The Avenger - Wingate Heirs

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Avenger - Wingate Heirs
Date: March 16, 2026
Podcast Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode revives “The Avenger” radio drama, specifically the story “Wingate Heirs,” a classic whodunit set in a wealthy manor. The tale follows Jim Brandon (aka The Avenger) as he investigates the mysterious death of Captain Wingate and subsequent tragedies among his potential heirs. Familial suspicion, a bizarre will, and a fiendish psychological trap all converge in a story packed with intrigue and Golden Age detective flair.

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Main Characters

• Jim Brandon / The Avenger: Scientist and crime-fighter with telepathic gadgets and an invisibility device.
• Fern Collier: Brandon’s trusted and sharp-witted assistant.
• Captain Joseph Wingate: Cantankerous patriarch whose will triggers the plot.
• Smedley Royce: Longtime family lawyer, potential suspect.
• Piper: The sly, long-serving family servant.
• Wingate Nephews: Joe (engineer), Tom (doctor), Ralph, and Oliver—each with motives and secrets.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Captain Wingate’s Discontent & Drastic Plans

• Captain Wingate airs his deep distrust toward his lawyer Royce and servant Piper.

• Accuses both of betrayal, declares intent to cut his nephews and Royce out of his will, leaving his fortune to charity.

• Delivers letters to all four nephews, announcing a major change to the inheritance.

  Quote:

  • “I want you to bring my will over here in the morning. I'm cutting you out of it, along with those four good for nothing nephews of mine. I'll leave every penny to the seaman's charity." — Captain Wingate [04:00]

2. Captain Wingate’s Death and the Suicide Ruse

• Wingate is found dead, apparently from suicide after jumping out of his study window.

• The Avenger suspects foul play—details don’t fit a suicide:

  • The study was dark when entered (odd for someone working late).
  • The only key is found on the captain, implying door was locked from inside—but Avenger remains skeptical.

  Quote:

  • “A man about to jump out the window doesn't bother to switch out the light first. No, but a person leaving a room by the door turns it out automatically.” — Jim Brandon [09:55]

3. The Bizarre Will and Heir “Challenge”

• The lawyer reads out Captain Wingate’s eccentric will:

  • Each nephew must spend a full week locked in the study, using the library to trace Wingate genealogy.
  • If any nephew cracks, leaves early, or fails the assignment, their share is forfeited to the others; if none succeed, the fortune goes to charity.

  Quote:

  • “Each of those nephews stays in my study alone for one week ... If, for any reason whatsoever, the history is not completed, or the person fails to stay within the room for the required week, he forfeits his right to the share of the estate.” — Smedley Royce [10:52]

4. Suspicions and Deadly Consequences

• The Avenger and Fern examine the suspects: all four nephews, Royce the lawyer, and Piper the servant—each with motive.

• Ralph, the first nephew, jumps to his death while locked in the study.

• Oliver, next, almost meets the same fate, but the Avenger’s team intervenes and fakes his death for investigative purposes.

• The heirs are psychologically tormented by a strange noise in the study, prompting the fatal jumps.

  Quote:

  • “Oliver had his ear stuffed with paper. He was trying to shut out that noise he screamed about as he was falling.” — Jim Brandon [20:10]

5. Uncovering the Psychological Trap

• The Avenger and Fern discover a recently installed, leaky faucet in the attic—purposefully dripping water into a tin drain.

• A hidden sound device amplifies the drip into the study below, driving its occupant to madness.

• The Avenger replicates the scenario, bringing the surviving nephew, Joe, to confession.

  Quotes:

  • “This horn was wired to that small Dictaphone I showed you under the tin drain of the water faucet in the attic. All Joe Wingate had to do was let the water drip.” — Jim Brandon [29:00]
  • “Ralph and Oliver listened to that dripping until it drove them mad. They're whispering to you now, Joe. Their voices accuse you.” — Voice of Justice (Conscience) [25:20]

6. The Confession and Mechanism Revealed

• By playing the psychological “voice of justice” trick and turning on the faucet at a prearranged time, The Avenger gets Joe Wingate to crack and confess.

• They find the mechanism: a perforated wallpaper with an amplifying horn connected to the attic faucet.

• Joe admits to orchestrating the deaths, knowing well what was in the will and preying on the susceptible minds of his cousins.

• The mechanics of the “suicides” were perfectly designed to drive the heirs mad and out of the competition without overt violence.

  Quote:

  • “There’s to be no rest for you, Joe. Not until you confess your crimes.” — Voice of Justice (Conscience) [26:24]

7. Case Wrapped Up

• Joe’s plot is exposed. The Avenger lays out exactly how Joe manipulated the will and the murders.

• Piper and Royce’s roles were red herrings; the murderer was among the heirs all along.

• Fern muses about inheriting money “with no strings attached.”

  Quote:

  • “Gosh, if anyone ever leaves me any money, I hope it doesn't have any strings attached.” — Fern Collier [30:29]

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Notable Quotes and Moments (with Timestamps)

• “I'm not taken in by your sanctimonious ears and pretended concern for me. You've been my lawyer for 30 years. But I discovered you've never been my friend.” — Captain Wingate [03:17]
• “The case is in the hands of the police.” — Inspector [08:56]
• “Inspector, I'm almost certain Captain Wingate was murdered.” — Jim Brandon [09:37]
• “There are still four suspects. Vern Royce, Dr. Tom, Piper and Joe. We can't overlook any of them.” — Jim Brandon [20:32]
• “Listen, Joe. Listen to what the dripping water says … murder, murder, murder…” — Voice of Justice (Conscience) [25:40]

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Timeline of Major Segments

• [02:20-04:15]: Wingate confronts his lawyer and servant, outlines his new will plans.
• [06:53-09:55]: Discovery of Wingate’s death, doubts about suicide.
• [10:40-12:28]: The bizarre will is read; nephews' challenge is revealed.
• [13:10-14:02]: Avenger and Fern summarize suspects and stakes.
• [16:32-17:15]: Investigation of attic, discovery of recent faucet installation.
• [17:41-19:01]: Discussion of Ralph and Oliver's fates, setup for Oliver’s trial.
• [20:27-20:59]: Joe enters the study as the suspect pool narrows.
• [23:15-23:44]: Fern and Jim coordinate the final psychological test.
• [24:11-29:00]: The Avenger torments Joe with “voices” and dripping water, leading to his confession.
• [29:44-30:34]: The mechanics of the plot revealed and case closed.

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Tone and Style

The episode carries a classic, suspenseful radio drama tone—layered with intrigue, sharp banter, and a touch of melodrama, true to the Golden Age of radio mysteries.
Witty exchanges between Brandon and Fern offer moments of levity amid the tension, while supernatural and psychological elements give the murder investigation an eerie edge.

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Conclusion

“The Avenger - Wingate Heirs” episode delivers a twisty, atmospheric murder mystery full of family suspicion, gothic traps, and ingenious detective work. The show encapsulates the clever scripting and immersive style of vintage radio, with a complex plot resolved by logic, psychology, and quick thinking.

(For listeners and readers alike, this is a quintessential old-time radio tale—where the stakes are high, the clues subtle, and justice arrives through the most unexpected means.)

Transcript

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[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

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

[Narrator]

The Avenger, sworn enemy of evil, is actually Jim Brandon, a famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has perfected two inventions to aid him in his crusade against crime as the Avenger. The telepathic indicator by which he is able to pick up thought flashes, and the secret diffusion capsule which cloaks him in the black light of invisibility. Brandon's assistant, the beautiful Fern Collier, is the only one who shares his secrets and knows that he is the man the underworld fears as the Avenger.

[Joseph Wingate]

And now

[Narrator]

the Avenger and the Wingate heirs.

[Joseph Wingate]

Now listen here, Royce. I may be old, but I'm not exactly blind. It's time some drastic steps were taken around here.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Take it easy, Captain Wingate. You mustn't allow yourself to get so excited.

[Joseph Wingate]

Keep quiet, Rice. I brought you down here to read the riot act and nothing's gonna stop me. I'm not taken in by your sanctimonious ears and pretended concern for me. You've been my lawyer for 30 years. But I discovered you've never been my friend.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Oh, really, Captain, that's unfair.

[Joseph Wingate]

You're like all the others, Royce, just waiting for me to die. Captain, when you bother trying to deny it, I know you've been using my holdings to put through deals I never authorized. That's as good as stealing, Royce. And by the great Horn Spoon, I'm gonna make you pay for it.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Captain Wingate.

[Piper (Servant)]

Listen.

[Joseph Wingate]

You listen. I want you to bring my will over here in the morning. I'm cutting you out of it, along with those four good for nothing nephews of mine. I'll leave every penny to the seaman's charity.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Captain Wingate, as your will stands, it's very eccentric. Insofar as your nephews are concerned. You're making them sweat for every dollar as it is.

[Joseph Wingate]

Now, why not do as I tell you, Royce? Have that will here. First thing in the morning, I'm going to send all you vultures pac. Piper.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Piper.

[Joseph Wingate]

Other places are you I tell him, Captain.

[Piper (Servant)]

Don't get Your wind up.

[Joseph Wingate]

You drive that scoundrel Royce back into town, Piper.

[Piper (Servant)]

Aye, that I did, Captain. Say, what's ailing that lawyer? I never saw him in such a sour temper.

[Joseph Wingate]

Well, maybe you won't be so chippy yourself when you hear what I got to say.

[Piper (Servant)]

You got the storm signals up again, Captain?

[Joseph Wingate]

How long you been living here at Wingate Manor, Piper?

[Piper (Servant)]

15 years. Come next month, Captain.

[Joseph Wingate]

In all that time, I've paid you a good salary for doing next to nothing, haven't I?

[Piper (Servant)]

Well, now, wait a minute.

[Joseph Wingate]

My sentiment has its limits, Piper. Just because we sailed the seas together when we were young, there's no reason why I should let you cheat me, is it?

[Piper (Servant)]

What are you getting that, Captain?

[Joseph Wingate]

This, Piper. You've stripped my orchards of their fruit and sold them. The flowers in my garden went to the florist in town and you collected for 15 years. You've sold everything from gas out of my cars to food out of my cupboards.

[Piper (Servant)]

Well, maybe I have done a few things I shouldn't, but I had the

[Joseph Wingate]

gall to sit around here waiting for me to die and leave you a fat pension. Well, the wind has changed, Piper. I found you out and I'm giving you a week's notice to clear out.

[Piper (Servant)]

Katherine, you can't do that. I'm an old man. You heard me.

[Joseph Wingate]

I'm clearing the decks. You get one week. In the meantime, I'll expect some service from you.

[Piper (Servant)]

I knew you could be mean, but I never thought you.

[Joseph Wingate]

Your thinking comes too late. Here. Deliver these four letters to my nephews in their rooms. I think I should inform my worthy heirs that tomorrow I intend to change my will. Get about it now.

[Piper (Servant)]

All right. I'll deliver these letters and I'll tell your nephews that their devil has possessed you.

[Joseph Wingate]

My ears. The Wingate ears. Four lazy parasites sitting around waiting for an old man to die. I'll show em. Joe, the engineer who never builds. Tom, the doctor who never had a patient. Ralph and Oliver, the wastrels. Paupers, all of them. Tomorrow I'll cut him off completely. Then I think I'll live to be a hundred just to watch em suffer.

[Inspector]

Turn left here, Jim. That's Wingate Manor at the top of the hill.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

This looks like a magnificent estate, Inspector.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

It is.

[Inspector]

But if these rich old colliers have to jump out of their windows, I wish they wouldn't pick three o' clock in the morning to do it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, it shouldn't take very long. Say, there's quite a crowd gathered in front of the house.

[Inspector]

Pull up here Jim. Okay, come on, let's have a look.

[Joseph Wingate]

Step aside, please.

[Narrator]

Police.

[Inspector]

There's a body over there, Jim. Better look it over.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Right, Inspector.

[Inspector]

Who's taking charge of things here?

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

I'm Smedley Royce, Captain Wingate's lawyer. I'd be glad to help in any way I can.

[Inspector]

Were you here when this happened?

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

No, I just arrived. Dr. Thomas Wingate, one of Captain Wingate's nephews, called me.

[Inspector]

Who discovered the body?

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

I think he did. Dr. Thomas, I mean.

[Narrator]

That's right, Inspector. I'm Tom Wingate. My room faces this side courtyard. I heard the noise and came running, but uncle was dead before we reached him.

[Joseph Wingate]

We?

[Narrator]

Yes, my three cousins, Joe, Ralph and Oliver. We all got out here at about the same time.

[Joseph Wingate]

I see.

[Inspector]

Where was your uncle when he jumped?

[Narrator]

In his study on the third floor, just above here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, Inspector, this Wingate seems to have died instantly.

[Inspector]

Okay, Jim, my men will be here in a minute. In the meantime, let's have a look at the study upstairs. Would you mind coming along, Royce?

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Not at all. The door is locked.

[Inspector]

Does anybody in the house have a key?

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Well, no. The captain had the only key, and I. I suppose that's on the inside.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Shall we break the drawer in, Inspector?

[Joseph Wingate]

Yeah.

[Inspector]

Come on, Jim, let's put our shoulders to it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right. Ready? Yes.

[Inspector]

Yeah, that did it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Just a minute. I'll turn on the light.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Well, Captain Wingate frequently worked late at night. By the looks of his desk, he must have been writing.

[Inspector]

Don't touch anything on that desk, Royce.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Oh, I'm sorry. I. Just a little curious for the moment.

[Inspector]

The case is in the hands of the police.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Of course. Captain Wingate seems to have been tracing the history of his family.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Yes, that's right. The captain was an ardent student of genealogy.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Royce, would you call the members of the family together? There are a few routine matters to straighten out.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Yes, of course. Right away, Mr. Brandon.

[Inspector]

Jim, what are you up to? There's no need to conduct an investigation tonight, Inspector.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Have your men checked to see if the captain had his keys on him when he jumped. They're not in here.

[Inspector]

Okay, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What was he writing there at the desk?

[Inspector]

Oh, some kind of a paper entitled Genealogical Reasons for Four Worthless Nephews.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Sounds morbid.

[Inspector]

This stuff proves that the old man was pretty low in his mind. I guess that's why he decided to end it all.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Inspector, I'm almost certain Captain Wingate was murdered.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

What?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There are things in this room that just don't add up to suicide, for instance? Well, this is a small, uncomfortable room. Nothing but work would keep a man in here until 3 o' clock in the morning.

[Inspector]

Well, that checks with what Roy said.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Look, if Wingate had been sitting there working, he would have had the light on, wouldn't he?

[Inspector]

Sure.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, when we came into this room, it was dark. I turned the light on.

[Inspector]

Say, that's right, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, a man about to jump out the window doesn't bother to switch out the light first. No, but a person leaving a room by the door turns it out automatically.

[Inspector]

All of which adds up to the fact that someone pushed Wingate out of the window.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Offhand, I'd say there's more than an even chance of it, Inspector.

[Inspector]

Well, let's go to work, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Inspector, we'd have a lot to gain by keeping our investigation undercover until after the reading of the will.

[Inspector]

Yeah, that will might have a very interesting story to tell.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

After the deduction of these personal bequests to the above mentioned for services rendered, I bequeath the rest of my estate to my four nephews.

[Joseph Wingate]

Well, that's what we've been waiting for, I should say.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Just a moment. I haven't finished. There's several conditions provided. Each of those nephews stays in my study alone for one week, and using the books available there, traces the history of the Wingate family down to the time of his own birth. If, for any reason whatsoever, the history is not completed, or the person fails to stay within the room for the required week, he forfeits his right to the share of the estate. And the estate will be divided equally among those nephews who succeed in this requirement. If none succeeds, the estate is willed in its entirety to the Seaman's Charity, as indicated above.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Well, Jim, that last clause certainly threw a bombshell into this little gathering.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I think that's exactly what it was meant to do, Fernando. Oh, Captain Wingate certainly had it in for those nephews of his.

[Joseph Wingate]

Mr. Royce. Just a moment, please.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Quiet, please. Joseph Wingate has the floor.

[Inspector]

Thank you.

[Joseph Wingate]

I'd like to ask a question, Mr. Royce.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Go right ahead.

[Joseph Wingate]

Would it be possible, provided we four

[Narrator]

Wingate nephews are in agreement to divide

[Joseph Wingate]

the estate equally among us without regard

[Narrator]

to that last eccentric provision?

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

I'm afraid not, Joseph. I understand your position, but according to the law, this will must be carried

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

out to the letter.

[Joseph Wingate]

Well, we might as well get started on it, then. In what order are we to try for the grand prize, Mr. Royce?

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Ralph Wingate first, Oliver Wingate second, You, Joseph wingate third, and Dr. Thomas Wingate last.

[Narrator]

This whole thing is preposterous.

[Joseph Wingate]

You Mean you're not going to try for it, Tom?

[Narrator]

I mean nothing of the kind, Joe. What about you, Oliver?

[Inspector]

Well, I'm on, and so is Ralph.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

All right, then. Provisions will be stocked within the room, and no outside communication of any kind will be permitted. The door will be locked from the outside by Captain Wingate's banker.

[Narrator]

Well, Ralph, are you ready?

[Joseph Wingate]

Let's see how you can take a

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

week of solitary confinement.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Jim, even though I didn't get in on the ground floor of this case, I know you think old Captain Wingate was murdered.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right, Fern. But we'll have to move slowly on this. There are six suspects.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

How do you figure that, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The four nephews, Royce, the lawyer, and Piper, the servant. Every one of them had something to gain by Captain Wingate's death on that particular night.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Why that particular night?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Because Wingate planned to change his will the following morning and cut every one of them off without a cent.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

How did you find that out, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Wingate had drawn up a rough draft of the changes he intended to make. Those papers were found in his coat pocket after his death.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Six suspects. Which one do we go to work on first?

[Joseph Wingate]

All of them.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We're going to make a tour of the house that way. We should find out a few things about the people who live in Wingate Manor.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

It's.

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[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Now.

[Narrator]

Back to the Avenger and the Wingate heirs.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Well, that's that. We've worked our way right up here to the attic gym and haven't found a thing. Except that Wingate Manor could stand for some improvements.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Wait a minute, Fern, do you hear anything in this attic?

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Yes. Sounds like water dripping somewhere.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's what I thought. Let's have a look,

[Narrator]

Fern.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's over here on the other side of these trunks.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Oh, it's only a leaking faucet. At one time, they must have intended to finish this attic for living quarters.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, this faucet has been installed rather recently. And this tin drain into which it drips is almost new.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Probably needs a new washer. Why don't you speak to Piper about it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, it's all right. I turned it off.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Come on, then. Let's get back into town. I'm hungry.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Hello, Jim. I hate to get you up like

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

this again, but Ralph Wingate just jumped out of the window.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Okay, Inspector. Pick me up on your way out there.

[Inspector]

Well, Jim, we had a few hours to go over everything. Do you think Ralph Wingate was murdered?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There's nothing to indicate that, Inspector. This has all the earmarks of suicide.

[Inspector]

Then that washes up the case. Ralph murdered the old captain, then his conscience started bothering him while he was

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

locked up here alone. A possibility, Inspector, but we'll have to prove it.

[Inspector]

Well, that might not be so easy to prove.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's Oliver Wingate's turn to go into the study next. Let everything proceed according to schedule. I'm beginning to get an idea, Inspector.

[Inspector]

Jim, this is the third night we've set up this net under that study window. I think Oliver's going to stick it out.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

If he does, then we're right back where we started.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You, Fern. I still believe Oliver will jump. And when he does, we've got to be on hand to save him.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Can we rehearse everything so there won't be any slips?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, here's the plan. As soon as Oliver jumps, we bundle them off in that car over there. And the inspector's men will rush him to the hospital and keep him under guard. In the meantime, we bring in the net, place that dummy underneath the window and cover it up. Then we give the alarm within a few minutes.

[Inspector]

After that, some of my men will arrive and bear the dummy away. And to the best knowledge of our suspects, Oliver Wingate is dead.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

All very well, but where does all this get us?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It gives us a chance to question Oliver Wingate and find out why he jumped. From there, it should be easy to trace the murderer.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Oh, Jim, look. It's Oliver. He's on the window ledge.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

He's going to jump. All right, get ready. Inspector.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

The noise.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The noise.

[Piper (Servant)]

I can't stand it.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

This Wingate case certainly seems to have a jinx on the. Jim, every clue we start to work on goes up in smoke.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, we've had some tough breaks, Vern. Things have worked out as planned. The case would be solved by now.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Well, we had no way of knowing Oliver would crack up completely and not be able to tell us anything.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We did find out one thing. Oliver had his ear stuffed with paper. He was trying to shut out that noise he screamed about as he was falling.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Doctor says he'll probably be all right within a few weeks.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

We can't wait for that. In the meantime, it serves our purpose to let everyone here at Wingate Manor believe he's dead.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Who's locked up in the study now, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Joe, the engineer.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

I'm completely baffled. I don't know whom to suspect.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There are still four suspects. Vern Royce, Dr. Tom Piper and Joe. We can't overlook any of them.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

This case proves that too many motives are as bad as none at all.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm going up to the attic. I want to do a little investigating.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

The attic again? What's so interesting up there, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'll let you know later, Fern. Right now, I want you to go downstairs and keep your eye on Piper and Dr. Tom. They had their heads together in the dining room when we came up here.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Right, Jim.

[Piper (Servant)]

Will you be having another helping, Dr. Tom?

[Narrator]

No, thanks, Piper. I'm not hungry.

[Piper (Servant)]

That's too bad. You ought to eat, Dr. Tom. At a time like this, a man needs his strength.

[Narrator]

Yeah, things are in a mess, all right. Every time I turn around, I run into Brandon or that police inspector. Why don't they keep their noses out of things that don't concern them?

[Piper (Servant)]

I reckon the police have a right to get their wind up over three death stars.

[Narrator]

Three suicides, Piper.

[Piper (Servant)]

Were they Dr. Tom Piper?

[Narrator]

What are you driving at?

[Piper (Servant)]

Ooh, nothing.

[Narrator]

Come on, come on, out with it.

[Piper (Servant)]

Well, you got to admit that the old captain died mighty convenient for a

[Narrator]

lot of people, you included. Don't forget that your head was gonna roll with the rest of us.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Oh, I'm not.

[Piper (Servant)]

I'm not accusing anybody. No, I'm just talking.

[Narrator]

Well, be careful what you say, Jim Brandon snooping around the house somewhere. If he should happen to find out that uncle planned to change his will, he'd arrest all of us on suspicion.

[Piper (Servant)]

You know, I got a feeling all our troubles will be over soon.

[Narrator]

And what makes you think that?

[Piper (Servant)]

Well, Mr. Joe ain't a jumping kind. He'll last the week out up there in the study.

[Narrator]

Well, if Joe can do it, so can I when my turn comes. I'm not going to oblige Joe by jumping out the window and letting him inherit everything.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

I hope you're right.

[Piper (Servant)]

Because if neither you nor Mr. Joe sticks it out, Mr. Royce will have the most to gain.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Aye.

[Piper (Servant)]

He's to be one of the trustees if the estate goes to charity, ain't he?

[Narrator]

Yes, that Royce is a slick one, all right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Right.

[Piper (Servant)]

But I'm putting my money on Mr. Joe, though. He's got a stubborn streak in him, just like the old captain.

[Narrator]

Yes, you and Joe always did side together, didn't you? You know, sometimes I wonder. Oh, get into the kitchen, Piper, before I say something I'll be sorry for.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Fern?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fern, where are you?

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

In here. Jim Piper and Dr. Tom have been arguing in the dining room, but I couldn't make out what they were saying.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Never mind that now. I've hit on something, Fern. Something I believe may break this case.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Good. What is it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You'll have to help me test it out.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

What do you want me to do?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

First, let's synchronize our watches. It's exactly 1:30.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, you go up to the attic and at 1:40, open that faucet up there and start the water dripping.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Okay. But that doesn't sound like a very important assignment.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Believe me, it is, Fern. I'll explain later. Right now I'm going into that study by way of the window as the Avenger. What's that noise? Who's there at the window? That's strange.

[Joseph Wingate]

There's no one there.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

This place must be driving me batty. I better get a hold of myself.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

I am hearing things. The water.

[Joseph Wingate]

I hear it dripping.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That can't be. My mind is playing tricks on me. That's it.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

That's it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

My mind.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

It's the sound of your conscience, Joseph Wingate.

[Joseph Wingate]

Who's in this room?

[Inspector]

Who spoke?

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

The voice of justice calling you to account, Joe.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, no. It's all in my mind. There's nobody here.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

The Avenger is here.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Joe the Avenger.

[Joseph Wingate]

Where are you?

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

I'm here, but you can't see me. You're blinded by the crimes you have committed.

[Joseph Wingate]

Get out of this room. This is some trick to make me lose my inheritance.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

You've already lost that, Joan.

[Piper (Servant)]

No.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, I haven't.

[Joseph Wingate]

Nothing will drive me out of here.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

Then I will stay here with you. The dripping water and I. I will stay here to remind you of your crimes and wait for your confession.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I confess nothing and I never will.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

Listen to the water, Joe. Listen to it.

[Narrator]

No.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

No.

[Joseph Wingate]

Let me alone.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

Ralph and Oliver listened to that dripping until it drove them mad. They're whispering to you now, Joe. Their voices accuse you. And the old captain calls out from his grave.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

No.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

Listen, Joe. Listen to what the dripping water says.

[Narrator]

No.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Do you hear?

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

Keeps saying murder, murder, murder, murder, murder.

[Narrator]

No.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, I won't confess.

[Joseph Wingate]

You stay here if you want. Let the dripping water drive you mad. The stakes are high, Avenger, and Joseph

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Wingate is playing this hand out.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

It's three o', clock, Joe. Do remember it was three o' clock when you pushed your uncle from that window.

[Narrator]

Let me alone.

[Smedley Royce (Lawyer)]

Let me rest.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

There's to be no rest for you, Joe. Not until you confess your crimes.

[Joseph Wingate]

I can't stand it any longer. Turn that water off.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Stop it. Stop it.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

Ralph and Oliver cried out like that, Joe, but there was no one to hear them.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Stop it.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

They stuffed their ears with paper, but they couldn't shut out the sounds. And so they jumped.

[Joseph Wingate]

No, I won't jump.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

Confess that.

[Piper (Servant)]

I can't stand it.

[Joseph Wingate]

I'll tell everything.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, yes.

[Joseph Wingate]

Write it all down, Joe.

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

Write it down. And as soon as you've finished, the sounds will stop. Start writing, Joe.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Sam, Ram.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That spot over there. Above the desk is where the sound came out. Inspector.

[Inspector]

I don't see anything, Jim. The wall looks all right to me.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Wait a minute. I'll tear off a section of this wallpaper and show you what's behind it.

[Inspector]

Well, what do you know?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The design on the paper right here was perforated to let the sound out.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Why, Jim, there's a big amplifying horn set there in the wall.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right, Vern. This horn was wired to that small Dictaphone I showed you under the tin drain of the water faucet in the attic. All Joe Wingate had to do was let the water drip.

[Inspector]

A few days of listening to that was all a man could stand, particularly

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

when he thought he was imagining it.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Well, fortunately, Joe couldn't stand it either.

[Inspector]

Jim, that's all the evidence we need to convict Joe Wingate of two murders, plus an attempt on the life of Oliver Wingate.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

But, Jim, Joe didn't use this device on old Captain Wingate, did he? I thought you said he pushed the captain out the window.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

He did. The study door wasn't locked that night as the old captain sat here working. Here's what happened. Joe walked in on him, pushed the captain out the window, picked the old man's key ring up from the desk, turned out the lights automatically as he left the room, locked the door after him and went back to his room.

[Inspector]

Then when Dr. Tom gave the alarm, Joe ran out into the courtyard right

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

and under the pretext of helping Tom examine his uncle, he dropped the keys into the captain's pocket where we found them.

[Inspector]

Jim, what first led you to suspect Joe?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, that dripping faucet in the attic intrigued me from the beginning. I kept checking back on it, and every time I turned it off, someone turned it on again. Up until the time Joe went into the study. Then it was turned off tight. That was the tip off. And I decided to give Joe some of his own treatment.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Well, it certainly worked, Jim. But what about this angle? Joe must have known exactly what was in his uncle's will. Otherwise he couldn't have arranged everything like this.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

He did, Fern. He admitted that in his confession. He had everything prepared months ago. Then when the captain decided to change his will, it forced Joe's hand and he had to kill his uncle.

[Fern Collier (Assistant)]

Gosh, if anyone ever leaves me any money, I hope it doesn't have any strings attached.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You'd better send out a radio flash to that effect, Inspector. Inform all millionaires that Fern prefers her legacy in small change.

[Narrator]

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

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

This is a thought. A thought. A thought.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Remember?

[Voice of Justice / Joe's Conscience]

Listen for another adventure of

[Narrator]

the Avenger.