"BOSTON'S LONE WOLF TERROR"

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Open mike on strong martial music for 25 seconds. Diminuendo to the background of announcement.

Announcer:

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. The (Sponsor of Program) bring to you at this time another mystery drama from real life. Tonight we will unfold the story of "Boston's Lone Wolf Terror" adapted from Startling Detective Adventures Magazine for November. How helpless women cowered in terror as a wolf-life phantom swooped down on the city of Boston. Taunting the police with their inability to trap him, he continued on his meteoric way until one day this Lone Wolf was brought to bay. As the curtain rises we find Miss Betsy Mack in her apartment about to retire for the night when the telephone rings------

(Cue: Telephone bell rings.)

 

Betsy:

Hello! Oh, hello Grace, what's the trouble? What? You left your pocketbook here! Where did you leave it? On the piano? Oh, all right. I'll bring it to you when we meet for lunch tomorrow. Say, Grace, I think your friend is very nice and he's some bridge player. I'm sorry we couldn't have played longer, but you know--must get the old beauty sleep. What? No, I won't forget it. See you tomorrow. Good night. (Hangs up)

The Wolf:

(Very suave and quiet) I beg your pardon.

(Cue: Betsy starts to scream but is silenced by The Wolf)

 

The Wolf:

Don't scream, please! If you do it will only cause a lot of trouble for everybody.

Betsy:

(Getting control of herself) Who are you and what do you want?

The Wolf:

Permit me to introduce myself. I am the Lone Wolf!

Betsy:

(Aghast) You!

The Wolf:

Yes. I see you recognize the name. And you are Miss Betsy Mack, according to the name in the letter-box downstairs.

Betsy:

What do you want here?

The Wolf:

Well, I hope I shall be amply rewarded for the hours I spent under your bed. You know, I thought your friends would never go home.

Betsy:

Do you always wear that handkerchief over your face?

The Wolf:

Always.

Betsy:

Do you have to keep pointing that revolver at me?

The Wolf:

No, but some women become very nervous and excited and like to exercise their vocal chords by screaming and this little gun seems to be a pacifier.

Betsy:

You needn't worry. I won't scream. I suppose you came to rob me. Well, take what you want and get out.

The Wolf:

Please don't hurry me. In fact, I refuse to be hurried. We have the whole night ahead of us, and to tell the truth I'm beginning to enjoy your company.

Betsy:

Well, I'm not enjoying yours.

The Wolf:

No? Oh, I'm sorry. I was hoping you would invite me to have something to eat. I'm rather hungry after my sojourn under the bed. And you know, if you've read the papers, that I always have lunch with my--shall I say--benefactress?

Betsy:

Will you please leave here at once?

The Wolf:

I'm sorry, but I couldn't think of it. I never leave until morning. That's something else you know, if you've read the papers.

Betsy:

What do you want, anyway?

The Wolf:

Your money and your jewelry. Where is it?

Betsy:

I'll not tell you!

The Wolf:

Then I'll have to tie you up while I go through the apartment.

Betsy:

You wouldn't dare!

The Wolf:

Oh, wouldn't I? Well, I'll show you. Sit in that chair! Do you hear? I'm not fooling. I mean it! (Pause) That's better. Now, you behave yourself and we'll get along fine. I'm sorry, but I'll have to use this lamp cord. It seems to be the only thing handy.

(Cue: Effect of breaking wire from lamp and tying her to chair)

 

The Wolf:

(Read this speech while tying her to chair--give this effect in reading) I can't afford to take any chances while I'm looking over the place. I guess this will hold you all right. There! Now, I'll have to use your stocking for a gag.

(Cue: As he puts gag over her mouth we hear her try to say)

 

Betsy:

You fiend! You devil!

The Wolf:

I guess that will keep you quiet for a while. Now to start on my--treasure hunt. I'll begin with your bureau. (Pause) Ah, yes! Here is your pocketbook in the usual place--hidden among your clothes. Well, let's see what's in it. My! This is luck! A hundred and fifty dollars, and a lovely wrist watch. I don't see anything else worth taking so I'll see what your friend has in her pocketbook. On the piano, I think she said. Will you excuse me for a few minutes?

(Cue: Pause--Then clock strikes one)

 

The Wolf:

(At a distance--calling out) Is that all it is? One o'clock. Your friend hasn't much in her pocketbook--ten eighty-five--however every little bit helps. You don't mind if I help myself to something to eat and drink, do you? You don't? Well, isn't that nice of you! (Pause--coming in) I could only find a bottle of ginger-ale and some cake. It isn't much, but it will do. Now, I'll have to put out the lights, so I can remove the handkerchief from my face, but first, I'll remove the gag from your mouth so you can talk to me. There, you are! It's off! Now for the lights.

(Cue: Effect of light switch)

 

Betsy:

Will you do me one favor?

The Wolf:

What's that?

Betsy:

Please give me back the wrist watch. My mother gave it to me.

The Wolf:

Sure, I'll give it back to you--when I leave. You know, this isn't bad cake. It's better than the cake I got at the last house I was in. If I don't stop eating cake in these houses I visit, the papers will be calling me a cake-eater instead of the Lone Wolf. (Laughs)

Betsy:

Why do you do these things--breaking into peoples' homes and robbing them?

The Wolf:

Why? Because I get a kick out of it, and I like to prove to the cops what sapheads they are. I enjoy reading what the papers say about me.

Betsy:

You know you'll be arrested some day, don't you?

The Wolf:

The cops will never get me. They're not smart enough. Why, I've written them letters telling them just what I intended to do, and still they can't catch me.

Betsy:

They will!

The Wolf:

Not until I give up! Now, I hate to do this, but I've got to gag you again because I've got to get some sleep.

Betsy:

Won't you please go now?

The Wolf:

Not until morning. Can't take any chances.

Betsy:

You're going to gag me and keep me wired to this chair all night?

The Wolf:

You guessed right the very first time. Where's that light switch? Oh, here it is!

(Cue: Effect of light switch)

 

The Wolf:

Now I can see what I'm doing. Where's that stocking? (As he presumably sees it) Oh. (Tying her mouth) You know stockings make great gags! There, I guess you're safe for the night! Well, pleasant dreams!

(Cue: Effect of light switch. Pause. Clock strikes seven)

 

The Wolf:

(Waking out of a sound sleep) What was that? Seven o'clock! I slept later than I intended. Oh, good morning, Miss! I'm sorry I can't stay for breakfast, but I must be getting along. I'll telephone the janitor in a little while, to come up and release you. And remember this! If I get caught, don't you dare identify me; if you do--God help you! Good-bye and thanks for the hospitality.

(Cue: Three taps on gong)

 

Inspector:

Chief, I've just finished my investigation of the Mack robbery.

Chief:

What did you find this time?

Inspector:

Just what we found the other times--nothing! We went over everything carefully--hoping we might find a fingerprint--nothing but smudges. He is certainly one clever crook.

Chief:

What did he get from this girl?

Inspector:

A hundred and fifty dollars and a wrist watch, and ten eighty-five from a pocketbook belonging to another girl. Miss Mack said he promised to give her the watch back, but he didn't.

Chief:

Did she know the make and the number of the watch?

Inspector:

No, but she had it cleaned last August while visiting her home town, so I asked her to write to the jeweler for the data. If we can get this information before he tries to pawn it--we may get him.

Chief:

Was this girl wired to a chair all night, too?

Inspector:

Yes.

Chief:

What time did he leave the house?

Inspector:

Miss Mack says around seven. Shortly after he left, she managed to work herself free and called the janitor's wife for help. It was the janitor's wife who notified us. About ten o'clock this morning, the janitor came up and said a man had rung him on the telephone and said "Will you go up to Miss Mack's apartment and see what she wants? She's not feeling very well today. If you can't get in--use your own latch key."

Chief:

Very considerate of him, wasn't it? Could this Mack girl give you any description of him?

Inspector:

She said he was probably around thirty years of age, five feet ten or eleven inches and weighed about 170 pounds. Dark complexion, dark hair and wore a dark suit, gray overcoat and gray hat.

Chief:

Didn't his other victims describe him the same way?

Inspector:

Practically.

Chief:

I tell you, Inspector, we've got to get this man if it's the last thing we do. The newspapers have been giving him headlines every time he pulls a job and they always end the article by saying "Where's the Police?"

Officer:

Here's a letter for you, Chief!

Chief:

Thanks.

(Cue: Opens letter)

 

Chief:

What's this? Listen, Inspector. (Reads letter) "To the Chief of Police. Here's a tip! My next victim lives on Queensberry Street. I shall visit there tonight. Catch me if you can! Signed, The Lone Wolf." (Gets hard and bitter) The nerve of him! The brass of him! He even tells us what he is going to do and still we can't get him. Inspector! I want Queensberry Street patroled from one end to the other!

Inspector:

And Chief, if he's written the truth--we'll trap this wolf tonight!

Chief:

I wonder.

(Cue: Three taps on gong)

 

Caroline:

Gee, Aunt Agnes, that was a good show tonight, wasn't it?

Aunt:

Yes, Caroline. That was the best play I've seen in a long time.

Caroline:

I was just crazy about the leading man, wasn't you?

Aunt:

Yes, he was very good. But let's not talk about it any more, dear. It's after twelve o'clock, and I have to get up early in the morning.

Caroline:

All right, Aunt. Good night.

Aunt:

Good night, dear.

(Cue: Pause--Then effect of light switch)

 

The Wolf:

If you make a sound, I'll shoot. I want you two to lie there in bed and keep perfectly quiet. If you do, everything will be O. K.

Aunt:

What are you going to do?

The Wolf:

I'm going to rob you.

Aunt:

But we haven't any money.

The Wolf:

No? Well, I'll take what you have, also your jewelry. By the way, have you a suitcase?

Aunt:

Yes.

The Wolf:

Good! I'll be able to carry quite a few things in it. I noticed you ladies wearing very beautiful furs, and I see, hanging in your closet, a number of lovely gowns.

Aunt:

Take what you want and please leave here.

The Wolf:

Oh, my good woman, I couldn't think of leaving here before six in the morning. If the police saw me leaving here now with a suitcase, I'd be sure to be arrested, so you see it is quite impossible.

Aunt:

You intend staying here all night?

The Wolf:

Certainly. And now with your permission, I'll start packing. But let me tell you this: I've robbed many places and I'm happy to say I haven't had to use my gun, so I hope you two women will be sensible and not make me use it here.

Aunt:

Are you the Lone Wolf?

The Wolf:

I am!

Aunt:

Oh, good heavens!

Caroline:

Don't be afraid of him, Aunt. Any man who picks out defenceless women to rob is lower than a----

Aunt:

Hush, Caroline!

The Wolf:

One moment! Yes, I rob women, but only because I enjoy their company. You think I am a terrible person. Perhaps I am, but don't you think I deserve a little credit for always informing the police just where my next move will be?

Caroline:

You told the police you were coming here?

The Wolf:

Well, I wrote them a letter saying I would visit Queensberry street tonight.

Aunt:

I suppose they thought that was a blind. Instead of visiting Queensberry street, they thought you'd visit some other street.

The Wolf:

Oh, no, they didn't. There are two cops on every block walking up and down looking for the Lone Wolf.

Aunt:

How did you get by them?

The Wolf:

Why not? Nobody knows what I look like. Nobody has ever seen me without this handkerchief across my face, and I always change clothes. Why I even stopped and asked one of the cops what time it was. I'm just playing a little game of hide and seek with them.

Aunt:

How did you get in here?

The Wolf:

With a pass key.

Aunt:

Won't you please go and leave us alone?

The Wolf:

No!

Caroline:

If you don't get out of here right away--I'll scream!

The Wolf:

If you do, you'll be sorry.

(Cue: Caroline gives a piercing scream)

 

The Wolf:

You little devil! I ought to kill you for that!

Aunt:

No, no! Please don't!

The Wolf:

Do you hear that? I ought to kill you! But I'll fix you so you won't scream again. Do you see this stocking? Well, I'm going to gag you with it!

Aunt:

Please don't!

The Wolf:

Shut up, you! I'd tried to be nice, but you won't let me. Now, young lady, I guess this will keep you quiet for awhile. And do you know, I find these lamp cords very handy in tying people up.

(Cue: Telephone bell rings. Pause. Then rings again)

 

The Wolf:

Listen old lady, you answer the phone! And if it's someone calling for your niece, tell them she's asleep and can't be disturbed. If it's someone inquiring about that scream--you say your niece saw a mouse--and remember don't say anything else, if you do, I'll hit you with the butt end of this gun. I mean it! Now, go ahead!

Aunt:

(In phone) Hello! Yes, this is Mrs. Forrest! Who is this, please? Oh, Mr. Williams. What? No, no, nothing's the matter. Caroline screamed because she thought she had seen a mouse. I hope she didn't awaken you. (Pause) Oh, you were just going to bed. Well, thanks for your interest, Mr. Williams. Good night. (Hangs up)

The Wolf:

Who was he?

Aunt:

The man in the next apartment.

The Wolf:

Well, we won't hear from him again, because now it's your turn to be tied and gagged.

Aunt:

Please don't tie me.

The Wolf:

I'm sorry, but I'll have to. Now, you lie on the bed! All I'll do is bind your hands and feet and of course, use the stocking.

Aunt:

Won't you please listen to me?

The Wolf:

Do as I tell you and be quick about it. (Pause) That's better. I'm doing you both a favor by letting you lie in bed. Usually I tie them to a chair, and believe me, it is not so comfortable sitting in a chair all night. (After presumably tying her) There we are, I guess you're all right. Now as I am very hungry and to show you how democratic I am--I'll help myself and eat in the kitchen. Well, pleasant dreams!

(Cue: Effect of light switch. Pause. Then clock strikes six)

 

The Wolf:

Good morning, ladies! I trust you slept well. I know I did. And now, I am about to depart. That is, as soon as I phone for a taxi. (In phone) Hello Operator! Give me Main 0330. May I say, Mrs. Forrest, that I enjoyed the sandwiches and ginger-ale very much. (In phone again) Hello! Taxi Office? Send a cab right away to the Hudson Apartments on Queensberry street, will you? (Pause) O. K. (Hangs up) And now, ladies, don't be alarmed. I'll phone the janitor shortly to come up and release you. But first I think I will call the newspaper. (In phone) Hello, operator! Get me the Boston Post! (Pause) Hello, Boston Post? I'd like to speak to the City Editor. Oh, he isn't there now, I'm sorry. Well, tell him when he arrives that if he comes to the Hudson Apartments on Queensberry street--he will find a good story for his paper. (Pause) What? This is the Lone Wolf speaking. (Laughs as he hangs up) Good-bye ladies, and thanks for the hospitality.

(Cue: Three taps on gong)

 

Chief:

Inspector, we've just received another letter from the Lone Wolf! Here's what he writes: "I am the Lone Wolf. You will not get me until I give up. I will be back tomorrow in Back Bay. Catch me if you can, but I know you are merely wasting your time. No moss grows on a rolling stone."

Inspector:

I think you will get him, Chief.

Chief:

You know who he is?

Inspector:

Not yet. But he wasn't so careful this last time, because we got a picture of his right thumb print on a ginger-ale bottle. We have no record of him here, so we sent the print to New York, Philadelphia and Washington hoping he was in the Army or Navy. If so, they'll tell us his name.

Chief:

What description did these two women give of him?

Inspector:

About the same as Miss Mack gave. The taxi-driver also agrees with them.

Chief:

I don't suppose we can do a thing until we hear from those other cities.

Inspector:

I don't think so, Chief, but we should hear very soon now, as we informed them it was urgent and to report immediately.

Officer:

(Coming in) Inspector, we've just received word from New York and Philadelphia. They have no record of the Lone Wolf there.

Inspector:

Then our only hope now is Washington!

(Cue: Three taps on gong)

 

Inspector:

Hello, Chief, I've been waiting for you. Washington sent us the information we've been waiting for. This crook enlisted in the Navy and his name is James Walters. He was given a dishonorable discharge for a fraudulent enlistment. They also sent us his picture. The newspapers are already carrying the story and his picture with an appeal for every reader to watch for him and instantly notify the nearest policeman if they saw him. I'm sure, Chief, we will get quick results.

Chief:

I hope so. These outrages must be stopped.

(Cue: Telephone rings)

 

Chief:

Hello! Yes, madam, this is the Chief of Police speaking. What's that? You recognize the picture of the Lone Wolf. Do you know where he lives? On Wendell street in South Boston. (Pause) He's what? Married, eh? Well, what's your name? No, we won't publish it. Oh, all right, if that's the way you feel about it. Just as you say. Thanks for the tip. Good bye. (Hangs up) Inspector! Take some men and go to this address! See if the tip is straight--and take no chances!

(Cue: Three taps on gong)

 

Inspector:

Here's the house, men! Surround it! Rooney, Flynn, you come with me. As soon as the door opens--rush in and take no unnecessary chances. Come on!

(Cue: Ring doorbell. Door opens)

 

Mrs. Walters:

Yes? What do you want?

Inspector:

Get out of my way! Sit still, Walters! Don't make a move!

The Wolf:

What do you mean forcing your way into a man's house?

Inspector:

You know what it means. The game is up!

Mrs. Walters:

What game? What do you mean? (She is nervous and excited)

Inspector:

Now, don't you pretend you don't know.

The Wolf:

She doesn't know, Inspector.

Mrs. Walters:

Know what? What is it? Why don't you tell me, Jim?

Inspector:

I'll tell you just in case you don't know. This man has been robbing women right and left for months.

Mrs. Walters:

I don't believe it!

Inspector:

This man is the Lone Wolf!

Mrs. Walters:

Jim! Tell him he lies! You're not! You're not!

The Wolf:

But, dear, I am.

Mrs. Walters:

(Stunned) What? (Then bursts out crying) Oh, Jim--Jim! Why did you do these things?

The Wolf:

Just for a kick, dear, that's all. Well, Inspector, I've had a lot of fun. I suppose the newspapers will carry screaming headlines "Lone Wolf trapped at last". Do you know, I'll enjoy reading it. Well, shall we go?

Inspector:

I'll say so. Stand up! Frisk him, Rooney! Here, I'll take his gun. All right, let's go!

The Wolf:

Good-bye dear!

Mrs. Walters:

(Crying) Oh, Jim!

Inspector:

Come on!

The Wolf:

With pleasure!

(Cue: Three taps on gong)

 

Announcer:

And so the curtain falls. This broadcast is brought to you each week at this time by (Sponsor of Program) in coöperation with the Publishers of Startling Detective Adventures Magazine. Why not obtain a copy of the November issue? You will find many other interesting stories with the photographs of the principals in each case, and every case is based on police records. Until next week at this same time we bid you--good night.