Let George Do It: Man Under the Elm Tree (Encore) (EP4883)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio — "Let George Do It: Man Under the Elm Tree (Encore)" (EP4883)
Release Date: January 7, 2026
Host: Adam Graham

---

Overview

In this episode, host Adam Graham presents a classic "Let George Do It" mystery drama, "Man Under the Elm Tree," featuring Howard McNear. The story centers on a boarding house in a quiet college town, where suspicions surround a recent widow, her strange boarders, and a mysterious death. George Valentine and his keen assistant Brooksie are called to investigate when sinister events suggest a past murder may not be as accidental as believed, culminating in a tense unraveling of motives, red herrings, and a twist on who really deserves suspicion.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Case Introduction — Seeds of Suspicion

• [03:07] George Valentine receives a cryptic letter from Del Hannigan, who asks him to "help out" as his sister, Letitia Packler, seems headed for trouble due to her wealth and poor choice of companions.
• [04:18] Letitia runs a boarding house; her brother suspects new boarder Rick Stevenson is after her money.
• [04:54] Del: "She likes to make friends, only the wrong kind of friends. The kind that ought to be in prison."

2. Meet the Boarders — Quirks and Motives

• [05:15–06:17] Introductions to eccentric Skinny Adams, a failed and fragile former chemistry assistant with a penchant for fame and stories.
  • Mrs. Packler (on Skinny): "He was ambitious, but not very successful. And then there was an explosion..." [06:18]
• [07:02] Other boarder: Rick Stevenson, who claims to be in jewelry but raises suspicions.

3. Hints of Tragedy and Hidden Truths

• [08:35] Del reveals the source of his sister’s "too much money": the accidental death of her husband, Tom, in a hunting accident.
  • Del: "That crazy no good husband of hers. Dumb, that's all he was. Got himself killed dragging his own shotgun backward through a fence." [08:39]
• [09:08] Del's obsession: "He's after Tish's money, I tell you."
• George's retort: "So are you, aren't you?" [10:10]

4. Danger in Plain Sight

• [11:16] Skinny is found dozing in the sun, exposed after someone lowers his protective umbrella—a move that could be fatal to a man of his frailty.
• [13:20] George tests the umbrella: "It's all you can do to force that catch...it couldn't slip. Somebody pushed it down." [13:32]
• [14:26] Discovery: Rick Stevenson is, in fact, an insurance investigator; he’s probing Tom Packler's death, not a love interest.
  • Brooksie: "Federal State's life insurance company...Suggests you look into it. Rick Stevenson must be an insurance investigator." [14:29]

5. Mounting Suspense, Hidden Motives

• [17:27] Tension at the picnic; the town's attempts at normalcy thinly veil growing paranoia.
• [19:09] Odd detail: the American flag hung backwards. George suspects sabotage, possibly aimed at causing Skinny to fall from the balcony.
• [20:25] Brooksie connects a missing porch post to a booby trap, intended for Skinny if he tries to right the flag.

6. Collapse of the Cover-up

• [21:00] George prevents Skinny’s injury; realizes the attempts on his life are linked to what he may have witnessed.
• [21:43] George: "The insurance company’s angle, everything about it...If Rick Stevenson is their investigator, they certainly must suspect that it wasn't just a shotgun accident." [21:44–21:55]
• [22:46] Stevenson receives a call from police, confirming suspicions are closing in—then he abruptly disappears.

7. Shocking Discovery — The Murderer Revealed

• [24:10] Stevenson is found shot dead in the woodshed, moments after speaking with the police.
• [25:10] George confronts Mrs. Packler, who unravels:
  • Mrs. Packler: "He found out...He was coming to get me, and I had to kill him." [25:21]
  • Brooksie: "Were you afraid Mr. Stevenson would find that shotgun, examine it for evidence?" [25:33]
• [26:18] Mrs. Packler admits she feared Skinny had seen the original killing; tried to arrange fatal accidents for him.
  • Mrs. Packler: "He’d tell him he'd seen me shooting my husband." [26:18]

8. The Irony and the Truth

• George reveals the twist:
  • Skinny couldn't have witnessed the murder—his failing eyesight meant he couldn't even notice the flag was backwards.
  • George: "I mean, there was never any real evidence against you concerning your husband. You did commit a perfect crime. Perfect except for a guilty conscience." [27:04]
  • Stevenson, ironically, was just a conman pursuing the widow for her money—his involvement with the insurance company was a friendly tip, not an official investigation.

9. Epilogue — The Elm Tree Secret

• [28:00] Skinny muses on attention-seeking and storytelling, ultimately revealing his secret vision under the elm trees was fanciful—a memory of seeing "Newt Rockney," a famous football coach, rather than an eyewitness to murder.
  • Skinny: "No, no, no, no, Mr. Valentine. I just finally learned something...you know, people don't like to listen to people unless people tell people what people want to listen to." [28:06]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Derailing the Motive:
  • George Valentine: "So are you, aren't you?" (to Del Hannigan about being after his sister's money) [10:10]
• The Real Reason for Attempted Murder:
  • Mrs. Packler: "He'd tell him he'd seen me shooting my husband." [26:18]
• George Unveils the Truth:
  • George Valentine: "You did commit a perfect crime. Perfect except for a guilty conscience." [27:04]
• Skinny’s Revelation About People:
  • Skinny Adams: "People don't like to listen to people unless people tell people what people want to listen to." [28:18]
• Final Twist
  • Skinny Adams: "Well, miss, that time I saw Newt Rockney standing under the Elm..." [28:54]

---

Adam Graham’s Commentary

• [33:20] Adam Graham praises the episode: "I had my suspicions about the wife early on, but I got turned about in so many directions."
• He commends Brooksie for her sharp intervention that saves Skinny Adams’s life.
• Listener feedback highlights nostalgia and gratitude for classic detective stories, and the value of the podcast and its app for fans of Old Time Radio.

---

Important Timestamps

• Case set-up & letter from Del Hannigan: [03:07–04:52]
• Skinny Adams introduced: [05:31]
• Del explains suspicions: [08:35–10:10]
• Rick Stevenson revealed as an insurance investigator: [14:26]
• Danger to Skinny Adams: [13:20–20:25]
• George saves Skinny from the balcony trap: [21:00]
• Stevenson found dead: [24:08]
• Mrs. Packler’s confession: [25:21–27:14]
• Skinny’s final "secret": [28:54]

---

Conclusion

"Man Under the Elm Tree" delivers both a clever locked-room mystery and explorations of guilt, self-delusion, and the search for significance within a small town’s seemingly quiet life. Layered performances, red herrings, and an ultimately poignant twist make this episode a standout in “Let George Do It.” Adam Graham’s post-show reflections and listener remarks reinforce the enduring appeal of radio detective drama and the power of storytelling—both true and imagined.

Transcript

[Grainger Announcer]

If you're an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

If you're the purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why, hands down, you count on Grainger for auto reordering. With on time restocks, your team will have the cut resistant gloves they need at the start of their shift and you can end your day knowing they've got safety well in hand. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Adam Graham]

Our week of Howard McNear continues. Remember that all information and offers in the episode are not valid unless currently featured on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio website as these programs were recorded many years ago. But now enjoy a great Old Time Radio detective program featuring Howard McNear. Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, please email it to me box Thirteenreatdetectives.net Be sure to cast your vote for the show on podcast alley podcastally.greatdetectives.net and I'd like to take a moment just to say thank you to everybody who voted last month. This is the first show I'm recording recording on three one where we have the final results from February and in the month of February we finished number five. So please cast your vote. It does make a difference and hopefully we'll go even higher this month. You can also give us a call 208-991-4783. Well before we do get into today's episode of Let George Do It, I do want to encourage you to check out Tales of the Damned Night. It is a great superhero comedy with lots of fun action, adventure and a very strong family story. You can check out sample chapters, interviews and purchase the [e-mail] well we're going to get into today's episode, the man under the Elm Tree.

[George Valentine]

Personal notice changes my stock in trade. If you feel like the knife thrower's assistant in A high wind. You've got a job for me. George Valentine. Write full details.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Standard of California, on behalf of independent Chevron gas stations and Standard stations throughout the west, invites you to let George do it. The man under the elm trees. Another adventure of george valentine.

[Del Hannigan]

Dear Valentine, you may not remember, but you and I had a very interesting talk once in the smoking car of the streamliner. At least as far as Mayville Junction.

[George Valentine]

We did.

[Del Hannigan]

Anyway, that's why I feel I can call on you now as a friend. I live with my little sister, Mrs. Letitia Packler. She's got too much money. More than is good for any woman. She can't control it. I can't control her. And unless you help out, there's gonna be a big, loud crash at the.

[George Valentine]

End of the line.

[Del Hannigan]

Now, I've warned her that you might.

[Brooksie]

Be coming to visit. As a friend, of course.

[George Valentine]

Wait a minute, Holder.

[Skinny Adams]

Brooksie.

[George Valentine]

What's the guy's name?

[Brooksie]

Oh, Hannigan. Del Hannigan. Remember him?

[George Valentine]

People you meet on trains.

[Brooksie]

Well, anyway, it says so. Letitia or no one else will suspect the real reason you're here. You see, the big trouble is my sister likes to make friends, too. Only the wrong kind of friends. The kind that ought to be in prison. Sincerely, Del Hancombin.

[George Valentine]

The name still means nothing. And it's for Mayville Junction. I'm darned if I ever.

[Brooksie]

Oh, George, it's the college town. Just because their football teams weren't as.

[George Valentine]

Good as the one.

[Skinny Adams]

All right, angel.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right.

[George Valentine]

Let's go.

[Del Hannigan]

Boola boola.

[George Valentine]

Even if it is at Mayville College.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

You must be Mr. Valentine and Ms. Brooks.

[Brooksie]

Yes, that's right.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Well, you're so much earlier than I expected. Look at me. I'm all over cake. Flower. There's going to be a picnic. You know, the faculty welcoming committee. Oh, but I'm so glad to meet you. I'm Tisha Packwood. You are?

[Brooksie]

L. Oh, how do you do?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

And this is Skinny Adams. Skinny lives with us.

[Skinny Adams]

You know, young man, I didn't see you salute the flag.

[George Valentine]

Huh? Well, I'm not in uniform.

[Skinny Adams]

I'm keeper of the flag. What flags? At the college. I used to be on the Ground and Flowers committee, but I'm not anymore. Doctor said I couldn't. But what I'm really interested in is chemistry. You look like a salesman. Young man, you realize that I actually saw Braslav of nitrogen fade. He said to me, adam.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Oh, Skinny, please. They don't want to hear your stories now. Besides, if you're going to Feel strong enough for the picnic? You better lie down, hadn't you? I'm sure Del's put up the beach umbrella over your hand.

[Skinny Adams]

Oh, all right, all right, Kishi. I know what's good for me.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

And what is it?

[George Valentine]

See you later, Mr. Adams.

[Brooksie]

Who is he, Mrs. Hackman?

[Adam Graham]

Skinny?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Well, about 12 years ago, he was an assistant or something in the chemistry department. He was ambitious, but not very successful. And then there was an explosion, and it. Well, it. It affected him.

[George Valentine]

Oh.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Doctors say that he's borrowed more than his time by now. Can't stand any strain or undue shock or too much heat.

[Brooksie]

Well, why isn't he in the hospital?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Well, good heavens. The college gives him his pension and he has his choice. And after all, they say I take better care of him here in the boarding house than they could. Now, you come right inside and I'll fix your lemonade while I finish baking my cookies.

[George Valentine]

Say, where is Delbert, Mrs. Packley?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Oh, he's down at the Ice Plan, getting some salt for the ice cream freezer. He and the other rumor.

[Brooksie]

The other rumor?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Mr. Stevenson. He travels in jewelry, you know. But I boarded him a week.

[Brooksie]

Mrs. Packler, your brother didn't tell us about your husband, either.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Excuse me? Tom passed away, you know. It's been six months, but I still get a little shock. Oh, I'm. Oh, no, no, no. It's just silly of me. It's. It's just.

[George Valentine]

Well, I.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Well, on a holiday, people can't help wishing for the things of the past, can they?

[George Valentine]

No, no, I guess not. But holiday today, and you mentioned a picnic.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Hand me that cookie cutter. Oh, it's the welcoming. That's all for the faculty. None of us, sir, really connected with the college, but you see, next week's registration. And that's how all of us in this town make a living off the college folks. Oh, we parade, turn out the town band and have potato races.

[George Valentine]

I see.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

I guess we just try to pretend that we're part of it. To pretend that there's some excitement in our lives and that it isn't true that nothing ever really happens in Mayville.

[Del Hannigan]

Hot, hot suspender weather, I call it. But now, down to facts. Who's going to win the Coast Conference? Usc? Or is Washington going to end? Well, what do you say we hold.

[George Valentine]

Up the sports page? Mr. Hannigan, you wrote us a letter. And you said your little sister had more money than is good for any woman.

[Del Hannigan]

My friend, she's got 40,000 smackaroos. How do you like that?

[Brooksie]

Oh, where'd you get it?

[Del Hannigan]

Life insurance. That crazy no good husband of hers. Dumb, that's all he was. Got himself killed dragging his own shotgun backward through a fence. You see what I mean?

[George Valentine]

I see you didn't think much of him.

[Del Hannigan]

Well, he paid the premiums. But a waster, that's all he was. Never turned a lick of work. Letting Tisha slave herself up to the elbow. She still does it. Hoarding students who can't pay their bills. Nursing all the characters. Like that scientific airbender back there in the hammock by the meadow. Gal like my sister ought to get out more. She ought to travel like I do, see the world.

[George Valentine]

But she. She makes the wrong kind of. You said the kind that ought to be in prison. The kind that leads to crashes at the end of the line. Now, just who is it you're so worried about?

[Del Hannigan]

The other rumor, my friend. You guessed it. Stevenson. Rick Stevenson, he calls himself. He's been here one week and he's butting her up already.

[Brooksie]

Buttering her up.

[Del Hannigan]

Sure, sure, he knows his stuff all right. First he goes to work getting next to that guy Adams. But he's really aiming at tissue. Don't you kid yourself.

[George Valentine]

Okay, okay. So the board is making passes at your sister.

[Del Hannigan]

So what, my friend? That man's a phony. A four flusher, I tell you. Listen, Chest Hardware, he says he's what jewelry selling fraternity pins. If he knows the difference between a du shield and a brass door knocker, I'll eat my hat. I've been around. I can tell. I'm a deke myself.

[Brooksie]

Well, Mr. Hannigan, supposing he is giving out a phony line. Your sister's old enough to watch out for herself, isn't she? What do you expect us to do about it?

[Del Hannigan]

Well, for God's sakes, snoop around. Nail something on the nosy fortune under so we can run him out of town. He's after Tish's money, I tell you.

[George Valentine]

Well, what of it? So are you, aren't you?

[Skinny Adams]

Huh?

[George Valentine]

Yeah. Isn't that the real idea? Now? How do you think she should spend it? Close up the boarding house. The two you go traveling first class. Maybe her paying the bills.

[Del Hannigan]

Well, at least I'm a brother. At least I'm thinking of her place. What's the matter, my friend? You sore because I got you down here on something that don't look so important?

[George Valentine]

No, no, no. I kind of like Mayville. Only when it comes to listening to stories. I think I just as soon hear them from little skinny Adams.

[Skinny Adams]

Listen to me, will you? I. I actually saw Chinsky, the biochemist and Balaslav of nitrogen. Hey, George. And I saw.

[George Valentine]

But still trying to bend people's ears. Hey, you know, angel, we're in the midst of a bunch of nuts.

[Brooksie]

George, look at his face. It's so red. A man in his condition shouldn't be lying out here in the sun, George. Of course the umbrella's come down.

[George Valentine]

Yeah. Better wake him up.

[Grainger Announcer]

Yeah.

[Brooksie]

Okay, Mr. Adams.

[Skinny Adams]

Now see here, you haven't been standing there, have you?

[Brooksie]

What do you mean?

[Skinny Adams]

I haven't been saying things, have I?

[George Valentine]

No, no, of course not. We just came out.

[Skinny Adams]

Don't you lie to me. I can always tell when a student is lying. I'll have you know that I've got every one of my senses. I was hurt in an explosion, I think. But I can see the things I see. And I can hear better than you can.

[Brooksie]

Oh, you were just mumbling, Mr. Adams.

[Skinny Adams]

Say anything about the elm tree?

[George Valentine]

The elm trees?

[Skinny Adams]

Oh, come on, come on.

[Brooksie]

Something.

[Skinny Adams]

I've seen a man under the elm tree.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No.

[Skinny Adams]

That'S good. Hey, now who did that?

[Adam Graham]

What?

[Skinny Adams]

That umbrella. That umbrella was up when I went to sleep.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

I know it was.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Take it easy, Skinny. Cat's probably just slipped down. Don't get your dander up. Hello, you two. I'm Rick Stevenson.

[Brooksie]

Yes, so I gather. Well, my name is.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I know, I know. I've heard all about you, Ms. Brooks. Here for the holiday, huh?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, that's right. We. We sort of like a quiet college town.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, relief from the city, isn't it? Okay, come on, skinny. It's 12 o'.

[George Valentine]

Clock.

[Skinny Adams]

You sure, Rick? It's that late already?

[Narrator/Announcer]

We're just gonna wait on the porch there for the town parade. Out on the side porch. Maybe you'd like to join us.

[George Valentine]

Well, thanks, Mr. Stevenson. We'll be with you in just a minute.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, whatever you say.

[Brooksie]

George.

[George Valentine]

Look, see, about an hour in this sun might kill a man like Adams, mightn't it?

[Brooksie]

Well, it certainly would make him very sick.

[George Valentine]

Yeah. Slide up that beach umbrella, will you?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

What?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, go on, go on. Put it up again. Go ahead.

[Brooksie]

Well, all right, I'll.

[George Valentine]

There.

[Brooksie]

Joy.

[George Valentine]

Yes, Angel? It's all you can do to force that catch. It couldn't slip. Somebody pushed it down.

[Brooksie]

Well, George, they're all huts side now.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, okay, thanks.

[Brooksie]

Look, what if Mr. Stevenson guesses that we've been in his room?

[George Valentine]

Oh, well, I'll worry about that later. Hey, try the closet, will you?

[Brooksie]

Okay.

[George Valentine]

They smoke this fire? Angel, we've got to work fast on the few sparks that we know about.

[Brooksie]

Well, I agree. Somebody's trying to turn welcome faculty into Memorial Day. Oh, but it seems so impossible. That poor harmless man. I don't see why anybody would want Savannah.

[George Valentine]

What is it?

[Brooksie]

A letter was in the pocket of Rick's sportjack.

[George Valentine]

Huh. Well, suspended weather has one benefit.

[Brooksie]

Federal State's life insurance company. It says it was just a note. It says Stevenson. On February 14, the company paid $40,000 to Mrs. Packler. Husband died in hunting accident. Suggests you look into it. Rick Stevenson must be an insurance investigator.

[George Valentine]

Let me see that. Yeah, it is a clipping in the same envelope. It's an old one. Mayville Herald. March 21. Our town was grieved to hear of the unfortunate death of Mr. Tom Packler. His shotgun was accidentally discharged as he was crossing a fence near his own back property line, just half a mile from his own house. Tom died in the meadow he loved so well under the familiar canopy of the.

[Skinny Adams]

Oopsie.

[George Valentine]

What? Under the elm trees.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We'll return to tonight's adventure of George Valentine in just a moment. What do you think you'll be wearing when cool autumn days turn up? Maybe a tweed suit or a woolen one. And next winter, an overcoat and a raincoat during the wet spring. Sure, you're climate tailored, but here's the surprising thing. Chevron Supreme Gasoline is also climate tailored. It's scientifically blended according to the West's different altitude and temperature zones and according to the season. That's why with Chevron supreme in the tank, you can be sure of peak performance wherever you drive the year round. Drive tomorrow and right away you'll notice your car's quick response to this premium quality gasoline. Faster starts, faster pickup in traffic and smoother ping free power on hills. You'll find you can't buy a better gasoline for today's high compression engines. So to give your car its best chance, give it climate tailored Chevron Supreme. Ask for it at independent Chevron gas stations and at standard stations where they say and mean, we take better care of your car. Now back to tonight's adventure of George Valentine. You meet a frail, harmless little man whose only offense is boring people. Or is it? He's apparently so dangerous to someone that an attempt has been made on his life. In the other rumor, in Mrs. Packler's boarding house, Rick Stevenson. First, he seemed to be only interested in Mrs. Packler's money. But now Rick seems to be an insurance investigator interested in her husband's death. Well, if you're anything like George Valentine, you know, there's a lot more going on in little Mayfield. And talk about ice cream.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

But won't you have some more, Ms. Brooke?

[Brooksie]

Oh, no, thank you, Mrs. Peck, really.

[Del Hannigan]

You know, last year I ate six dishes of ice cream and still went out to the picnic. Kicked a football father than the coach. Didn't want the sack race to remember.

[Skinny Adams]

Oh, sacra Tom Packard carried you all away. I remember he did.

[Del Hannigan]

Not just cause he listened to you ramble on and trying to make yourself important. Make people listen to nothing. All the famous scientists you saw that nobody ever heard of. Bravislav Kinski, the Frisellic. You know, Valentine, Tisch's husband was the only man in town too lazy to stop this. This record of Hesperus from Melbert, please.

[Skinny Adams]

You've been drinking.

[Del Hannigan]

Well, gosh, what's the celebration for if.

[Skinny Adams]

You can't take a little under the elm tree? What's that?

[George Valentine]

What's that? Skinny?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come on, Professor. I think you and I better take a little stroll outside before it rains.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Yes, thank you, Ms.

[Brooksie]

Skin.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

What on earth's the matter with everybody? Ms. Brooks is still an hour before.

[George Valentine]

The picnic, Mrs. Pankler. I think we'd like to take a little walk ourselves, if you don't mind, of course. Yes, I have a couple of things I want to pick up down at the drugstore.

[Brooksie]

Oh, okay, George. See you later.

[George Valentine]

At last, angel. Too much thunder in the air for me.

[Skinny Adams]

Young man, you're going to fall in beside us. Better salute that flag. I'm still keeping flags. I reckon the headers is still good for some jobs.

[Brooksie]

Why, of course you are, Mr. Adams.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure, sure.

[George Valentine]

First thing I noticed about the old house here was that flag hanging up there on the balcony of your room.

[Skinny Adams]

It used to be on the Grounds and Flowers Committee for a while. Before that, maybe. I was only an assistant in the chemistry.

[George Valentine]

Hey, but wait a minute. You know what I noticed about your flag? Well, go ahead, take a look at it. The blue field. Mr. Adams, it's in the wrong direction. Your flag up there is backwards.

[Skinny Adams]

Yes. Yes, sir. Excuse me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll run out and fix it for you.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

No, no, no. I'll do it. It's my job. I'll do it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Poor guy.

[George Valentine]

Well, at least we're alone again. Come on, Agent.

[Brooksie]

Okay, George. What do you want at the drugstore?

[George Valentine]

The telephone. One that's in a booth instead of a public hallway. I'm gonna talk to the police about Tom Paxter's death.

[Brooksie]

Six months later that's Right.

[George Valentine]

Lieutenant Riley in the city can run a fast check for me. The insurance company's angle, everything about it. Come on. We'll cut across the back of the house.

[Brooksie]

Okay. Well, if Rick Stevenson is their investigator, they certainly must suspect that it wasn't just a shotgun accident.

[George Valentine]

You are so right, angel, or he wouldn't be here. Besides, the clipping said Packler died under those elm trees. And Skinny's got a secret about what he saw under the elm trees.

[Brooksie]

Murder, maybe. Well, you can just see the trees from his hammock at the edge of the mountain. So, George, somebody's taking down that umbrella. Must have been an attempt to get rid of him before he tells what he knows to Stephen.

[George Valentine]

And it's not hard to get rid of him. Not any harder than getting rid of.

[Narrator/Announcer]

A helpless little child.

[Brooksie]

George, wait a minute.

[George Valentine]

What is it, Angel?

[Brooksie]

Wouldn't this be the Packard's woodshed?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, sure, I guess so.

[Brooksie]

Well, this piece of wood.

[George Valentine]

What do you mean?

[Brooksie]

It's the same color, the same shape, the same as those things on the front of the house.

[George Valentine]

The balcony railing, the posts that hold the railing up.

[Brooksie]

And to reach the flag, you'd have to lean against the rail. George.

[George Valentine]

Come on, Angel.

[Brooksie]

Oh, look, George, you can see it from here. Oh, why didn't we notice it before?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

The corner post is missing.

[George Valentine]

Stay out here, Brooks. George, watch for Skinny on the balcony. I got to stop him.

[Skinny Adams]

Skinny.

[George Valentine]

How are. I'm sorry, Skinny. Did I hurt you? You all right?

[Skinny Adams]

Hello, young man.

[George Valentine]

Look, I had to stop you. If you leaned against the railing. The corner support is off. It's loose, see?

[Skinny Adams]

Hello, young man.

[George Valentine]

Now, Skinny, listen. Listen carefully. Someone was trying to make you fall, have an accident kill you. Now, you know something and you've got to tell me. You saw something out under the elm trees. What did you see?

[Skinny Adams]

Might rain today.

[George Valentine]

Oh, Lord, George. Brooksie, you're gonna guard this guy with your life. I've got work to do. Okay, Angel. How is he?

[Skinny Adams]

Sleep.

[Brooksie]

George. Did you get Lieutenant?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, from a drugstore. Riley has a man checking local police insurance company. The man will get in touch with me here.

[Brooksie]

Well, what about Rick Stevenson?

[George Valentine]

I don't know. I didn't see him. Out nursing his jaw and swearing at me, I guess.

[Brooksie]

George, this time we ought to be able to tell who did it. I've been putting the flag backwards and fixing that rain.

[George Valentine]

Whoever's trying to get this guy is taking advantage of circumstances. Same as with the umbrella. So if we ask around, all will get his conflicting stories and denials from The. A guilty one. Wait a minute.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Hello?

[Brooksie]

Tisha?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Hello?

[Adam Graham]

Yeah. What's that?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Who? Who did you.

[George Valentine]

Oh, this teacher.

[Adam Graham]

Sisha.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What is that?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Well, I don't know. It's long distance. I don't know who they won't talk to. It's the police, I think, but. Must be the wrong number.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, no, no. Give me that.

[George Valentine]

Oh, no, Give it to me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's.

[George Valentine]

That's old.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That calls for me. It's nothing important, really. It's just. Yes? Hello? Oh, yes. Oh, this is he speaking.

[George Valentine]

You. You.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Did I get it? Yeah. Thank you very much.

[George Valentine]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I guess that winds it up, doesn't it? Well, Tisha. Tisha, where did you go?

[George Valentine]

Tisha?

[Brooksie]

So Stevenson is in touch with the police too.

[George Valentine]

Angel, I think maybe now we can stop being suckers.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That call was for me?

[George Valentine]

Yes, that's right, operator. I was disconnected. Well, hurry it up, will you? Get my party back. Police in the city. Well, hurry it up. I'm sorry, Skinny. We'll have to lock you up. But you'll be all right.

[Brooksie]

Golly, George, what is it?

[George Valentine]

I'll tell you later, Angel. Where's Del Hanigan?

[Brooksie]

I don't know.

[George Valentine]

Hey, we're too late. That wasn't thunder. Around this way, Brooksie. The place Packler kept his gun? Yes.

[Brooksie]

Well, the shot must have been here in the woodshed.

[George Valentine]

Hold it.

[Brooksie]

Rick Stevenson?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, and he's dead. Oh, here comes the rain.

[Brooksie]

Oh, George. Whoever killed him must have left him there just a second ago. Maybe even was back of the shed.

[George Valentine]

And we the screen door and is back in the house now.

[Skinny Adams]

Okay.

[George Valentine]

Come on, angel. From here on, it's easy. There's only one person that can be. Hello, Mrs. Packley. Getting dry.

[Brooksie]

I was.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Was out for just a moment. The clothes on the line.

[Brooksie]

There aren't any clothes.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Please, please get out of the kitchen. I take the cookies out and wrap them for the picnic. Please. They'll get cold if I don't. Let go of me.

[George Valentine]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Packler, but let's call a detective. Okay. You'd better sit down. Now, how did you do it?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

He found out. Stevenson found out. He was coming to get me after.

[George Valentine]

He talked on the phone and he came looking in the woodshed. The place where your dead husband's guns were. Where the shotgun that killed your husband was.

[Brooksie]

What's the matter? Were you afraid Mr. Stevenson would find that shotgun, examine it for evidence?

[George Valentine]

I don't know.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

He was coming to get me and I had to kill him.

[George Valentine]

Why, Mrs. Sprackley?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Well, I was Putting his pressure linen away. Yesterday when I found an envelope. Insurance company note about me quipping about Tom's Day.

[George Valentine]

Yes, we know.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

I'd guessed before. He was up to something. So many questions about me. And he wasn't a jewelry man like he said he was. He spent so much time getting close to poor little Skinny Adam, asking him questions.

[Brooksie]

Poor little Skinny Adam? That's a strange way for you to talk.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Oh, may the Lord forgive me, but guinea hasn't much longer to live. Anyway, I couldn't have killed him. But an accident.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure.

[George Valentine]

Sure. Like the umbrella or the flag. Because you were afraid he knew something, weren't you?

[Adam Graham]

He did.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Under the elm trees. He kept saying it. And I knew sooner or later he'd tell Mr. Stevenson. He'd tell him he'd seen me shooting my husband. Oh, my husband was no good. He was an egg loaf, even.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Logan.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Logan.

[George Valentine]

Mrs. Packler, I don't know what it was Skinny saw way out under the elms. But it couldn't have been much. What?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

What's that?

[George Valentine]

He brags about retaining his senses. Well, if ever there's a man in this town who'd have learned how to hang the flag, he's the one. But when it was backwards, I had to tell him so he couldn't see. Don't you understand, Mrs. Packley? He'd been out there dozens of times admiring it. But he couldn't see that far.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

What do you mean?

[George Valentine]

I mean, there was never any real evidence against you concerning your husband. You did commit a perfect crime. Perfect except for a guilty conscience.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

But Mr. Stevenson.

[George Valentine]

I know, I know. The note that said Stevenson. Mrs. Packler's got some money. Husband dead. Suggests you look into it. Well, Rick Stevenson just had a friend at the insurance company, that's all. A friend who tipped him off.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Oh, you're lying. You must be.

[George Valentine]

No. You didn't need to shoot Rick. Nobody's ever guessed you killed your husband.

[Brooksie]

George.

[George Valentine]

Rick Stevenson was exactly what your brother guessed. He was a confidence man, Mrs. Packler. Out after a widow's money. George.

[Brooksie]

You know, there's one thing I still don't understand.

[George Valentine]

No, what's that, Angel?

[Brooksie]

I mean, Skinny did see something. The elm trees. He kept saying Brooksy.

[George Valentine]

Maybe I got that one figured out too. All poor Skinny wants is for someone to like him, for people to listen. And all day he's been acting as though he had a secret. As though he'd cooked up a surprise. Well, my idea.

[Skinny Adams]

Surprise, Surprise. No, no, no, no, no, Mr. Valentine. I just finally learned something that's all. You know, people don't like to listen to people unless people tell people what people want to listen to.

[Brooksie]

Oh, is that so?

[Skinny Adams]

Even if you have to make it out.

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

He is indeed.

[Skinny Adams]

Now, there was this man I saw once out under some elm trees.

[George Valentine]

Oh, come on, come on, come on. I don't know that part of it.

[Skinny Adams]

Yes, but it's fall season, isn't it?

[Brooksie]

Yes, but who? Who did you see?

[Skinny Adams]

Well, miss that time I saw Newt Rockney standing under the El.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here we are with summer already gone according to the calendar. So maybe it's a good time to take another look at your annual budget. One place you won't want to skimp is in buying protection for your car's engine. In the long run, it would lead to a costly repair bill. Especially since it's a proven fact that internal engine rust is responsible for 80% of engine wear. This damage is caused by acid laden moisture which attacks cylinder walls and other vital parts the moment you cut the ignition. And here's where RPM motor oil comes in with a sure helping hand. Premium quality RPM casual contains compounds that keep a moisture proof oil film on all vital parts. With RPM on the job, rust can't get started even though your car stands idle for days or weeks. So to protect your engine with long range economy, start using RPM motor oil tomorrow. No wonder it's first choice in the West. It's the oil that stops 80% of engine wear. Ask for RPM at standard stations.

[George Valentine]

Ask.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And at independent Chevron gas stations where they say and mean we take better care of your car. Next week as we find George Valentine and Brooksie calling on a new client who has written for help.

[Brooksie]

Oh. Oh, George.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, Brooksie. That guy writes me a letter and suddenly he's dead.

[Brooksie]

Oh, golly. You can still get the smell of a gun being fired in here.

[George Valentine]

Cordite. Yeah, that smells like it had been fired just a minute or two ago. Hey, but wait a minute, Brooksy. Take a look at the pistol.

[Brooksie]

Why?

[Mrs. Tisha Packler]

Why?

[Brooksie]

There isn't a shell missing? George, what do we do?

[George Valentine]

What do we do? All we have to do is find out how a man can be shot dead without a bullet.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tonight's adventure of George Valentine has been brought to you by Standard of California on behalf of independent Chevron gas stations and Standard stations throughout the West. Robert Bailey has starred as George with Francis Robinson as Brooksie. Let George do it is written by David Victor and Jackson Gillis and directed by Don Clark. Also heard in the cast were Ed Begley as Darryl, Myra Marsh as Tisha Howard McCarthy near as Adams and Fred Shields as Rick. The music is composed and presented by Eddie Dunstetter. Your announcer John Hen. Listen again next week, same time, same station to let George do it. This is the mutual don lee broadcasting system.

[Grainger Announcer]

If you're the purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why hands down, you count on Grainger for auto reordering. With on time restocks, your team will have the cut resistant gloves they need at the start of their shift and you can end your day knowing they've got safety well in hand. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. What a good solid episode. I had a lot of twists and they really kept kept my mind working overtime trying to guess where this mystery was gonna turn. I had my suspicions about the wife early on, but I got turned about in so many directions. So this was a well crafted mystery. Just a really great story and some very key parts played in this by Brooksie. If it weren't for her being there, the old professor would have died. So nice save indeed. Well, we do have a review off of iTunes. This one comes from Kha11e says. Love the podcast. I found some of these old detective stories when I was driving to work at 3 in the morning 10 years ago and didn't know where to find more once I quit that job. Now I hear new episodes every day. Thanks Adam for the great selection and for insights into the old masters. Well, thanks so much and I do think that has been a challenge with a lot of the over the air distribution of the old time radio is they tend to get such awful time slots to be able to broadcast that people don't even have a chance to be exposed to them. So Internet definitely helps a lot with that. I do encourage you if you do download the show through itunes to rate us on itunes you don't have to write a review. We've had about five people add the ratings and one review. So thanks for everybody who's done that then Also we have a review for the Android app, Matthew says finally an app that I will use. If you love old detective shows, get this app. Well thanks so much Matthew. Much appreciated. And then we have a comment from over on Podcast Alley. I enjoy Let George do it. Well we're glad to be able to provide that to you. Great classic show. Well that'll do it for now. We'll be back tomorrow with Sherlock Holmes next week with another episode of Let George Do It. In the meanwhile, you can send your comments to box13reatdetectives.net and become one of our friends on Facebook. Facebook.com RadioDetectives From Boise, Idaho, though, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.