The Hangtree Affair by The Whistler

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers: "The Hangtree Affair" by The Whistler

Episode Overview: Relic Radio Thrillers presents "The Hangtree Affair," a gripping installment from the acclaimed CBS series The Whistler. Originally airing from 1942 to 1955, The Whistler captivated audiences with over 600 episodes of crime, mystery, espionage, and suspense. "The Hangtree Affair," released on February 8, 2025, continues this legacy, weaving a tale of intrigue aboard a snowbound train and unraveling a complex plot centered around betrayal, hidden fortunes, and deception.

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Introduction

In "The Hangtree Affair," listeners are transported into a classic Old Time Radio adventure where boredom and impatience on a delayed train set off a chain of events leading to murder and deceit. The episode masterfully combines atmospheric storytelling with sharp dialogue, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish.

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Main Characters

• Lee Ryan: The protagonist, a businessman traveling from Chicago to California, whose journey becomes the nexus of the unfolding mystery.
• The Reporter: A talkative journalist familiar with Jeff Larkin and Noisy Nevins, hinting at deeper connections and secrets.
• Julie Clinton (Katie): A mysterious woman connected to Jeff Larkin, whose true intentions slowly come to light.
• Lieutenant Knowles: A determined police officer investigating Jeff Larkin's murder.
• Noisy Nevins (Johnny Burgess): An ex-con and expert safecracker, central to the plot's conflict over hidden money.

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Plot Synopsis

1. The Snowbound Train and the Reporter’s Tale ([02:22] - [05:00])

The episode begins with Lee Ryan, restless on a delayed train due to impending snowstorms. Seeking to pass the time, he engages in conversation with a reporter in the club car. The reporter divulges information about Jeff Larkin, an ex-con seeking a $100,000 fortune that vanished after a failed bank robbery orchestrated with his partner, Noisy Nevins. The conversation reveals that Nevins, an expert in safecracking, may have double-crossed Larkin, leading to his imprisonment and the disappearance of the money.

Notable Quote:

Reporter ([03:29]): "Yeah, I bet he looks that way, too. Hey, right over there with that girl."

2. An Encounter with Julie Clinton ([06:18] - [09:00])

As the train halts in the small town of Springdale, Lee meets Julie Clinton, who appears to be connected to Jeff Larkin. Their brief interaction over a dropped purse containing a postcard addressed to Larkin piques Lee's curiosity, especially concerning the missing money. The Whistler, serving as the narrator, underscores the mysterious nature of their meeting.

Notable Quote:

The Whistler ([06:48]): "She wasn't very cooperative, was she, Lee?"

3. Discovery and Deception ([11:02] - [16:45])

Lee's investigation leads him to Los Angeles, where he confronts Julie at her hotel. Their conversation reveals Julie's deep ties to Nevins and hints at her involvement in the scheme to locate the hidden money. Lee discovers crucial information from Julie's room, including the same postcard found earlier, which directs him to Hangtree Cemetery in Silver City. Julie's evasive behavior and the discovery of the gun solidify her role in the impending crime.

Notable Quote:

Lee Ryan ([12:07]): "Give me that."

4. The Chase to Silver City ([16:45] - [24:51])

Determined to uncover the truth, Lee pursues Julie to Silver City, a town teeming with miners and bustling saloons. Amidst the vibrant backdrop, Lee contacts Julie, persuading her to abandon her plans and join forces to seize the $100,000. Their alliance, however, is short-lived as Lee orchestrates events to frame Julie for Jeff Larkin's murder by planting evidence and manipulating circumstances to incriminate her.

Notable Quote:

Lee Ryan ([20:52]): "We're partners, honey. We're partners."

5. The Climactic Revelation ([26:39] - [28:52])

The Whistler guides listeners through the denouement as Sheriff McQuinn connects the dots, uncovering Julie's deceit. Julie confronts the police, but the evidence—including the gun and her association with Nevins—solidifies her culpability. The episode concludes with the revelation that Lee Ryan meticulously set up Julie to take the fall for the murder, ensuring that justice is served while uncovering the hidden fortune.

Notable Quote:

Lieutenant Knowles ([27:46]): "Noisy Nevins was an expert with pnt. He wasn't planning to share that dough with anybody. He set a booby trap to kill his old pal Larkin."

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Deception and Betrayal: Central to the narrative is the theme of betrayal, as allies turn against each other in the pursuit of hidden wealth.
2. Justice and Vigilance: Lee Ryan's determination to uncover the truth highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in achieving justice.
3. The Duality of Human Nature: Characters like Julie Clinton and Noisy Nevins embody the complexity of human motives, balancing loyalty with greed.

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Narrative Techniques

• The Whistler’s Narration: Serving as both a guide and commentator, The Whistler adds depth and suspense, enhancing the storytelling experience.

  Example Quote:

  The Whistler ([11:02]): "Well, Lee, you don't have to wonder anymore about the girl you saw with Jeff Larkin. It all fits."

• Realistic Dialogue: Authentic conversations between characters drive the plot forward, revealing hidden agendas and building tension.

• Atmospheric Soundscapes: Background sounds of the train, bustling towns, and specific locations like saloons and cemeteries immerse listeners in the setting.

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Conclusion

"The Hangtree Affair" is a quintessential episode of The Whistler series, blending mystery, suspense, and intricate plotting to deliver a memorable Old Time Radio experience. Through Lee Ryan's journey from a delayed train to unraveling a web of deceit, listeners are treated to a narrative rich in character development and thematic depth. The episode exemplifies the enduring appeal of radio thrillers, captivating audiences with their timeless allure and masterful storytelling.

Final Notable Quote:

The Whistler ([26:39]): "After 12 hours and several long distance calls Sheriff McQuinn of Silver City was prepared to do some questioning. He talked to Lt. Knowles in Denver and to the San Francisco police. Now, at last, he felt that the puzzle was beginning to fit together."

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For those enthralled by classic tales of crime and mystery, "The Hangtree Affair" stands as a testament to the enduring charm of Old Time Radio, inviting listeners to dive deep into its suspenseful narrative and uncover the secrets hidden within.

Transcript

[Lee Ryan]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

This is relic radio. Thrillers, action adventure, intrigue and suspense every [e-mail] Our story comes from the Whistler this week, a CBS series of over 600 episodes. It aired from May of 1942 to September of 1955. It also spawned eight films in a short television series. From December 19, 1948, we'll hear the Hangtree affair.

[Signal Oil Announcer]

The Signal oil program, the Whistler. 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 shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak.

[Signal Oil Announcer]

Yes, friends, it's time for the signal oil program. The Whistler rated tops in popularity for a longer period of time than any other west coast program in radio history. And signal gasoline is tops, too. Tops in quality. It takes extra quality, you know, to give you extra mileage. And signal is the famous go farther gasoline. So look for the signal circle sign in yellow and black that identifies independently operated signal stations from Canada to Mexico. And now, the Whistler's strange story, the Hangtree affair.

[The Whistler]

It was boredom that got Lee Ryan into it in the first place. His train out of Chicago for the west coast was moving slow, with further delays expected because of the snowstorms ahead. Yes, he was bored and impatient. His last business venture in Chicago hadn't paid off too well, and he looked forward to his arrival in California and the prospects of a deal worthy of his talents. Lee decided that the club car might help pass the time. It did. The car was crowded, and he found himself sitting with a talkative man who seemed to know many things about many people, including a number of their fellow passengers. He was a reporter, a man whom Lee had known casually over a period of years, a reporter who apparently loved to report. And he talked to Lee confidentially as if to his city editor.

[Reporter]

Oh, you picked a great choo choo, Lee. Yes, sir. I'm glad I'm getting off. You can carry on for me.

[Lee Ryan]

How do you mean?

[Reporter]

Well, you can follow my boy Jeff Larkin. There's no story there as far as my newspaper concerned. The city editor's washing it up.

[Lee Ryan]

Larkin. That sounds familiar.

[Reporter]

Yeah, I bet he looks that way, too. Hey, right over there with that girl.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, she's not bad, huh?

[Reporter]

Aw, she just like all the rest, hanging around him, thinking he's gonna get that money.

[Lee Ryan]

Money?

[Reporter]

Oh, you didn't recognize him, eh? An ex con. But I Knew him when he was a big, big man. And Jose, anybody's time had happened. He was the brains. Yeah, that's what they say. He'd planned the robberies, and his partner, Noisy Nevins, pulled him off. Oh, a great team.

[Lee Ryan]

Great team. Noisy Nevins, huh? The nitroglycerin.

[Conductor]

Yes, sir.

[Reporter]

Oh, Noisy could blow a safe door off clean as a housewife would open.

[Lee Ryan]

A. Oh, sure, now I'm with you.

[Reporter]

They used to work together, but the last big job they pulled, a hundred thousand dollar bank job. Larkin got careless. Yeah, he also got five years.

[Lee Ryan]

Who got the hundred thousand?

[Reporter]

Oh, it disappeared. And so did Nevins. That's why I've been tagging Larkin around ever since he walked out of that pen six months ago.

[Lee Ryan]

Your paper figured he'd meet Nevins, split the dough.

[Reporter]

That's right. Only my paper was wrong. Locker knows from nothing where that dough is.

[Lee Ryan]

And Noisy?

[Reporter]

Oh, he's quiet now, as they get. And permanent, too.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, yeah.

[Reporter]

Got that way about a month ago. I think it was an auto accident out in Frisco. Ah, it was too bad. Nevins was probably the only guy in the world who knew where that money was.

[Lee Ryan]

You figure he stashed it away somewhere, right?

[Reporter]

Absolutely right. $100,000. And it stays stashed.

[Lee Ryan]

That poor girl wasting her time with Lark. And somebody should tell her.

[Reporter]

Yes, 100 grand. Unmarked bills.

[Lee Ryan]

Negotiable is a mud puddle and a pogo stick.

[Lieutenant Knowles]

Uh, hu.

[Reporter]

Say, you know what's a funny thing? Why, when I was a kid, I could never manage one of those things.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, no. And I was pretty good.

[Reporter]

Oh, you kidding me? Really?

[Lee Ryan]

Well, well, I'll be seeing you, pal. Happy as scoops.

[Reporter]

Well, don't worry about me. I'm getting off the next stop. My, my. Best of luck. And if you should run into him.

[Lee Ryan]

Yeah, I'll remember. And I just might run.

[The Whistler]

Interesting, isn't it, Lee? A man with $100,000, only he doesn't know where it is. It was hidden away by a partner who's dead now. All very interesting. Yes, and you think about it a lot after you leave your reporter friend in the club car. Wonder if he's right, if that girl really is going to be disappointed. It's hours later that you feel the train grind to a stop. Glance out of your compartment to see that you've pulled onto a siding at a small town station.

[Lee Ryan]

Porter, what's wrong? Why are we stopping?

[The Whistler]

It won't be for long, sir. It's just the snow.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, yes.

[Conductor]

There's time to get off for a.

[The Whistler]

While if you want to.

[Lee Ryan]

Some of the passengers are.

[The Whistler]

We'll be here about an hour.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, thank you. I don't think I'll bother.

[The Whistler]

Instead of leaving the train, you walk back to the observation platform. Stand there looking off toward the few lights of the small, slumbering town of Springdale. You find yourself wondering about Jeff Larkin again and the girl. And then, as the train is ready to move on, you see her approaching alone from the direction of town. It's a chance to speak to her, isn't it, Lee? On impulse, you decide to take it. You start for the boarding platform at the end of the car and reach it as she comes up the steps.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.

[Julie Clinton]

It's all right.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, no. You've dropped your purse here.

[Julie Clinton]

Please, never mind.

[Lee Ryan]

I insist.

[The Whistler]

You bend down quickly, begin to retrieve the articles that were spilled from purse one. You can't help noticing it's a picture Postcard addressed to Mr. Jeff Larkin. General Delivery, Chicago.

[Lee Ryan]

Give me that.

[Julie Clinton]

Give it to me.

[Lee Ryan]

Why, certainly, certainly. Here you are.

[Julie Clinton]

Sorry, but I'm in a hurry. Thank you very much.

[Lee Ryan]

Afraid your boyfriend might miss you?

[Julie Clinton]

My boyfriend? I know what you're talking about.

[Lee Ryan]

I'm sorry. I just thought you were kind of chummy with a fell in the club car.

[Julie Clinton]

You're mistaken. Someone happened to sit with me because the car was crawling.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, sure, sure. That's happened to me too. Forget it.

[Julie Clinton]

There's nothing to forget. Good night.

[Lee Ryan]

Night.

[The Whistler]

She wasn't very cooperative, was she, Lee? And you wonder why. Wonder also about the card addressed to Larkin. Why she got so excited about it. The next morning, following the stop at Denver, you find out.

[Lee Ryan]

Yes, conductor?

[Lieutenant Knowles]

I'm sorry to bother you, Mr. Ryan, but we've been questioning all the passengers.

[Lee Ryan]

Questioning them about what?

[Lieutenant Knowles]

Oh, I'm sorry. This is Lieutenant Knowles, Denver Police.

[Lee Ryan]

Lieutenant.

[Conductor]

To explain quickly, Mr. Ryan, a man a few compartments down from you has.

[Lee Ryan]

Been murdered on this train.

[Conductor]

No. Happened at a place called Springdale when.

[Lieutenant Knowles]

We pulled into a sighting, Mr. Ryan.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, I remember we stopped for about an hour.

[Lieutenant Knowles]

Yeah, that's the place.

[Conductor]

During that hour, the victim, a man named Jeff Larkin.

[Lee Ryan]

Larkin?

[Conductor]

You know him?

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, no, no. I've heard of him, that's all.

[Conductor]

I guess a lot of people have. Anyway, Larkin got off the train for some reason, never got back on. His body was found a short time later in an alley at the edge of town.

[Lee Ryan]

He'd been shot, poor devil.

[Conductor]

We've been trying to find someone who got off with him or talked to him just before. No luck so far.

[Lieutenant Knowles]

But now the young lady in 29, Ms. Clinton, says she spoke to Larkin earlier in the club car, but that's.

[Conductor]

The last she saw of him.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, she. She didn't get off at Springdale?

[Lieutenant Knowles]

No, no, she says she stayed in her compartment the whole time.

[Lee Ryan]

I see.

[Conductor]

And you, Ryan?

[Lee Ryan]

Well, I walked back to the observation car. I was there, oh, 20 minutes or so.

[Conductor]

But you didn't observe anything?

[Lee Ryan]

No. No, I'm sorry, Lieutenant. I didn't observe a thing.

[Signal Oil Announcer]

With the prologue of the Hangtree affair, the Signal Oil Company is bringing you another strange story by the Whistler. Recently, I was looking at one of the newly announced 1949 cars. As the salesman pointed out the air conditioner and the front seat that drops back to make a bed. I couldn't help thinking it's the trend of really modern products to do more than is primarily expected of them, just as Signal Premium compounded motor oil does so much more than just lubricate. Of course, Signal Premium has 100% pure paraffin base, the finest money can buy. But in addition, Signal Premium oil contains scientific compounds that go to work inside your motor, doing jobs that regular oil alone can never do. One compound, for instance, washes out accumulated carbon, gum and varnish. Another compound guards expensive bearings from corrosion. And still other compounds keep the oil from thinning and prevent excessive foaming. No wonder Signal Premium is the oil that guarantees a sweeter running motor. So next time you change oil, have your Signal dealer put in the modern type Signal oil that does so much more than just lubricate. Signal Premium compounded motor oil. And now, back to the Whistler.

[The Whistler]

Well, Lee, you don't have to wonder anymore about the girl you saw with Jeff Larkin. It all fits. The reporter's story about that hundred thousand dollars hidden away. Larkin's death in a deserted alley back in Springdale. The girls claim that she didn't see Larkin leave the train and that she herself didn't get off. You know different, don't you, Lee? And the knowledge gives you absolute confidence. When you reach Los Angeles, check into the same hotel that she does, and then half an hour later, call her room.

[Hotel Clerk]

Hello?

[Lee Ryan]

Hello, Julie.

[Hotel Clerk]

Who is it?

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, friend of yours? A good friend. We met on the train.

[Hotel Clerk]

The train? I didn't meet anyone who I.

[Lee Ryan]

Well, you met Jeff Larkin, Julie. You got real chummy, like I once said.

[Hotel Clerk]

Oh.

[Lee Ryan]

Well. Are you still there, Julie?

[Hotel Clerk]

Yes.

[Lee Ryan]

Well, stay there, huh? I'm coming down to your room so we can talk.

[Julie Clinton]

Now, wait a minute.

[Lee Ryan]

Now, you wait a minute, Julie. That's all it'll take me. The name is Lee Ryan. And Julie. Yes, I like my martinis very dry.

[Hotel Clerk]

Don't expect too much, Mr. Ryan. I haven't any ice.

[Lee Ryan]

Don't give me that. So far, it's all you've had. Just use that cold shoulder of yours. Have it right down.

[Julie Clinton]

I. I don't do this for everybody, Mr. Ryan.

[Lee Ryan]

I don't lie for everybody.

[Julie Clinton]

Really, you're mistaken about that.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, is that so?

[Julie Clinton]

Yeah.

[Lee Ryan]

The drink looks good. I think yours looks better. Let's switch, shall we?

[Julie Clinton]

Katie, it's me.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, good. Now, the business at hand. Julie.

[Julie Clinton]

Sounds terribly boring.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, I'm not nearly as bored as I was when I started this trip. Things are beginning to look up. That's why I didn't tell that police detective that you got off that train. They couldn't resist a certain possibility.

[Julie Clinton]

Namely?

[Lee Ryan]

That you know something. Look, I. I don't care about Larkin. What were you after? What's that? What's that? Address unknown. Julie, that Spottler Evan stashed that hundred grand. Hey, hey, I got it.

[Julie Clinton]

What have you got, Mr. Ryan?

[Lee Ryan]

The postcard. That picture on it. Someplace up north. Mother lode country. Silver City, wasn't it?

[Julie Clinton]

You're talking thick, Mr. Ryan.

[Lee Ryan]

Hey, what did you do? What did you put in this? And I drink. Getting dizzy, Julie, I had you figured perfectly.

[Julie Clinton]

Smart boy. You shouldn't have switched streets with me. But you'll be all right.

[Bartender]

Mr. Ryan. Mr. Ryan, are you all right?

[Lee Ryan]

Should I get the doctor? No, no. No doctor. I'm okay. Where is she?

[Bartender]

The young lady who called about you. She's gone.

[The Whistler]

Checked out.

[Lee Ryan]

Gone where?

[Bartender]

She was going to catch a train, I believe. I'm. I'm not sure. She was just leaving her room when she saw you out here in the hall.

[Lee Ryan]

Well, give me a plane schedule. I want to go to Silver City.

[Bartender]

Silver City? I don't believe the planes land.

[Lee Ryan]

All right. They'll get me close enough. I'll go if I have to crawl the rest of the way.

[Bartender]

Yes, sir. Anything you say.

[Conductor]

That's as far as the stage goes, mister. Silver City. Here's your drink, mister.

[Lee Ryan]

Thanks.

[Conductor]

Like I was saying, Silver City's real quiet during the day, but it'll open up round sundown. That's when the boys start drifting in from Hangtree. Oh, say, you was asking me about the stage. There she is. Just pulled up in front of the hotel. You wouldn't be waiting for that little lady with the suitcase? Just got off, would you?

[Lee Ryan]

I sure would, Pop.

[Conductor]

Classy. Oh, here's your change. I gave you some silver in case you want to play the slot machine.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, there's no need to. I just hit the jackpot.

[The Whistler]

As you sit there at the bar, watch Julie enter the hotel across the street, you congratulate yourself, don't you, Lee? Your trip to Silver City paid off with a bigger payoff yet to come. A quarter of an hour later, you see Julie leave the hotel. Watch her as she enters a cafe halfway down the block. Quickly you leave the bar and hurry into the hotel.

[Lee Ryan]

Say, clerk, I've been expecting someone. A young lady. She was supposed to arrive on the bus.

[Conductor]

Oh, Ms. Creeton?

[Reporter]

Why, yeah, she checked in a little while ago. Roommate.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, good.

[Reporter]

But she ain't in now.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh. Oh, well, I'll see you later. Say, let me have you a pass key, will you? I've left my key in my room. I'll bring it right back.

[Reporter]

Well, okay, just a sec, I'll get it for you.

[The Whistler]

Moments later, you slip into Julie's room. Quickly you go through her suitcase and pocket the gun. Then as you turn, your eye catches sight of something on the dresser. It's the postcard, the same one Julie dropped on the train. The card addressed to the late Jeff Larkin. It boasts a picture of historic Hangtree Cemetery of Silver City. On the back, you can barely make out the handwriting.

[Lee Ryan]

Dear Jeff. Be sure to look me up. You're out this way. Hope to see you soon. Johnny Burch. Johnny Burgess. I gotta know more about him.

[Conductor]

Burgess?

[Lee Ryan]

Yeah.

[Conductor]

Well, how do you like that? Your friend was in here asking about him.

[Lee Ryan]

My friend?

[Conductor]

Lady got off the bus a little while ago. Asked me if Johnny Burgess had been in lately. You know something? Johnny burgess died over 50 years ago.

[Lee Ryan]

What?

[Conductor]

Yeah, Silver Johnny they called him. Big Man.

[Lee Ryan]

Another big man?

[Conductor]

Yes, sir. Owned the mine town too? Yes, sir. You been out to the cemetery?

[Lee Ryan]

The cemetery?

[Conductor]

Johnny's got the fancy and fanciest resting place of them all. Heard it cost over $10,000. Big granite crypt. Got a life size statue of Johnny on top and. What's the matter, young fella?

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, nothing, nothing. Look, how do you get out there to the cemetery?

[Conductor]

Oh, easy. Just go right down there into C Street here, then turn left by the signal oil station. Go up the road, you'll see a tree, top of the hill. That's old Hang Tree, right beyond it, other side of the hill. Real handy, likes the cemetery.

[Lee Ryan]

Thank you. Thanks a.

[The Whistler]

You're out of breath when you finally reach the old cemetery. As you start down the hill, you notice a handful of people moving about the tombstone. Touristly. Yes, they're all about you. Peering at the time worn inscriptions on the tombstone, taking snapshots. Then you notice someone else. Yes, there she is, standing before a massive vault, staring at the statue on top of it.

[Lee Ryan]

Quite a gent, wasn't he? Julie.

[Julie Clinton]

What?

[Lee Ryan]

Don't look so surprised, baby.

[Julie Clinton]

Oh. What are you doing here?

[Lee Ryan]

I'm writing a book on the Old West. Now what are you doing here?

[Julie Clinton]

You. You won't believe this.

[Lee Ryan]

I'll try.

[Julie Clinton]

I'm writing a book, too.

[Lee Ryan]

About Johnny Burgess?

[Julie Clinton]

That's right.

[Lee Ryan]

Yeah. Remarkable character, Burgess. I understand that broken down pile of rocks there, that crypt cost ten grand.

[Julie Clinton]

I must make a note of it.

[Lee Ryan]

Doesn't look much like anything now, does it? Overrun with the weeds and all. That lock on the door doesn't look very good to me. Does it to you?

[Julie Clinton]

I'm not an expert on locks, you know.

[Lee Ryan]

From here it looks like it could be forced with a marshmallow. I wonder what's inside, that is, besides Johnny Burgess, I mean.

[Julie Clinton]

I wouldn't have the faintest idea.

[Lee Ryan]

Look, baby, our tourist friends are going to be parked here all afternoon if I'm not mistaken. So why don't we go back to town?

[Julie Clinton]

Talk about the romantic Old west and all.

[Lee Ryan]

No, no. About this. This postcard and Johnny Burgess. Crip.

[Julie Clinton]

Where'd you get that postcard?

[Lee Ryan]

I happened to wander into your room. It was quite accidental, really. I was looking for the elevator.

[Julie Clinton]

May I have it, please?

[Lee Ryan]

Well, sure, sure. Now, let's go back to town. Find someplace nice and private. Your room at the hotel will do.

[Julie Clinton]

You know, Lee, you're a pretty smart boy.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, thanks, honey. It was really very simple. Nevin sent the card to Larkin to let him know where the doe was stashed. Hang Tree Cemetery. The hundred grand's hidden in that vault. The final resting place of silver. Johnny Burgess. Give me a cigarette, will you?

[Julie Clinton]

Help you, sir?

[Lee Ryan]

Thank you. You've been to Frisco? Mm, that's a great town. We could have a wonderful time there, Julie.

[Julie Clinton]

Could we?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Lee Ryan]

Besides, we'll be rolling in dough.

[Julie Clinton]

Lee.

[Lee Ryan]

Yeah?

[Julie Clinton]

Just where do we stand? I mean about.

[Lee Ryan]

We're partners, honey. We're partners.

[Julie Clinton]

I see. You'll have to give me a little time to think it over.

[Lee Ryan]

Not sure. You know, there's one little thing I've been wondering about you, Julie. How'd you break into this affair? You're not Larkin's girlfriend. You picked him up on the train, didn't you?

[Julie Clinton]

That's unkind.

[Lee Ryan]

Oh, so you and Noisy Nevins used to hold hands?

[Julie Clinton]

So we did. I met him in Simon Francisco while Laughlin was in prison.

[Lee Ryan]

You must have discovered that your boyfriend sent word to Larkin when he got out about where the doe was, I mean.

[Julie Clinton]

Something like that.

[Lee Ryan]

But Nevins didn't tell you where it was.

[Julie Clinton]

He was not very cooperative at times, Lee.

[Lee Ryan]

Yeah, I bet. You even suggested Nevins double cross Larkin so that the two of you could have all the dough.

[Julie Clinton]

Do you think?

[Lee Ryan]

Yeah, I do.

[Julie Clinton]

Well, Nevins wouldn't hear of it. He was one of those honest people. Code of the underworld and all that. Funny, I thought he'd do anything I asked him.

[Lee Ryan]

Except double cross an old pal.

[Julie Clinton]

Noisy seemed to think we could get along with half the money. Said he didn't deserve any more. Opening safe came so easy to him.

[Lee Ryan]

Yeah, to him and his nitro. So when Evans was killed in that accident, you saw that half go out the window. You didn't know where it was hidden. But Larkin did. He'd get it all.

[Julie Clinton]

So do we have to go into that part of it?

[Lee Ryan]

No. No, I guess not. We'll forget about it. We'll forget about everything except that in another half hour it'll be dark. And then we have a date with.

[Julie Clinton]

Johnny Bridges and a hundred thousand dollars.

[Lee Ryan]

Now we can be in Frisco by morning. What do you say?

[Julie Clinton]

Oh, I don't know, Nate.

[Lee Ryan]

I can talk you into it. I know.

[Julie Clinton]

Can you? Well, I keep talking. Le I may buy.

[The Whistler]

A half hour later, as you step out into the street, you suddenly discover that Silver City has come alive. The main street is swarming with men from the mine. As you walk past the saloons, the cafes and stores, you can hear the shouts, the laughter, jukeboxes and player pianos. You walk to the edge of town, stop and stare at the hill beyond. Hang tree silhouetted against the sky. For a long while you stand there trying to make up your mind about Julie. After all, Lee, she killed once at last. You turn and hurry back along the crowded street. In one of the saloons, you get the information that you want.

[Bartender]

What's that again, mister?

[Lee Ryan]

The bus. What time?

[Bartender]

Oh, yeah. There's one dude there in, let me see, about another half hour.

[Lee Ryan]

Thanks.

[Bartender]

You can catch it over there.

[Lee Ryan]

Yeah, I know not. Say, is there a phone in here?

[Bartender]

Yeah, right back there. End of the bar.

[The Whistler]

You push your way through the crowd to the rear of the saloon to the telephone booth and place your call.

[Hotel Clerk]

Hello?

[Lee Ryan]

It's all set, baby. Still want to go to Frisco?

[Hotel Clerk]

Of course I do.

[Lee Ryan]

All right, forget the stuff and leave tonight. Now you wait for me. Stay right where you. Pick you up in about 10 minutes.

[Hotel Clerk]

I'll be waiting.

[Lieutenant Knowles]

Sheriff's office, McQuin speaking.

[Lee Ryan]

Look, Sheriff, you can check on this later but an ex con named Larkin was murdered in Springdale five days ago.

[Lieutenant Knowles]

Wait a minute.

[Lee Ryan]

You'll find the murder gun at the Elmira Hotel in room eight. It's under a seat cushion, a chair by the window. You'll also find the dame there who pulled the trigger.

[Lieutenant Knowles]

Now hold on here. Who is it? Hello? Hello?

[Lee Ryan]

Bye bye, baby. I'm gonna miss you. And Frisco.

[Signal Oil Announcer]

The Whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending to tonight's story. Meantime, since there are only five shopping days till Christmas I have a brilliant last minute idea. I hope there are no little boys listening. Because what I want to suggest is that there is no finer present than a switch for that forgotten name on your gift list. The forgotten name I'm referring to is your car. And the switch I'm suggesting is a switch to Signal. You know that Signal Gasoline must have something for Signal to have grown so in popularity from a mere handful of stations in Southern California to almost 2,000 signal dealers serving six Western states from Canada to Mexico. Of course, I don't have to tell you that Signal is famous as the Go Farther Gasoline. But even more important to you is the extra driving pleasure you enjoy thanks to the extra efficiency today's Signal coaxes from your motor. So if you want your gas pedal to keep that Christmas morning thrill year round remember Marvin Miller's suggestion. Give your car a switch for Christmas. A switch to Signal Gasoline. And now back to The Whistler.

[The Whistler]

After 12 hours and several long distance calls Sheriff McQuinn of Silver City was prepared to do some questioning. He talked to Lt. Knowles in Denver and to the San Francisco police. Now, at last, he felt that the puzzle was beginning to fit together. All that remained was to walk through the quiet, early morning gloom to the cell occupied by his angry, impatient prisoner.

[Julie Clinton]

It's about time. You're talking to me. What's it all about? You can't hold me here like this.

[Lieutenant Knowles]

Now just take it easy, lady. I can and I'm doing it, but I haven't. Sit down. I've been making some phone calls. Picked up lots of things about you.

[Julie Clinton]

What of it?

[Lieutenant Knowles]

In San Francisco, they tell me you used to run around with noisy Nevins.

[Julie Clinton]

So?

[Lieutenant Knowles]

So that's very interesting. Add it to the gun you were carrying around. And it could spell a murder in Springdale.

[Julie Clinton]

You'll have to prove that.

[Lieutenant Knowles]

Lt. Knowles thinks he can. The caliber of the gun, you know, ballistics. And then the motive. All that money.

[Julie Clinton]

I don't know anything about it.

[Lieutenant Knowles]

Sure, sure. You don't know a thing.

[Julie Clinton]

Why don't you ask Lee Ryan?

[Lieutenant Knowles]

We don't have to, lady. We're satisfied with what happened to him. Last night was Nevin's work. It's like a hand from the grave. A double crossing hand.

[Julie Clinton]

What do you mean?

[Lieutenant Knowles]

Out at the cemetery when your friend Ryan tried breaking into Silver Johnny's last resting place.

[Conductor]

Yeah, yeah.

[Lieutenant Knowles]

Noisy Nevins was an expert with pnt. He wasn't planning to share that dough with anybody. He set a booby trap to kill his old pal Larkin.

[Conductor]

But Ryan got it instead.

[Signal Oil Announcer]

Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil program. The Whistler. Each Sunday night at this same time, brought to you by the Signal Oil Company. Marketers of Signal gasoline and motor oil and fine quality automotive access. Signal has asked me to remind you to get the most driving pleasure. Drive at sensible speeds, be courteous and obey traffic regulations. It may save a life, possibly your own. Featured in tonight's story were Frank Lovejoy and Doris Singleton. The Whistler was produced and directed by George W. Allen with story by Joel Malone and Adrian John Doe, music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. Remember, at this same time next Sunday, another strange tale by the Whistler. This is Marvin Miller speaking.

[The Whistler]

This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator]

There's more from the Whistler, Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the other podcasts and a shoutcast Stream, all@ RelicRadio.com Lots to listen to there, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.