The Avenger - Tunnel of Disaster

Summary

Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Avenger – Tunnel of Disaster
Date: March 16, 2026

In this classic episode of The Avenger, listeners are taken on a suspense-filled ride back to the golden age of radio drama. Jim Brandon, alias The Avenger, and his assistant Fern Collier investigate a baffling disappearance during the grand opening of the Riverford Tunnel. What begins as a city event soon unravels into a mystery of sabotage, gold, and murder, showcasing the era’s blend of scientific intrigue and classic detective storytelling.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Tunnel Dedication Turns Tragic

• [03:01–06:07]
  • Jim Brandon and Fern Collier tune in for the much-anticipated Riverford Tunnel opening.
  • The city had nearly abandoned the project due to obstacles and excessive costs.
  • The Tunnel Commissioner, Jonas Anderson, disappears during the ceremonial drive-through, causing confusion and panic.
  • Quote:
    “Inspector White reports that there is absolutely no sign of either the Commissioner or his car in the tunnel. They...they have just disappeared.” – Reporter ([05:28])

2. The Investigation Begins

• [06:07–09:38]
  • Inspector White collaborates with Jim and Fern, revealing guards in the tunnel were incapacitated.
  • Mysterious note warns:
    “River Fort Tunnel is a death trap. The public will never use it. Close it at once or disaster will strike again.” – Read by Jim Brandon ([07:11])
  • Suspicion turns toward Michael Evans, the disgruntled construction engineer, who is openly resentful, defending the tunnel’s safety but pushing back against questioning.
  • Notable detail: Jim spots a gold smelter model in Evans’s office—unusual for a tunnel engineer.

3. Connecting the Dots: The Hartley Steel Mill Angle

• [11:34–14:18]
  • Jim and Fern visit Hartley Steel Mill, which is adjacent to the tunnel.
  • General Manager Theodore Ramsey hints that the steel company wanted the land due to fears of tunnel impact and a preference for a road instead.
  • Ownership identified: Lee Burgess, grandson of the deceased Mr. Hartley, is the current proprietor.
  • Quote:
    “Oh, that's all right. Even though we weren't very keen on the tunnel at first, we're just as much upset as you are as the way things have turned out.” – Theodore Ramsey ([14:18])

4. The Threat Returns – Midnight Disaster Looms

• [14:45–15:33]
  • Despite the commissioner’s disappearance, the city council decides to open the tunnel.
  • Headquarters receives a call: disaster is threatened again at midnight.
  • Quote:
    “They just received a telephone call at headquarters saying disaster would strike the tunnel again at midnight.” – Inspector White ([15:33])

5. Shadowy Pursuits and the Key Clue

• [17:30–20:28]
  • Another car vanishes in the tunnel, and Inspector White pursues it from the north entrance.
  • Jim and Fern witness the event and narrowly reach the site where they find the inspector’s gold pencil—an essential clue.
  • Quote:
    “It's the inspector's gold pencil, Fern.” – Jim Brandon ([19:57])
  • This location in the tunnel aligns with the position of the Hartley Steel Mill.

6. Motive Revealed: Gold Beneath the Tunnel

• [20:28–22:39]
  • Jim links their findings with historical land records: small veins of gold were once documented under the tunnel site.
  • Theorizes the motive for land acquisition and sabotage was to monopolize the gold.
  • Quote:
    “According to this early geological history of that tunnel land, small deposits of gold were once discovered there.” – Jim Brandon ([20:52])

7. The Trap Is Set

• [22:39–23:06]
  • Jim and Fern identify three suspects: Michael Evans, Lee Burgess, and Theodore Ramsey.
  • Fern is tasked with calling each to tell them a hollow section in the tunnel has been discovered, hoping to flush out the guilty party.

8. Showdown at the Mine

• [23:46–25:59]
  • Evans and Burgess plan to destroy evidence by dynamiting their mine (thus severing the tunnel connection).
  • Jim, as The Avenger (using his invisibility invention), intervenes just in time to prevent further harm and manages to free the prisoners.
  • Memorable Moment:
    “It's the Avenger. And this is the end of the line for both of you.” – Jim Brandon ([25:30])

9. Mystery Solved: The Secret Swinging Wall

• [26:32–28:38]
  • Inspector White forces Evans to demonstrate the hidden mechanism—a section of tunnel wall swings open, disguised by a girder, making disappearances possible.
  • Quote:
    “You'll notice that there's a steel girder every 15ft here through the center of the tunnel. Well, this section of the wall right here between these two girders opens just like a door. The huge hinges are behind the steel girder there on the right.” – Michael Evans ([26:55])

10. Aftermath and Final Revelations

• [30:46–31:19]
  • The gold was mostly depleted, rendering the criminal plot futile.
  • The storm of disaster rumors was kept alive through planned “accidents” by the saboteurs’ own men.
  • Justice is served, the tunnel opens, and life in the city returns to normal.
  • Quote:
    “It proves how much the city needed it.” – Jim Brandon ([30:46])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Mystery:
  “Crime does not pay.” – Jim Brandon, setting the moral tone ([00:24])

• On Tunnel Disappearances:
  “They have just disappeared.” – Reporter ([05:45])

• On Greed’s Motive:
  “That could be the motive, Fern.” – Jim Brandon (regarding the gold find) ([21:01])

• On Scientific Detection:
  “The indicator picked up a strong telepathic impression of violence and disaster.” – Jim Brandon ([06:07])

• On The Avenger’s Arrival:
  “It's the Avenger. And this is the end of the line for both of you.” – Jim Brandon ([25:30])

• On Justice and The Classic Ending:
  “Remember? Listen for another adventure of the Avenger.” – Narrator ([32:17])

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Tunnel accident & disappearance: [03:01–06:07]
• Inspector White & investigation begins: [06:34–09:38]
• Visit to Hartley Steel Mill: [11:34–14:18]
• Second disaster threat: [14:45–15:33]
• Finding the gold pencil: [19:04–20:05]
• Gold as the motive explained: [20:52–21:09]
• Confrontation and capture of villains: [23:46–25:59]
• Tunnel wall secret revealed: [26:32–28:38]
• Aftermath and wrap-up: [30:46–31:24]

---

Conclusion

This episode of The Avenger stands out for its tight plotting, clever use of science and deduction, and memorable noir-style exchanges. It’s a testament to the creative storytelling of golden era radio, brimming with suspense, a touch of science fiction, and a clear moral: greed and crime will always be exposed and defeated by justice.

Listeners are left satisfied as peace and safe passage are restored to the city, promising more adventures to come with The Avenger.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

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

[Fern Collier]

Sam. Ra.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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 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 Tunnel of Disaster.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fern, we'll finish this experiment later. It's time to listen to the broadcast now.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, yes, Jim, I'd forgotten about that.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Why, Fern, how could you? Inspector Weitz talked of nothing else for a week.

[Fern Collier]

You helped him write his dedication speech for the opening of the new tunnel, didn't you, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, and he'll never forgive us if we don't listen to him. Deliver it.

[Fern Collier]

No, I'll tune it in.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You know, they ran into so much trouble building that River Fort tunnel, I often thought they'd never finish it.

[Reporter]

Well, folks, several thousand people are gathered here for the dedication of the new Riverford tunnel that cuts through South Mountain. In another moment, the ceremonies will begin.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, in the meantime, does the final cost of the tunnel amount to more than twice the amount originally planned for?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right, Fern. The engineers ran into all sorts of difficulties. In fact, they advised the city council more than once to abandon the whole idea. It's pretty well known that the engineers wanted to resign, but the city held them to their contract.

[Fern Collier]

Well, I suppose now that the tunnel is finished, it's worth all the money that was spent on it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, we'll relieve the traffic jams on the other tunnels and make it easier to get in and out of the city on the south side.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, listen, Jim. Ready to begin the ceremony and the

[Reporter]

work was carried forward. We are broadcasting to you from a helicopter from which we can see both ends of the tunnel. In just a moment, our tunnel commissioner, Jonas Anderson, will drive the first car through the tunnel. Right now, the tapes are being cut. The municipal band is striking up and the commissioner's car is entering the tunnel. As soon as the car emerges at the other end, the signal will be given for the first ticket to be sold. The Commissioner is making this trip to establish a time record.

[Michael Evans]

And now I'm going to lower the

[Reporter]

mic over the side and let you listen to the band for a moment. This record run seems to be taking a bit longer than expected. The Commissioner's car should have come through by now. Inspector White of the police department has just ordered the band to stop playing. Something has gone wrong, folks.

[Michael Evans]

Stand by, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

What could have happened?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, a flat tire, most likely. It couldn't be anything else.

[Reporter]

Yes, something is wrong here, folks. We're going to land our helicopter on the roadway so that we can give you a firsthand report.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Same with the radio, Fern. I'm going to see if I can pick up anything on the telepathic indicator.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, Jim,

[Reporter]

Nobody can understand what's happened here. Inspector White is going through the tunnel in the police squad car now and we should know something in a minute.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, did you pick up anything on the indicator?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Not yet, Fern.

[Reporter]

Here comes the inspector squad car now. We'll have news for you in just a moment. Ladies and gentlemen, a very strange thing has happened here. Inspector White reports that there is absolutely no sign of either the Commissioner or his car in the tunnel.

[Fern Collier]

They.

[Reporter]

They have just disappear.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Jim, pick up anything?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Fern, I did.

[Fern Collier]

Watch him.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Amid impressions of great excitement, the indicator picked up a strong telepathic impression of violence and disaster.

[Fern Collier]

What shall we do, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We'd better get out there to the tunnel right away, Fern. Inspector White will need us.

[Inspector White]

Okay, Joe. It's Jim Brandon. He's connected with my office. Let him throw the ropes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Thanks, Inspector.

[Fern Collier]

Good grief, this is some mom.

[Inspector White]

Yes, friend? We tried to get them to go home, but they won't budge. Over this way, Jim. I want to talk to you.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Say, how many guards were stationed in the tunnel when this crazy thing happened, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

Four, Jim. One on each end and two in the center. The center ones were knocked out, but they're in the hospital under guard.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There's not a chance that they know anything. If they did, they'd have been killed.

[Inspector White]

That's what I think. But here's something else, Jim. This note was found pinned to the coat of one of those guards.

[Fern Collier]

What does it say, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's a warning to the mayor. It says, River Fort Tunnel is a death trap. The public will never use it. Close it at once or disaster will strike again.

[Fern Collier]

Well, anyway, it's a relief to know we're dealing with a flesh and blood criminal. For a while it looked as though the Commissioner had just disappeared into thin air.

[Inspector White]

Well, he has, Fern. We know that he went into the tunnel and we know he didn't come out. He's not in there now. So where is he?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Inspector, I'd like to take a walk through the tunnel.

[Inspector White]

Oh, you fools. Find a thing, Jim, but come on.

[Fern Collier]

Do you think this will cause the tunnel to be closed for good, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

I don't know, Fern. That's up to the city council.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

This tunnel cost the city $15 million. I'm betting they won't close it.

[Inspector White]

Well, whether they do or not, I've still got to crack this case. And in short order, too.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Wait. Where's that hammering coming from, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

Well, that's my men testing every inch of these walls, Jim. If there's a hollow spot, they'll find it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Good work, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Jim, have you got any ideas at all on this thing?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Not yet, Inspector, but there's got to be a joker in this deal somewhere. We'll just play the handout and we'll find it.

[Michael Evans]

Yes? Yes? I'm Michael Evans. What's your business, Brandon?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Ms. Collier and I came to make a few inquiries, Mr. Evans.

[Michael Evans]

Now, get to the point, then, Brandon. What do you want?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You were the construction engineer on the Riverford Tunnel, weren't you?

[Inspector White]

Yes.

[Michael Evans]

I wish I'd never heard of the blasted thing. I told them from the beginning that tunnel shouldn't be built, but they wouldn't listen to me.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, what were your objections to the tunnel?

[Michael Evans]

Objections, hell. It was a waste of the taxpayers money. For one thing, they could have built a road around both sides of that mountain for a fraction of what the tunnel cost. What if it does take a motorist a few minutes longer to reach the bridge? Safety's more important.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Inspector White says you received a number of threatening letters during the time the tunnel was under construction.

[Michael Evans]

Yes, I turned them all over to the city council, but they didn't pay any attention. Those politicians.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Mr. Evans. How sound are the walls of the tunnel?

[Michael Evans]

Young man, I'll put my work up against any construction job in the country.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, now, I'm not questioning your.

[Michael Evans]

Here are the plans. The mayor told me to hand them over to you. Now take them and get out. Your questions are an insult.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Right, Mr. Evans. You want to take that attitude, you're of no help to us. Come on, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Well, I've met some grumpy old men before, but Mr. Evans takes the prize.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Sometimes grumpiness is employed to hide uneasiness, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

You mean you suspect him, Jim, I

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

haven't made up my mind about that yet. So far, I'm too busy wondering about something Else I saw in that office.

[Fern Collier]

What was that, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There was a tiny model of a gold smelter on the work table in there.

[Fern Collier]

A gold smelter?

[Theodore Ramsey]

Yes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And I'm wondering what interest a construction engineer in this city could have in a gold smelter.

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[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

This is the Hartley Steel Mill, Fern. That must be the office over there.

[Fern Collier]

What do you expect to find out here, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, this visit is more or less of a shot in the dark, Fern. You'll notice that this land adjoins the city property on which the tunnel is located.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, yes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

In going through the city records, I discovered that before the tunnel was built, the Hartley Steel Company tried to buy up all that adjoining city property. They didn't succeed, but I'd like to find out why they wanted that land.

[Fern Collier]

That sounds like an interesting angle, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, here's the office building. Well, I guess we just walk right in.

[Theodore Ramsey]

That's you, John.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I know. It's. It's Jim Brandon. I've got business with Mr. Hartley.

[Theodore Ramsey]

Well, there must be some mistake. Mr. Hartley's been dead for three years.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I want to see the man in charge then.

[Theodore Ramsey]

Do you have an appointment?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, but I think he'll see me. I'm from the police.

[Theodore Ramsey]

Oh, well, come in. I'm Theodore Ramsey, the general manager here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

This is my assistant, Ms. Collier.

[Theodore Ramsey]

Sit down, won't you?

[Fern Collier]

Thank you.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm sorry to barge in on you this way, Mr. Ramsey, but there are a few questions I'd like to ask.

[Theodore Ramsey]

Oh, that's all right, Mr. Brandon. Only I'm a little curious as to why the guard didn't call Me from the gate to say you were coming?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't think he saw us. We came in the side entrance just as some trucks were pulling out.

[Fern Collier]

I see.

[Theodore Ramsey]

Well, go ahead, Brandon.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Some years ago, the Hawkley Steel interest tried to buy the city land adjoining this property. Why?

[Theodore Ramsey]

Well, old Mr. Hartley was living then, and when he heard the city was thinking of building a tunnel under this mountain, he was afraid it might undermine part of our property and endanger our business.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, I see. Any other reason?

[Theodore Ramsey]

Well, frankly, yes. We had always hoped that the city would build a road around this end of the mountain. A great deal of our material is delivered in trucks, and a good road would be to our advantage. Naturally, a tunnel through the mountain would cancel out the road.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And you weren't willing to build the road yourself?

[Theodore Ramsey]

Well, not unless we owned all the land.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Mr. Ramsey, do you own the steel mill now?

[Theodore Ramsey]

Oh, no, no. I'm just the general manager. Old Hartley's grandson, Lee Burgess, owns it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Does he take an active part in running the mill?

[Theodore Ramsey]

Well, yes and no. You know how these rich boys are. He has an office over there near the smelting plant, but I don't think he's in it very often.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, thank you very much, Mr. Ramsey. This was just a routine check.

[Theodore Ramsey]

Oh, that's all right. Even though we weren't very keen on the tunnel at first, we're just as much upset as you are as the way things have turned out. Call on me again if I can be of any help.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, Inspector, has the council decided whether they're going to open the tunnel or not?

[Inspector White]

Well, they reached a decision two hours ago, Jim. The tunnel is now open to traffic. I've just come from there.

[Fern Collier]

Inspector, I just can't understand. They're opening the tunnel until you've had a chance to solve this case.

[Inspector White]

Fern, the council is inclined to believe that the whole disappearing Aqua stage is some kind of a hoax or even a publicity stunt. Maybe they're right. I don't know.

[Fern Collier]

I'll get it, Jim. Hello? Yes, the inspector's here. Sure. Hold on a minute, please. Inspector, for you.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Thanks, Fern.

[Inspector White]

Hello? What? Holy smoke. Did you call the tunnel and tell them to stop all the traffic? Good. I'll get out there right away.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What's the matter, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

They just received a telephone call at headquarters saying disaster would strike the tunnel again at midnight. Come on, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

It's sam.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Now back to the Avenger and the Tunnel of Disaster.

[Inspector White]

What time is it, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's 11:58, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Say, look at that car ahead.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Why, it broke Right through the gate and went into the tunnel. All the fools, Jim.

[Inspector White]

Fern, get out and stand guard here. See that no other cars get past the guard.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Okay. Come on, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Right, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Where are you going, Inspector? Into the tunnel, Inspector. Inspector, you're crazy. You'll never come out of there alive.

[Fern Collier]

Come back, Jim. Why do you think it's important to go into the tunnel from the opposite side? We're losing time driving around this mountain, Fern.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Every car that has disappeared within that tunnel went in at the north entrance. There's some reason for that, and I've got to find out what it is.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, Jim, I'm afraid we're too late to save the inspector. We lost minutes getting to the place that guard had his car parked.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There's the entrance, Fern. Hold tight. I'm going to crash right through the gate. Okay, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, sir. The guard is blowing for us to stop.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'll explain to him later. We haven't a second to lose. Now, keep your eyes peeled, Fern. If there's a clue in here, we've got to find it.

[Fern Collier]

Right, Jim. Gosh, this place is frightening.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

When we reach the center of the tunnel, we'll stop to see if we can pick up any sound.

[Fern Collier]

There's absolutely no sign of another car in here, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, this is the center here. I'll pull up here. Okay. Now, let's listen for a moment. No good. This place is as silent as a tomb.

[Fern Collier]

What now, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'll drive along slowly. Keep your eye on the road,

[Fern Collier]

Jim. Wait. I just caught sight of something on the side of the road.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What was it, Fern?

[Fern Collier]

No, something small that seems to be shining. There it is, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Huh? It's a pencil. It's the inspector's gold pencil, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Good heavens. That means he got as far as the spot, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, and according to my mileage gauge, this is exactly 8/10 of a mile from the north entrance. Come on, Fern. We've got to get back to the laboratory. This is our first real clue.

[Fern Collier]

Here, Jim, I've made some sandwiches for you. You haven't eaten a thing all day.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, thanks, Vernon.

[Fern Collier]

How are you making out, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, according to these maps, that spot where we found the inspector's pencil is directly parallel with the Hartley steel mill.

[Fern Collier]

But, Jim, if the tunnel walls are solid as everyone claims, what connection can the steel mill have with the tunnel?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's where my other discovery comes in.

[Fern Collier]

Your other discovery?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes. According to this early geological history of that tunnel land, small deposits of gold were once discovered there.

[Fern Collier]

Gold?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That could be the motive, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, if old Mr. Hartley knew about the gold, that could have been his reason for wanting to buy the land.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Right? But old Hartley is dead. Somebody living must know about that gold fern. That's the reason they want the tunnel closed.

[Fern Collier]

But who? Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

So far, we have three possible suspects.

[Fern Collier]

Three?

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[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Merkle Evans, the construction engineer, Hartley's grandson, Lee Burgess, and Ramsay, the manager of the Hartley mill.

[Fern Collier]

I know why you suspect Evans, Jim, but what reasons have you for thinking Burgess and Ramsay may be guilty?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Both of them have the facilities and are in a position to mine the gold.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, none of this is what you call solid evidence.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, it isn't, Fern, but we haven't time to get that. We've got to force the hand of the guilty party.

[Fern Collier]

How?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Jim, I want you to put in a telephone call to all three suspects. Tell each of them that Jim Brandon has discovered a hollow section in the tunnel wall and that a crew of men is going to start digging at once, then hang up.

[Fern Collier]

Yes. And what are you going to do, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

If there's any connection between the tunnel and the mill, the guilty party will show up at the Mill. I'll be waiting for him there as the avenger.

[Michael Evans]

Oh, so you finally got here, Burgess. I've been waiting here at the gate for 10 minutes.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I came as soon as I could, Evans. I had to call my men here at the mill and tell them to get things set.

[Michael Evans]

All right, then. Come on. You haven't any time to lose. What? What was that noise?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't know. There's no one in sight.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Say, who do you suppose that girl was who called to warn us?

[Michael Evans]

How should I know? Can't bother about that now, Burgess. Have you got enough dynamite to fill in our mine that adjoins the tunnel plenty?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Don't worry about that.

[Michael Evans]

The minute I set eyes on that Brandon, I knew he was trouble.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Oh, stop griping, Evans. You knew this was a dangerous game when you came in on it. Anyway, we're not licked yet.

[Michael Evans]

Yes, yes, you can talk like that because you're young, Burgess.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

But what about me?

[Michael Evans]

I was a respectable engineer all my life, and until I let you talk me into this gold mining business.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I talked you into it. You're ridiculous, Evans. And you're yellow to boot.

[Michael Evans]

Listen here, Burgess.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Shut up.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Arguing isn't going to get us anywhere. We're both in this thing up to the eyes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes.

[Michael Evans]

Yes, you're right, I guess. Have to keep our heads now. And we'll dynamite our mind for 20 yards right there where it connects with the tunnel. And when the cops break through the tunnel wall, they'll run into nothing but dirt.

[Theodore Ramsey]

Right.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

And then I'll sue Brandon for everything he owns.

[Michael Evans]

All right, here's the shank. Open the door, Burgess.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

All right, get inside.

[Michael Evans]

Lock that door after us, Burgess. How many men have you got down on the mine?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

8.

[Michael Evans]

Where are the prisoners?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

In a room near the smelter. Say, what are we going to do with those prisoners?

[Michael Evans]

Do with them? Eliminate them, what else?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't think I'd be in such a hurry to do that, Evans.

[Michael Evans]

Who's that? Who's in here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's the avenger. And this is the end of the line for both of you.

[Michael Evans]

Where is he? Get him, Burgess.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

How can I fight someone I can't even see?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You might as well give up. The police will be here in a minute.

[Michael Evans]

All right, Burgess. Now, come on. Let's get out of here while there's still time.

[Reporter]

No.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We've got to dynamite the mine first.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

If we don't, they've got the goods on us.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's too late, I tell you.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

It's our only chance.

[Michael Evans]

Unlock the trapdoor. Then quick.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Okay. Help me move these file cases away from it. No, you don't purchase. You're not going down in that mine.

[Reporter]

Oh,

[Michael Evans]

you knocked him out.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Stay where you are, Evans, or you'll get the same. The police are here now, Evans. And you'd better deliver those prisoners in good health or the charge will be murder as well as kidnapping.

[Inspector White]

Jim, Fern, over here. We're waiting for you.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What are you planning to do down here, Inspector? Deliver your dedication speech for these reporters?

[Inspector White]

No, Jim. I brought Merkel Evans down here in the tunnel to demonstrate exactly how this swinging wall works.

[Fern Collier]

How do you feel, Inspector?

[Inspector White]

Fine, Fern, fine. Never better. Okay, Evans, stop talking.

[Michael Evans]

All right. You'll notice that there's a steel girder every 15ft here through the center of the tunnel. Well, this section of the wall right here between these two girders opens just like a door. The huge hinges are behind the steel girder there on the right.

[Inspector White]

But where does the door end? There's no trace of a break in the wall.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It ends over there beneath that girder on the left. Doesn't it, Evans?

[Michael Evans]

Yes. Yes, that's right. Now, that girder is attached to this movable portion of the wall. When the wall swings back into place, that girder covers up the crack like a piece of weather stripping.

[Inspector White]

Open it up, Evans. We want to see for ourselves.

[Michael Evans]

Well, I'll have to signal the man on the other side of the wall. You see, this whole section is wired and controlled by a photoelectric eye. Back there in the mine, whenever we wanted to open the wall, all we had to do was break the beam and it swung out automatically.

[Inspector White]

Give the signal.

[Fern Collier]

Good heavens. It's like a revolving stage.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

When the wall is swung open like that, it looks like a curve in the tunnel.

[Fern Collier]

And people drove right into the mine before they realized.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

But not you, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

Well, I threw my pencil out in time to leave a clue for you, didn't I?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Right, Inspector.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, why didn't that section of wall sound hollow when they tested it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's too well reinforced, Fern. Look at the thickness of it.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, yes.

[Inspector White]

Okay, Evans, that's all. Take him to headquarters and book em, boys.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, Inspector.

[Inspector White]

What is it, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Smile. Those reporters are snapping your picture,

[Fern Collier]

Sam. Ram. Oh, Jim, it's thrilling to see all this traffic going through the tunnel.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, Fern. It proves how much the city needed it.

[Fern Collier]

Is there really a rich gold vein under the tunnel, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, Fern. As it turned out, Burgess and Evans had already mined most of the gold in this mountain. Not that it will ever do them any good.

[Fern Collier]

There's just one other thing I don't understand.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What's that, Fern?

[Fern Collier]

What happened to the two men who were in that car the inspector followed into the tunnel that night? They weren't held prisoner with the inspector and Commissioner.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, because they were Burgess's own men. That spectacular dash of theirs was staged to keep the disaster stories going.

[Fern Collier]

Well, come on, Jim. We better get back to the laboratory. I have work to do.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

So have I. The inspector wants me to write his dedication speech for the new courthouse next week.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

This is a thought.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

A thought.

[Inspector White]

A thought.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Remember? Listen for another adventure of

[Narrator/Storyteller]

the Avenger.