 Now whistler I am the whistler and I know many things or 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 the whistler's strange story borrowed future The late afternoon sun a red ball of fire Lingered on the rim of the distant mountain and long shadows were creeping across the valley floor as Phil Hodges stood at the window of the construction company office Watch the approach of the car along the narrow dusty roadway leading up to the newly erected almost completed dam He had no way of knowing of course that because of that car It's occupant and new and never to be forgotten chapter in his life was about to be written I Affiliate well what do you know Jim Jim Welch? Why you fell for and say this is a surprise what brings you around business my boy stopped by your rooming house over at Willow Pass The doll told me I find you here and oh boy. What a doll. Yeah, that'll be Claudia What's he doing in a hick town like Willow Pass? Don't tell me she runs a boarding house her mother does Mrs. Hackett wouldn't care to put in a good word for no towel. Would you with mrs. Hackett sure? The doll buster never mind mrs. Hackett. Hey, that's my territory. Oh So that's it, huh? Figures you want to look around see some of the old gang. Yeah. Yeah later Hey pop done. I can still you night watch one. Yeah, sure is that boss of yours around no mr. Grayson's up in Portland on business won't be back for another week That's a speaking of business, sir. Can we go inside talk sure come on How you been doing Jim? So-so I knew the going to be a little rough when I left this outfit started in business for myself, but I've managed I'm glad to hear it made a lot of contacts to fill One of them is about to pay off big good. Good Yeah, I got a bit in on a job in Nevada a big one chance. I've been waiting for I'm sure I can land it only I'm gonna have to get some heavy equipment. Wow Remember old man Faraday. Yeah, sure. He's still in business. Yeah The old war house is gonna retire on I can pick up a lot of this stuff for a song. How much? 20,000 You're whistling quite a tune pal. I can manage about half of it. I'm looking for a guy who can put up the rest That's why I came to see you. So me Oh, I'm sure I can get the financing elsewhere, but I wanted to give you a crack at it first Well, thanks Jim. I know you thought for a long time wanting to get out on your own Remember I used to talk about it in the old days. Yeah, just pipe three for me at least doesn't have to be I'm offering you a chance to come in with me a partnership Yeah, be your own boss. I'm gonna set up an office in San Francisco want you to take over look Phil No more long road trips staying in crummy hotels cheap food hick town. Oh, stop. You're killing me. Listen Jim You know, I'd go for it in a minute only. I just don't have the money. Well, couldn't you borrow it? How about that uncle of yours? You're a little Fred Remember the last time I hid in for a few bucks. Well, sure But that was to pay off a gambling debt. You've been a pretty steady boy since then this time It's different. It's a chance for you to go into business for yourself. Yeah You know Jim, maybe you're right. He might come through How soon would you need the money? Well, I'm on my way over to the coast should be passing back this way in a couple of days All right, Jim. I'll see what I can do It's the opportunity you've long been waiting for isn't it Phil and more important It would mean the end of the dull boring field trip Instead you'd have a comfortable air-cooled office in the city a fine apartment good food and good time It's what you've always wanted isn't it? That evening you're at the boarding house pacing back and forth along the front porch Everybody's there by now. I told you Claudia soon as I get that phone call Fine thing Maybe I should have gone with Johnny when he asked me. Okay. Maybe you should have or with Ralph or Frank I Know there are a dozen guys in this town who fall all over themselves for a chance to take you out small time You see what I mean Yeah Oh, I'm I'm sorry. I barked at you like that, baby You're just silly about something that's all Phone call everything to do with it has everything to do with it. Look. I wasn't gonna keep this as a surprise, but Well, the call I'm expecting is for my uncle in San Francisco. I phoned him earlier today offered him a proposition He said he'd think it over and let me know tonight So that's it gonna mean a lot to both of us, baby You'd like to get out of his hick town, wouldn't you? Would I you can have all the things you've always wanted an apartment in the city smart clothes night clubs? Oh, that could be Uncle Fred now. Wait here, baby Keep your fingers crossed. Oh darling. What it is we're in baby. The old boy is gonna let me have the money He's sending me a check in the morning You're on your way now aren't you Phil? Yes, the realization of a dream and the future looks bright for it For two days you wait eagerly for your uncle's check, but it doesn't come And then on the morning of the third day Jim Welsh returns from his trip to the coast and stops at the boarding house Look Phil, maybe the old gen changed his mind. No, no, he gave me his word Jim. I know Uncle Fred He'll send it. Okay, but I've got to get up to Medford and close that deal with Faraday Look, I've been trying to get my uncle on the phone, but there's no answer. Can you give me till this afternoon? Sure, sure Phil. I'll check it at the hotel. I could use some shut-eye to trip to the coast push me Call me when you get some word, huh? I will Jim Hello, baby. I heard you talking to somebody. Yeah, fellow. I was telling you about Jim Welsh Yes for the money. Yeah Mailman's been here and gone. No check Feel I was such a wonderful chance for both of us. Yeah, but there's nothing to do now, but forget about it But you can't forget about it You can't let an opportunity like this slip by The checks been delayed that's all Probably over the main post office in Twin Falls right now. Yeah, I thought of that. I got a roll over there anyway I'll ask That's right You have to drive over to the bank there, don't you? Yeah Pick up the company payroll Phil, when are you leaving for Twin Falls in a few minutes? Why? Thought I'd ride over with you. Sure. I just feel like going for a drive and besides I Have an idea. I'd like to talk over with you Hello, Jim, this is Phil. Look, I'm falling from Twin Falls leaving right away I should be back in well past by two this afternoon. Wait for me. Yeah, you'll get the check for me No, no, but I've made some other Arrangements, I have the money for you Jim all of it 10 grand in cash It's done. Isn't it still you've borrowed ten thousand dollars at the company payroll money Turned it over to your new partner Jim Welsh. It was a risky move, but you're certain everything will work out As soon as your uncle's check arrived and you're certainly will you'll replace the money You took from the grace and construction company and be in the clear But that evening as you're having dinner with Claudia Yeah, I thought this was supposed to be a celebration. Why so long? I'm sorry Something on your mind Yeah The payroll money that's it isn't it. I've been thinking about it all day. I wish I hadn't used it Well, I started regretting at the moment Jim left town. I shouldn't have touched it What is wrong, that's why easy easy you want the whole world to know What are you worried about you're gonna pay it back aren't you when your uncle's check arrives? Yes So you've only borrowed gracing ten thousand for a little while. That's all it still isn't right. Well, maybe not but it's done Yeah, yeah, it's done Look darling, maybe if I told gracing explain why I did it What good would that do I could make him understand. Oh sure get a great big laugh over it Now you've been dipping into the chill out touch touch my boy help yourself anytime feel free Come off it Phil Anyway, you can't tell gracing. He's in Portland But he'll be back in a few days and by that time this whole thing will be cleared up Your uncle's check will surely arrive tomorrow. You will replace gracing's money and that'll be the end of it I hope it will be Come on Phil snap out of it things will work out As soon as you get your uncle's check you'll feel different about all of it Yes, perhaps Claudie is right again Phil But the following morning you're shocked to discover there's still no check in the mail Something's wrong Phil very wrong And when you reach the construction company office, you're in for another shot. Hello Phil Mr. Creason, I thought you were still up in Portland. Yeah, well, I finished my affairs a little earlier than I expected Say I phoned you yesterday, but the boys said that you've gone over to Twin Falls pick up the ferro money Yes, that's right. Well, how's everything going? Fine. Just fine, sir. Well good I think we'll be out of here by the end of this week Phil. I'm sure of it. Excellent Right on schedule, huh? You really know how to run an outfit my boy. Thanks Well I think I'll run up to the dam have a look around See you later. Hey Phil. Hey sure miss Grayson sure You stand there trembling, don't you Phil? Watch Grayson as he walks out of the office starts up toward the dam Only the two of you have access to the company's safe And if for some reason or other he has occasion to look into the safe find the ten thousand dollars missing You're going to be in for real trouble aren't you? Quickly you reach for the telephone put in another call to your uncle in San Francisco You're relieved when finally you hear his housekeeper's voice at the other end of the line Hello, Mr. Hodges residence miss Kelly. This is Phil. Oh, Mr. Phillip. I'm so glad you called Look, I've been trying to reach Uncle Fred for days. There's been no answer I know I've been away for a few days meeting my sister but back as soon as I heard about the accident Accident your uncle mr. Phillip He was in an automobile crash three nights ago What happened the same night he talked with you on the telephone about an hour later Oh, no no now you needn't worry mr. Phillip So it's conditioned serious the doctor said you'll pull through Of course, they're not allowing visitors yet All right still all right. So it's my fault. I didn't say that Claudia. I just wish I hadn't listened to you That's all I'm in a real jam. Well, I wouldn't suggest if you use the payroll money Only you were so certain your uncle would send that check sure sure but always I don't know he'd get himself fanged up in a car crash I don't suppose there's a chance. He did mail that check before the accident on me be had. I'd have gotten it by now No, that's basic Claudia the check isn't coming Well, what are you gonna do? Hello? I just don't know But we just can't spend the rest of the night driving around going nowhere Maybe we should be going somewhere. What do you mean? Just keep going as far away from willow pass as possible Run away. What else can I do tomorrow is payday? What's grace and going to say and do when he opens the safe and finds $10,000 missing? I've got to leave Well, then you'll have to leave alone Phil. You're a nice great big handsome boy. I like you But no running from the law for me Hey, wait a minute Phil This pal of yours him welch He has the money you gave him has me sure but he's up in medford Well call him up tell him the whole deal's off you want the money back We can drive up there in a few hours and pick it up Don't you think I follow that? I don't know where he's staying besides. He's probably closed the deal by now Maybe maybe not Doesn't you have any friends around there people he might be staying with? Oh, I don't know. We were on a job there a couple years ago and Hey, wait a minute. You think of someone? Yeah, one of the boys in our outfit married a gal in medford stayed on when we finished the job ben Adams. Yeah Jim's sure to look him up. Okay, so it's worth a try Well, there's a signal station up ahead you can call him from there Jim this is phil. Well, hi a boy. How'd you know where to reach me? I just talked with ben Adams. He told me where you were staying. Look, did you close the deal with friday? Yep an hour ago all signed and sealed. We'll get it unsealed. I want out jim. I've changed my mind Wait a minute. What's wrong? I can't explain it though. I want that money back jim all of it Hold on phil. It's too late. I told you I closed the deal with friday and I told you I got to have the money back It's impossible. I can't do that. You got you. Tell friday the deal's off. Tell him anything Look, I don't know what this is all about, but I'm sorry field. The deal is set closed and there isn't a thing I can do Uh, phil. Hello? Hello phil. Do you hear me phil? What's on your mind phil? You've been pretty quiet since we left that gas station back there. I've been thinking things out phil. I got to find a way to gain time to get that money from my uncle And I think I figured it out. Funny. Hadn't occurred to me before. You better tell me all about it. I'll tell you all the details later. Your mother's still up. You run on in the house like a good girl. Keep her company You run on in the house like a good girl. Keep her company, huh? Aren't you coming in? No. I have an errand to do. Getting you up too? Never mind. Phil, tell me. All right. It's very simple. Somebody is going to rob the safe at the office. What? I'll set the whole thing up. Make it look like a robber took that money. What about the night watchman, Bob Dunnington? You'll be around, won't he? Probably in the office. So how do you handle him? Oh, I have to get him out of the way. Oh, now wait a minute. Oh, don't worry. I'm not going to hurt him. I'll slip up from behind. Tap him easy. Just knock him up for a little while. Get away with it. I've got to take the chance. It'll give me the time I need to repay that money. I don't follow. In a week or so, I'll drive down to San Francisco. Get the check from Uncle Fred. I'll catch it there and bring the money back. And then what? You intend to simply return the money to the safe lock, Bob? No. I'll figure something else. Arrange for the money to be found somewhere. A locker at the bus depot, maybe. An anonymous phone call to the police. It'll work, Claudia. No, it sounds crazy enough, too. You're really worried about what you've done, aren't you, Phil? Taking Grayson's money. Yes. I wish I hadn't done it. But he'll get it back every cent. And I'll be out of this mess. Okay. I hope you know what you're doing. Ten minutes later, you park your car in the shadows not far from the construction company office and hurry toward the small building. You press back against the wall, tip over a gas tin to attract Pops attention. There's only one thing it worries you, Phil. Pop them again as an old man. And you must be careful not to hit him too hard. A thousand confused thoughts race through your mind. Your knees are trembling, your heart pounds furiously as Pop comes out of the office. Who's that? Your hand tightens around the wrench. But suddenly you're unable to move, to think, to do anything but stare. And then Pop turns towards you. Hello, Pop. Oh, hello, Mr. Harden. What you doing around here this time of night? I had an important matter to attend to. I forgot it this afternoon when I left. What you got in your hand? Oh, this wrench. I found it on the ground over there. Somebody's getting kind of careless. I'll take it, Mr. Harden. Yeah. Here you are. You couldn't do it, could you, Phil? At the last quick second you discovered you couldn't bring the wrench down in the back of the old man's head. Inside the office you sit at your desk, pretend to work, cast side long glances at Pop, sitting across the room reading his paper. You still time to carry out your plan. But it would mean hitting old Pop. And you just can't do it. Can you, Phil? You're really putting in some overtime, Mr. Harden? What time is it? Almost 2.30. All through? Yeah. Through? Yeah, Pop. I'm all through. Finished. Good night. Not a refill, mister? Yeah, yeah, sure. I'm sure glad you dropped in. Don't get many customers this time, all right? You heading on a trip? No. Coming back maybe? I just sort of been driving around, that's all. Good problems. A problem. Well, things have a way of working themselves out. This problem, a woman maybe? She's part of it. Just walk away from it, Phil. There's some other things you can't walk away from. You just have to face the music. Is that what you're going to do? Yeah. Yeah, that's, that's what I'm going to do. Face the music. It's all over, isn't it, Phil? You've made up your mind of that. You've decided to return to Willow Pass. Tell Mr. Grace and everything. How you borrowed the $10,000 from the company safe and gave it to Jim Welch. It's early morning when you arrive at the construction office. The work crews are making ready to move on up the hill to the dam. Oh, good morning, Phil. Morning. Mr. Grayson. Hey, there was a phone call for you a few minutes ago. A woman who runs the boarding house, uh, Mrs. Hackett. Oh, mm-hmm. I don't know if you were here. But you seem concerned because you hadn't been to the boarding house all night. Well, I guess you better get the money out of the safe, Phil. Startin' the payroll, huh? Mr. Grayson, I'd like to talk to you. Yeah, sure, sure. But, uh, look, can it wait five or ten minutes? I want to catch Thorgerson's crew before they go on up to the dam. But, Mr. Grayson... Ah, no, I won't be long. Yes, hello. Hi, to you, Phil. Jim? I'm on my way back to San Francisco. Just wanted to make sure you got the package I left for you. The package? Yeah, I stopped at your rooming house around six this morning, but you hadn't been in all night, so I took it up to your office. Give it to Pop Donegan. He said he'd put it in your desk. Yeah. Yeah, there's a package here, but... You sounded so worried on the phone last night, and... Well, I got to thinking, so... I went back to third, and made another deal. Well, you know, Phil, the old war horse isn't retiring after all. He's my new partner. You mean... Wait a minute. The money. Yeah, you're ten grand. You wanted it back, didn't you? Oh, I sure did. Hey, what was all the panic about? Well, I'll tell you some other time, Jim. Right now, I have to make up the payroll. Featured in tonight's story were Bill Foreman as the whistler, Les Tremaine, Gene Bates, High Everback, Bill Boucher, and Britt Wood. The whistler, directed by George W. Allen, with music by Wilbur Hatch, is produced under the supervision of Ed Bloodworth, and transmitted overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. This evening's story was by Adrienne Jean-Do. 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. The whistler has just brought to you another of his strange tales. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service.