The Avenger - Death Rings the Bell

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Avenger – "Death Rings the Bell"

Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode broadcasts another gripping installment of The Avenger, one of the classic radio mysteries from the golden age of radio entertainment. The story, “Death Rings the Bell,” combines a suspenseful arson-and-murder investigation with scientific detective work, as Jim Brandon—the Avenger—uses ingenious methods to unmask a cunning killer who hides his crimes behind a series of deadly fires.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. A Mysterious Series of Fires

• [03:13–04:11]
  The episode opens with Jim Brandon (The Avenger), his assistant Fern Collier, and Inspector White witnessing a tenement fire. It's revealed this is the fourth house belonging to Roy Wade to burn down in recent months, arousing suspicion of arson tied to insurance fraud.

  "This tenement house belonged to a man by the name of Roy Wade. And it just happens that this is the fourth house owned by Wade to burn down within the past few months." —Inspector White [04:11]

2. Murder Discovered Amidst the Flames

• [05:06–07:03]
  The investigation uncovers a body in the ashes: Adam Tanner, an old recluse tenant. The autopsy reveals he died not from the fire, but from a blow to the head several hours earlier.

  "Tanner was dead hours before that fire broke out… The doctor says he was killed by a blow on the head at least four hours before the fire started." —Inspector White [05:19]

3. Roy Wade Under Suspicion

• [05:35–07:27]
  Roy Wade, the landlord, is questioned by Brandon and White. His indifference and a history of disputes with the victim put him in a bad light.

  "Within five months, four heavily insured houses belonging to you have burned down. Three lives were lost in those fires, and we can prove that at least one of those persons was murdered." —Inspector White [06:49]

4. The Science of Arson Detection

• [07:27–08:31]
  Jim Brandon uses a spectroscope to examine burnt wood, discovering evidence of an accelerant—scientific proof the fire did not start accidentally.

  "That piece of wood didn't burn normally… That proves that some outside agent was used to help the fire along." —Jim Brandon (The Avenger) [07:53–08:07]

5. The Motive: Insurance or Murder?

• [08:14–09:15]
  Discussion reveals that, while insurance fraud is the usual motive for arson, Tanner's murder complicates things.

  "Jim, the murder of Tanner rules out the pyromaniac. But murder wasn't the motive for those other fires." —Vernon [08:17]

6. New Evidence and a Twist

• [09:22–11:42]
  Inspector White finds two witnesses who saw Wade leaving Tanner’s house just before the fire, leading to Wade’s arrest. Jim, however, warns it's all circumstantial.

  "You may be right, but so far, all the evidence is circumstantial, and the inspector won't be able to hold Wade long on the strength of it." —Jim Brandon (The Avenger) [10:03]

7. The Antique Dealer—A New Angle

• [12:30–13:38]
  Brandon and Fern visit Douglas’s antique shop while investigating other Wade properties. A passing conversation hints at local distrust of Wade—but Douglas drops the bomb that Wade has been released for insufficient evidence.

  "They released him? A flash came over the radio about 15 minutes ago. Insufficient evidence, they said." —Douglas [13:18]

8. Further Clues and Voices from the Community

• [14:54–15:14]
  The characters explore more of Wade's properties, discovering only one elderly tenant remains in one building, raising concern for his safety.

9. A Near-Fatal Fire

• [15:22–18:39]
  Jim and Fern, investigating inside the building, are trapped as another fire breaks out. They narrowly escape by climbing onto a ledge and are rescued by firefighters.

  "Jim, what are we going to do? We're trapped." —Vernon [16:01]

10. The Doorbell Arson Device

• [19:35–20:37]
  In a pivotal demonstration, Jim shows Inspector White how the fires were set: pressing the doorbell breaks an acid vial, triggering the fire.

  "When the bell rings, the hammer breaks the acid container, the waste ignites, and presto, our fire has a good start." —Jim Brandon (The Avenger) [19:48]

11. Motives and Suspects—Widening the Net

• [21:07–23:08]
  The plot thickens as Douglas, the antique dealer, is shown to have financial interests in each house burnt. Mr. Forsyth, an elderly resident, reveals Douglas's knowledge of his valuable jewelry—jewelry that should have perished in the fire but was secretly stolen.

12. The Climax: The Avenger Confronts the Real Killer

• [26:27–27:24]
  The Avenger intercepts Douglas as he tries to clean out John Madden’s house, revealing the true mastermind behind the fires and the murders.

  "The Avenger removed the acid from the bell. Your schemes are over, Douglas. You'll stand trial for arson and for murder." —The Avenger (Jim Brandon) [27:24]

13. Resolution and Wrap-Up

• [29:27–31:20]
  Douglas confesses. Jim Brandon explains how he pieced the clues together, noting jewelry theft, Douglas’s repeated presence, and how Douglas used the bells to frame Wade and mask his crimes with arson.

  "Douglas had bought furniture from every house where a fire occurred. That in itself was suspicious, but not conclusive. Old Mr. Forsyth gave me the real clue." —Jim Brandon (The Avenger) [30:13]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The road to crime ends in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not pay." —The Avenger (Jim Brandon), [00:40]
• "You might as well give up, Douglas. The house is surrounded." —The Avenger (Jim Brandon), [27:09]
• "Douglas killed him. Motive throughout was robbery. He used his antique business as a means of getting into the homes of old people he thought had money." —Jim Brandon (The Avenger), [29:36]
• "He deliberately staged some of those fires so that Wade would be the one to ring the bell?" —Vernon, [31:03]
• "The Avenger removed the acid from the bell. Your schemes are over, Douglas." —The Avenger (Jim Brandon), [27:24]

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Important Timestamps

• [03:01–04:11] Discussion about the fire and Wade’s pattern of property loss
• [05:06–05:24] Discovery of Tanner's murder before the fire
• [07:32–08:31] Forensic analysis of burned wood shows use of accelerants
• [09:22–10:13] Inspector White arrests Wade; Jim notes it’s all circumstantial
• [12:30–13:18] Discovery that Wade's been released; suspicion shifts
• [15:47–18:39] Jim and Fern nearly die in a fire; dramatic rooftop escape
• [19:35–20:37] The Avenger’s demo of the doorbell-activated arson device
• [26:27–27:24] The Avenger confronts and traps Douglas, revealing the real culprit
• [29:27–31:20] Final deductions and explanations tying all clues together

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Conclusion

“Death Rings the Bell” is a classic mystery, blending scientific detective work with thrilling old-time radio drama. Through careful observation and deduction, The Avenger unmasks the antique dealer Douglas as the true villain—one who engineers fatal fires to cover up his thefts and murders, using ingenious traps and exploiting suspicion cast on an innocent landlord. In true radio tradition, the episode closes with a moral: crime does not pay.

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For more old-time radio adventures, listen to the full episode and return for the next thrilling case of The Avenger.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Hubert Douglas]

The Avenger.

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

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

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

It's sam.

[Hubert Douglas]

The Avengers 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 rings the bell.

[Inspector White]

Well, I'll drop you and Fern off at your office, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Okay, Inspector.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Thanks for taking us to lunch, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

You're welcome, Fern.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, say, Inspector, I have those chemical reports ready on the Hadley case. You can pick them up if you want to.

[Inspector White]

Good.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'll do that.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Oh, look. There must be a big fire somewhere.

[Inspector White]

Sure looks that way. Hey, the whole fire department's out.

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

This is something big.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What do you say we tag along, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

I think we better, Jim.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

There it is. That big tannin house at the end of the block.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

They'll never be able to save that. It's going up like Tinder. Better park here, Inspector. Yeah,

[Inspector White]

come on.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Gosh, I hope no one was in that house.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's an inferno, all right.

[Inspector White]

That building's ready to collapse.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Detaining the hose on the next house.

[Inspector White]

Might as well. That first one is a goner.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now that the firemen have pulled out and I've sent Fern back to the office, how about giving me the lowdown on why you're hanging around here, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

Jim, this tenement house belonged to a man by the name of Roy Wade. And it just happens that this is the fourth house owned by Wade to burn down within the past few months.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, that's certainly a good enough reason for a thorough investigation. What's your theory? Arson, insurance or what?

[Inspector White]

I don't know yet. But in two of those other fires, a life was lost. If the same thing happened here today,

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

don't Tell me you'd be willing to call it murder, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Well, even if we couldn't find a thing to substantiate such a theory in those other cases, if anyone died in this fire, I'm not going to be satisfied. There was an accident.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

How the worm has turned. Maybe I should make you convince me of that.

[Inspector White]

Come on, Jim. Let's give this place a good going over. Jim, here's a complete medical report on the remains of that body we found in the fire.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Who was it, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

An old recluse by the name of Adam Tanner. He'd lived in that house of Roy Wade's for almost 20 years. But the important thing is that Tanner was dead hours before that fire broke out.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, I thought so.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Yeah.

[Inspector White]

The doctor says he was killed by a blow on the head at least four hours before the fire started.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, I suppose you've called in Wade for questioning.

[Inspector White]

Yeah, I got him waiting outside. I wanted you to be here when I put him on the grill.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fine. Bring him in.

[Mr. Forsyth]

Right.

[Inspector White]

Okay. Wade, in here.

[Roy Wade]

Listen here, Inspector. What's the idea of having me pick up like a common criminal? If you had some questions to ask

[Mr. Forsyth]

me, why didn't you?

[Inspector White]

Sit down, Wade? Mr. Brandon and I will ask the questions. This happens to be a murder investigation.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Murder?

[Roy Wade]

Who's murder?

[Inspector White]

Adam Tanner's your tenant. He didn't die in that fire. He was killed beforehand.

[Roy Wade]

That's too bad. I didn't have any use for Tanner.

[Inspector White]

He didn't like you either. During the past year, he wrote several letters of complaint to the Board of Health about the rundown condition of that house of yours he lived in.

[Roy Wade]

Tanner was a crank and a troublemaker. Always behind in his rent, too. And it wasn't because he didn't have the money.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

He had plenty.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Do you have any idea who might have killed Tanner?

[Roy Wade]

No. No, I only saw him once a month.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

When did you see him last?

[Roy Wade]

About a week ago.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Was that when you threatened to have him put out?

[Roy Wade]

Well, yes. Yes, we had an argument. What are you two getting at? Do you think I killed Tanner?

[Inspector White]

We're not ready to bring any charges yet, Wade. But there's no doubt about it. Tanner's murder puts you in a bad spot.

[Roy Wade]

That's only your opinion, Inspector. I'm an ospot.

[Inspector White]

All right, take a look at the facts, Wade. Within five months, four heavily insured houses belonging to you have burned down. Three lives were lost in those fires, and we can prove that at least one of those persons was murdered.

[Roy Wade]

Well, you can stack up those facts any way you want to, Inspector, I am getting a lawyer and I won't answer any more questions unless he tells me to. And the next time you bring me down here, you'd better have a warrant for me or you'll be in trouble.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Jim, all these samples of burnt wood look alike to me. I don't think you'll find any clues here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I've already found some, Fern.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

You have?

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

Yes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We believe Tanner was murdered in the kitchen of that house and that the fire originated there. Now, this is a piece of burnt wood taken from what was left of the kitchen wall. Here, take a look at it through the spectroscope.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

I'm sorry, Jim. It's just another piece of charcoal as far as I can see.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, it isn't, Fern. That piece of wood didn't burn. Normally, if it had the cross checks on, it would have a definite size. Those are finer and closer together than they should be. That proves that some outside agent was used to help the fire along.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Gosh, Austin isn't what it used to be, is it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No. Science is fighting the fire bug every step of the way these days.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Do you think these fires were the work of a pyromaniac or planned with a motor?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Jim, the murder of Tanner rules out the pyromaniac. But murder wasn't the motive for those other fires.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Insurance, mate.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, 90% of all arson cases are attempts to collect insurance, so we can't disregard that.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Then the case is solved. Roy Wade was the only person who stood to gain anything by all those fires.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What, may I ask, did he have to gain by murdering Tanner?

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Why, that's a simple deduction, Jim. This is what happened. Tanner was out. Wade used his pass key to get into the house. He was out in the kitchen preparing everything for the fire when Tanner came in and surprised him. They had a fight and Wade killed Tanner.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, not so fast, Inspector Collier. It's been proved that Tanner was killed four hours before the fire broke out.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Well, Wade was terrified. After he killed Tanner, he fled. When his terror wore off, he realized that he could destroy all evidence of the murder merely by setting fire to the house. He went back and did just that. Okay.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No flimsy.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Flimsy. Why?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Because so far we haven't been able to place Wade at the scene of the crime.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Far.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Take it, Fern. Hello, Inspector White.

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

Jim, I just wanted to tell you

[Inspector White]

I've closed the Wade case.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You've closed it?

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

Yes, sir. Sewed it up time.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Well, how?

[Inspector White]

I found two witnesses who saw Wade leaving Tanner's place a few minutes before the fire broke out.

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

How do you like that?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, I'll admit that looks bad, but

[Inspector White]

I sent my men out to pick up Wade on suspicion of murder. Let's see him trying to talk himself

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

out of that, Inspector. Not so fast.

[Inspector White]

I certainly scooped you on this one, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

So long, Inspector. Oh, he hung up.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Oh. What was it, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The inspector's arresting Wade on suspicion of murder.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

You see? It's just like I said. I knew Wade was guilty.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You may be right, but so far, all the evidence is circumstantial, and the inspector won't be able to hold Wade long on the strength of it.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Well, after all, Jim, there aren't any other suspects.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You mean we haven't uncovered any other suspects. Now, that doesn't mean there aren't any. Come on, Fern, let's set up that microtome. I'm going back to work.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Jim, why are we making a check on all the houses Wade owns?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm just not satisfied with the set pattern of this case, friend. A man in Wade's position would have to be awfully stupid to believe he could get away with four fires and a murder. And Wade is far from stupid.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Well, here's the last address on our list.

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Oh, look, Jim, there's an antique shop in the basement.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, it seems to be either selling out or moving. Come on, Fern, let's go in and have a look around.

[Hubert Douglas]

Good day. Anything I can show you?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, we'd like to look around, if you don't mind.

[Hubert Douglas]

Of course not. Everything's in pretty much of a mess. I'm in the process of moving. Oh.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Don't you find this a good section for antiques?

[Hubert Douglas]

Oh, the section's fine. Nearly all the old people living around here have wonderful old furniture. I'm just moving across the street. It's only this house I object to.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The house?

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

Yes.

[Hubert Douglas]

It's owned by Roy Wade. What with him being such a firebug, you never know which of his houses will go up next. After that last fire, I decided to get out of here.

[Inspector White]

After all, I've got a lot of

[Hubert Douglas]

money tied up in these antiques.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, you shouldn't have anything to worry about now that Wade's safely in jail.

[Hubert Douglas]

But he's not.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What?

[Hubert Douglas]

They released him? A flash came over the radio about 15 minutes ago. Insufficient evidence, they said.

[Roy Wade]

Hello, Mr. Douglas.

[Hubert Douglas]

Hello, Winston.

[Roy Wade]

I just dropped in to tell you

[Hubert Douglas]

that I think I finally persuaded Uncle

[Roy Wade]

John to sell you a few of

[Hubert Douglas]

those old pieces of furniture you asked me about. Oh, good.

[Roy Wade]

Drop around to his house sometime this week and look him over and see

[Hubert Douglas]

that you offer him a fair price.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

I'll do that.

[Hubert Douglas]

All right.

[Roy Wade]

Okay. Let me know how you make out

[Hubert Douglas]

with the old boy.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

I will.

[Hubert Douglas]

Thanks, Winston.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Who was that young fellow? He looked familiar, but I can't place him.

[Hubert Douglas]

He's Winston Madden, old John Madden's nephew.

[Roy Wade]

Oh, yes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

His uncle lives in that house Roy Wade owns on 7th Street.

[Hubert Douglas]

That's right.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Jim. I found just the table we need for the office.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Okay, have it sent. Fern.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

It's that one next to the china closet. Send it to Jim Brandon, 928.

[Hubert Douglas]

Excuse me. Are you Jim Brandon, the detective?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes.

[Hubert Douglas]

Well, I'm mighty proud to meet you. My name's Hubert Douglas.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

How do you do?

[Hubert Douglas]

Say, Mr. Brandon, maybe you could use your influence to have something done about the shocking condition of this house.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I thought you said you were moving.

[Hubert Douglas]

Well, I am, but I'm sorry for old Mr. Forsyth on the second floor. He'll be left alone here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And what about the top floor apartment?

[Hubert Douglas]

Well, those people moved out three days ago. After tonight, old Forsyth will be here alone. And I think Roy Waite should be forced to make certain repairs for that old man's safety.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Why look into the matter, Douglas? Come on, Fern, settle the matter of that end table. We've got to be getting along.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Jim, you had the Board of Health summon Mr. Forsyth for an interview so we could examine this house, didn't you?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right, Fern. We'll take this empty top apartment first and work our way down.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

I felt like a thief sneaking in that back window. Jim, why are you so interested in this particular house?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Because the facts concerning it tally with those of the other weight houses that have burned down.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Jim, you do open that window, please. It's stifling in here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Okay.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

B.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Look who's coming toward the house.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

I have Mr. Wade. What do you suppose he wants here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't know, but I intend to stick around and find out.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Jim, if Wade finds us here, there'll be fireworks.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, don't worry. There's no reason for him to come up to the empty apartment.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Look, Jim, he's leaving. Yes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come on, Vern. Let's continue with our investigation. We haven't any time to lose.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Jim, is it my imagination or do I smell smoke?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You're right, Vernon.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

We better get out of here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Here, this way. This door leads to the stairway. Oh, get back.

[Hubert Douglas]

The whole floor below us is in planes.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Jim, what are we going to do? We're trapped. Sam, Ram.

[Hubert Douglas]

Now back to the Avenger. And death rings the bell.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Tim, we can't stay in this room another minute. That whole wall's burning.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The engines have arrived. Burn. They'll have the ladder up in no time. He's awful d. Over here. That boat's kicking in.

[Inspector White]

Here, roll out on the ledge.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'll hold you from the inside.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

No, I won't go unless you come through.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, all right. Take hold of my hand and go ahead. Now, hold tight.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

This ledge is only a few inches long.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I know. Now, don't look down. Steady now. It'll only be for a minute. They're putting the ladder up.

[Inspector White]

We're perfectly safe now.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm holding on to the window sash.

[Inspector White]

Keep your nerve burned.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

I will, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There, the ladder's right at your feet. Now I'll steady you While you step onto it. Okay.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

I'm all right. Come on, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Inspector, I sent for you to come over here to the laboratory to watch a little experiment.

[Inspector White]

Well, that's not why I came, Jim. I want an explanation of that statement you made on the phone.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, you mean my warning that you'd be making a fool of yourself if you arrested Wade again?

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Yes.

[Inspector White]

Now, you yourself admitted that you saw

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Wade at Forsyth House just before the fire broke out. I said in front of the house, not inside it. Oh, Wade must be guilty, Jim.

[Inspector White]

Now, why don't you try to help me prove that instead of fighting me every step of the way?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Because I know now how those fires were started. And there's an even chance that someone is trying to frame Wade. Come out to the kitchen and I'll

[Inspector White]

show you the kitchen.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Fern and I have everything ready for the demonstration.

[Inspector White]

Better be good. One more fire and I'll be back in the harness. Probably a beat.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Hello, Inspector. What?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Hello, Fern.

[Inspector White]

What are you up to in here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Over here, Inspector. Take a look at this doorbell. This is where it rings when anyone presses the bell out front.

[Inspector White]

Oh, Jim, what does your doorbell have to do with an arson and murder case?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Do you notice anything peculiar about this bell?

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

No. Good.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Because right inside that bell, I've rigged up a tiny container of sulfuric acid. Directly underneath is this waste basket containing paper and rags soaked in oil. When the bell rings, the hammer breaks the acid container, the waste ignites, and presto, our fire has a good start. Now, if I really wanted to make sure this whole house would burn down rapidly, I would spray that wall with gasoline, gunpowder or flashlight powder. In a matter of seconds, the whole place would be in flames. Are the fire extinguishers ready, Vernon?

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Yes, sir.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, here, you take one of them, Inspector, and I'll take the other. Be ready to put out the blaze in that basket. Okay, Vernon, you can go out and ring the bell now.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Right, then.

[Inspector White]

Well, case like this, Jim, a perfectly innocent person might press the doorbell and set the fire going.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Precisely the point of this demonstration, Inspector. That's why I didn't want you to arrest Wade again until we're certain he did the rigging as well as the ring. There. How do you like that? Hurry, Inspector. Get that extinguisher working. I haven't much insurance.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Jim, why are we going to Douglas's Antique Shop again?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I want to find out if Douglas or anyone going in or out of Forsyth Township.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

That demonstration you made this morning certainly leaves the field wide open as far as suspects are concerned. Doesn't it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, you mean you're no longer convinced it was Wade?

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

No, but I'm not convinced it wasn't either.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We can't eliminate Wade. But on the other hand, the criminal could be someone we've had no reason to suspect so far.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Oh, Jim, there's old Mr. Forsyth. Looks like he's headed for Douglas's store, too.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, yes. Good afternoon, Mr. Forsyth.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Good day.

[Mr. Forsyth]

We see now. You're Mr. Brandon, aren't you?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Have you found another place to live, Mr. Forsyth?

[Mr. Forsyth]

Not yet, miss. We spent the night at the Settlement House. Everything I had went up in that fire.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Oh, that's terrible.

[Mr. Forsyth]

Oh, yes, everything. Even my wife's antique jewelry. I held onto it all these years through thick and thin.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Was it valuable jewelry, Mr. Forsyth?

[Mr. Forsyth]

Oh, yes, yes, indeed it was. Mr. Douglas offered me $2,000 for it more than once, but I could never bring myself to sell it.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Oh, here's Mr. Douglas's shop. Are you coming in?

[Mr. Forsyth]

Oh, yes, yes. He's the only friend I have, only one who's ever bothered to be very kind to me. Oh, Mr. Douglas, it's Forsyth.

[Hubert Douglas]

Be right with you.

[Mr. Forsyth]

Oh, he has some wonderful old furniture here. Hasn't he often bought old pieces for.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Hello, there.

[Mr. Forsyth]

Oh.

[Hubert Douglas]

Oh, Mr. Brandon.

[Mr. Forsyth]

Good afternoon, Dr. Douglas. I came in to see if you could let me have some of that old furniture back I sold you. I thought maybe I could rent a little room someplace, you see.

[Hubert Douglas]

Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Forsyth. All that furniture has been sold.

[Mr. Forsyth]

Oh, that's too bad. I was hoping.

[Hubert Douglas]

Now, look, Mr. Forsyth, I have a little room on the second floor that I don't use. Why don't you stay there for the time being?

[Mr. Forsyth]

That's very kind of you, Douglas.

[Hubert Douglas]

Don't mention it. Go up now and take a look at it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's right at the head of the stairs.

[Mr. Forsyth]

All right. I won't impose on your kindness long. I'll try find some things.

[Hubert Douglas]

Now, Mr. Brandon.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Douglas, did you see anyone entering or leaving Forsyth's house yesterday before the fire?

[Hubert Douglas]

Well, I wasn't going to say anything about it, but I did see Mr. Wade going towards the house just before the fire broke out.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No one else?

[Hubert Douglas]

No.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, I guess your hunch was right. You moved just in time.

[Hubert Douglas]

There's no cure for a firebug, Mr. Brandon. I wouldn't live in one of Wade's houses if he paid me rent for the privilege.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, thanks, Douglas. Come on, Vernon.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Well, clues seem to be a disappearing commodity these days.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Of course, I paid for Is it bluern?

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Indeed.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'll tell you later. Right now we're going to call on John Madden.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

What for?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Madden lives in the last remaining house that Wade owns.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

I know, but you checked in on him in the other day. Jim, surely you don't think that Wade.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm not stopping to think this time. I'm not going to give death a chance to ring the.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Well, there's old John Madden's house. Jim. He doesn't live in that big place all alone, does he?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, his nephew Winston has an apartment on the other side of town. I'm going to use the knocker on this drawer just to play safe.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Jimmy, you don't think Wade intends to burn down this lovely old house?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, Fern, I never said any such thing.

[Hubert Douglas]

What do you want, please?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You're Winston, John Madden's nephew, aren't you?

[Hubert Douglas]

That's right. Oh, I saw you in Douglas shop the other day. I suppose Douglas sent you to pick up the furniture he bought.

[Roy Wade]

That's it there in the hall.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, Mr. Douglas did buy that furniture from your uncle Lynn, of course. Aren't you from Douglas? No. Where is your uncle?

[Inspector White]

Uncle John was taken ill last night.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

He's in the hospital. May we come in, please? I'm Jim Brandon, connected with a police department.

[Hubert Douglas]

Well, what do you want?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm busy packing. I'm taking Uncle John to live with me. We're coming in. Step aside. Step aside. Come on, friend. Now Winston, what's wrong with your uncle?

[Hubert Douglas]

I don't know. There's something he ate, doctor said.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Anyway, it's none of your business. Are you moving your uncle's things out of here with or without his consent? Now this is a private matter. I don't like your attitude, Brandon. Get out of here. No tobacco without a warrant. Okay, that's the way you want it.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Well, Mr. Brandon, I think that is what is known as the bums rush.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Ben, go back to the office and call the inspector. Tell him to stand by for a call from me.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Okay. Jim. It's that nephew, isn't it? He's the guilty one.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You'll know everything within a few hours, Friend. Not run along.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

What are you going to do, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I've got a date with a firebug. As the Avenger.

[Hubert Douglas]

Signed. No. Old Madden kept all his money in this bureau.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Gotta be here somewhere. What's that?

[Hubert Douglas]

Who's in here?

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

It's the Avenger, Douglas. I've been waiting for you.

[Hubert Douglas]

The Avenger. What do you want here?

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

I've taken the precaution of removing the money and valuables you hope to find in this apartment.

[Hubert Douglas]

I don't know what you're talking about, Avenger. I bought this furniture from Madden. It belongs to me.

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

You took the furniture you. You bought out of here an hour ago when Winston went to visit his uncle. Then you came back to rob and burn this house.

[Hubert Douglas]

I'll make you wish you didn't know so much, Avenger.

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

You might as well give up, Douglas. The house is surrounded.

[Hubert Douglas]

Oh no. I have another plan. When the police ring the bell, they'll set this house afire. We'll be trapped here, Avenger. You'll die with me.

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

You'd prefer death by fire to a trial by jury, Douglas? But the bell will not set off the fire this time. The Avenger removed the acid from the bell. Your schemes are over, Douglas. You'll stand trial for arson and for murder.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Did Douglas confess, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Vern. And you were partly right in your deductions about the death of Tanner.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Except that I accused Wade instead of Douglas of his murder.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Douglas. Motive throughout was robbery. He used his antique business as a means of getting into the homes of old people he thought had money. Under the pretext of examining various pieces of furniture, he found out where the valuables were hidden.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Then later, when he went back to load the furniture, he stole the valuables, rigged up his fire device and left. The first person to ring the bell set off the fire and all the evidence went up in flames. Right then those first two persons who died really were caught in the fire?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes. But Adam Tanner got wise to what Douglas was up to and Douglas killed him.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

But what led you to suspect Douglas? Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Douglas had bought furniture from every house where a fire occurred. That in itself was suspicious, but not conclusive. Old Mr. Forsyth gave me the real clue. He told us Douglas knew about that antique jewelry he had. I knew that jewelry hadn't been burned because we had put the ruins of that fire through the sieve. Therefore, the jewelry had been stolen. And since Douglas knew of its existence and value, he was the logical one to suspect.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

But why did Douglas concentrate on Roy Wade's house?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

For several reasons. He knew it would be easy to throw suspicion on Wade because Wade's houses were insured. For all the traffic with Bear, they were perfect fire traps also. Besides, Douglas knew enough about Wade's business to know when he made his rent collections.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

You mean he deliberately staged some of those fires so that Wade would be the one to ring the bell?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Exactly, friend.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

But Jim, what made you so sure you could trap Douglas at Madden's house?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, I wasn't sure. As a matter of fact, I wasn't sure until I discovered that Douglas had bought that furniture from Madden. Then I knew the stage was set.

[Vernon (Assistant/Partner)]

Now, who do you suppose that is?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Probably the inspector bringing us the afternoon papers. His pictures on the front page of every one of them.

[Hubert Douglas]

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

[The Avenger (Jim Brandon)]

This is a thought. A thought. A thought. Remember. Listen for another adventure of

[Hubert Douglas]

the Avenger.