Whistler 42-09-05 ep017 House of Greed

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: "House of Greed" Summary

Episode Details:

• Title: Whistler 42-09-05 ep017 House of Greed
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: June 9, 2025
• Description: A gripping tale from the Golden Age of Radio, "House of Greed" delves into family secrets, betrayal, and revenge, embodying the suspenseful storytelling that captivated families before the advent of television.

---

Introduction

"House of Greed" opens with the ominous voice of The Whistler, setting the stage for a night filled with mystery and tension. As listeners are drawn into the narrative, the scene unfolds within the opulent yet shadowed halls of the Talbot family estate.

---

Main Plot

John Talbot (The Narrator), a successful businessman, is introduced returning home after receiving unsettling news about his wife, Mary. Mary has abruptly left for the Catskills, leaving behind a cryptic note that drives John into a state of despair.

Frank Talbot, John’s estranged brother, arrives seeking financial assistance under the guise of reforming his life. Despite John's reluctance, he provides Frank with a loan, only to discover that Mary never went to the Catskills. Instead, she abandoned John for another man, revealing layers of deceit and emotional turmoil ([03:07] John: "But I...").

As the story progresses, Mary reappears after 14 years, now married to Helga Talbot and introduces John to her son, Joan Talbot. Joan's sudden integration into the family ignites jealousy and conspiracy within the household, particularly from Helga and John’s son, Paul.

Tensions escalate when Frank returns, weak and ailing, seeking reconciliation. However, the familial bonds are further strained as secrets unravel, leading to a climactic confrontation where Frank and Helga conspire against John, orchestrating a plan that culminates in a staged murder to inherit the estate ([27:25] Frank: "I can't.").

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Climax and Resolution

In a tense finale, Joan Talbot becomes the linchpin that exposes the family's dark motives. Through a series of revelations and manipulations, it is unveiled that John orchestrated events to exact revenge on Frank for past grievances. However, the true mastermind is revealed to be John, who aimed to protect Joan by eliminating threats to her inheritance and legacy.

The narrative concludes with The Whistler elucidating the intricate web of greed and revenge that led to the tragic demise of Frank Talbot, leaving listeners contemplating the destructive power of unchecked ambition and familial discord.

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Themes and Insights

"House of Greed" masterfully explores themes of family betrayal, revenge, and the corrosive nature of greed. It highlights how hidden secrets and unresolved conflicts can devastate familial relationships and lead to tragic outcomes. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the lengths individuals may go to protect their interests at the expense of loved ones.

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Notable Quotes

• John Talbot: "Tell Mary goodbye for me." ([02:44])

  John’s initial plea underscores his desperation and the depth of his marital turmoil.

• Frank Talbot: "You're the laziest man I've ever met." ([21:35])

  This insult reveals Frank’s resentment and sets the stage for his eventual downfall.

• Joan Talbot: "From the moment I stepped in the door of this house, I've had a strange feeling. A cold, chilly sensation of fear." ([16:00])

  Joan’s apprehension hints at the underlying menace within the Talbot household.

• The Whistler: "It was then, John, that you knew the truth. The only way that Frank could have possibly known that the girl's name was Joan is to have been with Mary." ([28:19])

  This pivotal moment unravels the central conspiracy, revealing John’s strategic maneuvers.

• John Talbot: "Tell me, have you no recollection of this man? You can recall nothing about him?" ([15:23])

  John’s interrogation exposes the fragmented identities and hidden histories within the family.

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Conclusion

"House of Greed" stands as a quintessential example of classic radio drama, weaving a complex narrative filled with suspense, emotional depth, and moral dilemmas. Through its compelling characters and unforeseen twists, the episode captivates listeners, offering a timeless reflection on the human condition and the consequences of avarice.

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Note: This summary focuses solely on the dramatic content of the episode, excluding advertisements, introductions, and other non-narrative sections to provide a comprehensive overview of the "House of Greed" storyline.

Transcript

[Teen Advocate]

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[Campaign Representative]

Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute. Have you heard the weird tales of the Whistler?

[The Whistler]

I'm the Whistler.

[Narrator]

Sunday night and again, CBS presents the Whistler.

[The Whistler]

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 the amazing story of House of Greed. A taxicab rolls through the night and comes to a stop before a brownstone mansion on West 52nd Street. The driver opens the door and a handsome, well dressed man steps out, pays. The driver slips quickly up the stairs, fumbles with a bunch of keys. But the door opens.

[Narrator]

Oh, hello, Jackson.

[Jackson Talbot]

Mr. Talbot. Welcome home, sir.

[Narrator]

Where's Mrs. Talbot?

[Jackson Talbot]

Oh, she left three days ago. Went to the place in the Catskills. There's a note on your desk, sir.

[Narrator]

Oh, good.

[Jackson Talbot]

Your brother Frank is waiting in the library.

[Narrator]

Oh, hello, Frank. What do you want, John? Now, look, Frank, I told you the last time I'd give you no more money.

[Frank Talbot]

Oh, but it isn't gambling. That's. This time I'm reforming. I'm going to settle down and work.

[Narrator]

Work?

[Frank Talbot]

I met a big cattleman from South America. He has a very lovely daughter and she talked her father into letting me buy an interest in the business.

[Narrator]

How much?

[Frank Talbot]

10,000. Oh, I'm sure I'll make good, John.

[Narrator]

Oh, very well. I don't mind doing something like that for you. When are you leaving?

[Frank Talbot]

Tomorrow. I've had a plane reservation for four days. Thanks for the check, John. You're a swell guy. Tell Mary goodbye for me.

[Narrator]

Yeah, she's up in the Catskills.

[Frank Talbot]

So Jackson told me.

[Narrator]

Good night. Good Lord.

[Frank Talbot]

What's wrong?

[Narrator]

She hasn't gone to the Catskills. I. I can't understand this. What on earth does she mean?

[Frank Talbot]

Well, what is it?

[Narrator]

Read it.

[Frank Talbot]

John. This life is too lonely. I can't go on like this. So I'm Leaving you, I found someone else who is more considerate of me.

[Narrator]

But I.

[Frank Talbot]

First I'm going home, and from there it doesn't matter. I'm sorry, but things just didn't work out for us.

[Jackson Talbot]

Mary.

[Narrator]

Someone who's more considerate of her. Why, I've given Mary everything her heart desired. She must be out of her mind.

[Frank Talbot]

Of course, you have been gone a lot, and women get crazy ideas.

[Narrator]

It snuck the pins right out from under me.

[Frank Talbot]

Yes, I can see that. You better take it easy for a while.

[Narrator]

Yes. I feel. I don't know, kind of sick. All of a sudden, nothing seems to matter.

[Frank Talbot]

Maybe she'll wake up before she gets too far. Perhaps I better cancel my trip for a few weeks until you get straightened out.

[Narrator]

No, no, no. Never mind. I'll pull myself together. I wouldn't have you sidetrack your plans for the world. I think you better go now, Frank. I'd rather be alone.

[Frank Talbot]

All right, but don't do anything foolish.

[Narrator]

What do you mean?

[Frank Talbot]

Well, if you brood about it, you're liable to get some crazy ideas and end up really holding the sack.

[Narrator]

Good luck, Frank. Lots of luck.

[Frank Talbot]

Thanks. Goodbye, John.

[The Whistler]

John sits for the remainder of the night staring over the top of his desk. The next morning, he closes the house and starts on Mary's trail, which takes him to London, Paris, Berlin, all over Europe, but to no avail. Finally, he drops his active interest in his business and goes to live in his country estate. Then one day, 14 years later, he finds himself on a honeymoon. He has married a widow named Helga.

[Helga Talbot]

Well, John, dear, we got away without too much trouble.

[Narrator]

It does seem a bit silly. Rice and honeymoons at our age.

[Helga Talbot]

Our age? Well, you sound as though we're a couple of old grannies. I'm 36 and you're 45. And I certainly don't feel old.

[Narrator]

Of course, you're not Helga.

[Helga Talbot]

Oh, dear, John, now that the wedding's over, there's something I haven't told you.

[Narrator]

Oh, no.

[Helga Talbot]

Well, I haven't said anything because I was afraid it might make a difference.

[Narrator]

I know what it is. You have a son.

[Helga Talbot]

How did you know?

[Narrator]

I wondered when you were going to mention it.

[Helga Talbot]

Well, he finishes school this year. It's been quite a struggle putting him through college, but he's very bright. Paul has studied hard and managed to cram two years into one. Could he spend the summer with us?

[Narrator]

Why, of course.

[Helga Talbot]

Oh, John, you're a darling.

[Narrator]

I should be able to find a place for him in the business. Oh, ask him to come down to our place in the country.

[Helga Talbot]

Thanks, John.

[Mary Talbot]

You're wonderful.

[The Whistler]

So Helga's son Paul came to speak at the country place. And he stayed the next winter and the following summer and the next winter. Now it is summer again, and Paul is still visiting his mother and stepfather. The first year, he worked in the office every day until noon. Found business very boring. So finally he quit going to the city at all.

[Jackson Talbot]

But, Mother, I've looked the whole thing over and there's nothing there that interests me.

[Helga Talbot]

Well, you could learn about the business. You seem to be able to learn anything else you want to.

[Jackson Talbot]

But I don't care for business.

[Helga Talbot]

You're a fool. I worked my knuckles to the bone to give you an education. I married John Talbot to give you a chance. A chance to do something. John has no children. It's a huge business, and one day you could control the whole thing. I'm disappointed in you, Paul. You're letting me down.

[Jackson Talbot]

Well, it seems to run very well without too much attention from him. If we were to inherit it, why wouldn't it continue to run just as well?

[Helga Talbot]

You either get down to that office or you pack your things and get out.

[Jackson Talbot]

Why should I? I'm perfectly satisfied.

[Helga Talbot]

I'll tell John to make you go.

[Jackson Talbot]

And suppose I tell him what you just said? That you married him just to give me a chance? Married him for his money.

[Helga Talbot]

You wouldn't dare.

[Jackson Talbot]

And suppose I tell him that you were never divorced from Father? That he's still down in South America, still wandering around trying to find a gold mine?

[Helga Talbot]

If you dare open your mouth, I'll.

[Narrator]

Hello, there. How are you, Helga? When? Since I heard about South America.

[Helga Talbot]

Oh, why. Why, nothing, darling. Paul was just talking about someone he met from down there.

[Narrator]

Who do you know from South America? Paul?

[Jackson Talbot]

Oh, fellow. I met him today.

[Narrator]

Were you in the city today?

[Jackson Talbot]

No, I was down the village.

[Narrator]

I didn't suppose you'd been out of the house today. What's his name?

[Jackson Talbot]

Why, I don't remember.

[Narrator]

I didn't think you would. You haven't been out of this house for three days. Paul. I think you're the laziest man I've ever met.

[Jackson Talbot]

All right, all right. I'll start back to the office Monday. If that's what you and Mother want me to do, I'll do it.

[Narrator]

Why, I'm sorry I wasn't here for dinner, Helga. I was detained in town. I have quite a bit of work to do. I'll be here in the library for two or three hours.

[Helga Talbot]

Very well, John. I I won't bother you. I'll go on upstairs. Besides, I want to have a little talk with Paul. Good night, dear.

[Narrator]

Good night, Helga. What on earth? Who's out there? Who are you? What do you want out there?

[Mary Talbot]

May I come in? I want to talk with you.

[Narrator]

Well, why do you come to the library? Windows. Why didn't you ring the bell?

[Mary Talbot]

I. I didn't want to cause a distinction. Disturbance.

[Narrator]

Disturbance? What do you mean?

[Mary Talbot]

May I come in?

[Narrator]

Yes. Yes, come ahead.

[Mary Talbot]

Don't you know me? John?

[Narrator]

Good Lord, Mary.

[Mary Talbot]

I'm sorry, John. I had to talk with you. I saw the light in the library.

[Narrator]

What do you want?

[Mary Talbot]

I. I need your help.

[Narrator]

Where have you been all these years?

[Mary Talbot]

Oh, every place. Are you still filled with resentment?

[Narrator]

It's been too long ago. At first I was. I followed you all over Europe, but never quite caught up with you. Now I'm glad I didn't. There's no telling what I might have done.

[Mary Talbot]

I'm sorry, John. I was a fool. I know that now. May I sit down?

[Narrator]

Of course. Have you a cold?

[Mary Talbot]

Yes. I can't seem to shake it. I've had it for weeks.

[Narrator]

See, I hate to mention it, but you look a bit shabby. Mary. Aren't you doing well?

[Mary Talbot]

Oh, well, yes. Yes, I'm doing all right.

[Narrator]

Are you?

[Mary Talbot]

You've married again?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Mary Talbot]

And your wife is here?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Mary Talbot]

Then I'll be as brief as possible. I wouldn't want her to know that I was here.

[Narrator]

You want me to help your husband?

[Mary Talbot]

No, not that I have no husband.

[Narrator]

What about the man you said was more considerate of you?

[Mary Talbot]

He left me four years after the baby was born.

[Narrator]

Baby? You have a child?

[Mary Talbot]

Yes, John. She's 17 now.

[Narrator]

Where's the man?

[Mary Talbot]

I don't know, and I don't care. Oh, John, I made the biggest mistake. I should have known better, but he practically carried me off my feet. I learned later, to my sorrow that he was not worth shooting.

[Narrator]

Where's your daughter?

[Mary Talbot]

She's in a school in Vermont. I've worked hard to give her an education. I've done everything I could do to give her a chance. I've not seen her very often, but now, well, I. I'm sort of cracking up. I've been ill a lot, and I seem to have trouble getting a job.

[Frank Talbot]

Job?

[Narrator]

What kind of a job?

[Mary Talbot]

Why, any kind of a job.

[Narrator]

What have you been working at, Mary?

[Mary Talbot]

Oh, John. I've made such a miserable mess of it. I was never able to face things. I always took the line of least resistance.

[Narrator]

What a shame.

[Mary Talbot]

And now I've come to the end of my rope. Joan has finished school. She's a lovely girl, John. I can't let her know I can't take her with me.

[Narrator]

Why not?

[Mary Talbot]

She deserves so much more. She deserves a chance in life. I want you to do something for her.

[Narrator]

Why should I?

[Mary Talbot]

Because she's your daughter, John.

[Narrator]

My daughter?

[Mary Talbot]

Yes. Yours and mine. She was born seven months after I left. Here's the birth certificate. Please, John, do something for her. She shouldn't be made to suffer for my mistake.

[Joan Talbot]

She's innocent.

[Narrator]

Does she know I'm her father?

[Mary Talbot]

No. She doesn't remember the other men. Here, I'll give you her address, Fernwood College. And I'll write a letter to her explaining all about you. Well, I. Oh, John, you could do so much for her. She's a young lady now, and so lovely. Please see her. I know you'll fall in love with her.

[Narrator]

All right, Mary. I'll see her. I'll have her come down here.

[Mary Talbot]

Oh, John. John, I'm so sorry. So sorry for everything I've done. Please forgive me.

[Narrator]

I've forgotten everything. Mary. Oh, wait a moment. Take this check. And do something about that cough.

[Mary Talbot]

No, thanks, John. I won't need it.

[Narrator]

Better take it.

[Mary Talbot]

Thanks. I'll be all right in a few days. The cough will be gone. Good night, John.

[Narrator]

Good night, Mary.

[Jackson Talbot]

If he brings this girl here, do you realize what it means? Mother?

[Helga Talbot]

Yes.

[Jackson Talbot]

It's his own daughter. If he falls for her, if he likes her, he'll change his will and split the estate.

[Helga Talbot]

She's entitled to it, isn't she?

[Jackson Talbot]

Now, why should she be? Strange girl he didn't even know existed. Popped up out of nowhere and cheats us out of half the estate.

[Helga Talbot]

I know what you mean.

[Jackson Talbot]

We've been here for several years. You're his wife. It isn't fair.

[Helga Talbot]

What would you do about it, Paul?

[Jackson Talbot]

I'd see that she didn't get anything.

[Helga Talbot]

How would that be possible?

[Jackson Talbot]

Suppose she. She didn't like it here. Supposing that before John got attached to her, the things happen that would make her dislike everything here. She runs away soon enough. He won't change his will.

[Helga Talbot]

Perhaps you're right.

[Jackson Talbot]

And if she doesn't, then maybe something could happen to John later. Something could happen to the girl. But in any event, the will must not be changed.

[Helga Talbot]

Where do you get such ideas?

[Narrator]

That, Joan, dear, is the story of your mother. I trailed them all over Europe, but never quite caught up with them.

[Joan Talbot]

You mean you plan to kill them?

[Narrator]

Kill them.

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[Narrator]

I was filled with revenge. But I finally gave up the chase and returned here to wait. I knew that sooner or later she'd show up.

[Joan Talbot]

But it's been so long ago. Surely you've lost the desire for revenge by this time.

[Narrator]

Time heals many wounds, my dear.

[Joan Talbot]

If you had caught up with them and satisfied your revenge, what good would it have done?

[Narrator]

Quite right, my dear. Quite right. Tell me, have you no recollection of this man? You can recall nothing about him?

[Joan Talbot]

Absolutely nothing? Remember, I was only four when he went away.

[Narrator]

And you do believe that I'm your father?

[Joan Talbot]

What else am I to believe? Mother proved that with the birth certificate. Proved that I'm Joan Talbot, not Joan Evans, as I've always believed.

[Narrator]

Of course. And would you like to remain here?

[Joan Talbot]

Why, yes, I think I would.

[Narrator]

But there seems to be a doubt. Why do you hesitate?

[Joan Talbot]

I don't know. From all the evidence, I belong here. I have a legal right. But, well, I can't seem to find words to express it.

[Narrator]

Express what?

[Joan Talbot]

From the moment I stepped in the door of this house, I've had a strange feeling. A cold, chilly sensation of fear.

[Narrator]

What is it something you feel about me?

[Joan Talbot]

Yes.

[Narrator]

You're afraid of me.

[Joan Talbot]

No, I don't think so.

[Narrator]

Is it Helga? Well, is it Paul?

[Joan Talbot]

Oh, please. Please don't ask me anymore. I don't know what it is.

[Narrator]

Well, what has Paul said to you?

[Joan Talbot]

Nothing. No one said anything. It's just a premonition of evil. There's something wrong, something horribly wrong in this house.

[Narrator]

Oh, you're imagining things, Joan. It's all in your mind. It will pass as suddenly as it came. You're young, Joan. Impressionable. And you Suddenly found your life turned upside down. A new environment to which you've never become accustomed. But you'll get used to it. You're my daughter. I want you to have what you deserve, what is rightfully yours.

[Joan Talbot]

I understand. And I'll try to overcome this feeling.

[Narrator]

Yeah, that's better. You're a lovely girl, Joan. An intelligent girl. I know. I'm going to be very proud of you.

[Joan Talbot]

Thank you. I think I'll go to bed now.

[Narrator]

It is rather late. Good night, dear. See you in the morning.

[Jackson Talbot]

Hello, Paul.

[Joan Talbot]

What are you doing here on the stairs in the dark?

[Jackson Talbot]

I wanted to tell you something.

[Joan Talbot]

What?

[Jackson Talbot]

You're very, very beautiful. Your eyes, your hair. Just like gold. Gold moonbeams.

[Joan Talbot]

And soft, Paul.

[Jackson Talbot]

In your throat. Your throat is slender and soft like.

[Joan Talbot]

Take your hands off my neck, Paul.

[Jackson Talbot]

I don't know many girls. Girls don't like me.

[Joan Talbot]

Let me buy.

[Jackson Talbot]

You don't like me either, do you?

[Mary Talbot]

What?

[Jackson Talbot]

I know. I can tell. Elsie didn't like me either. She was afraid of me.

[Joan Talbot]

Who's Elsie?

[Jackson Talbot]

She was a girl in the village. She worked here in the summertime. No one knows what became of her.

[Joan Talbot]

What?

[Jackson Talbot]

I don't remember what happened to her. But her throat was slender and wipe like yours.

[Joan Talbot]

Let me by.

[Helga Talbot]

Joan.

[Mary Talbot]

Joan.

[Helga Talbot]

What?

[Joan Talbot]

Who's here? Who's in this room?

[Helga Talbot]

Don't turn on the light.

[Joan Talbot]

Helga. What do you want?

[Helga Talbot]

I must talk to you. What about? You're not safe here. No one is safe in this house. You must leave at once.

[Joan Talbot]

What do you mean? What's wrong?

[Helga Talbot]

The house is wrong. It's filled with evil and hate. I know.

[Joan Talbot]

Why do you stay?

[Helga Talbot]

I can't leave. It's too late. But you must go at once.

[Joan Talbot]

Do you mean that, Paul?

[Helga Talbot]

Part of it.

[Joan Talbot]

Then what else?

[Helga Talbot]

John.

[Joan Talbot]

John? What about him?

[Helga Talbot]

I can't tell you. But you must believe me.

[Joan Talbot]

What about my father?

[Helga Talbot]

He doesn't believe he is your father. And he's planning to get revenge on your mother through you.

[Joan Talbot]

I don't believe you.

[Helga Talbot]

I won't get away while you have a chance.

[Joan Talbot]

No, I won't run from it. I'll face it, whatever it is.

[Helga Talbot]

Very well. Good night, Jo.

[The Whistler]

Now it is nearly midnight. John still works at his desk in the library. But outside, a man steps softly through the trees upon the terrace, quietly opens the library doors and steps in.

[Frank Talbot]

Hello, John.

[Narrator]

Frank. Good Lord.

[Frank Talbot]

Yes, Brother Frank. Well, why don't you say something? Come in. Get out or something. Why?

[Narrator]

Come in, Frank. You fairly knocked me off my feet. I didn't know whether you Were alive or dead.

[Frank Talbot]

It's been a long time, John.

[Narrator]

Why haven't you written me?

[Frank Talbot]

Well, I was hoping I could make a go of that ranch and pay you back. But I guess I was just born unlucky. They had a revolution and clean Senor Gonzalez out and me with him.

[Narrator]

That's too bad, Frank.

[Frank Talbot]

But you're still the same steady, reliable John. Yes, sir. I've tried my darndest to be like you, but. Well, it just isn't in me. I don't have what it takes. The last two years I've had a pretty tough time. I caught some sort of a malarial fever down there and it's impossible to get rid of. It keeps recurring.

[Narrator]

You certainly don't look well. You've aged quite a bit.

[Mary Talbot]

You.

[Narrator]

You better have Dr. Richards look you over tomorrow.

[Frank Talbot]

She's still kicking around. I thought he'd be gone long ago. How's your new marriage turned out?

[Narrator]

Oh, very well. Very well indeed.

[Frank Talbot]

Good. Ever hear from Mary?

[Narrator]

Yes, she came to see me. I knew she would eventually. She was broke and quite ill. She'd had a tough time of it.

[Frank Talbot]

And you helped her out.

[Narrator]

You would.

[Frank Talbot]

You couldn't turn anyone down.

[Narrator]

Well, she was mainly interested in my helping the girl. She had her in a school in Vermont.

[Frank Talbot]

And So now you're taking care of both of them.

[Narrator]

What else could I do?

[Frank Talbot]

Good old Joan.

[Narrator]

I sent for the girl and brought her down here. She's a lovely child, sweet as can be.

[Frank Talbot]

And you'll give her everything her heart desires, I suppose. And then you'll have another problem on your hands. With Joan, a girl 17 either wants to get married or go to college.

[Narrator]

Oh, I've decided that.

[Frank Talbot]

Really?

[Narrator]

I'd like to send it to Wellesley.

[Frank Talbot]

Good. Isn't every man who can have.

[Narrator]

Just a minute, Frank. I'll be right back. Well, what are you doing out here in the hall at this time of night for?

[Jackson Talbot]

Oh, well, Mother sent me down to see why you hadn't come up to your room.

[Narrator]

Oh, well, tell her I'll be up in a few minutes.

[Jackson Talbot]

Yes, yes. Own teller.

[Narrator]

My stepson, Paul. His mother thought I was staying up unusually late.

[Frank Talbot]

Oh, well, I'll run along. Good heavens, it's after 12. When's the last train back to the city?

[Narrator]

12:00Am oh, well, I suppose I'll have.

[Frank Talbot]

To wait for that. Can you put me up?

[Narrator]

Yes, of course, Frank.

[Frank Talbot]

Thanks.

[Narrator]

Wait a moment, Frank. I probably won't be up when you Leave. So I'll give you this now.

[Frank Talbot]

Oh, now, John, I. I didn't come here for that. Well, that is not exactly.

[Narrator]

No, you never have. Here you are, Frank. Thousand and see Doc Richards first thing in the morning. And drop in at the office and let me know what he says.

[Frank Talbot]

Thanks, John. I'm sorry to have to take this. I only wish that.

[Narrator]

Oh, forget it. We're not kids any longer. You're too old to learn new tricks. Now run along to bed, Frank. I'll see you tomorrow. Oh, take the guest room at the head of the stairs.

[Frank Talbot]

Good night, John. See you in town at noon.

[Narrator]

Night, Frank.

[The Whistler]

The clock strikes three as two figures slip down the darkened hall and quietly enter John's bedroom. Then a few minutes later, the same two figures make their way in the moonlight through the trees to the back of the estate, carrying a long, gruesome bundle wrapped in a sheet. Now it is three nights later and Joan, Helga and Paul are in the library as Joan took paces back and forth anxiously.

[Joan Talbot]

But where could father have gone? He didn't say a word about going out of town.

[Jackson Talbot]

Maybe he doesn't want to come back.

[Joan Talbot]

Why not?

[Jackson Talbot]

I don't know. Maybe he doesn't like it here.

[Helga Talbot]

You should have listened to me.

[Joan Talbot]

But you didn't say anything about. Well, you just mentioned me.

[Helga Talbot]

Could have been mistaken. I just had a weird feeling of impending desire.

[Joan Talbot]

Something is wrong, I know.

[Helga Talbot]

If I didn't belong here, if I could leave, I'd not stay another moment. Who knows what will happen next?

[Jackson Talbot]

I know.

[Joan Talbot]

What do you know?

[Jackson Talbot]

I know what'll happen next.

[Helga Talbot]

They always happen in twos.

[Jackson Talbot]

Many people have come here, stayed a while and then suddenly disappeared.

[Joan Talbot]

What time is it?

[Helga Talbot]

11:30.

[Joan Talbot]

There's a train at 12. I'm leaving here. Hello? Yes, this is Joan Talbot. What? Good heavens. Who? Where? Yes. Yes, I understand. Yes, I'll be here. Yes.

[Helga Talbot]

Who was it?

[Joan Talbot]

I don't know. I've never heard anything like it.

[Helga Talbot]

What do you mean?

[Joan Talbot]

It was a man and he.

[Jackson Talbot]

What man?

[Joan Talbot]

He said he had a message for us and he'll be here at 12 o' clock and to wait for him in the library.

[Helga Talbot]

The police?

[Joan Talbot]

I don't know. He said he'll come to the garden windows. To the library window.

[Helga Talbot]

Who could it be?

[Joan Talbot]

I don't know. But we'll wait. I'm going to see this through.

[Helga Talbot]

Here he comes through the garden.

[Jackson Talbot]

Who? Who is it, Mother?

[Helga Talbot]

I don't know.

[Jackson Talbot]

The lights. Why did you turn out the lights?

[Joan Talbot]

I turned them out so we could see outside. Who Is he?

[Jackson Talbot]

I don't know. He's up on the terrace.

[Joan Talbot]

Who. Who are you? What do you want?

[Narrator]

I came to talk to you.

[Joan Talbot]

What about?

[Narrator]

About what happened here at 3 o' clock in the morning several days ago.

[Joan Talbot]

Nothing happened.

[Mary Talbot]

Nothing.

[Narrator]

But something did happen.

[Helga Talbot]

Turn on the lights.

[Narrator]

No, don't turn them on. You couldn't see me if you turned on the lights.

[Mary Talbot]

Oh, good Lord.

[Joan Talbot]

Was it you who phoned me?

[Narrator]

I spoke to you, but I didn't phone you.

[Joan Talbot]

Mother. What happened? In this house at 3 o' clock.

[Narrator]

Several days ago, a man was murdered.

[Joan Talbot]

What?

[Jackson Talbot]

Paul, turn on the lights.

[Narrator]

Turn on the lights. Joan Talbot. Open the top drawer of that desk. Now take out the paper. It says, on the night of August 5th, we, the undersigned, murdered John Talbot in his bedroom and buried his body on the estate.

[Helga Talbot]

We didn't.

[Mary Talbot]

We didn't.

[Jackson Talbot]

It's John.

[Mary Talbot]

It's John.

[Narrator]

Sign it. Sign the paper and I'll go.

[Helga Talbot]

Sign it, Paul. Sign it. You did it. You killed him. Sign it.

[Jackson Talbot]

You help me. You sign it.

[Frank Talbot]

I can't.

[Narrator]

I can't. Turn on the lights. Joan.

[Helga Talbot]

John.

[Jackson Talbot]

It's. It's him.

[Joan Talbot]

It's him.

[Narrator]

He isn't dead. No, Paul.

[Helga Talbot]

No, we didn't. Paul, what happened?

[Narrator]

I'll tell you. You killed my brother Frank instead. Come on in, Sergeant. You heard it all.

[Frank Talbot]

Yes, we heard it all.

[Joan Talbot]

Father. What on earth happened? When you phoned a while ago, I almost fainted. I was sure you were dead.

[Narrator]

I knew from the moment you told me you were frightened in this house, that something was wrong. I put two and two together and realized what it was. They didn't want you to share on the estate. I knew they were planning something on that night. And then my brother came. He accidentally got into my room by mistake. They killed him instead of me. I saw them carrying his body through the trees. So I disappeared for a few days and evolved this plan. You've nothing to worry about any longer, Joan. Nothing?

[The Whistler]

No. Nothing to worry about. But the truth would certainly amaze you. All that Helga said about Paul and John was true. John was planning revenge, but not through Joan. That night, your brother Frank came back. You discovered something, John. What was it Frank said?

[Frank Talbot]

And then you'll have another problem on your hands with Joan. A girl 17, either wants to get married or go to college.

[The Whistler]

It was then, John, that you knew the truth. The only way that Frank could have possibly known that the girl's name was Joan Is and that she was 17 was to have been with Mary. So John knew then that it was Frank who ran away with Mary and deserted her when Joan was 4 years old. And then John, knowing that Helga and Paul planned to kill him deliberately let Frank occupy his room on that fateful night. John's revenge was satisfied and he didn't have to turn a hand. That's all.

[Narrator]

CBS has presented the Whistler. And now an important announcement regarding a change of time. Beginning one week from tomorrow night on Sunday, September 13th, the Whistler will come to you at 9:15pm Remember, Sunday, September 13th at 9:15pm original music for this production was composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. The Whistler is written and directed by J. Donald Wilson and originates from Columbia Square in Hollywood. This is the Columbia broadcasting system.

[Campaign Representative]

Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it.

[Teen Advocate]

A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, if I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem.

[Campaign Representative]

It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoreegoids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

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