Jim and Helen Crane are driving home through a blizzard on Thunder Mountain after a skiing weekend at a mountain resort. The announcer on the car radio says "We have a special bulletin from the Big Indian Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Ed Ralston has warned all motorists to stay off the roads on Thunder Mountain. Not only because of the blizzard conditions but also because the man sought for the brutal knife murder of the Grant family is believed to be hiding out somewhere on the mountain". Helen says "Jim, please, turn the radio off". After he does, Helen says "Thank you, Mr. Crane". Jim says "You're welcome, Mrs. Crane". Helen says "We don't need to be told again and again that we're in a blizzard on Thunder Mountain. We know we are, thanks to you. I'm sorry". Jim says "Okay, skip it. Maybe it is my fault". After a few seconds, Jim says "You know, I can't see the road. All I can see is snow". Helen says "What's that?" Jim says "What's what?" Helen says "There. Just ahead. Back under the trees. A cabin. We better stop". Jim says "Oh, no. No way. We're just managing to make it up this grade, now. If we stop, we'll never get started again" Helen says "If we keep going, we're sure to get stuck. Those snow drifts out there are getting worse". Jim says "I know". Helen says "We'd be safer in that cabin". Jim says "We could freeze to death". Helen says "Would you please, for once, listen to reason?" Jim says "Okay. Okay. You win. You always do". Jim stops the car, and Helen says "Don't stop here. The cabin's over there". Jim says "If we drive in there, we will get stuck". Helen says "You really are going to have to get new glasses. Can't you see the road to it? There's tire tracks. Snowed over". Jim parks in front of the cabin. They get out and knock on the front door, saying "Hello, Anybody Home?" Helen says "Just open the door and go in". They go inside saying "Hello?". Jim says "There must be someone here. There's a fire still smoldering in the fireplace". Looking around, they find no one. Helen goes into the kitchen, and says "Jim, look! There's blood everywhere!"

Someone is knocking loudly on the back door of the Cafe Tambourine. Rocky says "Go around to the front way. The Tambourine is open". The knocking continues. Rocky says "The front door, I said". The voice outside says "Rocky, let me in". Rocky says "Alright, just cut out the pounding". Rocky opens the door and says "Scrappy Sims!" He says "Please help me". Rocky says "What's the matter with you?" Scrappy says "I can't ...." Rocky says "Let me help you to this couch. Easy does it". Scrappy says "Thanks". Rocky says "Bullet wound, is that what it is? I'll get help, just give me that package". Scrappy says "No, no, no". Rocky says "Easy fellow, you're alright here". Scrappy says "No, the beetle". Rocky says "The what? Help me, Scrappy. What are you trying to say?" Scrappy says "Nobody gets the white beetle". Rocky says "Now, listen to me. Who shot you, and why?" Rocky picks up the phone, calls the Emergency Hospital. and says "There's a man here that is shot up bad. Get an ambulance over here the quickest way you can. I'll explain when you get here". Rocky's next call was meant for Captain Sam Sabaya of the Cairo Police, but he didn't finish dialing. Someone behind Rocky says "Make that call later, Mr. Jordan". Rocky turned and saw her standing there. She was small and olive skinned with dark eyes and wearing a white dress. She had no fear at all, maybe because of the gun held in her hand. She says "Later, I said. Put down the phone". Rocky says "Doesn't anybody use the front door?" She says "I'm not here for pleasure, Mr. Jordan. I'm doing only what is necessary". Rocky says "Like finishing up your job on Scrappy Sims?" She says "You're much too hasty with your conclusions". Rocky says "Just don't touch him lady. I'm telling you, leave him alone". She says "I'm interested only in what he holds in his hand. Get it for me and don't open it". Rocky says "It's all yours". She says "Lay it on the table, and then keep back". Rocky says "Hey, by the way, what good is a white beetle?" She says "No good to you, Mr. Jordan, I assure you".

Johnny receives a call from Ray Connally, an agent from the Continental Insurance Company. Johnny says "Hello, Ray. What's the problem?" Ray says "Problem? No problem at all, actually". Johnny says "Huh?" Ray says "Are you busy tonight, Johnny?" He says "No, no plans at all". Ray says "Well, you see, my wife's out of town for a few days, and Johnny, well, I wonder if you'd have dinner with me tonight". Johnny says "Why, sure, why not?" Ray says "Well, I happen to have a nice thick filet of prime beef in my refrigerator at home. My wife ordered some groceries sent over from Morris Bane's Market before she left. If you like steak, come over to my place at about 6:30. I'll pour you a couple of cocktails before dinner, okay?" Johnny says "Ray, you're sure there isn't something that's bothering you?" Ray says "We'll talk about it later". Johnny says "Yeah, okay". Ray says "Good. I'll see you at 6:30" and hangs up the phone. Johnny thought there was something very funny about Ray Connally's sudden invitation to have dinner with him, much less cocktails. He knew Ray had problems with ulcers, and had listened to him talk about his ulcer-free diet many times. Later, Johnny took a cab to Ray's apartment, On the ride over, Johnny decided that if he did have something bothering him, he'd get around to it. Ray opens the door, and says "Johnny, I'm glad to see you. Come in". Johnny says "How are you, Ray?" He says "Well, you know how it is. What would you like to drink?" Johnny says "Scotch and soda". Ray says "Have it for you in a second". He brings Johnny his drink, and Johnny says "You're not having one?" Ray says "Maybe I'll have a glass of milk. Oh, by the way, how do you like your steak?" Johnny says "Blood rare". Ray says "Okay, I have to have mine very well done. Later, Ray accidently cooks both well done. He says "I'm sorry, Johnny". He says "It's alright, I'll find the makings of a sandwich in the kitchen". After they finished eating, Ray suddenly becomes very sick, and falls to the floor. Johnny calls Ray's doctor, who eventually calls for an ambulance.

Mr. Keen and his partner, Mike Clancy are filing paperwork in the office when the telephone begins to ring. Mike picks up the receiver, and hears a familiar voice on the line saying "Mr. Keen?" Mike says "No, this is his partner, Mike Clancy speaking". The voice says "Mike, this is Jim Ryan". Mike says "Jim, my boy, and how are you?" He says "Fine, Mike. Would you put Mr. Keen on the line, please? It's important". Mike says "Sure, just a second. Mr. Keen? It's Jim Ryan, the police force detective. He says it's important". Keen says "Alright, I'll take it". Mike hands him the receiver. Keen says "Yes, Jim?" He says "I'm calling from a phone booth in the Hotel Metropole. I'm working on a case, and I thought you might be able to help me out". Keen says "I'll do anything I can". Jim says "Do you remember a man named Martin Cook?" Keen says "Martin Cook?" Jim says "He's in the real estate business. He was called as a material witness in an embezzlement case two years ago. If I remember, you had something to do with breaking that case". Keen says "Just a moment, Jim. I'll ask Mike Clancy to check through the files". Jim says "I don't have much time, Mr. Keen. As a matter of fact, I've been trailing Cook for the past three hours and .... ugh!" Keen says "Jim! Jim Ryan!" Barely audible, Jim says "Knife! ... Knife ... " Keen says "Jim!". Mike asks "What's the trouble, boss?" Keen says "We've got to go to the Hotel Metropole, Mike, quickly. Something's happened to Jim Ryan. And I only hope we're not too late". Soon, Mr. Keen and Mike are looking over the public telephone booths at the hotel. Mike says "This first one's empty, Mr. Keen. Let's see if the other one...." Keen says "Mike, help me open this door". He says "Wait, there's someone inside, crumbled up against the wall. Let's see if we can open this phone booth door". They force the door open. Keen says "Mike, it's Jim Ryan. He's dead. He's got a knife in his back". Mike says "Surely he was one of my old friends in the police force. A better man never lived. I'd like to get my hands on the man...." Keen says "Easy, Mike. Let's keep our heads. We've got work to do".

Nick and Delma are walking toward Hogan's Tavern. Delma says "Is that the place? That joint over there?" Nick says "Yeah, Delma. Come on." Delma says "He does a roaring business. There's nobody inside". As they walk in, Nick says "Remember, don't touch the glasses. Let them sit there". Delma says "Yeah, I know". Hogan comes over and says "Howdy, folks. A nice night, huh? A little warm, though". Nick says "That's why we came in". Hogan says "What will it be?" Nick says "Two beers". Hogan says "Coming up". Nick asks Delma "What's the time?" She says "Near 10 o'clock". Nick says "He'll be along soon". Hogan brings over the beer and says "Kramer's batting pretty good this year". Nick says "So far". Delma asks "Who's Kramer?" Nick says "Uh, she don't follow baseball". Hogan says "Hey, you folks are new around here, aren't you?" Nick says "Yeah, but we'll be in from time to time". Hogan says "Good". Nick asks "Uh, do you know Monk Sobee?" Hogan says "Monk, sure. He drops in here every night just about this time. Is he a friend of yours?" Nick says "In a way". Hogan says "Monk's a great guy. He usually gets here by 10 o'clock. Hogan then starts talking about baseball again, and Nick asks "Got anything to eat?" Delma says "Yeah, we're hungry". Hogan says "Well, sure. Anything you want?" Nick says "How about a couple hamburgers? Hogan says "Coming right up". Hogan goes to the backroom and Delma says "I was wondering if you were going to get rid of him". Nick says "Sobee just parked his car across the street. He's coming over now". Delma says "I just hope baseball Joe doesn't come out again and start trouble". Nick says "This won't take long. Turn your head away from the door. Okay, get set". Monk walks in to the tavern and says "Hey, Hogan. Set them up, I'm thirsty". Nick jumps up and fires two shots into him!" Nick says "Come on, Delma!" and they run out of the tavern. Hogan comes from the backroom and says "Hey, what's going on out here? Good Lord. Where's that telephone? Hello, operator. Give me the police quick!"

In the days immediately prior to America's entry into the Second World War, increased FBI surveillance under a presidential directive had so restricted the maneuverability of German agents that they were forced in many cases to employ professional artists of intrigue those whose business it is to spy for monetary profit. Two of these professional spies, on one particular night, were in a small cabin cruiser put out from a private pier near an isolated beach somewhere in the Galveston, Texas area and headed out into the Gulf of Mexico. At the wheel. Richard Fairfield, about 22 years of age, and his mother, Mrs. Fairfield, in her middle forties. About four miles out, Richard says "Mother, we're in luck so far, but what if we should encounter the Coast Patrol?" She says "You have a permit for the boat, haven't you?" Richard says "Yes, but we hardly have a license to carry the kind of cargo we have on board". Mrs. Fairfield says "Let me worry about that, Richard". He says "But suppose they should come aboard for an inspection?" She says "I shall do the talking and no one will come aboard". Richard says "But they just might". Mrs. Fairfield says "Richard, please". He says "Okay". She says "I detest violence of this kind. It is so uncouth". Richard says "Well, there was nothing else to do after he repented and threatened to expose us. If we'd let him get away, the jig would have been up for us". Mrs. Fairfield says "He was a handsome man, wasn't he, Richard?" He says "As I could tell, you thought so". She says "Such a delightful cocktail companion, too". Richard says "Well, getting back to business, Mother, what we learned from him should be worth at least a thousand dollars to the Germans". Mrs. Fairfield says "Nonsense, Richard, two thousand or we shan't have it". He says "Very well. Don't you think this is far enough out?" She says "I should think so". Richard says "Okay then, I'll cut it down and let it drift, while we do the rest". Mrs. Fairfield asks "Can you manage alone?" He says "Yes, I think so. Here goes". A loud splash is heard, and Mrs. Fairfield says "Goodbye old dear, and thanks for the information".

A vacationing carpenter named Roger Kensil enjoyed a brief visit with some friends living near Los Angeles. Early in the morning of September 8th, Roger set out on the highway to drive home. About noon, after seeing a hitchhiker on the road, he pulls his car to a stop. Roger says "Going far?" The hitchhiker says "All the way". Roger says "Well, come on". Hitchhiker says "Thanks, I've been standing there for two hours". Roger says "I don't pick up hitchhikers ordinarily, but it's getting pretty cold, alright". Hitchhiker says "It sure is. The mercury's down to 32 degrees". Roger says "You don't say. Do you live around here?" He says "Just passing through. My name is Olney, Steve Olney". Roger says "Mine's Roger Kensil". Steve asks "You live on the coast, Mr. Kensil?" Roger says "No, I've been visiting friends in Los Angeles. Hey, you mind more company? Up ahead there on the side of the road, that fellow looks like he could use a ride too". Steve says "Hey, he sure does". Roger asks "Think I should stop?" Steve says "Well, it'll be nice of you, Mr. Kensil. It's awful cold out there". Roger says "Why not? We got plenty of room. Maybe later on, we can take turns at the wheel". Steve says "I'm a good driver, if you want me to take it, sir". Roger says "Just open your door for him, will you?. Want a ride?" The second hitchhiker, named Mike, says "You bet I do". Roger says "Hop in. We got plenty of room in the front, mister". Mike says "I'll just get in the back. No need in crowding you". Roger says "Suit yourself. This guy here was hitchhiking too". Steve says "I just got in a mile or so back". Mike says "I guess this is our lucky day, for you and me". Steve says "Looks that way". Roger says "It does?" Steve says "I think so". Mike says "It's good enough for me. What's his name?" Steve says "Kensil". Roger asks "Did you say something to me?" Mike says "No, but I'm going to. Just pull over to the side". Roger says "What?" Steve says "You heard him". Mike says "Grab the wheel, Steve, to make sure". Roger says "Now, just a minute!" Mike says "Relax, mister. This ain't a cap pistol I got here".

Jeff's boss, Anthony J. Lyon, invited him into his office to meet the new client, a young muscular guy of about 27 or 28 years of age. He was dressed in a black cutaway coat, striped trousers, a grey vest, and a silk ascot. Jeff couldn't tell if he came from a wedding or a funeral. Lyon says "Jeffery, come in. I want you to meet our new client, the Earl of Gardener". Jeff says "Hi ya". Lyon says "Our new client has quite a problem". Jeff says "Oh, jolted at the church?" Lyon says "Uh, no, of course not, this is serious, Jeffery. The Earl is a famous wrestler. Surely, you've heard of him". Jeff says "No television set". Lyon says "Well, perhaps I'll let the Earl tell you his own story". The Earl says "Well, I think that would be advisable gentlemen. Last evening, I was engaged in a match with a chap who called himself the Atomic Assassin. It was two out of three falls, a one hour time limit. Naturally, I won. Shortly after the completion of the match, the Atomic Assassin suffered a stomach disorder. I'm not certain of the technical name for it". Jeff says "We can skip that". The Earl says "The Atomic Assassin is no longer with us". Jeff asks "Retired?" The Earl says "He's dead". Jeff says "It was in the papers". The Earl says "The police have discovered poison in the post-mortem, completed only a few hours ago. They suspected me of murder". Jeff says "That part wasn't in the papers". Lyon says "We must help our client, Jeffrey. He's given us a retainer of 100 dollars. You understand, our client is innocent". Jeff says "Oh, sure". Lyon says "Yes, well, go on". The Earl says "The police are annoying me with their insinuations. The state athletic commission is being, well, downright rude. I will not put up with this any longer. Do I make myself clear?" Jeff says "We find out who killed the Atomic Assassin and you sidestep a murder rap". The Earl says "Precisely". Jeff says "What do you know about the other guy, the Assassinated Adam?" The Earl says "Well, he's a crude fellow, ill mannered, with a dubious family background". Jeff says "Just a moment. Stop the vaudeville, Earl. Murder isn't show business. Give me some facts and fast".