The Shadow: The Mine Hunters 08/07/1938

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Shadow: The Mine Hunters (Originally aired 08/07/1938)
Release Date: June 11, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives features "The Shadow: The Mine Hunters," a suspenseful espionage thriller set on the fog-shrouded Panama waterfront. The Shadow—Lamont Cranston—must uncover and thwart a foreign spy ring planning to lay mines and sabotage the defenses of the strategically critical Panama Canal. The story is thick with intrigue, espionage, and the distinctive menace of The Shadow’s invisible influence, blending patriotic urgency with classic old-time radio suspense.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introducing the Threat

• The episode opens with treacherous dealings among international spies on the Panama waterfront.
• Captain Bogart grows suspicious about the “fishing trawler’s” activities—it's really mapping out defenses and laying secret mines. ([03:04])
• Suspicion turns deadly: anyone getting too close to the spy ring’s secrets ends up killed and dumped for the sharks.

2. Espionage Escalates

• Lt. Cartwright from Naval Intelligence attempts infiltration but is discovered and killed. ([03:59])
• U.S. naval officers exclaim the urgency of rooting out the spy ring, lamenting lost agents and possible security failures.

  "What use are our elaborate defenses of the Panama Canal if every potential enemy knows as much about them as we do?"
  — Commander, [04:56]

3. The Shadow Arrives in Panama

• Lamont Cranston (The Shadow) and his confidante Margo Lane arrive under assumed names to investigate. ([05:41])
• They adopt a subtle approach—frequenting cafes, becoming “visible” to draw the enemy out.

  "If you’re after a killer...if you can’t find him, make it easy for him to find you."
  — The Shadow, [06:55]

4. The Café Conspiracy

• Verita, owner of the café and a feared local figure, suspects "John Hardy" (Lamont) and Margo are agents.
• Zito, her accomplice, reports Lamont’s mysterious disappearances—he seemingly vanishes into thin air, giving rise to tales of “the Shadow.” ([09:00])

  "This man can move into the shadows, become as a shadow itself, unseen. ... He is the terror of the criminal world in America. ... He is The Shadow."
  — Zito, [10:28]

5. A Trap is Set

• Verita and Zito decide to kidnap Margo and use her as bait for The Shadow, orchestrating an elaborate snatch at her hotel. ([11:37])
• Margo is drugged and abducted; Shadow is tipped off by an inside man pretending to warn him. ([12:37])

6. Peril at Sea

• The trawler "Vendetta" heads out to sea; Margo faces intimidation and torture as Zito tries to force information from her.
• Shadow intervenes just in time, overpowering Zito and rescuing Margo using his powers of hypnosis and invisibility. ([17:14])

  "Surely you’ve heard of the power of hypnosis, senorita. Look at him. He can’t move, can’t speak... Listen to me, Zito...Release her. Release her."
  — The Shadow, [17:55]

7. Revealing the Mastermind

• Verita escapes to a waiting tramp steamer. The Shadow gleans the rendezvous point from Zito.
• The Shadow and Margo give chase in a speedboat. The enemy ship is revealed to be a disguised tender, loaded with mines and used for converting trawlers into minelayers. ([19:32])

8. Showdown on the Steamer

• Verita pleads with Dr. Moloff, the real ringleader, to flee—she is terrified by her encounter with The Shadow. Moloff is dismissive. ([21:23])
• The Shadow infiltrates, confronting Moloff and delivering a choice: surrender and face justice, or perish when a “time bomb” blows up the ship’s volatile cargo. ([23:43])

  "The hull of the ship is filled with high explosive mines. Think what will happen when a time bomb goes off in that cargo of death."
  — The Shadow, [24:06]

9. Climax and Resolution

• Moloff and his men decide to abandon ship, terrified by the Shadow’s warning.
• The U.S. destroyer K17 picks up Moloff and Verita, foiling the sabotage plot. ([26:06])

  "Your spy ring is broken. Your mines have exploded harmlessly, like your theories."
  — The Shadow, [27:11]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Classic introduction:

  "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?"
  — Narrator, [00:23]
  "The Shadow knows."
  — (Eerie laughter), [00:33]

• On The Shadow’s legend:

  "He is a man all men fear, yet no one has ever seen. And his name? Varita. It is The Shadow."
  — Zito, [10:28]

• On hunting the hunter:

  "If you’re after a killer ... make it easy for him to find you."
  — Lamont Cranston, [06:55]

• The Shadow reveals his power:

  "Surely you’ve heard of the power of hypnosis, senorita. Look at him. He can’t move, can’t speak. Listen to me, Zito. Release her."
  — The Shadow, [17:55]

• The Shadow asserts justice:

  "Your spy ring is broken. Your mines have exploded harmlessly, like your theories. ... An example to all spies who seek to discover the secrets of our country’s defenses."
  — The Shadow, [27:11]

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Important Timestamps

• [02:53] – Panama waterfront conspiracy unfolds.
• [03:59] – Lt. Cartwright’s cover blown; fatal consequences.
• [05:41] – The Shadow and Margo arrive in Panama.
• [10:28] – Zito describes The Shadow’s legend.
• [12:37] – The trap for Margo is set.
• [17:14] – The Shadow intervenes on the trawler, saves Margo.
• [19:32] – Speedboat chase to intercept the ringleader.
• [21:23] – Dramatic confrontation on the steamer.
• [23:43] – Shadow confronts Dr. Moloff; the time-bomb ultimatum.
• [26:06] – Destroyer intercepts the trawler—spy ring captured.
• [27:11] – The Shadow delivers final justice and admonition.

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Summary and Tone

The episode is classic, suspenseful, and fast-paced, steeped in atmospheric tension and vintage radio patriotism. The legendary, unseen Shadow administers psychological terror, outsmarting a ruthless international spy ring. The tone is ominous, pulpy, and full of old-time radio bravado—with a clear message: "Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows."

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For listeners and newcomers alike, this episode is a showcase of vintage detective radio at its best—a taut battle of wits on the high seas, with The Shadow’s signature blend of intrigue, fear, and justice.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[B]

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?

[C]

A shadow knows,

[D]

Ladies and gentlemen. The Shadow can never be sure of what lies ahead of him. But there's one thing every motorist can be sure of, and that's meeting plenty of wet weather driving before the year's over. Well, you can give yourself greater skid protection if you make sure your car is equipped with those new Goodrich Silvertown tires. The tires with the sensational lifesaver tread. This amazing tread has never ending spiral bars that act like a battery of windshield wipers. They sweep the water from under the tire, force it out through the deep grooves, give you a drier, safer road surface for the rubber to grip. And when you are thus protected against the slippery hazard zone of motoring, you get the quickest non skid stops you've ever had. Furthermore, Silvertowns are the only tires in the world that give you the famous blowout protection of the Goodrich Golden Ply. So why take chances with either skids or blowouts when you can get protection against both of these driving hazards in Silvertown at no extra cost? 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. Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow. Never seen, only heard. His true identity is known only to his constant friend and aide, Margo Lane. Today's story. The mine hunters.

[E]

Dito. Let me in.

[B]

Come,

[E]

Dito. Why you make me come down here to the Panama waterfront in the middle of a foggy night like this? Why is Captain Bogart here?

[B]

Captain Bogart is no longer satisfied to take orders, Verita. He wants to know why my men spend so much time taking soundings off the entrance of the Panama Canal. Why, this fishing trawler he commands does not catch.

[F]

Aye.

[G]

And what's the idea of contacting the Trump steamer that's been standing offshore?

[E]

You are paid well to do as you are told and be silent, Captain Bogart.

[G]

Not enough for what I think you're mixed up in.

[B]

And what is that, Captain?

[G]

Spying, sounding out the defenses and laying secret mines off the Panama Canal.

[B]

That's what you know. Too much, Captain. Much too much. And the sharks that infest the waters of the shore of La Boca will welcome you. Who's there?

[D]

Riker.

[B]

Come in, Riker. We're glad to see you. Did you fix it up for me to get that deckhand job in the trawler? Yes, it is all arranged. Say, what's the idea? Why the gun? Just this. We know you are not a deckhand. You are Lieutenant Cartwright of the Naval Intelligence Division. So you found out about me before I could get the goods on you and your spy ring, eh? So sorry, Lieutenant. It is the fortunes of espionage.

[G]

Major Baker to see you, Commander.

[F]

Sure, I'm right in. Good morning, Major.

[B]

Morning, Commander. I just heard one of your cutters found the body of Lieutenant Cartwright washed up on the beach near La Boca.

[F]

Yes, one of our best men.

[G]

I beg pardon, Commander.

[D]

Another message from the Navy Department.

[C]

Mm.

[F]

It makes the third today. Good grief.

[B]

Now what?

[F]

This message. The Navy Department sent two men down here a month ago. They haven't reported in the last 10 days. What use are our elaborate defenses of the Panama Canal if every potential enemy knows as much about them as we do?

[B]

You're right. We've got to wipe out this spy ring.

[F]

But how?

[B]

Every intelligence officer we've put on the job has come back empty handed.

[F]

Yes, or dead.

[B]

There must be some way, some man smart enough and nervy enough to deal with these spies, these killers.

[E]

They are landing in Panama City in five minutes. Passengers for Lima and Valparaiso have one hour stopover.

[C]

Well, Margo, we're almost at our destination.

[E]

Yes, Zamat. Any ideas yet as to how you're going to try and locate the leaders of that spy ring operating in and around the Canal Zone?

[C]

Not so loud, Margot. No, I have no definite plan yet. I thought it was time the Shadow took a place in finding out who is at the head of this firing.

[E]

Hope I can be of some help to you.

[C]

You've always been a big help to Lamont Cranston, Margo. This time he may be helping our country as well. Wait, let me have a check.

[E]

Lamont. I love the way these Panama natives say quickly and then take all day.

[D]

Life.

[C]

Life moves very slowly in the tropics, Margot.

[E]

So does criminal investigation, it would seem. We've been here a week.

[C]

Yes, and we've haunted every cafe in Panama. The best of the lowest dives along the waterfront.

[E]

You know, Lamont, if these international spies are half as clever as you seem to think they are, they may be suspicious of us.

[C]

It's a very old axiom among hunters. If you're after a killer, whether he be a wolf, a tiger or a man if you can't find him, make it easy for him to find you.

[E]

In other words, Lamont, we're just a couple of walking invitations for a shot in the dark. Or a knife in the back. Is that it?

[C]

Not quite. I do want people around here to get a bit curious about us. Why? Are you scared?

[E]

Bit this waterfront sector gives me the creeps. Especially the people in this cafe. They look like they'd slit your throat for the fun of it.

[C]

Oh, yes, of course.

[E]

Amand. Who is she?

[C]

Who?

[F]

Who is who?

[E]

That Spanish Dante you've been watching for the last 10 minutes.

[D]

That's.

[C]

That's Verita. She owns this cafe. And according to rumors, she's one of the most notorious characters in Panama.

[E]

How did you find that out, Lamont?

[C]

After Lamont Cranston, the amateur criminologist, has seen his assistant safely to a room in the hotel. The shadow has been prowling the back streets of Panama.

[E]

Careful, Lamont. The waiter's coming back.

[C]

It's about time.

[F]

Your bill is $2.50American, senor.

[C]

Here you are. Keep the change.

[F]

Gracias, senor. Gracias. You will be back again, senor?

[C]

Maybe. Why makes you ask only that?

[F]

For three nights now you have come, senor. You like the cafe of Senorita Varita?

[C]

See you have a very interesting place. Yes, I think we will be back. Come along, Margo. Get out of here.

[F]

Buenos noches, senor. Senorita. Buenos noches,

[E]

Manuel.

[F]

Senorito Bariti.

[E]

Tell Senor Zito. Hear what the Americans say.

[F]

He say you have a most interesting place. He come back again, senorito.

[E]

You hear, Zito?

[B]

Yes. That will be all, Manuel. Go back to your table.

[F]

Si, si, senor Zito.

[E]

Zito, what have you learned of this man and his pretty companion?

[B]

Very little, Varita. At the hotel they are registered as John Hardy of New York and Ms. Martha Adams of Boston.

[E]

The rooms, you have had them searched?

[B]

Yes. The head porter, he's one of our men. He found nothing. No suspicious papers.

[E]

Then what makes you think they're government agents?

[B]

I have good reason to suspect this man if not the young woman, Varita.

[E]

So why is it, though, each night

[B]

he has seen the young lady to her room and then he has left the hotel again.

[E]

Where does he go?

[B]

Three nights now my men have followed him. But each night he has walked into the shadows and vanished.

[E]

You talk like a fool. Men do not vanish in Panama unless we see to it.

[B]

But this man does. Last night he came to the waterfront. Walked out on the Fisherman's Wharf. Three of my men thought I had him cornered. But when they searched the wharf, he was my bear.

[E]

Perhaps he had wings and flew away. Or jumped into the water and drowned himself. And it is ghost we saw here tonight?

[B]

No, he was there. He spoke to my men, but they could not see him. Could only hear his voice and his laughter. Laughter such as you might hear from the devil himself.

[E]

Do not invent lies to cover your stupidity.

[B]

It is not a lie. This man can move into the shadows, become as a shadow itself, unseen. Do not laugh, Marita.

[G]

It is the truth.

[B]

There is such a man. I have heard of him and of his powers. To those in our profession, he is the most dangerous man alive. And he is here. Here in Panama, I tell you.

[E]

Who are you talking about?

[B]

Perhaps you too have heard of him. Verita. He is the terror of the criminal world of America. He succeeds where police and secret service and agents of countere espionage have failed. He is a man all men fear, yet no one has ever seen. And his name? Varita. It is the Shadow.

[E]

The Shadow?

[B]

Yes, the Shadow. And he is here in Panama, after us. And unless we find a way of trapping him, he will trap us.

[E]

And you think this John Hardy of New York is the Shadow?

[B]

Or an accomplice.

[E]

Zito. The trawler Vendetta puts to sea tonight.

[B]

Yes, in one hour.

[E]

This girl, it might be well if she went along.

[B]

I see. You think she will make fine bait for a trap to catch the Shadow. It can be arranged. It will not be difficult to get her out of the hotel. Good.

[E]

And on board the trawler. In the open sea after dawn, there will be no shadows. Get her. Bring her to the trawler. I will meet you there.

[B]

You go to see with us.

[E]

See if the Shadow appears. It will be interesting to see if his powers are strong enough to save him from the tiger sharks that swarm the waters of Panama.

[D]

Portal.

[B]

You know what you have to do?

[D]

Si, Senor Zito. When you have take the girl away, I am to run quick to the room of Senor Hardy, her friend, and tell him some men take her to the Steamrolla Vendetta.

[B]

Yes. Wait five. Now ten minutes. Then warn him.

[D]

I understand.

[B]

Good. Now, which is the senorita's room?

[C]

There.

[D]

I have a key to that open door there. To the patio.

[B]

Unlucky. My men will do the rest.

[D]

Si, senor.

[B]

Pedro. Manuel, quick. Bring the girl. Do not let her cry out.

[F]

Si, senor. She will not cry out.

[D]

Ladies and gentlemen, many perilous things may happen to the Shadow. But do you realize that just two dangerous things can happen to a tire, a blowout or a skid. Unless the tires you ride on give you protection against both of these dangers, you may be heading for trouble.

[C]

The Shadow knows. Beware, literally. Millions of American motorists right now are gambling on their tires, taking chances on a dangerous blowout or a car wrecking skid. Make sure your tires are safe.

[D]

And the best way I know of to do that, motorists, is. Is to replace smooth worn tires with the new Goodrich Safety Silvertowns. The only tires that give you the skid protection of the lifesaver tread. Remember, this tire won hands down in road tests conducted by Pittsburgh Testing Laboratory, the nation's largest independent testing laboratory. The engineers of this famous laboratory found that no tire tested came up to the Silvertown in resistance to skid. And the tires tested against this Silvertown were regular and premium priced tires of America's five other leading tire manufacturers. Some of them priced as much as 40 to 70% more. When you can get silver towns at no extra cost, you really get the skid protection of the lifesaver tread and golden ply blowout protection free. Put these life saving Goodrich Silvertowns on your car now. The sooner the safer.

[E]

Vito, what have you learned?

[B]

Nothing. Verita. It is strange he does not come, this shadow.

[E]

We cannot wait much longer. The trawler must put to sea. What are you going to do with the girl if he does not come?

[B]

What we did with Captain Bogart, with the lieutenant from the Navy Department and the others. Where is the girl?

[E]

In the next cabin. Perhaps you can make her talk. You know so many ways, Dito.

[B]

I will try. But women are difficult. They can stand much more torture, more pain than a man. Come, senorita, we talk to you. Now maybe you will talk to us.

[E]

You can talk all you like. I have nothing to say. Do not be too sure, senorita. This is Mr. Zito. He has had experience in loosening the tongue of those who will not speak freely.

[B]

I can imagine, Senorita, among my people there is a saying that the tongue is for speech. And those who will not use their tongue for speaking have no need of it. And they will not feel its loss if the tongue is taken away.

[E]

I really Believe you would, Mr. Zito.

[B]

It has been necessary on occasions.

[E]

But what good would it do you to have my tongue cut out?

[B]

None. Therefore we would both lose if your stubborn courage should forced me to go so far.

[E]

Senorita, what do you want to know?

[B]

This friend of yours, this man, John Hardy of New York. What is he doing in Panama?

[E]

I don't know.

[B]

Where is he now?

[E]

I don't know.

[B]

You lie. You know who he is, what he is, why he's here.

[E]

I tell you, I don't.

[B]

Quick, Tell me. This one thing joking me, Is it not true this friend of yours is the man the whole world knows as the Shadow?

[E]

I tell you, I don't.

[C]

I will answer that question for you, Mr. Zito.

[E]

The shadow, he's here. He has walked into our trap.

[C]

No, Zito. It is I who have set a trap for you.

[B]

Pedro Manuel. Quick, watch the door. Let no one out of this cabin.

[C]

It will do no good to ring for your cutthroat, Zito. I have disposed of them one by one.

[E]

Zito. It is true. They do not answer.

[C]

You are cornered. Trapped, Zito.

[E]

Trapped, Zito. Do not stand there staring. He's here. Somewhere in this cabin. We have got the girl. Don't let go of her. What is the matter with you?

[C]

Surely you've heard of the power of hypnosis, senorita. Look at him. He can't move, can't speak. Listen to me, Zito. Listen to me. Take your fingers from that girl's throat. Release her. Release her. Release her.

[H]

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[E]

You have caught him, Shadow. But you will never get me.

[B]

Never. Never.

[E]

Lamont. Thank heavens you got here in time. I'm sure you meant to kill me.

[C]

I know. Quick, get off this trawler. Right in the wharf.

[E]

Why did you let Verita get away?

[C]

Because she will show me the way to the real leader of this spiring bent on destroying the defenses of the canal.

[E]

What about Zito?

[C]

Go on, hurry. I'll join you in the wharf after I make Mr. Zito tell all he knows to the Shadow.

[E]

Lamont, where are we going in the speedboat?

[C]

Straight out to sea. Eight miles south, southwest. You better hope I haven't forgotten how to read a compass.

[E]

I thought you were going to trail Varita.

[C]

It Won't be necessary. She'll be where we're going.

[E]

Did you get that from Zito?

[C]

Yes. Many other things. Margot, there's a ship out there.

[E]

And that's where the trawler was going.

[C]

Yes.

[E]

Lamont, you're not going to board that ship alone.

[C]

I must, Margot. It's the only chance of getting the real leader of this spirit.

[E]

What can you do against the whole crew of a ship? Why don't you turn your information over to the Navy patrol? Let them deal with it.

[C]

They can't without creating an international incident. The ship is beyond the 12 mile limit. Carrying the flag of a supposedly friendly country.

[E]

What kind of ship is it?

[C]

A tramp steamer. But actually it's a disguise tender loaded with mines and capable of converting fishing trawlers like the Vendetta into mine layers in a few hours.

[E]

Good heavens. Just what are you going to do, Lamont? What can I do to help, Margot?

[C]

All I want you to do is take the wheel of this speedboat. I'm gonna jump overboard and swim to that ship. And get near enough, you'll turn back toward the coast. Couple of miles, cut the motor. Wait. You hear from me over the short wave band the Shadows uses.

[E]

But suppose they hear us and send a boat off?

[C]

We're running without lights. You stop the motor. They never find you in the dark.

[E]

All right, Lamont. Only I hope you know what you're doing. You're taking a terrible risk, even for the Shadow.

[C]

Don't worry about me. One thing more. The wind springs up and the sea gets rough. Head back the coast. This boat won't ride a storm and

[E]

leave you on that ship. I will not.

[C]

You will. I want your promise. We turn back now.

[E]

All right, I promise. Lamont, look. There's a ship dead ahead without lights.

[C]

That's it. Margot, take the wheel, quick.

[E]

There's a smaller boat alongside.

[C]

I thought there'd be one. That means Verita's on board ship ahead of me.

[E]

Lamont, wait. Let me swing closer.

[C]

No, this is close enough. Now remember, Margot, stand off until you hear from me.

[G]

So Zeta is caught. And you, Senorita Verita, become so afraid of the chateau that you dare disobey my command that you shall never come aboard this ship.

[E]

But, Dr. Mollif, wait.

[G]

By coming aboard this ship, you have linked me with the activities of our spies in Panama. You are a fool and a coward, senrita. And I have no use for those who cannot obey my orders.

[E]

But you do not know this shadow. You have not seen as I have. What he can do.

[G]

I know all about this Shadow. It is my business to know everything about those who may sooner or later, stand in the way of my plans.

[E]

You are very clever, Dr. Moloch. But how do you know the Shadow is not on board this ship?

[G]

If he has followed you here, I shall deal with him.

[E]

That speedboat we heard half an hour ago was not cruising around for nothing. I tell you, it is dangerous to stay in these waters after what has happened.

[G]

We are beyond the 12 mile limit. We are safe here.

[E]

You are not safe from this Shadow. Not anywhere.

[G]

Yes, come in.

[F]

I had the ship searched from bar to stern as you ordered, Dr. Marloff. I don't believe anyone boarded us from that speedboat.

[G]

What about the speedboat?

[D]

I had the trawler cruise around. No trace of it, sir.

[F]

Must have returned a Panama.

[G]

Very well. Go to the bridge and wait orders from me. Yes, sir.

[B]

Now, Senorita, I shall consider your case.

[E]

I. I cannot go back to Panama.

[D]

It is too bad, for Panama is

[B]

the only place you are of any use to me.

[E]

But I have done nothing. I have not betrayed you. You could put me ashore down the coast until it is safe for me to go back.

[D]

I have a better plan.

[B]

With this gun it is easier, quicker.

[E]

No, no. You would not shoot me for one mistake. I have been valuable to you. I have found out many secrets for you.

[G]

But no more. Do not be afraid. Do not cower like an animal. I am not going to shoot you. I am merely going to give you

[B]

a chance to do it yourself.

[E]

No, no, no. I won't do it. I will do anything but that.

[G]

And why not, senorita? You and Mr. Zito have killed many men.

[E]

No, I won't.

[G]

Very well. Then you give me no choice.

[C]

Wait, Dr. Moloff, before you shoot.

[E]

The Shadow is here.

[C]

Yes, I'm here.

[E]

I warned you, Dr. Moloff, but you would not listen.

[G]

So you dare to come even here, Shadow?

[C]

Yes, Doctor. I've come for you.

[G]

Then you are a fool. There is no one here you can call upon to help you. And this ship is beyond the 12 mile limit.

[C]

But you are going to leave this ship, Dr. Morloff. You are going to leave this ship before 10 minutes have passed or you will never leave alive.

[G]

Save your bluff for fools like my agent, Shadow.

[C]

This is not bluff, Doctor. I have not been idle in the half hour I've been aboard. I know. The hull of the ship is filled with high explosive mines. Think what will happen when a time bomb goes off in that cargo of death.

[B]

A time bomb?

[G]

10 minutes.

[C]

Less than 10, Dr. Moloff. Think fast. You still have time to get your crew aboard the trawler alongside.

[G]

I don't believe your Shadow. Why should you warn me if this is true?

[C]

Because the trawler flies our flag. And once aboard you are subject to the laws of our country. The naval patrol will pick you up after the explosion.

[G]

Oh, that's it.

[F]

Yes.

[C]

You have nine minutes left to decide. Prison for espionage or death.

[G]

I don't believe you, Shadow.

[E]

You are a fool if you stay here. Dr. Moloch. I believe him. I'm going to quick get your crew on the Troller.

[G]

I cannot take a chance that you have not planted a time bomb in the whole Shadow. What if you have? I am going to give you your choice. Try to come through this door before I lock it and I'll shoot you down. Even if I cancel you. Or stay in this cabin and be blown up with the ship.

[C]

I have another choice. Another choice, Dr. Molop. And it's this. Margo. Margo Lane. Margo Lane. I've left the ship from safe aboard trawler Black Girl. Return to Panama. Return to Panama.

[G]

The mystery ship will blow up any minute now. But disregard explosion. Disregard explosion. Return to Panama.

[B]

Mr. Radio message commander came through just now. I don't know what you make of it, sir. The sender wouldn't identify.

[F]

Let me see. Steam Trawler Black Girl, six miles south southwest. La Boca. Dr. Moloff and agents aspiring aboard. Intercept.

[B]

That trawler's been under suspicion for some time, sir.

[F]

Yes, and this may be the break we've been waiting for. The destroyer K17 is in that vicinity investigating a mysterious explosion. Notify our commanding officer to proceed to the position of the trawler Black Gull and searcher.

[E]

Captain Star, what has happened to Dr. Moloch? How did he get off the ship before he blew up?

[F]

I don't know, Verita. We found him on the deck of the Gull like this. Unconscious. Nah, he ain't dead. But he took an awful beating from somebody.

[E]

It's too bad the Shadow did not kill him.

[B]

Shadow?

[F]

What are you talking about?

[B]

What?

[G]

The destroyer.

[E]

Get ahead. The Shadow said we would be stopped. We have got to get away.

[G]

We can't.

[D]

They blow us out of the water.

[G]

Stop the engine. Yes, sir.

[E]

They're sending a boat to board us. Stand by, blackboat. We're coming aboard. They cannot stop us. We are beyond the 12 mile limit.

[C]

You're wrong, senorita. This trawler flies our flag.

[E]

Shadow. You. You saved Dr. Voloff. You warned the Navy patrol?

[C]

Yes, Morita. Your spy ring is broken. Your minds have exploded harmlessly, like your theories. You led me to Dr. Molluph, the Chief of the spy ring. You and he will suffer the extreme penalties. An example to all spies who seek to discover the secrets of our country's defenses and endanger the safety of our territorial waters.

[B]

You have been listening to a dramatized version of one of the many copyrighted stories which appear in the Shuttle magazine, now on sale at your local newsstand. The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows. All the characters and all the places named are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[A]

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