The Avenger - The Hooded Circle

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Avenger - The Hooded Circle
Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This classic radio drama episode transports listeners to the fictional town of Springville, where a secretive group of businessmen forms the “Hooded Circle” to rid their community of undesirables. Jim Brandon, known as the vigilante Avenger, accompanied by his assistant Fern Collier and Inspector Jim Taring, investigates the circle's activities after receiving an anonymous warning of an impending reign of terror. The plot unfolds with intrigue, moral dilemmas on mob justice, and a surprising twist, as the Avenger uncovers murder, deception, and the dangers of taking the law into one's own hands.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. The Formation of the Hooded Circle

• Springville’s Decline: Local businessmen, led by Howard Gleason, lament the town’s transformation into a haven for grifters and profiteers (03:05).
• Secret Plot: Jim Brandon/Gleason proposes a clandestine solution—forming the Hooded Circle, complete with robes and hoods, to drive out undesirable elements (05:56).
• Quote: “You men have an investment in this town ... don’t you think the time has come for us to protect our homes and investments here?” – Jim Brandon (03:05)

2. The Blacklist & The Cards

• Targeting Citizens: A list is drawn up targeting Ambrose Greer, Jarvis Peyton, and Ringo Tuple among others—each accused of harming the community through profiteering or vice (04:32).
• Method of Assignment: At Hooded Circle meetings, tasks are assigned via a mysterious card dealing—the man who receives the jack of spades must confront the next target (10:30).

3. The Avenger’s Involvement

• Anonymous Warning: Brandon, Fern, and Inspector Taring are drawn in by an anonymous letter forewarning a reign of terror (06:39).
• Quote: “So am I, Inspector. That anonymous note you received interested me.” – Fern Collier (06:35)
• Investigation: The team investigates the Hooded Circle, linking them to secret meetings, and ultimately to the murder of Ambrose Greer (16:21).

4. Murder and Mob Justice

• Greer’s Death: Ambrose Greer is found murdered, confirming the Hooded Circle has escalated from intimidation to violence (16:21).
• Fern’s Reflection: “That sort of thing, regardless of its intention, is vicious and unpatriotic.” – Fern Collier (12:38)

5. Undercover Operation

• Infiltration: Fern and the Inspector, with costumes based on Tuple’s descriptions, infiltrate a Hooded Circle meeting to get closer to the truth (19:06, 21:21).
• Precautions: Fern orchestrates a plan to signal their identities to Tuple, who agrees to pretend to deal them cards, maintaining their cover (21:30).

6. Exposing the Villain

• The Twist: The Avenger deduces Ringo Tuple was both a target and a murderer, palming the jack of spades card to incriminate others while committing the crimes himself (31:25).
• Key Evidence: The Avenger catches Tuple with two jacks of spades, exposing him as the manipulator and murderer (27:47).
• Quote: “That way he was able to commit the crime, rob his wealthy victim, and at the same time deceive the members of the Hooded Circle into thinking that one of their own number was guilty.” – Fern Collier (31:44)

7. Justice, Accountability, & Moral

• Courtroom Resolution: The judge suspends the sentences of the Hooded Circle members, recognizing their lack of criminal intent but warning against vigilante actions in the future (29:35).
• Reflection: “The laws of your land must stand above all the petty aims of prejudice and pride.” – Judge (29:50)
• A Town Reborn: The ex-members burn their robes, symbolizing the end of the Hooded Circle and Springville’s return to lawful order (31:58).
• Quote: “Well, Hearne, I guess this town’s growing pains are over. Springville has come of age.” – Fern Collier (32:23)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• [03:05] Jim Brandon: “Let me have a few opinions. Bob Clifford has the floor.”
• [04:45] On Greer: “He intends to dam up that tributary and convert its power to his mill. Now, if that happens, our hopes for a state park on that fine land are doomed.”
• [12:38] Fern Collier: “That sort of thing, regardless of its intention, is vicious and unpatriotic. It should have no place in a civilized society...”
• [16:21] Fern Collier: “Go to the telephone, quick. Call Inspector White. Tell him we found the first victim of the Hooded Circle. He’s been murdered.”
• [23:10] Jim Brandon: “The circumstance would indicate that someone present here tonight killed Greer. I find it very difficult to believe that.”
• [27:47] The Avenger: “I’m going to stop you like this, since you’ve insisted. And there you’ll stay until the police arrive. Your loaded gun in one hand. And these two jacks of spades you had in your pocket in the other.”
• [29:50] Judge: “The laws of your land must stand above all the petty aims of prejudice and pride.”
• [31:44] Fern Collier: “I saw Tubble palming a card as he dealt them. I realized then that he himself was taking the jack of spades.”

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Key Timestamps

• 03:05 – Hooded Circle’s purpose and clandestine meeting
• 04:32 – The blacklist is read & methods debated
• 06:39 – The Avenger team learns of the reign of terror
• 10:30 – Card dealing ritual; assignment by chance
• 16:21 – Discovery of Greer’s murder
• 19:06 – Fern and Inspector plot their infiltration
• 21:30 – Undercover plan finalized
• 23:10 – Hooded Circle suspects a murderer in their midst
• 27:47 – The Avenger exposes Tuple and the evidence
• 29:35 – Court pronounces judgement on the circle and Tuple
• 31:44 – Fern explains Tuple’s scheme; townsfolk burn their robes

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Tone & Style

The episode is suspenseful, dramatic, and reflective of the Golden Age of Radio’s earnest style. Dialogue is sharp and imbued with moral undertones about justice, the rule of law, and the risks of vigilantism, without sacrificing pace or intrigue. Even as the plot deals with dark themes, moments of banter between Fern, Jim, and the Inspector provide warmth and a touch of humor.

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Takeaways

• Justice must be pursued through lawful, not vigilante means.
• Even well-meaning citizens can err when circumventing the law.
• Crime and deception can hide behind both masks and good intentions.
• The episode ends with hope for Springville, suggesting redemption and the restoration of a community’s moral compass.

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For aficionados of detective stories and radio drama, “The Hooded Circle” stands out as a rich, engaging tale—delivering both entertainment and a poignant commentary on morality and justice.

Transcript

[Narrator]

From number one New York Times best selling author, James Rollins comes a shocking new standalone thriller framed for murder. A group of university students are forced into a treacherous chase across Europe. Hunted by a powerful cabal and the police. Their only hope, a centuries old encrypted diary with a deadly secret worth killing for. Trust no one, the new blockbuster novel from James Rollins, available now wherever books are sold.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Avenger.

[The Avenger]

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

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Avengers sworn enemy of evil is actually Jim Brandon, a famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has perfected several inventions to aid him in his crusade against crime as the Avenger. Most remarkable of these inventions is the highly 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 Hooded Circle. A group of influential businessmen have assembled for luncheon in a private dining room. The conversation during the meal has been general, but as soon as the dishes have been cleared away. Howard Gleason, self appointed chairman, calls for order.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Gentlemen, Gentlemen, your your attention please. I know that all of you are wondering just why you were invited here. I. Oh, Benton, would you stand over there near the door please? Don't let anyone come in here. Right, Mr. Gleeson. Now gentlemen, I'll come straight to the point. If you will look about you, you will see that this gathering is composed entirely of influential businessmen who have resided here in Springville for many years. The reason for that is this. You men have an investment in this town. I mean the real Springville, not the noisy honky tonk it's become within the past few years. Now, don't you think the time has come for us to protect our homes and investments here and get rid of the grifters who are ruining our city. Just a moment, just a moment, gentlemen. Let me have a few opinions. Bob Clifford has the floor.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I agree with you, Gleason. I think the situation here in Springville has become intolerable. In fact, it reached the point where the decent citizens must drive out the riffraff or they'll drive us out.

[Ringo Tuple]

But what can we do? You can't just order these people out of town. As long as they're making money here, they'll stay.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's just it. They're within their legal rights. But are we to stand by and let them destroy us because of that? Gentlemen, gentlemen. There is a way to handle this, if you men have the courage to adopt it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, what is it? I think you'll find us willing to cooperate.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, here's the blacklist. Let's see if we agree on that. First, number one, Ambrose Greer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I think that Greer has stepped on the toes of every man here in one way or another during the past three years.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, let me acquaint you with his latest plan. He is gradually buying up all that old mill property along the west fork of the river. He intends to dam up that tributary and convert its power to his mill. Now, if that happens, our hopes for a state park on that fine land are doomed.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, he's got to be stopped, that's all.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Let me continue. Second on this list is Jarvis Peyton. When timber was badly needed, he bought up that forest land beyond the lake and made a fortune chopping it. Now he intends to ruin the entire woods in that section in order to clean up more.

[Ringo Tuple]

That's carrying profiteering a little bit too far.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What about that Ringo Tuple who runs a gambling boat out on the river? That place is a disgrace to this community.

[Ringo Tuple]

But what's to be done about it? As far as I can see, all we can do is start the ball rolling. To have a few laws enacted to restrain these people.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That would take too much time. I have another plan, but I do not feel at liberty to discuss it here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where can we discuss it then?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The utmost secrecy will be required. But I think my plan will prove quick and effective.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, when can we hear it, Gleason? We're willing to listen.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Those who are interested will meet in the deserted barn at Cronin Corners tomorrow night. I thought it might be well to adopt a plan to shield the identity of those who wish to work within this group. There is a package here for each of you. It contains a robe and hood. Wear them tomorrow night. Otherwise you cannot be admitted to the hooded circle. I'm glad you and Fern were able to drive out here to Springville with me.

[Fern Collier]

So am I, Inspector. That anonymous note you received interested me.

[Ringo Tuple]

Inspector.

[Jim Taring]

What was in that note to bring you and Jim Taring out here to Springville?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, among other things, Fern, it contained a warning that Springville is in for a reign of terror.

[Jim Taring]

But isn't this outside your territory?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, it is. I called the Springville sheriff about it, but he's laid up, so he wants me to take over for the time being. Well, of course, Inspector, we may be

[Fern Collier]

out here on a wild goose chase. An anonymous letter, nine times out of 10, is written by A crank.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

This one's worth checking on. Jim, where do you think we ought to begin? Drive down to the courthouse. I'll make a few inquiries of the officials there.

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[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Who's there?

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's number 14, bringing in Ringo Tuple.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Enter.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Is everyone here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There are two less than at the last meeting, but we'll proceed. Sit over there.

[Ringo Tuple]

Say, what kind of a deal is this? Why was I brought here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You're about to find that out, couple. You can remove his blindfold now. Number 14.

[The Avenger]

Right?

[Narrator/Announcer]

There you are, Tupple.

[Ringo Tuple]

Hey, hey. What's the pitch here? If you hooded guys are trying to put over a joke on me.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Joke? Tuple, the hooded circle is here to decide your fate.

[Ringo Tuple]

Decide my fate? What are you talking about?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Just this. Tuple, we find your presence here in Springville undesirable. We want you to clear out entirely or convert your gambling boat into a respectable showboat.

[Ringo Tuple]

And if I refuse?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Steps will be taken.

[Ringo Tuple]

Now listen, I'm a businessman. If it's Cut on the gambling profits you're after.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We can work out a deal. We don't want your money, Tuple. Our one and only purpose is to rid our city of riffraff and profiteers. We're giving you a choice. Meet our requirements at once or get out.

[Ringo Tuple]

Well, I've got a big investment here. I can't very well pull out.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And we'll expect the gambling on your boat to disappear. Continue at once. All right, you got me in a

[Ringo Tuple]

tight spot, so I'll play ball. Now, I'd like to get out of here, if you don't mind.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, you need not be afraid. Double. We have no intention of harming you. After the meeting, you will be escorted back to your boat. However, in the meantime, we have a little job for you to do.

[Ringo Tuple]

Now, listen here. I'm a gambler, not a mug. If you have, I merely want you

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

to shuffle these cards and deal one to each member of our circle. What for?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Never mind that.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Here. Cards. You will note that all of the low cards have been removed in order that the number of cards equals exactly the number of hooded men gathered around you. Check the deck and tell us if the jack of spades is there. Yes, it's here. Then shuffle the cards and deal them. We have a mission for the man who gets the jack of spades. Step up, men, and form a circle. Number 14. Did you lock Tupple up in that small shed at the end of the barn?

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's been done, but we'd better keep our voices down so he can't hear us.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Then listen carefully, all of you. One member of this hooded style circle was dealt the jack of spades. Only the man who received that card knows that he has it. And it is to him that I direct the following instructions. Go at night, disguised as you are now, to Ambrose Greer. Give him three days to clear out of Springville. You may go armed for your own protection, but no violence will be sanctioned. The hooded circle will meet here again on Thursday night when the next assignment will be given. Good luck. Jack of spades.

[Jim Taring]

Where's the inspector, Jim? I thought he was to meet us here on the porch of the hotel.

[Fern Collier]

He's still out trying to trace that letter, Fern.

[Jim Taring]

Have you made any headway on that, Jim?

[Fern Collier]

No, and I'm glad we haven't.

[Jim Taring]

So glad. Why?

[Fern Collier]

Because that means it probably was the work of the crank. And that no reign of terror is threatening Springville. I hated to think that perhaps a group of citizens here had decided to take the law into their own hands.

[Jim Taring]

You Think that's what the letter implies?

[The Avenger]

Yes.

[Fern Collier]

And that sort of thing, regardless of its intention, is vicious and unpatriotic. It should have no place in a civilized society where the law of the land is the best law for each individual living under it.

[Jim Taring]

You're right. Oh, here comes the inspector now. And he looks as though he swallowed a canary.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Jim, we've hit on something big here.

[Fern Collier]

What have you found out, Inspector?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come upstairs, Jim. In 10 minutes we're going to have a very interesting visitor. You're sure nobody saw you coming here, Tuple?

[Ringo Tuple]

No, I came in the side entrance and used the service elevator.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Good. Sit over there and we'll get down to business. Thanks, Inspector. Now, Tupple, repeat that story you told me to Brandon here. Well, it's like this, Mr. Brandon.

[Ringo Tuple]

I run that big gambling boat on Calla River. Last night, some guy waylays me on the dock, sticks a gun in my back and blindfolds me. Next thing I know, we're in a

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

car, driving like mad.

[Fern Collier]

Any idea of the direction?

[Ringo Tuple]

No, I lost all sense of that.

[The Avenger]

Go ahead.

[Ringo Tuple]

Well, anyway, in about a half an hour, I find myself in a big, deserted barn someplace surrounded by about 20 guys in robes and hoods.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

They call themselves the Hooded Circle, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, that letter was on the level then.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Looks that way. Go ahead, Tubble.

[Ringo Tuple]

Well, these guys warned me to get out of town or cut out the gambling on my boat. I could see that they meant business, so I agreed to cut out the gambling.

[Fern Collier]

Get to the part about the cards, Tubble.

[Ringo Tuple]

Yeah, that was the craziest part of the whole thing. They gave me cards to deal out to the men.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And the man who got the jack

[Ringo Tuple]

of spades was elected to pull some kind of a job.

[Fern Collier]

What was the job?

[Ringo Tuple]

I don't know. They locked me up after that and I couldn't hear much of what was going on.

[Fern Collier]

You did hear something, though?

[Ringo Tuple]

Well, as far as I could make out, they had it in for somebody by the name of Spear or, well, maybe it was Greer, some name like that.

[Fern Collier]

Have you any idea who that might be?

[Ringo Tuple]

No, I've been trying to figure that one out all morning. But I can't tie that tag up with anybody I know around here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Thank you, Tuple. You've been a great help to us. We'll go right to work on this.

[Fern Collier]

For the time being, Topple, and for your own safety, you'd better not take a chance on getting in touch with us directly. But keep your ears and eyes open.

[Ringo Tuple]

I sure will, Mr. Brandon.

[Fern Collier]

If anything develops. Suppose you telephone Miss Collier here at the hotel.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Veil your message carefully.

[Fern Collier]

The inspector and I will figure it out. And thanks again.

[Jim Taring]

That's the address, Jim. 14 West Maple Street.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Fern, I hope we have more luck with the Greers than we had with the spears.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes. Which Greer is this, Ambrose?

[Jim Taring]

I'm being systematic and taking them in alphabetical order.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, good.

[Fern Collier]

Say, this is quite a pretentious looking place. Well, come on, let's take the bull by its horns.

[Jim Taring]

Well, according to the telephone book, this Ambrose Greer owns a whole string of sawmills.

[Fern Collier]

Well, that sounds respectable enough.

[Jim Taring]

Doesn't seem to be anyone at home, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

Well, it must be. I can see a light burning on

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

the back of the house.

[Jim Taring]

Maybe you'd better try the door, Jim, just in case anything might be wrong in there.

[Fern Collier]

I think I will. The door is open, Fern. Come on.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Anybody home?

[Jim Taring]

He would hardly have left the door unlocked if he went out, would he?

[Fern Collier]

I don't think so. Let's investigate that light in the back of the house.

[Jim Taring]

All right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Through the hall here. Burn.

[Fern Collier]

Stay back. Don't come in here.

[Jim Taring]

What is it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Here.

[Fern Collier]

Go to the telephone, quick. Call Inspector White. Tell him we found the first victim of the Hooded Circle.

[The Avenger]

He's been murdered.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now back to the Avenger and the Hooded Circle. Oh, there, just ahead of the ferry

[Fern Collier]

barn we picked out for the famous afternoon friend.

[Jim Taring]

This one's in a much more deserted section than the other.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Pgn.

[Fern Collier]

Well, let's pull up and see. There have been some cars around here recently. Look at those tire marks. Come on, Fern, let's investigate the barn.

[Jim Taring]

This is the place. I'm surprised that the door isn't locked.

[Fern Collier]

Got a big latch here on the inside. We'll leave the door open so we can see. Vern. This is the meeting place, all right. Look, here are the remains of several candles. And here's the wrapper from a pack of cards.

[Jim Taring]

What now, Jim?

[Fern Collier]

Tuckle said he was locked in a small shed at the end of the barn.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Let's look for that,

[Jim Taring]

Jim. Here's the drawer. This must be it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, this is a shed.

[Jim Taring]

Everything ties up yet?

[Fern Collier]

Yes. Now we've got to get back to town as fast as we can. I want to put in a telephone call to Tuple.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Tuple?

[Jim Taring]

What for?

[Fern Collier]

I want a complete description of those robes and hoods for just one meeting. The inspector and I are going to pose as members of the Hooded Circle. Well, how are you making up with your sewing friends?

[Jim Taring]

Oh, I seem to do all right on the straight season, but I get ahead of Myself on the sharp curve.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, this robe looks as if it

[Ringo Tuple]

might hold together for one meeting anyway.

[Jim Taring]

Now, Inspector, no remarks from you. After all, when I was hired as Tim's secretary and assistant, I was not informed that plain sewing would also be required.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, will you answer a friend, please?

[Jim Taring]

Hi, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Hello.

[Jim Taring]

Yes, this is Ms. Talia. Oh, yes, I'd be glad to take a message. I know who it's for.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Mr. Tupple. Go ahead.

[Jim Taring]

Right. I have it. Thank you very much.

[Fern Collier]

What did Tupple say, Fern?

[Jim Taring]

It didn't make any sense to me. He said I've been invited to a private game of cards tonight at 10 o'.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Clock.

[Fern Collier]

Fine. That means the Hooded Circle is meeting tonight. Come on, Fern, back to your sewing. We've got to get those costumes finished. Here's the shed where we hide, Inspector.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Hey, Jim, would you mind explaining why we came out here to this barn

[Ringo Tuple]

before 9 o' clock when the meeting

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

isn't scheduled till 10?

[Fern Collier]

We had to be the first arrivals, Inspector, in order to get in here when meeting time rolls around. They probably have a guard stationed at the door. They may even have a password of some kind. No use taking a chance on being challenged. I guess you're right at that. But I'm not so sure we'll get

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

away with this anyway, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

Our chances are good if we're careful. Ringo Tuple said there were about 20 members of the hooded circle. I don't think two more are likely to be noticed. Now come on, let's get into these hoods and ropes.

[Ringo Tuple]

Okay.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Hey, Jim, what about this angle? Suppose Tubble is called upon to deal a card each member. If there are 20 members, he'll only

[Ringo Tuple]

be given 20 cards to deal out.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That means we'll have to be left out of the dealing. Now won't that be obvious?

[Fern Collier]

It would be, except that I've arranged for that emergency. I had Fern called Topple before we left tonight and tell him just to pretend to deal cards to you and me.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

But how in blazes will he know? Like this

[Fern Collier]

palm up there. Now that red mark I make in the center of your palm will identify you.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The Tuple. So far, so good. But of course you realize we could

[Fern Collier]

be walking right into a perfect trap. Jim, I know that, but it's the chance we have to take. However, if we don't show up at the hotel restaurant by one o', clock, Fern has instructions to call the State police.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, in the meantime, all we can do is wait and hope this scheme of yours works. Quiet, please. Quiet.

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[Jim Taring]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

Inflation is killing me. But who cares?

[Ringo Tuple]

Big retailers are making record profits.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's why we support the Durbin Marshall credit card bill.

[Jim Taring]

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

[Ringo Tuple]

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

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

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The meeting of the hooded circle is called to order. The first and most important matter to be brought before this meeting is the unfortunate fate of Ambrose Greer. The circumstance would indicate that someone present here tonight killed Greer. I find it very difficult to believe that. But if it is true, that man must be punished for his crime. Who received the jack of spades at our last meeting? Will no one answer? Order please. Order. Order. Well, who that man was, only he himself knows.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Greer must have been killed in self defense. No member of this circle would kill in cold blood.

[Ringo Tuple]

But what's all these the newspapers are saying about Greer being wrong?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't believe those stories have any basis in fact. However, let this tragedy be a lesson to all of us to act cautiously and wisely in the future. Nothing more than a warning must be given to these others on our list. Well, who's next? Let's get this over with. Jarvis Paiking. Tell him his timber cutting days in Springville are over. Give him 48 hours to get out of town.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Paw on business. He won't be back till tomorrow morning.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That'll be time enough. Now bring in Tupple. We'll let him cut the cards right. The man who gets the jack of spades will handle this next assignment. And I would caution him once more, give Peyton a warning. Nothing else. Dear Tuple.

[Ringo Tuple]

Here you are, tuple.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

20 cards. Each man will leave as he receives his card. Now shuffle and deal them tubble for a better Springville.

[Jim Taring]

Jim, isn't the inspector joining Us for a midnight snack?

[Fern Collier]

No, her and the inspector went to bed. Looks like we're going to have a big day tomorrow.

[Jim Taring]

He found out plenty of that meeting tonight.

[The Avenger]

We did.

[Jim Taring]

Well, you're not going to hold out on me, are you Jim?

[Fern Collier]

You can wait another day, can't you?

[Jim Taring]

You do know who killed Greer then?

[Fern Collier]

Yes. And by this time tomorrow the criminal will be apprehended.

[Jim Taring]

I hope so. I'm anxious to get away from Springville and its hooded circle.

[Fern Collier]

Well, one thing was evident at that meeting tonight. The hooded circle is composed of a group of amateurs. No professional troublemakers have moved in yet.

[Jim Taring]

That ought to make it easier to dissolve. But how are you going to expose Greer's murder again?

[Fern Collier]

A man by the name of Jarvis Peyton is next on the list to be visited by a member of the hooded circle. Peyton lives alone in the timberland beyond the lake. He'll arrive home from a business trip in the morning and I think he's marked for murder.

[Jim Taring]

And if I know you, you're going out there tonight to wait for him, right?

[Fern Collier]

Hearne. The Avenger must be on hand in

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

the morning when Peyton's murderer arrange Jarvis Peyton.

[Ringo Tuple]

What was that noise? Who was there?

[The Avenger]

It's the Avenger, Peyton.

[Ringo Tuple]

What do you want with me? I. I committed no crime.

[The Avenger]

Your crimes are many, Peyton. And avarice and greed are not the least of them.

[Ringo Tuple]

I've broken no law. You do nothing on me, Avenger.

[The Avenger]

That is true. That's why I've come here to protect you.

[Ringo Tuple]

Protect me from what?

[The Avenger]

From the same fate as Afro's career murder. That is right. But it can be prevented if you will do exactly as I tell you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What?

[Ringo Tuple]

Tell me what to do?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Lock yourself in the cellar of this

[The Avenger]

house and don't come out until I tell you to.

[Ringo Tuple]

All right.

[The Avenger]

And hurry. Your murderer may arrive at any moment.

[Ringo Tuple]

Hayden Hayton, where are you? Got a message for you, Peyton. I know you're in here. I saw you arrive.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Don't be afraid.

[Ringo Tuple]

It's a member of the hooded circle. I brought you news that might save your life.

[The Avenger]

Then why have you come with a gun in your hand?

[Ringo Tuple]

Who's that who spoke to me? Come out or I'll shoot.

[The Avenger]

You can't see the Avenger, but he can see you.

[Ringo Tuple]

What's your game, Avenger?

[The Avenger]

My game is law and justice. I intend to see that you are given a big dose of both of them.

[Ringo Tuple]

For what? What can you prove against me?

[The Avenger]

The death of Ambrose Greer. Mode of robbery. Also intent to kill and rob Jarvis Payton.

[Ringo Tuple]

You'll have to catch me first before you can bring those charges.

[The Avenger]

You won't get out of here.

[Ringo Tuple]

Oh yes I will.

[The Avenger]

Get away from that door.

[Ringo Tuple]

No, let me go.

[The Avenger]

I'm going to stop you like this, since you've insisted. And there you'll stay until the police arrive. Your loaded gun in one hand. And these two jacks of spades you had in your pocket in the other. That's the kind of evidence the police would like to see. Ringo Tubble.

[Ringo Tuple]

Order in the court. Since it has been proved to the satisfaction of this court. That the members of the Hooded Circle were only inadvertently connected with the crime of murder for which Ringo Tuple has been convicted. I hereby suspend the sentences of these 20 men. In order to give them a chance to prove themselves good citizens of their country. These men are not blameless. And they will be held answerable to this court for their actions at all times. Therefore, I would warn them to remember. Pride in one's native city. Is not sufficient reason to set oneself up as a good citizen. The laws of your land must stand above all the petty aims of prejudice and pride. Let the lesson in good government that you have learned here at this trial. Vanish from your minds. All that is not tolerant and just and right for all those who hide behind a mask to impose their will on others. Have robbed themselves of the great protection of the laws that countless men have suffered to create and to preserve down through the centuries. Guard those laws. Do not tamper with them.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Haste. Dismissed.

[Jim Taring]

Well, Jim, I guess that winds up our assignment in Springle.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, Fern. Come on, let's duck out this side door.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Right.

[Jim Taring]

Somehow, one would never expect to encounter a clever criminal like Tupple in a town like Spring.

[Fern Collier]

He was clever all right. I'll admit he had me buffaloed at the beginning.

[Jim Taring]

Dr. Has led you to success again? He never told me.

[Fern Collier]

When the Inspector and I attended that meeting of the Hooded Circle. I saw Tubble palming a card as he dealt them. I realized then that he himself was taking the jack of spades. That way he was able to commit the crime, rob his wealthy victim. And at the same time deceive the members of the Hooded Circle into thinking that one of their own number was guilty.

[Jim Taring]

Topple informed on the Hooded Circle just to throw sand in your arm.

[Fern Collier]

Right.

[Jim Taring]

That anonymous letter was sent by one of the men who attended the first meeting in the Circle. And then became frightened.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Check.

[Jim Taring]

Jim, look. Those men are starting a big bonfire in the courthouse yard.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, it's the ex members of the Hooded Circle. They are burning their robes in public. Well, Hearne, I guess this town's growing pains are over. Springville has come of age.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All characters, names, places and plots used

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

in the Avenger program are fictitious.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[The Avenger]

This is a thought. A thought.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

A thought.

[Fern Collier]

Remember?

[The Avenger]

Listen for another adventure of

[Narrator/Announcer]

the Avenger.