Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Silver Belle Matter (EP4603)

Summary

Summary of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Silver Belle Matter" (EP4603)

Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham presents "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Silver Belle Matter". Starring Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, the story unfolds in the mining town of Silver Gulch, Montana, where an elderly client, Mercedes Crabtree, has mysteriously disappeared. Johnny Dollar, a seasoned freelance insurance investigator, is tasked with uncovering the truth behind her disappearance and the suspicious circumstances surrounding her life insurance policy.

Act One: The Case Unfolds

Johnny Dollar receives a call from his contact, George Reid, who informs him about a significant problem involving Mercedes Crabtree. The issue revolves around a life insurance policy, potentially worth up to $50,000, which appears to be under threat.

Notable Quote:

Johnny Dollar [02:28]: "$25,000 problem. Possibly 50,000."

Dollar learns that Mrs. Crabtree, despite having a longstanding policy of nearly 30 years, was recently targeted when someone attempted to shoot her. This incident coincides with her sudden disappearance the night before. The beneficiary of the policy is a favorite charity, adding complexity to the motive behind the attempted murder.

Act Two: Investigation Deepens

Johnny travels to Silver Gulch, Montana, to investigate. Upon arrival, he rents a Model T and meets Mrs. Henrietta Scott, who initially mistakes him for someone from an antique shop. Through their interaction, Johnny discovers that Mrs. Crabtree owns significant property in the town, particularly preventing any development plans by Charlie Greenpaw, a local businessman intent on revitalizing Silver Gulch into a tourist attraction.

Notable Quote:

Mrs. Henrietta Scott [07:07]: "Most people in this town right now, they ain't got no use for her. They say she's stopping progress."

As Johnny delves deeper, he encounters Charlie Greenpaw and Slim Richards, the sheriff's deputy. Greenpaw reveals his ambition to transform the town but is met with resistance from Mrs. Crabtree, who refuses to sell her land, especially The Silver Bell Mine—a site where Mrs. Crabtree's husband died six months prior.

Notable Quote:

Charlie Greenpaw [16:34]: "Just get the old lady to sell me her mine and the acreage along next to Mrs. Scott's place."

Act Three: The Confrontation

Tensions escalate when Johnny discovers that Mrs. Crabtree was forcibly taken into the Silver Bell Mine. During a clandestine meeting, Greenpaw proposes that Johnny facilitates the sale of Mrs. Crabtree's property in exchange for a substantial cash reward. Johnny anticipates the ulterior motives behind Greenpaw's proposition, suspecting foul play.

As the investigation progresses, a fire breaks out at Mrs. Crabtree's cabin, raising suspicions about the true nature of her disappearance. Johnny confronts Mrs. Scott, uncovering her involvement in sabotaging Mrs. Crabtree's life insurance policy to benefit Greenpaw's redevelopment plans.

Notable Quote:

George Reid [22:12]: "If that's so, why would I be so concerned about it? And why would I write Mr. Morton telling him she'd been shot at and wiring when she disappeared."

In a climactic showdown, Mrs. Crabtree reveals her resolve to protect her land and confronts Mrs. Scott, leading to the exposure of the conspiracy orchestrated by Greenpaw.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Johnny Dollar successfully unraveling the mystery, ensuring justice for Mrs. Crabtree, and thwarting Charlie Greenpaw's exploitative plans for Silver Gulch. The narrative highlights themes of greed, integrity, and the importance of standing up against corruption.

Notable Quote:

George Reid [24:35]: "Next week, a beautiful girl is killed. And with her goes a big part of my own heart. It's one of those things that... Well, join us, won't you?"

Noteworthy Elements

• Character Dynamics: The interplay between Johnny Dollar and the supporting characters, especially Mrs. Scott and Charlie Greenpaw, drives the suspense and intrigue throughout the episode.

• Setting: Silver Gulch serves as a classic backdrop for detective stories, embodying the isolation and ruggedness conducive to mystery narratives.

• Moral Undertones: The story emphasizes ethical conduct in the face of adversity, showcasing Johnny Dollar's unwavering commitment to his clients and the truth.

Listener Insights

Post-episode discussions highlighted the compelling performances of Bob Bailey and Virginia Gregg, particularly in emotionally charged scenes within Mrs. Crabtree's cabin. Listeners also appreciated the intricate plot and the seamless integration of suspense with character development.

Notable Listener Comment:

Poppy5160 (YouTube): "Bob Bailey and Virginia Gregg's finest work. The scene where Johnny and Kathleen were in the cabin was their finest work. I felt the emotional powerfully as they spoke."

Closing Thoughts

"Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Silver Belle Matter" stands out as a quintessential detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio, blending intricate storytelling with memorable performances. Adam Graham's insightful commentary further enriches the listening experience, inviting audiences to delve deeper into the nuances of old-time radio mysteries.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we'll bring you this week's episode of Yours truly, Johnny Doller. But first, I do want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast, to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And also as you're making your travel plans, please visit johnnydollerair.com first. Johnnydoller air.com is our Priceline affiliate link. If you purchase through Johnny Dollar Air, part of the purchase price will benefit the great detectives of Old Time Radio at no additional cost to you. So remember, when making your travel plans, check johnnydoller air.com first. Well now, from October 13, 1957, here is the Silver Bell matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

From Hollywood. It's time now for.

[George Reid]

Johnny Dollar. George Reid is well. Hi George. Haven't heard from you in a long time.

[Johnny Dollar]

Skip the formalities, Johnny. I have a problem.

[George Reid]

You and everybody else.

[Johnny Dollar]

$25,000 problem. Possibly 50,000.

[George Reid]

Double indemnity clause, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

Right.

[George Reid]

Who's insured?

[Johnny Dollar]

Name is Mercedes Crabtree.

[George Reid]

Crabtree?

[Johnny Dollar]

Elderly woman, lives out in Montana.

[George Reid]

Uhhuh. And how long has the policy been in effect?

[Johnny Dollar]

Almost 30 years.

[George Reid]

And you're crying because you have to pay it off?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, that's it, Johnny.

[George Reid]

We aren't sure what.

[Johnny Dollar]

A few days ago somebody took a shot at it. They miss. But yeah, last night she disappeared. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator, yours truly, Johnny Dallas. And now, act one of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[George Reid]

Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to Floyd's of England American branch office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following Is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the silver barrel matter. Spelled B, E, double L, E. Expense account. Out of 185 cents. Taxi. From my apartment at George Reed's office. He was on his seat waiting for me. His suit looked like he'd slept in it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Close the door, Johnny.

[George Reid]

Yeah, sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny, I'm not going to mince words with you. This one's important not only to me, but to Floyd.

[George Reid]

How come?

[Johnny Dollar]

Because Mrs. Crabtree was one of our first American clients. And because Murdoch Morton told her that policy.

[George Reid]

Murdoch Morton? Who? That.

[Johnny Dollar]

My goodness, Johnny, Mr. Morton's the President of our company. You should know that by now.

[George Reid]

Oh, yeah, I suppose I should. Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, at the time Mr. Morton sold her the policy, he and Mrs. Crabtree became very close friends.

[George Reid]

And where was Mr. Crabtree while all this was going on?

[Johnny Dollar]

He'd been killed in an accident in his mine six months before. Johnny, you have a very suspicious.

[George Reid]

I know, George. Prettier people than you have told me. Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, anyway, since that time, Mr. Morton and Mrs. Crabtree have corresponded regularly. And when Mr. Morton heard that someone had taken a shot at her.

[George Reid]

Now, wait a minute, George. Mr. Morton's in London, right?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes.

[George Reid]

Well, just how did he happen to hear about the shooting? Through Mrs. Crabtree.

[Johnny Dollar]

No. Mrs. Henrietta Scott wrote to him.

[George Reid]

Ah. And just who is Mrs. Henrietta Scott?

[Johnny Dollar]

According to her letter to Mr. Morton, she claims to be Mrs. Crabtree's only friend. And Silver Goat.

[George Reid]

Silver Goat?

[Johnny Dollar]

Montana. It's where Mrs. Crabtree's lived for over half a century. And it's where Mr. Morton wants you to go immediately.

[George Reid]

When did Mrs. Crabtree disappeared?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, you received a telegram from Mrs. Scott early this morning. She was supposed to have dinner with Mrs. Crabtree last night and got up to her house, but it was empty. She waited until midnight, checked again this morning, then wired us.

[George Reid]

Who's the beneficiary on that life policy. George.

[Johnny Dollar]

Doesn't mean a thing.

[George Reid]

No? Why not?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, only a couple of people know the policy exists. Also, the beneficiary happens to be Mrs. Crabtree's favorite charity. Good luck, Johnny.

[George Reid]

Oh, thanks, pal. I'm gonna need it. Expense Account, Item 2. $178. Air Transportation to Butte, Montana. Item 3. $14.90. Bus Fare, Butte to Silver Gulch. Like George had said, it wasn't much of a town. I checked into the Silver Queen Hotel, rented a battered Model T. And drove out to the home of Mrs. Henrietta Scott.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Oh, you startled me out of the day's grove.

[George Reid]

I'm sorry. Mrs. Scott?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Yes. Oh, you must be from Grandma's trunk. Yes.

[George Reid]

I beg your pardon?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Grandma's trunk. They sent you, didn't they? Well, come along with me in the house.

[George Reid]

Uh, Mrs. Scott, wait a minute. I'm afraid you've made a mistake.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

You mean you're not from Grandma's trunk?

[George Reid]

I don't even know Grandma.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

It's an antique shop in Butte. They said they'd send a man out to offer me a price for my hand carved rosewood headboard. You're not him, huh?

[George Reid]

No, no. My name is Johnny Dollar. I'm an insurance investigator.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Well, why didn't you you say so right off. Come on inside. I suppose you hear about poor Mercedes Crabtree, God rest her soul.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Yes, that's right.

[George Reid]

Is she still missing mercy soul?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Sit down anywhere. No, not there. William stepped. That's it. You comfortable now?

[George Reid]

Oh, fine, thanks.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

The sheriff and a couple of men who work for Charlie Greenpaw were out looking for her most of yesterday. They're at it again today, but they won't find her. Leastwise alive.

[George Reid]

Well, can you think of anyone who might have reason to kill her?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Well, now, that's hard to say. Most people in this town right now, they ain't got no use for her. They say she's stopping progress.

[George Reid]

Just what do you mean by stopping progress?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Well, Charlie Greentaw's busy getting some of the old buildings fixed up so they're livable again. He's planning on turning the whole town into a tourist attraction. Well, Mercedes, he won't hold still for it. She won't let him set foot on any of her land. Won't sell none of it, neither.

[George Reid]

Does she own very much of the property around here?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Little more than half of Main Street. And the thing that Charlie wants most, The Silver Bell. The Silver Bell, which is Silver Mine in Nevada. Least late it was once. George Crabtree discovered it when the bean ran out. He's killed trying to find it again. After that, the mine was closed. Of course, the town closed down when the mine.

[George Reid]

Mrs. Scott, were you with Mrs. Crabtree the day someone tried to shoot her?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

No, he was walking up toward her mine alone. Thought it was just a stray bullet.

[George Reid]

Just where is this mine?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Oh, you can see it from the window right behind you. It's about halfway up the hill yonder. Here. Here, you come over here and take. Well, I'll be first cousin to a stink bug.

[George Reid]

Why, what is it?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Up there on that hill, going toward the mine. It's Charlie Greenpaw and Slim Richards, the sheriff's Deputy, I wonder if they think she's down inside that mine.

[George Reid]

A few minutes later, I caught up with Greenpaw and Richard. They'd stop near a large, newly painted no trespassing sign about 20 yards from the mine's entrance. I introduced myself. Mr. Dollar.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

You see that sign says no Trespassing?

[George Reid]

Yeah.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Well, folks around here take the signs Mrs. Crabtree had put up mighty seriously. That right, Slim?

[George Reid]

Sure is. You mean you're not going in there, Greenpaw?

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Well, now, we didn't say we weren't going in. We just thought we'd better consider it before we did anything hasty.

[George Reid]

But she could be dying in there. Providing she's in there.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Right, Mr. Green Ball?

[Charlie Greenpaw]

That's right, Slim. Now, Dollar, you want to go on in? Why, there's nothing to stop you.

[George Reid]

No, sir, not a thing. I left daylight behind as I followed the narrow tunnel deep into the side of the hill. About 50 yards down, the tunnel branched off in two different directions. I stopped for a moment, then took the one to the right. I hadn't gone 10ft when it happened. Holy jump.

[Johnny Dollar]

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

[Charlie Greenpaw]

It is a rare event when a young man decides to leave civilization behind and hide himself away in the steaming jungle just so he can help his fellow humans in a remote corner of the world. The late Dr. Tom Dooley did just that when he left the United States to help the sick and starving jungle people in the little kingdom of Laos in Southeast Asia. Dr. Dooley's story is well known to nearly everyone. And all over the world, people talk of his little jungle hospital on stilts. That's where he treated the dread diseases of the jungle and trained native medical technicians so that they might help their own people. Dr. Dooley wrote and lectured to many people so that the work of his medical assistance program medico might go on. It was not easy for someone so young and so talented to give up the bright lights of the city and plant himself down in an unknown jungle just for the purpose of helping unfortunate people he didn't even know. But through Medeco, Dr. Tom Dooley wanted to help people. He wanted to help people, to help them sell. Today, the work of Medeco is going forward In a number of countries besides Laos. Young men are being sent to the United States to be schooled in medicine with the idea of returning to their own countries to help their own people. Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of medical supplies have been donated by American businessmen and pharmaceutical companies. Today, Dr. Tom Dooley's work is Being continued. For him, it is helping to create better understanding. It is an injection of the spirit of freedom, the right of all men everywhere.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now, Act Two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Silver Bel.

[George Reid]

I wasn't alone in the mine, that was for sure. But whoever was in there with me wanted to be alone and resented the intrusion. I wondered if they could hear, so I picked up a rock and tossed it on down the side of the tunnel. Mrs. Crabtree, is that you?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

You're trying to trick me.

[George Reid]

No, no, no. Wait a minute. My name's Johnny Dollar, insurance investigator.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

I got a feed on you now, mistress, so don't you lose to do what you're saying.

[George Reid]

Oh, no, I don't intend to.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

What are you doing in my mind?

[George Reid]

Looking for you. Your friend Mr. Morton is worried about you.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Oh.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Walk up this way, Mr. Dollar, but.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

You be mighty careful about it.

[George Reid]

Yes, ma'am, I sure will.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

You say Murdoch Martin sent you all the way out here.

[George Reid]

That's right, ma'am. Your friend Mrs. Scott wrote to him.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

I declare. Soon forgot she even knew. You know Murdoch?

[George Reid]

No, ma'am. I've never had the pleasure.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Oh, he's such a fine gentleman. I remember years ago when I first met him. He was so kind of understanding.

[George Reid]

Hey, what's the matter?

[Mercedes Crabtree]

You crazy fool thing I did, coming in here and falling myself. Bad too, Mr. Dolly. You're just going to have to carry me out.

[George Reid]

It'll be a pleasure. She couldn't have weighed more than 80 pounds. Six uter in all. I carried her out of the mine and down the hill to her cabin. I had just finished making her as comfortable as I could when Mrs. Scott arrived.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Oh, dear. Oh, you poor old, dear saint.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

You ever hear such thick garbage, Mr. Dollar? Woman, stop looking like you buried me yesterday. And run and get the doctor to take care of my ankle.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Your ankles? Well, what's the matter with it?

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Well, it's busted now. Why do you think Mr. Dollar had to carry me?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Oh, dear.

[George Reid]

Is there a doctor in Silver Gulch?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Doc Weaver. He's pretty old.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

He doctored me for almost 40 years. Go get him, Henrietta. For I get mad at you for tattling to Miss Morton.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Yes, dear. Yes. Yes, I'll do. I'll do it right now.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Now then, Mr. Dollar, you come over and sit by me. Keep company till the dock gets here.

[George Reid]

Yeah, sure. You know, you really ought to rest.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Why don't you start asking me questions? Mr. Dallas came all the way out here to do that, now, didn't you?

[George Reid]

Well, there are a Few things I'm curious about.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Like what?

[George Reid]

Well, for one thing, why you took those shots at me in the mine.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Thought you might be one of Charlie Greenpaw's friends.

[George Reid]

Well, he's the man who's trying to buy your mine, isn't he?

[Mercedes Crabtree]

But I ain't gonna sell it, no, sir, no matter how much he offers.

[George Reid]

You believe the mine could be worked again someday?

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Might be somebody could find the vein again. But that ain't why it won't sell. It's because my husband, he's buried in there. Mr. Dallas. Him and the others that were caught in that cage in.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Oh, I see.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

I've told them all if they set one foot on my property, I'm gonna shoot first and ask questions later.

[George Reid]

Aren't you afraid someone might shoot back one of these days? That's not what Mrs. Scott told us.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

I know what she told you. And she's mistaken by that bullet. Missed me by a good two feet.

[George Reid]

You don't think it should have been a warning?

[Mercedes Crabtree]

No, I don't. People in these parts, if they wanted to frighten me, there are better ways of doing it than that.

[George Reid]

Well, if that's so, I sure hope they don't try any of them. No one, at least so far, she knew, had reason enough to try killing her. Not even Charlie Greenpaw, although she refused to cooperate with a Silver Gulch improvement committee. I waited until Mr. Scott returned with the doctor, then left to go back to my hotel. I had finished supper and was heading toward my room when someone called me. Oh, Mr. Dulles. Yeah. Oh, Mr. Greenpaw. I was just thinking about you. That so? Yeah. Yeah, I was wondering why you hadn't thought to take a look in the Silver Bell Mine when you first heard that Mrs. Crane Crabtree was missing.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Well, to tell the truth, I'd left the search up to the sheriff until today. Then this morning, Isabel, that's my wife, she said if something did happen to Mrs. Crabtree, it sure looked like I did it.

[George Reid]

Good thing you listened, because she was right. Yes, I know.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Say, $, I hear Mrs. Crabtree taking quite a shine to you.

[George Reid]

What'd you hear? That Doc Weaver said that's all she talked about.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Look, if you'd like to pick yourself up a few hundred dollars, you sure could do it easy.

[George Reid]

Oh, how's that?

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Just get the old lady to sell me her mine and the acreage along next to Mrs. Scott's place.

[George Reid]

I'd give her full value for both.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

And that'd come to enough money for her to live on the rest of her life. Real comfortable. You do that dollar, and I'll give you $1,000 cash.

[George Reid]

You know something, Greenpaw?

[Charlie Greenpaw]

What's that?

[George Reid]

I could have been mistaken about you. You want that mine and the land around it real bad, don't you? Sure. I spent a good deal of money.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Fixing up the old buildings here in town. If I can get the Silver Bell and enough land out there to put a dude ranch on, why, this town will be able to make Virginia City look second rate. Now what do you say?

[George Reid]

I don't know. I'll relay your proposition to Mrs. Crabsbury. The rest is. What's all the excitement out there? Ms. Greenpaw.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Ms. Greenpaw.

[George Reid]

What is it, Clem? What's going on?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Fire.

[George Reid]

Ms. Crabtree's cabin.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

It's blazing like shoes. It.

[Johnny Dollar]

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

[Charlie Greenpaw]

For thousands of years, the oceans of the world have taken their toll of the treasures of the people who live near them or travel over them in calm and in storm. And for an equally long time, these same people have dived to the bottoms of these oceans seeking those treasures. Gold, silver, jewels and emblems of tradition or symbols of history have been the sought after prizes. Late in 1959, a group of English divers seeking underwater specimens of fish and plant life off the coast of the island of Cayceira in the Azores came across a group of some 17 ancient cannon. They'd been swept off the walls of the old fortress by a tidal wave sometime during the middle of the 19th century and sank about a hundred feet to the bottom of frequently storm swept waters. News of the discovery was relayed to the Portuguese government which gave permission for the raising of the relic. American skin divers stationed at the Air Force base on Teixeira volunteered to do the job. On off duty hours in cooperation with the Portuguese museum, the men made a few exploratory dives to determine the situation. Then the salvage work began. After cleaning the cannons, some made of brass, others of bronze, it was discovered that they had been forged in England, France and Portugal more than 110 years before. Now the shiny symbols of history are on view in a Portuguese museum. The Portuguese people are happy because of an unselfish American gesture that brought back to them their symbols of the defense of freedom, the right of all men everywhere.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Silver Bell.

[George Reid]

By the time we reached the cabin, it was all over. For a moment I was afraid Mrs. Crabtree hadn't managed to escape. Then I saw her on the ground in the sheriff's car, wrapped in blanket. Hey, you get back over there.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

It's all right. Sheriff, this is Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I heard you're in town, Mr. Dollar.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Mr. Sheriff. Wilkins. Johnny.

[George Reid]

Sheriff, do you have any idea how the fire started? Not yet, I don't.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

I asked, sir, but I'd rather not talk about now, Johnny. Maybe. Maybe some other time.

[George Reid]

Whatever you say. He's pretty done in.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Johnny.

[George Reid]

Yeah.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

You tell Mr. Greenpaw. Tell him I'll sell. Will you do that for me?

[George Reid]

Well, I. Well, look, I'll talk to you about it in the morning.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

No, I want to sell now. Nothing to stay here for.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Nothing.

[George Reid]

We'd better get her down to Mrs. Scott's place. Doc Weaver's giving us a morphine. You go ahead, Sheriff. I'm going on back to town.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure.

[George Reid]

See you later, $. Oh, Mr. Dolly, is she going to be all right? Yeah. Yeah, I think so. Greenpaw, do you have a map of this area? Including all the land you're planning on buying?

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Not on me. It's down at the office. You want to see it tonight?

[George Reid]

Yeah, I. Sure. I took a look at the map, got a little sick at my stomach, then drove back to Henrietta Scott. There was a light on in the front room, so I got out of the car and walked up to the door.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Yes? Who is it?

[George Reid]

Johnny Dollar, Mrs. Scott.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Oh.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Well, a little late to come calling, Mr. Dollar. I mean, after all, Mrs. Crabtree is sleeping sound and I'm all ready for bed.

[George Reid]

I want to see Mrs. Crabtree. I want you to wake her up.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Well, I just couldn't do that. The doctor told me she should have as much sleep as she can get.

[George Reid]

You took his orders a little too literally, Mrs. Scott.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

And whatever do you mean?

[George Reid]

I mean, trying to burn her house down with her still in it.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Yes.

[George Reid]

She trusted you. She thought you were the only person she could trust. Then when she found out different, she decided to sell her land and get away from here.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Why? That's a pack of the biggest lies I ever did here. Now, what reason would I have for wanting to hurt the poor old deed?

[George Reid]

Money.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Money?

[George Reid]

You own most of the land adjoining the Crabtree property, including that around the Silver Bell. Greenpaw wouldn't buy your land unless he could buy Mrs. Crabtree's. When she refused to sell, you decided to see that that property changed hands the hard way.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

If that's so, why would I be so concerned about it? And why would I write Mr. Morton telling him she'd been shot at and wiring when she disappeared. Why?

[George Reid]

To protect yourself. You purposely missed her that day. You had to set up your alibi.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

You got no proof.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

No.

[George Reid]

No, you're right, I haven't. But Mrs. Crabtree has. She knows who and what started that fire in a cabin. Get out of my way.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

No.

[George Reid]

Oh.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Oh.

[Adam Graham]

Oh.

[George Reid]

Mrs. Crabtree. Mrs. Crabrey.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

All right, Mr. Dollar, you move away from her.

[George Reid]

Not until I find her.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Move away now or I'll keep.

[George Reid]

When you put it that way, Mrs. Scott, I'll have to.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

You were right about me missing her on purpose. Anybody who's lived up here long as I have, they don't miss with a rifle good as this one.

[George Reid]

Mrs. Dallas.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Mr. Dallas. She started the fire.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Mr. Leave. You shut up, you.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

You try and make me.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Maybe I will. Like I should have before. You see that? Oh, no, you don't.

[George Reid]

No. Give me that rifle.

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

No.

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Why?

[Mrs. Henrietta Scott]

Why did you have to ruin it?

[George Reid]

Why?

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Somebody had to.

[George Reid]

You okay, Mr. Crabtree?

[Mercedes Crabtree]

Did I. Did I do good getting hurt?

[George Reid]

You. You did just fine. I was ready to leave Silver Gulch the next day, but I stayed over for another week waiting for a little English gentleman by the name of Murdoch Morton to arrive and claim his bride. Yeah, just about everybody in Montana came to Mrs. Crabtree. Pardon me. Mrs. Morton's wedding. Everybody, that is, but her old friend, Mrs. Henrietta Scott. Expense account, total $317.10. Yours truly, $90.

[Johnny Dollar]

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

[George Reid]

Next week, a beautiful girl is killed. And with her goes a big part of my own heart. It's one of those things that. Well, join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dallas.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey. Originates in Hollywood. Written by Charles B. Smith. It is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were Virginia Gregg, D.J. thompson, G. Stanley Jones, Frank Nelson, Sam Edwards and Will Wright. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dolly. This is Dan Coverley speaking. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Johnny is such a professional, it's kind of weird when he drops a who dat. But I guess it's a nice human touch to have him use some unusual slang for him. Now, of course, there is no town of Silver Gulch in Montana, but there are actually a number of places that are named Silver Gulch in Montana, as well as some other Western states. However, by referencing Butte, it did set it in a real location, even if it's a non specific one. Because There are a lot of old mines and former mining towns in that part of the state. Now, in his book the who Is Johnny Dollar Matter, John Abbott does note that there actually was a Silver Bell mine in Montana in the 1880s, though whether this was a case where Charles Smith researched that or it was just pure coincidence that he named a mine the Silver Bell and there happened to have been one 70 years ago, I can't really say. Now those who know I lived in Montana might wonder if I have any local insights. I don't. Butte is more than 200 miles away from where I lived in Kalispell, and we had no real dealings or business on that part of the state. So most of what I know of Butte came from my Montana history class at Flathead Valley Community College. Now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we have a couple of comments regarding the Bum Steer matter. And we start out over on Instagram where Jonathan writes, I learned from Johnny Doller that the Community Chest was a precursor to things like the United Way. I previously thought just give it to the Community Chest was old timey detective slang for keep your dirty money or something equally noble. Well, thanks so much. And I think it's a common experience if you're listening to or watching something and sometimes even reading something, you can always, you know, do research. But if you understand most of what's happening that either you'll ignore something or you'll like Jonathan, you'll just kind of your brain will make up an explanation for parts that you don't understand. And honestly, that's probably what happens to me when someone will point out something that stood out to them that they have an explanation on that I overlooked. It's funny how the mind works that way. And then Stephen writes, Doc Adams from Gunsmoke showed up this episode as a vet. He's not chameleon, but he is a crossover character. Well, I don't know about that. Doc from Gunsmoke is a bit more of a wild and unpredictable character, even though the Same actor, Howard McNear plays him. However, I think a reasonable headcan in imagining that the veterinarian is some distant descendant of Doc, that could make sense. And then comments on the Nick Schn Matter omnibus Reinzer writes, great show. A holiday tradition. And then this is from YouTube. Poppy5160 writes Bob Bailey and Virginia, Greg's finest work. The scene where Johnny and Kathleen were in the cabin was their finest work. And as a listener I felt the emotions powerfully as they spoke. Well done, very well done. I think that I would consider it top two in terms of Bailey and Greg scenes. The one scene that I would consider in contention with it would be in the Brodrick Matter Part 5. Now to be clear, the Nick Schorn matter is a much better story overall than the Broderick Matter, but that concluding scene which takes up most of Part five of that serial is brilliantly acted. I'm not sure if I would rated as the best scene, but for me it's top two. And maybe I'll think about it more when we play the Broderick Matter omnibus because I hadn't thought of ranking the scenes before your comment, but it's a worthy exercise. And then Francis writes, I'm with Adam. This is my favorite Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar Story 2 Bob Bailey's performance really is top notch, but he's got a brilliant supporting cast and a great story as well. The chemistry between him and Virginia Gregg is lovely. Thanks, Francis. And I would only add that it was true actually in both of Virginia Gregg's roles in that as the landlady and as Kathy O'Dare. They do such a wonderful job working together and playing off each other. And then we have this question from mechanic6682 I have a feeling if the insurance company knew Johnny turned down Nick's offer to not file a claim for the life insurance policy, they would not be happy. That's a good point, and I'm not certain I have an answer as to where the company's interest would lie. Now obviously if Nick says he's not going to file the claim, that would not really be sufficient because he has got quite a time in order to change his mind. Now maybe if he signs something in which he revoked or disowned any right to the insurance money as an irrevocable matter, maybe they'd be more inclined to accept that. But I'm not certain where their duty lies in that, as I don't work in the insurance industry. I also think that taking the sort of action that might make the insurance company happy and to the degree that they would require would be something that the prosecutors would try to bring up at trial. And doing something like that on a large insurance policy would be very damning. So I don't know how the insurance company would feel, but I have a feeling that Nick wouldn't be willing to do what they would require because if they didn't have ironclad commitment that he would not file a claim and that he was renouncing totally his right to file a claim, he could theoretically change his mind in a week after he got Cathy O'Dare killed. So that's an interesting point. Not certain how the insurance company would react or what their legal obligation would be in that case. And over on Instagram, Brains wrote a great holiday episode. Fun to hear your enthusiasm for the story. Well, thanks. It really is a privilege to share that one because it is such a fantastic story. Stuart writes, May I add one comment on this episode? At the end of the show, Johnny says Merry Christmas to all, even those listening to the program. Here he breaks character for just a second. Those are my thoughts. Thank you. Thanks. I think that's actually a pretty standard thing where on so many older shows, usually comedies, but sometimes dramas, there would be an acknowledgement to the audience around Christmas, wishing them a Merry Christmas. Actually on the science fiction series Doctor who, great British classic, in one of the early seasons, the very first actor to play the Doctor, William Hartnell, did that on Christmas Day 1966, which decades later led to many attempts to try to explain that in universe. Then we have some comments on the missing mouse matter from YouTube. A listener writes, yeah, not really into Jedediah, but this was awesome. Really loved it. And another listener writes, bob Bailey was the best. And then a comment on the doubtful dairy matter. I didn't like the beating either. It was out of character. Johnny was always smarter than that. And then we have another comment from mechanic6682 and he's been listening to some of our older episodes and commenting on them on YouTube. And I appreciate the comments. I don't generally read them out just because he comments on quite a few. Plus, with episodes that are that far in the past, it's kind of hard to keep everybody up on the context, including me, because I don't remember plot details from every single episode. But this one he left a comment on. It's actually a pretty relevant question to a lot of Johnny Dollars. Is it normal for insurance companies to be informed when a policyholder is missing and by whom? The cops wouldn't know or not if a missing person held a life insurance policy unless they were a suspected homicide victim. I think that there are a couple of answers to that. First, there are some missing person cases that will get into the newspapers, particularly in smaller towns, or if there's some real suspicion of foul play, so the insurance agent might read about it. But insurance is also very much a relationship based business, and it's always been that way, and perhaps even to a greater extent back then, certainly not to the degree of this episode where the insured is in a relationship with a high level officer of the company. But a lot of insurance agents, the basis of their business is their extended personal network. Not necessarily that everybody they sell to is a friend, but rather they're selling to the sister in law of a friend of their brother's dentist, that sort of thing. And so the news works its way back through the social network to the insurance agent. In addition to that, of course, you might have beneficiaries contacting the company either in hopes that the insurance company might do something to somehow expedite the insured's case because the insurance company has skin in the game, or if they're suspecting that they might have died, to find out what the procedure is going to be be in order to file the claim. So there are a lot of ways that that could happen. But thanks so much for the question. And now it's time to thank our Patreon supporters of the day. And even though it's not the first Friday in January, it's the first Friday we're posting a new episode. So I do want to go ahead and thank those Patreon supporters who have been supporting us for five years this month. Thank you to Adrian and Rosa, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. And thank you to Ken, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month, all of them supporting the podcast since January 2020. Thank you so much for your support. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Friday with another episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. But join us back here tomorrow for Dragnet Wear.

[Sheriff Wilkins]

Well, I got hold of a paper this morning. Read about that baby that's missing.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Yes, sir.

[Sheriff Wilkins]

Imagine those people are pretty worried about the kid. Guess they'd like all the information they can get, huh? Looks like that hospital's in the jam, wouldn't you say?

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Well, what information do you have, Wallace?

[Sheriff Wilkins]

I guess those parents could sue the hospital if they wanted to, huh?

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Well, sir, all we're interested in is finding the baby. Can you help us there?

[Sheriff Wilkins]

Well, I don't know for sure. What are you trying to tell us?

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Have you seen the baby?

[Sheriff Wilkins]

Well, I may have. Do you happen to know if they're offering any reward for information?

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Well, I don't know where it'd come from. The father's A working man.

[Sheriff Wilkins]

Oh, don't get me wrong, Sergeant. I don't expect anything for any information I'd give, but. Well, I don't make too much at the hotel. You know, if they wanted to show their gratitude in some way, just thought I'd mention it.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Well, thank you, Wallace. Don't worry about that now. What's the information?

[Sheriff Wilkins]

Well, you know, I didn't mean anything by that. Anybody be glad to help out in.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

A case like this.

[Sheriff Wilkins]

What I came in to tell you was a woman and a young baby checked in the hotel last night when I was on duty. What time? I think it was about 12:00. Woman didn't have any baggage or anything? One little blanket around the kid. When I saw that story in the paper this morning, I got suspicious.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

The woman still registered at the hotel?

[Sheriff Wilkins]

She was when I left. That was about an hour ago.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

What name did she register under? You remember?

[Sheriff Wilkins]

No, I don't. But it's in the register. You can check it if you want.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

Where is the hotel?

[Sheriff Wilkins]

11Th and Charleston. Right on the corner.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure.

[Sheriff Wilkins]

It must be the kid you're looking for. Say, I hope you haven't got me wrong.

[Johnny Dollar]

How do you mean?

[Sheriff Wilkins]

About the reward. You know I don't expect anything for this.

[Charlie Greenpaw]

We haven't got you wrong.

[Adam Graham]

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