The Avenger - High Tide Murders

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Avenger – High Tide Murders

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Date: March 16, 2026
Original Air Date (Drama): Golden Age of Radio
Episode Title: The Avenger – High Tide Murders
Main Cast:

• Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
• Fern Collier
• Inspector White
• Scrawny / Joplin (Villain)
• Captain Peabody
• Other minor characters

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Episode Overview

This episode presents a classic radio drama from the Golden Age, diving into a thrilling mystery with “The Avenger,” a crime-fighting biochemist with the power of telepathy and invisibility. In "High Tide Murders," Jim Brandon (The Avenger) investigates a series of mysterious deaths among jewelers, leading to a dangerous confrontation on the coast involving smugglers, secret codes, and a deadly tide-powered trap.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Mysterious Murders and the Smugglers’ Web

• [02:07] The story opens with mistrust and betrayal among a group of criminals after a jewel shipment. Scrawny ("Joplin") is revealed as a double-crosser, setting up a deadly trap for an associate.
  • Notable moment: Scrawny reveals he’s been the mastermind behind a running scheme, luring associates to their deaths:
    “Out with the tide. And you go with it, just like the others.” – Scrawny/Joplin [03:30]

2. The Avenger’s Laboratory and Scientific Tools

• [04:29] Jim Brandon (The Avenger) and his assistant Fern Collier discuss their groundbreaking inventions—particularly the telepathic indicator (reads thought flashes) and the secret diffusion capsule (renders the user invisible through a complex chemical/light process).
  • Notable quote: “The diffusion capsule knocked me for a loop every time I tried it for three years until finally I was able to hit just exactly the right formula.” – Jim Brandon [05:20]
  • Fern asks to use the invisibility tech; Jim refuses, citing the danger.

3. Psychic Impressions & Telepathic Detection

• [07:15] The telepathic indicator picks up the psychic echo of a murder—associated with water, a heavy door, and someone calling out “Scrawny.”
  • Notable quote: “It’s been proved through thousands of experiments that 85% of all psychic impressions received are relayed by those who are suffering violence.” – Jim Brandon [07:22]

4. The Investigation Begins

• [08:48] Inspector White calls in the Avenger to inspect a washed-up body at Cragmore dock, believed to be tied to the murders.
• [09:24] Discovery of a broken jeweler’s loupe on the victim points to a connection with the city’s jewelers.
  • Notable quote: “No, only a little piece of broken glass.” – Inspector White [09:21]
  • “Why, this is a piece of a jeweler’s loop. A very good one, too.” – Jim Brandon [09:27]

5. Pawn Shops and Missing Jewelers

• [11:26] Jim and Fern check all pawn/jewelry shops for missing owners. They discover most are explained, but identify three suspicious absences: Blake, Artemis, and Fenro—all previously investigated for shady jewelry dealing.
• [13:02] Jim hypothesizes that the missing jewelers were fencing smuggled goods, possibly from Europe.

6. Danger in the Jewelry Store

• [14:34] Jim identifies the final missing jeweler, Vickers, and confronts him—Vickers is defensive and pulls a gun, suggesting guilt or fear.
  • Notable exchange:
    “Put that gun away, Vickers. You’re in enough trouble already.” – Jim Brandon [15:13]
    “I’ll give you exactly five seconds to blow.” – Vickers [15:16]

7. The Avenger Goes In (Invisible)

• [15:39] Fern distracts Vickers so the Avenger can sneak into the back room.
• Scrawny (the killer) enters, confronting Vickers. Vickers is stabbed as Fern and the Avenger re-enter.

8. The Coastal Connection and Tide Charts

• [18:43] Jim and Fern visit Captain Peabody, an old sailor acquainted with local tides and waterways.
• [20:24] Captain Peabody explains the permanence and accuracy of local water channels, inspiring Jim to use tide charts to trace where bodies entered the water.
  • Notable quote: “You notice how the currents hereabouts surge into narrow channels?...those channels along this stretch of coast are as accurate and permanent as a paved road on dry land.” – Captain Peabody [20:30]

9. Fern’s Kidnapping and Narrow Escape

• [21:38] While waiting, Fern is kidnapped by Scrawny, who reveals his plan to drown her and dispose of her with the tide, just as with the other victims.
  • Notable quote: “Out with the tide. That’s the way it must be.” – Scrawny [22:34]
  • “You mean I’m going to be drowned?” – Fern [22:38]

10. Climactic Confrontation

• [24:19] The Avenger arrives, invisible, and taunts Scrawny, who fires blindly. The Avenger subdues him, saving Fern.
  • Notable exchange:
    “Here I am. Scrawny.” – Jim Brandon [24:19]
    “Where are you? I can’t see you, Avenger.” – Scrawny [24:26]
    “No, you can’t see me, Scrawny. No one can see me. But I’m here.” – Jim Brandon [24:29]

11. Resolution and Explanation

• [25:22] Jim explains to Inspector White how he solved the case with the help of Captain Peabody and the tide charts.

  • The smuggling operations used the tide and a custom-built pier with nets to retrieve floating cargo (jewels, then currency).
  • When fences became unnecessary, Scrawny killed them using a trapdoor and a bag of salt (which would dissolve in water, detaching the weight after the body had been carried out to sea).
  • Notable quote: “You can thank Captain Peabody for showing me the beginning of that narrow channel that led me to old Scrawny’s place in time to save you.” – Jim Brandon [27:35]

• [28:00] Fern, traumatized but safe, jokes: “Fine. Only let’s not have seafood.”

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Avenger’s Inventions:
  “The diffusion capsule knocked me for a loop every time I tried it for three years until finally I was able to hit just exactly the right formula.” – Jim Brandon [05:20]

• On Telepathy and Violence:
  “It’s been proved through thousands of experiments that 85% of all psychic impressions received are relayed by those who are suffering violence.” – Jim Brandon [07:22]

• On Criminal Motive:
  “No, no, I kill for gold. For gold and jewels.” – Scrawny/Joplin [23:53]

• Fern’s Humor Afterward:
  “Fine. Only let’s not have seafood.” – Fern Collier [28:00]

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Important Timestamps

• [03:30] Scrawny details his tide-based killing method.
• [04:29–07:05] Jim and Fern discuss the Avenger’s scientific tools.
• [07:15–07:53] Telepathic detection of victim’s last moments.
• [11:26–13:12] Jewelers’ disappearances and introduction of the jewel smuggling plot.
• [14:34–15:24] Confrontation with Vickers.
• [18:43–20:36] Visit to Captain Peabody and discussion of tide charts.
• [21:38–23:53] Fern’s kidnapping and the use of the deadly tide trap.
• [24:19–24:54] Showdown with invisible Avenger and Scrawny’s defeat.
• [25:22–27:56] Mystery solved and method explained.
• [28:00] Fern’s post-adventure quip.

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Tone & Style Notes

The show is true to its 1940s radio drama roots:

• Crisp, fast-paced, with clipped, suspenseful dialogue.
• Jim Brandon (The Avenger) is authoritative yet thoughtful, scientific, logical, and compassionate.
• Fern Collier is witty, brave, and smart, often prompting exposition and humor.
• Inspector White is the stereotypical skeptical cop—gruff but competent.
• Scrawny/Joplin is menacing, greedy, with chilling lines about his deadly ingenuity.
• Atmospheric sound design, plot twists, and classic “whodunnit” storytelling.

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Summary

The Avenger – High Tide Murders offers a taut, classic radio mystery featuring inventive crime-solving driven by science and psychology. The episode cleverly blends supernatural elements (telepathy, invisibility) with hardboiled detective tropes (murders, smuggling, double-crosses), bringing suspense to a satisfying conclusion. Fans of Golden Age radio will relish the tight plotting, dramatic confrontations, and timeless rapport between the Avenger and his loyal assistant Fern.

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Transcript

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[Inspector White]

The Avenger.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

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

[Inspector White]

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 high tide murders.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Oh, it's you, Senro.

[Inspector White]

Yes, Gruny, it's me. Are we expecting the cops?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

No, no. Come on in. Mighty glad you came, Denros. Did you follow my instructions?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Sure.

[Inspector White]

Nobody knows I'm here. You don't think I'm fool enough to let anybody know I'm mixed up with you, do you?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

No, no, Fenro. There's no cause for you.

[Inspector White]

Shut up, scrawny.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Guns? What are you pulling a gun on me for, Fenro?

[Inspector White]

Because I don't trust you, Scrawny. Not even when I can see you.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Well, I've always been fair to you. Then row I always.

[Inspector White]

Shut up. I told you I'll do the talking this time. You're a double crosser, Scrony. The worst kind of you. Get a guy in deep with you and then you double cross him. Cheat him.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

I haven't cheated you, Fenro.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Honestly.

[Inspector White]

I'm not giving you the chance to double cross me, Scrawny. I come for my share of that last shipment you got and I'm not leaving without it.

[Fern Collier]

Sure.

[Inspector White]

In fact, I want more than my share since you're holding out on the

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

other boys sure, sure, Fenro. That's why I sent for you, to give you your share. We'll be partners then, Ro. You and me.

[Inspector White]

Never mind that. Where's the stuff?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Right over there in that box. I'll get it.

[Inspector White]

There we are. I'll get it myself. If you make a move, Scrawny, I'll plug you.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

All right, all right. Help yourself, then. Scrony, help Scroy. Goodbye, then. Rob. The tide is going out. And you go with it, just like the others. Out with the tide. You were smarter than the rest of them, Penro. Only you didn't know about this trap jaw, did you? Nobody but Scrawny knows about that. Just one more victim and all the money will be mine. One more victim. I must prepare the trap for him.

[Fern Collier]

I'm hungry. I'm hungry. I want to stop working now and go to dinner.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's all right, Fern. It's all right. We'll take time out now for dinner.

[Fern Collier]

I've been waiting for you to say that.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I know you have. The telepathic indicator caught your thought flashes. I didn't realize how late it was.

[Fern Collier]

That indicator is working so well lately. I have absolutely no privacy.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, we're getting wonderful results, Vern. Of course, a lot of the flashes I pick up are unimportant. But do you realize that our experiments in thought projection and transmission have gone far beyond those of Edison and Creel?

[Fern Collier]

I know, Jim. Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Vern?

[Fern Collier]

Jim, let me try the diffusion capsule. I've been reading up on all those experiments you made with black light, and

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I. Fern, you must put that idea out of your mind. I told you before that it would be impossible. It's a very dangerous process.

[Fern Collier]

I know it's terribly dangerous, Jim, but I'm not afraid.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, and that's final, young lady. Why, the diffusion capsule knocked me for a loop every time I tried it for three years until finally I was able to hit just exactly the right formula.

[Fern Collier]

But, Jim, now that you have the right formula.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fern, you don't understand. That formula will only work on the individual who tested it every step of the way. On himself.

[Fern Collier]

But, Jim, think how much more valuable I'd be as your assistant if I could become invisible as you do.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Perhaps. But it isn't possible, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Why?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Let me explain. The diffusion capsule is a combination of two experiments. Two processes. First, it's a question of harnessing the light rays that are normally invisible to the human eye and concentrating them in tiny capsules to be released at will. After I'd spent years perfecting that formula, I Had to set about finding a serum that I could inject into my system that would affect the pigment cells in such a way that when these concentrated rays were released around me, they dissolve both color and dimension and render me invisible.

[Fern Collier]

Then it's the injections that are so dangerous.

[Inspector White]

Yes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

For one whole year, I was able to stand them only in very small doses. And then gradually, after several years, my system absorbed enough of the serum to camouflage me completely when the concentrated light rays fell upon me. But if I hadn't been in exceptional physical condition, Fern, the whole experiment would have been hopeless.

[Fern Collier]

Well, perhaps you're right, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And besides, you're much too attractive to want to become invisible, even for short intervals. Oh, Fern, now, you do understand, don't you?

[Fern Collier]

Of course, Jim. Let's forget it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I couldn't manage without you. You know that. Why, you've come every step of the way with me on the telepathic indicator. I simply couldn't have perfected it without you.

[Fern Collier]

Thanks, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, if you'll put those test tubes away, I'll turn off the indicator and we'll go out for something to eat.

[Fern Collier]

Right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Burn.

[Fern Collier]

What is it, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

A man's just been killed.

[Fern Collier]

Jim. The indicator.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, I caught a distinct telepathic message.

[Fern Collier]

How can you be sure someone was killed?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Because the message came in so. It's been proved through thousands of experiments that 85% of all psychic impressions received are relayed by those who are suffering violence.

[Fern Collier]

What was the message, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's strange. I've had three messages like this in the last two weeks. All on the same thought wavelength. Only this last one was stronger than the other two. The sounds were all the same, though.

[Fern Collier]

What kind of sounds, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Lapping water and wind mostly. And then the sudden sound of a heavy door opening and a splash.

[Fern Collier]

Do you mean like someone falling in the water?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes. Only this time I also received the impression of a man's voice. A man's voice screaming out a name.

[Fern Collier]

What name, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Something that sounded like. Like scrawny.

[Fern Collier]

Scrawny? What do you suppose that could mean?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't know yet. Oh. Will you answer the phone, Fern?

[Fern Collier]

Yeah.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't want to leave the indicator. Maybe I'll pick up something else.

[Fern Collier]

Hello? Yes, he's here. Inspector White?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Yes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Where?

[Fern Collier]

At the Cragmore dock. Yes, I'm sure he will. I'll tell him. Thank you, Inspector. That was Inspector White, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What did he want?

[Fern Collier]

The body of a man's been washed ashore at Cragmore.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What?

[Fern Collier]

He wants you to come down and make some special Tests? The inspector thinks it's murder.

[Inspector White]

That you, Brandon?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Inspector. Coming, Fern?

[Fern Collier]

No, I'll wait here at the car, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right. Well, Inspector, find any clues?

[Inspector White]

Very few. The doc says the body's been in the water about two weeks. I want you to check on that.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No identification?

[Inspector White]

Not a thing. Well, flash that light over here, Joe. Well, what do you think, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

At first glance, I'd say two weeks is about right.

[Inspector White]

We can't tell much from his clothes. There was no jewelry, which might mean the motive was robbery.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yeah, it might. Find anything at all in his pockets?

[Inspector White]

No, only a little piece of broken glass.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You mind letting me see it?

[Inspector White]

Here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Why, this is a piece of a jeweler's loop. A very good one, too.

[Inspector White]

This man must be a stranger around here. He doesn't fit any of our descriptions for missing persons.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Inspector, do you think you could keep this out of the papers for a few days?

[Inspector White]

No, I can't keep it out of the papers, Brandon, and I don't see why I should try.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, you're in the driver's seat, of course, Inspector, but if I had a day or two.

[Inspector White]

Well, Brandon, all I want from you in this case is a complete chemical analysis report. The same kind of checkup you did in the Reardon case.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Okay. I'll come to headquarters later. But you shouldn't let my simple inquiries affect your blood pressure like that, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Well, every time you see a body, you pop up with a lot of unconventional theory.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, murder is hardly ever conventional in.

[Inspector White]

No monkey business on this case, Brandon. That chemical report is all I want from you.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You'll get it.

[Inspector White]

In the meantime, I'll have an impression made of his teeth and go over every inch of his clothes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Right. I think we'll have to work fast on this, Inspector.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

We.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, all right, you. I'll see you later. So long.

[Inspector White]

Remember what I said, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

What's the matter, Jim? The inspector sounds mad.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, just the usual routine. He's afraid I'll steal his thunder.

[Fern Collier]

Well, were you able to find out anything?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I think so, Fearne. I'd be willing to bet anything it was that man's dying message I picked up about two weeks ago.

[Fern Collier]

Do the police have any idea who he was?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Not yet, but I'm pretty certain he was a jeweler. If he was, then the other two thought impressions I received may have been from jewelers, too.

[Fern Collier]

If your hunch is right, Jim, three jewelers would be missing in the city right now.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Right. Let's get back into town and start investigating tonight. Oh, well, I Guess it is pretty late, isn't it?

[Fern Collier]

And I'm still hungry. Remember, we never did get our dinner.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Okay, but first thing in the morning, Fern, we're going. Calling the pawn shops first.

[Fern Collier]

Been waiting long, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

About 10 minutes. Sit down, Fern.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Thanks.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, golly. I didn't know there were so many jewelry stores in the whole world. I'm tuckered out and hungry.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

No doubt.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I ordered for you. Oh, waiter. Oh, waiter. You can bring our food now.

[Inspector White]

Right away, sir.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, how did you make out with your list, Bern?

[Fern Collier]

Well, out of all the shops I covered, there was only one owner missing. He's been out of town for a week.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Did you get his name?

[Fern Collier]

Yes, it's.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Don't tell me. See if I can guess. Was it Artemis?

[Fern Collier]

Yes. How did you know?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'll tell you later. I want to give you my report first.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I'm trying to be patient, but my curiosity is killing me.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, at first I found out that a pawnbroker by the name of Blake has been out of town for two weeks.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, do you think he could be the one whose body was washed ashore last night?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I think there's a very good chance that was Blake. I called Inspector White and he's going to check him.

[Fern Collier]

But what about the third? You said there'd be three men.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, and there are a third jeweler by the name of Fenro left town on business yesterday morning.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, how can we be certain these are the three men we're looking for?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, after I checked all the stores on my list, I happen to remember an article that appeared in the newspapers about six months ago concerning a corner in the diamond market. At that time, an investigation had been demanded by the Municipal Jewelers association, who were outraged at the possibility of any shady dealings within their trade. I went to the library and checked

[Fern Collier]

back on that article and found the names of our suspects.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, I got those through a muckraking reporter I know. He tipped me off. The funeral. Blake, Artemis and a man by the name of Vickers were thoroughly investigated at that time because they were suspected of selling odd pieces of jewelry at unusually low prices.

[Fern Collier]

How were they able to do that?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, my guess is that the jewels were smuggled and they were fencing them.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, but wouldn't the police know that?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That would be pretty hard to check, Fern, especially if the goods came from Europe.

[Fern Collier]

All right, Jim, Suppose all your suspicions turn out to be facts. There's still one other thing. If three jewelers are missing, why haven't their families reported it to the police?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Because they're not Considered missing. To all intents and purposes, they're just away on business.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I see. Well, what do we do now?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We start searching for the missing piece in the puzzle.

[Fern Collier]

The missing piece?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, the fourth jeweler by the name of Vickers. We've got to find out whether he's also known as Scrawny for. If he isn't, he's next on the list for murder.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, does that shop belong to Vickers? I was in there this morning.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I know. That's why I think it'd be better for me to go in alone this time. Wait for me just beyond the shop there, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

All right, but don't be wrong. I'm nervous.

[Inspector White]

What can I do for you, sir?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Do you mind if I look around a little?

[Inspector White]

Yes, I do mind. What do you want?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm looking for the Berkeley necklace, but I thought you might have it. I tried all your partners places, but they didn't seem.

[Inspector White]

What are you talking about? I have no partners.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, I understood Artemis, Blake and Fenro.

[Inspector White]

Get out of here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's no way to treat a customer, Mr. Vickers.

[Inspector White]

Get out, I say, or I'll call the police.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't think you will.

[Inspector White]

Get out.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Put that gun away, Vickers. You're in enough trouble already.

[Inspector White]

I'll give you exactly five seconds to blow.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, you win.

[Fern Collier]

What happened, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I think he's our man, Fern. He pulled a gun on me. But we've got to get some evidence.

[Fern Collier]

How?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You go in the store and pretend you want to buy something. Keep him occupied for a few minutes.

[Fern Collier]

I'll do my best. What do you plan to do, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Examine it safe. It must be in the back room. It's not in the store.

[Fern Collier]

Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Vern? It's time for the Avenger to take over.

[Inspector White]

I thought I told you to get out. Where did he go?

[Fern Collier]

Where did who go?

[Inspector White]

That man with you.

[Fern Collier]

There's no one with me.

[Inspector White]

I was sure I saw him come in the door and then he disappeared.

[Fern Collier]

Well, there's no one here. Maybe the sunlight blinded you for a moment as I opened the door.

[Inspector White]

I don't know. I was sure I must be seeing things.

[Fern Collier]

I came in to look at that gold pin you have in the window. The one with the topaz in the center. Would you show it to me, please?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Yes, I'll get it.

[Fern Collier]

The one on the right. That's it. My, it's lovely. How much is it?

[Inspector White]

$40.

[Fern Collier]

40? Oh, I'm afraid that's too expensive.

[Inspector White]

I have a smaller one. It's in the back room. I'll get it.

[Fern Collier]

No, no, never mind. This is the exact size I'm looking for. Perhaps I can.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, Fern, I've finished. Come on.

[Inspector White]

What did you say?

[Fern Collier]

Oh, the pin. Well, I hadn't planned on anything so expensive.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Busy. Vickers,

[Inspector White]

what are you doing here?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Stow that, Vickers. I've got business with you. Get rid of that curtain.

[Fern Collier]

Sorry, I can't take the pin. Thanks for your trouble. Did you find anything, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Plenty.

[Fern Collier]

Who was that man who came out of the back room?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What man? There was no one back there.

[Fern Collier]

Well, the man came through the back way shortly after you did. Vickers was terrified of him.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fern, we've got to go back there. Vickers may be in danger of his life. Come on. Oh, the door's locked. Stand back, Fern. Yeah, I'll have to break it down.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, look on the floor. It's Vickers.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Vickers. Vickers, quick. Who did it? Who stabbed you, Vickers? Scrawny. Are you really buying a car online

[Fern Collier]

on Autotrader right now? Really? I can get super specific with dealer

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

listings and see cars based on my budget.

[Fern Collier]

You can really have it delivered or pick it up. I think kid is walking up the slide.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Really? Autotrader, Buy your car online?

[Fern Collier]

Really?

[Narrator/Announcer]

This episode is brought to you by Spreaker, the platform responsible for a rapidly spreading condition known as podcast brain. Symptoms include buying microphones you don't need, explaining RSS feeds to confused relatives and saying things like, sorry, I can't talk right now. I'm editing audio. If this sounds familiar, you're probably already a podcaster. The good news is Spreaker makes the whole process simple. You record your show, upload it once, and Spreaker distributes it everywhere. People listen. Apple podcasts, Spotify, and about a dozen apps your cousin swears are the next big thing. Even better, Spreaker helps you monetize your show with ads, meaning your podcast might someday pay for. Well, more microphones. Start your show [e-mail] spreaker because if you're going to talk to yourself for an hour, you might as well publish it.

[Fern Collier]

What part of the beach does this road lead to, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

A place called Peabody's Cove.

[Fern Collier]

Never heard of it. Who's Peabody?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Captain Peabody is an old sailor. His family has owned this stretch of beach for generations. The captain makes his living renting fishing doors.

[Fern Collier]

But why are we going to see him?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, Captain Peabody knows everyone along the coast for miles. I want to try to give a line on that man you saw in Vickers pawn shop. You said he gave you the impression of being a seafaring Man.

[Fern Collier]

Well, it was only a vague impression, Jim. Yeah, his face was weather beaten and used the term stow. That not much to go on, really.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yeah, and there was one other thing. Vickers was killed with a knife. A fisherman's knife. Ah, there. There's Peabody's place.

[Fern Collier]

Now, look at all those bones. Aren't they beautiful?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

All right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come on, Fern. Ah, there's Peabody on the dock. Hello there, Captain. Hello.

[Inspector White]

Well, if it isn't Jim Brandon. How be you, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm fine, Captain. This is my assistant, Fern Collier.

[Fern Collier]

Hello, Captain.

[Inspector White]

Pleased to meet you, Miss.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, Captain, what's your theory about those two bodies that were washed up on the coast?

[Inspector White]

Say, that's something, ain't it? Two of them within a week. I noticed with the papers that you were helping on the case.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right, Captain. Does the name Scrawny mean anything to you?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Scrawny?

[Inspector White]

Nope, never heard that name. Has it got something to do with the case?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Maybe. But all we're certain of in this case is how long the bodies were in the water.

[Inspector White]

What you want to know is where they come from, eh?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's what I'm working on, Captain.

[Inspector White]

Well, son, you ought to be able to figure that out. Pretty accurate according to the tides.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

How do you mean?

[Inspector White]

You take a look at this here map, Jim. You know what it is?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, it's a tide chart, isn't it?

[Inspector White]

Right. You notice how the currents hereabouts surge into narrow channels?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Yeah.

[Inspector White]

Well, those channels along this stretch of coast are as accurate and permanent as a paved road on dry land.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You mean that if you know exactly where something landed on the shore and how long it was in the water, you can figure where it started from? According to the channel? Yep.

[Inspector White]

When I was a little shaver, me and my brother used to send messages in bottles through these channels to kids 10 miles down the coast.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Captain, you've hit on something. I'd like to try a little experiment, if you'll help.

[Inspector White]

Why, sure, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, rig up your best dory and bring along those tide charts. You and I are going on a little boat ride.

[Inspector White]

Right away, Jim. I'll have everything set in five minutes.

[Fern Collier]

Do I come too, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, you'd better stay here, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

How long do you think you'll be gone?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

An hour or two.

[Fern Collier]

Well, I'll take a little drive up the coast to kill Tom.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Okay, but be careful.

[Fern Collier]

Good luck, Jim.

[Inspector White]

You ready, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yeah, I'm coming, Captain. I'll see you later, Fern. Don't drive too far.

[Fern Collier]

I won't.

[Inspector White]

Bye.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

That's a gun in your back, lady.

[Fern Collier]

Who are you?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Start driving north.

[Fern Collier]

No, I won't. I.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Start driving, I said, or I'll let you have it.

[Fern Collier]

What? You. You're the man I saw in Vickers shop. You murdered vicar.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

You know too much for your own good. Drive faster.

[Fern Collier]

You're scrawny.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

That's right. But you're the only living person who knows it. And you ain't going to be living long. Drive faster. I said faster. Well, young lady, you haven't much longer to wait.

[Fern Collier]

Now, if you're going to kill me, why don't you do it and get it over with? Why do you keep me tied up here?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

We have to wait for the tide.

[Fern Collier]

What does that to do with it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Everything.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Out with the tide. That's the way it must be.

[Fern Collier]

You mean I'm going to be drowned?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Of course. I thought you knew that. You seem to know so much.

[Fern Collier]

I'm not the only one who knows that. The sounds. Someone else knows about them. The lapping of the water, that creaking door, the spring of a trapdoor.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

That no one could know of them but you. Everyone else who ever came here is dead.

[Fern Collier]

You police will find you out there.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

That's enough of that. I know you're bluffing.

[Fern Collier]

How much longer you want?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Half an hour yet. Exactly half an hour.

[Fern Collier]

What are you doing?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

It's almost time. I'm checking everything so you won't be in any trouble.

[Fern Collier]

You won't get away with it. He won't.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Who's to stop me? Look, as you drop through this trap door, this bag of salt will hook onto you and weigh you down. Then the tide carries your body out to sea. And later, when you're found, you'll be many miles from here.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, your man. I believe you killed for the sheer joy of it.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

No, no, I kill for gold. For gold and jewels. But now I. I must untie. Another minute, the tide goes out. Ready? You must be ready. Now. Hold your wrists still. Oh, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, I'm afraid.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

There. Now stand up. What was that noise? Who's there?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Here I am. Scrawny.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

It's the Avenger who thinketh the Avenger.

[Fern Collier]

Where?

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Where are you? I can't see you, Avenger.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, you can't see me, Scrooge. No one can see me. But I'm here.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

Where? Where are you?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Over here, behind these salt banks.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

I'll get you. I'll shoot you. Not there.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Over here. In the corner.

[Scrawny (Joplin)]

I'll find you.

[Inspector White]

I'll kill you.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, jeez, how awful.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Are you all right, Fern? Yes, Wait for me in the car outside, Fern. I'll just have a look around here. The police will want some evidence.

[Fern Collier]

Well, this place is certainly reeking with it. Don't be long, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I thought I'd better call in this completed report, inspector, to save time. Yes, I guess that just about cleans up the case. Oh, by the way, inspector, congratulations. That was a good picture of you in this morning's Herald. Oh, now, now, don't get mad, Inspector. No offense. No offense. Okay, okay. See you on the next case. Goodbye.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, was Inspector White completely satisfied?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

He wouldn't admit it, Fern, but he was. A police boat just picked up Scrawny's body in the exact place I pointed out on the TIE chart. Oh, by the way, Scrawny's real name was Joplin. Scrawny was the code name the smugglers and fences used for.

[Fern Collier]

I still don't understand how you knew exactly where they'd find him.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Look, it's all here on these channel maps Captain Peabody gave me.

[Fern Collier]

Let me see.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yeah. Now, here's the way the smugglers worked as sailors dumped the smuggled cargo overboard right here at the beginning of this narrow channel just as the tide was going in. The channel ends here under this long pier old Scrawny had built along the coast. He had nets stretched along the entire length of the channel under the pier. And when the tide came in, they caught the cargo. Then old Scrawny, all he had to do was haul in the nets and distribute the cargo among his fences. Just as simple as that.

[Fern Collier]

But then why should Scrawny want to kill the men who fenced the jewels for it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

He didn't, as long as the smuggled cargo was jewels. But the last two shipments were currency, enormous sums of it, in sealed, waterproof bags.

[Fern Collier]

So he didn't need the fences.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yeah, that's right. But evidently the fences demanded their share of the shipment. So Scrawny decided to get rid of them. He sent for each one separately on the pretext of sharing the loot with him. Vickers was the only one who wouldn't go, so Scrawny had to come to him. Each of the others, well, you saw the little trap he set for them.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, I thought, but I was too frightened to understand how it worked.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, those salt bags were rigged up to hook onto the victim automatically as he fell through the trapdoor. This was always done just as the tide was going out, so the victim was immediately carried out to sea.

[Fern Collier]

But where did the salt go?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

After a time, it dissolved in the water and the bags fell apart because they were made of semi perishable cloth.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, it's horrible. And to think that I am now.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You mustn't think about it anymore, Fern. The case is quite closed. But you can thank Captain Peabody for showing me the beginning of that narrow channel that led me to old Scrawny's place in time to save you.

[Fern Collier]

I'm going to buy Captain Peabody a nice present.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, he'd like that. He said you were right, Birdie.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, you.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You know, the minute I got to Scrawny's place, I knew the trail was ended.

[Fern Collier]

How, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I recognized the sounds. They were exactly like the impressions I received on the telepathic indicator.

[Fern Collier]

I'm glad it's over.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And so am I, Fern. Well, what about some dinner?

[Fern Collier]

Fine. Only let's not have seafood.

[Inspector White]

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 of thought. A thought. Remember. Listen for another adventure of

[Inspector White]

the Avenger.