The Avenger - Mystery of Dead Man's Rock

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode: The Avenger – Mystery of Dead Man’s Rock

Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Show Type: Classic Radio Drama

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Harold’s Old Time Radio" features an exciting installment of "The Avenger" titled "Mystery of Dead Man’s Rock." Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the northern wilderness, the episode follows Jim Brandon (the Avenger), his assistant Fern Collier, and local authorities as they investigate a series of seemingly linked murders at the ominous Dead Man's Rock. Combining scientific ingenuity, sharp deduction, and suspenseful radio storytelling, this mystery unravels a tale of fur smuggling, deception, and ingenious murder.

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Key Plot Points & Discussion Sections

1. Introduction & Setting (01:09-02:46)

• Narrator introduces the Avenger: Jim Brandon—biochemist and crime-fighter with inventions like the telepathic indicator and an invisibility device.
• The backdrop of Silver Falls and Dead Man’s Rock is described, both steeped in violent legend and recent tragedy.

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2. The First Murder & Suspicions (03:38–06:17)

• Pierre (a trapper) refuses to sell furs to Simon Revere (Sheriff), suspecting illegal intent.
• They discover the body of Jenkins, the game warden, stabbed in the back near Dead Man’s Rock—site of a previous unsolved murder.
• Immediate suspicion falls on Pierre due to his recent disputes with Jenkins.
  • Memorable quote:
    Pierre, indignant: “Maybe so, but I do not kill him. Honest, Mr. Spencer, I don't see how he could have.” (05:24)

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3. Investigation Begins: Avenger & Fern Arrive (06:07–10:28)

• Jim Brandon and Fern Collier discuss legends and previous murders at Dead Man’s Rock and the treacherous Devil’s Pool.
• Jim observes a pattern: both murders involved similar knives—well-balanced with rubber-ringed handles, like those used by professional knife throwers.
  • Jim Brandon: “The knives used for the murders were very unusual... similar to the ones professional knife throwers use.” (07:16)
• Matt Spencer, local lumber baron, describes his business straddling the border, issues with customs, and relationships among his staff.

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4. The Tension Escalates: Another Murder (10:44–12:46)

• Pierre and Simon argue again, with Pierre refusing to cooperate in a fur smuggling scheme.
• Tempers flare, and suddenly Simon is killed—knifed in the back in front of witnesses.
  • Pierre, panicked: “No, no, no, I did not. Simone. No, Simone, I didn't.” (12:00)
• Pierre flees, heightening suspicions against him.

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5. Jim’s Deduction & the Fur Smuggling Racket (15:42–19:38)

• Jim, in his guise as the Avenger, investigates covertly.
• He overhears Pierre and another man discussing hiding furs inside logs, ready to be floated across the border—a smuggling ring.
• Under pressure, the men reveal Simon Revere was their boss, but they claim not to know who he worked for.
  • Pierre confesses: “He delivered furs to us and we packed them in his logs and sent them down the river to the States.” (18:26)
• The implication is that the smuggling operation is bigger than initially thought, casting a wider net of suspicion.

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6. Gathering Evidence & The Avenger’s Plan (19:38–24:56)

• Jim, Fern, and the Sheriff seek Pierre, who remains hidden but insists on his innocence.
• Jim notes the mechanics of the murders: the knife must have been thrown (or shot) with great force, ruling out Pierre given his stature and pointing towards a more complex solution.
  • Jim Brandon: “This knife was either wielded by a very powerful man or was thrown with great force from a distance.” (13:10)
• Jim arranges for Pierre to meet the Sheriff at Dead Man’s Rock, believing this will net the true culprit.

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7. The Trap & Climax (25:45–28:43)

• Jim orchestrates a dramatic trap: logs are set to be released at the moment Pierre reaches Dead Man’s Rock.
• Sheriff’s men surround the area to prevent escape.
• The true murderer is revealed as Matt Spencer, the logging company owner.
  • Fern exclaims: “He's coming out.”—referring to the real murderer emerging from hiding, not Pierre. (27:39)
• Key evidence: a special air gun is found capable of firing knives with deadly force, implicating Spencer.
  • Jim Brandon explains: “Sheriff, this air gun shoots knives as well as bullets... The knives were especially well balanced, the type used by professional knife throwers.” (28:44)
  • Sheriff awed: “Say, this will rate you a hunting permit for life in this county.” (29:38)

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8. Resolution & Deduction Recap (31:23–32:43)

• Fern questions Jim on his suspicions and the clues he pieced together:
  • Spencer’s use of circus lingo (“roughneck”) hinted at knife-throwing expertise.
  • The logistics of the murders pointed to knives being shot from the waterfall, not thrown.
  • The motive—fur smuggling—tied the crimes together.
  • Jim Brandon: “Then when you found that the motive was first smuggling, everything fitted into place... Spencer killed off the first two men because they were beginning to suspect him. And Simon because he knew too much.” (32:17)
• The episode ends with assurance of justice and lighthearted banter about Inspector White.

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On suspicion and innocence
  • Pierre: “Maybe so, but I do not kill him. Honest, Mr. Spencer, I don't see how he could have.” (05:24)
• Jim on the murder weapon:
  • “The knives used for the murders were very unusual... similar to the ones professional knife throwers use.” (07:16)
• Pierre’s protestation of innocence:
  • “No, no, no, I did not. Simone. No, Simone, I didn't.” (12:00)
• Pierre reveals the smuggling scheme:
  • “He delivered furs to us and we packed them in his logs and sent them down the river to the States.” (18:26)
• Jim exposes the murder weapon:
  • “Sheriff, this air gun shoots knives as well as bullets... The knives were especially well balanced, the type used by professional knife throwers.” (28:44)
• Sheriff’s quip on Jim’s abilities:
  • “Say, this will rate you a hunting permit for life in this county.” (29:38)
• Fern on Jim’s strategy:
  • “When did you first suspect Spencer, Jim?” (31:33)
  • Jim: “He used the term roughneck... that's circus lingo. And furnished a clue that tied up with the type of knife used for the murders.” (31:35)

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Key Takeaways

• The episode is a tightly plotted, atmospheric Golden Age radio drama blending mystery, action, and clever deduction.
• The central twist involves not only a hidden fur smuggling operation but also a unique murder weapon—a customized air gun firing knives.
• Jim Brandon’s careful observation and scientific reasoning prove crucial in unmasking the true villain.
• The story exemplifies classic detective drama with period details, regional color, and smart, suspenseful revelations.

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For Listeners New to "The Avenger"

This episode is emblematic of the genre: with invisible detectives, inventive murder mysteries, and settings steeped in danger and legend. If you love inventive solutions and period flavor, “Mystery of Dead Man’s Rock” is a standout example—featuring a gunslinging showdown, old-school forensic thinking, and a satisfying reveal as the Avenger brings justice once again.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Avenger.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

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

[Fern Collier]

Sam. It's.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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 Mystery of Dead Man's Rock.

[Pierre]

Simon River, I do not wish to sell you any fs.

[Sheriff]

Why not, Pierre? I'd pay you a good price.

[Pierre]

That may be, but Mr. Jenkins, the game warden, would think it very funny that Pierre, the best trapper in this territory, should declare so little furs from his traps on the other side of the border.

[Sheriff]

Why? If Jenkins says anything, all you have to do is tell him you've had a run of bad luck. Or that your traps were wrong.

[Pierre]

I will not do it, Simon. You get your fur someplace else. Pierre is not so dumb as you think. You want to buy my furs for some crooked dealings? For all I know, maybe you would bring them across the border.

[Sheriff]

You're going too far. You don't want to sell your furs to me, Don't. But I'm Warning you to keep your mouth shut.

[Pierre]

I do not talk. But Pierre, he is no fool. Simon river, do not think that I.

[Sheriff]

Hey Pierre, look over there, near Dead Man's Rock.

[Pierre]

A man is lying on the ground.

[Sheriff]

Come on, Pierre, something's happened.

[Pierre]

I do not like the look of this, Simone. Me either.

[Sheriff]

Right there in front of Dead Man's Rock is where that customs man was found dead a few months ago.

[Pierre]

And we.

[Sheriff]

Why? Why look. It's Jenkins, the game warden.

[Pierre]

Someone has put a knife in his back. What should we do, Simon?

[Matt Spencer]

I don't know what's going on here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What's the matter?

[Sheriff]

Oh, Mr. Spencer, it's a game warden. Someone stabbed him in the back.

[Matt Spencer]

Let me see. He's dead all right. Say, Simon, what were you and Pierre doing around here?

[Sheriff]

Why, we just came in from checking the trap.

[Matt Spencer]

Zethur?

[Sheriff]

Yeah. What are you getting at, Mr. Spencer?

[Matt Spencer]

Just this. It'll be a good thing for Pierre if he has an alibi.

[Pierre]

Me? You think I kill Mr. Jenkins?

[Matt Spencer]

I didn't say that, Pierre. Only it's pretty well known that you and the game warden haven't been hitting it off lately.

[Pierre]

Maybe so, but I do not kill him. Honest, Mr. Spencer, I don't see how he could have.

[Sheriff]

We've been together most of the afternoon.

[Matt Spencer]

Well, come along to my office, both of you, and I'll call the sheriff.

[Sheriff]

The sheriff? Why, he hasn't solved that other murder that was committed here at Dead Man's Rock.

[Matt Spencer]

Well, let's see what he can do with this one.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, Fern, what do you think of Silver Falls?

[Fern Collier]

Oh, the waterfall is beautiful, Jen. But when I remember that two murders have been committed right here, I don't feel in the mood to enjoy the scenery.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, don't worry, Fern. We won't leave here until we find out who murdered Jenkins.

[Fern Collier]

The game warden was a good friend of yours, wasn't he, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, he was. When I was in college, I used to come up here for the hunting almost every season. Jenkins and I tramped many a mile together.

[Fern Collier]

It was right in front of that big rock where he was stabbed, wasn't it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right. The old rock seems to be living up to its name lately. It's called Dead Man's Rock.

[Fern Collier]

How in the world did these places around here get their names, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, Indian legend flourishes in this part of the country. And according to one of them, two Indian chiefs fought it out to the death before that rock. As to this pool at the bottom of the falls, it's both deep and treacherous. The Indians were afraid of it and called it something which the white man translated as the Devil's pool.

[Sheriff]

Oh.

[Fern Collier]

To get back to the murders, Jim, have you anything at all to go on?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, practically nothing, Fern. Both men were stabbed on the back by a knife and the knives might lead to some sort of clue.

[Fern Collier]

What do you mean, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, the knives used for the murders were very unusual. They had rubber ringed handles and were exceptionally well balanced. Similar to the ones professional knife throwers use.

[Fern Collier]

Of course, those knives could have been used deliberately to mislead the police.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's a possibility, but. But it's the only angle we have, so we'll have to work on it.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, who is this? Matt Spencer. The sheriff wants us to meet.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, Matt Spencer is the owner of this big logging company. Practically all the men in this territory work for him.

[Fern Collier]

I see.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come on, Fern. We're to meet the sheriff down at Spencer Sono. I'm anxious to have a talk with Spencer and see what help he can. This is Spencer's office, Vern.

[Fern Collier]

Question. This is an interesting place. I hope we have time to do a little sightseeing before we leave.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

So far that's all we've done. I wonder if the sheriff got here yet.

[Matt Spencer]

Come in.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, hello, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Brandon, I want you to meet Matt Spencer.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

How do you do, Mr. Spencer? This is my assistant, Ms. Collier.

[Matt Spencer]

I'm glad to meet you both.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Sit down.

[Matt Spencer]

Thank you to me that you were a good friend of Jenkins, the game warden who was killed the other day.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Why, that's right, Mr. Spencer.

[Matt Spencer]

Well, I'm willing to do anything I can to help you boys solve the case. What do you Want to know?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Mr. Spencer, you're a busy man, so I'll come right to the point. Do you mind telling me the exact layout of your setup here?

[Matt Spencer]

Not at all, Brandon. I own land on both sides of the border. I have an agreement with both governments to bring my lumber in through the waterways to my sawmill. This involves some red tape, of course, and I have to keep all my books open to the customs man.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Mm. Well, wouldn't it be a much more direct route to float the lumber over the falls?

[Matt Spencer]

We tried that, but the logs always jammed up in the pool.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I see. Well, what about the trappers on your land?

[Matt Spencer]

I permit a few natives to operate.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

They.

[Matt Spencer]

They clear their furs at the local game wardens. Uh huh.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

About those two fellows who discovered the body of Jenkins. Pierre is a trapper. I know, but what is Simon Revere's position around here?

[Matt Spencer]

He's one of my Roughnecks, I mean. One of my foremen been with me for years. Above suspicion, I'd say.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What about Pierre? Is it true that there was bad blood between Pierre and Jenkins?

[Matt Spencer]

Yes. They were always having arguments about one thing or another. Isn't that right, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Yes. Pierre's a hothead.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Where are Pierre and Simon now, Mr. Spencer?

[Matt Spencer]

Well, that's pretty hard to say. I can call them in. If you want a question.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'd appreciate it.

[Matt Spencer]

We have a whistle signal at the mill. You people make yourselves at home. I'll be back in a few minutes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Thanks, Mr. Spencer.

[Fern Collier]

Mr. Spencer seems like a nice man, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, he is cooperative.

[Sheriff]

I told you he would be.

[Fern Collier]

So far everyone seems to be suspicious of Pierre.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, say, Sheriff, that some moose head over that desk?

[Sheriff]

Yes, that one strayed right into the mill yard one day. Mr. Spencer got him with an air gun from the opera's window.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

An air gun?

[Sheriff]

Yes. Grab the first thing he can get his fingers on.

[Fern Collier]

Dispenser. Must be a good shot.

[Sheriff]

None better in these sparks, Miss.

[Fern Collier]

There goes the signal.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, say, Sheriff, I'm going to tour around a little while we're waiting.

[Sheriff]

Go ahead, Brandon. Mr. Spencer won't mind.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We'll be back in half an hour.

[Sheriff]

Okay.

[Fern Collier]

Come on, Vernon.

[Sheriff]

Hello, Pierre. You going back to the middle too?

[Pierre]

Oh yes, Simon. I heard the signal. What is wrong, I wonder?

[Sheriff]

I don't know. Did you trap any furs today, Pierre?

[Pierre]

Good enough to suit Pierre?

[Sheriff]

You're missing a good bet by not selling me those furs. Listen, Pierre.

[Matt Spencer]

Why?

[Pierre]

No, no, Simon. I will not do it. Mr. Spencer, he would not allow Pierre to trap on his land anymore. If I do not declare all the furs that I trap.

[Sheriff]

We got a new game warden now. He doesn't know how many furs you usually trap. If you declare half and sell me half, he'll never know the difference.

[Pierre]

No, Simon. River, do not ask me anymore. I will not sell.

[Sheriff]

You're a stubborn fool, Pierre. Stubborn and stupid.

[Pierre]

You leave Pierre be. If you do not, I will tell Mr. Spencer of your crooked scheme. He will discharge you.

[Sheriff]

You think Mr. Spencer believe you? You make me laugh, Pierre.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Why?

[Sheriff]

If I say the word to Spencer, he'll put you off this land.

[Pierre]

So if that should happen, I would kill you, Simon Robert. I swear it by this Dead Man's Rock. Before which two men have already died.

[Sheriff]

Your hard headed threats don't frighten me, Pierre. I have more.

[Pierre]

What is Pierre?

[Fern Collier]

You.

[Sheriff]

You knife.

[Fern Collier]

Me.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You.

[Pierre]

No, no, no, I did not. Simone. No, Simone, I didn't.

[Sheriff]

Mon dieu.

[Pierre]

Is dead.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What's going on here?

[Pierre]

It's. It is Seymour River. Somebody has killed him, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

He's been knifed in the back just like the others.

[Pierre]

I. I do not know how it happened.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Who are you?

[Pierre]

Be.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You'll have to come along and tell your story to the sheriff.

[Matt Spencer]

No.

[Fern Collier]

No.

[Pierre]

I am innocent.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We'll see about that.

[Pierre]

No, I did not do it. I swear I did not do it. Pierre was run away.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come back here, Pierre.

[Pierre]

If you're innocent, you'll be cleared.

[Fern Collier]

He's making for the woods. Aren't you going after him, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's no use, Hern. He knows the woods better than I do. Don't worry. If he's guilty, we'll smoke him out.

[Fern Collier]

Pierre must be guilty, Jim. No one else was here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

This knife is exactly the same as the others.

[Fern Collier]

That's not much help.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, but there's another clue here.

[Fern Collier]

What, Jim? I don't see anything.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Look closely, Fern. This knife was either wielded by a very powerful man or was thrown with great force from a distance.

[Fern Collier]

But Pierre is a rather slight man, Jim. Exactly where does that leave us?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

With an open mind. At least.

[Fern Collier]

You don't think Pierre is guilty then.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I didn't say any such thing. Turn. But right now I'm going to work on the motive for these three murders. And until I find that, everyone is under suspicion.

[Fern Collier]

What do we do first, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You go back to the mill and ask Mr. Spencer to call the sheriff. Tell Mr. Spencer I went into the woods looking for Pierre. And you stay with the sheriff until I get back.

[Fern Collier]

Where are you going, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Over the border, Fern. There are a few inquiries I've got to make as the Avenger.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

And now back to the Avenger and the mystery of Dead Man's Rock.

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[Pierre]

Well, Jack, this log is all hollowed out and ready to be packed. Here, come on, help me carry it over to the pile.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, George.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Hey, the boss should be getting here with the stuff soon.

[Pierre]

Yeah, he said these logs were to be sent down the river with the regular lumber shipment first thing in the morning. Yes, sir, this has been a mighty good season for the boss.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Yeah, and it's about time he started cutting us in on some of that big dole. So far we've been taking all the chances and been getting next to nothing for our trouble.

[Pierre]

What was that noise?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't know. We better be careful what we say, George. Maybe somebody's snooping around here. It's too late. Precaution now. You've already been overheard.

[Pierre]

Who's that? Where did that voice come from?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

From the Avenger, George.

[Pierre]

The Avenger. Let's run for a. Jack.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Stay where you are. You haven't a chance to get away.

[Sheriff]

What do you want from us?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

First, I want to know who you work for. Who this boss is you were talking about.

[Pierre]

Well, we can't tell you that.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You'll tell me now or you'll be under arrest within an hour.

[Fern Collier]

Oh,

[Pierre]

I'm going to tell him, Jack. We gotta look out for ourselves now.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

You're right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Go ahead, Speak up then.

[Pierre]

Well, it's Simon Revere. He's our boss.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Exactly what did Simon hire you to do?

[Pierre]

He delivered first to us and we packed them in his logs and sent them down the river to the States. And then Simon took care of things at the other end.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Where did Simon get the furs?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

He bought them direct from trappers who were willing to play ball with him.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Who did Simon work for?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, we don't know. You'll have to ask him.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's too late for that. Simon got a knife in his back down at Dead Man's Rock this afternoon. Simon is dead? Yes. And this little fur smuggling racket is ended. Who murdered Simon? The murderer will be in the hands of the Lord before nightfall. Until then, carry on here as though you know nothing. All right, all right. We'll do like you say, Avenger. Remember, if you try to get away, it will go hard with you because the Avenger will hunt you down and bring you to justice. Sheriff, do all those traps we passed belong to Pierre?

[Sheriff]

Yes, Brandon. Pierre makes a good living as a trapper.

[Fern Collier]

Do you mean to say a trapper has to walk this distance every day?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Fern. And Pierre is still visiting each one of his traps, even if he is in hiding.

[Fern Collier]

A man guilty of murder would hardly stick to his job like that, would he, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

A criminal almost never does what he's expected to, Fernando.

[Sheriff]

Hey, Brandon, you'll find that Pierre is much smarter than you give him credit for. I'd feel much safer out here if you'd let me bring my gun along.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We had to come unarmed, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

You city detectives have some mighty peculiar notions about solving a crime. Up here in the woods. A gun speaks louder than a crew any day.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, Sheriff, you promise to play along with me on this little plan of mine? If it should backfire, then we'll handle things your way, okay?

[Sheriff]

Well, how can you expect me to put any stock in that plan of yours? Won't even tell me who your suspect is. If I had my way, I'd arrest Pierre and ask questions later.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You'll need evidence, Sheriff. We've got to get that before you start making arrests.

[Sheriff]

See?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

See?

[Sheriff]

Here's one of Pierre's traps.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, it's just been sprung and hasn't been reset.

[Pierre]

Hey, watch somebody shooting at it.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

It's Pierre.

[Pierre]

Stop shooting, Pierre. It's the sheriff.

[Fern Collier]

He's coming over here. Jim.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

You.

[Pierre]

You stay away from my touch.

[Sheriff]

Take it easy, Pierre. We're not robbing your traps.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, we came out here to have a talk with you.

[Pierre]

Pierre, I did not kill Simon.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, we're willing to give you a chance to prove that if you can.

[Pierre]

You take care for the fool. You have come to arrest me, but I will shoot you first.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Pierre, listen to me. We'll let you keep your gun if you'll come back to Silver Falls and do as we say.

[Sheriff]

If you don't, I'll organize a party, Sheriff.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Pierre will come peacefully. Now, listen carefully, Pierre. All we want you to do is

[Narrator/Storyteller]

come along with us to Silver for.

[Matt Spencer]

Oh, it's you, Brandon. Why, Miss Collier, you look all tired out.

[Fern Collier]

I am, Mr. Spencer. We must have walked 10 miles.

[Matt Spencer]

Well, Brandon, have any luck? Did you find Pierre?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, we found him, Mr. Spencer.

[Matt Spencer]

Good. And the case is just about closed. And believe me, I'm glad of it. Brandon, all this excitement has slowed up production at the mill.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I hate to disappoint you, but the case isn't quite solved yet.

[Matt Spencer]

Why, I thought you said you'd got Pierre.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, but Pierre still claims he's innocent and he says he can prove it. How? He says he knows the motive for all three murders.

[Matt Spencer]

That sounds more like he's guilty than innocent.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right. Except that he claims Simon Revere gave him some valuable information before he died.

[Matt Spencer]

Information? What kind?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't know. Pierre wouldn't tell me. But he's willing to reveal that information to the sheriff to save his own skin. He may be lying, but I'm going to give him a chance to talk with the sheriff.

[Matt Spencer]

Sure. That's only fair.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

May I use your phone, Mr. Spencer? I'll arrange for the meeting.

[Matt Spencer]

Why, of course, Brandon. Go ahead.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Thank you. Hello? Hello, operator, Give me the sheriff's office, please. Hello? Hello, Sheriff? Jim Brandon speaking.

[Fern Collier]

Yeah?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, listen, Sheriff, I found Pierre. No, no, I didn't bring. No, I didn't bring him in. He wants to talk to you alone. Says he can break the case wide open. He'll. What's that? He'll meet you unarmed in front of Dead Man's Rock in half an hour. That's right. I'll wait here at the mill for you. Good luck, Sheriff. See you later, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

While we're waiting, why don't you show me around the sawmill? That is, if Mr. Spencer doesn't mind.

[Matt Spencer]

No, no, of course not. Go right ahead. I'd go with you, but I have a lot of important work to.

[Fern Collier]

Gosh, Jim, the falls look high when you're standing up here looking down over them.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, be careful, Fern. Don't get too close to the edge.

[Fern Collier]

No, I won't, Jim. I certainly hope your little plan works out.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It will, Fern. This was the only method of catching the killer at the scene of the crime with the evidence on him.

[Fern Collier]

But what's to prevent him from trying to make a getaway instead of coming here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The sheriff's men are taking care of that. Every thoroughfare is guarded. The sheriff's orders are not to let anyone pass until further word from him. And between you and me, that means until after we've captured.

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[Sponsor/Commercial 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] because if you're going to talk to yourself for an hour, you might as well publish it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The Killer.

[Fern Collier]

Well, it sounds all right now.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, Pern, you stand over there on the side and keep a close watch on Dead Man's Rock.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

When Pierre arrives and is directly in front of the rock, give me the signal and I'll open this chain and release all these logs.

[Fern Collier]

How in the world did you get all those logs up here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, now, we diverted them from the river and let them pile up here behind the chain.

[Fern Collier]

Say, isn't it about time for Pierre to arrive?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, yes, he should be coming now.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I'm getting worried, Jim. Maybe something's gone wrong.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Don't get panicky on me, Fern. Keep your eyes on that rock.

[Fern Collier]

Right, Jim. There he is. There's Pierre. He's coming around the bend and the trail. Get set, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Everything's ready here.

[Fern Collier]

He's almost there. Let them go, Jim.

[Pierre]

Okay, Sheriff, have your men surround the falls.

[Sheriff]

Go ahead, man. You know what to do.

[Fern Collier]

Shoot him in nature.

[Pierre]

Come on, Fern, down this path, quick.

[Fern Collier]

The criminal certainly won't have a chance to escape this time. The sheriff must have at least 50 men down there.

[Sheriff]

What do we do now, Brandon?

[Pierre]

We'll give him a chance to come out, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Okay, okay. Hey, you under the fall. You're completely surrounded. Come on out.

[Pierre]

You better come out. We'll give you just 10 seconds. If you aren't out by that time, 50 guns will fire into the falls.

[Sheriff]

Ready to fire.

[Pierre]

All right, wake him up.

[Fern Collier]

He's coming out.

[Matt Spencer]

Wait.

[Sheriff]

That's Mr. Spencer.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes. There's your murderer, Sheriff.

[Fern Collier]

Where?

[Sheriff]

Go get him, boy.

[Pierre]

And you'll find the knife he meant for Pierre embedded in one of those logs we released over the falls. They're all jammed up in the pool there. Take it easy, Sheriff. The rest of your evidence is still behind the falls. I'll get it for you.

[Fern Collier]

Jim's coming from behind the waterfall now, Sharon.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

What's that?

[Pierre]

He's carrying.

[Sheriff]

Hey, it looks like a gun to me.

[Pierre]

I must be crazy.

[Matt Spencer]

These murders were committed with a gun.

[Sheriff]

Stand back, Barnes. Give him a chance to get through.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, Sheriff, here's your murder weapon.

[Sheriff]

That's no evidence, Brandon. That gun can't be the murder weapon. These men weren't shot, they were knifed.

[Pierre]

All that city detectives club, local. Be quiet a minute.

[Sheriff]

Let him talk, boy. Okay, Brandon, you better start explaining.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Sheriff, this air gun shoots knives as well as bullets.

[Sheriff]

Hey, how's that again? Why, then the muzzle of this gun is a.32 caliber bore. It's lying.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right. But it has a screw cap on the front that's removable. Yeah, see? So what now? Now? Now, look, this cap removes the inner lining and leaves a smooth bore.

[Sheriff]

That's a new one on me, Bernard. How did it work?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

On a very simple principle, Sheriff. The knives were especially well balanced, the type used by professional knife throwers. That balance enabled them to take the air pressure. Those rubber rings on the handles gave them sufficient body to fill the enlarged muzzle so the air blast could project them over the required distance.

[Sheriff]

And that'll be golden.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, Sheriff, get these people out of the way and I'll demonstrate.

[Sheriff]

Okay, Brandon. Hey, hey, hey, hey. Say, this will rate you a hunting permit for life in this county.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, thanks, Sheri.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, when you were making plans to trap Spencer, why wouldn't you tell the sheriff who your suspect was?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fern, I knew he wouldn't believe me without evidence, and I needed the sheriff's cooperation to get that.

[Fern Collier]

When did you first suspect Spencer, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

From our first meeting. He used the term roughneck in referring to one of his men. That's circus lingo. And furnished a clue that tied up with the type of knife used for the murders.

[Fern Collier]

I still don't see how you figured out what the air gun, Mango.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, now, Dead Man's Rock is situated on a point of land that juts out into Devil's Pool. The trail on either side of the rock shoots off at a sharp angle along the edge of the water. It would have been impossible for anyone on the trail to have thrown the knives.

[Fern Collier]

So the only other place they could have come from was the waterfall.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Exactly. But the waterfall was too far away for anyone to throw the knives. So I began to work on the idea that they may have been shot from behind the falls with an air gun.

[Fern Collier]

Then when you found that the motive was first smuggling, everything fitted into place.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right. Spencer killed off the first two men because they were beginning to suspect him. And Simon because he knew too much.

[Fern Collier]

That screen of logs we let loose over the falls caught the knife meant for Pierre.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, and that was sufficient evidence even for the sheriff.

[Fern Collier]

We'll have to tell Inspector White about that, Sheriff Jim.

[Matt Spencer]

Sure, Wilbur.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We can truthfully tell the inspector that he's brilliant in comparison.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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.

[Matt Spencer]

A thought.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Remember. Listen. For another adventurer, the Avenger.