by Tom McKnight and Jerry Devine

Death Shows the Way

(Standard Opening)

(Music... "Glooms of Fate” ... Fade under.)

Shadow: Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?

The Shadow knows.... (Laugh.)

(Music up segue bright theme.)

Annr.: Your “blue coal” dealer brings you the thrilling adventures of The Shadow, outstanding program awarded Radio Varieties’ gold cup for able service in the prevention of crime… and for its dynamic dramatic quality. These weekly half-hour dramatizations are designed to forcibly demonstrate to old and young alike… that crime does not pay....

(Music up... segue into neutral background.)

(Opening commercial.)

(Music.)

(Introduction before start of shadow story)

Anns.: The Shadow, mysterious character who aids the forces of law and order, is in reality Lamont Cranston, wealthy young man about town. The Shadow uses his hypnotic power to cloud men’s minds so that they cannot see him. Cranston’s friend and companion, the lovely Margot Lane, is the only person who knows to whom the unseen voice of The Shadow belongs. Today’s story—“Death Shows The Way.”

(Music.)

(Opening commerical)

Annr.: Before we set the stage for today’s Shadow story . .. do you recall the last time you heard the expression “Easy does it”? (Slight pause ending with laugh.) Well . . . the chances are, you heard it ki connection with “blue coal.” For the “blue coal” way is the easy way to heat your home. You see . . . “blue coal” is Americas finest anthracite. It burns better . . . banks better . . . gives you greater heating comfort with less attention. There’s no mistaking “blue coal” either. It’s the only hard coal bearing a blue color-trademark—approval seal of Glen Alden—world’s largest hard coal producers. Call your “blue coal” dealer tomorrow.

(Music.)

Butler: (Hums to himself.)

Cranston: Allan....

Butler: Yes, Mr. Cranston? (Continues to hum.)

Cranston (moving on mike): What in the world are you doing?

Butler: Packing your clothes, sir. (Continues humming.)

Cranston: Just a minute . . . I’m going away for the weekend, Allan, not a trip around the world.

Butler: These are all necessities, sir....

Cranston: Look ... all I need is a change of linen, a toothbrush, and a razor....

Butler: Sorry, sir... that’s impossible.

Cranston: What do you mean?

Butler: I mean that I shan’t send you anyplace without the proper appointments.

Cranston: Oh, I have nothing to say about it, is that it?

Butler: Quite correct, sir. (Hums through next few lines.)

Cranston: Well, I will say something about it and right now!

Margot: (moving on mike): Hello, in there. May I come in?

Cranston: Oh, hello, Margot... come ahead.

Margot: Are you ready to leave?

Cranston: Not quite ... I have to settle a small point with Allan first

Margot (laughing): And I’ll bet I know what it is. Something to do with your weekend wardrobe?

Cranston: Yes… . Allan, for the last time I’m telling you not to pack my bags full of all that junk!

Butler (ignoring him): Let me see… hunting jacket… golf shoes… dinner clothes… riding boots… business suit.... Oh, yes, fishing tackle.

Cranston: Did you hear me?

Butler: Oh, yes, sir. Suede jacket, polo shirts, tennis shorts.

Cranston: Then why don’t you do as I say?

Butler: Because as I told you before, Mr. Cranston, you shan’t go to the Bartons’ unless you’re correctly turned out… and that, if I may display firmness, is final. There, you’re all packed.

Cranston: But the Bartons don’t care whether I’m correctly turned out or not!

Butler: It isn’t the Bartons that I’m trying to impress, sir.

Cranston: Then who is it?

Butler: Their butler.

Margot (laughing): Come on, pick up your bags, Lamont. You’ve lost again!

(Music.)

(General ad-lib laughter and small talk.)

Mrs. B.: Some time before this weekend is over, Lamont, we must have the count tell about his marvelous experience on Capri.

Count (with accent): Now, now, Mrs. Barton, I’m afraid it would be too long and dull for Mr. Cranston.

Cranston: That’s my specialty… long dull stories ... I collect them.

(Dog barks moving on mike.)

Margot: Henry, what a beautiful dog! When’d you get him?

Barton: Just the other day. Come here, Major.

Count: What do you call that kind of dog?

Barton: A Great Dane....

Count: He’s a big ferocious-looking beast

Barton: Lie down, Major… . How about more crackers and cheese, you people?

Cranston: That’s for me, Henry.

Barton: Okay, help yourself.

Mrs. B.: Henry, that’s a nice way to talk to a guest.

Barton: What do you mean… guest? When Lamont Cranston spends a weekend with us in the country, he’s a member of the family.

Cranston: Thanks, Henry… . Say, speaking of members of the family, who’s that young fellow approaching across the lawn?

Child (off yelling): Mummy, Nurse says I have to go in and have my face washed and have my supper. Do I have to, Mummy?

Margot: Did he say Mummy? Why, Helen, I didn’t know… .

Mrs. B.: Don’t be alarmed. I didn’t tell you that Henry and I adopted a child a couple of months ago.

Margot: I see.

Child (coming in): Do I have to, Mummy?

Mrs. B.: Skippy, I want you to meet some friends of ours… . Miss Margot Lane, Mr. Cranston, and Count Santo… .

(Ad-lib greetings.)

Child: Do I have to have my face washed, Daddy?

Barton: Judging by its appearance, it wouldn’t do any harm… .

Child: Aw… .

Mrs. В.: I think you’d better go in and do what nurse tells you to do.

Child: I don’t want to.... Daddy promised me a story.

Mrs. B.: Daddy will tell you a story after dinner. Run along now.

Child: I don’t want to.

Mrs. B.: Oh, dear, what shall I do? Oh, I know, Henry, call the dog . . . tell him it’s his new pet… . maybe that’ll please him.

(Dog growls.)

Barton: Here, Major… come here, boy… . Look, Skippy... see what your mother and I bought for you?

Child: Oh, a doggie. Hello, nice doggie… .

(Dog growls and snaps.)

Child: Daddy, Daddy! It tried to bite me!

Barton (on top of child’s line): Major! MAJOR! Get back to the house!

Mrs. В.: Henry, that dog is vicious… .

Barton: Now, now, Helen, don’t get excited… the dog just isn’t used to children, that’s all… . Now, Skippy, you run along.

Child(sobbing): Are you going to tell me a story after dinner, Daddy?

Barton: I’m afraid not, son… . Daddy has a very important business date after dinner.

Child (bawls): But you promised… .

Mrs. B.: Now run along, Skippy. Mummy will be up to see you later.

Child (receding from mike): Daddy promised to tell me a story.

Mrs. B.: Now see what you’ve done, Henry?

Barton: I can’t help it, Helen. You know that Mr. Knight from Taylor and Company is coining here tonight with your necklace....

Mrs. B.: But, Henry....

Barton: Darling, we have guests here, remember? I hope you all enjoyed the little visit backstage in the home life of the Bartons? (All laugh.)

Margot: We loved it. …

Count: You spoke of a necklace, Mr. Barton. Is it the same one that I read about your buying in the newspapers?

Barton: Yes, the Great Harvey Diamond.

Cranston: The Great Harvey… have you bought that, Henry?

Barton: Yes, they’re bringing it here tonight.

Margot: Isn’t that the jewel with the great legend attached to it?

Count: Legend? What is the legend, Miss Lane?

Margot: Why, I believe the story is that it brings misfortune to whoever owns it. Isn’t that it Henry?

Barton: Some such silly yam, yes…

Count: I take it then that you do not believe in this, what you call, legend, eh, Mr. Barton?

Barton: Of course not.

Count: You’re a brave man, Mr. Barton… a very brave man.

(Music.)

Knight: Mr. Barton, I trust that you’ve arranged to keep the necklace in a safe place… at least until you’ve paid me in full.

Barton: Naturally.

Knight: Well, I guess we’ve finished our business then. … I imagine you would like to get back to your guests.

Barton: On the contrary, I find it very difficult to tear myself away from this necklace… beautiful stone. …

(Knock on door.)

Child (off mike): Daddy...

Barton: It’s all right, Skippy… you can come in. …

(Door opens.)

Barton: Skippy, this is Mr. Knight, a business friend of your father’s. … Mr. Knight, this is my son. …

Child: Daddy, when are you going to tell me that story… an’ Mummy says you’re so forgetful did you think to offer Mr. Knight a drink?

Barton: Mummy is right, as usual. Mr. Knight, will you for­give me and let me make up for the oversight?

Knight: Well, now that you mention it, I wouldn’t mind having a drink. … It's a long drive back to town.

Barton: How will you have it?

Knight: Straight, please, water on the side.

Barton: Straight it is… .

(Sound of pouring.)

Barton: Here you are.

Knight: Thank you. Aren’t you drinking, Mr. Barton?

Barton: No… I… I… I’ve been on the wagon lately… .

Knight: Too bad. … Well, here’s to the Great Harvey Diamond. … May it bring you much happiness.

Child: Gee... you drank it all in one gulp.

Barton: Skippy, that’s not very polite....

Knight: Well, I’ve got to be going.... (Gasps.)

(Glass falls.)

Barton: What’s the matter?

Knight: I... I don’t know.... I feel... very peculiar… .

(Gasps.)

Barton: You’re white as a sheet...

Knight: Water… (Gasping) water… get me some water.

(Clink of glass.)

Barton: The decanter’s empty… (Fading) I’ll run and get you some....

(Footsteps receding.)

Knight: I… I... (Groans ... gasps.)

(Body falls.)

Child (slight pause... then starts to cry loudly): Daddy!

Barton (rushing back): Here’s the water… I… What’s happened?

Child (still bawling): He fell down like that...

Barton: Skippy, go out and play now… and don’t say anything about this to anyone ... do you understand ... to no one?

Child (still crying... fades out): Yes, Daddy.

Cranston (fading in): What’s all the shouting about in here?

Count (fading in): Yes... is something wrong?

Barton: Oh… oh, hello… Mr. Knight’s had a sudden attack of some kind. I’m afraid he’s very ill. We must get him upstairs. Count Santo, will you lift his feet, please?

Count: Surely.

Cranston: I don’t think that will be necessary, Henry.

Barton: Why not?

Cranston: It’s too late... he’s dead....

Barton: Dead?

Cranston: Yes. What happened? What brought this on?

Barton: I don’t know. We were sitting here… discussing the diamond and ... The diamond! The DIAMOND!

Cranston: What about it?

Barton: It ... it was right here on the desk. It’s disap­peared!

(Music.)

Margot: Some day, some time, we’re going to go some place, Lamont, where we will actually spend two consec­utive days when absolutely nothing happens....

Cranston: Margot, tell the truth now . . . you’d be bored to death.

Margot: Yes, I suppose I would. It’s the fire horse in me, I guess. What do you make of this thing?

Cranston: It’s undoubtedly murder… and the killer made off with the Harvey Diamond....

Margot: Why did Mr. Barton raise such a fuss about calling the police?

Cranston: I’m not sure… probably didn’t want his name dragged into a bad mess.

Margot: Incidentally, what’s keeping the police? Why haven’t they gotten here?

Cranston: We’re out in the country, Margot; it will take them some time. …

Margot: Meanwhile, we’re faced by the familiar question: Who done it?

Cranston (lowered tones): I think there’s a partial answer to your question just leaving the back door of the house.

Margot: Who is it, Lamont?

Cranston: I’m not sure, but it looks like our continental, the friend, Count Santo....

Margot: Where’s he going?

Cranston: My guess would be to the garage. Come on, we’ll find out.

(Footsteps.)

Margot (softly): Do you know something, Lamont?

Cranston: What?

Margot: I don’t think he’s any more of a count than I am. …

Cranston: Do you know something?

Margot: What?

Cranston: Neither do I. …

Margot: Think he’s trying to make a get away?

Cranston: I don’t think; I know. … Come on, we’d better hurry!

(Running steps.)

Margot: What are you going to do?

Cranston: Have a talk with Mr. Santo and find out why he’s so anxious to leave here. …

Margot: But, Lamont, that’s dangerous. If he is the murderer, he’ll try to kill you too.

Cranston: Don’t worry, Margot… The Shadow will take care of that.

(Music.)

(Car starter being pressed... pressed again.)

Count (straight): If some lug has put this starter on the fritz…

(Car starter again.)

Shadow: (LAUGH)

Count: What was that?

Shadow: I wouldn’t bother wearing out the battery, Count Santo; the ignition wires have been cut.

Count: Who is speaking to me?

Shadow: I am called The Shadow. …

Count: The Shadow!

Shadow: So you’ve heard of me, eh, Count Santo?

Count: Heard of you... why... why...

Shadow: I thought you probably had. My name is quite familiar to those of the underworld....

Count: Underworld?

Shadow: Never heard of that either, I suppose....

Count: Who are you? Where are you?

Shadow: I am right beside you here in the shadows. Oh, don’t try to look for me… you see, I have clouded your mind so that you cannot see me....

Count: What do you want of me, Mr. Shadow?

Shadow: May I suggest first that you forget your accent?

Count: What do you mean?

Shadow: I mean that when the starter of your car didn’t work you had no difficulty with the English language at all.

Count (after pause, without accent): You’re a pretty smart fella, aren’t you, Shadow?

Shadow: That’s better.

Count: What do you want of me, Shadow?

Shadow: I’d like to know why, after a robbery and a murder have just been committed in the Barton house, you are leaving it so hurriedly.

Count: That’s my business!

Shadow: And it’s also mine. Now listen to me, Santo, or whatever your real name is, I’m seeing to it that you’re not leaving this place until the police arrive ... so you’d better tell me all you know about what just happened in the house.

Count: I don’t know anything.

Shadow: You’re lying, Santo!

Count: So I’m lying, but I still don’t know anything.

Shadow: Then what were you doing here… under an assumed name… accepting the Barton hospitality. Should I tell you?

Count: Yeah, do, Shadow.

Shadow: You came to steal the Harvey Diamond!

Count: No ... NO! That’s a lie!

Shadow: You’d better tell me the truth, Santo. There’s been a murder committed tonight… and the finger of guilt points straight at you!

Count (after pause): All right, I’ll talk, but you’re not hang­ing any murder rap on me, see… because I don’t know anything about it and that’s the truth!

Shadow: How did you become acquainted with the Bartons?

Count: I met them last year in Europe. I made them think I was a count because… well, that’s my racket, see. When a sucker gets taken by nobility, they don’t feel so bad about it. Well, the Bartons looked like a soft touch, so I gave them a play....

Shadow: Go on.

Count: I didn’t tap them for anything over there… just had a hunch on them, that’s all. I felt I could build diem up for a bigger take later on... and I was right.

Shadow: You mean the Harvey Diamond?

Count: I mean the Harvey Diamond. I read about old man Barton planning to buy it, so I looked them up again. I swung this weekend because I knew he’d be getting the necklace....

Shadow: I see ... and you came up here to steal it.

Count: Well… yes. My plan was to wait till sometime late tonight… then I’d grab the stones and make a getaway while everyone was sleeping… but someone else beat me to it.

Shadow: You wouldn’t still be lying by any chance?

Count: Listen, Shadow, I’m a high class, respectable jewel thief. Murder is out of my line!

Shadow: Even murder for the Harvey Diamond?

Count: You know, for a supposedly smart guy you don’t follow the ball too close, do you?

Shadow: What do you mean?

Count: I mean that there’s someone else in that house who wanted that diamond… someone who would kill for it!

Shadow: Who are you talking about, Santo?

Count: Well, now, maybe I’m not sayin’.

Shadow: Come on, Santo. I know enough about you to put you behind bars for life. Name the killer!

Count: Okay... okay... I’m speaking of—

(Two shots.)

Count: (Groans.)

Shadow: Santo ... SANTO!

Count(faintly): Got me... got... me... too....

Shadow: Who is it, Santo? Who is this murderer?

Count: It’s... it’s ... Mr.... Mr.... (Groan.)

(Door opens and closes.)

Margot: (off mike): Lamont . . . LAMONT! Are you all right?

Cranston (calling out): Yes, Margot.

Margot (on mike): I was standing just outside the door. I heard the shots.

Cranston: Did you see anyone as you came in?

Margot: No… but I heard footsteps running down the driveway... . Is he... ?

Cranston: Yes, he’s dead. Come on, Margot, we’ve got to catch this killer before he makes a getaway!

(Footsteps... door opens and closes.)

Margot: Did you learn anything from Santo?

Cranston: No. Just as he was about to reveal the murderer’s name, the shots were fired.

Mrs. B.: (off mike, screaming.)

Margot: Lamont, what’s that?

Cranston: I don’t know, but it came from the house. Come on!

(Running footsteps.)

Margot: What’s happened now?

Mrs. B.: (Screams are closer.)

Cranston (calling out): What’s up? What’s the matter here?

Mrs. B. (hysterically): It’s... it’s Skippy.

Cranston: What’s happened to him?

Mrs. В.: I left him sitting here on the porch. I came out and he was gone. Then ... I looked ... in the lane ... at the foot of the grounds … and two men had him. They put him in a big sedan and drove away. … Skippy... Skippy’s been kidnapped!

(Music.)

(Commercial.)

(Middle Commercial for New York, New England, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington)

Annr.: Before we begin Act Two of The Shadow’s adventure, let’s drop in on John and Mary at their home in the country. Mary seems to be upset. Let’s listen.

Mary: John, this house is like an icebox! The children will catch their death of cold!

John: Don’t I know it! And here Fve been shoveling coal and wdtking dampers all evening. (Disgusted) Ah, what’s the use?

Annr.: Not a very happy picture, is it? But let’s look in on John and Mary again after John has taken the advice of his “blue coal” dealer.

Mary: John, I’m so glad you changed to “blue coal.” The thermometer outside is dropping every minute, but we’re just as warm and snug as a bug in a rug!

John: You bet, Mary! “Blue coal” is tops! And this “blue coal” heat regulator makes furnace-tending a cinch!

Annr.: Yes, sir. The “blue coal” way is the easy way to heat your home. For not only does “blue coal” distribute steady, even, healthful heat from cellar to attic . .. but a “blue coal” heat regulator saves you both time and money! You simply set the thermostat and the dampers work automatically to keep your house at the exact tem­perature you want There’s no rushing up and down stairs ... no fuss ... no bother. You don’t even have to stop your furnace to install this modern thermostat. Your “blue coal” dealer can tell you-all about the “blue coal” heat regulator. So take this tip. Heat your home the “blue coal” way. Phone your “blue coal” dealer first thing in the morning. You’ll find his name listed in the where-to-buy-it section of your classified telephone directory, under the words “blue coal.” And now . . . back to The Shadow....

Cranston: Well, Margot... how is little Skippy?

Margot: He seems to be well enough, Lamont.

Cranston: Did you tell him I wanted to see him?

Margot: Yes, he’ll be right down, Lamont, I can’t understand … Why should anyone want to kidnap the child and then let him go again two hours later?

Cranston: I don’t know. In fact, I don’t know or understand the happenings of this entire night...

Margot: The police are out in the garage.

Cranston: Margot, did they find anything?

Margot: Well, they learned that the bullets that killed Count Santo were fired through the back window.

Cranston: That’s a clever bit of deduction. I found that out when the gun went off.

Margot: They also learned that Mr. Knight was poisoned.

Cranston: I see… they’re making remarkable progress, aren’t they?

Margot: Lamont, have you any suspicions at all as to who killed Mr. Knight and Count Santo?

Lamont: Well, there are only five of us left here in the house. I didn’t do it… I’m REASONABLY certain you didn’t...

Margot: Thanks.

Lamont: So that leaves no one but the Bartons, doesn’t it?

Margot: Oh, Lamont, you’re not saying that Mr. Bar—

Lamont: I’m not saying anything, Margot... yet.

(Door opens.)

Child: Did you want to see me, Mr. Cranston?

Cranston: Yes. Come in, Skippy ... I’d like to ask you some questions about what happened tonight...

Child: Do you carry a gun?

Cranston: No, I don’t Skippy. Why?

Child: I guess you’re not much of a detective then.

Margot: (Laughs.)

Cranston: Margot, please… perhaps it would be just as well if I interviewed Skippy alone. I can’t do anything if you sit here and heckle.

Margot: Well… excuse me… I’ll go down to the ga­rage and see if the detectives who do carry guns will talk to me....

Cranston: Now, Margot... I didn’t mean—

Margot (off): If he trys to give you the third degree, Skippy, just call out and I’ll come arunnin’....

(Door closes.)

Cranston: Now let’s—

Child: What was it Miss Lane said you would give me, Mr. Cranston?

Cranston: Nothing, Skippy.

Child: But she said—

Cranston: Let’s forget what she said. Instead suppose you tell me exactly what happened to you.

Child: Well, I was sitting on the porch… just like Mummy told me… when the first thing I knew there was some men standing beside me....

Lamont: I see....

Child: I got scared and I started to call for Mummy, but one of the men put his hand on my mouth and I couldn’t. Did you ever try to call your mummy with a hand over your mouth?

Cranston: No, I don’t think I have. What happened then, Skippy?

Child: Well, they took me down to a car and they put me in the car and we drove away....

Cranston: Yes?

Child: Then we— What was it Miss Lane said that you’d give me?

Cranston: She was only having fun with you, Skippy. Now tell me what happened next?

Child: Well, they took me to an old, old house that was right in the middle of a big dark woods… and they tied me up with rope and everything, and then ... they went away.

Cranston: Then what?

Child: Then they came and got me and brought me back here again.

Cranston: Is that all that happened?

Child: Yes.

Cranston: What did they talk like?

Child: Talk like?

Cranston: Yes. What were their voices like? What did they talk about?

Child: Oh … they talked awful funny … they didn’t speak American at all … and they had big, long knives.

Cranston: I see. Hm, kidnappers must have gotten scared and brought you back. Well...

(Door opens.)

Barton: Oh, here you are, Lamont.

Cranston: Hello, Henry. What the matter?

Barton: It’s about the diamond....

Cranston: What about it?

Barton: It wasn’t stolen at all.

Cranston: What do you mean?

Barton: The police were just searching the late Mr. Knight’s clothing. They came across this package. Look.

Cranston: Why... why, it’s the necklace....

Barton: Yes. I’ve just finished examining it and there isn’t a doubt that this is the genuine stone.

Cranston: But the one that was stolen?

Barton: It was a copy of the original. It’s customary, you know, for all valuable gems to have imitation substitutes … and Knight must have accidentally given me the wrong one first.

Cranston: Then the murderer got nothing but a worthless imitation?

Barton: Exactly.

Cranston: You know what this means, Barton?

Barton: No.

Cranston: When the killer discovers his mistake he’ll come back for the original stone.

Barton: That's so ... he might at that. What will I do with it?

Cranston: Well, you can take this offer for what its worth, but I’d be glad to keep the necklace for you until morning.

Barton: That’s very kind of you, Lamont, but...

Cranston: I know it’s a rather large order, asking you to trust me with such a priceless jewel, but I think you know me well enough....

Barton: Yes... yes... of course... but....

Cranston: Good. Then let me have it.. . Fine... . We can bring it into your vault in town in the morning.

(Dog barking off mike.)

Barton: I wonder who let the dog in the house....

Child: I like to play with the dog, Daddy. When I kick him, he makes a funny noise.

Barton: Don’t ever let me catch you doing that — or I’ll take him away from you.

(Dog barks move on.)

Barton: Major... Major! Get out of here!

Child: Watch, Daddy. I’m going to kick him.

(Dog growls.)

Child: Daddy, keep him away from me!

Barton: Major! Stop screaming, Skippy ... I’ve got hold of him!

Cranston: You’ll either have to get rid of Skippy or the dog ... and I’d suggest—

Barton: Yes, I know, but for the time being, the dog goes out of this house and stays out. Quiet, Skippy ... excuse me.

Lamont (fading): Down, Major... quiet now... quiet!

(Door closes.)

Cranston: All right now, Skippy. The dog has gone.

Child (his sobs subsiding): Are you through talking with me, Mr. Cranston?

Cranston: I guess so, Skippy, unless you can think of anything else to tell me.

Child: No … that was all. Can I go upstairs to Mummy now?

Cranston: You certainly can, and she has my good wishes.

Child: I’m awful thirsty too. Maybe I’d better have a glass of water... there’s some on that table over there.

Cranston: Help yourself.

Child: Would you like some water, Mr. Cranston?

Cranston: Why, thank you very much....

(Sound of pouring.)

Child: Here....

Cranston (starts to drink, chokes): That water tasted funny.... (Gasps... moans.)

(Body fall.)

(Slight pause.)

Child (screams): Daddy … Daddy … come quick … I think Mr. Cranston’s sick!

(Music.)

Barton: I asked him not to do it, why in the name of thunder did I let him?

Mrs. B.: What do you mean, Henry?

Barton: Lamont was keeping the diamond for me … that’s why he was poisoned. It must be. The diamond, the real diamond, is missing.

Child: Daddy, what was the matter with Mr. Cranston? He looked so funny when you carried him upstairs.

Mrs. B.: Hush, Skippy... .

Margot (suppressed emotion): Why doesn’t that doctor come down? Why must he be so long?

Mrs. B.: Now, Margot...

(Door opens.)

Barton: Doctor, how is he?

Doctor: I’m afraid I have bad news for you....

Margot (sobs): No... no....

Barton: You mean...?

Doctor: Yes, Mr. Cranston is dead.

Margot: No, he can’t be. I don’t believe it.

(Steps.)

Mrs. B. (fading): Where are you going, Margot?

Margot: I’ve got to see him....

Mrs. B. (off mike): Come back, Margot. I wouldn’t go up there now.

(Footsteps running up stairs.)

Margot (sobbing): Why did we ever come here? Why did this happen?

(Door opens and closes.)

Margot (sobbing): Lamont... Lamont... Lamont!

Cranston (softly): Take it easy, Margot...

Margot (bewildered): What? Did you ... did you ... ? Cranston (still whispering): Shhh … yes, I spoke, Mar­got …

Margot: (Breaking down).

Cranston (comforting her): Now... now....

Margot: But the doctor said ...

Cranston: Yes, I know, he said I was dead. I fooled the good doctor with a little trick of suspended animation that I once learned. I’m sorry, darling, that you suffered by my hoax... but it was very necessary.

Margot: Necessary enough to break me into pieces like this?

Cranston: Yes, Margot... yes!

Margot: What do you mean?

Cranston: Just this. As far as every one downstairs is concerned, I am dead.

Margot: You mean... permanently?

Cranston: No . . . just for the next few minutes. Now you’ve got to help me with this....

Margot: Now?

Cranston: I want you to go back downstairs. Behave just as you would have if I had really died....

Margot: Yes?

Cranston: The Shadow will join you down there . . . but, first, you must do as I say....

(Music.)

Barton: Well, Margot?

Margot (sobbing quietly): He’s... he’s dead.

Child: Who’s dead, Mummy? Is Mr. Cranston dead?

Mrs. B.: Quiet, Skippy… please… Margot . . . why don’t you get some rest?

Child: I don’t want to stay in the house with a dead man, Mummy. Please, can I go outside?

Mrs. B.: That’s a good idea, Skippy. Why don’t you—

Margot: Helen, you can’t let the boy out of here after what happened to him before....

Child: But I want to go out, Mummy....

Mrs. B.: No, Skippy, Miss Lane is right....

Child: I don’t care about Miss Lane ... I want to go outside!

Barton: Skippy! How dare you talk like that to your mother?

Child: I’m going out....

Margot: Oh, no you aren’t, Skippy....

Child: You let go of me. I want to get out.

Shadow: (Laugh.)

Barton: What was that?

Shadow: I think you’d better stay right here, Skippy.

Child: Daddy, who is talking to me?

Shadow: I’m called The Shadow. Does my name sound familiar to you, Skippy?

Child: No… no...

Barton: What are you doing here, Shadow . . . and why are you trying to frighten this boy?

Shadow: Because, Mr. Barton, this boy, as you call him, is at the bottom of everything that has happened here tonight.

Barton: What do you mean?

Shadow: I mean that he is the murderer of Mr. Knight and Count Santo and the thief who stole the Harvey Diamond.

Barton: That’s preposterous! How could a child....?

Shadow: Skippy is not a child, Mr. Barton. Skippy hasn’t been a child for many years.

Barton: Not a child?

Shadow: No… he’s a midget!

Child: Daddy… Daddy… what is he saying about me?

Shadow: If you don’t believe me, Mr. Barton, then I suggest you look in his jacket pocket… and I think you’ll find the missing necklace….

Barton: But... I...

Shadow: Go on… look....

Child: Daddy, please, I want to go out. I don’t like that man.

Barton: Come here, Skippy.

Child: No.

Shadow: Why don’t you let him search you, Skippy?

Child: Keep away from me, all of you!

Margot: Look out, Henry. He’s got a gun!

Child: Yes… and I’ll use it on the first one of you who makes a move… and let me warn you, Mr. Shadow… I can’t see you… but if you lay a hand on me, I’ll get these people before you get me!

Barton: Skippy, what are you saying?

Child: All right… all right… can the Skippy stuff. From now on you can call me by my real name. It’s Mike… Mike Herotti, see?

Barton: Mike Herotti.

Child: Sure… and I’ve got your diamond, too, Mr. Barton… right here in my pocket.

Shadow: Put that gun down, Herotti!

Child: Not a chance, Mr. Shadow. I’m gettin’ out of here right now!

Barton: He’s turned off the lights!

Child: So long... Daddy. (Laugh.)

Shadow: He’s climbing out the window. We’ve got to stop him!

Barton: He’s running across the lawn!

(Dog barks... snarls.)

Child (off mike): No… NO! Get down. (Screaming) Get down! Help! HELP!

Margot: I can’t watch it.

Barton: I’ll go help him.

Shadow: I’m afraid that Mike Herotti is beyond help now, Mr. Barton.

(Music.)

Margot: Lamont, what made you suspect that Skippy wasn’t a child?

Cranston: Well, Margot, that kidnapping for one thing. It was too good to be on the level. It was arranged to get him out of the house with the diamond. Then, when his confederates found out that he’d stolen the phony gem, they brought him back again to steal the real stone.

Margot: I see....

Cranston: To clinch matters, I asked Barton to let me keep the real necklace ... and after I keeled over after apparently drinking the water, I felt him take the jewel from my pocket.

Margot: Nice business.... Well, it wasn’t a dull weekend.

Cranston: I should say not

Margot: Two murders and little Mike killed by the dog. You know, Lamont, I’m going to have a funny attitude toward children from now on.

Cranston: How’s that?

Margot: Well, when I touch them on the cheek, I won’t know whether to pet them or feel for a beard.

(Music.)

(Closing commercial)

Annr.: In just a moment, we have some important news about next week’s unusually thrilling adventure of The Shadow. But, first… here’s John Barclay, America’s home heating expert. Mr. Barclay....

Barclay: Thank you, Ken Roberts… and good evening, friends. I’d like to take this opportunity to ask you an important question. Is the basement of your home overheated? If it is, the chances are you have chilled rooms upstairs. And needless to say, when the greater part of your furnace’s heat goes no further than your basement, it’s a deplorable state of affairs. But, friends, for such a condition, your “blue coal” dealer offers an easy cure— the free John Barclay Heating Service. An overheated basement may be caused by improper insulation of your heating plant. But whatever the cause, a trained John Barclay Service Man is sure to know. For a John Barclay Service Man is no ordinary heating expert. He’s a technically trained graduate of the John Barclay Heating School… and he’ll give you expert advice on any heating problem you may have… absolutely free of charge. So please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your “blue coal” dealer. He’ll gladly send a trained John Barclay Service Man around to your home… with no strings attached ... no obligation on your part. And in closing . . . may I remind you that the “blue coal” way is the easy way to heat your home. Thank you.

(Music bright.)

(Standard closing)

Annr.: Today’s program is based on a story copyrighted by the Shadow Magazine. The characters, names, places, and plot are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

(Music .. . “Glooms of Fate" ... up and under.)

Shadow: The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows. (Laughs.)

(Music up segue bright.)

Annr.: Next week—same time—same station—“blue coal,” America’s finest anthracite, will again present another thrilling adventure of The Shadow. You’ll be thrilled and surprised when The Shadow enters an entirely different field of action ... to outwit and bring to justice the perpetrators of a most diabolical crime. So be sure to listen. And be sure to bum “blue coal,” for greater heating comfort at less cost.

(Music up ... system cue.)

Date: 2016-03-03; view: 395