Dangerous Assignment: Recover Wire Recorder Spool 03/06/1950

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dangerous Assignment — "Recover Wire Recorder Spool" (Original Airdate: 03/06/1950)

Main Theme

In this classic episode of Dangerous Assignment, government agent Steve Mitchell is tasked with recovering a highly sensitive, stolen wire recorder spool containing recordings from a secret diplomatic conference. The episode follows Mitchell’s suspenseful journey from San Diego through Tijuana and the wilds of Baja California, all in pursuit of the elusive spool amid dangerous adversaries and mounting intrigue.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. The Assignment Begins

• [01:41] Mitchell receives his orders: Recover a small spool of wire—critical for national security—from a secret diplomatic conference recording that could destabilize global security if sold.
• The initial trail leads to San Diego; the suspect is a man named Groza, and Steve’s local contact is Charlie Vasquez, a fishing boat operator.

Notable Quote

“You’ve heard of the needle in the haystack? This job’ll be a lot tougher than that. A great deal more dangerous. But we’ve got to get that spool of wire.”
— Commissioner, [03:00]

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2. Chasing Leads in San Diego

• [03:57] Mitchell’s investigation starts with Vasquez, confirming Groza is involved. He learns Groza was arrested but soon released after being searched (no wire).
• Suspecting a handoff, Mitchell heads to Groza’s shooting gallery, narrowly escaping a staged shooting “accident.”
• Vasquez and Mitchell deduce the wire may have gone south to Tijuana, following a new lead: Bonito, a groom at the Caliente Racetrack.

Memorable Moment

• Attempted "accidental" shooting at the gallery:

  “You know, buster, for a guy who works with guns, you’re pretty careless.”
  — Steve Mitchell to Groza, [08:20]

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3. The Trail to Tijuana

• [09:50] At the racetrack, Bonito tips that the wire is likely going even further south. Before revealing much, Bonito is killed; his dying word is “Paz.”
• Mitchell finds a good luck coin stamped “La Quinta Bar, Tijuana,” his only clue.
• At the bar, the bartender explains the coin is a promotional giveaway—no closer to finding the wire, but overhears a conversation about tickets to “La Paz.”

Notable Quote

“Paz. He had said… I knew that meant ‘peace’ in Spanish—a nice thought to die with.”
— Steve Mitchell, [11:09]

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4. The Long Road to La Paz

• [13:57] Mitchell learns the bus to La Paz travels 800 miles over wild, desert terrain—a journey of a week. He joins a small group of passengers: journalist Diane Smith, the skittish Gruber, the barkeep Enrique, and driver Castillo.
• [16:10] An attempt is made on Mitchell’s life as a wire is used to choke him in a storeroom, but he barely escapes.
• [18:23–20:07] The bus journey is grueling, underscored by mistrust as Mitchell tries to discern which companion is the enemy and which simply a weary traveler.
• Diane and Steve establish a camaraderie, sharing their frustrations over the harsh journey and their respective cover stories.

Memorable Moment

“You know, that fella Gruber isn’t adding anything to the joy of the trip either.”
— Diane Smith, [20:02]

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5. Danger on the Desert

• [22:30] As the group camps on the last night before arriving in La Paz, the bus is rigged to nearly kill Mitchell in his sleep when it rolls downhill—a plot relying on melting blocks of ice under the wheels.
• Suspicion falls on Gruber, but nothing is confirmed. Mitchell discovers clues suggesting the device was cleverly set up to delay, using ice as a timer.

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6. Climax and Resolution in La Paz

• [25:48] The bus arrives in La Paz, where local police (Lieutenant Diaz) are waiting to arrest Gruber—for smuggling narcotics, not the wire recorder incident.
• Mitchell reveals to those gathered that the wire must be with someone who had access to the baggage compartment—and could only be Castillo, the driver.
• [28:29] Castillo tries to flee but is apprehended. The wire recorder spool is finally retrieved.

Notable Quote

“You see, up until last night, I thought the person I was after was a passenger on this bus. But last night I realized the only person who had a key… is the driver, Castillo.”
— Steve Mitchell, [28:15]

Closing Humor

“This is what you take the lousy bus trip for? Just to find this little spool of wire? …Senor, I think maybe you’re a little crazy.”
— Enrique and Steve Mitchell, [29:05–29:19]

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Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• [03:00] Commissioner: “You’ve heard of the needle in the haystack? This job’ll be a lot tougher than that.”
• [08:20] Steve Mitchell: “You know, buster, for a guy who works with guns, you’re pretty careless.”
• [11:09] Steve Mitchell (internal monologue): “Paz. He had said… I knew that meant ‘peace’ in Spanish—a nice thought to die with.”
• [20:02] Diane Smith: “You know, that fella Gruber isn’t adding anything to the joy of the trip either.”
• [28:15] Steve Mitchell: “The only person who had a key… is the driver, Castillo.”

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• [03:00–04:42] — Steve receives his assignment & briefing.
• [05:49–08:24] — Groza’s shooting gallery and the staged shooting.
• [09:50–11:29] — Tijuana racetrack meeting and Bonito’s murder.
• [13:57–16:38] — The bus to La Paz, introduction of key companions.
• [16:38–19:49] — Bus journey, attempted murder with wire.
• [22:30–24:54] — Sabotage with melting ice, bus booby trap revealed.
• [25:48–29:19] — Arrival in La Paz, arrest, reveal of culprit, case closed.

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Summary

This episode highlights the quintessential appeal of Dangerous Assignment—a lone operative, a high-stakes mission, red herrings, near-fatal traps, and a tense reveal. Brian Donlevy’s Steve Mitchell is both wry and relentless, using his wit, observation, and grit to unravel a deviously-planned series of obstacles, where nearly everyone is a suspect. While the story follows the classic radio detective formula, it is sprinkled with humor and hard-boiled exchanges that keep it lively and suspenseful for modern listeners and old time radio fans alike.

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Recommendation:
A must-listen for anyone who loves classic detective dramas, intrigue-filled journeys, and the unique ambiance of Golden Age radio storytelling.

Transcript

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[Steve Mitchell]

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 brown don levy as steve mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

You sent for me, Commissioner?

[Enrique]

Yes, Steve.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Sit down. Thanks, Ruth.

[Diane Smith]

Yes, Commissioner.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Steve's here now. How about his credentials?

[Diane Smith]

They're all in order. And I've got his plane ticket ready. He can pick them up at my desk when you're through with him.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Good. Thanks.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, needless to say, you've got another assignment for me.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Yes, I have, Steven.

[Steve Mitchell]

It's a tough one, you know. Someday you'll give me an easy one and I'll fall flat on my face. Where am I going this time? Timbuktu? Java?

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

San Diego?

[Steve Mitchell]

Say that again?

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

You heard me. San Diego.

[Steve Mitchell]

You mean you're actually sending me someplace inside the country for a change? I thought you said this was a tough one.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Don't underestimate it. You start in San Diego. Where the trail will lead from there is anybody's guess.

[Steve Mitchell]

Uh oh, I might have known.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Once you pick up that trail, stay on it until the end.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the deal, Commissioner?

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

You'll be looking for a little spool of wire about as big around as your finger.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wire? We in the hardware business now?

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

From a wire recorder, Steve? Three days ago, a top secret diplomatic conference was held in this country. Somehow the vital parts of the conversation were recorded. That wire recording would bring a fortune on the open market. And its existence is a serious threat to world security right now.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. But why San Diego?

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

We traced the spool of wire that far, we think a man named Groza is involved.

[Steve Mitchell]

Rosen, who's my contact in San Diego?

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Man named Charlie Vasquez. He operates a fishing boat from a wharf out near Point Loma in San Diego Bay.

[Steve Mitchell]

Charlie Vasquez.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Okay, Steve, you've heard of the needle in the haystack. This job will be a lot tougher than that. A great deal more dangerous. But we've got to get that spool of wire. Well, that's it. You got your assignment, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good luck.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company is proud to present Dangerous Assignment. 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 will find Steve Mitchell on another dangerous assignment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, like the commissioner said, I was going to play the needle in the haystack game. Find a spool of wire about as big as my finger in a city of a quarter of a million. And I had just two names to go on. Charlie Vasquez, a friendly contact. Groza, a suspect. Vasquez would probably try to help me. Rosa would probably try to kill me. It was Friday when I got to San Diego. I went out to the fishing wharf near Point Loma. Charlie Vasquez's boat is just coming into the dock. Sure, go ahead. Even. Okay.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

I got it.

[Diane Smith]

I just slipping around that bit.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks. There you are. Are you Charlie Vasquez? Yeah, I'm Charlie Vasquez. Why, my name's Mitchell. Steve Mitchell.

[Enrique]

That's supposed to mean something to me?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, it is.

[Groza]

You know, mister, a name can be used by anybody.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right. But these credentials can't. Take a look. Okay.

[Groza]

I've been expecting you, mister.

[Steve Mitchell]

According to my information, that wire recording I'm looking for was brought here to San Diego by a man named Groza.

[Groza]

Yeah, Groza runs a shooting gallery in.

[Steve Mitchell]

A Waterfield shooting gallery. Is he there now?

[Groza]

No, he's in jail.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Jail?

[Groza]

Yeah, I've been tailing him. Hey, cops arrested him a couple hours ago.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh. Well, maybe my first hunch was right. Looks like this assignment isn't so tough after all. I'll go over to the police headquarters right now.

[Groza]

I asked for Lieutenant Sawyer. I've done business with him before.

[Steve Mitchell]

Lieutenant Sawyer?

[Groza]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay, Vasquez, I'll see you Later. Well, have you cracked my case for me, Lieutenant Sawyer?

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Afraid not, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

We got a word to cooperate with you and your outfit.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

So we managed to pick up this Groves in a traffic charge. We got him in here, gave him the concealed weapons routine and pressed it. But he was clean.

[Steve Mitchell]

No spool of wire, huh?

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Nope.

[Steve Mitchell]

Al, he must have passed it to someone before you picked him up. Where is he now? Probably back at his shooting gallery.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

He walked out of here just before you walked in.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I guess it's asking too much to hit the jackpot on the first nickel. Well, thanks anyway, Lieutenant.

[Diane Smith]

Rosa.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi, Anne.

[Diane Smith]

Whatcha doing? Shooting up all your profits?

[Groza]

Yeah, good thing I don't have to depend on a shooting gallery for my dough, huh?

[Steve Mitchell]

How'd it go?

[Diane Smith]

Look, I can't talk with that gun in my ears.

[Groza]

Don't change. Well, let's go down the other end of the county.

[Diane Smith]

Okay.

[Groza]

You get back from Tijuana?

[Steve Mitchell]

Uh huh.

[Diane Smith]

Pass the wire along there.

[Groza]

Good. Maybe. Good. You'll both get a nice payoff for this. And after. Watch it. Somebody's coming here.

[Steve Mitchell]

This shooting gallery open for business?

[Groza]

Sure, mister.

[Steve Mitchell]

That gun in front of you is loaded. Just put a quarter on the counter.

[Enrique]

Eight shots.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay.

[Diane Smith]

Look, Rosie, I better be gone. Get in touch with me later, okay.

[Groza]

And wait a minute.

[Diane Smith]

What's the matter?

[Groza]

That guy just come up. I seen him someplace before.

[Diane Smith]

You sure?

[Steve Mitchell]

I remember.

[Groza]

Where to? Police headquarters.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Groza]

Just a little while ago he was going in just as I was coming out. Now he's here. And I don't think it's just a coincidence spotted us.

[Diane Smith]

We're just one jump ahead.

[Groza]

Yeah. You need more time? I think I'll have a little talk. Yeah. See you later, Burger. You're a pretty good shot, mister.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I've had a little practice.

[Enrique]

You should try that clay pipe over there, huh?

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay.

[Groza]

Not bad. Not bad at all.

[Steve Mitchell]

Empty? Yeah, I'm reloading. Oh, that's okay. I've had enough. Ah, give me it.

[Groza]

You haven't had all your shots yet.

[Steve Mitchell]

Another clip right here. Look, if you don't mind, point that gun in some other direction while you're loading it. I said. Hey, watch out. Hey. Went off. Yeah, it went off. A little lower in the top of my head would have gone with it.

[Groza]

Yeah, it would, wouldn't it?

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, buster, for a guy who works with guns, you're pretty careless.

[Groza]

I'm usually very careful, but, well, accidents can happen.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, they sure can.

[Groza]

You want to finish your shooting?

[Steve Mitchell]

No thanks, I've had enough. Shoot him yourself. Only Be sure you're pointing the gun at the target.

[Groza]

I sure.

[Enrique]

I'm real sorry about that accident, mister.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, bet you are, Groza. Huh?

[Groza]

Keep walking. I'll take along behind you.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, okay. Vasquez, did you see that little accident just now?

[Groza]

Yeah, yeah. Looks like Rosie has a line.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's bad, too, Groza.

[Groza]

Doesn't matter anymore.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why not?

[Groza]

I just got a call from a contact. Tijuana. He thinks the wire recording is down there. Now, I want you to come down as soon as you can.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the contact's name?

[Groza]

Bonito.

[Steve Mitchell]

Where do I find him?

[Groza]

He's a groom at the Caliente Racetrack just outside Tijuana.

[Steve Mitchell]

Caliente race track. Look, Vasquez, I won't get down there until after dark. The track will be closed, which will save me money. But how am I going to locate Benito after dark?

[Groza]

He sleeps in one of the stores. He'll be waiting for you there.

[Enrique]

Okay.

[Steve Mitchell]

Keep an eye on Groza for me.

[Groza]

Right.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll get in touch with you when I get back from Tijuana.

[Groza]

Senor Mitchell.

[Diane Smith]

Senor.

[Narrator]

My arm.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who are you?

[Groza]

Benito, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, sorry. Vasquez told me I'd find you around one of these stalls.

[Groza]

This is the one I sleep in. Come, let us go inside.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. You think the spool of wire is in Tijuana now to meet him?

[Groza]

Si, but I do not think it will stay in Tijuana long. The most likely direction is south. Wait.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the matter?

[Groza]

I think someone is outside this door. I will see.

[Steve Mitchell]

Benito pass la paz. Bonito folded up in the straw. I dove through the stall gate and took after the figure running down the line of stalls. As he reached the corner, he stumbled and fell. But as I headed for him, he threw a couple at me. I hit the dirt. Then I heard a car dig out fast, and I knew I was too late. When I got to the spot where the guy had stumbled, I saw some coins on the ground, and with them was a good luck charm. On one side was good luck, amigo. On the other, La Quinta Bar, Tijuana. I put it in my pocket and headed for Tijuana, trying to figure out Benito's last words. Pause, he had said. I knew that meant peace in Spanish. A nice thought to die with. But I felt somehow Bonito meant more than that by it. I was fast running out of leads in this deal, so I had to follow the only one I had left, the good luck coin, which read La Quinta Bar.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Senor.

[Enrique]

What's it going to be?

[Steve Mitchell]

Beer. Beer.

[Enrique]

Okay.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, bartender, did you ever see this before?

[Enrique]

But of course. That's our good luck coin. We give them out here. You give them out to each customer with his change. It's good propaganda.

[Steve Mitchell]

Then anybody who was ever in here before might have one of these.

[Enrique]

That's right.

[Steve Mitchell]

All right, Great.

[Enrique]

Here's your beer, bartender.

[Steve Mitchell]

Bartender. Pass. When does it leave?

[Enrique]

Oh, in just a little while.

[Steve Mitchell]

But when I bought my ticket from.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

You, you told me you would leave right away.

[Enrique]

And it will, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

But I've already been waiting for. Oh, very well. Paz. La Paz. Hey, bartender, is there a town called La Paz?

[Enrique]

That is what that man was just talking about.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, and this bus to La Paz. You sell pickets here? Well, what do you know? Is this La Paz south of here?

[Enrique]

Oh, Ciceno, far to the south, at the tip of the Baja California peninsula. Let me see. It's 7, 800 miles. The bus leave right from our front door. You want to buy a ticket on this bus, senor?

[Steve Mitchell]

When does it leave?

[Enrique]

Just a little while.

[Steve Mitchell]

Most of the passengers have already bought their tickets.

[Enrique]

Huh.

[Steve Mitchell]

Seriously, who all's making the trip?

[Enrique]

Well, not so many this time, senor. See over the table, the American girl.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, that blonde.

[Enrique]

She is going to be one of the passengers. And that little man at the end of the bar, the one who just came up to us.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah. He seems pretty fidgety.

[Enrique]

He's been hopping around here for one hour, waiting to get on the bus. He must have a girl in La Pass.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah, maybe you know his name.

[Enrique]

He's here in the list.

[Groza]

Some place.

[Steve Mitchell]

Gruber. Gruber.

[Enrique]

See? How about the Milan Senorita Smith?

[Steve Mitchell]

That's a convenient name. I think I'll go over and talk to her.

[Enrique]

I do not blame you, senor. But you have not told me if you want a ticket for the bus.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah, I'll buy a ticket.

[Enrique]

Bueno, bueno. Hey, you got a sleeping bag?

[Steve Mitchell]

A what?

[Enrique]

Sleeping bag. The nights are cold.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, doesn't the bus stop at hotels along the way?

[Enrique]

Oh, senor, there are not many hotels on the way to La Paz. The country you're going to pass through is very wild. The desert.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, how long does it take the bus to get to La Paz?

[Enrique]

About a week, I think.

[Steve Mitchell]

A week? To go 800 miles?

[Enrique]

The country is.

[Steve Mitchell]

Must be wild. I can hardly wait. Okay, where do I get the sleeping bag?

[Enrique]

Just down the street. My brother, he sells them.

[Steve Mitchell]

Now, there's a cozy arrangement. Okay, I'll be back for the ticket a little later, Miss Smith.

[Diane Smith]

Why, yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

My name's Steve Mitchell. Do you mind if I sit down for a minute?

[Diane Smith]

Well, if you like. Thanks, but I'm pretty sure we've never met before. Like in Peoria.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm afraid you're right. But I understand we're going to be taking a bus trip together.

[Diane Smith]

Oh, you mean you've got no sense either, huh? I've already decided. I must be crazy to try a week of jolting through the desert on that thing they laughingly call a bus. It's nice to know there are other crazy people.

[Steve Mitchell]

How come you're taking a trip, then?

[Diane Smith]

I'm a magazine writer. Thought I might get a little atmosphere.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see.

[Castillo]

Are the two of you going on the bus?

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right.

[Castillo]

Well, I'm Castillo, the driver. We will leave in about 15 minutes.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Excuse me, Ms. Smith. I've got to get a sleeping bag before we leave. And I'll see you on the bus.

[Groza]

Good evening, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hi. The bartender at Lanta told me I could buy a sleeping bag.

[Enrique]

Oh, See? See my brother Enrique. See, senor, I sell everything here worth surplus. You will find the sleeping bags in the back room.

[Groza]

I'll be with you in just a moment.

[Steve Mitchell]

I went into the back room. Sleeping bags were stacked all over the joint. I picked out one of them and started to turn around. Then something slipped over my head and jerked tight around my neck. A length of wire. I clawed at my throat and got one hand inside the wire. It was getting tighter, and I knew that that one hand of mine was all that was saving me from getting choked to death. I whipped down on my knees. I was getting weaker and dizzy. The wire kept tightening. I collected what strength I had left and brought my right elbow around hard. The guy behind me held back. The wire loosened. I heard the back door slam, but all I could do was stay there on my hands and knees, fighting to get my wind back.

[Diane Smith]

Senor, what happened?

[Enrique]

What is the matter?

[Steve Mitchell]

It looks like someone doesn't want me to take that bus trip.

[Diane Smith]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

Look. Where's the police station?

[Enrique]

Two blocks down the street.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Send this sleeping bag down to the bus. I'll be along in a few minutes.

[Enrique]

But, senor. You'd better hurry.

[Steve Mitchell]

Don't worry. That's one bus I wouldn't miss for the world.

[Castillo]

Is everybody aboard?

[Narrator]

Looks like it.

[Diane Smith]

Castillo, you may fire when ready. Gridley.

[Castillo]

Senorita. Look at that.

[Steve Mitchell]

What are you waiting for? Driver, it's. It's.

[Castillo]

It's time to go see Senor Gruber.

[Enrique]

Castillo.

[Castillo]

What is it, Enrique?

[Enrique]

Did you Put the shipment of meat aboard. It was in a big crate packed with ice.

[Castillo]

See? It is locked in the barrier's compartment. Okay, let's go.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, you're the bartender who sold me my bus ticket.

[Enrique]

I see. See, Senor Mitchell, I am Henriques.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, are you taking the trip too?

[Groza]

Si.

[Steve Mitchell]

Vacation, maybe?

[Enrique]

Si, Vacation, si. For months. I sell tickets for the bus to La Paz. Everybody's gonna to Laas. So today I say to me, enrique, that's me. I said, why don't you go to Laas and see what this place is?

[Steve Mitchell]

You made up your mind in a sort of a hurry, didn't you?

[Enrique]

Well, that's the way I do things. I think of something right away, I do it. Yeah, I think I going to sit in.

[Steve Mitchell]

You mind if I sit up here in front with you, Castile?

[Castillo]

Well, not at all. I'm glad to have your company. Senor A. Mitchell, is it not?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Steve Mitchell. You've been making this run long?

[Castillo]

Oh, two or three years.

[Steve Mitchell]

Does that little guy Gruber make this trip often?

[Castillo]

No, senor. I've never seen him before.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. How long have you known Enrique the bartender? Christia?

[Castillo]

For not very long. He's been tending bar at La Quinta for just a month or two. Senor, you perhaps have some reason for asking about the passengers?

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, no, no reason. Just curious. Castillo. Try riding a pogo stick over a field of boulders sometime and then you'll know what that bus de La Paz was like. Hour after hour of jolting over ruts they laughingly called roads. Hot, choking dust, cold winds at night. And me sleeping with one eye opening, wondering who was going to do the next try on my life. And when the hours crawled by and I was getting nowhere. Two days, three days, brother, four days.

[Diane Smith]

Jolting on this bus already I've had five days too much. But some riders will do to get atmosphere, Mr. Mitchell, huh?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, but I think we've been fellow passengers long enough to start using personally.

[Diane Smith]

Okay, Steve. Mine's Diane.

[Steve Mitchell]

Diana Smith. I don't remember reading any of your stories.

[Diane Smith]

That's not surprising. I don't sell many of them, I'm afraid.

[Enrique]

Oh, cry. I don't think I'm going to sell many boss tickets from now on.

[Steve Mitchell]

What's the matter, Enrique?

[Enrique]

Oh, how can I tell people what a wonderful bus ride this is when I know how it stings?

[Steve Mitchell]

I think you've got a point there, Enrique. I wish Castillo would take it a little easy on those ruts.

[Enrique]

He cannot afford to, senor. The gasoline costs more than the Bus, senor? Here's a small stretch of raw.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, anything could be an improvement.

[Diane Smith]

You know, that fella Gruber isn't adding anything to the joy of the trip either.

[Steve Mitchell]

I think I'll go back and make some conversation with him. Maybe I can thaw him out a little. You mind if I Sit here, Mr. Gruber? Suit yourself. Quite a trip, huh?

[Enrique]

Yes, quite a trip.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I'll be glad when it's over. How about you? I'm used to it. Oh, you've made the trip before?

[Enrique]

Yes, several times.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. You must have business interest in la paz, Mr. Mitchell. I fail to see what concern my.

[Enrique]

Affairs are of yours.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why, none at all, Groover. I was just. Then kindly do me the favor of leaving me alone. Okay, Groover. I'll be glad to forget it.

[Castillo]

Put your sleeping bag right here, Mitchell. Mine is next to it. Ah, here we are.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, good. Where are the others, Castillo?

[Castillo]

The senorita is on that little hill behind us. Near where I parked the bus. Enrique and Gruber on the other side of the road.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. Glad we'll be in the pause tomorrow. This has been a rugged trip. See? It must be pretty rough on you driving that bucket of bolts over these ruts.

[Castillo]

See, it gets me in the back. Sometimes I think I'm gonna quit the job, but I never do.

[Steve Mitchell]

Castillo was in the land of nod. But I wanted to sleep too. But I fought it. This was the last night before La Paz. I still didn't know which of the passengers had that spool of wire. I was still thinking about it when I heard the sound. I couldn't peg it at first, but it kept getting closer. I twisted my head around to take a look. Then I saw it. Something awful big coming at me. It was the bus, rolling downhill, heading straight for me. I tried to zip over the sleeping bag with the zipper jam. All I could do was roll over. And I rolled.

[Castillo]

Ma, what happened?

[Steve Mitchell]

The bus, Castillo. It came by here like a jet plane. Wait.

[Castillo]

Oh, the tracks of the bus. Yeah, it only missed me by a foot.

[Steve Mitchell]

Wasn't supposed to miss me at all. Look at the tracks. Right over where I was supposed to be sleeping. Oh, sure. Now this zipper works fine. Come on, Castillo, let's find Gruber.

[Castillo]

It should be right across the road with Enrique. See? There are the sleeping bags.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, Enrique's there, but Gruber is not. Enrique. Enrique.

[Groza]

What a disappointment.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Enrique]

I mean, I was dreaming about the most beautiful, the most gorgeous.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, yeah. Look. Where's Gruber? Gruber?

[Enrique]

I do not know, senor. He started Walking around just before I went to sleep.

[Diane Smith]

What happened, Steve?

[Castillo]

My boss rolled down hill.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Looks like somebody rigged a little booby trap for me. Diane. What? But why? Maybe somebody doesn't like the color of my eyes.

[Diane Smith]

That was a close shave, you know. Gives me an idea for a plot.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I thought it might.

[Diane Smith]

What?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll skip it. I still want to find Gruber.

[Enrique]

Here I am, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you want? I want to know where you were a couple of seconds ago. What business is it of yours? Where were you? Why, I was just walking around. Did you go near the bus?

[Groza]

The bus?

[Steve Mitchell]

Why?

[Enrique]

No. Why do you ask?

[Steve Mitchell]

You sure about that groomer?

[Castillo]

Of course I'm sure.

[Diane Smith]

Is the bus wrecked?

[Castillo]

Well, I don't think so. It came to a stop in the sun below us. I'll go look.

[Steve Mitchell]

You were sleeping near the bus, weren't you, Diane?

[Diane Smith]

Yes. Say, what is this anyway? Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come on, Enrique. I want to take a look at where the bus started from.

[Enrique]

Hey, Senor Mitchell, you think this man.

[Groza]

Gruber released the brakes on the bus?

[Steve Mitchell]

I don't know, Enrique. Why would he do a thing like that?

[Enrique]

Well, because you are. I. I don't know why he would.

[Groza]

Want to kill us anymore.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Well, let's see. Bus was parked just about here. Yeah. Shine your light around. See a lot of footprints? That won't help us much. Wait here. Shine your light over here.

[Enrique]

That is where the front wheels of the bus were.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Here and here. And a wet spot at each place, huh?

[Groza]

I do not understand, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

I think I do, Enrique. I'll do something about it tomorrow.

[Enrique]

Senor, I think I could use a drink.

[Steve Mitchell]

So could I. But I don't see any bars anywhere out in this desert, Enrique.

[Enrique]

But I put some beer in the crate of frozen meat. It is locked in the baggage compartment of the bus with my suitcase. I will have to get the key from Castillo.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, well, never mind, Enrique. We can celebrate tomorrow when we get to La Paz. By then, I'll really have something to celebrate.

[Diane Smith]

So this is La Paz. It's beautiful. Look at the ocean.

[Enrique]

Guyver, why don't you stop the bus and let us out?

[Castillo]

In a moment, Senor Grover. We will stop in the plaza just ahead.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know, they ought to call it Roostertown. More of them walking around than people.

[Castillo]

Here we are.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here, let me help you.

[Enrique]

Thanks.

[Diane Smith]

Well, the Roosters aren't the only ones who turned out to greet us.

[Enrique]

She. She. Many people from the town.

[Diane Smith]

Yeah, and that looks like the police department coming toward us.

[Castillo]

Police, Senor Steve Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

I'm Lieutenant Diaz of the police. You phoned me from Tijuana to meet this boss and make an arrest.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Wait.

[Enrique]

I.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

The Gruber. Seize him.

[Castillo]

Ramirez. Here, Let go. Let go.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

Take him to the station, Ramirez.

[Diane Smith]

What's this all about, Steve?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, the lieutenant here made an arrest, that's all.

[Castillo]

You know, Sayor, Mitchell, I began to have the idea on the way here that you are looking for someone.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I was looking for someone.

[Castillo]

Well, I'm glad you're searched for the success.

[Steve Mitchell]

But I don't think Gruber is the man.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

We have been on the trail of Gruber for some time, Mitchell. He has been smuggling narcotics.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, yeah, I figured he had something on his mind, boss.

[Enrique]

Mitchell, if Grover is not the one you are looking for, who is?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'd like you all to come around to the back of the bus with me, if you will. I've been looking for a man or woman who has a little spool of wire. I want a what? Last night that person tried to kill me.

[Castillo]

You mean the bus rolling down the hill?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Here we are. Castillo, would you mind unlocking the baggage compartment?

[Castillo]

Of course, senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

What then are the eyes. Did you say that that lock had been tampered with?

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

No, it does not appear to have been, Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Open it up. Castillo.

[Enrique]

The crate of frozen meat. It has been broken into my beer.

[Steve Mitchell]

Your beer is probably all there, Anika. But if you'll notice, there are a couple of chunks of ice missing.

[Castillo]

How could this have happened?

[Steve Mitchell]

Now, look, this chunk of ice I've got in my hand is about the size of a football. If you put one of these under each front wheel of the bus and release the brakes, sooner or later the ice would melt and the bus would roll down the hill.

[Diane Smith]

You mean it was a deliberate plot on your life?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, the kind of a plot a writer might dream up, Diane.

[Diane Smith]

I don't know what you're talking about, Steve.

[Steve Mitchell]

No, I don't think you do. You see, up until last night, I thought the person I was after was a passenger on this bus. But last night I realized the only person who had a key to this compartment who had access to the ice is the driver, Castillo.

[Enrique]

Hi, senor. He's got a gun.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Here. Castilla. Come back, you. Hey, here's another one.

[Groza]

Oh, senor, what a bob.

[Steve Mitchell]

You ought to have the wire on him somewhere. Yep, here it is.

[Commissioner / Lieutenant Diaz]

This is what you were looking for, Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

This is it, Lieutenant. Well, did this give you enough for a plot, Diane?

[Diane Smith]

A dozen of them.

[Steve Mitchell]

What is it? Enrique this.

[Enrique]

This is what you take the lousy bus trip for? Just to find this little spool of wire?

[Steve Mitchell]

That's right, Enrique. I jolt for a week over ruts as deep as the Grand Canyon. My back feels like a pretzel. And all to get this little spool of wire.

[Enrique]

Senor, I think maybe you're a little crazy.

[Steve Mitchell]

Enrique I think maybe you're right. You know, Enrique, the next time I have to chase a guy like this, I hope he decides to ride the Super Chief.

[Narrator]

You have just heard another episode in the exciting new adventure series Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Dunleavy as Steve Mitchell. Dangerous Assignment is written by Bob Rife with music by Bruce Ashley, and is directed by Bill Karn. Be with us next week at this time when Brian Donlevy, starring as Steve Mitchell, will embark on another Dangerous Assignment. You're tuned for the stars on NBC.

[Steve Mitchell]

You.

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