
The Avenger - Mystery of Dead Man's Rock
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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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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.
Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Show Type: Classic Radio Drama
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.
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.