 The signal oil program The whistler whistle is your signal for the signal oil program 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 Yes friends, it's time for the signal oil program the whistler Rated by independent research the most popular West Coast program In gasoline, you know it takes extra quality to go farther and Signal is the famous go farther gasoline So look for the signal circle sign in yellow and black that identifies signal service stations from Canada to Mexico And now the whistler strange story Seven steps to murder The Atkins Clayton affair was unusual for two reasons in the first place Of course it involved a pair of famous newspaper men Archer Atkins the Dean of New York Drama Critics and Everett Clayton a syndicated columnist But more than that it was interesting in its structure Yes, there were seven distinct steps between an apparently cordial relationship between two newspaper men and the murder The opening night of Clayton's first play the whirlwind was step number one Atkins had attended of course with the rest of the critics and Shortly after the final curtain had walked out to a waiting taxi with Merchison his editor Going back to the office Merchison. Yeah, I guess that better got a couple things to finish up. Yes, sir. No building driver, right Well, Atkins must say your friend Clayton gave me quite a surprise You never told me he was a drama full of hidden talents the boy when he was a kid He could stand on his head and wiggle his ears at the same time. You've known him for a long time, haven't you? I grew up with him Seems to me I heard somebody say you were once engaged to his sister absolutely correct I was quite fond of her at one time. Where is she now in Texas? Devoting her talents to some respectable school teacher or something then you and Clayton. Yes, we came east to school together In college came New York together after that Anything else chief? Yes, one other thing Why are you annoyed annoyed more than that? I know the signs your furious come now, Merchison You didn't go back stage. I have a deadline to meet. You know that you've been late before not tonight Clayton's first play, you know, it's only right that I give him a real send-off. He deserves it. He certainly does Let's see now ever Clayton's new play the whirlwind opened last night at the Brighton Theatre Diana Brooks and Paul Strand finish it out. Oh Merchison been banging away there for an hour. I thought it is take a look Thanks Everett Clayton's new play the whirlwind Wait a minute Obviously a sophomoric attempt at a drama in the manner of O'Neill The whirlwind is not only afflicted with a deadly brand of dullness But is utterly lacking in originality imagination or even ordinary playability The death rattle was audible before the first act was five minutes old Listen atkins you can't like and I it was a bad play and I owe it to my who says it was a bad play you Is it up to you right? It's up to me. That's what I'm paid for You know what you're doing. Don't you this review will kill Clayton's play before it even gets a start You have no right to take that kind of responsibility then why don't you fire me? You know atkins one of these days you'll stick your neck out too far and I'll chop it off But at the moment I'm money in the bank Well, suppose you trot back to your glass wall sanctum and let me get this to the copy boy our deadline, you know And that was step number two Archer your review of Everett Clayton's play You wait now in the coffee shop of the Stratford Club where both of you live It's 20 minutes since the morning papers hit the streets and you know exactly what will happen Then just as you expected Clayton walks into the coffee shop over to your booth his face Tense and expressionless the paper folded in his pocket. Well ever good to see you sit down. Thank you waiter Coffee please. Yes, sir. No coffee for me milk. Yes, sir your stomach again. It's getting worse. I'm afraid That's not why I came is it Archer I suppose not that review Archer Nice of you. You're not a playwright Everett. You at least saw the play I presume Oh, of course hmm a sophomoric attempt at a drama in the manner of O'Neill An author spends a year writing a play and that's the consideration he gets any of your money in it everything I've got too bad Why didn't you consult me before let me read it because I thought and still think it's a good play I Didn't take it to you Archer because I knew what I'd get sarcasm smart cracks Not one bit of constructive criticism. There's a small item. You forgot and what's that talent? No one has yet succeeded in drawing milk from an elephant nor kindness from a critic if you wanted charity You should have said so honesty is not charity You won't be to go over it scene by scene and show you how bad it is. No because you couldn't That's the trouble you know The people don't decide what's good or bad anymore. They wait for the critics to tell them You're a fake atkins. You've been a pony all your life Why if the robo boys in Switzerland had Edgall and pose name on it, you'd call it great that easy old boy You're getting carried away on the wrong guy Archer. I've got 20 million readers too before this thing is over I'm gonna make you look like the village idiot. Oh Just do me a favor atkins Check my column tomorrow. It'll interest you With the prologue of seven steps to murder the signal oil company brings you another strange tale by the whistler But now let's suppose this were a quiz program You ready I have a man in a signal station Dr. Miller a great place to be and now for the first question in gasoline What does it take to go farther? Oh, that's easy in gasoline. It takes extra quality to go farther, right? You are in gasoline. It does take extra quality to go farther and now for your second question What is the famous go farther gasoline? Why signal is the famous go farther gasoline right again signal is the famous go farther gas Aline and you win the signal prize extra mileage plus extra driving pleasure and How may we close our little quiz program with this tip for drivers to get more mileage a gasoline must naturally get more Efficiency from your motor and motor efficiency means quicker starts faster pickup and smoother knock-free power That's why signal says your speedometer is the best yardstick of gasoline quality Just you switch to signal for a few tankfuls. You'll find it's true in gasoline it does take extra quality to go farther and signal is the famous go farther gasoline and Now back to the whistler. Yes, Archer Although you didn't know it at the time the case that was soon to become famous as the Atkins Clayton affair Fell neatly into seven parts seven steps to murder Clayton's play of course was the first step And the scathing review that appeared in the globe the next day over your signature was the second You chuckle over Clayton's stupid threat to discredit you as you go up to your suite just to cross the hall from Clayton's in the Stratford Club But when you arrive at your office at the globe the next day Merchison the editor is sitting on your desk waiting for you the afternoon edition of the ledger in his hand Hello, Merchison. Did you read Clayton's column? I don't read the ledger lead paragraph list I am now reconciled of the fact that my play the whirlwind will close in a matter of days as a result of the efforts of a group of Critics headed by Archer atkins as a matter of fact atkins is not equipped to set himself up as a critic or Even a writer he has no conception of values in literature dramatic poetic or otherwise and I intend to prove it in music Ranting of a wounded beast you wouldn't be whistling in the dark. Would you atkins? I'm sorry my good man I'm gonna be quite busy. Aren't there a few juicy obituaries that require your keen intelligence. I hope Clayton gives you a sock on a jaw Number three Archer Clayton's reply the next day a public challenge that went out to 20 million readers You decide it's ridiculous of course and during the weeks that follow you forget about it The play lasts five days and closes You and Everett Clayton only nod coolly now as you meet from time to time in the lobby and corridors of the Stratford Club Then one evening some weeks later Barbara Ross the fashion editor on the ledger walks up to you in the lobby and taps you on the shoulder Archer darling. Good evening my dear. Archer I found something. I thought you'd want to glance at. Oh did Clayton put me in print again? Nothing like that. Somebody handed me this book of poetry. It was printed privately only 50 copies. Oh now wait a minute Barbara I've read a million of those things and really I don't. Please Archer. Look I've got six hours of reading a day as it is. You've got to Archer for me. It'll only take a few minutes. You can look at it tonight after you get home. All right Barbara let's see it's 14 by Jafar Ahmed. Never heard of him. What's it about? I think it's lovely written by an immigrant boy about his love for a little girl. Oh no thank you. But Archer. Poetry darling is as much a part of adolescence as the first chave. Just about as important. Archer you know so much more about poetry than anyone else I know. All right dear all right I'll look it over. Step number four the book of poetry. Nothing to it of course is there Archer but you take it home toss it on the nightstand and just before you decide to turn out the light you pick it up and glance at the first page. It holds you from the start. There's something about the poems that haunt you almost as if you'd read them before. Memories things you'd forgotten completely spring to life. Yes this boy has managed to capture something out of every man's youth. Something that gets under your skin and stays there. You'll finish the book. Get out of bed hurriedly and sit down at your typewriter. You can't wait until tomorrow can you watch her you've got to get it on paper now. Although the poems are immature there's something great and universal about this work. The volume has been printed privately but in my opinion it would be a wise investment for any publisher to issue it in quantity. 14 by Jafar Ahmed should never be forgotten. That ought to do it. It'll be on the best seller list in a month. In the morning you hand your article to a copy boy unaware of course that you've just completed step number five and that's the vicious part of it. Although you don't know at the minute you turned in that review you move nearer to murder than you've ever been in your life. It's just 24 hours later when the same copy boy walks into your office places a newspaper on your desk. Step number six. Here's your copy of the ledger Mr. Please boy you know better I never read the ledger everybody on the staff's reading it today sir especially Everett Clayton's car along with you. Yes sir just thought I'd around town with ever Clayton. Here we are. Three months ago I promised to reveal Archer Atkins the so called Dean of Literary Critics as a photo. Today I call attention to the raves he has been giving the book of poems called 14 supposedly written by a 14 year old Iranian lad. The fact is gentle reader. I wrote 14. What is shocking. Oh hello. I didn't see you. It's all right. It's all right. You didn't hide that some of our best people read ever Clayton including the publishers of this paper trash. Just trash and lies to us. Clayton never wrote 14. He hasn't got enough sense. He seems to know a lot about it. I should read on he tells just how he did it. He had no knowledge of poetry says just threw together the luscious adjectives he could concoct made a senseless hodgepodge and had the whole mess printed up on the quiet. And you the great Archer Atkins gave it a bouquet praised it to the sky. Are you trying to tell me you believe this nonsense Murchison why the man's got readers Archer 20 million of them so calm down. Don't tell me to calm down. As a matter of fact why don't you get out of here. I'll teach Clayton his place you're through teaching anyone his place. I mentioned our publishers. Well they called Archie what your resignations to be handed in by the end of a month until then I'm to edit all your stuff. You've been waiting for this moment for a long time haven't you Murchison frankly yes poor drudge the mediocre untalented editor finally has his day that's right Archie I'm going to shine now while you curl up at home and read 14 by Everett Clayton did not write that book or I read it the more I know I've read it someplace before if it takes me years I'm going to find the real author of those verses sensitive or go hang Clayton's a bold face liar and I'll call him under his face not in the globe you won't and why not I told you I'm editing your material can't you get used to the idea I don't intend to have any libel suits in my hands not even to save the great name of Archer atkins. Good day for once I've had the last word. Well I turn you never expected never in the world it has you see the. And it's even worse when you reach the Stratford Club and learn that you've suddenly been turned into a laughing stock that your formally respectful colleagues are now given to chuckling and whispering behind your back a few like candy car or more open about it. Oh what you're all boy how could you what was it now I still feel the music the poignant expression of an adolescent. Sweetly agonizing emotions part of every man's you. Ever Clayton wrote 14 the earth is flat the moon is made of green cheese and you my dear Henley are as wise as Aristotle and who did write the poems are just take my reputation that Clayton stole every verse in that book. I know I've read those poems before. This thing has got you hasn't it Archer and it hurts deep twisting inside you until finally the seventh step begins to take shape. The seventh and final step. Murder. It's a frightening thought isn't it Archer frightening but very clear. It's all there in your mind as you ride up to your luxurious suite in the elevator. Ever Clayton is a man of habits one of them forced upon him by his health. You know all about that Archer how each evening at seven a waiter brings a large glass of milk to his apartment. You smile as you let yourself into your room tonight that same waiter must bring you something as well. Hello coffee shop. This is Mr. Atkins. I wonder if you would send me up something. No I don't know something like a chicken sandwich perhaps. No no no hurry. Was that you have a waiter coming to Mr. Clayton's rooms at seven was time enough. Surely don't make a special trip. Thank you. A short time later you leave the door to your sweet a jar and sit just inside pretending to read while you watch for that waiter. He comes down the hall and starts for Clayton's room. Oh waiter. Yes sir. You have a sandwich and coffee for me. Yes sir I was going to stop first. Set it right down there on the desk would you. And then I wonder if you could do something for me. I tried to unlock a suitcase a moment ago but I couldn't seem to turn the key. Would you have a look at it. Why certainly sir where is it in the bedroom. Of course if it's too much trouble not at all sir I've handled a lot of them. You hesitate as the waiter starts across to the bedroom and then you turn quickly to the tray set down on your desk. Before he comes back you empty the contents of a small envelope into the milk intended for Clayton. You stir it hastily with a spoon and then return to your book. I got it open for you sir. The lock sprung a little bit. Oh I'd have it attended to. Here you go thanks for your trouble. Not at all sir. Thank you very much. Thank you. You settle back in your chair now giving the waiter time to deliver the glass of milk to Clayton. A few minutes later you slip out into the corridor and down the hall stop outside of Clayton's door and listen. He's talking to someone on the telephone. I'll see them about it first thing tomorrow. Yes yes I promise goodbye. You wait tensely after Clayton hangs up hoping no one will come along the hall and find you standing there. This business of murder isn't easy on the nerve is it. The moments dragged by what's he doing isn't he ever going to pick up that glass. You're trembling now wondering if it's ever going to happen and then. A moment later you wept the door open step inside and lock it. A glance at Clayton's body sprawled on the floor assures you that he's dead. Quickly you cross the room and sit down at his battered portable typewriter. To my dear mother my sister and gentle readers. It isn't often that a man gets the opportunity to write his own obituary believe me this isn't easy but I have been ill for some ten years now. You type rapidly Archer because you know exactly what you want Clayton's suicide note to say. It includes above all else a confession one in which the dead ever Clayton will admit to the world that his plan against you was just that a plan. His note tells how he lied in claiming to have written the verses in the book 14 how actually he simply dug up a number of anonymous ballads and revised them a bit. You put it all down Archer your way but in Everett Clayton style and then you add his well-known signature just the two simple typewritten letters. E see thanks my dear Everett see tomorrow how your 20 million readers like this one. The Whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending of tonight's story. You regular Whistler fans have all heard me speak of the more thorough more conscientious service cars get that dealer owned signal service stations. But the really important thing is what customers say about it. That's why we're so happy to receive letters such as this one I have with me tonight. It's from Arthur Anderson of Los Angeles who writes after listening to the Whistler I decided to try signal go farther gasoline and test its mileage for myself. But after stopping at two signal stations I was so pleased with the courteous service I completely forgot to check the mileage as you suggested. However thanks to signal dealers and the Whistler you may be assured I'll be a steady signal customer from now on. Well Mr. Anderson here's hoping that by now you've also had a chance to prove in your own car that signal is the famous go farther gasoline and that it takes extra quality to go farther. Right now however on behalf of signal oil company I do want to thank you for your kindness in writing. It's letters like yours which we're constantly receiving that make signal dealers strive to do an ever better job of making today's cars run better and last longer. And now back to the Whistler. Well the seven steps are past now Arthur. Everett Clayton is dead. But more important than that the suicide note in his typewriter will put you back at the top of the heap. Yes. Merchison your publishers and Hanley Carr the whole literary world will have to admit who has the right to wear the critics crown. But you're very practical about it aren't you. The police will come of course and you're ready for them with that vague superior confident air that has always carried you through before. And why not. What can they possibly prove. You don't seem at all surprised at the police calling on you Mr Atkins. My dear Captain Foss the moment the manager of this club informed me of Clayton's unfortunate demise. I resigned myself to a round of dull questions naturally. You have known him all his life grew up with him sweet on his sister at one time. Anything else you want to know I was an incubator baby weight three pounds two and a third ounces. I'm surprised you aren't more interested in the way Clayton died. I like to believe people Captain when I'm told someone is dead I assume he's dead. Whether he was shot through the head with a cannon threw himself into Mount Vesuvius or was clubbed to death with the missing arm of Venus de Milo doesn't concern me in the least. Poison is more to your liking isn't it. I don't know what you're trying to imply. Let's make it clear then how long did it take you to write that note note Captain the suicide note in Clayton's typewriter. No tell. Inverse no doubt. It says Clayton never wrote those poems that he stole them from some anonymous ballot. Well I insisted on that all the time. We'd like it hold that editor of mine. You wrote that note Atkins you poisoned Clayton and then ran the note off on his typewriter. Nonsense who gave you that story is a idiot from the legend. Don't try to bluff it's too late for that. What do you mean you're going up for murder. Don't be stupid you have nothing to go on. Three people are going to send you up. Atkins one of them is the waiter who brought Clayton's tray into your rooms last night when you had unlocked your suitcase while you poisoned Clayton's milk. Another one is the druggist who sold you the poison. Didn't know he recognized you did you. I don't know anything about it. And the third is a lady down in Texas. Lady. Texas. Yeah take a look at these papers you ever seen them before. They're yellow. They're old. They're poems you wrote to Everett Clayton's sister when you were 14 years old over 40 years ago. The book of poetry you reviewed was not written by Jafar Ahmed or Everett Clayton but by Archer Atkins. You've been so busy reading other people's writing for 40 years you can't even recognize your own stuff. I was reviewing my own book. That's right. And another thing Clayton got a phone call last night just before he was killed it's too bad you couldn't have heard it. Phone call. I didn't hear it. He was talking to your old sweetheart Atkins his sister down in Texas. When she read how Clayton had crucified you with that book of poetry she blew up. Called to make him promise a public retraction and tomorrow's paper admitting the whole thing. He promised that he'd see you about it in the morning. Let that whistle be your signal for the signal oil program the Whistler. Each Monday at nine brought to you by the signal oil company marketers of signal gasoline and motor oil and fine quality automotive accessories. Signal has asked me to remind you to get the most driving pleasure drive at sensible speeds be courteous and obey traffic regulations. It may save a life possibly your own featured in tonight's story were John Brown William Johnstone and Howard Duck. The Whistler was produced by George W. Allen with story by Meyer Dolinsky music by Wilbur hatch and was transmitted to our troops overseas by the armed forces radio service. This is Marvin Miller speaking for the signal oil company. This is CBS the Columbia Broadcasting System.