April 25, 2025 • 28 mins
A masked vigilante uses his intellect and gadgets to fight crime, blending elements of mystery and adventure in each episode. His dual identity adds depth to the thrilling narratives.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
The Avenger.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
The road to crime ends in a trap that justice
sets rhyme does not pay.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
The Avenger, sworn enemy of evil, is actually Jim Brandon,
of famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has
perfected several inventions to aid him in his crusade against
crime as the Avenger. Most remarkable of these inventions is
the highly secret diffusion capsule, which cloaks him in the
black light of invisibility. Brandon's assistant, the beautiful Fern Collier,
(01:56):
is the only one who shares his secrets and knows
that he is the man and the underworld fears as
the Avenger and now the Avenger and the diploma of death.
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Oh, Jim founders here at Rockland College certainly has brought
out the distinguished alumni and four.
Speaker 5 (02:26):
Yes, friend can point out all the celebrities to you, inspect her.
She was graduated from Rockland a year ago. Oh no almost, Oh,
I beg your pardon, friend, two years ago, Inspector.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
I'll hope that lady who just sat down in front
of us isn't anyone too important, because as soon as
the track meete begins, I'm going to ask Karwac to
remove her hat.
Speaker 6 (02:44):
Oh that's Amy Nottigan, the author's inspector, and you'd better
be polite to her or she'll make you the villain
in her next book.
Speaker 5 (02:50):
Oh look, that gray haired man in the front row
is a famous brain surgeon, and the two men with
him were politicians.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
You see.
Speaker 5 (02:56):
I know a few famous people too. I guess everybody
enjoys a good track, Jim.
Speaker 6 (03:00):
I thought Professor Craig was supposed to join us.
Speaker 5 (03:02):
Well, he said he would. He's probably become involved in
some fascinating experiment in the chemistry lab.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Okay where they're saying to start, Yes, but.
Speaker 6 (03:10):
I think they're waiting for Dean Clapper. He hasn't arrived yet.
Speaker 5 (03:13):
Oh, Fernon, what's the first event on the program?
Speaker 6 (03:16):
Let me see? Oh, yes, here it is. It's the
sixty yard high hurdle race.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
Harold Harkness should be a essential to win, then, Harkness,
it seems to me I read something about him and
paper's reason. Well, that's right. Inspector Harkness won the National
Chemistry Prize a few weeks ago. And by the way,
his picture appeared right next to yours when you sawve
the Austin case.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
Oh, Oh yeah, yeah, that's where I saw it. All right.
Speaker 6 (03:40):
Oh look, Jim, I don't think they're going to wait
for the g They're lining up the post for the
hurdle ring.
Speaker 5 (03:45):
Oh good, Harkness is number five, Inspector, keep your eye
on him.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
There they go.
Speaker 5 (03:51):
Hey, Jim, what's the matter with Harkness. I don't know
why I didn't even clear that first hurdle.
Speaker 6 (03:57):
Harkness has collapsed, Jim, I'm.
Speaker 5 (03:58):
On, inspector, there's something wrong there. This way, all right, on,
don't beside stairs.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
They nea to the excuse us, hand back.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
Hey're bringing the stretcher on the field telling the hold
of a minute, inspector, Wait a minute, don't touch him, police,
all right, step aside, Please.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Let us through here A see what you think.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
Jim looks to me like his neck may be broken.
Speaker 5 (04:23):
No, it's even worse than that, Inspector. He's been shot
in the back of the head. Harkness is dead.
Speaker 6 (04:46):
Jim, wild are you looking for here into the grandstands?
Do you think the murderer may be hiding in here?
Speaker 5 (04:51):
It's possible for him, but I think it's more likely
that he changed his clothes in here, has already made
his getaway.
Speaker 6 (04:58):
Jim. It was this shot Harkness, wasn't it.
Speaker 5 (05:02):
Yes, only one shot was fired, the one that started
the race.
Speaker 6 (05:05):
But in that case, why didn't Harkness fall run in
the starting line?
Speaker 5 (05:09):
Because he was a trained runner, primed for the race.
When the shot hit him, he was off to an
automatic start and he ran forward with a kind of
reflex motion. No one even noticed that anything was wrong
until he tripped over that first hurdle.
Speaker 6 (05:22):
Well, old Jake Norton is the start of Jim. Why
he's been working here at the college for ten years. Oh,
I just can't believe he killed Harkness. Listen, what was that?
Speaker 5 (05:37):
Why he's a groan? Come on, It seemed to come
from behind those benches in the corner.
Speaker 6 (05:44):
Jim, Jim, it's a man, but he's all tied up
and gagged.
Speaker 5 (05:50):
He's badly hurt.
Speaker 6 (05:51):
For him, Why, Jim, that's all Jake Norton the starter.
Speaker 5 (05:55):
He was slugg from behind here. Help me on time burn.
Speaker 6 (05:57):
All right, Jim, Jake, O, he's wore a jockey cap
and a yellow sweater when he was on the job.
Speaker 5 (06:03):
Yes, someone must have stolen those clothes and impersonated Norton
out there. On the field. His gun's not here either.
Speaker 6 (06:09):
Should I get the inspected.
Speaker 5 (06:10):
Jim, Yes, but call an ambulance first. Norton's in bad shape.
I doubt if we'll pull through this.
Speaker 4 (06:30):
Ah, They've got word in the hospital, Jim, Jake Norton
is dead.
Speaker 5 (06:34):
Oh what did he regain consciousness at all? Inspector?
Speaker 1 (06:37):
Now, whoever had him meant to kill him?
Speaker 5 (06:39):
Jim? Well, that means we'll have to start from scratch
on these murders. Inspectors.
Speaker 4 (06:45):
That looks like we're up against the too well planned,
premeditated killing.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
Jim, where do you think we should start?
Speaker 5 (06:52):
We'll have to question every single person who wasn't present
at the track meet. Absent students, teachers, and guests will
have to explain their whereabouts. But I mean two o'clock
and two forty five this afternoon.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
Huh, that's a big job. Let's go to work on.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
Are you two men were called back here for further
questioning in this murder case because we have not been
able to substantiate the alibis you offered earlier this afternoon.
I'll expect you to answer all questions carefully and truthfully.
I'm warning you that any discrepancies in your stories will
have serious consequences.
Speaker 5 (07:35):
Whose first gym? Robert Atwood student? According to earlier questioning,
Atwood claimed he was in the library from twelve o'clock
to three doing chemistry research. But this has not been
substantiated by the librarian on duty.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Okay, how do you explain that?
Speaker 6 (07:50):
Well?
Speaker 3 (07:50):
You see, so I was up in the cupola of
the library. I was consulting some rare old manuscripts and
books that are.
Speaker 5 (07:55):
Kept up there.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
How does it happen that the librarian didn't see you?
Speaker 5 (07:58):
The pupila is reached by a backstair case.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
A few senior honor students are given a key, and
we're permitted to go and come.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
As we please.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
Were you alone there?
Speaker 5 (08:06):
From one thirty on? I was?
Speaker 1 (08:07):
Who is there? Until one thirty?
Speaker 3 (08:09):
Clarence Treat who is a A mister Treat is an
alumnus of Rockland who lives here in tom He's writing
the memoirs of Matthew Forrester, Man of finance the new Library,
just before he died a few years ago.
Speaker 5 (08:19):
Say Treat also has a key to the cubila.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Oh yes, he does a great deal of research there too.
Speaker 5 (08:24):
May I ask a question Inspector, I go ahead, you Atwood,
isn't it a fact that you and Harkness were the
only two students who rated a key to the cupola
this year? That's right, mister Brandon. And is it also
a fact that such rivalry I developed between you, that
you were no longer even on speaking terms? Well, yes,
exactly what was the reason for that rivalry?
Speaker 3 (08:45):
But well, since Harkness is dead, Ike prefer not to
discuss that, Inspector. Since Attwood does not wish to discuss
this subject, I think you'd bet ask Professor Craig what
he knows about it.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
All right, Well, Professor Craig, suppose you answer the question
to the.
Speaker 5 (09:00):
Perfectly frank inspector. Both Heartness and that Wood hope to
be chosen to succeed me as associate professor of chemistry
next term.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Ah, you mean they were gunning for your job, Professor?
You might put it at the inspector.
Speaker 5 (09:13):
What makes you so certain of that, Professor Craig, Well,
the regular associate professor died at the beginning of the semester.
I was elected as a temporary substitute. Hartness and that
Wood were brilliant students, and both of them did all
sorts of research in an attempt to outrun me and
show me up. They frequently embarrassed me before the class
by putting obscure questions and problems which they are wide
(09:36):
researched and covered, problems which which I admit I was
not able to solve.
Speaker 4 (09:42):
A lad gives Atwood a reason for wanting to get
rid of Harkness all, but also gives you a modive
for wanting to get him out of the way. But Inspector,
my job is no safer now than it was before.
I told you Atwood was also a rival. That may
be true enough, but your alibi doesn't stand up the Professor.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
I was in my room alone, studying between one thirty
and three o'clock, just a minute in, Professor, when this
corner and I met you on the campus just before lunch.
You said you'd try to join us at the track meet. Yes,
that's right, Brandon, But why was merely being polite? Naturally,
I didn't want the whole world to know I was
literally chained at the Grindstone car.
Speaker 4 (10:22):
I'll be off an now, hold yourselves available for questioning
at any time.
Speaker 5 (10:39):
Well, thank you, mister Treed. Your story check with what
app told us just for the records. However, would you
mind telling me what you did after leaving the library
at one thirty.
Speaker 7 (10:49):
I I came straight home, mister Brandon. I went to
my study to advise the notes I'd taken to the library.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
I'm fraid you'll have to take my word for that.
Speaker 5 (11:00):
I live alone here, I see. Oh for me, mister treet.
But is that your college ring you're wearing on your
little finger?
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Oh?
Speaker 5 (11:07):
Yes, Why why was admiring it? That's all? Well, thank
you very much, mister treat mm what do you suppose
(11:30):
Dean Clapper wants with us? Inspector?
Speaker 1 (11:32):
I don't know. Jim here, this is his.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Office, Inspector White. Mister Brandon, come in, please.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
To d Thank you.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
Why did you wanna see us about Dan Clapper.
Speaker 5 (11:45):
I've just been informed that you have subjected Robert Edwood
and Professor Craig to a second questioning, and I wish
to protest it. Protest it. Yes, you will not find
the murder of Harkness in Norton. Here at Rockland College. Gentlemen,
there are no murderers. Rockland is almost one hundred years old.
The breath of scandal has never touched it. I refuse
to allow you to drag my students in faculty through
(12:08):
the mud in an attempt to locate some fanatical criminal.
Just a moment in Clapper, this is a police matter,
and it's not within the realm of your authority to
dictate who shall be questioned. Two men were murdered here
in cold blood this afternoon, and we intend to find
out who murdered them. Surely a respectable UB student and
an esteemed faculty member should be above suspicion in a
(12:29):
violent criminal case of this.
Speaker 4 (12:31):
Can no one here at Rockland or anywhere else as
above suspicion, Dane Clapper, Uh fact, I have a few
questions for you to answer.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
What did you say?
Speaker 5 (12:40):
The inspector would like to know where you were between
two o'clock and two forty five this afternoon, Dean Clapper, Well,
of all the IMPETI I'm afraid you'll have to answer.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
Yes, you weren't at the track, maid and all that.
Speaker 5 (12:51):
I was at home in my study, preparing an address
and to deliver tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Who knows you're in a study of that time?
Speaker 5 (12:57):
No one except myself, my wife and daughter had gone
the athletic field when did you first hear about the
death of Parkness. My daughter came running home to inform
what time was that? I don't know, and I refuse
to subject myself to this foolish inquisition another moment. Then
you'd better get yourself a lawyer, Dean Clapper, because we
intend to get to the bottom of these murders.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
In a.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
Now back to the avenger and the diploma of death.
Speaker 6 (15:29):
Well, there's nothing here in the chemistry left to give
us any lead.
Speaker 4 (15:32):
Inspector, look at this piece of paper I found on
the back of that Woods notebook.
Speaker 6 (15:38):
What do you suppose those letters stand for? Inspector?
Speaker 4 (15:41):
If I know, capitals O E L and right Underneathan
capitals w XV, probably two sets of initials.
Speaker 6 (15:51):
And look on the other side of the paper, Inspector,
Roaring Goode is printed.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
Out, Roaring Gorge. Where's that?
Speaker 6 (15:58):
Why? That's what the fraternity initiation is place. We'd better
show this to Jim.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
Okay, we're supposed that made him in front of Science
Hall at seven point fifteen, or just have time to
make it.
Speaker 5 (16:22):
Capital's O E L over w xb written simply without
any curlicus.
Speaker 6 (16:31):
What do you suppose those initials stand for?
Speaker 5 (16:33):
Jim, they're not initials, kirn.
Speaker 6 (16:35):
They're not What are they? Then?
Speaker 5 (16:38):
Look if you turn this paper upside down there, what
do those letters become?
Speaker 6 (16:45):
Why? Jim? The W XB becomes the Greek letters for
Lambda kaimeu, and the O E L becomes seven thirty.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
That's all right, don't get it.
Speaker 5 (16:55):
Lambda Kaimu is an honorary club for Rockland graduates, isn't it?
Speaker 6 (16:59):
Yes? And I heard today that both Harkness and Atwood
were obledged to it.
Speaker 5 (17:03):
Where's Roaring Gorge?
Speaker 6 (17:04):
Friend? Well, it's about a twenty minute drive from here,
although we could make it through the woods on foot
in about ten minutes.
Speaker 5 (17:10):
Let's take the car, Jim. All right, but we'll have
to hurry.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
What time is it now, Jim?
Speaker 5 (17:25):
It's uh seven thirty.
Speaker 6 (17:27):
Inspector, Roaring Gorge is just beyond that next hill.
Speaker 5 (17:30):
Give the car everything it's got, Inspector, all right, Jim,
that was a shot.
Speaker 6 (17:35):
It came from the gorge. Turned that lane at the right, Inspector. Okay,
here's the gorge.
Speaker 5 (17:41):
Pull up, Inspector, quick, come on, okay, h doesn't seem
to be anybody here. Inspector over this way, eh?
Speaker 1 (17:52):
What is it? Jim?
Speaker 5 (17:55):
Hey, who is there? It's Atwood. He's been shot through
the head, Professor.
Speaker 6 (18:16):
Craig must be guilty, Jim. Why he was the only
one who had a motive for killing both Hawkness and Atwood.
Speaker 5 (18:22):
Whoever sent that note at would killed him? Certain, But
I'm not quite ready to believe it was Craig.
Speaker 6 (18:27):
Oh, Jim, why it must have been.
Speaker 5 (18:29):
Well, everyone at the club disclaims all knowledge of the note.
Speaker 6 (18:32):
Really, Jim, I can't understand you. A motive is always
the first thing you look for in a murder case,
and well, here you have a perfect motive and you're
not willing to accept it.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
Well, Jim, we can all go home now. The Rockland
murders are solid.
Speaker 6 (18:45):
Oh, that's wonderful, Inspector. Who did it?
Speaker 1 (18:47):
Professor?
Speaker 5 (18:48):
The evidence against Craig is purely a circumstantial Inspector, Not quite, Jim,
I have a witness who saw him leave his house
at seven o'clock last night and head toward the shortcut
to Roaring Gorge. You check the distance, I suppose.
Speaker 4 (19:01):
Sure a man could cover the distance between Craig's house
and the Gorge in twenty three minutes by walking fast.
Speaker 5 (19:08):
Who's the witness? You spoke about Lawrence Tree. Craig admit
he left his house at seven o'clock.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
No, No, he claims he left his seven to fifteen,
but he admits he walked toward the woods behind the library.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Welled him, I'm driving Craig into headquarters.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
You're coming along, No, Inspector, I'll join you later. You're
not convinced about Craig, Well, I'd like to check a
few more things here before I close my books on
this case. Now, let me get these facts straight. Mister Treet.
(19:49):
You say you were walking past Professor Craig's house at
seven o'clock and saw him come out and head for
the shortcut to Roaring. That's right, mister Brandon. Then you
strolled up ma a walk leisurely, noticed miss Collier, the Inspector,
and me in front of Science Hall at seven fifteen. Yes,
none of us remember seeing you on maple Walk.
Speaker 7 (20:09):
All of you seemed to be interested in a piece
of paper you were holding.
Speaker 5 (20:12):
That's right. Where did you go after seeing us, mister Treep?
Speaker 1 (20:16):
I turned back and headed for home.
Speaker 5 (20:18):
Craig claims he left his house at seven fifteen, But
since you were opposite Science Hall at that time, you
must have passed Craig's house ten or fifteen minutes before that.
You see the whole question of Craig's innocence or guilt
hinges on that time element.
Speaker 7 (20:33):
I understand if Craig didn't leave his house until seven fifteen,
he couldn't possibly have arrived at robbing Gard's at seven
point thirty when you had the shop.
Speaker 5 (20:44):
That's right, But the time schedule of your walk is
conclusive evidence that you saw Craig Leave's house at seven?
Speaker 7 (20:51):
Will you say Craig admits to that little incident about
sending his dog back into the house as he was leaving.
Speaker 5 (20:58):
That proofs I saw him, Yes, Otherwise I'd be inclined
to believe you saw someone else come out of this
house at seven o'clock. I'm sure it was Professor Craig.
Mister Bradman. Well, the inspectors had the case basault, and
after this little talk with you, mister Treat, I'm inclined
to agree with him.
Speaker 6 (21:30):
Jim from the world do you expect to find up
here in the tower at Founder's Hall?
Speaker 5 (21:35):
I want to get a bird's eye view of the
entire camp is farn what for? There's a strange angle
to this case. That Ferren, I've got it. The library
cupola is the focal point, and it's within ten minutes
walking distance of the gorge.
Speaker 6 (21:48):
The library cupola, what does that have to do with it?
Speaker 5 (21:51):
Come on, Fern, I have that War's key. We're going
to take a look at that cupola.
Speaker 6 (22:11):
Well, Jim, the first part of your theory was right.
A man could stand right here in this cupola and
with the aid of binoculars, command of view of both
Craig's House and the front of Science Hall.
Speaker 5 (22:22):
And he'd be within ten minutes walking distance of Roaring Gordon.
Speaker 6 (22:25):
That's right, oh, Jim. Book, mister Treat and Dean Clapper
are in a huddle down there at the side door.
Do you suppose they're coming up here?
Speaker 5 (22:34):
Fern. We've got one minute to muff this case or
solve it. Here, take these old chemistry books, Harkness and
Appwood used as open them up and pretend you're taking notes.
All right, You tell anyone who comes into this room
that Jim Brandon has found the motive for the Rockland murders,
and that you know what that motive is.
Speaker 6 (22:53):
Jim, where are you going?
Speaker 5 (22:55):
It's time for the Avenger to enter this case, Fern. Listen,
someone's coming.
Speaker 6 (23:02):
Get to work now.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
He will think you are alone before he can't see
the adventure.
Speaker 7 (23:12):
Why why, miss Collier, what are.
Speaker 5 (23:16):
You doing here?
Speaker 6 (23:17):
I'm doing some re search work for Jim Brandon, mister Treat, for.
Speaker 7 (23:20):
Search work in those books, my dear.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
Why?
Speaker 6 (23:24):
Yes, you see, mister Brandon has found the real motive
for the murderers.
Speaker 7 (23:28):
Brandon just wouldn't give up until he.
Speaker 5 (23:30):
Found my secret?
Speaker 6 (23:31):
Would your secret?
Speaker 8 (23:34):
Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about, Miss Collier.
Speaker 5 (23:39):
I've caught you red.
Speaker 6 (23:40):
Handed, mister Treat. Put that gun away.
Speaker 8 (23:43):
No, I intend to silence you and Brandon with this
same gun that silenced Artmus And that would.
Speaker 5 (23:52):
Where is Brandon?
Speaker 6 (23:53):
I don't know.
Speaker 8 (23:55):
Well, I'll find it, but I'll take care of you first,
so you know the secret to you? Well, Harkness Sinnat
would almost worked out the puzzle of the Forester formula
in that book too, But they didn't live to.
Speaker 5 (24:08):
Profit by and neither will you. Lawrence Treet, The Avenger
is here to take care of that. The Avenger? Where
is he?
Speaker 1 (24:16):
My hand?
Speaker 6 (24:16):
Oh? I have begun, mister, Your aim.
Speaker 5 (24:21):
Was perfect that heavy book. Get him right, on the wrist.
Put your hands up and keep them up, mister Tree.
Speaker 9 (24:27):
No, I chose to play a dangerous game, and I'll
play it to the end. Lawrence Treat was not afraid
to kill, and he is not afraid to do.
Speaker 5 (24:38):
Treat, Ju, Jim, gather up those books, Burn and take
them to the car. I'll meet you there.
Speaker 6 (25:31):
Because, well, Jim, now that you figured out the formula,
(26:43):
what does it mean?
Speaker 5 (26:44):
It's the famous Forester formula for dinat Burn. Everyone thought
that old Forester had taken it with him to the grave.
Speaker 6 (26:50):
How did get it?
Speaker 5 (26:52):
Treat stumbled on references to it and Forester's journals when
he was writing his memoirs. He discovered that the key
to the formula could be found in one of those
his old chemistry books Forrester had donated to the library.
Speaker 6 (27:02):
What was the key, Jim?
Speaker 5 (27:04):
Certain words and chemical formulas throughout the book were underlined
an indelible pencil, but that information had to be arranged
in a certain order to make sense. Treat went to
work on it, but discovered that both Harkness and Atwood
were working on those underlying passages too. Those two boys
were exceptionally brilliant, and Treat must have been afraid they
beat him to the solution, so he killed them.
Speaker 6 (27:25):
But all the evidence pointed to Professor Craig. Jim, what
made you keep faith with him in spite of that?
Speaker 5 (27:30):
Because I knew that the person who sent that note
to Atwood wore a heavy ring on the little finger
of his right hand. The ring had made deep marks
on the paper.
Speaker 6 (27:39):
Oh and Professor Craig didn't wear such a ring.
Speaker 5 (27:42):
No, but tret did. I noticed it the first time
I met him, so I decided to concentrate on him.
Speaker 6 (27:47):
And it's a lucky thing for Professor Craig. You did well.
I guess this is one founder's day that Rockland College
would rather forget.
Speaker 5 (27:55):
Well, don't invite me out to your alma mater for
the track meet next year, for an I can find
enough murders to solve right here in the city or Characters, names, places,
and plots used in the Avenger program are fictitious. Any
(28:17):
similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Yeah, this is.
Speaker 5 (28:26):
A thought, A thought, a thought. Remember listen for another
adventure of
Speaker 1 (28:35):
The Avenger
The Avenger.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
The road to crime ends in a trap that justice
sets rhyme does not pay.
Speaker 3 (01:35):
The Avenger, sworn enemy of evil, is actually Jim Brandon,
of famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has
perfected several inventions to aid him in his crusade against
crime as the Avenger. Most remarkable of these inventions is
the highly secret diffusion capsule, which cloaks him in the
black light of invisibility. Brandon's assistant, the beautiful Fern Collier,
(01:56):
is the only one who shares his secrets and knows
that he is the man and the underworld fears as
the Avenger and now the Avenger and the diploma of death.
Speaker 4 (02:21):
Oh, Jim founders here at Rockland College certainly has brought
out the distinguished alumni and four.
Speaker 5 (02:26):
Yes, friend can point out all the celebrities to you, inspect her.
She was graduated from Rockland a year ago. Oh no almost, Oh,
I beg your pardon, friend, two years ago, Inspector.
Speaker 4 (02:36):
I'll hope that lady who just sat down in front
of us isn't anyone too important, because as soon as
the track meete begins, I'm going to ask Karwac to
remove her hat.
Speaker 6 (02:44):
Oh that's Amy Nottigan, the author's inspector, and you'd better
be polite to her or she'll make you the villain
in her next book.
Speaker 5 (02:50):
Oh look, that gray haired man in the front row
is a famous brain surgeon, and the two men with
him were politicians.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
You see.
Speaker 5 (02:56):
I know a few famous people too. I guess everybody
enjoys a good track, Jim.
Speaker 6 (03:00):
I thought Professor Craig was supposed to join us.
Speaker 5 (03:02):
Well, he said he would. He's probably become involved in
some fascinating experiment in the chemistry lab.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
Okay where they're saying to start, Yes, but.
Speaker 6 (03:10):
I think they're waiting for Dean Clapper. He hasn't arrived yet.
Speaker 5 (03:13):
Oh, Fernon, what's the first event on the program?
Speaker 6 (03:16):
Let me see? Oh, yes, here it is. It's the
sixty yard high hurdle race.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
Harold Harkness should be a essential to win, then, Harkness,
it seems to me I read something about him and
paper's reason. Well, that's right. Inspector Harkness won the National
Chemistry Prize a few weeks ago. And by the way,
his picture appeared right next to yours when you sawve
the Austin case.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
Oh, Oh yeah, yeah, that's where I saw it. All right.
Speaker 6 (03:40):
Oh look, Jim, I don't think they're going to wait
for the g They're lining up the post for the
hurdle ring.
Speaker 5 (03:45):
Oh good, Harkness is number five, Inspector, keep your eye
on him.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
There they go.
Speaker 5 (03:51):
Hey, Jim, what's the matter with Harkness. I don't know
why I didn't even clear that first hurdle.
Speaker 6 (03:57):
Harkness has collapsed, Jim, I'm.
Speaker 5 (03:58):
On, inspector, there's something wrong there. This way, all right, on,
don't beside stairs.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
They nea to the excuse us, hand back.
Speaker 5 (04:06):
Hey're bringing the stretcher on the field telling the hold
of a minute, inspector, Wait a minute, don't touch him, police,
all right, step aside, Please.
Speaker 1 (04:13):
Let us through here A see what you think.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
Jim looks to me like his neck may be broken.
Speaker 5 (04:23):
No, it's even worse than that, Inspector. He's been shot
in the back of the head. Harkness is dead.
Speaker 6 (04:46):
Jim, wild are you looking for here into the grandstands?
Do you think the murderer may be hiding in here?
Speaker 5 (04:51):
It's possible for him, but I think it's more likely
that he changed his clothes in here, has already made
his getaway.
Speaker 6 (04:58):
Jim. It was this shot Harkness, wasn't it.
Speaker 5 (05:02):
Yes, only one shot was fired, the one that started
the race.
Speaker 6 (05:05):
But in that case, why didn't Harkness fall run in
the starting line?
Speaker 5 (05:09):
Because he was a trained runner, primed for the race.
When the shot hit him, he was off to an
automatic start and he ran forward with a kind of
reflex motion. No one even noticed that anything was wrong
until he tripped over that first hurdle.
Speaker 6 (05:22):
Well, old Jake Norton is the start of Jim. Why
he's been working here at the college for ten years. Oh,
I just can't believe he killed Harkness. Listen, what was that?
Speaker 5 (05:37):
Why he's a groan? Come on, It seemed to come
from behind those benches in the corner.
Speaker 6 (05:44):
Jim, Jim, it's a man, but he's all tied up
and gagged.
Speaker 5 (05:50):
He's badly hurt.
Speaker 6 (05:51):
For him, Why, Jim, that's all Jake Norton the starter.
Speaker 5 (05:55):
He was slugg from behind here. Help me on time burn.
Speaker 6 (05:57):
All right, Jim, Jake, O, he's wore a jockey cap
and a yellow sweater when he was on the job.
Speaker 5 (06:03):
Yes, someone must have stolen those clothes and impersonated Norton
out there. On the field. His gun's not here either.
Speaker 6 (06:09):
Should I get the inspected.
Speaker 5 (06:10):
Jim, Yes, but call an ambulance first. Norton's in bad shape.
I doubt if we'll pull through this.
Speaker 4 (06:30):
Ah, They've got word in the hospital, Jim, Jake Norton
is dead.
Speaker 5 (06:34):
Oh what did he regain consciousness at all? Inspector?
Speaker 1 (06:37):
Now, whoever had him meant to kill him?
Speaker 5 (06:39):
Jim? Well, that means we'll have to start from scratch
on these murders. Inspectors.
Speaker 4 (06:45):
That looks like we're up against the too well planned,
premeditated killing.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
Jim, where do you think we should start?
Speaker 5 (06:52):
We'll have to question every single person who wasn't present
at the track meet. Absent students, teachers, and guests will
have to explain their whereabouts. But I mean two o'clock
and two forty five this afternoon.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
Huh, that's a big job. Let's go to work on.
Speaker 4 (07:15):
Are you two men were called back here for further
questioning in this murder case because we have not been
able to substantiate the alibis you offered earlier this afternoon.
I'll expect you to answer all questions carefully and truthfully.
I'm warning you that any discrepancies in your stories will
have serious consequences.
Speaker 5 (07:35):
Whose first gym? Robert Atwood student? According to earlier questioning,
Atwood claimed he was in the library from twelve o'clock
to three doing chemistry research. But this has not been
substantiated by the librarian on duty.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Okay, how do you explain that?
Speaker 6 (07:50):
Well?
Speaker 3 (07:50):
You see, so I was up in the cupola of
the library. I was consulting some rare old manuscripts and
books that are.
Speaker 5 (07:55):
Kept up there.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
How does it happen that the librarian didn't see you?
Speaker 5 (07:58):
The pupila is reached by a backstair case.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
A few senior honor students are given a key, and
we're permitted to go and come.
Speaker 5 (08:04):
As we please.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
Were you alone there?
Speaker 5 (08:06):
From one thirty on? I was?
Speaker 1 (08:07):
Who is there? Until one thirty?
Speaker 3 (08:09):
Clarence Treat who is a A mister Treat is an
alumnus of Rockland who lives here in tom He's writing
the memoirs of Matthew Forrester, Man of finance the new Library,
just before he died a few years ago.
Speaker 5 (08:19):
Say Treat also has a key to the cubila.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Oh yes, he does a great deal of research there too.
Speaker 5 (08:24):
May I ask a question Inspector, I go ahead, you Atwood,
isn't it a fact that you and Harkness were the
only two students who rated a key to the cupola
this year? That's right, mister Brandon. And is it also
a fact that such rivalry I developed between you, that
you were no longer even on speaking terms? Well, yes,
exactly what was the reason for that rivalry?
Speaker 3 (08:45):
But well, since Harkness is dead, Ike prefer not to
discuss that, Inspector. Since Attwood does not wish to discuss
this subject, I think you'd bet ask Professor Craig what
he knows about it.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
All right, Well, Professor Craig, suppose you answer the question
to the.
Speaker 5 (09:00):
Perfectly frank inspector. Both Heartness and that Wood hope to
be chosen to succeed me as associate professor of chemistry
next term.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Ah, you mean they were gunning for your job, Professor?
You might put it at the inspector.
Speaker 5 (09:13):
What makes you so certain of that, Professor Craig, Well,
the regular associate professor died at the beginning of the semester.
I was elected as a temporary substitute. Hartness and that
Wood were brilliant students, and both of them did all
sorts of research in an attempt to outrun me and
show me up. They frequently embarrassed me before the class
by putting obscure questions and problems which they are wide
(09:36):
researched and covered, problems which which I admit I was
not able to solve.
Speaker 4 (09:42):
A lad gives Atwood a reason for wanting to get
rid of Harkness all, but also gives you a modive
for wanting to get him out of the way. But Inspector,
my job is no safer now than it was before.
I told you Atwood was also a rival. That may
be true enough, but your alibi doesn't stand up the Professor.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
I was in my room alone, studying between one thirty
and three o'clock, just a minute in, Professor, when this
corner and I met you on the campus just before lunch.
You said you'd try to join us at the track meet. Yes,
that's right, Brandon, But why was merely being polite? Naturally,
I didn't want the whole world to know I was
literally chained at the Grindstone car.
Speaker 4 (10:22):
I'll be off an now, hold yourselves available for questioning
at any time.
Speaker 5 (10:39):
Well, thank you, mister Treed. Your story check with what
app told us just for the records. However, would you
mind telling me what you did after leaving the library
at one thirty.
Speaker 7 (10:49):
I I came straight home, mister Brandon. I went to
my study to advise the notes I'd taken to the library.
Speaker 1 (10:58):
I'm fraid you'll have to take my word for that.
Speaker 5 (11:00):
I live alone here, I see. Oh for me, mister treet.
But is that your college ring you're wearing on your
little finger?
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Oh?
Speaker 5 (11:07):
Yes, Why why was admiring it? That's all? Well, thank
you very much, mister treat mm what do you suppose
(11:30):
Dean Clapper wants with us? Inspector?
Speaker 1 (11:32):
I don't know. Jim here, this is his.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Office, Inspector White. Mister Brandon, come in, please.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
To d Thank you.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
Why did you wanna see us about Dan Clapper.
Speaker 5 (11:45):
I've just been informed that you have subjected Robert Edwood
and Professor Craig to a second questioning, and I wish
to protest it. Protest it. Yes, you will not find
the murder of Harkness in Norton. Here at Rockland College. Gentlemen,
there are no murderers. Rockland is almost one hundred years old.
The breath of scandal has never touched it. I refuse
to allow you to drag my students in faculty through
(12:08):
the mud in an attempt to locate some fanatical criminal.
Just a moment in Clapper, this is a police matter,
and it's not within the realm of your authority to
dictate who shall be questioned. Two men were murdered here
in cold blood this afternoon, and we intend to find
out who murdered them. Surely a respectable UB student and
an esteemed faculty member should be above suspicion in a
(12:29):
violent criminal case of this.
Speaker 4 (12:31):
Can no one here at Rockland or anywhere else as
above suspicion, Dane Clapper, Uh fact, I have a few
questions for you to answer.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
What did you say?
Speaker 5 (12:40):
The inspector would like to know where you were between
two o'clock and two forty five this afternoon, Dean Clapper, Well,
of all the IMPETI I'm afraid you'll have to answer.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
Yes, you weren't at the track, maid and all that.
Speaker 5 (12:51):
I was at home in my study, preparing an address
and to deliver tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
Who knows you're in a study of that time?
Speaker 5 (12:57):
No one except myself, my wife and daughter had gone
the athletic field when did you first hear about the
death of Parkness. My daughter came running home to inform
what time was that? I don't know, and I refuse
to subject myself to this foolish inquisition another moment. Then
you'd better get yourself a lawyer, Dean Clapper, because we
intend to get to the bottom of these murders.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
In a.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
Now back to the avenger and the diploma of death.
Speaker 6 (15:29):
Well, there's nothing here in the chemistry left to give
us any lead.
Speaker 4 (15:32):
Inspector, look at this piece of paper I found on
the back of that Woods notebook.
Speaker 6 (15:38):
What do you suppose those letters stand for? Inspector?
Speaker 4 (15:41):
If I know, capitals O E L and right Underneathan
capitals w XV, probably two sets of initials.
Speaker 6 (15:51):
And look on the other side of the paper, Inspector,
Roaring Goode is printed.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
Out, Roaring Gorge. Where's that?
Speaker 6 (15:58):
Why? That's what the fraternity initiation is place. We'd better
show this to Jim.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
Okay, we're supposed that made him in front of Science
Hall at seven point fifteen, or just have time to
make it.
Speaker 5 (16:22):
Capital's O E L over w xb written simply without
any curlicus.
Speaker 6 (16:31):
What do you suppose those initials stand for?
Speaker 5 (16:33):
Jim, they're not initials, kirn.
Speaker 6 (16:35):
They're not What are they? Then?
Speaker 5 (16:38):
Look if you turn this paper upside down there, what
do those letters become?
Speaker 6 (16:45):
Why? Jim? The W XB becomes the Greek letters for
Lambda kaimeu, and the O E L becomes seven thirty.
Speaker 1 (16:54):
That's all right, don't get it.
Speaker 5 (16:55):
Lambda Kaimu is an honorary club for Rockland graduates, isn't it?
Speaker 6 (16:59):
Yes? And I heard today that both Harkness and Atwood
were obledged to it.
Speaker 5 (17:03):
Where's Roaring Gorge?
Speaker 6 (17:04):
Friend? Well, it's about a twenty minute drive from here,
although we could make it through the woods on foot
in about ten minutes.
Speaker 5 (17:10):
Let's take the car, Jim. All right, but we'll have
to hurry.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
What time is it now, Jim?
Speaker 5 (17:25):
It's uh seven thirty.
Speaker 6 (17:27):
Inspector, Roaring Gorge is just beyond that next hill.
Speaker 5 (17:30):
Give the car everything it's got, Inspector, all right, Jim,
that was a shot.
Speaker 6 (17:35):
It came from the gorge. Turned that lane at the right, Inspector. Okay,
here's the gorge.
Speaker 5 (17:41):
Pull up, Inspector, quick, come on, okay, h doesn't seem
to be anybody here. Inspector over this way, eh?
Speaker 1 (17:52):
What is it? Jim?
Speaker 5 (17:55):
Hey, who is there? It's Atwood. He's been shot through
the head, Professor.
Speaker 6 (18:16):
Craig must be guilty, Jim. Why he was the only
one who had a motive for killing both Hawkness and Atwood.
Speaker 5 (18:22):
Whoever sent that note at would killed him? Certain, But
I'm not quite ready to believe it was Craig.
Speaker 6 (18:27):
Oh, Jim, why it must have been.
Speaker 5 (18:29):
Well, everyone at the club disclaims all knowledge of the note.
Speaker 6 (18:32):
Really, Jim, I can't understand you. A motive is always
the first thing you look for in a murder case,
and well, here you have a perfect motive and you're
not willing to accept it.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
Well, Jim, we can all go home now. The Rockland
murders are solid.
Speaker 6 (18:45):
Oh, that's wonderful, Inspector. Who did it?
Speaker 1 (18:47):
Professor?
Speaker 5 (18:48):
The evidence against Craig is purely a circumstantial Inspector, Not quite, Jim,
I have a witness who saw him leave his house
at seven o'clock last night and head toward the shortcut
to Roaring Gorge. You check the distance, I suppose.
Speaker 4 (19:01):
Sure a man could cover the distance between Craig's house
and the Gorge in twenty three minutes by walking fast.
Speaker 5 (19:08):
Who's the witness? You spoke about Lawrence Tree. Craig admit
he left his house at seven o'clock.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
No, No, he claims he left his seven to fifteen,
but he admits he walked toward the woods behind the library.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Welled him, I'm driving Craig into headquarters.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
You're coming along, No, Inspector, I'll join you later. You're
not convinced about Craig, Well, I'd like to check a
few more things here before I close my books on
this case. Now, let me get these facts straight. Mister Treet.
(19:49):
You say you were walking past Professor Craig's house at
seven o'clock and saw him come out and head for
the shortcut to Roaring. That's right, mister Brandon. Then you
strolled up ma a walk leisurely, noticed miss Collier, the Inspector,
and me in front of Science Hall at seven fifteen. Yes,
none of us remember seeing you on maple Walk.
Speaker 7 (20:09):
All of you seemed to be interested in a piece
of paper you were holding.
Speaker 5 (20:12):
That's right. Where did you go after seeing us, mister Treep?
Speaker 1 (20:16):
I turned back and headed for home.
Speaker 5 (20:18):
Craig claims he left his house at seven fifteen, But
since you were opposite Science Hall at that time, you
must have passed Craig's house ten or fifteen minutes before that.
You see the whole question of Craig's innocence or guilt
hinges on that time element.
Speaker 7 (20:33):
I understand if Craig didn't leave his house until seven fifteen,
he couldn't possibly have arrived at robbing Gard's at seven
point thirty when you had the shop.
Speaker 5 (20:44):
That's right, But the time schedule of your walk is
conclusive evidence that you saw Craig Leave's house at seven?
Speaker 7 (20:51):
Will you say Craig admits to that little incident about
sending his dog back into the house as he was leaving.
Speaker 5 (20:58):
That proofs I saw him, Yes, Otherwise I'd be inclined
to believe you saw someone else come out of this
house at seven o'clock. I'm sure it was Professor Craig.
Mister Bradman. Well, the inspectors had the case basault, and
after this little talk with you, mister Treat, I'm inclined
to agree with him.
Speaker 6 (21:30):
Jim from the world do you expect to find up
here in the tower at Founder's Hall?
Speaker 5 (21:35):
I want to get a bird's eye view of the
entire camp is farn what for? There's a strange angle
to this case. That Ferren, I've got it. The library
cupola is the focal point, and it's within ten minutes
walking distance of the gorge.
Speaker 6 (21:48):
The library cupola, what does that have to do with it?
Speaker 5 (21:51):
Come on, Fern, I have that War's key. We're going
to take a look at that cupola.
Speaker 6 (22:11):
Well, Jim, the first part of your theory was right.
A man could stand right here in this cupola and
with the aid of binoculars, command of view of both
Craig's House and the front of Science Hall.
Speaker 5 (22:22):
And he'd be within ten minutes walking distance of Roaring Gordon.
Speaker 6 (22:25):
That's right, oh, Jim. Book, mister Treat and Dean Clapper
are in a huddle down there at the side door.
Do you suppose they're coming up here?
Speaker 5 (22:34):
Fern. We've got one minute to muff this case or
solve it. Here, take these old chemistry books, Harkness and
Appwood used as open them up and pretend you're taking notes.
All right, You tell anyone who comes into this room
that Jim Brandon has found the motive for the Rockland murders,
and that you know what that motive is.
Speaker 6 (22:53):
Jim, where are you going?
Speaker 5 (22:55):
It's time for the Avenger to enter this case, Fern. Listen,
someone's coming.
Speaker 6 (23:02):
Get to work now.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
He will think you are alone before he can't see
the adventure.
Speaker 7 (23:12):
Why why, miss Collier, what are.
Speaker 5 (23:16):
You doing here?
Speaker 6 (23:17):
I'm doing some re search work for Jim Brandon, mister Treat, for.
Speaker 7 (23:20):
Search work in those books, my dear.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
Why?
Speaker 6 (23:24):
Yes, you see, mister Brandon has found the real motive
for the murderers.
Speaker 7 (23:28):
Brandon just wouldn't give up until he.
Speaker 5 (23:30):
Found my secret?
Speaker 6 (23:31):
Would your secret?
Speaker 8 (23:34):
Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about, Miss Collier.
Speaker 5 (23:39):
I've caught you red.
Speaker 6 (23:40):
Handed, mister Treat. Put that gun away.
Speaker 8 (23:43):
No, I intend to silence you and Brandon with this
same gun that silenced Artmus And that would.
Speaker 5 (23:52):
Where is Brandon?
Speaker 6 (23:53):
I don't know.
Speaker 8 (23:55):
Well, I'll find it, but I'll take care of you first,
so you know the secret to you? Well, Harkness Sinnat
would almost worked out the puzzle of the Forester formula
in that book too, But they didn't live to.
Speaker 5 (24:08):
Profit by and neither will you. Lawrence Treet, The Avenger
is here to take care of that. The Avenger? Where
is he?
Speaker 1 (24:16):
My hand?
Speaker 6 (24:16):
Oh? I have begun, mister, Your aim.
Speaker 5 (24:21):
Was perfect that heavy book. Get him right, on the wrist.
Put your hands up and keep them up, mister Tree.
Speaker 9 (24:27):
No, I chose to play a dangerous game, and I'll
play it to the end. Lawrence Treat was not afraid
to kill, and he is not afraid to do.
Speaker 5 (24:38):
Treat, Ju, Jim, gather up those books, Burn and take
them to the car. I'll meet you there.
Speaker 6 (25:31):
Because, well, Jim, now that you figured out the formula,
(26:43):
what does it mean?
Speaker 5 (26:44):
It's the famous Forester formula for dinat Burn. Everyone thought
that old Forester had taken it with him to the grave.
Speaker 6 (26:50):
How did get it?
Speaker 5 (26:52):
Treat stumbled on references to it and Forester's journals when
he was writing his memoirs. He discovered that the key
to the formula could be found in one of those
his old chemistry books Forrester had donated to the library.
Speaker 6 (27:02):
What was the key, Jim?
Speaker 5 (27:04):
Certain words and chemical formulas throughout the book were underlined
an indelible pencil, but that information had to be arranged
in a certain order to make sense. Treat went to
work on it, but discovered that both Harkness and Atwood
were working on those underlying passages too. Those two boys
were exceptionally brilliant, and Treat must have been afraid they
beat him to the solution, so he killed them.
Speaker 6 (27:25):
But all the evidence pointed to Professor Craig. Jim, what
made you keep faith with him in spite of that?
Speaker 5 (27:30):
Because I knew that the person who sent that note
to Atwood wore a heavy ring on the little finger
of his right hand. The ring had made deep marks
on the paper.
Speaker 6 (27:39):
Oh and Professor Craig didn't wear such a ring.
Speaker 5 (27:42):
No, but tret did. I noticed it the first time
I met him, so I decided to concentrate on him.
Speaker 6 (27:47):
And it's a lucky thing for Professor Craig. You did well.
I guess this is one founder's day that Rockland College
would rather forget.
Speaker 5 (27:55):
Well, don't invite me out to your alma mater for
the track meet next year, for an I can find
enough murders to solve right here in the city or Characters, names, places,
and plots used in the Avenger program are fictitious. Any
(28:17):
similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
Yeah, this is.
Speaker 5 (28:26):
A thought, A thought, a thought. Remember listen for another
adventure of
Speaker 1 (28:35):
The Avenger
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