Unknown Broadcast | Five Old-Time Radio Horror Stories of Love, Murder, and Suspense

0:09 My dear, so good to see you again. What's that well? I have been trying to spruce up a bit, even if I'm a bit late for the spring cleaning. Please please have a seat. I've dusted off my favorite chair just for you. The fire is getting plenty hot, the tea is nearly ready. Soon we'll be sipping warm joy as we mainline cold fear. But what could be more warm and inviting yet turns so terrifyingly callous and cold?

0:59 Then well, I almost dare not say, mother. Love, come in. Welcome, I mee g. Marshall, Welcome to the fear you can hear, Welcome to the sounds of suspense, to the terrifying world of your own imagination. And I hope you won't hold it against us if we scare you a little with a tale that really could happen, I suppose. But when you hear the outcome, your hope it never does. Consider the case of Paula Richards, aged twenty four, who put her future in the hands of an old fortune teller and a dealer in the Maca.

2:00 But one thing I must add about our arrangement. Yes, on the birth of the child, I will demand one favor. You must promise to grant. It a favor what. I shall ask it when the child is born. But I can't promise that one. I don't know what it is. It's a very small favor, but it is part of the bargain. And believe me, missus Richards, if you do decide. To bargain with me, I warn you to. Be ready to keep your part of it.

2:43 Our mystery drama Mother Love was written especially for the Mystery Theater by Bob Duran and stars Joan Hackett. It is sponsored in part by Anheuser Busch Incorporated, brewers of Budweiser, and by the Kellogg Company, makers of Kellogg's special k Cereal. I'll return shortly with Act one. Some research experts say you can't taste the difference between beers. Well, if they're right, then Anheuser Busch wastes a barrel of time beechwood aging Budweiser. Only they don't think so. Brewing beer right does make a difference, and they're betting a bundle that you can taste the difference in bud.

3:27 When it comes to brewing Budweiser, the Anheuser Busch choice is to go all the way, because they still care about quality. Look at it this way. If the bud people have a choice between what some experts say and what beer drinkers say, well you'd better believe they'll go with you beer drinkers. Every time when you say Budweiser, you said it all Anheuser Busch, Saint Louis. This is w Bow our New York, your Station four Mystery theater. Hey ma, what's for dinner?

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4:52 Hey, Ma, what's for dinner? Shop right? Has the answer? Offer? Not available in Westchester, Ulster, Orange, Duchess and Columbia counties. A doctor's waiting room is not the most pleasant place to spend the winter morning. And for Paula and George Richards, this morning is a very faithful one. What's taking him so long? Easy, honey? Doctor Morton has other patients, seck patients. Why can't doctor Morton say yes or no? Why does he have to keep us waiting?

5:33 He wanted to see us together in person. I understand how he feels. Sometimes a doctor's word can make or wreck a life. This waiting is making a wreck out of me. I'm going to call mister Jordan. I'll tell him I will be in today. I told him i'd be late, but I'm I'm just no good for work today. I'm sure the doctor won't mind my using his phone. Oh, mister Jordan, I didn't expect you to answer. That fake what's the verdict, Paula? I don't know yet. That's why I'm calling. I'm just I'm too upset to come in Today's it all right? Sure? Sure? I understand the books you can wait another day. No audit till the end of the quarter anyway, Thank you.

6:15 What's the hold up? The doctor's busy. We're next. Carry your Paula. I've got my fingers crossed for you. Thanks, mister Jordan. Goodbye. He didn't mind, did he? No? No he didn't. He said if I wanted. Missus Richards, mister Richards follow that. Oh thank heaven. Will you step inside, please come right in, take those chairs by the disk. Thank you. I'm sorry you had to wait, doctor. I know, Missus Richards, you're anxious about the tests. Oh you have no idea? Easy, I'll come right to the point. I think that's what you want. Yes, please, doctor all right. I can't sweet talk my way through to make it easier for you. The results are negative. I'm sorry, missus Richards, but from my examination, doctor Field's examination and the LAMB tests, you simply cannot ever hope to bear a child.

7:09 George, It's certain and absolutely certain. Yes, it is would artificial know. The trouble lies with missus Richards. She's physically incapable of conceiving a bearing a child. I was I was trying to prepare for this, but sort of hits you right between the eyes. Take me home, George. Please. I hate to leave you alone today, but I have to get to the studio. It's all right to it. You know that I'm I'm not going to love you any. The less, Paula Darling.

7:50 I just wanted to give you a son, so. It's not in our cards. We have each other. That's the main reason we got married, to be together. The baby would have been extra icing on the cake. Don't stop loving me, George, Please, please, George, don't stop loving me. I told you I won't, honey, and I meant it. You'll be okay today. I'll be okay. I won't be singing around the apartment, but I won't be tumping. Out the window either. I hate, like the devil to leave your honey, but I'm due on the air with the new news. I'll be all right. See you at seventh.

8:38 Pallah, Holla, what's the news. I've been dying for your car all morning. Ed. Now, would you have lunch with me today? I know our date isn't until Friday, and I know that it's snowing awful hard, but if. You could it, I'll have lunch. But get me down off the ceiling. What did the doctor say, I'll meet you at the towers one o'clock, of course, paul what happened? Bad news? Yes, bad news. Oh I can imagine how tough it is for you, Paula. No you can't. I'm going to lose George. Did he say that? No, just the opposite.

9:19 But I know I have a feeling now, Paula, Honey, don't start planning your own downfall. I'm afraid it's all planned. It's all on the cards. In the cards, yes, you know, it's just an expression. Well, honey, I don't know whether I should suggest this. What well, you're just mentioning cards. It seems sort of frivolous at a time like this. But well, there's a woman down in the east village. She tells fortunes, you know, with cards. And tea leaves. What could you do for me? Tell me what I already know? Well, this woman especially isis and herbs. She calls herself mother, love, mother Love. Well, now, mind you, I'm just suggesting, but.

10:11 Maybe, just maybe. This woman could help you. How sometimes these old clones can read things in the future. Maybe a baby isn't the cards for you. After the doctor said that the justing idea. Well, how do you how do you. Know this mother Love? Oh? Quite by accident about six. Months ago, Henry, And well maybe it was ed I. Anyway, it was the current one. At the time, we were bar hopping in the village when we came on this fantastic storefront. The window was painted green and purple with red curtains, and it said. Mother Love in orange letters. Fortunes told secret herb remedies. Seemed like a love So we went in and all I remember from then on was mumbling and sense and being told one I'd never marry, two that I was too sickle and flighty, and three that my mother had had a word on the right side blind, that the old crone wasn't right about that too, Edna.

11:15 But I did that a fortune teller spell can help me have a baby is just nonsense. Looking at it in the cold light of day, You're right, it's just the thought. Ooh, something to say, I guess. Oh, honestly, Paul, I feel so uncomfortable. I mean, what what do you say to someone in your predicament? Hello, Edna? Oh, hi Paula. Edna. Look, last month you mentioned a woman in the village she worked with herbs. Oh, mother in. Love, Paula, You don't mean you've been thinking serious about that?

12:01 Not until now, not really, But I'd look. I'd like to know how to find her. Why I seem to remember it was on eighth Street. Oh no, it was nine yeah, nine yeah? First, Well that's about all I'm sure. Of ninth near first. I wasn't really being serious that I can't do any harm. Right now, I'm ready to grab at any straws. When are you going Saturday? Have you told George? No? He'd be furious. Do you want me to come with? You would too, I'd feel a lot better. No faults, Let's not go too far. What does that mean? Well, we all laugh at fortune telling and spills and bruce, but sometimes when we want to believe, well, things happen.

12:47 I'm going to this mother love because I I want something to happen. Maybe she can't do anything to help me have the baby, but I'm going to try. Look, it was all your idea, isn't it. I think it's at the end of this block. What a neighborhood? Mmm? Makes my skin crawls. That's it. I see what you mean about those red curtains and orange letters. It looks like a Coney Island transplant that failed. Mother love Fortune's tall secret herb remedy as well, Mother. Love Here I come, good heavens. I never expected anything like this.

13:38 It's not what I remember. But then i'd been bar. Hopping this rock. It must be worth a fortune. Look at the paintings. There's too much incense, though, Ah, Mother has company. Good morning, ladies. Come in. How can mother serve you your fortunes? Perhaps maybe an ailment? Well I would, I'd like to talk to you. It will cost you. Mother's time is expensive. I'll pay both of you.

14:23 No, I'm just along for the ride. Come then we'll go into my studio. Did not copy here? This way, my dear, through the curtains. It's a little dark, but I like it that way. Mother? Is that you? Mother? Of course? Claude? Mother is that you? Don't be alarmed. He's harmless. He's my son. What's the matter with you? He's blind and feeble minded? Oh, I'm so sorry. Come sit down at the table. What will it be hard? Tea leaves, crystal ball?

15:06 No, I'm more interested in at herbs. I think, what is it you want? I want to have a baby. I was told that you might be able to help. Who told you I can do things like that? A friend? That one out there? No? No, no, someone else there? Is that? Your yes, Claude, Everything's all right. I tell fortunes. I give herbs for minor complaints. I do not deal in that sort of thing. Is there a herb that might help me? Of course, not not without a spell.

15:47 Forget it. I've said too much already. My the love. I want desperately to have a child. The doctor says that I can't. The problem is my fault. I'll try anything, even if spell is necessary. It would be expensive. I don't care. There may be a way to help you have a normal baby with your own husband. Is that all I want? It will cost you one thousand dollars I have had, plus another five thousand when you have conceived. Five thousand. I said it would be expensive, and I guarantee nothing with these things. We can only try.

16:29 Will you tell me one thing? Perhaps, perhaps not? Have you ever done this or this sort of thing before? I cannot answer that. Quite a gamble for PAULA six thousand dollars and no guarantee A long shot. If there ever was one. Will she take the gamble? Is she desperate enough? We'll soon see. I'll be back shortly with that too. And now another jail. I love the ball Unchain. All special tape prevents overweight on an overnight drink.

17:13 Is this he taking? Please sit down. You have exceptional legs, Bob, But why is one of them attached to a ball and chain? It's fallen chain. It's a symbol, Honey, I would have sworn it was a ball and chain. I mean barbic. It's trying around if you extra barn, can you just not lugging around it? Fall and chain? I see? May I suggest something? You try A bowl of Special Chase skim milk, orange. Juice and coffee. It's the Special Care breakfast for it making lose rain. No, you must also. Exercise, and he's smart it every year. I see you know the Special Care Breakfast. It's less than two hundred and forty calories, ninety nine percent flat free and delicious. Now, but if you hum up, you. Buy the mos Another tail. I love the ball Unchain.

17:55 Your happy ending could begin with the Killogg's Special Care Breakfast. Still on special. Gap good. This is w b R New York, your mystery theater station. No matter what your saving for, that's what Suburban Savings. Suburban Savings offers you a regular savings account with flexibility. You can add any amount of your account whenever you wish, withdrawal whenever you want. Suburban Savings pays a five point twenty five percent annual interest rate on regular savings paid quarterly, which earns an annual effective yield of five point forty seven percent. Interest is compounded continuously from day of deposit the day of withdrawal, as long as fifty dollars is maintained in the account to the end of the quarter.

18:52 Come into Suburban Savings and open an account with flexibility, our regular savings account in New Jersey at their own Hedgewater, Elmwood Park, Emerson, Hackettstown, Morris Plains, Nutley, Paramus, and Sparta. Welcome again to the studio of Mother Love in a dingy part of New York City, a strange and eerie place where strange things are said to happen. Let's see if they do. As Paula Richards considers a bargain a bargain for a baby.

19:36 I'll have to think this over right, admit that I am desperate, but I'll just have to think about it. It's for you to decide, of course, Mother, who's there? Who is that? Hush, hush, Claude. I'll be with you in a moment. I'm sorry, he's very ill. Thank you. Anyway, I'll be in touch with you if I decide. You, I'll be in touch. Yes, Claude, what's the matter? Now? Other's here? Father is always here. Well, I got you'd never come out.

20:17 What happened? Let's get out of here. She really said that? Well, she said she doesn't guarantee anything. Father, Now listen to me. Forget it. She's a fraud and you know it. Well, you can't throw away six thousand dollars on a phony fortune. Tell if she could? Possibly? You have to tell Georgie about the heavens? No, no, no, no, he'd think he'd think. I was completely crazy. You know, I'm sorry I ever brought this up. Don't be innorant. Look, I won't lose my head. Well, now, where would you get the money anyway? Without telling Joy? Well, I have a thousand dollars and a person without it.

20:58 It's all that's left of my father's and her. I'll worry about the rest. Lad a mother has company. Hi you, I. Had the thousand. I want to try, come in. Come in this way. I thought you'd be back. Mother, Love nos, Mother, love you. You will have the money. Here in cash. I need it for Claude. He needs medicine so badly. Ooh, Gord costs me so much. Are you sure you want a child?

21:44 I want a baby. Get on with whatever you have to do. Yes, of course. Excuse me. I have to get some things. I had them already. I knew you would be back now. First of all, this talisman, you must wear it around your waist. This package contains herbs, a special combination to relax you. That's the secret to relax. Half a teaspoon and a cup of boiling water once a day in the morning is best. That's all for now. But one thing I must add about our arrangement. Yes, on the birth of the child, I will ask you one favor.

22:34 You must promise to grant it a favor. But what I shall ask it when the child is born. But I can't promise that one. I don't know what it is. It's a very small favor. Don't worry. But it's part of the bargain very well. It's a long way off. Yes, it is. Take the talisman and the herbs, and don't be alarmed if certain unusual things happen in the next few weeks. Unusual things, what kind of things. You'll understand, you'll recognize them. They will mean things are working. Have you told your husband about this?

23:15 No? Good, good, tell no one, no one. Now. The last thing I must have is your name, Paula. Richards, your husband do a rickets, go now and beware. I'll be in touch with you. Yes, five thousand. Remember when you conceive. Mother? Oh there, Lord, mother's here now only mother, See Claude, A thousand dollars.

23:58 From the nice lady, lady who's going to help us. You're going to get better, Claude, she won't be sick anymore. The lady is going to help us. It isn't that nice, Claude. Well, I m honey for your thoughts. Oh, I wasn't thinking of anything. Really, you've been like that a lot lately, distant. I'm surprised you noticed, But honey, I know I. Haven't been a lily to live with either. I mean, we we've let our problem. Be too important.

24:40 We're both disappointed, but we can't change the situation. I mean, we have to adjust to it. Sorry, if I've been a pill, if I've done anything to make you so so edgy, that's your word? Is that how you feel? I guess let's go to the show tonight. We haven't been out in weeks. I like that, Paul, I'd really like that. I've had a lot on my mind, and you're right, I have been thinking about myself too much. I see what I can get tickets for. Look at the time, I've got a shower and run. Hey, will you look at that? What is it? It's a bird at the window?

25:21 I think I think it's a crow. No, crows are bigger blackbird. I no, I don't know. I thought they are once south for the winter. It looks awfully cold. Well, don't invite it in. They know how to take care of themselves. I see it tonight, honey by George. I caught at the office about the tickets for tonight. Okay, shoo, go away, shoe, Well, a few crumbs. Then I've got to get to work. You looks so cold.

26:02 Now here, here's some bread. Get get out. Yeah, what am I gonna do? You know? The whole la, Get out, get out? Lord? What? Oh? What am I gonna get out? Shoot? Go go away? Hello, Missus Jensen? Is mister Jensen there? This is Missus Richardson three A. No, no, no, it's not about the heat. It's about a bird my apartment. I can't get it out. Well I thought that, mister Jensen. Oh no, I've got to get to work, all right, Ali, he can get in with the pasky. Maybe the bird will just fly out. I'll leave the window open a little. Yes, he's all right, Thank you, boy, stop following.

26:45 Me, get out? Okay? What am I going to get you? You wanted to see me, mister Jordan, Yes. They said, down, Paula, how are you feeling? Why? Why? I know you've had a personal disappointment, You've been under a strain. You don't have to say it, mister Jordan. I know that my work has just been rotten lately, and I'm just all on edge. And today there's a bird in my apartment. A bird talked on the window this morning and stupidly open the window and gave it some chrumbs. What kind of bird? I don't know. It's black and shiny, not too big.

27:26 I asked the superintendent to get it out. It's so unnerving. Well, I can imagine. I'm sorry about the work, mister Jordan. I know I've been letting you down. No, I'm sure it's just a passing thing. Your work has always been tops, Paula. But the books are important, and with the auditors coming in next month, well, everything just has to. Be in order. I know, mister Jordan, and i'll I promise, I'll straighten up. Yes, yes, he's here. It's a call for you. Oh, it must be George about tonight. Hello, Missus Richards. You know who this is? Yes, I know.

28:07 Tell me, Missus Richards. Has the visitor arrived yet? The visitor you'll know. You'll know when the visitor arrives. You don't mean the bird. Good? Good, he has arrived. It's working. Yes, it's working, Missus Richards. Don't neglect the key now. Whatever you do, take care of the visitor is most important. I've been in touch with you again very soon. Oh well, is it is it trouble you're why is a ghost? No? No, no, trouble.

28:49 Is I don't know who you mentioned? The bird? Is that it? Oh? Yes, yes, yes, Uh, the superintendent got it out. Oh good, good, then there's nothing to work you about it. Hey, I come home. Bo, don't touch it to just let it God, how did it get here? I let it in by accident. It won't leave you. No, no, no, no no, George, don't don't don't go. Near it, Paula. We are not gonna live with that in the house. It has a broken leg. I was thinking of getting.

29:32 A cage for it. You can't cage a wild bird. And I'm not gonna sit around with one beady eye staring at me like that. George, don't touch it. Please just just go along with me. Oh, paul how pet is one thing, but. This I have to take care of it. Why? Why a wild bird? You know? I can't stand away. It stares at me. It stares at me too. We'll just get used to it. Ex gives me the woolies. Look at dinner. You have to be back at the studio at nine, don't you. Yeah. I'm sorry about our theory day, but with Peach's wife in the delivery room, I've got to cover the evening news. Of course, Peach shouldn't be anywhere else when the baby is born. Do what French fries or boiled potatoes.

30:16 Whatever's fastest. Oh, you find a harm, Madia. Well, I'm not in favor of it. But it looks like you're part of your family. Paula, come in, Come in. I haven't seen you since your father's funeral, almost three years. It was nice of you to see me, mister Martin, and why wouldn't I. I'm only sorry I wasn't more attentive to you after your father passed away. Fred and I were good friends. I've missed him, Thank you, so have I. I I'm here to ask a favor, of course, Paula.

30:58 Mister Martin, would you lend me five thousand dollars? New questions asked? Five thousand irah. Are you in some kind of trouble paul no questions. Yes, course you wouldn't ask me if you didn't need it badly. I will, Paula, I don't have that much on hand. Suppose I send you a check. Thank you, Thank you so much. I don't need it immediately. Anytime in the next few weeks will just be fun. You'll have it in a few days. I promise you. I will pay you back. I'm not worried about that.

31:42 Hello, missus Richards. Oh, yes, it's you. Things are ready. You'll be needing the five thousand very soon. I've arranged that. Good good. How is the visitor still there? It must be there. It is good, good. Five thousand dollars. God for the lady will give us five thousand dollars. Mother, you'll be going to get better. Claude, you'll be able to see again. Your legs won't hurt our mothers to leave you for a while. But don't worry, Claude, we'll be together soon. With five thousand dollars, everything will be all right.

32:39 I promise you. Everything will be all right for mother, love and Claude, and presumably Paula. But when we tamper with the unknown, the results can be very unexpected. I'll return shortly with AG three. I'm High Brown, producer of radio mystery theater. In recent weeks, I've invited listeners to enter a weekly prize drawing and to send along comments about our program. If you wished, well, you. Leave me just about speechless except to say thank you, thank you for the fantastic response. Thousands upon thousands of letters, and they're still pouring in. But although we couldn't feel more gratified. There is a problem. In addition to your kind words, many of you ask questions, and the volume of mail is so great that we can't get around to sifting through it for many weeks. But now that the drawing is over, if you have a specific question, please try us again and we ll aim for a quick reply. Address Mystery Theater Box five to one, five to two, Radio City Station, New.

33:53 York one one nine. Mystery Theater Box five to one, five to two, Radio City Station, New York one one nine. This is w BO or New York seven to ten on your dial, your Mystery theater Station. John Wingate with a reminder tonight at ten o'clock the Wingingate News Digest, and question you planning to drive this weekend? Great New England, forget it, the Poconos, watch out upstate Westchester, Rockland, You're in trouble there too. A spokesman for the Auto Club of New York will tell you it's going to be a dry weekend coming up, and he also lets you know how he feels about the gas shortage. It's short, he says, but why he doesn't know? Then a special our White House correspondent, Clipper Evans analyzing Richard Nixon speech at nine o'clock tonight. Mister Evans on with me at ten o'clock later, deafness. What are the early warning signs that you, at whatever age, may be going deaf? We'll find out from a tough expert on hearing he himself has the problem in those tonight ten o'clock, John N.

35:05 Gate w R. Let's return now to the plight of Paula and George Richards. You'll remember that mother Love told Claude everything would be all right. But things are not quite so right for George. In fact, things for George are getting downright impossible. Paula, I am not going to bed another night with the bird on the dresser. It's been there every night for two weeks. It does a sleep. You've got to admit he hasn't been any trouble. I still don't like the look in his eye, the way it hobbles with that broken leg.

35:48 It's I mean, it's gro test. Turn out the light, George, you won't see it then. Oh boy, I never thought I'd be sharing my bedroom with a bird bird Good night time, Tomire. That thing I don't know. It never acted that way before. Keeps that up, I'm gonna shoot it. Good night, George. Yeah, poor. Paula hollow? What is poor? I'm not going to get the light. I'll called doctor Morton.

36:33 The bird takes the pool. I'm concerned about you. What time is it? It's four thirty. I'm calling doctor Morton, not you. It might be a pandici. No, no, no, I'm gonna kill that bird and it doesn't shut up. I'll be all right. I'll be all right. I'll see God. I'll see doctor Morton. In the. George. Yes, honey, what time is it? Seven o'clock? I fell asleep after the pain seemed to stop.

37:18 Oh, the pain so much better now. Well, we're going to see doctor Morton just as. Soon as you feel well enough to get up. No, I'll be all right. I'll just stay home. I don't want to see doctor Morton today. Wally, you can't let it go. It might be something serious. I promise I'll see him when when it is necessary. I just I want to stay in bed today. I'm going to call him and tell him about it after I make us some coffee. All right, I'm good. Wash. I call mister Jordan also. I tell him that you won't be in today. He isn't going to like that fall. What come in here?

37:58 What's the matter? So I didn't do it, Paul. I know I threatened to, but I swear I didn't. I never gave the bird another thought after that painage. I never touched it. Oh, George, it's all crumpled up. It's dad, Paul. The bird is dead. How long ago was this a take. A little over a month ago? Dr Morton? Why didn't you see me right away? Well? I wanted to be sure. Well, Paula, there are some preliminary signs similar to pregnancy. That's what I thought. I knew it would be.

38:39 Don't get your hopes up yet, Paula. I told you about the impossibility of yours. I know, I know, but I think it. And I said, these symptoms are similar to pregnancy. They could be caused by something else. I'd like to run a few more tists, all. Right, anything that you say. But this time they're going to be positive. I know, Doctor Morton. I just know woman knows when life has started within her. Hello, missus Richards, I thought i'd be seeing. You by now. Oh yes, well the doctor hasn't confirmed it yet, but I thought.

39:19 We know, don't we? Yes, the second part of our bargain is due, Missus Richards, five thousand dollars, and after what we've already been through, I think you know I mean what I say. Yes, I do. Good good, I'll be expecting you, Missus Richards. I promise I'll keep my end of the bargain. I told you I arranged for the money. It just hasn't come in yet. I'll check on it today. Good good. I'll be seeing you soon. Then, Yes, I promise. I hope, so, I hope, so, Missus Richards, you know what I can do?

40:02 Hello? Hello? May I speak to mister Martin? Please? No, no, mister Martin? Yeah? What? Good? God? When? Well? He can't be? Did he just can't be? Did you? Well? Listen? Do you know if he said, oh no, you wouldn't know that. What am I going to do? Did? No? No? No? I don't want to speak to anyone else. I expected you sooner. I'm sorry I had to turn to another sauce for the money. It doesn't matter. You're here with it now.

40:45 It's all there. Good's good. We're almost even then, eh. I hope. So you don't sound grateful, missus Richards. You wanted a. Child and you are pregnant. You should be grateful. I have lost my son. I'm so sorry Floyd is dead, but he was so ill. Perhaps it's better. Part of this will pay for the funeral. The rest is for the future. I really must go now, of course. Go and good fortune. You won't need the amulet any more.

41:29 Save it as a souvenir, and I'll be seeing you when the baby is born. Paula. George, sit down. Well, I'm sure glad. Paula has finally decided to have you check on those stomach pains doctor Morden. When I examined her last week. Last week, I didn't tell you, George. I wanted to be sure first, sure why I can't have a baby. What that's right, George. I wanted to see you both about the results the tests. It's almost impossible for me to believe, but it's conclusive.

42:09 Paula is pregnant. I wanted it so much for you, George. What you said that Paula could never conceive or bear a child. I did, But Paula proved us wronged me. Many things happened to prove us wrong. Now and then you're happy George happy. Oh, Paula, Now I know why you've been so irritable and distant. Yeah, I feel like I'm getting my wife back, along with a baby. But I want to see you every two weeks. We usually make it a monthly visit, but you're an unusual. Case, a very wonderful case. I wish you both much happiness. You wanted to see me, mister Jordan, Yes, yes, Paula, how are you feeling?

42:55 I think full is the word. When it's the big day, the. End of August. It's only three months. I'm going to spend it uncomfortable summer. It looks that way. I don't know any way of saying this, Paula, other than just getting right out with it. You know we were audited last month at the end of the quarter. Yes, the order is found a shortage of five thousand dollars. I'll have to have an explanation. Yes, I suppose you will. Now I know there must be a reason, Paula. You've worked for me for five years, never a mistake. I'm going to tell you the truth. I just hope that you can believe it.

43:36 Why shouldn't that. I simply couldn't get the money anywhere. I haven't told George, but we'll pay it back. Look, I promise you. I hope so, but I'll go along with that. Thank you, mister Jordan. Right now, the baby's the important thing. George, it's time, I know it. I'll get doctor Morton, I'll get the suitcase. Congratulations, everything's all right, Paula. Paula is fine. Boy or girl.

44:17 Only the mother I can tell you that. Go on in Paula. Honey, George, isn't it beautiful? I've already named him George Junior. I hope you don't mind mind. Oh no, honey, honey, honey, boy champagne. Silly question. A toast to the godmother. Oh you too. You know you're going to make a grown woman cry. To Edna and to little George. Oh, I'm so happy for both of you. And you don't know how relieved I am. Relieve. Oh Oh, what I mean is I think that Edna means that she's released, doesn't have to listen to my troubles at lunch anymore. From now on, everything's roses.

45:05 I'll get it. Hello, Yes, it's for you, honey. Hello, Hello missus Richards, Congratulations on your new son. Thank you it's time now for the favor, the last part of our bargain. Yes, I suppose it is good. Good. I'll see you here in my studio. Tomorrow with the baby, just to see him, that's all, just to see him. All right, good, good.

45:54 Come in, Come in. I I don't want to seem rude. I'd glad to get this over with just as quickly as possible. Come let me hold him. Ah, here we are. A fine help me boy, aren't you, Claude, such a fine strong legs? Now they don't hurt anymore, do they? Clawd give me that the baby. Mother told you everything would be all right. Claude.

46:37 Yes, Claude, God Mother told you that you'd be away for a little while. But now we're together again, and you won't be sick anymore. You'll have a fine new body now, and we'll take better care of it than we did with the last one. Mother will see to that, Claude. Mother will see to it.

47:18 So little George or little Claude, whichever you prefer, seems to have more than his share of mothers. Perhaps Paula and Mother Love will share the raising of the child. But whatever they do, I hope that. You if you're ever tempted to deal in spells, will remember some age old advice and follow it. Paviot Emptor let the buyer beware. I'll be back shortly and now. With another story of mystery. Aandon Trigue. Here is Commander Nevill Putney to keep you in anxiety. What's this story about, Commander. Well, it concerns a middle aged business executive named Fremont, With it and Go. After spending his entire career with the same firm, returned home one evening with his dreams suddenly shattered.

48:07 Is that you, Fremont? It's me Erica Fremont. You look so peaked. Erica, I've been fired that new plant manager. He's been trying to cut me out, and today he succeeded. Well, you don't need to give me that hang dog look, just go out and get another job. I'm through, Eric, I'm fifty eight years old. Nobody'll hire me for half the salary I've been making. My only hope is to kill the plant manager. Fremont. I hate rough stuff, but if you've decided, ross goes upstairs in the trunk, you load it and I'll walk up to get away car. Young man. I'll love that for a story. Now I was a dilly commander, but you just can't leave us this way. How did it all come out? I'm's up for now, but tunin bothered ray on WR three fifteen to seven, and maybe you'll find out. This is w BAR in New York. You're a mystery tinter station.

48:50 Good evening everyone. This is Patricia McCann. Welcome back to the New York Times, Craig Claibourne, and to the McCann program tomorrow morning at eleven fifteen. IM right here on WR. AH sweet Mystery, Magic, mysticism. These are the ingredients we mix well, chill and serve nightly on Radio Mystery Theater. Come and enjoy our hospitality again when malice heads the menu and menace is our need. Our cast included Joan Hackett, Bennette Carroll, Mason, Adams, Leon Janney, E. V. Chester and Roger to Coven. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown.

49:47 This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our Mystery Theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, Pleasant dreams. Wam.

50:45 My dear you seem at home? Good good all I want to do is make sure you feel as welcome as the joy your company brings me. Now, please let me freshen up that hot tea for you. The night is so very cold, even as it's so hot during the day. Now, now the temperature is quite high. You can blow on it to cool it, and I won't believe you are the weakling.

51:27 Wait a minute, have you heard the strange tales of the Whistler. I'm the whistler. I may be the district Attorney, but if my son is guilty, he can pay the penalty like anyone else. Secute him, then, Blake, I'll start on you Sunday night and again CBS presents of Westler.

52:16 I the Whistler know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales, many secrets hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. And so I tell you tonight the unusual story of the Weekling. Young Clyde Banning, son of District Attorney Banning, steps out of a nightclub following a gay New Year's Eve party. An expensive limousine pulls up to the curb and Clyde gets in. Clyde has done some careless driving lately had his driver's license revoked, and is now forced to be driven about by Rawlins, the family chauffeur. All right too, now, mister Benning, let's go home, Rawlings, not yet, Clyde, what.

52:58 Are you doing in here? I thought you were still the club. I didn't think you even knew I was there. I saw you a couple of times. Why have you been avoiding me? Clyde? You know how it hurts me. What's happened? No, I won't go I won't be brushed off like this without an explanation. You know how much I love you, Clyde. I can't go on like this any longer. This is no time to make a scene. Clyde. You know you love me. Let's get married right now tonight. Please. Let's not talk about it now. I will talk about it now. Rolet's pull up. Please. I won't get out, Clide, I won't. I'll drive Rollins. You can take a camp home. You'll drive, but lit go on Rollins. I'll take miss Blake. Come, don't take me home. I've got to talk to you.

53:39 Please drive down to the Ocean Highway. All right, all right? Cut out the melowdrammer. Why have you changed so, Clyde? Why can't we get married? You know as well as I My father is district attorney and he's out to crack that grass situation wide open. He knows who the big boss in the. Racket is and he's going to get his scalp send. Him to the pan. But what there to do with us? You know that Jim Blake is the big boss, your own father. We have our own lives to live. If I married you, Dad had throw me out of my ear that we could get along.

54:20 How your father would have a dime when this is over. Besides Dad is up for re election. How would it looked DA's son marries convict's daughter. I thought you really loved me, but. I've always liked you Ellen, But it just won't work. It isn't fair to Dad. Then you don't want to marry me. I've told you how I feel about it. A ridiculous fool I've been. I don't stop that hysterical. I've hoped, against hope that you weren't trying to get rid of me, But. Now I know you're a low, stiless jellyfish. You didn't love me. You could not shove him. I won't stop. I wish everyone could hear me. Couldn't know what a despicable run?

55:01 Helen good war? Ellen Ellen? What her fate? Ellen? Ellen Darley. Better get a doctor. Maybe she shouldn't move her. That's get help, Yes, Clyde, better get help. They're just ahead the low lights of the service station. Hurry, Clyde. Maybe she's still alive. What's the trouble, Clyde, you're slowing down?

55:46 Oh they might think I did it. I think I pushed her out. She's dead, she must be. No one knows. Better. Drive on. You past it now, Clyde, you've really fixed things. Now you should have stopped. Clyde's sphere increases with every mile. He slips the car into the garage and hurries quietly. To his room. But he doesn't sleep, not a wink. His head throbs, and with every thump of his heart, Ellen's words ring in his ears. Hidless jellyfish, low spinalss jells. I didn't be PLEA.

56:41 District attorney Banning sits at breakfast with his attractive wife, Marsha. Marsha is Clyde's stepmother. The district attorney scans his morning paper as Clyde pale and worn slips into his place at the table. Hm. When you think of that, what is it? Henry? Jim Blake's daughter was found I'm dead on the Ocean Highway. Earlier this morning they found on the Ocean Highway. Good morning, son, there you been well. I guess I overslept. Much as though you hadn't slept at all. I have a big evening, too much champagne. No, no, see that's terrible about Blake's daughter. What happened to him? I think she was thrown out of a car, probably some enemy of Blake's.

57:22 I dare say he has plenty thrown out? Does it say that? Yes? And I'd better go down to the office. And maybe she jumped out, Not likely, venture to say she was pushed out? All right, Why don't you have some coffee, Clyde, help that hangover? I haven't got a hangover. The name Heaven's wrong with you? Better take some aspirin, Son, go back to bed. You're going to the office today. It's New Year's Day. Never go down there on a holiday. Going down for an hour or so little upset your plans, Manny. Chance, I haven't got any plans. And what's bothering you. Something's wrong with you, something's wrong with me, and nothing's bought the moment. Who are you shouting? I'm not shouting at think you'd better go went back to your room, go to bed. You're a bit too unpleasant to suit me. I'm sorry, sorry, Marsha. All right, Darling, I'll feel all right.

58:07 After a while because I did have too much Champagne. Never seen Clyde like this, He've only. Been around me. Yeah, Martian, he's a moodie type, has spells, but he's a good boy. You learn all his little question time. Yeah, I'll run along, Darling, be back in an hour. So I beg your pardners to Clyde. Eh? What is it? Thompson rawlins the chauffeur. I would like to see you, sir. Oh yeah, all right, send him in. You see your Rollins? What do you want? Rolin? I have a little talk with your client? Eh, what's on your mind?

58:50 Where did you go last night after you dismissed me? What business is that of yours? I just thought i'd ask him getting around two thirty? Didn't your client part of it? But maybe you knew what happened to Ellen Blake. I took her home. What happened after that? I don't know. She kind of put the pressure on you, didn't she What do you mean I heard her, heard every word you both said. She said she was determined to get married. Why, well, it wouldn't be so good for you if I was to tell about her last night. Oh oh, you made a big mistake when you let me out of that car. You let me drive her home? Why you might not be in this Jack who said I was in a jat? I say, so, what did you do? Tell what you know? That doesn't prove anything?

59:32 Oh I got better proof than that. Why Elen Blake's handbag I found in the car this morning. Here it is her initials on it, some personal effects inside. Yeah. Now, I'm the only one who knows about all this. If I talk, you certainly get a ropeer on your neck. I didn't kill her she jumped off. Can you prove that? Well? If I tell about the argument establish a time, you wouldn't have a chance. I didn't kill a right Chad, as I try and convincing a jury on that. Oh yeah, but you know I don't have to say a word about it, Clyde, Why should you it all depends on you. What do you want?

1:00:12 Oh, I could use little money? How much two or three thousand dollars? Where would I get that much? To get nice allowance every month? You're a dirty rat rawlins. I didn't like your looks, and you came here three weeks ago. I thought you would looked like a crook. I'll have you five. I don't think you will. You can't afford to do I get the handbag until you pay off in full. Suppose I tell you to go to the debt. And you'll be in Chaire within an hour. I mean business. Okay, okay, I'll pay as much as I can each month. I don't want to wait too long. I'll try to get as soon as possible. I want that handbag. You'll get a kid when I get to three thousand.

1:01:02 Good afternoon, madam. What do you mean coming into my room without knocking? And how is madame today? Who do you want? I wonder? Wish you a happy new year? What of all the nerve you get out of here? John, don't get excited. I thought you might like to talk to me. What do you mean I've got a little information that might be of interest to you? Information? What are you talking about I'm. Talking about Clyde? What about him? And I was just wondering what would happen if your husband had to prosecute his own son for the murder and the daughter of the man he's out to break? Are you crazy? What do you mean? Clyde murdered Ellen Blake? Threw her out of the curve.

1:01:44 What How do you know that she was in love with Clyde. He was trying to shake her. I drove him away from the nightclub last evening. They had a very serious argument and then he let me out and drove. The car himself. That doesn't mean anything. Ellen Blake was killed about one am. Clyde came in about two good Heavens this morning. I found his handbag in the cards Elan Blake's. If I were to tell what I know about it and produce his handbag, Clyde would have a rope placed around his neck by his own father. I doubt very much that DA would ever be re elected. How could Clyde do such a thing? Lost his head? She was pretty insistent.

1:02:25 But you don't have to say anything about this boy. I wouldn't have to. This came out. Henry would be ruined. That's just what I mean. You wouldn't want that to happen, would you. No? And it's all up to you, up to me. Yes, if I cover up a murder, it might affect my conscience. I might worry a lot, but my conscience might be said, what do you want? Hall had ought to be worth about three thousand dollars to. Be Why that's ridiculous. I have no such amount and get it. How could I explain what I wanted with three thousand dollars? That's your worry, not mine. Baby. Do you know what they can do to you for blackmails? This isn't blackmail, honey. Oh, I'm not threatening to divorce someone's past. It's bigger than that. As a matter of fact, you're going to bribe me to withhold a piece of important evidence.

1:03:16 So you see, I hold the aces. Get out of here, Get out, okay. But I know somebody was a lot of dough and I just as soon turned the information over to Blake as anyone else. I just wanted to give you a break. How about this, to have embraced it? Oh yeah, that'll help, but it'll be hard to get rid of. I'd rather have cash, all right. I'll give you these diamonds and you can hold them until guy get the cash. Fair enough, hand them over. Thanks. You know, I thought i'd well, but you'd see things in the right way. Goodbye, honey, Get out of here, you rotten a thief.

1:03:57 Oh listen to it. As the days pass, Clyde and Marsha are both turning over every cent they can get hold of to Rawlins. But the going is difficult and. Rollins becomes more insistent, and one day Clyde gets a message to visit the big Boss, Jim Blake, Ellen's father. I was told you want to see me, mister Blay. Yeah, sit down, kid, think everything working out all right? What do you mean you look a little worried kid. I thought maybe something is disturbing your sleep. Oh well, I've been having headaches.

1:04:37 I thinks my eyes been seeing things. Have you in the dark? No, I haven't been seeing things. I don't know what you're getting at. Nothing's bothering me. Just when was it that you started meeting my daughter Ellen? I don't know what you mean quickly and I found out about it today? Who told you such a thing? Does your father know about you? And Ellen? Be not ill? Look here. You think you can stop fathering this investigation by trying to frame something on me. You're crazy. You can't get away with it. I'll spill the whole thing. Well, yes I will. You're a crook, and my father gets through with you, you'll be behind the. Bars for the rest of your life. When I'm put behind bars, kids, you'll be dangling. From the end of a room.

1:05:18 What are you trying to accuse me of the murder of my daughter? But I didn't kill could you prove? Then there's no proof that I did. I've got a witness, kid, and he's ready to talk when I say the word witness. That's ridiculous. Why should I want to kill Ellen because she was in love with you and you wanted to shake her because you were afraid your father would kick if you married her. Your father's out to get me, and I'm determined to beat him to the draw. I didn't kill right. Ellen left that night club with your car New Year's Eve. You had an argument she wanted to get married. When she got too insistent, you dismissed the show for her and drove the car yourself and out on the Ocean Highway. You threw her out on the rocks. I didn't. I didn't just stop. Did you look at her, her face mangled of a pulp, her body broken to bits. On those rocks. You didn't do it, I swear I didn't. I've got a witness to the argument at the time. Element.

1:06:01 You can't scare me. I just talked to Rowlins, just your for He knows what time you got in, and he found Ellen's purse in the car. I don't believe it. The purse. Rawlins has it. He'll produce it when you get the trial, and your own father will have to prosecute you. Oh, I'll enjoy that too. Bad about that purse. Kid. If you'd found the person Rawlins didn't know what he knows, you might have gotten away with it. But you just stuck now, stuck with Rawlins and the purse, and your own father will have to tie the rope around your neck. Rawlins is a liar. It'll hold in course. Jury will believe it's a dirty liar. I could kill him, kill him you. You wouldn't do that. He isn't fit. You want either.

1:06:41 But I'm going to give you a chance to keep out of the noose. I'll keep Rawlins from talking. If you get me a couple of letters. What letters your father has them? They have my signature on them. You can get them very easily. You get those papers and I'll put the quietors on Rollins. They're addressed to the county supervisor. Your father intends to use them against me. I want them. Is that Claire here? You get the papers and we're both in the Claire understand, yeah, he understand. All right. I'll give you till tomorrow evening at six o'clock. You can go now. Yeah, remember six o'clock tomorrow night.

1:07:23 Saturday night passes, then Sunday dawns were the most stumbling discovery Rollins. The chauffeur has been found dead, shot to death in his apartment. Over the garage. No evidence is discovered, no weapon, no fingerprints, nothing. Now it is late afternoon. Oh this is a fine mess, a murder in my own home. Everything will come out, all right, Henry. You're certain to find the person who did it. Oh yeah, see he may have had some enemies. After all, we know very little about him. He's only been here a short while, don't you understand. I'm the district attorney. Murder has been committed in my own home. Why if I can't bring this to a solution, I'll be a laughing stock.

1:08:03 I'll never be reelected. We're trying to help you here. I don't know what I'm going to do, but this has got to be kept from the police department. Once they get into it, it'll be plastered all over the front pages of every newspaper in town. Yes, I'll have to have a list of my own office. Well, neither one of us has been out of the house and we haven't told anyone. What are you worried about? Surely a man like Rawlins could have had many enemies. Who knows what he did mixed up in a Captain Stone to see you, mister Banning. Captain, Oh yeah, so I was afraid of that. All right, show me. In afternoon, mister Banning. Good after noon, Captain Stone. Well what are you doing out this way? We heard about your chauffeur?

1:08:49 Really? Who told you? Oh, friend, body hasn't been moved at it? No, No one'spector Stone if hasn't still in the room over the garage. I'll come on, Scotan, let's have a look. You don't mind, do you, mister Banning? Wye, No, of course, Nat, thank you. He'll be back in the morning. All right. You know, I did a strange feeling that Jim Blake knows something about this. Why do you think that? I don't know. He's just the type to think of something like this. He is a perfect setup for him to murder in my own home.

1:09:30 Nothing would please him better. Why would Blake resort to anything like this? Why? Because my dear Blake is in a tough spot. Yes. The more I think about it, the more right I think I am. Well, I'm going to have a talk with him. I don't think Blake had anything to do with it. Really, what do you know about it? Nothing? Please allow me to handle this in my own way. Hey, why must you be so harsh? I'm sorry, father, I think you should keep away from Blake. WHI I don't know, I think you should. Yes, Well, when I want your opinion, son, I'll ask for it. Well, here you are, mister Banning.

1:10:17 We found it? Found what found this revolver behind the garage? Well, oh, don't touch it. We want to check the fingerprints. Of course I know better than to touch it. Fingerprints Maybe they're none, honest, we'll check it just the same. Well, the killer would be a fool to leave his prince on the gun. How do you know it is the gun? We'll find out, ballistics will know how I know who the gun belongs to. Maybe it isn't the gun. We already know who killed him. All we need is proof. No, how do you know who did it? Your son did it? We were tipped off, my sh that's right? Are you crazy? I should alide kill him? He hardly knew me. Look, mister Banning, you think i'd come to your house snooping around? Nless? I had a very good reason.

1:10:58 Where did you get your tipped I rather not say who's his friend? Come on, you'd better tell me. I'll bring it out eventually. All I know is that we were tipped off about the murder and told who did it. Your son threatened to kill Rawlin. Who told you that? Jim Blake? He heard him say it. Where did you see Blake? Clyde? I don't know what you mean, ask Jim Blake. Come on, Skelton, let's check that gun with ballistics. A few hours later, Boss Jim Blake stands in the study facing the district attorney. There is a tense moment as each waits for the other to speak. Well, Bennie, what do you want? I know what you're trying to pull, Blake. You're trying to get me by framing my son with a murder. I'm not trying to frame him. I just told the police that I heard Clyde threaten to kill Rawlin. So far, there's nothing but circumstantial evidence. Clyde had no reason to kill Rawlings, and without a motive, Clyde's in the clear. Yeah, you had a scheme in mind to force me to drop that investigation.

1:11:57 Then your scheme went haywire. You pulled a boner money. Are mein bonner? If Clyde had threatened Rowlin's life, the natural thing for a man in your situation to have done was to approach me instead of the police. Why, well, you wanted those letters, didn't you? How could you possibly make a deal for those letters? Now that you've made your information puppet, I'm away ahead of you, Vanning. I'm not so dumb as are that. I'm still holding the aces. What the one's I'll throw down for the letter. I think you're bluffing, Blake. I know why Clyde killed Rawlins. I can supply the motive. I'll admit that without the motive, he'd being the clear. But if I spilled the motive, he crank in five minutes. I still think you're bluffing. I know you've got a sense case against me with those letters, but with what I know, I've got a sense case against your son that will send him to the gallows. Not only that, but if I do spill it, you wouldn't dare show your face in this town yet. Uh sounds pretty gruesome.

1:12:46 I can't imagine what it could possibly be. I'll say you can't. Clyde is really in it up to his neck. You really think he's guilty. Certainly, But whether he is or not, he had the motive. The motive for killing Rawlins will lead to something that can be definitely proved. You mean material I. Do so in order to prosecute me, you'll be forced to prosecute. Your own son. I'll see to that. Now. You hand over those letters and we'll. All be in the clear. Believe me, Banning, I'm not bluffing, Blake. If you're telling the truth, then we're both in a very unfortunate position. You're a crook and I happen to be a stickler for duty. I can't be bribed. You mean you'd actually prosecute your own son. I do, and if he's guilt, he can take the consequences.

1:13:28 I don't believe he is, but I know you are. I think you and I still think you're bluffing. I'll call you a bluff all right, but you'll change your mind banning. If you don't, you're a bigger fool than I've ever come across. Let's have it. Get your son in here, all right, Marsha, Bring Clyde in here. What a sack you are banning over a couple of punk letters duty, not of bouchois. Oh you can come in too, Musha, What are you doing here? Well, Kin, I've been having a little chat with you all righteous father. He sent for me. He's a little stupid. He wants to be enlightened. Maybe you can help him. Yeah, Clad, I understand you paid a visit to mister Blake.

1:14:08 I better tell him, Clyde, what were you doing there, Clyde? Well Blake said for him. Why he wanted to talk to me? What about. About what you've been saying? I told him what you said to me about Rolin? What did you say, Clyde, nothing, he's lying, lying about what. We haven't said anything yet. He tried to get me to steal some steal something? No getting something? What did you steal some letters out of my safe? Yes? Yes, he offered me a lot of money. Money. I didn't even mention money. I didn't ask she did. What inducement would money be to you? Clyde? You always get everything you want. I offered you something better than money, kid, But was it? Clyde? He threatened me, threatened to kill me. How do you like that?

1:14:50 You're in a tough spot, kid, You better start talking. You threatened to kill Rollin. I did not I heard you. Why did you make that threat? Well, I was just talking. I didn't mean it. I couldn't kill anybody. But you did say but I didn't mean him? What had you done? What did he know? Something prompt you to say it? No, it was nothing. Nothing I haven't done. And you'll kill Rawlins, just says you. What. I didn't kill him? You'll kill him to shut his mouth? What did he know? Clyde? Mad's lying? He's not find of scam le scare you. You killed Rollins to keep him from telling what he knew about you and my daughter Ellen. You're a daughter. She was in love with Clyde wanted him to marry her. He tried to shake up, but when she got to insistantly threw her out of his car murdered. I did not, I didn't. Rawlins heard them arguing. Clyde dismissed him and drove the car himself. Rawlins found Ellen's purse in the car. Next morning, Rawlins.

1:15:33 Told he's ring lying. I told him. Rawlins wouldn't talk of Clyde got me the letters, but he killed Rollins instead. Was Ellen Blake and your car the night she died? Did you dismiss the chauffeur? Yeah, but I didn't kill it. She jumped out. She jumped out the liver room. Why didn't you tell this? I was going through and I got afraid to think I killed her. Rawlins tried a blackmail Clyde, then double crossed Clyde and came to me, where's the purse? Clyde probably has it, that's why he killed it. I haven't got it. I don't know where it is. I couldn't fine. And you were in Rowland's apartment over the ground. Yes, yes, but I didn't kill him. I did ye. Now what do you have to say, mister Banning? Do I hold the aces? No, I'll bring it to trial.

1:16:14 I'll find that purse if there is a purse, and if he's proven guilty, he can pay the penalty like anyone else. And then Blake, I'll start on you. You are a fool Manning, You're crazy. I mean, hell, here we are. Mister Banning got quite a bit of dope on this Rawlins killing. But no, there were no fingerprints on that gun, but it was definitely the murder weapon. Ballistics checked it. Well, still doesn't prove my son fired the gun, that's right. But we did manage to trace the original ownership. And what did you learn? It is gunn was purchased four years ago in Seattle by whom by. Patricia Rawlana Tricia Rawlins. You check on Patricia Rowlands who was We checked on her.

1:16:55 We also checked on Rawlins. Patricia Rollins was your chaufir's wife? Have a police record? Rawins was a confidence man. Three convictions. Wife Patricia was implicated as an accomplice. Anything else. Yes, Rawlins disappeared in New Mexico three years ago. Finally turned up here. Rawlins must have had the gun in his possession or the wife had it, in which case she could have killed him quite Percival, you'd better try to locate the wife. Oh, here's a picture. He should be able to locate her without much trouble. What do you mean, good Lord Marcia, Yes, Henry, look at this photo. You know who this is?

1:17:35 Yes, Henry, Sorry, missus Banning. We'll check your fingerprints with these on police record, just. To make sure you don't need to check them their mind, Marsha, don't, why not, client. It doesn't prove anything. Maybe somebody got into the apartment and killed him with his own dog. That's just what happened. He did have the gun, but I killed him three years ago. He deserted me. Later I heard he was dead. Then, after I'd married Henry, he turned up here. I knew what he was going to do eventually, but I was in love with Henry. Then when he found the purse, he used it to blackmail me. And when he double cross both Clyde and me by going to Blake redetermined to get the purse, but he caught us ransacking his apartment, he pulled the gun and struck me. We all fought for it. Clyde wrestled with him, and I got the gun.

1:18:15 And shot him. Why did you tell Marshall? What? Why not? It doesn't matter now tell me did she shoot himself defense? Clyde, certainly he'd have killed us both. Well, that will clear you with the Rowlands charge. But what about Allan? He still killed Ellen. Captain Stone, there's a missing purse, Ellen Blake's purse I wanted and start looking in Rawlins's apartment. I'm going through with this Blake, regardless of the consequences. Take a look at him, Captain. A man who'd sacrifice his own son, his own life for a couple of neasy little letters. Huh? What a sap? A district attorney banning a determinate man goes through with his promise. The case against his son is in preparation the day the opening of the trial is set. Then the missing purse is found, and in it is a note to Clyde written and signed by Ellen Blake.

1:19:09 Go on read it, Clyde. Dearest Clyde, I've tried every way to reach you. I know now that you've been avoiding me. I can't go on. I know you're false, but I love you can't. Help it, so I'm going to kill myself. I don't know how, but some way will present itself. Good Bye, Clyde. I hope you find the happiness I've been denied. I love you Ellen. Well there you are. Ellen. Blake did jump from Clyde's car, and Clyde, even though he did seem a weakling, was able to fight when it came to a show down, and Marsha, because of her great love for Banning, was willing to sacrifice everything for him. So Clyde is cleared, Marsha is acquitted, and Blake is sent to prison. That is the end of the story, which might have ended very tragically had it not been for the note in Ellen's purse. Very convenient that note.

1:20:36 CBS has presented The Westler. Original music for this production was composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. The Westler is written and directed by J. Donald Wilson and originates from Columbia Square in Hollywood. Goodnight, this is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

1:21:20 Well, my dear, the night certainly has a way of getting colder, chilling us all way to our to our core. Isn't it strange? How cold things are in a kind of frozen time. See even the term frozen hmmm. In many ways the past is preserved in the cold and dark. But don't take my word for it. Let's talk to mister Markham, the Antique Dealer.

1:22:21 Suspense. This is the Man in Black. You're again to introduce Columbia's program Suspense heading out starring Hollywood cast this evening is mister Paul Lucas, with him arm Miss Heather Angel and mister Bramwell Fletcher. Story by John Dixon Carr, dealing with strange, very strange happenings in a London curio shop and called Mister. Markham Antique Dealer, is tonight's tale of suspense.

1:23:05 If you've been with us on these Tuesday nights, you will know that suspense is compounded of mystery and suspicion and dangerous adventure. In this series, our tales calculated to intrigue you, stir your nerves, to offer you a precarious situation and then withhold a solution till the last possible moment. And so with the performances of Heather Angel, Ramwell Fletcher, Paul Lucas as mister Markham Antique Dealer, We again hope to keep you in suspense.

1:23:47 But this is the story of a man who commits murder and gets away with it. Does the idea shock you? Do? You believe that justice must always be done, But let's be honest with ourselves. You and I needn't be cynics to know that justice is very seldom done. Innocence flinches, guilt is childlike and bland. Innocence is imposed upon Guilt can pass encompass all things, even a successful murder. And I know this because I was the murderer. You say, oh, no, inquire at Scotland Yard. I was the victim. In barn Street, not far from Piccadilly, there used to be an establishment, which in a less fashionable part of town would have been called a shop on the windows in letters as discrete as a visiting card, where the words Charles Markham and tig dealer. Such a delightful fellow Markham, such a character thirty years ago. Yes, as long as that this antique shop was a dingy place. Despite deep carpets and crystal chanderl ears. It rustled with the ticking of one hundred clucks. It was shadowed by damast and armor and the loom of tall tapestries, and late one summer night, when the shutters were long closed on those windows, the fall wheeler drew up before the door and the gas lit streets.

1:25:22 That's all, Cabby. You needn't wait. Very goodness, good night, good night. He must be here, he must be I won't go back to that place. I'll kill myself first. Look here, old man, you needn't it. Oh, I beg your pardon, I beg yours. I'm I'm not the person you were expecting, Am. I no, madam. As a matter of fact, I was expecting a police officer. A police officer, Billy, an old friend who often drops in for the talk and the drink. You are mister Markham, aren't you. Yes, my name is Markham. Can I be a ready service to you?

1:26:05 I want to come in. I want to buy a present for somebody. Really, madam, this is hardly the time. Yes, I know it's late, but it's. Nearly one o'clock, madam. Surely tomorrow morning will. Be they'll be too late. This is a special occasions. It's a birthday present. That's it, a birthday present. I've got to deliver it before breakfast and Sir George Lyttle says, this is the only place in London to buy antiques. Sir George flatters me. Won't you let me come in just for five minutes? Well, under the circumstances, madam, I think it might be managed. Now one moment while I put some lights on. No, please, that one little light will be enough. But you won't be able to see anything.

1:26:46 That doesn't matter. I'll trust to your judgment, just. As you like this way, madam. What's that that noise? You mean? The clock's matter? There are more than a hundred clocks in this room. I'm very fond of them. Don't take it on your nerves, taking away together like a nightmare, striking the hours together. They don't strike together, madam. When the hour approaches, you will hear a musical dim the last for some time? Might I interest you perhaps in the clock? No? I hate you now all the same this grandfather cluck? Might amuse you observe the signature Johannes's good Carver Landini facet ad seventeen hundred and fifty two. You could see better, madam.

1:27:36 If you raise that veil, I'll keep my veil arm just as you please. But look at the clock. I opened the glass face like this, and I pushed the second hand forward like this, and or the clock men nothing more. The clock spoke clever, isn't it the device of old John Carter anticipating mister Ellison's gram form by more than a hundred years. But you don't like clucks. Now? May I ask whether the present is for a lady or a gentleman?

1:28:18 It's for a man. Oh? Has he some knowledge of antiques? Yeah? I mean furniture, perhaps porcelain, bronzes, stapestries, weapons. Who might be very much interested in weapons? Then I imagine his name is mister Ronald Gilbert. Now will you tell me, miss Ray, why you really came here tonight? So you know who I am. Naturally you are, Miss Judy Tray, And why did. You come here? I wanted to see what sort of a man you actually were. Oh, and have you found out? No? But but I won't go back to prison. I won't as you will. But since there's to be a business conference, miss Ray, and I imagine it is. Yes, Well, then suppurse we go into my office here at the back of the shop.

1:29:06 Will you precede me? Thank you? You must excuse the dust cover as I've put on the chairs here. I'm leaving for a holiday tomorrow and the shop will be closed. Then I return next week. Mister Ray. I shall expect the amount requested in cash, of course. But I can't raise two thousand pounds. You ought to know that your fiancee could raise the money. I imagine run. Do you think I'd have run? No where I've been or what I've been. It's better than having his father learn it. Surely I've sit down, mister Ray. I'd rather stand. Thank you now. That's a very foolish gesture. But the ladies will do it. They think it gives them dignity and shows that this day of the poor blackmailer. You see, I make no bones about it. I am a blackmailer.

1:29:51 You seem rather proud of yourself. Why not. I am the one person in England, perhaps in the world, who has made it a large scale business. Congratulations And what is all lifeblood but blackmail? The child says, if you don't give me that ice cream, The grown woman says, if you go on behaving like this, I believe you your sex, Misterray, are blackmailers from the cradle, you know. Charles Markham My way, Yes, I wonder if anybody's. Ever hurt you very much hurt me? What do you mean when you talk. About the world and people in general? Your face goes white under the eyes. You pick up that letter open from not. A letter opener, please, mister y it medic you dagger sixteenth century.

1:30:35 Work, which isn't the money that really interests you? I don't understand you hate the world. You just want to torture people. But you think you've been tortured. Isn't that so? This is a very sharp dagger mystery. If I throw it down on the desk, it sticks like that, Isn't it so? Charles Markham? My motives is a mystery? Aren't interest whereas your motives are? And I'll let me see. Years ago in nineteen oh three year, certain girl called Letthew Wilson your real name, I believe, fell in love with a rather contemptible underworld character named Arthur A. Clease. No humiliation was too great for her. She worked for him, light for him, store for him. I was only eighteen. I didn't know what I was doing.

1:31:16 At girl for a very shabby theft was sentenced to three years hard labor at Halloway Prison. Five months later, she escapes from prison and disappears all these years afterwards, she appears in the West End. Is miss Judy Tray fashionable Millner? Haven't I made up for it? Haven't I for one mistake? After ten years? The way of the world, my dear, I didn't create it, and I'm forgetting the best part of the comedy, this paragon of virtue. Next fall in love with mister Ronald Gilbert, son of Major General Sir Edmund Gilbert. Such a respectable family. Gob it? Please? Then? Shall we say two thousand pounds? Suppose I did raise the money. I don't know how, but suppose I did raise it? Well, what guarantee would I have that you would ask for still more money?

1:32:01 I probably shall ask for more money, mistery, But that's my privilege. As a bright may then, and I'm never going to be free of you? Is that it? Well, frankly, that's it. Unless I kill you? Of course, what if I did kill you? People have threatened it before, but they have meant it. Maybe I mean it. Well, we can easily test you out. There's a sharp knife stuck in the desk in front of you. I'm going to get up and deliberately turn my back on you like that. Be careful, Charles Markham as a. Student of human nature, I'm curious how much will you risk to keep the secret? Have you the courage to kill and risk hanging? Yes?

1:32:48 I think I have? What was that? Now? Aren't you glad you held back at the last woman, Mistery? I said, what was that that, my dear, was the front door bell? Probably my friend with Spector Rass from Bigmore Street Police station. Come in, old man, Come on in, make yourself comfortable. I'll be with you in a moment. You wanted me to attack you, didn't you? No? I was merely curious, and in any case, Miss Ray, it would be useless to kill me. Useless Why because I shouldn't die. Don't talk? Oh, it's quite true. A man in my position must take certain precautions. If you killed me, I should be back to haunt you within half an hour. And I don't happen to be joking.

1:33:34 Come in, well, I good lord Judy. Mister Ronald Gilbert as I live. What are you doing here? He hasn't got anything against you? Has he? Speak up? Mister Gilbert? Have I The fact is Judy's. I look at him, mister Ray, See how he changes color and twists his mastar and altogether resembles a boy caught in his mother's gem cupboard. Perfect picture of a gentleman being a gentleman. Look here, markam, I'm not very clever. You can always make a fool of me when you start talking. So let's stop talking. I brought the money.

1:34:16 What money? Oh, merely my fee for keeping quiet about you. So you went around too? You told him about it? Naturally, if possible, we'll always tell you where's in two markets? How much money? Never mind you? I hoped I could do this without your knowing. How much money? Three thousand? It's all I could raise? Has he? But he told you who I am? What I look here? Who the devil cares who you are or what you've been? I happen to be in love with you. Hi, never mind, let's get out of here. Ron. It's no good. You'll only come back for more money. I know that. But what else can we do? Nothing? I am afraid? Well, what's that knife doing there stuck in the desk? Nothing dangerous, I assure you, no, merely cure you. I pick it up like this, I flip it down like this and pick it up again. Mister I was very much interested in the dagger. Now may I have that envelope with the money?

1:35:04 Please? Here you are take it, thank you. As I explained to Miss Ray, I'm leaving tomorrow for a holiday, hence the general disarray and the desk towers on the chairs. But before my departure, I'm glad we could settle this affair, as you would say, like gentlemen, before we clear out of here, Markam, there's just one favorite I'd like to ask. Well, of course, old men, ask away. This is your job. I suppose you can't help being what you are, But never again, as long as you live, never even say the word gentlemen, be careful ron the pa faith generally, Mister Gilbert, how much money is in dissemble? You heard what I said, three thousand pounds? Then take it back, my friend, I fank. We can't strike a bargain after all.

1:35:46 What you mean just what I say. It is your money. You will now oblige me both you and miss Ray by leaving my shop. But what are you going to do tomorrow morning, perhaps even tonight. I'm going to get in touch with the police, and I shall tell them where they can find Letty Wilson alias Judy Tray. You can't do that, Markham, Oh yes, he can. You hit him where it hurts. Three thousand pounds, my friend, is not enough compensation for. The way you talk. There is a way through the shop. Shall I escort you to the front door? No? Oh, so you prefer to Shay stay here and make a fool of yourself. You're not going to tell the police, Martam. I promise you that. And how are you going to stop me with us?

1:36:27 No? Put that kind of way. That's a funny thing, Judith. I felt a bit of a fool, you know, bringing this revolver alone. But now I've got a use for it. Oh yes, I've got a use for it. Maybe the best thing would be to go into the street now and call a policeman. You will never get into the street, Markham. Are you following into the shop? Yes? So, both of you. It appears came here on the false detenses. You said you wanted to pay me some money. The money is still here, but you've lost your chance to get you are Dear Judy said she wanted to buy a present for you. I showed her his grandfather clock. Here, this talking clock. Don't go step beyond that clock. Mark them. I want you hands and so old man, you wouldn't dare shoot, wouldn't I know? And I'll call you a blood One step, two steps? I know your whole silly tribe man. Then you wouldn't risk it. No, you wouldn't.

1:37:25 What's happening to me? Don't try and grab out of the clock. Mark them. It won't save you. You wouldn't risk your life here, wouldn't risk your family position. You wouldn't. I had to do it. You don't you see I had to do it, did you? Oh? Yes, yes, he's done for I tell you I had to do it. Keep your voice start Why that shot sounded like the crack of dune. I wonder if anybody in the street heard it. You mean the police?

1:38:07 Here's Ron? What in Heaven's name are we going to do? Steady, steady, We'll find a way out. Maybe he's not dead, Ron, go and look at him. He's dead, all right, please, Ron, go and look at him. Well shot through the heart. The bullet went clean through him and smashed the face of the grandfather clock. That's all I can see in this dim light. This isn't happening to us. It can't be had to look. But it's hard to think, you see, Judis. I'm not in the rage any longer. I'm just numb and a little bit scared. You're not going to give yourself. Up and have this whole thing made public? Not likely? Wait a minute, and maybe a way out? What way he said he was going for a holiday?

1:38:47 Remember, well, suppose he did. It gives us time. It means his absence won't be noticed. The shop will be closed, nobody will come here for days, and certainly nobody will come here tonight. And but that the police officer I forgot. The police officer, a police officer, a friend of Markhams. He inspected somebody or other from Wigmore Street. He's inspected here tonight. And then then we're finished. No, Ronnie, they're not finished. He can't see anything out there. The shutters are down and the doors covered. Could you could you pick Markham up and carry him? Yes? Yes I could. Why there must be a bad way out of the shop, probably in the office. Hurry, ron I.

1:39:28 Don't like to touch him. Hurry ron please, he's. As heavy as a sight of meal. He seems to be looking straight at me. I know. Everything here seems to have eyes and move a little in the shadow. Didn't you see the expression in Markham's eyes. Just before you? No, no, I didn't seem to be looking behind us or behind us. I don't know how to describe it. And he said something too. That scared me. He said he couldn't die. He's said, close the door with this police officer, Judith, he can't get into the shot. Kenny, of course he can. The front door isn't locked.

1:40:10 That's true. What's wrong with me, Judent? I came in there that way myself. There's no time to lock the front door. Now. Our only hope is through the back way. I thought i'd seen a back door, and ah, there it is just a minute. I've killed a man. That means I'm a murderer. A fraction of a second, one tick of a clock in there, and you change from an ordinary happy person into into what I. Well, Judith, will, I'm sorry. The door's locked. Isn't there a key? No? Maybe in his pockets on. A key ring. There isn't time. I think I heard the front door open, our visitors coming in. I've got it the dust covers. What those white cloths?

1:40:51 That the cover that fit over the chairs? Look at them? What on earth are you talking about? We used to play a game when we were kids. Somebody sits in a big chair. You know, you fit the dust cover. Over him and nobody can tell he's sitting there, don't you see, Judas, That's how we can hide Markham's body. It might work if there's time. There's got to be time. Take the big cover off that chair, the wing chair, all right, maybe there's a chance I'll fit him into it. Arms along the chair, arms. He pushed back. Now put the cover back again and pull it round down his feet. Don't let it touch his chest. The blackwell showed through here. That's got it. You can't see anything, no can you? No? But Ron, Well, what did you do with the gun?

1:41:33 The gun? The gun you shot Markham with? Oh? But Judas, i'd put it down on the floor when I picked up his body in the other room. Yes, yes, I'm afraid so. And it's too late now, Judas, the police are here. What are you going to say? I don't know. Trust your wits and try and brazen it out. Yes, come in believing, mister and believing mister Gilbert. Chas Markham, your Charles Markham. Correctly srae. Why should that surprise you? Why do you look as though you were seeing a ghost? Because we are seeing a ghost. If you're Charles Markham, whose body is should just.

1:42:15 Be careful, buddy, Misterray, did you see it? Buddy? This Ray's upset. She doesn't know what she's talking about. If you killed me, I should be back to haunt you within half an hour, That's what he said. I tell you it misraised herself. She had bad news today. A relative first died. I've been trying to make her feel better. Indeed, do you think it would make her feel better to bring her here? I don't understand, my dear sir. You are very welcome, but the situation is shoot a little odd. I come in here and find you two looking as guilty as a pair of murderers. If in my private office in the middle of the night, there's nothing odd about that. I wanted to buy you did something one o'clock. In the morning. Yes, well, may I ask how you managed to get in? The front door was open. We just walked in. If you wish to buy something, why not stay in the showroom.

1:42:58 Why come to my office? Hang it all. You didn't think we wanted to steal anything? Well, that thought did occur to me. You see, there was nobody else here. There's nobody here, mister Markham, not a living soul. Then you didn't meet any chance. My brother, Yes, my brother Robert. You couldn't have mistaken him if you had seen him. He looks so much like me that few people can tell us apart. So that's it. Poor Robert often deputizes for me. He's learned to act like me, think like me, and talk like me. But he doesn't like the work very much. Of course. You know what my work really is is this part of the game you're trying to play cat and mouse. Robert is an idealist. He thinks, poor fellow, that my profession is beneath contempt. But he acts the part and acts it well because I pay him, and I find it useful to have a double who will run risks for me.

1:43:56 What have you done with his body? We haven't done anything with him. If you've killed Robert, my friend, you've committed a totally useless murder. You don't see him here, no, but I see his handiwork meaning what I warned him many times about throwing a knife down on a polished desktop. Those scratches on the desk are fresh scratches. Of course, if you give me your word of honor that he's not here, of course he's not here. Well, in that case, all we can do is sit down and make ourselves comfortable. Would you sit there, mister Gilbert, and you miss Ray in the wing chair by the window. What's wrong, miss Ray? Why don't you sit down? Because I prefer to stand, thank you, And perhaps.

1:44:39 You won't mind if I sit in the wind chair. It's a very comfortable one my brother always, so. That's it, Yes, that's it. It is rather a thick chair. I press against the dust cover and blood comes. True. I lift the bottom of the dust cover. And what's for you use of going on with this? I killed him? You admit that, Yes, I admitted. But Judith had nothing to do with this. I swear she hadn't. My telephone you notices against the walls. I shall have to turn my back to you when I ring ring? Where big More Street police station? Oh? No, give him a chance, Please give him a chance.

1:45:20 Hello, Hello operator, I want regent oh five eighty six. It's no good, Judith. I killed them and I meant to kill him. That's all there is to it. A very sensible attitude, my friend. And if the lady has any idea of flying, he admitted that knife. Just notice what I've got here, the thirty two Revolver one chamber fired picked top of the floor in the room. Where hello, hello, Won't you give him a chance? Be quiet? Mistery May I speak to Inspector rass Please?

1:46:00 Isn't that mister Markham got it in one, Inspector Charles Markham? Here. I understand you are going to drop in and see me tonight. Mister Markham, But I'm afraid I can't make it now. Why not anything wrong? Robert David history, But it's likely to be a long job. Sorry, I can't get there. Well, that's perfectly all right, Inspector, because actually I rang up to make sure you wouldn't come here tonight. You see, I've got a lot of work to do and I'm leaving for Eastbourne early tomorrow morning. Let's make it some other time, Shelby. No crime being committed of your wayshir now, Inspector, it's as quiet as a grave. I've never known a more peaceful night? Goodbye? Why did you do that?

1:46:43 Please? Don't excite yourself this three. Didn't you hear what I told the inspector? Yes? Is this some more trickery? Trickery? How can it be? I don't know. That's what I'm asking you. I should call it generous when I let my poor brother's death go on the ben this without a reason, naturally not. But has it occurred to you, either of you, that I might not want my business dealings revealed in court? What are you driving at? And has it also occurred to you that the man's double looks exactly like him and shares all his secrets. May become a danger rather than an asset. He knows too much, he wants too much. And so I think I understand you're glad he's dead.

1:47:24 He not glad, my dear, You shocked my brotherly feelings, but definitely relieve. Look here, you can't get away with us, get away with it, sir? Aren't you forgetting that you are the murderer? What are you going to do? This is very simple. We three, in an unholy. Partnership, will dispose of Robert's body? Or would you rather head he's got us wrong. There's no other way. But how can we dispose of the body? This seems worse than killing him. It's filthy, cold blooded, tractical necessity. And as for disposing of the body, nothing is easier which are simply gathered. And so, as I said before, this is the story of a man who commits murder and gets away with it. Now, Ronald Gilbert looks back across the years and is still firmly convinced of his own guilt. But of course Gilbert never shot anybody. I was the man who committed the murder. Don't you remember?

1:48:26 The bullet that killed my brother is supposed to have passed through his body and smashed the face of the grandfather clock. But that's an impossibility. The face of a grandfather clock is much higher than the heart of a man. You see, two shots were fired at the very same instant. Gilbert missed and smashed the clock face. I fired from the door of the office and did not miss. That was why my brother looked past those two. I went out by the back door, locked it and reappeared at the front. Afterwards. It was not Robert Markhams who died. Iron Robert Markham It was Charles who died that night, and I killed him to stop forever the wholesale blackmail that was poisoning the lives and blasting the hearts of a thousand half crazed people. His records are destroyed, his correspondence I burned. He is dead and gone. I have assumed his name and identity ever since I committed a murder.

1:49:27 And yet, if you sat on a jury, dare you say that you would condemn me? Come now, would you? And so closes mister Markham. Antique Dealer starring Paul Lucas with Heather Angel and Bramwell flet the Night's Tale of Suspense. This is your narrator, the Man in Blacks. The producer of these broadcast is William Spear, with Ted Bliss, the director, Lad Pluskin and Lucian Morowick. Conductor and composer John Dixon Carr, the author, collaborated on Tonight's suspense.

1:50:23 This is the Columbia Broadcasting system. Well, my dear, I suppose there is time for perhaps one more go before the night loses its battle and the Sun returns to supremacy. What do you ever wonder where you participate in such a competition. I mean, are you a general? Are you a colonel? Are you some kind of advisor? I always saw myself as more of the Fourth Man.

1:51:30 Escape Escape tonight to a rift in the South Pacific. A Columbia broadcasting system and this Affiliated Stations presents Escape, produced and directed by William N. Robson. That's the last of the summer series is The Fourth Man by John Russell. Neumeya in the South Pacific to a generation of French criminals, a word to be uttered in the same terrified breath with Devil's Island, the penal colony at Noumea, where the cutthroats, garatas and sadists from the dregs of French society were sent to a living death.

1:52:17 To night, we invite you to escape from Neumeya. In John Russell's The Fourth Man, the. Raft stood to open sea. A mat of pandanus sleeves served for its sail, and a paddle of wood for its helm. It was woven of reeds and bamboo sticks lashed upon triple rows of bladders, and it carried four men. Three of thems had huddled together at the far end. Their bodies were blackened with dried blood. And the hair upon them was long and matted. They wore only the rags of blue convict's uniforms. On wrist and ankle. They carried their mark, the dark and wrinkled stain of the manacles. There was devous doctor, man of the world, murderer. Friends, the thing is done and feneral forger ladies, man, weakling coward.

1:53:22 Yes, we've escaped, and the one known. As the parrot, thief and cutthroat. So far, so good, and by the way of celebration, gentlemen, may I offer you cigarettes? Cigarettes? Doctor, you're a marvel a magician. Look at them, quite and fresh, as though they just came from the package. How did you do it? Every six months there are about seventy five escapes from New Maya, and not more than one succeeds. Ours would be that one I knew, so three weeks ago I bribed the night god for these very cigarettes, so that we might sit here, my friends, as we are doing, and celebrate. I want to light a light for the pert our.

1:54:11 Doctor is a wonder He thinks of everything. He gives us cigarettes, matches and our freedom. Wait till you've got your two feet on a pavement again. That'll be the time to sound off about freedom. To wear starched collars again. Stole the girl clean and fresh from her bath, down the plash la concorde. Suppose we get a storm. It's not the season of storms, just the same. Suppose we get a storm. Okay, my friend, you must not be so impatient. Remember we were convicts back there, festering and oblivion. Now we are men raised from the dead.

1:54:52 Suppose we get a storm. You've got a gift of speech, doctor, But where's the ship that was going to. Meet us here? This is the day, is agreed, it will meet us. The wind will blow us to China if we keep on. We can't lie any closer to the shore. There's a government launch at Toya, and I doubt if the native trackers have given us some careful parrot. The natives lead you, yet. I've heard about that. It's a true, doctor, that they'll keep all the runaways that can capture to flatten on. Oh, they prefer the reward. Still, I doubt if they've entirely lost the habit of cannibals, peace by peace.

1:55:37 Parrot. First they'll sample you, then they'll make a stew out of your brains. Oh, they won't miss a thing. Shut up, philer room, well, filthy brutes. Oh, I almost forgot. We have one of them with us. The port man was steering the raft. He sat crouched in the. Stern, his body glistening with spray. His huge, dark hands held the steering paddle. He was motionless, like an idol, his eyes fixed on the course ahead. The fourth man on the raft. You are looking at a cannarch, my friend. You will see nothing superior, no line of beauty to redeem the low angle of the forehead, the knobby joints of the body. Nature has stamped him with the mark of inferiority, and he has set the final seal himself with that twist of bark about his middle, that prong of pig ivory through his nose.

1:56:42 Yes, But nonetheless, he is a man, and there is a price on our heads. She could be taking us. Worry alike, Calm yourself and aerouh. This is a very simple animal and Infantryly. Does that mean he couldn't double cross us? It does. He is bound by his duty. I made my bargain with his chief up the river, and this one is sent to deliver us on board our ship. That's the only interest he has in us, and he'll do it. He will. That is the nature of the native. I don't trust him, not for a minute. The brute animal you, it's you, I'm talking about, you, dirty brute. Save your breath, ferret. He speaks no language, only a few noises, few signs. I don't feel right on the same wrath with that.

1:57:35 Well, burn yourselves up in the sun if you like me, I'm going to crawl under a mat get some sleep. Yes, we should all sleep a little, conserve ourselves, and when we awake, our ship will be here, our saucy little topsail schooner, a mass standing out against the sky, and will be on our way to France. Is sleep, my friends. The two younger convicts dozed under the heat of the day, but not the doctor. He stood once again to sweep the sky line under his sheaded hand. His plan had been so careful, so precise. He had counted absolutely on meeting the ship, a small schooner, one of those flitting, half piratical traders of the Copra Islands that can be hired like cabs in a dark street or any sinister enterprise.

1:58:40 And there was no ship, and there. Was no cross roads where one might sit and wait. Er. Eh, good morning, doc, it's afternoon pheneral. Oh, yes, so it is. I slept like a copse. Hey, where's the ship, doctor? It was going to be here when we woke up. It will be. I'm thirsty. I'm dying with thirst. So well, where's the flask?

1:59:20 I'm roasted in the sun. You just have to roast some more. This crew is put on rations. What are you talking about? Where's that water? I have it here? Show your hair? Do you think it's yours? No, it's ours, parrot. I want a drink, doctor, think a little parrot. We have to guard our supplies like reasonable men. We don't know how long we may be floating here. Oh so that's how you talk. Now you don't know how long. But you were sure enough when we started. I am still sure. The ship will come. Cheep cannot stay for us in one spot. She'll be cruising to and fro until she intercepts us, and we must wait. That's good.

2:00:08 Wait. And in the meantime, why fry here in this heat? Our tongues hanging out while you deal us out water drop by drop? Perhaps, Oh, a man doesn't live who can feed me with a spoon. Unless you would die very speedily. We must guard our water. We can only do our best. With what we have. All right, doctor, do your best. Give me a drink. You you may have your share, of course, but be warned when it's gone, don't come to us to phenerone me. Yes, what's fair? Is fair? My drink? Very well?

2:00:52 Oh, a symbolful one, thymble this way. We should have enough for three days, maybe more. Will he push shares among the three of us? That's right, there are only three of us. You were you were thinking of him, General of a pilot. He looks somewhat like us, doesn't he. But his body has never known clothes, his feet shoes. His heart has never known the swelling that comes with feelings of love or beauty. His mind has never known a single thought. Look at us, three gentlemen. You Pheneral a forger, you Parrot a thief, and I, doctor de Beaus of Paris and Marseilles, a murderer. And yet we are civilized men.

2:01:44 And this is a savage general, and our provisions are for civilized men. On me. And the three men awoke to the second day on the raft. They looked and saw the far round horizon, and the empty desert of the sea, and their own long shadows that slipped slowly before them over its smooth, slow heaving. The land had sunk away from them in the night. The trap had been sprung. As the savage sun kindled upon them with the power of a burning glass.

2:02:28 A calm fell, an absolute calm. The air hung weighted, the sea heaved and fell in polished undulations, and the sun shone, driving in under their eyelids like white hot splinters. They crawled to the shelter of the mats, gasping, shriveling, and the water, the world of water, was slack and thick as oil. A only doctor DeVos, Yes, parrot, look around you? What do you mean? Go on? Look around?

2:03:09 What do you see? I see water, parrot, and the horizon, nothing else. Don't you see a ship, A saucy little schooner, those were your words? Well, where is it? Why don't you see it? It will come? Will it comfort us to be dead when it comes? You say that you count on your friends, But suppose they leave you to rot here, parrot, and me the rot here? That would be a joke, hey, doctor, to wait for a ship that will never come. It will come. My friends will not fail me. Why how do you know? How can you be so sure? There's a safety vault in Paris full of papers to be opened at my death.

2:03:54 Those papers contain confessions. No, gentlemen, my friends will not fail me. And perrot eh. A moment ago you asked me what I saw, Well, there was something I neglected. What's there? I see a canack and this raft with us. He does not join us, He does not look at us. He sits on his heels in the way of the Native, with his arms hugging his knees. He sits at the stern, motionless, under the shattering sun, gazing out into it, into vacancy.

2:04:35 Whenever I raise my eyes, I see nothing else, only this canack. He he seems to be enjoying himself. Quite well. I was thinking so myself, the cannibal savage. He does not seem to suffer. What's going on in his brain? What does he dream of? There? Lipses Though he hates us, dirty rat, Maybe he's waiting for us to die. Maybe he's waiting for the reward. At least he wouldn't starve on the way home. He could deliver us, please my peace. No does he do? A doctor? Hasn't he any feeling? I've been wondering, maybe that his fibers are tougher. But we've had water and he hasn't yet.

2:05:25 See his skin. He's moist and fresh. And his belly that is a football. Don't tell me this savage is thirsty. Is there any way he could steal our supplies? Certainly? Not. Suppose he has his own supplies hidden? Why who will see? Search the rat? Come on and look under the match turn push him aside. Gentlemen, gentlemen, you were mistaken. He has nothing hidden. You're wrong about him. Doctor. Can you say he has no understanding? There's one thing you can understand. Hey much, there's her that'll teach you.

2:06:17 Not so chippid? Now are you not so happy with your luck? That'll make you feel. Well? Parrot? You feel better now, don't you, superior? Come back, my friends, come back under the mats. The glare of the sun is not so bad there. Idiots, what's the matter with our parrot? Now? Idiots? Why do we look and look? The schooner can't help us. Now. If we're becolmed, then they are too. Doctor? Is that true, Yes, we must talk for a breeze first.

2:07:00 Then why didn't you tell us we trust you? Why do you keep on playing out the farce? You are wise, doctor, you are very wise. Put down the knife, parrot. You know things we don't, and you keep them to yourself. All right, But be careful if you think you use your. Wisdom to get the best of us. Be careful, doctor, because I still have the knife. And so the days dragged by the second, the third, and now it was the fourth day, and still there was no breeze, and still there was no ship.

2:07:51 A doctor, Yes, what do you what do you Stare at him, at him, the native, the canark? I look at him, and look at us. We are dying, our powers are ebbing, and him naked, wild, brutish, he has yet to give the slightest sign of complaint or weakness. Doctor, Is this a man or a fiend? A man? It is a man, a miracle.

2:08:31 It is a man, and a very poor and wretched example of a man. You'll find no lower type anywhere. Look at his cranial ankle, the high years, the heavy bones of his skull. Why he's scarcely above an ape, and what he has a secret, a secret. We see him every movie, makes every minute, and says he for. A secret absurd. Here are we three children of the century, products of civilization, and here is this savage who belongs before the stone age? Is he to win this struggle?

2:09:16 M h sir? What kind of secret? I can't say. Perhaps some method of breathing, some strange posture he uses to cheat the sensations of the body. Such things are known among primitive peoples, known and jealously guarded, like the properties of certain drugs, the uses of hypnotism. Who knows? We can know? We can find out? Would you ask him useless? He would not tell. Why should he? We scorn him, We give him no share with us, We abuse him, so he falls back upon his own expedients. They are a means by which he has survived from the depth of time, by which he may yet survive when all our wisdom is dust.

2:10:10 There are a number of ways of learning secrets. I know them all. It would be useless. How can he stand any torture you might invent? You saw how he behaved before. No, No, that's not the way, or. Listen to my way. I'm tired of all this talk. U shay. He's a man, all right, and he has blood in his veins. At least we could drink. Oh, it would be too hot, it would be salt. Well kill him then and throw him over the side. Let's be rid of the thing. We gain nothing. Then, what do you want?

2:10:54 I want to beat him, That's what I want to beat him at the game. For our own aches, for our racial pride. We must. Blessed him, to prove ourselves his masters. Watch him, Watch him closely, my. Friends, watch. I'll watch all right, my good doctor. I'm not sleeping anymore, and leave you alone with that bottle. The bottle, the bottle. I've been meaning to discuss our rations with you. Have you running very short? I'm afraid we must cut down again.

2:11:34 And what I will cut to half a thimbleful? We must keep our wits. I say no, all right, then we'll put it to a vote. You say no. I say yes, penero, yes, yes, anything, but give me mind now. Then it's half a thimbleful for monsieur. Peron yourself. More more, I'll die. Give me more. No more today, you must you must doctor, no more today. Look a ship? A ship?

2:12:15 Where is it? I don't see any ship. It's a trick. Look, Federal, he has the bottle. You don't look at him. You killed him with that? Or what about the bottle? Eh? Yes, there's some left. You caught him just in time, and you caught the bottle just in time, it seems I did. And there is no ship. There will be no ship. We are done because of you and your dirty promises that brought us here. Doctor, he lie, are fool.

2:12:57 Don't come any closer unless you want this lies broken over your head. No, I wouldn't want better. Just think, parrot, Why should you and I fight? We can see this trouble through and win. Yet this calm can't last forever. Besides, there will be only two of us to divide the water. Now. Ye that's true, isn't it. Na kind of leaves us his share an inheritance. All right, I'll take mine. Now, my share right now. If you please, Later we'll see.

2:13:43 So be it. Your share. A many things. Now venerous share to me. Please as you say, and now another another good doctor. Three, that's enough, parrot, No doctor, it's not enough. Now I'll take the rest. Pet, stop my arm. I'll kill you if you.

2:14:28 Don't let go. Thank you you see I have manners, haven't I? And I have wisdom too, because I fooled a very wise man. I toast you. Doctor. The best man wins. That was a bright idea of yours, the best. No h. M hmmm, So so the best man wins it. You forgot I'm inducted, didn't you?

2:15:15 You? You forgot that a man cannot go without water for four days, then drink his fill and live through it. Go on, parro it gus about your worthless life while I laugh. The best man always wins. Parrot the best. Man m hm, So. Best man wins. Yes, doctor, you forgot my life? Didn't you forgot me? Lying at your feet? Give me a forget, didn't you? Now?

2:15:56 It is I general rule out last, do you? He's my good doctor, the best man. Always? Hm hmmm, Roo. You fool the water it's running out? Oh oh.

2:16:38 Oh m, I mean I mean hi, longboat spatcher. All right, send Martin. He's right here, sir, bad luck, Sir Raff was here all the time, not ten miles away from us. That calm well, are right. The passengers we're too late. They're all dead, all dead, eh, Yes, one stabbed to death, another skull crushed, the other fried by the sun.

2:17:22 All dead. Well, all the better because there's nothing to feed. Yeah, but how are you going hogs hits? My friend, hogs heads in the afterhold. Fill them nicely with Brian, and there we are. I don't understand. Oh, you're dull, Mato, very dull. The gentleman's passage is all paid. Before we left Sydney, I contracted to bring back free escaped convicts. I'll bring them back pickled. So if you'll go back much and bring them aboard with the trip, I'll be much so black. All right, Well, sir, Oh, there's a fourth man on the raft, Captain Kannak, still alive. We do with him, Kannak, No word might contract of any Karnak leave him ere.

2:18:06 He's only a savage. And so doctor de Bourse and Fennerou and the parrot went aboard for the long trip to their beloved Paris, their bodies pitching and rolling gently in. The huge vats of brine. On the raft. The poortman raised his head slightly as a wind freshing from the west. He watched until the schooner turned, shaping away for Australia, and disappeared over the rim of the horizon. Then he spread his sailor pandanus leaves and headed his raft eastward back toward New Caledonia, Back toward home. Feeling somewhat dry after his exertion, the native plucked a hollow reed at random from the rushes.

2:18:58 On his raft. Slowly, lazily, he stretched himself at full length in his accustomed place at the stern. He thrust the reed down deep into one of the bladders underneath the raft, and slowly drank his fill of sweet water. He had a dozen such storage bladders remaining built into the floats at intervals above the water line, quite enough to last him safely home again.

2:19:43 Escape is produced and directed by William N. Robson The Fourth Man by John Russell. Was adapted for radio by Irving Rabet, with Paul Freeze as Doctor Dubos, Joe Kurns as Pheneroo, and Nestor Fiber as Parrot. Bill Johnstone narrated. The special musical score was conceived and conducted by Cy Viewer. Escape has been presented by the Columbia Broadcasting System and it's affiliated station. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

2:20:38 Well, My Dear, The evening is about complete. I like putting it that way. That's how it feels, not like it's ending, but like it's where it's supposed to be. But please do come back, and soon I'll be right here, same time, same place, ready to share more farn and fear with you. Until then, could you do me just one more favor, nothing too out of the ordinary. Just after you make your way home and wander through the dark, as you find your way to your candle in the window and lay your head to go to sleep, take one moment as you drift away to the land of nod, and for that one tiny moment, be thankful for what you have. I'll be seeing you soon, Holy holylo