What happens
Arnold, a government official known for his brilliance, is deeply in debt and bitter that colleagues have been promoted past him, while his wife Peggy hosts elaborate parties. After a stranger offers him a chance to earn a large sum by helping a foreign contact, Arnold begins to scheme for a sensitive appointment. Government investigator Thompson keeps appearing at key moments, and Arnold grows increasingly anxious that his secret dealings are being watched. Presented on The Whistler, a Signal Oil program, with its original air date of March 25, 1951.
A Washington-area government circle in wartime America, moving through a lavish party at Arnold's home, a nightclub called the Blue Lantern, and a country meeting place.
Characters: Arnold, Peggy, Mr. Thompson, George, John
Listen for: Arnold's shifting nerves when Thompson appears, and the moment Peggy realizes what her husband has done.
Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.