The Avenger - Murder Hits the Jackpot

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Avenger – Murder Hits the Jackpot

Date: March 16, 2026
Main Theme:
A classic crime drama from the golden age of radio, “The Avenger – Murder Hits the Jackpot” follows Jim Brandon, aka The Avenger, as he unravels a layered case involving a murdered real estate man, a counterfeit nickel racket, and violent gangland enforcement through bombings and slot machines. This episode highlights the clever use of scientific investigation and undercover sleuthing to bring criminals to justice.

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Episode Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: The Murder of Max Judson

• [02:48–04:08]
  The story opens with suspense: Inspector White is being trailed, desperately tries to make a phone call, but is cornered and forced into a car by gangsters Griff Catlin and Hank.
  • Quote [03:29]:
    Griff Catlin: “Get in the car, Judson.”
    Judson is then robbed and murdered, setting off the investigation.
  • Quote [04:08]:
    Inspector White: “Well, I'm not going to beg for mercy, Griff. I won't give you the satisfaction.”

2. The First Clues and the Counterfeit Nickel

• [05:20–06:10]
  At the crime scene, Judson is found clutching a nickel—an underworld symbol of a double-crosser’s fate.
  • Quote [05:51]:
    Jim Brandon: "A nickel symbolizes the fate of a double crosser."
    Jim asks to keep it for his coin collection, noting it's a buffalo nickel from 1922—a detail that later proves central.

3. Scientific Sleuthing: The Counterfeit Racket Exposed

• [06:48–07:18] / [08:42–10:16]
  Brandon and his assistant Fern Collier conduct chemical tests on nickels gathered from local stores, suspecting counterfeiting.
  • Quote [07:15]:
    Jim Brandon: "We're going to give each one of them a chemical test, Fern."
  • Quote [08:53]:
    Jim Brandon: "Counterfeit money... I think Judson's murder can be tied up with a racket that specializes in counterfeit nickels."
    Brandon explains the counterfeiters’ cleverness—using lead, zinc, and powdered glass to mimic both the look and weight of authentic coins.
  • Quote [09:19]:
    Jim Brandon: "About one-tenth of the nickels in circulation in this neighborhood, at least, are counterfeit."
  • Quote [10:16]:
    Jim Brandon: "If a counterfeiter could supply just 1% ... he would stand to clean up several million dollars."

4. Tracking the Mastermind: Pop Walters

• [10:40–12:12]
  Jim suspects old-time counterfeiter Pop Walters, recently released from prison and now missing from a rest home. White promises to search for him.
  • Quote [11:50]:
    Jim Brandon: "Yes, and this time I don't think he's working alone."

5. Slot Machines and Gang Tactics

• [12:34–14:04]
  Griff Catlin’s gang uses slot machines in stores to distribute counterfeit nickels and enforce “protection” with bombings for noncompliance.
  • Quote [13:32]:
    Jim Brandon (as Griff): "Got a little job for you two boys."
    Multiple bombings follow, escalating the case into a full-blown gang war.
  • Quote [13:34]:
    Inspector White: "Looks like we're right in the middle of an old-time gang war."

6. Field Work: Gathering Evidence

• [16:57–18:27]
  Jim and Fern lose money playing slot machines, confirming most winnings are counterfeit.
  • Quote [18:13]:
    Jim Brandon: "Eight out of ten of those nickels we collected in the slot machine stores were counterfeit."
  • Quote [18:19]:
    Fern Collier: "It doesn’t seem possible that all those storekeepers could be crooked."
    They identify Griff Catlin as the common link—he supplies nickels directly to stores.

7. Connecting the Dots: The Toy Factory

• [19:41–21:27]
  The investigation reveals a toy factory as the front for receiving large shipments of lead and zinc despite producing only plastic toys.
  • Quote [20:53]:
    Fern Collier: "Did you see anything in there that looks suspicious?"
    Jim observes that the factory’s basement—with a truck-accessible door—is ideal for a counterfeiting operation.

8. Unmasking Pop Walters and the Final Showdown

• [22:52–28:19]
  Jim infiltrates the factory, meets Pop Walters, and confirms the operation’s scope:
  • Quote [24:25]:
    Jim Brandon: "Your eyes are okay, Pop. Those nickels you're making are better than ever."
    Walters reveals he stashed his counterfeiting plates before prison and resumed operations quickly.
    Griff catches on, but The Avenger’s invisibility and quick thinking save the day.
  • Quote [27:24]:
    Griff Catlin: "I told you somebody was in here, Griff."
  • Quote [27:30]:
    Jim Brandon: "You double crossed yourself, Griff, when you murdered Judson."
    The Avenger and Pop take Catlin into custody, awaiting Inspector White.

9. Epilogue: The Case Closed

• [29:39–31:48]
  Fern and Jim review the case’s resolution: Hank and Pop confessed, Catlin was the mastermind.
  The critical clue: Judson had a 1922 nickel—a year when the mint did not produce nickels—tipping him off to the counterfeiting racket.
  • Quote [30:53]:
    Fern Collier: “But what led you to suspect that the nickel in Judson’s hand was a counterfeit?”
  • Quote [30:58]:
    Jim Brandon: “That nickel in Judson’s hand was a 1922 nickel. Well, it just happens that the mint didn’t make any nickels that year.”
    Fern leaves to deposit the honest nickels; balance is restored.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The road to crime ends in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not pay.”
  – Jim Brandon / The Avenger, [00:25]
• “A nickel symbolizes the fate of a double crosser.”
  – Jim Brandon, [05:51]
• "Eight out of ten of those nickels we collected in the slot machine stores were counterfeit."
  – Jim Brandon, [18:13]
• "That nickel in Judson's hand was a 1922 nickel. Well, it just happens that the mint didn't make any nickels that year."
  – Jim Brandon, [30:58]
• Pop Walters’ pride in his work:
  – “Here I am turning out better nickels than the mint. Nope. Old Pop ain’t through yet. Not by a long shot.” [24:29]

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Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |--------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 02:48–04:08 | The murder of Max Judson in Keystone Meadows | | 05:20–06:10 | Judson’s body found; clue of the nickel | | 06:48–07:18 | Gathering and testing nickels for counterfeiting | | 08:42–10:16 | Jim explains the counterfeit racket | | 10:40–12:12 | Pop Walters suspected; manhunt begins | | 12:34–13:34 | Slot machines as counterfeit distribution/ gang tactics | | 16:57–18:27 | Collecting nickels from stores/ slot machines | | 19:41–21:27 | Investigating the toy factory as the operation’s front | | 22:52–28:19 | Jim confronts Pop Walters/ Catlin; Avenger triumphs | | 29:39–31:48 | Case wrap-up, the 1922 nickel revelation |

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Tone & Style

This episode maintains the suspenseful, methodical style characteristic of golden age radio mysteries:

• Professional but accessible, with occasional levity between Jim and Fern.
• Gritty depiction of underworld crime, matched by the determined, scientific approach of The Avenger and his allies.
• Dramatic confrontations and clever detective work.

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Summary Conclusion:
“The Avenger – Murder Hits the Jackpot” exemplifies the entertaining complexity of classic radio crime dramas. A seemingly simple murder unravels into a web of counterfeiting, racketeering, and mob enforcement, all exposed by sharp investigation and scientific ingenuity. With notable quotes, atmospheric encounters, and a twisty plot, it offers listeners a satisfying sample of vintage crime storytelling.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

With VRBoCare, help is always ready before,

[Griff Catlin]

during and after your stay. We've planned for the plot twist, so support is always available because a great trip starts with peace of mind.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

The Avenger.

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

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 murder hits the jackpot.

[Fern Collier]

Five cents for the next five minutes, please.

[Inspector White]

Operator. Operator, please don't cut me off.

[Fern Collier]

Five cents for the next five minutes, please.

[Inspector White]

But I'm still waiting for my party. He was busy on another wire.

[Fern Collier]

5 cents.

[Inspector White]

Operator, I can't leave this booth to get any change. Two men are trailing me.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

This is a matter of life and death. Operator.

[Inspector White]

Operator. She thinks I'm a crank. I'll just have to take a chance and get some change.

[Griff Catlin]

All right, Judson, outside Marcher.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I'll let you have it in the back right now.

[Inspector White]

Hank, I.

[Griff Catlin]

The big guy's waiting outside in his car. Go ahead, Hank. What is this?

[Inspector White]

Shut up.

[Griff Catlin]

Get in the car, Judson.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

In the back.

Hello, Judson.

[Inspector White]

Griff, tell this gorilla you sit here

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

in the back with us. Hank, Sammy will drive.

[Inspector White]

Okay.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Step on it, Sammy. Cut across that back road to Keystone Meadows. Now, what were you saying, Judson?

[Inspector White]

So you're taking me to Keystone Meadows?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yeah.

That's a nice deserted spot. I gotta keep you away from telephones, Judson.

[Inspector White]

I didn't talk to anybody, Griff.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Honestly, I didn't.

[Inspector White]

That Secret Service man was busy on another line.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I know you didn't get to him, Judson. Hank would have blasted you right through the door if you had. But you can't blame us if we don't take any more chances with you.

[Inspector White]

Well, I'm not going to beg for mercy, Griffin. I won't give you the satisfaction.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You admit you were all set to double crosses?

[Inspector White]

Yes. It was the only way out that I could see. This latest racket of yours forced my hand.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I hadn't bargained for that.

Now, who tipped you off, Judson?

Nobody.

[Inspector White]

I stumbled onto your setup in the factory today.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That's too bad. It doesn't give me any choice. It's you or me. Here's a place, Sammy.

Turn in here.

Stop over there near that clump of trees. Well, Judson, this is the end of the line for you.

[Griff Catlin]

Okay, get out, Judson.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Might as well go through his clothes, Hank. If we can make this look like robbery, so much the better.

[Griff Catlin]

Right.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Turn out the headlights, Sammy. I'll keep my flash on them.

[Griff Catlin]

He's well healed.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

All right.

[Griff Catlin]

This wallet.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Hurry it up, Hank. We haven't got all night.

[Griff Catlin]

Okay, he's clean.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

What are you waiting for then? Give it to him.

Yes, Inspector. That's Max Judson, the real estate man, all right.

[Inspector White]

Ah, did you know him, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, you might say we had a nodding acquaintance. He used to play tennis at my club. What makes you think this was a gang killing, Inspector? As far as I know, Judson was always on the level.

[Inspector White]

Well, people who live right don't often come to such a bad eng, Jim. Four bullets in the chest out in Keystone Meadows.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, but he was robbed too, don't forget that.

[Inspector White]

There's no doubt about it, Jim. This was a gang murder. Here, take a look at this. We found it in his left hand.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

A nickel.

[Inspector White]

Yeah.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, according to the best tradition of the underworld, a nickel symbolizes the fate of a double crosser.

[Inspector White]

That's it, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Mind if I keep this nickel, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

I suppose you want it for your coin collection.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That's right. It's a buffalo. 1922. I haven't got any of those.

[Inspector White]

Okay, take it. I don't suppose Judson's heirs will sue you.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Thanks, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Well, where do you think we should start on this, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, a lot of routine checking will have to be done first. Why don't you go to work on that?

[Inspector White]

What about you?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I've got a hunch that may lead us to the motive for Judson's murder.

[Inspector White]

Suppose you let me in on it.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I'll need a little time to work on it. Come around to my lab at four o'clock this afternoon, Inspector. Maybe I'll have something more definite by then.

[Fern Collier]

Here are 200 more nickels, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, good. Put them down on the table here, Fern. You didn't get them mixed up, did you?

[Fern Collier]

No. This pocket full is from the groceries. And this is from the news dealer. And, oh, these are from the druggist. And all these rolled ones from the bank.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That brings our total up to 500. Now we can go to work.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, I wish you'd tell me what we're going to do with all these nickels.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

We're going to give each One of them. A chemical test, Vern.

[Fern Collier]

A chemical test?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes. I think we'll find that a percentage of these nickels are counterfeit.

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[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Hello, Inspector. You're right on time.

[Inspector White]

Yeah, well, I hope you've had better luck than I have, Jim. I haven't been able to get anywhere on Judson's.

[Fern Collier]

Jim thinks he's found the motive for it, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

He has? Yeah. What is it, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Counterfeit money. I think Judson's murder can be tied up with a racket that specializes in counterfeit nickels.

[Inspector White]

Counterfeit nickels? Why, that couldn't be much of a racket, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Wouldn't be worth it. To the contrary, Inspector, it would be a very smart racket and a very profitable one.

[Inspector White]

Huh. How do you figure that?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, according to a little preliminary test we made this afternoon, about one tenth of the nickels in circulation in this neighborhood, at least, are counterfeit.

[Inspector White]

Well, if that's so, why haven't the banks discovered it?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Because these fake nickels are so well turned out, it's impossible to tell them from the real ones. Here, Inspector, take a look at these two nickels. One is counterfeit and one is good. Can you detect any difference?

[Inspector White]

They look exactly the same to me.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

They not only look the same, but they weigh the same.77.16 grains.

[Inspector White]

And how can you be sure they're fakes?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I've given them a chemical test. A nickel struck at a government mint contains 75% copper and 25% nickel. These counterfeits contain lead for weight, zinc for Color and powdered glass to give them a ring. That's the reason they've been able to fool everybody.

[Inspector White]

But where's the profit in it, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, about four and a half cents on each nickel. These fakes could be stamped out at a cost of about half a cent apiece.

[Inspector White]

They were put out in large enough quantities. That would add up to a sizable raggedy.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I should say so, when you realize there are $295 million worth of nickels in circulation. For instance, if a counterfeiter could supply just 1% of them, just 1% for even a short period, he would stand to clean up several million dollars. Of course, I think this racket is still localized, but unless we nip it in the bud, it won't take too long for it to expand.

[Inspector White]

Well, any idea who might be behind it?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes. That is, I think I know who made these coins. I want you to check on it for me.

[Inspector White]

With pleasure. Who is it?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

An old fellow by the name of Pop Walters. He's a chronic counterfeiter. The kind that just can't leave the business alone. And he's by far the best artist on the line. But the last I heard of Pop, he was safely tucked away in a federal penitentiary.

[Inspector White]

Well, if Walter's made these nickels, Jim, we'll find him. Give me a couple of hours on this.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Hello, Jim.

[Inspector White]

Inspector White.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, yes, inspector.

[Inspector White]

I got a line on Pop Walters, Jim. Good. It isn't so good. He was released from the federal pen eight months ago. They figured he was too old and feeble to do any more harm, so they sent him to a rest home.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Where?

[Inspector White]

Upstate. But he disappeared from the home three weeks after he arrived. I guess that means he's back in operation all right.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, and this time I don't think he's working alone. He's probably hitched up with some local gang that has the proper setup to unload the nickels. Anyway, Pop Walters wasn't a killer.

[Inspector White]

Well, I'll put some of my best men on the job right away, Jim. I'll be able to locate him.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Okay. I'll go to work on the other angle.

[Inspector White]

What other angle?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

The gang that's unloading the nickels.

[Inspector White]

Oh, all right. Well, keep in touch with me, Jim.

[Griff Catlin]

So long.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

So long, inspector.

[Griff Catlin]

You winning anything, Griff?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No. And the suckers won't take much away from this new slot machine, Hank.

[Griff Catlin]

How much does it pay off?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Only about 20%. Just enough to keep them coming.

[Griff Catlin]

I. I think you're gonna run into some trouble installing them new machines, Griff.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

What are you giving me? Our customers will take them and like them.

[Inspector White]

No.

[Griff Catlin]

We're in for some headaches, Griff. Now that Judson's gone, some of the customers that occupy store space he owned are stepping out of line.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, how?

[Griff Catlin]

Three of them had out of order signs on their slot machines today.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, what did you do about it?

[Griff Catlin]

I tore down the signs and told them to lay off, but it didn't scare him none. Judson's dead and they figured he can't be dispossessed. Now, two of them had the nerve to tell me to get the machines out of the place.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, we better go to work on this right away. Those guys are dealing with Griff Catlin now. And I guess it's about time I let him know who's boss. Tell Sammy to get the car out, Hank.

Right.

I got a little job for you two boys.

[Griff Catlin]

Okay, Sammy, it's that store on the corner. Keep close to the sidewalk and slow down.

[Inspector White]

Right here.

[Griff Catlin]

Here's a present for you, Mr. Ballard.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Okay, step on it

[Griff Catlin]

now.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That'll teach him.

[Griff Catlin]

Next stop is a tenth in Maple. Sammy, we got another package to deliver.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, there isn't much left of this store, Inspector. Were there any customers inside when the bomb was thrown?

[Inspector White]

No, no. Ballard, the proprietor, was the only casualty.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Jim, looks like we're right in the middle of an old time gang war.

[Inspector White]

We haven't been up against anything like this in years. Got any ideas, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, I think there's a definite connection between this bombing and Max Judson's murder.

[Inspector White]

Well, how do you figure that?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Judson owns several dozen corner stores in this city and this was one of them.

[Inspector White]

Protection racket, maybe?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I wouldn't be surprised. But I still can't figure out where the counterfeit nickel fits into all this.

[Inspector White]

We're up a blind alley on Pop Walters. The old fella seemed to vanish into thin air.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Keep your men working on it, Inspector. Meantime, Fern and I will get busy on a little field.

[Fern Collier]

Sam.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Sa.

Now back to the Avenger. And murder hits the jackpot.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, gosh, Jim, we lost again.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Put another nickel in, Fernando. I'll get some more change.

[Fern Collier]

All right. Oh, I don't think it's possible to win on these slot machines.

[Inspector White]

How'd you do, Fern?

[Fern Collier]

Jim, you're just wasting money on these things. So far we've put in over $10 worth of nickels in various machines and only got $2 back.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That's about the average payoff, Fern. Only the suckers expect to win. Put one more nickel in it. And then we'll move on to the next drawer.

[Fern Collier]

Okay. Oh, Jim, look. I won.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Not the jackpot, though.

[Fern Collier]

Oh. Help me gather up the nickels, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, that was a 20 nickel win, Fern. Here, put them in this pocket. I'm keeping the nickels we won separated from the ones we got in change from the storekeepers.

[Fern Collier]

I'm tired of these games, Jim. Can't we go home now?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Not yet. We have three more stores to cover. Then we'll go back to the lab and find out how many counterfeit nickels we've collected. Come on.

[Fern Collier]

Have you finished with the test, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, Vern. Eight out of ten of those nickels we collected in the slot machine stores were counterfeit.

[Fern Collier]

They're seeping into circulation through those stores then. Right, Jim, it doesn't seem possible that all those storekeepers could be crooked.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

It doesn't necessarily follow that they are, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

But if they're handing out fake nickels for change, they must be.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, there's another angle to it. Those slot machines are serviced by a fellow by the name of Griff Catlin.

[Fern Collier]

How did you find that out?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

One of the storekeepers admitted it. Griff's men deliver the nickels each morning and the storekeeper pays for them in bills.

[Fern Collier]

Well, now we're getting someplace. Old Pop Walters is probably working for Griff Catlin, who has the perfect setup for unloading the nickels.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I'm pretty sure that's how it works, but.

[Fern Collier]

Well, how did Max Judson fit into it?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Judson evidently forced his tenants to install the machines. He probably made a deal with Griff Catlin to share in the profits.

[Fern Collier]

But why should they kill him then?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Maybe Judson didn't know anything about the counterfeiting angle. At first, thought it was a straight business proposition. Then somebody made a slip and Judson got wise. He threatened to have the law on grip or maybe have the machines taken out of his stores. So Griff had him murdered.

[Fern Collier]

Well, the case is solved then. Shall I call the inspector?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Not yet. There's one piece missing in this puzzle.

[Fern Collier]

What?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Jim, I still have to find out how Griff Catlin manages to get the lead and zinc for those phony nickels.

[Fern Collier]

Well, how can we do that?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, he must have a business front of some kind so that he can buy those metals without incurring suspicion. We'll have to make a survey of the big factories and check the metal situation in each one of them. The Wells Manufacturing Company is on the level. Fern production and purchases check here at the Highland Mills. Progress Cutlery has A clean bill of health. You can check Western plateware. Off the list, Fern. Everything's in order at the Garfield plant. That novelty toy factory is the place we're looking for, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, good. I was beginning to give up. How can you be sure, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

All their toys are made of plastic. But according to the trucking report I have on them, they receive a weekly shipment of lead and zinc.

[Fern Collier]

Well, did you see anything in there that looks suspicious?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, they manufacture toys, all right, but their output is very small in comparison to the size of the factory. And it's just possible that the counterfeiters operate in the basement because there's only one door leading down there from the factory, and it was bolted from the inside.

[Fern Collier]

Well, there's a big double door there in the back.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, that's big enough to allow a good sized truck through.

[Fern Collier]

Well, what do you think we ought to do, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

It's my guess that the actual counterfeiting goes on at night when the factory's closed. We'll have to come back later this evening to verify that.

[Fern Collier]

In the meantime, how about some dinner, Jim? I didn't say anything about skipping lunch, but I'm famished.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Okay, Fern, how about a nice big steak with all the trimmings?

[Fern Collier]

Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees, but I don't really need it.

[Griff Catlin]

Inflation is killing me, but who cares? Big retailers are making record profits.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That's why we support the Durbin Marshall credit card bill.

[Fern Collier]

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

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

they need while increasing megastore profits. They deserve it, don't they?

[Narrator]

Tell Congress, stop the Durbin Marshall money grab for corporate megastores paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition.

[Public Service Announcer]

I'm caught up in the game. My attention is on every play and every whistle. But what I'm missing is a signal coming from my kidneys. That signal isn't like a ref's whistle. It's more of a silent SOS which could be warning me of an increased risk for events like heart attack or stroke. And a way I can catch that signal, A simple urine test called UACR. If you have type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about the UACR test. Detect the SOS. Visit detectthesos.com to learn more.

[Fern Collier]

Well, it looks as if your hunt was right, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, there are some lights in that basement, all right. The shutter of that one window isn't tightly closed.

[Fern Collier]

Can you see anything, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, it isn't open far enough.

[Fern Collier]

How do you plan on getting In?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, I can jimmy open that window easily enough.

[Fern Collier]

What do you want me to do, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Go up to the drugstore on the corner and wait for me. If I don't join you there in an hour, call the inspector.

[Fern Collier]

All right. Jim. Do you think this is a job for the Avenger?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I don't know yet, Vern. I'll go in there and get the lay of the land first. Now, run along. It's time I went to work. Hello, Bob.

[Griff Catlin]

Hey.

[Inspector White]

Oh, hello.

[Griff Catlin]

Say, I didn't hear you come in, young fella. Who are you?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

A friend of Griff's.

[Griff Catlin]

Oh, do I know your son?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, but I've heard a lot about you, Bob.

[Inspector White]

You have?

[Griff Catlin]

Who from?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, Griff and the boys. Judson liked you too.

[Griff Catlin]

Judson? Don't think I know him.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

He was in business with Griff.

[Griff Catlin]

Hey, come closer, son, so I can get a gander at you. My eyes ain't what they used to be.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Your eyes are okay, Pop. Those nickels you're making are better than ever. Yeah.

[Griff Catlin]

Yeah, they are, aren't they? I sure fooled them treasure guys, didn't I? So you did old Pop Walters. Is true, they said. Too old and too feeble to do any harm. Here I am turning out better nickels than the mint. Nope. Old Pop ain't through yet. Not by a long shot.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Why, you'll be engraving bills one of these days, Bob.

[Griff Catlin]

Not me. Nickels is safer. People in banks examine bills close. But nobody's suspicious of nickels.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Why, that's right. You make them, Pop and Griff will unload them, huh?

[Griff Catlin]

That's the ticket, son. We branching out already. Did you know that?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, I know I didn't.

[Griff Catlin]

Sure.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Look.

[Griff Catlin]

Look, there's $5,000 worth of nickels over there. Right over there. Ready to be tracked out to Avon City tomorrow.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, at that rate, you'll be a millionaire one of these days.

[Griff Catlin]

No, not me. When you get to be my age, many don't mean anything to you. All I want is to stay out of jail and be left alone to do my work.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

With you, it's art for art sake, huh?

[Griff Catlin]

Hey, that's that, Sen.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Nothing, Pop. Say, wouldn't it be easier to stamp out all the nickels from one plate?

[Griff Catlin]

Oh, no, no, no. That'd give them all the same date. The banks would get wise to that. No time.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, what dates do you cover?

[Griff Catlin]

My specialty is the Buffalo Nickelson. So I run most of them from 1913 to 1936.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

How did you manage to get all those plates made so soon? You've only been out of the penitentiary eight months.

[Griff Catlin]

Look, look, I'll tell you something.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yeah?

[Griff Catlin]

Listen to me close now. I had nearly all these plates buried, son. All I had to do was dig them up and go to work.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Say, that's pretty smart. Say, pop, got a 22 nickel on you?

[Griff Catlin]

No. Only had a few of those.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Uhhuh. Well, what was that noise?

[Griff Catlin]

Well, I guess that's Griff. He generally comes in around this time.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

This is a job for the Avenger.

Well, Pop, how's everything going?

[Griff Catlin]

Oh, fine, Griff, fine.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, we're going to move you over to Avon City tomorrow, Pop.

[Griff Catlin]

Avon City?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

What for?

Things are getting hot here, that's all.

[Griff Catlin]

Yeah, that's too bad.

[Inspector White]

Yeah.

[Griff Catlin]

Say, them treasury men ain't onto us already, are they?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, not yet.

[Griff Catlin]

It's good. Oh, I say, Griff. Uh huh. This young fellow's been here. He's waiting to see you.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

What young fellow?

[Griff Catlin]

Where is he? It's mighty funny. He was here a minute ago. Sitting right on that stool, talking to me.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You're a loony, Pop. There's nobody here. It's lucky for you there isn't.

[Griff Catlin]

I can't make it out.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You know I wouldn't have anybody meet me here. Nobody but you and me and some of the boys know what's going on in this place.

And the Avenger, Griff, he's in on this little secret too. The Avenger.

[Griff Catlin]

I told you somebody was in here, Griff.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You double crossed me, Pop.

[Griff Catlin]

Oh, no, Griff. I didn't let him in. I didn't let him in, honest.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You double crossed yourself, Griff, when you murdered Judson.

[Griff Catlin]

Griff, you didn't murder anybody, did you?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Where is he? I'll find that Avenger and plug him full of lead if it's the last thing I do.

You're good at that. But this isn't the night for it.

[Inspector White]

My gun.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

The Avenger knocked it out of your hand, Grif. Pick it up, Pop, and cover him. Griff Catlin is wanted for at least three murders.

[Griff Catlin]

All right. I don't hold with them that kills.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Stick up your hands, Griff. And if you make one move toward Pop, the Avenger will knock you out cold.

[Griff Catlin]

Don't you worry. I'll wing him if he tries to get away. Avenger.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Good.

We won't have long to wait. Inspector White will be here soon. He'll be glad to take Grif off your hands, Pop.

White boys will get you for this, Pop.

[Griff Catlin]

And you too, Avengers.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Save your breath, Grif. When the Judge Gets through with you and your gang, the whole lot of you won't be worth one of Pop's fake nickels.

[Fern Collier]

Ram. Well, Jim, tell me, has Griff Catlin confessed?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, Fern, he hasn't. But as a matter of fact, he doesn't have to. We got the whole story out of Hank and Pop.

[Fern Collier]

Did Griff murder Judson just as you suspected?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, he ordered Hank to do it, which is practically the same thing.

[Fern Collier]

And he was behind those bombings too, I suppose.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, that was his method of keeping his customers in line.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, I know you tumbled to the slot machine angle because it was a possible way of unloading the fake nickel. But what led you to suspect that the nickel in Judson's hand was a counterfeit?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Fern, that nickel in Judson's hand was a 1922 nickel.

[Griff Catlin]

Mm.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, it just happens that the mint didn't make any nickels that year.

[Fern Collier]

They didn't? Why not?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, there were plenty of nickels in circulation at that time. So the mint took a holiday and didn't coin a single nickel.

[Fern Collier]

I guess Pop Walter was older and feebler than he thought.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, as a matter of fact, he'd only printed a few of them when he discovered his mistake. But somehow Judson got hold of one of them and that's what put him wise to the counterfeiting racket. Griff was operating through the slot machines.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, my, it's almost 3 o'. Clock. I'll have to run long.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Say, what's in that heavy suitcase? You can hardly lift it off the floor.

[Fern Collier]

It's full of nickels, Jim. All the good ones we accumulated in our field work. I'm going to unload them at the nearest bank.

[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.

A thought. A thought. Remember? Listen for another adventure of the Avenger.