The Bishop and the Gargoyle 1940-07-14 The Jennifer Botts Case

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Overview

Episode: The Bishop and the Gargoyle 1940-07-14 – "The Jennifer Botts Case"
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: October 17, 2025 (original air date: July 14, 1940)
Theme:
A classic detective story from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring Bishop Morris—a retired bishop with a penchant for solving mysteries—and his streetwise partner, the Gargoyle. This episode revolves around Jennifer Botts, a small-town schoolteacher who follows her dreams to New York, only to become ensnared in deceit, theft, and murder.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Introduction to the Characters and Dilemma (00:00–04:41)

• The Gargoyle encounters Ryan, the beat cop, and discusses a distressed woman he found—Jennifer Botts.
• Jennifer is introduced as an out-of-towner, nervous and upset.
• The Gargoyle brings her to Bishop Morris, believing she needs help.
• Jennifer reveals her background: a teacher from Maple Rest, Illinois, with stage aspirations, recently bereaved and drawn to NYC by old dreams of stardom.

Quote:
"She's in need of something. I came by here and she was wringing her hands, walking up and down. So I ups to her and I says, excuse me, lady, what's needling you?" — The Gargoyle (01:09)

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2. The Scam Revealed (04:41–08:09)

• Jennifer recounts how she was scammed by a charming man, Mr. Simpson, who claimed to be a theater producer.
• After an enchanting night, Simpson swindled her out of $700, her life savings.
• Jennifer is left stranded, ashamed, and unwilling to return home.

Quote:
"I knew that I. I just had to come here and get the grease paint out of my system." — Jennifer Botts (05:01)

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3. A New Mystery – Crime at the 89 Club (08:09–12:05)

• The Bishop and the Gargoyle set out to investigate the 89 Club, where Jennifer last saw Simpson.
• They find the club closed, search Simpson's nearby apartment, and discover Simpson shot dead.
• Realizing the gravity of the situation, they worry about how to protect Jennifer from the truth and danger.

Quote:
"Gee, Bishop, somebody got to him." — The Gargoyle (11:43)
"As nice a job with the .45 as I ever saw." — Bishop Morris (11:46)

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4. A Web of Criminals and the Missing Ruby (12:05–17:39)

• In Simpson’s apartment, Joseph Pincus bursts in with a gun, demanding the return of the Charles Ruby, which he claims Simpson stole.
• After a brief altercation, Bishop and the Gargoyle subdue Pincus and tie him up.
• They deduce that Simpson stole the ruby for a woman (Vera), and the subplot intertwines with Jennifer’s disappearance.

Quote:
"You get back or I'll. I'll let you have it." — Joseph Pincus confronting Bishop and Gargoyle (13:38)
"Perhaps the murderers of Mr. Simpson could answer that." — Bishop Morris (16:03)

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5. Tracking Down Vera – A Lead to Greenwich (17:39–20:04)

• At a chorus line club, the Bishop and the Gargoyle seek Vera, aided by Vera’s friend, who reveals Snap Martin has been possessive over her and might be involved.
• The friend suspects Vera is at Snap Martin's country house in Greenwich.

Quote:
"Snap Martin's been doing a burn about Simpson for weeks. No, I'm worried about her." — Vera's friend (18:19)

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6. Confrontation at Snap Martin’s Mansion (20:04–25:00)

• Bishop, the Gargoyle, and company confront Snap Martin at his mansion.
• Snap attempts to intimidate them and plans to dispose of Jennifer, aware she may recognize him.
• The group pressures Vera (now present) and Jennifer for the whereabouts of the ruby.
• Tensions rise; Jennifer is accused of holding the ruby, but she has no idea where it is.
• An altercation erupts; Pincus tries to shoot Snap, and chaos enables Bishop and his team to escape to a boat.

Quote:
"You were the man with the yellow eyes. The man she saw come into the 89 Club last night and go off with her escort. Simpson, that was." — Bishop Morris to Snap Martin (21:25)

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7. Resolution Afloat – The Ruby’s Return (25:00–27:06)

• Aboard a boat at dawn, the mystery unravels.
• In a comical twist, Jennifer discovers the missing ruby in Vera’s pocketbook—which she had been accidentally carrying.
• The ruby is returned to Pincus, whose career is saved.
• Jennifer, relieved and having had her fill of drama, realizes her dreams of stage life are satisfied—through adventure, not acting.

Quotes:
"Oh, my, no. I've had all the drama I want for a lifetime." — Jennifer Botts (26:50)
"Now I know why she gave me her pocketbook instead of mine. Goodness, she really loves that awful person's snap. And she didn't want him to know she had the ruby. Wasn't that sweet?" — Jennifer Botts (26:31)

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with timestamps)

• On dreams and disappointments:
  "Well, I burnt my bridge behind me." — Jennifer Botts (04:42)

• On scams in the city:
  "Well, he was quite helpful. He said that naturally the going would be tough, and I agreed. Then he said that he'd be able to do something for me if I had $200." — Jennifer Botts (06:08)

• Comic banter:
  "If I didn't know you was a Bishop, I'd get the idea you got a head in the World ringing doorbells now." — The Gargoyle (10:46)

• Mystery intensifies:
  "That's chloroform, Miss. Butts. Jennifer Butts." — Bishop Morris (12:43)

• Classic hard-boiled retort:
  "She's in need of something. I came by here and she was wringing her hands, walking up and down. So I ups to her and I says, excuse me, lady, what's needling you?" — The Gargoyle (01:09)

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• Jennifer describes her scam: 05:12–07:22
• Simpson’s murder discovered: 11:02–12:05
• Pincus confronts Bishop for the ruby: 13:38–14:39
• Friend tips about Vera and Snap Martin: 18:04–18:43
• Confrontation at Greenwich mansion: 20:08–24:20
• Ruby found in pocketbook: 26:11–26:31
• Final resolution and farewells: 26:50–27:06

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Tone and Style

The episode blends witty banter, hard-boiled dialogue, and classic radio melodrama, capturing the style and humor of 1940s detective fiction. The interplay between the forthright Bishop and the slangy Gargoyle is central, providing both comic relief and a strong moral heart to the story, while Jennifer Botts embodies a blend of innocence and pluck characteristic of the era's radio heroines. The plot moves briskly, with twists, false leads, and a final lighthearted denouement.

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For Fans of Golden Age Radio:
This episode provides all the trademarks of classic radio storytelling—snappy dialogue, a twisting mystery, comic interludes, and a strong sense of period flair. It's an exemplar of why these shows became centerpieces of family entertainment and remain so beloved today.

Transcript

[Bishop Morris]

The bishop.

[Snap Martin]

And the gargoyle.

[Bishop Morris]

Thanks, boys.

[Snap Martin]

Take care of yourself, Danny.

[Ryan]

Ah, as I live and walk my beat, the gargoyle.

[The Gargoyle]

How's your digestion, Ryan? I see you just got your free ride uptown at the taxpayer's expense.

[Ryan]

Ah, yes. So I did the little I ask of life. Glory be to God. Oh, and how's his nibs, the bishop?

[The Gargoyle]

Ah, in the pink, Danny, in the pink. I just came out for a game of pool and to pick up the papers.

[Ryan]

Ah, nothing but misery in those things.

[The Gargoyle]

Yeah.

[Ryan]

And now that we've observed the obscenities, as they say in Emily Post, what were you doing talking to the young lady over there?

[The Gargoyle]

Young? Yes. You're losing your ideals, Ryan. Just a schoolteacher I found on the stoop.

[Ryan]

And what's her name?

[The Gargoyle]

Jennifer. Jennifer Butts.

[Ryan]

Oh, my, my. I thought for a moment she might be a young colleen in need of a protector.

[The Gargoyle]

She's in need of something. I came by here and she was wringing her hands, walking up and down. So I ups to her and I says, excuse me, lady, what's needling you?

[Ryan]

Yes.

[The Gargoyle]

And she begins to cry on me. So I laughs. Then I thinks about the bishop. I goes back and I toss my headpiece and I says, listen, doll, you look like out of town to me. What's the matter? Your husband give you the chill?

[Ryan]

You've got a touch of blarney in.

[Snap Martin]

You, gargoyle, you have.

[The Gargoyle]

Sure. So she looks at me and she says, young man, I am Jennifer Botts. My cousin is mayor of Maple Rest in Illinois. If you get fresh, I will turn you over to the police.

[Ryan]

And why not?

[The Gargoyle]

Now, listen, Ryan, don't try to make a chest out of that stomach. I got enough trouble. What do I do with the dame?

[Ryan]

And why should I answer that?

[The Gargoyle]

She's got trouble, some kind of trouble.

[Ryan]

Do I have to call the sergeant? Do I have to call the traveler's aide? And do I have to listen to you?

[The Gargoyle]

Okay, okay. I suppose I better take her up to see the bishop.

[Ryan]

No, no, that's a splendid thought. If she stares at my beat, I have to worry tonight. And here it is Sunday, and I have enough worries about this day. My Mary graduated. Yes, late but successful. And there's a Jones at my house, and I want to get home.

[The Gargoyle]

Okay, okay. I see my duty and I do it.

[Ryan]

And I turn me back. And I hope your parole is permanent.

[The Gargoyle]

Thanks, copper. You bring tears to my eyes. Gee, Bishop, where did you get the midget joke box?

[Bishop Morris]

My little music box has been with me for 20 years it has relieved my boredom in the silent watches of my missionary work all around the world. Well, my jewel of great price. My laborer worthy of his hire. Sit down.

[The Gargoyle]

Yeah, Bishop, what's wrong?

[Bishop Morris]

Gargoyle. You are really worthy of your name. Why? You're so obvious.

[The Gargoyle]

Okay, I'm a sucker. Make me know it.

[Bishop Morris]

A gargoyle is an architectural whimsy. A stony decoration in a profane manner to relieve the austerity of a saintly structure. But obviously obvious. Yeah.

[The Gargoyle]

You know how I got that name? The sob sister. At my last trial, he sits on the stand like a gargoyle.

[Bishop Morris]

She says, well, how was the pool game?

[The Gargoyle]

Okay.

[Bishop Morris]

How was Ryan?

[Snap Martin]

Okay.

[The Gargoyle]

How did you know?

[Bishop Morris]

He goes on duty about this time. Well, what have you got to tell me?

[The Gargoyle]

Well, to make the thing simple, I brought a lady home.

[Bishop Morris]

You have my permission to make yourself a Jamaica Rum Collins. Double strength. These malted milks are going to your head.

[The Gargoyle]

I'm leveling. Bishop. She's out there.

[Bishop Morris]

Oh, I see. My, my. I never thought I'd live to see this. Well, bring her in.

[The Gargoyle]

Hey, Jennifer. It's okay. Come on in.

[Bishop Morris]

Hmm. So this is your young lady.

[Jennifer Botts]

I'm not any young man. Young lady, sir.

[Bishop Morris]

I beg your pardon. I am Bishop Morris.

[Jennifer Botts]

I am Jennifer Botts.

[Bishop Morris]

Lovely name.

[Jennifer Botts]

Thank you.

[Bishop Morris]

Head of Jennifer woods as my assistant out in the Congo 15 years ago. Oh, dear me, dear me. That was during my active life as a bishop. I'm retired now. I see you're already acquainted with my friend the gargoyle.

[Jennifer Botts]

The gargoyle. That's a strange name.

[Bishop Morris]

He's a strange young man.

[Jennifer Botts]

He's been very kind. Oh, I'm afraid, Bishop, that I'm presuming.

[Bishop Morris]

And not at all.

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, please, please don't be kind. I've really made a terrible fool of myself, and I can't. Well, I. I don't know where to turn, especially back at Maple Rest. I told them to go to.

[Bishop Morris]

Well.

[Jennifer Botts]

Well, I burnt my bridge behind me.

[Bishop Morris]

Rightly so. Without being trite, I hope. I can say that Maple Rest's loss is New York's gain.

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, they were kind, but I always had dreams I would. You see, I was a star in our college musical comedies. And I thought I'd go on the stage, but I had to work. And then years went by, so many of them. But I saved my money. And when my father died last spring, I knew that I. I just had to come here and get the grease paint out of my system.

[The Gargoyle]

Here's t, boys. Here you are. Jennifer, don't mind my finger for a spoon. It's got calluses and don't burn easy.

[Jennifer Botts]

Thank you.

[Bishop Morris]

Well, so much for the dreams. Jennifer, what happened?

[Jennifer Botts]

I met a man. I went to the Capitol Theater by myself. And then I went to that penny arcade, you know.

[The Gargoyle]

Oh, yeah. The place that's got the turtles with the autographed backs.

[Jennifer Botts]

Yes. I wandered around and I tried the shooting gallery. There was a very nice man with a cane that showed me how to shoot. He wasn't fresh or anything. Well, we talked and he said he was a producer.

[The Gargoyle]

Okay, Bishop. She went home with a baby doll.

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, please. I. Well, he was with other people, and I don't know. Somehow he asked me if I cared to go with them. We went to a nightclub and the other people left. Oh, it was wonderful. He danced so beautifully, and he was such a gentleman. I told him about myself. I told him all about my ambition, and he was very sympathetic.

[The Gargoyle]

Yeah, yeah, sure. Then he asked you up to see his printing press?

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, no, no. Nothing so melodramatic as that. I'm afraid he was quite helpful. He said that naturally the going would be tough, and I agreed. Then he said that he'd be able to do something for me if I had $200.

[Bishop Morris]

Ah, I see. Please continue.

[Jennifer Botts]

Well, I gave him $200, and he was to arrange a part for me in his show. It was almost time for me to go back to my hotel when a man came in.

[Bishop Morris]

What kind of a man?

[Jennifer Botts]

A man with large yellow eyes.

[Bishop Morris]

Yellow eyes?

[Jennifer Botts]

Yes. He didn't say anything. He came near us and he looked at Mr. Simpson. Mr. Simpson got up and they went into the back of the club. Well, I waited and waited, but he didn't come back. I went back to my hotel. And then?

[Bishop Morris]

Yes, what happened then?

[Jennifer Botts]

I. I found that the billfold I'd given Mr. Simpson had all my money. I thought that I'd left $700 at the hotel, but. But it was all in the fold. Everything I have is gone. I couldn't stay at the hotel, and I can't go back to Maple Rest. I can't do anything.

[Bishop Morris]

I'm so sorry. If you need money to go back.

[Jennifer Botts]

Please, I. I'm terribly sorry I bothered you, but I don't want any money.

[The Gargoyle]

Ah, Bishop. Listen, it's abc. Let's fix up the little woman. She don't want to go back to no stick. She's big time.

[Bishop Morris]

All right, Gargoyle. We'll do what we can. Jennifer, do you remember the name of this nightclub? Where you last saw Mr. Simpson?

[Jennifer Botts]

Yes, it was. It had a white door. It was called the 89 Club.

[The Gargoyle]

Oh, I think I know that dump, Bishop. Over on West 48.

[Bishop Morris]

Very good. Well, Ms. Jennifer, we're not all the same breed of cats here in the city. Perhaps we can right a wrong without having a drink. Drop of that printer's ink spilled to betray your embarrassment.

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, you. You think you really can, Bishop? Oh, I. I'd be so eternally grateful.

[Bishop Morris]

We'll do our best, my dear. The Gargoyle and I need a stroll anyway. Now, you stay here. Make yourself at home. Rest your mind. We'll be back within the hour.

[Jennifer Botts]

Thank you, Bishop. I'll wait. Oh, I'll. I'll wait. Like a church mouse with a troubled consc. Who is it? Who's there? Is that you, Bishop? Oh, who is it, please?

[Snap Martin]

You sure, Rocky? You sure this is the Dane that was with him? Yeah, sure. Snap. I was in the back looking right at her. I'm good on faces. Okay, Rocky. Don't smother her. She's got enough of that stuff to hold her now. Let's get out of here. Okay.

[Bishop Morris]

How.

[Snap Martin]

Where did you leave the car? In the alley. You carry her, Rocky. I'll go ahead. We'll take the stairs. It'll be safer.

[Ryan]

Whose dump do you think this is?

[Snap Martin]

I don't know. That ain't important right now. We got to get this girl out of circulation. You think she talked? What could she say? How about you? I mean, snap. That's why we're here. Come on and put down that astray. How many times I got to tell you, we ain't collecting souvenirs.

[Bishop Morris]

Is this the place, Gargoyle?

[The Gargoyle]

Yeah, that's the joint.

[Bishop Morris]

The Club89 seems closed.

[The Gargoyle]

Yeah, they closed down early, Bishop. I guess their customer went home.

[Bishop Morris]

Well, that doesn't help us. Oh, there's apartments above. Yes, that would be the entrance to the left. Yeah.

[The Gargoyle]

What's that mean?

[Bishop Morris]

We might find our Mr. Simpson living here. This seems to be a neighborhood which might be favored by his colorful presence.

[The Gargoyle]

It's a walk up, Bishop. The door is locked.

[Bishop Morris]

Rags. Byrne. Hyman. Reading. Simpson. Chalmers E. Simpson. Well, very simple. Press the button.

[The Gargoyle]

Nothing happens. Maybe he's out running for office on Jennifer's Doe.

[Bishop Morris]

Bring two or three others, Gargoyle. I believe that's the usual technique for gaining admittance to these places. Some tenant is sure to press the door release.

[The Gargoyle]

If I didn't know you was a Bishop, I'd get the idea you got a head in the World ringing doorbells now.

[Bishop Morris]

Third floor. And hurry before the others come out to see why their guests haven't arrived.

[The Gargoyle]

3B. Simpson. Chalmers E. Simpson.

[Bishop Morris]

Rest the buzzer.

[The Gargoyle]

No soap, Bishop. He ain't responding.

[Bishop Morris]

Try the door.

[The Gargoyle]

Hey, that was easy. It's a comfy little joint. Anybody home?

[Bishop Morris]

See if you can find a light switch.

[The Gargoyle]

Okay.

[Bishop Morris]

Nothing here. Let's try the bedroom.

[The Gargoyle]

Hey, look at the pictures, Bishop. Cuddles to Simpson from Vera. Oh, ain't that awful, Doctor?

[Bishop Morris]

Yeah? Come here quickly. No, no, don't go in there. There on the floor.

[The Gargoyle]

Gee, Bishop, somebody got to him.

[Bishop Morris]

Yes, as nice a job with the.45 as I ever saw.

[The Gargoyle]

Hey, wait a minute. There's a picture of Simpson on the desk. Let me take a look. Now let me get a peep at the victim. Yeah, it's him, Bishop. Chalmers E. Simpson. And very dead too.

[Bishop Morris]

Come on, Gargoyle. This is no place for a retired bishop.

[The Gargoyle]

It ain't no daisy chain for a retired lug either. What are we gonna tell Jennifer?

[Bishop Morris]

Ms. Botts will have to accept a less violent version. I'll arrange for her financial reimbursement. And we let her believe that it we found it at the 89 Club, eh?

[The Gargoyle]

That's a nice thought, Bishop. No use getting her hopped up.

[Bishop Morris]

Hello. You smell anything?

[The Gargoyle]

Yeah, smells sick.

[Bishop Morris]

That's chloroform, Miss. Butts. Jennifer Butts.

[The Gargoyle]

Don't tell me.

[Snap Martin]

Jennifer.

[Bishop Morris]

Jennifer Buttskoga. I'm afraid she's gone.

[The Gargoyle]

Gone? Where could she go? Hey, look, there's her hat. Now, don't tell me a gal like Jennifer buy a hat like that and then go off and leave it. It ain't in the cards.

[Bishop Morris]

No, it isn't. Gargoyle. Oh, dear, dear. I expected to spend this hot summer night in some portion of air conditioned peace. Now, your pixie like impulses have involved me in a grade a number one mystery. Where is Ms. Jennifer Butts? If she left of her own accord, where did she go? If somebody forced her to leave, who was it and why?

[The Gargoyle]

Maybe it ain't too late for sitting down with the morning papers. Maybe she's hiding. Maybe she's behind that curtain. See, it ain't like the other curtain. It bulges a little.

[Bishop Morris]

Yes, yes.

[The Gargoyle]

Wait a minute, Bishop. Now, Jennifer, don't play jokes. Come out of there.

[Joseph Pincus]

Get back. You get back. You put up your hands, both of you. I mean it.

[The Gargoyle]

Well, look at this. Mickey Mouse with a cannon.

[Joseph Pincus]

You get back or I'll. I'll let you have it.

[Bishop Morris]

Who are you and what are you doing in my apartment.

[Joseph Pincus]

Your apartment? I want my ruby. The ruby you murdered Simpson to get. Now you hand it over.

[Bishop Morris]

Oh, my dear man. Stop waving that gun in my face. What was that about killing Simpson?

[Joseph Pincus]

I saw you. I followed you upstairs. I saw Simpson. He was dead. You did it. You got the ruby.

[Jennifer Botts]

Now you give it back to me.

[The Gargoyle]

Now, listen, half pint, we ain't got no time for jokes. Where's Jennifer Butts?

[Joseph Pincus]

Jennifer who? I don't know what you're talking about. You give me my ruby or I'll fire you.

[Bishop Morris]

No, no, wait. Hold on to yourself. You don't look like a man who would kill anyone. Don't take it easy. If you saw us kill Simpson, how did you get back here so fast?

[Joseph Pincus]

I went down the back way. I waited until you came out, and I followed you. When you were opening your door, I went around to the service entrance. It was open and I got in. All right. Now, you give me that ruby.

[Bishop Morris]

Suppose you put down that gun and let's talk this over. We didn't kill Simpson. We went to his house and found him on the floor, dead.

[Joseph Pincus]

Then who did it? Who's got my ruby? I've got to get it back. It's everything to me.

[Snap Martin]

Look out there at the window.

[Bishop Morris]

Nice work, Argyll. But couldn't you have found a less expensive vase to hit him with?

[The Gargoyle]

Sorry, Bishop. I was in a hurry.

[Joseph Pincus]

Oh, my head. My head.

[Bishop Morris]

It's too bad, Mr. Pincus.

[Joseph Pincus]

Joseph Pincus.

[Bishop Morris]

Joseph Pincus. Not the curator of the Charles Museum?

[Joseph Pincus]

Yes, yes.

[Bishop Morris]

For goodness sake, Mr. Pinkus, what brought you to arms and intended violence on a hot night like this?

[Joseph Pincus]

The Charles Ruby. Why, it's beyond price. And it's dawn.

[Bishop Morris]

How did it go, Mr. Pincus? I was a fool.

[Joseph Pincus]

Simpson was my friend. I liked his charming manners. He was a fascinating conversationalist. I knew him for years. Oh, I knew he was a ruthless person. But I never thought that he'd steal the ruby.

[Bishop Morris]

Did he steal it? Yes.

[Joseph Pincus]

I made the mistake of bringing it.

[Bishop Morris]

Home from the ball.

[Joseph Pincus]

I wanted to brag a little. I showed it to him. We had wine and conversation. I was very drowsy when he left. I never missed the ruby until today. And then I tried to find him, and now he's dead.

[Bishop Morris]

I see. Why do you suppose he stole the ruby? He wasn't a criminal, was he?

[Joseph Pincus]

No. I guess he wanted it for a woman. He was irresponsible that way.

[Bishop Morris]

Yes, yes, we know. You see, we are missing something, too. A very nice lady by the name of Jennifer Butts. Mrs. Simpson got away with her money and we went over tonight to try and get it back. Yes, of course.

[Joseph Pincus]

But my ruby. Where is it?

[Bishop Morris]

Perhaps the murderers of Mr. Simpson could answer that.

[The Gargoyle]

Yeah, but where do we start?

[Bishop Morris]

Well, let's start with the young lady of Mr. Simpson's affections. We'll forget Ms. Jennifer for the moment, for I have a hunch that those two crimes are linked together. Ms. Jennifer was with Mr. Simpson tonight. A man came in, a man with yellow eyes. They went out together. Mr. Simpson did not return. The question is, did he murder Simpson because of the ruby or for less money valuable reasons?

[The Gargoyle]

Speaking of dames, remember that picture in Simpson's room?

[Bishop Morris]

Yes, yes. What was the name?

[The Gargoyle]

Vera. Cuddles to Simpson from Vera.

[Snap Martin]

Vera?

[Joseph Pincus]

Oh, he said something about a girl in a chorus.

[Bishop Morris]

What chorus?

[Joseph Pincus]

Some chorus, you know. Let me see. Could it have been the dot, the jo.

[The Gargoyle]

The spot?

[Joseph Pincus]

Yes, I think so.

[Bishop Morris]

Well, then, let's away to this den of pleasure which knows no curfew. And begin with the lady known as Vera the Weasel.

[The Gargoyle]

Here, Bishop. What do we do with him?

[Bishop Morris]

Oh, yes, yes, a good point. Gargoyle. Get some cord.

[The Gargoyle]

Okay, Bishop. And some cheese.

[Bishop Morris]

Don't be facetious. Mr. Finkers is a very learned man for all his appearance. Okay, Mr. Finkers. I'm really very sorry that I must take certain measures with you. I'm afraid you couldn't help but only hinder our actions. So we will truss you up a bit and. And leave you to your meditations while I reflect sadly on a book that seems never to be written called the Bishop Goes to Bed. Come on, Gargoyle.

[Ryan]

Well, that's all the Veras we got, Governor. Ain't three in one course enough?

[Bishop Morris]

Too many. But one. Vera isn't here.

[The Gargoyle]

That's right.

[Bishop Morris]

She's off tonight. Either of these two look like the picture of Simpsons?

[The Gargoyle]

Vera, you can't tell. They fixed those pictures up, Bishop.

[Bishop Morris]

Well, thank you, Dorman. Here. Here's something for your trouble. Oh, thank you, sir.

[Unknown friend of Vera]

Oh, wait a minute. Yes, I heard you ask him about Vera. I only got a minute. I got to go on to the jungle number.

[Bishop Morris]

Who are you?

[Unknown friend of Vera]

I'm a friend of Vera's. You ain't a cop, are you? Nah, nah, you don't look like it. Are you friends of Vera's?

[Bishop Morris]

Yes, in a way.

[Unknown friend of Vera]

Say, I read about Simpson. Somebody knocked him off tonight.

[The Gargoyle]

Yes, that's right.

[Unknown friend of Vera]

I told her she ought to watch her step.

[Joseph Pincus]

Snap.

[Unknown friend of Vera]

Martin's been doing a burn about Simpson for weeks. No, I'm worried about her.

[Bishop Morris]

Snap Martin, huh? Who is he?

[Unknown friend of Vera]

Don't you know him? He's a racket guy.

[The Gargoyle]

Oh, yeah, I heard of him. Bad medicine.

[Unknown friend of Vera]

Well, he's been carrying a torch for Vera for months. She should have watched her step.

[Bishop Morris]

Where is she tonight?

[Unknown friend of Vera]

I don't know. He's got a place up at Greenwich.

[Bishop Morris]

Where in Greenwich?

[Unknown friend of Vera]

Stony Road, near the water.

[The Gargoyle]

Oh, a country gentleman, huh?

[Unknown friend of Vera]

She's been up there. Say, maybe she's there now.

[Bishop Morris]

You think something might have happened to her?

[Unknown friend of Vera]

Yeah, now that Simpson's knocked off, maybe the. Well, I said enough. I gotta go now. Goodbye.

[Bishop Morris]

Goodbye. Head or tails, Gago?

[The Gargoyle]

Tails. If it's Greenwich. Tails it is.

[Bishop Morris]

You wouldn't fool me, would you? Let me see that coin. I thought so. Tails on both sides.

[The Gargoyle]

Sure, Bishop. It's an open and shut case. Okay.

[Snap Martin]

Taxi.

[The Gargoyle]

Stony Road, Greenwich. The palatial mansion of Mr. Snap Martin. And easy on the bumps, Mac. The Bishop is a heavy sitter. There's your dove.

[Snap Martin]

Okay, Sean.

[Bishop Morris]

Well, pleasant place. Not the formidable hangout of desperate characters I expected to find.

[The Gargoyle]

That's movie stuff, Bishop. The boys are taking it big these days. Shall I lean on the button?

[Bishop Morris]

Yes. A frontal attack is as good as any.

[The Gargoyle]

Shall I un limber the artillery?

[Bishop Morris]

No, no. Let's move with caution.

[The Gargoyle]

Okay. We'll case the joint first.

[Snap Martin]

What you guys want?

[The Gargoyle]

Ah, the butler himself.

[Snap Martin]

Wise guy, huh? There's nobody home.

[Bishop Morris]

Scramp. We want to see Snap Martin.

[The Gargoyle]

Yeah?

[Bishop Morris]

What for? About the murder of Chalmers Simpson.

[Ryan]

Oh, you do, do you?

[Snap Martin]

Well, come right in. We have an open house.

[Ryan]

Now reach mug.

[The Gargoyle]

Okay, okay. Don't shove that thing into my stomach. I get the idea.

[Snap Martin]

Come in here. Come on. Keep them up. Get over there. That way. Keep going in there. Well, who are these guys? Visitors. Snap little guests. What do they want? They came all the way up to talk to you about a murder. Something about the murder of a guy called Simpson.

[The Gargoyle]

Yeah.

[Snap Martin]

Go over them. Okay. This guy had one. Give it here.

[Bishop Morris]

Are you Snap Martin?

[Snap Martin]

Yeah.

[Bishop Morris]

I'm Bishop Morris.

[Snap Martin]

That's the gargoyle.

[The Gargoyle]

Yeah.

[Snap Martin]

Oh, this is very interesting.

[Bishop Morris]

That's a magnificent camellia there in the vase.

[Snap Martin]

I like it. I'm very fond of camellias.

[The Gargoyle]

They don't have no smell.

[Snap Martin]

No.

[The Gargoyle]

They couldn't stand the competition.

[Snap Martin]

Sit down. What do you want here?

[Bishop Morris]

First and most important, we want Jennifer Butts.

[Snap Martin]

Never heard of her.

[Bishop Morris]

She was the woman you kidnapped out of my apartment tonight.

[Ryan]

Yeah?

[Bishop Morris]

Yeah.

[Snap Martin]

How do you figure?

[Bishop Morris]

Because you were the man with the yellow eyes. The man she saw come into the 89 Club last night and go off with her escort. Simpson, that was.

[Snap Martin]

I was afraid of. You was right, boss. Yeah, it was nice of you guys to come up and tell me.

[Bishop Morris]

What are you going to do with her?

[Snap Martin]

You just told me she recognized my big yellow eyes, so we planned a boat ride, and you can go along, too.

[Bishop Morris]

I see. Well, since that is settled, couldn't we see her?

[Snap Martin]

Sure. Get the family together. Rocky, tell Vera to come down, too. We can't leave anybody behind.

[The Gargoyle]

How is Vera, anyhow?

[Snap Martin]

What's it to you, mug? How do you know Vera?

[Bishop Morris]

Her picture was in Simpson's room.

[Snap Martin]

Oh, yeah? Yeah. Just a passing fancy. Vera is very temperamental.

[Bishop Morris]

Yeah, so temperamental she probably didn't tell you about the Charles Ruby which Simpson gave her, huh?

[Snap Martin]

Say that again and say it slow.

[The Gargoyle]

The ruby. The Charles Ruby.

[Snap Martin]

Yeah, yeah, I know about the rug. Where did she get it?

[Bishop Morris]

Mr. Simpson gave it to her before he met Ms. Butts.

[Snap Martin]

Yeah? How did he get it?

[Bishop Morris]

He stole it from his friend, Mr. Pincus, the curator of the museum.

[Snap Martin]

Mr. Simpson. Mr. Pincus. This is getting so it sounds like Mr. Martin ain't so well informed.

[Jennifer Botts]

Bishop.

[Bishop Morris]

Oh, hello, my dear.

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, dear me. I'm so glad you came. These men came after you left and smothered me, and here I am.

[Bishop Morris]

Are you all right, Ms. Jennifer?

[Jennifer Botts]

Yes, I guess I am. I'm kind of nervous.

[The Gargoyle]

Ah, that's silly. There's nothing to worry about.

[Snap Martin]

Nah, everything's going to be fine.

[Jennifer Botts]

Hello, darling. Oh, we. Oh, are you having a party?

[Snap Martin]

Yeah, we're having a party just for you.

[Jennifer Botts]

Who are they? Why, I've seen that girl before.

[Bishop Morris]

It's a bit of.

[Jennifer Botts]

Yes, she was at with Mr. Simpson's party when I met him at the shooting gallery.

[Snap Martin]

The shooting gallery? This is very interesting, isn't it? Yeah. Oh, baby, there's something I want to ask you.

[Jennifer Botts]

What's the matter? Snap? Something wrong?

[Joseph Pincus]

Yeah.

[Snap Martin]

Where's the ruby?

[Jennifer Botts]

What ruby?

[Snap Martin]

The ruby Simpson gave you.

[Jennifer Botts]

He didn't give me anything. What are you talking about?

[Snap Martin]

Roddy. Yeah? Go up and look through baby's junk. Okay.

[Jennifer Botts]

That gorilla ain't gonna pour through my things.

[Joseph Pincus]

Sit down.

[Snap Martin]

Sit still.

[Jennifer Botts]

My goodness, I'm so excited. When I'm excited, I know my nose is shiny. Where's my pocketbook? Oh, no, that's not your pocketbook. This is your pocketbook. Can't you see? Oh, but this is your. Oh, no, you're right. When I get excited, I always take the wrong pocketbook. Yeah. Thank you so much.

[Snap Martin]

Come on, come on. Cut out the little girl. Talk.

[Bishop Morris]

Just a minute, Mr. Martin. Now, all we want is Jennifer Butts. I'll make a deal with you. Let her go, and we'll forget all about the whole incident.

[Snap Martin]

Sure we will. We'll all take a nice little boat. Right. And forget it. Nothing like a ruby up there in Baby's room.

[Jennifer Botts]

Of course not, sugar. You know me better than that. What was Simpson to me?

[Snap Martin]

I thought I had that figured. But I didn't know about the ruby. Come on, hand it over.

[Jennifer Botts]

Hey, stop it. Will you stop looking at me? I ain't got it.

[Snap Martin]

Hand over the pocketbook.

[Jennifer Botts]

Sure, there's nothing in it.

[Snap Martin]

Give it here. Nothing but junk. Oh, baby, I'm sorry.

[Jennifer Botts]

You're sorry? Gee, what a fool I was to get mixed up with a cheap, suspicious rat like you.

[Snap Martin]

Now, listen, baby. Listen to me. I'll make it up, but not right now. What's that? Get out there, Rocky.

[The Gargoyle]

Gee, Bishop, look. It's Pincus Little Tag along himself.

[Snap Martin]

More visitors. That's fine. Get away from that window, lug. Sure, sure.

[The Gargoyle]

Don't get excited, Bishop.

[Jennifer Botts]

Look that little person at the window.

[Joseph Pincus]

There.

[Ryan]

There.

[Jennifer Botts]

You didn't think I'd find you, did you?

[Joseph Pincus]

Now, where's my ruby?

[Snap Martin]

Why, you little twerp. I'm gonna let you have it right now.

[Joseph Pincus]

Oh, my goodness. My goodness.

[Jennifer Botts]

I did it. I shot.

[Bishop Morris]

Come on, Miss Jennifer. This is our chance to get out.

[The Gargoyle]

Ah, scram, Pinky. There's another gorilla out there I want.

[Joseph Pincus]

I won't go a step until I get my ruby. No, sir.

[The Gargoyle]

Brother, you're a hero. But I ain't got time to argue.

[Bishop Morris]

Come on, Gago. Drag Pinkus along. We're headed for the boat.

[Jennifer Botts]

Hey, where's that dang with my pocketbook? Listen, you mugs, you don't get away without me.

[The Gargoyle]

Oh, yes, we do.

[Snap Martin]

Get in there.

[The Gargoyle]

Here we go, Pinky.

[Snap Martin]

Pinky.

[The Gargoyle]

Back for our boat ride?

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, dawn is beautiful out here.

[The Gargoyle]

Yeah, it's pretty, all right.

[Bishop Morris]

Feel better now, Miss Jennifer?

[Jennifer Botts]

Yes, thank you.

[Joseph Pincus]

I'm sorry. I'm very sorry, Ms. Bots. Jennifer, I meant to shoot that gangster person.

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, that's quite all right, Mr. Pincus. I don't blame you. And when I saw you stand at the window there, I. I was so thrilled I couldn't move.

[Joseph Pincus]

Were you, Miss Jennifer? My goodness, if I hadn't failed.

[Jennifer Botts]

Why, Mr. Pinkus? Why did you fail? I think you're a hero.

[Joseph Pincus]

No, no, I'm ruined. The ruby is gone. My career, Everything. Guess they'll send me to jail.

[The Gargoyle]

Nah, they'll take it out of your salary, a million at a time.

[Bishop Morris]

Well, perhaps they won't hold you responsible, Mr. Baker.

[Joseph Pincus]

Oh, yes. Yes, they will. There's no excuse. None.

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, my goodness.

[Bishop Morris]

What's the matter, Miss Jennifer?

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, I feel excited again. Where's my pocketbook? I want a pat on my nose.

[The Gargoyle]

On your lap, ladies.

[Snap Martin]

On your lap.

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, yes. Now, let me see. Where's my Potter pupa?

[Joseph Pincus]

Oh.

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, dear me. I. I do believe it is. Is. Is this your ruby, Mr. Pincus? Well, yes.

[Joseph Pincus]

Where did it come from?

[Jennifer Botts]

From Miss Vera.

[Snap Martin]

Oh.

[Jennifer Botts]

Now I know why she gave me her pocketbook instead of mine. Goodness, she really loves that awful person's snap. And she didn't want him to know she had the ruby. Wasn't that sweet?

[The Gargoyle]

That was just dandy.

[Joseph Pincus]

Miss Jennifer. Oh, my dear. Miss Jennifer.

[Bishop Morris]

Miss Jennifer, do you still want to have your fling at the stage?

[Jennifer Botts]

Oh, my, no. I've had all the drama I want for a lifetime.

[Bishop Morris]

Then perhaps Mr. Pincus has a solution. Good man, Pincus. Well, turn up the engine, gargoyle, and wipe that dreamy look off your face.

[The Gargoyle]

Okay, Bishop. You know, the next time I pick up wandering school teachers, I'll get me a good night's sleep first. School teachers are dynamite to me ever since I got kicked out of the second grade. The Bishop and the Gargoyle by Francis Wilson will be heard in another thrilling adventure next Sunday night at the same time. Our cast this evening included Richard Gordon as the bishop and Kenneth lynch as the gargoyle. Walter Kinsella as Ryan, Elizabeth Morgan as Jennifer Botts, Charles Jordan as Snap, Johnny Gibson as Rocky, Arthur Allen as Pincus, Jean Ellen as Mary and Eleanor Audley as Vera.