September 23, 2025 • 24 mins
The Whistler was a suspenseful mystery anthology that ran from 1942-1955. A character known only as the Whistler was the host and narrator of the tales, which focused on crime and fate and had a suspenseful and eerie tone, always ending with a twist. The Whistler was later adapted to television.
Hope you enjoy this episode of The Whistler! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
Hope you enjoy this episode of The Whistler! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Presented by the United States Air Forces in Europe. I
am the Whistler, and I know many things.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
For I walk by night. I know many strange tales
hidden in the hearts of men and women who have
stepped into the shadows.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare
not speak.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
The Whistler will continue in just a moment, and now
the Whistler Strange story Christmas moment.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
With most human beings, the line between good and evil
is a thin and waving one, and very often the
impulse for good will outweigh and nullify the bad. Such
was the case with Michael cor Mike wasn't really bad
at all. It happened while he was a kid, got
me into trouble, gone to prison, served a stretch, and
(01:33):
now you're out, aren't you, Mike? And you've learned your lesson.
You're proving that by going straight. You're working hard at
your job in a department store. You're married to the
girl you love, aren't you, Mike, And you're happy, delicious, delicious.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Nobody can go go better, refers you, darling.
Speaker 3 (01:53):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Oh now, Mike, don't go to your car late.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
A couple of minutes won't make any different.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
You know, maybe not most days, but today's gonna be
a big one. It's just a few shopping days before Christmas.
You know, the Star's gonna be jammed. We'll be swamped
with work until late tonight. The signs they don't want
to spoil my record six months and I haven't been
late to work once.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
I know it's fine, and I'm sure the store appreciates it.
Speaker 4 (02:14):
You know, Helene, I think they do. I really think
they like me down there. I like my work everything.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
Why sure, Mike, How could they help like you? No?
Speaker 4 (02:22):
I mean I'm beginning to feel like, well that other
things all forgotten, almost like something's never happened.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
It is, it is forgotten, Mike. Everything's different now, Yeah,
yeah it is. It's gonna be a lot different Christmas
than the last one, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Yes, Mike.
Speaker 4 (02:40):
Oh, you're a wonderful Helene coming to see me, sticking
by me, Darling.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
I promise you there will never be another Christmas like that,
Never now, I.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Know they won't, Mike.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
From now on, they're all going to.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Be really merry Christmas. Yeah, yeah, you bet you.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
That reminds me I haven't got you present yet I'll
try to run out of my lunch out and find something.
Speaker 3 (02:59):
Oh, you're not gonna go spending a lot of money
on me. Maybe next year will be more on our
seat there.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Never you mind, I'll get you and I darn please gosh,
now I will be later.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Here's your head right by, darling. But don't get home
before midnight. Don't worry.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
Yes, it does look like a merry Christmas is in
store for you, doesn't it make, for the first time
in your life, almost a real merry Christmas. As you
walk down the street, listening to the Christmas carols emanating
from the radios on display and music store lobbies, and
view the smiles on people's faces as they hurry along
(03:48):
the street, you get a sort of kick out of
the stores, and then you're at your own place of employment,
you feeling that atmosphere of happiness there. The evergreen smells
good in the elevator too, doesn't it, And you chuckle
as you pass the toy department with a perspiring Santa
(04:11):
Claus pulling on his red coat. Yes, Mike, you're getting
the Christmas spirit, don't you. Morning George, how's everything good?
You're pretty cheerful this morning, aren't you? Why not getting
close to Christmas?
Speaker 2 (04:29):
The day a good cheer?
Speaker 1 (04:31):
What's the matter with you, Humboldt? Oh, Washington a rampage again?
What is it this time?
Speaker 2 (04:37):
You haven't heard?
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Oh what?
Speaker 3 (04:39):
Somebody lifted another two hundred bucks out of the receipt
last night?
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Why again? Yeah, it makes about two grand that's been
missing in the last couple of months. Oh, no, wonder
mister Humboldt's upset.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
It's a detective in there with them right now. They
got old Gus, the night watchman, and for questions. I
suppose we'll all be on the carpet like the last time.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Yes, it's not good. Two thousand dollars.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Yeah, the cops are probably getting pretty sore about not
pinning it on someone.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Look it comes o, God's fresh from the inquisition. H yeah,
thank got hey, hey Gus? Are they playing questions and answers?
And there again? Cary?
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Was this time? Where was you?
Speaker 2 (05:18):
That time?
Speaker 3 (05:19):
The only time I got to sleep and they called
me down here with this? What Paul would I want
to steep money for?
Speaker 2 (05:24):
I got a wife? Fine, why poor kids? I steal money?
I go to jail?
Speaker 3 (05:27):
They stop?
Speaker 1 (05:29):
What pa would I steal you sure, God, they just
have to ask questions, that's all.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Don't know.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
I only know I did steal. This is the only
time I got to sleep, and they have to speak
my question.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
What a character some night watchman for you?
Speaker 4 (05:45):
I seem pretty sure the thief is somebody inside the store,
don't they?
Speaker 1 (05:49):
I would almost have to be my uh huh humble, Yes,
mister Humba, why asked right away?
Speaker 2 (05:58):
This? As I thought it's my turn on, I start screaming.
You know he's putting me on the rack.
Speaker 4 (06:03):
Okay, I'll bring a branding eye to your rescuer. Hey,
don't you laugh yet, You'll probably be next.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
If Humboldt really does decide to catch a thief, he'll
catch one by hunkle crook.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
It's strange, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Might?
Speaker 1 (06:21):
Your Christmas spirit of only a few moments ago seems
oddly dampened by something you can't describe, can't even put
your finger on, just a peculiar sinking feel. But you
try to forget it as almost the whole day goes
by and nothing further happens. George Osborn goes in and
out of Humboldt's office, but says very little afterwards, and
(06:44):
everything seems to calm down. George even finds reason to
display some Christmas spirit himself.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
And I really didn't expect it this year, Mike, But
there it was, and my penveloped, nice and crisp and
green with the best holiday wishes of the story.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
That's swelled, George. Yeah, real honesty, gosh, Christmas bonus. I
can assure you, though, who couldn't.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Well, I don't know whether you'll get one or not, Mike,
you've only been here six months, but uh maybe.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
By the way, why don't you live mosey in and.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Pick up your pay It's not too long for closing out.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
Oh no, I wait, I'd like to pick up the
lanes present if I can get time.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Oh well, don't worry about that. Most of the stars
will still be open for a couple of hours.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
Oh yeah, sure, I wanted to get her something she
liked real well in those store up on tenth Avenue.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
It'll be open till lake.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
I wonder if they found out anything about that two
grand boy. They really questioned everybody around, though you know,
they didn't question me.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
In fact, they never questioned me about it.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
I don't quite understand that you've got such an honest
face or something.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Yes, but tombaut Oh, yes, sir.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
I'll send him right in. Wow, maybe we spoke too soon.
He wants to see you.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
On the hand, maybe just wants to and you your
Christmas bonus in person.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
You know you're getting to be the fair boy around here.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Yes, I better go in. You might even be in
lying for promotion. You can't tell.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
Okay, okay, you want to see me, mister humboldt.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Oh, yes, Cobb, Thank you Cobb.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
You've been with us six months now, Yes, sir, and
I must admit that in that time you've demonstrated an
admirable aptitude.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
For the work. Thanks. Yes, In fact, there has been
some discussion of raising.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Your salary and promoting you. I even talked to mister
Brent as the manager about it myself.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Well, thanks, mister humble.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
Yeah, and that's why I regret very much to tell
you this. I must inform you that we are forced
to dispense with your services as of tonight.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
You mean I'm fired, Well, I am.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
Afraid that's it. Yes, that your two weeks pay is
in this envelope.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Right, Wait a minute, if I've been so good. Why
am I being fired?
Speaker 2 (08:57):
I'd rather not discuss that just now, Cobb later on
after the hell got something to do with that missing money,
hasn't it.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
I told you this story's way of saying, you think
I took it because I'm an ex convict?
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Is it now? Car?
Speaker 4 (09:09):
I understand? I understand a lot of things now, mister Humboldt. Thanks,
thanks for.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
The Christmas bonus. Hey Mike, wait a minute, did you
get it? Did he give you a Christmas bonus? Yeah? Yeah,
I got a Christmas bonus? All right, what's up? What's
the matter? It's got fired for Christmas? That's off what
I'll tell you later. I'm leaving now. That's tough.
Speaker 3 (09:36):
Hey wait, I almost forgot what with my bonus? I
can pay you that thirty bucks.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
I borrowed from here. I don't want to help with
that present for your wife? Huh yeah? Yeah, thanks George. Thanks.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
It's a terrible shock, isn't it? Like you're worry of
this mo the sinking feeling. Her premonition was right, wasn't it?
And now walking towards home, you feel lost alone in
the gay holiday crowds, and almost without knowing you've done
at you enter a telephone book, drop the coin and
(10:16):
call home to Elaine.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Hello, Hello, Helayne, Mike. What is it? Did you get
off early? Olaine? I didn't get off early, Mike. Is
something wrong?
Speaker 1 (10:34):
Got fired? Elaine then kicked me out? Aren't you gonna
ask me?
Speaker 2 (10:40):
Why do you already know?
Speaker 1 (10:41):
Mike? Come home, Mike.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Don't think about anything. Just come home.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
It's going to be all right.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
I took some money, Elaine. I might as well have
they believe it. I might as well be Really gilly, Mike.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
What are you thinking?
Speaker 2 (10:53):
What are you going to do?
Speaker 4 (10:55):
I'm not sure, Helene. I just said I might as
well be gilly. That's all I wasn't. I've a lot
more than I've got.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Come home.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
I'll see you, Elaine. I'll be long. It's strained, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
M You are going straight and you were happy with
your job, your marriage to Elaine, and then all of
a sudden it was changed, was wiped away because of
a series of fessed with the.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Store where you work.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
Your prison record went against your hidnees and you were
dismissed without leaf. And that's why there's no Christmas spirit
in your heart?
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Now? Why the decoration of the.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Crowd, the Christmas tarls being sung by the usual seasonal cowler. Nothing.
You've one thing in mind, now, haven't you. Yes, you
might as well be really guilty. That's why you've decided
that you're going back to the store and take your
share of the day's receipts or something equally valuable. It'll
(12:24):
be simple wood, it might. It'll soon be closing time.
You can get in before the store closes and hide,
And there's only old Gusts the watchman to avoid, and
you know his habits. Know too that the receipts will
be in mister Humbold's office in bags to be picked
up by the armored car at midnight. You also know
exactly where to pick up some highly valuable mink stalls,
(12:47):
as well as some highly valuable jewelry. In case you
can't get to the cash. You recall the addresses of
two men whose names were given you in prison, men
who pay cash and ask no question regarding such items.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
You start back in.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
The direction of the store, realize you're on tenth Avenue,
near old mister Samuel's tiny shop, the place where you
are going to buy a lane her presence. That's what
you hear.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
Isn't it much?
Speaker 1 (13:17):
A music box on the counter just inside the store.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Well, good evening, Michael. I'm mister Samuels. What can I
do for you? Is this the music box? Alaining like? So? Well?
Speaker 3 (13:34):
I yes, that's the one. She was very taken with it.
How her eyes sparkled when she looked at it.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
Yeah, there's a powder puff for something inside, isn't it.
That's right?
Speaker 3 (13:44):
And when you open it it plays a little tube.
So she was saying how it was her favorite tube. Yes, okay,
how much is it? It's it's usually priced at seventy
five dollars, but I'll give it to you with the
(14:04):
young lady for fifty beautiful fifty dollars. Yes, you see,
it's a genuine antique and the best thing I have
in the store.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
I'm sorry. That's more than I figured. Oh well, I'm
sorry too. I'd let you have it for less if
I could, but fifty years the.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Lowish Sure, Okay, get it. I'm sorry. Come back again.
You don't get very far away. Do your mind now?
Speaker 1 (14:36):
Even though you've made up your mind that you things
to do, but you must get to the department store
before closing time. You're still thinking about the music box,
aren't you. Yes, you turn walk back to mister Samuel's
little shop.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
Yes, oh, you come back for the mu My god, look,
wrap it up, mister Samuels as a gift. I'll do
it myself. I thought you'd be back. Yeah, well she'll
like it.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
You've something else on your mind, haven't you, Michael. Maybe
I don't mean to intrude on your thoughts, but well
you look troubled. Something go wrong and nothing I can't fix,
missus Samuels.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
Look is that clock right right on the dot. I'll
hurry that up. Well, you, I gotta get to another
store before closing time. So most Mike, here is some money.
Speaker 1 (15:30):
I got a twenty thirty twenty another ten makes fifty.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
I wish I could have made it even less, Michael,
you understand, Yeah, sure.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
It's all right.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Anyway, what's fifty bucks?
Speaker 2 (15:47):
That's right, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (15:48):
My fifty dollars means little when you'll soon have some
of the day's receipts from the store, or at least
jewelry or furs of equal value. You hurry out of
mister Samuel's shop, take a care after the store, your
inside and mingling with the crowd is the closing.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Bell South.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
Time. By the time the last of the crowd has disappeared,
you're in the employee's locker room, hiding behind some discarded
packing us. Are the voices of the last employees to leave,
drift past about good.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Night, Mac, Merry, Christmas.
Speaker 1 (16:30):
Boy, the same to you, Addy, invested, the missus haggs,
thanks all.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
At this time of year, what else is there but
a guy's home and family. Nothing else counts at all?
Those last words hit you, don't they might? What else
is there but a.
Speaker 1 (16:50):
Guy's home and family? Nothing else matters. Suddenly you believe
it again. You realize it. Going straight, keeping faith through
the lane means more to you than anything in the world.
You wonder why you ever came here. You slip out
(17:11):
of the locker room, hurry towards the front door, but
it's too late. Old Gus is locked up. You duck
down behind the counter, realizing that if he sees you now,
there'll be no way to explain. Drawing your breath, ease
around the counter as Gus goes, padding slowly past, almost
within touching distance.
Speaker 3 (17:35):
M h calming, calming, hold your horses. Suppose Old closed
up mister, I can't let anybody, oh patch, huh, I'm
Lieutenant Driscoe. Everything all right in here now? What would
(17:56):
be wrong looking for one of the store employees, young
fellow named Mike Cobb. Mike Cob, you've seen him? Why
no stores empty, Lieutenant. Everybody's going home anyway. Mike Cob
was filed today. I know about that. That's why we
thought he just might have been here.
Speaker 2 (18:12):
Move not the side often.
Speaker 3 (18:14):
Well, okay, sorry to bother you, and I let you
out again. But that music box, I guess. Holy wait
a minute, what's the matter. There's no music boxes on
this floor. We better look into this.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
You shake the music box, trying to make it stop,
don't you, Mike, But it won't, and this gust of
the police lieutenants start towards you. You're forced to duck
swiftly back around the counter, but the music box in
your hand is leading them to you, isn't.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
It the end of the counter.
Speaker 1 (18:48):
You straighten up, make a dash for the stairs to
the next floor.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
There's somebody, just come on, we'll get him.
Speaker 1 (18:56):
You're trapped, aren't you, Mike? And you feel like carving
the music box back, but suddenly it stops only the
sound of your own running feet. Now you duck into
a store. IM on the second floor and wait.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
I don't know, maybe up the next floor. You are
quiet of it.
Speaker 1 (19:18):
It's almost as if they can hear your heart pounding,
isn't it, Mike. And the infuriating part of it all
is the knowledge that you're running, hiding from something of
which you're perfectly innocent. They will believe you will Ah,
You've got to get away.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
And then.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
Starts again, and you wish you to bade your hunch
to throw it as far as you could hear that, Cus,
I mean from.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
All right, you come on out with your hands up, tomb.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Okay, that's the use.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
My my cam.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Alright, young Collor come on out.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
You can put away again.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
Lieutenant E's Mike cal he's a fine boy, said all right, Mike,
you're a fine boy. But suppose you start explaining just
what you're doing hiding in the store.
Speaker 2 (20:11):
I explained, you won't believe me.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
I came here to steal some jewelry in furs.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
But before I did it, I changed my mind.
Speaker 3 (20:19):
Wow, music box stopped, didn't that?
Speaker 2 (20:22):
Mike? Yeah, stopped a little too late to do me.
Any good. It's all over, isn't it might?
Speaker 1 (21:03):
You're certain of it. As the police lieutenant and old
gust the knife watchman, stare at you, you know they'll
never believe you when you tell how you entered the
store and then changed your mind about the robbery, made
your own decision to stay straight. You know now that
it was only anger and bitterness that made you entertain
the thought of stealing in.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
The first place.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
But now you're sure your decision was in vain that
they'll be positive you not only were in the store
with the intention of robbing it, but that you were
also the man responsible for the series of thefts which
led to your dismissal. Nevertheless, you find yourself spilling out
your story just as it happened, right up to the
dread moment when the music box, your gift or Elaine
(21:48):
went off by accident, betraying your hiding place.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
That's the way it was, Lotan, I.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
Guess you're pretty unhappy about that music box dot com
a skipper.
Speaker 1 (21:57):
I've been unhappy all afternoon. I don't expect you to believe.
Speaker 3 (22:02):
Now there's one person that will Yeah, your wife, see
she put us on your trail. Elaine she didn't like
the way you sounded on the telephone.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
I mean she called headquarters.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
Yeah twice. Seems she got a call from mister Samuel's.
He was worried about you too.
Speaker 2 (22:21):
Yeah. So I got a lot of friends.
Speaker 3 (22:23):
I think, so maybe you see what I mean. If
you'll answer a few questions for us.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
I'll answer one. I didn't steal any of that money.
I had nothing to do with it.
Speaker 2 (22:36):
We know that. But tell us this.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
When you bought that music box at mister Samuel's shop,
you paid for it with a twenty three ten's right?
Speaker 2 (22:47):
Yeah, well, part of that.
Speaker 3 (22:48):
Money was marked. It was money that had been stolen
from this department store.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
I tell you I didn't steal it. That was money
I got my pay envelope. I earned it.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
Didn't somebody else give you part of it? Somebody pay
your debt. That's what we were told.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
H oh yeah, yeah yeah. George Osburn he paid me
thirty dollars yielding. That's what we thought.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
Now, how did Osborne pay you? What the denomination of bills?
Speaker 2 (23:15):
She gave me? Three ten? You sure?
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Yeah, absolutely, you got the twenty in your own pay
en blow.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
Yeah, you'll swear to that.
Speaker 3 (23:23):
In court.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
Of course, that does it?
Speaker 3 (23:27):
Thanks what you mean?
Speaker 2 (23:31):
That's all you want from me, That's.
Speaker 3 (23:32):
All we've been sure it was Osburne, but we wanted
to clinch it. Oh, incidentally, you weren't actually fired from
the store, but mister Humboldt wanted everyone to think so,
especially Osborne. Your boss wouldn't fire anyone without affair hearing. Well,
why didn't what they wanted you to think?
Speaker 2 (23:50):
You were fired too.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
Figuring if you got mad enough to throw the real
thief Osborne off.
Speaker 2 (23:57):
God, it worked too, Yeah, but almost didn't. I don't
think you have to worry. Yeah,
Presented by the United States Air Forces in Europe. I
am the Whistler, and I know many things.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
For I walk by night. I know many strange tales
hidden in the hearts of men and women who have
stepped into the shadows.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare
not speak.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
The Whistler will continue in just a moment, and now
the Whistler Strange story Christmas moment.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
With most human beings, the line between good and evil
is a thin and waving one, and very often the
impulse for good will outweigh and nullify the bad. Such
was the case with Michael cor Mike wasn't really bad
at all. It happened while he was a kid, got
me into trouble, gone to prison, served a stretch, and
(01:33):
now you're out, aren't you, Mike? And you've learned your lesson.
You're proving that by going straight. You're working hard at
your job in a department store. You're married to the
girl you love, aren't you, Mike, And you're happy, delicious, delicious.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Nobody can go go better, refers you, darling.
Speaker 3 (01:53):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Oh now, Mike, don't go to your car late.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
A couple of minutes won't make any different.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
You know, maybe not most days, but today's gonna be
a big one. It's just a few shopping days before Christmas.
You know, the Star's gonna be jammed. We'll be swamped
with work until late tonight. The signs they don't want
to spoil my record six months and I haven't been
late to work once.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
I know it's fine, and I'm sure the store appreciates it.
Speaker 4 (02:14):
You know, Helene, I think they do. I really think
they like me down there. I like my work everything.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
Why sure, Mike, How could they help like you? No?
Speaker 4 (02:22):
I mean I'm beginning to feel like, well that other
things all forgotten, almost like something's never happened.
Speaker 2 (02:30):
It is, it is forgotten, Mike. Everything's different now, Yeah,
yeah it is. It's gonna be a lot different Christmas
than the last one, isn't it.
Speaker 3 (02:39):
Yes, Mike.
Speaker 4 (02:40):
Oh, you're a wonderful Helene coming to see me, sticking
by me, Darling.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
I promise you there will never be another Christmas like that,
Never now, I.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Know they won't, Mike.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
From now on, they're all going to.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Be really merry Christmas. Yeah, yeah, you bet you.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
That reminds me I haven't got you present yet I'll
try to run out of my lunch out and find something.
Speaker 3 (02:59):
Oh, you're not gonna go spending a lot of money
on me. Maybe next year will be more on our
seat there.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Never you mind, I'll get you and I darn please gosh,
now I will be later.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Here's your head right by, darling. But don't get home
before midnight. Don't worry.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
Yes, it does look like a merry Christmas is in
store for you, doesn't it make, for the first time
in your life, almost a real merry Christmas. As you
walk down the street, listening to the Christmas carols emanating
from the radios on display and music store lobbies, and
view the smiles on people's faces as they hurry along
(03:48):
the street, you get a sort of kick out of
the stores, and then you're at your own place of employment,
you feeling that atmosphere of happiness there. The evergreen smells
good in the elevator too, doesn't it, And you chuckle
as you pass the toy department with a perspiring Santa
(04:11):
Claus pulling on his red coat. Yes, Mike, you're getting
the Christmas spirit, don't you. Morning George, how's everything good?
You're pretty cheerful this morning, aren't you? Why not getting
close to Christmas?
Speaker 2 (04:29):
The day a good cheer?
Speaker 1 (04:31):
What's the matter with you, Humboldt? Oh, Washington a rampage again?
What is it this time?
Speaker 2 (04:37):
You haven't heard?
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Oh what?
Speaker 3 (04:39):
Somebody lifted another two hundred bucks out of the receipt
last night?
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Why again? Yeah, it makes about two grand that's been
missing in the last couple of months. Oh, no, wonder
mister Humboldt's upset.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
It's a detective in there with them right now. They
got old Gus, the night watchman, and for questions. I
suppose we'll all be on the carpet like the last time.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Yes, it's not good. Two thousand dollars.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Yeah, the cops are probably getting pretty sore about not
pinning it on someone.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Look it comes o, God's fresh from the inquisition. H yeah,
thank got hey, hey Gus? Are they playing questions and answers?
And there again? Cary?
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Was this time? Where was you?
Speaker 2 (05:18):
That time?
Speaker 3 (05:19):
The only time I got to sleep and they called
me down here with this? What Paul would I want
to steep money for?
Speaker 2 (05:24):
I got a wife? Fine, why poor kids? I steal money?
I go to jail?
Speaker 3 (05:27):
They stop?
Speaker 1 (05:29):
What pa would I steal you sure, God, they just
have to ask questions, that's all.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Don't know.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
I only know I did steal. This is the only
time I got to sleep, and they have to speak
my question.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
What a character some night watchman for you?
Speaker 4 (05:45):
I seem pretty sure the thief is somebody inside the store,
don't they?
Speaker 1 (05:49):
I would almost have to be my uh huh humble, Yes,
mister Humba, why asked right away?
Speaker 2 (05:58):
This? As I thought it's my turn on, I start screaming.
You know he's putting me on the rack.
Speaker 4 (06:03):
Okay, I'll bring a branding eye to your rescuer. Hey,
don't you laugh yet, You'll probably be next.
Speaker 3 (06:09):
If Humboldt really does decide to catch a thief, he'll
catch one by hunkle crook.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
It's strange, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Might?
Speaker 1 (06:21):
Your Christmas spirit of only a few moments ago seems
oddly dampened by something you can't describe, can't even put
your finger on, just a peculiar sinking feel. But you
try to forget it as almost the whole day goes
by and nothing further happens. George Osborn goes in and
out of Humboldt's office, but says very little afterwards, and
(06:44):
everything seems to calm down. George even finds reason to
display some Christmas spirit himself.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
And I really didn't expect it this year, Mike, But
there it was, and my penveloped, nice and crisp and
green with the best holiday wishes of the story.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
That's swelled, George. Yeah, real honesty, gosh, Christmas bonus. I
can assure you, though, who couldn't.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
Well, I don't know whether you'll get one or not, Mike,
you've only been here six months, but uh maybe.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
By the way, why don't you live mosey in and.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Pick up your pay It's not too long for closing out.
Speaker 4 (07:17):
Oh no, I wait, I'd like to pick up the
lanes present if I can get time.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Oh well, don't worry about that. Most of the stars
will still be open for a couple of hours.
Speaker 4 (07:24):
Oh yeah, sure, I wanted to get her something she
liked real well in those store up on tenth Avenue.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
It'll be open till lake.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
I wonder if they found out anything about that two
grand boy. They really questioned everybody around, though you know,
they didn't question me.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
In fact, they never questioned me about it.
Speaker 4 (07:40):
I don't quite understand that you've got such an honest
face or something.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Yes, but tombaut Oh, yes, sir.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
I'll send him right in. Wow, maybe we spoke too soon.
He wants to see you.
Speaker 1 (07:58):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
On the hand, maybe just wants to and you your
Christmas bonus in person.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
You know you're getting to be the fair boy around here.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
Yes, I better go in. You might even be in
lying for promotion. You can't tell.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
Okay, okay, you want to see me, mister humboldt.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Oh, yes, Cobb, Thank you Cobb.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
You've been with us six months now, Yes, sir, and
I must admit that in that time you've demonstrated an
admirable aptitude.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
For the work. Thanks. Yes, In fact, there has been
some discussion of raising.
Speaker 3 (08:31):
Your salary and promoting you. I even talked to mister
Brent as the manager about it myself.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Well, thanks, mister humble.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
Yeah, and that's why I regret very much to tell
you this. I must inform you that we are forced
to dispense with your services as of tonight.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
You mean I'm fired, Well, I am.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
Afraid that's it. Yes, that your two weeks pay is
in this envelope.
Speaker 1 (08:54):
Right, Wait a minute, if I've been so good. Why
am I being fired?
Speaker 2 (08:57):
I'd rather not discuss that just now, Cobb later on
after the hell got something to do with that missing money,
hasn't it.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
I told you this story's way of saying, you think
I took it because I'm an ex convict?
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Is it now? Car?
Speaker 4 (09:09):
I understand? I understand a lot of things now, mister Humboldt. Thanks,
thanks for.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
The Christmas bonus. Hey Mike, wait a minute, did you
get it? Did he give you a Christmas bonus? Yeah? Yeah,
I got a Christmas bonus? All right, what's up? What's
the matter? It's got fired for Christmas? That's off what
I'll tell you later. I'm leaving now. That's tough.
Speaker 3 (09:36):
Hey wait, I almost forgot what with my bonus? I
can pay you that thirty bucks.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
I borrowed from here. I don't want to help with
that present for your wife? Huh yeah? Yeah, thanks George. Thanks.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
It's a terrible shock, isn't it? Like you're worry of
this mo the sinking feeling. Her premonition was right, wasn't it?
And now walking towards home, you feel lost alone in
the gay holiday crowds, and almost without knowing you've done
at you enter a telephone book, drop the coin and
(10:16):
call home to Elaine.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Hello, Hello, Helayne, Mike. What is it? Did you get
off early? Olaine? I didn't get off early, Mike. Is
something wrong?
Speaker 1 (10:34):
Got fired? Elaine then kicked me out? Aren't you gonna
ask me?
Speaker 2 (10:40):
Why do you already know?
Speaker 1 (10:41):
Mike? Come home, Mike.
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Don't think about anything. Just come home.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
It's going to be all right.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
I took some money, Elaine. I might as well have
they believe it. I might as well be Really gilly, Mike.
Speaker 1 (10:52):
What are you thinking?
Speaker 2 (10:53):
What are you going to do?
Speaker 4 (10:55):
I'm not sure, Helene. I just said I might as
well be gilly. That's all I wasn't. I've a lot
more than I've got.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Come home.
Speaker 2 (11:05):
I'll see you, Elaine. I'll be long. It's strained, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
M You are going straight and you were happy with
your job, your marriage to Elaine, and then all of
a sudden it was changed, was wiped away because of
a series of fessed with the.
Speaker 2 (11:49):
Store where you work.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
Your prison record went against your hidnees and you were
dismissed without leaf. And that's why there's no Christmas spirit
in your heart?
Speaker 2 (11:59):
Now? Why the decoration of the.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Crowd, the Christmas tarls being sung by the usual seasonal cowler. Nothing.
You've one thing in mind, now, haven't you. Yes, you
might as well be really guilty. That's why you've decided
that you're going back to the store and take your
share of the day's receipts or something equally valuable. It'll
(12:24):
be simple wood, it might. It'll soon be closing time.
You can get in before the store closes and hide,
And there's only old Gusts the watchman to avoid, and
you know his habits. Know too that the receipts will
be in mister Humbold's office in bags to be picked
up by the armored car at midnight. You also know
exactly where to pick up some highly valuable mink stalls,
(12:47):
as well as some highly valuable jewelry. In case you
can't get to the cash. You recall the addresses of
two men whose names were given you in prison, men
who pay cash and ask no question regarding such items.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
You start back in.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
The direction of the store, realize you're on tenth Avenue,
near old mister Samuel's tiny shop, the place where you
are going to buy a lane her presence. That's what
you hear.
Speaker 2 (13:15):
Isn't it much?
Speaker 1 (13:17):
A music box on the counter just inside the store.
Speaker 2 (13:25):
Well, good evening, Michael. I'm mister Samuels. What can I
do for you? Is this the music box? Alaining like? So? Well?
Speaker 3 (13:34):
I yes, that's the one. She was very taken with it.
How her eyes sparkled when she looked at it.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
Yeah, there's a powder puff for something inside, isn't it.
That's right?
Speaker 3 (13:44):
And when you open it it plays a little tube.
So she was saying how it was her favorite tube. Yes, okay,
how much is it? It's it's usually priced at seventy
five dollars, but I'll give it to you with the
(14:04):
young lady for fifty beautiful fifty dollars. Yes, you see,
it's a genuine antique and the best thing I have
in the store.
Speaker 4 (14:14):
I'm sorry. That's more than I figured. Oh well, I'm
sorry too. I'd let you have it for less if
I could, but fifty years the.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Lowish Sure, Okay, get it. I'm sorry. Come back again.
You don't get very far away. Do your mind now?
Speaker 1 (14:36):
Even though you've made up your mind that you things
to do, but you must get to the department store
before closing time. You're still thinking about the music box,
aren't you. Yes, you turn walk back to mister Samuel's
little shop.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
Yes, oh, you come back for the mu My god, look,
wrap it up, mister Samuels as a gift. I'll do
it myself. I thought you'd be back. Yeah, well she'll
like it.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
You've something else on your mind, haven't you, Michael. Maybe
I don't mean to intrude on your thoughts, but well
you look troubled. Something go wrong and nothing I can't fix,
missus Samuels.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
Look is that clock right right on the dot. I'll
hurry that up. Well, you, I gotta get to another
store before closing time. So most Mike, here is some money.
Speaker 1 (15:30):
I got a twenty thirty twenty another ten makes fifty.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
I wish I could have made it even less, Michael,
you understand, Yeah, sure.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
It's all right.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Anyway, what's fifty bucks?
Speaker 2 (15:47):
That's right, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (15:48):
My fifty dollars means little when you'll soon have some
of the day's receipts from the store, or at least
jewelry or furs of equal value. You hurry out of
mister Samuel's shop, take a care after the store, your
inside and mingling with the crowd is the closing.
Speaker 2 (16:04):
Bell South.
Speaker 1 (16:09):
Time. By the time the last of the crowd has disappeared,
you're in the employee's locker room, hiding behind some discarded
packing us. Are the voices of the last employees to leave,
drift past about good.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Night, Mac, Merry, Christmas.
Speaker 1 (16:30):
Boy, the same to you, Addy, invested, the missus haggs,
thanks all.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
At this time of year, what else is there but
a guy's home and family. Nothing else counts at all?
Those last words hit you, don't they might? What else
is there but a.
Speaker 1 (16:50):
Guy's home and family? Nothing else matters. Suddenly you believe
it again. You realize it. Going straight, keeping faith through
the lane means more to you than anything in the world.
You wonder why you ever came here. You slip out
(17:11):
of the locker room, hurry towards the front door, but
it's too late. Old Gus is locked up. You duck
down behind the counter, realizing that if he sees you now,
there'll be no way to explain. Drawing your breath, ease
around the counter as Gus goes, padding slowly past, almost
within touching distance.
Speaker 3 (17:35):
M h calming, calming, hold your horses. Suppose Old closed
up mister, I can't let anybody, oh patch, huh, I'm
Lieutenant Driscoe. Everything all right in here now? What would
(17:56):
be wrong looking for one of the store employees, young
fellow named Mike Cobb. Mike Cob, you've seen him? Why
no stores empty, Lieutenant. Everybody's going home anyway. Mike Cob
was filed today. I know about that. That's why we
thought he just might have been here.
Speaker 2 (18:12):
Move not the side often.
Speaker 3 (18:14):
Well, okay, sorry to bother you, and I let you
out again. But that music box, I guess. Holy wait
a minute, what's the matter. There's no music boxes on
this floor. We better look into this.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
You shake the music box, trying to make it stop,
don't you, Mike, But it won't, and this gust of
the police lieutenants start towards you. You're forced to duck
swiftly back around the counter, but the music box in
your hand is leading them to you, isn't.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
It the end of the counter.
Speaker 1 (18:48):
You straighten up, make a dash for the stairs to
the next floor.
Speaker 3 (18:52):
There's somebody, just come on, we'll get him.
Speaker 1 (18:56):
You're trapped, aren't you, Mike? And you feel like carving
the music box back, but suddenly it stops only the
sound of your own running feet. Now you duck into
a store. IM on the second floor and wait.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
I don't know, maybe up the next floor. You are
quiet of it.
Speaker 1 (19:18):
It's almost as if they can hear your heart pounding,
isn't it, Mike. And the infuriating part of it all
is the knowledge that you're running, hiding from something of
which you're perfectly innocent. They will believe you will Ah,
You've got to get away.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
And then.
Speaker 1 (19:34):
Starts again, and you wish you to bade your hunch
to throw it as far as you could hear that, Cus,
I mean from.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
All right, you come on out with your hands up, tomb.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Okay, that's the use.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
My my cam.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
Alright, young Collor come on out.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
You can put away again.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
Lieutenant E's Mike cal he's a fine boy, said all right, Mike,
you're a fine boy. But suppose you start explaining just
what you're doing hiding in the store.
Speaker 2 (20:11):
I explained, you won't believe me.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
I came here to steal some jewelry in furs.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
But before I did it, I changed my mind.
Speaker 3 (20:19):
Wow, music box stopped, didn't that?
Speaker 2 (20:22):
Mike? Yeah, stopped a little too late to do me.
Any good. It's all over, isn't it might?
Speaker 1 (21:03):
You're certain of it. As the police lieutenant and old
gust the knife watchman, stare at you, you know they'll
never believe you when you tell how you entered the
store and then changed your mind about the robbery, made
your own decision to stay straight. You know now that
it was only anger and bitterness that made you entertain
the thought of stealing in.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
The first place.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
But now you're sure your decision was in vain that
they'll be positive you not only were in the store
with the intention of robbing it, but that you were
also the man responsible for the series of thefts which
led to your dismissal. Nevertheless, you find yourself spilling out
your story just as it happened, right up to the
dread moment when the music box, your gift or Elaine
(21:48):
went off by accident, betraying your hiding place.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
That's the way it was, Lotan, I.
Speaker 3 (21:53):
Guess you're pretty unhappy about that music box dot com
a skipper.
Speaker 1 (21:57):
I've been unhappy all afternoon. I don't expect you to believe.
Speaker 3 (22:02):
Now there's one person that will Yeah, your wife, see
she put us on your trail. Elaine she didn't like
the way you sounded on the telephone.
Speaker 2 (22:11):
I mean she called headquarters.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
Yeah twice. Seems she got a call from mister Samuel's.
He was worried about you too.
Speaker 2 (22:21):
Yeah. So I got a lot of friends.
Speaker 3 (22:23):
I think, so maybe you see what I mean. If
you'll answer a few questions for us.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
I'll answer one. I didn't steal any of that money.
I had nothing to do with it.
Speaker 2 (22:36):
We know that. But tell us this.
Speaker 3 (22:38):
When you bought that music box at mister Samuel's shop,
you paid for it with a twenty three ten's right?
Speaker 2 (22:47):
Yeah, well, part of that.
Speaker 3 (22:48):
Money was marked. It was money that had been stolen
from this department store.
Speaker 2 (22:52):
I tell you I didn't steal it. That was money
I got my pay envelope. I earned it.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
Didn't somebody else give you part of it? Somebody pay
your debt. That's what we were told.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
H oh yeah, yeah yeah. George Osburn he paid me
thirty dollars yielding. That's what we thought.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
Now, how did Osborne pay you? What the denomination of bills?
Speaker 2 (23:15):
She gave me? Three ten? You sure?
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Yeah, absolutely, you got the twenty in your own pay
en blow.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
Yeah, you'll swear to that.
Speaker 3 (23:23):
In court.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
Of course, that does it?
Speaker 3 (23:27):
Thanks what you mean?
Speaker 2 (23:31):
That's all you want from me, That's.
Speaker 3 (23:32):
All we've been sure it was Osburne, but we wanted
to clinch it. Oh, incidentally, you weren't actually fired from
the store, but mister Humboldt wanted everyone to think so,
especially Osborne. Your boss wouldn't fire anyone without affair hearing. Well,
why didn't what they wanted you to think?
Speaker 2 (23:50):
You were fired too.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
Figuring if you got mad enough to throw the real
thief Osborne off.
Speaker 2 (23:57):
God, it worked too, Yeah, but almost didn't. I don't
think you have to worry. Yeah,
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