The Avenger - The Coins of Death

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – The Avenger: The Coins of Death

Episode Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Original Air Show: The Avenger
Episode Title: The Coins of Death

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio features a classic installment of The Avenger, a crime drama series from the golden age of radio. In "The Coins of Death," the enigmatic Avenger and his assistant, Fern Collier, investigate a series of mysterious deaths linked to a cursed silver coin, a fortune-telling gypsy camp, and a cunning mastermind who uses superstition as a cover for murder. The plot masterfully intertwines suspense, intrigue, and the unique noir atmosphere of 1940s radio drama.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Deathly Prophecy and the Accursed Coin

• Caspar Hobson seeks out Madame Yanina, the "Queen of the Gypsies," for a fortune reading. Instead of the usual fortune, he is abruptly cursed following his attempt to pay with a rare silver coin. Yanina refuses the coin, hurls it away, and emphatically declares, "You have no future!” (03:57, D)

  “This silver is accursed. You are doomed.” (04:02, D)

• Hobson, shaken by the encounter, leaves in a panic with his friend Tom. Their conversation reveals Hobson’s stress over his new patented process (C3M) that could threaten established companies, generating “a legion of enemies” (06:01, B).

2. Car Accident at the Cliff

• On their drive back, Tom loses control of the car on a rain-soaked road and the vehicle skids off the cliff (06:33). Moments later, Jim Brandon, using his telepathic indicator, intercepts a chaotic psychic signal—gypsy music abruptly interrupted by a crash—hinting at violence (07:14, C).

  “When the indicator suddenly loses contact...it usually means that the thought itself has been terminated by violence.” (07:21, C)

3. Investigating the Pattern

• Jim and Fern join Inspector White at the cliff (08:49) and recall a suspicious previous accident at the same location. Jim questions why anyone would drive this “private road” during a storm (09:42, C).

• The investigation at the site yields little clue due to heavy mud and rain but draws Jim’s suspicion to the nearby gypsy camp and a local farmer, Philip Peters.

4. The Gypsy Camp—Superstition and Secrecy

• Jim confronts the gypsies seeking information about the accident. Yanina admits to seeing Hobson but maintains her cryptic stance, repeating that he was cursed and “had no future.” (14:34, D)
• The gypsies are defensive and hostile, creating a tense standoff that forces Jim and Fern to withdraw.

5. Suspicion on Philip Peters and Dr. Mylett

• The plot thickens as Jim learns from Yanina that the gypsy camp is hosted on land owned (through proxies) by Dr. Mylett, a mind analyst with secretive motives (18:03, A; 19:16, F).

• Peters confesses to Jim (as the Avenger) that Dr. Mylett, not Peters, is the true owner, and had reasons for the gypsies’ presence—providing a cover story and creating opportunity for his schemes (20:26, F).

  “Dr. Mylett who lives at Seven Willows, he's the owner, but he doesn't want anybody to know it.” (20:26, F)

6. The Trap is Set—Helen Dresden’s Peril

• Dr. Mylett advises Helen Dresden, a new intended victim, to go to the gypsy camp and present Yanina with a silver coin, using the same MO as with previous victims (22:07, C; 24:23, A).

• Jim and Fern intercept Helen. Affirming the danger, they convince her to return to the police and have Fern assume her place to draw out the culprit (24:06, C).

• Yanina, given the coin, reacts as before with violent refusal and another dire prophecy for Fern (25:44, D).

  “You are cursed. You have no future. Go away, Gato...You will die, you will die.” (25:53, D)

7. The Murderous Mechanism Exposed

• Jim and Fern narrowly escape as their car, sabotaged like the others, is driven toward the same cliff. Jim catches Dr. Mylett in the act of removing the spiked plank from the road and confronts him (27:19, C).

• In the ensuing confrontation, Jim subdues Dr. Mylett, who confesses to causing the “accidents” on behalf of business rivals and one of Helen Dresden’s greedy relatives (29:56, C).

  “My lot confessed that he was paid by a big businessman to get rid of Ridgefield and Hobson because both...would have ruined their Competitors.” (30:03, F) “Helen Dresden was to inherit a fortune...a cousin paid Dr. Mylett to get rid of Helen, so the fortune would be divided” (30:23, C)

8. The Role of the Gypsies and the Coin Explained

• The gypsies, long blamed, are cleared: Dr. Mylett orchestrated the scheme, using the camp as a decoy and superstition as a psychological weapon. The “coins of death” are revealed to be replicas of the infamous Judas silver, which the gypsy culture especially abhors (31:45, C).

  “Those coins were exact copies of the silver Judas accepted for the betrayal. All Gypsies have been taught to hate them and believe all who possess them are doomed.” (31:45, C)

• The coins served to further implicate the gypsies if any victim survived and to intensify the foreboding, making the murders appear as acts of fate or curse.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "You have no future!"
  (Multiple times, by Yanina, the gypsy soothsayer – chilling refrain at each pivotal curse scene. 04:13, D; 25:53, D)

• “When the indicator suddenly loses contact with a strong impression like that, it usually means that the thought itself has been terminated by violence.”
  (07:21, C – The Avenger’s science noir touch.)

• “Her predictions prove true. In this case, anyway. Those really were coins of death.”
  (32:01, C – Final wrap-up, tying the episode’s theme together.)

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Important Timestamps

• Gypsy encounter and curse: 03:17–04:30
• Car accident/telepathic signal: 06:33–07:35
• Initial investigation/cliff site: 09:10–10:20
• Confrontation at gypsy camp: 13:22–15:19
• Avenger’s invisible confrontation with Peters: 19:12–20:55
• Mylett's plot with Helen Dresden revealed: 22:07–24:06
• Fern’s staged trip to the gypsies/second curse: 25:10–25:53
• Cliffside trap exposed: 26:23–27:46
• Final confessions and explanation: 29:42–32:01

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Tone and Style

True to its 1940s origins, the episode is dense with atmosphere – rainstorms, old country roads, mysterious strangers, and melodramatic superstition. The language is brisk, suspenseful, and noir-tinged, with a persistent undercurrent of skepticism about the supernatural, ultimately resolved by rational detective work.

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Conclusion

"The Coins of Death" stands out as a classic Avenger story—combining classic radio thrills with clever plotting and a satisfying resolution. For listeners, it evokes the era when tales of justice, crime, and shadowy heroes filled living rooms through the magic of radio.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

The Avenger.

[C]

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

[A]

It's sam.

[B]

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 Coins of Death.

[C]

Madame Yanina?

[A]

Yes.

[D]

Come into tent. Out of breath.

[B]

Oh, thank you.

[D]

You come to Janina, the Queen of the Gypsies, to have your future foretold, is that not so?

[B]

Yes. My name is Caspar Hobson, a friend of mine recommended to you.

[D]

Sit there, across the table, in the lamplight, I would see your face.

[B]

Oh, yes, of course.

[D]

Now, cross this old gypsy's palm with silver and she will call upon the spirits of all Romany to reveal your future to Janina.

[C]

The silver?

[B]

Yes. I have a coin for you.

[C]

Here.

[B]

A rare old silver coin.

[C]

Here, take it.

[D]

No.

[A]

No.

[D]

I curse upon you. Goddo.

[B]

What is it?

[C]

What's the matter?

[D]

This silver is accursed. You are doomed.

[B]

What are you talking about?

[D]

Curse upanyo. Gadjo. Go away.

[A]

Go away.

[D]

You have no future.

[B]

Listen here. I have a right to know what you're raving about.

[E]

Stay away.

[D]

Gajo. Get out. Come quick.

[A]

Drive.

[D]

This cursed one from the gypsy car.

[C]

All right, I'll go.

[B]

This sort of thing is outrageous. Should be reported to the police.

[D]

The mark of death is upon you. You have no future. Out of my sight. Gajel. Go. Go. You have.

[B]

Climb in the car. Quick. Casper, you're dripping wet. Yes, thanks, Tom. Let's get out of here. Casper, you're shaking like a leaf. What's the matter? Start driving. I'll tell you.

[C]

Well, what is it?

[B]

That old hag of a gypsy woman she drove me out. You mean she wouldn't tell your fortune? That's right, Tom. She shrieked at me like a mad woman. Told me I had no future. Well, that's nothing to get so upset about, Casper. Probably her stock way of getting rid of customers after she gets her money.

[C]

That's what I would have thought, too,

[B]

except she didn't take my money. She didn't take your money? No. She threw it away from her as though it had a plague on it. Then she started shouting that I had no future. Oh, don't take it so seriously, Caspar. All this fortune telling is a bunk anyway. I'm surprised you ever bothered driving out here over this muddy country road. And this weather. Our business worries can drive a man to any extreme, Tom, and I am worried. Now, look, Casper. You're on the very threshold of a million dollars. That C3M you've invented will revolutionize the whole industry.

[C]

That's just the trouble.

[B]

It'll drive hundreds of established companies out of business. Make a legion of enemies for me.

[C]

Be careful, Tom.

[B]

Tom, you almost went off the road there. That cliff drops sheer all along here. Yeah, it's raining so hard I can hardly see. This muddy road's as slippery as glass. Take it easy. My nerves are bad enough as it is. Ah, good. Dinner will fix you up. Caspar. We're coming to the summit of the hill now. Won't be so bad from there on in.

[F]

Yeah. Gee, look at that rain.

[C]

Hey, Tom, we've got a flash.

[B]

Steady the car.

[C]

I can't.

[D]

We're skidding. The brakes won't hold.

[B]

We're going over the cliff.

[D]

Jump, Tom. Ju.

[C]

Fern, I picked up that wild music on the telepathic indicator again.

[A]

Where do you suppose it's coming from, Jim?

[C]

I'm not sure, Fern. But it sounds like gypsy music. Could be coming from that gypsy camp several miles out of town. Fern. Quick, turn up the volume a little.

[A]

Yes, Jim. What happened, Jim?

[C]

Suddenly, right in the midst of the music, there was a crashing sound and then complete silence.

[A]

Maybe the storm cut off the reception.

[C]

That's not very likely, Fern. Telepathic messages aren't usually affected by elemental disturbances. When the indicator suddenly loses contact with a strong impression like that, it usually means that the thought itself has been terminated by violence.

[A]

Oh, stay with it, Jim. Looks like this may be something important. Were you able to pick up anything more, Jim?

[C]

No, not a thing, Fern.

[A]

That must be Inspector White, Jim. Remember, we invited him to dinner?

[C]

Oh, yes. Turn off the indicator, Fernando. Yeah, I'll let the inspector in.

[A]

Right, Jim. Just when I finish up all the reports on one case, something else turns up.

[F]

Evening, Fern.

[A]

Oh, hello, Inspector. We'll be ready to go as soon as I file these reports. Is it still raining?

[F]

Well, it's beginning to let up a little now. Some storm, though.

[C]

Anything new at headquarters, Inspector?

[F]

Not a thing, Jim. Had a nice, quiet, routine day for a change.

[C]

I'll get it, Fern. Hello? Oh, yes, yes, the inspector just came in. Just a minute, please. It's for you, Inspector.

[F]

Oh, what's up now? Hello, Inspector White speaking. What? Holy smoke. It would have to happen way out there. Okay, I'll go right away.

[C]

What's the trouble, Inspector?

[F]

A car went over the cliff out near Marsden. An accident? But I've got to get out there and make a report.

[A]

We'll go with you, Inspector. We can have dinner when we get back.

[C]

Yes, this may be the very thing I picked up on the indicator a while ago.

[F]

Now, listen, Jim, you can come along if you want to, but don't try any of your hunches. This is an accident.

[A]

Jim, isn't this the road we took to the scene of the accident last night?

[C]

That's right, Fern.

[A]

Why are we coming out here again? Jim, you're holding back on me. What are you up to?

[C]

Well, I did a little checking when I got home last night, Fern, and discovered that this Hobson accident was the second to occur at that same spot within a few months.

[A]

Oh, in other words, you're suspicious. Yes, but this is a very dangerous piece of road, Jim. And in wet weather, I can easily see how a car might skid over the side.

[C]

Yes, but what was that car doing out here last night? This is really a private road. And no one in his right mind would drive over it in a storm if there were any other way of reaching his destination.

[A]

Well, this is all farmland around here.

[C]

Here's the spot where the car went over the cliff. I want to take a look around. Come on, Fern.

[A]

What are you looking for, Jim?

[C]

The tires on that car were badly ripped. I wonder if that happened before the car went over or when it crashed.

[A]

Well, let's see if we can find anything.

[C]

The rain seems to have done a good job of covering up all traces of the skidding.

[A]

The mud's too deep to do much walking around here.

[C]

Yeah, they might as well drive on, Fern. There's not a trace of a clue here.

[A]

Look, Jim, there's a fork in the road just ahead.

[C]

Yeah, and there's a mailbox there, too. I. I want to see the name on it.

[A]

Oh, I think you're making a mountain out of a mole hill. Just. Jim, this is just an old country road. Can you make out the name on the box?

[C]

Yeah, it's Philip Peters.

[A]

Now what? Do we drive up that road and call on Farmer Philippe Peters?

[C]

No. No, we don't. First we'll investigate the other fork in the road.

[A]

Well, nothing's invigorating as a morning drive in the country, I always say. Only when I think of all the work I have to do on those laboratory reports, I can enjoy it as I should.

[C]

Look, Fern, over there.

[A]

Oh, it's a gypsy camp.

[C]

I thought they were located somewhere in this section.

[A]

Now this motor trip is beginning to make a little sense.

[C]

Listen. Can you hear music?

[A]

Oh, yes. It's nice.

[C]

Isn't it nice, Fern? That's the same music I picked up on the telepathic indicator just before the crash last night.

[A]

Oh, gosh, Jim, do you suppose all this adds up to something?

[C]

I think so, Fern. Come on,

[A]

Jim. Do you think it's a good idea to go botching in on these gypsies?

[C]

Well, we'll soon find out.

[G]

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[B]

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[G]

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[A]

Look, Jim, there's an old gypsy woman standing in front of that first tent. She's giving us a dirty look.

[C]

Let's see if she'll give us any information.

[D]

Stop Validor. Stop music. Stop music. I say. Make circle. Gypsies make wrong circles.

[A]

Oh, Jim, I don't like this. Those gypsies look menacing.

[D]

What do strangers want from gypsies?

[C]

A little information.

[A]

Oh.

[D]

Or you want fortune told across all Janina's palm with silver. And she will call upon the spirits of all Romany.

[C]

No, no, you don't understand. It's not about myself I wish to ask.

[D]

What then? What you want?

[C]

I'm making inquiries about the accident that occurred near here last night.

[D]

Gypsies don't know. Don't know anything.

[C]

Did two men come here last night? About 7 o'.

[A]

Clock.

[D]

You're from police?

[C]

Yes, I'm connected with the police. So you'd better tell me what you know.

[D]

Men are shunga. Malay men are stronger.

[A]

What's she saying, Jim?

[C]

I don't know. Answer in English. What did you say?

[D]

Gypsies know nothing.

[A]

Go away.

[D]

Let Gypsies alone.

[C]

Not until you answer my question. Were there two men here last night?

[D]

Yes. One man come, the other wait in car.

[C]

What did the man want?

[D]

He want gypsy to tell him future.

[C]

Yes. And what did you tell him?

[D]

What can I tell him? He is cursed. He has no future.

[C]

How did you know that? You didn't read that in his palm?

[D]

I will say nothing more.

[C]

Then I think you better come with us. Maybe the police can make your talk down in headquarters.

[D]

No, no. I'm in the Ostungamond Lane. I'm in Ostangaman Lane.

[C]

Speak in English.

[D]

The accursed must die. You cannot blame Gypsies.

[C]

Maybe not, but you know more than you're telling.

[A]

Oh, Jim, I think we'd better get out of here.

[D]

Gajo go away.

[C]

Things will go better with you if you'll come along with us quietly.

[D]

No, no, I will not go. You Gajo always try to make trouble for gypsies.

[A]

Oh, Jim, come on. Those men have clubs and they're closing in on.

[D]

Bracho.

[A]

Become. It's sam. Ra.

[B]

And now back to the avenger and the coins of death.

[A]

Jim, this case is beginning to look sinister.

[C]

Don't you worry your pretty head, Fern. Things are Beginning to shape up fairly well.

[A]

Now Jim, just how much stock do you put in the weird story that old gypsy woman told down at headquarters?

[C]

Well that's hard to say, Fern. Ianina was wild with anger because we sent Inspector White's men out there to bring her in. She might have told a few lies just to get even. That's why I'm going to investigate everything she said.

[A]

She claimed that Philip Peters, who owns the land where the gypsy camp is located, gave them permission to stay there as long as they wished it, didn't she?

[C]

Yes, and now that either means that Mr. Peters is a very generous man or that he had some reason for wanting the Gypsies.

[A]

Oh, I don't trust those Gypsies, Jim. All the facts in the case seem to hinge around them.

[C]

Yes, you need admits that Richfield, the first victim, came to her camp the night he went over the cliff three months ago. She told him he had no future and no one ever saw him alive again. Then she told Hobson the same thing and he went over the cliff.

[A]

Well we can be sure she's holding something back, Jim. She absolutely refused to reveal why she told those two men they had no future.

[C]

Yes, she conveniently claimed that the spirits of her tribe would curse her if she reveals her reason for predicting their deaths.

[A]

Oh, a neat method of holding back vital information I'd say.

[C]

Well, we'll soon find out. Right now I'm off to have a talk with Philip Peters.

[A]

Do I come too, Jim?

[C]

No, Fern. I'm going out to the Peters farm as the Avenger. What's that?

[F]

Who's in this barn?

[C]

It's the Avenger, Peters the Avenger.

[F]

Where are you? I can't see you.

[C]

No, but you can hear me, Peters.

[F]

Well what do you want? I. I haven't done anything. I thought the Avenger only fought criminals. I haven't committed any crime.

[C]

Are you quite sure of that, Peters? There's evidence against you.

[F]

You can't frighten me, Avenger. I'm an honest farmer and my conscience is clear.

[C]

Then you shouldn't mind answering some questions if they'll help solve a murder.

[F]

What are you getting at?

[C]

Just this. Why did you give that tribe of Gypsies permission to live rent free on your land?

[F]

Well I didn't. Well, I mean, that is, I.

[C]

What do you mean, Peters? If you didn't want them to stay you could have driven them off. This is your land, isn't it?

[F]

Yes, that is in a way.

[C]

Start making sense Peters, or I'm not going to believe you're as innocent as you claim to be.

[F]

Well, all right. I was warned never to tell this, but I didn't count on getting mixed up in anything crooked.

[C]

Do you own the land or don't you?

[F]

Oh, no, no, I don't own it. The property's in my name and I run this farm. But somebody else really owns the place.

[C]

Who owns it, Peters?

[F]

Well, Dr. Mylett who lives at Seven Willows, he's the owner, but he doesn't want anybody to know it. He said I could live here rent free as long as I pretended the place was mine.

[C]

Was it Dr. Mylett's idea to let the gypsies stay here?

[F]

Yes, sir. That was part of the bargain. I was to let the gypsies camp here until he told me to drive them off. They've been here for almost a year now.

[C]

I don't think they'll want to stay much longer, Peters.

[F]

Well, I'll be out on my ear now, too.

[C]

Say nothing of this and you will be protected. You evaded justice, Peters. But remember, you must say nothing of this encounter with the Avenger.

[A]

Well, there's Seven Willows just ahead. I think this must be the lane Jim meant for me to meet him. Oh, I thought he'd be here waiting. I hope nothing's happened. Oh, there he is, Jim. Over here.

[C]

Hello, Fern. You're punctual to the minute.

[A]

Get in the car, Jim, and tell me what's been happening. What in the world were you doing up at the. I thought you were going to see Peters.

[C]

I went to Peters first and then came here to get a line on Dr. Mylett.

[A]

Dr. Mylett? Who's he?

[C]

He's a mind analyst who specializes in silent thought as a nerve treatment for wealthy clients.

[A]

Well, how does he fit into the picture? Did you question him?

[C]

No, I went into Seven Willows merely to observe and listen. No one saw me.

[A]

Did you find out anything, Jim?

[C]

Plenty, I think. Dr. Milett was interviewing a young lady by the name of Helen Dresden. When she asked him for advice about her future, he suggested that she visit the gypsies.

[A]

Ah, this is beginning to add up to something at last.

[C]

Yeah, we'll have to work fast, Fern. It's starting to rain.

[A]

Well, what do we do, Jim?

[C]

First, we'll intercept Ms. Dresden as she drives past here. I'll block the road with our car and she'll have to stop there. We better get out of the car, Fern.

[A]

All right.

[C]

Oh, here she comes now.

[D]

What's the matter? Is your car stalled?

[C]

No, we want to speak to You.

[E]

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[C]

it for a moment.

[D]

What is this? Listen, if you.

[A]

Oh, please don't be frightened. Ms. Dresden, this is Jim Brandon of the police department. Oh, well, what do you want?

[C]

Ms. Dresden, I have reason to believe your life is in danger.

[D]

Well, that's a perfectly silly idea.

[A]

No, it isn't, Ms. Dresden. Several deaths have already occurred and Mr. Brandon thinks you are the next on line.

[C]

You're headed for the gypsy camp, aren't you, Ms. Dresden?

[D]

That's right.

[C]

If you wish to save your life, you'll let Ms. Collier go in your place.

[A]

But.

[D]

But why?

[C]

You will have to trust us, Ms. Dresden.

[D]

Well, well, what do you want me to do?

[C]

You take my car and go directly to police headquarters. We'll borrow your car and go to the gypsy camp.

[A]

All right.

[D]

I don't get this, but if you're from the police, I suppose you know what you're doing.

[C]

Oh, and one other thing, Ms. Dresden. What instructions did Dr. Mylett give you?

[A]

Why?

[D]

Well, none in particular. He told me the gypsy woman, Janina, was clever at foretelling the future to go over there. And, oh yes, he told me to give her this old silver coin.

[C]

Let me see that coin. Here, look at this, Fern.

[A]

What is it, Jim? I've never seen a silver piece like that.

[C]

No, Fern. This is Dr. Mylett's coin of death. Now, that's Janina's tent. Fern, I'll wait here while you go inside. You know what to do?

[A]

Yes, Jim. This should only take a minute. Madame Yanina, Madame Janina. May I come inside?

[D]

Yes, come. Oh, it's you what you want now, come make more trouble for gypsies.

[A]

No, Madam Yanina. I want to have my Future read.

[D]

Now you make joke of gypsy.

[A]

No, seriously. I want you to tell my fortune.

[D]

Sit down. Then cross the gypsy's palm with silver.

[A]

Yes. Here is a coin.

[D]

No.

[A]

No. What's the matter?

[D]

You are cursed. You have no future. Go away, Gato.

[A]

Go away. Oh, Madam Yanina. Oh, God.

[D]

Oh, you have no future. You have no future. Out of my sight. Kajo. You will die. You will die.

[C]

Now, Fern, are you sure you understand exactly what to do?

[A]

Yes, Jim. When we come to that big pine tree, just before we reach the place where those other cars went over the cliff, I'm to jump out of the car.

[C]

I'll stay with the car a moment longer and then follow you.

[A]

Oh, be sure to jump in time, Jim.

[C]

When you jump out, keep well off the road so no one can see you.

[A]

I understand.

[C]

Open the car door, Fern. Get ready. We're coming to the place. Okay, Fern, jump.

[A]

Well, I don't seem to have any broken bones. I hope Jim makes it all right. Gosh, I'm covered with mud.

[C]

Fern. Fern, where are you?

[A]

Here, Jim.

[C]

You all right?

[A]

Oh, fine.

[C]

There goes the car off the cliff. Fern. Come on.

[A]

Look, Jin, there's a man on the road up ahead.

[C]

Yes, he's pulling in a big board from the road. It's time for action, Fern.

[A]

Oh, do be careful, Jim.

[C]

All right, Dr. Millet, I've got you covered. Stand where you are.

[A]

Who's that?

[C]

It's the police. Your little scheme didn't work this time, Doctor. The police.

[F]

You will take me alive.

[A]

Jim, he's running toward the cliff.

[C]

He's not going to get away as easy as that. I'll head him off.

[A]

Oh, be careful, Jim. This road is slippery.

[C]

No, you don't, Dr. Milot. Let me go. You know, I wanted some murder Mylar. And you're gonna get what's coming to you.

[A]

Jim, are you all right?

[C]

Yes, Fern. I had to knock my out.

[A]

Oh, Jim. For a moment I thought.

[C]

Come on, Fern. Let's get our prisoner back to town. You're drench,

[F]

Jim. There are just a few points I want to get clear before I speak to the reporters.

[C]

Reporters, Inspectors? So soon?

[F]

Well, this is something hot, Jim. Until I got my lot's confession, those deaths will book these accidents.

[C]

Really, you should be more careful, Inspector.

[F]

Now, Jim, don't start that.

[C]

Okay, okay, Inspector. What do you want to know?

[F]

Well, my lot confessed that he was paid by a big businessman to get rid of Ridgefield and Hobson because both of them were about to patent a new process that would have ruined their Competitors. But he won't say a word about that Dresden girl. Why? Did he plan to get rid of her?

[A]

Yes, Jim, I don't understand that either.

[C]

Helen Dresden was to inherit a fortune on her 25th birthday, which falls next week. Now, Ms. Dresden didn't know this, but one of her cousins did and paid Dr. Mylett to get rid of Helen, so the fortune would be divided among the remaining relatives.

[A]

But Jim, all this doesn't explain what part the Gypsies played in the affair.

[C]

The Gypsies were the mysterious angle in the case, Fern. Actually, though, they had nothing to do with the murders.

[A]

They didn't? No.

[C]

Dr. Mylett had the Gypsies on that land in order to have an excuse to send his victims out on that deserted road. While his victim visited, the gypsy, Milot laid his trap. You see, he placed a big plank with long spikes in it across the road just at the summit of the cliff, and he covered the whole thing with mud so it couldn't be seen. Now, the road was very narrow there at the summit, and when the tires blew out, the car skidded enough to send it right over the cliff.

[F]

And they always chose rainy weather for the job so that the car would be certain to skid and to make it look more like an accident.

[A]

But those coins. What about them, Jim?

[C]

The coins were just a precaution to cast suspicion on the Gypsies in case the victim might survive the accident.

[A]

But why did the old gypsy go wild at the very sight of those coins and tell everyone who offered them to her that he had no future?

[C]

Because, Fern, those coins were exact copies of the silver Judas accepted for the betrayal. All Gypsies have been taught to hate them and to believe that all who possess them are doomed.

[A]

Well, I think I owe Yanina an apology.

[C]

Her predictions prove true. In this case, anyway. Those really were coins of death.

[B]

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

[C]

This is a thought. A thought. A thought. Remember? Listen for another adventure of

[B]

the Avenger.