 Auto-Lite and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Charles Boyet in tonight's presentation of... Suspense. Tonight, Auto-Lite presents a story about a man who successfully played both sides of the law. A true story which we call The Docs, Final Case. Our star, Mr. Charles Boyet. Hi, Harlow. How are you feeling? Just like an Auto-Lite stay-full battery app full of pep, plenty of endurance, and set to start anything. But the Auto-Lite stay-full needs water only three times a year in normal car use, Harlow? Right, Harlow. That great battery has fiberglass retaining mats protecting every positive plate to reduce shedding and flaking and give the Auto-Lite stay-full longer life as proved by tests conducted according to accepted life cycle standards. That's proof enough for me, Harlow. And millions of other smart drivers have. So friends, visit your neighborhood Auto-Lite battery dealer. He services all makes of batteries and has an Auto-Lite stay-full for your car if a replacement is needed. To quickly find his location, call Western Union by number... And ask for me, Operator 25. I'll gladly tell you the address of your nearest Auto-Lite battery dealer. And with your Auto-Lite stay-full, the battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use. And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto-Lite. And now, Auto-Lite presents transcribed VDOX final case, starring Mr. Charles Boyer and hoping once again to keep you in suspense. To Emil Dubigny, Commissioner of Police, Monsieur, I, VDOC, in writing this report, beg your indulgence. This case, Monsieur, is my last. When this series of robberies began, I was, as you know, no longer with a suraté. Ten years ago, I had retired and, in the last unhappy months, had been touring the provinces with a variety show. Monsieur, Madame, it gives me infinite pleasure to introduce to you that infallible, magnificent, virtuoso of crime who, for 18 years, through the greater glory of the suraté... Standing in the wings, the sad realization which for months had oppressed my heart was confirmed that, already, after ten short years, I was forgotten in the capitals of the world. Then applause grew me from my unhappy rubber. And I give you... Merci, mes amis, I shall describe to you some of the highlights of my career, show you some small aspects of my technique, and answer questions on the art of detection. Monsieur, Monsieur Lebeck, if you please, my souvenir. Advance, madame. Ah, the shoes of poignants. These shoes were worn by poignants, the brigands of Rouen, who frequented county fairs. There he spied out rich men, wailing them and murdering them for their money. It was this pair of shoes which furnished the essential clue. Well, finally the bag of tricks was emptied. And that day I took no pleasure in the wild applause of the ignorant and credulous. When I entered my dressing room... Ah, Met, this young man has come to pay his compliment. Ah, and Lebeck was telling me your motto. Justitia virtutum regina, justice is the queen of virtue. My motto? No, it's Lebeck who fancies himself a classical scholar. Oh, I misunderstood. My name is Williams. I came back to tell you that you are a very great artist. Indeed, how would you know? Well, in a small way, I'm in the same kind of work. A musical comedian, perhaps? Oh, no, no, no. He is from Scotland Yard Vidoch. Oh, in a small way, it's correct. Yes, I'm over here on a case. You say the two were formerly with the Serpents? I was formerly commissioner for 18 years, commissioner. Oh, well, I'm on my way to see your present commissioner. I believe his name is Dubigny. A blackhead, a bangling fool, give him my regards. Yes, I will do that. And wish him luck in solving these recent robberies. Oh, you know about them? Oh, all France knows about them, and he's laughing at the police. One moment, you are here because of the robberies, Monsieur? Well, yes. Yes, the Serpents seems to think an Englishman is involved. Why, what do you ask? To give you my sympathies, the case will never be solved. No? Why? You see, Dubigny has been fortunate. Since he became commissioner, there have been no other crimes of this type. It involves a master criminal. It takes a master to catch a master. You seem so certain, Monsieur. Well, naturally, I am the doc. Later, commissioner, Williams described to me how he arrived at your office to be greeted by a scene of noise, confusion and desperation. Detectives carried back and forth with urgent messages while you, commissioner, vented your bad temper on an unfortunate gendarme. Fool, fool! But their uniforms were authentic, commissioner, and they said they needed the cabinet for evidence. So you helped carry the cabinets out of the truck. But it was an official truck. They had an order signed by you. Signed by me! Signed by me! You may leave. Get back to the private queue. Yes, commissioner. Well, well, what do you want? I'm Williams, and Scotland guard. Oh, oh, yes, yes. Forgive me. This is a most trying day. Commissioner! Yes, yes, Your Honour, Baudenay. What progress have you made in finding the criminal who stole my medal? We must be patient. And all my uniforms. General, I beg you. Unless you find a way of curving these crimes, we'll find a new commissioner. I failed to see the humor. He said it involved a master criminal. Who said this? Vidoc. Vidoc? Yes, I met him by chance. He's a fascinating man. He's a real artist. Greatly overrated, Monsieur. I can assure you. He once held this office. His methods were mostly regular. Still, in the case of these robberies, he might be able to find... Never, never! For years, Monsieur, his reputation overshadowed every man who held this office. Even I had to suffer these humiliating comparisons. Oh, how is that? Vidoc would have done it so. Vidoc would have caught them sooner. Vidoc would have known immediately. Yes, that must have been very irritating. I forgot his name to be mentioned. I took certain steps, which made it impossible for him to remain in Paris. I managed judicially to keep his name out of the papers. Now, finally, he is forgotten. Still, in the case of these robberies, he might be able to find... Never! Of course, I have no way of knowing the twists and turnings in your brain, before you make the inevitable decision. I can only say that your messenger did not take me wholly by surprise. Naturally, as my duty to France, I instantly obeyed your summons. Come in, come in, Vidoc! How are you, mon ami? Excellent, come in. Well, bonjour, Inspector Williams. Hello, Vidoc. I want to discuss these recent robberies with you, Vidoc. Inspector Williams and I have been discussing them. Shall I summarize? Please do. We are satisfied that they've all been carried out by the same gang. The crimes are all of a similar nature. Yes, the robbery of the National Museum, of the Petit Palais Royal, of the home of General Bourdonnet. Yes, the criminals have consistent teeth. We've watched all the fences closely. Nothing has turned up. Not of these, not of Roche. I think they may have been smuggled out of France. No, all the stolen goods are still here. The thieves are waiting. They have time. Then all we can do is wait. You asked the help of Vidoc. I never wait. Well, well, what will you do? Gentlemen thieves. Well, they are a very special lot, a tightly net, highly professional group where each man knows everything about the others. Yet sometimes one may be found who is jealous of another. And can be induced to talk? For the commissioners had every known dual thief in Paris picked up in question. No thief will talk to a gendarme. It's a simple fact. Dubigny never comprehends. To whom? To another thief. I once knew a gentleman thief. I doubt if he is involved in these robberies, but he is likely to know the ones who are. The Marquis de Villiers. A Marquis? No, he assumed the name for professional reasons. He gained entree into the greatest houses with such ease that he was also called Monsieur Latschke. Oh, he sounds charming. And you believe this Marquis would know? Eh, if I can find him. He isn't in Paris? He is in hiding. Has been for years. I'll get in touch with some of my old friends. You'll need some officers. Ah, what a bungler. No, no, no, none of your bullies. I'll go alone. Unless Inspector Williams would enjoy meeting the Marquis. Inspector Williams and I met that night in the Luxembourg Gardens. It was striking ten, and news vendors were crying their headlines reporting the public to patients, telling them that their infallible police were at work. Both Williams and I were dressed as sailors. We crossed the gardens and began our search, first calling on a certain woman of the Fogul Saint-Germain. Yes? What do you want? Adele. You? Yes. I am looking for the Marquis. The Marquis? Oh, sherry, I am sorry. I have not seen him for weeks. And to a certain Maître-D, in a fashionable restaurant. And to a young dancer at the stage door of a well-known theatre, without success. Finally, we stopped on the boulevard to buy white violets from an old beggar. The Marquis, Monsieur? What do you mean? Café de la Tour. Café de la Tour. Merci, old man. Café de la Tour. Here we are. Down these steps. What do you want? Madame, are you expecting the Marquis? Who are you? Two lonely sailors who have business with the Marquis. And white violets for Madame. Oh, he'll come in. He is not here yet. Eh, here. We'll take this corner, where we can see him. What a place. Is there something to drink, Monsieur? Eh, eh, two Calvados, Madame. We must hear. Yes, cafes like these are the unwashed linen Paris hides from her guests. But I feel most at home with the criminals who frequent these places. Ah, because you worked among them, huh? No, because I was one of them. Look, here, on my chest. But G-A-L... G-A-L? Burn into my flesh. The mark of the chain gang. You? I spent eight years on the chain gang. But how then? It was supposed to be fifteen, but I escaped. In the habit of a nun. Oh! But did they know when you were in the certé? Well, of course. That's why I worked there. Do you know what it is to be a fugitive? To live expecting a return to that hell where I couldn't stand it. So I made a supreme gamble. You went to the certé? Ah, no, mon ami. What was more logical? I knew everything about crime, every trick of the trade. And then? Well, then, Monsieur, inevitably, I became commissioner. Here he is. The Marquis. Madame, have you a corner table? Oh, certainly. And I have cooled some of your wine. I will bring it immediately. No, no, no. Well, we'll wait. Be ready to leave. Leave? Just when he's around. No, no. Do as I say. When you see the old woman coming back. Now. Pardon. Pardon, Monsieur. May I pass? Oh, Flo, just a moment. What is this wine you have? Oh, please. It has been ordered specially. I'd like to assemble it. Oh, oh, please. No, no. No, no, no. It is for the Marquis. Monsieur le Marquis, your butter. Eh? What? What? You take my wine? I think not. He's got a knife. Fidoque. Oh. I'll handle tea. And those with knives. Ah. Tea. When you steal wine, Monsieur. Memento mori. Remember, you must die. We all must die. Stand back. Against the wall. Attention all. Be quick. Now. Who was responsible for this fight? It was the sailor. He took the wine. Anna, why blame me? I was insulted by the Marquis. I insulted you. Liar. Enough. You are both under arrest. Here. Put out your hands. Locked together. A cozy, loving pair. Auto-light is bringing you Mr. Charles Boyer in the Docks' final case. Tonight's presentation in Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills. Suspense. Hey, Harlow. How would you describe an auto-light stay-full battery? Why, that's easy, half. It's the world-famous battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use and gives longer life, as proved by tests conducted according to accepted life cycle standards. Well, you just can't buy a better battery than an auto-light stay-full. Tops and quality and performance, eh, Harlow? You bet, half. And it's because of advanced engineering design and a number of glass retaining mats around every positive plate that reduce shedding and flaking. It's the battery of a lifetime. You bet it is, half. So friends, visit your nearest auto-light battery dealer. He'll gladly check your battery. To quickly find his location, look for the auto-light battery sign or phone Western Union by number. And ask for me. I'm Operator 25. I'll tell you the name of your nearest auto-light battery dealer, where you can get an auto-light stay-full. The battery that needs water only three minutes. And remember, from bumper to tail-light, you're always right with auto-light. And now, auto-light brings back to our Hollywood sound stage Mr. Charles Boyet in Elliott Lewis' production of V-Doc's final case. A tale well-calculated to keep you in suspense. And so, according to plan, my plan, the Marquis and I, V-Doc were thrown in the same cell. For it has been my experience, Commissioner Dubigny, that to gain immense confidence, one must share the hardest blows of his personal fate. When you learn that, you will have taken the first small step toward mastering the art of detection. But enough. I had boasted to Inspector Williams and I believed to you that the Marquis would talk within 24 hours. But the hours dragged on and he sulked in his corner and I in mind. Finally, I gave a pre-arranged signal to a passing guard. You, on your feet, I only stand in the presence of gentlemen. Then, up, you're to come with me. Don't tell me this lying pig is being released while I rock. This is being taken upstairs for questioning. We have a tip on this fine bird. A tip? That you know quite a lot, Monsieur, about these robberies now much. How did he look when you said you had a tip about me? Interested, Monsieur V-Doc. And I think there was sympathy. When I reached your office, Dubigny, you were eating your dinner. Yes? Chateau brillant with sauce and ricotta. And I thought, Commissioner, how you had never lived as I had so often on nothing but bread and water. But I was in your office because of duty, so I wasted no time. Well, the marty will not talk. Ah, well, I am afraid this case is too much for you, V-Doc. Your trip is sprung, the bird is caught, but he will not sing. Because you have his stool pigeon in the next cell. How did you know? What do you take me for? His ears waved through the bars. Remove him. Any more advice? Yes. Have your gendarmes give me a sound beating before they throw me back into the cell. Ah, a pleasure. Ah, after I have eaten. Oh. Chateau brillant also and pomme souffle and then a sweet. The beating was genuine. I insisted on that. The artist must make sacrifices to be near, must be willing to risk his flesh, his very life on every turn of the wheel, which is why you will never be V-Doc. It was two hours later when they threw me back into the cell. You will talk. You will talk yet. But I know nothing. Here. Let me see that cut. Oh. I told them I knew nothing. Whoever committed those robberies would not let himself fall into the hands of the police. That is right, my friend. But I must say I was flattered to think they believe that I... You are right to be flattered. What do you mean you? Do you know them? The men who robbed the petit palais, the man who planned it. Oh, brilliant, incomparable. Yes. I know them well. And so the birds sang. And I was ushered back to your office just before midnight. But it was fortunate you were alone to be near for much of what I had to say was only for your ears. Well? Well, V-Doc? Well, the case is solved. Let me sit down, please. Well, well, did the marquis confess? No, no, not so fast, mon ami. I know the names of everyone involved. I know where the stolen goods are stored. Excellent. Excellent. Well? And I know I'm very weary of crime, commissioner, of greed, and envy, and fear of men who seek success through fraud because they have no talent. All of us have poor crime. And I am weary of you, Dubigny, who stole to achieve your success. I stole? My name? The only thing of value I owned. When I left the surety, I left a monument that towered in the minds of my countrymen. You stole it. You tore it down, stone by stone. Why? How could I? You have to use your whispered in one ear and then another. You drove me out of Paris hoping that I would be utterly forgotten. Am I right? V-Doc, I beg you. You know the name. Yes. But there is a price. How much? I have composed a statement for you to sign. I, Emile Dubigny, declare that whatever poor talents I possess, I owe entirely to the master of all detectives, V-Doc. But what would you do with it? I will use it as I see fit. When I see fit. Very well. There. Now, the name. Here is the address where the stolen goods are stored. But who? If you make a raid, now I said immediately you may find the whole gang there. But their names... Harry, commissioner, do you need the names if you can catch them with the goods? I'll let you lead the raid in person. Knowing that newspapers would send reporters there, I was willing to let you have the glory for once. I remained in your office, drinking your excellent cognac. When young Inspector Williams joined me, he had been informed that the case was solved. A most charming cognac. Yes. Now tell me, the marquee was not involved? No, no, no, no. He merely disclosed the names. How many were in the gang? Seven. Yes, seven. All experienced thieves. Was there an Englishman? Why yes. I believe he said there was one who had escaped from Dartmoor. The commissioner's reasoning was correct on that. And the mastermind? The marquee did not say. But surely the doc, you know. Not of his certainty. Then I have surpassed my teacher, because I know. Oh? And who is he? You. Mr. Williams? What possible proof? Proof? My proof is the marquee. In the Cavite Latour, when you and he staged that very convincing fight, what staged, Mr. Williams? The marquee shouted, memento mori. What of that? A Latin motto. The marquee is LeBac, your assistant in the variety show. The man who fancies himself to be a classical scholar. Justitia vertutum regina. Justice is the queen of virtues. What could be my motive? I meant to rob and gain nothing for myself? Didn't you gain great satisfaction when all of France laughed at Dubigny? Bravo! You are worthy of your teacher. Before I go, what will Dubigny discover in this raid? Why, the stolen goods, the jewels, the general's medals, the mirrors and paintings from the Petit Palais, everything. And the gang? Oh, they have escaped. But they are of no consequence. There were only two men. And now, one is a chape marquee, and the other, well, a man who is rather pleased with himself. And so, I, the doc, beg your indulgence, Commissioner Dubigny, for the nature of this report. As I said, it is my final case and perhaps not my best. If you wish, consign these pages to the fire. There are witnesses revealed here, both yours and mine, which, I fancy, both of us are willing to forget. Suspense! A true story presented by Autolite. Tonight's star, Mr. Charles Boyer, will return in just a moment. This is Harlow Wilcox speaking for Autolite, world's largest independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment. Autolite is proud to serve the greatest names in the industry. They are members of the Autolite family, as well as are the 98,000 Autolite distributors and dealers in the United States and thousands more in Canada and throughout the world. Our family also includes the nearly 30,000 men and women in 28 great Autolite plants in many foreign countries, as well as the 18,000 people who have invested a portion of their savings in Autolite. Every Autolite product is backed by constant research and precision built to the highest standards of quality and performance. So remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Autolite. Now, once again, Mr. Charles Boyer. Next week, the fourth member of our first drama quartet will appear on Suspense. Sir Cedric Hardwick will star as the most infamous poisoner who ever lived, Dr. Edward William Pritchard. The program will be heard on Suspense. Suspense was transcribed and directed by Elliot Lewis. Music was written by Lucian Morrowick and conducted by Lud Glaskin. The box final case was written for Suspense by Sylvia Richards. Featured in tonight's story were Ben Wright, William John Stone, Paula Winslow, Parley Bear, Victor Rodman and Joseph Kern. Charles Boyer may be seen in the fall tour of the first drama quartet's presentation of Don Juan in Hell by George Bernard Shaw. Remember next week, Sir Cedric Hardwick in another true story which we call the Diary of Dr. Pritchard. You can buy auto-light staple batteries, auto-light electrical parts, auto-light resistor type or standard type spark plugs at your neighborhood auto-light dealers. Switch to auto-light. Good night. This is the CBS Radio Network.