The James Forbes Matter

Originally Aired: July 28, 1953Johnny Dollar #173, "The James Forbes Matter," Johnny Dollar receives an assignment from Roger Stern to investigate the death of wealthy textile magnate James Forbes, who apparently fell from a 110-foot cliff during his nightly walk. Lieutenant Parkhill of the Fifth Precinct is treating it as an accident—Forbes was a successful businessman in good health with no apparent reason for suicide, and his wife was home with four servants when he died. However, the substantial half-million dollar insurance policy warrants a closer look.When Dollar visits the Forbes estate to interview the widow, she insists her husband's death was a simple accident and that their marriage was happy. However, after viewing the cliff where Forbes died, butler William approaches Dollar with disturbing information. Despite ten years of loyal service, William has grown suspicious based on several months of odd behavior—particularly affectionate phone calls Mrs. Forbes made to someone other than her husband, extended unexplained absences when Forbes traveled, and a suspicious visit from Mrs. Weatherwax, whom Mrs. Forbes claimed to be visiting. What appeared to be a tragic accident may have a more sinister explanation.