The Avenger - The Eyes of Shiva

Summary

The Avenger - "The Eyes of Shiva"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: March 16, 2026

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Overview

This episode of "The Avenger" transports listeners to the glamorous and shadowy world of crime and justice during radio's Golden Age. Featuring Jim Brandon as the masked crime-fighter known as the Avenger, and his clever assistant Fern Collier, this caper centers on the mysterious murder of Mrs. Lydia Wimbisham and the theft of her legendary rubies, the Eyes of Shiva. Blending intrigue, suspense, and sharp wit, "The Eyes of Shiva" is a classic whodunit brimming with deception, desperate debts, and double-crosses.

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Key Points & Discussion Breakdown

The Setup: Desperate Debts and a Daring Plan

[02:50–06:44]

• Hollis Thurmont seeks help from gambler Clutcher Croft to resolve his $35,000 debt, requesting more time or another IOU.
• Croft refuses further credit, prompting Thurmont to propose either requesting money from his aunt, Mrs. Wimbisham, or, failing that, stealing her famous "Eyes of Shiva" rubies.
• The rubies are highly significant, once serving as the eyes of a revered statue of the goddess Shiva, now dearly wanted by a wealthy Indian importer.
• Notable Quote:
  • "If you want to put it as crudely as that, yes. They'll be mine someday anyway, so I might as well get them now when they can do me the most good." — Hollis Thurmont (04:45)

The Glamour and the Heist

[08:04–13:00]

• Jim Brandon (the Avenger) and Fern attend a posh nightclub, noting Mrs. Wimbisham's rare public appearance with her spectacular jewels.
• At home, Mrs. Wimbisham secures her rubies in the safe and discusses her uneasy feelings about the gems, remarking that they felt like "huge, glaring, red eyes."
• Shortly after, an intruder (later revealed as Devers, the jewel thief) confronts Mrs. Wimbisham, demands the combination to her safe, and, finding the rubies missing, grows violent.
• Atmospheric Moment:
  • "Suddenly I thought of the rubies as real eyes. Huge, glaring, red eyes staring back at all those people." — Mrs. Wimbisham (12:33)

Murder and Misdirection

[13:21–17:09]

• The intruder (Devers) attacks Mrs. Wimbisham when she cannot produce the rubies, eventually strangling her in his rage.
• News spreads quickly, and Inspector White faces mounting pressure to solve the high-profile case.

The Avenger Investigates

[17:09–19:11]

• Jim (the Avenger) and Fern consult with Inspector White, reviewing motives and alibis.
• Hollis Thurmont, though a prime suspect due to his debt and inheritance, is released for lack of evidence.

The Golf Course Gambit

[19:31–21:51]

• Jim and Fern tail Thurmont at the country club; Fern notes both Thurmont and another golfer intentionally slice their golf balls into the rough on the 17th hole.
• Suddenly, Thurmont is found strangled in his car. Jim suspects a connection between the golf balls and the missing rubies.
• Notable Quote:
  • "If those two golf balls Thurmont sliced into the rough had the rubies in them, it would make plenty of difference, wouldn't it." — Jim Brandon (23:57)

The Culprits Unmasked

[22:51–25:36]

• Back at headquarters, Fern identifies the mysterious golfer as Clyde Devers, an expert jewel thief.
• Jim theorizes that Thurmont used the golf balls as a clandestine method to pass the rubies.

The Confrontation

[25:36–27:55]

• Fern, posing as an estate agent, confronts Croft and Devers. With the help of the Avenger’s invisibility, the two criminals are caught red-handed as they turn on each other.
• Memorable Moment:
  • "From the Avenger, Croft." — The Avenger’s invisible intervention (26:42)

The Confession and Resolution

[29:09–30:33]

• Devers confesses under questioning, admitting to the dual murders and explaining the failed plan: after Mrs. Wimbisham’s death, Croft realized the intended buyer had fled the country, rendering the rubies worthless.
• The Avenger’s methodical deduction cracks the case, much to Inspector White’s relief.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "So the rubies weren't worth a penny to you and Croft. Because the one and only customer for them was on the high seas." — Jim Brandon (30:19)
  • "No wonder the inspector said this was the craziest case he ever worked on." — Fern Collier (31:10)

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Notable Quotes and Moments with Timestamps

• On Motivation:
  "If you want to put it as crudely as that, yes. They'll be mine someday anyway, so I might as well get them now when they can do me the most good."
  — Hollis Thurmont (04:45)

• Ruby's Shadow:
  "Suddenly I thought of the rubies as real eyes. Huge, glaring, red eyes staring back at all those people."
  — Mrs. Wimbisham (12:33)

• Deductive Reasoning:
  "If those two golf balls Thurmont sliced into the rough had the rubies in them, it would make plenty of difference, wouldn't it."
  — Jim Brandon (23:57)

• The Avenger Strikes:
  "From the Avenger, Croft."
  — The Avenger (26:42)

• On the Value of Crime:
  "So the rubies weren't worth a penny to you and Croft. Because the one and only customer for them was on the high seas."
  — Jim Brandon (30:19)

• The Craziest Case:
  "No wonder the inspector said this was the craziest case he ever worked on."
  — Fern Collier (31:10)

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Timeline of Important Segments

• 02:50 – Thurmont and Croft discuss the debt and plot to get the rubies.
• 08:04 – Jim and Fern at the nightclub see Mrs. Wimbisham with her rubies.
• 13:21 – The home invasion and murder of Mrs. Wimbisham.
• 17:09 – The investigation teams up Jim, Fern, and Inspector White.
• 19:31 – Surveillance and critical events at the golf course.
• 21:32 – Thurmont’s murder is discovered.
• 23:04 – Analysis leads Jim to the solution involving the golf balls.
• 25:36 – Fern and Jim confront Croft and Devers.
• 29:09 – Final confessions and the case’s resolution.
• 31:10 – Fern marvels at the complexity of the case.

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Conclusion

"The Eyes of Shiva" masterfully blends classic detective drama with rich character interplay and suspenseful plotting. The Avenger uses his scientific acumen and keen insight to piece together a case involving desperate debts, ancient jewels, and clever criminal machinations. With sparkling dialogue and a touch of wry humor—"No wonder the inspector said this was the craziest case he ever worked on"—the episode demonstrates why radio drama remains compelling decades later. The hour is rounded out with Jim and Fern’s playful banter and the Avenger’s reassuring presence ensuring justice prevails.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

We've planned for the plot twist, so

[A]

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trip starts with peace of mind.

[C]

The Avenger.

[B]

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

[C]

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 Eyes of Shiva.

[D]

Come in.

[E]

Oh, good evening, Mr. Thurmont.

[D]

Hello, Croft.

[E]

Have a chair. Thurmont, what's on your mind?

[D]

As though you didn't know.

[E]

Well, I can guess, of course. When a young man about town calls on a gamble in his office, that means he's broke.

[D]

Croft, I want you to okay another IOU for me.

[E]

Fairmont, you're in too deep. I can't give you any more credit.

[D]

Listen, Croft, don't try any of those cold shoulder tactics on me. I've lost a fortune in this club.

[E]

That's just the point. You already owe me 35 grand. Fairmont, when are you going to pay up?

[D]

You've got your money, but I've got to have a little time.

[E]

That's your. That's what you've been saying for a month. Now, let's get down the cases there, Monk. Either you pay up or I use my own methods of collecting.

[D]

I see. You're all set to give me the works, aren't you, Croft?

[E]

If necessary.

[D]

Give me one more week and I can raise the money.

[E]

Sorry, I need more than your word for that. Vermont. May I ask where you expect to get that kind of money?

[D]

From my Aunt Lydia.

[E]

Mrs. Wimbusham?

[D]

Yes.

[E]

What makes you think she'll advance you 35,000 just for the asking?

[D]

She'll have to.

[E]

And if she doesn't, then, well, I

[D]

have another way of getting it.

[E]

No fair, Mark. I can't accept vague promises any longer. I'll give you 24 hours to raise the dough.

[D]

I can't do it in that time. You'll have to make it a week, Croft, if you want to collect your money.

[E]

What's your plan then? I've got to know my chances.

[D]

Well, you've heard of my aunt's rubies. The famous eyes of Shiva.

[E]

Who hasn't?

[D]

I've got a customer for those rubies, Croft.

[E]

You. You mean you plan to steal the rubies from your aunt?

[D]

Well, if you want to put it as crudely as that, yes. They'll be mine someday anyway, so I might as well get them now when they can do me the most good.

[E]

And if you're caught?

[D]

I don't think Aunt Lydia would prosecute. The family name and all that.

[E]

This brave customer you spoke of, who is he? It seems unbelievable to me that anyone would be foolish enough to buy such famous stones. Those rubies can never be put on the market. They'll be too hot.

[D]

My customer will give me 200,000 for them, and he has no desire to market them.

[E]

200,000? Who has that kind of dough?

[D]

A rich Indian importer. He's tried to buy the rubies for my aunt directly, but she won't sell. You see, those stones have a special significance to the people of his country. At one time, those rubies were the eyes of an ancient statue of the goddess Shiva. This rich Indian owns that statue now, and he wants to have the eyes replaced.

[E]

Well, I don't know. That statue stuff's all Greek to me. I never even heard about this Shiva goddess.

[D]

You should have, Croft. Shiva is the goddess of thugs. She has seven arms and strangles all

[C]

who do not please her.

[D]

I'd say she speaks your language, Croft.

[E]

Sounds like a very interesting game.

[D]

Well, Croft, in case my aunt refuses to give me the money, are you willing to give me that week's grace to get the rubies?

[E]

All right there, Mont. I'll play ball.

[D]

Good.

[E]

Take a few days to work on your aunt for the money, though, before you risk stealing the rubies. 35 grand in a hand is worth more than 200,000 in some goddess's eyes.

[D]

It's a deal, Croft.

[E]

We have a date then. Fairmont, a week from tonight. Let's have a drink on it.

[F]

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[G]

Jim, it looks as though everyone in the Blue Book is turned out for this opening.

[B]

Well, it certainly does, Fern. A nightclub opening too. I guess the place is made.

[G]

If they squeeze us in any tighter here, we won't dare eat any dinner.

[B]

Oh, now, we must avoid that catastrophe at any cost.

[G]

Jim, help me pick out the celebrities.

[B]

Well, let's see. There's the mayor over there. And at the table next to him are Mrs. Lydia Wimbusham and her nephew, Hollis Thurmo.

[G]

Oh, I've heard of her. She's the richest woman in the state, isn't she?

[B]

Yes, but young Hollis is doing everything he can to relieve her of that honor. Oh, Fern, she's wearing her rubies. The earrings, Jim.

[G]

Are those the famous eyes of Shiva rubies?

[B]

That's right, Fern.

[G]

Oh, good heavens. I never thought I'd see such jewels in a nightclub.

[B]

Mrs. Wimbisham doesn't appear in public very often, but when she does, she makes folks sit up and take notice.

[G]

Gosh, this is exciting. Jim, let's dance. I want to get a closer look at those rubies.

[B]

All right, Fearne.

[D]

Let's go. Well, Aunt Lydia, did you have a good time?

[H]

I did, Hollis. You were a dear to invite me. It's quite a nice club.

[D]

I suppose you noticed that your rubies got more attention than the floor show.

[H]

Well, this is the first time I've worn them in a year.

[D]

I was surprised. Why did you wear them tonight, Aunt Lydia?

[H]

It's your uncle's happy birthday, Hollis. When he was living, I always wore the rubies on his birthday. And since his death, I've continued to do so. You knew that, of course.

[D]

I'd forgotten.

[H]

Hollis, what's the matter? You've seemed preoccupied all evening.

[D]

Oh, it's the same old thing, Auntie.

[H]

You're not having money troubles again, Hollis?

[D]

I'm afraid I am, Aunt Lydia.

[H]

How much are you overdrawn this time?

[D]

It's worse than that. I might as well tell you the truth, Auntie. I'm in debt for 35,000.

[H]

Hollis, how did that happen? Why, I've always given you a generous allowance. Hollis, have you been gambling again after you promised me?

[D]

I know. I know I'm wrong, and I admit it. But that doesn't satisfy my creditors, Hollis.

[H]

I won't give you the money this time.

[D]

What am I to do then?

[H]

I don't know. You gave me your word when I paid your debts last time that it wouldn't happen again. And now this. You'll have to settle your debts as best you can on your allowance.

[D]

That sounds final, Aunt Lydia.

[H]

It is, Hollis. Believe me, my boy, it's for your own good. It's high time you settled down and lived on your income.

[D]

All right, let's forget it, Aunty. Don't lecture me tonight.

[H]

Do you want James to drive you home, Hollis?

[D]

No. I was hoping you would invite me in for a nightcap.

[H]

Oh, of course. Come along. That's all for tonight, James. Good night. We'll have to serve ourselves, though. I gave the servants the night off.

[D]

That's all right, Auntie. Give me your key. I'll open the door.

[H]

Here. Those servants have left all the lights burning again. Go into the library, Hollis. I'll join you in a minute.

[D]

Where are you going, Auntie?

[H]

I want to put these earrings in the safe in the living room. Go ahead. Mix yourself something to drink, Hollis.

[D]

Right. Don't be long.

[H]

I'll send these rubies back to the vault tomorrow. I feel uneasy having them here now. The safe. Oh, it's a relief to get them off. They're so heavy. Let me see. The combination is 31 07.

[A]

There.

[H]

Into your little box back in the safe. Oh, Hollis, you startled me.

[D]

I'm sorry. I. I came in to ask if you think we might find the makings of a sandwich. That nightclub dinner was on the meager side.

[H]

Oh, of course. I'll see what's in the icebox. You know, Hollis, I don't think I'll ever wear the eyes of Shiva in public again.

[D]

Why not?

[H]

Well, I had the strangest feeling tonight. It's silly, I know, but suddenly I thought of the rubies as real eyes. Huge, glaring, red eyes staring back at all those people.

[D]

Come now, Auntie. None of your morbid fancies tonight.

[H]

All right, Hollis. I'm sorry. Bring the drinks into the kitchen and help me with the sandwich.

[C]

Right.

[D]

I'll be with you in a moment.

[H]

I hear footsteps in this room. Who's there?

[G]

Who are you?

[H]

What do you want?

[C]

I want the combination to your safe, Mrs. Wimbisham.

[H]

No, no.

[G]

Get out of here.

[C]

Now, if you'll just be calm and do as I say, you won't get hurt. No use to reach for the phone. The wires are cut.

[H]

This is an outrage.

[C]

Come downstairs and open up that safe, or. Well, I'm prepared to kill you if I have to. It's up to you. All right, I'll come after you, Mrs. Wimbisham.

[H]

You're after the rubies? Of course. But what good will they do you? No one will dare buy them.

[C]

I'll worry about that.

[H]

This way.

[C]

Okay. Now, suppose you open up the safe. Three, one, oh, seven. Very simple. Should have been able to figure that out for myself. All right, take out the rubies.

[H]

What sort of game is this? They're not here. You've already taken them.

[C]

No stalling now. Fish them out.

[H]

They're not here, I tell you.

[G]

Look for yourselves.

[C]

Stand back. They're not here and you knew they weren't. Talk fast, Mrs. Wimbisham. Where are those rubies?

[H]

I don't know. I put them in the safe less than two hours ago and now they're gone.

[C]

You're lying. Where are they?

[H]

Honestly, I don't know.

[C]

I'm going to get those rubies, Mrs. Wimbisham, if I have to choke the truth out of you.

[H]

Believe me, I'd tell you if I knew.

[C]

Well, we'll see about that.

[G]

Talk.

[H]

Take your hands away. You're choking.

[B]

Where are they?

[H]

I don't know. Please, I.

[C]

Answer quick or I'll finish the job.

[H]

I don't know what happened to them. I don't know. Where are they, my lupus? The eyes sheen.

[C]

And now back to the Avenger and the Eyes of Shiva.

[G]

Honestly, Jim, I feel terribly sorry for Inspector White. I'm afraid he'll be out of office if he doesn't break the Wimblesham murder soon.

[B]

Well, Fern, it's been almost a week now since it happened, and the newspapers are playing it up big. Frankly, it's a very puzzling one.

[G]

Jim, haven't you been able to pick up anything on the telepathic indicator that might help?

[B]

No, I haven't. If I'd been at the indicator the night the murder was committed, I probably could have. But by the time we found out about it, the strong emotional impulses that surround a death by violence had weakened, and I could pick up only confused impressions.

[G]

Jimmy, do you think Mrs. Wim's nephew could have done it?

[B]

Well, evidently the police don't think so, Fern. They released Thermont yesterday. Oh, that must be Inspector White now. Let him in, will you, Fern?

[G]

Yes, Jim. Hello, Inspector. Come in. Jim's waiting for you.

[E]

Thanks, Fern.

[G]

In the laboratory, Inspector.

[B]

Good morning, Inspector.

[E]

Well? Nothing good about it, Brandon.

[B]

Have a chair and let's hear what's on your mind, Inspector.

[E]

Well, ok, Jim. I'm gonna put my cards on the table. I'm up a blind alley on this Wimersham case.

[B]

I see by the papers that you released them on.

[E]

Well, you had to. You had an airtight alibi for the murder, at least.

[G]

That leaves you high and dry for a suspect, doesn't it, Inspector?

[E]

Never hire and never drive, Fern.

[B]

Well, Inspector, I don't know whether you want my advice or not. Usually you don't.

[E]

Stop rubbing it in. Jim, you got any ideas, spill them. I'm open to anything.

[B]

Okay, Inspector, if you're really asking me, I'd say that Hollis Thurmont had such a good motive for both the murder and the theft that he might be the connecting link between them. Provided both crimes were not committed by the same person.

[E]

Well, we've got a tail on him every minute of the day and night. And if he gets in touch with anybody, we'll know it.

[B]

And where is he now?

[E]

At the country club, playing golf.

[G]

Playing golf? His aunt's death couldn't have affected him much.

[B]

I've got an idea, Inspector. Call off your men and let Fern and me trail Thurmond for the rest of the day.

[E]

Okay, but call in a report to my office every hour, Jim. And don't give out any statements to the newspaper.

[B]

Why, Inspector, you used to love.

[E]

Now, listen here, Jim. Just because you got me up a tree.

[B]

All right, all right, Inspector. No feature stories until you solve the case. Come on, Fern. You and I are going to brush up on our golf.

[G]

Oh, Jim, I've hit another ball out of bounds.

[B]

My dear Miss Collier, the idea is to keep your eye on the ball, remember?

[G]

Yes, that's just the trouble. I'm trying to keep one eye on the ball and the other on Hollis Thurmond playing there ahead of us. Oh, Jim, I'm convinced that young Thurmond can't be guilty.

[B]

And why not, Fern?

[G]

He's playing too good again. His conscience must be clear now.

[B]

He's good, all right. We've been following him for 16 holes and he's made at least 10 of them in par.

[G]

We're in good company. That man playing behind us is good, too.

[B]

Yes, I've noticed that.

[G]

Look, Jim Thermont is teeing off for the 17th hole. Let's watch for a minute.

[B]

All right, if you think it'll improve your game. I can't believe it. He sliced that one badly.

[G]

We hit it way out of bounds in the rock.

[B]

He's setting up another One. He sliced that one, too. And it landed in exactly the same place as the other.

[G]

That 17th hole must be a jinx. Look, Jim, Thermont is mad. He's going to stop playing.

[C]

Would you folks mind if I played through you?

[B]

Oh, no, not at all. Go ahead.

[C]

Thanks.

[D]

Thank you very much.

[E]

Not at all.

[B]

Well, that fellow's just as good as Thermont.

[G]

Now he's ready for the 17th hole. Wonder how he'll make out.

[B]

Thermont's going toward the clubhouse. Fern, we better go. We don't want to give him a chance to slip away from here without us.

[G]

All right, Jim. Jim, did you see that?

[B]

Yes. That fellow who played through us sliced his ball just like Thurmont did.

[G]

And it landed in the same place, too. But he's going after his now.

[B]

That's a very strange coincidence. I wonder.

[G]

Jim, we'd better hurry if we want to catch up with Thermos.

[B]

Yeah, right, Fern.

[F]

Come on.

[B]

Did Thermont come out of the clubhouse yet?

[D]

Furnace?

[G]

Yes, a few moments ago.

[H]

Jim.

[G]

He went around to get his car.

[B]

I just called the inspector. He says we're to stay with Thermont.

[G]

We better get in the car then and be ready to follow.

[B]

Right.

[G]

I think we're on a cold trail, though. Thermont hasn't even spoken to anyone out here.

[B]

Help.

[C]

Help.

[G]

Get the police.

[B]

What's happened?

[D]

Mr. Thermont. He's been strangled in his car.

[B]

Call Inspector White at police headquarters. Attendant.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[B]

Tell him to get out here right away.

[D]

Yes, sir.

[G]

Oh, Jim, I can't believe it. Why, only a few moments.

[B]

I want you to get a caddy and go down to the rough and get those golf balls.

[G]

Golf balls? Why, what in the world can they have to do?

[B]

Never mind that now. Get those golf balls and bring them back here.

[G]

All right, Jim.

[B]

And in the meantime, I'll see if I can pick up the trail of Thermont's murderer.

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[G]

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[E]

Well, Brandon, now that we're back at headquarters and can't be overheard, what have you got to say for yourself?

[B]

Not a thing, Inspector. Evidently, Thermont's murderer was waiting for him in his car. Thurmont was strangled in exactly the same way as his aunt.

[G]

It happened very suddenly, Inspector. Why, we just gave Thermont a few minutes to drive around the clubhouse in his car so that we could follow him.

[E]

Don't worry about that, Fern. If the murderer hadn't caught up with him, there would have happened somewhere else. But the newspapers are screaming for my scalp nonetheless.

[B]

We'll get the murderer, Inspector. All we have to do is find that man who followed Fern and me on the golf course. He's our man.

[E]

What makes you show sure that?

[B]

Because Fern found only one golf ball when she went down to the rough. Thurmond hit two down and our suspect hit one down there. Now, if our suspect really went down there to recover his own ball, he would either have picked up his own and left Thurman's two or picked up all three. Since he left one ball there, he must have picked up Thermont's two. It was too far out of bounds for ordinary straight balls.

[E]

Where does that get us, Jim?

[G]

I don't see what difference it makes whose golf balls he picked up.

[B]

If those two golf balls Thurmont sliced into the rough had the rubies in them, it would make plenty of difference, wouldn't it, Jim, do you think? I certainly do, Inspector. Thurmont deliberately knocked those balls into the rough for somebody to pick up. And we know who recovered those balls.

[E]

We do?

[B]

Who, Jim?

[G]

Means we know what the man looks like.

[B]

Inspector, I want to see every picture you've got of known criminals in this state. Come on, Fern. We're going to work.

[H]

Okay.

[E]

Well, this batch of pictures just came in this morning. Mostly parole jumpers believe headed this way.

[B]

Well, now, that sounds like a good bet. No local criminal would have taken such risks of being recognized here. Fern, you look through that match.

[E]

Oh, this is the craziest case I've ever worked on. None of it makes any sense.

[B]

Well, it's beginning to, Inspector. Well, not to me. Be patient for another day or two, Inspector, and you'll have the newspapers eating out of your hands.

[H]

Jim.

[G]

Jim, here he is.

[B]

What?

[G]

This is the man who played through us on the golf course.

[B]

Sure enough, Clyde Des, jewel thief, served

[E]

sentences in Looks like you've hit on something, Jim.

[B]

Inspector, have your men track down this golf ball. What for, Jim? I believe Debers was fronting this job for someone. Let's shoot for the jackpot, Inspector. This is Clutcher Croft's place, Vern. According to the Inspector's list, Croft buys the type of golf ball Devers used.

[G]

Oh, but what makes you think Croft is our likeliest prospect, Jim?

[B]

Young Thurmont owed him money.

[G]

Well, it's worth the try.

[B]

Now, that's Croft's office. Straight through the entrance hall. Now, you know what to say. And don't be frightened. Because when Croft opens the door to let you in, the Avenger will be right behind you.

[G]

I'm not afraid, Jim.

[B]

Good girl. Go ahead then.

[E]

Come in.

[G]

Mr. Croft?

[E]

Yes, what do you want? Come in and close the door.

[G]

Mr. Croft. I'm from the firm Byers and Trembling. We're in charge of settling the Wimsham estate. And I'm getting a list of Hollis Thermont's creditors. What was the amount Mr. Thurmont owed you?

[E]

Since when our gambling gets paid off by an estate? You wouldn't happen to be a detective, would you?

[G]

Why, no.

[E]

I'm Devis. Devis, come in here.

[C]

What's up, Miss?

[E]

Dame from the police, I think. Lock these doors, David. Now speak up, Miss. Just who are you?

[G]

I. I just came here on a hunch. I thought I might find the eyes of Shiva Rubies here.

[C]

Why, this is the Dame that was on the golf course the day I.

[B]

The day you murdered Thermod. Isn't that right, Devers?

[E]

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

[B]

From the Avenger, Croft.

[C]

The Avenger. We're sunk, Clutcher.

[E]

Not yet, Devis. Grab the girl. We can't see the Avenger, but we can see her.

[C]

Her or with your gun reach you.

[B]

You're playing a fool, Devers. Croft is double crossing you. He's edging toward the inner office to make his getaway.

[C]

No, you don't, Croft. You're not hanging this wrap on me.

[E]

Take it easy, Devit.

[C]

Stay where you are or I'll drill you.

[E]

It's every man for himself now. Devis.

[C]

Come back here, Croft.

[H]

Oh, you shot.

[C]

Oh, you've had that coming for a long time. Clutcher. My gun.

[B]

Pick it up, young lady. I knocked it out of your hand.

[G]

I have a Avenger.

[B]

Stand back. Against the wall, Devers. Shoot him if he makes a move.

[E]

It was Croft, I tell you.

[C]

He hired me.

[B]

He engineered the whole thing. He's the man. Save your Story for the police.

[H]

Sa.

[G]

Sam.

[E]

Come on in. Jim Devers is ready to talk now.

[B]

At last. I was beginning to think he'd never break.

[E]

All right, Devers. Why did you kill Lydia Wimbledon?

[C]

Because I thought she was lying when she said she didn't know where the rubies were.

[E]

Didn't it occur to you that Thurmont might have taken them?

[C]

No. I didn't know anything about the Thurmont angle until after I failed to get the rubies. Then Croft told me Thurmont must have beaten us to it.

[B]

But by that time, Thurmont was in jail for questioning concerning the murder of his aunt.

[C]

Yeah, we just had to sit tight and wait until he was free to make contact with his customer.

[E]

When did you first suspect that the rubies were in the golf balls?

[C]

Not until Thurmont sliced them into the rough. I'm an expert on golf. I could see that he deliberately sliced those balls.

[B]

Then after you recovered the balls, you went back to the clubhouse and killed Thermont.

[C]

Croft told me, too. He was afraid Thurmont would begin squawking to the police when he discovered Croft had framed him.

[E]

What was your next move, Davis?

[C]

Well, he tried to contact Thurmont's customer, the rich Indian importer, but discovered he'd sailed quietly for home as soon as he heard about Mrs. Wimbisham's murder. He was scared of getting involved, I guess.

[B]

So the rubies weren't worth a penny to you and Croft? Because the one and only customer for them was on the high seas.

[C]

Yeah, and by that time, we were wishing we'd never heard of the Eyes of Shiva.

[E]

Any more questions, Jim?

[B]

No. That just about cleans up the case, Inspector.

[E]

Okay, that's all, Devers. The charge is murder. Three of them. Take them away, Bo.

[G]

But, Jim, I still don't understand. If that Indian importer had sailed for home, why did Thermont go ahead with the plan for delivering the jewels to him?

[B]

Thurmont didn't know the Indian had fled Fern, and he was desperate for money.

[G]

Good grief. No wonder the inspector said this was the craziest case he ever worked on.

[B]

Well, you can say that again, Fernando. This one almost had the Avenger battle, too.

[C]

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

[B]

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

[C]

the Avenger.

[G]

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

[I]

Infliction is killing me. But who cares. Big retailers are making record profits. That's why we support the Durbin Marshall credit card bill.

[G]

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

[I]

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

[A]

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