The Torch by The Silent Men

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers: "The Torch" by The Silent Men

Episode Release Date: November 15, 2024
Original Air Date: April 16, 1952
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Producer: Warren Lewis
Writer: Joel Murcott
Cast: Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Lamont Johnson, Vivie Janice, Gene Bates, Paul Freeze, Tom McKee
Announcer: John Stanley

---

Introduction

"The Torch," a gripping episode from The Silent Men, an NBC series starring Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., delves into the murky waters of espionage, murder, and betrayal within the ranks of the federal government. Airing as part of the Relic Radio Thrillers collection, this episode masterfully intertwines suspense and intrigue, showcasing the relentless pursuit of truth by special agent Frank Hepburn.

---

Plot Overview

Opening Investigation

The story begins with Special Agent Frank Hepburn (Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.) being summoned in the dead of night to investigate a suspiciously charred car near Las Vegas, Nevada. Colonel, present at the scene, reveals the victim as Captain Walter Cronin, a soldier assigned to observe guided missile tests.

"When a man is murdered, it is usually a case for local authorities. But when the murdered man happens to be a soldier, the matter becomes a case for the federal government."
— Special Agent Frank Hepburn [01:19]

Unraveling the Mystery

Agent Hepburn meticulously examines the crime scene, suspecting foul play rather than an accidental death. The absence of skid marks and the nature of the burn suggest deliberate tampering. Hepburn’s investigation leads him to question Colonel and uncover that Captain Cronin was authorized for top-secret information related to missile tests.

"He was cleared right to the top. There was nothing to do but wait for reports, and when they came, they were not good."
— Special Agent Frank Hepburn [04:58]

Introducing Nurse Jacqueline Marshall

The plot thickens with the introduction of Nurse Jacqueline Marshall, who becomes a pivotal character. Hepburn discovers that Cronin was last seen with her and Private Robert Whiteson, a patient from the orthopedic ward. As Hepburn delves deeper, inconsistencies in the coroner's report hint at a larger conspiracy.

"I put out an all point bulletin on Private Whiteson with a request for all civil police to cooperate in his apprehension."
— Special Agent Frank Hepburn [11:32]

Confronting the Truth

A breakthrough occurs when Hepburn realizes that the body found was not Cronin's but that of Private Whiteson. This revelation shifts the focus back to Cronin, who is still alive and possibly involved in espionage. Hepburn's relentless pursuit leads him to Harold DeWitt, a name connected to Cronin's past, unraveling a complex web of deceit.

"DeWitt is the code name Cronin has picked for himself."
— Special Agent Frank Hepburn [23:31]

Climactic Confrontation

The investigation culminates in a tense encounter at an automobile agency in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Hepburn confronts Colonel—revealed to be Captain Walter Cronin—thereby unmasking the true culprit behind the murders and the espionage activities aimed at compromising national security.

"If you had a mustache and a little less hair, I'd say your name was Cronin. Captain Walter Cronin."
— Special Agent Frank Hepburn [25:18]

---

Key Characters

• Special Agent Frank Hepburn (Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.)
  A dedicated and astute federal agent determined to uncover the truth behind Captain Cronin's death and the ensuing espionage activities.

• Colonel / Captain Walter Cronin (Gene Bates)
  Initially presented as a victim, Cronin is later revealed to be the antagonist involved in orchestrating the murders to cover his tracks in espionage.

• Nurse Jacqueline Marshall (Vivie Janice)
  A nurse whose interactions with Cronin and Private Whiteson are central to unraveling the mystery. Her loyalty and innocence play a crucial role in the investigation.

• Private Robert Whiteson (Paul Freeze)
  A patient of Nurse Marshall who becomes a victim, his death serves as a red herring that ultimately helps uncover Cronin's true identity.

• Bill Garston (Tom McKee)
  An associate of Hepburn who assists in tracking down key suspects and connecting the dots in the investigation.

---

Investigations and Revelations

Agent Hepburn's methodical approach is evident as he uncovers discrepancies in the coroner's report, notably the healed fracture in the victim’s leg, linking Private Whiteson to the scene instead of Captain Cronin. This discovery propels Hepburn to further investigate Cronin's background, revealing financial irregularities and suspicious behavior indicative of espionage.

Interactions with Nurse Jacqueline Marshall provide critical insights, including her interactions with Private Whiteson, ultimately exposing the layers of deceit. The introduction of Harold DeWitt as a pseudonym for Cronin adds complexity, showcasing Cronin's attempts to evade detection by assuming a new identity.

---

Conclusion

In a dramatic finale, Agent Hepburn successfully apprehends Captain Walter Cronin, exposing his role in the murders and espionage activities aimed at undermining national security. The episode concludes with Cronin and Nurse Marshall being convicted, highlighting the unwavering commitment of the Silent Men in safeguarding the nation.

"Although he had not sold out his country as at first indicated, Captain Walter Cronin and Jacqueline Marshall were convicted of the murder of a member of the armed forces."
— Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. [27:45]

---

Notable Quotes

• "When a man is murdered, it is usually a case for local authorities. But when the murdered man happens to be a soldier, the matter becomes a case for the federal government."
  — Special Agent Frank Hepburn [01:19]

• "Captain Cronin was authorized to view the test from the number one forward position."
  — Colonel [07:02]

• "This has nothing to do with the hospital. And you're not accused of anything, I promise you. I just want to know what you know about a Captain Walter Cronin."
  — Special Agent Frank Hepburn [12:46]

• "DeWitt is the code name Cronin has picked for himself."
  — Special Agent Frank Hepburn [23:31]

• "If you had a mustache and a little less hair, I'd say your name was Cronin."
  — Special Agent Frank Hepburn [25:18]

• "I know you won't now."
  — Special Agent Frank Hepburn [25:37]

---

Epilogue

The episode concludes with a reassuring message about the dedication of the Silent Men, setting the stage for future adventures. Listeners are left with a sense of closure and anticipation for the next thrilling installment, "Food and War."

"They are the Silent Men."
— Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. [29:36]

For more Old Time Radio adventures in crime, mystery, espionage, and suspense, explore the extensive collection at RelicRadio.com.

---

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Host]

This is Relic Radio. Thrillers, action adventure and intrigue every Friday@ Relicradio.com Our story comes from the Silent Men this week, an NBC series of 29 episodes starring Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. It aired from October 1951 to June of 1952. Our story today is from April 16, 1952. It's titled the Torch.

[Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.]

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. In the silent Men. The National Broadcasting Company proudly presents Douglas Fairbanks production of the Silent Men. Transcribed stories of the undercover operations of the special agents of every branch of our federal government and their relentless fight against crime. And now, here is Douglas Fairbanks.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

When a man is murdered, it is usually a case for local authorities. But when the murdered man happens to be a soldier, the matter becomes a case for the federal government. It may be more than a man being killed. The motive may strike at the security of the entire nation. To protect that security, the case is placed in the hands of special agents of the federal government assigned to the protection of the armed forces. Tonight I will assume the identity of one of them, Special Agent Frank Hepburn, in the file case entitled the Torch, in which only the names and places are fictional. I was working out of Las Vegas, Nevada, doing routine security assignments at the nearby air bases. Less than 100 miles away in the desert, guided missile tests were being conducted. But no trouble was anticipated until it came. I was awakened at 2am by military police. They drove me to a deserted spot off the main highway. 40 miles out of town. There was a charred wreck of a car still smoldering. A man with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel was waiting for me.

[Colonel]

Here. You can see the body, what's left of it.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Yeah.

[Colonel]

Better not touch anything. That metal's still red hot.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Now, be careful, Colonel.

[Colonel]

Who spotted this MP car? They called me. I called you.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Why? The car familiar to him? Yes.

[Colonel]

Camp tag on the license plate. Throw your flashlight on it, Sergeant. Yes, sir.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Okay. Thanks. Sergeant. You taking a check on the registration?

[Colonel]

MPs got it on shore wave just a minute before we got here. Camp wreckers have the car listed to Captain Walter Cronin.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Check to see if Captain Cronin is on the post, will you? Yeah.

[Colonel]

I'd say that what's left of Cronin's behind that wheel, wouldn't you, Mr. Hepburn?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I suppose so, Colonel. But that body isn't going to be easy to identify, Sergeant, is it? You got an asbestos glove or something to use on that door handle? I'd like to get it open.

[Colonel]

That frame is rather twisted from the heat. It won't be very easy to open. What Are you looking for?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I'm just hoping that Cronin was in uniform when this happened. Should be some buttons or his captain's insignia in there somewhere. He does it, Sergeant. Don't burn yourself.

[Colonel]

Careful, sir.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Thank you.

[Colonel]

Get this far out of the way. That does it, sir.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Thanks.

[Colonel]

Feel that heat the hours before this cools off. That's a rotten way to die. Don't suppose it could have been an accident?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Not unless he was smoking a cigarette or something and passed out at the wheel. Nothing to indicate that, though. No skid marks or anything on the road. Looks like the car was driven off the road to a normal stop. Sergeant, may I. May I have that glove and bar?

[Colonel]

Oh, yes.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Look, Kendall.

[Colonel]

Yeah. Captain's bars. Groaning all right.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Well, it'll be up to a coroner to tell us how he died. You know what his assignment was then? Yes.

[Colonel]

Yes. Pentagon man.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

What was he doing out here?

[Colonel]

He'd been here for the past three months observing the guided missile tests.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Oh, brother.

[Colonel]

You think this is an espionage case?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Possible. I want to run down on every contact he ever made while he was in this area. Who he made friends with. A list of all officers in his barracks who he sat with at mealtimes.

[Colonel]

Everything you'll get? Everything I can get for you, Mr. Hepburn.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Good. We better put a call through to Washington too. I want to find out if Captain Cronin was cleared for classified information only or stuff that's top secret.

[Colonel]

You won't have to call for that.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Can you answer that?

[Colonel]

Yeah, afraid so, Hepburn. Captain Cronin was authorized to view the test from the number one forward position.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

He was cleared right to the top. There was nothing to do but wait for reports, and when they came, they were not good. The first one came to the colonel on the telephone.

[Coroner]

Yes?

[Colonel]

Yes, thank you. Coroner. Yes, I got it. No, no. Turn it over to the police laboratory and we'll check with them later. Thank you.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

That the medical report?

[Colonel]

Hell, he was murdered already.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

How? Bullet threw his head. Coroner rule out suicide?

[Colonel]

Yes. Point of entry was at the base of the brain. Shot was fired from behind him at close range. Come in. I have a report to your question on Captain Cronin, sir.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

All right.

[Colonel]

That is, the captain left the post gate five. What time? 10:15 last night, sir. You sure of that, Sergeant? Yes, sir. The only listing on the captain.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Anything else to that report, Sergeant? Was Captain Cronin alone?

[Colonel]

He was when he left the camp, sir. Any other questions, Alfred?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

No, no. Thanks. Thanks, Sergeant.

[Colonel]

Yes, you can go. Well, what do you think?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Well, we checked Captain Cronin's quarters. Everybody knows he had a briefcase, but it's not there now.

[Colonel]

He probably had it with him. He wouldn't leave it around.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

No traces of burnt leather in the car. I wonder why he left the camp. Where was he going? What? What happened between 10:15 and 1:00am when that burning car was discovered?

[Colonel]

The man was alone.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

We know he wasn't. Not after he left the base. He stopped someplace. He must have.

[Colonel]

Think he might have picked up a hitchhiker?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Yes, I think he must have. But if he did, it was somebody in uniform. Somebody he knew.

[Colonel]

Yes, but there's no way of telling that for certain, Colonel.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

It has to be to be cleared for the kind of information he had. The Pentagon must have put him through a wringer. They don't give assignments like that to men who are careless.

[Colonel]

You went through with spare uniforms. Wasn't there anything to help in the papers you found in his pockets?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Something I noticed written on the back of this bill from the Officers club. A number 4, 2, 7. Any idea what that could mean?

[Colonel]

Something to do with the test he was observing?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Nuh. No, don't think so. Anything to do with the test would be in geometric form. You wouldn't write it on a thing like this anyway. Probably isn't important unless.

[Colonel]

Unless what?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Ever scroll a number on the back of an envelope or a piece of scrap paper? A bill?

[Colonel]

Sure, once in a while. Oh, I see what you mean. The phone number.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

It's a possibility.

[Colonel]

A phone number without an exchange.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Well, it could be right here from the camp, Colonel. An extension number. Mind if I use your phone?

[Colonel]

No, no, go ahead.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Dial extension 427 and see what happens.

[Colonel]

Anything? Not yet.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

It's 5am Might be one of the.

[Colonel]

Camp offices that isn't open yet.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Yeah, I guess it is. Or it's a station.

[Narrator]

Hospital, nurses quarters.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Oh, I'm sorry. I must have dialed the wrong number. All right, I'm sorry. All right, what was it?

[Colonel]

Hepburn Station Hospital.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Nurses quarters.

[Colonel]

Think Ronan knew somebody there?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

If that's the right number, he had some reason for writing it down. You know where the nurses quarters are?

[Colonel]

Yeah, it's near gate 12. Hospital gate. Far into the base, going toward Las Vegas.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Captain Cronin left the camp by gate five. He could have picked somebody up outside of gate 12.

[Colonel]

But a lot of our officers must meet nurses there. Hen guard in the gate wouldn't necessarily notice.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

No, but we can get something from him. A list of nurses who passed out through Gate 12 last night. We clamped censorship on all reports of Captain Cronin's death, pending notification of next of kin. And got a list of the nurses who passed through Gate 12 the night before. When the list was completed, we went to the head nurse. It was the same woman I'd spoken to on the telephone.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Captain Cronin. Wouldn't remember.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Cronin was about 5 11, 180 pounds, had a mustache. About 32 years old and getting prematurely bald. Here's a list of the nurses who left the base last night. We think he might have picked one of them up.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Philip Proctor Harris, Jacqueline Marshall. You send somebody who answered that description.

[Colonel]

Maybe we better talk to her directly, then. Hepburn.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Be easy, Colonel. She's gone.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Gone? Where is she? On furlough transfer, one year old.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

She was discharged yesterday. Slept last night to go home.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Oh, fine. Colonel, will you call the ATO's office? Find out where home is for Jacqueline Marshall?

[Colonel]

Sure.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

I think it was someplace in Michigan. Don't remember the town.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

You know she planned to travel?

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Yes, I do. By train. She was catching a train from Las Vegas at 11:45 last night. I heard her mention it to Private Whiteson.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Who's Private Whiteson?

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Yeah, I came over to help her bring her bags down to the gate. He was always helping her with something.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Boyfriend?

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

No, just a patient of hers when she worked the orthopedic ward. Got a crush on her. Happens all the time. Just a big overgrown boy.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Did he just take her to the gate or did he go into town with her?

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

I don't know.

[Colonel]

ATL says Nurse Marshall's records give her hometown of Lansing, Michigan.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Good. That means a couple of days travel for her. I can grab a plane and pick up the train she's on en route. But before I start, I want to see somebody else.

[Colonel]

Oh, who?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

A man named Private Whiteson. Better check AGO again and find out where he's attacked.

[Colonel]

I know where he's attached. Oh, Whiteson's in my headquarters company. You're not going to like this information, Hepburn.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

What's the matter?

[Colonel]

Private Whiteson had a pass that expired at midnight last night. He didn't turn up a roll call this morning. Sergeant hasn't listed his. Aw.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I put out an all point bulletin on Private Whiteson with a request for all civil police to cooperate in his apprehension. We didn't have any line on his location, but we did know where Nurse Jacqueline Marshall was. I got a rundown on her rail reservations and put through a call to our Denver division to pull her off the train. And I grabbed a plane for Denver Phil Koston, our Denver man, had her in custody when I got there. Well, Frank, I gave her a luggage of going over.

[Coroner]

She had the papers you're looking for. She isn't carrying them now. What she is carrying isn't bad.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Well, what do you mean, Bill?

[Coroner]

Oh, guess that means you haven't seen her, huh?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Hasn't been much work from the male.

[Coroner]

Members of the staff around here since I brought her in.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Oh, good looker.

[Coroner]

If you find one better looking. That's for me. Yeah, she's in my office. Here's the man we've been waiting for, Miss Marshall. Frank Hepburn.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Well, that's very nice. Now maybe I can find out what this is all about.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Just want to ask a few routine questions that couldn't wait, Ms. Marshall.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Well, then please start asking. Holly, I assure you, if somebody stole some penicillin or something from the station hospital, it wasn't me.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

This has nothing to do with the hospital. And you're not accused of anything, I promise you. I just want to know what you know about a Captain Walter Cronin.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

What do you mean what I know about him?

[Colonel]

You know him?

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Yes.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Understand you went out together quite a.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Bit once in a while.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

When did you see him last?

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Last night he drove me to the train.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

All the way to the train into Las Vegas?

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Yes.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Stop any place on the way?

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

No, we stopped someplace in town for a drink just before we went to the station.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Were you alone? I mean, just you and the. And Captain Cronin?

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

No, there was somebody with us. That boy from the camp.

[Colonel]

Private Whiteman.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Oh, yes. We didn't really want him along, but. Well, he helped me with my luggage and he asked for a ride into town. And when we got there, he said his pass was up at midnight and asked Captain Crony for a ride back to the base.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I see. Cronin have any objection to that at all?

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Why should he have? He was going back anyhow. He only drove in to give me a list.

[Coroner]

You can check that easily enough. Fine. Yeah, Cronin went into the station with her at Red Capper. Somebody ought to remember seeing him.

[Narrator]

Yes, you can check all you want.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

I'm telling the truth. And I think that entitles me to know what this is all about.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I'll tell you what it's all about, Ms. Marshall. You may have been the last person aside from Private Whiteson to see Captain Cronin alive.

[Narrator]

Are you telling me that Walter's death.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

He was murdered last night after he left you at the railroad station. If he did leave you there he did.

[Narrator]

He did, I tell you.

[Coroner]

All right, take it easy.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Mr. Marshall, one thing I want to know, and it's very important. Did Cronin have a briefcase with him when he drove you in?

[Narrator]

I don't know. I didn't expect you to think. Will you leave me with something like this?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I think. Will you? This is a security matter.

[Narrator]

I think he did. Yes. Yes, he did. Because he carried it with him. When he got out of the car, a red cap took my bag.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

How about Private Whiteson? Was he with Cronin all the time?

[Narrator]

Yes, he stuck to us like glue, gawking at us all the time. Say goodbye and that's another reason. I remember the briefcase.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Walter was holding us when he put.

[Narrator]

His arms around me to kiss me.

[Colonel]

Uh huh.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Did you make any arrangement to see Cronin again sometime?

[Narrator]

Well, we exchanged addresses. We were going to ride. I. I guess it would have been.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

Up to him if we were going to meet again.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I see. Did Cronin ever tell you what his assignment was? What he was working on?

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

No, he was an engineer. Rather than. That never came up.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Let me ask you about something else that. Well, maybe never came up. Did you know that Cronin was a married man?

[Narrator]

Married? No, I didn't.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

He never told me.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Maybe you should have asked. All right, Bill, I don't see any need for holding her any longer.

[Coroner]

They're fine. Thanks, Ms. Marshall. Car I brought you in. Still waiting out back to tell the corporal to drive you back to the station. You can pick up the next train coming through.

[Narrator]

I'm glad you confused so matter of fact about it all.

[Coroner]

Well, what do you think, Frank?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Victoria sounds all right. She might have mailed the papers ahead for a pickup. Or somebody else may be carrying them before her. Have somebody on that train. I want to know about every breath she takes from now until we wind this thing up.

[Coroner]

No, I won't send anybody. I'll go myself.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

The murder of Captain Cronin was still less than 20 hours old when I got back to Las Vegas. The Colonel had no leads on Private Whiteson. I went over the complete coroner's report on Captain Cronin. I must have read it through about five times before something hit me like a sledgehammer.

[Colonel]

What's the matter with you, Hepburn?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Did you read this through?

[Colonel]

Yes, I read it. Pretty complete coroner's report, but nothing we don't already know.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I mean this particular phrase here. Bone in the left leg of the victim shows healed simple fracture of recent origin. Probably less than 2 months old judging by Degree of calcification.

[Colonel]

What about it?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Cronin had been here for three months.

[Colonel]

That's right.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Was he ever in the base hospital with a broken leg?

[Colonel]

No, he wasn't.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

And the dead man we found in the car isn't Captain Cronin, but who else could it be? Private Robert Whiteson. Oh, what a jumper.

[Colonel]

Whiteson did have a broken leg eight.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Or ten weeks ago. Sure he did. I've been reading it on his record. Here. I wouldn't have needed the record if I'd only used my head. The chief nurse practically laid it in my lap this morning when she told us Whiteson had been Jacqueline Marshall's patient in the orthopedic ward.

[Colonel]

Then Cronin's alive and has those papers himself.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Either that or he's been kidnapped with them. But Whiteson was killed and his body burnt to throw us off either way.

[Colonel]

Well, how about that Marshall woman?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Don't worry, she's tagged. It's Cronin we've got to find now.

[Colonel]

And with stuff like he's carrying, he'll try to get out of the country. If he's the one, and he isn't going to play dead for just a.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Little while, you'll want to stay dead. You can do something for me, Colonel. Get out a complete description of Cronin to all border stations, both Mexican and Canadian. You have his photo on the duplicate of his AGO card that can be teletyped. And tell him to watch out for attempted disguise.

[Colonel]

Disguise? What nature?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

A balding man with a mustache looks a lot different if he shaves off the mustache and puts on a toupee and cinch he won't be using his own name. I sent out an alert to all our divisional officers and got through the headquarters in Washington. I told them the story as it shaped up to me. We had to stop Cronin someplace. They dug a security report out of the files and started from the letter A. A complete and methodical check of any place he'd ever been, every friend he'd ever had. More than 20 agents were assigned for a rapid rundown. Cronin's wife had been notified of his death, A death that hadn't happened. She was in New York. I flew to New York to see her. While I was en route, the digging into Cronin's life was paying off. I had quite a batch of reports by the time I broke the dubious. Good news to his wife.

[Narrator]

They told me he was dead only only a few hours ago. They told me I was getting ready to go to it.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

It was a mistake, Mrs. Cronin. The body in the car was the body of another man. So far as we know, your husband is still alive. Don't be too Thankful yet, Ms. Cronin. I've got a few things to ask you that may not be pleasant.

[Narrator]

I don't understand.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Were you aware that for the last couple of weeks your husband has been converting most of his possessions into cash?

[Narrator]

No. What do you mean?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Real estate on Long island and in Maryland owned by him has been sold recently. Payment checks have been cashed, but no bank deposits made. Sales were quick sales and the property was sold at considerably less than normal value in the present market.

[Nurse Jacqueline Marshall]

If I would want to do that.

[Narrator]

We don't need money. Not a lot of it. Not. Not that bad.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Apparently your husband did. He's also sold stocks and bonds on a rising market. Brokers records show he usually doesn't sell until the market reaches peak and starts to level.

[Narrator]

I just don't understand. What does it all mean?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

When did you hear from your husband last?

[Narrator]

Well, I had a letter just a while ago.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

How long? A while ago. Mrs. Cronin, it'd be best to be frank.

[Narrator]

Five, six weeks, maybe. Walter isn't much on writing, you know.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I'm going to be very personal. Not because I want to, but because I have no choice. Has your marriage been in trouble, to your knowledge?

[Narrator]

I don't know what's been wrong. Ever since he came back after the war, he's been so strange, so violent, and not at all like he used to be. He didn't seem to care about me anymore. About anything.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I'm sorry. Did he ever mention divorce?

[Narrator]

No. I guess he might have if he thought it was possible. But you see, we were married in my face. I couldn't compare to that.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

All right, Mrs. Cronin.

[Narrator]

I didn't expect you.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Well, that may be for me. I'm expecting some further reports on your husband. But if it should happen to be your husband calling, talk to him as long as you can, but don't mention my being here.

[Narrator]

I. I can't help you.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

You will have to do as I say. This is important. And helping him would only hurt him in the end.

[Narrator]

Oh, I wish somebody would tell me what's right with Ronald. Hello? Yes.

[Colonel]

Is it him?

[Narrator]

Just a minute, please. It's for you. Long distance from Lansing, Michigan.

[Colonel]

Oh, thanks.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Hepburn speaking.

[Bill Garston]

Frank?

[Colonel]

Yeah.

[Bill Garston]

Bill Garston. Oh, I'm in Lansing. Got in an hour ago with the Marshall girl.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Yeah, Bill. She know you followed her?

[Bill Garston]

No, I think she's setting up a pass on those papers.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Why?

[Bill Garston]

Well, we got off the train, she stopped in the depot and sent a wire to Canada.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Canada, huh? You get a copy of the message?

[Bill Garston]

There was a request for a room reservation for next week at the Royale Hotel in Toronto.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Requested in her own name?

[Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.]

No.

[Bill Garston]

That's why I'm sure something's up. She asked them to reserve a suite in the name of Mr. And Mrs. Harold DeWitt.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Harold DeWitt?

[Bill Garston]

That's right. Hey, Sound like the name means something to you.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

It does. It's mentioned in one of the reports I got today in the make I asked for on Cronin. Where did I dig my notes? Out of my pocket.

[Bill Garston]

You with Cronin's wife now?

[Colonel]

Yeah.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Yeah. How'd you locate me here?

[Bill Garston]

Called headquarters in Washington. They told me.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

No, hold on, Bill. Here, here's the thing I'm looking for.

[Bill Garston]

Yeah?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

About a month ago, Cronin wrote to a friend, an automobile executive in Detroit asked him to arrange for a friend to pick up a new car from a dealer in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Name of friend, Harold DeWitt.

[Bill Garston]

Hey, that's sharp. How'd you get that tip set.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Our agents have been checking on anybody who ever knew Cronin, asking when they saw or heard from him last. That was in the bunch of answers.

[Bill Garston]

Now, the Marshall girl makes reservations in the same name for a Canadian hotel.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

DeWitt is the COVID up name Cronin has picked for himself.

[Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.]

Stick close to that girl, Bill.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Don't let her out of your sight. They're working this together, Frank.

[Bill Garston]

Hold it. What's your play?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I'm grabbing a plane for Eau Claire to become an automobile salesman for just one brief sale. I wired ahead to have another division man cover the designated automobile agency in Eau Claire to make sure Cronin didn't pick up the car and get away before I got to him. He must have been playing it carefully, though, to avoid detection, because he hadn't turned up yet when I got there. He didn't turn up for the next two days either. I watched every customer that came in while the agency owner hovered anxiously in the background, trying to make himself look as though I belonged there. On the third day, he went out to buck himself up with a drink. And while he was gone, I got the customer I'd been waiting for. Good afternoon. Oh, good afternoon, sir.

[Colonel]

You.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Are you interested in our new model? I'd be happy you'd allow me to demonstrate it for you. Fine.

[Coroner]

Car necessary.

[Colonel]

I'm familiar with a car, and in Fact, I came in to take delivery.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Oh, I see. You didn't place the order with me, did you?

[Colonel]

No, no, that was arranged with somebody at the auto factory. I'd be sure to get delivered today without waiting.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Ah. Well, then the car must be back in the service department. I'll check on it. What's the name, sir?

[Colonel]

Oh, DeWitt. Harold DeWitt.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

You could have fooled me.

[Colonel]

What do you mean?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Well, you remind me of somebody. If you had a mustache and little less hair, I'd say your name was Cronin. Captain Walter Cronin. And watch how you move, or I'll put a hole in you as big as the one you put in Private Whiteson. Now, put your hands up, and let's see if you've still got your service automatic on you here.

[Colonel]

Yeah, I've got it, all right. I don't try to use it, though.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I know you won't now.

[Colonel]

I was crazy to try to get away with it. What are you, police or cid man?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Cid. Better talk up fast about the reports on those missile tests. You sold them?

[Colonel]

Oh, no.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Where are they?

[Colonel]

Oh, buried outside of Las Vegas. Nobody could find them. What?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Yes, that's the proof.

[Colonel]

I didn't sell anything like that. I just wanted people to think it was me in that car. Papers were missing. They figured that's why I was killed. Any chance to stay dead.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I wish I was dead. Why did you do it? Why did you kill the soldiers? Oh, so I was crazy for me to be dead. I needed a body, so I shot him.

[Colonel]

How does a man know why does.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Anything when he's half out of his mind? All right, let's go.

[Colonel]

If you got me, it doesn't make any difference to you. If we take just an extra minute or so, I'd like you to do something for me.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Like what?

[Colonel]

I got a package with a lot of cash in it. It's all mine. Swear it's all mine. Now, just. Just let me address it and drop it in the mail. To who? Why should I make a difference to you?

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Because if you want it sent to your wife, we can take care of that for you. And if you're thinking of Jacqueline Marshall, one of our men has been with her ever since she cleared Denver. We know how you plan to go to Canada. We know all of it.

[Colonel]

Jackal had nothing to do with that. She didn't know I was gonna kill Whitestone, David Conan.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

If she didn't know, why did she make that reservation in Toronto for you after we told her you'd been found dead? In the burned out car. I fell in love with her.

[Bill Garston]

I had to find a way.

[Colonel]

My wife would never have given me a divorce.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I know. He told me. Maybe that's why the marriage ceremony reads until death do us part. Cronie.

[Colonel]

I'm sorry.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

I'm sorry. So is Private Weissman. So is his family, if he had one. Everybody's sorry. Everybody's always sorry when it's too late. That's our car over there. Get in. This is Douglas Fairbanks again. Although he had not sold out his country as at first indicated, Captain Walter Cronin and Jacqueline Marshall were convicted of the murder of a member of the armed forces. Their conviction closes another chapter in the distinguished chronicle of our Silent Men, the special agents of all branches of our federal government who daily risk their lives to protect the lives of all of us. Next week we'll tell you the story involving war against the innocent in the file case entitled Food and War, Another venture undertaken for our protection by silent men.

[Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.]

The Silent Men is produced and directed by Warren Lewis. The File case, the Torch was written by Joel Murcott and transcribed in Hollywood. Only the names and places were fictional. Featured in our cast were Lamont Johnson, Vivie Janice, Gene Bates, Paul Freeze and Tom McKee. Your announcer is John Stanley. Douglas Fairbanks is currently presenting Bette Davis, Gary Merrill and Emlyn Williams in the motion picture Another Man's PO.

[Special Agent Frank Hepburn]

Listen again.

[Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.]

Next week and every week to other exciting cases involving the law enforcement adventures of the special agents of our federal government. For they are the Silent Men.

[Announcer]

Friends again, disaster has struck. Floods have deluged the Mississippi and Missouri river basins, destroying towns and farms and sweeping away the homes and all the possessions of thousands of our fellow Americans. Again, the Red Cross is on the job providing food and clothing and temporary shelter to these stricken people. Again has arisen the desperate need for funds to enable the Red Cross to carry on its work. If you want to do your share in this unparalleled emergency, send your contributions.

[Host]

That's our thriller for this week. Hope you enjoyed it. You can find more from the Silent Men, this podcast and all of the other Relic Radio podcasts at Relic. While you're there, check out our Shoutcast stream with even more Old Time Radio. 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. Your support makes it all happen. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with the horror next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.

[Narrator]

Sa.