The Avenger 45-09-28 (17) Death in Mid-Air

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode: The Avenger 45-09-28 (17) – "Death in Mid-Air"

Date: January 16, 2026 (original episode: September 28, 1945)
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode is a thrilling detective adventure from the golden age of radio, featuring “The Avenger” (Jim Brandon), his assistant Fern Collier, and their investigation into a series of deadly accidents at a one-ring traveling circus. When the star aerialist falls to his death in front of a shocked crowd, The Avenger suspects foul play. As secrets unravel—with circus finances in jeopardy, mysterious animal behavior, and rare creatures at stake—Jim Brandon ultimately reveals a clever murder plot fueled by greed.

Main theme: Uncovering the truth behind suspicious deaths at a circus, blending science, suspense, and classic whodunit storytelling.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: Introduction at the Circus

• [01:41] Narrator introduces Jim Brandon, a biochemist who fights crime as “The Avenger” with the help of advanced inventions, aided only by Fern Collier.
• [02:35–03:58] Jim and Fern arrive at the circus, enjoying midway games and banter about balloons and cotton candy.
  • “Oh Jim, these little one ring circuses are more fun than the big ones.” – Fern Collier [02:58]

2. The Tragedy Strikes

• [04:56–07:27] The star event: Francia, the famed tightrope artist, performs a dangerous feat without a safety net but falls to his death during a trapeze trick.
  • “He missed the w—” (Announcer’s cut-off as Francia plunges) [06:58]

3. Suspicion and Investigation

• [07:29–09:43] Inspector White and The Avenger begin investigating; owner Mr. Baldwin insists it’s an accident.
• Jim raises doubts, referencing two prior fatal “accidents” at the circus:
  • “One death may be an accident. Two deaths may be coincidence, but three deaths just may be murder.” – Jim Brandon [09:33]

4. The Circus in Crisis: Motives & Tensions

• [12:00–14:21] Behind-the-scenes: Owner Eldorf and manager Baldwin discuss financial ruin unless financier Carver advances another loan. Carver, however, refuses, seeing more gain if the circus fails.
  • “…if you fellas hold this show up here for more than 48 hours, the Eldorf Circus will be ruined.” – Mr. Baldwin [09:50]
• The menagerie (caged animals) is especially valued, particularly a rare liger (lion-tiger hybrid) worth over $50,000.

5. Clues and Daring Risks

• [16:22–17:51] Jim explains his intention to perform as the “Great Gilberto”—to test if foul play is involved in the aerialists’ deaths.

  • “The great Gilberto, who will perform this afternoon, is none other than yours truly, Jim.” – Jim Brandon [17:18]

• [18:09–20:06] During Jim’s performance, he grows dizzy and nearly falls—but is saved by a hidden harness, proving sabotage not due to faulty equipment but something else:

  • “Whatever happened up there happened to me. I got dizzy and lost my balance.” – Jim Brandon [20:11]
  • “Do you know who’s behind all this?” – Inspector White [20:51]
  • “Not yet, Inspector. But all I’ve got to figure out now is why I lost my balance up there.” – Jim Brandon [20:53]

6. Chaos in the Menagerie

• [21:13–24:20] The circus is thrown into further turmoil when someone releases the animals from their cages. Louie, the balloon vendor, shoots several animals to restore order but heroically saves the valuable liger, raising suspicions about his motives.

7. The Reveal: The Avenger’s Confrontation

• [25:00–25:38] Jim catches Louie with the balloon gas machine, realizing it has been weaponized:
  • “It’s an instrument of murder. Turn that gas off.” – Jim Brandon [25:05]
  • “The Avenger is here as an invisible witness against you, Louie.” – Jim Brandon [25:13]
  • Louie attempts to flee, but the police are waiting.

8. Motive and Method Explained

• [27:28–28:46] Inspector White queries Jim on how the gas killed aerialists without affecting the audience:
  • “Because the gas rose to the top of the tent, displaced the oxygen and formed a pocket… that caused the aerialists to grow dizzy and fall.” – Jim Brandon [27:36]
  • Louie’s motive: he wanted the valuable liger. By causing chaos and deaths, he hoped the circus would close, making the menagerie (and the liger) available for cheap purchase.
  • “His motive all the way through was to force the circus out of business.” – Jim Brandon [28:38]

9. Final Revelations and Classic Radio Farewell

• [29:03] A final puzzle: Why wouldn’t Louie sell balloons before the show?
  • “Because if those balloons were brought into the tent… they would fly up only as far as the gas pocket and remain suspended there. That would have given the whole scheme away.” – Jim Brandon [29:07]
• (Amusing closing: Fern wants to manage “the Great Gilberto”—Jim’s brief aerialist persona.)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “The road to crime ends in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not pay.”
  – Jim Brandon / The Avenger [00:06]

• “One death may be an accident. Two deaths may be coincidence, but three deaths just may be murder.”
  – Jim Brandon [09:33]

• “Because the gas rose to the top of the tent, displaced the oxygen and formed a pocket or stratum up there that caused the aerialist to grow dizzy and fall.”
  – Jim Brandon [27:36]

• “Louie was after that liger in the menagerie. That rare animal is worth more than $50,000.”
  – Jim Brandon [27:48]

• “Because if those balloons were brought into the tent…they would fly up only as far as the gas pocket and remain suspended there. That would have given the whole scheme away.”
  – Jim Brandon [29:07]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:41] The Avenger's backstory and inventions explained
• [06:58] Aerialist’s fatal fall
• [09:33] Jim’s “three deaths” rule—reason for suspicion
• [16:45] The rare liger revealed as the motive
• [17:18] Jim decides to go undercover as a performer
• [20:11] Jim realizes he was targeted by dizziness on the wire
• [25:13] Climax: The Avenger confronts Louie
• [27:36] Scientific explanation for how the gas worked
• [28:38] Jim ties up Louie’s motive
• [29:07] The balloon clue explained

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Tone and Style

Fast-paced, atmospheric, and classic detective drama, the episode crackles with crisp 1940s radio dialogue: light humor in early carnival banter, escalating tension during the investigation, and a mix of matter-of-fact reasoning and melodrama as the mystery unravels. The Avenger's calm logic, Fern’s concern, and the circus folk’s suspicion lend an immersive "golden age" feel to the entire adventure.

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Conclusion

This episode of “The Avenger” delivers both classic radio nostalgia and a clever, well-constructed mystery: a blend of scientific method, undercover daring, and classic motives of greed and opportunity. The atmospheric circus setting, rare animal intrigue, and inventive murder method (balloon gas as a silent killer) make it a standout for fans of vintage detective tales.

Transcript

[Narrator]

The Avenger.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

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

[Narrator]

The Avenger, sworn enemy of evil is actually Jim Brandon, a famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has perfected several inventions to aid him in his crusade against crime as the Avenger. Most remarkable of these inventions is the highly 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 death in midair. The circus is in town. A small one ring circus at Menagerie. Jim and Fern are on the midway.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You, Miss Fern. Go ahead, try again.

[Fern Collier]

Oh no, my aunt, no. I swear those wooden milk bottles move around back there. I can't help.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, how about trying something with a larger target, huh?

[Fern Collier]

Sir, are you implying that the fault lies with my aim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Of course not. I merely think you'd have less trouble hitting the side of a bomb than a milk bottle.

[Fern Collier]

I'm insulted.

[Vern]

Say, isn't it time for the show in the big ten?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh yes. We better get going.

[Fern Collier]

Oh Jim, these little one ring circuses are more fun than the big ones.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Uh huh.

[Fern Collier]

Oh look, Cotton candy. Let's get some.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Okay.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Two spools, please.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, thanks.

[Vern]

Isn't it pretty?

[Fern Collier]

Just like a big handful of clowns.

[Announcer]

Hurry, hurry. The big show starts in just five minutes. Hit your tickets right over here for the biggest little circus in the country. Hurry, hurry, hurry folks, get your pick.

[Vern]

Seems like we got here just in time, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, there's no hurry, Fern. Unless I miss my guess, that barker doubles in brass as ring master. Look at his costume.

[Vern]

Oh, very fetching. Oh Jim, do you know what we forgot to get?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

No, what?

[Vern]

A balloon.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, that's easily fixed. There's the balloon man's card on the other side of the big top.

[Fern Collier]

You mean that funny looking Goku?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Yeah.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Science has recently come to the aid of the balloon vendor. That novel rocket device is filled with gas. All the balloon man has to do is attach the balloon on top of it, turn the valve and presto. Your balloon is blown up to whatever size you want.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I'll take a big red one.

[Vern]

There's the man now.

[Fern Collier]

Hurry, he's moving away.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Oh, wait a minute.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

We want some balloons.

[Announcer]

Are you following me, mister?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Two balloons please. Sorry, can't sell any balloons till after the show. Oh, why not? They aren't allowed in the big tent during the show to get loose get the way of the performers.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, well, will you be stationed here after the show?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Yeah, sure thing. Excuse me. I gotta wheel this cart around to the exit and help get the animals out for the show.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, you double as a trainer, huh?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Yeah, sometimes. See, after the show. Better go in now if you want.

[Announcer]

To get a good.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

We'll get the balloons later.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, come on, Jim. I don't want to miss the main event.

[Announcer]

Attention, please. Attention, ladies and gentlemen. We are now about to present the main attraction of our world fame show. I give you the great Francia, sensational artist of the tightrope. This illustrious star of the ozone will perform his thrilling, breathtaking giant stride on the tide rope and follow it with a complete revolution on the trapeze. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the great franciati.

[Vern]

Dustin. That tightrope and trapeze must be at least 60ft from the ground.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

And there's no safety net either. Oh, I'm afraid to Look, Franciatti knows his business, friend. Nothing will happen to him.

[Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen. Quiet, if you please. Francia is ready to begin his perilous journey across the tightrope. There he goes. One step, two.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Three.

[Announcer]

He's balancing himself now for the thrilling, dangerous giant stride he set. Here he goes. He made it. And now watch closely, ladies and gentlemen. Watch Francia perform the most dangerous and daring stunt ever attempted. In midair, he will make a complete revolution on the trapeze and land back on the tightrope. He's ready. Here he goes. He's on the trapeze. He's swinging back and forth. He lets go. He somersaults. He missed the w.

[Fern Collier]

Inspector white over here.

[Inspector White]

Oh, thanks for phoning me, fern. It was an accident, though, wasn't it?

[Vern]

It certainly looked that way to me. But I don't know what Jim thinks now.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Where is Jim?

[Vern]

He's in that tent talking to Baldwin.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Who's Baldwin?

[Vern]

The manager and ringmaster. They're waiting for you, inspector.

[Inspector White]

They coming along, friends?

[Vern]

No, I'll wait here.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Okay.

[Inspector White]

This shouldn't take long, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Come inside, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Hey, what's on the fire here?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Inspector, this is Mr. Baldwin.

[Inspector White]

Yes, I know.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

How do you do? I've just requested Mr. Baldwin to hold the circus over for a few days.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Inspector and I have refused to do it. Inspector, we're scheduled to open in Recaro tomorrow. And I don't see why we should have to cancel engagements because of an accident.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Al. He's right, Jim.

[Inspector White]

Unless you've got some mighty good reasons. We can't hold this Circus up here. Don't you realize they can be sued for a breach of contract if they.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Don'T fill their engagements?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

If Franciati's death was a natural accident, yes. But if there's a reasonable doubt of that, the law is well within its right.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Say, what are you getting at, Brandon? Franciotti's death was accidental.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, how can you prove it?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Well.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Well, I was standing right underneath him. I ought to know what happened. He just missed the rope and fell, that's all.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I'll admit that's the way it looked, Earl.

[Inspector White]

Jim, why all this fuss then?

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Oh, he's just trying to put the squeeze on us to get some publicity for the police department.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Just a minute, Baldwin. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember that this is the third accident that's occurred in this circus so far this season. Two other aerialists met their deaths before Francotti.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

That right, Baldwin?

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Yes, that's right, Inspector. But we've just had some bad breaks this season, that's all. That's the way it goes in this business. Sometimes we get through a whole season without a single mishap, and other times we don't. You know the old superstition about accidents happening in freeze. Well, Franciotti was the third. I tell you, he just missed the rope. That's the risk these aerialists take.

[Inspector White]

Well, those previous accidents put a different light on things, Baldwin.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Different light? Why, we got clearances in the towns where they happen.

[Inspector White]

And you'll get a clearance here when we're satisfied about Franchiati.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You see, Baldwin, in this town we're inclined to believe that one death may be an accident. Two deaths may be coincidence, but three deaths just may be murdered.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Murder?

[Inspector White]

You better tell your men the circus is staying here a while, Baldwin. I saw they were beginning to pull up stakes when I came in here.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Well, all I can say is if you fellas hold this show up here for more than 48 hours, the Eldorf Circus will be ruined.

[Inspector White]

We'll work as fast as we can. You can depend on that.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Well, you'd better. Because if you can't back up your statements, Mr. Eldorf is the kind of man who will make you pay through the nose. Yes, Brandon, that's the rope. This is the trapeze Franchati worked on during his last performance.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Thanks, Baldwin. This rope looks perfectly okay, Inspector. Let's see if there are any weak spots on the trapeze. Yeah, take hold of that in. Got it.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Cool.

[Inspector White]

There's nothing wrong with that, Jim.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

No, I told you Francia just lost his balance and fell. After all, he wasn't such a young man anymore after those first two accidents.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Why didn't your aerial office use a net, Baldwin?

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

They refused to. Using a net lowers an artist's prestige and cuts down his chances of hitting the big time.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Hey, Jim, this rope's been waxed.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, that doesn't necessarily mean anything, Inspector. Some aerialists wax the ropes to lessen the friction and the stride.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Yeah.

[Inspector White]

Hey, Jim, how come you know so much about this circus stuff?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, believe it or not, Inspector, I traveled with a circus in Europe one summer. Worked my way straight across three countries that way.

[Inspector White]

Doing what?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Practically everything. I was beginning to show promise as a trick bicycle rider when I had to leave and go back to school.

[Inspector White]

Well, how does this case shape up.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

To your professional eye?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I'm not convinced. Now, don't ask me why, but somehow this whole affair just doesn't look right. Let's take a little more time on it, Inspector.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

And that's the situation we're in, Mr. Eldorf. I wired you to come because I know this delay will put your circus.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

In a bad way financially. Yeah, it certainly does, Bolden. If Carver won't grant us another loan, well, the Eldorf circus is washed up.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

It's what I was afraid of. Where is Carver?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Oh, he's outside having a look around. If he has it sized up is a poor risk. I can tell by his attitude.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Mr. Eldorf, maybe I'm speaking out of turn, but I don't trust Carver.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Why not, Boland?

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Well, if we have to close up, Carver can claim most of the circus as a payment on the loans he's already advanced you. Can't he? That's right. Then he stands to gain more by not lending us any more money, doesn't he?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Yeah, he does. But I've done business with Carver for years. Surely he wouldn't. Well, Carver, what do you think? It'd be a shame to close this circus down for want of another small loan, wouldn't it?

[Mr. Carver]

Maybe it would, Mr. Eldorf, but I can't lend you any more money on this outfit.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Oh, why not?

[Mr. Carver]

Because that menagerie is the only thing that's worth the amount I've already advanced you.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Now, wait a minute, Carver.

[Mr. Carver]

That's not meant. Words, Heldorf.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

This one horse seconds us through.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

The sooner you face it, the better.

[Mr. Carver]

It'Ll be for all concerned. You might have pulled through this season.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

If it hadn't been for those accidents.

[Mr. Carver]

The way things stand now, you don't.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Suppose that anyone would Be deliberately forcing me into this position to get control of the circuit, do you, Father?

[Mr. Carver]

I don't know exactly what you're getting at, Eldorf. Frankly, I don't care. As far as that loan is concerned, the answer is no. Those other notes are due at the.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

End of the month.

[Mr. Carver]

And if you don't pay up, offer clothes. Good day.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Well, how do you like that?

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Well, it's like I said, Mr. Eldorf. Carver's out to get this circus.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Well, I won't let him. I'll fight till the last dip. Well, what can you do?

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

We have to have money to pay the artists and help every Saturday or they'll quit.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Well, there must be some way we.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Could sell the menagerie to that jungle circus outfit that keeps offering to buy it.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

No, Baldwin. The menagerie is what brings in the customers. Without that, we'd be nothing more than a fourth rate tent show.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Well, what's the answer then?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Well, we've still got to the end of the month. We'll hang on. Only you've got to see to it that no more accidents happen. One more and Carver's got us right where he wants it.

[Narrator]

And now back to the Avenger. And death in midair.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, what sort of clues do you.

[Vern]

Expect to find here in the menagerie? Don't tell me you even suspect these animals.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, Fern, I'm merely trying to track down something that could have furnished the motive for those three deaths.

[Vern]

Those jungle bred lions are ferocious looking beasts, aren't they?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, they're dangerous.

[Vern]

The cheetahs are cute though.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Say, there's a liger. I didn't know there were any of those in captivity in this country.

[Vern]

What's a liger, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, it's a very rare animal, Fern. Part lion and part tiger. I know there are a few of them in foreign zoos, but I'm certainly surprised to see one in a broken down circus. They're worth a lot of money.

[Vern]

Well, I like the looks of my Scotty better. Hey, Jim, what's all this I hear about you arranging to have a friend of yours appear on the trapeze for matinee?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, who told you about that?

[Vern]

Louis, the balloon vendor. He said Mr. Baldwin told him about it. I never knew you were acquainted with any trapeze artist.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, Fern, it's a kind of a secret. I wonder if I should trust you with it.

[Fern Collier]

I'll never forgive you if you don't.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, don't breathe a word of this, but the great Gilberto, who will perform this afternoon Is none other than yours truly, Jim.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

No.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

It's the only way, Fern. We're pressed for time on this case, and so far we have no solid evidence against anyone.

[Fern Collier]

But, Jim, why should you risk your life?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, now, don't worry. I won't be taking any risks.

[Vern]

I'm going to tell the inspector. He'll put a stop to this.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

The inspector knows all about it and he agrees that it's a good idea.

[Vern]

Jim, please don't. Something sure to happen to you. Why, you're a rank amateur at that.

[Fern Collier]

Sort of thing, Even if you did.

[Vern]

Play around at it one summer.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Your concern is very flattering. But believe me, Fern, I'll be all right.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Now, come along.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I want you to get a good seat in the grandstand because this will be the one and only performance of the Great Gilberto.

[Announcer]

And now, ladies and gentlemen, I give you our star attraction this afternoon, introducing one of the greatest aerialists in this country, the Great Gilberto. Ladies and gentlemen, the Great Gilberto will ride his bicycle across the entire length of the tight wire.

[Fern Collier]

I just know something awful is going.

[Announcer]

To happen to him.

[Inspector White]

Now, Fern, Jim knows what he's doing. Look, he's on the bicycle, ready to go.

[Announcer]

The Great Gilberto begins his perilous ride. Watch closely. He's on his way. Now a quarter of the way across. Now daring all laws of gravity, he's reached the halfway mark. He achieved.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

His bicycle is wobbling. Look out below.

[Announcer]

He's falling.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Fern.

[Inspector White]

Fern. It's all right, Jim. Safe. Yes.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

He.

[Vern]

Look, he's hanging in midair.

[Inspector White]

Yes, he had two wires attached to his safety belt. They hold him up until the net is stretched below him. Then he'll cut the wires and jump into the net.

[Fern Collier]

Why don't they hurry with it?

[Inspector White]

It's almost ready. There, you see?

[Announcer]

Get ready to jump. The net is ready.

[Fern Collier]

Jim's cutting the wires.

[Inspector White]

There he goes.

[Announcer]

He made.

[Vern]

You're sure that you're all right, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Fit as a fiddle, friend.

[Inspector White]

Now, just where did all this get us, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Inspector, there was nothing wrong with that wire and nothing wrong with the bicycle. Whatever happened up there happened to me. I got dizzy and lost my balance.

[Inspector White]

That was quite apparent.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, here comes Baldwin. Look out for fireworks.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

So it was you, huh, Brandon, Just what were you trying to prove by that fiasco?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

One thing, and I did prove it. Baldwin.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

What was that?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You'll find out later. Right now, I want you to take a message to Mr. Eldorf for me.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

What message?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Tell Eldorf he can pull up stakes after this evening's Show?

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

You mean the case is solved, Brandon?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

It will be by that time.

[Announcer]

Mr. Elsdorf will be glad to hear that.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

I'll go tell him. Is that true, Jim?

[Inspector White]

Do you know who's behind all this?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Not yet, Inspector. But all I've got to figure out now is why I lost my balance up there. Then I think I'll have the solution to this mystery.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Hello, Mr. Brandon.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, hello, Louie. How's the balloon business?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Oh, not so good. Hey, you on your way to that meeting in the cook tent?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes. You coming?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Yeah, sure thing. Wait a minute. I'll park this balloon machine inside a big tent. Be with you in a minute.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Say, know what this meeting's being held for, Louie?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Sure, Ms. Brandon. About half the performers want to leave the show. They're fed up with all the bad luck we've been running into. They could fence over this way. How about you, Louie?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You going to stick?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Well, I don't know, Ms. Brandon, and I hate to leave the animals. Course, a fellow's got to look out for the future on this business. Oh, here we are. We have clearance to the show from then on.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

There's no reason to believe we can't meet our schedule and make some money. Now, is everybody satisfied to stick until the end of the month? At least to give me a chance to make the proper replacements?

[Announcer]

I'm not.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

I'm leaving this outfit tonight.

[Announcer]

This show won't last the season out.

[Narrator]

And you know it.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Bald.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Listen, Slim, that's just an ugly rumor somebody started.

[Narrator]

Fellas, you're suckers if you let them.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Talk you into it.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

If you wait until the end of.

[Narrator]

The month, you're killed for the season.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

With other 10 shows, Slim is right.

[Fern Collier]

We'd be better off if we not wait a minute.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

All right, take your time and talk it over, Louie.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Come along with me over to my office and get some paper. Then you can come back here and give everybody a chance to vote by ballot.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Okay, Mr. Boland.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Mr. Brandish.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, Baldwin?

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Would you be kind enough to collect the ballots and deliver them to my office when they're ready? Certainly. All right, then. Come on, lawyer.

[Narrator]

Well, where's Louis with them ballots? Does Baldwin expect us to wait here all day?

[Fern Collier]

This Shaw's had a jinx on it ever since we started listening.

[Announcer]

What's that?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Why, it's the animals.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

They're on the loose.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Let's help roll them up.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Vern]

Jim. Are all the animals accounted for?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, Vern.

[Vern]

I heard some shots. What happened?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, Louie shot a lion and one of the hippos.

[Vern]

How in the world do those animals get loose, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Simple enough. Somebody deliberately opened the cages.

[Vern]

Who would do a thing like that?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I don't know who did it, but I think I know why it was done.

[Vern]

You do?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes. Someone wanted to make sure the circus wouldn't continue its tour.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Who?

[Vern]

All the circus people were in the cook tent.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Not all, Fern. Baldwin, Louis and Eldorf the owner weren't there.

[Vern]

Mr. Carver hasn't left yet.

[Fern Collier]

I saw him over near Baldwin's office.

[Vern]

About an hour ago.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Brandon. Brandon, have you seen Mr. Eldorf around anywhere?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, I haven't. Baldwin. Say, this. This animal break leaves you in a bad spot, doesn't it?

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

I say it does. Louis went completely off his head and shot two valuable animals.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, then he took his life in his hands to save that liger.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

That crazy fool Zeldorf will probably fire him for this.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, there's Zeldorf, going into the office now.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Well, I might as well give him the bad news. You'll have to decide what's to be done, Fern.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Come on over to the midway. I've just hit on something. I think we can close up this case in short order.

[Vern]

Jim, now that you've called the Inspector and ordered half a dozen men to surround this tent, what are you going to do?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Fern, we have a whole hour before the main show begins. And within that hour the criminal will enter the big tent and encounter the Avenger.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

What with that noise? There must be something wrong with that machine.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, there's something wrong with that machine, Louis. It's an instrument of murder. Turn that gas off.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Who's in this tent?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

The Avenger is here as an invisible witness against you, Louis the Avenger.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Ha. What good is an invisible witness?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

As good as the evidence he can produce.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

What evidence?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That balloon inflating tank you have there. That is all the state will need to prove your crimes against you.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Take the evidence then. No mere voice can deliver me into the hands of the law.

[Announcer]

I can escape. You won't get command this time, Avenger.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

By all means, flee. Louis. The Inspector's men await you.

[Vern]

It's sam. Gosh, Jim, the show was good tonight. Too bad this is their last performance here.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, they're anxious to move along, Fern, and catch up with their schedule. Well, the crowd's all cleared out of the tent now.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Shall we go?

[Inspector White]

Ah, just a minute, Jim. There's a few things I've got to get straightened out here.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

What's bothering you, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

That gas Louis released in the tent here when he wanted to get rid of an aerialist.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

If he released it before the performance.

[Inspector White]

Why didn't it affect everyone in the tent?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Because the gas rose to the top of the tent, displaced the oxygen and formed a pocket or stratum up there that caused the aerialist to grow dizzy and fall.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

But what was Louie's motive, Jim?

[Inspector White]

After all, if the circus closed, he lost his job.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, Louie was after that liger in the menagerie. That rare animal is worth more than $50,000. Eldorf picked it up in South America a year ago, but had no idea how valuable it was.

[Inspector White]

And when Louis joined the circus at the beginning of the season, he recognized his value.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That's right. So Louis began making offers to buy the menagerie through an outfit called the Jungle Circus. He couldn't bid for the liger alone because that might give away its value.

[Vern]

But Mr. Eldorf was sentimental about the menagerie and he wouldn't sell.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, and his sentiment will pay big dividends in this case. After all this publicity, that liger will be worth a dollar a look, Jim.

[Vern]

Up until the time the animals escaped, you didn't know who the criminal was. But if you all said it was Louis.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Louie risked his life to get that liger back in its cage. But he shot the two other most valuable animals needlessly and ruthlessly. That meant one thing. He knew the value of the liger.

[Inspector White]

But why did he arrange that break?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

So that he'd have an excuse to shoot some of the animals and strengthen his chances of buying what was left of the menagerie, including the liger. His motive all the way through was to force the circus out of business.

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

Where? Well, that ties it up, Jim. Then I'll run along to headquarters and file my report.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Good night, the both of you.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Good night, inspector.

[Vern]

Jim, there's just one other little thing that I don't understand.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh? About the balloons. Right.

[Vern]

Why wouldn't Louie sell them to people until after they came out of the big tent?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Because if those balloons were brought into the tent, they might get loose. And if that happened, they would fly up only as far as the gas pocket and remain suspended there. That would have given the whole scheme away. Satisfied?

[Vern]

Perfectly. Oh, come on, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

I want to see Mr. Baldwin before he leaves.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Baldwin?

[Louis / Balloon Vendor]

What for?

[Vern]

I've decided to manage the great Gilberto. I want to see if I can get him from bookings.

[Narrator]

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

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

A thought remember.

[Mr. Baldwin / Ringmaster]

Listen for another adventure of the Avenger.