The Avenger - The Shot in the Dark

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Avenger – The Shot in the Dark

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Avenger – The Shot in the Dark
Air Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Overview

This Golden Age radio drama episode follows Jim Brandon—also known as The Avenger—and his assistant Fern Collier as they unravel a cunning blackmail racket. The story centers around a mysterious “shot in the dark,” a faked murder, and a complex con game involving inheritance, staged violence, and psychological manipulation. Throughout the episode, themes of guilt, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice are explored in classic radio noir style.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. The Accidental Killing – or Is It?

• [03:32-06:25]
  The episode opens with a heated confrontation: Ripley, Corbin, and Armstrong struggle over a gun, resulting in Armstrong’s (apparent) death. Panic ensues. Corbin urges Ripley to avoid the police and offers to dispose of Armstrong’s body for $50,000 to clear Ripley’s name and avoid disgrace.
• Key Insight: The situation is quickly revealed as more than meets the eye—blackmail is at play, not just murder.

2. Mrs. Ripley Seeks Help

• [06:53-09:05]
  Mrs. Ripley, alarmed by her husband’s sudden large withdrawals and erratic behavior after inheriting a fortune, consults Jim Brandon. She suspects blackmail but lacks proof.
• Quote:

  “I think someone’s blackmailing my husband. I don’t know how or why, but I’m certain that he’s in some terrible kind of trouble.”
  – Mrs. Ripley [08:28]

3. A Suspicious “Suicide”

• [11:05-13:07]
  Inspector Vernon and Jim Brandon discover a body staged as a suicide in a cheap hotel. Jim Brandon’s forensic observation reveals it's murder, not suicide—another thread in the unfolding blackmail plot.
• Quote:

  “Since the noose is tightly drawn, that means he couldn’t possibly have hung himself. No, this was murder, Inspector.”
  – Jim Brandon [12:10]

4. The Setup – Setting a Trap for the Blackmailers

• [14:09-15:17]
  Jim Brandon launches a sting operation. Fern pretends to have inherited a million dollars, becoming bait for the blackmailers. With the press ‘reporting’ her fake inheritance, Fern takes up residence in a monitored apartment to await a shakedown.

5. Fern Targeted by the Blackmail Ring

• [16:22-17:26]
  Mrs. Ripley, posing as "Dorothy," approaches Fern with fabricated evidence that could ruin her. Fern, playing along, promises a $5,000 payoff.
• Memorable Moment:

  “Ms. Collier, I can prove that you’re collecting an inheritance that don’t belong to you...Is it worth five thousand dollars to you for me to forget them?”
  – Mrs. Ripley [16:54]

6. Behind the Racket – The Conspirators’ Meeting

• [22:02-23:53]
  The blackmail gang (Corbin, Armstrong, Dorothy/Mrs. Ripley) plot to squeeze Fern for $50,000 more, using the same tactics as in the Ripley case—staged evidence and threats.
• Quote:

  “...you had to bump him off to keep him from squawking. Don’t forget that.”
  – Armstrong [22:36]

7. The Sting: Meeting at Black Point

• [24:21-26:48]
  Fern, closely shadowed by Jim Brandon as The Avenger, meets Corbin at a remote location. Corbin extorts $5,000 and sets terms for an even larger payoff, proposing they ‘steal’ the incriminating documents from a pawn shop the next night.

8. The Showdown at the Pawn Shop

• [27:01-29:15]
  The final act unfolds as Fern and Corbin break into the pawn shop. Corbin tries to force Fern into complicity in a murder, providing her with a gun and instructing her to shoot the unsuspecting storekeeper—Armstrong. In a tense, chaotic moment, a gunshot rings out, but Fern insists she didn’t pull the trigger.
• Key Moment:

  “You shot me!”
  – Armstrong [28:58]
  “No, no, I didn’t touch the trigger.”
  – Fern Collier [29:01]

• The Avenger intervenes, exposing the ruse and turning the tables on Corbin and Armstrong by threatening a confessional experiment.

9. The Blackmail Scheme Unraveled

• [31:44-32:51]
  Jim Brandon explains the full scheme: Victims were tricked into believing they’d killed Armstrong with a gun loaded with blanks, then blackmailed to pay huge sums for the disposal of the “body.” Ripley, wracked with guilt, had been killed by Corbin when he threatened to confess.
• Quote:

  “The gun Corbin gave his victims to hold was filled with blanks. In the framed up struggle, Armstrong pulled the trigger himself. But the victims were too frightened to realize that they thought they’d killed Armstrong.”
  – Jim Brandon [31:56]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Blackmail and Fear:

  “My husband is living in mortal terror of someone. I am sure of it.”
  – Mrs. Ripley [08:51]

• Revealing Murder, Not Suicide:

  “Since the noose is tightly drawn, that means he couldn’t possibly have hung himself. No, this was murder, Inspector.”
  – Jim Brandon [12:10]

• Sting Setup:

  “We’re setting Fern up as a decoy to trap this blackmailing ring.”
  – Jim Brandon [15:28]

• The Frame Job:

  “You could blackmail her for life with evidence like that, couldn’t you, Corbyn?”
  – Jim Brandon [29:23]

• The Explainer:

  “Ripley paid up, but his conscience bothered him and he decided to go to the police and confess. Fern, that was his death warrant. Corbyn killed him.”
  – Jim Brandon [32:26]

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Important Timestamps

• The accidental killing/blackmail offer: [03:32 – 06:25]
• Mrs. Ripley seeks help: [06:53 – 09:05]
• Body discovered, investigating suicide: [11:05 – 13:07]
• Sting operation plotted: [14:09 – 15:17]
• Fern’s first contact with blackmailers: [16:22 – 17:26]
• Conspirators’ plotting: [22:02 – 23:53]
• Blackmail payoff at Black Point: [24:21 – 26:48]
• Pawn shop showdown and frame-up: [27:01 – 29:15]
• Scheme revealed/resolution: [31:44 – 32:51]

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Conclusion / Final Insights

The Shot in the Dark is a tightly constructed episode demonstrating the hallmarks of a classic radio detective story: suspense, psychological games, and forensic inquiry. The plot twists cleverly around staged violence and a deep blackmail scam, employing the "fake murder with blanks" device to ensnare greedy and fearful victims. The Avenger’s logic, resilience, and scientific acumen (black light ink, Dictaphones, clever experiments) are on full display. Ultimately, justice prevails—not just through arrest, but through the unmasking of fear and manipulation at the racket’s core.

Tone:
Classic noir, brisk and suspenseful, laced with dry detective humor and steady moral focus.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Announcer]

The Avenger.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

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

[Fern Collier]

Sam ram,

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Avenger, 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 shot in the dark.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You fool, Ripley. You shot him. No, Corbin, it was an accident. Armstrong tried to take my gun. In the struggle, it went off.

[Corbin]

Come on, we'll beat it out the back way.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, I. I didn't mean to kill him.

[Mrs. Ripley]

It was an accident.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I. I'm going to turn myself in.

[Corbin]

You're crazy. They give you the hot seat for

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

this, Ripley, but there's nothing else to do.

[Corbin]

Armstrong's body won't be discovered until morning. That'll give us time to think of something. Come on.

[Mrs. Ripley]

Where to?

[Corbin]

Over to my place. This way, Ripley.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Hurry.

[Corbin]

Well, that's the way it adds up, Ripley. If you turn yourself in, they'll give you the works.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Might as well save the police the trouble of looking for me. Tomorrow morning, Armstrong's body will be found with two bullets from my gun in him. It'll just be a matter of time until they track me down.

[Corbin]

There are ways to beat raps like this, Ripley. How do you mean? Well, the cops have to have a corpus delicti before they can tag A guy with a murder rap, don't they? Yes, but no. Suppose I could fix it so that Armstrong's body is never found. He'd just be a missing person then, wouldn't he?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

But how could you do that, Corbin?

[Corbin]

I got friends who could pull a job like that if you'd be willing to pay them for the trouble.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

How much?

[Corbin]

50 grand, and your slate is clean.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I haven't that kind of money, Corbin.

[Corbin]

What do you mean, you haven't that kind of money? You're worth five times that much, Ripley. What about that big inheritance you just came into?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

But most of that money is tied up in bonds and securities. I can't possibly.

[Corbin]

Suit yourself. If you'd rather blow your whole bankroll trying to defend yourself in court, that's your business. But if I had a wife and

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

kids, I'd leave my family out of this, Corbin.

[Corbin]

Okay, Ripley. I just thought maybe you forgot about them, that's all.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, no, I'd gladly pay 50,000 to spare them the shame and disgrace of a murder trial.

[Inspector Vernon]

Only.

[Mrs. Ripley]

What.

[Corbin]

What's holding you up then?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

How do I know it would end there? You know I killed Armstrong, and you're a blackmailer, Corbin. You've already taken me for 20,000.

[Corbin]

Have it your way, Ripley, but you ain't exactly in a position to do any bargaining, you know.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

What about those papers we went to Armstrong's shop to steal?

[Corbin]

You started shooting before I had a chance to get them. Don't blame me for that.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

All right, Coleman. If you can get those papers and get rid of Armstrong's body, I'll pay up.

[Corbin]

I'll talk to my boys. But you've got to have the dough ready by tomorrow night.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I'll do the best I can.

[Corbin]

Okay. Well, now that the deal is closed, you just forget all about Armstrong. I'll take care of everything, Ripley. Every single thing.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

But, Mrs. Ripley, why have you come to me? Why don't you go to the police?

[Mrs. Ripley]

Because. Well, I don't think they take my story very seriously, Mr. Brandon. After all, I can't prove there's any crime involved.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, in that case, there's nothing I can do either.

[Mrs. Ripley]

I thought perhaps you could find out what's troubling my husband. That is, without his knowing anything about it.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, suppose you give me the details, Mrs. Ripley. I may at least be able to offer some advice.

[Mrs. Ripley]

Well, you see, recently, my husband inherited a sizable fortune from his grandfather. Almost immediately, he began to. To act strangely, as if he were afraid of something. I questioned him, but he'd tell Me? Nothing. Except that he was having business troubles.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, that sounds plausible enough.

[Mrs. Ripley]

Well, at first I thought so, too. Then about two weeks ago, my husband drew $20,000 out of our joint bank account. When he refused to explain this withdrawal, I became alarmed, went to see his business partner.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, did he corroborate your husband's statement about his business troubles?

[Mrs. Ripley]

No, no. He assured me that my husband's business affairs were in perfect order. He knew nothing about the $20,000.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Perhaps your husband gambled with the money.

[Mrs. Ripley]

Mrs. Ripley, I tried to make myself believe that until yesterday.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

What happened yesterday?

[Mrs. Ripley]

Yesterday I discovered that my husband had sold $50,000 worth of bonds, government bonds that had been purchased for our small son. I know my husband wouldn't have done that. That is, just to gamble away the money. Mr. Brandon.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, that doesn't seem likely.

[Mrs. Ripley]

Mr. Brandon, I think someone's blackmailing my husband. I don't know how or why, but I'm certain that he's in some terrible kind of trouble.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Mrs. Ripley, I'd like to help you, but in a matter of this kind, I have no right to interfere. As far as the law is concerned, a man can spend his money any way he likes. And we have no proof that this is blackmail.

[Mrs. Ripley]

My husband is living in mortal terror of someone. I am sure of it.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Then suppose we handle it this way, Mrs. Ripley. You go home and speak to your husband. Try to persuade him to make a statement. And if he's in any finding, great

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[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

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[Fern Collier]

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

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

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

[Fern Collier]

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

[Mrs. Ripley]

they need while increasing megastore profits.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

They deserve it, don't they?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Tell Congress, stop the Durbin Marshall money grab for corporate megastores paid for by

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

the Electronic Payments Coalition. Kind of danger. You can be sure that the police will offer them every kind of protection. But until he's willing to make a clean breast of things, I'm afraid this is strictly a family matter. Or perhaps a case for his position.

[Inspector Vernon]

There it is, Jim.

[Corbin]

Looks like suicide, all right.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Not a very pretty sight. Who discovered the body, Inspector? The maid.

[Inspector Vernon]

Yes, when she came in to clean the room about an hour ago. She didn't touch anything, though. The hotel manager kept the room locked until we got here.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Does the manager know anything about this man?

[Inspector Vernon]

Not much. Says he checked in last night and registered as Harry Johnson. In a place like this, they don't ask any questions.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, it's evident that this man could have afforded a better hotel. Good clothes, well kept hands, expensive shoes.

[Inspector Vernon]

Well, that doesn't make much difference now. Shall we cut him down?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, not yet. I want to check everything first.

[Inspector Vernon]

It's obvious what happened, Jim. That overturned stool there on the floor is what he stood on while he fastened the rope around his neck. Then he just kicked away the stool and hung himself.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I don't think so, Inspector. Oh, now, Jim, you're not going to tell? Bring that stool over here, Inspector, will you please, and I'll show you what I mean.

[Inspector Vernon]

Okay.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

As you can see, this noose is drawn very tightly.

[Inspector Vernon]

All right, here's the stool.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Good. Place it upright under this man's feet. Now, look, Inspector. There's a distance of at least 6 inches between the stool and this man's feet. Since the noose is tightly drawn, that means he couldn't possibly have hung himself. No, this was murder, Inspector.

[Corbin]

Yeah.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Now we'll cut him down and see if we can find anything in his pockets. Give me a hand, Inspector.

[Corbin]

All right,

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

hold on. Here, help me put him on the bed.

[Mrs. Ripley]

All right.

[Inspector Vernon]

Well, I'll send a man down here to give everything a good dusting, but I have a feeling we won't find any prints in here.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Here's his wallet, a few small bills and some business cards. Say this man's name was Alan Ripley, Inspector.

[Inspector Vernon]

Hey, Isn't he the fellow that came into a pile of money a couple months ago?

[Mrs. Ripley]

That's right.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

His wife came to see me yesterday morning. She thought he was being blackmailed, but couldn't offer any proof of it.

[Inspector Vernon]

Well, that gives us a lead.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

It's certainly worth investigating in the light of what's happened. Let's see what we can turn up on it.

[Fern Collier]

Did Mrs. Ripley identify the body, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, Baron. It was her husband.

[Fern Collier]

All right, Jim, I don't trust these women who come here crying for help. Remember the wild goose chase that Edith Wiley let us on? And all the time she herself was guilty.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

In other words, you think Mrs. Ripley blackmailed her husband and then murdered him?

[Fern Collier]

Well, I think we should check her story before we put any faith in it.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Don't worry, we will. Oh, did you get me those back numbers of the newspapers, Vern?

[Fern Collier]

Yes, they're in the library, Jim. But what do you want with them?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, according to Mrs. Ripley, her husband's trouble began when he inherited that money. Now, if we're up against the work of an organized blackmail ring, Ripley wasn't their only victim.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, you mean we're going to check up on all the other people who inherited money recently?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That's right. If we can get hold of somebody who will talk, we can save a lot of time on this.

[Fern Collier]

Well, how did you make out this time, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, another blank. Fern, if any of these people have been blackmailed, they're afraid to admit it.

[Fern Collier]

Well, after what happened to Ripley, I can't say that I blame them. But what's our next move?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Jim, there's only one way to force these blackmailers into the open, and that's by going on the offensive.

[Fern Collier]

But how?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

We'll throw them a bait.

[Fern Collier]

A bait?

[Mrs. Ripley]

Yes.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

A young lady who has just inherited a million dollars. That should do the trick.

[Inspector Vernon]

Say, Jim, is it true about Fern inheriting a million dollars from an aunt in South America?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That's what the papers say, Inspector.

[Inspector Vernon]

Well, where is she?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I want to congratulate her.

[Inspector Vernon]

Golly, a million bucks.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Some luck, Inspector. Wait a minute. You'd better brace yourself for another shock.

[Inspector Vernon]

Now, what are you talking about, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That story was a fake. Ferdin didn't inherit anything.

[Inspector Vernon]

I don't get it. What's going on here, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

We're setting Fern up as a decoy to trap this blackmailing ring.

[Inspector Vernon]

Inspector, that's dangerous business, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I know, but I've taken every precaution.

[Inspector Vernon]

Where is Fern?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

She's taking an apartment in the house next door. I've had the place completely wired, and there's a Dictaphone in every room.

[Inspector Vernon]

And those Dictaphones are connected here in your lab.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Right. Well, I can breathe easier then. Oh, that's Fern on the wire now. Yes, Fern, what is it?

[Fern Collier]

Jim, it's awful sitting around this apartment with nothing to do. Why can't I bring the typewriter over and do some work while I'm waiting?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Because an heiress doesn't have to work, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Well, I hope this live of ease won't last too long. I can't take it.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, now, you just sit tight. Pretend you're on a vacation. I'll have some more books sent up this afternoon.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, somebody's at the door.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Okay, answer it. And don't worry, the inspector and I are here in the lab listening to everything. Good luck.

[Fern Collier]

Well, here goes.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, Inspector, it looks as though we've got a bite. Listen.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, what is it, please?

[Mrs. Ripley]

Are you Fern Collier?

[Fern Collier]

Yes.

[Mrs. Ripley]

Let me come in. I got some private business with you.

[Fern Collier]

Private business? Who are you?

[Mrs. Ripley]

You can call me Dorothy for the time being, Ms. Collier. I come to have a talk with you about your inheritance.

[Fern Collier]

My lawyer takes care of all my business affairs, not this.

[Mrs. Ripley]

I don't think you'd care to have your lawyer know anything about this.

[Fern Collier]

What are you talking about?

[Mrs. Ripley]

Ms. Collier, I can prove that you're collecting an inheritance that don't belong to you.

[Fern Collier]

That's ridiculous.

[Mrs. Ripley]

I don't believe the police will would think so. Now, just take a look at these photo stacks. These records show that you didn't live in South America at the time you said you did.

[Fern Collier]

Where did you get these?

[Mrs. Ripley]

Never mind that. Is it worth $5,000 to you for me to forget them?

[Fern Collier]

Yes. You know it is.

[Mrs. Ripley]

How soon can you get the money?

[Fern Collier]

Not before tomorrow night. Okay, okay.

[Mrs. Ripley]

I'll get in touch with you. And if you try to duck out, I'll use this information for all its worth.

[Fern Collier]

Sam,

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[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, back to the Avenger and the Shot in the Dark.

[Inspector Vernon]

Well, Fern, did you find that Dorothy's picture in the files?

[Fern Collier]

No, Inspector, she's not here. I guess we'll just have to sit back and wait for her to contact me. Don't you think so, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, we do that anyway, because she's just fronting to someone. We're out to get the whole gang.

[Inspector Vernon]

That Dorothy's smart, all right. I was all set to Taylor, but she must have ducked down through the basement in the back.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Now, Inspector, what would you say if that happened to one of your men?

[Inspector Vernon]

Well, a man can't be too close.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

It doesn't matter. Dorothy's unlikely to drop out of sight now that Fern has promised to pay up.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, Jim, I'd better get back to the apartment in case she calls.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, that's right. Here's the $5,000 for.

[Inspector Vernon]

Hey, Jim, aren't you going to mark those bills just in case they should

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

give us the slip? These bills are marked, Inspector.

[Inspector Vernon]

Let me see. They look all right to me. I can't detect any markings.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Here, put these glasses on. Now what do you see?

[Inspector Vernon]

Hey, Jim, these bills are marked, all right. How come I can only see that

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

with these glasses on here? Because they're marked with black light ink. Only those special lenses can detect it.

[Inspector Vernon]

What next?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Now, give Fern the money and she'll be on her way. We mustn't keep Miss Dorothy waiting.

[Inspector Vernon]

Keep me posted, won't you, Jim? I'll have a few men standing by in case you need them.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That may be very soon, Inspector.

[Mrs. Ripley]

This is the neatest setup we ever had, Corbin.

[Corbin]

Yeah, a phony heiress. We ought to be able to take her for the whole role. Dorothy?

[Mrs. Ripley]

I wouldn't be surprised. She's plenty scared.

[Corbin]

Well, in that case, I don't see why we should wait. When she comes around with a five grand tonight, I'll put the bee on her for another 50 right away. What do you think, Armstrong?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I think you're getting too ambitious, Corbin. You don't last long in this game unless you play it slow.

[Corbin]

What are you talking about? We got a hundred grand from Ripley in a couple of weeks, didn't we?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, and then you had to bump him off to keep him from squawking. Don't forget that.

[Corbin]

Well, if we can take this little phony Jane for another hundred GS, we'll be set for life. That'll bring our bankroll close to the million mark.

[Mrs. Ripley]

You can count me in on that, Corbin. I got a nice little ranch picked out just over the border. If we can swing this job, I'm gonna retire.

[Corbin]

Well, what about you, Armstrong? Are you willing to string along or do I have to get a fast substitute?

[Mrs. Ripley]

Come on, Armstrong. You're not scared of a little Dane that's as crooked as you are, are you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, I guess not. But after this job I'm pulling out. A racket like this can't last forever.

[Corbin]

Okay, okay. Now listen. Tonight I'll meet this Collier girl and tell her we're not interested in anything less than five, fifty grand for them papers. I'll make a date to take her to Armstrong Shop tomorrow night to get the papers and pay off the money.

[Mrs. Ripley]

Then you and Armstrong go into your act and you got her right where you want her. She won't dare talk. She'll put up another 50 grand to keep you quiet.

[Corbin]

That's it. Okay, Dotty, you go to a pay station in midtown and give the little lady a ring. Tell her to drive out to the old church at Black Point at 10 o' clock tonight. Alone.

[Mrs. Ripley]

Do I give her your name?

[Fern Collier]

Sure.

[Corbin]

This Corbin alias has proved lucky for a whole year. We'll stick to that for the time being. But be sure to tell that girl that if she doesn't follow instructions to the letter, she'll never live to collect that inheritance.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Are you sure you've got everything straight, Fern? Oh, Black Point is just about two miles ahead.

[Fern Collier]

I think so, Jim. The money's in the compartment. I'm sure I wasn't followed. And. And I know how they found out I'm not the real heiress.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, maybe we'd better go over that last part again.

[Fern Collier]

All right. During that summer, I was supposed to be in South America. I was really on a farm near Himal which an old teacher of mine. Since she's dead now, her chauffeur is the only person who could have tipped them off to this. I'm willing to pay plenty to keep him and them quiet right now.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

If this Corbin demands more money, pretend to fall for it because we want to follow this racket right down the line.

[Fern Collier]

I will, Fern.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I'm going to become the avenger now. But I won't reveal myself at Black Point unless you're in some sort of danger.

[Fern Collier]

All right. As long as I know you're there, I won't be afraid. Oh, there's the old church just ahead. But I can't see if there's a car there or not. Oh. Oh, yes, there it is. Somebody just flashed the headlights. I'll pull up.

[Corbin]

That you, Ms. Collier?

[Fern Collier]

Yes.

[Corbin]

Stay where you are. I want to examine your car.

[Fern Collier]

I'm alone, if that's what you mean.

[Corbin]

That's what I mean, all right. Yep, guess you are at that. Okay, Ms. Collier, I've got a little business proposition off for you. Them papers I got say you're not the girl you're pretending to be. That means you're trying to horn in on a lot of money that don't belong to you. So don't get me wrong, that's okay with me. But I think you should be willing to make a fair deal.

[Fern Collier]

What kind of a deal?

[Corbin]

Well, since you stand to collect a million, what do you say to 50 grand for them documents?

[Fern Collier]

50,000.

[Corbin]

Let's not bargain, Miss Collier. Are you willing to pay or not?

[Fern Collier]

Well, I have no choice. You know that. When must I have the money?

[Corbin]

Tomorrow night. The papers are locked up in a little hock shop I know about. We'll have to steal them.

[Fern Collier]

Steal them? Just a minute. I don't understand. Do you mean this shop owner has the papers?

[Corbin]

Yes, but we can get them, and that'll put them out of the picture completely. Oh, I'll meet you at midnight tomorrow at 7th Avenue in Quay Street. You bring the money and we'll get the papers.

[Fern Collier]

All right. May I go now?

[Corbin]

Yeah, but I'll take that five grand you brought just on account.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Seventh Avenue and Clay street is the next block. Fern, you go ahead now. I'll follow.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, Jim, I'm getting scared. I think we should have brought some of the inspector's men with us.

[Inspector Vernon]

No.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

There's only one way to discover the foolproof angle they've been employing in this setup. We've got to string along until they spring that.

[Fern Collier]

Well, keep close behind us, won't you,

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Jim, don't worry, Fernando. When you and that gangster Corbin enter the Hawk Shop, the Avenger will be right behind you. Go ahead. Now,

[Corbin]

This is the place, Ms. Collier. We duck through this alley and get in the back way.

[Fern Collier]

I don't understand why I had to come here. Why couldn't you steal the papers yourself?

[Corbin]

Why should I take all the chances?

[Fern Collier]

For $50,000.

[Inspector Vernon]

Be quiet.

[Corbin]

Here we are.

[Fern Collier]

Isn't this back door locked?

[Corbin]

Sure. I'll force this window and get inside and open it up. Yeah, that was easy. Wait right where you are. I'll have the door open in a minute.

[Fern Collier]

Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, Vernon? It's time now for the Avenger.

[Corbin]

Okay, Ms. Collier, come inside. I think the shopkeeper's asleep on the second floor.

[Fern Collier]

Where are the papers?

[Corbin]

In that little safe in the corner. Here, take these. A flashlight and a gun.

[Fern Collier]

A gun? What for?

[Corbin]

If anyone comes in while I'm at the safe, you'll have to plug them.

[Fern Collier]

I'll do no such thing.

[Corbin]

Keep quiet and do as I tell you. I've taken out the light bulb. Now I'll go to work on the safe. Give me some light over here. What was that?

[Fern Collier]

Somebody's coming.

[Corbin]

Must be Armstrong, the storekeeper. We're in for it now.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, what's going on in here?

[Corbin]

He's got a flashlight. Plug him before he gets a gander at us.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No burglars, eh? We'll hand over that gun, young lady.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Shoot your little fool.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, you don't.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I'll take that gun.

[Fern Collier]

You don't need to struggle for it. I'm willing to give you the gun.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You. You shot me.

[Fern Collier]

No, no, I didn't touch the trigger.

[Corbin]

I. Armstrong's a dead duck. Come on, we've got to get out of here. The cops may be here any minute.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You're right. Corbin the Avenger is here now.

[Corbin]

The Avenger?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, and I've just witnessed a very dramatic climax to a long history of blackmailing.

[Corbin]

The girl shot Armstrong.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You saw that? There was a shot in the dark. And this young lady holds a gun. You could blackmail her for life with evidence like that, couldn't you, Corbyn? Young lady, have you a gun of your own?

[Fern Collier]

Yes, in my purse.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Take it out. Now, let us make a little experiment. If Armstrong is dead, he wouldn't care one way or another about an extra bullet in the heart. But if he isn't, he'd better be off that floor with his hands up within five seconds.

[Mrs. Ripley]

One.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Two. No, don't shoot. Who's a frame up?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Don't shoot. I'll Spill everything, Armstrong.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Call the police, young lady. We'll let them handle Armstrong's confession.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, the papers are calling this case the Clay pigeon Murders.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, that's accurate enough as far as Armstrong is concerned. Fern, he was murdered by six different people and lived to tell about it.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, just how did they manage that?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

The gun Corbin gave his victims to hold was filled with blanks. In the framed up struggle, Armstrong pulled the trigger himself. But the victims were too frightened to realize that they thought they'd killed Armstrong.

[Fern Collier]

But when they didn't see anything about the murder in the papers, why didn't they become suspicious?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Because each of the victims paid Corbyn enormous sums to get rid of Armstrong's body.

[Fern Collier]

Good heavens. No wonder you couldn't get any information from those people when you first went to work on the case. But what about Ripley, Jim? Why was he murdered?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Ripley? Ripley paid up, but his conscience bothered him and he decided to go to the police and confess. Fern, that was his death warrant. Corbyn killed him.

[Fern Collier]

Well, it was some setup. I would have been willing to swear that I shot Armstrong.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, if you hadn't been so frightened, Fern, you would have noticed that Armstrong didn't bleed when he was shot. Neither did he stop breathing, too. Phenomenal discrepancy.

[Fern Collier]

I should say so. But somehow when a gun goes off and a man falls over, you just take it for granted you shot him.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, am I right in taking it for granted that you are ready to go to work? We're way behind in our experiments.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, sir. Gosh, Jim, I'll bet no one ever went through a million dollars as fast as I did.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

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