The Whistler: Gratitude 04/30/1950

0:00Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to the greatest old-time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube, and thank you for donating at choiceclassicradio.com. I am the visitor, and I know many things, but I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who were tested of the shadow. Yeah, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. The whisper is strange story. Radio duo.

1:06The water surged with the impact of the syracuse struggle going on below its surface. Two men tugged and pulled at one another, twirled and twisted free, then locked together again, and the struggle became even more intense. Two men, one young and strong. The other folder, and fighting with all the waning strength left in it. Finally, the young man clutched the older woman, pushed up to the gurgling surface of the water. Elder bit arms linked and landed at the same blow to the older man's chin. The struggle was over, and the young man sank in breathless from the orgy. Slowly towed the limp form of the older man with a water ditch. The small cloud, which had gathered, closed around them, and the older man was lifted to safety. The young man clipped gunner, that exhausted at the water's edge, his eyes fixed on the limp form. You okay, Cliff? Yeah. Yeah, sure. Shit, all right. They're working on them. Here'll be fine, Cliff. And the final sidelorens, you'll never forget you for saving his life.

2:11Yes, Cliff. You've done a fine thing. Say the man's life, not just an ordinary man either. You saved the life of sidelorens, a famous and fabulous and wealthy motion picture producer. And the studio's buzzing with the account of sidel seidо and the superstructure on the set into the tank. And the courageous effort to the stuntman in the picture whose fate you'll click. It feels good to be a hero, doesn't it? And you're setting a tidal reward you hand thinly for saving his life. Several evenings later, you're the guest of honor at a party in Sid's beautiful hillside home. Helen's with you. Helen aims. The pretty of a movie extra, beaming with pride. Listen everyone, listen! And you will hear me? Ah, thank you. I would have proposed a toast to the man who risked his life to save mine.

3:11My eternal gratitude to Cliff Gunnash. Thank you, sir. That's all that an old trip. Okay, everybody. How about some dancing now? Yes. So on, Cliff, you and Helen dance. I want you just to enjoy yourself. Oh, we will, Mr. Lorraine. Come on, Cliff. I want to dance with a hero. Oh, sure, sure. Anything wrong, sir? You don't have to have the man of the hour. I don't feel much like an idiot. Let's forget it, honey. You expected more than a toast, didn't you, Cliff? The smile, the gratitude, Sid expressed. You expected something more tangible than that, and you just supported. The evening wears on and you're certain that Helen senses you disappointed, but she says nothing. You grow sick of the sight of well-dressed people of the wealth of mean roll around you.

4:14Did lavish home, lavish friend? And if eternal gratitude dig new the man who saved his life. And then, about midnight, you find yourself in the library with Helen, Sid, and several of his close friends. Sid, the butcher knew Sid, so I have a couple of problems. As I am, I get back, Sam. I'm on a vacation. Oh, are you doing wait-lips of the rent? Oh, just a palm string for a month, the things I need to rest there. It'd be for Cliff here. You might have gotten that long rest, kid. Yes, I know, I know. I owe Cliff a lot. I forget it, Sid. I didn't do much. Oh, yes you did. And I won't forget it. Of course I thought about it a great deal. You know, you can't offer a friend money for saving your life. Besides, I know that a guy who's risking his life for a friend wouldn't want money for it. But you can be sure of one thing, Cliff. You'll always have a job with me. That's a good job. Oh, thank you. Fine, fine, I certainly appreciate it. Or you don't have to thank me for anything.

5:14Or say, you host him a no-how, Cliff, and I happen to get together. Oh, I know, I know, I know, I know. Well, well, I first met him. He was a college student getting a degree in literature. Welcome to Cliff. Yeah, that's right. That evil, that is. But one of his professors recommended him to me when I was doing a period picture. And Cliff helped to keep it all tight. And he did too. Did a good job. Well, why did you switch to something, Cliff? Money. After Uncle Sam made a paratrooper out of me, I found out I could do more tricks with my body than I could with my mind. And get more forth. That evil literature doesn't pay much rent, you know. Oh, no, but it's a great wealth to have your knowledge of literature. Oh, by the way, that reminds me. I want to show you people something. Oh, you'll especially appreciate this clip. No, I haven't shown them to many people. Oh, no. Well, you have to move back a bit and move back a bit. The wall stays right behind you. Oh, awesome. Oh, that's all right. That's all right. Now, that's the speed here. Your eyes follow the movement of Sid's hand as he works the combination of the wall states.

6:15Without consciously leaning through your mind's registers, the exact movement that he makes. Eight right. Ten left. Twelve right. Three left. And then consciously this time, you repeat the numbers in your mind until you've memorized. And as soon as you can, you'll write them down while they're still freshening your mind. Sid is taking something from the safe and has brought it over to a better life than you've fallen. Suddenly, quite secure in your new knowledge. Ah, there they are. Original German manuscript. How's that for a medieval treasure clip? That wonderful, Sid and my. God's read on Strasbourg. Twelve century Germanic poetry. Calvin Zummer. Austrian philosophers. Let's not let me. The real thing I like it. I knew you'd appreciate them. I paid a hundred thousand for them. And I wouldn't tell them for a minute.

7:18You know the yellow manuscripts are worth all of a hundred thousand dollars, don't you, Clev? Recognize their valuable needs. And a plan begins to form in your mind. You know the combination of the world's safe where if Sid has returned the medieval manuscript. And Sid, leading the next day for Palm Springs, taking the help with it. Somehow the fact that Sid didn't reward you financially for saving his life is... Easier to take care of, isn't it, Clev? You think about it as you drive hell on the home from the party. Wow. Wonderful party, wasn't it? Yeah, yeah, fine party. Oh. The license of the Lorenzo Garnier was job that way, because long as you didn't. That's what he said, though. That's what he said. You know, Clev, I suppose this one's terrible, but I really think he should have given you a reward. Longer one. Is it awful of me to feel that way?

8:19I wouldn't worry about it. Oh, I'm sorry, Clev. I guess it shouldn't bother me if it doesn't bother you. It doesn't bother you, doesn't it? No. Why should it? Now, it doesn't bother you, Clev. Because you've already decided to take your own reward from Sid Lorenzo. It's a simple plan, and early the next evening you put your plan into action. You drop by hell and you'll break your jake with her for that night. And then you drive to Sid's hillside home. You park your car down the rules. You quietly make your way along the high hedge toward the house. Suddenly you hear a fricking hit in your mouth, backing of the hedge. A flashlight penetrates the darkness at the entrance of the house. And then you see the old caretaker on his regular tour of the ground. You turn. Goes off across the terrace and you hear his footsteps slowly die away in a distance.

9:21And then you move quickly to the side of the house in the library window. Or to screen, then the window on your inside. At a matter of minutes you have the manuscript in your hand. And you replace your step terribly back to the car. Hello. Hello, sir. So you stole the manuscript. Oh, why did you do that? Ituiałem spainse Racuni Herzelun Episometrical Everything was going smoothly. What did it say? Remove this fight with medieval manuscript from the wall, say. Your idea of what Sid might have given you for saving his life. But now there's Helen to continue with.

10:24What's the idea, Helen? But you probably hear it. Because I was afraid you might do this. Last night you didn't seem very concerned to prevent Adam from giving you a reward. Any money I need. You weren't mad enough, Cliff, or heard enough. And I noticed how close you watched Sid when he opened his wall, say. Don't worry, Nick. And tonight, when he came by and broke up, I just knew I'd find you here. So I came to and attacked. Come on, we're getting out of here. Cliff, you've got to take the manuscript back. You don't want to steal. I did, what? Please, listen to me. You're too nice and dark. Listen to me. I didn't ask you an honest, just deal with mine. It says these manuscripts are worth 100,000 bucks. So that's great with me. Now I've got them. I want to have any trouble coming them for a quick 50,000 dollars. So you just forget your tag along tonight. I won't forget. I'm sorry, I know about it. But I don't want to be reasonable. I did this guy a big favor. I saved his fat neck.

11:25What does he do? Nothing. I know I can always have a job with him as long as he lives. Well, I just stand here. Well, I like this job better. A 50,000 bucks. Cliff, it just isn't wrong. You can't do it. Nothing's worth the risk you're taking. Not worth hiding the rest of your life. I won't. If the police question me about this, I'll have to tell them the truth. I'll talk to them. I'll have to. Okay, Hannah. Okay, we'll take him back. We can. Look. We'll be sure to get back in the safe, don't you? Come on before I change my mind. And once again, Cliff, you make your way across the grounds of the Lorenzo State. The two of you more cautiously pass the long rule of three. Then out over the broad expands of long bays and bike moonlines. And then just as you reach the path to the terrace. Thanks. Here to you.

12:27Sir, got a bus. I'll come around this way. Please. Let's get out of here. Oh, the city had a soul. I'll come around this way. Please. I'll come around this way. Hey, hurry up. Hurry up. Stop. How else can we hurt? You're satisfied? You almost got a clutch. You think you're wrecking my face? You didn't get close enough of that. What are we going to do now? Exactly nothing. Oh, the manuscript. Look. Have you think I'm going back then, how you're crazy? But you've got to. You've got to put some back. Not in your life. Cliff, I want you. Thank you, Brett. There's nothing you can do about it now. What do you mean? You're involved in this just as much as I am. I can't take it. We'll remember seeing two people run from the house.

13:27A man and a woman. Now you won't turn me in. Or you'll have a. Well, I have nothing to do with stealing them on the script. I know that but it's lost. If I'm picked up. Is that clear, sweetheart? Yes, Cliff. You've made it very clear. You're sure you have nothing to fear from our now, Cliff? Helen will have to keep quiet, won't you? Because she knows you'll involve her in the sex that she talks. The two of you drive into town to wear a partner without speaking another word. Then you return to your cottage at Santa Monica. Good night, Cliff. And the following morning you hurry downtown to the Monkree Park Gallery to visit an old college friend. Good morning, sir. Mayor. Well, what do you know?

14:27Hello, sir. Cliff, you're overgunned. How are you? Fine, I'm the art business. Well, very, very fast. See, I am glad to see you. What brings you around? Well, frankly, something you want to say about your boss. My great. Does it advise himself to never ask too many questions? Well, that, well, first I gave you the wrong impression of Mr. Monkree. I don't think so. For sure, he operates a much of his business, but... ...a much of you said he isn't against picking up a buck now and then. That isn't quite so, but you... ...have to be worth as well. I think you'll find it with. Well, let's just get back there to his office. Come, I like that a little chat with him. All right. Well, if you... How much do I save? You satisfied, sir, genuine? Easy, sir. May I ask for you, will you? No, I got the manuscript. It's important. Oh, I'm a conferry. Why do you even call it? I understand, but there's nothing to worry about.

15:31It won't be missed for at least a month. Your... ...certain? I'm certain. You want to be back in town until the 25th? Then who knows when he'll look into his save? Thank you. Monkree, well, that's time for now. I was told a lot of the most worth 100 grand. Not on the market, I'll have. No, I guess not. What do you think you can get for? Oh, probably 60,000. What's your cut? 30 per cent. You are high price, sir. Okay, 30 per cent of this, my great. Oh, good. Leave the manuscript with me. I'll call you in the few days. You'll leave Monkree, drive back to your cottage. And you wonder if it wasn't a mistake turning the manuscript over to undoubt you, Clint? 30 per cent. He's shared. More than you've counted on. In the day, if it's followed, you'll wait for some word from him. And then, one evening, page you will visit.

16:32Come on, Mr. Monkree. Come on, here. There, thank you. Thank you. Sit down. How about a second? No, thank you, no, no, no. I only stopped by for a moment to... ...retell this. What is it? The menu. I just covered it, but I'll just eat it all day. All right, so what? In all agreements, I wish I had a month in original exposure. Sure, sure. I'll tell you, Lorenzo, I'll be back in the 20th. You haven't seen the evening paper. I know. It's Loren died of a heart attack and Palm Springs is up to you. Yes, I know your goodness. Now, of course, the estate would have to be settled even a few days. It's lawyer-reads. How can you allow me to save from you? No, then, sir, the manuscript's gone. Exactly. And when that new brick, Mr. Gara, I don't want to have them on my hands. All right. The estate would put the manuscript away before you asked the doorbell. Hello, Chris. How is he? I've seen the paper. Lorenzo's...

17:33Come on in. Mr. Gara, I really must be throwing away my face. I wouldn't do a bit of it. We can take it outside. I'm afraid, not good, right? Clip, who was he? Never mind. Oh, well, you heard about Mr. Loren. Yes, yes, I heard about him. Clip, you've got to return the manuscript before the show. No, I didn't. I'm mad again. How do you know the caretaker didn't recognize it that night? I don't. Look, if he had, we'd have heard about it by now, wouldn't we? Oh, please, Clip. Well, there's still time. Take them back. I'll help you all. Do anything you say. Leave me alone, will you, Helen? If they find you with the manuscript, it'll mean prison death. Don't you understand? Prison? I'm the yakking. What do you all want to say? Yes, you've got to think it out, Clip. Make up your mind what to do. You can put the manuscript back into the safe where they belong. Have nothing more to worry about. Or you can keep them, hide them somewhere, and disclose them once to your fair blows over. And later, after you've dropped Helen or apartment, you find yourself driving into the residential district.

18:35Past the Lorenzo State. Dark and seemingly deserted. You turn around. There's a lot of people here. You turn around. Drive by it again and again. Try to make up your mind what to do with a role of stolen manuscript in your overcoat pocket. Then you make your decision. You turn into the main highway and head back to your cottage in Santa Monica. You know now that you can't give up the manuscript. Not when there were fifty thousand dollars to you. The news of the theft is in the papers that weekend is in place. Yes, the lawful Lorenzo manuscripts is been discovered by his lawyers. There's a mention too of the old caretaker in the news story. The fact that he saw a man and woman running from the house one night last week. I'm going to relieve to learn that he's unable to give a description of the tool. Several times that day, you try to check with Helen by telephone, but she doesn't answer. Following morning, you receive a surprise visit there.

19:38Mr. Monkreet. I see where the papers are. They're pretty so bad. They have no lead at all. That's right. You still have the manuscript. Sure. Why? Where the news of the theft is created. Considerable interest among several of my own clients. They also quite anxious to buy the manuscripts. Yes, one of them in Europe has made a very kinsing offer 65 thousand dollars. I believe that you can take it. That is a very tempting offer. Yes, but what do you say, Mr. Dodd? Real anxious now, isn't it? That as cautious as you were. Over I am. We won't close the deal with how we waited a while to say three months until the affair cools off. In the meantime, you hold on to the menu. You still want your 30 percent? Yes, I know. Long as I'm going to have to wait that long, I might want to shop around. Find someone else and let's be a little smaller percentage. I don't think you will. Don't get me wrong. I'd like to have you handled it. You're a very good man. But I still want to shop around.

20:39Unless you want to sell it up right here, might be. Take 20 percent of the figures. Oh, dear, I do hate to hang over you. If you're a client, we'll pay 65. We'll pay 70. You can feel the extra five grand off the top. Add a ticket percentage. At least it will pay your expenses to Europe. Yes, I could do that. It's good, right? You've probably had it in mind all along. All right, Mr. Garner, it's good to be. Fine. You're not sure if we'll go on. No, even to me, Mr. Garner. Just leave everything to me. Hold on to the menu. Speak until I ask for them. You'll have around 50,000 cash before the years out of high promise. Love the sound of your voice, my engrave. When you speak like that, love it. Love it.

21:45It's worked out perfectly, hasn't it, Clint? You've only the weight a few months, so. Mon Creek will dispose of the manuscript for you and you'll receive over 50,000 dollars. Your smile as you realize how close your came to losing it all, if you had listened to Helen. If you'd replaced the manuscript in the same. Instead, you decided to keep it and gamble. And now that gamble is going to pay off. After Mon Creek has left your cottage, you can't resist taking the manuscript from your desk drawer and looking at it. You settle down in the big easy chair with a fireplace and congratulate yourself. Suddenly you sit up as you hear a car stop outside your cottage. You move quickly to the window. I'll listen to her. Panic sleep's over you. As you see two men step out of the police car and start down the path toward your cottage. I'll come here. Helen, she told her she must have told her. I'll keep the furniture with a dinosaur. If you'll mean present, don't you understand?

22:48Present. Your eyes dart around the room looking for a place behind the solar man. The script. But it's too late, isn't it? You don't have time. In a split second you make your decision. It's the last thing you want to do. But you throw the manuscripts into the fire. You stand there helplessly. Watch them go up and flamethrower. It takes for the moment. And then they're gone. $50,000. But that's better than going to prison, isn't it? Yes, the police can prove nothing. It can make quick. Yes? We'll come and pledge his police department. Here we come in. Sure. This is Mr. Jepson, Mr. Lawrence's lawyer. We came about to Lorraine's manuscript, Mr. Donna. He must have read about him in the papers. They were so far. Sure, I've got it. We just dropped by to give you a report on how we're making out.

23:48Don't worry, Mr. Connor. We'll find them for you. For me? Oh, you didn't know? Mr. Lorraine's didn't tell you before his death. Tell me why. Why? Mr. Lorraine's left the manuscripts to you and his will. In gratitude, you're having saved his life. The whistle-er has just brought you another of his strange tales through the facilities of the United States, Armed Forces Radio Service, the voice of information and education.