Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Money Matter (EP4769)

Summary

Summary of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Money Matter (EP4769)"

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas
Host: Adam Graham
Release Date: August 1, 2025

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Introduction

In the riveting episode titled "The Wayward Money Matter," listeners are plunged into a classic tale of deceit, suspicion, and meticulous investigation. Featuring the seasoned insurance investigator Johnny Dollar, this installment masterfully intertwines suspense with sharp character dynamics, showcasing the timeless appeal of old-time radio dramas.

Plot Overview

The story unfolds with August Trillingham, a representative from the Northeastern Indemnity Association, reaching out to Johnny Dollar regarding a significant financial discrepancy. Over $111,000 has vanished from a safe at the Trillingham Tobacco Company, raising immediate red flags and casting suspicion on those with access to the funds.

Johnny Dollar swiftly embarks on the case, traveling from Hartford to Baltimore to delve into the circumstances surrounding the missing money. His investigation reveals intricate details about the company's operations, notably its reliance on cash transactions, which inherently increases the temptation for embezzlement.

Key Characters

• Johnny Dollar (Bob Bailey): The astute and resourceful freelance insurance investigator who meticulously unravels the mystery behind the missing funds.

• August Trillingham (Walter Connolly): The seemingly upright representative of the Northeastern Indemnity Association, whose business acumen from Florida real estate adds layers to his character.

• Mrs. Cockerly (Adam Graham): Elmer Cockerly's frustrated wife, whose interactions with Johnny add complexity to the investigation.

• Sergeant Macklin: A steadfast figure from the police department who assists in uncovering crucial evidence.

Notable Scenes and Quotes

Initial Investigation: Johnny Dollar's initial conversation with August Trillingham sets the stage for the mystery:

Johnny Dollar: "But who keep that much cash in a safe outside of a bank?"
[02:16]

This question underscores the improbability of such a sizeable cash reserve, immediately pointing towards potential foul play.

Revealing Elmer's Lifestyle: As Johnny delves deeper, August reveals changes in Elmer Cockley's behavior:

August Trillingham: "He had painted his home, bought a new car."
[06:01]

This sudden improvement in Elmer's lifestyle during a critical financial period prompts Johnny to suspect embezzlement.

Confrontation with Mrs. Cockerly: A pivotal moment occurs when Johnny interrogates Elmer's wife, unveiling her contentious relationship and potential motives:

Mrs. Cockerly: "The only reason that little shrimp would dare not come home is if somebody done him in."
[10:24]

Her aggressive demeanor and culpable remarks add a twist to the narrative, casting her in a suspicious light.

Climactic Revelation: The climax reveals August Trillingham as the perpetrator, utilizing his intimate knowledge of the company and meticulous planning to execute the robbery:

Johnny Dollar: "You were a crook. You're a crook now. And a killer, Mr. Dollar."
[20:33]

This confrontation not only resolves the mystery but also exposes the depths of Trillingham's deceit.

Character Analysis

Johnny Dollar: Portrayed with keen insight and unwavering determination, Johnny exemplifies the archetypal detective whose logical reasoning and interpersonal skills unravel even the most convoluted mysteries.

August Trillingham: Initially appearing as a trustworthy figure, Trillingham's true nature is meticulously peeled away through dialogue and situational clues, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal.

Mrs. Cockerly: Her volatile interactions and hints of hidden motives add complexity to the case, serving as a red herring that deepens the intrigue.

Themes and Insights

This episode delves into themes of financial deceit, the complexities of human relationships, and the subtle manipulations that can occur within professional settings. It underscores the importance of skepticism and due diligence, especially in roles that handle significant responsibilities.

Conclusion

"The Wayward Money Matter" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of mystery dramas. Through compelling storytelling, authentic character portrayals, and intricate plot development, this episode captivates listeners, offering both entertainment and thoughtful reflections on morality and integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Johnny Dollar: "Anybody could. Now, where is he?"
  [14:02]

• August Trillingham: "I can go a long ways on $100,000. And before I let you."
  [21:25]

• Johnny Dollar: "Quiet."
  [21:37]

Listener Reception

Post-episode, host Adam Graham and co-host Bob Bailey engage with listener feedback, highlighting the episode's strengths in character development and acting, particularly praising Virginia Gregg's performance as Mrs. Cockerly. The community's appreciation underscores the episode's success in delivering a gripping narrative that resonates with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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For those seeking a blend of nostalgia and enthralling detective work, "The Wayward Money Matter" offers a compelling listen that exemplifies the golden age of radio mystery dramas.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

Sam.

[Bob Bailey]

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 first, I want to encourage you, if you are enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. I want to go ahead and acknowledge our latest platinum Patreon. And I want to go ahead and thank Joel. Joel has been one of our Patreon supporters since August of 2015. He's currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, joel. Now, from April 13th of 1958, here is the wayward money matter.

[Virginia Gregg]

From Hollywood. It's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Duller.

[August Trillingham]

Brent Norwood, Northeastern Indemnity Association.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, hello, friend. I haven't heard from you since that case down in Managua, Nicaragua. Got another nice long trip lined up.

[August Trillingham]

For me, I'm afraid not this time. But if you can leave right away, I wish you'd run down to Baltimore for us.

[Johnny Dollar]

Baltimore? That depends.

[August Trillingham]

Depends on what?

[Johnny Dollar]

How free I can be with my expense account in the seafood department. Cheek oysters, soft shell crabs, terrapin soup.

[August Trillingham]

Johnny, if you can get us off the hook on this one, I low.

[Johnny Dollar]

Key your expense account. Blind big one, huh?

[August Trillingham]

Over 100,000. Murder, arson, $111,421 missing from a safe.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wow. And you're liable for it if it isn't recovered, huh? For the full amount. But who keep that much cash in a safe outside of a bank?

[August Trillingham]

That is the Trillingham Tobacco Company.

[Johnny Dollar]

But why? Better get the details from August Trillingham. If you'll take this on on a free winning expense account. Freddy, I'm your boy.

[Virginia Gregg]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Northeastern Indemnity Association, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the wayward money matter. Expense account item 1, 2630 plain fare and incidentals. Hartford to New York to Baltimore and a cab to the Sheraton Belvedere. After all, I can afford the best. Item two, a 10 cent phone call to Mr. August Trill. He'd be glad to see me. Somewhere that name rang a bell. Item three, a buck 20 for a cab to the Trillingham Tobacco Company on Conway near Charles Street. It was a huge old brick building with what I guess you'd call a vaulted roof. Offices at one End of it. And the rest looked like a kind of warehouse.

[August Trillingham]

I'm glad you could get here so quickly, Mr. Dollar. The loss only occurred last night, you know.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I left Hartford the minute the insurance company called me. So somebody blew your safe and walked.

[August Trillingham]

Off the safe, Mr. Dollar, and took over $104,000.

[Johnny Dollar]

You always keep that much cash on hand?

[August Trillingham]

Yes. Yes, because of the nature of our business.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean?

[August Trillingham]

Well, the tobacco was grown by the farmers hereabouts. Barn cured for a month or two or three, and then brought here. We graded according to quality and color and tied into hands.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hands?

[August Trillingham]

Bunches of 20 or 30 leaves, depending on size.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I see.

[August Trillingham]

Then we pack it in hogsheads and ship it to the auction warehouses. We're kind of a middleman between the small farmer and the auction. I said small farmer, Mr. Dallow. Well, people for whom tobacco was only an incidental crop. There are a lot of them. Since we buy from them outright, they want cash, not checks or payment due the first of the month.

[Adam Graham]

Oh, no.

[Johnny Dollar]

Cash. Oh, I see. And you're always gambling on what you'll be able to get at the auctions.

[August Trillingham]

That's right.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah. How. How's business, Mr. Cunningham?

[August Trillingham]

Not as good as I'd like, of course, but I'm sure it'll pick up later in the year. Why do you ask?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, just wondered. In a matter like this, I want to know all I can.

[August Trillingham]

You said that as though you meant to imply that.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why? I meant to imply nothing. Look, you said that safe wasn't cracked.

[August Trillingham]

I said it was opened. And I'm sure I know by whom. What?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, then why send for me?

[August Trillingham]

Well, after all, the liability is now your company.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, who did it?

[August Trillingham]

For years we've had a bookkeeper, little pipsqueak of a man named Elmer Cockley. Well, if he must have been here 15 or 20 years, even before I bought this business.

[Johnny Dollar]

You haven't always owned it?

[August Trillingham]

Oh, no, no, no. I made my money during the late twenties. Florida real estate.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yes, yes. Seems to me I've heard something about your success down there.

[August Trillingham]

I retired, traveled around till the mid-40s, and then decided to get back into the swing of things. And I bought this business.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, okay. Now, about this Elmer Cockily.

[August Trillingham]

Oh, a mild, timid, ineffectual sort of little man, I suppose. After 20 or 30 years of this dull, routine job, after seeing and handling so much money all the time.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I see what you mean.

[August Trillingham]

Well, anyhow, it's tax time. I decided to have the accounting firm of Hanley, James, Chadwick, Kermer and Wormsbacker. Go over our books just as a matter of course. And it was then that Elmer Cockery suddenly discovered that some of the records were missing.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see.

[August Trillingham]

Things balanced out at the end of the year, mind you, but those three or four months were missing. And it was during that period that Elmer had painted his home, bought a new car.

[Johnny Dollar]

Didn't you investigate immediately? Of course. Seems to me it was then that you should have sent for me.

[August Trillingham]

Well, since our business is strictly cash, both in and outgoing, there was nothing we could pin on him. What's more, he was as concerned as I was, apparently, after all, since things finally balanced out. But I wonder.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I should think you would.

[August Trillingham]

And now, since he's the only other person who could open the safe.

[Johnny Dollar]

What does he say about this robbery?

[August Trillingham]

He didn't come in this morning. I called his wife. She hasn't seen him since he left for work yesterday morning.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know where he lives?

[August Trillingham]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

You have a description of his car, license and so on?

[August Trillingham]

Yes. Yes, I have.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, Mr. Turningham, I'll notify the police from here. Then I'm going out to his house to see what I can learn there. May I use your phone?

[August Trillingham]

Of course.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. It wouldn't be the first time a timid soul had finally felt his oats had run off with company money. And usually that type was hard to find. The methodical mind always planned things well, including a getaway. Item four, 80 cents. Taxi to a car rental agency. Item five, 50 bucks deposit. And I drove to Elmer Cockley's home a few blocks off Wilkins Avenue, west of town. I wondered why the old fella had done it. Sometimes the why can be the best clue as to where to hunt for a man. You know something? A good part of the why became very clear when the door of Elmer's house was open.

[Virginia Gregg]

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

[Sergeant Macklin]

A job is something that has to be done, no matter what the work may be. The truck driver continues to drive his truck and the mechanic keeps it in repair. The chef continues to cook and the waitress serves the food. Whatever the work, it must go on. It is a part of the existence of human beings. And so it is with the work of soldiers, sailors and airmen. Corporal later, Captain Douglas T. Jacobson of the United States Marine Corps worked a lot harder than most men. On the 26th of February, 1945. He did it not only for himself but for the survival of the men around him. While serving with the 4th Marine Division in A heroic assault on Iwo Jima. Corporal Jacobson picked up the bazooka of a fallen fellow marine and promptly destroyed a 20 millimeter anti aircraft gun and its crew. Using his weapon with deadly accuracy in the face of heavy enemy fire. Jacobson destroyed in turn two machine gun nests, a large fortified blockhouse and an enemy pillbox, killing its five man crew. Fighting desperately, he moved forward and wiped out an earth covered perimeter of rifle emplacements. Nothing could stop him. A tank tried and Jacobson blew it to kingdom come. Then he went on in another single handed assault to put a second heavily armed blockhouse out of action, permitting his division to occupy the position. By his dauntless skill and valor, Corporal Jacobson destroyed 16 positions and annihilated 75 of the enemy. For conducting himself according to the code of American fighting men and for getting the job done, Corporal Douglas Jacobson was awarded the Medal of Honor.

[Virginia Gregg]

And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Wayward Money.

[Adam Graham]

Yes, what do you want?

[Johnny Dollar]

Mrs. Cockerly?

[Adam Graham]

I'm Mrs. Cockerly. Who are you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar, insurance investigator.

[Adam Graham]

Insurance investigator? I haven't even filed a claim on Elmer yet.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, you think your husband is dead, Mrs. Cockerly?

[Adam Graham]

Of course he is. You think for a minute he'd walk out on me?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's why you think he's dead.

[Adam Graham]

Ain't that enough? Ahem.

[Johnny Dollar]

You've talked with Mr. Trillingham this morning?

[Adam Graham]

Of course I have. He wanted to know where Elmer was. I wanted to know where Elmer was. Neither of us knowed, so that was that. So when they find his body, I'll collect his insurance and that'll be that. And I won't have that helpless little worm around underfoot no more. No more having a baby and nurse him and tie his tie and feed him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mrs. Cockerle, sir.

[Adam Graham]

The only reason that little shrimp would dare not come home is if somebody done him in. And when you find him, you can come around and pay me his insurance and that's that. That's all you.

[Johnny Dollar]

Just a minute, just a minute. Did Mr. Trillingham tell you that over a hundred thousand dollars was taken from the safe at the office?

[Adam Graham]

No, Elmer didn't do it. I know he didn't do. You working his fingers to the bone year after year, handling all that money and him and me just scraping along. Why, if it wasn't for Beneficial finance helping us along now and then, I don't know what we'd have done. Yeah, well, look, I told him more than once, if he wasn't such a Spineless little mouth. He. He'd help himself to some of that money. They'd never miss it being a cash business like it is. And Lord knows he deserved some of it.

[Johnny Dollar]

What'd he say to that? Scared him.

[Adam Graham]

Made him angry. So I'd keep rubbing it in.

[Johnny Dollar]

What a great marriage you two had.

[Adam Graham]

Sometimes he'd scream and yell like a baby.

[Johnny Dollar]

He'd dare to scream at you.

[Adam Graham]

I'd let him. I got so sick of him, it did me good to see him blow his top. Believe me, I told him more than once, if I was in his place, I wouldn't hesitate. Well, go ahead, he says. Go ahead. And he give me. Go ahead, he says.

[Johnny Dollar]

He gave you what, Mrs. Garckley? The combination of the safe.

[Adam Graham]

Yes. Yes, he did. So what of it? So maybe I went down there and robbed it last night.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, how did you know it was last night? I didn't tell you that.

[Adam Graham]

All right. All right. Maybe I did. I'd like to see you put it on me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe I will.

[Adam Graham]

You think I can't use that kind of money? You think I don't deserve it? After struggling all these years caring for him for nothing. Because he didn't have the gumption to get what he shoulda.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know something, Mrs. Conkali? I doubt if you ever gave him a chance to show any gumption. Huh?

[Adam Graham]

Do you know Elmer? Did you ever see him?

[Johnny Dollar]

No.

[Adam Graham]

Then look. Look at his picture here in the hall. A baby. That's all he is.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right. You've made with a lot of big, noisy talk. Now, just probably most of it's a lie. I don't believe you'd live 10 minutes with a man if you really felt that way about him.

[Adam Graham]

Look, mister.

[Johnny Dollar]

But there must be some reason for it. Some reason for trying to make me suspect you.

[Adam Graham]

I told you maybe I did do it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did you?

[Adam Graham]

I'd like to see you prove it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I don't think you did.

[Adam Graham]

I'd like to see you prove that.

[Johnny Dollar]

I think all you're trying to do is cover up for him. Protect him. And I'll say this. You're taking a mighty offy way to do it.

[Adam Graham]

Now, listen.

[Johnny Dollar]

Where is he?

[Adam Graham]

You really think Elmer. Little Elmer could have.

[Johnny Dollar]

No.

[Adam Graham]

No. He really didn't have the gumption.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right.

[Adam Graham]

Who else he couldn't have? Mr. Dollar. Outside of his books and figures at that office, he. He could hardly take care of hisself. That's why he needed me to tell him what to do and feed him and take care of him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, this is Quite a change of pace, Mrs. Cockerly.

[Adam Graham]

Maybe I did make him to. So what about it? He liked it. Some people are that way, just like me. I gotta have somebody. I can lord it over him. Anything wrong with that?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I don't believe a thing you said.

[Adam Graham]

Oh, you don't?

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, where is he? Where is Elmer?

[Adam Graham]

I don't know.

[Johnny Dollar]

And if he didn't rob that safe, who did?

[Adam Graham]

He couldn't. How should I know? Why don't you ask that August Trillingham, his fancy boss that's kept him and me starving all these years. Did you think of him?

[Johnny Dollar]

Everybody's a suspect at a time like this, dear August.

[Adam Graham]

Including you, friend. The boss used to go catfishing together up the creek. Great privilege for poor little Elmer to go fishing with the boss who made all the money. That's where I thought he was last night when he didn't come home to supper. When he wasn't home all night. Cordial.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, Mrs. Cockley, just quit acting. Somebody stole that money. And apparently only three people knew the combination of that safe. Trillingham, your husband and you.

[Adam Graham]

I tell you, go ask that Tril.

[Johnny Dollar]

But only one of the three has run out. Disappeared.

[Adam Graham]

No. No, I'll never believe that Elmer did it. He could.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure he could. Anybody could. Now, where is he?

[Adam Graham]

I don't know.

[Johnny Dollar]

I think you do.

[Adam Graham]

No.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you're trying to protect him. Or are you waiting to hear from him so you can join him? Him and the money?

[Adam Graham]

That isn't true.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then why isn't he here if half of what you told me is true?

[Adam Graham]

Because he. Because.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'll go answer the phone.

[Adam Graham]

Hello? Yes, I'm her. Who? Oh, oh, oh, just a minute. Sergeant Macklin, he said.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, the man I talked to at police headquarters.

[Adam Graham]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks. Johnny Dollar.

[August Trillingham]

This is Macklin.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mr. Dollar. Yeah, Mack. Looks like it's all sewed up. Yeah? Who? Elmer Cockerly. Driver's license, identification. You found the money?

[August Trillingham]

Well, what's left of it.

[Adam Graham]

They got the money, did they?

[Johnny Dollar]

You know what Cock looks like? I've seen this picture. Well, then maybe you better come out here. Where? Han's Bridge. Han's Bridge?

[Adam Graham]

It's where we used to go catfishing all the time.

[August Trillingham]

It's about nine miles up the creek, north of town.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, I'll see you there.

[Bob Bailey]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

I want you to see if you can identify Cocker's body. Oh, I see.

[Virginia Gregg]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Our flag now numbers 50 stars, and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Alaska's state flag is dark blue, the blue of the clear Alaska sky and the Forget me not the state flower. Upon it shines eight golden stars forming the Big Dipper, or the Great Bear, a symbol of strength. It points toward the North Star, representative of our northernmost state, Alaska's state flag. The flag of the 49th state to enter the Union was adopted on May 22, 1927. And now, Act 3 of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the wayward money matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Without telling Mrs. Cockerly what I'd learned over the I took off in my rental car for the creek north of town for Hans's Bridge. Yeah, this was a crazy case if ever there was one. Elmer Cockerly, bookkeeper for the tobacco company, was the only real suspect in the $104,000 robbery. And where there's only one suspect, I always begin to wonder. But who else was there? His wife, maybe. She'd done everything she could to confuse me. The owner of the company trilling Him. Yeah, I thought of him, too. Until I got the work. The police, that they'd found Elmer Cocker, or what was left of him. They found the money, too, or what was left of it. What's left of it is right $. I'm afraid most of that hundred thousand went floating down the creek when Cockley and his car rolled over into it. Now, we'll see how much of the.

[August Trillingham]

Dough is still inside when we get.

[Johnny Dollar]

The car up on the bank. How do you figure it happened, Sergeant? The old boy was making his getaways. Oh, going too fast when he hit the turn onto the bridge and plop over into the creek. Wouldn't there be skid marks, Max? Well, he wouldn't have to be going very fast. Look, car is up on the bank now. Come on. How do you know it's Elmer Cockley inside of it? License number. And one of the boys dove in, brought up his wallet, Sergeant, High and. Yeah, high and wet. Okay, Les, we'll have a look. Only a few small bills in there. Rest of the dough must be out in Chesapeake Bay by now. All right, boys, take a look. $. That cockerly in there? Yeah. Yeah, that's Elmer. You think he drowned? Yeah, or banged around so hard when.

[August Trillingham]

The car plunged in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look. See the bruises on his face and chest? Yeah, not pretty. And Max. Well, that's that. Just one more who tried and didn't.

[August Trillingham]

Get away with it.

[Johnny Dollar]

I wonder when they'll learn that it just. What's that? A little scrap of paper out of his pocket. Torn only part of it, see? Night ants. Cat. Cat and Mac. Look here. You know what? This bruise, this mark on the back of his head, he really got banged around. Show me one thing in this car that could leave a mark like this.

[August Trillingham]

Most anything.

[Johnny Dollar]

Door handle, top of the steering pole. No, sir. All the other bruises are on his face, his chest. And there's only one thing I know that leaves a mark like this. Better get the coroner out here before you touch anything. See you later. But look, where are you going? I'll see you later. Now what?

[Sergeant Macklin]

Under this?

[August Trillingham]

Yes, I heard it from the police department, Mr. Dollar and I. Well, in spite of what I told you earlier, it's hard to believe.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, it is.

[August Trillingham]

He'd been such a loyal soul all those years. And I s' pose all that cash and it was a bit more than we usually kept safe. I suppose it was just too much.

[Johnny Dollar]

Of a temptation for him or for any other man. Even you, for instance.

[August Trillingham]

What? Are you joking? So it's not funny.

[Johnny Dollar]

So business has been pretty bad lately.

[August Trillingham]

I didn't say that, Mr. Dalla. I merely said that.

[Johnny Dollar]

I know what you said, Trillingham. And I remember now what I'd heard about your big success in Florida real estate back in the 20s.

[August Trillingham]

Well, I don't see what.

[Johnny Dollar]

That you were one of those guys who sort of a lot of swamp and jungle, some of it underwater, to suckers from up north.

[August Trillingham]

I was young, an opportunist.

[Johnny Dollar]

You were a crook. You're a crook now. And a killer, Mr. Dollar. Natural to hang it on poor, timid little Elmer Cockley. Sure, why not? He'd be the natural suspect in anybody's book.

[August Trillingham]

You realize what you're.

[Johnny Dollar]

Let's go fishing. Catfishing. Tonight, at Hans's Bridge. Only you shouldn't have put it into a note to him. What?

[Adam Graham]

No.

[Johnny Dollar]

The one I found on his body. So you met him there. You slugged him, put him behind the wheel of his car, then ran it down the embankment into the creek. You thought the rolling over would account for any bruises he'd get.

[August Trillingham]

Listen.

[Johnny Dollar]

But not that mark on the back of his head. The one made by the butt of a.38 Special. I've seen too many of them telling him. Oh, I see. You still have it.

[August Trillingham]

That's right. And I'll use it.

[Johnny Dollar]

You didn't get away with murdering Elmer. You'd never get away killing me.

[August Trillingham]

I can go a long ways on $100,000. And before I let you.

[Adam Graham]

The police told me poor Elmer has.

[August Trillingham]

Close that door.

[Johnny Dollar]

You.

[Adam Graham]

You did it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why?

[Adam Graham]

I don't know how, but you killed him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Quiet.

[August Trillingham]

And close that. Oh, I'll do it myself. Oh, Buster.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, he did it, Mrs. Conley. And believe me, he'll pay for. Well, so ends another dirty chapter in the history of crime. I hope the insurance on Elmer makes up in some small way for Mrs. Conkerly's loss of him. Well, I was going to say husband, but I guess Elmer was kind of a baby to her. To manage, to browbeat and to love. Expense account total, including transportation Back to Hartford, $104.70. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Virginia Gregg]

Our star will return in just a moment.

[Sergeant Macklin]

Many times in the history of mankind, nations have pooled their forces to exert a greater strength against a common aggressor. This happens not only in the face of a world war, but between such giant holocausts as during the Boxer uprising in China in 1900. Six nations combine their forces to come to the aid of their citizens in the thick of the fight, undaunted by devastating enemy fire. Chief Boatswain John McCloy of the United States Naval Contingent. Distinguished himself by meritorious conduct above and beyond the call of duty. For his valorous action, he was awarded his first Medal of Honor. But a man of action doesn't get the job done because of possible awards. It is the spirit of his code of conduct that guides him. John McCloy was guided by that code again and again in June 1914 during the Mexican campaign. When the government of the United States was put upon once more to aid its persecuted citizens. Chief Boatswain John McCloy was constantly risking his life. Our landed troops were in danger of being annihilated on the beach at Veracruz. When McCloy voluntarily filled three picket launches with riflemen. And led them along the seafront to draw the enemy fire. Though badly wounded, he remained at his post. And gallantly directed his part of the campaign. For this action, Chief Boatswain John McCloy was awarded a second Medal of Honor. But he hadn't been concerned with medals. His only concern was conducting himself as a man should. And that is according to the code of the American fighting man.

[Virginia Gregg]

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

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week, a fishing trip to Lake Mojave Resort. Fishing, that is. For a thief. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Virginia Gregg]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Virginia Gregg, Edgar Barrier, Alan Reed, Vic Curran and Frank Nelson. Be sure to join US next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dolly. This is Dan Coverley, spe.

[Sergeant Macklin]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Bob Bailey]

Welcome back. I enjoyed this one. It does show the strength of Johnstone's writing, which is not plot. I guess the owner was the thief pretty early on. That was my first instinct. I think the wife did give me some doubt and really created some confusion as to what she was doing. But to me, this episode was carried by good characterization and good acting, particularly by Virginia Gregg. That kept me interested despite some of the weaker points in the plot. Well, now it's time for listener comments and feedback and we go to YouTube where Terry comments regarding the Denver dispersal matter. Very enjoyable. Thank you. Well, thank you for commenting over on YouTube. Now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporters of the Day. And since this is not only the first day in August, and we thanked our new platinum Patreon supporter, it is time to thank our Patreon Supporters of the Day who have been supporting the podcast for five years this month. And I want to thank Christine supporting the podcast at the psalmist level of $4 or more per month, and Alex supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. And both have been supporting the podcast since August of 2020. Thank you so much for your support. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you enjoyed the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. All those things that help YouTube channels to grow. We'll be back next Friday with another episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. But join us back here tomorrow for the great adventurers of Old Time Radio and Cloak and Daggerware.

[Johnny Dollar]

It's all right.

[Adam Graham]

I won't bite you.

[G]

Mrs. Lennox. Ms. Leonard.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, what can I do for you?

[G]

I don't know exactly. You see, my husband's disappeared.

[Johnny Dollar]

When was this?

[G]

Yesterday. He hasn't been home all night.

[Johnny Dollar]

Did you report it to the police?

[G]

No.

[Johnny Dollar]

Why not?

[G]

Dave would be furious if I did.

[Johnny Dollar]

And Dave? I take it he's your husband?

[G]

Yes. I know something awful has happened.

[Johnny Dollar]

What makes you say that?

[G]

Well, he's never done anything like this before.

[Johnny Dollar]

Is there any reason why he should now?

[G]

No.

[Johnny Dollar]

You ever fight before you left?

[G]

No, we. We never quarreled.

[Johnny Dollar]

You must be an unusual couple.

[Adam Graham]

Was James doing anything he shouldn't?

[G]

How do you mean that? How do you think I mean it? Well, he was seeing some girl but there was really nothing to it.

[Adam Graham]

What's her name?

[G]

Ali. Marc.

[Johnny Dollar]

You think he might have run away with her?

[G]

That's ridiculous. I tell you, Mr. Waring, something terrible must have happened to him.

[Johnny Dollar]

You seem obsessed with that idea.

[G]

I just want you to find.

[Bob Bailey]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

Com.

[Bob Bailey]

Great. Detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.