The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: A Seaside Sabbatical 07/07/1951

Summary

Summary of "The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: A Seaside Sabbatical"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
• Episode Title: The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: A Seaside Sabbatical
• Original Air Date: July 7, 1951
• Release Date: March 9, 2025

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1. Episode Introduction

Gerald Moore sets the stage for another thrilling installment featuring Raymond Chandler's iconic private detective, Philip Marlowe. He teases the audience with the premise of the episode, titled "A Seaside Sabbatical," promising suspense, mystery, and the quintessential Marlowe wit.

Notable Quote:

Gerald Moore [01:28]: "From the pen of Raymond Chandler, outstanding author of crime fiction, comes his most famous character in the Adventures of Philip Marlowe."

2. The Mysterious Wire

The episode kicks off with Philip Marlowe receiving an urgent wire message from Dale Higgins. The message is cryptic, requesting Marlowe's immediate assistance at the Ship's Galley Cafe in Long Beach.

Notable Quote:

Philip Marlowe [02:13]: "Wire in my hand said it all. Need your help. Urgent."

3. Initial Meeting at Ship's Galley

Marlowe arrives at the Ship's Galley Cafe and encounters Red, a local with whom he exchanges casual banter about a nearby shooting gallery. His attempts to locate Dale Higgins initially lead to confusion, as Dale appears hesitant and non-committal about needing his help.

Notable Quote:

Philip Marlowe [03:01]: "Greatest practice in the world. Is it still 35 cents and no questions asked?"

4. A Change of Heart

Shortly after their initial interaction, Dale Higgins retracts his request for help, deciding he no longer needs Marlowe's services. He compensates Marlowe for his time and expenses, leaving the detective puzzled by the sudden change.

Notable Quote:

Philip Marlowe [05:01]: "You ought to know I expect... 7 cents a mile for 23 miles and oh yeah, yeah. 35 cents for parking my car."

5. Re-encounter with Dale Higgins

As Marlowe contemplates Dale Higgins' abrupt cancellation, he spots Marie—a mysterious young woman—running into an alleyway. The encounter raises Marlowe's suspicion, especially when Dale Higgins expresses fear and urgency about impending danger.

Notable Quote:

Dale Higgins [08:18]: "No one saw you, did they? Follow me?"

6. Investigation Begins

Determined to uncover the truth, Marlowe delves deeper into the situation. He interviews Mrs. Higgins, Dale's stepmother, and learns about Dale's background, including her seven-year stint at the Sisters of the Holy Cross convent in Macapa, Brazil.

Notable Quote:

Mrs. Higgins [11:24]: "We're awfully sorry, Mr. Marlow. I know when Dale realizes what she's done, she'll be sorry too."

7. Uncovering Clues

Marlowe's investigation reveals connections between Val Nichols, Dale Higgins, and a suspicious entity named Muff Benjamin. Through meticulous detective work, Marlowe discovers that Dale may have been coerced into a dangerous predicament involving Val Nichols' questionable activities.

Notable Quote:

Philip Marlowe [16:51]: "Whoever hit me in the head last night was in pretty good condition."

8. Confrontation and Resolution

The climax unfolds as Marlowe confronts Val Nichols aboard the Queen Marie, a boat linked to organ trafficking and other illicit operations. With the help of the Coast Guard, Marlowe manages to apprehend Val and rescue Dale Higgins from her dire situation.

Notable Quote:

Philip Marlowe [27:03]: "By the time we'd cleared the harbor, I knew Val didn't have a chance."

9. Conclusion

In the aftermath, Marlowe reflects on the complexities of human relationships and the nature of true happiness. He rekindles his belief in optimism, affirming his dedication to helping those in need despite the challenges.

Notable Quote:

Philip Marlowe [28:53]: "I have to admit it. I'm an optimistic fella."

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Key Characters:

• Philip Marlowe: The quintessential private detective navigating the murky waters of Long Beach.
• Dale Higgins: A distressed individual seeking help, whose circumstances are shrouded in mystery.
• Val Nichols: A suspect with potentially nefarious intentions towards Dale Higgins.
• Mrs. Higgins: Dale’s stepmother, who holds secrets about her family's past.
• Muff Benjamin: An informant who provides crucial information to Marlowe.

Themes and Insights:

• Trust and Deception: The episode delves into the complexities of trust, showcasing how initial appearances can be misleading.
• Isolation and Desperation: Dale Higgins' actions highlight themes of isolation and the lengths one might go when desperate.
• Optimism Amidst Adversity: Marlowe's unwavering optimism serves as a beacon of hope in a narrative filled with uncertainty and danger.

Conclusion:

"The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: A Seaside Sabbatical" is a masterful blend of suspense, intricate plotting, and deep character exploration. Through Marlowe's relentless pursuit of the truth, listeners are treated to a classic detective story that underscores the enduring appeal of Raymond Chandler's creation. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of old-time radio detectives, this episode promises an engaging and memorable experience.

Transcript

[Dale Higgins]

Your message amplified.

[Val Nichols]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Philip Marlowe]

Podbean. Podbean.

[Dale Higgins]

Podbean. Podbean. The AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts.

[Dale Higgins]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Philip Marlowe]

My school uses Podbean.

[Val Nichols]

My church too.

[Dale Higgins]

I love it. I really do.

[Philip Marlowe]

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] we have delayed the start of our scheduled program to bring you a bulletin from CBS News. Two helicopters carrying the United nations cease fire team left kaesong shortly before 9 o'clock Sunday morning Korean time. Communist officers are already in Kaesong to participate in the preliminary ceasefire talks. This bulletin has come to you from CBS News.

[Val Nichols]

We now resume our scheduled program.

[Gerald Moore]

Most Saturdays at this time, we spend an exciting half hour of adventure in action with America's public hero number one, Hopalong Cassidy. Well, even two fisted cowboys take summer vacations when they can. And Hoppy is no exception. Hop along and Topper will be back with us riding the CBS air trails again. Eleven weeks from tonight, September 22nd.

[Philip Marlowe]

Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave. There's no other end, but they never learn.

[Gerald Moore]

From the pen of Raymond Chandler, outstanding author of crime fiction, comes his most famous character in the Adventures of Philip Marlowe. Now with Gerald Moore starred as Philip Marlo, we bring you tonight's exciting story. A seaside sabbatical.

[Philip Marlowe]

Wire in my hand said it all. Need your help. Urgent. Meet me at 8:30 tonight, ship's galley Cafe, Long Beach. Signed, Dale Higgins. The time and the place were known factors. The need for help, the urgency and most of all, Dale Higgins were unknown. And my hazy recollection of algebra told me that three unknowns are mathematically impossible to find. Call it a challenge, call it money, call it a chance for a short dinner, call it anything you like, but 8:15 found me pulling into a parking lot on Ocean Boulevard not far from the amusement pier.

[Gerald Moore]

Just leave it there.

[Philip Marlowe]

Be right with you. Oh, hello, Mr. Marlow. How you, Red? How's it going? Oh, great, thanks. What brings you to the capital of Iowa? Corn. My aim's getting bad, Red. I thought I'd come down to the pike and try for my limit at a shooting gallery.

[Gerald Moore]

Gee, really?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Greatest practice in the world. Is it still 35 cents and no questions asked? Huh? Oh, to park the car. Yeah, that's it. Okay, kid. Keep it. Oh, thanks. Hey, mind if I recommend the quick Quack? How's that again? Used to be the dead duck. Best shooting gallery in the pike from Idaho. Oh, that Quick Quack. Oh, sure. Anybody be a fool to go anywhere else. Yeah, my sentiments exactly. See you, red. You bet, Mr. Marlow. Red's a nice kid. His name was a natural. He was blonde. I bobbed along Ocean Boulevard in a direction that instinct and a blaring blue neon sign indicated would lead me on course to the ship's galley. The night was muggy and close. You wore it like an extra coat. And the ocean breeze I'd anticipated had retired in favor of alternate waves of fog that rolled in, engulfed you for a moment and then suddenly rolled out again. I was very nearly on time for my 8:30 appointment with Dale Higgins as I turned blue beneath the ship's galley neon and stepped inside to be greeted by tight little groups of faces that opened and closed to admit food, drink and talk. All indigo. The door behind me closed on two thoughts. My dreams of a shore dinner were blasted, and the ship's galley emerged as the last place in the world for anyone in need of urgent help to discuss his problems. But then, I didn't know. Dale Higgins.

[Val Nichols]

Are you Philip Marlow by any chance?

[Philip Marlowe]

That's right.

[Val Nichols]

Looked like you were looking for someone. I'm Higgins.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh. Oh, how are you, Higgins? Do we talk here?

[Val Nichols]

Probably not very well. Walk along the beach.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, fine. Right now. Say, Higgins, did you ever wonder why people pack into hot little rooms on a night like this?

[Val Nichols]

Oh, you mean the ship's galley. Yeah, well, philosophy is not my business, Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

What is it?

[Val Nichols]

Well, I don't quite know how to tell you, I guess.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, your wire said urgent. That's good enough for openers.

[Val Nichols]

Yes. Well, the truth is I was a little quick sending that wire. Pretty upset about a situation at the time. But things have resolved themselves now. I won't require any help.

[Philip Marlowe]

Uh huh. Well, you ought to know I expect.

[Val Nichols]

To pay you, of course, the trip down and your customary fee.

[Philip Marlowe]

That'll be 25 a day in expenses. 7 cents a mile for 23 miles and oh yeah, yeah. 35 cents for parking my car.

[Val Nichols]

7 times 23 a dollar.

[Philip Marlowe]

60, 61, 35, $96. 2696 altogether.

[Val Nichols]

Is cash all right?

[Philip Marlowe]

Always has been.

[Val Nichols]

Marlow, I am sorry about this. I didn't set out to bring you on a Wild goose chase. Yes. Looks like I have got the right amount.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thanks. Don't worry about it, Higgins. Anybody can change his mind.

[Val Nichols]

Yes, I. I guess that's right. Well, thanks for your trouble.

[Philip Marlowe]

Not at all. Oh, well. Mr. Paula. Mr. Ball away. I turned in the direction of her voice. But the fog has a cute way of diffusing sound as well as sight. And I realized I wasn't closing in on anything. That the fog was circling me and I was circling it. So I stopped and waited. I listened and heard nothing but the sound of the sea and the faint wheezing of the pike calliope. Then suddenly it hit me. Somewhere along the fog swept beach a girl had called my name. And nobody knew I was in Long beach except Red at the parking lot and Dale Higgins. The choice was obvious. Did she find you okay, Mr. Marlow? Yeah. Yeah, Red, she. Did you tell her where I was? Why, sure. I told her. You and me always did our shooting at the Quick Quack. Good boy. Now tell me who she is. Who she is? Yeah. You mean you don't know her, Mr. Marlowe? That's the general idea, Red. Well. Well, I guess she's my age. Yes, I know. Who is she? She's. Yeah, she's you. You want your car, Mr. Marlow? No, Red, not now. I think I left something back at the Quik Quack. Everything that was young and pretty along the pike was hanging onto a sailor' around Gene Arno's Quick Quack, the nearest thing to youth and beauty, with a neatly lined 22s poised across the counter. Try your luck, mister. No, no, thanks. Just looking. I'm not buying. Yeah. See, I just lost my girl. Don't blow your brains out here. These guns is for shooting ducks. I see what you mean. We said we'd meet here if we got separated. Have you seen him by any chance? 7, 8ft tall, glandular case, 3 stalls down. Bill with toothpick. Thanks so much. Still just looking. Not buying. Still just look. Try it from a distance. It looks even better. Go on, Bart. Beat it. I spotted her. At least, I'd spotted a frightened fawn of a thing who caught my eye. As if we were the only two on the pike. And there was something about her that made me wish we were. I followed her away from the crowded amusement section, up the ramp toward Ocean Boulevard. Suddenly she broke into a run, darted into an alleyway. I wasn't far behind.

[Dale Higgins]

No one saw you, did they Follow me?

[Philip Marlowe]

Like who?

[Dale Higgins]

He might have. And there may be others. I don't know. I Don't know.

[Philip Marlowe]

That makes two of us. Now, wait a minute. Let's talk, huh?

[Dale Higgins]

I saw you meet him. I thought it was you at the parking lot. I saw you meet him. The ship's galley.

[Philip Marlowe]

Something like you. Lost in a mob.

[Dale Higgins]

I'll kill you, you know. If you're with them, I'll kill you. I've got to before someone kills me. I don't know. I don't know.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now, listen, Baby, Baby, I'm with you.

[Dale Higgins]

Don't come any near.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, all right.

[Dale Higgins]

I can't be seen with you. I can't walk out of here with you. He's around somewhere. I know he is. Oh, Mr. Marlow, you'll help me? You'll have to. There isn't anyone else.

[Philip Marlowe]

Of course I will. Of course I will.

[Dale Higgins]

Well, then, look. As soon as you can, get your car. Don't let Val see you. Now.

[Philip Marlowe]

Val?

[Dale Higgins]

You know Val. Listen, in your car. Meet me at 7th and Anaheim. I'll get there. I'll have to. Then we can talk.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, but wait a minute. Hold it.

[Dale Higgins]

Anaheim. Mr. Marlowe? Oh, I'm Dale Higgins.

[Philip Marlowe]

It was a study in contrast all the way. The din and kaleidoscope of Rainbow Pier against the lonely sound of a foghorn. The gray feel of fog in the dank gray black of the warehouse district at 7th and Anaheim. An urgent wire signed Dale Higgins. Dale Higgins and a guy who called himself Higgins. Husband, Lover. What? Well, here we go again. Marlow. I parked the car and waited. The fog hugged the streetlight, but the sign was intermittently visible. I had the right place. I don't know how long it was before I heard the footsteps, but it was long enough for me to stretch my legs out along the car seat, lean my head back against the door and feel the damp touch fog sweep against my face from an open window. I remember starting to turn my head toward the direction of the steps and thinking that Dale had made it in good time.

[Gerald Moore]

In just a moment, we will return to the second act of Philip Marlo. But first, just as systematic exercise builds a strong body, so does systematic saving. Build a strong future. Save systematically for your future and for your country's future with United States Defense Bonds. And now, with our star, Gerald Moore, the second act of Philip Marlowe and tonight's story, a seaside sabbatical.

[Philip Marlowe]

I could almost hear the chain pulleys clanking the first time I opened my eyes. And it took another game try before the fuzz faded away and the room slowed down to a Lambeth Walk. Off somewhere the Faint sound of breakers. And I did the ceiling, the walls and one corner of an expensively furnished room before I centered on the fuzzy, indeterminate face at my bedside. A kind face, motherly and pleasant. It talked.

[Mrs. Higgins]

I'm Mrs. Higgins.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh. Oh, no. Yes.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Yes, I am.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Is everybody in Long beach named Higgins?

[Mrs. Higgins]

You don't really feel a bit well, do you?

[Philip Marlowe]

No. No, not really.

[Mrs. Higgins]

We're awfully sorry, Mr. Marlow. I know when Dale realizes what she's done, she'll be sorry too.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. I spoke Dale being me.

[Mrs. Higgins]

What with a peer, she's often violent, I'm afraid. Such a high strung girl gives way so easily, you know, Imagines all sorts of things. And then, well, just gives way.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Yeah, but I won't worry you with that. Dale's my problem. I. I won't worry you with anything, Mr. Marlow. Just you get a nice rest.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm a cinch.

[Mrs. Higgins]

We'll pay whatever damages there are, of course. But I won't hear of you leaving now until you're much better.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh. Hey. The mother of the Higgins clan and locked the door and walked away. My head felt big and woody and rammed down into my neck. I was not in the pink. Mother Higgins had ordered a nice rest and it looked like I'd need it. I don't like strange rooms and locked doors and high strung girls who give way. I'm still trying to get out of bed when another door clicked slowly open on the other side of the room. My little frightened phone was back and my head hurt.

[Dale Higgins]

I heard Marie with you. That's how I knew you were here. Oh, poor Mr. Marlow. Did they hurt you?

[Philip Marlowe]

They sure did.

[Dale Higgins]

It wouldn't do you now if they found me talking to you. I. I feel better now that you're here.

[Philip Marlowe]

I wish I did.

[Dale Higgins]

What happened to you? Do you know?

[Philip Marlowe]

I have a rough idea. Say, honey, how much do you weigh?

[Dale Higgins]

105 when I left the convent, but that's not important. Listen, I can't stay long, you know.

[Philip Marlowe]

A romance with you would be rough.

[Dale Higgins]

Please, Mr. Marlow. They're going to kill me. Val and Marie.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, all right. Now settle down.

[Dale Higgins]

They are, and I don't know why. Maybe if I knew why, I'd understand. Yeah, but listen, I. I didn't even know Val then.

[Philip Marlowe]

Val?

[Dale Higgins]

Val Nichols, a friend of Marie's. She sent him to the boat to meet me. Ever since then, I just know they are gonna kill me.

[Philip Marlowe]

Dale, listen to me. I don't know Val. As a matter of fact, until you told Me? I thought his name was Higgins, and I don't know Marie. What makes you think they're gonna kill you?

[Dale Higgins]

You met Val last night. The ship's galley. You talked to him? Marie was just here. Don't try to confuse me. You're all I have.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, honey. But tell me, isn't Marie your mother?

[Dale Higgins]

My stepmother. Daddy's dead. And when I got off the Orange coast the other night, whenever it was, there was Val.

[Philip Marlowe]

The Orange Coast?

[Dale Higgins]

That's how I came back. Mr. Molly, you're not trying to understand. If you won't help me to. No. He's coming. Don't let him.

[Val Nichols]

I hope that you're not bothering Mr. Marlowdale.

[Dale Higgins]

No. No, I'm not. He asked me to come in. He likes me.

[Val Nichols]

Of course he does, dear. We all do.

[Dale Higgins]

No.

[Val Nichols]

Feeling better, Mr. Marlowe?

[Philip Marlowe]

The worst way.

[Val Nichols]

I'm sorry. Come, dear. Let's let Mr. Marlowe rest. Ooh, you could use a little rest yourself, my dear.

[Dale Higgins]

No, he wants me to stay. I'm not bothering.

[Philip Marlowe]

You're not bothering at all, honey. But maybe it would be better if you come back a little later.

[Val Nichols]

Yes, yes, of course it would, dear. Now come along now.

[Dale Higgins]

I can come back, though, Mr. Marlow. You promise?

[Philip Marlowe]

Sure.

[Dale Higgins]

If you Podbean, your message amplified.

[Val Nichols]

Ready to share your message with the world. Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Dale Higgins]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts. Use Podbean to record your podcast. Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast.

[Dale Higgins]

Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast.

[Val Nichols]

Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

[Dale Higgins]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today. Thomas. I know you'll keep it. Never mind, Belle. I came in alone. You know I can find my way out.

[Philip Marlowe]

She's sweet.

[Val Nichols]

She's sick. Very sick, young lady, Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe]

Troubled, confused. She's got nothing on me now. Look, what is this all about? I don't know what day it is, what I'm doing here, who you are, anything. Well, it.

[Val Nichols]

It should all have ended with our meeting at the ship's galley last evening.

[Philip Marlowe]

Marlow, you're not clearing anything up for me, you know.

[Val Nichols]

You've seen her, talked to her. You must realizes that she imagines things right now. She imagines that she's been away from here a long time, that she came back a few days ago upon a ship. That her mother and I want to kill her.

[Philip Marlowe]

She did send me the wire, though.

[Val Nichols]

Oh, yes. Yes. We had no idea one of her spells was coming on. We left her for a short time yesterday. The switchboard has its instructions, of course, and they reported it to Mrs. Higgins when we returned. So we. We thought it best if I met.

[Philip Marlowe]

You and called me up.

[Val Nichols]

It's not in your line, Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

You're right. They're gonna keep it that way, too.

[Val Nichols]

Mrs. Higgins realizes that she's going to have to do something about Dale. Institution, perhaps some long range treatment. At any rate, Dale was in no condition to be running around last night playing mysteries and taking up your time.

[Philip Marlowe]

Whoever hit me in the head last night was in pretty good condition.

[Val Nichols]

If I had gotten there two minutes sooner, I could have spared you all that.

[Philip Marlowe]

You were following her?

[Val Nichols]

No, no, no. I was coming back from my boat. I had gone down to the harbor after I left you. It's on the way back. I just happened to see Dale, and knowing the state she was in, I followed her, of course.

[Philip Marlowe]

I see. She doesn't know she hit me, does she?

[Val Nichols]

I don't believe that she has the slightest idea what happened.

[Philip Marlowe]

Things started swimming again. Val Nichols became part of the draperies. I was trying to think what had hurt. Everything hurt. The chain pulleys were lowering my eyelids again. That was all for a while. The next time I tried, I was more successful. The sunlight was streaming in the room. The clock on the night table, visible for the first time, said it was almost noon. So I got up. It was still pretty fuzzy on the edges, but I found my clothes hung neatly in the closet, managed to get them on in the right order and made it to the door that had been locked before. But it wasn't this time.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Mr. Marlowe, you shouldn't be up.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I'm always flying in the face of great odds, Mrs. Higgins. Bill's character.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Even so, you should stay in bed a while.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, really, I'm fine, thanks.

[Mrs. Higgins]

But you're not leaving. I won't think of it. You'll lunch with us at least.

[Philip Marlowe]

No, no, really, I've got to go. But I'd like to see Dale first. I sort of promised her I would.

[Mrs. Higgins]

My, she's sleeping, Mr. Marlow. We gave her sedative. Doctor's orders. Of course. She's had such a trying time.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, I wouldn't want to disturb her. No, but maybe I can call later.

[Mrs. Higgins]

That would be so thoughtful of you. I know she'll be disappointed at not seeing you, but I. Oh, Val. I hear.

[Val Nichols]

Up and about so soon.

[Philip Marlowe]

Marlo?

[Mrs. Higgins]

Yes, she's sleeping, isn't she, Val. The sedative and all, I mean. I was just telling Mr. Marlowe she's.

[Val Nichols]

Resting very well, Marie. Now don't. Don't fret about her. Well, I'll take you to your car, Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh. Oh, yes. Well, Mrs. Higgins, it's been downright dreadful.

[Mrs. Higgins]

And I know it. Mr. Marlowe, if I can do anything to right this terrible wrong, please let me know.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, if I can think of anything, I'll let you know. Goodbye, Mrs. Higgins. Tell Dale goodbye for me, will you?

[Mrs. Higgins]

Oh, yes. Yes, of course I will. It looks like another lovely day, doesn't it?

[Philip Marlowe]

I followed Val Nichols lead to an elevator and for the first time discovered that I was in an apartment hotel on a different stretch of Ocean Boulevard than the one I'd grown to loathe the night before. Val filled in a few last details as he walked me to my car in the underground garage. Seems he'd driven Dale and me to the apartment from 7th and Anaheim in my car and sent a lackey back for his. It fit. We shook hands and that hurt my head too. I drove off. Somewhere in the harbor district, the need for coffee and a few lungful of ocean air forced my hand. I parked the car and found both in a ship shaped spot with a clear view of the docks. The first cup cleared my head and the second one down near cleared the counter. Hey, watch it. I am. Oh, I'm sorry. That's okay. It'll wipe up. How about you? Get any on you? No, No, I don't think so. You. You know anything about ship schedules? Like what? Like that first one out there at anchor. The Orange Coast. Yeah. Well, seems to me she landed three or four nights ago. Don't know how long she'll be tied up. She's a fruit boat, though. Their office is just a block from here. More than likely their book's solid, but if you want to check. Yes, Mr. Marlow? There was a passenger Higgins on the Orange coast when it docked Tuesday. Ms. Higgins. It was Ms. Dale Higgins, according to our records. Any record of where she boarded the boat? Let's see now. Oh, yes. At Macapa. Macapa, Brazil. Macapa Brazil. Was she traveling alone by any chance? I really don't know. There's nothing here to. Any other Higginses aboard? No. How about a passenger named Nichols? Any chance of that? No. No Nichols either. Okay, thanks. Thanks very much. It was my turn to send a wire, only it was a cable this time and it was gonna be a while between answers. So I checked into a nice clean inconspicuous hotel. Had some food and a half bottle of aspirin and placed two phone calls. Dale Higgins was still resting comfortably, according to her stepmother. But Muff Benjamin was still willing to do anything for a buck. He was there in no time. I heard you were here, Marlow. Something big. Could be. You tell me. You're the guy who hears things about you being here. Oh, you know how it goes. People see people, people tell people. It's nothing. Yeah, I know. It happens all the time. Now look, Muff, I gotta know things quick. Well, I. For money, who and what? All right, I get this. The name is Higgins. Man old enough to have an 18 year old daughter. I don't know his first name. He's dead, I think. But the daughter's name is Dale. You got that? And the wife that's surviving is called Marie. They have an apartment on Ocean Boulevard. The shore, I think it is. I got it. Okay. Now a guy named Val Nichols. Check on him too. If Higgins is dead, find out about a will. I'm ahead of you. Good. Get back as soon as you can, huh? You double the dough, I'll double the speed. You double. Hello?

[Dale Higgins]

Mr. Philip Marlo, please.

[Philip Marlowe]

Speaking.

[Dale Higgins]

I have a reply to your cable to Maa Brazil.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, good. Give it to me slow, huh?

[Dale Higgins]

Dale Higgins accompanied to boat by. None.

[Philip Marlowe]

None.

[Dale Higgins]

Order of the Holy Cross has convent near here.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Suggest you check there.

[Dale Higgins]

Signed Emerson Ward, Macapa Fruit Exporting Company.

[Philip Marlowe]

Did you say Order of the Holy Cross?

[Mrs. Higgins]

That's right.

[Dale Higgins]

Do you wish to send a reply?

[Philip Marlowe]

No. Well, not yet anyway. Thanks. So you see, Father, if you could help me contact the convent in Brazil, I could find out how Longdale was a student there. That might shed some light on the situation, huh? I see. I'm not schooled in your ways, Mr. Marlow. Still, we're both seekers after truth, aren't we? In this case, a very specific truth. That's right. Father, I want to help. Of course. Your cable said this was a Sisters of the Holy Cross convent. Yes. If there were any way we could call down there. He time's pretty important. If it's possible, we shall call, my son. Meanwhile, our prayers are with Miss Higgins. Come, Mr. Marlowe. My prayers were with the phone company too. And with Muff and of course, Dale. Because if her version of things were true, she was in real trouble. Until I knew what it was for, there was very little I could do for her. Was the information from the sisters helpful, Mr. Marlow? Well, they were very cooperative, Father. Dale's been a student there for Almost seven years. Winter and summer, her stepmother visited her every day. But Dale never left the convent until two weeks ago. Maybe it all fits, huh? Oh, bless her, my son. Thank you, Father. And thank the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Muff. Benjamin was waiting at my hotel when I got back. It was another study in contrasts. So far, I dealt with a priest, an informer and a sister superior. And together we were all coming close to an answer. His name was Dale Higgins, too. The doll's father died seven years ago. Loaded. Yeah. Left his second wife, Maria. Good income, but the big load went to the kid. All right. What'd you get on Val Nichols? Oh, he's a bad one. Yeah, specialty is knocking down rich widows. Currently fraternizing with this Marie Higgins thing. Bless you, Muff. Huh? I mean, here's your dough.

[Mrs. Higgins]

You do look so much better than when you left, Mr. Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe]

Really? Is Dale still sleeping?

[Mrs. Higgins]

Why, yes.

[Philip Marlowe]

I think I'll look in on her. Huh?

[Mrs. Higgins]

No, I. I mean, I'd rather you did.

[Philip Marlowe]

Where is she? Mrs. Higgins?

[Mrs. Higgins]

Mr. Marlowe, you have no.

[Philip Marlowe]

I wonder if she liked it at the convent.

[Mrs. Higgins]

What?

[Philip Marlowe]

Seven years. A long time to be away from home. A lot of things can happen in seven years, you know, Mrs. Higgins. You can even end up legally dead.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Why, I. I'm sure I don't have any idea.

[Philip Marlowe]

Dale's dad must have thought a lot of her. I'll bet she was pretty close to him, too.

[Mrs. Higgins]

She was? They? Mr. Marlowe, what are you do you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Tell me, Mrs. Higgins.

[Mrs. Higgins]

There's nothing to tell.

[Philip Marlowe]

Dale seems to think there is. Which room is hers?

[Mrs. Higgins]

She. She isn't here. I. Oh, Mr. Marlowe. Don't ask anymore.

[Philip Marlowe]

No. She's with Val. Huh?

[Mrs. Higgins]

On his boat. How did this ever happen? I didn't want it this way. I thought if she could have been declared legally dead, oh, I'd have taken care of her. I. I mean, kept her there in the convent. No one knew she was there.

[Dale Higgins]

But Val.

[Philip Marlowe]

Val had to have her really dead. Is that expensive, Mrs. Higgins?

[Mrs. Higgins]

Oh, help her, Mr. Marlow. He'll do it this time. He'll kill her. I know. Believe me, I don't want.

[Philip Marlowe]

How long have they been gone?

[Mrs. Higgins]

Not long. Half an hour, maybe. But no longer. I'll go with you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Marie really cracked on the way to the harbor. It was going to be a fishing accident in the channel. And Val would get away with it, too. Unless we found something that could outpower his 30 footer. It was called the Queen Marie. One guess who had given it to him. I found the boat I needed, all right. But the skipper seemed reluctant to go for it. Wildest thing I ever heard of. I tell you, it's a matter of life and death. The Coast Guard can't go on every.

[Gerald Moore]

Look.

[Philip Marlowe]

Look, a month ago, we needed you off Balboa when our motor conked out and you came. But we've received no distress call from the Queen Marie. What do you think this is I'm giving you?

[Mrs. Higgins]

Please don't waste time talking.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, come on. How about it? Okay, but if this isn't on the level, you're in some trouble, Marlow. By the time we'd cleared the harbor, I knew Val didn't have a chance. Every boat in the area had been alerted. I didn't know about Dale, though. I just hoped the sedative Val had given her was merciful. The Coast Guard took care of Val once we came alongside the Queen Marie. And I took care of Dale. She was in the galley, tied securely, still dopey. But she came around after a while.

[Dale Higgins]

Oh, Mr. Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

You take it easy, baby. You're okay.

[Dale Higgins]

You. I was afraid you'd forgotten the promise.

[Philip Marlowe]

No.

[Dale Higgins]

But you didn't, did you?

[Philip Marlowe]

It was night now, and the lights that stretched out along the shore looked friendly and warm. Friendly and warm. I wonder when people are going to realize that the only happiness there is in the world is what they can give each other. Happiness that is not a stab in the back. But you know, there's one thing about me. Yeah, I have to admit it. I'm an optimistic fella.

[Gerald Moore]

The adventures of Philip Marlowe bringing you Raymond Chandler's most famous character Star Gerald Moore are produced and directed by Norman McDonnell and written for radio by Kathleen Height. Featured in the cast were Gene Bates, John Dainer, Irene Tedro and Lee Millar, with Harry Bartel, Barney Phillips, Lou Krugman, Donna Hainer and Stan Waxman. Gerald Moore may soon be seen in the Santana production Sirocco. The special music is composed by Pierre Garaganc and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Be sure to listen again next week at the same time when Philip Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Says, this time an old lady got taken for a new kind of ride by a new kind of chauffeur and I got involved up to a gun in my ribs all because I decided to spend a quiet day at home.

[Gerald Moore]

Don't miss Broadway's My Beat. Featuring Detective Danny Clovers, the cop who knows every character, every star, every crooked frequenting the Great White Way. It's tomorrow night at the star's address. Now stay tuned for Gangbusters, which follows immediately over most of these same CBS stations. This is Roy Rowan speaking. This is cbs. Here, Horace Hyde. Every Sunday night, the Columbia Broadcasting System.