The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe 50-10-20 (1) Stamped for Murder

Summary

Summary of "The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe 50-10-20 (1) Stamped for Murder"

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe 50-10-20 (1) Stamped for Murder
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: This episode transports listeners to the Golden Age of Radio, featuring the brilliant detective Nero Wolfe as he unravels a complex case involving forged documents, murder, and deceit.

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Introduction and Setting

The episode opens with an advertisement for O'Reilly Veriscan, promptly followed by the narrator setting the stage for Nero Wolfe's latest mystery. The ambiance is classic old-time radio, immersing listeners in a Sunday afternoon filled with intrigue and high adventure.

Narrator [00:32]: "Stay tuned for Nero Wolf... the chimes mean mystery and action this Sunday afternoon on NBC."

Character Introductions

Nero Wolfe

Portrayed by Sidney Greenstreet, Nero Wolfe is depicted as an eccentric, gourmet-loving detective with a penchant for orchids and an aversion to leaving his luxurious home. His complexity is immediately evident through his interactions with his assistant.

Archie Goodwin [00:59]: "My boss is the smartest and the stubbornest... Nero Wolf."

Archie Goodwin

The witty and pragmatic assistant to Nero Wolfe, Archie serves as the voice that often counters Wolfe's extravagant demeanor. He is instrumental in pushing Wolfe to take on the case that forms the crux of this episode.

Archie Goodwin [02:12]: "Mr. Wolf, please listen."

Gloria Kent and Mr. Rodman

Gloria Kent arrives with a pressing problem involving her father's suspicious expenditures and a forged treasure map. Mr. Rodman, her companion, is later revealed to be an integral part of the unfolding mystery.

Gloria Kent [03:48]: "I had some money my mother left me. My father's just spent it without my permission."

The Case Presented

Gloria Kent seeks Nero Wolfe's assistance to recover $10,000 her father has squandered on a fraudulent treasure map purportedly salvaged from the sea. She suspects she has been swindled by conmen Cross and Halleck, who manipulated her father using forged letters and a counterfeit map.

Gloria Kent [04:03]: "They used them to manufacture the map and evidence and that's what they sold to Kent."

Wolfe, initially reluctant, grapples with internal office tensions and financial strains, leading Archie to convince him to take on the case.

Nero Wolfe [05:02]: "No, Ms. Kent, I'm sorry. This is not for me." Archie Goodwin [05:12]: "Okay, okay, okay."

Investigation Unfolds

Confrontation with Cross and Halleck

Archie locates the conmen at the Hotel Bogard, the hub for their illicit activities. Wolfe's confrontation with Cross and Halleck reveals their desperation to retrieve the forged documents, inadvertently exposing the depth of their deceit.

Nero Wolfe [07:27]: "Never mind their address. The Hotel Bogard is the headquarters for successful confidence tricksters."

During this encounter, Cross and Halleck attempt to manipulate Wolfe but are outsmarted when they return the $10,000, raising suspicions about their true intentions.

Nero Wolfe [10:02]: "That man Cross is a fool. Does he imagine I'm to be fooled so easily?"

The Murder of Elmer Rodman

The plot thickens when Gloria Kent returns home to find her father murdered, her throat slit. This revelation thrusts Wolfe and Archie into a deeper investigation, uncovering motives linked to the valuable missionary stamps hidden within the forged letters.

Nero Wolfe [13:06]: "Kent was murdered... if we knew that, we would know why Cross and Halleck so willingly paid back the money."

Unmasking Ben Sanford

The investigation leads Wolfe and Archie to Ben Sanford, an expert at the Document Research Laboratory. Wolfe deduces that Sanford played a pivotal role in the fraud, ultimately revealing him as the murderer driven by greed for the valuable stamps.

Nero Wolfe [16:53]: "I assume that you are not in fact a document expert, but an accessory to the fraud of Hallicon Cross."

Climax and Resolution

In a dramatic finale, Wolfe orchestrates the exposure of Sanford's guilt by demonstrating the existence of secret writing on the forged letters. The revelation of the valuable missionary stamps confirms Sanford's motive, tying together the threads of deceit, murder, and forgery.

Nero Wolfe [24:20]: "Secret writing... Mr. Sanford."

The episode concludes with Gloria Kent receiving her money back and Wolfe securing his reputation for solving intricate cases without demanding exorbitant fees.

Archie Goodwin [28:19]: "So Gloria not only gets her 10 grand back, but five times 25, which is about $125,000 worth of goodies."

Wolfe then requests a favor from Gloria, hinting at future adventures and the intricate relationship dynamics within his office.

Nero Wolfe [28:33]: "Will you use your red hair, your pretty face... to lure Mr. Goodwin away from this house tonight?"

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nero Wolfe [01:44]: "Instructions for this morning. Archie, your notebook, please."
• Archie Goodwin [02:18]: "Mr. Wolf, dinner any day is going to be a problem if we don't pay Sozenbach's bill."
• Gloria Kent [03:32]: "Cross and Halleck bought some old letters... to Kent."
• Nero Wolfe [10:05]: "That man Cross is a fool. Does he imagine I'm to be fooled so easily?"
• Nero Wolfe [16:53]: "I assume that you are not in fact a document expert, but an accessory to the fraud of Hallicon Cross."
• Nero Wolfe [24:20]: "Secret writing... Mr. Sanford."
• Archie Goodwin [28:19]: "So Gloria not only gets her 10 grand back, but five times 25, which is about $125,000 worth of goodies."

Conclusion

"Stamped for Murder" is a quintessential Nero Wolfe adventure, blending witty dialogue, complex character interactions, and a meticulously crafted mystery. Through sharp deductions and strategic confrontations, Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin unravel a web of fraud and murder, delivering justice with their signature flair. This episode not only entertains but also highlights the enduring appeal of classic detective narratives.

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Next Episode Preview:

Narrator [29:53]: "Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the Careworn Cup."

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment of Nero Wolfe's thrilling investigations.

Transcript

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, oh, oh. O'Reilly. Check engine light on. Take the guesswork out of your check engine light with O'Reilly Veriscan. It's free and provides a report with solutions based on over 650 million vehicle scans verified by ASE certified master technicians. And if you need help, we can recommend a shop for you. Ask for O'Reilly Veriscan today auto parts.

[Narrator]

Stay tuned for Nero Wolf. If the chimes shudder a little on Sunday afternoon, well, they know there's mystery in store. Sunday with men of action like Mike Waring, better known as the Falcon, who brings his fearless and romantic touch to the solution of another mystery. After the falcon, it's high adventure. Then the big guy steps in. The new private eye, Charlie Weil concludes with a few casual homicides. The chimes mean mystery in action this Sunday afternoon on NBC.

[Archie Goodwin]

Transcribed My boss is the smartest and the stubbornest, the fattest and the laziest, the cleverest and the craziest, the most extravagant detective in the world, Nero Wolf.

[Sidney Greenstreet]

It's the adventure of stamped for murder with that brilliant eccentric private detective, orchid fancier and gargantuan gourmet, Nero Wolf, starring Sidney Greenstreet.

[Nero Wolf]

Instructions for this morning. Archie, your Notebook, please. First, Mr. Salinsback, inform him that the Long island peafowl he sent were most unsatisfactory. Peafowl's breast flesh is not sweet and tender unless it is well protected from all alarms, especially from the air to prevent nervousness. Long island is full of airplanes. Look, Mr. Wolf, I shall want a dozen chickens that have been raised on blueberries and a fresh killed lamb for tomorrow.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf, please listen.

[Nero Wolf]

There's Mr. Goodwin. Be quiet. And then dinner on the following day becomes a problem.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf, dinner any day is going to be a problem if we don't pay Sozenbach's bill.

[Nero Wolf]

And pay it with what?

[Archie Goodwin]

The bank account's empty.

[Nero Wolf]

Ridiculous. They were $4,000 yesterday.

[Archie Goodwin]

But you bought that shipment of orchid bulbs from Winold Gluckner. Mr. Wolf, we need money. You've got to stop eating and drinking beer long enough to earn some.

[Nero Wolf]

You're an alarmist.

[Archie Goodwin]

Will you for the love of heaven, stop turning down clients and turn an honest dollar? I've got a couple of prospects right outside the door.

[Nero Wolf]

Send them away.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, sir.

[Nero Wolf]

Send them away. Tell them I've gone to Egypt.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nothing doing, sir.

[Nero Wolf]

Confound you, Archie. Obey orders. Send them away.

[Archie Goodwin]

Ms. Kent, Mr. Rodman. Come in, please.

[Nero Wolf]

Thank you. Confound your mutinous.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir. And you're stuck with it. This is Ms. Gloria Kent and Mr. Rodman. They arrived as advertised with a pressing problem.

[Nero Wolf]

Good morning. You people are here by sufferance only. I shall speak to Mr. Goodwin about it later. Yes, indeed. I don't like pressing problems, Ms. Kent. What are yours?

[Gloria Kent]

My father.

[Nero Wolf]

Indeed? I'm not a court of domestic relations, Ms. Kent. What does your father do? Beat you? Withhold your earnings? Discourage your suitors? Mr. Goodwin should have informed you this office does not undertake cases involving marital or family problems.

[Gloria Kent]

But that's not.

[Nero Wolf]

If Mr. Goodwin had not been beguiled by your pretty face, he might have warned you and avoided this embarrassment to you and annoyance to me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now, now, now, now, take it easy. Take it easy? How many times have I told you, you don't know how to handle women.

[Nero Wolf]

Then suppose you let Ms. Kent handle me.

[Gloria Kent]

Well, it's simply this, Mr. Wolf. I had some money my mother left me. My father's just spent it without my permission. I want it back without a scandal.

[Nero Wolf]

Facts, Ms. Kent. How much? House spent.

[Gloria Kent]

$10,000. Father bought a treasure map.

[Nero Wolf]

Indeed. From whom?

[Gloria Kent]

A pair of swindlers named Cross and Halleck. They've driven him crazy. Talking about fortune salvaged from the SS this and the SS that. He. He's got a map and old letters he studies. He's childish.

[Nero Wolf]

Many fortunes have been recovered, many more await on the sea bottom. How do you know your father has been duped? Well, I know you do, Mr. Rodman. Yes. Cross and Halleck bought some old letters for me written by my grandfather from Hawaii. They used them to manufacture the map and evidence and that's what they sold to Kent.

[Gloria Kent]

Father thought he was being so clever he had the paper analyzed. Of course. The document research laboratory said the letters were genuine. They were, but something new had been added. I'd have never known if Mr. Rodman hadn't told me.

[Nero Wolf]

You're a party to the swindle, Mr. Rodman. I was not. I never knew what they were up to.

[Gloria Kent]

Mr. Wolfe, you've got to help me. I can't do anything with father. I can't convince him. Even Mr. Rodman can't.

[Nero Wolf]

No, Ms. Kent, I'm sorry. This is not for me.

[Gloria Kent]

But you must, you must.

[Nero Wolf]

Not in my office, madam. No tears, please. Please. Archie, stop her.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, okay, okay.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie. When Ms. Kent has finished her disgraceful exhibition, show them out. How dare he walk out on a.

[Archie Goodwin]

Easy, easy, easy. I know him. I know him, you don't. He gets into a panic when women cry or else he's curious about what Fritz is cooking for lunch. Now, just wait a minute, please. Oh, aren't you ashamed of yourself? Walking out like that on that poor.

[Nero Wolf]

Kid, that hysterical gamma.

[Archie Goodwin]

She's lost all of her money. She needs help.

[Nero Wolf]

I charge high fees, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

So charge a small fee. Do you want her to starve?

[Nero Wolf]

Good heavens, starve? How monstrous.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm not kidding. While you'll be in here smelling your dinner, she and her father will be starving.

[Nero Wolf]

I thought you were bringing me a paying claim.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, this is different. She's beautiful.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, you're impossible. Oh, very well. Go back into them. Get names, addresses, facts. I am not committed to Ms. Kent's case, but we'll see. Be a tribute. I pay for your weakness for a pretty face.

[Archie Goodwin]

Rodman and Gloria Kent were gone, however, so all I had were the few facts they'd given me before they met Wolf. I felt guilty about that. When he came back into the office and sat down in his specially built chair, he closed his eyes and I glared at him. Well, how much of you is awake, Mr. Wolf? Well, they disappeared. Did you tell me you were going to help this girl just to get her out of the office? Or did you mean it?

[Nero Wolf]

You're a gadfly.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, sir. No, sir. You made a promise and you're stuck with it.

[Nero Wolf]

What did you get from Rodman?

[Archie Goodwin]

Name, address, occupation. He's a librarian.

[Nero Wolf]

That's all very careless, Archie. You missed a significant point.

[Archie Goodwin]

Such as?

[Nero Wolf]

How did Rodman discover the letters he sold were being altered by forgery and used for swindle? How did he locate the Duke, Mr. Kent?

[Archie Goodwin]

I guess you're right. I'll ask him next time. But what about now? Are you going to get Gloria's money back?

[Nero Wolf]

I assume you call Ms. Kent glorious solely in order to annoy me. It does. Stop it. Get Cross and Halleck.

[Archie Goodwin]

On my way.

[Nero Wolf]

You'll find him at the Hotel Bogart.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wrong, sir. According to my notes, their address is.

[Nero Wolf]

Never mind their address. The Hotel Bogard is the headquarters for successful confidence tricksters. They celebrate their victories there while the money lasts. You will possibly find Cross and Halleck drinking whiskey. Or lunching? Probably both.

[Archie Goodwin]

I located Cross and Halleck in the hotel bar and lured them back to our place on 35th Street. Wolf was sitting behind his desk with his hands crossed on his impressive middle, at peace with his lunch and the world. When I ushered them in, he sat bolt upright and scorched me with a look. Good afternoon, Mr. Wolf. The tall one's name is Cross. The short one is Halleck. They want to help me invest my money. Gentlemen, Mr. Nero.

[Nero Wolf]

Wolf. Huh? Wolf. Hey, what is this? Confound you out here Drunk, are they not?

[Archie Goodwin]

Too drunk for business.

[Nero Wolf]

Let's get out of here. Come.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wait a minute. You want me to keep him here, Mr. Wolf?

[Nero Wolf]

Not by violence. Archie, Come back here. Gentlemen. Unless you want seven years in the steep inner injury. Unless what? You got nothing on us, Wolf. Nothing. I have the Kent case. The Kent? That's a laugh. We're sitting pretty. Sittin pretty? You are not, sir. You imagine you possess legal immunity. Mr. Kent believes you Grotesque balderdash. And will not sue for fraud. Ms. Kent cannot sue because she is reluctant to accuse her father of wrongfully obtaining her money. Ergo, you think you're invulnerable. Now, listen. But you forget me. I'm a detective with a fee to earn.

[Archie Goodwin]

A big fee.

[Nero Wolf]

Quiet, Archie. I am determined to get that fee. Therefore, as Ms. Kent's agent, I can and will bring action against you. I'm indifferent to her tears or her father's disgrace. I'm indifferent to anything outside of money. You will return the $10,000 to me at once, sir, or you will be in jail by morning. You mean that? I do, Mr. Cross. Aleck, come here, I think. Come on, honey. Okay. Here. Mr. Wolf, Halleck and I have decided we don't want to get in any trouble with you. Here's your 10 grand.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let's have it.

[Nero Wolf]

Give the doe to camp, Mr. Wolf. And get the letters and map back for us. You got a reputation for being tricky. But honest. We trust you. Come on, Alec, let's go.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, how about that?

[Nero Wolf]

Preposterous.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, sir.

[Nero Wolf]

Take a look.

[Archie Goodwin]

$10,000. Genuine coin of the realm.

[Nero Wolf]

That man Cross is a fool. Does he imagine I'm to be fooled so easily?

[Archie Goodwin]

What do you mean he left the money?

[Nero Wolf]

He surrendered too quickly, Archie. Too easily. And that money in the envelope he was carrying all ready to refund. Why?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, maybe he's got a better sucker. I heard him mention of Ben Sanford.

[Nero Wolf]

Nonsense. Does he need Kent's forged letters and map to cheat this Ben Sanford? Couldn't he prepare another set?

[Archie Goodwin]

I guess you're right. Something's fishy.

[Nero Wolf]

In any event, it's no concern of mine. Thank heaven.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why not?

[Nero Wolf]

I'm not committed to Ms. Kent in any way. As a favor to you, I undertook to regain her money. I have done that. You may take it back to her and obtain the forge papers in return. But. Silence, Mr. Goodwin. Go to your redhead charmer. Leave me in peace. I intend to spend this afternoon with my new World Atlas.

[Archie Goodwin]

I left him 3,000 miles up the Amazon with his magnifying glass and drove up to East 69th Street. The Kent house was a broken down little brownstone. And as I went up the stoop, the door opened and Gloria Kent burst out like a skyrocket. Hey, Ms. Kent. Easy, easy.

[Gloria Kent]

Let go.

[Archie Goodwin]

What's wrong? What's wrong?

[Gloria Kent]

Wrong, wrong. Nothing is wrong. Nothing at all.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, how about seeing your father?

[Gloria Kent]

You want to see my father? Come inside.

[Archie Goodwin]

For the love of heaven.

[Gloria Kent]

Come outside. Mr. Goodman, Mr. Goodwin. I'll introduce you. He's in a back room. Come right through the living room.

[Archie Goodwin]

What else came through this living room? A hurricane?

[Gloria Kent]

No, Mr. Goodwin, something else. There's my father. Mr. Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

What in the devil? He's dead. His throat's cut.

[Gloria Kent]

Father, this is Archie Goodwin from Nero Wolf's office. He and his boss refused to help while they could. Maybe he can help you now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Stop it.

[Gloria Kent]

All I'm good for now is revenge, that's all.

[Archie Goodwin]

Stop it. Stop it and look at me. When did it happen?

[Gloria Kent]

I don't know.

[Archie Goodwin]

When did you find him?

[Gloria Kent]

Just now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Keep looking at me. Who went through this house like a hurricane? You?

[Gloria Kent]

No.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where did you go after you left the office?

[Gloria Kent]

To the laboratory.

[Archie Goodwin]

What lab?

[Gloria Kent]

Document research. The place that checked the map.

[Archie Goodwin]

How long were you there?

[Gloria Kent]

Until an hour ago. I was with Mr. Rodman.

[Archie Goodwin]

Keep looking at me. And then I had lunch with Rodman alone.

[Gloria Kent]

And then I came home.

[Archie Goodwin]

All right, all right. Now listen to me. I want you to go to Mr. Wolf's house right now. Have you got cab fare?

[Gloria Kent]

Yes.

[Archie Goodwin]

All right, take a cab. I've got to stay here, But I'll call Mr. Wolf and tell him you're on the way. Now get. I called Wolf, told him everything and he instructed me to advise Inspector Kramer who arrived with the homicide squad. I gave the inspector everything while the squad photographed and measured, print dusted. And detective, at 3:30, Kramer took me back to the house on 35th street for a fight with Wolf.

[Nero Wolf]

It's a great story, Wolf. Great. Kent buys a phony treasure map. Everybody knows it's phony except Kent. But Cross and Halleck try to buy it back and Kent gets himself murdered. Did you find the map and letters in the house, inspector? No. No, I didn't kill. It was after the map. A phony map? Certainly. Why? Well, if we knew that, we would know why Cross and Halleck so willingly paid back the money and why Kent was murdered.

[Archie Goodwin]

Maybe it's not phony.

[Nero Wolf]

I'd better see the girl now. Oh, you fancy her for the murder? I'll know after I ask a few questions tonight. She's had a shock, Mr. Kramer. She needs rest. Look, Wolf, I want her. Why bother with her when there's so much to be done? Such as? Cross and Halleck? Find them. And the mystery man they spoke of? Ben Sanford. These are the men you want now, not this poor overwrought girl. Yeah, all right. The girl will be here for questioning Tonight though, huh? Tonight, Mr. Kramer. Okay, you'll hear from me later on.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, you buffaloed him out of that. Okay. Say, why don't you want her questioned? Is she guilty?

[Nero Wolf]

I don't know.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, what did she say when she got here?

[Nero Wolf]

She said nothing. She never arrived.

[Archie Goodwin]

She never what?

[Nero Wolf]

She never arrived.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, then why did you tell Kramer she was resting?

[Nero Wolf]

Would he have believed the truth? She must be found. More important, we must learn why forge letters and forge mapper produces turmoil.

[Archie Goodwin]

Find the killer and you find the map. You said so.

[Nero Wolf]

I said the reverse, which is an altogether different statement. Archie, I want a photograph of that map. Get it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, sure, sure. Any particular camera you want me to use?

[Nero Wolf]

You'll find the photograph at 200 Vanderbilt Street.

[Archie Goodwin]

Are you kidding?

[Nero Wolf]

The lab cannot check the authenticity of old papers without photographing them in ultraviolet light, infrared light and so on. If this Document Research Lab has examined those papers, they will have photographs. Get them.

[Archie Goodwin]

He got out of his chair and waddled back to the house elevator. It was 4:00 and time for his regular afternoon session with the orchids. I drove down to the Document Research Laboratory on Vanderbilt and got such a shock that I grabbed the office phone and dialed Wolf at.

[Nero Wolf]

This is Nero Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf? Archie here.

[Nero Wolf]

What's the matter? You lost?

[Archie Goodwin]

No, sir. No, sir. But I found something.

[Nero Wolf]

Photographs?

[Archie Goodwin]

No, Mr. Wolf, I don't think you'll ever see any photographs of the Kent map. I don't think any were taken.

[Nero Wolf]

Indeed.

[Archie Goodwin]

But guess who runs the Document Research Laboratory? No, no, no, no, no. Don't guess. You probably know a man named Ben Sanford and he's sitting right here looking at me.

[Nero Wolf]

Bring him home with you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Home? But it's four in the afternoon. This is the sacred hour when you pray over your orchids and Mr. Sanford.

[Nero Wolf]

Can join the ceremony. Hey, how about this place? How about it? There must be a million flowers up here.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, not flowers. Orchids. Only Mr. Wolf has 10,000 plants.

[Nero Wolf]

Never saw anything like it.

[Archie Goodwin]

And you never will again, brother.

[Nero Wolf]

Hey, What? What kind is that on the bench?

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, that? That's our pride and joy. Odontogosum haryanum. Above them, the Van Peticerana. And the pink ones are the Silo giani pandoratas. Now, the large object mulching flower pots is Nero Wolf. Mr. Wolfe, Ben Sanford.

[Nero Wolf]

Good afternoon, sir. Hi. I came along to be obliging. I've got nothing to say about anything. How much have you offered Cross and Halleck for their treasure map? No comment. Mr. Sanford, I'm going to make some assumptions. I assume that you are not in fact a document expert, but an accessory to the fraud of Hallicon Cross. No comment. That you actually prepare fraudulent maps for those swindlers and then, in the guise of an expert, guarantee their authenticity. No comment. But this you must answer. You did guarantee the authenticity of the map and let us can't board. It's on record. All right, I did. Then will you admit they were forged? What are you, a comic? No. You guarantee the value of the Kent map? Yes. As an expert? Yes. And you've convicted yourself of murder. Murder? What is this? Mr. Kent was murdered, sir, Evidently for the map and letters he bought. But of all persons involved, you alone believe in the value of the map. No one else does. Therefore, you alone would have murdered Kent for the map.

[Archie Goodwin]

For the love of.

[Nero Wolf]

Now, wait a minute, wait a minute.

[Archie Goodwin]

Chew it over, brother, chew it over. Either way, he's got you. Okay, okay.

[Nero Wolf]

You. You want me to level here? It is level, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, boss. Thief type talk. It means tell the truth.

[Nero Wolf]

It's like you say, the letters were bought from Rodman. I forged the map and evidence onto them. I guarantee them to Kent to swindle. The letters are without value. Oh, sure, they're old, that's all from 1851. Just tired family gossip and stuff. Indeed. There we have the problem again, Archie. Mr. Kent is swindled with a map and letters that are known to be worthless. He alone believes the fantasy of the treasure. There isn't any treasure. Never was. Cross and Halleck refunded the swindle money so eagerly. It is obvious they want those worthless documents back badly. Someone else wants him so bad he murders Mr. Kent. Why?

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't know.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, we must find the girl. There's a chance she turned to Mr. Rodman for refuge. I'm sorry, you'll have to go there at once. If the girl isn't there, bring Rodman. Yes?

[Archie Goodwin]

Hello, Rodman. Remember me? I'm Archie Goodwin from Nero Wolf's office.

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, oh, yes, of course.

[Archie Goodwin]

I came to get Gloria Kent. There's been a change in plans. Tell her to come out Please, Gloria.

[Nero Wolf]

Well, she's not here. Why should she be?

[Archie Goodwin]

Haven't you heard?

[Nero Wolf]

Heard what?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I guess you'd better come down and see Wolf.

[Nero Wolf]

Mr. Goodwin, I'm afraid I can't. I'm rather busy.

[Archie Goodwin]

Look, Rodman, maybe you ought to know old man Kent was murdered. What? Yes, yes, just after you and Gloria left us.

[Nero Wolf]

Kent murdered? Well, this is awful.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Goodwin, you want to see Mr. Wolf now? Get your hat.

[Nero Wolf]

Murder? Well, believe me, I never wanted this. I'm going to tell Nero Wolf the whole mess, every word of it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, then, come on, let's go.

[Nero Wolf]

Yes, of course. Just a minute. I'll get my hat in the bedroom. Murdered? Can't. I never dreamed.

[Archie Goodwin]

Come on, Rodman. Come on, Rodman. Come on. What? I didn't hear you. Oh, Rodman. What? Rodman.

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, Rodman. Good. Pardon.

[Archie Goodwin]

What next? Come on, come on.

[Nero Wolf]

This is Nero Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie here. We've had a tough break.

[Nero Wolf]

Yes.

[Archie Goodwin]

While I was waiting for Rodman at the front door, he went into the bedroom for his hat. The killer was there.

[Nero Wolf]

How do you know?

[Archie Goodwin]

He cut Rodman's throat.

[Nero Wolf]

Terrible.

[Archie Goodwin]

The back window was open. It's a ground floor apartment. He was out and gone before I had a chance.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, where were your wits?

[Archie Goodwin]

Let me alone. I've had a man murdered. 20. You think I'm cheering?

[Nero Wolf]

Mr. Kramer is here and he has news for us. Archie. He could not locate Cross and Halleck in their apartment. They had not been home all day. The maid informed him that she was waiting for her weekly salary.

[Archie Goodwin]

So what?

[Nero Wolf]

She was most angry and peppery, Mr. Kramer informs me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Red pepper.

[Nero Wolf]

Exactly.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, okay. Maybe I know what you mean. I'll try to deliver the goods this time. Goodbye. I drove down to the apartment house on Gramercy Square where Cross and Halleck lived. Took the elevator up to the 10th floor, found the right door and slipped in with a pass key.

[Nero Wolf]

Come on out.

[Archie Goodwin]

Come out, wherever you are. I know you're in here. You fooled Kramer pretending to be the maid, but you didn't fool Wolf. You'd better. Gloria. Cut it out. Cut it out, you idiot. Lay off. Archie. Archie, you dope. Archie Goodwin from Nero Wolf's office. Remember me? Give me the gun, Gloria. Give it to me. That's right. Who? Who did you think I was?

[Gloria Kent]

Alec.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, brilliant. So Wolf figured you out, huh? You are a brave girl. They killed your father. You came up here and waited for them. You were going to kill them right back, huh? Oh, that redheaded temper. And you bluffed Kramer into thinking you were the Maid.

[Gloria Kent]

I had to do something. It was the only thing I could think of to come here and kill him.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, you're coming home with Archie. And just remember one thing. When Wolf's working for you, don't try to do any thinking. It only gets in Wolf's way. I got Gloria Kent back to the house at 7:00. I parked the car, brought her into the office and got the shock of my life. There was a convention on Wolf was there with Inspector Kramer representing the cops. Cross, Halleck and Sanford were there representing the crooks. When Kramer saw Gloria, he scowled first at her and then at Wolf.

[Nero Wolf]

So it was a slick one after all. Wolf, you didn't have the girl. You had no intention of producing her. Please, Mr. Kramer, that can wait. There are other matters more important. I dine at eight. That leaves me one hour to solve your murders. Murders? More than one?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, two. Elmer Rodman.

[Nero Wolf]

I haven't. Good one. If you please, Mr. Kramer. Not now. First, Ms. Kent. Good evening, Ms. Kent. I presume you have met these gentlemen. Cross, Halleck and Sanford. Take your purse, please.

[Gloria Kent]

Why?

[Nero Wolf]

Don't think me as naive as Mr. Goodwin, Miss. When you left your home after the murder of your father, you took the map and letters with you. They are in your purse now.

[Gloria Kent]

True.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, the purse. Thank you. We have here an interesting situation. There exists some old letters and map, forged and fraudulent, which are worth $10,000 and more to Cross and Halleck. And worth two murders to a killer. Why? There must be something of great value in the letters. Such as? Something which Mr. Sanford could not see, although he worked on the document closely yet. Something which could be made manifest. What is the answer, Ms. Kent? Do you know it?

[Gloria Kent]

I swear I don't.

[Nero Wolf]

Secret writing. Archie, bring the chafing dish from the dining room.

[Archie Goodwin]

Right.

[Nero Wolf]

Secret writing. I saw nothing when I worked on those letters. Naturally, Mr. Sandberg, the writing is invisible. That heat is an agent makes most forms of secret writing visible.

[Archie Goodwin]

The chafing dish, boss.

[Nero Wolf]

Thank you, Archie. Place it before me and light it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Right.

[Nero Wolf]

Now I open Ms. Kent's purse. From it, you see, I withdraw these ancient letters which he took from her house after her father's murder.

[Gloria Kent]

That's not true.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

That's enough, Gloria. That's enough. From now on, you just listen.

[Nero Wolf]

We remove the letters from the envelope and toast them gently. Secret ink, vintage 1851, will easily succumb to the agency of heat. Careful, those envelopes will catch fire. Hey, hey, hey.

[Archie Goodwin]

They're caught.

[Nero Wolf]

Don't be upset, Mr. Cross. Mr. Halleck. The envelopes. They'll burn safely in the dish. We can concentrate on the writing. Watch closely. I don't want to be accused of trickery. You fat fool. The envelopes are everything. Don't sit there, put them on. Why, Mr. Harris. Well, the stamps. The missionaries. They're worth a fortune. The missionaries. Of course, you know that. Mr. Cross knows. So does Mr. Sanford, right?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, yeah, Cross, Sanford knows.

[Nero Wolf]

You old fool. Let me hear. Mr. Sanford is not alarmed. Why not, sir? I don't know what you're talking about. 50 or $100,000 is burning before your eyes, Mr. Sanford. Cross and Halleck are burning their fingers putting out the flaming envelopes. And you sit there quite indifferently. Why? Well, I. You know the value of the missionary stamps on the letters you bought from Rodman. But you know these aren't the real letters. Isn't that it? Not the real letters. I told you I'm tough to crack. Wolf. You didn't fool me with those dummies. Dummies? How do you know? Mr. Cross didn't know. Mr. Haddock didn't know. How did you? Well, I. I'll tell you, sir. Only one man could know I was framing Ms. Kent as a decoy. Only one man could know I prepared these dummy letters and pretended to take them from her purse. And that is the killer. The man who murdered her father and stole a map and letters this morning. You tell Mr. Sanford. Well, I'll beat M. Mr. Kramer, there's your killer. You'll find the missing map and letters on him or concealed in his home or office. You won't need the evidence anyway. Look at his face. He self confessed.

[Archie Goodwin]

Self confessed? Like fun. He was booby trapped.

[Nero Wolf]

No, Mr. Creener. Not a complicated case. Really. Very simple. Elmer Rodman sold a packet of old family letters to the swindlers for a small sum. They used the letters to perpetrate their fraud on Ms. Kent's father.

[Gloria Kent]

And the stamps on the letters were valuable?

[Nero Wolf]

They were a special Hawaiian issue, 1851. Ms. Kent nicknamed missionaries because missionaries use them for writing home. They are extremely rare stamps worth upwards of $25,000 each. Hey, no wonder they were worth two murders. We found five of them on Sandwyn. Excellent. Somewhere or other, Rodman discovered the value of the stamps after he sold the letters. In his effort to get them back, he communicated his discovery to the swindlers, Cross, Halleck and Sanford.

[Archie Goodwin]

So that's why they refunded the money so fast.

[Nero Wolf]

Precisely. In an effort to have the sale rescinded, Rodman sought out Kent and tried to convince him of the fraud. Alas, he would not listen to the truth. Mr. Kramer, I get it. And while the others were hassling around, Sanford tried to steal a march and quietly resorted to murder. And there you have it. Ha ha.

[Archie Goodwin]

Great job, boss. Great job. So gloria not only gets her 10 grand back, but five times 25, which is about $125,000 worth of goodies. Now, figuring your rates by the hour, that means you've done a gratis job worth about.

[Nero Wolf]

Yes, ken, I did not. Nor will I demand a large fee for what I have done. I will not go back on my word. But I can beg for a favor.

[Gloria Kent]

I'll only be too happy to.

[Nero Wolf]

Wait, wait, wait. I asked something that would not be easy to grant.

[Gloria Kent]

What is it?

[Nero Wolf]

Will you use your red hair, your pretty face, your admirable figure and your ample fortune to lure Mr. Goodwin away from this house tonight? I would like to enjoy my dinner in peace.

[Gloria Kent]

That won't be difficult, Mr. Wolfe.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let's have an understanding right now, Gloria. Difficult for you or for me?

[Nero Wolf]

I'll be delighted indeed to spend an evening with Mr. Goodwin. There is only one word for you, Miss Kent. Intrepid.

[Sidney Greenstreet]

You have been listening to the new adventures of nero wolf starring sydney greenstreet. Tonight's story by alfred bester was based on the famous characters created by rex stout, produced by edwin fadiman and directed by j. Donald wilson. In the cast were wally mayer as archie goodwin and gene bates, Howard mcnair, jay novello, Larry dobkin, bill johnstone and herb vigren. Music by joseph enos. Next week at this same time, nero wolf and archie will bring you the case of the careworn cup. Don stanley speaking.

[Narrator]

The preceding was transcribed. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. The chimes ring for dennis day and judy canova tomorrow night on NBC. Also, judy canova prepares to go operatic tomorrow because her special guest is Ezio pimza.

[Nero Wolf]

This is chester william bendix riley. The man called x follows on NBC.