Inner Sanctum 41-01-07 Amazing Death Of Mrs. Putnam

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Summary: Inner Sanctum 41-01-07 Amazing Death Of Mrs. Putnam
Release Date: March 26, 2025

---

Introduction

In the March 26, 2025, episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Inner Sanctum 41-01-07 Amazing Death Of Mrs. Putnam," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The episode features a classic mystery thriller set in a gloomy mansion, where deception, betrayal, and supernatural elements intertwine to create a captivating narrative.

---

Setting the Scene

[00:30] Host Introduction
The episode begins with an ominous introduction by the host, who sets the tone for the mystery to unfold:

Host: "You're to be my guest tonight in the mysterious circle of the inner sanctum... We'll have you out of that chair with thrills."
[00:35]

The audience is invited into a dimly lit mansion where the suspense begins to build.

---

The Mysterious Call

[01:18] The Phone Call
The tranquility of the mansion is shattered when a hysterical woman, Mrs. Putnam, calls the police, claiming she is being murdered:

Mrs. Putnam: "Get the police. Quick. The police."
[02:14]

[02:35] Turn to Police
Detective Jeff Hansen and his partner, Ed Lamb (affectionately known as Porky), receive the distress call and decide to investigate swiftly:

Host: "A woman screams for help, a dog barks, two shots ring out..."
[07:53]

---

Arrival at the Putnam House

[04:28] Arrival at Maple Street
Detective Hansen and Porky arrive at the Putnam residence, greeted by Lois Putnam, the niece of the deceased:

Porky: "Hey, that's the first time in centuries we've heard that name in a police department."
[03:14]

[05:14] Meeting Lois Putnam
Lois introduces herself, expressing confusion over the distress call and revealing that her aunt, Martha Putnam, had died two hours prior:

Lois Putnam: "No, no. What in heaven's name are you talking about? My aunt is dead."
[06:05]

The detectives note the discrepancy between the time of death and the call, hinting at a deeper mystery.

---

Investigating the Mansion

[07:10] Exploring the House
Detective Hansen begins a thorough search of the mansion, while Porky engages in light-hearted banter, revealing tensions among the household members:

Porky: "You and me is a great detective. Only you can solve everything but the mysteries of the heart."
[04:05]

[10:04] Interview with the Butler
The detectives question the butler, Williamson, who exhibits nervousness and hostility, claiming no knowledge of the events:

Williamson: "Everybody hated Mrs. Putnam, and she hated all of us."
[10:07]

His defensive demeanor raises suspicions about his involvement.

---

Uncovering Clues

[14:03] Discovery in the Garden
While digging in the garden, Porky accidentally uncovers the body of the family dog, previously heard barking during the distress call:

Jeff Hansen: "They killed the dog and the woman too."
[15:17]

This discovery deepens the mystery, indicating foul play beyond natural causes.

[18:00] Confrontation with Joel Adams
Detective Hansen confronts Joel Adams, the gardener, who reveals his deep-seated animosity towards Mrs. Putnam:

Joel Adams: "She made me into the wreck I am... She was responsible for the death of the gardener's wife long ago."
[10:21]

His confession of hatred suggests multiple motives for murder.

---

The Hidden Room

[19:53] Unveiling the Secret
Through meticulous investigation, the detectives discover a concealed room behind a bookcase, where Mrs. Putnam confronts them:

Mrs. Putnam: "You've come to kill me. But I'll kill you first."
[20:08]

Her appearance as a ghostly figure adds a supernatural twist to the unfolding drama.

---

Revelation and Resolution

[21:24] The Will Reading
Mrs. Putnam presents a new will, claiming to have been coerced into leaving her fortune to Joel Adams. However, inconsistencies arise:

Lois Putnam: "That isn't my aunt's last will, Lois."
[22:19]

[22:35] Unmasking Betrayal
Dr. Holloway, revealed as the mastermind, admits orchestrating the conspiracy to eliminate Mrs. Putnam for her wealth:

Dr. Holloway: "The conspiracy to spirit you away... was entirely my idea."
[22:57]

His confession brings the mystery to a satisfying conclusion, highlighting themes of greed and vengeance.

---

Closing Remarks

[23:48] Host's Farewell
The host wraps up the episode, teasing future mysteries and reinforcing the triumph of ingenuity over evil:

Host: "But thanks to clever sleuthing, everything will be solved... We'll expect you next week at this same time in the mysterious circle of the inner sanctum."
[23:48]

---

Notable Quotes

• Detective Jeff Hansen: "The Putnam house, Maple Street. Thank you very much."
  [03:08]

• Porky: "You're too jumpy lately. Jeff, what's the matter with you?"
  [03:39]

• Mrs. Putnam: "I'm Mrs. Putnam... I signed a new will tonight."
  [20:15]

---

Conclusion

"Amazing Death Of Mrs. Putnam" epitomizes the enthralling storytelling of the Golden Age of Radio, blending suspense, intricate character dynamics, and unexpected twists. Through Detective Hansen and Porky's relentless pursuit of the truth, listeners are treated to a masterfully crafted mystery that keeps them engaged from start to finish. This episode not only entertains but also serves as a nostalgic reminder of the captivating allure of old-time radio dramas.

---

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, intros, and outros that do not contribute to the core narrative, ensuring a focused and engaging overview of the episode's content.

Transcript

[American Express]

Your next unforgettable experience can happen anytime. Take an AMEX card with you for rewards wherever you go. Morning coffee run with an old friend. Earn cash back, weekend getaway. Earn miles. AMEX rewards your inner explorer. Learn more@american express.com Terms apply.

[Host]

Hello?

[Jeff Hansen]

Hello.

[Host]

Oh. Oh, there you are. I was afraid for a moment that you had forgotten our appointment. Why, you almost scared me to death. And that won't do after all the pains I've taken to scare you. You remember me, don't you? I'm your host on behalf of the makers of Carter's pills. And you're to be my guest tonight in the mysterious circle of the inner sanctum. Come in, friends, won't you? Thank you. Take that chair to the fire. Good. You'll become accustomed to the dim light in a moment. Don't get too comfortable, because we'll have you out of that chair with thrills.

[Porky]

And chills, shivers and quivers.

[Host]

You're on our side, aren't you? You'd better be. But don't worry. Instead of the arch criminals haunting us, we're going to haunt them. We're going to scare the daylights out of them. Yes. Welcome, then, friends. Welcome to the mysterious circle of the inner sanctum. And listen to as weird and strange a tale as ever was told. The amazing death of Mrs. Putnam. The night is dismal. A light shines uncertainly in the room of a large, gloomy mansion. Suddenly, a sobbing, hysterical woman slams the door shut, rushes to the telephone.

[Mrs. Putnam]

Get the police. Quick. The police.

[Porky]

Quiet. Quiet. Oh, hurry.

[Mrs. Putnam]

Please hurry. Hello. Hello.

[Jeff Hansen]

Hello. Police department. This is Mrs. Putam.

[Mrs. Putnam]

You've got to save me from them. They'll kill me.

[Host]

Put that telephone down.

[Mrs. Putnam]

They're going to kill me. I'm being murdered.

[Jeff Hansen]

Where are you?

[Porky]

They're killing me.

[Jeff Hansen]

Help.

[Host]

Help.

[Jeff Hansen]

Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello, Operator? This is Jeff Hanson, police headquarters. Trace the call that just came through to us. Hurry.

[Porky]

That's funny, Jeff.

[Jeff Hansen]

Did you hear what I heard, Porky?

[Porky]

I sure did, unless we're both having the same drink.

[Jeff Hansen]

Hold it, Porky. Yes. Yes, operator. Hanson, Jeff Hanson. You have? That's swell. Write this down, Porky.

[Porky]

Yes, sure.

[Jeff Hansen]

Yes. The Putnam house, Maple Street. Thank you very much.

[Porky]

The Putnam house?

[Jeff Hansen]

Yeah.

[Porky]

Hey, that's the first time in centuries we've heard that name in a police department.

[Jeff Hansen]

Come on, Porky. Someone in that house is in great danger. We've got to get there and quickly. Put your foot all the way down on the gas.

[Porky]

What's all the excitement, Jeff? It's just another Murder case or something. We get them wholesale.

[Jeff Hansen]

Maybe you're right, Porky.

[Porky]

You're too jumpy lately. Jeff, what's the matter with you?

[Jeff Hansen]

Oh, nothing. Just on edge.

[Porky]

You ought to get married. Then you'd have so many other troubles, you wouldn't have time to think of yourself. You know, everybody should get married at least once.

[Jeff Hansen]

Especially you, Porky.

[Porky]

Oh, I'd get married tomorrow if I knew a girl who loved me for myself alone.

[Jeff Hansen]

Keep your eyes on the road. Misadvice to the lovelord.

[Porky]

All right, all right. I forgive you for the crack. Now, look, Jeff. You and me is a great detective. Only you can solve everything but the mysteries of the heart. So what does nature do? Nature endows me with the wisdom which you ain't got in that department. Ain't nature wonderful? Sending me to straighten out your armours. Now, first of all, you gotta learn to treat love light.

[Jeff Hansen]

This is Maple Street, Porky.

[Porky]

Oh, okay. I'll take up the lessons in love where I left off later.

[Jeff Hansen]

Pull up Ms. Lovelaw. And here we are. Go right, Jeff.

[Porky]

Ah, it's a pretty old house. Ain't exactly a haunted place. But a ghost could feel at home here.

[Jeff Hansen]

Don't be silly. This house is fairly modern. What are you muttering about?

[Porky]

I'm counting the stairs. Didn't you teach me to observe everything?

[Jeff Hansen]

Now, remember, keep your eyes open and your mouth shut.

[Porky]

You know how reliable I am, Jeff.

[Jeff Hansen]

Yeah, I do.

[Porky]

Yes?

[Jeff Hansen]

From police headquarters.

[Porky]

One moment, please. You can't come in like that.

[Lois Putnam]

It's all right, Williamson.

[Porky]

Yes, Ms. Lois.

[Lois Putnam]

Come in, please.

[Jeff Hansen]

Thank you, Miss. My name is Jeff Hansen. This is poor Ed Lamb, better known as Porky.

[Lois Putnam]

I'm Lois Putnam.

[Porky]

Hi. Thomas Putnam.

[Lois Putnam]

Did you say you were from police headquarters?

[Jeff Hansen]

Yes.

[Lois Putnam]

How did you find out so soon?

[Jeff Hansen]

We had a telephone call.

[Lois Putnam]

From whom?

[Jeff Hansen]

It was a woman, I believe. She said her name was Putnam.

[Porky]

What?

[Lois Putnam]

Oh, no. When did you get this call?

[Jeff Hansen]

Only a few minutes ago. A woman screamed that she was being murdered. She cried out for help.

[Lois Putnam]

No, no. What in heaven's name are you talking about? My aunt is dead.

[Jeff Hansen]

Dead?

[Lois Putnam]

Yes, she died two hours ago.

[Jeff Hansen]

Her name was Mrs. Putnam?

[Porky]

Yes.

[Lois Putnam]

Martha Putnam.

[Porky]

You say.

[Jeff Hansen]

You say your aunt died two hours ago?

[Lois Putnam]

Yes.

[Jeff Hansen]

But we received a phone call for help only 20 minutes ago.

[Lois Putnam]

That's impossible. Are you sure the call came from here?

[Jeff Hansen]

It's traced to your number. Besides, I believe the woman said her name was Mrs. Putnam. Isn't that right, Porky?

[Porky]

Sounded like it.

[Lois Putnam]

This is some idiot's idea of humor. The poor woman has been Dead more than two hours.

[Host]

Lois, you should rest. You haven't closed your eyes.

[Lois Putnam]

I will. Doctor, these men are from police headquarters. Oh, this is Dr. Holloway.

[Jeff Hansen]

Doctor. Detective Hanson, did you say Jeff Hanson? This is Ed Lamb.

[Porky]

Hi, Doc.

[Host]

Were the police informed of your aunt's death, Lois?

[Lois Putnam]

They traced a strange phone call back to this house. Doctor, somebody screamed for help.

[Host]

From this house?

[Jeff Hansen]

Yes.

[Host]

Then why didn't we hear it?

[Jeff Hansen]

Perhaps we made a mistake. However, we're forced to sort of look around. Please forgive us, Ms. Buckner.

[Lois Putnam]

Do whatever you like.

[Jeff Hansen]

Thank you.

[Host]

Perhaps you'd better lie down a little.

[Lois Putnam]

I'll be all right.

[Jeff Hansen]

Bogey, I want you to make a thorough search of the house. And don't let anything go unnoticed.

[Porky]

You betcha.

[Jeff Hansen]

Oh, doctor?

[Porky]

Yes?

[Host]

Be back in a moment, though. What is it?

[Jeff Hansen]

If you don't mind, Doctor, I'd.

[Host]

Do you wish to ask me questions?

[Jeff Hansen]

Please.

[Host]

About. All right.

[Jeff Hansen]

What caused Mrs. Putnam's death?

[Host]

The causes of her death were quite natural. A blood clot, large itself in the veins of her heart. You may have heard it called coronary thrombosis.

[Jeff Hansen]

How many members are there in the family?

[Host]

Well, there's Lois and Mrs. Putnam's brother. He's very ill and his sight is failing.

[Jeff Hansen]

Is there anyone else?

[Host]

Yes, there's Joel Adams, the gardener. He lives in the back of the garden. He and the butler have been with Mrs. Putnam for years.

[Jeff Hansen]

Oh, would you mind, Doctor, if I looked at Mrs. Putnam?

[Host]

If you wish. Just follow me. A fascinating mystery train. A strange telephone call late at night. A woman screams for help, a dog barks, two shots ring out, and then the police dash to the house. You find that the woman died of natural causes two hours earlier. Riddle me that, my friend. Oh, have no fear for the day of ghost. Like voices from the dead and the day of superstition is past. Or is it? Hmm. We shall see. We shall see. This way, Mr. Hampson.

[Jeff Hansen]

Thank you. Why do you keep this door locked?

[Host]

Oh, simply to avoid any sealing. They're all so high strung.

[Porky]

Oh.

[Jeff Hansen]

What's the matter with your hand, Doctor?

[Host]

You mean this bandage hurt yourself? Just clumsiness while cutting some gauze. I slipped my hand. It bled rather.

[Jeff Hansen]

Sorry for all this inconvenience, but in my business, it's wisest to check on everything.

[Host]

I understand you wish to examine the body more thoroughly.

[Jeff Hansen]

No, no, I don't think so. She looks rather natural for a corpse.

[Host]

Here we go. Yes.

[Jeff Hansen]

May I see the butler now?

[Host]

Yes. This supper will bring him into your moment.

[Jeff Hansen]

After I see him, I'd like To talk to the others too.

[Host]

Oh, you'll be tactful with Lois won. She's quite broken up. She was attached to the old lady, of course.

[Porky]

Did you ring for me, Dr. Holloway?

[Host]

Yes, Williamson. Detective Hanson wished to talk to you.

[Porky]

Yes, sir.

[Host]

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll take a look at lower.

[Jeff Hansen]

Quite all right, Doctor.

[Host]

Excuse me.

[Jeff Hansen]

Your name is Williamson, I gathered.

[Porky]

Yes, sir.

[Jeff Hansen]

How long have you been working for Mrs. Putnam?

[Porky]

32 years.

[Jeff Hansen]

Long time, isn't it?

[Porky]

Yes, sir.

[Jeff Hansen]

By the way, did you hear any odd noises or screaming this evening?

[Porky]

No, sir.

[Jeff Hansen]

You did hear two shots, though, didn't you?

[Host]

No. No, no.

[Porky]

No, sir.

[Jeff Hansen]

You're not frightened, are you, Williamson?

[Porky]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir, I am. This house isn't what it seems on the outside. Oh, no, it's full of hatred. Everyone hated Mrs. Putnam, and she hated all of us. The Lord found vengeance. She didn't deserve to live. There wasn't a kind thought in her head.

[Jeff Hansen]

Who killed her?

[Porky]

The devil took her.

[Jeff Hansen]

Who fired those two shots?

[Porky]

Lightning struck twice.

[Jeff Hansen]

Where is the dog?

[Porky]

In Hades with his mistress.

[Jeff Hansen]

Don't think you're fooling me, Williamson, by avoiding my questions. Take me to Mr. Putnam's room.

[Porky]

Yes, sir. It's right here. He's very ill, though.

[Jeff Hansen]

Shall I knock him? No, no. You may go.

[Porky]

Yes, sir. Who is it?

[Jeff Hansen]

I'm sorry to intrude. Are you Mr. Putnam?

[Porky]

Who are you?

[Jeff Hansen]

Detective Hansen, Police Headquarters.

[Porky]

The police, eh? What are you doing in my house?

[Jeff Hansen]

I thought the house belonged to your sister.

[Porky]

That belongs to me. Now. What business is it of yours? Who else would she leave everything to?

[Jeff Hansen]

Mr. Putnam, did anything unusual happen to your sister earlier this evening? I mean, has she been.

[Porky]

Cat was never ill in her life.

[Jeff Hansen]

Would there be any reason for anyone murdering her?

[Porky]

Murder?

[American Express]

Your next unforgettable experience can happen anytime. Take an AMEX card with you for rewards wherever you go. Morning coffee run with an old friend. Earn cash back weekend getaway. Earn miles AMEX rewards your inner explorer. Learn more@american express.com terms apply.

[Porky]

I don't know. Maybe she's hurt each and every one of us. She ruined Lois life by sending her fiance away many years ago. She made me into the wreck I am. With a cruel tongue and a devilish disposition. She was responsible for the death of the gardener's wife long ago. Hasn't done a kind thing in her life. If she's been murdered, then I say good riddance.

[Jeff Hansen]

Is it possible that all of you had given her cause to treat you that way?

[Porky]

Don't you dare Say that, you stupid, foolish maniac.

[Mrs. Putnam]

You didn't know her.

[Jeff Hansen]

How dare you.

[Porky]

Get out of my room. Get out of my house. Get out of my.

[Jeff Hansen]

I'm sorry, Mr. Putnam. I didn't mean to upset you. I'll go now, Jack.

[Porky]

Hey, Jeff.

[Jeff Hansen]

Yes, Porky?

[Porky]

Hey, I've been looking for you.

[Jeff Hansen]

Yes?

[Porky]

Yeah, I've been all over the house. I checked on everything. Fifteen rooms, 19 windows, eight beds, three fireplaces and three bathrooms.

[Jeff Hansen]

And nothing looks suspicious.

[Porky]

No. You think maybe there is some mistake, Jeff?

[Jeff Hansen]

I don't know. The phone call being placed here is absolute. They never make a mistake. But her voice and her death almost two hours before we got the call makes it strange. Must confess, I'm stumped.

[Porky]

Did you talk to everyone?

[Jeff Hansen]

I'd like to talk to the gardener. But right now we'll pretend that everything's all right. We made a mistake. We'll drive away and then come back later.

[Porky]

You mean you really ain't thoroughly convinced?

[Jeff Hansen]

That's right, Porky. I've got a hunch that we're up against a case that's stranger than any we've ever known or heard of. In the car. Parky. And don't look back.

[Porky]

Right, Jeff?

[Jeff Hansen]

I don't want them to think that we're even slightly suspicious. They may be watching us from the window. Throw on your lights and get the car started.

[Host]

Yep.

[Porky]

Poy watcher.

[Jeff Hansen]

Don't move. Just look over there.

[Porky]

Where?

[Jeff Hansen]

Right straight in the beam of the light.

[Porky]

Why don't you.

[Host]

What?

[Jeff Hansen]

You mean in the garden? That mound of earth looks kind of fresh. Right.

[Porky]

Holy mazuma. You think maybe somebody's buried under there?

[Jeff Hansen]

We'll soon find out. Drive the car down a few blocks. We'll come back on foot and very.

[Porky]

Quietly jump a catfish. Jeff.

[Jeff Hansen]

Not so loud, Port. Don't hit the rock. Just loosen it.

[Porky]

How much deeper are we gonna dig, Jeff? The earth is still soft.

[Jeff Hansen]

We haven't reached what we're after.

[Porky]

What are we after?

[Jeff Hansen]

We'll know soon enough.

[Porky]

You think the old lady might be buried here in the body in the house of somebody else?

[Jeff Hansen]

I don't know.

[Porky]

Hey, Jeff. Jeff, I. I hit something. Fine with my shovel. Feels like a body.

[Jeff Hansen]

All right, don't use the shovel anymore. We'll dig with our hands. Corky, you're right. It is a body.

[Porky]

Yeah. Feels like it's wrapped up in a rug of some kind.

[Jeff Hansen]

All right, get a grip on it. We'll pull it up.

[Host]

Okay, let's go.

[Jeff Hansen]

It's. It's the dog.

[Porky]

The dog. We heard Barking on the phone.

[Jeff Hansen]

Then there were shots. And that woman's voice did come from this house. They killed the dog and the woman too.

[Host]

Ah. Are you completely mystified? Wondering about the strange death of Mrs. Putnam? What will happen next? Well, there's no need to be frightened. We know how old fashioned it is to stop like this suddenly and leave you in mid air wondering about the outcome of the story. Oh, are you in midair? Good, good. But we assure you everything will come out all right. We won't let you down. And this is as good a time as any to remind you of someone else who won't let you down. The makers of Carter's Little Liver Pills. When you don't feel good, try Carter's Little Liver Pills. They do the work of calomel, but have no calomel in them, for they are simple pills made of vegetable drugs. They wake up the first flow of one of our most vital digestive juices. When this vital juice flows at the rate of two pints a day, it helps to digest our food and bring back the glorious feeling that goes with regularity. Then most folks feel like happy days are here again. But be sure you get the genuine Carter's Little Liver Pill. Now let's solve tonight's inner sanctum mystery. Where were we? Oh, yes. Jeff and Porky had just unearthed the body of a dog.

[Porky]

The dog we heard barking on the phone.

[Jeff Hansen]

Then there were shots. And that woman's voice did come from this house. They killed the dog and the woman too.

[Porky]

I just swallowed a lump that had nails on it. Jeff, walk it out. What's the idea throwing me right into.

[Jeff Hansen]

Someone came to the window.

[Porky]

Yeah, but you didn't have to throw.

[Jeff Hansen]

Me right into the grave.

[Porky]

Sorry.

[Jeff Hansen]

Here, I'll help you out. They bled the window. Now look, you stay here, Porky. I'm going in to talk to the gardener. You watch the house. I'll be right back.

[Porky]

Hey, you ain't gonna leave me here with this dead dog, are you? Squat. What do you want?

[Jeff Hansen]

I'm from police headquarters. You better let me in.

[Porky]

What do you want?

[Jeff Hansen]

I want some information about that dog that was buried in your garden.

[Porky]

You're craz.

[Jeff Hansen]

Who buried it there?

[Porky]

There's no dog in my garden.

[Jeff Hansen]

Was there a dog in the house?

[Host]

I don't know.

[Jeff Hansen]

You'd better answer my questions, Mr. Adams. Unless you prefer going to jail.

[Porky]

I don't know anything.

[Jeff Hansen]

Who killed Mrs. Putnam?

[Porky]

Everybody. Everybody hated her.

[Jeff Hansen]

What do you mean by that?

[Porky]

Everyone in that house wanted her to die. Her brother cursed her Williamson might have poisoned her.

[Jeff Hansen]

What about you?

[Porky]

Me? I. I didn't hate her anymore. She promised to leave all her money to me.

[Jeff Hansen]

Oh?

[Host]

Why?

[Porky]

Well, it was her only sign of repentance.

[Jeff Hansen]

Why? No other reason?

[Porky]

None. That might be your business.

[Jeff Hansen]

Did you hear any shots from the house this evening?

[Porky]

I was away. Jeff.

[Jeff Hansen]

Jeff. What is it, Porky?

[Porky]

Hey, come quick. Jeff, what's happened? I had a brainstorm. Hurry, Jeff. Hurry. Come on.

[Jeff Hansen]

You'd better not leave your house, Mr. Adams.

[Porky]

I'll be here.

[Jeff Hansen]

What's up, Porky?

[Porky]

The windows, huh? While I'm out here watching the house, I casually count everything. The stairs again. I count the colored bricks and the large bricks. And then I count the windows. Count them, Jeff.

[Jeff Hansen]

What are you driving at?

[Porky]

Count them.

[Host]

Count them.

[Porky]

Come on. Walk around the house. Count them.

[Jeff Hansen]

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 17, 19, 20. 20 windows. 5. Great galloping ghost. 20 windows on the outside.

[Porky]

And you said you counted 19 on the inside.

[Jeff Hansen]

That means that there's one window camouflaged on the inside. There must be a room within a room. Come on, Porky. They're going back inside that house. Only this time uninvited and unseen.

[Porky]

You think maybe the room is up around here, Jeff? Just keep trying, Porky.

[Jeff Hansen]

Run your fingers over every inch of wall and furniture.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Jeff Hansen]

You got something?

[Porky]

Heart failure. I get a splinter in my finger. Why did I. But quiet, Brooking.

[Jeff Hansen]

I think I've got it.

[Porky]

No kidding.

[Jeff Hansen]

Get over here. Have your gun ready. There's a little knob here in back of the bookcase. I think it will swing the bookcase open and lead us into another room. Here goes. You can't walk.

[Porky]

Please.

[Mrs. Putnam]

You've come to kill me. But I'll kill you first. I'll kill you if you come near me.

[Jeff Hansen]

We haven't come to kill anyone. Who are you?

[Mrs. Putnam]

I'm Mrs. Putnam.

[Porky]

What? Mrs.

[Jeff Hansen]

Put.

[Porky]

Jeff, there's the ghost. We needed to top off everything.

[Jeff Hansen]

Light a match, Forky.

[Porky]

That's a candle over there, Jeff.

[Jeff Hansen]

All right, light it and bring it over here.

[Porky]

Okay.

[Jeff Hansen]

How do we know that you're telling the truth? That you are Mrs. Putnam?

[Mrs. Putnam]

Heaven knows I am. But I wish I were someone else. I've gone through so much.

[Jeff Hansen]

If you are Mrs. Putnam, then who is the dead woman downstairs?

[Porky]

The dead woman?

[Jeff Hansen]

Yes.

[Porky]

She's my cook.

[Mrs. Putnam]

She took suddenly ill and died earlier this evening.

[Jeff Hansen]

Your cook?

[Mrs. Putnam]

I can prove to you that I'm Mrs. Putnam.

[Jeff Hansen]

How?

[Mrs. Putnam]

My signature. I signed a new will tonight. They forced me to will everything to them. Oh, you must believe me.

[Jeff Hansen]

We'll Check on that. Was there any shooting in the house this evening?

[Mrs. Putnam]

Yes. Yes, they shot my dog. While the poor creature was trying to protect me. I called the police to help me. I thought they meant to kill me. But instead they brought me up here to face the living dead.

[Jeff Hansen]

We're the police. If you are, Mrs. Putnam, then we're here to help you.

[Mrs. Putnam]

Thank heaven. You don't know how they tortured me to make me write a new will.

[Jeff Hansen]

You say the new will leaves everything to them?

[Porky]

Yes.

[Jeff Hansen]

In that event, it will be a simple matter to trap them and for you to prove yourself. Have you got the old will?

[Mrs. Putnam]

No, they destroyed it.

[Jeff Hansen]

Well, it doesn't matter. You'll tell me the contents of the old will. They'll give themselves away when they hear it.

[Host]

Read.

[Jeff Hansen]

Now, Mrs. Putnam, about those who tortured you. Who are they? I'm grateful to all of you for not objecting to my presence at the reading of this will.

[Lois Putnam]

For having you here, Detective Hansen, is best for all of us. We are really obliged to you for your kindness.

[Jeff Hansen]

Thank you, Ms. Putnam. And now, if all of you don't mind, Dr. Holloway. Putnam, Williamson, Adams. I'll be brief. Oh, Porky, wheel Mr. Putnam's chair a little closer.

[Porky]

Right. Shepherd.

[Jeff Hansen]

I had the courts appoint me to see that this will is made valid and legal. Now, this is it. I, Martha Putnam, being of sound mind and body, do hereby bequeath my entire fortune and all my worldly goods to Joel Adams, my partner.

[Porky]

Oh, no.

[Lois Putnam]

You've made a mistake.

[Porky]

Careful, Lois.

[Jeff Hansen]

What did you say, Miss Putnam?

[Lois Putnam]

That isn't my aunt's last will, Lois.

[Jeff Hansen]

No. I must confess, Miss Putnam, that isn't in your aunt's last will. Then what do you mean by reading that my aunt left everything to me?

[Porky]

Please, Lois.

[Mrs. Putnam]

You're right, Lois. I did in the will you forced me to sign.

[Porky]

Mrs. Don't move. Jacket.

[Mrs. Putnam]

Yes, Lois. I signed will, leaving everything to you. That's true. But only because you and your darling doctor forced me to. Oh, I never dreamed that my own flesh and blood would be that selfish.

[Host]

Just a moment, Mrs. Putnam. The conspiracy to spirit you away and bury the cook in your place was entirely my idea. Don't blame Lois.

[Jeff Hansen]

It was a clever plot, my friends. And it might have worked. But fortunately, you made mistakes. By the way, doctor, does that bandage on your hand cover a nasty bite you got while doing away with the dog?

[Host]

Yes, it does. I confess to everything, Mr. Hanson. But Mrs. Putnam is as much to blame as anyone. Everyone who ever lived in this house hated her. With all the money you had, Mrs. Putnam. You never did one decent thing in your whole life. You distrusted everybody and hurt everybody. And so we plotted to get you out of the way. Fate was kind enough to provide us with your cook as the means. With your money, we could have gotten something out of life.

[Porky]

You'll get life now. All right. Without her money.

[Host]

You can relax now, friend. This story is over. But still another plot is being formed for our next session in the inner sanctum. Are we scared? Sure, but what of it? Isn't the villain a great deal more frightened than we? But thanks to clever sleuthing, everything will be solved. And there's one more mystery we may be able to solve for you quite easily. When you don't feel good, when you're low and irritable and the whole world looks black and uninviting try Carter's Little Liver Pills. Don't give in to that depressed feeling that bogs you down. Go to your nearest drugstore right now and ask for genuine Carter's Little Liver pills. Regular size, 25 cents. There. Now we've closed the door to the inner sanctum for another week. Time to go. But spread the news to all arch criminals that we shall ride again in their pursuit next week. This is no laughing matter for them, my friend. So take your tongue out of your cheek. That's better. Remember, we'll expect you next week at this same time in the mysterious circle of the inner sanctum. Oh, by the way, you like good mystery stories, so be sure to read this month's Inner Sanctum mystery. The Case of the Solid Key, by Anthony Boucher. Good night. This is the National Broadcasting Company.