December 20, 2025 • 34 mins
An ex-con is fired from his job at a department store where a string of burglaries totaling $10,000 have occurred, and decides to return to a life of crime.
To subscribe to this podcast and, go to https://greatadventures.info/
Become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net
Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.
Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715
Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net
Give us a call at 208-991-4783
Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives
Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
To subscribe to this podcast and, go to https://greatadventures.info/
Become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net
Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.
Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715
Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net
Give us a call at 208-991-4783
Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives
Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Hello, this is your host, Adam Graham. The Great Adventurers
of Old Time Radio is taking a break from posting
the new episodes, but we are sharing some adventure themed
episodes of other podcasts I've done over the years until
we return on January eleventh for the premiere of Tarzan
(00:29):
in the Meantime. Please enjoy this episode, which was originally
released as part of our World War II series The War,
and if you'd like to listen to more episodes of
that series, check it out at Thewar dot Great Detectives
dot net. Now on with today's show.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Blome.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
Welcome to the War from Boise, Idaho. This is your host,
Adam Graham. If you have a common email it to
me Box thirteen, a great active net. Christmas Time, America
spent four Christmases at war, and each one brought with
it to challenges. With families separated by war, many husbands
(01:14):
and fathers thousands of miles away from home. It could
be a lonely and difficult time, and it also could
be a refreshing time. Time to find joy and happiness
in the midst of horrific death, toolls find solace in
the peace on earth that Christmas promises. Wartime Christmas shows
(01:37):
could be heartwarming and hilarious and occasionally a little bit
we are depending on who was writing them, but often
it would also include a call renew our dedication and
to be resolute in the dedication when a just peace.
Over the course of the next ten days, we're going
(01:59):
to play what I think is some of the best
wartime Christmas programs, and we'll start off with an unusual
place as we begin our journey through World War two
era Christmas programs with The Whistler. The Whistler was one
of radio's most iconic series, but it's not one you
think of when you are looking for a heartwarming Christmas program.
(02:23):
The Whistler began in nineteen forty two. Early episodes had
it as a kind of mystery suspense program, with a
few shows even having a few elements of.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Horror in them. However, what The Whistler.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Became known for was its amazing sense of dramatic irony.
Often a program would feature its central character planning some crime,
often murder, and thinking of how clever they were and
how they had it all figured out right until the
(03:01):
ironic closing. An example of a typical Whistler episode that's
perhaps easiest to explain is that a man's wife and
her lover plot against him. They sabotage his plane with
the goal of having it crash. Unfortunately for them, the
husband decides to go buy the house and wave to
(03:24):
his wife, and that's when the plane conks out. Plane
crashes into the house, kills the wife and kills the lover,
while the husband survives the crash.
Speaker 4 (03:33):
Dramatic irony.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
So how would the Whistler do Christmas?
Speaker 1 (03:38):
We're going to find out.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
So here from December the twenty fifth of nineteen forty
four is the Christmas bonus.
Speaker 5 (03:49):
That every ghost signal reminds you that you do go
further with signal Gasoline, the signal oil program, the signal
Oil company, and your neighborhood signal dealer. Bring you another
curious story by the Whistler to night Lie or Consequences.
Speaker 4 (04:30):
I am the Whistler, and I know many things. For
I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many
secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who
have stepped into the shadows. Presently I'll tell you of
nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. Within the
(04:56):
human character, the line between good and evil is a
waving one, and very often the one small impulse for
good will outweigh and nullify the bed. Such was the
case with Michael car Mike wasn't bad. Really, it happened
while he was a kid, before he knew any better.
He'd gotten into trouble, gone to prison, served a stretch.
(05:18):
Now he's out. Then he's learned his lesson. He's proving
that he's going straight, working hard at his job in
the office of a large department store. He's married to
a girly loves and happy, delicious, delicious.
Speaker 6 (05:32):
Oh, nobody can cook a better breakfast than you, dolling,
thank you, sir.
Speaker 4 (05:36):
Now, Ma, don't vote your coffee.
Speaker 6 (05:38):
I gotta run. I'll be late. A couple of minutes
won't make any difference.
Speaker 7 (05:41):
Well, maybe not most days, but today is going to
be a big one, the last shopping day before Christmas.
You know, stores will be jammed, We'll be swamp with
work until late tonight. Be shy, got I want to
spoil my record. Six months and I haven't been late
to work one.
Speaker 6 (05:53):
I know, I know, it's fine. I'm sure the still appreciated.
Speaker 7 (05:55):
Yeah, Lene, I think they do too. I really think
they like me down there. I'm work and everything.
Speaker 6 (06:00):
Oh sure, Mike, how could they help liking you? No?
Speaker 7 (06:04):
No, I mean well, I'm begin to feel like all
that stuff is all forgotten, almost like something that never happened.
Speaker 6 (06:11):
It is, it is forgotten, Mike.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
Everything's different now.
Speaker 6 (06:15):
Yeah, yeah it is. Oh, this is going to be
a lot different Christmas than the last one, isn't that.
Speaker 7 (06:19):
Yes, Mike, you're a wonderful lame coming to see me,
sticking by me, donning. I promise you there'll never be
another Christmas like that, never.
Speaker 6 (06:26):
I know that won't, Mike. But now on they're all
going to be really merry Christmas. Yeah you better.
Speaker 7 (06:33):
Oh gosh, that reminds me. I haven't got your present yet.
I'll have to run out for lunch. I don't find something.
Speaker 6 (06:37):
No, no, Mike, you're not going to go spending a
lot of money on me. Maybe next year.
Speaker 8 (06:41):
Will be morning.
Speaker 7 (06:42):
Never you learn, I'll get you what I don please,
Oh my gosh, how I will be later, I don't run.
Speaker 6 (06:48):
Here's here's your hat ks. Oh, good bye, Dolly, but
don't get home before midnight.
Speaker 8 (06:54):
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Yes, it looks like a merry Christmas for you would laugh,
doesn't it, Mike, For the first time in your life,
Almost a real merry Christmas. You notice the smiles on
people's faces as they walk down the street. You get
sort of a kick out of the fancy red and
green drape windows of the store. The holly smells good
in the elevator, and you chuckle as you pass the
(07:31):
toy department with a perspiring Santa Claus pulling on his
red coat. Then into the office, everybody's smiling. Yeah, you
know what, Mike, maybe you're getting that thing they call
the Christmas spirit.
Speaker 6 (07:44):
Well, morning, George, Merry Christmas, Mike, very cheerful this morning?
Oh why not? It's almost Christmas? But they have good
cheer Who hell, what's the matter with you, sour person?
Speaker 7 (07:54):
Nuts humbles on the rare page again, Well, what is
it this time?
Speaker 6 (07:58):
You haven't heard?
Speaker 9 (08:00):
Somebody lifted another thousand bucks out of the receipts last night?
Speaker 6 (08:03):
What again?
Speaker 9 (08:04):
Yeah, it makes about ten grand that's been missing in
the last six months.
Speaker 6 (08:07):
Well, no wonder, mister Hombod's upset.
Speaker 9 (08:09):
The detectives are in there with them right now, and
they've got old gusts a night watchmen in for questioning.
I suppose we'll all be on the carpet like the
last time.
Speaker 7 (08:16):
See that's not so good. Ten thousand dollars. Hey, that's
grand lasting.
Speaker 9 (08:20):
And the cops are probably getting pretty sore about not
pinning it on somebody. And look it comes old guess
price from the inquisition.
Speaker 10 (08:27):
Ah, yeah, dank you, mister homeborn Gus, Hey, Gus, I'm
mister Osborne.
Speaker 6 (08:32):
We're playing questions and answers in there again.
Speaker 10 (08:34):
Guess Yeah times that time the only time I got
to sleep when they called me down here for this.
Speaker 6 (08:43):
What f would I want to steal money for? I
got it right?
Speaker 10 (08:46):
Fine, right, four kids, I steal money, I go to
jail is style?
Speaker 6 (08:52):
What for would I steer? Uh? Sure, guess? But I
know why you so worked up about it.
Speaker 9 (08:58):
Yeah, you probably had to admit where you were last
night between twelve and one o'clock. How come you know,
Duck the high bosh go on. Everybody in the store
knows that Gus is a standing joke. Everybody knows you
eat your lunch every morning between twelve and one. You know,
you go up to the thirteenth floor and stretch out
on one of those dive ends in the lowire, the
fifteenth room, the classes in the joint.
Speaker 10 (09:17):
Okay, so what's wrong with duck? I got to eat?
Why not in style?
Speaker 9 (09:21):
Only for that hour? Anybody could come in and move
out the other twelve floors and.
Speaker 6 (09:25):
You'd never know it.
Speaker 10 (09:26):
All right, So what maybe Dutch has been somebody stole money.
I do not know. I only know I did not steal.
Just it the only time I got to sleep one.
They have to go asking me.
Speaker 6 (09:40):
A character. Hey, is that true about his breakfast from
the top to one? Shure, there's a night watchman for you.
Speaker 7 (09:47):
That probably explains why they're so sure the thief is
somebody inside the store, somebody who knows about Gus and
what time he won't be on this floor.
Speaker 9 (09:56):
It could be Oh that's humble, yes, mister Humboldt, Yes
right away, sir, that's as I thought.
Speaker 6 (10:06):
It's my turn now. Man. If I start screaming, you'll
know he's putting me on the rack. Okay, I'll bring
a branding iron to your rescue.
Speaker 9 (10:13):
Don't laugh yet, you'll probably be next. If Humboldt really
decides to catch a thief, he'll catch one by hook
or crook.
Speaker 4 (10:28):
Merry Christmas. Mike, Oh now, what's the matter. You don't
seem as happy as you were. Something happened to dampen
the Christmas spirit. Maybe something you can't describe, can't even
put your finger on, just a funny, sinking feeling, forget it.
George Osburn has been in and out of Humbold's office,
(10:48):
and almost the whole day has gone by, and nothing's happened,
and everything seems to have calmed down.
Speaker 11 (10:54):
In fact, if George's turned to have the Christmas year,
I really didn't expect it this year, But there at
once in my payin ball, nice and crisp and green
with the best Christmas wishes of the J. C.
Speaker 6 (11:04):
Davis. Still, Oh gee, that swelled your.
Speaker 9 (11:07):
Yeah, real honesty, guys, Christmas bonus I can show you
who couldn't. I don't know whether you get one or not. Mike,
you've only been here six months. Then maybe, by the way,
why don't you mosey in and pick up your pay
It's almost nine o'clock with those in five minutes.
Speaker 7 (11:20):
Well, I guess I've better wait for mister Humbold to
call me. Oh yeah, I felt we get paid earlier.
I still haven't bought Awaye's present. Oh well, don't worry.
Most of the smaller stores we'll still be open for
a couple of hours. Yeah sure, but I I've thought
I get her something she liked. We'll wet a little
store up on tenth, are you. Oh well, it'll be
open till late.
Speaker 6 (11:37):
Say.
Speaker 9 (11:37):
I wonder if they've found out anything about the ten
grand where they've really questioned everybody around them.
Speaker 6 (11:42):
They didn't question me. In fact, they've never questioned me
about it. I don't quite understand that. Oh well, I
don't know. I guess you got your an honest face
or something.
Speaker 9 (11:52):
Yeah, yes, mister Humble, Yes, yes, or I'll send them
right in.
Speaker 6 (12:00):
Maybe we spoke too soon. He wants to see it all.
On the other hand, maybe he just wants to hand
your Christmas bonus in person. And for all you are
getting to be the fair haired boy around here these days.
I better go in. You might even be in line
for a promotion. You can't tell.
Speaker 7 (12:14):
Okay, okay, you want to see me, mister Humble?
Speaker 12 (12:22):
Yes, oh yes, cave covers down.
Speaker 6 (12:25):
Thanks. Have you been with us six months now?
Speaker 4 (12:28):
Yes?
Speaker 12 (12:29):
And I must admit that in that time you've demonstrated
an admirable aptitude.
Speaker 6 (12:33):
For the work. Thanks, mister Humble.
Speaker 12 (12:36):
Yes, in fact, there's been some discussion of raising your salary,
promoting you. I even talked to mister Prenis, a manager
about it myself. Well, thanks, mister Humble. Yes, and that's
why I regret very much to tell you this. I
must inform you that we're forced to dispense with your
services as of tonight.
Speaker 6 (12:55):
This spense you you mean I'm.
Speaker 12 (12:58):
Five, I'm free, that's it. Yeah, you're two weeks pays
in this envelope. Wait a minute, I've been so good.
Why am I being fired? I am not at Liberty.
Don't offer any explanations. I have my orderes.
Speaker 7 (13:10):
It's got something to do with this miss money, hasn't it.
I told this is your way of telling me. You
think I took it?
Speaker 6 (13:15):
Isn't it? Now?
Speaker 7 (13:16):
I did it, isn't it? Mister Humboldt. You've questioned everyone
else in the department with me. You figure questions are unnecessary,
don't you.
Speaker 12 (13:23):
Well, since you put it that way, come naturally we
mistaken the consideration.
Speaker 7 (13:29):
You're a You know about my prison record. I told
you about it. What I've told you about if I
was going to steal again. I'm not accusing you of
stealing again. I only say we can't afford to take chances.
We simply find an advice. All right, I understand, I
understand a lot of things now, mister Humboldt. Thanks, thanks,
mister Humboldt for the Christmas bonus.
Speaker 6 (13:52):
Hey hey, Mike, Mike, wait a minute, hell did you
get it? Can you give you a Christmas bonus? Yeah? Yeah,
I got a Christmas bonus? Off like, hey, what's up?
What's the matter or nothing else. I'll tell you about
it later.
Speaker 9 (14:04):
I'm leaving now. Oh yeah, you're in a hurry. But wait,
I almost forgot it with my bonus. I can you
pay you that thirty bucks?
Speaker 6 (14:09):
El you? Huh here, yn Y very not other help
with that present for your wife?
Speaker 13 (14:16):
Huh yeah? Yeah, thanks George. Thanks Merry Christmas, Mike. Yeah,
that premonition you had this morning was right, wasn't it?
Speaker 4 (14:35):
That funny sinking feeling? Now? You know, don't you?
Speaker 6 (14:38):
Mike?
Speaker 4 (14:39):
You know it all the time. Really, all this past
six months, you've been kidding yourself. That dream bubble has burst.
Merry Christmas. Mic The crowds are still cheerful on the streets.
Speaker 14 (14:50):
The windows are still bright and gay, and the holly
still spices the air.
Speaker 4 (14:54):
But you don't see your feel as smell. No, there's
only the sensation of a chill wind cutting you to
the bone. You wonder the dark streets, not knowing or
caring where you are.
Speaker 6 (15:08):
Hello, Michael, merry Christmas.
Speaker 7 (15:11):
Huh oh, hollow reverend you would I didn't see you
so I noticed.
Speaker 6 (15:17):
I was just getting home for my last minute chopping.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
Won't you come in for a moment cup of tea?
Speaker 6 (15:22):
Perhaps? Why? No?
Speaker 2 (15:24):
I I ah, come on, I haven't seen you for
a long time. That is for a chat side. It's
chilly out, A cup of hot tea warm up. You
look as if you could stand warming up. Michael, come in, No, no,
I've I've got to get along. Ah, come now, that
lovely wife. If you're miss you for a few more minutes,
I tell you I've got to go. Very well, Michael,
(15:45):
I won't keep you.
Speaker 6 (15:46):
Oh, I'm I'm sorry, repend I didn't mean it. You
know well, I understand it's troubled. Anything I can do. No, now,
I'm all right. I know you too well, Michael. I
know you all my life.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Oh, I've helped you before, haven't I.
Speaker 4 (16:04):
I don't know.
Speaker 6 (16:05):
I don't know whether you did or not.
Speaker 7 (16:08):
All that stuff you told me about turning over a
new leaf for getting the past, I believe that, Yes,
of course, how maybe you should have told some other
people instead of me. It just don't work, reference, It
just don't work. All that stuff about being good and
doing good now, it don't pay off.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
It does, Michael, it does. You must believe that even
a little good done brings a great reward, maybe to
some people only. Maybe some of us are behind an
eight ball. We can't get around like, oh, please come in.
Speaker 7 (16:35):
I feel I must talk. Not to night referend, but
all the talking I can stand. I'm gonna do my
own thinking. I know what I'm gonna do.
Speaker 6 (16:43):
You can that? Just sweet life, I know just what
I'm gonna do.
Speaker 4 (16:56):
Yes, your mind is made up, now, isn't it. Mike
Humbold made up up for you, didn't they? You hate him,
don't you? Mike? And all the smug people like him,
never done a stretch and stir there? Your enemies, aren't they, Mike,
whether you wanted them to be or not. And you're
just one of the cell rats. Okay, If that's the
way it is, that's the way you'll play it. What's that?
(17:20):
What's steps following you? Maybe if you stop by this
slighted window. Yeah, you were right, Mike. They're following you,
all right, two of them. You saw them duck into
that doorway when you stopped and turned around.
Speaker 6 (17:35):
Tailor me.
Speaker 7 (17:36):
They got Dick's tailor me. Why sure, you're dope. They
would let you just walk out of there. They think
you took the money, They're gonna tell you hound you
track it down. Okay, okay, if they think I took
the money, I'll give them reason to It's time I
will take it.
Speaker 5 (18:00):
You are listening to the whistler brought to you by
your friend, the Signal Oil Company. Marketers are famous. Signal
Gasoline your best buy today. Remember to let every go
Signal remind you you do go farther with Signal Gasoline.
Speaker 4 (18:37):
Merry Christmas night, A very merry Christmas. Isn't it? Six
months of going straight and you've given it up. You're
going back back to the store and get your share
of those days receipts. Yes, it's all so simple as midmind.
He'll son be twelve o' pat midnight, and old gusts
will be up in the Louis fifteenth room, the thirteenth floor,
(19:00):
the safe and Humboldt's office will be a cinch. You've
seen it many times. And as for the two dicks
tailing you, now, it'll be duck soup to shake him.
Duck soup. That's right, you're heading up tenth Avenue. Now
you can double back. And what's wrong, mate? Why are
you stopping? Going to be that tune? The brightly lighted window,
(19:21):
the old man standing back there. Of course, now you
remember tenth Avenue. This is all, mister Samuel, the little store.
This is it where you're going to buy a Lane
her Christmas present. And there it is what you heard,
the music box sitting on the counter next to the
open door, playing.
Speaker 10 (19:44):
Good evening, Michael, and Merry Christmas. Hi mister Samuel, who
came in just in time. I was just about to
close up. I guess down at your big store you've
been closed for a long time. But here her the
little fellows have to stay open to get all the
business we can.
Speaker 6 (20:00):
Can I do for you? Is this the music box
that laying like so well? Ah?
Speaker 10 (20:04):
Yes, that is the one. She was very taken with it.
Her eyes sparkled when she looked at it. Yeah, there's
a part of pupper someone inside is that is right?
And when you open it it plays the little tune.
So yes, she was saying, how it was her favorite tune.
Speaker 6 (20:27):
Okay, how much is a bear?
Speaker 10 (20:30):
It's usually priced at seventy five, but I'll give it
to you and the young lady.
Speaker 6 (20:35):
For fifty fifty dollars.
Speaker 10 (20:37):
Well, yes, you see, it's a januine antique and it's
the best thing I have in this store.
Speaker 6 (20:42):
Well, I'm I'm sorry, but that's more than I'm being out.
I'm sorry too.
Speaker 10 (20:46):
I would have let you have it for less if
I could, but fifty is the lowest show show.
Speaker 6 (20:52):
Well, okay, forget, I'm sorry, come back again.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
Now, what's the matter, Mike? Why are you stopping? Could
it be you can't make up your mind? Could it
be your thinking about the music box, about Elaine, about Christmas? Yes,
this may be your last Christmas with her, you know,
your last chance to give her a decent present with
clean money, money you earned. It might be a nice gesture.
I might a little token of all that might have been.
Speaker 6 (21:29):
Oh, mister Seamus, I'll take wrap it up to get them.
I'll take that.
Speaker 4 (21:41):
Merry Christmas, Mike. That's what's written across the package. It
was going to be a symbol for a wonderful new life,
wasn't it. And now it's an ironic farewell. Your last
attempt at doing good is Reverend Hewitt called it too bad.
It won't bring you that great reward, he promised. It
won't have a chance because there are those two dick
still following you and you you're heading for J. C.
(22:05):
Deaver's department store Officeite Henry Humble the interior of its safe.
It's almost twelve midnight. I have to duck those guys.
Speaker 9 (22:13):
Hey girls, thirty the guiter sattle showing Tom Starling could
fill a van and thurdy raving beauties and who shall
just started only for the same ticket with it. Oh yeah, yeah,
all he says, thank you, sir, and who show just started. Hurry, hurry, hurry,
ladies and gentlemen.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
You're doing great, Mike. Those dix Wills follow you in,
but you won't be there, will you. No, You're heading
for that exit sign down at the side, through the curtains,
push out through the door, and there you are in
the alley three. Okay, Now up to the street, lose
(23:00):
yourself in the crowd. Turn down fifth or the store.
You're okay now, don't need to look back.
Speaker 6 (23:07):
Or is there?
Speaker 4 (23:11):
They're there. You didn't shake them, after all, they were
wise to that trick, and they were waiting for you
outside the theater. Yes, you should have known. Now what
you've got an idea, Yes, a good idea. A honey,
why not lead them to the store. Sure, that's where
they expect you to go, But beat them there and
hide down in the freight dock behind one of those
(23:32):
big crates. They'll never find you in that mess. Then
when they get tired looking, you'll be able to slip
in and do the job. All that. Brilliant, Yes, brilliant. Yes,
(23:53):
here's the store. There, they are a quarter of a
block behind. When you hit the alley, you'll run for it,
make a dash back to the back, and you'll be
so far ahead then they won't know whether you've got
in or not, and you'll fool him entirely. You'll have
them searching the whole store. Okay, here it is, Okay,
(24:16):
you made it. You left them way behind. Here's the
freight doc.
Speaker 6 (24:23):
Okay, come on copp it, just try and find me
in here on it now it laughs? Do you know
we were following them? Sure? Sure, let's not waste time.
You have plenty of time to get in probably with employees.
Speaker 12 (24:38):
Key okay, okay, get out your skelleton, and then let's
go in after him.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
Work like a charm, doesn't it, Mike. You're sitting here
in your crate comfortably waiting while they searched the entire store.
They've been there long enough to do it. It's almost one.
If they don't hurry, have gust to worry about. Not
that that's too much of a worry, but wait, bullets.
Speaker 6 (25:05):
Yeah, let's do it.
Speaker 7 (25:07):
Yeah too bad, hey, light as your lighter up could
have dumped in one of these crazy.
Speaker 6 (25:13):
Yeah yeah yeah. If we never find went.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Man, we can play hide and seek with us there
for days, right, because I'll call the day.
Speaker 6 (25:21):
There's a fine way to spend Christmas Eve. Anyway, go on,
let's go home, okay, right?
Speaker 14 (25:26):
Besides, well, my merry Christmas. This is better than you expected.
Speaker 4 (25:38):
They're leaving, actually going away, leaving the place to your
tender mercies. You won't have to dodge him coming out.
They aren't going to camp out in Humboldt's office and
actually walking away down the alley and your set good.
Speaker 6 (25:55):
Something's wrong that's going I can't stop. I can't. Yeah,
come on right over here, get right here, and it's
great time touly.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
Okay, Cob, we finally cornered your come on out now.
Speaker 12 (26:13):
You're hanging in there now, Cab, come on, come on,
come on. We want to talk it. Yeah, yeah, I
know I got the idea. Okay, okay, you got me.
Thanks for the music. Let us right to the dance floor. Yeah,
that's the great reward. The minister was talking about it.
Speaker 6 (26:28):
Great. I don't get you now, you wouldn't. It's a
private little joke on me.
Speaker 2 (26:33):
Yeah, well that music maybe did you a big favorite,
Cob Tava.
Speaker 12 (26:37):
That's right, and you'll see what I mean if you'll
answer a few questions for us.
Speaker 6 (26:41):
I don't see why I should.
Speaker 2 (26:42):
You got nothing to be afraid of, kid, If you
just answer a couple of questions straight, probably answer one.
Speaker 6 (26:46):
I didn't do it.
Speaker 12 (26:47):
I had nothing to do with Okay, okay, you had
nothing to do with it. We didn't ask you that question.
I'm going to answer this. You bought that music box
at the store on tenth Avenu.
Speaker 6 (26:55):
A while ago. Now you know, I did your sonny
fire and you.
Speaker 12 (26:57):
Paid for it with two twenties ten Yeah, well, part
of that money was marked. It was money that had
been stolen from diver's departments. I said, it wasn't stolen.
Speaker 6 (27:05):
It with the door. I got my pay envelope all
of it. Didn't somebody else give you a part of it? No,
I just earned the whole thing. Didn't George Osborn give
you a part of it? Oh? Yeah, yeah he did.
He paid me thirty dollars a year. Okay, now this
is very important.
Speaker 12 (27:21):
Had Osburn pay yet in what denomination of bills?
Speaker 6 (27:24):
Well?
Speaker 7 (27:26):
Yeah, yeah, I remember he gave me three times tens.
You're sure, sure, I'm sure. And the twenties came to
you in your pay en blip. Yeah, you'll swear to
that in coin of course. Okay, that does it? Thanks
cam Hey, Wait, you mean that's what you wanted me for.
Speaker 6 (27:49):
It was enough.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
You just proved for us who stole that ten grand
from the store, And the way you were acting, we
almost thought it was you. We hadn't known better all
the time.
Speaker 5 (28:16):
But that's not the end of the story. The whistler
will bring it to you in just a moment. Meantime,
Signal Oil Company joins with eighteen hundred Signal Gasoline dealers
throughout the West, from Canada to Mexico, and hoping that
this has been a good Christmas for you. It wasn't
the Christmas we had all hoped and prayed for. There
were too many empty places at the table, too many
(28:36):
empty places in our hearts. As we look back, we
may wonder if perhaps we didn't give quite enough, not
quite enough, of our effort, of our money and of
our blood, which can mean life itself to a boy
at the front. Yet, even the regrets that may tinge
this season's gladness can prove its greatest blessing if they
fire us to new determination, to new and greater effort
(29:01):
through the coming year, until our prayers are finally answered
and peace again returns to heal this confused and torn whirl. Yes,
if as this Christmas of nineteen forty four draws to
a close, we will rededicate ourselves to this our job,
we may each of us hasten the realization of that
(29:21):
ancient promise, peace on earth, goodwill toward men. And now
back to the whistler.
Speaker 4 (29:37):
Well, quite surprising, isn't it. The police didn't suspect Mike
at all. You see, it was this way because of
his record. The cops began to tail Mic in the
very beginning when the money first began to be missed.
Twice they had him under observation at the very time
the money was stolen, so they knew he didn't do it,
but they kept watching him in the hope he would
leave him to the real scene. And he did, yes,
(30:00):
because when things got hot, the thief finally tried to
frame Mike by giving him some of the stolen money
marked money this time George Osborn. Oh No. In fact,
Osborne almost dumbed things up by paying his debts. The
detectives hadn't counted on that. That's why they had to
be sure which bills Osborne gave Mike. The tens weren't marked,
(30:21):
the twenties were the twenties. Mike got an his pay
envelope from Humboldt. Yes, Henry Humboldt, the office manager. You see,
things were getting too hot for him, The trail was
getting too close. He knew the money was marked, and
he knew the detective were watching Mike, so he gave
him some of the marked bills and his severance pay,
trying to frame him. It couldn't have worked, of course,
(30:44):
but Humboldt didn't know that, and neither did Mike, and
Mike almost did something he regretted all his life. He
almost went back to a life of crime. Yes, it's
a music box. Hadn't of jammed and started playing just
when it did, and that actives had gone off, Mike's
life would have gone down the skid because it did
(31:05):
play when it did. Well, next week he'll be back
at the store in a better job. Yes, and he
got a Christmas bonut to him. They saw to that
after Humboldt was arrested, and all because the music box played.
Maybe that's why Mike said.
Speaker 7 (31:21):
No, sir, that music box sits right there on the
table where everybody can see it.
Speaker 6 (31:26):
Darling, I really think it means as much to you
as it does the lame book.
Speaker 7 (31:30):
I guess maybe it does, Alain, Just like the revenue,
it says, a little good brings a great reward.
Speaker 6 (31:36):
Yeah, the rest.
Speaker 7 (31:38):
Of my life, that little gadget's going to mean a
Merry Christmas, Darling.
Speaker 4 (31:45):
Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Mike.
Speaker 5 (32:17):
Next Monday at nine o'clock, the Signal Oil Program will
bring you another strange tale by the Whistler. The Signal
Oil Program is broadcast for your entertainment by the Signal
Oil Company, marketers of signals famous Go Farther Gasoline and
motor oil, and by your neighborhood signal oil dealer, who
is at your service daily to keep your car running
for the duration. The Signal Oil Program, produced by George
(32:41):
w Allen with music by Wilbur Hatch, is transmitted to
our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. Bob Anderson,
speaking for your friend, the Signal Oil Company, and suggesting
once again that you let every go signal remind you
that you do go farther with signal gasoline. This is CBS,
(33:01):
the Columbia Broadcasting System.
Speaker 3 (33:20):
Welcome back. Every now and again the whistler will get
you with a happy ending. And I think that there
would probably be no better time for that sort of
happy ending than in the midst of all the challenges
being faced in World War Two. Well, that will do
it for today. Our Christmas series continues tomorrow. If you
(33:45):
would like to share your experience, or that of a
loved one during World War Two. Please email your stories
to Box thirteen at Great Detectives dot net. We'll consider
all stories to be shared on the air. We also
welcome your suggestion as to future programs. This program is
dedicated to those who fought and died in World War
(34:05):
Two and is presented as a service of the Great
Detectives of Old Time Radio. Great Detectives dog Net
Hello, this is your host, Adam Graham. The Great Adventurers
of Old Time Radio is taking a break from posting
the new episodes, but we are sharing some adventure themed
episodes of other podcasts I've done over the years until
we return on January eleventh for the premiere of Tarzan
(00:29):
in the Meantime. Please enjoy this episode, which was originally
released as part of our World War II series The War,
and if you'd like to listen to more episodes of
that series, check it out at Thewar dot Great Detectives
dot net. Now on with today's show.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Blome.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
Welcome to the War from Boise, Idaho. This is your host,
Adam Graham. If you have a common email it to
me Box thirteen, a great active net. Christmas Time, America
spent four Christmases at war, and each one brought with
it to challenges. With families separated by war, many husbands
(01:14):
and fathers thousands of miles away from home. It could
be a lonely and difficult time, and it also could
be a refreshing time. Time to find joy and happiness
in the midst of horrific death, toolls find solace in
the peace on earth that Christmas promises. Wartime Christmas shows
(01:37):
could be heartwarming and hilarious and occasionally a little bit
we are depending on who was writing them, but often
it would also include a call renew our dedication and
to be resolute in the dedication when a just peace.
Over the course of the next ten days, we're going
(01:59):
to play what I think is some of the best
wartime Christmas programs, and we'll start off with an unusual
place as we begin our journey through World War two
era Christmas programs with The Whistler. The Whistler was one
of radio's most iconic series, but it's not one you
think of when you are looking for a heartwarming Christmas program.
(02:23):
The Whistler began in nineteen forty two. Early episodes had
it as a kind of mystery suspense program, with a
few shows even having a few elements of.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
Horror in them. However, what The Whistler.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Became known for was its amazing sense of dramatic irony.
Often a program would feature its central character planning some crime,
often murder, and thinking of how clever they were and
how they had it all figured out right until the
(03:01):
ironic closing. An example of a typical Whistler episode that's
perhaps easiest to explain is that a man's wife and
her lover plot against him. They sabotage his plane with
the goal of having it crash. Unfortunately for them, the
husband decides to go buy the house and wave to
(03:24):
his wife, and that's when the plane conks out. Plane
crashes into the house, kills the wife and kills the lover,
while the husband survives the crash.
Speaker 4 (03:33):
Dramatic irony.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
So how would the Whistler do Christmas?
Speaker 1 (03:38):
We're going to find out.
Speaker 3 (03:39):
So here from December the twenty fifth of nineteen forty
four is the Christmas bonus.
Speaker 5 (03:49):
That every ghost signal reminds you that you do go
further with signal Gasoline, the signal oil program, the signal
Oil company, and your neighborhood signal dealer. Bring you another
curious story by the Whistler to night Lie or Consequences.
Speaker 4 (04:30):
I am the Whistler, and I know many things. For
I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many
secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who
have stepped into the shadows. Presently I'll tell you of
nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. Within the
(04:56):
human character, the line between good and evil is a
waving one, and very often the one small impulse for
good will outweigh and nullify the bed. Such was the
case with Michael car Mike wasn't bad. Really, it happened
while he was a kid, before he knew any better.
He'd gotten into trouble, gone to prison, served a stretch.
(05:18):
Now he's out. Then he's learned his lesson. He's proving
that he's going straight, working hard at his job in
the office of a large department store. He's married to
a girly loves and happy, delicious, delicious.
Speaker 6 (05:32):
Oh, nobody can cook a better breakfast than you, dolling,
thank you, sir.
Speaker 4 (05:36):
Now, Ma, don't vote your coffee.
Speaker 6 (05:38):
I gotta run. I'll be late. A couple of minutes
won't make any difference.
Speaker 7 (05:41):
Well, maybe not most days, but today is going to
be a big one, the last shopping day before Christmas.
You know, stores will be jammed, We'll be swamp with
work until late tonight. Be shy, got I want to
spoil my record. Six months and I haven't been late
to work one.
Speaker 6 (05:53):
I know, I know, it's fine. I'm sure the still appreciated.
Speaker 7 (05:55):
Yeah, Lene, I think they do too. I really think
they like me down there. I'm work and everything.
Speaker 6 (06:00):
Oh sure, Mike, how could they help liking you? No?
Speaker 7 (06:04):
No, I mean well, I'm begin to feel like all
that stuff is all forgotten, almost like something that never happened.
Speaker 6 (06:11):
It is, it is forgotten, Mike.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
Everything's different now.
Speaker 6 (06:15):
Yeah, yeah it is. Oh, this is going to be
a lot different Christmas than the last one, isn't that.
Speaker 7 (06:19):
Yes, Mike, you're a wonderful lame coming to see me,
sticking by me, donning. I promise you there'll never be
another Christmas like that, never.
Speaker 6 (06:26):
I know that won't, Mike. But now on they're all
going to be really merry Christmas. Yeah you better.
Speaker 7 (06:33):
Oh gosh, that reminds me. I haven't got your present yet.
I'll have to run out for lunch. I don't find something.
Speaker 6 (06:37):
No, no, Mike, you're not going to go spending a
lot of money on me. Maybe next year.
Speaker 8 (06:41):
Will be morning.
Speaker 7 (06:42):
Never you learn, I'll get you what I don please,
Oh my gosh, how I will be later, I don't run.
Speaker 6 (06:48):
Here's here's your hat ks. Oh, good bye, Dolly, but
don't get home before midnight.
Speaker 8 (06:54):
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Yes, it looks like a merry Christmas for you would laugh,
doesn't it, Mike, For the first time in your life,
Almost a real merry Christmas. You notice the smiles on
people's faces as they walk down the street. You get
sort of a kick out of the fancy red and
green drape windows of the store. The holly smells good
in the elevator, and you chuckle as you pass the
(07:31):
toy department with a perspiring Santa Claus pulling on his
red coat. Then into the office, everybody's smiling. Yeah, you
know what, Mike, maybe you're getting that thing they call
the Christmas spirit.
Speaker 6 (07:44):
Well, morning, George, Merry Christmas, Mike, very cheerful this morning?
Oh why not? It's almost Christmas? But they have good
cheer Who hell, what's the matter with you, sour person?
Speaker 7 (07:54):
Nuts humbles on the rare page again, Well, what is
it this time?
Speaker 6 (07:58):
You haven't heard?
Speaker 9 (08:00):
Somebody lifted another thousand bucks out of the receipts last night?
Speaker 6 (08:03):
What again?
Speaker 9 (08:04):
Yeah, it makes about ten grand that's been missing in
the last six months.
Speaker 6 (08:07):
Well, no wonder, mister Hombod's upset.
Speaker 9 (08:09):
The detectives are in there with them right now, and
they've got old gusts a night watchmen in for questioning.
I suppose we'll all be on the carpet like the
last time.
Speaker 7 (08:16):
See that's not so good. Ten thousand dollars. Hey, that's
grand lasting.
Speaker 9 (08:20):
And the cops are probably getting pretty sore about not
pinning it on somebody. And look it comes old guess
price from the inquisition.
Speaker 10 (08:27):
Ah, yeah, dank you, mister homeborn Gus, Hey, Gus, I'm
mister Osborne.
Speaker 6 (08:32):
We're playing questions and answers in there again.
Speaker 10 (08:34):
Guess Yeah times that time the only time I got
to sleep when they called me down here for this.
Speaker 6 (08:43):
What f would I want to steal money for? I
got it right?
Speaker 10 (08:46):
Fine, right, four kids, I steal money, I go to
jail is style?
Speaker 6 (08:52):
What for would I steer? Uh? Sure, guess? But I
know why you so worked up about it.
Speaker 9 (08:58):
Yeah, you probably had to admit where you were last
night between twelve and one o'clock. How come you know,
Duck the high bosh go on. Everybody in the store
knows that Gus is a standing joke. Everybody knows you
eat your lunch every morning between twelve and one. You know,
you go up to the thirteenth floor and stretch out
on one of those dive ends in the lowire, the
fifteenth room, the classes in the joint.
Speaker 10 (09:17):
Okay, so what's wrong with duck? I got to eat?
Why not in style?
Speaker 9 (09:21):
Only for that hour? Anybody could come in and move
out the other twelve floors and.
Speaker 6 (09:25):
You'd never know it.
Speaker 10 (09:26):
All right, So what maybe Dutch has been somebody stole money.
I do not know. I only know I did not steal.
Just it the only time I got to sleep one.
They have to go asking me.
Speaker 6 (09:40):
A character. Hey, is that true about his breakfast from
the top to one? Shure, there's a night watchman for you.
Speaker 7 (09:47):
That probably explains why they're so sure the thief is
somebody inside the store, somebody who knows about Gus and
what time he won't be on this floor.
Speaker 9 (09:56):
It could be Oh that's humble, yes, mister Humboldt, Yes
right away, sir, that's as I thought.
Speaker 6 (10:06):
It's my turn now. Man. If I start screaming, you'll
know he's putting me on the rack. Okay, I'll bring
a branding iron to your rescue.
Speaker 9 (10:13):
Don't laugh yet, you'll probably be next. If Humboldt really
decides to catch a thief, he'll catch one by hook
or crook.
Speaker 4 (10:28):
Merry Christmas. Mike, Oh now, what's the matter. You don't
seem as happy as you were. Something happened to dampen
the Christmas spirit. Maybe something you can't describe, can't even
put your finger on, just a funny, sinking feeling, forget it.
George Osburn has been in and out of Humbold's office,
(10:48):
and almost the whole day has gone by, and nothing's happened,
and everything seems to have calmed down.
Speaker 11 (10:54):
In fact, if George's turned to have the Christmas year,
I really didn't expect it this year, But there at
once in my payin ball, nice and crisp and green
with the best Christmas wishes of the J. C.
Speaker 6 (11:04):
Davis. Still, Oh gee, that swelled your.
Speaker 9 (11:07):
Yeah, real honesty, guys, Christmas bonus I can show you
who couldn't. I don't know whether you get one or not. Mike,
you've only been here six months. Then maybe, by the way,
why don't you mosey in and pick up your pay
It's almost nine o'clock with those in five minutes.
Speaker 7 (11:20):
Well, I guess I've better wait for mister Humbold to
call me. Oh yeah, I felt we get paid earlier.
I still haven't bought Awaye's present. Oh well, don't worry.
Most of the smaller stores we'll still be open for
a couple of hours. Yeah sure, but I I've thought
I get her something she liked. We'll wet a little
store up on tenth, are you. Oh well, it'll be
open till late.
Speaker 6 (11:37):
Say.
Speaker 9 (11:37):
I wonder if they've found out anything about the ten
grand where they've really questioned everybody around them.
Speaker 6 (11:42):
They didn't question me. In fact, they've never questioned me
about it. I don't quite understand that. Oh well, I
don't know. I guess you got your an honest face
or something.
Speaker 9 (11:52):
Yeah, yes, mister Humble, Yes, yes, or I'll send them
right in.
Speaker 6 (12:00):
Maybe we spoke too soon. He wants to see it all.
On the other hand, maybe he just wants to hand
your Christmas bonus in person. And for all you are
getting to be the fair haired boy around here these days.
I better go in. You might even be in line
for a promotion. You can't tell.
Speaker 7 (12:14):
Okay, okay, you want to see me, mister Humble?
Speaker 12 (12:22):
Yes, oh yes, cave covers down.
Speaker 6 (12:25):
Thanks. Have you been with us six months now?
Speaker 4 (12:28):
Yes?
Speaker 12 (12:29):
And I must admit that in that time you've demonstrated
an admirable aptitude.
Speaker 6 (12:33):
For the work. Thanks, mister Humble.
Speaker 12 (12:36):
Yes, in fact, there's been some discussion of raising your salary,
promoting you. I even talked to mister Prenis, a manager
about it myself. Well, thanks, mister Humble. Yes, and that's
why I regret very much to tell you this. I
must inform you that we're forced to dispense with your
services as of tonight.
Speaker 6 (12:55):
This spense you you mean I'm.
Speaker 12 (12:58):
Five, I'm free, that's it. Yeah, you're two weeks pays
in this envelope. Wait a minute, I've been so good.
Why am I being fired? I am not at Liberty.
Don't offer any explanations. I have my orderes.
Speaker 7 (13:10):
It's got something to do with this miss money, hasn't it.
I told this is your way of telling me. You
think I took it?
Speaker 6 (13:15):
Isn't it? Now?
Speaker 7 (13:16):
I did it, isn't it? Mister Humboldt. You've questioned everyone
else in the department with me. You figure questions are unnecessary,
don't you.
Speaker 12 (13:23):
Well, since you put it that way, come naturally we
mistaken the consideration.
Speaker 7 (13:29):
You're a You know about my prison record. I told
you about it. What I've told you about if I
was going to steal again. I'm not accusing you of
stealing again. I only say we can't afford to take chances.
We simply find an advice. All right, I understand, I
understand a lot of things now, mister Humboldt. Thanks, thanks,
mister Humboldt for the Christmas bonus.
Speaker 6 (13:52):
Hey hey, Mike, Mike, wait a minute, hell did you
get it? Can you give you a Christmas bonus? Yeah? Yeah,
I got a Christmas bonus? Off like, hey, what's up?
What's the matter or nothing else. I'll tell you about
it later.
Speaker 9 (14:04):
I'm leaving now. Oh yeah, you're in a hurry. But wait,
I almost forgot it with my bonus. I can you
pay you that thirty bucks?
Speaker 6 (14:09):
El you? Huh here, yn Y very not other help
with that present for your wife?
Speaker 13 (14:16):
Huh yeah? Yeah, thanks George. Thanks Merry Christmas, Mike. Yeah,
that premonition you had this morning was right, wasn't it?
Speaker 4 (14:35):
That funny sinking feeling? Now? You know, don't you?
Speaker 6 (14:38):
Mike?
Speaker 4 (14:39):
You know it all the time. Really, all this past
six months, you've been kidding yourself. That dream bubble has burst.
Merry Christmas. Mic The crowds are still cheerful on the streets.
Speaker 14 (14:50):
The windows are still bright and gay, and the holly
still spices the air.
Speaker 4 (14:54):
But you don't see your feel as smell. No, there's
only the sensation of a chill wind cutting you to
the bone. You wonder the dark streets, not knowing or
caring where you are.
Speaker 6 (15:08):
Hello, Michael, merry Christmas.
Speaker 7 (15:11):
Huh oh, hollow reverend you would I didn't see you
so I noticed.
Speaker 6 (15:17):
I was just getting home for my last minute chopping.
Speaker 2 (15:20):
Won't you come in for a moment cup of tea?
Speaker 6 (15:22):
Perhaps? Why? No?
Speaker 2 (15:24):
I I ah, come on, I haven't seen you for
a long time. That is for a chat side. It's
chilly out, A cup of hot tea warm up. You
look as if you could stand warming up. Michael, come in, No, no,
I've I've got to get along. Ah, come now, that
lovely wife. If you're miss you for a few more minutes,
I tell you I've got to go. Very well, Michael,
(15:45):
I won't keep you.
Speaker 6 (15:46):
Oh, I'm I'm sorry, repend I didn't mean it. You
know well, I understand it's troubled. Anything I can do. No, now,
I'm all right. I know you too well, Michael. I
know you all my life.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
Oh, I've helped you before, haven't I.
Speaker 4 (16:04):
I don't know.
Speaker 6 (16:05):
I don't know whether you did or not.
Speaker 7 (16:08):
All that stuff you told me about turning over a
new leaf for getting the past, I believe that, Yes,
of course, how maybe you should have told some other
people instead of me. It just don't work, reference, It
just don't work. All that stuff about being good and
doing good now, it don't pay off.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
It does, Michael, it does. You must believe that even
a little good done brings a great reward, maybe to
some people only. Maybe some of us are behind an
eight ball. We can't get around like, oh, please come in.
Speaker 7 (16:35):
I feel I must talk. Not to night referend, but
all the talking I can stand. I'm gonna do my
own thinking. I know what I'm gonna do.
Speaker 6 (16:43):
You can that? Just sweet life, I know just what
I'm gonna do.
Speaker 4 (16:56):
Yes, your mind is made up, now, isn't it. Mike
Humbold made up up for you, didn't they? You hate him,
don't you? Mike? And all the smug people like him,
never done a stretch and stir there? Your enemies, aren't they, Mike,
whether you wanted them to be or not. And you're
just one of the cell rats. Okay, If that's the
way it is, that's the way you'll play it. What's that?
(17:20):
What's steps following you? Maybe if you stop by this
slighted window. Yeah, you were right, Mike. They're following you,
all right, two of them. You saw them duck into
that doorway when you stopped and turned around.
Speaker 6 (17:35):
Tailor me.
Speaker 7 (17:36):
They got Dick's tailor me. Why sure, you're dope. They
would let you just walk out of there. They think
you took the money, They're gonna tell you hound you
track it down. Okay, okay, if they think I took
the money, I'll give them reason to It's time I
will take it.
Speaker 5 (18:00):
You are listening to the whistler brought to you by
your friend, the Signal Oil Company. Marketers are famous. Signal
Gasoline your best buy today. Remember to let every go
Signal remind you you do go farther with Signal Gasoline.
Speaker 4 (18:37):
Merry Christmas night, A very merry Christmas. Isn't it? Six
months of going straight and you've given it up. You're
going back back to the store and get your share
of those days receipts. Yes, it's all so simple as midmind.
He'll son be twelve o' pat midnight, and old gusts
will be up in the Louis fifteenth room, the thirteenth floor,
(19:00):
the safe and Humboldt's office will be a cinch. You've
seen it many times. And as for the two dicks
tailing you, now, it'll be duck soup to shake him.
Duck soup. That's right, you're heading up tenth Avenue. Now
you can double back. And what's wrong, mate? Why are
you stopping? Going to be that tune? The brightly lighted window,
(19:21):
the old man standing back there. Of course, now you
remember tenth Avenue. This is all, mister Samuel, the little store.
This is it where you're going to buy a Lane
her Christmas present. And there it is what you heard,
the music box sitting on the counter next to the
open door, playing.
Speaker 10 (19:44):
Good evening, Michael, and Merry Christmas. Hi mister Samuel, who
came in just in time. I was just about to
close up. I guess down at your big store you've
been closed for a long time. But here her the
little fellows have to stay open to get all the
business we can.
Speaker 6 (20:00):
Can I do for you? Is this the music box
that laying like so well? Ah?
Speaker 10 (20:04):
Yes, that is the one. She was very taken with it.
Her eyes sparkled when she looked at it. Yeah, there's
a part of pupper someone inside is that is right?
And when you open it it plays the little tune.
So yes, she was saying, how it was her favorite tune.
Speaker 6 (20:27):
Okay, how much is a bear?
Speaker 10 (20:30):
It's usually priced at seventy five, but I'll give it
to you and the young lady.
Speaker 6 (20:35):
For fifty fifty dollars.
Speaker 10 (20:37):
Well, yes, you see, it's a januine antique and it's
the best thing I have in this store.
Speaker 6 (20:42):
Well, I'm I'm sorry, but that's more than I'm being out.
I'm sorry too.
Speaker 10 (20:46):
I would have let you have it for less if
I could, but fifty is the lowest show show.
Speaker 6 (20:52):
Well, okay, forget, I'm sorry, come back again.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
Now, what's the matter, Mike? Why are you stopping? Could
it be you can't make up your mind? Could it
be your thinking about the music box, about Elaine, about Christmas? Yes,
this may be your last Christmas with her, you know,
your last chance to give her a decent present with
clean money, money you earned. It might be a nice gesture.
I might a little token of all that might have been.
Speaker 6 (21:29):
Oh, mister Seamus, I'll take wrap it up to get them.
I'll take that.
Speaker 4 (21:41):
Merry Christmas, Mike. That's what's written across the package. It
was going to be a symbol for a wonderful new life,
wasn't it. And now it's an ironic farewell. Your last
attempt at doing good is Reverend Hewitt called it too bad.
It won't bring you that great reward, he promised. It
won't have a chance because there are those two dick
still following you and you you're heading for J. C.
(22:05):
Deaver's department store Officeite Henry Humble the interior of its safe.
It's almost twelve midnight. I have to duck those guys.
Speaker 9 (22:13):
Hey girls, thirty the guiter sattle showing Tom Starling could
fill a van and thurdy raving beauties and who shall
just started only for the same ticket with it. Oh yeah, yeah,
all he says, thank you, sir, and who show just started. Hurry, hurry, hurry,
ladies and gentlemen.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
You're doing great, Mike. Those dix Wills follow you in,
but you won't be there, will you. No, You're heading
for that exit sign down at the side, through the curtains,
push out through the door, and there you are in
the alley three. Okay, Now up to the street, lose
(23:00):
yourself in the crowd. Turn down fifth or the store.
You're okay now, don't need to look back.
Speaker 6 (23:07):
Or is there?
Speaker 4 (23:11):
They're there. You didn't shake them, after all, they were
wise to that trick, and they were waiting for you
outside the theater. Yes, you should have known. Now what
you've got an idea, Yes, a good idea. A honey,
why not lead them to the store. Sure, that's where
they expect you to go, But beat them there and
hide down in the freight dock behind one of those
(23:32):
big crates. They'll never find you in that mess. Then
when they get tired looking, you'll be able to slip
in and do the job. All that. Brilliant, Yes, brilliant. Yes,
(23:53):
here's the store. There, they are a quarter of a
block behind. When you hit the alley, you'll run for it,
make a dash back to the back, and you'll be
so far ahead then they won't know whether you've got
in or not, and you'll fool him entirely. You'll have
them searching the whole store. Okay, here it is, Okay,
(24:16):
you made it. You left them way behind. Here's the
freight doc.
Speaker 6 (24:23):
Okay, come on copp it, just try and find me
in here on it now it laughs? Do you know
we were following them? Sure? Sure, let's not waste time.
You have plenty of time to get in probably with employees.
Speaker 12 (24:38):
Key okay, okay, get out your skelleton, and then let's
go in after him.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
Work like a charm, doesn't it, Mike. You're sitting here
in your crate comfortably waiting while they searched the entire store.
They've been there long enough to do it. It's almost one.
If they don't hurry, have gust to worry about. Not
that that's too much of a worry, but wait, bullets.
Speaker 6 (25:05):
Yeah, let's do it.
Speaker 7 (25:07):
Yeah too bad, hey, light as your lighter up could
have dumped in one of these crazy.
Speaker 6 (25:13):
Yeah yeah yeah. If we never find went.
Speaker 2 (25:15):
Man, we can play hide and seek with us there
for days, right, because I'll call the day.
Speaker 6 (25:21):
There's a fine way to spend Christmas Eve. Anyway, go on,
let's go home, okay, right?
Speaker 14 (25:26):
Besides, well, my merry Christmas. This is better than you expected.
Speaker 4 (25:38):
They're leaving, actually going away, leaving the place to your
tender mercies. You won't have to dodge him coming out.
They aren't going to camp out in Humboldt's office and
actually walking away down the alley and your set good.
Speaker 6 (25:55):
Something's wrong that's going I can't stop. I can't. Yeah,
come on right over here, get right here, and it's
great time touly.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
Okay, Cob, we finally cornered your come on out now.
Speaker 12 (26:13):
You're hanging in there now, Cab, come on, come on,
come on. We want to talk it. Yeah, yeah, I
know I got the idea. Okay, okay, you got me.
Thanks for the music. Let us right to the dance floor. Yeah,
that's the great reward. The minister was talking about it.
Speaker 6 (26:28):
Great. I don't get you now, you wouldn't. It's a
private little joke on me.
Speaker 2 (26:33):
Yeah, well that music maybe did you a big favorite,
Cob Tava.
Speaker 12 (26:37):
That's right, and you'll see what I mean if you'll
answer a few questions for us.
Speaker 6 (26:41):
I don't see why I should.
Speaker 2 (26:42):
You got nothing to be afraid of, kid, If you
just answer a couple of questions straight, probably answer one.
Speaker 6 (26:46):
I didn't do it.
Speaker 12 (26:47):
I had nothing to do with Okay, okay, you had
nothing to do with it. We didn't ask you that question.
I'm going to answer this. You bought that music box
at the store on tenth Avenu.
Speaker 6 (26:55):
A while ago. Now you know, I did your sonny
fire and you.
Speaker 12 (26:57):
Paid for it with two twenties ten Yeah, well, part
of that money was marked. It was money that had
been stolen from diver's departments. I said, it wasn't stolen.
Speaker 6 (27:05):
It with the door. I got my pay envelope all
of it. Didn't somebody else give you a part of it? No,
I just earned the whole thing. Didn't George Osborn give
you a part of it? Oh? Yeah, yeah he did.
He paid me thirty dollars a year. Okay, now this
is very important.
Speaker 12 (27:21):
Had Osburn pay yet in what denomination of bills?
Speaker 6 (27:24):
Well?
Speaker 7 (27:26):
Yeah, yeah, I remember he gave me three times tens.
You're sure, sure, I'm sure. And the twenties came to
you in your pay en blip. Yeah, you'll swear to
that in coin of course. Okay, that does it? Thanks
cam Hey, Wait, you mean that's what you wanted me for.
Speaker 6 (27:49):
It was enough.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
You just proved for us who stole that ten grand
from the store, And the way you were acting, we
almost thought it was you. We hadn't known better all
the time.
Speaker 5 (28:16):
But that's not the end of the story. The whistler
will bring it to you in just a moment. Meantime,
Signal Oil Company joins with eighteen hundred Signal Gasoline dealers
throughout the West, from Canada to Mexico, and hoping that
this has been a good Christmas for you. It wasn't
the Christmas we had all hoped and prayed for. There
were too many empty places at the table, too many
(28:36):
empty places in our hearts. As we look back, we
may wonder if perhaps we didn't give quite enough, not
quite enough, of our effort, of our money and of
our blood, which can mean life itself to a boy
at the front. Yet, even the regrets that may tinge
this season's gladness can prove its greatest blessing if they
fire us to new determination, to new and greater effort
(29:01):
through the coming year, until our prayers are finally answered
and peace again returns to heal this confused and torn whirl. Yes,
if as this Christmas of nineteen forty four draws to
a close, we will rededicate ourselves to this our job,
we may each of us hasten the realization of that
(29:21):
ancient promise, peace on earth, goodwill toward men. And now
back to the whistler.
Speaker 4 (29:37):
Well, quite surprising, isn't it. The police didn't suspect Mike
at all. You see, it was this way because of
his record. The cops began to tail Mic in the
very beginning when the money first began to be missed.
Twice they had him under observation at the very time
the money was stolen, so they knew he didn't do it,
but they kept watching him in the hope he would
leave him to the real scene. And he did, yes,
(30:00):
because when things got hot, the thief finally tried to
frame Mike by giving him some of the stolen money
marked money this time George Osborn. Oh No. In fact,
Osborne almost dumbed things up by paying his debts. The
detectives hadn't counted on that. That's why they had to
be sure which bills Osborne gave Mike. The tens weren't marked,
(30:21):
the twenties were the twenties. Mike got an his pay
envelope from Humboldt. Yes, Henry Humboldt, the office manager. You see,
things were getting too hot for him, The trail was
getting too close. He knew the money was marked, and
he knew the detective were watching Mike, so he gave
him some of the marked bills and his severance pay,
trying to frame him. It couldn't have worked, of course,
(30:44):
but Humboldt didn't know that, and neither did Mike, and
Mike almost did something he regretted all his life. He
almost went back to a life of crime. Yes, it's
a music box. Hadn't of jammed and started playing just
when it did, and that actives had gone off, Mike's
life would have gone down the skid because it did
(31:05):
play when it did. Well, next week he'll be back
at the store in a better job. Yes, and he
got a Christmas bonut to him. They saw to that
after Humboldt was arrested, and all because the music box played.
Maybe that's why Mike said.
Speaker 7 (31:21):
No, sir, that music box sits right there on the
table where everybody can see it.
Speaker 6 (31:26):
Darling, I really think it means as much to you
as it does the lame book.
Speaker 7 (31:30):
I guess maybe it does, Alain, Just like the revenue,
it says, a little good brings a great reward.
Speaker 6 (31:36):
Yeah, the rest.
Speaker 7 (31:38):
Of my life, that little gadget's going to mean a
Merry Christmas, Darling.
Speaker 4 (31:45):
Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Mike.
Speaker 5 (32:17):
Next Monday at nine o'clock, the Signal Oil Program will
bring you another strange tale by the Whistler. The Signal
Oil Program is broadcast for your entertainment by the Signal
Oil Company, marketers of signals famous Go Farther Gasoline and
motor oil, and by your neighborhood signal oil dealer, who
is at your service daily to keep your car running
for the duration. The Signal Oil Program, produced by George
(32:41):
w Allen with music by Wilbur Hatch, is transmitted to
our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. Bob Anderson,
speaking for your friend, the Signal Oil Company, and suggesting
once again that you let every go signal remind you
that you do go farther with signal gasoline. This is CBS,
(33:01):
the Columbia Broadcasting System.
Speaker 3 (33:20):
Welcome back. Every now and again the whistler will get
you with a happy ending. And I think that there
would probably be no better time for that sort of
happy ending than in the midst of all the challenges
being faced in World War Two. Well, that will do
it for today. Our Christmas series continues tomorrow. If you
(33:45):
would like to share your experience, or that of a
loved one during World War Two. Please email your stories
to Box thirteen at Great Detectives dot net. We'll consider
all stories to be shared on the air. We also
welcome your suggestion as to future programs. This program is
dedicated to those who fought and died in World War
(34:05):
Two and is presented as a service of the Great
Detectives of Old Time Radio. Great Detectives dog Net
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Bobby Bones Show
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.