The Avenger 45-08-24 (12) The Blue Pearls

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Harold's Old Time Radio"
Episode: The Avenger 45-08-24 (12) The Blue Pearls
Release Date: June 8, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of "The Avenger," titled "The Blue Pearls," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, the show encapsulates the thrilling adventures of Jim Brandon, a renowned biochemist by day and the enigmatic Avenger by night. Together with his trusted assistant, Fern Collier, Jim delves into the murky underbelly of crime, utilizing his ingenious inventions to uphold justice.

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Plot Overview

"The Blue Pearls" centers around Jim Brandon and Fern Collier's investigation into a series of fatal hit-and-run accidents plaguing the city. Initially perceived as mere acts of reckless driving, these incidents unravel to reveal a sophisticated narcotics operation using "blue pearls" as covert drug carriers.

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Key Scenes and Discussions

Initiation of the Investigation

• Inspector White briefs a group of detectives about the spike in hit-and-run accidents, emphasizing the urgency to curb these reckless behaviors.

  Inspector White (02:47): "Reckless driving is a crime against public safety."

• Jim Brandon and Fern Collier witness a car crash involving a woman from the Club Rendezvous, leading them to suspect foul play.

  Fern Collier (03:33): "Jim, she's crashing."

Discovery of the Blue Pearls

• Upon inspecting the crash site, Fern notices the victim's distress over her pearls, prompting suspicion.

  Fern Collier (04:40): "My pearls."

• Jim Brandon deduces that the pearls are not mere jewelry but are instruments for narcotic delivery.

  Jim Brandon (09:01): "She broke the pearls on purpose...to deliver pearl-contained dope."

Confrontation with Inspector White

• Jim approaches Inspector White with his findings, advocating for a strategic approach to dismantle the drug ring without alerting the perpetrators prematurely.

  Jim Brandon (13:52): "We can kill two birds with one stone if we handle this right."

• Inspector White reluctantly agrees, acknowledging the complexity of the case.

  Inspector White (14:12): "You're a reasonable man, Inspector."

Undercover Operations and Betrayals

• Fern Collier goes undercover at the Club Rendezvous, interacting with members like Vern Kalia and the Countess Calstro, unraveling deeper layers of the narcotics network.

  Fern Collier (18:01): "I have an appointment to meet Brenda Clegg here."

• A pivotal moment occurs when Brenda Clegg is assassinated by The Avenger, revealing Jim Brandon's dual identity.

  The Avenger (22:07): "I killed Brenda last night."

Climactic Showdown

• The episode culminates in a high-stakes confrontation on a motorboat, where The Avenger outsmarts the antagonists, Smokey and the Countess, ensuring their capture and the dismantling of the drug ring.

  Jim Brandon (26:13): "I'm here, Countess. And there goes your gun into the water."

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Character Development and Insights

• Jim Brandon/The Avenger: Showcased as a multifaceted hero, Jim's intelligence and resourcefulness are evident as he navigates complex investigations. His commitment to justice often puts him in perilous situations, highlighting his dedication to eradicating crime.

• Fern Collier: Portrayed as both adept and courageous, Fern's undercover work is instrumental in gathering crucial evidence. Her loyalty and quick thinking complement Jim's strategic prowess.

• Inspector White: Represents the bureaucratic challenges within law enforcement. His initial skepticism transforms into collaboration as the gravity of the situation unfolds.

• Antagonists (Smokey and Countess): Embody the nefarious elements of the crime world, utilizing cunning methods to perpetuate their illicit activities. Their eventual downfall underscores the triumph of good over evil.

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Notable Quotes

• Jim Brandon:

  "Crime does not pay." (00:24)
  "This was more serious than that." (05:36)
  "We can kill two birds with one stone if we handle this right." (13:52)
  "I'm the Avenger, Countess." (26:16)

• Inspector White:

  "Reckless driving is a crime against public safety." (02:47)
  "No, no, my men bungle this badly." (23:57)
  "I'll put everything in this apartment through the sieve." (14:14)

• Fern Collier:

  "My pearls." (04:43)
  "I think we're here on business, not pleasure." (06:07)
  "Maybe if I stick around long enough, you will make a real detective out of me." (29:58)

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Insights and Themes

• Dual Identities: Jim Brandon's transformation into The Avenger underscores the classic theme of hidden identities in crime-fighting narratives, emphasizing the personal sacrifices heroes make.

• Covert Operations: The use of blue pearls as a novel method for drug delivery highlights the inventive strategies employed by criminals and the corresponding ingenuity required to counteract them.

• Law Enforcement Collaboration: The episode delves into the dynamics between independent heroes and formal police structures, advocating for strategic alliances to effectively dismantle organized crime.

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Conclusion

"The Blue Pearls" masterfully blends suspense, intricate plotting, and character-driven storytelling, embodying the essence of Old Time Radio dramas. Through Jim Brandon and Fern Collier's relentless pursuit of justice, the episode not only entertains but also underscores timeless themes of heroism, loyalty, and the eternal battle between good and evil. For listeners who relish classic radio adventures, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of captivating storytelling.

Transcript

[Expedia Ad]

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[Jim Brandon]

Beach with a pool and a marina.

[Expedia Ad]

And a waterfall and a soaking tub. Expedia made to travel.

[The Avenger]

The Avenger.

[Jim Brandon]

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

[Expedia Ad]

Ram Ra.

[The Avenger]

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 Avenger. And now, the Avenger and the Blue Pearls. Inspector White is addressing a group of detectives at headquarters.

[Inspector White]

You men have been selected for this emergency detail because we've got to put a stop to these hit run accidents. During the past few weeks, eight people in this city have died and twice as many have been injured because of reckless driving and unnecessary speeding. It's up to you men to ferret out these reckless drivers and get them off the road. I'll see that they're apprehended. We've got to get out and put the brakes on this situation, even if we have to revoke half the licenses in this city. Reckless driving is a crime against public safety.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, is this road a shortcut to the beach?

[Jim Brandon]

I know, Fern, but it gets us out of that heavy traffic on the main highway.

[Fern Collier]

I'm glad you came this way. Maybe we could enjoy the drive.

[Jim Brandon]

Fern, look at that car ahead of us.

[Fern Collier]

Why, it's weaving all over the road. A woman's driving. Maybe there's something wrong with the car.

[Jim Brandon]

But she must be crazy. She's speeding up, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

She's sure to have an accident. Can't we do something?

[Jim Brandon]

We'll try. Hold tight, Fern. I'll catch up with her.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, she's driving off the road. She's going to hit that tree. Jim, she's crashed.

[Jim Brandon]

Come on, Fern, we've got to get her out of there.

[Fern Collier]

The car's bursting into flames, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

Stay back a little, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Well, be careful, Jim. The hood's on fire.

[Expedia Ad]

There.

[Jim Brandon]

It's okay. I've got her.

[Fern Collier]

Is she all right?

[Jim Brandon]

I don't know. She's unconscious.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, put her down here, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

Oh, she's in pretty bad shape, Fern. Go Back to our car and radio headquarters. Tell them to send an ambulance.

[Fern Collier]

Right, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

In the meantime, I'll wrap this coat around her and try to bring her to. Well, there, you're all right now, miss. You're safe.

[Fern Collier]

My. My pearls. My pearls.

[Jim Brandon]

Never mind your pearls, young lady. We've got to worry about getting you to a hospital.

[Fern Collier]

My pearls.

[Inspector White]

Fern.

[Jim Brandon]

Fern, tell them to hurry that ambulance.

[Fern Collier]

I got the message through, Jim. It'll be here in a few minutes.

[Jim Brandon]

That'll be too late, I'm afraid. This woman's dying.

[Inspector White]

Jim, you must be mistaken. We've been through every scrap of this wreckage and there's no sign of any pearls here.

[Jim Brandon]

I'm not mistaken, Inspector. That girl's dying thought was of her pearls.

[Fern Collier]

They must have been valuable, Inspector, she didn't have them on, so they must have been in the car.

[Inspector White]

Well, they're not here now, Fern. I'll vouch for that. Jim, as soon as my men finish here, I want you to come down to headquarters and make a full report on this accident.

[Fern Collier]

At least we know this wasn't one of those hit run affairs.

[Jim Brandon]

And, Inspector, no, this was even more serious than that.

[Inspector White]

What are you talking about, Jim? I thought you said that this.

[Jim Brandon]

Technically it was an accident, Inspector, but it wasn't caused by carelessness. That woman was doped.

[Fern Collier]

Gosh, Jim, this club rendezvous is lovely. But a very disillusioning thought just struck me.

[Jim Brandon]

Oh, what's that, Fern?

[Fern Collier]

I think we're here on business, not pleasure.

[Jim Brandon]

Sometimes your hunches are uncanny.

[Fern Collier]

Well, let me in on the big secret, Jim. What clues are you tracking down in this expensive manor?

[Jim Brandon]

I did a little checking this afternoon, Fern, and discovered that several persons who have figured in automobile accidents lately were known to frequent this club.

[Fern Collier]

Well, here we go again.

[Jim Brandon]

I know the inspector thinks it's impossible for dope peddlers to be operating in the city, but I'm not so sure.

[Fern Collier]

But why don't you let the narcotic squad take care of it, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

Because there's very little to go on so far, Fern. And besides, to get the kind of evidence we need will require the utmost caution.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Mr. Brandon, the dinner is delicious and the atmosphere is elegant. I don't mind proceeding with caution this evening.

[Jim Brandon]

I think we'll call it a night. Fern. It's almost closing time.

[Fern Collier]

I had a grand time, Jim. Let's have one more dance before we leave.

[Jim Brandon]

All right, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

I wouldn't mind if all our blind trails were as pleasant as this.

[Jim Brandon]

I'm afraid there's a little of the butterfly in you, young lady.

[Expedia Ad]

Oh, my pearls. I've broken them. Help me pick them up.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, be careful, Jim. There's one right beside your foot.

[Expedia Ad]

Waiter. Waiter, help me find my pearls.

[Inspector White]

Yes, miss, we find them all. Would you be so kind everyone to put the pearls you find here on this plate, please?

[Fern Collier]

I found two, Jim. How many do you have?

[Jim Brandon]

Three. Don't put them on the plate, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Why, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

I'll explain later. Just keep them.

[Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Expedia Ad]

Packages by Expedia. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels.

[Jim Brandon]

And hammocks for less.

[Expedia Ad]

Expedia. Made to travel.

[Inspector White]

I think they're all here now, miss.

[Expedia Ad]

Just a moment, I'll count them. There were 40.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, Jim, for heaven's sakes. We'll be arrested as thieves.

[Jim Brandon]

I don't think so, Fern.

[Inspector White]

Are they all there, miss?

[Expedia Ad]

Yes, Rodrigo.

[Jim Brandon]

Thank you very much.

[Expedia Ad]

Thank you, everyone.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, she didn't even miss ours.

[Jim Brandon]

Come back to the table, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

All right, now, would you mind explaining? I don't get this at all, Fern.

[Jim Brandon]

Those pearls are absolutely worthless. The whole string could be bought for 10 cents.

[Fern Collier]

Then why did she make such a fuss about getting them back?

[Jim Brandon]

Just an act. She didn't really count those pearls on the plate. She just pretended to. That means she broke the pearls on purpose and expected some of them to be missing.

[Fern Collier]

But why should she do that, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

It would be an extremely clever way to deliver a pearl or two that contained dope, wouldn't it? All the customer has to do is pick up the right pearl and put it in his pocket.

[Fern Collier]

But how would he know which pearl it was, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

Well, probably a slightly different color.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I see. When that particular pearl isn't put back on the plate, she knows it has been delivered to the proper party.

[Jim Brandon]

That's it, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Well, what are we going to do, Jim? Do we follow that girl we camped?

[Jim Brandon]

She's already gone. We'll check on her later. I want to get a line on her set up Here. She must have an accomplice that.

[Fern Collier]

Wait a minute.

[Jim Brandon]

Yes, I think so. She called him by name. Well, I'll soon find out.

[Fern Collier]

There he is now. Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

Yes, Frederico.

[Inspector White]

Yes, sir.

[Jim Brandon]

Frederico, while you're clearing off this table, I want to ask you a few questions.

[Inspector White]

Yes, sir.

[Jim Brandon]

What's the name of the girl who broke her pearls?

[Inspector White]

I do not know. A customer.

[Jim Brandon]

Frederico, I'm Jim Brandon of the police department. Do you prefer to talk here or at headquarters?

[Inspector White]

Who? On what charge?

[Jim Brandon]

Aiding and abetting in the traffic of narcotics.

[Inspector White]

Oh, no, no. I do nothing like that, honest. I just do what is part of my job. I need the tits.

[Jim Brandon]

We'll see. What is that girl's name?

[Inspector White]

She is Brenda Clake. She started coming here two months ago.

[Jim Brandon]

How many times has she broken her pearls here?

[Inspector White]

Four or five times.

[Jim Brandon]

And you always help her to get them back?

[Inspector White]

Yes, I ask people to put them on the plate and that is all. She tips me well and I ask no questions.

[Jim Brandon]

And she always gets all the pearls back?

[Inspector White]

Why, yes, of course. She counts them always.

[Jim Brandon]

And how do you explain these five pearls I have here in my hand? She didn't get these back.

[Inspector White]

Why? I don't know. She counted them.

[Expedia Ad]

She said.

[Jim Brandon]

I heard what she said. Now, do you know where Brenda Clegg lives?

[Inspector White]

No, I. I know nothing of her but her name and what I have told you. Maybe the doorman. Do you want me to ask?

[Jim Brandon]

Never mind, I'll ask him. Frederico, I don't believe you're mixed up in this, but you're going to have to prove it. How?

[Inspector White]

How can I prove it?

[Jim Brandon]

By keeping quiet about this little talk we've had and by following any future orders I may give you.

[Inspector White]

I'll do whatever you say, Mr. Brandon.

[Jim Brandon]

All right, go about your business as usual.

[Inspector White]

Yes, sir. I'll get back to my station.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, I have to hand it to you. You've certainly hit on something here.

[Jim Brandon]

Fern, we can't take a chance on this. Frederico, go call Inspector White and tell him to send someone down here to trail him right away.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

Hurry, Fernando, because we're going to call on Brenda Clegg tonight.

[Expedia Ad]

I tell you, Smokey, that's the last time I'm going to deliver the pearls at the Club Rendezvous. It's not safe.

[The Avenger]

Shut up, Brenda. You do what I say.

[Expedia Ad]

Not anymore. I'm not making enough out of this to take a wrap.

[The Avenger]

Oh, so it's the dough you're griping about.

[Jim Brandon]

I thought so.

[Expedia Ad]

Yes, it's the dough. I Take all the chances in this racket and you and the Countess get the grade.

[The Avenger]

Jeddap. You do what I tell you and take what I pay you. Maybe you forgot. I got enough on you to send you to college for life.

[Expedia Ad]

That goes double, Smokey. Why, if I want to turn state's evidence and expose this snowstorm you're stirring up.

[The Avenger]

Shut up, I say. There's more where that came from if you don't keep your trap shut.

[Expedia Ad]

You've hit me for the last time, Smokey. I'm gonna see that you get the book. I don't care what they do to me.

[The Avenger]

You wouldn't dare squeal to the cops.

[Expedia Ad]

Wouldn't I? I've had this on my mind for a long time.

[The Avenger]

Drop that phone.

[Expedia Ad]

Brenda, that rod doesn't scare me. You don't have what it takes to pull a trigger. You're yellow, Smokey. Hello, Police headquarters? I want to turn myself in and make a confession.

[The Avenger]

All right, Brenda, this is.

[Inspector White]

Why. Jim, how did you get here so soon? Who tipped you off to this shooting?

[Jim Brandon]

What shooting, Inspector? Fern and I came here looking for Brenda Clegg.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, this is where she lives, isn't it?

[Inspector White]

Well, you're a little late. Brenda Clegg was shot half an hour ago. Two bullets in the heart.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, no.

[Jim Brandon]

That means it's murder. Any leads, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

One or two. She was on the phone to my office when somebody shot her up. Well, I'll pick up the trail, all right.

[Jim Brandon]

Maybe this information will help you. I find good reason to believe that girl was peddling dope at the Club rendezvous tonight.

[Inspector White]

Yeah.

[Jim Brandon]

Listen, Inspector, we can kill two birds with one stone if we handle this right.

[Inspector White]

What do you mean, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

Keep Brenda Clegg's death a secret for a few days.

[Inspector White]

Now, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

24 hours then. Inspector, we've got to give this dope ring the chance to keep operating if we want to pull in the whole mob.

[Inspector White]

Well, I guess you're right at that, Jim. A public murder investigation might drive them undercover for months.

[Jim Brandon]

You're a reasonable man, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Meantime, I'll put everything in this apartment through the sieve.

[Jim Brandon]

Right. I'll check with you first thing in the morning.

[Inspector White]

Okay.

[Jim Brandon]

Come on, Fern, I've got to get you home. I'll have a big job for you to handle tomorrow. Now, Fernando, when you get to the club rendezvous, you'll be seated at the table where Brenda sat last night. Frederico will see to that.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, Jim, but I doubt if any of Brenda's gang will show up tonight.

[Jim Brandon]

They might if they don't know. Brenda is dead. And I have a feeling that our murderer isn't doing any talking.

[Fern Collier]

Well, let's hope you're right. Now, let me go over this again. Posing as a friend of Brenda's, I'm to try to find out how and where this doping operates.

[Jim Brandon]

That's right. We found a key in Brenda's apartment that we believe to be a motorboat key. Now, that might mean that the dope is picked up from a ship. Or it may merely mean that it's hidden somewhere off the mainland. Try to find that out.

[Fern Collier]

All right, Jim. I'll do my best.

[Jim Brandon]

The inspector will have men stationed outside the club. And Frederico will keep an eye on you while you're inside. Now, put on your pearls and you're ready to go.

[Expedia Ad]

Sam.

[Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me at flavors. Hookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Expedia Ad]

Sam.

[The Avenger]

And now back to the Avenger and the Blue Pearls.

[Expedia Ad]

Young lady, there must be some mistake. His table is reserved.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, I know. I have an appointment to meet Brenda Clegg here.

[Expedia Ad]

Oh, I see. Then I suppose we should introduce ourselves. I also have an appointment with Brenda and the Countess Calstro.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, how do you do? My name's Vern Kalia.

[Expedia Ad]

It's a pleasure. I don't believe I've ever seen you with Brenda. Do you know her well?

[Fern Collier]

Oh, yes.

[Expedia Ad]

You'll pardon My prudence, Ms. Collier, but as a sort of credential, would you mind telling me Brenda's address?

[Fern Collier]

Certainly. It's 105 Hillcrest Boulevard.

[Expedia Ad]

One cannot be too careful.

[Fern Collier]

I understand, Countess. Perhaps you would also be interested in knowing that Brenda and I have a mutual fondness for girls.

[Expedia Ad]

I thought so.

[Fern Collier]

And we've taken several trips in her motorboat.

[Expedia Ad]

Really? To the island?

[Fern Collier]

Yes.

[Expedia Ad]

I am surprised. I was not aware that Brenda had ever taken anyone to Lark Island.

[Fern Collier]

I wonder what could be keeping Brenda. She's late. I'm getting worried.

[Expedia Ad]

You're nervous, Miss Collier.

[Fern Collier]

Yes. Well, I hope Brenda won't let me down.

[Expedia Ad]

You came here for a blue pearl, did you? Not.

[Fern Collier]

Yes. And if Brenda doesn't show up, I. I don't know what I'll do.

[Expedia Ad]

Don't worry, my dear. I can help you.

[Fern Collier]

You can?

[Expedia Ad]

Yes. I have some blue pearls of my own I would be willing to sell you for a fair price. But we will wait for another half hour. Brenda may show up.

[Fern Collier]

Do you suppose something could have gone wrong, Countess?

[Expedia Ad]

I don't think so. However, we will not wait for Brenda any longer. Come with me.

[Fern Collier]

May I ask where we are going? Surely you do not keep such valuables in your apartment?

[Expedia Ad]

No, not in my home. I have another place. Come, my dear.

[Fern Collier]

Just a moment. I'll take care of the check. Frederico.

[Inspector White]

Yes, miss?

[Fern Collier]

Check, please, Frederico. I'll sign it, of course.

[Inspector White]

Sign on the bottom line, please.

[Fern Collier]

Yes. There you are. Oh, Frederico.

[Inspector White]

Yes, miss?

[Fern Collier]

If Brenda Clegg comes in later, tell her I left with Countess Castro. Good night, Ms.

[Expedia Ad]

Courier. Keep your eye on that black sedan behind us. I think we're being followed.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, surely not, Countess. Why should we be?

[Expedia Ad]

I don't know, but in this business, one can never tell. Yes, I'm sure of it. Now that car is following us.

[Fern Collier]

What are you going to do?

[Expedia Ad]

Listen carefully. In a moment I'll put on speed and turn up Lakemont Avenue. I'll pull up quickly in front of a certain small apartment house there. When we get in the lobby, help me press all the doorbells there. And someone is certain to push the door buzzer to let us in. Got that?

[Fern Collier]

Yes. But whoever is following us will know where we went. Your car will be outside the house.

[Expedia Ad]

There's a back door at the end of the hall in that apartment house. We go straight through, come out in the alley in the back, turn left and run for a taxi on the other side of the block. We can make a clean getaway if we are lucky. Here we are. Hurry. Quick. Help me press all these bells.

[Fern Collier]

Yes. What if no one answers? There.

[Expedia Ad]

Open the door. Did I tell you? Run for the door in the back.

[Fern Collier]

What if it's locked?

[Expedia Ad]

It never is. Hurry. You'll see. We've given them this slip. Now for a taxi. Come on. Smoky, what in the world are you doing here?

[The Avenger]

Hiding out, Countess.

[Expedia Ad]

Hiding out? What for? Are the cops on to us?

[The Avenger]

Hold it a minute. Who's your girlfriend, Countess?

[Expedia Ad]

A friend of Brenda's. She wants to buy some blue pearls.

[Inspector White]

Yeah?

[Expedia Ad]

Smokey, put that gun away. What's the matter with you?

[The Avenger]

This dame's no friend of Brenda's.

[Expedia Ad]

How do you know? She says she's been to the island with Brenda.

[The Avenger]

That's a lie. Brenda never went to the island except when I took her. This dame's no snowbird. She's a plant.

[Fern Collier]

There's one way to settle it. Why don't you call Brenda and ask her?

[The Avenger]

Because Brenda can't answer and you know it. You're from the cops and you know Brenda's dead.

[Expedia Ad]

Brenda's dead, Smokey. What are you saying, Countess?

[The Avenger]

I killed Brenda last night.

[Jim Brandon]

I had to.

[The Avenger]

She was gonna turn us all in.

[Expedia Ad]

You are a fool, Smokey. You have ruined everything.

[The Avenger]

Ah, shut up, Countess. You haven't made such a good showing tonight yourself.

[Expedia Ad]

Well, what are we going to do?

[The Avenger]

A snowboard is scheduled to pull in at the island early tomorrow morning to deliver a shipment. We just hop aboard and get out of the country.

[Expedia Ad]

What about this girl? What will we do with her?

[The Avenger]

I'll take care of her right now.

[Expedia Ad]

No, no, Smokey, you cannot shoot her. Here, use your head.

[The Avenger]

Well, we could just as easy drop her in a bay on her way to the island.

[Expedia Ad]

That's it. Tie her up and gag her.

[The Avenger]

No, no, don't take the gun, Countess. Keep her covered while I tie her up nice and tidy.

[Expedia Ad]

Hurry, Smokey. We must start for the island right away.

[The Avenger]

Have you got your motorboat key, Countess? I forgot mine at Brenda's place. That's why I couldn't hit for the island last night.

[Expedia Ad]

Yes, I have mine in my purse and I have a car in the basement garage.

[The Avenger]

Okay, we're as good as out of the country right now.

[Jim Brandon]

Well, Inspector, what do your men report?

[Inspector White]

Well, nothing new, Jim. We know that Fern and the Countess went straight through that apartment house on Lakemont Avenue. But they left a cold trail after that.

[Jim Brandon]

Keep trying, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Don't worry, Jim, I will. I have the whole force working on this.

[Jim Brandon]

I've just come from the Rendezvous Club, and Federico gave me a lead that I'm going to work on right now.

[Inspector White]

Can I help you, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

Yes, Inspector. Give me that key you found in Brenda Clegg's apartment. The one we thought might be a motorboat key.

[Inspector White]

Sure, Jim. I've got that stuff here in the safe. I'll get it. Want some of my men to go with you?

[Jim Brandon]

No, Inspector, I'll handle this myself.

[Inspector White]

Be careful. Now, Jim, don't do anything crazy. We'll find Fern all right.

[Jim Brandon]

Oh, I should never have let her go to that club, Inspector. This whole thing is my fault.

[Inspector White]

No, no, my men bungle this badly, Jim, and I'm willing to admit it, they weren't quite up to the tricks of that, Countess.

[Jim Brandon]

Well, I asked for 24 hours to wrap up this case, Inspector. I've still got two hours to go on that.

[Inspector White]

Well, here's the key, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

Oh, thanks, Inspector. Stay close to the phone for the next two hours, will you? I'm going to try to close this case on schedule.

[The Avenger]

Well, we made it, Countess.

[Expedia Ad]

Yes. Wait a minute, Smokey. What are we going to do about this car? We can't leave it here. The police would spot it before morning.

[The Avenger]

Say, I never thought of that. This car would sure tip him off.

[Jim Brandon]

To where we went. All right.

[Expedia Ad]

Well, start thinking. What can we do with it?

[The Avenger]

I got it. I'll send it over the end of the pier. The water out there is deep enough to cover it.

[Expedia Ad]

Good idea.

[The Avenger]

All right, get out. Put this dame in the motorboat first. Come on, sister, this is the end of the line for you.

[Expedia Ad]

Here's the boat, Smokey. Hurry up.

[The Avenger]

This dame's a wildcat.

[Expedia Ad]

He's kicking like a steel down there in the bow.

[The Avenger]

I'll be glad when we're rid of her.

[Expedia Ad]

Now send that car over quick.

[The Avenger]

Not so fast, Countess. I'll take the key to the boat, if you don't mind.

[Expedia Ad]

You do not trust me, Smokey?

[The Avenger]

No. After the things I've seen you pull, I know you're counting on me pulling out and leaving me here waving on the dock.

[Expedia Ad]

Here, then take the key. But hurry.

[The Avenger]

I'll be right back. I'll get rid of this car in a minute.

[Expedia Ad]

Stupid fool. I will think of a way to get rid of you later.

[The Avenger]

Well, that's that. Now we're ready.

[Expedia Ad]

Smokey. What was that noise?

[The Avenger]

I don't know, but I'm not investigating. Let's get this motor running.

[Jim Brandon]

I don't think you'll take that little trip to Long Island, Smokey.

[Expedia Ad]

Huh?

[The Avenger]

Who said that? Where did that voice come from?

[Expedia Ad]

There's no one in the boat. Pull out, quick.

[The Avenger]

Will you take this gun, Countess? You see anybody on that dock, don't stop shooting until it's empty.

[Expedia Ad]

There's nobody there, Smokey.

[Jim Brandon]

I'm here, Countess. And there goes your gun into the water.

[The Avenger]

What is this?

[Expedia Ad]

Who are you? What do you want?

[Jim Brandon]

I'm the Avenger, Countess.

[The Avenger]

The Avenger. Take the wheel, Countess. I'll find him.

[Expedia Ad]

Yes. Yes, Smokey. The voice came from the back of the boat.

[The Avenger]

I'll throw him overboard. Nobody's gonna stop us now.

[Jim Brandon]

I'm going to stop you, Smokey, like this.

[Fern Collier]

Smokey.

[Expedia Ad]

Smokey, get up.

[Jim Brandon]

He's out cold, Countess. Now turn the boat around. And make for the dock. Unless you prefer to swim back.

[Expedia Ad]

No, no, I will do as you say.

[Inspector White]

And make it fast.

[Jim Brandon]

We've got a deadline to.

[Expedia Ad]

It'S.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, did that boat pull into Loch island on schedule this morning?

[Jim Brandon]

It certainly did, Fern. And the whole narcotic squad was there to meet it.

[Fern Collier]

I suppose the inspector's having a wonderful time down at headquarters bringing charges against everybody.

[Jim Brandon]

Well, that's right, Fern, and you can't blame him. This is quite a feather in his cap.

[Fern Collier]

How long had that dope ring been operating in the city, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

Only two months, Fernando. And the inspector's got the whole tribe in jail. That's fast work.

[Fern Collier]

And don't forget, Smokey. There's a charge of murder against him.

[Jim Brandon]

Don't worry, the Countess isn't letting him forget it. She's talking her head off.

[Fern Collier]

I thought she would.

[Jim Brandon]

Fearne, since you risked your life to crack this case, I thought you might like to take a look at exhibit A, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

A blue pearl.

[Jim Brandon]

Yes, here, look. The shell of the bead is made of wax and tinted blue. Just enough coloring for a discerning eye to distinguish it from an ordinary pearl.

[Fern Collier]

Then this bead was strung on a necklace with other cheap pearls of the same size?

[Jim Brandon]

Exactly. Then it could be delivered at a certain time and place merely by breaking the beads.

[Fern Collier]

Brenda Clay broke up pearls just once too often.

[Jim Brandon]

Yes. Brenda was the weak link in this chain of crime.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, what about Frederico the waiter? Will he be prosecuted? You know, I really owe my life to him. If he hadn't delivered my message to you, I'd be at the bottom of the bay now.

[Jim Brandon]

All the help he gave us will be considered when his case comes up. And by the way, I want to congratulate you on the way you got that message to me, Fern. Signing Long island instead of your name on that check in the club was quick thinking.

[Fern Collier]

Thanks, Jim. Maybe if I stick around long enough, you will make a real detective out of me.

[Jim Brandon]

I don't know whether I'd like that or not, Fernando. Real detectives are supposed to have long noses and big ears.

[Fern Collier]

They are? Then you're an impostor, Mr. Brandon. Your ears may be a little big, but you've got an awful pretty nose.

[The Avenger]

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

[Jim Brandon]

This is a thought. A thought, A thought. Remember? Listen for another adventure of The Avenger.

[Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids]

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