The Crime Club 46-12-02 (01) Death Blew out the Match

Summary

Summary of "Harold's Old Time Radio: The Crime Club 46-12-02 (01) Death Blew out the Match"

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Introduction

"Death Blew out the Match," the inaugural episode of The Crime Club series presented by Harold's Old Time Radio, immerses listeners in a classic Golden Age radio mystery. Set against the eerie backdrop of a fog-enshrouded island off the Massachusetts coast, the story unfolds with a blend of suspense, intricate character dynamics, and unexpected twists, capturing the essence of timeless radio dramas.

---

Setting the Scene [00:35 – 03:25]

The narrative begins with Ann Waldron and Elisha Macomber navigating a small boat through a dense fog toward a secluded island. Ann expresses her apprehension about the journey:

Ann Waldron [01:23]: "Well, this is something. I'm glad we're almost there."

Elisha, identified as the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, introduces the current disturbances on the island, notably the arrival of a mysterious stranger named David Hyland and Leonard Case, who has been recovering from a severe automobile accident:

Elisha Macomber [02:13]: "Leonard got both his legs broken in an automobile accident a few months ago. I figured you might know about it."

---

The Mysterious Stranger Arrives [03:25 – 10:30]

Upon settling in, Ann encounters David Hyland, whose enigmatic demeanor raises suspicions. David insists on secrecy and hints at ulterior motives:

David Hyland [04:14]: "You won't tell anyone that you met me tonight, will you?"

Elisha updates Ann about Leonard Case's circumstances and introduces Sam Ray, Leonard's butler. The tension escalates as Myra Van Wyck, Leonard's wife, is unexpectedly present on the island, defying previous assumptions that she had left:

Elisha Macomber [02:20]: "I reckon a fellow gets pretty lonesome with a plait cast on each leg."

---

The Murder of Myra Van Wyck [10:30 – 15:56]

The tranquility is shattered when Elisha announces that Myra Van Wyck has been found murdered. Ann is thrown into disbelief, asserting her innocence:

Ann Waldron [07:52]: "Last night?"

Elisha presents the grim details of the crime scene, noting the absence of a struggle and the presence of poison, suggesting deliberate foul play:

Elisha Macomber [09:03]: "It was cyanide or potassium."

The investigation begins, casting suspicion on Ann and entwining her fate with David Hyland's mysterious presence. David's cryptic warnings and Ann's determination to uncover the truth heighten the suspense:

David Hyland [04:18]: "That's what I said. Because if you do, one of us will become very useless."

---

Investigation and Rising Suspicion [15:56 – 18:36]

Ann's relentless pursuit of the truth leads her to discover critical clues, including a piece of gum near the fireplace and a letter from Myra. Elisha confronts Ann, intensifying the scrutiny:

Elisha Macomber [10:07]: "To my way of thinking, Miss Van Wyck was murdered. And I thought maybe I ought to have a talk with the one person that had both motive and opportunity. That's you, Ms. Walter."

Sam Ray's suspicious behavior comes to light as Ann uncovers his involvement in illicit activities, including diamond theft. The tension culminates when Sam attempts to silence Ann, resulting in his own demise thanks to Elisha's intervention.

---

Unveiling the Culprits [18:36 – 26:05]

The plot thickens as Elisha discovers hidden diamonds, revealing the financial motive behind Myra's murder. Ann connects the missing buckle from a woman's shoe to Myra, narrowing down the suspects:

Ann Waldron [06:37]: "I've seen this buckle before. Haven't you?"

David Hyland's true identity is unveiled as a Treasury Department agent tasked with dismantling a smuggling ring on the island. This revelation shifts the narrative, exposing the broader criminal activities at play:

David Hyland [26:19]: "I'm an agent of The Treasury Department."

---

Conclusion and Resolution [26:05 – End]

In the climactic resolution, the collaboration between Ann, Elisha, and David leads to the exposure of Sam Ray's crimes. Sam's attempt to eliminate Ann is thwarted, ensuring justice is served. David and Elisha's partnership restores peace to the island, and Ann's integrity is affirmed as the true heroine of the tale.

Notable Quotes

• Ann Waldron [22:42]: "I thought it might give me a clue."
• Elisha Macomber [08:55]: "Death blew out the match."
• David Hyland [26:19]: "I'm an agent of The Treasury Department."

---

Final Thoughts

"Death Blew out the Match" exemplifies the allure of Golden Age radio dramas, blending suspenseful storytelling with compelling character arcs. Through its intricate plot and atmospheric setting, the episode captivates listeners, delivering a timeless mystery that resonates with both aficionados and new audiences alike.

Transcript

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[David Hyland]

Ah, you're here.

[Narrator]

Good. Take the easy chair by the window. Comfortable? Good. The book is on the shelf. Yes, here it is. Death Blew out the Match. A very absorbing story of death and mystery on a small island. Let's look at it under the reading lamp. It was an evening early in May, and the waters around the Cape just off the coast of Massachusetts were buried under a fog as thick and as massive as any you'd want to see. Moving cautiously, a small boat makes its way slowly toward one of the islands off the cape. In the boat, there are Elisha Macomber and Ann Waldron.

[Ann Waldron]

Well, this is something. I'm glad we're almost there.

[Elisha Macomber]

Yep. You been scared, Ms. Waldron?

[Ann Waldron]

Oh, not scared, Elisha. But if I hadn't bumped into you in New Bedford, I'd have spent the night there. Not even Noah himself could have persuaded me to take a boat ride in this fog. What's new on the island?

[Elisha Macomber]

Oh, nothing much. Unless you're counting a mysterious stranger.

[Ann Waldron]

Mysterious?

[Elisha Macomber]

Calls himself David Hyland. Gets mail from New York, Washington, Boston, but near every day. Nobody knows what's in it. He don't talk.

[Ann Waldron]

Maybe he's an ex sailor with a sweetheart in every port.

[Elisha Macomber]

This could be, but I'm chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and it's my duty to keep the peace on that island.

[Ann Waldron]

You've always managed, Elisha. What else is new?

[Elisha Macomber]

Leonard Case is there too.

[Ann Waldron]

Leonard?

[Elisha Macomber]

Yep. Four weeks now.

[Ann Waldron]

Then Myra Van Wyt must leave it.

[Elisha Macomber]

She ain't. I guess Mr. Case will be mighty glad to see you, Ms. Waldron.

[Ann Waldron]

Why should he be glad?

[Elisha Macomber]

I reckon a fellow gets pretty lonesome with a plait cast on each leg.

[Ann Waldron]

Pastor Cast.

[Elisha Macomber]

Leonard got both his legs broke in an automobile accident a few months ago. I figured you might know about it.

[Ann Waldron]

No. No, I didn't know. Elijah, are you sure Myra isn't on the island?

[Elisha Macomber]

Mm. You're still sweet on the fella, ain't you?

[Ann Waldron]

He doesn't mean a thing to me.

[Elisha Macomber]

Maybe not, but some of last year, when Mr. Case turned from you to that Van Wyk woman.

[David Hyland]

Yep.

[Elisha Macomber]

I was mighty glad the season ended without a kill.

[Ann Waldron]

Thanks very much, Elisha. I'll go the rest of the way alone.

[Elisha Macomber]

I don't mind taking your door, Ms. Walden.

[Ann Waldron]

You don't have to. I'll just follow this path around Marathon Witch House and that'll take me right home. Good night, Elisha, and thanks for everything.

[Elisha Macomber]

Good night, Ms. Waldron. Be careful.

[Ann Waldron]

Maybe I should have. Oh, well. Nothing ever happens here. What's that?

[Elisha Macomber]

What?

[Ann Waldron]

Hunter. That's Myra's house, and it's closed tight. Someone's coming this way. Someone?

[David Hyland]

Hello. Fancy meeting you here.

[Ann Waldron]

Who are you? What do you want?

[David Hyland]

Like a native? Suppose I answer your first question first. Who am I? David Hyland Highland. Why don't you call me David? Then I can call you Ann Walden. Ann Lotpay. Your house is about 200ft from here, isn't it?

[Ann Waldron]

Yes.

[David Hyland]

You expect to live there alone?

[Ann Waldron]

What business is it of yours?

[David Hyland]

Just this. You won't tell anyone that you met me tonight, will you?

[Ann Waldron]

I won't?

[David Hyland]

That's what I said. Because if you do, one of us will become very useless.

[Sam Ray]

Hey, Mr. Case, there's a dame here to see you.

[Elisha Macomber]

Dame? So we're in, Phil.

[Sam Ray]

Okay, tootsie. Help yourself to the board, but don't make him nervous. He's in a very delicate condition and.

[David Hyland]

Oh, Anne, darling. I'm so glad to see you.

[Ann Waldron]

Hello, Leonard.

[David Hyland]

You look beautiful. More beautiful if that's the case.

[Sam Ray]

Is it all right if I take the car and go for a drive into town?

[David Hyland]

Yes.

[Sam Ray]

Beat it.

[David Hyland]

Go anyplace.

[Sam Ray]

I'll pick up some shower for the icebox while I'm there. You got a couple of preferences.

[David Hyland]

Maybe buy anything you like, but for Pete's sake.

[Sam Ray]

Okay.

[David Hyland]

Don't look so surprised, Anne. The guy saved my life. Put me out of the wreck before the car would have been flames. Hang it. If he doesn't turn out to be the best cook and butler this side of the Atlantic. I. I was hoping you'd come in.

[Ann Waldron]

You were? What do you mean?

[David Hyland]

I knew you were on the island.

[Ann Waldron]

Oh, Eli should hold you.

[David Hyland]

No, I saw you from here.

[Ann Waldron]

But my house is. Leonard, what have you done to this room?

[David Hyland]

You like? I had these walls ripped out and the glass put in their place. Ah. I don't miss a trick. I simply look through this telescope and the island has no secret.

[Ann Waldron]

I see. Leonard, when is Mara coming? She isn't too busy in New York?

[David Hyland]

I hope so. The fact is, Mara and I are washed up. Silly, isn't it?

[Ann Waldron]

Is it?

[David Hyland]

The crazy thing about it is that I really thought I loved her. I must have been out of my mind.

[Ann Waldron]

Did you marry her?

[David Hyland]

It wasn't that crazy. Anne. Leonard.

[Ann Waldron]

Leonard, put that crawl on your bed.

[David Hyland]

And I want you to meet Mabel, my little helpmate. When Sam's away, Mabel does the little odd jobs of making me comfortable. Watch. Mabel.

[Ann Waldron]

My pipe.

[David Hyland]

Oh, you're slipping, old girl. You forgot my tobacco pouch. Thank you. Now you may go out and get your lunch. And don't dig up anyone's garden.

[Ann Waldron]

For pity's sake. Where did you pick that up?

[David Hyland]

Myra gave it to me.

[Ann Waldron]

Wow. Everyone to his taste. I don't think I. What's that?

[David Hyland]

What?

[Ann Waldron]

On your bed. It's a buckle off a woman's shoe.

[David Hyland]

Well, what do you know? Thing that bird will bring home with her.

[Ann Waldron]

Wait a minute, Larry. I've seen this buckle before. Haven't you?

[David Hyland]

Haven't I? Why, I don't remember.

[Ann Waldron]

That's Myra's.

[David Hyland]

What are you talking about? Myra's in New York.

[Ann Waldron]

We'll soon find out. Give me that telescope.

[David Hyland]

But. Hello? Yes. Yes, she's here. Would you like to talk to her? Uh huh.

[Elisha Macomber]

What?

[David Hyland]

Good heavens.

[Sam Ray]

Of course.

[David Hyland]

I'll tell her right away. And you can stop looking.

[Ann Waldron]

What is it, Leonard?

[David Hyland]

Myra is here on the island. Lashing Macomber just phoned. He wants you to go over to her house. She's been murdered.

[Ann Waldron]

Elijah.

[David Hyland]

Hey.

[Elisha Macomber]

Oh, Ms. Waldron. You got here pretty quick, didn't you?

[Ann Waldron]

I can't believe it. Myra did. When did it happen?

[Elisha Macomber]

Sometime last night.

[Ann Waldron]

Last night?

[Elisha Macomber]

The coroner says it must have took place between 11 and 12.

[Ann Waldron]

That's impossible.

[Elisha Macomber]

Is it?

[Ann Waldron]

Why, it was close to 12 when I left you. I took the path that runs around this place. The house was locked up.

[Elisha Macomber]

Did you look to see?

[Ann Waldron]

No, there was no reason for me to look. You yourself told me Myra wasn't on the island.

[Elisha Macomber]

I reckon I was wrong. Ms. Waldron. Ms. Van Wyck must have got here while I was in New Bedford.

[Ann Waldron]

Then that must have been it.

[Elisha Macomber]

What was that, Ms. Waldron?

[Ann Waldron]

The door. As I was passing by here last night, I heard the door open and close twice.

[Elisha Macomber]

Of course you didn't see anyone, did you?

[Ann Waldron]

As a matter of fact, I didn't.

[Elisha Macomber]

Too bad. Would you like to see the body?

[Ann Waldron]

Must I?

[Elisha Macomber]

It can't hurt you. It's right there in the living room. Come along. There she is. Just like I found her.

[Ann Waldron]

Oh, her head's almost in the fireplace.

[David Hyland]

Yeah.

[Elisha Macomber]

She was just about to light the fire with that match when death blew it out. You got any idea what killed her?

[Ann Waldron]

All right. Why should I?

[Elisha Macomber]

I thought you might have. It was cyanide or potassium.

[Ann Waldron]

Oh, how awful.

[David Hyland]

Uh huh.

[Elisha Macomber]

But there's one thing that puzzles me, Ms. Waldron. How did the killer get her to take it?

[Ann Waldron]

I. I don't know. Elisha.

[Elisha Macomber]

There ain't a sign of a struggle in the room, and there ain't a mark on her body. Cyanide works like lightning. That means she was killed right here in this room.

[Ann Waldron]

But, Elijah, you keep talking about murder. How do you know it wasn't killing? Suicide, of course.

[Elisha Macomber]

I. I never seen a corpse that get up. Dispose of the evidence.

[Ann Waldron]

Maybe she chewed it, huh?

[Elisha Macomber]

How would you be knowing about that, Miss Walter?

[Ann Waldron]

That piece of gum near the fireplace.

[Elisha Macomber]

I guess I must be slipping. Now we'll see what the coroner has to say about this gum.

[Ann Waldron]

It was suicide, Elisha. I'm sure they'll. Why ask Lenadice? He can give you all the vax.

[Elisha Macomber]

I master you, Miss Wallace.

[Ann Waldron]

I don't know them. Now, why did you send for me?

[Elisha Macomber]

I wanted to hear what you had to say in the presence of the corpse.

[Ann Waldron]

But why me?

[Elisha Macomber]

To my way of thinking, Miss Van Wyck was murdered. And I thought maybe I ought to have a talk with the one person that had both motive and opportunity. That's you, Ms. Walter.

[David Hyland]

Well, are you trying to break down the door?

[Ann Waldron]

I must see you, Mr. Hyland.

[David Hyland]

All right. Would you like to look at me here, or would you rather come in?

[Ann Waldron]

I'll come in.

[David Hyland]

Sit down.

[Ann Waldron]

No, thanks. Mr. Hyland. What were you doing out in the fog last night?

[David Hyland]

You won't call me David, will you?

[Ann Waldron]

Will you answer my question, please?

[David Hyland]

Sure. What were you doing out in the fog last night?

[Ann Waldron]

I was going home.

[David Hyland]

So was I. That makes us even, doesn't it?

[Ann Waldron]

Not quite. Myra Van Wyk's been murdered. What?

[David Hyland]

You don't say. On this quiet, peaceful island, did you tell anyone you met me?

[Ann Waldron]

No.

[David Hyland]

Good girl.

[Sam Ray]

Yes.

[David Hyland]

Always play it smart.

[Ann Waldron]

But I will, Mr. Hyland.

[David Hyland]

Will you? Would you like to hang for the murder of Myra Van Wyck?

[Ann Waldron]

What?

[David Hyland]

Suppose I told Elisha that I saw you coming out of her house last night?

[Ann Waldron]

But you didn't.

[David Hyland]

How do you know I didn't?

[Ann Waldron]

Well, I didn't go in. After I left you, I went right home.

[David Hyland]

Can you prove it?

[Ann Waldron]

Can I? Now, look here, Mr. Hyland. What are you trying to do?

[David Hyland]

I don't want you to make any mistakes. You protect me, and I'll protect you.

[Ann Waldron]

You killed myra.

[David Hyland]

Don't point, Ms. Waldron. It's bad manners.

[Ann Waldron]

Why did you do it? All right. I'm going to find out, Mr. Hyland. And what you Came to this island for. And when I do.

[David Hyland]

Yes, that.

[Ann Waldron]

That letter on the desk, I. That's Myra's handwriting on the envelope.

[David Hyland]

Put it down.

[Ann Waldron]

Mailed from New York yesterday. Didn't have to break my arm.

[David Hyland]

I'm sorry. It's such a pretty arm, too. And that's such a pretty neck.

[Ann Waldron]

What. What are you going to do?

[David Hyland]

Nothing. Do you say one word about this letter to anyone, I'm going to put a rope around that neck for keep.

[Ann Waldron]

Leonard, what am I going to do? Elijah thinks I killed Myra, and I can't prove that I didn't.

[David Hyland]

Anna know you didn't. No matter what you thought of Myra. Oh, Elijah was here. I told him that she wanted to marry me, but. Well, I couldn't do it.

[Ann Waldron]

Then she loved you?

[David Hyland]

I'm afraid so, Leonard.

[Ann Waldron]

It's possible, then, that Myra committed suicide.

[David Hyland]

Now, just before you came in, Elisha phoned me. That piece of gum you found, there was no poison in it. Oh, don't worry, darling. We'll find a way to get you out of it.

[Ann Waldron]

But, Leonard, who left that gum there?

[David Hyland]

A killer, no doubt. Listen, Ann, what about David Hyland?

[Ann Waldron]

Who?

[David Hyland]

Ah, don't pretend you don't know him. I saw you with him a little while ago.

[Ann Waldron]

You saw me?

[David Hyland]

Mm. This telescope. Why did you go to his house?

[Ann Waldron]

I can't tell you.

[David Hyland]

All right, then maybe you can tell me what you and he were wrestling over. It was a letter, wasn't it?

[Ann Waldron]

Leonard, please don't ask me. Wasn't it I. Yes. From Myra.

[David Hyland]

Myra? What's he got to do with me?

[Ann Waldron]

I don't know, but. Oh, promise you won't tell anyone, Leonard. You must promise.

[David Hyland]

Why?

[Ann Waldron]

Well, just promise, that's all.

[David Hyland]

All right, dear. We've got to know it within that letter.

[Ann Waldron]

Yes, but how are we going to get it now?

[David Hyland]

I'll keep my telescope trained on his house. When David Hyland goes out, I'll tell Sam. Shut up, Mabel.

[Ann Waldron]

Mabel. Leonard, that shoe buckle she brought in here this morning.

[David Hyland]

Yes?

[Ann Waldron]

That was Myra's. Oh, what a dunderhead I am. Why didn't I see it before?

[David Hyland]

See what?

[Ann Waldron]

Where did Mabel find that buckle? Certainly not in Myra's house. She must have found it outside somewhere. Don't you see what that means?

[David Hyland]

Huh? Admiral wasn't killed in her own house.

[Ann Waldron]

Now all we have to do is find out where she was. Leonard, how well have you got that crow training?

[David Hyland]

Pretty well. Why?

[Ann Waldron]

That bottle. If you told her to put it back where she found it, would she do it?

[David Hyland]

I don't think so. She's not that smart.

[Ann Waldron]

Oh.

[David Hyland]

Besides, been hours since she brought it here.

[Ann Waldron]

All right, then that letter from Myra might tell us what we want to know. I want to know the minute that man goes out. Now, let me see the desk. Oh, he would keep it locked. I don't think he'd be so careless as to leave it under the chair cushions. Well, that would be too obvious. Hello, Anne. Oh, what is it, Leonard? Is he coming back?

[David Hyland]

I haven't seen him, but it's getting dark and I'm afraid I won't be able to keep watch for you much longer.

[Ann Waldron]

I can't leave now. I've got to find that letter.

[David Hyland]

It might be dangerous. Suppose he walks in on you?

[Ann Waldron]

Well, I'll have to take that chance. Hold the while. I'll go look some more.

[David Hyland]

All right, but hurry.

[Ann Waldron]

Chair cushions. Oh, no, of course not. That liquor cabinet. Who would think of looking in a liquor cabinet for a letter? Only it didn't get dark. So that there. Hello, Leonard.

[David Hyland]

Any luck, Ann?

[Ann Waldron]

Plenty. I've got it.

[David Hyland]

Bring it over here right away.

[Ann Waldron]

Leonard.

[David Hyland]

What's the matter? Why don't you get out of there?

[Ann Waldron]

I'm afraid it's too late. Well, then it's in for Elijah. Ma.

[Elisha Macomber]

Quick.

[David Hyland]

Is it Highland?

[Ann Waldron]

I can't see. It's dark. Get Elisha.

[Elisha Macomber]

Ant an. Hey.

[Sam Ray]

Hey, you.

[Elisha Macomber]

Mr. Hyland?

[David Hyland]

Huh? Why, Elijah McComber. What's all the excitement about?

[Elisha Macomber]

And where do you think you're going?

[David Hyland]

I'm not thinking, your honor. I'm going for a walk.

[Elisha Macomber]

Where's Ms. Walden?

[David Hyland]

Anne? She supposed to be here? Yep.

[Elisha Macomber]

Let's go into your house.

[David Hyland]

All right, if you like. While we're doing that little thing, would you mind telling me what this is all about?

[Elisha Macomber]

In time. Where is she?

[David Hyland]

I don't know. When I left for the village, the house was empty. When I came back, it was still empty.

[Elisha Macomber]

She spoke to Mr. Case on the phone from here.

[David Hyland]

Really? Well, perhaps I should lock my door when I go out. Do you think my neighbors would disapprove?

[Elisha Macomber]

Ain't none of my business, but this matter to Ms. Waldron. Mr. Hyland, would you be a gum chewing character?

[David Hyland]

Gum? Chew Sometimes when I want to get rid of a bad taste.

[Elisha Macomber]

How did you get rid of the gum? Spit it out on the floor.

[David Hyland]

What do you mean?

[Elisha Macomber]

Over there by that table.

[David Hyland]

Well, I.

[Elisha Macomber]

Maybe you will a lot sooner than you'd be expecting. Are you ready to talk about Ms. Waldron?

[David Hyland]

Of course. Yes. I think she's beautiful. I think she's a charming girl. Now, she were only a bit more friendly.

[Elisha Macomber]

Is that all you've got to say?

[David Hyland]

No. But for the moment, it'll have to do.

[Elisha Macomber]

Well, maybe you better come with me.

[David Hyland]

Where?

[Elisha Macomber]

To Ms. Van Wyck's house.

[David Hyland]

Why there?

[Elisha Macomber]

He and my boys have given that place a mighty fine once over. Somebody that done a killing could think that we'd have no more reason to go back there. But we have, Mr. Hyland. Come on.

[David Hyland]

Well, are you satisfied, Elisha? Remember, there isn't a trace of Ann Waldron upstairs. Or even down here in the cellar.

[Elisha Macomber]

I ain't through looking yet, Mr. Hyland.

[David Hyland]

Where do you expect to find her? In the coal bin, maybe.

[Elisha Macomber]

Hand me that shovel.

[David Hyland]

All right. But I.

[Elisha Macomber]

On the other hand. Maybe you better do the shovel. I can keep an eye on you that way.

[David Hyland]

Well, anything to make a select man happy. Especially if he's the chairman of the board.

[Elisha Macomber]

You're a mighty calm young fellow, ain't you?

[David Hyland]

But assure yourself I was brought up right.

[Elisha Macomber]

What do you know about Ms. Van Wyck?

[David Hyland]

She's dead.

[Elisha Macomber]

The postman mentioned you got a letter from New York this afternoon. It was in a woman's handwriting. I get lots of letters from dead people.

[David Hyland]

You can never tell about that, Elisha. Sometimes you can swear a person is alive. And then after you've known him for a while, you.

[Elisha Macomber]

But this letter, Mr. Hyland. The postman had an idea it was in Miss Van Wyck's handwriting.

[David Hyland]

Huh.

[Elisha Macomber]

From what he remembers of her handwriting.

[David Hyland]

I didn't kill her. That's what you're leading up to?

[Elisha Macomber]

Yep, that's what I'm leading up to. You got that letter?

[David Hyland]

Nope.

[Elisha Macomber]

Now suit yourself, Mr. Hyland. You don't have to talk now.

[David Hyland]

Wait a minute. That suitcase was buried in the coal.

[Elisha Macomber]

Well, I'll be swan jumping g H. Jewel.

[David Hyland]

Diamonds.

[Elisha Macomber]

There must be a million dollars worth. So that's it. That's why Ms. Van Wyk was killed.

[David Hyland]

Uh huh.

[Elisha Macomber]

She come back here too soon? Whoever was hiding this stuff here figured that she'd be in New York. Maybe. And maybe not, Mr. Hyland.

[David Hyland]

No.

[Elisha Macomber]

Maybe that person knew she was coming back. Maybe him and Ms. Van Wyk were sort of partners in a business that wasn't legal. Does that make sense to you, Mr. Hyland?

[David Hyland]

I don't know. I don't go in for guesswork.

[Elisha Macomber]

How about cyanide? A particular.

[David Hyland]

You're singing way off key, Elisha.

[Elisha Macomber]

But you've got the right tune, ain't you? Put your hands up, Mr. H. All right, now, just you walk up them stairs. And no monkey business, my friend. I got an eye like an eagle.

[David Hyland]

Operator. One, two, four. Hello, Elisha? This is Leonard Case. Devon Ann Waldron? No. Good heavens. What are you doing about it?

[Elisha Macomber]

I got searching parties out all over the aisle.

[David Hyland]

But what about David Hyland from his house that she called for help?

[Elisha Macomber]

He'll talk, Mr. Case. About Ms. Waldron. And about Ms. Van Wyck, too.

[David Hyland]

You mean that he killed Myra? Yeah. Well.

[Elisha Macomber]

Oh, Mr. Case.

[David Hyland]

Yes?

[Elisha Macomber]

The folks here in the village tell me your car's been parked all day. But the general store.

[David Hyland]

I know. My butler, Sam Ray took it this morning. Send him back if you see him, will you?

[Elisha Macomber]

Ain't nobody seen him since 2 o'clock this afternoon. I reckon you'll have to be advertising for a new butler, Mr. Case.

[David Hyland]

That's ridiculous. Sam wouldn't quit me without notice.

[Elisha Macomber]

Maybe not, but he ain't on the island.

[Sam Ray]

Okay, sister, on your feet. Shut up. We're gonna take a ride now in the open sea. Fresh air and just enough fog to keep me and you out of sight. Nice, isn't it? The way that fog comes in over the water. Perfect hideout. Even better than this stinking old tool shed. Tough, ain't it? You got so much to say. But that gag, he don't let you.

[David Hyland]

Yeah.

[Sam Ray]

Okay, get going. Right down to the boat. Then maybe when we get way out in the ocean, I'll tell you a nice, interesting bedtime story. Okay, baby, this is it. Hey, you're dying to talk, ain't you? Okay, I'll take off the gag. Hey, you can scream, too. Ain't a soul around here to hear you. Eight miles offshore.

[Ann Waldron]

Damn, Ray. When Leonard Case finds out about the issue.

[Sam Ray]

What's he gonna do? Fire me?

[Ann Waldron]

He'll. What have you got against me? Why did you bring me out here to kill me?

[Sam Ray]

I don't like snoopers, baby, but I.

[Ann Waldron]

Was only trying to protect myself. Elisha Macomber suspected me of killing Myra Van Wyt. I didn't do it. I had to find out who did.

[Sam Ray]

So you went after a letter.

[Ann Waldron]

I thought it might give me a clue.

[David Hyland]

Yeah.

[Ann Waldron]

Did that letter contain any evidence, Sam?

[Sam Ray]

Plenty.

[Ann Waldron]

What kind of evidence?

[Sam Ray]

You sure a dame, ain't you?

[Ann Waldron]

Can't be afraid to tell me. Now I'll never have a chance to, will I?

[Sam Ray]

How right you are.

[Ann Waldron]

Well, are you going to tell me or aren't you?

[Sam Ray]

Maybe that lettuce meant the difference between a million bucks and zero. That Highland guy, then he was Mixed.

[Ann Waldron]

Up with the death of Myra.

[Sam Ray]

Get up.

[Ann Waldron]

What's the matter?

[Sam Ray]

Listen. There's a boat out there. You make one sound, you listen. Are you dirty little.

[Elisha Macomber]

I'm gonna finish you off right now.

[Sam Ray]

And get out of here.

[David Hyland]

Get away from Miss Walter. Get out of that porch.

[Ann Waldron]

Show our kettle wife is. Go ahead. And that's the whole story, Leonard. If it hadn't been for Elisha, I'd be at the bottom of the ocean now.

[David Hyland]

And, darling, I don't what to say to you. I feel as though it's all my fault.

[Ann Waldron]

Nonsense.

[David Hyland]

But Sam worked for me. I trusted him. How was I to know that he was a diamond thief and that he killed Myra? He did kill Myra, didn't he, Elisha?

[Elisha Macomber]

I reckon so. We got in the way of no one. Now with him at the bottom of the ocean.

[David Hyland]

Well, all I can say is thanks for saving Ann. Now, how about a party to celebrate? Sam gone. I guess we'll have to rely on Mabel. To the honor Mabel.

[Elisha Macomber]

Candy.

[Sam Ray]

Candy.

[Elisha Macomber]

Mabel.

[David Hyland]

For the lady. She could only cook. Mabel.

[Ann Waldron]

She fell out the window, Leonard. She's flying toward Marla's house.

[Elisha Macomber]

Handy for the lady, eh, Mr. King?

[David Hyland]

I don't understand what got into that bird. She's never disobeyed orders.

[Elisha Macomber]

I reckon she ain't disobeying him now. She's flying to the only lady she knows. All right, Mr. Case. You can talk now if you got a mind to.

[David Hyland]

But I got nothing to say.

[Elisha Macomber]

It's your privilege. But you killed Myra Van Wyck by sending that bird out last night with a piece of poisoned candy. And you done it because you knew the lady would take the candy from the bird. Maybe as an omen of reconciliation. Ms. Waldron, did you know that Mr. Case and Ms. Van Wyck, his husband and wife married?

[David Hyland]

Yep.

[Elisha Macomber]

I asked the police in New York to do a routine check on Ms. Van Wick. And they come up with a dope, Leonard.

[David Hyland]

All right, so what? I didn't want her around. I told her to stay away from the island, to leave me alone.

[Elisha Macomber]

And you had good reason to. She might have found them diamonds in a coal bin. That would have been too bad, wouldn't it?

[David Hyland]

For you.

[Ann Waldron]

David?

[David Hyland]

And, well, what brings you down to the beach at this hour of night?

[Ann Waldron]

You. And some of the things you can explain to me about Leonard.

[David Hyland]

Oh, well, Leonard Case was a smuggler. Sam Ray worked for him. So did a lot of others. It was my job to round up the gang from the top down.

[Ann Waldron]

Your job?

[David Hyland]

Mm. I'm an agent of The Treasury Department.

[Ann Waldron]

Oh, well, that tells me a lot.

[David Hyland]

Oh, well, that's why I had to be so tough with you on occasions. I couldn't take the chance of being implicated in a murder. I would have had to explain my position to Elisha.

[Ann Waldron]

But he's an officer of the law.

[David Hyland]

Rounding up a gang of smugglers was my job. Finding a murderer was his.

[Ann Waldron]

Yes, but what about that letter you received from Mara?

[David Hyland]

That, my dear, was an authorization for me to enter her house and search it.

[Ann Waldron]

Oh. Oh, what a.

[David Hyland]

What a little dope you are.

[Ann Waldron]

Mr. Hyland.

[David Hyland]

David. Come on. Let's take a walk.

[Narrator]

And so closes tonight's Crime Club book. Death Blew out the Match. Based on the story by Kathleen Moore Knight. Stedman Coles did the radio adaptation. Roger Bauer produced and directed. Oh, I beg your pardon.

[David Hyland]

Hello.

[Narrator]

I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the Crime Club. Well, I'm the librarian. Yeah.

[Sam Ray]

Ah.

[Narrator]

Come over a week from tonight. Good. We have a very unusual story about a murderer who was revealed by postage stamps. It's called for the Hangman. In the meantime. Well, in the meantime, there's a new Crime Club book available this week and every week at bookstores everywhere. It's available now. Quite all right. And we look for you next week.

[David Hyland]

This program came to you from New York Mutual's Mystery Hour. Continues immediately after station identification with a Case Book of Gregory Hood. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.