Murder On Rourke Island by The Whistler

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers: “Murder on Rourke Island” by The Whistler

Episode Information:

• Title: Murder on Rourke Island
• Series: The Whistler (CBS series)
• Episode Number: [Specific episode number if known]
• Original Air Date: December 30, 1946
• Release Date on Relic Radio Thrillers: November 8, 2024

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Introduction

“Murder on Rourke Island” is a gripping episode from the classic CBS series The Whistler, brought to modern audiences by RelicRadio.com’s Relic Radio Thrillers. This episode masterfully weaves a tale of inheritance, manipulation, and dark family secrets set against the backdrop of post-war America. Listeners are taken on an intricate journey through the strained relationship between Keith Brandon, his Uncle Matt, and the enigmatic Kathy Dunn, culminating in a suspenseful and unexpected conclusion.

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Main Characters

• Keith Brandon: A young man recently freed from his father's controlling grasp, now faced with the complexities of his inheritance and personal desires.
• Uncle Matt: Keith's uncle, who becomes the executor of the late Matthew Brandon’s (Keith's father) estate, wielding significant influence over Keith’s life.
• Kathy Dunn: Keith’s love interest, whose relationship with him becomes a central point of contention due to the stipulations of the will.
• Mr. Bradbury: The lawyer appointed to handle Matthew Brandon’s estate.

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Plot Summary

The Strained Reunion (00:12 - 05:55)

The episode opens with Keith Brandon returning to Uncle Matt's estate following the death of his controlling father, Matthew Brandon. Keith is experiencing a sense of relief and newfound freedom, especially as he reunites with Kathy Dunn, the woman he loves. However, this joy is short-lived as Uncle Matt introduces Keith to Mr. Bradbury to discuss the provisions of his father’s will.

Notable Quote:

• Uncle Matt (04:13, 04:06): "True until father put his half million dollar estate up against me. It was different after that, wasn't it? Me or the money."

The Will’s Clauses (05:55 - 12:14)

Mr. Bradbury elucidates that Keith has inherited the estate, but with strict conditions. Keith must live with Uncle Matt for six days a week to receive monthly allotments from the estate’s income. This arrangement triggers resentment in Keith, who views it as a continuation of his father's oppressive control.

Notable Quote:

• Keith Brandon (07:02, 07:06): "The estate is yours, but as your father's request that I hold it in trust for you."

Rising Tensions (12:21 - 19:44)

As Keith resents the limitations imposed by Uncle Matt, he becomes increasingly fixated on securing full control over the inheritance. Conversations reveal Keith's troubled past, including a suicide attempt, which Uncle Matt uses to justify his guardianship. Kathy attempts to mediate, but the tension escalates as Keith threatens Uncle Matt.

Notable Quotes:

• Keith Brandon (08:42, 12:14): "I'll kill him."
• Kathy Dunn (08:15, 19:03): "I took a long walk today, Uncle Matt. I did a lot of thinking."

The Plan Takes Shape (19:44 - 24:59)

The Whistler narrates Keith’s descent into obsession as he devises a plan to murder Uncle Matt on Roark Island using Digitalis, a heart medication that can induce heart failure. Keith’s actions become more calculated as he manipulates situations to access the necessary drugs.

Notable Quote:

• The Whistler (19:44, 24:59): "The murder on Rourke island had a curious beginning... The will to murder is somewhere inside you."

Executing the Murder (24:59 - 29:12)

Keith finalizes his scheme by tampering with Uncle Matt’s Digitalis supply, ensuring that his uncle’s heart condition will culminate in death. On the designated day, Keith prepares a seemingly normal breakfast, hiding his true intentions. However, a twist reveals that Uncle Matt has been surreptitiously adding Digitalis to Keith's coffee over the past two years, manipulating him and prolonging his dependence.

Notable Quotes:

• Keith Brandon (28:30, 28:38): "See this? Did you tell us? I'm going to let you take care."
• The Whistler (28:51, 29:12): "That’s keeping you alive."

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Climax and Conclusion

As Keith serves breakfast to Uncle Matt, believing he has successfully executed his plan, Uncle Matt confronts him with the truth. It is revealed that Uncle Matt has been controlling Keith’s life through the deliberate administration of Digitalis, ensuring Keith remains compliant and dependent. This revelation turns Keith’s vendetta on its head, showcasing Uncle Matt as the true manipulator.

Notable Quote:

• Uncle Matt (28:32, 28:40): "You'd better develop a lot of respect for it, Keith. You've been getting it secretly in your coffee for two years now."

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Key Themes and Insights

• Control and Manipulation: The episode delves deep into the dynamics of control within family relationships, highlighting how Uncle Matt manipulates Keith to maintain authority.
• Dependency and Power: The use of Digitalis symbolizes the reliance and power Uncle Matt holds over Keith, showcasing the lengths individuals might go to retain control.
• Betrayal and Trust: Keith’s trust in his uncle is shattered, revealing the layers of betrayal that underpin their interactions.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Uncle Matt on the Will’s Conditions:

   • “True until father put his half million dollar estate up against me. It was different after that, wasn't it? Me or the money.”
     [04:13]

2. Keith's Threat:

   • “I'll kill him.”
     [11:43]

3. Kathy’s Resolve:

   • “I took a long walk today, Uncle Matt. I did a lot of thinking.”
     [20:35]

4. The Whistler’s Narrative on Keith’s Plan:

   • “The will to murder is somewhere inside you.”
     [05:08], [24:59]

5. Uncle Matt’s Revelation of Control:

   • “You'd better develop a lot of respect for it, Keith. You've been getting it secretly in your coffee for two years now.”
     [28:40]

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Conclusion

“Murder on Rourke Island” stands out as a quintessential Whistler episode, blending suspense, psychological intrigue, and a masterful twist that redefines the narrative. Relic Radio Thrillers successfully preserves the essence of this old-time radio gem, offering both nostalgia and fresh engagement for contemporary audiences. The intricate character developments and unexpected revelation ensure that listeners are kept on the edge of their seats until the very end.

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Additional Information

For more captivating episodes like “Murder on Rourke Island,” visit RelicRadio.com or tune into their Shoutcast stream, available 24/7. Support the series and explore a vast archive of old-time radio adventures by donating at donate.relicradio.com.

Transcript

[Keith Brandon]

Foreign.

[Host]

This is relic radio thrillers new shows every Friday@ Relicradio.com. thanks for joining me. This Friday we're going to hear from the whistler this Week, a CBS series of almost 700 episodes. It aired from May 16, 1942 to September 25 of 1955. Our story this week is Murder on Rourke Island. This episode aired December 30, 1946.

[Announcer]

Oil program. That whistle is your signal for the signal. Oil program, the Whistler.

[The Whistler]

I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadow. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak.

[Announcer]

Yes, friends, it's time for the signal Oil program, the Whistler, rated by independent research the most popular west coast program in gasoline. You know, it takes extra quality to go farther. And signal is the famous go farther gasoline. So look for the signal circle sign in yellow and black that identifies signal service stations from Canada to Mexico. And now, the Whistler. Strange story. Murder on Rourke Island.

[The Whistler]

The murder on Rourke island had a curious beginning. There was no hatred in Keith Brandon's mind. No anger, no malice. In the beginning, there was only relief and freedom and love for a girl named Kathy Dunn. At each small private club, he could see her across the floor standing near the piano, the blue light working magic on the white satin of her evening gown. He smiled as he walked towards her.

[Kathy Dunn]

Hello, Kathy.

[Uncle Matt]

I'm waiting for the man on.

[Kathy Dunn]

Aren't you? Aren't you glad to see me?

[Uncle Matt]

Please, Keith, not now.

[Kathy Dunn]

What kind of welcome is this?

[Uncle Matt]

We settled everything a year ago. Now, if you don't mind.

[Kathy Dunn]

Wait a minute. You gotta let me talk to you.

[Uncle Matt]

There's nothing to talk about, Kathy. They're all watching it.

[Kathy Dunn]

Where's your dressing room?

[The Whistler]

Please, Keith, I tell you, I've got to talk to you.

[Kathy Dunn]

That's all there is to it. If you want it in the middle of the floor, it's all right with me.

[Uncle Matt]

All right.

[Kathy Dunn]

Go ahead.

[Uncle Matt]

Now you've got something to tell me. I suppose your father's changed his mind. Put the seal of approval on nightclub singers.

[Kathy Dunn]

Haven't changed a bit, have you? The old friendly approach.

[Uncle Matt]

Well, let me tell you something, sir. You had a choice to make between me and your father. And you, mate. As far as I'm concerned, it stands.

[Kathy Dunn]

Pretty bitter, aren't you?

[Uncle Matt]

I think I've a right to be.

[Kathy Dunn]

Kathy, I told you then that I loved you.

[Keith Brandon]

I always would. I'm livid.

[Uncle Matt]

True until father put his half million dollar estate up against me. It was different after that, wasn't it? Me or the money. Didn't take you long to decide. Go right ahead.

[Kathy Dunn]

Father died last night.

[Keith Brandon]

That's why I'm here.

[Uncle Matt]

You're free now.

[Keith Brandon]

Yeah. I want you, Kathy. I love you.

[Uncle Matt]

I wish I could believe.

[Keith Brandon]

Oh, Kathy.

[Uncle Matt]

Please. Please, Keith, let me.

[Kathy Dunn]

You know you love me, Kathy. Tell me.

[Uncle Matt]

Oh, I. I do. Keith, darling.

[The Whistler]

It was worth waiting for after all, wasn't it, Keith? The dominating, smothering influence of your father. His insistence that you live under his roof and eat at his table. That you jump every time he cracked the five hundred thousand dollar whip he held over your head for that long, terrible year after you made your decision to see it through to the end. But it was worth it. And they're both yours now. Kathy and the money. Or rather the money and Kathy. Because you know in your heart that the money will always come first. There's a wonderful feeling of freedom inside you as you drive up the tree lined drive of your Uncle Matt's estate the next morning. It seems there was something about the will.

[Kathy Dunn]

Uncle Matt.

[Keith Brandon]

Oh, Keith, my boy. Glad you're on time. This is Mr. Bradbury, your father's lawyer, executor of the estate.

[The Whistler]

I.

[Keith Brandon]

How do you do? Sit down, Keith.

[Kathy Dunn]

Thanks.

[Keith Brandon]

Mr. Bradbury and I have been talking over your father's will.

[Kathy Dunn]

Doesn't seem a little soon.

[Mr. Bradbury]

24 hours. That's the way he wanted it.

[Kathy Dunn]

24 hours. What do you mean?

[Mr. Bradbury]

It was part of his arrangement with me that the provisions of the will go into effect 24 hours after his death. The probate will come later, of course.

[Keith Brandon]

That's why I called you in this morning. You see.

[Kathy Dunn]

Know why he didn't say anything to me about it?

[Keith Brandon]

There are a lot of things he didn't talk to you about, Keith.

[Kathy Dunn]

What, for instance?

[Keith Brandon]

His estate, for one thing.

[Kathy Dunn]

Now wait a minute. You're not telling me there was a change?

[The Whistler]

No, no change.

[Kathy Dunn]

He promised me that when he died I'd have to.

[Keith Brandon]

Relax, Keith. The estate is yours.

[The Whistler]

All right then.

[Kathy Dunn]

Suppose we get it over with. There must be some papers assigned.

[Keith Brandon]

Just a minute. The estate is yours, Keith. But as your father's request that I hold it in trust for you.

[Kathy Dunn]

What kind of double talk is that? Take it easy, mister.

[Keith Brandon]

Listen, uncle, you better let me finish, Keith. According to the will, I'm to hold the estate in trust. But there'll be monthly allotments to you out of the income and you will be eligible to receive them as Long as.

[Kathy Dunn]

Go on.

[Keith Brandon]

As long as you live with me under this roof.

[The Whistler]

You can't do this to me.

[Kathy Dunn]

He's dead. That money's mine. He tortured me, kept me prisoner in this house for years.

[The Whistler]

He can't do it anymore.

[Kathy Dunn]

You hear me?

[The Whistler]

Stand.

[Announcer]

He can't reach up out of his.

[Kathy Dunn]

Keith, get a hold of yourself.

[Keith Brandon]

I don't care.

[Kathy Dunn]

I don't care. Sorry I had to slap you, Keith.

[Keith Brandon]

Just had to do it.

[Kathy Dunn]

Sit down, Uncle Man.

[Keith Brandon]

Sit down, I said. Now, whether you're aware of it or not, your father was very fond of you. He felt you still need someone to.

[Announcer]

Look out for you.

[The Whistler]

I agree with him. I'm of age.

[Kathy Dunn]

I take care of myself.

[Keith Brandon]

You're a highly emotional young man, Keith. Not as stable as you might be.

[Kathy Dunn]

What do you mean, not stable?

[Keith Brandon]

You did attempt suicide once over a girl.

[Kathy Dunn]

Oh, when I was a kid in high school.

[Keith Brandon]

Well, maybe so.

[The Whistler]

I remember.

[Keith Brandon]

It seemed pretty important to your father at the time, though.

[Kathy Dunn]

I do a crazy thing in high school and he decides I need a guardian for the rest of my life. Why are you trying to make excuses for him, Matt? You know what's behind it all as well as I do. He was a bitter, selfish old man who had to have things his own way, even after he was dead.

[Keith Brandon]

Well, this isn't getting us anywhere, Keith. Let's get the thing settled.

[Kathy Dunn]

Nothing I can do.

[Keith Brandon]

Then tell him, Bradfree.

[Mr. Bradbury]

The will takes effect tonight, Mr. Brandon. According to its terms, you must live with your uncle six days out of every week.

[Kathy Dunn]

Suppose I refuse?

[Mr. Bradbury]

The estate goes to the public hospital fund.

[Kathy Dunn]

I see. How long does this go on?

[Mr. Bradbury]

As long as your uncle is alive. After that, I guess you're on your own.

[Kathy Dunn]

Bradbury. There's nothing in there about marriage, is there?

[Announcer]

What do you mean?

[Kathy Dunn]

Just a minute, Mayor Bradbury. Supposing I decide to get married and bring my bride here to live, Would I be fulfilling the terms of the will?

[Keith Brandon]

You're not considering marriage, Keith?

[Kathy Dunn]

Answer my question, Mr. Bradbury.

[The Whistler]

Why, no.

[Mr. Bradbury]

There's nothing that would prevent it.

[Keith Brandon]

Great.

[Kathy Dunn]

How'd you like to have another steady Border? Uncle Matt?

[Keith Brandon]

Who is it?

[The Whistler]

Kathy Dunn.

[Keith Brandon]

You broke up with her a year ago.

[Kathy Dunn]

I saw her last night. Going to be married when? Tomorrow maybe.

[The Whistler]

Any objection?

[Keith Brandon]

You. You know how your father felt.

[Kathy Dunn]

I don't think that makes any difference now. Nice of the old boy to leave me a loophole.

[Keith Brandon]

Suppose I refuse to allow her to come here?

[The Whistler]

What about that, Mr. Bradbury?

[Mr. Bradbury]

I'm afraid you can't, Matt. He has a legal right to Marry and live with his wife. If you refuse to let her come here, you're preventing him from complying with the terms of the will.

[Keith Brandon]

I see.

[Kathy Dunn]

Uncle Matt, you better set an extra place for dinner. I'm bringing Kathy with me.

[The Whistler]

Well, Keith, you're feeling a little better. As you drive away from the house toward Kathy's apartment on the other side of town. You're on top now for the first time since the whole maddening thing started 15 months ago. When your father suddenly decided he wanted you with him for the rest of his life. From then on, nothing made sense. There were no explanations, no reasons for anything. He knew when the cards were down, you'd do anything for that half million. He was right, wasn't he? You walk up to Kathy's doorway a half hour later, hoping she'll understand.

[Uncle Matt]

Hello, Keith.

[Kathy Dunn]

How are you, darling?

[Uncle Matt]

All right, I guess.

[Kathy Dunn]

Something wrong?

[Uncle Matt]

No, I guess not.

[Kathy Dunn]

I just talked with Uncle Matt. It's. It's not quite the way I told you last night. He was appointed trustee of the estate, and I'm gonna have to live at the Cedars.

[Uncle Matt]

I know.

[Keith Brandon]

Huh?

[Uncle Matt]

I just talked to your uncle on the phone.

[Kathy Dunn]

What did he call you about?

[Uncle Matt]

To tell me about the will.

[Kathy Dunn]

He had no right to call you.

[Uncle Matt]

I'm glad he did. You. You belong there with him. Keith.

[Kathy Dunn]

What do you mean?

[Uncle Matt]

Please don't make it hard for me, dear. I've decided not to marry.

[Kathy Dunn]

Oh, wait a minute. He didn't tell you everything. We're going to be married. You're coming there with me to live. There's no way he can stop it. Don't you see? I love you, Kathy. I want you there with me. Please.

[Uncle Matt]

Please, Keith, I. I've made up my mind. I'm not going to change it. That's all.

[Kathy Dunn]

What else did he say? Tell me, Kathy.

[Uncle Matt]

Nothing. Nothing.

[Kathy Dunn]

What made you change then? You wanted to marry me last night. What made you change your mind? There was something else. He told you something else. Some vicious, underhanded lie.

[Uncle Matt]

Oh, no, Katie.

[Keith Brandon]

I'll kill him.

[Kathy Dunn]

That's what I'll do.

[The Whistler]

Keith. Sorry I said that.

[Keith Brandon]

Gaddy.

[Uncle Matt]

You'D better go now.

[Kathy Dunn]

Yeah, I guess you're right. Um, Kathy?

[Uncle Matt]

Yes, Keith?

[Kathy Dunn]

Don't. Don't tell anyone what I just said, will you?

[Uncle Matt]

Of course not.

[Keith Brandon]

I'm sorry I said that.

[The Whistler]

I said I'd kill him.

[Announcer]

With the prologue of Murder on Rourke island, the Signal Oil Company brings you another strange tale by the Whistler. Just think, by the time next week's Whistler rolls around, it'll be 1947 and your car will be another year older. More than ever, it's going to need the more conscientious service that cars get at dealer owned Signal service Station. And when I say more conscientious, let.

[The Whistler]

Me show you what I mean.

[Announcer]

When Signal dealers lubricate your car, for instance, they don't take chances on memory. No, sir. Instead they check against Signal's factory recommended lubrication chart. Which shows every lubrication point on your car. And they use nine Specialized signal oils and greases. So each part will have the exact type of protection it needs for long trouble free service. But do they stop there? No, sir. Just to make doubly sure not a single part has been overlooked. They check each point again. Which is why it's called Signal Double Check Lubrication. Now that's the kind of lube service you want when today's aging cars have the last. Until there are enough new ones to go around. And that's the kind of lubrication you get from your friendly dealer owned Signal service station. And now back to the Whistler.

[The Whistler]

Well, Keith, it came to a climax that morning in Kathy's apartment. All the hatred, the frustration, the rage against the idiotic demands of your father welled up inside you and exploded in a single remark. I said I'd kill him. And though you don't know it, the elements are all there. And a pattern is beginning to take shape for the murder on Rourke Island. Your life in prison is beginning all over again. With Uncle Matt as the jailer instead of your father. Six days out of every seven, Keith, you're free to come and go as you wish. But six days out of every seven, you must live with Uncle Matt at the Cedar.

[Keith Brandon]

There you are, Keith.

[Kathy Dunn]

Thanks.

[Keith Brandon]

I thought you'd like this room best. Nice view of Lake Washington out of the window here.

[The Whistler]

Yeah, great.

[Kathy Dunn]

Hardly contain myself.

[Keith Brandon]

We want you to be happy here.

[Kathy Dunn]

That in the will too. What to say? I have to be happy.

[Keith Brandon]

You don't have to stay here, Keith. You're of age. You can leave any time you want to.

[Kathy Dunn]

Let's not get into that again. Selling my soul for half a million dollars. And I know it. You leave me alone.

[Keith Brandon]

Of course we'll have dinner at 6.

[The Whistler]

Don't worry. And so it begins again, Keith. And during the weeks that follow, your life falls into a rigid pattern. Breakfast at 8, dinner at 6. Evenings in the library with Uncle Matt poring over his stamp collection. Can you know it will last as long as he lives that only his death can bring you at last to the thing you suffered for. Before long you remember, realize the will to murder is somewhere inside you. But it's not until a night in early spring that it finally crystallizes into a plan. In many ways, it was like all the other nights. You and Uncle Matt in the library. The dull novel, the stamp collection.

[Keith Brandon]

That Halfpenny Black. I wasn't such a typewriter. Just saying. If I wasn't such a tight wad, I'd buy that half. Penny Black. Stamp dealer in town's got a fine used copy, but he wants $40 for it. Kind of quiet tonight. Wouldn't be surprised if we had a little rain when the winds from the southwest. Rain sure to follow. Do I always say that?

[Kathy Dunn]

Every night at 8:55 you never miss going to bed? I got a headache. Any aspirin upstairs?

[Keith Brandon]

Ought to be some in the medicine cabinet.

[Kathy Dunn]

Oh, thanks.

[Keith Brandon]

Take a look.

[The Whistler]

But there isn't any aspirin in your medicine chest. So you try the one in Uncle Matt's bathroom. Find the aspirin on the lower shelf. Start to close the cabinet door. When your eye lights on a bottle, a prescription bottle half hidden by the others, your hand shakes as you pick it up. Examine it closely and it's at that precise moment that all the elements come together to form the plan for a murder three months in the future on a tiny tree covered.in the middle of Puget Sound called Roark Island. You are not much interested in your breakfast the next morning.

[Keith Brandon]

These darn strikes. Wonder where it'll all end up.

[Kathy Dunn]

Excuse me. Uncle Matt.

[Keith Brandon]

Samantha. Aren't you going to finish your breakfast?

[Kathy Dunn]

I'm not very hungry. Thought I'd run down to the library. Do you mind?

[The Whistler]

The library?

[Keith Brandon]

Yeah.

[Kathy Dunn]

I heard about a book the other day and I.

[Keith Brandon]

Sure. Go ahead. Just bowled me over. I guess the public library is the last place in the world I'd expect to find.

[Kathy Dunn]

Yes, I. I know I haven't a card, but I don't want to take the book out. I. I just want to look at it. Here.

[Uncle Matt]

What was the title again?

[Kathy Dunn]

Materia Medica. It's a textbook on drugs.

[Announcer]

That's a very interesting question.

[Kathy Dunn]

I. I don't mean to be stupid, Doctor, but.

[Announcer]

Oh, not at all.

[The Whistler]

The drug is habit forming.

[Announcer]

Oh, more than that. To a victim of certain forms of heart disease, it's like eating or breathing.

[The Whistler]

It's the difference between life and death. How often do they take it? Once a day, usually.

[Keith Brandon]

Have they stopped heart failure? Of course.

[Kathy Dunn]

How soon?

[The Whistler]

Two days. Possibly more.

[Keith Brandon]

It depends.

[Kathy Dunn]

Thanks very much.

[Keith Brandon]

Doctor.

[The Whistler]

Oh, forget it.

[Announcer]

Always glad to help out a detective story writer.

[The Whistler]

You know, I'm quite a mystery fan myself. 11825. That's our number.

[Kathy Dunn]

I just wanted to double check.

[Mr. Bradbury]

I probably filled that prescription myself.

[Kathy Dunn]

What did the card say?

[Mr. Bradbury]

First pilled February 14, Dr. Talbot for patient Matthew Brandon.

[Keith Brandon]

I see.

[The Whistler]

That's all. Except for the name of the prescription, of course. Extract of Digitalis.

[Kathy Dunn]

Hello, Uncle Matt.

[Keith Brandon]

Well, you must have done a lot of reading. Been gone all day.

[Kathy Dunn]

Oh, I had a few other things to do. Oh, yeah? You know what today is? Saturday, April 16th. Big day, isn't it, Keith?

[Keith Brandon]

How did you know?

[Kathy Dunn]

Never forget a birthday.

[Keith Brandon]

An envelope.

[Kathy Dunn]

Be careful how you open that.

[The Whistler]

Yes.

[Kathy Dunn]

Let's see.

[Keith Brandon]

It's empty, isn't it?

[Kathy Dunn]

Look down in the corner there.

[Keith Brandon]

Oh, a half penny black.

[The Whistler]

That's right.

[Kathy Dunn]

Stash you've been wanting.

[Keith Brandon]

Okay, I. I don't know what to say, Keith.

[Kathy Dunn]

Let me say it, will you? I took a long walk today, Uncle Matt. I did a lot of thinking. But you and me, I've been awfully wrong. I want things to be different now.

[Keith Brandon]

I really believe you mean that, Keith.

[Kathy Dunn]

I do.

[Keith Brandon]

Don't worry. Boy, I. I always thought you had a great heart. Things will be different now.

[The Whistler]

Yes, Keith. Things will be different now. And you didn't lie to him. You did take a walk. And you did do a lot of thinking about how you were going to kill him this summer on Roark Island. Murder him with a perfect, ingenious plan that had no possible chance of going wrong. The first thing, of course, is to get his confidence. And as spring changes into summer, you develop an interest in his stamp collection. Go for walks with him along the lake, spend evenings together at the theater. And finally, on a day in early June, you decide he's ready.

[Kathy Dunn]

Just look at the lake out there.

[Keith Brandon]

You know, long as I've lived here, I never tire of it. I don't think I could ever live away from water.

[Kathy Dunn]

You know, it makes me think of the summers you and Father and I used to spend on Roark Island.

[Keith Brandon]

I haven't been there for years.

[Kathy Dunn]

We still own it, don't we?

[Keith Brandon]

Yes.

[Kathy Dunn]

Lodge is still there.

[The Whistler]

Wharf a dory.

[Keith Brandon]

I suppose so.

[Kathy Dunn]

Let's go, huh? Just you and I. We could do a little fishing, loaf around.

[Keith Brandon]

Do you really want to?

[Kathy Dunn]

Of course I do. Look, you need a change, too. We could hire a boat to take us out there.

[Announcer]

Bring.

[Kathy Dunn]

Bring food with us and spend a week or 10 days.

[Keith Brandon]

George.

[Kathy Dunn]

What about it?

[Keith Brandon]

It's a deal.

[The Whistler]

Three days later, as you stand on the jetty on Rock island and watch the boat moving out into the sound on its way back to Seattle. You realize that there's no way you can fail now that by the time the boat returns, Uncle Matt will be dead of heart failure. And at long last, the legacy will be yours. The doctor told you he couldn't last two days without Digitalis. Nine should make it. After dinner, it seems an eternity before Matt yawns and finally suggests going to bed. You lie there, tense, until almost midnight. Be sound asleep now, breathing heavily as you quietly get out of bed and slip on your clothes. First the small boat moored down at the jetty.

[Keith Brandon]

Now this rope.

[The Whistler]

There.

[Kathy Dunn]

That ought to do it.

[The Whistler]

You cut it loose, stand there a minute, watching it drift out with the tide. Then you hurry back to the house. On the kitchen table is the portable radio telephone Matt brought along as a safety measure. You take out the rectifier tube, walk quietly to the rear of the house where he can't hear. But the most important thing of all is the bottle of Digitalis. You'd seen him slip into his luggage when he thought you weren't looking. You carefully feel through the suitcase at the foot of his bed, take it out, make certain it's all he has, and then walk to the sink, empty it. You fill it with water from the faucet. Five minutes later, it's back in place in the suitcase. There's nothing to do now but wait.

[Keith Brandon]

How'd you like your eggs, Keith?

[Uncle Matt]

How?

[The Whistler]

Easy, right?

[Keith Brandon]

Got the table set?

[Kathy Dunn]

Where the plate?

[Keith Brandon]

They're on the stove getting warm. Ah, smell that, boy. Nothing like the smell of bacon and eggs, is there?

[Kathy Dunn]

Here, let me help you dish up.

[Keith Brandon]

Take care of the coffee, will you? You know, Keith.

[Kathy Dunn]

Yeah?

[Keith Brandon]

We're going to have a great time together from now on, aren't we?

[Kathy Dunn]

Nothing. Let's sit down to breakfast, huh?

[Announcer]

The Whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending of tonight's story. Tomorrow being New Year's Eve, most programs tonight are wishing you Happy New Year. And of course, we want to do the same. But just wishing doesn't always make a thing come true. That's why the Signal Oil Organization has asked me to go a step farther tonight and leave a thought with you which, if it saves just one life, will be well worth this moment of your time. New Year's Eve is one of the most hazardous nights of the year for drivers and pedestrians. Many people are at the wheel who shouldn't be. Cars are old, Driving conditions are not good. If you don't absolutely have to go out. Don't. But if you must drive, take it easy.

[The Whistler]

Keep the speed down.

[Announcer]

Keep a sharp eye on other drivers and pedestrians. I know these are somber words for an occasion like this, but if all you friends of the Whistler will just remember them tomorrow night, it'll go a long way toward keeping some unnecessary auto accident from marring the Happy New Year, which we of the Signal Organization hope will be yours. Now back to the Whistler.

[The Whistler]

Well, Keith, it's a little unusual to be sitting down to breakfast with a man you know is going to die in a day or two. Yes, it's all done now, isn't it? Your only chance of getting away from Roark island vanished when you cut the boat adrift down at the dock and smashed the rectifier tube of the radio telephone Uncle Matt brought along for safety reasons. Yes, the murder has been committed already, hasn't it, Keith? It happened the moment you emptied his bottle of digitalis down the sink and refilled it with plain water. He might last 48 hours, but it's a good nine days until the boat comes back from the mainland. You know it'll happen long before then. Halfway through breakfast, you look up from your plate to see him watching you, a quiet smile on his face.

[Keith Brandon]

Your father never would have believed you could eat like that. You know, Keith, you're a different boy now than the one he knew. Good or bad. It's wonderful. I'm going to do something I promised him I'd never do. I won't be with you forever. I think you can take it now. What do you mean? He was afraid you'd kill yourself if you ever found out about it. That's why he was so unreasonable about your staying home, why he refused to let you marry. That's why he wanted me to take care of you.

[Kathy Dunn]

What are you talking about?

[Keith Brandon]

See this? Did you tell us? I'm going to let you take care.

[The Whistler]

Of it now, man.

[Keith Brandon]

You'd better develop a lot of respect for it, Keith. You've been getting it secretly in your coffee for two years now. It's the only thing in the world.

[The Whistler]

That'S keeping you alive.

[Announcer]

Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil program. The Whistler. Each Monday at 9, brought to you by the Signal Oil Company, who have asked me to remind you to get the most driving pleasure in 1947. Drive at Sensible speeds, be courteous and obey traffic regulations. You'll go farther and have a happier New Year. Featured in tonight's story were David Ellis and Charles Seal. The Whistler was produced by George W. Allen with story by Harold Swanton, music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. This is Marvin Miller speaking for the Signal Oil Company. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Host]

There's more from the Whistler, Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the podcasts@ RelicRadio.com our shoutcast stream is up and running there as well, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with even more old time radio lots to listen to keep you entertained all day. If you'd like to help support this and all of those shows, visit donate relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Your support makes it all happen. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday. Friday, another episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.