The Shadow: The Bride of Death 03/06/1938

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Shadow – "The Bride of Death" (Aired 03/06/1938)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Shadow - "The Bride of Death"
Release Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode features a classic tale of suspense and danger with the Shadow, one of old-time radio’s most enigmatic detectives. In "The Bride of Death," Lamont Cranston (the Shadow) investigates a sinister cult influenced by Eastern mysticism, a mysterious prophet, and the threat of human sacrifice on the windswept cliffs above a superstitious fishing village. Riveting performances, eerie sound effects, and classic dialogue bring the Golden Age of radio drama to life, as the Shadow races to save innocents from death and expose a murderous conspiracy.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Village, the Cult, and the Threat (00:00 – 07:12)

• Reverend Colby Attempts a Rescue: The episode opens with Reverend Colby arriving at Mrs. Ackley's imposing house on the cliff, desperate to retrieve his daughter, Isabel, who now serves as companion and secretary there.
  • Quote: “I want to see Mrs. Ackley... my daughter Isabel is here. ... But I've come to take her home.” – Reverend Colby (01:09)
• Sinister Welcome: Colby is met with resistance by Ackley’s servants, under the direction of the mysterious Prophet, and is threatened with the Prophet’s “trained guardians”—Black Panthers.
  • Quote: “I'm not afraid of that unholy pack... They are dangerous, Minister. Trained in my native land. Trained to hunt and kill...” – The Prophet (03:40)
• Ominous Prediction: The Prophet predicts Reverend Colby’s death by “the wrath of the Ancient One,” warning of supernatural retribution (04:00 – 04:24).

2. Tragedy Strikes and a New Investigation Begins (07:12 – 08:52)

• The Explosion: Days later, Colby and ten parishioners are killed in an explosion at the village church, fueling rumors and terror.
• Lamont Cranston Arrives: Reading of the tragedy, Lamont (“The Shadow”) and Margot Lane travel to the village, suspecting foul play and occult influences.
  • Quote: “Murder has been committed, Margot. Wholesale murder. And the killers are still at large.” – Lamont Cranston (07:25)
• Historical Fears: Cranston suspects a revival of an ancient Eastern cult associated with human sacrifice (08:04 – 08:12).

3. Gathering Evidence and Facing Danger in the Fog (08:53 – 15:36)

• Village Suspicion: Lamont seeks answers from the villagers, but encounters only superstition and fear — reinforced by the Prophet’s pack of panthers.
• Supernatural Tension: The Prophet seems well-versed in both the occult and psychological manipulation, and lurks in the fog to hunt for Lamont and Margot.
• Margot in Peril: The Prophet discovers Margot waiting in the car and commands his servants to kidnap her for leverage.
  • Quote: “See the girl. She will be useful to us. Very useful. If I cannot reach the Shadow, I can reach his companion.” – The Prophet (10:43)

4. The House on the Cliff: Revelation and Imprisonment (15:37 – 17:23)

• Margot and Isabel’s Plight: Margot and Isabel, now prisoners in the Prophet’s lair, share their stories. Isabel explains the Prophet’s manipulation of Mrs. Ackley and his plans for a deadly ritual.
  • Quote: “This morning he came here and said I am to be what he calls the Bride of Death. They're going to take me to that temple tonight... to kill me.” – Isabel Colby (16:30)
• The Ritual Begins: The Prophet announces it is time to perform the ceremony in the “Temple of the Ancient World”—a cult-like reenactment of human sacrifice with Isabel as the victim.

5. The Shadow Strikes Back (17:23 – 21:48)

• Lamont Intervenes: The Shadow reveals himself, confronting the Prophet about his scheme to control Mrs. Ackley, inherit her fortune, and eliminate all witnesses in a staged fire.
  • Quote: “Clever scheme. You've numbed the failing mind of Mrs. Ackley with drugs... your knowledge will not help you now, Shadow.” – The Prophet (18:30)
• Margot's Daring Disguise: With the Prophet unconscious, Lamont instructs Margot to masquerade as the Prophet, wearing his robe and leading the ceremony to delay the sacrifice.
  • Quote: “I want you to put on the Prophet's robe, cover your face with a hood, and walk in there as the Prophet.” – Lamont Cranston (21:06)

6. The Climactic Confrontation and Justice (21:48 – End)

• Ritual Disrupted: In the temple, Margot (disguised), Isabel, Mrs. Ackley, and the cultists assemble for the ritual. The Shadow’s disembodied voice exposes the Prophet as a fraud and breaks his hold over Mrs. Ackley.
  • Quote: "That is not the voice of the Prophet... it is the voice of the Shadow." – Cultist (23:23)
• Mrs. Ackley Freed: The Shadow compels Mrs. Ackley to drop the sacrificial sword, freeing Isabel and herself from the Prophet’s spell.
• The Prophet’s Downfall: Chaos erupts, the villagers storm the house, and the Prophet is killed by his own followers, finally exposed as mortal rather than the “immortal” he had claimed to be.
  • Quote: "See, the blood runs in his veins. He tells us he cannot die. Now we shall see..." – Cultist, on the Prophet’s death (25:22)
• Closure: Isabel is saved, Mrs. Ackley is freed from mental bondage, and the cult is broken. The Shadow remains mysterious, his work done.
  • Quote: “I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I must remain anonymous… I will have to continue being known only as the Shadow.” – Lamont Cranston (26:27)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Evil's Power: "So in the midst of those who perished with him and whom he loves so well, we return the body of our beloved minister... ashes unto ashes, dust unto dust." – Funeral narrative (06:10)
• On Human Sacrifice: "He calls her a high priestess. And she let him lock me up in here... I am to be what he calls the Bride of Death." – Isabel Colby (16:10–16:30)
• The Shadow's Warning: “Don't. Drop that sword. Mrs. Ackley. Drop it, I say.” – The Shadow halts the murder ritual (24:47)
• Villagers' Justice: "He tells us he cannot die. Now we shall see…" – Cultist, just before Prophet’s death (25:41)
• The Shadow’s Enigma: “I must remain anonymous… I will have to continue being known only as the Shadow.” (26:31)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:00 – 03:52: Reverend Colby's confrontation, the Prophet's threat
• 07:12 – 08:52: Lamont and Margot investigate the church tragedy
• 10:21 – 10:54: The Prophet seeks the “stranger” in the fog
• 15:37 – 16:30: Margot and Isabel imprisoned & Isabel's revelation
• 18:11 – 18:52: The Prophet plans to kill Isabel and destroy evidence
• 21:04 – 21:48: Margot prepares to impersonate Prophet
• 23:23 – 24:47: Shadow exposes Prophet before cultists, disrupts ritual
• 25:22 – 26:30: The Prophet’s demise and the cult's dissolution
• 26:27 – End: The Shadow departs, remaining a mysterious force for justice

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Tone and Style

The episode delivers suspenseful, dramatic storytelling steeped in 1930s radio atmosphere: ominous music, theatrical voices, and tight, dialogue-driven action. The Shadow’s moral worldview and air of mystery are present throughout, balancing supernatural horror with detective story logic. The tone is tense, unnerving, and resolutely serious, but ultimately affirming justice and the defeat of evil.

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Perfect for fans of classic radio, detective thrillers, and pulpy supernatural crime tales—a vintage gem of atmospheric radio drama!

Transcript

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

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]. Shadow knows. Again. Blue coal dealers present radio's strangest adventurer, the Shadow mystery man who strikes terror into the very hearts of shopsters, lawbreakers and criminals. Today, Blue Coal brings you the Shadow's latest adventure, the Bride of Death. The Shadow begins his exciting adventure in just a moment. Meanwhile, I'd like to make a suggestion to all you homeowners. To protect your family's health and save real money in the bargain, burn Blue coal for Blue Coal gives you uniform, healthful, economical heat all winter long. Its harmless blue coloring is your guarantee of better heat at less cost. So when you are buying fuel, insist on Blue coal. It's Pennsylvania's finest hard coal. Order a trial ton from your nearest Blue Coal dealer tomorrow. Who are you? What do you want at Casamani at this hour of the night? May I come in? Oh, all right. I. I'm the Reverend Colby from the fishing village below. I want to see Mrs. Ackley. She has retired. Come tomorrow. I must see her tonight. Why? My daughter Isabel is here. She's Mrs. Ackley's companion. But I've come to take her home. Ah, the girl, Isabel. She does not wish to leave. I've come to fetch her. I'm a man of the cloth, a man of peace. I will not leave without her. Let me by. Arthur Matthor, visitor. Stop him. Yes, master. Ask you command. Let go of me. Take your hands off me, you heathen devils. Put him out. Keep him out. Wait, Mr. Duckly.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

I will see him. How dare you break into my house this way, Reverend Colby?

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Because I will not have my daughter stay in a house that harbors evil doers. Mrs. Ackley. There's talk in the village of heathen rites performed by this man who calls himself Prophet of the Ancient One. This man you brought to a Christian place from some Asiatic sinkhole of the godless.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Be careful how you speak in the presence of the prophet.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

You mean that man there? Yes, Minister. I am the Prophet. Prophet. Where is my daughter Isabel? She is leaving this house on the cliff tonight. Tell Reverend Colby she does not wish to go. Tell him, Mrs. Ackley, your daughter Isabel.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Does not wish to go. Good night, Reverend Colby.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

I. I do not believe you. Let me see her. Let her tell me herself. She does not wish to see you yet. Beyond the iron gates. Quickly. For in five minutes my servants will release my trained guardians. I'M not afraid of that unholy packum Black Panthers of yours. They are dangerous, Minister. Trained in my native land. Trained to hunt and kill animals or men. Go now. Very well. I'm going. But I'll be back. I'll be back.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Pit. Why? Why do the panthers scream?

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

It is an omen of death.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Whose death? Tell me. The future is so plain to you. Tell me, who is going to die.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

I see the minister, Reverend Colby, standing in the pulpit of his church, turning the simple fishing folks against you.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Mrs. Ackley, Reverend Colby is going to die. But how?

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

The wrath of the Ancient One will strike him down with a voice of thunder and the tongue of fire. Three days ago this night, I went to Mrs. Ackley's house on the cliff to bring my own daughter, Isabel Colby, home. I could not see her, could not speak to her. She is lost to me. And therefore, let my own fellow be a warning to those of you in this village whose sons and daughters may go to that house of the devil. To this man who dares desecrate the name of prophet. Now let us offer a prayer for the mistress of Casamani. Though rich in worldly goods and worldly knowledge, and so long one of us, kindly and generous until of late, and now ailing in mind and spirit, who hath turned from God to follow the pathway of a disciple of Satan. Let us pray. We beseech Thee, have mercy on this poor lost one who hath strayed from the fort. And so, in the midst of those who perished with him and whom he loves so well, we return the body of our beloved minister, Reverend Colby. Return him to the earth. Ashes unto ashes, dust unto dust. Well, here we are, Margot.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Yes, but where? Lamont. The fog so thick I can't see us change.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

This is the little village where the Reverend Colby and 10 of his parishioners were killed by a mysterious explosion in his church.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Oh, that was horrible. But Lamont, it happened days ago. What can we do?

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Murder has been committed, Margot. Wholesale murder. And the killer, or killers, are still at large.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

But according to the newspaper report.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Yes, I know. The paper said the authorities have been unable to uncover a possible motive. Investigation is hampered by the refusal of the fisher folk of this quaint little village to cooperate.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Perhaps they're afraid to talk, Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

It's surprising what superstition can do.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

What about this rich Mrs. Acne you were talking about, Lamont? Where does she fit into the picture?

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

I don't know, Margot. All I know is that about three months ago she returned from the Far East. With a man who calls himself the Prophet. This man claims to be the leader of a cult worshipping a deity known as the Ancient One.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Is there such a cult?

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

There was, but it was stamped out nearly five centuries because its ceremonies and rituals included human sacrifice.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Human sacrifice?

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Yes.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Oh, how horrible. Then you think there is a connection between the so called prophet, the destruction of this Christian church and the murder of Reverend Colby?

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Margot? I don't know. I'm going into that cottage down the road. There are some questions.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

I'll wait in the car. That awful foghorn, it gives me the creep.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

You'll be safe here, Margot. But don't get out of the car.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

All right.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Now Lamont Cranston and the shadow are going to find out something more about this mystery of the house on the cliff.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Steph.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Yes?

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Someone's at the door. Don't answer then.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Why not, Marthy? I think it's a ghost from the marshes. Or that devil from the cliff house. Who's there?

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Don't open the door, sir.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Stranger. I've lost my way in the farm.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Tell him there's but one road back to the mainland.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Leave this to me, Marthy. Where? Where are you heading for, stranger? Will you tell me how to get to Mrs. Ackley's place? Cosamane? Yes, I could, but I won't wait. Don't close the door. I'd like to ask a few questions. Questions, eh? Well, ask them. But I'll not warrant an answer to anybody going to that house. You needn't be afraid of me. I am Captain Seth. 50 years I have sailed before the mast and I'm not a fear of man, Devil of the sea. Who be it? I'll tell you this much, Captain Seth. I'm here to put an end to the thing that made your wife afraid to let you open this door. I can't see you out there in the dark. But Seth, those panthers.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

They've come down to village again.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

What panthers? Well, the prophets. Step into the house, stranger. They'll tear a man to pieces. What ails your mercy?

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

The blue light. It's him coming in the gate. He always carries it. It's him. The one that calls himself the prophet.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Let him come. Get in the house, stranger. Marty, there's nobody here. Where is that fellow? Gone. He was here a second ago.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Oh, I don't know. Maybe he'll run for it. Yes. What do you suppose that prophet fellow wants of us?

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Get away from the door, Martin. I'll deal with him. Good evening, my good captain. Stop. Where you be? I'll not have the likes of you in my house. A stranger came here. His car is down the road. The spirit of the Ancient One told me of his coming. Who was this stranger? Where has he gone to all your questions, I'll give you one answer. Get your howling beasts and your heathen godless self back to the House of the Cliffs or I'll blow you to the very door of Hades. No man setting for profit. Get out. Very well, Captain. Since you will not tell me, I will find him. My servants are watching his car. We will find him. He'll need all the unearthly powers you claim to find a man in this fog. Good night. I'll find him. He can't be far away. No, not far away, but close to you in the dark shadows and the swirling mist. Who speaks? I am looking for a man with blood on his ends. The blood of a minister and 10 innocent people he murdered. Are you a man hiding in the fog? Do not try so hard to pierce the fog. You cannot see me, for I am the Shadow. The Shadow? A voice without physical presence. Only a voice. No, my friend. In my native India, such things are known. But, Matias, the powers of mesmerism have spread beyond the gray monastic walls of the yogi priests. Modern science has advanced their ancient art. Perhaps. But I am still stronger than you. Strong enough to do what I have set out to do. What is that? I will not tell you, Shadow. And no one, not even you, with your borrowed powers, shall stand in my way. For I. I am the prophet. Prophet. Prophet of the Ancient One. Master. Master. The stranger, he does not return to the automobile. But a young woman is there waiting for him. Sir, could it be, Shadow, that you are the stranger we seek? That your companion waits for you? AKA yes, aka. Go quickly. I will follow. See the girl. She will be useful to us. Very useful. If I cannot reach the shadow, I can reach his companion. Yes. Maka Matau. And the panthers. Watch her. She will not escape. Do you hear, Shadow? Yes, I hear. Save her if you can. You say you are a man? If that is true, then my panthers will smell you out, whether they can see you or not. There's the car. Akka sees the girl. Cover her. Not you fools. Take her to the house on the cliff. We will keep her with Isabel Colby. She shall be tortured until she tells us what she knows. At the beginning of this program, I made you a suggestion to protect your family's health and save real money in the bargain. Burn blue coal. Now, here's the reason for Blue coal superiority. This fine home fuel is selected Pennsylvania anthracite, an American product mined by the Glen Alden Coal Company. Anthracite supplies clean, uniform, healthful heat from cellar to attic. Burns steadily, completely down to a fine powdery ash. So you see, anthracite combines all of the essentials necessary to for perfect heating results. What's more, anthracite is the fuel that furnaces, power stoves and cooking ranges in this part of the country were especially designed to burn. And the cream of all anthracite is blue coal. No wonder it is the largest selling brand of solid fuel in America. No wonder Blue coal sales in Auburn, New York this winter show a 15% increase over sales for the same period a year ago. Blue coal is especially prepared for home use. Every carload is laboratory tested for purity and uniform size before shipment from the mine. Every piece of blue coal is trademarked with an unmistakable blue tint so that you can identify it at a glance. So when you're buying fuel, take a tip from Auburn, New York homeowner. Ask for blue Coal by name. You can get it in four popular home sizes. Eggs, stove, chestnut and pea. Order a trial turn from your nearest blue coal dealer tomorrow. You'll find him listed in the where to buy it section of your classified telephone directory under the name Blue co.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Why did the Prophet's servants bring you here to Mrs. Astley's house? I don't know. But who are you and why are they keeping you locked up in this room? I'm Isabel Colby. My father was Reverend Colby, the minister of the little fishing village down the COVID He's dead. They've murdered him. Yes, I know. But you. Why are you here? I used to be Mrs. Ackley's companion and secretary before she brought this man, the Prophet, to the house. But now that Hindu has some sort of hold over her, over her mind. He calls her a high priestess. And she let him lock me up in here. Oh, how terrible. Ms. Colby, what is happening in this house to Mrs. Ackley? And do you know? I don't know. It has something to do with a. A ceremony that the Prophet says he and Mrs. Ackley must perform. The climax of some strange religious ritual they go through day after day in Mrs. Ackley's private chapel. These changes you look into a place he calls the Temple of the Ancient World. This morning he came here and said I am to be what he calls the Bride of Death. They're going to take me to that temple tonight. Do you know why? Yes. To kill me. Oh, no. This is Acne as the high priestess is going to sacrifice me to that horrible deity they worship. Don't give up hope, Isabella. There's still a chance we'll get out of this place. Both of us. Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Lamont.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Why don't you come before it's too late? Maybe this is. Unlock the door.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Isabel Colby. The time has come. The high priestess is waiting to perform her ceremony in the temple of the ancients. Yes, my father. Take the girl Isabel to the shrine. Tell the high priestess to prepare the girl and herself for the wedding of death. Come. My master commands.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

No. No.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

See the strange girl? Yes, master. I kill her now. Noah, take the girl Isabel to the shrine. Wait. Their army prepare the sacred fires. Purify the sword of the Ancient One. The sacrificial altar is ready. And Death? He's waiting for his bride. Yes, master. No. No.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

You're going to murder me like you murdered my father.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Now, strange girl, I will deal with you. No, Prophet. You will deal with me. The Shadow.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Thank heaven you've come.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

You, the Shadow. Here? How? There are panthers chained at every door. It was easy, Prophet.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Oh, I knew the shadow would come. I knew he couldn't be far away.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Oh, you do know this Shadow. His slinking coward who fears to show himself, who hides himself in the shadows. Shadow.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

The prophet is going to kill Reverend Colby's daughter. He's going to make Mrs. Ackely kill him. Some fantastic ceremony.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Yes. In a few minutes he will be dead and you cannot stop him. Clever scheme. You've numbed the failing mind of Mrs. Ackley with drugs. Made it do your will. Sign a fortune over to you. Your knowledge will not help you now, Shadow. You plan to have Mrs. Ackley commit murder, turn her over to the police, blame her for the death of Reverend Colby and with her fortune in your hands, discard your role of prophet and disappear. You are clever, Shadow. Yes, that is my plan. It is a pity such a mind as yours will soon be lost to the world. Within an hour, after Mrs. Ackley has obligingly murdered the girl Isabel, this house will burn. A tank of gasoline in the cellar will explode. And this will be the funeral fire of the Shadow and his beautiful young companion. But I must go now. They are waiting for me. You are not going through that door. It is locked. You lie. It is Akka. They cannot hear you. They're waiting for you in the temple. And I have the key to the door. You are not too clever, Shadow. Give me the key to the door and I shoot this girl. Take that gun away from her head. Roll the key upon that table. Quick.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Don't give him the key. I'm not afraid of him.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

I shall count to three shadows. If I don't get the key, it's a pity. But this beautiful girl shall die. One.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

You wouldn't.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Two. Three. Ah, you are wise, Shadow. You fiendish devil. I'll show you the shadow can do more than warn, threaten ignorant girl.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Olimod. Olimod. Are you all right?

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Yes, but I'm afraid I knocked the prophet out cold. Margot, take that key. Get out of here. Down the hall there's a door. Take a prophet's gun. Drive to that cottage I visited tonight. Get Captain Zest to call the villagers. Tell them they can help to avenge the murder of their friend.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

What are you going to do? They may kill Isabel before I can get help.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Never mind. You hurry and get help.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

All right. I'll go out. I'll get Captain Zest to round up the people of the village and then I'll come back.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Very well. Margot, I may need your help. Come back to this room.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

I'll be back in a few minutes. Lamont. Lamont.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Yes, Margot?

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

I saw Captain Death. The people of the village are coming. She's calling them together.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

You can't wait for him, Margot. Beyond that door at the head of the stairs, Death is waiting for Isabel Colby. The prophet's followers are there awaiting his appearance.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

But the prophet still lying here unconscious on the floor.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Nevertheless, he will not disappoint them.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Maman, I don't understand.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Margot, I'm going to ask you to do a very dangerous thing. I want you to put on the prophet's robe, cover your face with a hood and walk in there as the Prophet.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Very well. I'll do anything I can. You know that.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Do not show your face till you reach the altar. Don't speak. Keep close to Isabel Colby. Watch Mrs. Ackley and leave the rest to me.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Yes, the matter. I understand. I'm ready.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

O Ancient One, vision of eternal life. Before thy altar the youthful maiden waits. Thy ancient sword has spirit to release unto thine own. Her blood is pledged, her soul is thine. All is in readiness, Master Metawan. Looks covers the master's face. The hour has come for the ritual to begin. See, Master. The girl Isabelle is lashed to the altar of the Ancient One. The sacred fires burn in the jeweled torches. All is in readiness, master. All, as you have commanded. Matawa, bring Mrs. Ackley. Prepare her to make the sacrifice.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

I. I am ready. Ready to do the will of the prophet. To plunge this sword into the girl's heart. But I am afraid. Help me. Give me the sacred drug to give me strength, the will to do the things you have told me I must do if I am to be High Priestess to the Ancient One.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Look. The tower. It is strange. The Master does not speak, doth not answer us. He goes to the shrine alone. Wait. He turns. He is lifting the hood of his robes. AKA Look. It is not the prophet. It is a beautiful girl. It is the strange girl. The one the master stayed below to question about. The shadow. What has happened to our master? Why do you wear the robes of the Prophet? Raka Matauer. You have been tricked. The man you serve as a God is a rogue, a charlatan, a pagan. That voice, Medulla. That is not the voice of the prophet. It is not the strange girl speaking. See, her lips have not moved. No. It is the voice of the Shadow. The Shadow. The master warned us to beware of this shadow. Attack. MacDowell. The master must be dead. The Shadow has killed him.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Robert. The time has come. I must drive this sword into the heart of the Bride of Death. I will not fail.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Don't.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Don't do it. They're tricking you. Making you murder me. Then they'll kill you. They'll kill you.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

No.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

I shall be a High priestess. I shall live forever. Like the Prophet. Like the ancient one.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Mrs. Ackley. Mrs. Ackley. Drop that sword. Drop that sword. Mrs. Ackley. Drop it, I say.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Drop the sword. Yes, drop the sword.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Look. This shadow has broken the master's power over this woman.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

I am free now.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Free.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

The spell over my dust.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

He is stronger than the masters. We must escape. We must get away. You will never get away. Never leave this house. Akka Attire. The Prophet. That guy is waiting. My load. Throw your knife. Killer.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Killer.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

I command you. Now, now, Prophet. We obey you. No more. Obey me. You will take us, make us kill. Say you are the true prophet of the ancient ones. You defy me? Don't. Ah. Drop the tight. See, the blood runs in his veins.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

He tell us he cannot die. Now we shall see.

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

Fools. Now. Now the Shadow will destroy. He is dead. The Shadow spoke the truth, Matawa. He was not the true prophet. The true prophet of the Ancient One was blessed with life everlasting. You are right, Akka. Quick, we must get away. Away from this shadow. You cannot escape for long. Your sins will find you out. Isabelle. Isabelle.

[Margot / Isabel Colby]

Thank you. Why don't you tell me who you are?

[Lamont Cranston / The Shadow]

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I must remain anonymous until My work is finished. I will have to continue being known only as the Shadow. Now here is John Barclay, Blue Coal's heating expert, with a few words of heating advice for you. Thank you, Ken Roberts. Good evening, friends. During the month of March, when the weather is very changeable, a cold spell and a warm spell, some homeowners get the impression that they're economizing on fuel by putting only a little coal on the furnace fire during milder days. As a matter of fact, that is one of the surest ways to actually waste fuel. Shallow fires burn coal quickly, have a tendency to go out easily, can't deliver sufficient heat and make repeated refueling necessary. The truly economical way to fire a furnace is to keep a deep fire bed at all times. It should always be up to a level with the bottom of the fire door. In mild weather, if you like, you can leave a little heavier layer of ash on the grates. This will keep the fire burning very slowly, yet keep enough cold burning to provide sufficient heat should the outside temperature drop suddenly. Let me impress you with this important point. After putting fresh coal on the fire, be sure to leave an exposed spot of live coals directly in front of your fire door. The hot spot will act as a pilot light and ignite the gases that come up from fresh coal. Allow these gases to become ignited before checking the fire. If you follow this method of firing throughout the changeable March weather, you will get the utmost in efficiency and economy from your furnace. However, if you still have difficulty in properly heating your home, call your nearest Blue Coal dealer and ask him to send a John Barkley serviceman to inspect your furnace. This service is free to Blue Coal customers. I thank you. Thank you, Mr. Barclay and friends. Don't fail to take advantage of the free John Barclay server. Phone your nearest Blue Coal dealer tomorrow. You have just heard a dramatized version of one of the many copyrighted stories which appear in the Shadow magazine. All the characters and all the places named are fictitious, and their similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. As you so evil, so shall you reap evil. Crime does not pay, a Shadow knows. Next week, same time, same station, Blue Coal, America's finest anthracite, will again present another thrilling adventure of the Shadow. Be sure to listen and be sure to burn Blue Coal.