The Whistler 42-05-16 ep001 Retribution

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Whistler 42-05-16 ep001 Retribution"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: The Whistler 42-05-16 ep001 Retribution
• Release Date: January 6, 2025

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Introduction

"The Whistler" episode titled "Retribution" plunges listeners into a gripping tale of crime, guilt, and supernatural vengeance set against the backdrop of a small southern village. This summary encapsulates the key elements of the episode, highlighting pivotal scenes, character developments, and haunting revelations that culminate in a chilling conclusion.

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Plot Overview

1. The Trial of John Hendricks

The episode opens in the dismal courthouse of Marsdenberg, a lonely village enveloped by rain-soaked roads. John Hendricks stands on trial, accused of murdering his wife, Martha, and his stepson, Henry, to steal $10,000 she kept in cash. The prosecution paints Hendricks as a heartless thief whose sole motive was greed.

• Notable Quote:

  Martha Hendricks: "Money is not enough, John. Money is not enough. We want you, John." [00:52]

The prosecutor delivers a compelling argument, emphasizing the lack of evidence regarding a tramp being the murderer and firmly attributing the crime to Hendricks. The jury, influenced by the stark portrayal, convicts Hendricks of second-degree murder, sentencing him to life in the state penitentiary.

• Notable Quote:

  John Hendricks: "Tonight, CBS presents a new mystery series. The Whistler. And I. The Whistler know many things." [01:23]

2. Life in Penitentiary and the Escape Plan

Ten years into his incarceration, Hendricks reflects on his life behind bars. In cell block two, he shares a cell with Bill (1014), a reformed gangster who aspires to lead an honest life. However, Hendricks harbors a dark plan to escape and retrieve the hidden money from his past.

• Notable Quote:

  John Hendricks: "I got something waiting for me outside. Something I can enjoy. Something that belongs to me." [04:33]

Hendricks confides in Bill about his meticulously crafted escape strategy, dismissing any thoughts of religion as ineffective means of liberation. Bill, though skeptical, warns Hendricks of the inevitable consequences should he attempt the breakout.

3. The Mysterious Encounter on the Road

As Hendricks continues his life sentence, he unexpectedly crosses paths with George and Joan Kimball, a young couple experiencing motor trouble on a stormy night. Hendricks offers them refuge at his deserted mansion, weaving a narrative that the house is open despite its abandoned state.

• Notable Quote:

  John Hendricks: "We must have some light. You want us to stay here, don't you?" [16:37]

Despite George's instincts urging caution, the couple steps into the eerie mansion, where unsettling occurrences begin to unfold. The absence of lights, the mysterious movements of objects, and the inexplicable presence of the Kimballs raise suspicions about the true nature of Hendricks' refuge.

4. Unveiling the Past and Supernatural Retribution

As the night deepens, the truth about Hendricks' past emerges. The mansion, deserted for a decade, becomes the stage for a supernatural reckoning. Hendricks attempts to retrieve the hidden money but is confronted by apparitions of Martha and Henry, the very victims he thought he had left behind.

• Notable Quote:

  Martha Hendricks: "Give us the money. You won't need it now. Come, son. We must have the money and we must take John." [23:07]

The spectral figures demand retribution, revealing that Hendricks cannot escape the consequences of his heinous acts. In a climactic confrontation, shots are fired, leading to the demise of both Hendricks and the Kimballs, as the house enforces its eerie justice.

5. The Whistler's Revelation

In the denouement, the Whistler ties the mysterious events back to the real-world trial of John Hendricks. It is revealed that Hendricks was not merely an ordinary murderer but was manipulated by his cellmate, Bill, to commit the crimes for monetary gain. The Whistler suggests that the supernatural elements were orchestrated to scare Hendricks into abandoning his plan.

• Notable Quote:

  John Hendricks: "If this came upon you unaware and you listened, we've served our purpose." [28:00]

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Character Analysis

• John Hendricks: A complex character driven by greed and desperation, Hendricks embodies the archetype of a man whose moral compass is shattered by the allure of easy money. His calculated nature and ability to concoct escape plans highlight his manipulative tendencies.

• Martha Hendricks: Initially portrayed as a victim, Martha’s character transcends her role as a murdered wife. Her spirit's demand for justice underscores themes of guilt and the inescapable nature of one's actions.

• Henry Hendricks: The innocent son, whose simplicity contrasts starkly with his father's duplicity, serves as a symbol of the collateral damage wrought by Hendricks' actions.

• Bill (1014): The reformed cellmate whose past as a gangster and subsequent transformation introduces a nuanced perspective on redemption and influence within the prison system.

• George and Joan Kimball: Representing the unsuspecting victims, their entanglement with Hendricks serves as a catalyst for the supernatural events that follow, highlighting themes of fate and inevitability.

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Themes and Insights

• Retribution and Guilt: The episode delves deep into the psychological torment of Hendricks, illustrating how guilt manifests as both internal conflict and external retribution.

• Supernatural Justice: The spectral apparitions of Martha and Henry symbolize an otherworldly form of justice, asserting that moral transgressions cannot be easily escaped.

• Manipulation and Consequences: Through the revelation of Bill's involvement, the story emphasizes how one's environment and associations can lead to irrevocable choices and their dire consequences.

• Isolation and Paranoia: The secluded setting of Marsdenberg amplifies the tension, fostering an atmosphere of suspense and fear, which is intricately tied to Hendricks' unraveling psyche.

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Conclusion

"The Whistler: Retribution" masterfully blends elements of crime, drama, and the supernatural to weave a tale that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Through its intricate plot and well-developed characters, the episode explores the depths of human morality, the inevitability of justice, and the haunting remnants of past sins. The inclusion of notable quotes at pivotal moments enhances the narrative's impact, drawing listeners deeper into the enigmatic world of Marsdenberg and the inexorable judgment of The Whistler.

Listeners unfamiliar with the episode will find this summary a comprehensive guide to the story's essence, themes, and dramatic arcs, encapsulating the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere that defines "The Whistler: Retribution."

Transcript

[Narrator]

How do you make an Airbnb? A vrbo Picture a vacation rental with a host who's showing you every room like you've never seen a house before. Now get rid of them. There you go. No host ever. Now it's a vrbo. Make it a VRBO.

[John Hendricks]

Wait a minute. Have you heard the Whistler? I'm the Whistler. No. No. No.

[Judge]

Don't come near me.

[John Hendricks]

I didn't plan to kill you. No. That was John Hendricks. He waited. Waited for a chance to sell his soul to the devil.

[Martha Hendricks]

Money is not enough, John. Money is not enough. We want you, John. We want you.

[John Hendricks]

That was his wife, Martha, the former widow M. Yes, mother, yes. And her simple minded son, Henry.

[Martha Hendricks]

Go ahead, son. Go ahead. We must have John Hendrick.

[John Hendricks]

Yes, mother.

[Martha Hendricks]

Yes, Mother. Yes, Mother.

[John Hendricks]

Tonight, CBS presents a new mystery series. The Whistler. And I. The Whistler know many things. For I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. And so I tell you tonight the strange story of retribution. Gaze up this muddy, rain splattered road. A small, lonely stone building appears against the lightened streak of sky. The dismal courthouse of a southern village. The village of Marsdenberg. It is nearly midnight. A trial is in progress. A murder trial. John Hendricks is on trial for his life. The state versus Henry killed his wife and stepson. He killed his wife and her simple minded son Henry. For the 10,000 in cash she kept in her big house on the outskirts of town. Open the door. There he stands, John Hendrix. A huge silent man of 50 large bony hands. Close the door. Well, what do you think? Does he look like a murderer? The prosecutor is closing his argument.

[Martha Hendricks]

Ladies and gentlemen, it has been proven.

[John Hendricks]

That Mrs. Hendricks had no current bank account. It has been proven that she did have a large sum of money which she kept on her estate. John Hendricks knew this money and attempted to steal it. Was caught in the act and killed them both in order to cover up the theft. It was not a tramp who killed that old gray haired lady and her simple son. There was only one intruder. One thief. One murderer. And there he sits, ladies and gentlemen. There he sits in all his guilt. A vicious killer. A murderer. There is only one decision for you to make. There is only one penalty that can erase from this countryside the stigma of this fiendish crime. One penalty for this axe murderer, John Hendricks. And that penalty is death. State rests.

[Judge]

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict? Have you reached a verdict?

[John Hendricks]

Your honor, we. We, the jury, due to lack of more complete evidence, find the defendant guilty of murder in the second degree, second degree, cheated death. You'll get life. Surprise. Of course you are. But it had to be. Yes, it had to be. I know.

[Judge]

John Hendrick, stand up.

[John Hendricks]

Yes, John, stand up. Face the car. Watch him. Now. He's on the speaker.

[Judge]

John Hendricks, I wish to state that I am not in accord with the findings of this jury. However, there's nothing for me to do but sentence you to the state penitentiary for the remainder of your natural life.

[John Hendricks]

Know where you are now? Recognize that huge, sprawling stone structure with the high walls around it. State penitentiary. How much later? Ten years. John Hendricks is in there. He has a number now. It is 1013. Hey, let's go. Through the gates, up the steps, down the corridor. Here we are in cell block two. Night again. Just pairing me. This has been going on for 10 years for John Hendricks, 1013, and his cellmate, Bill 1014. Bill 1014 is a gangster, or rather he was. But he's changed during the five years he's been here. Bill has decided to go straight if he ever gets out, which is very doubtful. But he holds no resentment, has become more or less happy. Bill started reading here, philosophy and so forth. News change. But what about John Hendricks? Oh, no, not Hendrix. Because he has a plan. He has a purpose. Move closer to the cell door and listen. All I got to say be leaves. I think you're crazy enough to make me try. With me, that's a matter of opinion, John. But it'll be simple. I got everything all set.

[Martha Hendricks]

It's all fixed.

[John Hendricks]

Not a chance of a slip up.

[Judge]

All fixed?

[John Hendricks]

Who will? Well, a friend of mine. I see. Crooked guard? No, he ain't a guard. Don't tell me you got it fixed with a warden. What difference does it make who it is? So long as the whole thing is set and fixed? You got to have some help inside or out. I think you're nuts. Stir crazy. I'm getting out of this place. I got a reason, A good reason. I got something waiting for me outside. Something I can enjoy. Something that belongs to me. I'm the only one that knows where it is. And I'm going out. You're in here for a good long time, Vivin. If you don't want to go with me, you can stay and rot. Look, Hendricks, I still think you're nuts. All right, what of it? I got the right doping, eh? And it'll work. Suppose it does. Suppose you find this money hidden away on the old lady's estate. What good will it do you? You killed her and her son together, didn't you? That's a lie. I didn't. Didn't kill anybody. I say you did. It ain't true, not a word of it. But I know where the money is. Okay, you can break out. You can have the money.

[Judge]

But.

[John Hendricks]

Well, I've done a lot of reading and thinking since I've been here. Ah, you're gonna sorry. Maybe so. But I know this much now. If I ever do get out, I'll do things a lot different. Believe me, Hendricks, I'll tread the straight now. I've done a lot of things that I'm sure sorry for. Now. I can't undo them, but I won't do them again. No, sir. I'll do things different. Not the way I did them before. You just got religion. But it won't get you out. Maybe not, but I'm resigned. I got exactly what's coming to me. And believe me, Hendrix, so will you. So will you. If you break out, they'll have you back one way or another. You watch and see. Well, I'm going, so you watch and see. Watch and see. Now. Another storm. Another night. A lonely country road. A car. We're in the south. That village we passed a few miles back, that silent sleeping village was Marsdenburg. Yes, Marsdenburg. Remember that small, lonely stone building was the courthouse. The courthouse where John Hendrix was tried and convicted. We're on the outskirts now on a lonely road. A young man is driving the old car and there's a girl besides. Side motor trouble there, just ahead of light. Yes, it's a little crossroad store. Police.

[George Kimball]

There's a light, but I don't see anybody. Oh, it's closed. We better drive on.

[John Hendricks]

I guess you're right.

[Judge]

Evening, folks.

[John Hendricks]

What's your trouble? We're having motor trouble. Is that. How do you doing driving around on a night like this?

[George Kimball]

On our way west. Mister, is there an inn or something around here where we can stay for the night?

[John Hendricks]

An inn? Yes, there's a place about eight miles up the road. They'll probably put you up. There's a sign on the left hand side of the road. Can't miss it. This road's pretty bad when it rains. Gotta be careful or you'll find yourself walking. Thanks, we'll try. Good night.

[George Kimball]

Good luck, mister.

[John Hendricks]

You'll need the luck. The storm is increasing now. The muddy road sparkles in the flashes of lightning. The tall Dark trees sway back and forth in the fury of the storm like moaning lost souls. The little car lurches and bounces in its fight to keep the center of the high. Two miles. Three miles. Four, maybe five. And look, there it is. Straight ahead on the right side of the road, a blue light. Ah, yes, that's it. Wait, George. Did the old man say on the right side or the left side of the road?

[George Kimball]

George, what's wrong?

[John Hendricks]

I don't know. The distributor must have gotten wet.

[George Kimball]

Look, George. Why, that blue light we saw, it's gone. Where is it?

[John Hendricks]

We must have passed it.

[George Kimball]

We couldn't have. I was looking right at it. It seemed as though it just disappeared in the thin air.

[John Hendricks]

I'd better turn in here. This motor won't last much longer. I can't see a thing, can you?

[George Kimball]

It's certainly a desolate looking place. There must be a house back in there. There it is. Look. There's a driveway 20ft ahead.

[John Hendricks]

Oh, yeah. This motor's about to conk out. We better drive in and see what we can find. Yes, drive in, George. You'll find something. That's right. Through the gate. Make the curve. Hurry. There goes a motor. A little more now.

[George Kimball]

Oh, we just made it. Thank heaven.

[John Hendricks]

Yes, that's right. Always thank heaven at a time like this. All right, get out and go up on the pole. Let me help you.

[George Kimball]

I'm all right. What do we do with the bag?

[John Hendricks]

We'll leave them here in the car till we find out if there's anyone here. Come on.

[George Kimball]

You see a bell?

[John Hendricks]

No. That's your thing. See? This place looks completely deserted. I don't think anyone lives here.

[George Kimball]

I don't either. Let's go.

[John Hendricks]

You're listening to the Whistler. We pause momentarily for station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[George Kimball]

George, let. Don't knock. I don't like this place. Let's go on.

[John Hendricks]

How? With a dead motor? Where could we go? I'll knock.

[George Kimball]

Well, all right.

[John Hendricks]

Ah, that's right. Not, George, not. Go ahead. Louder. Again. We've got to have shelter.

[George Kimball]

Yes, we. We can't stay in that car any longer, can we?

[John Hendricks]

No, afraid not. Here it comes Now. You're on your own, George. On your.

[George Kimball]

There is someone.

[Martha Hendricks]

Yes?

[John Hendricks]

Oh, good evening.

[Martha Hendricks]

What is it?

[John Hendricks]

Well, I. You see, our car.

[George Kimball]

Yes? Our car stalled and we can't go any farther.

[John Hendricks]

And it's such a terrible night out. But we thought we could stop here for the evening.

[Martha Hendricks]

Stop here?

[George Kimball]

Why, yes, we. We saw your light and.

[Martha Hendricks]

Light? What light?

[John Hendricks]

Why. Why, the little Neon out in front.

[Martha Hendricks]

There is no light.

[John Hendricks]

Well, have you a room?

[Martha Hendricks]

Yes, there is a room.

[John Hendricks]

Well, could we come in? I mean, it's awfully wet out here.

[Martha Hendricks]

You may come in if you wish.

[George Kimball]

Oh, thank you.

[John Hendricks]

Well, this is quite a relief. We were afraid you'd close up for the night, especially when all the lights were out.

[Martha Hendricks]

Are the lights out?

[John Hendricks]

Yes. You see? Huh?

[George Kimball]

Of course the lights are out.

[Martha Hendricks]

Oh, I didn't know.

[George Kimball]

You do take tours.

[Martha Hendricks]

Do we?

[John Hendricks]

Why, yes. That's what they told us.

[Martha Hendricks]

Who told you?

[George Kimball]

Well, the man. The old man at the little store back at the crossroads.

[Martha Hendricks]

Little store?

[John Hendricks]

Yes, at the crossroads, about five miles back. You know where the crossroad is?

[Martha Hendricks]

There is no store at the crossroads.

[John Hendricks]

There isn't?

[Martha Hendricks]

No.

[John Hendricks]

I see. Look, madam, would you mind turning on the lights? I can't see a thing.

[Martha Hendricks]

We have no lights here.

[George Kimball]

No light.

[John Hendricks]

Give me a flashlight. Gemma. She means there's no electricity.

[Martha Hendricks]

No, there is no light here.

[George Kimball]

Throw the flash around. There must be a lamp.

[Martha Hendricks]

No, don't make a light. We see well in the dark.

[George Kimball]

We? Who's we?

[Narrator]

How do you make an Airbnb a VRBO picture, A vacation rental with a host who's showing you every room like you've never seen a house before. Now get rid of them. There you go. No host ever. Now it's a vrbo. Make it a vrbo. How do you make an Airbnb a VRBO picture? A vacation rental. Now imagine that every time you stay there, you earn rewards towards your next trip. Congrats. Now you're in a vrbo. Make it a verbo. One key. Cash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels,.com and Vrbo.

[George Kimball]

Is there someone else in the house?

[Martha Hendricks]

My son.

[John Hendricks]

Oh, he's gone to bed.

[Martha Hendricks]

No, he is standing beside you.

[George Kimball]

Beside who?

[Martha Hendricks]

You son.

[John Hendricks]

Yes. My.

[George Kimball]

Oh, gee.

[John Hendricks]

Give me that last life.

[George Kimball]

Got it. You've got it.

[John Hendricks]

Oh, yeah. How long have you been standing there, bub? Since you came in. I didn't see you. You make a noise like a spook.

[Martha Hendricks]

Who are you? What is your name?

[John Hendricks]

George Kimball. This is my wife, Joan. We're on our way west with travelers.

[Martha Hendricks]

Travelers?

[John Hendricks]

So are we.

[George Kimball]

What?

[Martha Hendricks]

Quiet, son, quiet.

[John Hendricks]

No, let him talk. He's quiet enough.

[George Kimball]

Um, how long have you folks been living here?

[Martha Hendricks]

We lived here all our lives.

[John Hendricks]

How about closing the door?

[Martha Hendricks]

Is the door open?

[John Hendricks]

Why, of course it's open. What? George, Take it easy, Joan. Don't get excited. Look, madam, there's a candle on that table. Over there for the fireplace.

[Martha Hendricks]

Is there?

[John Hendricks]

Yes, and if you don't mind, I'm going to light her.

[Martha Hendricks]

Please don't.

[John Hendricks]

Wait a minute. If you want us to stay here, we insist that we have some light. You want us to stay here, don't you?

[Martha Hendricks]

Do we? Do we, son? Yes, Mother.

[George Kimball]

What are you looking at me for?

[John Hendricks]

Yes, Mother.

[Martha Hendricks]

Without light.

[John Hendricks]

Yes, Mother.

[George Kimball]

George, let's go. I don't want to stay here tonight. This place doesn't look good to me.

[Martha Hendricks]

There's been no good here for many years.

[George Kimball]

See what I mean, George?

[John Hendricks]

I don't get it. You don't seem to want us, yet your son does. How? Do you make any money that way?

[Martha Hendricks]

We don't make money.

[John Hendricks]

You don't? You mean you haven't had any guests lately?

[Martha Hendricks]

No, not for many years.

[John Hendricks]

Well, you can't expect any if you act like this.

[Martha Hendricks]

But we do expect, don't we, sir?

[John Hendricks]

Yes, brother. Well, he certainly has a surprise coming.

[Judge]

Yes, he has.

[John Hendricks]

How many rooms have you?

[Martha Hendricks]

There are many rooms, but only one.

[John Hendricks]

Only one? That doesn't make sense.

[Martha Hendricks]

What do you mean, only one? For guests.

[John Hendricks]

You mean only one equipped? Yes. And if you've got a reserve for this guest you expect. What are we going to do?

[Martha Hendricks]

There is an inn farther along the road. They have rooms. They will take care of you. It will be best for us.

[John Hendricks]

Our distributor got wet, so our car won't run.

[Martha Hendricks]

Where is your car?

[John Hendricks]

Right there, at the foot of the steps.

[Martha Hendricks]

I see no car.

[John Hendricks]

You don't? Why, it's standing right. George.

[George Kimball]

George. Where is it?

[John Hendricks]

It's gone. Holy smoke, it is gone. Where? How? Why? Didn't you hear a sound? Must have ruled ahead.

[George Kimball]

Throw your light around.

[John Hendricks]

Not a sign of it. Say, what goes on here, son?

[Martha Hendricks]

Yes, Mother. You move the car.

[John Hendricks]

Yes, Mother.

[Martha Hendricks]

I understand, son. I understand.

[John Hendricks]

Wait a minute. Your son moved it. How could he? The motor won't even run. And even if it would, we didn't hear a sound. No sound? How did you move it? I. I don't know. That's a fun thing. Here we are in a place where they don't want us in the way of leaving. Well, you've got us on your hands now. You'll have to make the best of it.

[George Kimball]

No, George, no. We'll leave.

[John Hendricks]

Nonsense. This is all silly. Come on, let's have some light and cut out the monkey positions. Wait, son.

[Martha Hendricks]

What have we decided? Yes, Mother, we decided.

[Judge]

Yes.

[Martha Hendricks]

Very well. If you wish. If you wish, you may stay. Stay Until.

[George Kimball]

Until when?

[John Hendricks]

All night?

[Martha Hendricks]

Yes, Mother, if you wish.

[John Hendricks]

That's flattered. That's more like it. Now I'll light this candle. There we are.

[George Kimball]

George. No.

[John Hendricks]

Well, look at the dust and the cobwebs. This place looks deserted, like an old cellar. Well, how about the room? Do we get it or the guests are expecting it.

[Martha Hendricks]

There is another room. That will do. Perhaps.

[George Kimball]

Could we see you?

[John Hendricks]

Yes. And by the way, how much do you charge?

[Martha Hendricks]

We charge nothing.

[George Kimball]

You charge nothing?

[Martha Hendricks]

Nothing.

[John Hendricks]

Sounds silly, but it's bright for us. We're running short anyway. Well, let's see the room.

[Martha Hendricks]

Very well. It is upstairs.

[John Hendricks]

After you, madam.

[Martha Hendricks]

No, you go first.

[John Hendricks]

All right. Well, come on. Jo, bring that other candle.

[Martha Hendricks]

Come, time. Follow me.

[John Hendricks]

Yes, Melvin.

[George Kimball]

I never saw so much dust.

[John Hendricks]

Well, they must like it. You know, nice clean dust.

[Martha Hendricks]

That room at the head of the stairs.

[John Hendricks]

Why, this room was well furnished. Is this the room reserved for your expected guest?

[Martha Hendricks]

No.

[John Hendricks]

But you said you had only one room. Furnished. Who sleeps here?

[Martha Hendricks]

I stay here now.

[John Hendricks]

I see. Or do I?

[George Kimball]

It was a nice soft bed.

[Martha Hendricks]

It was always comfortable. We'll leave you now. Come, son. We must leave them alone now.

[John Hendricks]

Yes, mother.

[Martha Hendricks]

Leave him alone. Good night.

[George Kimball]

Good night.

[Martha Hendricks]

You will lock your door?

[George Kimball]

Oh, oh, yes, yes, we'll lock.

[Martha Hendricks]

Goodbye.

[John Hendricks]

Sunny. Did she say good night or goodbye?

[George Kimball]

I don't know. I thought she said. She did say goodbye.

[John Hendricks]

Golly, what a squirrely outfit. I wish we hadn't had car trouble. That's what we get for trying to drive in the storm.

[George Kimball]

How much money have we left?

[John Hendricks]

Not much. Just enough to get to Los Angeles. The way I figure, once I get there, I know there'll be a job for me. We'll make it. Don't worry. You'll see me in a nice job in Hollywood.

[George Kimball]

I'm not worried about seeing you in Hollywood.

[John Hendricks]

No? No.

[George Kimball]

I'm just worried about seeing you in the morning.

[John Hendricks]

The same night, but later. It's midnight. Another car on the same road. You know who it is. It's John Hendricks. You know where he's going? He turns in at our deserted mansion, up the driveway and stops. He steps out, slips up the steps, opens the door and throws his flash about the dusty room. Cobwebs glisten in the beam. Few moments and the light comes to rest on the fireplace. He steps quickly to the mantle, draws a small hammer and chisel from his pocket and sets to work removing a brick. Ah, now he's finished. The brick is loose. He reaches in and withdraws a heavy yellow envelope. He starts to put it in his pocket, but suddenly freezes in his tracks. He can't move. He turns icy cold. Turn around, Hendricks. Turn around. Look. At the foot of the stairs, across the room, stands a woman holding a candle. And beside her, a grinning youth holding an axe. Turn around, Hendricks.

[Judge]

Look at their heads, covered with blood.

[John Hendricks]

Turn around. John Hendrix. Murderer. John Hendrix.

[George Kimball]

Steve.

[John Hendricks]

Martha.

[Martha Hendricks]

Yes, John? Henry. Yes, John?

[John Hendricks]

No. No.

[Martha Hendricks]

We've come for your, John. The same way you came for us. We've been waiting for you, John. We knew you'd come back for the money. We've been waiting. We've come to take you, John.

[John Hendricks]

No. No, please. Don't come near me. Please.

[Martha Hendricks]

You must suffer, John, as we have suffered.

[John Hendricks]

I have suffered. I have suffered.

[Martha Hendricks]

Not enough, John. Not enough.

[John Hendricks]

I didn't mean to do it. I didn't plan to kill you.

[Judge]

I went mad.

[John Hendricks]

Lost my head. No. No. Don't come near me. You can have the money. You can have it.

[Martha Hendricks]

Then give it to us, John. Give us the money. You won't need it now. Come, son. We must have the money and we must take John. Come, son.

[John Hendricks]

Come. No. No. There. There's the money on the floor.

[Martha Hendricks]

Money is not enough, John. Money is not enough. Go ahead, son. Go ahead. We must have John Hendricks. Thief. Murderer.

[Judge]

Yes, Mother.

[Martha Hendricks]

Yes, Mother.

[John Hendricks]

Yes, Mother. Bullets.

[Martha Hendricks]

You won't stop us.

[George Kimball]

Good Lord, George. What was that?

[John Hendricks]

I heard a scream downstairs.

[George Kimball]

So did I. And shots.

[John Hendricks]

I'll open the door. Must have been downstairs. I don't see a thing.

[George Kimball]

Here's your flashlight.

[John Hendricks]

Great Scott. Look, a man down there on the floor. Come on. He's dead.

[George Kimball]

Look at the gun.

[John Hendricks]

It's been fired, but I don't see a mark on him.

[George Kimball]

Let's get out of here.

[John Hendricks]

I'll say.

[George Kimball]

Come on.

[Judge]

How you doing? And where you are?

[John Hendricks]

John Crops.

[Judge]

What's going on here? Hand over that gun. Thanks. What are you doing here?

[George Kimball]

We're stopping here. That is, we're just leaving.

[Judge]

I can see that. Know this man on the floor?

[George Kimball]

Know him? Yes, yes.

[John Hendricks]

Joan. What's the matter with you? No, no.

[George Kimball]

No, we don't.

[Judge]

Thank you. Frank. Yes, sir. What are you two doing here?

[John Hendricks]

Why, we. We're guests.

[George Kimball]

Yes, we're both guests.

[Judge]

Guests? Whose guests?

[John Hendricks]

Why, guests, lodges, tourists. Guests of the old lady.

[Judge]

What old lady?

[John Hendricks]

The old lady that lives here. The old lady and her son.

[Judge]

You'll have to cook up a better one than that.

[George Kimball]

What do you mean?

[Judge]

Drive here. Where's your car?

[John Hendricks]

The son took it.

[Judge]

Son? Old lady? What are you talking about?

[John Hendricks]

They live here. They said they owned this place. We had motor trouble and they put us up With a night.

[Judge]

What about him, Frank?

[John Hendricks]

Well, he isn't dead, breathing. Looks like he had a stroke or something. Tim.

[Judge]

All right, John Hendricks, take a look around, see if there's anyone else here. Yes, sir. What's your name?

[John Hendricks]

George Kimball. This is my wife. We're on our way to California. Do you know who this man is?

[Judge]

Certainly. We've been on his trail. He's an escaped country miss. Your gun?

[John Hendricks]

No, sir.

[Judge]

Did he shoot at you?

[John Hendricks]

No, sir.

[Judge]

You shoot at him? This gun's been fired and we heard shots as we turned in the driveway.

[John Hendricks]

Not a sight of anyone, sir. Nothing but dust and cobweb.

[Judge]

Look, Campbell, you said there was an old lady and her son here?

[John Hendricks]

Sure. They were here all evening.

[Judge]

They're not here now.

[John Hendricks]

Well, they let us in and showed us to our room. They certainly were here.

[Judge]

What did the old lady look like?

[John Hendricks]

Well, she had gray hair, wore a house dress and an apron.

[Judge]

What did the boy look like?

[John Hendricks]

He was a big kid of 20. Had a round, rosy face. And I think. In fact, I know he was kind of simple minded. He had a strange laugh and he. He had red hair.

[Judge]

Well, I'll be darned. What do you think of that, Frank? Golly, isn't he the creeps?

[John Hendricks]

Why so?

[Judge]

Do you know who you've just described?

[John Hendricks]

No.

[Judge]

The old lady and her son who used to live here.

[John Hendricks]

Used to live here?

[Judge]

Yeah. They were murdered here 10 years ago.

[George Kimball]

What?

[John Hendricks]

Murdered?

[Judge]

Sure. This man on the floor was her husband, the boy's stepfather. He was tried for killing them with an axe and stealing her money and bonds. He got off at second degree because of lack of evidence. He escaped a week ago and headed this way. We've been on his trail ever since he entered this county. So you see, Kimball, if there was anybody else here tonight, it must have been a figment of your imagination. This house has been deserted for 10 years.

[George Kimball]

Oh, George.

[John Hendricks]

Good Lord. Look. Sergeant. Found this envelope on the back doorstep. It's the money.

[Judge]

Well, what do you know? The money and the bonds. Old Martha Hendricks money. That's why Hendrix came here.

[John Hendricks]

But. But. But where did they go, the old lady?

[Judge]

No place, because they weren't here. Kimball. Well, better to get them out of here and back to headquarters.

[John Hendricks]

Now, wait a minute. Leave us.

[Judge]

We won't. You're coming along, too.

[John Hendricks]

Why?

[Judge]

We need you for a day or two. All right, let's get going. Frank. Come on.

[John Hendricks]

But where? Where did they go? We saw them. I know they were here.

[Judge]

Well, you certainly described them to a T. But don't worry too much about it. You know, things like this can drive you nuts. You know what I mean? Things like this. Well, things like this sometimes just. Just happened. You know what I mean?

[John Hendricks]

No.

[Judge]

Well. Oh, come on, let's go before I get the heebie jeebies.

[John Hendricks]

What did he say? Things like this just sometimes happen. Just happen. Well, sometimes they do and can't be explained. But not this time. Oh, no, not this time. This can be explained. Remember John Hendricks cellmate, Bill? Bill, number 1014? He can explain. He knows all about it because he planned it. Bill wanted the money. He'd learned all the dope from Hendrix. He sent his pals, the phony spooks made up like the old lady and her son, to grab the money. When Hendricks recovered it, too bad they dropped it in their hurry to get away. Bill didn't want to hurt John. He wanted to scare him out of it. Remember, Bill, 1014 had changed. He said he'd never do things the way he'd done them before. And he didn't. Bill meant what he said. Good night. If this came upon you unaware and you listened, we've served our purpose. The Whistler with original music composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch, is written and directed by J. Donald Wilson and originates from Columbia Square in Hollywood. Next week, same time, the Whistler returns. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator]

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