Mysterious Traveler 44-09-24 (042) Death Laughs Last

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Mysterious Traveler 44-09-24 (042) Death Laughs Last
Date: October 28, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Harold’s Old Time Radio presents Death Laughs Last, a suspenseful drama from The Mysterious Traveler series. Set in a time before television, the story follows Edward Harrison, a desperate man whose attempts to save his gravely ill wife by any means necessary draw him into a spiral of crime and unintended tragedy. The episode masterfully explores themes of desperation, moral compromise, and the haunting inevitability of “crime doesn’t pay.”

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Edward’s Desperation and Mary’s Illness

• [00:55–03:24] The mysterious narrator introduces the tale, emphasizing the chilling journey ahead.
• [02:03–03:47] Dr. Smith informs Edward Harrison that his wife Mary is critically ill and only a costly, rare brain operation by Dr. Howard Richards can save her.
  • Quote (Dr. Smith, 03:09):
    “Her only hope is a brain operation. A very difficult and delicate operation. Without it... I could only give her six months, a year at most.”
• [04:28–05:33] Mary worries about the expense, but Edward insists not to worry—he’ll get the money.

2. Fruitless Efforts to Secure Money

• [05:34–08:49] Edward tries traditional routes—loan companies, banks, his wealthy childhood friend Horace Latimer—but is turned down everywhere.
  • Quote (Horace, 08:36):
    “Boys don’t understand business very well, I’m afraid, Ed.”
  • Quote (Edward, 09:13):
    “Save your sorrow for somebody else. I don’t need your money, you hear? I’ll get it someplace else... Yes, I’ll get it somehow.”

3. A Fateful Encounter and Turn to Crime

• [09:40–13:13] On the street, a would-be mugger named Mike attempts to rob Edward. Instead, he learns of Edward’s skills as a locksmith and desperate need for money. Mike proposes they burglarize a house together.
  • Quote (Mike, 11:10):
    “Me and you, we’re going to talk business because I got a plan that’ll get us both all the dough we need.”
• [13:43–15:37] The duo breaks in. Edward opens the safe, and he only takes the $1,500 he needs—nothing more.

4. The Crime Turns Deadly

• [16:00–17:13] Their crime turns fatal. Mike kills a butler who discovers them. Edward is horrified and becomes an accessory to murder.
  • Quote (Edward, 16:12):
    “I’m an accessory to murder.”
• [17:19–18:16] Mike manipulates the reluctant, distressed Edward, hinting that now they're bonded by crime, and threatens him into future criminal acts. In a scuffle, Edward accidentally kills Mike.

5. Aftermath and Irony

• [18:25–21:16] Stunned, Edward escapes. At a bar, he panics over being recognized, but the police are searching for Mike, not him. He returns home to Mary, physically and emotionally shaken, as she shares that Dr. Smith has good news.
• [21:27–22:38] Newspaper headlines detail the night’s crimes, and Edward confirms that Mike is dead and that the butler died before revealing Edward’s involvement. The police close the case, believing Mike acted alone.

6. Devastating Irony and Moral

• [22:38–23:46] Dr. Smith reveals to Edward that Dr. Richards had agreed to operate without immediate payment, making all of Edward’s desperate actions unnecessary.
  • Quote (Dr. Smith, 22:59):
    “You could take as long as you wanted to [to pay].”
  • (Edward’s anguished internal realization, 23:08):
    “Then it wasn’t necessary. I didn’t have to do it. I didn’t have to do it.”
• [23:46–25:06] The devastating twist: Dr. Richards was the very same man murdered the previous night—by Edward and Mike during the break-in.
  • Quote (Dr. Smith, 23:46):
    “Dr. Richards can’t perform the operation now. He was tragically murdered last night by a burglar who broke into his home in Buxton Park.”
• [25:06–25:43] The narrator closes the tale, revealing that after Mary’s subsequent death, Edward confessed, demonstrating the inevitable moral: Crime truly does not pay.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Introduction, setting the tone:
  • “I hope you will enjoy the trip, that it will thrill you a little and chill you a little. So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves...”
    (The Mysterious Traveler, 00:55)
• Edward, upon facing betrayal:
  • “No, I suppose not. They don't understand business. They just understand friendship.”
    (Edward, 08:40)
• The fateful realization:
  • “Then it wasn’t necessary. I didn’t have to do it. I didn’t have to do it.”
    (Edward, 23:08)
• Final moral from The Mysterious Traveler:
  • “Poor Edward Harrison. He didn’t believe that crime must always be paid for by someone, did he?... I hope his experience will teach you that crime really doesn’t pay.”
    (Narrator, 24:00)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening Narration and Setup: 00:55–02:49
• Edward Learns of Mary’s Condition: 02:49–03:47
• Loan Attempts and Desperation: 05:34–08:49
• Mike and the Criminal Proposal: 09:40–13:13
• Burglary and Safecracking: 13:43–15:37
• The Murder and Edward’s Crisis: 16:00–17:13
• Edward’s Awakening and News: 21:27–22:38
• Twist Ending: 22:38–23:46
• Moral (~Outro): 24:00–25:06

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Tone & Style

The narration is suspenseful, moralistic, and rich in postwar radio drama tradition. The language is direct, with emotional peaks as Edward's hopes crumble and desperation overtakes him. The ethical message—that crime is always paid for, somehow—is clear and chilling, culminating in a final ironic twist quintessential to “The Mysterious Traveler.”

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Takeaway

Death Laughs Last is a gripping morality play about how good intentions warped by desperation can spiral into irreversible tragedy. The episode’s classic twist ending delivers a lesson as cold as it is effective: No one escapes the consequences of their actions, no matter how desperate the circumstances.

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Transcript

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[Edward Harrison]

A Mysterious Traveler.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

This is the Mysterious Traveler inviting you to join me on another journey into the realm of the strange and the terrifying. I hope you will enjoy the trip, that it will thrill you a little and chill you a little. So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves and be comfortable if you can. Where are we going? Why, we're going to follow the adventures of a man who thought he could commit murder and escape punishment. I call the story Death Laughs Last. It was while I was practicing medicine in an eastern city that Edward Harrison brought his wife Mary to me for an examination. I could see at a glance that she was dangerously ill. When I had finished my examination, however, I tried to conceal her true condition from her till I had a chance to speak privately to her husband.

[Mary Harrison]

Isn't anything Serious, is it, Dr. Smith? Please tell me that it isn't.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Well, I'm afraid it's too soon to say, Mrs. Harrison. Until the X ray plates are ready, I can't say yes or no. But now your husband is waiting outside, he's probably beginning to worry, so. Oh, yes, of here's your wife, Mr. Harrison. You must have thought I'd kidnapped her.

[Edward Harrison]

No, but I was getting a little worried. Doctor, I hope you didn't find anything very wrong.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Well, I took several X rays, but I won't be able to tell much until they're developed. I'd like your wife to come back day after tomorrow if she can.

[Mary Harrison]

Of course, Doctor. What time would be the best?

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Anytime that's convenient to you. Now, I'll write out a prescription your husband can have filled. Will you step in for a moment, Mr. Harrison?

[Edward Harrison]

Sure thing. With you in a moment, Mary.

[Mary Harrison]

Of course, darling.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Sit down, won't you, Mr. Harrison?

[Edward Harrison]

All right. What is it, doctor?

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Mr. Harrison, your wife is dangerously ill.

[Edward Harrison]

Does. Does that mean she's going to die?

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Her only hope is a brain operation. A very difficult and delicate operation. Without it, well, I could only give her six months, a year at most.

[Edward Harrison]

No, no, it mustn't be. She's got to have the operation, you hear?

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

I must tell you, Mr. Harrison, that only one man in this country has the necessary skill for the operation your wife needs. He's Dr. Howard Richards, and naturally, he's in great demand. His average fee for an operation is about $1500.

[Edward Harrison]

1500.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Well, of course, if you can't afford that, you might consider the circumstances and.

[Edward Harrison]

No, no, I can afford it. I can afford anything Mary needs.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Well, then I'll get in touch with him at once.

[Edward Harrison]

Yeah, sure. You make the arrangements right away, and I'll get a hold of the money. I'll get it to you by tomorrow.

[Mary Harrison]

Darling, help me off with my coat, will you, please?

[Edward Harrison]

Oh, sure, sure. Mary, how are you feeling?

[Mary Harrison]

Oh, much better since Dr. Smith gave me that medicine in his office.

[Edward Harrison]

He's a swell doctor. He'll fix you up in no time.

[Mary Harrison]

Did he. Did he tell you anything more, Edward?

[Edward Harrison]

Not a thing, except that the treatment might take a little time, that's all.

[Mary Harrison]

A little time? Oh, dear, I hope it won't be too expensive. Your business hasn't been good, and we've used up all the money in our savings account.

[Edward Harrison]

And don't you fret about money. Don't you worry about anything.

[Mary Harrison]

All right, darling, I won't. Oh, but aren't you going to take your coat off?

[Edward Harrison]

No, I. I've got to get the prescription the doctor gave me filled. You just take it easy till I get back. I might stop in at the shop, too. There's something. Something I've got to attend to there. Mr. Danvers? I'm Ed Harrison. Oh, yes, Mr. Harrison. Please sit down. I see that you want to borrow $1,500 from us. That's right. Unfortunately, the security you offer your home. What's wrong with it? It's a swell little house. Good section, all in good repair. Yes, yes, that's true. But you already have a first and second mortgage on it, totaling $4,000.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

And.

[Edward Harrison]

Well, I'm afraid we can't make any further loans. But I've got to have the money. I just got to. I'm sorry to hear that, because there's nothing we can do to help you. Nothing. We.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

You say you're not employed, Mr. Harrison?

[Edward Harrison]

No, I own a shop. I'm a locksmith.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Mm. That means you're never certain of your income. If you had a job now, a regular income you could depend on.

[Edward Harrison]

What are you getting at? You mean you're not going to let me have the money?

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

I certainly wish I could, but under the circumstances. Well, I'm sorry, very sorry, but there's nothing I can do.

[Mary Harrison]

I'm afraid the collateral you Suggest isn't satisfactory, Mr. Harrison. We'd lend you the money if we could, but we just can't.

[Horace Latimer]

Sorry.

[Edward Harrison]

But I've got to have it. I've just got to. Sorry. It's to save Mary's life. She'll die if I don't, and I won't let her die. I won't. Sorry. Look.

[Mary Harrison]

Edward, you aren't eating. Oh, and you're so quiet, dear. Is there anything wrong?

[Edward Harrison]

Well. Oh, no, of course not.

[Mary Harrison]

You're worrying about me, aren't you?

[Edward Harrison]

Why, no, Mary. I was just thinking about making some changes at the shop.

[Mary Harrison]

Darling, you don't have to lie to me. I know I'm not well, but I'm going to get better. Really I am. I promise.

[Edward Harrison]

Of course you are. Dr. Smith said so. You're gonna be well in no time. No, I've got to go out. I have an appointment over the other side of the city with Horace Latimer. He wants to see me about something. Something important.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Edward had no appointment with Horace Latimer, but went to see Horace anyway. For he and Horace had been boyhood friends and their parts had separated and Horace had grown wealthy. But in his desperation, Edward Harrison hoped that Horace would remember the past and would lend him the money he'd been trying to raise all day. Horace could spare it easily. But would he?

[Horace Latimer]

1500. That's rather a lot of money, Ed.

[Edward Harrison]

I know it is, Horace, but it's for Mary, for an operation. I've got to have it.

[Horace Latimer]

Yes. Why don't you try the bank? You have a house, a business.

[Edward Harrison]

I have tried the bank and all the personal loan companies in town. They all turned me down and said the security wasn't good enough.

[Horace Latimer]

I see. Well, that's too bad. But I don't quite understand why you came to me, Ed.

[Edward Harrison]

Because we're friends, that's why. Because when we were boys, we agreed that we'd each of us always lend the other a helping hand if we could.

[Horace Latimer]

Boys don't understand business very well, I'm afraid, Ed.

[Edward Harrison]

No, I suppose not. They don't understand business. They just understand friendship. You know, if I had the money and you needed it, I'd lend it to you in a minute.

[Horace Latimer]

I don't doubt that at all, Ed. And you can bet I'd lend it to you if I had it. But that's the trouble. I haven't any ready cash. The income tax, you know, and a couple of shaky investments that I had.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

To Bolster up lately.

[Edward Harrison]

All right, Horace, never mind explaining. I get the idea you're not going to lend me the money.

[Horace Latimer]

Oh, really, Ed. I would if I could, but I can't. I'm sorry.

[Edward Harrison]

Save your sorrow for somebody else. I don't need your money, you hear? I'll get it someplace else. Yes, I'll get it somehow.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

After he had slammed out of Horace Latimer's expensive home, Edward stood for a moment on the dark street corner, staring back with bitterness in his face.

[Edward Harrison]

I'm sorry. Yes, you're sorry. In a pig's eye, you're sorry. What a SAP I was to think you were a pal of mine.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

What's that, buddy? Oh, was you talking to me?

[Edward Harrison]

Oh, no, sorry. I guess I was thinking out loud.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Oh, that's okay. Hey, got a match?

[Edward Harrison]

A match, too?

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Sure.

[Edward Harrison]

There you go.

[Horace Latimer]

Thanks.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Okay, just hold it like that. Make a move and I plug you.

[Edward Harrison]

Gun.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah, you just stick up, hold your whore hand over your dough and make it fast.

[Edward Harrison]

See my dough, That's a hot one. I'm out trying to raise money myself. We're both out of luck. I've only got a dollar on me. Take it if you want it. Anyway, it's more than I could raise.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Don't try to kid me. Stand still while I see what you got in your pockets. A wallet, A leather case of some kind.

[Edward Harrison]

You'll find just $1 in that wallet.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah, a buck. One measly buck. I bet you got a roll hidden in this leather case. It's heavy enough.

[Edward Harrison]

There's nothing in there but my emergency kit.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah, well, I'll just see for myself. Say, oh, this kit is full of skeleton keys and pick blocks and stuff. What are you, anyway, second story worker?

[Edward Harrison]

I'm a locksmith and a safe repairman if it's anything to you. How about taking the dollar and letting me go on my way? I'm in a hurry.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Not so fast, pal. Not so fast. Were you leveling just now when you said you was trying to raise dough?

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Yeah.

[Edward Harrison]

I've got to have $1,500 by tomorrow. What's it to you?

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

You'd be surprised, pal. Okay, I'm putting the gun away, but you ain't leaving yet. Me and you, we're going to talk business because I got a plan that'll get us both all the dough we need. Two more beers, waiter.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Coming up.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Well, is it a deal on my proposition?

[Edward Harrison]

I, I, I don't owe my.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Ah, sure you do. There's nothing to it. You can open Locks and safes. I know where there's a house with plenty of dough in it. You and me together, we'll go get it. We'll make a team.

[Jack McGregor]

What burglary?

[Edward Harrison]

I've never stolen anything in my life.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Listen, you said you needed a dough bad, didn't you? So do I. Plenty bad. You said you'd do anything to get it, didn't you?

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Yes.

[Edward Harrison]

Yes, I did, Ed.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Then what are you hanging back for? All you gotta do is get the back door opened and the safe. In half an hour you'll have your 1,500 and more. How else are you ever gonna get it? Answer me that.

[Edward Harrison]

I don't know. You're sure the money's there, Mike?

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Positive. I was casing the joint. Looked in the window in time to see the old geezer put a whole roll of bills in a safe that's like a bread box. Ah, you could open it with your teeth.

[Edward Harrison]

All right, I'll do it. I've got to have the money. I'll go on the job with you.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Okay? This is the joint everybody said they hay long ago. It'll be a cinch.

[Edward Harrison]

The luck looks easy, but I shouldn't be doing this. There must be some other way to get the money through.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Don't be a sucker all your life. You gotta take what you want in this world. If you don't, you'll never get it. Everybody's a crook of some kind. Well, get on. Get that door open. We gotta get inside before we're spotted.

[Edward Harrison]

All right. It'll only take a second, I think. Yes, there. It's unlocked.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Okay, get inside. The sleep's in the library down this way. Don't make any noise.

[Edward Harrison]

Are you sure there's only two of.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Them in the house? Yeah, the old guy and his butler. Probably both of them. Deathless posts. Here's the library. Come on. The safe's behind the picture on the wall.

[Edward Harrison]

This picture?

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah, that's it. I'll lift it down.

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Rinse it out.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Hey, that safe is just a kid's toy. Go ahead and get it open.

[Edward Harrison]

It won't be that easy, but I'll have it open inside half an hour.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Now hurry it up. You've been 40 minutes on that thing.

[Edward Harrison]

It's coming now.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

There. It's open. About time, too. Now let's see what's in it. Here's the cash box. It'll lie.

[Edward Harrison]

Open it.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

There. Look, Doe. Cash. Mazuma. What'd I tell you?

[Edward Harrison]

There must be thousands there.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Easy. Come on, we'll count it and divvy it up.

[Edward Harrison]

No, never mind. Just give me 1500. That's all I want. You can keep the rest.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Are you kidding?

[Edward Harrison]

No, that's all I want. Just the 1500 I need.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Okay, it's your funeral. Here you are. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, $1,500 bills.

[Edward Harrison]

$1500?

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Yeah, for just an hour's boy. Easy money, huh? What do you say we cracked a couple more creeps tonight?

[Mary Harrison]

No, no.

[Edward Harrison]

I just want to get out of.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Here now and get behind this door. I'll take care of it.

[Jack McGregor]

Please help.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Perfect. What'd you expect me to do, shake his hand?

[Edward Harrison]

Would you kill him?

[Horace Latimer]

Yes.

[Edward Harrison]

I'm an accessory to murder.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Cut that cuff and let's get out of here. Do you want to get caught?

[Edward Harrison]

No, no, of course not.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Let's get going. Come on.

[Edward Harrison]

We can stand still, both of you. I have a gun. And I have you covered.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Butler.

[Edward Harrison]

If you move, I'll shoot. I can see you perfectly. He's standing on the stairs. He's got a gun.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

We caught.

[Edward Harrison]

We caught.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

No, not yet. We ain't nothing. Old scarecrow with a rusty horse pistol.

[Downy Unstoppables Advertiser]

Put up your hands.

[Edward Harrison]

I'm going to call the police. You've done something to the.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Okay, we'll put up our hands. Light from me. Ro. We gotta get out of here in a hurry. No shots. Okay. Here we are. Come on in.

[Edward Harrison]

Why did you make me come here? Kind of go home.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

You hurried me. Come on in. That's better. Now take off your hat and stay a while.

[Edward Harrison]

But I can't stay, Mike. My wife, she'll be worrying things. And get hold of her.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

You've got other things than Your wife to worry about. About chum.

[Edward Harrison]

What do you mean, Mike?

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

I mean the cops. Or have you forgotten you wanted for m?

[Edward Harrison]

No, No, I haven't forgotten. I'll never be able to forget. Why did you kill them?

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Well, it was either killed them or go to jail. Or would you rather have gone to jail, huh?

[Edward Harrison]

Oh, no. But I'm all mixed up. How did I get into this anyway?

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

You need a dough. That's how you got into this. And you got it. So now cut out the sob stuff.

[Edward Harrison]

Why won't you let me go home? Why did you make me come here to your room?

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

You're here so you and me can have a little talk.

[Edward Harrison]

Kind of a talk.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Well, chum, that door and that safe open, you and me got a future together.

[Edward Harrison]

I won't do it. I won't.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Sure, you can always send a little note to the cops.

[Edward Harrison]

They'll get you too.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

I'd be a long ways out here. You got a sick wife. You can play saint. You. You don't think you can pull a job and go on as if nothing had happened. Somebody's always got to bear another. I did it only for a minute now. And you can't get out.

[Edward Harrison]

Get it off my chest.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

Oh, no, you. Do you see that? Can the fire talk. Hey, get up and go.

[Edward Harrison]

You got me into this. I'll take that gun away from.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

I'll put you.

[Edward Harrison]

Mike, he's dead. I'm gonna get away.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

In a daze of horror, he made his way to the street. Thoughts which he could not control round in his head.

[Edward Harrison]

Me, they'll hang me. I had the money. The money to make Mary. Now they'll catch me. They'll hang me if I've got to. It's paid for somehow. But if you can't escape. If you're lucky. I need a drink. I've got to have a drink before I go crazy.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

So Edward Harrison stuck street and struggling to control his shaking as normal, he ordered a double whiskey and gulped it. Senses cleared a little. He heard the radio at the end of the bar broadcasting a warning to the city.

[Edward Harrison]

Attention the police department for the following man committed in the Buxton Park. Please make a note of the following.

[Horace Latimer]

Say, buddy, what's the radio off for? Because I was D and I got a knife. I want to hear it. So I'm gonna turn it back on again.

[Edward Harrison]

No, no, you mustn't.

[Horace Latimer]

I'm gonna.

[Spinquest Disclaimer Announcer]

If you try.

[Horace Latimer]

Gun. Right here under the bar. See what that dirty killer looked like.

[Edward Harrison]

I repeat. Beyond lean and wiry with Reddish brown.

[Radio Announcer]

Hair in Buxton park earlier this evening.

[Edward Harrison]

Man report at once to now turn you back to our regular night owl program of popular dance tunes.

[Horace Latimer]

Lean, I'm wiry with reddish brown hair.

[Jack McGregor]

Huh?

[Horace Latimer]

Well, that ain't you. You're heavy setting blackhead. But for a minute there, you had me going. I was positive you was the killer the way you did me. Want me to hear the description? I guess you're just jumpy, huh? Well, here, have another drink on the house.

[Edward Harrison]

Thanks. Thanks. I need some sleep. Yeah, that's what I need. Some sleep.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

How close he had come to giving himself away. Edward Harrison hurried Mike. The police were looking for not Edward Harrison. And they had. Edward Harrison was safe. His own good luck. Edward, asleep quiet and troubled by nightmare. Mary was already preparing breakfast.

[Mary Harrison]

Good morning, darling.

[Edward Harrison]

I. I was pretty late. I stopped at the shop. I. I was pretty little work. I forgot to watch the time.

[Mary Harrison]

Oh, on this morning. You look terrible. I know you're worrying about me. Really I am?

[Edward Harrison]

Of course you are. I'm going to see to that.

[Mary Harrison]

What do you think? Dr. Smith called up last night. He wanted to talk to you. Said he had some good news for you.

[Edward Harrison]

Good news?

[Mary Harrison]

Yes, but he wouldn't tell me what it was. I don't know why. He asked for you to stop in at his office this morning.

[Edward Harrison]

I think I know what it is. Yes, sure. I'll go right over and see him.

[Mary Harrison]

But darling, you're going to eat breakfast first, aren't you?

[Edward Harrison]

I'll eat when I get back. I want to see the doctor first anyway. I'm not very hungry.

[Mary Harrison]

Well, all right, Edward, but please hurry back. I want to know what the doctor says, too.

[Edward Harrison]

Yes, sure. Mary, I'll be right back. But everything's okay now, darling. Everything's okay.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

After he left the house, Edward bought a morning paper. Big headlines told of the murders the night before, but he scarcely saw them. His eyes hurried through the story until he found what he was looking for. The news that Mike's body had been found. The butler Mike had shot had given the police Mike's description and then died before he could tell them there was anyone with Mike. So the police had listed Mike's death as a suicide or an accident and closed the case. Edward Harrison was safe, Perfectly safe.

[Edward Harrison]

Safe. I'm safe. Mike was wrong. Sometimes you can get away with murder and not have to pay anything if you're lucky. And I've been lucky. I've been lucky.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

When Edward Harrison entered my office, he sat down beside my desk and tossed a folded newspaper into the wastebasket. His expression was that of a man who had just faced disaster and been rescued at the last moment.

[Edward Harrison]

Good morning, doctor. Mary said you'd phone. You had good news.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Yes, Mr. Harrison. I called you last night after I got in touch with Dr. Richards. I wanted to tell you that he had agreed to operate on your wife.

[Edward Harrison]

Oh, that's swell, Doctor. And I've got the money right here in my pocket.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Money? Yes. Yes. I was also going to tell you that Dr. Richards had said not to worry about it. You could take as long as you wanted to.

[Edward Harrison]

As long as I wanted it. Then it wasn't necessary. I didn't have to do it. I didn't have to do it.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

I'm afraid I don't understand.

[Edward Harrison]

Never mind, doctor. I mean, I've got the money. I want to pay it. He's got to take it right away. Well, what's the matter? What are you looking at me like that for? The operation is going to save Mary's life, isn't it? You said it would. You can go back on your word.

[Radio Announcer]

You can, do you hear?

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

It's not that, Mr. Harrison. Yes, the operation would save your wife's life, but unfortunately, Dr. Richards was the only man in this country able to perform it.

[Edward Harrison]

Well, so what? He said he'd do it, didn't he? And I raised the dough to pay him. So what's the hitch, Mr. Harrison?

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

Dr. Richards can't perform the operation now. But you said he was tragically murdered last night by a burglar who broke into his home in Buxton Park. This is the mysterious traveler again. Did you enjoy our little trip into the life of a man who thought he could make good come out of poor Edward Harrison? He didn't believe that crime must always be paid for by someone, did he? What became of him after his wife died a few months later, he confessed everything to the police. He didn't have anything to live for, poor fellow. But I hope his experience will teach you that crime really doesn't pay. I always say that if. Oh, you're getting off at the next stopper. I'm sorry, but perhaps we'll meet again soon. I take this same train every week.

[Radio Announcer]

You have just heard chapter 42 of the mysterious Traveler, our series of dramas of the strange and terrifying. In today's story, death laughs last. Philip Clark played Edward Harrison. Carl Emery played Mike, and Elizabeth Morgan played Mary Harrison. The mysterious traveler is written by Bob Arthur and David Cogan, and original music is played by Henry Silvern. The entire production is under the direction of Jock McGregor. And now an important message for all of you.

[Jack McGregor]

This is Jack McGregor speaking. The National War Fund drive begins tomorrow. As you probably know, this fund includes over 22 of the major war relief and service organizations. As the war progresses on all fronts, more and more people will need help. Our armed forces, American prisoners of war, our allies and people right here at home. And by giving to the National War Fund, you will be helping. Consider just one of the many organizations that the War fund supports, the USO. More than 3,000 service units are in operation. Clubs where our servicemen and women find recreation, dances, educational activities, reading, writing and game rooms and religious council. The USO is responsible for the traveler's aid desks which help servicemen make connections and find sleeping accommodations. It operates the lounges in railroad and bus terminals. USO camp shows bring American entertainment to our troops at camps and stations throughout this country and in all the combat zones. Groups who play the jungle circuit in the South Pacific, the desert circuit in North Africa, the Grass Skirt Circuit in the Hawaiian Islands and the Foxhole circuit in combat zones just behind the front lines. We can't measure in money the good accomplished by the uso, but we can help to continue that good work by giving our money the National War Fund. So when your community war fund or war chest representative calls on you, give and give generously.

[Radio Announcer]

Listen next time to a tale titled.

[The Mysterious Traveler (Narrator/Doctor Smith)]

The man the Insects Hated Another tale.

[Radio Announcer]

Of the Mysterious Traveler. The Mysterious Traveler is presented by WOR Mutual from the WOR Studios in New York. Beginning Saturday, October 7th, the mysterious Traveler will be heard at a new time. It will be presented every Saturday evening at half past ten Eastern wartime over most of these same stations. So remember the new time 10:30pm Saturdays.

[Edward Harrison]

This is mutual.

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