The Shadow 1939-12-24 - The Stockings Were Hung

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Shadow – "The Stockings Were Hung"
Original Air Date: December 24, 1939
Podcast Release Date: December 14, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Overview

This special Christmas Eve episode of The Shadow, "The Stockings Were Hung," transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, blending suspense, warmth, and themes of charity and justice. Set in a bustling city during Christmastime, the story follows Lamont Cranston (aka The Shadow) and Margot Lane as they bring hope to the beleaguered Grover family, embodying both the spirit of the holiday and the firm hand of justice when needed.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

Setting the Scene: Charitable Deeds on Christmas Eve

• Lamont and Margot’s Mission (02:33–04:51)
  • The episode begins with Lamont and Margot preparing to deliver a Christmas basket to a needy family, setting a tone of warmth and giving.
  • Margot expresses her affection for a newsboy named Spike Grover, foreshadowing the family at the center of the story.
  • The city is bustling, snowy, and full of Christmas spirit.

The Grover Family’s Plight

• Meet Gabby and Louie (03:25–05:32)

  • Gabby, a local character, tells Lamont and Margot about Spike: his family has been wronged by Simon Jordan, who usurped their family business.
  • Lamont enlists Louie, a cab driver, for the night and, with a secretive wink, buys a puppy as a surprise Christmas present.

• Visiting the Grover Home (06:46–08:24)

  • Inside, young Jeannie Grover tries to make Christmas cookies but laments their lack of butter and family togetherness.
  • “We’ll take care of that in a minute, Jamie. But I came here looking for your brother Kingsley.” – Lamont Cranston (07:27)

A Missing Father, a Villain’s Misdeeds

• Searching for Mr. Grover (10:27–13:11)

  • The Grover children reveal that their father is missing—wrongly accused of theft by the villainous Mr. Jordan.
  • The children are hesitant to involve the police, fearing further trouble. Lamont reassures them, vowing to help clear their father's name.

• Confrontation with Simon Jordan (15:37–16:15)

  • Spike, the eldest son, confronts Jordan and is struck by him—a chilling depiction of the story's antagonist.
  • “You stole my father’s business. He should be here, not you.” – Spike (15:49)

The Shadow Steps In

• A Supernatural Reckoning (17:36–20:34)
  • The Shadow confronts Simon Jordan, using his mystique and psychological prowess to frighten him into remorse.
  • "You want money. Nothing but money. I feel sorry for you, Simon. I'm going to go now, but I want to leave one thought with you..." – The Shadow (19:12)

Christmas Miracles and Family Reunion

• Finding Mr. Grover (21:19–22:56)

  • The children’s Christmas Eve walk culminates in the emotional reunion with their injured, but alive, father at the cathedral.
  • “Daddy, how is the lady of the house?” – Mr. Grover (22:56)

• Unexpected Charity from a Former Foe (23:16–24:04)

  • Simon Jordan, shaken by his encounter with The Shadow, arrives to announce restitution for Mr. Grover, granting him his rightful share of the business and partnership.
  • “In going over the books tonight, I found that a great and terrible mistake has been made… Over half is rightfully yours as partner…” – Simon Jordan (23:21)

A Joyful Finale

• Gifts, Laughter, and Lessons (24:08–25:21)
  • Presents are exchanged, merriment fills the Grover home, and the puppy is revealed to much delight.
  • The episode closes with a heartfelt message about goodwill, charity, and the true meaning of Christmas.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Margot poking fun at Lamont's sense of charity:
  “In spite of all you’ve said about organized charity, giving one isolated newsboy $5.” – Lamont (03:08)

• The Shadow’s chilling warning to Simon Jordan:
  “I'm in the shadows. The shadows of your mind… You want money. Nothing but money. I feel sorry for you, Simon… Your money doesn’t do anyone any good.” – The Shadow (18:54–19:20)

• Heartwarming family reunion:
  “Daddy, how is the lady of the house?” – Mr. Grover, upon returning home (22:56)

• Theme of the night:
  “There should never be a thing called charity… If each man would only realize that every other man has dreams and hopes… then peace on earth would be a fact, goodwill would be for every man.” – Lamont Cranston (25:23)

• Children’s innocent joy:
  “Gee, is that for us too? … A puppy!” – Spike (24:48)

• Margot’s closing words:
  “I’d like to say something… To say Merry Christmas to everybody.” – Margot Lane (26:22)

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Timestamp Guide to Key Segments

• [02:25–05:14] – Lamont and Margot encounter Gabby, learn of the Grovers’ troubles, arrange a visit and a secret Christmas puppy.
• [06:46–08:24] – Jeannie struggles with Christmas cookies; Lamont gives her $5 for ingredients, promising to try to reunite the family.
• [10:43–13:11] – Lamont meets the Grover children, learns of Mr. Grover’s disappearance, involves the police.
• [15:37–16:15] – Spike’s confrontation with Simon Jordan; physical and emotional abuse revealed.
• [17:36–20:34] – The Shadow’s confrontation with Simon Jordan in his office.
• [21:19–22:56] – Grover children find their father at the cathedral; emotional family reunion.
• [23:16–24:04] – Simon Jordan returns, confesses, and restores the family’s rightful role in the company.
• [24:08–25:21] – The family celebrates, open gifts, and the puppy is revealed.
• [25:23–26:22] – Lamont delivers a message about charity and goodwill; Margot wishes everyone Merry Christmas.

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Tone & Style

The episode blends suspense with tenderness and humor, staying true to the earnest, old-fashioned melodrama of 1930s radio while delivering messages of justice, compassion, and the importance of family and community. Lamont Cranston's calm authority, Margot Lane's warmth, and the children's innocence contrast with the chilling villainy of Simon Jordan, culminating in a heartfelt holiday message.

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Useful Takeaways

• The Shadow uses its mystery superhero premise not just for suspense, but also to inspire acts of kindness and reflections on social justice.
• The episode reminds listeners that charity, goodwill, and justice can bring about real change, especially in challenging times.
• The story, set against Christmas Eve, frames family, redemption, and community as the true miracles of the season.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The shadow knows. The Shadow, mysterious character who aids the forces of law and order, is in reality Lamont Cranston, wealthy young man about town. The Shadow uses his hypnotic power to cloud men's minds so that they cannot see him. Fransen's friend and companion, the lovely Margot Lane, is the only person who knows to whom the unseen voice of a shadow belongs. Today's story. The stockings were hung. This is a story of Christmas time in a great city. Tonight, with Margot Lane and Lamont Sandom, we look in on the lives of the Grover family. Get out of here. Get out. You'll not get a cent of pay from me. Mr. Grover, Simon Jordan, you know my wife, Peden. I have two children and it's Christmas.

[C]

I've got you. Get out before I.

[B]

It's Christmas time in a great city. As our scene opens, we find Margot and Lamont coming down on the elevator from Margot's apartment. Here's where we get out, Margo. Where now?

[C]

Over to the Club Lamont to pick up a Christmas basket of food to deliver.

[B]

Good.

[C]

Oh, look, Lamont, it's snowing.

[B]

What do you think of that?

[C]

I want to stop the corner and see my friend Spike.

[B]

Spike?

[C]

Yes, Spike Grover. He's a newsboy. Always buying a paper store. There's Spike on the corner.

[B]

Busy little man, isn't he?

[C]

I always give him $5 to treat me.

[B]

In spite of all you've said about organized charity. Giving one isolated newsboy $5.

[C]

Oh, but you want. This is different. I should say it is different. It isn't even Spike.

[B]

Paper, mister? Paper? Yes, the Young lady would like a paper to cover her new hat. If you can call that Christmas tree ornament a hat.

[C]

Where's Spike Grover?

[B]

Ah, Spike's got family trouble. He's a pal of mine. Spike here tells me everything he knows. I can keep a secret.

[C]

Family trouble?

[B]

Well, it's very confidential. You see, Spike and his sister Jane. You see, they haven't got any mother, they only got a father. And you see, I don't tell anybody, but Spike's grandfather owned a Grover Porting Company. Whoa, whoa, wait. Wait a minute. You're way ahead of me. Now, look, Spike's grandfather owned the Grover importing business. And Spike's name is Grover. So Spike and his father should own the Grover importing business. And, well, it seems there's a fella named Jordan worked for Spike's grandfather. And the way I figure it, this fella Jordan put the snatch on the whole business.

[C]

Did what?

[B]

Lady, you wouldn't understand. I was just telling this gentleman here, as far as I can figure, this old miser named Jordan steals the whole business right out from under Spike's father's nose. So a couple of days ago, Jordan fired Spike's father from his own business. Mind you, ain't that awful. But where is Spike and where's his father? Lady, if I knew that, I'd tell Spike. Where does he live? He lives in the old house down on south and 7th Street. What's your name then? They call me Gabby, but you know.

[C]

I could never figure out why.

[B]

Well, Gabby, here's a Christmas present for you. Oh, thanks.

[C]

Gee, thanks. Merry Christmas, Gabby.

[B]

And the same to you, lady. Bye. Well, you go over to your club and pick up the Christmas basket. Margot, I think I'll go down and see Spike and family. I'll pick you up at the club. Margot, A cab. You want a cab, mister?

[C]

You want a cab?

[B]

Yes. Take me to south and 7th street, please. South and 7th Street? Yeah, south and South. Thanks. Oh, by the way, I want to stop at a pet shop on the way. Do you know a good one nearby? I don't know where there's one. Oh, yeah, I do know where there's one. On the next block, that is. Well, that's where we're going then. Oh, driver, are you busy tonight? Yeah, yeah, I gotta drive this cab.

[C]

Ain't it awful?

[B]

Ain't it? That's what I mean. That's what I. Now you've got me doing it. Doing what? Hiring the cab for tonight. You mean it? Sure. Geez, Santa Claus, I didn't know you without them whiskers. That's a joke. It isn't Pet shop, mister. There it is. Well, that's fine. Nice. What's your name?

[C]

Louie.

[B]

Well, come on, Louie. Let's buy a pup. Buy a pup, huh? Buy a pup. Oh, boy. Hey, the red one in the window. Sold, Lou. Sold. Oh, that's a cute pup. That's a cute pup, all right. How much is the red set of pup in the window? Oh, that's a very fine animal. $35. Fine. Wrap it up. I. I beg your pardon. Put it in the cardboard cotton with some holes in it. We'll take it with us. Very good. Now, Louie, you'll take the pup in front, See? It's a surprise for a young lady. Will pick up later. She mustn't know about it. Yeah, yeah, sure, sure. Say, but suppose it's against the bark or wine or something. Well, she has what it is. You just tell her. Box of books. Hey, yeah, yeah, that's smart. That's. But wait a minute. What kind of books am I going to say if it starts to box? Oh, that's easy. You just call for me. Believe me, mister, if you didn't want this hack for the evening, I tell you, it sounds a little screwy to me. I tell you, here's your dog. S fine animal indeed. Lou. Sneeze.

[C]

Huh?

[B]

Sneeze. Oh, shoot. Isn't hurt. Thanks. Great, Louie. Great. Take the box of books now. We're off to south and 7 Street.

[C]

Brother would be very mad if I didn't make these cookies. Just perfect for Daddy. Let me see. Here it is. Mother's recipe for Christmas cookies. One and a quarter cups of flour. I've got that. One and a half teaspoons vanilla maybe. Nobody knows if there's no vanilla in them. 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 egg and 1/2 cup of butter. 1/2 cup of butter. I haven't even got half of a half a cup of butter. Need so much? Just more, Daddy.

[B]

Well, that's no way to feel on Christmas Eve. What's the matter, Jamie?

[C]

Oh, you have got hardly anybody.

[B]

Well, we'll take care of that in a minute, Jamie. But I came here looking for your brother Kingsley.

[C]

But I don't know where my brother is because he's looking for my father and I don't know where my father is. Daddy hasn't been home for two old days.

[B]

Oh, easy, Jamie.

[C]

Well, Kingsley says Daddy will be home for Christmas. I'm sure he will, but now James leaves for him. I have a nanny butter and Mother Always likes a good Christmas cookie.

[B]

Now look, Jeannie, I think this will give you all the butter you want and anything else you might need for your Christmas cookies.

[C]

Oh, it's $5.

[B]

You can't expect me to find your father and Kingsley if you don't have Christmas cookies ready for them when they come home.

[C]

Will you really bring them home?

[B]

I'll try, Jeannie. I'll try.

[A]

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[D]

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[C]

Hey.

[B]

Is this where we picked the young lady up? Yes, Lori. And don't forget, that's a box of books you have in front and not a dog. And don't forget, if he boxes, use me, okay? Okay. Well, there's Ms. Lean now. Oh, Margo. Been waiting long?

[C]

Oh, no, no, Lamont. I just piled the snow on my best hat so I look like the spirit of Christmas.

[B]

Oh, sunshine. Did you deliver your last basket?

[C]

Yes. What's that package you have in front, driver?

[B]

Oh, I gotta. Yes. A box of books. I got a box of books.

[C]

Oh, I thought you'd never get here.

[B]

The south and 7th Street, Louie. Now that's Spike's house, Margot. Now you wait here, Louie. Yeah, sure, boss. Sure, sure. Margo, this is Spike's house. Let's go in and see Danny, huh?

[C]

Good. I want to meet her. Two boys are fine. How much smaller boys Spike it is. Hey, you youngsters like all that tree?

[B]

It's mine.

[C]

Stop Picking on you big bully. Ah, scrap. See, Ms. Lane, I found this tree.

[B]

You did not. Come on, you young hoodlums. Hey, now wait a minute. One at a time. Listen, young man, I suggest that you run along and let Spike have his tree. Who's gonna make me? Why, you young rats. Can't.

[C]

Lamont, remember. Peace on earth.

[B]

I'll get you, Spike, when you haven't got your gang with you.

[C]

What a piece of the society column. The well known Crab man, Lamont Cross class and scene brawling. Ouch. Why, Z. He hit me with a snowball.

[B]

Remember, Margo, Peace on earth.

[C]

Well, if you were half a man, you do something about it.

[B]

Never let it be said.

[C]

Well, here, you're not going to throw a snowball at him.

[B]

It wouldn't look well if I shot him, would it?

[C]

Boy, what a wheelhouse. Hey, who do you think you are? Lefty Gomez or something? I'll get you, Spike. It isn't even a good Christmas tree. Oh, Spike, it's a beautiful tree. Hasn't got many neat. You gotta have a Christmas tree when you got a girl in the house.

[B]

You're right. Kingsley.

[C]

Kingsley. Have you been talking to my sister?

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Nothing's happened to my dad. You have it?

[B]

Why, of course not. We know your dad's missing, so we just came down to help.

[C]

Have you any idea where your father is, Spike? Gee, he'll show up.

[B]

Have you been to the place where he works?

[C]

I mean, where he used to work. That old stink let Mr. Jordan won't let him work there anymore.

[B]

I see. Have you asked the police for help?

[C]

That's just the trouble, Mr. Cranston. I can. Why not? Spy? Oh, it's kind of private. I. Well, here, you must tell us or we won't be able to help you. Well, all right. See, I went there yesterday and Mr. Jordan said he hadn't seen dad. And when he did, he was going to have him thrown in jail. What? Yeah. Mr. Jordan said my dad did something to the books or something and that he was a thief. My dad wouldn't do anything like that.

[B]

I'm sure he wouldn't, Spike.

[C]

Betty wouldn't. Especially because that business really belongs to him. And it's supposed to belong to me. Someday when I get big. Anybody to think that that old skin friend, Mr. Jordan.

[B]

Now look, Spike, the first thing we've got to do is to find your father.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

The best thing to do is to get the police to help us.

[C]

Oh, but maybe they'll arrest him.

[B]

But you and I both know that your dad didn't do anything wrong.

[C]

Yeah, right. Maybe they can find him, huh? Maybe they can find him.

[B]

Sure they can. You tell me what he looks like, then. You and Ms. Lane go in the house and I'll go to police headquarters. Good evening, Sergeant Murphy. Well, well. Season's great. And steer, Mr. Cranston. Same to you, Sergeant. Kingsley Grover Senior has been missing for two days. Tell me what he looks like and we'll start looking. His son Spike told me that he was 5ft 10, weighed about 165, was wearing brown. Over. Calling all cars. Calling all cars. Missing since last Friday. Kingsley Grover Senior Heights. 5ft. Harbor Patrol, this is headquarters. We're looking for Kingsley Grover senior. Height five. Five feet. Dead. Wait. Hello? Careful. Headquarters caller. Merry Christmas. Have you got a stiff on ice? About 5ft 10. Wait. Hold. Hello, Mr. Cranston, did you find out anything about spikes on man at police headquarters? No, not yet. Ms. Lane's still in the house? Yeah, yeah, she's there with Spike and his sister. Say, the dog's all right. I didn't have to sneeze or nothing. He was so quiet, I thought he was froze or something. So put my hand inside the box. You know what happened? No, he bit my finger. He's a card, all right. He's a card. Keep up the good work, Louie. I'm going in the house. Okay, boss. Okay. Hello, everybody.

[C]

Down there. You were gone a long time, Mr. Cranston. The police find him.

[B]

They'll get him soon. Spike, don't be impatient now.

[C]

No, I won't be impatient. Say, would it be bad if you and Ms. Lane went into the other room for a minute? I want to talk to my sister. Do you mind? No, of course not. Spike, come on with me. Lamar, be a second.

[B]

Take your time.

[C]

Frank, look at Jamie. We'll find him in time for Christmas.

[B]

And still the search for Spike's father goes on. The machine of the police. Looking, looking everywhere. Hours pass and no word. Now we find Kingsley going up to old Mr. Jordan's office.

[C]

Mr. Jordan. Who is it?

[B]

Oh, Jew, is it? Get out of here.

[C]

Please tell me where my father is.

[B]

I don't know where that thief and father of yours is.

[C]

If I do, he's not a thief. If anybody's a thief, you are.

[B]

You shut your lion dirty bout.

[C]

You stole my father's business. He should be here, not you.

[B]

I'll flash you within an inch here. Mighty little parasite.

[C]

Please don't hit me with that chain again.

[B]

Please. You don't like that.

[C]

Please. Stop it.

[B]

Get out get out.

[C]

Spike. What's the matter? Trembling your heart?

[B]

You poor kid. How did you get that red weld across your cheek?

[C]

Mr. Jordan hit me with his cane. Oh, you poor child. Come here. I'll wash it out, sir.

[B]

Now we have to plan what we're going to do. Have you any suggestions, spike?

[C]

Any one, Mr. Cranston?

[B]

What's that?

[C]

Well, I'm trying to fill him. Maybe even to try it. But you see, dad and me. I mean, dad and I, we always used to walk up the avenue on Christmas Eve. It sings a little, doesn't it? Sorry. Well, anyway, we'd look in the store windows and we'd see what we'd buy for ourselves and Jamie and mother. When she was alive. We had all the money we wanted. I thought I'd walk up the avenue tonight. And will it?

[B]

Yes.

[C]

It sounds kind of silly, but I would like to.

[B]

That's a wonderful idea, Kingsley. Hey, Margo.

[C]

Yes, Amar?

[B]

Why don't you go along and take a pencil and paper and write down all the things Spike would like for himself and his sister.

[C]

You never did that?

[B]

No. Just think what fun you'd have. Take talking it over with Jamie afterwards if you had a list.

[C]

Gee, that's right. Let's go. You know, we might even run into dad.

[B]

Why, sure you might.

[C]

Aren't you coming with us, Mr. Cranston?

[B]

Yes, of course. I. I'll join you on the avenue. But first I want to get to police station again and check up.

[C]

Oh, Jamie. Yes? Anyway, you better stay here and watch those cookies don't burn again. All right.

[B]

I'll be with you in a little while. Well, I guess I can close the books for tonight. Hmm. I've had a good year. Who's there? Hmm, no one. I guess I'll give myself a Christmas present of a new latch for the door. That Grover brat must have left it open. He's too smart, that boy. You don't have to worry about any Grovers ever again, Simon Jordan. Simon Jordan. That's going to look fine. A new gilt letters on the door instead of Grover's important company. You're pretty slick, Simon Jordan. These books are fixed so cleverly that even the Supreme Court couldn't tell that Simon Jordan didn't own this company. Hey. Hey. What was that? Who said that? No one said anything, Simon Jordan. I was just enjoying your joke with you. Where are you? I can hear your voice. Of course you can hear my voice, Simon Jordan, but you can't see me. I'm in the shadows. The shadows of Your mind.

[C]

Go away. Go away from me.

[B]

I thought you might be lonely. No. No, I'm not. Go.

[C]

Hungry.

[B]

I came to ask you about the Grovers. Eh? What do you know about the Grovers? Enough, Simon Jordan. Enough to know that your altered books would not fool the Supreme Court. You're. You're not a spirit, are you? In a sense, yes. I try to represent the spirit of honesty and justice. And when Simon Jordan beats a child with his cane, steals from the father of that child like a low, sneaking thief, then I must talk to Simon Johnson. No. I should not disgrace thieves by calling you one of them. You're a man too mean to be a thief, Jordan. What do you want from this world? None of your business what I want. I'll tell you. You want money. Nothing but money. I feel sorry for you, Simon. I'm going to go now, but I want to leave one thought with you. You're an old man. You don't have much longer to live. All your life's work is your money. It's rather an empty victory, isn't it? You're alone in the world. Your money doesn't do anyone any good, Simon Jordan. But you can rest easy in your shriveled soul because the growers will be taken care of. The Shadow will take care of them. The Shadow. There they are.

[C]

Louie.

[B]

Stop here. Margo. Spike. Hello.

[C]

Hello there, Lamont.

[B]

I thought I'd never pick you up.

[C]

We're beginning to worry, too. How are things down at the police station?

[B]

Well, not much news yet, Spike. But they've got a couple of leads that might amount to something.

[C]

That's good.

[B]

Are you pretty near the end of your Christmas Eve walk, Spike?

[C]

Got one more stop. Pop and me always stopped in here at the cathedral. You know, just to get out in the cold for a minute. You don't have to be afraid. They'll let you in.

[B]

If you take it, they will.

[C]

Spike, up these steps. Come on. I didn't know there were as many windows in town. I'm dead. I've got a list of presents as long as.

[B]

Oh, here's your arm.

[C]

Don't help me blame him.

[B]

I hope you've got a preferred list. I have.

[C]

Here. I'm here. Boy, this door is heavy.

[B]

Now, when Jesus was loaded this ramp.

[C]

We can stand back here and return.

[B]

All right.

[C]

Look, Lamont. That poor man over there cornering.

[B]

Yes, Mr. Crafty.

[C]

He's my dad. It's my dad. Daddy, speak to me. Give me. He won't speak to me.

[B]

Mr. Grover. Mr. Grover. This is your Son, don't you know him?

[C]

Yes.

[B]

I can't remember. Mabo, this man has been hurt.

[C]

Let's get him outside the mark.

[B]

Do you remember your name, sir?

[C]

Jesus. There's something wrong with him.

[B]

My name? You must try to remember. Truck. Skidding pit near. Oh. Why did you come to the cathedral tonight, sir? Christmas Eve always come here. Who is we? I can't remember. Miss Lane leave some packages with you? Did she leave some packages? Did she leave some. She dumped them in the back of the hack and went to the kids. He Spike, I mean, was talking all the way down about your father's old man. Is that the kid's old man with you? Yes. He is in pretty good shape now. Oh, gee, that's the nuts. That's what me is. Now, Louie, don't forget to bring in those packages when I call you. All right now, Mr. Grover, just lean on me. Still a little bit shaky. I know it. Now, watch the stem. I'm all right, thank you. You're fine now. All right, you go first. Merry Christmas, children. Daddy, how is the lady of the house?

[C]

Oh, just wonderful, now that you're here. Oh, Daddy and I make Christmas cookies too.

[B]

Fine, fine. And how about you, young man? How have you been behaving?

[C]

I've been getting along all right.

[B]

Where did you get that nasty welt across your cheek? You haven't been in the fight, have you, son?

[C]

Oh, I'll go. Oh, no, sir. It was only an accident.

[B]

Mr. Jordan, what are you doing here? I. I came to speak on a matter of business. I don't believe this is the occasion for a business discussion. Oh, I think it is. Mr. Grover, in going over the books tonight, I found that a great and terrible mistake has been made. The Grover Importing Company has been making more money than I thought. And over half is rightfully yours as partner in the company. Partner? Yes, part owner. And I hope you will find it within your heart to forget any misunderstandings we may have had and that you will take over the responsibilities of partnership immediately. Yes, as that's all I've got to say. Good night and Merry Christmas to you all.

[C]

Oh, how can such an awful old man say such beautiful things?

[B]

Well, we haven't time to talk about whether he's awful or not. We have things to do. Louie, you don't have to yell.

[C]

You don't have to yell.

[B]

I'm right here. I'm right here. I got all the stuff right with me. Good. Bring it right in.

[C]

Look, presents coming forward. Quiet, Jamie.

[B]

Of course they're not they are, Kingsley.

[C]

Oh, don't kid me, Mr. Crome. You're not getting furnished.

[B]

I don't know how I can ever repay you for what you, Ms. Lane and Mr. Cranston have done tonight. We've been more than repaid, I assure you. Louie, don't bring that in here. I didn't tell you where I wanted you to bring that in was my own idea. And I'm not even gonna have to sneeze.

[C]

Well, Lamont, you're a darling. Did you get that puppy?

[B]

Well, yes.

[C]

Gee, is that for us too? Why, all right. Of course, Spike. Mr. Cranston got that for you as a surprise.

[B]

Margot. Hear ye, hear ye. It's about time for all three of you. And that means you too, Mr. Grover, to sit down and open some packages. We've got to go. You ready? Margo? Where's Louie?

[C]

He went outside.

[B]

Merry Christmas to you all. And to you all. Good night. Margo. Earlier tonight we disagreed on our interpretation of charity. Silly, wasn't it?

[C]

I know what you mean, Lamar.

[B]

There should never be a thing called charity. There should never have been the necessity to create the world in this short span we call our lives. If each man would only realize that every other man has dreams and hopes this world wouldn't be a topsy turvy place. Then peace on earth would be a fact. Goodwill would be for every man. Is that you, Lloyd?

[C]

Yeah, yeah, Mr. Clancy. Have you got a cold?

[B]

A box of books. Box of books? But you brought that inside. Yeah, yeah. But this is another one.

[C]

Another one?

[B]

Yeah, another one. It's for you, Ms. Lane.

[C]

You mean it's another puppy? Yeah.

[B]

It's my own idea. You see, when I went by the pet shop and another pup's brother was in the window. So I went in, I pet him on the head. You know what he done, Mr. Cranston?

[C]

No.

[B]

He bit my finger. Oh.

[C]

He's a God.

[B]

So I had to go and get him from Ms. Lane. And I charged him to you. I did.

[C]

Aunt?

[B]

Yes, Margo?

[C]

I'd like to say something.

[B]

Certainly. What do you want?

[C]

To say Merry Christmas to everybody.

[B]

Thank you, Margot and Lamont. Today's program is based on a story copyrighted by the Shadow magazine. The characters names, places and plot are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. The Shadow Magazine is on sale at your local newsstand. The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.

[E]

Hello. I'm here during the lunch rush with Janice, who owns her own food truck.

[C]

Best cheesesteaks in town.

[E]

Janice traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for a food truck business. We're here where she needs us most.

[C]

They sure are.

[E]

We make it so easy for her to save with customized coverage that grows with her business. Sorry, I just get so emotional talking about saving folks money.

[C]

Not this onion I'm chopping.

[E]

It's just so beautiful.

[B]

Oh yeah.

[F]

Nice. The onion.

[B]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save.

[F]

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