Mr District Attorney 48-05-26 (515) Case of the Deadly Snowflake

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Mr District Attorney 48-05-26 (515) Case of the Deadly Snowflake
Original Air Date: May 26, 1948
Podcast Date: October 4, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode features a classic radio drama from the golden age: “Mr. District Attorney – Case of the Deadly Snowflake.” The story focuses on the aftermath of a warehouse robbery, leading to an intricate investigation by the District Attorney and his team. Central to the plot is Laird Morton, a master safecracker who, newly blinded from a police bullet, finds himself betrayed amid a murder conspiracy. The drama unfolds with themes of trust, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of law and order.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Tone: Crime and Betrayal

• Opening Statement ([01:39])
  The episode opens by dispelling the myth of “honor among thieves,” instead positioning criminals as operating out of selfish fear and contempt for decency.

  “Nothing in the popular conception of crime is so widespread and so erroneous as the idea that honor exists among thieves.”
  – Narrator ([01:39])

2. The Aftermath of a Failed Heist

• Laird Morton’s Predicament ([02:12–04:16])
  Laird returns home, wounded and blind after a robbery gone wrong. He confides in his partner, Agnes, about his injury and the difficulty of continuing his criminal trade now that he's lost his sight.

  “I’m blind.” – Laird Morton ([04:02])

• Desperation and a New Plan
  Despite his blindness, Laird devises a new plan requiring help from Rudy Bowie and intends to use his boat, the Snowflake, as a hideout ([03:32–07:11]).

3. Police Investigation Commences

• DA Team Discussion ([04:16–06:55])
  The DA and his team analyze the robbery, narrowing down suspects based on skill and modus operandi. Harrington, the investigator, trusts his instincts, suspecting Laird Morton:

  “There’s three guys I know who could have fingered a safe the way that warehouse job came off... The other? The boy named Morton. Laird Morton.”
  – Harrington ([06:15])

4. The Next Heist: Setup and Betrayal

• The Transfer Office Capers ([07:11–15:22])
  Agnes and Rudy guide the blind Laird to the transfer office for another heist, intending to escape on the Snowflake. Tensions reveal Agnes’ shifting loyalties:

  “Now you let him walk into chairs... That ain’t all he’s walkin’ into. I got it all planned.”
  – Rudy and Agnes ([10:00])

• Betrayal in Action
  During the act, Agnes double-crosses Laird, leaving him behind at the crime scene ([15:15]):

  "You're not leaving me here. Agnes, no, you can't." – Laird ([15:17])
  "Can I? Watch me. Just watch me. Oh, I forgot. You're blind. Agnes. Agnes, come back. I can't see. Agnes. No."
  – Laird and Agnes ([15:22])

5. Murder at the Scene

• The Watchman’s Death & Laird Discovered ([17:50–18:36])
  Police find the murdered watchman and a panicking, blind Laird at the scene, making him the prime suspect.

• Police Questioning
  Questions arise regarding how a blind man could have carried or disposed of a firearm, and why he had binoculars around his neck ([19:08]):

  “If Morton is blind, what was he doing with a pair of binoculars around his neck?”
  – District Attorney ([19:08])

6. On the Run: Agnes and Rudy on the Snowflake

• Tensions Aboard ([19:25–23:05])
  Agnes and Rudy argue aboard the boat about their next moves and the fate of Laird. Agnes reveals she has the murder weapon.

  “You killed that watchman, Agnes, not him. What’s he gonna lose by talking?”
  – Rudy ([20:16])

• Agnes’ Ruthlessness
  Agnes insists Rudy follow her orders, threatening violence if he steps out of line ([23:06]):

  “You try any more rough stuff to help me, I’ll toss you over the side.”
  – Agnes ([23:06])

7. The Investigation Breaks Through

• The Key to the Capture ([24:13–28:10])
  The District Attorney’s team tracks Agnes and Rudy using the binoculars left with Laird – a foreign make required to be registered to a specific vessel:

  “We have Laird to thank for that, Ms. Miller. … I checked the registration and found them assigned to his boat with the coast guard.”
  – District Attorney ([27:34])

• The Arrest ([25:02–25:54])
  Police intercept the Snowflake, arresting Agnes and Rudy after a struggle. Agnes is wounded in the process.

8. Resolution

• Justice Served ([27:13–28:23])
  All three conspirators — Laird, Agnes, and Rudy — are held responsible for the murder, signaling the end of their criminal activities.

  “All three of this unusual trio… will pay the full penalty demanded for the murder of the watchman…”
  – District Attorney ([27:13]) “It just goes to show what you’ve said so often, Chief. The crooks don’t have a chance of winning. Ever.”
  – Harrington ([28:12])

• Case Closed and Episode Preview ([28:25–28:43])
  The DA teases next week’s story, shifting from “snowflake” to the upcoming “Case of the House of Death.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Criminal Code:
  “A cold, stubborn, selfish fear based on a colossal contempt for decency.”
  – Narrator ([01:41])

• The Blind Safecracker:
  “I’m blind.” — Laird ([04:02])

• Betrayal’s Sting:
  “Can I? Watch me. Just watch me. Oh, I forgot. You’re blind.”
  – Agnes, abandoning Laird ([15:22])

• Police Deduction:
  “If Morton is blind, what was he doing with a pair of binoculars around his neck?”
  – District Attorney ([19:08])

• Wry Summary:
  “The crooks don’t have a chance of winning. Ever.”
  – Harrington ([28:12])

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Important Timestamps

• Honour Among Thieves Debunked: [01:39]
• Laird’s Blindness Revealed: [04:02]
• Police Narrow the Suspect List: [06:15]
• Agnes’ Double-Cross: [15:17]
• Watchman Murder Discovered: [18:18]
• Discussion on Binoculars and Suspicions: [19:08]
• Agnes’ Threat to Rudy: [23:06]
• Police Track Down the Snowflake: [27:34]
• Justice Served – Trio Held Accountable: [27:13]
• Next Week’s Episode Tease: [28:25]

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Tone and Immersion

The dialogue is charged, atmospheric, and quintessentially noir, with snappy exchanges, shadowy motives, and a relentless, almost weary pursuit of justice by the police. The criminals’ lack of unity and ultimate downfall underscore the show’s moral message: crime may be clever, but it’s never a match for the persistence of law and order.

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Transcript

[A]

And Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. But now we want you to feel it. Cue the emu music. Limu.

[B]

Save yourself money today. Increase your wealth. Customize and save, we say.

[A]

That may have been too much feeling.

[C]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty.

[D]

Liberty. Liberty.

[C]

Liberty Savings Very unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.

[E]

I Panna Toothpaste and sal hepatica present.

[F]

Mr. District Attorney, champion of the people, defender of truth, guardian of our fundamental rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Mr. District Attorney is brought to you by Ipana Toothpaste and Sal Hepatica. I Panna for the smile of beauty. Sal Hepatica for the smile of health. I pal Sal Hepatica. And it shall be my duty as district attorney now prosecute to the legal law all persons accused of crimes perpetrated within this county. But to defend with equal vigor the rights and privileges at all its citizens.

[G]

In our experience, in our war against crime, ladies and gentlemen, nothing in the popular conception of crime is so widespread and so erroneous as the idea that honor exists among peace. In tonight's case of the deadly snowflake, we see this so called criminal code for what it is. A cold, stubborn, selfish fear based on a colossal contempt for decency. We begin in a bedroom darkened by shades drawn tight to the sills.

[D]

Agnes? Agnes, is that you?

[H]

Go back to sleep. Laird. The doc says you should rest.

[D]

Hit my doc? They threw him out years ago. Did you talk to him, Agnes?

[H]

He told me not to. Don't you think you better?

[D]

What's the matter?

[H]

Took the bandages off your head, huh?

[D]

I'm lucky I'm alive, he said. Agnes. That cop's bullet went right across my skull.

[H]

I know. You're lucky you got home.

[D]

I still got my fingers, too. That's real talent, Agnes. One in a million.

[H]

What do you mean you still got your fingers?

[D]

I'll. I'll get to that. First I. I just want to say I'm sorry about. Well, about the way I've been treating you.

[H]

You what?

[D]

I don't mean to. Well, knock you around, Agnes. I. I just get nervous when I'm going out on the job.

[H]

Come over, you lair.

[D]

You know how it is. Feeling those tumblers fall with your fingers. It's tough work, Agnes. Oh, that reminds me.

[H]

What?

[D]

I want you to get hold of a guy.

[G]

You remember him.

[D]

Rudy Bowie. What's the matter?

[H]

Nothing. I just haven't heard you mention Rudy in so long. What do you need him for?

[D]

To help me. I gotta get back to work, Agnes. We'll be needing dough. We could sell that crazy boat, the Snowflake. No, I mean big dough. More jobs, Agnes, like that transfer office I had cased out.

[H]

I don't see what you need Rudy for. He's no safe man.

[D]

I don't need a Peterman, Agnes. Just a helper. Someone to take me around.

[H]

Take you around, lad? What do you mean?

[D]

Agnes, I.

[H]

Something the matter? Now, what is it, lady?

[G]

I'm blind.

[H]

There's a few more, Chief. Squad D, report the total arrest on the arson case.

[G]

Yes, I know, Miss. Me? Send a copy of the findings over.

[H]

To the commissioner, if you will, on the way.

[G]

Well, what about you, Harrington? Anything on that warehouse robbery?

[D]

Chief, I've been over that job with a fine tooth comb. I pulled McHenry out of his prowl car all day yesterday just to get his story again.

[H]

McHenry is the officer who shot at the men as they escaped, Chief.

[D]

Yeah, Shot and missed. I'm sorry to say, Chief.

[G]

Missed completely. I thought the officer's report a week ago indicated that he might have hit one of the men.

[D]

Yeah, that's right, Chief. He might. But nobody's been showing up dead in any of the alleys, though.

[G]

That adds up to what? You've no idea at all?

[D]

Well, it's just one, Chief. Yeah. And I'll say this before I start, Ms. Miller. It ain't scientific.

[H]

Harrington, I haven't said a word.

[D]

I know, but you will. You will. The point is, Chief, I want to. Well, I want to play this one on a hunch.

[G]

Oh, well, we've played your hunches before, haven't we? Yes, and we've good results, too. What's your thoughts?

[D]

Okay, let's go back to this warehouse job for a minute, okay?

[G]

I don't have to. The warehouse people have been on the phone about it all week.

[D]

So what was it? A Peterman job, am I right? No powder, no dynamite, no blasting. Just a straight Peterman.

[H]

A What?

[D]

A Peterman, Ms. Miller. A man who opens safes.

[H]

Oh, yeah.

[D]

You're welcome. Chief. I went over that warehouse safe 20 times. The guy opened it with his fingers.

[G]

Yes, yes, you put that in your original report.

[D]

Right. Now, think about this, then. Feeling for those tumblers ain't easy, you know. That's very delicate work. You gotta be trained to it. Yes.

[G]

Go on.

[D]

Okay, so it comes down to this, Chief. There's three guys I know who could have fingered a safe the way that warehouse job came off. Yeah, and one of them's in the happy house. One's in California, Chief. At least I think he is. I'm checking on it.

[G]

And the other?

[D]

The other? The boy named Morton. Laird Morton. I got his file out of the master, Ms. Morton.

[H]

Is that M O R T O N?

[D]

That's right. He's been quiet for a couple of years, Chief. Might take me time to find him.

[G]

Now, let me get this straight. You really think you can narrow down that warehouse robbery to certain individuals? Just on and technical.

[D]

And like I said, I'm a hunch, too. So. Well, can I go on?

[G]

You've nothing else? No witnesses, fingerprints, nothing?

[D]

No, not so far, Chief.

[G]

I see. All right. I'll hold it over on the disposition report, Harrington, let's say, how about three days?

[D]

Starting now, Chief.

[G]

Starting now. Let's see what this hunch of yours will do.

[H]

Agnes, I'm right in front of you.

[D]

Lair.

[H]

Don't get the jump.

[D]

I'm sorry. It bothers me when you move around. That's all you hear, Rudy? Yeah. Just waiting for what you say, Laird.

[H]

Go on, Laird. Say what you got to say.

[D]

All right. We won't waste any more time. You can lead me into the transfer office. Rudy, the way I time it, it should be three minutes from the car to the safe. If we have luck with the watchman lair. Never mind him. Now, you both got this picture. You lead me. Give me, oh, say, six minutes with the tumblers. And then we beat it back to our car. That's right, Agnes. From there we go directly to the snowflake. To the what?

[H]

Lead boat.

[D]

I don't get it. Can you think of a better place to hide out? Rudy, we get aboard, shove off. We can cruise around for weeks. She sleeps six.

[H]

He boat. He bought it off some jerk during the war.

[G]

Yeah?

[D]

Wait till you see her, Rudy. I bought it complete, right down to the gear and galley. Sure. Well, I mean, lad. They make the getaway on a boat. I told you, it's the safest place in the world. She's all set, too. Agnes sought everything, didn't you?

[H]

I checked all the papers in your bill folder.

[D]

Swell. Yeah. Now I guess I'll get a little sleep. Big day tomorrow, huh, Rudy? Yeah, whatever you say, Laird. Want some help? No, I can make it. I've been practicing, haven't I, Agnes?

[H]

Go ahead. Sean.

[D]

Lard. Watch it.

[F]

I'll be all right.

[D]

Rudy, you sit with Agnes. Three step to the left and shut up. Forward. Yeah. Laird, you all right? Yes. Sit still. Rudy, I. I misjudged, I guess. I'll be fine. Good night now.

[H]

Want a drink?

[D]

What's the idea, Agnes? You let him walk right into that chair.

[H]

I know. I forgot to tell him I moved it.

[D]

Yeah. Never mind the chair.

[H]

Drink.

[D]

Hold still.

[H]

Rudy, listen.

[D]

Still, I said.

[H]

What was that for?

[D]

Just wanted to be sure of something. Are you? Yeah, I'm sure. Your idea. Laird sent him for me when he was blind.

[H]

I just said it was a good idea.

[D]

You didn't know then about.

[H]

Before him? Don't be funny.

[D]

I'm not. I'm just getting organized. Agnes, watching things around here the last few days, it strikes me you're.

[H]

For what?

[D]

You've changed. Laird used to push you around like a lawnmower. That was before he lost his peepers. Yeah. So now you let him walk into chairs.

[H]

That ain't all he's walking into. I got it all planned. The transfer office, job, the boat, everything.

[D]

What is he walking into, Agnes?

[H]

Rudy.

[D]

Yeah?

[H]

Now it's your turn to hold still.

[D]

Maybe I.

[H]

Still want to know what he's walking into. Guess.

[D]

Okay, Chief, so it boils down to this. Either that warehouse job was a complete outsider, or it's my boy.

[G]

Larry Morton, you mean.

[H]

Right.

[D]

And I'm taking bets it was no outside rip and tear job.

[H]

What makes you say that, Harrington?

[D]

Because, Ms. Miller, when a bunch of the boys plan a job the size of that warehouse deal, they line it up, see? And if they're from out of town, well, they get permission.

[H]

Permission to break open a safe. From whom?

[D]

From the boys in this town that know about things like safes.

[G]

They're pretty well cleaned out, aren't they?

[D]

I don't say they are, Chief. And that's why, again, I think Laird's my boy.

[G]

You know how to find him?

[D]

Well, he's been off my books now for nearly three years, Chief. But I can find him. At least here's where I try. I'll shoot your game some other time, Mary. Yeah, and with no choice Talk on my YouTube. Oh, hey, hey, before I forget it, you ever hear from Morton? Yeah, Morton. You know, he used to play snooker in here. Laird Morton. Give me three, will you, Rusty?

[H]

No, no, no.

[D]

The Panatel. Is that the only good cigar you got?

[H]

Hey.

[D]

Oh, Rusty. Harry over the billiard joint says maybe that you heard from Laird. Yeah, Morton. Come on, Rusty, you know him. Laird Morton.

[H]

Well, I'm.

[D]

I'm sorry to get you out of rehearsal, Maisy. Trying a new number, huh? Pretty good, too. Oh. Oh, I know. Now what I meant to ask you, Maisy. You used to go around with Laird Morton, didn't you? I mean, back before he got married. Well, tell me something, kid. Does he owe you any dough? Street's all clear, lad. I look both ways. What about the watchman, Rudy? Is he in the office?

[H]

What up?

[D]

I told you a dozen times, Agnes, it should be straight ahead of us. Up the steps, into the right. Oh, yeah, Yeah, I see it. Lair. No light on. Okay, that's it, then. Let's go in.

[H]

You got him, Rudy?

[D]

I am. That's it. Keep hold of my coat, Leon. You won't fall. Remember now, both here. We come right back to the car and drive directly to the boat.

[H]

We know that. Go on, Ruth.

[D]

Door's open. I told you it would be. The watchman leaves it unlatched till 2am what's the matter? What's that around your neck? Lance. What? Please, please, please. I got. Hold up.

[H]

Go on in. Will you come? You'll walk by in a minute.

[D]

They're binoculars, Rudy. You'll need a good pair on the boat. He's still there. Rudy's opening the door. Okay, so far. Now we take the first door to the right, huh? It'll be open, too. Go on, try it. Like a barn. Look for the safe, Rudy. Is it there? Should be over in the corner.

[H]

I see him.

[D]

All right, lead me to it. Come on. Make it fast. That snooper gets back here every 20 minutes. Right here. Land. You feel it? Yeah, yeah, I got it. Shut that door, Agnes.

[H]

What?

[D]

Well, we come in and. I didn't hear it shut. I got it.

[H]

Can you open it?

[D]

There, in a breeze slide. Let me warm up my fingers. Watch the door.

[H]

Don't worry about me. Anybody comes through it, I'm ready for him.

[D]

Can you imagine a big transfer company owning a safe like this? The tumblers fall like bowling pins. Two more minutes and they'll have it.

[H]

Agnes, shut up.

[D]

I hear it. I heard. Somebody's at the door. What? Can't be. We come in at one final five, didn't we?

[H]

I must have got it mixed up there. Rudy. Stand back.

[D]

Be careful with that, Agnes. Has he got a light?

[H]

Oh, he hasn't. Come on in, Grandpa. Welcome home.

[D]

Told you I had this planned. Come on, give me your hand. Agnes, we got to get out of here fast.

[H]

Get down to the car fast.

[D]

Agnes, take my hand.

[H]

Sorry, Larry. They ain't got the time.

[D]

Agnes, you're not leaving me here. Agnes, no, you can't.

[H]

Can I? Watch me. Just watch me. Oh, I forgot. You're blind. Agnes. Agnes, come back. I can't see. Agnes. No.

[D]

Limu.

[A]

Limu and Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. But now we want you to feel it. Cue the emu music. Limu.

[B]

Save yourself money today. Increase your your wealth. Customize and save. We save.

[A]

That may have been too much feeling.

[C]

Only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com.

[D]

Liberty Liberty. Liberty.

[C]

Liberty Savings Very underwrite by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Affiliates excludes Massachusetts.

[F]

Laird Martin blinded Safecracker deserted at the scene of a murder. We'll hear the next exciting development of this unusual case in just a moment. But first let's bend an ear to one of those early morning sounds. One that says, rise and shine. Now, of course, sometimes you may not feel like rising and shining like most all of us. You may wake up feeling dull and headachy because you need a laxative. In that case, better tune in on this sound. And that's the sparkling sound of Sal Hepatica in a glass of water. And remember, unlike slow acting laxatives, a sparkling glass of Sal hepatica when you get up brings quick, gentle relief, usually within an hour. That means you don't have to feel dull and headachy all day, waiting until night to take the laxative. You need it in the morning.

[E]

And if at the same time you're troubled with excess gastric acidity, let Sal hepatica help sweeten your stomach.

[F]

So keep a bottle of Sal hepatica handy. Then anytime you need a laxative morning, noon or night, see how much faster you feel better. Thanks to gentle, speedy Sal Hepatica. Now back to Mr. District Attorney.

[H]

Sorry, boy. Don't question.

[D]

You'll have to wait till the chief.

[H]

I'll let you just assume seats.

[F]

Right. Harry, Come on, now. Come on.

[H]

Give us a chance, will you? Come on, get out.

[G]

The reporters are going to wave, Harrington.

[D]

I say they are, Chief. Somebody tipped him to the angle in this thing.

[H]

The Angle Harrington?

[D]

Wouldn't you call it one, Ms. Miller? A watchman gets killed, the prowl car boys come looking for him and they find a blind man yelling his head off.

[G]

As I put it together, the watchman must have been shot about 1 or.

[D]

110 by that chief. He was supposed to punch his clock at 1:15 and he didn't.

[G]

Yes, I know. Then when he didn't report at 1:30, our men came in to investigate some investigation.

[D]

A dead watchman and Laird Martin blind.

[H]

Oh, Chief, he's being booked downtown. They'll hold him in your office until we get there. Yes.

[G]

Thank you, Ms. Miller. Well, Harrington, where do we start?

[D]

No gun, huh, Chief?

[G]

None so far. Didn't you tell the men to search the yard outside?

[D]

Yeah. Brophy's out there. Chief, if Morton tossed the gun out the window, we'll find it.

[H]

Well, how could he if he's blind?

[D]

That, Ms. Miller, is the break the bank question. Brother, what a lot of talking he's going to do.

[G]

I hope so. There's one thing in particular I'm curious about.

[D]

Yeah? Which one, Chief?

[G]

If Morton is blind, what was he doing with a pair of binoculars around his neck?

[H]

Shut the door to the concert, Rudy. Fold.

[D]

That's one.

[H]

There's only one. Shut it.

[D]

How should I know?

[F]

I ain't never been on a boat.

[H]

Well, you are now. Like it?

[D]

Yeah. Steer it with that.

[H]

Sure isn't hard. Laird taught me.

[D]

Okay, so we're moving now. Where does it go?

[H]

Any place. I figured we'd just keep cruising around for a while. You know, let things cool down.

[D]

And what happens when this crate runs out of gas?

[H]

We buy some more. It's easy. They got gas pumps all along the shore.

[D]

Well, I still don't like it, Agnes. None of it.

[H]

They tell you I got all the.

[D]

Dope in Laird's warehouse job before. I wondered why we didn't wait and grab the loot at the transfer office.

[H]

What for? We got plenty. Besides, I don't think the insurance sticks on us. They can get nasty, too, you know. This way we're clear.

[D]

And what about Laird? He won't talk.

[H]

That's what you mean.

[D]

Why won't he? You killed that watchman, Agnes, not him. What's he gonna lose by talking?

[H]

You think I didn't figure? Listen. So they found him with a dead duck, all right. He's lying. No court in the world is convicted. Laird knows that. So do the cops.

[D]

I still say it would have been.

[H]

I ain't finished. Finally, they got to find the gun, don't they? I know that much from the movies.

[D]

Hey, you still got it, haven't you?

[H]

Certainly. I got it right here. Come on, Rudy, relax. What is it Laird was always saying? Oh, yeah, Give a load of that air.

[G]

Now, listen to reason, Morton. That watchman was killed with a.32 caliber slug.

[D]

He was. Look at the district attorney when you're talking, Morton. I'm tired of looking at him. We've been at this four hours. You're tired of looking, huh? Which one?

[G]

Are you really blind, Morton. You know we'll be certain when the doctor gets here.

[D]

Am I? What do you think, Da?

[G]

I think you are.

[D]

And so do I, Morton. Yeah, and I'll tell you how you got that way, too. From a cop's bullet right across your head. Where'd that scar? Is that so?

[G]

We'll know after you're examined, Morton. I can't see your point in delaying things any longer.

[D]

Anything you say, Da. What do you want to know?

[G]

I'll read the last question. Will you please, Miss Miller?

[H]

Yes, sir. Listen to reason, Morton. That watchman was killed with a.32 caliber slug.

[G]

All right, we'll start from there. Now, where is the gun, Morton?

[D]

Who was with you, Morton?

[G]

Come on, use your head, man. We've got you.

[D]

Why shield the other in a pig's eye? You got me. You were there, sonny, Right there waiting for. All right, smart guy. Go ahead on that. Go on, Da. Tell a jury I did it. Tell em. And you can also tell em I'm blind. For Pete's sake, Agnes, let's turn this thing towards land.

[H]

Not till we need gas.

[D]

I'm going nuts, I tell you. Nothing but water.

[H]

That's a nice trick, huh? I'm here.

[D]

Gee, I'll say you are.

[H]

Just what do you mean by that?

[D]

Oh, look, Agnes, we can't just spend.

[F]

The rest of our lives going nowhere.

[D]

We got to get back to town for. Well, we're laird, for one thing. Oh, now, look. I could call one of the boys. Agnes. They'll know if he's singing.

[H]

Maybe he ain't. I told you.

[D]

But we don't know, Agnes. It's driving me off my rocker knuckle.

[H]

I told you before. Relax.

[D]

I'm telling you. Head this tub toward the show.

[H]

No, thank you.

[D]

Listen, Humphrey brain, Little Eddie, you go of me. Get us back to hear me now. Oh, Agnes, please.

[H]

You'll look at my arm. I'll be black and blue.

[D]

Will you listen to me, Agnes?

[H]

Yes, it, Foster. I planned this show and I'm running it. You try any more rough stuff to help me, I'll toss you over the side.

[G]

What time is it, Ms. Winner?

[H]

At 7:10, Chief. The day shift will be coming on at 7:30.

[G]

Well, you ought to go on home. We can send for a stenographer downstairs.

[H]

No, I'm all right, Chief, really. Is there any more coffee, Harrington?

[D]

Yeah, plenty, Ms. Miller. Invest.

[G]

How about you, Morton? If you like talking some more.

[D]

Hey, Morton, the chief's talking to you. Aren't you guys tired yet? Boy, we got lots of time left, Morton. All day today, tonight, tomorrow, the next night.

[G]

Who shot the watchman?

[D]

Morton. Where's the gun, Morton?

[H]

I'll get it.

[D]

How'd you lose your sight, Morton? Pulling away from that warehouse job to give up Harrington.

[H]

That's the harbor patrol.

[G]

Oh, let me have that.

[H]

Yes, sir. Right here.

[D]

What's that, Ms. Morton?

[H]

That's the harbor patrol, Harrington. The chief told him about an hour ago from outside.

[D]

Sure.

[G]

Now, you sure the number is 20Y205? Yes, I'll repeat it. 20Y205.

[D]

What's the matter, Laird? No. You look excited. No.

[G]

Have a boat stand by, will you, please? We'll be right out. Harrington. We've got it. Come on, let's go.

[D]

Now, Agnes, put away the gun, will you? I didn't mean to get rushed.

[H]

Shut up a minute, huh? It's a boat. See it coming up from the port side.

[D]

Where?

[H]

There. See it? What? The Rudy, that's a patrol boat.

[D]

I don't get it. What patrol? What are you talking about? 20 y205.

[F]

Stand by to be boarded.

[H]

Stand by, my foot. Get out of my way, Rudy.

[G]

Cut your motors and stand by.

[F]

You're under arrest.

[D]

Agnes. It's cuts. Listen to them, I guess.

[H]

Don't you think I can hear? Get back, Rudy. They're coming alongside.

[D]

I'm standby. We're coming aboard. Watch this, team.

[H]

Get back. Get back or I start shooting.

[D]

Hang the stump of your fool. The boat's loaded with police. Cover me, Hank. I'm right with you, Chief. Easy, Billy. Keep her alongside. The chief's going over.

[H]

You rat. I told you.

[D]

Don'T reach for that gun.

[G]

Leave it on the deck.

[H]

Okay, Chief. Here. Wait. I cut these senses.

[D]

Did I get her?

[G]

Just her arm, I think. Harrington. Stand still, both of you.

[D]

I didn't do anything.

[H]

Shut up, Rudy. What you scared to see? I'm bleeding now?

[G]

We'll have you taken care of as soon as we get ashore. Take the man, Harrington.

[D]

Right, Chief. Come on.

[H]

Re up. A little silly.

[D]

All set.

[G]

Now, let's take this pair back to town.

[F]

Your district attorney will return in just a moment with an explanation of his capture of Agnes and Rudy.

[H]

But first, tell me, who should know best the difference between toothpaste?

[F]

Who should know best the difference between toothpaste? Why, your dentist, of course. Your dentist is the skilled guardian of your dental health, the authority on care of your teeth and gums. So ask your dentist about Ipana toothpaste and gentle gum massage.

[E]

Many dentists recommend gum massage. What's more, a nationwide survey reveals that more dentists recommend Ipana toothpaste than Any other dentifrast. And wait a moment. More dentists personally use ipenna than any other toothpaste.

[F]

There's a difference between toothpastes, all right. And dentists know that difference.

[E]

Ipenna cleans teeth. Clean safely too, without gritty abrasives. And followed by gentle massage aids the health of your gums.

[F]

Help your dentist. Help your smile. Begin now getting your new Ipana smile. Get I panna toothpaste.

[H]

Taste the freshness. Feel the cleanness. See the sparkle. See how you look with an Ipana smile.

[F]

I panna toothpaste. Now, here is your district attorney.

[G]

I should like to report, first of all, ladies and gentlemen, that all three of this unusual trio of Laird Morton, his wife and Rudy Bowie will pay the full penalty demanded for the murder of the watchman in the transfer company office.

[D]

I say they will, Chief. And that's the end of all those safe cracking jobs on the list.

[G]

Yes, Harrington, it is.

[H]

Oh, Chief, I think you'd better explain just how you knew Agnes and Rudy.

[D]

Were on a boat.

[H]

And which boat to go after.

[G]

Well, we have Laird to thank for that, Ms. Miller. As you know, when we found him, he had a pair of very good binoculars around his neck.

[D]

Sure, Chief. A blind man with spy glasses.

[G]

Exactly, Harrington. He intended to bring them to the boat for his wife and Rudy. Fortunately, this particular particular pair of binoculars was of a foreign make.

[H]

I don't understand, Chief.

[G]

During the war and before Ms. Miller, all such foreign binoculars had to be registered with the proper authorities. When we examined the pair on Laird, I checked the registration and found them assigned to his boat with the coast guard.

[D]

Number 20Y205. Right, Chief?

[G]

Right, Harrington. Then when the harbor police reported sight of the vessel, we went right out.

[H]

You certainly did, Chief.

[D]

Well, it just goes to show what you've said so often, Chief. The crooks don't have a chance of winning. Ever.

[G]

Indeed. For no criminal or criminal gang has the resources of the forces of law and order.

[H]

And now, what about next week?

[G]

Well, our story for next week, ladies and gentlemen, is another colorful and exciting dramatization. It's the Case of the House of Death, and I invite you to join us for it. And so, until then, thank you and good night.

[D]

Right dress.

[F]

Yes, ma'.

[D]

Am.

[F]

The right dress for well groomed hair, for your hair is Sentry S E N T R Y Sentry Hair Cream. New liquid cream grooms hair without that unsightly, greasy look. What makes sentry so different? Well, most hair creams are made with mineral oil. But not sentry. Sentry's the only leading liquid hair cream made without mineral oil. No wonder Sentry grooms without an objectionable greasy look. Guard your grooming with Sentry S E N T R Y. Sentry. Sentry hair cream. Your right dress. The names of all characters in tonight's dramatization are fictitious and in a resemblance to names of living persons or actual places is purely coincidental. Our stars were Jay Josten in the title role, Len Doyle as Harrington, and Vicky Bola as Ms. Miller. The music was under the direction of Peter Van Steeden. The program is produced and directed by Edward A. Byron and written by Robert Shaw. Mr. District Attorney was originated by Philip Sage Lord. Remember I Pana Toothpaste for the smile of beauty. Sal Hepatica for the smile of health. Bristol Myers invites you to tune in again next week for Duffy's Tavern and Mr. District Attorney.

[G]

This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.