Ellery Queen 48-04-29 (351) The Three Frogs

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Ellery Queen 48-04-29 (351) – The Three Frogs
Main Theme:
This episode presents a classic Ellery Queen detective story that centers on juvenile delinquency, depicting a case involving a youth gang called "The Frogs" and a frame-up for robbery. The story tackles not only the crime itself, but also social issues such as poverty, youth crime, intolerance, and the importance of understanding and rehabilitation. Listeners are invited to solve the mystery alongside Ellery Queen and guest "armchair detective" Flora Belle Muir.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Slum Life and Juvenile Delinquency

[00:02-02:20]

• Opening Dedication: The show is dedicated not just to fighting violent and dishonest crime but also intolerance and discrimination.
  • "I dedicate this program to the fight against crime. Not only crimes of violence and crimes of dishonesty, but also crimes of intolerance, discrimination and bad citizenship. Crimes against America.” – Announcer (00:05)
• Nicky Moves to a Rough Neighborhood: Nicky Porter is searching for a new apartment in a lower-income area, raising concerns from Ellery Queen about crime and slum conditions.

2. Meeting the Neighbors & Neighborhood Tension

• Introduces key neighbors: Mr. Stankman, a tall, somewhat aloof figure; Dr. Cordle, a hunchbacked but kind physician; and Mr. Gazo, a French reporter.
  • [02:30-03:20] - Quick neighborly exchanges hint at unease, crime, and the mix of characters in the building.

3. The Bubblegum Kid – Frankie

[03:40-06:17]

• Nicky discovers wounded Frankie "Bubblegum Kid" Clough hiding in her apartment after a gang fight.
• Despite his tough facade, Frankie is only 14 and clearly in trouble and pain. Nicky tends to his wound and hides him from the police.
  • "You gonna hide me out, Sister, I'll... You're bleeding. That's it. Now, just lie still, Frankie.” – Nicky (04:07)
• Frankie’s Situation: He’s on the run after a gang scuffle gone wrong, deeply distrustful of cops.

4. Police Search & Juvenile Justice Debate

[05:07-06:17]

• Ellery and Sergeant V come knocking, searching for the Bubblegum Kid, revealing he’s a ringleader in "The Frogs," who stole tonight.
• Nicky defends Frankie’s humanity and wonders aloud if punishment really helps such kids.
  • “That’s gonna cure him, won’t it?” – Nicky (05:43, challenging the justice system)
• The episode touches on the cycle of crime, despair, and the need for social solutions.

5. Frankie's Story and Motivation

[08:16-10:13]

• Nicky learns Frankie’s father is in prison and his mother is gone; he has no real home.
• Frankie sleeps in his gang’s clubhouse and toughs out his misfortunes; Nicky tries to show him kindness with no hidden "angle."
  • “Frankie, not everyone has an angle.” – Nicky (09:43)
  • “Nobody’s gotta do nothing for me.” – Frankie (09:55)
• Frankie’s distrust is palpable, and Nicky strikes a bargain not to turn him over to Ellery without his consent.

6. Cops, Community, and Fear

[11:05-12:03]

• Why do kids hate cops?
  • “Fear, Nikki. Hate is made by fear. Any cop worth his dog knows he's got to sell the kids on the idea that he's their friend, which he is.” – Inspector (11:37)
• Police express frustration at being powerless to fix the roots of poverty and crime.

7. “Armchair Detective” & Social Experiment

[13:10-14:59]

• Nicky brings a cleaned-up Frankie to meet other normal kids, boosting his self-esteem and planting the seeds for rehabilitation.
  • “How soon can you fix it for me to meet Mr. Queen?” – Frankie (15:14, sign of trust and hope)
  • Memorable, heartwarming moment as Nicky kisses Frankie and he beams with new confidence (15:20).

8. Theft, Framing, and the Real Crime

[18:15-19:19]

• Frankie is assaulted and found unconscious—simultaneously, Stankman’s bonds are stolen.
• Evidence is planted: bubble gum with Frankie's prints is discovered on the safe, and a weight with his fingerprints is beside him.

9. Piecing Together the Frame-Up

[19:33-21:44]

• Ellery, Nicky, and the others debate whether Frankie was set up.
  • “That’s a frame up.” – Nicky (19:50)
  • Ellery considers the evidence: gum only on Frankie’s right forefinger, not his thumb—unlikely for a gum-chewing kid.
  • “Someone else did and pressed Frankie's forefinger into it. A frame up, as Nicky said.” – Ellery (24:45)

10. Who Is “The Frog”?

[21:22-26:30]

• Three main suspects in the building: Dr. Cordle (small stature), Mr. Gazo (Frenchman, “frog” as a slur), and Stankman (tall).
• Flora Belle Muir, the guest detective, guesses Mr. Gazo because “Frog” is a slur for Frenchmen.
• Ellery refutes this with a pointed anti-bigotry message.
  • “Frog. The Frenchman. That's a slang word for Frenchman. Yes, and as nasty a word, Sergeant, as kike, nigger, wap, Polack...” – Ellery (25:35)
• Only Stankman is tall enough to have struck Frankie on the top of his head. Conclusion: Stankman is the Frog and the true culprit.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dedication to fighting all forms of crime:
  “Crimes of intolerance, discrimination, and bad citizenship. Crimes against America.” – Announcer (00:05)

• On why kids hate cops:
  “Hate is made by fear. Any cop worth his dog knows he's got to sell the kids on the idea that he's their friend, which he is.” – Inspector (11:37)

• On labels and prejudice:
  “Frog. The Frenchman. That's a slang word for Frenchman. Yes, and as nasty a word, Sergeant, as kike, nigger, wap, Polack, or any of the other insulting terms some people use to assert their purely imaginary superiority over their fellow citizens.” – Ellery (25:35)

• Ellery’s bubblegum clue:
  “Watch a kid remove a wad of gum from his mouth. You'll find he uses two fingers, his forefinger and his thumb. No trace of gum on Frankie's thumb. No thumbprint on the gum. Frankie never took that gum out of his mouth. Someone else did and pressed Frankie's forefinger into it. A frame up, as Nicky said.” – Ellery (24:45)

• Frankie’s breakthrough:
  “How soon can you fix it for me to meet Mr. Queen?” – Frankie (15:14)

• Final note of hope:
  “I don't think we'll have much trouble in persuading the judge that Frankie deserves a chance. Nicky, he'll be put on probation in his Aunt Nicky's custody and mine.” – Ellery (26:50)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:02 – Show dedication and opening
• 03:40 – Nicky finds and cares for wounded Frankie
• 05:07 – Police visit; revelation of Frankie’s identity
• 08:16 – Dr. Cordle treats Frankie; Nicky persuades Frankie to trust her
• 11:37 – Insightful discussion on kids’ distrust of police
• 13:10 – Nicky’s bid for Frankie’s rehabilitation
• 15:14 – Frankie asks to meet Ellery, signifying a turning point
• 18:15 – Frankie found injured, robbery discovered
• 19:33 – Initial suspicion falls on Frankie
• 21:22 – Flora Belle Muir presents her guess
• 24:45 – Ellery reveals the flaw in the evidence against Frankie
• 25:35 – Ellery’s anti-bigotry speech
• 26:50 – Frankie’s hope for a better future

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Closing Thoughts

This episode of Ellery Queen weaves a classic whodunit with social commentary about poverty, juvenile crime, and the dangers of prejudice. With compassion for troubled youth and a sharp eye for detail, Ellery uncovers a frame-up and delivers a plea for understanding and rehabilitation over mere punishment. The show stands out for its blend of hard-boiled mystery, human warmth, and a progressive message on American values.

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Transcript

[A]

Ellery Queen. In the interest of a safer American home, a happier American community, a more United States, the American Broadcasting Company and its affiliated stations bring you Ellery Queen. I dedicate this program to the fight against crime. Not only crimes of violence and crimes of dishonesty, but also crimes of intolerance, discrimination and bad citizenship. Crimes against America. The American Broadcasting Company presents another case in the career of Ellery Queen, celebrated fighter of crime. As usual, Ellery invites you to match wits with him as he relates the mystery. And before revealing the solution, he gives you a chance to solve it. Tonight, Ellery's guest, Armchair Detective, who will represent you. Home. Armchair Detectives is the famous columnist of daily variety, Ms. Flora Belle Muir. And now here's Ellery Queen, your host for the next half hour. Thank you, Paul Masterson, and good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight's case is much more Nicky's than mine. I urge everyone interested in the problem of juvenile delinquency to listen to the Three Frogs. All right, Nikki, so you decided to find a new apartment, but did you have to pick the east side?

[B]

The slum around this corner? Ellery.

[A]

Garbage tossed out the trunk windows, gangs of young hoodlums. Nikki, do you know what the incidence of crime is in this neighborhood?

[B]

Well, for the love of that three story embasement. Brown stone over there. Ellery. Take it back, Mr. Q. Oh, in space.

[A]

Around the corner. And it's a very nice street.

[B]

Nothing wrong with a house either.

[A]

You sure the place isn't haunted? There must be something wrong with it.

[B]

I'd like to see the ghost who could make me move. Thanks, Orie.

[A]

All right, Nikki, I'll go up with you. Like to see that apartment?

[B]

Nothing doing. You wait till I fix it up.

[A]

Well, all right. See you tomorrow, Nikki.

[B]

Night, Ellie. Night. Good evening. Oh, good evening.

[A]

I believe we're neighbors. My name is Stankman. Clyde Stankman.

[B]

Oh, yes. You're on the floor above me, Mr. Stankman. My name is Nicky Porter.

[A]

How do you do? No, no. Allow me, Ms. Porter.

[B]

Why, thank you.

[A]

You know, young women really shouldn't live in this neighborhood.

[B]

Why not, Mr. Stankson?

[A]

Too much crime. There was just a. Oh, Mr. Gazot. What's what? Would you. Ms. Porter? Mr. Gazot. Top door.

[B]

Hello, Mr. Gaz. Monsieur Stein. Glimme. Did you hear?

[A]

Mr. Gozzo was reporting the UN for a Paris paper, Ms. Porter?

[B]

Yes, how thrilling. No, no, ma'. Am.

[A]

Very dull. I'd much rather report your crime news, monsieur.

[B]

Did you hear, Andrade? You.

[A]

That street fight two blocks away?

[B]

Oh, no.

[A]

Yes, Gazelle. I've just been over there. Bad?

[B]

Then it is where I am going.

[A]

Bottom of the.

[B]

Certainly.

[A]

Hello?

[B]

It is Abby. Was anybody hurt? Mr. Stanks?

[A]

Yes. Gang of hoodlums. Mere boys started it.

[B]

Oh, dear.

[A]

Well, I'll be saying good night.

[B]

Good night, Mr. Stankland.

[A]

Good night, Miss Porter.

[B]

Now, where was that light switch again? Oh. What? Yeah, this is a real ride, Sister, so don't get no ideas. What are you doing in my apartment? I was in a fight. I'm on the lam from the lousy cops. Aren't you a little young to be afraid of policemen? How old are you? Stay where you are. 14. And no cracks. 14? And what's your name? Frankie Clough. And you're gonna hide me out, Sister, I'll. You're bleeding. That's it. Now, just lie still, Frankie. I know it hurts, but I've got to wash some of this blood away. Frankie, there's no use fumbling around for your artillery. I've hidden it. You. Oh, it's a trap, Sister.

[A]

You call the cops and I'll.

[B]

Who's that? Yes? Who's there?

[A]

Police.

[B]

Cops? You called him. You be quiet.

[A]

I told you, Sergeant. This is Nikki's new apartment.

[B]

Ellery.

[A]

Nikki, it's Ellery.

[B]

Come on, open. I'm getting out of here. You're staying right here, Frankie, and keep your mouth shut. Coming, Ellery. Well, if it isn't EQ and Sergeant V find time for a visit. What's up?

[A]

All Hallelujahs broke loose over on Stucker Street, Miss Port. I was on my way home and I ran into the thick of it, and. Really here? Yeah. Somebody in the back thought he saw a kid duck into the alley behind this house, Ms. Pete. He wouldn't be in your apartment, would he, Nicky?

[B]

A boy? Who is he? What'd he do?

[A]

Well, Garthly's done a great deal, Nicky. He's one of the ringleaders of a juvenile gang who call themselves the Frogs. This kid is known as the Bubblegum Kid. The Frogs pulled a big job tonight, then apparently got into a fight over the division of the spoils.

[B]

Well, what's going to happen to this boy if he's caught?

[A]

What's going to happen to him? He's going to get what's coming to him, and that's plenty of money, juvenile court and probably the reformatory.

[B]

That's going to cure him, won't it?

[A]

I know, Nikki, it's a tough problem, but what are we standing here in the hall for? As long as I'M here, Nicky.

[B]

Not till the place is fixed up.

[A]

Why, Nicky, you'll have me thinking you've got that young hoodlum in there.

[B]

Oh, go on away.

[A]

Come on, Sergeant. Right. Good night, Ms. Porter.

[B]

Good night, Sergeant.

[A]

Good night, Nikki.

[B]

Good night, Hillary. Well, Frankie, you still think this is a trap? I. I don't get it. Hey, lady, what are you doing? You're going to bed. Must stay bed.

[A]

Hold still.

[B]

You're gonna undress me. Well, you can't go to bed with your clothes on. I'll undress myself. All right, Frankie, but be very careful. You gonna stay in the room? No. Frankie, take care of my pajamas. Put on a dame's pajamas. No soap. Put this on, Frank. Here, I put it on for you. Okay, okay. I'll be right back. Hey, where you going? For the doctor who lives on the ground floor. No, no, I don't get no doctor. And then, Frankie, you and I are going to have a little talk.

[A]

Now, young man, you'll have to hold still.

[B]

You're killing me, Doc.

[A]

This is going to hurt.

[B]

Dr. Cordel, isn't that an awfully nasty wound?

[A]

Yes, lost a lot of blood. But I wouldn't worry, Ms. Porter. These slum boys are tough.

[B]

Frankie's no slum product, Doctor. He's my nephew.

[A]

Really? How did you get this knife wound?

[B]

Frankie, let's not promote knife. I was climbing a fence with glass on top. Cut me all up.

[A]

I see. He Mustn't be moved, Ms. Porter. And that wound has to be watched.

[B]

I'll be okay. Lemme alone. I'll watch it. Dr. Cordle, I've had some nursing experience.

[A]

Good, good. There, young man. How does that dressing feel?

[B]

Oh, great.

[A]

Should be changed every 12 hours, Ms. Porter. And watch his temperature.

[B]

Yes, Doctor. What do I owe you?

[A]

Well, since we're neighbors, Ms. Porter, I'll. I'll send you a bill. I'll take a look in on him tomorrow.

[B]

Good night. Good night, Doctor. And thank you. Well, that's over. Feel better? He made me nervous. Hey, what are you doing? Just tucking you in. That little guy don't look like no real doctor anyway.

[A]

Looks more like a toad all hunched over.

[B]

Frankie, we don't talk about other people's physical defects. Not Dr. Cordle's fault that he has a hunchback. And it's to his credit that he was able to overcome his handicap. Handicapped? Everyone has some handicap to overcome. Some of us have to overcome the way we started out in life. Like Miami. I'm doing okay. There you are, Frankie. I think we ought to let your father and mother know where we are, don't you? My hero. Hey, what do you think I am, a boy scout? No, Frankie, I don't think you're a boy scout. You're not man enough to beat one. Say, listen, baby. The name is Ms. Porter. Frankie, don't you have any parents? Ah, sure, sure. My old man's doing a stretch and stir, and my old lady, I don't know where she is. Ain't seen her for two years. I see. Then where do you live, Frankie?

[A]

Around.

[B]

We frogs got a clubhouse kinda. I sleep there on the floor most of the time. Hey, this bed is the Nuts Frog. Yeah, My gang. The big shot who organized it calls himself the Frog. And what? Yes, Frankie, go on. I'm interested. I, I, I made it all up. Hey, where are you going to sleep? In my bedroom, man. Now, you better get some rest. Wait a second. Why are you doing all this for me? What's your angle? Angle? Frankie, not everyone has an angle. Oh, no? I suppose you're doing this because you like me, huh? That's one reason. Another is that everybody talks about helping boys like you, but very few actually do. Nobody's gotta do nothing for me. Frankie, I'd like you to talk to that man who was here a while ago. The one I called. Ellery. Yeah, well, for who is he? Ellery Queen. Ellery Queen, that cop lovin'. I knew this was a trap. Frankie, no. I wanna let go of.

[A]

No.

[B]

Frankie, go. So pushed I can't even get away from a lousy Dane. You're staying right here till you get well. This Queen will sic the cops on me. No, Frankie, he'll help you. His old man's a cop. He's got cop blood. I hate every lousy cop that ever was. Frankie, suppose. Suppose I promise not to tell Mr. Queen about you till you say the word. How's that? Okay. Okay, it's a deal. Now, I'm gonna turn the light off. Say, ba. Ms. Porter. Yes, Frankie. I, I'm sorry I called you lousy dame. Night. Good night, Frank. Mickey.

[A]

We'Ve got to find that Bubblegum kid.

[B]

We've got to.

[A]

Yeah, Inspector. Now go. Dad. Take it easy, Inspector.

[B]

Why is this boy so important?

[A]

Because, Nikki, I think he knows who the Frog is. The adult who organized the kid gang and directs their operation.

[B]

Oh, you make him talk. Inspector, we've got to break the back of this can.

[A]

The boy is hiding out around Stocker street somewhere.

[B]

You get down there and don't come back till you find him.

[A]

Yes, Sir. Let's see, Dick. We've been trying to find it. Go on, you two, go home.

[B]

Inspector.

[A]

What, Nikki?

[B]

Why do these boys hate policemen so?

[A]

Because they're on the street and they figure the officer's there to spoil their fun. Nicky. Fear, Nikki. Hate is made by fear. Any cop worth his dog knows he's got to sell the kids on the idea that he's their friend, which he is. They learn to obey the rules the way they've got to when they grow up.

[B]

Look at the way they have to grow up in. I know, Nikki, but after all, we're only cops.

[A]

We can't change social conditions. That's the job for everybody. And I got a report to the boss. All right.

[B]

Night, Inspector.

[A]

Night, dad. Well, Nicky, why this sudden interest in slum kids?

[B]

Oh, generally, Ellie, I've got to get on hold. Oh, sure.

[A]

I'll take you.

[B]

What up, Father? No Father at all.

[A]

I'd like to.

[B]

Come on, Ellery. No.

[A]

What's the matter, Nicky? Isn't your apartment fixed up yet?

[B]

Well, not entirely.

[A]

Or don't you want me to see the boy you're hiding out?

[B]

How'd you know?

[A]

I didn't. You just told me.

[B]

Ellrie, he's only 14 years old. His father's in prison and his nigga.

[A]

The boy's broken the law.

[B]

I know, but, Ellery, he's just a child, and he's hurt.

[A]

Oh, but, Nicky, if he can put the finger on this man they call the fraud.

[B]

Mikey doesn't know who he is, Ellery. He doesn't. I tell you, he doesn't. He sends them messages. They've never seen him. That's what Frankie says, and I believe him. But even if he's lying, to turn him over to the police. Now, Ellery, I want to show him that not everyone's an enemy, that there are decent people in this world, people who give him what he's never had. Love. And I'm doing it, Ellery. I'm getting somewhere. He's fighting me, but he's losing. Let me have him for just a little while longer, won't you? Please, Please, please.

[A]

Nikki, if dad ever finds out about this, you'll have to hide me out, too.

[B]

There. Now, take a look at yourself in the mirror, Frankie. Am I sure? This soup must have set you back plenty of mood. Oh, never mind that. You're sure you feel well enough, Frankie? Ah, in the pink. In the pink. Ben, come on. But where are we going? What's the mystery? Well, Frankie, come on, then.

[A]

Good evening, Ms. Porter.

[B]

Oh, hello.

[A]

And this is the nephew, Ms. Porter?

[B]

Yes, Mr. Gazo. This is Frankie.

[A]

Very nice looking boy. Hello.

[B]

Hiya, P. Mr. Stank. Mr. Who?

[A]

This boy looks familiar to me.

[B]

Let's get a move on, huh? Nicky? Oh, yes, Frankie. Nice to see you both.

[A]

Good evening, Miss. Very familiar.

[B]

Here you are. Why, Frankie, you remembered the door. Thank you. Ah. Say, Aunt Nikki, who's that little Frenchman? What's his racket? Why, little Mr. Gazelle is a reporter for a French newspaper. Oh. And who is that great big tall old guy? Mr. Tanker? Another neighbor. Apartment over mine. They say he has a strong box full of bonds and his. Yeah. Something. Nothing. Frankie. You scared I'd crack his box? Swipe the bond, would you? You wouldn't like it, would you? No, Frankie, I wouldn't. That's what I thought. Stealing is for suckers. Say, where are we going at Nikki? To the subway to Brooklyn. I have a niece there, Frankie. She's in junior high. I want you two to meet a girl. I.

[A]

Nothing doing.

[B]

I think, Frankie, you'll find Ivy a little different from the girl you've known. Oh, not a tough babe, huh? No. Frankie, I thought maybe you'd like take Ivy and me out to movies tonight. She's terribly anxious to meet you. She is, huh? Sounds okay. Yeah, not so bad. Hey, could you let me have a dime? Sure. Thank you. Of course, I. I feel like I'd like to have some bubble gum. You walk so fast, Frankie. I sit down here on the still, but I catch my breath. But why won't you tell me what Ivy said, Aunt Nikki? He might get a swelled head. You mean she liked me? She couldn't get over you being only 14. Of course, Ivy goes for the tall, lanky type anyway. What'd she say? What'd she say? She said you look and act like a great big man. At least 17. You're kidding. No. How'd you like her, Frankie? Oh, she's solid. I. I never met a girl like that before. Say, Aunt Nikki. Yes, dear? How. How soon can you fix it for me to meet Mr. Queen? Frankie. Oh, Frankie, why? Just why? Hey. Hey, you kissed me. Here, Frankie, take Mikey, go into the house. Wait for me. Where you going? Anthony, the phone. Now or he. So I ran over to the drugstore to call you. Ellery, it wasn't wonderful. I won. I won.

[A]

That kid must have good stuff.

[B]

Oh, he has, Ellery. He just never had a chance before, that's all. Ellie, couldn't we send him away to school? I pay my share. I can't swing it all along.

[A]

I want to talk to him first, Nicky.

[B]

Well, of course.

[A]

As a matter of fact, I was just coming over to your place anyway.

[B]

With dad. For the Inspector. For the Inspector? Ellie, what's the matter? Something's wrong. Does he know about Prank?

[A]

No, it's something else. Dad, talk to Nikki.

[B]

All right, Nikki, what is it? Inspector V just came up with a report. The sergeant, he found out something important.

[A]

V? Yeah. Inspector, tell Nikki what you told me. Okay. Ms. Porter.

[B]

Yes, Sergeant?

[A]

You know this Fragan, calls himself the Frog who runs that kid gang?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Well, I just got one of the kids to open up. He don't know who the Frog is, but he does know where he lives.

[B]

Where, Sergeant?

[A]

In your house, Ms. Porter.

[B]

My house?

[A]

Yeah, in one of those apartments.

[B]

Really, Jimmy.

[A]

Well, okay. You'd better not go back there. There may be fireworks.

[B]

Understand? Yes.

[A]

Don't hang up. Oh, okay, son.

[B]

Really.

[A]

Come on, Vicki.

[B]

Yes, Ellie.

[A]

Wait for me downstairs. Dad. Vicky, it might be wise to get the boy out of there for the time being.

[B]

Yes. All right.

[A]

Take him to the Y, Nicky. Park him there and come back quick before we get there.

[B]

Right. Mr. Gazelle. Dr. Cordle.

[A]

Oh, here's Ms. Porter. Mendez.

[B]

Oh, what's the name? Frankie. Frankie. His heart. He's bleeding. His head. Doctor. Dr. Cordle.

[A]

Mr. Gazo just called me Ms. Porter. I just got here.

[B]

Mr. Gazo. I was going out for a newspaper, mamzel. I stumbled over your nephew. He was lying here in the hall, bleeding, unconscious. Doctor, how is he?

[A]

Oh, bad blow on the head. Doesn't seem to be concussive. But Mr. Gazo, let me lift him.

[B]

He's so big. Here, let me help you.

[A]

Hang on.

[B]

So soon after. Isn't that Mr. Stanklin?

[A]

It's Mr. Stanklin, I believe.

[B]

Mr. Stanklin. What's the matter?

[A]

My bond.

[B]

My life savings. My bond. I've been robbed.

[A]

Nikki. Now look, Ms. Porter.

[B]

Don't talk to me, any of you.

[A]

Nikki. In the first place, that boy is the bubblegum kid we've been looking for. I've been looking for when all the time she had.

[B]

I'm sorry, Sergeant. He was hurt. I had to give him his chance.

[A]

And look what he did with it. Shut up, Z. In the second place, we found a wad of bubblegum stuck to Stankin Strongbox and it's got the print of the kid's right forefinger smack on it. Clear as a picture. Mickey, I'm sorry.

[B]

I suppose Frankie hit himself over the head.

[A]

Yes. That's three pound scale Weight we found near him with blood on it was made to order for a fake. All he had to do, Nicky, was hold it high over his head and let it drop. And his prints are on Matt.

[B]

Fantastic.

[A]

Dad. What? This could be a frame up, you know.

[B]

Yes, that's what it is. It's a frame up.

[A]

We now know the man whom they call the Frog, the brains of the gang, lives in this house. Then he's seen Frankie here and he's realized Nicky was rehabilitating him. He'd want to make Frankie an example so that the kids still in the gang would be held in line. So he knocks out Frankie, presses Frankie's right forefinger into the bubble gum, robs Franklin's strongbox and leaves the gum on the box. And I'm Uncle Dunn.

[B]

And that's just what happened.

[A]

Yeah. Didn't we find traces of bubble gum on the kid's right forefinger?

[B]

Of course you did, Sergeant. He was framed.

[A]

Wait a minute, Nicky. Were traces of gum found anywhere else on Frankie, Dad? No, son, just on his right forefinger. Why? I want to talk to Frankie.

[B]

So do I. Oh, don't get him excited, please. Maybe he's still too weak a doctor.

[A]

Oh, hello there.

[B]

Frankie's not well enough to be questioned yet, is he, Dr. Cordle?

[A]

Oh, I think so, Ms. Porter. Oh, even though the blow was directly on top of his head, he's made a fine recovery.

[B]

Frankie. Hi, Frankie. I'm sorry you two had to meet this way, but this is ellery queen. Hi, Mr. Queen.

[A]

Hello, Frankie. Well, fella, it looks as if you're in a jam.

[B]

Yeah, they. They told me, but I didn't do it, Mr. Corney.

[A]

Frankie, how'd you get that crack on the skull?

[B]

Well, while Ms. Porter was phoning, somebody.

[A]

Knocked on the door.

[B]

I open it and there's nobody there. I go out in the hall and wham. That's all I remember.

[A]

Hit from behind, huh?

[B]

Yeah, somebody was land bombing at the Queen.

[A]

Frankie.

[B]

Huh?

[A]

Frankie, who's the Frog?

[B]

I don't know.

[A]

Hey, somebody lives in this house, kid. Now, who is he?

[B]

I don't know, I tell you. Let me alone, you lousy. Frankie. I'm sorry, Aunt Mickey. Cops are my friends, huh? Can't you see he's telling the truth? The fog is. Mr. Gazoa. Dr. Cordle here.

[A]

I beg your pardon.

[B]

You couldn't be doctor. Or maybe it's Old St himself, stole his own buns or something. But frankly had nothing to do with it.

[A]

I'm sorry, Nikki, but I'm Going to help now, Deb. I can clear the whole thing up for you. There he goes again. I can't help that, Sergeant. But now I know who the Frog is and all the rest of it. Gentlemen, you have the mystery. Now suppose you home armchair detectives and our guest in the studio compare solutions, Nikki.

[B]

Certainly, Ellery. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Ms. Flora del Muir, famous columnist of Daily Variety, the entertainment world trade publication, and also west coast correspondent for the New York Daily News.

[A]

Welcome to the armchair, Ms. Muira. Well, you shouldn't have too much solving this case tonight. If memory serves, you've had a great deal of experience covering criminal cases as a newspaper woman.

[B]

Well, Ellery, you're correct on one thing. I have had plenty of occasions to write about actual murder cases. But when it comes to something like your thriller tonight, well, that's another story. I'm not too much on the actual solving end of the mystery.

[A]

Are you just being modest, Miss Muir? Now, suppose we get down to the business at hand. Tell us who is the Frog and who stole the bonds.

[B]

I think the Frenchman is the Frog, because that's the name we apply to Frenchmen. He probably might have taken it for that reason.

[A]

I see. Yes, many people do use that term. What is your reason for selecting him as the guilty party?

[B]

Well, he doesn't seem to have any real connection. He seems to be running around interesting himself in crime of one sort and another. He seems to have some sort of a connection with Stangler, or attempting to get acquainted with Stangler, probably to find out whether Stangler had any any bonds or not. Or any money.

[A]

Thank you very much, Flora Bellemure. We'll find out in just a moment if your solution is correct. Now, here's Paul Masterson. The economic and political upheavals this country has great a experiencing now as a result of the war provides fertile ground for those who sow the seeds of racial and religious prejudice either through ignorance or indifference. Many Americans these days are using the old scapegoat technique of blaming all modern day difficulties on racial, religious and other minority groups. Straighten out your friends who slander a whole group because of one petty personal dislike. Encourage respect of minority religions and races. Keep America great by promoting the racial and religious freedom that made it great. First, Frankie didn't steal those bonds.

[B]

Frankie, see what I tell you.

[A]

It's purely a matter of bubble gum technique. The print of Frankie's forefinger was found on the gum stuck to the old man's strongbox. Traces of gum were found on Frankie's forefinger and Nowhere else. Watch a kid remove a wad of gum from his mouth. You'll find that he uses two fingers, his forefinger and his thumb. No trace of gum on Frankie's thumb. No thumbprint on the gum. Frankie never took that gum out of his mouth. Someone else did and pressed Frankie's forefinger into it. A frame up, as Nicky said.

[B]

Yeah. Hey, what do you think of that?

[A]

Looks as if we figured you all wrong, Frankie. Maybe. Lynch sure does. It's okay. Second, who's the Frog? Somebody living in this house now, aside from Nikki, who lives here? Dr. Cordle.

[B]

The frog. The Frog. Hey, remember Aunt Nikki, I said the dot looked like a Frankie.

[A]

It's all right. It doesn't bother me, and he's a child. But believe me, gentlemen, I'm not this man they call the Frog. Hey, wait a minute. Frog. The Frenchman. That's a slang word for Frenchman. Yes, and as nasty a word, Sergeant, as kike, nigger, wap, Polack, or any of the other insulting terms some people use to assert their purely imaginary superiority over their fellow citizens. Oh, I didn't mean it that way, maestro. I just meant stampin his voice. That frog in the throat. I think we can arrive at the frog by a more satisfactory route, dad. Oh, what do we know? The frog did. He struck Veeley directly on the top of a head. But Frankie is. Dr. Cordle is small. M. Gazo has been described as the little Frenchman. But what about Stanklin? A big, tall man. Only Stanklin was tall enough of the three possibilities to strike the top of Frankie's head. Stanklin framed Frankie. Stanklin is the fraud.

[B]

I think.

[A]

Billy, we'll go upstairs and interview Mr. Stanklin. Let me, Adam.

[B]

Thanks, Mr. Queen. Frankie, this time I didn't have to remind you. Boy, that was something. That was okay. Ellery, will he have to go to court? I mean, those other charges.

[A]

I don't think we'll have much trouble in persuading the judge that Frankie deserves a chance. Nicky, he'll be put on probation in his Aunt Nicky's custody and mine. Oh, Ellery, Gee, don't. Don't start bawling.

[B]

Wait a minute. Nikki. Makes a guy want to fall himself.

[A]

Now, listen, for heaven's sake, you'll have me doing it in a minute.

[B]

Nikki, will you cut that out? Frankie.

[A]

And there, ladies and gentlemen, you have the solution to our mystery. Thank you, Ms. Flora Belle Muir, for serving as our guest armchair detective this evening. As mementos of the occasion, I have for you a copy of my latest mystery anthology, the Queen's Awards, 1947, and a subscription to Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. Oh, Paul. And what's for next week, Ellery? Well, Paul. Next week. Oh, by the way, are you interested in cards? Card? You mean bridge, poker and such? Well, I. Well, it isn't about cards, Paul, even though I call it one Diamond. This is Ellery Queen saying good night until next week and enlisting all Americans every night and every day in the fight against bad citizenship, bigotry and discrimination, the crimes which are weakening America.