Under Arrest 1948-08-01 (032) Spook of Sherwood Mansion

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Under Arrest" (1948-08-01) – Spook of Sherwood Mansion

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: January 21, 2026 (originally aired August 1, 1948)
Theme: Classic golden age radio crime drama. This episode features mysterious hauntings, a murder, and espionage, all centered around the supposedly haunted Sherwood Mansion.

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Main Theme & Purpose

"Under Arrest" dramatizes the story of Police Captain Jim Scott's fight against crime. In "Spook of Sherwood Mansion," what begins as a potential haunted house tale twists into a tale of murder, missing secrets, and international espionage. The episode blends suspense, humor, and classic detective work, offering listeners both intrigue and nostalgia from the golden age of radio storytelling.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The “Haunting” at Sherwood Mansion

• Janet Sherwood, left alone while her parents vacation, reports haunting noises and disturbances in her family's library.
• Susan Webb, a reporter (and Janet’s friend), stays overnight with her to investigate the supposed supernatural activity (04:15).
• Quote [Susan]: “Gee, I’m glad you’re here, Ms. Webb. Why don’t you call me Susan? … I just can’t believe I imagined all these things.” (04:18)

2. Turning Ghost Story into Crime Investigation

• Late at night, they hear strange noises and see a flashlight in the library (05:33+).
• The pair discover a corpse after hearing gunshots—the “ghost” was, in reality, an intruder seeking something in the house.
• Captain Jim Scott arrives and begins his investigation, now treating the case as a homicide rather than a haunting (07:13).

3. Forensics and Clues: Who Was the Ghost?

• The dead man had undergone extensive plastic surgery and had no fingerprints on record (08:08).
  • Quote [Scott]: “Yeah. Had his face lifted.” (08:14)
• A skeleton key is found, indicating the victim entered through a basement door, but another window had been jimmied indicating two intruders (07:31).

4. Missing Item: The Book

• Attention turns to a missing French book, "La Vie Invisible" ("The Unseen Guest") by Emile Bonnard, recently purchased by Janet from a secondhand shop run by Mr. Lerner (09:42).
• The book was notable for being present before the haunting began and is now missing (09:56).

5. Visit to the Bookshop

• Captain Scott, Susan, and Janet confront Mr. Lerner, attempting to determine if he is involved or hiding evidence (11:13).
• Lerner nervously denies having another copy of the book, but one is found and examined for fingerprints, revealing nothing (12:50+).
• Quote [Scott]: “Why should I use my left arm? … Let’s say I’m kind of curious about a bulge I see under your left arm. … That wouldn’t be a gun, would it?” (13:10)
• The group suspects the book was used to smuggle something valuable—a document or formula.

6. Theory Formation: Espionage Comes to Light

• Scott hypothesizes the book acted as a courier for sensitive information and that Lerner wanted Janet’s address not for marketing, but to retrieve the item later (16:33).
• They suspect Lerner slipped the item into the book when selling it to Janet, and the would-be “ghost” (the deceased) came to recover it, leading to murder (16:45).
• Quote [Scott]: “The only angle I see is that somebody slipped something into that book… And they must have done it between the time Lerner took it out of the window and the time he wrapped it up and handed it to her.” (16:09)
• Susan is tasked with writing a newspaper story to possibly bait the guilty party into revealing themselves (17:49).

7. The Trap is Set – Spies Revealed

• Paul Franklin, claiming to be a book collector, visits Susan at home and manipulates her into revealing Lerner’s contact info and shop address (19:03–21:29).
• Franklin confronts Lerner at his shop, demanding the secret "atom formula" hidden in the book, revealing both are rival spies (21:55+).
  • Quote [Franklin]: “My business is very simple. I am a thief. I steal all kinds of secrets—secrets about new materials of war…” (22:23)
• Lerner tries bargaining, but Franklin opts for violence, demanding the formula and intending murder (24:15).

8. Climax – Car Chase and Capture

• Susan, having followed Franklin, is taken hostage and forced to drive at gunpoint towards the airport (25:42).
• The police, led by Scott, set up a roadblock, resulting in Franklin’s capture after a tense and dangerous chase (27:00–27:18).
• Quote [Susan]: “I thought we’d both go through it when I slammed on those brakes.” (27:23)
• Lerner, before dying, confesses the whole story; the atom formula is recovered, and the case is closed (27:34–27:52).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Janet Sherwood (on the haunting): “If you heard the same things I hear and if you saw the same things I see… Would you spend the night at my house tonight?” (01:18)
• Captain Scott (on the supposed ghost): “All I know is there’s no evidence of robbery. Nothing’s been beat up or murdered. So what are we supposed to do? Sit up all night and hold Mr. Sherwood’s hand?” (03:43)
• Scott & Susan (on the found gun):
  • “That wouldn’t be a gun, would it?” (13:10)
  • “You are very observant, Captain. That is a gun.” (13:15)
• Paul Franklin (explaining espionage): “I steal all kinds of secrets… Then when I have stolen these secrets, I sell them to whoever will pay the most money.” (22:23)
• Susan (narrating the action): “I thought we’d both go through it when I slammed on those brakes. … Where did that roadblock come from?” (27:23)
• Captain Scott (on the case’s twist): “So my hunch was right.” (27:51)
• Closing banter:
  • Susan: “How did you pick up my trail? I couldn’t take my eyes off him long enough to phone you.”
  • Scott: “All I had to do was not take my eyes off you.” (28:02, 28:39)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:14] – Introduction of the central “haunting.”
• [04:15] – Susan and Janet’s overnight stakeout.
• [05:33] – Discovery of the intruder and gunshots.
• [07:13] – Captain Scott arrives—murder investigation begins.
• [08:08] – Evidence of plastic surgery and links to espionage.
• [09:42] – Discussion of the missing book as potential motive/category.
• [11:13] – Questioning of Lerner at the bookshop.
• [17:49] – Susan’s article as a trap for the real spy.
• [19:03] – Franklin manipulates Susan for Lerner’s location.
• [21:55] – Espionage confrontation in the bookshop.
• [25:42] – Franklin forces Susan to drive in attempted escape.
• [27:00–27:18] – Police intervention and Franklin’s capture.
• [27:34–27:52] – Resolution: confession, recovery of formula.

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Tone & Style

• Witty, smart, and classic detective flair—filled with banter between police and press, sharp repartee, and a blend of suspense and dry humor typical of golden age radio.
• Female agency is notable as Susan Webb is both proactive and courageous throughout.

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Conclusion

"Spook of Sherwood Mansion" is a standout mystery, moving from haunted house intrigue to international thriller. With sharp writing and engaging performances, the episode captures everything that made golden age radio memorable: atmospheric suspense, real stakes, and a web of secrets unraveled by wit and persistence.

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Transcript

[A]

I'm here on the job site with.

[B]

Dale, who's a framing contractor.

[C]

Hey.

[A]

Good morning. Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto.

[B]

Insurance for all his business vehicles.

[A]

We're here where he needs us most. Yep, they sure are.

[B]

We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs, all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line.

[A]

Oh, I shouldn't have looked down. It's all right.

[B]

We're so far up here.

[C]

Look at me.

[A]

Take a deep breath. I'm good. So good.

[C]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good to Geico Mutual presents Under Arrest.

[A]

Into your cell.

[C]

Criminals Behind Bars under arrest. The story of Police Captain Jim Scott's fight against crime.

[B]

Hello? Susan Webb? Speaking. Ms. Webb, this is Janice Sherwood. Oh, oh, yes, Ms. Sherwood. I feel a little foolish, but I'd like to ask you a favor. Do what I can. It's something I don't want to talk to the police about. They've been so kind and they're. They've really done everything. Has something new happened? I mean, has there been another ghost? It's the same one, I think. Oh, I know it sounds as though I'm imagining things, but if you heard the same things I hear and if you saw the same things I see. Well, what I mean is. Would you spend the night at my house tonight? Ms. Webb, I think you've got a very good idea there. In fact, I'd love to. Busy, Captain Scott?

[A]

Just a little, but come on in. How are you and the Times Herald coming with your haunted house?

[B]

So far I've been able to build it into one of those three day wonders. Is that bad?

[A]

I wish you luck, but I think the only thing that's haunted is your girlfriend's skull. I don't blame you. Makes a good story. Maybe you can sell it to the movies. What are you featuring on your typewriter today?

[B]

Nothing, except the ghost walked again last night. Shall I read it to you?

[A]

Sure. Shoot.

[B]

How do you like my headline? Spook of Sherwood Mansion defies housing Shortage.

[A]

Nice twist.

[B]

Thanks. Invisible intruder beats rent gouges again.

[A]

I like your angle.

[B]

Janet Sherwood, whose parents, Mr. And Mrs. Douglas C. Sherwood, are vacationing in Europe, reports second visitation from unseen spirit at old Sherwood Mansion on Madison Avenue. Disorder in library suggests literary leanings in supernatural snooper. But the police find nothing missing.

[A]

Mighty decent of you to mention us policemen, Ms. Webb. Mighty decent.

[B]

You think Janet Sherwood is just a crackpot, don't you?

[A]

I think she's a highly imaginative young lady who shouldn't live in that big barn of a house all by herself. She ought to take a room in the hotel till her father and mother get back.

[B]

You may be right, but I've got news for you.

[A]

What's that?

[B]

I'm spending the night with her tonight.

[A]

Well, I hope you have fun, but I'm afraid it'll be pretty dull.

[B]

You don't believe her story at all?

[A]

I think Ms. Sherwood reads too many ghost stories. Maybe she even walks in her sleep. I sent a couple of men over there and they couldn't find anything.

[B]

But how about the library? Didn't they see the way the books were all pulled out?

[A]

Maybe she pulled them out herself and forgot all about it. All I know is there's no evidence of robbery. Nothing's been beat up or murdered. So what are we supposed to do? Sit up all night and hold Mr. Sherwood's hand?

[B]

That's what I'm going to do tonight.

[A]

You'll do anything for a story, won't you?

[B]

One way of making a living.

[A]

All right. I'll tell the patrolman on the beat to keep an eye on the place.

[B]

Well, shall we put the lights out and pretend to go to sleep? I guess we'd better. Gee, I'm GLAD you're here, Ms. Webb. Why don't you call me Susan? Janet. Okay. You know, I just can't believe I imagined all these things. Well, let's see what happens. I'll switch off the light. Susan, listen. There's two. There it is again. Oh, I think I know what that is. It's just a plain, ordinary alley cat. I guess you're right. Oh, I wish they'd stop. So do I. Cats can sound so terribly human. But I'm sure it's just cats. They're quieting down now, thank goodness. Lets us be quiet, too, and see if our ghost shows up. You don't believe my story, do you? Of course I believe your story. I believe there's a sensible explanation. I don't believe in ghosts either. It's just that I'm sure I heard things and all those books were pulled down in the library and the police couldn't find anything. Well, if we hear anything tonight, maybe we can find out what it's all about. Oh, goodness, I'm sleepy. Be a fine thing if we both dozed off. I'm sleepy, too. Well, I'll keep pinching myself. Susan. Yes? Did you hear anything? I'm not sure. Listen. There. I'm sure I heard something that time. What'd it sound like? I don't know. It was like someone moving around down in the library. I guess the only thing to do is to go down and look. Should we call the police? We haven't much to go on. We might look pretty foolish. I guess you're right. Come on. We'll sneak down in the dark very quietly. There. What was that? I don't know. Look. Someone's using a flashlight. Yes, but they just turned it off. Listen to that. Oh, what should we do? Stop. Listen. Whoever it is, is gone. Where's the light switch? Right here. Susan. Lo. Good heavens. I wonder if he's dead. That's the doorbell. I'll get it. Who can it be? It's probably the police. Found the B.T. heard the shots. What do you make of it, Jim?

[A]

Well, what I make of it is I should have taken your haunted house more seriously.

[B]

You did all you could do. I don't blame you for thinking Janice Sherwood was a crackpot. I did myself, until it was too late.

[A]

We found out how the killer and his victim slipped by the patrolman.

[B]

How?

[A]

The service entrance is pretty dark, and it goes all the way through the next block.

[B]

How did they get into the house?

[A]

We found a skeleton key on the corpse that opened the basement door. Here's the funny thing. We also found that one of the basement windows had been jimmied. And we definitely know it hadn't been jimmied when we checked up before the murder.

[B]

What do you make of that?

[A]

Looks like the victim knew his way around and went in alone.

[B]

Then the victim was the ghost.

[A]

Yeah. The other guy must have followed him and didn't have a key and had to use the window.

[B]

Any ideas on motive?

[A]

No. It looks like our ghost was sort of spooky at that. Look at this.

[B]

What is it?

[A]

Report from the medical examiner.

[B]

Examination of deceased head reveals evidence of extensive plastic surgery. Plastic surgery?

[A]

Yeah. Had his face lifted.

[B]

What about his fingerprints?

[A]

Nothing on the records.

[B]

Well, that's funny. You'd think if he'd had his face lifted, he'd be hiding from somebody. And if he's hiding, he must have a police record.

[A]

Police isn't the only thing you hide from.

[B]

Well, what was he after? What was he looking for? There never was anything missing.

[A]

I think I'll have another talk with Janet Sherwood. You don't want to come along, do you?

[B]

What do you think.

[A]

Miss Sherwood? Are you absolutely certain there's nothing missing?

[B]

Well, I can't be absolutely sure. I've checked everything I can think of. Well, what about the library? That's where it happened. Does your father have a hidden wall safe back at the bookshelves or anything like that? Father has a wall safe, but it's upstairs.

[A]

What about the books? Are any of them especially valuable?

[B]

He has some first editions, but I've checked all those.

[A]

Are there any books missing? Any kind of books?

[B]

It's hard to be sure. There are so many books, I wouldn't know whether one of them is missing or not.

[A]

Yeah, like missing one neon sign on Broadway.

[B]

Wait a minute. There's one book I never thought of. I just this minute remembered it. What's the book? You remember it, Susan? I brought it home from the office last night. You. You were kidding me about it. You mean that book about the haunted house? Yes. I've been too nervous to read it ever since I started hearing these noises. I left it at the office, and then last night I brought it home.

[A]

Why did you decide to bring it home?

[B]

Well, all the people at the office read the newspaper stories about my haunted house. And? And when they saw a book about a haunted house on my desk, they accused me of making up the story.

[A]

Is it missing?

[B]

I don't know, but I'm sure I left it right on top of the desk in the library. Let's look. It's not there. Maybe you put it somewhere else. No, no, I'm positive that's where it was when you saw it. Don't you remember? Oh, yes. Yes, that's right.

[A]

What was the name of the book?

[B]

It was La Vite Envisible. It was translated from the French. The Unseen Guest by Emile Bonnard.

[A]

Oh. Oh, yeah. Is it your own book?

[B]

Yes. I just bought it a few days ago.

[A]

Before you heard the noises in the house, or after?

[B]

Just before.

[A]

How did you happen to buy a book like that?

[B]

I always liked ghost stories, and until this happened.

[A]

Where did you buy it?

[B]

I saw it in the window of a little secondhand bookshop.

[A]

What shop?

[B]

In a little place on 15th Street.

[A]

Had you ever been in there before?

[B]

No. That's why he asked me for my name and address. He said he'd put me on his mailing list.

[A]

Was that his idea or yours?

[B]

Well, it was his.

[A]

You say it was a little place. You mean it was really small?

[B]

Well, the shop was small, but it was packed with books.

[A]

Just one man run it?

[B]

Yes. He was a curious little man.

[A]

I'd like to meet him. Maybe you'll introduce me to him.

[B]

Why, sure. Anytime.

[A]

How about right now? Mr. Lerner, do you remember selling a book to this young lady? It Was about three days ago. I probably did. I'd like to do better than that. Can't you answer yes or no? But so many customers come into my shop.

[B]

Look, the book I bought was called the Unseen Guest by Emile Bonnard.

[A]

Ah, yes. I do remember selling a copy of that book.

[B]

Do you remember selling it to me?

[A]

Well, to tell you the truth, you ought to remember. You asked her for her name and address.

[C]

Ah, I remember her now.

[A]

Of course, you wanted a name and address for your mailing list. That is right. What do you send out to your mailing list, Mr. Lerner? Oh, little booklets. Announcements of different books we get. May I see one of these booklets you send out? Well, you see, they have not come from the printers yet. What's the name of the printer? I have not decided which printer I will use. In other words, you haven't even ordered the booklets? Not yet. How about the mailing list? Can I see that? It is not complete yet. How about letting me see it? As far as it goes, it is just a few scribbled notes here and there. I see.

[B]

May I ask Mr. Lerner a question?

[A]

Sure, Susan, go ahead.

[B]

Mr. Lerner, do you happen to have another copy of the book you sold Ms. Sherwood?

[A]

I'm afraid not. It is quite an old book and I don't get a copy of it very often.

[B]

What's that on that shelf up there?

[A]

Where?

[B]

There. Looks like the same title.

[A]

Well, let me see.

[B]

Oh, so it is.

[A]

I did not realize I had another copy. Anna, Donna, will you. Mr. Lerner? Yes. I can just about breach just for the fun of it. Let me see if you can reach it with your left arm. My left arm? But I am not left handed. Why should I use my left arm? Lets say I'm kind of curious about a bulge I see under your left arm. A bulge? Yes. There. That wouldn't be a gun, would it? You are very observing, Captain. That is a gun. I suppose you have a permit? Oh, yes. There have been several hold ups in this neighborhood and I applied for a gun permit. I see it certainly right here in this drawer there, Captain. Thanks. Okay. Mr. Lerner, I'm glad you have this permit.

[C]

Of course.

[A]

Otherwise I would not have the gun. Have a look at your gun, Mr. Lerner. Very well.

[C]

There.

[A]

Why are you so interested in my gap? I just wanted to see what kind of a bullet it shoots. It doesn't shoot the kind I'm interested in. May I ask what kind you are interested in? The kind you shoot ghosts with. Huh? You don't happen to have another gun, do you? Oh, no, no. Only this one. Okay, put it away. Now, let's see that book. I did not realize I had this copy. Wait a minute. Where's your wrapping paper? Wrapping paper?

[B]

Here it is, Jim.

[A]

Yeah. Here, put the book on this. You wish to buy? No, no, I'll just borrow it. I have a friend who'd like to read it. He's an expert. An expert on thumbprints. Well, I seem to have drawn another blank.

[B]

How do you mean, Jim?

[A]

That book. There was an outside chance I'd find Janet Sherwood's fingerprints on it. That would have meant it was the same one missing from her home. And that wouldn't look so good for our friend Lerner. But we didn't find her prints.

[B]

Why do you suppose he didn't want to admit he had another copy?

[A]

Maybe he's telling the truth. Maybe he forgot he had it.

[B]

Are you sure it isn't the book we're looking for?

[A]

How can you be sure? Could have wiped it clean. But then why would he put it back on the shelves and then deny he had it? My hunch is it's not the book. But I've also got another hunch.

[B]

What's the hunch?

[A]

I don't think the book itself is very valuable.

[B]

How do you mean?

[A]

I mean, there it was sitting right in Lerner's window. Anybody who wanted it could pick it up for the price of a secondhand book. But as soon as Ms. Sherwood buys it, the devil breaks loose and we end up with a murder.

[B]

Well, I see what you mean, but it doesn't ring any bell with me. I don't see the angle.

[A]

The only angle I see is that somebody slipped something into that book. A slip of paper or something. And they must have done it between the time Lerner took it out of the window and the time he wrapped it up and handed it to her.

[B]

Now I'm beginning to catch up. But who else was in the store?

[A]

Janet Sherwood says nobody. Ah.

[B]

That makes Mr. Lerner look slightly behind the eight ball.

[A]

Yeah. Doesn't get us anywhere because it's only a theory. You could probably work out six other theories just as good. But for now, I'll stick to this one.

[B]

And suppose you're right, Jim.

[A]

In that case, Mr. Lerner slipped something into the book because he wanted to get rid of it temporarily. And he took down Janet's name and address so he could get it back again.

[B]

But.

[A]

Somebody else wanted it too. And when they met in the library.

[B]

Lerner bumped him off but you examined Lerner's gun.

[A]

He could have had another one.

[B]

How did the other man know Janet had the book?

[A]

He didn't have to know she had it. All he had to do was to keep following Lerner. And Lerner led him right to the Sherwood library.

[B]

Then why was it the murdered man had the skeleton key?

[A]

Leonard could have planted it on him just to get rid of it.

[B]

How about fingerprints?

[A]

Was wiped clean. That's why I think it was planted. Otherwise, it would have had the victim's prints on it.

[B]

Well, it makes a picture. But as you say, it's all theory. Nothing to get your teeth into.

[A]

Yeah, but the beauty of it is, if it's right, it'll pay off and pay off fast. If it's wrong, I'm just a dumb cop.

[B]

But if it pays off, why do you think it'll pay off fast?

[A]

Because you're going to help me.

[B]

Me? How?

[A]

You're gonna write a big, exclusive feature story for your newspaper.

[B]

Tell me more.

[A]

You're gonna scoop the whole field on that little talk we had with Mr. Lerner. Only you're not gonna mention his name or address. All you're gonna say is a certain little man who runs a certain little bookshop sold a certain book and a certain character whose face was loaded with plastic surgery got bumped off. And here's these two. Look at these.

[B]

What are they?

[A]

Pictures of the victim before he had his face lifted.

[B]

Where'd you get them?

[A]

Had an artist working with our medical examiner reconstructing the face to show what it might have looked like before it was changed.

[B]

That's a smart idea.

[A]

Okay, go to it. And by the way.

[B]

What?

[A]

Be sure you put your name at the top of this story.

[B]

I always do, don't I?

[A]

Yeah, but you might forget. I wouldn't want that to happen on this one. This will probably be the most important byline you'll ever write.

[B]

What makes you think so?

[A]

I have an idea. Somebody's going to ask you for the name and address of the little bookshop. And if they do, you give it to them. But don't let him get out of your sight.

[B]

Yes?

[C]

You are Ms. Susan Webb?

[B]

Yes, I'm Ms. Webb.

[C]

I must apologize for calling at your apartment in the evening, but I did not think it wise to interrupt you at your office.

[B]

What's it about?

[C]

Actually, it's a personal matter. I would like to ask a favor. May I come in for just a moment?

[B]

Yes, come in.

[C]

Thank you so much. You are Ms. Susan Webb of the Times Herald, are you not?

[B]

Yes, that's where I work.

[C]

Oh, this is a lovely apartment.

[B]

Yes, it's very nice.

[C]

So high up, too.

[B]

It's cool in the summer.

[C]

Quite a view from the windows on a clear day.

[B]

It's a wonderful view.

[C]

It's a long way down to the street. Does it ever make you nervous to look down to the street?

[B]

Oh, no. I'm used to it.

[C]

Good for you. Well, this favor I would like.

[B]

How did you know where I live?

[C]

Oh, very simple. I had only to refer to the telephone book. Fortunately, you live alone. Otherwise your telephone might have been in your husband's name. You do live alone, don't you?

[B]

Oh, yes. All alone.

[C]

Well, I read your piece in the newspaper about the little bookshop. It was very interesting.

[B]

Thank you.

[C]

You see, I'm very interested in bookshops. I quite a few of them because I'm always collecting books, and I never know where I will find something I'm.

[B]

Looking for sort of a hobby.

[C]

Yes? I thought perhaps if you would give me the name and address of this shop you mentioned, I might find it an excellent place to look around.

[B]

I'll be glad to give it to you. It's run by Mr. Maxine Lerner at 103 East 15th Street.

[C]

Ah, write that down, Mr. Maxime.

[B]

Yes. 103 East 15th Street.

[C]

103 East 15th Street.

[B]

That's right.

[C]

Thank you very much. You don't happen to know Mr. Lerner's home address?

[B]

Yes, he lives over the shop. The shop is part of his house.

[C]

Splendid. I'm leaving town in the morning, and I might telephone him tonight about some books I'm trying to locate.

[B]

I have his telephone number.

[C]

That would be very kind.

[B]

Would you like to phone him now? You can use my phone.

[C]

Oh, I wouldn't think of troubling you. I'll just take down the number.

[B]

It's chestnut, 4607.

[C]

Chestnut, 4607.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

You've been most helpful, Ms. Webb.

[B]

Not at all, Mr. Franklin.

[C]

Paul Franklin.

[B]

I'm very glad I could help you, Mr. Franklin.

[C]

I'm most grateful.

[B]

Goodbye.

[C]

Goodbye, Ms. Web.

[A]

Who is there? Who is there?

[C]

Oh, I'll take your gun. You won't need it. Now go in and we'll close the door.

[A]

What is this?

[C]

You will go into a back room and then you will switch off the lights in the store. And don't try to be clever. Now, Mr. Lerner, I would like to have the formula.

[A]

What formula?

[C]

The new atom formula which you are hoping to sell for a great deal of money.

[A]

I do not know what you are talking about.

[C]

Come now, Mr. Lerner. Seems that you and I are in the same business.

[A]

I still do not know what you mean.

[C]

Just to show you I know what I am talking about, I'll tell you about my business. Then I'll tell you about yours. My business is very simple. I am a thief. I steal all kinds of secrets. Secrets about new materials of war. Secrets about new defenses and new weapons. Then when I have stolen these secrets, I sell them to whoever will pay me the most money. Does that sound anything like the business you are in, Mr. Lerner? I am in the business of selling books. I will refresh your recollection. A short time ago, there was a new and secret atom formula developed. And my partner and I tried to sell steal it. But someone got there ahead of us. Then my partner picked up the trail of this person who got there ahead of us. And I believe he would have succeeded in getting the formula, only this person murdered him in the library of someone named Sherwood. Does that sound familiar to you?

[A]

Why don't you tell that to the police? They would like to know who the murdered man was.

[C]

He was a famous international spy. But he became too famous. That's why he had his face lifted.

[A]

What does all this have to do with me?

[C]

He was my partner, but I didn't know what happened to him. Now I know.

[A]

Now you know what?

[C]

Thanks to the article I read in the paper, I know that you killed him. Because I think you are in the same business that I have.

[A]

It is not true.

[C]

You probably saw him watching you from outside your shop. And just then a young lady came in. So you slipped the formula inside the book. You sold her and took her name and addressed. Then my partner followed you. And when you recovered the formula, he tried to get it. You killed. Ah, that is a lot of nonsense. In that case, let's talk sense. I think you are in the business of stealing and selling secrets the same as I am. All right. Suppose we say you stole the atom secret. And suppose we say I will buy it from you.

[A]

You will buy it? I thought you said you tried to steal it. That is correct.

[C]

But since I couldn't steal it, I will have to buy it. It's a very good proposition for you, Mr. Lerner. The police are already suspicious of you. It would be very difficult for you to make contacts. But here I am with plenty of money, ready to do business. And there's another point.

[A]

What is that?

[C]

If you decide you don't want to do business with me, I may decide to Kill you.

[A]

Kill me? Why?

[C]

Because I've been too frank with you. Because now you know who I am, and I don't like that.

[A]

I see.

[C]

How much will you pay? $100,000.

[A]

In cash.

[C]

In cold American dollars. And I think since you haven't much choice, I'm being very fair. Show me the money. Show me the formula.

[A]

It is here in this book.

[C]

Your favorite hiding place. Let me see it.

[A]

It is the real thing. Yes. This is it. Now, the money.

[C]

I hate part with money, Mr. Learner.

[A]

You hate to part with money?

[C]

Yes. Money is so valuable, and bullets are so cheap.

[A]

Bullets?

[C]

Yes, bullets. You seem to be waiting for someone, Ms. Webb.

[B]

What if I am?

[C]

I think you followed me in your car. In that case, we will use your car instead of mine. And you can be the chauffeur. Step on it. This gun has several more bullets in it. I knew you would follow me, Miss Webb.

[B]

Did you?

[C]

That's. I came directly to the little shop. And since you were so afraid you might lose my trail you didn't stop to telephone Captain Scott.

[B]

Oh, no. Just so happens I phoned him while you were in the bookshop.

[C]

I think that is a lie. You were afraid to look for a public telephone for fear I might come out of the shop and get away.

[B]

What makes you so sure?

[C]

Common sense. Keep straight over 15th street and then down the drive to the tunnel.

[B]

Where are we headed for?

[C]

For the airport. Drive carefully, Miss Webb. We are almost there, Ms. Webb. But you were about to have an accident.

[B]

An accident?

[C]

Open the door on your side. You're about to fall out at 70 miles an hour.

[B]

Get your hands off that wheel or I'll drive us both into the nearest telephone.

[C]

I think I'm a little stronger than you are. You get your hands off. Either that or get a bullet.

[B]

I'll take the bullet. Let go.

[C]

There's something ahead.

[B]

A roadblock.

[C]

Turn the car around.

[B]

70 miles per hour.

[C]

Slow it up and turn around.

[A]

Wait.

[C]

Don't turn. There's someone behind us. Try to go through the roadblock.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Susan, grab him.

[A]

Jim and the boys will get him. He's out like a light. Must have conked himself on the windshield.

[B]

I thought we'd both go through it when I slammed on those branches.

[A]

You all right?

[B]

Yeah. I had a chance to get set for it. Where did that roadblock come from?

[A]

When I saw you head for the tunnel, I figured on the airport. So I got the guard at the toll station to phone ahead.

[B]

How did you pick up my trail? I never got a chance to phone you. You told me not to take my eyes off you.

[C]

That's right.

[A]

Captain Scott. Yes, Officer. We just called the detail we left in the bookshop. Lerner was still alive. Gave the whole story before he died. Told him this character we just picked up has a stone atom formula. Your Deep Adam formula. So my hunch was right.

[B]

Wow, wow and double wow. But you haven't answered my question.

[A]

What's that?

[B]

How did you pick up may trail? I couldn't take my eyes off him long enough to foam you.

[A]

So what? All I had to do was just not take my eyes off you.

[C]

Under arrest.

[A]

All prisoners present and accounted for.

[C]

You have just heard. Under Arrest. Presented by Mutual, a new series featuring Joe DeSantis as Police Captain Jim Scott. Under Arrest is directed by Martin Martiner and written by Thornton Leonard. Original music is composed and played by Milton Kaye. Susan Webb was played by Margaret Draper. Janet by Patricia Courtly Lerner by Guy Repp hall by Alan Hewitt. All names of persons used in Under Arrest are fictitious. Any resemblance to names of actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental. And now may I have a moment to tip you off to radio's most entertaining prize giving program, in which the prizes are large sums of good old United States currency. I'm referring to Three for the Money, which is presented by Mutual over many of these stations every Saturday night.

[A]

Here you have the music by Mark.

[C]

Warno, Mary Small, Russ Emery. A swell dancing party, one hour long. And while you enjoy this grand entertainment comes your chance to play a simple telephone game, the Three for the Money game everyone's talking about. It's easy to play, it's easy to win, and the cash prizes can run as high as $50,000.

[A]

For your chance to win big money.

[C]

Our advice is stay by your telephone Saturday night and stay tuned to a Mutual station for good luck, for good listening, for free, for the money. Ralph Paul speaking. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System. Stay with us for what makes you tick, which follows in a moment.