John Steele Adventurer and The Key

Summary

The Relic Radio Show – December 16, 2025

Episode: John Steele Adventurer’s "Dead Ringer" (1950) & The Key (c.1956)
Podcast Host: RelicRadio.com
Theme: Exploring gripping vintage radio drama—adventure, suspense, and the hidden complexities of human nature.

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Relic Radio Show features two classic old time radio dramas:

1. John Steele, Adventurer – "Dead Ringer" (originally aired July 25, 1950)
2. The Key (from around 1956)

Each tale is a journey into suspense and psychological drama, propelled by themes of vengeance, identity, and inescapable consequences from one’s past.

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1. John Steele, Adventurer – "Dead Ringer"

(Starts: 01:02)

Main Storyline

A classic Western mystery of revenge and mistaken identity: Bill Allen, estranged from home for fifteen years, returns undercover as "Caleb Baxter" to uncover his father’s killer. The dusty town of Canyon City simmers with rumor, suspicion, and hidden motives—all orbiting a decades-old feud and a controversial highway project.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Elements

• Bill/Caleb’s Return and Assumed Identity

  • Bill learns his father Jed Allen has been murdered; he assumes the identity of a stranger (02:43) after finding a wallet in the desert, to investigate incognito.
  • Quote [04:52]: “If Pa had enemies in Canyon City, I’d do a lot better if I changed my name.”

• Setting the Scene: Canyon City

  • The saloon and barbershop serve as town focal points, introducing colorful locals and establishing small-town distrust.
  • Humorous exchanges between Bill (as Caleb), town barber Wendy, and editor Harvey Clements add color and misdirection (05:29–07:30).
  • Quote [06:13]: (Wendy, about his barbering skills): “He said you were the worst barber West of the Big Bend country.”

• Investigating the Murder

  • Bill questions townsfolk, especially about his father’s enemies or involvement in a new highway plan, stirring local resentments (08:03).
  • He is told a rumor of a stranger at the "old Benson place," leading to a tense nocturnal encounter and a near shootout (09:33).

• Maria, the Housekeeper

  • Bill visits the old family ranch to find Maria, the Mexican housekeeper who adored his father, but she’s tight-lipped (11:09–13:10).

• Suspicion, Deception, and Small-town Politics

  • Side plots about the highway referendum echo throughout, with ranchers resistant due to change, or ulterior motives (14:50–15:19).
  • The highway contract and town politics become key to understanding motive (19:04, 25:22).

• The Dramatic Reveal

  • The killer arranges to surrender, but Bill, after piecing together clues (especially a strong Picayune cigarette at the ranch, 18:00), suspects a trap.
  • In a tense standoff at the sheriff’s office (23:09–27:15), Bill is accused, but pivots the accusation onto Harvey Clements, the editor. He reveals that Clements hired Caleb Baxter as a hitman to remove Jed Allen, facilitating a highway contract and potential financial windfall.
  • Key reveal [25:35 & 26:00]: “He was sure I wasn't Caleb Baxter because he's the only one who knew the real Caleb Baxter…Clements hired him to do the shooting.”
  • Clements confesses under pressure after a botched escape.

• Closure

  • Bill is vindicated, and the episode ends with reflections on the nature of adventure and fate.
  • Memorable closing lines [29:16–29:20]: “A life of adventure is yours for the asking, wherever you find it. Only don’t look for it… It may find you.”

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• [02:43] Bill Allen: “Seems to me you’ve been resting more than you’ve been walking. Go on, take a stretch for yourself…”
• [06:13] Caleb (Bill Allen): “He said you were the worst barber West of the Big Bend country.”
• [25:35] Caleb (Bill Allen): “He was sure I wasn’t Caleb Baxter…Clements hired him to do the shooting.”
• [29:18] John Steele: “Only don’t look for it. It may find you.”

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Memorable Moments & Tone

• Western meets noir: Dry humor, tense confrontations, and a twisty, well-paced whodunit.
• Small-town politics: The backdrop of local development versus tradition drives the deeper motive.
• Self-examination: The plot cleverly twists back on the protagonist—“the story of a man who searched for a killer…led him to himself.”

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2. The Key

(Starts: 30:10)

Main Storyline

A tightly-wound domestic thriller and psychological noir: The return of a long-lost criminal partner, Khan Stanhope, upends the life of respectable businessman Alvis (Albus), dragging his past into the present and holding him hostage to blackmail both emotional and financial.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Elements

• Khan’s Return and Reckoning

  • Khan appears in Alvis’ office after 20 years in prison (30:52), expecting compensation and partnership in Alvis’s successful brokerage.
  • Quote [31:40]: “Put your mind back 20 years, Alvis. Or don’t you like soiling your beautiful thoughts with a memory?”

• Past Crimes & Guilt

  • Their conversation reveals a years-old crime—robbery, betrayal, and a life sentence taken in silence (33:14–33:56).
  • Khan’s bitterness [33:33]: “I paid my debt to some society. You got no idea how it feels to have paid one’s social debt, Elvis. It’s a nice clean feeling…”

• Blackmail and Intrusion

  • Khan insists on a share in the business and a place in Alvis’s home, threatening exposure and public ruin (35:50–37:31).
  • Quote [37:34]: “You’re worried, aren’t you, partner?”

• Moral Manipulation

  • Alvis’s wife, Delia, becomes suspicious; tensions mount as Khan toys with both of them psychologically (43:40–46:44).
  • Khan rationalizes his actions as a form of justice, not blackmail, describing a strange code of criminal ethics (44:44).
  • Quote [44:53]: “Used to have. Never put anybody on the spot. Never worked a blackmail racket. Never turned down a bite. Never talking to mad. Never run out on a friend. Yes, I had a certain code of ethics.”

• Ultimatum and Despair

  • Delia demands that either Khan leaves or she will (47:14). Alvis, trapped, feebly tries to break free—even considering violence.
  • Khan’s hold tightens; he manipulates, taunts, and ultimately, after a failed murder attempt by Alvis, reappears like a ghostly conscience.

• Final Psychological Twist

  • The episode ends in existential unease: Khan will haunt Alvis forever, a manifestation of guilt that can never be truly banished.
  • Closing lines [54:09, 54:25]:
    • Khan: “You are a thief, a coward, and a moral murderer...But you’re well on the red. In fact, you’ve just managed your first installment.”
    • “All the time in the world. Good night, partner.”

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• [31:40] Khan: “Put your mind back 20 years, Alvis. Or don’t you like soiling your beautiful thoughts with a memory?”
• [33:56] Khan: "20 years don’t frizzle a man’s feelings, do they, Alvis?"
• [44:53] Khan: “Yes, I had a certain code of ethics.”
• [54:09] Khan: “You’re a thief, a coward, and a moral murderer. You are…I paid my debt to society, Alvis. But you’re well on the red.”

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Memorable Moments & Tone

• Unresolved tension: The ending provides no neat fix; rather, it leaves Alvis psychologically captive to his past misdeeds.
• The Key as metaphor: Every situation has a "key," but some doors should remain closed.
• Moody atmosphere: The drama’s tone is dark, claustrophobic, and laced with anxiety about inescapable consequences.

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• [00:11] Episode Introduction
• [01:02] John Steele, Adventurer – "Dead Ringer" begins
• [04:52] Bill assumes Caleb Baxter’s identity
• [09:33] First stakeout at the Benson place
• [13:39] Scenes with Windy the barber; town politics
• [18:00] Clue of the Picayune cigarettes
• [19:00–23:18] Lead-up to the confrontation; killer’s surrender
• [25:22] Exposing Harvey Clements; Story’s resolution
• [29:16] Closing narration, adventure reflections
• [30:10] Start of The Key
• [31:40] Khan confronts Alvis
• [43:40] Delia (Alvis’s wife) confronts Khan
• [47:05] Delia’s ultimatum
• [53:03] Khan’s ghostly reappearance
• [54:09] Philosophical ending
• [55:23] Episode close (from host)

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Final Thoughts

This episode pairs two powerful explorations of self-deception and accountability. Both "Dead Ringer" and "The Key" demonstrate that the hardest riddles and heaviest burdens are internal—whether the search is for justice in a sun-bleached Western town, or for freedom from chains of guilt in a modern home.

John Steele’s signature tone—a blend of hard-boiled action and introspective depth—is present in both dramas. Whimsical supporting characters (like Windy the barber) and smart, layered writing ensure that these episodes "still stand the test of time," as promised.

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For New Listeners

You need not have heard prior episodes to dive in: the stories unfold with clarity, rich atmosphere, and a wry wit that keeps the tension burning. The twists are earned, the characters vivid, and the moral is universal:
"A life of adventure is yours for the asking. Only—don’t look for it. It may find you." [29:18]

Transcript

[Announcer]

This is the relic radio show, Old time radio entertainment. Still standing the test of time from relicradio.com welcome back to the relic radio show. Back this Tuesday with two more stories from the golden age of radio as we do every Tuesday here@ Relicradio.com our first story comes from John Steel, adventurer. It's titled Dead Ringer from July 25, 1950. After that, it's the key. And 20 years later, that series aired sometime in 1956.

[John Steele]

Take one man on a mission of vengeance. Let him stalk a brutal unknown killer in a town of strangers. That's our story. Dead ringer, taken from the files of John Steele, adventurer. Hello, friends, this is John Steele. We're back this week to bring you another story of suspense and hard, fast action. So turn down the light, get a grip on that chair and hang on. This week's tale takes us out to the blistering sands of our own western desert. Where I first met Bill Allen. But here he is to tell you his story himself.

[Bill Allen]

Bill.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

You know, home's a funny thing. When you're there you never appreciate it. But every mile you get away from it, it starts looking better and better. At least that's the way it was with me. I'd had a fight with my pa and I'd been away from home for 15 years. But somehow I'd never really been out of touch with the old place. Every week Pa had the Canyon City Herald sent to me. And every once in a while I'd get a hankering to go back. But I kept putting it off. Then one day something happened that made up my mind for me. The Herald said Paul had been shot dead and his killer got away. I took the train to the nearest depot, bought a horse and started the three day ride across the desert to Canyon City. I guess it was about the middle of the second day. The sun was out, was hot as blazes. All right, come on, boy. Now keep your head up. Okay. Okay, fella, you want to rest?

[Bill Allen]

We will.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Seems to me you've been resting more than you've been walking. Go on, take a stretch for yourself. It's a matter, fella. I'm hot too, you know. Use a little of that pep when I'm on your back. Would have been in Canyon City by now.

[Bill Allen]

Huh?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What's the matter? Okay, okay, I'm coming. Don't get hot under the saddle. I don't know why you just can't take it easy like any other horse would you? You got to go run, huh? No wonder you useless. Take it Easy, mister.

[Elvis / Khan]

When I get you rolled over.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What a hell.

[Bill Allen]

All right.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Just take it easy, fella. All right?

[Elvis / Khan]

There you are.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Hey, hey, hey, hey. Not so much. Not so.

[Bill Allen]

Sand, huh?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah, plenty of it, huh?

[Wendy Thompson]

No, no.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Why don't you just lay back and rest? Yeah, I heard you. Now, you leave everything to me. I have you fixed up in.

[Wendy Thompson]

No.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Mister. Hey, mister, he's dead. There must be identification on him someplace. No, not here. Maybe the back pockets. No. Oh, yeah. Here's a wallet. Let's see his money. Must have card.

[Elvis / Khan]

Oh, yeah.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Caleb Baxter. Baxter. Butte, Montana. Montana? Why not?

[Bill Allen]

Yeah, why not?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

You ever play a hunch? That's what I did. Just seemed to me that if Pa had enemies in Canyon City, I'd do a lot better if I changed my name. I took his guns off him and buried him there in the desert. And from then on, I was Caleb Baxter. I got into town late the third day and headed for the only hotel. I figured if Baxter been a stranger in Canyon City, he'd have stayed there. If I got past the desk using the name, I could get away with it. Anyways, in town I signed the register.

[Elvis / Khan]

And the clerk looked at it and.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Just handed me my key, and that was that. So I cleaned up and headed over to the bar across the street.

[Wendy Thompson]

Yes, sir, mister, what'll it be?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Whiskey. Straight?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Yes, sir.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Whiskey.

[Wendy Thompson]

I'm telling you, Wendy, I ought to run you out of town. What'd you say? I said I ought to run you out. You couldn't walk anybody out of town. What's more run about. Well, that was the worst haircut a man ever got. Well, now, I tell you, Sam, them shooters had a tough time getting around the corners on that square head of yours. Now you listen. Hell with it.

[Elvis / Khan]

I leave the bottle.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Yeah.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What's going on down there?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Oh, they're just getting old, Windy. He's a town barber. Has been for years.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Wendy Thompson.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

What say, mister?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Nothing.

[Wendy Thompson]

I ain't going to take it no more. You made a fool out of me for the last time. Now, now, now, wait a minute, Sam.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Get back.

[Wendy Thompson]

We was just a fool. This thing's loaded. Don't you think you'd better. Any of you. Any of you guys know Wendy Thompson? Yes, sir, Mister, that's me.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Well, I've been looking for you.

[Wendy Thompson]

What for?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Well, you see, a ponder of mine come through Canyon City a few months back, and you gave him a haircut.

[Wendy Thompson]

Well, now, mister, anytime, I. He said you were the worst barber.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

West of the Big Bend country.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

What?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

And if I ever Got out here I was to get his quarter back or have your hide.

[Delia / Maria]

He did.

[Wendy Thompson]

He was right. Mister, I'm telling you, that man should be behind bars. He does something to a head of here.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

That's what I heard.

[Wendy Thompson]

Now, look at me.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

For instance, would you mind putting that gun up? Makes me a little nervous.

[Elvis / Khan]

Oh, yeah?

[Wendy Thompson]

Well, now, look at me.

[John Steele]

I ain't got much air, but cares.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

To me like Wendy owes you one on the house.

[Wendy Thompson]

Yeah, he sure does.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What'd he say, Wendy?

[Wendy Thompson]

Okay. Okay.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

All right. Now, supposing you and me have a drink?

[Wendy Thompson]

Sure, sure.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah.

[Wendy Thompson]

And don't you forget either. Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, sure, sure.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Whiskey.

[Wendy Thompson]

Sure.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Sure.

[Wendy Thompson]

About that partner of yours, I don't remember cutting any.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I just made that up.

[Wendy Thompson]

You what? Hey, Sam. Shut up, huh?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Don't you know when you're well off?

[Wendy Thompson]

Guess ought to thank you.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Well, somebody had to do something.

[Wendy Thompson]

Yeah. What's your name?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Baxter. Caleb Baxter. Yeah.

[Wendy Thompson]

Well, thanks, Baxter.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

That was mighty fast thinking, young man.

[Wendy Thompson]

Howdy, Mr. Clemens.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Hello, Wendy.

[Wendy Thompson]

Baxter. Mr. Clemens. He runs the town paper.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Oh, hi, Baxter.

[Wendy Thompson]

Baxter. You from around here?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

No, I'm a stranger in town. I knew that name wasn't on the subscription list. No. Say, you might be able to help me, Mr. Clements. Come on. We can talk over at my table.

[Wendy Thompson]

Go ahead, Ken. I'll wait for you.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Okay.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

By all rights, I should be mad at you. Oh?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Why?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Well, you took a good headline away.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Fr.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Now, what can I do for you?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Why, I want to talk to you about Jed Allen.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

What'd you say your name was?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Caleb Baxter.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

What do you want to know about Jed Allen?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Did he have any enemies?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

No. None that I know of.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I heard there was a couple of people around that had it in for him.

[Bill Allen]

Possible.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Came in town quite a bit, didn't he?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

No. Jed stuck pretty close to the ranch.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Did he own his place?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Never heard. He didn't. What's on your mind, Baxter?

[Bill Allen]

Nothing.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Is there any strangers in town?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Well, I haven't seen any.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What do you mean by that?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Well, there was a rumor going around that someone was living in the old Benson place.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Where's that?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

It's just a little shack, south end of town.

[John Steele]

It was just a rumor.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Why, thanks, Mr. Clements. Look, can I drop in and talk to you again?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Anytime, Baxter. Anytime.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Thanks, Wendy.

[Wendy Thompson]

Yeah?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah?

[Wendy Thompson]

Come here a minute.

[John Steele]

Yeah.

[Wendy Thompson]

What's up, kid?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

You know the old Benson place?

[John Steele]

Sure.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Will you take me to it?

[John Steele]

Let's go.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Come on. Oh, boy.

[Wendy Thompson]

Oh, Forest here. It's about 100ft down the road on the Right.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Okay, thanks. Wait here.

[Wendy Thompson]

Sure like to know what's going on around here.

[Bill Allen]

You dirty low.

[Wendy Thompson]

What happened?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Somebody took a shot at me.

[Wendy Thompson]

Where'd you come from?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Over by the shack. I took a couple of him, but I don't think I hit him.

[Wendy Thompson]

Hey, there he goes.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What?

[Wendy Thompson]

Come on.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

All right.

[Wendy Thompson]

Come on.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

All right. Which way did he go?

[Wendy Thompson]

Headed out of town. Come on, Now he is, kid. Too dark.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Lost him. Yeah. Yeah. I might as well head back to town. Next morning, I went over to the Herald's office and told Mr. Clements what had happened. He suggested I go out to the ranch and talk to the old Mexican woman that had kept house before. Seems strange riding up that road. I'd been over so many times as a kid. Just as if I'd never been away. Prairie was lying hot and dusty under a broiling sun. Not a breath of air stirring. Then I come over the rise by the split pine. There was the ranch nestling down in the hollow under the big shade tree. I rode through the gate, past the spring house. Up the moss on the roof and on up to the hitching rail. All the hands must have been out working the herd because there wasn't a living thing in sight. There was no way to come home.

[Wendy Thompson]

Madre me. I am coming. You have to break down the door.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Hello, ma'.

[Bill Allen]

Am.

[Wendy Thompson]

What you want?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I'd like to come in and rest a bit. It's hot riding.

[Wendy Thompson]

There is water at the spring house.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Well, it's more than that, ma'.

[Bill Allen]

Am.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

See, I'd like to talk to you.

[Wendy Thompson]

Who you are?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Baxter, ma'.

[Delia / Maria]

Am.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Caleb Baxter.

[Wendy Thompson]

I do not know you.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

No, no, I. I want to talk to you about Mr. Allen.

[Wendy Thompson]

I am busy. Go away.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Please, ma'. Am. See, it's kind of important.

[Wendy Thompson]

All right, all right.

[Bill Allen]

You talk.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Can I come in?

[Bill Allen]

Madre mia.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Thank you.

[Bill Allen]

What are you looking at?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

The room. Nice room.

[Bill Allen]

Stay out of there.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I won't hurt nothing, man.

[Wendy Thompson]

Stay out, please.

[Bill Allen]

Brooke, I'm busy.

[Wendy Thompson]

What do you want?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

How long did you work for Mr. Allen?

[Bill Allen]

10, 12 years.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

His gun.

[Bill Allen]

Leave them alone, okay? Nice man to work for Senor Allen. See? Good man.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah, I thought so.

[Bill Allen]

Never get angry.

[Elvis / Khan]

Never.

[Bill Allen]

Yeah, Everyone his friend. See? Picture over the fireplace.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Nice looking man.

[Wendy Thompson]

I don't know who could do this thing.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

No, no, don't get upset. He was so good. What's your name?

[Bill Allen]

Maria. That's better.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

See, that's what I wanted to talk.

[Elvis / Khan]

To you about, Maria.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

See, was there anyone who'd kill Mr. Allen?

[Bill Allen]

No.

[Wendy Thompson]

No one would kill Senor Allen.

[Bill Allen]

Somebody did, though. I think Maria.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Had you any idea who might have done it?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

No.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Neither. Ranch hands?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

No.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Anybody in town?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

No.

[Elvis / Khan]

Think, Maria.

[Wendy Thompson]

Please. You go now. Please.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Okay.

[Bill Allen]

Such a terrible thing.

[Wendy Thompson]

Why do not someone do something?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

We will, Maria. We will. I'd counted on Maria giving me some kind of lead, and instead I'd got nothing. The killer's trail was as cold as a mountain stream. I didn't know what to do next. On the way back into town, I stopped in at Wendy's barbershop. I needed somebody to talk to him. He was as good as any.

[Wendy Thompson]

Howdy, kid. Leave you on your defeat.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

It's okay, Wendy. No hurry.

[Wendy Thompson]

Get yourself down, Caleb. Find a couple of good gazettes there.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Thanks.

[Wendy Thompson]

So then I said to them, mister, I don't care what you have to say. I don't think Canyon City needs a new highway. Why, if it was one of them concrete racetrack through our town, why, there's no telling what kind of fern it'll be getting around here. Why, I said I wouldn't vote for it if the governor herself came down here and said, wendy, Canyon City's got to be put on the map. No, sir, to say don't count on me. And it gives me a lot of hocus pocus about being behind the times and such. And when he was all through, I said, mister, still feel the same way. That'll be 25 cents, Joe. Thank you. Nice talking to you. Okay, kid, you're next. You remember Joe from the saloon, don't you, kid?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah, sure. Hi, Joe.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Hello, Baxter.

[Wendy Thompson]

See you tonight, Joe.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah.

[Wendy Thompson]

What'll it be, Caleb?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Haircut. And leave me something to comb.

[Wendy Thompson]

Just don't you worry.

[Bill Allen]

Got something to tell you soon, Joe.

[Wendy Thompson]

Sleeves said I see you tonight, Joe.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Yeah. You look through the new gazette?

[Wendy Thompson]

No, ain't had time. Don't know why he can't buy his own. Hey, you see this one on page 17? Good as last month. Let me see. Thank God you're right.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Hey, Wendy, how about my haircut?

[Wendy Thompson]

Oh, oh, sure, sure, sure, sure. Gotta see that one.

[Bill Allen]

I did, huh?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Tell me, what's this about a new highway?

[Wendy Thompson]

State's been trying to put it through.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Ever since the war.

[Wendy Thompson]

But it's just like I was saying.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

The town's people want it.

[Wendy Thompson]

Ah, some does and some don't.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

You see a lot of business to town.

[Wendy Thompson]

That's what Mr. Clement says. But you say he was leaving, Joe.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

No hurry. I don't go to work till five.

[Wendy Thompson]

Ah, thinks a barber shop's a public library. And for two Bits, too.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Clemence is right, you know.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

About what?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

The road. Oh.

[Wendy Thompson]

Well, they're putting it up to a public. Public referee. Ref.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Referendum.

[Wendy Thompson]

Yeah. Yeah, vote.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Vote.

[Wendy Thompson]

Sure to be beaten, though.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Why?

[Wendy Thompson]

Well, for one thing, the ranchers don't want it. They swing a lot of weight in this town.

[Elvis / Khan]

Yeah, I guess they do.

[Wendy Thompson]

Well, and be seeing you next month when you said don't come out till the 5th.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Being on the 6th.

[Wendy Thompson]

See you, Baxter.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah. So long, Joe.

[Wendy Thompson]

Thought he'd never go. Forgot my hat. Yeah, sure. Sure. Be seeing you. Oh, y.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Oh, what you have to tell me?

[Wendy Thompson]

I've been thinking since last night, kid. And I figure you went down to the Benson place looking for somebody.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah?

[Wendy Thompson]

Well, a platoon. Two together. And since that's where the Allen Killer was supposed to hid out, I figure that's who you're looking for.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What if I am?

[Wendy Thompson]

Well, Mr. Clemens was in for a haircut about an hour ago. You know, been cutting his hair for years. He likes a little off the top and on the side. Oh. Oh, well. Yeah. Well, he said the Allen Killer was back in town.

[Bill Allen]

Sure.

[John Steele]

Yep.

[Wendy Thompson]

And he was seen riding out towards the Allen ranch this morning.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Clemens said that?

[Wendy Thompson]

Yeah.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yep.

[Wendy Thompson]

Hey, where you going?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I'll pay you later. If Clemens was right, I must have passed the killer on the road. Only he'd seen me coming and ducked into the mesquite till I'd gone by. If I hurried, I might still catch him out the ranch. Put the leather to my horse and rode her harder. She'd go all the way out. When I topped the rise by the split pine, I reined up and looked.

[Bill Allen]

Down on the buildings in the hollow.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Everything looked the same. Hot afternoon sun was beating down on the barns. The hands were still out working. Nothing had changed. I looked over at the hitching rail, but there wasn't any horse tied up there. I rode through the gate and on up to the house.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Maria.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Maria. Maria.

[Wendy Thompson]

Go away.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Open the door.

[Wendy Thompson]

No.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I gotta talk to you. Go away. Look, I don't want to frighten you, Maria, but if you don't open the door, I'm gonna break it down.

[Wendy Thompson]

What do you want?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I just want to talk to you, that's all.

[Bill Allen]

You talk.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What's a gun for?

[Bill Allen]

You talk.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I'm coming in.

[Wendy Thompson]

No.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah.

[Wendy Thompson]

Now give me that gun. No. You.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Are you crazy? You might have hurt somebody with that thing.

[Wendy Thompson]

I don't know nothing.

[Bill Allen]

Please. You go now.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Look, somebody was here today.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Who was it? No one here.

[Bill Allen]

Yeah, I know he's gone.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

But who was it?

[Wendy Thompson]

I tell you, no one here.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

You're lying. Maria. I'm not leaving until you tell me who was here today. Please. Or maybe you're covering up for somebody.

[Bill Allen]

I do not understand. Are you?

[Wendy Thompson]

Please, no one here.

[Bill Allen]

Could you be telling the truth? See?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

See, that doesn't make sense.

[Wendy Thompson]

You go now.

[Bill Allen]

I'm sorry I frightened you, but what are these? No Picayunes.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Pretty strong cigarette for you to smoke, isn't it?

[Wendy Thompson]

Maria, please.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Wasn't here this morning. Who's are they?

[Wendy Thompson]

I don't know nothing.

[Bill Allen]

Okay, okay, Maria.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Now I got something to work on. I rode back to town with a pack of Picayunes in my pocket. They weren't much of a lead, but it was better nothing. All I knew was that the killer was somewheres in town and he'd been out to the ranch. That was all. As I was tying up in front of the hotel, Windy came running out waving something in his hand.

[Wendy Thompson]

Where you been, kid?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Huh?

[Wendy Thompson]

All Ned's been bust loose in this year time.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What do you mean?

[Wendy Thompson]

Here, here, look at this. What headline? Read it, read it.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Killer to surrender tonight.

[Wendy Thompson]

Sure, go on, go on.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Harvey Clements, editor of the Canyon City Herald, was contacted by the killer of Jed Allen this afternoon and was arranged for his surrender to sheriff's deal with.

[Bill Allen]

Six o' clock this evening.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

It is requested that all citizens remain indoors.

[Wendy Thompson]

Yeah, what do you think of that, huh?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What time is it, Wendy?

[Wendy Thompson]

First extra, the Herald's hatch. What time is it?

[Bill Allen]

Huh?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Time is it?

[Wendy Thompson]

5:30.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Come on.

[Wendy Thompson]

Where are we going?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

To the Herald. But the paper says I got to see Mr. Clemens.

[Wendy Thompson]

What part?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I got to see him, that's all. Come on inside, Mr. Clemens.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Oh, hello, Baxter.

[Bill Allen]

See the paper yet?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

What do you think of the news?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Good.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Yeah, we've been looking all over for you. Knew you'd want to be in on it.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah, I was out the ranch.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Glad you got back in time.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Where are you gonna meet him?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Out at the Benson place.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Quarter to six. It's 5:30 now. I was just leaving, Mr. Clements. Yeah, I know there's a big feather in your cap, but would you let.

[Bill Allen]

Me bring him in?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Well, I. I got my own reasons for asking. Yeah.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Yeah, I guess it'd be all right.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Thanks.

[Wendy Thompson]

Won't be coming up to works now, will you?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

No, I didn't say who'd meet him.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Supposing he don't show?

[Bill Allen]

He'll be there.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

He's tired of running. Wants to give himself up.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

All right, come on. We better get going, Wendy. Sure, sure. Thanks again, Mr. Clements, see at the sheriff's office at 6. Right. All right, we got 10 minutes. Let's.

[Wendy Thompson]

There it is up ahead. Yeah. I told you we had plenty of time, huh?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

All right, come on.

[Wendy Thompson]

Never saw a fellas a head up, huh?

[Elvis / Khan]

Keep your gun handy.

[Wendy Thompson]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Anybody here?

[Bill Allen]

What time you got?

[Wendy Thompson]

20 to 6.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I'm not here yet. Come on, let's have a look around. You take the back room, I'll take the front. Closets and everything.

[Wendy Thompson]

I don't like it. I like it.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Find anything.

[John Steele]

Wendy?

[Wendy Thompson]

Ah, nothing. Been here but pack rats.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What time is it?

[John Steele]

Yeah.

[Wendy Thompson]

17 2.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

We gotta wait, that's all.

[Wendy Thompson]

Not even a box to sit on. Why, when I was try the floor. Huh?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

The floor.

[Wendy Thompson]

Yeah, sure, sure.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What's the time?

[Wendy Thompson]

16:2. And if you're going to sit there, he will if you stop watching the clock.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Mr. Clemens said quarter two, didn't he? Yeah.

[Wendy Thompson]

It's time. I don't hear nothing. Maybe his watch is wrong.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah.

[Wendy Thompson]

Where are you going?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

To look up the road. What time you got?

[Wendy Thompson]

12, 2.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

He's not coming.

[Wendy Thompson]

There's lots of things.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

If he was going to be here in the next five minutes, we'd see his horse by now. He's not going to show.

[Wendy Thompson]

Maybe he's not claimed.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Come on.

[Wendy Thompson]

Where are we going?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

First I'm going to make a phone call. Then we're going to the Sheriff's office.

[Wendy Thompson]

Folks sure eat the paper.

[Bill Allen]

Yeah.

[Wendy Thompson]

Not a living soul on the street.

[Bill Allen]

No. Who'd.

[Wendy Thompson]

Who'd you call, Caleb?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Can't tell you yet.

[Wendy Thompson]

But later maybe.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Wendy.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Huh?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

When we get in here, no matter what happens, I want you to keep that lip button.

[John Steele]

Sure, kid.

[Wendy Thompson]

Sure, sure.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Let's go. Remember, Wendy?

[Bill Allen]

Yeah, sure, sure.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What time is it?

[Wendy Thompson]

Six o'.

[Bill Allen]

Clock.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

There's your man, Sheriff.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What? Wendy?

[John Steele]

I'll take those guns back, sir.

[Elvis / Khan]

Sure, Sheriff.

[John Steele]

Yours too, Wendy.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Go ahead.

[Bill Allen]

Wendy. Oh.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

What? I told you he'd be here at 6.

[John Steele]

Yes, Mr. Clemens. You ready to sign a confession, Baxter?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yes. Shut up, Wendy.

[Bill Allen]

Just one thing I want to know. How did you know it was me?

[John Steele]

Easy.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Right after you took a couple of.

[John Steele]

Shots at Mr. Clemens last night, he called me and told me he was.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Sure the Allen killer was in town.

[John Steele]

Went up to the Benson place this morning and took one of your slugs.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Out of the wall. I got the ballistics report from the.

[John Steele]

County seat this afternoon.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Match the slug we found in Jet Allen.

[Elvis / Khan]

I see.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Do you mind if a smoke, Sheriff?

[Bill Allen]

No, go ahead and get one on me. You got a cigarette, Clemens?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

No. I smoke cigars.

[John Steele]

Have one of mine if you like.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

They're pretty strong, though.

[Bill Allen]

Picayunes.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Then you were out at the ranch this afternoon?

[Bill Allen]

Yeah.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I told Maria to be careful. He might be back.

[Bill Allen]

How'd you know I was out there?

[John Steele]

Mr. Clemens told me. Well, you ready to sign?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Yeah.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah.

[Bill Allen]

You want a good laugh?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I've been running all over the county chasing the killer. And you know who I've been chasing?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Me.

[Bill Allen]

What do you mean? Never mind right now.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Just one thing more. You said Clements was sure I was the Allen killer.

[Bill Allen]

Is that exactly what he said?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

What difference?

[John Steele]

Yes, he said he was sure.

[Bill Allen]

Didn't that strike you funny, Sheriff? Well, I should have.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Why would Mr. Clements be sure I was the killer.

[Bill Allen]

When he'd never seen me before in his life? I'll tell you why. Because. Excuse me, Sheriff Steele? Yes, he's here. Just a minute. For you, Baxter.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Oh, thanks.

[Bill Allen]

Hello.

[Wendy Thompson]

This is miss Howard again, Mr. Baxter. Yeah, I have the information now, but it's confidential and we can't release it.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

It's mighty important.

[Bill Allen]

I'm sorry.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Well, maybe if I let you talk to the sheriff. Well, Sheriff, this is Ms. Howard of the State Highway Department at Phoenix. We're wasting just a minute, Mr. Clement.

[John Steele]

Hello, Ms. Howard.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Ask her if she'll give you the information.

[John Steele]

Can you release this information to me?

[Bill Allen]

Yes, I see. Mm.

[John Steele]

I see.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Well, thank you very much, Miss Howard.

[Elvis / Khan]

Yes.

[Bill Allen]

Yes, you betcha.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Thank you. Bye.

[Bill Allen]

Bye.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Let's get this over with.

[John Steele]

What were you saying when the phone rang, Baxter?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Well, I said Mr. Clements was sure I was the killer. Because he was the only one in town who knew I wasn't Caleb Baxter.

[Bill Allen]

What'd you say?

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

That's right.

[Bill Allen]

He was sure I wasn't Caleb Baxter.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Because he's the only one who knew the real Caleb Baxter.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Oh, that's correct.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

And he knew the real Baxter because Clemens hired him to do the shooting. When he saw the initial CB on my holsters, he knew I was carrying the guns that had killed Jed Allen.

[John Steele]

Why would Mr. Clement want to kill Jed Allen?

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Because I don't care what that woman said on the phone. It isn't against the law to own a construction company in another town. It's a free country. Anyone can make a bid on Mr. Clements.

[John Steele]

The woman on the phone didn't tell me anything. She said the information was confidential and couldn't be released.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

The whole thing's crazy.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Clemens here had Jed Allen shot down. Because he was against the new highway and Clements was bidden for the construction contract.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

He said he Was guilty.

[Wendy Thompson]

Why don't you lock a minute, Clements?

[John Steele]

Have you any way to prove you're not back, sir?

[Bill Allen]

Well, sure.

[Wendy Thompson]

I can do it. You betcha. I knew all along who he was. Maybe I forget faces, but I never forget a head of hair. Why cut his hair when he was just a little shaver? He's Jed Allen's boy, Billy.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Thanks, Winnie.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

It's crazy, I tell you. You can't prove a thing.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I. I talked to the real Baxter on the phone this morning.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

That's impossible. He's dead.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Yeah. Go ahead, Mr. Clements. Finish what you're gonna say.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Don't anybody move.

[John Steele]

Put that gun up, Clement.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Sure, when I get about 20 miles between us. Yeah, I know Baxter's dead because I loaded his canteens with sand.

[Wendy Thompson]

Oh, you dirty fuck.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Out. Kid.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Get back.

[Bill Allen]

I'll kill you.

[Wendy Thompson]

You're not yours, kid. Get back. I said, get back.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Well, that's better.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Or to kill you for that.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Where's Winnie? He ducked out.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Too hot for him. Now, where were we? Oh, sure. I had Jed Allen killed. Cause he was always getting in my hair.

[Bill Allen]

Right.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

If it hadn't been for him, I'd have made a fortune on that highway. He got just what was coming to him. Now I'm clearing out of here. And when I go out that door. I don't want either of you to make a move for one minute. So long, Sheriff.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

That's.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Alan.

[Bill Allen]

Come on, bill.

[Wendy Thompson]

There he goes.

[Mr. Clemens / Harvey Clements]

Come on.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Get horses. He let the horses go.

[Wendy Thompson]

Wendy.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What's the matter with you?

[Wendy Thompson]

He won't. Are you crazy? He won't get far.

[John Steele]

Come on.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Cut it out.

[Wendy Thompson]

Here, look at this.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Give me that thing.

[Wendy Thompson]

It is.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

What is it?

[Bill Allen]

Isn't it an empty bottle?

[Wendy Thompson]

Hair time when you put it in his.

[Bill Allen]

Cantina.

[Delia / Maria]

Sam.

[Bill Allen]

Sa.

[John Steele]

The title Dead Ringer. The story of a man who searched for a killer. Led him to himself and, friends. If you like Bill's story, why not come back next week? I'll have a man whose very life depended on a single blade of grass. Not 10ft from civilization. I like to call it juniper bush. So until next week, this is John Steele saying. A life of adventure is yours for.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

The asking wherever you find it.

[John Steele]

Only don't look for it.

[Bill Allen]

It may find you.

[John Steele]

Well, goodbye and good hunting. John Steele, Adventurer is produced by Robert Monroe. Written and directed by Elliot Drake. John Larkin was heard as Bill. Also in our cast were Briana Rayburn, Earl George and Howard Kane. John Steven Steele is played by Don Douglas. Musical effects were created by Doc Whipple. Your announcer is Ted. Melly, remember. Next week, Mutual presents Juniper Bush. Another story of suspense and action from the files of John Steele, adventurer. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Bill Allen]

Sam. Every door has a key. There's a key to every situation. Behind every unopened door there is a mystery.

[John Steele]

And the opening of this door introduces.

[Bill Allen]

Us to another in the series.

[Elvis / Khan]

The Key. Hi there, Albus.

[Bill Allen]

I beg your pardon?

[Elvis / Khan]

I said hello.

[Bill Allen]

What are you doing in here? My secretary didn't say anything about my having an appointment.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, this is a kind of special appointment, Alvis.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I know.

[Elvis / Khan]

I saw it in gold letters on the door. D. Arthur Winterton, consulting broker. Pretty nice layout.

[Bill Allen]

Would you mind telling me what you want and then get out?

[Elvis / Khan]

Yes, sir. Alvis. A real classy layout. We should be able to live real nice on this.

[Bill Allen]

We have.

[Elvis / Khan]

I changed so much in 20 years that even my own buddy doesn't tip to changed. 20 years. Put your mind back 20 years, Alvis. Or don't you like soiling your beautiful thoughts with a memory?

[Bill Allen]

Con Stanhope.

[Elvis / Khan]

The same alive and kicking, Con.

[Bill Allen]

But I thought you'd be.

[Elvis / Khan]

Yeah, I'm back to get my share of the break. Which should be a nice size, what with interest.

[Bill Allen]

20 years.

[Elvis / Khan]

I'll bet that 20 years has passed like a cloud in the sky. For you, Alvis, but not for me. I sweated out every minute of it. Once I went a little stir crazy and hit a guy. And they put me in solitary for a long time. It was dark, cold, wet in that hole. And they fed me bread and water. My 20 years has taken 20 years to go by. We've got a lot of talking to do, Elvis.

[Bill Allen]

We. We can't talk here, Khan.

[Elvis / Khan]

It's as good a place as any.

[Bill Allen]

But there are people who. Who might hear you. My secretary.

[Elvis / Khan]

This is your place of business, isn't it? Yes, well, I'm talking business.

[Bill Allen]

Can't we leave it till this evening?

[Elvis / Khan]

You talk like you're not pleased to see your old buddy.

[Bill Allen]

Of course. Of course I'm pleased. It's something of a shock a second.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, imagine 20 years of a shadow.

[Bill Allen]

Shocked. Did they let you out?

[Elvis / Khan]

I didn't break out, if that's what you mean.

[Bill Allen]

But they, they.

[Elvis / Khan]

They gave you life. Well, life doesn't mean forever sometimes, Alvis. Sure, they gave me life. But it was a manslaughter charge, Elvis. Remember? 20 years was enough, they said. You're all free, they said. So I walked out.

[Bill Allen]

Good.

[Elvis / Khan]

Yeah, I thought you'd be pleased.

[Bill Allen]

I. I certainly am. If there's anything I can do to help you get a fresh start.

[Elvis / Khan]

I paid my debt to some society. You got no idea how it feels to have paid one's social debt, Elvis. It's a nice clean feeling, that's what it is.

[Bill Allen]

Good, good, good.

[Elvis / Khan]

The first thing I did when I walked into the free air was look up my old friend and buddy.

[Bill Allen]

Buddy, you and I. I wouldn't have it any other way.

[Elvis / Khan]

Yeah, that's what I kept telling myself. I said to myself, I said, khan, you shouldn't that bother Alvis like this? Then I said, why not? With still pals? 20 years don't frizzle a man's feelings, do they, Alvis?

[Bill Allen]

Indeed not.

[Elvis / Khan]

In fact, in 20 years a man can build on those feelings. They can grow till that's all he's thinking about. I thought about you heaps in prison, Elvis.

[Bill Allen]

It must have been very lonely.

[Elvis / Khan]

Point of fact, you filled my thoughts day and night. Without you, I'd have gone over the wall or around the bed.

[Bill Allen]

It's gratifying to know that, Kahn. Now, what can we do for you, sir?

[Elvis / Khan]

Day and night, I thought about you.

[Bill Allen]

I've got a luncheon engagement in a minute, Con. So if we can meet later on, we can talk about that.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, I feel like talking now. There are so many things I wanted to tell you. First off, it's kind of hard to think. You ever get that way, Elvis? Ever find it hard to think? Quite often. You Weren't like that 20 years ago.

[Bill Allen]

Were you Now, Khan, let's not.

[Elvis / Khan]

No, sir. You were sharp like a tack 20 years ago. You assessed the situation promptly, clearly, then ran for your worthless.

[Bill Allen]

Now, Khan, you know that's not true.

[Elvis / Khan]

You ran for your life and you didn't stop running till you hit this one horse town. I didn't run, Elvis. I stood and covered you. I covered you long enough for you to get the car moving. Then picked me up.

[Bill Allen]

But the funny thing was, Elvis, that.

[Elvis / Khan]

Car went the wrong way. It went away from me instead of towards me. There I was, standing all alone, like the orphan on a rock with a gun on my fist. And half the city police force in my hammer. I remember that real well, Alvis.

[Bill Allen]

That's not how things went at all, Khan. I admit I ran. But not till I saw that there was no hope in the world of getting the car to you.

[Elvis / Khan]

And of course, having come to that conclusion, you didn't bother trying, did you?

[Bill Allen]

What was the use?

[Elvis / Khan]

And in that car was $100,000 in small bills.

[Bill Allen]

It was nearly impossible to get rid of it, Con. I had to drop a lot to clear it.

[Elvis / Khan]

You had to drop $70,000 to clear it, Alvis. Isn't that right? You dropped all that much because you were cold, scared you'd be landed with a lot.

[Bill Allen]

How did you know?

[Elvis / Khan]

A little bird told me.

[Bill Allen]

It's not a great deal of money, Kant.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, my share is a total of $12,500.

[Bill Allen]

Yes, well, I think we should have a chat about that.

[Elvis / Khan]

Yes. All right.

[Bill Allen]

Do you have anywhere to stay?

[Elvis / Khan]

Yes, I do. Oh, fine.

[Bill Allen]

If you'll give me the address, I'll look you up tonight.

[Elvis / Khan]

And we'll have. You know the address, elvis.

[Bill Allen]

I do. 21 the Crescent. But that's my place.

[Elvis / Khan]

Our place.

[Bill Allen]

You wouldn't do it, Kahn.

[Elvis / Khan]

I've done it.

[Bill Allen]

But my wife, What'll she think?

[Elvis / Khan]

I wouldn't know.

[Bill Allen]

I've never met the woman.

[Elvis / Khan]

You'll think of something to tell her you're her husband.

[Bill Allen]

She'll wonder. Con. It was a mistake coming here.

[Elvis / Khan]

We all make mistakes. My first mistake was 20 years ago when I stood and covered for you. When I stood in the dock and refused to name the guy with me on the robbery. Now, your first mistake was when you ran out of.

[Bill Allen]

I've explained that.

[Elvis / Khan]

Your second mistake was when you ducked out of your obligation. You didn't even bother to find a good lawyer for me. I had the public defender. He had a toothache right through the trial.

[Bill Allen]

I had to hide outcomes.

[Elvis / Khan]

Oh, Sally. Your next mistake was when you didn't try and get word to me in stir. Your next mistake was not telling me how much you got for the loot. All mistake.

[Bill Allen]

I couldn't, Khan. When I. I moved here and started afresh, I. I met people. I got married.

[Elvis / Khan]

Turned respectable. Yes.

[Bill Allen]

I don't want anything to upset that.

[Elvis / Khan]

Oh, I can see that. Hey, you're worried, aren't you, partner?

[Bill Allen]

Yes, I'll admit that I. What did you call me?

[Elvis / Khan]

Partner. Now.

[Bill Allen]

Now, look here, Tom.

[Elvis / Khan]

You look here, partner.

[Bill Allen]

Now, I'm a clean skin.

[Elvis / Khan]

I don't owe society 10 minutes of my time. But you owe plenty. You're the missing link in a crime committed 20 years ago. That's a long time. I know, but the police have a long memory, Alvis. Even longer than mine. And they'd be kind of interested in my tale of woe. And I can go to them with a light in my eyes because I've paid for my sins.

[Bill Allen]

You wouldn't do it.

[Elvis / Khan]

I've paid for my sins, Elvis. And now I think it's about time you started Paying for yours, Clark?

[Bill Allen]

Neh. Tom, you've been here for a month now. My wife is beginning to ask questions.

[Elvis / Khan]

No. Any good answers?

[Bill Allen]

And the people around here are thinking things.

[Elvis / Khan]

First time for years from the look of them.

[Bill Allen]

You came in roaring gunked last night.

[Elvis / Khan]

Boy, you can say that again.

[Bill Allen]

I. I don't like it.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, I enjoyed it immensely.

[Bill Allen]

And I have something else to tell you.

[Elvis / Khan]

You remind me of a little old bee buzzing in a little old bottle.

[Bill Allen]

I've been reading some law books, and.

[Elvis / Khan]

I found that's a heck of a way to spend your spare time. Now, what did you find, Elvis, old pal?

[Bill Allen]

I found that I can't be charged with a crime I committed.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, now, the first thing you learn is never admit you committed any crime. Somebody might be listening.

[Bill Allen]

My crime of 20 years ago is outlaw, not murder.

[Elvis / Khan]

That's never outlawed. You read the wrong book.

[Bill Allen]

I didn't murder that guy.

[Elvis / Khan]

Go and sit down, boy, before you fall down. You were an accessory before the fact, and I was there. That makes me a witness.

[Bill Allen]

All right. But who's gonna take your word for it? I'm a respected man in the community. You're an ex convict and a killer to boot. No one will take your word against mine.

[Elvis / Khan]

Maybe not, But I could kill your business. I could foul things up with your charming wife. I could ruin you everywhere you went.

[Bill Allen]

You see, Alvis, people love to hear.

[Elvis / Khan]

The worst about friends. It's a universal failing. They like the frailty of man to be seen, heard, and talked about. Just so long as the frailty happens to sit on a neighbor's shoulders.

[Bill Allen]

But, Con, this place is no good for a man like you. I don't make enough on the business to take care of your needs. You want to go to the big cities where there's a chance of a big cleanup.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, I like it here.

[Bill Allen]

It's quiet, wonderfully clean. It's open. And I get a half share in.

[Elvis / Khan]

A good little business.

[Bill Allen]

Will you stop saying that you have no share in my business.

[Elvis / Khan]

Read that paper on the table.

[Bill Allen]

This one?

[Elvis / Khan]

That's the one.

[Bill Allen]

But it's a contract form.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, not quite.

[Bill Allen]

It's a partnership agreement. I won't sign it. I will not be blackmailed into signing this thing. Not for all the money.

[Elvis / Khan]

Will you give me the office of a Daily Chronicle, please, Connor? Hey, now, why are all country newspapers always called a Chronicle, Alvin?

[Bill Allen]

No, Khan, you wouldn't.

[Elvis / Khan]

Not to me.

[Bill Allen]

I'd like to speak to the editor, please, Khan.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, it's interesting enough, I guess.

[Bill Allen]

All right, Khan.

[Delia / Maria]

I'LL sign it.

[Bill Allen]

I said I'll sign it.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, that editor won't be happy about losing such a juicy hunk of scandal.

[Bill Allen]

How much money do you want? Car. You want it all?

[Elvis / Khan]

No.

[Bill Allen]

You reckon I owe you $12,000? All right, I'll give them to you. I'll write you a check right this very second.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, 12,000 was the principal. Now, there's a little matter of interest.

[Bill Allen]

How much of interest? I'll give you 24,000. That's twice what I owe you. Surely that'll be enough to give you.

[Elvis / Khan]

A stake interest on 20 years broken down into weeks and hours and minutes and even seconds. That's the interest I want. No. No, you don't. Your pure eye, little imagination won't allow you to see what's in store for you. You're not really game to think of the worst.

[Bill Allen]

You're a devil, aren't you?

[Elvis / Khan]

And you're devil, Elvis. I'm your own private retribution. You got no idea what's gonna happen to you. But you and I are gonna be partners till the day you die.

[Bill Allen]

Or you die.

[Elvis / Khan]

But I'm in remarkably good health for a man who spent 20 years behind bars. I intend living a long time, all being well.

[Bill Allen]

And there's nothing I can do?

[Elvis / Khan]

Nothing short of murder. Well, you haven't the stomach for that. I want you to order me a car tomorrow as befits a partner. And I want a room turned into an office. I want a weekly expense account.

[Bill Allen]

Can you do one thing for me?

[Elvis / Khan]

Probably not.

[Bill Allen]

Well, you're moving to a hotel or something. My wife is beginning to.

[Elvis / Khan]

Don't ask awkward questions. No, Alvis, I will not move out. I want to be near you all the time.

[Bill Allen]

Won't anything make you call it? Quit? Nothing.

[Elvis / Khan]

And I've decided I want to meet all the people you deal with. Oh, don't worry about me, of course.

[Bill Allen]

Spending them.

[Elvis / Khan]

I wouldn't want to harm a business in which I have such a large and personal interest.

[Bill Allen]

Well, good night, partner. Good night, Tom.

[Elvis / Khan]

Nice dream.

[Bill Allen]

Partners. Partners till the day you die. Till the day you die.

[Delia / Maria]

Would you care for some more coffee, Mr. Stanhope?

[Elvis / Khan]

Don't you think it's about time you called me Khan?

[Delia / Maria]

Mr. Stanhope, I don't know what hold you have over my husband, but it doesn't entitle you to expect civility or friendship from me.

[Elvis / Khan]

Maybe I should start insisting.

[Delia / Maria]

Wouldn't do you any good.

[Elvis / Khan]

Don't worry, Delia. I won't insist on anything. I want to live in friendly relations with you. And I mean that. But if you insist on the freeze treatment, I don't think I'll worry too much.

[Delia / Maria]

Good. We know where we stand, don't we?

[Bill Allen]

Don't we?

[Delia / Maria]

What is it you've got against Albus?

[Elvis / Khan]

Is he a good husband?

[Delia / Maria]

He's always provided well for me.

[Bill Allen]

You love him?

[Delia / Maria]

That's my business.

[Elvis / Khan]

Granted. Has he ever told you anything about his past life?

[Delia / Maria]

He once told me he was rather wild in his youth.

[Elvis / Khan]

He was always prone to understatements.

[Delia / Maria]

And I'm quite sure you are a product of his wild days.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, that's a nice old fashioned way of putting it. You might even say I'm the prize product of his wild days.

[Delia / Maria]

And you're blackmailing him, aren't you?

[Elvis / Khan]

Ask him.

[Delia / Maria]

He won't tell me.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, in that case I'll tell you. No, I don't think I am really blackmailing him. No, no, I'm not. I never did like blackmailers.

[Delia / Maria]

Don't tell me you have a code of ethics.

[Elvis / Khan]

Used to have. Never put anybody on the spot. Never worked a blackmail racket. Never turned down a bite. Never talking to mad. Never run out on a friend. Yes, I had a certain code of ethics.

[Delia / Maria]

And which one of these ethics did Albus bruise?

[Elvis / Khan]

Ask him.

[Delia / Maria]

I have.

[Elvis / Khan]

Have I made myself objectionable since I've been here?

[Delia / Maria]

No.

[Elvis / Khan]

Have I detracted in any way from the business?

[Delia / Maria]

No, I. I don't think so.

[Elvis / Khan]

In fact, I've helped. I've helped, haven't I?

[Delia / Maria]

Yes.

[Bill Allen]

Well, would you call that blackmail?

[Delia / Maria]

All I know is that Alvis is frightened the death of you and there's a reason.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Ask him.

[Delia / Maria]

Oh, stop saying that.

[Bill Allen]

Hello, Delia.

[Delia / Maria]

Hello, Alvis.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, busy time, Elvis?

[Bill Allen]

Very.

[Elvis / Khan]

I hope you made us some more money.

[Bill Allen]

There's no need to worry.

[Elvis / Khan]

No, I'm not worrying. Just checking on my investment.

[Bill Allen]

You haven't invested a penny in my thousand.

[Elvis / Khan]

$500 to start. Plus 20 years of hard groundwork. That's my investment.

[Delia / Maria]

You didn't tell me about that, Alvis. I said you didn't mention it to me.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, it must have slipped his memory. Tell her about it, partner.

[Bill Allen]

I'm going to take a little stroll. Get him to tell you. I'll bet he won't. Well, could I have some coffee? I had a headache.

[Delia / Maria]

I'm waiting.

[Bill Allen]

Please, Delia.

[Elvis / Khan]

I've had a bad day.

[Delia / Maria]

You've been having a lot of bad days lately. Now what's it about? Did he put $12,000 into the business or didn't he?

[Bill Allen]

It's rather Difficult to explain.

[Delia / Maria]

I can't see why. He either did or he didn't. Now, what's it to be?

[Bill Allen]

No, he didn't.

[Delia / Maria]

That's all I wanted to know. No need to make a production out of it.

[Bill Allen]

Stevia.

[Delia / Maria]

I'm going to tell you something and about time.

[Bill Allen]

I'm going to tell you about a boy. A very young boy. And how his life became entangled with that of a hardened criminal. It began about 22 years ago, when I was a stupid young man. 20 years before I saw him.

[Delia / Maria]

Stanhope.

[Bill Allen]

You know why. I can't do anything about it.

[Delia / Maria]

And we'll have that to put up with for the rest of our lives.

[Bill Allen]

Looks that way.

[Delia / Maria]

Not me, Alice. Oh, no. I didn't marry you to share you with a convict from your past. Oh, no. Either you get rid of him or I go, and that's that.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Not here.

[Bill Allen]

Don't get yourself in favor.

[Delia / Maria]

I've said my say and I'm not saying anything else on the subject.

[Bill Allen]

I think I'll. I'll go for a stroll.

[Delia / Maria]

You go where you like. But don't forget what I told you, will you?

[Bill Allen]

Oh, my dear, I. I shan't forget. He goes or you go. Is that right?

[Delia / Maria]

That is so right.

[Bill Allen]

He goes. Oh, she goes. He goes. That's the first time. Oh, you. You frighten me.

[Elvis / Khan]

Talking to yourself?

[Bill Allen]

First sign of madness, Delia has delivered an ultimatum.

[Elvis / Khan]

Strong minded women give me a pain.

[Bill Allen]

With Delia, it's not so much a matter of being strong minded.

[Elvis / Khan]

Tell me your troubles.

[Bill Allen]

The ultimatum is that either you go or she will leave me. It's apparent that she can't stand the sight of you or the fact that you're. You're forcing yourself on the household.

[Elvis / Khan]

Did you tell her the little story?

[Bill Allen]

Yes, I did. And she thinks you're a nasty type.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well, for what it's worth, I don't think she's so hot either.

[Bill Allen]

You're ruining my home and my life.

[Elvis / Khan]

You shut up, you little worm. You locked me up for 20 years. Well, that doesn't matter, does it now, you little creep?

[Bill Allen]

You fat little worm.

[Elvis / Khan]

Don't talk to me about ruining anybody's life.

[Bill Allen]

You hypocrites. I still can't have you doing this dreadful thing to me. Khan, I really can't. What the. Pity. It's just that I've spent so long building things up here and having a.

[Elvis / Khan]

Well ordered, smooth life.

[Bill Allen]

I can't lose it. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Khan. I'm awfully sorry.

[Delia / Maria]

Where's your friend?

[Bill Allen]

He decided to leave after all.

[Delia / Maria]

How'd you manage that?

[Bill Allen]

I pointed out the fact that he was doing dreadful things to our way of life. And he agreed to take a cash settlement and.

[Delia / Maria]

Please, when does all this happen?

[Bill Allen]

It's already happened.

[Delia / Maria]

Already?

[Bill Allen]

Yes. He's received exactly what he asked for. I'm sending his luggage on.

[Delia / Maria]

But I didn't think he'd give up that easily.

[Bill Allen]

Oh, after talk he gave up arguing altogether.

[Delia / Maria]

Shouldn't I ask any more questions, Alvis?

[Bill Allen]

No, my dear, you shouldn't. No. I think I'll pop off to bed. It's been a full day. Good night, my dear.

[Delia / Maria]

Good night, Alvis.

[Bill Allen]

Well, I don't say it's nice to have breakfast without Khan's face across the table.

[Delia / Maria]

Yes, wonderful. Did he say where he was? I mean, is there any chance anyone will ever talk to him again?

[Bill Allen]

No one will ever talk to Khan Stanhope again.

[Delia / Maria]

Been a nightmare these weeks.

[Bill Allen]

All right, I'll get it.

[Elvis / Khan]

Hello. Good morning. Did I disturb your breakfast?

[Bill Allen]

Alvis, who is it?

[Delia / Maria]

No one. You look shocking. What is it?

[Bill Allen]

Nothing. I haven't time for breakfast. I've got to get to the office.

[Delia / Maria]

I don't know what time.

[Bill Allen]

Are they all. Yes, yes, yes. I know it's early, but I want to see Dr. As soon as possible. I don't know what's wrong with me. Thank you. Yes, I. I'll be there. Oh, some kind of psychosis, of course. A guilt complex or something. She's early. Good morning, Miss Amby. You're early. I. I didn't want to miss you. No, no, no.

[Elvis / Khan]

Yes, yes, yes. You've mourned the slate now, Alvis, haven't you? You're a murderer like me.

[Bill Allen]

You must be outside. I'll fix this once and for all. Now. What's all this? Not to the bout a solid. I will not become hysterical. I will not become hysterical. I will sit down here and wait for my appointment. I will keep a firm grip on myself. No, no, it couldn't be. We said. We said.

[Delia / Maria]

Well, it's very nice, Salvus, but we haven't been to a club in years. Why the sudden desire for nightlife?

[Bill Allen]

Didn't want to be on my own, I suppose. I. My nerves aren't the best at that.

[Delia / Maria]

Still thinking about Car?

[Bill Allen]

Don't mention his name. Sorry. Let's. Let's sit down. No, no, no. Let's go home.

[Delia / Maria]

Want to tell me about it?

[Bill Allen]

You said you'd rather not know, didn't you? He's gone and that's all. You've got to think about.

[Elvis / Khan]

He's gone.

[Bill Allen]

He's dead.

[Delia / Maria]

No, I don't. It's the only thing you could have done. Don't think about him. It's three o', clock, Elvis. Come to bed.

[Bill Allen]

In a little while.

[Delia / Maria]

Not too long.

[Elvis / Khan]

Don't turn around. Alvis.

[Bill Allen]

You can't.

[Elvis / Khan]

You've been expecting me?

[Bill Allen]

Yeah.

[Elvis / Khan]

We can't escape your obligations, Alvis. 20 years of interest is too much to dodge. You'll live with this, Alvis.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

Always.

[Bill Allen]

You're a dead man, Khan.

[Elvis / Khan]

I'll never be dead for you, Alvis. Never.

[Bill Allen]

Think about it. I won't live with it. Always, Khan. Not with you hanging over me.

[Delia / Maria]

How, Elvis? I thought you.

[Caleb Baxter / Jed Allen (same actor)]

I tried.

[Bill Allen]

I tried to shoot myself. Because Khan came back to see me.

[Delia / Maria]

That's impossible.

[Bill Allen]

So I tried to kill myself. I put the gun to my pardon. And I pulled the trigger. All it did was make a noise. Nothing. It floated with. Thanks, Celia. Thank God.

[Elvis / Khan]

Remember me, Alvis? The guy who never miscalculates. You think I let you near a gun that didn't have blanks in it? Ah, but don't worry. You got years to make another try.

[Bill Allen]

You're. Nah.

[Elvis / Khan]

You are a thief, a coward and a moral murderer. You're a. I paid my debt to society, Alvis. But you're well on the red. In fact, you've just managed your first installment.

[Bill Allen]

But there's plenty of time.

[Elvis / Khan]

All the time in the world.

[Bill Allen]

Good night, partner. A closing door finishes the story Next week, another key will open another door to another story. Romance or adventure, all start when a door is unlocked by the key.

[Announcer]

There's more from John Steele, the Key, the Relic Radio show, alongside all of the other podcasts 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 support links. You make it all possible. Thanks to those who have helped out over the years. Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with an hour of mystery on Case Closed and next Tuesday with our next episode of the Relic Radio Show.