 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 tops in popularity for a longer period of time than any other West Coast program in radio history and Signal gasoline is tops to 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 stations from Canada to Mexico and Now the whistler strange story Stranger in the house Helen decided she might as well be honest with herself the suspense was getting her down But if she didn't find out one way or the other pretty soon something was going to snap It had been over six years since her foster brother Ted had left for the Orient on that government mission And he was still out there somewhere between Manila and Shanghai a live or dead It was a terrible thing to admit even to herself But she was even wishing now for any kind of message even one stating Ted was dead at least it would end the waiting at least it would be better than not knowing at all George, please I don't want to talk about it anymore Ted's been on my mind for so long now that I wish I could forget about him for a while I'm rather surprised to hear you say that I know it sounds terrible, but George, it's been six almost seven years of waiting and not knowing yes I know I can't stand it much longer George after all. He's my foster brother. Don't you understand all these years of silence? They'd only tell us something you must realize there are a lot of women like you dear It's just one of the terrible things about the aftermath of war that's all that's just wait then Let's not talk about him anymore I'm your lawyer Helen. There are some things we've got to talk about Go on George Well, it's been almost seven years now if we haven't heard from Ted in another four months He'll be declared legally dead. What does that mean? There's a clause in your foster father's will Helen When Ted dies the entire estate goes over to you why must you always throw that will in my face George Why must it always come around the money money money every time we talk about Ted. It's the same thing I don't care about the money all I care about is having him back alive and well Now please go George. It doesn't have to be settled till September. Let's not talk about it till then All right Helen George Yeah, I'm sorry. I blew up. I I Guess I'm just not myself. Sure Helen. I understand Yes, Helen the suspense is beginning to tell on you isn't it almost seven years of it Just a few letters from Ted early in 1941 telling you of his arrival in Manila then silence No way you could get in touch with him. Nothing you could do but wait and you're still waiting Rushing out to meet the postman hoping each day will be the big one George is more tactful now about the will. He doesn't mention it anymore and you're very grateful And then at long last the suspense has ended. It's not the postman. It's Rhoda. You're made walking into your bedroom one morning with a cable grab When did it come Rhoda? Just this minute a messenger brought to the door arriving June 4th Seattle steamer president Jefferson love Ted Oh Oh miss Helen mr. Ted coming home at last. Yes Yes At last Oh, I beg your pardon sure. Oh sure. Yes miss. I'm looking for mr. Ted Van Norton. Where is his cabin? Please just a minute, please? Van Norton state room 3c third-deck. Thank you Oh Sorry, I must have the wrong state room. I'm looking for my brother Ted Van Norton. Oh, what's the matter Helen? Don't you recognize me? What? Who are you? Well, this isn't much of a homecoming after six years Maybe I better introduce myself. The name is Theodore Van Norton. Oh, there there must be some mistake Helen darling, you're joking Who are you? I've already told you I'm your foster brother Ted Van Norton. You're not Ted you're You're an imposter With the prologue of stranger in the house the signal oil company is bringing you another strange story by the Whistler But now important news for drivers the amazing new type tire by Lee of conch oh, Hocken Which is being announced this month in the Saturday evening post is already at your signal dealers I'm referring to the new eight-rib super deluxe Lee tire not just a new model mind you but a completely new tire You can see that the handsome eight-rib tread is wider and flatter and there's more rubber in it But not until you drive on these new type tires Can you appreciate their easier turning and steering and the way they absorb road shocks sparing you fatigue and Sparing your car unnecessary wear in addition quicker stopping and greater protection against skidding are assured by the 16 cleaning edges on Lee's broad flat tread and when it comes to wear these new Lee super deluxe tires are setting records so amazing They're almost unbelievable Yet all this extra quality is yours at no extra cost In fact right now as their summer driving special signal dealers are offering extra generous Cradians on old tires plus liberal credit terms So before you buy any tire see your signal dealer Find out how little it will cost you to enjoy real safety and comfort this summer with new eight-rib Lee super deluxe tires And now back to the Whistler Well Helen all you can do is stand there in the stateroom and stare at them The effrontery of this stranger trying to pass himself off as your foster brother leaves you at a loss for something to say True he does resemble Ted. He's tall the same bill the same athletic poise the same general features But the expression it's not quite Ted's is it? That's funny isn't it Helen? Perhaps he thinks it's funny in a different sort of way Perhaps he's one of those people with a perverted sense of humor a practical joke Yes, it's hilarious, isn't it to pull a trek like this after all those years of almost unbearable suspense Well, darling, haven't we better get a move on are you stupid enough to think you can get away with this and get away with what? If this is some crude attempted humor, I don't all I'm quite serious Where's Ted? Oh dear have to be that way. I explained one don't lie to me. Where is he? Excuse me a moment. Oh Stuart yes, mr. Van Orton, would you take care of my hand baggage, please? Yes, sir right away. Thanks Come on Helen. Let's get down to the dock. I'll call the person wait a minute now look See passport with fingerprints and photograph birth certificates state department credentials letters from your forgery. I'm sorry. They're genuine You you're not going home with me. I won't stand for it Very well, darling I'll check in at a hotel for the time being But after all you can't keep a guy out of his own home. Can you? George, I've never been so stunned in my life. He just stood there smiling at me saying over and over that he was ten Oh, wait a minute. You say he had identification everything even letters from me I wrote them when Ted first arrived in Manila. Were they genuine? Oh, I think so You're my lawyer do something. He'd know better than try to get by with forgery Helen you're you're sure you're right George. You don't think I know my own brother, but it's been close to seven years He's probably been in prison camp That can make a lot of difference in a man's appearance, but it's not entirely a matter of appearance It's the way he walks his voice his mannerisms besides Ted's dead. What something terrible happened I'm sure of it. This man might have killed him. Yes, that's it So he could get his hands on Ted's money. That's a pretty serious charge Helen You've got to be sure of yourself You're the only one in Seattle who can recognize him. Remember, he's been gone for seven years Do you have any pictures? No, I thought of that. No No, there weren't any not since he was a little boy spent most of his time in the east with Aunt Ida. Where is she? She died some time ago Well, there are a lot of ways we can check on him in the State Department ought to know about him He's been with them for over ten years You uh, you say he's stopping at a hotel? Yes You know, of course that if he can prove his identity he has a legal right to live here in this house I tell you he's a flagulent imposter. He's not coming here if I have to hire somebody to throw him out It's Rhoda miss. Oh, what time is it? After eight. Oh Go away. I'm sleepy. I must see you miss All right Rhoda come in Now what is it? It's it's that man. Mr. Van Alton. What? Where is he? He's in the guest bathroom miss. Shaving Well good morning. What do you think you're doing? Shaving morning ablutions Can't say I'm used to having ladies barge into the bathroom. Get out of here! How did you get in? Well, I couldn't get a room at a hotel. I took a taxi up last night Walked in the back door. It was open. You see you can leave the same way you came in No, I'm I'm here to stay sister dear I've got the proof in my pocket and if you want to get me out You can trot right down to the Hall of Justice and get yourself a court order Have some more coffee Helen. No, thanks. Hotcakes Mr. Whoever you are Van Norton names Theodore Van Norton I must say I've never seen such colossal nerve in my life Oh, you flatter me You're not at all concerned about the servants. Hmm. Should I be aren't you afraid they'll fail to recognize you? Don't be silly none of them were here when I left Edward the butler was last to go I think oh by the way Helen whatever became of old Edward There are other people in town of course What about your teachers at Washington Heights school? Why Helen I Believe you're trying to trick me. You know father sent me to Fox Hall Academy when I was 14 I never went to Washington Heights. Oh, where you going? You seem to know everything. Why don't you tell me that Helen? We have some talking to do darling about the will Father's estate left all of it to me, you know Seems to me the executor owes me close to a million dollars You knew it was coming didn't you Helen? That's the purpose behind this whole crazy business It's still inconceivable to you that the man can actually expect to get away with it George was right. There are a thousand ways you can check up on him and the imposter himself just gave you an excellent one You make a long-distance call to the Fox Hall Academy and talk to mr. Rigby the headmaster. Why yes, of course Miss Van Norton, I'd be delighted to come down tomorrow afternoon Ted was always one of my favorite, you know any special time. What about two o'clock fine fine It'll be quite a reunion, won't it? Yes indeed. Mr. Rigby quite a reunion Mr. Rigby, this is George Chadwick my lawyer. How do you do? Would you like to wait in the living room mr. Rigby? I think Ted's out on the tennis court. We'll call him. Thanks. Come on George. Excuse us mr. Rigby. Of course You still think I don't know my brother now. I never said that Helen I only said seven years can make a lot of difference you yourself said his general features I'm afraid mr. What's his name going to suffer a little embarrassment. You think Rigby will recognize him? He'll recognize him as an imposter if that's what you mean. He knows Ted as well as I do What's the matter? I don't know. I had those documents checked the hospital records in Manila He was a patient there for a while. I tell you he's a fraud Heaven knows what's happened to Ted or how this crook got hold of his papers, but he's all right You'd better go and call him Hello sis. What's up? I was sorry to interrupt your tennis game Ted. Oh, oh, it's Ted now, huh? Why of course I could have been mistaken, you know Well, can't say I expected this I'd be a little foolish not to admit it when I'm wrong. Wouldn't I? Come on dear where to just to the living room. You can go back to your tennis in a moment Oh, there you are George. Hello Ted. Hello George. What's going on around here? We're going into the living room George. Perhaps you'd like to join us. Yes, of course Well open the door George. Oh Say what's this all about I did Rigby Ted Teddy old boy. How have you been? Oh you old son of a guy? What is this? Hell in a surprise? Why don't they tip a guy off on his old headmaster comes to see you? You're looking fine, Teddy? Yeah, good Lord. It's been a long time last time. I saw you was after the Washburn game remember watch Yeah, I spoke. I think he was there too. Say do you remember the bus broke down that night outside of Wenatchee you and I You stand there stunned Speechless just staring at them as they slap each other in the back forgetting all about you and George avoids looking at you. He's on their side now. You're sure of it and Worst of all, it's beginning to get you to He's not Ted your foster brother. You know what your positive It's ridiculous to go through all this rigmarole, but it seems to be your word against his proof But there are still other ways aren't there? Like another long-distance call this time to the State Department in Washington, DC After being transferred to four or five different offices. You'll finally get through to the right man It's most important that you check this matter thoroughly. I'm positive that the man representing himself as my foster brother is an imposter Here in 1938. Yes, I saw him attaches photograph and fix his fingerprints I simply want to see that application Quite satisfactory, thank you I see You say the fire was forwarded here from Washington. That's right. I simply want to examine it particularly the photograph Excuse me a moment miss Van Norton. I'll have to look it up Well George well, what I can't say that I'm pleased with your lack of faith in me No, who said anything about that it's clear enough look I'm a lawyer. I'll believe black as white if they throw enough evidence at me Mr. Rigby was a very convincing witness. He's a decrepit old fool and it had been 15 years I thought he was an intelligent man past you off my brother. He'd forgotten what Ted looks like I don't know you might be arguing against yourself. What do you mean? You haven't seen Ted in almost seven years Here we are Theodore H. Van Norton and now what did you wish to see here? Let me see it Medical examination education record application. Where's the picture on the other side? Oh here Satisfied Helen it it can't be I Saw Ted paste the picture on himself. There's something wrong. Of course. There's something wrong. This isn't Ted's picture. It's It's that man Helen get hold of yourself here. Let me see Yes, here they are fingerprints now listen listen look I want this whole record sent to the office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Helen you've got to have a rest this thing is getting That's one thing can't be forged. Don't you see they can't forge his fingerprints. I'm sorry miss Van Norton But I have no thought you got to I tell you there's a stranger in my house. He's posing as my foster brother There's a million dollars involved just a minute Helen, please It's a it's most important mr. Robbins not only because of the money involved miss Van Norton is Extremely upset of course mr. Chadwick, but you see I can't simply turn over material like this I'll make the necessary arrangements with the FBI mr. Robbins and get your authority from Washington Will that be satisfactory quite mr. Chadwick quite Ted well Helen I began to wonder where you were all afternoon. Oh Downtown shopping stores are frightful these days indeed. They are Reading yeah How's Dick Tracy? Oh Haven't checked him today. It's funny. You used to read Dick Tracy before you even looked at the headlines. I Guess a guy gets a little serious after all those years overseas Prison camp hospital. Yes, I Suppose so You're looking calmer today Finally decided on the real thing. I I want you to forgive me Ted. It's So unbelievable that I I don't quite trust my senses anymore sure you're a good kid Helen I don't blame you will you drink on it? Why not? Well, it be bourbon and soda. Oh, you're a man after my own heart You know, I'm kind of surprised. I thought you'd be a tough enough to crack. Oh You expected me to be suspicious left of that episode on the boat. I expected anything. Oh Here you are thanks when we drink to to us, of course all right To us. Yes, ma'am. You're in charge of the fingerprinting department here. Yes I'm Helen Van Northen. I brought in a highball glass yesterday afternoon with some fingerprints. Oh, yes Yes, that's the one you wanted us to check against the prints on the State Department application file. That's right Where did you get that glass a man is posing as my brother staying At my house they're his fingerprints. You're sure of the prints on the application What do you mean? Are you sure they're the bona fide prints of your brother? Of course, I was with him in Washington when he completed the application in 1938 I saw him put the prints on it. I see Well, that ought to settle it once and for all. What do you mean? The man at your house is your brother miss Van Orton the prints are identical. Hi Well It can't be It can't we wouldn't commit ourselves if we weren't positive. Hi I see of course Thank you Well Helen that settles it doesn't it you're beaten and you know it and worst of all you're not at all sure of yourself anymore Yes, that's the unbearable part not knowing in your mind whether you're right or wrong But you still have one more out just one It's a long chance, but you've decided you have to take it to decide once and for all Whether or not this man Ted is your foster brother Whether you can trust your own mind It's very late that night when you get quietly out of bed and walk downstairs to the telephone The house is as quiet as a tomb Everyone's asleep. I want to call Shanghai operator. Mr. C Julian to eight perlang drive Shanghai Yes Yes, always this mr. Julian. I last talked to you in April 1941 the name I gave you was Grayson. Do you remember that? Do you remember me? Do you know what became of him? Your your positive. Thank you, Mr. Julian. Thank you very much The whistler will return in just a moment with a strange ending to tonight's story Meantime a word of wisdom to mr. Average driver you spend well over 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 to 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 to Signal is the famous go farther gasoline And now back to the whistler It was a relief to know wasn't it Helen you can trust your own senses now Ted is dead Mr. Julian just told you so and the stranger in the house is an imposter Somehow some way you can prove it But right now you don't want to think about it anymore. It's been too bewildering All you want now is your bed and the first good night sleep in a week You put down the phone and start toward the stairs sit down Helen How long have you been here long enough? I said sit down. I'm going up sit down before you fall down That's it You just hung yourself, baby There's a record of that phone conversation down at FBI headquarters. What are you talking about? You didn't have Shanghai in case you're wondering you were talking to the boys down at the office not mr. Julian We had everything you see except the link you just gave us We knew mr. Julian paid $10,000 part of the money you sent him one of his boys in Manila The boy who killed your foster brother Ted, but I was the only one who knew I Was detained over there in a prison camp like I said It was a long wait I knew Ted had a foster sister and I knew there was close to a million bucks in it somewhere But all I had was a suspicion What about Julian the authorities in Shanghai have him? Well, I guess there's nothing much I can do Tough isn't it? It could have been a nice kid You weren't a killer at heart. You shouldn't have picked out someone in the state department No, it took us a long time to work it out a lot of names a lot of people We even drew on the services of mr. Rigby When we got going we knew you'd crack sooner or later Who are you? This time baby. I'm telling you the truth. I Was your brother's best friend? My name is McKay Well, incidentally, I'm with the FBI Let that whistle be your signal for the signal oil program the whistler Each Wednesday night 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 where Virginia Greg and Gerald Moore The whistler was produced and directed by George W. Allen with story by Harold Swanton and Mark Smith and Music by Wilbur hatch and was transmitted to our troops overseas by the armed forces radio service Next Wednesday for a full hour of mystery over most of these stations tune in a half hour earlier Enjoy the same as well as the whistler Marvin Miller speaking This is CBS where 99 million people gather every week the Columbia broadcasting system