Crime Club: Death Blew Out the Match (Encore) (EP4598)

Summary

Summary of "Crime Club: Death Blew Out the Match (Encore)" (EP4598) The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, Hosted by Adam Graham

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Introduction

In this encore episode of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," host Adam Graham presents "Death Blew Out the Match," a gripping mystery adapted from Kathleen Moore Knight's story and transformed into a radio drama by Stedman Coles. Originally aired on December 2, 1946, this episode weaves a tale of suspense, deception, and detective acumen set against the fog-laden shores of a small Massachusetts island.

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Plot Overview

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds on a misty evening in early May near the cape off the Massachusetts coast. The oppressive fog sets a foreboding atmosphere as a small boat navigates cautiously toward an isolated island. Onboard are Elisha Macomber and Ann Walden, whose unexpected reunion in New Bedford leads them to the enigmatic island.

Characters Introduced

• Ann Walden: A strong-willed woman returning to her home on the island.
• Leonard Case: Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, burdened with maintaining peace and harboring personal grievances.
• David Hyland: A mysterious stranger with unclear intentions, frequently receiving mail from major cities.

The Mystery Unfolds

Upon arrival, Ann engages in a tense conversation with Leonard Case, revealing the island's unease over David Hyland's presence. Leonard hints at personal vendettas and the unsettling influence Hyland holds over the community.

Notable Quote:

Ann Walden (07:04): "Why should he be glad?"

Leonard Case (07:06): "Because a fellow gets pretty lonesome." (07:06)

As darkness falls, Ann encounters David Hyland, who exudes a charismatic yet sinister aura. His cryptic remarks and unsettling behavior deepen the mystery surrounding his motives.

Notable Quote:

David Hyland (08:33): "Hello. Fancy meeting you here."

Ann Walden (08:36): "Who are you? What do you want?" (08:36)

A pivotal moment occurs when Leonard Case announces the murder of Myra Van Wyck, shocking Ann and complicating the island's already fragile tranquility. The discovery of Myra's body, poisoned without signs of struggle, propels Ann into a quest for the truth.

Notable Quote:

Leonard Case (13:35): "She was just about to light the fire with that match when death blew it out."

Ann Walden (13:38): "Yeah." (13:38)

Ann's insistence that the murder was a suicide is met with skepticism by Leonard, who trusts his instincts about foul play. The interplay between Ann and Leonard reveals underlying tensions and secrets within the island community.

Climactic Revelations

As the investigation intensifies, clues such as a buckle from a woman's shoe and a suspicious letter emerge. Ann's determination to clear her name leads her to confront David Hyland, unraveling layers of deceit. The climax culminates in the exposure of Sam Ray, Leonard Case's butler, as the true murderer and a diamond thief, orchestrated by David Hyland's manipulative schemes.

Notable Quote:

Leonard Case (24:05): "Candy. Candy, Mabel."

David Hyland (24:17): "But you killed Myra Van Wyck by sending that bird out last night with a piece of poison candy." (24:17)

Resolution

With Sam Ray apprehended and the island's tranquility restored, Ann reflects on the harrowing events. The deception of David Hyland is unveiled, revealing his true identity as an agent of the Treasury Department tasked with dismantling Leonard Case's smuggling operations. The story concludes with justice served and the community's peace reinstated.

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Character Dynamics and Themes

Suspicion and Trust

The narrative delves into themes of trust and betrayal, showcasing how personal vendettas can obscure the truth. Leonard Case's initial distrust of Ann sets the stage for a complex relationship that evolves as the mystery unravels.

Isolation and Secrecy

Set on a secluded island, the story emphasizes the isolation of its characters, breeding secrecy and suspicion. The pervasive fog serves as a metaphor for the obscured truths the characters seek to unveil.

Justice and Moral Ambiguity

The revelation of Sam Ray's duplicity highlights the blurred lines between right and wrong, as characters navigate their moral compasses in the pursuit of justice.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ann Walden (07:04): "Why should he be glad?"

• Leonard Case (07:06): "Because a fellow gets pretty lonesome."

• David Hyland (08:33): "Hello. Fancy meeting you here."

• Ann Walden (08:36): "Who are you? What do you want?"

• Leonard Case (13:35): "She was just about to light the fire with that match when death blew it out."

• Ann Walden (13:38): "Yeah."

• Leonard Case (24:05): "Candy. Candy, Mabel."

• David Hyland (24:17): "But you killed Myra Van Wyck by sending that bird out last night with a piece of poison candy."

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Host's Commentary

After the dramatic conclusion, Adam Graham returns to share his reflections on the episode. He notes the challenge of condensing a full-length mystery into a half-hour format, praising the cast's ability to maintain suspense and atmosphere. Recognizing Richard Culmore’s performance, known for his role as Boston Blackie, Graham commends the adaptation for its effective storytelling.

Notable Quote:

Adam Graham (34:05): "They did a great job, I think, establishing atmosphere and covering just enough of the complexity to make it an interesting story." (34:05)

Graham also highlights the introduction of a cast list in future episodes for listeners to better recognize the talented voices bringing these stories to life.

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Conclusion

"Death Blew Out the Match" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of old-time radio mysteries. Through masterful adaptation, compelling performances, and a tightly woven plot, the episode captivates listeners, inviting them into a world where shadows conceal secrets and every character harbors hidden motives. Adam Graham’s insightful commentary further enriches the listening experience, honoring the legacy of classic radio detective dramas.

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Additional Information

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" via their preferred podcast app or visit greatdetectives.net for more episodes and updates. Engage with the community by following on Twitter @radiodetectives and joining the conversation on Facebook at facebook.com/radiodetectives.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Today we're bringing you another encore of an episode based on a book or short story. A reminder that any offers or information mentioned in these older episodes are not valid unless currently displayed on our Great Detectives website. Now enjoy today's encore. Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, email it to me. Box13reatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com radiodetectives and be sure and rate the show on itunes. Currently we're at 196 ratings, so your rating would be appreciated. You do not necessarily have to leave a review or comment, but if you enjoy the show, would love a rating. Well, we celebrated 1050 episodes on Thursday with Nick Carter and now we're going to give you a special thank you as we celebrate this and it's an episode of the Crime Club. There were a couple of imprints, one by Collins, one by Doubleday called The Crime Club. This particular program that we're going to play was based on the Doubleday Crime Club. And these were basically every week there would be a new mystery release so you could go down and pick up your copy to enjoy some quality detective fiction. The stories in the Crime Club are based on are based on these books. And this series aired over the Mutual network in kind of the same adjacent to the Casebook of Gregory Hood, which we'll play later on this year. We have the first broadcast of the series and it definitely takes that book club approach, as you're about to see. So we're going to play this episode. This is from December 2, 1946. Before we do get started though, I do want to let you know that I've added my own little addition to the world of crime crime fiction. Published a short novelette entitled Is An Ounce of Prevention by Adam Graham. You can get that on the Kindle. Alright. Well, that little plug out of the way here now is today's story. The title is Death Blew out the Match.

[Narrator]

Ah, you're here. Good. Take the easy chair by the window. Comfortable? Good. The book is on the shelf. Yes, here it is. There. Flew out the Match. A very absorbing story of death and mystery on a small island. Let's look at it under the reading lamp. It was an evening early in May, and the waters around the cape just off the coast of Massachusetts were buried under a fog as thick and as massive as any you'd want to see. Moving cautiously, a small boat makes its way slowly toward one of the islands off the cape. In the boat there, Elisha Macomber and Ann Walgren.

[Ann Walden]

Well, this is something. I'm glad we're almost there.

[Elisha Macomber]

Yeah.

[Leonard Case]

You been scared, Ms. Waldron?

[Ann Walden]

Well, not scared, Elisha, but if I hadn't bumped into you in New Bedford, I'd have spent the night there. Not even Noah himself could have persuaded me to take a boat ride in this fog. What's new on the island?

[Leonard Case]

Oh, nothing much. Unless you're counting a mysterious stranger.

[Ann Walden]

Mysterious?

[Leonard Case]

Calls himself David Hyland. Gets mail from New York, Washington, Boston, but near every day. Nobody knows what's in it. You don't talk.

[Ann Walden]

Maybe he's an ex sailor with a sweetheart in every port.

[Leonard Case]

This could be, but I'm chairman of the Board of Selectmen and it's my duty to keep the peace on that island.

[Ann Walden]

You've always managed, Eliza. What else is new?

[Leonard Case]

Leonard Case is there too.

[Ann Walden]

Leonard?

[David Hyland]

Yeah.

[Leonard Case]

Four weeks now.

[Ann Walden]

Then Myra Van Wyt must be there.

[Leonard Case]

She ain't. I guess Mr. Case will be mighty glad to see you, Ms. Walden.

[Ann Walden]

Why should he be glad?

[Leonard Case]

I reckon a fellow gets pretty lonesome.

[David Hyland]

With a plaster cast on each leg.

[Ann Walden]

Plaster cast?

[Leonard Case]

Leonard got both his legs broke in an automobile accident a few months ago. I figured you might know about it.

[Ann Walden]

No. No, I didn't know. Elijah, are you sure Myra isn't on the island?

[Leonard Case]

Mm. You're still sweet on the fella, ain't you?

[Ann Walden]

He doesn't mean a thing to me.

[Leonard Case]

Maybe not, but some of last year, when Mr. Case turned from you to that Van Wyk woman. Yep. And I was mighty glad the season ended without a killer.

[Ann Walden]

Thanks very much, Elisha. I'll go the rest of the way alone.

[Leonard Case]

I don't mind taking your door, Ms. Walden.

[Ann Walden]

You don't have to. I'll just follow this path around Myroven Witch House, and that'll take me right home. Good night, Elisha, and thanks for everything.

[Leonard Case]

Good night, Ms. Waldron.

[David Hyland]

Be careful.

[Ann Walden]

Maybe I should have. Oh, well, nothing ever happened to you. Obsessed. Ronald. That's Myra's house, and it's closed tight. Someone's coming this way. Someone?

[David Hyland]

Hello. Fancy meeting you here.

[Ann Walden]

Who are you? What do you want?

[David Hyland]

You sound like a native. Suppose I answer your first question first. Who am I? David Hyland.

[Ann Walden]

Hyland?

[David Hyland]

Why don't you call me Dave? Then I can call you Ann Walden. Ann. Lovely. Your house is about 200ft from here, isn't it?

[Ann Walden]

Yes.

[David Hyland]

You expect to live there alone?

[Ann Walden]

What business is it of yours?

[David Hyland]

Just this. You won't tell anyone that you met me tonight, will you?

[Ann Walden]

I won't?

[David Hyland]

That's what I said. Because if you do, one of us will become very useless.

[Elisha Macomber]

Hey, Mr. Case, there's a dame here to see you.

[Leonard Case]

Dame?

[Elisha Macomber]

So we're in, Claire. Okay, Tati, help yourself to the board. Don't make him nervous. He's in a very delicate condition.

[David Hyland]

Ann. Oh, Ann, darling. I'm so glad to see you.

[Ann Walden]

Hello, Leonard.

[Leonard Case]

You look beautiful.

[David Hyland]

More beautiful. Hey, that's the case.

[Elisha Macomber]

Is it all right if I take the car and go for a drive in the tariff?

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Yes.

[Leonard Case]

Beat it.

[David Hyland]

Go anyplace.

[Elisha Macomber]

I'll pick up some chow for the icebox while I'm there. You got a couple of preferences. Maybe buy anything you like, but for Pete's sake.

[Leonard Case]

Okay.

[David Hyland]

Don't look so surprised, Ann. The guy saved my life. Pulled me out of the wreck. Or the car went up in flames.

[Leonard Case]

Hang it.

[David Hyland]

If he doesn't turn out to be the best cook and butler this side of the Atlantic, I. I was hoping you'd come, Ann.

[Ann Walden]

You were? What do you mean?

[David Hyland]

I knew you were on the island.

[Ann Walden]

Oh, Eli should hold you.

[David Hyland]

No. I saw you from here.

[Ann Walden]

From my house. Leonard, what have you done to this room?

[David Hyland]

You like? I had these walls ripped out and the glass put in their place. I don't wish a trick. I simply look through this telescope and the island has no sign.

[Ann Walden]

I see. Leonard, when is Mara coming? She isn't too busy in New York?

[David Hyland]

I hope so.

[Leonard Case]

The fact is, Mara and I are washed up.

[David Hyland]

Silly, isn't it?

[Ann Walden]

Is it?

[David Hyland]

The crazy thing about it is that I really thought I loved her. Yeah. I must have been out of my mind.

[Ann Walden]

Did you marry her?

[David Hyland]

It wasn't that crazy, Anne. Leonard.

[Ann Walden]

Leonard, put that crawl on your bed.

[David Hyland]

And I want you to meet Mabel, my little helpmate. When Sam's away, Mabel does little odd jobs of making me comfortable. Watch Mayo my fight. Oh, you're slipping, old girl. You forgot my tobacco pouch. Thank you. Now you may go out and get your lunch. And don't dig up anyone's garden.

[Ann Walden]

For pity's sake. Where did you pick that up?

[David Hyland]

Myra gave it to me.

[Ann Walden]

Wow. Everyone to his taste. I don't think I. What's that?

[David Hyland]

What?

[Ann Walden]

On your bed. It's a buckle off a woman's shoe.

[David Hyland]

Well, what do you know. Thing that bird will bring home with her.

[Ann Walden]

Wait a minute, Larry. I've seen this buckle before. Haven't you?

[David Hyland]

Haven't I? Don't remember.

[Ann Walden]

That's Myra's.

[David Hyland]

What are you talking about? Myra's in New York.

[Ann Walden]

We'll soon find out. They're giving their telescope, but.

[David Hyland]

Hello? Yes. Yes, she's here. Would you like to talk to her? Uh huh. What? Good heavens.

[Leonard Case]

Of course.

[David Hyland]

I'll tell her right away. Anne, you can stop looking.

[Ann Walden]

What is it, Leonard?

[David Hyland]

Myra is here on the island. Elisha Macomber just phoned. He wants you to go over to her house. She's been murdered.

[Ann Walden]

Elijah.

[Leonard Case]

Hey. Oh, Ms. Waldron. You got here pretty quick, didn't you?

[Ann Walden]

I can't believe it. Myra did. When did it happen?

[Leonard Case]

Sometime last night.

[Ann Walden]

Last night?

[Leonard Case]

Coroner says it must have took place between 11 and 12.

[Ann Walden]

That's impossible.

[Leonard Case]

Is it? Why?

[Ann Walden]

It was close to 12 when I left you. I took the path that runs around this place. The house was locked up.

[Leonard Case]

Did you look to see?

[Ann Walden]

No, there was no reason for me to look. You yourself told me Myra wasn't on the island.

[Leonard Case]

I reckon I was wrong. Ms. Waldron. Ms. Van Wyck must have got here while I was In New Bedford.

[Ann Walden]

And that must have been it.

[David Hyland]

What was that, Ms. Waldron?

[Ann Walden]

The door. As I was passing by here last night, I heard the door open and close twice.

[Leonard Case]

Of course, you didn't see anyone.

[Ann Walden]

Did, as a matter of fact. I, I, I, I didn't.

[Leonard Case]

It's too bad. Would you like to see the body?

[Ann Walden]

Must I?

[Leonard Case]

It can't hurt you. It's right there in the living room. Come along. There she is. Just like I found her.

[Ann Walden]

Her head's almost in the fireplace.

[David Hyland]

Yeah.

[Leonard Case]

She was just about to light the fire with that match when death blew it out. You got any idea what killed her?

[Ann Walden]

I. Why should I?

[Leonard Case]

I thought you might have. It was cyanide or potassium.

[Ann Walden]

Oh, how awful.

[David Hyland]

Uh huh.

[Leonard Case]

But there's one thing that puzzles me, Ms. Waldron. How did the killer get her to take it?

[Ann Walden]

I, I don't know, Elisha.

[Leonard Case]

There ain't a sign of a struggle in the room. There ain't a mark on her body. Cyanide works like lightly. That means she was killed right here in this room.

[Ann Walden]

But Elijah, you keep talking about murder. How do you know it wasn't suicide?

[Leonard Case]

Of course, I, I never seen a corpse that get up dispose of the evidence.

[Ann Walden]

Maybe she chewed it, huh?

[Leonard Case]

How would you be knowing about that, Miss?

[Ann Walden]

Water that piece of gum near the fireplace.

[Leonard Case]

I guess I must be slipping. Now we'll see what the coroner had to say about this gum.

[Ann Walden]

It was suicide, Elisha. I'm sure of it. Why, ask Lenadyce. He can give you all the facts.

[Leonard Case]

I'm asking you, Ms. Wallace.

[Ann Walden]

I don't know them. Now, why did you send for me?

[Leonard Case]

I wanted to hear what you had to say in the presence of the corpse.

[Ann Walden]

But why me?

[Leonard Case]

To my way of thinking, Ms. Van Wyck was murdered. And I thought maybe I ought to have a talk to one person that had both motive and opportunity. That's you, Ms. Walter.

[David Hyland]

Well, are you trying to break down the door?

[Ann Walden]

I must see you, Mr. Hyland.

[David Hyland]

All right. Would you like to look at me here, or would you rather come in?

[Ann Walden]

I'll come in.

[David Hyland]

Sit down.

[Ann Walden]

No thanks. Mr. Hyland, what were you doing out in the fog last night?

[David Hyland]

You won't call me David, will you?

[Ann Walden]

Will you answer my question, please?

[David Hyland]

Sure. What were you doing out in the fog last night?

[Ann Walden]

I was going home.

[David Hyland]

So was I. That makes us even, doesn't it?

[Ann Walden]

Not quite. Myra Van Wyk's been murdered.

[David Hyland]

What? You don't say? On this quiet, peaceful island, did you tell anyone you met me?

[Leonard Case]

No.

[David Hyland]

Good girl. Yes, Always play it smart.

[Ann Walden]

But I will, Mr. Hyland.

[David Hyland]

Will you? Would you like to hang for the murder of Myra Van Wyck?

[Ann Walden]

What?

[David Hyland]

Suppose I told Elisha that I saw you coming out of her house last night?

[Ann Walden]

But you didn't.

[David Hyland]

How do you know I didn't?

[Ann Walden]

I didn't go in. After I left you, I went right home.

[Narrator]

Can you prove it?

[Ann Walden]

Get up. Now, look here, Mr. Hyland. What are you trying to do?

[David Hyland]

I don't want you to make any mistakes. You protect me, and I'll protect you.

[Ann Walden]

You killed Myla.

[David Hyland]

Ah, don't point, Ms. Waldron.

[Leonard Case]

It's bad manners.

[Ann Walden]

Why did you do it? All right. I'm going to find out, Mr. Hyland, and what you came to this island for. And when I do.

[David Hyland]

Yes?

[Ann Walden]

That. That letter on the desk. That's Myra's handwriting on the envelope.

[David Hyland]

Put it down.

[Ann Walden]

Mailed from New York? Yes.

[Leonard Case]

Give it.

[Ann Walden]

Didn't have to break my arm.

[David Hyland]

I'm sorry. It's such a pretty arm, too. And that's such a pretty neck.

[Ann Walden]

What? What are you going to do?

[David Hyland]

Nothing. If you say one word about this letter to anyone, I'm going to put a rope around that neck for keeps.

[Ann Walden]

Leonard, what am I going to do? Eliza thinks I killed Myra, and I can't prove that I didn't.

[David Hyland]

Anna know you didn't. No matter what you thought of Myra. Oh, Elisha was here. I told him that she wanted to marry me, but. Well, I couldn't do it.

[Ann Walden]

Then she loved you?

[David Hyland]

I'm afraid so, Leonard.

[Ann Walden]

It's possible, then, that Myra committed suicide?

[Leonard Case]

No.

[David Hyland]

Just before you came in, Elisha phoned me. That piece of gum you found, there was no poison in it. Oh, don't. Don't worry, darling. We'll find a way to get you out of it.

[Ann Walden]

But, Leonard, who left that gum there?

[David Hyland]

A killer, no doubt. Mr. Man. What about David Highland?

[Ann Walden]

Who?

[David Hyland]

Ah, don't pretend you don't know him. I saw you with him a little while ago.

[Ann Walden]

You saw me?

[David Hyland]

This telescope. Why did you go to his house?

[Ann Walden]

I can tell you.

[David Hyland]

All right, then maybe you can tell me what you and he were wrestling over. It was a letter, wasn't it, Leonard?

[Ann Walden]

Please don't ask me.

[David Hyland]

Wasn't it I?

[Ann Walden]

Yes. From Myra.

[David Hyland]

Myra? What's he got to do with him?

[Ann Walden]

I don't know, but. Oh, promise you won't tell anyone, Leonard. You must promise.

[David Hyland]

Why?

[Ann Walden]

Well, just promise, that's all.

[David Hyland]

All right, dear. We've got to know it within that letter.

[Ann Walden]

Yes, but how are we going to get it.

[David Hyland]

Now, keep my telescope trained on his house. When David Hyland goes out, I'll tell Sand.

[Leonard Case]

Shut up.

[David Hyland]

Mabel.

[Ann Walden]

Mabel. Leonard, that shoe buckle she brought in here this morning.

[David Hyland]

Yes?

[Ann Walden]

That was Myra's. Oh, what a dunderhead I am. Why didn't I see it before?

[David Hyland]

See what?

[Ann Walden]

Where did Mabel find that buckle? Certainly not in Myra's house. She must have found it outside somewhere. Don't you see what that means, huh?

[David Hyland]

That Myra wasn't killed in her own house.

[Ann Walden]

Now all we have to do is find out where she was killed. Leonard, how well have you got that crow training?

[David Hyland]

Pretty well. Why?

[Ann Walden]

That buckle. If you told her to put it back where she found it, would she do it?

[Leonard Case]

I don't think so.

[David Hyland]

She's not that smart. Besides, an hour since she brought it here.

[Ann Walden]

All right, then that letter from Myra might tell us what we want to know. I want to know the minute that man goes out. Now, let me see the desk. Oh, he would keep it locked. I don't think he'd be so careless as to leave it under the chair cushions. Now, that would be too obvious. Hello, Anne. Oh, what is it, Leonard? Is he coming back?

[David Hyland]

I haven't seen him, but it's getting dark and I'm afraid I won't be able to keep watch for you much longer.

[Ann Walden]

I can't leave now. I've got to find that letter.

[David Hyland]

It might be dangerous. Suppose he walks in on you?

[Ann Walden]

Well, I'll have to take that chance. Hold the while. I'll go look some more.

[Elisha Macomber]

All right, but hurry.

[Ann Walden]

Chair cushions. Oh, no, of course not. That liquor cabinet. Who would think of looking in a liquor cabinet for a letter? Only it didn't get dark. So that there. Hello, Leonard.

[David Hyland]

Any luck?

[Leonard Case]

Ann.

[Ann Walden]

Lindy. I've got it.

[David Hyland]

Bring it over here.

[Ann Walden]

Right away, Hunter.

[David Hyland]

Well, what's the matter? Well, why don't you get out of there?

[Ann Walden]

I'm afraid it's too late. Well, then it send for Elijah. Mak quick.

[Leonard Case]

Is it Hyland?

[Ann Walden]

I can't see. It's dark. Get Elijah.

[Leonard Case]

Hey. Hey, you Mr. Hyland?

[Ann Walden]

Huh?

[David Hyland]

Why, Elijah McComber. What's all the excitement about?

[Elisha Macomber]

And where do you think you're going?

[David Hyland]

Not thinking, your honor. I'm going for a walk.

[Leonard Case]

Where's Ms. Walden?

[David Hyland]

Anne? She supposed to be here. Y.

[Leonard Case]

Let's go into your house.

[David Hyland]

All right, if you like. While we're doing that little thing, would you mind telling me what this is all about?

[Leonard Case]

In time. Where is she?

[David Hyland]

I don't know. When I left for the village. The house was empty. When I came back, it was still empty.

[Leonard Case]

She spoke to Mr. Case on the phone from here.

[David Hyland]

Really? Well, perhaps I should lock my door when I go out. Do you think my neighbors would disapprove?

[Leonard Case]

Ain't none of my business, but this matter to Ms. Waldrer. Mr. Hyland, would you be a gum chewing character?

[David Hyland]

Gum chew? Sometimes when I want to get rid of a bad taste.

[Leonard Case]

How did you get rid of the gum? Spit it out on the floor.

[David Hyland]

What do you mean?

[Leonard Case]

Over there by that table.

[David Hyland]

But. Well, I.

[Leonard Case]

Maybe you will. A lot sooner than we expected. Are you ready to talk about Ms. Waldron?

[David Hyland]

Of course. Yes, I think she's beautiful. I think she's a charming girl. Now, she were only a bit more friendly.

[Leonard Case]

Is that all you've got to say?

[David Hyland]

No. But for the moment it'll have to do.

[Leonard Case]

Well, you better come with me.

[Elisha Macomber]

Where?

[Leonard Case]

To Ms. Van Wyck's house.

[David Hyland]

Why there?

[Leonard Case]

Me and my boys have given that place a mighty fine once over. Somebody that done a killing could think that we'd have no more reason to go back there. But we have, Mr. Hyland.

[David Hyland]

Come on. Well, are you satisfied, Elisha? There isn't a trace of Ann Waldron upstairs or even down here in the cellar.

[Leonard Case]

I ain't through looking yet, Mr. Hyland.

[David Hyland]

You expect to find her in the coal bin? Maybe.

[Leonard Case]

Hand me that shovel. All right. But on the other hand, maybe you better do the shovel. I can keep an eye on him that way.

[David Hyland]

Well, anything to make a select man happy. Especially if he's the chairman of the board.

[Leonard Case]

You're a mighty calm young fellow, ain't you? Pretty sure yourself.

[David Hyland]

I was brought up right.

[Leonard Case]

What do you know about Ms. Van Win?

[David Hyland]

He's dead.

[Leonard Case]

The postman mentioned you got a letter from New York this afternoon. It was in a woman's handwriting. I get lots of letters from dead people.

[David Hyland]

You can never tell about that. Elisha. Sometimes you can swear a person is alive. And then after you've known him for.

[Leonard Case]

A while, you put this letter. Mr. Hyland. The postman had an idea it was in Ms. Van Wyck's handwriting. From what he remembers of her handwriting.

[David Hyland]

I didn't kill her. That's what you're leading up to.

[Leonard Case]

Yep, that's what I'm leading up to.

[David Hyland]

You got that letter? Nope.

[Leonard Case]

I'll suit yourself.

[David Hyland]

Mr. Hyland.

[Leonard Case]

You don't have to talk now.

[David Hyland]

Wait a minute, huh? That suitcase was buried in the coal.

[Leonard Case]

Well, I'll be swamped. Jumpin G. Host Jewel.

[David Hyland]

Diamonds.

[Leonard Case]

Must be a million dollars worth. So that's it. That's why Ms. Van Wick was killed.

[David Hyland]

Uh huh.

[Leonard Case]

She come back here too soon? Whoever was hiding this stuff here figured that you'd be in New York. Maybe. And maybe not, Mr. Hyland.

[David Hyland]

No.

[Leonard Case]

Maybe that person knew she was coming back. Maybe him and Ms. Van Wick were sort of partners in a business that wasn't legal. Does that make sense to you, Mr. Hyland?

[David Hyland]

I don't know. I don't go in for guesswork.

[Leonard Case]

How about cyanide or potassium?

[David Hyland]

You're singing way off key, Elijah.

[Leonard Case]

But you've got the right tune, ain't you? Put your hands up this time. All right, now, just you walk up them stairs. No monkey business, my friend. I got an eye like an eagle.

[David Hyland]

Operator. One, two, four.

[Leonard Case]

Hello, Elisha?

[David Hyland]

This is Leonard Case. You found Ann Waldron? No.

[Narrator]

Good heavens.

[David Hyland]

What are you doing about it?

[Leonard Case]

I got searching parties out all over the aisle.

[David Hyland]

But what about David Hyland from his house that she called for help?

[Leonard Case]

He'll talk, Mr. Case. About Ms. Waldron. And about Ms. Van Wyck too.

[David Hyland]

You mean that he killed Myra?

[Ann Walden]

Yeah.

[Leonard Case]

Well. Oh, Mr. Case.

[David Hyland]

Yes?

[Leonard Case]

The folks here in the village tell me your car's been parked all day by the general store.

[David Hyland]

I know. My butler, Sam. Ray took it this morning. Send him back if you see him, will you?

[Leonard Case]

Ain't nobody seen him since 2 o'clock this afternoon. I reckon you'll have to be advertising for a new butler, Mr. Case.

[David Hyland]

That's ridiculous. Sam wouldn't quit me without notice.

[Leonard Case]

Maybe not, but he ain't on the island.

[Elisha Macomber]

Okay, sister, on your feet. Shut up. We're gonna take a ride now in the open sea. Fresh air and just enough fog to keep me and you out of sight. Nice, isn't it? The way that fog comes in over the water. Perfect hideout. Even better than this stinking old tool shed. Tough, ain't it? You got so much to say with that gag, he won't let you. Yeah. Okay, get going. Right down to the boat. Then maybe when we get way out in the ocean, I'll tell you a nice, interesting bedtime story. Okay, baby, this is it now. You're dying to talk, ain't you? Okay, I'll take off the gag. Hey, you can scream too. Ain't a shoulder on here to hear you eight miles offshore.

[Ann Walden]

Damn, Ray. When Leonard Case finds out about this.

[Elisha Macomber]

What'S he gonna do, fire me?

[Ann Walden]

You? What have you got against me? Why did you bring me out here to Kill me.

[Elisha Macomber]

I don't like snoopers, baby.

[Ann Walden]

I was only trying to protect myself. Elijah Macomber suspected me of killing Myra Van Wyt. I didn't do it. I had to find out who did.

[Elisha Macomber]

You went after a letter.

[Ann Walden]

I thought it might give me a clue.

[Leonard Case]

Yeah.

[Ann Walden]

Did that letter contain any evidence, Sam?

[Elisha Macomber]

Lenny?

[Ann Walden]

What kind of evidence?

[Elisha Macomber]

You sure dame ain't you?

[Ann Walden]

Can't be afraid to tell me Now I'll never have a chance to, will I?

[Elisha Macomber]

How right you are.

[Ann Walden]

Well, are you going to tell me or aren't you?

[Elisha Macomber]

Baby, that letter meant the difference between a million bucks and zero. That Highland guy.

[Ann Walden]

Then he was mixed up with the death of Mara.

[David Hyland]

Get up.

[Ann Walden]

What's the matter?

[Elisha Macomber]

Listen, there's a boat out there. You make one sound, you look.

[Ann Walden]

Are you shady little.

[Adam Graham]

Yeah.

[David Hyland]

Going to finish you off right now.

[Elisha Macomber]

And get out of here.

[Ann Walden]

Sit down in that port. That was Satis. Go ahead. And that's the whole story. Leonard. If it hadn't been for Elisha, I'd be at the bottom of the ocean now.

[David Hyland]

And, darling, I don't want to say to you I feel so. It's all my fault.

[Ann Walden]

Nonsense.

[David Hyland]

But Sam worked for me. I trusted him. How was I to know that he was a diamond thief and that he killed Myra? He did kill Myra, didn't he, Elisha?

[Leonard Case]

I reckon so. We got in the way of no one. Now with him at the bottom of the ocean.

[David Hyland]

Well, all I can say is thanks for saving Ann. Now, how about a party to celebrate Sam gone? I guess we'll have to rely on Mabel. Do the honors, Mabel.

[Leonard Case]

Candy. Candy, Mabel.

[David Hyland]

For the lady.

[Narrator]

If she could only cook.

[David Hyland]

Mabel.

[Ann Walden]

She flew out the window, Bennett. She's flying toward Violet's house.

[Leonard Case]

Andy. For the lady, eh?

[David Hyland]

Mr. King, I don't understand what got into that bird. She's never disobeyed orders.

[Leonard Case]

And I reckon she ain't disobeying him now. She's flying to the only lady she knows. All right, Mr. Case. You can call now you've got a mind to.

[David Hyland]

But I got nothing to say.

[Leonard Case]

It's your privilege. But you killed Myra Van Wyck by sending that bird out last night with a piece of poison candy. And you done it because you knew the lady would take the candy from the bird. Maybe as an omen of reconciliation. Ms. Waldron, did you know that Mr. Case and Ms. Van Wyck was husband and wife?

[Ann Walden]

Married?

[David Hyland]

Yep.

[Leonard Case]

I asked the police in New York to do a routine check on Ms. Van Wyck. And they come up with a dope Leonard. All right, so what?

[David Hyland]

I didn't want her around. I told her to stay away from the island, to leave me alone.

[Leonard Case]

And she had good reason to. She might have found them diamonds in a coal bin. That would have been too bad, wouldn't it?

[David Hyland]

For you?

[Ann Walden]

David.

[Leonard Case]

Ann.

[David Hyland]

Well, what brings you down to the beach at this hour of night?

[Ann Walden]

You. And some of the things you can explain to me about Leonard.

[David Hyland]

Oh, well, Leonard Case was a smuggler. Sam Ray worked for him, but a lot of others. It was my job to round up the gang from the top down. Your top? I'm an agent of the Treasury Department.

[Ann Walden]

Oh. Well, that tells me a lot.

[David Hyland]

Well, that's why I had to be so tough with you on occasions. I couldn't take the chance of being implicated in a murder. I would have had to explain my position to Elisha.

[Ann Walden]

But he's an officer of the law.

[David Hyland]

Rounding up a gang of smugglers was my job. Finding a murderer was his.

[Ann Walden]

Yes, but what about that letter you received from Myra?

[David Hyland]

That, my dear, was an authorization for me to enter her house and search it.

[Ann Walden]

Oh. Oh, what a.

[David Hyland]

What little dope you are.

[Ann Walden]

Mr. Hyland.

[David Hyland]

David. Come on. Let's take a walk.

[Narrator]

And so closes tonight's Crime Club book, Death Blew out the Match, based on the story by Kathleen Moore Knight. Stedman Coles did the radio adaptation. Roger Bauer produced and directed. Oh, I beg your pardon.

[David Hyland]

Hello.

[Narrator]

I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the Crime Club. Well, I'm the librarian. Yes, yes. Ah. Come over a week from tonight. Good. We have a very unusual story about a murderer who was revealed by postage stamps. It's called for the Hangman. In the meantime. Well, in the meantime, there's a new Crime Club Book available this week and every week at bookstores everywhere. It's available now. Quite all right. And we look for you next week.

[David Hyland]

This program came to you from New York. Mutual's Mystery Hour continues immediately after station identification with a casebook of Gregory Hood. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. While I have to be honest, I did not recognize most of the actors. Future episodes of the Crime Club do include a cast list, which is helpful, but this was. This was an interesting story. I recognized one voice for sure, Richard Culmore, who's better known as Boston Blackie. This was just a nice story, and they did a good job because taking an entire mystery novel and condensing it into half an hour, that is a challenge. They did a great job, I think, establishing atmosphere and covering just enough of the complexity to make it an interesting story. So I hope you enjoyed the Crime Club and actually this will be next Sunday. Will the last Sunday we haven't brought you something. Between the video theater programs and the specials we did, we've had something going every Sunday for six weeks. So we won't be back next Sunday, but tomorrow. Be sure and listen as we start again off with yours truly, Johnny Dollar, and then we continue on through the rest of the week. And I hope you'll be listening through to us throughout. Send your comments to [e-mail] follow us on Twitter RadioDetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com RadioDetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham signing off.

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