Shadow 169 1939-10-15 The Village of Doom (Johnstone)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Shadow 169 – "The Village of Doom"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Shadow 169
• Original Air Date: October 15, 1939
• Release Date: May 22, 2025
• Description: Relives classic radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring iconic programs like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, and Dragnet.

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Overview

In the episode titled "The Village of Doom," listeners are transported to the enigmatic town of Old Mill, where a series of mysterious and unexplained deaths has plunged the community into fear and chaos. The protagonist, Lamont Cranston—better known as The Shadow—alongside his companion, Margo Lane, ventures into the heart of the village to uncover the sinister force responsible for the unsettling events.

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Main Characters

• Lamont Cranston/The Shadow: A wealthy, enigmatic figure with the ability to cloud men's minds, rendering himself invisible. As The Shadow, he champions law and order, using his sharp deductive skills to solve complex mysteries.

• Margo Lane: Lamont's loyal friend and confidante, who possesses keen observational abilities and supports The Shadow in his endeavors.

• Harley: A member of Old Mill's Safety Committee, deeply concerned about the town's plight and desperately seeking The Shadow's assistance.

• Argus: The faithful dog of Mrs. Carstairs, instrumental in the unfolding of Old Mill's dark secrets.

• Mrs. Carstairs: An elderly resident of Old Mill, harboring dark intentions tied to the village's torment.

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Detailed Plot Summary

Arrival in Old Mill

Lamont Cranston and Margo Lane arrive at the serene yet remote location of Old Mill for a picturesque picnic. Their tranquil outing is abruptly interrupted by disturbances:

• [02:00] A dog, Argus, chases a chicken into their picnic spot, signaling the first hint of the village's unrest.

  Margo Lane [02:00]: "Oh, Lamont. He's got the chicken."

As they attempt to enjoy their meal amidst nature, interruptions continue, revealing that Old Mill is not as peaceful as it appears.

The Mysterious Broadcast

Their picnic is further disrupted by a broadcast from Old Mill's Safety Committee seeking help from The Shadow.

• [04:19] Harley: "A strange and unexplainable force is slowly but surely wiping out our entire population."

Realizing the severity of the situation, Lamont decides to investigate, leading them closer to the afflicted village.

Confronting the Tragedy

Upon reaching Old Mill, Cranston and Lane encounter terrified villagers recounting the inexplicable deaths:

• [05:50] Villager: "Everybody in Old Mill has lost someone... there's hardly anybody left."

The Shadow attempts to intervene but arrives too late to prevent the heartbreak of another tragic loss:

• [12:00] A heartfelt plea unfolds as Harley confronts his grief over his son's death, further deepening the mystery.

  Harley [12:00]: "My son. My little boy."

Unraveling the Mystery

Lamont's investigation reveals that the deaths are not natural but the result of a sophisticated poisoning method:

• [13:06] The Shadow: "As all the others, cleverly, fiendishly, this infant has been murdered."

He identifies the poison as Saducella, a concoction from the Congo known for leaving no trace, complicating the detection of foul play.

• [14:13] Lamont Cranston: "I think it's a concoction developed by a small tribe in the Congo."

This revelation points to a deliberate and calculated act of murder, shifting the investigation from natural causes to human malice.

The Night of Suspense

Determined to confront the malefactor, Lamont and Margo decide to spend the night in Old Mill. Their resolve is tested as they encounter Mrs. Carstairs, whose sinister demeanor hints at her involvement in the village's curse.

• [17:04] Margo Lane: "What sort of a poison is it, Lamont?"

Their suspicions mount as Lamont deciphers clues leading to Matthew Carstairs, pointing to a personal vendetta rooted in an unresolved legal claim over Old Mill.

Climactic Confrontation

In a tense showdown, The Shadow confronts Mrs. Carstairs, revealing her true identity and motives:

• [21:13] The Shadow: "It's a man by the name of Matthew Carstairs."

Mrs. Carstairs's obsession with reclaiming Old Mill leads to a deadly encounter orchestrated through her loyal dog, Argus.

• [22:08] The Shadow: "The state executioner has a claim on you, Carstairs."

As Carstairs attempts to wield violence, The Shadow's intervention ensures his demise, restoring peace to Old Mill.

Resolution and Reflection

With Carstairs defeated and the poison threat neutralized, Old Mill begins to heal. However, in a light-hearted twist, the narrative returns to the seemingly trivial struggle of The Shadow (Lamont) trying to open a bottle of olives—a recurring gag highlighting his human vulnerabilities.

• [23:54] Lamont Cranston: "I still can't open this bottle of olives."

Margo's assistance not only resolves this minor inconvenience but also symbolizes the enduring partnership between her and The Shadow.

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Notable Quotes

• The Shadow: "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows."
  [00:31]

• Margo Lane: "Lamont Cranston, noted criminologist, solver of mysteries. And he can't get the Top off a bottle of olives."
  [03:12]

• Lamont Cranston: "It's a cleverly, fiendishly designed murder without a trace."
  [13:06]

• The Shadow: "The state executioner has a claim on you, Carstairs."
  [22:27]

• Lamont Cranston: "I found it just under the child's chin. The most minute little break in the skin."
  [13:40]

• Mrs. Carstairs: "You're a sharp one, ain't you?"
  [17:14]

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Insights and Conclusions

"The Village of Doom" masterfully blends suspense, drama, and the charismatic presence of The Shadow, embodying the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. The episode delves into themes of obsession, revenge, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through meticulous investigation and the supernatural prowess of The Shadow, the narrative underscores the triumph of good over evil, even when the adversary employs cunning and subtlety.

The recurring humor, such as the olive bottle gag, provides a balanced respite from the intense drama, showcasing the dynamic between Lamont and Margo. This interplay not only humanizes the characters but also enriches the storytelling, making the suspense more engaging.

Overall, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of radio dramas, captivating audiences with its intricate plot and memorable characters.

Transcript

[Expedia]

Packages by Expedia, you were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia. Made to travel.

[The Shadow]

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.

[Narrator]

The Shadow, mysterious character who furthers the forces of law and order is in reality Lamont Cranston, wealthy young man about town. The Shadow uses his hypnotic power to cloud men's minds so that they cannot see him. Cranston's friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane is the only person who knows to whom the unseen voice of the Shadow belongs. Today's story, the village of Do.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, Margot, here we are. How do you like it?

[Margo Lane]

Oh, it's glorious, Lamont. What an ideal place for a picnic.

[Lamont Cranston]

I thought you'd approve of it. Well, now, let's unpack the lunch.

[Margo Lane]

Oh, now, wait a minute. That's my job. You just sit there and enjoy the scenery. This is fun. How did you ever find this spot, Lamont?

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh, I've been holding out on you. I used to come here when I was a little boy.

[Margo Lane]

Really?

[Lamont Cranston]

I think the last white man to set foot here was. Was one of the Spanish conquerors.

[Margo Lane]

Well, it's certainly remote. And so peaceful and quiet.

[Lamont Cranston]

That's why I picked it. No one ever comes here.

[Margo Lane]

Is that a promise?

[Argus]

Here, here.

[Margo Lane]

Go away.

[Argus]

Get away. Hey, chicken.

[Margo Lane]

Oh, Lamont. He's got the chicken.

[Lamont Cranston]

I'll fix that right now. Shall I chase him?

[Margo Lane]

Well, not that I don't think you couldn't catch him. I wouldn't bother. I thought no one ever came near here.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, I. I wasn't counting dogs.

[Margo Lane]

That's a nice start. Well, we'll just have to struggle along in the salad and sandwiches. Here, will you open these olives?

[Lamont Cranston]

Why, certainly. Let's see. Directions say, just twist the new improved easy open tops. Easy open top.

[Margo Lane]

Trouble?

[Argus]

No.

[Lamont Cranston]

Imagine how tough this would be if it weren't for the new, improved easy, open top.

[Margo Lane]

Oh, how still it is here. Lamar.

[Argus]

Hey, did a dog run through here?

[Margo Lane]

Yes, he just.

[Argus]

Oh, thanks.

[Margo Lane]

Look out for that salad bowl.

[Argus]

Sorry.

[Margo Lane]

Well, we now have salad garnished with footprints.

[Lamont Cranston]

Oh, Margot, that's a shame.

[Margo Lane]

Who was he? The son of the Spanish conqueror.

[Lamont Cranston]

Now, look, all I know is that it used to be very quiet here when I was a boy.

[Margo Lane]

Well, that certainly dates you. Did you get the top off the olives?

[Lamont Cranston]

Not yet.

[Argus]

Just twist the top.

[Lamont Cranston]

What are you laughing at?

[Margo Lane]

Lamont Cranston, noted criminologist, solver of mysteries. And he can't get the Top off a bottle of olives.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, for your information, young lady, this is the toughest case I've ever had.

[Margo Lane]

Oh, let them go. Just relax and enjoy the serenity of nature.

[Villager]

Hey.

[Argus]

Hey. Did a boy go through here looking for a dog?

[Margo Lane]

Yes, right that way.

[Argus]

Thanks.

[Margo Lane]

Wait a minute. Come back.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

What for?

[Margo Lane]

You forgot to step in the salad.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Oh, I ain't got time.

[Margo Lane]

Well, you know, the quiet little spots. All right.

[Lamont Cranston]

I'm sorry, Margot.

[Margo Lane]

Oh, come on. I was only kidding. Here, turn on the portable radio. We'll have music with our picnic. There's still sandwiches.

[Lamont Cranston]

All right. Well, let's see now. See what we've got here.

[Harley]

Ham.

[Argus]

Mm.

[Lamont Cranston]

Swiss cheese.

[Margo Lane]

There. That ought to scare off the next boy who's looking for a boy who's looking for a dog. Oh, don't look so glum, Lamond. I didn't mind the interruptions.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, I'm not worried about the interruptions.

[Margo Lane]

Well, then, what is it, darling?

[The Shadow]

These olives.

[Lamont Cranston]

We interrupt our dance music at this time.

[Margo Lane]

Well, here you have us broadcast by.

[Lamont Cranston]

The Safety Committee of the town of Old Mill. Go ahead, sir.

[Harley]

My message may sound unusual to those who are listening. I'm speaking for the citizens of Old Mill in a direct appeal to the man who calls himself the Shadow.

[Margo Lane]

Lamont, did you hear?

[Harley]

We're aware of your splendid work in the interest of law and order. And we take this means of trying to contact you.

[Margo Lane]

What can it be?

[Harley]

A strange and unexplainable force is slowly but surely wiping out our entire population. All other agencies have failed to cope with this terrible situation. Unless we get aid at once, our village and our people are doomed. Please. Please, Shadow, help us.

[Lamont Cranston]

Turn it off.

[The Shadow]

Muggle.

[Harley]

I make it.

[Lamont Cranston]

Do you know anything about Old Mill?

[Margo Lane]

Well, I've driven through there. It's a quaint little place. About a two hour drive, I should think.

[Lamont Cranston]

Come on, let's get along.

[Margo Lane]

What are you going to do?

[Lamont Cranston]

I don't know exactly, Margot, but perhaps I can at least demonstrate to the Safety Committee of Old Mill. The old truism. It pays to advertise.

[Villager]

All over there.

[Argus]

Yeah. You want the whole road? Yeah. Come on. Step on it.

[Margo Lane]

Step. It's slow driving. Lamont, where do you suppose all these people are coming from?

[Lamont Cranston]

I don't know. Cars are loaded with bits of furniture and personal belongings. It's possible they're fleeing Old Mill.

[Margo Lane]

They're certainly in a panic.

[Lamont Cranston]

Look out, Marco. That car stuck right in the middle of the road. Stop alongside of it.

[Margo Lane]

All right.

[Lamont Cranston]

Pardon me, sir. Could you tell me how far it is to Old Mill.

[Margo Lane]

Old Mill?

[Villager]

Did you say Old Mill?

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes. We're near it, aren't we?

[Villager]

Too near it, mister.

[Lamont Cranston]

What seems to be the trouble there?

[Villager]

Who knows? All we know is that people die. Everybody in Old Mill has lost someone took my wife. It did.

[Margo Lane]

You mean she was killed?

[Villager]

Maybe. Maybe she just died. Nobody can tell how it happens, but every night it's somebody. Those that have since have gotten out. There's hardly anybody left.

[Lamont Cranston]

They're all gone.

[Villager]

All but a few fools that think they can fight it out. But they'll die too. Mark my words.

[Lamont Cranston]

There's a car coming, Margot. Let's go.

[Margo Lane]

Okay.

[Villager]

I've warned you, mister. Go back. Go back. You're driving to your doom.

[Margo Lane]

Lamont, I have a sneaking suspicion your deductive powers are in for a few hot licks.

[Lamont Cranston]

Swingingly speaking, I wouldn't be a bit surprised, Margot. And in the same vein, may I remind you that this little symphony will be conducted by the Shadow.

[Argus]

We can't spend the rest of our lives bottled up here in Town Hall.

[Harley]

We've got to stick it out. I know most of you men want to leave Old Mill. I don't blame you. But we just can't turn our village over to. To this thing.

[Argus]

We've tried everything we could think of, and still our people die. Why, we ain't got enough men left to man the Old Mill power plant. Look at us. Sitting here in candlelight. Waiting. For what?

[Harley]

I'm telling you, we've got to stay and lick this thing.

[The Shadow]

But how, Harley?

[Lamont Cranston]

How?

[Argus]

You'll try to reach this here shadow, and he hasn't showed up.

[Villager]

I don't think the Shadow can do anything about this.

[The Shadow]

Perhaps. But at least I can try.

[Villager]

Say somebody's in the back of the hall.

[Argus]

Yeah. Yeah. But I don't see anybody. Who's back there?

[The Shadow]

The one you've been seeking, gentlemen. I am the Shadow.

[Argus]

The Shadow come.

[Harley]

He's here. What did I tell you, Shadow. I knew you'd come.

[The Shadow]

I hope I can help you tell.

[Lamont Cranston]

Me what it's all about.

[Harley]

I don't know if there's so much to tell, Shadow. The story's been the same every night for months. Not a night passes that somebody in the village doesn't die.

[The Shadow]

What causes the deaths?

[Harley]

We don't know, Shadow. We haven't found a single mark on any of the bodies. If it was murder, there'd be some.

[Argus]

Shout out. Get out. All of you. Raleigh. Gordon.

[Harley]

What's the matter? Raleigh?

[Argus]

It's come again. It struck once more. Now get out while you came. Stop it, Raleigh.

[Harley]

All right. Now tell us calmly. Who is it this time?

[Argus]

It's my curse to have to tell it. The name kind of freezes on my tongue. But you've got to tell us. It's kinder one of us here. We got to know.

[Harley]

Come on, Raleigh. Out with it.

[Argus]

Harley.

[Harley]

Yes.

[Argus]

God help you, man. God help you.

[Harley]

Why one of mine?

[Argus]

Your little boy. No.

[Harley]

A baby.

[Argus]

It can't be.

[Harley]

An innocent baby.

[Villager]

Are you sure, Raleigh?

[Argus]

Sure.

[Villager]

He's dead.

[Argus]

I wish it was just a dream of mine. But I just left you. Mrs. Holly Sittin Glass side little tyke in her arms.

[Harley]

My son. My little boy.

[Argus]

I'm not waiting any longer. I'm getting out of old Miss Meat.

[Villager]

That's enough for me.

[Argus]

I'm. Run for your lives, man. Run for your lives and get out of here.

[The Shadow]

I'm sorry, Harry. Very sorry.

[Harley]

Oh, Shadow, you came too late.

[The Shadow]

I'm afraid so, Holly.

[Harley]

He was all we had. Why did it have to be him?

[The Shadow]

Harley, go home now. Your wife will need you.

[Harley]

Yes, poor Sally. She'll need me. I'll need her.

[Lamont Cranston]

Margot. Step on it.

[Argus]

Follow that car.

[Margo Lane]

What's the matter, Lamont? I've never seen you so excited.

[Lamont Cranston]

The son of that poor man ahead has just been killed. The Shadow's after a baby killer.

[Margo Lane]

Oh, Harley. She's been like that ever since it happened. We can't get the baby out her arms. She just sits and rocks back and forth and bowing forth.

[Harley]

Sally, darling, you know who's talking to you, don't you?

[Sally Prentice]

No. Sure I know.

[Harley]

Give me the baby, Sally.

[Sally Prentice]

No. Nobody can take him away from me. Nobody. They're all trying to tell me he's dead. He's not. I know.

[Harley]

Yes, Sally, our baby's dead.

[Lamont Cranston]

We've got to be brave.

[Sally Prentice]

No, you're wrong. You're all wrong. Death is horrible. Death is ugly. And look at my baby packages.

[Expedia]

By Expedia, you were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia. Made to travel.

[Sally Prentice]

He's beautiful. He'll stir in a while. His eyes will open. He'll wake up and cry for his boss.

[Harley]

Sally.

[Margo Lane]

Oh, don't give way, Holly.

[Argus]

Don't.

[Sally Prentice]

Oh, will you all go now, please? You'll frighten my baby when he wakes up. He's afraid of people. Somebody frightened him once. Poor little fella. And he never got over them.

[Harley]

Sally, don't. Please don't.

[The Shadow]

Harley, let me speak to your wife.

[Margo Lane]

Lord help us. Where is that voice Coming from Mrs. Prentice.

[The Shadow]

Listen to me.

[Sally Prentice]

Who is that? A voice called to me.

[Harley]

It's a friend, dear. One who has come to help us.

[Sally Prentice]

But I. I don't see him.

[The Shadow]

No, you can't see me, Sally. But I'm close to you. As close as the spirit of that little baby will always be his spirit.

[Sally Prentice]

Are you telling me my baby's gone too?

[The Shadow]

No, he's not gone. He's closer to you than he was in life. He'll always be near you.

[Sally Prentice]

Yes. Always near me.

[The Shadow]

Now, Sally, give up the child.

[Margo Lane]

Here, I'll take him.

[Sally Prentice]

Give up the child.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Here.

[Margo Lane]

That's a good girl. I'll put the little darling down in the dive.

[Sally Prentice]

Then give up my baby. I did, didn't I? I gave up my baby to the voice. I'll never get him back again.

[Harley]

He's gone, Sally.

[Argus]

He's gone. My baby's gone. My baby's dead. Sally. Try to come back, Sally.

[Lamont Cranston]

Give me the child.

[The Shadow]

I want to examine the little fellow.

[Margo Lane]

They all examine are dead. What good is it? Nobody knows anything. Death will come just the same.

[Lamont Cranston]

Perhaps.

[The Shadow]

But here, watch this.

[Margo Lane]

What is it?

[The Shadow]

As all the others, cleverly, fiendishly, this infant has been murdered.

[Lamont Cranston]

Margot Le Bond has headed the town. We're all alone now.

[Margo Lane]

I know.

[Lamont Cranston]

Let's look about. I want to think this thing out.

[Margo Lane]

You've definitely decided it's murder, Lamont?

[Lamont Cranston]

Definitely. If I had been a moment late in getting to the prentice home. The one little telltale bit of evidence would have disappeared.

[Margo Lane]

Ghastly.

[Lamont Cranston]

I found it just under the child's chin. The most minute little break in the skin. Even as I looked at it, the skin drew together and the tiny break was gone.

[Margo Lane]

No wonder the authorities could find no mark of violence. I suppose all the deaths have been brought about in the same manner.

[Lamont Cranston]

Exactly. The poison killed and immediately eliminated all traces of itself. Clever device, eh?

[Margo Lane]

I hate to have the inventor for a playmate. What sort of a poison is it, Lamont?

[Lamont Cranston]

I think it's a concoction developed by a small tribe in the Congo. Saducella, they call it. They make it from herbs found only in that locality.

[Margo Lane]

And you say it leaves no trace?

[Lamont Cranston]

None. Whatever passes quickly through the blood. When the blood body temperature drops the least bit, the drug oxidizes and disappears. So even a doctor couldn't trace this horse? I've never heard of it outside the Congo.

[Margo Lane]

How ever did it find its way to this little hamlet?

[Lamont Cranston]

That's what puzzles me, Margot. If we knew that, the rest would be simple.

[Margo Lane]

Oh, Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston]

You frightened, Margot?

[Margo Lane]

I'm not entirely at ease. An empty village can certainly be a ghost like place.

[Harley]

Yes.

[Lamont Cranston]

Look. See how quickly people left? Most of them didn't even wait long enough to close their doors.

[Margo Lane]

Village deserted.

[Lamont Cranston]

Margot.

[Margo Lane]

Yes, Lamont?

[Lamont Cranston]

I'm going to ask you to do something that's going to take quite a bit of courage.

[Margo Lane]

Well, Lamont, right now I'm kind of short on courage.

[Lamont Cranston]

Would you be afraid to spend the night here?

[Margo Lane]

Offhand, I could think of things I'd rather do. But if you think it's necessary, I'll stay.

[Lamont Cranston]

Margot, I can't leave here until I avenge the death of that little child.

[Margo Lane]

Then of course I'll stay.

[The Shadow]

Good.

[Lamont Cranston]

We won't be short of living quarters. You can make your own selection. There are plenty of empty homes. Margot, listen.

[Margo Lane]

What is it, Lamond?

[Lamont Cranston]

I hear footsteps.

[Margo Lane]

Footsteps?

[Lamont Cranston]

Look, Marlow, coming this way.

[Margo Lane]

An old woman.

[Lamont Cranston]

Step back in the shadow of the porch until she passes. All right. Marvel. She's gone.

[Margo Lane]

Well, I wonder who she is.

[Lamont Cranston]

Rather a courageous soul, braving this thing alone. Follow and see where she goes. She lives in there, all right. She's lit the candles.

[Margo Lane]

Awful old shack, but it's certainly on a beautiful sight.

[Lamont Cranston]

This hill commands a view of the whole village. Awake, Margot. There's a name on this rural mailbox.

[Margo Lane]

Oh, yes. C A R S T. Carstairs.

[Lamont Cranston]

Let's go, Margot. I'd like to have a talk with the old lady.

[Margo Lane]

Well, how can we explain why we're here?

[Lamont Cranston]

Let me do the talking.

[Margo Lane]

Pleasure's all yours.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes, but I don't fancy the old girl.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Well, what do you want?

[Lamont Cranston]

Pardon us, but you see, we had trouble with our car. We thought you might have a telephone we could use.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Got no use for them.

[Margo Lane]

What's that?

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Gave you a good scare, didn't it? Oh, he takes good care of me. Don't you, Harkis?

[Argus]

Good boy. Good boy.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Yes, Arcus. Good boy.

[Margo Lane]

Talks.

[Lamont Cranston]

It's a jackdaw. Marco. Member of the Crow family. Quite a bird you've got there, Mrs. Carstairs.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

What? How'd you know my name?

[Lamont Cranston]

Why, we saw it on your mailbox.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

You're a sharp one, ain't you? What you doing here in Old Mill?

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, we have taken a house down on Main Street.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Are you mad? You know what you're doing? Ain't you heard what's happened to people who's lived here?

[Lamont Cranston]

We've heard all about it. Made it easier to get a house. As a matter of fact, you know it's my idea that plague or whatever it was is all over now.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Pretty sure of yourself, ain't you?

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, don't you think so? You're staying here.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

I'm an old woman. Besides, I ain't afraid of death.

[Argus]

Death? Death.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Shut up, Argus.

[Argus]

Good boy. Light. Light.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Shut up, I said.

[Argus]

Argus.

[Lamont Cranston]

Look at that. He keeps looking down toward the village. Is he afraid, too?

[Mrs. Carstairs]

It's stalking the town again. He knows. Arcus knows somebody's going to die.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah. I guess you'll be comfortable in this house, Margot.

[Margo Lane]

Thank you, Lamond. What are you gonna do?

[Lamont Cranston]

I'm going downstairs, sit on the porch and watch for developments. You go to sleep and don't worry.

[Margo Lane]

I just can't get that old woman out of my mind. Horrible looking creature, wasn't she?

[Lamont Cranston]

You know, Margot, there was something familiar about that face. I'm sure I've seen it somewhere before, but I just can't place it. Well, Margo, I. I'll go on downstairs. And don't forget to put out the candles.

[Margo Lane]

No, I won't. Good night, Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston]

Good night, Margot.

[Margo Lane]

Oh. Tired. Who's that? Lamont. Lamont. Lamont. Lamont has come. I've seen it. Lamont. Don't you hear me? Lamont.

[Argus]

Lamont. Lamont. Good boy. Good boy.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Oh, no. Akis. Bad boy. You didn't do as I told you. She's still alive. Yes, I can hear her yelling down there. You didn't wait long enough. After the light went out, you go back again, all right?

[Argus]

Light?

[Mrs. Carstairs]

That's right. You go where the light is this time. Complete the job. But wait till the light goes out and do just what I've taught you to do.

[Argus]

Good boy. Good boy.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

That's right. You be a good boy. Here, I better file your beak down a little. Sharper. Keep still. There.

[Argus]

There.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

There, that's better. One peck and it's done. All right, all right. Don't be in such a hurry.

[Argus]

Here.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Dip your beak in the poison. Then off with you. That's it. We'll teach those two fools. You mustn't fail this time. Orcus Arcus. Did you hear that too? What you looking in the corner for? See something, do you?

[The Shadow]

Yes. Arcus sees something. He sees me.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

You? I don't see you. Who are you?

[The Shadow]

I am the Shadow.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

The Shadow? Well, now, ain't that interesting? You're the great invisible crime expert.

[The Shadow]

You've heard of me, I see.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Oh, indeed I have. And who hasn't? But what could you want with a poor old woman like me?

[The Shadow]

You know full well what I want with you.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Have you come to ask me to help you solve the mystery of Old Mill, is that it?

[The Shadow]

The mystery of Old Mill is already solved. I know the identity of the fiendish murderer.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

You don't say. Well, now, ain't that fine? Who might it be?

[The Shadow]

It's a man by the name of Matthew Carstairs. That sent your hand to your head, didn't it? You might as well take off the wig, Matthew Carstairs. It'll serve you no longer.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

You're only guessing. You don't know. You're trying to trick me.

[The Shadow]

I knew your face was familiar the moment I saw it. I finally recall you had a case in court many years ago. You claimed that the entire town of Old Mill rightfully belonged to you.

[Argus]

All right, Shadow, so long as you know just so much. You must know, too, that the title of the land never passed from my ancestors. It's mine. Mine.

[The Shadow]

The court denied your claim.

[Argus]

The court robbed me.

[The Shadow]

You swore that someday Old Mill would be yours. That was a long time ago. The obsession drove you to this campaign of murder. You hope to make good your threat to the court.

[Argus]

And I will. I'll have Old Milder myself. And you can't stop me. I have a feudal claim to the land, but a claim just the same.

[The Shadow]

The state executioner has a claim on you, Carstairs.

[Argus]

I've got a gun. I'll use it.

[The Shadow]

If you come near me, you can't see me, Carstairs. Have you forgotten that?

[Argus]

No, but the jackdaw can. His eyes follow every move you make.

[The Shadow]

Put that gun away.

[Argus]

I'll put you away first.

[The Shadow]

You're terrifying the birdie.

[Argus]

No, no.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Arcris.

[Argus]

Go away.

[Margo Lane]

The gun.

[Argus]

Harstairs. No, the bird.

[The Shadow]

It was the flame from the gun. The bird has carried out your orders, Carstairs. He struck where there was light.

[Argus]

Argus. Good boy. Good boy.

[Harley]

Yes, Argus, I guess you are a good boy.

[Argus]

We nearly had a mill. Good boy.

[Mrs. Carstairs]

Dad.

[Argus]

Dad. Dad. Dad.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, Margot, the jackdaw's been destroyed, Carstairs is dead and the village of Old Mill lives again.

[Margo Lane]

Lamont, how did you ever happen to suspect Carstairs?

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, it was a series of fortunate circumstances. First, the face was familiar. But more important than that, I noticed several trophies in his shack that unmistakably came from the Congo. Presence of the strange poison was easily understandable then.

[Margo Lane]

Oh, I'm proud of you, Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah, you shouldn't be.

[Margo Lane]

Why not?

[Lamont Cranston]

I still can't open this bottle of olives.

[Margo Lane]

Have you been carrying them around with you all this time?

[Lamont Cranston]

And take them with my compliments. Here.

[Margo Lane]

Give up. What are you supposed to do? Twist the top. Like this?

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes, but it's impossible to. Margot, you opened.

[Margo Lane]

Will you have an olive?

[Narrator]

Today's program is based on a story copyrighted by the Shadow magazine. All the characters and all the places named are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. The Shadow Magazine is on sale at your local newsstand.

[The Shadow]

The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.