The Avenger - Keys To the City

Summary

Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode: The Avenger – Keys To the City

Air date: March 16, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This classic “Avenger” radio drama is a detective thriller centered on a string of suspicious robberies and a politically tinged murder in Metropolis. Jim Brandon, aka The Avenger—a biochemist equipped with inventive gadgets and aided by his sidekick Fern Collier—must solve a series of thefts coinciding with a new mayor’s campaign and a city-wide visiting lecturer, Roscoe Marbury, before the city's administration collapses under scandal.

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Key Discussion Points & Unfolding of Events

The Avenger’s Background & Setup (01:58–02:28)

• Jim Brandon: The Avenger, a scientist turned invisible-crime fighter with gadgets.
• Fern Collier, his assistant, shares his secrets.

Political Tension at City Hall (02:44–04:57)

• Mayor Grenshaw feels under siege post-election, discussing pressure from District Attorney Michael Zane.
• Cyrus Lloyd, trusted secretary, prepares to leave for vacation, which concerns the mayor given the contentious political environment.
• Notable quote (Mayor Grenshaw, 03:17):

  “If I went away for a rest, my enemies would probably maneuver me out of office before I got back.”

Ceremony and the Honored Guest (04:57–05:27)

• The mayor presents the ceremonial “keys to the city” to explorer/lecturer Roscoe Marbury.
• Marbury begins citywide lectures on art and culture.

The First Robbery: Public Library (06:03–08:17)

• A minor explosion at the library leads to the theft of rare books.
• The custodian is suspected due to exclusive access—but Brandon notes the bomb may be a cover-up, planting early doubt about the custodian’s guilt.

The Museum Heist & New Suspicions (10:45–11:36)

• Another explosion, this time at the museum vault: three prized paintings stolen.
• Brandon’s analysis shows the vault was blown from inside, indicating inside knowledge and further suggesting the thefts are professional jobs, not amateur attempts.
• Political overtones rise as Mayor Grenshaw accuses his opposition of trying to embarrass his administration.

Murder of Cyrus Lloyd (13:14–18:32)

• Brandon and Fern travel to question Lloyd, suspecting possible insider knowledge.
• As they speak to Lloyd, he is fatally shot from a distance—evidence points to a professional with a long-range rifle.
• Brandon, Fern, and an inspector are arrested as suspects but later released after police clear up the misunderstanding.
• Notable moment (Jim Brandon, 17:48):

  “He was shot in the back before he fell into the water.”

The Political Web Tightens (19:15–20:44)

• The group deduces the murder shot came from a thousand yards—a key detail indicating a marksman, probably Marbury, whose past as a big-game hunter was public knowledge.

Investigating the Keys (22:16–24:44)

• Brandon interviews the mayor to view the real set of city keys—discovering all are labeled and accessible to Lloyd.
• Marbury arrives to request a replacement set of ceremonial keys, claiming to have lost the originals, and notes he was with District Attorney Zane when he noticed them missing.

The Avenger Outsmarts the DA (25:06–27:00)

• Brandon, as The Avenger, confronts DA Zane, finding keys planted in Zane's pocket—a setup by the real culprit, Marbury, to shift suspicion.

Trapping the Criminal (27:19–28:24)

• Brandon and Inspector White stake out the City Hall vault overnight, waiting for the thief.
• The culprit is revealed: Roscoe Marbury is caught red-handed inside the vault.

Unraveling the Plot (30:03–31:44)

• The vital clues:
  • Gilded tin found in the museum lock indicated the use of the "keys to the city."
  • Lloyd facilitated Marbury’s access by giving him real keys (not just ceremonial ones).
  • Marbury shot Lloyd out of panic when Lloyd threatened to expose the scheme.
  • Marbury, to divert suspicion, planted the keys on DA Zane.
  • The true target of the vault break-in: records tying Marbury to a crime 20 years prior.
• Memorable exchange (Fern Collier, 30:33):

  "Well, I know the first clue that led you to suspect Marbury was that small piece of gilding you discovered under the microscope when you examined the museum vault lock."

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Mayor Grenshaw fearing for his job and suspecting political sabotage (03:17, 11:57):

  “If I went away for a rest, my enemies would probably maneuver me out of office before I got back.”

• Brandon’s early doubt about the custodian’s guilt (07:07):

  “Since the library was open at the time the explosion occurred...some of the librarians...must have come up here...the thief was gone by that time.”

• The Avenger’s gadgetry explained (01:58):

  "Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has perfected several inventions to aid him in his crusade...the highly secret diffusion capsule which cloaks him in the black light of invisibility."

• Marbury’s dramatic unmasking (28:21–28:24):

  Inspector White: “Okay, Marbury, your next lecture is scheduled for the jury. Come on.”

• On finding the crucial clue (30:33):

  Fern Collier: “Well, I know the first clue that led you to suspect Marbury was that small piece of gilding you discovered under the microscope…”

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Key Timestamps

• 01:58 – Avenger’s origin and technology set up
• 04:57 – Marbury receives "keys to the city"
• 06:03, 10:45 – Library and museum robberies; escalation of case
• 13:14 – Jim Brandon and Fern visit Lloyd at Oakview; Lloyd is murdered
• 17:48–18:01 – Aftermath of Lloyd’s shooting and attempt to revive him
• 22:16–24:44 – City keys examined; Marbury’s suspicious request for new set
• 27:19–28:24 – Staking out City Hall vault; dramatic capture of Marbury
• 30:03–31:44 – Case explained; clues and connections laid bare

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Conclusion

This “Avenger” episode immerses listeners in a Golden Age detective whodunit, blending political intrigue, high-stakes thefts, and murder. The suspense unfolds methodically, with clever forensic sleuthing and a twist ending as the visiting lecturer, Marbury, is revealed as both a murderer and a cunning criminal. The Avenger’s combination of science, observation, and intuition prevails, restoring order and vindicating the wrongly accused.

Fans of classic radio drama will enjoy the episode’s layered plot, period tone, and archetypal characters, making this a gripping listen for both nostalgia and intrigue.

Transcript

[Narrator]

From New York Times best selling author, James Rollins comes a gripping standalone thriller framed for murder and on the run. A group of students must decode an ancient diary that promises immortality. Trust no one. Available now.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

The Avenger.

[Jim Brandon]

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

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

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.

[Inspector White]

And now,

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

the Avenger and the keys to the city.

[Lloyd]

Mayor Grinshaw.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Yes, what is it, Lloyd?

[Lloyd]

There are a few details I'd like to clear up with you before I leave. Can you spare me a minute now?

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Of course, Loyne.

[Lloyd]

Well, here. This is a daily schedule I made for you covering all your appointments while I'm on vacation.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Fine, Lloyd, fine. Frankly, I don't know how I'm going to get along without you for two weeks.

[Lloyd]

Well, if you'd rather I didn't go, Mayor. Grand show.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Oh, no, you burned the rest, Lloyd. I want you to take it.

[Lloyd]

That's too bad that you can't come along, Mayor. After that bitter political campaign you've just been through, you probably need a vacation

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

more than I do.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

If I went away for arrest, my enemies would probably maneuver me out of office before I got back.

[Lloyd]

They certainly don't let up on you for a minute, do they?

[Mayor Grenshaw]

No. That young district attorney Michael Zane is a fighter. He'll never forgive me for being elected.

[Lloyd]

Well, Zane and the ex mayor were great pals. They worked hand in glove and everything. So naturally Zane wanted to see him re elected.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

How long have you been weathering the political storms here at City hall, Lloyd?

[Lloyd]

Oh, 15 years, Mayor Grenshaw.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

15 years. Remind me to give you a medal when you get back. Now let me see what's on today's schedule?

[Lloyd]

Oh, plenty. Your new cultural movement gets underway today.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Oh, that.

[Lloyd]

At noon you give the keys to the city to Roscoe Marbury, the explorer and lecturer.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Oh, yes, well, the voters can't say that I'm not living up to my campaign promises. I promised them culturing and I'm delivering it promptly.

[Lloyd]

Keys are on the top drawer of your desk and here's the speech echoes with them.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Thank you, Lord. Now you better run along or you'll miss your train. Good fishing. And bring me back one of those famous Oak View trout. And so, Mr. Marbury, it is with great pleasure that I present to you the keys to our city. Even though they are but token keys, they will unlock the hearts and minds of our good citizens. I feel confident that you will find our city a most fertile field for the great cultural growth to which your whole life has been dedicated.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Thank you, your honor. I accept these keys with great pride because I know they represent the great esteem with which your citizens regard a humble spokesman of the arts. I will begin my series of lectures this afternoon. I hope I may look forward to seeing all of you then. Thank you very much.

[Fern Collier]

Gosh, Jim, that Roscoe Marbury is certainly a fascinating person.

[Jim Brandon]

Yes, he is. His first lecture was a great success, Fernando. He held that audience spellbound from 2 o' clock to 4.

[Fern Collier]

He made me want to visit all those glamorous places he told about. It must be wonderful to travel all the time.

[Jim Brandon]

Well, it's not as wonderful as it sounds. Now, young lady, how about getting back to those reports we were working on before we went to the lecture?

[Fern Collier]

Right, Jim. I'll get my book.

[Jim Brandon]

Oh, I'll take it, Vernon.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Hello, Jim.

[Inspector White]

Where the blazes have you been? I've been trying to get you since 3:00'.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Clock.

[Jim Brandon]

Well, I was at a lecture. What's the trouble, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

There's been an explosion down here at the public library.

[Jim Brandon]

An explosion in the library?

[Inspector White]

Yes. Some valuable book have been stolen. Get down here as fast as you can, Jim. Well, there you are, Jim. This is the first edition room where the explosion occurred. Here.

[Jim Brandon]

Couldn't have been much of an explosion, Inspector. Everything seems to be intact.

[Inspector White]

Well, the door was blown open, Jim, that's all.

[Jim Brandon]

Now, let me get this straight, Inspector. Your theory is that someone blew the lock on that door, entered this room, selected the five most valuable books from the shelves, and made his getaway down that back stairway at the end of the hall.

[Inspector White]

That's it, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

Who had access to this room?

[Inspector White]

Only the custodian. No one else is ever permitted inside this room. He's personally responsible for all these books.

[Jim Brandon]

I see. Well, let's have a look at the door.

[Inspector White]

All right.

[Fern Collier]

Hmm.

[Jim Brandon]

Looks as if a small bomb or grenade was placed either on the doorknob or inside that lock.

[Inspector White]

That's the way I figured it, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

Since the library was open at the time the explosion occurred, some of the librarians from downstairs must have come up here immediately upon hearing the sound.

[Inspector White]

Yes, three of them came on the run. But the thief was gone by that time.

[Jim Brandon]

All of which would seem to add up to one conclusion.

[Inspector White]

Well, I'm glad you agree with me on that, Jim. I think the custodian is guilty.

[Jim Brandon]

It would seem so. Because if access to this room was gained by blowing open that door, only the man who knew where those books were placed on the shelves could find them and make his escape within the single minute that elapsed before the three librarians arrived on the scene.

[Inspector White]

That's how I reason it out. I think the custodian blasted this lock merely as a cover up to make it look like a common robbery.

[Jim Brandon]

The time element completely rules out the possibility of an outside job. Only a person who had access to this room could have stolen those books.

[Inspector White]

Right now, even though this evidence is all negative, Jim, it's enough to make an arrest. Come on, let's find that custodian.

[Fern Collier]

Gosh, Jim, I'd almost given you up. Marbury's already begun his lecture in the adjoining gallery.

[Jim Brandon]

Why didn't you go in, Vern? I got held up at headquarters.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, hasn't that custodian confessed yet?

[Jim Brandon]

No, and strangely enough, I'm beginning to doubt his guilt. However, since he can't furnish an alibi, we'll have to hold him for the time being. Well, shall we go in?

[Fern Collier]

We'd better, if you want to maintain our social position. Everybody with anybody is in there. The mayor, district attorney.

[Jim Brandon]

Come on, Fern.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Of course, with this great artist.

[Jim Brandon]

Technically, there are two seats near the back.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Burn only a means to an end. Now, he is a great artist, not because of his ingenuity and disrespect for conventions, but rather because of the magnificent spiritual fire that makes his expression candid. Note the richness and depth of color in those portraits and figure compositions hanging there to your left. These could never be called mere technical achievements of high order. They are neither stylized nor dated. And they never can be. The relentless hand of time can never touch me.

[Jim Brandon]

Keep your seats. Keep your seats, please. Everybody, please keep your seats. Mr. Marbury, please continue with your lecture. I'm sure there is no need for alarm. I will inform the police immediately and this matter will be investigated.

[Narrator]

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[Jim Brandon]

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[Jim Brandon]

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[Advertisement Voice]

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[Jim Brandon]

Come on.

[Inspector White]

Was anyone injured in this explosion, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

No, Inspector. It parallels that library explosion exactly.

[Inspector White]

Yeah, the lock on this vault was blown just like the other.

[Jim Brandon]

That's right.

[Inspector White]

What's missing, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

Now, you'd better hold on to your hat, inspector. Dr. Harbaugh, the curator, reports that three priceless paintings are gone. He's preparing a full description of them now.

[Inspector White]

Well, Jim, this second robbery proves we're up against professional thief. Yeah, we made a big mistake about that library custodian.

[Jim Brandon]

One thing is certain anyway, he didn't pull this job.

[Inspector White]

Any ideas, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

Yes. This vault door was blown from the inside out. That definitely establishes the fact that the explosion is a cover up and doesn't occur until after the criminal gets away. Now, this steel door tells a much straighter story than that wooden one in the library. Now, I'll take that lockdown to my laboratory and give it a good going over it.

[Inspector White]

Looks like we're in for some trouble, Jim. Here comes the mayor.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Look here, Inspector. These bombings in public buildings are beginning to look mighty suspicious.

[Inspector White]

I agree with you, Mayor Grenshaw. If you got any ideas it might help solve them.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

That's your department. But offhand, I'd say these thefts are being committed deliberately to embarrass my administration and everything it stands for.

[Inspector White]

Well, that's carrying politics pretty far, you, Honor.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

I don't think there's any limit to what the opposition will do to get me out of office. District Attorney Zane threatened he'd do it.

[Inspector White]

Ah, take it easy, Mayor Grandshaw.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

I won't take it easy. And you'd better not either if you want to keep your job. I'm giving you 48 hours to crack this case and deliver the criminal. And the bigger he is, the better I like it.

[Inspector White]

Inspector White speaking.

[Jim Brandon]

Inspector, this is District Attorney zane.

[Inspector White]

Oh, yes, Mr. Zane.

[Jim Brandon]

I hear Mayor Grenshaw is riding you pretty hard on these robberies.

[Inspector White]

Yes, that's right. I don't mind admitting I'm up to a blind alley on both of them.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I understand.

[Jim Brandon]

I want to help. If you like. I'll send several men from my office over to work with you.

[Inspector White]

Well, that's very kind of you, Mr. Zane, but right now I'm afraid I have nothing for them to do. If any leads develop, I'll certainly let you know.

[Jim Brandon]

Do that, Inspector. This is a nasty business. It's up to us to clean it up. The Mayor's proved he's utterly incompetent. Goodbye.

[Fern Collier]

According to the directions they gave us at the hotel in Opium, Jim, we turn left at the next walk in the road and the boathouses a little beyond that.

[Jim Brandon]

Well, I certainly hope we find Cyrus Lloyd fishing out here. As they said, Fernando. Otherwise we've wasted some very precious time.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, I simply can't understand why you're so eager to have a talk with Lloyd.

[Jim Brandon]

Neither could the Mayor. He flatly refused to tell me where Lloyd was. I finally got the information through one of his clerks.

[Fern Collier]

But Lloyd couldn't have had anything to do with those robberies in the city. Jim, according to the hotel manager up here, he's never been away from the hotel for more than three hours at a time since he arrived in Oakview.

[Jim Brandon]

Lloyd is on the inside of things at City hall, friend. If these robberies are in any way connected with a political feud, I believe he's the man who can tip us off.

[Fern Collier]

You think that's the motive behind these robberies, then?

[Jim Brandon]

Oh, I'm not quite sure yet. But I'm on the track of something that Lloyd may be able to explain. If he can, then this trip is really a shortcut to the solution of this case. You see, Fern, I picked up a minute but interesting piece of evidence when I examined that lock from the museum vault.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Oh.

[Jim Brandon]

Oh, there's the boathouse just ahead.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, and that lone fisherman at the end of the dock must be Lloyd.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

It is.

[Jim Brandon]

Come on, Pern.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Hello there.

[Jim Brandon]

Catching anything? Oh, look at you, Mr. Brandon.

[Inspector White]

What are you doing up here?

[Jim Brandon]

Well, I'm after some information about those bombings and thefts, Lloyd.

[Lloyd]

Information?

[Jim Brandon]

For me?

[Lloyd]

Why, I've been up here in Oakview for two days.

[Jim Brandon]

I know that, but I thought you might be able to tell me who's trying to frame whom in City Hall.

[Lloyd]

Hi. What do you mean by that? Brandon, if you're trying to insinuate that the mayor had anything to do.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

My back.

[Fern Collier]

Help Jim catch him. He's falling off the dog.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Now back to the Avenger and the keys to the city.

[Jim Brandon]

Help.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

My back.

[Fern Collier]

Help Jim catch him. He's falling off the dock.

[Jim Brandon]

I'll go in after him.

[Fern Collier]

He's over there. Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

I see him.

[Fern Collier]

Hurry, he's going down. Oh, Jim. Here comes the car. I'll get help. Stop. Stop, please.

[Jim Brandon]

What's the matter, miss?

[Fern Collier]

Oh, come over here quickly. Someone's in the water. We need help, gentlemen.

[Inspector White]

I've got some rope here in the car.

[Fern Collier]

Hurry, Ranger.

[Jim Brandon]

Come on. Where'd he fall out?

[Fern Collier]

Here, at the end of the dock. Jim. Jim, are you all right?

[Jim Brandon]

Yes, I've got him all right.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Here's a rope.

[Inspector White]

Grab onto it and I'll pull you in.

[Jim Brandon]

Okay.

[Fern Collier]

Let me help you with the rope, Ranger.

[Inspector White]

We'll pull them in alongside of the dock here. Water's shallow there.

[Fern Collier]

Yeah.

[Inspector White]

Pull hard now.

[Fern Collier]

I am.

[Jim Brandon]

There.

[Inspector White]

Oh, that does it. Now they're safe. Let's go down and help. Men. Hey, one of those. Oh, they're in bad shape, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

Is Lloyd all right?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I'm.

[Jim Brandon]

I'm afraid not, Fern.

[Inspector White]

I hear. Let me give you a hand with him. We'll put him here down the bank. Give him artificial respiration.

[Jim Brandon]

I think he's dead, Ranger. He was shot in the back before he fell into the water.

[Fern Collier]

What? That's right. We were standing here talking to him when somebody shot him.

[Inspector White]

He's dead, all right. Bullet wound in the left shoulder.

[Jim Brandon]

Well, come along, stranger.

[Inspector White]

I have to deliver you to the sheriff in Oakview.

[Jim Brandon]

Oh, just a minute. We have nothing to do with this man's death. I'm Jim Brandon. I'm connected with the police department here. Here are my credentials.

[Inspector White]

I don't care who you are. You're coming with me.

[Jim Brandon]

Listen, Ranger, let's not waste time arguing. There's a murderer on the loose around here someplace. That's right.

[Inspector White]

Come on, before I get tough about it, friend.

[Jim Brandon]

Drive back to the hotel and call Inspector White.

[Inspector White]

Oh, no, you don't. This young lady's coming along, too.

[Jim Brandon]

They're both under arrest on suspicion of murder.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, I'm getting worried. Do you suppose the inspector will come up to get us out of here? I'd hate to have to spend the night in this jail.

[Jim Brandon]

Don't worry, Fern. The inspector ought to be here any minute now. It's nearly four hours since we called him.

[Fern Collier]

Do you think there's a possibility that he's cracked this case himself and is letting us sweat it out up here in the Oakville jail?

[Jim Brandon]

Now, Fern, don't start imagining things. The inspector's too smart to play a joke that would backfire on him in the future.

[Fern Collier]

Only that stubborn sheriff would listen to reason.

[Jim Brandon]

Ah, here's the inspector now.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, thank heaven.

[Inspector White]

Well, Jim, A fine mess you got yourself into up here.

[Jim Brandon]

Never mind that now. Did you straighten things out so we can go?

[Inspector White]

The sheriff gave me the key to let you out.

[Fern Collier]

I thought you'd never get here, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Well, first I tried to get District Attorney Zane to call the sheriff up here and iron things out, but he refused to get involved. Acted like he was glad to get rid of you, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

No doubt. Come on, Inspector. That murder trail is getting colder by the minute. That's right, Inspector. Lloyd was standing there where you are when he got that shot in the back.

[Inspector White]

Well, then the shot must have come from across the leg, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

Yes, and that means the range was a thousand yards. Only a cracked shot with a telescopic lens on his gun could make an accurate shot at that distance.

[Inspector White]

Well, that ought to narrow down our list of suspects. Tell me, Jim, who knew that you were coming up here to question Lloyd?

[Jim Brandon]

Well, Inspector, it was no secret. The mayor and practically his whole office

[Fern Collier]

staff knew it, which includes a few of the DA Stooges, if you want to put any stock in rumor.

[Jim Brandon]

That's right. Oh, by the way, Fern, when you called Mr. Marbury to cancel our luncheon engagement, did you mention where we were going?

[Fern Collier]

I'm not sure, Jim. I think I did, though.

[Inspector White]

In other words, Jim, anyone even slightly interested in your activities could have found out that you were coming up here.

[Jim Brandon]

I'm afraid so. But that's not what's worrying me. Now, Inspector, do you realize that We've only about 20 hours left to track down our criminal? Otherwise, this case will wind up your career as a police inspector.

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[Mayor Grenshaw]

Come in, Brandon. Ms. Collier. Sit down, please.

[Fern Collier]

Thank you, your Honor.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

That was a terrible thing that happened to Lloyd. I'll miss him badly.

[Jim Brandon]

Mayor Grenshaw, may I come straight to the point? I want to ask you a few questions.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Of course. Fire away. Brandon.

[Jim Brandon]

How long have you known Cyrus Lloyd?

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Just since I took office. He was a party secretary here at City hall, but I'd never met him until I was elected mayor.

[Jim Brandon]

Did Lloyd have access to the city keys?

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Yes, I suppose so. The keys are kept in a small safe right over there. I suppose he knew the combination.

[Jim Brandon]

May I see the keys, Mayor Grenshaw?

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Well, that's an unusual request, Brandon.

[Jim Brandon]

I understand your reticence, Mayor, but I'd like to have a look at them. You can call it a request from the police department.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Well, all right, I'll get them.

[Fern Collier]

The mayor doesn't seem to trust you, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

He makes that rather evident, doesn't he?

[Fern Collier]

Well, frankly, I don't trust him either.

[Jim Brandon]

Quiet, here he comes.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Here are the keys, Brandon.

[Jim Brandon]

Oh, thank you. I see they're all labeled.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Oh, yes.

[Jim Brandon]

This one is for the library, this the museum, one for the Municipal center, the Citizens Swimming Pool, and this last one for the City hall vault.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Excuse me. Yes, Ms. Kirby? Who? Oh, all right, send him in. It's Marbury.

[Jim Brandon]

Marbury.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Have you finished with the keys, Brandon?

[Jim Brandon]

Oh, yes, thank you.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Put them right back in the safe. If anything should happen to these keys, I really would be in trouble.

[Fern Collier]

What's all this about the keys, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

I'll tell you later, Fearne.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Glad to see you, Marbury.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Good evening, Your Honor. Collier, Mr. Brandon. Good evening. I can only stay a moment, Mayor Grenshaw. I'm on my way to the lecture.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

The last run of the series, isn't it?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes. I'll be leaving tomorrow. I'm really sorry. You've made me most welcome here, but the purpose of this visit is to ask you a favor.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Of course.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, I seem to have misplaced the keys to the city you gave me when I arrived. Either that or they've been stolen.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Don't worry about that, Marbury.

[Jim Brandon]

They'll.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Those keys were only cardboard covered with gilded tin. Nobody would steal them.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, that's what District Attorney Zane told me. Zane? Yes, he was visiting me at my hotel when I discovered they were missing.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Think nothing of it.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, in that case, I wonder if you'd give me another set, just to

[Jim Brandon]

keep as a souvenir.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

Certainly. We've dozens of them. I'll have another set brought in right away.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, I can't Understand why you wouldn't attend Marbury's lecture tonight. His subject was no tigers in Africa.

[Jim Brandon]

And I thought, well, friend, we had more important work to do.

[Fern Collier]

What? Just standing here on the street corner waiting for the District attorney to go into his house?

[Jim Brandon]

That's right. I think we've given him time to retire. Now you wait for me here, Fernando. This shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.

[Fern Collier]

What are you going to do, Jim?

[Jim Brandon]

Turn the tables on the da? I'm going to fire some questions at him as the avenger. Zane. Zane, wake up.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

What?

[Fern Collier]

Who?

[Jim Brandon]

Who called me? Wake up, Zane.

[Lloyd]

Who's there?

[Jim Brandon]

Who woke me? Truth is on the march.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Zane.

[Jim Brandon]

Where did you get the keys to the city? I found there in your pocket.

[Lloyd]

The keys to the city?

[Jim Brandon]

Yes, Zane. The keys that open the door at the library and the vault at the museum. What sort of frame? Where's the fifth key, Zane? The key to the vault at City Hall. Where is that? I don't know what you're talking about. I have no city keys. Who dares accuse me of those crimes?

[Lloyd]

I'll turn on this light and you

[Jim Brandon]

can accuse me to my face.

[Inspector White]

There.

[Jim Brandon]

Now what?

[Lloyd]

Where are you?

[Jim Brandon]

Who spoke to me?

[Fern Collier]

Why,

[Lloyd]

there's no one here.

[Jim Brandon]

I. I must. I must have been having a nightmare. I guess I need a rest. My nerves are shot.

[Lloyd]

The keys to the city. Some dre.

[Inspector White]

Well, Jim, I think you had a sour hunch this time. It's almost 2am Nobody showing up here at City hall to rob that vault.

[Jim Brandon]

Yeah, Be patient a little longer, Inspector. Fern, why don't you go home? It's past your bedtime.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, not me. I won't be able to sleep a wink until I find out who the criminal.

[Inspector White]

Well, who are you expecting, Jim, after all?

[Jim Brandon]

Listen, someone's coming. Now remember, Inspector, wait until after he comes out of the vault and nap him. We want to find out what he's after in there.

[Inspector White]

Right.

[Jim Brandon]

He's inside the vault.

[Fern Collier]

Now, who is it?

[Jim Brandon]

You'll find out in a minute. Have you got your gun ready, Inspector? He's dangerous.

[Inspector White]

I'm all set for whatever comes. Jim, he comes out, you turn on the lights and I'll cover him.

[Fern Collier]

He's coming now.

[Jim Brandon]

Ready?

[Inspector White]

Okay. Reach you and reach high or I'll shoot.

[Fern Collier]

Why, it's Mr. Marbury.

[Jim Brandon]

And for once he's absolutely speechless.

[Inspector White]

Okay, Marbury, your next lecture is scheduled for the jury. Come on.

[Jim Brandon]

That shot fell far short of the target, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Gosh, Jim, A thousand yards at some distance, even with a telescopic lens.

[Jim Brandon]

Well, Marbury was a crack shot, and he'd had lots of experience hunting big game, as he so unwisely admitted in several of his lectures.

[Fern Collier]

I hope I have better luck with the fishing. I promised the mayor a trout.

[Jim Brandon]

Want me to bait your line?

[Fern Collier]

Yes, please, Jim.

[Jim Brandon]

All right, what do you want to know, Fern?

[Fern Collier]

Well, I know the first clue that led you to suspect Marbury was that small piece of gilding you discovered under the microscope when you examined that museum vault lock.

[Jim Brandon]

Yes, I figured that came from the keys to the city Marbury had.

[Fern Collier]

But what made you think there was a connection between Marbury and Lloyd?

[Jim Brandon]

I wasn't sure there was a connection, Fern, until Lloyd was shot. That proved he was implicated and knew too much.

[Fern Collier]

Lloyd was the one who arranged it so that Marbury was given a real set of keys.

[Jim Brandon]

That's right. However, we didn't find the piece that was missing from the puzzle until last night when we saw the papers Marbury had stolen from the City hall vault. They were the records of a crime he had committed 20 years ago. Lloyd had discovered that secret and bargained with Mary. The books and paintings in exchange for the records.

[Fern Collier]

Then Marbury shot Lloyd in panic for fear he might talk before he had a chance to get those records.

[Jim Brandon]

Right, Vern.

[Fern Collier]

But how did it happen that you found the keys to the city in District Attorney Zane's pocket?

[Jim Brandon]

Marbury planted the keys that he no longer needed on Zane. The trail was getting hot and Marbury knew it. So he went to the mayor's office to turn suspicion on Zane until he himself had a chance to get out of town. Burns, start playing your line. The mayor's trout is biting.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

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.

[Mayor Grenshaw]

A thought, A thought.

[Jim Brandon]

Remember? Listen for another adventure of the Avenger.

[Small Business Owner]

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See, banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll. This bill would cut the vital resources

[Corporate Supporter]

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[Jim Brandon]

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