Cavalcade of America: The Pinkerton Man (EP4550s)

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Cavalcade of America: The Pinkerton Man (EP4550s)
Release Date: November 17, 2024
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Featured Series: Cavalcade of America
Original Air Date of Drama: November 18, 1946

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1. Introduction

In the landmark 4550th episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham celebrates a significant milestone by presenting a special installment from the acclaimed anthology series Cavalcade of America. This episode, titled "The Pinkerton Man," delves into the intricate world of detective work in the mid-19th century, spotlighting the legendary Allen Pinkerton.

2. Overview of "The Pinkerton Man"

Set against the backdrop of 1859 aboard a train bound for Columbia, Tennessee, "The Pinkerton Man" follows the meticulous detective Allen Pinkerton as he endeavors to solve a cold case involving a bank robbery and the murder of Ben Walters, the bank watchman. With limited leads and time elapsed, Pinkerton employs both traditional investigative techniques and psychological strategies to uncover the truth.

3. Character Analysis

• Allen Pinkerton (Lee Bowman): Portrayed as America's premier detective, Pinkerton is calm, observant, and methodical. His character embodies ingenuity and perseverance in solving complex cases.

• Mr. Collins (William Johnstone): Serving as Pinkerton's partner, Collins assists in strategizing and executing the investigation, demonstrating loyalty and competence.

• Mr. Finley (Joseph Curtin): A fellow passenger on the train, Finley becomes instrumental in the investigation, leveraging his insights to assist Pinkerton.

• Mr. Quillen (Walter Mayer): A mysterious boarding house resident, Quillen's interactions and eventual confession are pivotal to resolving the case.

• Miss Oglethorpe (Edna): The boarding house proprietor, she provides essential information about the suspects' backgrounds and behaviors.

4. Key Themes and Techniques

• Psychological Investigation: Pinkerton's approach transcends mere evidence collection, delving into understanding the suspect's psyche. This is evident when Collins instructs Finley to use psychological methods:
  “Find out all you can about Ben Walters.” [14:29]

• Persistence in Cold Cases: The narrative underscores the challenges of reopening and solving cases long after the fact, highlighting Pinkerton's dedication:
  “There must be something. There must be something.” [06:28]

• Human Behavior and Confession: The storyline explores how prolonged stress and guilt can lead to confession, as seen in Quillen's eventual admission of guilt:
  “I killed a man. Ben Walters. But I didn't mean to.” [26:10]

5. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mr. Collins on Investigation Strategy:
  “I want you to find out all you can about Ben Walters.” [14:29]

• Mr. Finley on Subject Frustration:
  “He won't have a thing to do with anybody. Everybody seemed to like him before, though.” [13:14]

• Mr. Quillen's Confession:
  “I killed a man. Ben Walters. But I didn't mean to. It’s been driving me crazy for a year.” [26:10]

• Host Adam Graham Reflecting Post-Drama:
  “It's fascinating to hear how Allen Pinkerton used psychological methods to solve crimes, showcasing the depth and complexity of detective work during that era.” [29:06]

6. Host’s Commentary

After the dramatization, Adam Graham provides insightful reflections on Allen Pinkerton's legacy. He emphasizes Pinkerton's pioneering use of psychological techniques in investigations and lauds his enduring impact on modern law enforcement agencies like the United States Secret Service and international counterparts such as Scotland Yard. Graham remarks on the authenticity and depth of Lee Bowman's portrayal, noting Pinkerton's global distinction and commitment to maintaining law and order.

7. Conclusion

"The Pinkerton Man" serves as a compelling tribute to one of America's foremost detectives, intertwining historical context with engaging storytelling. Through meticulous characterization and thematic exploration, the episode not only entertains but also educates listeners on the evolution of investigative methodologies. Adam Graham's choice to spotlight this particular Cavalcade of America episode underscores the podcast's dedication to preserving and illuminating classic detective narratives from the Golden Age of Radio.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and stay tuned for upcoming episodes, including a Thanksgiving encore and new installments from The Adventures of the Falcon.

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Notable Exclusions:
This summary intentionally omits advertisements, introductory and concluding remarks, and non-essential content segments to focus solely on the substantive elements of the episode.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Adam Graham]

Week on the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon.

[Mr. Finley]

Well, boy?

[Collins]

Yes, Mr. Finley.

[Mr. Finley]

Where are you, boy? What about my house?

[Collins]

Well, I'll tell you, Mr. Finley.

[Sam Arthur]

Where's your word?

[Mr. Finley]

You said you'd be over with a down payment. What are you made of, boy?

[Collins]

Rock, maple or pint? Something has come up, Mr. Finley.

[Mr. Finley]

I got 15 people after this house.

[Adam Graham]

Listen to the Old Time radio snack wagon, snackwagon.net or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Mr. Finley]

SA.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we'll bring you our 4550th episode special. I do want to encourage you if you are enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. Well, we're going to play an episode of a series that was an anthology program that generally featured historical dramas, the Cavalcade of America. I love this series and I love finding excuses to feature episodes of it. We played quite a few episodes over on the Amazing World of Radio, but we've only played one episode on the Great Detectives Podcast, and that was for our 1100th episode special. So I guess we're due for another episode of the Cavalcade of America at this point. The original air Date on This one is November 18, 1946, and here now is the Pinkerton Man.

[Sam Arthur]

Tonight, the Dupont Company brings you the Pinkerton man, starring Lee Bowman on the Cavalcade of America. But first, here is Gain Whitman.

[Gain Whitman]

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[Sam Arthur]

The Cavalcade of America. America. America means skyscrapers and hayloft, the crack of a pioneer's flintlock and the sound of the riveter's machine, the outline of a church steeple against the midnight sky. America is your story. America is you and everyone you know. Tonight we present Lee Bowman in the Pinkerton man on the Dupont Cavalcade of America. It is the year 1859. In one of the coaches of a train bound for Columbia, Tennessee, a man sits looking calmly at the countryside. He's dressed quietly and you wouldn't look twice at him because. Well, because he looks like a hundred to thousand other men. You've seen his name, Allen Pinkerton, America's greatest detective. As he sits, another man carrying what appears to be a sample case comes into the coach, looks around for a moment and then.

[Mr. Finley]

Excuse me, is this seat taken?

[Collins]

What? Oh, no, no, no. Help yourself.

[Mr. Finley]

Thanks. I hope you don't mind. No seats on the shady side of the coach.

[Collins]

Oh, it's all right. Don't like to sit in the sun myself.

[Mr. Finley]

Thanks.

[Collins]

I'm sorry.

[Mr. Quillen]

I always have trouble with my sample case.

[Mr. Finley]

I see.

[Collins]

What is it this time, Collins?

[Mr. Finley]

Ties. Sucks. Handkerchiefs and what's it all about, Chief?

[Collins]

Where'd you get on last stop?

[Mr. Finley]

Took a local and caught this train from there.

[Collins]

Good. Collins, I'm going through with a case.

[Mr. Finley]

Yeah, that's with a figure, Chief. All right. What's my job?

[Collins]

I don't know yet, but I'll have some use for you.

[Mr. Finley]

Yeah, but Mr. Pinkett. And you?

[Collins]

Quillen.

[Mr. Finley]

J.B. quillen, huh?

[Collins]

Well, that's my name. Got it?

[Mr. Finley]

Oh, yeah. All right.

[Collins]

Businessman. Retired.

[Mr. Finley]

Health reasons Good enough, Mr. William, you.

[Collins]

Stay at the hotel in Colombia.

[Mr. Finley]

And you?

[Collins]

A boarding house, I think.

[Mr. Finley]

For how long?

[Collins]

Well, I don't know. Depends on how tough this will be.

[Mr. Finley]

Plenty tough, Chief. Cases a year old. Trails as cold as a dog's nose.

[Collins]

Yeah, I know. I'll dig around until I find a lead.

[Mr. Finley]

What kind of a lead? In a case that's grown a beard.

[Collins]

Oh, that's my job, Collins. Now, when we get to Columbia, you get off first. Go directly to the hotel, sit tight, and I'll contact you. And that's the story, Colin.

[Mr. Finley]

Don't sound good to me, Chief.

[Collins]

Not a lead. Not a single lead.

[Mr. Finley]

Well, a bank robbery and murder. That happened over a year ago. What can you expect?

[Collins]

I don't know. Something. Anything. There must be something.

[Mr. Finley]

Suspects?

[Collins]

Four. The president of the bank gave me the names. McCollins. I've eliminated three of those people. Why, there's nothing to tie them in. In the first place. All the local police had to go on was suspicion.

[Mr. Finley]

That's not much. But how about the fourth suspect?

[Collins]

A man named Samuel Arthur.

[Mr. Finley]

Anything on him?

[Collins]

No, nothing. Nothing at all.

[Mr. Finley]

But look, if Arthur's guilty of you think he's the one, you gotta have something. Oh, what about the money from the robbery?

[Collins]

Not a penny of it shown up. That's why I believe the job was pulled by someone in this town. Someone who was afraid to leave. Someone who killed the watchman Walters, and then got panicky. Panicky?

[Mr. Finley]

A murderer who's played doggo for a year isn't exactly panicking. He's smart. Waiting for the time he can leave.

[Collins]

Collins, I'm changing boarding houses and cooking.

[Mr. Finley]

Bad at the one you're in now.

[Collins]

No, the hunting's bad. Samuel Arthur stays at Mrs. Holly's boarding house. Here. Here's the address.

[Mr. Finley]

All right, what's next?

[Collins]

I'm going to find one lead, one clue that'll give me a toe hold. I'll see you later.

[Mr. Quillen]

Your last move gives me a triple jump and king me.

[Collins]

Well, Mr. Evans, you'll win again.

[Mr. Finley]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Quillen]

I'm afraid I'm still the checker champion of Miss Holly's Boarding House.

[Collins]

No question about that. I resign.

[Mr. Quillen]

Care for another one, Mr. Quillen? It only 8:00.

[Collins]

No, no, no, thank you, sir. Tomorrow night perhaps. Fine, fine.

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, think I'll turn in then.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Oh, there you are. Have you finished your game, gentlemen?

[Mr. Finley]

Yep.

[Collins]

Yep, and I'm turning in.

[Mr. Quillen]

You keep Mr. Quillin company, Edna. Make him feel right at home here.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Well, how long are you planning to stay, Mr. Quillen?

[Collins]

Oh, that. That all depends.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

On what, Mr. Quillen?

[Collins]

Well, on. On my health.

[Mr. Finley]

Oh.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

What is your ailment?

[Collins]

My ailment? Well, it. It started a little over a year ago and I.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Yes.

[Collins]

Wasn't that Mr. Arthur who went past the door then?

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Well, I didn't see, but I guess it was.

[Collins]

Oh, well, excuse me. I'm rather tired myself. I think I'll turn in too.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Oh, well, maybe we can have a little talk tomorrow night.

[Collins]

Well, that will be delightful, Miss Oglethorpe. Good night.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Good night, Mr. Krillin. And sleep tight, huh?

[Collins]

Oh, thank you. Thank you. Hello. Oh, hello. Sorry I startled you, Mr. Arthur.

[Mr. Quillen]

Oh, not at all, Mr. Quillen.

[Collins]

Beautiful evening outside.

[Mr. Finley]

Yes.

[Collins]

Yes, it is. I. I was just thinking of going for a walk. Care to come along?

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, I'm a little tired and I.

[Collins]

Perhaps just around the block.

[Mr. Quillen]

No, No, I don't think so. Maybe tomorrow Evening.

[Mr. Finley]

All right?

[Collins]

Glad to. Glad to. Yes?

[Mr. Quillen]

Oh, nothing. Good night, Mr. Quillen.

[Collins]

Good night, Mr. Arthur.

[Mr. Quillen]

Oh, Mr. Quillen.

[Collins]

Yes?

[Mr. Quillen]

Are you planning on going into business down here?

[Collins]

Business? No, no, I'm retired.

[Mr. Finley]

Oh.

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, then you'll be with us for quite a while.

[Collins]

Maybe. I don't like to stay in one place very long, Mr. Arthur. Like a change of scenery once in a while. I see.

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, I'll see you tomorrow.

[Collins]

Good night. Good night, Mr. Arthur.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Why, Mr. Quillen, I. I thought you'd gone upstairs.

[Collins]

Yes. Well, I met Mr. Arthur. Stopped for a little chat with him. He's very nice, isn't he?

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Oh, yes, very nice. We're all so fond of him.

[Collins]

Has. Has he been living here long?

[Miss Oglethorpe]

No, I took about five months.

[Collins]

Oh. What does Mr. Evans do for a living?

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Nothing. Nothing at all. I think he came into a little money some time ago, but there. I mustn't gossip, must I?

[Collins]

Well, no harm in that.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

No. Well, Mr. Arthur doesn't work either.

[Collins]

Oh, retired?

[Miss Oglethorpe]

That is hard to say, Mr. Quillen. I suppose he had some money saved up and. Oh, there I go again.

[Collins]

It's all right. Well, good night. I'll see you tomorrow. Of course, we must have a longer talk sometime.

[Mr. Finley]

Yes, sir. What can I do for you?

[Collins]

Do you have cigars?

[Mr. Finley]

Yes, sir. Any special kind you want?

[Collins]

Well, let's see. Two of these, please. Yes. Well, nice story you've got here.

[Mr. Finley]

Thank you.

[Collins]

Yeah, I must keep you pretty busy running it.

[Mr. Finley]

Well, kind of could use some help.

[Collins]

I'll bet you could. Don't. Don't you have a clerk?

[Mr. Finley]

Would not now.

[Collins]

I had one, but I had to let him go. He got to talk on sassy to.

[Mr. Finley]

The trade, losing his temper.

[Collins]

Oh, well, no wonder you let him go. Yep. I couldn't afford to have him given trouble like that. Funny thing to. All of a sudden, he up and.

[Mr. Finley]

Began acting like he was crazy.

[Collins]

Well, now, that's funny. I wonder what makes people do that. You know, I had a cousin like that, nice as could be. Then one day, just like that, began acting funny.

[Mr. Finley]

Same as same author. Too bad. I like same.

[Collins]

Everybody did. And that's the way it goes. Well, I'll see you again.

[Mr. Quillen]

Drop in anytime.

[Collins]

Glad to have you. Thanks.

[Mr. Finley]

Oh, excuse me.

[Collins]

Oh, hello there.

[Mr. Finley]

Oh, how are you?

[Collins]

Fine. You got a match? Sure thing.

[Mr. Finley]

Here you are.

[Collins]

Be at your hotel in ten minutes.

[Mr. Finley]

All right. I've learned a couple of things that might interest you.

[Collins]

And he was fired from his job because he got touchy and irritable.

[Mr. Finley]

I see. Well, I Learned he's been keeping to himself. Won't have a thing to do with anybody. Everybody seemed to like him before, though.

[Collins]

Collins, Suppose Sam Arthur has something on his mind, on his conscience or suppose.

[Mr. Finley]

He has, what can we do about it?

[Collins]

Find out what it is.

[Mr. Finley]

How? If he's guilty, which we don't know, he's kept it to himself for a year now.

[Collins]

But that sudden break from his old life. Collins, I'm convinced his conscience is working on him.

[Mr. Finley]

If it didn't make him break in a year, it won't break him now.

[Collins]

Yeah, I know that. We've got to work on him.

[Mr. Finley]

Yeah, but you can't do that without getting him suspicious. Start asking a guy like that some questions and he'd shut up like a clam. You know that, Chief. We've had him before.

[Collins]

Conscience is a funny thing, Collins.

[Mr. Finley]

So is the instinct for self preservation. Just let Sam Arthur get the slightest hint you're after him and you won't be able to touch him with a ten foot pole.

[Collins]

Look, I've got a job for you. You'll have to go about it quietly, too.

[Mr. Finley]

All right, what is it?

[Collins]

Find out all you can.

[Mr. Finley]

But I did. There's nothing about Sam Arthur you don't know already.

[Collins]

I'm not talking about him. I want you to find out all you can about Ben Walters.

[Mr. Finley]

Walters? But he's the murdered bank watchman.

[Collins]

I know it. I've known that for a long time, Collins.

[Mr. Finley]

Oh, yeah. I'm sorry, all right. But what good's it gonna do?

[Collins]

You ever hear of psychology?

[Mr. Finley]

Psychology? Never heard of it.

[Collins]

You will. We'll use that and a little American ingenuity. Great combination, Collins. Now, go to. You are sure of all these facts?

[Mr. Finley]

Positive, Chief.

[Collins]

Oh, what's. What's this about the perfume?

[Mr. Finley]

Well, not exactly perfume. There was after shaving scent he used. Crazy about the stuff. Used it all the time. And he. He talked like this.

[Mr. Quillen]

Mr. Quillen, this is the way I used to talk.

[Collins]

Yeah, that's the way. You should have been an actor, Collins.

[Mr. Finley]

I could have been a good one.

[Collins]

You're going to be, huh? I've got an idea. Now, maybe it'll work. It's never been tried before.

[Mr. Finley]

I don't get you, Chief.

[Collins]

You will, Collins. Get a bottle of the scent you were talking about. Can you do it?

[Mr. Finley]

Sure, but what's the idea?

[Collins]

Psychology. Now, here's what I want you to do. I'll see that Arthur doesn't go near his room until after you finish the job I want you to do. Oh, Mr. Archer. Huh? Oh, hello, Quillen. You want some company on your walk?

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, I wasn't going very far. Just out for breath of the air.

[Collins]

Well, so was I. Confidentially, Ms. Oglethorpe was waiting for me.

[Mr. Quillen]

I see. She likes to talk.

[Collins]

That she does.

[Mr. Quillen]

She doesn't care what she talks about either.

[Collins]

No, just as long as she talks. You sleep well last night?

[Mr. Quillen]

Sleep well?

[Collins]

Of course.

[Mr. Quillen]

Why did you ask that?

[Collins]

Oh, it was so hot. I was restless all night. I heard you and I thought you were restless, too. Almost dropped over to see you.

[Mr. Quillen]

No, I. I wasn't restless.

[Collins]

No? Well, I guess I heard something else.

[Mr. Quillen]

Heard something? What?

[Collins]

Oh, nothing, nothing. My imagination, I guess. But since you're just next door to me, I thought it was you.

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, what are you talking about?

[Mr. Finley]

Nothing.

[Collins]

Nothing at all. You see, I. I don't sleep very well. Probably one of those half awake, half asleep dreams. Oh, What?

[Mr. Quillen]

What was it you heard?

[Collins]

Oh, some sort of mumbling. Like a person talking in his sleep. It wasn't I. No, no, probably not.

[Mr. Quillen]

No, I. I've never talked in my sleep.

[Collins]

Well, I didn't say you did. I was just mentioning it. Forget it. It was more than likely it was me.

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, I've. I've got to leave you here.

[Collins]

Oh, that's too bad.

[Mr. Quillen]

Yes. I've got to get something at the store.

[Collins]

Well, I'll walk with you.

[Mr. Quillen]

Oh, please. I'm going to stop and see a friend.

[Collins]

Oh, well, then I won't trail along then. Good night.

[Mr. Quillen]

Good night, Quillen. I'll see you tomorrow.

[Mr. Finley]

It was pretty smart of you, chief.

[Collins]

Trailers, huh, Collins?

[Mr. Finley]

Sure. Now what?

[Collins]

How'd you do back in his room?

[Mr. Finley]

Oh, fine. No trouble getting in at all. And locked in the connecting door between his room and yours was a cinch.

[Collins]

All right, let's get back before he does. I'll go first. I'll let you in when the coast is clear.

[Sam Arthur]

You are listening to Lee Bowman in the Pinkerton man on the Cavalcade of America sponsored by the dupont Company, maker of better things for better living through chemistry. As the second part of our story opens, Alan Pinkerton is trying to break a year old murder and robbery case in Columbia, Tennessee, certain that a man named Sam Arthur Pinkerton is working on him. And Pinkerton's plan seems to be succeeding. For he and Collins listen to an argument going on outside his room.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Really, Ms. Arthur's absolutely ridiculous.

[Mr. Quillen]

I know what I'm talking about, Mrs. Holly.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

And don't shout at me. I'm not deaf. And I don't like your insinuations that someone in this house was in your room.

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, someone was, I tell you. Someone was in my room.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Dora was in to clean.

[Mr. Quillen]

Dora doesn't have to go into my dresser.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Now, you listen to me. Dora's been with me for 15 years. She's a good girl.

[Mr. Quillen]

I tell you, somebody was in my room.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

I told you it was only Dora. If you don't like things the way they are around here, Ms. Arthur, you can leave now. Tonight.

[Collins]

This minute.

[Mr. Quillen]

I. Oh, never mind.

[Collins]

Forget what I said.

[Mr. Finley]

Good night.

[Collins]

I believe it's starting to work, Collins.

[Mr. Finley]

Maybe you're right, chief.

[Collins]

Yes, I think so, but it's not enough yet.

[Mr. Finley]

Hey, where are you going?

[Collins]

Stay here. I'm going to see him now. Oh.

[Mr. Quillen]

Who's there?

[Collins]

Willen. Can I come in? What for? Just. Just to talk.

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, just a minute. What do you want?

[Collins]

Well, I. I just heard you and Mrs. Holly thought I could do something. Anything wrong?

[Mr. Quillen]

Oh, it's Dora. I know she was in my dresser.

[Collins]

Oh, really? How can you be sure?

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, come here. Come here. Here.

[Collins]

This drawer. Anything disturbed?

[Mr. Quillen]

No, no, but I know someone was in this drawer.

[Collins]

I don't know how you can be so sure if nothing's out of place.

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, don't you. Don't you smell anything?

[Collins]

Smell anything? What?

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, yes, I have a peculiar odor. Like perfume.

[Collins]

No, nothing.

[Mr. Finley]

What?

[Mr. Quillen]

Get closer.

[Collins]

Now. I'm sorry, Arthur, but I'm afraid you've got too good an imagination.

[Mr. Quillen]

It's not my imagination. I tell you. There's some kind of perfume been spilled in my drawer there.

[Collins]

Oh, it must be your nerves, Arthur. I tell you, I can't smell a thing.

[Mr. Quillen]

You're. You're sure of that?

[Collins]

Look, why don't we get someone else? Evans? Ms. Ogle.

[Mr. Quillen]

Oh, no, no, please, never. Never mind.

[Collins]

But if you say it's here, I. I could be wrong, you know. Now, Evans, or.

[Mr. Quillen]

I said no. I don't want them in here.

[Mr. Finley]

Well, all right. That's it.

[Mr. Quillen]

It's all right. I guess it was my imagination.

[Collins]

Sure, it's funny, but, you know, nerves and imagination can play tricks on a man, Especially when he's worried. Good night.

[Mr. Quillen]

Who. Who's there? Who's that?

[Collins]

Just me, Mr. O. Quillen.

[Mr. Finley]

Oh.

[Collins]

Oh, you.

[Mr. Quillen]

Why didn't you answer the first time?

[Collins]

Well, it. It's after 2 in the morning. I. I didn't want to speak loudly. Too hot to sleep, eh? For me too.

[Mr. Quillen]

Yes, I. I came down to the veranda to get some air.

[Collins]

It's not too cool here either. Sultry. It's One of those nights you read about. You know, the kind that makes you feel something's going to happen. Still quiet air, the heavy humidity. Even the crickets are quiet. You were going to say something?

[Mr. Quillen]

No, nothing.

[Mr. Finley]

Just look at that sky. Sky.

[Collins]

Not a star showing. No breeze. Nothing. Just deadly quiet.

[Mr. Quillen]

I can see for myself.

[Collins]

Oh, sorry.

[Mr. Finley]

Excuse me.

[Mr. Quillen]

Your. Your handkerchief.

[Mr. Finley]

A what?

[Collins]

Handkerchief. What about it?

[Mr. Quillen]

That's where it comes from. You use it. You use it.

[Collins]

Use what? What are you talking about?

[Mr. Quillen]

That scent. That's where it came from. It wasn't in my room. It was yours.

[Collins]

Scent on my handkerchief? Oh, no. Absolutely not. Never used scent. I can't stand this.

[Mr. Quillen]

It's coming from your handkerchief now. I smelled it when you pulled it out. It wasn't here before.

[Collins]

Oh, now, look here, Arthur. I never use scent. I don't smell anything.

[Mr. Finley]

No.

[Mr. Quillen]

No. I don't believe in things. Things like that.

[Collins]

You don't believe in things like what? Man, your nerves are bad.

[Mr. Quillen]

It's not my nerves, I tell you. It's not my.

[Collins]

You ready, Collins? Yeah.

[Mr. Finley]

Listen to him pacing back and forth.

[Collins]

Get in the closet. You know what to say, right?

[Mr. Quillen]

Arthur? Sam. Arthur, can you hear me? Sam? Sam, this is Walter. Talk to me, Sam. Tell me why you did it. Sam, Who.

[Mr. Finley]

Who's there?

[Mr. Quillen]

Sam, why didn't you talk to me? Tell me why you killed me. Sam, please talk to me.

[Collins]

Arthur. What the hell's the idea of bursting into my room?

[Mr. Quillen]

Who are you talking to?

[Collins]

Talking me? You're crazy.

[Mr. Quillen]

There's somebody in here with you. There's somebody in that closet.

[Collins]

Oh, you are crazy. Why should anyone be in there?

[Mr. Quillen]

You were talking to someone.

[Collins]

All right, all right. So I was talking to someone. Someone? Someone in that closet. Go ahead and look in. See who it was. Well, go on. Satisfy yourself. Or do you want me to open it for you?

[Mr. Quillen]

No, no, please. Please, don't open the. No.

[Collins]

Come on out, Collins. He's ready to make a break for it.

[Mr. Finley]

Hey, he almost looked in.

[Collins]

No, no, he didn't dare. He was afraid he wouldn't see anyone.

[Mr. Finley]

Will I.

[Collins]

Hey, he's running away. Yes, I thought he would. All right, the next train doesn't leave Colombia for an hour. In that hour, we've got to hire two men and plant them on that train with. Arthur. Come on. Excuse me. Is this C. What? Why? Arthur, what are you doing on this train?

[Mr. Finley]

Quiller.

[Collins]

Well, this is fine. I thought I'd have to ride this train alone. I got a wire suddenly business up north. Oh, but you. Where are you going?

[Mr. Quillen]

Well, I have a sister in New Jersey I haven't seen in a long time, and I. Oh, you made up.

[Collins]

Your mind suddenly, didn't you?

[Mr. Quillen]

Yes. Yes, I was worried about her.

[Collins]

Oh, that accounts for your nerves, eh? Worry will do that to a man.

[Mr. Quillen]

Oh, yes, Yes, I was worried about her.

[Collins]

I see. Well, this is going to be pleasant. Still hot, isn't it? I thought. Well, what's the matter?

[Mr. Finley]

Your.

[Mr. Quillen]

Your handkerchief.

[Collins]

My handkerchief? What's the matter with it?

[Mr. Quillen]

That perfume I smelled. You do use it.

[Collins]

What are you talking about? There's no scent on this.

[Mr. Quillen]

There is.

[Collins]

There is.

[Mr. Quillen]

I can smell it.

[Collins]

Oh, now, look, Arthur. I never used scent. It's your imagination again.

[Mr. Quillen]

I tell you, it's not. You use the same kind of scent that he used.

[Collins]

He? Who?

[Mr. Quillen]

Please, please, Quillen, don't fool me. What are you trying to do? I know it's your handkerchief.

[Collins]

Look, Arthur, we can settle this easily enough. I'll ask the man in back of us. Excuse me, sir. I know this sounds a little.

[Mr. Quillen]

Wait a minute. What are you going to do?

[Collins]

I'll just show you what your imagination can do to settle a bet. Will you smell this handkerchief and see if there's scent on it?

[Mr. Finley]

Oh, sure. Nothing on that handkerchief.

[Mr. Quillen]

What?

[Collins]

There, you see? Arthur, give me that. Sure, sure. Ask that man across from us. Mister.

[Mr. Quillen]

I beg your pardon, Please. Yes, there's scent on this handkerchief. Will you. Will you please tell me what kind?

[Mr. Finley]

You crazy?

[Mr. Quillen]

No, no, please, please. Just smell it.

[Collins]

All right. Nope.

[Mr. Finley]

I can't smell anything.

[Mr. Quillen]

What?

[Collins]

Satisfied, Arthur? Quillen.

[Mr. Quillen]

Quillen, I can't stand it anymore. I've got to tell. I've got to tell someone. I've been living with it for a year and I can't hold it in anymore. I can. I can.

[Collins]

What is it, Arthur?

[Mr. Quillen]

I killed a man. Ben Walters. But I didn't mean to. He woke up and I had to hit him. I swear. I swear I didn't mean to.

[Collins]

Didn't mean to, huh?

[Mr. Quillen]

Oh, it's been driving me crazy for a year. And this last week has been the worst.

[Gain Whitman]

It's.

[Mr. Quillen]

It's like he's come back. He's come back, Quillen. Oh, I had to tell somebody. I'll go crazy.

[Collins]

It's better this way. Come on.

[Mr. Quillen]

What will they do to me? What will they do?

[Collins]

I don't know, Arthur, but it's much better this way. We'll get off at the next stop.

[Sam Arthur]

Our star, Lee Bowman, will return in just a moment. But first, here is Gain Whitman speaking for Dupont.

[Gain Whitman]

Sound travels about 12 and a half miles a minute. And the new jet propelled planes are already flying 10. This means a jet plane flies right along behind the sound it makes. It's like something out of a rocket trip to Jupiter in a comic book. But it's a long way from being comic. When a plane travels near the speed of sound, air, unable to get out of the way, is compressed and piles up around the leading edges of the wing. Behind this shock wave, the air is rough. So rough that a plane may be torn to pieces. Aviation engineers are sweating out this problem right now. Among other experiments, for instance, the aircraft laboratory at Wright Field has designed an entirely new type of wing made of glass and plastic outside to reduce skin friction to a minimum. It is finished and polished to a mirror like surface. Freed from rivets, overlapping joints and other projections inside, the construction is even more novel. Instead of being full of ribs and braces, the new wing has only half a dozen structural parts. The wing surfaces are made from several layers of glass cloth cemented together, supporting these surfaces and sandwiched between them and the internal structural parts is a foamed cellulose acetate plastic. Lighter than cork, this construction provides great strength and unusual rigidity in the wing surfaces. With all the resources of American business ingenuity at the service of aviation engineers, we have assurance that the combined efforts of scientific and business enterprise will keep American transportation in the forefront. The cellular plastic used in this new wing is a development of applied chemical research by the dupont company, maker of better things for better living through chemistry. Now here's our star, Lee Bowman.

[Collins]

Thanks, Game. You know, I've always been a great detective story fan and that's why it was interesting for me to learn that America's Alan Pinkerton used psychological methods to solve a crime so long ago. Pinkerton believed that ingenuity was the birthright of every American. In time, he was to see worldwide distinction come to American detectives for their work in ensuring law and order for our citizens. The United States Secret Service, an organization Pinkerton founded as well as his own Pinkerton men rank high in international prestige. Along with France's famed Surete and Britain's Scotland Yard. It was a pleasure gained to portray this remarkable detective on Cavalcade tonight. Thank you and good night.

[Sam Arthur]

Next week, the Dupont Cavalcade brings Eugene Herscholt in Parade. It's the tender and moving story of Peter Varick, an immigrant who believed in dreams and who believed in working hard to make those dreams come true. Be sure and listen next Monday to Jean Herscholt in Parade on the Cavalcade of America brought to you by the dupont Company. Our star tonight, Lee Bowman, appeared through the Courtesy of Columbia Pictures, producers of the Jolson story. The music for the dupont Cavalcade is composed and conducted by Robert Armbister. Our Cavalcade play was written by Russell Hughes. The part of Collins was played by William Johnstone, and the part of Arthur was played by Walter Mayer, who appeared through arrangement with Metro Goldwyn Mayer, producers of the Yearling. This is John Easton inviting you to listen next week to Gene Herschel in Parade on the Cavalcade of America brought to you by the dupont Company of Wilmington, Delaware. The Cavalcade of America came to you from Hollywood. This is NBC, the national broadcasting Company.

[Narrator]

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

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. We've heard this sort of attempt to convince superstitious criminals to confess their guilt before. It's kind of surprising to hear it as part of a real life story, although I think Pinkerton was a bit more elaborate and involved than we typically hear, as those tend to be like one startling scene to get them to confess their guilt. But he really worked on him over time. Lee Bowman did a fair bit of work over radio and was a regular on Cavalcade of America. He didn't star in any detective radio programs, but he did star in a detective television program we played a few years back as Ellery Queen. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Jacqueline. Jacqueline's been one of our Patreon supporters since August of 2018, currently supporting the podcast at the Seamus level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Jacqueline, and that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. We'll be back next Sunday with our Thanksgiving encore, but join us back here tomorrow for the Adventures of the Falcon.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Where my husband's disappeared.

[Mr. Finley]

Your husband?

[Miss Oglethorpe]

His name is Danny. He hasn't been home since last night.

[Sam Arthur]

Did you report it to the police?

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Yeah, but they told me not to worry.

[Mr. Finley]

You don't seem to have much luck.

[Sam Arthur]

Following that prescription going out of my mind.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Mr. Waring, Danny never did anything like this before.

[Mr. Finley]

What does your husband do?

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Well, that's hard to say. Right now, he's working for Mr. DeSantis.

[Mr. Finley]

What DeSantis would that be?

[Miss Oglethorpe]

I don't know his first name.

[Sam Arthur]

But what kind of work does Danny do for him?

[Miss Oglethorpe]

I don't know exactly.

[Mr. Finley]

When you come right down to it.

[Sam Arthur]

You don't seem to know very much about anything.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

Well, Danny believes that a wife shouldn't interfere in her husband's business. He thinks her place is in the home.

[Mr. Finley]

A fellow named Hitler had the same idea.

[Miss Oglethorpe]

What?

[Sam Arthur]

Nothing.

[Mr. Finley]

Well, I'll do what I can, Mrs. Graham. Though I've got a hunch if your.

[Sam Arthur]

Husband doesn't show up, you'll be way ahead.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box13REAT detectives.net follow us on Twitter at radiodetactives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[Narrator]

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