The Shadow: Aboard the Steamship Amazon 05/08/1938

Summary

Podcast Summary:

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | The Shadow: "Aboard the Steamship Amazon"
Original Air Date: May 8, 1938
Episode Release Date: March 19, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Overview

In this classic episode of "The Shadow," listeners are swept aboard the luxury steamship Amazon, where a pleasure cruise hides a deadly secret: a plot to ignite revolution, smuggle munitions, and commit cold-blooded murder. When the wealthy yet troubled Randolph Todd is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Lamont Cranston (The Shadow) must expose the truth and prevent an even greater catastrophe.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Mysterious Celebration and Unseen Plots (03:35–06:36)

• The episode opens with guests enjoying a lighthearted party. Beneath the revelry, a sinister conspiracy is revealed: Randy Randolph Todd, his influential stepmother Maria, and Dr. De Vista conspire to smuggle arms for a revolution in Ricaguana, their cargo hidden as “electric refrigerators.”
• The stakes are high for all involved, with Randy providing the money, Dr. De Vista plotting revolution, and Maria aspiring to power in her homeland. Tensions are palpable as they receive a coded radiogram from “the General,” hinting at dire developments.

Notable Quote:
“The luxurious steamer Amazon on a pleasure cruise with enough ammunition and guns down on its hold to overthrow free governments.” — Randy (04:49)

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Psychological Strain and a Growing Threat (06:36–09:11)

• Lamont Cranston and Margo Lane, disguised as vacationers, sense trouble after a terse encounter with Randy, who clearly appears fearful and agitated after receiving the radiogram.
• Margo attempts to comfort Randy, but his anxiety and inability to confide in anyone foreshadow disaster.

Notable Quote:
“I'm in kind of a jam, Margo, but don't you worry… I'm an awful coward, Margo.” — Randy (07:44; 07:58)

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The Code Unravels and Murder is Committed (09:11–12:19)

• Randy is confronted in his cabin by Maria, Dr. De Vista, and his valet Tang Sui. When pressed for the contents of the radiogram, Randy refuses to cooperate, escalating tensions.
• In a dramatic struggle, Maria—intent on silencing her stepson—hurls a knife by the blade, killing Randy and staging the scene as a suicide.

Notable Quotes:
“This is the fate of traitors.” — Maria, before throwing the knife (11:43)
“It is not murder. The knife is Randolph's. His grip alone is on the handle. I threw it by the blade. My poor distracted stepson killed himself.” — Maria (12:07)

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Discovery, Suspicion, and the Shadow’s Intervention (12:36–15:03)

• Friends find Randy dead, and although his fingerprints are the only ones on the knife, Lamont (as Cranston) suspects foul play and pushes for a deeper investigation.
• The captain, unwilling to entertain Cranston’s suspicions about the “suicide,” detains him as a material witness—unaware of Lamont’s true identity as The Shadow.

Notable Exchange:
“Suicide with a knife isn’t very common, Captain.” — Lamont Cranston (15:03)

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The Shadow Strikes: Secrets Revealed (18:09–20:10)

• The Shadow interrogates Tang Sui, extracting the hidden radiogram and the truth about the conspiracy. The genuine message reveals orders from the revolutionaries: destroy the munitions to avoid capture, even at the cost of innocent lives.
• The tension escalates as Maria and De Vista move forward with their plan, confident the Shadow cannot stop them since only the codebook can unlock the message.

Notable Exchange:
“Where is the radiogram your young master got this afternoon?” — The Shadow (18:36)
“You are a wicked servant, Tang Sui. Where is the radiogram?” — The Shadow (18:44)

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Showdown in the Ship’s Hold (21:19–25:09)

• Amid thick fog and mounting dread, The Shadow warns Captain McTeague about the plan to blow up the Amazon. The captain leads an armed party below deck just as Maria, De Vista, and Tang Sui are preparing to set off the explosives.
• In the hold, a suspenseful standoff ensues. Gunfire is threatened, and lives hang in the balance as The Shadow physically intervenes, thwarting the plot.

Notable Quote:
“No, Mrs. Todd, yours. The Shadow merely helps the cause of justice.” — The Shadow (25:04)

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Justice Served and Final Reckoning (25:28–27:07)

• As the conspirators are captured, Tang Sui attempts to absolve himself by revealing Maria as Randy's actual murderer. In a last act of desperation, Maria attacks and is killed, paying with her life for her crimes.
• The ship, its passengers, and crew are saved thanks to The Shadow’s intervention. Dr. De Vista and Tang Sui are taken into custody.

Notable Quotes:
“You saved my ship. I feel the line should thank you publicly.” — Captain McTeague (26:43)
“My power would be lost if I were known, Captain… I must go back into the Shadow.” — The Shadow (26:46; 26:58)

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Most Memorable Moments

• The Shadow’s Invisibility: The tense scenes where The Shadow interrogates suspects and operates unseen, using fear as his greatest weapon (18:24–18:53; 20:39–20:52).
• Maria’s Calculated Coldness: Her chilling manipulation of the crime scene after murdering her stepson (12:05–12:16).
• The Final Showdown: The hold of the Amazon becomes a crucible of justice as The Shadow upends the conspirators’ plot (23:23–25:09).
• Shadow’s Moral Closing: His signature warning about the consequences of crime (27:35):
  “The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.”

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Important Timestamps

• Conspiracy and coded message revealed: 03:35–06:36
• Randy’s anxious encounter with Margo: 07:44–08:18
• Randy murdered—‘suicide’ staged: 11:48–12:16
• Lamont (The Shadow) detained as a witness: 15:03–15:41
• Shadow exposes Tang Sui, retrieves radiogram: 18:24–18:53
• Maria and conspirators attempt to destroy the ship: 22:41–25:09
• Maria unmasked as Randy’s killer, killed in final struggle: 25:40–26:07
• Captain thanks The Shadow: 26:26–26:58
• Shadow’s famous closing line: 27:35

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Tone & Style

The episode’s atmosphere crackles with suspense—a blend of 1930s melodramatic adventure and gothic intrigue. Dialogue is brisk, bracing, and laced with subtext, balancing classic detective tropes with a sense of genuine peril.

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Concluding Remark

This "Shadow" episode exemplifies the Golden Age of Radio at its finest: a twisting plot, clever investigative techniques, and the justice of the mysterious Shadow. The morality tale ends with crime punished and good triumphant—at least, for those who remain in the light.

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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]. Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The shadow knows.

[B]

Ladies and gentlemen, the Shadow's latest adventure will be on the air in just a moment. Don't miss any of it because it's a thriller from the word go. And if you drive a car, don't miss this. It's the biggest news of the year for motorists. It's the inside story of the safest thing on wheels. The new Goodrich Safety Silvertowne tire. This remarkable tire brings you something entirely new in tire safety. The Lifesaver tread. Developed after two years of exhaustive research, after grueling tests of tread designs by the hundred, this amazing Lifesaver tread stops you quicker and safer on wet, slippery roads than you've ever stopped before. Its never ending. Spiral bars, like a battery of windshield wipers, sweep water from under the tire, force it out through special deep drainage grooves, make a dry track for the rubber to grip. Thus, it protects you against skids in all directions, overcomes the hazard zone of motoring. Take my word for it, you'll never know what the word stop really means until you felt the grip of the Silvertown Lifesaver tread. Or on a wet, treacherous road. And that's not all. Silvertowns are the only tires in the world that give you golden ply blowout protection. And think of it. You get both of these priceless safety features. Skid protection and blowout protection. At no extra cost. Tomorrow isn't a bit too soon to start riding on Goodrich. Spelled G O O D R I C H. Goodrich Safety Silvertown. The Shadow. Lamont Cranston, a man of wealth, a student of science and a master of other people's minds, devotes his life to righting wrongs, protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty. Using advanced methods that may ultimately become available to all law enforcement agencies. Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow. Never seen, only heard. As haunting to superstitious minds as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience. The Shadow's true identity is known only to his constant friend and aide, Margo Lane. Today's story. Aboard the steamship Amazon,

[C]

Randy Randolph Todd.

[D]

Come on on over, Randy.

[C]

Join the party.

[B]

Hey, children, what's the celebration for?

[C]

Jane's been lucky. She's in the money. She guessed right on the ship's run for the day.

[D]

Yeah, Come on and join us. Can't let Jane take all that cash. You wanted to Rick a wanna when we dock tomorrow.

[C]

Don't mind me. I just supply the money. What'll it be, Randy?

[B]

Oh, nothing now, thanks. I'm looking for my stepmother. Anybody seen her?

[C]

Oh, sure. She's over there with Dr. De Vista.

[E]

Oh, yes.

[C]

See you later. Oh, see. Hey, we're going for a swim in the deck pool. Want to come along?

[B]

Oh, not this afternoon, thanks.

[C]

I don't think you like us.

[D]

It'd be a lot of fun though, wouldn't it?

[B]

Hello, Mother. Afternoon, Davista.

[E]

Sit down, Rando.

[B]

Oh, thank you, Mother. Well, tomorrow we'll be in Ricaguana, and from there on, it's going to be one great big party.

[E]

Lower your voice, my son.

[B]

Oh, no one can hear us in this corner. Time for the hush. Hush is almost over. Well, it will be short. Well, I hope your little revolution is half as much fun as smuggling those munitions out of the United States has been.

[E]

It will be more exciting, I assure you.

[B]

And when the revolution is successful, you will be a hero task. My countrymen will never forget what you have done for them. Just as long as it's fun. I don't mind putting up the money,

[E]

but you will make a fortune. Also, the people of my blood will show their gratitude in practical ways.

[B]

You know, the more I think of it, the funnier it gets. The luxurious steamer Amazon on a pleasure cruise with enough ammunition and guns down on its hold to overthrow free governments. Be careful.

[A]

Ta.

[B]

Don't worry. Nobody knows about those boxes marked electric refrigerators.

[E]

No one but us and Tang Soi.

[B]

Yes, your Japanese valet is more practical than you thought. He is interested in the money. He is going to make sure. Well, Mother, tomorrow should be a great day for you.

[E]

Yes, to rule the land. I was driven out of an exile.

[B]

Yes, Marika. The general has promised you great power.

[F]

Master.

[B]

What is it now? Tang Sui message.

[F]

Come to state room.

[E]

I bring a message.

[B]

It is a radiogram. Let's have it. Tang Sui.

[F]

Here, master.

[B]

Oh, that's all. Tang Sui. Oh, blazes. It's in code.

[E]

Code? Then it's from headquarters.

[B]

S from the general.

[E]

Oh, it may be important. We'd better decode it right away, my son.

[B]

Sure. No, no, no. Not here, Tom. Hardly. I'm not a complete fool, Doctor. Anyway, the code books in my cabin. I'll meet you at dinner time. Your stepson, he thinks this is all a lark. He does not count it.

[E]

Danger Randolph.

[B]

He is a fool, but he will not be quite so gay if an accident happens. If he stood against the wall and

[E]

shocked, that would be unfortunate. Dr. Divista.

[B]

Yes, for him. But if he were, you would come into all his money. Have you forgotten that?

[E]

No, my friend, I have not forgotten that.

[A]

Nice swim, Margo?

[C]

Fun.

[A]

Join me in a walk on deck?

[C]

I'd love to.

[A]

I don't see young Todd doing his famous jackknife with advertising.

[C]

Now, Lamont, Randy's a nice boy. I've known him for years. A little too much money, but that's all.

[A]

And he travels around with a strange crew. His stepmother looks rather formidable.

[C]

Stop making deductions. You're on vacation.

[D]

Speak of the devil.

[B]

Hello, Todd.

[F]

Oh, hello.

[B]

Hello, Margot.

[C]

Randy. What's the matter with him?

[B]

Very polite. Was he?

[C]

I never saw him act like that before. He was. He's like a man in a day.

[A]

Did look worried. He had bad news.

[C]

Bad news?

[A]

Yes, didn't you notice? He had a radiogram in his hand,

[D]

stuck in his pocket.

[A]

And he saw us coming.

[C]

Well, he certainly shot out of his stateroom in a hurry.

[A]

Yes, and he wasn't really going any place.

[B]

He stopped.

[A]

And standing there by the rail all by himself.

[C]

That isn't like Randy either, Margot.

[A]

Perhaps he needs help. Why not talk to him?

[C]

We wouldn't talk in front of you, Lamar.

[A]

All right, you go alone. I'll duck.

[C]

And if he does need help, maybe we can support.

[B]

Quiet.

[A]

See you later.

[C]

All right, I'll go over and talk to him. Nice day, isn't it, Randy?

[B]

Huh? Oh, hello, Margo.

[C]

Randy, what's the matter with you?

[B]

Well, I'm in kind of a jam, Margo, but don't you worry.

[C]

What sort of a jam?

[B]

Oh, it's the worst darn mess.

[C]

I suppose you tell me the whole story.

[B]

I can't do that.

[C]

Of course you can.

[D]

No.

[B]

I'm an awful coward, Margot.

[C]

Coward? Nonsense. What is there to be afraid of?

[B]

Nothing.

[C]

Randy, I believe you are frightened. Are you in danger, Margot?

[B]

What? Would you do it? No. No, I can't tell anyone.

[C]

Tell them what?

[B]

Oh, please leave me alone, Margo. Randy, stop pestering me, will you?

[D]

I. I can't stand it.

[C]

Randy, come back here. Rand. Shadow.

[A]

Yes, Margot.

[C]

You. You heard everything?

[A]

Yes, I was here beside you. Randolph Todd must have some cause for his fear. I think I must talk to that young man. Talk to him? Soon as the shadow.

[E]

Doctor De Vista. Have you seen Randolph?

[B]

No, Maria.

[E]

I thought surely he'd be here dancing.

[B]

No, he. He did not even come to dinner. Tang Sui is looking for him.

[E]

The Vista There is something wrong. Let's go to the boy's car. Come.

[A]

Here is Tang Sui now.

[E]

Tang Sui? My stepson.

[F]

My. My master has gone back to his stateroom.

[B]

Good. He is worried.

[F]

He walks up and down, up and down.

[E]

We must see about this. Please come, both of you.

[B]

That radiogram, Maria. Perhaps that is what upset you. Here is the cabin, mister.

[E]

Open the door.

[B]

Hello. Oh, is it you? Yes, Tod, it is us.

[E]

Shut the door, Tong. Say yes, mister. Well, we thought you were coming to the dance.

[B]

Oh, I changed my mind.

[F]

Something butter must have, maybe.

[B]

No, no, I'm all right.

[E]

Randolph, stop handling that old dagger and look at me.

[B]

I. I'm interested in this knife. It's an ancient.

[E]

An ancient Indian knife. We know all that, Randolph.

[B]

We. We want to know why you are acting like this.

[E]

What did the general say in his radiogram?

[B]

The radiogram?

[F]

Yes.

[B]

What was the message? Nothing important. Just good wishes, really.

[E]

May I see the message?

[B]

No. I tore it up and threw it overboard. You destroyed it? Yes. It wasn't important.

[E]

That message was from the general. We had a right to see it.

[B]

I'm sorry. I just didn't think.

[E]

Randolph.

[B]

What difference does it make? Hey, what are you all staring at me for?

[F]

Me think. Master Lie.

[E]

Thanks to his right. Randolph, you're lying.

[B]

I said I threw the message overboard.

[E]

You're a poor liar, Randolph. Give me that paper. I tell you, I grab him.

[D]

Look out.

[E]

He's stab the knife holding Tang Sui.

[D]

Hold.

[B]

Twist his arm.

[D]

Tang Tsui.

[F]

I twist. Drop a knife.

[E]

Drop the knife, you fool. Tang Sui. Jiu jitsu will tear your arm off.

[B]

Good.

[E]

Go through his pockets. I'll pick up the knife.

[B]

Hold him. Tang Sui.

[F]

No worry. Tung Swee hungry.

[B]

This won't catch anywhere.

[E]

Find the radio message, doctor. And the code book.

[B]

Ah, here it is in the book. Ah, and a decoded copy.

[E]

Read it.

[B]

Entire plan discovered by government.

[D]

Blow up ammunition to prevent capture.

[F]

Master Lie.

[B]

Well, what if I did? You can't take that message seriously.

[E]

It is an order.

[B]

It's insane. Think of all the people on this boat. I won't do a thing like that. You set off the ammunition. They'd all be killed.

[E]

What is that to us?

[B]

Fool. We follow the general. Listen, this isn't what I joined. This is mass murder. Innocent people. I didn't mind fighting in your penny anti war, but this.

[E]

You are a traitor to your people.

[B]

Your people's stepmother, the not mine. The passengers on this boat are my countrymen. I won't let you slaughter them.

[D]

I'll show up the Whole scheme.

[B]

Oh, dear. But watch me. Either you call the whole thing off or I go to the captain.

[F]

No, master.

[B]

You can't hold me forever. Tang Sui.

[E]

So you would betray us, Henrika Guana. This is the fate of traitors.

[B]

Mother.

[E]

Mother. Put down that knife. The knife. It is for the traitor's heart.

[B]

Maria, you threw the knife.

[E]

Let him fall. Tang.

[F]

Say, Mistress Throwell.

[B]

He is dead. But Maria, this is murder.

[E]

Do not be a fool, Davista. We had to silence him.

[B]

You cannot hide the murder.

[E]

It is not murder. The knife is Randolph's. His grip alone is on the handle. I threw it by the blade. My poor distracted stepson killed himself.

[F]

Suicide, mistress is very wise.

[E]

Yes. We shall say when they ask questions that we three left him alone and went to dinner. Later, in the dark, we shall carry out the general's command.

[B]

Explode thee.

[E]

Yes, my dear doctor. Blow up the ship.

[C]

Oh, Hello, Margot. Hello, Mr. Cranston. This is Randy's cabin. He promised to throw a party. It's his last night on board and he's walked out on it.

[D]

No.

[C]

And I'll bet he's sound asleep in there. Randy, you lubber, let us in.

[A]

I don't hear anyone inside. Oh, Stuart, come here a moment.

[B]

Yes, sir. Airbottlestadt.

[A]

Do you know of Mr. Todd's in his cabin?

[B]

He was so the last I knew. His valet said Todd didn't wish to be disturbed.

[C]

There, what did I tell you? I'm going to keep on knocking till he pays some attention. Oh, just a minute, Jane. Mr. Cranston has no idea.

[B]

Stuart, have a pass key? Suppose you open the door for us?

[D]

Well now, sir, I don't know that.

[B]

Of course you will.

[A]

Mr. Todd's playing a joke on the young lady and we mustn't let him. No one will know. You let us in.

[B]

Oh, thank you, sir. Of course, if it's all in fun. Sir,

[C]

it's Doc. Randy, where are you?

[B]

The light switch is by the door, sir. Oh, yes.

[A]

There we are.

[C]

Lamont, he isn't here.

[B]

Oh, yes he is, sir. Look, he's lying on the floor.

[C]

Yes. Come on, Randy, wake up. Lamont. That knife in his breast.

[A]

Yes.

[E]

Is he.

[B]

Is he. Randy Todd is dead.

[E]

Oh, my poor, poor Randolph.

[D]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Todd. Your stepson appears to have committed suicide.

[A]

You are sure, Captain McKee?

[D]

Yes, I'm sure, Ms. Grandson.

[A]

There should be some reason for suicide.

[B]

Captain, I am afraid our young friend was bored with life. He was ill and depressed when we left him before dinner.

[D]

Exactly, Dr. De Vista. I had the ship's doctor. Check the fingerprints on that knife. They all belong to the dead man. No one else had touched it.

[E]

If only he had come to me.

[B]

You must not reproach yourself, Marie.

[D]

Captain, here's Mr. Cranston.

[A]

I met young Todd this afternoon. He seemed worried about something.

[B]

His eye, too. Noticed that he was troubled.

[D]

The question is, Dr. De Vista, what

[B]

was he worried about? Who knows? He was a moody youth. Yes.

[E]

Poor boy will never know his reason.

[A]

Captain Todd had a radiogram this afternoon. It's missing now.

[E]

Randolph received many messages, Captain McKee, concerning the estate.

[A]

He show you this one, Mrs. Tom?

[E]

I. I never interfered with he that failed.

[D]

We're wasting time, Cranston.

[A]

I think not, Captain. This message may have been important. Tang Sue. Did you see it?

[D]

I'll ask the questions, Cranston.

[A]

Very well.

[E]

You might ask Mr. Cranston how he knows the radiogram is missing.

[D]

Yes, how about that, Cranston?

[A]

Todd was wearing the same suit when I found him, so I looked for it.

[E]

You mean you searched the body?

[A]

Yes. The steward was here as a witness.

[D]

Well, I must say you've got your nerve, Cranston.

[A]

Perhaps. But suicide with a knife isn't very common, Captain.

[D]

Now look here, Cranston. It's bad enough to have a suicide on board without you trying to twist it into something worse.

[A]

No one saw young Todd after his three traveling companions left him.

[B]

I resent that.

[E]

Captain McTeague, this is outrageous. Must we be badgered by this young man? I can't stand his manner.

[A]

I still sin.

[D]

That's enough from you, Cranston.

[A]

I'm merely tired.

[D]

I've had more than enough of your impudence, Adams. Take this Mr. Cranston to his stateroom and lock him up.

[B]

Lock me up?

[D]

Yes. I am holding you as a material witness.

[B]

Oh, that's ridiculous.

[D]

And Adams. Yes, sir? Put a man on the deck outside Cranston's cabin window. He's to stay in his room.

[B]

Yes, sir. Come on, Mr. Cranston.

[A]

Coming. I'll see you again, Captain. Very soon.

[B]

Ladies and gentlemen, while we're waiting for the Shadow's hair raising story to reach a thrilling climax, let me say something about a new kind of rainy day driving safety that may save your life. Because who knows?

[A]

The Shadow knows. When there's wet, slippery film on the highways, there's always the grim uncertainty that your car may start sliding, swerving, spinning off the road. Why gamble with fate?

[B]

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[F]

This go in that bag.

[B]

Stuart, I write you off.

[F]

Think that is all smart idea, Mr.

[B]

Tang Soi packing ahead of time. Most people leave at the last minute.

[F]

Boat docks tomorrow.

[B]

Right you are. Early in the morning. That was terrible. Your boss, Mr. Tod, killing himself.

[E]

Most tragic.

[F]

Tang Shui very fond of young master.

[B]

Yes, very tough break.

[D]

I'll answer it.

[B]

That's funny.

[F]

Funny. What is?

[B]

Nobody at the door?

[F]

No one.

[B]

The passage is empty.

[F]

Never mind. Steward, you can go. Shut door, please. Steward. I. I said go. Who? Who laughed?

[A]

I did. Tang Tsui. You.

[F]

Where are you? I. I cannot see you.

[A]

I am here beside you.

[F]

Tang Xue only voice.

[A]

Yes, Tang Xue. The Shadow is a voice asking for the truth. The truth about Randolph Todd's death. Tang.

[F]

So we know nothing.

[A]

Tang Sui lies. The Shadow knows. Where is the radiogram your young master got this afternoon?

[F]

I not know.

[A]

You are a wicked servant, Tang Xue. Where is the radiogram?

[F]

I did nothing. Nothing.

[A]

Where is it?

[F]

Here. Here in pocket.

[A]

Put it on the table.

[E]

Yes.

[F]

Shadow.

[A]

Why was it taken? What does it say?

[F]

I give it to you now. Now. Now.

[E]

Go.

[F]

Go. Go away. Please.

[A]

No, Tang Siue. Not until I know the truth.

[B]

With right.

[A]

Randolph Tart murdered.

[D]

Go away.

[F]

Please. Go away. T. Nothing. Nothing.

[B]

Tango.

[A]

Get away from that.

[F]

No, no. Leave me alone.

[C]

I run.

[E]

This is nonsense. Pun.

[B]

Such a wild.

[F]

No, no, no.

[B]

True.

[F]

Tang Sui talk with Shadow. No, no, ma'. Am. Joshua Shadow.

[E]

I don't believe it.

[F]

True. Mr. Shadow take radiogram from Tang Shui.

[B]

The radiogram. You gave it to him?

[F]

You cow cannot fight. Shadow cannot see.

[E]

Fool. There is the answer to not seeing him. He hid in the fog.

[F]

No fog in Tang Soi cabin.

[E]

Well, we won't mind the fog a little later tonight. Doctor, you'd better shut the window. Look at the way the curtains are blowing in.

[B]

That is funny. There has not been a breath of air all night.

[E]

But the curtains were blowing just for a moment.

[B]

This means this. This man, this shadow, he may prove an obstacle.

[E]

How? He cannot know our plans or what is in the whole of the ship. Now, listen. We are only about 10 miles off

[B]

the Ricaguana coast in a section friendly to the Revolution.

[E]

It?

[B]

Yes.

[E]

In the fog, we can easily lower a boat and slip away.

[F]

But is he a shadow?

[E]

You and your ghost stories, Tang. So he cannot do anything.

[F]

He has read your message.

[B]

Only the copy encode. I destroyed the decoded copy. How can he read the message without the code book?

[E]

And you have the code book safe, Tavista?

[B]

Of course I have it on me.

[A]

Look in your pockets, Tavista. Huh?

[E]

What's that? Who spoke?

[B]

Shadow. Shadow.

[F]

He's here.

[A]

Yes, my friend. The shadow is here.

[B]

Maria, the code book, it is not in my pocket.

[D]

It is gone.

[A]

I took it. Now I can read the message that caused one of you to murder Randolph Todd.

[D]

Maria, if he reads that message first

[E]

he must decode it. By that time, he will be too late. Come. We act at once.

[D]

Half speed ahead. Half speed it is, captain. Very good, Mr. Pearson. Keep her on the course and keep sounding that whistle. Yes, sir. Rotten night, sir.

[A]

Aye.

[D]

Blasted fog. Watch it doesn't get any closer to shore. There are shoals in there.

[B]

Aye, aye, sir.

[A]

Captain McTeague.

[D]

What was that?

[A]

I am here, Captain. McTeague. Behind you.

[D]

Where? Get off the bridge. There are no passengers allowed up here.

[A]

Your ship is in danger, Captain.

[D]

Listen, whoever you are, get off the bridge. There's no danger. I've brought the Amazon through many a foe.

[A]

The danger isn't the fog, Captain. It's below decks.

[D]

Below. Say, come out here in the light so I can get a good look at you.

[A]

You cannot see me, Captain, but you must believe me. There are explosives in the hole.

[D]

You must be crazy.

[A]

There are munitions, disguise. They're bound for revolutionaries in Ricaguana. There's a plan to blow them up.

[D]

Hey, who are you?

[A]

They call me the Shadow, Captain. Believe me, you must go below before it is too late. Randolph Todd knew about the munitions, too. That's why he was murdered.

[D]

Murdered?

[A]

If you don't believe that, Captain, at least go down into the hold.

[B]

Go.

[A]

Now you will learn.

[D]

Mr. Pearson. Yes, sir. Take over. I'm going below. I want two men Armed.

[E]

Get the top of that box.

[B]

Yes, Maria. Tang Sui, hand me that hatchet.

[F]

Yes, sir. Here.

[B]

This one has the fuses.

[E]

Quickly, start tying one up to the powder. If one box blows up, they'll all go.

[B]

Yes, and the ship with them.

[E]

What is it?

[F]

Someone come.

[C]

What?

[D]

Tang Sui.

[B]

Quick, switch out the light.

[E]

Yes, sir.

[C]

Good.

[E]

Now, Tangui, stay by the switch box. Don't turn them until I give the word.

[B]

Yes, Mrs. Quiet. Quiet.

[D]

That's black as pitch in here. Got your flash, Peters?

[B]

Yes, Captain.

[D]

Find the light switch. You ask me, this is the craziest. Hey, who turned on those weapons?

[B]

Do not move, Captain. Got a gun, sir.

[D]

So I see.

[B]

So is the woman.

[E]

And I am a good shot. Sailors, keep your hands up.

[D]

Mr. Todd. And Mrs. Todd. And Dr. De Vista. Say, what are you doing down here?

[F]

Good evening, Captain.

[D]

And young Todd's valor, too. Put down those guns. What the devil do you mean by.

[E]

I do not command now, Captain.

[D]

That's mutiny.

[B]

Throw your guns on the floor.

[D]

Gentlemen, I'll be.

[E]

You'll be dead if you don't throw guns.

[B]

What do you say, Captain?

[D]

Go ahead, boys. There's not much we can do now. There's my gun.

[E]

The others, please. Quickly. Line up facing the wall. Gentlemen. Keep those hands up.

[D]

Captain, you don't expect to get away with this.

[E]

But we do. We will. There will be a certain loud noise. And you. But never mind. Kang Soi. Yes, Mrs. You will shoot the first man who turns around. Yes, Conductor De Vista. We the party. Bring the hatchet with you.

[B]

Yes, I am coming.

[D]

You. What's your name? Gang Sui. What does she mean by a loud noise? Are there explosives in this hole, Captain?

[F]

No talk.

[D]

If anything happens to this ship.

[F]

One more word and Captain die.

[A]

I think not. Tang.

[F]

Shadow.

[E]

Let go my arm.

[D]

Drop the gun.

[A]

Tang Sui.

[D]

The man who calls himself a Shadow's got him.

[B]

Softly, Captain.

[A]

Get the others.

[D]

I've got his guns, sir.

[F]

Oh, let me go, Shadow. Let me go.

[A]

Hurry, Captain. Rush the others. They're laying a fuse.

[D]

Fuse? Grab your guns, man.

[A]

Come on.

[B]

Let go.

[F]

Let go, Shadow. Dsui. Do nothing, Joe.

[A]

You don't like your Jiu Jitsu when it's practiced on you.

[D]

Unlock the others. Grab your hand. Grab your man. Pull it in now.

[B]

Easy, lady.

[D]

We got you.

[E]

Oh, Shadow, this is your doing.

[A]

No, Mrs. Todd, yours. The Shadow merely helps the cause of justice.

[D]

Say, these are munitions, all right. Look at that. Powder. High explosive shells. Enough to blow the ship right out of the water.

[A]

That was their idea, Captain.

[D]

Well, I hope you three are satisfied. Smuggling Piracy, assault with a deadly weapon, sabotage. You'll spend the rest of your lives behind bars.

[A]

No, Captain, not all three. Tang Sui will die for the murder of his master, Randolph Tang.

[F]

No, no, no, no. I did not.

[A]

You will hang Tango Tang.

[F]

I tell you truth. Shadow.

[D]

Don't.

[B]

You fool.

[E]

Be quiet.

[A]

The truth. Tang Sue.

[F]

Missy Todd. Missy Todd. One time sucker's lady. She throw knife by blade.

[E]

You little traitor.

[D]

Look out.

[B]

She grabbed a hatchet, sir. And fruit. We had to shoot, sir.

[A]

The hatchet just missed. Tang Sui.

[F]

Oh, she. She bad. She murder.

[D]

Master, the woman is dead.

[A]

Marie.

[B]

Marie.

[A]

So, Captain, Mrs. Todd paid for her crime. She killed her stepson. She planned to destroy all the people on the ship. Instead, it was she who perished.

[D]

Peterson, Johnson.

[B]

Yes, sir.

[D]

Take Dr. De Vista and Dongshoi to the brig.

[B]

Listen. Come on.

[A]

Come on.

[D]

Shadow. I'd like to thank you. Who are you, anyway?

[A]

Just the shadow, Captain McTeague. I work in the shadows against crime.

[D]

You saved my ship. I feel the line should thank you publicly.

[A]

My power would be lost if I were known, Captain.

[D]

Well, there's a young man upstairs I owe an apology to. Lad named Cranston.

[A]

Really?

[D]

Why? Well, he sort of figured young Todd was murdered.

[A]

Mr. Cranston must be very wise. And now, Captain, I must go back into the Shadow.

[B]

You have been listening to a dramatized version of one of the many copyrighted stories which appear in the Shadow magazine.

[A]

The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows.

[B]

All the characters and all the places named are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[C]

Sam. Sa.