 And now stay tuned for the mystery program that is unique among all mystery programs Because even when you know who is guilty you always receive a startling surprise at the final curtain in the signal oil program The Whistler the famous go farther gasoline invite you to sit back and enjoy another strange story by the Whistler and the Whistler and I know many things where 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 for the signal oil company the Whistler is strange story episode at Thunder Mountain Moving down the icy slopes of Thunder Mountain The young couple on skis could scarcely be aware of the fact that their downhill progress was being observed through the telescopic sights of a high-powered rifle from the ridge above and Then as they pulled up to a stop behind a protective screen of tall fir trees Paul Cameron caught his attractive partner in his arm. Oh You had fun darling, I've got a wonderful afternoon so bye Come here When I see you tomorrow So soon I must I'll be dark before now. All right. I'll wait here till you reach the lodge before starting down A lovely exciting girl isn't she Paul Helen Whiteside the young woman you've chosen to be the next Mrs. Cameron You stand there puffing slowly on a cigarette and watch as Helen races down the slope and then she's gone from sight You wait another few minutes until you're certain she's reached the bottom of the slide And then step out from behind the tree and as you do The bullet ricochets off the tree above you and then another You leap forward hurl yourself down the slope Racing faster and faster over a sea of white Swerving and twisting crazily and around you one bullet after another kicks up a tiny cloud of snow Hello, Mr. Cameron, what'll it be scotch as usual a double, right? Oh, by the way Yeah, your wife was then looking for you. Oh He was here a couple of minutes ago. Thanks. You went to make a phone call. Thanks. Thanks Hurryed up with that drink will you? How are seeing today, Mr. Cameron? Miss Cameron Go what how was skiing? Oh? Oh, it's all right. You know, I just don't see what kind of kids you probably get out of sliding down in hills like that Hey, I miss Cameron. Thanks Hold on. Oh Sandra I'll have one of those two Joseph. Okay, miss Cameron. Oh, well, I just call the phrase is they can come. Oh Really and the Mortons too, they weren't doing a thing and apparently we are Darling, I'm giving a little dinner party. It's a large part. Oh, oh, I didn't tell you No, no, no, you didn't He's going to say for the entire weekend your brother Nikki. Well, that's right. How do you guess? Oh, it's just a hunch Sandra Yeah, I had a feeling today that my dear brother-in-law was around Close by Yes, Paul from the moment that first bullet whistled over your head on the ski slope this afternoon You knew that Nikki was in the vicinity, didn't you? But he was the one who had tried to kill you his second attempt in as many months for each of them Unsuccessful, but you know, you've got to do something about it before your luck changes That evening at the dinner party for your wife's friends. Nikki is his usual charming self dominating the gay light-hearted conversation Finally the two of you meet alone on the terrace overlooking the valley Right see me Paul. No, Nikki can't say that I am I rather expected you sure Hope you don't mind Should I? After all I have one's brother-in-law come barging in this way It seems I've been popping in on you and Sandra quite frequently Yeah, cigarette. Oh, thanks. The truth of the matter is Paul. I Worry a lot about Sandra. I mean Why should you things are always happening to Sandra? Accidents sort like last week Car crash or you can hardly blame her for that something went wrong with the steering gear. I know I Have been other things for example the time the sun lamp fell into that tub of water You could have been electrocuted. Oh, yes I just can't bear the thought of anything happening to send. Oh, I quite understand it as you said Nikki You're very fond of her and of course Sandra is very wealthy woman Oh, we're both well aware of that fact Our first husband was a fine father. I'm decent of them to leave her all that money It's quite a break for you Oh, can I help with the center is a very generous woman after all I am her brother All of which entitles you to a very substantial allowance every month Oh, you've tried time and time again to talk her out of it too. I'll be ridiculous Oh, but you have the more she spends on brother Nikki the less remains in Kitty so to speak up the absurd. Oh, I know you married Sandra for her money. I think I'll You just can't stand to see any of it being Squandered on brother Nick now look Nikki. I suppose you're gonna tell me you're madly in love with Sandra Why should I tell you anything? You don't have to you're in love with Helen White side Yeah, I know all about Helen. I don't bother to deny it old man I'm well aware of what's been going on between you and a little redhead. I haven't been for some time then Why haven't you told Sandra? Oh, no, no, no, not a complete fool Sandra's fond of me. It's true But she happens to be head over heels in love with you and if I dare to suggest that you were Too timing her. Well, she probably checked me out on my ear and There would go my lovely little allowance Suppose I were to tell Sandra that you had tried to kill me on two different occasions. I try to kill you Oh, that's crazy. Oh, no, no, it's not The first time you can prove I tried to kill you. No, no, but I know you did Suppose I told Sandra that Nikki. Oh, she wouldn't believe it Oh, dear sweet brother Nikki. Oh, no, no, as a matter of fact, she might become quite angry with you. Oh, man I I think I will tell her I know you won't No, Paul, I'm afraid we're gonna have to leave Sandra out of it And just settle things for the two of us. All right, Nikki We'll do as you say The subtle things just between the two of us Last Tuesday on New Year's Day practically all cars aged a whole year Yep, even those shiny 1951s are now last year's models But the important thing is not a car's age, but how well it runs Well, many of you who own vintage models are today enjoying better performance than you did a year or five years ago You are if you're powering your car with signal Ethel a premium grade of signals famous go farther gasoline After all signal Ethel is engineered to bring out the best in any car of any age When I say best I mean best starting trigger quick on cold mornings I mean best pickup that apologizes to no one when the traffic light says go and I mean best power That hoists you smoothly over our king-size Western Hills in high Who worries what year a car was made when you're enjoying driving like that and you can enjoy it If you just head for a signal station See if your car doesn't feel younger much younger when you treat it to a tank full of signal Ethel it's out in the open now isn't it Paul the duel between you and Sandra's brother Nikki The duel you're sure can only end in death for one Nikki's well aware of what you've been up to with you Yes, he's certain you've tried to kill Sandra and her at her money and marry Helen White side And you know he's going to try to prevent that Because as long as his sister remains alive he can count on a very handsome allowance from her each month It's either you or Nikki isn't it Paul? But just how you're going to rid yourself of Nikki isn't quite clear to you yet But late the following afternoon as you're sitting alone at the log Before the huge fireplace sipping a drink your wife Sandra comes in Who is that you're talking to outside? You know he's one of the ranchers in the valley also a deputy sheriff. Oh, that's so But what did he want nothing in particular? He and his name were just passing by they've been trying to track down some mountain lines I've had an awful lot of trouble with them lately Attacking the flocks and so on. Oh, oh, I see and you know Paul. Oh I've had the most wonderful idea We could organize a hunt and get all our friends here together and hunt not not in line You could all meet here early in the morning and have a good breakfast and then join Mr. civilian The other answers hey That's not a bad idea even stay overnight if we wish. Yeah He tells me there's some old abandoned cabins up on one of the ridges They're using them as headquarters. Well, do you suppose the Frasiers would come along? Oh, I know they were Marge and Jim Morton too. Well, wait a minute. How about your brother about Nikki? You suppose he'd like to join the hunt. Of course. He'd love it. How nice of you to think of him Paul Not at all dear, and I think we should start getting things organized right away It's perfect isn't it Paul if only Nikki Sandra's brother will agree to go along And you're very pleased when you learn that he has agreed at Sandra's insistence And of the plans for the hunt begin to take place You find time to steal a few moments with Helen White side again It's a guarded conversation in the main line as you sit down near her pretend to be reading a magazine Never mind just pick up that paper. They won't even know this is Helen. I can't meet you tomorrow I'm gonna leave the lodge for a day or so Going along on this hunt there organizing doesn't matter Paul What I said, it doesn't matter. I've been thinking this over you and me It isn't going to work. We're talking about I'm not Moments together like this Isn't fair to any of us. Do you know Helen listen to me now wait someone's looking this way not listen Paul you listen I'm Leaving the lodge in the morning I'm going back to Helen Paul. It's perfectly obvious Well that you're not going to be able to do anything about That's under Helen that isn't true. Oh Please please just give me a little time. Oh, don't don't ask me to explain anything. It's just that I'm Well, I'm quite certain that these are going to be different soon You do feel certain that the time has come and Helen's attitude convinces you of another thing The schedule for disposing of your wife Sandra must be moved up to That night the plan begins to take shape in your mind It's pretty well in focus, isn't it as you join the others at breakfast early in the morning and Prepare to set forth on the pack trip up into the lonely reaches of the mountain You have a heavy hunting rifle with an easy reach on one of the pack new Nikki has one too But no one in the gay light-hearted party realizes what if you have in mind Nikki makes it clear to you at one of the stops along the winding arduous parade He waits until you're alone and slips up beside you Are the setting for the last act at all? What are you talking about? Oh, stop it Oh, man. I think I haven't noticed the way you keep firing that hunting rifle Just itching to grab it. I've latched my head off. You out of your mind I'm not that much of a fool with all these people along. Oh, there'll be a later time That's all when we split up for the hunt. Maybe tomorrow Yes, that might be ideal. Look this sir. Billy. He's a deputy sheriff. You know, there's a good witness to the little accident Nothing like having the law on your side. I'll tell you if I'm not try anything. Is this a true something or just something to throw me off my gut I believe you for the next 12 hours Is it really wouldn't try anything in a big group like this? Much as I'd relish it Nikki I have no such plans for you Right now I must see to the needs of our mutual benefactors It's frightening isn't it Paul Nicky's cold self-assured approach and the terrible realization that he's a much better marksman than you But you have a plan Hours later as the pack train finally arrives at the lonely ridge in the tiny group of cabins You feel quite certain that everything is perfect for your plan There's just one thing to do isn't there one idea to be planted to make your story airtight later on You attend to what is the group breaks up to take over the cabins for the night? Oh, Jim Hey, Jim, Jim Morton I just wanted to ask a little favor of you Would you in March take the cabin next to ours? Oh, sure See what difference it makes they all look pretty much wrong. No. Well, no it isn't that Jim Well frankly, I I don't want Sandra's brother Nikki so close to us Oh, look, I know how it must sound and I hope you won't say anything Of course Nikki and Sandra had a big blow off back at the lodge yesterday It was about money. Look, you don't have to tell me. Thanks. I know that you're a good friend Jim to Sandra and to me Oh, actually, I may be just imagining things, but Nikki is a strange chap and I'm afraid for Sandra. It's better to play We'll be right there Looks as if he's taking the cabin as far as the way. Oh, well, that's good. Well, it's like I said, maybe nothing too Just forget about it. Would you Jim that I ever said anything sure thing and now I better give Marge a hand with the sleeping Yeah, I'll go on. I'll do the same thing. Uh, thanks Jim Thanks a lot Just a few words for something that Jim will forget for the moment But something he's sure to remember when you need him most when the rest of your plan is carried out The next step is a simple one, isn't it? The window inside the cabin you share with Sandra. She pays no attention as you check it casually see that it can be raised It can You close it again That's all for now. Isn't it Paul? But a few hours later at dinner with the others around a big campfire You're very attentive to Sandra and notice with pleasure that Jim Morton keeps watching her brother Nikki It's all going together perfectly, isn't it? An hour or so later. Mr. Sevilley suggests that everyone turn in get a good night's rest and they all agree Later in the cabin you paste the floor as Sandra stirs restlessly in bed No, no, not right away Yeah Bonfire was fun, wasn't it? Yeah, it's all right Oh Something bothering you. We've been very quiet ever since we left a lot. No, it's nothing I'm going outside Sandra. I have another cigarette before I turn in don't wander far Mr. Sevilley said the cliff in the back of our cabin is quite dangerous Yeah, I know all about the cliff Sandra drop of several hundred feet. Well, I'm not thinking of jumping off Yet You're not Really happy with me. Let's not discuss it at this hour Sandra. I'm I know I'm tired tired of me of everything Something else my money couldn't really buy All right, Paul this time when we get back we'll They'll call it quits No, no wait a minute. Good night, Paul Like you I'm too tired to discuss. Oh, but Sam No, I go on to sleep. I'll be back soon If you needed any further urgent Sandra has provided it hasn't she Suggesting that the two of you can call it quits as she puts it, but that wouldn't be enough would it Helen is expensive Sandra's money is very necessary Yes And everything is clear and simple now as you walk quietly to the far end of the row of quiet Cabins and knock softly on the door of the last Who is it? It's me Nicky Paul open up. What do you want? It isn't what I want. It's Sandra She wants to talk to you now now Well, now just don't worry. I'm not armed. This still isn't the time or the place Why does she want to see me? What are you told her everything my dear brother-in-law a fool, Paul? Perhaps Perhaps not Well, you shouldn't keep Sandra waiting. She's quite annoying with you I don't know. Wait till I get a coat Yeah, and your rifle Nicky you better bring it along in case you have any doubts about me That's not a bad idea. I Thought you'd agree See any light in the cabin Are you sure sad look closer Nicky? There's a light he turns peers through the darkness toward the cabin and in that moment your hand closes around the Heavy of rock in your overcoat pocket. You lift the rock high. Sorry Nicky This is as far as you go You lift Nicky's limp form Carry him to the edge of the cliff and back of the cabin a little shove in the first half of your plan is complete Isn't it Paul but only the first half? You hurry back to the spot where you killed Nicky don a pair of leather gloves pick up Nicky's rifle and enter your cabin You freeze for a moment as Sandra stirs uneasily in her sleep Then you undress quickly slipping into your pajamas and robe you cross the room Stand near the window as you raise Nicky's heavy hunting rifle and then a Moment later, you're across the cabin and outside You hurl a rifle out into the snow and then shout at the top of your lungs Can't you do something for her for Sandra? Do anything now try to tell us again. What happened? Well, Nicky Nicky and Sandra they had a terrible row yesterday back at the lodge. That's right Paul told me about it. I had no idea he'd do anything like this Well, he came down here and tried to get in we wouldn't open the door. I thought he'd gone away But he he went to the window you said yeah, that's that's right He raised it and fired point blanketer and then he ran And I went out after him caught him for a second. He struggled over the gun He let go of it and broke away No, maybe he didn't care by then Went right over the cliff. That's a two or three hundred foot falls Probably does it well Never have got away with it Samba, I should have told you about the quarrel I've seen things like this before mr. Cameron Well, it gets crazy mad like that. Maybe even been drinking. We don't know But if I hadn't let me come along Another way probably Nothing to blame yourself for mr. Cameron Not much use blaming anybody now Did you know that right now during the rainy season? Scientific lubrication is even more important to your car to keep moisture from working into vital moving parts and causing expensive damage That's why I think you'll be interested in knowing about some of the extras you enjoy When you have your car lubricated at a signal service station First of all signal dealers take no chances on memory when it comes to the many lubrication points on your car Instead they check against signals factory recommended lubrication chart, which clearly shows every part Then they use nine specialized signal oils and greases so each part will get the exact type of protection it needs and Finally just to make doubly sure not a single part is ever overlooked. They check each part again Which is why it's called signal double-check lubrication Now that's the kind of loop job you want if your car is to give you the long trouble-free service that was built into it And that's the kind of lubrication you get at friendly independently operated signal service station Well, Paul, it's all over isn't it and in a way that you're certain leaves you in the clear It's simple isn't it? So simple that even the slow-thinking sheriff's deputy, Mr. Cerville can have no difficulty in adding things up You're sure he will have to reach the inevitable conclusion that Nikki killed his sister out of frustration When she threatened to cut him off without a sin You stand just outside the cabin now the stung grief-stricken husband Dully recounting your story To the little group of Sandra's friend as inside Mr. Cerville examines the position of the body the cabin and then finally comes to the open door and calls to you Mr. Cameron, would you step in here for a moment? Oh, yeah, yes, of course I've covered her Thanks Skip it Was out of respect to her Not you Cameron What it was an interesting yarn you told out there in front all those people the iron See here, Mr. Cerville. You said Nikki came to the cabin a little while ago But you wouldn't unlock the door for him. He said he raised the window fired point blank at Thoughtful of him to close the window after he shot her wasn't it? No, no, no, I closed up. I thought she might still be alive and I didn't want to take any chance on there Get it made up quite a story Cameron, but it's not gonna help you You shot your wife. Look here, sir Billy. I Won't stand here and be accused by an amateur detective who's a bit Cameron and listen You see these cabins aren't used much you should have thought of that because This window hasn't been raised in the last three hours. Maybe you raised it before then to check it I don't know but I do know it hasn't been raised in the last three hours. It was I tell you come here Cameron Have a closer look what here on the bottom of the sack spider web? Yeah Spun by one of the more permanent residents of this old cabin He's been busy for at least three hours. It's these spiders up here that long the thinnest web The spider Little thing like a spider a very busy little spider I'd say the web he spun between this seal and window sash Provides enough evidence for even an amateur detective to make an arrest Wouldn't you be your signal for the signal oil program the Whistler each Sunday night at the same time Up to men over 17 the National Guard suggests you find out how you can meet your military obligations this pleasant way Train with your hometown buddies learn new skills and enjoy sports while you live at home and get a day's regular pay for each Two-hour drill period For more information inquire at nearest National Guard headquarters featured in tonight's story were Bill Foreman as the Whistler John Daner Sarah Selby Virginia Greg Lamont Johnson Don Harvey and Britt Wood the Whistler was produced and directed by George W. Allen with story by Joel Malone music by Wilbur Hatch and Was transmitted overseas by the Armed Forces radio service 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 Remember to tune in at this same time next Sunday when the signal oil company will bring you another strange story by the Whistler Entitled man from the morgue in which a strange deception leads a frightened criminal to frenzied action and murder Marvin Miller speaking for the signal oil company Stay tuned now for our miss Brooke starring Eve Arden which follows immediately over most of these stations This is the CBS radio network