The Falcon - The Case Of The Silent Butler

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Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking.

Oh, Margot. I got to cancel me out tonight in a room. Army intelligence is firing me to Lisbon, Portugal. Yeah, seems some little girl air is playing fast and loose with Uncle Sammy's secrets, so I gotta run it down if it kills me.

Once again, the transcribed adventures of the Falcon, starring Les Damon, the adventures of the Falcon, dedicated to private investigators everywhere, those hard-hitting detectives who liked Mike Wearing, risked their lives to aid law enforcement agency.

So join him now when the Falcon solves the case of the silent butler.

I guess the boy who first gave out with good things coming small packages must have had Maria Costa in mind.

Maria is the luscious looking brunette walking down one of the speedwinding alleys of Alphama, the old section of Lisbon. She's so pretty even the beggars stop their tan handling to watch her go by.

And 15 feet behind there is a man in a white suit in a white Panama hat who obviously feels he's worth more than a second glance. He must even following her for days.

All right, tenure. What is the meaning of this? You talking to me, ladies? Yes. What can I do for you? You can stop following me. Following you? I saw you at the castle of the San Jorge.

You mean at Moura's porkers up on the hill? Yes. Oh, not me, sugar. Why wouldn't make that time fantasy? I know it was you. And yesterday you on the Ruauria.

If that's a section where the goldsmith said they're shops, you're mistaken. I aim to cover that tomorrow. You are lying. Not me. No man. You're asking about it.

They'll tell you Dixie Harris ain't told the lies and he was knee high to a grasshopper. No man, it must have been some other tourist in a white suit.

Well, in the future you will be so good to leave me alone. Why sure, Maria, anything you say? How did you know my name is Maria? Did I call you there? Yes. No, what do you know?

I guess it must be something that men would let the business after all. I don't like to know why you are following me. Well, I told you, honey. I'm just doing little sightseeing.

You're the prettiest sight I've seen and all of a part, you know. And you can't blame a fellow who comes back for a second look.

How do you think you should?

Can I help the senior Rita? My name is Maria Costa. Oh, yes.

Senior Barbara is expecting you. Just follow me.

Has he been waiting long? Perhaps a half hour. Maria. Hello, Steven.

Thank you, darling. Would you send your care to order now? Yes, I think so. What would you like, Maria?

A double smear, nothing orange juice. Double? I developed a great fondness for vodka. All right, Jose, I'll have the same. We're very good, thank you all.

Oh, Steven, it is so good to see you. I cannot tell you how glad I am. Ever since you called this morning, I felt like a bird. All right, Maria, what's up?

Why are you so nervous? Is my wife been bothering you again? Oh, no, Steven. What happened?

Nothing, sweetheart. Don't tell me that. You're trembling all over. What happened?

I do not wish to worry, Steven. You have enough trouble at home with Anne. Come on, Maria. I want to know.

Well, well, some man has been following me. Why? Ever since Thursday, I think his name is Dixie Harris. Dixie Harris. Was he an American? Yes.

What does he look like? Perhaps as tall as you, but much heavier. Was he wearing a white suit and a white pennemore head? You know him?

I saw him in black horse square on Monday, and I'll continue on the day that I have your order. Thank you.

Will there be anything else? Not just now. Yes, go ahead.

What does it mean, Steven? Why is this man following us? I don't know, honey, but I sure intend to find out. Now drink up and I'll get with it.

Four, two, two, one.

Hello? Have I done talking to that distinguished gentleman known far and wide as a falcon? How are you, Dixie? How the world did you know was me? I recognized you by a white suit. How are we doing?

Not so hot, Mike. Maria spotted me. When? This morning in our famous. I'm sorry, pal, but it couldn't be helped.

Though I managed to tell her to the cafe Europa, where she hides to the couple with Steve Butler.

Always Steve Butler, isn't it? Uh-huh. You learn anything else? No, not a single blessed thing. If you ask me, friend, we got a bum steer. That gal's no spy.

And what about those confidential reports from the embassy we found in our apartment? I'm beginning to think they were planted. By whom?

By the same little lady who gave us the original tip. Are you able to latch onto her again? Nope. That name she used was a phoning.

Now I don't get it. Me neither. But a layer six, two, and even somebody's trying to frame Maria. What gets me is why?

That's a very good question, Dixie. I'll get busy on the answer out of way. Keep in touch, fella. I may have news for you real soon.

Yes. You, Stephen Butler. That's right. My name is Mike Wearing. Oh, of course. I'm the intelligence informer she'll be dropping by. You probably want to see the ambassador.

Oh, it's only to bother him. You're his aide, aren't you? Yes. Well, I think you can give me all the information I need. Sit down, want you? Nice.

Stephen? Yeah, please. You see much of Maria cost of these days? What? Maria cost of the girl who works in the coding department. Well, working together in the embassy naturally, I run anywhere every once in a while.

Yeah, naturally, but how about on the outside? Why should I? No good reason. I suppose I told you she was a spy. That's ridiculous. We found confidential material in her apartment. And I believe it.

Yeah, that's your privilege. Did you ever try to pump in? Of course not. You're a married man, aren't you, but what's that got to do with it? Nothing. Nothing.

What does your wife look like? Why? I'm just curious. We got our tip about Maria from a tall statue-esque blonde. A blonde? Yeah, blue eyes, fair complexion, little birthmark on the right cheek. You know what? No. You sure? Are you calling me a liar?

I haven't forbid I was just wondering why she would try to frame this cost. I have no idea. Well, if through some accident you find out, give me a jingle. I'm staying at the Prince George. I'll bear that in mind, but I can't make you any promises. If I learn anything, you can trust me to do the right thing.

Hello, ma'am. Oh, please, you startled me. I didn't think it'd be home. Yeah, it is kind of early for me. I've got to get off my feet. I had the most miserable day. I had a pretty lousy one myself. I fell on a mic-waring dropped in the seamy.

Who? Mike-waring. He's with Army Intelligence. Seems they got a tip that Maria Kuster was a spy. Really?

Really? According to wearing, his informant was... how did he put it? Oh, yes. A tall statue-esque blonde with a birthmark on her right cheek.

Darling, you're not suggesting it. Yes, I am. It'd be an absurd, why should I? Because you're out of your mind.

All right, Mr. Butler, I did it. Sure, I sicked Army Intelligence on your precious Maria. Why don't you ask me why? I don't have to. No. You think I was blind? I know you're in love with her.

You know, it's a funny thing, Anne. But I've heard you say that a thousand times in the last seven years, and for once in your life you're right. No. Yes, this time you put the nail right on the head.

Steve, you don't mean that. You couldn't. You're just trying to hurt me. I don't have to. You're the kind of hurt yourself.

Steve, please, listen to me. I know I was wrong, but I love you so much. Darling, every time you look at a woman I go crazy...

I know. You got to understand. I just do these awful things because I'm so afraid of losing you.

What do you have now? No. You love me. You know you do. It's all over, Anne. I'm going to marry Maria. No. I couldn't live without you.

You better get used to the idea. I'm moving out now. I won't let you go. Stop it. Don't kill her. So help me if you move out of here. I'll kill her.

You're insane. Stephen, don't go. I promise you, darling. Thanks for my fans. Come on.

Steve, please.

Continental hotel, your order, please. This is Louise Butler for 19.

Yes, sir. What's the house detective's name? The house detective. Do it with my shadow.

Are you having difficulty, sir? No, no. I just would like to see you, sir. Is your own?

Not just now, sir. Well, the moment it comes in with you, please send them up to my room. It's very important.

You might even say it's a matter of life.

Mr. Butler? Yes. I am Louise Meshado. Oh, come on in.

Of course we sit right here. Oh, the telephone operator said. I know, but wouldn't you care for something to drink for?

Oh, sir. I am on duty. The management expects me to do.

What the management doesn't know won't hurt them with it.

I see how true. There we are.

Yes, sir. If there is any way I can reciprocate. There is.

You have got to command Louise Meshado.

How would you like to make yourself $500 American?

I would like you very much. You must know all sorts of dangerous criminals.

Unfortunately, yes. It is unavoidable in my calling.

You know a professional killer. A man who would commit murder for a price.

Mr. Butler? I pay him $5,000. You are justly, no?

$5,000 cash and $500 for you. I got the money right here, my purse.

It's police is the senior to make fun of Louise Meshado, huh?

You don't believe me.

Naturally not. If I did, it would be my secretary duty to inform the police.

You're right, senior. I was just pulling your leg. It was just a bad joke.

Are you relieved for a moment?

You thought I really made it, huh?

Yes.

And what would I want with a hired killer?

After all, if you want a job done right, there's nothing like doing it yourself, huh?

I do not understand.

It's not important. As senior, I hate to rush you, but with your mind finishing your drink.

I just remember that I got something to do.

Now back to the adventures of the Falcon.

Now back to the adventures of the Falcon.

Well, there's one nice thing you can say about being married to a girl like Ann Butler.

I don't know what she's going to cook up next.

Well, Mrs. Butler was comparing recipes with Louise Meshado, the obliging hotel detective.

Actually, Harris and I were cruising on the Avonita de Lepidade,

past the obelisk which commemorates the liberation of Portugal from Spanish rules.

But Dixie never even noticed it.

Apparently, he thought I was a more interesting sight.

What a seat. You might. You look unhappy.

Yeah, that's me. Old transparent face wearing.

You weren't about that, Maria Cust.

Uh-huh.

But you convinced yet she was framed? She's no spy.

That's what bothers me, Dixie.

I don't get you.

Watch it. You almost got that pedestrian.

Sure. Can I thought I had him for sure?

Would you make a Steve Butler?

Strictly the Lannel and Plus type. A real smoothie.

I know. That's why I had him paid, too.

But I figure he's real darn on Maria.

Yeah, which forces us to the unhappy conclusion that the frame for Maria was staged by his wife.

Hey, you think that's who our blonde tips to us?

But deaf.

Well, later she finds out a little stunt fell flat on its face.

She's gonna be real annoyed.

And a guy like Ann Butler believes in the old sword.

If you don't succeed at first, try, try again.

What do you think she'll try next?

No telling.

Man, I guess you're right.

I always knew a dog like that back in Atlanta.

She was real crazy about a friend of mine and real jealous, too.

Man, every time she blew her car, I'd get out to make for the hills,

because that gal was murder.

He was one.

Murder!

Yeah, that's what I thought you said.

What does Maria cost to live?

A lot of the rule of the Prince bit.

Well, turn this heap around, let's go.

Hey, you know what I think Miss Butler, I think,

is exactly the same type of that girl you knew in Atlanta.

Step on it, boy.

We got to make like the Marines.

Yes, sir.

Oh, no.

Let's get out of here, Mike.

Just a moment, please.

You are looking for someone.

Yeah, but I don't think we'll find her,

and is this Maria cost as apartment?

Eight days.

Uh-huh.

That's what I was afraid of.

Excuse me.

Oh, I don't mind him lieutenant.

He always acts like this when he sees a man of blue uniform.

He's from the south.

He keeps forgetting the civil war is over.

At least most amusing.

Me, I inquire as to your names.

Sure, I'm Mike Wearing, and this is Dixie Harris,

where attached to American intelligence.

I see.

Be so good as to enter.

Oh, where is she?

In the bedroom.

Then.

She was shot twice.

Tough.

Obviously this does not come as a surprise to you, sir.

Harlin, I would be most interested to hear why.

Can we see her first?

Of course.

Over here, sir.

Can we take a peek?

You would like me to remove the blanket?

Yes, please.

Holy smoke, any Maria Costa?

No.

You are surprised.

That's the understatement of the week.

You're doing not naughty lady.

You're judging from the blonde hair on that birthmark

on her right cheek.

I'd say she was in butler.

You are absolutely correct.

Where is Maria Costa?

You're jamming your favorite song,

and while you aren't missing a beat,

you could be missing a signal from your body.

It's an SOS from your kidneys,

and it doesn't sound like music at all.

It's silent.

High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes,

and other risk factors can quietly stress the kidneys,

leading to negative impacts on the heart.

That's what you should ask your doctor

about a simple urine test called UACR.

Most miss the signal for hidden kidney disease

and related heart risk.

You shouldn't.

Visit, detect the SOS.com today to learn more.

Seniorita Costa has momentarily disappeared.

But it is of no import.

We have already apprehended the assassin.

Who is it?

The victim's husband.

Steve Butler?

I don't believe it.

Yes, even obliged us with a confession.

Where is he?

In the palace of justice.

Can I see him?

It will be my pleasure.

This way, seniorita.

Who's there?

Hello, Steve.

Where?

That's who it is.

The embassy sent you over?

No, I'm here strictly on my own.

Why?

I don't know.

Maybe it's because you're a fellow American in a jam.

Or maybe I'm just plain nosy.

It's a great.

Thanks.

Well, how are they treating you?

I can't complain.

They tell me you're signed a confession.

Mm-hmm.

Why did you kill her?

The usual reason?

We didn't get along.

You know, from what I hear,

you haven't been getting along for years.

Oh, and she tried to frame Maria Costa for espionage

that was the straw that broke the camel's back.

So you picked up a gun and shot her, huh?

Twice.

It makes sense.

Thanks.

But why did you pick Maria's apartment to do the job?

Well, it seemed like the best spot.

Well, didn't occur to you.

It might be embarrassing for Maria.

I guess I wasn't thinking too clearly.

It's funny.

You impressed me as a boy.

You always know what he's doing.

Where's Maria now?

I, uh...

I have no idea.

You wouldn't have made that confession to shield her.

To shield her.

Don't tell me I impress you as the nobles have.

Now, strangely enough, you do.

You're out of your mind.

Well, we'll find out when we latch on to Miss Costa.

Look wearing.

You mind your own business.

Well, this is my business.

You're an employee of the American Embassy.

So is Maria.

I don't want you bothering her.

You understand?

She had nothing to do with this.

You're in love with her.

I was not in love with her.

It was just a little bit...

Extra-curricular activity.

I killed Anne, and that's all the risk to it.

Well, you ought to know best.

But I like to keep an open mind.

I'll be seeing you, Steve.

Can I assist you since you're?

You can, if you're the house detective.

I am, since you're.

But how did you know?

You're wearing a Derby.

And my name is Michael Wearing.

You were wearing?

Well, let's close enough.

And I am Luis Machado.

Oh, glad to know you, Louise.

I suppose you'll take a look at this.

You are with the American intelligence.

Uh-huh.

And there is some way I can be of aid.

So I think so.

Oh, come on, recent y'all.

You heard about this in your hand button?

Oh, yes.

It is most sad.

She and her husband were guests of the establishment.

Yes, I know.

The switchboard operator tells me a couple of hours

before she was murdered.

She asked that you come up to her room.

Oh, yes.

It was most puzzling.

Uh-huh.

What did she want?

Well, knowing of my profession,

she wished to know if I was acquainted with someone

who might commit a murder.

How much was she willing to pay?

Huh?

Well, naturally, she didn't expect him to work for free.

Oh, no, no.

She said she would compensate him in the amount

of $5,000 American.

Understandably, I was horrified.

Then she explained it was all a joke.

Did you believe her?

She was an American.

Yeah, they'll do anything for a laugh.

Or what happened after that?

Well, as I took my departure,

she said something.

Let me see if I can remember.

If you wish a task, well done.

Do it yourself.

Exactly.

Well, I'd explain as I she wound up

at Maria Costa's apartment.

She went there to kill her.

Oh, it does not seem credible.

I'll take my word for it.

That's how it happened.

Oh, thanks a lot, Louise.

I have been of some aid.

Oh, indeed you have.

Maybe I can make it up to you real soon.

Hello?

Matthew Dickson.

Yeah?

Mike Wearing.

Oh, what's your good word, Papi?

Look, I'm at the cotton metal.

I just got through with the hotel deck.

Uh-huh.

Was any help?

Not much.

How did you make out?

I didn't.

Did you find out who I identified?

Hello?

Matthew Dickson.

Yeah?

Mike Wearing.

Oh, what's your good word, Papi?

Look, I'm at the cotton metal.

I just got through with the hotel deck.

Uh-huh.

Was any help?

Not much.

How did you make out?

Did you find out who I identified?

And Butler for the police?

Oh, they didn't need anybody.

They found a purse right next to the body.

Was there a gunner?

No.

Everything else but passport, driver's license,

$12 and change, and her keys to the hotel.

What about Maria Costa?

Oh, she wasn't in there either.

I mean, have we been able to locate her?

Uh-huh.

Not yet.

Well, look, we've got to find a Dixie.

Go through our application at the embassy.

You must have given the name of her close relatives.

Maybe she's holding up with one of them.

Oh, I'll get right on it.

Good boy.

I'm going back to my hotel.

If you learn anything, lift the phone.

Come in, sir.

You will be so good as to close the door.

Oh, yes, of course.

You know, you can't beat these Portuguese hotels.

If I knew my room came equipped with something like you...

Stop right there.

Say, isn't it an awfully big gun for little girls?

I can manage.

Please sit down.

Oh, never, while a lady is standing.

I insist.

I just wanted to show you I never forget my manners.

Maria Costa, aren't you?

Yes.

You've been giving us a lot of trouble, Maria,

and we've been looking all over Lisbon for you.

Obviously, you did not look in the right place.

Obviously.

You know Steve Butler confessed to his wife's murder, and...

That does not surprise me.

But we both know he didn't do it, don't we?

Then who did?

You're showing up here with the gun, proves it.

You are absolutely correct.

Well, I always say of two people share a secret that...

They know secrets.

Is that what you always say?

Well, I think the problem is easily resolved.

If I should kill you, that would leave only one.

Or now, wait a minute.

If there is a fallacy in my logic,

then you're I will be happy for you to point it out.

I'll give you exactly one minute to try.

And now, back to the adventures of the Falcon.

I don't know if you've ever been alone in a hotel room with a beautiful girl,

but take my word for it, it's overrated.

Especially if she's chaperone by a gun.

Still, I was awfully pleased that Maria gave me a full minute to dig up a reason why she shouldn't use it.

In this day and age, most girls wouldn't have been that patient.

Where's Senor? Have you any final request?

I'd like to see Brooklyn again.

Look, Maria.

Killing me won't solve anything.

I believe it will.

It doesn't bother you. They'll hang Steve Butler for his wife's murder.

Not at all.

You were in love with him.

You're being very childish.

You know he confessed to Anne's murder just to shield you.

And you feel I should do as much in return?

It's what I would have expected.

Yeah, it seems to me.

It seems to me, Senor, you have exhausted your enlotted time.

So if you will forgive me.

Oh, no.

And what happened, Angel?

A gun?

Don't be silly.

No, you don't.

We only allow one chance for a customer.

Come on, drop it.

All right, now sit over there while I fall.

Ask him in. You behave yourself.

Since you're wearing?

Ah, if it isn't Louis Meshado.

Yeah, come on in, Louis.

My visit is not inopportune.

No, it was a matter of fact. Your timing couldn't have been better.

Oh, but delayed?

No, naturally, it's a hotel detective.

You think of that.

Yeah, this is Maria Koster.

Maria Koster?

Yeah, she just tried to kill me.

I will succeed yet.

I wouldn't make book on it, Angel.

Certainly not with this gun.

The firing pin is gone.

What?

Am I right, Louis?

Let me see.

Oh, but yes.

Someone has filed it off.

It would require a miracle for her to harm you with ease.

Well, strictly between us, I don't think she was really trying.

You're insane.

Really, Senor?

Don't you get it, Louis?

She's in love with Steve Butler.

So?

So he confessed to Schilder.

Now if she had just walked in here and did the same,

what would have been my reaction?

Of course, Senor.

She would have thought that she was trying to protect him.

That's right.

I would have patted her shoulder and told her to go home like a good girl.

So she decided to incriminate herself,

and taking a shot at me seemed like the best way to handle it.

No, no.

Yes, yes.

And being the type girl you are,

you wouldn't want to see me hurt,

so you filed off the firing pin.

Hoping it would go unnoticed in the excitement.

I tell you you are wrong.

Just relax, Angel.

Yeah, I do not understand.

If she did not kill you, Senor, or Butler, who did?

Well, I'm glad you asked me that, Michelle, don't.

Because I just happened to be prepared with an answer.

Now, who knew that Ann Butler had $5,000 on her to pay a gunman?

Who alone had the opportunity to follow her over to Maria's apartment

and kill her there for the bundle?

Who?

You?

Really Senor?

No, no.

Don't be unhappy, Louis.

You couldn't use that money anyway.

It's not inflamible.

Where you're going, you'll need money to burn.

Well, Dixie, it looks like my plane's all warmed up.

And the bridge I'm on, my way.

I'll hold it tight.

Oh, you don't want me to miss it.

You're not leaving Liz until you answer one question.

I can see how you figured Maria didn't kill Ann.

But what made you so sure Steve Butler didn't do it?

Well, that wouldn't have been ethical.

Ethical?

Yeah.

Or it may happen in detective stories and radio programs.

But don't you know in real life, the butter never does it?

Ooh.

So long, Dixie.