The Shadow - 1937-0926 - Death House Rescue

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Title: The Shadow - 1937-0926 - Death House Rescue
Release Date: February 23, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: Dive into the thrilling world of the Golden Age of Radio with "The Shadow," a master of mystery and justice who combats evil lurking in the hearts of men. This episode, "Death House Rescue," showcases The Shadow's relentless pursuit to exonerate an innocent man and dismantle a criminal conspiracy.

---

Introduction

The Shadow - Death House Rescue transports listeners to a tense courtroom drama intertwined with suspenseful rescue operations. The episode masterfully blends riveting storytelling with moments of emotional depth, highlighting The Shadow's unique abilities and unwavering commitment to justice.

Plot Overview

The narrative centers around Paul Gordon, an innocent man wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to death. As the clock ticks down to his execution, his wife, Margot Lane, pleads for help, fearing that the real culprits, members of the criminal underworld, will ensure Gordon's demise to cover their tracks. Enter Lamont Cranston, The Shadow, who employs his extraordinary mental powers to uncover the truth and save Gordon from the electric chair.

Key Scenes and Notable Quotes

1. The Conviction

• Courtroom Tension:

  • Judge: "Paul Gordon, the jury have found you guilty of robbery under arms and of statutory murder. ... Therefore, in accordance with the law, I direct that you be taken from here to the place from whence you came and that there you be put to death in the manner stated by the law." (02:02-10:34)

  The courtroom scene sets the stakes high, establishing Paul Gordon's desperate situation and the rigidity of the legal system.

2. Margot's Plea for Help

• Margot Lane's Desperation:

  • Margot: "I told Adbol to serve our coffee here in the library ... You can’t keep on like this forever? Someone’s certain to identify you, and when that someone does, someone else is certain to kill you." (02:30-04:10)

  Margot expresses her anguish and fear for her husband's life, emphasizing the imminent threat posed by the criminals intent on silencing Gordon.

3. The Encounter with Red and Lefty

• Initial Job Offer:

  • Red: "I'm looking for a job. Nothing doing, buddy. I'll do anything ... If you want to talk to me about something? We might. Might be able to help you out." (06:02-07:52)

  Paul Gordon's attempt to find employment leads him into a trap set by criminals Red and Lefty, highlighting the manipulative tactics used to ensure his guilt.

• Confrontation and Betrayal:

  • Red: "I'll hold him off. Wish I'd never have shot the cop." (07:53-08:21)

  This moment underscores the ruthlessness of the antagonists and the complexity of their scheme to frame Gordon.

4. The Shadow's Intervention

• The Shadow Reveals Himself:

  • Lamont Cranston (The Shadow): "You cannot see me. I am here. In the room. In the shadow. You have pinned your crime on an innocent man. He shall not suffer, but you will." (12:37-12:58)

  The Shadow makes his presence known, asserting his resolve to uncover the truth and deliver justice.

• Mental Telepathy to Uncover the Truth:

  • Lamont: "I'm going to think with your mind. ... I see in my mind the pictures you create in yours." (17:29-18:12)

  Demonstrating his supernatural ability, The Shadow delves into Gordon's memories to identify inconsistencies and uncover the real culprits.

5. Exposing the Criminals

• Identifying Lefty Sloan:

  • Lamont: "Lefty couldn't keep you covered with a gun and look back at the same time. What did he do?" (19:53-20:05)

  Through meticulous mental probing, The Shadow pinpoints Lefty's critical mistake, linking him directly to the crime.

• Confrontation and Confession:

  • Lamont: "Then if the police find that fingerprint, you'll burn, Lefty. Just the way young Gordon's going to burn tonight. Goodbye, Lefty." (22:42-22:58)

  The Shadow threatens Lefty with exposure, ensuring that justice will be served and Paul Gordon's innocence is recognized.

6. The Climactic Rescue

• Governor's Intervention:

  • Governor's Voice: "They want to talk to you on the phone ... He got me in time. Gordon. Gordon, did you hear that? Yes. Yes, I heard it." (24:05-25:10)

  A last-minute intervention saves Gordon from execution, attributed to a mysterious voice—hinting at The Shadow's unseen influence.

• The Shadow's Departure:

  • The Shadow: "Before another adventure with the Shadow draws to a close." (28:38-28:40)

  The episode concludes with The Shadow once again vanishing into the shadows, ready for his next mission.

Character Insights

• Lamont Cranston/The Shadow:

  • Abilities: Demonstrates mental telepathy, mind-reading, and strategic thinking to manipulate events and uncover truths.
  • Personality: Calm, calculated, and fiercely determined to protect the innocent and dismantle criminal operations.

• Margot Lane:

  • Role: Wife of Paul Gordon, serving as a voice of reason and emotional support, urging action to save her husband.
  • Character Arc: Transforms from desperation to hope as The Shadow intervenes.

• Paul Gordon:

  • Situation: An innocent man caught in a web of deceit, highlighting the flaws in the judicial system.
  • Development: Represents the everyman facing insurmountable odds, making his rescue all the more heroic.

• Red and Lefty Sloan:

  • Antagonists: Embody the criminal underworld's willingness to manipulate and eliminate threats to their operations.
  • ** downfall:** Their schemes unravel through The Shadow’s intervention, showcasing the triumph of good over evil.

Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Corruption: The episode underscores the constant battle between righteous actions and corrupt forces seeking to distort truth.
• Hope and Redemption: Despite overwhelming odds, the intervention of a hero figure restores faith in the possibility of justice.
• The Power of the Mind: The Shadow's mental prowess highlights the potential of intelligence and perception in overcoming physical constraints.

Conclusion

Death House Rescue is a compelling episode that weaves suspense, emotional depth, and moral lessons seamlessly. Through The Shadow's relentless pursuit of justice, listeners are reminded of the importance of truth, courage, and the unwavering fight against corruption. The episode not only entertains but also inspires, leaving a lasting impression of the timeless struggle between good and evil.

---

Notable Quote Highlight:

• The Shadow's Declaration of Justice:

  • Lamont Cranston: "No crime is perfect. There's always somewhere a loose end. The only reason that all crimes aren't solved is because there's some one fact that someone knows and doesn't tell." (16:49-17:18)

  This profound statement encapsulates the essence of The Shadow's mission and his belief in the inevitable triumph of truth.

---

Final Thoughts

This episode exemplifies the Golden Age of Radio's ability to create immersive and engaging narratives. "Death House Rescue" stands as a testament to The Shadow's enduring legacy as a symbol of hope and justice, resonating with audiences across generations.

Transcript

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

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.

[Lamont Cranston]

Auto Parts. Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Blue coal presents the Shadow, a man of mystery who strikes terror in the very souls of sharpsters, lawbreakers and criminals. All signs point to a severe winter. Be prepared if you want to be sure of even dependable, healthful heat in any kind of weather. Insist on blue coal. America's finest anthracite, mined from the fields of northern Pennsylvania. The coal that has colored a harmless blue at the mines. For your protection. You can't help me to look there. You can't do it. Let me out of here. Let me.

[Lamont Cranston]

Paul. Gordon, listen.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

I can't see anybody. Who's that?

[Lamont Cranston]

I am the Shadow. Stop. We haven't much time. We must hurry. Gordon, you're in the death house. Charged with murder.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Yes, I'm innocent. I'm innocent, but nobody knows it.

[Lamont Cranston]

Take courage, Gordon. The Shadow knows. All right, Margot. Won't you sit down? I told Adbol to serve our coffee here in the library. Unless you'd rather go on the terrace.

[Margot Lane]

No, I prefer it here.

[Lamont Cranston]

Then let me see you smile. That frown is most unbecoming, Lamont.

[Margot Lane]

Give it up.

[Lamont Cranston]

Give what up, my dear? Drinking coffee?

[Margot Lane]

I'm serious, Lamont Cranston, when I foolishly let you know that, do you remember what you said? It will be exactly five years next week.

[Lamont Cranston]

But there's still so much to do, Margot.

[Margot Lane]

Well, then let somebody else do it. Don't you realize that you can't keep on like this forever? Someone's certain to identify you, and when that someone does, someone else is certain to kill you.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Perhaps.

[Lamont Cranston]

But until they do. Darling, stop frowning.

[Margot Lane]

I don't mean necessarily to give up your work, Lamont, but this other. Let the Shadow just disappear and come out openly join the organized forces of law and police.

[Lamont Cranston]

Won't you realize, Margot, that my entire usefulness to the organized forces of law and police lies in my remaining outside those forces. In remaining always the Shadow. Would they approve my methods? Would they believe in my science?

[Margot Lane]

You would make them believe? You could make them approve and in.

[Lamont Cranston]

Doing so, reveal my secrets, my knowledge? Reveal them and eventually let them fall into the hands of organized crime? No, Margot. No one must ever know. No One. But you. Why do you think I've devoted countless hours to investigating electrical and chemical phenomena? Why do you think I went to India, to Egypt, to China? What do you think I studied in London, Paris and Vienna? Except to learn the old mysteries that modern science has not yet rediscovered? The natural magic modern psychology is beginning to understand. And, well, magic. That wouldn't seem so natural. I studied and learned for a purpose, my dear.

[Margot Lane]

All right, Lamont, I realize all that. But now. Now the entire underworld has but one objective. To erase the Shadow.

[Lamont Cranston]

And to me, that means until they know what the Shadow is and who he is, what can they do? Stop and think how many criminals are either dead or in prison because of our activities. Why, even now, tonight, as we sit quietly here. Somewhere, an innocent human being may be in desperate trouble. Somewhere, perhaps, there is a problem that can never be solved except by the Shadow.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

What did the doctor say, Grace?

[Margot Lane]

It was good news. And bad too, I'm afraid, dear.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Well, whatever it was, dear, tell me.

[Margot Lane]

Well, he said the baby could be perfectly well again within a year.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Oh, thank God for that. Poor kid. She's had a tough time.

[Lamont Cranston]

Well, what else?

[Margot Lane]

This part isn't so good, Paul. She'll need treatments during all that time. Paul. Treatments cost money.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

I know. Well, we'll have to manage somehow. You didn't do a very good job marrying me, dear. Darling, if I could only get a job.

[Lamont Cranston]

I've got my health and I've got.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Brains, but no one seems to want them.

[Margot Lane]

They will, dear. They've got to.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

You're right about that. We're just about down to rock bottom. I've raised every cent I can on.

[Lamont Cranston]

The house and car.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

There isn't anything left.

[Margot Lane]

You and I are still left, Paul, and we've got to take care of Sally. She's our daughter, Paul, and she's got to have her chance.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

She's going to have it somehow. Tomorrow I'll start out and take anything I can get.

[Margot Lane]

Darling, perhaps tomorrow things will break for us.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Yes, if only they don't break the wrong way. Over here. How about some sauce? Excuse me, but are you the boss here? That's right. I'm looking for a job. Nothing doing, buddy. I'll do anything. Wait on table, wash dishes, anything at all. I don't need any more help. Well, how about delivering things?

[Lamont Cranston]

I've got a car.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Nope. I don't deliver nothing. Sorry. Don't need you. I see. All right. Thanks. Hey. Hey, you. What? You calling to me?

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Sit down. Have a beer. No, thanks. I. I don't drink anyhow. Sit down. Meet a friend of mine named Lefty. My name's Red. Pluck at my hair and you'll know why. Well, I'm glad to meet you both. Gordon's my name. Paul Gordon. Well, did you want to talk to me about something? We might. Might be able to help you out. Sounds like you're looking for a job. You bet I am. I need one. You know anybody that could use me? Maybe. We don't know you yet. So far as that goes, I don't know you either. See, Red, the guy's smart. Yeah, maybe too smart. Now look here, Mr. Gordon, we need a car and we need somebody to drive it for us. You understand? Well, I've got a car and I can drive. Is it a good car? Has it got speed? I'll guarantee you up to 80. It's not bad. It's not bad. Now listen, kid. How about meeting us tomorrow morning at 9:00? All right? Where? Well, let's see.

[Lamont Cranston]

We're going to.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

I got it right in front of the uptown bank. We gotta go there first to cash a check. Well, how about $5 a day? That's all. But you remember, be there at 9 o'clock or you don't get no job.

[Lamont Cranston]

Don't worry, I'll be there.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

I'll be there at 8:00. Hey, buddy, you can't keep this car in front of the bank all day. Can't you see that sign? No parking? I'm not parking, officer. I'm waiting for a couple of men. I'm working for them. Hey, what's that? It sounds like shots in the bank. Hey, park area, you got him? Let's see. Here he is with the car. Come on, you start that bus.

[Lamont Cranston]

Go.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Step on it, fella. You can't do yet. Go on. I will. Let him have it. Right. Hold him off. I'll hold him. Wish I'd never have shot the cop. Can't you get no more speed out of this car, fella? She's doing all she can. Shoot at that tires red. I missed him trying a windshield. Say, let me out of this. Take the car. You'll think I'm in with you. That's just what we're figuring on now. Here comes the curve after you make that stop. Get ready, Red. I'm ready. I'm just leaving the evidence. Put it under seat cushion. Okay. Goodbye, Gordon. Thanks for the. Hey, hey, wait you guys. Don't leave me like this. They'll think I did it. Hey, come on back, will you offer their hands. Come on, get them up. All right, officer. I haven't got a gun. I wasn't in this. They made me drive the car. Yeah, keep your hands up just the same. Go fill the car, Charlie. Okay, sarge. Now, fella, you might as well come clean on this. I haven't done anything. I tell you, I'm innocent. Hey, sarge, I got it under the rear seat cushion. A bag full of bills and a gun. That's the gun that bumped off my buddy Louie. And you say you're innocent? Yes, I am. Well, it'll take more than saying so to keep you out of the electric chair. Order in the court. Order in the court. Order. Paul Gordon, the jury have found you guilty of robbery under arms and of statutory murder. You have been shown to have had both motive and opportunity. The prosecution has piled up a mass of incontrovertible evidence and I myself have no doubt of your guilt. Therefore, in accordance with the law, I direct that you be taken from here to the place from whence you came and that there you be put to death in the manner stated by the law. And may God have mercy on your soul. Hey, who was that?

[Margot Lane]

Where'd that laugh?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Who laughed? Bring that person before the cops? Well, I. I don't know where he is, your honor. The lot came from over there. In that corner. Yes. Yes, your honor. But there's no one in that corner. Only a shadow. Go to sleep, dear.

[Margot Lane]

Mother will be right here in the next room. Oh, God, please help me. Help me. I don't know what to do. Yes, who is it? My name is Margot Lane. I have a message for you, Mrs. Gordon. You're not a reporter, are you? No, I'm a friend. I've come to help. Oh, then please come in. What is it you want, Ms. Lane? Mrs. Gordon, your husband has a friend who's going to help him. Here's a thousand dollars in cash. That's for you and Sally. A thousand? Who was it sent this to me for? That I can't tell you. But the message with it is not to lose hope. Well, then there is hope for Paul, then. The man who sent this to you never fails. Who is he? Well, that I can't tell you. But, Ms. Lane, you know him. Sometimes I wonder whether I do. I love him, but I wonder whether I know him. What do you mean? It's hard to tell whether I really know the man or only his shadow.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Well, Lefty, tonight the fall guy goes to the chair. That's what he gets for being a sucker.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yeah.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Does not occlude it even points our way. Not even a print. We had gloves on all the time. You had yours off for a minute when you were sitting next to him. Yeah, but I didn't touch the wheel. Then we ain't left a clue.

[Lamont Cranston]

You think so?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Who said that? You, Luffy? No, I. I thought it was you.

[Lamont Cranston]

It was I. You cannot see me.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Who are you?

[Lamont Cranston]

And where are you? I am here. In the room. In the shadow. You have pinned your crime on an innocent man. He shall not suffer, but you will.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

I don't know who you are, where you are, but you're bluffing anyway. You got no evidence. We didn't leave a clue.

[Lamont Cranston]

You did leave a clue. A clue that will send you to the chair.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Was it? Where was it? You're lying.

[Lamont Cranston]

Wouldn't you like to believe that? Keep thinking about it. Keep thinking about the clue. But you forgot Margo Lane. Paul Gordon is in the death house and is to die in the chair tonight. I am going to him now. We can still save him. Stand by for orders.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

In a few moments, we will return to the shadow. But before we do, let me stress this one fact. For home heating, anthracite is best and America's finest anthracite is blue coal. Anthracite is the healthful fuel. It gives steady, uniform heat that helps prevent colds and cuts down doctor's bills. For with anthracite, there is no quick chilling of the house such as you get with fuels of the on and off type or with quick burning fuels that flare up and burn out. Bear in mind that heating plants in this part of the country were especially designed to burn anthracite. So before that cold snap catches you unaware, call your local blue coal dealer. You'll find his name listed in the where to buy it section of your classified directory under the words blue coal. Call him tomorrow and order a supply of America's finest anthracite. Gordon, have you. You got any word from the governor? I'm sorry, Gordon. The governor refuses to take any action. Ben, I've got to go.

[Lamont Cranston]

Tonight at 11 o'clock.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

But what time is it now? Almost 10. Is there anything I can do for you? No, thank you.

[Lamont Cranston]

Very well.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

These guards will move you to another cell. I'll be back in a little while.

[Lamont Cranston]

Ready, Gordon?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Yes, Scott. I'm just going to move you to another cell. What does it matter?

[Lamont Cranston]

The one you're going to is nearer.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Nearer to the chair. Is that it? All right. Okay, let's go.

[Lamont Cranston]

All right, Gordon, walk to the left.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

We'll be right here behind you.

[Lamont Cranston]

Unlock the door into this preparation chamber, Pete.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Okay, just a second.

[Lamont Cranston]

All right, go on through, Gordon. Watch him, Pete. I'll shut the door.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

What's the use of all this trouble? What chance have I got now? I'm afraid you haven't got much, fellow.

[Lamont Cranston]

I wouldn't say that.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

What do you mean?

[Lamont Cranston]

Holy smokes. Look behind you.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Where?

[Lamont Cranston]

There. Too bad. I hated to do that, but there wasn't any other way. And he'll only be out for a while. Now, Gordon, listen to me. Hey, where are you?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

I can't see you anymore. Where have you gone?

[Lamont Cranston]

Back into the shadow. Now, Gordon, we haven't much time. Listen to me. No crime is perfect. There's always somewhere a loose end. The only reason that all crimes aren't solved is because there's some one fact that someone knows and doesn't tell. And sometimes they don't tell because they don't know that they know.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

I told everything I know in court. They wouldn't believe me then because you.

[Lamont Cranston]

Couldn'T prove what you said. We are going after the proof now, you and I.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

How?

[Lamont Cranston]

I'm going to think with your mind.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

I don't know what you mean.

[Lamont Cranston]

Don't try to understand. Just do as I tell you. I want you to concentrate, Gordon. Fix your mind on everything that happened that day. Make mental pictures. I'll see what you see. I'll try now. No, no, Gordon. Stop thinking about your wife and baby.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

How did you know I was thinking about.

[Lamont Cranston]

I saw it in your mind. I see in my mind the pictures you create in yours.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Oh, like television.

[Lamont Cranston]

Yes. Or like mental telepathy. Or mind reading, hypnotism, whatever you choose. There's no time to talk. Stop talking. Think. I will, I will. I'm thinking now. The picture is getting clearer. That's better. Go on. The restaurant, the bar. Gordon, stop thinking about the electric chair.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

It blurs the picture.

[Lamont Cranston]

I'll try. I'll try. Ah, that's better. The car in front of a bank. Yes, I see it. The policeman. The crowd. Yes. Wait a minute. The small man with red hair. He was the one you called Red. Yes, yes, I see him. Crooked nose, short glasses. I know that man. He's Red Sloan.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

It's hard to see.

[Lamont Cranston]

I know. Think for your life. Try hard. Yes. You started the car. The other Lefty was in front with you. Lefty? Lefty. See him for me, Gordon. Ah, yes. A scar on his left cheek. Why didn't you mention that in court?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

I forgot.

[Lamont Cranston]

Never mind. Concentrate. Yes, yes. Lefty couldn't keep you covered with a gun and look back at the same time. What did he do?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

He reached up and twisted the rear view mirror.

[Lamont Cranston]

Now we've got it. That's the loose end. That's where his thumbprint will be. Gordon, now I can save you. You've told the truth. You didn't know you knew.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Another one over here. Red, you're a fool for coming in here again. This is the place we picked up that kid that's burning tonight. What'd you want to come in here for? This is as good a place as any, ain't it? Hey, telephone for you, Lefty. Telephone? Yeah. Maybe you never heard of it, but it's a great invention. But nobody knows I'm here. Well, somebody knows because they're waiting on the phone for you. It's over there on the wall. Okay, don't be too long, Left. Hello? Say, what are you laughing at? Who is this?

[Lamont Cranston]

Lefty, did you ever hear of the Shadow? Yeah.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Say, what is this?

[Lamont Cranston]

Too bad about young Gordon, isn't it, Lefty?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

What do you know about that?

[Lamont Cranston]

The Shadow knows.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Who are you? What do you want?

[Lamont Cranston]

I want justice. Justice for Paul Gordon, Lefty. And I'm going to get it.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

But you ain't got no evidence.

[Lamont Cranston]

No. Perhaps there are some fingerprints, Lefty.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Oh, no, we had gloves on. There couldn't be no fingerprints.

[Lamont Cranston]

Did you have gloves on all the time?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Yeah, sure I did.

[Lamont Cranston]

You're left handed. Now listen carefully, Lefty. When you were sitting in the front seat of Gordon's car, your gun was in your left hand, remember?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Say, you ain't nobody. I. It's just. Say, how do you know?

[Lamont Cranston]

What did you do with your right hand?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

My right hand?

[Lamont Cranston]

You took off your right glove, didn't you?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

No, I didn't. I didn't. Oh, gosh, I'm going nuts.

[Lamont Cranston]

And you couldn't see the car that was chasing you because the angle of the rear view mirror was adjusted for the driver and you weren't driving. So do you remember what you did?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

No, no, I didn't. I didn't take it off.

[Lamont Cranston]

Are you sure you didn't reach up with your bare right hand and turn that rearview mirror? Are you sure, Lefty?

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

No, no, I didn't. I didn't. Maybe I did.

[Lamont Cranston]

Then if the police find that fingerprint, you'll burn, Lefty. Just the way young Gordon's going to burn tonight. Goodbye, Lefty.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Hey, wait a minute, wait a minute. He hung up. No, no, I won't burn.

[Lamont Cranston]

I read.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Read. It's that gab long enough. Say, who was the guy? Never mind that. Where's that car of Gordon's now? In his garage, I guess. I heard his wife. Prison. What? I got a hunch there's some fingerprints of mine in that car, Red. We gotta wipe em off of there or maybe we'll burn in that chair too. Come on, let's go.

[Margot Lane]

But Commissioner.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

I'm sorry, Ms. Lane, but I don't see what we can do.

[Margot Lane]

But I tell you, Paul Gordon is innocent. The men who committed the crime are free.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Where did you get this information? That I can't tell you, Ms. Lane. Paul Gordon was convicted of murder by due processes of law. Tonight he pays for his crime in the electric chair. If the police listened to every crank who came in here claiming new evidence.

[Margot Lane]

They can't send an innocent man to the chair. They can't do it.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

No, but they can send a guilty man. And according to the evidence, Paul Gordon is guilty.

[Margot Lane]

Commissioner, suppose that afterwards, when it's too late, they discover that Paul Gordon wasn't guilty after all. And suppose I testify that the police refused to listen.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Well, what do you want me to do? If it's within reason, I'll do that.

[Margot Lane]

I want you to send the men to that garage. I want you to catch the guilty men and see that justice is done.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

War Night. I'm frightened. Brace up, Gordon. It won't be long.

[Lamont Cranston]

Keep your chin up, buddy.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

It's my turn next. Along, fella. Good luck. Goodbye, kid. Where is he? He promised to save me. Who, son? I don't know. It was a voice. Just a voice. He. He said he'd stand by. Now steady, old man. Don't lose your nerve. Gordon. Open it. No. We'll go in there. I didn't do it. I didn't kill him. I didn't, I tell you. He said he'd stand by.

[Margot Lane]

He.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

Warden, wait. Only a few minutes more. Just a few minutes. Don't take me in there yet. Now wait, please.

[Margot Lane]

Please.

[O'Reilly Auto Parts]

He said please wait. Easy, Gordon. I'm sorry, but if I go in that door, I'm gone. It'll be too late then. Take him in, men. No, no, no. No. Wait. Oh, where are you? Where's that voice? Where did he go? Please come back. Wait a minute, man. Well, what is it? Wait. The Governor's on the phone. He says stop hold of everything. What'd the governor say? He wants to talk to you on the phone, Warden. He says don't electrocute this man. They've got the other two guys in Gordon's garage, trying to rub out some fingerprints. One of them was shot and died. But before he died, he spilled it all. This fellow didn't do it. It was a framer. Oh, thank God. He got me in time. Gordon. Gordon, did you hear that? Yes. Yes, I heard it. That voice said he would. I'm free. You're not going to electrocute me, Warden, you're not. No, no, Gordon. The Governor saved you. Governor? No, it wasn't the governor. It was somebody else. Or something else. But what do you mean, Gordon? Who saved you? I don't know. It was a voice. Just a voice. I never really saw him. He was only a shadow. Before another adventure with the Shadow draws to a close. John Barclay, Blue Coal's heating expert, would like to say a few words. Mr. Barclay. Good evening, friends. If you're interested in having a more comfortable home this winter, be sure to call your local Blue Coal dealer. For he's more than a fuel dealer, he's an authority on modern home heating. You see, for more than six years, I've trained servicemen for these Blue Coal dealers. These men, known as John Barkley servicemen, have added thousands of families like yours to enjoy a greater degree of comfort and to save heating dollars, too. I'm going to read part of a letter typical of many received from satisfied customers using Blue Coal and John Barkley service. I quote in part, the service rendered by your John Barclay servicemen has been invaluable to me. We were burning a ton of coal a week and having great difficulty in keeping our fire going throughout the night. Your service man made me many helpless suggestions regarding the proper way to regulate the furnace and recommended the use of Blue Coal. We not only reduced the amount of fuel consumed to one half, but actually got more heat. Think of that, friends. In this case, a family cut their fuel bill in half simply by following the advice of a John Barkley serviceman whose services were given without charge. Now, you don't have to buy Blue Coal to benefit from John Barkley service, no matter what kind of fuel you're using or from whom you've been buying. If you have any heating problems, consult the Blue Coal dealer. You'll be very glad to place his John Barclay serviceman at your disposal to solve your problems. I thank you. The story you have just heard is copyrighted by the Shadow magazine. Real names are never used in these Shadow stories.

[Lamont Cranston]

The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows Sa Ra.