 Have you heard the strange tales of the Whistler? There's much freedom as a squirrel in a cage. Martha is a cold mercenary devil, but I'll have freedom beginning tonight. I'll kill her. Friday night and again CBS presents the Whistler. Know many things for I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. And so I tell you tonight, the amazing story of destiny. At a long table in a New York office sits a little man. He is slightly bald and thin and 45. A mild-mannered, reticent little fellow named Milton Strong. But Milton is anything but strong. For the past 25 years he has worked in the office and now as a bookkeeper, is earning the stupendous salary of $35 a week. Milton can't understand why no one appreciates his ability. Milton has grown a bit sour, but he's never had the nerve to ask for a raise. Today, however, is going to be different. His wife has started him out with a lecture. And Milton is going to face the boss in a manner both clear and strong. Mr. Gouldreit, I'd like to have a word with you. A word? Mr. Gouldreit, it has long been my decision to approach you on this subject. But for various reasons, a sense of reticence has bad me be silent. How long did it take you to memorize that, Milton? I am 45 years old. I've worked hard and long and faithfully for this company. That's right, Milton. I'm aware of that. You haven't missed a day in all that time. In fact, our efficiency expert is getting out a booklet and he's using you as the feature. I came to this firm as a lad of 20. And in all the following 25 years, I asked for very little. I did my work well. Sure you did, Milton. And the company appreciates it. I now draw salary of $35 a week. And I thought that if, after all this time, 25 years, I could see your way clear to afford... Go on, Milton. To afford... Well, I'm not getting any younger. Well, Milton, strange as it seems, I've just come from a meeting of the department heads. Mr. Unger is the head of the accounting department. And, you know, let me see... Oh, yes, here it is. Yes, here's his recommendation regarding you, Milton. Oh, yes. Yes, Mr. Gouldreit. He recommends that you be retired and have salary as of the first of the month in consideration of your long service and loyalty to the company. Retired? Oh, but that can't be. Retired? That's what it says here. But I don't understand. I'm only 45. I know when it's retired until it... Why, you should be tickled to death. It's like a pension. And then I came here to ask for a raise. A raise? Well, how could that be possible when your department head suggests retirement? Oh, I see. Why, you should be tickled to death. I'd be, and you get two weeks full salary and two weeks vacation besides that full pay. You know, Milton, I can't envy you. So, I'm fired. Fired? Why, that's crazy. You've been honored. Good night, Mr. Gouldreit. Good night, Milton. After Saturday, you've got nothing to worry about, nothing. And so poor Milton's strong walks out of the big office and starts home. All the way, his feeling of apprehension increases. His wife, Martha, what will she say? It was his wife who stirred him to the point of demanding a raise. Finally, Milton gets up nerve enough to go home. Home to certain death at the hands of Martha. Yes, yes, it's me, Martha. Well, where on earth have you been? Can't you ever get it into your head that when I say dinner will be ready by six, I mean it? Well, the things happen sometimes to delay me, Martha. Delay you? Huh. I'd like to know what could happen to make you this late. But, you see, I took some time to talk to you. What do you mean by coming in this house with that mud on your shoes? Get outside and take those rubbers off. Yes, I forgot. Yeah, you'd forget your head if it wasn't tied on. Yes, Martha, I'll take them off. And what do you mean coming into the house smoking that stinking pipe? Get it outside, you hear? Yes, Martha, but I started to tell you. Oh, go on out. If you insist on smoking, do it outside. I'll put it out, Martha. I'll put it out. The dinner's cold and you can eat it that way. Martha, I couldn't help it. I went to talk to Mr. Goofright about the raise. Yeah, well, what happened? Well, you see, I'm a little along in years. Along in years? Is that what he said? No, he didn't say it. The head of the department had made a recommendation. For what? Well, now, don't get excited, Martha. I went in to ask for a raise. As you said, and well, everything had been arranged. What did you get the raise? No, I've been retired on half salary. Retired? Retired? At your age? Are you crazy? Why did you accept? Why? I accept. What could I do? Oh. You went in to ask for a raise and you let them throw you out right into the ashes. Oh, what could I do? It was all arranged? Tired at half salary, 1750 a week. And you stood there like a nitwit and let them put that over on you. But, Martha... You stupid, spineless jellyfish. What could I do? You let them push you around for 25 years. You could have been a Goofright's job right now. But you were afraid to open up your mouth. I went to his office to demand a raise, but he beat me to it. Yeah, that's always been the trouble, Milton Strong. Somebody's always beat you to it. Spoke up first. Huh. Retired. 1750 a week. An old man. And how are you going to manage on 1750 a week? Well, I suppose I can find something else. I'd like to know what. I'll find something. And until I do, well, your sister left you $1,500 left. What did you say? Nothing. That is to be... If you think I'm going to touch a dollar or that money, while you're still able to stand on two feet, you're crazy. Until I get something... It's in the bank and it'll stay there. And if you want to smoke that filthy pipe, get outside. Yes, Martha. I'll go outside. You want anything to eat? It's on the kitchen table. I don't want anything. What? I'll eat it later. After a while, Martha. I want to think. Think? Huh. Don't worry yourself out. I'm going to bed. Good night. Good night. I said good night. Yes. Good night, Martha. Good night. His long past midnight, and Melton has been sitting by the window, staring into the night. Resentment has taken hold of him and slowly grown into hatred and revenge. Terrible thoughts surged through his brain. Why should I tolerate so? Why should I stand idly by and be pushed around by everyone? Be little by the firm. Bulldoze by Martha. She's not her wife. She's a cold mercenary devil. A quill and a cage. Appreciation. Loyalty. 25 years of it. And what do I get? But I have freedom. I will have it. Beginning tonight, I'll kill her. I'll go far away. No one will ever know what has come of me. Trembling in anticipation, Melton goes into the small kitchen, opens a drawer, and steps softly to Martha's room. Opens her door and stands listening to her easy breathing. Then... Melton leaves the house and wanders about the streets till dawn. Then at 10 in the morning, he steps into the bank. Good morning, Mr. Strong. Oh, I'd like to cash this check, please. I see. Purchasing some property, Mr. Strong? Well, yes. Well, just a second. Just a second. Uh-huh. Very well. How do you want it? Oh, but it doesn't matter. Perhaps the small bills would be best. Well, yes, of course. This is good. Three, four, three, two... There you are. Thank you. Thank you. Good morning. Several days later, Melton's Strong gets off a train in a western state. Hecks a small bus for a little mining town 50 miles away. Here in this vast desert country, he will begin a new life, a life of freedom. He will change his name, change his destiny. Melton's Strong has ceased to exist. A new man is born. The little bus bounces into Oroville. And two hours later, he is chatting with a prospector in the gold plate bar. Well, I'll tell you, partner, I've been here a couple of years and I haven't struck much yet. Oh, I found a little pay dirt. Enough to get along. Uh, there's supposed to be quite a lot of gold here, isn't there? Oh, sure. It's here. It's all over. Sometimes you're striking a day or so, then sometimes you work for years. If a man ain't got capital with his own, well, somebody's got to grub-steak him. But it's here. Yes. In other words, it's a matter of being optimistic. Yeah, yeah, that's it. Yes. Well, I think I'd like to try it. Of course, I don't know anything about mining. Oh, you don't have to know in this country. It's easy. Anybody can tell gold when he sees it. Where are you from? Los Angeles. I had to come here. The doctor said I should get away from the ocean air. You don't look sick. I was fortunate to have a check-up in time. I'd like to find a place and try my hand at it. You mean by a place? Yes. Well, I got a nice place, three-room cabin, good water, and there's ore there. You got the patience. You mean you want to quit? Well, no, I don't want to. But I'm out of funds. I owe everybody in town, so I ain't got a choice. And the fellow who gets it will probably be the one to hit dirt in a week. Is it far from town? Well, 25 miles. Kind of lonely for a fellow alone. But could I see the place? Sure. I ain't been up there for a week, and staying here in town while my wife went to Sacramento to try to raise a little money from her uncle. She just got back this morning. She's doing a little shopping now. Did she raise any money? No, just enough to eat on for a few weeks. But we decided to pull out. Besides, I hurt my arm last week. Oh, but I'd like to look the place over. Well, here I am. Believe me, I'm ready to go. I'm dead tired. Oh, Kate, this is a gentleman who wants to look the claim over. I thought we might take him with us now. Oh? Well, sure. Why not? This is my wife, Kate Rogers. How do you do? Stranger here? That's right. Well, then let's be on our way. I'm sure you'll like the place. The car's just around the corner. Do you want to get your bags? They're up by the door. I haven't been to a hotel yet. That's good. We'll be to the place in about an hour. This is it, friend. It looks fine from here. Then have a look inside, and tomorrow my husband can take you over the claim. There are three rooms, living room, bedroom, kitchen, and a fairly good size. Well, that should certainly be enough for one man. You're not married? No, no, no, I'm alone. Just a minute, I'll light the lamp. No electricity up here. Now, the nails are modern for that matter. Well, I understand. Yes, it's very nice. I like it. Plenty of good water for drinking and sluicing. The air's wonderful. That should interest you. Air? Something wrong with you, Stranger? Yes, well, just a little touch of lung trouble. Oh, by the way, Mr. Rogers, how did you injure your arm? I noticed it's in a sling. Oh, it was my own darn fault. Kate warned me about digging on that ledge. I fell off and... Well, I didn't break it, but the cuts just don't seem to heal up. Oh, I see. Now, to get back to the property, I'm pretty sure there's ore on it. Rich ore. And there's plenty of game around here. Come on, take a look at the bedroom and the kitchen. This is the bedroom. Please, please! Oh, it's a mannequin. Look, Steve, look! Yeah? Look, steady, Kate. Take it easy. But who? Who is he? I don't know. But he's dead, whoever he is. Dead? He's been shot. No blood around here that I can see. Must have been shot someplace else and made his way to our place. But who is he? I don't know. Never seen him before. According to his clothes, I'd say he was from out of town, man from some city, wouldn't you say? Yeah, he must be. About 45 or 50, I'd say. Steve, we better go back to town and get the sheriff. Yeah, I guess so. Somebody should stay here. You'll have to drive me in, Kate, unless you can drive, mister. Oh, no, no, no. I never drove a car in my life. Uh, you mind staying here? No, no, no. I'll stay here. Then come on, Steve. Let's go. For 20 minutes after the departure of the prospector and his wife, Milton stares at the body of the dead man. Then slowly the realization comes upon him. The man is about his own age, his own size, from the city. The most amazing thing of all, he looks like Milton. A stranger, no one knows his name, but no one knows Milton's name. He hadn't mentioned his name once. Suddenly he steps to the body and goes through the pockets. He finds identification, Harry Jacobs. Then in another pocket, he finds... Good Lord. Money, bills, what there must be. Why, there's $20,000 here. $20,000 knows who he is. Quickly, Milton reaches a decision. He exchanges papers with the corpse of Harry Jacobs, replaces some of the money in Harry Jacobs' pockets, and keeps some for himself. Then, two hours later, the Rogers return with his share. Know who he is, Sheriff? I never saw him before. I didn't say he was shot about 10 or 12 hours ago. How long do you think he's been dead? Maybe six hours. Well, from all appearances, he wasn't shot here. We ain't been here for a week, you know. Well, let's see if he's gotten any identification on him. I'd say he was from out of town, from the city. Who are you? Oh, this gentleman is our guest. He's looking the place over with the idea of buying it. I see. This man's name is Milton Strong. New York City. Wait a minute. Look at this. A package of banknotes. Money, wrapped in bands. They read the printing on those bands. First state bank of Oroville. What do you know? This must be the fellow that robbed a bank in town this afternoon. What? Robbed a bank? Sure. Ain't you heard? Killed a cashier and got away with 20,000. The vice president shot at him, but he got away. There's probably somebody with him. We don't know for sure. How much they get from the bank? 20,000. How much is it there? Well, let's see. Hey, there's only 10,000 here. What do you make of that? So far as we know, there was only one bandit. What do you suppose the other 10,000 disappeared to? Well, maybe you had a cohort after all. Milton's strong, eh? Well, we'll just get back to town and notify the authorities in New York. The authorities? What about his family? The police in New York will take care of that. Well, that's that. I'll return the money. You can bury him, Rogers. Bury him? Here? Certainly. What else could we do? There's no one to take her in Oroville. Body wouldn't keep any time in this heat. Well, thanks, Rogers. I'll be getting back to town. Thanks, Sheriff. Yeah, eh? Did you say your name was Stranger? Hmm? Oh, it's, uh, Jacobs. Harry Jacobs. I see. Well, so long, folks. The next morning, Milton's strong, the bank bandit, is buried in the sand at the edge of a claim. Yes, Milton's strong is no more. He is now known as Harry Jacobs. In the afternoon, Rogers shows him over the property and explains his potentialities. He still hasn't decided, and after dinner, leaves the cabin again. Where's he gone now, Steve? Oh, he's wandered around by himself, trying to make up his mind if he wants a place. Sure is strange acting, Galut. I'm just a bit suspicious of him, Kate. He said he came from Los Angeles. But how do we know? Yeah, that's right. How do we know? I don't think he's here for his health. And I don't think he's a darn bit interested in prospecting. Steve, what do you think? Tell me. Well, I... Oh, I went all over the property again. Yeah? Well, you wear yourself out hiking around like that. Mr. Rogers, I've made up my mind. I'll take the place. Yeah? Well, now I'll tell you, Kate and I have been talking things over, and, well, take good deal to buy the place and finance the workings properly. I've got plenty of cash, and I want the place to myself. Yeah? You got the money with you or in a bank? Yes, I have some with me. Enough, I'm sure to handle the deal. You say you came from Los Angeles? Yes. You're a funny-actin' fella, Jacobs. A little too quiet for my likes. Don't talk much. This won't happen in Los Angeles. Oh, what do you mean? You said you came here for your health. If it's lung trouble, as you said, then... why don't you cough any? Oh, well, you see... Yeah, got any identification on you, Jacobs? Oh, yes, yes, of course. I'd like to see it if you don't mind. Yes. There you are. Hmm. Harry Jacobs. New York City. New York, eh? What'd you say to Los Angeles? Well, I came from New York to Los Angeles. I wasn't in California very long. And you got plenty of cash with you? Oh, yes, yes, enough. How much do you want? Oh... 3,000 will do it. Three? Well, that seems like a large price for this place. You want it, don't you, Jacobs? Real bad? Oh, yes, yes, I'd like to have it. All right. You and me will drive into town the morning and have the lawyer drop the papers. Yes, all right. Yes. Well, I think I'll go to bed now. It's a bit late, so good night. What do you think, Steve? He's got the cash with him. This place ain't worth 3,000. I know. But if he's got that much, then he's got a lot more. Shall we... well... I could slip into... No. Just leave everything to me. But Milton doesn't sleep well. The strange attitude of Rogers and his wife makes him uneasy. Next morning, he is up at 8 and finds Kate Rogers in the kitchen. Oh, heck. Good morning, Mrs. Rogers. Morning. Where's Mr. Rogers? Why, he... he drove into town to get the lawyer. He didn't want to disturb you so early. What? He's going to have the papers made out and bring them back with him. Oh, I thought he couldn't drive. Well, his arm's so much better. He figured he'd be all right. How soon will he be back? He should have been here half an hour ago. Nine o'clock. Well, there he is now. How about some breakfast? Oh, yes, yes. Oh, so you're up. Are you, Jacob? Yes. Did you get the papers arranged? We don't have to sign any papers, Jacob. I won't be selling the place. Why not? I don't have to. I'll have all the money I need in a few days. But you said that you... I haven't been to any lawyers. I've been to the sheriff's office. Send a wire to New York. And I got an answer. What? A wire? Well, what about it? Put up your hands, Jacobs. Put them up. You may be a mile-looking little guy, but I'm taking no chances with a killer. What did you say? You want it by the New York police for banditry and murder. Oh, no. But it's a mistake. There's the telegram. Your description. Rated. Yes, sir. Harry Jacobs, 45 feet six, as per your description, wanted for robbery and murder of bank messenger. $10,000 reward. Did or lie. $10,000 reward. Get that? No, no, no. It's all a mistake. You don't understand. I understand, all right. You and your partner came out here to hide out. Probably robbed a half dozen banks in a way. Pardon? What pardon? The fellow we buried the other day, that Milton Strong, the sheriff said there must have been two bandits. And there was only $10,000 on him. What'd become of the other $10,000? I tell you, I had nothing to do with a hold-up. You carry too much cash on you, Jacobs. If you've got $3,000, you must have more. You were too anxious to get this place, and it ain't worth more than $1,000. Yes, but you're wrong, Rogers. You're going back to town with me, Jacobs. I'm collecting that $10,000 reward. No, no, no, no. Please, no. Don't take me back. I can't go back to New York. I can't. I can imagine that. They'll fry you. You've got to listen to me. You've just got to... Search his stuff, Kate. He's got the money someplace. Wait, wait, wait, wait. I've got the money. Here it is. The money from the bank. There. Gee, that's it. The same bank wrappers. There. It's $10,000. No, there's more. Another $1,000. The $10,000 of the wrappers belongs to the bank. The rest is mine. That's all we need to know, Jacobs. Come on. And I hope the sheriff don't spill this before you're locked up. The town would tear you to pieces. No, look, look. Just listen to me. I swear I never saw that dead man in my life. I did come here to get away from embarrassing circumstances. I wanted to lose myself. After you went to the sheriff, I searched the man's pockets. I found his identification. And because he resembled me, I switched his papers with mine. And then, then I found the money. I decided to keep some of it. I am Milton Strong, and the dead man was Harry Jacobs. What a story. Who'd believe that? Don't send me back to New York. There's no reward for me. The troop will come out, and you wouldn't get a dime. Now, here. You keep this money. I took from the robber, and let me go. No one will ever know the difference. Oh, no. I'm not that dumb. I'll turn you and the money in and collect a reward. I'd rather get it legally. Come on, Jacobs, before the town gets wise. And this handed over to the sheriff and locked up in the flimsy jail. They've wired New York and a detective with extradition papers as flying west. But unfortunately, the word has gotten around town that the jail holds the murderer of the bank cashier. The crowd of men, silent men, has gathered in the front of the jail. I don't know what we're going to do about this, Rogers. Are you sure you didn't say anything about it? I didn't say a word. I don't know how they found out about it, but maybe some of your deputies talked. I warned them not to say a word. I don't mind crowds that shout and yell. But I'm afraid of the crowd that just stands and says nothing. Are you sure on the warpath? Hmm. That detective from New York should have been here an hour ago. I sent a car to meet the plane. Maybe the plane was late. Yeah. Well, if the crowd starts anything, somebody's going to get hurt. Hey, you fellas better get your shotguns ready. It might break out any minute. All right, bring it over. Oh, Jacob, you got anything more to say? Well, I've told you that I'm meltin' strong. I had nothing to do with the bank holdin'. Well, that crowd looks silly, so I guess it better put you back in its cell. Wait a minute. Here comes your car, Sheriff. It's about time. Go out and tell Jake the driver to stay around the back of the jail and stay in the car. Don't let that crowd know what he's doin'. Right, Sheriff. I get you. Sheriff Talbot. That's right. And I'm glad they're glad to see you. Lieutenant Clark. Yeah, I know, I know. Now, let's get down to business. That crowd outside's going to get impatient pretty soon. Can? What do they want? What they call justice. This fella here held up the bank and killed a cashier. But I wanted to be sure he was Harry Jacobs. He had identification on him, but he claims he's meltin' strong. Meltin' strong? Yeah. We buried meltin' strong several days ago. He found part of the bank money on his body. Meltin' strong? Yeah. But if he's really Harry Jacobs, I'd prefer you get him out of here and deal with him in New York. I had one lynch in here, and I don't want another. But he isn't Harry Jacobs. I knew Harry personally. He ain't Harry Jacobs. No. But he is meltin' strong. Harry Jacobs was a professional holdup, but not meltin' strong. Then we really buried Harry Jacobs. What do you mean? I took this fella to my claim with the idea of selling it to him. Yeah. We found a dead man in my cabin. I came after the sheriff, and this fella claimed that while we were gone, he exchanged papers with the dead man. Well, from all appearances, that's just what he did. But why should he do that? Well, meltin' strong is wanted in New York, too. I... I want to tell you what he did in New York, too. I... I'm wanted in New York? What for? As if you didn't know. Well, what's he done? What's he wanted for? Hey, that crowd is starting. Get him out of here. Hurry. Out the back way. The car's waiting. Let's go, meltin'. You can catch 1133 now. Stoll him off as long as they can. All the way back to New York, Lieutenant Clark will not talk. They ride across the country in utter silence. And three days later, Milton sits in the office of Inspector Burns of the New York police. Milton, on the morning of July 20th, did you cash a check at a bank at 21st and Lexington? Yes, I did. A check made out to you by your wife? Yes. Are you sure your wife wrote that check? Well, yes, yes, she did. Why did you leave town the same day? Well, I went on a vacation. Why didn't your wife go with you? Why? Well, I... I wanted to be alone at his... You might as well tell the truth, meltin'. You haven't a chance to get out of it. No, I didn't. I didn't. I didn't. I didn't. Sorry, Milton. But we have proof. We have a witness. A witness? Yes. Bring in the witness, Lieutenant. Come in, please. Where have you been, Milton? Martha! Why didn't you let me know where you were? Please, please, Martha. Let's not talk about it here. What are you doing in Arizona? I was just taking a little vacation. I was going to write you. I tried to buy a cabin in the mountains for you and me, Martha. For us. What? Don't you dare light that pipe. No, no, no, no. No, Martha. I had quit smoking. I wasn't even conscious of what I was doing. And what do you do about your rubbers? You know what's raining. Well, I took them off outside, Martha. Come on, Milton. Let's go home. I have a few things to talk over with you. Yes, darling. Well, come on. Get up out of that chair. Yes, yes, darling. Just a minute. What about this charge, this check forgery? Forgery? Oh. I wrote that check. I remember the whole thing, though. Then what about the charge of white desertion? He's come back, hasn't he? But we brought him back. Well, I wrote the check so he could make a down payment on a house. But like the child he is, he wanted to take a trip and hunt gold. He's always been at an adventurous and so on. Well, go on, Milton. Get along. And if I dare light that dirty pipe, I'll shake your head off. Go on. Go on. Yes. Darling. Well, good day, gentlemen. It just goes to show you that no man can escape his destiny. No man can change fate. And when he attempts to do so, he only conjures up far worse conditions for himself. Poor Milton's strong ran away from things and ended up at the starting point, back with Martha. But he's happy now. Martha's nagging is now sweet music to his ears, because Martha really loves him. Out west they almost latched him, nearly took his freedom away. But Martha saved him. She lied for him. Yes, Milton did forge that check. He was even going to kill Martha. But he got cold feet the moment he walked into a room. But Milton will be a good boy now. In his search for so-called freedom, he came close to the jaws of death. Lucky Milton. CBS has presented the Whistler. Original music for this production was composed by Wilbur Hatch and conducted by Ivan Dittmarz. The Whistler is written and directed by J. Donald Wilson and originates from Columbia Square in Hollywood. Next week, same time, I, the Whistler, will return to tell you another unusual story. Good night. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.