 I'm a 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 all the whispers, strange stories, but calculate it. Then the fog was moving in, gray misty patches swirling about the street lights of the commercial district, just our central six-cove waterfront. The tower clock atop the Ferry Building pointed at 20 minutes to the 11th, as Grain Filming stepped out of the offices of the Mallepin Chemical Company. Turned up his coat collar to shut out the chill of the night. Outwardly, you appear calm, don't you play? And you step slowly, even, as you roll down the deserted street, into an all-night diner at the corner of the block. Oh, Grain, you're burning the midnight oil, huh? Yeah, how to knock off for a cup of coffee. Make it black, Jeff. Sure. Thanks, Jeff. Partly living in the night? Max? No. He's at the plant. Look, how do you guys wait like this night after night? But it's all up, boy. You live longer. Who like me? I put in my life. What was that? Sounds like an explosion. Well, it's down the block somewhere. Come on, let's have a look. Hey, look up there. Right. It's our plan. Come on, you guys. Touch down the street. The others close behind. Your heart is beating wildly, isn't it, Grain? Yes. Your building is on fire. Your partner, Max Linder, is in there somewhere. Somewhere in that nightmare of flame and smoke. And then as you reach the team, the number of explosions rocks the building. Hey, go to the train back, you guys. Get out of the way, Jeff. Easy, follow where you're going. Max is in there. I've got to get to it. No, you don't, Grain. Let me go. There's still a giant explosion on. Let me go. I'll be a fool if you can't go in there. Jeff, please. Let's go. Hey, you guys, give me a hand, will you? Let me go in there. Don't take it easy. Take it easy, Grain. There isn't anything you can do. But Max is in there, I tell you. Sure, sure. We know how you feel, but we can't let you go in. Anything to us? There's the fire captain over there. Let me check with it. Come on. Captain? Captain? Captain, my partner, who are you? My name's Tillman. My partner, Max Tillman. Oh, so you're Mr. Tillman. Well, you'll be glad to know some of my boys found your partner in the back alley. He managed to get out of the building somehow. What? You mean he's a lion? Yeah, that's right. Ambulance took him to emergency a few minutes ago. He'll be OK. Somehow, you manage to control the sudden wave of panic between those of you, don't you, Grain? You move out of the crowd quickly. Tell Jeff you're going out of the hospital. Instead, you drive to your apartment. There, you take a small packet of blueprints out of your pocket. Steal at it for a moment. And then hide it behind the painting hanging over the map. Your hand is shaking badly, isn't it, Grain, as you pour yourself a drink and thump down into a chair. An hour later, you're still sitting there, staring down at the now empty glass. What? Who is it? Sir, I'm a dresser. Hello, Grain. Come in, Joanna. I was speaking to the radio. Wait about these places. I was worried about this. Me or the blueprints? Well, actually, I was concerned about them, please. After all, the people I represent have offered $50,000 for your invention. OK, OK, that's safe. Don't worry about it. The music I said that you claimed in the limited. Not badly, sir, I understand. You were not at the factory when these clothes were clear. No. No, I've left the building a few minutes before. Oh, thank you. You find something amusing? Who made it back to amusing? I didn't wonder anything about the excitement that there really was in that case. What are you driving at? A silk a cape for me. We have two young inventors who suddenly make a lot of straggling discovery. The time you can grab it was a lot of money, and in value it was in any country with an air force. Well? So they decide to sell it to the highest bidders. Now the investment answer offers $50,000 to the two inventors. Then one of them is almost killed in an explosion. That's a good point. If he had been killed, what would mean the other inventors? You. It could make all the money. Look, are you insinuating that? I'm not, sir. Yes. But there's a explosion of an accident. I know I haven't confirmed it too much. But I told you, I'm interested in the blueprint of your inventors. But what I thought was wrong about you, I'm not sure what it is. Right. This is me. The most of my discussions have been with you and my friend here. I became quite fond of you. You really mean that to me? Well, I ask that I stand. So be careful, darling. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. What could happen to me? Something rather violent, I'm afraid. If your partner makes you suspect that that explosion was an accident. When you paced the apartment, wondering just how sincere she was when she told you she was fond of you. She's a beautiful woman, isn't she, Granny? Charming and intelligent, too. And you're sure the two of you could accomplish big things. But she's covered, too. And the 18th of a foreign organization. And you decide it is your final judgment until you're certain of her motive. Meantime, there's max to worry about. You wonder if he suspects that you tried to kill him. You'll have to face him sooner or later, won't you, Granny? And you realize that you've got to call at the hospital tonight. It'll look strange if you don't. It's going to be a terrifying ordeal. And your nerves are almost at the breaking point when you arrive at the hospital. We're surprised to see your partner sitting up in bed. We're leaving the leisure. Now it's the faint trace of a smile on his lips. Are you all grown? Maxie, how do you feel? How are you? Oh, not too bad. He's taken up roses where they are. I'll be OK, Dr. Daxes. Oh, I'm sure glad to hear that. She had a close call. What the world happened, anyway? No, no. Experimental over the plant just blew apart at the field. Just like that. How'd you manage to get out? I asked for a minute after you left. I heard the phone ringing in one of the offices down in the hall. I left my work table there and took it. That's when it happened. Last night down the stairs, I managed to call in the alley. Like you've seen that phone rang when it did, huh? Yeah. Wasn't it lucky for me for one? Yeah. I guess that part of the plant was totally right. I understand. But part of it was there a few minutes ago interviewing me. There was completely demolished. Finally did a good job, though. There was the rest of the building. Glad to hear that, Hugo. Oh, sure. You mean the officers? Especially our officers. And the little package of blueprints that's the way of my bottom drawer. Yeah. Well, look, fella, you probably want to get some sleep. No, no, no. Took a long time back, so he'd go back in the bed and shake me over. Probably let me go home. Tonight? Yeah. Well, maybe you drive me back to my apartment. Well, sure, but you don't mind, do you? No. No, I don't mind. It's something you hadn't expected, Max. That Max would be released from the hospital so soon. It means you'll have to move fast. Return the blueprints to his jet first thing in the morning. It wouldn't do if Max discovered they were missing, would it? He'd no longer only suspect that you tried to kill him. He'd no for sure. Yes. I'm sure glad to get out of that hospital. It's a relief. Well, though. Well, you've had a rough night, Max, but it's all over now. Good night to you, Ed. Good night. Thanks for calling him. Good night. Yeah. I want to drop by the office first. What? You mean now? Now. But why? The blueprints. They'll show us when we pick them up tonight before something else happens. It never goes down when there's been a fire. Oh, Lord Max, nothing's going to happen. That is not what I am. Forget it. Now, Glenn, I want to pick up those blueprints tonight. Come on, turn right at the next corner. Max's miraculous escape from your attempt to kill him and his sudden decision to drive back to the office to pick up the blueprints of the electrical gyro that you developed together, which will outmold present day guided missiles. Blueprints that are now getting away in your apartment. Honourable should try to persuade him to wait till morning, but it's moving. He's determined to get this. And you wonder what he'll do when he discovers their mission. The fog rolls into the bay. The mind is working frantically, searching for a way to prevent him from making that decision. And then almost before you realize it, you find yourself pulling up in front of the building. Oh, sure, Madam, that's how it's gonna go, Glenn. Yeah. Look, Max, there might be dangerous going in there now. Why not? Just a minute, Ed. Oh, good evening, Officer. Good evening. I'm thinking of going inside here. Why, why not? Sorry. Oh, it's just so hard, officer, we work for the Morrison Company. My name's Linda, and this is Glenn Tillman. Sorry, gentlemen. No one's allowed in the building, and so it's been totally ineffective. But we only want to check the offices and let them take a minute. We're not arguing about it, Mr. Linda. Yeah, come on, Max. The officer's only following his orders. We can look over the files in the morning. After the building is done. Thank you. Sorry, gentlemen, but you know how it is. But, of course, officer, we understand. Come on, Max. Doesn't it, Glenn, much too close at your pace at least for the time being. 10 minutes later, you drop Max off at the department and then drive on toward your own. But before you get there, you decide you can't take any more chances. You can't wait till morning. Somehow you've got to get inside that building tonight and replace the blueprint of the valuable invention of Max's desk. The park in front of your apartment. Hurry upstairs. Pick up the blueprint and return to your car. You turn around and drive back toward the plant. It's terribly risky, isn't it, Glenn? But a risk you'll never take. When you reach the plant, you need to ask, Glenn. What are you doing back here? All right. Nothing, officer. I just came down to look over the building. I'm employed here. No, let's have a look at you. Really, officer? What are you doing? What? What do you mean? Someone was driving around inside this building about 10 minutes ago. What? Oh, almost caught him as he was coming out. He slipped past me. Someone was in the yellow convent of it. Oh, no. The yellow convent of it. You know who it might have been? No. No, I don't. But you do know, don't you, Glenn? Yes. Max died of the yellow convent of it. You're certain it was he. And you're certain, too, now, that Max knows the blueprints are gone, that you have them, and that you tried to kill him. You know, too, that you must move quickly. Get out of town before you have a chance to move against you. You decide to go directly to Johanna Pressley. Attempt to close the deal for the blueprints tonight. But Johanna's apartment building will approach cautiously. Then you stop building the track. Someone is standing in a doorway across the street. It's Max. Then you drive back to your apartment. Pick up the blueprints. You don't want to see Max. And you don't want him to find you. So you decide to go into hiding until your deal with Johanna is finished. You pack a suitcase, and then drive downtown to a hotel. I'd like a room, anything you have available. Oh, of course. If you'll register here, please. All right. Now let me see. I have a nice room in the rear of the building. It's good. Well, it'll be fine. Why, sir? Room 511. I'll have the boy take your things up immediately, Mr. Dennis. Thank you. Are you going to be with us long, too many? Maybe, maybe not. Depends on how soon I can close the deal. It's going to be difficult completing the transaction with Johanna, with Max, watching her so closely. You want to get the money on it as quickly as possible, and then leave town. But Max stands in your way. You spend the rest of the night thinking about it. What you must do. The following morning, you're putting a call to Johanna. A call? Johanna, when can we close this deal? Oh, as soon as I get to the bank and then throw a grant. I want it all, Johanna, for $50,000 in cash. That's men, darling. That wasn't in the agreement. I know. Half when you turn over the property, other half after my company is at time to study, though. Sorry, darling. We do it my way or else. Or else what? Well, if I close the deal with one of your competitors. Yes. You know, yours isn't the only firm interested in our invention for you. I have an offer of 50,000 cash right now for it. I'm only giving your company the opportunity to match that offer. It's all work, darling. You're sipping on to buy this competitor. Am I? Of course you are. I'm sorry, Dad. My company would never do it. I'm kidding, huh? Look, I might interest you to know I'm calling from your competitor's place right now. Why don't you call the hotel rat first? Ask for Mr. Benner's room. Get yourself a little surprise. Give me time to put through a call to Antwerp, will you? Sure, fair enough. I should have an answer for you soon. Why don't we have dinner together, say at the Blue Rock East? No, I don't think that... The Blue Rock Inn up the coast, you mean? Something wrong with it? All right. No, sweetheart. Nothing at all. All right, I'll meet you there. Eight o'clock. You're almost like Max is watching Johanna Bressner in the hope of finding the two of you together and forcing the showdown. You're a certain he'll follow her wherever she goes. At the Blue Rock Inn, several miles up the lonely coast road will provide an excellent setting for getting Max out of the way, permit. The things have reached the point where you must be rid of Max. Because you've decided the wrong that he's alive, we know you'll never have a moment to... Max! Early that evening, you drive to the Blue Rock Inn, wading the shadows of the parking area. Get your motor running so you can get away quickly. If you miss the 4-8, Johanna drives up. Walks past what I've seen you and pictures the inn. Moment later, another car drives in. A yellow convertible, Max. You draw the 38 from the pocket. Then, as he comes up the path... You're at the Blue Rock Inn for half an hour. Oh, I'm sorry. I was delayed in town. Listen, Johanna, there's no point in my driving way out there now. Uh, why don't we meet somewhere else? How about the Hill House? Well, all right. I'll be in. Yeah? I'm worried. There's something wrong. We'll be together soon. We used to know that my company had a degree to your term. $50,000 when you give me the blueprint. That's fine, sweetheart. That's fine. Hang up the phone, don't you worry. Smile at Johanna's fears about being followed. You're certain it was Max who was following her. But you can be nervous. Perhaps something else is on Johanna's trail. You decide to keep the gun handy just in case. You drive to the Hill House. Wait for Johanna in the cocktail bar. Johanna, over here. Hi, I'm here to... Oh, sit down. What took you so long? Oh, you missed me so long, Johanna. The morning was muted with a blur of ink on. Really? We're a partner, Max Lindy. This is your wedding scene. Me? I know you're just going on a nice business plan, Bethany. Johanna, how can you say that? Oh, all right, forget it. The business makes with the only ones I own me. Oh? Oh, well, make be careful, darling. I'll give you the money in the morning when the bank opens. And then I must file back two more. Oh, so? Well, I'll see you better then. Once the blueprints are trained over to the representative of my organization. Well, not coming back to San Francisco. Should I? No. I've had a yen to see New York for some time. Look, why don't we fly back together? Oh, I was hoping you'd see this bloom and see the better two see fit. We may have a gun. Right. We'll be safe, Johanna. Well, let's have a drink on it. Oh, that's a big one, Glenn. To a safe journey together and happy landing. It's over, isn't it, Glenn? And you feel certain that you're in the clear. Only the possibility that someone else might be following Johanna makes you decide to put the 38s that you used to kill Max Linger into your suitcases. Downstairs, you settle up the bill to the room you took as Mr. Benner inquires of course this is the time you'll pay Mr. Takeoff. And then pick up Johanna in a taxi. At the airport, you turn in your luggage, wander into the cocktail lounge with Johanna on your arm. Oh, darling, I've made this wonderful time for us in New York. Night cabs, theaters. We have a glorious two weeks. Why, only two weeks? Well, I think we're about to grow up tomorrow. Oh, look, why not quit the company? I'm scared of it. The week is rather dangerous. Dangerous? How so? Our competition, darling. Sometimes we can become rather violent. The girl must be very careful. Maybe I'll tell Mr. Benner, for example. He's quite dangerous. Benner? Really? Of course. If he was willing to pay 50,000 for these blue cranes, like you said, well, he might have ordered them badly. Who decided to sell them? How to get the blue cranes by force? Not a chance of that, sweetheart. I know. I took care of it. What? How long did you know that Mr. Benner would delay it long enough so that we could get out of town? Joe Hammer, what did you do? I gave him a call to the police before he picked me up at my apartment in an anonymous call match room. I told him that Mr. Benner, room 511, hotel lasted, was involved in the shooting of your partner, Max Lindy. You did what? A nice little joke to be of Mr. Benner, don't you think? Joe Hammer, you little fool. Don't you understand? I'm Benner. I set that up. I'm Mr. Benner. Thanks, sonner. You're a better friend yourself. Huh? Makes it easier for me. I'm Lieutenant Foster, homicide. The hotel clerk said to come to the airport, look for a man in a checkered overcoat and a light gray hair. But this way, it's not here. There's been a mistake. Sure, and you'll make it. Come on, Mr. Benner. You too, miss. There's a lot of things we'd like to ask you about. Where are we going? The police headquarters. But first to the baggage room to pick up your luggage. You see, I'm looking for the gun that was used to kill a man named Max Lindy last night, at 38. You haven't got it on. You and I've got a hunch we'll find it in one of your bags. Well, Mr. Benner, shall we go? We'll be back next week with another tale from his never-ending bio.