Dangerous Assignment: Find Missing Japanese Weapons (Panama) 02/06/1950

Summary

Dangerous Assignment: "Find Missing Japanese Weapons (Panama)" – Episode Summary

Overview

In this gripping episode from February 6, 1950, government agent Steve Mitchell is dispatched to Panama to track down a cache of missing Japanese weapons rumored to be hidden near the Panama Canal. The assignment is fraught with danger—Mitchell must uncover the truth behind his friend Bill Thorne’s murder, outwit shadowy enemies, and survive the wilds of the Darien jungle as he follows a trail leading to a mysterious abandoned mine and a chilling local legend.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Assignment and Briefing (01:11–02:30)

• Steve Mitchell is summoned by the Commissioner and briefed on his friend's (Bill Thorne) death and the urgency of the missing Japanese weapons.
  • “Shortly before the Japanese surrender, an entire boatload of Japanese weapons disappeared. We have reason to think they're hidden somewhere in Panama.” — Commissioner (01:32)
  • The weapons are said to be enough to equip three divisions.
• Mitchell is to work with Lieutenant Perez of the Panama National Police and possibly seek help from local plantation owner Emil Fager.

2. Entering Panama and First Clues (03:14–05:58)

• Upon arrival, Mitchell meets Lt. Perez, learns more about Thorne’s last moments, and the cryptic name “San Miguel”—an indigenous village mentioned by Thorne as he died.
  • The region is described as dangerous: wild jungles, hostile tribes, and peril for outsiders.
• Perez insists they notify Emil Fager before passing through land the plantation owner controls.

3. Meeting Emil Fager (06:08–08:26)

• Fager is portrayed as influential and outwardly cooperative, showing hospitality by offering men and a boat.
  • “As you know, I am always willing to cooperate with the authorities in anything at all. Anything at all.” — Emil Fager (08:10)

4. First Attempt on Mitchell’s Life (08:28–09:37)

• In Panama City, as Mitchell and Perez step into a doorway to avoid the scorching sun, an assassin throws a knife at them from a rooftop.
  • “Two inches lower and I’d have gotten a haircut the hard way.” — Steve Mitchell (09:17)

5. Up the River: Jungle Dangers (09:59–11:05)

• Journeying into the jungle, the men face hostile terrain, dangerous wildlife (including deadly snakes), and soon come under sniper fire.
  • Mitchell’s quick actions save Perez, who is wounded as their boat is destroyed. They escape to the opposite bank.

6. San Miguel – The Village and Its Mystery (13:30–16:09)

• They reach San Miguel, where the chief reveals that twenty of his men vanished years ago after being lured by a white man to work in a “mine.”
• The chief’s account suggests a link between the disappearances and the missing weapons: “Two, three years ago, 20 my best men walk into jungle. Disappear, never see again.” — Village Chief (15:18)
• The chief provides a guide, Blas, to lead Mitchell to the deserted mine.

7. The Abandoned Mine and a Sinister Encounter (16:09–19:18)

• The mine is now overgrown and the shaft caved in, but while investigating, they are followed by the same man who earlier attacked Mitchell.
• The assassin is killed by Blas. Evidence from the dead man connects him to a woman seen later in Panama City.

8. Back in Panama City: Unraveling the Plot (19:49–24:05)

• Mitchell and Perez return, reporting the failed mission and learning the mine was registered to Manuel Carrero (now deceased), and foreman Eduardo Avila (who is found drunk at a local bar).
• The woman in the bar is linked to the assassin through a photograph. Under questioning, she identifies the man as Carrero.
• Perez and Mitchell review mine registration documents and discover a diagram showing a second, hidden entrance.

9. Discovery and Confrontation in the Mine (25:21–29:00)

• Guided by the map, Mitchell and Blas locate the secret entrance, discovering the weapons cache and gruesome evidence—the skeletons of the disappeared villagers.
  • “Skeletons. A lot of them. … 20 men who were hired to bring the weapons here and then were killed to shut their mouths.” — Steve Mitchell (26:53)
• Emil Fager appears, armed and waiting in the darkness:
  • “At your service, Mitchell. Or should I say you are at mine.” — Emil Fager (27:32)
• A tense standoff leads to Fager’s disarmament and capture, with Blas avenging his brother’s death.

10. Resolution and Reflection (29:00–29:25)

• With Fager in custody and the weapons recovered, Mitchell delivers a final quip:
  • “He who lives by the sword shall perish by the machete.” — Steve Mitchell (29:00)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Shortly before the Japanese surrender, an entire boatload of Japanese weapons disappeared… enough to equip three divisions.”
  • — Commissioner (01:32)
• “Two inches lower and I’d have gotten a haircut the hard way.”
  • — Steve Mitchell (09:17)
• “Two, three years ago, 20 my best men walk into jungle. Disappear, never see again.”
  • — Village Chief (15:18)
• “He who lives by the sword shall perish by the machete.”
  • — Steve Mitchell (29:00)
• “At your service, Mitchell. Or should I say you are at mine.”
  • — Emil Fager (27:32)

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Important Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------|---------------| | Assignment Briefing | 01:11–02:30 | | Arrival in Panama / Perez intro | 04:02–05:58 | | First meeting with Fager | 06:08–08:26 | | Knife attack in Panama City | 08:28–09:37 | | Jungle river shootout | 09:59–11:15 | | Arrival at San Miguel | 13:30–16:09 | | Mine & assassin encounter | 16:09–19:18 | | Bar interrogation, major clues | 21:50–24:05 | | Revealing the mine's hidden entrance | 24:15–25:21 | | Weapons cache, Fager confrontation | 26:03–29:00 | | Final resolution and quip | 29:00–29:25 |

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Tone & Style

The episode blends hard-boiled adventure with quick-witted, pulp serial banter. Mitchell’s sharp retorts and the atmospheric jungle setting amplify the danger, as every supporting character hides secrets amid the oppressive heat.

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Episode Impact

Listeners are treated to a suspenseful drama that combines espionage, postwar intrigue, and classic detective storytelling, complete with colorful local flavor, rapid twists, and moral justice delivered with a wry smile.

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For more classic adventures in radio detection, tune in every day to Choice Classic Radio Detectives!

Transcript

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[Steve Mitchell]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Narrator]

Dangerous assignment starring brian dunleavy as steve mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

You sent for me, Commissioner?

[Emil Fager]

Yes.

[Commissioner]

Sit down, Steve. I suppose you heard about Bill Thorne.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, they pulled his body out of a river in eastern Panama.

[Commissioner]

That's right. Bill was one of our best agents. And one of your best friends, Steve. I figured you'd want to take over his assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

I do.

[Commissioner]

You've got it as of right now. And I'll give you the background quickly. Ruth, how about Steve's credentials?

[Ruth]

I've got them already, Commissioner. Steve can pick them up at my desk.

[Commissioner]

Good. Here's a setup, Steve. Shortly before the Japanese surrender, an entire boatload of Japanese weapons disappeared. We have reason to think they're hidden somewhere in Panama. And that whoever has them is willing to sell to the highest bidder.

[Steve Mitchell]

How many weapons are involved?

[Commissioner]

Enough to equip three divisions.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, Bill Thorne must have been getting warm.

[Commissioner]

Yes, that's obviously why he got killed. Steve, we can't afford to have a hidden cache of weapons that close to the canal.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who do I work with down there?

[Commissioner]

Lieutenant Perez of the National Police in Panama City.

[Steve Mitchell]

Any other contacts who might help me?

[Commissioner]

One. His name is Emil Fager. He owns a large plantation down there. Quite an influential man.

[Steve Mitchell]

Can we trust him?

[Commissioner]

In this business, who knows? But he has done several favors for us in the past.

[Steve Mitchell]

When does my plane leave?

[Commissioner]

Half an hour. Steve, I don't need to tell you about the danger involved. They've already killed Bill Thorne. They'll be gunning for you too. As usual. You'll pose as a foreign correspondent. Actually, your job is to find those weapons.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, and find out who killed Bill Thorne.

[Commissioner]

Yes. Well, that's it. You've got your assignment, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good luck.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company welcomes back to the air Dangerous Assignment. Starring Brian Dunleavy 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 will find Steve Mitchell on another Dangerous assignment.

Steve Mitchell is en route to Panama City by plane. Meanwhile, on a plantation in eastern Panama, near the forbidding and sinister Darien country, two men sit hunched over a powerful radio receiver.

[Commissioner]

Steve Mitchell departed United States for Panama City. Believe he's taking over job of his late friend.

[Emil Fager]

That does not surprise me, Cairo. I did not think they would let the matter of the weapons drop.

[Commissioner]

We will try to give Mitchell the same reception here in Panama that we gave his friend Bill Thor. Yes.

[Emil Fager]

You know what to do, Carrero. At the first opportunity.

[Steve Mitchell]

Lieutenant Perez, I'm Steve Mitchell from the United States. Here are my credentials.

[Lieutenant Perez]

See Senor Mitchell. They appear to be in order. You've just arrived?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, my plane landed about a half an hour ago.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Please sit down, senor. Thanks.

[Steve Mitchell]

Say, is it always this hot in Panama?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Oh, no, senor. It gets much hotter than this.

[Steve Mitchell]

Great.

[Lieutenant Perez]

I presume you wish information about Senor Bill Thorne.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Well, I'm afraid there is very little I can tell you. Senor Thorne's body was recovered from a river in the Darien country in eastern Panama.

[Steve Mitchell]

Was he already dead when he was pulled out of the river?

[Lieutenant Perez]

No, not quite. But he lasted only a few seconds more.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, was he able to say anything at all about what had happened?

[Lieutenant Perez]

No, senor. He only mumbled something about San Miguel.

[Steve Mitchell]

Then he died. San Miguel? What did he mean?

[Lieutenant Perez]

I. I do not know, senor. It is very mystifying. However, there is an Indian village called San Miguel, inland in the Darien region. Here it is at this point on the map.

[Steve Mitchell]

How would I go about getting to San Miguel?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Senor, that is very bad country.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean by the Darien.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Country to the east? It is very wild. One can travel only by train or boat. And the Indians are very savage. Many people who enter that country are never seen again.

[Steve Mitchell]

It wasn't an Indian who killed Bill Thorne. But you still haven't told me how to get to San Miguel.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Then you are determined to go?

[Steve Mitchell]

Of course.

[Lieutenant Perez]

In that case, I will accompany you. Now, let me see. I think we should notify Senor Fager of our intentions. Fager? See, we will journey up this river and here we will pass through land which is owned by him. It is customary to notify him when someone undertakes such a trip.

[Steve Mitchell]

Would that be Emil Fager?

[Lieutenant Perez]

See? Emil Fager? Why, do you know him, senor?

[Steve Mitchell]

I know of him. Matter of fact, I was told I might contact him for help.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Oh, he has always been very cooperative about such things. Yes, we will go see him. He happens to be Here in Panama City. At present, he is staying at the International Hotel.

[Steve Mitchell]

Where's that?

[Lieutenant Perez]

And the Cinco de Mayo Plaza in the center of town. We can walk there.

[Steve Mitchell]

In this heat?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Oh, but senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah, I know. It gets much hotter than this.

[Emil Fager]

Ah.

[Lieutenant Perez]

I thought we would find Senor Figo here in the lobby. That is he, the fat gentleman sitting in that chair by the window.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, he believes in service. I wish I had a guy to fan me see.

[Lieutenant Perez]

That is Senor Vegas. Good afternoon, senor.

[Emil Fager]

Lieutenant Perez. But I fail to see anything good about the afternoon, sir. With this infernal heat.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Well, you should be accustomed to it by now, senor.

[Emil Fager]

I seem to feel it more when I come into town, senor. On my plantation it doesn't bother me. But here, I must take Pepito and his fan wherever I go.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Pepito.

[Emil Fager]

Turn around, Fanny. Gentlemen.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Senor, I would like to introduce Senor Steve Mitchell, a correspondent from the United States.

[Emil Fager]

Delighted to make your acquaintance, sir.

[Steve Mitchell]

Mr. Fager.

[Emil Fager]

Well, what can I do for you, gentlemen?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Senor Mitchell desires to see some of the Darien country. I have offered to take him up the river with me.

[Emil Fager]

The Darien country? You're an adventurous man, Mr. Mitchell. That region is not generally considered to be suitable for an outing.

[Steve Mitchell]

So I'm told. I understand you have a plantation somewhere up there.

[Emil Fager]

See, on this edge of the region? It's fairly civilized there. But beyond lies territory that not even I have ever set foot in. Pepito, you are lagging.

[Steve Mitchell]

Faster.

[Emil Fager]

Faster.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, this is the closest thing to a breeze I've felt since I left home.

[Lieutenant Perez]

As we will be passing through your land part of the way, I thought I should ask your permission, Senor Fager.

[Emil Fager]

Good answer. Of course. Glad to have you, gentlemen. At least that portion of your journey will be safe. Would you like me to send one of my men with you?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't think that'll be necessary, Mr. Fager. Thanks just the same.

[Emil Fager]

Oh, at least let me put one of my boats at your disposal.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Well, you are most kind, senor.

[Emil Fager]

Not at all, Lieutenant. As you know, I am always willing to cooperate with the authorities in anything at all. Anything at all.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wow. This isn't getting any cooler, Perez.

[Lieutenant Perez]

No, senor. As you see, the streets are nearly deserted this time of day. Everyone seeks refuge from the heat.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I noticed that this street wasn't exactly crowded. Hey, here's a doorway. Let's get out of the sun a minute.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Of course, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you know?

[Lieutenant Perez]

What is it, senor?

[Steve Mitchell]

Wouldn't you know it 10 degrees hotter than a Turkish bath. And some joker builds a chimney on his house.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Chimney? But, senor, there are no chimneys in Panama City.

[Steve Mitchell]

No? Look out in the middle of the street. See the shadow of that building across the way?

[Lieutenant Perez]

That is no chimney, senor. Chimneys do not move.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, that's a man up there on the roof. He's got a knife.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Get down.

[Commissioner]

Get down.

[Lieutenant Perez]

It hit the door right over your head.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Two inches lower and I'd have gotten a haircut the hard way.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Did you get a look at him?

[Steve Mitchell]

Just a glimpse of his face.

[Lieutenant Perez]

The roofs are close together in this part of the city. He could be a block away by now.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Well, senor, it would appear someone objects to your presence in Panama City.

[Steve Mitchell]

That doesn't surprise me much. Well, come on, Perez. Let's get outfitted and start that trip up the river to San Miguel.

You know, this is not exactly like boating on the Potomac, Perez. Look at that jungle. I'd sure hate to get lost in there.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Oh, it is an easy thing to do, Senor Mitchell. The only trails in there are made by the Indians, and they are well concealed.

[Steve Mitchell]

You say the Indians in this area are hostile?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Most of them. There isn't any intrusion on what they consider their country. And, of course, the Indians are not the only danger in there.

[Steve Mitchell]

No.

[Lieutenant Perez]

There are always the snakes. Snakes? Oh, yes, senor. This jungle is full of them. Many varieties, but most of them are quite deadly.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, fine.

[Lieutenant Perez]

We should be getting close to San Miguel. We have but a few more hours of daylight. And because of the rocks, it is very dangerous to navigate the river at night.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I'm not hankering to be out in this stuff at night. These mosquitoes don't help things either.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Mitchell, somebody's shooting at us from the jungle.

[Steve Mitchell]

Get down in the boat.

[Lieutenant Perez]

You see where it came from?

[Steve Mitchell]

See where it came from? I can't even see where we're going.

[Lieutenant Perez]

We must keep control of the boat.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. As soon as he shoots again, I'll take a quick look over the side and see where we're going.

Hey, that went right through the boat. Look, Perez, doesn't matter where we're going. This boat's a death trap. I think we better slip over into the water on the other side of the boat here. We'll be a little more sheltered that way.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Si, senor. Look out that rock ahead of us.

[Emil Fager]

Yeah.

[Ruth]

Get clear.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Get clear.

Oh, the boat is done for. Into the water.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay.

Perez. Perez, where are you?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Right here, sir.

[Emil Fager]

You okay?

[Steve Mitchell]

Try to swim underwater. Head for the other bank. Perez. Where'd the slug hit you?

[Lieutenant Perez]

In the shoulder.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here, let me get my arm under you.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Mitchell, don't try to save me. You are making a target of yourself.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Here. Okay, yeah. Got my arm under you now.

[Lieutenant Perez]

But, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Shut up and relax. Gonna try swimming behind this rock.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Senor. I. I'm getting weaker.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hold on, Perez. Just a little longer.

There. We made it. Good. This rock will shelter us from trigger boy for the time being. How you doing, Perez?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Oh, I'm afraid I have lost quite a little blood, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, wad up your shirt and hold it over the wound, see? Yeah, that's it. Hey, I can touch bottom. Here. Look, just lay over on my shoulder and I'll carry you out of the water. All right, Here we go. We're going to be exposed for a second or two, but we can't help it.

[Lieutenant Perez]

There.

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't think he can spot us in this underbrush. How far do you think we are from this village of San Miguel?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Oh, it can only be a mile or two.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good. Okay, come on. Get up on my back now.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Oh, no, senor. Please do not try to carry me. Leave me here and send help for me.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, fine. I'm sure the snakes around here would.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Love to see you, but you cannot carry me all that way.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I'll admit playing piggyback with a sniper after us isn't my idea of fun, but at least we've got the river between us. Come on now. Here. Up you go.

Can you see the village yet, Perez?

[Lieutenant Perez]

See, it is in that clearing just ahead.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good. This is sure the longest mile I've ever walked in my life. Yeah, I see it now. Hey, all the huts are up on stilts.

Looks like we've got a reception to many. Cummins, horses.

[Lieutenant Perez]

The man in front, I think he is their chief. We had better stop here at the edge of the clearing.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. I'll put you down here.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

There. Can you stand? All right.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Yes.

Senor Mitchell. For bringing me to safety, I. Gracias.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here I come.

[Village Chief]

What you want, senores?

[Steve Mitchell]

Some help for my friend here and some information.

[Village Chief]

Oh, come as friends?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yes. Believe me, Chief, we're in no position to do harm to anyone right now. Blas.

[Lieutenant Perez]

See?

[Village Chief]

Have that one's wound cared for.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Si.

[Blas]

Can you walk, senor?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Si.

[Blas]

Come with me.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll check with you in a couple of minutes.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Perez. Si, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thank you, Chief.

[Village Chief]

What you want to ask me, senor?

[Steve Mitchell]

Chief, a friend of mine was killed near here a few days ago. His name was Thorne. Bill Thorne.

[Village Chief]

I Remember him well?

[Steve Mitchell]

He came to see you?

[Village Chief]

Si, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why?

[Village Chief]

He wanted to ask me about mystery of San Miguel.

[Steve Mitchell]

Mystery of San Miguel? Well, I guess he got killed trying to find out what that mystery was. I've taken over for him now. What can you tell me about it?

[Village Chief]

Two, three years ago, 20 my best men walk into jungle. Disappear, never see again.

[Steve Mitchell]

They disappeared without a trace.

[Village Chief]

Si, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why did they go into the jungle?

[Village Chief]

White men offer them job working for him in mine.

[Lieutenant Perez]

In jungle.

[Steve Mitchell]

A mine. You know who the white man was?

[Village Chief]

No, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Is the mine around here anywhere?

[Village Chief]

See, is down river not far from here. But mine is deserted.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, would you furnish me a guide who could take me to that mine?

[Village Chief]

See, I will send Blas. He is best man I have.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks, chief. I'd like to start right now.

I'd hate to be trying this alone. Blast. You can't even see these trails from 10ft away.

[Blas]

We keep them well concealed. We do not wish enemies to use them.

[Steve Mitchell]

You have any idea what kind of work these men from your village were doing at this mine were heading for?

[Blas]

No, senor. Once I saw some of them going down river on a large boat.

[Steve Mitchell]

Could you see what was on the boat?

[Emil Fager]

Big boxes.

[Steve Mitchell]

Big boxes, huh? Yeah. That could have been the weapons. Aye.

[Blas]

Here we are. Here's the mine.

[Steve Mitchell]

Where? I don't see anything. Right over there, senor. Is that it?

[Lieutenant Perez]

See?

[Steve Mitchell]

No wonder I couldn't see it. So going over with underbrush. Sure haven't been operating for a long time. There. I'll take a look.

Hey, the shaft's completely caved in. No chance of finding out what's down there now. I guess.

[Blas]

Senor, the birds.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Lieutenant Perez]

We are being followed.

[Steve Mitchell]

What? Are you sure about that?

[Blas]

I am sure.

[Steve Mitchell]

What was that?

[Blas]

Now I see him.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who?

[Blas]

Look over against that tree.

[Steve Mitchell]

Holy smoke.

[Lieutenant Perez]

What's that?

[Blas]

Iguana, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Blas]

Iguana. A giant lizard.

[Steve Mitchell]

You call that thing a lizard? It's five feet long.

Look at him go.

Brother, remind me never to spend a vacation here. Well, wait, wait. Birds do not stop.

[Blas]

Sing for iguana. Listen.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I hear it. Someone coming through the brush.

[Blas]

Senor, you'll get over behind that tree. I will lie beside the trail here with my machete.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay.

Can you see anything?

[Blas]

See, he's a man. He's carrying a rifle.

[Steve Mitchell]

Probably the same sniper. Why.

[Commissioner]

No.

[Steve Mitchell]

Brother. You sure made short work of him, Blas.

[Blas]

He would have made short work of us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

Hey, I recognize his face. That's the guy who chucked a knife at me. In Panama City yesterday afternoon.

[Blas]

You know this man?

[Steve Mitchell]

No. Here. Maybe there's something here in his pockets that'll give us a lead on who he is.

Just this picture.

[Blas]

Picture of himself.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. That girl he's with isn't bad either. Well, come on. Blast. Let's get back to the village. Look, I'm going to ask the chief if I can keep you with me to help me take Perez back to Panama City. I've got to get back there and make out my report.

[Ruth]

Steve's report's coming in from Panama City, Commissioner.

[Commissioner]

Good. Let's have it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Rude.

[Emil Fager]

Here you are.

[Commissioner]

Great job you sent me on, Commissioner, today. To have had a knife thrown at me, been shot at and nearly drowned.

[Emil Fager]

Good luck.

[Ruth]

You know, that guy can get into trouble easier than anyone I know.

[Commissioner]

Even the lizards are chasing me.

[Ruth]

He's just irresistible, I guess.

[Commissioner]

Per is wounded, but not seriously. Located mine, which looked like promising hiding place for weapons. The life found have been deserted for years.

[Ruth]

Here's the rest of it.

[Commissioner]

Back in Panama City with bearers now. On our way over to the International Hotel to notify Emil Fager about the loss of his boat. We'll keep you informed.

[Lieutenant Perez]

We are very sorry about the loss of your boat, Senor Figa.

[Emil Fager]

Nonsense. It was unavoidable. Lieutenant and I have other boats. You were both very fortunate to escape with your lives, gentlemen.

[Steve Mitchell]

You can say that again, Mr. Fager. But at least that river was cool.

[Emil Fager]

Where did you say this incident occurred, Senor Perez?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Oh, about 20 miles past your plantation, senor.

[Emil Fager]

Yes, that's bad country up there. Makes a perfect hiding place for outlaws and cutthroats. Any idea why that sniper should be shooting at the two of you, sir?

[Steve Mitchell]

No. No, none.

[Emil Fager]

Must have been a nasty wound you got, Senor Perez.

[Lieutenant Perez]

See, my shoulder still pains, but it is much better now.

[Steve Mitchell]

Ah, come on, Perez. We better be going. I'll see you later, Faker. And thanks again for the use of the boat.

[Emil Fager]

Oh, you're quite welcome, sir. It is just unfortunate your adventure had such a disastrous ending. But do not hesitate to call on me again if you need anything.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thank you.

[Lieutenant Perez]

I looked up the registration papers on the deserted mine as you requested, Senor Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

What'd you find out?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Well, it was owned by Manuel Carrero. And the foreman was Eduardo Avila.

[Steve Mitchell]

Either of those names mean anything to you?

[Lieutenant Perez]

No, not that of Manuel Carrero. But I do know Avila. He has been arrested several times this last year on charges of drunkenness. He frequents the bars on the Avenida Central.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good. Let's Go over there and see if we can run him down.

[Lieutenant Perez]

There is Avila, Senor Mitchell. Over at the corner table with the woman.

[Steve Mitchell]

Ah, well, our luck's good. Perez finding him in the third bar we tried. Hey, who's that girl he's with?

[Lieutenant Perez]

I do not know, senor. She's just a Blue Moon queen.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, what?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Blue Moon Queen. That is what we call them here. Girls who frequent these bars and get men to buy drinks for them. Why do you ask, senor?

[Steve Mitchell]

Because she happens to be in the picture I took out of the dead sniper's pocket. What? Are you sure of that? Take a look at it. Here.

[Emil Fager]

See?

[Lieutenant Perez]

You are right.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come on.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Eduardo Avila. What do you want? As you know, I am Lieutenant Perez of the police.

[Ruth]

What has Eduardo done?

[Lieutenant Perez]

I will ask the questions, senorita. I've done nothing. Were you not once the foreman of a mine up the river near the edge of the Darien country? That mine has not been operated for years.

[Steve Mitchell]

What kind of a mine was it?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Why don't you leave me alone? All the time the police, they arrest me, lock me up. Why don't you leave me alone? All I want is to be left alone. Ivy La, come back in.

[Steve Mitchell]

Let him go for now, Perez. I want to talk to the little lady here.

[Ruth]

What you want with me?

[Steve Mitchell]

Take a look at this picture. Who's that man with you?

[Ruth]

I do not know.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come on, quit stalling.

[Ruth]

I tell you, I do not know.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Senorita, allow me to point out, if you do not tell us, I will have to arrest you. I believe you are acquainted with our jail. I'm certain you would not like to return now. Who is the man in that picture with you?

[Steve Mitchell]

What? Let's have that again.

[Ruth]

Manuel Correro Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Thanks, senorita. Come on, Perez.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Senor Mitchell, Manuel Carrero was the man who was listed as the owner of that mine.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, the same guy who threw a knife at me and was shooting at us in the river. I wish he'd lived long enough to fill in a few details after you send it. Thanks.

[Lieutenant Perez]

What do you think of this foreman we just talked to? Avila impresses me as a man who knows something he is drinking to forget.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I wonder if he's trying to forget those 20 natives who disappeared from San Miguel. You know, all of this seems to tie into that mine. Have you still got those registration papers on it?

[Lieutenant Perez]

See? In my office.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good. I want to take a look at them.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Here are the papers on the mine, senor. As you see, Carrero is listed as the owner. Avila's foreman. But now that carrero is dead, I'm afraid.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wait a minute. What's this?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Oh, that is a map of the area surrounding the mine. And a diagram of the mine. It is required by law.

[Steve Mitchell]

David.

[Lieutenant Perez]

What is it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Take a look at this diagram. See, here's the mine shaft indicated here.

[Lieutenant Perez]

The one you discovered to be caved in.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, but look over here. Right around the bend of the river.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Another entrance to the mine.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, a side door. Look, can you get me another boat?

[Lieutenant Perez]

Why, of course.

[Steve Mitchell]

But that Indian guide Blas is still here in Panama City too.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Senor Mitchell, you think the weapons are stored in that mine after all?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know. That's what I'm going back up the river to find out.

[Blas]

We are very near to the shore, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Blast. I'm keeping the boat in as close as I can. I don't want to miss that mine entrance. We should be getting warm. According to this map. Look, there's a bend in the river just ahead.

[Emil Fager]

And you.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see the entrance right over there in the side of the river bank.

Oh, yeah. Brother, you'd never spot that in a million years. Unless you knew right where it is. Well? Covered with underbrush, see?

Okay, tie up to that branch. We'll take a look.

[Emil Fager]

See there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, come on.

Well, here we are.

[Blas]

It's very dark in town.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. I got a flashlight. I'll go first.

It's a sense this part of the mine hasn't been abandoned for years. Look at the footprints in the dirt. Wait a minute. Tunnel takes a turn to the left here.

[Blas]

See? It is widening out. A little thing.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I think. Hold it.

Holy smoke. Look at that. Rifles, machine guns, grenades, the works.

Well, I've got to hand it to Carrero. He picked a good hiding place. Let's have a look.

Senor.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Look.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look in the ground there. The bones.

[Blas]

They're all around us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Skeletons. A lot of them. Yeah, I guess that solves the mystery. San Miguel Blas. 20 men from your village walked into the jungle and disappeared. 20 men who were hired to bring the weapons here and then were killed to shut their mouths.

[Blas]

One of those skeleton sail once was my brother.

[Steve Mitchell]

I didn't know that, Blas. I'm sorry, senor.

[Blas]

Somebody is in his mind with us.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll douse the light.

[Emil Fager]

Your light is not necessary. I will furnish the illumination.

[Lieutenant Perez]

No, no.

[Emil Fager]

Stand quite still, both of you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, Emil Fager, complete with gun.

[Emil Fager]

At your service, Mitchell. Or should I say you are at mine.

[Steve Mitchell]

So you're the big boy in the Deal, Huh?

[Emil Fager]

I knew it was only a question of time until you discovered this entrance to the mine, Mitchell. So I thought it expedient to await you here and give you the reception you so richly deserve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Manuel Carrera was just fronting for you with the mine, huh?

[Emil Fager]

He was an employee of mine. And a very inefficient one, as it turns out.

[Steve Mitchell]

Ah.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Stay close together.

[Emil Fager]

I want to keep you both in the beam of my flashlight.

[Blas]

This man, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yes, Blast.

[Blas]

He is the one who killed the men of my village and my brother.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right. He's the one. Blast. Wait.

[Emil Fager]

You stay where you are. Stand back.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Watch out.

[Commissioner]

Blast.

[Steve Mitchell]

He'll shoot. What happens to me does not matter. Get back.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Drop that machete.

[Emil Fager]

I avenge my dead brother.

[Steve Mitchell]

Throw your machete.

[Commissioner]

Throw it.

[Steve Mitchell]

Knock the gun out of his hand. I've got him. Oh.

[Lieutenant Perez]

Let go of me, Mitchell.

[Emil Fager]

You sure?

[Steve Mitchell]

Let go of your rights now.

You okay?

[Emil Fager]

Blas.

[Steve Mitchell]

See?

[Emil Fager]

See?

[Blas]

This wound is nothing. Just my leg.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, this is the second time you've saved my life. Blast. I hope it's the last time. Believe me. I don't want to make a habit of it.

[Blas]

Senor, this man, Fagor. It would give me great pleasure to kill him.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yes, I know how you feel. But at least he's going to be out of circulation from now on. He's out of the weapon selling business for good. Hell, I guess this puts a new twist on an old saying.

[Blas]

What is that, senor?

[Steve Mitchell]

He who lives by the sword shall perish by the machete. Oh, come on. Blast. Let's get out of here.

[Narrator]

You have just heard the first in an exciting new adventure series, Dangerous Assignment. Starring Brian Dunlevy as Steve Mitchell. Dangerous Assignment is written by Bob Rife, with music by Bruce Ashley, and directed by Bill Karn. Be with us next week at this time when Brian Dunleavy, starring as Steve Mitchell, will embark on another Dangerous Assignment.

Fred allen visits bob hope. Be sure here tomorrow on NBC.