The Whistler and Night Beat

Summary

The Relic Radio Show: "The Whistler and Night Beat"

Episode Release Date: January 21, 2025
Host: RelicRadio.com
Description: Delving into the shadows of radio's golden age, this episode features two gripping tales: "The Whistler: The Man in the Trench Coat" and "Night Beat."

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1. The Whistler: "The Man in the Trench Coat"

Narrator: Betty Lou Gerson as The Whistler
Main Characters:

• Wally Layton (Marvin Miller) – A private investigator
• Louise Murdoch (Shepard Menken) – Client involved in a blackmail scheme
• G.G. Pearson (John Stevenson) – The Whistler's associate
• Chick Carter (Bill Foreman) – Racketeer and blackmailer

Plot Overview:

Wally Layton stumbles upon an unsealed envelope filled with money in a trench coat after leaving a restaurant. Unbeknownst to him, this coat belongs to Chick Carter, a notorious racketeer specializing in blackmail.

At [02:09], Wally reflects, “It was clearly a mistake. A perfectly natural, understandable mistake.” His discovery sets off a chain of events leading him deeper into the murky world of blackmail and deceit.

Shortly after, a confrontation occurs where a man demands the trench coat back, revealing the dangerous implications of Carter's operations. G.G. Pearson warns Wally, stating at [04:05], “Chick Carter means something to you, doesn't it, Wally? Yes. He's a racketeer specializing in blackmail.”

Determined to uncover the truth, Wally investigates Carter's financial dealings and connections, leading him to Louise Murdoch. Posing as a reporter, Wally gains Louise’s trust, hoping to expose the blackmail scheme.

Throughout their interactions, Louise remains guarded but reveals at [19:01] that the police were suspicious about her first wife's accidental death: “The police were never too sold on the idea that it was an accident.”

As Wally delves deeper, he uncovers that the money was part of a blackmail setup orchestrated by Judge Noah Arnold, who uses the scheme to maintain his stature and control. The climax unfolds when Wally confronts Louise, leading to a violent encounter with Carter, orchestrated by Judge Arnold, resulting in the murder of Carter.

Notable Quote:

Louise Murdoch ([10:11]): “To say the least. Mr. Stone, in the last year, Linda's been...”

This quote underscores the complex relationships and hidden motives driving the characters' actions.

Conclusion:

Wally successfully exposes the blackmail scheme, ensuring justice is served. The Whistler narrates the moral complexities of human nature, emphasizing the thin line between right and wrong.

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2. Night Beat: "A Reporter’s Dark Discovery"

Main Character:

• Randy Stone (Frank Lovejoy) – A dedicated nightside reporter
• Judge Noah Arnold (G.G. Pearson) – Father of Linda Arnold
• Linda Arnold (Jane Webb) – Judge Arnold's daughter
• Rocco Daly (Bill Foreman) – Ex-convict and antagonist

Plot Overview:

Randy Stone, a reporter for the Chicago Star, navigates the underbelly of the city in search of compelling stories. His nightside beats often lead him into perilous situations, exposing the darker aspects of urban life.

At [30:37], Randy recounts a tense encounter: “There were two men struggling... Robbery.” This incident introduces him to Judge Noah Arnold, who is unexpectedly assaulted in an alley, sparking Randy’s curiosity.

Investigating the attack, Randy learns about Linda Arnold, the judge’s daughter, who has become fascinated with the psychological aspects of crime. Her association with Rocco Daly, a seasoned criminal, raises red flags. At [37:45], Al the Mixer describes Rocco, saying: “A hood with a look, slow and sweet when it does the most good.”

Randy’s pursuit leads him to confrontations with Rocco Daly, uncovering a sinister blackmail operation orchestrated by the judge. Linda becomes ensnared in the scheme, manipulated by Rocco to secure her father's silence through monetary coercion.

As tensions escalate, Linda is forced into a desperate situation, culminating in a dramatic showdown at Randy’s apartment. Here, Rocco confronts Randy, leading to a violent altercation where Rocco is inadvertently killed by Linda, who impulsively uses a Coke bottle to defend herself.

Notable Quote:

Linda Arnold ([42:26]): “I saw his trigger finger tightening, and then I jumped...”

This moment captures the climax of fear and sudden violence, highlighting Linda's internal struggle and desperation.

Conclusion:

In the aftermath, the truth about the blackmail scheme and the judge’s involvement is unveiled. Randy’s relentless pursuit of justice not only exposes corruption but also aids Linda in breaking free from her manipulative circumstances. The story concludes with Randy reflecting on the complexities of human behavior and the impact of his investigative endeavors.

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Final Thoughts:

This episode of The Relic Radio Show masterfully intertwines two noir-inspired narratives, showcasing the timeless allure of old-time radio dramas. Through intricate plots and compelling character arcs, listeners are transported to a bygone era of suspense and moral ambiguity.

Notable Production Credits:

• Produced and Directed by George W. Allen
• Story by Adrian Johnson
• Music by Wilbur Hatch
• Transmitted to Overseas Troops by the Armed Forces Radio Service

Closing Remarks: As The Whistler and Night Beat conclude their tales, listeners are reminded of the enduring power of storytelling in capturing the human condition's complexities. Tune in next week for more captivating stories unearthed from radio's golden age.

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Note: All characters and events depicted are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Transcript

[Marvin Miller]

This is the Relic Radio Show, Old.

[Bill Foreman]

Time radio entertainment still standing the test of time.

[Marvin Miller]

From relicradio.com.

[Bill Foreman]

This is the relic Radio show, your weekly hour of radio drama. Two stories every week. We begin this week with the Whistler. We'll hear his episode from June 17, 1951, titled The man in the Trench Coat.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

After that, it's Night Beat and Judge Arnold's Daughter.

[Bill Foreman]

That story aired October 20, 1950.

[John Stevenson]

And now stay tuned for the program that has rated tops in popularity for a longer period of time than any other west coast program in radio history, the signal of Whistler. Signal the famous to sit back and enjoy another strange story by the Whistler.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak.

[John Stevenson]

And now transcribe for the Signal Oil Company the Whistler's strange story. The man in the Trench coat.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

It was clearly a mistake. A perfectly natural, understandable mistake. It could have happened to anyone. And it happened to Wally Layton. But he wasn't yet aware of that mistake as he strolled out of the north beach restaurant, the trench coat draped over his arm, and walked back to the parking lot. As he approached his car, Wally reached into the coat pocket for the keys. A strange, puzzled expression crossed his face as he withdrew an unsealed envelope, opened it. Money. Wallet, money. A lot of it, folded neatly inside the envelope. And you wonder how it got there. Suddenly, you're aware of footsteps behind you. Quickly, you slip the envelope back into the coat pocket. And then, as you're about to get into your car.

[John Stevenson]

Hey, you. Just a minute.

[Marvin Miller]

You talking to me?

[John Stevenson]

Yeah. Hand it over.

[Marvin Miller]

Hand what over?

[John Stevenson]

My coat. The one you just picked up in the restaurant.

[Marvin Miller]

This. Oh, I'm afraid you're mistaken.

[G.G. Pearson]

Hand it over, I said.

[Marvin Miller]

Look, fella, this happens to be my coat. Why should I hand it over?

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Look, this is reason enough.

[Marvin Miller]

Yes, I. I never argue with a gent when he's waving an automatic in my face. Okay, pal, here's the coat.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Thanks.

[Marvin Miller]

My mistake.

[John Stevenson]

Yeah. And just to make sure it doesn't happen again, time.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

The gun butt catches you on the side of the head and you fall back against the car. Slip down to the pavement, and for a few seconds, a black fog envelops you. Then, as you shake it from your brain, stagger to your feet, you see the man with the gun drive away in a big gray sedan. Then you return to the restaurant.

[G.G. Pearson]

Thank you, sir.

[Marvin Miller]

Come back again.

[G.G. Pearson]

Oh, Mr. Layton, you forget something?

[Wally Mayer]

Yeah.

[Marvin Miller]

Do you know it looks like I forgot my top coat.

[G.G. Pearson]

Hey, your topic.

[Wally Mayer]

But you had it over your arm.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

When you left a few minutes ago.

[Marvin Miller]

It wasn't mine. There's mine. Still hanging where I left it. Oh, good, good. Look, Dino, I've done some things for you. Well, then tell me. A man just left here right after I did up my build mustache. Wearing a brown suit. It was his coat I took. Who is he?

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Brown suit.

[G.G. Pearson]

On the scene now.

[Marvin Miller]

Drives a big sedan. Maybe he's a regular customer.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Marvin Miller]

That's a Carter Carter.

[Shepard Menken]

Oh, sure, that's a Chick Carter.

[Marvin Miller]

He's.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

He's in trouble.

[Marvin Miller]

What? Boy, you're a private eye, ain't you? And when a private eye starts asking questions. Oh, no, no, nothing like that. Vino. I was just curious, that's all.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

The name Chick Carter means something to you, doesn't it, Wally? Yes. He's a racketeer specializing in blackmail. And as you drive downtown, you wonder about the money in Carter's coat. Arriving at your office, you're surprised to find a light still burning inside.

[Marvin Miller]

Well, hello, Edna. You still here? What are you typing?

[Shepard Menken]

My resignation. Now, honey, get yourself another secretary.

[Marvin Miller]

Oh, come on now. What are you so about now?

[Shepard Menken]

We had a date tonight for dinner, remember? Oh, I know. It slipped your mind.

[Marvin Miller]

Well, now, look at the baby. I. I was tied up, see? A client.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Ha.

[Marvin Miller]

Honest? Honest. Anything happen today while I was out?

[Shepard Menken]

The landlord was in again. And your tailor is going to snatch your shoulder pads right out of your suit any minute now.

[Marvin Miller]

Everything else?

[Shepard Menken]

Yeah. How do you spell ish?

[Marvin Miller]

Just what are you writing?

[Shepard Menken]

A letter to my Aunt Hazel in Petaluma.

[Marvin Miller]

How's the egg business?

[Shepard Menken]

Just standing. I'm accepting her offer.

[Marvin Miller]

What offer?

[Shepard Menken]

Well, she's looking for a nice young couple to take over the ranch for her. And we are a nice young couple.

[Marvin Miller]

Well, I hate eggs.

[Shepard Menken]

You're turning me down?

[Marvin Miller]

That's right.

[Shepard Menken]

Do me a favor, will you? Get my engagement ring out of the pawn shop so I can throw it at you.

[Marvin Miller]

Oh, now, isn't it, baby?

[Shepard Menken]

Were you kidding me about having a client?

[Marvin Miller]

Nope.

[Shepard Menken]

Who is it?

[Marvin Miller]

Well, I don't know yet.

[Shepard Menken]

What do you mean?

[Marvin Miller]

Now, look, honey. Look, I ran into something big tonight. Something that sounds promising. Might even be terrific.

[Shepard Menken]

Oh, here we go again.

[Marvin Miller]

You string along with me, baby, this one time.

[Shepard Menken]

Haven't I always?

[Marvin Miller]

Now look, I gotta get on this right away and see a guy. I'll call you sometime. Tomorrow.

[Shepard Menken]

Not here, you won't.

[Marvin Miller]

You really serious about quitting?

[Shepard Menken]

No, no, I'll be here. All right. But the phone might not be. You see, the jingle people were here today. They want the phone or their money.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

You're quite anxious to follow up your hunch, aren't you, Wally?

[Wally Mayer]

Yes.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

And five minutes later, you walk into a small bar not far from the hall of Justice. Walk straight back to the man at the piano.

[Marvin Miller]

Hello, Vince.

[John Stevenson]

Hiya.

[Marvin Miller]

Oh, don't let me interrupt.

[Wally Mayer]

I won't.

[Marvin Miller]

I want some information on credit. Yeah, sure.

[John Stevenson]

I can't hear you.

[Marvin Miller]

These cufflinks of mine you've always liked. They're yours.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Suddenly, I'm tuned in.

[Marvin Miller]

You've heard of Chick Carter?

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Yeah, I've heard.

[Marvin Miller]

You know where he's staying?

[Betty Lou Gerson]

These cufflinks, solid gold.

[Marvin Miller]

Solid.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

He's staying at the Alba Hotel.

[Marvin Miller]

Well, not much class.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Wouldn't do for Carter to look too prosperous. The cops might want to start asking questions.

[Marvin Miller]

What's his financial position? At the moment.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Lovely.

[Marvin Miller]

Loaded.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Yeah, and he ain't winning at poker.

[Marvin Miller]

He's losing. Think he's in business again?

[Betty Lou Gerson]

I would say he has. Another pigeon.

[Marvin Miller]

Yeah, A dame, maybe?

[Betty Lou Gerson]

A dame, usually.

[Marvin Miller]

Thanks, Vince. You've been grand.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Yeah, it sure is a nice tune, ain't it? The following morning, you pick up Carter's trail. Keep a close watch on him in the days that follow. Day after day, you keep after him. Finally, at the end of the second week, your patience is rewarded. In a crowded cafe, you see a woman brush past Carter's overcoat hanging on the rack. You see her slip an envelope into the coat pocket, then hurry out. You found the pigeon you've been looking for, haven't you? Oliver?

[Marvin Miller]

Hello, Edna.

[Shepard Menken]

Well, you certainly caught me at a most inopportune moment. I just took off my face. Hey, look, don't you know it's after midnight?

[Marvin Miller]

I just dropped by to tell you the good news.

[Shepard Menken]

Oh, something to. To do with Carter?

[Marvin Miller]

What else?

[Shepard Menken]

Well, all I know is that you've been tagging him around for days. But you haven't told me why.

[Marvin Miller]

I'll break it down to you quickly, honey. His business is blackmail. And tonight I saw a dame make a payoff. She slipped an envelope into his pocket.

[Shepard Menken]

Who is she? Do you know?

[Marvin Miller]

It didn't take long to find out. She's Louise Murdoch.

[Shepard Menken]

The Louise Murdoch? Franklin Murdoch's wife?

[Marvin Miller]

Yeah, his former secretary. She married Murdoch six months after his first wife died in an accident.

[Shepard Menken]

What does that mean?

[Marvin Miller]

Well, the police were never too sold on the idea that it Was an accident. I don't know if they are yet.

[Shepard Menken]

So.

[Marvin Miller]

So here's louise, the second Mrs. Murdoch paying off a blackmailer. Why?

[Shepard Menken]

Well, there could be a lot of reasons. What I'm interested in is where you fit in.

[Marvin Miller]

In a setup like this, there's always room for a smart guy to make a few bucks.

[Shepard Menken]

And you're the smart guy, right?

[Marvin Miller]

You'll see, baby.

[John Stevenson]

In the good old summertime, you naturally do more pleasure driving. But to make sure it'll be a pleasure, make sure your tank is filled with the gasoline that gets the best performance out of any car of any age. Fill up with Signal Ethyl, the premium grade of Signals Famous Go Farther Gasoline. Then step on the gas pedal and feel that invitation to go places you won't mind even those steep hills, because as Signal Ethel sweeps you smoothly over the top, you'll still be relaxing in high. You won't even mind city traffic, because Signal Ethel's peppy pickup will keep you out front of it. Yes, this super powerful super fuel is fairly packed with pleasure. So why not get your full measure? It's so easy. Just drive into a Signal station and fill her up with Signal Ethel. And you'll know what Marvin Miller means by pleasure driving.

[Wally Mayer]

Foreign.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

You're certain you stumbled onto something good, aren't you, Wally? A simple case of blackmail.

[Wally Mayer]

And you feel it may be well.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Worth your while to follow it up. Next morning, you decide to risk a personal call on Louise Murdoch at the Murdoch Townhouse on Pacific Heights, where, posing as a newspaper reporter, you learn she's horseback riding in Golden Gate Park. The park offers a better chance for an uninterrupted chat than the house, doesn't it, Wally? Yes. So you drive out, park your car, seat yourself on one of the benches near the bridle pad.

[Marvin Miller]

Wait.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Presently, a rider approaches a woman you recognize as Mrs. Murdoch.

[Marvin Miller]

Mrs. Murdoch? Mrs. Murdoch. I see you for a minute?

[Wally Mayer]

Yes.

[Shepard Menken]

What is in.

[Marvin Miller]

Wally Layton's the name. I'm a private investigator.

[Shepard Menken]

Oh.

[Marvin Miller]

I thought we might have a little chat.

[Shepard Menken]

What about?

[Marvin Miller]

Blackmail.

[Shepard Menken]

Blackmail?

[Marvin Miller]

That's right. Maybe I can get you off the hook.

[Shepard Menken]

I'm afraid I don't know.

[Marvin Miller]

I was at the Regis Cafe last night.

[Shepard Menken]

So you were at the Regis.

[Marvin Miller]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not the owner of the trench coat.

[Shepard Menken]

I still don't know what you're talking about.

[Marvin Miller]

Well, maybe you need a little time to think it over, huh? Okay. Look, I'm on my way out to the beach. I'll be on the midway having a Cup of coffee in the diner, right next to the Merry Go Round. I'll be there one hour. Where? Well, sit down, Mrs. Murdock. Coffee?

[Betty Lou Gerson]

No.

[Shepard Menken]

I want to know what you have in mind, Mr. Layton. I want to know right now.

[Marvin Miller]

Sure you do.

[Shepard Menken]

All this ridiculous talk about ridiculous.

[Marvin Miller]

Oh, come now, Come. I saw what happened last night. I saw you put the money in Carter's coat, everything. And Mrs. Murdoch?

[Shepard Menken]

Yes?

[Marvin Miller]

This man you're dealing with, he's well known in the gentle art of shakedown. The police would be very interesting.

[Shepard Menken]

We'll leave the police out of this, will we?

[Marvin Miller]

Well, now, that depends, Mrs. Murdock. But I can get you off the hook.

[Shepard Menken]

You insist I'm on one?

[Marvin Miller]

I do. If you weren't, you'd still be on that horse, trotting about, enjoying a ride in the park.

[Unknown]

Go ahead.

[Shepard Menken]

You're doing the talking.

[Marvin Miller]

You're making it very difficult, Mrs. Murdoch. But supposing, only supposing now that you were paying off somebody for something Amusing thought. Oh, not true. But it might be more amusing if the man you're dealing with suddenly found the heat on him so strong that he just might find it smart to forget the Murdochs.

[Shepard Menken]

This does sound interesting, Mr. Leighton. Just how could you bring that about?

[Marvin Miller]

Well, I have several ideas. Like I told you, I'm a private investigator, and I have some pretty good connections.

[Shepard Menken]

I see.

[Marvin Miller]

Naturally, to arrange things for you, you.

[Shepard Menken]

Would expect a small fee.

[Marvin Miller]

Let's just say a fee. But it'll be a fair shake this time, Mrs. Murdock. Honest Wally, they called me, as I'm sure of it.

[Shepard Menken]

All right. I'd like the arrangement, Mr. Layton. I think it might work. Of course, the evidence this man holds happens to be trumped up.

[Wally Mayer]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Shepard Menken]

Also, just so we understand one another, my husband, who's paying off. Not me. I'm simply a go between.

[Wally Mayer]

Naturally.

[Marvin Miller]

Are you sure you won't have that coffee now, Mrs. Murdoch?

[Shepard Menken]

All right. Might warm me up.

[Marvin Miller]

Yes, it'll help, Mrs. Murdoch. That, plus the fact that we're, well, working together.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

You don't believe anything she says, do you, Wally? Or anything she tells you in the next half hour. But it doesn't matter who's guilty or what's been done. Just so there's something in all this for you. And there seems to be, Wally. Yes, there should be money. And there's also Mrs. Murdoch. She's an exciting person, isn't she? And when you have lunch together the next day to discuss your plan, you find yourself even more impressed by Louise Murdoch herself. You find that you want to linger in the corner booth of the quiet little cafe as long as possible.

[Marvin Miller]

This whole thing is going to take time, Mrs. Murdock.

[Shepard Menken]

I understand.

[Marvin Miller]

But you just leave it to me. I'll get the guy on the run.

[Shepard Menken]

I'm sure you will, Wally.

[Marvin Miller]

Course you know I'm starling just to talk, do you?

[Shepard Menken]

I rather thought you were.

[Marvin Miller]

I'm kidding.

[Shepard Menken]

Are you wa.

[Marvin Miller]

Sure, I. No, no, I'm not kidding, Louise. Naturally, I'm going to take care of this thing, but I. Well, I hope that that won't wind everything up.

[Shepard Menken]

Aren't you forgetting that you're a married woman?

[Marvin Miller]

Yes. Yes, you make me forget lots of things.

[Shepard Menken]

You say all the right things, don't you, Wally?

[Marvin Miller]

You make me think of all the right things.

[Shepard Menken]

No, we're both wrong. We're very wrong.

[Marvin Miller]

Funny, those lyrics don't seem to match the music.

[Shepard Menken]

Please, Wally, let's forget it for now, shall we?

[Wally Mayer]

Sure.

[Bill Foreman]

Sure.

[Unknown]

Please.

[Marvin Miller]

We'll forget it for now.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Louise has made you almost forget something else, hasn't she, Wally? Yes. The fact that you're engaged to Edna, whom you've scarcely seen since Louise Murdoch became your client. In the days that follow, you find excuses to be with Louise Murdoch more and more, giving her one excuse after another for your lack of progress. You're almost sure she feels the same way about you. Doesn't mind the situation being dragged out in the lease. And you know, you don't really intend to do anything about Carter, the man who was blackmailed. Not anything, that is, except watch for the next payoff and lead him to the money. But you do want to talk to Louise. Be sure of her feeling for you. Explain that the two of you can leave together. There's one other thing you must be certain of. Next day, after lunch, parked in a secluded spot on the beach road, you learn what you want to know.

[Marvin Miller]

Louise. You sure? What you told me in the beginning. It's your husband who's being blackmailed, not you.

[Shepard Menken]

Well, that's what I told you, isn't it?

[Marvin Miller]

Yes.

[Wally Mayer]

Yes.

[Marvin Miller]

But I've got to know for sure.

[Shepard Menken]

You do know. I told you I. I couldn't lie to you, Wally. Don't you know that?

[Marvin Miller]

Yes. Yes, I guess I do.

[Shepard Menken]

Oh, Wally, I. I don't know. I. I just don't know. Don't know why I can stand it when this is over. When. When I won't see you anymore.

[Marvin Miller]

Well, I've got some ideas about that, too. Any chance for you to get away and have dinner with me tonight?

[Shepard Menken]

Yes, Wally. I'll make it somehow.

[Marvin Miller]

Good. I'll tell you everything I've got on my mind tonight.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

You still don't quite believe her, do you, Wally? And you determine to test Louise. Find out for yourself whether it's Louise or her husband who is the subject of Carter's blackmail. And the test is simple, infallible. Isn't it, Wally? Louise has already told you. The next payoff is to occur the next evening at 8:00. And it will happen in the same way as before. Another envelope filled with currency. 20,000 this time. The overcoat hanging innocently in a restroom at dinner that evening. You watch your expression closely as you tell her what's on your mind.

[Marvin Miller]

Why not, Louise? Why not? Why not keep the money? We could get out of town together. It would give us a real start somewhere else.

[Shepard Menken]

No, Wally. My husband would be exposed immediately if that money wasn't received.

[Marvin Miller]

He must have done something pretty big.

[Wally Mayer]

What was it?

[Shepard Menken]

That's something I can't talk about. Not even to you.

[Marvin Miller]

You're that concerned about him? I mean, considering the way we feel. I can't be that unfair or that careless.

[Shepard Menken]

I didn't like that.

[Marvin Miller]

Sorry.

[Shepard Menken]

Sounded like you still doubt me. But you think I'm afraid of myself.

[Marvin Miller]

Maybe it did sound that way. Oh, look, honey, you don't love Murdoch. Not anymore. Not ever. If you ask me, maybe that's right.

[Shepard Menken]

It's taken me a while to find it out.

[Marvin Miller]

Look, Louise. Look, you know I love you, don't you?

[Shepard Menken]

I. I hope so.

[Marvin Miller]

And you either love me or you don't. If you do, you've got to leave Murdoch. I'll be waiting, Louise. Tomorrow night at 9:00 at my apartment. I'll have two plane tickets. I want us to use them. Get away from here a long way.

[Shepard Menken]

You want me to bring the money to you instead of giving it to Carter?

[Marvin Miller]

Why not? As far as your husband's concerned, the money's gone anyway. Think it over, Luis. Like I said, I'll be waiting.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Somehow, thinking about it, after you leave her, you're more certain than ever that she's the guilty one, aren't you, Wally? That she'll never show up at your apartment with the money. You decide to take things in your own hands. So next evening, a few minutes before Louise is due to make her payoff to Carter, you're loitering near the cafe where the money is to be passed. Soon Carter appears confidently approaching the place. You step back into the protective shadows of an alley. And then as he passes close to you.

[Marvin Miller]

Carter.

[Wally Mayer]

Huh?

[Marvin Miller]

Come here.

[John Stevenson]

Look, pal, what's the gun?

[Marvin Miller]

We'll skip the conversation, Carter. I haven't much time. This gun is just to get you close enough for this.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

He looks strange to you, doesn't he, Wally? Huddled in a heap near the alley wall. You wonder if you hit him harder than you should have. Then you notice that he must have struck the wall as he fell back. You kneel down quickly, listen, straighten up. As you realize that he's dead, you grab up the overcoat he was carrying and hurry into the cafe. Once inside, you hang up the overcoat, then stroll into the bar where you watch the cafe entrance unobserved. Just as you expected. It's only a few minutes before Louise arrives to keep her appointment with Carter. Admitting her guilt as far as you're concerned, you reflect that it's too bad that at least you'll have the money. She leaves, and there's still Edna. Louise moves forward, slips the envelope into the pocket of the trench coat you snatch from Carter. Wait until she turns and hurries out. Then you stroll casually to the overcoat, slip it on, walk rapidly to a drugstore three blocks away, where you enter a phone room.

[Shepard Menken]

Hello?

[Marvin Miller]

Hi, Edna, baby.

[Shepard Menken]

Oh, it's you.

[Marvin Miller]

Look, Wally, how would you like to go on a honeymoon to Rio de Janeiro?

[Shepard Menken]

I'm in no mood for gags.

[Marvin Miller]

Oh, this is no gag, baby. That guy I told you about just paid me off big to forget about that case I've been on. Now, wait a minute. I'll pick you up in about an hour. Remember, honey, I told you, in the right kind of a setup, a smart guy could always pick up a few bucks.

[John Stevenson]

In the good old summertime when you head for new places or the wide open spaces, it's mighty handy to have a good map in the car. And there's no map handier than the free ones you'll find at signal service stations. No need to squint to find where you're going on a signal map. They're jumbo sized for quick, easy reading and no need to wrestle with them getting them open or folded again. Signal maps have the new accordion fold for more convenient handling. But that's only the beginning. In addition, signal roadmaps contain a guide to interesting places to visit, plus a traveler's radio guide so you can follow your favorite programs as you travel. Plus and large sections of metropolitan areas. And if you happen to need a street map to guide you in the larger cities of the Pacific coast states, signal stations have them free too. In fact, whether you need a free map, some helpful advice, or just a tank full of the famous Go farther gasoline, you'll find those friendly independent Signal dealers have just about everything it takes to make your driving in the good old summertime or anytime more pleasant.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Back at your apartment with the money in the pocket of the stolen trench coat, you're satisfied that you're in the clear, aren't you, Wally? You have no fear at all. When the telephone rings, Louise will say nothing and Carter is dead. And no one else will associate you with either Carter or Louise Murdoch. It looks clear and clean, doesn't it, Wally? And you're sure you can go your way, then?

[Shepard Menken]

Hello, Wally, It's Louise. Yeah, Wally, I started your apartment tonight with the money.

[Marvin Miller]

Oh, sure I didn't.

[Shepard Menken]

Wally, I want to go away with you.

[Marvin Miller]

I mean it.

[Wally Mayer]

Sure.

[Marvin Miller]

Sure you do. That's why you went to the cafe.

[Shepard Menken]

I had to go onto the cafe, Wally, and leave the money. My husband was following me. He had a gun.

[Marvin Miller]

Look, what are you trying to tell me anyway?

[Shepard Menken]

Wally. Wally.

[Marvin Miller]

Hang up that.

[Shepard Menken]

Wally.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Now sit down over there.

[G.G. Pearson]

Operator, give me the police department.

[Wally Mayer]

Yes, sir.

[Marvin Miller]

Hey, wait a minute. What's the idea here, pal? Police Department, operator 26.

[G.G. Pearson]

I'm calling to report a murder.

[John Stevenson]

Where?

[G.G. Pearson]

Department D3151 Wiggin Street.

[Marvin Miller]

Who's talking?

[Betty Lou Gerson]

I'll tell you when you get here.

[Wally Mayer]

I'll wait for you.

[Marvin Miller]

Look, you're crazy. There hasn't been any murder.

[G.G. Pearson]

There's going to be one right now.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Blackmailer.

[Marvin Miller]

You're Murdoch?

[John Stevenson]

Yes.

[Marvin Miller]

Oh, wait a minute, Murdoch, I can explain.

[G.G. Pearson]

The trench coat there explains everything. I saw my wife with the money in it. The last 20,000 I had. You've broken me, blackmailer, all the way. Now I'm losing my wife. Somebody I once murdered for you.

[Marvin Miller]

Then it was you who was paying off.

[Wally Mayer]

She's fallen for another man.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Now I've got nothing more to live for. So it's the end of the line for you, too, blackmailer.

[Marvin Miller]

Oh, wait, Murdoch. That money wasn't yours.

[John Stevenson]

Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil. Program the whistler each Sunday night at the same time. Meantime, Signal Oil Company and the friendly independent dealers who help you go farther with Signal Gasoline. Hope you'll remember, regardless of what gasoline you use, you'll enjoy more miles of happy driving. If you drive at sensible speeds, obey traffic regulations and avoid taking chances, you may even save a life, possibly your own. Featured in tonight's story were Bill Foreman, Wally Mayer, Betty Lou Gerson, G.G. pearson, John Stevenson and Shepard Menken. The Whistler was produced and directed by George W. Allen with story by Adrian Johnson, music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transcribed and transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. The Whistler is entirely fictional and all characters portrayed on the Whistler are also fictional. Any similarity of names or resemblance to persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Remember to tune in at this same time next Sunday when the Signal Oil Company will bring you another strange story by the Whistler. Marvin Miller, speaking for the Signal Oil Company. Stay tuned now for our Miss Brooks, starring Eve Arden, which follows immediately over most of these stations. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Unknown]

S.A.

[Wally Mayer]

Hi, this is Randy Stone. I cover the night be for the Chicago Star. Stories start in many different ways. This one began with a brawl in an alley and ended up with a murder that just missed.

[John Stevenson]

Night Beat. Starring Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone.

[Wally Mayer]

Dayside, a reporter more or less walks in the sun. He talks to people in banks, offices, on street corners. Doctors, druggers, housewives, salesmen, ball players. He gets a good look at their faces and they get a good look at him. But Nightside is different. Stories are different personnel, different pugs. Gangsters, singers, police. Yeah, and lovers. Nobody hardly ever gets a real good look at anybody's face. Maybe it's better that way. Sometimes you see things in eyes that you don't want to see and feel things in looks that you don't want to feel. But I'm an after hours boy, and that's what makes my copy. Like last Tuesday night, I was strolling down Rush street wondering if I'd be able to find a story somewhere in one of those sleazy gambling houses, houses or bars or clip joints. I found one. Not in any one of those places, but in an alley in the shadow of a cheap two story apartment.

[G.G. Pearson]

Take your hands off me.

[Wally Mayer]

There were two men struggling. One was giving the other the full treatment. I figured two rummies having it out over the last drink in the bottle or a tap on the head. Robbery. Hey, what's going on there? When they saw me coming, the tall one ran off in the opposite direction. I went over to help the other one slump down. All right now, take it easy, old timer. You're all right.

[G.G. Pearson]

Thank you, sir. Thank you most kindly. I'm afraid I. I got the worst of that.

[Wally Mayer]

I'm afraid you did. You'll need a little first aid.

[G.G. Pearson]

Yes, I.

[Wally Mayer]

All right, look, you stay right here. I'll phone the police.

[G.G. Pearson]

Please, I. I rather you wouldn't. This is A private matter and I, I don't want the police notified. Now, if you'll just give me a little assistance, I, I'll thank you for your concern and be on my way.

[Wally Mayer]

Oh, well, wherever you're going, mister, you aren't going to be able to get there without help. Maybe I better go with you.

[G.G. Pearson]

That would be most kind of you, sir.

[Wally Mayer]

I'll put your arm over my shoulder.

[G.G. Pearson]

Ah, yes, yes, I'm indebted to you. I shall see that you are repaid for your efforts on my behalf.

[Wally Mayer]

Yeah, I know. Sure, sure you will. You'll remember me in your will. Easy now.

[G.G. Pearson]

Your, your name, sir?

[Wally Mayer]

Stone. Randy Stone.

[G.G. Pearson]

I'm happy to meet you, Mr. Stone. My name is Noah Arnold.

[Wally Mayer]

Arnold. Seems to me I know that name.

[G.G. Pearson]

Well, perhaps you do.

[Wally Mayer]

Wait a minute.

[G.G. Pearson]

You see, I'm Judge Noah Arnold, Chicago District Court.

[Wally Mayer]

And he was. As soon as we got out in the streetlight, I looked him over. I recognized him from pictures I'd seen many times in my own place paper. And I thought he was some old bombing on Alley Blue. Didn't want me to call the police because he was afraid he was liable to get himself booked for vagrancy. After all, how often are you going to find a full fledged judge getting mauled by a hoodlum in an alley? Well, I hailed a cab, took him over to his place on Riverside. We broke out the iodine and gauze compresses and patched him up. And then we broke out some rye. Hey.

[G.G. Pearson]

Thank you. Ah, that's much better.

[Wally Mayer]

Now, Judge, I guess you live now.

[G.G. Pearson]

Thank you kindly, sir. I suppose I owe you an explanation of what I was doing on Rush Street. Mr. Stone.

[Wally Mayer]

Now you don't owe me anything. Judge, I think I should tell you that after the name Stone come. Two more words. Chicago Star.

[G.G. Pearson]

You, you're a newspaper reporter?

[Wally Mayer]

Yes, I'm one of those. When a man in your position takes a beating in a Rush street alley and doesn't yell covers, somebody's liable to think it has the makings of a good newspaper story. So if you're trying to keep something to yourself, Judge, I'd better run along and get my ears out of here.

[G.G. Pearson]

Wait, wait, Mr. Stone, wait. I, I, you're, you're the man I can talk to, I'm sure. And I, I, I must talk to someone.

[Wally Mayer]

Well, I'll be glad to listen, Judge.

[G.G. Pearson]

Thank you. This whole affair concerns my daughter Linda. She, she lives in Falco Arms on Rush Street?

[John Stevenson]

Yes.

[G.G. Pearson]

It doesn't seem plausible, does it?

[Wally Mayer]

Not exactly, Judge. The Alco Arms isn't what you'd call a little bit of heaven.

[G.G. Pearson]

Ah, to say the least. Mr. Stone, in the last year, Linda's been. Become interested in the. The psychological aspect of crime. And she felt that she must reside in an atmosphere such as Rush street affords and. And study firsthand the operations and the lives of some of the criminal elements known to reside there.

[Wally Mayer]

Well, that's certainly the place to write an encyclopedia on the subject.

[G.G. Pearson]

We quarreled when she disclosed her intentions. But Linda's a headstrong girl, and she. She moved out of his apartment.

[Wally Mayer]

And you went down there tonight to.

[G.G. Pearson]

Try and persuade her to return home? Mr. Stone, I've. I've practiced law, and I've sat on the bench some 35 years. I'm supposed to know what is right and what is wrong. I even sentence people to punishment according to my convictions. But in my own daughter's case, I. I'm afraid to pass judgment, afraid to say what I think.

[Wally Mayer]

What do you think, Judge?

[G.G. Pearson]

That. That my daughter is not just objectively interested in crime, but instead that she's had a taste at the gutter, and she likes it.

[Wally Mayer]

He seemed very old and very tired and very sad. And I wanted to get out of there and not listen to him anymore. He took me to the door. I shook my hand weakly, and I was out of the night again. But I couldn't stop thinking about the way the judge had looked at me with helplessness in his eyes. And I couldn't forget the picture I'd seen on his desk. So I dropped by the Falco Arms apartment house on Rush street to have a look at Linda Arnold. It's a pretty drab place with a pretty colorful landlady.

[Unknown]

No, she ain't here. She ain't been in here all afternoon and all evening. Everybody around here thinks I run a regular secretarial service. What do you think I do, keep my eye on everybody every minute they come in and out of the door? I gotta eat and sleep and drink and good night.

[Wally Mayer]

I didn't do much good there. So I dropped downstairs at the Falco bar and found myself asking a question of my old friend Al the mixer.

[G.G. Pearson]

One bear, two bets.

[Wally Mayer]

Al, ever heard of a girl named Linda Arnold? Linda Arnold?

[G.G. Pearson]

No.

[Wally Mayer]

She lives upstairs in the Falco Arms. I thought she might drop in here occasionally. In here? Now, I saw her picture tonight. She. Blonde hair, blue eyes, 23 or 4, maybe? Yeah.

[G.G. Pearson]

No. Oh, well, now try me another question.

[Wally Mayer]

Another question? Like what?

[G.G. Pearson]

Like does this doll you're asking about travel around with A guy named Rocco Daly.

[Wally Mayer]

Well, does she? Maybe.

[G.G. Pearson]

Sounds like the dame I see him with.

[Wally Mayer]

Who's Rocco Daly?

[G.G. Pearson]

A hood with a look, Randy. Slow and sweet when it does the most good.

[Wally Mayer]

Fast and hard when that does the most good. You know him well, no, no.

[G.G. Pearson]

Just to look at. Now, the girl, she's swift and soft and listens to him like you or somebody. But she doesn't belong with him, not his kind.

[Wally Mayer]

I'd like to meet Rocco Daly. I'd like to meet this girl of his.

[G.G. Pearson]

Oh, that's nice. I'll introduce you. That's them that just walked in. Over there in the corner having a schlage.

[Wally Mayer]

Thanks, thanks. I'll introduce myself. Al.

[G.G. Pearson]

I remember what I said about him, Randy.

[Wally Mayer]

Hello, Rocco. How's tricks?

[Bill Foreman]

I don't know you, mister. Beat it.

[Wally Mayer]

I don't know you either, but I'd like to.

[Bill Foreman]

Suppose you tell me why.

[Wally Mayer]

Like to say hello to this pretty girl?

[Bill Foreman]

Go on, beat it.

[Wally Mayer]

I'll say hello anyway. Hello, Linda. How are you?

[Unknown]

Who are you?

[Bill Foreman]

Do you know this guy, Linda?

[Unknown]

No, Rocco. I never seen before in my life.

[Bill Foreman]

You're telling me the truth, baby?

[Wally Mayer]

Why, sure, sure, she's telling me the truth, Rocco. She never saw me in her life, same as you. You never saw me either. My name is Randy Stone. I'm a reporter.

[Bill Foreman]

Well, blow off. Get lost. Scram, Drift, before I run you through a typewriter full of knuckles.

[Wally Mayer]

I got friends around here too, Rocco. The bartender, the owner, those three fellows over at that booth.

[Bill Foreman]

Go on, you bother me.

[Wally Mayer]

Linda, I'm a friend of your father's. I came here to see you. But it doesn't look like we can do much talking with Junior here around.

[Unknown]

What about my father?

[Bill Foreman]

Go on, beat it, Stone.

[Wally Mayer]

You see, we really can't do much talking with him around. We really should talk. But I'll see it worked. He started to get up and follow me, but he pulled her back in the booth with him. I stepped outside and waited. Couple of minutes later, she came out alone.

[Unknown]

Mr. Stone, I only have a minute. Please tell me why you've been looking for me.

[Wally Mayer]

As I said, Linda, I'm a friend of the judge.

[Unknown]

My father, Mr. Stone. Tell him I'm not in any difficulty. Tell him I know exactly what I'm doing and that I think it'll be invaluable when I'm practicing law.

[Wally Mayer]

You sure you aren't going a little too far?

[Unknown]

Did my father pose that question?

[Wally Mayer]

No, no, I did. He doesn't even know Rocco. Your father was beaten up in an Alley tonight when he came down looking for you.

[Unknown]

Oh, no.

[Wally Mayer]

Oh, yes.

[Unknown]

Was he hurt badly?

[Wally Mayer]

Well, not too much. Lucky family came along in time. The brave man beating him up ran when I yelled at him. The criminal element, you know.

[Unknown]

He shouldn't have come down here. He doesn't know about these things.

[Wally Mayer]

And you do, huh? Look, don't you think you ought to go home right now, sort of straighten it all out?

[Unknown]

Yes, And I will, Mr. Stone. But I can't. Not now. Not tonight.

[Wally Mayer]

Why?

[Unknown]

I've got something terribly important to do. I simply can't tonight. But first thing in the morning.

[Wally Mayer]

Well, then, thanks for that much. Oh, Linda.

[Unknown]

Yes?

[Wally Mayer]

Be careful of Rocco. I've seen his kind.

[Unknown]

Don't worry, Mr. Stone. I can take care of myself.

[Wally Mayer]

Four years of college, two years of law school, good clothes and nice friends don't exactly equip you to handle the Rocko dailies on this earth. But then who was I to jump in and tell her what I knew about Rocco? About that time, it dawned on me I didn't know anything about him. So I put in a call to find out. The paper called me back 10 minutes later.

[Marvin Miller]

Got the dope for you. Randy showed Daley. Rocco Daley, age 29, 14. Arrest, two convictions, both for burglary. First sentence by Judge Connors. Second sentence, Judge Arnold.

[Wally Mayer]

What was that last name I said.

[Marvin Miller]

The last time he was sent up?

[Wally Mayer]

It was Judge Noah Arnold did it. Suddenly, Linda Arnold's association with Rocco did daily. Took on all sorts of horrible new aspects. You can find them in the dictionary, all under revenge. I didn't like the setup one bit. I grabbed a cab and headed for her place. She was in this time. Her door was standing wide open. She was sitting on the edge of a sofa in the half dark, staring out at nothing. There was a little ring of white around her lips. A nickel plated.38 was sitting on her lap.

[Unknown]

Oh, Mr. Stone, I came here to wait, just as Rocco told.

[Wally Mayer]

Yeah, that's right. Linda, where'd you get the gun?

[Unknown]

Oh, this. Rocco gave it to me.

[Wally Mayer]

Now let's in.

[Unknown]

Why not?

[Wally Mayer]

That's been fired.

[Unknown]

Yes, that's quite right. That's exactly right, Mr. Stone. Been fired six times.

[Wally Mayer]

Yeah? @ who? Where? What's been going on?

[Unknown]

I'd imagine that. My mouth doesn't seem to work. Doesn't take very long at all.

[Wally Mayer]

Linda, what are you talking about?

[Unknown]

They say that you die in the electric chair very fast. I won't mind it all. I won't mind.

[Wally Mayer]

Now, you listen to me. What is it. What have you done? What are you trying to say?

[Unknown]

Don't take any time at all. I won't mind it.

[Wally Mayer]

Are you trying to tell me that you killed somebody tonight?

[Unknown]

Go off so quickly, so quickly, they're empty all of a sudden. Then you see a man crumple and fall, and you see his blood on the floor, and you see him dead. I wanted to know about crime. Now I know all about it. Christy, don't tell me. Am I a good killer?

[Wally Mayer]

Am I? Am foreign?

[John Stevenson]

Starring Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone. If the chime shudder a little on Sunday afternoon, well, they know the mystery and peril in store with men of action like Mike Waring, better known as the Falcon, after the Falcon, it's the widely acclaimed dramatic series High Adventure. Then the big guy steps in. And when you hear the big guy telling chilling bedtime stories to his children, they're not make believe. The new private eye, Charlie Wild concludes with a few casual and somewhat deadly homicides. The chimes mean mystery in action this Sunday afternoon on most NBC stations. Now back to Nightbeat and Randy Stone.

[Wally Mayer]

Linda Arnold was too broken up to say anything logical at the moment, so I flagged a cab, put her in it, and told the driver to head for my place. On the way, she said not a word. When we got to my place, I thought the thing to do first was to pour a couple of drinks into her before I started asking questions. And that's just what I did. She was better, but she still had a lost look in her eyes.

[Unknown]

Stop staring at me. What do you want me to say?

[Wally Mayer]

Well, anything that'll make sense. I want to help you.

[Unknown]

I'm sorry I dropped the glass.

[Wally Mayer]

That's all right. If I'm going to help you, I have to know more than I do.

[Unknown]

I. I can't tell it.

[Wally Mayer]

We'll try.

[Unknown]

It'll ruin him. His daughter.

[Shepard Menken]

Common murder.

[Wally Mayer]

Linda, the more you cry, the more time we're wasting. Come on, please snap out of it.

[Unknown]

Oh, it's just that I'm so mixed up. All right, I'll try. Rocco Daley said he was going to pull a burglary. I tried to talk him out of it. I even offered him money if he needed it, but he just laughed.

[Wally Mayer]

Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Start back further. How'd you ever get tied up with Rocco Daly?

[Unknown]

Well, my father made arrangements so our college class would visit some prisons. We visited Joliet. One afternoon, I started talking with one of the prisoners. It was Rocco Daly.

[Bill Foreman]

Scared, honey? I won't bite you.

[Shepard Menken]

I'm not scared.

[Bill Foreman]

Of course, they got these bars here for a good reason. I'm a dangerous member of society. I might kill and steal and burn and do all kinds of nasty things if they let me as much as put one leg outside on the streets.

[Unknown]

Well, you did do something to get in here, didn't you?

[Bill Foreman]

Oh, sure. So I was the West End terror. Hey, get your pencil and your notebook out and I'll tell you all about it. Let's see now. I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. One my old man stole, of course. I went to the best schools, met the best people, played polo, went yachting, all that stuff. One day my old man lost everything in the stock market and I couldn't stand it. Here he was, down to his last dollar cigar and my poor old lady with only one jar of caviar left in the icebox. It was enough to drive any sensitive young man like me to a life of crime. Now get out of here, you society thrill seek and leave me alone. Before I pull these bars apart and teach you something.

[Unknown]

If you wouldn't mind, would you tell me calmly and politely what you did and how you got here?

[Bill Foreman]

Calmly and politely. All right, you blue nosed busybody, I'll tell you. I was born on a bed you wouldn't be found dead in. I grew up without enough to eat or enough soap to wash with. So I learned to take little things I needed here and there, wherever I could find them. And the bigger I got, the bigger things I took. And one day they caught me. But I didn't care because I had 22 good years when they didn't catch me. Now put that in your notebook.

[Unknown]

I'm sorry.

[Wally Mayer]

Sorry?

[Bill Foreman]

You're about as sorry as the guy who pinched me. All you're looking for is a good story to bring back to your society sisters.

[Unknown]

Mr. Daly, you judged wrong. I'm sincerely interested in criminal problems. You see, my father is a judge.

[Bill Foreman]

Oh, now, lady, don't I know it. Your father is the man who put me in here two to five years.

[Unknown]

I didn't know.

[Bill Foreman]

You talk about finding out about crime. Well, you'll never learn anything about it in that gold plated mansion on Riverside. You gotta get down with the people where the pinch is on and find out firsthand.

[Unknown]

I'd like to. How can I do it?

[Bill Foreman]

Well, it's easy. I'll be out of here in four months August 1st. And I'll show you enough about crime to fill 15 notebooks like that one.

[Unknown]

All right, Mr. Daly, I'll meet you at the prison gate, August 1st.

[Wally Mayer]

And you actually met him?

[Unknown]

Yes. He said I had to live his kind of life to really know what I was trying to find out.

[Wally Mayer]

Fine. Fine. So you end up in a murder.

[Unknown]

I know. I knew it was the wrong thing to do. I. I didn't belong there. I wish I were dead.

[Wally Mayer]

No, no, no. Don't start that again. You've got to tell me about tonight. Exactly what happened. And try to remember everything.

[Unknown]

Well, he said he was going to knock over a safe in the warehouse.

[Wally Mayer]

Which one?

[Unknown]

The Elliott Transfer Company on Douglas Street.

[Wally Mayer]

Is that where you shot the man? Yes.

[Unknown]

He gave me a gun. I was afraid to carry it, but he said it was the only way I could actually get the feeling a criminal has on a job.

[Wally Mayer]

And you actually let him talk you into this? Something dangerous.

[Unknown]

I know it sounds stupid now, but I had to see what it was like. We went in the place, the watchman showed up at the wrong time, pulled a gun and jumped on Rocco. Rocco lost his gun and yelled, shoot. Shoot, Lyndon. Before I knew what I was doing, I did shoot. The watchman screamed. It was blasting that.

[Wally Mayer]

Take it easy, Lynn.

[Unknown]

Rocco examined it. The watchman was dead.

[Wally Mayer]

What you need is a sedative. I didn't have any sleeping tablets, but in the Stone household, hot lemonade laced with little rye always did the trick. So I watched her until it took effect. Gradually, she stopped crying and her eyelids slid shut. I went into the living room, closed the door to the bedroom and called Sergeant Kalski at police headquarters.

[Marvin Miller]

What's on your mind, Randy?

[Wally Mayer]

Look, Kalski, you got a homicide report from somewhere down on Douglas Street. The Elliot Transfer Company.

[Marvin Miller]

No, no, Randy, we haven't had a homicide report from anywhere tonight.

[Wally Mayer]

Well, I just got a tit. The watchman was shot there in an attempted safe job.

[Marvin Miller]

Where'd you get the tip?

[Wally Mayer]

Well, never mind. Take it for what it's worth.

[Marvin Miller]

I'll get right on it. Thanks, Randy.

[Wally Mayer]

Don't thank me. Right then there was just one thing I wanted to do. Find Rocco Daly. He hadn't already gone into hiding. I thought I had enough friends around Rush street to help me ferret him out. One hour and two five dollar bills later, I finally picked up a tip that he'd gone into the Red Eagle. A combination pool room and bar. I knew the man who ran it. Biceps Bill Candles. Accurately named. Hello, Randy. Hello, Bill. I've seen a guy named Rocco Daly around. A couple of weeks ago. A friend of mine just saw him come in here. I'M a friend of yours, ain't I? You see him anywhere around and about? Well, what about the back room? I tell you, I ain't seen him. Mind if I take a look myself? Yeah, well, I think I'll take a look anyway. Randy, I'm not used to being called a liar, even by you. I might get so mad as to wrap you over the head with this pool cue. Bill, I don't get the pitch. Look, maybe we're friends, but I make my living down here. I gotta get along with an awful lot of people. You don't bring me no business, they do. You can look around the hall all you want, but stay out of the back. You're invading my private rights as a citizen. I was more moved by the thickness of his bicep and the size of the pool cue in his hand than by the snatch civil liberties he threw at me. So I rented the table, played a quiet little game of three cushion, keeping my eyes open all the while. It was time well spent. Fifteen minutes later, I was surprised to see a man in a battered hat and a brown trench coat hurry out of the back room. I caught up with him just outside. He might have been a great judge, but he was no actor.

[G.G. Pearson]

Oh, Stone. I knew I made a grievous mistake talking to you earlier tonight. You're just following me, looking for a juicy tabloid story.

[Wally Mayer]

Judge, I wasn't following you. I ran into you by accident.

[G.G. Pearson]

Well, then leave me alone and go on your way.

[Wally Mayer]

What were you doing in the back room of the Red Eagle?

[G.G. Pearson]

That, young man, is my business. Good day.

[Wally Mayer]

No, it isn't. It's liable to become anybody's business.

[G.G. Pearson]

Will you let go of my arm before I call a policeman?

[Wally Mayer]

Judge, you're in no position to call a policeman.

[G.G. Pearson]

What do you mean by that?

[Wally Mayer]

What were you and Rocco Daly talking about in the back room?

[G.G. Pearson]

Why, I never heard of a man called Rocco Daly. And I see no reason to answer you.

[Wally Mayer]

All right, play it stuffy all the way down the line, but I know something you don't. And you're going to have to come clean with me to find it out.

[G.G. Pearson]

What do you know?

[Wally Mayer]

I know where your daughter is.

[G.G. Pearson]

Let's. Let's go someplace private.

[Wally Mayer]

We. We went to his house. He was as nervous as a burglar all the way. Soon as we arrived there, he drank a glass of straight scotch, started to cry, and then pulled himself together long enough for me to get something out of him.

[G.G. Pearson]

He said, my daughter killed a man tonight. I. I just. I just couldn't believe it. He said he could hush the whole thing up for. For $25,000 he'd get out of town.

[Wally Mayer]

Well, Judge, I'm sorry to say you walked right in. One of the best shakedown rackets in the world. I'm surprised at you. Can a rich girl in a kid and make her buy her way out? That's the formula. You should know better.

[G.G. Pearson]

Well, what am I going to do? My reputation, my position, my, my career will all be destroyed.

[Wally Mayer]

I think you better worry first about your daughter.

[G.G. Pearson]

Yes, I'll, I'll have to hide her somewhere.

[Wally Mayer]

She's safe where she is now. Judge, look at it this way. If there was a murder and Rocco Daly was involved, he wouldn't dare go to the police. He knows what he'd get. Don't have to worry about him turning your daughter in because he goes with her. Judge, if I were you, I'd forget the blackmail. Your job's to worry about your daughter. How can you get her out from under a murder?

[G.G. Pearson]

Who are you phoning?

[Wally Mayer]

The police.

[G.G. Pearson]

Now just a minute. I, I.

[Wally Mayer]

Hold on, hold on. I'm not going to tell them a thing. I'm just looking for information.

[G.G. Pearson]

Reach headquarters.

[Wally Mayer]

Sergeant Koski, please.

[Marvin Miller]

Just a moment. Sergeant Ki.

[Wally Mayer]

Randy Stone. Sergeant.

[Marvin Miller]

Hey, I've been waiting for you to call.

[G.G. Pearson]

Something's really screwy.

[Wally Mayer]

You mean a warehouse shooting?

[Marvin Miller]

Yeah, something happened there all right, but I don't think it's exactly what you heard. It was.

[Wally Mayer]

Well, what happened?

[Marvin Miller]

I can't figure it out. It was some shooting, but the bullets were blanks. I found a paper wading all over the place. The blood.

[Wally Mayer]

Well, what about it?

[Marvin Miller]

It was all over the place, too. But it wasn't human. Blood came from an animal.

[Wally Mayer]

Oh, a lovely.

[Marvin Miller]

What do you make of it, Randy? What was going on there?

[Wally Mayer]

I haven't the slightest idea, Kowski. Not the slightest. You'll figure it out. Goodbye. I would have explained the whole thing to Kalski right then, but it seemed to me the judge rated first copy. When I gave him the good news, I thought he was going to collapse from relief. Then I left for my apartment to get Linda.

[Unknown]

I don't believe you. I don't believe you. It's some psychological trick you're trying to pull on me.

[Wally Mayer]

It's the truth. The whole thing was staged. It was phony bullets, phony blood and a couple of phony guys who plim flammed.

[Unknown]

Stop it. I'm an adult. I was there. I know what I did.

[Wally Mayer]

Linda, I'll take you to the police. To the scene of the crime. Prove it if necess.

[Unknown]

I want to believe it, but I. I can't. I saw it.

[Wally Mayer]

Yeah, well, look. Smarter dames than you have been taken in by dumber guys than Rocco Davies.

[Bill Foreman]

That's right, honey.

[Unknown]

Rocco.

[Bill Foreman]

The guy's got it right down the line. Haven't you, nosy?

[Wally Mayer]

Put the gun down. It might go off.

[Bill Foreman]

Oh, shut up, Rocco.

[Unknown]

Did I kill that man or didn't I?

[Bill Foreman]

I said your boyfriend here was right, didn't I? You got to be beat over the head before you understand. You know, for a girl with a college education, you got a brain like a jerk.

[Unknown]

You never were serious about anything. You were just making a fool out of me.

[Bill Foreman]

All the time you were making a fool out of yourself. I told you the first day I met you, you were just buying a ticket to the circus.

[Wally Mayer]

Why don't you put that gun down, Rob? Shut up, you.

[Bill Foreman]

But now, honey, you're gonna do something for me.

[Unknown]

What?

[Bill Foreman]

You're gonna see that I get out of the state safe.

[Unknown]

I won't help you again if I never help anybody.

[Bill Foreman]

Think twice, honey. Think twice. Call up the judge. Tell him to send a con a little money down here. And tell him it's for you that you want to go on a vacation.

[Unknown]

No, I won't do it.

[Bill Foreman]

Do it, or so help me, I'll pull a bullet right through you.

[Unknown]

Let me tell you something, Rocco Daly. I learned a lot down here with you and your kind. Guns, brass knuckles, blackjacks. You never use them unless the advantage is three to one in your favor. Deep down inside of you, you're afraid, insecure. You can't look an honest person in the face. I believe you call it yellow.

[Wally Mayer]

Are you listening, Rocco?

[Bill Foreman]

Now, stay away from me.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Stay away from me, both of you.

[Bill Foreman]

Or so help me, I'll shoot.

[Unknown]

You wouldn't shoot anybody. Now give me that gun.

[Bill Foreman]

Now get back. Get back, you crazy dame.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Get back.

[Unknown]

Give it to me.

[Bill Foreman]

You're asking for it.

[Wally Mayer]

Watch it, Linda.

[Unknown]

I'll show you what honest courage looks like.

[Bill Foreman]

Don't make me do it.

[Unknown]

Don't give it to me.

[Wally Mayer]

I saw his trigger finger tightening, and then I jumped. I knocked his arm down on the bullet, plowed into the floor, and I grabbed his wrist. He shot twice more, but they only hit the walls. I was too busy to notice what Lynn Arnold was doing until Rocco Daly suddenly slumped in my arms and fell to the floor. She was standing over him with a Coke bottle in one hand.

[Unknown]

Do you think I. Do you think I killed him?

[Wally Mayer]

No, no, no. He's just out for the c. I'll call the police.

[Unknown]

No, no, no. Let me do it. Since I started, I guess it's up to me to end it.

[Wally Mayer]

Well, that about does it. It's all your show, baby.

[Unknown]

Yes, Randy, I. I think the lesson's over. I've learned all I.

[Wally Mayer]

Well, it's early morning now and I hope the rifle are all back in the right pigeonholes and Linda's had her look see at the other side of the tracks. You know, I hold no brief against looking in on your neighbor once in a while to see what he's doing. How can I? I make my living that way. But there's a right way to do it and a wrong way. The right way you make a friend. The wrong way, you get punched in the nose. So if you decide to poke into somebody else's life, make sure you know what you're after. Because it's easy to misjudge your neighbor. Particularly since it's an even money bet you don't even understand yourself. Copy boy.

[John Stevenson]

Night Beat starring Frank Lovejoy is produced and directed by Warren Lewis. Tonight's story was written by E. Jack Newman and John Michael Hayes with music by Frank Worth. The part of Noah Arnold was played by Herb Rawlinson. Linda was Jane Webb. Others in tonight's cast were Peter Leeds, Lou Krugman Novello and Bill Justine. Frank Lovejoy may currently be seen in Milton Sperling's production Three Secrets released by war Warner Brothers. Listen next week at this time and every week as Randy Stone searches through the city for the strange stories waiting for him in the darkness. Nightbeat came to you from Hollywood. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. The chimes ring for Dennis Day and Judy Canova tomorrow night on NBC. Dennis gets himself into more merry and mischievous mix ups but manages to extricate himself in time to sing in his beautiful tenor voice. And speaking of singing, Judy Canova prepares to go operatic tomorrow because her special guest on the Judy Canova show is Ezio Pinza.

[Wally Mayer]

Chester William Bendix Riley speaking. Now here, counter spy on NBC.

[Bill Foreman]

There's more from the Whistler, Nightbeat, the Relic Radio show and all of the.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Other relic radio podcasts@ Relicradio.com.

[Bill Foreman]

Our shoutcast stream is there as well.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

With even more old time radio lots to listen to there, all made possible by your support.

[Bill Foreman]

If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Links on the website.

[Bill Foreman]

There's some downloadable sets for certain donation amounts so any amount out is always appreciated and helpful. Thanks to those who have helped out.

[Betty Lou Gerson]

Thanks for joining me this week.

[Bill Foreman]

Be back tomorrow with Case Closed and next Tuesday with our next hour of the Relic Radio Show.