The Shadow - Death House Rescue 1937-09-26

Who knows what evil leks in the hearts of men. The Shadow knows. Low coal presents the Shadow, a man of mystery who strikes terror in the very souls of sharpsters, lawbreakers, and criminals. All signs point to a severe winter. They prepared. If you want to be sure of even the pendable helpful heat in any kind of weather, insist on blue coal, America's finest anthracite mine from the fields of northern Pennsylvania. The coal that has colored a harmless blue of the mind's for your protection. You can't have you. Can't do it. Paul Gordon, listen, I. Can't see anybody who's that. I am the shadow. You stop. We haven't much time. We must hurry, Gordon. You're in the death house, charged with murder. Yes, I'm innocent. I'm innocent, but nobody knows. You Take courage, Gordon. The Shadow knows. All right, Now, goo't you sit down? I told Albold, who set our coffee here in the library, and she's gotta go on the terrace. Then I receive a smile That frown is most unbecoming. Lamont give it up? Give what up, my dear drinking coffee. I'm serious Lamont Cranston. When I foolishly let you know that, do you remember what you said? It will be exactly five years next week. If there's still so much to do, Margot, Will they let somebody else do it? Don't you realize that you can't keep on like this forever? Someone certain to identify you, and when net someone does, some one else. Is certain to kill you and hats But until they do, hard Darling, stop frowning. I don't mean necessary to give up your work, Lamont, but this other Let the shadow just disappear and then come out openly. You are in your organized forces of law and police. Won't you realize, Margo, that my entire usefulness to the organized forces of law and police lies in my remaining outside those forces, in remaining always the shadow. Would they approve my methods? Would they believe in my science? You would make them believe? You could make them approve, and in doing so reveal my seat f it's my knowledge, reveal them and eventually let them fall into the hands of organized crime. HM. No, Margot, no one must ever know. No one but you will. Why do you think I've devoted countless hours to investigating electrical and chemical phenomena. Why do you think I went to India, to the Egypt, to China. What do you think I studied in London, Paris and Vienna except to learn the old mysteries that modern science has not yet rediscovered, the natural magic modern psychology is beginning to understand, and well, magic that wouldn't seem so natural. I studied and learned for a purpose. My dear, All right, lament, I I realize all that. But now now the entire underworld has but one objective to erase the Shadow. And to me, that mean until they know what the shadow is and who he is, what can they do? Stop and think? How many criminals are either dead or in prison because of our activities. Why, even now tonight, as we sit quietly here, somewhere, an innocent human being maybe in desperate trouble somewhere, perhaps there is a problem that can never be solved except by the Shadow. What did the doctors say, Grace? It was good news and't and bad too, I'm afraid, dear, well, whatever it was, dear, tell me, well, h he said the baby could be perfectly well again within a year. Oh, I thank god for that poor kid. She's had a tough time. Well what else, Well, this part isn't so good, Paul. She'll need treatments during all that time, Paul. Treatments cost money, I know. Well, we'll have to manage somehow. He didn't do a very good job marrying media. If I can only get a job, I've got my health and I've got brains, but no one seems to want them. They will they they've got to. You're right about that. But just about down the rock bottom. I raised every cent I can on the house and car. There's anything left. You and I are still left, Paul, and we've got to take care of Sally. She's our daughter, Paul, and she's got to have her chann. She's going to have it somehow. Tomorrow I'll start out and take anything I can get, Darling. Perhaps tomorrow things will break for us. Yes, if only they don't break the wrong way. No more bed Okay over here, these two. Excuse me? But are you the boss here? That's right. I'm looking for a job. Nothing doing, buddy, I'll do anything, wait on table, wash, dishes, anything at all. I don't need any more help. Well, how about deliver things? I've got a car. Oh, I don't deliver nothing. I don't need you, I see alright. Thanks? Hey, hey, you what you calling to me? Yeah? Sitdan, I have a bear? No thanks, I I don't drink anyhow. Sidan made a friend of mine name Clefty. My name's red loock on my hair and you'll know why. Well, I'm glad to meet you both. And Gordon's my name, Paul Gordon? Well, did do you wanna talk to me about something? We might might be able to help you out? Sounds like you're looking for a job. You better I am. I need one, you know, anybody that could use me. Maybe we don't know you yet. Huh. So far as that goes, I don't know you either. See read the guy smart? Yeah, maybe too smart? And I look here, mister Gordon. We need a car and we need somebody to drive it for us. You understand. Well, I've got a car and I can drive. Is it a good car? Has it got speed? I'll guarantee your dad it's not there. It's not bad. I listen, kid, how about meeting us tomorrow morning at nine o'clock? All right? Where? Well, let's see we're going to I ain't got it right in front of the uptown bank. We gotta go there first to cash a check. How about five dollars a Day's so, but you'll remember be there at nine o'clock or you don't get no job. Don't worry. I'll be there. I'll be there at eight o'clock. Everybody, you can't keep this car in front of the bank all day. I just see that sign no parking. I'm not parking, oposite, I'm waiting for a couple of men. I'm working for them. Hey, what's that? Sounds like shot in the bank. You gotta let me hear he into the car. Come on, you've stuck that much. More step on it plus, but you can't do get gone. I what shoke? Let them have it right, hould him on, I'll hold him which had never shut that cop had to get to my speed out of this car. Fellaw, she don't all she cast shoot at the tires. Red I missed him trying a windshield. Say let me out of this take the car now, think I'm in with you. That's that's what we're figuring on. Now Here comes a curve after you make that stop. Get ready right, I'm ready. I'm just leaving the evidence. He's on the seat push. Okay, goodbye, Gordon, thanks for the way. Hey, wait, you guys, don't leave me like this. No think I did it? Hey, come on back. Wi you Okay, up their hands, come on, get them. Up, all right, office. I haven't got a gun. I wasn't in this. They made me drive the car. Keep their hands up, just the same. A further car. Jolly, okay, Hudge, I'll follow. You might as well come clean on this. I haven't done anything. I tell you, I'm innocent. Hey, suj I got it under the rear seat cushion bag full of pills and a gun. That's the gun that bumped off my buddy alloy. And you say you're emting, Yes, I am. Well it'll take more than saying so. They keep you out of the electric chair. Honor in the corn and honor in the car. Oh God, the jury have found you guilty of robbery under arms and statutory murder. You have been shown you've had both loti and opportunity. The prosecution is part of a massive, incontrovertible evidence, and I myself have no doubt if your gifts therefore, in acordings for the law, I directed to be taken from here to the place from whence you came, and the there you be put to death in the manners stated by the law and made God have mercy. On your shoulder. Hey, who is that? Where that who last light? Reading? That person before the copse? I I don't know where he is, your honor. A lot came from over there in that corner. Yes, yes, you're alliver. There's no one in that color, only a shadow. Go to sleep here. Mother will be right here in the next room. Oh gosh, please help me, help me. I don't know what to do. Yes, who is it? My name is Margot Lane. I have a message for you, missus Gordon. You're not a reporter, are you. No, I'm a friend. I've come to help. Oh then then please come in. What is it you want, miss Lane? Missus Gordon, your husband has a friend who's going to help him. Here's a thousand dollars in cash. That's for you and Sally a thousand. Who was that sent this to me or that? I can't tell you. But the message with it is. Not to lose hope. That there is hope for Paul. Then the man who sent this to you never fails. Who is he or that? I can't tell you, but miss Lane, you know him. Sometimes I wonder whether I do I love him, but I wonder whether I know him? What do you mean? It's hard to tell whether I really know the man or only his shadow. Well, I left it to night. The four guy goes to the chair. That's what he gets for being a sucker and has not a clute. It even points our weight, not even a friend. We had gloves on all the time. You had yours up for a minute when you were sitting next to 'em. Yeah, but uh, I didn't touch the wheel. Then we ain't left the clue? You think? So who said that you left me? No? I I thought it was you. It was I. You cannot see me? And where are you? I am here in the room in the shadow. You happinned your crime on an innocent man. He shall not suffer, but you will. I don't know who you are were? Yeah, but your bluffing anyway, You got no evidence if we didn't leave a clue. Did leave a clue? A clue that will send you to the chair. What was it? Where was it? Your lie? Wouldn't you like to believe that? Keep thinking about it, Keep thinking about. The clue that you forgot, Margo Lane. Paul Gordon is in the death house and is to die in the chair tonight. I am going to him now. We can still save him. Stand by for orders. In a few moments we will return to the shadow. But before we do, let me stress this one fact. For home heating, anthracide is best, and America's finest anthracite is blue coal. Anthracide is the helpful fuel. It gives steady, uniform heat that helps prevent coals and cuts down doctor's bills. Or with anthracite, there is no quick chilling of the house, such as you get with fuels of the on and off type or with quick burning fuels that flare up and burn out. Bear in mind that heating plants in this part of the country were especially designed to burn anthracite. So before that coal snap catches you wannawar call your local blue call dealer. You'll find his name listed and the where to buy its section of your classified directory under the words blue coal. Call him tomorrow and order a supply of America's finest anthracite. What have you have? You got any work from the governor. I'm sorry, Gordon. The governor refuses to take any action. Then I've got to go tonight at eleven o'clock. What time is it now? Almost ten? Is there anything I can do for you? No? Thank you? Well very well. These guards will move you to another cell. I'll be back in a little while, ready, Gordon, Yes, guy, you just gonna move you to another's sye? What does it matter? The one you're going to is nearer. Nearer to the chairs. A huh, alright, let's gone. Alright, Gordon, walk the left. We'll be right here behind you. I locked the door into the preparation chamber of Pete. Okay, this is a second alright, going through Gordon watching Pete. I'll shut the door. What's the use of all this trouble? What chance have I got? Now? Afraid you haven't got much fuller? Uh, I wouldn't say that. What do you mean? Well? He smokes? But behind you, well, there are too bad. I hated to do that, but there wasn't any other way. And you'll only be out for a while now, Gordon. Listen to me, Hey, where are you? I can't see anymore? Where have you gone back into the shadow? Now? Gordon, we haven't much time. Listen to me. No crime is perfect. There's always somewhere a loose end. The only reason that all crimes aren't solved is because there's some one fact that someone knows and doesn't tell. And sometimes they don't tell because they don't know that they know. I told everything I know in court. They wouldn't believe me then, because you couldn't prove what you said. We are going after the proof. Now, you and I. Huh, I'm going to think with your mind. I don't know what you mean. Don't try to understand. Just do as I tell you. I want you to concentrate. Gordon, fix your mind on everything that happened. That they make mental pictures. I'll see what you see. I try now. No, no, Gordon, stop thinking about your wife and baby. How did you know I was thinking about I saw it in your mind. I see in my mind the pictures you create in yours. Oh, like televisions or like mental telepathy or mind reading hypnotism, whatever you choose. There's no time to talk. Stop talking. Think I will, I will. I'm thinking now. The picture is getting clearer. That's better. Go on the restaurant, the bar, Gordon, stop thinking about the electric chair. It blurs the picture. I'll try. I'll try. Ah, that's better. The car in front of the bank, Yes, I see it, the policeman, the crowd, yes, Wait a minute, the small man with red hair, he was the one you called red. Yes, yes, I see him. Crooked nose, short glasses. I know that man, he's red Sloan. I I it's hard to see. I know. Think for your life, try hard. Yes, you started the car. The other lefty was in front with you, Lefty LEFTI see him for me, Gordon, Uh, yes, a scar on his left cheek. Why didn't you mention that in court? I I forgot never mind concentrate. Yes, yes, left he couldn't keep you covered with a gun and look back at the same time. What did he do? He reached up and twisted the rear view mirror. Now we've got it. That's the loose end. That's where his thumb print will be. Gordon, Now I can save you. You've told the truth. You didn't know, you knew. Right. You're a fool for coming in here again. This is the place we picked up that kid that's burning to night. What do you want to come in here for? This is there's good a place as any in it. Hey, telephone for you, left ere telephone. Yeah, maybe you never heard of it. But it's a great invention. But nobody knows. I'm here. Somebody knows because they're waiting on the phone for you. It's over there on the wall. Okay, I'll eat so long. Let hello. Say what do you laughing at? Who is this? Lefty? Did you ever hear out of the shadow? Yeah? Say what is this too bad. About young Gordon? Isn't it, Lefty? What do you know about that? The shadow knows? Who are you? You want? I want justice, justice for Paul Gordon, Lefty, and I'm going to get it. But no, perhaps there are some fingerprints, Lefty. No, we had gloves on. It couldn't be no fingerprints. Did you have gloves on all the time? Yeah, sure I did, your left handed. Now listen carefully, leftie. When you were sitting in the front seat of Gordon's. Car, your gun was in your left hand. Remember, say you ain't nobody eye, It's just say, how do you know. What did you do with your right hand? My right hand? You took off your right glove, didn't you? No? I didn't. I didn't. Oh gosh, I'm going nuts. And you couldn't see the car that was chasing you because the angle of the rear view mirror was adjusted for the driver and you weren't driving. So do you remember what you did? No? I didn't. I didn't take it off. Are you sure you didn't reach up with your fair right hand and turn that rear view mirror? Are you sure, Lefty? Oh? No, I didn't. I didn't. Maybe I did that. If the police find that fingerprint, you'll burn Lefty just the way young Gordon is going to burn tonight. Goodbye Lefty. Wait a minute, he hung up. No, No, I won't burn he read read it said yablong. And I'm say, who is the guy on of mine? Not? Where's that car of Gordon's now in his garage? I guess I heard his wife christ what. I got a hunch there's some fingerprints of mine in that car? Read we got a white more for there? Or maybe we'll burn that chair too. Come on, let's go. But Commissioner, I'm. Sorry, miss Lane, but I don't see what we can do. And can I tell you Paul Gordon is innison. The men who committed the crime are free. Where did you get this information? So that I can't tenue miss Lane. Paul Gordon was convicted of murder by due processes of law. Tonight, he pays for his crime in the electric chair. If the police listened to every crankle came in here claiming you evidence. You can't send an innocent man to the chair. They can't do it, No, but they can send it guilty man. And according to the evidence, Paul Gordon is guilty. Commissioner. Suppose that afterwards, when it's too late, they discovered that Paul Gordon wasn't guilty after all. And suppose I testify that the police refuse to listen. Well, what do you want me to do? If it's within reason, I'll do it. I want you to send some men to that garage. I want you to catch the guilty men and see that justice is done. One night. I'm frightened. Brace up, Gordon. It won't be long, buddy, Might time next along? Hello? Good look, good bye? Where is he? He promised to save me? Oo, son, I don't know. It was a voice, just a voice. He said he'd stand by steady old man. Don't lose your nerve, Garden, open it up, man, No, we'll go in there. I didn't do it. I didn't kill him. I didn't I tell you, he said, he stand by, he's wan't wait only a few minutes more, just a few minutes. Don't take me and there yet? Now wait, please please, he said, please wait easy, Gordon. I'm sorry, but I go on that door. I'm gone. It'll be too late for him. No, no, no, no way. Oh where are you? Where is that voice? When he goes, please come back? What? Wait a minute minute? Well what is it? Wharton? Wait? The governor's on the phone, He says, stop all of everything. What the governor say? He wants to talk to you on the phone, Warden, He says, don't electrocute this man. They've got the other two guys in. Gordon's garage trying to rub out some fingerprints. One of them was shot and died. But before he died, he spilled it all this Fallow didn't do it. It was a fine. Oh thank god he got me in time, Gordon. Gordon. Did you hear that? Yes, yes, I heard it. That voice said he would. I'm free. You're not going to electrocute me, Warden, You're not. No, No, Gordon, the governor saved you Governor. No, who wasn't the governor? It was somebody else or something else. But what do you mean, Gordon, who saved you? I don't know. It was a voice, just a voice. I never really saw him. He was only a shadow. Before another adventure with the shadow draws to a close. John Barclay, Blue Coal's heating expert, would like to say a few words. Mister Barclay, good evening friends. If you're interested in having a more comfortable home this winter, be sure to call your local Blue Coal dealer, for he's more than a fuel dealer. He's an authority on modern home heating. You see, for more than six years, I've trained servicemen for these Blue Coal dealers. These men, known as John Barklay servicemen have added thousands of families like yours to enjoy a greater degree of comfort and to save heating dollars too. I'm going to read part of a letter typical of many received from satisfied customers using Blue Coal and John Barclay service. I quote in part the service rendered by your John Barclay service men has been invaluable to me. We were burning a ton of coal of wheat and having great difficulty in keeping our fire going throughout the night. Your serviceman made me many helpful suggestions regarding the proper way to regulate the furnace and recommended the use of blue coal. We not only reduced the amount of fuel consumed to one half, but actually got more heat. Think of that, friends. In this case, a family cut their fuel bill in half simply by following the advice of a John Barclay serviceman whose services were given without charge. Now you don't have to buy blue coal to benefit from John Barclay service, no matter what kind of fuel you are using or from whom you've been buying. If you have any heating problems, consult the blue coal dealer. You'll be very glad to place this John Barkley service man at your disposal to solve your problems. I thank you. The story you have just heard is copyrighted by the Shadow magazine. Real names are never used in these Shadow stories. The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow nose Win