The Avenger - Department of Death

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Avenger – Department of Death

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: March 16, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio revisits "The Avenger," a classic crime-fighting drama from radio’s golden age. In “Department of Death,” biochemist and crime-fighter Jim Brandon (The Avenger) investigates a mysterious death at Kahn’s Department Store. As the case unfolds, a web of suspicion and murder is uncovered, centered around an impending diamond shipment, a cunning murderer, and a clever ruse supported by duplicity among staff.

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Main Story and Investigation

[01:08] The Discovery of the Crime

• Mabel Darnay discovers the body of Grady, the trusted store watchman, at the bottom of a department store elevator shaft.
• Initial suspects: The case appears at first to be accidental, but careful observation quickly points to foul play.

Notable Quote – Suspicion Surfaces

“In other words, Inspector, we mustn't let a little thing like murder interfere with Mr. Kahn's business.”
– Jim Brandon (07:10)

[04:29 - 08:56] Jim Brandon Steps In

• Jim Brandon partners with Inspector White to inspect the scene.
• Investigation reveals:
  • Grady suffered a blow to the head, indicating murder.
  • Blood stains on the elevator wall and floor suggest he was killed elsewhere and moved.
  • Marks on the elevator door indicate forced entry.
• Theory Developed: The murderer killed or stunned Grady on another floor, transported him via elevator, staged a time-clock alibi using the stairwell, then disposed of the body down the shaft.

"We start looking for the answer to three very simple questions, Inspector. Where was Grady murdered, why and by whom?"
– Jim Brandon (08:48)

[11:06 - 14:59] Following the Clues in the Department Store

• Fern Collier and Jim investigate the store’s main floor, storerooms, and displays.
• Window decorator Roger Kilgore explains his routines, and a heavy shoeprint in the storeroom raises suspicion.

Notable Quote – Fern’s Curiosity Pays Off

“A woman's curiosity is a wonderful thing, Fern. Thanks to you. At last we're actually on the inside of this case looking out.”
– Jim Brandon (13:52)

• Discussion with Shelvin from the jewelry department reveals:
  • A new diamond shipment is expected.
  • Only Shelvin and owner Mr. Kahn know the vault combination.

[15:19 - 16:11] Connecting Motives and Opportunities

• Jim summarizes potential motives:
  • The murder of Grady might be linked to a plot to steal the diamonds.
  • Jim and Fern resolve to focus on employees who had unusual attendance around the time of Grady’s death.

[18:05 - 21:46] Testing Alibis and Stakeouts

• Jim and Inspector White test how someone might hide in the store overnight unobserved by climbing into a display window, disguised among mannequins.
• Fern’s Investigation: Discovers Mabel knew about the diamond shipment and had affection for Kilgore.
• Pressure mounts for the police to solve the case.

“All right. I promise you that by 10:00 clock tomorrow morning you can make an arrest, Inspector.”
– Jim Brandon (21:34)

[22:07 - 24:23] The First Arrest & Second Murder

• Jim reveals intent to arrest Kilgore as an accomplice but finds him dead in a display window, killed with a lethal injection.
• Theory Update: The murderer is eliminating accomplices no longer useful, hastened by the imminent diamond arrival.

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The Solution Unfolds

[25:04 - 26:39] The Clue in the Book Department

• Fern’s observation of a disordered bookcase proves pivotal.
• Jim deduces that the bookcase concealed Shelvin’s entry point behind the vault wall.
  • Shelvin was moving the case, drilling through the wall, and needed books removed in haste, hence the disorder.

[27:00 - 28:04] The Avenger’s Confrontation

• The Avenger (Jim Brandon) intercepts Shelvin during a final attempt to steal the diamonds.
• Shelvin tries to shoot, but Jim uses his invisibility and disarms him.

“Your crimes invited me.”
– The Avenger, to Shelvin (27:26)

• Shelvin is arrested by O’Brien the detective.

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[29:46 - 31:48] Case Wrap-Up and Explanations

• Jim explains Shelvin’s scheme:
  • Shelvin, unable to risk being caught entering/exiting after Grady’s death, hires a lookalike to fake his time card entries/exists.
  • The accomplice would collect the jewels discreetly after Shelvin drilled into the vault.

Notable Quote – The Final Clue

“The night before the diamonds arrived, he was in a hurry and left [the books] upset. That was the clue I needed.”
– Jim Brandon (30:37)

• With the case closed, Fern jokes about finally shopping after spending days in the store.

“Well, murder or no murder, I suppose no woman alive can be expected to spend three days in a department store without buying something.”
– Jim Brandon (31:36)

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Key Characters

• Jim Brandon / The Avenger: Crime-fighting scientist using advanced gadgets (telepathic indicator and invisibility capsule).
• Fern Collier: Loyal assistant—observant, clever; assists with note-taking and investigation.
• Inspector White: Policeman; skeptical but ultimately reliant on The Avenger’s insight.
• Roger Kilgore: Window display decorator; ultimately another murder victim.
• Shelvin: Jewelry department manager; mastermind behind the murders and the theft plot.
• Mr. Kahn: Department store owner; concerned about his business and the diamond shipment.

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Memorable Moments and Quotes

• Crime vs. Commerce
  "We mustn't let a little thing like murder interfere with Mr. Kahn's business." – Jim Brandon (07:10)
• The Avenger Becomes the Dummy
  "Come on, Inspector. We're invited to a cocktail party with five dummies." – Jim Brandon (19:51)
• Scientific Detective Work
  "Your crimes invited me." – The Avenger to Shelvin (27:26)
• Classic Humor
  "Well, murder or no murder, I suppose no woman alive can be expected to spend three days in a department store without buying something." – Jim Brandon (31:36)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Discovery of Watchman’s Body: [03:37 – 04:14]
• Brandon’s Theory on the Elevator Murder: [07:53 – 08:48]
• Window Display Stakeout: [19:46 – 20:50]
• Confrontation and Capture of Shelvin: [27:16 – 28:04]
• Case Explanation and Recap: [29:46 – 31:48]

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Tone and Style

The dialogue balances suspenseful detective work with sly humor and intrigue, maintaining the signature style of golden-age radio mysteries. The interplay between Brandon’s scientific method and the police’s urgency adds tension and classic detective charm.

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This summary captures the intrigue and atmosphere of “The Avenger – Department of Death,” providing a clear roadmap to the episode’s mystery-solving adventure for new listeners or fans of classic radio.

Transcript

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The Avenger.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

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

[Fern Collier]

Ram sam.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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 Department of Death. The employees of Kahn's Department Store are beginning to punch in for the day. Among the early arrivals is Mabel Darnay, who hurries toward the employee's elevator.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, good morning, Mr. Kilgore.

[Roger Kilgore]

Good morning, Mabel. You're in early this morning.

[Fern Collier]

My clock must have been fast. My. Mr. Kilgore, your windows certainly look pretty this week.

[Roger Kilgore]

Oh, thank you, Mabel. I've had quite a few compliments on them. Too bad I can't hold them over for another week. Saved me a lot of work.

[Fern Collier]

I'll say. I wonder what's holding up this elevator.

[Roger Kilgore]

I don't think Joe's come in yet.

[Fern Collier]

Then where's the elevator? It's always parked here on the main floor.

[Roger Kilgore]

Overnight call up through the grating. Someone else may have taken it up.

[Fern Collier]

It's not in the basement. I can see down it.

[Roger Kilgore]

Mabel, what's the matter?

[Fern Collier]

Come over here, quick.

[Roger Kilgore]

What Is it?

[Fern Collier]

Look down there at the bottom of the shaft. It's Grady the watchman. He looks like he's de.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You're right, Inspector. Looks like Grady died from a fall. What floor did you say he fell from?

[Inspector White]

Well, it must have been the fifth, Jim. I checked the automatic meter on the main floor when I came in. It shows that Grady made his last time check on the fifth floor at midnight.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, let's go upstairs and have a look.

[Roger Kilgore]

Okay.

[Inspector White]

All right, o', Brien, you take over here until my men arrive.

[Roger Kilgore]

Whatever you say, Inspector White.

[Inspector White]

Come on, Jim, let's get out of this shaft and take the elevator to the fifth.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

To the sixth, you mean, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Sixth. I said he fell from the fifth, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, but the elevator in that shaft would have to be parked above the floor from which he fell. We'd better check that first.

[Inspector White]

Get in the elevator, Jim. Sixth it is.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You didn't permit any of the elevators to be moved, did you, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

Only this one. I took it down to the basement myself. I ordered all the employees held on the main floor.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Good. Now, what have you found out about Grady so far?

[Inspector White]

Well, he's been a watchman here at Kahn's store for 15 years. Steady fellow, completely trustworthy.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Who's this fellow O' Brien you left on guard in the basement?

[Inspector White]

He's a store detective. And here we are. Well, there's the elevator, just as you said, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Uh huh. Very strange.

[Inspector White]

What's strange about it? You expected to find it here, didn't you?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, but would you mind explaining why? Grady rode this elevator up to the sixth and then left it parked here and used the stairway to the fifth floor.

[Inspector White]

Ah, Jim, don't start that. The first thing I want to do.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come on, Inspector, let's take a look at the fifth floor. We'll take this elevator. Grady, you all right?

[Inspector White]

Now, there's no doubt in my mind this was an accident, Jim. Nothing valuable was stolen or the alarm would have sounded. So don't try to stir up anything.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, a perfect landing, Inspector. Say, who's that coming in from the stairway?

[Inspector White]

It's Mr. Kahn. The owner of the store must have something important on his mind to climb all those stairs.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Inspector. Inspector White, I want a few words from you.

[Inspector White]

What is it, Mr. Kahn?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, how much longer must I keep the store closed? I had a sale advertised for today. Several hundred people waiting outside.

[Inspector White]

Give Brandon and me 10 minutes more, then you can open the door.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Mr. Cotton, we would also like to have your permission to question some of your employees.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Question my employees? What for?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

If Grady's death was accidental. It must be proved so to the satisfaction of the police department.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, well, naturally, I want everything to be cleared up properly. But look here, Inspector, there's no need to make a scandal out of a perfectly natural accident. I have some influence in this case.

[Inspector White]

You better take care of your own business, Mr. Kahn, and I'll take care of mine. Now, give us 10 minutes more here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right. Not that I don't want to cooperate in every way possible, but as far as I can see, there's no need for a prolonged investigation.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

In other words, Inspector, we mustn't let a little thing like murder interfere with Mr. Conn's business.

[Inspector White]

Wait a minute, Jim. Don't jump to any conclusions. Now, why couldn't Grady have fallen down the shaft here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Really, Inspector, that question isn't worthy of you.

[Inspector White]

Why not?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, first of all, these grading gates may look old fashioned, but they lock and unlock automatically from the inside. Grady would hardly have pried this door open in order to fall down the shaft accidentally.

[Inspector White]

Now, I admit you've got something there, Jim, but what do you suppose did happen?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Grady was killed or stunned by a blow on some other floor, brought here to the fifth floor in this elevator, parked right here on the floor where we're standing while his murderer took the elevator to the sixth floor, left it there, punched the time clock on that floor, walked down the stairs, punched the clock here, and then pried open this gate and threw Grady down this shaft.

[Inspector White]

Ah, that's all guesswork, Jim. You have no way of proving any of that.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I can prove all of it, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Listening?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, Grady had a bad gash on his head, didn't he?

[Roger Kilgore]

Yeah.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Look. They're on the wall of the elevator about 30 inches from the floor.

[Inspector White]

Looks like a small blood stain.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, look at the floor. Right here where we're standing. There's a larger and more distinct stain.

[Inspector White]

But why should the murderer overlook evidence like that?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Only a few dim lights are left burning on these top floors at night. The murderer didn't see it. Now, last but not least, look at the marks on this outside elevator door made by a sharp instrument recently. Bits of metal are still clinging to the marks.

[Inspector White]

Yes. All right, Jim, where do we go from here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We start looking for the answer to three very simple questions, Inspector. Where was Grady murdered, why and by whom?

[Inspector White]

Oh, very simple.

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[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Inspector, please face the front of the car.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, this is the first time I ever spent a whole day in a department store without buying anything.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I've discovered that shopping for clues in a busy department store is practically impossible.

[Fern Collier]

Perrin, it's almost closing time. Shall we call it a day?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, let's finish our examination here on the main floor.

[Fern Collier]

All right, Jim, what's in that little room next to the book department?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, that's where the vault is kept.

[Fern Collier]

Oh. Say, this room on the right looks interesting, Jim. It's marked no admittance.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, that's for us. Come on, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Seems to be some sort of storeroom.

[Roger Kilgore]

Who's that? Customers aren't allowed in here. Oh. Oh, it's you, Mr. Brandon.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, you're Kilgore, the window decorator, aren't you?

[Roger Kilgore]

That's right. I'm getting things ready to change the windows tonight.

[Fern Collier]

Heavens. Are you going to use all these dummies in the windows, Mr. Kilgore?

[Roger Kilgore]

Yes, miss. I've planned a party motif to display these various costumes.

[Fern Collier]

That should work out very well.

[Roger Kilgore]

Well, this first group of dummies is for the cocktail party window. Those for the dinner party. That group over there for the theater party. These in afternoon clothes are for the bridge party. These last five will attend a supper club party.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, the clothes are lovely. That blue dinner dress is stunning.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

When do you begin dressing the windows, Mr. Kilgore?

[Roger Kilgore]

Right away. I was just about to strike the set of that first window when you came in.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, well, don't let us keep you. I'm just doing a little routine checking on the main floor layout.

[Fern Collier]

Do you mind if I watch you for a while, Mr. Kilgore?

[Roger Kilgore]

No, not at all. I'll explain the procedure if you like.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, thank you.

[Roger Kilgore]

Well, first I take off my shoes and put on these woolen socks. That's so I won't leave any marks on the rug.

[Fern Collier]

I see.

[Roger Kilgore]

One of the side windows opens right off this room, so I dress that one first. See? That way I can get started before the store closes.

[Fern Collier]

Seems strange looking at a store window from the inside.

[Roger Kilgore]

I dare say this little dummy I'm bringing out now did a very good job this week. The dress buyer told me she sold every dress she had in stock of this model.

[Fern Collier]

Where do you put the dummies you take out?

[Roger Kilgore]

Oh, in the rear of the storeroom. We have a sufficient number to alternate. Pardon me. I'll be back in just.

[Fern Collier]

Surely. Oh, Jim, come here and have a look at the world as a dummy sees it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, since I'm beginning to feel like a dummy on this case, I might as well become acquainted with the outlook. Very befitting. The view is extremely limited.

[Fern Collier]

You sound awfully low, Jim. Of course, I don't blame you. Much we haven't accomplished.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Look at that rug.

[Fern Collier]

What's the matter with it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There's a deep print of a man's shoe there near that table.

[Fern Collier]

That's strange. Kilgore couldn't have made it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No dummy is heavy enough to make a print as deep as that.

[Fern Collier]

Anyway, the one dummy he took out of this window was over on the other side. Jim, do you think this means anything?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It means that a woman's curiosity is a wonderful thing, Fern. Thanks to you. At last we're actually on the inside of this case looking out. Mr. Shelvin, you're in charge of the jewelry department, aren't you? That's right, Mr. Brandon. Until just a few weeks ago, their jewelry was on the mezzanine. Why Was it changed?

[Inspector White]

Mr. Kahn decided to enlarge the department.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There's more room for display here on the main floor. I see. You're planning a big diamond sale as soon as the new shipment arrives, aren't you?

[Inspector White]

Why yes. How did you know about that?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Mr. Kahn told me. I wasn't to mention that shipment to anyone. Well, it seems to be a fairly well known secret, Sheldon.

[Inspector White]

Mr. Kahn won't like that at all.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The new vault for the diamonds is over there in the room next to the book department, isn't it?

[Inspector White]

I'm sorry, but I'm not at liberty.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, I know it is. And also that you and Mr. Kahn are the only ones who have the combination to that vault.

[Inspector White]

Mr. Brandon, I hold a very responsible position here. I don't want to jeopardize it in any way. If you have any further questions, I

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

prefer that you direct them to Mr. Kahn.

[Inspector White]

There goes the closing signal.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You have to excuse me. We'll just finish up this report, Fern, and then we'll go out for dinner.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I thought you'd forgotten all about dinner, Jim. It's almost 9:00'. Clock.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, the inspector will want this tonight, but we'll hurry it up. Where was I?

[Fern Collier]

You just finished stating that you were convinced it was an inside job.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, yes. Take this down, Fearne.

[Fern Collier]

Ready?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I intend to check thoroughly on all the store employees who didn't check out at the regular closing time the night Grady was killed. This will include all who checked out early, those who were absent, and the few who may have had reasons for remaining late. I'm also working on the angle that there may be a direct connection between the murder of Grady and a plan to steal the diamonds when they arrive. But so far I've found nothing to substantiate this theory. That's all, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, good, I'm starving.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, add this. P.S. to the inspector.

[Fern Collier]

Go ahead, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Meet me in front of the department store tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 to conduct a very important experiment.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And now back to the Avenger and the Department of Death.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Here I am, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Uh, Jim, what are you up to? Why did you want me to meet you in front of this store?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Inspector, we're going to pretend that we're two employees of Kahn's department store. We either checked out early or we didn't. Show up for work today anyway. We're outside the store according to our time cards. Now, if we're outside and can prove it according to our cards, we can't be suspected of any crime that might be committed inside, can we?

[Inspector White]

I suppose not. That's the kind of evidence that holds up in court. But what are you trying to prove, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The purpose of this demonstration is to show that we can go into the store and remain inside after the store closes all night if we want to. Now, here's a complete list of the employees who were absent or who checked out early the night Grady was killed. We can discount the few who left late because they couldn't get back in past the watchman at the employees entrance. You'll notice that this list includes a number of employees you've already met and whom we now have reason to suspect.

[Inspector White]

Well, now we're getting someplace, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Who were they? There were 15 all told. But the ones you know were O', Brien, the store detective, Mabel Donny, who discovered the body, Kilgore, the window decorator, and Shelvin and the jewelry department.

[Inspector White]

And don't forget Mr. Kahn himself.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

He doesn't have to check in and out of the store. I'm not forgetting him, Inspector. He's on my list.

[Inspector White]

Well, what do we do now?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

First, we walk inside the store just like two ordinary customers. Then we make a very unusual experiment, Inspector. The door to one of the side windows is right behind us. I'm going to open it now, and we're both going to step inside the window.

[Inspector White]

Of all the crazy idea you ever come up with, Jim, this is the craziest.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come on, Inspector. We're invited to a cocktail party with five dummies. Hurry.

[Inspector White]

Now what?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Sit down on that bench. You'll be partly concealed by those two dummies. I'll stand over here behind this lovely lady in red. You can talk, Inspector. No one can see your face. But don't move.

[Inspector White]

How long do we have to stay here, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Until after the store closes. Maybe this experience will teach you not to make me prove everything to you the hard way.

[Inspector White]

Well, where's Fern? Why couldn't she have done this instead of me?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You're the one I have to to convince. And besides, Fern is up in the toy department questioning Mabel. Darnie. Oh, there goes the gong. It's closing time.

[Inspector White]

Oh, how much longer we're going to

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

stay here like this until everyone has left.

[Inspector White]

Oh, this is carrying things too far.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Be careful, Inspector. Don't move. One of those window shoppers is giving your suit the once over.

[Fern Collier]

So after I'd finished questioning Mabel last night, it was time for the store to close. So I went outside and watched you and the inspector in the store window. Ma, you look natural.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We saw you, young lady. And I might add, that wasn't part of your assignment.

[Fern Collier]

I know, Jim, but I wouldn't have visited for anything.

[Inspector White]

What did you find out from Mabel Fern?

[Fern Collier]

Well, Inspector, she knows all about the diamond shipment. That's expected. And she has a terrible crush on Mr. Kilgore, the window decorator.

[Inspector White]

All that's no help. Now look here, Jim. We're moving too slow on this case. Inside job or outside job? I've got to find the man that murdered Grady and find him quick.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We'll get that murderer all right, Inspector, but it may take a few days.

[Inspector White]

A few days? Have you seen the morning papers? Why, one of them went so far as to print my picture and caption it. The police department, dummy. I've got to make an arrest in this case within the next 24 hours, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right. I promise you that by 10:00 clock tomorrow morning you can make an arrest. Inspector, you.

[Inspector White]

You know who the murderer is then?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I didn't say you could arrest the murderer.

[Inspector White]

Oh, stop talking in circles, Jim. What do you mean?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, I know who the murderer's accomplice is. And since you're so desperate to make an arrest, I'll deliver him. Then it's up to you to make him talk. Here comes Mr. Kahn now, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

I hope you know what you're doing, Jim.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Good morning, Brandon.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Good morning.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Good morning, Mr. Kahn. We're going to make an arrest here. What? I sent for you because we want to handle things as quietly as possible.

[Narrator/Announcer]

An arrest?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Who? Roger Kilgore, your window decorator.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why, you must be mistaken, Brandon. Kilgore.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Kilgore was implicated in Grady's death. One of his windows was deliberately arranged so that someone could hide in it without attracting attention on the outside. And someone did hide there the night Grady was killed. If it wasn't Kilgore, then Kilgore knows who it was.

[Inspector White]

Bring kilgore in here, Mr. Khan.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I'm afraid I can't. Kilgore didn't show up for work this morning.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What? Well, has he called or anything?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, not yet.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come on, Inspector, we've got some work to do.

[Inspector White]

Now that we're out of the store. Jim, would you mind telling me where we're going?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We're going to drive out to Kilgore's home, Inspector. I don't like the look of this.

[Inspector White]

My cars are on the side here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Wait a minute. Take a look in that second window, Inspector.

[Roger Kilgore]

What?

[Inspector White]

Why, it's Kilgore. He's sitting on that bench where I was the other night. He has some nerve sitting there in the daytime.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come back inside, quick. That's the window, o'. Brien, Open it up.

[Roger Kilgore]

Not so fast, Brandon. I have to have a good reason

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

to open these windows, and I'll give you one. Kilgore's inside there.

[Roger Kilgore]

Kilgore? Well, what's he doing in there?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's what we want to know. Open the window and tell him to come out.

[Roger Kilgore]

Okay. Come on out, Mr. Kilgore.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There's something wrong here, Inspector. Come into the window with me. You too, o'. Brien.

[Inspector White]

Why, Jim.

[Roger Kilgore]

Sure. Say, Brandon, I don't like the way he looks.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No. Kilgore has been propped up on this bench for hours. He's dead.

[Fern Collier]

How was Kilgore killed, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

He was given a hypodermic needle full of poison. Fernando.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, this case seems to be getting more hopeless by the hour. Con Store seems to have added a new department, the Department of Death.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, the whole thing has taken an unexpected turn, but things are beginning to add up. For instance, Kilgore was murdered by someone who no longer needed his services and wanted to get him out of the way. That time element ties up with a big event scheduled to take place at the store today.

[Fern Collier]

You mean the arrival of the diamonds?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes. I think the plan to steal the diamonds furnished the motive for both murders. Grady evidently discovered something in connection with it and was killed before he had a chance to reveal what he knew.

[Fern Collier]

But, Jim, why should the murderer stay in the store at nights before the diamonds arrived?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

In order to make preparations for the theft. What those preparations were, I must discover today.

[Fern Collier]

Well, I suppose we can eliminate Khan and Shelvin.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Why should we eliminate them?

[Fern Collier]

Well, you said they both knew the combination to the vault. They could steal the diamonds anytime they wanted to without any preparations.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, and be accused of the theft immediately. Also, in that case, there's the burglar alarm to consider. No, our criminal is much too clever to employ such obvious tactics, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

But why should Kahn want to steal his own diamonds?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

They're heavily insured.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, but, Jim, Shelvin hasn't been absent or checked out early since the day of Grady's murder. So how could he be guilty of murdering Kilgore in the store last night?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'll admit that's got me stuck, but not enough to eliminate him. Come on, Fern. We're going back to the store. And this time we're going to concentrate on the book department. While we're here, Fern, I want to pick up a copy of Dr. Ledlow's book on crime documents.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I saw it here in this large bookcase the other day. Jim, I can find it in a minute.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, all right. I'll browse around a little in the meantime.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes?

[Fern Collier]

Come here a minute.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What is it?

[Fern Collier]

Look at these books. They're completely disarranged and some of them are upside down. This whole bookcase is a mess.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, it certainly is. That's it, Fern.

[Inspector White]

I've got it.

[Fern Collier]

What, the book?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, the solution to this whole grim affair.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, at last.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fern Kahn's department store is going to have an extra watchman tonight. This is a job for the Avenger.

[Inspector White]

Now that bookcases out of the way. I've got half an hour before the watchman and o' Brien come down here again. I had the jewels out and this case moved back by then.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What was that noise?

[Inspector White]

Who's there?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's the Avenger, Shelvin the Avenger. I'm here to close your department of death and bring you to justice for the crimes you've committed.

[Inspector White]

How did you get in here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Your crimes invited me.

[Inspector White]

I can't see you, Avenger, but my gun can find you.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Kilgore and Grady got in your way and you kill them. But you won't find it quite so easy to rid yourself of the Avenger.

[Inspector White]

You're there in the corner, Avenger. I'll get you all right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

An invisible target is no target at all, Shelvin.

[Inspector White]

I'll find you.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You're missing badly.

[Inspector White]

Don't shut you up

[Roger Kilgore]

now.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You're harmless. Your gun is empty.

[Roger Kilgore]

Shelvin, what's going on here? Sheldon, it's you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

O'.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Brien. Arrest Sheldon, I think you know the charges.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, now that Shelvin is in custody and the newspapers have elevated the inspector to the status of crack detective instead of dummy, would you mind bringing me up to date on a few of the facts?

[Roger Kilgore]

Not at all.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We have to make out a full report on this for the inspector anyway.

[Fern Collier]

Well, tell me briefly. First, what was the clue you found on the book department?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, as you know, the diamond vault was in that small room that adjoined the book department. The back of the vault was against that wall. Now, the other side of the wall in the book department was completely hidden by that large bookcase. On the nights that Shelvin managed to stay in the store, he moved that bookcase and went to work on the wall. He broke through a section of it and succeeded in drilling through the back of the vault, leaving only the black velvet lining to be broken through at the last minute. But the clue, that bookcase was too heavy to move with the books in it, so Shelvin had to remove them. The night before the diamonds arrived. He was in a hurry and left them upset. That was the clue I needed.

[Fern Collier]

But how did he expect to get the jewels out of the store?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

After the death of Grady, Shelvin got himself an outside accomplice. By that time, he was quarreling with Kilgore anyway, and he knew he'd have to get rid of him. We picked up this accomplice this morning and he explained the whole setup. After Grady's death, it was too risky for Shelvin to check out of the store early and come back in to hide. So he hit upon another idea. He hired a man who bore an amazing resemblance to him to check in and out of the store for him.

[Fern Collier]

Very clever.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Shelvin's plan was to steal the jewels and stay in the store all night. The next morning, just before time for the store to open, his accomplice would check in for him, pick up their jewels in the washroom where Shelvin had left them in a shopping bag, and then exit from the store just as the early shoppers were coming in the main entrance.

[Fern Collier]

And in the meantime, Shelvin goes to the safe, gives the alarm, and is under no suspicion.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Right.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, could we get the inspector's report out right away? I'd like to leave early today.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, I can tell by that glint in your eye you're going shopping.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, I am.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, murder or no murder, I suppose no woman alive can be expected to spend three days in a department store without buying something.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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. A thought.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Remember? Listen for another adventure of the Avenger.