 The signal oil program the whistler is your signal for the signal oil program The whistler and the whistler and I know many things for I walked 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 whistler rated by independent research the most popular West Coast program in radio history And remember let every traffic signal remind you with new signal gasoline You do go farther than ever look for the familiar big yellow and black circle sign That identifies those popular signal service stations in seven western states from Canada to Mexico And now the whistler strange story Terror stricken Fear can become a terrible thing Gangrenous disintegrating warping twisting gnawing at a man's mind until his conscious of nothing else, but its presence That was the kind of fear that took hold of Benjamin Reynolds and oddly enough It was the natural outgrowth of the very thing that started him on the road to success There was a trial an important trial. There were big names involved particularly the name of Andrew Miller the accused and At that trial ten years ago Young Benny Reynolds investment clerk just out of college became Benjamin Reynolds Star witness for the prosecution and he was a good witness Investment bankers in San Francisco and Wall Street in London Planced at the headlines and commented that this time because of Benjamin Reynolds Andrew Miller and his crowd were washed up for good They were right order, please order in the court Will the prisoner face the bench? Andrew Miller you have been found guilty of the charge of grand last name I therefore sentence you to be confined within the state prison for a term of ten years They live remove the prisoner you dirty rat Reynolds. I'll get you for this Benjamin that was the big break Overnight you became the bankers champion the man who almost single-handedly broke up the Miller crowd Today just ten years later Your head of the rental investment company a pillar of the community It's a nice morning as you sit at the desk in your private office looking at reports Yes, Mr. Reynolds. Hey John, will you send mr. Barton in please? Yes, sir 46,000 Alan account. No, that can't be right Gross Commission's charge. Oh, wait a minute. Now. I know that's wrong Yes, Ralph these figures. Are you sure they're correct? Of course. I've prepared the statement myself Things like this don't do my heart any good Ralph. It's a sit down. Will you sure I'm sure there must be a mistake somewhere I don't think so, but of course it's possible Well, suppose you recheck them ain't just to be sure. Well, that's a big job I'd have to go through all the records for the whole year again. I wouldn't ask you if I didn't think it was important Well, perhaps I ought to call in the Monroe auditing company. No, I'll do it Ben No, you's taking on that expense. Well, all right if you can have it by next Monday Otherwise, I'll have to call Monroe. I've got to have those figures for the directors meeting I'll have them for you By the way, Ben Have you seen the papers? Yes, I glanced through them at breakfast Did you by any chance? See this? Yes, I missed that Among those released from state prison today is Andrew Miller Convicted ten years ago of grand larceny in a trial that caused worldwide comment in financial circles Remember him What do you think? I remember what he said when the judge sentenced him. Yeah Does it make you a little nervous, Ben? I Mean just knowing the man is on the loose again. I doubt very much of Andy Miller will do anything that'll send him up again Still You never know do you? No, Benjamin. You never know. Do you? Andy Miller wouldn't think of making good on his promise or Woody Somehow you can't concentrate Find yourself thinking about it wondering Walking to the water cooler in the corner of your office every five minutes wiping perspiration from your forehead until your handkerchief is soggy and The next morning. It's worse as you answer your morning mail 100 shares consolidated power and light at the market thereby acknowledged and Say that was consolidated wasn't it? I think it was Southern, California Edison. Oh, yes make it Edison and and We'll be executed immediately very truly yours Seemed to care McDonald and What's this? You rat I'll get you and don't forget it But he had the nerve to sign it. What's the matter? Where's the envelope to this thing? Why Vera takes them off and get very in here right away. He's out on there and for mr. Barton. All right, then get Barton. Yes All across Yes, take a look at this Same words used at the trial That guy must be crazy. He signed it himself. What do you make of it? I don't know didn't lose any time. Did he I think he's trying to bluff you or Maybe he didn't write it. Oh, he wrote it all right. I don't know. It's pretty fantastic after ten years But in view of the threatening tone, I'd certainly check to save it genuine Yes, there is here mr. Reynolds a sender in place Well, we'll see what she knows about it Yes, Vera. Did you notice this letter in the morning mail? Well, I don't read the mail mr. Reynolds I just opened it and put it on your desk. I've instructed them not to read company mail bin. Oh, of course Oh, I might remember if I saw the envelope. Yes, mr. Reynolds have the wastebasket containing the envelopes from today's mail brought into my office Will you I'm sorry, mr. Reynolds the janitor emptied all the wastebasket an hour ago. Oh Very well What are you going to do now? well, I I Guess there's nothing I can do What called the police? With the prologue of terror stricken the signal oil company brings you another strange story by the whistler If you've been reading the new car ads and who hasn't you've no doubt noticed the emphasis that's being put on increased mileage 25 to 30 miles per gallon from some of the new models Now why do you suppose this is is it because folks today are interested in making dollars go farther? Well partly but even more so they're interested in the increased engineering efficiency, which makes that greater mileage possible Yes, and right there you have the reason why signal oil company is so proud of the fact that you now go farther than ever with new signal gasoline You see signals improved mileage is the result of increased power amazing new power The same power that gives new signal gasoline quicker starting faster pickup and quieter higher anti-knock That's why we say look to your speedometer for the final measure of gasoline quality You'll find that the superpowered new gasoline that gives you peak performance is also the gasoline that now helps you go farther than ever new signal gasoline And now Back to the whistler. There was a price tag on that testimony You delivered so efficiently at the trial of Andrew Miller 10 years ago, and you're beginning to pay for it now The police don't help much All you can do is swear out a warrant for Miller's arrest and leave the rest up to them They can't do a thing about that weak heart of yours Stop it from pounding every time someone comes to the door and they can't bring your appetite back I'll help you to sleep at night It's later than usual when you arrive at the office next day Ralph Barton's busy on the books as you go into your office Hang up your hat and go over to the water cooler for a drink. Hey, yes, I've been in the next office. Get him hurry Oh, yes, you're right away. What's going on here? Mr. Reynolds. What's happened? We came in when they called for help get a doctor. There's already gone for one What's keeping her there's a doctor right down the hall is it back in a minute? That isn't soon enough But it takes some time. Don't you realize every second comes here. She comes now Stand back stand back. Yes. Yes. Give him room doctor. Is it serious hmm? Can't tell yet Looks very much like some form of poisoning When you leave the hospital at night, you're still weak positive now that Miller means business The police report that afternoon Poison in the water cooler just enough to knock a man out. No fingerprints No way of knowing how Miller could have entered the office without being seen Nothing they can tell you except to carry on as usual For the next two days you find yourself waiting for it tense Expectant but nothing happens and you begin to relax a little to believe what the police lieutenant said about Miller being Too smart to try it again Perhaps they're right Benjamin Perhaps what you need is a change a dinner out with your wife Sally at a restaurant on 6th Street Then dear Then hmm. Oh, I'm sorry Sally. I Was thinking please try and forget it darling other whole things ridiculous The man wouldn't have to take a chance like that Oh, there must have been a mistake at the bottling company or something of course dear not let's forget it Fidgety as a cat no, I'm not but I am hungry Then do you mean it? Of course they do why because you've hardly touched your meals the last few days. Oh, huh? Well, that's order. I'm starved. Well, what do we start with? Well, what about a shrimp cocktail wonderful then mix green salad and a Sarah line for two medium rare I'm I'm the manager you hurt no, no, I'm all right It missed me see there in the ball Lord. Oh, I don't know how did it I don't know sir I came from over there somewhere well don't stand it with your mouth open call the police of course right away Come on. Come on, Sally. Let's get out of here Whoever fired that shot meant business didn't he Benjamin your hearts pounding like a trip hammer again as you walk out of the Nightclub the hole in the wall was six inches from your head and that's awfully close Your heart almost stopped didn't it? You're terrifying you jump at every sound and then you wonder why Miller doesn't come right out and kill you But you remember he's had ten long years to plan his revenge No, sudden death would be too easy. He wants to make you suffer Of course sleep is out of the question Even the powders the doctor gave you have little effect on your frenzied nerves You imagine all kinds of things as you lie there in bed then Yes then Why is he trying to kill you? Please Sally? Let's not talk about the poison water in the trip to the hospital Then that shot tonight. Yeah. Oh, but then the police will catch him soon. He can't I I Just hope it's soon enough. Oh, that's the door No, I still darling. I'll get no no no I'll get it Hold your horses. I'm coming What do you want? What do I want? Yes, that's what I said. What do you want? I'm calling for the remains of the deer departed Are you drunk? No, I I don't think so now look it's cold here at the door. Hurry and state your business, please I did I was sent to call for the mortal remains of man alive. Will you talk sense? I haven't time for foolishness. This is 1620 Runyon Avenue, isn't it? Yes, it is then it's the right place Who sent you anyway the gold Hills mortuary? Now do you understand? No, I don't there must be some mistake the party on the phone was very explicit He said 1620 Runyon Avenue the remains of the late Benjamin Reynolds. That's not funny, mister I I'm Benjamin Reynolds. Oh now get out get out of the body of Benjamin Reynolds will give you a very black eye. Oh What's gonna happen next How much more can you stand Benjamin before your heart gives out completely you can't eat you can't sleep You almost jump out of your skin at the slightest sound Miller is getting his revenge He must be enjoying it immensely Sally makes you rest all day Sunday, but you're still befuddled. You can't even talk straight anymore. You stutter Monday morning you decide to walk to the office. You want to try to think? Yes, that's it walk and try to think What's going on the guy in the blue sedan trying to run over this man? Are you hurt missy? No, no, no, I Alright, the devil you say you're shaking like a leaf Soon as soon as my nerves quiet Then that's sort seem to think it was a deliberate attempt to kill you. Yes. I Think so too any idea who might be trying to kill you sure and deep Miller Okay, now I got to make a report of this. What's your name? Ben Benjamin Reynolds Benjamin Reynolds. Oh, you better see a doctor mr. Reynolds. Oh, you're in bad shape. I I'll be all right. I better send you home and I can't go in no condition to walk Another close call and you're scared almost to death aren't you? You wonder how much longer your heart will be able to stand it Not much longer now You tremble so violently you can't even light a cigarette Even at home you can't sit still you place the floor back and forth all day long Until finally night comes You can't sleep you toss and turn yes The days are bad, but the nights are filled with terror Oh Who's there I said, who's there? Nothing What's that? What's that? Why don't you answer? Oh, it's only the shutter. Oh, Ben. Don't be so jumpy Yeah, yes, of course Only the shutter It was only the shutter wasn't it been but all the noises in the night have a sinister meaning, haven't they? After what seems like ours Exhaustion finally takes over you've just fallen asleep when Who's it? Who's at the door at this hour, then dear don't be frightened. It's not the door. It's the phone. Oh Oh Who the devil can that be I I'll give them a piece of my mother. Hello. Oh, yes What's the big idea of calling me at this hour of the night don't you know no, and I don't care Oh, yes, and drew Miller How'd you say say say wait a minute you haven't much time left to live Reynolds It's coming tomorrow, but but trace that call quick, please What is your number and mornings? I'd want to fall on hurry, please one moment, please Hurry hurry. What number did you call? I didn't call any number. They called me Do you know the other party's number? No, I don't that's why I asked you to trace the call Please hurry. There is no one connected with your number now. I know I know they hung up Can't you hurry? I want to trace the call that was connected with his phone, please But after the other party has hung up it is impossible wonder I Wonder if my hunch Barton this is Reynolds what the juice makes you call me at this time of the night Barton Andrew Miller called he said I haven't much time to live Yes, and I'm at my wit's end. What can I do? He's coming here Ralph. Lord knows what do you do to me mean? He's coming there. Well, he just told me it's much longer, Ben Why don't you call the police? Well, I've called the police a dozen times I tell you Miller's too clever for them round, and there's only one thing to do get out Yes, but he'd follow me. He knows well check me. You've got to get a complete rest Yes, you're you're absolutely right Ralph. I I've simply got and listen There's someone tipping that guy off on your movements. This time make sure don't tell anyone where you're going Yes, yes, but what about Sally tell her you're off on a business trip or something. Yeah, that's it The convention starts tomorrow and see the city if necessary. You can call a later from the cabin Yeah, yeah, all right Ralph. I'll pick you up in front of the signal station at Runyon and Broadmoor tomorrow morning at 8 Right, right, right How much farther around about 14 miles hey the old heart spanging away again Doctor said 6,000 feet was my limit, you know, well, we'll stay pretty well under that boy. Oh good boy. Look at that view You can see all the way back to What's the matter so that's strange There's that car again You don't suppose he's following us to you Probably one of the natives. I don't know Wait a minute You you don't think you're sure you didn't tell anyone where you were going positive. I will have to call Sally later though. Yeah, sure Hey, here's a spot where I always stop you can get a good view clear back to the valley. How about it great? Kind steeper better take it easy. There's a level spot up here at the top Well, you go ahead Ralph. I gotta watch myself in this altitude Oh Get that in here, you know, there's what I needed mountain air sunshine quiet Hey, where are you up here? Come on? Oh? There's a real inspiration Ralph. How'd you think of it? You mean this? Whoo, I Mean getting away from everything like this One sniff of that air and tell her forgets he ever had any worries look over here. Hey now. Hey now take it easy Kind of close to that edge, you know look Ben 1500 feet straight down yeah I just as soon stay back here if you don't mind some out of man afraid. No just sensible That's all you know funny thing about me in high places. It seems you ought to be afraid Ben That's where you're going 1500 feet straight down What? That's good 50 you're Serious aren't you? I'd hate to have you call in the auditor's bed. I Was afraid that was it? There was something wrong with those figures. Yes, there was But I learned something from Andy Miller You're not going to be around to testify You're going to have a dizzy spell and they're going to find you 1500 feet down there on those rocks Whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending to tonight's story Meantime here's news about one of the first of the new post war developments to make driving safer and more restful You know how our bright western sunshine glares off pavements and off the wind shields and polished chromium of other cars Causing eye strain. It makes you squint and get headaches Well during the war the Army and Navy used a new principle of glare control It's called Polaroid and unlike old-fashioned colored filters that darkened everything and changed the colors of flowers and scenery Polaroid is as clear and colorless as your own windshield But look through the Polaroid and presto all glare is gone Now here's the good news this same Polaroid principle has been made into a visor for your car and Therefore sail for the first time on the Pacific Coast at your signal dealers The Polaroid visor snaps onto your present visor in a jiffy. It's smart-looking and it flips out of the way when you're not using it If it's sunny tomorrow drive into your signal dealers for a demonstration when you see the wear and tear It saves on your eyes My bet is you'll want to buy one of these Polaroid visors now to make your summer driving more pleasant And now back to the Whistler Well Benjamin you seem to be in a tight spot Just the two of you there alone at the top of the cliff Barton staring at your white-faced and tense his fists clenched at his sides And oddly you find yourself struggling to keep the smile inside you from showing on your face It's probably only a few seconds, but it seems like an hour that the two of you stand there silent then Listen Ralph you hear that the car. Yes, they won't stop. Sure. He will That's what they came for. What do you mean? There's a detective and two patrolmen in the car Ralph They followed us all the way from town. You're lying. You'd better restrain yourself for a minute and see Of course, you could pull it off now if you wanted to Ralph But it'd be kind of foolish wouldn't it? The embezzlement charge will put you away for only four or five years with perhaps a few more for attempted murder But if you go ahead and how did you know? You did it again what? That it's a habit of yours Ralph every time you're about to say something important you clear your throat Like that That's why it hit me between the eyes last night when you called me and said I'm gonna get you remember Come on Ralph let's walk down to the road We'll save the policemen of few steps Next Monday at nine o'clock the whistler will bring you another strange tale The whistler is broadcast for your entertainment by the marketers of signal gasoline and motor oil and fine quality automotive accessories And by your neighborhood signal dealer This program produced by George W. Allen with tonight's story by Walter Jensen Music by Wilbur hatch is transmitted to our troops overseas by the armed forces radio service Is your signal for the signal oil program the whistler? This is Marvin Miller speaking reminding you to look for those familiar yellow and black circle signs That identify those popular signal oil stations in seven western states from Canada to Mexico This is CBS the Columbia broadcasting system