Dangerous Assignment: Malayan Star Line Sabotage 07/16/1949

Summary

---

Episode Overview

Episode Title: Dangerous Assignment: Malayan Star Line Sabotage
Show: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Air Date in Podcast Feed: October 29, 2025
Original Air Date: July 16, 1949

In this classic episode, Steve Mitchell, played by Brian Donlevy, is dispatched on a perilous mission to Saigon to unravel a string of mysterious ship explosions tied to the Malayan Star Line. Tasked with discreetly investigating as a foreign correspondent, Mitchell uncovers a web of sabotage, gold smuggling, and betrayal among expatriates and locals, navigating hazards both physical and emotional. The story is a tense blend of intrigue, danger, and classic noir drama, offering listeners a vivid journey through post-war Southeast Asia's underworld.

---

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Assignment and Setup (00:45 – 03:09)

• Steve Mitchell’s Briefing:
  The episode opens with Mitchell being assigned by the Commissioner to investigate three recent ship sinkings in the Malayan Star Line—these ships were carrying U.S. rehabilitation supplies.

• Rules of the Mission:
  He’s instructed to pose as a foreign correspondent and, for once, to avoid women and gambling.

  • Quote:
    Commissioner (01:49): “And that’s another thing, Steve. On this assignment, there’s to be no women and no gambling. It’s strictly business. Dangerous business.”

• Arriving in Saigon:
  The narrative quickly transitions to Saigon, described with evocative noir language as a “city of intrigue, of shadows, of forgotten men, of danger.”

2. The Investigation Begins: The Malayan Star Lines (03:09 – 06:04)

• Interview with Bravant:
  Steve Mitchell interviews Bravant, the manager, digging into the pattern of the sinkings and the ship’s cargos—primarily American supplies and teakwood from the same plantation (Sirat’s).
• Survivor’s Testimony:
  Dixon, the only survivor, recalls a suspicious small boat with no lights before the explosion and estimates the sinking occurred near Polo Condore Island—a clue on the saboteur’s method and location.
• Suspicion Grows:
  The mention of Sirat, source of the teakwood and future suspect, is introduced.

3. Saigon Nightlife, New Encounters, and Shady Characters (06:57 – 11:43)

• At the Casino:
  • Mitchell searches for Sirat and encounters Liana, her possessive brother Matique, and a bustling Saigon casino scene.
  • Meet Liana:
    She quickly becomes central—enigmatic and flirtatious, she invites Steve for a drink.
    • Quote:
      Liana (07:17): “As a matter of fact, I bumped into you deliberately. It was the only way I could think of to meet you.”
  • Observations and Intrigue:
    Bravant and Sirat are both spotted at the casino, contradicting their alibis and increasing the sense of conspiracy.
• Mitchell’s Popularity:
  Mitchell is quickly marked and targeted—first with subtle surveillance, then by being lured outside.

4. Ambush and Aftermath (11:15 – 16:49)

• Attack in the Alley (11:15 – 13:53):
  Mitchell is lured into an alley by Dai Li and his mute, brutal associate Banjack.
  • Threats and Interrogation:
    They demand the locations of sunken ships, beating Mitchell when he refuses.
    • Quote:
      Dai Li (12:20): “To be brief, effendi, you have information which I require. The locations of the three sunken ships.”
• Morning Recovery:
  Steve wakes in Liana’s villa, nursed by her and Matique, not sure whom to trust.
• Liana’s Charm:
  There’s romantic tension, but Steve recognizes the distractions.
  • Quote:
    Mitchell (16:35): “That’s the kind of medicine I could get addicted to, Liana.”

5. Clues, Confrontation, and Rising Stakes (17:19 – 19:10)

• Surratt Offers a Bribe (17:22):
  Surratt bribes Steve ($10,000) for the location of the sunken ships—a clear signal he cares deeply about their contents, possibly more than shipping losses alone.
  • Quote:
    Surratt (18:11): “I will not waste words. 10,000 American dollars for the location of the sunken ships.”
• Escalation:
  Dixon, the survivor, is mortally stabbed, having seen one of the conspirators board the Malayan Queen. Steve realizes time is running out.

6. The Shipboard Showdown (21:37 – 27:14)

• Locked Room Accusation (21:37 – 22:50):
  Steve assembles all the suspects—Bravant, Liana, Matique, and Surratt—insisting one is the saboteur planning to blow up the Malayan Queen at midnight in shallow water to salvage the wreck.
  • Quote:
    Mitchell (22:12): “I think one of you is responsible for the sinkings of those three ships.”
  • Classic Thriller Setup:
    He refuses to let anyone leave the cabin, waiting for someone to break under pressure. The tension is palpable as the clock ticks toward midnight.
• The Truth Emerges (24:54 – 25:32):
  Surratt cracks, revealing the secret:
  • During the war, a ship carrying gold bullion was sunk near his plantation. He has been smuggling the gold out hidden in teakwood crates. Someone else is sabotaging the ships to retrieve the gold.
  • Quote:
    Surratt (25:19): “During the war, an air raid. A ship carrying gold bullion steamed up the river to escape, but it was sunk near my plantation… You recovered the gold? And this is the way you’ve been sneaking it out of Indochina, huh? Hidden in crates of teakwood.”
• Final Reveal and Action (25:52 – 27:14):
  Matique is revealed as the saboteur, aiming to blow up the ship and double-cross everyone.
  • The location of the bomb is uncovered just in time, and Steve heroically hurls it overboard seconds before explosion.

7. Denouement and Notable Closure (27:15 – 28:16)

• Aftermath:
  Surratt is arrested, the gold’s fate is left uncertain, and Bravant praises Steve’s nerves of steel.
  • Quote:
    Bravant (27:44): “Allow me to say I have never seen one so calm in the face of danger all the time.”
• Classic Steve Mitchell Sign-Off:
  Reflecting with dry wit on why he keeps getting into such dangerous assignments.
  • Quote:
    Mitchell (28:16): “Why did I ever get myself mixed up in a job like this?”

---

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• “Saigon, city of intrigue, of shadows, of forgotten men, of danger.” (02:01)
  Beautifully sets the episode’s noir tone.
• Mitchell’s Resignation:
  “Okay, look, I gotta go back to my hotel and pick up a change of clothes. But anyway, I’ll be down to see you off tonight.” (16:55)
• Revelation and Tension:
  “That person has a bomb planted on this ship and plans to dive overboard before the explosion. And that explosion is due for about midnight, 45 minutes from now.” (23:16)
• Ultimate Pressure:
  “You better talk before I beat it out of you. Now, spill it.” (25:16)
• Nail-biting Finale:
  “It’s got to be in here somewhere. It’s got to be... Wait a minute. Listen, there’s something ticking.” (26:54)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:28] — Commissioner sends Steve to Saigon
• [03:09] — Interview with Bravant, survivor details emerge
• [06:57] — Casino, meeting Liana – the femme fatale
• [11:15] — Mitchell attacked in the alley
• [14:10] — Steve recovers in Liana's villa
• [17:22] — Surratt offers a bribe for ship locations
• [19:23] — Dixon, the survivor, is mortally wounded
• [21:37] — Locked room showdown with all suspects
• [25:19] — Surratt’s gold smuggling revealed
• [26:54] — Last-second discovery and disposal of the bomb
• [27:44] — Bravant’s admiration of Steve’s calm
• [28:16] — Steve’s classic, self-deprecating closing line

---

Summary & Takeaways

This episode is a deftly crafted classic adventure, complete with tension, red herrings, betrayal, and a ticking time bomb (literally). Listeners are treated to sharp banter, steamy settings, and a taut plot that climaxes with a hero’s harrowing race against time.
Steve Mitchell embodies the archetypal hardboiled, wisecracking detective, and the setting—postwar Saigon, smuggling routes, and expat intrigue—gives the episode its rich, suspenseful atmosphere. Ultimately, the episode is a showcase of old-time radio's power to build suspense and drama through tightly written dialogue, memorable characters, and clever sound design.

Transcript

[A]

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].

[B]

The National Broadcasting Company brings you Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell in Dangerous Assignment. Over here. Here I am with the boat. Swim over this way. Here, let me help you. I b.

[A]

Give me your hand. Come on. Come on. Come.

[B]

You set the charge of natural glycerin. Good. And no one saw you leave the ship? Ah, right on schedule. The ship goes to the bottom and only the two of us know the location. And now.

[A]

Wait, wait. No, no.

[B]

Put down the knife.

[C]

No, no, no, don't.

[B]

Three ships sunk in two weeks, Steve. And the last one cost the lives of six passengers.

[A]

But Commissioner, why send me halfway around the world just because three ships were sunk?

[B]

Steve, those ships carried us rehabilitation supplies.

[A]

I see.

[B]

Now, as usual, you'll pose as a foreign correspondent.

[A]

Here's your press credentials, Steve.

[C]

Your passport and plane ticket.

[A]

Ruth, did you say plane ticket?

[B]

You take off in two hours.

[A]

Now look, I was figuring on a little deal. Can't it wait till tomorrow?

[B]

No, it can't wait. And that's another thing, Steve. On this assignment, there's to be no women and no gambling. It's strictly business. Dangerous business.

[A]

Okay, Commissioner.

[B]

All right, Steve. Your first stop in Saigon is the Malayan Star Lines. The manager's name is Bervon. You've got your assignment. Get going. You've seen him in the Great McGinty as Major Devereux in Wake island, as Trampus in the Virginian. Now here is our star, Brian Donnelly in another two fisted portrayal as Steve Mitchell in Dangerous Assignment. The time, now the place. Saigon, inscrutable city of the orientation, where the ancient and the modern rub elbows in the narrow crowded streets. Saigon, city of intrigue, of shadows, of forgotten men, of danger.

[A]

Mr. Bravant. I believe you're in charge of the melee and star alliance here in Saigon.

[B]

That is correct, monsieur.

[A]

Mitchell. Steve Mitchell. I'm a foreign correspondent. I just flew in. I like an interview.

[B]

There's not much of which to talk. Three ships of our lines here for Singapore. The first night outs in explosion, they're gone.

[A]

Just like that, huh?

[B]

Oui, just like that.

[A]

Could I take a look at the passenger list for those three ships?

[B]

Certainly. I have them on my desk.

[A]

Thank you. You don't carry many passengers?

[B]

Only a few. Any survivors from the first sinking? None. From the third sinking? Also none.

[A]

How about the second one? Who is it?

[B]

An Englishman named Dickson, the cook, is he around anywhere?

[A]

I'd like to talk to him.

[B]

Tell the Englishman, Dixon to come to my office.

[A]

Most of your crews have been with the line quite a while.

[B]

It is the exception rather than the rule, monsieur. Out here, one must take what men one can get.

[A]

I see. What kind of cargo were your ships carrying?

[B]

That is the mystifying part, monsieur. Here are the cargo lists. As you see, the Malayan star lines carry American rehabilitation supplies. Teakwood, spices, rubber, the usual.

[A]

This teak wood, I notice all of it comes from the same place.

[B]

Yes. The plantation of Monsieur Sirat. It is inland up the Saigon River. Come in.

[A]

You wanted to see me, Mr. Brabant? Oui.

[B]

Yes. This gentleman is Monsieur Mitchell, a journalist.

[A]

Nice to meet you, sir. Hi. Mr. Bravant tells me you're the only survivor from the second sinking.

[B]

I'm the only one from any of them.

[A]

That makes you pretty lucky, doesn't it? Lucky ain't off of it. Look. Did you notice anything unusual aboard your ship before the explosion?

[B]

Well, I was back aft getting a.

[A]

Breath of air before turning in, I was.

[B]

And I noticed a silhouette of a small boat in the moonlight. Off our starboard beam she was. And run in without lights.

[A]

Without lights?

[B]

That's right.

[A]

Anything else? I didn't have time to notice anything.

[B]

Else, mister, because just then there's a sheet of flame.

[A]

The whole ship goes up in the.

[B]

Air, and the next thing I know.

[A]

I'm holding onto a spar in the.

[B]

Water for dear life.

[A]

Have you any idea what your ship's position was when she went down? Near as I can figure, we was.

[B]

In shoal water close to Polo Condore. That is an island 100 miles off the coast of Indochina, monsieur. But of course. It is but a guess. We have no way of knowing the exact location.

[A]

Yeah, well, thanks for the information. I think it ought to make a good yarn.

[B]

Do you intend to remain here in Saigon long?

[A]

That depends. I'd like to talk to Mr. Surratt, the plantation owner. Do you know where I might find him?

[B]

There is a gambling casino just down the street, monsieur. If he is in Saigon, he will be there.

[A]

Good. I'm beginning to feel lucky.

[B]

I am certain you will not lack four games of chance in Saigon, monsieur. I personally find gambling a bore, but it would seem I am in the minority.

[A]

Yeah, I guess you are. Well, thanks for the story. I'll see you around. He's an inquisitive gent, ain't you, Mr. Verlon?

[B]

Yes, he is indeed.

[A]

Newspaper, Jefferson.

[B]

That is what he said, Dixon Tell around to answer my telephone for me. I am going out for a while. You lose again.

[A]

Look, this game is slow death. Haven't you got something with a little more action in it? And Miss, she would perhaps prefer the dice table downstairs. That's a thought. Thanks. I beg your pardon.

[C]

Oh, no. It is my fault, monsieur.

[A]

Let me pick up your check.

[C]

You are most kind, monsieur. It was very clumsy of me.

[A]

As a matter of fact, I bumped into you deliberately. It was the only way I could think of to meet you.

[C]

Monsieur is a ready wheat.

[A]

If you're looking for something to tack on after the monsieur, it's Mitchell. Steve Mitchell.

[C]

They call me les Hames, monsieur.

[A]

They picked a nice name. Well, here are your chips.

[C]

You pick up my chips and my luck with them. You must allow me to buy you a drink. You see, I am superstitious.

[A]

Good. So am I. And having a drink with you is suddenly a superstition of mine.

[C]

Let us go to the bar.

[A]

Liana. Liana. Well, I should have known you wouldn't be alone.

[C]

It is only my brother, monsieur.

[A]

Oh, where are you going, Liana?

[C]

It is all right, Matijka. I am sure the American will take good care of me. Monsieur Steve Mitchell, my brother Matique.

[A]

Hello.

[B]

Your servant offending.

[C]

Here, Matic, you play some of my chips now while we have our drink. Come along, Steve.

[A]

You lived here in Saigon, Liana?

[C]

For the most part. But I am restless. I travel a lot. Tomorrow night I leave for Singapore.

[A]

Oh, I guess my luck hasn't changed after all.

[C]

I will not be gone long.

[A]

How are you going to Singapore?

[C]

I travel by trance steamer. It is not so boring.

[A]

Oh, not on the melee star lines?

[C]

Why, yes.

[A]

Ah, here we are sort of crowded right here. Why don't we move down to the other end?

[B]

There is room here. I will move over.

[A]

Oh, thank you.

[B]

No trouble, sir. No trouble at all.

[C]

What will you have, Stephen?

[A]

Bourbon and. Hey.

[C]

What is it?

[A]

I just saw someone I know. Liana. Excuse me just a minute.

[C]

Of course.

[A]

Be back in a minute.

[C]

I will order the drinks.

[A]

Well, my dear?

[C]

He seems interested in the Malayan star line, sir.

[B]

You think he is involved?

[C]

It is possible.

[B]

Very well. I will proceed on that assumption. Boy, come here.

[C]

Oui, monsieur.

[B]

I want a message delivered for me.

[A]

Good evening, Mr. Bravant.

[B]

Oh, monsieur Mitchell, is it not? Have you written your story yet?

[A]

Not yet. I'm a little surprised to see you here at the casino. When we talked this afternoon, you told me gambling bored you.

[B]

It does. But I do find interest in observing gamblers, monsieur. Particularly when High stakes are involved. Oh, monsieur, I congratulate you on the speed with which you have made yourself acquainted in Saigon.

[A]

What do you mean?

[B]

Did I not observe you conversing at the bar with Seurat?

[A]

Surratt?

[B]

The stout gentleman.

[A]

You mean the guy who was standing next to me? The one with the face like a toad?

[B]

Your description does not flatter him, but it is accurate.

[A]

Well, thanks, Laurent. I'll see you around.

[B]

Undoubtedly, monsieur.

[A]

I'm sorry I took so long, Liana.

[C]

Oh, it is quite all right. Well, here is your drink.

[A]

Thanks. Say, what happened to the guy who was next to me here? The one who moved over to make room?

[C]

Oh, I did not know, Steve. I was not noticing. Is that his name?

[A]

Yeah. Well, cheers.

[C]

Cheers, Monsieur. Mitchell.

[A]

Mitchell, over here.

[C]

Boy, you are a busy man, Steve.

[A]

I seem to be.

[C]

Monsieur Mitchell.

[A]

Yeah, what is it?

[C]

You are wanted outside, monsieur.

[A]

Oh? By whom?

[C]

He not give name, monsieur, but he say quite urgent.

[A]

Okay. Here.

[B]

Oh, thank you, Lucia.

[C]

I know, I know. You will be gone but a minute. Yes, I will wait for you.

[B]

Mitchell.

[A]

Effandi. Who are you?

[B]

You are Steve Mitchell.

[A]

What do you want, a calling card? Yeah, I'm Steve Mitchell. I suppose you tell me why you got me out here. I am Dalai.

[B]

I suggest that we walk, effendi.

[A]

Oh, you always suggest with a gun. Die lie when it is necessary, effendi.

[B]

Come.

[A]

Mind telling me where we're going?

[C]

Certainly not.

[B]

Around the corner here and into the alley.

[A]

Cozy in here and dark.

[B]

Effendi.

[A]

Wait a minute. Looks like we've got company in here.

[B]

It is, but my friend Ban Jack, effendi.

[A]

Oh, hello. What's the matter? Is he bashful?

[C]

He cannot speak.

[B]

His tongue was removed by force some years ago. But he is strong and willing.

[A]

What, you mean?

[B]

That reminder from Van Jack will serve.

[C]

To open the conversation.

[A]

Look, I don't know what this is all about.

[B]

To be brief, effendi, you have information which I require. The locations of the three sunken ships.

[A]

The ships? You think I know where they were sunk, don't ya?

[B]

Look, perhaps that will refresh your memory.

[A]

How can I tell you the location when I don't know?

[B]

Like it ain't bon, Jock.

[A]

I tell you, this isn't going to do you any good. I don't know why those ships were sunk.

[B]

Very well. If you intend to be stubborn, you may proceed. Ban Jacques, I told you not to resist.

[A]

Well, if you think I'm going to stand here and let this big ape make mince meat out of me, very well, effendi.

[B]

It is a Pity the effendi bleeds so easily, Banjack. But I must not deprive you of extended enjoyment. You may kick him. I will tell you when to stop. The National Broadcasting Company is bringing you Brian Donlevy, starring in the role of Steve Mitchell in the second of an exciting new adventure series, Dangerous Assignment. The time, the next morning. The place a luxuriously furnished bedroom in a spacious villa near Saigon, overlooking the sea. Oh. Ah, you are awake at last, Offendi.

[A]

You can call it that. Hey, wait a minute. You're Liana's brother, aren't you?

[B]

Matik, Your servant, Defendi.

[A]

Look, would you mind telling me how I got into this harem?

[B]

You are in the house of my sister, Liana.

[A]

How did I get here?

[B]

Well, Liana became worried when you did not return to the casino last night. We went outside to look for you and found you crawling out of the alley, badly beaten. So we brought you home with us.

[A]

You are all bloody.

[B]

How do you feel now?

[A]

All bloody. Hey, help me out of this mink lined cradle, will you?

[B]

Oh, of course.

[A]

Where are my pants? Hey, wait a minute. No, no, no, no.

[B]

It was I who put you to bed. And here are your pants.

[A]

Thanks. Where's Liana?

[B]

Swimming in the ocean. Come, you can see her out the window.

[A]

Hey, she's quite a swimmer, isn't she? Does she always swim out that far?

[B]

Oh, yes, every morning.

[A]

I'm not that ambitious this morning, but a dip will would do me good.

[C]

Steve, you are quiet. It's swimmer you'll feel.

[A]

Thanks. That water made me feel almost human again. Any cigarettes around here?

[C]

Right here on my robe. Here you are. You. You look much better than when we found you last night, Steve.

[A]

You know, you've taken awfully good care of me, Liana. Why?

[C]

Why? Oh, perhaps, perhaps there have been so many places, many times, many men in my life. And with me there's always been the same. But then last night I saw you and I knew you were something different.

[A]

How different Does.

[C]

Does that make your bruises feel better?

[A]

It helps. You know, that's the kind of medicine I could get addicted to. Liana.

[B]

Perhaps.

[C]

Perhaps when I return from Singapore there will be more time to become addicted.

[A]

Maybe. When do you sail?

[C]

At 8 tonight on the Malayan Queen.

[A]

I guess my luck's still no good. Okay, look, I gotta go back to my hotel and pick up a change of clothes. But anyway, I'll be down to see you off tonight.

[B]

Mr. Mitchell.

[A]

Eh? Hey, how'd you get in here?

[B]

I am Seurat. I learned you were registered at this hotel. So I took the liberty of waiting here in your room.

[A]

Quite liberty, wasn't it?

[B]

When occasion demands it, the courtesies must be omitted.

[A]

What's the occasion?

[B]

I will be brief, Mr. Mitchell. I will assume you are a man who is interested in money.

[A]

That's a safe assumption, sir.

[B]

Rat, I believe you're in possession of certain information which is of value to me.

[A]

Here we go again, sir. Look, you happen to know a couple of cutthroats named Dai Li and Ben Jack. Ben Jack's a big lug with no tongue.

[B]

Dalai Benjac. I have not had the pleasure of their acquaintance, sir.

[A]

Oh, it's no pleasure. Believe me, sir, I'll skip it. Now, what's this about? Certain information I have.

[B]

I will not waste words. 10,000American dollars for the location of the sunken ships.

[A]

10,000 means a lot to you, doesn't it? You've been shipping teakwood on the Malayan star line, haven't you?

[B]

From my plantation up the river, sir. Tis a matter of record.

[A]

I didn't know teakwood was that valuable.

[B]

I Repeat my offer. 10,000American dollars.

[A]

I'll have to have a little time to think it over, sirrat.

[B]

I cannot grant you much time, sir. I am sailing tonight on the Melee and Queen. You have until 7:30 this evening.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I will expect your answer before sailing time. Until then. Good day, Sir.

[A]

Malayan Starline. Mr. Bravant, please.

[C]

I am sorry, sir, but he's gone.

[A]

Gone?

[C]

Yes, sir, on a business trip.

[A]

He is sailing in half an hour.

[C]

On the Malayan Queen.

[A]

Could you get word to him that. Never mind. I'll call you back. Come in, Mitchell. Dixon, what's the matter?

[B]

Knife in me back.

[A]

What happened?

[B]

Malayan Queen ready to sail.

[A]

Yeah, I know.

[B]

I saw someone go aboard that was on the other ship.

[A]

You mean the ship that was sunk?

[B]

Yes. Who was it followed me here and stabbed me?

[A]

Who stabbed you? I. Dixon. Dixon. Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Mitchell, but I don't leave the bridge until we're out of the channel. That's okay. Captain, I'd like you to look at these credentials. They'll explain who I am and why I'm aboard your ship. You're investigating the recent sinkings? Yes. Captain, a couple of people seem awfully interested in the location of those sunken ships. I'm kicking an idea around that maybe there was something pretty valuable aboard them. What would it be? I don't know. Are you carrying the same sort of cargo on this ship that was on the others? Yes. As far as I know. Another shipment of teakwood from Surratt's plantation. There is also some American rehabilitation supplies. Tell me, could those rehabilitation supplies be salvaged after they were sunk? Oh, no. No. The water had ruined them. Captain, suppose you wanted to sink a ship and recover something from it later. What? Where would you sink it? I suppose in shallow water. Yeah. Now, what's the first shallow water we'll be passing through tonight? Well, let's see. We'll pass through the Diable Shoals a little after midnight. Depth there is only 15 fathoms. I see. Is that the passenger list on your desk? Yes. Here. Looks like the gang's all here. Revant, Liana for Brother Matique and Surat. Captain, I need your full cooperation. Why, certainly. What is it? I'd like you to order these four passengers to be in brevant stateroom three hours from now at 11 tonight.

[B]

Bravant, I demand an explanation of this being hauled up to your cabin like a common criminal. But, Monsieur Sturgart, I am as much in the dark as you. I do not think it necessary to point out that this maid cost you my business. Bravant, if you would only tell us the reason for all this.

[C]

Effendi Bravant Matica, I am sure there must be a good reason for all this. If we are but patient, we will learn what it is.

[B]

Here is the man who is responsible. Monsieur Mitchell.

[C]

Steve.

[A]

Hello, Liana Matic.

[B]

Your servant, effendi. Good evening, sir.

[A]

Rat.

[B]

Apparently you forgot our appointment, Mr. Mitchell.

[A]

I didn't forget it. I had a couple of other things to take care of.

[B]

Perhaps, sir, you'll be good enough to explain what this is all about.

[A]

Sure, I'll explain. I'll make it short. I think one of you is responsible for the sinkings of those three ships.

[C]

You are joking, Steve.

[A]

Sorry, Liana, but.

[C]

But to suggest that I could have anything to do with it.

[A]

You're a good swimmer. I'm afraid I'll have to count you in.

[C]

It is so ridiculous to think that I or my brother could be involved in such a thing.

[B]

You make a serious charge against us, effendi. I know this is an insult to my long years of service on the line. Perhaps it is a serious charge as far as the others are concerned, Mr. Mitchell, but to suspect that I am involved is ridiculous. Much valuable teakwood of mine was sunk with those ships.

[A]

Yeah, and maybe it's more valuable than I thought at first.

[B]

What do you mean by that, sir?

[A]

I'll let it ride for the time being because I've got Another piece of news for you. Of course, it isn't really news to one of you.

[C]

What do you mean, Steve?

[A]

There was a ship's cook named Dixon, survivor of one of the sinkings. Tonight, he saw one of you come aboard. He recognized you as being on that other ship. So whichever one of you it was killed him to shut his mouth.

[B]

I assure you, this is the first of these ships I have been aboard, sir. And also the last.

[A]

One of you four is the killer and dynamiter. That person has a bomb planted on this ship and plans to dive overboard before the explosion. And that explosion is due for about midnight, 45 minutes from now.

[C]

Steve, this is ridiculous.

[A]

Is it? Just keep your eyes on that clock, all of you. Nobody's going to leave this cabin for the next 45 minutes. We're going to sweat it out together, just watching that minute hand creep around to midnight 11:30. Anyone feel like talking yet? Really, Mitchell, really. What happened?

[C]

Haven't you carried this silly joke far enough, Steve?

[B]

There is only one way to prove he is mistaken in his suspicions, Liana. That is to wait. Can't we get a little air into this cabin? It's so infernally hot.

[A]

You know something, Surat? It's going to get a lot hotter. Seven minutes to midnight. We reach shallow water in about 10 minutes. That means 10 minutes before the ship gets blown up. Anybody's tongue loosening up, Surat?

[B]

I demand to be released from this pestle.

[A]

Bravant, you must be insane, Liana.

[C]

To think I once considered you.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Save the romance, Matik. How about you? You feel like talking?

[B]

When one knows nothing, one can say nothing offendi.

[A]

Okay. Keep watching that minute hand.

[B]

I can't stand this any longer. I've got to get out of here. You've got to let me go.

[A]

So you're the one, Sarat. No, no, no.

[B]

You must believe me. I would be the last one in the world to blow those ships up. Why, Sarat, there's. There's gold hidden in those crates of teakwood.

[C]

Sarat, you fool. He was only bluffing. Now you have told him.

[A]

You haven't told me enough. Keep talking.

[B]

I have nothing more to say.

[A]

Look, Serat, three ships have been sunk on account of this. Now, open up.

[B]

Start talking.

[A]

No, no. You better talk before I beat it out of you. Now, spill it.

[B]

All right, all right. During the war, an air raid. A ship carrying gold bullion steamed up the river to escape, but it was sunk near my plantation.

[A]

I think I can take it from there. You recovered the gold? And this is the way you've been sneaking it out of Indochina, huh? Hidden in crates of teakwood.

[B]

Yes, it was Liana's island. But someone must have found out about the gold and has been sinking the ships.

[A]

Yeah, in shallow water so they can get the gold later.

[B]

Fendi. Mitchell, now that we know Seurat is guilty, you will please allow me to leave.

[A]

I have a headache.

[B]

Mitchell, it is almost midnight.

[A]

Yeah. Nobody's leaving until I find out who's mined this ship. Keep looking at your watch, Matique.

[C]

Why Matique. Matique. What is the ma. Matique. You didn't. You did. You put the explosives on this ship, too? You were going to jump overboard and leave me here, you fool.

[A]

Where'd you plant it, Matic? Where did you plant it? Let me out of here. You're not going anywhere. The nitroglycerin will explode in two minutes.

[B]

Matique, you sank those ships. You and Liana betrayed me. Very well, Seurat.

[A]

Put that gun away, Serat.

[B]

And for you, Liana. Grab that gun.

[A]

Bravant, where's the nitroglycerin? Where is it, Surratt? You Jughead. You killed the only man who knew where it was hidden. We've got a minute and 50 seconds to find that nitro. Genius. Any ideas, Brabant?

[B]

Matik could not have put it below decks. Men are stationed all over the ship. It must be in this cabin.

[A]

Come on. Come on. Get back. Raan, take that side of the room. I'll take this.

[B]

All right.

[A]

It's got to be in here somewhere. It's got to be.

[B]

There's nothing over here. Mitchell.

[A]

Wait a minute. Listen. There's something kicking.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I hit it under the bunk. Look. That black suitcase. Easy.

[B]

Much quick. Yeah.

[A]

I got to get out of the way, Vermont. I got to get it over the rail.

[B]

Hurry, Mitchell, hurry. Only a few seconds more. We'll explode through it as far as you can.

[A]

You don't have to tell me that. Hit the deck.

[B]

Mitchell.

[A]

Are you all right, Mitchell? Yeah, except that I'm about five years older. Captain. That was close. Yeah, too close. Probably buckled a few of the ship's plates. Yeah, well, you better put Surratt under arrest. You can turn him over to the authorities when the ship reaches port. Yeah. Chances of getting a gold that's already been sunk are pretty slim, but there's probably a lot of it still at Surratt's plantation. The government can check that, Mitchell.

[B]

Allow me to say I have never seen one so calm in the face of danger all the time. We were waiting in my cabin. After I realized what your plan was, my heart was in my throat.

[A]

You think mine wasn't? It was choking me. Look at me, Bravant. I look like a fairly intelligent guy, don't I?

[B]

Well, yes, of course.

[A]

With a normal assortment of brains, certainly. And a reasonable amount of common sense. But of course. And will you tell me something?

[B]

What is it?

[A]

Why did I ever get myself mixed up in a job like this?

[B]

You have just heard the second in an exciting new adventure series, Dangerous Assignment. Starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell. Dangerous Assignment is written by Bob Rife and directed by Bill Karn with music by Bruce Ashley. Be with us again next week at this same time when Brian Donlevy, starring as Steve Mitchell, will embark on another Dangerous Assignment. This program came to you from Hollywood. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.