Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward River Matter (EP4810)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Wayward River Matter (EP4810)
Host: Adam Graham
Air Date: September 26, 2025

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Overview

This episode features “The Wayward River Matter,” a dramatic flood-time mystery from the classic detective radio series Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. Freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is summoned amid devastating Midwest flooding, not only to mitigate potential massive insurance losses but inadvertently to save a town from destruction—and expose the dark intentions of a selfish townsman. Host Adam Graham concludes with insightful commentary and addresses listener feedback.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Flood Catastrophe in Carteret

• Johnny Dollar’s Call to Action

  • [02:23] Johnny receives an urgent call from Lee Hawkins, his old friend and insurance colleague in Columbus, Ohio. Lee’s hometown, Carteret, is threatened by unprecedented flooding.
  • The episode opens with banter about past fishing trips—grounding Johnny in the region and setting a nostalgic tone before crisis strikes.

• The Stakes

  • [03:04] Lee describes the town’s vulnerability: Carteret is situated below the bank of the Crooked River, which has been pushed dangerously high by weeks of relentless rain. Unlike larger cities, Carteret hasn’t invested in robust flood defenses due to years of luck missing the worst storms.

2. Tension Mounts: The Flood’s Advance and the Town’s Peril

• On the Frontlines

  • [07:02] Arriving on a hill above Carteret at midnight, Johnny and Lee witness townsfolk—regardless of status or profession—desperately reinforcing the levees. The narrative vividly portrays community sacrifice in the face of disaster.
  • “Men, women, children, all working in a common cause not just for themselves, but for the survival of their neighbors, their town.” – Johnny Dollar ([07:28])

• The Looming Threat

  • [08:43] Johnny notices that floodwaters are rising faster than the levees can be fortified. He identifies a critical problem: debris has jammed against the old railroad trestle, creating a makeshift dam that’s causing the river to back up further.
  • “That railroad trestle has become a regular dam… the more debris piling up there, the stronger it gets, and the higher it gets too, with the water mounting up behind it.” – Johnny Dollar ([09:09])

3. High Stakes and Tough Decisions: The Need for Dynamite

• Race Against Disaster

  • [11:01] Johnny and Lee determine that the only way to save the town is to blast the dam. They seek dynamite from Fred Norlock’s hardware store—though Norlock is preoccupied with protecting his own assets and resists aiding the town.
  • “He’s the only man in town looking after his personal property. The only one selfish enough…” – Lee Hawkins ([11:35])

• Stand-Off with Selfishness

  • [12:08] Norlock initially refuses to provide the dynamite, brandishing a gun to protect his supply and his store—potentially at the expense of the entire community.
  • “Unless you give us the dynamite, I’ll blast the lock off this place of yours and get it myself.” – Johnny Dollar ([13:26])

• Dynamite Run

  • [14:00] Johnny risks his life venturing onto the rickety, flood-swept bridge to set the explosives. His experience is harrowing, facing both physical danger and the psychological pressure of possibly failing the town.

4. Resolution: Disaster Averted, Motive Exposed

• The Blast and the Aftermath

  • [15:36] Johnny’s explosive charge successfully destroys the dam. The floodwaters recede, the town is saved, and exhausted townsfolk return to battered but intact homes. “Nature, defeated, gave up. The rain stopped and the skies cleared.” – Johnny Dollar ([18:30])

• The Human Mystery: Norlock’s Motive

  • [20:13] Johnny, unable to rest, begins to suspect Norlock engineered his actions for insurance fraud, having insured his store for a suspiciously high sum and actively prevented methods that could save the town.
  • “He knew about the dam…did he try to do anything about it? No. Instead, he went through the motions of trying to protect his property. But he knew that if that levee broke, nothing would save it.” – Johnny Dollar ([20:56])

• Climactic Confrontation

  • [21:26] Johnny tracks Norlock to the levee, where Norlock plans to sabotage it with dynamite for a big insurance payday—even if it costs townspeople their homes or lives.
  • “So it’s you and me, huh? And if I go, the town goes too?” – Johnny Dollar ([22:24])

• Justice Served

  • [23:07] Norlock and Johnny struggle; Norlock goes into the river and is never found—“A crooked man in the Crooked River.” His selfishness and betrayal stand in stark contrast to the solidarity and self-sacrifice shown by the rest of Carteret.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Unity of the Town:
  “I’d never seen a more dedicated group of people. Men, women, children, all working in a common cause not just for themselves, but for the survival of their neighbors, their town.”
  — Johnny Dollar ([07:28])

• Exposing the Problem:
  “Look back there behind us…that old railroad bridge…the trees, the mud, the rubble, it’s piling up against it…that’s what’s backing up the water.”
  — Johnny Dollar ([09:09])

• On Selfishness:
  “He’s the only man in town looking after his personal property. The only one selfish enough…”
  — Lee Hawkins ([11:35])

• Defiant Heroism:
  “Unless you give us the dynamite, I’ll blast the lock off this place of yours and get it myself.”
  — Johnny Dollar ([13:26])

• Summary of Norlock:
  “Norlock’s body was never recovered. He’d lived alone. He died alone. A crooked man in the Crooked River. Nor was he mourned in the little town he tried to destroy.”
  — Johnny Dollar ([23:07])

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Timestamps of Major Segments

• Intro & Flood Setup: [02:23] – [07:02]
• Levee Crisis & Discovery of the Dam: [07:02] – [09:30]
• Seeking the Dynamite & Town Tensions: [11:01] – [13:38]
• Bridge Confrontation & Explosion: [14:00] – [15:36]
• Aftermath & Norlock Investigation: [18:30] – [20:56]
• Confrontation with Norlock: [21:26] – [23:07]

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Host Commentary & Listener Feedback

Adam Graham’s Thoughts

• Story’s Unique Tone:

  • [26:40] Adam observes the episode blurs lines between action-thriller and detective mystery, setting it apart from standard Johnny Dollar fare. He highlights the episode’s core message: a condemnation of selfishness and praise for community solidarity.
  • “The story overall reflected a very strong sentiment and moral about the idea of selfishness and looking out for yourself, even at the cost to others.” ([26:40])

• ‘Twice Told Tales’ Format:

  • Adam addresses listener comments about similarities to previous episodes and the possible re-use of old scripts. He explains the context behind repeated stories and the challenges of scriptwriting during the show’s later years.

• Listener Feedback:

  • Listeners noted the lack of female characters in the episode and the deviation from a usual whodunit structure. Adam speculates casting limitations might explain the absence of women’s voices and defends the episode’s mix of suspense and mystery.

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Conclusion

“The Wayward River Matter” delivers both thrilling action and classic detective work, foregrounding themes of selflessness versus greed in the crucible of disaster. Johnny Dollar’s quick thinking averts catastrophe, and his keen investigative instincts expose a hometown villain. The episode remains memorable for its realistic depiction of community, moral lessons, and Norlock’s tragic comeuppance.

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Transcript

[Adam Graham]

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[Lee Hawkins]

Here we have the Limu Emu in.

[Johnny Dollar]

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[Lee Hawkins]

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[Johnny Dollar]

Fascinating.

[Lee Hawkins]

It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug. Limu.

[Johnny Dollar]

Is that guy with the binoculars watching us. Cut the camera.

[Roy Rowan]

They see us.

[Motley Fool Advertiser]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty. Liberty Savings vary Underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.

[Adam Graham]

Limu Emu and Doug.

[Johnny Dollar]

Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. But now we want you to feel it. Cue the Emu music. Limu. Save yourself money today.

[Adam Graham]

Increase your wealth.

[Lee Hawkins]

Customize and save.

[Adam Graham]

We save.

[Johnny Dollar]

That may have been too much feeling.

[Motley Fool Advertiser]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty.

[Johnny Dollar]

Liberty Savings.

[Motley Fool Advertiser]

Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.

[Lee Hawkins]

It's welcome to the Great detectives of.

[Adam Graham]

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're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And remember, when making your travel plans, check johnnydoller air.com first. Johnnydoller air.com is a Priceline affiliate link, so part of your purchase price supports 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. Now from June 8, 1958, here is the Wayward River Manor.

[Johnny Dollar]

From Hollywood. It's time now for Johnny Duller.

[Lee Hawkins]

Johnny, this is Lee Hawkins, Continental Insurance and Trust Company.

[Johnny Dollar]

Lee, my old fishing pad. You still holding down the Ohio branch of the company there in Columbus?

[Lee Hawkins]

Yes, John, I am. But.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now look here, brother. I never will forget the great fishing you and I had over on Darby Creek a couple of years back. And long about this time every year, the urge really gets to me. Hey, have the streams cleared up yet from the spring rains?

[Lee Hawkins]

No, quite the contrary, as a matter of fact.

[Johnny Dollar]

How about Little Raccoon Creek down there? Jackson boy, remember those big channel cats and the bass?

[Lee Hawkins]

Johnny, will you listen?

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, sure. I'm all ears.

[Lee Hawkins]

The big river has gone on a rampage again. Spring floods.

[Johnny Dollar]

You mean the Ohio?

[Lee Hawkins]

Yes, and every other river of any size. The rains are still coming down.

[Johnny Dollar]

I see.

[Lee Hawkins]

Whole towns are being washed away by the flood waters. Death and destruction all over.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, I. I'm sorry, Lee. I didn't mean to sound so. Well, you Know, Mention fishing and I lose my head.

[Lee Hawkins]

Look, Johnny, I need you out here. Can you come right away?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, sure.

[Lee Hawkins]

You see, any fishing we do may be for the bodies of people.

[Johnny Dollar]

Bob Bailey and the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to the Continental Insurance and Trust Company, Columbus, Ohio office. Following as an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the Wayward river matter, expense account item one, $43 and a half. Transportation to New York on a flagship to Columbus, Ohio. It was 5:30pm and raining hard when the big four engine plane set down gently at Port Columbus Airport some seven miles out of town. My plan, go into the Fort Hayes Hotel and call Lee Hawkins from there. So after picking up my luggage, I headed for the door in a taxi stand. But Lee, it seems, had other ideas.

[Lee Hawkins]

Here, let me help you with your bag.

[Johnny Dollar]

It's all right, son. I'm just looking for a taxi to leave.

[Lee Hawkins]

My car's right out here. Johnny, the sooner we get started, the better. Here, now, right through this door.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah. Well, wait. As sooner we get started where? Where are we going?

[Lee Hawkins]

To the town of Carteret, about 100 miles or so south. Now, come on if you want to get so.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, hey, come on. Whatever you say.

[Lee Hawkins]

Come on, hop in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, brother. Why didn't you tell me to bring a ring?

[Lee Hawkins]

Why don't you read the papers?

[Johnny Dollar]

Been raining like this for long?

[Lee Hawkins]

Off and on for three or four weeks. We may have a mean ride ahead of us.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's it all about, Lee?

[Lee Hawkins]

Well, the floods along the Ohio have been pretty severe this year, Johnny. Somewhat later than usual.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, that much I did read.

[Lee Hawkins]

About half a dozen of the big cities have been torn, taking a real beating in spite of all their preparations for the big runoff.

[Johnny Dollar]

I know it's been through all over the country.

[Lee Hawkins]

Well, what you don't read about in the headlines though, is the little places like Carteret. It's my old hometown, Johnny. I've sold a lot of policies there, particularly to the local shopkeepers, you know, on their stocks and merchandise.

[Johnny Dollar]

So there's been a lot of flood damage and your company's having to pay up a lot of claims.

[Lee Hawkins]

No, not yet. So far the town's been lucky. Most of the recent bad storms have been across the state. State line up in Pennsylvania or over in West Virginia. Same was true last year and the year before. So? So the people down around Carteret, farmers mostly, haven't gone ahead with their flood control. Project the way they should have is.

[Johnny Dollar]

Kinder at right on the Ohio.

[Lee Hawkins]

No, it's in a valley a few miles north. It's on the Crooked River. And parts of the town are actually below the riverbank. Now, you see what that means?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I sure can.

[Lee Hawkins]

Most of the year it's a quiet, lazy stream about 50 or 60ft wide. But when the feeder streams up in the hills start pouring water down.

[Johnny Dollar]

And if it overflows, half a town.

[Lee Hawkins]

Will go with it. Be swept right down into the Ohio. We don't.

[Johnny Dollar]

They know enough to prepare for this sort of thing, Johnny.

[Lee Hawkins]

Like I say, they've been lucky. So far, this present storm has been bigger and longer than anything they've ever had.

[Johnny Dollar]

What about the State Flood Control Commission or whatever it's called? Can't they do anything?

[Lee Hawkins]

But let's face it. What's a little bird like Carteret when there are a hundred bigger and more important towns in the same fix?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I see what you mean.

[Lee Hawkins]

Before the lines went down, I got a call from Fred Norloch. One of my big accounts down there, big hardware firm. Unless the river goes down, he's gonna lose the whole place. That means over $100,000 insurance claim.

[Johnny Dollar]

But what can I possibly do, Lee?

[Lee Hawkins]

I don't know, Johnny. I just don't know.

[Johnny Dollar]

We were heading south on route and by the time we reached Chilicante, the rain had led up to a drizzle. By the time we reached Jackson, where we left the main highway, it had led up entirely. But I noticed that every little stream we passed was overflowing its banks finally. It must have been after midnight. We pulled up on a low hill overlooking the town of Carteret and it started to rain again. To rain hard. Below us, the Crooked river was a terrible, terrifying thing to watch. Power lines were out, but maybe hundreds of kerosene and gasoline lanterns, flashlights and lights from cars showed only too plainly the perils of the brown, rushing, raging torrent that threatened the town. Men stripped of the waste, the banker and the ditch digger. Side by side, the farmer and the merchant toiled frantically to reinforce the levee with bags of sand, stone, cement, anything they could find while the river lapped hungrily at their feet trying to undermine the embankment as quickly as it was built up. Back in them were others filling the sandbags, bulldozing additional strength for the levee hauling truckloads of sand and rock and gravel digging, shoveling, filling, anything they could do. I'd never seen a more dedicated group of people. Men, women, children, all working in A common cause not just for themselves, but for the survival of their neighbors, their town. And the ugly river was like a thing, alive, clawing at them, seeking to destroy them. Huge floating masses of debris flew by at express train speed, whirling now and then to strike out at the embankment, fighting to break it down. Thousands of tons of wreckage, packs of houses, chicken coops, trees and brush, anything that would float. I stood there appalled and almost overwhelmed by a feeling of utter helplessness.

[Lee Hawkins]

Can't they see? If they were up here on this hill, they could see that. They're losing ground, Johnny. The river's rising faster than they can build up the levee.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, Lee, it looks that way. What's the matter with you guys?

[Lee Hawkins]

Can't you see they need help down there? Anybody doesn't help, I'll be shot. He's right, Johnny. We ought to go down there and help for whatever it's worth.

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait. That one section where they're all working.

[Lee Hawkins]

It'S right above the cut into Perry Street. If the levee goes there, sweep the whole section down the valley into the Ohio River.

[Johnny Dollar]

But look, Lee. Look back there behind us. The reason why the water's piling up. Don't you see that old railroad bridge? The trees, the mud, the ruffle. It's piled up against it. That railroad trestle has become a regular dam. You're right. The more of that debris piling up there, the stronger it gets.

[Lee Hawkins]

And the higher it gets too, with the water mounting up behind it. That way the levee over Perry street will go in a matter of minutes.

[Johnny Dollar]

Right. But break that dam somehow and the water will get through down the Crooked river into the Ohio. Yeah.

[Lee Hawkins]

Break that dam and it'll save the town.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes.

[Lee Hawkins]

Oh, but how, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

How? Yeah. How? Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar in a moment.

[Lee Hawkins]

Our flag now numbers 50 stars. And behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Indiana's state flag is dark blue with a golden torch for liberty and enlightenment. The rays of the torch indicate their far reaching influence. An outer circle of stars represents the original 13 states. An inner circle of stars the next five states admitted to the Union. And a large star above the torch represents Indiana itself. Indiana's state flag. The flag of the 19th state to enter the Union was adopted on May 31, 1917.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now, Act 2 of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Wayward River. From our vantage point on the hill above the little town of Carteret, we could see why the Crooked river was rising so fast, threatening to engulf the Town.

[Lee Hawkins]

You're right, Johnny. The debris against the old railroad trestle has made a dam.

[Johnny Dollar]

And somehow we've got to break that dam. But how? We. Yeah. Any stores down there? Any of them carry dynamite?

[Lee Hawkins]

Yeah, down there on Perry Street. Norlock Supply Company and.

[Johnny Dollar]

Come on.

[Lee Hawkins]

Norlock, one of my biggest clients. If the levee breaks, his place will take the front of the flood. There, you see down there he has men putting sandbags around them.

[Johnny Dollar]

They won't mean a thing if the levee goes. Why doesn't he send those men back on up to the river's edge where they can do some good?

[Lee Hawkins]

Johnny, he's the only man in town looking after his personal property. The only one selfish enough to say, listen. He's also the man who's always opposed doing something about this river.

[Johnny Dollar]

Save your breath, Lee. We've got to get down there and get some dynamite. The groups we passed still vainly trying to chink up holes in the levee all but spat on us as we passed because we weren't working with them trying to save their town from the raging Crooked River. Or so they thought. Finally, we slogged our way to the Norlock Supply Company on Perry Street. More sandbacher.

[Lee Hawkins]

Fill those bags and get them around my place. No. If it goes, it'll all come down here. More sandbags. More. You're crazy, Mr. Norlock. You're wasting your time. What? Mr. Harkins? Why, if that levy goes, nothing will save this place of yours.

[Johnny Dollar]

He's right, Norlock. Luck, get your men on up to the levy where they'll do some good.

[Lee Hawkins]

But then you'll pay the insurance and.

[Johnny Dollar]

My place is swept away. It won't be if we save the town. We need dynamite.

[Lee Hawkins]

Who are you? Oh, this is Johnny Dollar, insurance investigator. What are you doing here?

[Johnny Dollar]

Look, look, there's no time to stand around and talk. We need dynamite, a lot of it.

[Lee Hawkins]

On wreckage from up the river. It's jammed against the old railroad trestle south of town and it's made a regular dam. That's what's backing up the water. I know, I've seen. You gonna blow that up.

[Johnny Dollar]

That's right. Now, where's the dynamite?

[Lee Hawkins]

Anybody going on that pistol with the pressure of the river against it, he's crazy. Any part of that goes, he'll go with. It'll be killed.

[Johnny Dollar]

He's right, mister. Be suicide to go up there. Come on, let's have the dynamite. And you men get up above where you can help.

[Lee Hawkins]

Now, you wait.

[Johnny Dollar]

Load that truck with all the bags you can, but get up there fast.

[Lee Hawkins]

Here, what about my.

[Johnny Dollar]

Where's that dynamite?

[Lee Hawkins]

I won't give it to you. Oh, listen, Mr. North. I refuse. It shows our duty. Go out on that railroad trestle. But if we don't, the whole town will go. And I tell you, I, mister, Do. Are you threatening to shoot me? Put that away. Johnny, wait.

[Johnny Dollar]

Let me handle this.

[Lee Hawkins]

Lee, you're crazy. $. Put that gun away.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, Nog. It's up to you. What do you mean? Unless you give us the dynamite, I'll blast the lock off this place of yours and get it myself. Well, all right. All right.

[Lee Hawkins]

In here. But I tell you, you're a man.

[Johnny Dollar]

Always Nolock mad. A victim of the panic that all too often seizes a man when the going gets tough. But he did give us the dynamite. Then with two of his workmen, Lee Harkins and I trudged through the mud and the night loaded with cases of dynamite, back to the old railroad truck. And when we got there, I wondered if maybe Norloch wasn't right after all. If it wouldn't be suicide to go out on us. The pileup of debris against it was huge, in fact, of it. The deadly brown water swirled and eddie, throwing telegraph poles, railroad ties, huge trees pounding against it, battering at the old framework of the trestle. If only they'd strike hard enough to break it down, break the dam. Perhaps they would. By that time, the town of Carteret would be lost. Yes, somebody had to do this job. And it looked like I'd elected myself. I'm not quite clear on what happened during that next 20 or 30 minutes. They seem like 30 years of nightmare. I edged my way out on that rickety framework, a fused case of dynamite under my arm. It was dark, and I had to feel my way along over planks and boards and trees that the force of the water had thrown up on the trestle. The wires leading back to the plunger that would set off the charge would catch and drag. But I knew I had to reach the first long span to make the explosive do its work. And all the while the old bridge creaked and groaned and shook from the impact of the wreckage being thrown against it by the angry water. But then, finally the job was done, and I felt my way back to the bank.

[Lee Hawkins]

Hurry, Johnny, hurry.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, yeah, I'm coming. Everything ready here?

[Lee Hawkins]

Don't you see? There's a levee above starting to go back over the town. There's a gap. The water's rushing.

[Johnny Dollar]

Okay, Lee. The plunger. Here already.

[Roy Rowan]

All Ready?

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, then. Lie down. Quick, get down. Here she goes. Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Roy Rowan]

In a moment, let me ask you a question. What is the most important thing to a fighting man? His gun. You may answer. You might also answer the code of conduct of the men of the armed forces of the United States, because you know it is something just as necessary to the fighting man as his gun. And just as he keeps his gun cleaned in oil, because his life may depend on it, so does he keep ever forward in his mind his code of conduct because his life and honor depend on it. Part of the code reads, I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender my men while they still have means to resist. During the bloody and costly campaign on the island of Saipan In World War II, the code of the soldier meant something to the men and to one man in particular. Essentially a quiet, peace loving man. Sergeant Thomas A. Baker, while with the 105th Infantry Regiment of the United States army, was up against it one night in 1944 when the enemy launched an attack which called for them to die in honor. Sergeant Baker proved it could work both ways. The enemy attack fell like a saber blow and continually hurled Baker's company back with each savage thrust. During the ensuing days of action, Baker wiped out an enemy position with a bazooka, killed 14 of the enemy in a machine gun ambush using only his M1 rifle and a couple of grenades, and then killed six more a little farther on. In a last ditch stand one night, the company dug in to withstand the next furious assault. In the dark, as the enemy rolled over them in a thunderous attack of firepower, Sergeant Baker suffered a mangled leg from a grenade. Shooting and clubbing the enemy with his rifle, he dragged himself out of the foxhole. Three of his men tried to give him aid. Two of them were shot from the third man. Baker got a cigarette and a pistol and told him to leave. As the rest of the company moved back, Baker propped himself against a telephone pole, calmly puffed on his cigarette and blazed away with his automatic. He was later found in that position with eight of the enemy dead around him, one for each shot and the empty gun in his lifeless hand. Sergeant Baker didn't consider the Medal of Honor he might get. He considered the job that had to be done. His honor was at stake. Surrender wasn't in his code of conduct.

[Johnny Dollar]

And now act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Wayward river matter. The charge of dynamite on the old railroad bridge had broken the dam that the angry river had thrown up against it, had released the little town from the threat of being washed down the valley into the Ohio River. The men and women and children, spent from having struggled against the raging water throughout the night and all the day before, went quietly back to their homes and farms to rest and sleep. And nature, defeated, gave up. The rain stopped and the skies cleared. Even the charging yellow waters of the Crooked river seemed to diminish in a sort of frustration. What damage had been done to the town could wait now until the people were arrested. Refreshed, as Lee Harkins and I plotted wearily over to the village inn, I noticed the streets were deserted. Yeah. Even as the long gray fingers of dawn reached up into the sky, the town, exhausted, slept, unmindful of the rooster in someone's backyard who sought to rouse it. Nor did we rouse the innkeeper, but picked a couple of rooms and settled down to rest our weary bones. But I couldn't sleep. Somewhere in the back of my brain, a little worry began to form to peck away at me. In all of Carteret the night before, there'd been one man and one man only who had ignored the common good to look after his own selfish interests. I went into Lee's room and awakened him.

[Lee Hawkins]

Oh. Oh, no, Johnny. Lady, I'm so dead, I can hardly go back to sleep.

[Johnny Dollar]

No, come on. Just a couple of questions. Lee, listen to me.

[Adam Graham]

Oh.

[Lee Hawkins]

Why didn't you let me sleep?

[Johnny Dollar]

Over a hundred thousand. Insurance, you said?

[Lee Hawkins]

Yeah, a hundred.

[Johnny Dollar]

And I don't know. Well, if you ask me, that's too much for a business of any kind in a town this size, much too much.

[Lee Hawkins]

So maybe I gave him a break on his valuation.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Lee Hawkins]

You know, to help sign up some of the other merchants.

[Johnny Dollar]

But a hundred thousand of insurance money would give him enough to live on the rest of his life.

[Lee Hawkins]

Oh, look, why don't you go back to bed?

[Johnny Dollar]

Lee, he knew about that dam at the railroad trestle. And so far as I could see, he was the only one who did.

[Lee Hawkins]

Well, everybody else was so busy at the levy.

[Johnny Dollar]

But did he try to do anything about it? No. Instead, he went through the motions of trying to protect his property. But he knew that if that levy broke, nothing would save it. All right, all right.

[Lee Hawkins]

Chalk it up to panic.

[Johnny Dollar]

Panic, huh? He fought to keep us from getting that dynamite, the one thing that could save the town. He kept those workmen away from where they might have done some good at the levee. He alone wanted that levy to break.

[Lee Hawkins]

But good heavens, Johnny. You what? You're right. You must be.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, I'm right. I'm going out and look for Mr. Fred Norlock. Yeah.

[Lee Hawkins]

But there isn't a soul out there. Everybody.

[Johnny Dollar]

Maybe that's what I want to find out. I found Fred Norlak alone. Up on the inner bank, the riverside of the levee. Or anyone down below couldn't see him. And he was worse with a shovel, a crowbar. Beside him was a pile of dynamite. I'd given him that idea. All right, Norloch, lay down that shovel. The river didn't do it the way you planned last night, did it?

[Lee Hawkins]

Maybe not because of you. But you're not gonna stop me.

[Johnny Dollar]

Now. Put that thing down.

[Lee Hawkins]

I'll kill you. Dollar if you got any closer. And nobody'll know because there's nobody around. I'll throw your body in the river. Nobody will ever know.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sure set off a small charge. Enough to breach the levy. That's right.

[Lee Hawkins]

It's already, and you can't stop it.

[Johnny Dollar]

And the river will crash through. Destroy that feeling business of yours down there and take with it the homes in the valley, the livestock, maybe even the people.

[Lee Hawkins]

Keep your hand away from that pocket.

[Johnny Dollar]

So it's you and me, huh? And if I go, the town goes too.

[Lee Hawkins]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar]

But if I can outdraw you.

[Lee Hawkins]

Pistol is aimed at your chest. Now you walk straight ahead to the.

[Johnny Dollar]

Edge of the river.

[Lee Hawkins]

Now? Now. Oh, yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

Norloch's body was never recovered. He'd lived alone. He died alone. A crooked man in the Crooked River. Nor was he mourned in the little town he tried to destroy. Expense account total, including transportation Back to Hartford. $100. Even yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Our star will return in just a moment. Our flag now numbers 50 stars, and behind each star there stands yet another flag representing one of the 50 states. Montana's state flag is its great seal set upon a field of blue. To the foreground are a plow, a miner's pick and shovel. All set against Montana mountain scenery and the great falls of the Missouri River. The legend across the banner reads, oro y Plata, gold and silver. The Montana Volunteers carried this flag in the Philippines during the Spanish American War of 1898. Montana's state flag. The flag of the 41st state to enter the Union was adopted on February 27, 1905. Next week, the delectable Damsel matter. I hope you like it. I know I did. Join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. 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 Chet Stratton, Frank Gerstel, Bob Bruce and Harley Bear. Special sound patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Roy Rowan speaking. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. And Doug, Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people.

[Lee Hawkins]

Customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual.

[Johnny Dollar]

Fascinating.

[Lee Hawkins]

It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug Limu.

[Johnny Dollar]

Is that guy with the binoculars watching us. Cut the camera.

[Roy Rowan]

They see us.

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Nice little scene at the Columbus airport at the beginning. It's my wife's hometown and I've been at that airport a few times. This one, coming a couple weeks after the Midnight sun matter felt like a similar story at first where we were dealing with an adventure and not really a typical Johnny Dollar story, but Johnny's detective skills were able to kick in at the end once the initial danger was passed and he got to save the town. TW and of course, the story overall reflected a very strong sentiment and moral about the idea of selfishness and looking out for yourself, even at the cost to others. And it's important to remember that the sort of values and ethos that was at the core of the country during the Second World War hadn't gone away entirely. Certainly not in the heart of Jack Johnstone. Alright, listener comments and feedback now. And we start out on Facebook and with comments on the Midnight sun matter. Skylah writes, that was a crazy episode, like just a random spot of derring do and not a dame in sight. Thanks for the comment, Skyla. Well, the indication is that this was inspired by a true life story and, and in the late 1950s, when you're dealing with a cargo plane and air traffic control and a lead insurance agent are not a lot of parts that women would have played in that particular story. The lack of women in this week's episode is honestly a little bit more inexplicable because this was a small town, you know, it was full of lots of people and, you know, including women, but we never actually hear from any woman. And that's just, that's just such an odd thing. Now it may have been an issue with availability. There really was a sort of rep company setup with Jack Johnstone on Johnny Dollar and the same actors and actresses being called in multiple times. So it's just possible that none of the actresses that Johnstone regularly worked with were available. But an interesting call on that. And Matthew writes, heard this one didn't like this. I like the show because of crime and mystery, but this should be an episode of suspense instead. That's a fair point, Matt. I am a bit sympathetic to Johnstone because he had to put out so many scripts on this series all by himself at this point and he had this script to work with. And when you're dealing with the need to put out that volume of material, you do what you gotta do. And I think it's fair to make a little bit of an exception. I did find it entertaining, which makes it a bit easier to forgive. And then over on Spotify, Harrison writes regarding the episode hey Johnny, real quick, did you try jiggling the control switch a few times? Oh you did? Five times. Ok, well we're still working on the problem. I enjoyed the unique storytelling, but it would have been better as the first episodes in a serial and that next episode teaser was spit take worthy. Well, appreciate the comments Harrison. In some ways it seems like it's almost the opposite of the complaint of Matthew. I think it's an interesting idea. Now obviously by 1958 they'd stopped doing serialized stories in the five part format. However, they were not overdoing a continued story every now and again and this actually would have been a good one to do rather than having it turn out that nothing had really gone wrong. Have the episode end with Johnny learning after the landing that there had been sabotaged and who did it, and then have the next episode be the investigation. That might have been a more intriguing story and it would have worked overall being consistent with typical Johnny dollar. And then of course Harrison had another comment, this one on our 4800th episode special. I'd completely forgotten about the giant balloon animals. The omnibus was worth it just for that. Well thanks so much Harrison. We actually just featured the balloon balloon animals ad in our old time Radio Snack Wagon ad sample or two last season. And of course you're going to get at least one more of them when we bring you the Henderson Matter Omnibus. And then I think we'll be done with the balloon animal ads for six or seven years and I don't think I'll miss them. Then we have a couple of comments regarding the Road to the Valentine Manor. Nancy emails in I just adore the Road to the Valentine Manor. This was always been my favorite cereal and to see how it's been handled and reshaped over the years is just great. I've listened almost from the beginning and loved every bit of it. Keep up the great job. Thanks so much Nancy. And then over on YouTube and then Kathy, she writes this is great. I listen to a lot of Old Time Radio detectives and sometimes hear a story that I know I've heard before, but surely with a different detective. Or was it? It's great that you've done this quality work to bring this to us like this. Well, thanks so much and it really is fun to do the Twice Told Tales. Now, of course, in the interest of full disclosure, the work of identifying these reuse scripts has gone on for some time and certainly predates my efforts. But my idea has really been just bringing you the episodes in a single podcast so you can kind of hear the direct comparison. And so it's been fun to do these the Road to the Valentine Manor was of course a lot more work and a lot longer episode than we typically do. And I think for the spring episode we will be back to just a sort of twice told tale. But if people enjoyed the cereal, we might look into some of the more complex cereals in the future and do those again. Again, appreciate your feedback. Well, now it is time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day. And I want to thank Gary patreon Supporter since August 2016, currently supporting the podcast at the level of $4 or more per month. Thanks 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 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. And we will be back on Sunday with our first Normal Sunday encore. And on Monday we return to our regular lineup with Danger with gr. But join us back here tomorrow as we give way to the great adventurers of Old Time Radio with cloak and dagger wear.

[Johnny Dollar]

All of a sudden the train gave a lurch. One of my suitcases took a flying dive to the floor. It was a suitcase with a penknife scar across the leather handle, the one with the radio. I was glad I was alone in that compartment. I couldn't wait to find out if that radio was all right. You see, the case was lined with a false baggie of boxes of chocolates to hide the radio. I unfastened the backing and there was the radio. It was okay, nothing was broken. And then before I could refasten the backing, I heard voices outside the compartment door. I didn't have time to refasten the backing. I had just enough time to slam the case shut again, slide it back up in the rack and get back in my seat. Major, what is this? I was under the impression this compartment was reserved for me alone. There must be some mistake herefield, Marshal. There was a mistake, all right. My mistake in picking the one compartment on the train that had been chosen for Field Marshal Rommel.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box13GreatJectives.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.

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