Casebook of Gregory Hood: The Derringer Society (Encore) (EP4845e)

Summary

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Casebook of Gregory Hood: The Derringer Society (Encore)

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Original Broadcast: November 16, 2025 (Encore Presentation)
Episode: EP4845e

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Episode Overview

This episode features the classic radio mystery "The Derringer Society" from the Casebook of Gregory Hood. Host Adam Graham introduces the show as part of a special Sunday Encore series that revisits standout cases from the archives. In tonight’s story, Gregory Hood, his lawyer friend Sanderson (“Sandy”) Taylor, and the eccentric members of the Derringer Society become entangled in a series of chilling, seemingly supernatural murder predictions. What begins as a club dinner built around nostalgia for science fiction soon turns deadly, raising questions about psychic powers, hypnosis, and murder.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Setting the Stage at the Derringer Society

• Location: The Happy Valley Room at San Francisco's historic Palace Hotel.
• Society Purpose: A gathering of enthusiasts for literature of Dr. Derringer, celebrating early science fiction ("Sort of Jules Verne stories, weren't they?" - Harry Bartel, 06:04).
• Atmosphere: Good wine, hearty talk, and the introduction of a special guest who claims to predict the future.

2. The Mysterious Guest: Miss Julia Hayes

• Introduction: Miss Hayes, introduced by Dr. Barton (the Society’s psychiatrist), claims precognitive powers.
• Her Claims: Successfully predicted major historical events, including the Hindenburg disaster and Mussolini’s death (08:24).
• Her Method: She enters a trance-like state by blanking her mind and claims the visions come unbidden.

3. The Chilling Prediction

• Miss Hayes makes a public prophecy:
  "Tonight, Mr. Chester, at exactly 11:15 you will be murdered." — Julia Hayes, 10:06
• Chester is shaken. Society attendees are unsure whether it’s a threat, a joke, or something more.

4. Death Strikes as Foreseen

• Shortly thereafter, news comes that Chester has been murdered exactly as predicted (12:56).
• Police involvement begins:
  • Lieutenant Silvers investigates.
  • Dr. Barton provides an alibi for Julia Hayes, stating she was with him during the time of the first murder.

5. The Pattern Deepens

• Hayes makes a second prophecy — predicting the murder of another member, George Felton, at midnight (16:19).
• Felton refuses police protection and is murdered just as foretold.

6. Suspicion and Theories

• Who is the killer?

  • Julia Hayes is questioned. She insists her predictions are not threats.
  • Dr. Barton’s psychiatric tests show unusual results: Hayes was left-handed as a child but compelled to be right-handed.

• Sandy’s Hypothesis:

  • Barton may have hypnotized Hayes to commit murder.
  • Motive suspected: an affair with Felton's widow, who stood to gain from the death (21:07–22:37).

• Expert Consultation:

  • Gregory calls Dr. Howell, a renowned psychiatrist, who affirms:
    "Is it possible to hypnotize an individual to commit a criminal act against his will? ... The answer is an unqualified no." — Dr. Howell, summarized at 23:13

7. The Twist and Trap

• Gregory orchestrates a confrontation, trying to break Hayes’s story, pushing her until she attempts to attack Gregory herself—
  "I'm sorry I did not kill you, Mr. Hood." — Julia Hayes, 26:49
• Notably, she attacks with her left hand. The previous murders were committed by a right-handed person—this exposes the trick.

8. The Revelation and Solution

• Dr. Barton confesses he lied about Hayes’ alibi (24:38–25:20).
• Gregory deduces Barton hypnotized Hayes to make public predictions, then committed the murders himself to create an illusion of fate.
• The left-handed attack breaks the psychological pattern and gives Gregory the critical clue.
• Barton is confronted and arrested:
  "She attacked me tonight with her left hand. The murders were committed by a right-handed person." — Gregory Hood, 27:15

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On prophetic power and disbelief:
  "Time travel into the future is all very well in the Derringer stories. Otherwise, I don't care for it too much. Life's complicated enough in a straight line these days." — Gregory Hood, 10:39

• On detective methods:
  "As soon as Julia Hayes uttered her dire threat, Lieutenant Silvers and I went into action. We questioned everyone and checked alibis till we were as black in the face as a couple of n—men." — Gregory Hood, 21:07

• On manipulation and motive:
  "He [Dr. Barton] thought that when he scuttled Julia Hayes’ alibi, we’d think she’d try to make her own predictions come true. That’s it, Sandy. Fortunately for us, he’s outsmarted himself and walked into his own trap." — Gregory Hood, 25:52

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [05:51] – Derringer Society convenes; the night’s theme and guest introduced
• [08:24] – Julia Hayes recounts successful predictions; tension builds
• [10:06] – Hayes predicts Chester’s murder—publicly and specifically
• [12:56] – News breaks: Chester found murdered at the predicted time
• [16:19] – Hayes predicts second murder (George Felton)
• [21:07] – Sandy theorizes about hypnosis and the psychiatrist’s motives
• [23:13] – Call to Dr. Howell; hypnosis can’t force criminal acts
• [25:20] – Dr. Barton destroys Hayes’ alibi; plot unravels
• [26:49] – Julia Hayes attacks Gregory; vital clue revealed (left-handedness)
• [27:15] – Final confrontation with Barton; double role as killer and mastermind revealed
• [29:47] – Coda: dry humor about the high turnover in the Derringer Society

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After-Show Commentary

• Adam Graham notes the complex, “confusing” (in a good way) shifts between suspects in the story’s closing moments, and provides context on the new actor for Sanderson Taylor (Carl Harburg). He also responds to listener feedback, discusses available thank-you gifts for donors, and previews upcoming episodes.
• Listener feedback highlighted by a note from Hugh:
  "I so enjoy your rich selection of thrilling radio adventure."
• Closing tease: Next week’s Gregory Hood adventure will take listeners to Mexico City—with promises of kidnapping and romance!

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Tone, Style & Takeaway

Classic “Golden Age” radio mystery stylings: genteel, witty, and briskly plotted. The episode plays with the idea of rationality vs. the paranormal, but ultimately roots its solution in psychological trickery—fitting both for the Derringer Society’s focus and Old Time Radio’s embrace of both logic and suspense.

The classic banter between Hood, Taylor, and the supporting cast layers the mystery with light humor and urbane dialogue.

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Summary for First-Time Listeners

If you've never heard Casebook of Gregory Hood, "The Derringer Society" delivers a quintessential example: suspenseful plot, clever twists, and a blend of supernatural suggestion with rational deduction. The episode is rich in atmosphere, features an intriguing “locked room” style puzzle centered on predictions and murder, and concludes with both a satisfying solution and tongue-in-cheek wit.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Sunday Encore from Boise, Idaho. This is your host Adam Graham. And today, in addition to our Monday through Saturday lineup, we are sharing a special Sunday Encore program from our archives. This program was played many years ago and so any offers or information included in the episode may not be valid unless it's reflected on our [e-mail] but now here is your Sunday Encore. Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham. If you have a comment, send it to me box [e-mail] follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives or become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com our listener support campaign continues and we would appreciate your support. Support.greatdetectives.net all listener donations of $7 or more receive access to the premium site. In addition, during our listener support campaign, anyone who gives a donation of $20 or more will receive their choice of either All I Needed to Know I Learned from Columbo or or one of my superhero comedy novel ebooks for free as well as an additional thank you gift of your choice. Among the options available are some audiobooks that we can send at the $20 level and I have those same three books available as audiobooks. So you could get Tales of the Dim Night as your ebook and then we'd send you Fly Another Day as an audiobook would be an option. Plus we also have a Doc Savage Audiobook is an option at the $20 level. The title is the Forgotten Realm and there are many other options available, so you can check those [e-mail] and we'll also send you any Nero Wolf audiobook for a donation of $100 or more. All right. Well, now it's time for today's episode of the Casebook of Gregory Hood. The Derringer Society.

[C]

Let's Rewind brings you Facebook of Gregory. Tonight, the Petri family. The family that took time to bring you into the story of the Derringer Society. Another exciting story from the Casebook of Gregory Hood. And right now I'd like to talk about those few minutes you have while you're waiting for dinner every evening. That's the perfect time for a glass of Petri California Sherry. It's the best beginning a good meal ever had. You really feel like you're enjoying the good things of life when you take time for a glass of Petri sherry. Hold that glass of sherry to the light. Look at it. It's a beautiful dark amber. Yes, And Petri sherry is clear and fragrant, the way a good wine should be. Now. Tasty. You've got something that Petri sherry has a real heart of the grape flavor. And look, if you like your sherry dry, you know, not sweet. Petri makes a fine dry sherry. It's called Petri Pale Dry. And if you don't know yet which you prefer, the regular sherry or the dry, why not try both? Don't buy one, buy two. But just be sure you always buy Petri. Well, it's Monday night in San Francisco and we have a date with Gregory Hood and his friend and attorney, Sanderson Taylor. Tonight's rendezvous is at that delectable backwater, the Happy Valley Room at the famous Palace Hotel. Let's keep our date, shall we?

[D]

Harry Bartel, how are you?

[C]

Hello, Gregory. Evening, Mr. Taylor.

[D]

Good evening, Harry. We just ordered a glass of sherry. You'll join us, of course.

[C]

Thanks, Greg. Be very nice.

[D]

Make that three Sherry's, Carl. Yes, Mr. Hoot. Well, gentlemen, which stories have you selected.

[C]

From the casebook for tonight's episode?

[D]

A quite remarkable case that we filed under the heading of the Derringer Society.

[C]

Sounds exciting. But what is the Derringer Society?

[D]

Well, surely you remember those wonderful early semi scientific yarns about Dr. Derringer, don't you?

[C]

Yes, I do, Greg, now that you mention it. Sort of Jules Verne stories, weren't they? Yes, and if you reread them, Harry.

[D]

You'Ll realize that they predict just about everything from rockets to the atomic bomb.

[C]

You're both members of the Derringer Society, I think.

[D]

Oh certainly. In fact Gregor is president.

[C]

Greg, I'm always learning something new about you.

[D]

Oh, I've been a Derringer fan for a great many years, Harry. So it was only natural that I rounded up a few old cronies here who were equally interested and formed a society. We meet from time to time in a private room in Solaris, in Maiden Lane on the particular occasion I'm talking about. The evening started out very quietly with an excellent dinner, fine wine and lots of good talk about the famous Dr. Deringer. And then I rose to introduced the.

[C]

Guest of us.

[D]

Fellow members of the Derringer Society. You will already have noticed that we have violated our long standing stag rule. We have a lady among us or shame. Oh no, no George. We've broken the President for a very particular reason. I don't have to remind any of you that the fabulous Dr. Derringer, that great spade bearded scientific giant was especially devoted to the tricks played by time. Well, our guest tonight is Ms. Julia Hayes. She claims to perform exactly the sort of time travel prophecy that the Great Derringer foretold. Ms. Hayes. Gentlemen, claims to be able to predict future events. Dr. Barton, our psychiatrist member has been examining Ms. Hayes today and I shall ask him to introduce her. Thank you Mr. President. Fellow members, I must preface my remarks by stating that if I appear to speak of our guest in a slightly clinical manner, I do so with her full permission. Am I right Ms. Hayes?

[E]

Yes Dr. Barton. You may say anything you wish.

[D]

Thank you Ms. Hayes. Gentlemen, this afternoon I spent some two hours examining our guest and by all known psychological tests he's simply normal. Perhaps a trifle below average mentality. But her record has already established the fact that she can often predict future events with surprising accuracy. Quite above the laws of charm. And now gentlemen, Ms. Hayes will be quite willing to answer any question. Yes, Sandy Taylor, I think yours was the first hand. Ms. Hayes, may I ask you any outstanding events that you predicted in the past?

[E]

On May 4th, 1937 I predicted that two days later the German airship Hindenburg would be destroyed. I predicted the death of both Mussolini and his son in law Canciano. I was right. As to both date and time, I am seldom wrong.

[D]

Ms. Hayes, how do you explain your unusual ability?

[E]

I cannot explain it. It is beyond my understanding. It is a gift. When I let my mind go blank, I can see into the future.

[D]

Ms. Hayes, can you tell me what horse is going to win the second race at Arlington tomorrow? Mr. Jester Hayes is our Guest. Oh, sorry, Hood. I Beg your pardon, Ms. Hayes. I was just saying. Let me ask you a serious question. Are you able to see into the future at will?

[E]

Yes. If I make my mind a blank, I can usually see into the immediate future.

[D]

Would you consider making a prediction for us now?

[E]

I will try. I can promise nothing, but I will try. Monday. Monday. It is Monday at 8:15. I see the future, but not far ahead. This same night, three hours from now, at 11:15 tonight, I see a small man, a bald man with glasses. His name is Chester.

[D]

Look, Ms. Hayes, the joke's a joke. Quiet, quiet, Mr. Chester. Don't spoil it. She's still talking.

[E]

Tonight, Mr. Chester, at exactly 11:15 you will be murdered.

[B]

Shoot.

[D]

I think that was one of the most emotional meetings we've ever had at the Derringer Society. It certainly broke up in a hurry when she predicted the murder of Chester. Yes.

[C]

What do you make of that woman, Gregory?

[D]

Well, it's hard to say. Time travel into the future is all very well in the Derringer stories. Otherwise I don't care for it too much. Life's complicated enough in a straight line these days. Wait for me, Salford. Chester. He's chasing us on the double. He really must be scared. Well, I'm glad I caught you fellas before you left. What's wrong, Mr. Chester? Are you taking that prediction seriously? Well, it sounded to me more like a threat than a prediction. My reason tells me it's foolish to take the thing seriously. And yet, after all, I did make that stupid remark about the horse races. She's a weird woman. She may have some odd powers that we know nothing about. What do you fellas think I ought to do?

[C]

Get the police perhaps?

[D]

I think it'd be a little hard to convince them that you were in danger. Yes, it's quarter of 11 now. Would you like me to come home with you until after her 11:15 deadline has passed? Oh, no, no, Hood, I won't bother you. I'm probably being extremely stupid. Well, thanks for this little talk. I feel a lot better. Good night. Good night, Mr. Chester. Good night. Really is frightened, isn't he, Gregory? Badly. Ah.

[C]

Well, Sandy, I don't think we need.

[D]

Take the business very seriously. Of course not. Just the same, I have a feeling that Mr. Alfred Chester may not sleep too easily tonight. Albert?

[C]

Is that you, Albert, dear?

[D]

Yes, dear, it's me. Are you in bed? Yes, I've been reading.

[E]

How is meeting?

[D]

I'll hang up my things and come and tell you about it. It was rather a peculiar evening. There was a woman there who claimed to be able to see into the future. I know, but the funny thing was she. Oh well, but that's nonsense. What's the time, alice?

[C]

It's exactly 11:15.

[D]

11:15? Then I'm safe. I need Alfie.

[E]

What happened?

[D]

Ah, the top of the morning to you, Stan. Hello, Lieutenant Silver.

[C]

Good morning.

[D]

What brings you to my office this early in the morning? Stan? Could we interest you in a small ming vase for Mrs. Silver? Oh, we have a nice line in Inca headdresses. You'd look rather fetching in one. Greg. I'm here on business. You saw Alfred Chester last night, didn't you? Sure. We both did. Why late last night he was murdered. He was? What time, Stan? His wife says it was exactly 11:15. Great God. Then the prediction came true. What prediction are you talking about, Mr. Taylor? Chester attended a meeting of the Derringer Society last night. A woman by the name of Julia Hayes went into a sort of trance. Predicted Chester would be murdered at exactly 11:15. Then that's a woman I've got to talk to. We'll all go and talk to her, Stan. But before we do, there's one thing I'd like to know. How was the murder committed? Jester was stabbed from behind by a medium sized right handed person. No fingerprints, no clue. Who are you calling? Gregory Barton. He can tell us where Julia Hayes can be found. Get me Dr. Barton's office please. Yes, Mr. Hood. Dr. Barton. I know him. He's a psychiatrist. Is he?

[C]

That's the man.

[D]

He brought Julia Hayes to our meeting last night. Here's Dr. Barton, Mr. Hood. Oh thanks. Dr. Barton? Yes, this is Gregory Hood. Oh yes, Greg. Can you tell me where I can get in touch with Julia Hayes? She's here in my office now. And I found out something very interesting about her, Gregory. So have I, Barton. Please keep her there until we arrive. We're leaving right away. I've been examining Ms. Hayes again this morning, gentlemen, and I've uncovered a very interesting fact. Ms. Hayes was left handed in her childhood. But she's been forcibly trained into right handedness since. It's a situation that is often has unpredictable psychological results. Though I'll confess, never precisely like her. She is extraordinary, isn't she Barton? Lieutenant Silvers will tell you just how extraordinary. Dr. Barton, Alfred Chester was murdered last night. Murdered by a right handed person. What? And her prediction came true to the exact minute. He died at 11:15. He did. I. I don't know what to say. One thing I can assure you gentlemen Ms. Hayes did not commit the crime herself. How do you know? Because I brought her back here after the meeting last night. I was working with her until 12.30. Where's Ms. Hayes now? In the other room. You want to talk to her? Yes, Dr. Barton, I certainly do. I'll call her in. Come in, please, Ms. Hayes.

[E]

Yes, doctor.

[D]

These gentlemen want to ask you a few questions.

[E]

What questions?

[D]

I understand you predicted the murder of Mr. Alfred Chester last night.

[E]

Yes. It happened, of course. Yes, I knew it would.

[D]

How do you account for the fact that you predicted it three hours before it happened?

[E]

I cannot account for is a gift that I cannot explain. I can see things in the immediate future. I can tell you what is to happen today before the day is out. I can tell you my mind is blanking out again.

[D]

What can you tell us, Ms. Hayes?

[E]

I see a large man, a red faced man. His name is Elton.

[D]

George Belton, another member of the Deringer Society. What do you see, Ms. Hayes?

[E]

He will die tonight. He too will be murdered.

[C]

The heck he will.

[D]

This is one murder that isn't going to take place. George Felton Speaking. This is Lieutenant Silvers again, Mr. Felton. Silvers, why don't you leave me alone? I don't want any police protection and I won't have any. But Mr. Felton, I've told you that Alfred Chester was murdered last night right after he'd been threatened by this woman. His death was a coincidence, Silvers. It was probably a prowler. But I'm not easily scared and I don't believe in supernatural powers, even though I am a member of the Derringer Society. I wish you'd let me come over, Mr. Felton. We don't like to take any chances. Now look here, Silvers, it's nearly midnight. My wife and I are going to bed. Don't you worry about us. If anyone murders me during the night, I'll get in touch with you first thing in the morning. Who was that, darling? Oh, Lieutenant Silvers again. Still worrying about that threat on your life? Yes. That's the fifth time he's called me today, darling.

[C]

He must take it seriously even if you don't.

[D]

Don't you? Oh, now don't worry your pretty head about it, Cynthia. You run along to bed, dear. I lock up.

[C]

I suppose you know best. George don't belong.

[D]

No. What's that? I heard something.

[C]

Gregory.

[D]

I blame myself for Mr. Felton's murder last night. You did your best, Stan. Yes, Lieutenant. After all, you. You tried to force him to take protection but he wouldn't hear of it. I know, but I do blame myself. Well, let's see what Julie Hayes has to say about this one. He's waiting outside. Come in, please, Miss Hayes.

[E]

Very well, Lieutenant.

[D]

Now, Miss Hayes, I want to know how you knew this latest murder was going to take place.

[E]

I cannot tell you how I knew. It is just that when my mind is a blank, I have the ability to see into the future.

[D]

Now, look, Ms. Hayes, I'm a plain, straightforward police officer. One coincidence I can take, but not two. And I can't write on the police report that you knew about the murder because you can see into the future. You know. Why not tell me the truth?

[E]

I am telling the truth.

[D]

Oh, Gregory, see if you can get.

[C]

Anything out of her.

[D]

Ms. Hayes, what is it? I understand about your being able to travel into the future. But surely you must be able to remember more about what you saw when you had that vision. Try and think back, will you?

[E]

Think back.

[C]

Back?

[E]

No. I can only see forward.

[D]

Forward, Scott. My mind's banking out again.

[E]

I see another death in the immediate future. Sudden death. The man is tall and dark. His name is Hood.

[D]

Gregory Hood.

[C]

You'll hear the rest of Gregory Hood's story in just a second. So I'll tell you quickly about a wine I know you'll like. That wine is Petri California Muscatel. Petri Muscatel is really marvelous. In fact, I'm willing to bet you like everything about it. Petri Muscatel is good just to look at the color of sheer gold and say, if you've ever tasted plump, luscious Muscat grapes at their sunripened best. Well, then you know what to expect when you taste Petri Muscatel. Petri Muscatel brings you that same wonderful Muscat flavor. And you like Petri Muscatel after dinner by itself. Or served with fruit, for instance, peaches. Or with cake. Just be sure it's Petri Petri Muscatel. Because Petri wine is always good wine. Well, Gregory, so yours was the third murder to be predicted. Considering the first two had taken place according to schedule. You must have felt a little nervous.

[D]

For the first 24 hours. I was a trifle sensitive to sudden sounds, Harry. But when 48 hours had passed without anything happening, I began to feel rather let down.

[C]

Let down? I should have thought you'd have been grateful.

[D]

Gregory has an ingrained sense of melodrama, Harry. I think he felt cheated because the spotlight was on him and he didn't have a scene to Play. Exactly. Sandy, as my old father used to say, if you're fortunate enough to hit the headlines, for heaven's sake make the most of it. But how could I? The other two killings had followed right on the heels of the prophecies. Now, mine had been predicted and nothing happened at all. It was rather humiliating.

[C]

That's one way of looking at it. In any case, I'm sure you didn't just sit down and wait for someone to try to kill you.

[D]

Oh, no, no, Harry. As soon as Julia Hayes uttered her dire threat Lieutenant Silvers and I went into action. We questioned everyone and checked alibis till we were as black in the face as a couple of n men. But after three days of this we had progressed exactly nowhere. On the night of the fourth day I remember Sandy and I sat in my apartment discussing a whole business. While you and Lieutenant Silvers have been doing the legwork I've been doing some serious thinking. Splendid, Sandy. What conclusions did you arrive at? I think there's only one answer to this case. And that answer is? Dr. Barton's a psychiatrist. Julia Hayes is slightly subnormal. I wouldn't mind giving you odds that he hypnotized her into performing the two murders. She'd be an easy hypnotic victim. I thought of that possibility. Have you figured out his motive? No, but I'll skip that for the moment. One thing we do know, he had the opportunity. He was the only person who was alone with the woman for any length of time between her arrival in San Francisco and her first prophecy at Army. Very true. And I think I could provide your missing motive. Sandy, we've checked on Dr. Barton thoroughly. The wife of George Felton, the second man murdered was a patient of Barton's. It was also a beautiful woman no doubt is now a very rich one. I've gleaned rumors that her relationship with Barton was a little more cozy than that which usually exists between doctor and patient. In that case, how would you account for the first murder? The stabbing of Alfred Chester? Well, that could have been a blind to establish a pattern and conceal the motive. Well, if that were the case, your death would be necessary Also true. True. Darn it, Sandy, this is all supposition. We haven't a real lead to follow. There's one thing I will settle though. Who are you calling? Dr. Howell is staying at the Fairmont. He's probably the greatest psychiatrist in the country. Dr. Eustace Howell, please. What can he settle? Whether Julia Hayes could have been hypnotized into committing murder. Dr. Howell, this is Gregory Hood. I'm fine, thanks. Yes, I'd like to. In the meanwhile, do you mind if I pick your brains? Yes. Here's my problem. Is it possible to hypnotize an individual to commit a criminal act against his will? Thanks, Thanks. I thought so. Much obliged to you. I'll call you in a day or two. Goodbye. Count for down, huh?

[E]

No.

[D]

He says the answer is an unqualified no. Well, I'm going to accelerate my own murder. Tell me what flowers you like first. I'm very fond of Transvaal daisies, Sandy, but don't worry about my funeral. Yes, Lieutenant Silvers, please. Who can play at this game? Sandy? Stan, this is Greg Hood. No, no. No more leads. But I have got a brainwave. Pick up Julia Hayes and bring her up to the apartment as soon as you can. Yes, we'll be waiting.

[E]

I cannot answer any more questions, Mr. Hortense.

[D]

But, Ms. Hayes, you predicted that I would be murdered in this apartment. Doesn't this setting ring a responsive cord in your memory?

[E]

No. No, it does not.

[D]

Your other prophecies came true. What happened to this one?

[E]

I do not know. I cannot explain it.

[D]

Perhaps you've lost your mysterious power, Ms. Hayes. Oh, perhaps you never had it. Perhaps you made the whole thing up. Why not admit you're a murderess who poses as a prophet?

[E]

I am no murderess. I can see the future. Or I could. Something has happened to me.

[D]

You never could see the future and you never will. But I'll tell you your future, Ms. Hayes. If you don't tell us the truth, you'll end up in the gas chamber. And I don't have to be a clairvoyant to know that.

[E]

Stop talking like that.

[D]

Leave me alone.

[E]

I won't stay here.

[D]

Come back. No, no, Stan. Let her go. I'll tailor, though.

[C]

Greg.

[D]

Good idea. She's upset. She might show her hand. I'll be back later. Well, we're still no nearer the solution, Gregory. I don't know, I swear. There's still hypnotism in it somewhere. I have a hunch that Julia Hayes isn't conscious of it. That alibi of hers for the first killing might be a true one at best. Hello? Gregory, this is Dr. Barton. Yes, Barton. I have rather a serious confession to make to you. I lied to the police. About what? In saying that Julia Hayes was with me at the time of the first murder. She wasn't. Why did you lie? Well, the woman seemed such a unique psychiatric study. I wanted to complete my examination before the police nabbed her. Now I'VE finished my research with her. You can tell the police. They can pick her up. Tell them yourself, Barton. And I wish you the worst of luck in explaining it to them. There's a man that danced at his father's wedding. What did he say, Gregory? He dynamited Julia Hayes alibi for the first murder. But in doing so, I'm pretty certain he's put the finger on himself. Dr. Howell, please. Stanley, I think we're on the right track at last. I certainly hope so. Dr. Howell, this is Greg Hood again. I want just one more piece of information, please. Can a post hypnotic suggestion include persuading the patient that he was never hypnotized at all?

[C]

It can.

[D]

Thank you, Doctor. I'm immensely obliged to you. There's our answer, Sandy. When Barton demolished the woman's alibi, he also demolished his own. Then he did hypnotize. Sure. Then he planted the apparent prophecies in her mind after she'd made them public. He committed the murders himself. I get it. And he thought that when he scuttled Julia Hayes alibi, we'd think she'd try to make her own predictions come true. That's it, Sandy. Fortunately for us, he's outsmarted himself and walked into his own trap. We've got him. Who's that? Is that you, Stan?

[C]

What the.

[E]

What?

[D]

Who turned off the light? Oh, no, you don't. Gregory. Gregory, where are you? What's happening? Trying to get at the light switch. They got Sandy. He's got a knife. Strike him at.

[E]

Okay. Great. Great.

[D]

Hey, Gregory, why are the lights off? What's going on? Watch out, Stan. The killer's here. He's got a knife. She's got a knife. It's Julia Hayes. She got away from me, but I trailed her back here. But it can't be. Here's the lightweight. It is Julia Hayes. Gregory. We've got your cold, Ms. Hayes. Life's in your hand and all. Well, what have you got to say for yourself?

[E]

I'm sorry I did not kill you, Mr.

[D]

Hood. Well, that's very friendly of you, Ms. Hayes, but I. I'm completely confused. So am I, Gregory. You just finished proving to me that she couldn't be the killer. Well, I. I don't know what more evidence you want, Greg. The knife's in her hand and she admits she wished she'd killed you.

[E]

Yes, I admit it. You all made fun of me. You did not believe in my gift. If you had died, then all my predictions would have come true.

[D]

But I am no murderess of course you aren't, Ms. Hayes. What are you talking about, Gregory? But don't you see? She's holding the knife in her left hand. There's the answer. Come on, Lieutenant, let's go over and see Dr. Barton as fast as a squad car can get us there. This is all very dramatic. A police inspector, an amateur detective and his attorney stand in my home and accuse me of murder. Is this some form of practical joke? If you think it is, you must have a very warped sense of humor. I don't think the judge will find it funny, Dr. Barton, and I know that your attorney won't. But this is ridiculous. You're suggesting that I hypnotized Julia Hayes into making murder prophecies and then that I carried out the murders myself, to coin a phrase. Yes, but my dear Hood, you've just admitted that she attacked you tonight. Yes, you suggested the idea. And the three of us by taunting her with her failure as a prophet earlier on helped her never too stable mind snapped and she attacked me to fulfill her record of prophecies. But why couldn't she have committed the two murders? You overlooked one thing, my friend. You didn't know that under strong emotion she reverts to her childhood left handedness. She attacked me tonight with her left hand. The murders were committed by a right handed person. Want to argue anymore? I'd like to know what you think my motive was, Hood. Oh, that's easy. Mrs. Felton, the widow of your second victim, broke down half an hour ago and spilled quite a few beans.

[B]

She did?

[D]

I mean, yes, she did. So Cynthia's been talking better Come with me, Doctor. Very well, Lieutenant. I should prefer not to talk anymore. I've seen my attorney. Good night, gentlemen. I'll see you in court. Barton Gregory, you tell the most convincing lies. That story about Mrs. Felton talking, how can you do it? Oh, it takes years of training. My old father always used to say that if you couldn't think of a really convincing truth when you wanted to, to make a good point, then tell a something great lie, You're a chip off the old block, Sandy. I'm worried. Conscience bothering? I'm thinking about the Deringer Society. What about it? Well, Sandy brood about it. With 2 of our society murdered and a third headed for the gas chamber, we can certainly use some new members.

[C]

Greg, that was an exciting story. How do you get mixed up in these things, Harry?

[D]

I guess I'm just around when they happen.

[C]

But why is it I'm never around?

[D]

Well, Harry, maybe you're just the kind of person nothing ever happens to Lucky you.

[C]

You mean poor me. I bet if I were a member of the Derringer Society, things would start happening to me.

[D]

Oh, I don't know. But before you can become a member, you must be able to contribute something to the society. Have you a scientific mind?

[C]

I'm a genius with a tinker toy.

[D]

Oh, no, no. Know anything about psychiatry?

[C]

No.

[D]

Hypnotism?

[C]

No.

[D]

Precognition?

[C]

Don't even know what it means.

[D]

Well, in that event, Harry, what in the world could you possibly contribute to the Derringer Society?

[C]

A case of Petri wine.

[D]

I should have known.

[C]

They'll love me, Greg, Because Petri wine is such good wine. Why, it's just got to be with the Petri family. The growing of perfect sun ripened grape and the art of turning those grapes into fragrant, delicious wine is a heritage. It's a heritage passed on down from father to son. From father to son. No wonder Petri wine is so good. Yes, the making of Petri wine is a family affair. And the Petrie family has every intention of keeping it just that. So you know, the name Petri on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark. It's the personal assurance of the Petri family that Petri wine is and always will be good wine.

[D]

Well, Gregory, which adventure out of the.

[C]

Casebook are you planning to tell us next week?

[D]

Next Monday, Harry, I'm going to tell of a weird adventure that Sandy and I had in Mexico City some months ago. During the course of the story, I succeeded in getting myself kidnapped by a female sharpshooter and nearly ended up with an extremely beautiful wife. I'll see you next Monday, Harry.

[C]

The Casebook of Gregory Hood is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher. Original music composed and played by Dean Fossler. Gail Gordon plays the part of Gregory Hood and Sanderson Taylor is played by Carl Harbor. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California. Invite you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. The Case Book of Gregory Hood comes to you from our Hollywood studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family.

[D]

For a solid.

[C]

Hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of these.

[D]

Same stations at 8 o' clock to.

[C]

Michael Shane, followed immediately by the Casebook of Gregory Hood. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[F]

Limu and Doug.

[D]

Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.

[C]

Uh, Limu, is that guy with the binoculars watching us cut the camera.

[D]

They see us.

[F]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty.

[D]

Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Fairy Underwritten by.

[F]

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Affiliates excludes Massachusetts welcome back.

[B]

Another great story and I love how they really just confuse things. Towards the end it seemed like within the last five minutes they changed between the psychiatrist and the quote unquote prophet something like three times. And again, this is just a great series and I definitely wish there were more episodes and I wish they could keep a Sanderson Taylor. We have a new actor with playing Sanderson Taylor. Sounds kind of British. Carl Harburg actually beyond the Casebook of Gregory Hood. He appeared in one episode of Dark Venture and then several episodes of Whitehall 1212, which was a series about the Black Museum in Scotland Yard. And mostly in character roles it looks like. Alright, well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and received just a nice note from Hugh who says, I so enjoy your rich selection of thrilling radio adventure. Well, thanks so much Hugh. I truly appreciate it and that will actually do it for today. I do want to encourage you to support our listener support [e-mail] and we have quite a few options for us and Canadian listeners. We also have added some DVDs and I've added a limited selection of those that I've watched and enjoyed and believe are worth watching. Among them we have Casablanca that's available for donations of $50 or more, in addition to movie sets for Nick Carter and the Saint, the 1954 Dragnet movie, as well as movie sets for Nick Carter and George Sanders as the Saint. And you can view all available thank you [e-mail] alright, well that will do it for today. We'll be back on Wednesday with yours truly, Johnny Dollar, and join us next Tuesday for another episode of the Case Book of Gregory Hood. In the meantime, send your comments to [e-mail] and follow us on Twitter radiodetactives. From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.

[F]

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