Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Bum Steer Matter (EP4585)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
• Host: Adam Graham
• Episode: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Bum Steer Matter (EP4585)
• Release Date: December 27, 2024

---

Introduction

In this episode of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar," host Adam Graham presents the case titled The Bum Steer Matter, an intriguing detective story set in the rugged landscapes of Colorado. The narrative follows Johnny Dollar, a freelance insurance investigator, as he delves into the mysterious death of Jake Denham, a cattle ranch owner.

---

Act One: The Mysterious Invitation

Setting: October 6, 1957, Hollywood and Craig, Colorado

Johnny Dollar receives an unusual call from Jake Denham, who invites him to Craig, Colorado, to experience "local atmosphere" for one of his insurance stories. Initially, Mr. Denham insists there's no trouble, but Johnny senses underlying tension.

• Notable Quote:
  • Jake Denham (03:57): “I listen to your radio program every week. All those insurance cases you handle all over the country. Glad to hear it.”

Despite Johnny's commitment to completing his reports, he decides to visit Mr. Denham after submitting his expense account request, indicating his dedication to his profession.

---

Act Two: Unveiling the Truth

Setting: Lazy JD Ranch, Craig, Colorado

Upon arriving at the Cosgriff Hotel, Johnny meets Virginia Denham, Jake’s daughter, who reveals that her father died of anthrax. However, she suspects foul play. Johnny's investigation leads him to Dr. Regis Ross, who confirms the presence of anthrax in the deceased steer.

• Key Developments:

  • Virginia Denham hints at Mike Craven's involvement, suggesting that Jake was targeted to monopolize local ranches.
  • Dr. Regis Ross introduces the possibility of poisoning, referencing a rare poison, Strychnia Quintanagen Sulfide, which mimics anthrax symptoms but is fatal even in small doses.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Virginia Denham (12:04): “Why don’t they want to kill all the sinners?”
  • Johnny Dollar (18:19): “You think that’s why they want to murder me, because I’m a sinner?”

Johnny uncovers discrepancies in the branding of the infected steer, indicating deliberate tampering to mask the true cause of death.

---

Act Three: Confrontation and Conclusion

Setting: Lazy JD Ranch and Ancillary Locations

Johnny confronts Pete Kerma, Mike Craven’s partner, at an old ranch house. Through a tense exchange, Johnny deduces that Pete was behind the poisoning, using the rare poison to eliminate Jake Denham and potentially seize control of the ranch.

• Key Developments:

  • The discovery of the original brand on the steer confirms the foul play.
  • Johnny apprehends Pete, who attempts to retaliate but is subdued.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Johnny Dollar (24:19): “Where did you get it? Pete, what was the name of that stuff?”
  • Pete Kerma (24:58): “That’s something you’ll never live to know.”

Johnny submits his comprehensive expense account, highlighting his meticulous approach to solving the case, and donates the proceeds to the community chest, showcasing his integrity.

---

Host Commentary

After the dramatization, Adam Graham provides insightful analysis and listener feedback:

• Plot Insights:

  • Johnny’s ethical dilemma in responding to Mr. Denham’s invitation reflects the challenges faced by investigators balancing professionalism and empathy.
  • The intricate plot involving rare poisons and corporate greed underscores the complexity of detective work in uncovering hidden motives.

• Listener Feedback Highlights:

  • Discussions on Johnny Dollar’s expense accounts and their portrayal over different eras.
  • Appreciation for the detailed storytelling and character development in the episode.

• Upcoming Episodes:

  • Teasers about future stories, including a ghost town scenario in Montana featuring a character with a .38 Colt.

---

Conclusion

The Bum Steer Matter is a compelling installment in the "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar" series, blending classic detective tropes with intricate plot twists. Johnny Dollar's relentless pursuit of the truth and moral compass make this episode a standout for fans of old-time radio mysteries.

For more episodes and insights, subscribe to "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" on your favorite podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jake Denham (03:31): “Colorado? That's right. I have a policy with one of your companies.”
• Johnny Dollar (05:30): “Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to the TRI Western Life and Casualty Insurance Company.”
• Virginia Denham (12:04): “Why don’t they want to kill all the sinners?”
• Johnny Dollar (18:19): “You think that’s why they want to murder me, because I’m a sinner?”
• Pete Kerma (24:58): “That’s something you’ll never live to know.”

---

This episode masterfully intertwines suspense, character depth, and meticulous investigative detail, embodying the essence of old-time radio detective dramas. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Johnny Dollar's adventures, The Bum Steer Matter offers an engaging and thought-provoking listening experience.

Transcript

[Grammarly Ad]

Your time and expertise are valuable, making focus one of the most important resources to have at work these days. Professionals spend nearly half the workweek on written communication and it can be difficult to stay on task with all the emails and documents you have to get through. With Grammarly as your AI writing partner, you can stay focused and quickly get through your work with relevant real time suggestions wherever you write. It works across 500,000 apps and websites, so it can help with everything from brainstorming presentation ideas to sounding more confident and persuasive in emails and reports. For 15 years, Grammarly has offered best in class communication support and enterprise grade security on a business model that doesn't sell your data. 93% of professionals report that Grammarly helps them get more work done. Download Grammarly for free at Grammarly.com podcast that's G R-M-A-Rly.com podcast this is an ad by BetterHelp.

[BetterHelp Ad]

What's your perfect night? Maybe you're settled at home alone or with loved ones covered in blankets about to watch your favorite show. It's cozy, it's calm, and you're ready for a perfect night in therapy. Can feel a bit like that. A place for comfort. A time when you replenish your energy and take care of yourself. And hey, you can even do it without leaving that same cozy couch. This season is the perfect time to give therapy a try right from the comfort of home with better help. Get matched with a tailored therapist based on your needs and preferences entirely online, designed to be convenient, flexible and suited to your schedule. Just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with the therapist and switch therapists at any time for no additional charge. Find comfort this season with better help. Visit betterhelp.com today to get 10% off your first month. That's betterhelp h e l p.com.

[Unknown]

Foreign.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. But I do want to encourage you if you enjoy the podcast to follow us using your favorite podcast software. Also, as you make your travel plans for the new year, remember johnnydollerair.com johnnydollarair.com is a Priceline affiliate link, so part of the purchase price goes to support the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio at no additional cost to you. When making your travel plans, check johnnydoller air.com first. But now, from October 6, 1957, here is the bum steer matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

From Hollywood, it's time now for.

Johnny Dollar.

Howdy, Mr. Dollar. My name is Jake Denham. I own a cattle ranch out here in Craig, Colorado. How'd you like to come out here and see me?

Colorado?

That's right. I have a policy with one of your companies. Tri Western office over in Denver.

Well, what seems to be the trouble, Mr. Denham?

Trouble? Oh, nothing like that. Not at all.

Then why have you called me?

Well, you see, the brand I use in my beef cattle is a lazy J.D.

Yeah. You said your name is Jake Denham?

That's right. But J.D. is your initials too.

Oh, yeah, yeah, and the lazy part fits me to a T. But now, why have you called me?

Well, you see, I listen to your radio program every week. All those insurance cases you handle all over the country.

Glad to hear it.

And I just. Well, I thought the Lazy JD Being your initials too, and. And all the local color out here and. Well, maybe you'd like to come and get some local atmosphere for one of your stories.

Oh, now, wait a minute, Mr. Dunham. If you have some insurance matter you'd like me to investigate. Oh, no, no, no.

I told you why, I thought you ought to come, so can you right away.

You sure there's nothing wrong out there?

No, like I said, a lot of local color, nice place to stay at the ranch. How about it?

Well, I've a couple of days work on some reports to finish up.

Then right after that, huh?

Well, good, Good.

I'll be waiting for you. Goodbye.

[Jake Denham]

Oh, look.

[Johnny Dollar]

And everything's really okay, huh?

Goodbye.

Mr. Denham. I think you're lying through your teeth.

Bob Bailey in the Exciting Adventures of the man with the Action Packed Expense Account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And now, act one of yours truly, Johnny Dol.

Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to the TRI Western Life and Casualty Insurance Company, Home office, Denver, Colorado. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Bum Steer Matter expense account item one, 370. Long distance call to Hal Versky, my contact at Tri Weston in Denver.

Johnny, good to hear from you. You out in this neighborhood?

Nope, still in Hartford. Hal, I want you to okay an expense account for me.

Well, now, that depends.

Listen, you know a client of yours by the name of Jake Denham?

Yes. As I recall, he owns a big cattle ranch over near the little town of Craig. Carries a straight life of something like 40, 50,000.

Well, look, I got a phone call from him begging me to come out there and see him.

Oh, something wrong?

He says not, but I don't believe him.

Have you any reason to think something is wrong?

Well, only the half baked excuse he gave me for wanting to see me. Look, how I realize this is just a hunch, but.

Certainly sounds like it to me.

But my hunches have saved your company a lot of dough on occasion. So how about it?

Okay, put it this way. If you run into something out there and clear it up, we'll pay the freight. If not, well, you just go ahead and have yourself a vacation at your own expense.

Okay? Oh, now why don't you relax that iron grip on the purse strings for a change, huh?

Why, what would you do?

Okay, okay. But I warn you Hal, if this does turn into a case for your company my expense account is gonna knock you right off your fe. Bye. Bye, Johnny. It took me nearly four days to clear up the reports I had to finish. I wish now it hadn't, but I'd left Hartford immediately. Expense Account, Item 2, $133 plain fare and all the incidentals I could think of. Hartford to Denver. I got there shortly after 7am Item 3, $50 deposit on a drive your own car in which I promptly headed north and west on Highway 40. That is after getting out of the traffic in Denver itself. And believe me, that town has it. The 200 mile drive to Craig was routine except for the lush green hills, the snow topped mountains, the vast meadows and forests. Colorful Colorado they call it. And it sure is. Finally, about noon I pulled into Craig and stopped at the Cosgriff Hotel for lunch. That's item 4350. From the waitress I got directions to the lazy JD ranch about eight miles.

[Unknown]

South on the Yampa river just off Route 789. You want some dessert?

[Johnny Dollar]

No thanks, this is fine. Hey you.

[Unknown]

You one of the relatives?

[Johnny Dollar]

Relatives?

[Unknown]

Of course not.

[Jake Denham]

You're too late.

[Johnny Dollar]

Too late for what? It was real beautiful though.

[Unknown]

Half the town turned out for it and most of the big ranchers.

[Johnny Dollar]

What are you talking about?

[Unknown]

Oh my Gosh, it's after 1:30. Look, I'm not supposed to be on duty now and I got a date with my boyfriend.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, well now we're sickened.

[Unknown]

Just pay the cashier and the lot.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, but look, I. Okay, I paid my check to the cashier, went out to my car, climbed in and headed for the Lazy JD There must have been several thousand acres to the ranch. All rich, green, healthy looking pasture land and Lord knows how many head of beef cattle. The main ranch house was a rather small but well kept Affair near the gate to the road from the highway. And then I saw it. A long piece of black crepe hanging on the door frame. Yes, I. How do you do? My name is Dollar. Johnny Dollar.

[Unknown]

Oh, Johnny Dollar. Why didn't you come before?

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Unknown]

He begged you to come, didn't he? To come right away, Mr. Denham.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, but I told him.

[Unknown]

Why didn't you? You might have saved him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Saved him?

[Unknown]

Yes, saved him. We buried him this morning, and I think he was.

[Johnny Dollar]

Act Two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.

[Virginia Denham]

The American writer Christopher Morley once wrote, when you sell a man a book, you don't sell him just 12 ounces of paper, ink and glue. You sell him a whole new way of life. Unquote. Now that goes double when you give, not sell a book. But the gift of 550 books to little children increases the legacy tenfold. Near the end of 1960, the employees of the Chase Manhattan bank started a people to people program with such a gift to school children of a town in Tanganyika that's on the southeast coast of Africa. To give you an idea how the books were received by the children, let me first quote from Francis Bacon. He's an English writer of a few centuries back. He said, some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. In the past, children in Tanganyika may have done a little tasting and chewing and a little swallowing and digesting. There's one certain thing. They wound up devouring the books they received from the United States. And they did so much of it that they, the ones in high school anyway, were able to reach the level of English children their age and pass the exams at the same time. That takes a lot of book learning, as they say. The gift of these books from the United States of America may have seemed a small thing to the senders. But the boys in Tanganyika who received them know that they've opened a whole new way of life. They've greatly increased understanding in the classroom of freedom, the right of all men everywhere.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now, Act Two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Bum Steer Matter.

A tall, beautiful girl standing in the doorway of the ranch house at the lazy JD Outside of Craig, Colorado, was dressed in black. The red about her eyes showed that she'd been crying, but there were no tears in them now.

[Unknown]

Jake Denham was my father. Mr. Dollar, I'm Virginia.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you think he was murdered?

[Unknown]

Why do you think he called and begged you to come out here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Any idea who might have Done it?

[Unknown]

Yes. Big Mike. Mike Craven.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who's he?

[Unknown]

He owns the Sea Lucky Star and wants to own every other ranch around here. And he will, unless somebody stops him.

[Johnny Dollar]

How did your father die?

[Unknown]

Anthrax. That's what they said it was.

[Johnny Dollar]

I thought that was a disease of cattle people, too.

[Unknown]

If they get infected from the cattle.

[Johnny Dollar]

And that's what happened to your father?

[Unknown]

That's what they say. But there's no anthrax around here. Our ranch is clean.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, let's go inside and sit down and talk about this.

[Unknown]

Sure, I'll talk about it. If only somebody will listen. In here, John.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks.

[Unknown]

Are you all alone now that Dad's gone? He and I ran the ranch. Now it's up to me. Sit down.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank you. Virginia. Were you trying to tell me out there that you think somebody tried to infect your herd with anthrax?

[Unknown]

What would you think?

[Johnny Dollar]

Who was your father's doctor?

[Pete Kerma]

Dr. Regis Ross from in town. Who are you?

[Johnny Dollar]

My name is Dollar. Insurance investigator.

[Pete Kerma]

Say, you fellas act pretty fast, don't you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Sometimes.

[Pete Kerma]

Feeling all right now, honey?

[Unknown]

I guess so.

[Pete Kerma]

I told the hands that you're in full charge now. They'll take their orders from you or from me or from.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure.

Sure.

[Unknown]

I guess that's best. Thank you, Pete.

[Pete Kerma]

They might as well get used to it because after we're married. Look, honey, why wait any longer? I know this is a bad time to talk about it.

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Jake Denham]

But I also know and you know.

[Pete Kerma]

That this is no time for you to try to go it alone.

[Unknown]

But what about your medical school?

[Pete Kerma]

I'll give it up. This is a lot more important than you're A lot more important. Oh, look, Jenny, you stalled me for a long, long time.

[Unknown]

I know, Pete, because I don't. You see, I can run this ranch alone.

[Pete Kerma]

No, you need me, honey. And I'm here to help you.

[Unknown]

Do you know how dad felt?

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure.

[Pete Kerma]

That all I wanted was this ranch. The same as he felt about anybody else who ever came here.

[Johnny Dollar]

Just who are you? Pete?

[Unknown]

This is Pete Kerma. Johnny. My fiance. I guess that's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Didn't I see a Kermer ranch on the way out here? A small one?

[Pete Kerma]

That's right. My pa's. He's Carl Kermer.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you think caused the death of Virginia's Dan?

[Pete Kerma]

Just what everybody says, Mr. Dollar. Galloping anthrax from that Hereford.

[Unknown]

Then why did he send for Mr. Dolly to come?

[Pete Kerma]

I'm afraid we'll never know, honey.

[Unknown]

Well, I do. It's because he knew something was going to happen to him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Where is that steer now?

[Pete Kerma]

Buried on orders from the vet and the state inspector. Mr. Dollar? Yeah, you said investigator. Hadn't you better talk to Dr. Ross?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I guess so. Wanna let me have his address?

Sure.

[Pete Kerma]

I'll write it down for you.

[Johnny Dollar]

And while you're at it, tell me where I can find the veterinarian and that state inspector too, huh?

[Pete Kerma]

Sure, why not?

[Johnny Dollar]

When I left them a few minutes later, Pete was still making a quiet but, I must say, effective pitch for Virginia's hand. Expense account. Item 5. 10 cents for a phone call to the state inspector. He told me he'd never seen the infected steer on the Lazy JD that he was confined to his bed at the time. I called the vet's office and he was expected back shortly. So I sat around the hotel lobby and glanced over some magazines. And then in one of them, I found an article that made my eyes fairly pop out of my head. Item six. I called the vet again. He was in.

[Jake Denham]

You caught me just in time, mister. I was about to drive over to the Sea Lucky Star Ranch for dinner. Mike Craven and I are old friends.

[Johnny Dollar]

That so?

[Jake Denham]

Yes, ever since we roomed together at college.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I see. I understand you're the man who spotted the anthrax out at the lazy J.D.

[Jake Denham]

Yes, sir, that's right. Just that one Hereford. How it ever got to him, I'll never know. The rest of that herd is absolutely clean. Got poor old Jake Denham too.

[Johnny Dollar]

You think he became infected from that steer?

[Jake Denham]

Well, how else could it be? Galloping anthrax just like that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Doctor, where is that steer buried? You know.

[Jake Denham]

Yes, I had it buried myself. It's some miles out in the far corner of the Lazy JD Property.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then phone the Sea Lucky Star and call off your dinner date. You and I are going out to take a look at that carcass.

[Jake Denham]

Well, now, just a minute, young fellow investigator. Did you say you.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right.

[Jake Denham]

I suppose you have some.

[Johnny Dollar]

What I don't have, I can get. Tell me, doctor, is there some reason why you don't want me to see the carcass of that steer?

[Jake Denham]

Let's. Let's go.

[Johnny Dollar]

Along the way, we picked up two fellows who were handy with pick and shovel. It was almost dark now, so I bought a couple of powerful flashlights at one of the local hardware stores. That's item 7925. It took a couple of hours for the two men to dig down to the carcass of the steer. But they finally exposed one flank of the unfortunate animal. You you sure planted this critter deep, Doc. There's part of him. Give us a few more minutes, we'll.

[Jake Denham]

Have no waiting, huh? Mr. Dollar, come down here into the hole.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure. What's the matter, doc?

[Jake Denham]

The color of that carcass. I don't understand this.

[Johnny Dollar]

What are you talking about?

[Jake Denham]

This doesn't make sense. The deterioration and putrefaction that always occurs simply isn't here.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean it's possible it was an anthrax killed this deer.

[Jake Denham]

But I'm sure that all the symptoms. The swellings in the subcutaneous connective tissues in the interstices of the muscles and lymphatic glands in the membranes of the mouth and tongue, they were all there. And they were edematous too.

[Johnny Dollar]

But some poison have possibly produced those symptoms.

[Jake Denham]

Poison?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Look, I read in a magazine this afternoon that Strychnia often produces symptoms very much like those of tetanus lockjaw.

[Jake Denham]

Yes, that's true. Not a poison that would.

[Johnny Dollar]

Good heaven. Yeah.

[Jake Denham]

Why, I haven't heard of it since my college days. Quintanagen sulfide. But why?

[Johnny Dollar]

Good question.

[Jake Denham]

No, $. Because it wouldn't explain the death of old Jake Denham if it was anthrax, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Or was he poisoned too?

[Jake Denham]

Good heavens. You mean you hated him?

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait a minute, Doctor. The brand on the rump of this animal.

[Jake Denham]

Well, that's Denim's own brand, the Lazy Jake.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, but it looks to me like it was put on over another brand.

[Jake Denham]

Yes. Yes, you're right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Any way of finding out what the original brand was?

[Jake Denham]

No. No.

[Pete Kerma]

Yes.

[Jake Denham]

Yes, Mrs. Dowler. The other side. The inside of the hide might show it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then, doctor, you got a skinny job to do.

[Jake Denham]

All right. Hand me my bag there, please.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay. Here you are. Go to a doctor.

[Jake Denham]

Thank you.

[Johnny Dollar]

That poisonous. How much to infect a man?

[Jake Denham]

Yeah. Even. Even a small scratch on the skin could sorbe enough to be fatal. No wonder the Dr. Ross.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ross was the one who treated Jake Dynema.

[Jake Denham]

Yeah. No wonder we couldn't understand why death came so.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well. Can you see what the original brand was? Yes.

[Jake Denham]

Yes, I can. I'm afraid so.

[Johnny Dollar]

Let me hold the light a little. Oh, I see.

[Jake Denham]

But I can't believe it, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Pretty clear, though, isn't it? See? Lucky star.

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.

[Virginia Denham]

A couple of thousand years ago, the ancient sage Diogenes remarked that all things are in common among friends. They didn't mean that only material goods were in common among friends, but that they shared their troubles. Well, for A long time, the United States Armed Forces have been a friend in time of need. During fires, floods and pestilence all over the world, many peoples of the earth have come to believe in the friendship which the US Military personnel have spread for so many years. And the calls for help. They answer in time of personal emergency, a response which has always been immediate. Not long ago, a Korean Buddhist nun was suffering from beriberi, an advanced form of acute malnutrition. But she was living in an isolated monastery deep in the Korean hills and valleys. Her sister nuns contacted the nearest Army Signal Corps relay station and wheels began turning. In no time, an army helicopter landed at the station's helipad. American soldiers carried the stricken nun to the copter. She was flown to a waiting ambulance and whisked away to the hospital. Her recovery was rapid, thanks to the United States army, her newfound friends. Army helicopter men helped in many other ways. Over the hundred eight islands of the Ryukyus that spread from southern Japan to northern Formosa, army helicopters are constantly whirling their blades as they hop from one island to another on missions of mercy. They bring food donated by American women on Okinawa, or they bring vital medicine to save a life. They also bring friendship and understanding and freedom. The right of all men everywhere.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And the Bum Steer.

[Jake Denham]

Looks pretty bad, doesn't it, Mr. Dollar?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, Doc. It looks as though this hereford steer was brought over from the sea. Lucky Star was rebranded with a Lazy JD Was given the poison to make it look like it died of anthrax.

[Jake Denham]

But Mike Craven wounds to see Lucky Star. I know him, Dollar. I've known him ever since our college days.

[Johnny Dollar]

Medical college?

[Jake Denham]

Oh no. Just during the preparatory years. But Big Mike couldn't have done a thing like this.

[Johnny Dollar]

Big Mike has wanted to get his hands on the lazy JD for years, hasn't he?

[Jake Denham]

Of course, a lot of other big ranchers, but I'd stake my life on it. He'd never do it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, wait, wait.

[Jake Denham]

You should have taken that left turn to get to the sea. Lucky's tower.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's not where we're heading.

[Jake Denham]

Well, then where?

[Johnny Dollar]

If I remember correctly, it's this road to the right here.

[Jake Denham]

What? You mean the K Bar King?

[Johnny Dollar]

Got any better ideas?

[BetterHelp Ad]

What?

[Jake Denham]

An old Benny ranch house is dark.

[Johnny Dollar]

It won't be for long. Would you call this a good ranch, Doc?

[Jake Denham]

No, Old Carl has been just a hanger on. He hasn't made the place pay for quite some.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's going on out there? Who is it? Johnny? Dollar. Pete.

[Unknown]

Huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

I want to talk to you.

[Jake Denham]

Oh, sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

Door's open.

[Pete Kerma]

I'll be right down.

[Johnny Dollar]

Come on, Doc.

[Jake Denham]

Let's see if I can find the light switch.

[Johnny Dollar]

This flashlight will do. And we're going on upstairs, huh? Wait down there.

[Pete Kerma]

I'll be right down.

[Johnny Dollar]

We'll be right up.

[Pete Kerma]

Well, now, wait a minute. If you don't mind.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wow. Wow, wow. Nice place you have up here.

[Pete Kerma]

Look, I asked you to wait down. Dr. Cummings.

[Jake Denham]

I'm sorry, Peter.

[Johnny Dollar]

But how'd you make out with Virginia Denim, Pete convince her to marry you?

[Pete Kerma]

That's none of your business, Mr. Dollar. Now, just what do you want?

[Johnny Dollar]

Pretty nice ranch to get your hands on that lazy JD I beg your pardon? Combination bedroom and study, huh?

[Pete Kerma]

As Virginia told you, I've been going to college.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, medical school. Nice set of books you have here.

[Pete Kerma]

Of course, I'll have to give that up now.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, you're gonna have to give up a lot of things.

[Pete Kerma]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

Where did you get it? Pete, what was the name of that stuff?

[Jake Denham]

Dr. Quintanagen. Sulfide.

[Pete Kerma]

What do you know about. Well, I don't know what you're talking about.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then why the marker in this book on toxicology.

[Pete Kerma]

Marker?

[Johnny Dollar]

That was a foolish thing to do, Pete. A dead giveaway.

[Pete Kerma]

Yeah, I told you, I don't know what you're talking about.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yep, right here. Tannogen sulfide.

[Pete Kerma]

I never heard of it.

[Johnny Dollar]

You're lying, Pete.

[Pete Kerma]

No.

[Johnny Dollar]

Giving it that Hereford was probably a cinch.

[Pete Kerma]

Listen, you.

[Johnny Dollar]

But how did you give it to Jake Denham? $.

[Pete Kerma]

That's something you'll never live to know.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, look.

Now, wait a minute. Put the thing away. No, I'll stand back. I said look out.

[Unknown]

You stop.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, thanks, Doc. I. I guess he'd forgotten all about you until you landed that chair in his head.

[Jake Denham]

Yes. Now, I suppose I'll have to patch this. Patch him up a bit.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, absolutely. He'll have to look nice for the trial, won't he, Doc? Expense account item 8, $55.95. Living expenses include while waiting for the autopsy on Jake Denham. And yes, the same drug was used on him as on the Hereford steer. A small bottle of the rare drug was found in Pete Kerma's trunk. So Pete's not only lost a chance for a nice ranch, but for living very long. Expense account total, including incidentals and fareback to Hartford, 618.50. On second thought, how's about just sending that check to the community chest? Then I'll feel a little better about this case and about myself, too. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

And now, here is our star to tell you about next week's story.

Next week, an old ghost town out of Montana. But one of the Ghosts carries a.38 Colt. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood. It is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote tonight's story. Heard in our cast were Virginia Gregg, Gene Tatum, Will Wright, Jack Edwards, Howard McNear, Sam Edwards and Forest Lewis. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Dan Cubberley speaking. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Series Service.

[Dr. Regis Ross]

How do you make an Airbnb a vrbo? Picture a vacation rental with a host who's showing you every room like you've never seen a house before. Now get rid of them. There you go. No host ever. Now it's a vrbo. Make it a vrbo. How do you make an Airbnb a vrbo? Imagine trying to get your four best friends to agree on the perfect vacation house. Aisha wants spacious, Abby wants a cowboy tub, and Sophia keeps sharing one that's not available that weekend. Now imagine you have a property comparison tool that makes it easy to compare different houses. Suddenly, four friends who can't agree on an appetizer quickly agree on the perfect house for their trip. Because now it's a vrbo. Wish it was simpler to plan a vacation. Make it a vrbo.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. This is one of those situations where you understand why Johnny felt bad about it, but at the same time, it was really not his fault. He's under no obligation to make holes to random people who listen to his radio program. And really, Jake Denham should have gone through channels and contacted his insurance company in the same way that other people have done. But again, you understand why Johnny felt bad. And of course, the episode ends with another donation to the Community Chest, which is once again another helpful plug for that campaign. This episode is probably a bit of an escalation of the importance of the Johnny Dollar radio show in world as people's awareness of the show continues to drive their actions and make them aware of the existence of Johnny Dollar. Listener comments and feedback now. And yesterday I read a comment on a Mr. And Mrs. North episode and the Lion's Eye wrote on the poor little rich girl matter. Wow. Yesterday we had Casey Crom, photographer and Sam Spade showing up in Mrs. North. Now, Anthony J. Lyon and Johnny Dollar. If we can get Mr. Chameleon to show up in Dragnet, I'm going to go buy a lottery ticket. Well, I would stay away from the lottery ticket because obviously Carl Swenson didn't appear in Dragnet, but he did come to Hollywood. Although it was after Dragnet left the radio. He came to Hollywood right after that, working in TV and films. Some of his early work, had guest spot on Tales of Wells Fargo and then just became one of those actors who was everywhere on television in the 50s, 60s and until his death in the 70s. He did work in Hollywood radio a little bit, did a few episodes of Suspense, never got over to Johnny Dollar and then was in several radio revival programs. We will actually get to hear Carl Swenson working in a Hollywood production next year when we play Matthew Slade, private investigator where Swenson plays a supporting role. Then we have A comment from YouTube mechanic6682 writes, I've never once heard Johnny pay at his expenses, yet almost everyone who hires him accuses him of it and takes it for granted. Very early Johnny doll, with the Dick Powell audition and maybe an episode or two from the Charles Russell era back in 1949, you hear some pretty obvious padding of the expense account and it's blatant and totally shameless, but it doesn't really exist on any level after that. There are occasionally some suspicious items, but it's more nitpick rather than an outrageous robbery. It's like, okay, are you really expecting us to pay for your barbell because you were frustrated by the case and drinking alone? And occasionally Johnny will say something like and as many incidentals as I could think of, which suggest a few items being paid for that are perhaps a bit questionable, but again, much more nitpicks than he's being raw blind. I think that if there's an explanation for it in world, it's probably more the fact that he makes a lot of money and he has submitted some massive expense accounts and just the size of the expense account makes people suspicious, even if they've never encountered anything that they would hand over to an auditor or anything like that. And then we turn to Instagram where regarding the Operation Danger episode, Valencia writes, I just listened to this earlier, I was so into it, never heard of it before. Glad you played it well. Thank you so much Valencia. And now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to thank Mimi. Mimi's been one of our Patreon supporters since February 2016, currently supporting the podcast at the Seamus level of $4 or more per month thanks so much for your support, Mimi. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. We'll be back in three weeks with another episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. But enjoy some encore presentations in the meanwhile. But join us back here tomorrow for the last new episode of 2024 on Dragnet, where how about some of the church members?

[Virginia Denham]

Ms. Wilson, have any of them been at all unfriendly to you since you started coming here?

[Unknown]

No, I don't think so. A few are pretty hard to get to know. They're shy, I guess, but none of them have been uncharitable.

[Virginia Denham]

Then you don't think the threats are.

[Johnny Dollar]

Coming from anyone in the church?

[Unknown]

Well, if they are, I don't know who the person is. The way they say all those rotten things about me. They call me a sinner and a bad woman. Well, I guess I'm a sinner like all of us are. But I'm not a bad woman. I'm going to church because I want to be born again of the light. But I've never killed anyone and I've never been a bad woman. You believe me, don't you, Reverend?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, of course I do. Now, don't get yourself all upset, Sister Wilson.

[Unknown]

You think that's why they want to murder me, because I'm a sinner? You think that's why?

[Johnny Dollar]

Please, Sister Wilson, try and get your mind off.

[Unknown]

They want to kill me because I'm a sinner. Then why don't they want to kill all the sinners?

[Virginia Denham]

We're going to have a lot of.

[Johnny Dollar]

Homicides if they try.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to [e-mail] follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[Dr. Regis Ross]

How do you make an Airbnb a VRBO picture a vacation rental. Now imagine that every time you stay there, you earn rewards toward your next trip. Congrats. Now you're in a vrbo. Make it a vrbo. Onekeycash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expediahotels.com and Vrbo. How do you make an Airbnb a Vrbo picture a vacation rental with a host. The host is dragging your family on a tour of the kitchen, the bathroom, the upstairs bathroom, the downstairs bedroom, and the TV room, which, surprise, is where you can watch tv. Now imagine there's no host giving you a tour because there's never any hosts at all. Ever. Voila. You've got yourself a vrbo. Want a vacation that's completely and totally host free? Make it a vrbo. At Walden University, we get the W.

[BetterHelp Ad]

We come here for more than just a degree. We come here to make an impact. We step up when everything is on.

[Dr. Regis Ross]

The line and we create opportunities.

[BetterHelp Ad]

At Walden University, we learn the skills to get us to the next level. Plus, with flexible online learning, we can do it on our time. Now it's your time.

[Dr. Regis Ross]

Get the W. Walden University Set a course for change.

[BetterHelp Ad]

Visit Waldenu.edu to learn more. Certified to operate by SHED.