Hermit's Cave xx-xx-xx (xxx) Fever

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: Episode Summary - "Hermit's Cave xx-xx-xx (xxx) Fever"

Episode Information:

• Title: Hermit's Cave xx-xx-xx (xxx) Fever
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: March 26, 2025
• Description: This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, presenting a dramatic tale filled with familial conflict, obsession with wealth, and supernatural elements, all set against the backdrop of a rural farmhouse.

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Introduction

"Hermit's Cave xx-xx-xx (xxx) Fever" unfolds in a secluded farmhouse dominated by the tense relationship between Theo and his father, Pa. The narrative delves into themes of greed, familial duty, and the haunting presence of the Hermit, a spectral figure intertwined with the family's fate.

Plot Overview

1. The Strained Relationship: The episode opens with a domestic scene where Theo attempts to mediate a heated conversation between Pa and himself.

• Pa's Obsession:

  • [02:46] Pa declares, “I can't stand to have no illness like this,” highlighting his refusal to succumb to illness without securing his wealth.

• Theo's Contradictory Nature:

  • Theo counters Pa’s greed with a longing for beauty and simplicity: “I got nothing but wishes for beauty. There ain't no beauty here.”

2. The Strong Box Conflict: Central to the plot is the coveted strong box containing the family’s wealth. Pa is utterly possessive of it, refusing to share or relinquish control.

• Pa's Defiance:

  • [03:48] Pa asserts, “It's mine, all mine,” emphasizing his sole claim over the money.

• Theo's Resistance:

  • Theo tries to reason, “Ain't no use in just staring at this money,” but Pa remains unyielding.

3. The Arrival of the Hermit: The enigmatic Hermit enters the scene, introducing a supernatural element that exacerbates the existing tensions.

• Hermit's Insight:
  • At [05:00], the Hermit remarks, “What living have I ever done? Fetching and caring for pawn else in my life since I was 10,” revealing his own struggles and connections to the family's plight.

4. Escalation Toward Tragedy: As the narrative progresses, the conflict intensifies, leading to dramatic confrontations and culminating in disaster.

• Elton's Confrontation:

  • [11:49] Elton confronts Theo: “Where you been?” This marks the beginning of the end as the family's inability to reconcile leads to chaos.

• The Fire:

  • The climax sees the farmhouse engulfed in flames: “He's knocked over the candles, the curtain, the curtains are all on fire” ([21:14]), symbolizing the destruction of familial bonds and greed.

5. Aftermath and Reflection: The episode concludes with the devastation of the family’s home and the demise of Pa and his sister, leaving Theo to reflect on the consequences of their actions.

• Hermit's Lament:
  • The Hermit narrates the tragic end: “The old man took his money to the grave with him... Her head was right up against an old vile rose brick” ([24:37]), underscoring the futility of their obsession.

Character Analysis

1. Pa: Pa embodies greed and the destructive nature of obsession with wealth. His inability to let go of the strong box leads to familial discord and ultimately, tragedy.

• Notable Quote:
  • [03:16] “You don’t need to perch like a vulture below stairs waiting for the end. Ain’t gonna be none.”

2. Theo: Theo represents a yearning for beauty and simplicity, contrasting sharply with his father’s avarice. His internal conflict and desire for a more meaningful life highlight the emotional strain within the family.

• Notable Quote:
  • [07:47] “I want a time to dream. To walk these woods when the moon is calling.”

3. Hermit: The Hermit serves as a supernatural catalyst, bringing to light the unresolved tensions and forewarning doom. His presence symbolizes the haunting consequences of unchecked greed.

• Notable Quote:
  • [15:11] “What living have I ever done? Fetching and caring for pawn else in my life since I was 10.”

4. Elton: Elton acts as an antagonist who exacerbates the conflict over the strong box, pushing the family towards their downfall.

• Notable Quote:
  • [12:00] “You should stay away from it's catching what he has.”

Key Scenes

1. The Argument Over Pills: Early in the episode, a tense exchange about illness and medication (around [02:31] - [05:00]) sets the stage for the underlying conflict between Theo and Pa.

2. The Hermit's Warning: The Hermit interacts with the family, hinting at the impending tragedy and the dark obsession with money ([05:00] - [07:22]).

3. The Fire and Destruction: The turning point occurs when the house catches fire, symbolizing the destruction wrought by greed ([21:14] - [23:04]).

4. The Aftermath: In the aftermath, the Hermit narrates the loss and devastation, providing closure to the tragic story ([24:26] - [26:17]).

Themes and Insights

1. The Destructive Nature of Greed: At its core, the episode illustrates how an obsession with wealth can erode familial bonds and lead to ruin.

• “A fever for money. Poor kid, that little Theo.” ([24:28]) - The Hermit emphasizes the blinding nature of greed.

2. Supernatural Consequences: The Hermit's presence underscores the haunting repercussions of moral decay, suggesting that immoral actions invite supernatural retribution.

• “Did you find her? Yes, found her this morning. But she wasn't in the hall there. She must have run out the house when the fire started.” ([23:04]) - The Hermit reveals the inescapable consequences.

3. Conflict Between Materialism and Simplicity: Theo's longing for beauty contrasts with Pa’s materialism, highlighting a universal struggle between valuing experiences over possessions.

• “I want a time to dream. To walk these woods when the moon is calling.” ([07:47])

4. Familial Duty and Betrayal: The episode explores themes of loyalty and betrayal within a family, as each member grapples with their desires and obligations.

• “I never want money. That pretty dress. I want a time to dream.” ([07:47]) - Theo’s declaration of misplaced priorities.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Pa on Wealth Obsession:

  • “It's mine, all mine.” ([03:48])

• Theo on Desire for Beauty:

  • “I want a time to dream. To walk these woods when the moon is calling.” ([07:47])

• Hermit on Greed’s Consequences:

  • “A fever for money. Poor kid, that little Theo.” ([24:28])

• Elton's Antagonism:

  • “You should stay away from it's catching what he has.” ([12:00])

• Final Reflection:

  • “The old man took his money to the grave with him.” ([24:37])

Conclusion

"Hermit's Cave xx-xx-xx (xxx) Fever" is a poignant tale that masterfully intertwines familial drama with supernatural elements to deliver a timeless message about the perils of greed. Through its rich characterizations and dramatic twists, the episode serves as both an entertaining narrative and a cautionary tale, reminding listeners of the importance of valuing relationships and inner beauty over material wealth.

Notable Advertisements: Interspersed within the narrative are period-appropriate advertisements, adding authenticity to the Golden Age of Radio setting. Highlights include:

• American Express Advertisement:

  • “Earn cash back. Weekend getaway. Earn miles AMEX rewards your inner explorer.” ([00:00]-[00:15])

• Carter Coal Company Promotion:

  • “Ask for this good coal by name spelled O L G A. There is no fuel quite like coal and no coal quite like Olga.” ([00:15]-[05:00])

These advertisements not only provide commercial breaks but also enrich the storytelling by situating it within its historical context.

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Disclaimer: All characters, places, and occurrences mentioned in "Hermit's Cave" are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. – Ron Gamble

Transcript

[Theo]

Your next unforgettable experience can happen anytime. Take an AMEX card with you for rewards wherever you go.

[Elton]

Morning coffee run with an old friend.

[Theo]

Earn cash back. Weekend getaway. Earn miles AMEX rewards your inner explorer. Learn [e-mail] terms apply.

[Elton]

The Carter Coal Company and the dealers of alder coal present the mummers in the little scissor of the air. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. It's good to look at the advertising of retail stores today and see for sale such long scarce items as firm as that and coal soakers. It's especially good if you've been able to get a supply of that good alder coal. Because in a good hand fired furnace it responds especially well to the regulation of a thermostat. And burned in a cold soaker you get all the benefits and advantages of Alda coal plus automatic heat. Now is the time to start getting ready for cold weather. Try to get some of this new equipment. Call your friend the auger dealer about the coming winter's coal supply. Ask for this good coal by name spelled O L G A. Ask the gamut. He's out of it because there is no fuel quite like coal and no coal quite like Olga.

[Hermit]

Now the hermit murders do. The hermit knows of them all turn out to me. You heard the story? Then listen while the hermit tells you the story.

[Theo]

Leo. Leo.

[Pa]

Close your door.

[Theo]

I've called and called. I was in the room a minute ago.

[Pa]

Where did dog walk with me?

[Theo]

Not much.

[Pa]

What's he saying?

[Theo]

If you've got some kind of aid and he's going around coming around, huh? You think he. Well, I like him. Now it's nothing to get excited about.

[Pa]

Nothing to get excited about. You can talk. It's me that's got it running up with fever one minute and freezing the next. I'm getting wrong. I can't stand to have no illness like this.

[Theo]

Getting all that ad up pro ain't going to help now. What the dog say to do to take these pills? You left and stand there till the feeder brig.

[Pa]

Where are the pills?

[Theo]

Right here in my hand.

[Pa]

Well, give them to me.

[Theo]

Can you take them without water?

[Pa]

Sure. Time to waste going downstairs for water.

[Theo]

Then I'll lay back and see if you can sleep.

[Pa]

Sleep? I can't sleep.

[Theo]

Well, you can try.

[Pa]

I'll can't nothing happen to me, you hear? Just can't nothing happen. All these years slaving for the farm to make it pay. All the years a shaving. I can die. I can die and leave it.

[Hermit]

I Want the strong box?

[Theo]

Yes, right away. I want it stay covered up. I'll get it. Are you going to die?

[Pa]

Can't I not leave it all? Ain't nobody work hurt but me. It's mine, all mine.

[Theo]

The harm, the money all mine.

[Pa]

And I ain't gonna leave it. Theo.

[Theo]

Theo. Oh, I'm coming to the fancy.

[Pa]

My keys are on the chain in my pants pocket.

[Theo]

We are the artist. And covered up.

[Pa]

I'll quit nagging.

[Theo]

Deal.

[Pa]

Just like your ma was always nagging. Who's that? Someone came in brochures.

[Theo]

Elton, I suspect. I'll be here. She was aiming.

[Pa]

Frankie can keep him out of here. I don't want that worthless son of mine in this room.

[Theo]

Don't worry, Pa. Soon as Elton finds out you got something, he'll be a mile away from you.

[Pa]

Well, you can tell it is for me. I ain't gonna die. You don't need to perch like a vulture below stairs waiting for the end. Ain't gonna be none. You can go now, Theo. Ain't no use in just staring at this money. It's mine. I'm gonna hang onto it for a long time to come.

[Theo]

I wasn't even looking at it.

[Pa]

They're going it to work in the house when I call. Next time don't take so long to come upstairs.

[Theo]

I reckoned it with you.

[Hermit]

Yeah. What's wrong with fire?

[Theo]

Who told you was sick?

[Hermit]

I saw Doc whatsoever.

[Theo]

Did he send it?

[Hermit]

Well, if he had, I wouldn't be asking. He said he was cooked down, that he'd been out here to see it.

[Theo]

He's got something that's complete. They don't know for sure what occasion is. A lot of folks over in White's lust have died at him. I don't say something, Solomon. They sure to be ashamed of.

[Hermit]

You don't say. The Pete's sister pie is back with me. Well, you wish. He hit the dirt just as much as me tummy. You got it back.

[Theo]

Doc will be a little too good.

[Hermit]

Got a wig tie, jeans on right. Well, you reckon I ought to go.

[Theo]

Up to good crazy help you try.

[Hermit]

To give a thought what you do out there to keep us up with him.

[Theo]

Mike knows. He's counting his money.

[Hermit]

Make a strong box down, huh? Peter, don't. You haven't been driving that box.

[Theo]

I wouldn't wish or no. Once I heard him say something about $10,000.

[Hermit]

Couldn't be bad. Big farm like this. Well stocked, building big shape. Financial farm implements. Maybe more. It ain't going to be too bad. If you get a few good stairs here.

[Theo]

You stop that dog.

[Hermit]

I'll be getting back to town. Wouldn't you for prove it some now with something fatal. Things that worship. And call me a Sam Trader most likely to be there for any time.

[Theo]

Sure you will.

[Hermit]

But don't call me lest things are worse. Now you understand?

[Theo]

I understand all right.

[Hermit]

I'll just leave. My dear sister. Let's carry on. Oh well. She reminds me. I never made any way of you.

[Theo]

Perhaps I know of. He never expects to die.

[Hermit]

Don't go putting any ideas in his nogamor. If there's any dirty work at the crossroads. I must not be too kind about finding a place for my sweet hired sister to live. 12 places, mind. Bye bye now.

[Elton]

Take care.

[Hermit]

But not too good.

[Pa]

Sir.

[Theo]

A place to live. To live. What living have I ever done? Fetching and caring for pawn else in my life since I was 10. No time to play, no time to dream. Just in work and listening to Pa growl about his stomach Nelson being shiftless. And all the time hoarding more money and counting it over money. I don't want money. That pretty dress. I want a time to dream. To walk these woods when the moon is calling. Or when the wind sings like the sea. To climb those blue hills yonder. Maybe twine some wild roses in my hair. I got nothing but wishes for beauty. There ain't no beauty here. There ain't none at all. Elton, is that you? It's Paula. It's the blur. Awful bad. Get dark and come. He's yelling and calling for Doc and he's your answer to his office. Get him quick and come look.

[Pa]

How to find her. You gotta find Doc Elton.

[Theo]

This wood, Pa. He's coming soon. You tell me.

[Pa]

Where's Elton?

[Theo]

Standing outside the door here in the hall. Ain't no use for him to come in. Sir. Yes.

[Pa]

You want me, Pa. No, I don't want you. Her way the better. I don't believe he went for Doc.

[Theo]

Yes, I did.

[Pa]

I don't believe it. He wants me to die. He wants what I got. But he won't get it. Oh, nobody is. No. He can't take my rifle money for the like that.

[Theo]

Pa.

[Pa]

I ain't gonna die, Theo.

[Theo]

I ain't gonna die. Of course you ain't.

[Pa]

I ain't gonna gasp like your ma did and then go out?

[Theo]

Nope.

[Pa]

You know something? You can't kill me. Nothing can kill me and take my harm and money. Cause I'm gonna have it always. Don't be fooled if I stop my Breathing. Cause I'll come back. Come back to this very room. Nobody to touch my money. I'll come back.

[Theo]

You hear that, Eldon?

[Pa]

Yes, I hear. Never touch the strong box. Cause it's mine. Running for mine. I'll never let it go. I'll never let it go. I'll be here in this room. A garden and Washington.

[Hermit]

Bill.

[Theo]

Watch out now. I'd better come quick. Call again, Elton. Sure, sir.

[Hermit]

I'll call it.

[Pa]

My boss.

[Theo]

It's right beside you.

[Pa]

The key.

[Theo]

The key.

[Pa]

There's my box. Lock it.

[Hermit]

Lock it.

[Pa]

Trace.

[Theo]

It's not locked tight.

[Pa]

Put it in my hand. My hand. So dark. Can't see.

[Theo]

Give that to me. Never take it away. Leave it here. I'll be back. Be back.

[Pa]

It's mine. All mine.

[Theo]

Ain't no use to get Doc. He's dead, Paul. Dead.

[Hermit]

I was looking for you, Theo.

[Elton]

Where you been?

[Theo]

Down in the parlor.

[Elton]

Doing what?

[Theo]

Fixed him to off a little bit.

[Hermit]

Yes. You mean you've been touching the dead.

[Elton]

Man with his coat?

[Theo]

Yes.

[Elton]

How could you do it?

[Theo]

Paint it?

[Elton]

You should stay away from it's catching what he has.

[Theo]

What good now to stay away when I've been caring for it?

[Elton]

There ain't gonna be any funeral.

[Theo]

They're going to put Pa's coffin in front of the big parlor window, hold a little service outdoors for the Navy. Then the men are going to cover their faces and come in and carry until they're hurt.

[Elton]

When?

[Theo]

Tomorrow morning.

[Hermit]

Oh, what you looking so white about?

[Theo]

Oh, in your mind just now. Well, why this must not be sort of me like certainty.

[Elton]

Tie stop this called he's dead in a doornail.

[Hermit]

Which reminds me, what you do with the strong bath?

[Theo]

Put it back right below.

[Hermit]

And the key, where is it?

[Theo]

I hid it.

[Hermit]

Get it for me.

[Pa]

I can't.

[Theo]

You heard what the judge from white block said. Ain't nothing to be touched till the probate court has a list of everything.

[Elton]

You tell them about the strong back?

[Hermit]

No. You ain't going to know nothing about it says it's mine.

[Elton]

See, I'm the oldest living relative in this family and the money is mine.

[Theo]

No doctor. There's expenses that he paid for the funeral.

[Elton]

Noah, get me the key.

[Theo]

Go my aunt.

[Elton]

I want the key and I want it now.

[Theo]

You're hurting me.

[Pa]

Would you get me the key? I'm gonna sit in pal's room and.

[Elton]

Count the money like he always did.

[Pa]

I'm master of this house.

[Hermit]

Now.

[Pa]

Now you get the key or I'll really choke you.

[Theo]

All right.

[Pa]

More like it.

[Elton]

Go get it.

[Hermit]

Now, maybe if you're a real good.

[Elton]

Sister, I'll give you something out of the box for your trouble.

[Theo]

I don't want none of it.

[Elton]

Well, I do.

[Hermit]

After the farmer's sold and I get.

[Elton]

All the money together, I'm getting away from here forever.

[Theo]

You can't sell the farm. I'm no place to live. Besides, I got a share coming. We share and share light.

[Elton]

Oh, is that so?

[Hermit]

Well, we'll see, Sister Pius.

[Elton]

You just act like a lady and we'll see. I'm the man of the house. Now, if you play the game, I might throw a little something your way. Now, you get me the key to the strong box.

[Hermit]

500, 600, 800, 859. There's something here.

[Elton]

Who's at that door? Theo, I'm telling you. Get away from the door, Theo.

[Theo]

My, oh, my.

[Elton]

Who did that door hit?

[Theo]

Simping in the door.

[Hermit]

My. My money.

[Theo]

You.

[Pa]

You can't walk.

[Theo]

You can't.

[Pa]

You're dead.

[Theo]

My money. Theo. Theo.

[Pa]

Come here.

[Theo]

Theo. What do you want? And whom is he?

[Hermit]

Was standing right there in the doorway.

[Pa]

I heard him speak.

[Theo]

Well, Elby is given that party. It's the fever that's coming, John.

[Hermit]

I ain't no fever.

[Theo]

I tell you.

[Hermit]

I saw him. I stood there in the doorway watching me count the money.

[Theo]

No, Elfie. It's hard to figure out. I'd have seen him too. All I doubt, see, is he cautioned Charles Dave. You are Jenny.

[Elton]

I saw him as plain as I see you.

[Theo]

Come on, Elfie, get you a belief you took down just like Paul Will.

[Hermit]

No, look, you. You said you felt this morning the car moves. Ms.

[Theo]

Carpet, I only thought it of you. What time? Get to your room. Let me cover you up to it. It's permanent.

[Hermit]

I got to be sure. He doesn't any profit, really.

[Theo]

Nothing really.

[Hermit]

Well, you got to go down to the parlor with me and make searches.

[Theo]

You've got to listen to me, Elton. I'm afraid we're both choked. Just like Pa. I can feel it too.

[Hermit]

You got to be sure. Got to go down and. And look at him. Theo.

[Theo]

Paul. Lady, we'll go down. You need to hear him.

[Hermit]

Is it true that old man Dominic really walks the house in the state of his money? Not really bad. What will the few discover when they go to the farmers of the Casin? The hermit will.

[Elton]

When the children in the old and cold communities of West Virginia returned to their schools this fall, they resumed the study of history. We too, like those children in West Virginia should Resume our study of history. How much of what we once knew have we forgotten? Have we forgotten the words of the famous Virginian Patrick Henry? I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided. That is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. One of the things we can learn from the history of the past is that many men who have been entrusted with public power have abused it. Free men always try, therefore, to prevent their government officials from becoming tyrants. The people in the United States tried to prevent the officials of the federal government from engaging in tyrannical acts by writing into the Constitution of the United States definite limitations on the powers of the government itself. The people knew, for example, that in the past, when governmental power passed into the hands of a tyrant, he would spy upon the people, invade the privacy of their homes or offices, fly under their personal papers and effects, seize their property and imprison them without just cause. To guard against such tyrannical acts and to protect their personal freedom, the people in the United States provided in their Constitution that the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. And no warrant shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seen. The men and women in the Republic of the United States and the Dominion of Canada, where that good ultra coal is sold, will retain the personal freedom they rightfully possess only so long as they are ready and willing to defend it against any influence which would curb or do away with.

[Hermit]

And now back to the herd. It is a few minutes to later. Elton and Theo creep down the stairs of the house. Slowly Elton is shaken not only from fear, but with a feel of the description. And Theo's eyes are bright. She too, on the verge of the mal, has attacked them all. Now they have reached the foot of the stair. They stand for a moment, hesitant as they reach the parlor. Open the door.

[Theo]

You can't see anything. The door closed just as I left. He didn't come through the door.

[Hermit]

He opened the door to his bedroom, didn't he? Didn't I hear from see him standing there? Come on.

[Theo]

The cameras are being just like I left him. Danger. I knew I can see from you.

[Hermit]

We got to make sure. Go on, move closer.

[Theo]

I can see you from keys. Got me?

[Pa]

Sure.

[Theo]

All right, copy.

[Hermit]

Now don't look behind. You can really help.

[Theo]

He said he couldn't move.

[Hermit]

Yes, sure.

[Theo]

It's just A savior meeting.

[Hermit]

Can't move her and come after the money.

[Theo]

No, it doesn't.

[Elton]

I'm going upstairs and get this blown box and take it away from. Yeah, I'm getting out tonight.

[Theo]

No, Abby, not before she entered in the morning. You came digging.

[Elton]

I'm getting out tonight.

[Hermit]

What's wrong? What is it?

[Theo]

I don't. Oh, God.

[Elton]

Stop trembling and tell me.

[Hermit]

Look at him.

[Elton]

What?

[Theo]

His hand. I thought it moved.

[Elton]

Oh, stop it. You can't scare me now. I going after the money.

[Theo]

It would move. It moved at him just now when he said something about the money.

[Hermit]

Stepping.

[Pa]

He ain't dead.

[Elton]

He ain't dead at all.

[Hermit]

I told you I saw him in.

[Elton]

The room after the money. I'm going after it and I'm going to take it away where he'll never find it. I'm going to get it now.

[Theo]

Elton, come back. Certainly can't leave me alone in the house with him. Elton, maybe you can move. Touch the candle. Knock him over. That was he. Come back. Come back quick. He's knocked over the candles, the curtain, the curtains are all on fire. Elf is the heart of the park. Elf. Elf. Elf. That is our first. I can't get them. Help.

[Hermit]

Burned right down to the ground. Not a thicker of stone left. Never heard such a terrible thing. Man in his coffin turned to a crypt. Did you find the others? They found Elgin in the house where they were. What there was left of them. Beside him there was an open strong box. Folks say it must have been the box. The old miser kept his money and Is there a field? Did you find her? Yes, found her this morning. But she wasn't in the hall there. She must have run out the house when the fire started. She lighted out over the moonlight. Knew it. They found her dead too. Doc Watford said she must have caught what her PA had missed. The soldier during the night killed her. She was the only one in the family good for anybody. The old man lived over all these years and helped me. He was a worthless copy. His whole fortune went up in slope one night. Nobody got the use of any of the old man's money. Like it went to its grave with it. Yes, like it is not. He would be glad of it.

[Elton]

I never knew anybody to have such.

[Hermit]

A fever for money. Poor kid, that little Theo.

[Theo]

Mighty pretty too.

[Hermit]

He never got anything out of life. Not a thing he ever wished for. What was said? The thunder lying foot of Alpine Mountain. From the scene she just sort of picked out a nice place to fall and die. Her head was right up against an old vile rose brick that was in full bloom and her face was very between the road. The old man took his money to the grave with him. The diva for money that killed the soul of his son. Talk about his death. Only Theo had a wreath before she died across the moor in the moonlight while the wind is easy. And I have a wreath of roses twined with her head.

[Theo]

And.

[Elton]

You have just listened to the 509th story by the Hermit made possible through the courtesy of the Carter Coal Company, producer of all the coal, and your friend the Auger dealer. This year, with the prices of many things rising, the brand of coal you buy is more important than ever.

[Hermit]

Coal isn't just coal.

[Elton]

There are many different kinds and grades. Auger is one of the better grades and is one of the smokeless coals. It has a higher heat content than ordinary coal, more heat producing ingredients and fewer ingredients which produce smoke. Therefore, it pays you to ask for Olga by name. Olga responds readily to the thermostatic controls now on the market again, which can help keep your home at a more even temperature. And for coal stokers, Alga stoker coal is specially sized and prepared because householders know there's no fuel quite like coal and no coal quite like auger. Deliveries are still a bit behind the unprecedented demand. That is why it will not only pay you to ask for Auga Coal by name, but to place your order well in advance with your friend the Olga dealer. To locate him, look in the classified section of your telephone book under Olga, spelled Olga. He'll appreciate your cooperation in giving him extra time to make delivery, having your bin already and being at home to accept delivery when it is made. If his delivery to you is delayed, it's because delivery to him has been late. But remember, all good is worth waiting for. And so is the money that United States Savings Bonds or Canadian Savings Loans will bring you at maturity. That's why it will pay you to keep on buying and keeping them.

[Hermit]

And it has more stories for you.

[Elton]

Listen in again next week for my hound howling. I'll tell you the story without end.

[Hermit]

I'll go back later. IS a DREAM.

[Elton]

All characters, places and occurrences mentioned in the Hermit's Cave are fictitious and similarity to persons, places and occurrences is purely accidental. This is Ron Gamble speaking.