November 17, 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 (00:17):
I am the Whistler, and I know many things. For
I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden
in the hearts of men and women who have stepped
into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of
which they dare not speak.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
And now for the Whistler's strange story, Dark Island.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
Dark Island was a fitting background for the grim scene
just offshore. The waves on the beach all but drowned
the staccatto reports of gunfire. But the men crouched low
in the tiny sail boat could see the stabbing bursts
of flame with each shot, hear the bullets sting into
the water around him. Yes, it was a very fitting
background because the tiny island had once been the sole
(01:11):
property of an underworld boss named Sid Stauffer. The huge
old mansion he'd built was still standing. It had been
a mute witness to many a shooting fray in years past.
Now it was a hotel, a focal point of the
little artist's colony that had sprung up on Dark Island.
A gay bohemian group two preoccupied with their own activities
(01:33):
to be aware of the excitement taking place in the
nearby coal But the man in the boat, Ernie Reagan
was more than aware. Yes, Ernie, you maneuver the boat frantically,
fighting your way toward shore, and then abruptly the firing ceases,
doesn't it, And a half hour later you're back at
the boat dock, tying up and very much relieved. Have
(01:57):
a good cruise, mister Reagan.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Uh yeah, fine, Sam, give me a hand with a
stern line.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
William sure cash you're over, Yeah, got.
Speaker 5 (02:08):
It, thanks Sam. Ow she's made fast.
Speaker 4 (02:13):
Missus Tenner was down to the dock looking for you.
Oh she's having a party there the place. I want
you to stop in and meet some folks.
Speaker 5 (02:23):
Oh all right, thanks Sam, I'll do just that night.
Speaker 4 (02:29):
Night, mister Reagan.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Strange, isn't it, Ernie. The contrast from those terrifying moments
in the boat, with someone firing down at you, trying
to kill you, someone who might even be among the
guests at the gay patio party. It's still in your mind,
isn't it. As you stop by and Missus Tennor immediately
takes you in tow.
Speaker 6 (02:57):
Mister Reagan, I'm so glad you dropped.
Speaker 7 (02:59):
In on us.
Speaker 8 (03:00):
Well, the regular Islanders telling me not to miss one
of Missus Tenner's parties.
Speaker 6 (03:03):
This is just one of those impromptu things, mister Reagan.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
But I guess practically everyone's here.
Speaker 6 (03:08):
Yes, what, Oh Julie, my dear.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
Good talk.
Speaker 6 (03:12):
Things were running low on firewood. But oh, excuse me,
quite all right, my dear, I was just trying to
talk mister Reagan into joining us, mister Reagan, Miss vincent Ernie, Hello, Ernie,
not bashful, are you?
Speaker 5 (03:25):
No, it's not that.
Speaker 7 (03:26):
Then come along.
Speaker 6 (03:28):
You were asking me something, Julie in firewood. Oh yes,
I'll see to it. You take Ernie on up to
the party, all right, you one of the old timers
on the island.
Speaker 5 (03:39):
Ernie, hardly. I got here day before yesterday.
Speaker 6 (03:41):
Vacation, you sort of.
Speaker 5 (03:51):
Missus state wasn't kidding. Practically everybody is here.
Speaker 6 (03:54):
They're all a lot of fun. You probably know most
of them.
Speaker 5 (03:57):
A few hi summery's having.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
I was until Aims showed up. Aimes, Yeah, over there,
the one with.
Speaker 9 (04:06):
The built him sneer, he writes, didn't he trash? Strictflay trash?
Well another drink?
Speaker 4 (04:12):
Excuse me.
Speaker 6 (04:13):
It doesn't seem to care much for honester Aimes.
Speaker 5 (04:16):
Does he?
Speaker 8 (04:16):
How many do understand Ames? Isn't the friendly type he
resents newcomers to the island.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
I better watch my step.
Speaker 5 (04:23):
I wouldn't worry about it. I feel like dancing.
Speaker 6 (04:26):
How about your drink?
Speaker 5 (04:28):
E can wake?
Speaker 1 (04:37):
The incident at the cliffs isn't forgotten?
Speaker 5 (04:39):
Is it earning?
Speaker 1 (04:40):
But Julie helps to take your mind off At occasions,
and as the party progresses, you manage to meet some
of the islanders, and you wonder if one of them
was responsible for the attempt on your life. Later, you
find yourself in a small group seated near the fire, Julie,
Missus Tennors, Summers, and Winston Ames. The conversation suddenly veers
(05:01):
to a subject of great interest to you.
Speaker 6 (05:04):
Yes, yes, I knew since Stopper.
Speaker 7 (05:06):
I saw the house up there being built back in
twenty seven.
Speaker 6 (05:10):
I think it was. What was he like, Missus Tennor
Not what you'd expect, quiet, soft spoken, cultured, interested in
the arts. Opposed perhaps a cover up? No, I don't
think so, do you, mister Summers?
Speaker 4 (05:24):
Oh, he was genuinely interested, that's for sure.
Speaker 5 (05:27):
You knew Stuffer.
Speaker 9 (05:29):
Yes, I was a newspaper man in the old days.
Staffer took a liking to me for some reason.
Speaker 4 (05:34):
Or other. I got known pretty.
Speaker 7 (05:36):
Well, that's what your novel is about, Summers.
Speaker 9 (05:38):
No, Aimes, it isn't about stuffer world, then what is
it about? You wouldn't understand, and if you could, you
wouldn't like it.
Speaker 4 (05:47):
Philosophical?
Speaker 7 (05:48):
Uh, perhaps a deep not very commercial.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
Yes, so let's just let it go with that.
Speaker 6 (05:54):
Huh, Minter, Summers, I've heard a story about staffer well
with a lot of them, Julie.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
Do you think it's.
Speaker 6 (06:01):
True that he actually buried over a quarter of a
million dollars somewhere on this island?
Speaker 4 (06:07):
Huh malwaukeey ridiculous.
Speaker 6 (06:09):
I'd say, why should he do that?
Speaker 8 (06:11):
What are banks for?
Speaker 6 (06:13):
Well, after all, a man in his position, Yeah, I'd be.
Speaker 8 (06:16):
A little afraid of bank accounts. Check up income text.
Speaker 5 (06:19):
Right.
Speaker 7 (06:20):
Our friend mister Reagan has a point there, Summers.
Speaker 9 (06:23):
Know the story that there's a quarter of a million
bucks buried on this island is bunk, just bunk, But.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
It isn't you know the story is true, don't you anything?
And you know where the money is buried. Yes, that's
what brought you to the island and someone else, apparently
that's someone who tried to kill you. It's almost two
in the morning, when you leave the party at Missus Tennor's,
start up the path towards your cottage, and then you
hear footsteps behind.
Speaker 8 (06:56):
You, Ernie, Ernie, Yeah, oh, Julie, I thought you've gone
back to your cottage.
Speaker 6 (07:03):
I wanted to talk to you.
Speaker 5 (07:05):
Oh tell me, Ernie, how does.
Speaker 6 (07:08):
It feel to be a free man again?
Speaker 5 (07:12):
Free man?
Speaker 6 (07:14):
Ten years in San Quentin is a long time, isn't it?
Speaker 5 (07:19):
What's on your mind, Julie?
Speaker 6 (07:21):
Like I said, I wanted to have a talk with you,
Ernie about what a quarter of a million dollars darling
burry somewhere on this island. I know it's here, and
so do you. Wouldn't it be smarter if we worked
together instead of working against one another?
Speaker 1 (08:12):
A quarter of a million dollars Ernie, Yes, that's what
brought you to Staffer's Island because you knew it was
buried here. And now you learn that the attractive Julie
Vincent is well aware of that fact too, and you
wonder if she's responsible for the attempt on your life.
Earlier in the evening, as you cruised off the island
in a small boat, searching out the cave where you're
(08:33):
certain the money is hidden.
Speaker 8 (08:36):
Look, sweetheart, I don't follow this line of conversation.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Don't you, Ernie.
Speaker 6 (08:41):
I had a boyfriend once. His name was Jim Corsey. Corsey,
your room mate at San Quentin. I used to visit
him frequently, and then he died six weeks ago pneumonia.
They said.
Speaker 5 (08:57):
Jim Corsey was never what you might call robust, and.
Speaker 6 (09:00):
Prison finished him. He didn't have to take that rap,
but he did to save his old friend Stopper. They
were very close, very That's how we know the money
is buried on the island, don't we arny?
Speaker 5 (09:16):
Did the Corsey say it was?
Speaker 6 (09:19):
He was pretty certain of it, only he didn't know
just where it was. But he had a few ideas
ideas he might have passed on to you.
Speaker 8 (09:28):
You heard what Summer said. The yawn about the money
being buried on the island is bunk?
Speaker 5 (09:33):
Just bunk?
Speaker 4 (09:33):
And what are you doing here?
Speaker 5 (09:35):
I told you vacation?
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Oh shoes?
Speaker 5 (09:37):
Sure? The funny thing. Jim Corsey never never mentioned a
girl named Julie to me.
Speaker 6 (09:43):
How about a girl named Agatha? Oh yeah, Agatha, Julie,
same girl. I sort of wanted to break off the
old ties. Agatha Clark right right, So here we are, Ernie,
what's the next move?
Speaker 5 (10:04):
Is it up to me? Sweeter?
Speaker 6 (10:05):
It is, but do think it over. I'll be down
at the beach in the morning for a swim. Let
me know what your answer is. Then good night, Ernie.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
There it is, Ernie. The cards on the table, Julie
Vincent suggesting a partnership, a fifty to fifty split of
the money. An attractive, exciting girl, isn't she? But you're
not ready to accept her offer because you feel you
can't trust her. You're certain she's in league with someone,
perhaps the someone who tried to kill you. Yes, it
(10:49):
could be a double cross, couldn't it, Julie working with
someone else trying to find out what you know? What
your plans are? You think it over very carefully that night.
What you must do the following morning down at the beach.
Speaker 5 (11:08):
Well, hello, Ernie, morning, Julien.
Speaker 6 (11:11):
Have a good night's rest.
Speaker 5 (11:13):
Fine, slept like a log.
Speaker 6 (11:16):
Notting on your mind? No problem?
Speaker 5 (11:18):
No, well maybe one.
Speaker 6 (11:22):
Oh.
Speaker 8 (11:24):
Someone tried to kill me last night, about half an
hour before I got to missus Tenner's.
Speaker 6 (11:29):
Where did it happen?
Speaker 5 (11:31):
Near the caves?
Speaker 6 (11:33):
Huh? So there's someone else on the island who knows
about the money. That rather complicates things, doesn't it.
Speaker 5 (11:40):
Yeah? Sort of.
Speaker 8 (11:43):
You see, the cave can only be entered at low
tide and only by an experienced swimmer. Our competition isn't
an experienced swimmer.
Speaker 6 (11:51):
Neither, am I, Darling? That's why I need a partner.
Speaker 5 (11:55):
I don't.
Speaker 6 (11:57):
Is that your answer?
Speaker 5 (11:58):
No?
Speaker 8 (11:59):
No, no, I thought over very carefully, Julie. I have
decided we should team up.
Speaker 6 (12:06):
I'm glad to hear that, Ernie, very glad to hear that.
What are your plans?
Speaker 5 (12:13):
I'm going to get into that cave tonight.
Speaker 8 (12:16):
The tide will be at its lowest step around eight o'clock,
and Summers is giving a party.
Speaker 6 (12:23):
What's the party got to do with her?
Speaker 5 (12:24):
I've got a hunch our competition is going to be there,
and that's where you come in.
Speaker 6 (12:30):
What am I supposed to do?
Speaker 8 (12:31):
Create a little diversion? You pull a faint faint me? Really,
it all happens a few minutes before eight o'clock. It
will give me a chance to slip away unnoticed.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
The trap is set, isn't it, Ernie. Yes, you've tipped off, Julie.
What your plans are? And you're certain she'll reveal those
plans to whomever she's working with that night at Summer's party.
Julie plays her part to perfection, and in the excitement
the confusion, you slip out the side door and hurry
down the path toward the cliffs. And suddenly you veer
(13:14):
off and wait in the darkness. Then you hear the footsteps.
Speaker 8 (13:24):
Hello, Aims, Oh, hell, mister Reagan seeking inspiration.
Speaker 7 (13:32):
All the party got frightfully dull.
Speaker 4 (13:34):
I thought i'd go for a walk.
Speaker 7 (13:37):
Cigarette.
Speaker 8 (13:39):
Yeah, don't betry Aames, go sure, as soon as I
get this, just neck better.
Speaker 5 (13:50):
Thirty eight no novelists went around carrying thirty eight.
Speaker 7 (13:55):
Seems I've been double cross doesn't it. Well, Never trust
a woman.
Speaker 5 (14:01):
Riagan, You mean Julie.
Speaker 4 (14:03):
Of course, I've.
Speaker 7 (14:05):
Made a few mistakes in my lifetime, Reagan, But the
biggest I ever made was trusting Julie. And she'll double
cross you.
Speaker 4 (14:11):
Too, she will.
Speaker 7 (14:13):
I tell you, Oh, look, Reagan, why don't we play
it smart? Meaning we split the money fifty to fifty.
Speaker 4 (14:19):
Leave Julie out of it.
Speaker 5 (14:20):
I intend to leave her out of it. Ain't and
you too.
Speaker 7 (14:25):
Wait a minute, Reagan, Reagan, you wouldn't kill me in cold.
Speaker 8 (14:29):
About those potshots you took at me while I was
out in that boat.
Speaker 10 (14:31):
No, no, sorry, sure, sure, I've thought about it, Julie.
Speaker 9 (14:51):
But well, everybody these days is writing a historical novel,
very good one, well true, true, But I don't Oh, hello.
Speaker 5 (14:59):
Reagan, summer is Julie?
Speaker 7 (15:01):
Hello, Ernie?
Speaker 4 (15:02):
Where are you then?
Speaker 8 (15:03):
Outside? Jellyico colored me. He can really beat an air
drum off that boy?
Speaker 4 (15:08):
Oh you're telling me?
Speaker 9 (15:09):
Oh here here, you can't stand around with a half
empty glass in your hand. Let me give you a refill.
Oh how about you doing it?
Speaker 6 (15:14):
Oh no, no, this is fine, Okay, be right back.
You were gone a long time, darling. Did you know
what happened?
Speaker 5 (15:24):
I was followed, followed.
Speaker 6 (15:27):
Did you see who it was?
Speaker 5 (15:28):
Nope?
Speaker 8 (15:28):
I didn't see anyone. As a matter of fact, just
had a feeling that someone was tailing me.
Speaker 5 (15:33):
I decided to shelve my little plan.
Speaker 6 (15:35):
That was smart, Ernie. I can't take any chances.
Speaker 8 (15:39):
I'll I'll try again tomorrow night. As soon as I
get the money, we'll take off.
Speaker 5 (15:45):
We'll leave, We'll leave the island.
Speaker 6 (15:47):
I've always wanted to go to South America.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
Rio is a nice place.
Speaker 6 (15:51):
So they tell me a quarter of a million dollars
darling and just the two of us. You're not sorry
we teamed up, are you?
Speaker 5 (15:59):
I'm not all right at all? Swearne.
Speaker 6 (16:03):
What time are you going to the cave tomorrow night?
And what can I do to help?
Speaker 8 (16:07):
Around eight? You can run a boat with offshore? All right,
we'll talk more about it in the morning. Right now,
I feel like dancing.
Speaker 6 (16:16):
If you don't mind, Ernie, I think i'd better go
back to my cottage. I have quite a headache, excitement, nervousness.
Speaker 5 (16:23):
I guess, sure, Julie. Sure.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
So you walk Julie back to her cottage and outside,
in the shadow of the rose covered arbor, a tender
good night. Yes, And as you hold Julie close in
your arms, you wish things could be different, don't you
earn it? As she kisses you. You want to believe
she means it, but you can't because you're certain she's
just playing a part. That she's been working with Aims,
(17:00):
that it was she who tipped off, aims to follow
you from the party, That she's only interested in the
money and will do anything to get it.
Speaker 5 (17:08):
You want to tell her Aims is dead.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
His body now washed out to sea. You wish she'd
confess she'd been working with ains.
Speaker 6 (17:17):
Julie, Yes, Darling, you know, and you call me darling.
I almost believe you mean it, but you're not sure.
Speaker 5 (17:31):
Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars there is a lot
of money.
Speaker 6 (17:35):
It's enough to cause a gall to stage of big
romantic pitch to get her hands on some of them.
Speaker 5 (17:42):
You took the words right out of my mouth. Baby.
Speaker 6 (17:45):
You know something, Ernie. Yeah, a few hours ago you'd
have had something. But that was a few hours ago.
Meaning the money doesn't mean so much any more, Darling,
What I do, don't you know? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (18:11):
I guess I do.
Speaker 11 (18:14):
Anything else you want to say, any There isn't anything else, Darling,
at least for now.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
Back at your cottage, a few minutes later, you pack
your bag, glance at your watch. You still have several
hours to wait before the dawntide, when you can get
the money you feel bad about Julie. Wish she'd told
you about her working with aims. Then you could believe
in her. But she didn't, not even when you gave
her a perfect opportunity, and you're almost certain she intends
(18:52):
to double cross you when it serves her purpose. Then
you realize you can find out make certain whether Julie
is really if you are merely playing a part. Julie
doesn't know Eames is dead, his body washed out to
see Quickly, you hurry outside, walk down the path toward
Aames cottage. Inside the cottage, you type a note to
(19:15):
Julie on Aimes stationery, sign it with Aames initials w A.
Speaker 4 (19:21):
In it.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
You say Aames is getting the hidden staffer money at Dawntide.
Ask her to meet him at a secluded spot near
the pier at three thirty next morning. Be ready to
leave the island with him. Then you hurry to Julie's
cottage and slip the note under Julie's door. She shows up,
you'll know that all she wants is the stuff her money.
(19:42):
You'll decide then what to do about Julie. You start
back towards your cottage. You hear them close by, recognize
Missus Tenner's voice, Somers his party guests. You look around
for a place to hide, but you're too late, ridden ridden.
Speaker 9 (19:59):
Hollow plase Ernie, how nice We're going out on Jellicoe's
boat for a couple of hours.
Speaker 4 (20:05):
Why don't come along? Wow?
Speaker 5 (20:07):
Thanks, I was just on my way back to the cottage.
Speaker 8 (20:10):
You've got to catch a little sleep.
Speaker 5 (20:11):
No, no, no, no, really, thanks some other time. I've
got to get up early tomorrow.
Speaker 9 (20:16):
Okay, okay, too bad you won't come along, Ernie.
Speaker 4 (20:19):
You must have a big day plan for tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (20:21):
Yeah, big day.
Speaker 3 (20:22):
Summer is a real big day.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
Stafford's Island, usually quiet and peaceful, not at all a
reflection of its early days as a gangster's hideaway, was
now vibrant and alive with its present day residents clogged together,
babbling nervously, wondering, talking in hushed tones about the boats
arriving one after another from the mainland. Police boats, newspaper boats,
(21:12):
boats filled with a plane. Curious why, because a killing
had occurred, a killer had been apprehended, and further, a
confession was forthcoming, and it was all over. Only a
few pertinent details to be cleaned up for the police
the press.
Speaker 9 (21:31):
Ah, come on, sheriff, I need a good story, Come on,
give me the loadown.
Speaker 4 (21:34):
Why was this guy murdered?
Speaker 7 (21:36):
Well, it was a case of mistaken identity, and I
got that straight from the killer.
Speaker 4 (21:41):
You mean this guy that was killed.
Speaker 7 (21:42):
Murderer thought he was somebody else, a guy named Winston Ames.
Speaker 4 (21:47):
Huh, lucky break for Ames.
Speaker 7 (21:49):
Oh maybe, but maybe not. Ames is still missing. Nobody's
seen him since yesterday.
Speaker 4 (21:54):
But the motive, Sheriff.
Speaker 7 (21:56):
The motive was Staffer's money. Now, you boys know the
story about a quarter of a million dollars that Stouffer
was supposed to have hidden here. Oh yeah, Well, according
to the confession, this guy Aames, got a tip from
somebody as to where the money was hidden. He and
his girlfriend Julie Vinson came here to get it. But
apparently that tip was a phony.
Speaker 9 (22:16):
Oh it's been a million phony tips about that though.
Speaker 7 (22:21):
Well a little later on, this guy Reagan showed up.
Speaker 4 (22:24):
Now I'm beginning to get the picture.
Speaker 7 (22:26):
And Julie Vincent made a play for Reagan to see
if she could learn anything. But then she fell for
Reagan in a big way and decided to double cross.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
Ames and rub him up beside.
Speaker 7 (22:37):
Huh oh no, no, her original idea was just to
skip with Reagan. Then last night she got a note
apparently written by Ames, telling her Ames was picking up
the money early this morning and asking her to meet
him and skip with him.
Speaker 4 (22:52):
Well, how come she shot Reagan?
Speaker 7 (22:54):
Well it was still pitch dark at three point thirty
this morning, of course, And when Reagan showed up at
the same time in the same place that the note
said Ames would be, Julie Vincent naturally figured Reagan was
Ames and let him have it.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
Featured in Tonight's story were Bill Foreman as the Whistler,
Lamon Johnson, Gene Bates, Tom Brown, Glory, Anne Simpson.
Speaker 5 (23:53):
Brittwood, and Larry Dodkin.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
The Whistler was produced by George w Allen, directed by
Robert Hafter, was story by Adrian John Doe, music by
Wolver Hatch, and was transmitted overseas by the Armed Forces
Radio Service. The Whistler was entirely fictional, and all characters
portrayed on the Whistler are also fictional. Any similarity of
names or resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
(24:19):
Remember to tune in at the same time next Sunday
when the signal oil comes
I am the Whistler, and I know many things. For
I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden
in the hearts of men and women who have stepped
into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of
which they dare not speak.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
And now for the Whistler's strange story, Dark Island.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
Dark Island was a fitting background for the grim scene
just offshore. The waves on the beach all but drowned
the staccatto reports of gunfire. But the men crouched low
in the tiny sail boat could see the stabbing bursts
of flame with each shot, hear the bullets sting into
the water around him. Yes, it was a very fitting
background because the tiny island had once been the sole
(01:11):
property of an underworld boss named Sid Stauffer. The huge
old mansion he'd built was still standing. It had been
a mute witness to many a shooting fray in years past.
Now it was a hotel, a focal point of the
little artist's colony that had sprung up on Dark Island.
A gay bohemian group two preoccupied with their own activities
(01:33):
to be aware of the excitement taking place in the
nearby coal But the man in the boat, Ernie Reagan
was more than aware. Yes, Ernie, you maneuver the boat frantically,
fighting your way toward shore, and then abruptly the firing ceases,
doesn't it, And a half hour later you're back at
the boat dock, tying up and very much relieved. Have
(01:57):
a good cruise, mister Reagan.
Speaker 3 (02:00):
Uh yeah, fine, Sam, give me a hand with a
stern line.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
William sure cash you're over, Yeah, got.
Speaker 5 (02:08):
It, thanks Sam. Ow she's made fast.
Speaker 4 (02:13):
Missus Tenner was down to the dock looking for you.
Oh she's having a party there the place. I want
you to stop in and meet some folks.
Speaker 5 (02:23):
Oh all right, thanks Sam, I'll do just that night.
Speaker 4 (02:29):
Night, mister Reagan.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Strange, isn't it, Ernie. The contrast from those terrifying moments
in the boat, with someone firing down at you, trying
to kill you, someone who might even be among the
guests at the gay patio party. It's still in your mind,
isn't it. As you stop by and Missus Tennor immediately
takes you in tow.
Speaker 6 (02:57):
Mister Reagan, I'm so glad you dropped.
Speaker 7 (02:59):
In on us.
Speaker 8 (03:00):
Well, the regular Islanders telling me not to miss one
of Missus Tenner's parties.
Speaker 6 (03:03):
This is just one of those impromptu things, mister Reagan.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
But I guess practically everyone's here.
Speaker 6 (03:08):
Yes, what, Oh Julie, my dear.
Speaker 4 (03:11):
Good talk.
Speaker 6 (03:12):
Things were running low on firewood. But oh, excuse me,
quite all right, my dear, I was just trying to
talk mister Reagan into joining us, mister Reagan, Miss vincent Ernie, Hello, Ernie,
not bashful, are you?
Speaker 5 (03:25):
No, it's not that.
Speaker 7 (03:26):
Then come along.
Speaker 6 (03:28):
You were asking me something, Julie in firewood. Oh yes,
I'll see to it. You take Ernie on up to
the party, all right, you one of the old timers
on the island.
Speaker 5 (03:39):
Ernie, hardly. I got here day before yesterday.
Speaker 6 (03:41):
Vacation, you sort of.
Speaker 5 (03:51):
Missus state wasn't kidding. Practically everybody is here.
Speaker 6 (03:54):
They're all a lot of fun. You probably know most
of them.
Speaker 5 (03:57):
A few hi summery's having.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
I was until Aims showed up. Aimes, Yeah, over there,
the one with.
Speaker 9 (04:06):
The built him sneer, he writes, didn't he trash? Strictflay trash?
Well another drink?
Speaker 4 (04:12):
Excuse me.
Speaker 6 (04:13):
It doesn't seem to care much for honester Aimes.
Speaker 5 (04:16):
Does he?
Speaker 8 (04:16):
How many do understand Ames? Isn't the friendly type he
resents newcomers to the island.
Speaker 1 (04:22):
I better watch my step.
Speaker 5 (04:23):
I wouldn't worry about it. I feel like dancing.
Speaker 6 (04:26):
How about your drink?
Speaker 5 (04:28):
E can wake?
Speaker 1 (04:37):
The incident at the cliffs isn't forgotten?
Speaker 5 (04:39):
Is it earning?
Speaker 1 (04:40):
But Julie helps to take your mind off At occasions,
and as the party progresses, you manage to meet some
of the islanders, and you wonder if one of them
was responsible for the attempt on your life. Later, you
find yourself in a small group seated near the fire, Julie,
Missus Tennors, Summers, and Winston Ames. The conversation suddenly veers
(05:01):
to a subject of great interest to you.
Speaker 6 (05:04):
Yes, yes, I knew since Stopper.
Speaker 7 (05:06):
I saw the house up there being built back in
twenty seven.
Speaker 6 (05:10):
I think it was. What was he like, Missus Tennor
Not what you'd expect, quiet, soft spoken, cultured, interested in
the arts. Opposed perhaps a cover up? No, I don't
think so, do you, mister Summers?
Speaker 4 (05:24):
Oh, he was genuinely interested, that's for sure.
Speaker 5 (05:27):
You knew Stuffer.
Speaker 9 (05:29):
Yes, I was a newspaper man in the old days.
Staffer took a liking to me for some reason.
Speaker 4 (05:34):
Or other. I got known pretty.
Speaker 7 (05:36):
Well, that's what your novel is about, Summers.
Speaker 9 (05:38):
No, Aimes, it isn't about stuffer world, then what is
it about? You wouldn't understand, and if you could, you
wouldn't like it.
Speaker 4 (05:47):
Philosophical?
Speaker 7 (05:48):
Uh, perhaps a deep not very commercial.
Speaker 4 (05:52):
Yes, so let's just let it go with that.
Speaker 6 (05:54):
Huh, Minter, Summers, I've heard a story about staffer well
with a lot of them, Julie.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
Do you think it's.
Speaker 6 (06:01):
True that he actually buried over a quarter of a
million dollars somewhere on this island?
Speaker 4 (06:07):
Huh malwaukeey ridiculous.
Speaker 6 (06:09):
I'd say, why should he do that?
Speaker 8 (06:11):
What are banks for?
Speaker 6 (06:13):
Well, after all, a man in his position, Yeah, I'd be.
Speaker 8 (06:16):
A little afraid of bank accounts. Check up income text.
Speaker 5 (06:19):
Right.
Speaker 7 (06:20):
Our friend mister Reagan has a point there, Summers.
Speaker 9 (06:23):
Know the story that there's a quarter of a million
bucks buried on this island is bunk, just bunk, But.
Speaker 1 (06:34):
It isn't you know the story is true, don't you anything?
And you know where the money is buried. Yes, that's
what brought you to the island and someone else, apparently
that's someone who tried to kill you. It's almost two
in the morning, when you leave the party at Missus Tennor's,
start up the path towards your cottage, and then you
hear footsteps behind.
Speaker 8 (06:56):
You, Ernie, Ernie, Yeah, oh, Julie, I thought you've gone
back to your cottage.
Speaker 6 (07:03):
I wanted to talk to you.
Speaker 5 (07:05):
Oh tell me, Ernie, how does.
Speaker 6 (07:08):
It feel to be a free man again?
Speaker 5 (07:12):
Free man?
Speaker 6 (07:14):
Ten years in San Quentin is a long time, isn't it?
Speaker 5 (07:19):
What's on your mind, Julie?
Speaker 6 (07:21):
Like I said, I wanted to have a talk with you,
Ernie about what a quarter of a million dollars darling
burry somewhere on this island. I know it's here, and
so do you. Wouldn't it be smarter if we worked
together instead of working against one another?
Speaker 1 (08:12):
A quarter of a million dollars Ernie, Yes, that's what
brought you to Staffer's Island because you knew it was
buried here. And now you learn that the attractive Julie
Vincent is well aware of that fact too, and you
wonder if she's responsible for the attempt on your life.
Earlier in the evening, as you cruised off the island
in a small boat, searching out the cave where you're
(08:33):
certain the money is hidden.
Speaker 8 (08:36):
Look, sweetheart, I don't follow this line of conversation.
Speaker 1 (08:39):
Don't you, Ernie.
Speaker 6 (08:41):
I had a boyfriend once. His name was Jim Corsey. Corsey,
your room mate at San Quentin. I used to visit
him frequently, and then he died six weeks ago pneumonia.
They said.
Speaker 5 (08:57):
Jim Corsey was never what you might call robust, and.
Speaker 6 (09:00):
Prison finished him. He didn't have to take that rap,
but he did to save his old friend Stopper. They
were very close, very That's how we know the money
is buried on the island, don't we arny?
Speaker 5 (09:16):
Did the Corsey say it was?
Speaker 6 (09:19):
He was pretty certain of it, only he didn't know
just where it was. But he had a few ideas
ideas he might have passed on to you.
Speaker 8 (09:28):
You heard what Summer said. The yawn about the money
being buried on the island is bunk?
Speaker 5 (09:33):
Just bunk?
Speaker 4 (09:33):
And what are you doing here?
Speaker 5 (09:35):
I told you vacation?
Speaker 1 (09:36):
Oh shoes?
Speaker 5 (09:37):
Sure? The funny thing. Jim Corsey never never mentioned a
girl named Julie to me.
Speaker 6 (09:43):
How about a girl named Agatha? Oh yeah, Agatha, Julie,
same girl. I sort of wanted to break off the
old ties. Agatha Clark right right, So here we are, Ernie,
what's the next move?
Speaker 5 (10:04):
Is it up to me? Sweeter?
Speaker 6 (10:05):
It is, but do think it over. I'll be down
at the beach in the morning for a swim. Let
me know what your answer is. Then good night, Ernie.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
There it is, Ernie. The cards on the table, Julie
Vincent suggesting a partnership, a fifty to fifty split of
the money. An attractive, exciting girl, isn't she? But you're
not ready to accept her offer because you feel you
can't trust her. You're certain she's in league with someone,
perhaps the someone who tried to kill you. Yes, it
(10:49):
could be a double cross, couldn't it, Julie working with
someone else trying to find out what you know? What
your plans are? You think it over very carefully that night.
What you must do the following morning down at the beach.
Speaker 5 (11:08):
Well, hello, Ernie, morning, Julien.
Speaker 6 (11:11):
Have a good night's rest.
Speaker 5 (11:13):
Fine, slept like a log.
Speaker 6 (11:16):
Notting on your mind? No problem?
Speaker 5 (11:18):
No, well maybe one.
Speaker 6 (11:22):
Oh.
Speaker 8 (11:24):
Someone tried to kill me last night, about half an
hour before I got to missus Tenner's.
Speaker 6 (11:29):
Where did it happen?
Speaker 5 (11:31):
Near the caves?
Speaker 6 (11:33):
Huh? So there's someone else on the island who knows
about the money. That rather complicates things, doesn't it.
Speaker 5 (11:40):
Yeah? Sort of.
Speaker 8 (11:43):
You see, the cave can only be entered at low
tide and only by an experienced swimmer. Our competition isn't
an experienced swimmer.
Speaker 6 (11:51):
Neither, am I, Darling? That's why I need a partner.
Speaker 5 (11:55):
I don't.
Speaker 6 (11:57):
Is that your answer?
Speaker 5 (11:58):
No?
Speaker 8 (11:59):
No, no, I thought over very carefully, Julie. I have
decided we should team up.
Speaker 6 (12:06):
I'm glad to hear that, Ernie, very glad to hear that.
What are your plans?
Speaker 5 (12:13):
I'm going to get into that cave tonight.
Speaker 8 (12:16):
The tide will be at its lowest step around eight o'clock,
and Summers is giving a party.
Speaker 6 (12:23):
What's the party got to do with her?
Speaker 5 (12:24):
I've got a hunch our competition is going to be there,
and that's where you come in.
Speaker 6 (12:30):
What am I supposed to do?
Speaker 8 (12:31):
Create a little diversion? You pull a faint faint me? Really,
it all happens a few minutes before eight o'clock. It
will give me a chance to slip away unnoticed.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
The trap is set, isn't it, Ernie. Yes, you've tipped off, Julie.
What your plans are? And you're certain she'll reveal those
plans to whomever she's working with that night at Summer's party.
Julie plays her part to perfection, and in the excitement
the confusion, you slip out the side door and hurry
down the path toward the cliffs. And suddenly you veer
(13:14):
off and wait in the darkness. Then you hear the footsteps.
Speaker 8 (13:24):
Hello, Aims, Oh, hell, mister Reagan seeking inspiration.
Speaker 7 (13:32):
All the party got frightfully dull.
Speaker 4 (13:34):
I thought i'd go for a walk.
Speaker 7 (13:37):
Cigarette.
Speaker 8 (13:39):
Yeah, don't betry Aames, go sure, as soon as I
get this, just neck better.
Speaker 5 (13:50):
Thirty eight no novelists went around carrying thirty eight.
Speaker 7 (13:55):
Seems I've been double cross doesn't it. Well, Never trust
a woman.
Speaker 5 (14:01):
Riagan, You mean Julie.
Speaker 4 (14:03):
Of course, I've.
Speaker 7 (14:05):
Made a few mistakes in my lifetime, Reagan, But the
biggest I ever made was trusting Julie. And she'll double
cross you.
Speaker 4 (14:11):
Too, she will.
Speaker 7 (14:13):
I tell you, Oh, look, Reagan, why don't we play
it smart? Meaning we split the money fifty to fifty.
Speaker 4 (14:19):
Leave Julie out of it.
Speaker 5 (14:20):
I intend to leave her out of it. Ain't and
you too.
Speaker 7 (14:25):
Wait a minute, Reagan, Reagan, you wouldn't kill me in cold.
Speaker 8 (14:29):
About those potshots you took at me while I was
out in that boat.
Speaker 10 (14:31):
No, no, sorry, sure, sure, I've thought about it, Julie.
Speaker 9 (14:51):
But well, everybody these days is writing a historical novel,
very good one, well true, true, But I don't Oh, hello.
Speaker 5 (14:59):
Reagan, summer is Julie?
Speaker 7 (15:01):
Hello, Ernie?
Speaker 4 (15:02):
Where are you then?
Speaker 8 (15:03):
Outside? Jellyico colored me. He can really beat an air
drum off that boy?
Speaker 4 (15:08):
Oh you're telling me?
Speaker 9 (15:09):
Oh here here, you can't stand around with a half
empty glass in your hand. Let me give you a refill.
Oh how about you doing it?
Speaker 6 (15:14):
Oh no, no, this is fine, Okay, be right back.
You were gone a long time, darling. Did you know
what happened?
Speaker 5 (15:24):
I was followed, followed.
Speaker 6 (15:27):
Did you see who it was?
Speaker 5 (15:28):
Nope?
Speaker 8 (15:28):
I didn't see anyone. As a matter of fact, just
had a feeling that someone was tailing me.
Speaker 5 (15:33):
I decided to shelve my little plan.
Speaker 6 (15:35):
That was smart, Ernie. I can't take any chances.
Speaker 8 (15:39):
I'll I'll try again tomorrow night. As soon as I
get the money, we'll take off.
Speaker 5 (15:45):
We'll leave, We'll leave the island.
Speaker 6 (15:47):
I've always wanted to go to South America.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
Rio is a nice place.
Speaker 6 (15:51):
So they tell me a quarter of a million dollars
darling and just the two of us. You're not sorry
we teamed up, are you?
Speaker 5 (15:59):
I'm not all right at all? Swearne.
Speaker 6 (16:03):
What time are you going to the cave tomorrow night?
And what can I do to help?
Speaker 8 (16:07):
Around eight? You can run a boat with offshore? All right,
we'll talk more about it in the morning. Right now,
I feel like dancing.
Speaker 6 (16:16):
If you don't mind, Ernie, I think i'd better go
back to my cottage. I have quite a headache, excitement, nervousness.
Speaker 5 (16:23):
I guess, sure, Julie. Sure.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
So you walk Julie back to her cottage and outside,
in the shadow of the rose covered arbor, a tender
good night. Yes, And as you hold Julie close in
your arms, you wish things could be different, don't you
earn it? As she kisses you. You want to believe
she means it, but you can't because you're certain she's
just playing a part. That she's been working with Aims,
(17:00):
that it was she who tipped off, aims to follow
you from the party, That she's only interested in the
money and will do anything to get it.
Speaker 5 (17:08):
You want to tell her Aims is dead.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
His body now washed out to sea. You wish she'd
confess she'd been working with ains.
Speaker 6 (17:17):
Julie, Yes, Darling, you know, and you call me darling.
I almost believe you mean it, but you're not sure.
Speaker 5 (17:31):
Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars there is a lot
of money.
Speaker 6 (17:35):
It's enough to cause a gall to stage of big
romantic pitch to get her hands on some of them.
Speaker 5 (17:42):
You took the words right out of my mouth. Baby.
Speaker 6 (17:45):
You know something, Ernie. Yeah, a few hours ago you'd
have had something. But that was a few hours ago.
Meaning the money doesn't mean so much any more, Darling,
What I do, don't you know? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (18:11):
I guess I do.
Speaker 11 (18:14):
Anything else you want to say, any There isn't anything else, Darling,
at least for now.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
Back at your cottage, a few minutes later, you pack
your bag, glance at your watch. You still have several
hours to wait before the dawntide, when you can get
the money you feel bad about Julie. Wish she'd told
you about her working with aims. Then you could believe
in her. But she didn't, not even when you gave
her a perfect opportunity, and you're almost certain she intends
(18:52):
to double cross you when it serves her purpose. Then
you realize you can find out make certain whether Julie
is really if you are merely playing a part. Julie
doesn't know Eames is dead, his body washed out to
see Quickly, you hurry outside, walk down the path toward
Aames cottage. Inside the cottage, you type a note to
(19:15):
Julie on Aimes stationery, sign it with Aames initials w A.
Speaker 4 (19:21):
In it.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
You say Aames is getting the hidden staffer money at Dawntide.
Ask her to meet him at a secluded spot near
the pier at three thirty next morning. Be ready to
leave the island with him. Then you hurry to Julie's
cottage and slip the note under Julie's door. She shows up,
you'll know that all she wants is the stuff her money.
(19:42):
You'll decide then what to do about Julie. You start
back towards your cottage. You hear them close by, recognize
Missus Tenner's voice, Somers his party guests. You look around
for a place to hide, but you're too late, ridden ridden.
Speaker 9 (19:59):
Hollow plase Ernie, how nice We're going out on Jellicoe's
boat for a couple of hours.
Speaker 4 (20:05):
Why don't come along? Wow?
Speaker 5 (20:07):
Thanks, I was just on my way back to the cottage.
Speaker 8 (20:10):
You've got to catch a little sleep.
Speaker 5 (20:11):
No, no, no, no, really, thanks some other time. I've
got to get up early tomorrow.
Speaker 9 (20:16):
Okay, okay, too bad you won't come along, Ernie.
Speaker 4 (20:19):
You must have a big day plan for tomorrow.
Speaker 5 (20:21):
Yeah, big day.
Speaker 3 (20:22):
Summer is a real big day.
Speaker 1 (20:51):
Stafford's Island, usually quiet and peaceful, not at all a
reflection of its early days as a gangster's hideaway, was
now vibrant and alive with its present day residents clogged together,
babbling nervously, wondering, talking in hushed tones about the boats
arriving one after another from the mainland. Police boats, newspaper boats,
(21:12):
boats filled with a plane. Curious why, because a killing
had occurred, a killer had been apprehended, and further, a
confession was forthcoming, and it was all over. Only a
few pertinent details to be cleaned up for the police
the press.
Speaker 9 (21:31):
Ah, come on, sheriff, I need a good story, Come on,
give me the loadown.
Speaker 4 (21:34):
Why was this guy murdered?
Speaker 7 (21:36):
Well, it was a case of mistaken identity, and I
got that straight from the killer.
Speaker 4 (21:41):
You mean this guy that was killed.
Speaker 7 (21:42):
Murderer thought he was somebody else, a guy named Winston Ames.
Speaker 4 (21:47):
Huh, lucky break for Ames.
Speaker 7 (21:49):
Oh maybe, but maybe not. Ames is still missing. Nobody's
seen him since yesterday.
Speaker 4 (21:54):
But the motive, Sheriff.
Speaker 7 (21:56):
The motive was Staffer's money. Now, you boys know the
story about a quarter of a million dollars that Stouffer
was supposed to have hidden here. Oh yeah, Well, according
to the confession, this guy Aames, got a tip from
somebody as to where the money was hidden. He and
his girlfriend Julie Vinson came here to get it. But
apparently that tip was a phony.
Speaker 9 (22:16):
Oh it's been a million phony tips about that though.
Speaker 7 (22:21):
Well a little later on, this guy Reagan showed up.
Speaker 4 (22:24):
Now I'm beginning to get the picture.
Speaker 7 (22:26):
And Julie Vincent made a play for Reagan to see
if she could learn anything. But then she fell for
Reagan in a big way and decided to double cross.
Speaker 4 (22:35):
Ames and rub him up beside.
Speaker 7 (22:37):
Huh oh no, no, her original idea was just to
skip with Reagan. Then last night she got a note
apparently written by Ames, telling her Ames was picking up
the money early this morning and asking her to meet
him and skip with him.
Speaker 4 (22:52):
Well, how come she shot Reagan?
Speaker 7 (22:54):
Well it was still pitch dark at three point thirty
this morning, of course, And when Reagan showed up at
the same time in the same place that the note
said Ames would be, Julie Vincent naturally figured Reagan was
Ames and let him have it.
Speaker 2 (23:46):
Featured in Tonight's story were Bill Foreman as the Whistler,
Lamon Johnson, Gene Bates, Tom Brown, Glory, Anne Simpson.
Speaker 5 (23:53):
Brittwood, and Larry Dodkin.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
The Whistler was produced by George w Allen, directed by
Robert Hafter, was story by Adrian John Doe, music by
Wolver Hatch, and was transmitted overseas by the Armed Forces
Radio Service. The Whistler was entirely fictional, and all characters
portrayed on the Whistler are also fictional. Any similarity of
names or resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
(24:19):
Remember to tune in at the same time next Sunday
when the signal oil comes
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