Alley Cat by The Devil And Mr. O

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Horror! (Old Time Radio) – Episode: "Alley Cat" by The Devil And Mr. O

Overview

In the June 21, 2025 release of "The Horror!" hosted by RelicRadio.com, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio horror with the episode titled "Alley Cat." This rebroadcast of a 1970 "Lights Out" story delves into themes of marital discord, supernatural transformation, and the thin veil between reality and nightmare. The narrative masterfully intertwines intense character interactions with eerie supernatural elements, culminating in a chilling conclusion that leaves listeners questioning the nature of reality and the darkness that can reside within relationships.

Introduction to the Story

The episode opens with the host, Mr. Orch Ober, setting the stage for the night's tale. At [01:01], Mr. O invites listeners into a world of supernatural occurrences and mysterious happenings, promising a story that will redefine their understanding of fear:

Mr. Orch Ober ([01:27]): "It is later than you think. Turn out your lights now. We bring you stories of the supernatural and the supernormal."

He introduces "Alley Cat," highlighting its origins as a "Lights Out" story from May 3, 1970, thereby invoking nostalgia and anticipation for classic horror enthusiasts.

Character Dynamics and Rising Tension

The central characters, John and Linda, are introduced amidst a domestic dispute. Their conversation, marked by frustration and underlying tension, sets the foundation for the unfolding drama.

At [04:26], Linda expresses her desire for peace and more enjoyable company:

Linda ([04:26]): "I got that art on mine. I don't know the rest of the girls. Girls, cut it. Put it out, Linda, for your lover."

John's irritation is palpable as he tries to focus on his work, highlighting the strains in their marriage:

John ([05:07]): "For heaven's sake, Linda."

The dialogue between John and Linda reveals a deep-seated dissatisfaction, with Linda expressing her resentment towards the monotony of their life and John's lack of understanding:

Linda ([07:05]): "I married you because I was sick of working in a two bit barbershop... I wanted dough, plenty of it."

Supernatural Transformation

As the tension escalates, Linda undergoes a supernatural transformation, hinting at the impending horror. John's desperate attempts to maintain their relationship take a dark turn as Linda's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and inhuman.

At [09:07], Linda's shifting demeanor confuses and frightens John:

Linda ([09:07]): "Now let me go. Let me go. I don't want you."

John's attempts to reason with her fail as the transformation intensifies, leading to a harrowing confrontation where Linda reveals her true, cat-like nature:

John ([09:10]): "A cat. You're a cat."

Linda's transformation is further depicted through her physical changes and distorted dialogue, creating an unsettling atmosphere:

Linda ([09:58]): "What's happening to me? John, My head. I can hardly see."

Escalation and Desperation

John seeks help from a doctor, revealing the severity of Linda's condition. The doctor's inability to comprehend the supernatural aspect adds to the sense of helplessness:

John ([10:33]): "I did it. I'm to blame. What'll I do?"

The situation deteriorates as John grapples with guilt and desperation, highlighting the tragic nature of their relationship and the irreversible changes Linda has undergone.

Climactic Confrontation

The climax intensifies with the arrival of Mr. Heinrich, a neighbor and off-duty police sergeant, who confronts John about mysterious noises—presumably Linda's cat-like yowling.

At [23:43], Mr. Heinrich raises suspicions about a cat in John's home:

Mr. Heinrich ([23:45]): "You just got it, didn't you?"

John vehemently denies owning a cat, but the eerie persistence of the noises forces him into a corner. The confrontation reaches a fever pitch as John admits to owning a cat, albeit reluctantly:

John ([25:03]): "Get out. Get out of here."

Mr. Heinrich's persistence and John's unraveling sanity culminate in a terrifying realization of Linda's true form and the irreversible changes she has undergone.

Conclusion and Aftermath

The episode concludes with John's complete descent into madness as he grapples with the monstrous transformation of his wife, Linda. His futile attempts to reconcile with her or reverse the curse leave listeners with a haunting sense of loss and the devastating impact of unresolved personal conflicts.

In the final moments, John's fragmented pleas underscore the tragedy of their relationship and the supernatural horror that has taken over:

John ([17:27]): "Yes, yes, I'm coming."

Notable Quotes

• Mr. Orch Ober ([01:27]): "Turn out your lights now."
• Linda ([07:05]): "I wanted dough, plenty of it."
• John ([09:10]): "A cat. You're a cat."
• Mr. Heinrich ([23:45]): "You just got it, didn't you?"

Themes and Insights

"Alley Cat" explores the fragility of marital relationships and how unresolved tensions can lead to devastating consequences. The supernatural element serves as a metaphor for the hidden darkness within individuals and relationships, illustrating how denial and frustration can unleash uncontrollable forces. The transformation of Linda into a cat-like creature symbolizes the loss of humanity and the monstrosity that can emerge from within when personal conflicts are left unaddressed.

Conclusion

"Alley Cat" stands as a testament to the enduring power of old-time radio horror, blending relatable personal drama with supernatural terror. Through its intricate storytelling, compelling character development, and chilling atmosphere, the episode delivers a memorable and thought-provoking experience for listeners, reminding us that sometimes the greatest horrors lie not in the unknown, but within ourselves.

Transcript

[John]

Oh, stories. Real stories. And murder too. Turn out your legs. Turn them out. Good evening. Come in, won't you? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous.

[Doctor]

For that to be calm restored, we.

[John]

Are meant to call from out of the past. Stories, strange and weird. Tales of mystery and terror by radio's masters of the MAA.

[Doctor]

Stories of the supernatural, the supernormal dramatized fantasy, the mysteries of the unknown.

[John]

We tell you this Frank frankly. So if you wish to avoid the.

[Doctor]

Excitement of these magnetic play ladies, we urge you our latest series to turn off your radio.

[Mr. O]

Welcome back to the Horror Old Fashioned Fear. Every Saturday at relicradio.com, our story comes from the Devil and Mr. O. This week 26 episode rebroadcast of Lights out stories that aired from May to October of 1970. Our story today is Alley Cat. This one aired May 3, 1970.

[Mr. Orch Ober]

Lights out for the devil and Mr. O. It is later than you think. Turn out your lights now. We bring you stories of the supernatural and the supernormal. Dramatizing the fantasies and the mysteries of the unknown. We tell you this frankly so that if you wish to avoid the excitement and tension of these imaginative plays. We urge you calmly but sincerely to turn off your radio now. This is Mr. Orch Ober. I bring you a play titled Alley Cat. With apologies to all cats, large and small, particularly very large ones. Which brings me to a question, mister. Have you ever quarreled with your wife or lady? Have you ever had harsh words with your husband? Of course not. Perish the thought. I withdraw the question. But Pop and Mama lovers. If you've ever quarreled with each other, I'll guarantee you'll never want to do it again after you listen to Alley Cat. But that happens after a word from your announcer.

[Announcer]

Now a health message from the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Some ordinary house paints are child killers. The flakes of lead based paint from peeling walls and ceilings pose a real health menace. If paint chips are around for children to swallow, they run the risk of lead poisoning. Some signs of lead poisoning are fever, vomiting, crankiness, lack of appetite, diarrhea. Often the child has a bluish black line around his gums. Only by testing the child's blood can a doctor know for sure whether it's lead poisoning. The treatment involves a short hospital stay for a series of injections and follow up blood tests. Keep lead poisoning away from your door. Scrape any peeling or flaking walls in your house. Use only lead free water based paint. If any children you know have been swallowing things that are not meant to be eaten. Take them for an immediate examination at your baby keep well station or local hospital outpatient clinic. The proceeding, a project supported by funds from the New Jersey regional medical program.

[Mr. Orch Ober]

And now, if you haven't already done so, Turn off your lights now and listen to Alley cat.

[Linda]

I got that art on mine. I don't know the rest of the girls. Girls, cut it. Put it out, Linda, for your lover.

[Kenny]

Cut it out, will you? The old man will be tanning here in a minute.

[Linda]

Yeah, so what? Give me my drink. Queenie. Baby, do I feel swell.

[Kenny]

Hey, look what time it is. Come on, Queenie, we better blow out of here.

[Queenie]

Yeah.

[Linda]

No, no, don't go. Don't go. I don't want to be alone.

[Kenny]

What do you mean, alone? Your husband's here, ain't he?

[Linda]

Ah, that guy. What does he know about having fun? Work, work, work makes me sicker. I never been sick before. That's pretty good, huh, Kenny? Come on, stick around. Let's have some more fun. Say, Louis, woman with all a diamond ring.

[John]

For heaven's sake, Linda.

[Linda]

Well, speak of the devil. Hiya, Johnny boy. Come on in, the water's fine. Only it ain't water.

[John]

Linda, for heaven's sake, I'm trying to work.

[Linda]

Ah, go away, go away. You spoiltin my party. Throw him out of here, Kenny. He's only my husband.

[Kenny]

Linda, take it easy.

[John]

Get out of here, you, whatever your name is. Okay, take that woman with you. Go on, clear out. No, no, wait.

[Linda]

Don't listen to him. It's my house. My house.

[John]

What you.

[Linda]

You kick them out, my friends, I.

[John]

Beg you, kick them out with you to keep these people out of this house while I'm trying to get some work done. Haven't you any consideration at all?

[Linda]

You kick them out, my friend.

[John]

Yes, and I'll do it again every time I find them here. They're no good. Not a one of them. You promised me time and time again to give them up.

[Linda]

I'll call them back. I'll call them all back. You can't tell me what to do. Not me. They're my friends. Mine. I'd give a dozen of you for one of them.

[John]

All right, Linda, if that's the way you feel. You haven't got a grain of loyalty in you. All I ask is a little peace and quiet in my own home. And I can't even have that.

[Linda]

God, go away. Go away.

[John]

Night after night, you and these people yowling and screaming like a pack of alley cats. And you, the worst of All. I'm through, Linda. I'm through with you for good.

[Linda]

Oh, no, you're not.

[John]

Oh, no, you are not. Keep away from me, Chipu or Linda. You see, you're not through with me at all.

[Linda]

You'll never be through with me.

[John]

Never. Oh, Linda. Linda.

[Linda]

Now let me go. Let me go. I don't want you.

[Mr. Heinrich]

You fool.

[Linda]

You're not through with me. I'm through with you.

[John]

No. No.

[Linda]

I'm tired of you. Do you hear me? Tired of you. I'm gonna get so far away from that smug face of yours, I couldn't see it with a telescope.

[John]

Linda, my wife.

[Linda]

Your wife? Why do you think I married you?

[John]

Oh, you. You love me?

[Linda]

I married you because I was sick of working in a two bit barbershop. Because I was sick of living in a hall bedroom wearing bargain sale dresses. I wanted dough, plenty of it. All I could get. And you were the best chance to get it. That came out of my.

[John]

No, no, Linda, you did love me. You must have loved me.

[Linda]

Oh, well, I loved you about as much as that canary up there loved this cage. I told myself I'd stay with you a year, divorce you, stick you for plenty of alimony and then get out.

[John]

We've been married five years.

[Linda]

Yeah, five years. Because you fooled me, that's why.

[John]

I fooled you? Yes.

[Linda]

You started to make a lot of money. More money than I ever thought you could make. So you're giving me the heir.

[John]

No, no, Linda, I love you. I didn't mean what I said. I didn't.

[Linda]

Well, I did.

[John]

Linda, don't leave me. Me? You're no good. I know you're no good, but heaven help me, I love you. I never love anybody else.

[Linda]

Get out of my way.

[John]

No, no, I won't let you go. You've got to stay. You're no good. You cost me my self respect. But you stay with me. You stay with me or I'll cut you off without a cent. You'll never get a dime from me. Not a dime.

[Linda]

Stop that.

[John]

Stop laughing.

[Linda]

Oh, you sad, you fat headed sav.

[John]

Stop that. Mm.

[Linda]

So you're gonna cut me off without a cent, are ya?

[John]

Why, you fool.

[Linda]

I've got everything that belongs here now, you hear me? Everything.

[John]

What are you talking about?

[Linda]

This house. It's in my name, isn't it? The car. It's in my name, isn't it?

[John]

Oh, no, no, you wouldn't.

[Linda]

Oh, wouldn't I? Well, listen to this, my darling husband. I cleaned out the bank account yesterday. Every cent of it. I Won't be in the street.

[Kenny]

Oh, no.

[Linda]

You will now. This is my house. Get your things and get out of here.

[John]

I'll kill you. I'll kill you.

[Linda]

No, let me go.

[Queenie]

Let me go down.

[Linda]

Touch me again and I'll tear your eyes out.

[Kenny]

You.

[John]

You cat.

[Linda]

Get out of my way.

[John]

That's what you are, a cat. A big, white, heartless cat.

[Linda]

Get out of my way.

[John]

I think like when you screech like one, you claw like one. You even look like one. Your eyes. They're cat's eyes. That's what they are. Cat's eyes. A cat. That's what you are, a white cat. I didn't marry a woman, I married a cat.

[Linda]

Keep it up. Keep it up. You're doing something.

[John]

Go ahead, laugh at me. You're a cat. A sneaking, yowling cat. A cat. Cat. You're a cat.

[Linda]

A cat.

[John]

A cat. You're a cat.

[Linda]

Now, that's enough of that. I don't like it. Stop saying it.

[John]

A cat. You hear me? A cat.

[Linda]

John, stop staring at me like that. Stop staring at me.

[John]

John.

[Linda]

What's happening to me? John, My head. I can hardly see. John, help me. John.

[John]

Linda.

[Linda]

What are you staring at?

[John]

What are you staring at? What are you. Linda. Linda.

[Doctor]

Now, now, John, you've got to control yourself. Everything will be all right.

[John]

Doctor, what have I done? What have I done?

[Doctor]

John, please. Please, pull yourself together.

[John]

I can't.

[Doctor]

You are not entirely to blame for what happened.

[John]

I did it. I'm to blame. What'll I do? What'll I do?

[Doctor]

Stop talking like that. It's preposterous to say you were to blame. She was in a hysterical condition.

[John]

I know, I know.

[Doctor]

The suggestion that she was a cat caught her in an unguarded moment and resulted in temporary neurosis.

[John]

But she. Doctor, can I go in and see her?

[Doctor]

But I tell you, she's sleepy.

[John]

I. I know, but. Doctor, I've got to see her. I've got to look at her. I've got to make sure she's all right. Don't you see? I've got to make sure.

[Doctor]

Now, John, please, You've had a hard time of it. You better get to bed and get some rest.

[John]

No, no, Doctor, listen to me. I've got to see her again. I've got to make sure she's all right. I can't rest until. I know.

[Doctor]

But I tell you.

[John]

Oh, very well.

[Doctor]

Just for a moment.

[John]

Yes.

[Doctor]

Be very quiet.

[John]

Yes.

[Doctor]

There, you see? She's resting very nicely.

[John]

Doctor, look, her hands. Look at her hands and her teeth. Linda.

[Doctor]

No, no, John. You'll wake at her.

[John]

John Lind. Doctor, listen to her. Listen to her.

[Doctor]

Steady, John.

[John]

I can't stand it, I tell you. Doctor, what is it? What's happening to her?

[Doctor]

I don't know, John. I don't know.

[John]

Oh, listen to her. What'll I do? What'll I do?

[Doctor]

Fingers into claws, Teeth into fangs. It can't be happening.

[Kenny]

Well, it is.

[Doctor]

And yet I've seen it with my own eyes.

[John]

You've got to do something, Doctor. You've got to. You're my friend. You've got to help me.

[Doctor]

But what in the name of all that's rational?

[John]

What? Think. There must be something you can do. A drug. Something. Something.

[Doctor]

Oh, John, I. I don't know what to say. I can't think. I'll call in someone else. Yes, that's it. I'll inform the authorities. They'll take care of everything.

[John]

No, no, no. Wait, Doctor, wait.

[Doctor]

What's the matter? What is it?

[John]

You. You're going to inform the authorities?

[Doctor]

Yes, yes, of course. Don't you see, my boy? It's the simplest way out of this.

[John]

Way out.

[Doctor]

Of course, of course, for you and for me.

[John]

What do you mean?

[Doctor]

This horrible thing that's happened to Linda, it goes beyond just you and me. It goes beyond the normal, into the supernatural. The world should know about it.

[John]

No, no, stop. You mean you're going to let everyone know what's happened to Linda?

[Doctor]

Of course I am.

[John]

But you can't do that. She's my wife. Do you hear me? My wife.

[Doctor]

No, no, now don't get excited again, John. Listen sensibly. We owe it to science.

[John]

Science? Who cares about science? She's Linda. She's my wife. And I cursed her to God and I turned her into a yowling beast. It's my shame. Mine. And you're not going to tell anyone else about it? No one.

[Doctor]

It's my duty, John. I must inform the authorities.

[John]

No, no. Keep away from that phone. Keep away, I say.

[Doctor]

I'm sorry, John. I must call John, my friend.

[John]

No, no. Try to sleep, darling. Try to sleep. Yes, yes, I know. I know, darling, but it's almost morning. You must rest. Sleep, Linda. Sleep, my darling. All right, all right, darling, I won't cry. I've got to be strong. I've got to help you. And I did help you. He was going to tell them about you. Everyone. They'd have taken you away from me. Locked you up, pointed at you, laughed at you. But I stopped him. Linda. I Stopped him for you. He called me friend. But you're my wife, beloved. And I love you. I pleased you, haven't I, my darling? I never could please you before, could I? But now I've pleased you. I'll tell them he never came here. And no one will ever know, darling. No one but you and I. What is it, darling? What's the matter? Why are you getting up? What is it? Why go to the window? What do you want out there? If I could only understand you. If I could only know what you're trying to say to me. Oh, no. Linda. Linda, stop. On my knees. I'm begging you to stop. Linda. Beloved.

[Mr. Orch Ober]

Ladies and gentlemen, we leave our the devil in Mr. O. Story alleycast to take a normal breath and a word from your announcer.

[Consumer Protection Announcer]

The following announcement is from the Office of Consumer Protection of the state of New Jersey. Over the past several years, a company named Vigilant Protective Systems sold burglar alarms and fire alarms to approximately 1,000 residents of Newark, Jersey City and Patterson. Now, the Office of Consumer Protection has filed suit against the Vigilant Protective Systems and has reached a tentative agreement with that company that provides for substantial refunds of money and to many residents of New Jersey who purchased alarm. But the Office of Consumer Protection doesn't know who these residents are. Therefore, if you are a New Jersey resident and if you have purchased an alarm system from the Vigilant Protective Systems anytime during the past several years, please call the New Jersey Office of Consumer Protection at 201-648-4016 or 201-648-2812. It could mean money returned to you. That's New Jersey. Buyers of alarms from Vigilant protective system, call 201-648-4016 or 201-648-2812.

[Mr. Orch Ober]

And now back to our the Devil and Mr. O. Story of Alley Cat.

[John]

Yes, yes, I'm coming. I'm coming.

[Kenny]

Good morning, Mr. Taylor.

[John]

Oh, it's you. I found this note saying you wanted to talk to me and Jay, I.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Hope you're not going to quit taking milk from me.

[John]

No, no, no, I'm not going to stop taking milk. That's what I wanted to see you about. I. I want milk. More milk, cream, everything. Well, sure, sure. How much do you want? Four bottles of milk. No, no, no. Six. Six. Yes. And cream. Six bottles of cream. Is something wrong, Mr. Taylor? Wrong? Why do you think something's wrong? Well, I only meant. You meant what? Speak up. You meant what? Well, don't get sore, Mr. Taylor.

[Mr. Heinrich]

I just meant.

[John]

Well, you don't look so well. And. Well, you know how it is. Sometimes a fella has a couple too many and starts ordering all the milk in the world. You fool, I'm not drunk. Do you want to sell me that milk or do I have to get another milk? Milk.

[Mr. Heinrich]

No, no, I'll get it for you.

[John]

I'll get it for you. Well, hurry, hurry. Six quarts. Six cream only him and his old lady. The guy's nuts.

[Kenny]

Well, good morning, Mr. Taylor. Early again this morning, ain't you?

[John]

Morning.

[Kenny]

My first customer. Every morning for the last three days. I was saying to my wife.

[John]

Yes, yes, Mr. Heinrich. Some other time. I'm in a hurry. My order, please.

[Kenny]

Sure, but you didn't give me an order yet. How about a nice broil instead?

[John]

No, no, nothing like that, but broil and. No, stop it. I'm in a hurry, I tell you.

[Kenny]

All right, all right. You don't have to get so excited, Mr. Taylor. Now, if you'll tell me what you want, I'll get it for you.

[John]

Oh, well, I. I don't know exactly. A couple of pounds of fresh liver. Yes, that's it. Fresh liver.

[Kenny]

What, again?

[John]

You heard me.

[Kenny]

Oh, sure, I heard you.

[John]

But. But look here.

[Kenny]

For three days now, ever since your wife went away, you eat nothing but liver.

[John]

Are you going to fill my order?

[Kenny]

Sure, sure, I'll fill your order. Nice and fresh, huh? So, two pounds.

[John]

Yeah.

[Kenny]

Here we are. Say, you'd think you was raising cats or something.

[John]

What? Why do you say that?

[Kenny]

Well, you buy liver every day. Oh, this morning I caught a couple of mice in the trap. Maybe you'd like to take them along for the cat tour.

[John]

Don't say that.

[Kenny]

Don't say that, Mr. Tail of the Lip. The liver forgot. Man's crazy. What did I say that was wrong? Cats like to eat mice.

[John]

Oh, my Linda. My dearest Linda. Close to me. So close to me. Oh, my darling. My darling. It's better this way. You can't leave me now. I'll have you with me always. I'll keep you here. Yes, just you and I. I won't answer it. They'll go away. All right, all right. I'll answer it. Linda, it can't be anyone that knows he's dead. I buried him, Linda. You know that. No, no, no. Stay here, my beloved. They mustn't see you. Be very quiet. Very quiet. Yes, yes, I'm coming. I'm coming. Well, what is it? What is it?

[Mr. Heinrich]

Are you the owner of this building?

[John]

Yes, yes. What do you want?

[Mr. Heinrich]

Kerrigan's the name. I'm your neighbor. I've got that place across the alley from you.

[John]

Oh, my neighbor.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Yeah, Kerrigan's the name. I'm with the department.

[John]

Department?

[Mr. Heinrich]

Yeah, I'm desk sergeant at the third District Station.

[John]

A policeman?

[Mr. Heinrich]

Yeah. I'm off duty today, so I thought I'd drop over and speak to you. You mind if I step in for a moment?

[John]

Step in? Oh, no, no, not at all. Not at all.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Thank you. Thank you. Hey, you got a nice place here.

[John]

Yes, yes, nice, very nice.

[Mr. Heinrich]

You know, the same contractors made this place has made mine. You didn't know that, I bet.

[John]

No, no, I didn't.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Yeah, an Irishman by the name of Gilhooly, he was alive. Now, some of the people along here that bought places from him and murder him, what with the trouble they're having.

[John]

Oh, trouble?

[Mr. Heinrich]

Yeah, cheap material. Plastic, cracking, floor sagging, stuff like that.

[John]

Oh, I see what you mean.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Now, you take my place. I have had to have a new roof put on and new gutters put in. And I never know what'll go wrong next. Anything wrong around here?

[John]

Here? Oh, no, no, no, nothing at all.

[Mr. Heinrich]

And you're lucky. Say, what's the matter? Just remember why I come over. If you don't mind, I'll tell you.

[John]

Yes.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Now, it ain't me that's complaining, Mr. Taylor. I'm the kind of a man that can sleep in a boiler factory. But it's. Myela. There's a light sleeper for you. I always say that if a star in heaven twinkles too much, the noise wakes up me.

[John]

What? What's the trouble?

[Mr. Heinrich]

Oh, no trouble at all, Mr. Taylor. Like I'm telling you, I'm the last man in the world to go around having trouble with me neighbors. But you know how the women are. Always finding something to make a fuss about. Say, I'm not disturbing her, am I?

[John]

Disturbing?

[Mr. Heinrich]

Yeah, you know, your missus. She's not sleeping in the bedroom there, is she?

[John]

No, no, no, of course not. There's no one in there.

[Mr. Heinrich]

I thought maybe she in the daughter's clothes.

[John]

No, no, I tell you, there's no one in there. My wife is out of town.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Well, that's fine. I always like to talk things over, man to man, without the women around. That's why I made my Ella stay home. Let me handle this. I says. There's anything wrong, I says. Let me do the talking and we'll stay.

[John]

Good. What is it? What's wrong? What do you want to tell me?

[Mr. Heinrich]

Well, to Put it plain.

[John]

It's the cat. Cat?

[Mr. Heinrich]

Yeah, the cat. You just got it, didn't you?

[John]

You. You had a cat.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Yeah, it started a few nights ago. No, it ain't disturbed me none, like I says, but my Ella. Well, you see, our bedroom window faces right on the alley. And by golly, she hears every meow that animal makes you.

[John]

You're wrong. Huh? I have no cat.

[Mr. Heinrich]

But Myella heard. I heard it, too.

[John]

For that matter, I have no cat.

[Mr. Heinrich]

But I'm telling you, it came from this house.

[John]

And I tell you I have no cat. Isn't that sufficient?

[Mr. Heinrich]

Well, now, seeing as you put it so plain, I'll be speaking of plain myself. I'm telling you, I heard a cat yowling last night and the night before and the night before that. And as sure as my name's Thomas Kerrigan, it came right from this house. What do you say to that?

[John]

Get out.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Now, wait a second, M. Boko. Get on your high horse.

[John]

Get out. Get out of my house.

[Mr. Heinrich]

You sure are making a lot of noise about nothing, young fella. But it's your house. And if that's the kind of a neighbor you want to be, I guess I.

[John]

What? What are you standing there for? Get out. Get out.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Just a minute. Take it easy. No cat, eh? Well, what was that?

[John]

I just heard nothing. Nothing at all. You've got no right to become me.

[Mr. Heinrich]

You may not be a liar, but you're sure of something close to it. If that ain't a cat in that bedroom there, then I ain't never heard a cat.

[John]

Get out. Get out of here. Oh, no.

[Mr. Heinrich]

I won't listen to that cat. If that ain't creating a public nuisance, I'd like to know what it is.

[John]

It's none of your business. Get out of here. This is my house. Get out of here.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Stop. Pull it at me, bucko. I may be off duty, but I'm still an officer of the law. And I'm telling you that cat in there is violating the city ordinance. Now, if you don't make it shut up. Disturbing me, Ella, I will.

[John]

Stay away from that door. Stay away from that door.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Listen to it. That ain't no cat you got in there.

[John]

Yes, yes, I lied. It is a cat. It's just a cat, but I'll make it. Be quiet. But. Go away. Go away.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Now, wait a minute. Take it easy. If it's just a cat, what are you getting so excited about? Just look at.

[John]

No, no.

[Mr. Heinrich]

Look at you, your eyes blazing. What's going on here? I think I'll have a look.

[John]

No. No. Stay away. Oh, no. No. Stay away. Take it away. I told you. I told you to kill.

[Mr. Heinrich]

My gun. I'll get my gun.

[John]

My gun. Linda, did you hear him? His gun? Yes. Close to me. Yes, darling, stay close to me. If he comes back, you. No. No, they won't hurt you. I won't let them. I did this to you. I did. I cursed you to God. No, they won't hurt you. They won't. Wait there. Wait there. I've got to find it. They won't hurt you, Linda. No, they can. I've got it now. They won't hurt you, Linda. I swear it. They won't ever hurt you. No, no. Don't look at my hand. No. Why shouldn't you look at it? Yes, there's a gun in my hand. But not to hurt you, darling. It's just to help you. I swear. To help you. Yes. Yes. So close to me. I must do it quickly. Quickly. No, no, don't. Don't try to pull away. No, no, Linda, stay here. I must hold you. I must. He'll be back in a moment. I mustn't. Miss Linda. My darling. I heard, my beloved. I heard you. Wait for me, my beloved.

[Mr. Orch Ober]

This is Mr. Orchard again. Let me tell you about next week's package of thrills and chills. It's a story about. But more after a word from your own announcer.

[Queenie]

See? See the leaf right here in my hand?

[John]

Oh, yes.

[Queenie]

Isn't that a new leaf?

[Announcer]

Yes, it is a new leaf.

[Queenie]

Here, I'm going to turn over a new leaf.

[John]

Get it?

[Queenie]

Leaf new.

[John]

What does that mean, to turn over a new leaf?

[Queenie]

Well, I'm serious. Means that you're gonna have a little change.

[John]

From what to what?

[Queenie]

From bad to good.

[Announcer]

Oh, really?

[Queenie]

Yeah.

[Announcer]

Well, suppose somebody was crying.

[Queenie]

They could switch from tears to a smile.

[John]

Suppose they were lonely.

[Queenie]

They could go from loneliness to having somebody to play with.

[John]

Well, suppose somebody wasn't loved.

[Announcer]

Could they turn over a new lease?

[Queenie]

They could go from not loving somebody to loving somebody.

[Announcer]

How do they do that?

[Queenie]

Well, they have to do. Try to love somebody.

[Consumer Protection Announcer]

Just try?

[Queenie]

Yeah. It's easy to love people when you try.

[John]

Love makes all things new again.

[Announcer]

Hey, what was that?

[Queenie]

Another sound of love from the Franciscans.

[Mr. Orch Ober]

This is Mr. O again. Have you ever wanted to turn time backwards? I mean, really backwards? We do that next time with a play titled Neanderthal. The story about a past which I promise you will make you forget, at least for a while, the woes and troubles of today. But that's next time.

[John]

It is.

[Mr. Orch Ober]

Later than you think.

[Mr. O]

There's more from the devil and Mr. O, the horror, all of the Relic radio shows and our shoutcast stream at the website relicradio.com if you'd like to help support this and all of that, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. If you got some downloadable sets for certain donation amounts though, any amount is always appreciated and helpful. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this Saturday. We'll be back tomorrow with Strange Tales next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.