Private Files of Rex Saunders 51-05-16 (03) Done to Death

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Private Files of Rex Saunders 51-05-16 (03) Done to Death

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: September 11, 2025
Original Broadcast Date: May 16, 1951
Show: The Private Files of Rex Saunders
Episode Title: Done to Death

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Episode Overview

This episode of "The Private Files of Rex Saunders," titled "Done to Death," is a classic detective tale set in the Golden Age of Radio. Rex Saunders, the suave detective, delves into a complex web of deception and crime that initially appears to be about stolen diamonds—but soon reveals a far more dangerous international plot involving murder, intrigue, and counterfeiting. The episode stands as an exemplary piece of vintage mystery storytelling, filled with sharp repartee, suspenseful turns, and memorable characters.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Mystery: The Mysterious Courier (00:22 – 05:44)

• The Setup: Rex Saunders and his loyal associate Alec wait on a pier to meet "Allison," who has sent Rex an urgent radio message for help.
  • Quote [00:22], Rex Saunders: "Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but like any other precious ornament, they can be done to death."
• Unexpected Identity: "Allison" is revealed to be a slim, attractive brunette (Vivian Sears), not the man Saunders expected.
  • She's a diamond courier who claims to be hunted by killers for $200,000 in South African diamonds [03:12].
• The Switch: Under the guise of protection, Saunders takes Allison's bag—only to be strong-armed by a thug in a taxi and relieved of it [05:44]. However, the bag is empty; Saunders realizes he and Alec have been played.

Early Revelations: False Leads and a Stolen Identity (05:44 – 11:13)

• Saunders checks the Trigania's passenger list and discovers there is only one "Stephen Allison," and the mysterious woman is lying about her identity.
• Alec discovers from the ship's staff that Allison never left his room, had frequent young female visitors, and is described as a "medium height, baldish" man [07:58].
  • Quote [07:55], Rex Saunders: "Alec, remind me never to trust a handsome woman again, will you?"
• The pursuit leads Saunders and Alec to a rooming house on 20th Street, where they find Stephen Allison murdered and no sign of diamonds [10:36].
  • Quote [10:15], Alec: "Here we are left holding an empty bag again."

The Web Expands: Clues, Counterfeits, and Murder (12:27 – 17:24)

• Clues at the crime scene include odd cigarette butts (not matching Allison's), a matchbook from the "Holly Inn" (a Long Island roadhouse), and metal filings under Allison's fingernails (suspected to be copper).
  • Quote [13:38], Rex Saunders: "There was no lip rouge traces on the cigarettes... And here's something else. An empty book of matches... called Holly Inn."
• Saunders visits Johnson & Sons, who was to receive the diamonds. Mr. Johnson reports the diamonds have been found after an "accident" involving Vivian Sears, who is now dead [15:24].
  • Quote [16:41], Alec: "But the police reported her death due to accidental causes."
• Rex suspects the "accident" was actually murder and posits that diamonds may be a red herring. The real story is likely tied to Allison's former life as an engraver and the mysterious metal filings.

The Deception Unraveled: The Counterfeit Plot (17:24 – 23:32)

• Saunders suspects the real motive involves expertly engraved counterfeit British banknotes.
  • Quote [17:33], Rex Saunders: “Scotland Yard’s reply to my inquiry on Allison told us that Allison at one time was an engraver. Now, that fact fits in with the metal filings...”
• The Holly Inn clue leads Saunders to Evelyn Gaines (previously introduced as Johnson’s secretary), who is revealed to be complicit.
• Saunders is confronted and kidnapped by Al (the earlier thug) for another "accident," but fights back in a tense car struggle, causing a car crash that results in Al's death [21:48].

Finale: The Mastermind Exposed (23:32 – End)

• Dramatic Confession: Gaines and Johnson are overheard toasting their successful counterfeiting operation—using expertly forged notes hidden in car tire tubes, to be shipped to England.
  • Quote [24:23], Alison/Evelyn: “Let’s drink to the pound note.”
  • Quote [24:33], Johnson: “Oh, who’d ever think of looking inside the tire tubes of your car for counterfeit money?”
• Saunders and Alec interrupt, revealing they faked Saunders' death to flush out the conspirators. Alec and Rex arrange their arrest as the police close in.
  • Quote [25:03], Rex Saunders: “I permitted you to get this far, Johnson, so that I would be sure to stop the counterfeit from being circulated in England... But murder always upsets the neatest plan.”
• Gaines quickly turns on Johnson, confessing all in hopes for leniency; her desperate betrayal underscores the high stakes and moral decay at the heart of the plot.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Being Played for Fools:
  • [07:38], Rex Saunders: “Well, the joke happens to be on us, huh? And. And it was played by the deceptive young lady. When I opened the bag, it was empty. Empty as a punctured water bucket.”
• Classic Noir Banter:
  • [00:49], Alec (upon seeing “Allison”): “I imagined that Allison was a man.”
  • [03:00], Alison/Vivian Sears: “It's rather an urgent matter. Here, look at this, Mr. Saunders. This bandage on my arm, it covers a wound. Bullet graze.”
• Detective Professionalism:
  • [14:57], Rex Saunders (to Evelyn Gaines): “By the way, mind if I borrow your matches for a light?”
  • [15:02], Alison/Evelyn: “Keep them.”
  • [15:07], Rex Saunders: “I also make a point of remembering telephone numbers.”
• Twist Ending Confession:
  • [25:27], Alison/Evelyn: “I'm not gonna die for you. He did it. He had Al kill Allison because he was finished with him... It was all Johnson's idea. I had nothing to do with it.”
  • [25:03], Rex Saunders: “But murder always upsets the neatest plan.”

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Key Timestamps

• 00:22 – Rex Saunders’ opening monologue about diamonds and danger.
• 03:00 – “Allison” reveals her wound and the diamond plot.
• 05:44 – Rex is forced out of his taxi and loses the brown bag.
• 07:58 – Alec reports on real Allison’s identity and state.
• 10:36 – Discovery of Allison’s murdered body.
• 13:38 – Saunders discusses crucial crime scene evidence.
• 15:24 – Johnson reveals the “recovered” diamonds and Sears’ death.
• 17:33 – Rex links the case to Allison’s engraving skills.
• 18:53 – Saunders meets Evelyn Gaines at the Holly Inn.
• 21:48 – Car struggle climax between Saunders and Al.
• 23:32 – Johnson and Gaines toast their scheme; confession ensues.
• 25:03 – Saunders and Alec reveal their sting, arrange arrests.

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode seamlessly blends wry wit, suspense, and the classic style of hardboiled detective fiction. Rex Saunders' sardonic narration and sharp banter with Alec provide levity and charm, while the shadowy plot, double-crosses, and betrayals evoke the noir tradition. The language is crisp, with plenty of double meanings and period flair.

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Conclusion

"Done to Death" is a classic radio mystery packed with twists: what seems a diamond heist is actually a sophisticated counterfeiting ring, with double-crosses at every turn. Rex Saunders outsmarts the criminals not only through clever deduction but also by setting a trap, using his own rumored death as bait. The episode stands out for its clever plotting, atmospheric production, and the interplay between memorable characters.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

In another intriguing adventure transcribed from the private files of Rex Sunders.

[Rex Saunders]

Concerning jewelry, diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but like any other precious ornament, they can be done to death.

[Narrator]

And now, the private files of Rex Saunders. RCA Victor, world leader in radio, first in recorded music and first in television, brings you the celebrated star of stage and screen, Rex Harrison. In another exciting story taken from the private files of Breck Saunders, radio's newest man of mystery. We hope you enjoy these weekly stories of intrigue and adventure. And for another adventure in home entertainment, we suggest you try RCA Victor's fine line of radio and television products now on display at your RCA Victor dealer. Now for our story.

[Rex Saunders]

It was a gray, misty morning when the tugs nosed the Mammoth out of the transatlantic line at Trigania into its north river birth. Alec and I were on the pier, standing near the guard rail, watching the Trigania's passengers coming ashore. As they walked down the gang tank. I looked them over carefully, wondering which one was Allison.

[Alec]

It's uncanny how we get ourselves in these strange situations.

[Rex Saunders]

The strange situation Alec referred to was prompted by a radiogram which I received that morning at the rude hour of five. It was sent from aboard Trigania and said simply important you be appear when Trigania docks need your help. Don't fail. And it was signed Alison. But who is Alison? I told Alec that I really hadn't the faintest idea. So there we stood, watching the passengers debark, when suddenly I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Mrs. Saunders?

[Rex Saunders]

I turned round. She was slim, brunette, and she was quite attractive. Two small valises were resting at her feet.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

You are exhaunders, aren't you? Yes, I'm Alison.

[Rex Saunders]

Oh.

[Alec]

I imagine that Alison was a man.

[Rex Saunders]

So did I. Alec. I can hardly say that I'm disappointed. Vivian. Alison. About that radiogram you sent me. It had an urgent tone.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

It's rather an urgent matter. Here, look at this, Mr. Saunders. This bandage on my arm, it covers a wound. Bullet graze. I was shot at last night on deck.

[Rex Saunders]

By whom?

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

I don't know who he is. He's followed me about the ship ever since we left Liverpool. He goes under the name of Charles Strickland. But he's only one of them. There are others. They want to kill me.

[Rex Saunders]

And just why do they want to kill you?

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

They're after this release. This brown one here.

[Rex Saunders]

Oh. What's in it?

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Diamonds. Diamonds valued at $200,000. They're from the South African mines. I'm a courier for the Kent diamond syndicate. I'm delivering them to the New York client, Robert Johnson and Sons.

[Alec]

Well, now you're safely in New York.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Oh, no. I won't be safe until the diamonds are delivered, till they're out of my possession.

[Rex Saunders]

That's rather a tight fix you're in.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

You will help me?

[Rex Saunders]

Well, it's the least I can do for someone from home.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

I'm very grateful, Mr. Saunders.

[Rex Saunders]

Just what do you plan to do, Rex? Well, from what Ms. Allison has told us, Alec, it's apparent that her life is only in danger just as long as she has the diamonds in her possession. Well, she's going to hand that bag to me now. Right here in place. Plain view.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

But, Mr. Saunders, where do we meet again?

[Rex Saunders]

I'll follow you outside the pier. You take a taxi to Johnson and Sammy's. What street are they on?

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

59. 842 West.

[Rex Saunders]

Very well. Now, you have your cab driver take you there and I'll hop into another taxi and follow directly after you. Alex.

[Alec]

Yes?

[Rex Saunders]

I want you to go aboard the Trigania and find out what you can about Charles strickland. Right. Now, Ms. Allison, you may hand me that bag.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Here you are.

[Rex Saunders]

Now you go ahead, Ms. Alison.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

As you say, I wait for you at Johnson and Thumb.

[Rex Saunders]

Alec, forget what I told you about looking for information on Charles Strickland. Forget? But why? Because there probably isn't any Charles Strickland. What? But you go aboard the Dragania as planned while I trail the young lady. But about Charles strickland.

[Alec]

You mean Ms. Allison was lying to us?

[Rex Saunders]

Precisely. I want you to find out what happened to the real Allison. The real Allison? Yes. While you were waiting for me here, I stopped in at the administration office and checked on the Treganius passenger list. There was only one Allison on that list. Alec and Mr. Stephen Allison. With the brown bag in hand, I followed the attractive brunette along the crowded pier. It was obvious that her real name was not likely to be Alison, but there was nothing obvious about the game she was playing. I waited outside the pier until she got into a taxi and then I hailed the next cab in line.

[Alec]

Where to, mister?

[Rex Saunders]

That taxi ahead, please. Follow it when it pulls out. Okay, move over, chum. This cab's taken.

[Alec]

Hey, look, buddy, this gent flagged me first.

[Rex Saunders]

Shut your trap. Get the seat moving.

[Alec]

You ride. He's got a ride, mister.

[Rex Saunders]

Yeah, Shove off.

[Alec]

Like I told you.

[Rex Saunders]

You better do as he says, driver. Hey, you're a smart boy. Thanks for the compliment. It ain't no compliment. It's a warning. Oh, don't get over smart. You're liable to end up with your face in a ditch. I take it you're referring to my encounter with Ms. Allison. Don't give me that Ms. Allison business. Where do you tie in with a dame? I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about. You know, playing too dumb can be worse than giving it to me. Too smart. Give me the bag. The one.

[Alec]

The bag.

[Rex Saunders]

The one you're trying to hide behind you. Oh, this? Oh, I'm sorry. I. I didn't know what you meant. Not much you didn't. All right, driver, pull up. Get out, Smart Tucker. Go on, get out.

[Alec]

And remember what I told you.

[Rex Saunders]

Stay out of this game or the next time you get tagged for slabbing them all. I not only lost the bogus Ms. Allison, but also the valuable little brown bag. I headed back to the pier to pick up Alec.

[Alec]

Who do you suppose he was?

[Rex Saunders]

I don't know, but I won't forget his face quickly.

[Alec]

Well, anyway, we're sure he was one of the gang after the diamonds. And now they have what they were after.

[Rex Saunders]

I wouldn't be too sure of that.

[Alec]

What do you mean? He got the bag from you, didn't he?

[Rex Saunders]

Yes, Alec, he got the bag all right. However, I managed to open it before I hopped into that cab.

[Alec]

Hey, that was quick thinking on your part. You opened the valise, removed the diamonds and then hid them on yourself. And our ugly friend was left holding the bag.

[Rex Saunders]

I wouldn't laugh, Alex.

[Alec]

Why not?

[Rex Saunders]

Well, the joke happens to be on us, huh? And. And it was played by the deceptive young lady. When I opened the bag, it was empty. Empty as a punctured water bucket.

[Alec]

So there would be.

[Rex Saunders]

Ms. Allison used us as a faint. Alec, remind me never to trust a handsome woman again, will you?

[Alec]

As if you.

[Rex Saunders]

Listen, what did you find out about Stephen Allison?

[Alec]

Well, the Dexter told me that Allison was a man of medium height, about 40, somewhat baldish. He was sick during the voyage and he remained in his stateroom throughout the entire trip.

[Rex Saunders]

His door was constantly locked. Anything else?

[Alec]

Yes, I was just getting to this. A very interesting piece of information. Allison had a frequent visitor, a young.

[Rex Saunders]

Lady who I imagine fits the description of our brunette friend. Mm.

[Alec]

Sears. Vivian Sears.

[Rex Saunders]

Vivian. Well, Ms. Sears at least told us the truth about her first name. Come along, Alec.

[Alec]

Where to now?

[Rex Saunders]

That phone. Move. Just over there. Who are you calling? Police headquarters. Inspector Kelly is checking a matter for me. Inspector Kelly, please. Hello, Inspector? Inspector Rex Sanders. Oh, you have fine six to seven East 20th Street. Thank you very much. Yes, I'll call back later on the other tracer.

[Alec]

627 East 20th Street.

[Rex Saunders]

What's at that address? Perhaps $200,000 worth of diamonds. Why? I made a note of the license plate number on that cab that the mysterious Ms. Sears took when she left here. A police radio car located that taxi a few moments ago. According to the driver's trip schedule, Ms. Sears went from the pier directly to the house on 20th Street. The house on 20th street was a dilapidated brown street which had been converted into a rooming house. The landlady recalled as an hour before our arrival, a young woman fitting this Sears description had entered the house.

[Alec]

I wonder whose room she went into.

[Rex Saunders]

The landlady said it was rented six months ago by a man named Vincent, that she'd only seen Vincent twice, and that a special lock was put on the door. It's that room at the end of the hall there.

[Alec]

I have a feeling that we're walking headlong into some more trouble.

[Rex Saunders]

Hmm. This door isn't locked.

[Alec]

Might be a trap.

[Rex Saunders]

No one's in here. Well, look on the table here. It's valise.

[Alec]

It was like the one Ms. Sears gave you.

[Rex Saunders]

Yes, the mate. The one she kept. There's nothing in it.

[Alec]

Here we are left holding an empty bag again. Now how are we going to find her or the diamonds? She certainly won't return here.

[Rex Saunders]

Alec, I was wrong. Huh? There was someone in this room.

[Alec]

What are you talking about?

[Rex Saunders]

This body behind the couch. Oh, yeah. Help me turn him over on his back here.

[Alec]

Who can he be?

[Rex Saunders]

His photo in the passport I found in his pocket. Look. Yes, Tim.

[Alec]

All right. What say his name is?

[Rex Saunders]

This passport identifies him as Stephen Allison.

[Narrator]

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[Rex Saunders]

I phoned headquarters. The homicide crew, with all its equipment, came to the murder room on 20th street and began its usual relentless and scientific search for clues and leads in the shooting of Stephen Allison. After I completed my report to the detective lieutenant in charge, I left the brownstone house and walked across the street, where Alec waited for me in the car.

[Alec]

I called Inspector Kelly, as you asked.

[Rex Saunders]

Did the report come in? Yes. The driver of the cab you were.

[Alec]

In went directly to the police with his story.

[Rex Saunders]

What did he say?

[Alec]

Well, the mug who manhandled you forced the cab driver to take him up the west side Drive to 125th street, then across town to Lexington Avenue. Then he got out and disappeared in the Lexington Avenue subway.

[Rex Saunders]

All right, Alec, we'll get the car started.

[Alec]

So where to?

[Rex Saunders]

59Th street, the West side of town.

[Alec]

Was anything of special interest found in the murder room?

[Rex Saunders]

Yes, several things, but so far, nothing conclusive. There were some cigarette butts in an ashtray. Homicide check with a pack which was in Alison's pocket, and a were a different brand.

[Alec]

Evidently, those cigarettes in the tray were smoked by Ms. Sears.

[Rex Saunders]

From the evidence, they weren't.

[Alec]

They don't follow you.

[Rex Saunders]

Right. Well, there was no lip rouge traces on the cigarettes. And here's something else. An empty book of matches was found in an ashtray. It advertised a roadhouse in Baybrook, out on Long Island. A place called Holly Inn. In view of the fact that Both Allison and Ms. Sears both just arrived in the country this morning, it's unlikely that the matchbook was carried by either of them.

[Alec]

I'm really confused.

[Rex Saunders]

Am I? You? What about? Well, something else Homicide uncovered they found a great number of particles under Allison's fingernails. They haven't tested them yet, but they're quite sure that the particles are metal filings. Most likely copper. I'll get a report on that later.

[Alec]

But why would metal filings be under Allison's nails? He was a D Diamond courier.

[Rex Saunders]

I'm not sure just what Allison was on the way uptown. I'm stopping off to send a cable to Scotland Yard and then paying a call on Johnson and Sons to see what they can tell me about Steven Allison.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Mr. Johnson will see you now, Mr. Thorn.

[Rex Saunders]

Thank you, Ms. Gaines.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Oh, you know my name?

[Rex Saunders]

Well, the receptionist outside mention it. And I always make a point of remembering certain names for professional reasons. Well, you know what they say about all work and no play. By the way, mind if I borrow your matches for a life?

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Not at all.

[Rex Saunders]

Yes, thank you.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Keep them.

[Rex Saunders]

I forgot to tell you, Ms. Gaines. I also make a point of remembering telephone numbers.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

I think you do. You'd better go inside. Mr. Johnson's a busy man. He doesn't like to be kept waiting.

[Rex Saunders]

Mr. Johnson should know that some things are worth waiting for, Even telephone numbers.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

The door, straight ahead.

[Rex Saunders]

Come in, Mr. Saunders. Come in. I won't take up much of your time, Mr. Johnson. Well, that's quite all right. You know about the murder of the courier, Alison. The police were already here. They left just a short while ago. I thought the matter was settled. Settled? $200,000 worth of diamonds. Your diamonds are missing, or you have it wrong, Mrs. Saunders. I guess you haven't heard the latest. I guess I haven't. What are you trying to say? Merely that the police recovered my diamonds. They're in a safe in our ballroom. And where did they find the diamonds? Well, there was an auto accident up in Van Cortland Park. The diamonds were found in the wrecked car, and the. The police have the driver. Oh, yes, yes, the police have her. A woman named Vivian Sears? Yes, the police said that was her name. They asked me questions about it, but I could tell them nothing. Well, if you'll excuse me, Mr. Johnson, I must run along. There are some questions I want to ask Ms. Sears. Well, I'm afraid that won't be possible. The Police tell me Ms. Sears is dead. She was killed in the accident. Ms. Sears. Death wasn't an accident, Alec. I'm almost positive of it.

[Alec]

But the police reported her death due to accidental causes.

[Rex Saunders]

Just the same, I'm sure that the car she was in was forced off the road and down the hill in the park. According to the record, there was less than 5 gallons of gas in the car. If anyone is planning a long trip for a getaway, they'd be sure to be better stopped with gasoline. No, Alec, it was no accident.

[Alec]

You think she was killed by the same man who murdered Alison?

[Rex Saunders]

Yes, I think so. Oh, you take the. The next right to Baybrook. The. The Holly Inn is about two miles this side of town. Next right, Rex. Yeah?

[Alec]

I don't understand any of it. If Ms. Sears and Allison were murdered for the diamonds, which is the only logical reason why were the diamonds returned to their rightful owner.

[Rex Saunders]

Alec, for the time being, we're going to have to abandon the logic in this case.

[Alec]

Then where will we be?

[Rex Saunders]

Perhaps on the right track. We'll eliminate the diamonds from the case.

[Alec]

Eliminate the diamonds? Then what do we have?

[Rex Saunders]

Scotland Yard's reply to my inquiry on Allison told us that Allison at one time was an Engraver. Now, that fact fits in with the metal filings which are found under his fingernails. Yes.

[Alec]

Doesn't fit too well when you consider that Allison abandoned his trade to act as a diamond courier over a year ago.

[Rex Saunders]

Perhaps he didn't abandon his trade at all. You remember that the Dexter told you that Allison remained in his trade stateroom throughout the entire voyage? Yes. Well, he may have been spending his time aboard ship engraving in secret.

[Alec]

Engraving what?

[Rex Saunders]

Well, I don't know. But something valuable enough to cost him. And this sears their lives. And that brings me to the visit I'm making to the Holly Inn. The book of matches which were found in Allison's room advertised the inn. So did the book of matches I got from Evelyn Gaines, Ralph Johnson's secretary.

[Alec]

Well, that may be only a coincidence.

[Rex Saunders]

That may be, but the long arm of coincidence can be stretched only so far, Alec. And then it snaps back, and somebody's bound to be caught in its grip. Alec waited outside in the car. I walked into the Holly Inn. It was a typical small roadhouse. There was a bar on one side and a row of dimly lit booths along the other. I walked along the booth side, and then a hand reached out and grasped my sleeve.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Hello.

[Rex Saunders]

That long arm of coincidence I told Alec about was working overtime. Evelyn Gaines pretty face came out of the dimness of the booth to smile at me.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Imagine meeting you here. Mr. Saunders.

[Rex Saunders]

Ms. Gaines. What a pleasant surprise.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Won't you sit down and join me in a drink?

[Rex Saunders]

Rex, I'm glad you asked me that question.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

This Evelyn.

[Rex Saunders]

Evelyn, what brings you here? I thought you lived in town.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Weren't you sure?

[Rex Saunders]

Frankly, I was sure.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

After business hours.

[Rex Saunders]

Interest. Shall we stop playing the games?

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

I was just beginning to enjoy it.

[Rex Saunders]

Your friends might object to your wasting time.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Oh, speaking of my friends, meet Al.

[Rex Saunders]

Move over, chum. You know, I have a feeling I've been through the same thing someplace. It's the same shooter you're feeling, you rib. Smart tiger.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

He's all yours, Al. I'll be going along.

[Rex Saunders]

Yeah, sure. I'll be seeing you, Evelyn.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Goodbye, Rex. Thanks for the game.

[Rex Saunders]

Nice girl, Alula. You know, Al, ever since our encounter in the taxi yesterday, I've been looking forward to meeting you again. You and me both. Smart, tacky. Only this meeting you don't walk away from.

[Narrator]

Back to the climax of our story. In a moment. Three bestsellers. Three RCA Victor bestsellers 1. E. Turby plays the haunting Claire de Lune.

[Rex Saunders]

2.

[Narrator]

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[Rex Saunders]

Buy them.

[Narrator]

Take them home with you. Own them because they're classics in the classical field. You'll never tire of them. You'll play them over and over again. Claire de Lune, Blue Danube Bolts and the Warsaw Concerto will make a wonderful addition to any record library. And they're available on the amazing 45 as well as 78 RPM. Buy them now. Get your copies of these three all time best selling RCA Victor Red Seal recording.

[Rex Saunders]

Consciousness flowed back into my brain on the tide of a low humming sound. And the tide swept in faster and faster. And the sound became. Became certain instinct. I was on the floor in the back seat of a car. I was sick. Everything in me hurt. Then I heard him whistle. And I knew who it was. A man called Al. Al Happy Al. Whistling while he worked. And I knew what his work for the night was going to be. Be a job named Rex Sanders. An auto accident. An accident like the one in which Vivian Sears was killed. But Al was going to have a hitch in this accident. I felt weak, but I could still move. I saw his head swinging from side to side and his thick neck swinging in time with his tune. I waited a moment to Teddy myself. Then I wrapped my arms around his throat. I pulled tighter. Tighter. He let go wheel. He let go the wheel. And his hands came up, claw at my arms. The car started to swerve crazily. I held onto him with all my strength. Al was going to have his accident. But he was going to have it my way. He was going to be in it with me. Here's to you, Edward.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

To both of us. Little Evie Gaines in rap.

[Rex Saunders]

Yes, and two hour trip to England.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

And to Al. To Al Mason. Long may he rest in peace alongside.

[Rex Saunders]

The dear depiction parted Rex on this.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Too bad about Al dying in that accident too. I wonder how he met.

[Rex Saunders]

Now, my dear, we mustn't fret over Owl. He served his purpose of ridding us of Allison and his lady friend, Vivian Sears. It's just as well. This way, my dear.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Allison did beautiful engraving, Ralphie. Very beautiful.

[Rex Saunders]

Oh, an accomplished artist. His last work was a masterpiece. The fraud will never be detected. Everything's probably perfect. The printing, the paper, everything. The British public will be honored with the new and unofficial pound notes.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Let's drink to the pound note.

[Rex Saunders]

And to my car down on the hold of this very fine vessel.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

You're terrific, Ralph. You think of everything.

[Rex Saunders]

It's kind of you to say so.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

Oh, who'd ever think of looking inside the tire tubes of your car for counterfeit money?

[Rex Saunders]

Whoever think of it, I'm sure most people wouldn't. Sonde if Alec and I join your little celebration. Johnson.

[Alec]

Well, perhaps we're intruding.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

You're dead.

[Rex Saunders]

Can't be. The paper said. Alan, you were. The papers were quite correct about Al's death and the accident.

[Alec]

But the story of Mr. Saunders death.

[Rex Saunders]

Was a bit exaggerated. A ruse I carried through with the cooperation of the police.

[Alec]

And it paid off rather well for us.

[Rex Saunders]

I permitted you to get this far, Johnson, so that I would be sure to stop the counterfeit from being circulated in England. However, I must say that you had rather a neat plan. Manufacturing the pound notes in the States and then taking them to England in the tires of your car. But murder always upsets the neatest. The plan.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

I had nothing to do with the killings. They were all his idea.

[Rex Saunders]

Evelyn, don't be a fool. Don't you see they counsel anything.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

I'm not gonna die for you. He did it. He had Al kill Allison because he was finished with him. Allison found out that he was going to die when he finished the plate on the trip over. That's why he gave it to his girlfriend, Vivian Sears. It was all Johnson's idea. I had nothing to do with it.

[Rex Saunders]

Thank you for the confession, but it was quite unnecessary.

[Alison / Vivian Sears / Evelyn Gaines]

What?

[Rex Saunders]

Alec and I heard everything outside while you two were having your bon voyage toasts in here.

[Alec]

And from what we heard, it wasn't.

[Rex Saunders]

Difficult to put the pieces together. And speaking of bon voyage, there's another trip waiting. You two in a government launch cruising off the port side of this liner. It will take us all to the pier where a special delegation from the police department is waiting to extend a toast of welcome back.