 This is John Steele reporting on adventure. A lot of strange things can happen to a country boy when he goes to visit the city. Especially when he's going there to look for a girl he doesn't even know. And young Ben Dooley found out that life can get pretty complicated away from the farm. I called his transcribe yarns, the girl on 963. I suppose one place is as good as any when you have to begin something. So, I'll start the story that morning out there on the farm and say at town. Ben Dooley lived there with his Uncle Charlie. And between the two of them, and the good crisis, they'd cleared up the mortgage, bought a new tractor, and were getting ready to fix up the house. But to Ben's way of thinking, money wasn't enough. He didn't know when the idea first came to him, but it began that morning when his Uncle Charlie came back from town. Ben, why the heck did you got that north field back? Hey, you sure took long enough. What you all dressed up for? I'll tell you about it all the way. Now, hold on, Ben. You gotta hurry, Uncle Charlie. Wait, where are you? You coming? All right, all right. If I miss that 1150, I have to wait till tomorrow. What's got into you anyhow? I'm going to get married. Oh, too. A girl, of course. What girl? Girl in the city. What girl you know in the city? I got her pictures. Oh, what's this? I have her. Better look what you give me, as here's a page on a mail order catalog. Yeah, so pictures on Southern side. Where? Turn it over. What? See? There she is. Oh, what's where you're driving? I have her. Mm-hmm. Ready? Well, they make more of the dress than they do of her. Well, that's cause they're trying to sell the train. Man, I'm glad your pawn, your mowing, alive to see how dumb I raise you. I'm not dumb. You can't get wives out of a mail order catalog. They got about everything else, but they don't have wives. Well, sure, I know that. Well then, what's got into you? Now, give me back the picture. Well, she's just some girl. They got the pose and the dress, that's all. Well, sure, but she's going to get married with me. Oh, she is, eh? Yes. Did she say so? No, but she will once talk to her. I wrote her a letter. Oh, you wrote her a letter? Well, how do you know she got it? You don't even know what her name is. I saw her as heck, Gil. You're right up to the girl in the green dress, I guess, on stage. Don't think I'm doing, but I got it. First, I wrote to the mail order company, and they wrote back that they didn't have her name, but they gave me the dress of this company in the city that took the picture, saying she worked for them. Oh, so that's who you was writing to. Anyhow, the company in the city wrote back her name because Joy Lavee. So I wrote her a letter to the company. Joy Lavee. Mm-hmm. Whoever heard her tell her name like that. Well, you need her, Uncle Charlie. You like her all right. Uh, how do you know you'll like her, Ben? Why, I can tell from my picture. I won't get the plan done all by myself. Well, I'll develop things I get back. Now, when's that going to be? Things I get more. Well, sometimes ain't like their pictures, Ben. Say yes. You're sure, huh? Yeah. This sure ain't the way your father went after my sister. Well, time to change that, though. Ben, you're as crazy as a fool. I know what I'm doing, Uncle Charlie. I've got a right to marry who I want, don't I? Yeah, yeah, I reckon you do. I have sick on it. I don't want to miss that train. Oh. Good morning. Maybe I can help you? Why, yes, I guess you can. I'd like to see Joy Lavee. Who? Joy Lavee. She's a girl. Maybe so high she's got a pair. Oh, Joy. She isn't here. Now, you sure? Of course I am. Well, do you know where I can find her? I'm sorry, but we're not permitted to give out the dresses of our model. Well, see, I'm from out of town, and I don't know where to find her. I wish I could help you. Well, now, what am I going to do now? You are the only way I know how to reach her. Well, say I'll tell you, I'll see if I can get someone who can help you. Well, thank you. Mr. Popover, there's a gentleman out here that... Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Oh, what he said must have had a bad night. Too early in the morning. Well, maybe you could... Look, I'm sorry, there's nothing else I can do. Well, maybe if you ask this fella, Mr. B-E-A-L, he wrote me. Oh, yeah, Mr. B, it's just a moment. Mr. Biel, there's a gentleman out here who wants to... Yeah, well, he says he has a letter from you, and... Yeah, I know, but... Yes, sir. Mr. Biel will be right out. Well, thank you. Um, want to sit down? Oh, no, thanks. I haven't been sitting most of the morning. So, we're 9.30. Well, half the morning. Oh, I see, half the morning. Did you have a nice time down south? What? You must have spent the whole winter in Florida with that tan and sunburn. Oh, for a minute, I couldn't figure out what made you say that. We don't often get rugged-looking specimens like you in here. It's a pleasure. What's a pleasure? Well, I... Well, what do you want? This gentleman wanted to see you, Mr. Biel. Well, what is it? Well, first, I want to thank you for writing me the letter and taking care of the one to Joy. What? What letter? Why, this one here you sent to me. Oh, my secretary must have sent it. Is that all you wanted? Well, no, sir, I wonder if you could tell me where I might find Joy. Who? Joy Lavee. Oh, Joy. Is that all you wanted? Yes, Mr. Biel. Well, then why bother me? Well, I thought you said it... Young man, we have a very strict rule about giving out the addresses of our models. Yes, sir, that's what she tells everybody. And we don't break it, not for anyone. Well, I think... We never break the rule. Never, never, never. Well, see, I've come a long way. I would like to thank... And you're just the reason why we have such a rule. Do you understand? And now, wait a minute. This is not a dating bureau. We have rules to protect our people from men like you. Now, look, you can't talk to me. I know your kind. You don't have to tell me. Now, you get out of here before I call a policeman. You can't talk to nobody like me. I warned you. And those fancy clothes. Hey, move! Put me down! Put me down! Help, please! Please! I'm asking you a decent question. It's strictly honorable. Put me down! Please! You've got no cause to talk to me like that. You better put him down, fragile. I just got him by the coat collar. You better put him down. All right. Stop him! Please! You better go. Yeah, I reckon I better. Say, I get through work at six. What? I'll meet you. Um, well, I... I guess I better get going. See you later, Hanson. Ben walked out of the photographer's office in the kind of days. His first experience with city folks hadn't been a very friendly one. He was beginning to feel lonely for the farm and longed to see a familiar face. But then his determination to find joy and love being was stronger than his lovely. He couldn't stop thinking about her and he walked down the city street toward his hotel. What? What? Why don't you look where you're going? Well, I guess I was thinking of something. I reckon everybody hates everybody here. The yard do millions of folks not one of them was friendly enough to bake with more. What? Oh, it's a horse. A horse? Howdy, fella. My, you're sure pretty. But where's the fella that owns you, huh? Hey, that's nice fattening you got. Boy, he sure trusts you, don't he? Let's just stand here with no hobble or nothing. Hey, fella? Well, I reckon I was wrong. At least there's one fella that's friendly even if he can only neigh and snore. Yeah. Yeah. You're much like horses. What? Oh, why, yes, yes, I do. Is he yours? Who? It's a horse. Oh, no, of course not. Well, it must be nice to own a horse as pretty as him. Hi, fella. I had one once, but he wasn't quite as like. You did? Hi, boy. Well, now look at that. He likes you, too. He always did. So maybe when the owner gets back here, let us ride him around the corner. It's against the rules. Rules? It's a policeman's horse. Holy? I'm sure it's him. That'll blanket PD. Oh, yeah. Well, I better be going. I live right here. In the hotel? Well, just for the time being, so to speak. So do I. You do? Well, for the time being, so to speak. Well, somewhere neighbors. I can't get over them whirling doors. They're like a merry-go-round. You must be from out of town. Well, yes. How do you know? I just guess. Say you're pretty smart. Well, I guess I... Well, goodbye. Goodbye, man. No, wait. Yes? Say, could I talk with you? Well, I gotta go. You know, just for a minute, that's all. Come on. We can sit down over there. All right. It's your ought to be all right. Forgotten neighbors sit down top now, shouldn't it? I suppose so. Hey! Well, now I can rest these feet a bit. What did you want to talk about? Well, I'll tell you the truth. Yes? You're the first person in this city that has had a kind word to me, and I won't thank you. Well, you're welcome. I'm me. Say, what's your name? Gerand Criss. Well, now that's a nice name. The one I was born with. Well, anyway, I kind of felt I knew you the minute you asked me if I liked horses. Did you? Now, you won't believe me, do you? But it's the truth. I was just about to think that everybody in the city hates everybody else when you come along. I guess I must have had a lot in my mind speaking to a stranger. Well, now, back home, we always talk strangers. Home? Yeah. And that's where I ought to be, backwards, nice and peaceful, and folks are gentle with everybody else. That's not a bad idea. Well, as soon as I find my girl and get married, well, that's just where it's gonna do. Oh, I see. We're gonna get married, go back where I belong, not the... Well, I... Yeah, yeah, as soon as we get married. Well, I... I think that's wonderful. I wish you all the happiness in the world. Well, thank you. Here. Well, what's this? It's just a ring. You'll need a ring for your girl, won't you? Oh, that's your ring. But I won't need it anymore, and you don't have one, do you? Well, no, but I think it... You take it. I can't just take it for nothing, man. You let me... It's not for nothing. You've given me an idea, and I'm paying for it. It's not much of a ring, anyway. What idea? An idea of what to do. For what's that? Here. Now, wait a minute. I have to go. Now, please take it. I want you to have it. All right, if you want me to. And I do wish you all the happiness in the world. Yes, ma'am. Well... Goodbye. Huh? Goodbye? Goodbye. Goodbye, ma'am. Ben didn't feel much like doing anything the next couple of days in the city. As much as he wanted to find Joy Levy, he didn't feel like going back to the photography after what had happened. And then he kept thinking about the girls who like horses. Ben asked at the hotel desk for her, but they said she didn't live there anymore. After Ben paid his hotel bill, he figured he couldn't stay around much longer for what they charged for just a place to sleep. His money wasn't going to stand too much of that. So he had to try again. And the only place to try was back at the photographic company. Good morning. Can I help you? Oh, hello. Howdy. Say, I looked for you the other day, but you didn't show. Well, no, I... I reckon I didn't. Oh, well. You don't go for me. You don't. What's that? Skip it. I suppose you're still looking for Joy. Why, yes. Yes, I am. So are a lot of people, including our friends. Now, what friends, that? Mr. Beale. Who? The guy who yelled for the cops. Oh, him. Maybe I better talk to him and explain. I wouldn't advise it, Shum. Now, why not? He was Joy's boyfriend, and now he's kind of upset. Well, I think I better talk to him and ask... My boyfriend? Mark, how many times have I told you not to? Oh, oh. Howdy. It's you. Yes, sir. I come back to ask you about Joy. Oh, yes, yes. Joy. But the lady here said that you was her... Excuse me, will you? Excuse me. I think my telephone's ringing. Why, sure. Go right ahead. Well... Sure, got good ears, Amy. I can hear no phone ringing. There wasn't any. No? I'll wear hips soon find out. Oh, it's got to mean I thought he'd still be after you. Well, now that's nice. I'm kind of glad he isn't. I guess I was thinking wrong all the time, Joy's his girlfriend, huh? They were engaged. I wish I'd known that a couple of days ago. I kind of had the wrong idea all the way along. I thought Joy would get married to me. To you? Well, that's what I come for. I reckon Uncle Charlie was right. Folks may not be what they seem. Why, I wouldn't have to do all that work with a knife if I had to know. Knife? Sure, over at the hotel. I've been there since last time I was here. I'd worked with my knife for a bit, because, well, there was nothing else to do. Uh, yeah? Hey, where are you going? Well, I think you say right here, huh? What's the matter, right? I guess my phone wasn't ringing after all. Well, that's all right. I reckon we all make mistakes one time or another. Oh, uh, don't go, Marge. Yes, I missed the video. I'm the one ought to go. Oh, no, no. Don't you go either, Mr.... Uh, Dooley. Bandooley. Yes, uh... Yes, I better go, sir. Go back where I belong and get my mind back on board. No, no, don't go. Sit down. Well, thank you. Uh, Mr. Beale. Say here, Marge. I think I hear a phone ringing. Don't be upset. She just told me you and Joy are going to get married. We were. Say, what do you two so nervous about? Oh, uh, nothing. Nothing at all. As long as you... you and Joy... There he is. That's him, Mr. Thompson. Don't try anything, mister. Hey. I got him, Mr. Beale. No, man. He did it. What's this? Just be still. You're not going anywhere. No, I told you to stay for a chiller. Let go. Guy, you don't... Oh, no, look! Stop that! Oh, you... Then finally gave up struggling and was taken down the headquarters. He could hardly believe what was happening to him. He'd come to the city to get married. And now he was being arrested without even knowing why. Yeah, that's... Man, all right. He's the one. Hey, I know. That's what you said before. Isn't that what you wanted to know? No. Now, don't... Mr. Beale, have you ever seen this before? What? This. Why, that's Joy's ring. That's the engagement ring. I gave Joy. Yes. Where'd you get it? Where'd you get it? I'll let you know later. Did you find her? I've been so worried. I said I'd let you know later. Now, will you wait outside? Yes, I will. I certainly will. So that's Joy's ring. All right. Well, mister? Well, what? You had the ring on you when we brought you in. Why, sure, I did. You heard what he said. I'd just been thinking about that. And you know what? No, I don't. But I'll listen to where you say you got it. She gave it to me, and... Well, hey, she was Joy. She gave it to you. Is that what the first is all about? Well, I bet you figure I told it. When did she give it to you? Well, just a couple of days ago. When? When I, let's see... The day before yesterday. Yeah, that's when it was. And she gave you a $3,000 diamond ring. $3,000. You still want to stick to that story? $3,000. Do you? Well, sure I do. She gave it to me. And she was a complete stranger. Well, yes, almost. You find her and talk to her, she'll tell you. I wish I could, mister. But it just happened. Joy Levy has been missing for almost a week. And we got a few ideas what might have happened to her. And one of them is you. I saw her just the day before yesterday. I didn't even know if she was who she was. She don't look like her picture. She ain't missing. And you'll find her. Now that's what I've been trying to do. You're in a tough spot, mister. You might even be booked for murder. Murder? Hey, I want a lawyer. Anybody want me to notify? You better get Uncle Charlie and hope well junction. Yeah, you get Uncle Charlie. He'll tell you, I didn't kill nobody. All I want to do is get married. Well, Joy Levy, how do you feel? I don't feel good at all. Well, I have some information for you. Well, I think I have some for you too. First, I checked at the hotel where you were staying about the knife story. Yes, sir. Well, there was blood on the carpet. And it was human blood. Well, I told you, I cut myself witlin'. I was so skittered up. I had a hard time believing that one until I found the shaving down in the hotel disposal can. It was like I told you. And their register showed they did have a woman there answering the description. You gave me. Come on. Where are we going? You're free. I am. That's what I said. Well. This way. Well, that means you think maybe Joanne did something to Joy Levy, huh? It can mean whatever you make it. Well, she didn't. No, sir. If you say so. Now, if you take my... Uncle Charlie! Well, come on. Don't just stand there. We've got to get back to the farm. Your uncle here was the boy who cleared you. He did. Yeah, I phoned him and he came on the next call. How many came on the next train? Well, now, how'd you do that, Uncle Charlie? Don't never mind. Let's get over to the train station. Can't stand this city much longer. But you was back in Hopewell's Junction. You couldn't have... I didn't. I don't want to have to do it again. Now, come on. Let's get back to the farm. No telling who you'll get married to if we stay here any longer. Yeah. Maybe so. But how... I said I'll tell you when we get home. Now, come on. Oh, all right. But that Joanne, she sure did... Are you coming? Yes, sir. Seems like I've been gone a year. There's a farm? Yeah. What's the matter? Aren't you happy to come back? Yeah. Yeah, I reckon so. City, gotcha, huh? No, not the city. Well, now maybe we can finish the plow. Yeah. Well, come on. Get out. Get out. Well, now you've got to tell me, Uncle Charlie, we're home. How do you make the police let me lose? They ain't going to tell you nothing. She's getting dinner more than likely. See? You're left. Don't look all like a picture. Yeah. I'm sorry if I got you into trouble in the city. I didn't know until Uncle Charlie got the phone call. Yeah. Well, if I'd known it was you, it would have been different. I mean, it was you who gave me the idea of coming, about rest and peace in the country. I was tired of the city. I didn't want to marry Mr. Beale. I just wanted to get away. I had your letter, so I took a chance and I came. Well, I mean, I didn't know that you were the same person. You're Joy Levine? Uh-huh. Why, you said it was Joe and Chris. Well, that's my real name. I used the other when I went to the city. And when I used to live on the farm and when I was going back, I thought I'd ought to be playing Joe Anakin. You're birdie. You going to stay? It's a nice place. It's going to be a sight nicer. Come on, we'll tell Uncle Charlie. You don't have to. I hear it every word. Now, will you come and get to that flower? Yeah. Yeah, I reckon I will. Well, it seems that within a few days, the story of Ben's adventure traveled all of the Hopewell Junction. And the local citizens were pretty proud of Ben, putting one over on the city cooks the way he did. So the farmer got a wife after all. The girl on page 963 in the mail order catalogue became Mrs. Dooley. And even Uncle Charlie had to admit that Ben's method had been unusual, but it's certainly got results. Start with me on this transcribed John Steele adventure where Ross Martin, Mary Ashworth, Mort Lawrence, and Adele Saul. And I'm Don Duckley. If you enjoy action and thrill, you're sure to find them by tuning this way next week when we again present John Steele adventure. And remember, a country is known by its people. What people think of your country depends on you. 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