RECOVER FILE 72 and MIDDLE EAST STOLEN DOCS DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT

Summary

Podcast Summary: 1001 Radio Crime Solvers – "RECOVER FILE 72 and MIDDLE EAST STOLEN DOCS DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT"

Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host: Jon Hagadorn

Welcome to another thrilling episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, where host Jon Hagadorn brings you the best radio detective stories from the golden age of radio. In this dual-part episode titled "RECOVER FILE 72 and MIDDLE EAST STOLEN DOCS DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT", listeners are taken on a suspense-filled journey with the intrepid government agent, Steve Mitchell, portrayed by Brian Donlevy. This episode masterfully weaves two intricate cases that showcase Mitchell’s ingenuity and bravery in the face of international intrigue and deception.

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Part I: Recover File 72 – The Ketnik Assignment

Setting the Stage

The episode begins with Steve Mitchell receiving a high-stakes assignment from his superior, the Commissioner. The mission: to recover File 72, a sensitive plan detailing troop dispositions in Europe, which was recently stolen. General Traska, a representative from a Balkan country, becomes the key player in this operation.

Key Plot Points:

1. The Commissioner's Briefing
   Steve is informed about the delicate situation surrounding the upcoming peace talks in Ketnik between two Balkan nations. However, underlying tensions and the malevolent intentions of Country A, which seeks to exploit the talks to its advantage, complicate the mission.

   "Tomorrow, representatives of two Balkan countries are to meet in the border town of Ketnik... There are two factors present that give the whole thing a slight aroma."
   — Commissioner [01:35]

2. Meeting General Traska
   Posing as a foreign correspondent, Steve attends General Traska’s press conference. His objective is to identify himself to Traska subtly, ensuring a covert exchange to retrieve File 72.

   "You're on first."
   — Commissioner [01:41]

3. Confrontation and Deception
   During the conference, Steve engages General Traska in conversation about the general's preferred tobacco, a prearranged signal to initiate their private meeting.

   "I wonder if you'd mind telling me what kind of tobacco you're smoking. It smells good."
   — Steve Mitchell [07:34]

4. Unraveling the Plot
   Steve discovers that Captain Ricky, Traska’s bodyguard, is entangled in a web of lies. General Traska’s apparent murder leads Steve to suspect Ricky’s involvement and his ulterior motives to seize File 72.

   "Captain Ricky lied about General Traska. Why?"
   — Steve Mitchell [15:03]

5. The Climax in Ketnik
   The investigation culminates in a high-tension confrontation where Steve outsmarts Ricky, revealing the corruption and deceit that threatened national security.

   "Abura had a pretty neat scheme rigged, but it was that cement dust that pinned the killing on him. I guess that's what you might call concrete evidence."
   — Steve Mitchell [55:49]

Notable Quotes:

• "Danger is my assignment."
  — Steve Mitchell [00:52]

• "The end justifies the means."
  — Captain Ricky [08:55]

• "You can crawl out from under that table, Ollie."
  — Steve Mitchell [55:49]

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Part II: Middle East Stolen Documents – A Dangerous Assignment

Transition to a New Mission

Following the restoration of order in Ketnik, Steve Mitchell is swiftly reassigned to the Middle East to address a new crisis: the theft of crucial diplomatic documents that jeopardize ongoing United Nations negotiations.

Key Plot Points:

1. Commissioner's Warning
   Steve is briefed on the sensitive negotiations aimed at establishing United Nations bases. The leak threatens to derail these talks, making Steve’s mission critical.

   "This morning we learned through confidential sources that the document... is now in the hands of those hostile interests."
   — Commissioner [30:22]

2. Investigating Khalid's Involvement
   The stolen document was last held by Khalid, a key negotiator. Steve's investigation leads him to Khalid, uncovering a tangled web of deceit surrounding the murder of Khalid’s wife.

   "Negotiations which would pave the way for United Nations bases... we need to plug up this leak."
   — Steve Mitchell [30:36]

3. Connecting the Dots
   Through meticulous investigation, Steve links the murder of Khalid’s wife to the missing document, discovering inconsistencies in Khalid’s alibi and the involvement of his aide, Abura.

   "You think your brand of government would give your citizens any more liberty than what they've got now?"
   — Steve Mitchell [09:00]

4. The Final Showdown
   In a dramatic conclusion, Steve confronts Abura, exposing his elaborate scheme to eliminate threats and secure the stolen documents. The revelation ensures that justice is served and diplomatic relations are preserved.

   "Abora had a pretty neat scheme rigged, but it was that cement dust that pinned the killing on him. I guess that's what you might call concrete evidence."
   — Steve Mitchell [54:13]

Notable Quotes:

• "The entire thing was only a figment of your imagination."
  — Captain Ricky [13:29]

• "I think it's time we laid a few cards on the table, Ricky."
  — Steve Mitchell [21:55]

• "He killed the lab technician to get his report."
  — Steve Mitchell [53:27]

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Conclusion and Insights

This compelling episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers not only delivers an engaging narrative but also highlights the intricate dance between intelligence gathering and diplomacy. Steve Mitchell’s relentless pursuit of truth and justice serves as a testament to the classic detective archetype, navigating through layers of deception to uncover the core of corruption.

Key Takeaways:

• Intricate Plotting: The dual assignments seamlessly intertwine political intrigue with personal vendettas, showcasing meticulous storytelling.

• Character Development: Steve Mitchell emerges as a resilient and resourceful agent, adept at handling high-pressure situations.

• Classic Noir Elements: The episode retains the essence of the golden age of radio detective stories, blending suspense, sharp dialogue, and unexpected twists.

Listeners who relish intricate crime-solving adventures will find this episode particularly satisfying, as it encapsulates the allure of classic radio dramas while delivering fresh and engaging content.

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Notable Quotes Compilation:

• "Danger is my assignment." — Steve Mitchell [00:52]
• "The end justifies the means." — Captain Ricky [08:55]
• "You think your brand of government would give your citizens any more liberty than what they've got now?" — Steve Mitchell [09:00]
• "You can crawl out from under that table, Ollie." — Steve Mitchell [55:49]
• "I think it's time we laid a few cards on the table, Ricky." — Steve Mitchell [21:55]
• "Abora had a pretty neat scheme rigged, but it was that cement dust that pinned the killing on him. I guess that's what you might call concrete evidence." — Steve Mitchell [54:13]

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Stay tuned every Sunday at 5pm ET for more gripping episodes from the 1001 Radio Crime Solvers family. Dive into the nostalgic world of radio detective stories that continue to captivate audiences with their timeless charm and thrilling mysteries.

Transcript

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[Steve Mitchell]

Today, auto Parts.

[Narrator]

Dangerous Assignments. Starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, Danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can't even pronounce. They all spell the same thing, though. Trouble. But when I walk into the Commissioner's office, I don't realize this assignment's gonna end up with my saving a guy's life by punching him right in the face. Morning, Commissioner. Ruth said you wanted to see me.

[Commissioner]

I do, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the deal this time?

[Commissioner]

The Ketnik talks.

[Steve Mitchell]

He does.

[Commissioner]

No, it is.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, what is this, a vaudeville routine? Yeah.

[Commissioner]

You're on first.

[Steve Mitchell]

How am I doing? Well, I. Look, you better start from the beginning, Steve.

[Commissioner]

Tomorrow, representatives of two Balkan countries are to meet in the border town of Ketnik. And don't start that again. To engage in some informal but highly important talks to see if they can't iron out some of the difficulties that exist between them.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sounds like a good idea, Commissioner. Maybe more countries should do a thing like that, eh?

[Commissioner]

Ordinarily it would be a good idea, Steve, but there are two factors present in the situation that give the whole thing a slight aroma.

[Steve Mitchell]

Ara, what do you mean?

[Commissioner]

In the first place, one of these countries, let's call it Country A, is controlled by interests which have a long standing reputation for not wanting to smooth things out.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see.

[Commissioner]

Not only that, according to our information, they have their eyes on Country Battle and would like some excuse to move in.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, granted that these Ketnik peace talks don't smell so sweet, under those circumstances, what business is this of ours?

[Commissioner]

Ordinarily it wouldn't be, but General Traska, the representative from Country A, has contacted us undercover and wants to talk to one of our agents. You've been elected.

[Steve Mitchell]

What does he want to talk about?

[Commissioner]

We don't know. Except that whatever it is, he insists on complete secrecy.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't like it, Commissioner. It could be some sort of a trick.

[Narrator]

I don't like it either.

[Steve Mitchell]

Steve.

[Commissioner]

But we got to go along with it and find out what General Traska has on his mind.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why?

[Commissioner]

Because he's offering us bait we can't refuse. The return of file 72 with a seal unbroken.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Commissioner]

That's right. As you know, File 72 is a plan of our troop dispositions in Europe. It was stolen from this country two weeks ago.

[Steve Mitchell]

But how did General Traska get his hands on it?

[Commissioner]

Who knows? And at this point, who cares? It's vital that we get that file back, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, how do I go about it?

[Commissioner]

Well, here's the schedule. General Traska is flying his own plane across the border to Kepnik sometime tomorrow night. The next day he's holding a press conference. You're going to attend the General's press conference posing as a foreign correspondent. When you ask the general a certain question that will identify you to him.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sounds like quite a lot of hocus pocus.

[Commissioner]

The general insists on absolute secrecy. And as I said before, we'll have to go along with him for the time being. Now, Steve, get over to Keddie and find out what's on General Traskett's mind. And most important, bring File 72 back with you.

[Captain Ricky]

Well?

[Commissioner]

I said you've got your assignment. Good.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company is presenting transcribed Dangerous Assignments starring Brian Donlevy in the role of Steve Mitchell, colorful two fisted government agent. At all those places of the world where danger and intrigue walk hand in hand. There you will find Steve Mitchell on another dangerous assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure, I've got my assignments. Just the simple matter of dropping in on a trouble spot in the Balkans and arranging a secret talk with an unfriendly general right under the noses of several assorted diplomats, cops and correspondents. A real snitch. It's Tuesday when the plane gets to Ketnik and I head for Joseph's Tobacco Shop.

[Joseph]

Good morning, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good morning.

[Captain Ricky]

You Joseph?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yes.

[Joseph]

You would perhaps like to look at some of my choice by tobacco?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yes, I would if you've got any set aside for Steve Mitchell.

[Joseph]

You know, Sally, the strange thing about names.

[Captain Ricky]

Well, look at all the skins of.

[Joseph]

Tobacco on my shelves. Each one has a name probably selected at random and put on them.

[Steve Mitchell]

You're asking what's in the name, huh?

[Joseph]

I am simply suggesting that they mean very little. A name is for anyone who cares to use.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, well, these credentials I.

[Joseph]

I see. You understand of course that men in my position cannot afford to take chances.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Okay. What's the deal, Joseph?

[Joseph]

General Presto will hold the press conference.

[Steve Mitchell]

In his hotel room.

[Joseph]

In one hour he will be smoking a pipe. At the end of the conference, you will ask him what kind of tobacco he's smoking.

[Steve Mitchell]

Tobacco?

[Joseph]

Yes. He will add that it smells good. He will reply that it is his own private mixture and that he will.

[Captain Ricky]

Give you a simple.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, I got it.

[Joseph]

Then he will arrange a private interview with you. If you wish to transmit a report of that interview to your commissioner bring it to me and I will take care of it for you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, thanks, Joseph. I'll check with you later.

[Captain Ricky]

Good morning.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi, is this General Traska's room?

[Captain Ricky]

Yes. The general is inside.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks.

[Captain Ricky]

One moment, please.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the matter?

[Captain Ricky]

Why do you wish to see the general?

[Steve Mitchell]

What's it to you?

[Captain Ricky]

I assure you it is a great deal to me. You will please answer my question.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, before I start answering questions, I'd like to know who's asking them.

[Captain Ricky]

I am Captain Ricky of the military.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, I see. Most members of the military wear uniforms on certain occasions.

[Captain Ricky]

It is better not to. Now, you will please tell me why you wish to see General Traska.

[Steve Mitchell]

He's holding a press conference and I'm a newspaper correspondent.

[Captain Ricky]

Your credentials, please.

[Steve Mitchell]

There you are, captain.

[Captain Ricky]

So. Steve Mitchell, Trans Ocean News Service. Well, they appear to be genuine.

[Steve Mitchell]

Appear to be? Brother, you're really a cautious guy, aren't you?

[Captain Ricky]

In the present situation, caution is essential. Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Just what is the present situation, captain?

[Captain Ricky]

While of extreme tension between my country and the country represented by General Truska, I have been selected as the general's bodyguard while he is a guest of this country.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. Well, if you'll quit bodyguarding that door, I'd like to get in on that press conference. Of course, I'll probably be seeing you.

[Captain Ricky]

You may count on that, Mr. Mitchell. As long as this conference is in session, you will be seeing me frequently. And so in conclusion, gentlemen of the press, I would like to say simply that I came to this country as a representative of my government. In peace. We seek nothing more than a friendly understanding that would pave the way toward a lasting brotherhood between our two countries. Are there any more questions? Thank you, gentlemen.

[Steve Mitchell]

General Traska.

[Captain Ricky]

Yes?

[Steve Mitchell]

I wonder if you'd mind telling me what kind of tobacco you're smoking. It smells good.

[Captain Ricky]

Not at all, sir, not at all. It happens to be my own private mixture but I would be glad to give you a sample of We.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks a lot, general.

[Captain Ricky]

There's no trouble. No trouble at all.

[Steve Mitchell]

General Kraska ushers the other correspondents out the door. I start to Hang back. But he gives me a slight shake of the head. Then I see why Captain Leakey out in the hall, is counting noses as the reporters leave. So I go down into the lobby and wait. Five minutes later, the General comes down and goes over to one of the house phones. I follow him. He picks up the receiver but pulls the hook down with his finger. I do likewise to phone next to him.

[Captain Ricky]

Keep your back turned to me, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. You got file 72, General? Yes. Is the seal still unbroken? Yes. Okay. What's on your mind?

[Captain Ricky]

You and your country are businessmen, Mitchell. I certainly would approve of my little plan.

[Steve Mitchell]

That all depends on what your little plan is, General.

[Captain Ricky]

Let us say that your country is not in sympathy with the form of government which now exists in my country across the border from here.

[Steve Mitchell]

I guess you can safely say that. All right, so what?

[Captain Ricky]

So perhaps the form of government in my country could be changed.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who's going to change it? I am.

[Captain Ricky]

You?

[Steve Mitchell]

Let's have that again.

[Captain Ricky]

My plans have been completed for weeks. I have key men in certain spots.

[Steve Mitchell]

And I will have a major part.

[Captain Ricky]

Of the army behind me.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, a thing like your planning could get pretty bloody.

[Captain Ricky]

The end justifies the means.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh? Just what kind of government are you planning to install in your country?

[Captain Ricky]

I and my followers are tired of these bungling, mediocre bureaucrats who have been running our country. What we need is a strong leader. One who will rule with an ironed hand. I am that leader.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, it seems to me I've heard this tune before. A few times. You think your brand of government would give your citizens any more liberty than what they've got now?

[Captain Ricky]

I am not here to discuss philosophies of covenant with you. To make Tuyo a business proposition.

[Steve Mitchell]

The return of File 72 in return for our support.

[Captain Ricky]

Precisely.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, General, you ought to know my government better than that.

[Captain Ricky]

You ought to know they don't go.

[Steve Mitchell]

In for supporting Mitchell.

[Captain Ricky]

May I remind you once more that this is a business transaction. There is little room in the world, Dave, for ethics. One must be practical. Rest assured, whether I give you your 572 or not depends on your answer to my proposition.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. Well, look, General, I don't have any power to give you an answer on a thing like that. I'd have to check with my boss.

[Captain Ricky]

I cannot give you much time, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

How much? 12 hours. No more. Okay. I'll see what I can do.

[Captain Ricky]

12 hours, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Jasper hangs up his phone and heads back upstairs. I know. I've got to get word to the Commissioner. So I go back to Joseph's Tobacco shop. There's no one in the front of the shop, so I head for the back room. Dark in the room. Suddenly I hear a sound. Something creaking. I hit the light switch. Then I spot Joseph. And I know that he's just going out of business. You can't sell much tobacco when you're dangling from the end of a rope. I didn't figure you'd be calling me direct.

[Commissioner]

Steve, is anything wrong?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. The man who was going to carry the message suddenly went out of business. You see? Did you contact the party? Yeah. Let's put it this way. He wants to take over the corporation he works for, and he wants our help.

[Commissioner]

I understand. You know, of course, that it's against the policy and ethics of our corporation to support a transaction like that.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's what I told him.

[Captain Ricky]

But unless we do, he says he.

[Steve Mitchell]

Won'T turn over that little item to us. I told him I'd transmit his proposition to you. I already knew what the answer would be, but I had to stall for time.

[Commissioner]

Yeah, this is bad. Steve got the pressure on me.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, if I could only. Hey, wait a minute. You know, Commissioner, pressure can sometimes be reversed.

[Commissioner]

What do you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, it just occurred to me. The officials of the corporation he works for wouldn't like his plan much if they were to find out about him. I might use that as a sort of a lever on him. That's a good hunch.

[Narrator]

Go to work on it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hello? Hello? Hello? The phone's dead. It's obviously been cut. I ease over to the window and there are loose wires dangling. Then I hear someone at the front door. So I slip out the back door and head for General Kraska's hotel. It looks like somebody's onto the General. That means I've got to move fast. Just as I'm entering the lobby, there's a commotion on the street outside. A few cops are wrestling with a guy, and I think I spot Captain Leaky among them. I go on up to the General's room, but he doesn't answer my knock. The door is unlocked, so I go on in. There's a figure sitting in a chair. I think it's the General, but I can't be sure because he looks like he's been worked over with a crowbar. And he's very dead. I give Liam a fast twist, but 572 is nowhere in sight. I run down to the lobby and over the phone, but just as I pick up the receiver, somebody slides their Thumb over the hook.

[Captain Ricky]

Who are you calling?

[Steve Mitchell]

Get your thumb up. Oh, Captain Ricky.

[Captain Ricky]

Captain Ricky. Who are you calling?

[Steve Mitchell]

As a matter of fact, you.

[Captain Ricky]

Why?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, no reason in particular. Just a little matter of General Traska being murdered. Yep, I thought you might be interested, being his bodyguard. Pretty careless of you. Or maybe was it a little more than just carelessness, Mr. Mitchell, I warn.

[Captain Ricky]

You, I have too much on my mind right now to have any patience with the morbid inventions of a cheap journalist.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, so I'm just imagining the whole thing, huh? Well, if you'd be kind enough to step upstairs, I'd be glad to show you my morbid invention. Sitting in a chair with his head bashed in.

[Captain Ricky]

Very well. For the moment, I will indulge your imagination. Come, we will visit the General's room.

[Narrator]

Here we are.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yep, here we are, Ricky. Now let's see whether I'm imagining things or not. There he is, sitting right. Hey, he's gone.

[Captain Ricky]

But of course.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean, but of course? I tell you, I saw him sitting in that chair dead not five minutes ago.

[Captain Ricky]

I think you have carried your little game far enough, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

It's no game, I tell you.

[Captain Ricky]

And now I tell you, 15 minutes ago, General Traska left this hotel and he was very much alive. Why, I personally saw him into his car and sent two of my men with him. So obviously he could not have been murdered in this room when he is alive somewhere else.

[Steve Mitchell]

Just a minute.

[Captain Ricky]

In other words, Mitchell, this entire thing was only a figment of your imagination.

[Narrator]

Three chimes mean good times on NBC. Whether it's comedy, music or drama you're after, you'll find it on the big show tomorrow. The dynamic Tallulah is your hostess and her guests include Fred Allen, Jimmy Durante, Vivian Blaine, Jane Morgan and Rudy Valli. You're invited every Sunday to the big show. And tomorrow also means a one hour adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's exciting novel, this side of paradise, presented by Theater Guild on the air and starring Richard Widmark and Nina Fosh. You're listening to Dangerous Assignments, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, right now it looks like I've got no friends at all in this deal. Captain Ricky lied about General Traska. Why? Maybe the boys in Traska's country found out the General was trying to double cross them and killed him. Ricky could be in league with them and he might even be the boy who knocked off Traska. At any rate, I know I can't tell Ricky who I am and why I'm here now. I go down to the lobby and check with the desk clerk. He says he saw General Traska leave the hotel 20 minutes ago. So he's lying too. Great. I went to the bar to think things over and then I hear a little gent telling the bartender about a big street fiesta going on down the block and about the General making a speech there. I collar the guy and he swears he really saw General Traska there just five minutes ago. So I go down the street. It's a big deal with music and dancing in general. I stopped a couple of dancers and asked him if the General was really there.

[Captain Ricky]

Yeah, yeah, the General, he made a.

[Steve Mitchell]

Big speech to us.

[Captain Ricky]

He left just a minute ago.

[Anton]

Yeah, we all saw you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, thanks. Thanks a lot.

[Anton]

Mr. Emil.

[Steve Mitchell]

Huh? Who are you?

[Anton]

I have an answer on the porter at the hotel.

[Steve Mitchell]

Lights.

[Anton]

I have information for you.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Joseph]

About General Traska.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, if you're going to tell me you saw General Traska a few minutes ago, say that. But I. Either this whole town is against me or else I really did imagine things. At this point I'm beginning to wonder.

[Anton]

Are you sure, Mr. Mitchell? You are not imagining things.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Anton]

I did see General Tresco leave the hotel.

[Joseph]

What?

[Anton]

He was being carried out by the police and he was quite dead.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, so I have got one friend after all. Or have I?

[Captain Ricky]

What do you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

Why are you telling me this, Anton?

[Anton]

Well, you see, sir, a porter at the hotel needs very little money and.

[Steve Mitchell]

I get it. Okay, you just got yourself a 10 buck raise here.

[Anton]

Thank you, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, what else can you tell me?

[Anton]

Only that shortly before they took the General's body from the hotel they arrested the man and took him to jail.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I remember now. As I entered the hotel I saw Ricky's boys wrestling with a guy out front. Okay, thanks, Anna. I'll see what I can find out at that jail. What do you wish? You in charge here, Sergeant?

[Captain Ricky]

Yes, why?

[Steve Mitchell]

I understand you arrested a man near the hotel earlier this evening.

[Captain Ricky]

I know nothing of Sergeant Away. As you see, there is no such entry here in the records.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, that doesn't surprise me. But do you mind if I take a look back there in the cell block?

[Captain Ricky]

No, you can go in there without the pass.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. Who issues the passes?

[Captain Ricky]

Captain.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, great.

[Captain Ricky]

Will there be anything else?

[Anton]

Hey, what's all that noise?

[Steve Mitchell]

Sounds like it's coming from one of the cells. That Sergeant goes around and heads for the back of the joint. I'm right after him. Then you see what Causes all the noise. Two guards in one of the cells are cutting down a guy who just told tried to hang himself. Then I recognize the guy. He's the same one Ricky and his boys arrested outside the hotel at the time of General Traska's murder. @ this point the sergeant remembers me impolitely but firmly ushers me out of the jail. I start walking down the street and all of a sudden I've got company.

[Captain Ricky]

If you don't mind, I will walk with you away, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, Captain Ricky, that was an interesting little sight I just witnessed in your jail.

[Captain Ricky]

Interesting sight? I am afraid I do not understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, no, of course not. I mean the gent who just tried to hang himself.

[Captain Ricky]

Oh, that's just a harmless drunk. We had him taken to the prison hospital.

[Steve Mitchell]

Just a harmless drunk, huh? Funny, I'd swear it was the same guy you arrested outside General Traska's hotel right after he was mura. Excuse me. I mean right after I saw a figment of my imagination sitting in a chair, dead.

[Captain Ricky]

For your information, Mitchell, I understand that General Traska has suddenly decided to fly back to his own country. Which brings me to the point.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's that?

[Captain Ricky]

You are a reporter and a reporter without news is of no use to anyone.

[Steve Mitchell]

So?

[Captain Ricky]

So there is no longer any news here in Kidnik.

[Steve Mitchell]

Maybe I suddenly like it here.

[Captain Ricky]

The conference has been cancelled. The General is leaving. I should think there would be other places where you could find much more news to write about.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, I got the message. And if I don't get out of.

[Captain Ricky]

Town it would be unfortunate if you had to write a story about an accident, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

My own, of course.

[Captain Ricky]

The next train leaves in one hour, Mitchell. I sincerely hope I will not see you here in Kidnik after that.

[Steve Mitchell]

So now I've got just one hour to find file 72. That means I've got to find out what they did with General Traska's body. Then I think of Anton, the little hotel porter. Maybe I can get some information out of him. I get his address, the desk clerk and go over.

[Anton]

What are you doing here at this, Sal?

[Steve Mitchell]

I want to talk to you, Anthony. You still interested in increasing your salary?

[Anton]

But of course.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here's another chance.

[Anton]

What do you wish to know?

[Steve Mitchell]

You say you saw the police take General Traska's body out of the hotel?

[Anton]

Yes. Also his clothing and his briefcase.

[Steve Mitchell]

Do you have any idea where they took him?

[Joseph]

Why didn't know?

[Steve Mitchell]

None at all.

[Anton]

Anthony will help me.

[Captain Ricky]

Oh, fool.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, this is the guy who tried to hang Himself in jail.

[Anton]

Drovich, I could kill you for your stupidity. You must protect me, Anton. I pretended to attempt a suicide knowing he would take me to the hospital. I escaped from there, but now the police are turning the city upside down to find me. Hey, what's the manager? Newspaper correspondent. I don't care what he is. You must protect me. It was on your orders I killed the General Damage. You had me brought across the border. When we learned that the general was going to betray us, you said you would protect me. But now I see you never intended to.

[Steve Mitchell]

No.

[Anton]

And your next Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Zaryan.

[Anton]

Stay right where you are, Mitchell.

[Captain Ricky]

Drop that gun.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, Captain Ricky.

[Captain Ricky]

I said drop it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. I sort of expected to see you around here along about now.

[Captain Ricky]

And I am not surprised to see you here. You had Tovich killed General Traska. Now he has outlived his usefulness, so you kill him.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, that's a pretty neat attempt to cover up, but it won't work, Ricky. Anton, there on the floor, killed Tovich. And he was about to do likewise to me when I jumped him.

[Captain Ricky]

It does not matter who killed Tovich. Your plan to create an incident over the killing of the general will not work. I have kept his murder a secret so far and it will remain a secret incident.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, I don't follow you.

[Captain Ricky]

It is obvious your interests learned that General Traska was trying to betray you. You have also been looking for an excuse to start trouble with my country. Here was a golden opportunity to accomplish both things at once. You had Traska killed here in my country, then sought to make it public hoping this would create an incident which might provoke war.

[Steve Mitchell]

So that's why you've been keeping the murder a secret. I guess that's one for the book. You've been thinking I was working with those interests. And I've been thinking the same thing about you.

[Captain Ricky]

It is more than a thought about you. It is a fact.

[Steve Mitchell]

I think it's about time we laid a few cards on the table, Ricky. Or should I say credentials? Here, take a look.

[Captain Ricky]

It will do you no good to sh. Wait.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that's what I mean.

[Captain Ricky]

United States government.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right. When you started lying about Traska's murder, I thought you were working with the killers. That's why I didn't show you those credentials before.

[Captain Ricky]

I owe you an apology, Mr. Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

I. And I must say you did a good job of briefing your citizens about covering up the killing. I was beginning to think that I really was crazy until I met Anton. Now I see why? He wanted me to know Traska really was dead. He figured I was a reporter and would make headlines out of it.

[Captain Ricky]

I still do not understand your interest in this matter.

[Steve Mitchell]

It's very simple. General Traska had in his possession a document stolen from my country. File 72. I've got to get it back. I guess now that'll be pretty simple. You've probably got Traska's body hidden somewhere. You just take me there. I'll go through his papers and find the thing and then my job is done.

[Captain Ricky]

I'm afraid it's not that easy, Mitru.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Captain Ricky]

I told you earlier in the evening that General Traska had suddenly decided to fly back to his own country.

[Steve Mitchell]

Don't start that again with Traska is dead.

[Captain Ricky]

Yes, yes, I know. But we are going to make it look like that murder was an accident and that it took place in Traska's own country.

[Steve Mitchell]

How?

[Captain Ricky]

At this moment one of our pilots is taking off in Traska's plane with Trusca's body. Just before he crosses the river which marks the border, he will make a low altitude parachute jump. Traska's plane will crash into some low hills on the other side of the border.

[Steve Mitchell]

But what about that document I'm after?

[Captain Ricky]

I placed Traska's briefcase in his plane myself, untouched. I wanted all his papers to be in order.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh great. That means. Wait. Maybe I'm in the clear after all. The plane crashes, bursts into flame and the document is destroyed.

[Captain Ricky]

No, no, the. The pilot will cut the switch before he jumps. We want Truska's body to be in good enough condition so that positive identification can be made.

[Steve Mitchell]

And I'm heading for the wreckage of that plane.

[Anton]

Mitchell, are you crazy? Are you insane?

[Captain Ricky]

It will mean crossing the border and trying to escape detection by their patrols.

[Steve Mitchell]

Don't worry, I know exactly what it means.

[Captain Ricky]

Then you must not.

[Steve Mitchell]

I also know I was sent over here to get file 72 and I'm going to get it. But Mitchell, I find that wreckage.

[Captain Ricky]

You cannot make it alone.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll find out.

[Captain Ricky]

Are you determined to go?

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you think?

[Captain Ricky]

I think I had better go with you.

[Commissioner]

Come.

[Steve Mitchell]

So we file in the Ricky's jeep and head to the river which marks the border. The airport is back about 15 miles so it looks like it's going to be a dead heat. And it is.

[Anton]

Just as we pull up at the.

[Steve Mitchell]

River, we hear a plane overhead. The engine is cut and we see a parachute billowing out. The plane Goes into a glide heading straight the hills across the river. Yeah. Hey, how deep is this river?

[Captain Ricky]

We will have to swim it. This area of the border is not heavily guarded. It will take their patrols about 15 minutes to get to the scene of the plane crash.

[Joseph]

15 minutes?

[Steve Mitchell]

It'll take us 10 of them to get across the river. Okay, Come on, Snacks.

[Captain Ricky]

Well, brother of the plane and it rise ahead of us, Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. No one in sight either. Good.

[Captain Ricky]

We must work fast. I'm certain they heard the sound of the crash and we'll send the patrol.

[Steve Mitchell]

There we are. Fuselage is still pretty much in one piece. Help me pry this door off.

[Captain Ricky]

All right.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, there's the general's body. All right. Where'd you put his briefcase?

[Captain Ricky]

Behind the seat.

[Joseph]

Okay.

[Steve Mitchell]

Brother, this plane is really torn apart. You got a flashlight, Ricky?

[Commissioner]

Yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

Bring it in here. I can't see a thing.

[Captain Ricky]

Very well.

[Steve Mitchell]

Watch it there. A lot of jagged metal around.

[Captain Ricky]

Yes, yes, I. I see it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, flash your light around. I. Wait a minute. There's the briefcase.

[Captain Ricky]

Hurry up. Make sure.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hold the light steady.

[Joseph]

There.

[Captain Ricky]

You see it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Not yet, but it's going to be in here with those papers someplace. Wait a minute. There it is. Okay, now let's get out of here. Mitchell. What is it?

[Captain Ricky]

I hear voices.

[Steve Mitchell]

What? Wait a minute. I'll take a look out of one of the holes in the side of the plane. Oh, brother.

[Captain Ricky]

Who is it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Two soldiers, and they're heading this way.

[Captain Ricky]

Make sure. If they discover us here, the whole plan will be ruined.

[Steve Mitchell]

We'll also be slightly dead.

[Commissioner]

Let's get out of the plane.

[Steve Mitchell]

Too late. They're too close. They'd see us. But what will we get? Back towards the tail. That's it. Now get down. Keep quiet.

[Captain Ricky]

They'll see us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Quiet.

[Anton]

This looks like one of our planes. Dimitri, shine your light in the window and we will see General Traska.

[Commissioner]

General Traska.

[Anton]

Stay on guard here, Dimitri. I will report this at once.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yes.

[Captain Ricky]

Mitchell, we are done for now. We cannot escape with the soldier standing guard near the plane. Sooner or later they will discover us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, looks like we're cooked. Unless. Wait a minute.

[Captain Ricky]

What is it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Mitchell? You fool.

[Narrator]

Why did you hit me?

[Captain Ricky]

Lieutenant.

[Anton]

Lieutenant. See he, not us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Quiet.

[Anton]

The general is still alive.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Anton]

I just heard him grown. Help me get him out. We must get him to a doctor at once.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yes. There.

[Anton]

Now help me carry him. Hurry.

[Captain Ricky]

Well, I must admit you are a resourceful man, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Looks like the coast is clear. Okay, we'll slip out the other side of the plane and head Back to the river.

[Captain Ricky]

Mitchell, one thing bothers me.

[Steve Mitchell]

What is it?

[Captain Ricky]

Why didn't you just groan yourself instead of hitting me?

[Steve Mitchell]

I wanted to make it sound convincing.

[Captain Ricky]

I am not convinced.

[Steve Mitchell]

Ah, you're a skeptic.

[Captain Ricky]

One moment.

[Steve Mitchell]

What is it now?

[Captain Ricky]

Just this.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, what's the thing?

[Captain Ricky]

Now I am convinced. I do grow much better than you.

[Steve Mitchell]

All right, come on, let's get out of here, you.

[Narrator]

Dangerous Assignments, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell with her Butterfield as the Commissioner, is written by Bob Reif and Adrien Johno, with music by Robert Armber, and is transcribed, produced and directed by Bill K. Others in today's cast were Tony Barrett, Paul Duboff, Raymond Burr and Don Diamond. Be with us again next week at this same time when Brian Donlavy, starring in the role of Steve Mitchell, will embark on another dangerous assignment. Three chimes mean good times. On NBC tomorrow, there's fun for you with two delightful families, Mr. And Mrs. Blandings and the Phil Harris Alice Fay Show. Now, here's a reminder. Don't forget to support your Red Cross and give as much as you can when you give to the Red Cross. Your gift is a lift to our fighting men. Now hear Herbert Marshall as the man called X on NBC Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, Danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can't even pronounce. They all spell the same thing, though. Trouble. But when I walk into the commissioner's office, I don't realize this assignment's gonna wind up with me, depending my life on a tray full of dirty dishes. Morning, Commissioner. Ruth said you had an assignment for me.

[Commissioner]

I do. Steve, your plane leaves for the Middle east in one hour.

[Steve Mitchell]

The Middle East? Don't tell me I have to crawl along that pipeline over there looking for leaks.

[Commissioner]

You'll be looking for leaks, all right, but not oil.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't.

[Commissioner]

Steve, we're on the verge of suffering a very serious diplomatic and strategic defeat.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, nothing like a note of cheer to start the day on, I always say. What's the deal?

[Commissioner]

Take a look at this map of the Middle East, Steve. For some time now, we've been negotiating very secretly with this country here.

[Steve Mitchell]

What kind of negotiations?

[Commissioner]

Negotiations which would pave the way for United nations bases in that area.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. But why all the secrecy?

[Commissioner]

The country in question insisted on it. You see, they've been periodically intimidated by powerful interest to the northeast of them. They wanted to have all the negotiations concluded before any information concerning them fell into what we might call the wrong hand.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute. You say there's been a leak. Is that what you're talking about?

[Narrator]

Exactly.

[Commissioner]

This morning we learned through confidential sources that the document containing the complete preliminary discussions regarding military installations is now in the hands of those hostile interests I was talking about.

[Steve Mitchell]

How did that happen?

[Commissioner]

That's exactly what you're flying to the Middle east to find out, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

I sure get all the cinches, don't I? Steve, it's vital we plug up this leak.

[Commissioner]

If we don't, the entire negotiations may collapse, which would seriously endanger our entire position in the Middle East.

[Steve Mitchell]

You say a copy of the document got into the wrong hands. Does anybody know which copy it was?

[Commissioner]

Yes. That particular copy was last in the possession of a man named Khalid. He's the Middle Eastern country's representative in the negotiations.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, what's his story about it?

[Commissioner]

He says the document was stolen from his house.

[Steve Mitchell]

Brother, that particular story is pretty ancient.

[Commissioner]

Yes, he may be lying up to you to find out. Get over there, Steve. Talk to this colleague and do whatever you have to to get to the bottom of this whole rotten mess. Well, that's it. You've got your assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good luck.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company is presenting Dangerous Assignments, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, colorful, two fisted government agent at all those places of the world where danger and intrigue walk hand in hand. There you'll find Steve Mitchell on another dangerous assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure, I've got my assignment. Just a little matter of dropping over to the Middle east and investigating a government figure named Khalid to find out if he's the boy who's been peddling diplomatic secrets to the wrong parties. All of which is pretty sure to make me slightly unpopular with both the government figure and the wrong parties. Yep, I've got an uneasy hunch I'm about to get voted the boy they'd most like to see drop dead. It's Thursday morning when my plane lands in the Middle east country, and I figured my first step is to talk to this colleague. So I find out his address and grab a taxi. It's a large house out of the city and I walk up to the front door and then I see that it's occupied.

[Anton]

You have business here? Perhaps.

[Steve Mitchell]

Perhaps. Now, if you'll quit blocking the door so I can knock.

[Anton]

You wish to see Khalid? Perhaps.

[Steve Mitchell]

Perhaps again, if it's okay with you.

[Anton]

You will tell me why you wish to see Khalid.

[Steve Mitchell]

Perhaps you just spoiled your average look. I don't know who you are or why you're roosting in front of the door. But I came here to talk to Khalid, not you. Now, if you'll just get out of my way, I'll.

[Anton]

Before you may talk to Khalid, it is quite necessary that I know who you are.

[Steve Mitchell]

Are you his bodyguard or something?

[Anton]

You might say that one of my men is acting as bodyguard for the moment.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't get it, Buster.

[Anton]

Hama. Lieutenant Hama, police.

[Steve Mitchell]

Lieutenant Hama, police?

[Anton]

Yes. And now you will tell me who you are. Perhaps.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here, take a look at my credentials. Perhaps so.

[Anton]

It does not surprise me to meet a United States agent here after the unfortunate incident of the theft of the document.

[Steve Mitchell]

But it does sort of surprise me to see a police detective here. Have you got colleague under arrest?

[Anton]

Let us just say he is being detained for the moment in his house.

[Steve Mitchell]

On account of the document?

[Anton]

On account of his wife.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's his wife got to do with it?

[Anton]

At present, nothing. You see, last night she was murdered.

[Steve Mitchell]

What? Wait, you. You think Khalid killed her?

[Anton]

We do not know at present. Her body was discovered this morning in a ditch several hundred meters down the road. Come, I will show you the. Here is the ditch where the wife's body was discovered, Mitchell. At that spot over there, to be exact.

[Steve Mitchell]

You say her body was discovered this morning, Lieutenant Hama?

[Anton]

That is correct. But the time of her death is as near as we can learn. Was sometime before midnight last night.

[Steve Mitchell]

How was she killed? Shot? Stabbed?

[Anton]

It appears she was beaten to death.

[Steve Mitchell]

Where was her husband last night, Khalid?

[Anton]

He claims to have been at a civic function. We are checking up on his story. Would you like to question him?

[Steve Mitchell]

In a minute.

[Anton]

First, what is it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Up here by the road near the ditch.

[Captain Ricky]

Those footprints.

[Anton]

Yeah, yes, yes, I noticed them, too. A man's footprints beside the road.

[Steve Mitchell]

Of course, they're quite a few feet from the spot where the body was in the ditch. Maybe there's no tie in. But to play safe, it might be a good idea to have a technician for your police lab come out here and check them over.

[Anton]

I will give the necessary orders.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, lieutenant. Now, I'd like to go back to the house and talk to colleagues, see just what kind of a story he's got for us.

[Captain Ricky]

If there is anything I can do to help clear up this matter, I will be only too glad to do so.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's being pretty cooperative, Khalid.

[Captain Ricky]

The sooner the murder is solved, the sooner my name will be cleared of these absurd and vicious charges of betraying my country by allowing secret documents to pass into the hands of the others.

[Steve Mitchell]

A minute colleague. What makes you think your wife's murder is tied in with the other deal. Why?

[Captain Ricky]

I just assumed that it was.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. I'd like you to tell me where you were last night, Khalid.

[Captain Ricky]

Of course. Abu and I went first to dinner at Ali's restaurant.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who's a Bora?

[Captain Ricky]

My aid and secretary.

[Steve Mitchell]

Go on.

[Captain Ricky]

Then he drove me over to the new civic building. The dedication ceremony was last night. The building is not ready for use yet as the cement work is not completed. But they wish to dedicate it anyway, and I was the principal speaker. After the ceremony, Abura and I drove back here to my home.

[Steve Mitchell]

What time was it?

[Captain Ricky]

I would say it was about midnight. When we got here, the lights were on, but my wife was missing. There were evidences of a struggle, furniture overturned and blood stains. I immediately called the police.

[Anton]

We commenced a search immediately, Mitchell, but it was not until this morning that the body was discovered.

[Captain Ricky]

Poor Sahari.

[Steve Mitchell]

Khalid, did your wife have any enemies?

[Captain Ricky]

Enemies?

[Steve Mitchell]

Somebody who had a reason for killing her.

[Captain Ricky]

But everyone loved Saharita. She was kind and gentle.

[Steve Mitchell]

Looks like at least one person didn't exactly love her. Wait.

[Captain Ricky]

Who's Mikan?

[Steve Mitchell]

Who?

[Captain Ricky]

Mikan, our servant. My wife dismissed him several days ago.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh. Why?

[Captain Ricky]

She would not tell me her reasons, and I did not press her. But I believe there was a quarrel between them at the time.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. Any idea where we could find this servant?

[Captain Ricky]

No, no. When my wife dismissed me, Khan. He moved into the city. But where? I do not know.

[Anton]

Khalid, can you describe him for us?

[Captain Ricky]

I can do better than that. I believe there is a picture of him in one of these drawers.

[Anton]

Ah, yes, yes.

[Captain Ricky]

Here you are, gentlemen. Here it is.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks. Just one more thing, Khalid.

[Captain Ricky]

Yes?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm still interested in knowing why you connect your wife's murder to the other incident regarding the document. Why?

[Captain Ricky]

I suppose because the two events took place within a few days of each other.

[Steve Mitchell]

According to Lt. Hama, your story is that somebody stole that document from your house here.

[Captain Ricky]

But of course.

[Steve Mitchell]

Did you have it locked up in a safe?

[Captain Ricky]

No, it was in a desk drawer.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh. Sounds like a pretty careless way to treat an important document, colleague.

[Captain Ricky]

On the contrary. I felt I was being clever, Mr. Mitchell. I reasoned that the obvious place would be the safe and that if I merely placed the document in a desk.

[Steve Mitchell]

Drawer, it would be safer.

[Captain Ricky]

But it would appear that my stratagem backfired.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, it sure would appear that way. Well, come on, Lieutenant Hama.

[Anton]

If I may be of any further.

[Captain Ricky]

Help in this matter, gentlemen, please let me know.

[Steve Mitchell]

Don't worry, we will. Well, what do you Think, Mitchell, about Khalid.

[Anton]

Yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know, Lieutenant Hama. He seems real anxious to help. Maybe a little too anxious.

[Anton]

That was my thought too. His story sounded almost rehearsed.

[Joseph]

Beg your pardon, gentlemen. Yes, it is permitted to see Khalid now. I am Abura, his aid.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure, sure. But we'd like to ask you a couple of questions first, Abora.

[Joseph]

Certainly.

[Steve Mitchell]

Were you with Khalid last evening?

[Joseph]

Yes. All evening, Pride? Yes, up until the time I drove him home which was about midnight. It was then that we discovered the disappearance of his wife.

[Anton]

That coincides with what Khalid told us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Mr. Yeah. What did the two of you do last night, Abura?

[Joseph]

Why, first we had dinner at a restaurant named Alice, a favorite place that Khalid. Then I drove him to the building which he was to dedicate. There was the ceremony and his speech. After that I drove him back to his house here.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. Well, all checks okay, Abora. Thank you.

[Joseph]

You're quite welcome.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come on, Luton.

[Anton]

Yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, that sort of puts Khalid in the clear, I guess.

[Anton]

Yes, and it increases my interest in his servant. Great.

[Joseph]

Mikan.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I think we'd better try and locate him right now. See if we can find out just why Khalid's wife canned him. So we start checking all the hotels and rooming houses in the city. Four hours and 16 hotels later we find a desk clerk who recognizes the picture of Mekan. He tells us that Mikan checked out an hour ago and took a taxi cab to the depot. We do likewise in a hurry.

[Anton]

Mitchell, it would appear that our case is beginning to fall into place. Several days ago, the secret document disappears. Shortly after that, Khali's wife dismisses the servant Mikan. Last night, Khalid's wife is murdered. And now this morning Mikan appears to be trying to flee the city.

[Steve Mitchell]

You think Mikan's the boy who stole the document and knocked off Khalid's wife?

[Anton]

It would certainly appear that.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait, wait. Yeah. Yeah, that's Mikan. Come on.

[Anton]

The train is ready to pull out. Mikan is trying to get aboard.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, he's not gonna make it. We're gaining on him.

[Anton]

He is old. He cannot move quickly.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Mikan.

[Narrator]

Hold it.

[Anton]

So. So. Mikan. Let go of me.

[Steve Mitchell]

You seem to be in an awful hurry to get out of town, Mikan.

[Anton]

I was just taking a vacation trip. Do not lie. That newspaper under your arm, it is folded to the story of the murder of Khalid's wife. That is why you were leaving. Do not deny it.

[Steve Mitchell]

I.

[Anton]

Very well.

[Joseph]

Yes.

[Anton]

Yes, that is why I was leaving.

[Captain Ricky]

I knew that I would be blamed for the killing.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, but I'm innocent.

[Anton]

I swear I did not kill her. You were dismissed by her several days ago. There was a violent quarrel between you. Yes, yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

What was the quarrel about? Mikan, I.

[Anton]

Answer. What was the quarrel about? I. I cannot tell you. Indeed? Then I have something to tell you. You are under arrest on suspicion of murder. Mitchell, I must say I do not understand nor enjoy your attitude. Here we have a very logical suspect. A man who can give us no alibi whatsoever for last night and who refuses to tell us why he quarreled with a dead woman. Yet you are not satisfied.

[Steve Mitchell]

Neither are you, Hama.

[Anton]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

You're not trying to convince me. You're trying to convince yourself.

[Anton]

Now, see here, Mitzole.

[Steve Mitchell]

You don't believe me Khan's the murderer and doctor any more than I do.

[Anton]

I. Yes, yes, you are right, Mitchell. It does not seem very likely that a poor, simple old servant who had been in the employ for many years would suddenly betray his mistress husband and kill his mistress. But if Mikan is innocent, where does that leave us?

[Steve Mitchell]

Right in the middle of nowhere.

[Anton]

Excuse me. Lieutenant Hammer speaking.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yes?

[Anton]

Yes. What is that? You are certain of this? I see. Very well. Thank you. Well, Mitchell, indeed we do have the wrong man in jail.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Anton]

I am now convinced that the old servant is innocent. And moreover, I know who the guilty man is.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, don't leave me there.

[Anton]

That was the police laboratory. Those footprints you observed beside the road near where the wife's body was discovered in the ditch.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah. You were going to have the lab check.

[Anton]

Jay did check the them and compared them with the prints of all those who had any possible connection with the case.

[Steve Mitchell]

Whose prints were they?

[Anton]

They belonged to Khalid's aid Abuda.

[Narrator]

Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's fun for you tomorrow with two of your favorite families, the Blandings and the Harris's. Mr. And Mrs. Blanding stars Carrie Grant and Betsy Drake in the title roles as the proud but somewhat bewildered owners of the famous dream house. The Phil Harris Alice Fay Show Stars Phil and Alice, of course, plus ever helpful Frankie Remley, brother Willie and delivery boy Juliet. Yes, there are laughs tomorrow and every Sunday with Mr. And Mrs. Blandings and the Phil Harris Alice Fay Show. You are listening to Dangerous Assignments, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

So all of a sudden, it looks like our case is winding up fast. We beat it back out to Khalid's house. Abora is still there.

[Joseph]

But gentlemen, I do not understand the reason for all these questions, nor do.

[Captain Ricky]

I Abura is my aid. I trust him completely.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Abora, I thought you told us you were with Khalid all evening.

[Joseph]

Why, certainly.

[Anton]

Then how do you explain the footprints beside the road?

[Joseph]

Footprints? I do not understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

We spotted some footprints beside the road near the ditch where Khalid's wife's body was found. The police lab says that they're your prints, Abura. What?

[Joseph]

There must be some mistake.

[Anton]

Indeed, there was a mistake. And it appears that you made it. Abura.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait, wait. What is it, Khalid?

[Captain Ricky]

But of course. Abura, do you not remember?

[Anton]

What are you talking about, Khalid?

[Steve Mitchell]

The car.

[Captain Ricky]

The engine trouble.

[Joseph]

Oh, yes. The shock of being suspected made me forget.

[Steve Mitchell]

Forget what?

[Captain Ricky]

You see, on the way home last evening, Mitchell, we had engine trouble. The car sputtered and died. Abura got out to investigate, found the trouble and fixed it. That is apparently how his footprints happen to be beside the road.

[Joseph]

I can't live to think that we were within a few feet of your wife's body at the time.

[Anton]

Well, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, Lieutenant. Another lead up in smoke.

[Anton]

A very perplexing case, Mitchell. Suddenly we have no suspect.

[Steve Mitchell]

I know Khalid couldn't very well have done it if he was dedicating a building at the time.

[Anton]

And Khalid told us Abura left those prints beside the road while repairing the car. That appears to clear Abura.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Neither one of us believes that the old servant Mekhan did the job.

[Anton]

Well, perhaps someone we do not know killed Khalid's wife.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, but what gets me is why was she killed? Was it to shut her mouth about something? Was there some kind of a double cross involved?

[Anton]

If we could but answer those questions, we.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the matter?

[Anton]

Here, on my desk, I just noticed there is a note for me. The laboratory technician has been trying to get in touch with us, Mitchell. He has something further to report.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, where is the lab?

[Anton]

Downstairs in the basement.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come on, let's find out what's on his mind.

[Anton]

Here we are. Mitzel, this door on the left.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Locked.

[Anton]

The technician must be out looking for us.

[Steve Mitchell]

You got a key?

[Anton]

Yes, yes, we can wait for him inside. After you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hank. Where's the light switch?

[Anton]

On the wall to your left.

[Steve Mitchell]

There. Now. Hey, I'm there. On the floor.

[Anton]

Yes, I see, brother.

[Steve Mitchell]

That the technician?

[Anton]

Yes. Stabbed to death.

[Steve Mitchell]

Looks like whatever he wanted to tell us, somebody else didn't want him.

[Anton]

Yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

So I guess now we'll never know what it was.

[Anton]

Perhaps we will, Mitchell. What do you mean, if we are lucky? You see, it is required that all reports to be prepared in duplicate.

[Steve Mitchell]

What? Hey, maybe the killer didn't know that.

[Anton]

That is our one hope.

[Steve Mitchell]

Where are the duplicate copies kept?

[Anton]

In this basket. Wait. Perhaps this is it. Further report on footprints near SCENE of.

[Steve Mitchell]

MURDER yeah, that must be it. Let's have it.

[Anton]

Here you are.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. I don't get it.

[Anton]

Don't get what?

[Steve Mitchell]

He says that there were traces of cement dust on some of those footprints of Abora's near the ditch, but no cement dust on the rest of the prints.

[Anton]

But what does that mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know. Wait, there's some more. He examined the footprints around Khalid's house. He says that colleague's footprints also show traces of cement dust.

[Anton]

Mitchell, this is very strange. At the scene of the crime, some of Aborra's footprints contained cement dust, others did not. Then at the house, Khalid's prints contain some of the cement dust. I do not see what.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hold it a minute.

[Anton]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I think a few things just fell into place. Look, suppose you go over the lab here and see if there are any clues to the technician's killer. I'm going over and have another talk with Khalid.

[Captain Ricky]

But I do not understand the purpose of your visit, Mr. Mitchell. Surely I have answered all of your questions.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't think so, Khalid. Look, I want you to think back to the evening of the murder again. Now, tell me exactly what happened.

[Captain Ricky]

But we have been over it before.

[Steve Mitchell]

And we're going over it again.

[Anton]

Very well.

[Captain Ricky]

My aide Abura drove me into the city. We had dinner at a favorite restaurant of mine, a place named Ali's.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah, go on.

[Captain Ricky]

After that, Abura drove me to the new building which I was to dedicate.

[Steve Mitchell]

And from then on, Abura wasn't out of your sight, huh?

[Captain Ricky]

That's right.

[Anton]

He.

[Captain Ricky]

Well, well, of course, he had to go back to get my speech.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's that?

[Captain Ricky]

Why, yes, I. I guess I forgot to mention that to you before.

[Steve Mitchell]

You sure did.

[Captain Ricky]

You see, when I arrived at the new building, I discovered that my speech was missing from the pocket of my coat. I reasoned that it must have slipped out while we were dining. So I sent Abura back to the restaurant to get it.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. How long was he gone?

[Captain Ricky]

Oh, 10 or 15 minutes, perhaps.

[Steve Mitchell]

Could it have been longer than that?

[Captain Ricky]

I suppose a few minutes more.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, Khalid, it's very important we establish just how long Abura was gone.

[Captain Ricky]

I know it could not have been more than a half hour because I was scheduled to speak a half hour after I arrived. And Abura had returned with the speech before then.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute. You said that a Bora brought your speech Back to you.

[Captain Ricky]

But of course that is what I sent him after.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, that could figure. All right. He could have lifted it out of your pocket, then when he came back he handed it to you and you figured he'd gone back to the restaurant to get it.

[Captain Ricky]

Mitchell, I do not understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll explain in a minute. Now look, did you discover your speech was missing as soon as you arrived at the new building?

[Captain Ricky]

Yes, as I was getting out of the car.

[Steve Mitchell]

And you sent a Bora back after it right away?

[Captain Ricky]

Yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

So a Bora, when he left, hadn't been in the new building at all.

[Captain Ricky]

But yes, that is right. Of course, he came inside the building a half hour later when he returned.

[Steve Mitchell]

My speech to me. Yeah, that's what I thought. Now, I'd like to know about a few locations.

[Captain Ricky]

Locations?

[Steve Mitchell]

That new building you dedicated, how far is it from your house here?

[Captain Ricky]

Why, about a 15 minute ride.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. And this restaurant where you ate, Ollie's, how far is that from the new building?

[Captain Ricky]

Why that is also about a 15 minute drive in the opposite direction from the building. Mitchell, these questions you are asking, surely you do not suspect that Abura is involved in this affair?

[Steve Mitchell]

Right now it's a lot more than just a suspicion, colleague.

[Anton]

What?

[Captain Ricky]

I cannot believe it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, the way it adds up, Aborra swiped your speech. Then when you told him to go back to Ali's restaurant to get it, he drove to your houses instead, killed your wife and then returned to the new building with your speech. But.

[Captain Ricky]

But why would he kill my wife?

[Steve Mitchell]

That I'm not sure of yet. But my hunch is that it ties in with the theft of that document.

[Captain Ricky]

Mitchell, your suspicion of Abura, can you prove it?

[Steve Mitchell]

That's what I'm going to find out right now, Khalid.

[Captain Ricky]

How?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm going over to that restaurant and talk to Ali. If he tells me that Abora didn't come back there to get your speech that night, then I guess that's the final nail in the Bora's coffin. I head for Ollie's. It's almost midnight when I get there and there aren't any customers. And a little guy is sitting at a table in the center of the place all alone. Are you Ali?

[Anton]

Yes, what is it?

[Steve Mitchell]

My name is Mitchell. I'd like to ask you a couple of questions about last night.

[Anton]

Questions? What. What question?

[Steve Mitchell]

Two men came to your restaurant last evening. Khalid and his aide Abura.

[Anton]

That is quite right. They frequently dine here.

[Steve Mitchell]

Did you see either one of them again after they left here?

[Anton]

Yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why don't Tell me it was a burra.

[Anton]

Why yes. He returned about half an hour later and said that Khalid had misplaced his speech. Abura searched around the table where they had eaten, found the script and left.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, fine.

[Anton]

What is the matter?

[Steve Mitchell]

Nothing much. Except my airtight case just sprang a king sized leak.

[Anton]

I do not understand.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, you've got company there, Ali. I don't understand either. A borough was only gone from the new building a half an hour. It's 15 minutes each way from there to here and from there to Khalid's house. So he couldn't have gone both places during that time. If he came here, he sure couldn't have gone to Khalid's house and killed his wife.

[Anton]

I do not know what any of this is about. But if you are through asking questions, I suggest that you leave. It is late and I am tired. I would like to close up.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, Ellie. Funny, I'd have sworn a Bora was my boy. But right now he's looking awfully clean. So that leaves me right back where I started. Fresh out of Leeds.

[Anton]

Please, if you do not mind.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Hey. Must be hotter than I thought in here. You're starting to sweat all of a sudden.

[Anton]

I'm not feeling very well. Now if you will please leave.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I. Yeah, I'm leaving right now. What stopped me cold is the wall behind Ollie. There's a serving window there, but it's pulled down so that there's just a crack left. And in that crack I spot a glint of metal. A gun barrel. All of a sudden I know why Ollie's sweating. And also I know I'm not fresh out of leads after all. I start edging towards the door real casual alike. But I don't quite make it.

[Joseph]

That will keep you right where you are until I can get around the part.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, Bora, it sure will.

[Joseph]

It would appear that Ali here is not a very skillful actor.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know. Seems to me I'd sweat too if I knew you were holding a gun on me.

[Anton]

Please, Abura, do not kill me. I did as you ordered. I said everything you told me to say.

[Joseph]

I will deal with you later, Alex.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, Abora, I think I've finally figured out why you killed Khalid's wife.

[Joseph]

Indeed.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. She was the one who stole that document for you. That's probably why she fired the old servant Ma. And he found out about it and confronted her. But when we questioned him, he was still loyal enough to her memory not to tell us anything.

[Joseph]

Quite right. Khalid's wife did procure the document for me. But when she learned that the United States was sending an agent over here to investigate, she became frightened. She said she was going to tell Khalid everything after he returned from dedicating the building.

[Steve Mitchell]

So you knew you'd have to shut her mouth, huh? You lifted Khalid's speech out of his pocket at dinner, knowing he'd discover it was missing and send you after it. That gave you time to get to College House. His wife knew why you'd come. She ran out of the house, you chased her to that ditch and killed her there.

[Joseph]

Quite right, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Later, you realized you might have left footprints near the ditch. So when you were driving Khalid home, you faked engine trouble at that spot and got out of the car and planted some more footsteps there as a cover, huh?

[Joseph]

May I ask how you found out about me, Mitch?

[Steve Mitchell]

The cement dust tripped you up. You killed the lab technician to get his report. What you didn't know was that there was a duplicate copy.

[Joseph]

That was rather stupid of me, wasn't it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. That report showed traces of cement dust in some of your prints and none in others. I remembered Khalid telling me that the cement work in that new building wasn't even finished yet. That meant cement dust on the floors. You hadn't set foot in the building yet when Khalid sent you after the speech. So when you killed his wife and left those first footprints, there was no cement dust in them.

[Joseph]

But later, when I pretended car trouble and got out of the car, I did have cement dust on the bottom of my shoe.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right. Because in the meantime, you'd been inside that building while Khalid was making his speech.

[Joseph]

I admire your cleverness, Mitchell. It is a pity it comes too late for you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, what happens now?

[Joseph]

To a clever man such as yourself, the answer should be quite obvious. You and Ali here are the only ones who know my little secret.

[Anton]

No, you're not going to kill me.

[Joseph]

I'm afraid I must, Ali. Yes. I must kill both of them.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. I got news for you, Abura. You're gonna have to choose which one of us to kill.

[Joseph]

What do you mean? I will kill both of you.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't think so. Ollie and I are on opposite sides of the room, and you're in the center. You shoot one of us, the other will jump you. So which one of us is it gonna be? Take your pick. I'm just running a bluff. Ollie's too terrified to be of any help, but the bluff works because Abor takes his eyes off me a second that sh. A glance at Ollie and That second is long enough. I dive for the light switch. The slug whistles over me. I hug the floor in the dark and fish my gun out of my pocket. Now I'm going to wait and let Aura make the next move. Then I hear a car outside. There's light enough through the window to tell me it's lieutenant Hama. This is just great. If he walks in that door, he'll get a slug. And if I try to warn him, I'll reveal my position. And then I'll collect the slug, get a thick of something fast. Then my an object beside me. A serving cart loaded with dishes. I push it a few inches. The wheels don't make any noise. I give it a shove towards the wall and wait before it throws a shot in the direction of the noise. I spot the flash and let him have it.

[Anton]

Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm okay, Lieutenant. Get the light.

[Anton]

Kindly told me you were over here. By the looks of a bur, I would see the work has been done.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

[Anton]

Is it safe now?

[Steve Mitchell]

Aha. You can crawl out from under that table, Ollie.

[Anton]

So Abura was our killer?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. He threw me off the trail by getting Ollie to give him an alibi, but I finally tumbled to it. Yeah, Abora had a pretty neat scheme rigged, but it was that cement dust that pinned the killing on him. I guess that's what you might call concrete evidence.

[Narrator]

Dangerous Assignments, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell with Herb Butterfield as the commissioner, is written by Bob Rife and Adrian John Doe with music by Robert Armbruster, and is produced and directed by Bill Karn. Others in today's cast were Jan Arvan, Paul Duboff, Shep Menken, Wally Mayer and Don Diamond. Be with us again next week at this same time when Brian Donlavy, starring in the role of Steve Mitchell, will embark on another dangerous assignment.

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