commences abruptly with an urgent broadcast:

Chief Sebastian (00:01): "Attention all cars. Broadcast 4. Proceed at once to central police station."

This immediate call to action sets the stage for a high-stakes situation unfolding at the heart of the city’s police station. A mysterious and menacing figure, Carl Weiss, enters the chief's office, brandishing a blood-red box that houses a formidable dynamite device.

Described vividly, Weiss's appearance is both eerie and imposing:

Narrator: "A strange apparition, looking like a man from Mars appeared at chief's office. His face was completely covered with a sheepskin hood which was pierced in two places by ghostly green goggles..."

Weiss's sinister presence is underscored by his calm demeanor as he threatens to detonate the building unless his demands are met.

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Police Mobilize

Chief Sebastian, the stalwart leader of the police force, quickly assesses the situation:

Chief Sebastian (04:37): "I'll talk to him."

As the tension mounts, Chief Sebastian communicates with his team to involve Paul Shoup, the president of the Pacific Electric Railroad, emphasizing the critical nature of Weiss's demands:

Carl Weiss (06:01): "I want you to send for Paul Shoup... I want to talk to him."

Despite initial reluctance, the chief coordinates with his subordinates to fulfill Weiss's request, illustrating the procedural approach of the police force in crisis management.

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Negotiations and Escalation

As moments tick by, the situation intensifies. Weiss remains defiant, holding the blood-red box perilously close:

Carl Weiss (06:38): "I want you to get Paul Shoup down here. I got something to say to him... All I have to do to set this thing off is to jerk my hand out of the box."

The chief attempts to de-escalate, but Weiss's unwavering stance threatens imminent danger. Crowds begin to gather outside the police station, heightening public fear and urgency.

Inside, the police strategize, contemplating various methods to neutralize the threat without triggering the dynamite. Discussions reveal the ingenuity and desperation of both sides:

Detective (14:15): "We could tell him that Paul Shoup will meet him at the corner of first and Broadway... and then take a pot shot at him from a safe place."

This plan underscores the tactical thinking necessary in such high-pressure scenarios.

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Climactic Confrontation

With Paul Shoup yet to arrive, Weiss grows impatient:

Carl Weiss (14:11): "I've been here a half hour. Now, if he don't show up in 15 minutes, I'm going to jerk my hand out of here."

Realizing time is against them, Chief Sebastian takes a bold step:

Chief Sebastian (15:35): "I can't figure that thing out. Are you game to go in there with me?"

Demonstrating exceptional bravery, the chief enters the office alongside Officer Brown. In a swift and decisive move:

Officer Brown (16:43): "Here you are... You won't think so about the time I pull the trigger inside this box."

He manages to neutralize the threat by smashing the dynamite box, preventing catastrophe and saving countless lives.

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Resolution and Aftermath

In the aftermath, the episode shifts focus to the interrogation of Carl Weiss, now captured and recovering in the hospital. Chief Sebastian delves into Weiss's motives, unveiling a man driven by a desire to secure better wages for railroad workers:

Carl Weiss (19:44): "I thought the railroad men ought to have a little more money. That's why I told you to send for Paul Shoup."

Weiss admits to making a critical error in his detonation mechanism:

Carl Weiss (21:46): "I made a mistake and put the cap in the wrong place... That's why it didn't burn fast enough."

His confession reveals a blend of misguided activism and personal grievances, painting a complex picture of his character.

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Legal Proceedings and Conclusion

The episode culminates in the legal assessment of Carl Weiss's actions. Chief Sebastian provides a compelling courtroom narrative:

Chief Sebastian (24:52): "The test of insanity in a criminal case is whether or not the accused is conscious of the difference between right and wrong... He was perfectly aware of the distinction."

Weiss is deemed legally sane and sentenced to twenty years in prison:

Narrator: "The jury found him guilty and the court sentenced him to prison for 20 years. No. Crime does not pay."

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of law enforcement’s role in maintaining order and justice, echoing the timeless message that integrity and bravery triumph over chaos and malice.

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Key Takeaways

• Courage Under Fire: The unwavering bravery of Chief Sebastian and Officer Brown serves as a testament to the valor of law enforcement.

• Complex Motivations: Carl Weiss's actions, though criminal, stem from genuine concerns for workers' rights, highlighting the multifaceted nature of human motives.

• Importance of Procedure: The meticulous approach of the police force underscores the significance of strategy, negotiation, and calm decision-making in crisis situations.

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Notable Quotes

• Chief Sebastian (04:37): "I'll talk to him."

• Carl Weiss (06:01): "I want you to send for Paul Shoup... I want to talk to him."

• Chief Sebastian (14:15): "We could tell him that Paul Shoup will meet him at the corner of first and Broadway... and then take a pot shot at him from a safe place."

• Officer Brown (16:43): "Here you are... You won't think so about the time I pull the trigger inside this box."

• Carl Weiss (19:44): "I thought the railroad men ought to have a little more money. That's why I told you to send for Paul Shoup."

• Chief Sebastian (24:52): "The test of insanity in a criminal case is whether or not the accused is conscious of the difference between right and wrong... He was perfectly aware of the distinction."

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Final Thoughts

"Caliente Money Car Holdup" is a compelling episode that not only entertains but also invites listeners to reflect on themes of justice, sacrifice, and the intricate balance between individual grievances and societal order. Through its rich narrative and dynamic characters, the episode honors the legacy of old-time radio storytelling, delivering a memorable and meaningful experience.

Transcript

[Chief Sebastian]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Fire helping you make those rooms flyer. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh, beers. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Please Wayfair Every style, every home. Calling all cars. A copyrighted program transcribed and dedicated to the prevention of crime. Calling all cars. Attention all cars. Broadcast 4. Proceed at once to central police station. There's a man in the chief's office threatening to blow up the building. That is all, Gordon. It is true that law enforcement departments are better equipped to fight crime than crime is to fight them. The departments are furnished with every time saving device and reinforced by modern science. Peace officers are trained by experts skilled in every phase of police investigation. And last but not least, the men who protect society are willing to give their lives in performance of their duty. In the story you're about to hear, a police officer made a decision that took the kind of courage for which our law enforcement agents are noted. Took a chance with the odds of 100 to 1 against him. Listen to the true story of the human bomb. We reach far back in the police records to bring you a story of one of the most daring and desperate plots ever attempted by one man. A dynamite terrorist held an entire city police force at bay and threatened to blow the city hall to bits as he calmly sat in the chief of police's office with his infernal machine on his lap. One morning, a strange apparition, looking like a man from Mars appeared at chief's office. His face was completely covered with a sheepskin hood which was pierced in two places by ghostly green goggles. Atop the hood he wore a battered soldier's campaign hat. He carried a large box painted blood red. One hand he held inside the box, the other supporting. The box on the outside was also painted blood red. The chief secretary, amazed at his appearance, accosted him as he pushed through the swinging gate into the office. Who? Who did you wish to see?

[Carl Weiss]

I want to see the highest officer of the city.

[Chief Sebastian]

Well, you're in the wrong place.

[Carl Weiss]

Let me buy. I'm going in there.

[Chief Sebastian]

You'll have to face your business.

[Carl Weiss]

Let me buy. If you know what's good for you.

[Chief Sebastian]

Go out there. Ms. Jim, this man wants me by. Let him in. I'll talk to him.

[Carl Weiss]

I want to see the highest officer of the city. Are you him?

[Chief Sebastian]

Well, I'm chief of police of the. That's what you mean.

[Carl Weiss]

Are you the boss around here?

[Chief Sebastian]

I am. And this building is. Where did you come from? A fancy dress ball?

[Carl Weiss]

It don't make no difference where I come from.

[Chief Sebastian]

Well, who are you?

[Carl Weiss]

That is my business, too.

[Chief Sebastian]

Well, maybe you'll tell me why you're dressed up like this. Are you advertising something?

[Carl Weiss]

No, I'm not advertising anything. I mean business. I came down here for a reason and I got something here that's going to make you do as I say.

[Chief Sebastian]

Well, now, that all depends.

[Carl Weiss]

Depends on what?

[Chief Sebastian]

Depends on what you got there.

[Carl Weiss]

Oh, it will do the business.

[Chief Sebastian]

And what do you want me to do? What's in the box?

[Carl Weiss]

A machine that will blow this building and everyone in it to be it.

[Chief Sebastian]

What did you say?

[Carl Weiss]

I said a machine that will blow this building and everyone in it to bit.

[Chief Sebastian]

Indeed?

[Carl Weiss]

Yeah, indeed. You want a demonstration?

[Chief Sebastian]

Oh, no. No, thanks. Perhaps there's no need for it. Now maybe you'll tell me what's on your mind.

[Carl Weiss]

I want you to send for Paul Shoup, the president of the Pacific Electric Railroad. And make him come down here. I want to talk to him.

[Chief Sebastian]

Paul Shoup?

[Carl Weiss]

Yeah, Paul Shoup. That's the man I mean. Get him down here.

[Chief Sebastian]

Whatever in the world you want with.

[Carl Weiss]

Paul Shoup, that is my business. He's the whole shooting match down at the railroad company and I won't talk to him.

[Chief Sebastian]

But he couldn't help you. He doesn't own the railroad. He's just the president.

[Carl Weiss]

You heard me. I want you to get Paul Shoup down here. I got something to say to him. Remember? All I have to do to set this thing off is to jerk my hand out of the box.

[Chief Sebastian]

Yes, yes, that's all right. Now, we'll try to get in touch with him in just a second. Oh, Snively. Yes, sir? Get in touch with Paul Shoup, president of the Pacific Electric Railway, and ask him to come down here at once. Yes, sir. And show him in the moment he gets here. You're not going to call him, are you? Didn't you see the chief? Wink.

[Carl Weiss]

I'm going to take the call.

[Chief Sebastian]

I'll go into my desk in the chief's office. You ring me from the switchboard and I'll answer on a deadline.

[Carl Weiss]

Get it?

[Chief Sebastian]

Yes, but I'm scared. Do as I say. All right. They're ringing him now, sir. Oh, that's good. Good. Now look here. Did it ever occur to you that you'd blow yourself up as well as the building if you let that thing go.

[Carl Weiss]

That is my business. I've thought it all out. I'm going to see that those railroad men get a swear deal or die, child.

[Chief Sebastian]

Well, there's the call, Chief. I'll get it. Hello, Pacific Electric? Mr. Shoup, please. Chief Sebastian calling. Oh, he's not there yet. Well, just as soon as he comes in, ask him to come down to the chief of police's office. Yes, it's very important. Thanks. Goodbye.

[Carl Weiss]

Well, when will he be here? Well, they.

[Chief Sebastian]

They said they expected him any moment. Good.

[Carl Weiss]

When that guy gets here, he'll listen to me. He'll give those poor railroad men the wages they should get or else.

[Chief Sebastian]

Well, good morning, Grace. Good morning, Lieutenant. Who's the scarecrow in the chief's office? He says he's going to blow up the place with that box. Oh, is that so? Oh, it's terrible. I'm so scared. Maybe he really will, Lieutenant. Well, just to be on the safe side, maybe you'd better get the other girls and get out of the building. Where are you going? I'm going in there and see if I can get him out of it. Good morning, Chief. Oh, yes, It's Sam. I want to speak to you about that Gonzalez case and. Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know you were busy. For the love of. What's this?

[Carl Weiss]

Keep your distance.

[Chief Sebastian]

What have you got there? A shoe shining outfit?

[Carl Weiss]

You won't think so about the time I pull the trigger inside this box.

[Chief Sebastian]

Oh, is that so? What is it? One of those infernal machines?

[Carl Weiss]

Yeah, that's what it is.

[Chief Sebastian]

Fine. I've always wanted to see one of those. You mind if I look?

[Carl Weiss]

Wait a minute, I'll show you something. You see this?

[Chief Sebastian]

Mm.

[Carl Weiss]

That's Dynamite. There are 59 sticks like it in here. Enough to blow this whole building into a cloud of dust. Now do you believe me?

[Chief Sebastian]

No, I think you're joking. Now listen, we've got a jailer here named John Shand who knows all about that stuff. Let him have a look at your box and if he says it's dynamite, we'll all believe you.

[Carl Weiss]

Okay, tell him to come ahead. But if he tries anything funny.

[Chief Sebastian]

Oh, he won't. I'll see if he's around. Oh, John. John. John. John in the Chief's office. Will you come in?

[Carl Weiss]

You'd better hurry. I'm getting tired of holding this trigger and all I need to do is let her go.

[Chief Sebastian]

And now don't get excited. Good morning, Chief. Did he call? Oh, yes. Brown here calls. Yes, sir. Oh, this man here claims he's got dynamite in that box, and I doubt him. John, I want you to tell me if it's the real start. Here, let me have that sample.

[Carl Weiss]

Here you are. You'll find out quick enough.

[Chief Sebastian]

Yes. Well, John, what about it? It's the real thing, all right. Looks like about 80%. Yeah. He says he's got 60 sticks there. Claims that's enough to blow us to bits. Is that right? Blow us to bits? I'll say it would, and scatter the bits over the county. Rumor spreads like wildfire through the downtown district. There's a maniac loose. He's going to blow up the police station. Murder. Wholesale murder. There's a madman in the police station. Hurry up to the police station. Crowds of imprudent people bear down on the police station mill. Round the entrance. On first street, mounted police strive vainly to push them back to a safe distance. Get back there. Move back. We'll have to get some more men. And rocks the street off. And in the jail on the third floor, the excitement of the crowd informs the 260 prisoners of their helpless plight as a sergeant rushes through the building warning the city employees to get out at once. Get out of the building, folks.

[Carl Weiss]

What's the matter?

[Chief Sebastian]

There's a man in the chief's office with a bomb. Everybody out of the building. Hurry, girls. Get out as fast as you can. Hey, turnkey, get me out.

[Carl Weiss]

We don't want to get blown up.

[Chief Sebastian]

Hey, John, what are we going to do with these men? We'll get them out. All right. Get some of the boys and help me herd them into the drunk tank. They've sent for the street car. It'll be waiting by the time we get them out the back way. Good. Okay, pipe down. Pipe down. We can't get no place with all this noise. Now, listen to me. I'm unbarring the doors. File open. Barring the doors. File out and march down to the drunk tank. And don't try any funny business. All right, boys, get along there. Make it snappy. Come on, boys. Be having all day. Now, listen, gentlemen. Down in the chief's office there's a nut with a load of dynamite threatening to blow up the building. I'm serving 30 days for beating the old lady. I wasn't given a death sentence. All right, all right. Bite down now and listen. The boys are stalling this bird along, trying to kid him out of it. Let them be heroes. If they want to.

[Carl Weiss]

You don't want to get.

[Chief Sebastian]

Yeah, but we're caught like rats in the trap. Eyes, boys, that's what I'm trying to tell you. If you'll all be quiet, we'll be out of here in five minutes. Now, listen, we're taking you out the sideway and we're putting you into a streetcar. Now, for the next few minutes, act like men, not cowards. Okay, Bob, get him into the handcuff chain. All right. We'll get you out of here in no time, boys. All right, come on. Under the watchful eye of Jailer Shand, the 260 prisoners are emptied from the jail, loaded on the waiting streetcar and transported to the east side station. In the Chief's office, Sebastian and the terrorist face each other silently. The hooded man keeps his hand within the blood red box, balefully watching the chief through his green goggles. In the outer offices, detectives discuss the situation in hushed tones. Could use an ammonia gun on him. Yeah, that ought to work. Well, he claims that the thing goes off when he releases his hand. If we used ammonia, then the relaxation of his hand would blow us up. How about clapping a chloroform sponge on his face? Oh, that's not good. Couldn't get behind him. He's sitting plumb against the wall. And remember, he's wearing that sheepskin mask. Hold on. Get the prisons out okay? Yeah, they're all gone. Thank heaven. Any change up here? No. We're trying to figure out how to get that box away from the guy. See here? I could draw a bead on him from where I'm standing with his coat of mine and he'd be dead before he knew it. Yeah, so would you. Probably too late now anyway. He just moved his chair. Say, I got an idea. Let's tell him that Paul Shoup will meet him at the corner of first and Broadway. Then when you get him down there in that mob appeal, what then? Well, we can clear the streets first. Not without calling out the National Guard. Here. Wait a minute. We could try it. Get him out of the building and then make a break to get out of the way and take a pot shot at him from a safe place. Well, okay. We gotta try anything. All right, Go ahead, Snively. Give him a message. Beg pardon, Chief, but Mr. Shoup just called and said he'd meet you on the corner of first and Broadway in five minutes. Very well. Shall we go down and meet him?

[Carl Weiss]

You think you're pretty smart, don't you? Don't you think I'm wise, dodge like that? Well, I am. And it won't go. Here I am and here I stay until Shoup shows up. And what's more, I'm getting tired of waiting. I've been here a half hour. Now, if he don't show up in 15 minutes, I'm going to jerk my hands off this box. Now, think that over.

[Chief Sebastian]

Oh, but that wouldn't accomplish your purpose. You said you wanted to talk to Shoup something about the railroad men's wages. Ah, that doesn't concern us. Now, if you let that thing go, you'd kill a lot of policemen and yourself as well. There wouldn't be any point for that.

[Carl Weiss]

Well, I don't count, and I don't like policemen.

[Chief Sebastian]

Minute after minute ticks on as the grotesquely clad Giller faces the chief of police in sheer defiance. Seated stiffly upright, the skin hood outlining his nose and mouth, he looks like some brooding God from an ancient Assyrian temple outside. Held in check by policemen and jail trustees, the mob grows by the hundreds every minute. While the detectives ponder some sort of solution to the dilemma, a newspaper photographer, at risk of his life, poises his camera for a picture of the terrorists.

[Carl Weiss]

What was that? Oh, a picture, that is. All right, put it in your paper as a lesson to the exploiters of the working man. And you'd better get that camera out of here fast, because I'm yanking my hand out of here in just three minutes.

[Chief Sebastian]

All right, now wait a minute. Listen, had you better use some common sense about.

[Carl Weiss]

Oh, be quiet. I'm ready to die even if you're not. Get shoop over here in the next three minutes.

[Chief Sebastian]

You hear that? He's going to set it off in three minutes. He will, too. We've got to do something. I can't figure that thing out. Are you game to go in there with me? I'm game to go in with you anywhere, anytime, Sam. We've been in tough spots before. All right, you got a blackjack? Yeah. Now, we'll go in there and ask him about the thing. And then two whispering about if you're.

[Carl Weiss]

Ready to put that guy out, count.

[Chief Sebastian]

Me in on it. We don't need you, John. Sam and I can pull it. Okay. No use in anyone else risking his neck. The two of you together aren't big enough to keep me out. All right, here's the plan. You crown him, Jim, and I'll grab the box and run to the street. I'll grab the box. No, no, no. I will fit. Now listen, Jim, you got A wife to think about. Cut the argument. I'm grabbing the box. If we don't get in there in a minute, he's going to let that thing go. Okay, let's go. All set, Jim?

[Carl Weiss]

Set.

[Chief Sebastian]

Mr. Shoup will be here any minute now. But whether you come to an agreement with him or not, I. I wish you'd give us fellows time to get out of here before you set that thing off.

[Carl Weiss]

When Sloop gets here, I don't care what you birds do.

[Chief Sebastian]

Pretty neat little contraption you got there. Must have taken you quite a while to rig that up. What's this thing for?

[Carl Weiss]

What thing?

[Chief Sebastian]

This gadget down here. Got it, Jim? I got. As the terrorist slumps forward, both Fitzgerald and Brown grab at the box. Brown yanks it from Fitzgerald and runs down the stairway. Seeing a few sizzling within the infernal machine, he plunges his hand through the glass top of the box, extinguishing the flame. Down the stairs he leaps. And out the front door of the police station. A cameraman has set up his tripod in front of the entrance. Hurtling out of the door in his headlong flight, Brown stumbles over the tripod. He has the presence of mind to throw the bomb from him. Sticks of dynamite spill from it as it careens down first street, scattering the frightened crowd. Jumping to his feet, Brown runs to the smashed box and holding it high over his head, smashes it again and again on the cobblestone. All right.

[Carl Weiss]

All right.

[Chief Sebastian]

All right. All right. Well? Well, it's all over. Oh, great work, Tom. Hey, Brown, you're bleeding. Huh? Oh, that's funny. I didn't notice it before. I must have cut myself when I had jammed my hand in there to put that fuse out. You mean you actually stuck your hand in the thing and put it out? Sure. It was the only thing to do, wasn't it? Certain that no damage could come from the infernal machine. The broken parts are collected from the street and carefully pieced together by police experts attempting to discover how the apparatus was to work. The machinery centers around a gun hammer mounted on a base. Under the hammer is a shotgun shell. Evidently, when the terrorists released the hammer, it would explode the shell. This explosion would ignite a slow burning fuse leading to the 60 sticks of dynamite. One stick of this dynamite, tested in Elysian park, blew a rock the size of an automobile into tiny bits. A few hours later, Brown and Fitzgerald visit the human bomb in the receiving hospital. Well, how is he, Doctor?

[Carl Weiss]

He'll pull through, I think.

[Chief Sebastian]

He's semi conscious now. For a while there, I was afraid we'd lose him. Don't lose him, doc. You want to talk to him. Well, you can go in now.

[Carl Weiss]

Oh, my head.

[Chief Sebastian]

Hello, my friend. How do you feel now?

[Carl Weiss]

Where am I?

[Chief Sebastian]

You're in the hospital. Yeah. Mighty lucky you're not in the morgue.

[Carl Weiss]

Where's my machine?

[Chief Sebastian]

It's been taken all apart. And it didn't blow us to bits like you promised it would. Oh.

[Carl Weiss]

Oh, yeah, yeah, I remember now. You guys sneaked up on me and slugged me. But I can't understand why it didn't work. I must have made the fuse too long or something. It should have gone off.

[Chief Sebastian]

Well, it didn't, thanks to the bravery of Sam here. Oh, come on, John. Come on. Don't cut it. Now, look here. We want to find out something about you.

[Carl Weiss]

Well, firehead, what's your name? Carl Weiss.

[Chief Sebastian]

Age?

[Carl Weiss]

35.

[Chief Sebastian]

Where do you live?

[Carl Weiss]

On Lake Street.

[Chief Sebastian]

Now tell us, what was the big idea of that show you put on today?

[Carl Weiss]

Well, I thought the railroad men ought to have a little more money. That's why I told you to send for Paul Shoup. I thought I could scare him into promising to raise their wages. Besides, lots of men are out of work now.

[Chief Sebastian]

Have you got a job?

[Carl Weiss]

Yeah, I do a little carpentry work now and then. I work for the railroad company. Once that's when I got the idea that they didn't get enough pay.

[Chief Sebastian]

You thought you'd do something about it, eh?

[Carl Weiss]

Well, I tried.

[Chief Sebastian]

What do you think we should do with you? Don't you realize what a terrible thing you were going to do?

[Carl Weiss]

No, I don't think I committed any crime. I kept telling you men to keep away from me. If the machine had gone off as I expected. Well, it was their fault. You committed a bigger crime than I did.

[Chief Sebastian]

I don't follow your reasoning. Let's hear how that machine was to operate.

[Carl Weiss]

Well, it was fixed with shotgun caps, with powder connecting up the dynamite cap. I had a fuse in there. And while I was arranging things inside the box to get it connected properly, I. I made a mistake and put the cap in the wrong place. Yeah. So in order to hold the powder, I used a little dynamite to fill up the hole. I guess that's why it didn't burn fast enough. You guys didn't give it time to burn through?

[Chief Sebastian]

No. No, we didn't.

[Carl Weiss]

Be quiet. You see, this machine was different from most. Instead of having to pull the trigger to make it go off, I had to hold on tight to keep it from Going off. You see, I can't understand what happened. When you hit me over the head, I thought sure the minute my fingers let go of that trigger, the thing would explode. It should have, because it was a beautiful machine. It was a beautiful piece of workmanship. Mm.

[Chief Sebastian]

Well, I can't show your admiration for the thing, but I would like to know, what was the idea of the two red wooden fingers we found on the street near the box?

[Carl Weiss]

Oh, them.

[Chief Sebastian]

Ah.

[Carl Weiss]

Well, you see, I got two fingers missing on the right hand. And I knew if you ever looked in the box and saw them, you could identify me.

[Chief Sebastian]

Why? Have you ever been arrested before?

[Carl Weiss]

Yeah, once you got me in the Roches Gallery.

[Chief Sebastian]

Look here, why did you go to the police station after Mr. Shoup? You knew you wouldn't find him there.

[Carl Weiss]

Because I was afraid if I went to the railroad office, the bomb might cause a panic and some of those poor workers might get hurt.

[Chief Sebastian]

But you didn't worry about killing a bunch of policemen.

[Carl Weiss]

Well, that wouldn't have mattered so much.

[Chief Sebastian]

Well, I don't know about that. Why have you got it in for policemen?

[Carl Weiss]

Oh, nothing in particular. Only they're always going around arresting somebody. Anyway, I didn't think you'd be foolish enough to monkey with the box. I was just getting ready to yank my hand out when you started asking fool questions. I don't know why I didn't see that blackjack in time. I don't.

[Chief Sebastian]

What other part of your scheme didn't work?

[Carl Weiss]

Well, the railroad man didn't show up.

[Chief Sebastian]

What if he had shown up and refused to do what you asked?

[Carl Weiss]

We found a pair of handcuffs on me, didn't you?

[Chief Sebastian]

Yes.

[Carl Weiss]

Well, I intended to handcuff Mr. Shoup to me. Then I was going to make him walk out of the station with me like he was an officer and I was a crazy man. I was going to make him keep walking until we got out into the open country somewhere. Then I'd have kept him right there until he did what I said.

[Chief Sebastian]

And if he'd still refused, you were going to set off the dynamite?

[Carl Weiss]

He'd have promised all right. And I'd have given him six weeks to make good.

[Chief Sebastian]

What do you mean?

[Carl Weiss]

Well, if he hadn't given the men a raise in six weeks, I'd have come back down to the police station again. But I wouldn't have waited. I'd have blown it up as soon as I walked into the place. I intended to see that a working man got a square deal.

[Chief Sebastian]

You didn't choose a very effective way to see it done.

[Carl Weiss]

I guess it was as good as Annie.

[Chief Sebastian]

Don't you think it was pretty brave of Sam here to grab that box from you?

[Carl Weiss]

No, I don't see where it deserves any credit. You had no right to hit me. I was only trying to get a raise for the railroad man.

[Chief Sebastian]

Have you ever been confined to an insane asylum?

[Carl Weiss]

An insane asylum? Yes, an insane asylum. You don't think I'm crazy, do you? Why, I'm perfectly sane. I'm all right. It's you people that can't see the injustice and suffering in the world. It's you people. They got crazy.

[Chief Sebastian]

In just a moment, you will hear the summation of our story. The test of insanity in a criminal case is whether or not the accused is conscious of the difference between right and wrong. If he is conscious of this distinction, then he is not legally insane. This test was applied to Carl Weiss. He reacted to it just like an average, intelligent person. Therefore, from a legal standpoint, Carl Weiss was sane. Though he did suffer from the martyr complex. But this did not be cloud his mind. As far as knowing right from wrong. He was perfectly aware of the distinction. Carl Weiss was then duly tried on the charge of illegally transporting and depositing explosives in a public place. In this case, a police station. The jury found him guilty and the court sentenced him to prison for 20 years. No. Crime does not pay. Calling all cars. Attention, all cars. Cancellation broadcast. 4 suspect now in custody. That is all. Gordon.