Nero Wolfe: The Case of the Phantom Fingers

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Nero Wolfe: The Case of the Phantom Fingers"

Podcast Information

• Title: Old Time Radio Nero Wolfe
• Host/Author: Adam Graham
• Description: Join Adam Graham, host of the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, as he presents all existing old-time radio episodes of Nero Wolfe, including the only surviving 1940s episodes and all 25 Sidney Greenstreet New Adventures of Nero Wolfe. Join Rex Stout's famous sleuth, Nero Wolfe, as he, along with his assistant Archie Goodwin, solves a wide variety of crimes while rarely leaving his New York City brownstone.
• Episode: Nero Wolfe: The Case of the Phantom Fingers
• Release Date: October 14, 2024

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Overview

In "The Case of the Phantom Fingers," Nero Wolfe and his astute assistant, Archie Goodwin, find themselves embroiled in a perplexing mystery set in an old house isolated by flooding. As they navigate through deceit, hidden motives, and ingenious traps, the duo employs their unparalleled detective skills to unmask the perpetrator behind a series of sinister events.

Plot Summary

The episode begins with Nero Wolfe receiving an unexpected phone call about a client, Mr. Finley, who erroneously assumes that Wolfe will visit him upstate. Wolfe, ever the homebody, corrects this misunderstanding, hinting at upcoming complications ([03:09]).

As Wolfe and Archie embark on their journey, they encounter treacherous weather conditions that isolate them near an old house at the end of a dirt road ([07:03]). Upon arrival, they discover the body of James Miller, whose death appears to be a murder rather than an accident. The house is devoid of any other occupants, raising immediate suspicions ([11:31]).

Further investigation reveals that the fingerprints on the murder weapon do not match any present, leading Wolfe to consider the possibility of a "phantom" killer. As tensions rise among the limited group present, accusations fly, and trust wanes ([24:37]).

Through meticulous analysis and clever deduction, Wolfe uncovers that the supposed "phantom fingers" were a clever ruse orchestrated by Josephine Shirley, who manipulated her fingerprints to conceal her identity and commit the murders ([29:09]).

Character Analysis

• Nero Wolfe: The brilliant and eccentric detective remains anchored in his New York brownstone, showcasing his preference for intellectual pursuits over fieldwork. His keen observation and logical reasoning are pivotal in unraveling the mystery.

  Notable Quote:

  "The ponderous, brilliant and unpredictable Nero Wolfe, created by Rex Stout and brought to you in the person of Mr. Sydney Greenstreet." ([04:26])

• Archie Goodwin: Wolfe's loyal and sharp-witted assistant serves as the pragmatic counterpart to Wolfe's theorizing. Archie's ability to interact with suspects and manage on-ground investigations complements Wolfe's deductive prowess.

  Notable Quote:

  "Archie, what are you trying to do, Ms. Shirley? You already had pressed your fingers on the ink pad once." ([27:34])

• Josephine Shirley (Peg): Introduced as a potential suspect, her deceptive behavior and manipulation of evidence make her a central figure in the unfolding drama.

  Notable Quote:

  "She tripped at one point over the living room rug and mentioned why." ([30:22])

Key Scenes and Discussions

1. Isolation and Suspicion ([07:03]-[12:37]):

   • Wolfe and Archie become stranded near an old house due to severe flooding.
   • Discovery of James Miller's body sets the stage for suspicion among the limited occupants.

2. The Phantom Fingerprints ([16:27]-[24:51]):

   • The investigation into the mismatched fingerprints leads to the concept of "phantom fingers."
   • Wolfe's realization that the fingerprint anomaly hints at a deeper deception.

   Notable Quote:

   "A reversal then of the actual Appearances. Now, are there any similarities between filmed images and fingerprints?" ([26:57])

3. Unmasking the Culprit ([27:58]-[29:57]):

   • Wolfe deciphers the fingerprint trick, revealing Josephine Shirley as the murderer.
   • The clever use of ink to invert fingerprint patterns showcases the antagonist's cunning nature.

   Notable Quote:

   "She merely loaded her fingers so heavily with ink that she falsified the markings." ([29:11])

Insights and Themes

• Deception and Appearance vs. Reality: The episode delves into how appearances can be manipulated to conceal true intentions, embodied by Josephine Shirley's deceptive tactics.

• Isolation as a Catalyst for Conflict: The flooding and subsequent isolation intensify suspicions and interpersonal tensions, a common trope in detective fiction that heightens the stakes.

• Intellectual vs. Physical Prowess: Wolfe's reliance on intellect over physical action underscores the value of mental acuity in solving complex mysteries.

Conclusions

"The Case of the Phantom Fingers" exemplifies the classic Nero Wolfe narrative, blending intricate plotting with sharp character dynamics. Wolfe and Archie's seamless partnership and methodical approach culminate in the revelation of the truth behind the phantom fingerprints. The episode not only entertains with its suspenseful storyline but also invites listeners to appreciate the deductive genius that defines Rex Stout's legendary detective.

Final Remarks

Host Adam Graham provides insightful commentary post-episode, reflecting on Wolfe's infrequent ventures outside his brownstone and the cleverness of the case's resolution. He draws parallels to other detective adaptations and engages with listener feedback, enhancing the overall listening experience.

Notable Commentary Quote:

"I I suspected the woman in the first place just because the Joe thing would really throw us off the trail. And then when she mentioned the high heels, that definitely struck me as on this was a good case, a lot of fun." ([32:00])

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Additional Information

For those interested in delving deeper into Nero Wolfe's adventures or other detective stories, Adam Graham encourages listeners to engage with the show through comments, votes on Podcast Alley, and social media interactions.

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Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. If you got a comment, go ahead and send it to me. Box 13. Give me a call 208-991-4783 and it's a new month, so remember to cast your vote for the show on podcast alley podcast allie.greatdetives.net before we get started with today's show, I do want to remind you about Audible. Audible is a great service that brings a world of great audiobooks to you. You can keep up on your professional or leisure reading even if you don't have time to sit down and read because you're on the run. You can also enjoy great fiction such as Neuro, such as, of course, the Nero Wolf novels. You can even select the book the Black Orchids, which I mentioned just because of today's episode through Audible. And you can get that free with your free trial. Go to audiblepodcast.com old time radio to start your free trial. Well, let's go ahead and we will get into today's episode of Nero Wolf, the Case of the Phantom Fingers.

[Geico Advertiser]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday, Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.

[Nero Wolf]

Ladies and gentlemen, the ringing of that phone bell means Mystery Adventure Nero Wolf Service Archie Goodwin sp. What? You're expecting Mr. Wolf at your place in three hours. Your place is where? Yes, well, I'm expecting hedy Lamar in 15 minutes. Yeah, but, mister, we're both out of luck.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, what are you babbling about?

[Nero Wolf]

There's a character on the phone who's laboring under the naive delusion that you're about to make a trip upstate.

[Archie Goodwin]

His name?

[Nero Wolf]

Finley, he said.

[Archie Goodwin]

In that case, he's quite correct.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah, he's quite the. Yes, Mr. Findlay. Mr. Wolf will be there. Yeah. Goodbye.

[Archie Goodwin]

She needs some beer. Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

The bottle opener's in the right hand drawer.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you.

[Nero Wolf]

What one of us needs is a psychiatrist. You're voluntarily leaving your happy home, exposing yourself to the elements, entrusting your only life to a savage automobile?

[Archie Goodwin]

I am?

[Nero Wolf]

Ho, ho, ho. Somebody's offered you the United States treasury, huh?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Finley happens to grow orchids. Among them he has developed a plant possessing spurred labelli. I have an opportunity to purchase a couple of the plants, therefore.

[Nero Wolf]

I don't believe it.

[Archie Goodwin]

But, Archie, according to the reports I have received, he has produced a strain of black cypropidium.

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, well, in that case. But, Mr. Wolf, while it's true that black may be the color of your true love's hair, it is also true that black is the color of funerals. Ladies and gentlemen, it's the detective genius who rates the knife and fork. The greatest tools ever invented by man. The ponderous, brilliant and unpredictable Nero Wolf, created by Rex Stout and brought to you in the person of Mr. Sydney Greenstreet. Beginning of the Case of the Phantom Fingers actually had nothing to do with black orchids. The first act was played in an old house at the end of an old dirt road. It was short and simple, as short as life and as simple as murder.

[Archie Goodwin]

Joe, I didn't believe the letters I got. Didn't believe him.

[Nero Wolf]

Until now. I've been a lonely man. No wife, children. Joe, it was all coming to you after I died. There was no need for you to steal from me. All you had to do was wait. Joe, that gun, put it down.

[Adam Graham]

Oh.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

Yes, Mr. Wolf?

[Archie Goodwin]

How much longer?

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, an hour, maybe.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why, I'm a fool.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah, well, payday's tomorrow. I refuse to agree with you. Besides, the trip's been fine so far, huh? Totally. There's snow on the road, but phooey. Well, it's nice snow. Pretty soon it'll be spring. And in the spring, if you mention.

[Archie Goodwin]

Old Tin Mass once more, I shall strangle you.

[Nero Wolf]

No, no, it's against the law. But you know that snow melts much faster, the trees won't look so pretty.

[Archie Goodwin]

Trees? Are they really necessary?

[Nero Wolf]

Uh huh. People cut them down and make paper out of them. And they take the paper and make dollar bills. Mr. Wolf, we're surrounded by future fees.

[Archie Goodwin]

I prefer the finished product. What on earth is that?

[Nero Wolf]

Sounds like a river.

[Archie Goodwin]

Indeed.

[Nero Wolf]

Except there aren't any rivers around here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hey. Yeah, up ahead. What?

[Nero Wolf]

It's a river. Only it isn't a river.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's wet.

[Nero Wolf]

It's wet and it's got waves on. It had to start raining too.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nature free.

[Nero Wolf]

The road behind us is covered with water. We just have to keep going. Onward and upward.

[Archie Goodwin]

Would you like to recite Excelsior to me?

[Nero Wolf]

Why sure. Shades of night were falling fast when through an alpine village past an idiot.

[Archie Goodwin]

Of your caliber, no doubt.

[Nero Wolf]

Oh.

[Archie Goodwin]

An infernal engine has died.

[Nero Wolf]

No, no. The road dips up ahead. And where it dips, there's a junior Mississippi growing up.

[Archie Goodwin]

Splendid.

[Nero Wolf]

Not so splendid. We can't go back and we can't go forward.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why not?

[Nero Wolf]

They didn't build this model to swim.

[Archie Goodwin]

No foresight. What do we do now?

[Nero Wolf]

Well, we could abandon the car and walk.

[Archie Goodwin]

Are you mad? Are you seriously suggesting I indulge in the footrace of the flood?

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah, well, not seriously. But.

[Archie Goodwin]

You'Ve decided to give the car a swimming lesson.

[Nero Wolf]

No. There's what looks like a cow path leading off the highway to your right. Maybe it's a road.

[Archie Goodwin]

We progress. We now follow the footstep of the cow.

[Nero Wolf]

Ah, it is a road. An old dirt road. Not only that, it goes up.

[Archie Goodwin]

Is that good?

[Nero Wolf]

Theoretically, we might get above the water that way.

[Archie Goodwin]

And if the theory fails.

[Nero Wolf]

Mr. Wolf, how are you on the Australian crawl? Hey, there's been another car on this road before us. You can see the tire tracks in the mud.

[Archie Goodwin]

Interesting. An indication that there are other maniacs about. I myself would not have chosen this particular spot to picnic in.

[Nero Wolf]

Well, it's not that. There's somebody lying on the road.

[Archie Goodwin]

People have peculiar habits. Ignore him and drive home.

[Nero Wolf]

Uh, hold on a moment. Mr. Wolf, you better come out here.

[Archie Goodwin]

My madness has its limits. The answer is no. Serious, Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

Very serious.

[Archie Goodwin]

Very well. Good heavens.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah, still alive.

[Archie Goodwin]

But the man's being shot. He's mummery. Be still.

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, don't forgive stealing. Don't.

[Archie Goodwin]

So much for that. Pick him up, Archie. Put him in the car.

[Nero Wolf]

Might be bad for him to be moved.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, there is nothing that can be bad for him. He's dead. Is this blasted road leading Anywhere, Aji.

[Nero Wolf]

Well, seems to be a clearing up ahead. Maybe. Hey, it's a house.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's plenty.

[Nero Wolf]

I'm not so sure. It's perched up on top of a cliff, surrounded on three sides by nothing. On the side facing us, there's a deep ravine and a small wooden bridge.

[Archie Goodwin]

An island in the air.

[Nero Wolf]

Hmm. Yeah. High enough to keep above water, maybe. But now that bridge doesn't look too good. Rain may have weakened it.

[Archie Goodwin]

I have no choice, Archie. I have no intention of being drowned in these barbadic surroundings. The bridge, Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

Okay, hold on. No, that thing's collapsing under us. Well, of a dozen, 37 blondes are going to be wearing black. Correction, 38. I forgot the one in Gimbel's bargain basement. Hey, we made it. The bridge will never be the same, though. There's a car ahead of us in front of the house.

[Archie Goodwin]

The car from which our friend, our dead friend, was thrown. Only one set of car tracks in the mud along the road and here.

[Nero Wolf]

And all we have to do is walk in, ask for the owner of the house. And possibly.

[Archie Goodwin]

And possibly not. Archie, go through the corpse's pockets.

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, that's not cricket. Yeah, all right, all right. I'm going through. There's not much on him. Handkerchief, silver. Driver's license. The name was James Miller. Address? Garner Lane, Walden. And I've got an idea. This is Garner Lane, Mr. Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

In which case, someone named Joe was looking after the house for him, committed theft and murdered Miller. Miller's body was then dumped on the road in the hopes that the floods would wash the body away. No one at the house seems to have noticed their arrival.

[Nero Wolf]

Nope. Well, let's go in and ask for Joe, huh?

[Archie Goodwin]

Very well. Oh, with the bridge down, there's absolutely no way of getting on or off this bridge.

[Nero Wolf]

Except for a mountain goat. I don't know any mountain goats. I used to know a plain goat once, though. Indeed, he ran at the 5th of Jamaica.

[Archie Goodwin]

Stop mourning.

[Nero Wolf]

I never mourned her. Also, I never win bets on horse races. That's why I continue to work for you.

[Archie Goodwin]

That is also why you had better ring the doorbell.

[Nero Wolf]

Okay, okay. Nobody's gonna break a leg rushing to open the door.

[Archie Goodwin]

I suppose you try. I have had more than enough of the weather.

[Nero Wolf]

Is that polite? Besides, the killer may have some more bullets in that gun.

[Archie Goodwin]

Are you afraid?

[Nero Wolf]

Sure.

[Archie Goodwin]

Phui the doraji.

[Nero Wolf]

But old Dr. Tidmouse would say. Well, never mind. Hey, somebody was careless, leaving the door open like that. On the other hand, does the spider ever shut its web the answer is no. Are we flies?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes. Out of my way. Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

There are lights up ahead. Must be the living room.

[Archie Goodwin]

Excuse me.

[Nero Wolf]

Hey.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sure, sure.

[Nero Wolf]

You're excused.

[Archie Goodwin]

Uh, do you live here, sir?

[Nero Wolf]

Do we? No, don't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Of course not. This is very strange.

[Nero Wolf]

I came out to see the people who live here or the person. I found the door open and no one about. I've been sitting in this corner now.

[Archie Goodwin]

For a long time.

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, it's a pity no one offered you a plum pie. Then you could have stuck in your thumb.

[Archie Goodwin]

You saw no one, Anders, sir, no one at all.

[Nero Wolf]

I didn't want to go any further. It would have seemed like prime.

[Archie Goodwin]

Perhaps you'd better come along with us.

[Nero Wolf]

Well, all right.

[Archie Goodwin]

You know, this place, it has an evil atmosphere.

[Nero Wolf]

Certainly has. What it needs is fresh air.

[Archie Goodwin]

This would be the living room door. A job? It.

[Nero Wolf]

It is. Looks as pretty as a picture. That'd be. Oh, hello. Well, just think of it. Five minutes ago, you know, I didn't know you existed, and you didn't know I existed.

[Archie Goodwin]

And now, Archie, your existence would have a sudden end unless you keep quiet. Excuse us for intruding, Miss. Intruding. Oh, but I really should ask you to excuse me. You do not live here? I wish I did, but, you see, I've been out walking. I live maybe a whole mile from here. And then when the flood began, I. I thought I'd come in here and stay for a while. You found an empty house.

[Nero Wolf]

That's not what I found. As old Dr. Tidmouse has often said.

[Archie Goodwin]

Go through the rest of the house, Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

Go through the rest. Well, never mind. I'll.

[Archie Goodwin]

Tell him somebody's walking.

[Nero Wolf]

Coming downstairs. I'll go and see him.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hey, come on into the living room.

[Nero Wolf]

Meet your guest in one or several.

[Archie Goodwin]

Pieces, as you prefer. In what? Hiya, folks. Ah, who's it last? That's very funny. I think I'll laugh. May I ask why? Because this here ain't my dump.

[Nero Wolf]

I was just casing the joint.

[Archie Goodwin]

I mean, I was just taking a stroll through the house. I'm eccentric. Oh, clever. However, I think you better stay. Why? Because you may turn out to be the owner of this house after all. I rather think introductions are in order. Hold on, Peg.

[Nero Wolf]

Shirley.

[Archie Goodwin]

My name is Wagner. Joseph Wagner.

[Nero Wolf]

Lewis. How about you? Stroller? Cregan.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sam Cregan. Hmm. Peg. Louis. Sam. Mr. Cregan, while you were strolling upstairs, did you notice anyone else about. No. There was no one outside when Archie and I entered. The bridge is down, effectively cutting us off from further Visitors. We may assume, therefore, that we are the only people in or about this house. Yeah, it's cozy, ain't it? Which further means that one of you three is a murderer. What did you say? The murderer is the person who owns or lives in this house. All three of you deny it being that person. Conclusion? One of you is a liar. Why? Liar. Get that. I hardly expected a full, immediate confession. However, we are absolutely isolated here. No one is going to come or leave until we have our killer. You know, you can't really keep us here, Cloud. Can and will. Remember, the bridge is no longer.

[Nero Wolf]

So.

[Archie Goodwin]

You see? Just the five of us alone. No one else inside the house. No one outside.

[Nero Wolf]

Therefore. Correction, Mr. Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Maybe it's a branch or something tapping against the door. Unlikely. Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

Okay, I'll go see who or what it is. Hey, I got him. Somebody shut the door.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, all right, I get it. A disreputable and unwashed gentleman. Head badly hurt. Is he conscious, Archie?

[Nero Wolf]

I don't know. He's mumbling something.

[Archie Goodwin]

Legs pushed off. Fell from the legs.

[Nero Wolf]

He's passed out. I guess he was trying to say that somebody pushed him out on a ledge. Side of the cliff maybe. He must have regained consciousness and crawled to the house. Where'll I put him, Mr. Wolf?

[Archie Goodwin]

Bedroom, I suppose. We need first aid. We can't get a doctor. Cregan, where are the bedrooms? One right up at the head of the stairs. And don't ask me how. I happen to know we shot Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

Okay, I'll need somebody to help me carry him up without shaking him too badly.

[Archie Goodwin]

Cregan.

[Nero Wolf]

Okay, let's go.

[Archie Goodwin]

As for the rest of you. Mr. Wagner, Ms. Shirley, I suggest we return to the living room.

[Nero Wolf]

But I don't see any reason why.

[Archie Goodwin]

We should take orders from you. One of you is a murderer. I include Mr. Cregan, of course. But that poor man wasn't dead. Not for lack of trying. However, I was not referring to him. You mean.

[Nero Wolf]

You mean someone else has been killed?

[Archie Goodwin]

Precisely. That is why I hope we should not hear another knocking at the door. It could only be a corpse. Ha.

[Nero Wolf]

And Cregan? Yeah.

[Archie Goodwin]

The injured man still out.

[Nero Wolf]

Probably got a concussion.

[Archie Goodwin]

Did he say anything further?

[Nero Wolf]

Well, he babbled a bit.

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't know if we should assume we're among friends. Archie, exactly what did he say?

[Nero Wolf]

Well, he was pushed over the edge of the cliff because he saw Miller killed.

[Archie Goodwin]

Did he also see who?

[Nero Wolf]

No. Passed out before he had a chance. He's an old tramp, Mr. Wolfie. Was bumming his way through the country when he saw the murder, he must.

[Archie Goodwin]

Have decided on a touch of blackmail and receiving a concussion instead, which may last for hours or for days.

[Nero Wolf]

Somebody's playing with the lights.

[Archie Goodwin]

Some fool.

[Nero Wolf]

The switch was over this way. Ah, lights are on again. Whose idea was that?

[Archie Goodwin]

I had nothing to do with this.

[Nero Wolf]

Me neither.

[Archie Goodwin]

Ms. Shirley, why did you scream? Well, someone brushed against me in the darkness. You were standing near the table. This table, Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

Nothing on the table except a bunch of keys on a ring.

[Archie Goodwin]

Something screwy.

[Nero Wolf]

Why should a guy put the lights out just to deposit a bunch of keys on a table?

[Archie Goodwin]

Obvious. Without doubt, those are the keys of this house. Possession of them would have disclosed which of you lives here and which of you therefore killed Miller. It's late. I shall sleep down here. Lacking an elevator to transport me upstairs.

[Nero Wolf]

The elevator's lacking, yes.

[Archie Goodwin]

The rest of you should be able to find bedrooms upstairs. Good night, Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah.

[Archie Goodwin]

Follow them upstairs. Spend the night awake.

[Nero Wolf]

Okay.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good heavens, Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

On my way. What's cooking up here?

[Archie Goodwin]

Somebody's playing with the lights up.

[Nero Wolf]

Strike a match. You don't have to. I got a flashlight. Oh, here it is. Light switch. You know, this putting out of lights is getting to be somebody's bad habit. Well, all three of you seem to be okay. Stay here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where are you going?

[Nero Wolf]

Tramps room. Right here at the head of the stairs. Think of all your good deeds while I'm gone. All right. Downstairs again.

[Archie Goodwin]

What a gem. Oh, dear.

[Nero Wolf]

What happened? Well, it was more than a bunch of keys this time.

[Archie Goodwin]

That knife, there's blood on it.

[Nero Wolf]

There should be. I just pulled it out of a man's heart. Well, Mr. Wolf, one of these three babies doused the lights, popped into the tramp's room, deposited the knife in his chest and popped right out again.

[Archie Goodwin]

The knife you're holding?

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah.

[Archie Goodwin]

Intelligent of you to wrap a handkerchief around the handle.

[Nero Wolf]

Whoever killed the tramp didn't have time to fool around with gloves, so there.

[Archie Goodwin]

Should be prints on the knife handle Satisfactory, Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

That's mild enthusiasm, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

On that desk, an ink pad.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah.

[Archie Goodwin]

Ms. Shirley, you carry Feast powder, of course? Yes, I do. Archie will need it to bring out the prints on the knife. He will then fingerprint each of you. Compare your prints with those on the knife, and we shall have a murderer to hand over to the police. Archie, will you begin, please?

[Nero Wolf]

Here they are, Mr. Wolf. Three cards labeled with Ms. Shirley's name, Cregan's and Wagner's. Their respective prints are on each card.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good. I have the knife here. Several quite distinct prints on it. It should be child's play to. Hmm. Haji.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah?

[Archie Goodwin]

Take your own prince and mine.

[Nero Wolf]

What?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yours, I say. Quickly.

[Nero Wolf]

Yes, sir. All right. Give me your thumb. Thank you. Now mine. Thank me.

[Archie Goodwin]

There's something wrong. Something wrong and deadly. Losing this house tonight.

[Nero Wolf]

Well, there's a card with your prince in mind.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you.

[Nero Wolf]

Now you got five cards all together.

[Archie Goodwin]

So I have Arjay.

[Nero Wolf]

What now?

[Archie Goodwin]

Take the ink pad and a fresh card with you.

[Nero Wolf]

Where am I going with him?

[Archie Goodwin]

Upstairs.

[Nero Wolf]

But, Mr. Wolf, there's nobody upstairs except the corpse.

[Archie Goodwin]

Precisely. It is his friends I want. Oh, this is so ridiculous. Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah, I got the dead man's prints.

[Archie Goodwin]

Will all of you please sit? All right. But good heavens, young woman, be careful. We want no accidents. Sorry, I caught my high heels in the rug. Archie, the card with the corpse has prints on it.

[Nero Wolf]

Yes, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you. You know, I've had quite enough of this nonsense. Have you, Mr. Wagner?

[Nero Wolf]

Yes, so have I, Mr. Wolf. Also, I don't think you know what you're doing.

[Archie Goodwin]

Perhaps not. However, I have something rather interesting to tell all of you. There is no one in this house besides yourselves, except, of course, for the dead man upstairs. There is no one on the rock on which this house stands except for another dead man in our car.

[Nero Wolf]

Look, we already know all that.

[Archie Goodwin]

Bear with me. We may rule out secret passages, unusual hiding places or anything of that esoteric and childish nature. We may also rest assured that no one has come to or left this house or rock within the last few hours.

[Nero Wolf]

Well, that means we're kind of hermetically sealed here, huh? Meaning also that whoever was here when the tramp was killed is still here. Still here in this room.

[Archie Goodwin]

Correct, Archie. Now then, I have checked the dead tramp's prints against those on the knife. Theoretically, suicide was possible. However, the prints do not match. That guy was in no condition to kill himself anyway. True. Then I checked Archie's prints and mine against those on the knife. No similarity, but no one suspected either of you. Thank you, but I had to be thorough. That left only the three of you. I compared your cards and the prince on them with the prince on the handle of the knife. And I want you to remember one thing very clearly. We are the only living people in this house or on this rock of land. No tricks are possible and may be ruled out. All right, so what this. The prince on the handle of the knife that pierced the heart of the man upstairs do not match his prints or the prince of anyone in this room. No, mine wasn't matched.

[Nero Wolf]

Would you mind saying that Again, he doesn't have to. In those cards, Mr. Wolfe has the prince of everybody here. And yet none of them match the prints on the knife handle.

[Archie Goodwin]

But, well, in that case, who or what killed him?

[Nero Wolf]

Why, there must be someone else in the house.

[Archie Goodwin]

I give you my word, there is not. Hey, you thinking about ghosts or something? Ghosts never leave fingerprints.

[Nero Wolf]

I. I've got to get away.

[Archie Goodwin]

I can't stand this. Me too. Come on, ladies.

[Nero Wolf]

But I. I'll come along with you, if you don't mind. Mr. Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let them go. The bridge is down, they can't get far.

[Nero Wolf]

Okay. I don't get it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Get what?

[Nero Wolf]

Well, the fingerprint business and who killed Miller, plus the tramp.

[Archie Goodwin]

The identity of the killer, Archie, is quite obvious.

[Nero Wolf]

It is? To who?

[Archie Goodwin]

To whom?

[Nero Wolf]

Whose home? That's a joke. Yeah, I'm stalling for self respect, you know.

[Archie Goodwin]

Of course I do. I have no conclusive proof. However, I had hoped the fingerprints would be of assistance there, but they proved to be phantoms.

[Nero Wolf]

I'm still smarting about the other thing. You know, it's at times like this do I almost agree with you about my intelligence.

[Archie Goodwin]

Lack of intelligence.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah, well, don't rub it in, don't rub it in, just go ahead. Yeah, well, maybe you better rub it in. From now on, you may refer to my brain in the negative.

[Archie Goodwin]

In the negative. Bless you.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, what I've just done, I don't know, but can I have a raise? No, I'll take it back.

[Archie Goodwin]

You can't get the others in at once.

[Nero Wolf]

Mr. Wolf. You now have the appearance of Mr. Wolf being surrounded by several dozen bottles of beer. What have I done?

[Archie Goodwin]

You've explained the fingerprints. Archie, hurry. I don't want to keep the killer in suspense.

[Nero Wolf]

I don't care. No, I'm very nervous.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, they're all here. Yes, but they're all making a noise. Stop them, Shirley.

[Nero Wolf]

Mr. Cregan, Mr. Wagner, will you please shut. Mr. Wolf, they have.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you, Archie. Now then, I have known for some little time which of you killed the tramp and Miller. I lacked proof, however. And you, you have it. Now. I will admit for a while I was flummoxed by the negative evidence of the fingerprints. They seem to indicate that the tramp was murdered by a phantom. However, the word negative itself has solved the minor problem.

[Nero Wolf]

Minor?

[Archie Goodwin]

To whom?

[Nero Wolf]

To whom? Never mind. Shh.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, what is the salient feature of a film negative?

[Nero Wolf]

Well, I suppose it's the fact that the darks are light and the lights are dark.

[Archie Goodwin]

Precisely. A reversal then of the actual Appearances. Now, are there any similarities between filmed images and fingerprints?

[Nero Wolf]

In a way you could call the worlds and hollows that determine the individual characteristics of a fingerprint. The lights and darks, huh?

[Archie Goodwin]

You could. I shall. Ms. Shirley, would you help in an experiment? Of course. Thank you. Archie, I want you to take Ms. Shirley's fingerprints once again.

[Nero Wolf]

Okay. Pad and card. Here you are, Ms. Shirley.

[Archie Goodwin]

All right. She. Quick, grab her arm.

[Nero Wolf]

I got it. Usually I don't have to be coached, but. Let go of me.

[Archie Goodwin]

What are you trying to do, Ms. Shirley? You already had pressed your fingers on the ink pad once. Why were you about to do it a second time? Well, I. I just wanted to make a better impression. Archie, wipe some of the ink off her fingers. Well, but then it won't be any good. It'll be very good, Archie.

[Adam Graham]

I've done it.

[Nero Wolf]

And.

[Archie Goodwin]

Take the prince.

[Nero Wolf]

No.

[Archie Goodwin]

No. Let go of me.

[Nero Wolf]

Maybe I never hurt women if I can help it, but right now I won't be able to help it. Mr. Wolf wants your prince all over again. So down on the nice white card. No, thanks.

[Archie Goodwin]

Will you let me have that card now, Archie?

[Nero Wolf]

Sure.

[Archie Goodwin]

In the meanwhile, hold on to Ms. Shirley. A pleasure indeed. Would you continue to think so, Archie, if I told you that Ms. Shirley's first name is not pegged? It happens to be Josephine, for which the diminutive is Joe.

[Nero Wolf]

Glad they're fixing the bridge. I was beginning to think we'd be here forever.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, we have been.

[Nero Wolf]

You know, if those black orchids have been holding their breath waiting for you, they're going to be red in the face. Hey, new breed red orchids, huh?

[Archie Goodwin]

Ah, g messed.

[Nero Wolf]

You talk well, it's fun. Also, you've been holding out on me about the case.

[Archie Goodwin]

I surrender.

[Nero Wolf]

Okay. You know, when we compared the new prints of Josephine with those on the knife, you could have knocked me over with a sash weight. They were identical.

[Archie Goodwin]

Naturally, she stabbed the tramp.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah, but what was the fingerprint gag?

[Archie Goodwin]

She merely loaded her fingers so heavily with ink that she falsified the markings. She filled up the hollows and walls with ink. The result was that ridges became hollows and vice versa in the same fashion that a photographic negative falsifies lights and darks.

[Nero Wolf]

You got that when I mentioned the word negative? It works, huh?

[Archie Goodwin]

Try it sometime.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah, the very next bank I rob. But you said you knew who killed Miller in the tramp even before you exposed the fingerprint gimmick.

[Archie Goodwin]

How we knew Miller's murderer lived in this house, had been stealing from him and so on. Stealing what? Cash, of course. He, as the girl admitted, was an eccentric, kept his money on the property. Cregan had probably heard of it. Hence his casing of the house.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah.

[Archie Goodwin]

Our problem, therefore, was to discover who lived in this house. All three suspects denied it. Josephine Shirley told us, as you may remember, that she'd gone for a walk and then been driven by the flood to this house where we found her.

[Nero Wolf]

Well, that's what she said. It could have been.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, because as you may also remember, she tripped at one point over the living room rug and mentioned why.

[Nero Wolf]

Sure, sure. She said she was wearing high heels. Oh. Oh. Because out in the country there are no pavements, so girls don't go for a walk in high heel shoes. Therefore, she hadn't gone for a walk. Therefore she was lying. Therefore she killed Miller. And I should have noticed those heels myself.

[Archie Goodwin]

You should have, rj. Your trouble, I suspect, was that you didn't notice the fate for the leg.

[Nero Wolf]

You have been listening to the new Adventures of Nero Wolf, starring Sydney Greenstreet. Tonight's transcribed story was based on the characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edwin Fadiman program produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Gerald Moore as Archie Goodwin and Gigi Pearson, Howard McNear, Tim Graham and Eddie Fields. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the vanishing shells. Don Stanley speaking. Three chimes mean good times on NBC.

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, I have poked a little fun at what I've often thought was taking Wolf too often out of the brownstone in this series. But this time I definitely feel it's appropriate. Probably when Wolf has left the brownstone, more often than not it's been for something orchid related. He just won't leave on detective business, I did have to kind of wonder about this killer. The I suspected the woman in the first place just because the Joe thing would really throw us off the trail. And then when she mentioned the high heels, that definitely struck me as on this was a good case, a lot of fun. And of course I mentioned the Black Orchids in the opening because Rex Doubt actually had a story by that title was the first collection of two stories. The collection the Black Orchids has the Black Orchids in it and also cordially invited to meet death. Well, in my weekly commentary or a blog post, I should say I went ahead and compared three versions of Murder on the Orient Express, the 2010 version that was done over ITV, the 1974 television version, and the BBC Radio 4 version, which I got off of audible. Tracy Comments I was very, very disappointed with the Suchit Orient Express. Rather than a complex puzzle about who done it, which is what the original tale is really about, it's instead Perrault being moody, other characters being annoying, murders being actively evil as opposed to acting out of a sense of thwarted justice. I thought the star power of the Finney film worked in its favor by making the various suspects stand apart. More With a dozen possible murderers, it can be really hard for the movie audience to remember who is who, but nobody mixes up Vanessa Redgrave and Ingrid Bergman. Some good points there. Thanks a lot Tracy. Finally, we have another tip from Valerie, who writes, I already have the premium site and love it. Thanks for the great detectives and Dragnet. Well, thank you so much Valerie. I really appreciate everyone's support of the program. We'll be back tomorrow with Let George do it. In the meanwhile, send your comments to box13reatdetectives.net cast your vote for the show on Podcast Alley podcastally.greatdetectives.net and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com Radiodetectives from Boise, Idaho though this is your host Adam Graham signing off.

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