 Have you heard the strange tales of the whistler I'm the whistler My plan is sound mathematically sound it cannot fail. It's perfect three months from now. I will be worth $50,000 independent for life Another Sunday night and again CBS presents the whistler Hey, the whistler know many things for I walk by night. I Know many strange tales many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows So I tell you tonight the amazing tale of fools gold Herbert Lang's chief teller of the amalgamated bank a thrifty man of 43 Herbert has been an employee the small salary for over 20 years Honest and punctual his reputation is above reproach Herbert is thin slightly bald be spectacled and unmarried Herbert is a poor man, but he has a plan He won't always be poor because he's developed his plan for 10 years and 10 years should bring mathematical perfection to any plan For five years now it has been working by the first of June three months from now. I will be worth $50,000 Herbert studies the figures on the little pad before him writes a total of 50,000 Smiles behind his bifocals then an abrupt sound breaks his meditation Herbert the auditor has just found another shortage and they've traced shortage another yes $3,000 they've traced it definitely third one this year and to whom did they trace it mr. Fever that young fellow Barton denies it of course, but the evidence is all against him I can't understand what happens to young men lately. I do my best to hire the ones I think around I wish you'd exercise a little more care Oh, I know they have the best of references. I should think by now you'd be able to judge character at a glance I'd have sworn by that boy, mr. Fever. Hmm. They've taken them down to the police station. Oh, what a shame Very embarrassing mr. Fever. I feel as though I'm responsible. Oh now don't take it that way Herbert After all we're insured, but it is annoying to both of us. We all make mistakes in judgment now and then Besides you had your nose to the wheel without a vacation for three years now Doesn't pay her but you'll crack up. Well, I haven't felt as though I needed a vacation and Besides when I do take one I'd like to have it all in one lump I've always wanted to tour Europe or some foreign land or two weeks mean nothing Understand I feel the same way, but what chance is there? I do think you need a rest in this place I'll let you know when I'm really tired Hmm. I doubt it. I will say that I admire your devotion to duty. Thank you, mr. Fever It's good to hear you say that I want you to know that I appreciate the opportunity of being with the firm for 20 years Yeah, oh as a board of directors meeting this afternoon. I'm going to try to get you a raise That's all right, so whatever they decide will be for the best I wouldn't want the board to think I was dissatisfied here You're 43 Herbert and alone unmarried that isn't right and you're not the type of man to tackle marriage on your salary Well, I've been thinking about it. I have plans. I I've saved the bed. I found the right woman I of his favorite. I may surprise you one of these days Hmm Up into my office after the board meeting may have some news for you. They'll make it around three Thank you Herbert sits at his desk smiling what complete confidence they have in him. What a perfect set up 3000 more accounted for three more months and I've reached my goal 50,000 and independent for life in South America Move of sudden decision Herbert slaps on his hat walks out of the bank and pays a visit to Hazel Yates at her apartment What are you doing away from the bank at this hour of the day Herbert? I'm out to lunch. I thought I'd drop by all that nice I'm certainly surprised Hazel Exactly three months from now. I'm going to take a vacation. You certainly need one It's been ages since you've been away from your work for more than a day Yes, I know, but I had to keep my nose to the grindstone, but now it's different. What do you mean? Well, I I've kept it a secret, but now I can tell you I I'm going to get married married But you you're gonna get married. That's right. I I thought you never considered marriage because You felt you couldn't support a wife. That's true. Now. It's different. I didn't want to say anything till I was sure Are you talking about? Hazel For seven years now. I've been working on a problem a planner plan that cannot fail because it's mathematically correct What? Herbert you Brighten me. It has to do with the stock market. I've worked it over and over. Stock market? Gambling. Oh, no, no, not gambling and not the way I worked it out Lots of people have thought they'd found the secret to playing a market and what happened Well, this isn't a theoretical plan. This is already worked proven already worked I set myself a goal and amount of money I felt sufficient to live on in ease the rest of my life $50,000 Beyond that sum I would not attempt to go $50,000 as I've placed every dime to use according to the plan and I've not missed one But you you mean you have $50,000. Well, not quite, but we'll have by the 1st of June Well, I can't get over it. I'm amazed. Very simple. I have got $3,000 to go then I'm through $3,000. Oh, that's brightening me Herbert Why don't you be satisfied with what you have? You may lose it all and trying to get the other three. Oh, not a chance. I set myself a goal and I intend to reach it Very well. I hope you're right Then then I'm going on a long vacation How long will you get? Oh, next June on From June on, how can you do that? I'm not going to work another day for sure. I'll be independent I'm going to quit quit your job. Yes and take a long trip to South America. I'm going to live there $50,000 there's like $200,000 here. What more could you ask for? I see and you You're going to get married. Yes. Yes, I am. I haven't asked her yet, but I'm confident Who is she? Do I know her? Yes She's wonderful Well, I Wish you lots of happiness Herbert Would you like to live in South America, Hazel? What? Yes, I would. Then you and I will be married June 1st. Oh Herbert, you mean you're asking me? Yes, I don't say a word about this now. It's a secret. Don't tell a soul, promise? Oh, yes. Yes, Herbert. I promise. Oh Darling, I thought you were never going to ask me. I want to surprise you. I've never been so thrilled in my life I've got to run along now. Do you I'll see you later this evening Everything is working perfectly for Herbert Lang. A 10-year plan just cannot fail. A few months from now and he will be independent Hazel $50,000 and South America After three now, the board meeting is over. Herbert steps confidently to the president's office Well, I see the meeting's over Mr. Faber. Yes. Yes. Come in Herbert. Hey, uh, talk it over with the board They didn't seem to agree with me. Oh No reason. Sorry Herbert. Board members are rather a cold group of individuals. That's all right, Mr. Faber I've gotten used to it after all these years They're very selfish lot. A whole lot of stock. Someone else does the work. They draw big dividends. It's all they're interested in Oh, I hold stock too Herbert. Oh, I know sir But you take a more personal interest in the employees because well, you're an active officer. Oh, yeah, good Well, maybe they'll see that we're clear next year. I'm certainly not one to become impatient. No, Herbert I'll run long just a minute. I haven't quite finished. Oh, no, sir. Hey, uh Had quite a session with the board the life of me. I don't understand one of them What do you mean? They were up in arms about that latest shortage Oh, but I had nothing to do with that. Do they think I took it? Oh, no, certainly not Well, they do think you are indirectly responsible brought up the fact that the five men you've hired in the past ten years I've all been sent to the penitentiary. Oh, but how can I tell by looking at a man that they were all recommended a board things You've been working to her but you need a rest. Why have instructed me to give you an extended vacation extended vacay Along indefinitely effective in two weeks. Oh, but that's impossible. Mr. Faber I just couldn't do that one. I have a tremendous amount of special work on the books I just couldn't attend to that in the next two weeks board at first wanted your vacation to be effective tomorrow night Well, that's ridiculous. You know that so who else here could step in and take over in a moment's notice That's true Do you think you would straighten things around in two weeks? You had special assistance specialist? Yes, but I won't need any help sir. I'll be able to handle it myself. Well as soon as you finish taking nice long trip You need it Herbert Very well, sir. Oh Yes, by the way Board has voted you a five hundred dollar bonus. Have they they only give a bonus on retirement Why don't you tell me the truth mr. Faber? Sorry Herbert. That's the way they feel nothing. I can do about it. Oh, you let me hear from you from time to time Retired 43 Well, good night, mr. Faber The moment Herbert steps out of Faber's office Fear a strangling clutching fear grips him two weeks two short weeks Wasn't part of Herbert's plan. This is something he hadn't counted on 2000 short of his 50,000 gold He'll have to let it go at that and be satisfied and only two weeks to fix the books to cover the new thousand dollar shortage Night and day he works alone works feverishly then on the 10th day. He has accomplished his plan the books balance Everything is perfect Things worked out sort of not expected Hazel we didn't wait till June we can be married tomorrow on sale the next day I've arranged passage why so soon Herbert? I thought we could have a regular wedding. No, no I think we better leave now sooner the better all right Herbert whatever you say Mr. Evans anything you or mrs. Evans wish just press the button. Thank you, Stuart. I'll arrange for your deck chairs in the morning Thank you. Yes, you're welcome, mr. Evans Why did he keep saying mr. Evans ever does he say Evans? Yes Mr. Mrs. Evans strange much confused us someone else. I'll put him straight on that morning What did you do with the passports Herbert? They're in my coat. Yeah, I see mine Yes, of course later. We best get along to dinner now I always thought a person had to appear and sign his passport before an official No, no, no not always I see my passport Herbert What's wrong with you Hazel? Please have it. I'd like to see it Very well There you are Herbert why are we traveling under the name of Evans? Well, it's better that way incognito You know, how did you get this passport without my signing for it? This isn't my signature Who signed it? That doesn't matter. I got it. You better study that signature and be able to copy it when we arrive in port Don't worry darling. It's done this way every day. I don't believe you. You're hiding from someone running from something Dollars the stock market What are you getting at now? I am suspicious Are you hazel you stole that money? Stock market or you never made a dime on the stock market I'm sure being a bit silly hazel. So this was your plan Stealing from the bank and blaming others That's what happened to my brother two years ago. That's why he was sent to jail All right hazel You're in this too now. So I'll tell you I did have a plan and it worked No one will ever be able to trace it to me and I'll take care of your brother later I've sent all the money to a man in Brazil man I know sent him several packages and asked him to hold them pending my arrival He doesn't know what's in them. What man? His name is Pedro Gonzalez big coffee plant outside of Rio de Janeiro You and I are the only ones who know Supporting I tell what I know you'll be an accomplice, but my brother will be cleared I told her your brother will be taken care of and the only way my brother can be compensated is to be clear to the charge And I intend to clear him regardless of what happens to me Hazel you're being awfully silly about this last call for dinner hazel come along. I don't want any dinner Then let's step up on the top deck Let's just talk this over a lot of things. You don't understand I'm sure I can explain things to your satisfaction. I certainly need some pleasure Terribly sorry to upset you like this The tossing liner plows on through the darkness the wind sings mournfully through the masts and cables Herbert cannot sleep Herbert is worried his plan work. It was perfect. They'll never trace the money to him But Hazel presents another problem. It is morning now 9 a.m. Steward steps up to Herbert's stake room door, but hey, why don't you look at this sensibly? Isn't as though I'd done a murder why take on so and you aren't the first woman who discovered something about a husband I made a mistake, and I'm sorry. It's done in the past Why not look forward to the future together? You rang sir. Yes, I well my wife isn't feeling well this morning steward. Oh, I'm sorry sir I'll have something set down darling. It's a breakfast will be served steward. Yes, sir for a few minutes yet Then come along please She'd better have something lighter grapefruit coffee and dry toast. Yes, sir, and how about our soft-boiled eggs? Well, is she seasick? No, no she isn't seasick. She's just Emotionally upset, you know, you know a woman get some time over nothing. Oh, yes, I know sir I think an egg will be nice. Very well grapefruit coffee toast dry dry and an egg Think about 15 minutes or so. Here's the coffee shop sir. You get quicker service here. Oh, thanks to you and Good luck sir. What? What do you mean? Well, I married myself, and I know how it is women are just naturally suspicious creatures and jealous of everyone jealous of your past and your future I know and How long have you been married sir? Not long You'll get over it be sorry get over why well, I just couldn't help hitting when I came to your door just now You pardon me. I better get my order in. Oh, yes, it's after nine by the way If you're in the mood, there'll be games and contests on the after-deck topside Starting now horse races 50 cents a ticket if you care to gamble. I know I know but I don't gamble. Oh, well then you'll find plenty of other things to keep You mind off your troubles. See you later, sir Herbert steps into the coffee shop orders his breakfast Tries he might he can't keep his mind off his troubles his troubles and hazel He ponders over the thousands of dollars in the cork lined waterproof package hidden in his trunk in the state room Wonders of Pedro Gonzales will meet the ship outside the harbor as planned 15 20 minutes past then Mr. Evans, Mr. Evans. Yes, what is it? I What's wrong with your wife, sir? It's your wife. What are you trying to say? She isn't in the state room No sign of her. She must have decided to walk around. Oh, no, no will you calm down, please? Look look at this. I found this on the dressing table. No, let's have it. It must have just happened sir. It says 9 10 a.m. Herbert. I cannot reconcile myself to such a situation The very thought of being married to such a man as you Sickens me to the depth of my soul. I can't go on and Don't think you'll escape punishment for the suffering you've caused Goodbye Evil is jumped over 9 10 just 12 minutes Little fool I'll phone the bridge Give me the bridge she was out of a mind bridge a stop ship man overboard The ship leans over and puts about they scour the choppy seas for over an hour Circling and circling Herbert stands beside the captain bearing wild-eyed into the water Finally the captain gives up hope or does the ship resume its course and invites Herbert to his quarters Sit down mr. Evans. Thank you coming Stuart. Yes, sir Well, we've certainly done our best mr. Evans. No one can deny that yes captain I know and I appreciate your effort, but he is very choppy it would be hard to find anyone As you know, we'll have to ask a few questions. Yes, I understand this note was written by your wife at 9 10 this morning Yes, do you recognize it as her writing? Well, of course. It's hers all right captain Jacks with our passport sickness mr. Evans. How long have you been married? Just a few days we were on our honeymoon the tone of this note indicates that your wife was terribly upset about something She discovered that's right. I tried to reason with her, but she refused to see my side of it I guess what was she referring to in the note? I can answer that I'm not asking you steward What was she referring to mr. Evans? She was referring to another woman. She'd found out about another woman a woman I'd known previous to our marriage Did your wife threaten you? No, did you threaten her? Certainly not. When did you see her last? It was at 9 o'clock this morning. She was so upset. She didn't want to go up to breakfast I decided to go alone. I rang for the steward to bring her something to the room. That right steward Yes, sir after the steward left. Did you go on deck with your wife? No, I left with the steward went to the coffee shop That's where the steward found me and showed me the note yes, sir as I stepped up to the state room to answer the call I heard them arguing heard mr. Evans asking us to forget about the past and think of the future Yes, and he told her he'd have me bring something down him and me walked along the corridor up to the coffee shop He told me what to bring her and I got it when I returned to the room She wasn't there I found the note on a table and ran for mr. Evans and I found the bridge And you didn't leave the coffee shop Evans. I did not ask the coffee shop steward Are you trying to infer that I pushed my wife over there? Certainly not. We just want all the facts We're on the high seas you know and this represents a court of inquiry Coroner's jury so to speak I see mr. Goodman my first officer here the ship's doctor and I will make a decision What's your opinion gentlemen according to the steward statement and the note? I'd say suicide mine is the same opinion and very well. I agree with you It's quite obvious that she committed suicide Enter the findings in that manner mr. Goodman. Yes, sir. I'm very sorry about this mr. Evans. Please accept my condolences That'll be all gentlemen No Herbert very sad far less worried goes back to a state room to think Then days later the sleek liner check speed and prepares to stand off outside Rio de Janeiro Waiting the arrival of the pilot Dusk has fallen the ship barely creeps along Herbert stands at the afterport rail package in his hand a cork lined waterproof package Many small boats bob about on the surface moving at a snail's pace The first officer moves forward Herbert speaks to him Why are we stopping out here? Oh, we always stop at this first light to wait for the Harbor pilot How much longer before we get in? Oh, we'll tie up in about an hour stand here for about 10 minutes Pilots on his way out now see What's the name of this first light here? Oh, it's called the Cordoba light. Thank you Why don't you come up for there's nothing to see from back here all the excitement will be up ahead Yes, I got there in a moment. What's that you have there, huh? Oh This camera. No, no, it's a manuscript. Oh, why the oil skin wrapping you think we might go down. Oh, no, I Well, I guess I am a little superstitious after all we we did sail on Friday the 13th Well, I'll see you up for it The ship comes to a dead stop Herbert peers over the port rail into the dust He scrutinizes each small craft waiting watching for the signal the signal from Pedro Gonzales Then after several minutes a tiny launch approaches the ship very slowly And just as it reaches the port quarter a tiny red light flashes on and off Herbert cups his hands around his eyes and focuses on the one man in the little boat Light signals again Pedro If it looks up and down the deck grabs a little flash lamp from his pocket and gives the answering signal Suddenly with a swing of his arm. He tosses the weather through package down to the water Good work Pedro The man grabs the package and the little launch moves away and heads up the coast as the liner churns off up the harbor Herbert smiles a smile of relief and steps briskly with self-satisfaction toward the bow Now three hours after docking Herbert waits in a little waterfront cafe Waits impatiently for Pedro Gonzales to keep the rendezvous But Pedro is already an hour late and Herbert has begun to worry more wine senor Oh Yes, please. I'll have another one by the way waiter Do you know Pedro Gonzales Pedro Gonzales say senor? Have you seen him this evening? No, it's a new Bring me the wine please. I'll wait a little long see When it's not yes, and you're Pedro with the devil of your being have been on my way You got the package. All right. See I got it Herbert. I'm sorry. I'm so late Oh, I was beginning. You think you'd run out on me. Have you been run out on you? How could you think such a thing? I'm sorry Pedro. It's just upset. Well, I knew you would be worried But there was nothing else I could do I was worried too. What do you mean? I was followed by another boat See and no sooner had I pulled away from our ship and headed up to my cabin and another boat started following me What kind of a boat? I do not know it could have been a government carter So I headed out to see and then caught in behind them. They kept right after me. So the minute I Know no grasses, we are leaving at once Come Herbert. Let us get away from here. My car is outside. We will drive up to my place on the coast Of course. Hey you always I bought the shack on the beach I told you about for this purpose a fisherman's shock Do you know what I call it Casa Dinero house of money? I have done a little fishing, but only as an excuse for having the boat Well, how's everything in New York? I always like New York perhaps next year I will go back there for a visit and live in style Hey, of course, you will have to stay down here for quite a while until he's blows over Maybe not they can't raise anything to me. How much did you get well according to our agreement Your share should be five thousand dollars five thousand dollars beautiful one But look I want to know about this boat that follows. Well, I was plenty worried So instead of landing at my place I landed half a mile up on the beach the second I got out I picked the spot and buried the package in the sand. I was afraid they would follow me to the shack Oh, but you agreed that you'd hide it under the floor on a gas can I ask you Herbert What would you have done? I was not taking any charts. Oh, and just where did you bury it? Oh, it is easy to find a half mile up the beach and 50 feet from a small What is it Pedro? What's the matter? There is a car following us, huh? Maybe the police police step on it Pedro Why should the police follow us hurry Pedro? They're gaining on us fast. It is wide open Ah, they have turned left. It was not the police. Pedro, look out those kids Going on the road You didn't hit them Pedro, are you all right? Pedro, can you hear me? Pedro, Pedro, tell me Tell me tell me where is it? You've got to tell me the money Pedro Where did you bury the money? You can't you can't die you've got to tell me Pedro Pedro Pedro Poor Pedro was dead quite dead and with him died the hopes the plans The 20 year plan of Herbert Lang the perfect crime that ended in failure Herbert was a thief but worse still he followed it up with murder Oh, yes Herbert killed Hazel choked her and threw her over the first night out She wasn't in the room that following morning. The steward only thought she was And Herbert himself forged the suicide note For two years now a thin emaciated glassy-eyed figure has been wandering around a brazilian beach Digging holes in the sand no one knows why no one cares just another simple minded derelict And poor Herbert Lang will go on digging for a long long time I know CBS has presented the whistler Original music for this production was composed and conducted by Wilbur hatch The whistler is written and directed by jaydon wilson and originates from columbia square in hollywood Next week same time I the whistler returned to tell you another unusual tale Good night. This is the columbia broadcasting system