Unknown Broadcast | Ghost Ships, Death Cards, Buried Bodies, and Fool’s Gold

My dear, So good to see you again. Oh what's that. Well. I have been trying to spruce the place up a bit, try to keep it a little neat and tidy. I don't want to get complacent, you know, but please please relax. Sit down. The fire is going hot. I know it may be the summer months, but it still gets chilly at night. The tea should be done any moment, and I'll bring you a hot cup to enjoy. I myself have been feeling rather warm. I hope it's not another case of sea fever. Come in.

Welcome, I'm e. G. Marshall. Welcome to the sound of suspense. Welcome to the fear you can hear. Even before Phoenicians first sailed out of the Mediterranean and opened up the Seven Seas to mankind, the rolling. Waters of the world have boiled. From their depths some of the greatest stories of adventure, romance and mystery. And of all the stories dredged up from old Davy Jones Locker, I think my favorite is the strange and seemingly insoluble puzzle. Of what happened to the Annabella? How best to start the story? Oh? Yes, of course, why not? Let's read from the log of the ship that found the Annabella, the Calmed and the Doldrums.

August seventh, eighteen sixty five. Log of the Penguin. The Captain Brisket, commanding no wind again this day, as we drive through the dolrooms, moving by paddle and steam to find the Calmed, a merchantman named Annabella. No answer to repeated hales, sent mister Bascombe to bard her. His report as followed. Not a living soul aboard, the boats still snug in the Davis, the captain's table freshly set for six, the cruise meal warm in the galley, all ship shape. The log records an uneventful voyage with no clue as to why she should have been deserted. Not a living soul aboard, not even a rat.

What can be the answer to the mystery of this ill feated ship? I cannot even guess. I fear no one will ever know. And our mystery drama See Fever, was written especially for the mystery theater by Ian Martin and stars George Matthews and Brett Morrison. It is sponsored in part by. The Kellogg Company, makers of Kellogg's special k cereal, and by Anheuser Busch Incorporated Brewers of Budweiser. I'll be shortly with that one. The Annabella set sail from Charlestown Harbor on the thirteenth day of July eighteen sixty five. Her captain was Josiah Adams, a huge and forbidding giant of a man, and all the rest on board were his choice of crew of cutthroats, steves and murderers as you could set between bulkheads.

There was one woman aboard and nineteen men, including the cook and two passengers, and the mood of all of them was ugly. In the forecastle, the booses led the rumbling. I tell you breaks. I saw him, Six of them running down the afterhors are like old Nick was after him. Six of them breaks. I don't like it when the rats leadership. It's a nasty sign. I don't like much about this ship. Seven men on the cruise SHANGHI, no cargo aboard and sailing. On the thirteenth steal. The bay is good when we get it. If we get it now, you don't think we're the owner of wall.

No, no, mister Ames. It worries me. It's Captain Josiah Adams, not much giving their turn, but he does. I'm big, but he'd make twice of me, more like an ape than a man. Strong as one anyway, yea or lack a bull, as you might say, if the liquor has a lot of his vitals, he's got a scowl on him like that colic. Was at him. A colic. There's no colic that's eaten him. Has ever seen him without his cap? Hugh? How often does the folks shall hands see a cap bare headed? What do you mean?

That's when I piped mister Ames aboard. I went to his capin to tell him the owner was on ship. He opened the door and I saw him his head ball there is a white turnup, and his scalp is chewed up as the rip tide or off shatam light. I don't get you. They say he lost his last ship in Hudson Bay. He was washed ashore and found his way back to the state's overland. The Indians caught him. And you mean he scalped him and he lived, you see, so. That explains his stall face. He mightn't be a bad master, Dan.

I wouldn't count on it. I think his heart is as black as his skull. Is white. Don't forget the racks, they're full of bells. You're tricking the wheel. Dot's not keep mister Peabody waiting. Come on, what more do you know? Watch ask the captain himself. I think you're full of wind. I'd best get to the hell you're afraid to ask the captain brags? Watch ask the mate just this way, Tell me, mister Peabody. Where are we sailing with no cargo? Why did we have to shedding? High? Half a crew? Arlie or bills? Sound isn't gone?

Stand to the wheel and as sir. Mister breebody, mister Peabody said, okay, he's like I. I was wondering to myself as it might be where we headed. For, saying Africa the gold. I knew it. I knew it in my bones. I knew it. Why did you ask? It's blackburden. That's what it is. Slave trading, the slave traders. Did I believe Briggs. In America legally, but not in Brazil. They still paid fancy passes in Brazil. That's what it is. I'm not alone. And if it is what you object me, one of the pay is high enough for one question, sir, any further questions.

Or answers you will have to get from the captain, mister Ames or his fellow passenger, mister. Rogers, after you've stood your watch. They're in the cabin if you have a care to risk it. Ah, So it's blackbirding. He just what Christophson guessed. Whine Rogers savy from Spain, sharpens the appetite before dinner. Something we'll have to wet mine. This miserable tub rolls like a horse in mud. You soon get your sea legs. A small need of them. I'll have where I'm going. You'll need them to get there. So the Gold Coast, mister Rugs. The Gold coast, heat and dust and flies and traffic in human bodies.

Slave Fred of Rogers, a fine job or a fine gentleman? Would you prefer a prison cell is dead? I stole from you and was caught. Let me choose whether to rot in jail, in poverty, or in African and luxury. I chose the second. Now, in Heaven's name, let's forget the first. Gladly, more wine as much as you desire, there's no lack of it, more than enough. For the voyage. If the captain doesn't drink it. Captain Adams prefers a last year brow. He must be the biggest man I've ever seen, and that here. I wouldn't refer to it in front of him.

He's tender about that scalp. I wouldn't blame him, however, survived a tribute to his magnificent constitution. The man is all steel, not all well, No, he has at least one soft spot. M oh, who is who? You mean? His wife? Well? You know the old legend is that it's bad luck to have a woman. Aboard a woman a book? Are you trying to tell me that Mistress Adams is a boarder's shift? Of course, I thought you knew this is no place for a woman. Ten it, Rogers, I won't have it. The woman must be put ashore.

I want to talk to the captain immediately. If you want the captain, you'll find him on the bridge. How do you know, ah, my reputation as a lady's man, mister Ames, Remember I make it a point to determine first when the lady is available. You bet her bit joking, Rogers, I wouldn't give that for your life. If Captain Adams discovered your trying with his wife when sprasher in Captain's that's God's worry in mind, seeming not yours. Hold it to the point, a said Captain Adams. Where is it? Mister Eames? Would you no watch? You hurt me?

And get off my bridge? No one sets foot behind the wheel except that my orders are invitation, Dennis, I take on bridge at your or you take what you will. My only concern when I'm on this bridge is the sailing of this ship. Now will you take yourself off it? I'll meet you aft to the watch six bells in the saloon and you can have your word with me. You're free. That's not good in a cat you forget hurd you enough or not? It will have to serve. Now will you go below? Or do I have to throw you off bodily?

At what time is tinkle? Happa has six bells for you and mister Rogers And the rage here is lady later? Well, they don't join us, really the one. They'll say, curious or and curious why this lady's so afraid for us to meet her. I couldn't tell us. She won't be with us long enough to trouble about me. Still is intriguing Wydy you shipped with the captain before? Is it always like this when his wife is aboard? Mistress Annabella has never chiled with the. Captain, ah till this time, And this time will be a short voice.

Tell anybody what does the lady look like? Is she fair? Dark? Fighting? You talk too much? This is the last time I warn you now. Us are those old bones of yours in the galley, and tend to your own affairs. Ah. You want to know what my wife looks. Like, mister Rogers. So a natural curiosity, surely, and let me satisfy it once and for all. Annabella is as lovely as I am ugly. Ah. And we are not to meet the lady none alone tonight and always. One further word to you, mister Rogers. My wife is on board this voyage because I've decided that I will never go anywhere without her, nor will she go anywhere without me.

We cling to ourselves, mister Rogers, and need no other companionship. I want you to understand this very clearly. You have no fears for your wife's prevacy. By tomorrow I want her off the ship. What I'm ordering you to turn about you could have saved time and trouble that you. Let me tell you earlier on the bridge. It turn about for where to port. I don't want your wife on board. This voyage has begun, The course is set in. It will not be changed. May I remind you captain that this is my ship. This is my ship, mister Eames, my ship.

From port to port. Your ship in the harbor, lying on the sea, my ship. Here. I give the orders. Here I expect to be obeyed in the name. Of all that's reasonable man in a few of our business. Can't you see this is no place for a woman. There's only one place for Annabella. My wife remains at my side on a slave ship, by my side. You here by my side. I will hear no more of this by the living God, owner or not, I'll clap you an iron. So began the voyage of the Annabella.

Distrust and fear below, and tween decks with bad luck in the shrouds, like a storm gathering. Her bow cut the water with good speed, But it was towards the wake the cruise eyes turned. Where the legend is that Davy Jones swims the wake if any vessel marked for his locker. Bottom of the sea our return shortly we act too. For the first week, the Annabella sailed southeast by south, beating down towards the tropics. The crew still grumbled, and Rogers strove to drown the irresistible temptation to try and catch a glimpse of the captain's wife by drinking steadily.

Two things served to deter him, the captain's wary vigilance and his fear of the sheer brewed strength of the man. But once the ship veered due east and the mounting seas demanded more and more of the captain's time on deck, Roger's courage and desire began to grow. Well, it's time to turn in. Really, what time is that, eight bolls? I'd take a turn on deck if the sun wasn't down. Step yeah for my bunk in the book and you are the. Only book I care to open is the closed one that lies astern of us.

Oh, if you're wise, you'll steer clear of both the captain and his wife. And that Spanish sherriot gets stronger. Than next season, would not rushers the night, mister Eames. Oh good if the captain off of the bridge, Yeah, it's making up some dirty weather. Out. I won't sleep much this night. But now tight, mister Emes, we may be taking some seas you now forbid rudgers. So, Captain, I'm not quite finished the bottle. I'd take it with me to my bunk if I were you. It'll be safer on your back when the swells begin to lift.

I I, captain, but don't bring us through safe and sound, won't you. I won't leave the bridge till I know all secure. I want you to sleep sound this night. Rogers, Oh, man's. The wheel, mister b buddy pass sounder hand with her and. The second mate. Man's the bridge is good enough? Follow me, act like yeah, help me to move this hatch? Hur well enough. A'm batting down tight when I've dropped through, make sure she's. Bought tight, hi ion mm hm. H oh, sire, I thought you were going to the bridge. I intended you to think so, Annabella disappointed to find me back so soon?

Disappointment? No, but how did you come. Back through the stern hatch? But why? I had my reasons? You're sure you're not disappointed that I returned? No, dear, you don't find it lonely shut in here in the cabin. Sometimes I'd like to go on deck and feel the fresh salt breathe on my face. And meet the cruel, the passengers. Perhaps perhaps at least the passengers, the owner of the ship. And mister Rogers, isn't it. You know his name? Rogers? You said it just now? How did you know his name? You've mentioned it to me yourself, to sire?

How else would I know? And and you love me, don't you, of course, Josiah. And you'll never leave me, never. Oh, forgive me, please, my dearest, you mustn't mind my jealousy. Rogers. I see that look in his eyes, a hunger, a burning hunger for the sight of a woman and the feel of her body beneath his hands. Annabella, you knew his name? If you've been deceiving. You, never even seeing the man, how can you accuse me of ever forgetting? I'm your wife. With someone's coming to the cabin. Who is it? I don't know who is it?

Just Siah, what's in your mind? Whoever it is? I swear. Cabin you do as I say, very well, Josiah. Mister Adam, are you alone? Come? Come? I know you are. I saw the captain off the bridge for the night. Would you allow me to introduce myself Thomas Rogers, gentlemen at your service? Can I persuade you to share tonight's vigil and join me in a glass of sherry? Oh? How kind of you? The sight of a pretty face? Pretty face, Rogers, Captain Hackam, mine was not the face you expected to see. See. I thought you'd gone to the bridge, So you did.

Won't you come in? Well? I think did come in? You wanted to meet my wife? Didn't? Yes? I must not with me present? Right me? Captain? You you do misunderstand Rogers. The misunderstanding is all yours. Your first sea voyage you said you should have said your Oh god, why will you hear me? Mine? And no one shall touch her but me? No one will take her from me, no one. What happened? I heard him? Ah? Wow, you chill him. He should have snapped his neck like a chicken. I wanted him to supper. To me. No one shall have you with me?

Shy? Aren't you afraid? You're afraid the crew, everybody on board, when they find out. I'll find out no one knows he's here. He'd make very sure of that. His body will go out of the stern window and into the sea. Men are falling overboard on a rough night like this, especially drunken men. No one will know what happened to him. Make sure you and me. M h trimmer a little Briggs. You're losing wind. Bring your nose up, man, God watch you for a clumsy boom here. Let me have the wheels. Have your eyes. You've lost way.

On her, sorry, captain, the wind just neared a couple of points. Sailor should smell a wind chain. Yet what I had? All of your excuses? You think you can hold her on this. Tech and just trially captain sir? Yeah, then, but keep her running off backs? Get mister rain, how the word you below? I can't leave the bridge. Have had your position to join your own if you insist searching, Sir, I thought you were below you and my Kevin. I knocked at the door. There was now once for you inside, of course not. It's not my custom to leave the private shows.

My wife was resting eyes. I didn't want to disturb. What is it you want? Can we get out of discrossed? Win? And you don't want to leave the wheel. This fool handles it like a landlover. You can trust me, can I wonder? Come I have the tatrail strange be the way country. Over here on the lease side, you'll find the breeze a little mortial liking. You know, I've been concern since mister rogers mysterious disappearance last night. It'sterious A drunken sat never found his sea legs. I warned him. This deck, clear of the deck. We did every mortal thing we could to find this.

I know, I know, But without him now to leave as my agent on the Gold. Coast, I go on, Well, it's. Juice it awkwards without someone to recruit the next match after we leave, there's a little point. In continuing on. So do you think we should put back for America. Or the nearest port where I can pick up a suitable man for replacements, and perhaps put my wife for sure? Well, since you mentioned it, I don't trust women too much in a business like this. They talk too much. Just strap her at whatever port we touch.

I should be glad to make sure she is suitably settled, if you wish. It, if I wish it, do you take me to be mad? Mister rains mad? Well, believe it so nothing, don't you think I see. Through your childish sub debuge. Leave Annabelle with you while I sail off to the ends of the earth. Please, I are you too trying to steal her away from me? But you can't have her anymore than Rogers could captain you. Your wife means nothing to me. You make sure she doesn't, just as I made sure with Rogers that it was you who.

Yes, I killed him with these two hands, and he disappeared, just as you will. No, No, she mine only by No one can have her but me. Yeah, into the sea aims like Rogers. The sea can hold her secret. See you all right, captain? I thought I heard it. I told you to mind that wheel. Will I put the lash on it? Sir? I thought I heard a cry and that I could trust you will use cancer. But were's miss Ames, He's glad. Why, well, it was just that I thought I heard a splash it.

Oh I I you can trust me, sir? No, no let go, No trust you with the wheel, No. Trust you with. Two more overboard, nineteen men the Annabella sailed with, and now there were seventeen evil man all of them, and Davy Jones swam the wake waiting for them. For the Captain mad would imagine jealousy had crossed the line of sanity. His obsession convinced him that he would know no peace untill everyone on the Annabella was gone, save himself and his wife. I'll be back shortly with a three. The squall that blew up so suddenly on the Annabella proved to be a.

Full fledged hurricane. That's so fully occupied all aboard that there was no time to question missing men. Indeed, two other hands were blown out of the rigging or shaken loose before the Annabella found calm waters. In the eye of the storm. Now again, discontent grows in the forecastle. The talk of a haunted ship resumed. The word mutiny is on everyone's lips. Mister Buddy, mister buddy. Dinner early white. Now, Sir said, it's Muteley. What you heard, miss her? Muteley, you're about to break out. Oh White forecast grumblings. You know it's all took. They wouldn't dare. It's the Peabody, Sir.

I've been at Seaman and Boy for over sixty year. I know when it's talk. They say the ship is cursed. Who says the Boston Sir Christophson he says he saw the rats leave the ship before we sails. And for an old wife superstition, he's ready for mute. It's a great deal more than that. There's five men lost already. I'm aware of it. Most of all it's the captain's wife. They'd luck with a woman aboard, particularly one that he keeps it away. But they expect the captain the parade his wife in front of common seamen. No, sir, but they wonder.

I wonder what. Some say she's a witch. This is ugle at sin, and some say she's sick of the small box. A small box, it's a. Board, sir. I'm feared. Now, you do allarm me. I just have a look at it. If he has it, he has it, I'll put him in a leather ratte so I don't spread. The first thing is the mutiny, sir, that has to be stopped. It has to beginning first. It will begin unless the captain butt's about. You know how much chance isn't that you? Of all people, Yes, a sail with their captain.

Before I was telling him a hard man, but a fair man, not this voyage. Something happened when he brought his wife aboard he's not the same man. I think that captain means to kill every one as he did the owner who rogers and ways Hi and even pageant. And bring and were blown out of the ridget. Perhaps, Sir, perraps the captain shock him loose by nothing? Why here, I think you're the one whose brains are scrambled. A member lost to the ball, and the two passengers and brings. Fell over, obviously drunk. A wife took the other two.

The why is in not one mentioned? I shall have any of them be lost? In the ship's log. That's keptain the captain's hand, How could you know that I was. Writing in it here in this little last night, I was clearing the table he left to get fresh ink, and I looked at it. You can read in sixty years and see a man there's a lot of time on his hands, the toughness of long ago. You're sure of what you say on my oath, sir, And by God, we'd better turn back now, not risk by neck to hangman's loose by mutiny.

Maybe maybe if you was to speak to that captain's lady, she's the only one to influence him. Why damn, you're right buddy Gold off the crew till I see if the lady you'll come to wire. Ay aye, mister Peabody. Mistress Adams, Mistress Adams, which is mister Peabody, first. Mate under the captain? Yeah? Can you hear me, Mistress Adams. I wouldn't disturb you, but the meta's urgent. Mister Peabody, may I ask what you are doing. Captain, and I wanted to talk to your wife. My wife is indisposed, she's a poor sailor, and these last days of worn are out.

How dare you disturb her? I felt the metal urgent attend me in the saloon, mister Peabody, First, let me see to my wife. Hi. Fortunately, for my peace of mind and your welfare, you did not wait, Mistress Adams. Now why did you wish to see her? Well, I. Didn't think you'd be willing to bring the ship about and that for home. You're quite correct, I would not, feeling sure of that, I hope to enlist, Mistress Adams aid, and persuade you to change your mind. That was the only reason you chose to disobey my orders that no one no one was to approach my wife.

What other reasons why are there? Indeed, why would you be so anxious to turn for home, mister Peabody. Because otherwise your face a mutant it captain's mutiny. Ha I, damn. I could ask for nothing better than the cut down some of the forwards. Come. If I didn't wear my pistols at all times, i'd have a knife between my ribs before this mutiny. Eh. And if they do, where do you stand, mister meat. I'm an officer, sir, but at arms. We'll remedy that catch the second meat while I break out the arms. Then we'll muster the crew on deck and have this out.

What about the bush the dozen? No, I won't put firearms in his hands. The three of us can stand them off. Turn back, turn back of lily lived swine. I'll see it on the bottom for it now, heart to what I tell you. This voyage can make us all rich, no owner split down. The crapts are all hours. Sail on with me to Africa and we'll all reap ore my deep sected davy. Don't just knock off, stay hey. Yourself, mister Mufson, or oh of a bout the ship is cursed. Tom back will make you cor you qu when I order.

I'll say, I hold your orders. Mister p Moser. You know what's happening about this ship? We'll sail under you? Would you so? Done? By you? Sir? Well, mister Peabody, where do you stand? You say where my pistol is? Aims Captain me. I suspected something like this when I found you below at my cabin. What would you do now? I'll ask for your pistols, sir. I'm taking over the ship. I guarantee you safe conduct court and my wife your wife too. Of course, if I refuse, don't make me pull this triggers up. That's just what I intend to do.

Don't come on it cook you woo? Do you think I'd have handed you a loaded gun. Knowing what was in your mind? Punishment from euthanis dead? Where Who's next? Who else? Wanted to go on? T I thought so? We'll smell in the hurricanes coming back to the ringing all of you and read sailor by haven't yourself? Won't? We're breaking our last water from you, your murdering devil. Come back to your coming. I'll tell you how I want you. Chris Thompson. Kept your higher Sam you should never have shocked. Never started it. It's just what I want.

I wanted any red abuse. Come now I have my chance, ran back to where I will lose. Never never had a puffer there, waity, wicked as storm right here, wallering the doldrums for god knows. How long it's as well, sir. There's scarcely enough men left to sail the ship. What there is is dog tired enough alive. How many left. Timmins died this morning, four killed in a mutiny, were more lost overboard, and Rudge who died in a fall from the crow's nest at least five. Sir, Hi, they ain't counting you, waity there counting me hive of you still between us?

We're woeful shot sir. Yes, I have a mess cooking for the crew. Can I shut them down the way time? OI? Yes? Yes, of course we must all eat, But first serve all hands a double ration of grod, including yourself. I'll put a cask of rum out in the saloon, sir. Before you serve the crew, though, set the table in the saloons for six for sex captains, certainly the passengers, the two mates, myself and my wife. Oh last, my darling, I can bring you to the. Table as befits a captain's wife for the roll dead.

We have nothing to fear from them anymore. Only five left, and they'll be gone soon. Annabella. You understand, don't you. It's all to keep you, to hold them from taking you from me, beloved, to hold you forever. Josiah, and what are you doing on deck? I'm looking for someone. I want you who, Josiah? Adam you them here? Animel here told me you were the Josiah I knew I still am. With the blood of all those men you killed on your hands. Stood between us and the ones that be left. Who drinks your poisons for. Are dying now.

I had to kill them so we could be together always. Don't you see? That's what's tearing us apart? What were any of them were to deserve to live? Blackbirds and thieves, ripped wrap and murderers. They stand between us no longer. Only one thing stands between us, Josiah, Why are you too blind to see? No? And No? I took you from America with me. We can be safe on the. Other side of the world. I can sail the long boat, just the two of us, across the seas. We can struggle the ship, and even if she were raised, no one would know her secrets.

I've kept the log as though the voyage was calm and uneventful. Let them find the ship. We'll be gone tonight. Last you can dye at the captain's table, as you always should have, and then we'll sail away. No, Josiah, search your heart and you know it can never be. It's all the cream, all the green. Stepping speak to me, to me. Oh for our captain called Frity. Don't be afraid. I'm still alive, but not for long thought you were a ghost. No, only one ghost sailed with the ship. Because you can't stand me anymore? Captain?

Who dying? What's your wife about? My wife? She's dead to Captain, she always has been, long before we ever say yes killed, when the Indians got you dead for over two years now. It had to be capable. It had to be nobody, and your Kevin t me. Don't you think I didn't know? Didn't I see her die before my eyes? But I cheated death, and I cheated him of her. I took her away with me to this ship. I had to keep her alive. I had to you know I had to kill all of us to do it, because all of us alive were proof that she was.

It had to be. When you're alone or last, or will be. All of us are dead save me, and I'm almost. Will be alone at last, and I can bring it to my table like the lady she is. The table is set. For sex, but there'll be only. One if you're there, kept. Two or five. The dead don't mix with the living. There's only one way to fund your wife, the game, only one way. The last of them, Annabella, we're free, Annabella, Where are you? Hannah? Come to me? Annabella and Ambella. I know you died long ago in America, to lived on in my mind, in my heart, and in my blood I thought of.

I took you with me to the sea. Away from the land where I dug your grave. You could still live and breathe for me alone. There's only one way to find you. A glass, Oh Annabella, forgive me love for all that I've done. I'm coming home to you. Nineteen men say over the Annabella, and nineteen men went to the bottom of the sea. The ship weathered all the storms. But then a ship is a woman. It only goes to pool that on land or thieves. The ladies have the better instinct or survivors. I'll be back sortless.

And somewhere in the green depths. I wonder if the captain sits presiding at his table. But if he does, there's at least one empty seat for mister Annabella died on Lamb. She'll never come back to the thief for him, which seems fair enough, wouldn't you thing he didn't exactly deserve happy ending. Our cast included George Matthews, Brett Morrison, Marion Felders, Leon Johnny and William Redfield. The entire production was under the direction of Hymon Brown. Now a preview of our next tale, Sipling strikes again. My dear, you seem to be enjoying yourself while at least in the way that we enjoy the dog.

Let me see about the tea. Who It is a bit hot, but I think it might be just right for you. Hmm. A little time, a little fire, and before you know it, it's what you desire. Oh now, where is that young man, the one with the cream tarts? Started your Christmas shopping at? Worried about where the money is coming from? I want to get away from it. We offer you. Escape m hm. He was seated around a green felt table with a dozen desperate men, waiting for the turn of a card. If it's the Ace of Spades, you will be next, and you desperately desire the impossible escape.

Escape produced and directed by William N. Robeson and carefully plotted to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure. Tonight we escaped to London of the last century, A London of gas lights and handsome cabs, A London where a gentleman still valued his word of honor above his life. A London of which one terrifying incident is recorded by Robert Louis Stevenson and his Unforgettable story The young man with a cream tarts? Oh Lord, or rather city seems to awful little amusement tonight? Well, bottom's up, Let's be on our way right O, Your health and yours?

Please have a cream parliment made? Will you honow me? Well? No, what's this young man with a tray of cream turns? He's giving them away? Perhaps one of the turns on the Perhaps shall we go? Yes? Let's I pray you accept this confection. For if you do not, I am bound to eat it myself. You must be crazy. It was never more seen I do, and there's nothing for it my twenty seventh part. Since five o'clock. Now there are but two left you, sir? Will you so far under an entire stranger truly excellent pastry? I should know I've eaten.

A of them. It is not the nature of a gift that is important, but the spirit in which it is offered. Spirits hair is one of mockery. Mockery and whom do you mark myself? However, my purpose at the moment is not confession, but rather distribution of these cream tarts. Won't you and your friend disposed to the last time hees? Here's on one condition. If my friend and I eat your last two cakes, we shall expect you to join us at supper. Supper. It's a horrible thought. I've already eaten two dozen of these pastries. Very well, then we shall omit supper and become better acquainted over a bottle of wine.

I'm uncertain that my repugnance for these two remaining tarts of the attraction of your invitation compels me, but I. Accept excellent then let us finish off your pastry and seek a more quiet place. How about Michelle's and soho splendid? Shall we go an excellent restaurant, an excellent wine, and two excellent friends. I drink to your. Health and we drink to yours. I'm sure you will understand my curiyosity, but you are curious naturally. Although I suspect that your story is probably a silly one, indeed you may rest assured that we are two of the silliest men in England.

My name is Godall, theophilis Goodall, and my friend here is Major Alfred Hammersmith. I like you, mister Godall, and juw Major Hammersmith. Though I suspect there's not your right name, this is of no importance exactly, nor is my name, so I will not divulge it. Although I see no reason why I should deny you my story. It's brief and foolish. Pray tell us then, it's an off told tale, a modest fortune which I squandered in the usual ways at cards the horse races in Paris. Been two months ago. I met a young lady exactly suited to my taste in mind and body, My heart melted.

I was in love too. Late yesterday my solicitor warned me that I had but a hundred pounds left in the world. Forty of these I used last night for a spatial purpose, and I have agreeably spent the day disposing of the remaining sixty pounds in as foolish a manner as I could devise. And the future, the future, has been taken care of by the forty pounds. Is it not odd that we three should have met by the merest accident in so large a wilderness as London, and be so nearly in the same condition. Yes, Major Hammersmith, I was thinking the very same thing.

What's this? Are you two also ruined? Is this bottle of excellent wine? The last falling like my cream parts? Very nearly, sir, and perhaps a week behind you. I still have a few banknotes in my wallet. However, here know this bill will take care of the bottle of wine and the others I throw into the fire. Oh no, you shouldn't have burned all of them. You should have kept forty pounds. Forty pounds, why why not fifty or seventy? For to my certain knowledge, there were more than a hundred in his wallet. It's only just forty pounds he needed.

Without them, there is no admission. The rule is strict. What do you mean I have not yet completely emptied my pocket book. You are not fooling me. You are indeed ruined men like me. Oh, indeed, could you muster eighty pounds between you? Well, let me look in my wallet. Yes, eighteen, a little. Over than you are, indeed most fortunate. Forty pounds each is the initiation fee of the suicide Club. The suicide Club. What the devil is that? The suicide Club is death's private door. It's the ultimate convenience in our modern world. It exists for unfortunates like costs, those to whom the painful agony of corrosive poison is distasteful, For those whose courage fails them when the cool muzzle chills the forehead, for those whose fear of drowning is greater than their compulsion to die.

While these sensitive misfits, the suicide Club ranges every detail. If you are truly tired of life, I will introduce you to night, to a meeting, and I can assure you that within the week you will be relieved of the burden of living. What do you say? It's more serious than a cream tart? And I suspect more palatable, more serious certainly, so I I wonder if you would give mister Godarl and Knee five minutes alone to discuss it. Certainly I shall wait out, Sir, your highness, This adventure must stop here. Nonsense, Colonel Deryldine, I propose to see this through, see you through to what death?

You forget your obligations, not only to yourself but to your country. Prince Florizaill of Bohemia cannot risk to night. I am plain, mister Goddar, and so I propose to remain. And please remember, Colonel Geraldine, under those circumstances are you to betray my incognito? What your high We have survived graver adventures than this one promises to be. And now, Colonel Geraldine, let us pay our bill and accompany our young wastrel two Death's private door. Well here you aren't box court, gentlemen, we have a ride. Here you are cabby. Keep the change, well, mister Godar, Major hammer Smith, there is still time to change your minds.

Lead on, sir, my mind's made up, and mine follow me then, as dark as a tomb. An aptain concise simply, here we are gentlemen, have death's private door. So we want to pray. Let's I may hang your things in here, shall be good enough to wait. I shall call the President, have all our bodies. This is the wildest and most dangerous. I'm beginning to believe you're right. Let me beseech your Highness not forget you are my aide decon, not your father. Yet I am responsible to the King for your will. Girld Geraldine, you're not afraid, certainly, not for myself, but for your Highness.

President will see you in his office. I have vouched for you, but you must give him honest answers. The indiscretion of a single member might lead to the dispersion of the society forever. You can't afford to take that risk. Follow me, I'm here. He's waiting for you. Good evening. I am told that you wish to speak to me. We have a desire, sir, to join the suicide Club. Sir, you've made a mistake. This is a private house. You must leave it instantly. We have come here upon the invitation of a friend of yours. He's already told you our desires.

Believe me, sir, When one has come this far along the path, one is not likely to be turned away, and certainly will tolerate little rudeness. Permit me to assure you either you will oblige us in the matter, or you'll regret ever having admitted us to the premises. Well, now that's more like it. This is no place for men not yet desperate. I believe you, sir, But what of your friend? My reasons are even more cogent than mister Goodall's. I er, I was cashiered out of my regiment last week. Why cheating at cards? I see? And you, sir, what is your reason for being tired of life unadulterated laziness?

Don't trifle with me, sir. You must have a better. Reason than that I have no more money and I'm much too lazy to come by any hm. If I did not have a great deal of experience in these matters, I would turn you down. But I have learned that the most frivolous excuses for us, as i'd often cover a deep and lifelong desire for self destruction. Thank you for your understanding, sir, Very well to business. I shall read you the oath of membership, to which you will each subscribe. I swear to obey without question the instructions of the President of this association or any of his appointed deputies.

Realizing that desirable death could scarcely be a penalty for violating this oath, I am aware that any violation will be met at the discretion of the President by those means deemed suitable by him, namely excommunication from the church, loss of whatever honor still attaches to my name, and or, when necessary, violent reprisals against my bereaved family. In full knowledge of the sacredness of this oath, I subscribe my name. Well, gentlemen, you are in a position to enforce those penalties. I am. Hand me the pen, my friend, the pen please, Major Hammersmith, thank you. That will be forty palms of peace.

Please here you are, thank you. Now, would you like to join the members in the smoking room? Indeed we would this way. Please just make yourself at home. Everyone's quite informal here, if your pardon me, I have some other matters to attend. Come along, Major, let's mingle with the company. Your high quiet. Oh there you are, got in all right, I see naturally you'll never regret it. I'm sure we Shan't you care. For a game of bellods and praps some whists? No, not immediately, thank you. I'd like just to wander around and listen to the conversation.

You'll find it most revealing. She had always stood in the way of anything I wanted to do, and I don't care if she was my mother. She crossed me one time to. Offer I have joined this wretched club. If I had not read the Origin of the Species by Darwin, I could not bear to be descended from an ape. Certainly some men who cannot abide the restrictions of the monastery. And after the abbot discovered me, there was nothing I could do. It's incomprehensible to me. What is by this talk, this boasting the self justification. If the man has made up his mind to kill himself, let him do it like a gentleman.

Be done with the matter. As I told you, there are some of us more frightened of the act than. Of the result. There's only one man in this room who does not seem to be in a state of hystery. Who is that? Mister Godon? By the gentleman sitting under the van. Oh, yes, yes, mister Marcus, would you like to meet him? Yes? Please? These others are too obvious. There's nothing very subtle about mister Malts. He looks like death himself, wearing thick eye glasses. Let us discover for ourselves the reason for his relaxation. Mister Marcus, Eh, I should like to present two new members, mister Goodall and Major Hammersmith.

Are you do, gentlemen? How do you do? Mister pleasure? Sir? Won't you sit down when you come? As you come? As I envy you the novelty of your first visit. You will learn relish it if you're spared. Why, my dear sir, this club, gentlemen, is the temple of intoxication. If my health would permit it, you may be sure I would be here more often, for this is my last dissivation. Believe me, sir, I've tried them. Are all the vicests? Yes, people trifle with love and ignorantly call it man's most powerful passion, nonsense or nonsense. Fear.

Fear is the strongest passion. It is fair that you must trifle with if you wish to taste the intense joys of living. Envy me, sir, envy me, I am. A powered How, sir, is the excitement so artfully prolonged? Oh? Of course, of course, I must tell you how the victim for every evening is selected, as well as the member who is to be death, Sir High Priest. For the occasion, Great heavens, you mean they kill each other. The guilt of suicide is removed in that way, then I, or my friend or you, any of us might be selected this evening to murder another man exactly.

But have they escaped the attentions of the law. Ah, The ingenuity of our president knows no limits. The debach has always appear to be accidental. Why it's monstrous. On the contrary, my dear mate, it is godlike? Oh yes, yes, of course. But mister Malthus, I am still in the darkest of how the members are selected for the evening's work. Oh of course I forgot to explain. But I see that the others are filing into the card room now and the play is about to begin. You shall see for yourself. Will you lend me the help of your arm.

I'm quite paralyzed, you know, Oh of course, eh, thank you, Ah, this is the moment which I live, the quescence of poignancy, the alchimate of passion, coming here as infrequently as I do. I've say, with this bitter taste, to fear longer than the others. But my turn will come. Who knows, perhaps night? But how is it done? Tell us what to expect? Oh, it's so simple. The president deals from an ordinary deck playing cards, and each man turns up his guard as he receives it. The Ace of spades, the card of death, Ace of clubs designates the official woman, knight, the murderer.

If you like, ahh, get three chairs together. Happy, happy, young men. You have good eyes and you can follow the cards. I only make out the faces. It's everyone here, my friend. We still have a fighting chance to escape the quiet. Let us play the game. Gentlemen. Three of clubs, so. Jack of hearts. And of diamonds, King of clubs, Queen of hearts, three of spades, nine of clubs. Six of spades. The host that are young men of the cream tis from the Ace of clubs. I came here to be killed, not to kill a gentleman.

I must have harshened the members against such unsavely odd bursts. Since the Ace of Spades has not yet turned up. I will continue the deal. Of has seven of. Clubs, King of diamonds. Jack of spade, ace, Oh eight, mister math That concludes the play for the night. Gentle and well, the member who drew the Ace of Clubs come to my office for his instructions. Did your highness dream? Yes? Good morning, Roderick. I shall have my breakfast in bed this morning. And Colonel Geraldine has been waiting for you to awake him. Oh, very well, show him?

Can it affer to you now? Good morning Geraldine? Sleep well, not too well? Did I dream it? Or were we initiated into the suicide club last night? Seems like a nightmare. It was a nightmare, but you didn't dream it. Here look at this morning paper. Well. Melancholy accident this morning, about two o'clock, mister Bartholomew Mauthus, of sixteen Chepstow Place, Westboin Grove, on his way home from a party at a friend's house, fell off the upper parapet in Trafalgar Square, fracturing his skull. Death was instantaneous. Mister Malthus, accompanied by a friend, was engaged in looking for a cab at the time.

If Heather a soul went straight to Helen. Was that poor paralytic? Yes, at least he is dead and out of it. But think of our young man of the cream tarts last night. That lad was as innocent as you and I. This morning he is a. Murderer, and thank Heaven's we're safely out of it, are we. No, you're not going to return. I must. You are infected with a passion of fear, just as poor Malthus was. Perhaps, but ever it is tonight once more we take our places at the table of the suicide Club. Good evening, Good evening, mister goodall back again to try your luck.

Yes, indeed, and Major Hammersmith, good evening you. You are to be congratulated, sir on the matter of mister Malthus, very neatly handled. I go, but I shall miss poor Marthe he was a man. I could talk to him. Yes, your bereavement must weigh heavily upon you, indeed it does so. But then it's all in the game. And now you will pardon me, we will sit down the play directly. A fiend, the poul fiend of hestay, my friend. Once more, let me plead with you, leave this evil house before it's too late. You're very tiresome tonight.

Oh oh, here's a young friend of the cream tarking old chap. Mister good manja hammer Smith. Oh, I wish I'd never brought you to this in from his place, or leave, leave while your hands are still clean. But our oath, we could not go back upon, our oath, would renounce it. Forget everything, Let them do their worst, but leave, leave before it's too late. If if you could have heard the old man scream as I pushed him from the parapet, the crunch of his little bones as he fired to the. Pas, I perceive the dealing is about to begin.

Shall we go in? Mister mister good if you have any kindness in your soul, wish the Ace of Spades for me tonight. There's nothing left for me but to die. Attention, gentlemen, Three of hearts. Queen of Spades, Ace of diamonds. Three times around, and mither black aces come up. We are just thirteen. They set the table. This fourth round, This will, this will tell the tale. And I am next to last. As. Of course, only four more gods. King of Spades. Oh, pray for me, mister godal pray for me. I have one chance in free pray that I get the ash sick so.

Dim, and now I have one chance in two my friend don silence. Piece of spade. Very well. That concludes the night's play. Gentlemen, Oh, mister Gooddal, I'd give a million if I had. It for your luck. I would sell you this card much less if I could. Well, Well, mister, my congratulations. I am pleased to have met yourself and to have been in the position to do you. That's trifling service. At least you can't complain of delay. Yes, yes, And now. Before I leave forever, I should like to ask a question, a purely hypothetical question, of course, since I am not a man to go back upon my word, But you wonder what would happen and if you did, if upon the turning of the cart you had changed your mind and now wish to live precisely, Suppose, my friend Major Hammersmith and I elected to ignore our oath.

Suppose we began by tearing this place apart. You wouldn't even get started. The guests themselves are desperate men. But if they did not stop you, the servants, who were even more desperate, would you would never leave this house alive. I see, well it was purely an academic question. Naturally, very well, then, quite of my instructions. You will proceed along the strand in the direction of the city and the left hand pavement until you come upon a black carriage with drawn curtains. In this carriage will be the member who has tonight drawn the ace of clubs.

My executioner, you are collaborator on suicide. You will enter the carriage and he will continue your instructions. Please have the kindness to obey him in every detail. The authority of the club is vested in his person for the night. I wish you a pleasant walk, Thank you, But first I must say farewell to my friend Major Hammersmith. I regret that is strictly against the rules. No farewells too disturbing for the still living members. You will leave through this side door to the workroom, but I must have we won't have any trouble now we must have.

Clone No, no, of course not. You're court and that you'll stick. Thank you again. Must have got all. I must pleasant walk. It's private door. Why didn't I listen to Geraldine before it was too late? I heard this. My instructions under meet the coach in the strand right now, all right, your Highness will pardon the violation of his. Person, Geraldine, Oh, my friend, it was quite necessary under the circumstances. As soon as you turned up the Ace of Spades, I slipped out of the house to prepare for your escape. But how did you manage it?

When I realized I could not dissuade you from attending the club? Tonight I retained the services of a certain capable and reliable private detective, but his secrecy has been bought and paid for. His men are now raiding the Suicide Club. The members will be removed to your townhouse, where it remains for you to pass judgment upon them. That I will gladly do and with the utmost dispatch. What if they brought us here, for they didn't look like Scotland yard meant to me? What difference does it make? Perhaps this will be a quicker way. Out, gentlemen.

Why that's my friend, Major Smith. Is Royal Highness Prince Florizel of Bohemia. Don always thought there was something odd about this too. Gentlemen, Tonight we have removed you from a house of death through a house of life and hope. Those of you who have come to your present condition through lack of fortune will receive employment and remuneration from my treasury. Those who have been driven to this unnatural solution of their problems by the agonies of guilt must find amnesty from a power greater than mine, power that eternally promises the forgiveness of sins, no matter how grievous.

Only one of you is truly evil, and him I shall deal with myself. Where is he? Where is the president of the club, Colonel Jolda? Quiet? He should be here, your highness begging who's this man? Jolda? The chief of the detectives. Yes, but it was you referring to the sallow chap with the sawed whiskers and a black suit. Yes, that's the one, the president of the suicide Club. Where is he the idea? Why not? Well, when we broke into the little office down there at that club, we found him sprawled over the desk with a little empty bottle in his hand.

He committed suicide. Escape is produced and directed by William N. Robson and Tonight brought You The young Man with the Cream Tarts by Robert Louis Stevenson, adapted for radio by mister Robson, with Paul Freeze as Prince Florizelle, Bill Johnstone as Colonel Geraldine, and Martin Yarborough as the young Man. The special musical score was conceived and conducted by Sifuer. Next week, after you've put in a tough day at the office, leaning over a hot stove when you are four, war seem to be closing in on you. Next week, when you want to get away from it all way, offer you escape.

This is CBS, They Columbia Broadcasting System. Do you ever wonder, my dear, if you're having a memory or a premonition? It can be very hard to tell the two apart in my experience. Well, I suppose it's no matter. I shouldn't be worrying about the things I'm seeing in my mind's eye or what's that? Hm? Well, that's an interesting point. I hope, I hope not. But perhaps you're right. Perhaps I should try my best to move away to forget last night. Suspense. This is the Man in Black. You're again to introduce Columbia's program Suspense. Heading our Hollywood cast is a young lady known simply as Margo, whose talent for the art of suspense has been heard before on this series.

Tonight Margo using the name of Jacqueline Blaine, hells of strange happenings on a dude ranch, including the hurried and unexplained departure of an important guess appearing with Margo as mister Kent Smith, a new comer to our microphone, as Gil Blaine, a young man forced by unrelenting circumstances into many odd and mysterious actions. Margot will soon be seen in Behind the Rising Sun, and Ken Smith is currently appearing in This Land Is Mine, both RKO Radio productions. The story by Cornell Wulwich called Last Night is Tonight's tale suspense. If you have been with us on these Tuesday nights, you will know that suspense is compounded of mystery and suspicion and dangerous adventure.

In this series are tales calculated to entreat you, stir your nerves, to offer you up acarious situation, and then withhold the solution until the last possible moment. And so it is with the Last Night. And the performances of Margot and Kent Smith. We again hope to keep you in just spend. Lay, Miss Laine. It's late, ain't you bringing on giving up at all? Huh oh oh, yes, I'll be down in a minutely. Owner, go away now. I lay there, looking up at the ceiling strange. I I hadn't slept well last night. All night I had tossed and turned.

Worry, That's what it was. Worry. The weekend was over and Gil and I hadn't raised the twenty five hundred dollars. We were right back where we started from, stuck. Here in the Hudson Valley, with our dude ranch that wasn't paying expenses and the debts piling up like new snow. That was Gil in the shower. I lay still and listened to the hiss of the water. Poor Gil. It had been a tough weekend for him, trying to be nice to mister Burrows, neglecting the other guests to play up to him, flattering him, agreeing with everything he said.

That was the use. I knew he'd never lend us the money. I knew it from the first. I never even wanted to invite him and his secretary up, but Gil had pinned his hopes on it. He'd worked so hard. I worked funny word to apply to it. Maybe if Gil had done some real work now and then instead Jackie money, Well, how did you make out? How did you make out with mister Burrows? Gil, I'm talking to you. Is he still here, mister Burrows? Oh? No, he left. Well, I'm glad I didn't have to say goodbye to him.

I got pretty tired of being nice to him, didn't you. Yeah, took the eight o'clock train. Eight o'clock. He took the milk train. The milk train. How do you know? I'd broken with the station? That's how I know? Well, what were you doing up at that hour? Why I hadn't come to bed yet, That's all. But what got into him? The milk train? Why that hits here about four point thirty. In the morning, doesn't it about? Well? I can't get it into my head. Why they should bowld off like that? They went alone? The secretary's still here?

You mean he left without Marsh? Yeah, Marsh was up in his room sleeping at the time. I guess Borrows didn't want to wait for him. He went off and left his secretary behind. Well, now that's the strangest thing I ever heard of. Why did he bring him in the first place. You you had a row with him, Gil, he turned you down, and you let it. Get the best of you. I did not. That's why he suddenly decided to leave like that. I did not, I tell you, Why should I say I didn't If I did, I don't know.

Everything is so mixed up, Gil, dear, want to toss me my dressing gown? It's on the chair there here you are, honey. Oh Jackie, yes, Jackie. I got it out of him. I got the twenty five hundred's skill. He he finally gave him when I was driving into the station. You got all of it. It works. I didn't think he would. I mean the way he was acting, because I know, I know. But he began to soften up after you'd gone to bed. When I asked him he came through. But Gil, you mean, do you mean he carries that much cash around with him?

There? It is, isn't it. That's funny? You know. He came to me only yesterday and asked me where he could cast a twenty five dollars check. Oh yes, I know about that. I cashed it for him. But the twenty five hundred, well, he had that already for deposit when he got back to town Monday, couldn't get it to the bank on time on Friday. He didn't want to touch it, but when I told him I'd rather have cash in the check, well he just went the whole way and accommodated me. Well, if there wasn't any friction, why did he leave at such an unearthly hour?

I don't know, but and I don't care. Oh look, baby, we got the money. Let's just be thankful. Well, of course I'm thankful. It's just a miss Lane, Miss Blaine, you Leona, Well, just glad to give you two up, Miss Rose and mister Carmers almost finish with the breakfas ain't you too? Come here in a minute, Leona? Come on, Gil, let's hurry. It's hard enough to get paying guests without neglecting the ones we have. Why don't fix that mister Blow's room while I was waiting for like a Burrow's room. But you didn't have to bother.

He won't be using it anymore. You won't know he left. You don't laugh? Why? Yes, Leona, what's the matter? And what about all them suits and things you left hanging up in the closet? Yeah, he's clothes left in the closet. What about that, Gal? Well, he he left in an awful hurry. That's all eating me alone. Don't let's talk about. It, all right, But somehow I feel that's something very strange happened last night. That's what happened. I told him I wouldn't take any more stuff from him. Next time he tries, it'll be too bad for him.

Becomes Gill and Jack have some more eggs? Common? Hello, Gil, what do you tell. Me about why we were just talking about mister Burrows? Mister Burrows Like, yeah, mister Carmon had an appointment to play golf with him today. Yes, fine player, fine player. Oh, by the way, where is he? I haven't seen him all morning. He's uh, he's not here, not here? Well, what do you mean he's left? He left? Yes, can't a guy leave if he wants to? Sure? Sure? I Well, for one, I'm glad he was an old goat. He's mad because he made a pass.

Well, you didn't like him too early? To Common? Is he Common? Had a run in with him back in the days of Bootleg Gin. Well, not talk about it. Gill's right, mister Burrows is gone. Let's forget it. What did you say about mister Burrows leaving? And we have to go through this again, Gil, Please, mister Burrow's left on on early train. You're joking. No, no, no, but I don't understand. You're a secretary. You ought to know what he's going to do. That's right, Gil, I should know. That's why it's so strange. He told me we definitely were going to stay until this afternoon.

Well he he changed his mind. Say oh, you have to see plain Hello, Missus Blaine. Yes, this is missus Burrow. Oh how do you do? We were awfully sorry you couldn't come up with mister Burrows for the weekend. I'm sure you. The poma not to let me know he was staying over an additional day, and you can tell him so for me. I think the least he could have done with phone me offend of wire, Missus Burrow. I doubt he finds it attractive up there. Missus Burrow's wait a minute, he he isn't here anymore. He did leave early this morning.

Early this morning, What do you mean. When he took an early train, he should have been in at the now let me see at eight thirty this morning, eight thirty eight. But then where really, why hasn't he come? Well, maybe he went directly to his office. Oh no, I called his office. They haven't heard from him. You see, that's why I'm calling you. Oh. I don't understand all this. It just seemed that Marsh would have yet in touch with me. Well, Marsha's still here, Missus Burrows. Marshas still there. Yes, he went off without Marsh. Oh.

Oh, now I know there's something wrong. Why he's never done that? We please, please, Missus Burrows. I'm sure there's nothing wrong. He's just well. Uh, I better let you talk to Marsh. Well, yes, yes, please please get him. Mister Marsh. Mister Marsh, Missus Burrows is on the phone. She wants to talk to you. Better take the extension in the front room. All right, she's very upset. We have to calm her. Hello, Missus Burrows, Marsh is coming. Oh, something's wrong, I know it, Yes, Marsh, did you know mister Burrows was going to leave. No, he didn't say anything to me.

Well, Missus Blaine says he sept should have been here and he isn't. Well, I don't know. It probably was just the lad. Oh, no, No, something happened Charles marsh He had that that important package in his inside pocket? He did. Yes, Oh, I don't know what to do. Should I call the police? The police? But that's not Necessary's right? Let me take care of it. I wait a few hours and he hasn't shown up by that? Oh right? Do what do you think that? Hello? Hello? She hung out? Missus blame. Important pathet, the twenty five hundred dollars, the twenty five hundred gil god?

Oh kill. That is missus Burrows. She was awfully upset. Didn't show up. She wants me to call the police. Oh, now, wait a minute, you don't have to call the police. Why shouldn't I call the police? After all, mister Burrows is missing. Oh he may show up yet, certainly he may show up yet, Common's right, you don't have to call the police now. And why don't you want the police? Oh? Why there's something strange here? All right? Why didn't mister Burrow say a word to me about leaving? So you were asleep? I guess he didn't want to waken.

I've never known him to be considerate in my life. I suppose he knew what he was doing. I'm not so sure. What do you mean what he was doing? Why did he leave his return ticket on the dresser? A strange silence fell over the entire group. Marsh was suspicious. Soon he would call the police, and I had a strong feeling that gil knew more about this than he let on. After breakfast, the group broke up and I. Stayed to help me on it clear the table, and I saw Gill and calm and walk out on the porch.

Together cigarette Gill. Yeah, thanks man, here a fine morning. So you can't ask me out here to speak about the weather. No, no, I didn't. I want the money you wore me. Yeah, that's what I thought. It was too long ago with he interested adds up to twenty five hundred. I can't pay you now. Why not? You said you'd pay it today. Well it's not that I haven't got it, it's it's what well, it's well, everything's so mixed up. Now you can know you means disappearance. Look, give me another twenty four hours, I'd like to Gill, but it comes Jackie, all right, twenty four hours and no more.

I'm sorry if I'm interrupting something important. Oh no, no, you're just talking about the weather. It is lovely, isn't this? Yeah? Well, I better get up to the golf course. Oh say, Gil, could you lend me the car to drive up? It's pretty far and I'll do plenty of walking when I get there. Well, as a matter of fact, common I'm going to use it myself. Oh well, in that case, I had better stop walking. So long. Goodbye. He was after the money, wasn't he? Yeah, but I didn't give it to him? Why not, mister Burrows gave it to you and we do owe it to come.

Can't you leave me alone for a minute? Say you two? Why the brown? Hello, miss Robel. I don't want to interrupt a private fight, so I'll stake my business quickly. How about lending me the car? Gil? I want to try. I'm sorry, Miss Robules, but I needed I'm driving into town and right now. Kill drove off. The rest of the day went by in a haze. Hill didn't come back. He stayed away all day without even phoning me. He had never done that before. It almost seemed as though he avoided me intentionally. Good evening, as I was putting the finishing touches on dinner, Leona came.

Up to me. Here's a man you'd seen, miss Blaine? Burs He in the front room. Well er, who is it? Somebody I ain't never seen before? All right, I talked to him. You look after things here? Leonor Yes, I'm. Away, good evening. My name's Ward. I'm missus Blaine. You wanted to see me. I wanted to have a few words with mister Blaine. Oh, I see what was it about? You know what it's about. It's about Burroughs. His office sent me down. Mister Burrows. I got about him. He was a guest here, wasn't he? Yes? When did he leave last night?

My husband drove him to the station? Really? How interesting? What do you mean we happen to know that he never got on that train? I thought maybe your husband could tell me a few things i'd. Like to know. I'll see if he's here just a moment. I'd also like to see some of the other guests. Well, I'm sorry, but nobody's here just now. Mister Roberts is out walking, and mister. Carmen has Carmon Carmen short fat Italian? Why is how did you know mister Burrows always ran into him before? Now I'd like to see your husband.

Please sit down. I'll see if I can find him. Thank you, Yes, Miss Blake. Has mister Gil come back yet, No, ma'am I seen him since he drove off his mom. I see, well, tell the gentleman to wait. I'm going out on the veranda. I went out on the veranda, up and. Down the length of the porch and back again. I walked, my eyes glued to the dark highway that ran past the house, hoping against hope that Gil would show up before the. Detective came looking for me. Gil had the twenty five hundred on him, Burrough's, his cash, that important package.

Missus Burrow spoke of to Marsh. I had to see Gil first, And suddenly I saw a car speeding down the road, Gill's car, I could. Tell by the one dim headlight. It toiled through the dark at top speed, then swerved through our gate and into the garage. I was about to run down the steps when another pair of headlights split the gilm of the highway. As the car came on, I recognized the taxi from town. A figure climbed. Out quickly, Gil Tacky, did you see the car? Car? Yes? Gil? It went on the garage was driving it.

Well, I couldn't see body, is it, Gilly? You? And no time to talk? No time to talk? Where are you going with you? The doors are closed? Hey, there nobody here, anyone in the car? No, whoever it was beat it. Oh, I'd like to know who it was. Gil. I don't understand what this is all about. Frankly, I don't either. I Well, that is I was parked in front of the store in town. I came out and saw somebody hop in my car and drive off like mad. I thought. I don't know whether he was after but I don't think he got it.

I chased the car all the way here in the taxi. I saw it coming down the road. I thought it was you. Well, let's go back to the house, Gil. Yes, Gil, there's somebody here to see you. A man named Ward Ward. Who's he? What does he want? He wants to talk to you about burrs. He's a detective. Oh and you'd better let me have the wallet with the money, just to be on the safegun. Oh. Look, I don't want you mixed up in any be all right, Please give it to me. Well, okay, now you'll have to go in.

And talk to him. Yeah, I suppose. So I went up to my room and lay there in the dark, trying to distinguish the murmur of voices from below. But all I could hear was a blur of sound. I got. Time. It'll be too bad for him. He's not gonna hurry. Let me along. Why don't you want the police? Why don't you want the police? Why don't you want the police? Jackie? Wait? Yes here, sit down, Gil, You look tired. I am very What did Ward say that much? But I know he's suspicious. He's going to stay tonight.

Oh well, let's get to bed now. I'm tired. Oh. Oh, by the way, did you see the King of the rubble steed? The King of the rumble seat? No, mister Gloucester. M good night. Gil. You've never told me, You've never told me one way or the other. Can You've got to tell me? It's all right? All right, Jackie? I Will. Burrows never gave me the twenty five hundred. He refused me. We quarreled, and I was mad. I suppose he was afraid of me, afraid of what I might do to him anyway, That's why he left so suddenly made me drive him to the station.

Did you see him get on the train? No. I left him at the station, left my car there and walked down the street. I was sore and I had to think. I heard the train come and go, and when I went back, Burrows was gone. I got in the car and drove home. And the twenty five hundred I lied when he said he had that cash. Then where did you get it? Remember the twenty five dollar check I cash for him. Yes, I added two zeros after the twenty five, Oh, Gil, I rode in the word hundred.

There was a space where it made the water. Then I cashed it, Gil Gil. I know I am low Jackie, but I didn't kill him. I didn't. Then what became of him? Where is he? I don't know. I wish I did. But what somebody's out there, whoever it is, is trying to open the garage door. I can't see who it is. It's not a woman, not Miss Roubles. I can see that much. It could be common. What are you doing in that drawer, just getting this gun? Not no, Gil, give me that gun. You can't shoot anybody in the dark like that.

I'm going to turn all the lights. Oh Jackie is Gil? He's running away gone. Who was it? I couldn't see, could you? No, Gil No, it just means waiting until the next time. Oh Jackie, what am I going to do? I don't know, dear, but we'll get out of it somehow. How I'm all mixed up. There's one clear thing. Somebody is awfully interested in that car. I lay awake until the sun was up. Then a shallow, feverish sleep came, and when I awoke it was almost evening. Girl's bed was empty. There were the indistinct sounds of life in the house below.

I rose, and as my mind cleared, my words of the night before broke through the edges of my consciousness. There's one clear thing. Somebody is awfully interested in that car. I dressed slowly, tantalizing thought hovered just beyond my grasp the car. What was there about the car? I slowly walked down the hallway, my eyes half closed, thinking I had to talk to Gil. Leona, Leona, Yes, where's mister Gil? Well he done went to town, mister Walls, he went with Ward. Yes, right after breakfast. Mister Carmon gave him a lift down and Harmon, Oh yes, good, mister Gill.

He don't left you his note. Oh, let me see it, Jackie. I've gone downtown with Ward. I'm going to tell him, tell him about the check. Whatever happens will have to happen. No, Gil no, Gil No, I've got to stop him. I'm going to drive to town. I've got to get there to fork kill mister Blaine, missus Blaine, where. Are you going? I'm going to town, mister Marshell. May I come along? Well? I oh, I suppose, so hurry up and. Get in. Getting dark? Yes, I hope you don't mind me driving so fast. I'm in a terrible hurry.

No, pull down the next side road, I said, pulled down the next side road, Yes, a gun. Now, do as I say. There's something in this car I want. I won't. I must get to kill. Let go that wheel. Let go that wheel, I said, there's something here I want. There's a car coming. Let go. I tried to move. Miraculously we were alive. The other car had kareem beyond us. Up the road. I saw that the side was snatched in, and I heard Marsh's voice. I ought to kill you for this. That was a police car.

Keep your mouth shut here he comes now now Remember there's a gun pointing at your back. Hey, you maniacs, what's the idea trying to kill somebody? I'm sorry, officer. We have a little trouble with the steering wheel, and you won't have any more trouble with it. It's the end of your license. I'll see here, Officer. I'm in a terrible hurry if you, if you let me drive to the station. Wait a minute, buddy, save your name? What's yours? Want? Marsh? Charles Marsh? What's yours? Lady? This is Gilbert Lane and and yours? Well, come on, what's yours?

What's your name? Who are you talking to? A guy in the rumble seat? The rumble seeds? Mister Burrus? Oh it's Burrows, is it? Why don't you say so? Hey? What are you a wise guy? Sitting there like a mummy? Come on answer me? Will you wait a minute? This guy's dead. You did this. The rumble seats threw open when we crashed off. He's got a gun. He murdered that man. I'm runing. You keep back or that takes care of him. All right now, sister, yes, I'm all right now. Well, that job's finished. Nothing left for me to do but go back to town.

So it was Marsh after all. Yeah, I don't understand why he. Was contemplating a change from secretary to husband. Naturally, with mister Burrow's dead, Missus Burrows would inherit all the money. I see. Marsh followed Gil and mister Burrows that night to the station. Gil was gone. He killed Burrows, stuffing him into ramble seat, locked it and kept the key. Well, the thing I don't understand is why Marsh kept fiddling with the car. What was it that he wanted? It seems to be he was in the clear if he left well enough alone. Eh, that's what tripped him up.

Remember when he talked to Missus Burrows on the phone. They said something about an important package. For Yes, I assumed it to be the twenty five hundred. Gil told me about it, but of course it wasn't. There was a package of letters that mister Burrows had gotten hold of. I get it. Those letters were written by Marsh to Missus Burrows. Right, and they would incriminate him. He found out about them after the murder. Right again. Oh, he had to get them to make it perfect. Well, I guess I'll shove off so long and thanks. Oh, by the.

Way, you may want to DePass that you say twenty five hundred dollars to mister Burrow's account. Yeah, I see what you mean. Thanks, goodbye, Jackie. Yes that there's still twenty five hundred dollars that have to come from somewhere. He went a long way around to get right back where we started from. We come through all that trouble and end up broke. Yes, Darling, that's the way it ends, And so. Closes the story called Last Night starring Margo and Kent Smith, Tonight's tale of Suspense. This is your narrator, the Man in Black, who conveys to you Columbia's invitation to spend this half hour in suspense with us again next Tuesday, when John Sutton and George Zuko, the star in the suspense play by John Dixon Carr called The Man Without a Body.

Producer of these broadcasts is William Spear, with Ted Blister, director Lat Gluskin, and Lucian Mahowick conductor and composer, and Cornell will Rich the Offer collaborated on Tonight's suspense. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Well, my dear, I hope I didn't make you too nervous with my musings. Well, I do like to prattle on and wonder and wander. But of course now is the time for some kind of exploration, some kind of discovery, I suppose. But then again, the more time passes, the more I wonder. Is trying to understand all of this, all of these moments and quirks.

Is it simply fool's gold? Have you heard the strange tales of the Whistler? I'm the whistler. My plan is found mathmatically sound, it cannot fail. It's perfect. Three months from now I will be worth fifty thousand dollars, independent for life. Another Sunday night, and again CBS presents the Whistler. II. The Whistler know many things, or 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 amazing tale of Fool's Gold. Herbert Laying is chief teller of the Amalgamated Bank.

A thrifty man of forty three, Herbert has been an employee a small Surah for over twenty years. Honest and punctual. His reputation is above reproach. Herbert is thin, slightly bald, bespectacled, and unmarried. Herbert is a poor man, but he has a plan. He won't always be poor because he's developed his plan for ten years, and ten years should bring mathematical perfection to any plan. Five years now it has been working. By the first of June, three months from now, I will be worth fifty thousand dollars. Herbert studies the figures on the little pad before him, writes a total of fifty thousand, and smiles behind his bifocals.

Then an abrupt sound breaks his meditation. The arditor has just found another shortage, and they've traced shortage and nothing. Yes, three thousand dollars. They've traced it, definitely third one this year. And to whom did they trace it? Mister favor, That young fellow Button denies it, of course, but the evidence is all against him. But I can't understand what happens to young men lately. I do my best to hire the ones I think are on. I wish you'd exercise a little more care. Oh, I know they have the best of references. I sultink by now you'd be able to judge character.

To glass, i'd have sworn by that. You've taken down to the police stations a shaming, very embarrassing, mister Fabe. I feel as though I'm responsible now, don't take it that way, Herbert, and for all we're insured, but it is annoying to both of us. We all make mistakes in judgment. Now and then said you had your nose to the wheel without a vacation for three years. Now it doesn't pay, Herbert, you'll crack up. Well, I haven't felt as though I needed a vacation, and besides, when I do take one, I'd like to have it all in one lump.

I've always wanted to tour Europe for some foreign land for two weeks mean nothing. I understand I feel the same way, but what chance is there? I do think you need a rest from this place. I'll let you know when I'm really tired, and. I doubt it. I will say that I admire your devotion to duty. Thank you, mister fab It's good to hear you say that. I want you to know that I appreciate the opportunity of being with the firm for twenty years or as a board of Breakfast meeting this afternoon. I'm going to try to get you a rape.

That's all right. So whatever they decided to be for the best. I wouldn't want the board to think I was dissatisfied. Here forty three Herbert and alone, unmarried. That isn't right. And you're not the type of man to tackle marriage on your salary. Well, I've been thinking about it. I have planned, I've saved a bit. I found the right woman. I it was Faber. I may surprise you one of these days. Up into my office after the board meeting, may have some news for you. Make it around three. Thank you. Herbert sit at his desk, smiling.

What complete confidence they have in hire. What a perfect setup. Three thousand more accountant for three more months, and I have reached my goal fifty thousand and independent. For life in South America. With a move of sudden decision, Herbert slaps on his hat, walks out of the bank, and pays a visit to Hazel Yates at her apartment. What are you doing away from the bank at this hour of the day, Herbert. I'm out to lunch. I thought i'd drop by. Now that's nice. I'm certainly surprised. Uh, Hazel, exactly three months from now, I'm going to take a vacation.

You certainly need one. It's been ages since you've been away from your work for more than a day. Yes, I know, but I had to keep my nose to the grindstone. But now it's different. What do you mean, Well, I have kept it a secret, but now I can tell you I'm going to get married. Married. You're going to get married, that's right. Well, I thought you never considered married because you felt you couldn't support a wife. That's true. Now it's different. I didn't want to say anything. I was sure, are you talking about, Hazel?

For several years now, I've been working on a prom a plan, a plan that cannot fail because it's mathematically correct. What I heard you frightened me. It has to do with the stock market. I've worked it over and over. As the stock market gambling. Oh no, not gambling, and not the way I worked it out. And lots of people have thought they'd found a secret to playing the market. And what happened, Well, this isn't a theoretical plan. This has already worked, proven, already worked. I set myself a goal and amount of money I felt sufficient to live on in ease for the rest of my life.

Fifty thousand dollars. Beyond that sum, I would not. Attempt to go fifty thousand dollars. I've placed every dime to youse, gotting to the plan, and I've not missed one. You mean you have fifty thousand dollars, Well, not quite, but we'll have by the first of June. Well, I can't get over it. It's very simple. I have got three thousand goal and then I'm through three thousand. Oh that frightens me. Her, But why don't you be statisfied with what you have? You may lose it all and trying to get the other. Threat whole not a chance.

I set myself for gold, and I intend to reach it very well. I hope you're right. Then, I'm going on a long vacation. How long will you get from next June on on and on from June on? How can you do that? I'm not going to work another day? Why should I? I'll be independent. I'm going to quit, quit your job, yes, and take a long trip to South America. I'm going to live there. Fifty thousand. There's like two hundred thousand. Here, what more of jazz for. I see and you you're going to get married?

Yes, yes, I am. I haven't asked her yet. I'm confident. Who is she? Do I know her? Yes? She's wonderful. Well alike. I wish you lots of happiness, Herbert. Would you like to live in South America? Has? I would? Then you and I will be. Married first, Herbert, you mean you're asking me? Yes. I don't say a word, but this it's a secret. Don't tell a soul. Promise Yes, yes, sir, but I promise, Oh, darling, I thought you were never going to ask him. I want to surprise you. I've never been so thrilled in my life.

I've got to run along now. I'll see you later this evening. Yes, everything is working perfectly for Herbert Lang. A ten year plan just cannot fail a few months from now and he will be independent. Hazel fifty thousand and South America. After three Now, all the board meeting is over. Herbert steps confidence there the President's office. Well, I see the meetings over, mister favor. Yes, let's come in. Herbert. Hey talking over with the board. They didn't seem to agree with me. Oh, no, Ray, sorry, Herbert. Board members are rather a cool group of individuals. That's all right with favor.

I've gotten used to it after all these years. A very selfish loss whole lot of stock. Someone else does the work. They draw big dividends, it's all they're interested in. I hold stock too, Herbert. Oh, I know, sir, But you take a more personal interest in the employees, because well you're an active officer. Good. Well, maybe they'll see their way clear next year. I certainly not wanted to coming patient. No, Herbert, I'll run along in just a minute. I haven't quite finished. I had quite a session with the board the life of me. I don't understand one of them what he means.

They were up in arms about that lady shortage, but. I had nothing to do with that. Did they think I tooked? No, No, certainly not. But well they do think you were indirectly responsible. Brought up the fact that the five men you've hired in the past ten years have all been sent to the penitential. How can I tell by looking at the man they were all recommended? Hey, Board, you've been working to Herbert. You need a rest. Have instructed me to give you an extended vacation, extended vacation along indefinitely effective and two weeks. Oh well, but that's impossible, mister Faber.

I just couldn't do that one. I have a tremendous amount of special. Work on the books. I just couldn't attend to that in the next two weeks. Board at first wanted your vacation to be effective tomorrow night. But that's ridiculous. You know that, so who else here could step in and take over in a moment's notice? Of course that's true. Do you think it would straighten things around two weeks if you had special assistance? Special? Yes, but I won't need any help, sir. I'll be able to handle myself as soon as you finished take a nice long trip.

You need a herbit very well? Oh yes, By the way, Bard has voted you a five hundred dollars bonus, have they? They only give a bonus on retirement. Why don't you tell me the truth, miss Favor, Sirry Herbert, that's where they feel. Nothing I can do about it. Oh, you'll let me hear from you from time to time. Retired of forty three, well, good nights Favor. The moment Herbert steps out of Paper's office. Fear, a strangling, clutching fear grips him. Two weeks. Two short weeks wasn't part of Herbert's plan. This is something he hadn't counted on.

He's two thousand short. It's fifty thousand golds. He'll have to let it go at that and be. Satisfied, and only two weeks to fix the books to cover the new thousand dollars shortage. I can say he works alone, works feverishly. Then on the tenth day, he has accomplished his plan. The book's balance, everything is perfect. Things worked out so I expected, Hazel. We didn't wait till June. We can be married tomorrow and sale the next day. I've arranged passage so soon, Herbert, I thought we could have a regular way. No, no, I think you'd better leave now.

Sooner the better. You all right, Herbert, whatever you say, Yeah, I could evening. Mister Evans. Anything you are, missus Evans wish, just press the button. Thank you, Steward, I'll arrange for your deck chairs in the morning. Thank you, are You're welcome, mister Evans. Why did he keep saying mister Evans? Ever does he say Evans yes, mister and missus Evans. Strange confused us to someone else. I'll put them straight on that in the morning. What did you do with the passport, Herbert? Well, they're in my coat. May I see mine? Yes? Of course later we best get long to dinner.

Now. I always thought a person had to appear and sign his passport before an official. No, No, not always. Yeah, I see my passport, Herbert. What's wrong with you, Hazel? Please Herbert, I'd like to see it very well? You are Herbert. Why are we traveling under the name of Evan. It's better that way incognito. You know how did you get this passport without my signing? Part? This isn't my signature. Who signed that doesn't matter? I got it. You better study that signature and be able to copy it from you arrive in port. Don't worry, Darling, It's done this way every day.

I don't believe you. You're hiding from someone running from something that's silly. Fifty thousand dollars the stock marketer. What are you getting, Anne? No? I am suspicious, are you? Hazel? You stole that money stock market or you never need a dime. On a stock marker? Being a bit silly, Hazel. So this was your plan, a stone stealing from the bank and blaming others. That's what happened to my brother two years ago. That's why he was sent to jail. All right, Hazel, you're in this tool now, so I'll tell you I did have a plan and it worked.

No one will ever be able to trace it to me, and I'll take care of your brother later. I've sent all the money to a man in Brazil, man I know. Sent him several packages and asked him to hold them pending my arrival. He doesn't know what's in them. What man well, his name is Pedro Gonzalez, Big coffee plant outside of Rio Degeneio. I see you and I are the only ones who know, Hazel. Supposing I tell what I know, you will be an accomplice, but my brother will be cleared. I told you your brother will be taken care of.

The Only way my brother can be compensated is to be clear to the charge. And I intend to clear him regardless of what happens. To Mejeseus, you're being awfully silly about this last call for dinner. He will come along with me. I don't want any dinner then let's step up on the top deck. Let's just talk this over a lot of things you don't understand, Hazels. I'm sure I can explain things to your satisfaction. I certainly need some fresh air. I'm terribly sorry to have a set you like this, Hazel. The passing liner flowers on through the darkness.

The wind sings mournfully through the masts and cables. Herbert cannot see. Herbert's worried his plan worked. It was perfect. He'll never trace the money to him. But Hazel presents another problem. It is morning now, nine am. Steward steps up to Herbert's stateroom door. But the days, well, why don't you look at this sensibly? Isn't as though I've done a murder? Why did it? Answer? You are the first woman who discovered something about her husband. I made a mistake, and I'm sorry. It's done in the past, and why not look forward to the future together? Yes, you range?

Yeah, Well, my wife isn't feeling well this morning, Stewart. Oh, I'm sorry. I'll have something sat down, darling. Breakfast still being served, Stewards, Yes, sup, for a few minute chat, then come along please, she'd better have something light, grapefruit coffee and dry toast, yes, sir, And. How about a softballed egg? Well, is she seasick? No, no, she didn't see sick. She just emotionally upset. You know you now a woman gets sometime or nothing. Oh, yes, I know, so I think an egg will be nice, very well. Grapefruit coffee, toast dry, so dry, and an egg take about fifteen minutes or so.

Here's the coffee shop, so you'll get quicker service here. Oh, thanks to and good luck sir. Huh what do you means? Well, I married myself, and I know how it is. Women are just naturally suspicious creatures and jealous of everyone, jealous of your past and your future. I know how long have human marriage, sir? Not long. Well she'll get over it. Be sorry. Well, I just couldn't help hitting when I came to your door. Just now you'll plud me. I better get my audience. Oh yes, it's after night. By the way, if you're in the mood, there'll be games and contests on the after deck upside starting now.

Horse races fifty cents a ticket if you care to gamble. I know, I know, but I don't gamble. Oh, well, then you'll find plenty of other things to keep your mind off your trouble. See your latest. Herbert steps into the coffee shop orders his breakfast. Try as he might, he can't keep his mind off his troubles, his troubles and Hazel. He ponders over the thousands of dollars in the cork lined waterproof package hidden in his trunk. In the state room, wonders if Pedro Gonzalez will meet the ship outside the harbor as planned fifteen twenty minutes past.

Then, mister, mister heavns, yes, what is what's wrong with? It's your wife, sir, it's your wife. What are you trying to say? She is in the state room? No sign of her. She must have decided to walk around. No, no, no, will you calm down? Please look look at this I found on the dressing table from the time. It must have just happened, so it says nine ten Am, Herbert. I cannot reconcile myself to such a situation. The very thought of being married to such a man as you sickens me to the depth of my soul.

I can't go on, and don't think you will escape punishment for the suffering you've caused goodbye table. He's jumped over at nine ten, just twelve minutes. A little fool. I'm hould the bridge, Give me the bridge, chewing out of my mind. Bridge stop ship Marion overboard. The ship leans over and puts about. They scour the toppy seas for over an hour, circling and circling. Herbert stands beside the captain, gring wild eyed into the water. Ily. The captain gives up home, orders the ship resume its course, and invites Herbert to his quarters. Sit down, mister Evans, I mean Stuart.

Yes, sir, well, we've certainly done our best, mister Evans, no one can deny that, as Captain and I no one, and I appreciate your efforts. But she is very sharpy. It would be hard to find anyone, as you know. We'll have to ask a few questions. Yes, as I understand, this note was written by your wife at nine ten this morning. Yes, do you recognize it as her writing? Of course it's hers, all right, Captain. I checked with her passports. Mister Evans, how long have you been married? Just a few days. We were on our honeymoon.

The tone of this note indicates that your wife was terribly upset about something she had discovered. That's right. I tried to reason with her, but she refused to see my side. I guess what was she referring to in a note? I can answer that. I'm not asking you, Stewart. What was she referring to, mister Evans. She was referring to another woman she'd found out about another woman, a woman I'd knowed. Previous to our marriage. Did your wife threaten you? No? Did you threaten her? When did you see her last? Well? It was at nine o'clock this morning.

She was so upset she didn't want to go up to breakfast. I decided to go alone. I rang with the steward to bring us something to the room. That right, steward, Yes, sir. After the steward left, did you go on dick with your wife? No? I left with the steward went to the coffee shop. That's where the steward found me and showed me the nose. Yes. As I stepped up to the stateroom to answer the call, I heard the Margarine. I heard mister Evans asking us forget about the past and think of the futures. And he told her he'd have me bring something down him and me walked along the corner door up to the coffee shop.

He told me what to bring her and I got it. When I returned to the room. She wasn't there. I found a note on the table and rang for mister Evans, and I found the bride. And you didn't feed the coffee shop Evans. I did not ask the coffee shop steward. Are you trying to in further? I pushed my wife and money not. We just want all the facts. We're on the high seage, you know. And this represents a court of inquiry, coroner's jury. Sure to speak. I see, mister Goodman, my first officer here, the ship's doctor, and I will make a decision.

What's your opinion, gentlemen. According to the Stuart statement and the note, I'd say suicide. Mine is the same opinion. Very well, I agree with you. It's quite obvious that she committed suicide. Enter the findings in that manner, mister Goodman. Yes, sir, I'm very sorry about this. Mister Evans. Please accept my condolences. That'll be all, gentlemen, and. So Herbert very sad, far less worried goes back with stateroom to think. Ten days later, the sleek liner checks speed and prepares to stand off outside Rio de Janeiro, awaiting the arrival of the pilot. Dusk has fallen. The ship barely creeps along.

Herbert stands at the aft port rail a package in his hand, a cork line waterproof package. Many small boats bob about on the surface, moving at a snail's pace. The first officer moves forward. Herbert speaks to him. Why are we stopping out here? We always stop at this first light to wait for the harbor pilot. How much longer before we get in? Oh we'll tie up in about an hour. Stand here for about ten minutes. Pilot's on his way out. Now. I see what's the name of this first light here? Well, it's called the Cordoba Light.

Thank you. Why don't you come up forward? There's nothing to see from back here. All the excitement will be up ahead. Yeah, I'll go there in a moment. What's that you have there? Huh? Oh for this camera? No? No, it's some manuscripts of Why are the oil skin wrapping? Do you think we might go down? No? I well, I guess I am a little superstitious. After all, we we did sail on Friday the thirteen. Well, i'll see you up for it. The ship comes to a dead stop and Herbert peers over the port rail. Into the dust.

He scrutinizes each small craft, waiting, watching for the signal. It's the signal from Pedro Gonzalez. Then, after several minutes, a tiny launch approaches the ship very slowly, and just as it reaches the port quarter, a tiny red light flashes on and off. Herbert cuts his hands around his eyes and focuses on the one man in. The little boat. Light signals again, Pedro gunsness. Herbert looks up and down the deck, grabs a little flash lamp from his pocket, and gives the answering signal. Suddenly, with a swing of his arm, he tosses the water through package down to the water.

He's gone, good work, Pedrol. The man grabs the package and the little launch moves away and heads up the coast. As the liner churns off up the harbor, Herbert smiles a smile of relief and steps briskly with self satisfaction towards the bow. And now, three hours after docking, Herbert waits in a little water done. Cafe waits impatiently for Pedro Gonzalez to keep the rendezvous, but Pedro is already an hour late, and Herbert has begun to worry. I would like more wine, Senor, Oh, oh yes, please, I'll have another wine, Pedro? Are you all right? Pedro?

Can you hear me? Pedro Caedo? Tell me? Tell me it's from me? Where is it? You've got to tell me the money, Pedro, where did you bury the money? You can't, you can't die. You've got to tell me. But poor Pedro was dead, quite dead, and with him died the hopes, the plans, the twenty year plan of Herbert Lang, the perfect crime that ended in failure. Herbert was a thief, but worse still, he followed it up with murder. Oh yes, Herbert killed Hazel, choked her, and threw her over the first night out. She wasn't in the room that following morning.

The steward only thought she was, and Herbert himself forged the suicide note. For two years now, a thin, emaciated, glassy eyed figure has been wandering around a Brazilian beach, digging holes in the sand. No one knows why, and no one cares, just another simple minded derelict, and poor Herbert Lang will go on digging for a long long time. I know. Well, my dear, the evening has lost its battle against the oppression of the sun once again. Soon it will be day. You'll need to return to your home and me to where it is I come from.

But I do hope i'll see you back here again. I'll be waiting, same time, same place, happy to have you. But if I may ask one more favor of you when you make your way home, when you go across the darkened streets and the moonlit trails, and as you lay your head and blink away the day, take one moment before you sleep and be thankful for what you have. And I'll be seeing you soon