Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Doubtful Dairy Matter (EP4573)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Doubtful Dairy Matter (EP4553)"

Episode Release Date: December 13, 2024
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Featured Detective: Johnny Dollar
Episode Title: The Doubtful Dairy Matter

---

Introduction to the Case

In "The Doubtful Dairy Matter," freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is tasked with probing a suspicious insurance claim filed by Aram Armenian, the owner of Armenian Dairies. The case revolves around the mysterious destruction of a compound silo, which Armenian claims cost him $56,000 to replace. Given the hefty claim amount and the circumstances surrounding the previous silo fire, Johnny suspects foul play.

Johnny Dollar (03:02): "Sure, because Johnny, I think it was arson."

---

Uncovering the Suspicious Claims

Johnny begins his investigation by visiting Armenian Dairies in Warm Springs Valley. The dairy appears prosperous, with state-of-the-art facilities and well-maintained equipment. However, the recent destruction of the compound silo raises red flags.

Johnny Dollar (06:17): "But he claims it makes better silage for his cattle than is possible anywhere."

During his tour, Johnny notes the peculiar construction methods of the silos, which Armenian credits to Barnwell, a specialized builder. The narrative hints at unusual venting methods that enhance the quality of silage but also suggest potential vulnerabilities.

Aram Armenian (06:19): "Oh, the size had nothing to do with that. It was the inner construction known only to Barnwell, the man who built it for me."

---

Tensions Rise: A Confrontation at the Ranch

As Johnny delves deeper, he senses that Armenian's eagerness to file a large insurance claim swiftly might be masking deceit. His suspicions are further fueled by the insurance company's quick response to the claim and the absence of evidence suggesting an accidental fire.

Amidst his investigation, Johnny faces personal danger when Aram Armenian confronts him aggressively, leading to a physical altercation.

Johnny Dollar (11:18): "Get out of here."

Aram Armenian (17:14): "Believe me, I intend to find out."

This intense encounter leaves Johnny with unanswered questions and a determination to uncover the truth behind the silo fires.

---

Piecing Together the Puzzle

Recovering from the attack, Johnny reflects on the clues. He recalls a conversation with Herb Carlbert from Reno's Farm Trade National Bank, who indirectly points towards financial motives that could drive someone to commit arson.

Johnny's investigation reveals that Barnwell, the silo builder, has a history of burning silos to secure more lucrative construction contracts. This pattern fits the current case, suggesting that Barnwell himself might be orchestrating the fires.

Johnny Dollar (19:38): "Well, Johnny, you're right, but who would have suspected?"

Aram Armenian (21:27): "Here's the final blueprint for it."

---

The Climactic Confrontation

The tension culminates when Johnny confronts Joe Barnwell, the builder responsible for the silos. In a dramatic showdown, Johnny exposes Barnwell's scheme to intentionally destroy silos, thereby forcing clients to invest in his expensive rebuilding services repeatedly.

Aram Armenian (21:20): "Here's the final blueprint for it."

Johnny Dollar (22:06): "You certainly won't. What? Good heavens, Johnny."

Faced with irrefutable evidence and the mark of a telltale ring from the previous confrontation, Barnwell confesses to the arson, revealing an elaborate racket designed to maximize his profits at the expense of his clients.

---

Conclusion and Reflections

The episode wraps up with Johnny Dollar successfully unraveling the mystery behind the "Doubtful Dairy Matter." His tenacity and keen observational skills unveil the truth, ensuring that justice is served for Armenian Dairies.

Aram Armenian (22:16): "Start talking. Tell a manian how you burned up his fancy expression expensive silo so you could build another one."

---

Host Commentary

After the episode, host Adam Graham provides his insights, highlighting the depth of the mystery and the complexities faced by Johnny Dollar. He discusses the ethical dilemmas and the physical risks Johnny takes in pursuit of truth, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on the detective's methods and motivations.

Adam Graham (28:13): "I have mixed feelings on Johnny's going so hard after a false solution. On one hand, it shows the downside of a detective who bases so much on instinct and intuition... On the other hand, it can be almost cartoonish to continue to persist to the degree he does."

Graham also engages with listener feedback, acknowledging the impact of Bob Bailey's portrayal of Johnny Dollar and the varying preferences among the audience.

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Closing Notes:
"The Doubtful Dairy Matter" stands out as a compelling installment in the Johnny Dollar series, blending classic detective storytelling with thoughtful commentary. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio for more enthralling adventures from the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Adam Graham]

The Old Time Radio Snack Wagon.

[Johnny Dollar]

How was things?

[Aram Armenian]

I asked the uncle. Real gay and carefree.

[Johnny Dollar]

I was shining like the sun overhead one minute and hit by a clap of thunder and a bolt of lightning the next. You're going to the wedding, Davey. I tell you, boy, I kind of wish twas you the girl was marrying.

[Adam Graham]

Listen to the Old Time radio snack wagon snackwagon.net or wherever you get your podcast. Welcome to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio from Kalispell, Montana, 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 remind you, as you're making your travel plans, remember johnnydollar.com first johnnydollar.com is our Priceline affiliate link. So part of the purchase price benefits the great detectives of Old Time Radio at no additional cost to you. So remember, when making your travel plans, check johnny$air.com. but now, from September 29, 1957, here is the doubtful dairy matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

From Hollywood. It's time now for.

[Aram Armenian]

Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

This is Peter Hardy at Tri Western.

[Aram Armenian]

Property and Casualty Insurance.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hi.

[Aram Armenian]

How are things in the Golden West? You still in Reno?

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure I am.

[Aram Armenian]

Good boy. What goes, Pete? A little trouble with a big dairy.

[Johnny Dollar]

Farm out here, Johnny. A minion dairy.

[Aram Armenian]

Okay, Pete, tell me all.

[Johnny Dollar]

A year and a half ago, in a fire, Armenian lost one of his silos. You know, one of those big towers where they store and cure a lot.

[Aram Armenian]

Of chopped up corn and stuff. Yeah, yeah, I know.

[Johnny Dollar]

Cost us $21,000.

[Aram Armenian]

21,000 for a silo.

[Johnny Dollar]

This time it's a compound silo and the claim is for 56,000. But I don't want to pay it.

[Aram Armenian]

I don't blame you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure Because Johnny, I think it was arson. 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 Dollar.

[Aram Armenian]

Expense account submitted by Special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Tri Western Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Reno, Nevada office. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the doubtful dairy matter expense account item 114120 Transportation and Incidentals, Hartford Arena, Nevada. It was about 9am when I arrived, so I checked into the Mace Hotel, then walked over to Pete Hardy's office.

[Johnny Dollar]

Armenian dairies are just north of here Johnny, in Warm Springs valley off Route 33.

[Aram Armenian]

Well then I'd better run me a car.

[Johnny Dollar]

Or you can use mine.

[Aram Armenian]

Now Pete, how can I run up my expense account unless I have something to run it up with Johnny for once?

[Johnny Dollar]

Anyhow, the reason why these silos Armenian hats are so expensive.

[Aram Armenian]

Is that the owner's name by the way?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, Aram, Armenian.

[Aram Armenian]

And I take it he's Armenian?

[Johnny Dollar]

Strangely enough, no. Now he's had all his silos very specially built.

[Aram Armenian]

Oh, how specially can you build a silo? Just a concrete base, a lot of long wooden staves to get the circular shape and a good roof on top.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, he has some trick with him inside.

[Aram Armenian]

Like what?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's his deep dark secret. But he claims it makes better silage for his cattle than is possible anywhere.

[Aram Armenian]

Else in the world. And one of these things burned up a year and a half ago.

[Johnny Dollar]

The word exploded best describes it. Yeah, and as I said, cost us.

[Aram Armenian]

21,000 and now the replacement has gone up in plans. Yes, day before yesterday.

[Johnny Dollar]

He filed the claim the same day.

[Aram Armenian]

Well why do you suspect arson? Did the local authorities find anything suspicious?

[Johnny Dollar]

No, but you go out and talk with a Minian, Johnny, and if you don't end up with the same kind of feeling I have, well, I'll eat my shirt.

[Aram Armenian]

Expense Account Item 2, $50 Deposit on a drive your own car. Finding the Armenian Darien Ranch some 20 miles north of the city was easy. It was spread out all over the countryside. Hundreds of acres of well irrigated, lush green pasture square in the middle of the ranch at one of the cleanest, most modern dairies I ever saw. Aram Eminem gave me the grand tour and I must say I was impressed. There was close to 200 well kept guernseys in the main barn which was clean as a whistle. The milking machines, coolers, separators, clarifiers and so on were the same. Yep, a prosperous looking setup. Finally, Mr. Armenian took me out to where a small group of workmen were cleaning up what was left of his compound silo.

[Johnny Dollar]

As you can see, Mr. Dollar, only the concrete base is left.

[Aram Armenian]

That must have been a pretty big silo, Mr. Armenian.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, the largest and most efficient in the entire West.

[Aram Armenian]

Still, $56,000.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, the size had nothing to do with that. It was the inner construction known only to Barnwell, the man who built it for me. And to myself, of course.

[Aram Armenian]

What is so special about it?

[Johnny Dollar]

Principally a method of venting.

[Aram Armenian]

Venting?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, it increases the phosphorus and lactic acid content.

[Aram Armenian]

Well, I thought the point in the silo was to keep it pretty well sealed up.

[Johnny Dollar]

Venting within, Mr. Dollar. But that's all I'll tell you about it. It cost me 56,000 to have Barnwell build it. And I wish the company to pay my claim as quickly as possible because I'm starting construction on new one immediately.

[Aram Armenian]

Of the same type.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, vastly improved type.

[Aram Armenian]

Oh, Then it was to your advantage to lose the old one.

[Johnny Dollar]

Just what do you mean by that?

[Aram Armenian]

Your loss came at just the right time, didn't it?

[Johnny Dollar]

Not just a minute, though.

[Aram Armenian]

With the insurance money, you can build a new and better one. And when it gets out of date, I suppose you'll have another fire.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I see. You. You think perhaps these last two were deliberately set, were they?

[Aram Armenian]

Ridiculous, is it?

[Johnny Dollar]

But if they were. Yeah, if they were, I certainly wouldn't know it.

[Aram Armenian]

Oh, come on now. After what you've just said?

[Johnny Dollar]

And what's more, Mr. Dollar, I'm sure you'll never be able to prove it. Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. We sometimes wonder, what is the life of a human being really worth? Not too much, or maybe a great deal. Does it depend on whose life it is? Whatever the answer, one thing is certain. Fred Hargesheimer, since World War II, has felt that his life is worth quite a lot, quite a lot of gratitude. During the war in the Pacific, About June of 1943, Lt. Hargesheimer had his P38 fighter plane shot out of the sky. Badly wounded, he bailed out over a tiny island, New Britain. It looked pretty small from where he hit the silk, but he found it much bigger. When he hit the ground, it was bigger and in complete control of the enemy. But Hagersheimer was lucky. After a month of lonely hiding, he was found by a group of friendly natives from the village of Nantambu. They cared for him and successfully hid him from enemy patrols for the next Four months at the risk of their own lives. Then Hargesheimer was able to make it back to civilization. For the next 17 years, Fred Hargesheimer thought about those wonderful people of Nantambu, 12,000 miles away in the United States of America. Hargesheimer put a great plan into effect. He made speeches, took up collections, sold jewelry belonging to his family, and worked out a way to bring a bit of civilization and happiness to the little village of Nantambu. Needless to say, the villagers gave him a spectacular welcome. Upon his return, Fred Hargesheimer showed his gratitude to the people who had saved his life. But life is worth little without freedom, the right of all men everywhere. And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the doubtful dairy matter.

[Aram Armenian]

By what he said and the way he said it, Aramomanian was practically challenging me to find out how arson was involved in the destruction of his $56,000 secretly constructed compound silo. Expense account, item three. Phone call from a gas station on Highway 33 to Reno Police headquarters. But Lieutenant Brady of the arson squad assured me he'd fail to find anything indicating the fire was set so dead end on. Until I remembered a little trick that had worked for me before and might work again. Item 4.27 cents for a loaf of white bread at a grocery store along the highway. Then I drove back to the Armenian ranch.

[Johnny Dollar]

If I had known you were hungry, Mr. Dollar, I should have had something provided for you at the ranch house. In spite of your rather nasty attitude about this loss of mine.

[Aram Armenian]

Food is the last thing I'm thinking of, Mr. Armenian.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then why this loaf of bread if you're not. Whoops.

[Aram Armenian]

Now, let's see.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now surely you're not going to eat the piece that dropped in the ashes.

[Aram Armenian]

No.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then get it out of your mouth, man.

[Aram Armenian]

Well.

[Johnny Dollar]

Whatever in the world are you doing, Mr. Dollar?

[Aram Armenian]

Yeah, yeah, I knew it.

[Johnny Dollar]

You knew what?

[Aram Armenian]

A sure. A sure test for kerosene, Mr. Armenian.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Aram Armenian]

Yeah, fresh bread dropped in the ashes of a fire even days after the fire is out.

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't understand.

[Aram Armenian]

I can still taste the kerosene and mister, it makes things look pretty bad for you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Me? Oh, good Heavens, man, you can't. $, I resent this. This completely unfounded accusation.

[Aram Armenian]

Go right ahead and resent. Or better still, let me get hold of a stenographer and you can dictate a confession.

[Johnny Dollar]

Get out of here.

[Aram Armenian]

Want to do it the hard way, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Get off this, Blanche$. Now leave immediately.

[Aram Armenian]

Sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

I warn you, don't come back. Because if you do.

[Aram Armenian]

Better be careful, Mr. Armenian. The kind of a threat you're about to make wouldn't sound very good in court. Get out.

[Johnny Dollar]

Get out.

[Aram Armenian]

On the highway, I stopped at the mobile gas station again and made another phone call. Item five, another 20 cents it was to my old friend Herb Carlbert, cashier of Reno's Farm Trade National Bank. It was fast closing time, but he promised to leave a door open for me. So I grabbed a sandwich and a Coke along the way. That's item six, 80 cents, including tips. Then at the bank, Herb led me back to his private office.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, sit down, Johnny. Tell me all about yourself.

[Aram Armenian]

Yeah, later, Herb, we'll go out on the town and talk our heads off. Right now I need some information. I hope you can tell me where to get it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, information about what?

[Aram Armenian]

The Armenian dairy. Or better still, Armenian himself. You know him?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I certainly do. We're his bank. His happens to be one of the best accounts we have, especially in our investment department.

[Aram Armenian]

You mean it's big?

[Johnny Dollar]

Funny big.

[Aram Armenian]

Like how much?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well now, Johnny, I'll tell you this. If I had a quarter of his net worth, I'd have retired long ago.

[Aram Armenian]

No big outstanding debts on his place, anything like that?

[Johnny Dollar]

Not a penny. Aram's financial condition is his. Now wait a minute.

[Aram Armenian]

Yeah?

[Johnny Dollar]

That fire and explosion of his compound silo.

[Aram Armenian]

Yeah, that's right. Hereby found evidence indicating Isaac.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, certainly aren't accusing him.

[Aram Armenian]

Who else?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, no, no, you're wrong.

[Aram Armenian]

Now look, Herb, he filed that claim.

[Johnny Dollar]

So fast, the most natural thing in the world for him. It's the way he does everything, like paying his bills immediately on receipt. He works that way. You expect everybody else to.

[Aram Armenian]

Well, he gave me the impression he wanted to collect quickly in order to have money for rebuilding, of course, rather.

[Johnny Dollar]

Than cash in some of his blue chip investments.

[Aram Armenian]

Herb, somebody fired that silo.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, it certainly wouldn't be Aaron.

[Aram Armenian]

Ah, you sound like your incohos. Him? What about his employees? From my impression of the man, they.

[Johnny Dollar]

Love him like a father, every one of them. And if every employer was as generous as he is, there wouldn't be any labor troubles in this country.

[Aram Armenian]

Well, the fact remains that somebody somehow stood to profit by destroying that silo and the one before it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I can't imagine who. Even his competitors like and respect the man, or so they say. No, no, no, they do. He's helped them stay on their feet during hard times, develop new ideas and methods, then pass them on to them.

[Aram Armenian]

Oh, the factory maze.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny, Johnny, I've had a rough day. How about a nice, cool, casual drink? Then we'll have dinner and take in.

[Aram Armenian]

The Town Item 7. 21:30 for drinks and a good dinner back at the Mapes. But I didn't enjoy either because Herb and his defense of Armenian was no help at all. Except perhaps for giving me a list of all the people he could think of who did business with him. I decided to check them all first thing in the morning. Finally, about midnight, having lost our share at a couple of nearby gambling clubs, we parted. Herb drove away to his home on the outskirts of town. I went back to The Maples. Take Mr. And Mrs. Kenworthy to room 314.

[Johnny Dollar]

Boy.

[Aram Armenian]

Yes, sir.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Aram Armenian]

Oh, Mrs. Ollie.

[Johnny Dollar]

Er. How.

[Aram Armenian]

Just like he, please. Certainly. Here you are, sir. And I hope you enjoy a pleasant night's rest. Thanks. Oh, by the way, there was a gentleman here looking for you early this evening. Hung around quite a while. Said he'd be back. Who was he? He didn't give his name, sir, nor did he wish to leave a message. Mr. Armenian. Mr. Armenian, the dairyman?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, sir.

[Aram Armenian]

I'm quite sure. Okay, thanks. Yes, sir. Good night.

[Johnny Dollar]

Good night, sir.

[Aram Armenian]

Oh, Mr. Dollar. Yeah?

[Johnny Dollar]

There he is there.

[Aram Armenian]

Huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Going out the door.

[Aram Armenian]

The dark brown coat. You're sure? Yes, sir. The same man. I wonder. Yeah, so do I. But if he knows you, sir, and saw you, sir. By the time I got out the front door, the man in the brown coat was halfway down the block and walking fast, faster and faster. As a matter of fact, as I gained on him, he turned the corner and by this time both of us were running. Hey. Hey. Were you looking for me? By the end of three or four blocks, it was a real foot race. Then suddenly he turned into an alley, and like a darn fool, I plunged into the darkness of it after him. Hey.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, right here.

[Aram Armenian]

Oh, no. You.

[Johnny Dollar]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment, our flag now numbers.

[Aram Armenian]

50 stars, and behind each star there.

[Johnny Dollar]

Stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. New Hampshire state flag carries its state seal on a field of dark blue. The seal is surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves, the symbol of peace.

[Aram Armenian]

Interspersed with nine stars. Because New Hampshire was the ninth state.

[Johnny Dollar]

To join the Union, the heart of the state seal is a representation of the frigate Raleigh recalling the glory of the early days of sale. New Hampshire state flag. The flag of the ninth state and to the union was adopted on April 29, 1931. And now, Act Three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Doubtful Dairy matters.

[Aram Armenian]

If it hadn't been for a big interstate moving van that drove into the alley where I've been way led. Well, I have a strong hunch I wasn't supposed to have lived through that beating. The truck driver, who absolutely refused a tip, incidentally, half walked, half carried me back to the Mapes. And the desk clerk had a doctor in my room within a few minutes. Terrible thing.

[Johnny Dollar]

Terrible thing.

[Aram Armenian]

Mr. Donald, you're being attacked like this. Of course, I'll have to make a report over to the police. Do anything you like, Doctor. Just get me patched up with you. And you. Easy now. You have no idea who could have.

[Johnny Dollar]

Done this to you.

[Aram Armenian]

Believe me, I intend to find out. Judging by this swollen hand of yours, you've got in some good licks, though, and whoever. What's the matter? Well, this is a very unusual ring. Your wife, some kids in the YMCA gave it to me a couple of years ago when I helped them with a softball team.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yes, of course. That's the Y insignia.

[Aram Armenian]

Yeah, one of them made it. And the three raised points stand for spirit, body and mind. Yeah, that's right. Well, now, if you're just. Oh, wait. What's that for? Make sure you get plenty of rest. Oh, no, no. I'm the doctor. Roll up your sleeve. Here, I'll do it. Look, if this shot leaves me groggy in the morning, you wake up feeling fine. There you are. Incidentally, that ring. Listen, before you notify the police. Oh, hey, this. This shot works pretty fast.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yep.

[Aram Armenian]

As I started to say, Fuck if that ring of yours didn't leave a mark on whomever you defended yourself against out there.

[Adam Graham]

Much surprised.

[Aram Armenian]

In a few seconds, I was out like a light. But then a whole set of weird dreams began to plague my somewhat battered mind. And questions about who would attack me and why. Only the why was only too obvious to keep me from finding an arsonist who. Yeah, yeah. Who probably bore the mark of my ring on his kisser. I thought of the names Herb had given me. And his insistence that none of them could be guilty. Wait a minute. There was one name he hadn't mentioned, but a minion had. Of one man who stood to gain a lot by the destruction of the silos. Or maybe it was just a crazy hunch. Part of the wild dreams that came from the beating I'd taken. In any event, in the morning, as soon as the bank was open, I was in Herb Carlbert's office again.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, yes. He has an account here, too, Johnny. At least he did before.

[Aram Armenian]

How about Loans? Has this man we're talking about taking out any loans?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, yes, but, Johnny, you know, I.

[Aram Armenian]

Yeah, I know, I know. The fact remains he's pretty hard up for dough, isn't he?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I didn't say that. Although, of course, if that's the conclusion you choose to draw, tell me this.

[Aram Armenian]

He owes the bank money now, doesn't he?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes. All right.

[Aram Armenian]

Did he also owe the bank a lot of money? About a year and a half ago, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, well, Johnny, you're right, but who would have suspected? And when you consider that Araminian is the one man who has given him money for all the work he's. I can't believe it, Herb.

[Aram Armenian]

It started out as a pure hunch, but right now I'd bet my. Where can I find him?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, if Aram plans to go ahead with new construction, sure, out there at the dairy.

[Aram Armenian]

You want to come along?

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe I'd better. After the way Aram threatened you, I.

[Aram Armenian]

Guess I owe him an apology for the way I tore into him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Let's go, Johnny.

[Aram Armenian]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

What? What if we're wrong? What if this man we think is the arsonist.

[Aram Armenian]

Would you agree that the firebug is the same man who attacked me in the alley?

[Johnny Dollar]

I suppose so.

[Aram Armenian]

Then we'll soon know, because believe me, he's a marked man. We made the armenian, Terry in 30 minutes flat. And we're told at the gate that Aram Armenian was in the pasture plan.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe you better let me talk to Aram first, John.

[Aram Armenian]

It's not Aaron that I'm interested in, Herb, and you know it. Oh, just a minute.

[Johnny Dollar]

Huh? What's the matter?

[Aram Armenian]

Hold on a second. What do you want me to. My shoelace?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure. And I've been thinking, Johnny, on the way out, you know, we could really be terribly, terribly. Herbert, old man. Aram, we're just looking for you.

[Aram Armenian]

Well, I heard the.

[Johnny Dollar]

I thought it was Joe Barnwell. He's due here to show me final plans for the new silo he's gone to. Well, it's a dollar and.

[Aram Armenian]

That's right, Mr. Armenian. I want to apologize for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, what's the matter?

[Aram Armenian]

That dressing on your cheek.

[Johnny Dollar]

What about it?

[Aram Armenian]

Just what is that little bandage hiding, Johnny? Well, Armenian.

[Johnny Dollar]

As a matter of fact, I cut myself shaving this morning.

[Aram Armenian]

Well, I'm sorry, mister, but that bandage is going to have to come off. Look, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, just a minute, Dolly. Ah, here you are, Arabs.

[Aram Armenian]

Here's the final blueprint for it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why, a song, Joe. Gentlemen, this is Mr. Joseph Barnwell. Herb Carlbert. We know each other. And Mr. Johnny Dollar.

[Aram Armenian]

Yeah, I think we know each other too, Barnwell.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, do we, Joe? Did you have an accident of some sort? Your face.

[Aram Armenian]

What's going to happen to him now? Won't be any accident, Mr. Armenian. And I apologize for doubting that. You cut yourself with a razor.

[Johnny Dollar]

What? I'm afraid I don't understand.

[Aram Armenian]

But that bandage on your face doesn't hide any razor cut, does it, Barnwell? Well, I don't know what you're talking about. All right, then, let's rip it off.

[Johnny Dollar]

You certainly won't. What? Good heavens, Johnny.

[Aram Armenian]

Yeah, look. The mark from the ring on my hand where I struck him last night. Okay, Barnwell, now stop.

[Johnny Dollar]

Don't touch me.

[Aram Armenian]

Start talking. Tell a manian how you burned up his fancy expression expensive silo so you could build another one. Oh, you burned the other one up. Talk. I swear I talk. Yeah, he talked all right. Plenty. About a racket so old I hadn't heard of it in years. The crooked builder who burned out his own clients to get himself more work. And in this case, a natural, because he was the only one who shared Aram's secret construction plans. And by the time I was through with him, he blabbed about some of the other clients he'd taken the same way. Expense account total, including incidentals and the trip Back to Hartford, $418 even. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Our star, Bob Bailey, will return in just a moment to give you a hint about what's in store for you on next week's program. Meantime, listen carefully. There is a biblical verse which promises, life is going to be better for everybody in the world. When mercy and truth are met together, and righteousness and peace have kissed each other. When the people of the United States of America express that thought, it is not in idleness, but in deeds. Today it is common knowledge that when the gigantic earthquakes and tidal waves struck the Republic of Chile in South America not too long ago, thousands of lives were lost and tens of thousands were left homeless, hungry and suffering. Immediate aid in the form of food, medicine, clothing, supplies and professional and technical help were flown to Chile by the United States Air Force in a mercy airlift. When the work was done and the suffering people made happier and more comfortable, American servicemen received such grateful thanks from the people of Chile that they felt increased pride in being able to wear the uniform of the United States of America. This same pride has come to other Americans in uniform. When mercy and truth have come together to follow the wake of disaster in other parts of the world, after the earthquake in Agadir, Morocco, after two devastating cyclones swept across the Bay of Bengal into East Pakistan, after a typhoon rocked and battered Japan. As mercy and truth got together, so did peace and righteousness to form a pact for freedom, the right of all men everywhere. And now here is our star to tell you about next week's intriguing story on yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Aram Armenian]

Next week. Well, I get into cattle country again and a Hereford steer solves the case for me. So join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[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 Paul Duboff, Will Wright, John Dana, Harry Bartel, Harley Bear and Forest Lewis. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Dan Coverly speaking. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Narrator]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. A pretty good solution. I didn't guess the builder as a suspect, but he makes sense. And given the insured's lack of motive, Johnny should have started looking somewhere else right away. Though I don't know what it says that he found the solution to the case only after a heavy beating and doctor prescribed narcotics. Not certain the message they're sending with that. I have mixed feelings on Johnny's going so hard after a false solution. On one hand, it shows the downside of a detective who bases so much on instinct and intuition and has so much success. And it shows how that instinct and intuition can lead him in counterfactual ways, particularly when in the past he's gone in very hard and heavy and coming up correct. On the other hand, it can be almost cartoonish to continue to persist to the degree he does. Also, the beating or at least the scale of the beating was out of character for the way that Bailey played Johnny Dollar in nearly every episode. So I didn't much care for that. And the things that a suspect admits while you are knocking him senseless tend to be things that they can easily recant when they are no longer being beaten by you. And so that creates some definite legal problems. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback. We start out on Facebook with a comment on the JPD matter from Delia, who writes one of my favorite episodes. Well, thanks so much Delia. And I'd agree it's a very solid episode. I was also reflecting this past week that that whole part where she was talking about their brewing process could have easily been turned into a beer commercial for by someone who had the talent to do so. And then on YouTube we have a comment from the Butcher. In some ways I wish I never listened to Bob Bailey episodes. When I first started listening to the great detectives, it was John Lunn and Edmund O'Brien. I was always entertained. But then I started listening to Bob Bailey and he raised the bar so high. I now re listen to Lund and O'Brien and find myself fighting to care. The characters seem dull and I don't wonder who committed the crime. It's amazing what one man can do for the whole show. Don't blame yourself, Adam. But seriously, thank you for introducing him to us. Well, thanks so much. I appreciate the comment and it definitely is a challenge for so many listeners, particularly those who grew up with nothing but Bob Bailey. There's definitely a lot that he brings to the role and I think really owns the role for most listeners, although there are many exceptions. There are a lot of O'Brien people out there and now I think particularly there are younger fans who really strongly prefer John Lunt. So I just play them all, enjoy them for what they bring, and let people make their own judgments and preferences. All right, well, now it is time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day. And I want to thank Delilah, patreon Supporter since December 2019, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Delilah. And that will actually do it for 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 will be back next Friday with another episode of yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. But join us back here tomorrow for Dragnet Ware.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hi, Jim. Jim, this is McMillan Mackins, my partner. Jim Rhodes.

[Aram Armenian]

Yeah. Do we do business, Howard?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. He's all right, Jim. He's ready to score.

[Aram Armenian]

How much do you want?

[Johnny Dollar]

Whole bundle. You can start with 10 G's worth.

[Aram Armenian]

Can you handle that, McMillan?

[Johnny Dollar]

I'd say so. If I couldn't, I don't give it away. You get the money.

[Aram Armenian]

You get the stuff.

[Johnny Dollar]

When?

[Aram Armenian]

10 G's worth. Tonight. Rest next week.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, midnight. Now.

[Aram Armenian]

What do you expect me to do? Bring the money with me. Howard will pick you up at 3am Same corner. That doesn't give me much time, does it? It's enough time if you're really looking.

[Johnny Dollar]

If you're just shopping, we'll forget about it.

[Aram Armenian]

Right now, a lot of my customers.

[Johnny Dollar]

Live out of town. That's interesting.

[Aram Armenian]

Ten grand is no geezer. Suppose I can't get all the money together? Then don't show up.

[Johnny Dollar]

All or nothing.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box 13. Follow us on Twitter at radiodetactives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[Narrator]

With the summer sizzle starting to fizzle, cooler heads are looking to lock in a wellness routine fit for the fall and beyond. Lucky for you, Ritual's high standards don't drop with the temperature. Fully committed to traceable science and sourcing, Ritual is shaking up the supplement industry with high quality ingredients and scientifically developed formulas. With them, you know what you're taking, where it comes from and why it's important. They've got every base covered, from their clinically backed women's 18 plus multivitamin to groundbreaking options like stress relief and sleep melatonin, which both use first of its kind bioseries, technology designed to optimize formula delivery. And right now, for a limited time, get up to 40% off your first [e-mail] podcast.