Vintage Sci-Fi Radio

The Avenger - Death Meets the Ghost

https://www.solgoodmedia.com Listen to hundreds of audiobooks, thousands of short stories, and ambient sounds all ad free! 'Vintage Sci-Fi Radio' offers a nostalgic look back at the classic stories of science fiction that captivated audiences with their innovative ideas and fantastical worlds.

Duration:: 31m
Broadcast on:: 26 Jun 2024
Audio Format:: mp3

This country was built on a distinctly American work ethic, but today work is in trouble. We've outsourced most of our manufacturing to other countries, sending away good jobs and diminishing our capability to make things. American Giant is pushing back against that tide. They make the kind of high-quality clothing staples you need for a comfortable, stylish, and active summer wardrobe. Like vintage style teas, tough tank tops, breathable polos, lightweight sweatshirts, shorts, and so much more, all made right here in the USA, from growing the cotton to adding the final touches. So when you buy American Giant, you create jobs for seamsters, cutters, and factory workers in towns and cities across the United States. And it's about more than an income. Jobs bring pride, purpose. They stitch people together. Support America's workers and get 20% off your first order at american-giant.com with promo code STAPLE20. That's 20% off your first order at american-giant.com code STAPLE20. Hey there, listeners. Are you ready to unlock a world of captivating stories, soothing sounds, and enlightening lectures? At Solgood Media, we believe in the power of audio to enrich your life, and now we're offering you a chance to experience it all for free. For a limited time, you can get a one-month free trial to our premium, ad-free service. Imagine having unlimited access to over 500 audio books, meditative sounds, and exclusive shows, all at your fingertips. Just head over to solgoodmedia.com and sign up to start your free trial today. No ads, no interruptions, just pure, immersive audio content. Don't miss out. Transform your listening experience with Solgood Media. Visit solgoodmedia.com and start your free trial now. We can't wait for you to join our audio community. Happy listening. The Avenger. A road to crime ends in a trap. That justice sets crime does not pay. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] The Avenger's sworn enemy of evil is actually Jim Brandon, a famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has perfected several inventions to aid him in his crusade against crime as the Avenger. Most remarkable of these inventions is the highly-strid diffusion capsule, which cloaks him in the black light of invisibility. Brandon's assistant, the beautiful Fern Cottier, is the only one who shares his secrets and knows that he is the man the underworld fears as the Avenger. And now, the Avenger and Death meets the boat. [Music] I love meeting boats, Jim. I'm glad you decided to come down to welcome your old friend Dr. Lovelo Holmes. He's been in Australia doing research for three years, Fern. I'm eager to have a talk with him. Oh, there's something thrilling about a boat that's just landed from far off places. Look at all these people, Jim. Every single one of them looks excited and happy. You're an incurable romanticist, Fern. Oh, there's Dr. Lovelo. Well, the crowd of reporters around him. I suppose we ought to wait until the interviews are over before we barge in, huh? Well, Dr. Lovelo is nearly a celebrity aboard. There's a cameraman taking pictures of a pretty girl. Let's walk over and watch them. All right, Fern. Do you think she's a movie star, Jim? I am the faintest idea that big hat she's wearing hides part of her face. Okay, Ms. Austin, that's fine. Now, just one more shot. Suppose you hold on to the rail with one hand and pretend you're waving to someone with the other. You mean like this? Well, well, hold it, Ms. Austin. Oh, thank you. Now a few questions, if you don't mind. Well, is this your first trip to the States? I know I was born here, but I've lived in Australia since I was six. I see. How long do you plan to stay? Indefinitely. I intend to settle down here. Pardon me, but you're a Miss Claire Austin, aren't you? Yes. I'm totally Miss. Oh, uh, is this your first? Yes, Miss. I was with your late father for more than two years. Well, I'm glad you've come, totally. I was beginning to wonder if anyone was going to meet me. What about your luggage, Miss? It's all through the customs. You can put it in the car. I'll show you where it is. Oh, Miss Austin, thanks a lot for those pictures. I'd like to interview you for a future story later. Will you be in town for a while? I think so. Goodbye. Goodbye, and look for your picture in the morning here. It's my will. Can't ask that reporter who she is. Okay, friend. You do hate and this is a celebrity, don't you? Hurry, ask him. He's getting ready to leave. Say, Scoop. Yeah? Who is that young lady? Oh, that was Claire Austin. Uh, Claire Austin? Yeah, the guy was going to hurt the Austin millions when she comes of age in two days. Uh, it's well-looking, isn't it? ♪♪ Cool, Claire. I understood that Mr. Hayden, my father's lawyer, had been waiting for me at my townhouse. No, he's spending the weekend at his lodge in the country, Miss Claire. He asked me to drive it directly out there. Well, we could have unloaded some of this luggage in town. Well, frankly, Miss, that never occurred to me. I thought you'd rather come out here, direct from the boat. Well, how much further is this lodge? Oh, we'll be there in half an hour. ♪♪ Is that the lodge just ahead there, complete? Yes, Miss. I'll signal them we're coming. ♪♪ This certainly is a secluded spot. Yes, Miss. It's a sort of hideaway. Hideaway? Well, what I mean is that it's quiet and restful, Miss. Oh, here we are. Oh. We'll have to get out on that side, Miss. There's a high fence over here. All right. Now, this way, I'll get someone to help me with a luggage. Hello, Miss Austin. Welcome to the States. Oh, thank you. I suppose you're Mr. Hayden, my lawyer? No. Uh, come in and I'll explain myself. Tell me, did you have a good trip? Yes, thank you. Where is Mr. Hayden, please? All in good time, Miss Austin. To be quite frank, there's been a slight change in plan. Well, I should think so. I expected to meet Mr. Hayden in town. Don't tell me we've driven all the way out here. Oh, why don't you put our wise guts? We're wasting time. Yes, I guess we are at that. Coopy, what is all this? Who is this man? Never mind that. All you need to know, Miss Austin, is that you've been kidnapped. Now, if you'll just do what we say... But I won't. I'm getting out of here. Grab her, Coopy. Take it easy, Miss Austin. Let me go. Now, you better do what this tells you to do. Let me go. Take her in the next room, Coopy, and put these bracelets on her hands and feet. No. Come in there. Yes, everything's set. Get the statement. ♪♪ ♪♪ Say, Gus, that Austin name's a wirecat. Did you get those bracelets on her? Yeah, but it wasn't easy. Well, as soon as Thelma gets a line on her voice and speech, we'll get going. Say, Gus. Yes? Those two games look another like to be twins. Where did you find that Thelma? She worked for me once before on a job in Canada. When you showed me those pictures of Claire Austin, I was struck by the resemblance. And all we had to do with Thelma was bleach her hair. Well, what about the accent? And she handled that? Oh, that's easy. She's passed herself off as an English blue blood more than once. Now, Coopy, let's go down to business. Did everything at the boat go without a hitch? Well, not exactly, Gus. Some newspaper guy took Austin's picture before I could get to her. What? Well, I couldn't help it. But that can't hurt anything, John. It's like these two games with exactly a light. Don't be a fool, Coopy. It's little mistakes like that that ruin the best kind of setups. What paper was that reporter from? Oh, The Morning Herald. Oh, good. Since it's a morning paper, that'll give us time to get that picture. But we see if Thelma's ready. We've got to get into town at once. Okay, Pete. Tell me everything you know about Stanford's death. Well, Mr. Brandon, he was alive here in the dark room when I went to lunch around noon. What was he doing when you left? He was developing the pictures he took this morning for tomorrow's paper. Is there any way to find out if Stanford had a visit at eight? No, those back stairs are the only way in and out of this dark room. They leave right out to the street. Oh. Now, there's no connecting door into the newspaper office. No, sir. Well, what do you think happened to Stanford, Pete? I figured he broke that bottle of acid accidentally. And the fumes overcame him, and he fell. He hit his head against the corner of that shell. Almost too simple, isn't it? Well, that must have been the way it happened. The bottle of acid is broken, and Stanford has a big lump on his head. Pete, would Stanford have a list of the pictures he was developing? Well, sure, he'd have a list of each series of plates. Where are they? Well, that she had no paper on that spike. He only took two sets of pictures so far today. Let me see it with you. Oh, here. Mm-hmm. First six plates, opening of new market. Are all six of those plates here, Pete? Yeah, here they are. Now, he must have been working on those when he passed out. OK. Next, four plates on board both. Nope, can't find those. Well, they're not here, Mr. Brandon. Now, who do you suppose you want to steal four perfectly beautiful shots at Miss Claire Austin? What's that, Mr. Brandon? Oh, never mind, Pete. Give me a little more light over here, William. I want to take another look at this bump on Stanford's head. Oh, here, our focus is desk lamp on him. Oh, thanks. You knew Stanford didn't you, Mr. Brandon? Well, I saw him on the boat this morning. Say, the position of this bump is mighty odd. How do you mean? Well, if Stanford hit his head against that shell, the lump would have to be toward the back of his head. This lump's right on top. Yeah. Well, what do you make of it? Well, I'd say he would come to the rear by a flat jacket. Hey. I'll call the doctor in on this right away. But I think he'll agree with me that Stanford was murdered. Oh, there's Claire Austin's townhouse friend. Now, I'll wait here in the car while you play reporter and try to get an interview. But, Jim, you say you don't suspect Claire Austin of murder in Stanford, so why should we waste time on her? Those stolen plates bearing Miss Austin's picture are the only clue we have, friend. Maybe they tie up in some way with a motive for this murder. How many days grace do the Herald give you? Three. I promised them a scoop that they'd call it an accident that long. Then if you don't want me to mention anything to Miss Austin about Stanford's death... No. Keep the interview general. Try to find out if she has any friends or enemies in this country. What she plans to do when she inherits her money and things like that, you know. It's just possible that someone is trying to blackmail her. All right. I'll do my best. But I still think we're barking up the wrong tree, Jim. Here's your camera. Study her reactions when you ask to take some pictures. Okay. Don't miss a thing, Kern. The woman's touch is we needin' this. Kern, what happened? I wasn't expecting you back so soon. Jim, stop driving. Quick. Kern, what is it? You're shaking like a leaf. Again, that girl in there posing as Claire Austin isn't the same girl we saw on the boat. What? I knew you wouldn't believe me, but she isn't. Well, what makes you think so? Well, I admit she looks exactly like her and she sounds exactly like her, but it's not the same girl. Now, Kern. It's not Jim. I can tell by her fingernails. Her fingernails? Yes. That girl on the boat had very short nails. I remember thinking that she looked as though she kissed them. I got a good look at her left hand when Stanford had her wave in our direction. Well, go ahead. Well, that girl inside there has nails as long as an oriental dad. Well, Kern, I hate to dampen your enthusiasm over your great discovery. But Claire Austin is at five hours to put on artificial nails since that boat dock this morning. But they're not artificial, Jim. I asked her. Well, that's the case. We've got a motive. That girl should be posing as Claire Austin to collect Claire's inheritance. But what happened to Claire? I don't know, but I think we'd better get in touch with Neil Hayden at once. Oh, yes. He's the most in charge of the Austin case, isn't he? Yes. Oh, this adds up to the fact that the real Claire may have been kidnapped, doesn't it? I'm afraid it does, Kern. And if we can't locate her before midnight tomorrow when she comes at age, she'll be in danger of a life. She'll be in danger of a life. [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] (dramatic music) (dramatic music) (dramatic music) (dramatic music) (dramatic music) (dramatic music) (dramatic music) Now back to the Avenger and Death meets the boat. (dramatic music) And that's the story, Neil. As a lawyer in charge of Miss Austin's estate, I hope you can delay the transfer of the property until we can find the real Claire. Well, now I can't hold back the clock, Jim. At midnight tomorrow, control of the Austin millions passes into Claire's hands automatically. But surely there's something we can do, Mr. Hayden. We can't just stand by and let the real Claire be killed and this imposter inherit her money. And I don't think Neil is much impressed with the story we've just told him. What about it, Neil? Well, frankly, Jim, it sounds utterly fantastic. The length of a girl's fingernails is pretty slim evidence upon which the basic case of this magnitude. Now, I need something more to go on than that. Well, if you can arrange for me to have a talk with this girl, you know, I think I can find out whether she's a real Claire or not. All right, I have arranged a little birthday party for it tonight. I'll take you along. Fine. Oh, only remember, don't let her know I'm a detective. I never think of you as a detective, Jim. To me, you're a scientist who sometimes dabbles a bit in criminology. You know, I don't think you intended that as a compliment. Well, what about me? Don't I get invited to the party? Oh, I'm afraid not, friend. Ms. Austin thinks you're a reporter, remember? Well, Jim, you managed to talk with Ms. Austin yet? No, I haven't. That fellow Merkel over there has been awfulizing her. Who is he, Neil? Merkel? I don't know. Claire invited him, said he was an old friend. An importer, I think she said. Merkel never heard of him. Suppose we wander over and break up the old little cheddar. All right, but I sincerely hope your hunch is wrong, Jim. So do I. Uh-oh, Merkel sees us coming, huh? He's moving away. Oh, here's your opportunity, Jim. Oh, Claire? Yes, Mr. Hayden. Mr. Brandon, is he going to have a chat with you about Australia? You know, he spent some time there himself. Oh, really? What part of Australia is to Brandon? New Southwestern, mostly. You come from Sydney, don't you? Yes, that's right. Did you spend much time there? No, I didn't. My travels took me farther inland. I was doing a little exploring. Nice, hey. You know, we Americans are always interested in the animals of Australia. Those great orcs and wombats are fascinating. Yes, they are. And don't forget the kangaroos. We're frankly proud of those. Yes, but as pets, the wombats are more amusing. Ah, they do. I suppose you won't worry. Oh, yes, a darling one. I'm rich. You have a turn over here as soon as I get settled. Oh, excuse me, Claire. But the wipsters are leaving. I thought you'd like to speak to them. No, thank you, Mr. Merkel. OK. Excuse me, Mr. Brandon. Mr. Hayden. Of course, certainly, Claire. Well, Jim, as far as I could see, Ms. Austin seemed to pass that examination, all right? On the contrary, Neil. That girl has been carefully coached. But she's never seen Australia. Some party. You mean to tell me that's what the millionaires call having a good time? I am afraid you'll have to get used to it, though, man. I will not. As soon as I come into that money, Gus, Merkel, I'm going away on a long vacation. We'll talk about that later, huh? That must be coop late. Come in. Have all the servants gone to bed, coop late? Sure. I waited until the coach was clear. OK. Now, let's get down to business. First of all, what was that guy Brandon talking about tonight, don't know? Paul's trailer. He's traveled there. What? Don't worry, Gus. I handled him all right. I let him do all the talking. I just followed suit with the trailer etiquette. OK, OK. But steer clear if people like that until your coaching is over. Tomorrow, I'll tell them you'll develop a headache and stay in your room all day. Excuse me. Now, that brings us to the real Claire Austin. If everything goes without a hitch, we've got to get rid of her right after midnight tomorrow. We should have done that first thing, Gus. Why are you waiting till the last minute of bumper off? Because there's no point in hanging her murder around our necks until we're sure we've pulled this job off. What's the difference? Am I just as well be hanged for two murders as one? Nobody calls Stanford's death murder. Even the paper he worked on called it an accident. I was plenty told to make it look that way. Well, who's going to take care of this Austin thing? And how? Coop late, you know the plan. Get yourself up to the lodge tomorrow night and take care of it. Not me, Gus. That's your job. I only agreed to finger this layout. You'll do what I say, Coop late. I tell you I won't do it. I can't, Gus. I knew her old man for 10 years. This isn't the time to turn soft, Coop late. From here on in, I'm the boss, and you take orders from me. Not that order. Oh, then maybe a good messing up will change your mind. Gus, not here. Here and now. Either he does what I say, or I'll lay him out flat. Huh, take your choice, Coop late. All right, let me alone. I'll do it. Gus, that feels safe about that Austin girl a few took care of her. Coop late might get cold feet the last night and gum up everything. Yeah, I'll have to go with him, I guess, and see that he carries out his assignment. Jim, don't think I'm not enjoying this lovely ride in the country, but-- But you're dying to know what we're doing out here, right, Fern? Yes. Why did you stop at that gasoline station back there? We didn't buy any gas. No, but I got some information. Jim, please. What's going on? Well, Fern, here's the way I had things figured out. Coop late the chauffeur met the real Claire Austin at the boat. Three hours later, he delivered the phony Claire Austin at her house and town. Coop late was one who kidnapped us Austin then. Oh, he had to have a hand in it. Probably set up the job for a gang. The thing like this would take some organizing. But what makes you so sure you brought a way out here? Neil Hayden had Coop late gas credit card checked for me. And the records show that Coop late gassed up at that station back there three times within the last few weeks. The station attendant remembers him. Says Coop's car always turned off on this side road. We're on now. Oh, we're looking for the hideaway. Yes, so keep your eyes peeled, Fern, because our time is running out. Jim, it's past midnight. Maybe this isn't the house at all. I'm sure it is, Fern. Two husky fellows guarding the front driveway. But how do you plan to get inside the house, Jim? When the criminals arrive, I'll go right in with them as the Avenger. But what if the criminals should call up the guards here and tell them to kill Claire? They can't, Fern. There are no telephone wires leading into that house. They'll have to show up in person. I'm getting there, this Jim. Not Fern. We can get Miss Austin out of there in a matter of minutes if we follow our plan. Well, let's go over to again, Jim. I've never forgive myself if I bungle my end of it. But you won't, Fern. Here's the way we'll manage it. The moment I get inside the house, I'll unlock this back window. Miss Austin will come out and join you here. Then you two make tracks through the woods to our car and head straight for town. What about you, Jim? I'll join you later. Inspector White and Neil Hayden will meet you in front of Miss Austin's house in town. Then let's go out the real heiress inside to face the imposter. [HORN] They've arrived. I'll go around and join them at the corner of the house as the Avenger. Good luck, Jim. Come on, copley. Let's make sure it works at this. [HORN] Wait a minute. What was that noise? It sounded like one of the tires went flat. I'll get out your flash and take a look. I've got a lot of traveling to do in this car tonight. OK, Jim. Yeah, the rear tires are all right. Now we'll look at the front ones here. Yeah, the front ones are all right, too. Nothing wrong here. You sure? Sure. Come on, then. Open the front door. All right, copley. Go into the next room and get the Austin name. Take the bracelets off her and see that there are no marks where she was fastened to the bed. And don't use the blackjack until we get her in the car. Why not? It'd be easier. I want those two guards outside to see her alive when she leaves here. The less they know, the safer we are. Go ahead and I'll bring her out. All right. Oh, come back, copley. Yes, Miss Austin. We have decided to take you away from here. Wait. Who are you taking? Oh, still. I'll take these handcuffs off your hands' feet. Well, it's a relief anyway. Miss Austin, through that window quickly. Who's that? Who's in here? It's the Avenger, Copley, and this is for you. Oh. Hurry, Miss Austin. Through that window. Go with the young lady outside. All right. What's going on in there, copley? Copley, can you? What happened? Where's the girl? Copley! He's out cold, Merkel. And here's something for you, too. From the Avenger. Oh. [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] (music) (music) Claire Austin's birthday party is a great success, Jim, even if it is a few days late. Well, she can thank you for being alive to celebrate it, friend. You know, if you hadn't noticed Elma's fingernails, we might never have discovered she was an imposter. Oh, Jim, you're just flattering me. No. The fingernails weren't the only clue you had. What really convinced you to tell my waffle player? She failed on the examination I gave her about Australia. Oh. Well, aside from not knowing that the dodo has been extinct since the 17th century, she said she had a wombat for her pet and was bringing it here. Well, a wombat's a small bear, isn't it? Mm, that's right. But even an Australian school child knows that the wombat can't exist outside the Australian continent. Oh, what a shame. It sounds like a nice pet. Wrong again, Miss Collier. The wombat sleeps all day and wanders forth at night in search of food. Now, hardly the general conception of a pet, don't you think? All right, teacher. Did the real Claire Austin pet pet test? With flying colors. And I'm sure if you really want a wombat for a pet, she'll order one stuffed and sent over by a special queen. Oh, come on, Jim. Let's dance. All characters, names, places, and plots used in the Avenger program are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. This is a thought. A thought. A thought. Remember, listen for another adventure of... The Avenger! Welcome to Sulkud Media, where your journey into a world of endless audio possibilities begins. Imagine a place where you can discover thousands of captivating audio books. Immerse yourself in tranquil sounds for sleep and meditation. And explore timeless stories and lectures that expand your mind and enrich your soul. At SulkudMedia.com, we believe in the power of stories to transform lives. Whether you're a lifelong learner, a parent seeking bedtime stories for your children, or someone looking to unwind after a long day, we have something just for you. We invite you to try all good media free for one month. Explore our extensive collection and find the perfect audio content that resonates with you. .com.