 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 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 service stations from Canada to Mexico And now the whistler strange story The girl next door It was in a small but very special way a moment of triumph for Alma Germain On the surface of course the matter was pretty small and unimportant Nothing to compare with ten years ago when she was a national celebrity When her every move was recorded faithfully the next morning in syndicated columns to be read and appreciated by 30 million movie fans But the satisfaction the rising warm feeling inside was there an Alma smiled across the black ebony desk at the puzzled face of Oscar doll the producer Lean back in the Chinese red leather sofa and flicked an ash into an onyx tray at her elbow Alma, honey Maybe I'm subnormal this morning, but I swear I heard you I simply don't want the part Oscar Is there anything so puzzling about that you don't want the part I don't want the part period mind if I ask why Should be very simple Oscar six months ago You gave me a dozen good reasons why I should never act again. Oh for heaven's sake. Hmm. I retired at the top seven years ago While I was the girl next door node in love from Maine to California Yes, I know but I told you this part has nothing to do with a girl next door. This is a mature role You're not an angel no any longer my dear your somebody's mother And don't tell me you sat in a dark corner for six months and came to a reasonable conclusion because I know better Nobody get it. Nobody in this crazy town had more genuine reverence for a fast dollar than Alma Jermaine There's only one reason you turned down 2,500 a week. Oh Somebody's made a better offer and I think I know who who Neil Roberts You're guessing dear you deny it. Well, not exactly What makes you think it's Neil observation my dear Watson? I've seen you out with a guy He's as dull as they come but he's got money and runs a newspaper When I add that to the fact that your stone broke I smell orange blossoms and hear the wedding march in the distance. What makes you think I'm broke I got that from the detective Detective surprise honey. What do you mean detective a private eye Neil's sister? Hired a month ago was around asking questions about your background. She's got her nerve Oh, she's got more than that angel. Well, do you know her or not? She owns that newspaper her brother operates watches him like a hawk gives him the go-ahead before he ever makes a move She has nothing to say about whom he married. Oh, you just don't know Louise Roberts. You ask me honey I don't think she'd like you for a sister-in-law now if you act sensibly and take this job I'm offering you for a solid 2,500 a week for the run of the picture Well after all there are other actresses in town then by all means find yourself one Oscar I told you I'm through with pictures. Are you through those cars with that 15-room house and the swimming pool? Of course not. Okay Too bad though this part was made for you and I hate to say it honey But I think you'll find the role of Mrs. Neil Roberts a little bit tougher to play Alma do you mean it? Of course I do Neil now. Let's dance. Shall we wait a minute? Well, I I can't believe it, but I'll say it again. I love you very much darling And I intend to marry you but the last time I proposed you said I didn't have a prayer I changed my mind darling. You wore me down You know, you know, I feel like standing on top of this table and shouting Tell them the girl next door is going to be Mrs. Neil Roberts Strange isn't it to me at least you are the girl next to him You know, I think I fell in love with you the first time I stood at my window and saw you over in your garden You took your time telling me. Well, I don't know. I I had no idea you'd take me seriously You were so famous and pretty Well, I made a career of it darling, but you were more than that Elma I'm aware of it, you know the real helmets remain charities the things you've done for other people You're sweet Neil Now let's dance shall we dance? Oh, but I've got to tell people I want Louise to know Does she have to know Neil tonight? Well, why not? She'll about to talk to you tomorrow, of course Yes, of course Uh, Neil, why don't you call Louise? Tell her I'd be delighted to have her over tomorrow afternoon round three fine I know we'll have a lot to talk about Are nice to see you Louise do sit down I'll ring for tea or would you prefer something nothing? Thank you, and I'd rather stand Elma Neil tells me you're engaged. Yes last night Robbers sudden isn't it? Oh, do you think so? It's been proposing for over a year And you turned them down until you found yourself up against it financially, right? I suppose your detective told you that in a few years. I'm turning full control of the paper over to Neil That's quite a responsibility and you'll need a wife who can help him shoulder it Thankfully Elmer you're not exactly what I had in mind. Oh, what did you have in mind? Certainly not a woman six years older than he is Who's marrying him for his money? You've never liked me. Have you Louise? My personal dislikes don't enter into it I love my brother. Well, he loves me. He's in love with a shadow With that wholesome charitable little character you used to play on the screen the girl next door and you resent that I resent hypocrisy Charities indeed money donated in your name by your gentleman friends. Listen to me Louise You might just as well understand this right now I will not give Neil up under any circumstances. I may have something to say about that I'll find a way to prevent this This incredible marriage if it's the last thing I do With the prologue of the girl next door the signal oil company is bringing you another strange story by the whistler But now a message especially for you drivers who have new cars or expect to be getting one Just any motor oil won't do you know for today's high efficiency motors. 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That's your guarantee of a sweeter running motor Signal premium motor oil And now back to the whistler Well, the lines are drawn aren't they alman Louise roberts knows you're marrying neil for his money and she's going to move heaven and earth to prevent it You feel sure that all the detectives her wealth can hire Won't be able to discredit you won't discover a thing about your carefully concealed past Your life before you became a movie star You decide to let things lie quietly for a few days And then a week later you drop over to the roberts home next door Smile pleasantly at mrs. Ridley the housekeeper as she admits you Good afternoon, mr. Ridley. Oh, mr. Maine come in won't you? Mr. Neal's working up this study. Oh, I hear miss roberts has gone away. Yes till monday Maybe that'll give me a little time with neal. I've hardly seen him the last few days Oh, I know and I think it's just awful. She's gone out of her way to keep them busy If you ask me she's jealous. Oh, why oh, she's too fond of him to say anything But the way she looks when he mentioned you Like she wanted to Well, if it was me, I'd marry him right now while she's gone. Oh, I think I can cope with it Well, just the same. I wish for your sake. She'd stay in indiana Indiana Yes That way she went Why thought you knew Mrs. Ridley, you're sure that well, I saw the plane ticket. Why would she go there? What business? I suppose she Oh, are you all right, mr. Maine? Oh, yes I'm all right. Hello. Is that you? Yes, darling. Well, you know how it is dear the tyrant sister of mine keeps my nose to the ground Doesn't she though? Ah, but she's an angel come lost without him Yeah, how about some tea or something mrs. Ridley? Yes, sir. Mr. Maine should use a cup Mm-hmm Now then deling kneel I want to be married right away. Well, but we plan next month. Please Let's get married now Now tomorrow. Oh, but louise won't be back till the day after It only takes two of us dear. Oh, well, I couldn't do that to my sister Why dear? She's taking our marriage so hard. Why prolong it? It could be all over by the time she gets back. You think it's better. It's kind of kind of Well, that's so like you, Alma. We can have dinner with with ruse and jerry, perhaps Then it won't seem pretty tomorrow night. We can fly to yuma. Well All right, if you say so Neal near dying You're such an angel neal You'll never know what you've done for me Neal doesn't know what he's done for you Doesn't realize that there might be some hidden meaning in louise's sudden trip to indiana But you know the meaning of that trip. Don't you alma? You know exactly what louise might discover And exactly how your own position will be threatened If the scandal concerning you and the late james chote comes to light And that's why you've made up your mind alma about your marriage to neal louise loves her brother She'd never spoil his happiness by exposing you You're counting on that as you rush the plans for the wedding and Phone your friend ruth forb and begin plans for an informal barbecue out by your swimming pool And then the following afternoon Mr. Finish my swim That's a five o'clock just about miss. Oh, I had no idea. It draws me that tower. Will you door? Here you are miss. Oh, thanks. Probably shouldn't have gone for a swim Oh, so heavenly Oh, yes, the table looks lovely. Oh, thank you miss. I brought down the fire lighter. Shall I start the charcoal? No, never mind. I'll do that. Is there anything else at all miss? You know, I'm going to the movies tonight with mrs. Ridley. Oh, that's right No, dora. I think that's everything if the forbes come before you leave send them down here. All right, miss Adora, where's that lighter you brought? Oh, never mind. All right. See you alma Louise, I didn't know that you no one does I just arrived we we didn't expect you until late tomorrow. Yes, I know But it didn't take me long to find what I was looking for In indiana. I don't follow you. No, I followed you Right from the time you made a mistake in a magazine interview You mentioned a town in indiana So of course you flew right down there the busy little bee. I was busy. All right reading old newspaper files That's how I learned about james chote. Well, what if you did so it was found dead in the burning shack that doesn't prove anything Oh, did I miss something? That isn't what I read at all But what no I read about chote being found in a hospital in a very critical condition They were trying to contact his wife a pretty 17 year old named alma You're lying He died in that fire. I saw him the fume from your agitation that you set the fire. What are you saying? Jim's dead You can't prove anything louise. You're trying to keep me from new, but you can't do it. He'll believe me You say gins dead Yes, I I suppose he is in a way What do you mean he's in a state institution Didn't die No, elma Your husband didn't die Louise you haven't told me what about this you haven't I've told no one how make some excuse to kneel I mean I'll I'll give him up to you if you'll just keep this to yourself You'll never quite be all mine again. I can't forgive you for that You don't want to scandal you know you don't touch even if it makes now after you've done to me I'm going to show you up elma tomorrow on page one. No, you can't do that. I won't let you no one lets me alma I do as I please. No, do you hear this is one time? You won't stop it. What do you alma? You stand there alma Watching at the edge of the pool The club-ended firelighter clutched in your hand as louise stunned by the blow struggles feebly in the deep water I hope you do. I want you to drown Louise. I want you to And you don't lift a hand do you elma as louise continues her frantic bewildered efforts for a moment And then sinks below the surface and floats there A quiet dark shadow in the pretty blue oval of your pool And then slowly your blind unreasoning hatred passes And something far off wakens you to the danger of your position the others alma your guests. They've arrived They'll be coming down here You're panicky now And you're only thought is to conceal what you've done to get louise's body out of sight You look around wildly behind you as the open door of the bathing cavagna For the last shattering effort you dragged a wet sprawling shape from the pool Over to the cabanian thrusted inside. You're slamming the door shut as the others come down the walk Maybe a little kneel came and got us. He's bringing the drinks down. Well darling, what's wrong? You look exhaust Well, I didn't realize the time I was swimming isn't when I heard you coming Sorry, I wouldn't mind to swim myself. How about you? Oh, love it. Have we time darling? Well I suppose so only Silly, I mean, but I locked the key inside the caban. You're all the suits are in there Oh, I have a key. You are remember you gave me one so we could use the pool when you're away I think it's here in my turn. Look really, there isn't time. The charcoal's ready. Well, you know how it is. We'll stay Yes, well, here we are everybody I told her maybe you could persuade Alma to allow us to swim kneel. No, she being selfish I think you must have a man locked in the cabana Oh, don't pay any attention to him darling. Just a joke. Of course, we won't swim if you draw the gnaws here Have a drink instead. Oh, thanks And Alma, don't worry about that man in there. Your secret's safe with us Well Alma for the first time in your life, you have to do some real acting To be the easy gracious hostess and to avoid that questioning look in kneel's eyes You can't announce the wedding plans now, can you? Secretly you cursed that first wave of panic that blinded you to the easy way out To the simple fact that it could have looked like an unfortunate accident But now you can't use that explanation, can you? They'll know the time of death Alma. The police can determine that So your removal of the body will point to one thing only The guilty knowledge of murder Your desperate purpose now is to get your guests away from here. Make some excuse to send them home so you can think Finally you'll manage it and as they're leaving it's Ruth who unknowingly suggests to wait out So long Alma. Good night. Oh, it's been delightful darling. Even if we are kicked out at 8 13 But I thought you were going to tell them our big news. I'm sorry kneel. I've an awful headache Oh, you've certainly been edgy and what about the big news news? Yes. What's Neil talking about? What are some of the time? Oh, you've been completely frustrating this evening darling Next time I want to swim. I'll use kneel pool kneel pool Yes The good idea. Oh, she's just being cruel honey. Hey kneel. You're driving us. We'll be right with you. All right. Bye Dearest, what is it? Why didn't you tell him about us kneel? I I was wrong. We can't get married without telling louis But you said yes, I know I know but we really should wait I've thought about it dear Now run along. I'll see you tomorrow. Well You think it's best. I know it is I want to do the right thing. Of course you do elbow That's why I love you Yes, Alma Ruth gave you an idea when she mentioned kneel swimming pool kneel in louise's pool right next door The diving accident story you overlooked before will work now if louise's body is found there Just another swimmer dead in the water with a bruise on her head It's a terrible ordeal, isn't it, Alma? But somehow in the darkness you manage it get louise over to her yard Change her into one of her own swimming suits And ease her into the water A short time later you answer the insistent ringing of your front doorbell Why mrs. Ridley? Oh, mr. May please come quickly Something terrible happened. The police are at our place. The police? Yes, it's miss robert Say it wasn't an accident. I didn't say for certain that it wasn't an accident. Miss germane. Yeah, I'm hard to satisfy The miss robert's was um She a careless sort of woman and dressing so forth Certainly not She was well groomed and quite correct in everything yet. There's very correct lady went swimming in a sun suit sun suit That's right Seems like a little thing maybe only it's a masculine kind of mistake You're You're not suggesting that neil. I know they were a devoted brother and sister no apparent motive at all still robert's wasn't very definite about where he was around five yesterday He was calling for mr. Mrs. Ford's. He brought them over to a party at my home But he could have killed his sister before he went after them. We couldn't have I I know he couldn't You love him very much. Don't you miss germane? But isn't just that I I know because Because I saw louise alive. Sorry. Yes She was in her pool swimming just before neil and the others came where she waved over to me Oh, and you didn't tell her brother. She was home Why didn't occur to me? I thought he knew Well in that case miss germane. I won't attain any longer. It must have been an accident lieutenant does look like it Anyway, I'll check with the gardener gardener. Yes, robert says he was working around the grounds all afternoon If the gardener's story checks with yours, well, that'll be it Good night, miss germane It was a bad mistake wasn't it alma in your murderous haste you dressed louise in a sun suit Instead of the bathing suit. She'd naturally wear But it will all be all right alma everything If only he doesn't know for certain that louise wasn't swimming in her pool It seems forever doesn't it before the lieutenant is back again Well, miss germane. I couldn't reach the gardener, but I talked to the housekeeper over there mrs. Ridley she says the gardener can't be of much help to her Oh seems that he was driving mrs. Ridley and your make dora to the movies at five o'clock He couldn't have seen miss robert's in the pool when you did I see Then does that mean that I'll have to take your word for it? Yes, it does as far as I can make out it was an accident like you said Sorry to bother you at this late hour miss germane, but I thought you'd want to know Of course, it's no bother I'm so relieved For neil's sake Whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending to tonight's story Meantime a word to you folks who have not yet taken your vacation about an item that will have a lot to do with your driving pleasure gasoline No matter where you travel throughout the pacific coast states from canada to mexico You'll find signal a famous go farther gasoline Almost 2 000 friendly dealer owned signal stations stand ready to serve you and to honor your signal credit card And remember when you power your car with signal the famous go farther gasoline You not only enjoy signals good mileage, but also the thing which makes that mileage possible Extra engine efficiency, which naturally means more thrilling performance for your car So on your vacation trip and always to be sure of the tops in gasoline quality Just remember these two points One in gasoline it takes extra quality to go farther And two signal is the famous go farther gasoline And now back to the whistler Our expensive little world is safe again Neil's in the clear now Free to marry you without any interference from his sister Yeah Louise roberts is safely dead and your whole murderous past with her It was a desperate few hours But the absence of motive and your one efficient lie convinced the lieutenant that it was a tragic accident nothing more That's why you're surprised the next afternoon to find the lieutenant back at the door again walking in Sitting down in the luxurious house. You thought was yours past all jeopardy Frank me lieutenant. I thought we were rid of you. I know I'm funny The boys at the department rib me about it even when I'm sure I always have to check And what are you checking now the gardener? I finally caught up with him today I thought mrs. Ridley said that part's okay He wasn't there to pull around five yesterday and he didn't notice the body at ten when he came back Then what's so important very important because after talking to him I changed my mind about mrs. Robert's death It wasn't an accident at all It was murder. What are you saying? Why'd you lie to me yesterday, mr. Mayne? Why'd you tell me you saw louise roberts in swimming? I did see that robert You're all finished mr. Mayne you killed her and put her in that pool yourself thought it passes an accident Then you saw her brother and his money slipping away when we put the finger on him So you tried to cover by saying you'd seen her in swimming. This is outrageous. I don't know what you're talking about Why'd you lie to me? No one but an idiot would have dived into that pool yesterday afternoon Because the gardener changed the water in the robert pool yesterday, mr. Mayne At the time you claim you saw louise roberts in swimming There wasn't a drop of water in the pool Let that whistle be your signal for the signal oil program the whistler each wednesday 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 speeds be courteous and obey traffic regulations It may save a life Possibly your own featured in tonight's story where betty lou gerson and tom collings The whistler was produced by george w allen with stowley by william engvich Music by wilbur hatch and was transmitted to our troops overseas by the arm forces radio service This is marvin miller speaking. 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