 The signal oil program The whistler at whistle is your signal for the signal oil program The whistler 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 radio history and Signal gasoline is tops to tops in quality It takes extra quality, you know to give you extra mileage and signal is the famous go farther gasoline So look for the signal circle sign in yellow and black that identifies friendly dealer owned signal stations from Canada to Mexico And now the whistler strange story The body off Billingsgate It was a grim scene there on the dock at Billingsgate with the early morning Fox whirling eerily around the three figures bending over the shapeless mass on the plank The Scotland Yard inspector the sergeant with his notebook and Peterson the nervous little fisherman Stammering answers to the inspector's methodical question Oh, thank I say the man's been dead about 12 hours. You've got that sergeant. Yes Mr. Peterson you say you would moored your boat out down the river. That's right inspector About two hours ago it was then as I was coming in in the small boat here I spotted the body in the water. I see nearly right ran into it. I did Any idea who he is inspector looks like an American blow on the head sergeant blunt instrument put that down Let's have a look in his pockets No on the air How do you suppose a poor bloke come to this gangster affair probably most of the gangsters seem to end up this way? What is it inspector a check for five thousand pounds on the buckney's bank Signed by our Wilfred Greenwood Stay here and look after things will you sergeant? Yes medical examinal be up shortly I'm going over to have a talk with the manager of that bank. Yes What a way to die How do you suppose you heard what the inspector said man blunt instrument? Yes, it was obvious that the man had died as the result of a blow from a blunt instrument But there was something more important than that Something the inspector was to find out later at Barclays Bank Something which indicated that the most important cause of the man's death was a normally harmless instrument Just an ordinary fountain pen It had been more than a month before and a fog like this one that Victor Milton Groped cautiously toward the glowing yellow rectangle of an outdoor telephone booth in the murky darkness. Yes listening Yes operator, I want to put through a trunk call to London, please. That's right. How is it along with you? No, hurry John Victor cancel the call hang up What the deuce Vic? I didn't know you were in Leeds. I thought you thought I was in London. I know Who are you calling? Oh? Just a friend don't hand me that You're the boy who's been tipping off the opposition aren't you greenwood? You're wrong Vic. I've nothing to do with two weeks since you joined the organization Two weeks since the other mob has been knocking off our trucks Funny coincidence isn't it? No no no wait a minute because I can explain you can begin by telling me who you were calling in London I told you just a friend quit stalling. I got a train to catch Who was it John? You better talk or I'll know you won't drop it drop that gun Tell me who you were calling up. I won't tell you big I'll kill you Give me back Yeah, that's better Vic don't do it No, and that's how it began Victor with a young man named John Greenwood Dead at your feet at a public telephone booth in Leeds You bend down quickly take his wallet and gun and hurry off into the night It's three blocks to the railroad station in the trains due in five minutes You stop for a moment on a bridge over a canal near the station Rappie and the gun and wallet and then hurry up onto the station platform Thanks, thanks a million. Oh, you're not tuffy a toppy I must sound awfully silly. It's a family nickname for my brother I thought you were toppy you see he was never on time for a train in his life I'm sorry to disappoint you. Oh, it's not bad at all If you'd be good enough to sit down, I shouldn't wonder if I could start reading my paper Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize we were in your life. Yeah, sure. Sure. Go ahead. We'll sit down over here. Thank you Well, who's your boy Colonel Blimp You hear you That's funny, isn't it? You never know who you run into in a file Colonel Blimp or or what an angel from the first cloud You're American always come straight to the point, don't you how did you know I was an American? Oh The way you talk now wait a minute. I've only been here for two weeks, but I've been working hard I say bowler instead of dirty petrol instead of gas You're as bad as toppy. He wants to sound like an American and can't pull it off either I do wish he'd got here. You're not worried. Are you? No, but he promised to ride to London with me to see father. It's my first trip to town in almost a year You see I've been at school in Leeds and oh dear. I must sound like an awful chatterbox Oh, not at all. What's your brother doing in Leeds? He's just taken on a new job commercial traveller pain hardware that sort of thing He's young of course and a little irresponsible, but he'll settle down No danger of puppies turning into a spiv Spiv yes, you see a spiv is a Well, it's a new word in our vocabulary, sir an unfortunate addition I might add. Oh, how do you mean colonel? Captain sorry, it's quite all right a spiv sir does no work pays no taxes produces nothing of value yet Flourishes like the green maitreys black markets hijacking the soul of shameful thing Well now you know what a spiv is When did we get to London around midnight? Oh wonderful. I'll see you home. Oh, I I couldn't oh not another word now After all I have to do something useful now and then what do you think I am a spiv? You really shouldn't have gone to all this trouble my dear young lady It's after midnight the fogs as bad here as it was in Leeds. It'll be 10 Bob. Okay. Here you are driver Careful in the book now. It's a better. Hi, sir. I'm certainly grateful to you. It's the first time. I've been here You see father just moved in last week. Oh, I see Thank you father still up. I'll be insulted if he isn't he knows I'm coming Hillary It's so good to have you home my dear and toffee. Oh, I'm afraid I'm happy mr. Train father I thought I'd better see your daughter home, sir. It's a little late for her to be out along Well, uh, thank you young man. Come in come in won't you thank Now Hillary don't you think you better? Oh the telephone make yourself at home. Will you Hillary? I'm sure the young man can do the spotter brandy when I see here. It's pretty late. Perhaps. I don't you heard what father said Oh drunk call from Leeds that must be toughy with some excuse or other. Don't be too harsh with him father Do you prefer brandy or whiskey? You know I don't even know your name All this way and we haven't even been introduced. I'm sorry. My name is Milton Victor well, how do you do mr. Milton? I'm Hillary. How do you do? Yes? I'm listening officer. What is it father? What's the matter? I see Identification from the coat. Yes. Yes. Yes. I'll catch the first train north. Thank you. Thank you very much. Goodbye Father what's happened? Puppy That was the police up in Leeds. He's not in another scrape not anymore He's dead Hillary. What his body was found in the fog by a telephone booth Been robbed. I'm awfully sorry. I guess you two want to be alone. Yes Thank you for seeing Hillary home. Mr. Milton if there's anything I can do off it kind of you mr. Milton Our name is Greenwood Greenwood Wilfred Greenwood. My son was John John Greenwood John Greenwood you always call him tutty Rob But why would anyone rob him? He never had anything. He never I uh, I think it was something else Hillary And I'm going to find out who killed him if it's the last thing I do With the prologue of the body off Billingsgate the signal oil company is bringing you another strange story by the Whistler But now I'd like to ask one of the ladies here in the studio a question Did you serve iced tea for supper iced tea of course not in this weather We prefer a hot drink precisely and just as you choose a different diet in cool weather Remember your car needs a different cold weather diet to if you want to keep performance up and wear down Just what do you mean by a cold weather diet for a car? Well first of all the transmission and differential should be drained and refilled with a correct winter grade of signal gear lubricant If your front wheel bearings and speedometer cable haven't been repacked for 5,000 miles now is a good time to tend to that And of course for a sweeter running motor the old oil should be drained and replaced with a correct winter grade of signal premium motor oil That amazing new type oil that actually keeps motors six times cleaner and reduces cylinder wear one third one more Question what is the correct winter grade of oil that differs according to the make of car its age and the climate But your signal dealer can tell you exactly because he has an official factory chart Which shows just what lubricant the manufacturer recommends for each part on your particular car This is just another extra in signal dealers complete line of services and product to help your car run better Look better and last longer Now back to the whistler It's a terrible shock Isn't it Victor the knowledge that the man you killed in Leeds was the brother of the girl you met riding up to London John Greenwood Hillary's brother and it's hard for you to believe that her brother could be like that That he could be the son of an obviously influential and respectable citizen like Wilfred Greenwood But that's the way it is Victor a thing that might happen once in a million times has happened to you It unnerves you doesn't it but not enough to destroy your role as innocent strangers They haven't the slightest reason to suspect Victor and you decide that their friendship might be valuable You send flowers and condolences to John Greenwood's funeral then wait a few days before Telephoning Hillary. Oh Hello, Mr. Milton. Thank you so much for the flowers. Oh, I'm sorry. I couldn't do more to help But I realized that at such a time I Read about some flowers this morning in the Times. Oh, yes, the carnations are blooming in Hyde Park Say, I'll bet you haven't been out in the fresh air for a week You haven't You know, I think a stroll through the park or perhaps some voting would be just a thing for you That's to go Restful out here, Mr. Milton. I do feel relaxed now. That was the general idea But it's your expense aren't you tired of rowing? Oh, not at all and I can use the exercise I don't believe it. So if you're anything like father too involved in business, you're all the same. Oh, no No, I don't overdo it father does lately anyway Tell the truth, Mr. Milton. I'm worried about him. Oh Taken top is John this so hard. I really didn't expect him to be this way John always got into scrapes and father's been so very proper. There were times when they had real differences Father's so hurt by it. Haven't Haven't the police any idea who shot your brother? No But father won't give up. I Wish I could help some way you've done a lot already. Mr. Milton make it Victor. Will you all right then Victor? That's better much better Yes, Victor. It's going well and as you continue to see Hillary during the days that follow You begin to feel more secure Knowing the friendship of influential people like the Greenwoods makes everything solid the sweet of the Carlton the office in Oxford Street Your pose is the enterprising young American businessman Yes, Hillary will solve some problems, but not all of them. What's wrong Ernie? What's holding us up money? They got two of our trucks again last night on the Great North Road Suiting materials tweeds Worcester's close to 4,000 pounds. Oh, I'd like to know who's tipping them off I could be anyone they've got a man on every corner. There's no getting away from them. We need money, huh? Yeah quick All right, Ernie All right, I'll get it. Who do you know over here? Well, you I said I'd get it never mind how All I need is a little time You like it here Hillary, it's heaven Well, that's because you're here in my arms. It's sweet of you to say that What are we waiting for Hillary? I I don't know Vic It's the first cloud on the left and we're sitting right on it together I Never want to let you get away Would you? Would you think it's strange if I proposed right here on the dance floor? You shouldn't what will father he won't object and what if he does I I don't know Oh, we've wasted too much time already Hillary. Let's let's do it. Let's elope when right now darling We can oh yes, we can I've already got the special license. Well Hillary Hillary, please please we can talk about it on the way On the way. Yes darling after all you can't expect me to be married without my hat and coat Well go ahead Mrs. Milton ring the bell. I feel so nervous now that we're back thick I I don't know how to say father Why so jittery? He's all prepared you wired him dear. I know but here here our ring Come on chin up darling. I don't know why I'm acting like this Hello father. Well Hillary you did get back and you Victor married to my daughter. That's right, sir Well, what are we standing here for come in you, too? I've had the champagne on ice ever since I got your wire Must say Victor you Americans don't let any grass go under your feet. Well, so with a curl like Hillary. Oh, it's all right My boy, I'm pleased. You must know that by now The quality of the champagne certainly says something mr. Greenwood. Good. Ah, but he doesn't say nearly enough I'll come over here both of you to my desk Now Where's my checkbook? Oh now father? We really didn't expect you never mind now dear Haven't any family heirlooms to pass along but my bank account can certainly stand a substantial present to both of you Where are my glasses Hillary mr. Greenwood? Hillary's right. Oh, yeah here here. I can't see without them Vicki you make out the check But sir I go on go on now. You may as well do it darling. He always gets his way. Well All right What's the date darling our wedding day? How can you forget? October 11. Oh sure. Oh, I'm all mixed up today, darling October 11th 1947 Oh, let me see October is the 10th month, isn't it? That's right 10 11 47 Who shall I make it out to mr. Greenwood? Call me dad, won't you and make it terrible to yourself? Of course, you'll be the man of the house. I hope On my glasses yet Hillary Order of Victor Milton five thousand miles Thousand pounds you sound like you don't believe me early. I'll feel better when I see it skip it You better keep your eyes on the road They hijack us again tonight with through How much farther to lead ten miles the boys are meeting us at the warehouse in the Crikey, what's the matter? Look up ahead It's a roadblock gun it up. I can't give her the gas. I said the loads too heavy will tip over Who is it? You know them it's them again the same ones. I know that Laurie are there. Let the truck go then Let it go jump and run for it. No Vic. We ain't got a chance What's the idea where are we keep moving mate? What did you do to Ernie keep moving Nice bunch of guys pulling me off my own truck slapping a blindfold on me driving me for miles Maybe you'll wish it was further. All right. Hold it here mate Come in where do you find him? He jumped off the truck when we held it up. All right, mate You can take off that blindfold Yeah, I'll do it fine thing shoving a guy around like What For a moment you can't believe it can you Victor let your standing face-to-face with your new father-in-law? Wilfred Greenwood pitch it can't be that there must be some mistake He's up now mistake. He was on the truck. He said it was his I see all right Go back to the truck, but I'll take care of him. Give us an hour alone right now So pop you're in this racket too, huh? You're the guy that's been hijacking my trucks. It was you Vic you killed John I don't know what you're talking about. I've had men working on my son's murder ever since he was killed And I told them to bring me the man who did it no matter who he was They brought you Victor and they don't make mistakes as simple as that Huh, of course, mr. Greenwood now that I'm your son-in-law Hillary is better off rid of you Wait a minute. Wait a minute. You can't shoot me without you didn't wait for it when it was John No, Vic. I'm you're doing nothing. Oh, let me go. Give me that gun Give it to me That's better mr. Greenwood. What are you going to do? I haven't much choice. Oh, you won't get away with it Vic my men will be back here in an hour. I can get lost in England in less than an hour You'll never stop running. I'll be alive Greenwood and with enough money to run a long ways Thanks to you watch your check for five thousand pounds Vic. You did kill him my son Yes, I killed him thought you were smart planning him in my gang as a stool pigeon Yes, I killed him and I'll even show you how no Yes, sir. Good morning. Good morning. I'd like to cash this check. Very well, sir Mr. Greenwood's check pay to the order of victim Milton five thousand pounds. Yes. I'm His son-in-law of course. All right, mr. Milton if you'll wait just a moment. I'm sure we can honor it for you The whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending to tonight's story Meantime since tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day I want to say for signal oil company and the almost 2,000 signal dealers who serve the seven Pacific Coast states from Canada to Mexico We hope that your Thanksgiving cornucopia will be filled to overflowing Not only with good food, but also with good health and good cheer Certainly all of us can be thankful from the bottom of our hearts that we are living in America the land of abundance and freedom for all We have the signal oil family like to feel that in our 17 years of serving the West We have played a part in furthering the way of life that is America Because signal dealers own their own business They are carrying on the tradition of the independent businessman who has played such an important role in building America and Signal oil company by supplying signal service stations with constantly finer products Has helped each signal dealer keep abreast of that ever-present healthy competition, which is the key to America's continuing progress Competition which helps all of us here in America enjoy the highest in the world standard of living And now back to the whistler Yes, the man discovered by the fisherman at Billingsgate died from a blow by a blunt instrument According to the records at Scotland Yard But in a strange way the real cause of his death was the stroke of a fountain pen on the scrap of paper If another man had held a pen the victim might never have died But the fatal pen marks could never be erased or changed They were still there on that check for 5,000 pound found in the dead man's pocket signed by Wilfred Greenwood Even 12 hours in the cold water of the Thames River hadn't blurred a line The Scotland Yard inspector waited quietly as the cashier at Barclays Bank examined the check carefully I say the check is wet inspector It's yes the man is made out to this Victor Milton was found dead at Billingsgate dark a few hours ago I see a suicide inspector hardly games to affair I'd say revenge for something the bloke had done You've seen that check before. Yes only yesterday. Mr. Milton was in trying to cash it inspector We had to refuse him of course. Why is that? I feel quite badly. He acted so strangely almost desperate Yes, he was it seems he'd written the check himself for mr. Greenwood to sign, but he post dated it I explained that the check couldn't clear for another month. He post dated it. Yes, it was dated 10 11 47 You see he was obviously an American and they write a date differently than we do They put the month first and the day next well here in England Of course, we put the day first and the month second then this check hero is just reversed He meant to indicate October the 11th, but actually in writing 10 11 he made it November 10th Just a difference in trust that's right, but I had to tell him we couldn't honor the check until a month from now Strange fellow, you know He seems so anxious to have the money But when I suggested he have mr. Greenwood write him another check. He didn't say a word Just looked at me and walked out Let that whistle be your signal for the signal oil program the whistler each Wednesday night at this same time 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 speed Be courteous and obey traffic regulations It may save a life Possibly your own featured in tonight's story were walley mayor and Alma Lawton Whistler was produced by George W. Allen with story by Leslie edge Lee music by Wilbur hatch And was transmitted to our troops overseas by the armed forces radio service Next Wednesday for a full hour of mystery over most of these stations tune in a half hour earlier Enjoy the saint as well as the whistler This is Marvin Miller speaking This is cbs the columbia broadcasting system