The Avenger 45-06-08 (01) High Tide Murders

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Avenger 45-06-08 (01) High Tide Murders"

Introduction

"The Avenger 45-06-08 (01) High Tide Murders," hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, takes listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing them in a thrilling tale of crime, science, and justice. This episode introduces us to Jim Brandon, a renowned biochemist who moonlights as the enigmatic Avenger, utilizing his scientific prowess to combat evil in a world devoid of television distractions.

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Setting the Scene

The narrative unfolds with Jim Brandon setting the stage for his dual life. As Inspector White, he explains, "The road to crime ends in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not pay." (00:13). Jim Brandon, through his inventive genius, has developed two groundbreaking devices: the Telepathic Indicator, which allows him to receive thought flashes, and the Secret Diffusion Capsule, granting him temporary invisibility. His trusted assistant, the alluring Fern Collier, is privy to his secrets and stands as his unwavering ally against the underworld, known in sinister circles as "the Event."

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Unveiling the Antagonist

The plot thickens with the introduction of Scrawny, also known as Vickers, a cunning smuggler involved in the illegal jewelry trade. Their tense interaction begins when Scrawny lures Zenro into his lair, showcasing the treacherous nature of their dealings. Scrawny's manipulative tactics are evident when he threatens Zenro, saying, "Just one more victim and all the money will be mine." (02:23), highlighting his ruthless ambition.

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The Murder and the Telepathic Indicator

As the story progresses, Inspector White and Fern Collier's scientific experiments take a pivotal turn when they detect a powerful telepathic message indicating a murder. Fern expresses her frustrations, stating, "The telepathic indicator is working so well lately. I have absolutely no privacy." (04:01). This leads them to a body washed ashore at Cragmore Dock, with minimal clues—only a piece of broken glass and the ominous mention of "Scrawny." Inspector White's determination is evident when he declares, "I think it's pretty certain he was a jeweler." (10:04).

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Investigating the Jewelers

Delving deeper, Inspector White and Fern identify three missing jewelers connected to Scrawny's illicit operations. Their investigation reveals that these jewelers were likely involved in smuggling and fencing operations, a fact obscured from the general populace as the individuals were merely "away on business." The tension mounts as they uncover the intricate network Scrawny has woven, leading them to suspect that he may target the remaining jeweler, Vickers, next.

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Confrontation at the Pawn Shop

The climax approaches as Inspector White confronts Vickers at his pawn shop. Their exchange is fraught with suspicion and hostility:

• Inspector White: "Do you mind if I look around a little?" (14:05)
• Vickers: "Get out of here." (14:21)

The situation escalates when Vickers pulls a gun on Inspector White, forcing him to retreat. Unbeknownst to Vickers, the Avenger's advanced technology enables Jim Brandon to monitor and respond to such threats effectively.

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Fern's Peril and the Avenger's Intervention

While Inspector White investigates, Fern Collier becomes the target of Scrawny’s murderous plans. Captured and threatened with drowning as the tide rolls in, Fern demonstrates remarkable courage and resourcefulness. She confronts Scrawny, asserting, "You know too much for your own good." (20:00), but finds herself ensnared in his deadly trap.

At the critical moment, Inspector White steps in as the Avenger, vanishing from sight and saving Fern. His timely intervention is marked by his declaration, "Here I am Scrawny. It's the Avenger." (22:30), ensuring Scrawny's demise.

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Resolution and Unraveling the Mystery

Post-confrontation, Inspector White collaborates with Captain Peabody, an old sailor knowledgeable about the coastal tides and channels. Together, they decode how Scrawny's smuggling operations were ingeniously tied to the natural tides, allowing him to dispose of his victims without a trace.

Inspector White elucidates the method, "The channels... if you know exactly where something landed on the shore and how long it was in the water, you can figure where it started from." (19:06). This revelation leads to the final capture of Scrawny, whose true identity and methods are fully exposed.

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Conclusion

"The Avenger 45-06-08 (01) High Tide Murders" masterfully blends suspense, scientific ingenuity, and classic detective work. Through Jim Brandon's dual identity as Inspector White and the Avenger, listeners are treated to a captivating story of justice triumphing over corruption. Fern Collier's bravery and the intricate plot involving smuggling, deception, and the relentless pursuit of truth culminate in a satisfying resolution that upholds the timeless adage: crime does not pay.

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Notable Quotes

• Inspector White: "The road to crime ends in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not pay." (00:13)
• Zenro: "Shut up, Scronny." (01:45)
• Fern Collier: "I've been waiting for you to say that." (03:54)
• Inspector White: "Our experiments in thought projection and transmission have gone far beyond those of Edison and Creel." (04:05)
• Fern Collier: "But, Jim, think how much more valuable I'd be as your assistant if I could become invisible as you do." (04:55)
• Inspector White: "You're too attractive to want to become invisible, even for short intervals." (05:02)
• Scrawny: "I'll give you exactly five seconds to blow." (14:31)
• Fern Collier: "You're scrawny." (20:07)
• Inspector White: "It's the Avenger." (22:30)

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Timestamp References

• 00:13
• 01:45
• 03:54
• 04:05
• 04:55
• 05:02
• 14:31
• 20:07
• 22:30

Note: The above timestamps correspond to moments within the episode where the quoted lines are delivered.

Transcript

[Jim Brandon]

The Avenger.

[Inspector White]

The road to crime ends in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not pay.

[Jim Brandon]

The Avenger, sworn enemy of evil, is actually Jim Brandon, a famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has perfected two inventions to aid him in his crusade against crime as the Avenger. The telepathic indicator by which he is able to pick up thought flashes and the secret diffusion capsule which cloaks him in the black light of invisibility. Brandon's assistant, the beautiful Fern Collier, is the only one who shares his secrets and knows that he is the man the underworld fears as the Event. And now, the Avenger and the High Tide Murders.

[Scrawny]

Oh, it's you, Thunder.

[Zenro]

Yes, Granny, it's me. What are you expecting, the cops?

[Scrawny]

No, no. Come on in. Mighty glad you came, Zenro. Did you follow my instructions?

[Zenro]

Nobody knows I'm here. You don't think I'm fool enough to let anybody know I'm mixed up with you, do you?

[Scrawny]

Now, now, there's no cause for you.

[Zenro]

Shut up, Scronny.

[Scrawny]

Guns. What are you pulling a gun on me for, Said Row?

[Zenro]

Because I don't trust you, Scrawny. Not even when I can see you.

[Scrawny]

Well, I've always been fair to you then, Row. I always.

[Zenro]

Shut up. I told you I'll do the talking this time. You're a double crosser, Scorny. The worst kind. You get a guy in deep with you and then you double cross him, cheat him.

[Scrawny]

I haven't cheated you, Fenro. Honest time.

[Zenro]

I'm not giving you the chance to double cross me, Scrawny. I come for my share of that last shipment you got and I'm not leaving without it.

[Scrawny]

Sure.

[Zenro]

In fact, I want more than my share since you're holding out on the other boys.

[Scrawny]

Sure, sure. That's why I sent for you, to give you your share. We'll be partners then, Ro, you and me.

[Zenro]

Never mind that. Where's the stuff?

[Scrawny]

Right over there in that box. I'll get it.

[Captain Peabody]

There we are.

[Zenro]

I'll get it myself. If you make a move, Scrawny, I'll plug you.

[Scrawny]

All right, all right. Help yourself, Beth. Goodbye then, Ro. The tide is going out and you go with it. Just like the others. Out with the tide. You were smarter than the rest of them, Fenro. Only you didn't know about this trap jaw, did you? Nobody but Scrawny knows about that. Just one more victim and all the money will be mine. One more victim. I must prepare the trap for him.

[Fern Collier]

I'm hungry. I want to stop working now and go to dinner.

[Inspector White]

All right, Vern. All right. We'll take time out now for dinner.

[Fern Collier]

I've been waiting for you to say that.

[Inspector White]

I know you have. The telepathic indicator caught your thought flashes. I didn't realize how late it was.

[Fern Collier]

That indicator is working so well lately. I have absolutely no privacy.

[Inspector White]

Yes, we're getting wonderful results, Vern. Of course, a lot of the flashes I pick up are unimportant. But do you realize that our experiments in thought projection and transmission have gone far beyond those of Edison and Creel?

[Fern Collier]

I know, Jim. Jim.

[Inspector White]

Yes, Vern?

[Fern Collier]

Jim, let me try the diffusion capsule. I've been reading up on all those experiments you made with black light, and.

[Inspector White]

I. Vern, you must put that idea out of your mind. I told you before that it would be impossible. It's a very dangerous process.

[Fern Collier]

I know it's terribly dangerous, Jim, but I'm not afraid.

[Inspector White]

No. And that's final, young lady. Why, the diffusion capsule knocked me for a loop every time I tried it for three years until finally I was able to hit just exactly the right formula.

[Fern Collier]

Now that you have the right formula.

[Inspector White]

Fern, you don't understand. That formula will only work on the individual who tested it every step of the way. On himself.

[Fern Collier]

But, Jim, think how much more valuable I'd be as your assistant if I could become invisible as you do.

[Inspector White]

Perhaps. But it isn't possible, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Why?

[Inspector White]

Let me explain. The diffusion capsule is a combination of two experiments, two processes. First, it's a question of harnessing the light rays that are normally invisible to the human eye and concentrating them in tiny capsules be released at will. After I'd spent years perfecting that formula, I had to set about finding a serum that I could inject into my system that would affect the pigment cells in such a way that when these concentrated rays were released around me, they dissolve both color and dimension and render me invisible.

[Fern Collier]

Then it's the injections that are so dangerous.

[Inspector White]

Yes. For one whole year, I was able to stand them only in very small doses. And then gradually, after several years, my system absorbed enough of the serum to camouflage me completely when the concentrated light rays fell upon me. But if I hadn't been in exceptional physical condition, Fern, the whole experiment would have been hopeless.

[Fern Collier]

Well, perhaps you're right, Jim.

[Inspector White]

And besides, you're much too attractive to want to become invisible, even for short intervals. Oh, Fern, now you do understand, don't you?

[Fern Collier]

Of course, Jim. Let's forget it.

[Inspector White]

I couldn't manage without you. You know that. Why, you've come every step of the way with Me on the telepathic indicator. I simply couldn't have perfected it without you.

[Fern Collier]

Thanks, Jim.

[Inspector White]

Now, if you'll put those test tubes away, I'll turn off the indicator and we'll go out for something to eat.

[Fern Collier]

Right.

[Inspector White]

Burn.

[Fern Collier]

What is it, Jim?

[Inspector White]

A man's just been killed.

[Fern Collier]

Jim. The indicator.

[Inspector White]

Yes. I caught a distinct telepathic message.

[Fern Collier]

How can you be sure someone was killed?

[Inspector White]

Because the message came in so strong. It's been proved through thousands of experiments that 85% of all psychic impressions received are relayed by those who are suffering violence.

[Fern Collier]

What was the message, Jim?

[Inspector White]

It's strange. I've had three messages like this in the last two weeks, all on the same thought wavelength. Only this last one was stronger than the other two. The sounds were all the same, though.

[Fern Collier]

What kind of sounds, Jim?

[Inspector White]

Lapping water and wind, mostly. And then the sudden sound of a heavy door opening and a splash.

[Fern Collier]

Do you mean like someone falling in the water?

[Inspector White]

Yes. Only this time I also received the impression of a man's voice. A man's voice screaming out a name.

[Fern Collier]

What name, Jim?

[Inspector White]

Something that sounded like. Like scrawny.

[Fern Collier]

Scrawny? What do you suppose that could mean?

[Inspector White]

I don't know yet. Oh, will you answer the phone, Fern?

[Fern Collier]

Yeah.

[Inspector White]

I don't want to leave the indicator. Maybe I'll pick up something else.

[Fern Collier]

Hello? Yes, he's here. Inspector White? Yes. Where? At the Cragmore Dock. Yes, I'm sure he will. I'll tell him. Thank you, Inspector. That was Inspector White, Jim.

[Inspector White]

What did he want?

[Fern Collier]

The body of a man's been washed ashore at Cragmore.

[Inspector White]

What?

[Fern Collier]

He wants you to come down and make some special tests. The inspector thinks it's murder.

[Vickers]

That you, Brandon?

[Inspector White]

Yes, Inspector. Coming, Fearne?

[Fern Collier]

No, I'll wait here at the car, Jim.

[Inspector White]

All right. Well, Inspector, find any clues?

[Vickers]

Very few. The doc says the body's been in the water about two weeks. I want you to check on that.

[Inspector White]

No identification?

[Vickers]

Not a thing. Well, flash that flight over here, Joe. Well, what do you think, Jim?

[Inspector White]

At first glance, I'd say two weeks is about right.

[Vickers]

We can't tell much from his clothes. There was no jewelry, which might mean the motive was robbery.

[Inspector White]

Yeah, it might. Find anything at all in his pockets?

[Vickers]

No, only a little piece of broken glass.

[Inspector White]

You mind letting me see it?

[Vickers]

Here.

[Inspector White]

Why? This is a piece of a jeweler's loop. A very good one, too.

[Vickers]

This man must be a stranger around here. He doesn't fit any of our descriptions for missing persons.

[Inspector White]

Inspector. Do you think you could keep this out of the papers for a few days.

[Vickers]

No, I can't keep it out of the papers, Brandon, and I don't see why I should try.

[Inspector White]

Well, you're in the driver's seat, of course, inspector, but if I had a day or two.

[Vickers]

Well, Brandon, all I want from you in this case is a complete chemical analysis report. The same kind of checkup you did in the Reardon case.

[Inspector White]

Okay, I'll come to headquarters later. But you shouldn't let my simple inquiries affect your blood pressure like that, inspector.

[Vickers]

Well, every time you see a body, you pop up with a lot of unconventional theory.

[Inspector White]

Well, murder is hardly ever conventional in. Inspector.

[Vickers]

No monkey business on this case, Brandon. That chemical report is all I want from you.

[Inspector White]

You'll get it.

[Vickers]

In the meantime, I'll have an impression made of his teeth and go over every inch of his clothes.

[Inspector White]

Right. I think we'll have to work fast on this, inspector.

[Vickers]

We?

[Inspector White]

All right, all right, you. I'll see you later. So long.

[Vickers]

Remember what I said, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

What's the matter, Jim? The inspector sounds mad.

[Inspector White]

Oh, just the usual routine. He's afraid I'll steal his thunder.

[Fern Collier]

Well, were you able to find out anything?

[Inspector White]

I think so, Fern. I'd be willing to bet anything it was that man's dying message I picked up about two weeks ago.

[Fern Collier]

Do the police have any idea who he was?

[Inspector White]

Not yet. But I'm pretty certain he was a jeweler. If he was, then the other two thought impressions I received may have been from jewelers, too.

[Fern Collier]

If your hunch is right, Jim, three jewelers would be missing in the city right now.

[Inspector White]

Right. Let's get back into town and start investigating tonight. Oh, well, I guess it is pretty late, isn't it?

[Fern Collier]

And I'm still hungry. Remember, we never did get our dinner.

[Inspector White]

Okay, but first thing in the morning, Fern, we're going. Calling the pawn shops first.

[Fern Collier]

Been waiting long, Jim?

[Inspector White]

About 10 minutes. Sit down, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Thanks. Oh, golly. I didn't know there were so many jewelry stores in the whole world. I'm tuckered out and hungry.

[Inspector White]

No doubt. I ordered for you. Waiter. Oh, waiter. You can bring our food now.

[Vickers]

Right away, sir.

[Inspector White]

Well, how did you make out with your list, Fern?

[Fern Collier]

Well, out of all the shops I covered, there was only one owner missing. Been out of town for a week.

[Inspector White]

Did you get his name?

[Fern Collier]

Yes, it's.

[Inspector White]

Don't tell me. See if I can guess. Was it Artemis?

[Fern Collier]

Yes. How did you know?

[Inspector White]

I'll tell you later. I want to give you my report first.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I'm trying to be patient, but my Curiosity is killing me.

[Inspector White]

Well, first I found out that a pawnbroker by the name of Blake had been out of town for two weeks.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, do you think he could be the one whose body was washed ashore last night?

[Inspector White]

I think there's a very good chance that was Lake. I called Inspector White and he's going to check him.

[Fern Collier]

But what about the third? You said there'd be three missing.

[Inspector White]

Yes, and there are a third jeweler by the name of Fenroe left town on business yesterday morning.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, how can we be certain these are the three men we're looking for?

[Inspector White]

Well, after I checked all the stores on my list, I happen to remember an article that appeared in the newspapers about six months ago concerning a corner in the diamond market. At that time, an investigation had been demanded by the Municipal Jewelers association who were outraged at the possibility of any shady dealings within their trade. I went to the library and checked back on that article.

[Fern Collier]

And found the names of our suspects?

[Inspector White]

No, I got those through a muckraking reporter I know. He tipped me off that Fenro, Blake, Artemis and a man by the name of Vickers were thoroughly investigated at that time because they were suspected of selling odd pieces of jewelry at unusually low prices.

[Fern Collier]

How were they able to do that?

[Inspector White]

My guess is that the jewels were smuggled and they were fencing.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, but wouldn't the police know that?

[Inspector White]

That would be pretty hard to check, Fern, especially if the goods came from Europe.

[Fern Collier]

All right, Jim, Suppose all your suspicions turn out to be fact. There's still one other thing. If three jewelers are missing, why haven't their families reported it to the police?

[Inspector White]

Because they're not considered missing to all intents and purposes. They're just away on business.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I see. Well, what do we do now?

[Inspector White]

We start searching for the missing piece in the puzzle.

[Fern Collier]

The missing piece?

[Inspector White]

Yes, the fourth jeweler by the name of Vickers. We've got to find out whether he's also known as Scrawny. For if he isn't, he's next on the list for mur it.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, does that shop belong to Vickers? I was in there this morning.

[Inspector White]

I know. That's why I think it'd be better for me to go in alone this time. Wait for me just beyond the shop there, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

All right, but don't be punk. I'm nervous.

[Jim Brandon]

What can I do for you, sir?

[Inspector White]

Do you mind if I look around a little?

[Jim Brandon]

Yes, I do mind. What do you want?

[Inspector White]

I'm looking for the Berkeley Neckbut.

[Vickers]

What?

[Inspector White]

I thought you might have it. I tried all your Partners, places. But they didn't seem.

[Jim Brandon]

What are you talking about? I have no partners.

[Inspector White]

No, I understood Artemis, Blake and Fenro.

[Jim Brandon]

Get out of here.

[Inspector White]

That's no way to treat a customer, Mr. Vickers.

[Jim Brandon]

Get out, I say, or I'll call the police.

[Inspector White]

I don't think you will.

[Jim Brandon]

Get out.

[Inspector White]

Put that gun away, Vickers. You're in enough trouble already.

[Jim Brandon]

I'll give you exactly five seconds to blow.

[Inspector White]

All right, you win.

[Fern Collier]

What happened, Jim?

[Inspector White]

I think he's our man, Fern. He pulled a gun on me. But we've got to get some evidence.

[Fern Collier]

How?

[Inspector White]

You go in the store and pretend you want to buy something. Keep him occupied for a few minutes.

[Fern Collier]

I'll do my best. What do you plan to do, Jim?

[Inspector White]

Examine it safe. It must be in the back room. It's not in the store.

[Fern Collier]

Jim.

[Inspector White]

Yes, Vern? It's time for the Avenger to take over.

[Jim Brandon]

I thought I told you to get out.

[Vickers]

Where did he go?

[Fern Collier]

Where did you go?

[Jim Brandon]

That man with you?

[Fern Collier]

There's no one with me.

[Jim Brandon]

I was sure I saw him come in the door and then he disappeared.

[Fern Collier]

Well, there's no one here. Maybe the sunlight blinded you for a moment as I opened the door.

[Jim Brandon]

I don't know. I was sure I must be seeing things.

[Fern Collier]

I came in to look at that gold pin you have in the window. The one with the topaz in the center. Would you show it to me, please?

[Scrawny]

Yes, I'll get it.

[Fern Collier]

The one on the right. That's it. Oh, my. It's lovely. How much is this?

[Vickers]

$40.

[Fern Collier]

40? Oh, I'm afraid that's too expensive.

[Jim Brandon]

I have a smaller one. It's in the back room. I'll get.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, no, no, never mind. This is the exact size I'm looking for. Perhaps I.

[Inspector White]

All right, Fearne, I've finished. Come on.

[Vickers]

What did you say?

[Fern Collier]

Oh, the pin. Well, I hadn't planned on anything so expensive.

[Scrawny]

Busy. Vickers.

[Jim Brandon]

What are you doing here?

[Scrawny]

Stow that, Vickers. I've got business with you. Get rid of that kind of.

[Fern Collier]

Sorry, I can't take the pin. Thanks for your trouble. Did you find anything, Jim?

[Inspector White]

Plenty.

[Fern Collier]

Who was that man who came out of the back room?

[Inspector White]

What man? There was no one back there.

[Fern Collier]

Well, a man came through the back way shortly after you did. Vickers was terrified of him.

[Inspector White]

Fern, we've got to go back there. Vickers may be in danger of his life. Come on. Oh, the door's locked. Stand back, Fern. Yeah, I'll have to break it down.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, look on the floor. It's Vickers.

[Inspector White]

Vickers. Vickers, quick. Who did it? Who Stabbed your Vickers. Scrawny.

[Fern Collier]

What part of the beach does this road lead to, Jim?

[Inspector White]

A place called Peabody's Cove.

[Fern Collier]

Never heard of it. Who's Peabody?

[Inspector White]

Captain Peabody is an old sailor. His family has owned this stretch of beach for generations. The Captain makes his living renting fishing dories.

[Fern Collier]

But why are we going to see him?

[Inspector White]

Well, Captain Peabody knows everyone along the coast for miles. I want to try to get a line on that man you saw in Vickers pawn shop. Oh, you said he gave you the impression of being a seafaring man.

[Fern Collier]

Well, it was only a vague impression, Jim. Yeah, his face was weather beaten and used the term stow. That not much to go on, really.

[Inspector White]

Yeah, and there was one other thing. Vickers was killed with a knife. A fisherman's knife. Ah, there. There's Peabody's Place.

[Fern Collier]

Now, look at all those bones. Aren't they beautiful?

[Captain Peabody]

All right.

[Inspector White]

Come on, Fern. Ah, there's Peabody on the dock.

[Captain Peabody]

Hello there, Captain.

[Fern Collier]

Hello.

[Captain Peabody]

Well, if it isn't Jim Brandon. How be you, Jim?

[Inspector White]

I'm fine, Captain. This is my assistant, Fern Collier.

[Fern Collier]

Hello, Captain.

[Captain Peabody]

Pleased to meet you, Miss.

[Inspector White]

Well, Captain, what's your theory about those two bodies that were washed up on the coast?

[Captain Peabody]

Say, that's something, ain't it? Two of them within a week. I noticed with the papers that you were helping on the case.

[Inspector White]

That's right, Captain. Does the name Scrawny mean anything to you?

[Captain Peabody]

Scrawny? No, Never heard that name. Has it got something to do with the case?

[Inspector White]

Maybe. But all we're certain of in this case is how long the bodies were in the water.

[Captain Peabody]

What you want to know is where they come from, huh?

[Inspector White]

That's what I'm working on, Captain.

[Captain Peabody]

Well, son, you ought to be able to figure that out pretty accurate according to the tides.

[Inspector White]

How do you mean?

[Captain Peabody]

You take a look at this here map, Jim. You know what it is?

[Inspector White]

Oh, it's a tide chart, isn't it?

[Captain Peabody]

Right. You notice how the currents hereabouts surge into narrow channels?

[Inspector White]

Yeah.

[Captain Peabody]

Well, those channels along this stretch of coast are as accurate and permanent as a paved road on dry land.

[Inspector White]

You mean that if you know exactly where something landed on the shore and how long it was in the water, you can figure where it started from according to the channels? Yep.

[Captain Peabody]

When I was a little shaver, me and my brother used to send messages in bottles through these channels to kids 10 miles down the coast?

[Inspector White]

Captain, you've hit on something. I'd like to try a little experiment if you'll help.

[Captain Peabody]

Why, sure, Jim.

[Inspector White]

Well, rig up your best dory and Bring along those tide charts. You and I are going on a little boat ride.

[Captain Peabody]

Right away, Jim. I'll have everything set in five minutes.

[Fern Collier]

Do I come too, Jim?

[Inspector White]

No, you'd better stay here, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

How long do you think you'll be gone?

[Inspector White]

An hour or two.

[Fern Collier]

Well, I'll take a little drive up the coast to kill time.

[Inspector White]

Okay, but be careful.

[Fern Collier]

Good luck, Jim.

[Captain Peabody]

You ready, Jim?

[Inspector White]

Yeah, I'm coming, Captain. I'll see you later, Fern. Don't drive too fast.

[Fern Collier]

I won't. Bye.

[Scrawny]

That's a gun in your back, lady.

[Fern Collier]

Who are you?

[Scrawny]

Start driving. Not.

[Fern Collier]

No, I won't. I.

[Scrawny]

Start driving, I said, or I'll let you have it.

[Fern Collier]

What?

[Inspector White]

You.

[Fern Collier]

You're the man I saw in vicar's shop. You murdered vicar.

[Scrawny]

You know too much for your own good. Drive faster.

[Fern Collier]

You're scrawny.

[Scrawny]

That's right. But you're the only living person who knows it. And you ain't going to be living long. Drive faster. I said faster. Well, young lady, you have much longer to wait.

[Fern Collier]

If you're going to kill me, why don't you do it and get it over with? Why do you keep me tied up here?

[Scrawny]

We have to wait for the tide.

[Fern Collier]

What does that to do with it?

[Scrawny]

Everything. Out with the tide. That's the way it must be.

[Fern Collier]

You mean I'm going to be drowned?

[Scrawny]

Of course. I thought you knew that. You seem to know so much.

[Fern Collier]

I'm not the only one who knows that. The sounds. Someone else knows about the lapping of the water, that creaking door, the spring of a trapdoor that no one could.

[Scrawny]

Know of them but you. Everyone else who ever came here.

[Fern Collier]

Yet police will find you out there.

[Scrawny]

That's enough of that. I know you're bluffing.

[Fern Collier]

How much longer?

[Scrawny]

Half an hour yet. Exactly half an hour.

[Fern Collier]

What are you doing?

[Scrawny]

It's almost time. I'm checking everything so you won't be in any trouble.

[Fern Collier]

He won't get away with it. He won't.

[Scrawny]

Rooster, stop me. Look, as you drop through this trap door, this bag of salt will hook onto you and weigh you down. Then the tide carries your body out to sea. And later, when you're found, you'll be many miles from here.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, your man. I believe you kill for the sheer joy of it.

[Scrawny]

No, no, I kill for gold. For gold and jewels. But now I must untie. Another minute, the tide goes out. Ready? You must be ready now. Hold your wrists still. Oh, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, I'm afraid.

[Scrawny]

Stand out. Stand up. What was that noise? Who's there?

[Inspector White]

Here I am Scrawny. It's the Avenger.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, thank heaven.

[Scrawny]

The Avenger. Where? Where are you? I can't see you, Avenger.

[Inspector White]

No, you can't see me, Scroony. No one can see me. But I'm here.

[Scrawny]

Where?

[Inspector White]

Where are you? Over here, behind these salt banks. I'll get you.

[Captain Peabody]

I'll shoot you.

[Inspector White]

Not there. Over here in the corner.

[Captain Peabody]

I'll find you. I'll kill you.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, Jim, how awful.

[Inspector White]

Are you all right, Fern?

[Fern Collier]

Yes.

[Inspector White]

Wait for me in the car outside, Fern. I'll just have a look around here. The police will want some evidence.

[Fern Collier]

Well, this place is certainly reeking with it. Don't be long, Jim.

[Inspector White]

I thought I'd better call in this completed report, inspector, to save time. Yes, I guess that just about cleans up the case. Oh, by the way, inspector, congratulations. That was a good picture of you in this morning's Herald. Oh, now, now, don't get mad, inspector. No offense. No offense. Okay, okay. See you on the next game. Goodbye.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, was Inspector White completely satisfied?

[Inspector White]

He wouldn't admit it, Fern, but he was. A police boat just picked up Scrawny's body in the exact place I pointed out on the tie chart. Oh, by the way, Scrawny's real name was Joplin. Scrawny was the code name the smugglers and fences used for.

[Fern Collier]

I still don't understand how you knew exactly where they'd find him.

[Inspector White]

Look, it's all here on these channel maps Captain Peabody gave me.

[Fern Collier]

Let me see.

[Inspector White]

Yeah. Now, here's the way the smugglers worked as sailors dumped the smuggled cargo overboard right here at the beginning of this narrow channel just as the tide was going in. The channel ends here under this long pier Old Scrawny had tilled along the coast. He had nets stretched along the entire length of the channel under the pier. And when the tide came in, they caught the cargo. Then old Scrawny, all he had to do was haul in the nets and distribute the cargo among its fences. Just as simple as that.

[Fern Collier]

But then why should Scrawny want to kill the men who fenced the jewels for it?

[Inspector White]

He didn't, as long as the smuggled cargo was jewels. But the last two shipments were currency, enormous sums of it, in sealed waterproof bags.

[Fern Collier]

So he didn't need the fences.

[Inspector White]

Yeah, that's right, Fern. But evidently the fences demanded their share of the shipment. So Scrawny decided to get rid of them. He sent for each one separately on the pretext of sharing the loot with him. Vickers was the only One who wouldn't go. So Scrawny had to come to him. Each of the others, well, you saw the little trap he set for them.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, I thought. But I was too frightened to understand how it worked.

[Inspector White]

Well, those salt bags were rigged up to hook onto the victim automatically as he fell through the trapdoor. This was always done just as the tide was going out. So the victim was immediately carried out to sea.

[Fern Collier]

But where did the salt come?

[Inspector White]

After a time, it dissolved in the water and the bags fell apart because they were made of semi perishable clothes.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, it's horrible. And to think that I.

[Inspector White]

Now, you mustn't think about it anymore, Fern. The case is closed. But you can thank captain Peabody for showing me the beginning of that narrow channel that led me to old Scrawny's place in time to save you.

[Fern Collier]

I'm going to buy captain Peabody a nice present.

[Inspector White]

Oh, he'd like that. He said you were right, Bertie.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, you.

[Inspector White]

You know, the minute I got to Scrawny's place, I knew the trail was ended.

[Fern Collier]

How, Jim?

[Inspector White]

I recognized the sounds. They were exactly like the impressions I received on the telepathic indicator.

[Fern Collier]

I'm glad it's over.

[Inspector White]

And so am I, Fern. Well, what about some dinner?

[Fern Collier]

Fine. Only let's not have seafood.

[Jim Brandon]

All characters, names, places and plots used in the Avenger program are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[Inspector White]

This is a force. A thought. A thought. Remember? Listen for another adventure out.

[Jim Brandon]

The Avenger.