Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Moth Matter (EP4735)

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Moth Matter (EP4735)

Introduction

In this thrilling episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham presents "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Moth Matter." Released on June 20, 2025, this installment takes listeners on a suspense-filled journey with Johnny Dollar, America’s premier freelance insurance investigator, as he unravels the mysterious case of a seemingly minor insurance claim that harbors deeper secrets.

Investigation Begins

The episode kicks off with Johnny Dollar (voiced by Bob Bailey) receiving a challenging case from Earl Foreman. The claim involves a $2,000 incident related to a chemical plant operated by Dr. John C. Alworth. From the outset, Johnny senses there's more beneath the surface. As Earl Foreman explains, “[03:03] Earl Foreman: Yes. Over a $2,000 insurance claim,” Johnny questions the legitimacy and necessity of investigating such a modest amount, hinting at hidden complexities.

Deep in the Swamp

Determined to get to the bottom of the claim, Johnny travels to Sarasota, Florida, accompanied by Earl. Encountering the lush and perilous Everglades, Johnny navigates through the swamp, vividly describing the challenging terrain and the wildlife, including alligators and rattlers. At [10:07], Johnny narrates, “[10:08] Johnny Dollar: Todd swam. Manager of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce suggested we use two cars,” setting the stage for the unfolding mystery.

Upon arriving at the secluded laboratory, Dr. Alworth reveals that an accidental explosion destroyed a critical component of his rocket fuel production process. The tension rises as Johnny scrutinizes the scene: “[12:53] Johnny Dollar: Well, I still haven't learned what happened here, you know.”

Confrontation

Suspicion grows as Johnny delves deeper into the case, uncovering inconsistencies in Dr. Alworth's account. The plot thickens when Leon Salkhoff, Dr. Alworth’s assistant with a murky past, confronts Johnny with a weapon. At [18:00], Leon demands, “[18:01] Leon Salkhoff: One move and I will pull this trigger.” This dramatic encounter heightens the stakes, bridging the gap between professional investigation and personal danger.

The Unexpected Culprit

In a masterful twist, the true cause of the explosion is revealed—not sabotage, but an unforeseen natural event. Johnny observes, “[21:22] Johnny Dollar: Yeah. A tiny moth triggered the reaction that disintegrated that crystallized bottle into a million tiny grains like sand.” This unexpected culprit underscores the theme that sometimes the smallest details can have the most significant impact. The resolution not only clears the characters of wrongdoing but also emphasizes Johnny's keen observational skills and logical reasoning.

Host’s Analysis and Conclusion

After the gripping narrative, host Adam Graham provides insightful commentary, drawing parallels between the episode’s plot and real-world scenarios. He notes, “[27:44] Adam Graham: ...Joni doesn't actually disprove that aliens did it. Rather, he shows how it could have been committed by earthly means.” Adam appreciates Johnny's ability to debunk extraordinary claims through meticulous investigation, highlighting the show's blend of suspense and rational problem-solving.

Graham further engages listeners by reflecting on the episode’s creative elements, such as the improbable yet entertaining suggestion of a pole vaulter as a suspect, comparing it to similar tropes in other detective stories like Boston Blackie. He commends the episode for balancing out-of-the-box thinking with grounded investigative techniques, ultimately celebrating Johnny Dollar's role as a beacon of reason and perseverance.

Conclusion

"Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Moth Matter" is a quintessential episode that encapsulates the essence of classic radio detective dramas. Through suspenseful storytelling, unexpected twists, and a satisfying resolution, listeners are reminded of the enduring appeal of inquisitive minds tackling enigmatic cases. Adam Graham's engaging narration and thoughtful analysis further enrich the experience, making this episode a standout in the podcast's extensive catalog.

Notable Quotes

• “[03:05] Johnny Dollar: Oh, now wait, Earl. How can you justify my fee and expense account on a claim as well as that, Johnny?”
• “[16:40] Johnny Dollar: What?”
• “[21:28] Johnny Dollar: But the crystallized, Doctor. The way the other one did.”
• “[21:42] Johnny Dollar: But light vibrations or.”
• “[23:02] Johnny Dollar: Yeah. A tiny moth triggered the reaction that Disintegrated that crystallized that bottle into a million tiny grains like sand.”
• “[27:14] Adam Graham: It takes a man to make a hero. And the man's qualities of greatness are based on his code of conduct.”

Final Thoughts

This episode not only delivers a captivating mystery but also pays homage to the golden age of radio detective fiction. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, "The Wayward Moth Matter" offers an engaging and memorable listening experience that celebrates the art of storytelling and the timeless allure of detective work.

Transcript

[Announcer]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com we interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style Tips for Every Home. This is Stiles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's Style Tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Hair Every style, every home.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. But I want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I also wanted to encourage you as you're making your travel plans to remember johnnydollerair.com johnnydolleraire.com is our price affiliate link. So part of your purchase price benefits the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio at no additional cost to you. Remember, when making your travel plans, check johnnydoller air.com first. Now from March 2, 1958, here is the diamond dilemma matter.

[Announcer]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options, and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Bob Bailey]

From Hollywood. It's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Deller, Earl Foreman. Hi, Earl. How are things down in sunny Florida?

[Earl Foreman]

How soon can you come down here, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

You got troubles?

[Earl Foreman]

Yes. Over a $2,000 insurance claim.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now wait, Earl. How can you justify my fee and expense account on a claim as well as that, Johnny?

[Earl Foreman]

Yeah, the responsibilities of an insurance company sometimes involve far more than just collecting premiums and paying off on claims.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, sure. Keeping your clients happy, A little good old public service now and then. That's right.

[Earl Foreman]

Even a little attention to our national security?

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure. But on such a small policy, I still don't see how you can justify national security. Yes, Johnny. I'll grab the first plane.

[Bob Bailey]

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.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by Special investigator Johnny Dollar, the Tri State Life and Casualty Insurance Company, Sarasota, Florida. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Wayward moth. Expensive continent, 19620. Plane fare in incidentals, Hartford, Connecticut to Sarasota, Florida. There I was met at the airport by my old friend and fishing pal, Earl Poorman. And we drove on into town.

[Earl Foreman]

You like my new car, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

When aren't you driving a new car? Well, now, let's get down to electric.

[Earl Foreman]

Windows, power seat, air conditioning.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, sure. Look, you said something about national security in connection with this insurance claim.

[Earl Foreman]

Yes, Johnny, I did.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, explain yourself.

[Earl Foreman]

Well, that's the trouble, I can't.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean to say you had me fly all the way down?

[Earl Foreman]

Now, now, wait, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Or. Or was it just some trick to inveigle me into fishing, huh? Is that it? A crack at some of the great Florida fishing you've been promising me all these years?

[Earl Foreman]

Well, who knows, Maybe while you're here we will be able to get in some fishing too.

[Johnny Dollar]

Too? In addition to what? Sure, Johnny.

[Earl Foreman]

I just had my boat repainted, the engine over hurled. We'll go out in the Gulf for kings and blue fish and in the bay in the bayou, back of the house. I promise you redfish and sea trout until you get tired reeling.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, all right. Just tell me why you've had me come all the way down here to investigate lousy $2,000 claim.

[Earl Foreman]

I told you, I don't really know.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right. National security is involved. Yes.

[Earl Foreman]

Well, okay, Johnny. I issued a policy covering the chemical plant of Dr. John C. Alworth.

[Johnny Dollar]

What kind of chemicals?

[Earl Foreman]

Well, you see, I don't know.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Huh.

[Earl Foreman]

I issued the policy at the specific request of Todd Swamp.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who's he?

[Earl Foreman]

Chamber of Commerce knows more about this whole area and its people than anyone else.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, surely you've seen this chemical lab.

[Earl Foreman]

No, I haven't.

[Johnny Dollar]

You what?

[Earl Foreman]

As a matter of fact, it's ex. Location is a complete secret.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, now, now look, Earl, if you. If you've issued a policy, if you're ready to pay off a claim. But if you haven't seen. Look, how do you know a couple of thousand dollars worth of damage occurred?

[Earl Foreman]

I've taken Todd Swam's word for it. I trust him implicitly.

[Johnny Dollar]

This is the dog on this, Earl. How can I possibly investigate something if I can't? If nobody Knows what? Ah, I give up.

[Earl Foreman]

I'm sure that Todd will tell you everything. I'll take you in, introduce you to him. Then I'll leave you with it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Leave me?

[Earl Foreman]

That's the way he says it has to be. Here, take the keys to my car. You'll probably need them.

[Johnny Dollar]

But how would you get them?

[Earl Foreman]

And if you need anything, or if I can be of help, you know where to call me. At the office or at the house out on St. Armand's Cay. Come on, let's go in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Todd Swan is a young, pleasant, aggressive sort of chap. Serious, alert, perceptive. He thanked Earl for bringing me, then led me alone into his private office.

[Earl Foreman]

Sit down, Johnny, and I'll get right to the point.

[Johnny Dollar]

Ah, thanks.

[Earl Foreman]

I know all about you. At least all I need to know, not only from Earl Poorman, but from a lot of the cases you've handled.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, then you went up on me.

[Earl Foreman]

I also know that on occasion you've handled security matters, worked hand in glove with the FBI and so on. So, all right. My job here is not only to promote Sarasota, tell the world what a nice place it is to live. Nice people, good homes, ideal climate, great fishing. Yes, fishing, boating, just about everything.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, okay, I'm sold. But what about this Dr. John Allworth?

[Earl Foreman]

My job is also to be of whatever service I can to the people of the city. All right. Dr. Alworth has lived here for years. Chemist, retired. Until recently, that is.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, go on.

[Earl Foreman]

Now, in his small laboratory, carefully hidden in the swamps of the Everglades for security reasons, Dr. Alworth is producing an important rocket fuel ingredient. All for use at one of the testing centers here in Florida, Cape Canaveral. He and his assistant work entirely alone for obvious reasons.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, Earl says there's been some damage at his place.

[Earl Foreman]

That's why I asked him to have you come down.

[Johnny Dollar]

But only a couple of thousand dollars worth.

[Earl Foreman]

That is beside the point, Johnny. I think it's a case of sabotage.

[Johnny Dollar]

But if nobody's even permitted to know where the place is.

[Earl Foreman]

If you're ready, we'll go out there right away. Okay?

[Johnny Dollar]

Right.

[Bob Bailey]

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

[Wayfair Announcer]

Much has been said about combat soldiers who joined to fight. But what about the non combatant who finds himself in the thick of battle tending to the wounds of men under fire? In May 1945, World War II had only a few months to run in the Pacific area. But on Okinawa, fighting was still at its fiercest. No man dared relax for an instant, fearlessly braving the Fury and fire of enemy artillery, mortars and machine guns. United States Naval Hospital apprentice Robert E. Bush was constantly on the move, administering blood plasma and treating the wounds of United States Marines. Despite the murderous barrage and savage counterattack of the enemy, Robert Bush went at his work without a thought of his own danger. As he was giving blood plasma to a wounded officer on perilously exposed ground, Bush fought with pistol and carbine against the enemy attack until all his ammunition was gone. He then used his weapons as clubs. Disregarding his own wounds and the loss of an eye. Bush continued his heroic resistance while protecting and treating his patient until the enemy was routed. He then refused all treatment for himself until the wounded man was removed from the field of battle. Naval hospital apprentice Robert Bush might have left the scene of battle instead of earning the medal of Honor, but he didn't. His personal code of conduct meant the responsibility of doing the best he could with the job to be done.

[Bob Bailey]

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

[Johnny Dollar]

Todd swam. Manager of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce suggested we use two cars. So I got behind the wheel of the one Earl fore left for me and followed him. We drove south on Highway 41 through Fort Myers, then swung left on Route 82 into the Everglades and finally into the big cypress swamp country few miles further south. I'm not permitted to say how many. We left the main road for a pair of wagon tracks leading into the swampy jungle. We stopped in a little clearing. From a small shack on the edge of a bio a tall husky Indian emerged. He lowered his high powered rifle as he recognized Todd's, swam and walked over to where we'd parked.

[Wayfair Announcer]

You bring a man? Todd?

[Earl Foreman]

Ben osceola, this is Mr. Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hi, Ben.

[Earl Foreman]

How do you do, Mr. Johnny Ben. He's to be let through here anytime he wants.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Very well. Mr. Todd.

[Earl Foreman]

Have you the airboat ready for us already?

[Wayfair Announcer]

Back of my house.

[Bob Bailey]

Good.

[Earl Foreman]

Come on, John.

[Johnny Dollar]

The airboat parked on the edge of a bayou. Back up in Osceola shack was an aluminum hull about 12 foot long, square across the bow instead of pointed. Two high seats were built up on it. At the back was a powerful motor with a propeller of the airplane type. Todd swam and I climbed onto the precarious little seats and we took off. And brother, I mean took off. What a ride. The airboat half plane half skipped over the shallow water of the bayou perched up over the hull itself. I kept waiting for us to flip. After a quarter mile came on a vast plain of soggy grassy marshland splotched here and there with patches of clear water. Now and then on half submerged logs, big turtles quickly drew in their heads as we approached. More than once a huge alligator gave us the bdi, then quietly sank below the surface of a shallow pool.

[Earl Foreman]

Plenty of rattlers and cottonmouths around here too.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks a lot. Finally, we pulled up to an acre or so of brush and trees. Looked almost like an island in the middle of the swamp. On it sat a long, low building made a concrete block. This is the place, Johnny.

[Earl Foreman]

Unless you'd like to ride around a bit more.

[Johnny Dollar]

No thanks. Todd swam. Got the introductions over in a hurry. Dr. Allworth, a short, wiry old man with sharp features and a shock of white hair led us into the laboratory building.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

No, no, Mr. Dollar, not in there. No one is permitted in the laboratory except myself and my assistant.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I'm sorry, Doctor. You lead the way.

[Earl Foreman]

About your assistant, Dr. Alworth.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

It was in the vault that the accident occurred.

[Earl Foreman]

It was an accident.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Of course it was. Who would possibly want to?

[Earl Foreman]

Plenty of people, Doctor. And you know, it may sound corny, but this whole country has enough enemy agents.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

You speak as though we were at war, Todd.

[Earl Foreman]

Well, we're certainly in a cold war. And speaking of agents.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

A moment please, gentlemen, while I work the combination of this lock.

[Johnny Dollar]

This vault looks big enough for a bank.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

In it I keep two things, mister. The finished rocket fuel component and the delicate apparatus with which I complete the final secret stage of its production. Apparatus no one but myself has ever seen.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you're letting us see it?

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Well, the accident has rendered it completely unrecognizable.

[Johnny Dollar]

I still haven't learned what happened here, you know.

[Earl Foreman]

Matter of fact, I haven't either, Johnny. I certainly have my suspicions, Doctor.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

There we are. No, no, no, no, don't go in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, I.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

The substance on the floor is so corrosive that. Well, look, you can see how the legs of that heavy metal table have completely corroded. Left nothing but a pile of splintered metal and rust.

[Johnny Dollar]

The rocket fuel did that.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Now, there in the corner at your left are the rotting, tangled remains of the apparatus I mentioned. The apparatus the insurance money will replace so I can make up for valuable time lost.

[Earl Foreman]

Doctor, I tell you, it was no accident.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

What happened, Mr. Dollar, is that the heavy glass flagon containing the finished rocket fuel?

[Johnny Dollar]

Additive glass, Doctor.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

A very special glass. Over an inch stick. The flagon containing about 5 liters of it was on that marble slab there in the middle of the floor, ready to be crated and Shipped to. Shipped to its destination.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

I had completed processing it night before last. Early yesterday morning. For some reason I have not been able to determine, the flagon exploded.

[Earl Foreman]

Well, I'll bet I can find a reason. Where is that assistant of yours?

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Leon?

[Earl Foreman]

Yes. Leon Salkoff.

[Johnny Dollar]

Salkoff.

[Earl Foreman]

Yes, Johnny. A man doing secret work for the rocket missile project hires an assistant with a name like that?

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

No, Tony.

[Johnny Dollar]

Leon Salchoff. Hey, Doctor. There was a famous, well, I should say infamous, character by the name of Sarkoff during the last war. A young chemist.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Yes, Mr. Dallas.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mixed up in a couple of industrial bomb plots. And if this is the same man.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

It is the same man.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, then. Good heavens.

[Earl Foreman]

Exactly what I think.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

No, no, no.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Both wrong.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

This man was cleared in the war trial.

[Earl Foreman]

What difference does that make? I say a leopard can't change his spots.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

But. But don't you see that not even he knows the combination to this vault?

[Johnny Dollar]

Some other way to get in? Those little windows up there, 8 inches.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Square and 2 inches thick.

[Johnny Dollar]

And you're sure there's nothing in your process that would cause the bottle to explode?

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

I have checked and rechecked it.

[Earl Foreman]

Where was Leon Salkhoff when it happened? And where is he now?

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Well, he went to Fort Myers for supplies early this morning. He should be back.

[Earl Foreman]

My guess is that he kept right on going.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, Todd, I'm inclined to agree with you. Because, Doctor, if what you've told us is true, well, somehow someone must have got to this stuff. How high are those little windows above the ground outside?

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Oh, about five feet.

[Johnny Dollar]

Then a gun, perhaps, aimed in through a window.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

But they are all in place and unbroken.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, any reason why one of them couldn't be removed from the outside, then replace?

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Well, I. I don't know.

[Johnny Dollar]

I'm going to see. I'll be right back. Stop.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Don't move.

[Johnny Dollar]

What?

[Leon Salkhoff]

Do not move, mister, or I will shoot you right through the heart.

[Bob Bailey]

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. Nebraska's state flag is a reproduction of the state's Great Seal in gold and silver. On a field of blue within the circle of gold is a steamboat ascending the Missouri river, representing trade and commerce. The mechanical arts and industriousness are represented by a smith with hammer and anvil. Agriculture by a settler's cabin with sheaves of wheat and stalks of growing corn. In the background, a long train heads toward the Rocky Mountains. All this is encircled by the state motto, Equality before the law Nebraska's state flag. The flag of the 37th state to enter the Union was adopted on March 28, 1925. And now, Act 3 of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Wayward Moth matter.

[Leon Salkhoff]

Put your hands above your head, mister.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now wait.

[Leon Salkhoff]

One move and I will pull this trigger.

[Johnny Dollar]

Who are you?

[Leon Salkhoff]

I will ask the questions. What are you doing here? Where is Dr. Elworth? Answer me. Oster, help me. I will shoot you down.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Mr. Duller. Mr. Duller. Did you find anything?

[Bob Bailey]

Doctor?

[Johnny Dollar]

Stay there. Doctor, there's a man out here with a gun. What's that? No, no. Don't come out here. Leon.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Leon. No, no. That's Mr. Duller.

[Wayfair Announcer]

What?

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Johnny Duller, insurance investigator to arrange the payment of our claim.

[Leon Salkhoff]

You're sure, Doctor?

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Of course I'm sure.

[Leon Salkhoff]

Well, I recognized Mr. Swan's car at the shack of the Indian, but when I saw the other car, well. Well, I was worried about you.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

No, no, no, no. It's all right. He's here to help us.

[Earl Foreman]

So you finally decided to come back, Mr. Swan.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

What took you so long? Leia.

[Leon Salkhoff]

All the way into Fort Myers this morning, I puzzled over how the flagon could possibly have exploded in the vault.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

You found the answer.

[Johnny Dollar]

Or have you known it all along, Sarcough?

[Leon Salkhoff]

I do not understand, Mr.

[Earl Foreman]

Darling. I think I do, Johnny. I thought so from the first.

[Johnny Dollar]

I've heard about you, Salkhov. About some of your activities during the last war.

[Leon Salkhoff]

I pray that heaven will forgive me for what I have forced to do in that conflict, Mr. Daller.

[Johnny Dollar]

Forced?

[Leon Salkhoff]

It is my hope that by serving this wonderful country that has given me refuge in some way I can make up for the terrible things I was compelled to do for the men who sought to rule the world.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now, that's a very pretty speech.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Oh, it's true, Mr. Daller. You've only to consult the records of the.

[Johnny Dollar]

I may take a look at those records before I'm through with this case.

[Leon Salkhoff]

I humbly beg you to do so.

[Earl Foreman]

You still haven't told us where you've been all day, Leon.

[Leon Salkhoff]

I tried to figure out how the explosion could possibly have occurred, so I telephoned one of our contacts.

[Johnny Dollar]

Contacts?

[Leon Salkhoff]

The glass company that has furnished us with the heavy flagons.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

But there is no way the additive could have caused them to disintegrate. Disintegrate?

[Leon Salkhoff]

No, no, Doctor. When the flagen had stood, we found the pile of granulated glass. The flagon had completely crystallized.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Oh, but even so, I.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait.

[Bob Bailey]

Of course.

[Johnny Dollar]

Of course.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

By some means, the formula for the.

[Leon Salkhoff]

Glass that I obtained from the glassworks indicated the possibility.

[Johnny Dollar]

Would you gentlemen mind telling us what this is all about?

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Mr. Dollar, I believe Leon has found the answer.

[Earl Foreman]

If he has, I'll take back a lot of the things I've said and thought about him.

[Leon Salkhoff]

Of course, we can't be sure until we proved it.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

It means waiting until morning.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, great.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Meantime, we have a lot of work to do.

[Johnny Dollar]

We spent most of the night working like dogs, swabbing out the vault with a powerful neutralizing solution. Then, early in the morning, the four of us gathered in the vaults. A flagon like the first one was placed on the marble slab in the middle of the floor. We sat around and waited a long time. Then I noticed something. The rays of the sun coming through one of the tiny, thick windows. The light was focused as though through a magnifying glass. Slowly, the powerful, searing pinpoint of light worked its way over to the flagon. Dr. Alworth rose and held a piece of paper. Where the rays converged, it burst into flame. There.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Now you can see the tremendous heat generated at this point.

[Leon Salkhoff]

Yes, and on the flagon itself.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Exactly. The tempered, thick glass wall of the bottle. Tempered, perhaps to a highly critical degree.

[Johnny Dollar]

But the crystallized, Doctor. The way the other one did.

[Earl Foreman]

Leon, I still don't believe it.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Well, many things will cause glass to crystallize. Vibrations of many kinds. You've heard, I'm sure, of the tenor who shatters a goblet by the power, the vibrations of his voice.

[Johnny Dollar]

But light vibrations or.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Doctor, of course, it should have occurred by now.

[Earl Foreman]

If it's going to at all.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Oh, the temperature of that bottle must be terrific. The pressure building up in the glass itself. I don't understand. Still, the angle of the sun is slightly different each day.

[Leon Salkhoff]

Or an imperceptible flaw in the one that exploded.

[Earl Foreman]

Oh, sure.

[Leon Salkhoff]

Perhaps the other had some outside stimulus to act as a. As a trigger. A sudden draft, perhaps. Oh, any little thing.

[Earl Foreman]

Excuses, Leon, you're stalling. You said the other bottle was in here alone, the doors closed. Only it wasn't. Because you exploded that thing. I don't know how, but you did it. And if that isn't sabotage. Come on, Johnny. This gag has been carried far enough.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Look, look.

[Johnny Dollar]

I saw two. A tiny moth attracted by the blazing spot of light on the side of the flag where the focus rays of the sun converged. The moth circled, flew past it, almost brushing it with his wings. We waited. He circled again again, then dove at it. Well, Ton.

[Earl Foreman]

Yes, Leon, I apologize.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. A tiny moth triggered the reaction that Disintegrated that crystallized that bottle into a million tiny grains like sand. And simply because of the difference in temperature of his little body seems impossible, but it happened. Expense account. Total, including the trip Back to Hartford, $204 even. Remarks. Pay up this claim in a hurry, will you? The more help we can give TO People like Dr. Alworth and Leon Salkhoff, the better. Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Bob Bailey]

Our star, will return in just a moment.

[Wayfair Announcer]

It doesn't take a war to make a hero. Nor does it take a situation filled with an onslaught of deadly enemy gunfire, bombs and mortars. It takes a man to make a hero. And the man's qualities of greatness are based on his code of conduct. It serves him in peace as well as War. In August 1916, when the United States was still at peace with the rest of the world, part of our fleet was anchored off Santo Domingo City. The USS Memphis was in danger of total destruction from a hurricane. Only the efficient operation of the engines and boilers could get her out of the critical area. Lieutenant Claude A. Jones was senior engineering officer aboard. In rapid succession, boilers and steam pipes began bursting about him, scalding him with clouds of steam. Thousands of tons of water came down on him in complete darkness. Lieutenant Jones nobly remained at his post as long as the engines would turn over. His supreme unselfish heroism inspired the men with him. When the boilers exploded, Jones, with two men, rushed into the fire rooms and rescued the men trapped there in the face of death by drowning, burning or suffocation from the scalding steam. Lt. Claude Jones performed a heroic feat because he felt it was his duty to do what he did. He earned the Medal of Honor because he had a code of conduct that served him well.

[Bob Bailey]

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

[Johnny Dollar]

Next week. Well, I thought my job in Florida was all done. Far from it. It had just begun. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dol.

[Bob Bailey]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Vic Perrin, Herb Ellis, Paul Richards, Lou Merrill and Leon Velasco. 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 States Armed.

[Johnny Dollar]

Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Announcer]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. It seems like the life cycle of an insurance policy in a Johnny Dollar case begins with, well, I don't see why we shouldn't write this policy. Plus, it'll be a good commission and ends with, oh, I guess that's why I shouldn't have written the policy. I better call Johnny Dollar. The underwriters at these companies must be fun people if they are willing to go along with some of these policies now. Also, in fairness, Joni doesn't actually disprove that aliens did it. Rather, he shows how it could have been committed by earthly means. And that would have to be enough for the company that covers the diamonds for ordinary theft. And truth be told, if this guy does have an insurance policy for ordinary theft, this one is pretty much junk because unless someone saw aliens actually committing the robbery, no insurance agent is going to make that assumption. You can imagine the investigator for another company if they come out before Johnny, looking and calling the home office, yeah, Chief, I know that this guy owns a lot of policies with us, but I think we ought to deny his claim because it must have been aliens that did it. There's no way a human being could have gotten up here. And you can imagine the insurance agent saying, yeah, I got a better idea. How about you don't cost us a major client? And even better, how about you not get us sued and humiliated before the state insurance commission? And you know what? Figure out how it actually got stolen and get those jewels back because we're not putting aliens on the report. I also really did appreciate the out of the box thinking by the sheriff to consider outrageous suggestions including the professional pole vaulter. So maybe the sheriff, or at least the writer of the episode may have heard that same episode of Boston Blackie. It might have been Filo Vance, but I think Boston Blackie, where we have this incredibly improbable criminal college pole vaulting champion that commits the murder and that's how he was able to do it. But it was nowhere near as improbable as it would have been for that to be the solution to this week's case. Well now I want to go ahead and thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Susan Patreon supporter since March of 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support Susan. And that will 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.

[Sergeant]

Dragnet, where you're gonna have to make it fast, Sergeant. I got an appointment for lunch downtown. All right, sir.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Just like to have you elaborate on what Dr. Hart told us. Is he your family doctor, by the way?

[Sergeant]

Yeah, that's right. He had no business calling you in the first place. I told him I didn't want it to get out. What'd he tell you?

[Earl Foreman]

He said you came to him for treatment night before last. You told him you'd been beaten up and robbed. He treated you for cuts and bruises.

[Sergeant]

About the face and head. No, it was nothing. Didn't amount to anything.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Well, was there actually a robbery, Mr. Butler?

[Sergeant]

Believe me, Sergeant, it didn't amount to anything. I don't even want to go into it.

[Wayfair Announcer]

How much did the robbery involve? Money, I mean.

[Sergeant]

I'd rather not say. I don't want any fuss made about it. That's why I didn't report it. Just isn't worth it to me.

[Earl Foreman]

We understand the hold up men took more than $800 from you. Wouldn't you like to get that money back?

[Sergeant]

I don't want to be nasty about this thing, but I was the one who was held up. Now, if I don't want to press the case, I don't see why anyone else should worry about it. It was my money.

[Wayfair Announcer]

How about the beating that the thieves gave you?

[Sergeant]

It's nothing serious. It's like I told you on the phone. I want to forget about the whole thing.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Well, it must have involved more than just a few scratches from the looks of you. And the doctor had to treat you.

[Sergeant]

Take my word for it.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Please.

[Sergeant]

I'm all right. I don't want to press charges.

[Earl Foreman]

Appreciate it if you'd give us some kind of an explanation, Mr. Butler.

[Dr. John C. Alworth]

Why?

[Sergeant]

I don't want to bother, that's all. There's nothing to explain.

[Wayfair Announcer]

Well, you have to admit that this is a little unusual. Somebody beats you up, slugs you, takes $800 from you, and you don't want to do anything about it?

[Adam Graham]

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