The Professor’s Elixir by The Hermit’s Cave

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Professor’s Elixir" by The Hermit’s Cave

Episode Release Date: September 21, 2024

Introduction

In this gripping episode of "The Horror!" hosted by RelicRadio.com, titled "The Professor’s Elixir," listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio with a tale of mystery, deception, and supernatural horror. Originating from "The Hermit’s Cave," a CBS series that aired between 1936 and 1947, this episode encapsulates the quintessential elements of Old Time Radio storytelling—shadowy characters, eerie experiments, and unresolved mysteries that linger in the air.

Plot Overview

"The Professor’s Elixir" centers around Professor Tondo, a mysterious scientist who has concocted the fabled “Elixir of Death.” He promises miraculous results to his clients, but as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that his elixir harbors dark, lethal intentions. The primary characters include Professor Tondo, his wife Linda Harold, and Justin Harold, Linda’s husband, who becomes the target of the professor’s sinister experiment.

Key Sections and Notable Quotes

1. The Setup: A Desperate Pact

   The narrative begins with Linda Harold confronting Professor Tondo about the progress of his experiment intended to rid her husband, Justin Harold, from his life.

   • Linda Harold [03:24]: "You can cut out all the salt or Professor Tondo. I'm fed up with coming over here every night, watching you peer into that red globe of yours, or saying a lot of stuff over your steaming kettle."

   Professor Tondo reassures her of impending success, emphasizing patience over immediate results.

   • Professor Tondo [03:40]: "You'll have them, I assure you. Patience, my dear lady, patience."

2. The Elixir of Death: Unveiling the Horror

   Professor Tondo reveals the final step of his experiment—the Elixir of Death. He describes the elixir's ominous properties, including blue flames that symbolize the impending demise of Justin Harold.

   • Professor Tondo [04:12]: "Into this kettle of boiling water, I drop this white powder... it sends forth a strange sweet. We are surrounded by blue flames... to touch us, to lick our hands, our faces."

   As the elixir takes effect, the supernatural elements begin to manifest, creating an atmosphere of impending doom.

3. Supernatural Intervention: Justin Harold’s Struggle

   The tension escalates as Justin Harold becomes visibly affected by the elixir. His interactions reveal his internal struggle and fear.

   • Justin Harold [05:08]: "It's too late."

   The Hermit, serving as the narrator, underscores the severity of Justin’s condition and Professor Tondo’s malevolent control.

   • The Hermit [10:52]: "I'm gonna call a doctor. Your face is as blue as a lake."

4. Climax: The Unraveling of the Plot

   Linda Harold grows increasingly desperate, attempting to confront Professor Tondo and reclaim her investment. Her skepticism begins to crack as supernatural occurrences intensify.

   • Linda Harold [12:50]: "Oh, you're just a fake. My husband died from natural causes."

   The climax peaks when Justin Harold's spirit confronts Professor Tondo, revealing the true power and consequence of the elixir.

   • Justin Harold [22:50]: "I am one out of his power who has returned to have my revenge."

   This confrontation signifies the culmination of Tondo’s dark experiments and the supernatural retaliation that follows.

5. Conclusion: A Dark Mystery Deepens

   The episode concludes with a tragic revelation. Both Linda Harold and an unidentified man are found dead, bearing the same unnatural blue hue as Justin Harold’s original demise. The mystery remains unresolved, leaving listeners with an eerie sense of lingering supernatural presence.

   • Rush Wilder [16:01]: "The mystery grows and remains unsolved."

Character Dynamics

• Professor Tondo: The enigmatic antagonist whose scientific pursuits cross into the realms of the occult. His interactions are marked by a chilling calmness and an unwavering belief in his elixir’s power.

  • Professor Tondo [09:42]: "I am Professor Tondo, holder of the formula of the Elixir of Death."

• Linda Harold: A desperate wife battling skepticism and fear. Her interactions with Professor Tondo reveal her vulnerability and increasing terror as the plot unfolds.

  • Linda Harold [14:16]: "You're my lawyer. What you standing around your two wobby legs staring at me for?"

• Justin Harold: The victim whose life is threatened by the elixir. His ethereal presence and eventual confrontation with Professor Tondo add depth to the narrative's supernatural elements.

  • Justin Harold [23:25]: "There is no escape from the blue flames."

• The Hermit: Acts as the storyteller, guiding listeners through the eerie tale with atmospheric narration and occasional interjections that heighten suspense.

  • The Hermit [27:12]: "Professor Tondo and Linda Harold died from the elixir the professor compounded himself for others."

Themes and Insights

"The Professor’s Elixir" delves into themes of trust, desperation, and the unforeseen consequences of tampering with supernatural forces. Professor Tondo's character embodies the hubris of man attempting to control life and death, while Linda Harold represents the tragic cost of such endeavors. The unresolved ending serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of seeking power beyond human comprehension.

Conclusion

This episode masterfully combines classic horror elements with suspenseful storytelling, leaving listeners both enthralled and unsettled. The seamless integration of supernatural horror with human emotion creates a compelling narrative that stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Old Time Radio mysteries.

Notable Quotes Recap

• Linda Harold [03:24]: "You can cut out all the salt or Professor Tondo..."
• Professor Tondo [04:12]: "Into this kettle of boiling water, I drop this white powder..."
• Justin Harold [05:08]: "It's too late."
• Justin Harold [22:50]: "I am one out of his power who has returned to have my revenge."
• Rush Wilder [16:01]: "The mystery grows and remains unsolved."

Listeners are encouraged to experience this chilling episode to fully grasp the atmospheric horror and intricate plot woven by "The Hermit’s Cave."

Transcript

[The Hermit]

Oh, stories. Weird stories. That murders too. Turn out your lights. Turn them out. Good evening. Come in, won't you? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous? Perhaps if you can't. I think we are meant to call.

[Narrator]

From out of the past. Stories strange, weird tales of mystery and.

[The Hermit]

Terror by radio's masters of the ma story with the supernatural. The supernormal dramatized.

[Justin Harold]

The mystery.

[The Hermit]

The undone. We tell you this Franklin. So if you wish to avoid the excitement and tension of these magnets, play to turn off your rating now.

[Rush Wilder]

Welcome back to the horror 17 years of old fashioned fear@ Relicradio.com New shows every Saturday. Our story this week comes from the Hermit's Cave, a CBS series that debuted in September of 1936 and aired until May of 1947. Over 500 episodes were produced. Our story today is from October 15, 1944. It's titled The Professor's Elixir.

[Narrator]

The Cotter Coal Company and the dealers of Olga Coal present the Mummers in the little theater of the air. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Here we are well through the first month of a new year. Next thing you know, the winter will be over and you'll be thinking about a supply of that good Olga coal for next winter. But first, let's face today. There's still a lot of cold weather ahead. So go easy on the Olga folks and make it last as long as possible. If your dealer can't deliver it and has to give you some other kind, don't get discouraged. I want you to remember that coal with the name spelled O L, G A. Your friend, the Olga Coal dealer will do his best for you and so will the Hermit if we give him a chance to start. So here he is.

[The Hermit]

Ghost stories, weird stories, and murders too. The Hermit knows of them all. Turn out your lights. Turn them out. Have you heard the story of the Professor's elixir? Then listen while the Hermit tells you the story.

[Linda Harold]

You can cut out all the salt or Professor Tondo. I'm fed up with coming over here every night, watching you peer into that red globe of yours, or saying a lot of stuff over your steaming kettle.

[Professor Tondo]

Mrs. Harold, please. You are interrupting a very important part of my experiment.

[Linda Harold]

Ah, stuff and nonsense. I want results.

[Professor Tondo]

You'll have them, I assure you. Patience, my dear lady, patience.

[Linda Harold]

What do you mean, patience? Didn't I pay you $500 three weeks ago in advance? I've been sitting here night after night waiting for you to do something you promised you'd take care of weeks ago. I'm Beginning to think you're nothing but a faker, Just an ordinary faker. What you gonna do now?

[Professor Tondo]

What am I gonna do now? My dear lady, I am about to perform the last step in the cycle.

[Linda Harold]

Well, it better be good, or else you'll get no $3,000 from me.

[Professor Tondo]

Ah, it is, boy. Into this kettle of boiling water, I drop this white powder. The white powder made in the formula, understood by no one but me. Ah. It explodes in the boiling water. Now, see, it sends forth a strange sweet. We are surrounded by blue flames. Some of them reaching out as if to touch us, to lick our hands, our faces.

[Linda Harold]

Say, what is all this?

[Professor Tondo]

What is it, Mrs. Harold? Is the last step. As I told you, this is. The kettle contains the elixir of death.

[Linda Harold]

Oh, yeah.

[Professor Tondo]

The elixir of death. Yes. And though the blue flames reach out as if to touch you, they are in reality bearing for Justin Harrel, your husband, whose life at this instant is counted in minutes. His life on this earth is all.

[Linda Harold]

You better be right, Tondo. You better be, I say. I've had enough of this stuff. My nerves are so edgy, I could scream. I want it over and done with.

[Professor Tondo]

I told you, my dear woman, that such miracles as mine cannot be performed in an hour, a day or a week. You wished your husband to be banished from this earth. I am about to accomplish. Now I stir the elixir to hasten the procedure. Now, come closer, Mrs. Harrow. If you look into the blue flame, perhaps you will be able to see what I see.

[Linda Harold]

Nothing doing. You don't get me any closer to that boiling stuff.

[Professor Tondo]

As I look closer, I can see just in heaven.

[Justin Harold]

Yes, I see.

[Professor Tondo]

He is seated at a table. He is surrounded by books. He's in a library. And on the table at which you sit, there are cards and a small board.

[Linda Harold]

Yeah, I know.

[Professor Tondo]

Someone is seated across the table from me.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Linda Harold]

It's Gail Baxter, his friend. When I left the house, they were playing cribbage.

[Professor Tondo]

That's it. There is a pained expression on your husband's face. He doesn't seem to feel well.

[Linda Harold]

Well, go on.

[Professor Tondo]

I must stare. The kettle again. Now I can see clearly each step. Very true. Your husband is not himself just now. He is putting his hand to his heart. He is trying to hide his distress from his friend. He doesn't wish him to know that he is suffering. He puts his hand through his white hair, straightens up in his chair. He's trying to throw out the spell that I'm putting on him. Hurry up, will you resume Playing the game of creep. Watch closely now. We will follow each step as the elixir.

[The Hermit]

Well, what have you got, J.H.

[Justin Harold]

Let'S see.

[Professor Tondo]

15, 2.

[Justin Harold]

Double run of 8 is 10. 15, 2, 15, 4, 15, 6 and 6. Eights are 12.

[The Hermit]

Well, now, let me see. 15, 2, 4, 6, 8, and a double run of 8 to 16.

[Narrator]

J.H.

[The Hermit]

What'S wrong?

[Justin Harold]

What do you mean?

[The Hermit]

You can't hide anything from me. I know you from way back when you're not feeling well. You're not able to disguise it.

[Justin Harold]

I'm all right, Gail.

[The Hermit]

No such thing. Want to go on playing?

[Justin Harold]

Of course.

[The Hermit]

JH where did Linda go tonight?

[Justin Harold]

I never know where Linda goes. Not anymore.

[The Hermit]

Well, I'm going to ask you a very personal question. Now, you don't have to answer it if you don't want to, but after all, we've been friends for a good many years.

[Justin Harold]

Ask anything you wish.

[The Hermit]

Are you still in love with Linda? Are you?

[Justin Harold]

Well, I.

[Professor Tondo]

Well, I.

[Justin Harold]

It's not easy for me to answer that question, even to an old friend.

[Linda Harold]

Well, what's gone wrong now? What's holding it up? You said you were going to stir that stuff and hurry things up. If you don't get it over with soon, I'll walk out of here. You'll never get the 3,000 bucks.

[Professor Tondo]

Your husband's friend is delaying my work.

[Linda Harold]

What do you mean?

[Professor Tondo]

He seems to be holding him to earth.

[Linda Harold]

How can he? If you're as wonderful as you say are.

[Professor Tondo]

That will do, Mrs. Harold. I am Professor Tondo, holder of the formula of the Elixir of Death. I do not take insults from anyone like you.

[Linda Harold]

Well, make that elixir of yours work.

[Professor Tondo]

Never fear, ditch. As long as the blue flames rise, the the end is near for the one under my spell. It will work. Only now your husband's playing partner interferes.

[Linda Harold]

If I'd been smart, I'd have had to put Gail Baxter out of the way, too.

[Professor Tondo]

Snoopy old fossil. Then he is asking your husband questions.

[Linda Harold]

What questions?

[Professor Tondo]

I do not know.

[Linda Harold]

Well, if you can see them, why can't you hear them?

[Professor Tondo]

I cannot explain them. I do not hear conversation. Ah, yeah. She's taking a change. Now, Justin Harrell reaches out to put the little peg in the little board, but he cannot reach it. He draws his hand back. Yes. The attack is coming on. It is coming on. Blue flames are surrounding him. I see.

[Justin Harold]

JH JH what is it, Justin?

[The Hermit]

I'm gonna call a doctor. Your face is as blue as a lake.

[Justin Harold]

Wait.

[Professor Tondo]

It's too late.

[Justin Harold]

I know It.

[The Hermit]

Get over on the couch. Justin, you know. Let me help you.

[Justin Harold]

That's it. No. Easy, boy. There we are.

[Professor Tondo]

All right, now get your legs.

[The Hermit]

Where do you have pain?

[Justin Harold]

I can't say.

[The Hermit]

Your hands are hot like burning coals. What can I get for you?

[Justin Harold]

Nothing. I know there is nothing. Gail.

[The Hermit]

Yes, J.H.

[Justin Harold]

You ask me. You asked me a little while ago if I still love Linda. In a way, I do. She is beautiful. She is young. I married her. I thought I could lift her up.

[Professor Tondo]

Oh.

[Justin Harold]

Oh, it's like heavy fumes are choking me.

[The Hermit]

No, no, don't try to talk.

[Justin Harold]

I must gay. Recently I have been afraid of Linda.

[The Hermit]

Afraid of her?

[Justin Harold]

Yes, very afraid. A strange light in her eyes. Strange actions. The way she has stared at me. Her long absences. Gail, if anything happens to me.

[The Hermit]

Nothing's going to happen to you.

[Justin Harold]

Listen, I have never changed my will, for I still love Linda in a way. But if anything happens to me, I.

[Professor Tondo]

Want you to see that there is an investigation.

[The Hermit]

What sort of investigation, J.H.

[Justin Harold]

Oh, have my body analyzed. Find out if I have been.

[Professor Tondo]

Oh.

[Justin Harold]

Find out if I have been poisoned. Justin.

[Narrator]

Justin.

[The Hermit]

Great Scott, he's unconscious. JH I'm gonna call a doctor.

[Linda Harold]

Well, answer me, Professor Tondo, what is it?

[Professor Tondo]

Before I answer you, my dear lady, I will have the remainder of my cave as agreed to in our volume.

[Linda Harold]

What are you talking about? You know very well I haven't that much money with me. If I took that much money out of the account all at once, I'd have to explain to JH I must.

[Professor Tondo]

Have the rest of my money.

[Linda Harold]

You'll get it. Give me time, you'll tell me what's happened. I can tell you better when I can pay you.

[Professor Tondo]

Very well. I can report to you that Justin Herrell is no more. He is no longer a resident of his ass. That frightens you, eh? Frightens you to learn that what you wish to accomplish has been carried out. Stop it about my money now.

[Linda Harold]

As soon as everything's over, I'll be over here to pay you.

[Professor Tondo]

Very well, Mrs. Harrow. See to it. If you complete your bargain. For if you do not, I assure you the punishment you will receive for your failure to do so will be most tragic. Most tragic.

[Linda Harold]

You're my lawyer. What you standing around your two wobby legs staring at me for? Get me out of here, Prado. You hear me? Get me out of here before I smash this. Who's got a smithereens? They can't hold me. You know I didn't poison JH what do they think I am a numskull.

[Justin Harold]

Take it easy.

[Narrator]

Take it easy.

[Professor Tondo]

Take it easy.

[Linda Harold]

Take it easy. That's all you've been saying for the last hour. Get me out of here.

[Professor Tondo]

Get me out of here.

[Linda Harold]

Where were you when I needed you? I phoned. I couldn't find you. So what happened? They make me come along like a nice little girl. For investigation, for questioning. Questioning for what? You know I didn't poison him. Now get me out of here.

[Narrator]

If you'll calm down long enough to allow me to talk, I'll explain. We're arranging for bail right now.

[Linda Harold]

Oh, why didn't you tell me? I'm mortified. In all my life, do you realize that all the time I was in the limelight, I never had one bad piece of felicity? Now you let me get into this, this terrible mess.

[Narrator]

Linda, you know that your husband asked Gail Baxter to have an investigation, and.

[Justin Harold]

He expressed a fear that maybe he'd been poisoned.

[Linda Harold]

Ah, stuff and nonsense. I don't believe a word of it. Something that old fossil Baxter cooked up. He's always hated me, been jealous of me. Believe me, I'm going to tell the.

[Narrator]

Reporters that you aren't going to say anything I tell you not to say.

[Linda Harold]

Oh, is that so? Mr. Jacobs, let me tell you that for letting me rot in here for hours, I'm very liable to find myself another attorney.

[Narrator]

Is that so, Mrs. Harrel, then let.

[Justin Harold]

Me gently suggest to you that there.

[Narrator]

Are times when I'm a little bit worried about you.

[Linda Harold]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

There are times when I'm not so.

[Justin Harold]

Sure you've been leading such a noble life.

[Narrator]

As a matter of fact, I'm a.

[Justin Harold]

Trifle worried over the report that's going to come back from the state library.

[Linda Harold]

That's going to be one on you. A big laugh on you for. I know.

[Justin Harold]

What do you know?

[Linda Harold]

I know they'll never find any poison. Never. They'll never find out what killed Justin Harold.

[Justin Harold]

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is Rush Wilder, your late evening commentator. Well, first, the investigation into the mysterious death of the fabulously wealthy Justin Herald of this city has been closed. And his beautiful blonde wife, Linda Herold, former nightclub entertainer, has been absolved from having anything to do with his death. No poison was found in the dead body of Justin Herold. As a matter of fact, his sudden death still remains a dark mystery, although it's been explained that it no doubt was from natural causes. There is still the baffling question of why his face and hands were such a startlingly blue Color at the time of his death. Gail Baxter, close friend and crony of the late Mr. Harold, who was with him on the night of his death, has also been released from all questioning. So tonight, the beautiful blonde Linda is a wealthy widow and a free woman. And now for more local news of interest. It seems that.

[Professor Tondo]

Hmm. So you are a free woman, Mrs. Harrel. Free to come and pay me what you owe me. Balance of $3,000 and perhaps even more later on. If you do not search me out tonight, if you do not knock on my door, well, then there are tragic consequences. Oh, yes, the tragic consequences.

[The Hermit]

Linda Harold, who plotted the death of her husband, is now a free woman. Yes. Will she pay her debt to Professor Tondo, eh? Will she search him out and settle her bargain? Or will tragic consequences fall her lot? The hermit will tell you before the night is done.

[Narrator]

You don't want any tragic consequences to fall your lot. And one way to avoid them in heating your home is to prevent heat wastage in every possible way. I have some more suggestions on how to get the most heat out of that good old good coal. And keep down to a minimum the amount of heat escaping outdoors. For one thing, you may have noticed cold drafts coming in around window and door frames. Well, that can be prevented by caulking the cracks outdoors with a caulking gun that you can rent from a hardware store or borrow from a neighbor. You can also save heat by repairing insulation on the heating pipes in the basement. If it gets damaged, that will prevent heat loss down there. An insulating jacket on your hot water boiler can also save heat, and it saves fuel to drain off any accumulated sludge at frequent intervals by drawing off a bucket of water through the tap at the bottom of the tank. Clean water heats with less fuel. Another simple but effective precaution is to avoid leaky hot water taps by replacing the faucet washers often. Incidentally, you can save fuel by using hot water sparingly. And any unused room that you can close off can save about a ton of coal a season. Just shut off the register or radiator if you have warm air or steam heat. But be sure to drain the radiator if you have hot water heat. But let's save the hermit any further waiting now and let him go on with his story.

[The Hermit]

It is two nights later, and as we resume our story, we hear the buzzer ring. Someone stands outside the door of the spacious penthouse occupied, occupied by Linda Harold. Someone dressed in a dark coat. Someone whose face is half hidden by the dark hat. He Wears. He waits a few seconds. He presses the buzzer again. Listen.

[Professor Tondo]

Remove the chain from the door, Mrs. Herold.

[Linda Harold]

I don't want to see you. When I'm ready, when everything's settled, I'll find you.

[Professor Tondo]

Let me in. Now get away from my door.

[Linda Harold]

Don't you know it's dangerous to come here? They may still be watching me.

[Professor Tondo]

Don't you know, Mrs. Herold, it is dangerous for you to keep putting me off? Have you forgotten my elixir? Get away. It will work on others as well as your husband. Anyone who comes under my power.

[Linda Harold]

I don't believe all that stuff. You're just a fake. My husband died from natural causes.

[Professor Tondo]

So you don't believe. I will go home to my laboratory and prove it. Good night, Mrs. Heather.

[Linda Harold]

Now wait. Come on in. All right. Take a chair.

[Professor Tondo]

I presume you invited me in because you are going to pay me the remainder of the money coming to me.

[Linda Harold]

Ah, and can't you understand English? I told you I'd pay you as soon as I had it, and that's that.

[Professor Tondo]

Don't tell me, Mrs. Harold, that you haven't a paltry $2,500 with which to pay off your justice.

[Linda Harold]

I haven't got anything until the estate is settled. Can't you savvy?

[Professor Tondo]

Is it possible that such a wealthy woman as you access to borrowing?

[Linda Harold]

Where am I going to borrow at this time of night? Leave me alone, can't you? I'll take care of you when I get ready.

[Professor Tondo]

I don't like being put off. I am dealing with those in the hire of the devil. I like to watch them very closely.

[Linda Harold]

Say, what do you mean? How dare you say a thing like that to me. It's you who belong to the devil. It's you who talked me into getting Justin ill so that he'd die. Dear lady, My hands are clean, I tell you.

[Professor Tondo]

No spot of blood. No damned spot.

[Linda Harold]

I don't know what you mean.

[Professor Tondo]

If the world.

[Linda Harold]

If the world knew you'd be the one who'd be in the spot.

[Professor Tondo]

Yes, and when I explained about you, your part.

[Linda Harold]

Oh, who'd believe a faker? Hey, what goes on?

[Professor Tondo]

I don't follow you.

[Linda Harold]

Don't you smell it? Same odor that was in your place when you poured the powder into the kettle.

[Professor Tondo]

Yes, it's strange. I. I believe you're right.

[Linda Harold]

Oh, you brought it in here with your clothes. Now get out of here. Didn't you hear? The paper spoke about the strange odor that was in the room of the house when JH Died. They should come here and smell it again. They'd start investigating.

[Professor Tondo]

It's quite possible. Quite impossible. Yet I'm not mistaken. You, Miss, bathe in a blue light.

[Linda Harold]

Look over in the corner. Blue flames. Blue flames creeping along the wall.

[Justin Harold]

Do you see them?

[Professor Tondo]

I know something about them.

[Linda Harold]

Step them out.

[Professor Tondo]

Nothing like this has ever happened before.

[Linda Harold]

They're creeping all around the walls. They're coming closer. Stop them.

[Justin Harold]

Look closer. Look into the heart of the blue flames. Linda. Justin. You. Look, Professor Tondo. You can see me as clearly as when you watched me in your laboratory. As you watched when I died. Look. The blue flames are on my hands. And I am coming closer. Nearer to those who plotted my death.

[Linda Harold]

It's his voice.

[Justin Harold]

I'm coming nearer.

[Professor Tondo]

Stop him.

[Linda Harold]

Get him away from here. Tondo, use your powers. You can trap the plane.

[Justin Harold]

Professor Tondo has no power over those out of his power. I am one out of his power who has returned to have my revenge. There is no escape from the blue flames. The blue flames that surround me will not die. Enter now into the realm of the blue flame from the elixir of death. There is no more help for you than there was for me. Kondo is gone now. Linda, where is you? Only a few seconds left. You did save me. I am powerless to save you. For I am the blue flame, burning until you and Professor Tondo are both banished from Earth. Only then can I rest in peace. Only then will the flame be quenched. Don't touch me. My face, my end. My body is a fire. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is Russ Wilder, your late evening commentator. A sequel and final tragic chapter was written last night to the death of Justin Harold. For now there are three deaths. One, an unknown man upon whose body there was no identification. And the widow, beautiful blonde, Linda Harold. The unidentified man and Mrs. Harold were found in Mrs. Harold's penthouse apartment. Both dead. Both bodies the same stunning shade of blue. As was the body of Justin Harold when he died. It was as if the golden hair of Linda Harold had been washed in blue. And then burned by flames. The eyes of the unidentified man and the eyes of Linda Herold were opened wide. As if each had beheld a strange and horrible horror. And the room was filled with a weird, sickening odor. The odor of a thousand deaths. And so the mystery grows and remains unsolved.

[The Hermit]

And to all but the hermit and those who enter into his cave. It will always remain a mystery. But those who heard me tell the story. Know that Professor Tondo and Linda Harold died from the elixir the professor compounded himself for others. An elixir that devoured those who used it. An elixir of Satan's laboratory. Turn on your lights. Turn them on.

[Narrator]

You have just listened to the 404th story by the hermit made possible through the courtesy of the Carter Coal Company, producer of Olga Coal and your friend, the Olga Coal dealer. That word friend is full of meaning for you these days. The dictionary defines it as one who entertains for another such sentiments of esteem, respect and affection that he seeks his society and welfare. Isn't that just about a perfect definition of the man who looks after your coal needs? I don't really have to tell you that you can trust your Olga dealer to look out for your interests. You know he appreciates your patronage and wants to keep you on his side. Sure, I know. Nowadays he can't always give you as much coal as you'd like as promptly as you'd like it. He can't always even give you the kind of coal you'd like or the size you'd prefer. But you can count on him to do his best. In these war days, that's all anyone can do. So don't shop around for coal that does no good, just causes a lot of confusion. And above all, don't get panicky about deliveries. After all, these shortages are never as bad as you think they'll be. You're still eating and wearing shoes and clothing, aren't you? In spite of what you've heard. Well, the chances are you'll not freeze either. And remember the reason for all the shortages. What you don't get is going to help those boys of yours and ours at the fighting fronts. By saving every bit of coal you can. You're doing your part on the home front. And remember, when you do order coal, ask for Olga Coal, spelled O L G, A by name. Olga Coal is a good buy because of its smokeless, dustless economical qualities. So keep on asking for it and keep on buying more stamps and bonds till it hurts the enemy so badly he'll throw up his hands and surrender. Buying war stamps and bonds is one way that everyone can help win the war, regardless of age, health, means or occupation. Every penny you citizens of the United States and Canada put into war stamps and bonds weighs the balance that much further in our favor against the Japs and Nazis. Buy, buy, buy war stamps and bonds and don't stop until the enemy gives up.

[The Hermit]

And the hermit has more stories for you. Listen in again next week for my hounds howling. I'll tell you the story of mysterious return. I'll be back. Pleasant dreams.

[Narrator]

All characters, places and occurrences mentioned in the Hermit's Cave are fictitious, and similarity to persons, places or occurrences is purely accidental. Jack Lellman speaking.

[Rush Wilder]

That's the Horror for this week. You can find more from the Hermit's Cave, this podcast, and all of the other Relic radio shows@ Relicradio.com. our shoutcast stream is there up and running as well, with even more old time radio lots to listen to, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Your support makes it all happen. Thank you to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with Strange Tales and next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.