The Shadow 41 - Guest of Death

Who knows what she will works in the hearts of men. The Shadow nos. Your local blue Coal dealer presents the Shadow. These half hour dramatizations are designed to forcibly demonstrate to old and young alike that crime. Does not pay day. At the close of our shadow adventure, we have a distinguished guest whom we are very. Anxious to present to our audience. Our guest is a very. Charming young lady who spends her time preventing crime. I know you will all be interested to hear what she has to say, so be. Sure to listen to before to day's exciting adventure with the Shadow. A word with you, homeowner. Wouldn't you welcome. Steadier, more helpful heat throughout your home this winter? Wouldn't you like to put a stop to coals in your family brought on by on and off variations of heat, Then be sure to order blue coal next time you need a supply of fuel. It's America's finest Anthra site. Your family will enjoy blue Coal's dependable even warmth. You'll welcome its greater health protection and all around economy. Ask for blue Coal by name. It's a solid fuel for solid comfort. A shadow mysterious character who aids those in distress and helps the forces of law and order is in reality La Mont Cranston, wealthy young man about town. Cranston's friend and companion, the lovely Margot Lane, is the only person who knows to whom the unseen voice belongs, the only one who knows the true identity of that master of other people's minds, the Shadow. Today's story Guests of Death. Guard. This is certainly a tremendous prison, isn't it. I had no idea it was so big. And this is your first visit here. Yes, Mr Keesy, I'm in town on a convention. They one of the boys gave me the past to the president, so I was afraid he might be playing a choke on it. It might be a fake. Oh, the past is quite good, quite good titles. You do a complete tour of the prison. Oh well, this be something to tell the folks back home. Oh uh, excuse me, god, uh do you mind if I ask you a question? Not at all? What is it that little gray building down there across the courtyard? When is that that's the death house? It? Oh? Oh, I I don't suppose you take visitors in there? Too, do you. Oh, yes, yes, certain me. U you want to see the course. Oh well, mister Kesey, Uh, well, I guess it would. Be a thrill through. Yes, yes, it would be the greatest thriller you ever experienced. Now here's the last sight on your tour. Yuah, step right in, please thank you? What place is there's, mister Casey, the building you saw across the courtyard, the death house. Oh oh, I. Say, don't be afraid, I step right in. We'll thank you. There you see it's not an unpleasant room at all, is it? Well, not in the parents. No. But mister Casey, when you start to think of the men that have died here or how nonsense death, there's nothing to fear. There's a majesty and nobility about it that makes people's about you and the stupid. Uh. Those benches there are the observer sees. Uh huh. The pre execution sells are just beyond that door. Uh huh. And uh, this as you see is the electric chair. Uh say, uh, it's quite warm in here, isn't it. I suppose a bit? Uh This panel here is where the execution stands. He holds his hand on the switching at the signa from the wall and he throws it in like this. Oh, I don't be alarmed, but shouldn't shouldn't we leave now? Uh? First, of course you want to sit in a chair. But no, no, I I ain't. I hadn't thought of anything like that at all. I don't mind my order tumid. So why this is an experience you'll never. Have a gain? Yeah, let me help you, just uh sit right down. Well, if it's uh customary thing, why of course there you are? You see nothing to it at all? Is there? Imagine that men have died just like this? Yes, men have died just like that. Yeah, I'll show you how it feels to be stepped in? Well, I I I can imagine how I I there the chest strap across him. Usually check thrown a bit tight, Mr Kezi. I took the window him, and that's the way it goes. Now the right arms strut like crack, and the left and you know this thing certain the hundred men closes, doesn't it. Yes, it's a powerful embrace. Now we're struck the left light and the right light like this. Now there you are ready for the most noble and majestic experience. And on God what do you mean? Yeah, no, no, keep away from that. No, no. Acts, gray acts, gray, visitor dies and that Miles right, all. About it, busidores and that piles acts, ray acts rays. And that not U m I call you a taxi, sir, yes, splid. Well, Margot, How did. You like the opera? Oh it was simply grand, Lamart, But I'm tired. I'll be glad to get home. Which sent visit a does in death House? Oh now, Lamart, Please, let's not spait a lovely night with scare headlines. People are lively diamonds. Any place your cat, sir? A boy, a boy? My cat's waiting, mar just a moment, Mogo, I have reason for wanting to know the story back of that headline. Yes, son, well there you are. I'll thank you, sir. Read alright, mongolright, sorry to keep you waiting, that's all right. Oh I know you're just dying to get to your story. So go ride ahead, Lamar, go ahead readers here. I'll switch on a like. Well, thank you, Maga. Well, there's much to it. Newspapers strangely brief nearly the headlines in a seven line box on the first page. What did it say? Simply that a visitor died in the death house on a ture of inspection. There doesn't seem much in that to excite the imagination of the shadow. I'm not so sure about that, Margo. Surely you don't see anything sinister in such a bare announcement. Of la That's just the point, Margo, The encounter's too bare. What do you mean, Well, the newspapers don't seem to know anything, and it says here that the prison officials are saying nothing. Oh, perhaps there's nothing more to say. There's an old proverb, Margo, to the effect that virtue rarely lies behind a tight lip. Well, I noticed that ferret gleam in your eye, So I might as well. Accustom myself to the idea that you're off on another adventure in crime. Yes, Margo, often an adventure that promises to be one of the most exciting I've ever had. What do I do? I don't like it? I God, quiet boys? Hello, mission Western speaking? What you can't get the warden on the phone? Hey, I can't. This is a police department. He can't ignore us. Well, you try him again, and keep trying until you get him. Trophy. Yeah, what happened when you went out the person? Oh, the same thing that happened to your phone? Called chief nothing. Couldn't you get any information? All I could find out was that the guy was in town on the prenature convention. You got to pass to see the prison, and some guard by the name. Of Kesey took him through. Did you question this Keyesy? He couldn't get a hold of him. Why not, all Chief? He found out that he lives way up on the cape. So jim here and me. He went out there and then what happened? Nothing? If somebody says nothing to me again? Just a minute? Yes, hello, Mission Western speaking. Anything, Commander Western? Oh you again? Yes, Commander the shadow, just a minute? All the line, A few men went outside. I'll call if I okay? Will be all right? Shadow? Go ahead? What's on your mind? I called to find out what. You know about the death of that visitor out of the prison. I don't know a thing, and I can't find out anything. The prison officials don't seem in crying or cooperate at all. Did you know, Commissioner, that a short time ago another visitor died in the death house. But another visitor, Yes, the. First visitor's death passed almost unnoticed. But now Commissioner another. Say, this puts a new light on the whole matter, calls for immediate action. No, Commissioner, hold everything until you hear from me. Oh, I know, Margo. I mean, and don't take your head off leaving right away. I just get to your house and then we have to leave. What's all the heats about. We're driving up to the prison. Oh, Mama, don't tell me you're still thinking of that visitor's death. Thinking of it, Margo. I've discovered some things that make me feel I've got a big job on my hands. For one thing, I've discovered that another visitor died in that same deathouse. I've come to the conclusion that there's only one way I can find out what's. The back of it all? And how is dead here? You see this, it's a visitor's pass. Yeah. I'm going up there and go through that prison, just as those other men went through as a visitor. Oh no, no, the mamus. I've got to muggo. It's the only way. Wehy not usually give the superstition lamot, but there's something supernatural, something none earthly about those deaths. I don't want you to expose yourself to the same fate that overtook those poor men. I I won't let you do it. Come now, Margo, don't let this get the best of you. Oh the might, I I'm afraid. I'm afraid. This is all right, muggo parked the car right here. That's the entrance to the prison down there at the bottom of the hill. The might. I wish you wouldn't go through with it. You may be walking to your death. Don't worry, Margo. You stay here in the car and remember this. Don't lose your courage, no matter what you mean here or what you may see. Hello, Keezy, you here again? Hey, yes, mister Harper, I'm taking this gentleman, mister Christon on a tour of our institution. You have research, sir, Hey John, please? Hey you are? Are they gonna stop handing out these visitors passes? Keezy? Stop? Why should they do that? Well? I should think they'd be a little more careful because of what's. Already happened around here. Oh nonsense, mister Harper. Accidents will happen. You know no reason why prison your team should be out to set down necessarily al Right, I think your. You're okay, thank 'em open up time. Al right, Okay, Kezy, the place is yours. Thank you. Come right along, sir, don't forget Keezy. Bring him back alive. We return you to the second half of the Shadow's exciting adventure in justimone. In the meantime, homeowners, let me remind you that there is one sure way to save yourselves time, trouble, and money in heating your homes this winter, and that's by insisting on blue coal. When you order your next supply of anthracite. With blue cold, you'll get steadier, more dependable heat at far less heating cost. For a blue coal is mined from the heart of the Northern Pennsylvania Field, the richest hard coal deposit in the United States. Each car load, as it comes from the mines, is washed with twelve and one half tons of water for every ton of coal to remove any existing impurity. Then the coal is carefully sithed and finally submitted to a thorough laboratory. Test by inspectors. Only the coal which meets the high standard of quality is accepted for shipment to Blue coal dealer. Blue Coal's harmless blue coloring guarantees you that you're getting a coal that has been quality tested, a coal you can be sure a superior in every way. You'll find that blue coal banks more easily and gives you longer firing periods, and it saves you money by burning itself down to a fine ash. Blue coal will heat your home with a minimum of attention and a maximum of heating comfort and efficiency. So call your nearest blue coal dealer for a better heat. At less costs this winter. You'll find his name listed in the threat by its section of your classified telephone directory under the words blue coal. Shore. This is the death house ak easy, Yes, at the grand the end of your prison to earth HM. Here is a lot of places, and that depends on the viewpoint. M. You've worked in this prison a long time, haven't. You, guzy? I've been here thirty five years, mister Cranston. Really, yes, sir, thirty five years in the service. H Is this your regular job taking visitors through the prison? Yes, I've been doing this for several years. But it's a poor substitute for the place that rightfully belongs to me, the place that rightfully belongs to you. What do you mean by that? Nothing at all? I shouldn't even have mentioned it. Uh, Come, now, this has nothing to do with your tour the prison. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry into euro apfair. I will not pay no attention to what I've said. I'm a bit out of soft day, nervous. I guess, yes, I understand. I suppose i'd be nervous too if I did the things you've done, the things I've done, mister Granton. Uh, what do you mean by that? Nothing easy? I'm just thinking of how i'd be affected by thirty five years spent on a place like this. That's all that's play on the body's nerves. But a single visit can affect the nerves even more than thirty five years. I'm afraid I don't understand. Oh not now perhaps, But you will, I you will. Well, it's a very interesting tour, and I'm much obliged to you. I must be running along now. But I haven't explained this room the death house to you. Well, that's hardly necessary. Surely you wouldn't leave without sitting in the electric chair, mister Cranston, My curiosity doesn't go to such extremely. But every visitor sits in the chair. Well, Keezy You've been very thorough and showing me through the prison. So if you feel I'm spoiling your final touch, why of course. I'll sit in your chair. Ah, good, sit right down. All right, here we are. Now I'll step you in. Oh it won't take a minute. There the chest straps out already, you see. Well you certainly did that with amazing speed, keasy like an expert. I am an expert, mister Cranston. Years ago I was a member of the execution squad. Really then you participated in the actual executions. I was one of the men whose job was to strap the condemned in the chair. As a man for reach strap you know, speed is important. The creek which done the nest to condemned suffice, I was on the chesttup that happens to be the most important one. I can testify to your efficiency. I can hardly move a muscle. I don't suppose you can. There we are snug as a bug in a rug. But not so comfortable. By the way, mister Cranston, you remember the famous Corsdon case, don't you. Oh very well. Cousden was brought to justice as a result of the efforts of a character known as the shadow. And then surely you must remember me. My picture was in all the newspapers at the time. I suppose you helped to strap cousin in the chair. No, no, I executed him. You what, it was a very unusual case. You see, we have a new execution him. At the last moment the poor fellow's nerve gave away. Oh there was quite a to do. Carsden was already strapped in the chair, the warden was beside himself. Somebody had to bring that as a conclusion. So I volunteered my services as executioner. Yes, oh, it was quite an experience. First and only time I have refracted the least bit of attention. But it was the cause of the most bitter disappointment in my whole life. Disappointment. You see, I'd hope that my service would be rewarded with a permanent appointment as executioner. You had an ambition to make a career of it, Why not on which the other's applied for the job. Oh, supposition of distinction. You say you were promised the job. Yes, but the authorities didn't live up to the promise. They cheated me, robbed me of what was my I wouldn't let it disturb me. So I were you disturb me. It's rankled in my heart throughout the years and left me with one consuming desire. So hate my hatred like that can hurt no one but yourself. You think, not an idle that I'll make them pay for what they've done to me. I'll make them pay. I think you have an entirely wrong attitude. Guise ye. Well this has all been very excited. Now if you'll unstrap me and let me out of this electric chair, Well, let. You out of a chair, mister Cranston. Never, I'm going to give you what I gave the others. What do you mean, cusy a moment, I'm going to pull the switch and fling you into each Let me out of the chair. Yes, I'll let you. You can't do anything like that. You can't get away with it. I told you, I'll make them pay for what they've done to me. Get yourself together, men, why do you want to wreck your vengeance on people like me? Because you are people, and the people cheated me and they'll pay for it. Cheesy, you're a fiend. I'm a cheatad man. That's only your excuse, an excuse you offer your conscience to justify the things you do. There's only one reason for your doing a thing like this, kissy, the desire to satisfy a vicious urge and your diabolic nature was like, you can't go through with this thing without your excuse. Well, I'm going to take that away from you. I'm going to turn you inside out and show you the fiend you really are. Let you, I'll shut you up. I'll put ahead piece on and cover your face with death. Don't you Darrol? You can say what you want now. I don't have to hear you. You wanted to get out of the chair, very well, I'll take you out now. Mister Cranston, I've killed him. He's dead. Hey, hey, you can't park here all day. I'll have to move along. I'm waiting for a friend, Officer. Don't you know you're not allowed to park within five hundred feet of a prison. But my friend should be along any minute. Now. Where is he? He's in the prison. He he's a visitor, visitor. Did you say he's a visitor? Yes? What's a matter? Officer? What do you stand there like that? Tell me what's another? Oh? Home of Lord, and figure out why people have their water pumps outside the house, so's they'll freeze. Oh, Harry, Armista. Kizy, I don't expect this water pump will give you any more trouble. It's twice not tonight. You've done a good job more. Sorry I had to get you up on a night like this. There ain't no pleisure plodding up that. They're saying, road any night. Say what's the matter that hound dog? You are doing a powerful lot of howl on tonight any years, quite a lot, they say. Hounds howl like that when somebody dies dies. Yes, yes, I've had that, said Jiminy Crickets. It's not to make about his skin creep. Yeah, you don't suppose he sees something? Do you a spirit of mean? No, it's nothing forgetted, don't reckon even spirits had come up here? Does he? Does he offer howl like that? I've only had him do that twice before tonight makes the third time. Well, there's a water pump fit and find mister keasey. I'll be getting on down the hall now, good night to you. Good night more thanks yeah, yeah, and said you going not for that now lie down, chicken. Old hounds just like a human. You fear death too, That fool, mister Conston I sent to your tanity today. He was afraid of death, but that didn't save him. He's them all. He's dead, and I have send many of its after him after that. Who's there? Who's out there? Is that you? More? No, Keezy? More as well? Down the hill? Now there's nobody out there. I am right here in your house, right here in the room with you. I know where you are. You're in this. You see. I'm not in the closet. I'm right here behind you. Who are you? What do you want? You? Keasy, I've come for you. Don't you touch me? Don't you come near me? Surely you're not afraid of death death, Remember, only fools fear death. Kesy Rael, I'll kill you here. You have a poor aim, Keezy. You see it's useless. Keezy. You can't destroy what you can't see. Why have you come here to end your criminal career. I've committed no. I'm going to make you confess to the murder of those innocent visitors at the prison. I don't know what you're talking. You cannot lie to me. I know you kill those men in cold blood. That's a lie. I'll admit you're clever. You did your job with finglish genius. But you're at the end of your rope. Keezy. The only hope left for you is to confess and clear your soul. Now, I love the nothing, sleep me alone. I won't go, Yes, you will. I'm not true with you yet. Look, Keezy, in this corner of the room, right here, that's it. Now watch carefully and you'll see someone you meant not many hours ago. Look, Keezy, look Cranston. Here. Now you see standing before you the man you stopped in the chair a few hours ago. Away, go away, go dead'reda. Confess, Kezy, kill you you're dad? Confess. I won't. I won't away on first sight. Way confess right, Chis. But I'd never be taken alive. Never never. The man Stop playing well, Morgo. No, I can't understand how Keesy could have hidden his crimes for so long. It's quite understandable, Morgo. Each of Kesey's victims to have died from natural causes. Lamada, Let me explain, Margo. You see, Keesy was somewhat of a student of the psychology of fear, and this knowledge and the victim's natural fear of a factual instrument of death. The electric chair enable Keesy to produce a fear paralysis that stopped the hearts of his victims. They died of heart failure. Then he didn't actually electric usee them. He couldn't, Margo. The electric chair is never hooked to the powerhouse except during a legal execution. But you, Lamarte, I thought you were dead. Well, Margo, I produced a death condition by a little trick in self hypnosis that I learned from an old Hindu. I let Keesy think he had actually killed me. But it's an amazing case, Lamart. I'm glad it's over. Yes, Margo, he's over. Kesey was a fiend consumed by the heat of his own hatred. He is now the many destroyed, and who knows, perhaps theirs is the final and most complete vengeance. In a moment, we shall present you our charming guests of the Afternoon. But first here's John Barkley, a blue cold heating expert, with an important message. Thanks Ken Roberts. Friends, I'm not going to do the usual thing and remind you just how many days are left before Christmas, but I do want you to know that a blue cold heat regulator is one present a man can give that he and everyone in his family will certainly appreciate this year and in the years to come. A blue coal heat regulator is a thermostat which automatically controls your furnace stampers. It enables your family to keep the entire house at just the temperature they wish day and night by simply raising or lowering the thermostat control. And a blue coal heat regulator is one present which will pay for. Itself in the long run. It will save coal, eliminate constant trips to the cellar and found much of the time and trouble of constant furnished Attention show homeowners. Be sure to get in touch with your nearest blue coal dealer ask him about a blue coal heat regulator. It's one Christmas gift that will. Be long appreciated by every member of your family. I thank you, ladies and gentlemen. The sponsors of the Shadow are extremely happy to introduce to you a young lady who devotes her time to the problems of New York City's malojestic families from which so often spring undesirable citizens in law breakers. It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you, miss Anne halferan Probation Officer of the Family Division of the Domestic Relations. Court of the City of New York. Well, that sounds like a big job for such a little lady. Trying to help other people adjust their difficulties is always a big job, mister Roberts, But knowing that we are helping parents and children make the most of their lives makes it intensely satisfying. Work, and a mighty fine piece of work. You are doing, too, Miss Helperan. Thank you, mister Roberts. I certainly hope so I feel that I cannot stress too strongly the part that an unhappy or broken home can play in the formation of criminal habits. The Domestic Relations Court attempts to check the problem at one of its roots, just as you attempt to meet it in another way by showing your listeners so dramatically and convincingly the folly and complete futility of crime. Thank you, Miss Helpern. It makes all of us feel we're doing something really worthwhile, especially so knowing that you and your associates in the business of crime prevention believe our efforts are not in Vain. It's been a real privilege to have you as our guest this afternoon, and we thank you very much, Miss Helper. Today's program is based on a story copyrighted by The Shadow Magazine. All the characters and all the places named a fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. The Shadow Magazine is now on sale at your local youth stand. The Weed of Crime, There's bit of fruit. Crime does not pay the Shadow Lord. Next week, same time, same station, Blue Coal America's finest Dance for Site will again present another thrilling adventure of the Shadow. Be sure to listen, and be sure to burn blue coal.