 The signal oil program the whistler That whistle is your signal for the signal oil program The whistler and 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 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 blank wall It was five o'clock and the crowd in the locker room had slipped into the usual routine of easy chatter About wives and food and the thousand things that happen every day in a bank as busy as the Crane national On one side the men on the cleanup crew were getting into striped overalls with a night's work ahead of them On the other the guards and messengers were exchanging official Navy blue bank uniforms for street clothes To Walter Mason though. It was a day of days He didn't say much as he stood in front of the locker at the end of the row Half hoping the crowd would forget it and let him go his way in peace Yet wanting at the same time to stand up on a bench in the center of the room and shouted at the top of his lungs As it turned out, however, he didn't have to make a decision Charlie Bryson another messenger made it for it. What's the matter Charlie? I just happened to think excuse me Joe All right everybody hold a minute. What do you I almost forgot this is Walters big night Oh Charlie for the love of my don't be bashful. They don't care about that much They don't want to be nice to walk from now on fellas. He's liable to be the boss one of these days I want you to know we think it's great. Well, thanks Charlie Out at the crane place on Long Island soup and fish Yes, you know they say there are two sure roads to success one of us to be smart the other is to marry the boss's daughter Yeah, but this isn't just almost we're gonna keep our eye on you water 25 years as a messenger isn't it well not quite I'll bet they give you a great big shiny desk less than a month after your daughter marries young crane You know Walt it's hard to believe Mrs. Crane will take this land down What do you mean? Oh, you know Donald's picture in the paper with his society gal and that one Naturally mama expected him to marry one of them. Yes, but Donald had different ideas. Oh, I know that only in a pinch I still bet mama told young crane what to do wait now you've got the kid all wrong He's you know, I'm very well Walter. Sure. He's clicking right here at the bank, isn't he working himself up from the bottom? Just like his father What's wrong with that? Well, Donald crane isn't exactly working himself up now wait a minute My daughter Kathy is going to marry Donald crane I'm happy about it. Naturally, but not because he's part of that Long Island crowd I'm happy because both Kathy and I think he's as fine a man as his father was they don't come any better than that That's all So long fellas Yeah, Charlie Good luck tonight. Thanks You know Charlie This is going to be the greatest moment in my life And you meant it Walter It's the most wonderful thing that ever happened a party at the crane home on Long Island Announcing Kathy's engagement to the son of Alfred Crane And that's the missing part of the picture, Walter It's five years now since mr. Crane died and you meant it when you told him He was the finest man you ever knew That's why everything has to be perfect right down to the carnation in the lapel of your rented dinner jacket And that's why even though it costs six dollars You ride out there in a taxi instead of the pre-war coupe in the garage at home Yes, Walter Everything has to be right My name is Mason beg your pardon. I said my name is Mason. I'm Miss Mason's father Would you mind taking my hat and coat Oh, of course. Let me help you. Thank you. I'm sorry sir. It was quite a shock. I I Thought I recognized you. It's nothing. It happens all the time. I'll tell Mrs. Crane. You're here. Thank you That was strange wasn't it, Walter? Something in the way the butler looked at you the puzzled look in his eyes as he took your hat and coat Walked slowly out of the reception hall And you can't put your finger on it All you know is that there's an unsettled nervous feeling inside you that somehow the man has thrown you a little off balance You try and forget it later in the ballroom Yes, this is something to celebrate isn't it water and Kathy is in seventh heaven You're not paying much attention to your partner What's the matter dad? Oh, it's nothing Kathy. There's nothing to be afraid of darling What do you mean forget you work at the bank daddy? These people are really very nice. Oh, it's not that You're worried about something I can always tell why it's just that I don't think it's right for you to go Walsing off with an old fogey like me while Don stands around with his hands in his pocket. Do you mind mr. Mason? Oh Donald. I'll speak of the devil. I'm just like my father can't stand competition. You see Kevin I'm only kidding matter of fact mother'd like to talk to you mr. Mason Of course, and it's about time you two got to know each other You know, I I want you to be as close to her as you were to dad. I hope so Donald Where is she in the library? Probably tapping her foot and by the way, whatever she says don't take it too seriously Please sit down mr. Mason. Thank you, Mrs. Grain and sharp. Yes, ma'am Would you bring us some coffee, please? Of course ma'am. I want you to know mr. Mason How much I admire your daughter? She's a charming girl. I'm very proud of Kathy. You have a right to be Donald worships her of course. I'm sure they'll be very happy. I Yeah, I Don't know quite how to say this mr. Mason I'm afraid I'll have to put it a little bluntly. What's that Mrs. Grain? I'm not entirely convinced. It's going to work out Donald and I have discussed it many times But of course he's a stubborn as his father. What are you talking about? It's hard to reason with young people at a time like this. I Opposed the marriage from the very first, but Donald is going ahead in spite of me, but I don't know what you let me finish I Was forced to look at this thing rather coldly I'd prefer to stop it now rather than see Donald do something he'd regret but wait, Mrs. Grain you don't Mason There's no point in disguising facts You must know Donald's decision came as a shock to me when I realized that thing was serious I took it upon myself to investigate your background quite thoroughly you What I hired a private investigator. He's been working for two weeks and he found out What nothing? Otherwise, I never would have gone through with this announcement party tonight. However Until the wedding, it's not too late and I think it's only fair to warn you that there are still some questions unanswered My investigator seems to have run into a blank wall You could find nothing of your whereabouts or Occupation prior to the time you came to work for my husband in 1922 and what's all this got to do with Kathy and Donald? everything people in my position of responsibility Can't be too careful mr. Mason. Oh, but they can mrs. Crain. I wish your husband were alive I wish he could have sat in that chair over there and listen to you talk about Right of you to investigate me What difference does it make where I was in 1922 or 1916 or any other time for that matter? You've taken a great deal up on yourself mrs. Crain And if you want my frank opinion, I think your husband would have been shocked at your method mr. Mason Sharp I didn't mean to intrude man, but your water doesn't tell it. Thank you sharp Poor mr. Mason a cup of coffee You will excuse me mr. Mason certainly Why didn't you tell her the truth? Billy Billy Billy Ford sing sing 1916 to 22 Charge manslaughter and don't tell me I'm wrong. I was there sharp Roy sharp It hit me between the eyes when you walked in tonight, but I wasn't sure until a minute ago There's a reason for the blank wall the gum shoe ran into isn't there? I I didn't try to fool anybody I told mr. Crain. He helped me. He's dead and I'm afraid the old lady hasn't got his understanding hard You know Billy as of two hours ago. I started believing in miracles again. What do you mean? I'm in a spot. I need ten grand the worst way wait a minute Roy We're gonna get it for me ten thousand dollars. I can't you ten By tomorrow night at ten Crescent bar and 58 and third. I'll be there about wait a minute Coming ma'am shop wait a minute shop. I can't the old lady's calling Just remember to meet me tomorrow night Billy or some of those questions of hers won't be unanswered any longer With the prologue of the blank wall the signal oil company brings you another strange story By the whistler There were so many comments about the information. I gave in last week's announcement. I'm going to repeat it tonight As I stated since the spring marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of signal oil company I looked up some facts which I thought would surprise you as much as they did me and here they are 25 years ago here in Southern, California Regular gasoline sold for 23 cents per gallon without any taxes On the other hand in 1940 Regular gasoline sold for only 18 cents per gallon and that price included taxes of four and one half cents per gallon Which had gradually been added? So the price of the gasoline itself without taxes had actually gone down about one half All right now. What about today's prices? Since 1940 items in the cost of living have climbed 53% Compared with an increase of only 13% in the retail price of gasoline get that since 1940 a 53% increase in the cost of living Compared with only 13% increase in the cost of gasoline And I might add the gallon of signal that you buy today is a vastly superior product the finest gasoline ever offered to motorists without extra cost So when you drive into your signal gasoline station and say fill her up Remember, you're not only getting the tops in gasoline quality You're also getting one of the most remarkable values that your dollars still buy today Now back to the Whistler Well, Walter after 25 years the blank wall that separated Billy Ford ex-convict From Walter Mason respectable citizen has given way It came at a terrible moment, didn't it Walter and you know that one word from sharp will put an end to the marriage of your daughter Kathy and Donald Crane You make an excuse to Mrs. Crane leave the party early arrive home before midnight and Spend six hours sitting in an easy chair in the living room thinking The morning light is gray on the windows when you rise Wearily start to put on your working clothes. There's no other way is there Walter Kathy's happiness comes first now Sharp must have his money. Good morning Walter. Uh, not so good. Mr. Cromwell. I'm not feeling very well Too much party last night. I'm not sure but I Was wondering mr. Cromwell if I felt like going home this afternoon. Would it certainly Walter I understand You should have found this morning. It wasn't necessary to come in. Well, I I thought I'd be all right. Thanks, mr. Cromwell Your savings account sure give you the balance in a minute Let's see Melford manning Mason. Here we are You're a rich man, Walter. You've got exactly thirty two hundred and six dollars and eighteen cents Thirty two hundred oh Thanks, Jim. Thanks a lot Charlie I I don't know how to ask you this exactly. What is it? Well, you're some kind of trouble Charlie How much have you gotten the bank? Huh? My savings. Yes, I I know it isn't a nice thing to ask It's no secret, but it's no fortune either About two thousand bucks two thousand and I know I couldn't ask you for all of it What I should say you couldn't the old lady to ring my neck. How much could you let me have Charlie? You know, I'd pay it back. Oh Sure gosh, Walter. You're my best friend. I'd do anything for you only this is all right forget it But Walt there must be something I know no no there isn't Charlie. Just don't mention this to anyone. Please don't Well, what do you think I Don't know car shows care. All right. I bought it from the original owner Motors had a complete over. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I know Well, I guess it's worth the five bills only five hundred dollars for a car is over pal. Take it or leave it Selling your stamps Mr. Mason you spent years. I know you're the one person who'll give me a fair price Mr. Mason a fair price How can I put a price on anything like your colleagues? That's very nice of you Arnold But it's been taking up too much of my time lately and I've decided to quit. I cannot believe that you You'll drop out of the society completely No, no, what is happening? What if I've used it a long time to sort it on and I've made up my mind How much what is the collection worth? If I may suggest Mr. Mason I would prefer to to give you the money in the form of a loan That way I could keep your stamps here for a while all together in case you change your mind You're a very unusual man. Oh His business Mr. Mason business. I I just don't want to lose a good customer. I know better than that All right, mr. Businessmen How much of a loan can you make on it? $1,000 would that hill a thousand for a little collection like Arnold it's a tragedy how few of us ever know our real friends You added up Walter after leaving Arnold's tiny shop add up every cent you were able to raise It comes to a little over 6,000 not what sharp asked for but you have to agree have to be satisfied because There's no one else you can turn to That night at 10 o'clock you enter the Crescent bar He's already there waiting an empty cocktail glass on the table in front of Hello, Billy, please shop. All right Sit down Walter. He doesn't time to pay for the drinks. Well, yeah, I don't care for anything Well, it's all right to let's get to it bring the money when you I want to talk to you about it first He's talking about it. I just want to see it. I uh, I can only raise 6,200 I Asked for 10. I thought I made it clear the best I can do sharp you don't know how much trouble it was I don't care about that. I Told you it had to be 10,000 I meant it. I Have my troubles too Billy. Oh, there's nothing more I can do. That's why you're wrong. I Don't understand. Ah, maybe I shouldn't make it so easy for you, but we can get that money another way If you're suggesting I'm not suggesting anything Billy. I'm telling you what you're gonna do I've I've looked into your job at the bank. What about my job? It includes some interesting responsibilities For an ex-con the people I work for have faith in me if that's what you mean I'm surprised the bonding company slipped up so badly. I'm not covered by your bond. Oh Alfred Crane was alive when I got out. He was decent enough to give me a chance bless him Billy bless him It gives you another chance now. I don't think so. I do I Understand you'll be carrying a batch of negotiable securities tomorrow morning. What of it? You're taking them to the Lincoln Investment Company at 1030, right? I know what you're thinking Roy. It's no go I'd rather they found out about me You're bluffing friend That kid of yours means more to you than anything in the world. You've got it all figured out, haven't you? I've got you figured out That's why I'm so sure you'll cooperate tomorrow When you take that morning stroll It doesn't seem real does it Walter you wonder home in a day and there's another sleepless night While you tell yourself over and over that this thing can't be happening after all these years of peace The next morning you arrive late at the bank still days shaky wondering what will happen when you set out for the investment company and Roy Sharp walks up to you on the street But you don't have to wonder long water. Mr. Cromwell settles it all as you come in Water, we didn't expect you. Oh sure. Mr. Cromwell. I I'm feeling better Charlie Bryson figured you needed a little rest. He took over for you took over those securities for Lincoln Investment He's going to deliver them. What? Oh, but he doesn't have to do that. I'm perfectly able. Mr. Cromwell I'll go tell Charlie and Suddenly you realize Walter how impossible the whole situation is The phony hold up the inevitable questions and then sharp coming back to you with another proposition and another You're certain of one thing if sharp were to see your friend Charlie carrying that satchel in your place He'd never dare go through with a robbery Instead he'd go straight to mrs. Crane with a whole story And that doesn't matter anymore does it Walter because you've made a decision an important one Hello, Kathy. I have something to tell you dear and there isn't much time Sit down here right next to me. What is it dad? What's happened? Kathy you remember that young man I used to tell you about Billy Ford the one who went to prison. That's right He was a nice kid Kathy had some tough breaks got into trouble did five years in sing-sing I remember dad you thought a lot of him. He died a long time ago. Didn't he? I thought he did What do you mean Kathy? I'm Billy Ford. I used to wonder about that Why are you telling me because you're telling me I'm not telling you I'm not telling you I'm not telling you I'm not telling you Why are you telling me because I'm afraid everyone's going to know Who is it dad? Mrs. Crane's butler Roy sharp. I see Where are you going dad believe me this doesn't make any difference between us, but I want to be honest with Don now While he has a chance to change his mind. I'm sorry Kathy. Please darling. It's all right. I'll go with you No, no, I'd rather face them alone The whistler will return in just a moment with the strange ending to tonight's story Meantime here's a thought for you drivers to consider If you had to wear heavy winter clothes right on through spring, you wouldn't feel very peppy. Would you well? That's just how your car feels about wearing tired old winter motor oil and gear lube now that springs here Yes, if you want to put spring into your driving It's high time you were treating your car to a spring changeover at your signal service station First step is a motor drain and a refill with signal premium motor oil The new type lubricant that guarantees you a sweeter running motor by keeping motor six times cleaner and reducing cylinder wear one third Next step is fresh signal gear lube for transmission and differential and a signal double-check lubrication for the chassis And at the same time your signal dealer will be glad to check those other points that need attention every five or ten thousand miles Such as air cleaner oil filter or front wheel bearings Man a car just can't help feeling peppier after a spring tonic like this So give your car a break see your neighborhood signal dealer this week for a signal spring changeover And now back to the whistler So she's gone now Walter and you sit alone in the living room exhausted numb Filled with a black kind of despair that blots out everything else Yes, Kathy's gone to tell the man. She loves her father was a criminal an ex-convict There was no other way The terrible coincidence that placed you and Roy sharp at the same party ended all hope Yes at that moment the blank wall was breached and Billy Ford and Walter Mason became one and the same man You find yourself staring at the black butt of your 38 revolver lying on the living room table The gun you would have carried this morning if Charlie Bryson hadn't taken your place At one point you start to reach for it and Decide that's never the answer You aren't conscious of time But it's past noon when you decide it wasn't fair to let Kathy face them alone and an hour later You walk into the library of the crane home on Long Island As you expected Mrs. Crane is terribly upset They'll pounce on this like a flock of vultures the papers the tabloids Just a minute, maybe I'm sorry Kathy. It wasn't fair of me. Wait a minute dad. What what's the matter Donald? Show him the paper sure here. You are mr. Mason Attempted robbery broad daylight. It's the butler here dad He was killed this morning in a gunfight on Broad Street. He tried to rob one of the messengers from the bank sharp killed Gunfight wait a minute Charlie Bryson. What about Charlie Charlie the messenger. He was the one who I'll get it Roy's shop Then he didn't know mr. Mason He didn't you You know She told me and your mother all she knows is What she reads in the papers Charlie somebody Charlie. Oh, thanks Yes, Charlie. Are you all right? All right? I'm a hero reward money and everything I couldn't wait to call you Walt. Oh about that money if you still need it Brother, I've got it. No Charlie. Thanks, but everything's all right now Let that whistle be your signal for the signal oil program the whistler each Monday at 9 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 at sensible speeds be courteous and obey traffic regulations It may save a life possibly your own Featured in tonight's story where Charles seal and Jack Petruzzi The whistler was produced by George W. Allen with 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 to CBS the Columbia broadcasting system