 The signal oil program The whistler that whistle is your signal for the signal oil program The whistler I am the whistler and I know many things or 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 In gasoline, you know it takes extra quality to go farther and signal is the famous go farther gasoline So look for the signal circle sign in yellow and black that identifies signal service stations from Canada to Mexico And now the whistler strange story The sheriff's assistant Friday was the climax of a terrible week for Willard Rowley. It was a week of decision And in all of his 45 years Willard had shunned decision like the plague, but he was forced to face it now Nan Parker would never take it lying down He knew she'd force a showdown the minute she discovered the real reason He told her their affair was over that Grace Rowley Willard's wife had unexpectedly inherited a half million dollars His whole future was at stake and the end of the week found him desperate He was known to readers of the little magazines as a clever writer But now the famous Rowley Witt had failed him when he tried to write he found himself inventing explanation When he tried to sleep he outlined thin denials His writing of course had earned him more fame and money and he realized now that for everything Almost down to a cigarette. He was dependent upon his devoted wife. The country is just beautiful I do wish you'd get up and go for a walk with me. Oh, please Grace. Don't be hearty at this uncivilized hour What have you got there? The mail Willard you haven't touched your breakfast tray. I'm not hungry Grace. Where's my newspaper? Here it is Myra forgot it. Oh have to speak to that maid Willard what use is there in having a country home if you don't enjoy it? You haven't been yourself all week staying in bed all day alone in your room. I'm not feeling well. That's all What's in the mail? Is a memo from Finch The profile your writing is six days overdue. Well, he can wait, but you've hardly done a stroke of work all week Really Willard Finch offered you the best price ever and until the inheritance comes through that again I tell you Grace. I'm not a machine Just for Finch if he wants quality in his articles He'll just have to wait now these have to make clear this away. I hate cold food staring me in the face How about our walk? Oh, perhaps after I look at the newspaper I I do wish you'd tell me what's wrong with you Willard And as Grace leaves Willard you almost wish you could tell her it would be quite a scene, wouldn't it? Her stunned silence at first then mounting rage as you calmly informed her that for two years now You'd been seeing Nan Parker secretly that only a week ago you and Nan had planned to run away together But there are reasons why you can't do that aren't there a half million of them You pick up the paper Hurriedly scan the first page and grow suddenly tense as your eyes strikes an article in the left-hand column local resident eras Grace Rowley named beneficiary and will of distant relative It's only a matter of time now Willard the minute Nan Parker sees that article in the paper There'll be a showdown and the thing that strikes home as you sit there is that Nan Parker holds all the card One word to grace and it's all over You stare at the article hoping Nan will be reasonable Knowing at the same time that Nan Parker is Nan Parker and that nothing will change it and then You shouldn't call me like this man, I told you that I had to talk to you You see Willard, I'm leaving Ralph What yes, we had another exhausting quarrel and I told him we were through I'm awfully sorry Nan But you see it doesn't concern me now What do you mean I want to see you Willard we have a lot to talk about but that isn't possible. We agree Nan Nan listen wait Oh Grace I wish you'd remember to knock how can I work with everybody crashing in here? I'm sorry Ralph Parker's car is in the drive. I told Mara to send him up Parker. What does he want? I don't know Isn't it Willard? Parker's almost seem to be avoiding us lately. That does it I shan't be able to write a line next door neighbors buzzing in and out of here like mosquito. I wouldn't call the parkers exactly next door Oh here will it flip on this dressing gown. Oh, no not that one. You know, I can't stand wool next to me Oh, yes, the sensitive skin. I forgot Well, it seems to be good morning Ralph you're quite a stranger. You know how it is with photographers We practically have to live in a dark room What's the old man doing in bed? Well the entire world except you Parker knows I do my best writing in bed Sit down Ralph. I'll move the typewriter. Oh, never mind Grace. He's only come to insult me. Let him stand I won't be long really. I I just came to talk to Willard a minute to me. What about? Nan About Nan. Oh Well Grace, it's quite obvious the battling Parkers have been at it again. Perhaps you better go I suspect this is private. Oh, not at all. I I just soon Grace Stain of Grace I'd rather you let the matter will it there's something you don't want me to hear. Oh, no, no, but All right Parker What is it? I'm pretty worried. Oh Nan and I had another row Maybe you've heard How would we've heard? It's all over town. She yeah, she says she's going to leave me I'm very sorry to hear it Ralph. I love her very much. You know, I I don't think I could go on without her Oh, of course Well, I I just wanted to tell you that I took the liberty of parking an automobile in that old shed of yours next to Highway the tractor shed what on earth for well as a new car. I had it on order from months You see tomorrow is Nan's birthday and I Thought I'd give it to her then oh Peace offering may be my last one that would be a pity your battles are the only interesting thing about either of you Will it please all right Grace? It seems to be the general feeling around here Well, how are we going along and thanks about the car. Oh, not at all Ralph wish me luck. I'm sure it'll work out Ralph I wish I wish you a bye. Good. Bye Poor man He never knows where he stands with that woman. What makes you say that? Hate to repeat rumors will it but I've heard it so many times rumors what rumors well They're saying man has been interested in some man right here in this town. Well, that has been going on for over a year Why they're That's ridiculous. Perhaps But you know how I feel about those things will it Maybe old-fashioned, but if I will Ralph and I discovered something like that I'd send her packing in two seconds. Yes Grace. I know I know oh Come on now. Let's get out for a walk. No, no, I've changed my mind grace. I I've got to work Finch is having a fit I I shall probably stay in bed all day again. Oh Will it would you tell me what's wrong with you? Oh Grace if you plague me with analysis now, I should go mad now go fix over an old hat or something I've got to work But it's not work is it will it the brittle front the sharp tongue your rudeness to Ralph All of it a feeble attempt to cover the fact that you're afraid now That you can feel Nan Parker standing over you with an axe and like a little boy you turn to your bed is the safest place You know Well the next hour or two you peck away at your typewriter trying to finish the profile you promised finish But you can't keep your mind on it and then a sudden strange noise makes you look up A perfect picture darling typing away all comfy and cozy Nan. What are you doing here? Oh, don't be alarmed. No one knows. I'm here. I slipped in through the back door I told you I couldn't there was a time when you were delighted to see me at any time Willard Give me a cigarette. I haven't got one and don't be arch. It doesn't suit you then I'll be direct We're going to discover New York together Willard just as we planned and I told you that's out of the question Well, I admit you stopped me one day you were mumbling something in my ear about the sudden flight of summer hearts And the next day you were devoted to grace It didn't make sense until this morning. I Suspected you read the paper. You're not going to shake me because grace is suddenly rich darling. Don't ever think it You're a phony and a heel, but I'm fond of you and I'm used to getting what I want. I I I'm considering going to grace and and telling of the whole thing Stop it stop it. Oh, you're wonderful Let's go down together and tell her shall we I I said I was I was considering it You considered it a week ago and rejected it because you know grace would toss you out the window in those beautiful figured pajamas the minute she heard of it Now be practical dear You're either going to New York with me just as we planned or I'm going to grace with the whole story No Alternative not one little alternative darling. It's all decided Now be an angel and fix me a drink will you Yes, will it fix Nana drink What has you moved to the sideboards? You know, there's no way out now if they're willing She's clever and determined just like you. She knows your wit your shrewd dramatic You desperately force your mind for some dog some persuasion But you know, it's too late for that now And as you pour the amber liquid into the glass and reach for the seltzer bottle Your thoughts begin to move like chain lightning. There must be something else some way to silence her when everything else has failed something And at that point Standing there friendly glass in hand you cross the narrow social threshold and start down the dark stairs of murder Are you going to stand there forever? What oh Sorry coming up. Here you are. Thanks Nan When did you plan to begin our little excursion tonight? Why so soon well, I told you I'm leaving well We can slip away tonight quite easily without being seen. He'll be in his dark room until 12 tied up with his photography Hello in his dark room Will be simple on it I can meet you at the tractor shed next to the highway You probably know Ralph, but the new car there. He's giving it to me for my birthday Isn't that convenient? Yes, that's very convenient What about the keys then the draw of his dresser? I found them there this morning. I see What time shall I meet you Nan? How about now? No, no later The new Haven bus goes by at nine. We won't want to be seen make it At 9 30 9 30 it is Goal darling to us to us With the prologue of the sheriff's assistant the signal oil company brings you another strange tale by the whistler But now since this spring marks the 25th anniversary of signal oil Let's look tonight at some of the changes these 25 years have made in gasoline In quality today's signal gasoline is by far the finest ever made Yet the price of the gasoline itself not counting taxes is almost one-third less today than it was 25 years ago Ever since the beginning of the war while prices of many items of skyrocketed prices of gasoline have been kept as low as possible for instance Here in Southern California since 1940 the general cost of living has increased 53 percent while the retail price of gasoline has increased only 13 percent Or in other words since 1940 the general cost of living has gone up four times as much as the price of gasoline That's why we say when you drive into your signal gasoline station and say fill her up Remember you're not only getting tops in gasoline quality You're also getting one of the most remarkable values your dollar still buys today And now back to the whistler A problem isn't it? Nan Parker so persistent your wife Grace so devoted and now so rich But there's a way out and oddly enough Nan herself placed it squarely up to you As the two of you stood over a friendly drink in your room this afternoon It's all there now with Nan's husband Ralph in his photo lab all evening with a new car in the tractor shed near the highway With Nan insisting that you meet her there tonight and best of all your wife Grace Knows you plan to stay alone in your room working and you're sure she'll never disturb No one will know you left your room even for an instant except Nan and After your meeting tonight She won't tell anyone Shortly after nine you throw on a dark overcoat over your pajamas slip past grace Reading in the library and out the back door It's 923 when you see the glow of Nan's cigarette in the darkness of the tractor shed a quarter mile from the house Nan Oh Darling, I'm so relieved. I I was afraid you might not be Sensible you're sure no one saw you of course Nobody was suspected thing until they see the note note Do that the note well after all I just couldn't disappear good What did you say in that note? I said I couldn't tolerate Ralph another minute and that I was leaving him Did you say about me? Well darling should I have mentioned you? I didn't think it was necessary. I just packed my bag I'm telling you the truth. What did you say about me? Stop shaking me? I didn't say anything about you Naturally, I assumed you'd tell Willard What are you wearing under that coat? You can't go away I'm not going away my sweet and neither are you What is all this? What do you mean by? She stumbles backward as your lunge at her and as the tool you struggle You're vaguely aware of a crash as a metal can topples from its shelf It's done now willard you stand over a weak knee shaking in a second later You're surrounded by flames her cigarette falling into the dry straw on that upset can of gasoline As the fire spreads quickly across the floor of the shed you hear another sound The new haven bus oh good lord. It's late Yes, will it the bus and the load of witnesses you thought had gone by You can't make it back across the open field now. There's only one way you bend down Snatch the ignition key from man's hand slide behind the wheel of the car and put your foot on the start What's the matter with him anyway Okay, I'll go Inside there's somebody on the floor. It's a woman. Hey Jim. Yeah, you're thankful. They didn't see your face But there's no more careful planning now. You're improvising Doing whatever you can to escape You know, you've got to get rid of the car You'll roar up the road past your house past Parker's and swerve off in a deep thicket and jammed to a stop A moment later you force your way out the twigs and underbrush scratching your face knocking your hat off Forcing you to stop for a terrible moment and hunt for it on hands and knees at last you find it Push your way out of the thicket and start across the field It seems an eternity until you reach the back door of your house and grab the door now And then stop frozen as the kitchen light snaps off I'm just getting a cup of chocolate to take up the mr. Raleigh. I hope you can get him to take it man He's looking poorly. Yes. I'm very worried about in Myra. It's not himself at all Sitting up there listening to the radio. It's just not like him You're trapped outside that kitchen door will it with a fire horn splitting the night Grace about to go to your room with a cup of chocolate and worse than that a car pulling up to your front door You hold your breath and agony You grab at the chance both through the kitchen and up the stairs to your room There's just time to toss the overcoat and shoes into the closet snap off the radio and get into bed before grace What is it All right, I'll turn on the light On fire, they just put it out. There's a man downstairs. Oh the shed that fire trap. Oh, I knew sooner or later You'd better get out of bed dear There was someone inside or something the sheriff's on his way over the sheriff. He wants to talk to it Well, I I'd better stay right here and wait for it. Will it why would the sheriff want I don't know grace The slightest idea You brace yourself will it get set for the questions, you know are coming and above all You refuse to get dressed and go downstairs You want to be in bed, don't you? So the sheriff will get the right impression So there won't be any cause for doubt when grace tells them you were in bed when it all happened When the sheriff arrives, you're ready. I simply can't believe it sheriff man parker trapped in our shed Why it it's terrible poor man. She was such a dear friend. I didn't say she was trapped in the shed One whole side of it was open, you know. Oh, yes, that's right Of course, she couldn't have been How else could she was murdered mr. Raleigh before the fire ever happened What that's the way I got it figured I don't understand sheriff. Why in the world with yes, why indeed? Why Dan was a very fine person. I I thought you folks might be able to help us on that wait a minute Yes, I Think I know what you're driving at sheriff. Oh Yes, they were always fighting. Well, I'm sorry grace, but it's no secret Everyone called them the battling park. Yes, I've heard this time. I think she was trying to leave him There was a suitcase grace Grace you remember what he said this morning. He couldn't go on without her I can't believe it Ralph. Yeah, it isn't easy to believe such things about her own neighbors, mr. Raleigh, but Does look bad for Parker. He hasn't even an alibi Just the story that he was alone in his photo lab all evening I guess you don't need much else to go on sheriff. Maybe not but um I have an assistant on this case an assistant. Yes Gonna wait for a few developments before making the arrest wait, but sheriff with a murderer on the loose I don't see why don't worry rally The way I figure it I'll have a perfect case against this murderer by sometime tomorrow The whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending to tonight's story Meantime a timely word of warning to you drivers With summer just around the corner. You'll be driving more and faster That means that if you want to keep performance up and wear down Your car needs thorough scientific lubrication protection In short it needs a signal spring changeover What's the recipe? Well first your signal dealer will drain your motor of sludgy winter worn oil and refill with that amazing new type signal lubricant That actually keeps motor six times cleaner reduce a cylinder where one third signal premium motor oil Next he'll limber up the chassis with a signal double checked lubrication We call a double check because your signal dealer always checks every point twice to make doubly sure not a single part is ever neglected And finally he'll refill the transmission and differential with a proper summer weight lubricant Man a car just can't help feeling pepier after a spring tonic like this So give your car a break this week Stop by your signal service station for a signal spring changeover And now back to the whistler Well, will it Nothing to do but rest and wait It all points to ralph parker doesn't You can't understand the sheriff not arresting him right away, but you can't press it too far They'll add it all up will it ralph's car hidden in the thicket The fact that he and nan quarreled the afternoon before she was found dead in the burning tractor shape Her suitcase indicating she planned to run away from ralph and his feeble story that he was working all evening alone in his photo lab They'll never believe that will and he hasn't any real alibi Only a strong motive Quite different from your position with grace and myra the maid ready to swear you haven't been out of bed for days But you still find it difficult to sleep Don't you will it murder doesn't rest easy on the mind It's nearly three in the morning before you finally doze off Tossing feverishly anxious and bothered something irritating you When you open your eyes, it's almost noon and someone's knocking on your door Will it can't know anymore about the case. He hasn't been out of his room for a week. I know all about that Will it did the sheriff want Well, what is it your face? What's happened to your face? Numbly you put your hands to your face will it then for the first time in your life, you know sharp climactic fear The real end of your terrible week will hurt. I told you I had an assistant rally Pretty effective worker, huh grace grace. Don't let it's no use rally. It's all over And uh, you caught yourself If you got out of bed a little more often You'd have known better than to drive that car into the biggest ticket of poison ivy in douglas county Let that whistle be your signal for the signal oil program the whistler each monday at nine Brought to you by the signal oil company marketers of signal gasoline and motor oil and fine quality automotive accessories And now a word from signal to all veterans Congress has designed your national service life insurance to fit your peacetime needs Changes have been made in the gi insurance laws offering each individual veteran economic security for the future Visit your nearest veterans administration office for complete details And remember if you have dropped your gi policy, it is not too late to reinstate Featured in tonight's story where joseph kerns and margaret brayton The whistler was produced by george w allen with music by wilbur hatch story by william engvich And was transmitted to our troops overseas by the armed forces radio service This is marvin miller speaking for the signal oil company. This is cbs the columbia broadcasting system