The Avenger - The Blue Pearls

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Avenger – The Blue Pearls

Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Original Broadcast: Classic Golden Age Radio Drama

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Overview

This episode of The Avenger titled "The Blue Pearls," reintroduces listeners to crime-fighting hero Jim Brandon (The Avenger) and his resourceful assistant Fern Collier. Together, they uncover and dismantle a sophisticated narcotics ring operating in the city, where drugs are ingeniously smuggled inside blue-tinted “pearls.” The story moves from a suspicious car crash to undercover work in a nightclub, all culminating in a high-stakes confrontation on the water.

The episode blends suspense, detective work, and classic 1940s radio drama charm, featuring signature Avenger technology—namely, invisibility and telepathy—alongside clever sleuthing.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Progression

1. The Menace of Reckless Driving & The Mysterious Accident

[03:02 - 05:10]

• Inspector White launches a crackdown on reckless driving after a string of deadly hit-and-run accidents.
• Jim Brandon and Fern Collier witness a woman driving erratically and ultimately crashing.
• Fern radios for help; the unconscious woman mutters, “My pearls. My pearls,” before dying.
  • “Never mind your pearls, young lady. We've got to worry about getting you to a hospital.” – Jim Brandon [05:00]

2. Discovery of the Dope Ring

[05:26 - 06:44]

• The absence of pearls at the crash and the woman’s fixation on them raise suspicion; Brandon suspects she was drugged.
  • “Technically it was an accident, Inspector, but it wasn't caused by carelessness. That woman was doped.” – Jim Brandon [05:57]
• At the Club Rendezvous, Brandon and Collier search for clues and note that several crash victims frequented the club.

3. The Pearl Smuggling Scheme Revealed

[07:34 - 09:09]

• A club patron, Brenda Clegg, “accidentally” breaks her pearl necklace, prompting a search for loose pearls.
• Brandon quietly pockets several pearls, suspecting foul play.
  • “Those pearls are absolutely worthless. The whole string could be bought for 10 cents… she broke the pearls on purpose and expected some of them to be missing.” – Jim Brandon [08:25]
• Brandon deduces that pearls are used to smuggle drugs and are passed discreetly to customers.

4. Undercover Work and Escalation

[10:13 - 12:19]

• Jim Brandon questions Frederico the waiter, learning Brenda Clegg often breaks her pearls as a ruse.
  • “How do you explain these five pearls I have here in my hand? She didn't get these back.” – Jim Brandon [11:25]
• Brandon instructs Fern to coordinate with Inspector White for further investigation; they prepare to tail Brenda that night.

5. Gang Infighting and Murder

[12:33 - 14:49]

• Brenda Clegg, unhappy with her cut, argues with her partner Smokey and threatens to turn state’s evidence.
  • “You've hit me for the last time, Smokey. I'm gonna see that you get the book. I don't care what they do to me.” – Brenda Clegg [13:11]
• Smokey shoots Brenda as she attempts to call the police.
• Brandon and White arrive too late but hatch a plan to keep Brenda’s murder a secret for 24 hours to bait the rest of the narcotics ring.
  • “Inspector, we've got to give this dope ring the chance to keep operating if we want to pull in the whole mob.” – Jim Brandon [14:29]

6. Fern’s Daring Undercover Mission

[15:10 - 21:19]

• Fern goes undercover, posing as Brenda’s friend, and meets Countess Calstrell, another member of the ring.
• They plan a deal for the blue pearls and take evasive maneuvers when they suspect being followed, slipping through a safehouse and escaping out the back.
• Fern is soon captured, tied, and gagged, as Smokey and the Countess plot a boat escape.

7. The Final Showdown on the Water

[26:00 - 28:13]

• Smokey and the Countess prepare to dispose of Fern at the pier.
• The Avenger, using his invisibility, confronts them on their motorboat.
  • “I'm the Avenger, Countess. The Avenger.” – Jim Brandon [27:41]
• He swiftly subdues Smokey and compels the Countess to surrender.

8. Conclusion, Resolution, and a Touch of Humor

[30:03 - 31:46]

• Fern and Jim discuss the case’s resolution: the entire narcotics ring is apprehended, including the murderer Smokey.
• Jim demonstrates how the blue pearls were wax beads tinted blue, used specifically to smuggle dope.
• Fern’s resourcefulness is credited for sending a vital message, and the episode closes with banter between the Avenger and Fern.
  • “Maybe if I stick around long enough, you'll make a real detective out of me.” – Fern Collier [31:35]
  • “I don't know whether I'd like that or not, Vern. Real detectives are supposed to have long noses and big ears.” – Jim Brandon [31:40]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the narcotics operation:
  “Well, it would be an extremely clever way to deliver a pearl or two that contained dope, wouldn't it? All the customer has to do is pick up the right pearl and put it in his pocket.” – Jim Brandon [08:41]
• On Fern’s resourcefulness:
  “I want to congratulate you on the way you got that message to me, Vern. Signing Lark island instead of your name on that check in the club was quick thinking.” – Jim Brandon [31:34]
• On The Avenger’s invisible intervention:
  “I'm going to stop you, Smoky. Like this.” – Jim Brandon [27:55]
• Banter to close the case:
  “They are? Then you're an imposter, Mr. Brandon. Your ears may be a little big, but you've got an awful pretty nose.” – Fern Collier [31:46]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:02 – Inspector White launches crackdown on reckless driving
• 04:01 – The suspicious car crash
• 05:57 – Suspicion of drugging emerges
• 07:34 – The broken pearls at the club
• 08:25 – Revelation of the dope delivery method
• 12:33 – Brenda Clegg’s strained partnership and subsequent murder
• 15:10 – Fern’s undercover mission is initiated
• 21:00 – Fern and Countess evade pursuers
• 26:00 – The pier and final confrontation on the boat
• 27:41 – The Avenger reveals himself
• 31:34 – Jim congratulates Fern for her clever signal
• 32:00+ – Lighthearted epilogue banter

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Episode Tone and Style

This episode maintains the crisp, urgent tone of a classic radio detective thriller. The rapport between Jim and Fern is sharp, friendly, and occasionally flirtatious. The dialogue is brisk and colorful, dotted with 1940s slang and detective genre tropes, while the Avenger’s signature gadgets add a fun sci-fi flavor. The villainous duo—Smokey and the Countess—lend grit and intrigue, with a memorably dramatic showdown.

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Conclusion

"The Blue Pearls" is a classic Avenger tale of crime, cunning, and heroic teamwork. Jim Brandon and Fern Collier’s partnership demonstrates wit, courage, and clever deduction, all delivered in the nostalgic style of the Golden Age of radio. The narrative deftly unfolds a complex drug smuggling plot tied to tragic “accidents,” wrapping up with justice served on the water and one last wink between partners.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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The Avenger the road to crime ends

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not pay.

[Fern Collier]

Sam ram.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Avengers sworn enemy of evil is actually Jim Brandon, a famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has perfected to 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 Blue Pearls. Inspector White is addressing a group of detectives at headquarters.

[Inspector White]

You men have been selected for this emergency detail because we've got to put a stop to these hit run accidents. During the past few weeks, eight people in this city have died and twice as many have been injured because of reckless driving and unnecessary speeding. It's up to you men to ferret out these reckless drivers and get them off the road. I'll see that they're apprehended. We've got to get out and put the brakes on this situation. Even if we have to revoke half the licenses in this city. Reckless driving is a crime against public safety.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, is this road a shortcut to the beach?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Why no, Fern, but it gets us out of that heavy traffic on the main highway.

[Fern Collier]

I'm glad you came this way. Maybe we could enjoy the drive.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fern, look at that car ahead of us.

[Fern Collier]

Why, it's weaving all over the road. A woman's driving. Maybe there's something wrong with the car.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

But she must be crazy. She's speeding up, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

She's sure to have an accident. Can't we do something?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We'll try. Hold tight, Fern. I'll catch up with her.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, she's driving off the road. She's going to hit that tree. Jim, she's crashed.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come on, Fern. We've got to get her out of

[Fern Collier]

there because bursting into flames.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Jim, stay back a little, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Well be careful, James. The hood's on fire.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yeah, it's okay. I've got her.

[Fern Collier]

Is she all right?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't know. She's unconscious.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, put her down here, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

She's in pretty bad shape. Fern, go back to our car and radio headquarters. Tell them to send an ambulance.

[Brenda Clegg]

Right, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

In the meantime, I'll wrap this coat around her and try to bring her to. Well, there, you're all right now, miss. You're safe.

[Fern Collier]

My. My pearls. My pearls.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Never mind your pearls, young lady. We've got to worry about getting you to a hospital.

[Fern Collier]

My pearls.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Thanks, Fern. Tell him to hurry that ambulance.

[Fern Collier]

I got the message through, Jim. It'll be here in a few minutes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That'll be too late, I'm afraid. This woman's dying.

[Inspector White]

Jim, you must be mistaken. We've been through every scrap of this wreckage and there's no sign of any pearls here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm not mistaken. It's Inspector. That girl's dying thought was of her pearls.

[Fern Collier]

They must have been valuable, Inspector. She didn't have them on, so they must have been in the car.

[Inspector White]

Well, they're not here now, Fern. I'll vouch for that. Jim, as soon as my men finish here, I want you to come down to headquarters and make a full report on this accident.

[Fern Collier]

At least we know this wasn't one of those hit run affairs, Inspector.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, this was even more serious than that.

[Inspector White]

What are you talking about, Jim? I thought you said that this.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Technically it was an accident, Inspector, but it wasn't caused by carelessness. That woman was doped.

[Fern Collier]

Gosh, Jim, this club rendezvous is lovely. But a very disillusioning thought just struck me.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, what's that, Verm?

[Fern Collier]

I think we're here on business, not pleasure.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Sometimes your hunches are uncanny.

[Fern Collier]

Well, let me in on the big secret, Jim. What clues are you tracking down in this expensive manor?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I did a little checking this afternoon, Fern, and discovered that several persons who have figured in automobile accidents lately were known to frequent this club.

[Fern Collier]

Well, here we go again.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I know the inspector thinks it's impossible for dope peddlers to be operating in the city, but I'm not so sure.

[Fern Collier]

But why don't you let the narcotics squad take care of it, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Because there's very little to go on so far, Fearne. And besides, to get the kind of evidence we need will require the utmost caution.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Mr. Brandon, the dinner is delicious and the atmosphere is elegant. I don't mind proceeding with caution this evening.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I think we'll call it a night. Fern, it's almost closing time.

[Fern Collier]

I Had a grand time, Jim. Let's have one more dance before we leave.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, Fernando.

[Fern Collier]

I wouldn't mind if all our blind trails were as pleasant as this.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm afraid there's a little of the butterfly in you, young lady.

[Brenda Clegg]

Oh, my pearls. I've broken them. Help me pick them up. Oh, be careful, Jane.

[Fern Collier]

There's one right beside your foot.

[Brenda Clegg]

Waiter. Waiter, help me find my pearls.

[Inspector White]

Yes, miss, we find them all. Would you be so kind everyone to put the pearls you find here on this plate, please?

[Fern Collier]

I found two, Jim. How many do you have?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

3. Don't put them on the plate, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Why, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'll explain later. Just keep them.

[Inspector White]

I think they're all here now, miss.

[Brenda Clegg]

Just a moment.

[Fern Collier]

I'll count them.

[Brenda Clegg]

There were 40.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, Jim, for heaven's sakes, we'll be arrested as thieves.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't think so, Fern.

[Inspector White]

Are they all there, miss?

[Brenda Clegg]

Yes, Frederico. Thank you very much. Thank you, everyone.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, she didn't even miss ours.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come back to the table.

[Fern Collier]

All right. Now, would you mind explaining? I don't get this at all, Fern.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Those pearls are absolutely worthless. The whole string could be bought for 10 cents.

[Fern Collier]

Then why did she make such a fuss about getting them back?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Just an act. She didn't really count those pearls on the plate. She just pretended to. That means she broke the pearls on purpose and expected some of them to be missing.

[Fern Collier]

But why should she do that, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, it would be an extremely clever way to deliver a pearl or two that contained dope, wouldn't it? All the customer has to do is pick up the right pearl and put it in his pocket.

[Fern Collier]

But how would he know which pearl it was, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, probably a slightly different color.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I see. When that particular pearl isn't put back on the plate, she knows it has been delivered to the proper party.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's it, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Well, what are we going to do, Jim? Do we follow that girl?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, we can't. She's already gone. We'll check on her later. I want to get a line on her setup here.

[Fern Collier]

You know what they say.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

She must have an accomplice that.

[Fern Collier]

Wait a minute.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, I think so. She called him by name? Well, I'll soon find out.

[Fern Collier]

There he is now. Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Frederico?

[Inspector White]

Yes, sir.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Frederico, while you're clearing off this table, I want to ask you a few questions.

[Inspector White]

Yes, sir.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What's the name of the girl who broke her pearls?

[Inspector White]

Well, I. I do not know. A customer.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Frederico, I'm Jim Brandon of the police department. Do you prefer to talk here or at headquarters?

[Inspector White]

Who are what charge?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Aiding and abetting in the traffic of narcotics.

[Inspector White]

Oh, no, no, I. I do nothing like that, honest. I just do what is part of my job. I need the tits.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We'll see. What is that girl's name?

[Inspector White]

She is Brenda Clake. She started coming here two months ago.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

How many times has she broken her pearls here?

[Inspector White]

Four or five times.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And you always help her to get them back?

[Inspector White]

Yes, I ask people to put them on the plate. And that is all. She tips me well and I ask no questions.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And she always gets all the pearls back?

[Inspector White]

Why, yes, of course. She counts them always.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And how do you explain these five pearls I have here in my hand? She didn't get these back.

[Inspector White]

Why? I don't know. She counted them.

[Narrator/Announcer]

She said.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I heard what she said. Now, do you know where Brenda Clegg lives?

[Inspector White]

No, I. I know nothing of her but her name and what I have told you. Maybe the doorman. Do you want me to ask.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Never mind, I'll ask him. Frederico, I don't believe you're mixed up in this, but you're going to have to prove it.

[Inspector White]

How? How can I prove it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

By keeping quiet about this little talk we've had and by following any future orders I may give you.

[Inspector White]

I'll do whatever you say, Mr. Brandon.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Go about your business as usual.

[Inspector White]

Yes, sir. I'll get back to my station.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, I have to hand it to you. You've certainly hit on something here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fern, we can't take a Chance on this. Frederico, go call Inspector White and tell him to send someone down here to trail him right away.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Hurry, Fernando, because we're going to call on Brenda Clegg tonight.

[Brenda Clegg]

I tell you, Smokey, that's the last time I'm going to deliver the pearls at the Club Rendezvous. It's not safe.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Shut up, Brenda. You do what I say.

[Brenda Clegg]

Not anymore. I'm not making enough out of this to take a wrap.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, so it's the dough you're griping about. I thought so.

[Brenda Clegg]

Yes, it's the dough. I take all the chances in this racket and you and the Countess get the grade.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Jeddap. You do what I tell you and take what I pay you. Maybe you forgot. I got enough on you to send you to college for life.

[Brenda Clegg]

That goes double, Smokey. Why? If I want to turn state's evidence and expose this snowstorm you're stirring up here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Shut up, I say. There's more where that came from if you don't keep your trap shut.

[Brenda Clegg]

You've hit me for the last time, Smokey. I'm gonna see that you get the book. I don't care what they do to me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You wouldn't dare squeal to the cops.

[Brenda Clegg]

Wouldn't I? I've had this on my mind for a long time.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Drop that phone, Brenda.

[Brenda Clegg]

That rod doesn't scare me. You don't have what it takes to pull a trigger. You're yellow, Smokey. Hello, Police headquarters? I want to turn myself in and make a confession.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, Brenda. This is. Why.

[Inspector White]

Jim, how did you get here so soon? Who tipped you off to this shooting?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What shooting, Inspector? Fern and I came here looking for Brenda Clegg.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, this is where she lives, isn't it?

[Inspector White]

Well, you're a little late. Brenda Clegg was shot half an hour ago. Two bullets in the heart.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, no.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That means it's murder. Any leads, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

One or two. She was on the phone to my office when somebody shot her up. Well, I'll pick up the trail, all right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Maybe this information will help you. I find good reason to believe that girl was peddling dope at the club rendezvous tonight.

[Inspector White]

Yeah.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Listen, Inspector, we can kill two birds with one stone if we handle this right.

[Inspector White]

What do you mean, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Keep Brenda Clegg's death a secret for a few days.

[Inspector White]

Now, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

24 hours then. Inspector, we've got to give this dope ring the chance to keep operating if we want to pull in the whole mob.

[Inspector White]

Well, I guess you're right at that, Jim. A public murder investigation might drive them undercover for months.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You're a reasonable man, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Meantime, I'll put everything in this apartment through the sieve.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Right. I'll check with you first thing in the morning.

[Inspector White]

Okay.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come on, Fern. I've got to get you home. I'll have a big job for you to handle tomorrow. Now, Fernando, when you get to the club rendezvous, you'll be seated at the table where Brenda sat last night. Frederico will see to that.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, Jim. But I doubt if any of Brenda's gang will show up tonight.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

They might if they don't know Brenda is dead. And I have a feeling that our murderer isn't doing any talking.

[Fern Collier]

Well, let's hope you're right. Now, let me go over this again. Posing as a friend of Brenda's, I'm to try to find out how and where this dope ring operates.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right. We found a key in Brenda's apartment that we believe to be a motorboat key. Now, that might mean that the dope is picked up from a ship. Or it may merely mean that it's hidden somewhere off the mainland. Try to find that out.

[Fern Collier]

All right, Jim, I'll do my best.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The inspector will have men stationed outside the club. And Frederico will keep an eye on you while you're inside. Now, put on your pearls and you're ready to go.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And now, back to the Avenger and the Blue Pearl.

[Brenda Clegg]

Young lady, there must be some mistake. His table is reserved.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, I know. I have an appointment to meet Brenda Clegg here.

[Brenda Clegg]

Oh, I see. Then I suppose we should introduce ourselves. I also have an appointment with Brenda and the Countess Calstrell.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, how do you do? My name's Verencalia.

[Brenda Clegg]

It's a pleasure. I don't believe I've ever seen you with Brenda. Do you know her well?

[Fern Collier]

Oh, yes.

[Brenda Clegg]

You'll pardon My prudence, Ms. Collier, but as a sort of credential, would you mind telling me Brenda's address? Certainly.

[Fern Collier]

It's 105 Hillcrest Boulevard.

[Brenda Clegg]

Thank you. One cannot be too careful.

[Fern Collier]

Why, I understand, Count. Perhaps you would also be interested in knowing that Brenda and I have a mutual fondness for girls. I thought so. And we've taken several trips in her motorboat. Really?

[Brenda Clegg]

To the island?

[Fern Collier]

Yes.

[Brenda Clegg]

I am surprised. I was not aware that Brenda had ever taken anyone to Lark Island.

[Fern Collier]

I wonder what could be keeping Brenda. She's late. I'm getting worried.

[Brenda Clegg]

You're nervous, Miss Carter.

[Fern Collier]

Yes. Well, I hope Brenda won't let me down.

[Brenda Clegg]

You came here for a Blue pearl, did you not?

[Fern Collier]

Yes. And if Brenda doesn't show up, I don't know what I'll do.

[Brenda Clegg]

Don't worry, my dear. I can help you.

[Fern Collier]

You can?

[Brenda Clegg]

Yes. I have some blue pearls of my own I would be willing to sell you for a fair price. But we will wait for another half hour. Brenda may show up by then.

[Fern Collier]

Do you suppose something could have gone wrong, Countess?

[Brenda Clegg]

I don't think so. However, we will not wait for Brenda any longer. Come with me.

[Fern Collier]

May I ask where we are going? Surely you do not keep such valuables in your apartment.

[Brenda Clegg]

No, not in my home. I have another place. Come, my dear. Just a moment.

[Fern Collier]

I'll take care of the check. Frederico.

[Inspector White]

Yes, miss?

[Fern Collier]

Check, please, Frederico. I'll sign it, of course.

[Inspector White]

Sign on the bottom line, please.

[Fern Collier]

Yes. There you are. Oh. Oh, Frederico.

[Inspector White]

Yes, miss?

[Fern Collier]

If Brenda Clegg comes in later, tell her I left with Countess Castro. Good night,

[Brenda Clegg]

Miss Collier. Keep your eye on that black sedan behind us. I think we're being followed.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, surely not, Countess. Why should we be?

[Brenda Clegg]

I don't know, but in this business one can never tell. Yes, I'm sure of it now. That car is following us.

[Fern Collier]

What are you going to do?

[Brenda Clegg]

Listen carefully. In a moment I'll put on speed and turn up Lakemont Avenue. I'll pull up quickly in front of a certain small apartment house there. When we get in the lobby, help me press all the doorbells there. And someone is certain to push the door buzzer to let us in. Got that?

[Fern Collier]

Yes, but whoever is following us will know where we went. Your car will be outside the house.

[Brenda Clegg]

There's a back door at the end of the hall in that apartment house. We go straight through, come out in the alley in the back, turn left and run for a taxi on the other side of the block. We can make a clean getaway if we are lucky. Here we are. Hurry. Quick now.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Quick.

[Brenda Clegg]

Help me press all these bells. Yes.

[Fern Collier]

What if no one answers?

[Brenda Clegg]

There. Open the door. Did I tell you? Run for the door in the back.

[Fern Collier]

What if it's locked?

[Brenda Clegg]

It never is. Hurry. You'll see. We've given them this slip. Now for a taxi. Come on. Smoky. What in the world are you doing here?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hiding out, Countess.

[Brenda Clegg]

Hiding out? What for? Are the cops on to us?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hold it a minute. Who's your girlfriend, Countess?

[Brenda Clegg]

A friend of Brenda's. She wants to buy some blue pearls. Smokey, put that gun away. What's the matter with you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

This dame's no friend of Brenda's.

[Brenda Clegg]

How do you know? She says she's been to the island with Brenda.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's a lie. Brenda never went to the island except when I took her. This dame's no snowbird. She's a plant.

[Fern Collier]

There's one way to settle it. Why don't you call Brenda and ask her?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Because Brenda can't answer and you know it. You're from the cops and you know Brenda's dead.

[Brenda Clegg]

Brenda is dead, Smokey. What are you saying, Countess?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I killed Brenda last night. I had to. She was gonna turn us all in.

[Brenda Clegg]

You are a fool, Smokey. You have ruined everything.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Shut up, Countess. You haven't made such a good showing tonight yourself.

[Brenda Clegg]

Well, what are we going to do?

[Narrator/Announcer]

A snowboard is scheduled to pull in at the island early tomorrow morning to deliver a shipment.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We just hop aboard and get out of the country.

[Brenda Clegg]

What about this girl? What will we do with her?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll take care of her right now.

[Brenda Clegg]

No, no, Smoky, you cannot shoot her Here. Use your head.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, we could just as easy drop her in a bay on her way to the island.

[Brenda Clegg]

That's it. Tie her up and gag her.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, no, don't take the gun, Countess. Keep her covered while I tie her up nice and tidy.

[Brenda Clegg]

Hurry, Smokey. We must start for the island right away.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Have you got your motorboat key, Countess? I forgot mine at Brenda's place. That's why I couldn't hit for the island last night.

[Brenda Clegg]

Yes, I have mine in my purse and I have a car in the basement garage.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay. We're as good as out of the country right now.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, Inspector, what do your men report?

[Inspector White]

Well, nothing new, Jim. We know that Fern and the Countess went straight through that apartment house on Lakemont Avenue. But they left a cold trail after that.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Keep trying, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Don't worry, Jim, I will. I have the whole force working on this.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I've just come from the Rendezvous Club and Frederico gave me a lead that I'm going to work on right now.

[Inspector White]

Can I help you, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Inspector. Give me that key you found in Brenda Clegg's apartment. The one we thought might be a motorboat key.

[Inspector White]

Sure, Jim. I've got that stuff here in the safe. I'll get it. Want some of my men to go with you?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, Inspector, I'll handle this myself.

[Inspector White]

Be careful. Now, Jim, don't do anything crazy. We'll find Fern all right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, I should never have let her go to that club, Inspector. This whole thing is my fault.

[Inspector White]

No, no. My men bungle this badly, Jim, and I'm willing to admit it. They weren't quite up to the tricks of that, Countess.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, I asked for 24 hours to wrap up this case, Inspector. I've still got two hours to go on that.

[Inspector White]

Well, here's the key, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, thanks, Inspector. Stay close to the phone for the next two hours, will you? I'm going to try to close this case on schedule.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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Well, we made it, Countess.

[Brenda Clegg]

Yes. Wait a minute, Smokey. What are we going to do about this car? We can't leave it here. The police would spot it before morning.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, I never thought of that. This car would sure tip him off to where we went.

[Brenda Clegg]

All right, well, start thinking. What can we do with it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I got it. I'll send it over the end of the pier. The water out there is deep enough to cover it.

[Brenda Clegg]

Good idea.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, get out. We'll put this dame in the motorboat first. Come on, sister. This is the end of the line for you is the boat.

[Brenda Clegg]

Smokey, hurry up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This dame's a wildcat, just kicking like

[Brenda Clegg]

a ster down there in the bow.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll be glad when we're rid of her.

[Brenda Clegg]

Now send that car over quick.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Not so fast, Countess. I'll take the key to the boat, if you don't mind.

[Brenda Clegg]

You. You do not trust me, Smokey?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No. After the things I've seen you pull, I know you're counting on me pulling out and leaving me here waving on the dock.

[Brenda Clegg]

Here, then take the key. But hurry.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll be right back. I'll get rid of this car in a minute.

[Brenda Clegg]

Stupid fool. I will think of a way to get rid of you later.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, that's that. Now we're ready,

[Brenda Clegg]

Smokey. What was that noise?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't know, but I'm not investigating. Let's get this motor running.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't think you'll take that little trip to Long island smoking.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who said that? Where did that voice come from?

[Brenda Clegg]

There's no one in the boat. Pull out, quick.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Will you take this gun, Countess? You see anybody on that dock, don't stop shooting until it's empty.

[Brenda Clegg]

There's nobody there smoking.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm here, Countess.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And there goes your gun into the water.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What is this?

[Brenda Clegg]

Who are you? What do you want?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm the Avenger, Countess. The Avenger.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Take the wheel, Countess. I'll find him.

[Brenda Clegg]

Yes, yes, Smoky. The voice came from the back of the boat.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll throw him overboard. Nobody's gonna stop us now.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm going to stop you, Smoky. Like this.

[Brenda Clegg]

Oh, Smoky. Smokey, get up.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

He's out cold, Countess. Now turn the boat around and make for the dock. Unless you prefer to swim back.

[Brenda Clegg]

No, no, I will do as you say.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And make it fast. We've got a deadline to.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, did that boat pull into Loch island on schedule this morning?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It certainly did, Fernando. And the whole narcotics squad was there to meet it.

[Fern Collier]

I suppose the inspector's having a wonderful time down at headquarters, bringing charges against everybody.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, that's right, Fern, and you can't blame him. This is quite a feather in his cap.

[Fern Collier]

How long had that dope ring been operating in the city, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Only two months, Fern. And the inspectors got the whole tribe in jail. That's fast work.

[Fern Collier]

And don't forget, Smokey, there's a charge of murder against him.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Don't worry, the Countess isn't letting him forget it. She's talking her head off.

[Fern Collier]

I thought she would.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fearne, since you risked your life to crack this case, I thought you might like to take a look at Exhibit A, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

A blue pearl.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes. Here, look. The shell of the bead is made of wax and tinted blue. Just enough coloring for a discerning eye to distinguish it from an ordinary pearl.

[Fern Collier]

Then this bead was strung on a necklace with other cheap pearls of the same size?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Exactly. Then it could be delivered at a certain time and place merely by breaking the beads.

[Fern Collier]

Brenda Clay broke her pearls just once too often.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes. Brenda was the weak link in this chain of crime.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, what about Frederico the waiter? Will he be prosecuted? You know, I really owe my life to him. If he hadn't delivered my message to you, I'd be at the bottom of the bay now.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All the help he gave us will be considered when his case comes up. And by the way, I want to congratulate you on the way you got that message to me, Vern. Signing Lark island instead of your name on that check in the club was quick thinking.

[Fern Collier]

Thanks, Jim. Maybe if I stick around long enough, you'll make a real detective out of me.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't know whether I'd like that or not, Vern. Real detectives are supposed to have long noses and big ears.

[Fern Collier]

They are? Then you're an imposter, Mr. Brandon. Your ears may be a little big, but you've got an awful pretty nose.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All characters, names, places and plots used in the Avenger program are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

This is a thought.

[Narrator/Announcer]

A thought.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

A thought. Remember, Listen for another adventure out

[Narrator/Announcer]

the Avenger.

The sun shining, birds are singing, and all feels right in the world.

Until the season changes and suddenly you lose your motivation to get out of bed. In fact, one in five people experience some form of depression, no matter the season or time of of year.

At the American Psychiatric association foundation, our vision is to build a mentally healthy nation for all. Because we want you to live your best life and be your best you all year round.

Please visit mentallyhealthynation.org to learn more.