Cases of Mr. Ace 47-06-25 The Lost Package

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Harold's Old Time Radio"
Episode: "Cases of Mr. Ace 47-06-25 The Lost Package"
Release Date: May 2, 2025

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in the noir-inspired detective saga of Edward Ace. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, the episode titled "The Lost Package" unravels a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and ancient mysteries surrounding a priceless coin associated with Judas Iscariot.

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The Assignment: A Mysterious Package

The episode kicks off with Edward Ace, a sharp-witted private detective, engaging in conversation with Dr. Gail, a criminal psychologist who relies on Ace's insights for her work.

• Dr. Gail (00:39): "Oh, Mr. Ace. Come in. I've given you up for the night."

• Edward Ace (00:44): "You're not alone, Dr. Gail. There were a couple of minutes back there when I'd given myself up for good."

Ace's typical day takes an unexpected turn when Richard Doran, a representative from Doran and Stanton—a firm dealing in art and curios—approaches him with a high-stakes proposition.

• Richard Doran (02:28): "I want you to deliver a package to a gentleman in Chicago."
• Edward Ace (03:10): "This is no ordinary package, Mr. Ace. I'm willing to pay a fee of, say, $1,500 for its safe delivery."

Doran hints at the package's explosive importance without revealing its contents, prompting Ace to accept the dangerous assignment.

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The Train Encounter: A Deadly Confrontation

Ace boards the Commodore Vanderbilt destined for Chicago, package in hand. The tension escalates when a menacing figure, Leonidas, attempts to seize the package.

• Leonidas (06:05): "You will please clasp your hands together at the back of your neck."
• Edward Ace (07:10): "All right, get up. I won't shoot."

A battle of wits ensues, showcasing Ace's cleverness as he manages to outmaneuver Leonidas, leading to the assailant's retreat. However, the package mysteriously disappears, leaving Ace to grapple with unanswered questions.

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Investigation in New York: Uncovering the Truth

Upon returning to New York, Ace finds Doran dead—victim of a seemingly straightforward burglary turned fatal.

• Detective Lieutenant Walsh (09:24): "Are we in for imported art now?"
• Edward Ace (09:27): "I want to talk to Doran."

Ace's suspicions deepen as he interacts with Mrs. Doran and uncovers the intricacies of the case, leading him to realize the package's significance is far more profound than initially perceived.

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Confrontation and Revelation: The Coin of Judas

As the plot thickens, Colonel Gregory Amherst emerges as a pivotal antagonist, revealing his obsession with a legendary coin linked to Judas Iscariot's betrayal.

• Colonel Gregory Amherst (14:06): "Precisely... I have many of them."
• Edward Ace (17:16): "I say you're nuts."

The Colonel divulges the coin's historical value and its connection to the biblical betrayal, setting the stage for a high-stakes negotiation. Ace's relentless pursuit leads him back to Doran and Stanton's shop, where he encounters Elfie Duran, Doran's stepdaughter, unveiling family secrets and motives.

• Dr. Gail (22:43): "I was so frightened."
• Edward Ace (25:16): "Yeah, just like you and Stanton killed your husband."

The climax unfolds with dramatic confrontations, gunfire, and the ultimate revelation of who orchestrated the betrayal, tying back to the ancient coin's curse.

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Conclusion: Resolving the Mystery

In the aftermath, Ace ensures that justice is served, resolving conflicts and securing the coin's fate. The episode wraps up with Ace reflecting on the case's complexities and hinting at future adventures.

• Edward Ace (26:41): "Good night, Dr. Gill."
• Detective Lieutenant Walsh (27:10): "We'll be listening."

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Key Themes and Insights

• Betrayal and Trust: The narrative intricately weaves themes of betrayal, both ancient and modern, highlighting the fragile nature of trust in Ace's world.

• Historical Mysteries: The quest for the coin of Judas adds a layer of historical intrigue, blending religious lore with detective fiction.

• Moral Ambiguity: Characters like Leonidas and Colonel Amherst embody moral complexities, challenging Ace's notions of right and wrong.

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Notable Quotes

• Edward Ace (03:32): "I see what you mean."
  Discussing the dangerous nature of his assignment with Richard Doran.

• Leonidas (07:10): "All right, get up. I won't shoot."
  During his tense interaction with Ace on the train.

• Colonel Gregory Amherst (17:05): "There are in the collections of numismatists certain coins of antiquity..."
  Revealing the significance of the coin.

• Dr. Gail (25:08): "You see, I killed him. I loved Stanton, so I killed his killers."
  Unveiling her role in the murder of Stanton.

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Supporting Cast and Production

The episode features a stellar supporting cast, including Francis Heflin, Joseph Kearns, Ted Von Eltz, Charlie Lung, Elliot Reed, Mary Jane Croft, and Lorraine Beaumont. The atmospheric score, composed and conducted by Del Castillo, complements the narrative's suspenseful and dramatic turns.

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Looking Ahead

Listeners are teased with the promise of future episodes, where Edward Ace will delve deeper into personal and perilous cases, maintaining the gripping allure of classic radio detective stories.

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Tune in next week as George Raft returns to narrate another captivating case in the Cases of Mr. Ace series, continuing the legacy of intrigue and suspense that defines Harold's Old Time Radio.

Transcript

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[Dr. Gail]

Oh, Mr. Ace. Come in. I've given you up for the night.

[Edward Ace]

You're not alone, Dr. Gail. There were a couple of minutes back there when I'd given myself up for good.

[Dr. Gail]

As close as that?

[Edward Ace]

Closer.

[Dr. Gail]

Welcome on into the kitchen. Coffee's perking. Can't you find a less dangerous way to make a living than being a private detective?

[Edward Ace]

Sure, but then who'd supply you with your material for your book on criminal psychology? Sugar, sweet and black.

[Dr. Gail]

Here you are.

[Edward Ace]

Thanks.

[Dr. Gail]

Incidentally, the book is coming very well. Thanks to the unorthodox point of view I get on the criminal mind through your eyes. Well, what happened to you tonight?

[Edward Ace]

What happened tonight seems to have started with a man named Judas.

[Dr. Gail]

Judas? You mean Judas Iscariot in the Bible.

[Edward Ace]

Of course. That's the guy. Dr. Gale. The world's most notorious stool pigeon. But it took 2000 years for it to catch up to me.

[Dr. Gail]

Well, I'm listening, Mr.

[Edward Ace]

Ace.

[Dr. Gail]

I'm listening.

[Edward Ace]

The Cases of Mr. Ace, starring George Rapp and produced and directed by Jason James. I hadn't been in my office over on 6th Avenue for more than 10 minutes when the hall door opened just wide enough to admit a man's eye. From where I sat, I could see it was steel blue. And when the door opened a little wider, I could see that I belonged to a very tall, very thin, very blond man. I waved him in.

[Richard Doran]

My name, sir, is Doran. Richard Doran of Doran and Stanton. Fifth Avenue. Importers, dealers in objects of art, curios and such.

[Edward Ace]

What can I do for you?

[Richard Doran]

I want you to deliver a package to a gentleman in Chicago.

[Edward Ace]

Go on.

[Richard Doran]

That's all there is to it.

[Edward Ace]

I see. My name is Ace. Edward Ace. Sole owner of ACE investigation, 6th Avenue, New York. Dealer in homicide, matricide and patricide and also in the gentler forms of crime. What you want is a worthy boy waking his way through reform school. Now I know just such a lad who would.

[Richard Doran]

This is no ordinary package, Mr. Ace. I'm willing to pay a fee of, say, $1,500 for its safe delivery.

[Edward Ace]

What you want is a man named Ace. Got the package under your arm? Yes. What's in it? An atom bomb?

[Richard Doran]

Not quite. But something perhaps equally as explosive.

[Edward Ace]

Go on.

[Richard Doran]

It contains the most priceless item ever to come into the possession of Doran and Stanton.

[Edward Ace]

You still haven't told me what it is.

[Richard Doran]

I didn't intend to.

[Edward Ace]

I don't like working in the dark. What's it worth? In dollars and cents, I mean.

[Richard Doran]

I have consented to sell it to a British gentleman named Colonel Amherst for $150,000.

[Edward Ace]

You could get a lot of explosion out of that kind of scratch. Is the dingus insured?

[Richard Doran]

Unfortunately, Mr. Ace, it is not possible to apply for insurance.

[Edward Ace]

I see what you mean.

[Richard Doran]

Yes, the dingus, as you call it, has had a most checkered and colorful career.

[Edward Ace]

Mostly blood red.

[Richard Doran]

I suppose you put things so obliquely, Mr.

[Leonidas]

Ace.

[Richard Doran]

But you're quite right. For many years, Duran and Stanton have kept it hidden away. Now Colonel Amherst may have the joy of possession and the fear. You will find him registered at the Ambassador east, deliver the package, collect the money and return to me here in New York.

[Edward Ace]

Why don't you take it to Chicago yourself? Or have the colonel come here?

[Richard Doran]

I will be frank, sir. Neither of us wishes to assume the risk. I would advise you to go armed. If you accept the assignment, shall I give you a check for your fee?

[Edward Ace]

How much cash do you have with you?

[Richard Doran]

$250.

[Dr. Gail]

Why?

[Edward Ace]

I'll take that. The balance, when I return from Chicago with your money.

[Richard Doran]

Excellent. Here is your retainer. And here is the package. I also have your transportation you leave on the Commodore Vanderbilt tonight. Car 57, compartment E. Good luck, Mr. Ace.

[Edward Ace]

Just one more thing, Mr. Durand. How do you know you can trust me?

[Richard Doran]

If you are wise, Mr. Ace, you'll give me no reason to regret my trust.

[Edward Ace]

The package left in my care was no larger than a pound box of candy. That evening box under my arm, arm pressed close to the gun in my shoulder holster, I boarded the Commodore Vanderbilt. I just relaxed in my bunk when the door to my compartment opened. I looked up from my berth into the face of a small, fragile, bald man. His hair was glossy and deep black. His eyes were glossy and deep black. But it wasn't his bones or his hair or his eyes that really interested me. It was his right hand. In it, there was a gun. From where I lay, it looked mighty big.

[Leonidas]

You will please clasp your hands together at the back of your neck.

[Edward Ace]

Now, wait a minute. I never even met your sister.

[Leonidas]

I intend to take the package. If you make one move, I'll be forced to shoot you.

[Edward Ace]

That makes a problem. You can't get the package unless I do move. It's under my mattress.

[Leonidas]

Oh, how clumsy. This place is so small. I. Forgive me. I am reluctant to permit you to rise. Of course, I could shoot you and kill you now and then roll you over and take the package.

[Edward Ace]

But you won't because you're not sure it is under the mattress. And if you don't find it there, I won't be alive to tell you where it is.

[Leonidas]

Yes, I. I suppose you are right. I. I can never think these things through clearly. Very well. I have no alternative. You will follow my instructions very closely, sir. Now you put your right leg on the floor, Mr. Ace. Slowly. Slowly. That's it. Now, sir, roll over very gently on the floor with your side so slowly. Keep your hands on that.

[Edward Ace]

All right, get up. I won't shoot.

[Leonidas]

Oh, what an idiot I am. A stupid, imbecile bungler. I knew it. I knew it. I had the premonition you would grab at my leg. And there I stand to permit you to do it. This stupid, idiotic bungler.

[Edward Ace]

Don't break me up. Get going. Outside.

[Leonidas]

Where are you taking me?

[Edward Ace]

For a little fresh air.

[Leonidas]

You do not. You will not. Please do not be angry with me, Mr. Ace.

[Edward Ace]

Get out on the platform.

[Leonidas]

I beg you, Mr. Ace. I am harmless, impotent, incompetent. Yes, that's what I am, all right.

[Edward Ace]

Who sent you?

[Leonidas]

No one, Mr. A.

[Edward Ace]

Who sent you?

[Leonidas]

Please do not hit me again.

[Edward Ace]

Who sent you?

[Leonidas]

I cannot bear it. I'm alone. All alone. I'm a coward. A coward. Ms. Dayes, I. I have no one. No one.

[Edward Ace]

Okay, over you go.

[Leonidas]

No, no, no. Put me down.

[Dr. Gail]

Please.

[Edward Ace]

Who sent you?

[Leonidas]

I swear it. No one. No one.

[Edward Ace]

Okay. Flat tap. Relax.

[Dr. Gail]

Oh, thank you, sir.

[Leonidas]

Thank you.

[Edward Ace]

Stay out of my way. Next time we meet, I'll toss you overboard.

[Leonidas]

Yes, yes, Quite right. Excellent. Thank you, sir. Thank you very much.

[Edward Ace]

I left the little man shivering out on the platform and went back to my compartment. And just as I walked into the room, that's when I really got it. I don't know how long I was out. When I opened my eyes, the small room looked as though it had been searched. It had. And the package was gone. The train was just pulling into some jerk water stop. I got off, had my skull patched up by the local druggist. And hired a hack to drive me back all the way to New York. Two hours later, I got out in Front of the Duran Stanton shop on fifth Avenue. There was a small light burning inside. I opened the door and went in. There was quite a crowd in there. All of them were cops. Detective Lieutenant Walsh of homicide came forward. He had been talking to the sultriest looking doll I had seen since Minsky closed his door.

[Detective Lieutenant Walsh]

Well, well.

[Edward Ace]

Hello, Ace.

[Detective Lieutenant Walsh]

Are we in for imported art now?

[Edward Ace]

I want to talk to Duran.

[Detective Lieutenant Walsh]

Yeah, you can talk to Duran if you like, but he won't answer you. He's dead.

[Edward Ace]

What did he die of?

[Detective Lieutenant Walsh]

A hole in the head. Two bullets went through it.

[Edward Ace]

Got a smear on it yet?

[Detective Lieutenant Walsh]

Ah, dull case of burglary. They jimmied the back door. Duran was upstairs with his wife here. They heard the noise, he came down to investigate. Bang. Bang. A very dead Mr. Duran.

[Edward Ace]

Well, I'm sorry to hear that, Mrs. Duran.

[Dr. Gail]

Thank you, Mr.

[Edward Ace]

Ace. Eddie. Ace.

[Dr. Gail]

You said you wanted to see my.

[Edward Ace]

Nothing important, Mrs. Duran. I won't bother you now. You suffered a bad shock.

[Dr. Gail]

You're very understanding Stray. I tried to stop my husband from going down. He wouldn't listen. But is there something I can do for you, Mr. Ray?

[Edward Ace]

Well, not right now. I. I mean, Mr. Duran was just going to show me a Chinese ring. May I come to see you in a few days, Mrs. Duran?

[Dr. Gail]

Please do.

[Edward Ace]

Oh, by the way, have you heard from Colonel Amherst?

[Dr. Gail]

Colonel Amherst? I don't know the gentleman.

[Detective Lieutenant Walsh]

All right, watch it, Eddie. Mrs. Duran, I think you'd better go upstairs. The boys are going to bring the stick. I mean, we have to take.

[Dr. Gail]

Yes, I understand. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Goodbye, Mr. Ace. Please call again. And if I should hear from a Colonel Amherst, I'll tell him to call you.

[Edward Ace]

Mrs. Duran left the shop. She hesitated briefly at the door, glanced over shoulder at me once and then was gone. Walsh's boys brought the stiff out of the back room. I took a quick gander at it, then a longer one. It was a very, very dead Mr. Duran, all right. But it wasn't the man who had come to my office that morning. I guess I'll hit the road. Walsh.

[Detective Lieutenant Walsh]

Stick around, take your hat off and restore. I'd like to see the rest of that adhesive patch.

[Edward Ace]

Don't be morbid.

[Detective Lieutenant Walsh]

Yeah, maybe ask you a few questions. Like what you really came here for at this hour, where you were an hour ago.

[Edward Ace]

Look, Walt, just between us, an hour ago I cracked the back door of the shop and threw a couple of slugs into Doran when he got in my way. I came back to see if I dropped any clues that might lead to me. If you find any, I'll be at my office. Bring them up and we'll split them.

[Leonidas]

50. 50.

[Edward Ace]

Well, the little man with the big gun. I thought I took that away from you on the train.

[Leonidas]

I have many of them. Mr. Rice. First I must ask you to forgive the liberty I took in entering your office to wait for where else to find you. I did not know. Eventually, you must return here.

[Edward Ace]

All right. Eventually I did. What's your problem, Mr. A?

[Leonidas]

I have a grievance. On the train, you caused me a great humiliation. Yes, yes, you did. You slapped my face. You did not even have the decency to punch me, man, like.

[Edward Ace]

Next time, I promise to punch you hard.

[Leonidas]

There will be no next time, Mr. Ace. For you. I have the greatest resentment. Yes. Yes, I have. If you give me the slightest provocation, I. I promise to shoot you.

[Dr. Gail]

Really?

[Leonidas]

Really, I will.

[Edward Ace]

All right. Once your cue. Twice. You're a nuisance.

[Leonidas]

You won't come with me, Mr. A.

[Edward Ace]

Where are we going?

[Leonidas]

He's waiting to speak to you.

[Edward Ace]

Who?

[Leonidas]

Colonel Gregory Amherst.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Ah, come in, Mistakes. Come in. Come in, sir. Well done this time. Well done, Leonidas.

[Leonidas]

Oh, thank you. Thank you. It was simple.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Well, sit down, sir. Sit down.

[Edward Ace]

Thanks. Nice layout you got here.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

You like it? You really like it, sir? It's so difficult to get proper accommodations these days. To the point, where is the coin?

[Edward Ace]

The coin?

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Precisely.

[Edward Ace]

You mean the coin that was in the package?

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Oh, please, sir, I beg of you. Do not blame me for the simpletons.

[Leonidas]

You no fool plan on flying. In order to board domestic flights, your driver's license or state issued ID must be a real ID learn how to get your real ID [e-mail] realID or visit your local DMV.

[Edward Ace]

You see?

[Leonidas]

You see? I told you he was uncooperative. I told you.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Gently, gently, Leonidas. We must discuss this calmly.

[Leonidas]

But don't you see? He's a terrible person. A liar, a thug.

[Edward Ace]

If you don't take this monkey away, Colonel, I'll break his leg.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Now, do be quiet, Leonidas, or I should let him break your leg. A bizarre fool, indeed. Now, sir, I shall put it bluntly. Concisely and simply. I believe you have the coin. I believe that you and Stanton Doran's partner are working together and you both mean to hoodwig Doran, simulate a theft on the train, and then dispose of the coin, sharing the proceeds between you and Stanton.

[Edward Ace]

So you got a phony coin when you slugged me on the train.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

You know full well I Did, sir.

[Leonidas]

You see? You see how he twits, sir?

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Be quiet, Leonidas.

[Edward Ace]

I thought you were supposed to be in Chicago waiting for the coin.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

That was the business arrangement. But you. You cannot blame me for coming here before the coin was delivered in an effort to save a little money.

[Edward Ace]

And you even knew which train and compartment I'd be occupying.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

In my business, sir, I must do many things. I even know when I'm beaten and forced to pay. And that time has come. I shall pay.

[Edward Ace]

How much?

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

$50,000.

[Edward Ace]

The price was a hundred and fifty. Ah.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

That was when I planned on taking it by storm. Now, I am willing to tender wealth of the realm a quantitative and relative difference.

[Edward Ace]

If you can say that again, you've got a deal. On one condition.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Yes.

[Edward Ace]

At first, you tell me what this coin is all about.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Tell you what? You mean you don't that Stanton hasn't told you what trick?

[Leonidas]

He's slippery. He's lying.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Oh, my soul. This is priceless. Priceless. Here I sit and bargain with you. For you. Oh, this is indeed priceless.

[Edward Ace]

Go ahead, have your fun. You know what the coin is? I don't. But I know where it is. You don't? I'm still in the driver's seat.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Indeed you are, sir. Forgive me, I must dry my eyes. Very well, sir. I shall show my good face.

[Leonidas]

Please, please, Colonel, I beg you. Be careful what you say. He's the thug and liar of a scoundrel in every. He struck me again. He struck me again.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Yes, and it served you well. Now to be quiet.

[Leonidas]

I hate him.

[Edward Ace]

You were saying, Colonel?

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

The coin. Yes, Tell me, sir, what do you think it is?

[Edward Ace]

Come to the point.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

To the point? Dear me, sir, how much do you know of your Bible?

[Edward Ace]

I told you, I'm a no mood.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

I do not ask idly, sir. It is very much to the point. You know, of course, of one Judas Iscariot, the great betrayer. Yeah?

[Edward Ace]

Yes.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

And for his betrayal, he received from the Roman authorities his promised wage. 30 pieces of silver. Now then, that was 2,000 years ago. Mark well what I am about to say, sir. There are in the collections of numismatists certain coins of antiquity dating back to the days of the Pharaohs. 2000 years before the day of the great betrayal. Now, sir, you begin to comprehend.

[Edward Ace]

I'm still listening. Very well.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

To the point. Of all the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas Hascariot, only one. Only one, I say, has been unearthed. The rest, for all we know, gone into the dust of the bones of the Judas. But that One coin, sir. With the imperial head and arms of Caesar stamped upon it. Has been sought for, fought for, killed for and died for through bloody century after century. What do you say to that, sir?

[Edward Ace]

I say you're nuts.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Ah, but my $50,000 says otherwise, Mr. Hayes. And now, sir, the coin, if you please.

[Edward Ace]

I'll have to see Stanton first.

[Leonidas]

You see. You see, he cannot be true.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Is Leonidas correct in his analysis of your character, sir?

[Edward Ace]

Sure. But I still have to see Stanton first.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Very well. There's nothing for it, I suppose. As added inducement, sir, a bonus of $10,000 for yourself. We needn't advise Mr. Stanton of it. If you deliver the coin to me here before dawn. I sail with the tide for Montevideo.

[Edward Ace]

I'll try to earn the 10G. Amherst didn't have the coin. Stanton was on the loose. He might or might not have it. If it existed at all. It had to be someplace. I hustle on back to the shop of Duran and Stanton. I never got a good look at the little man who was tailing me. Every time I glanced back, he had his face draped in a foreign language newspaper. I made sure he was still pounding along behind me. When I turned in at the door of Duran and Stanton. I didn't expect it to be opened. I was wrong. I didn't expect to find anyone there. I was wrong again.

[Dr. Gail]

What do you want?

[Edward Ace]

I walked slowly to the kid at the far end of the shop. She was no more than 16 or 17. Her face was white, her eyes loaded with fear. She stood in front of the safe under a small yellowish light. I look carefully for a gun in her right hand. It's always these frightened white faced kids who really let you have it. She was unarmed. I let my breath out and close in on her.

[Dr. Gail]

I'm calling police.

[Edward Ace]

I'm the police. Who are you? What are you doing here?

[Dr. Gail]

Oh, I'm Elfie duran.

[Edward Ace]

You mean Mrs. Duran is your mother?

[Dr. Gail]

My stepmother. I was up at school when I heard that. That my father had been. I came here at once.

[Edward Ace]

What were you looking for in the safe?

[Dr. Gail]

The safe?

[Edward Ace]

Or were you putting something in it?

[Dr. Gail]

Like what?

[Edward Ace]

Look, infant. No time for guessing games now. Give me a small package. That'll do it. You stay here. Pull out that light. Now don't leave till I get back. Keep the door locked.

[Dr. Gail]

But why? I don't understand.

[Edward Ace]

Take this gun. If anybody breaks in, use it. And tuck that gold chain you're wearing around your neck inside of your dress. It might tangle your gun arm when you need it.

[Dr. Gail]

But I've never fired a gun before, baby.

[Edward Ace]

You'll be surprised how naturally it will come to you if you have to. I left the kid in the shop. Strolled down 5th, across 34th to my office on 6th. The little man on my tail had dusted. I took my time. I figured there'd be somebody waiting for me at my office. There was. I figured he'd be holding a gun on the door. He was. I figured it would be the little man. It wasn't.

[Richard Doran]

All right, Mr. Ace, I'll take that package.

[Edward Ace]

What name are you wearing now? Stanton.

[Richard Doran]

Give me that package.

[Edward Ace]

You're sure you want it? Your life is a mighty high price to pay for it.

[Richard Doran]

You forget I'm holding the gun.

[Edward Ace]

Okay, be headstrong. Here's the package.

[Richard Doran]

That's better, Mr. Ace.

[Edward Ace]

All the time I was talking to Stanton, I watched the little man across the street. The foreign language paper still covering his face. After Stanton left my office, I watched for him through the wind. He came out of my building. I didn't hear the shot, but I saw the gun flash as it fired. Stanton slumped to the pavement. By the time I made it downstairs, the little man was far away. And so with Stanton. His body was still lying where it had fallen. The street was deserted. His wallet had been frisked to make it look like a clumsy holdup. The package, of course, was gone. I picked up the wallet case, the contents. Among the usual stuff, there was a small clipping on glossy paper. It was a crude picture of a coin. The caption under it read, coin of Judas. I didn't have to rack my brain to figure out where I'd seen it before.

[Richard Doran]

Who is it, Ace?

[Edward Ace]

Open up and don't shoot.

[Leonidas]

Oh, Mr.

[Dr. Gail]

Ace, I've been so frightened.

[Edward Ace]

Give me that gold chain from your neck.

[Dr. Gail]

My change.

[Edward Ace]

Stop playing simple. You can keep the chain after I've taken the coin from the end of it.

[Dr. Gail]

So you know I have it.

[Edward Ace]

I must have been blind not to knowing it before. Did your father give you the coin?

[Dr. Gail]

Yes. He told me to keep it at school. It was the safest place. But after I'd heard he'd been killed, I. Mr. Ace, look out.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

No need for alarm, my dear.

[Leonidas]

You see? You see, Colonel, I told you.

[Richard Doran]

He is.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Gently, Leonidas. Well, Mr. Ace, I must say I am disappointed in you. I did consider you a man of some peculiar honor.

[Edward Ace]

That was your idea.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

I sent Leonidas with $50,000. Coin of the realm, sir. To purchase from you, open and above board. The coin. And what am I given for this? Honorable gesture.

[Richard Doran]

This.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

This, sir? Two porter shell combs.

[Edward Ace]

They'll look cute on Leonidas.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

This time, sir, I mean business. This gun will underscore my intention. Now, the coin, Mr.

[Edward Ace]

Ace.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

And my $50,000.

[Edward Ace]

You're not even abusing, you fat clown. Leonidas never gave me 50 cents he knocked off Stanton for those combs.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Leonidas. Why, that was most headstrong of you.

[Edward Ace]

Most headstrong.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Coming to me with his baggage and telling me it was all an error.

[Leonidas]

My dear Colonel, I intended to return the money to you. But in my distress over learning that I had failed in my mission, it just slipped my mind.

[Edward Ace]

A mind like a ski run.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Then before it slipped your mind again, my dear fellow, I suggest.

[Leonidas]

Here it is, Colonel.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

I shall deal with you later, Leonidas. Well, Mrs.

[Edward Ace]

I've got the coin.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Excellent, excellent.

[Edward Ace]

But I can't sell it to you. You'll have to deal with Mrs. Duran and her stepdaughter. It belongs to them.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Oh, my dear Ace, you are indeed the soul of honor. But the fact of the matter is that Marlene Duran called me after you talked with her. Oh, come in, Marlene.

[Dr. Gail]

I was just telling which one of you killed Stanton.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Marlene, put that ridiculous pistol away.

[Dr. Gail]

Which one of you?

[Leonidas]

It was quite unintentional, Mrs. Durant. A regrettable and melancholy accident. I assure you, I never meant to.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Here, now. I save our.

[Dr. Gail]

And you sent him to do it.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

No, no, no, no.

[Edward Ace]

I, I.

[Dr. Gail]

You did. I'm going to kill you too.

[Colonel Gregory Amherst]

Hey, for heaven's sake. She's mad. Oh, how stupid. How incredibly stupid. Shot down by.

[Dr. Gail]

You see, I killed him. I loved Stanton, so I killed his killers.

[Edward Ace]

Yeah, just like you and Stanton killed your husband. He got wise of the fact that you and Stanton were going to run out on him. So he sent Stanton to deliver the phony package. He knew that Amherst was in New York. He tipped Amherst off, thinking that Leonidas would be sent to kill Stanton for the package. But Stanton was wise to it. He sent me instead. When he saw that I was attacked, he came back here and killed your husband.

[Dr. Gail]

Yes, my husband. And he deserved it.

[Edward Ace]

All right, Marlene, come along with me.

[Dr. Gail]

I'm not going with you, Mr. Ace, because you and Elsie are going to the morgue.

[Edward Ace]

And so Elsie used my gun to send two bullets into Marlene. How do you like that? I forgotten the kid was holding it.

[Dr. Gail]

But what about Elsie? Won't she have to stand trial?

[Edward Ace]

No, it's been settled down at headquarters. After all, Marlene did kill two men and then threaten Elsie and me with a gun. So Elsie will be okay.

[Dr. Gail]

And. And what about the coin? Does Elsie keep?

[Edward Ace]

Yeah, but she's having it melted down.

[Dr. Gail]

Into what?

[Edward Ace]

A small silver crucifix.

[Dr. Gail]

I see. I like that. Good night, Mr. Ace.

[Edward Ace]

Good night, Dr. Gill. In a moment, George Raft will be back as Mr. A's to tell you about next week's case. But first, a brief word from our sponsor. Thank you. Next week, I'll be telling Dr. Gale about the man who was forced to help his wife's murderer. Thank you, George.

[Detective Lieutenant Walsh]

We'll be listening.

[Edward Ace]

Tonight's supporting cast included Francis Heflin, Joseph Kearns, Ted Von Eltz, Charlie Lung, Elliot Reed, Mary Jane Croft and Lorraine Beaumont. The music was composed and conducted by Del Castillo. This is Carlton Cadell speaking and inviting you to listen again next week to George Raft. In the cases of Mr. Race.