The Ghosts Of CHRISTMAS PAST with “THE WHISTLER” and “SUSPENSE!” #RetroRadio #WeirdDarkness
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Suspense!

Welcome, Weirdos! I'm Darren Marlar and this is Weird Darkness' Retro Radio. Here I have the privilege of bringing you some of the best dark, creepy, and macabre old-time radio shows ever created. If you're new here, welcome to the show! While you're listening, be sure to check out WeirdDarkness.com for merchandise, sign up for my free newsletter, connect with me on social media, listen to free audiobooks I've narrated, visit other podcasts I produce.

You can also visit the Hope in the Darkness page if you're struggling with depression, dark thoughts or addiction. You can find all of that and more at WeirdDarkness.com. Now, bolt your doors, lock your windows, turn off your lights, and come with me into Weird Darkness' retro radio! Suspense!

And the producer of radio's outstanding theater of thrills, the master of mystery and adventure, William N. Robeson. We who are in the business of keeping you in suspense find ourselves in a quandary at this time of the year. The elements of suspense, murder, mayhem, and macabre mischief are awkwardly out of place at this festival of peace and love. Yet that first Christmas was full of suspense.

There was the problem of lodgings for the delicate mother that chill evening when there was no room at the inn. And there was great mystery when suddenly the star appeared in the east. Finally, there was the magnificent climax and happy ending when the three kings of the Orient arrived at last bearing gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. We feel that we cannot improve upon this tale, so we will bring you another, along with our best wishes for a most merry Christmas.

Listen, listen then, as Mr. Raymond Burr stars in Out for Christmas, which begins in just a moment. Here's actress Joan Bennett. It's terrible to try to act with a dreadful cold. To feel better quickly, I take four-way cold tablets, the fast way to relieve nasty cold distress. Yes, tests of four leading cold tablets proved four-way fastest acting of all. Amazing four-way starts in minutes to relieve aches, pains, headache, and even pain.

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I hadn't figured on being out for Christmas, but my prison record paid off. Takes a lot of good behavior to knock time off in an armed robbery and assault rap, but I was a good boy, model prisoner. Took everything they threw at me with a... not exactly with a smile, I don't smile much, but I took it without griping. So I'm out for Christmas. And Christmas is as good a time as any for what I gotta do. The town looked cruddy.

We got phony tin Christmas trees in the lampposts along the main drag and colored lights all over the joint and Christmas carols screeching at you from loudspeakers everywhere.

Even the saloon's got red and green streamers all over the place and the bar mirror's all frosted, black snow. A big bowl of slop called Tom and Jerry they're pushing. Merry Christmas. Yeah. Wouldn't it be a little Christmas cheer about Tom and Jerry, maybe? Ain't you got any whiskey? Oh, sure, we got whiskey. Give me a straight shot. Okay.

Can't you get anything on that jute box with them Christmas carols? What's the matter? Don't you like carols? No, they stink. You won't think so after you get a couple of belts under your belt. Do you think so? Sure, it's Christmas, man. That's all I heard. That tastes good.

Real good. Say, you look sort of familiar. Don't I know you from someplace? I was wondering how long it'd take. The voice is familiar and your eyes sort of... Joe, Joe Watson. Joe, I heard you was going to get out soon. Charlie Jones told me. But I didn't know you'd be out for Christmas. Yeah, they got big-hearted. Say, you put on a little weight. That's why I didn't recognize you. 30 pounds, prison child. But you look real good, Joe, real good. Yeah.

Where is Charlie? He been in tonight? Not yet, but he'll be around probably. Gotta see him. Know where he's living at? Yeah, he's got a room over on 4th Street. Room? I figured he'd be living in a flop house. Oh, not Charlie. He's doing okay since he got out. Got a steady job. How about you, Joe? You got a job lined up? Yeah, I got a job lined up. A good job? It'll be good. As good as I can make it.

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And now, starring Mr. Raymond Burr, Act Two of Out for Christmas. They even had this room in the house where Charlie was staying, loused up for Christmas. There was a mouth-eating poinsettia wreath in the door and red and green lights in the landlady's window. Charlie's room was on the fourth floor at the back.

Joe! Yeah. Oh, so they let you out for Christmas. Yeah. Well, come on in. Gee, it's good to see you, Joe. Good to see you, Charlie. Say, what the... What you got there? Oh, that's an electric train. Just a minute, I'll turn it off. Electric train? What for? Oh, my sister's kid. That's all he talks about for Christmas. An electric train.

So I got him one at a discount at the place where I work, but I wanted to see if it worked so care. You know how it is. Yeah. So what's the idea of the Christmas tree? Well, living by myself and all, I thought I'd have my own tree. It's just a little one. You lost your marbles? Well, it's Christmas, Joe. The guys in cell block four ought to see you now playing with electric trains into your own Christmas tree. And I bet they'd like to be doing the same thing. Not me. Did you check up on Malloy like I asked you to?

Yeah? Yes, he's still on the police force. Good. You got a gun? No, no. I don't have no use for guns anymore. Know where I can get one? Well, sure. I guess I could locate one. I told you to. In my last letter, I told you. Get a gun for me, I said. I know, Joe, but look, pal, I thought that... Well, I hope maybe you'd change your mind. Charlie, from the day he testified against me, I swore I'd get him.

His testimony did it, you know. That's what convicted me. He sent me up. He had to testify the way he did. He didn't have to be so convincing. Joe, what good will it do? You'll only get the chair. I'm not afraid of the chair. I've seen enough of life, it stinks. I ain't in love with it. I'd just as soon leave it so long as I take that rat with me. But it ain't only him, Joe. What do you mean? He's married now. You kidding? What kind of a dizzy broad would want him...

You ain't gonna like this, Joe. Ain't gonna like what? The dizzy broad that married him was Lucille. Lucille. My Lucille. That's right. I'm sorry, Joe. Funny. It is real funny. She wrote me. She couldn't wait for me no longer. You remember when I got the letter. I remember. But she didn't say who it was. She never answered my letters after that. Oh, that lousy double-cross. Well, you went up for 10 to 20, Joe. Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah, I guess she never counted on me making it an egg and time off for good behavior. But eight years is a long time for a young girl to wait, Joe. Mike Mulloy's a fine guy to throw me over for. Well, makes it dandy. Double dandy. It'll be a pleasure to kill them both. Oh, how can you talk that way, Joe? It's Christmas. Christmas is for people who don't know no better.

Kids and idiots. Why don't you all listen to me now? Forget all about my lawyer and Lucille. You got a chance to make a new life for yourself, like I'm doing.

I can get you a job where I'm working. I'm sure I can. What are you doing? I'm Sandy Claus in the toy department at Brighton's department store. Ain't no future in that. You're going to be out of work day after tomorrow. No, I'm not. They promised to keep me on. Doing what? Minding a reindeer? Well, Mr. Brighton believes in giving guys like us a chance. That's why I'm sure that you can get a job there. You come down tomorrow and talk to him. I'll talk to him after Christmas. Good. Or say, how about coming over to my sister's house for Christmas dinner day after tomorrow? Yeah.

Yeah, I might even do that. Good! You see, Joe, there ain't no sense in carrying around hatred in your heart, especially at Christmas time. So let Malloy and Lucille have their Christmas in peace. They'll have their Christmas all right. Their last Christmas. But then it'll be your last one, too. Uh-huh. I just gotta figure different. Never mind the gun. I'll get my own gun tomorrow. But there is one thing I want from you. What's that, Joe? Tomorrow night, I want to borrow your Santa Claus suit.

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Next day, I did my Christmas shopping for a gun. That night, I wrapped Charlie Santa Claus' suit into a bundle, took a bus out to the subdivision where Malloy and Lucille had a house. I ducked into an alley behind the supermarket and pulled on the red suit, whiskers and all. It was going to be so easy, I had to laugh. I couldn't want a better disguise on Christmas Eve for murder. I couldn't want a better disguise on Christmas Eve for murder.

I didn't have any trouble finding the house. Little box of a house like all the others in the street and decorated with colored lights like all the others. Nobody saw me, even if they had. Who has a better right than Santa Claus to be on the streets Christmas Eve? The gun felt cold in my pocket as I closed my fist around it and pushed the bell. Even it was wired for Christmas. Yes? Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

It's Santa Claus. Aren't you going to ask me in? Well, my husband isn't home yet. That's all right. I'll come in and wait for him. I don't understand. If you don't believe in Santa Claus anymore, Lucille, you ought to... Who are you? Don't you recognize my voice? You... You sound like... Joe. Oh, no. Good old Joe. He was going to wait for me, no matter how long it took. Joe, I thought you were... In the cooler for keeps? Uh-uh. I told you I'd come back for you. Here I am. Well, you're too late, Joe.

Yeah, so I hear. How come you didn't wait, Lucille? I fell in love. With the guy who sent me to prison? With a no-good cop? He didn't send you to prison, Joe. You were guilty. I'd have beat the rap if he hadn't testified the way he did. He had to testify that way. He was only telling the truth. Yeah, so he could get me out of the way and steal my girl. Joe, you've got things all twisted. It all happened afterwards. I only met him at your trial. We fell in love afterwards. When I couldn't protect myself. Oh, Joe, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

It just happened. You're telling me. Where is the fuzz? Who? The copper, your old man. He's still on duty. Working overtime to put the arm on some stiff on Christmas Eve? When will he be home? I expect him any time now. Good. I'm going to be glad to see him. Why, when you hate him so? You see, I promised him something. Didn't he ever tell you? No. I promised to kill him when I got out. Tonight's the night, see?

What do you mean? You've got a gun. Sure, I've got a gun. And I'm going to use it on both of you. Both of us? You both double-crossed me. I could kill you first, but I think I'll wait till your old man comes home. It ought to be interesting to see how he acts. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he tried to make a deal with me. A deal? Yeah, like shoot my wife but let me go free. Sure.

What a terrible thing to say. Let's see what kind of a creep you married. Joe, do it then. But do it because I ask you. Kill me and let him go. I come to get you both. And I'm going to get you both together. How about some music while we're waiting? Turn on the radio. Go on, turn it on. He made you happy, Lucy? Yeah, Joe. Very. He made him happy? I hope so. That's nice. Because tonight you're both going to make me happy.

by becoming very dead. It's too loud. What's that? Oh, little Lucy, the radio woke her. You got kids? Yeah. Where you going? To look in on her and quiet her. Don't try nothing funny. I'll be right behind you. There, now, honey. There, there. It's all right. Mommy just turned the radio on too loud. Mommy!

It's Santa Claus. Yes, dear, Santa Claus. Oh, Mikey. Mikey, wake up. Mikey, look, it's Santa Claus. Santa Claus. Santa Claus. I'm Santa Claus.

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And now...

Starring Mr. Raymond Burr. Act 4 of Out for Christmas. Is that time to jam the gun back into my pocket before those two kids were wide awake and all over me, grabbing at my red suit, pulling at my phony whiskers, pushing me into a chair? Did you bring me a present, Santa Claus, did you? Why, you mean you, Santa? Get down, Mike. You don't want to sit on his lap. We'll get rid of these chicks. Mike, where's my present?

Well, I... What did you do with the rangers? Who was in here? Well, they're parked outside, Mikey. On the roof. Did you come down the chimney? Oh, yeah, sure. Then why aren't you closer? Did the fire burn you? Well, no. See, it's an asbestos suit. Now, listen. You kids ought to go back to bed. Oh, no.

Santa Claus, we want our presents. I want to see the reindeer. You see, you've got to get them off me. They're so excited, Joe. They've never entertained Santa Claus before. I hate no Santa Claus. To them you are. Yeah. Santa Claus. What? I want to kiss you. Me too. Me too. All right, you kids. Now listen to me.

Santa Claus, I'm listening. Me too. You've got to go back to bed now. But I want my presents. Me too. You'll get your presents in the morning when you wake up. They'll be under the tree. You promise? I promise. Now, you run off to bed. I can't. I've got to get going. You wouldn't want the other boys and girls to miss their presents because I've been goofing off with you, would you? Oh, no. That wouldn't be fair. All right, then.

Off to bed you go. All right. Come on, Mikey. Merry Christmas, Santa Claus. Me too. Yeah, Merry Christmas, kids. And good night. Good night. Come on, Mikey. Oh, Joe. They'll never forget that. Neither will I. Merry Christmas, honey. I'm sorry I'm late. Hey, what's this? It's Joe Watson, Mike. Joe Watson?

What the devil are you doing here? He came to kill us. Well, take it easy, Mike. Here's my gun. You changed your mind? Uh-huh. Your kids changed my mind. They thought he was really Santa Claus, darling. They were so excited. Well, Mike, you can send me up again. Better to go back for a parole violation, I guess, than for murder. Wait a minute. You've got to have a complaining witness.

You want to make a complaint, Lucille? No, Mike. I want to thank Joe for giving the kids the best Christmas of their lives. Well, I haven't any complaint then. Merry Christmas, Joe. I still say Christmas is for people who don't know no better. Like kids and idiots. Merry Christmas. Suspense. Suspense.

In which Raymond Burr starred in Out for Christmas. Written, produced, and directed by William N. Robeson. In just a moment, the names of the supporting players and a word about next week's story of Suspense.

Christmas Eve on CBS Radio, Bing Crosby invites you to celebrate Christmas with the world on our fourth annual Christmas Sing with Bing. With Bing as your guide and CBS Radio as your magic carpet, you'll visit Rome to hear the Vatican Choir. There, too, you'll hear the sound of the bells of St. Peter's as they ring for the holiday mass.

On our Christmas Sing with Bing, you'll visit New York and Salt Lake City, Canada, Australia, Holland, France, even places like Hawaii, Alaska, and the Fiji Islands, where carolers and choirs will be waiting to sing the traditional Christmas songs with you. To add to the excitement this year, Mrs. Bing Crosby, Catherine Grant, will be at her husband's side.

Whether you spend Christmas Eve at home or out on the highway heading for a holiday destination, join us right here on CBS Radio. As most of these same stations present, our fourth annual Christmas Sing with Bing. Supporting Raymond Burr in Out for Christmas were Joan Banks, Lillian Biaffe, Charles Seal, Carl Swenson, Howard McNair, and Dick Beals. Listen.

Listen again next week when we return with Mr. Frank Lovejoy starring in The 32nd of December, another tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. This is the CBS Radio Network.

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Only at Raley's in Nob Hill.

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Enjoy your Christmas tradition served fresh at Raley's in Nob Hill. This week, clip your digital member deal to bring home a juicy Raley's USDA Choice Bone-in Rib Eye Roast, California-raised by Harris Ranch, for $6.97 a pound. Limit one while supplies last. And complete your holiday feast with russet potatoes or red sweet potatoes on sale for only 97 cents per pound. Unwrap even more delicious deals for the holidays at raley's.com or download the Raley's app. Celebrate with full plates and full hearts. Only at Raley's in Nob Hill.

Since 1981, Unbound has connected people like you with families worldwide on their self-directed paths out of poverty. A brighter future is possible for these families when we all walk together. Sponsor a child today, and you'll help a family take the first steps on their path. Change their future in just one click. Start walking with your new friend today at unbound.org slash walk.

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. Transcribed by the Signal Oil Company to enable the entire production staff of The Whistler to spend the Christmas weekend at home with their families. The Whistler

Signal, the famous go-farther gasoline, invites you to sit back and enjoy another strange story by the Whistler. I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night.

I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. And now for the Signal Oil Company, the Whistler's strange story, Christmas Gift. The Whistler's Strange Story

Christmas was only a few hours away, and Mary Winston couldn't help but marvel that its spirit could reach down and touch a cheap nightclub like Pete's Cantina on the outskirts of Panama City. Sitting alone at a table, she gazed at her tawdry surroundings, and then from the bar at the far end of the club came the strains of a Christmas melody, a melody which brought back memories of happier Christmas Eve.

Yes, the Christmas spirit is undying, isn't it, Mary? You watch the strolling soloist, Sailor Reynolds, nod as he comes closer and passes your table. It's been three months now since you were hired as a singing hostess at Pete's Cantina. Three months that you've been billed as Candy Porter with no one, not even the proprietor knowing your real identity, Mary Winston.

At long last, as Candy Porter, you seem to be safely away from your past. As the music ends, you look up, aware suddenly that Pete Gardenas, the rolling, heavy-set proprietor, is approaching your table. Candy! Candy!

Look, there's an American gentleman just came in. He wants to buy you some champagne. Champagne, you hear? Please, I'm not in the mood tonight. Look, kid, this looks like a big spender. If he wants to buy champagne... All right, all right. You turn and see the tall, heavyset American approach and suddenly you become tense. After a year of running away, you've learned to spot his kind in a moment, haven't you, Mary? Yes.

You're certain he's a detective? And now you have to fight to remain calm as he approaches. Sit down, Mr. Fontaine. Sit down. Sure you don't mind, Miss Porter? Of course not. Thanks. In that case, I will. I'll go get the champagne. I keep him on ice. Eleven years old, too. Cigarette, Mr. Fontaine? No, thanks. You don't mind if I do? No, no, no. Of course not. Now, here. Light. Thanks. Thanks.

Well, this is very unusual for me, spending the Christmas season so far away from home. How come? Business. Important business. Couldn't it wait? No. This business means a lot to the...

People I work for. Here she is, the, what do you say, the bubble water? From Marseille, 13 years old. You said 11. That was from Loire. This is even better. Now I put him back in the ice. If you want some more, just call Pete. I've got more just like it. Well, I guess it's a few hours early to say Merry Christmas, Miss Porter.

So I guess I'd better just say good luck. Thanks. Here's hoping you find whatever you came here for. Oh, uh, I've already found what I came for. You see, I came for you, Mary Winston.

Friends, to all of you who have opened your homes to the Whistler, not only throughout the year, but even tonight on this last busy weekend before Christmas, Signal Oil Company has asked me to express their sincere appreciation for this privilege and pleasure. And we of the cast want to add our thank you, too. During the nine consecutive years that the Whistler has been broadcast by Signal Oil Company, many of us have celebrated Christmas with many of you a number of times.

And believe me, we're mighty proud that you consider us a part of your entertainment family. Tonight, on behalf of Signal Oil Company and the independent signal dealers who serve you in the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, I want to convey warmest season's greetings. May the many blessings of living in these United States of America enrich your holiday season and the new year.

It's ironic, isn't it, Mary? A sorry Christmas gift after all the months of hiding, running from one town and then another, using a different name in each place, but never your own. Mary Winston, these past three months you've been known as Candy Porter.

Singing hostess in Pete's Cantina here in Panama City. And now this detective sitting across from you has called you by your real name. Mary Winston. And you can't run, can you, Mary? Facing Fontaine, you decide there's only one move you can make. That you've only one card left. But if you play it wisely, carefully...

It might prove to be an ace. You say you came here after me, Mr. Fontaine? Mm-hmm. I don't know what you mean. I think you do. And if I were you, I'd be ready to leave for Los Angeles in the morning, Miss Winston. Like the billing says, my name is Candy Porter. I know what the billing says. I know what it said in Brooklyn when you were billed as Doris Trent. In Denver, when you were billed as Gladys James. But when you took a powder out of Los Angeles a year ago, you were Mary Winston.

You know, it's strange you're mentioning Mary Winston. I was even thinking about her when you came in. A lot of other people have mistaken me for Mary Winston. We could have passed for twin sisters. She was my best friend. I could tell you a lot about her if you feel like listening. Sure, sure. I'll listen. Go ahead and talk if it'll make you feel any better. We can't get away until tomorrow morning anyway. The more you tell now, the less you'll have to tell later. Thanks. You see, Mr. Fontaine...

Mary Winston was just a good kid who got a bad break. She was in love with a swell guy, but scared to death of a hoodlum. It's an unusual story, Mr. Fontaine. It was an unusual story, wasn't it, Mary?

It began a year ago at a Christmas party given by your employers, the Southwestern Manufacturing Company, in the pink room of the swank Wilchester Hotel. And you were the hit of the evening. You sang three songs and went over big. Your friends from the office had known of your talent. But they all agreed you were fine, and when the party was over, you were feeling good. So good, you decided to drop into the hotel cocktail lounge.

Make a phone call or two and have a nightcap by yourself before going home. When you finish your phoning, you walk to a vacant stool at the bar. Scotch and soda. Make mine the same, Bill. Got you. I heard you sing tonight. You were terrific. Thanks. What's the matter? Did he stand you up? Who? The guy you were just talking to on the phone.

No. I guess he didn't stand you up. Didn't he? He's on his way here right now. Lucky guy. Here you are, folks. Take it out of here, Bill. $1.80 out of 10. Well, now look here, mister. Oh, take it easy. It's practically Christmas. What's the harm in my buying you one drink?

Like I said, I liked your voice, Miss Weston. Thank you, Bill. You're a detective or a mind reader? Oh, you mean your name? It wasn't any trick to find that out. I just asked one of the boys I saw dancing with you. My name's Joe Collins. I see you've never heard of me. Should I have? Oh, now I get it. You're a professional talent scout and want to get me into the movies. Nope. I'm a gambler.

Disapproved. Why? Live and let live is my motto, and that's exactly what I'm going to do right now. What? Live my life and let you live yours. Good night, Mr. Collins. Just think, I can tell the girls at the office tomorrow I met a real live gambler. Uh, wait a minute. You could tell them a lot more than that if you believed in your voice as much as I do. Really? Mm-hmm.

You've heard of Domingo's out on Sunset, haven't you? That's an undercover gambling club, isn't it? It's more than a gambling club. It's a slow floor show. A lot of big people go out there, people that count. And all intimate friends of yours, I'm sure. No, but I know quite a few. Some who could push you right to the top with that voice of yours. Mr. Collins, this is the oldest line I ever heard. It's not a line, but skip it. Go on home, listen to the radio, eat candy. You can have a terrific time.

If you go to Domingo's with me, you can't tell what might happen. You might have to meet a couple of show producers, maybe even sing. So, play it safe. Go on home. Maybe dull, but you'll always get to work on time. Is that all you have to say? Yeah, that's all. Except nighty-night. Wait a minute. Yeah? Could we be back early? We'll leave any time you say. Well...

What are we waiting for? Well, now you're making sense. I'll call a cab. Well, never mind. I have a car. It's parked right around the corner. Joe Collins used just the right approach, didn't he, Mary? You realized you were being a fool. But as the hours passed, you told yourself your fears were groundless. Joe treated you with perfect courtesy. Introduced you to several people, including the producer of the floor show.

You even sang a number which was well received. Later, you watched the gambling for a while and then proceeded to the silver room to enjoy the second floor show. Afterwards, you had supper in the main dining room and watched the guests dancing. And then suddenly, you've had enough. Joe, do you mind if we leave now? I said we'd leave any time you said.

What hits you, the music? I guess that's it. Another guy? Another guy. My fiancé, Dr. Frank Wilson. What happened to Dr. Wilson? He's in Korea. Marines? No, Army doctor. It was his car we drove out here in. Oh, that's too bad. We could have had a lot of fun.

Well, shall we go? Please. Hop in, unless you want me to drive. No, I'll drive. Good. We'll probably be safer that way. Come on.

As you drove toward your little apartment on Clinton Avenue, you were glad your reckless little adventure was nearing its end.

Everything had been fine so far, but you couldn't throw off a feeling of uneasiness. For a few miles, Joe said little, and then he seemed preoccupied, and you were relieved when he finally broke his strange silence. Say, uh, Mary, would you mind stopping for a minute at that drive-in? All of a sudden I got an awful headache. Maybe I can get some aspirin there, huh? I doubt it, but we'll give it a try.

You can keep the motor running while I'm gone, huh? I'll only be gone a few seconds. Okay. Joe! Get going. Joe, you shot him! I said get going fast. There's a gun in your ribs, baby. You just saw what happened to one guy that crossed me. Did you kill him? I don't know. You...

Why was I such a fool? Turn right at the next corner. A car's been tailing us for the last five minutes. I'm glad. I hope it's a prowl car. It'll save me the trouble of phoning the police. I said turn! He didn't turn, baby. You know, you shouldn't have said what you did about phoning the cops. Nobody but me and you knows about that drive-in job. You just better pull over and park. We got a couple of things to talk over. I said pull over! Okay.

Please, Joe. Joe, don't kill me. I know you can do it easy, but I'll never tell about tonight. That's the way you feel now. An hour from now, you'll feel different. Oh, no, I won't. On my word of honor, I'll make a deal with you, Joe. I'll trade you my silence for my life. I swear I won't talk about it ever. You sound like you really mean that. I do mean it, Joe. I swear it. I swear it. You swear it, huh? Yes, Joe. I swear it. Well, I'm not being very smart, but I'm going to take a chance.

You drove the getaway car, so I guess that makes us partners anyway. Yeah. You know, partner, we ought to have a lot of fun together. Now, how about dropping me off at my place, huh? Tell me where to go. About six blocks from here. Just turn to the right. Oh.

After you dropped Joe and reached your apartment, you were so weak you could hardly stand. You literally fell into bed. You tried to sleep, but sleep was impossible. Early the following morning, you heard the newsboy shoving the morning paper under your apartment door. You hurried across the room and looked at the front page. The headlines and stories sickened you. Driving manager shot in attempted hold-up. Dies.

An identified man and woman seen fleeing from scene of crime in dark green 49 model sedan. Pedestrian believes he can identify car. There it was, Mary. Your situation looked hopeless, didn't it? You felt you must keep your word to Joe Collins. But you knew you must never see him again. Only one avenue seemed open to you. You had to leave town, disappear. You dressed hurriedly, packed a few belongings, withdrew your savings from the bank.

And by noon, we're on an eastbound plane for New York. You decided to take advantage of your voice and become a professional entertainer. The first few weeks, you auditioned almost daily with negative results. But finally, after three months, you were singing at the Golden Lion, a prosperous little nightclub in Brooklyn, New York. After a shaky start, you became a featured performer under the name of Doris Trent.

As the weeks went by, your work improved. You became sure of yourself. And one night you noticed Vern Shields, famous musical comedy producer in the audience. His presence seemed to inspire you and you went over better than ever. Afterwards, in your dressing room, you wondered what he thought of your voice. You were certain that your visitor was Vern Shields. Weren't you, ma'am? Come in.

Well, long time no see, Miss Trent. Doris Trent, it says on the program. Joe. I'm surprised you recognized me. I thought you'd forgotten me. All right, Joe, you found me. Now, what's on your mind? You double-crossed me, baby. You're crazy. That's why I left town, so I wouldn't even have to talk to anybody. You wrote to police, though, didn't you? Oh, you're wrong, Joe. I didn't write to anybody. It had to be you. It couldn't have been anybody else. Two days after you left, they picked me up for questioning. It wasn't me. I've kept my word with you, Joe. Yeah? Yeah.

There's one way you can convince me. How? Marry me. Tonight. Marry you? Mm-hmm. That way I'll be sure of you. Wives can't testify against their husbands. Besides, I'll know what you're doing all the time. Look, Joe, I gotta do my show. Let's talk this over in the morning. Tonight. We're going up to Connecticut. Go ahead and do your show. Only if you've got any ideas about calling the cops, don't forget you drove the getaway car.

And in case anything happens to me, there's a written confession in my pocket telling exactly how you helped me pull the job. How we used your boyfriend's car. How you kept the motor running, waiting for me. You've thought of everything, haven't you? Everything, so don't try anything. Now go ahead and do your show. I'll wait for you here. You started down the hallway, turned toward the powder room offstage. Suddenly you realized what a fool you'd been.

But you made up your mind not to keep on being a fool, didn't you, Mary? Not with that wall telephone just five steps ahead of you.

Operator, get me police headquarters in a hurry. Better hang up quick, baby. I mean, quick. I had a hunch you'd try to double-cross me. Now I know for sure who wrote that note to the cops. I didn't, Joe. Honest, I didn't. You just tried to call them, didn't you? All of a sudden, I've lost interest in getting married. We're just going to take a little ride. Now, come on, baby. No. No, Joe, I'm not moving a foot. Not an inch. Come on. Hey, what's going on here? Something wrong, Doris? This guy bothering you? Yes, he is. He...

He wants to date me. Tell him to leave, will you, Eddie? Maybe I'd better take him into the office and call the cops. No, thanks, Eddie. There is no need for that. He's just another wolf.

Tell him to leave. That's good enough. You heard what the lady said, Bob. Start traveling. Okay, Pop. Anything you say. I'll see the lady later. I'll be parked right across the street, Miss Trent. You should have let me call the cops. I would have if he hadn't had you covered with a gun. Oh, I see. Gee, thanks, kid. I guess you saved my life. Look at here. I got it.

Better get out of town and fast. After what you just did for me, getting you out of town is a cinch. Grab some clothes while I phone my wife I'm bringing you home. We'll go out the rear entrance. My car's on the lot next door. Tomorrow I'll call a friend of mine in Denver. He'll put you to work right away. You better change your name, though. That'll be easy. I'm getting used to it. I'm getting used to it.

So, Mr. Fontaine, that's where I met Mary Winston. In Denver, at the Hi-Hat Club, Bill is Gladys James. She was there for quite a while, room with me. Then she left just like that one night when a waiter told her some guy wanted to interview her for a magazine. She figured it was Joe Collins again. That's the last I have saw of him. That's the end of the story? That's the end. And Mary Winston told you all this? Well, we were close friends. I'll say you were.

You don't believe me, do you? If you were in my position, would you believe a story like that? No, I don't suppose I would.

With Santa's arrival only two days away, who can help being in a whimsical frame of mind tonight? Whimsical about such things as how Santa can travel so far in one night.

Well, maybe here's the answer. A child asked his father one day how St. Nick went so far on a sleigh. The wise father replied, he can take that long ride because his reindeer drink signal, they say.

Well, I decided to check this story with Santa himself, and now I can report to you. Said Santa, when boarding his sled, This year I'm using my head. It's signal for me. I'll go farther, you'll see. And over the rooftops he sped.

Now, as you've no doubt guessed, in addition to letting you in on Santa's mileage secret, there's also a moral to this story, which is... ♪♪ The gas used by Santa, my lassie or lad, is also the gas that is best for dear Dad. With signal, Dad's car will not only go far, but give top performance the best to be had. ♪♪

Well, Mary, it looks as though you've lost, doesn't it? That your show wasn't good enough. The man across the table, the detective you're certain has come to take you back to Los Angeles to stand trial for a murder you had nothing to do with, doesn't believe you.

You're certain, too, that the jury in Los Angeles won't believe you. Not after you're running away. Your phony names, your present surroundings. You're sure Joe Collins has been captured. That the authorities have read his confession. That he's trumped your last card. Ruin forever your hopes of eventual reunion with a man you still love, Dr. Frank Wilson. Yes, Mary, it looks as though you've lost. But you're going to play the game through to the end anyhow.

White Christmas. If Sailor Reynolds knew what that song did to you, the memories it brings back, he'd play something else, wouldn't he, Mary? As Fontaine gazes into space and drums his fingers silently on the table, you watch him closely, await his next words. How long did you say you'd been here? I didn't say, but I got here about three months ago. You like it here? No. That's what I figured.

Look, Miss... Cigarette, Mr. Fontaine? Yeah, thanks. Light? Mm-hmm. Thanks again, Miss Porter. Did you say... Porter? Well, I bet you said your name was, didn't you? That's what the billing says, too, isn't it? You mean you believe me? You sounded straight to me. Well, looks as though I came a long way for nothing, doesn't it?

Still, I'm kind of glad I came. I always figured that confession they found on Joe Collins' body was a phony. Joe Collins? Joe Collins dead? Yeah. The Brooklyn police got him one night about five months ago. A woman called the police from a little next to the Golden Lion Club. She hung up before they answered the phone, but the Brooklyn boys decided to investigate anyway. One of them spotted Collins in a car park across the street. He got figure happy and that was that. Joe Collins. Fins. Right.

Well, Miss Porter, if you ever run into Mary Winston... I'll tell her all about the Christie's gift I got from a swell detective named Fontaine. No, I'm just a private detective, Miss Porter. But the police gave me the tip that you... I mean, Mary Winston might be working here. Oh, then they knew that... A man named Wilson hired me for the case. A Dr. Frank was. Frank was? Mm-hmm. He's out of the Army now.

Still very much in love with Mary Winston. Doesn't care where she's been. Just wants her to come back and marry him. He must be quite a guy. Yeah, he's okay. Now, incidentally, do you think you'll ever see Miss Winston again? Yes, I do. Well, do you think she might come back to Los Angeles sometime and clear things up with the police? Make the doctor happy? I'm sure she will. Someday. You see, a girl like Mary gets to...

Feel a little soiled after working around joints like this. She'll probably want to spend a year or so in cleaner surroundings. Maybe out in the desert. Sort of freshening up before going home. Seeing anyone she cared about. Yeah. From what you said, I expect she would. Well, I might as well be getting along. Merry Christmas, Miss Porter. Happy New Year.

Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil program, The Whistler, each Sunday night at this same time. Signal Oil Company has asked me to remind you. There's an easy way we can all help to make this holiday season happier for ourselves and others. Drive at sensible speeds, be courteous, and obey traffic regulations. It may save a life, possibly your own.

Featured in tonight's story were Bill Foreman as the Whistler, Betty Lou Gerson, Bill Conrad, Bill Boucher, Marvin Miller, and Brett Wood on the harmonica. The Whistler was produced and directed by George W. Allen with story by Ed Bloodworth, music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transcribed and transmitted overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service.

The Whistler was entirely fictional and all characters portrayed on The Whistler are also fictional. Any similarity of names or resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. Remember to tune in at this same time next Sunday when the Signal Oil Company will bring you another strange story by The Whistler. Marvin Miller speaking for the Signal Oil Company. Stay tuned now for Our Miss Brooks starring Eve Arden, which follows immediately over most of these stations.

This is the CBS Radio Network.

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Enjoy your Christmas tradition served fresh at Raley's in Nob Hill. This week, clip your digital member deal to bring home a juicy Raley's USDA Choice Bone-in Rib Eye Roast, California-raised by Harris Ranch, for $6.97 a pound. Limit one while supplies last. And complete your holiday feast with russet potatoes or red sweet potatoes on sale for only 97 cents per pound. Unwrap even more delicious deals for the holidays at raley's.com or download the Raley's app.

Celebrate with full plates and full hearts. Only at Raley's in Nob Hill. At Mary's in Nob Hill.

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Tomorrow. Together. Insured by NCUA.

Head to Safeway this week for these amazing digital deals for their members. USDA Choice Beef New York Strip Steak Bone-In, $6.97 per pound, limit two packages. Haas Avocados, $0.87 each, limit four items. And Coca-Cola, Pepsi, 7-Up, or Dr. Pepper, 12-pack, 12-ounce cans, or an 8-pack of 12-ounce bottles, selected varieties, buy two, get two free when you buy four of equal or lesser value, plus CRV.

Visit Safeway.com for more details. See you in the aisles. And now, another tale well calculated to keep you in... Suspense. The time, Christmas 1958. The place, Korea.

The Story, A Korean Christmas Carol, written for suspense by George Bamberg. Sounds good, doesn't it? They hear kids singing, I mean. I can't understand the language, but I know what they mean. They sound so fresh and full of promise, almost as if they knew. But then I'm getting ahead of myself.

The name's Connolly, PFC Larry Connolly. I'm a soldier in Korea. I was sent here just about a year ago, this time. That's where this strange story begins. Christmas, 1958. Christmas was for me that year miserable. I've been stuck on guard the night before, and so I plan to stay in bed the next day and forget about Christmas. I hadn't counted on my first sergeant.

Since I was the first man he came to in the barracks, it's only logical that I should be the man he picks to drive a truck all the way to Seoul and back. It was night by the time I got on the road headed back from Seoul. It started to snow. Big flakes coming down soft at first, then so thick and fast I could hardly see. I was just over that first range of mountains. I was starting on the twisting, slippery way down when I saw him.

The sight of him scared me wide awake. He was standing bareheaded, the wind whipping the snow in his hair around his face. When he raised his thumb, I had the strangest feeling he'd been expecting me. Almost as if it were unnecessary. As if he knew I'd stop. You want a lift? I'm going as far as Camp Santa Barbara. Where's that? What do you mean, where's that? Everybody knows where Camp Santa Barbara is. Don't stand there with the door open. Hop in. All right. You picked a lousy place to hitchhike.

You didn't stop. Oh, thanks. What happened to your gloves? Your hands look half frozen. Gloves? Well, I, uh, must have lost them. Must have, don't you know? Uh, oh, yes. Uh, yeah, sure. I must have left them laying on the counter of the PX back there. With your hat back there, too? No, no. I lost my hat in the dark. I fell. I suppose that's why your uniform's muddy and your jacket's torn. Oh, yes, yes. That's right. Of course. I, uh...

Was walking along the edge of the road and I slipped in the dark. And I slid halfway down the embankment before I could stop. I see you managed to hang on to your bag. Oh, yeah. I can't afford to lose that. It's important. I'm late as it is. What outfit you from? 3rd Recon, 7th Division Infantry. Infantry? It's all artillery up this way. The infantry's stationed about seven miles back. You're heading in the wrong direction. Yeah, well, 3rd Recon is a special detachment. We're off in the hills all by ourselves.

It's just off this road. I heard of it before. My name's Connolly. Larry Connolly. What's yours? Oh, thanks. Mine's Richard Dombrowski. Good to know you, Dombrowski. Say, look, if you can let go of that bag long enough, I'll let you wear my gloves till your hands warm up. Oh, no, thanks. That's all right. I'll put them in my pockets. Say, is it okay if I set my bag on the floor? Oh, sure. No sweat. Say, you don't have a cigarette, do you? I'm fresh out. Well, I don't know. Wait a minute. Yeah, here's some.

Let me light it for you, though. You watch the road. I saw a whole truckload of troops disappear over that curve up ahead. Killed all but two. Yeah? When did that happen? 1951. 1951? Yep. You were here when the war was on. I guess you could say that. Tell me, Dombrowski, what were you doing Christmas Day? Bet they didn't send you all the way to Seoul with an empty truck on a wild goose chase. That's what I did today. What did you do seven years ago? Well, you see those lights up ahead?

That's the village of Chung Ju Ri. We marched through there the day before Christmas. Were you scared? Oh, I think everybody's scared. Hey, hey, look out. You'll burn yourself. What's the matter? Cigarette burned all the way down to your fingers. Oh. Isn't it burning you? Well, that? No, no. I guess it burned itself out before it got to my skin. Anyway, you see that hill over there? Well, Christmas Day, 1951, my platoon was all dug in around that hill. No kidding? Mm-hmm. We went out on a patrol from that hill.

And that was one time I was plenty scared. As a matter of fact, it happened just seven years ago tonight. It hadn't snowed that day, but there was snow on the ground. I can remember because the guys were joking that at least we had a white Christmas. And what a Christmas it was. ♪

As I said, it was quiet Christmas Day, 1951.

We were sitting around in our holes waiting for the fun which we knew would begin the next day. They'd managed to get hot turkey up to us, so we were relatively comfortable and happy until Brownie, our squad leader, came back from a talk with the old man. All right, I'll take the first five. The old man wants us to go out and have a look around. Come on, come on, knock it off. Get rid of your dog tags and canteens, anything that might rattle or make a noise.

We won't be gone long, but we're moving light. Hey, Whitey, might as well leave your helmet here. We want to move quiet. But Sarge, it's too cold to go out without a hat. Ah, cut the comedy, Walker. We moved out on schedule just as night was falling. And with the night came a cold. We moved rapidly along the valley for about an hour or so when Brownie stopped and raised his hand. All right, you men, hold it up.

Once we get on the other side of that ridge up ahead, we'll observe maximum security. No talking, no lights. Keep down and watch where you put your big clumsy feet. These people just love tripwires with flares attached.

Walker, you still got the walkie-talkie? If I didn't, I wouldn't be here to tell you about it. Still working? It's warm, if that's what you mean. That's more than I can say for myself. All right, keep it that way. We may need it if we run into trouble. Hey, while we're here, let's take one last check on your gear. Make sure your rifle bolts aren't frozen, weapons on safety, and all grenades are secure in their pins. Okay, everybody set?

Let's move out. And so we did move out. The M1 felt light in my hands like I'd never realized how light and easy it was to carry a rifle before. The going was easy.

The rice paddies were frozen over and covered with snow, and we stepped carefully between the clumps of rice stubble left over from the last harvest so the dry straw made no noise. We walked steadily, quietly, maybe 200 yards without a sound, regularly stepping up and over each low rice paddy wall as we came to it, each one bringing us just that much closer to the top. And then it happened.

Hit! Down! Hit the joint! Get down! Somebody must have tripped the wire because suddenly the inky black was transformed into the merciless white of the operating table. Everything seemed stopped and slowed down, just like an old movie before the projector blows up. I could see the other guys, the hills, and the deadly, winking fires of the guns. And then we fell down at the protection of the earth.

And some of us fell with metal in our bodies. Crawl, crawl, you apes. Crawl to the mud titans. They're old. They can't hit us there. And we crawled, digging our knees and fingers into the frozen mud until they were bruised and torn.

We crawl closer to the ground and faster than we ever had before. We crawl to the sanctuary of a foot-high mud hill. Keep your heads down. They got us pinned. It was about 150 yards to our front. Where's the other? Yeah, it was 200 yards to the left. They got us pinned in a crossfire. We'll never get out of here. All right, all right. Now, don't panic. Keep your head down. We'll make it out. Walker, see if you can raise Lady Wolf on the walkie-talkie.

Walker? Walker's laying out there in the middle of the paddy, Brownie. He's never going to have to worry about being warm again. Smith's out there, too. I saw him get it. I saw it when the flare went up. I saw him catch it in the frame. Okay, okay, Harry, easy.

He's still got the walkie-talkie. Can you see if it's all right? He's laying on it. It's hard to tell. Whitey, that flare is going to go out mighty quick. If a man was fast, he could probably streak out there and back before they put up another one. We can use that walkie-talkie to call up some artillery to get these monkeys off our back. I can't, Brownie. I must have been hit. I can't move my legs anymore. I can't even feel them. Easy. Are you bleeding bad? No. Harry, you all right? As far as I know. Stevens? Sure.

I'd like to take a whirl of that walkie-talkie. Wait till that flare burns out. It's dying now. Just a few more seconds. Go. By the time the flare lit the sky, Stevens was halfway back, the walkie-talkie dangling from his right hand.

Some huge invisible hand slapped him to the ground. I'm hit. Oh, God, I'm hit. Easy, boy, quiet. Where'd they get you? I'm hit. I'm hit. Look him over, Harry. They busted his arm. See any other places? No, no, just his arm. Wrap a dress around it and button it inside his jacket. Hand me that walkie-talkie. He's no good, Brownie. The walkie-talkie smashed.

What? It's useless. We're going to have to move out of here fast. Well, how are we going to pull out? If we can't crawl back down the paddy, they'll slaughter us. All right, all right, look. We'll move along the dike to the edge of the rice paddy. From there, we can duck into the underbrush and move back down the mountain. We'll never make it. They'll spot us when we try to make it across the clearing to the underbrush. They'll swing their guns around. We've got to try it. We can't stay here.

Stevens, can you crawl? Yeah, I can make it. Okay, you lead off and I'll follow you. I'll crawl backwards and pull Whitey along behind me. Whitey, you heard me. But we'll never make it with... Quiet! All you have to do, Harry, is follow along behind and pick up the pieces. Take his weapon. It'll make him lighter. Keep your hands off me, Harry. Come on, Whitey. We haven't any time to fool around. I'm not fooling. I'm not going with you guys. Come on. You lost too much blood already. That's just it. Like you said, Brownie, it's only a matter of time. You can't get anywhere with me.

You'll never even get past the clearing trying to drag me across. You're smart enough to know that, Brownie. It'll be tough enough, even with two good legs. We're not leaving you here. That's what I figured you'd say, Brownie. I'm still in charge here. I figured you'd say that, too. Brownie, you see this grenade? It doesn't have any pin in it. The only thing that keeps the spring from kicking the clip off is my hand. Now get out of here, Brownie, before I let it go. Why do you like... Do you want me to let loose of this grenade? Now prop that BAR up in the dike in front of me. And scatter the clips where I can get at them.

I'll wait until you guys get to the edge of the paddy before I open up. Look, look, baby. I'm still holding the grenade, Brownie. Time is running out. You're going to have to hurry. I feel like I want to fall asleep and I don't know how much longer I can stay awake. Just wish me a very Merry Christmas and beat it. Merry Christmas, Whitey. All right, you guys, what are you waiting for? Let's move out. See, that's right. This is Christmas.

Oh, little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee. What's the matter? Don't you people like Christmas carols? A machine gun fire always was better getaway music than Christmas carols. Above thy dark and dreaming... Why'd he lay there until the others had crawled to the end of a low rice paddy wall? And then he threw his grenade...

When it exploded, he opened up with a BAR, making enough noise to make the enemy think the patrol was launching an attack. Both machine gun nests zeroed in on him. But Whitey stayed well below the little mud wall of the rice paddy, humming his Christmas carol, loading the BAR with a fresh clip every time it went empty, and perhaps wondering briefly why he was going to die so far away from home, on a little pond of frozen mud he didn't care about or even own.

still firing and singing, even after the rest of the squad had escaped into the underbrush. And until either the machine gunners found their mark, or else he finally fell asleep. Gosh. He was quite a guy. No, I guess it was just a detail that had to be done, and he had to do it. Well, there's my stop right there, where that little road turns off up ahead. There are detachments up that road? That's right, right at the end of it. Sure, I've seen that road before, but I didn't think there was anything up there. Ha ha.

Just let me out here. Sure thing. Thanks a lot. No sweat. Say, uh, if you ever want to look me up, remember my outfit's all the way up at the end of this road. I'll be right up there. Okay, I'll drop in sometime. Right. So long, and thanks again. I drove off figuring it'd be a very cold day in Korea before I ever looked him up. Such a weird guy gave me the creeps.

I got about five miles down the road when I discovered he'd left his bag sitting on the floor of the deuce and a half. Took a lot of arguing with myself, but I decided that the only decent thing I could do was to swing around and take it back to him. Besides, maybe I could stop in the orderly room and check him out. Find out what his story really was. ♪♪

On the way back, I almost missed the road because it was so small and seldom used. I drove up it for about ten minutes. I was beginning to wonder if I hadn't gotten the wrong road after all. It was up past no other vehicles or GIs or anything to indicate there was an infantry company around.

Just when I was ready to turn back to the main road, I saw lights twinkling up ahead from what looked like a couple of Quonsets. Seemed impossible that an infantry outfit could be housed in two Quonsets, but I pulled a deuce and a half to a hole outside the gate and cut off the motor.

I picked up the AWOL bag, got out of the truck, trying to figure out which one was the orderly room. I walked across the hard-packed snow of the yard to the first Quonset. I still couldn't figure it out. Light and warmth seemed to pour from the windows along with the music I remembered from somewhere, but couldn't quite understand. I stepped up to the first window I came to and looked inside.

There were kids all over the place, kids of all sizes and descriptions, kids just old enough to sit by themselves, kids just losing their first teeth, some just starting their teens. I stood in the snow spellbound just watching them sing. Finally, I tore myself away and headed for the front door, eager to be inside. A plaque made out of the howitzer shell stopped me. In the faint light, I could just barely make out the words engraved on the polished brass. But finally, I read it all. It said...

This orphanage has been erected and maintained in the memory of Corporal Richard Whitey Dombrowski, who somewhere north of the village of Chung Ju Ri, Christmas night, 1951, willingly gave his life that others might live. Suddenly, I didn't know where I belonged anymore. The AWOL bag dragged at the end of my arm like a thousand pound weight. I could figure what was in it, but I tore it open anyway. The bag full of candy, soap and toothpaste and gum shined up at me looking as rich and rare as frankincense and myrrh.

I closed the bag. Laid it up against the door, close, so they wouldn't miss it. And then I banged on the door as loud and long as I could... until I was sure that they heard me. And then I ran...

I ran back down the road to my truck as fast and as hard as I could. Suspense. Suspense.

You've been listening to a Korean Christmas carol written for suspense by George Bamber. In a moment, the names of our players and a word about next week's story of suspense. Heard in tonight's story were Bill Lipton as Larry Connolly and Lyle Sudrow as Richard. Also heard were Larry Robinson, Lawson Zerbe, Bill Meader, Alan Manson, and Guy Rett.

Listen again next week when we return with Moonlight Sail, written especially for suspense by William N. Robeson. Another tale well calculated to keep you in... Suspense.

at Merrow West Credit Union we're working towards a brighter financial future for both our members and our community knowing that when you succeed we all succeed let's get acquainted with our premier savings for new members now paying over 20 times the national average another great reason to move your money to a credit union learn more at merrowwest.com slash premier savings Merrow West Credit Union working for you today tomorrow together

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icon of the Art Deco era, blending elegance and functionality. The collection is a modern extension of the original Dolce Vita, inspired by a Longines legend from 1927. You can choose the classic stainless steel case or opt for the eye-catching diamond bezel. So if you're looking for that perfect gift for a special someone or treating yourself this holiday season, visit Topper Jewelers to explore the full collection of Longines watches for women.

Mention this ad for a special surprise that will make your experience memorable. Hey Weirdos, if you enjoy what you're hearing from me and the Weird Darkness podcast throughout the year, may I ask for a Christmas gift from you? It's an easy one, and it's free to give. This month, just invite two or three people you know to give Weird Darkness a listen. That is truly the greatest gift you could ever give to me.

Letting your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and others know about the podcast is incredibly valuable to me, my bride Robin, and our cat, Miss Mocha Monster. That's it. Tell someone about the show. Drop a link to Weird Darkness in your social media. Maybe send a text to a few folks to wish them a very scary Christmas with a link to the show in that text. It doesn't matter how you do it, but it does make a huge impact when you do.

From all of us here at Marlar Manor, thank you, and Merry Christmas.

at Merrow West Credit Union we're working towards a brighter financial future for both our members and our community knowing that when you succeed we all succeed let's get acquainted with our premier savings for new members now paying over 20 times the national average another great reason to move your money to a credit union learn more at merrowwest.com slash premier savings Merrow West Credit Union working for you today tomorrow together

Insured by NCUA. When it comes to quiet luxury and contemporary elegance, Swiss watchmaker Longines stands out with over 190 years of crafting fine timepieces for dress, sport, and adventure. Throughout its history, women of distinction, including aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence, and alpine skier Michaela Schifrin have relied on Longines for their timekeeping needs. One of Longines' most sought-after models, the Mini Dolce Vita continues this tradition as an

icon of the Art Deco era, blending elegance and functionality. The collection is a modern extension of the original Dolce Vita, inspired by a Longines legend from 1927. You can choose the classic stainless steel case or opt for the eye-catching diamond bezel. So if you're looking for that perfect gift for a special someone or treating yourself this holiday season, visit Topper Jewelers to explore the full collection of Longines watches for women.

Mention this ad for a special surprise that will make your experience memorable. Hey, weirdos. Our next Weirdo Watch Party is Saturday, January 18th. And sci-fi film host and all-around nice guy, Jukesua, is back with another terrible B-movie. This one from the infamously inept Roger Corman. From 1958, it's War of the Satellites. And yet you propose to follow this tenth failure with another attempt?

Using more of your volunteers? An unknown force declares war against planet Earth when the United Nations disobeys warnings to cease and desist in its attempts at assembling the first satellite in the atmosphere. We are obviously in the grip of a force stronger than we can oppose.

There it is, the barrier.

All those men in that satellite will die. Sea shadows somehow being cast onto the backdrop that is supposed to be outer space. Sigma barrier dead ahead. Crash emergency. All hands secure for blast. You'll even see actors wearing the same clothes day after day after day because...

Who knows?

and even join in the chat during the film for more fun. We're always cracking jokes during the movie, usually at the actor's or director's expense, but hey, it's all worthy of criticism. It's Jukesua presenting Roger Corman's War of the Satellites from 1958.

You can see a trailer for the film now and watch horror hosts and B-movies for free anytime on the Monster Channel page at WeirdDarkness.com. That's WeirdDarkness.com slash TV. And we'll see you Saturday, January 18th for our Weirdo Watch Party. Let every go signal remind you that you do go farther with Signal Gasoline. The Signal Oil Program. The Signal Oil Program.

The Signal Oil Company and your neighborhood signal dealer bring you another curious story by the Whistler. Tonight, lie or consequences. Whistling

I am the whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Presently I'll tell you of nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. ♪♪

Within the human character, the line between good and evil is a thin and waving one. And very often, the one small impulse for good will outweigh and nullify the bad. Such was the case with Michael Cobb. Mike wasn't bad, really. It happened while he was a kid, before he knew any better. He'd gotten into trouble, gone to prison, served a stretch. Now he's out, and he's learned his lesson.

He's proving that. He's going straight, working hard at his job in the office of a large department store. He's married to a girl he loves, and he's happy.

Delicious, delicious. Oh, nobody can cook a better breakfast than you, darling. Thank you, sir. Now, my, don't bolt your coffee. I gotta run, I'll be late. Well, a couple of minutes won't make any difference. Well, maybe not most days, but today is gonna be a big one. The last shopping day before Christmas, you know. Stores will be jammed. We'll be swamped with work until late tonight. Besides, I don't want to spoil my record. Six months and I haven't been late to work once. I know, I know, it's fine. I'm sure the store appreciates it. Yeah, Lane, I...

I think they do, too. I really think they like me down there. You know, like my work and everything. Oh, sure, Mike. How could they help liking you? No, I mean, well, I'm beginning to feel like...

All that stuff is all forgotten. Almost like something that's never happened. It is. It is forgotten, Mike. Everything's different now. Yeah. Yeah, it is. Oh, this is going to be a lot different Christmas than the last one, isn't it? Yes, Mike. You were wonderful, Elaine. Coming to see me, sticking by me. Oh, darling, I promise you there'll never be another Christmas like that. Never. I know there won't, Mike.

From now on, they're all going to be really Merry Christmas. Yeah, you bet. Oh, gosh, that reminds me. I haven't got your presents yet. I'll have to run out my lunch hour and find something. Now, now, Mark, you're not going to go spending a lot of money on me. Oh, maybe next year will be more nice. No, no, never you mind. I'll get you what I've done, please. Oh, my gosh. Oh, I will be late if I don't run. Hey, hey, hey, here's your hat. Oh, thanks. Well, goodbye, darling. If I don't get home before midnight, Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

Yes, it looks like a Merry Christmas for you at last, doesn't it, Mike? For the first time in your life, almost. A real Merry Christmas. You notice the smiles on people's faces as they walk down the street. You get sort of a kick out of the fancy red and green draped windows of the store.

The holly smells good in the elevator. And you chuckle as you pass the toy department with a perspiring Santa Claus pulling on his red coat. Then into the office, everybody smiling. Yeah, you know what, Mike? Maybe you're getting that thing they call...

The Christmas spirit. Well, morning, George. Merry Christmas. Hi, Mike. Pretty cheerful this morning, huh? Oh, why not? It's almost Christmas, the day of good cheer. Well, what's the matter with you, Sourpuss? I'm not humbled. Uh-oh. The boss on the rampage again, huh? Well, what is it this time? You haven't heard? No, why?

Somebody lifted another thousand bucks out of the receipts last night. What, again? Yeah. It makes about ten grand that's been missing in the last six months. Well, no wonder Mr. Humboldt's upset. The detectives are in there with him right now, and they've got old Gus, the night watchman, in for questioning. I suppose we'll all be on the carpet like the last time. Oh, gee, that's not so good. Ten thousand dollars? Hey, that's grand loss to me. Yeah, and the cops are probably getting pretty sore about not pinning it on somebody. Now, look.

it comes over there right from the inquisitor are you are at that time to get the ball boy got a good you're going to call it for a quick question and answer the matter again that uh... yeah that was just that i'm going to have a shoot that time

The only time I got to sleep when they called me down here for this. What for would I want to steal money for? I got a wife. Mine wife. Four kids. I steal money, I go to jail. They starve. What for would I steal? Sure, sure, guest. But I know why you're so worked up about it.

Yeah? You probably had to admit where you were last night between 12 and 1 o'clock. How come you no doubt that I was? Go on. Everybody in the store knows that, Gus. It's a standing joke. Everybody knows you eat your lunch every morning between 12 and 1. They know you go up to the 13th floor and stretch out on one of those dive vans in the Louis XV room.

the classes in the joint all case of a comic that i got to keep why not be started early for that hour anybody could come in and move out the other twelve four of the new them in the right to watch it up he's been somebody stole money i do not know i'd only know i did not this is the only time i got the street when they have to go out what it can't

Is that true about his breakfast from the truck to one? Sure. There's a night watchman for you. That probably explains why they're so sure the thief is somebody inside the store. Somebody who knows about Gus and what time he won't be on this floor. Yeah, could be.

Uh-oh, that's Humboldt. Yes, Mr. Humboldt? Yes. It's right away, sir. Just as I thought. It's my turn now. Well, if I start screaming, you'll know he's putting me on the rack. Okay, I'll bring a branding iron to your rescue. Don't laugh yet. You'll probably be next. If Humboldt really decides to catch a thief, he'll catch one by hook or crook. Oh!

Merry Christmas, Mike. Oh, now, what's the matter? You don't seem as happy as you were. Something happened to dampen the Christmas spirit, maybe? Something you can't describe? Can't even put your finger on? Just a funny, sinking feeling? Forget it. George Osborne has been in and out of Humboldt's office, and almost the whole day has gone by and nothing's happened. And everything seems to have calmed down. In fact, it's George's turn to have the Christmas party.

I really didn't expect it this year, but there it was in my pay envelope. Nice and crisp and green. With the best Christmas wishes of the J.C. Deavis store. Oh, gee, that's swell, George. Yeah, real honest to gosh Christmas bonus. I can assure you. Who couldn't? I don't know whether you'll get one or not, Mike. You've only been here six months. Then maybe. By the way, why don't you mosey in and pick up your pay? It's almost nine o'clock. We close in five minutes. Well, I guess I'd better wait for Mr. Humboldt to call me.

I thought we'd get paid earlier. Still haven't bought Elaine's present. Ah, well, don't worry. Most of the smaller stores will still be open for a couple of hours. Yeah, sure. But I thought I'd get her something she liked real well in the little store up on 10th Avenue. Oh, well, it'll be open too late. Say, I wonder if they've found out anything about the 10 grand. Boy, they've really questioned everybody around them.

They didn't question me. In fact, they'd never question me about it. I don't quite understand that. Oh, well, I don't know. I guess you got such an honest face or something. Yeah. Uh-oh. Yes, Mr. Humboldt?

Yes, sir. Yes, sir, I'll send him right in. Well, maybe we spoke too soon. He wants to see you. Oh? On the other hand, maybe he just wants to hand you your Christmas bonus in person. After all, you are getting to be the fair-haired boy around here these days. I'd better go in. You might even be in line for a promotion. You can't tell. Okay, okay. Okay.

You wanted to see me, Mr. Humboldt? Yes. Oh, yes, Cobb. Come. Sit down. Come. Thank you, sir. Cobb, you've been with us six months now. Yes, sir. And I must admit that in that time you've demonstrated an admirable aptitude for the work. Thanks, Mr. Humboldt.

Yes, in fact, there's been some discussion of raising your salary, promoting you. I even talked to Mr. Prentiss, the manager, about it myself. Well, thanks, Mr. Humboldt. Yes, and that's why I regret very much to tell you this. I must inform you that we're forced to dispense with your services as of tonight. Dispense? You...

You mean I'm fired? I'm afraid that's it. Yeah, your two weeks' pay is in this envelope. Wait a minute. If I'm paid so good, why am I being fired? I am not at liberty to offer any explanations. I have my orders just the same as... It's got something to do with this missing money, hasn't it? I told you that... This is your way of telling me you think I took it, isn't it? Now, call my... That's it, isn't it, Mr. Humboldt?

You've questioned everyone else in the department. With me, you figure questions are unnecessary, don't you? Well, since you put it that way, Cobb, naturally we must take into consideration your past. You know about my prison record. I told you about it. What, I told you about it if I was going to steal again? I'm not accusing you of stealing again. I only say we can't afford to take chances. We simply find a device... All right!

I understand. I understand a lot of things now, Mr. Humboldt. Thanks. Thanks, Mr. Humboldt, for the Christmas bonus. Hey, hey, Mike. Mike, wait a minute. Well, did you get it? Did he give you a Christmas bonus? Yeah. Yeah, I got a Christmas bonus, all right. Hey, what's up? What's the matter? Oh, nothing. I'll tell you about it later.

I'm leaving now. Oh, yeah, you're in a hurry. But wait, I almost forgot. With my bonus, I can pay you that 30 bucks I owe you. Huh? Here. Ten. Twenty. Thirty. That ought to help with that present for your wife, huh? Yeah. Yeah, thanks, George. Thanks. Merry Christmas, Mike. Yeah.

That premonition you had this morning was right, wasn't it? That funny, sinking feeling. Now you know, don't you, Mike? You knew it all the time, really. All this past six months, you've been kidding yourself. The dream bubble has burst. Merry Christmas, Mike.

The crowds are still cheerful on the street. The windows are still bright and gay and the holly still spices the air. But you don't see or feel or smell. No, there's only the sensation of a chill wind cutting you to the bone as you wander the dark street, not knowing or caring where you are. Hello, Michael. Merry Christmas. Huh? Oh. Oh, hello, Reverend Ewell. Hi.

I didn't see you. So I noticed. I was just getting home from my last-minute shopping. Won't you come in for a moment? A cup of tea, perhaps? Why, no, I... Oh, come on. I haven't seen you for a long time. That is for a chat. Besides, it's chilly out. A cup of hot tea will warm you up. You look as if you could stand warming up, Michael. Come in. No, no, I've got to get along. Oh, come now. That lovely wife of yours won't miss you for a few more minutes. I tell you, I've got to go.

very well Michael I won't keep you oh I'm I'm sorry weapon I didn't mean it you know I understand it troubles anything I can do no no I'm all right I know you too well Michael I've known you all my life how I've helped you before haven't I right I don't know

I don't know whether you did or not. All that stuff you told me about turning over a new leaf, forgetting the past. I believe it. Oh, yes, of course. Hal, maybe you should have told some other people instead of me. It just don't work, Reverend. It just don't work. All that stuff about being good and doing good. It does. Hal, it don't pay you off. It does, Michael. It does. You must believe that.

Even a little good done brings a great reward. Eh, maybe to some people. Only maybe some of us are behind an eight ball we can't get around. Michael, please come in. I feel I must talk to you. Not tonight, Reverend. At all the talking I can stand. Now I'm going to do my own thinking. And I know what I'm going to do. You can bet your sweet life I know just what I'm going to do.

Yeah, your mind is made up now, isn't it, Mike? Humboldt made it up for you, didn't he? You hate him, don't you, Mike? And all the smug people like him who've never done a stretch and stir. They're your enemies, aren't they, Mike, whether you want them to be or not. And you're just one of the cell rats. Okay, if that's the way it is, that's the way you'll play it. Well,

What's that? Footsteps following you? Maybe if you stop by this lighted window. Yeah, you were right, Mike. They're following you, all right. Two of them. You saw them duck into that doorway when you stopped and turned around. Tell me. They got dicks telling me. Why, sure, you dope. They wouldn't let you just walk out of there. They think you took the money. They're gonna tear you, hound you, track you down. Okay. Okay.

Okay, if they think I took the money, I'll give them reason to. This time I will take it.

You are listening to The Whistler, brought to you by your friend, the Signal Oil Company. Marketers of famous Signal Gasoline, your best buy today. Remember to let every go signal remind you, you do go farther with Signal Gasoline. ♪♪

Merry Christmas, Mike. A very merry Christmas, isn't it? Six months of going straight and you've given it up. You're going back, back to the store and get your share of those days' receipts.

Yes, it's all so simple, isn't it, Mike? It'll soon be 12 o'clock midnight. And old Gus will be up in the Louis 15th room on the 13th floor. The safe and humble's office will be a cinch. You've seen it many times. And as for the two dicks tailing you now, it'll be duck soup to shake them. Duck soup! That's right. You're heading up 10th Avenue now. You can double back and...

What's wrong, Max? Why are you stopping? Could it be that tune, the brightly lighted window, the old man standing back there? Of course, now you remember. 10th Avenue. This is old Mr. Samuel's little store. This is it, where you're going to buy Elaine her Christmas present. And there it is, what you heard, the music box.

sitting on the counter next to the open door, playing. Good evening, Michael, and Merry Christmas. Hiya, Mr. Samuel. You came in just in time. I was just about to close up. I guess down at your big store you've been closed for a long time. But here, the little fellows have to stay open to get all the business we can. What can I do for you? I, uh...

Is this the music box that Elaine likes so well? Ah, yes, that is the one. She was very taken with it. Ah, her eyes sparkled when she looked at it. Yeah, that's a parapapa. Something inside, isn't it? That is right. And when you open it, it plays the little tune. So... Yes, she was saying how it was her favorite tune. Okay. Okay.

How much is it? Well, it's usually priced at 75, but I'll give it to you and the young lady for 50. $50? Well, yes. You see, it's a genuine antique, and it's the best thing I have in this store. Well, I'm sorry, but that's more than I think. No, I'm sorry, too. I would have let you have it for less if I could, but 50 is the lowest. Sure, sure. Well, okay, forget it. I'm sorry. Come back again.

Now what's the matter, Mike? Why are you stopping? Could it be you can't make up your mind? Could it be you're thinking about the music box, about Elaine, about Christmas?

Yes. This may be your last Christmas with her, you know. Your last chance to give her a decent present with clean money. Money you earned. It might be a nice gesture, ain't it? A little token of all that might have been. Oh, Mr. Samuels, I'll take it. Wrap it up as a gift and I'll take it. Thank you.

Merry Christmas, Mike. That's what's written across the package. It was going to be a symbol for a wonderful new life, wasn't it? And now it's an ironic farewell. Your last attempt at doing good, as Reverend Hewitt called it. Too bad it won't bring you that great reward he promised. It won't have a chance. Because there are those two dicks still following you. And you, you're heading for J.C. Deaver's department store.

Office of Henry Humboldt and the interior of his safe.

It's almost 12 midnight, my dear. I have to duck those guys. 30 girls, 30. The greatest little show in town. Starring Trippie Laverne and her 30 raving beauties. A new show just started. Only 40 cents. Take it, mister. Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah. 40 cents. Thank you, sir. A new show just started. Hurry, hurry, hurry, ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for coming.

You're doing great, Mike. Those dicks will follow you in, but you won't be there, will you? No. You're heading for that exit sign down at the side. Through the curtain, push out through the door, and there you are. In the alley. Free. Okay.

Now, up to the street. Lose yourself in the crowd. Turn down fifth toward the store. You're okay now. No need to look back. Or is there? They're there. You didn't shake them after all. They were wise to that trick and they were waiting for you outside the theater. Yes, you should have known. Now what?

Maybe you've got an idea. Yes. A good idea, honey. Why not lead them to the store? Sure, that's where they expect you to go. But beat them there and hide, down in the freight dock, behind one of those big crates. They'll never find you in that mess. Then when they get tired looking, you'll be able to slip in and do the job. How's that? Brilliant. Yes, brilliant. Yes.

Yes, here's the store. There they are, a quarter of a block behind. When you hit the alley, you'll run for it. Make a dash back to the back. And you'll be so far ahead then, they won't know whether you got in or not. And you'll fool them entirely. You'll have them searching the whole store. Okay. Here it is. Okay, you made it. You left them way behind. Here's the freight dock.

Okay. Come on, coppers. Just try and find me in here. I'm on it. Now, where's Lass? I told you he knew we were following him. Sure, sure. But let's not waste time. He had plenty of time to get in. Probably with his employees' keys. Okay, okay. Get out your skeleton and let's go in after him. Worked like a charm, didn't it, Mike?

You're sitting here in your crate, comfortably waiting, while they search the entire store. They've been there long enough to do it. It's almost one. If they don't hurry, you'll have Gus to worry about. Not that that's too much of a worry. But wait. Hold it. Yeah, well, that does it. Yeah, too bad.

Hey, flash your lighter out. He could have ducked into one of these crates there. Yeah, yeah, yeah, but we never find him there, man. He could be hiding with it there for days. Yeah, you're right. I guess we'll call it a day. It's a fine way to spend Christmas Eve anyway. Come on, let's go home. Okay, I'm right beside you. Come on.

Well, Mike, Merry Christmas. This is better than you expected. They're leaving, actually going away. Leaving the place to your tender mercy.

You won't have to dodge them coming out. They aren't going to camp out in Humboldt's office. And actually walk in the way, down the alley, and you're sick. Good Lord, what's going on? Something's wrong. It's going. I can't stop. I can't. Hey, hey, don't. Don't. Yeah. I hear you. Come on, right over here. I've got to stop. I've got to. Stay right here. In this place.

Too late. Okay, Cobb. We finally cornered you. Come on out. No use hiding in there now, Cobb. Come on, come on, come on. We want to talk to you. Yeah, yeah, I know. I got the idea. Okay. Okay, you got me. Yeah. Thanks for the music. Let us right to the dance floor. Yeah. That's the great reward the minister was talking about. Great.

I don't get you. Oh, you wouldn't. It's a private little joke on me. Yeah? Well, that music maybe did you a big favor, Cobb. Favor? That's right. Maybe you'll see what I mean if you'll answer a few questions for us. I don't see why I should. You got nothing to be afraid of, kid. If you'll just answer a couple of questions straight. I'll answer one. I didn't do it. I had nothing to do with it. Okay, okay. You had nothing to do with it. We didn't ask you that question. Then answer this.

You brought that music bar to the store on 10th Avenue a while ago, didn't you? You know I did. You saw me buy it. And you paid for it with two twenties and a ten, right? Yeah. Well, part of that money was marked. It was money that had been stolen from Deaver's department store. I said it wasn't stolen. That was a dough I got in my pay envelope. All of it? Didn't somebody else give you a part of it? No, I just earned the whole thing. Didn't George Osborne give you a part of it? Osborne... Oh, yeah. Yeah, he did. Oh. He paid me $30 a year. Okay. Now, this is very important.

How does Renfei in what denomination of bills? Well, I... Yeah. Yeah, I remember. He gave me three tens. Tens? You're sure? Sure, I'm sure. And the 20s came to you in your pay envelope, huh? Yeah. You'll swear to that in court? Of course. Okay. That does it.

Thanks, John. Hey, wait. You mean... That's all you wanted me for? It was enough. You just proved for us who stole that ten grand from the store. And the way you were acting, we almost thought it was you. We hadn't have known better all the time. But that's not the end of the story. The whistler will bring it to you in just a moment.

Meanwhile, Signal Oil Company joins with 1,800 Signal gasoline dealers throughout the West from Canada to Mexico in hoping that this has been a good Christmas for you. It wasn't the Christmas we had all hoped and prayed for. There were too many empty places at the table, too many empty places in our hearts. As we look back, we may wonder if perhaps we didn't give quite enough, not quite enough of our effort, of our money, and

and of our blood which can mean life itself to a boy at the front yet even the regrets that may change this season's gladness can prove its greatest blessing if they fire us to new determinations

to new and greater effort through the coming year until our prayers are finally answered and peace again returns to heal this confused and torn world. Yes, if as this Christmas of 1944 draws to a close, we will rededicate ourselves to this, our job, we may, each of us, hasten the realization of that ancient promise, peace on earth.

goodwill toward men. And now, back to the whistlers.

Well, quite surprising, isn't it? The police didn't suspect Mike at all. You see, it was this way. Because of his record, the cops began to tail Mike in the very beginning, when the money first began to be missed. Twice they had him under observation at the very time the money was stolen. So they knew he didn't do it. But they kept watching him in the hope he would lead them to the real thief. And he did.

Yes, because when things got hot, the thief finally tried to frame Mike by giving him some of the stolen money. Marked money this time. George Osborne? Oh, no. In fact, Osborne almost gummed things up by paying his debts.

The detectives hadn't counted on that. That's why they had to be sure which bills Osborne gave Mike. The tens weren't marked. The twenties were. The twenties Mike got on his pay envelope from Humboldt. Yes, Henry Humboldt, the office manager. You see, things were getting too hot for him. The trail was getting too close. He knew the money was marked and he knew the detectives were watching Mike.

So he gave him some of the marked bills and his severance pay, trying to frame him. It couldn't have worked, of course, but Humboldt didn't know that. And neither did Mike. And Mike almost did something he'd regretted all his life. He almost went back to a life of crime.

Yes, if the music box hadn't have jammed and started playing just when it did, and the detectives had gone off, Mike's life would have gone down the skid. Because it did play when it did. Well, next week he'll be back at the store in a better job. Yes, and he got a Christmas bonus, too. They thought of that after Humboldt was arrested. And all because the music box played.

Maybe that's why Mike said... No, sir. That music box is right there on the table where everybody can see it. Darling, I really think it means as much to you as it does to me. I guess maybe it does, Elaine. Just like the Reverend Hewitt says, a little good brings a great reward. Yeah. The rest of my life, that little gadget's gonna mean a merry Christmas. Darling...

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Mike. Merry Christmas.

Next Monday at 9 o'clock, the Signal Oil program will bring you another strange tale by the Whistler. The Signal Oil program is broadcast for your entertainment by the Signal Oil Company, marketers of Signal's famous Go-Father gasoline and motor oil, and by your neighborhood Signal Oil dealer, who is at your service daily to keep your car running for the duration.

The Signal Oil Program, produced by George W. Allen, with music by Wilbur Hatch, is transmitted to our troops overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. Bob Anderson speaking for your friend, the Signal Oil Company, and suggesting once again that you let every go signal remind you that you do go farther with Signal Gasoline. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. ♪♪

At Merrill West Credit Union, we're working towards a brighter financial future for both our members and our community, knowing that when you succeed, we all succeed. Let's get acquainted with our premier savings for new members, now paying over 20 times the national average. Another great reason to move your money to a credit union. Learn more at MerrillWest.com slash premier savings. Merrill West Credit Union, working for you today, tomorrow,

Together, insured by NCUA. When it comes to quiet luxury and contemporary elegance, Swiss watchmaker Longines stands out with over 190 years of crafting fine timepieces for dress, sport, and adventure. Throughout its history, women of distinction, including aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence, and alpine skier Michaela Schifrin have relied on Longines for their timekeeping needs. One of Longines' most sought-after models, the Mini Dolce Vita continues this tradition as an

icon of the Art Deco era, blending elegance and functionality. The collection is a modern extension of the original Dolce Vita, inspired by a Longines legend from 1927. You can choose the classic stainless steel case or opt for the eye-catching diamond bezel. So if you're looking for that perfect gift for a special someone or treating yourself this holiday season, visit Topper Jewelers to explore the full collection of Longines watches for women.

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And now, a tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. Listen now to Yuletide Miracle, starring Larry Haynes and Santos Ortega, and written especially for suspense by John Robert. Go ahead, laugh if you like. Only kids and old ladies believe in ghosts. Yeah, sure, that's what I thought too.

Until I met a chubby little guy with hair like cotton candy who called himself Sir Benjamin. But first, let me fill in the details about my meeting with Sir Benjamin. I was in one of those free eats missions along the Bowery. I ducked in there to escape a parole officer named Brannigan.

Brannigan was out to hand me a merry set of bracelets for Christmas... when he caught me. The mission was empty. I had it all to myself. Except for a skinny young punk hacking out a cough that made the benches jump. Hey. Hey, kid, you're sick. Yeah. Yeah, I know. You need a doctor. I've had a doctor. I'm wearing hospital pajamas under this suit. Oh. Yeah. Yeah, I went down the fire escape to the street... to hear...

I want to get home for Christmas finally. I've been years making up my mind to it. What are those boxes you're holding? Christmas presents for my mother, my sister Linda, my kid sister Linda. How do you like this? Oh, ladies' gold watch, huh? Yeah, it pins on the dress. Someone stole my mother's watch and sold it. This squares it.

Yeah. Uh, what's in the other box? Nylon stockings. My sister Linda's always had a... Hey, hey, kid, now come on, get a hold of yourself. Come on now. Hey, I can't get hold of these presents. If you could get them to Mrs. B. Simmons for me. Tell her that Tommy, her son, Tommy... Mrs...

B. Simmons. Hey, kid. Hey, kid. Come on, Tommy, get hold. The coughing stopped. And it was right then that Sir Benjamin, the chubby little ghost with hair like cotton candy, happened. The first I knew of him was magic, as if... as if he was announcing himself.

It was music coming from an upright piano on a platform way down the mission hall. A Christmas hymn. But look until my eyes popped out of my head, I couldn't see anybody. The piano was going, but nobody I could see was playing it. I went up to the piano and reached over the stool to see how the trick was worked.

And my hands touched something solid, like somebody sitting on the stool. And then I saw fingers, hands, skipping along the keys. Only hands, as if they had a life of their own. I don't know why, but I grabbed at them. That hurt. I bruise easily. Hey, I'm saying things, and now I'm hearing voices.

My voice, Chris. You're hearing me. Well, where are you? Right here, my boy. Why? Just be patient, and I'll rematerialize. It, uh, takes a moment or two. I saw the hands build. First arms, then elbows, shoulders, and then a body. Slowly. And then the last thing. A head with little puffs of white hair.

And then a face. A chubby face. Rosy and smiley. Well, here I am. Every bit of me I trust. Who are you? Sir Benjamin. I'm sorry if I worried you. Hey, that trick, like you were invisible. But I was invisible. Oh, come on. Nobody can do that. I can. And that's only one of my powers. But first...

Suppose we get right down to business, Chris? We have business? Of course. That boy over there on the bench. Tommy Simmons. Oh, the kid, yeah. You know, I almost forgot. He's lying there like dead. I don't dare go outside, but somebody's got to call an ambulance, do something. It's too late for Tommy. Well, now, we don't know that. We're not doctors. I know that. The problem now is, what are you going to do about his dying wish? What? Oh, yeah.

What do you mean about delivering those presents to his family? It would be fine if you deliver those presents in person. Me? Hey, now, come off it, mister. It's not my job and it's none of my business. Besides, I... I got problems of my own. Branigan? What? The parole officer? How did you know about Branigan? I'm a very versatile and talented ghost.

I also have powers of conjuration. Come again? Turn the boy's dying wish aside, and I'll conjure up Branigan. You don't think I can? I don't think you even exist. How about that? I think I'm dreaming you up. Very well. I will demonstrate. Hold on to something, Chris. Conjuration is a very cataclysmic and strenuous business. You'll definitely be safer if you hold on to something.

Don't ask me why, but I grabbed hold of the piano. That's a good thing I did, too, because the joint began to rock like an earthquake was hitting it. There. I'm finished now. This is quite a job of conjuring. But here's Branigan. Why, see? On the street, peering through the plate glass window of the mission, watching you.

Holy smoke. It is Brannigan. Hey, I gotta get out of here. I gotta find a back way out. Over here, through this yard door. Quickly. I dived into the yard where Brannigan's police wasn't blowing at me. The yard was a dead end. High building walls all around like a prison yard. No exit except a long, narrow alley to the street past Brannigan.

I flattened in the shadows a dead duck. I was listening to Brannigan shout orders that a couple of bluecoats would come running when he whistled. Watch the exit, man, while I flush him out. D'Angelo, you're trapped. Better surrender peacefully. Do you hear me, D'Angelo? Trapped was the word, like a rat. Oh, the pity. Too bad, Chris.

What's the penalty for violation of parole? A year, maybe two. Oh, you were a big help shooing me into the yard. There I go, talking to myself again. You're talking to me. I could really be a big help. Give up, D'Angelo. Don't make me take you the hard way. Think fast, Chris. You were to respect Tommy Simmons' dying wish. You were to go home for Christmas in his place. Okay, okay. If I was to, then what? Then Branigan goes empty-handed...

In order to catch you, he must first see you. Oh, sure, sure. Brannigan's suddenly gonna go stone blind, huh? No. You are becoming invisible. It was a laugh. But the laugh was I was invisible. At least to Brannigan I was. He came right toward me with a flashlight in one hand and a gun in the other. Only he looked right through me as if he didn't see me. D'Angelo!

I know you gotta be in this yard. I watched him spurt every inch. And then scratch his head and give up. Now, Chris, for your part of the bargain, here are Tommy's presents. Go deliver them. Now, look, I'll leave here and only run into Brannigan outside somewhere. Now, what about that? You remain invisible until you've arrived at your destination. That is, as long as you remain faithful to your mission.

Go, Chris. Okay, okay. Wait a minute, wait a minute. Where am I going? Where do I find this Mrs. B. Simmons? Not far. Just a brief train ride to a neighboring town. The town, Chris, is Bethlehem.

As Sir Benjamin had promised, it was a brief train ride. But funny, I felt like I'd come a long, long way. It was a deserted train shed with snow packed high. The station sign turned silver by the moon red.

Not for him. Not a soul in sight. No, no. There was someone. A girl. A girl in high boots, a snow hat, and the moon on her cheeks. She was coming toward me. Hello. Uh, hello. Are you Chris? Yeah, yeah. My name is Chris. I'm Linda. Linda Simmons. I came to drive you home.

Just like that. Just like what? Well, I mean, no explanations. Like you knew I was here. And how come you know my name? Oh, I was told you were coming. And told your name, too. You were told? Somebody telephoned. Oh. Yeah, he telephoned. He wasn't kidding when he said he was a talented ghost. Say, you came right at me just now. That means you saw me. You can see me, huh?

See you? Yeah, yeah. Face, hands, body, me. I'm a guy. You look at me and you see a guy. No. I cannot see you. Then I am invisible. No. It's just that I'm blind. Ah, that drive home. Let's take it now. There was a horse-drawn sleigh around the side of the shed.

Silver bells on the reins and a horse whose name had to be Dobbin. Uh, you drove this rig all the way here by yourself? No, you don't drive, Dobbin. He knows every inch of the way to the Bethlehem station. You see, we've been coming here every night for years. Nice and slow and easy. I've been running since I was born and now I was asking myself, what for? A guy can't stay tough in a horse-drawn rig in the snow.

And when Linda put her hand on mine, I opened my fist for the first time I could remember. We reached home.

A framed cottage, nothing fancy, with a candle burning brightly in the window. Come in, Chris. Mother! Right here, Linda. Oh, Mother, this is Chris. Welcome home, Chris. Oh, yeah, thanks. It's a nice place you got here, Mrs. Simmons. Oh, I'm so glad you like it. Yeah, I...

I don't exactly know how to say this, Mrs. Simmons. You see, I'm just a mug. I quit school the minute I learned how to tell the teacher off. So if I ain't got the right words... You don't have to have the right words, Chris. You don't even have to get it said. You see, I know. You know? About Tommy? Yes. All about Tommy. Well, how... Oh, there's somebody...

Somebody talked to you on the phone, too, huh? Yes, somebody telephoned me. Well, the last thing the kid thought about was you and Linda and coming home for Christmas. And he asked me to give you these. A gold watch for you, Mrs. Simmons. Oh, Chris. These for you, Linda. Nylon stockings. Thank you. It's nothing big, I guess, but Tommy didn't have much to give the way it was with him. You're wrong, Chris.

Tommy had a great deal to give, and in his way, he gave it. I don't follow. A boy come home. Tommy couldn't come home himself, so he sent you to us, Chris. You can say about me that I was born in 1935 and I stopped crying in 1936 at the ripe old age of one. And you can say about me that I let a tear go I never knew I had. Christmas, 1961. Linda. Linda.

Yes, Chris? Don't get me wrong. You know, it's no crime being poor. Say it, Chris. Well, it's like this. It's Christmas, but I don't see any tree. And I've been sniffing close enough to the kitchen to know there's nothing roasting in that oven. You're disappointed? Oh, no, no, no, no. Is it all right if I borrow Dobbin outside? All right. Of course it's all right, Chris. Oh.

Put me down as a guy who never knows when to shut up. A tree and a turkey? Sure, lady. Nothing to it. Presto, Mephisto, I'm a magician. Here's your tree, lady, and here's your bird. What? Quite a remarkable feat of magic, Chris. Presto, Mephisto, eh? Sir Benjamin, I was wondering when you'd show up to Kibbutz. You are here, Sir Benjamin. Yes, but...

Immaterially. And please don't ask me to rematerialize, Chris. I dare not show my face in Bethlehem. Why not? I lived here once before my present situation. I wasn't very popular with my townspeople, I'm afraid. What did they have against you? Bills.

I died owing the butcher, the baker, and even the undertaker. Let's get back to your problem. Yeah, a tree and a turkey, and it's your problem. I'm dumping it right into your lap. You got me into this in the first place. I see. Had you any money? Not a plug nickel, and even if I had, the town is shut tight. But you're a talented ghost. A tree and a turkey ought to be a cinch. You got any ideas on it, Sir Benjamin? Only one. One.

My customary way of acquiring necessary things while I was alive. Your customary way? Credit Chris. And I hope never to be a borrower again. But I suppose it can't be helped. And just where do we borrow this tree in Turkey? From Uncle Cale's poultry farm. It's just past the merchant's bank a short drive. Well, I'm a stranger here. Move over. I'll take the reins.

Get out there. There aren't any ghosts and call me crazy, but Sir Benjamin drove the rig at a smart clip to a farm stacked with freshly cut trees. Take your pick of tree and carry it to the rig. And Chris. Yeah, what? No unnecessary disturbance. I owe Uncle Cale a formidable bill already. I threw the tree on the rig and went back. Sir Benjamin was coming out of a poultry house carrying a great big fat turkey. There's a job persuading this feathered fellow. Here. Here.

Take the leash and be on your way. Well, wait a minute. Where are you going? To leave a receipt for Uncle Cale for one tree and one turkey. I'd sure like to be there when he reads it. So would I, Chris. So would I. I hurried back to the rig right into the arms of trouble. Brannigan. Hello, D'Angelo. What? Run and you won't get ten yards. Okay, okay.

What did you do? Look into a crystal ball to find out where I was? I didn't have to. I just took the same train you took. Ah, baloney. You had to see me to be able to do that. I had to see you. But were you invisible or something? Sure, sure I was invisible. The Angela you killed me. Invisible. Oh, yeah? All right, what about me out behind the mission? You walked right past me. You played your flash right on me, but you couldn't see me. How about that? I'll answer that one.

Maybe I didn't see you because I didn't want to see you. And now what? That's the truth, D'Angelo. I didn't want to catch you. I had to make noises like wanting to because I'm a cop. But I didn't want to make the arrest. Not on Christmas, D'Angelo. Well, you're making the arrest now. Maybe I'm not. But why'd you tell me all the way here? To see what you were up to. To see if you really had a heart. So, you're bringing the Simmons, a tree, and a turkey...

Well, now, how do you know about the Simmons? I knew Tommy Simmons. I saw him pass you those presents in the mission before he died. I phoned Mrs. Simmons and Linda that you were coming. It was you who telephoned? Me, sure. Who'd you think? What's it? I thought Sir Bench. You thought who, D'Angelo? Never mind. Skip it. Now, I'll ask one question, and then maybe I'll leave. Now, think carefully before you answer. Go ahead. Go ahead. Ask. Ask.

If I arranged for you to keep in touch with the parole officer by mail, providing those letters were postmarked Bethlehem, would you like it that way? Would I? Brannigan, where else does a guy want to write letters from but home? That's almost all there is to the story of Sir Benjamin, me, Brannigan, Mrs. Simmons, and Linda.

We had to take the door down to get the tree into the house, and we had to find an extra stomach apiece to accommodate the turkey. And then later, with the fire going and the lights down low, Linda and I sat dreaming on the sofa. I had my fist open with the keeps, and her hand was right in mine, like it belonged there.

It's been a perfectly wonderful Christmas, Chris. Yeah, yeah, wonderful. And thanks to you, we had a tree and a turkey. Well, thanks to me. Now, the tree and turkey wasn't my trick. The tree and the turkey were? Chris, what are you saying? No, no, really, the thanks goes to another guy. A chubby little guy who sure has a talent for getting what he wants.

His name's Sir Benjamin. Sir Benjamin? Yeah. Why? Well, the coincidence of names. I used to call my father Sir Benjamin in play. Oh, we'd play lord and lady. My father and I, he'd call me Princess Linda, and I'd call him Sir Benjamin. The coincidence of names, you said, huh? Linda, suppose...

Suppose it isn't a coincidence. But my father died years ago. Yeah, so did my Sir Benjamin. The guy I'm talking about is a ghost. A ghost? Yeah. A ghost like I met in a mission when your brother Tommy died. All of a sudden, a piano started going. Piano music, but nobody I could see was playing. Really? Huh? A piano is playing.

Yeah. Yeah, so it is. Hey, you want to bet it's Sir Benjamin? Bet? But how can you prove it? Well, easy. I toss a turkey wing at the piano stool. I bet you Sir Benjamin lets out a yell and complains about how easily he bruises. Do we bet? What will we bet, Chris? A kiss. That way, Linda. Yeah.

Nobody loses. Suspense. You've been listening to Yuletide Miracles, starring Larry Haynes and Santos Ortega, and written especially for suspense by John Roberts.

Next week, instead of another tale well calculated to keep you in suspense, a gala song fest, well calculated to put you in a bright holiday mood. The seventh annual Christmas Sing with Bing will come your way over the CBS radio network next Sunday evening, Christmas Eve. Singing along with Bing, Catherine Crosby, the Norma Luboff Choir, and those two fugitives from The Met, Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snurd.

Suspense is produced and directed by Bruno Zorato Jr. Music supervision by Ethel Huber. Featured in tonight's story were Rosemary Rice as Linda, Joe DeSantis as Branigan, Catherine Roth as Mrs. Simmons, and Bill Lipton as Tommy. Two weeks from today, we'll return with The Old Man, written by Bob Corcoran. Another tale well calculated to keep you in... Suspense.

At Merrow West Credit Union, we're working towards a brighter financial future for both our members and our community, knowing that when you succeed, we all succeed. Let's get acquainted with our premier savings for new members, now paying over 20 times the national average. Another great reason to move your money to a credit union. Learn more at merrowwest.com slash premier savings. Merrow West Credit Union, working for you. Today, tomorrow, together.

Insured by NCUA. At Merrill West Credit Union, we're working towards a brighter financial future for both our members and our community, knowing that when you succeed, we all succeed. Let's get acquainted with our premier savings for new members, now paying over 20 times the national average. Another great reason to move your money to a credit union. Learn more at merrillwest.com slash premier savings. Merrill West Credit Union, working for you today.

Tomorrow, together, insured by NCUA. At Merrill West Credit Union, we're working towards a brighter financial future for both our members and our community, knowing that when you succeed, we all succeed. Let's get acquainted with our premier savings for new members, now paying over 20 times the national average.

We'll be right back.

Suspense.

Presented by Roma Wines. Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. Salud. Roma toasts the world. The wine for your table is Roma. Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. This is the man in black. Here for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. To introduce this weekly half hour, suspense. Tonight in Hollywood, Roma brings you as star, Mr. Peter Lorre.

The suspense play which stars Mr. Lorre and which is produced and directed by William Spear is called Back for Christmas. In this series, Roma brings you tales calculated to intrigue you, stir your nerves, to offer you a precarious situation and then withhold the solution until the last possible moment. And so with Back for Christmas and with the performance of Peter Lorre, we again hope to keep you in suspense.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Oh, what fun it is to run... Yes, my dear? What on earth are you doing down here in the cellar? Oh, just doing a little digging. And why, may I ask, have you chosen this day of all days to dig up the cellar floor? Oh, I thought because the weather has been so damp, this would be a good time to plant that little devil's garden I told you about. Devil's garden? Whatever nonsense is that?

Don't you remember that was my little joke about it? You see, I've managed to get hold of the spores of several unclassified wild orchids. In a wild state, they bloom under damp masses of leaf mold. The South American Indians call them devil flowers because they appear to bloom under the ground. Well, I'm sure the South American Indians would be very interested if you succeed in growing these ridiculous flowers under the cellar floor. Whom else it will interest, I can't imagine.

terrible smell. Oh, that's the leaf mold. Chemically, identically with the earth blanket they grow under in a wild state. And I want to get these started before we close the house. Do you realize that we're sailing for America a week from today and you've made no arrangements whatever? Unless you call digging a hole in the cellar making arrangements. I certainly don't. Devil's garden indeed. Sometimes

Sometimes I think you're going soft in the head, Hubert. Oh, I suppose it is inconsiderate of me, you see. And I've been wanting to try this experiment for a long time, but with all those lectures and seminars at the university, there never seemed to be enough time. Well, there certainly isn't any time for it now.

I suppose you've forgotten I made an appointment for you at the barber's this afternoon. Must I shave my beard off, Hermione? I thought we'd been through all that. Of course you must. They don't wear beards in America. Bad enough you're speaking with that accent.

They'll probably think we're Germans as it is. Oh, I should think it would be quite easy just to explain that I'm Swiss. Now, Hubert, don't be argumentative. Go and get your jacket on and do as I tell you. Yes, Hermione. And don't forget to take your umbrella. It looks like rain. Yes, Hermione. And don't look so put upon, Hubert.

Someone has to plan things in this house. Never even get to the university in time for your lectures, much less make arrangements for a trip to America. I know, but what about my specimens? There'll be plenty of time to plant your precious devil's garden when we get home from America. We're not going to be gone forever, you know. We'll be back here for Christmas. Yes, of course. Back for Christmas. I'd forgotten. Well, try to remember it. And if you can't do that, just do as I tell you. I've been

I've been making the plans in this house for 20 years. And if there's any digging to be done, I'll manage that as well. You understand, Hubert? Yes, Hermione. Good.

Now, you have just 20 minutes to clean up this mess down here and keep your appointment at the bar. And when you finish there, I want you to come straight home. All right. Oh, I wanted to stop at Miss Markham's and pick up some books I ordered. Well, all right. But don't loiter there the whole afternoon moiling over those old books the way you usually do. Now hurry and clear up this rubbish. Get rid of that smelly. And no more digging, mind you. No more digging. I'll show her.

I'll have my devil's garden and if I... No more digging. No more digging. Fifteen men on a dead man's chest. Yoo-hoo! You'll let us back off. Good evening, sir. Good evening, Miss Markham. What...

It is Professor Schumacher, isn't it? Do you like me better this way? You look ever so much younger without the beard. Twenty years at least. Twenty years? Oh, you'll be glad to know those books you ordered have finally arrived. Twenty years? Oh, yes, the books. Let me see. The Phytotomy of Falloid Gametophytes and Coniferous Shrubs of North America. Those are the ones you ordered, aren't they? Yes, thank you. You're very kind, Miss Markle.

Why, kind Professor Schumacher. Well, not many young ladies in bookshops would go out of their way to look up rare books for an old professor, pardon me. Why, you're not old, Professor Schumacher.

Really, you look... What do I look like? And besides, I adore Barton. He's my particular hobby. Oh, really? You've never told me that before, Miss Markham. Well, I was afraid to. You look so imposing with the beard and all. Oh, Miss Markham, forgive me if this sounds foolish, but since talking with you today, I feel that shaving off my beard is the most important thing I've done for 20 years. Oh, it is. I'm sure it is. 20?

I'm so sorry that I've been so distant with you all this time. Oh, there were times when I almost spoke up. Oh, really? Times when you came in here tired after a day with your students at the university. You seemed so alone, the way I'm alone in the world. Alone? I'd like to have asked you to stay a while and talk with me, but some way or other I...

I always wound up giving you your change and letting you go on your way. Say, you... you're alone in the world? Since my father died. Oh, Miss... Miss Markham, did... did you never think of marrying? My father was a very remarkable man. I never found anyone who seemed to measure up to what he led me to expect of men. Miss Markham... It's been so long since anyone called me by my first name. I'd like you to if you want to. It's Marion. Marion. Oh, my... And yours? Yes.

Hubertus. But in English, Hubert sounds better. How long have you been alone, Hubert? Alone? I knew you were a widower, of course. The first time I saw you. A widower. I can always tell there's a certain sadness in a man's eyes. A sweet sadness, I think, when he's been married and then lost... A widower. I never thought of it in quite that way. Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been talking like this, I suppose. But I've often wondered what she must have been like. Your wife, I mean. Hermione? Hermione?

Poor woman.

She must have loved you very much. But she needn't have put herself out so. It's plain to see you don't need things managed for you. No. You need companionship, I think. Someone sympathetic with your work. But the last thing on earth you need is a manager. How well you put it. The last thing on earth. Operator. Operator, are you there? I'm still waiting on that call to Salisbury. Well, put them on quickly. Hello. Is this Paul Houlton, son's?

It's Mrs. Hubert Schumacher. Did you receive my letter? Good. Now remember, we'll be back for Christmas and I want the job done without fail. What's that? No. No, I'm sure he doesn't suspect anything. Send it to me in New York as I instructed you, addressed in my name, of course. Yes. I've already put them in the mail. You'll get them tomorrow. Thank you. Thank you so much. Here you are, Hubert. Where have you been? Oh, back stairs. I dismissed the servants.

Dismiss the servants? Mm-hmm. But I've asked some friends of mine into a farewell lunch and go and tell them it's a mistake. Well, I'm afraid it's too late now. They've packed and gone. You have messed things up properly. How many times have I told you to leave things to me? I make the plans around here. Yes, Hermione. You have to do better than this when I plan the trip home or we'll never in the world be back for Christmas. Back for Christmas. Back for Christmas. Must you keep saying that? Why not?

We are coming back for Christmas, aren't we? Well, supposing I were offered a professorship in one of those wealthy American universities? Nonsense. Americans care nothing for botany. Well, Luther Burbank was an American, wasn't he? That's different. What have you ever done except muck around in the dirt with a lot of roots and tubers? Well, they asked me to lecture, didn't they? All right, all right. Now, there's no use getting yourself in a state about this, Hubert.

No doubt this extra money will come in very handy when we arrive back... Back for Christmas, I know. Precisely. No good to make a joke of it. Heaven knows where you'd be today if I hadn't got a sense of time. Yes, Hermione. And as you've been so foolish as to dismiss the servants, you may empty the ashtrays and straighten up this room while we're waiting for the guests to arrive. I'm going in to have my bath. Call me when they get here. Marion, it's Hubert. No, no, darling, no, nothing is wrong.

My plans are the same, unless you have changed. No? We'll meet in New York, then, and be married there. I'll explain to you why later. You just have to trust me. Yes. Yes, madame. I'm so sorry. I can't talk any longer. Yes, I'll meet you in New York, without fail. Auf Wiedersehen, mein Liebchen. Yes, yes, Hermione. Whoever was it? Oh...

Freddy. Freddy Sinclair. Didn't I hear you say something about meeting somebody in New York? Why, Freddy said he might possibly get over there before we even leave. And I said, of course, we'd meet him there if he decided to go. That seems very peculiar.

But then all of your friends are peculiar. Yes, Hermione. And just look at your jacket. Have you been digging in that cellar again? Yes, Hermione. Well, there's no need for it. You can't possibly get that devil's garden thing finished before we sail for America. Go and change your clothes before the guests arrive. Oh, never mind. I see somebody coming up the walk now. Go and let them in. Yes, Hermione.

Hubert! Yes? Look out the window. There's Professor and Mrs. Goodenough, but who's that with them? Who? Precisely. Freddie Sinclair. Peculiar. You should have been talking to him on the phone not three minutes ago, and now here he is. Yes, isn't it? But then, as you see, Hermione, all of my friends are peculiar. Not half so peculiar as you. Digging in the cellar the very day we leave for America. Just look at yourself.

And now that I think of it... Yes? Yes?

Oh, never mind. Go and let them in. Oh, you were going to ask me something, Hermione, about the hole I'm digging in a cellar. Good heavens, stop rolling your eyes about that way. One would think you were digging a grave down there instead of a storage bin. Yes, Hermione. What's that? I said yes, Hermione. Father, open the door and please stop saying yes, Hermione. I think, my dear, I have said it for the last time.

A professor of botany, his loving wife, and an oblong pit in the cellar. Just the right size for his botanical specimens, his devil's garden. With these ingredients for a story of a perfect crime, Back for Christmas by John Collier and starring Peter Lorre, the Roma Wine Company closes the curtain for a moment on another breathless study in suspense. Suspense.

In this brief intermission in the play, it's pleasant to think about the holidays. Not everyone celebrates the holidays against a background of snow and pine trees. Somewhere south of the Gulf and the Caribbean, in a gracious home surrounded by palm trees and the warm sun, you might find holiday dinners ending this way. One moment, please. Our North American guest wishes to propose a toast. Yes, mis amigos.

I drink a toast in gratitude to you for your gracious hospitality and the enjoyment you've given me, an American so far from home. It is only a fair exchange, my friend. This wine in which you drink your toast, it brings enjoyment to us from your country, from America. It is Roma wine, made in your own California. Yes, and when you choose the wine for your holiday table, remember this.

© BF-WATCH TV 2021

So serve Roma wine with pride on any and all holiday occasions. Serve Roma II for everyday dinners. You can afford two. Ask your dealer tomorrow for your favorite Roma wine, America's largest selling wine. But before you buy wine, buy Warbond. And now it is with pleasure that we bring back to our soundstage Mr. Peter Lorre in Act II of Back for Christmas.

A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. Back for Christmas. Hermione was so positive we would be back for Christmas, that last afternoon, pouring tea out for a few friends who had come in to say a last minute farewells,

She kept reiterating it. Now, mind you, Hermione, don't let those Americans lure your husband with one of their fat university jobs. We absolutely must have you with us for Christmas. He shall be back, I promise you. Well, it's not absolutely certain, of course. Hubert, now, what do you mean it's not certain? Of course it's...

After all, you, Miss Elver, you've contracted to lecture for only three months. Oh, that's quite right, but then, of course, anything may happen. Hubert adores being unpredictable. Now, what other man would decide the day, the very day, mind you, before leaving for America, to dig a great hole in the floor of the cellar?

the cellar. The cellar? Yes. He's going to put some unclassified wild orchids down there. A devil's garden, if you please. It sounds so mysterious. That's Hubert, though. It's really quite simple, however, once you find out what he's up to. Now, take the telephone call he put through to you a few minutes ago, Freddy. To me? Of course. Now, Hubert wanted to surprise me about your plan to meet us in New York next month. Wasn't

Wasn't that why he called? To ask you not to mention it?

My dear Hermione, Hubert couldn't possibly have telephoned me within the past hour. I've been walking in the park since three. He didn't telephone you? Well, how could he? Just for my going to America. No, no, no, no, no. Come, Freddy, come. You may as well confess. Hermione has just found me out again. But, Hubert, old chap, I really don't... You see what a poor liar Hubert makes. He's red as a beetroot. Aren't you ashamed of yourself, Professor? Stringing poor Hermione along like that.

And as for you, Freddy, I'm furious you said nothing to us about going to America. But look here, old girl. I've been trying to tell everyone here that I'm... Oh, stop it now. The game's gone on long enough. Besides, we must start getting ready. Now, it was marvelous of all of you to come in to say goodbye. And don't worry about Hubert's little jokes. We'll bring him back for Christmas. You may rely on it.

They all believed her. For years, she had been promising me for dinner parties, garden parties, committees, and the promises had always been kept. This time, they would not be. I had seen to that. The servants were gunned for good. The farewells all said. I had time to the minute how long it would take to fill in a hole in a cellar. My devil's garden.

Upstairs in a bedroom, I undressed and put on my old bathrobe. And then I opened the door into Hermione's room. Oh, uh, Hermione, have you a moment to spare? Of course, dear. I'm just finished. Oh, then will you come in here for a moment, please? There's something rather extraordinary here. Oh, good heavens, what are you...

What are you lounging about in that filthy old bathroom for? I told you to put it into the furnace. Oh, I'll do it. I'll do it today. Yes, well, I will. I promise. Well, high time. Now, what is it you want to show me? Oh, here, here, in the bathroom. Just look. Who in the world do you suppose dropped a gold chain down the bathtub drain? Nobody has, of course. Nobody wears such a thing. Then what is it doing in here? I don't

see anything? Well, look. I'll hold this flashlight here for you. If you lean right over, you can see it shining. It's deep down. Such a lot of nonsense, just as well. Well, I don't see it, Hubert. Well, go on looking, Hermione, in just a moment. Hubert, I absolutely refuse to...

Gilbert, what are you doing? Take your hands off my neck! I will, Hermione. Just as soon as I've finished the arrangements for my trip to America. What are you talking about? You thought you were the only one who could plan things, didn't you? Didn't you, Hermione, huh? Well, I've been making some plans of my own this past week. In exactly two minutes and sixteen seconds, you'll be dead!

You see? You see, I planned it very accurately. You'll never get away with it. Oh, I thought you would say that, Hermione, but I will get away with it. You won't mind the smell of the leaf mold down in the cellar when I take you down there today? Yes. Yes.

That is where you are going, Hermione. Right into my devil's garden. That annoyed you so much. My friends all expect me back for Christmas. They do. If they don't hear from me, they'll start asking questions. No, they won't. Because you'll write them letters, Hermione. On the typewriter, as you always do. They'll be signed...

H. In that neat, correcting way you always sign your notes to your friends. Here, let me up now. No! It won't work, Hubert. You were never any good at planning things. Oh, but I have changed. I have learned from watching you all these years. The lecture people in America, they'll expect you to be traveling with your wife. I will be traveling with my wife, but not my present wife, Hermione. Hubert! Hubert!

It won't work, I tell you. That pit you dug in the cellar... Oh, it will work. It'll serve its purpose well. Hubert! No, no, I'm sorry, dear. This thing has to be done exactly as planned. You have just five seconds to say your prayers. Hubert, you must listen. The cellar, it... Don't do it! Let her mind it! Let her mind it!

Oh, uh, Stuart? Yes, sir? Oh, my wife, she's indisposed. She'll be taking her meals in our stateroom. For the whole voyage, sir? Yes, for the whole voyage. I trust your wife is feeling better this morning, Professor Schumacher? A little. Not yet well enough to leave her cabin. Oh, what a shame. Oh, Professor Schumacher? Yes? Here's a copy of the radiogram you sent for your wife last evening. Oh, thank you. I'll just check it over with...

Oh, but look. Look here. Why? What's the matter? Did the typist make a mistake? No. No. It's nothing important. She can correct it later. For a moment, I had a feeling that Hermione had been leaning over my shoulder again, correcting what I had written she always did. I had written a radiogram to Professor Goodenough and his wife.

Haven't been out of my cabin the whole beastly trip, Hubert, well. Now, doubt will be back for Christmas. But the operator had left out the W and it read, doubt will be back for Christmas. Exactly what Hermione would have written. The rest of the trip was uneventful. Marion and I met in New York just as we had planned. Just as we had planned.

Professor and Mrs. Schumacher, we have reservations, I believe. Oh, yes, we've been expecting you, sir. Boy, take Professor and Mrs. Schumacher's luggage up to their suite. You know, Mrs. Schumacher, you're quite a surprise. Your letter reserving the rooms was so thorough, I was expecting an older, more forbidding sort of person, frankly, man. No. As a matter of fact, we're just married, but I... My letter reserving the rooms? Oh, I...

I wrote the letter, my dear, and I signed it Mrs. Hubert Schumacher. Just a joke. What a cunning old fox you are, Hubert. Now that I think of it, I... Oh, I almost forgot. Letter for you, Mrs. Schumacher. That's peculiar. Oh, well, we'll find out in good time. Come along, darling. Oh, we are keeping the boy waiting. Come on. Oh, my God.

Nothing like a cold, brisk shower to put a man to rest. Hubert, this letter. Oh, yes, the letter. Dry my hair, will you, darling? Please. It seems to be a bill of some sort from a building contractor in Salisbury. Oh, really? Oh, bother, dry your own hair. Thank you, darling. Let's see this bill or whatever it is. It's very puzzling. Hubert, you were a widower, weren't you? I mean, Hermione isn't still alive. Good heavens, no. Well, let me read that. Mm-hmm.

Dear madame, this is to acknowledge your order to... Together with the keys to your house in Launceston Place. Our man had no difficulty in finding the place... where your husband had begun the excavation in a cellar... but apparently he changed his mind at the last moment and filled it in again. What is it, Hubert? Our man will begin digging tomorrow... and the job will be completed in ample time for your surprise...

Christmas present to your husband. We are happy to be conspirators with you in this thoughtful gesture and hope that Professor Schumacher will be pleased at the results of our work on his devil's garden. Be truly yours, old son's contractors. What does it mean, Hubert? Means... means that Hermione was right. I will be back for Christmas soon.

Her movie. Back for Christmas! Back for Christmas! Back for money! And so closes Back for Christmas. Starring Mr. Peter Lorre. Tonight's tale of... Suspend. In just a moment, we shall hear again from Mr. Lorre. But first, just a word that seems appropriate. One of the world's oldest customs is the Christmas toast. And traditionally, down through centuries of war and peace, the Christmas toast has been drunk in wine...

This year, when the glasses are filled and raised once again, we know that in every home the toast will be to a speedy victory and a speedy return of those we love. And before we set the wine glasses down, let us all resolve to do everything within our power to help make that toast come true. Let us resolve to help supply the weapons of war by buying even more and more war bonds. Let us resolve to face our own inconveniences without complaining.

And above all, let us resolve that when this war is at last over, each of us will exert all our effort to see that future Christmases truly express peace on earth, goodwill to men. This thought, together with our very best wishes of the season, is the Roma Wine Company's Christmas message for you, its friends, here in America and throughout the world. This is Peter Laurie.

Thank you for listening to our suspense play this evening, and I know you're looking forward to next week's show as I am. It is called Finishing School, and its subtitle might be the famous quotation, the female of the species is more deadly than the male.

Don't forget then, next Thursday, same time, for Margot, Elsa Lanchester, Janet Beecher, and a distinguished all-feminine cast in Suspense. Presented by Roma Wines, R-O-M-A. Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

Thanks for listening! If you like what you heard, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes. If you like the show, please, share it with someone you know who loves old-time radio or the paranormal or strange stories, true crime, monsters, or unsolved mysteries like you do.

You can email me and follow me on social media through the Weird Darkness website. WeirdDarkness.com is also where you can listen to free audiobooks I've narrated, get the email newsletter, visit the store for creepy and cool Weird Darkness merchandise. You can find other podcasts that I host. Plus, it's where you can find the Hope in the Darkness page if you or someone you know is struggling with depression, addiction, or thoughts of harming yourself or others. You can find all of that and more at WeirdDarkness.com.

I'm Darren Marlar. Thanks for joining me for this episode of Weird Darkness' Retro Radio.

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