September 16, 2025 • 29 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 (00:00):
And now stay tuned for the mystery program that is
unique among all mystery programs, because even when you know
who is guilty, you always receive a startling surprise at
the final curtain. In the Signal Oil program, the Whistler Signal,
(00:27):
the famous Go Father Gasoline invite you to sit back
and enjoy another strange story by the Whistler.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
I am the Whistler, and I know many things. For
I walk by night. I know many strange tails 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 1 (01:13):
And now for the Signal Oil Company, the Whistler's strange story,
the Jackson Street Affair.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
She paced nervously, anxiously, back and forth across the thin
carpeting of the parlor in the house on Upper Jackson Street,
a rooming house.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
Now.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
The ancient three story structure had seen far better days,
standing as it had through so much of the history
and lore of old San Francisco. But this was present
day San Francisco, and Catherine Marley, thirtyish dark haired, wasn't
thinking of the distant past. Rather, she was worrying about
the immediate future. She was worrying so much that when
(01:56):
she sat down to light a cigarette, her hands shook,
and when the door bell sounded, she almost leaped from
the chair and then hurried to answer the ring.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
I'm coming. The trunk is right here in the hall.
You can just Oh you're not Rawlings.
Speaker 5 (02:10):
Is the name Fred Rawlings? I just saw your vacancy
sign here.
Speaker 6 (02:14):
Oh yes, yes, of course I thought you were from
the transfer company.
Speaker 5 (02:19):
Oh no, no, I'm from the Brisbane Star, out of Australia,
Merchant Marine man radio operator.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
Uh now about the room, Oh come in.
Speaker 5 (02:30):
Well, I I hadn't hoped to be so lucky, I
mean finding a room vacant here. You see, I'll only
be in town a few days. I wanted to visit
my old friend Carl Panell. Carl Panell, Yes he lives here,
doesn't he. Well, he did live here, mister Rawlings did
live you. I don't understand that.
Speaker 4 (02:48):
Mister Panell moved out just two days ago. It's odd,
you see, I'd written to him, I told him I
was coming.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
That's very odd.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
I'm sorry. Sorry, he didn't even leave a forwarding address.
Speaker 5 (03:02):
Well, of course it shouldn't be too difficult to trace
him down. Eh, his trunk here where you supposed to
send him his trunk?
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Oh, well that doesn't belong to mister Panell. It's my trunk.
Speaker 5 (03:14):
Well, then it is going to be hard to locate Karl.
No address, I don't know where to start.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
I don't suppose you'll be wanting to stay here then,
I mean, since mister Panell.
Speaker 5 (03:24):
Has moved out, well, I don't know where else i'd stay.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
Man, might as well be here.
Speaker 5 (03:29):
I'm getting tired of toting this sea bag about. Could
you show me to the room.
Speaker 4 (03:34):
Well, if you wish, I.
Speaker 6 (03:37):
All right this way, mister Rawlings. It's this floor in
the back. Matter of fact, it's the same room mister
Panell had.
Speaker 5 (03:53):
Oh yes, that's a nice room, Miss Marley, very nice.
Speaker 4 (03:57):
I'm sorry the view isn't more inspiring.
Speaker 5 (04:00):
The neighbor's laundry. Oh that's all right. That's a hormy touch, ma'am.
Something I miss on shipboard. So yes, i'll take it.
I'll pay an advance. Is this the closet?
Speaker 4 (04:12):
No, No, the closet's over here. That leads to missus
Finch's room. It's bolden.
Speaker 5 (04:16):
Oh that's a shame.
Speaker 4 (04:18):
Missus Finch. Emma is the cleaning woman.
Speaker 5 (04:22):
The maid keeps everything ship shaped, does she?
Speaker 4 (04:26):
That's the idea. Oh excuse me, ma'am, I just come in,
Missus Finn.
Speaker 7 (04:31):
Sorry to bather, I haven't quite finished dusting.
Speaker 4 (04:33):
This is mister Rawlings, Missus Finch. He's thinking about taking
this room.
Speaker 6 (04:37):
How do you do?
Speaker 5 (04:38):
I'm sure, well, Missus Finch, I understand that should I
take the room, you and I would be neighbors.
Speaker 7 (04:43):
Yes, sir, my room's right next to you.
Speaker 4 (04:45):
You can tend to the dusting later, Missus Finch.
Speaker 8 (04:47):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 5 (04:48):
Goodbye, mister l goodbye, Missus Finch. He's a colorless sword,
doesn't she?
Speaker 6 (04:54):
She is neat unobtrusive.
Speaker 4 (04:57):
That's all we ask com.
Speaker 5 (05:00):
How is it miss if you'll excuse me asking, how
is it such a pretty young woman as yourself is
running a rooming house.
Speaker 6 (05:06):
Oh it's temporary. I plan to sell the place soon.
This was my mother's house. She died a few years ago.
Speaker 5 (05:11):
After you've just been carrying on until.
Speaker 6 (05:13):
Yes, until I can make other arrangements. Well, I hope
you'll enjoy your stay.
Speaker 4 (05:18):
Mister Rollings.
Speaker 5 (05:18):
I'm certain I will, ma'am.
Speaker 9 (05:21):
Certain, And thanks to you.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
You don't like this, do you cat her? This unexpected
arrival of mister Fred rawling You don't like it at all,
And so you hurry quickly down the hall and tap
so softly on the door of another room.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
Catherine, what's wrong?
Speaker 6 (05:48):
You'll come into my room, Alex, I must talk to
you right away.
Speaker 10 (05:56):
I don't see what we've got to worry about. This
Rollings is just a friend of cars.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
Don't nothing to worry about.
Speaker 6 (06:01):
We killed a man, didn't.
Speaker 10 (06:02):
We, a man who recently came into quite a summer money.
Don't forget that, Catherine. And Carl was even thoughtful enough
to keep us money on him and a money belt.
Speaker 6 (06:09):
I'm not forgetting anything, Alex. Oh, how simple it looked.
Carl Penell was lonely, we told ourselves, lonely and rich
after his uncle died. No relatives, no friends, until this
Fred Rawlings showed up from no one.
Speaker 10 (06:23):
Well, Catherine, Catherine, you're all on edge. We've got what
we wanted, the money.
Speaker 6 (06:27):
How do we know Fred Rawlings doesn't know about Carl's money?
Suppose he does, Alex, I'm sorry, I'd like to share
your calm, cool manner. But the fact remains he did
notice the trunk, And that trunk contains Carl Penell's body
right at this moment. I won't breathe safely until it's
out of this house.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
Looking for something?
Speaker 5 (06:48):
Eh, Oh, just having a look at this old trunk.
Speaker 6 (06:52):
Here, Alex, this is our new guest, Fred Rawlings. He's
in the Merchant Marine.
Speaker 5 (06:56):
How do you do, Alex? Hell, I could have sworn
that belong to my friend Carl, that's all.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
It doesn't. It's miss Marley's.
Speaker 5 (07:05):
Well, I just got Carl panel in my mind. I
suppose you folks hear about Carl coming into a bit
of money.
Speaker 6 (07:11):
No.
Speaker 4 (07:12):
No, As a matter of fact, we often wondered how
he got by.
Speaker 5 (07:15):
Oh it was nice for Carl. Nice for anybody to
have a rich relative leaving an unexpected wind for couldn't
have happened to a nicer chap.
Speaker 11 (07:23):
Well, Carl, I'll.
Speaker 5 (07:24):
Be getting back to my room.
Speaker 6 (07:31):
What do you think.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
I don't know, Catherine, I don't know, Alex.
Speaker 4 (07:36):
What's the matter the trunk? Those blurred initials on the side.
I never noticed him before.
Speaker 6 (07:42):
Well, f R, it's not so funny, not so funny
at all.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
F R.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
They could stand for Fred Rawlings. Alex it could have
been his trunk and he let Carl Panell use it.
Speaker 6 (07:58):
Alex. He knows we're lying.
Speaker 8 (08:19):
Enginewere. Enginewear engine wear.
Speaker 1 (08:24):
Enginewere. It's one of the principal reasons drivers have to
spend big sums of money having their motors overhauled. Enginewere.
It's one of the principal reasons motors lose pep and
power get fewer miles per gallon of gas. Engine were
It's one of the principal reasons cars gradually use more
and more oil until eventually they become oil eaters. No wonder.
(08:47):
Automotive and petroleum engineers for years have sought ways to
reduce enginewar, and now, at last Signal reports startling success
with an amazing new motor oil that reduces by fifty
percent engine wear due to lubrication. That means your car
can now keep its light, new pep and power twice
as long. It means you can now enjoy low oil
(09:09):
consumption twice as long if your car isn't already an
oil eater. So if you want to be good to
your car and your pocketbook too, drain out that lazy
old motor oil have a Signal dealer refill your crank
case this week with Signal Premium. The amazing new heavy
duty type oil that reduces engine were due to lubrication.
(09:30):
Fifty percent.
Speaker 8 (09:34):
Engine were engine where engine wear.
Speaker 9 (09:57):
Alex chares.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
You're worry now, doesn't it, Ca, Alex, who was so cool,
so calm up to a few minutes ago. Yes, he
senses the terrible peril you've both been placed in with
the arrival of Fred Rawlings looking for his friend Carl Panell.
It was a most unexpected arrival, wasn't it, Especially with
Carl Panell lying dead inside the trunk, which you think
(10:22):
Rawlings is already recognized as one belonging to him. He
knows you've lied, doesn't he. Catherine, you're certain of that.
The only uncertain thing.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
Is what to do about it.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Finally, Alex makes a practical suggestion. The only thing left
for you to do.
Speaker 10 (10:38):
I've got to get that trunk out of here as
fast as possible. It's as simple as that, Catherine. The
devil's holding up that transfer company.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
They should have been here an hour ago.
Speaker 6 (10:45):
Alex, I can't stand this waiting. I mean, with Fred
Rawlings snooping around, well.
Speaker 10 (10:49):
He can't see you like this. You've got to get
a hoop. Look, we'll change the plan. You've gone over
the mill valley the cottage. I'll wait here and see
that the trunk gets on the truck.
Speaker 6 (10:59):
Yes, yes, it might be, say for Alex, at least
till I get hold of my nerves.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
There I know.
Speaker 10 (11:03):
Go on, I'll drive over the cottage and wait for
him to deliver the trunk tonight. We'll bury it where
it will never be found.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
I'll stay here keep.
Speaker 10 (11:10):
An eye on things, particularly on mister Fred Rawlings.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Driving across the Golden gate Bridge. You're still wondering if
Alex is right, aren't you, Kettrin Alex Yes, his assurance
that everything will work out at the little cottage where
you hope to live after selling the old boarding house.
You sit down to wait. The hours dragged by like years,
don't they, Katrine? And then at last you see the
transferred truck pull up in front and unload the trunk.
Speaker 11 (11:45):
Where do you want us to put this trunk, Lady?
Speaker 4 (11:47):
Oh, in the garage.
Speaker 6 (11:49):
Now?
Speaker 5 (11:49):
How much do I owe you all taken care of?
Speaker 11 (11:51):
Lady sell at the other end?
Speaker 6 (11:53):
Oh? Yes, Alex, well, thank you so much.
Speaker 4 (11:56):
We were wondering if you'd forgotten.
Speaker 12 (11:57):
This busy lady figure stuff is routine halls just have
to wait.
Speaker 4 (12:03):
Yes, I suppose so.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
The routine halls have to wait. Catherine, you can't help
thinking about the casual, unknowing words of the transfer man
as you lock up the cottage, get into your car,
and start back towards San Francisco. You feel relaxed, now
secure you'll meet Alex, have dinner with him, and then
leave the remainder of the grim plan in his hands.
(12:31):
In Mill Valley, you stop for a leisurely lunch before
driving back across the bridge. After lunch, you get back
into your car, and as you glance out the window,
you see a cab passing coming from the direction of
the cottage, a cab bearing a single passenger, Fred Rawlings.
(12:52):
Shocked and nervous, you drive quickly back to the cottage
and run to the garage.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
The trunk.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
It's been opened, Yes, Catherine, the trunk has been opened,
undoubtedly by Fred Rawlings. You feel the panic sweeped through
you as you realize that Fred probably knows everything now,
all about the murder of his friend Carl Panell. You
look inside the trunk straightened up, startled. There's only a
few odds and ends of clothing inside, Catherine Carl Penell's
(13:21):
body has disappeared. Ah, it's almost eight o'clock that evening.
When you arrived back in town. Rush into the rooming house.
Find Alex waiting for you in the front parlor, a
grin on his face.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
Alex, Alex, I know, I know, don't tell me. Rawlings
followed the trunk out to Mill Valley, didn't.
Speaker 4 (13:45):
He yes, and he forced it open. But Alex, the.
Speaker 10 (13:47):
Body I wasn't in the trunk. I had a hunter,
mister Rawlings would do exactly as he did.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
So I made a little sweat.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
But Penell's body, what did you do with it?
Speaker 10 (13:56):
In the basement, in the small room behind the furnace,
what Relax? No one ever goes in there. Besides, I
moved half a dozen trunks and crates, pile them up
in front of the door.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
Missus Finch could never movement a million years.
Speaker 6 (14:08):
Well, Alex, I don't like this.
Speaker 4 (14:10):
We've got to get rid of that body.
Speaker 10 (14:11):
All right, all right, we'll get rid of the body
late tonight. But it's gonna be risky as long as
Rawlings is around.
Speaker 6 (14:18):
Wait, a minute, Wait a minute. Suppose our fine mister
Rawlings wasn't around.
Speaker 10 (14:25):
Mmmm, the same thing that happened to Panel, that happened
to Rawlings too.
Speaker 6 (14:30):
Why not, Alex? Why not?
Speaker 10 (14:33):
This is more like my old Catherine. Wait, wait till
he's in bed to sleep. Turn on the gas.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Look, we better get moving fast.
Speaker 6 (14:41):
He is not in the room now, is he?
Speaker 11 (14:42):
No?
Speaker 3 (14:42):
I went out a little while ago for cigarettes. He'll
be back soon.
Speaker 6 (14:45):
Well, I'll go down to the cellar. Turn off the gas.
You go to his room, take the valve out of
the gas line in the heater.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
Hurry on the cellar. You turn off the gas. No
one will notice it, Katherine. You're certain of that because
the only other gas outlet in the entire house beside
the one in the kitchen, is in Rawling's room. You
hurry back upstairs, and as you start into the parlor
(15:14):
the front door opened.
Speaker 5 (15:16):
Evening, miss Molly Rawlings.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
He's back, Catherine, isn't it? And a little too.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Soon Alex is still in Rawling's room. You've got the
stall Rawlings off long enough for Alex to come back.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
Oh, good evening, mister Rawlings.
Speaker 5 (15:30):
It's getting a bit cooler out, Yes, yes, it is.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
Oh, come on into the parlor. I was going to
fix a highball. Perhaps you join me?
Speaker 5 (15:39):
Thanks?
Speaker 6 (15:39):
No, well, keep me company there.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
Of course, charming room this. I love these old fashioned parlors,
don't you, miss Molly.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
It was mother's favorite room. I've left it just the
way she liked it.
Speaker 6 (15:55):
Oh, sit down, won't you?
Speaker 9 (15:57):
Thanks?
Speaker 4 (15:58):
You have a big day, mister Rawlings.
Speaker 5 (16:01):
Yes, rather a busy one at that. There's so many
things to do, you know, so many old friends to visit, and.
Speaker 6 (16:08):
All any of those old friends know the whereabouts if
your mister Pennell, No, I'm afraid not.
Speaker 4 (16:14):
Oh that's a shame.
Speaker 5 (16:15):
Oh, I've a feeling I'll find the lead soon, Miss Marley.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
All set, baby.
Speaker 4 (16:20):
Oh, mister Rawlings, you've met Alex, haven't you?
Speaker 5 (16:23):
Of course?
Speaker 11 (16:23):
How are you?
Speaker 9 (16:24):
Old man?
Speaker 3 (16:24):
Fine? Just fine?
Speaker 6 (16:26):
Drink Alex.
Speaker 3 (16:26):
I don't care if I do.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
Are you sure you won't change your mind?
Speaker 5 (16:30):
Mister Rollings, Well by, George, I will have one plain water, eh, As.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
The three of you said, sipping your drinks. Rawlings seems
to monopolize most of the conversation, doesn't he, Catherine, Yes,
he's in a talkative mood, enjoying himself. And you chat
for almost an hour. Finally he announces he's going to
retire for the evening. And after he's gone, you and
Alex sit quietly and wait for an hour or so,
and then the two of you slip out into the
(17:06):
back yard.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
You ought to be asleep by another way. You slugged
his drinks.
Speaker 6 (17:11):
I have a hunch it takes more than a few
shots of bourbon to put him to sleep. I hope
he doesn't decide to sit up half a night and read.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Oh no, look his room is dark and the windows
are all down. That's good.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
Must be asleep, all right.
Speaker 6 (17:27):
You know what to do?
Speaker 3 (17:28):
Sure? I know?
Speaker 6 (17:29):
And Alex, when you turn the gas on.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
I know, just a little at a time to start with.
Will you just leave it to me?
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Back upstairs in the parlor, you pace the floor, and
finally Alex returns from the cellar, drops it of the
chair by the fireplace and grins at you. Then he
picks up a magazine, leans back, starts to read. You
continue to pace the room, glancing occasionally me at the clock.
Speaker 3 (18:15):
Look, relax, huh, nothing's gonna go wrong.
Speaker 10 (18:18):
Gas has been pouring into that room for almost three
hours now, mister.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
Rawlings is well on his way.
Speaker 6 (18:24):
I know, I know.
Speaker 12 (18:25):
No.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
Man, have a drink and stop thinking about everything.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
Alex, sweet, what's listen?
Speaker 6 (18:31):
Someone's coming down hall?
Speaker 5 (18:36):
Hello you check? Oh I didn't mean to startle you,
Miss Marley. Sorry you still up?
Speaker 4 (18:41):
Yes, yes, we're still up.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
I thought you'd gone to bed, mister Rawlings.
Speaker 5 (18:45):
Oh I started to, but I got to chatting with
a fellow across the hall McGill. I've been in his
room all this time, shooting the breeze. I believe you
call it. I see it seems hard developed a bit
of an appetite. Any night eater is about all.
Speaker 6 (18:58):
High here street. You'll find several.
Speaker 5 (19:00):
Oh thanks, can I bring anything back for you? Chat
sir sandwich? Your something?
Speaker 3 (19:04):
No?
Speaker 6 (19:04):
No, thank you? Oh?
Speaker 11 (19:05):
Well did not.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
So nothing could go wrong, Alex, Nothing could go I.
Speaker 6 (19:19):
Know you'd better air out that room before he gets
back and replace the valve on the gas line.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
Hurry, Your little plan didn't work this time, did it, Catherine. No,
mister Rawlings is still very much alive, very much a
threat down in the cellar. You turn off the gas.
Wait a few minutes, give Alex enough time to put
(19:45):
the valve back in the line in Rowling's room. Then
you turn the gas on again so the gas in
the kitchen will function normally. You go back up to
the parlor. Alex joined you a moment later.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
How was it pretty bad?
Speaker 10 (19:59):
But I left the windows open, most of the gas
or will begun by the time he gets back.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
Well, what, nurse, we've heard? We try again.
Speaker 6 (20:06):
No, there's bound to be some trace of gas left
in the room.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
He'd notice that.
Speaker 6 (20:09):
Check the gas heater. No, we can't try that stunt again, Alex.
Then what We'll have to think of something else, figure
out some other way. And it isn't going to be easy, Alex.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
It's on your mind all night long, isn't it. Cat
You rack your brain for some simple way, something that
doesn't involve too many risks away to rich yourself of
mister rawling, And by morning you still haven't found the
answer you're looking for. You're having a cup of coffee
when he comes in and you're surprised to see the
suitcase in his hand.
Speaker 4 (20:48):
Why, good morning, mister Rawleigh.
Speaker 5 (20:50):
Morning just popped in to say goodbye.
Speaker 4 (20:53):
You're leaving it.
Speaker 5 (20:53):
I'm afraid, sir, ship's going out a day early. Didn't
I tell.
Speaker 4 (20:57):
You I know you didn't would have slipped.
Speaker 5 (20:59):
Mind, we're sailing at noon.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
Oh I see.
Speaker 6 (21:03):
Well, I'm awfully sorry to have you leave us so soon.
Speaker 5 (21:06):
As a matter of fact, I'd like very much to
stay on a bit, But well, you know how it
is said. Oh, by the way, I have a confession
to make, miss Marley.
Speaker 6 (21:15):
Oh, a confession.
Speaker 5 (21:17):
Yes, I feel you ought to know about it, you
see here. Well, I thought you were trying to put
something over on me. What do you mean about Penell
his sudden departure and all that. I thought you were
covering up for.
Speaker 4 (21:30):
Him, covering up Why should I do that?
Speaker 5 (21:33):
All dad? That business about the trunk, It did look
rather suspicious, you see, I recognized the trunk immediately. I'd
given it to Panell several years ago.
Speaker 4 (21:42):
Oh I see. And when I said it was my trunk,
you were certain that I exactly.
Speaker 6 (21:48):
Well, actually it might have been mister Penell's at dead
There's so many old trunks in the basement.
Speaker 4 (21:52):
I just supposed they all belonged to mother.
Speaker 5 (21:54):
Well, Penell probably had no further use for it. He
left it down there when he moved in.
Speaker 4 (21:57):
And he certainly didn't mention it when he moved away.
Speaker 5 (22:00):
Well, anyway, I do want to apologize, miss Molly.
Speaker 4 (22:03):
We don't give it another thought. Goodbye, mister Rawlings. And
the next time you're in port.
Speaker 5 (22:10):
Right, I'll pop in say hello.
Speaker 2 (22:19):
You almost laugh out loud with relief, don't you, Catherine
as you hurry upstairs to tell Alex the good news.
But his reaction isn't quite what you expected.
Speaker 3 (22:28):
So he's leaving, pulling out just like that.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
Of course that's what he just told me.
Speaker 3 (22:32):
Yeah, that's what he just told you.
Speaker 4 (22:34):
Do you mean he's lying, He isn't going at all.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
It's true. I think we better go down to the ducks.
Speaker 10 (22:38):
Baby, make sure the Brisbane Star pulls out, and that
mister Rawlings is a bored when she does.
Speaker 3 (22:45):
You better tell Hima we're going out.
Speaker 6 (22:47):
I will, oh, Emma, Hey, yes, miss Molly, we're going
out for a while.
Speaker 4 (22:51):
Take care of things, will you, Emma? But miss we're
going out for a while.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
It's a twenty minute drive to the Embarcadero. Alex parks
his car near the pier where the Brisbane Star is duck.
The hours go by and the two of you watch
the loading of the boat, and then a few minutes before.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Twelve Yeah, she's pulling out all right, baby.
Speaker 4 (23:24):
Yes, and look up there Alex on the deck.
Speaker 3 (23:27):
Eyah, mister Rawlings, biggest life.
Speaker 6 (23:30):
Goodbye, mister Rawlings.
Speaker 10 (23:32):
Oh way, well, any I'd say, we don't have anything
to worry about it anymore.
Speaker 3 (23:38):
Not a thing.
Speaker 8 (23:59):
Engine where engine ware engine.
Speaker 1 (24:02):
Were is engine were causing your expensive motor to wear
out twice as fast as necessary. It is if you're
still using lazy motor oils that merely lubricate. Here's what
I mean. In amazing New Signal Premium motor oil, special
properties are engineered into the oil through the marvels of
modern chemistry. As a result, New Signal Premium not only
(24:24):
reduces enginewar due to lubrication fifty percent, it also protects
your motor in all these important extra ways. One keeps
oil rings clean and free. Two controls and reduces harmful
engine deposits such as carbon gum and varnish. Three prevents
sticking of hydraulic valve lifters. Four stops acid corrosion and rust.
(24:46):
Best of all, signals new heavy duty type oil gives
you all this extra protection at no increase in price.
Good reason to get your next oil change at a
Signal service station change this week to a amazing new
signal Premium motor oil that reduces engine wear due to
lubrication fifty percent.
Speaker 8 (25:09):
Engine ware engine were engine wear.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
It's all over now, isn't it, Catherine? The threat is gone,
sailed aboard the Brisbane Star. Now all it remains is
for you and Alex to return to the rooming house
and at the first opportunity get rid of Panell's body
now hidden in the small cellar room behind the furnace.
Then the cottage and mill valley and a comfortable life
(25:45):
thanks to mister Penell's money. The two of you drive
back to the house and as you step into the
parlor you find a tall, heavy set man there waiting
for you.
Speaker 11 (25:55):
Oh you, I must be Miss Marley.
Speaker 12 (25:58):
Yes, yes, that's right, and Lieutenant Kincaid Police Department.
Speaker 11 (26:02):
I dares give you a questions?
Speaker 4 (26:04):
What's wrong?
Speaker 11 (26:05):
You had a room here named Panel Carl Panel.
Speaker 4 (26:08):
Yes, but he moved away several days ago.
Speaker 11 (26:11):
Are you sure?
Speaker 3 (26:12):
Of course? She is?
Speaker 6 (26:13):
Matter of fact, Alex and I saw him leave in
a taxi. He said something about having to catch a train.
Speaker 11 (26:18):
I think I see im. Missus Finch, Will you come
in please?
Speaker 4 (26:22):
Lieutenant.
Speaker 6 (26:23):
What's this all about, oh, Miss Morley, Miss.
Speaker 4 (26:26):
Mordy, Emma, what's the matter?
Speaker 2 (26:28):
Will?
Speaker 7 (26:28):
It was about the gas. I tried to tell you
this morning, but you and mister Alex were in such
a hurry.
Speaker 3 (26:33):
What about the gas?
Speaker 7 (26:34):
Twice now, two nights in one week. I smelled gas
in my room.
Speaker 6 (26:37):
It worried me.
Speaker 7 (26:38):
I thought something should be done about it.
Speaker 12 (26:40):
So she called the gas company and he sent a
couple of men over to check the house.
Speaker 7 (26:43):
Yes, my room being directly over the furnace, I thought
maybe that's where the gas was coming from.
Speaker 12 (26:48):
And the gas company in checked the furnace. We found nothing,
and tracing the pipes to the exterior of the house,
he had to go into that small room in the cellar.
No Ah, that's when they called the police. Missus Finch
identified the body as that of Carl Panel. Now, Miss Marley,
(27:08):
suppose you and your boyfriend here come along with me
to headquarters.
Speaker 11 (27:12):
I think you got a lot of explaining to do.
Speaker 1 (27:37):
Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal oil program.
The whistler eat Sunday night. At this same time, Signal
has asked me to remind you that today the Red
Cross in addition to providing life saving whole blood and
other needed help for our GI's overseas, must now stockpile
blood plasma for possible civilian needs, as well as be
(27:57):
prepared to furnish emergency food, clothing, and shelter in case
of disaster or enemy attack. Here good reason why this
year the Red Cross needs more of us to help,
and more help from each of us. Featured in tonight's
(28:18):
story where Bill Foreman, Joe, Gilbert, Larry Dobkin, Martha Wentworth,
Ben Wright, and Herbert Litton. The Whistler was produced and
directed by George w Allen, with story by Adrian John Doe,
music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transmitted to our troops
overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. The Whistler is
entirely fictional, and all characters portrayed on the Whistler are
also fictional. Any similarity of names or resemblance to persons
(28:42):
living or dead is purely coincidental. Remember at this same time,
next Sunday, another strange tale by the Whistler Marvin Miller
speaking for the Signal Oil Company. Stay tune now for
our Miss Brooks starring Eve Arden, which follows immediately over
most of these stations, it is the CBS, the Columbia
Broadcasting System
And now stay tuned for the mystery program that is
unique among all mystery programs, because even when you know
who is guilty, you always receive a startling surprise at
the final curtain. In the Signal Oil program, the Whistler Signal,
(00:27):
the famous Go Father Gasoline invite you to sit back
and enjoy another strange story by the Whistler.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
I am the Whistler, and I know many things. For
I walk by night. I know many strange tails 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 1 (01:13):
And now for the Signal Oil Company, the Whistler's strange story,
the Jackson Street Affair.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
She paced nervously, anxiously, back and forth across the thin
carpeting of the parlor in the house on Upper Jackson Street,
a rooming house.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
Now.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
The ancient three story structure had seen far better days,
standing as it had through so much of the history
and lore of old San Francisco. But this was present
day San Francisco, and Catherine Marley, thirtyish dark haired, wasn't
thinking of the distant past. Rather, she was worrying about
the immediate future. She was worrying so much that when
(01:56):
she sat down to light a cigarette, her hands shook,
and when the door bell sounded, she almost leaped from
the chair and then hurried to answer the ring.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
I'm coming. The trunk is right here in the hall.
You can just Oh you're not Rawlings.
Speaker 5 (02:10):
Is the name Fred Rawlings? I just saw your vacancy
sign here.
Speaker 6 (02:14):
Oh yes, yes, of course I thought you were from
the transfer company.
Speaker 5 (02:19):
Oh no, no, I'm from the Brisbane Star, out of Australia,
Merchant Marine man radio operator.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
Uh now about the room, Oh come in.
Speaker 5 (02:30):
Well, I I hadn't hoped to be so lucky, I
mean finding a room vacant here. You see, I'll only
be in town a few days. I wanted to visit
my old friend Carl Panell. Carl Panell, Yes he lives here,
doesn't he. Well, he did live here, mister Rawlings did
live you. I don't understand that.
Speaker 4 (02:48):
Mister Panell moved out just two days ago. It's odd,
you see, I'd written to him, I told him I
was coming.
Speaker 3 (02:57):
That's very odd.
Speaker 4 (02:58):
I'm sorry. Sorry, he didn't even leave a forwarding address.
Speaker 5 (03:02):
Well, of course it shouldn't be too difficult to trace
him down. Eh, his trunk here where you supposed to
send him his trunk?
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Oh, well that doesn't belong to mister Panell. It's my trunk.
Speaker 5 (03:14):
Well, then it is going to be hard to locate Karl.
No address, I don't know where to start.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
I don't suppose you'll be wanting to stay here then,
I mean, since mister Panell.
Speaker 5 (03:24):
Has moved out, well, I don't know where else i'd stay.
Speaker 4 (03:27):
Man, might as well be here.
Speaker 5 (03:29):
I'm getting tired of toting this sea bag about. Could
you show me to the room.
Speaker 4 (03:34):
Well, if you wish, I.
Speaker 6 (03:37):
All right this way, mister Rawlings. It's this floor in
the back. Matter of fact, it's the same room mister
Panell had.
Speaker 5 (03:53):
Oh yes, that's a nice room, Miss Marley, very nice.
Speaker 4 (03:57):
I'm sorry the view isn't more inspiring.
Speaker 5 (04:00):
The neighbor's laundry. Oh that's all right. That's a hormy touch, ma'am.
Something I miss on shipboard. So yes, i'll take it.
I'll pay an advance. Is this the closet?
Speaker 4 (04:12):
No, No, the closet's over here. That leads to missus
Finch's room. It's bolden.
Speaker 5 (04:16):
Oh that's a shame.
Speaker 4 (04:18):
Missus Finch. Emma is the cleaning woman.
Speaker 5 (04:22):
The maid keeps everything ship shaped, does she?
Speaker 4 (04:26):
That's the idea. Oh excuse me, ma'am, I just come in,
Missus Finn.
Speaker 7 (04:31):
Sorry to bather, I haven't quite finished dusting.
Speaker 4 (04:33):
This is mister Rawlings, Missus Finch. He's thinking about taking
this room.
Speaker 6 (04:37):
How do you do?
Speaker 5 (04:38):
I'm sure, well, Missus Finch, I understand that should I
take the room, you and I would be neighbors.
Speaker 7 (04:43):
Yes, sir, my room's right next to you.
Speaker 4 (04:45):
You can tend to the dusting later, Missus Finch.
Speaker 8 (04:47):
Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 5 (04:48):
Goodbye, mister l goodbye, Missus Finch. He's a colorless sword,
doesn't she?
Speaker 6 (04:54):
She is neat unobtrusive.
Speaker 4 (04:57):
That's all we ask com.
Speaker 5 (05:00):
How is it miss if you'll excuse me asking, how
is it such a pretty young woman as yourself is
running a rooming house.
Speaker 6 (05:06):
Oh it's temporary. I plan to sell the place soon.
This was my mother's house. She died a few years ago.
Speaker 5 (05:11):
After you've just been carrying on until.
Speaker 6 (05:13):
Yes, until I can make other arrangements. Well, I hope
you'll enjoy your stay.
Speaker 4 (05:18):
Mister Rollings.
Speaker 5 (05:18):
I'm certain I will, ma'am.
Speaker 9 (05:21):
Certain, And thanks to you.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
You don't like this, do you cat her? This unexpected
arrival of mister Fred rawling You don't like it at all,
And so you hurry quickly down the hall and tap
so softly on the door of another room.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
Catherine, what's wrong?
Speaker 6 (05:48):
You'll come into my room, Alex, I must talk to
you right away.
Speaker 10 (05:56):
I don't see what we've got to worry about. This
Rollings is just a friend of cars.
Speaker 4 (05:59):
Don't nothing to worry about.
Speaker 6 (06:01):
We killed a man, didn't.
Speaker 10 (06:02):
We, a man who recently came into quite a summer money.
Don't forget that, Catherine. And Carl was even thoughtful enough
to keep us money on him and a money belt.
Speaker 6 (06:09):
I'm not forgetting anything, Alex. Oh, how simple it looked.
Carl Penell was lonely, we told ourselves, lonely and rich
after his uncle died. No relatives, no friends, until this
Fred Rawlings showed up from no one.
Speaker 10 (06:23):
Well, Catherine, Catherine, you're all on edge. We've got what
we wanted, the money.
Speaker 6 (06:27):
How do we know Fred Rawlings doesn't know about Carl's money?
Suppose he does, Alex, I'm sorry, I'd like to share
your calm, cool manner. But the fact remains he did
notice the trunk, And that trunk contains Carl Penell's body
right at this moment. I won't breathe safely until it's
out of this house.
Speaker 3 (06:47):
Looking for something?
Speaker 5 (06:48):
Eh, Oh, just having a look at this old trunk.
Speaker 6 (06:52):
Here, Alex, this is our new guest, Fred Rawlings. He's
in the Merchant Marine.
Speaker 5 (06:56):
How do you do, Alex? Hell, I could have sworn
that belong to my friend Carl, that's all.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
It doesn't. It's miss Marley's.
Speaker 5 (07:05):
Well, I just got Carl panel in my mind. I
suppose you folks hear about Carl coming into a bit
of money.
Speaker 6 (07:11):
No.
Speaker 4 (07:12):
No, As a matter of fact, we often wondered how
he got by.
Speaker 5 (07:15):
Oh it was nice for Carl. Nice for anybody to
have a rich relative leaving an unexpected wind for couldn't
have happened to a nicer chap.
Speaker 11 (07:23):
Well, Carl, I'll.
Speaker 5 (07:24):
Be getting back to my room.
Speaker 6 (07:31):
What do you think.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
I don't know, Catherine, I don't know, Alex.
Speaker 4 (07:36):
What's the matter the trunk? Those blurred initials on the side.
I never noticed him before.
Speaker 6 (07:42):
Well, f R, it's not so funny, not so funny
at all.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
F R.
Speaker 4 (07:50):
They could stand for Fred Rawlings. Alex it could have
been his trunk and he let Carl Panell use it.
Speaker 6 (07:58):
Alex. He knows we're lying.
Speaker 8 (08:19):
Enginewere. Enginewear engine wear.
Speaker 1 (08:24):
Enginewere. It's one of the principal reasons drivers have to
spend big sums of money having their motors overhauled. Enginewere.
It's one of the principal reasons motors lose pep and
power get fewer miles per gallon of gas. Engine were
It's one of the principal reasons cars gradually use more
and more oil until eventually they become oil eaters. No wonder.
(08:47):
Automotive and petroleum engineers for years have sought ways to
reduce enginewar, and now, at last Signal reports startling success
with an amazing new motor oil that reduces by fifty
percent engine wear due to lubrication. That means your car
can now keep its light, new pep and power twice
as long. It means you can now enjoy low oil
(09:09):
consumption twice as long if your car isn't already an
oil eater. So if you want to be good to
your car and your pocketbook too, drain out that lazy
old motor oil have a Signal dealer refill your crank
case this week with Signal Premium. The amazing new heavy
duty type oil that reduces engine were due to lubrication.
(09:30):
Fifty percent.
Speaker 8 (09:34):
Engine were engine where engine wear.
Speaker 9 (09:57):
Alex chares.
Speaker 2 (09:58):
You're worry now, doesn't it, Ca, Alex, who was so cool,
so calm up to a few minutes ago. Yes, he
senses the terrible peril you've both been placed in with
the arrival of Fred Rawlings looking for his friend Carl Panell.
It was a most unexpected arrival, wasn't it, Especially with
Carl Panell lying dead inside the trunk, which you think
(10:22):
Rawlings is already recognized as one belonging to him. He
knows you've lied, doesn't he. Catherine, you're certain of that.
The only uncertain thing.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
Is what to do about it.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Finally, Alex makes a practical suggestion. The only thing left
for you to do.
Speaker 10 (10:38):
I've got to get that trunk out of here as
fast as possible. It's as simple as that, Catherine. The
devil's holding up that transfer company.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
They should have been here an hour ago.
Speaker 6 (10:45):
Alex, I can't stand this waiting. I mean, with Fred
Rawlings snooping around, well.
Speaker 10 (10:49):
He can't see you like this. You've got to get
a hoop. Look, we'll change the plan. You've gone over
the mill valley the cottage. I'll wait here and see
that the trunk gets on the truck.
Speaker 6 (10:59):
Yes, yes, it might be, say for Alex, at least
till I get hold of my nerves.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
There I know.
Speaker 10 (11:03):
Go on, I'll drive over the cottage and wait for
him to deliver the trunk tonight. We'll bury it where
it will never be found.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
I'll stay here keep.
Speaker 10 (11:10):
An eye on things, particularly on mister Fred Rawlings.
Speaker 2 (11:22):
Driving across the Golden gate Bridge. You're still wondering if
Alex is right, aren't you, Kettrin Alex Yes, his assurance
that everything will work out at the little cottage where
you hope to live after selling the old boarding house.
You sit down to wait. The hours dragged by like years,
don't they, Katrine? And then at last you see the
transferred truck pull up in front and unload the trunk.
Speaker 11 (11:45):
Where do you want us to put this trunk, Lady?
Speaker 4 (11:47):
Oh, in the garage.
Speaker 6 (11:49):
Now?
Speaker 5 (11:49):
How much do I owe you all taken care of?
Speaker 11 (11:51):
Lady sell at the other end?
Speaker 6 (11:53):
Oh? Yes, Alex, well, thank you so much.
Speaker 4 (11:56):
We were wondering if you'd forgotten.
Speaker 12 (11:57):
This busy lady figure stuff is routine halls just have
to wait.
Speaker 4 (12:03):
Yes, I suppose so.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
The routine halls have to wait. Catherine, you can't help
thinking about the casual, unknowing words of the transfer man
as you lock up the cottage, get into your car,
and start back towards San Francisco. You feel relaxed, now
secure you'll meet Alex, have dinner with him, and then
leave the remainder of the grim plan in his hands.
(12:31):
In Mill Valley, you stop for a leisurely lunch before
driving back across the bridge. After lunch, you get back
into your car, and as you glance out the window,
you see a cab passing coming from the direction of
the cottage, a cab bearing a single passenger, Fred Rawlings.
(12:52):
Shocked and nervous, you drive quickly back to the cottage
and run to the garage.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
The trunk.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
It's been opened, Yes, Catherine, the trunk has been opened,
undoubtedly by Fred Rawlings. You feel the panic sweeped through
you as you realize that Fred probably knows everything now,
all about the murder of his friend Carl Panell. You
look inside the trunk straightened up, startled. There's only a
few odds and ends of clothing inside, Catherine Carl Penell's
(13:21):
body has disappeared. Ah, it's almost eight o'clock that evening.
When you arrived back in town. Rush into the rooming house.
Find Alex waiting for you in the front parlor, a
grin on his face.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
Alex, Alex, I know, I know, don't tell me. Rawlings
followed the trunk out to Mill Valley, didn't.
Speaker 4 (13:45):
He yes, and he forced it open. But Alex, the.
Speaker 10 (13:47):
Body I wasn't in the trunk. I had a hunter,
mister Rawlings would do exactly as he did.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
So I made a little sweat.
Speaker 4 (13:54):
But Penell's body, what did you do with it?
Speaker 10 (13:56):
In the basement, in the small room behind the furnace,
what Relax? No one ever goes in there. Besides, I
moved half a dozen trunks and crates, pile them up
in front of the door.
Speaker 3 (14:05):
Missus Finch could never movement a million years.
Speaker 6 (14:08):
Well, Alex, I don't like this.
Speaker 4 (14:10):
We've got to get rid of that body.
Speaker 10 (14:11):
All right, all right, we'll get rid of the body
late tonight. But it's gonna be risky as long as
Rawlings is around.
Speaker 6 (14:18):
Wait, a minute, Wait a minute. Suppose our fine mister
Rawlings wasn't around.
Speaker 10 (14:25):
Mmmm, the same thing that happened to Panel, that happened
to Rawlings too.
Speaker 6 (14:30):
Why not, Alex? Why not?
Speaker 10 (14:33):
This is more like my old Catherine. Wait, wait till
he's in bed to sleep. Turn on the gas.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Look, we better get moving fast.
Speaker 6 (14:41):
He is not in the room now, is he?
Speaker 11 (14:42):
No?
Speaker 3 (14:42):
I went out a little while ago for cigarettes. He'll
be back soon.
Speaker 6 (14:45):
Well, I'll go down to the cellar. Turn off the gas.
You go to his room, take the valve out of
the gas line in the heater.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
Hurry on the cellar. You turn off the gas. No
one will notice it, Katherine. You're certain of that because
the only other gas outlet in the entire house beside
the one in the kitchen, is in Rawling's room. You
hurry back upstairs, and as you start into the parlor
(15:14):
the front door opened.
Speaker 5 (15:16):
Evening, miss Molly Rawlings.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
He's back, Catherine, isn't it? And a little too.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Soon Alex is still in Rawling's room. You've got the
stall Rawlings off long enough for Alex to come back.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
Oh, good evening, mister Rawlings.
Speaker 5 (15:30):
It's getting a bit cooler out, Yes, yes, it is.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
Oh, come on into the parlor. I was going to
fix a highball. Perhaps you join me?
Speaker 5 (15:39):
Thanks?
Speaker 6 (15:39):
No, well, keep me company there.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
Of course, charming room this. I love these old fashioned parlors,
don't you, miss Molly.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
It was mother's favorite room. I've left it just the
way she liked it.
Speaker 6 (15:55):
Oh, sit down, won't you?
Speaker 9 (15:57):
Thanks?
Speaker 4 (15:58):
You have a big day, mister Rawlings.
Speaker 5 (16:01):
Yes, rather a busy one at that. There's so many
things to do, you know, so many old friends to visit, and.
Speaker 6 (16:08):
All any of those old friends know the whereabouts if
your mister Pennell, No, I'm afraid not.
Speaker 4 (16:14):
Oh that's a shame.
Speaker 5 (16:15):
Oh, I've a feeling I'll find the lead soon, Miss Marley.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
All set, baby.
Speaker 4 (16:20):
Oh, mister Rawlings, you've met Alex, haven't you?
Speaker 5 (16:23):
Of course?
Speaker 11 (16:23):
How are you?
Speaker 9 (16:24):
Old man?
Speaker 3 (16:24):
Fine? Just fine?
Speaker 6 (16:26):
Drink Alex.
Speaker 3 (16:26):
I don't care if I do.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
Are you sure you won't change your mind?
Speaker 5 (16:30):
Mister Rollings, Well by, George, I will have one plain water, eh, As.
Speaker 2 (16:44):
The three of you said, sipping your drinks. Rawlings seems
to monopolize most of the conversation, doesn't he, Catherine, Yes,
he's in a talkative mood, enjoying himself. And you chat
for almost an hour. Finally he announces he's going to
retire for the evening. And after he's gone, you and
Alex sit quietly and wait for an hour or so,
and then the two of you slip out into the
(17:06):
back yard.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
You ought to be asleep by another way. You slugged
his drinks.
Speaker 6 (17:11):
I have a hunch it takes more than a few
shots of bourbon to put him to sleep. I hope
he doesn't decide to sit up half a night and read.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Oh no, look his room is dark and the windows
are all down. That's good.
Speaker 4 (17:25):
Must be asleep, all right.
Speaker 6 (17:27):
You know what to do?
Speaker 3 (17:28):
Sure? I know?
Speaker 6 (17:29):
And Alex, when you turn the gas on.
Speaker 3 (17:33):
I know, just a little at a time to start with.
Will you just leave it to me?
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Back upstairs in the parlor, you pace the floor, and
finally Alex returns from the cellar, drops it of the
chair by the fireplace and grins at you. Then he
picks up a magazine, leans back, starts to read. You
continue to pace the room, glancing occasionally me at the clock.
Speaker 3 (18:15):
Look, relax, huh, nothing's gonna go wrong.
Speaker 10 (18:18):
Gas has been pouring into that room for almost three
hours now, mister.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
Rawlings is well on his way.
Speaker 6 (18:24):
I know, I know.
Speaker 12 (18:25):
No.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
Man, have a drink and stop thinking about everything.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
Alex, sweet, what's listen?
Speaker 6 (18:31):
Someone's coming down hall?
Speaker 5 (18:36):
Hello you check? Oh I didn't mean to startle you,
Miss Marley. Sorry you still up?
Speaker 4 (18:41):
Yes, yes, we're still up.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
I thought you'd gone to bed, mister Rawlings.
Speaker 5 (18:45):
Oh I started to, but I got to chatting with
a fellow across the hall McGill. I've been in his
room all this time, shooting the breeze. I believe you
call it. I see it seems hard developed a bit
of an appetite. Any night eater is about all.
Speaker 6 (18:58):
High here street. You'll find several.
Speaker 5 (19:00):
Oh thanks, can I bring anything back for you? Chat
sir sandwich? Your something?
Speaker 3 (19:04):
No?
Speaker 6 (19:04):
No, thank you? Oh?
Speaker 11 (19:05):
Well did not.
Speaker 4 (19:14):
So nothing could go wrong, Alex, Nothing could go I.
Speaker 6 (19:19):
Know you'd better air out that room before he gets
back and replace the valve on the gas line.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
Hurry, Your little plan didn't work this time, did it, Catherine. No,
mister Rawlings is still very much alive, very much a
threat down in the cellar. You turn off the gas.
Wait a few minutes, give Alex enough time to put
(19:45):
the valve back in the line in Rowling's room. Then
you turn the gas on again so the gas in
the kitchen will function normally. You go back up to
the parlor. Alex joined you a moment later.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
How was it pretty bad?
Speaker 10 (19:59):
But I left the windows open, most of the gas
or will begun by the time he gets back.
Speaker 3 (20:03):
Well, what, nurse, we've heard? We try again.
Speaker 6 (20:06):
No, there's bound to be some trace of gas left
in the room.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
He'd notice that.
Speaker 6 (20:09):
Check the gas heater. No, we can't try that stunt again, Alex.
Then what We'll have to think of something else, figure
out some other way. And it isn't going to be easy, Alex.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
It's on your mind all night long, isn't it. Cat
You rack your brain for some simple way, something that
doesn't involve too many risks away to rich yourself of
mister rawling, And by morning you still haven't found the
answer you're looking for. You're having a cup of coffee
when he comes in and you're surprised to see the
suitcase in his hand.
Speaker 4 (20:48):
Why, good morning, mister Rawleigh.
Speaker 5 (20:50):
Morning just popped in to say goodbye.
Speaker 4 (20:53):
You're leaving it.
Speaker 5 (20:53):
I'm afraid, sir, ship's going out a day early. Didn't
I tell.
Speaker 4 (20:57):
You I know you didn't would have slipped.
Speaker 5 (20:59):
Mind, we're sailing at noon.
Speaker 4 (21:02):
Oh I see.
Speaker 6 (21:03):
Well, I'm awfully sorry to have you leave us so soon.
Speaker 5 (21:06):
As a matter of fact, I'd like very much to
stay on a bit, But well, you know how it
is said. Oh, by the way, I have a confession
to make, miss Marley.
Speaker 6 (21:15):
Oh, a confession.
Speaker 5 (21:17):
Yes, I feel you ought to know about it, you
see here. Well, I thought you were trying to put
something over on me. What do you mean about Penell
his sudden departure and all that. I thought you were
covering up for.
Speaker 4 (21:30):
Him, covering up Why should I do that?
Speaker 5 (21:33):
All dad? That business about the trunk, It did look
rather suspicious, you see, I recognized the trunk immediately. I'd
given it to Panell several years ago.
Speaker 4 (21:42):
Oh I see. And when I said it was my trunk,
you were certain that I exactly.
Speaker 6 (21:48):
Well, actually it might have been mister Penell's at dead
There's so many old trunks in the basement.
Speaker 4 (21:52):
I just supposed they all belonged to mother.
Speaker 5 (21:54):
Well, Penell probably had no further use for it. He
left it down there when he moved in.
Speaker 4 (21:57):
And he certainly didn't mention it when he moved away.
Speaker 5 (22:00):
Well, anyway, I do want to apologize, miss Molly.
Speaker 4 (22:03):
We don't give it another thought. Goodbye, mister Rawlings. And
the next time you're in port.
Speaker 5 (22:10):
Right, I'll pop in say hello.
Speaker 2 (22:19):
You almost laugh out loud with relief, don't you, Catherine
as you hurry upstairs to tell Alex the good news.
But his reaction isn't quite what you expected.
Speaker 3 (22:28):
So he's leaving, pulling out just like that.
Speaker 4 (22:30):
Of course that's what he just told me.
Speaker 3 (22:32):
Yeah, that's what he just told you.
Speaker 4 (22:34):
Do you mean he's lying, He isn't going at all.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
It's true. I think we better go down to the ducks.
Speaker 10 (22:38):
Baby, make sure the Brisbane Star pulls out, and that
mister Rawlings is a bored when she does.
Speaker 3 (22:45):
You better tell Hima we're going out.
Speaker 6 (22:47):
I will, oh, Emma, Hey, yes, miss Molly, we're going
out for a while.
Speaker 4 (22:51):
Take care of things, will you, Emma? But miss we're
going out for a while.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
It's a twenty minute drive to the Embarcadero. Alex parks
his car near the pier where the Brisbane Star is duck.
The hours go by and the two of you watch
the loading of the boat, and then a few minutes before.
Speaker 3 (23:18):
Twelve Yeah, she's pulling out all right, baby.
Speaker 4 (23:24):
Yes, and look up there Alex on the deck.
Speaker 3 (23:27):
Eyah, mister Rawlings, biggest life.
Speaker 6 (23:30):
Goodbye, mister Rawlings.
Speaker 10 (23:32):
Oh way, well, any I'd say, we don't have anything
to worry about it anymore.
Speaker 3 (23:38):
Not a thing.
Speaker 8 (23:59):
Engine where engine ware engine.
Speaker 1 (24:02):
Were is engine were causing your expensive motor to wear
out twice as fast as necessary. It is if you're
still using lazy motor oils that merely lubricate. Here's what
I mean. In amazing New Signal Premium motor oil, special
properties are engineered into the oil through the marvels of
modern chemistry. As a result, New Signal Premium not only
(24:24):
reduces enginewar due to lubrication fifty percent, it also protects
your motor in all these important extra ways. One keeps
oil rings clean and free. Two controls and reduces harmful
engine deposits such as carbon gum and varnish. Three prevents
sticking of hydraulic valve lifters. Four stops acid corrosion and rust.
(24:46):
Best of all, signals new heavy duty type oil gives
you all this extra protection at no increase in price.
Good reason to get your next oil change at a
Signal service station change this week to a amazing new
signal Premium motor oil that reduces engine wear due to
lubrication fifty percent.
Speaker 8 (25:09):
Engine ware engine were engine wear.
Speaker 2 (25:25):
It's all over now, isn't it, Catherine? The threat is gone,
sailed aboard the Brisbane Star. Now all it remains is
for you and Alex to return to the rooming house
and at the first opportunity get rid of Panell's body
now hidden in the small cellar room behind the furnace.
Then the cottage and mill valley and a comfortable life
(25:45):
thanks to mister Penell's money. The two of you drive
back to the house and as you step into the
parlor you find a tall, heavy set man there waiting
for you.
Speaker 11 (25:55):
Oh you, I must be Miss Marley.
Speaker 12 (25:58):
Yes, yes, that's right, and Lieutenant Kincaid Police Department.
Speaker 11 (26:02):
I dares give you a questions?
Speaker 4 (26:04):
What's wrong?
Speaker 11 (26:05):
You had a room here named Panel Carl Panel.
Speaker 4 (26:08):
Yes, but he moved away several days ago.
Speaker 11 (26:11):
Are you sure?
Speaker 3 (26:12):
Of course? She is?
Speaker 6 (26:13):
Matter of fact, Alex and I saw him leave in
a taxi. He said something about having to catch a train.
Speaker 11 (26:18):
I think I see im. Missus Finch, Will you come
in please?
Speaker 4 (26:22):
Lieutenant.
Speaker 6 (26:23):
What's this all about, oh, Miss Morley, Miss.
Speaker 4 (26:26):
Mordy, Emma, what's the matter?
Speaker 2 (26:28):
Will?
Speaker 7 (26:28):
It was about the gas. I tried to tell you
this morning, but you and mister Alex were in such
a hurry.
Speaker 3 (26:33):
What about the gas?
Speaker 7 (26:34):
Twice now, two nights in one week. I smelled gas
in my room.
Speaker 6 (26:37):
It worried me.
Speaker 7 (26:38):
I thought something should be done about it.
Speaker 12 (26:40):
So she called the gas company and he sent a
couple of men over to check the house.
Speaker 7 (26:43):
Yes, my room being directly over the furnace, I thought
maybe that's where the gas was coming from.
Speaker 12 (26:48):
And the gas company in checked the furnace. We found nothing,
and tracing the pipes to the exterior of the house,
he had to go into that small room in the cellar.
No Ah, that's when they called the police. Missus Finch
identified the body as that of Carl Panel. Now, Miss Marley,
(27:08):
suppose you and your boyfriend here come along with me
to headquarters.
Speaker 11 (27:12):
I think you got a lot of explaining to do.
Speaker 1 (27:37):
Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal oil program.
The whistler eat Sunday night. At this same time, Signal
has asked me to remind you that today the Red
Cross in addition to providing life saving whole blood and
other needed help for our GI's overseas, must now stockpile
blood plasma for possible civilian needs, as well as be
(27:57):
prepared to furnish emergency food, clothing, and shelter in case
of disaster or enemy attack. Here good reason why this
year the Red Cross needs more of us to help,
and more help from each of us. Featured in tonight's
(28:18):
story where Bill Foreman, Joe, Gilbert, Larry Dobkin, Martha Wentworth,
Ben Wright, and Herbert Litton. The Whistler was produced and
directed by George w Allen, with story by Adrian John Doe,
music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transmitted to our troops
overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. The Whistler is
entirely fictional, and all characters portrayed on the Whistler are
also fictional. Any similarity of names or resemblance to persons
(28:42):
living or dead is purely coincidental. Remember at this same time,
next Sunday, another strange tale by the Whistler Marvin Miller
speaking for the Signal Oil Company. Stay tune now for
our Miss Brooks starring Eve Arden, which follows immediately over
most of these stations, it is the CBS, the Columbia
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