Unknown Broadcast | Werewolf, Wax Museum & Fogbound Murder: Four Classic Radio Mysteries

My dear please come in. You seem so sheepish tonight. I hope everything's all right. I know so very much can happen in one week, not all of it jubilant, either, but that is for another time, not now. Now is for escaping all of that, experiencing some suspense, and so forth. If you find your mind attempting to wander back to those negative elements during our time together, well I say take those thoughts to court and charge them with conspiracy to diffraud. The CBS Radio Mystery Theater Presents. Come in. Welcome, I am E. G. Marshall. Welcome to the terrifying world of your own imagination.

I have an unusual. Story about foreign intrigue, murder, and love. Interesting combination. You know that great mystery writer Edgar Allan Poe once wrote that the best way to hide. Something was to leave it in full sight. And that's what this story about. Steve Nash, agent for the Federal Narcotics Bureau, was awakened from a sound sleep by his chief. Steve Manny and LaFaro got it tonight. Wounded dad, Oh no, man, his wife just had a baby. She's still in the hospital. Start pegging a bag right now, Steve. Am I going somewhere Paris. Anywhere else you feel it necessary to go?

From there Paris, I'll get happy. It's not exactly a vacation, Steve, You're in for plenty of trouble. Our mystery drama Conspiracy to Defraud was written especially for the Mystery Theater by Sidney Sloan and stars Paul Hecht. It is sponsored in part by the Kellogg Company, makers of Kellogg Special k cereal, and by Anheuser Busch Incorporated brewers. A Budweiser, I'll be back shortly with that one. Ever had a tall, frosty glass of amplitude, Well, if your beer is Budweiser, you've had it often. Amplitude is a fancy word for the entire taste phenomenon, the total experience of flavor.

Next time you take a healthy swallow of Bud, watch what happens. Think about the sensations you're experiencing. Notice how the flavor of Bud comes on nice and easy, not too strong, not too quick, just right. Notice the clean, crisp togetherness of Bud's taste. Everything in perfect balance, with no single element jumping out at you. And there'll be no aftertaste either no hanging on and you'll be refreshed and ready for another glassful. Actually, butt drinkers have been experiencing amplitude for. Years, but they never phrase it that way. They just say Budweiser says it all and isser Busch Saint Louis.

Hello, this is Steve Allen. You are then, I must be Jane Metow. Now do you want to tell them darling? Shall I? Ladies first, sweetheart the microphones or are you hey? Well, we have some good news. Steve and I are the honorary chairman of National Goodwill Week that may fit through the twelfth. And we're very pleased to be associated with this organizations because it's the number one rehabilitation facility in the country. You see, Goodwill believes in people and its business is helping the handicap help themselves. And you know, Steve, with most of us these days devoting a good portion of our time combating the energy crisis, we tend to forget about the battle that handicapped people face every day just to survive.

Very true, but that's where good Will Industries comes in. It offers them a chance to learn a trade and a living and regain their self respect. Well. Our times about up, James, So remember, folks be good to goodwill. Especially during the week of May fifth through the twelfth. Least. What the police and the Federal Narcotics Bureau believed to be a well planned and secret bust of a big narcotics ring is taking place in a warehouse district of New York City. Stand by, Sergeant, I'm going to talk to them. On a bullhorn. If they don't come out, we go in.

Right, I got it. Yo, are completely sad? It all right? May you are completely. Surrounded, Come out with your hand behind your head and. Way well not fire. Come out with your hands behind your head and you will not be Ah, keep the windows covered. I'm gonna blast the lock on the door. That's got the door. Let's go. Looks like there's nobody here. Careful, it might be a trap. This is your last chance. Come on with your hands behind your head. Cover me at the lights. Man, it's a good body. Careful, careful, Chief, it's Manny it's dead.

Manny A Furrow may be here too. He's hit. You're alive, No, Dad, they got him too. Yeah, it's odd Steve. Yeah, Chief, what's up? Manny and Lofaro got it. Tonight wounded dad. Oh no, man, his wife just had a baby. She's still in the hospital. I haven't spoken to her yet. Talk to missus. Lefaro took it hard. I hate this job. Steve. You're a good friend of Mannie's. Would you talk to his wife for me? Sure, I'll go to the hospital first thing in the morning. Rocking business. I better start back in the bag right now.

Steve, Am I going somewhere Harris and anywhere else you're feeling necessary to go From that? I beg your pardon? Yeah? Oh? What? Uh? This seat? See? Oh? I'm sorry. Am I in the wrong seat? No? I am? Oh? You see I was sitting forward the second row on the outside yea, and I asked the stewardess to change my seat. This was the only unoccupied seat in first class. Oh sure, sure, I don't mind. I thought this was going to be a dull flight. My name is Helene Frank. Oh, I'm Steve Nash. Pleased to have you as a traveling companion.

I'm pleased too. Are you going to be in Paris? Long? Mister Nash? Call me Steve so seldom I get called mister I'm not sure whether I'm the one. Stephen. Are you going to be in Paris? Law? Well, it all depends on business, are you No? No, I was rushing back to where you see. My aunt and my brother are in Paris, and I was with them until last Thursday when I had to fly back to New York, up and. Back across the Atlantic. I'm impressed. This is my first time over. I'm as excited as a kid.

Your first time, Well, that must be exciting. We must let us show you the sides. Thing I'd like better, Elaine. Entre, Inspector, you are stephensch Federal Its Bureau. That's right, an come in, please, I have been expecting you. May I say that we are not pleased by this visit. I'm sorry I didn't set it up. Oh, it is not personality to understand that we feel that France is how shall I say it is being insulted by the charges that we are the center of the illicit narcotics. Trade in Europe. Inspector, A lot of heroin is getting in other states.

We know it's coming from France. That is doubtful. In the last six weeks we have intercepted and destroyed over one hundred pounds of refined heroin coming into New York alone from France. Definitely free men from my department of in the operation. And that is no exaggeration. Well, as you say, it is a foolish for me to fence with you. That is not my job, as I understand it. Inspector, your job is not to question nor to argue. Your job is to cooperate. That was the information handed down to my boss from the State Department. You'll may be assured of our cooperation.

Andre, all is open. Oh hello, you must be the chap Helene picked up on the plane picked up. Oh that set the figure of. Speech because I'm Harrington Frame Helene's brother. Oh hi, I'm Steve Nash. Yes, well hello, hello, is it out? Sit down? Helene should be back in a minute to stepped out to a bit of last minute shopping. That you hay? Oh, Auntie, this is that chap that Helene met on her flight back, mister Stephen Nash. This is our aunt, Phyllis Missus Starrows. Oh, how do you do, mister Nas? You do Missus Starrws please please call me Phyllis missus Darros reminds me of that I'm an old widow woman.

You're going to be in Paris, Law and Stephen. Or two three weeks perhaps longer. Auntie thinks of herself as an unofficial tourist bureau, feels she must take her fellow countryman under her wing and show them her Paris. Oh, you'll be quiet. I just want to be pleasant. Don't you like people who are pleasant? Steve? Oh? Well, yeah, of course. I don't suppose that Harrington or Helene has told you of our trouble. Good Lord Phyllis, must you tell everyone you meet? Mister Nash has only been here a few minutes, and you want to burden him with the story.

Well, I must say it's rather a traumatic experience, wouldn't you say, Stephen, to lose emeralds worth one hundred and fifty thousand, one. Hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Oh that must be Helene. Let her in Harington. Phillis is angry with me. She always calls me Harrington when she's annoyed. Oh, Helene, mister Nash here yet? Oh? Indeed, yes, Phyllis and I have been staging a little domestic spot. To keep him amused. Well, I wasn't amused. And I'm sure that this nice mister Nash wasn't amused either. I'm certain he wasn't. Hello, Steve, Helene. Sorry I was late and allowed my abrasive brother and aunt to put on a show for you.

I enjoyed every moment. Helene, Honey, for you thought Steve. Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let the mad or d see this here in the window, with a view of Notre Dame and the river. It is beautiful, isn't it. I was worried that perhaps you might feel that I've steered you to a tourist trap. This place is frightfully expensive. You know that's great. I'm on an expense. Ac can't stop worrying, all right? I shall. And speaking of worry, you seem to have something bothering you. Is it something personal? Well, it's about my aunt and Harrington.

Yeah. Well, you see, my aunt has lost a very valuable piece of jewelry, the Emeralds. You know. One of the first things she told me when I called, worth one hundred thousand dollars or more. They're insured for one hundred and twenty thousands. Why should she worry? She's not worrying. I am. The Emeralds are not lost, strayed, or stolen. It's just a stump to builk the insurance company. She's being very foolish. She's desperate. She's completely without money. For that matter, both Harrington and I are too. If they go through it, it's insurance windle. They're going to be in big trouble.

Even if professional crook would have serious problems in their rank. Amateurs. When I went back to New York to see if I could. Some money, no good, eh. Aunt Phyllis has been to the well too often. No credit. Well, why doesn't she sell the Emeralds honestly? Well, I believe it's Harrington's idea, but he wants her to sell them to some offense, yes, and also collect the insurance. He's made several tentative moves in that direction. He's spoken to several mysterious callers. I don't know how far the transaction has gone. Taxi taxi. I can find you a taxi, monsieur, but you want the taxi, I can get one for you.

No thanks, sir, out of town. Even the taxi drivers have agents. You will not make a move, messieur. It is a revolver that is pressing into your backer. Oh, perhaps you underestimated your strength, Gab. The blonde handle will be all right. We dropped her at the concord. That is the hotel where she is staying, is it not? Yes? Can you hear me? Ah? You are opening your eyes? That is better. Unfortunately, Gab found it necessary to where persuade you to come with him. Yeah, it's a neat little persuader, he used in the back of my head.

Facts, don't try to move yet. Mister who are you? I You do not know me. I am quite well known. I am orestious collagenus rings, no bells. Why should you try to make me come here in a minute? Where is she? What are your numbers? And compose yourself. Mister Nash, I take it you are referring to miss Elaine friend. Where is she back at her hotel? I had her sent back immediately. We did not want to speak to her. Just you, Okay, you have the fore, mister Carladanas a collagenus, Monsieur nache. It is an old name in my country, a revered name.

I'll do my best to remember. Well. Continue a question, monsieur, why are you in France? As we say it oh, none of your business. I like you, monsieur. You are refreshingly candid. You are working for FMB. You are a trusted, intelligent worker, well thought of. Thanks for the information. When I get back, I'll put in for a raise if you get back, monsieur. If you gets back, there is no doubt in Steve's mind that Caladinas would and could carry out his threat. Three men had already been permanently silenced, and it was not likely that Caladinas would hesitate at the fourth.

I'll be back shortly with that too, Brain. Mason, the lords and jealous, jealous and also. This is Jerry Kaufer for Killogg's Special K. You know, for years we've been talking about the Special K breakfast, a great way to start the day if you have a weight problem. You may have seen or heard our latest commercials which symbolize the problem of being a few pounds overweight by using this ball and chain. That's the sound effect. But so many people have come to know the Special K breakfast that can help solve weight problems. They sometimes forget that Special K is America's favorite high protein cereal.

It has eight essential vitamins and iron and so delicious that lots of folks, kids as well as adults, eat special K just for the sheer, good taste of it. So we don't want you to think that you have to wear a ball and chain to eat special K. All you need is an appreciation for the finer things of life, a one ounce bowl of special K, four ounces of skim milk to mate, a juice coffee, and. Maybe a little sugar. The Special Care breakfast can help you lose weight all by itself, but it really is a good start.

The Marine Corps Reserves are looking for a few good men to help keep the piece. We're looking for men who understand that nobody likes to fight, but somebody has to know how. We want men who want to see their shows that you. Grow up in an age of peace. Men who will do more than wish for it, men who will work for it. Men who don't need the draft to know there's. A job to be done, who ask themselves what they can do for their country and do it. We're looking for a few good men to stand with the Marine Corps Reserve, and no shortcuts, no compromises, no promises except one, you'll.

Be a marine and you'll be ready. That's the job of a peacekeeper. After his meeting with Coloredinos, Steve was taken back to his hotel. It was too late to do anything but call Elaine to reassure himself of her safety. It may have occurred to him that his feelings for her were more than that of a casual friend, and the sound of her voice on the phone convinced him of her personal concern for his safety. Steve, you're safe. Oh, I was so worried. They told me that you've been driven back to your hotel, but I wanted to be sure.

I saw that man hit you up. There was a car waiting, and he forced me into the car and they dragged you in. Oh, you were so white, I thought, with my hard head, you needn't have worried. I'll tell you all about it when I see you. When When will I see you? Oh, there's so many things to ask you. I'm sorry, I can't tell you what time I'll call you again, Okay, Steve. Un till then, bye bye, Darling edicureless and quail room is here. It could not do the girl, I tell you. He told me that his name was Caladina.

It could not be he it is a you see imagination hallucin Is this. Lump on my head is not the result of a vivid imagination, inspector. And also, I have a witness. I was with a miss Helene Friend when the incident occurred. Friend Friend is an English name. Possibly English in origin, but she's an American. She has a husband by name Arrington Freynne. No, that's her brother. This is the most interesting development. Your friend was here not twenty minutes before you the report that his aunt, Madame philistell I, had been robbed of a valuable collection of emeralds.

I believe he estimated the jewels to. Be with them. I have the report here, Yes, seven hundred thousand franc in dollars one hundred and fifty thousand. Look, inspector, let's stay with my problem. What are you going to do about Colordina? But you are jesting, Missie Coldinos is a. Very rich, very powerful man, So we can get where we're with hitting a man over the head and forcibly detaining him, kidnapping and frightening him. Monsieur Coladinos could not have been involved in this matter. What do you mean? I spoke to him? He introduced himself he insisted that I pronounced his name correct.

It was not Coloredinos yet? Who was it? Then? What was this man's purpose in posing as Coladay? That monsieur. I cannot ansel, but I know that it could not have been Coloredinos. He is just at this time, nineteen hundred hours arriving in France at Ely Airport in his own plane. Steve, you you kissed me? Surprising? No, I was sort of expecting you to kiss me. Don't you think we ought to shut the door out. I wanted to take you in my arms twenty minutes after we met. On the plane. I wanted you to thirteen minutes after it.

Oh, oh damn, let's ignore it. You better answer it, Oh dear. Yes, yes, he's here, Steve, it's for you, New York call. Oh yeah, I left word of my hotel where I was going to be here, dona o facts. Hello, Steve, this is how Borden in New York. All right, chief, you get my cable? Yeah, and I have all you in for you request it, but I can't give it to you where you are. It'sadly well right. I was sweet ten thirteen at the Concord hotel. All right, it's a friend, and now go to the railroad station.

God gnaw, they're a ticket window on the south side of the station. You see a line of. Ten telephone boots, accounting from left to right. You go to boots three at three o'clock your time. You better get to it fifteen minutes early to be sure it's available. Now wait a minute, chief, let me see if I got it all guard or at three o'clock, third booth on the south side of the station, counting from the left. Correct my on these precautions, Chief Steve, you're. Being watched followed on twenty four hours of the day. Don't trust anyone.

I'll talk to you later. Bye bye, Chief. Well, what was that all about? Something? It's the business I'm in, Elean. Sounds very mysterious. Rushing off to the guard You nor to receive a phone call at three o'clock in booth three. I almost forgot when I came to the hotel. Just now. The clerk at the desk you give me a message for you, and I got it here someplace to me. I think it's for your brother. What did I do with it? Darling? Well, they'll be upset. It's probably nothing important. Hang on I can remember it.

It was very short. Just call el moray what. Yeah, it was a sound sort of Arabic. El moray e l M O r e y. Did you ever hear of it before? Oh? No, maybe, I'm not sure. He seems to have been upset when I mentioned it. Well, I was, actually I think it's the man Harrington has been trying to contact. About the sale of the emeralds. Yes, we've had several calls. I've heard him deep and muffled conversation on the phone at least three times in the last week. Eleni, you can't let them. You've got to help me.

I'm desperate. I can't think how I can stop them, except by going to the police, as you said. Oh not that, No, that would be the last resort. I should have brought a book along. Hello. Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello Steve. Yeah, Bordon, Steve Nash, Steve is that you? Yeah, I'm glad you got the booth early. I'm seven minutes and thirty five seconds early. We have reason to. Believe that we may be bogged right here at headquarters. Here's the infoll in Coloradas. He's a rich exporter of olives and olive oil. He's tabbling other things, all right, petroleum, some shipping, but.

Mainly olives and olive oil. Eh clean, hell. Who knows and explain why he picked me up, brought me to this place and gave me more than a general warning to get the hell out. I don't get it. He's reputed to be one of the richest men in Europe. Here's what I wanted to tell you. We have it on good authority that a very large shipment of raw opium came in a mass. Say yesterday. It'll take a few days. To process and then the refined product will He slipped out of France for here the French know, just being told through official channels.

We've asked him to check all personal baggage going out of France. Oh yeah, big order. I know it's gonna be tough to check monell slip by. We'll have to try to spot it here. Wait a minute, chief, what is it? Someone just slipped into the booth next to mine? Public False? This guy, I recognize you know what time it is on my watch exactly three? Have a seed? What his character? I ran into on the street the other night, The one who let me have it on the back of my head don't you see he's in the next booth, probably hooking up some sort of electronic device to listen in on us.

He expected you're there at three. You were right, You were right about the phone being buked. But we got to jump on him by several minutes because I was early. I won't hang up my phone, Chief, Stay on the phone. I'm gonna get him. What gent you a little? Come let me go, I'll call the police. There. You call the police, good, save me the trouble. But before they get here, I have a little something I owe you from the other night. You quitting so soon? Come on, buddy, boy, don't play unconscious with me. Oh looks like we're gonna have some company.

Hello, Chief, are you still there? Yes? See what's going on? And just nailed our eavesdropper. And I was right. He is one of Calladina's boys. And you better get in touch with the French police and point a finger at Caladinas. And while you're getting Calladinas into trouble with the police, you might tell them that they got me locked up. I don't think i'll be able to explain locked up? What are you talking about? You're not locked up now? But by that time I will be here comes the gendarme. Now bank you. Oh. It is one thing to point the finger at Caloredinos, it is another to pin him down.

Caledinos is a man used to wielding great power, a very cunning and wily antagonist. We'll be back shortly with Act three. KILLO. This is Goldilocks. It seems like only yesterday that I was a little girl tasting porridge. You know, this one's too hot, this one's too cold. And now I conduct taste tests on diet drinks. And there's one I must tell you about. Sugar free Diet seven up. It has a fresh, natural, delicious taste. It drives my taste meter crazy. Sugar free Diet seven up. This one's just right. Hi. I'm Nanette Fabree. Eleven million Americans have an untreated hearing problem, including three million school age kids.

I was one of those kids, but I got help. Most hard of hearing people can be helped either medically or through amplification. There is a Better Business Bureau booklet that may help you, and it's free right. Better Hearing Institute Box eighteen forty. That's eighteen forty, Washington, DC. You want to hear what you're missing. Your contributions to Care have given help and hope to millions of needy people. Around the world. When they were hungry, you nourished them. When they were thirsty, You brought them safe water to drink. When they were sick, You made them well. When they were homeless.

You provided them showing when they could not read. You helped build their school when they were without quote. You showed them how to help themselves. In the International Aid and Development Organization. By helping one human being anywhere, you help mankind everywhere. The people who need Care need your helps. Please send your dollars to Care Department to New York one double one six. And At times, Steve Nash's assignment has him feeling as though he's chasing phantoms. He keeps reaching out to grab something tangible and ends up with empty hands. After ten days in Paris, he is as much in the dark about the narcotics racket.

As he was before he came. Caladinos is probably deeply involved. At Coloredinos is untouchable. You can't close the little door. God, thank you, thanks for being so prompt, Inspector. I didn't think I could stand her, but still for another ten minutes. Let me see you nice. We have received a call from your bureau in New York asking us to come here and release you. How they knew you had been. Arrested A mystery, I told him on the phone you called from via No No, when I was making a call to my chief in New York from a booth in the guard.

To Noor, I still do not understand. I knew I was in trouble after I hit that man that Coloredinos said. Colidinus is becoming a ucae An obsession. You still don't believe he was the man. No, and they do not wish to continue this useless composition. You have been released. You may leave good day. Hey wait a minute, Wait a minute, inspector, what happened to the man I hit? He was treated for his injuries and sent home. Hey, let him go. He is colordinous man. He's the one who cracked me over the head. And Monsieur I will not listen to more from you.

I am three years from retirement, and I am not stupid to jeopardize my benson. What's your pension gotta do with this? What? Indeed, I have told you that Monsieur Calladinos is very important, very powerful. You're afraid of him? I would not exactly said well, I would exactly say it. I think he's the fat butterfly I came here to catch and I'm gonna net him, with your help or without it, Monsieur here. Well, mister Coladina's fancy meeting you here? May I give you a lif? Oh? Thank you? My head still aches when I remember my last ride in your roles.

Get in, we're tying up traffic parking here, Come on, You're perfectly safe, Okay, okay, good drive on, Andrea. As a matter of fact, I was anxious to see you, caladinas. Really I am flattered you wanted to say goodbye goodbye? Yes, because you are leaving Paris. Where did you get that information? I mean, how come I haven't heard you will? Monsieur, you will? And you are very lucky, you know. Go on, you are alive, Monsieur Nache. You have been walking in dangerous territory. And do you know why you have survived? Tell me, because you have been completely ineffectual, because you have discovered nothing in all the time you have been here.

In fact, your superiors are of the opinion that you have wasted your time and your government's money. Oh, I'm going home in disgrace Friday afternoon, flight two twenty five International. Suppose I decide to stay. On until I've nailed you, that would be a very unfortunate decision. Learn to quit when you're ahead. You are ahead right now. Well, I want to thank you for everything. Holy arrangements, very nets, very efficient. Thank you, And now I should like to drop you at your destination my hotel. I was thinking perhaps that you would be going to the American embassy there to call your superior in New York, Chief Bordon, and verify the information that I have given you on here.

Steve, Right, Chief, I'm. Trying to rate you all day. I haven't got good news for you. I know, I know. I'm coming home Friday. I'm sorry, Steve, I'm just following orders bother to explain. Chief. Someone over here doesn't like me. That em that's about it. Maybe because I'm getting close to something, beginning to press where it hurt. What if you want it straight? We got the info that you are having a big thing with a certain Miss Helene Frayne, spending government bread on our fancy restaurants. Things like that. Yeah, no, mention of orestes coladinos and all the memos on me ah out a fake marvelous.

It's simply astounding how that overweight all of salesman can be everywhere at the same time, we would influence strong enough to get our government to back down and still not show himself. Steve, I'm sorry. Yeah, I'm not fired yet, am I? Oh not you. It's nice to know where you stand. I'm still employed until Friday. It gives me three and a half days. I'll do what I can for you, Steve. Thanks Jeef, I knew you'd say that. Listen, call on me for anything I can do from here, anytime of the day or night. Here's my home number.

Don't hesitate to call. It's four one five three one three two. Hang on, hang on. I haven't got a pencil or paper handy. I just listen. Just remember the name McCauley mc h O L L Y. That's how I remember all telephone numbers. I convert them to names. You use the letters on a telephone island instead of the numbers. Yeah, it's old trick, you remember, Steve. I can't forget mccaulley. Okay, good luck, Steve, Steve Darling, come in, come in, let's shut the door. I called you all day yesterday, I left messages. I was in jail.

Jail, Yeah, I ran into the buzzard. It hit me that night, Oh that night. Yeah, I was making that overseas call in the garden door when I noticed him getting into the booth next to mine. What a coincidence? There was no coincidence. Someone knew I was to be there at three o'clock and tipped him off. I hit him and Sean darme say, you've been packing it? Are you leaving parents? Well, that's what I wanted to tell you. We're flying to New York on Friday Friday. I'm going back on Friday too, Flight two two five International.

You're kidding, that's our flight? Oh, Steve, that's wonderful. Oh, we'll have six whole hours together. Speaking of coincidence, I'm beginning to wonder if it is really that, or if someone isn't programming my whole life to suit. His own wishes. I don't understand. Yeah, I'm just talking to myself. You're going to be a wee bit of a waiter laying all these boxes and packing crates. Are they going with you? Oh heavens no, we'll just carry suitcases. This will all be sent by freight. I see ship via ss Andreas Ordeaux. Is that a friendship? Eli, I wouldn't know.

Harrington made all the arrangements. Oh, speaking of your brother, how's his little swindle going. I'm afraid that it's all been settled. He's so today. Well, he seems to have a great deal of money on him, and Auntie's out shopping at the most expensive cutulier in Paris. What about you, Elaine. I couldn't do it, Steve couldn't turn them in. Oh the whole thing's a mess. I feel helpless. Take heart, he may get caught yet until they try to collect. Oh, Phyllis, I am exhausted, utterly exhausted. One doesn't realize how tired ring shopping for clothes can be.

Oh, hello, you're mister. Rowe missus starring. Oh, of course, of course, Nash, Philip Nash. Now where did we meet your man? Right here? Phillips? Not more than ten days ago? And his name is Stephen, not Philip, Yes, andn't and and he's the man I'm going to marry if you'll have me, will you, Steve? I thought you'd never ask. Ah, Oh, Chief Steve, you know what time it is? Yes, eight o'clock in the morning where you are here, It's just two o'clock in the morning. I just got to sleep an hour a gone. Sorry, Chief, I had to call it, surgeon Chief, I'm in bord What the hell are you doing in Bordo.

I'll explain it to you later. Just tell me this. You mentioned that Colordinos had varied business interests. One you mentioned in passing shipping. Yes, yes, y'all's two ships, both under library and registry, use mainly for his olive oil company. Would the name of one of them be the ss Andreas? Can't remember the names. The files are. At the office. I'll be in Paris in a few hours. Would you check and call me. It sounded like you've lifestyle us up and see. I may have. I'll tell you about it when I see you. I'm flying home this afternoon.

Remember, yeah, I have anything. I'll have you to thank Thanks for the tip, my Holly, I really. I can't understand. I distinctly remember oring all three tickets for first class. Now they tell me that we have two first and one. Now, don't get so worked off about it home. I suppose you expect me to sit in the tourist class seat. No, I shall being a martyr, Helene. No, but I'll have more charming company in tourists than you, dear brother. Ah, here he comes now, naw. That's right. Phillis said he'd be on this flight. Steve over here.

I'm sorry, I'm a little late. I had to wait for a call from New York. Hello Harrington, Hello, please excuse me. I've got to find Phyllis. She's buying perfume in the duty free shops. She'll never know what time it is. Don't be too long. They'll be calling off flight any minute. Oh, Steve, I missed you. Where have you been for the last two days? A few things to wrap up before I left Paris. I wanted to take a look at a little more at the country. I mean i'd be back for years. If ever, why didn't you tell me i'd have gone with you?

Manoise, Monsieur oh, Inspector brav. Come to see us off, Monsieur. Not exactly, h i'mseir Madam Staro and Monsieur Arrington frames should also be present. They are here, They're here, Monsieur, Brother my aunt is doing some last minute shopping. Oh, here they are. I've had the most glorious time. Elaide, Oh snash, I'm brother. Well, I'm afraid I'm way way over my quota. I have bought the big gallons and galle No, madam. But we have very little time, and it is necessary that all your luggage be examined. Before you both be examined. At this end, we're going out, not coming in.

I am sorry, monsieur. Regulations, if you will be so kind. Regulations, since when. Tuesday this week, all luggage must be examined before departure. Ah red tape, bureaucratic red tape. If you'd stop arguing, we'd be through it in a matter of minutes. Quiet having it now, and where do we go? Please be so kind as to follow me, you too, miss your notch through this door. Please, our bags are already on the plane. They were checked through. You will find that all your luggage is on that table, ready for examination. Now the attendants will help you, but we should like you to open your own luggage.

Who is first, deer, that's my open Please? Now let us look inside the case containing your articles of toilet. Monsieur, this is two things. Is this necessary, monsieur? What's your remove and examine everything in the case. A patience, monsieur, I know what I am looking for. This tube is most interesting, regard that's been opened at the bottom and sealed again. When one presses firmly on the tube, one discovers that. There are unnatural lamps within. We shall see what they are. I take my pocket knife, and. There these are emeralds. Wouldn't you say, madam, Yes, they.

Are my emeralds. Now would you be so kind to give them to me? Presently, madam Monsieur Frayne, Madame Staro, you are under. Arrest on what charge? My nephew did not steal my jewels. I gave them to him for safekeeping. You reported a theft, madam, a false theft mistake. I'm misunderstanding. We have found the emeralds, and now we report them found. You are in a conspiracy to defer the insurance company. My god, that is a crime. Oh you, we'll both come with me. You Nash, you did this snooping around. I knew he was some sort of a cop.

Phyllis. You are clean, man, said. The attendants will see that your luggage just placed up or the plate. So you finally decided to do it, Aleen. Yes, I discovered the PM roles hadn't been sold yet, also that Phyllis hadn't reported the loss to the insurance company. I knew the charges couldn't be too severe and would probably be dismissed. Of course, they'll probably never forgive you. Oh. I think they will in time, and I'll have you to console me, Steve. They'll be calling our plane now. Too bad. Phyllis and Harrington's tickets won't be used. He's alone.

I guess he sent them off to the bus steal. I don't envy them their visit. My experience was pretty. Badtsell Are you being paid? Elaine? Can't imagine what it is? Let's find out. Come on, mh. You have a message for me. Live saying yes, ah wee I ever did? Thank you? Miss See. What is it, Elaine? You look worried? Nothing nothing, Steve. I just got to make a telephone call that I neglect to do. There's a booth over there. Do you want me to come with you? No? No, wait for me here. M hm m m.

Uh m hmmm. Why Yes, this is Elene. I'm at the airport. I got your message? What message? The message of information? I was paid? What message? The usual call? L moree you fool. You little fool, I simple message. You've been trapped. You are caught, so am I. They will be waiting when you come out of the booth. You have involved me, you stupid fool. Thank your American hover for this. You are under a restaurant. Would you be so kind? Let's do accompany me? Yes, it's your Nash. I leave the prisoner in your custody. Your plane is already boarding.

You do not have much time. Thanks, Inspector. Steve. Don't cry. It can't change matters. Steve, I won't try to defend myself. You were planted on the plane. I came over on, won't you. Yes, this whole business of the stolen Emerald was a diversionary move. Harrington and Phyllis would be caught and the police satisfied with the capture. This would allow you to slip through. Yes, it's true, it's all true. We were the clearinghouse the crates we sent to Buldeoux. I know I know narcotics. The ship SS Andreas belongs to Caladinas and I checked it out sailed yesterday for New York.

One dozen gallantins in the cargo contain heroin, not olive oil. They'll be found when the ship docks in New York. I wired ahead. I'm sure you have. Oh this has all been a performance, a charming charade to throw dust. In my eyes. No, no, that isn't entirely true. I'm on a lane. It started that way, I admit. Please believe me. I love you that. Yes, I'm ready. Good by Steven. Steve stood there and silently watched the woman he had just begun to love being led away by the French. Police for long minutes. After she disappeared through the main doors, he stood there without moving.

Finally, with an effort, he responded to the last boarding call for flight two two five. I'll be back shortly. Oh. Sure, you can talk about good tasting diet drinks, but I know I'm Goldilocks, and hear it my taste testing laboratory. I taste test them all, and nobody's been drinking my diet drinks until I tested sugar free Diet seven up, and then kabloomy, every bear wanted some Diet seven up is fresh, natural, delicious, sugar free diet seven up. This one's just right, pollution, crime, substandard housing. Law Day may first reminds us that if we don't like these conditions, our system allows us to do something about it.

Through involvement like helping to register voters, campaigning and voting, we all can help bring about change lawfully. With nearly half the population under twenty five, law Day urges Young America to lead the way. A public service message of the American Bar Association and your state and local bar associations. When Steve Nash got off the plane in New York, his chief was waiting to congratulate him. But all the praise and promises of a promotion couldn't wipe out the last look on Helene in space. He knew it would stay with him forever. Our cast included Paul Hecht, Suzanne Grossman, Ruth Warwick, George Petrie, Leon, Jenny and Gil Mack.

The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown and now a preview of our next tale. Jenny got Stone ain't gold and. What is it? It's pie ride? What's pie? Right? Well, it's just what everybody calls. Well if it's a sort of metal who. Well, anyways, whatever it is, it's real precious to me. It's my lucky charm. Well, that's why you better not let Pan know what you think about it. Why you know what he's lucky. He cares about gambling, morning cares about anything, and all gambles are real superstitious. Now, if he knew you had a lucky piece, especially if he heard the crazy story about you when that school burning down, she didn't have an offer you so fast that it set your head to spinning.

It isn't crazy. You heard me wish on the stone for no school, and now there is no school. That was just happenstance. You don't think it happened just because I wished it. Of course it didn't. Then I'm going to prove. It to you. Radio Mystery Theater was sponsored in part by New Sugar Free Diet. Seven Up. This is E. G. Marshall inviting you to return to our Mystery Theater for another adventure in the macabre. Until next time, Pleasant dreams. My dear, your tea, it's ready. It's been steeping for a while now, and I think it's time for you to enjoy it.

What's that, Well, it's a classic blend. You've had before, nothing surprising, nothing to throw you off in my world. Altering someone's tea without their knowledge is well, it's simply taboo. You are alone in the dark forest, and behind you somewhere is the werewolf waiting to drink your blood, and you're desperately desire the impossible. To escape. Escape, produced and directed by William N. Robson, and carefully plotted to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure. Tonight we escape to the backward world of eastern Europe, where ancient superstitions still live in the minds of men.

Tonight we escape with Jeffrey Household's grim story. Taboo. Among semi civilized peoples, there has always been widespread belief in werewolves, those fantastic creatures supposedly able to turn from man or woman into wolf and back again at will. This belief is still widespread among the simple folk of eastern Hungary, in the district around Swibergen high in the gloomy Carpathian Mountains, and I must admit not without some reason. Before the late War I often spent my vacations in that area, drawn to the dark loneliness by the pool of my Slavic blood. It was the same with her, perhaps, and our kindred ancestry no doubt drew us together.

Her name was kir of Vorn, and she was there with her husband, a pleasant young Englishman. They were obviously much in love, and I felt almost like an intruder when I found myself the only other vacationer in the village. However, they made me welcome and invited me to dinner. Twas an excellent dinner. Won't you have some more strawbries, mister Shirapia. Humh, thank you, No, missus Vaunte, I've eaten far too much already. I cannot say when I've had so excellent a dinner. Thank you. I'm sure I shall get nothing like it at the inn. I should hate to have to stay at the inn.

You see, you should have you If my wife is one of those delightful creatures who cannot stand to be shut in, she must run free, preferably in the woods with her hair streaming in the wind. She's quite unusual. Indeed, she is my dear vone, and you may count yourself most fortunate. I do I do. Where else should I find so good a cook? Very true. I've never tasted venison quite like that tonight delightful. Thank you. Another of her little victories. She delights in outdoing the ordinary housewife. She distains the village sharp and gets her meat right off the hoof.

Oh you do your own hunting, Oh. Dear, No, not that. She's much too kind hearted and loving a person for that. She's found a new source. A district game warden brings fresh venison to her door. Oh it's not he, but his son, true, the game Warden's slightly moronic son. Who is I'm sure in love with her? Oh that's ridiculous. Oh not so, It's quite understandable. I'm beginning to fall in love with her. Myself, Thank you, sir. Serious, though, I can understand this wild desire to be free, this wish to, as you put it, run in the woods with the wind in your hair.

It is some legacy of our slavic blood, no doubt, yours and mine and the game warden's moronic sun. Somehow we feel at home in these dark forests. Ah, you too, Yes, And I don't, I confess it. I don't. There's something here that frightens me, something strange and inhuman and taboo. Darling, I'll confess something here, are you? I don't like Kurat to go out into the forest alone. Maybe I'm afraid that some day this emotional impulse of hers will get the better of her and she just disappear like those two men last week. Oh what was that?

If I missed some exciting happening. No, not really, though you'd think so to hear the villager's talk. A fellow coming home through the woods after dark just disappeared, probably got fed up with life here in the village and lit out for Budapest. And what about the other one? Oh? Yes, well, A search party went out the next day to look for the fellow. When I got back, they found one of their party was missing. Evidently he'd taken the opportunity to skip out too. Is that what you really think? Oh? Why not, my dear. If those men had been done away with, it might have been by something supernatural, and there's no such thing.

But might it not have been some wild animals? Oh, the bears around here are harmless, and the wolves are not in pact at any rate. There would have been some sign, some blood track, something. There was nothing. They simply disappeared. Vanished, skipped out rich. How can you be so candless? You see the paradox. My wife, who loves the woods, believes the fantastic tales of the villagers. I, who confess to finding the woods strange and frightening. Do not believe them. Perhaps it is because you are frightened that you are afraid to believe them. What do the villagers say.

Well, you know this district were nerves talking of were wolves and such, Tommy rot Or, it's utterly fantastic. Yes, to you an Englishman, it would be, and it isn't to you fantastic, Yes, I suppose. But perhaps missus Vaughan and I, who feel at home in this forest, can understand and believe such fantasy a little more easily than you. Yes, I remember many times as a child I dreamt of being an animal. I thought then that I would love it, the freedom of the forest exactly. That primitive instinct is so deep within us, all, a heritage of some dim distant past.

In us Slavs, it lies closer to the surface. Takes very little to bring it to light. Yes, that is true. Well, you've placed my wife in a new life. You have you, You'll have me suspecting her of changing it to a wolf and running out of the forest to murder people. Oh, please, Born, you take me too literally. And besides, it is a shame to spoil so delightful at dinner with so gloomy a conversation. Right, shall we go into the living room with the cheff of fire man? Oh? Yes, sir, what is it? Pretty? Beg your club?

Sir? What a message just came from the village. Oh what is it? They want you and mister Cheravi if to come down there now. We're organizing another search party. What. Yes, there's another man missing, Kirov. She's fainted. It was only then I realized that these people were under a terrible tension. I was to learn very quickly that the whole village shared it. Every able bodied man in the district was at the inn when we arrived. The magistrate explained the situation. It gross. He went into the forest late this afternoon, hoping to bag a black cock for his supper.

A little after dusky solitary shot was heard. That was three hours ago, and he's not returned. But only three hours. Isn't there a chance that he might still return? A chance perhaps? But the other two did not. It will do no harm to search for him. We may still be in time to save his life. We searched most of the night, and then next morning, Vaughn and I went out again. We climbed to my favorite spot for hunting black cock, and then followed the trail down to the village, the trail the missing grocer would have taken.

I was beginning to be a little exasperated at Vaughan. He seemed to be so casual and uninterested, as if he were convinced that this one, too had merely skipped out. But I underestimated him. He was a skilled tracker, and suddenly he did show some interest. Wait a minute, someone has turned aside from the park. Here he was in a hurry. I wonder why. Hmmm, I think you are right. There are some broken branches. Why why here? It's hardly likely anyone would go plunging into that thicket unless he had a reason. Wait. Wait, see that big white rock behind the ticket.

When you're being followed, it's company to have a clear space around you. You feel safe up on top of that rock with a gun in your hands. If you got there in time. You may be right. Let's go up tato. We forced our way through the underbrush to the rock. It was thirty feet high on the down slope side, and a hot spring at the foot of it bubbled out of the cavity, scarcely two feet wide. We made our way up to the slope around it and came out on top. There was nothing there except for some ivy in the cracks and one small stunted tree.

Ha ha, Look look at that where the tree the entire base has been shattered by a charge at close quarters. Perhaps that was the shot. That was heard. You're right, it must be they say. They say there is always a tree between you and it. But you mean it. They were wolf. Huh, Well this must have been a baby one. Then at mark is only six inches off the ground. No. I think the man's gun went off as he fell. Perhaps he was following too close as he scrambled up. But here would be where his body would have fallen.

Do you see anything? I don't? No? Blood stained? Well wait wait, look look here. Oh but it's just a tiny spot. But it's enough. It's blood, all right, and something more, a tiny bit of tissue. Let me see, hm. Brain tissue must have come from a deep wound in the skull, made by something like an arrow or a bird's beak, or maybe even a sharp tooth. But where's the body. There is absolutely no other sign, no evidence of it's being dragged off anywhere. No, I can't see any either. Very strange, but at at least we know one thing one This man did not just skip out.

This man was dead or die. When we brought our information back, the excitement of the village mounted. The peasants crossed themselves, and at the end the old tales were being told. That's the advice the game I'm talking now, and Jose advice the son beside. Him, the moronic son. Yes, the old man is a character too. Listen. The biggest one my grandfather had seen, and it followed him in the forest. Time after time. He met the twilight outside his cabin, and time after time he fired at it point blank, but he couldn't hurt it. Then he founded a silver pengin loaded he is gone with it one shot and the wolf disappeared.

Next day they found Heinrich the cobbler, dying in his house with a beaten silver coin with. His belly hose. Who believe such stupid talk Yosef, my grandfather used to tell the same story. Only when he told it, it happened to his grandfather. Anyone can see it didn't happen at all. Such things can't happen. Joseph, you call your father a liar. I do very far from being amoran. Joseph seems to have more sense than the others. Perhaps, Oh, Yosef, you're not afraid of the square world? Then? Eh? I? No, why not? The whole village is frightened.

I'm used to walking alone in the woods at night. You've got to be a part of the forest and you'll not be afraid of it. You do believe in were worlds? Then eh? I don't say a man can turn into a world. No, but I can't understand why he'd want. To your theory again, Yes, I I think I understand that to Joseph, But what does it feel like it? It feels as if the woods said God under your skin, and you want to walk wild and crouch at the niece. Yes, I think he's perfectly right.

And were you explain it by some primitive urge? Possibly there may be many reasons. Physical hunger could be one. We sometimes forget that man was once a fleet footed hunting animal with all the necessary instincts. Ah, yes, we all know about it, about what it can do. To a man. I've been trapped in a cliff for five days. I know none of you have suffered hunger. It's with it in the prison came during the war. None of you knows what it is. To Joseph. Let's not talk about it. He gets so upset, remembering. Well, we'll have to go on searching for the body and for the welwolf.

You will not find it, not until you arm yourselves with silver bullets. Perhaps it has gone now, whatever it is, the search parties may have frightened it away. It wasn't for it, but they first such party it simply talk one of them. Now it is still here, and it will strike again. They may be sure of that. The whole village believed that Joseph Weis was right. They traveled in the woods by twos. Now no one went alone for a week. Village life was disrupted. The men beat the forest, the women tried to comfort each other.

Kira wore herself out trying to be useful. The village women could not help loving her. But there was something else, something strange. One day I spoke to Freedom that made about it. Ah, Yes, she is a strange one, mister Shariba. Even I have seen her going out to walk alone in the woods at twilight. The women in the village think. She is possessed. What do you mean possessed? I I hesitate to say, sir, come tell me. They are beginning to say, sometimes there were wolf can be a woman. At first, the suggestion seems so ridiculous to me that I hesitated to speak of it.

But then I decided to tell Vaughn before this rumor could reach care of herself. He was naturally much upset. That's settles that you love it. We've got to. Do something something, yes, but what there's. Only one thing we can do. Track down is supposed we are wolf. But that's what we've been trying to do for a week. How can we do It's. Really very simple. We'll offer him bait? Bait? Who will be this bait? You and I? If you're game right. Yes, of course I'm gay good? But how are you going to tie me to a tree and watch out with a gun?

That's about right? And I we didn't tie you up, And since it was my idea. You can have first turn with the gun. Are you a good shot? Right? This is no time for false modesty. Yes, I'm a good shot. Very well. It'll be night and we'll have to shoot the only the moonlight. Where do we go to the rack? Exactly? No, sooner the better to night to night and say nothing, absolutely nothing to anybody, especially to Kira. I understand this is between us. Either we win or we simply disappeared. It was difficult getting away without telling Kira what we were going to do.

She seemed to sense that something was wrong, and she sat staring after us with strange, angry eyes in the village. Vaughan and I parted and made our ways to the rock separately. I reached there first and settled myself on top of the rock, almost covered by the ivy, the gun across my knees. Presently, Vaughan appeared on the path, and I gave the signal that I was there and ready. The trap was set. In the eerie stillness of the dark forest, we waited. Borne paced slowly on the path. I kept the gun sight trained a yard and back of him as he walked.

Minutes passed in silence, Hours went by, nothing happened. It was almost midnight, the end of our vigil. Vaughan waved his hand and started off down the trail. He would go fast in case he was followed, taking a short cut down an old timber slide. He'd be in the village in ten minutes. I was to follow presently. Then suddenly I got an intense feeling of dread. I was alone on the rock, my spine tingled, and then I heard it, a quick rustle in the ivy behind me. Something brush my baste hy. It was only a bird.

A night bird had lit in the ivy, and us swooshed past me and flew away. My nerves were still tingling when I got back to the village next day. When I went to see Vaughan, he gave me a warning glance. Kira was suspicious. I could see the question in her eyes when she greeted me. So, here is the other culprit? Which of you is most to blame for keeping such late hours? Right? I supposed to keep peace in the family, I should say it is I. No, you can't get him off that easily. I'm the only culprit, my dear, you see, I've never hunted youer at night, I asked, Sabia have to help me.

I suppose you should the poor things while they sleep? Oh no, while they're having at dinner. Possible. You're cruel and heartless, both of you. There's no use letting your start an argument. I'll go get us a drink. Oh, yes, thank you, I'd like that. Why why do you look at me like that? Was the hunting good last night? No? Not very and we didn't get anything. As you see, I'm afraid you'll still have to depend upon yours for your venison. Where did you hunt? Why? Simply in the forest? Nowhere in particular. You're not telling me the truth, are you.

My dear? I don't know what you're thinking, But are you sure? Never mind? I suppose it is best. I don't know, but take care of him, please, of course I will if anything should happen to him. But what could happen? You know you understand these things. That night I was debait, and I confess walking there on the moonlit path, the dense undergrowth pressing close on both sides, the forest all around me, But I felt a strange terror, but nothing happened. One a bear rambled across the path, pause, sniffed and disappeared into the brush. Then a little later I thought I saw a flicker of white in the clearing below, but it never reappeared, and I decided it must have been a ripple of grass in the moonlight.

At midnight, we returned to the village, and I was beginning to wonder if our trap would ever be sprut. We must keep on, Seraviv. I have a feeling that tomorrow night perhaps, or the next night. I'm game as long as you are, But so far we've only lost sleep. I've got to keep on. Have you forgotten about Curra the things are saying about her? No, of course not. But surely these people would not do anything to her. It's not that, it's what it might do to her spirit if she would hear those insane rumors. She's so sensitive.

I don't like to think about it. Then shall we go out again tomorrow night? Yes, you must come to dinner, though first vice is bringing down more venison. Kira will want you to. Come, all right till tomorrow night. Then after dinner we went out for our third night on the rock. Vaughan was de bait tonight, and I the watcher the forest was alive with sound. A deer coughed. The bear came ambling back, as wooly and harmless as a dog. I was watching him when suddenly he paused and sniffed the air, and disappeared into the trees.

The animal sounds quieted one by one, and a tense stillness fell over the forest. My hand tightened on the gun, and suddenly I saw it, that flicker of white moving fast through the trees. It was coming up the path toward Vaughn. A soft, bulky white blur, coming surprisingly fast. Vaughan's back was turned, he did not see it. My finger tightened on the trigger. It was only a few yards away when he turned here. I started to press the trigger. No, no, what are you doing here? I was looking for you and alas night too, sure you should It was foolish, terrible poolsha.

There was nothing after me, I know it. That's why I was running here. You shouldn't be out here alone. But what about you? Where's you? Rabbi? He's up there on the rock covering me with his rifle. I'm perfectly safe. I'll show you. I'll hold up my handkerchief like this now, j rab yet put a hole in that. I stared for a moment at the white square of handkerchief, then at the white of her coat. My lips were dry, my finger felt now on the trigger. Come out to rabia the handkerchief. Please, God, don't let me miss there.

You see, my dear, I'm perfectly saying. They went down the path together and I followed. After a moment, one hundred yards from the timber slide, I knew I was being followed even before I heard something in the brush behind me. I stopped and turned around. Moved past me, cutting off my retreat. Now I stood alone in terror. But it was still in the brush, which if only I could make the timber slide. I got done safely. I went straight to Vae. He came out of the house to talk to me. I told him what had happened.

His reaction surprised me. Surabi if I'm sorry I had to leave you up there to face it alone. But I had to bring her down. Of course I know that, and you. Must believe this. She never left me. We came down together, arm in arm. We came straight down. You must believe that. But of course why should I think differently? Then you must realize whoever it was up there in the brush following you. It couldn't have been kier. Good heavens one, do you think I believe that preposterous story? But didn't you even up there on the rock when you hesitated about firing the handkerchief?

Didn't you believe it might be cure? No? Why? No, of course not. But I did. One knew my thoughts almost better than I knew them myself. Yes, that is why my lips were dry and my finger numb when I pressed the trigger. I had refused to admit it, even to myself, And now was I sure? Even now? That night, Vonne was excited. We're going to get it tonight after last night. He'll be there waiting for us. Yes, I think you are right. But if you are, we wouldn't want anyone else to come walking in on us.

It might cause confusion. Don't worry. Pierre has promised to stay at home. She says we're doing our duty and she won't interfere. Do you think this is our duty? No? No, that do. I I never feel that anything I enjoy it will be my duty. Now I really enjoy this Tonight I'd like to be the bait. No, it's might and I won't give it up. Besides, if it's a revenge you want, you have the gun. That's so all right, then tonight you will be the bait. That night, for the first time, I regretted ever getting into this mess.

As I paced up and down the path, my nervousness grew. The night. It would surely come, I felt it, But would van shoot straight and quick enough. The hours went by, clouds kept scudding over the moon, leaving me in deep darkness for minutes at a time. I was really beginning to be frightened. Then a fraction of a second before it happened, I knew it was coming. There was a hot breath on my neck, a crushing weight on my shoulder, something hard against my skull. And the cry are you all right? Yes? I think so? What was it?

A man? Come on, I'm going in off all right. I'm coming. One. Where did he go? Believe it? But he went right into this hot spring under the rock. But there's hardly opening enough for a rep people under the water. Come on, wait one, I'm coming with you. We plunged into the spring, wriggling our way forward, not knowing what to expect. One held a rifle high above the water, but there wasn't room enough for our heads. We had to hold our breast and plunge forward. What letter was only a few feet. I emerged and took a breath.

Then I heard one fire? Where shine the flashlight. There at the other side of the cave? Yes, who would have thought there would be a cave here? Not that anyone who could have gotten through that spring. It was a perfect hiding place. But it does n't know good. Now turn him over. Let's see who our werewolf is. Well, it's Vice, Joseph Vice, the game warden son. Why didn't we think of that? All knew? He was not quite saying. More than that. He almost told us. Remember, he said, I do not believe a man can turn himself into a wolf, but I know why he'd want to.

Yes, And he described the feeling to walk wild and crutch the knees. He knew that feeling. He knew it too well. Beside yourse advice, we found a murder weapon. It was a patented animal killer, a heavy, heavy iron muzzle that gripped the scalp, a heavy spike that was released by a spring. His hiding place was even more perfect than we had supposed. When the magistrate investigated, he found a passage from that cave which led underground for more than a mile and finally to the game warden's house, where a ladder led into his cellar. Undoubtedly, Vice found that dry underground driver one day and realized he could use it.

Perhaps that is what caused his mind to snap. Yes, it released a long pent up spring in him. Like that weapon he used. He saw that he could run in the woods like an animal, disappearing and reappearing with perfect safety. Stephen offered a place to bury his victims without a trace. And so your theory proved correct. But there's a murderous, primitive instinct looking in some people. Yes, well it's all explained, excepting what he did with the bodies. It would serve no useful purpose to speculate on that now. Yes, I suppose you're right, Kira. You haven't said anything.

Why did you have to shoot him? Kira? He was a murderer. He tried to murder cheraviav Is. It murder when a wolf kills a dumb animal flattened of intruders? Kira? You understand what I mean, don't you share? Ravia? You understood that night when you shot the handkerchief, just as I have. It might have happened to any of us. You see, Kira, what do you mean Take me away from you, Richard, Just take me away quickly. Escape is produced and directed by William N. Robson and Tonight Brought You Taboo by Jeffrey Household, adapted for radio by John Duncle with Paul Freezer, Scheraviev Martemitrovic's Kira, and Morgan Foley is Born.

The special musical score was conceived and conducted by cy Fure. Next week. He was standing on a bridge over our creek with a noose around your neck. You have only a few seconds left to live, a few seconds left to plan your escape. Next week we escape with Ambrose Bierce's famous story and occurrence at all Creek Bridge. Good night, then until the same time next week when we again offer you escape. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Well, my dear, the tea does seem to be agreeing with you. I knew it would. It always seems to help your mind dive deeper into the blackness where Sherry here to night, no need for anything else to weasel its way in.

No, no that's not what our time together is about. And I do so enjoy our time together. Oh what's that? No? No, no, not a care, not a one. I hope I'm not being too much of a stickler for these self imposed rules. I'd hate to be a menace. In wax, Suspense, suspense. Or suspense the night we present Menace in Wax by John Dixon Carr. During the French Revolution of seventeen ninety three, a Swiss girl copied in wax the severed heads of those who had just been guillotine. She married a Frenchman named Tussaud and came to London, and she founded Madame Dussard's waxworks.

There. It is still in Merlybone Road, near Baker Street Station. Not the original building that was destroyed by fire, but it remained untouched. When a darker shadow than Revolution came to England, they plastered high explosives all along that road and hit the cinema next door. We are going to London under the Bomber's moon. Late one night in March of nineteen forty one, a young man hurried up to the great glass doors and Madame Dussant, hey open up. There isn't There a light watchman around this place. There is Governor, and I'm in now what do you want of this hour of the night.

My name is Rogers. I'm from the Daily Record. Oh let me get inside. I'll saw you my press card. Did you get any orders about me? Well maybe I have a dad. Oh you're the blokers wants to. See the chimber of ours. That's right, all right, you may as well come in my pay for got a tip. There's something funny going on around here. Something funny going on here. That's a good one. The raid's not very heavy tonight, is it? They're going over you ain't herware? Governor? I got a teletype flash. There was a Midlands lord lummy, and I've got a sister in Birmingham.

Oh why can't she come and stop in a nice safe place like London. There's no Regent's pop guns opening up again? My ke teeth rattling, shakes. The axe of the dummies heads. You know this chimber of ours is getting to be popular tonight. You mean there's been somebody here before me? Yes, a woman strike Governor about five feet two inches tall, very pretty if you like him, brunette and big eyed, in a pony French accent. Now, Governor, no, this was only an old lady that lost a rundbag. Oh thank the Lord for that anyway, Now then what is going on around here?

I do know, Governor, you will have to ask Peerson about That was Pearson. Oh, he's a bloke. That's the watchman down there. He's old and he imagined things. He phoned your paper. Have you got an electric torch? Yes? Then go straight on through the marble hall and down the stairs on your left, and don't speak to the policeman because he's wax. Yes, that's the white Governor. That's the way to the Chamber of Hours. Person. Hello Pearson Pearson, Yes, sir, you're looking for me. Oh I didn't see it there. I must have thought you were one of those wax dummies.

Ugly dim light, isn't it. Yes, Rogers is my name. I'm from the Daily Record. Oh, yes, I'm glad you came over. I fooled your paper myself. Maybe I'm just imagining things, but. I don't blame you. This place would make anybody nervous, especially during an air raid. It well said. It's all right as long as you don't get to imagine they're watching you. Oh and do you. Oh? Yes, sometimes that's the gambling group in the center. There. What's that thing over there, that's the famous guillotine. Oh wait a minute, old boy, you're not trying to tell me that's the original guillotine.

No, that was burnt in the fire. Madame Tussain brought it from sensing the executioner. Let me tell you something, mister Rogers. Right years ago, this is straight. A young frenchwoman came in here. There was nobody else in the place. She thought it'd be great fun to say she'd put her neck in the same gutine as Brie andtoe Nette. So she climbed up on that platform. She snapped the little wooden color down round her neck, shutting herself in. All of a sudden, she realized she didn't know which spring controlled the color and which spring controlled the knife.

Good lord, she didn't know. But they say she went crazy. They say she screamed and screamed that. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scarey you, but sweet, my mind so scared of myself. I cannot help it. Sosie, Oh no, no, no, no, no. Not Susie. Susie I'll make it so a rhyme with floosy. That is not not why, you, little devil. I want to turn you across my knee. What are you doing here? And when you forget that French accent? You're driving me crazy. You know this young lady, sir? Do I she works for my paper.

She's hunting me. But that's not nice. I like the way I talk. I only try to give you ideas. Just what I mean. I take your arms from around my neck. She's French, sir. Her mother came from New York like I did. She's got some funny ideas, accents and disguises. Oh I dressed up as an old lady and I come along too. That is clever. No, definitely no. But I go into what I think is the lady's room and there is Jackie Ripper. I'm so scared. I almost kick the ghost. Whatever else you do, miss, for the love of Heaven.

Put out that sharet. It is not permittent. It is what they are most afraid of in this place. Fire. If you vouch for this young lady, mister Rogers. I don't vouch for anybody. But go on, now, what's all the mystery here? At Madame Tussad's You. See the group over there, it's called the gamblers. Not three men and a woman in eighteenth century costumes sitting around a table playing cards. Yes, and about once a week when the lights are out. Yes, those dummies dow plate cards. Is this a publicity trick of some kind? And what's the game?

I'm not crazy, I know they don't actually do it, sir. If what I want to know is who changes the cards round in their hands? And why or. Could anybody, anybody from the outside, I mean, get in to change the cards. Oh, yes, there's a backdoor, but why would anyone want to break in here just to change those cards around? Listen? I have made a discovery. Listen. If you're going to talk, speak English or better yet, just keep still. But I have made a discovery. This card, what about it? It is crooked. Here is a man which has two deuces of hearts in the same time.

Listen, Susie, I don't give up. Wait a minute, Wait a minute, let's have a look at those cards. I give you ideas, yees, Susie, for once You're right. Look here two of these players have all the clubs and hearts. The other two. Have all the diamonds and spades, Susie. How many letters in the alphabet? Twenty six? No, and twice? Twenty six is the two the number of cards in a pack? Give me a pencil, Susie. Quick The War Office, Whitehall, m I five, headquarters of Military Intelligence. There next morning in the map room used as an office by Colonel Warrender.

Mister Rogers, I'm a busy man. I appreciate that, Colonel Warrender. Anyhow, sit down, thank you, sir. Well, what's all this? These cards who. Came and form the code? Is? That? Is? Yes, sir? Now I'm look sir. Let each letter of the alphabet represent a card in clubs and hearts. That's twenty six. And then and then when you get to the middle of the message, switch the alphabet over to diamonds and spades. Then you won't keep on repeating. Now, will you read what I've got written on this piece of paper? Jack of diamonds, Q three clubs F.

Well that doesn't seem to mean much. I'll never mind the cards, colonel. Just read the letters Q fact or ry, Yes, sir, Q factory. Oh justin moment, what is that infernal noise? Johnson butterles. Don't bother with that, sir. Just read the message, please, Q Factory ten pm fifteenth, Today's the fifteenth of March, Colonel. All preparations made use dive bobbles. See this message was left openly, so openly that nobody ever noticed it. Yes, the trick's been tried before. No contacts, no gatherings, no letters that might be intercepted. A whole spir ring could walk through that wax museum and read the message without being seen.

You and newspaper men trying to teach me mu jeoll. I'm sorry, sir, I only know go on, Well, don't you see three or four little boats with portable wireless sets go down the Thames Estuary. When they're beyond pursuit, they send that message by radio. Somebody listens and there's no secret in Fleet Street, sir. That Q Factory is out in the wilds of Blobishire, there's no secret anywhere, and that we're making the Shaftesbury bomber out there so tonight unless we do something about it, they're coming over and bombed Q Factory to places. It's impossible. Why or can't you tell me?

I can tell you this much yes, sir, Q factory is so really hidden that even our own palace cont faded from the air. That's rue objection to this message. And the other objection, Yes, this talk about dive bombers, dive bombers in the night of tech. What's the good of a dive bomit? If it's objective? I suppose somebody showed a light, he'd be shot dead as soon as he showed it. Every inch of country for quarter of a mile round the factory of a mile, mister Rogers, is patrol day night. Oh, just the same. They're going to have a try at it, sir, How I don't know how.

Then, if you'll excuse me, mister ro Colonel Winder, will you give me a pass to go down there to the factory? Certainly not, No one's committed to go there except the workers. How is the place defended? There's a night fighter station nearby and several batters of four three point seven guns. Then give me a pass to the fighter station or to the gun post. That's all agitleman newspaper request whoa I might manage to pass the guns? And you'll do. It well imptant? Is that is? Colonel Rowy sounds like somebody locked up in her coat covered.

Yes, as a matter of fact, Colonel, it is somebody locked up in the coat covered. A young lady. So called, a young lady who locked her up? I did, And just what the devil do you mean so locking up people in cot comings in the war office. Well, she's a bit excitable, Colonel. I thought that she'd better not see you. Thanks for consideration. There's just one other favor I like to ask as well. If if she asks you for a past, don't give it to her. Don't give it to her under any circumstances. What's her name, Susie Dubois.

You're rather too late for that, young man. The public relations office, Grant has had a past two hours ago. What oh, a woman to an anti aircraft battery. This is what we call a mixed battery. Women on the guns as well as men. She said it would make a good human interest story for the press. I must say I agree with her a one moment, mister Rogers. Before you go, yes, sir, that gun post is fully two miles from the factory. You can go there, but if you. Take one step further you'll be shot on sight by our gods.

I warn you. I'll be careful, colonel, I'll be careful. Somewhere in the West Country, a yellow moon shines over bare trees. A white mist moving clings to the ground. Susie, are you sure we're on the right road? Ugh? Oh, share, they have taken away all the sign posts in case there isn't in vain. I know that, but I follow the mass. The man cannot be wrong. We've been driving for hours, must be yes. It is nearly half past nine, half an hour ago. Trees, trees and still more trees. Look there's a break and the trees ahead.

You will be open country in a minute. Yeah, that's funny. Look how deep the leaves are here on the road. But one thing I tell you, just between you and me and the bed. Poles, gateposts, Susie, the term is between you and me and the gateposts. And speak English. I am speaking English very well, thank you. I do not need your help to be pure. All right, All right, now, this name, well, what about it? It's say we should. Go through a lot of the Midford archie Deane. And step frog with him. I have not seen any villages, did you say Midford?

Susie. Let me have a look at that map. Come on, come on, hand it over. But what is wrong? It is a perfectly good map. Yes, Susie, it's a fine map. It's an excellent map. Only it's a map of the wrong county. I have made a mistake. No, I don't even believe you can read. This is a map of Barsetshire. We should be somewhere in bleibe shirt. Now we're in the devil are. We with the entrance to some kind of clearing with lee? Oh? Somebody calling us? We're in forbidden area. I seem now behind us.

He came out of a white cottage back there. It's a big, heavy man with a mustache. Remind the mustache. He's wearing some kind of uniform and he's got a rifle. You think he plugg us? No, I think it is not unlikely. Get out those works. Good evening with friends, all right, good eaving? Can you tell me we don't mean any harm? Can you tell me what time it is? Oh? The time it is? Yes? Oh yeah, it's uh twenty eight and a half minutes past nine. Thank you. I will keep you covered. When I said my watch, yeah, my next christ is would you like me to shoot you both No.

Listen, mister, mister mccarnister, Captain Captain McAllister. All right, captain, Uh, this girl, she's been reading the wrong map. You see, we don't even know where we are. You're in the Holywood Forest, my friend, Hollywood Forest, and you don't know what's just beyond the edge of this clearing. No, it's a big old space of a quarter of a mile in the middle of that open space. Two factory right on top of it. Then you have heard of que factory, my friend. Captain McAllister. We're from the War Office and we've got passes to prove it. Let's see the passes.

We were trying to find gun site number. I've forgotten the number, but it's here on that card. You've passed the gun said two miles back up the road. All right, here your passes. What are you going to do to us? I'm not in the regular army. You can thank your stars. I'm not. I'm forestry preservation. You are not going to check us in the cooler. If you turn that car on, get back along this road as fast as you can. If they fire at you, as they probably will. Oh, I wish I am home. Pray No mow.

I wish I am home for the best. My watch had stopped, and you did me go turn hurry along, hurry. Then sight of heavy attack battery four or three point seven guns against the moon growing clear white. Right is the concrete emplacements sealed against light, where the crews, men and women sitting waiting, waiting, waiting, well. Sir, dead to have you both here. This idea of yours about dive bombers attacking a blacked out factory in here middle of a forest is rather fantastic, don't you think? For I had meta doesn't make much sense, Captain Bronson, But I have a hunch that I'm right.

Well, grad you and Miss Susie drove out. Don't see many strangers prive forly boring nice country, of course, but air and everything with dull dull as ditchwater. Okay, probably some the lads and lasses inside like to walk along the emplacement hill? Or is that a lot? Certainly, old boy? Why not? Bright moon tonight is in ask farmer's moon. We we nearly get shot on our way here. Quiet if I nearly get shot, I'm going to say I nearly get shot. It was a man which is called Miccaster. Oh, mag, very decent sort. Mac. He's a tree doctor.

What tree doctor gotta have wood? You know, the trees start to die. Mac goes round the edge of the clearing and smears him with stuff to keep a Well, how did you come to meet him? Well, the fact is we nearly got as far as the factory tonight. Oh, then you were lucky to get back alive. There weren't any barrash balloons over the factory. I noticed hardly, old boy. They wouldn't advertise were they with balloons in open country? If the Germans did use die farmers, Oh. They're not coming. Oh boy, just make up your mind.

To I wonder if you'll say so at ten o'clock. But it is ten o'clock. It's uh, it was just ten now. It can't be. We drove here like blazers. It was only half past nine then in your watch. Must be very slow. Boy. No, I'm afraid you're wrong. I've never seen it quiet cold tonight we drive the march. Look all around you, moonlight, open country, not a sign of life. Quiet, peaceful and silent is the grit. With them. Why, George, I think we've got some visitors. I think we're going to see some fun. Enemy plays approaching south southwest actual visions enemy planes approaching south southwest.

Now do you believe me? The stand back old by operation crews coming on? I said, now do you believe me? I want you to watch these girls work. They do everything you know, except actually fire the guns. Now now, no, keep your hair on little barre. He still can't see it. Oh, they'll only be going over I think, so who is? We sometimes get a crack at it when they're making for Bristol. Any bird any fire? Listen? I have heard that noise a thousand times, but every time I. Hear it, I get sick. They're flying ruddy low.

You know That's what I was thinking. Spotter, spotter, any identification. Yoka? Any dive bombers hike? I look here you too, newspaper people. Yes, there might be things popping, you know, can't tell. I like to get below. Oh no thanks, I don't like this dirt, but I'll stay tuned rage range. Fonder on target. Look here you too. Those War Office passes you gave me, I'm not supposed to keep them. I'd better give him back just in case. Predictor predictor how target here we go, ladies and gents. P predictor on target, high predictor on target. This message, yes, I just take it.

Off. Hold Pa, that'sage understood. What is the matter with them those bush planes? There's still a good way off that they don't come any closer. Must be going over after all, circling. I think they're waiting for a signal. Anyhow, Here are your war office passes. You know you've seen the Gotham are smeared with oil? Well, is all right, monche? When we get them back from Captain McAllister, they have oil on them. I think maybe he dropped them on the leaves, because there's oil on the tires of the car too. Then I think, how always in this we meet things that burn.

At Madame Tussaut's last night, they would not let me smoke a cigarette in. Case of fire. Fire, that's set fire. What's the matter with you, old boy? Why did that fella way out at the end of nowhere? Want to know what time it was? Are you scattery? McAllister? You told me so yourself. He goes around the edges of the clearing and smears the trees with stuff to keep them. Well, what about it? Suppose it was crude to oil. Suppose between each tree he laid an invisible fuse of dead leaves, soaked and oil. I do not a stand.

In thirty seconds, a complete square of fire runs around the limits of the factory grounds. That draws the bombers in, and as the flames plays higher, they've got enough light to dive on their target. Man all night fighters and Eddy loose. Bronson, I see it all. Now, come on, we've got to get to that tree. Doctor mcallus, Sir, it's a matter of minutes, Susie. Is Branson following in the car behind. Us, Yes, he's following the men with rifles. You got to get to McAllister's cottage, but a tender one. The real McAllister's either dead or tied up in that cottage.

Fellow we saw was an impostor. Susie keeps her head down. Oh, those spiders they will. You are very younger in the place. I have not got the chance of a snow shoe in. His Oh, Susie, let us snowshoe in heaven. You mean, why non? You are English at a time like this? But I cannot understand that. I don't see why he hasn't let his signal off. What is delaying him? Why don't he strike a match when the bombers come over? Because he's a good Nazi, A good Nazi. My watch was slow. Don't you remember? I gave him the wrong time.

He had orders to strike his match at ten o'clock, and he'll not do it until ten o'clock. If there are five hundred planes instead of twenty. Gert, I see him where far up the road he's running? Yeah, yeah, that's him. I think we can reach him before he gets to the clearing. Chance of let's no shoe in heavens. In the passes clown shot. With a rifle where there is hit. He's right over. That's not all. He's unloading his bombs. The whole sticks coming straight down in our direction to go ahead? Do are you all right?

I don't feel it. This is a dirt road bomb sang too deeply before it exploded. We didn't catch the blast. Come on, Susie. McAllister was just ahead of us. Come on, let's get out. You can't drive any farther. This road is full of bomb craters. Wait a minute, Susie, there's McAllister. He he is dead. Yes, Susie killed by a Nazi bomb. Look on the ground. What are those two white cards? Oh, they're all smeared with oil. Must have fallen out of MacAllister's pocket just before he got hit. Let's see what do you know? What cards?

Two tickets for Madame Dussade's waxworks. I'm afraid our friend's never going. To get to use them. Not the chance of us. No shoe in heaven, and. So ends menace in wax Tonight's story of. Suspense Columbia presents these stories of mystery and intrigue and dangerous adventure for your relaxation and enjoyment. Next Tuesday, there'll be another in this series, same hour, nine thirty Eastern Wartime. William Spear, the producer, John Deets the director, Bernard Hermann the composer, conductor, John Dixon Carr the author collaborators on. Suspense. Do you see it? Do you feel it? All around? It's like a mist, but it's not.

It's like a like a breeze, but it's thick, and it's not ambivalent either. It takes your vision away, makes your world feel smaller, makes you feel trapped, while lying and saying it's not real, never believe fog. Wait a minute, have you heard the strange tales of the Whistler. I'm the Whistler. I was with Danny when it happened, but I couldn't hang on to him. He run off and left me, and I have been looking for him ever since. That was Captain Fowler. Something had happened to his friend, Danny. I'm going to know doctor at this time of the night.

Tomorrow maybe, but. I'm not going tonight. That was Danny. Danny knew something had happened to him, but he didn't know what it was. But Danny, you couldn't have done a thing like that. I know. Don't worry, Danny. That was Faye, Danny's girlfriend. And this is Joe Rodriquez, a fisherman. Much better than I leave town, Danny. If I stay, I might forget. I am your friend. Sunday Night and again CBS presents the Whistler. 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 strange story of Fog, where Dandy my. Boy, this is the thickest fog I've seen in this Harburn many years. I've been a sailorman for a long time. That's right, Captain. I can't see a single light along the entire waterfront. But we don't need light for where we're going. I know the wight of the anchor pool room. Yeah, yeah, I know. True. Hey Danny didn't bring your gun to you? Sure I did. Why Now, wait a minute, Hey, I'm not going to let you talk to Duke Moran with a gun in your bucket.

Why not, Captain Quill. You might lose your temper and do something you'd regret. What's the matter with your cap I ain't gonna shoot anybody. I just want it in case Duke Moran gets tough. Oh sure, and no and no. But if he gets tough, you can handle him with your fish. Sure unless he tried to slip a knife through my ribs. Ah, don't worry about the gun, Captain, I won't lose my head. So Danny and Captain Fowler continue on their way toward the Anchor pool Room, Duke Moran's usual hangout, where Danny intends to have a showdown with Moran, but the Captain is worried about Danny's gun, for he knows that Danny hates Morane to the core of his being.

He look siRNA, I hate to keep bringing this up, but you know I wouldn't go storming up to the Duke and start raising the debt. He borrowed money from me and he ain't kept his word about paying it back. I know, I know, my boy, but he'll pay it back now he won't. He's planning to skip town and lead me holding the sack. Look, you're working for me, Danny, and you're my best friend. I I'm going along to back up your claims because I was a witness when the loan was made. But look here, I don't want to see you in no trouble.

Oh, I'll take it easy, but I can tell you one thing. Hey, look up for that, Danny. Danny, Anny, you are here. That's it now? Easy? Does it up? Now? Eh? We are. Nasty, spill Just sit here for a bit. Oh you you took a real header. H How do you feel, Danny? Hey, better let me see if you cut yourself. Keep your hands off me. Who are you. All? What is this a stick up? Danny? Danny? Are you kidding? Go away? Get away or color cops? Why then you're on your hand? Get away? But don't you know me?

Let me alone? Come back here? No, don't go away, come back Danny y. Danny breaks away and quickly disappears into the fog. For a quarter of an hour. Captain Fowlers searches the vicinity and finally hurries on to the anchor pool room. Hey, hey, any of you guys here in the pool room seeing Danny Price? Oh? Hello that cap. No, I haven't seen Kenny, either of my cap. Don't think he's been around. Oh I see, well he's Duke Moran here. Said Duke, he was here a minute ago. Where did you go, George out in the alley?

I think, yeah, that's right. Some guy opened the back door and called him. Some guy. Uh huh, tell me tell me? Was it Danny? I don't know. I don't know where the captain. We didn't pay no attention to who it was. Oh I see well, okay, boys. Thanks. Later that night, groping his way along the water front, Captain Fowler arrives at the box office of the Crystal Motion Picture Theater. An attractive girl of selling tickets. Hello, fy, well, hello there, captain, going the show. Oh no, not tonight. Say I'm looking for Danny. Have you seen him?

No, I haven't, and I'm sorry that big lug too. He promised faithfully be here to take me home. And it's time to close the box office right now. Looka, I don't want to excite you, but I I'm going to tell you something. Danny's had an accident. An accident. Yeah, he fell down on the street. He tripped over a fire hydranton when he got up, you know what happened. He couldn't remember nothing. He was walking around some place in the days. Yes, I was with him when it happened, but I couldn't hang on to him. He run off and left me, and I have been looking for him ever since.

Would you tell the police? No, Oh, for heaven's sake, tell him, captain, maybe they can find him. Oh. Hey, I don't want to tell the cops. Why not. There's a certain reason, and I don't want to talk about it. Here. Look, you wait here like check in the cash. It'll only take a few minutes. I'll be right with you, all right, Faye. All right, captain, Now tell me why didn't you notify the. Police because because Danny has got a gun on him. Oh. Yes, it was on his way to see Duke Moran. You know about that money, yes, and he was afraid the Duke might start something.

I see you say you've been looking for Danny. Yes, I've been everywhere. I've been to the casino, over to the bowl in Alley. Have you been to Fred's Cafe? No, Danny goes there for coffee sometimes. Well, all right, we will take a look Fred's Cafe. Why what's in the next block, ain't it? Yeah? Oh, I tell you, Fay, we got to find that kid. He's like a crazy man. You know what he did. He looked me right in the pace and he didn't know me. My goodness, Captain. I suppose his memory never does compet. I'm afraid.

Don't get on like that. And don't you start worrying. I know how you feel. You and Danny engaged to be married and all. But don't you worry. I think everything will turn out all right. Oh I hope. So listen. What's your hurry? For sure? It is you going to a fire? Somebody I haven't chased you. Oh Denny, are you pay? Oh Danny, you're all right? For sure. Sure, I'm all right, except well I'm kind of mixed up all of a sudden. I'm sitting in the Clark Hotel and I don't remember going there at all. The Clark Hotel.

Eh, wh hell, so that's where you've been. Well, seems to me I was walking along with you camp cause you were, Danny. Don't you know what happened? You had a lapse of memory? Huh. Yeah, we've been worried to death about you. The Captain and I were looking for you. Oh, Danny, I'm so glad you're all right. So I hopping off my not you sure don't you remember falling over that fire hydrant? Fire? Hut? Yes, that's what did it? Danny? When I help you up, you you thought I was a stick up man. You run off down the street.

Well I'll be done. How long ago this happen? Cahell, it's been an hour ago or more. You've been in the Clock Hotel all that time? How should I know? When did you come to your senses? Danny? Just now I'm sitting there on the lobby wondering what it's all about. When I've seen you folks passing the window. Oh well, but look Danny, boy, you're going to do a doctor right away? What do you mean doctor your head? You must have struck it when you sell. Oh my head's all right. Oh no, please don't put up an argument.

Den Oh now look, hey, here comes an ambulance. Maybe I better flag it down and crawl in. Oh now, don't be smart. Wait a minute, that's no ambulance. Where it's a police car. Yeah yeah, come on, never mind the police car. Danny, come over here under the line. Let me take a look at your head. Oh now, look, Fay, I tell you there's nothing. See where that car is stopping? Huh over in front of the anchor pool room. Yeah, well, I wonder what's happened there. I don't know. I forget it. No, no, no, I want to find out what's going on.

Eh yeah, so do I Come on, Danny, let's go over and see. All right, all right, you people get back now, don't bloss the doorway. Hey, what's happened officer? You guy's been killed shot? Yeah? Yeah, he just found his body out in back of the pool hall. Who was he? You know? Yeah? Duke Moran. Duke Moran murder killed on the very night that you Danny with hatred in your heart and a gun in your pocket, were. On your way to demand your money. Could it be that after your mind went blank, you continued on to the anchor pool room.

Look at your gun, Danny. If no shots have been fired, you're all in the clear. Did I kill him? Did I kill him? Did I kill him? Come on, Danny, let's go. Well. How do you like that that guy gets bumped off on me? A hundred bucks? Help? And you can kiss that door goodbye? And how captain? What do you suppose to kill? Moren How should I know? Didn't have any enemies that I know of except Danny. What do you mean except Danny? I wasn't the guy's enemy. I just wanted my money back, that's all I know.

You know what? You just wanted your money back. But he's getting so excited about Hey. Boy, let's not walk down this way. There's no doctor in this direction. Hey, well, you let up on the doctor thing. I tell you, there's nothing wrong with my head. How do you know? Well? Anyhow, I ain't going to know doctor at this time of the night. Tomorrow, maybe my head starts aching or something. Is that a promise? Okay, that's a promise. Hey, Danny, Yeah, you know I went to that pool hall right after you disappeared. I thought maybe i'd find you there.

Yeah, was I there? No? Well he wasn't. I asked about morn and they said he'd just gone out in the alley. Somebody opened the back door and called him. Captain. You must have been there just before the murder. Sure looks like it. I'm sorry now I didn't go out and back and see who Moran was with. It's a shame you didn't. Yeah, hey, Danny, I've been wondering all right, though, Ahead and say it. It was me that called him out the back. It was me that kill me, Danny. Oh that's what he's thinking. Hey, you I can see it's sticking out all over him.

Danny. You mustn't say that. He knows. I've been out of my head for an hour, can't remember a thing. So now he's trying to pin a crime on that. Help you fools? Shut up? Why should I want to pin a crime on you? That's what i'd like to know. What if you did kill Moran, I'm not holding it against you. You couldn't be blamed. You was off, you're not well. I didn't kill him. How do you know I didn't. I know I didn't is But how do you know, Captain? You your head. Danny lost his memory and that includes his memory of Morana and his grudge against Morana and every Sure.

And now what do you got to say? Oh, maybe that grudge was in the back of your mind, Danny, even while your memory wasn't worth Yes, se pey, he's bound to make out I did it. Oh, no such thing. But look here. If you was mixed up in this murder, Danny, it's up to me to help you. I'm your friend and I've gotta find out about it. Let me see your gun. Huh. Let me see your gun. I'm the devil with you. Let him see it, Danny. That'll settle everything. Sure, Sure you see here you are, Captain, Thanks Denny.

Yah. The barrel smells of powder. Aw, you're crazy, and two slugs have been fired. Danny. Look here all right, So the gun's been fired, and that means I killed Mariana. I said, Oh, you're crazy. I'll tell you he's right, Captain. That gun doesn't prove a thing. He might have fired those shots anywhere for no reason at all. Sure, I've been out of my head, ain't I don't you worry? Danny boy? You didn't kill moreadn't You couldn't have done a thing like that, not even in a trend. But don't worry. Everything's gonna be all right. Don't worry, Danny.

Oh faye, she doesn't believe her own brave talk. Be down in her heart. She's afraid, afraid that Danny is a killer. It is nearly midnight now. Danny and Captain Fowler have returned to their boat, the fishing boat Dolphin, in the harbor. Danny sits on the deck, gazing morosely into the farm. You're going to turn in, kid, You got to get some sleep. I couldn't sleep. Stick here a minute, will you, cap? I'd like to talk to him. Sure, Sorry, I blew my top the way I did when we was ashore. Oh that's all right, Nanny.

I know you were thinking to my interest when you asked to see the gun. Be sure I was old kidnas sided. It looks pretty much like I bumped off Marian, doesn't It can't well, Danny, to be honest with you, it does. Still there's room for doubt. Now. If I was you, i'd lay low and say nothing. And I know one thing. I could never be convicted of murder even if I did do it. Why not because I was suffering from amnesia. Eh. Trouble is, how are we going to prove that? How are we going to prove it?

Well, couldn't you prove it? You was there when it happened. You saw me go slug? Now they sure? But who's gonna believe me? I'm your in. I think I was lying to save your neck. Yeah, I see what you mean. The things look pretty bad, then, don't they. An Look, Danny, don't go hanging yourself in advance. You know, maybe it's like they said, maybe you just happened to fire them. Shut. Hey listen, I hear a motor boat. So what it's coming this way here? Well? Ah, sure, sure, Eric, it's the cops. They're coming here to ask questions.

I'm getting out of here. Can now you keep your shirt on. I'll hail the boat and find out who it is. You wait right here? Oh who is it? Hey? What Danny? It's only Portugee Joe. What you doing out here this time? And I know. It is my life? Captain? You make me fast? Coming Aboart okay, Joe, do you always be up this way? Yeah, you're stoking chance, Danny, but I ain't there. You are up, don't tell me you run out a live bait again. Oh no, I got plenty live dates. Oh what can we do for you, Joe?

Captain? I got a little business proposition. I would like to talk over with Danny, and I would like to talk to him private private. Oh no, wait a minute. Anything you got to say to me you can say in front of the captain. Oh no, Danny, this is private, very private. Oh see, well your kick it. I'll go below. It was about to turn in anyway. Thanks your captain. Well, don't keep him up too long, Joe. You need some sleep. M It'll just be a few minutes. Captain, good night, good night. Well what's on your mind?

Danny? I ain't feed up with his time? Businesses were out in here. We want to go to Seattle. Yeah, and then you need a little moman Danny two hundred dallas and I went for Joe. Should let me have it? Are you kidding? I means you've got two hundred dollars? Sure, sure I have. But I'm getting married in a few days. I need every set of God. Oh yeah, the Swede young lady who work at the Crystal Theater. Eh, you'll be very happy with her. Daniel. You better well, but you be much more happy if you give me the money so I can get out of town.

Danny, what do you mean? I am your friend, Danny, and I do not wish to cause you any trouble. But I know something about you that nobody else in. This world knows. Not one show. Yeah, yeah, tonight. I am in an alley behind the anchor pool room. There is much for but I can see a little bit because there. Is a life. I said, you shoot took man twice with the heart gellatary liar, So did you see? Then? These much better? I should leave town if I stink here, I may get drunk someday and forget I am your friend.

I may too. You're climbing that boys and get back the shore. Go on and I'll tell you about it. You come to see me tomorrow, huh before noon. If you don't come by noon, well maybe I get drunk. Oh cap you wake? Oh yes, he is dead. There's no room for doubt. Now I'm the guy that did it. How do you know Portugee Joe was an eyewitness. He was there in the alley, saw the whole thing. Oh no, no, wait a more minute. Right, Cap. A dirty wret came out here to blackmail me, tried to shake me down for two hundred bucks.

Said I'd have to dig it up by tomorrow noon or he'd start talking. I'll be done, kid. I guess it's time we started doing some fast thing. And how that ain't necessary, Cap, I'm clearing out tonight. Oh now, wait a minute, don't get panicky. Now, let's let's give it some fun. Oh no, I'm on my way, Cap. No fulling. Where are you going? I don't know, but I'm going for good. I won't be back if you want me. Oh now, look here, what about what about Faye? What about your wedding? That's just a broken dream, cap.

Oh Danny, or at least you're you're going to see her before you go, ain't you? No, Danny, what's the matter with you? It ain't fair of you to run out on phase. It's a perist thing in the world. I prolong the agony. It's got to be a clean break. But what phase? Such a grand kid, and she'll wait for you. He's loyal, Yes, sir Danny. After this thing blows over, you'll find Fay right here waiting for it. I don't want her to wait for me, and I ain't coming back. Can't you understand that they got married?

Fay now me killer? Yeah? I know, I love that girl. I wouldn't bring disgrace on her, and it would be disgrace. Even if I cleared myself with a charge, I'd still be a killer. Yeah, yeah, I guess you would. Well. I guess there's no use talking to you. You won't listen to a word I say. Oh cap, I've made up my mind. I'm gonna pack my grip now and go ashore. Mm hmm, I got a kid. I sure hate to lose you. I hate to go to camp. You've been a prince to me. Were like a brother than a boss.

Ye. All I can say is thanks, Dannie. Even when you knew I was saving up my money to buy a boat on my own to go into competition with you, you never said a word. Why should I? Ah, this is a free country. Every man has a right to advance himself. And about Fay, I wish you'd explain to her you know what to say. Well, not quite as good as good as talker as you who are, Denny. But I'll try it. You know something, cap I wish you and Fate get married. I know you'd make her happy.

Me. No, she wouldn't have me. I'll be too sure about that. She'll forget about me after a while. But explain things to her, will you. Well, okay, Danny, I'll try. I'll do my best. Well, I'm gonna hit the first spright train out of town. So long, Captain. Jenny. Jenny, Wait a minute. Hey, what are you doing here? Oh Jenny, I'm so glad I saw you. I was about to get a boat and go out to the dolphins. Yeah, I've got some wonderful news for you. At least I think I have. What cownbra is your revolver?

Wait, it's a thirty eight? I thought so, Danny. You didn't kill him. You didn't kill Moran. He was shot with a forty five. Huh Yeah, I just came to the police hospital. They took the bullet bullets from Moran's body. They were bullets from a forty five. Oh no, no, no, that can't be right. It is right, Danny. Oh there's some mistake, honey, Look, I hadn't figured on telling you this, but there was an eye witness to the murder Portigie Joe, the bait peddler. He'd just been out of the boat trying to shake me down. For some hush money.

Oh he's a liar if he says you did it. Oh no, honey, you got a bump steer about them, bullet. I didn't I tell you. I got a straight from the doctor. What's more, I've been to the Clark Hotel. The clerk said you were there for practically an hour, sitting with the window. That means you went there right after you left the captain, so you couldn't have been to the pool room. Well, I'll be done. I look for you. Suppose you go out to the Dolphin here here, take this grip, tell the captain what you just told me, and tell him I'm paying a visit to Portugahze Joe right now.

Yes, yeah, there's one way. Who is it? Who is there, Danny? Oh where? It wasn't expecting you so soon, Danny, You could just as well have come in the morning. I Uh, I wanted to get this fact settled. Sure, sure, have you got him money? Joe? You didn't see me. Shoot Miran. No, Danny, I hope you're not going to put up no argument. You're lied to me, and I'm here to get the truth. Now. Look, Danny, come on, admit it. You're lied to me, didn't you. No? Oh, yes, sure, I'll come on. Come on, tell me your line, did.

You what You're gonna come clean. You're gonna get me the lowdown on his whole rotting business. Come on, I'll start talking. The fog has lifted now the eastern sky heralds the approach of dawn. Danny returns to the Dolphin. He finds face standing on the deck. See, Danny, I thought you'd never get back. It's almost daylight. I had a long way to go, honey. Joe lives way out at the end of the Channel Street wharf where he's bait. Check is, well, what do you find out? You face him with his lie? I sure did. There's the captain in his cabin.

No, he's not, he's gone ashore, gone ashore, Danny. There's something wrong with the captain. He's been acting very queerly. Yeah. When I told him you gonnessy protegee, Joe, his face went as white as a sheet. Then he went over to his desk and wrote a note, sealed it in an envelope and told me to give it to you when you come back. I'll bet I know what's in it. What a confession, but I won't need it now. I got one from Joe. What do you mean, honey, the Captain's been framing. Me, framing you. Yeah, that's right.

It's hard to believe, but it's true. Remember he said he didn't go out and back at the pool hall to see who it was that called Moran out in the alley. He is, well, he lied. He did go out there and he saw the murder committed. He knew who did it? Why Danny? And right then he got a bright idea. He figured he'd make me believe I committed that murder, so I'd take it on the lamp get out of town. You see, honey, Well, why would he do that? Because he was in love with you?

What our wedding day was getting closer, and the captain was half crazy with jealousy. He wanted me out of the picture so that he could marry. Oh Danny, I can't believe that it's true. Honey, Joe told me, and I got a lot more out of Joe too, Only he broke loose from me and dived into the water. Last I've seen him and he was swimming away. Well, what about the murder? Did you find out who killed Moran? I got a hunch that Joe himself did it. After he left, I looked around his shack. I found an I owe you there, signed by the Duke.

It did. Then the Duke owed Portuguese Joe money too. Yep, and I figured the captain made Joe a proposition. If Joe had come here and make me believe I was the killer, the captain wouldn't squeal me. Sure, Danny, that makes sense. Let us see what the captain wrote. Yeah, m dear Danny, I suppose you know everything by now. I haven't got the nerve to your kids. So I'll be the one to hit the freight. You won't need to save any more money for that boat. I've signed over the Dolphin to you. You'll find the papers in my desk.

Good luck, Danny, and make Tray a good husband. Yes, the captain was the villain in our story. But wait, what about Danny's gun with the two empty shells? That doesn't fit into our solution at all, or does it. Remember when the. Captain and Danny were on their way to the pool hall and Danny stumbled over the hydrant, the fog was pretty thick, you know. The Captain didn't have a bit of trouble in slipping that gun out of Danny's pocket. He wanted to make sure Danny didn't use it on Moran. And later, after the Captain had formulated his plot against Danny, it was a simple matter for him to fire a couple of shots from the gun and then slip it back into Danny's pocket when he met Say and Danny on the street.

Yes, fog sometimes has its advantages. CBS has presented The Whistler. Original music for this production was composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Tonight's Whistler Story was written by Herbert Connor, directed by Jay Donald Wilson, and originated from Columbia Square in Hollywood. Next Sunday, same time, nine fifteen. I the Whistler will return to tell you the unusual story. All jealousy, good night. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. Well, my dear, another night has run its course, and another evening has been so enjoyable. I thank you for joining me, and I do hope you'll do so again, and soon I'll be right here, waiting, same time, same place, happy to have you for something warm and something chilling.

But if I may ask one more favor of you as you leave, as you wander your way home, as you go into your door, and you place your keys on a little bowl, and you lay your head on that soft down pillow, and as you begin to nod off into the hereafter, take just one moment for me and be thankful for what you have, and I'll be seeing you soon