 John Wanda's Johnny Donner Oh, what can I do for you? We insured Jonathan fellows somebody tried to kill him. Is that the Jonathan fellows the industrialist? Yeah, his wife went to the police, but fellas refuses any protection doesn't seem worried Considered a potential assassin just a crank. What do you want me to do? Look into it? We insured fellows for a half million I suggest you talk to his wife first Incidentally concerns time According to the Bible To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. We all agree on that I'm sure and we'll also agree that the regulation of time also depends on the season for example Did it ever occur to you who decided where our poor time zones in America should be exactly? Well back maybe 75 years ago There were about a hundred fifty different time zones which were set up according to the whim of the local inhabitant Most of the time was called Sun time and there could be 15 minutes difference between the clocks of two towns only 10 miles apart So to get rid of the confusion the Interstate Commerce Commission was established It divided the United States into four standard time zones so that railroads planes buses and the mail could run on schedule Of course if the city wants to go on daylight saving time during the summer that's a decision which is made locally The standard time remains the same everywhere else But setting the nation's clocks isn't the only job of the Interstate Commerce Commission, however It also makes rules and regulations for the various means of transportation which go from one state to another It seems that railroads truck lines barges and boats operate safely Charge reasonable rates and give good dependable service It also protects trucks and bus drivers from working such long hours that they might fall asleep while they're driving The Commission also demands that trains engines and machines have safety and stop devices It is in itself a safety device to assure every one of us Freedom from danger as we travel about our country Defeated by a special investigator Johnny dollar to home office intercontinental indemnity and bonding cooperation New York City The following is an accounting of expenditures during my investigation of the Jonathan bellows matter Express account item one twenty nine dollars and sixty five cents mileage and incidentals between a heartbreak in New York City I Arrived at number one Park Avenue close to two o'clock Mrs. Edith bellows a very attractive redhead somewhere in the early 30s Met me at bar and showed me into her luxurious apartment Thank you, Mr. Stern explained the situation to you only that someone tried to kill your husband Yes, day before yesterday, but Jonathan was walking in the garden someone shot at him Fortunately, they missed Mr. Stern said your husband refused police protection He's a very unusual man, Mr. Dollar. I would say so. It's not a young man 63 He's retiring and doesn't particularly care for people, especially people who meddle Unfortunately, he considers the police meddlers. Has he had any kind of protection? No, there's any worry Well, he doesn't show it, but knowing him as I do I'd say he's mildly concerned Someone takes a shot at him and he's only mildly concerned. It's the nature of the beast Mr. Dollar Well, I'm sure you're aware that intercontinental indemnity is more than mildly concerned Yes, and so am I, but a whole family for that matter I'm certainly give you all the cooperation that I can I think everyone else in the family will be greatly relieved Except your husband I'm afraid he won't like it much It'll be pretty hard investigating if he has me thrown out of my ear Who are you, one thing in your favor? You're not a policeman Yeah But when I'm on a job, Mrs. Bellos, I've been known to meddle and meddle and meddle About Jonathan Bellos Mrs. Bellos had married him eight years before Taking her place as number three in his collection of wives Her predecessors had retired to lives of leisure on their alibi Bellos had one son Ralph by his first marriage now 23 years Around three o'clock. We went downstairs and climbed into a bright new station wagon an hour later We were driving up a long circular driveway the bed to the Bellos mansion We parked and went in Jonathan's probably in the library. Hi. Oh Hello, Mr. Dollar, this is Ralph Bellos. How do you do? How do you do the insurance? Yeah Everyone know about this? Everyone except your husband. Yeah He's in the library with Professor will Gonna blow a fuse gonna be funny, huh? Oh, well in a way. Yes. Hey, you might not get much of a laugh Ralph that's not very considerate. Well, that's the truth. And you know it The old man is gonna take off like a skyrocket. I personally think it's very funny. I'm not being vindictive. I'm just being honest Look, Mr. Dollar, I haven't anything against you I don't even know you but my father's a tough bigoted unreasonable old man And I've had to put up with it all my life. Well, well, that's the truth 99% of the time he gets his own way But when he doesn't he creates the most magnificent explosion you've ever seen Glodingly, I am proud to say that I have been responsible on several occasions for lighting the fuse. You're on a gun Oh, don't be ridiculous. I didn't take that shot. Oh, no, first not Ralph just as concerned as the rest of us Ralph, I think we'd better yes Can you take it mr. Dollar? That's why I'm here then allow me to escort you to the library You're spoiled well The atomic energy commission what you have business, what did you say about the whole he's Hello, Professor. No, how are you? He's just beaten him three straight games. Who's that with you? Oh, this is Mr. Dollar dear. He's gonna find out who took that shot at you. What no John he's an insurance man insurance man. I'll just sit over here I'm within a continental indemnity. What are you doing here? Who sent for you John? I want to know who in places. I don't get it you stay out of this young man Who told you I was retained by mr. Stern? I didn't tell Stern to send anyone over here to meddle in my affairs. I brought in here you did why He did we've discussed this whole Jonathan if you don't take it easy shot up shot up get out of here mr. Mr. Dollar get out Jonathan, please. Are you going to get out of here possibly? But stop looking like you're gonna throw me out young man. Just let me tell you now I've got a better idea sit down what sit down. Are you young now sit down? I've got something to say and you're gonna hear me out look here mr. Dollar you've got no right. Who are you? Professor will Johnny dollar okay, professor I'm gonna say what I've got to say whether you think I've got any right to or not if you want to listen you're welcome Well welcome young man if you have something to say say it and get out And I'll place a call to your company and see that you're immediately discharged. You're due for a big shock. I Don't know how interested you are in maintaining your insurance policy If this attempt on your life isn't investigated, you're not gonna have a policy. Are you finished now? That's not what I wanted to say. It's this I've never met you before. I don't know you and I don't want to You're a big man in your field, but that doesn't entitle you to be rude to me Now I'll go But if you ever try throwing your weight around again, I'll throw over my knee and make up for the spankings You must have missed a long time ago I'm sorry. Mrs. Bellows. It's pretty obvious your husband doesn't care how much his family worries about him Now if you let me call a cab, I'll get out of here mr. Dollar Yeah, would you say a moment now count found a young man now who's being rude compared to you I'm still in the bush league. Would you please stay for a moment? I'd like very much to talk to you, please Mr. Dollar will be miserable and you keep your mouth shut Ralph. Yes Well, mr. Dollar Okay, if you excuse us, I'd I'd like to be alone with mr. Dollar We'll finish the game later professor And I want to see you later Ralph Sit down mr. Dollar, let's keep it this way. I'm still a little nervous How much do you know about this shooting only that someone tried it on you mr. Dollar? I know who took that shot at me You do yeah read this letter I Missed you in the garden. I won't miss you again You'll pay for a Shot a shot a it's in Africa 30 years ago. I was in the mining business. I had a partner Frank Victor We didn't get along and there was an argument one day in the mine It was quite a scrap and it was a cave in I got out Frank didn't There was an investigation and I was cleared Why are you telling me this cause I've decided to trust you I'm not particularly fond of you, but I believe that you can get things done I'm working for the insurance company mr. Bellos certainly, but I'm sure you must have gathered this sort of thing can create some very unfavorable publicity Do you think this Frank Victor is alive? He must be I've never told anyone of this incident Oh, there were certainly other people involved what happened. Yes, but no one who was out to get me Why would anyone else but Frank Victor want to kill me, but he didn't give you Maybe it was someone who knew of the accident, but what would he have to gain? Blackmail maybe I told you it was an accident sure But maybe someone figure they could scare you into believing Frank Victor was still alive How to kill you you pay over enough money and not on your life not my life mr. Bellos Yours, but why wait this long 30 years? I have to admit that can astouse me You've been a big man in the business world for a long time Nobody ever have any trouble locating you. What do you intend doing first going back to New York? Why oh lots of little things Mr. Dollar as long as I have taken you into my comfort mr. Bellos Someone took a shot at you. It might happen again, and you might be dead Now if you want me to prevent something like that, you'll just have to put me My wife drove you here Yes, then you need a car take the station wagon. Well, I think you'll be returning Properly tomorrow that you can stay at the town apartment. I want to be in touch with you You might just as well take advantage of the empty apartment the number one Park Avenue. Yes, I know I'll see you tomorrow I left without saying goodbye to the rest of the family and drove the bright new station wagon back to town I stopped off at the time where I wallowed through the morgue file for three or four hours I went back 30 years to find what I was looking for a small article dated the shanty Africa 1923 I Didn't say much more than what Jonathan bellows had already told me It mentioned the mine cave in an appending investigation into the death of Frank Victor Jonathan bellows partner In an addition dated three weeks later I found the account of the investigation and a verified bellows story about the verdict Satisfied I left the newspaper and drove to number one Park Avenue Where I received a royal greeting from the door man who informed me that mr. Bellows had phone to make sure I had everything I needed In the apartment I poured myself a drink took off my shoes stretched out on the sofa and put in a call to Roger Stern Yes, I want some information on the bellows family past and present sure Find out where his other two wives are and how long they've been there And find out about a professor wilt wilt. Yeah, W. I. L. T. I think friend of bellows place chess with them Also, I'll need a background on all the servants. What do you want it? Pick it up tomorrow morning Do you want to reach me? I meant to wait a minute Plaza 52099 Number one Park Avenue Oh, I wish you were right apartment belongs to bellows You let me use your station wagon to It's my big blue eyes. I just batted them a couple of times and Sure station wagon Park Avenue apartment and you better be nice to me a couple of more bats And he might buy me my own insurance company Expense account item to seven dollars and fifty cents dinner after which I returned to the apartment and considered making a few calls It might relieve a lonely evening. I Referred to my meager list of available and was just about to try my luck when the phone rang Johnny dollar Yeah I'm just trying to do the same for myself Hey Yes, mr. Bellows each for me. Is anything wrong? Mr. Bellows nothing wrong. Mr. Dollar. He can bring it right out to me Well, sure 955 East 108th Street. Yes, it's a bar right out Okay. Good. Bye Mr. Bellows. Are you sure there isn't something? Mr. Bellows, Mr. Bellows, you're the second act of yours truly Johnny dollar Built at East 108th Street, where I located number 955 It was a bar the blue pheasant. I parked and went in I Introduced myself to the bartender and he gave me the package fellows wanted then I left and drove upstate to the Bella's mansion Good evening Where's your husband when he stole the study he was a little while ago You're going out. Yeah to see some friends Where's Ralph? Well, you know that just after you left this afternoon Jonathan gave him a pretty harsh folding Been shopping package for your husband called me about an hour and a half ago. Wanted me to pick it up What is it? I don't know but it's heavy. Well, I'll see you later, mr. Dollar Mrs. Bellows, yes, your husband's a healthy man, isn't it? Yes, of course. Why well when I talked to him on the phone He sounded well, what? Well, I don't know. It's strange. I just said goodbye to a meeting fine He played chess with a professor until about seven. I saw him right after that. He seemed fine then There's nothing to matter with my husband, mr. Dollar. He's in the library, huh? Yes I have a good time. Oh, thank you. Bye. Hello, dollar What you said when you left you weren't coming back for tomorrow the one I talked to you on the phone Talked to be on the phone. Yeah, when you asked me to pick up this package package Yeah here From that bar. Oh Yes, the package Mr. Bellows give me the package. What's wrong with you? Nothing's wrong. Just give me the package. It's very important I've got to open it Okay We're sure you're all right Mr. Bellows thought you'd gone out. Yeah, just got in. I was just calling a company doctor Doctor I think there's something wrong with your father What do you mean? He called me about an hour and a half ago told me to pick up a package I just brought it into him and he acted like he never even phoned me Well, maybe it didn't maybe someone else right when he saw the package you seem to know all about it It was odd It was as though I suddenly wasn't even in the room. He took the pack The whole building was coming down around my ears Ralph and I were thrown back against the wall by the time we got up the library was a smoking black hole Jonathan bellows had been blown to Kingdom come Planted in the package I'd given him I Called the police and Ralph located Mrs. Bellows And I jumped back into the station wagon and doubled the speed limit getting back to town The police would be busy enough until I got back. I wanted to get hold of that bartender who had given me the package By the time I got to the blue pheasant It was pretty well filled with customers But the bartender I was looking for wasn't in sight. The bartender was working here earlier. He gets off at 8. Where does he live? Why I'm collecting addresses. Now. Where does he live? You collect addresses. I collect wise guys beat it Look friend that bartender is mixed up in a killing blood murder. He's a bad boy Now you want to give me his address or do I make a call and flood this place with cops murder? You know when someone dies the hard way and society frowns. Oh, come on. What's his name? Where did he live? Well, Phillips 588 East 157th Street. Thanks. You've been just wonderful. I didn't know as anything Like murder you're honest if I'd have known I wouldn't have given you please please. I'm getting all choked up 157th Street and found 588 East a big apartment house Earl Phillips was registered in 405. I Gave him a few minutes while I knocked my knuckles loose and went and dug up the landlady to have her open the door She was a dream About four years older than Grant's tomb With a gin disposition that would make a lost weekend seem like a Miami vacation The type that should never have been dug up. No, look honey. I got cleaning to do look sweethearts Sweethearts an expression of fun. Oh, look doctor. Don't give me no words longer than one syllable cop Cop got bad you here Oh, don't look like a badge to me. These are my credentials John Johnny Should have brought my glasses Johnny dollar insurance investigators insurance. Let me explain madam I work with the police. I don't sell policies. I'm an investigator. I investigate. Yeah. Yeah Well, suppose you tell me what you're investigating murder murder Mr. Phillips with the door open. We'll both know so much Okay Did you see him come in? Oh, no, you see anybody else come in. I've been in my apartment all afternoon I'm going right back there. There were several drops of blood leading to the bedroom door There was a good chance the killer had been surprised and couldn't get out I went to the door and tried it as quietly as I could was treating him for his nerves You and MD. No Years ago, I worked in a carney at the carnival card tricks, you know magic Hypnosis I finally managed to save enough and set myself up as a psychotherapist It was arranged. I meet fellas at a party Told him I could help him Actually, I did help him hypnosis Turned out the big good setup paid me well. Well, I had him on that I learned a lot about his business This person he told you about the a shoddy affair. Yes We decided To make it look like blackmail we That's either Mrs. Bella She was gotten half of the estate and the other half to Ralph Mr. Della, I Think I'm dying. The police should be here any minute But there was either idea. I met her some time ago She reigned the meeting with Jonathan. He was hypnotized when he called me. Yes I left the bomb with her in the air There's a bartender I've known for a long time. He didn't know anything about it, but he He would have identified me as the one who gave him the package And bellows was hypnotized when I walked into the library with the package now post hypnotic suggestion told him money was given the package Take it immediately You can hypnotize a man Tell him to do something hours later when he's awake, and he'll do it. No he did it Didn't he? Yeah, he certainly did. Well, here they come sirens Can't you hear him? I said sirens That's how I knew the police were Professor Professor wouldn't have liked the sound anyway crime and as you know the case comes up next week And that's the way it shapes up They needed someone to be a witness to the letter and hear the old man's story firsthand and I wound up the patsy That's the count item three hundred and forty one dollars and eighty cents Hotel and incidentals while our state in town tying up the ends for the law Item for twenty nine dollars and sixty five cents mileage and incidentals between New York and Hartford Expense account total two hundred and eight dollars and sixty cents Yours truly Johnny Robert the presidency of the United States Can you guess the name of this man? The son of a Baptist minister he entered Union College that's connected in New York at the age of 15 He was the fourth vice president to become president through the death of the chief executive One of his first acts as president was the signing of the civil service act The territory of Alaska was organized during his administration and standard time was adopted throughout the country If you don't know his name by now here are two more clues While he was president the American federal labor was organized and the Brooklyn Bridge was completed Who was he? Chester Alan Arthur