The Avenger - Diploma of Death

Summary

The Avenger: "Diploma of Death" – Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Avenger – Diploma of Death
Release Date: March 16, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of "The Avenger" titled "Diploma of Death" whisks listeners back to the suspense-laden world of classic radio mysteries. The story unfolds at Rockland College during the annual Founders Day celebration, where a festive track meet turns deadly. The Avenger (Jim Brandon), his assistant Fern Collier, and Inspector White untangle a complex web of academic rivalry, hidden motives, and a long-buried scientific secret. This episode brims with clues, red herrings, and classic detective action, culminating in an unexpected reveal.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Founders Day Festivities and the First Murder

• [03:34 – 05:19] The episode opens at Rockland College’s Founders Day track meet. Key characters are introduced: Jim Brandon (The Avenger), Fern Collier, Inspector White, and several distinguished guests.
• [04:57 – 05:17] The excitement turns sinister when Harold Harkness, a prize-winning chemistry student, collapses during a hurdle race and dies.
  • Quote:

    “Why, he didn’t even clear that first hurdle.”
    — Fern Collier ([05:15])

• [05:31 – 05:45] Inspector White discovers the shocking truth:
  • Quote:

    “No, it’s even worse than that, Inspector. He’s been shot in the back of the head. Harkness is dead.”
    — Jim Brandon ([05:45])

2. Unraveling the Method and a Second Murder

• [06:16 – 07:33] The team investigates the grandstands and finds the real race starter, Jake Norton, tied up and injured—impostor dressed in his clothes fired the fatal shot.
  • Quote:

    “Yes. Someone must have stolen those clothes and impersonated Norton out there on the field.”
    — Jim Brandon ([07:33])

• [08:04 – 08:12] Norton dies in the hospital, confirming a double homicide.

3. Suspects, Motives, and Alibis

• [09:36 – 14:49] Inspector White and Jim Brandon question several suspects:
  • Robert Atwood: Rival chemistry student, unable to substantiate his alibi.
    • Atwood and Harkness were the only students with keys to the library cupola, their rivalry stemming from both coveting the role of Associate Professor of Chemistry.
    • Quote:

      “And is it also a fact that such rivalry had developed between you that you were no longer even on speaking terms?”
      — Jim Brandon ([10:59])

  • Professor Craig: Temporary associate professor, admits Harkness and Atwood often tried to show him up; claims solitary study as his alibi.
  • Lawrence Treat: Alumnus and memoirist, wears a distinctive college ring, claims to have gone straight home after library research.
  • Dean Clapper: Protests the investigation, asserts Rockland’s unsullied reputation, claims to have been in his study with no witnesses.
    • Quote:

      “There are no murderers here. Rockland is almost 100 years old. The breath of scandal has never touched it.”
      — Dean Clapper ([14:33])

4. Deciphering the Hidden Message

• [18:03 – 19:32] Fern and Inspector White find a cryptic note in Atwood’s notebook: “OEL” over “WXV”, and “Roaring Gorge.”
• Jim realizes the “letters” are actually a code: upside down, OEL becomes “7:30,” and WXV are Greek letters for Lambda Chi Mu, a club to which both Harkness and Atwood belonged. “Roaring Gorge” refers to the local fraternity initiation spot.
  • Quote:

    “Look, if you turn this paper upside down… what do those letters become?”
    — Jim Brandon ([19:16])

5. The Third Murder and a Framed Suspect

• [20:04 – 21:06] Rushing to Roaring Gorge, they find Atwood shot dead, apparently lured there by the coded note.
• [21:06 – 21:38] Suspicion quickly falls on Professor Craig, who had a motive and unproven alibi. Inspector White is ready to arrest Craig based on circumstantial evidence and a witness — Lawrence Treat — who saw Craig heading toward the site.
  • Quote:

    “All the evidence pointed to Professor Craig, Jim. What made you keep faith with him in spite of that?”
    — Fern Collier ([31:51])

6. The Final Puzzle Pieces

• [22:16 – 23:55] Jim methodically cross-examines the timeline, noting that Treat’s sighting of Craig may not be what it seems. He’s struck by the impression left by Treat’s ring on the note.
• [25:53 – 27:22] Jim and Fern return to the library cupola, deducing that it provides the perfect vantage point — the connection between the library clues, the murders, and the suspect.

7. Culprit Revealed: Lawrence Treat

• [27:22 – 29:02] In a climactic confrontation, Fern tricks Treat into confessing. Treat, motivated by discovery of the hidden “Forrester Formula” in the library’s chemistry books, admits to killing Harkness and Atwood out of fear they'd solve the code and uncover the secret before him.
  • Quote:

    “Brandon just wouldn’t give up until he found my secret…”
    — Lawrence Treat ([27:59]) “I intend to silence you and Brandon with this same gun that silenced Harkness and Atwood.”
    — Lawrence Treat ([28:15])

• The Avenger, lurking invisibly, disarms Treat with Fern’s help.

8. The Motive and Method

• [31:08 – 32:15] Jim explains the Forrester Formula — a valuable chemical process, its key hidden via underlined passages in old books.
• Treat, writing Forrester’s memoirs, uncovered references and was afraid the brilliant students would get there first.
  • Quote:

    “I knew that the person who sent that note to Atwood wore a heavy ring on the little finger of his right hand. The ring had made deep marks on the paper.”
    — Jim Brandon ([31:57])

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Key Timestamps

• 03:34: Founders Day track meet opens
• 05:17: Harkness collapses and is found dead
• 06:16: Discovery of the real starter, Jake Norton, injured
• 08:04: Jake Norton is reported dead
• 09:36 – 14:49: Intensive suspect questioning, motives and alibis explored
• 18:03: The cryptic clue discovery ("OEL/WXV" and "Roaring Gorge")
• 20:04: Arrival at Roaring Gorge, Atwood found murdered
• 21:31: Inspector White identifies Professor Craig as main suspect
• 27:22 – 29:15: Fern confronts Treat, The Avenger intervenes, Treat confesses
• 31:08: Jim explains the real motive — the Forrester Formula

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “No, it's even worse than that, Inspector. He's been shot in the back of the head. Harkness is dead.”
  — Jim Brandon ([05:45])

• “There are no murderers here. Rockland is almost 100 years old.”
  — Dean Clapper ([14:31])

• “Look, if you turn this paper upside down…what do those letters become?”
  — Jim Brandon ([19:16])

• “Brandon just wouldn’t give up until he found my secret…”
  — Lawrence Treat ([27:59])

• “I intend to silence you and Brandon with this same gun that silenced Harkness and Atwood.”
  — Lawrence Treat ([28:15])

• “Because I knew that the person who sent that note to Atwood wore a heavy ring on the little finger of his right hand. The ring had made deep marks on the paper.”
  — Jim Brandon ([31:57])

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Conclusion

“Diploma of Death” is a classic locked-campus whodunit, complete with twists, academic intrigue, and clever deduction. The Avenger’s loyalty to evidence over easy answers, and the tense library-tower confrontation, highlight the show’s masterful production and memorable characters. Fans of Golden Age radio mysteries will find both nostalgia and suspense in this standout episode.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Host]

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[Narrator]

The Avenger the road to crime ends

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not.

[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 the Diploma of Death.

[Inspector White]

Well, Jim, Founders Day here at Rockland College certainly has brought out the distinguished alumni in full force.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Fern can point out all the celebrities to you, Inspector. She was graduated from Rockland a year ago.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, no, almost two years ago.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, I beg your pardon, friend. Two years ago, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Well, I hope that lady who just sat down in front of us isn't anyone too important because as soon as the track meet begins, I'm going to ask her to remove her hat.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, that's Amy Nottingham, the authoress, Inspector. And you'd better be polite to her or she'll make you the villain in her next book.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, look, that gray haired man in the front row is a famous brain surgeon.

[Inspector White]

And the two men with him were politicians. You see, I know a few famous people too.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I guess everybody enjoys a good track meet.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, I thought Professor Craig was supposed to join us.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, he said he would, but he's probably become involved in some fascinating experiment in the chemistry lab.

[Inspector White]

Hey, isn't it time for this thing to start?

[Fern Collier]

Yes, but I think they're waiting for Dean Clapper. He hasn't arrived yet.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

O', Fearne, what's the first event on the program?

[Fern Collier]

Well, let me see. Oh, yes, here it is. It's the 60 yard high hurdle race.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Harold Harkness should be a cinch to win then.

[Inspector White]

Harkness? It seems to me I read something about him in papers recently.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right, Inspector. Harkness won the National Chemistry Prize a few weeks ago. And by the way, his picture appeared right next to yours when you solved the Austin case.

[Fern Collier]

Oh.

[Inspector White]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. That's where I saw it, all right.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, look, Jim, I don't think they're going to wait for the Dean. They're lining up the fellows for the hurdle race.

[Inspector White]

Oh, good.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Harkness is number five, Inspector. All right, Keep your eye on him.

[Fern Collier]

There they go.

[Inspector White]

Hey, Jim. Hey, what's the matter with Harkness? I don't know.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Why, he didn't even clear that first hurdle.

[Fern Collier]

Harkness has collapsed.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Jim.

[Inspector White]

Come on.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Inspector, there's something wrong down there. This way.

[Inspector White]

All right, come on down these socks

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

stairs, they lead to the field. All right.

[Inspector White]

Excuse us. Stand back, please.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Hey, they're bringing the stretcher on the field. Tell them to hold it a minute, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Wait a minute. Don't touch him. Police. All right, step aside, please. Let us through here. There. See what you think, Jim. Looks to me like his neck may be broken.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, it's even worse than that, Inspector. He's been shot in the back of the head. Harkness is dead.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, what in the world are you looking for here into the grandstands. Do you think the murderer may be hiding in here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's possible, Fern, but I think it's more likely that he changed his clothes in here, has already made his getaway.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, it was the starter who shot Harkness, wasn't it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes. Only one shot was fired, the one that started the race.

[Fern Collier]

But in that case, why didn't Harkness fall right on the starting line?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Because he was a trained runner primed for the race. When the shot hit him, he was off to an automatic start and he ran forward with a kind of reflex motion. No one even noticed that anything was wrong until he tripped over that first hurdle.

[Fern Collier]

Well, old Jake Norton is the starter, Jim. Why, he's been working here at the college for 10 years. Oh, I just can't believe he killed Harkness. Listen,

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

what was That I was a groan.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It seemed to come from behind those benches in the corner.

[Fern Collier]

Jim. Jim, it's a man. What? He's all tied up and gagged.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

He's badly hurt, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Why, Jim. That's all. Jake Norton, the starter, he was slugged from behind.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Here, help me. On time.

[Fern Collier]

All right, Jim. Jake always wore a jockey cap and a yellow sweater when he was on the job.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes. Someone must have stolen those clothes and impersonated Norton out there on the field. His gun's not here either.

[Fern Collier]

Shall I get the inspector, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, but call an ambulance first. Norton's in bad shape. I doubt if we'll pull through this.

[Inspector White]

Well, I just got word from the hospital, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Jake Norton is dead.

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Or did he regain consciousness at all, Inspector?

[Narrator]

No.

[Inspector White]

Whoever hit him meant to kill him, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, that means we'll have to start from scratch on these murders, Inspector.

[Lawrence Treat]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Inspector White]

Looks like we're up against the two well planned, premeditated killings, Jim, where do you think we should start?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We'll have to question every single person who wasn't present at the track meet. Absent students, teachers and guests will have to explain their whereabouts between 2:00 clock and 2:45 this afternoon.

[Inspector White]

That's a big job. Let's go to work on it.

[Fern Collier]

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[Inspector White]

You two men were called back here for further questioning in this murder case. Because we have not been able to substantiate the alibis you offered earlier this afternoon, I'll expect you to answer all questions carefully and truthfully. I'm warning you that any discrepancies in your stories will have serious consequences.

[Lawrence Treat]

Who's first, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Robert Atwood, student. According to earlier questioning, Atwood claimed he was in the library from 12 o' clock to three doing chemistry research. This has not been substantiated by the librarian on duty.

[Inspector White]

Okay, Atwood, how do you explain that?

[Narrator]

Well, you see, sir, I was up in the cupola of the library. I was consulting some rare old manuscripts and books that are kept up there.

[Inspector White]

How does it happen that the librarian didn't see you?

[Narrator]

The cupola is reached by a back staircase. A few senior honor students are given a key and we're permitted to go and come as we please. Were you alone there from 1:30 on? I was.

[Inspector White]

Who was there until 1:30?

[Narrator]

Lawrence Treat.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Who is he?

[Narrator]

Mr. Treat is an alumnus of Rockland who lives here in town. He's writing the memoirs of Matthew Forrester, the man who financed the new library

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

just before he died a few years ago.

[Inspector White]

I see. Treat also has a key to the Cuba.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes, he does a great deal of research there too.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

May I ask a question, Inspector? Go ahead, Atwood. Isn't it a fact that you and Harkness were the only two students who rated a key to the cupola this year?

[Narrator]

That's right, Mr. Brandon.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And is it also a fact that such rivalry had developed between you that you were no longer even on speaking terms?

[Narrator]

Well, yes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Exactly what was the reason for that rivalry?

[Narrator]

Well, since Harkness is dead, I'd prefer

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

not to discuss that, Inspector. Since Atwood does not wish to discuss this subject, I think you'd better ask Professor Craig what he knows about it.

[Inspector White]

All right. Well, Professor Craig, suppose you answer the question.

[Narrator]

To be perfectly frank, Inspector, both Harkness and Atwood hope to be chosen to succeed me as Associate professor of Chemistry next term.

[Inspector White]

Oh, you mean they were gunning for your job, Professor?

[Narrator]

You might put it that way, Inspector.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What makes you so certain of that, Professor Craig?

[Narrator]

Well, the regular associate professor died at the beginning of the semester. I was elected as a temporary substitute. Harkness and Atwood were brilliant students and

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

both of them did all sorts of

[Narrator]

research in an attempt to outrun me and show me up. They frequently embarrassed me before the class

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

by posing obscure questions and problems which their wide research had uncovered. Problems which I admit I. I was

[Narrator]

not able to solve.

[Inspector White]

That gives Atwood a reason for wanting to get rid of Harkness all right. But also gives you a motive for wanting to get him out of the way.

[Narrator]

But, Inspector, my job is no safer now than it was before.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I told you Atwood was also a rival.

[Inspector White]

That may be true enough. But your alibi doesn't stand up either, Professor.

[Narrator]

I was in my room alone studying between 1:30 and 3:00'. Clock.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Just a minute. And, professor, when Ms. Collier and I met you on the campus just before lunch, you said you tried to join us at the track meet.

[Inspector White]

Yes, that's right, Brandon.

[Narrator]

But I was merely being polite. Naturally, I. I didn't want the whole world to know I was literally chained to the grindstone.

[Inspector White]

All right, that'll be all for now. Hold yourselves available for questioning at any.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, thank you, Mr. Treed. Your story checks with what Atwood told us. Just for the records. However, would you mind telling me what you did after leaving the library at 1:30?

[Lawrence Treat]

I. I came straight home, Mr. Bradman.

[Inspector White]

I went to my study to revise the notes I had taken at the library.

[Lawrence Treat]

I'm afraid you'll have to take my word for that. I live alone here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I see. Pardon me, Mr. Treat, but is that your college ring you're wearing on your little finger?

[Lawrence Treat]

Oh, yes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Why, I was admiring it, that's all. Well, thank you very much, Mr.

[Fern Collier]

Treatment.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What do you suppose Dean Clapper wants with us, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

I don't know, Jim. Here. This is his office.

[Dean Clapper]

Come in. Inspector White, Mr. Brandon. Come in, please. Sit down.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Thank you.

[Inspector White]

Why did you want to see us about, Dean Clapper?

[Dean Clapper]

I've just been informed that you have subjected Robert Atwood and Professor Craig to a second questioning and I wish to protest it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Protest it?

[Lawrence Treat]

Yes.

[Dean Clapper]

You will not find the murder of Harkness in Norton here at Rockland College. Gentlemen, there are no murderers here. Rockland is almost 100 years old. The breath of scandal has never touched it. I refuse to allow you to drag my students and faculty through the mud in an attempt to locate some fanatical criminal.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Just a moment, Dean Clapper. This is a police matter and it's not within the realm of your authority to dictate who shall be questioned. Two men were murdered here in cold blood this afternoon and we intend to find out who murdered them.

[Dean Clapper]

Surely a respectable honor student and an esteemed faculty member should be above suspicion in a violent criminal case of this kind?

[Inspector White]

No one here at Rockland or anywhere else is above suspicion, Dean Clapper. In fact, I have a few questions for you to answer.

[Dean Clapper]

What did you say?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The Inspector would like to know where you were between 2:00 clock and and 2:45 this afternoon, Dean Clapper.

[Dean Clapper]

Well, of all the impetuous.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm afraid you'll have to answer.

[Inspector White]

Yes. You weren't at the track. Me to know that I was at

[Dean Clapper]

home in my study preparing an address I'm to deliver tomorrow.

[Inspector White]

Who knows you were in the study at that time?

[Dean Clapper]

No one, except myself. My wife and daughter had gone to the athletic field.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

When did you first hear about the death of Harkness?

[Dean Clapper]

My daughter came running home to inform me.

[Inspector White]

What time was that?

[Dean Clapper]

I don't know. And I refuse to subject myself to this foolish inquisition another moment.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Then you'd better get yourself a lawyer, Dean Clapper, because we intend to get to the bottom of these murder.

[Narrator]

Now back to the Avenger and the Diploma of Death.

[Fern Collier]

Well, there's nothing here in the chemistry lab to give us any lead, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Now, wait a minute, Fern. Look at this piece of paper I found in the back of Atwood's notebook.

[Fern Collier]

What do you suppose those letters stand for, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

Hanged, if I know. Capitals O, E, L. And right underneath them, capitals W, X, V. Probably two sets of initials.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, and look on the other side of the paper, Inspector. Roaring Gorge is printed out.

[Inspector White]

Roaring Gorge, where's that?

[Fern Collier]

Why, that's where the fraternity initiations take place. We'd better show this to Jim.

[Inspector White]

Okay. We're supposed to meet him in front of Science hall at 7:15. We'll just have time to make it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Capitals OEL over wxv. Written simply, without any curlicues.

[Fern Collier]

What do you suppose those initials stand for, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

They're not initials, Kern.

[Fern Collier]

They're not? What are they then?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Look, if you turn this paper upside down there, what do those letters become?

[Fern Collier]

What, Jim? The WXV becomes the Greek letters for Lambda Chi mu. And the oel becomes 7:30.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right, Bern.

[Inspector White]

I don't get it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Lambda Chi Mu is an honorary club for Rockland graduates, isn't it?

[Fern Collier]

Yes. And I heard today that both Harkness and Atwood were pledged to it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Where's Roaring Gorge, Fern?

[Fern Collier]

Well, it's about a 20 minute drive from here. Although we could make it through the woods on foot in about 10 minutes.

[Inspector White]

Let's take the car, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, but we'll have to hurry.

[Inspector White]

What time is it now, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's 7:30, Inspector.

[Fern Collier]

Roaring Gorge is just beyond that next hill.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Give the car everything it's got, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Right, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That was a shot.

[Fern Collier]

It came from the gorge. Turn to that lane at the right, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Okay.

[Fern Collier]

There's the gorge.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Pull up, Inspector.

[Lawrence Treat]

Quick.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Inspector White]

Okay. Doesn't seem to be anybody here, Inspector.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Over this way.

[Inspector White]

Huh? What is it, Jim? Hey, who is that?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's Hapwood. He's been shot through the head.

[Fern Collier]

Professor Craig must be guilty, Jim. Why? He was the only one who had a motive for killing both Harkness and Atwood.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Whoever sent that note To Atwood killed him, Fern. But I'm not quite ready to believe it was Craig.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, Jim, why it must have been.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, everyone at the club disclaims all knowledge of the note.

[Fern Collier]

Really Jim, I can't understand you. A motive is always the first thing you look for in a murder case and, well, here you have a perfect motive and you're not willing to accept it.

[Inspector White]

Well, Jim, we can all go home now. The Rockland murders are solved.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, that's wonderful, Inspector. Who did it?

[Inspector White]

Professor Craig.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The evidence against Craig is purely circumstantial, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Not quite, Jim. I have a witness who saw him leave his house at 7 o' clock last night and head toward the shortcut to Roaring Gorgeous.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You've checked the distance, I suppose?

[Inspector White]

Sure I have. A man could cover the distance between Craig's house and the gorge in 23 minutes by walking fast.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Who's the witness you spoke about?

[Inspector White]

Lawrence Treat.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Does Craig admit he left his house at 7:00'?

[Narrator]

Clock?

[Inspector White]

No, no, he claims he left his 7:15. But he admits he walked toward the woods behind the library. Well, Jim, I'm driving Craig into headquarters. You coming along?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, Inspector, I'll join you later.

[Inspector White]

You're not convinced about Craig?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, I'd like to check a few more things here before I close my books on this case. Now let me get these facts straight, Mr. Treatment. You say you were walking past Professor Craig's house at 7 o' clock and saw him come out and head for the shortcut through Roaring gorge.

[Lawrence Treat]

That's right, Mr. Brandon.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Then you strolled up Maple Walk, leisurely noticed Miss Collier, the inspector and me in front of Science hall at 7:15.

[Dean Clapper]

Yes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

None of us remembers seeing you on Maple Walk.

[Lawrence Treat]

All of you seem to be interested in a piece of paper you are holding.

[Inspector White]

That's right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Where did you go after seeing us, Mr. Treat?

[Inspector White]

I turned back and headed for home.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Craig claims he left his house at 7:15. But since you were opposite Science hall at that time, you must have passed Craig's house 10 or 15 minutes before that. You see, the whole question of Craig's innocence or guilt hinges on that time element.

[Lawrence Treat]

I understand. If Craig didn't leave his house until 7:15, he couldn't possibly have arrived at Roaring Gorge at 7:30 when you heard the shot.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right. But the time schedule of your walk is conclusive evidence that you saw Craig leave his house at 7.

[Lawrence Treat]

Well, you say Craig admits to that little incident about sending his dog back into the house as he was leaving. Well, that proves I saw him, doesn't it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes. Otherwise I'd be inclined to believe you saw someone else come out of his house at seven o'.

[Narrator]

Clock.

[Lawrence Treat]

Oh, I'm sure it was Professor Craig. Mr. Brandon.

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[Lawrence Treat]

I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor.

[Inspector White]

Hey, good morning.

[Lawrence Treat]

Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most.

[Inspector White]

Yep, they sure are.

[Lawrence Treat]

We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs, all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down.

[Inspector White]

It's all right.

[Lawrence Treat]

We're sorry. Far up here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Look at me.

[Inspector White]

Take a deep breath.

[Lawrence Treat]

I'm good. So good.

[Advertiser]

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[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

and see how much you could save.

[Advertiser]

It feels good.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

To Geico. Well, the inspector said the case was solved. And after this little talk with you, Mr. Treat, I'm inclined to agree with him.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, what in the world do you expect to find up here in the tower at Founders Hall?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I want to get a bird's eye view of the entire campus, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

What for?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There's a strange angle to this case that. Fern, I've got it. The library cupola is the focal point and it's within 10 minutes walking distance of the gorge.

[Fern Collier]

The library cupola? What does that have to do with it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come on, Fern. I have Atwood's key. We're going to take a look at that cupola.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, the first part of your theory was right. A man could stand right here in this cupola and with the aid of binoculars, command a view of both Craig's house and the front of Science hall

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

and he'd be within 10 minutes walking distance of Roaring Gorge.

[Fern Collier]

That's right. Oh, Jim.

[Lawrence Treat]

Yes?

[Fern Collier]

Look, Mr. Treat and Dean Clapper are in a huddle down there at the side door. Do you suppose they're coming up here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fern, we've got one minute to muff this case or solve it. Here, take these old chemistry books Harkness and Ackwood used. Open them up and pretend you're taking notes. All right, Jim, tell anyone who comes into this room that Jim Brandon has found the motive for the Rockland murders and that you know what that motive is.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, where are you going?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's time for the Avenger to enter this case. Vern, listen. Someone's coming. Get to work. Now he will think you are alone for he can't see the avengers.

[Lawrence Treat]

Why, I'm Ms. Collier. What are you doing here?

[Fern Collier]

I'm doing some research work for Jim Branton, Mr. Treat.

[Lawrence Treat]

Research work? In those books, my dear?

[Fern Collier]

Why yes. You see, Mr. Branton has found the real motive for the murderers.

[Lawrence Treat]

Brandon just wouldn't give up until he found my secret, Woody.

[Fern Collier]

Your secret?

[Lawrence Treat]

Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about, Ms. Collier. I've caught you red handed.

[Fern Collier]

Mr. Treat. Put that gun away.

[Lawrence Treat]

No, I intend to silence you and Brandon with this same gun that silenced Harkness and Atwood. Where is Brandon?

[Fern Collier]

I don't know.

[Lawrence Treat]

Well, I'll find it. But I'll take care of you first. So you know the secret, do you? Well, Harkness and Atwood almost worked out the puzzle of the Forrester formula in that book too. But they didn't live to profit by

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

it and neither will you. Lawrence Treat, the Avenger is here to take care of that.

[Lawrence Treat]

The Avenger? Where is he?

[Inspector White]

My hand.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, now I have the gun, Mr. Treat.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Good work, young lady. Your aim was perfect. That heavy book hit him right on the wrist. Put your hands up and keep them up, Mr.

[Narrator]

Treat.

[Lawrence Treat]

No. I chose to play a dangerous game and I'll play it to the end. Lawrence Treat was not afraid to kill and he is not afraid to no Treat.

[Fern Collier]

Two jump. Oh. Dinner.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Gather up those books, Vernon, and take them to the car.

[Narrator]

I'll meet you there.

[Fern Collier]

Sam. Ram. Well Jim, now that you've figured out the formula, what does it mean?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's the famous Forrester formula for dye spurn. Everyone thought that old Forrester had taken it with him to the grave.

[Fern Collier]

How did Treat get it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Treat stumbled on references to it in Forrester's journals. When he was writing his memoirs, he discovered that the key to the formula could be found in one of those old chemistry books Forrester had donated to the library.

[Fern Collier]

What was the key, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Certain words and chemical formulas throughout the book were underlined in indelible pencil. But that information had to be arranged in a certain order to make sense. Treat went to work on it but discovered that both Harkness and Atwood were working on those underlined passages, too. Those two boys were exceptionally brilliant and Treat must have been afraid they beat him to the solution. So he killed the.

[Fern Collier]

But all the evidence pointed to Professor Craig, Jim. What made you keep faith with him in spite of that?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Because I knew that the person who sent that note to Atwood wore a heavy ring on the little finger of his right hand. The ring had made deep marks on the paper.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, and Professor Craig didn't wear such a ring?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, but Tree did. I noticed it the first time I met him, so I decided to concentrate on him.

[Fern Collier]

And it's a lucky thing for Professor Craig you did. Well, I guess this is one Founders Day that Rockland College would rather forget.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, don't invite me out to your alma mater for the track meet next year, Fern. I can find enough murders to solve right here in the city.

[Narrator]

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

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

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

[Narrator]

the Avenger.