 The signal oil program The Whistler Whistle is your signal for the signal oil program The Whistler I'm 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 Yeah, 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 two 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 Juggernaut Hampton crossing is quiet now and the solid respectable people who live there are going about their business With the same easy pace as before But to many of them it will never be quite the same again Yes, the people of Hampton crossing will tell you they made a mistake not long ago a terrible mistake There was mob violence and death and the men and women who were part of it still went inwardly as they passed the place where it happened They can still see the flaming torches the assault wave surging up the steps of the Hall of Justice on Park Street They can still hear the cries for blood There was a mob killing that night in Hampton crossing, but there will never be another The mob was a juggernaut and neither the sheriff nor anyone else could have stopped them They had to stop themselves and they did in a very unusual way But more unusual still was the thing that caused it all 10 days lay between that terrible night at the courthouse and its beginnings in the library of Henry Ellaby's big house on the hill Josh Ellaby sat across the desk from his brother listening the green shaded lamp between them making a caricature of Henry's face as he talked Well, Josh We both been a part of Hampton crossing for a long time haven't we 20 years 22 to be exact that we both come a long way Josh I've come to love this town and the folks who live here I've given most of them good jobs in my mill provided a good living for them put their kids through school They can care of them when they were sick, of course Henry Is that why you asked me to come here to tell me I think it's time for a little self-analysis Josh Time to stand off of ways and look at each other Yep, I've done a lot for the people here But I think you've done even more in a way why I I don't know Yes, I feed their bodies put clothes on their backs, but you own their hearts Why I tried to be good to them you've done better than that They have an immense faith in you Josh. I had faith in you too. That's why I've let you handle my affairs You could have at least been honest with me Josh I have some respect for an out-and-out crook who has the guts to play the part to the hilt. I Was afraid that's why you asked me to come here. I didn't have the figures right in front of me I'd never believed it myself. Well, Henry, what do you plan to do about it? You're through is up tomorrow morning both as my manager and my ex-executor Furthermore, I'll give you one week to produce the money you've embezzled from me Otherwise, I'm taking it up with the sheriff's office Is that clear enough not quite? The money isn't the real reason is it Henry. It's pretty real to me $40,000. Oh, you're jealous of me because this town the people in it loved me They're mine because I've succeeded where you failed What are you talking about because of that faith you talked about that's what you want to destroy Henry The money is nothing to you. You want to destroy the people's faith in me. Isn't that true? My you you hypocritical You won't destroy their faith in me Henry. I'm not going to let you where did you get that gun? Does that matter now? Do you know this won't get you anywhere? My daughter kid if anything happens to me you'll have to account to her every penny if she marries Henry Don't forget that the money is mine until she marries Put that gun down. You'll be found out. Don't you understand? Never mind kid the people down there need me. They've got to have someone to lean on I won't let you kill their confidence in me Josh I'm sorry Henry But the people here believe in me It must always be that way With the prologue of juggernaut the signal oil company is bringing you another strange story by the Whistler If you've stopped to the signal service station recently You probably noticed a poster picturing a tire a battery a fan belt radiator hose windshield wiper blade and other accessories Well, this is to remind you that in addition to being headquarters for signals famous go-father gasoline and signal premium motor oil Your signal dealer also features a wide selection of automotive accessories most of which he's prepared to install for you while you wait and Every item is a finest recognized quality that your signal dealer is proud to stand back up With tires for instance or Lee's famous Lees of concha Hawkins for 45 years the finest of first-run tires His batteries are built to signals own rigid specifications for trouble-free service in long life And your signal dealer's polishes radiator cleaner leak sealer and other automotive accessories are nationally advertised brand So to ready your car for summer trips stop by your signal service station this week for a checkover of These little items that can make such a big difference in driving pleasure It's part of your signal dealer's complete service to help your car run better look better and last longer And now back to the Whistler It's strange isn't it Josh this feeling you have about the people of Hampton crossing The merchants and farmers and housewives the children who tag along after you on the street calling you uncle Josh and Stranger still is the feeling they have for you the faith almost the reverence that your brother Henry only half understood You knew the showdown was coming last night when he summons you to his home on the hill So you came prepared to kill him But you knew too that it wouldn't end there that the marriage of his daughter kit to young Eddie Watkins would force another showdown If it ever took place So Eddie was part of your plan too The next morning only five minutes after the first call from the sheriff Eddie Watkins comes to your office over hides grocery on Park Street Like the rest of them when troubles strike He's come to you for advice. I want you to know uncle Josh I didn't want to bother you at a time like this of course But kitten I have no one else to turn to she believes me uncle Josh She knows I had nothing to do with it. Eddie. Why do you feel you're under suspicion? You know how your brother felt about me how he thought I was taking kid away from him the whole town knew we didn't get along No, but after all that doesn't mean right before last we had the worst quarrel of all. I Said some things I didn't mean Well, you know how the town is yes, they're very impetuous sometimes they do things without thinking If I only had some time the sheriff wants me to report to him right away. Yes Well, I suppose that's what you'll have to do Eddie go down there and face it out It's too bad Why we all love my brother very much I'm so afraid in the heat of the moment the people the sheriff too are liable to do things They'll be sorry for later. Wait a minute. You mean I know this town Eddie anything can happen Lord if I only had Couple of days to talk to them reason with them well, I I Haven't been summoned officially. I got it the sheriff has asked you to see him. So That's that I'll do all I can Eddie, but you know what a handicap I'll have You need a couple of days, huh? What's out of the question I guess well, I I Guess I'll have to make my own decision about how soon I report to the sheriff Yes, Eddie There are some things we have to decide for ourselves Eddie what kids why Sheriff I can't believe I didn't say he's guilty Josh All we know is he's the only one who might have had a motive but just because Eddie quarreled with my brother He did have a quarrel in Henry was opposed to his marrying kid But that doesn't mean Eddie would it may be not but the smart thing for young Eddie to do is to show up here and start explaining That's what I can't understand. What do you mean, Sheriff? I sent for him three hours ago. Why isn't he here? You mean you think Eddie would run away You just gave me an idea You must get hold of yourself They say any killed father uncle Josh They say we're trying to run away when they picked him up at the station. It's going to be all right They have no evidence dear. Don't you see but father was killed with Eddie's gun with Eddie's gun How could they possibly know that? Oh, I don't understand it, but the sheriff says they examined the bullet Very unusual size an Italian pistol Eddie brought back from overseas, but what does Eddie say to that? He says the gun was stolen last week They don't believe Okay, dear you'd better try and rest now. I'm going down to see the sheriff Listen to me. Yeah, you listen to me. I know how you feel Josh I know what Henry meant to you but don't you see sheriff and I know you're too kind hearted to believe Eddie Watkins or anybody else could have killed him But the point is somebody did Eddie's young impetuous madly involved Anyone else in that frame of mind could commit murder, but not Eddie You're right Well, I don't think he did it either We searched everywhere for his gun and we can't locate it. Well, that's wonderful sheriff What are you going to do hold him till the first of the week and then release him release him That's what you generally do when you haven't got a case At least I'm happy for kids if anything happened to Eddie. I don't believe she'd ever get over it. Yes, of course And I I'd better be going now Yes, well you you can tell kid about it. I will I'm taking her to Henry's funeral in an hour I'll tell her the Good news It was hard not to show the shocked surprise you felt when the sheriff told you there was no case against Eddie Wasn't it Josh? You'd planned that part so carefully throwing Eddie's gun into the river knowing the unusual size of the bullet would trap it You curse yourself as you stand at kids side of the church with a whole town gathered round to share your grief and Later at the cemetery you listen with bowed head and moist eyes as the minister commits poor Henry Under the earth from whence he came He's gone to his reward You raise your head when it's over with a silent glance of appreciation at each group of morning friends Your mind still searching for the answer to Eddie Watkins and the missing gun It's after you've shown kit to the waiting car that the answer comes Yes, you were right Josh They're your people and the sorrow you display is there sorrow You feel it on every side now as the car moves off as you turn to a couple of the men moving up to express their sympathy We're awfully sorry Josh. It's a terrible thing terrible. Thank you Dave Frank for coming out here leaving the bank No store I was a little to do old towns closed up today. It's uh, it's almost like something that happened to you Josh Thank them all for me. Will you I'm not quite up to it myself. They understand Josh. No and Tell them not to be too bitter about Eddie Watkins. You can't change that. I mean in view of the fact that he's going to be Release released. We haven't heard anything about that sheriff knows what he's doing We must put our faith in him. What now he knows that he's guilty that he's murdered your brother. Everybody knows it What kind of justice is this? Don't talk violence You know how I feel about those things, but he's right Josh a boy took a life. He's got a pay. I've seen it in other towns bloodshed an eye for an eye Linking some time. That's the only answer. No Dave No one Can ask the people to take the law into their own hands, but Josh even if Eddie is guilty If the law says he goes free That is what we must accept And now if you'll excuse me, I must be going Kit needs me By just free That young murderer going free Hmm Josh won't even lift a hand against him. Maybe it's up to Josh's friends to lift the hand Yeah, Josh glad to serve you you never been in my place before no Tom I haven't it well, so it gives me a strange feeling seeing you take a drink First one in 22 years, huh longer than that You must feel pretty bad Tom I figure the best thing is To go away Maybe find some other place to live. Oh, you mean you'd leave town. Oh No, Josh Talk to you. Oh, hello Ellie Ruth. Hello Josh Josh is it true about you're going away Now how in the world did that get out? I wasn't going to say anything What is it? Do you think the people here are letting you down? Well, I they haven't Josh No, they're very angry about the sheriff releasing Eddie Watkins very angry But they don't know what to do in the past. They've always had you to lead them. I can't leave them now Ellie I'm not at all sure that we'd be doing the right thing You know what everybody else does that Eddie Watkins is guilty you do believe that don't you Josh Ellie? I'd rather not say I know I'll never say it Ellie No, not when I think of what could happen. Well, there'd be a meeting Ellie on the outside of town The men folks mostly There'd be speeches and angry words quick action I'm just I can see it building like a juggernaut. That's why I'm afraid there'd be no stopping them Ellie No stopping them until until justice was done You don't have to tell us any more Josh and you'll never have to go away Come on That's only a room really he isn't gonna leave it isn't a rumor I tell you I talk to him myself Frank He thinks we've decided him but what can we do? I don't even know where to start We've talked to the sheriff Ellie and he thinks the sheriff is a fool. This is more than law and opinions Frank Josh ever be given his life to this town. He has a right to expect something in return Yeah, if only there was some way that we could think this thing you could call a meeting Frank Everyone's of the same mind get them together and meet Ellie Do you know what could happen? Why if that mob ever got stirred up? Of course? I know but when it's over our Murderer will have gotten what he deserves and even Josh will thank us. He'll understand that thank us And Josh won't leave Hampton crossing them. No a meeting. Yeah And wonder if Len Frawley would let us use his barn Hello, oh, yes Frank the barn Sure, you can I'll be there myself Want me to make some calls? Ha you bet. I will what time Probably spun eight o'clock. I'll be there Oh, he's barn eight sharp. I'll say we can make it You I can do the murder but I tell you I feel different What's good into them? Oh, they met tonight at Frally's bar They've come here to the jail to take it. Oh, sir. Isn't there some way to stop them? No, they're all riled up. They're half crazy What about it sheriff you can't just let them they're not gonna let them that boy is innocent Josh Of course I found out today that he couldn't have done it kid I know where he was when your father was killed Josh He didn't go anywhere near your brother's place that night his alibi is complete. It's perfect Can't you tell them that listen? Do you think I could make myself heard? Have you Some sort of plan here. Yes, if they keep coming I'm gonna take him out of here Take him out But how the east wing exit is just a few yards from the river if they storm the front door here They won't be watching isn't it an awful chance to take Eddie could make it. I talked to him He's a good swimmer and with his life depending on it If it comes to that Josh, I want to keep their attention out front. It may be if you talk to them I'm not going to wait for that sheriff I'm going out there right now quite a reason with them be careful uncle. I'm not afraid kids. They're my friends They trust me. They may even listen to me now You sure about that Josh the sheriff told me himself. He's letting Eddie out the east wing Yes, the east wing That's interesting Josh up to now. You've been so anxious to save that boy. Why are you telling me sir? I Haven't time to go into that. I've told you that's enough When's it gonna happen any minute now? That's good enough for me the east wing, huh? Come on, Bill Yeah, let's have a look You're right sheriff There's no reasoning with them. They you've got to get Eddie out now You think I'm doing the right thing Josh. Do you think it'll work? It's the only way but hurry men hurry. All right I'll go for it. Good luck sheriff. Good luck It's all over now isn't it Josh your scheme is all but complete You can't lose with the mob on the front steps of the courthouse The rifleman waiting for Eddie Watkins at the east wing and one more thing will make it perfect Josh The son of a battering ram against the big front door tells you there's no going out that way So you walk down the deserted west corridor of the building toward the third exit? Yes, you want to be out there now among your friends pleading with them at the top of your lungs Shouting at them to stop at the exact moment Eddie Watkins is slipping out that east wing door to certain death You reach the west door open it cautious Peer out into the darkness The Whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending of tonight's story Meantime a word of wisdom to mr. Average driver You spend about a hundred dollars a year for gasoline. That's a lot of money You'd like to be sure it's buying the gasoline that stops in quality the gasoline that gives you top performance from your car Well, you can be sure if you'll just keep two points in mind when you buy gasoline one it takes extra quality to go farther and Two signal is the famous go farther gasoline After all the only way any gasoline can put more thrilling performance into your car is by helping your motor run more efficiently and When your motor runs more efficiently naturally you get better mileage So there you have it in a nutshell the reason why signals good mileage is so important to you and The reason signal says to be sure of the tops in gasoline quality. There are just two things to remember one it takes extra quality to go farther and Two signal is the famous go farther gasoline and now back to the Whistler Yes, there was mob violence that night in Hampton crossing a night. No one who thought will ever forget It's still there burning in the back of their minds like the torches in the hands of the mob that stormed the Hall of Justice No one was ever brought to trial Because in the eyes of the law the whole town was guilty Not just the two riflemen who waited in the shadows near the rear of the courthouse The whole wing of the building stock you're sure you'll come out there. Hey, you heard what Josh said, didn't you? No, I'm still not sure what if you wait a minute wait a minute, huh? Look look Yeah Yeah, you were right dark. I can't quite make you my foot. Oh still There he is That takes care of Eddie Watkins nice work fellas. I might keep this girl for less murderers won't get out of this town Well, there he is boys turn him over. All right There you go, Eddie Good Lord. What have we done? Yes, Bill Bill. He told us the truth. What do you mean? He he said they were going to get out he out to eat wing That's why we waited here on the wet side. Yes, we we figured he'd do anything to save that boy We were sure that this time for once in his life. Josh Laby would tell a lie You'd better get back up to Eddie kids. He needs you I still can't believe it. Uncle Josh betrayed us. He told him the plan. He he could only have had one reason I know Was Uncle Josh who killed my father wasn't it? Yeah, but we're the only ones who know that kid and we're the only ones who ever know What happens now? Nothing. He died a martyr kid. He's gonna stay one To see as long as the people of this town can keep on believing in Josh Laby and remember what they did to him There'll never be another mob killing in Hampton crossing Let that whistle be your signal for the signal oil program the whistler each Monday 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 its sensible speeds be courteous and obey traffic regulations It may save a life possibly your own Featured in tonight's story was Herb Butterfield The Whistler was produced by George W. Allen with story by Joel Malone and Harold Swanton Music by Wilbur Hatch 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 for Columbia broadcasting systems