(04) Escape - Typhoon

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: (04) Escape – Typhoon
Aired: August 7, 2026
Adapted from: "Typhoon" by Joseph Conrad (original radio drama from 1947 "Escape" series)
Main Cast:

• Mr. Jukes (Chief Mate, narrator) – Frank Lovejoy
• Captain McWhirr – Raymond Lawrence
• Mr. Rout (Engineer) – Cy Kendall

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the perilous China Seas through a dramatic radio adaptation of Joseph Conrad's "Typhoon." The story unfolds aboard the steamship Nan Shan, captained by the infuriatingly literal and unimaginative Captain McWhirr, as the crew faces an escalating storm and mounting chaos among passengers—a group of 200 Chinese laborers desperate to return home. Told through the skeptical eyes of Chief Mate Jukes, the episode plumbs themes of duty, stoicism, cross-cultural friction, and what it truly means to command a ship—and oneself—when confronted by the perfect storm.

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Key Discussion Points & Narrative Breakdown

Setting the Stage: Introducing Captain McWhirr

• [01:00 – 04:00]
  • Mr. Jukes introduces listeners to the pragmatic, plodding Captain McWhirr. Rather than marveling at his first command of a brand-new ship, McWhirr fixates on a misaligned cabin door lock—revealing his meticulous, literal mindset.
  • Memorable Quote – Mr. Jukes:
    "When instead of pinching himself to see if he's awake, he complains about a lock on the cabin door. See what I mean, Captain McWhir?" [03:44]
• [05:00]
  • Forced to swap the Union Jack for the Siamese flag, Jukes feels uneasy. McWhirr insists, “There’s nothing wrong with this flag, Mr. Jukes… these people ought to know how to make their own flag. It stands to reason.” [05:43]

The Cargo: More Than Just Freight

• [07:28 – 09:04]
  • 200 Chinese laborers ("coolies") board, bound for return to Foochow after a plantation stint. Each brings a camphor wood trunk containing two years’ wages in silver.
  • Jukes’ suspicions and cultural condescension emerge, clashing with McWhirr’s matter-of-fact humanism.
  • The chapter closes with Jukes setting up bunks and McWhirr’s assurance: “Have to be honest workmen, to stick out a two-year contract.” [08:38]

Brewing Trouble: Weather & Omens

• [11:13 – 16:00]
  • The ship leaves Singapore. Rumors and nerves swirl with bad omens—unnaturally calm seas, oppressive heat, a rapidly dropping barometer.
  • Captain McWhirr refuses to alter course solely based on the warning signs (and “the book”), preferring to face the unknown directly:
    • Captain McWhirr: “If you dodge around a spot of dirty weather, how do you ever find out it was there in the first place? ...There are things that a man can’t get from books. We’ll hold her steady as she goes.” [15:33]

Into the Typhoon

• [16:09 – 20:53]
  • As the typhoon strikes, the ship is battered. Boats are swept away, and the laborers trapped below panic as their trunks bust open, scattering silver everywhere.
  • Jukes is sent to restore order among the “mob,” highlighting both the chaos and the powerlessness of authority amid crisis.
  • Captain McWhirr's philosophy:
    “Some things a man can’t find in books. Just keep her at it, that’s all.” [17:51]

Life Below Decks: The Engine Room Perseveres

• [20:53 – 22:08]
  • Vividly describing the terror and grinding labor of the engine crew:
    • Engineer Rout: “Can’t tell if they’re dead or alive up there… We’re holding a full head of steam.” [21:22]

Human Nature Under Pressure

• [22:08 – 24:43]
  • With the silver loose, bedlam erupts below deck; Jukes and the boatswain struggle to subdue the frightened, fighting laborers.
  • Captain’s orders: “Make it clear to them we simply can’t have fighting.” [22:27]

Eye of the Storm

• [25:07 – 26:38]
  • The wind abruptly dies—a deceptive calm. Captain McWhirr, undeterred by the battered vessel, worries only about the broken cabin-door lock.
  • Leadership philosophy from McWhirr:
    • “If anything happens to me, you’ll be in charge… Only advice: keep her facing it. Best way to get through—facing it… and keep a cool head.” [27:17, 27:31]

Aftermath: Calm, Division, and Unexpected Fairness

• [27:40 – 30:34]
  • Against all odds, the Nan Shan limps into Foochow. Rather than escalating tensions, McWhirr evenly divides the retrieved silver dollars—whether or not the total is right, believing it’s fair.
    • Jukes: “Now, that’s great. Only wait till those boys get ashore and file claims against us.”
    • Captain McWhirr: “They sent a spokesman to thank me.” [29:04, 29:15]
  • The pragmatic captain is moved at last:
    • “But I’m glad we brought her through, Mr. Jukes… I should have hated to lose her.” [30:34]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On rigid practicality:
  “Couldn’t get a thing through his head if you drew him a picture. And that’s the skipper we had to sail under on the maddest, wildest trip…” — Mr. Jukes [06:24]

• On duty and leadership in crisis:
  “We had a job to do, and we did it. That’s all, Mr. Jukes. That’s the important thing.” — Captain McWhirr [30:03]

• A rare glimpse of emotion:
  “But I’m glad we brought her through, Mr. Jukes. Truly I am… I should have hated to lose her.” — Captain McWhirr [30:34]

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Timestamps for Major Segments

| Time | Segment | |:----------:|:---------------------------------------------| | 01:00–04:00| Character of Capt. McWhirr, the new command | | 05:00–06:24| Switching flags & philosophy on authority | | 07:28–09:04| Embarkation of laborers, tension on board | | 11:13–16:00| Barometer drops, typhoon approaches | | 16:09–20:53| The storm hits, chaos & leadership tested | | 22:08–24:43| Coolies riot for silver, order restored | | 25:07–26:38| The eye of the storm, crisis philosophy | | 27:40–30:34| Arrival, aftermath, and fair division |

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Tone and Style

The episode is rich with gallows humor, suspense, and shipboard banter, with Jukes’ narration vacillating between cynicism and ultimately grudging respect for his captain. The language maintains a brisk, period-authentic tone—full of seafaring idioms and no-nonsense exchanges. Captain McWhirr is stoic, literal, and at times almost maddeningly calm, while Jukes’ sardonic voice provides much of the episode’s emotional color.

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Summary for New Listeners

For those unfamiliar with classic radio or Joseph Conrad, this episode is a masterclass in radio storytelling: a storm-tossed drama where command is tested, tempers fray, and character is revealed not through heroics but through the plodding, stubborn decency of an unglamorous captain. The action is relentless, but the soul of the story is in the steady endurance and mundane heroism of survival and duty at sea.

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End of Summary

Transcript

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[Captain McWhirr]

Escape

[Mr. Jukes]

escape tonight to the china seas in typhoon, The Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stations presents Escape, a new series of programs, of which this the fourth, is Typhoon by Joseph Conrad, produced and directed by William N. Robeson. Of all the great authors who wrote of the sea, none so captured the wonder and the horror of it, as did Joseph Conrad. Tonight we escape to the China Seas in his great story Typhoon, told in the words of a certain Mr. Jukes, Chief Mate of the China coast steamer Nan Shan, a young man of very remarkable perceptions. I've been sailing the China Sea long enough to see some strange and terrible things, but nothing as bad as that was why God himself forgot us and the whole blinking universe set out to do us in that night. It was the but that comes later. I guess you can't really understand what happened on board the Nan Shan without knowing something about our skipper, Captain McWhirr. Stupid McWhirr I called him, and after sailing with him for three years, I ought to know what I'm talking about. My eye tagged him right off. First day he came aboard to take command in Liverpool, it was, and Mr. Siggs, who was one of the owners, was showing him around the deck.

[Captain McWhirr]

No more modern ship afloat. I might say again that you've come to us very highly recommended, Captain McWhir. We've a great deal of confidence in you. Thank you, Mr. Siggs. She's a brand new ship and a good ship. There's no reason why you shouldn't continue in command of her as long as you like. Well, that's that's fine. She'll be the smartest thing afloat in the China trade. Why, she's put together like a Swiss watch. Precision built from stem to stern. Wait just a minute, Mr. Siggs. What is it? That lock. Lock? What lock? Here, on the cabin door. What about it? You'll notice how it's been set in the frame somewhat cocked at an angle. The ship starts rolling a bit, and the first thing you know, it snaps open and leaves the door a swinging. It really should be fixed, Mr. Siggs.

[Mr. Jukes]

That's Captain McWhirr. The best berth he'd ever had. New command, a brand new ship. When instead of pinching himself to see if he's awake, he complains about a lock on the cabin door. See what I mean, Captain McWhir?

[Captain McWhirr]

I. I see what you mean. I'll have it attended to right away. I. I think you'll do all right. Thank you, mister.

[Mr. Jukes]

Well, everybody knows what the China coast is. You haul out of Bangkok for a quick run up to Singapore and then shove off for Hong Kong. Two days ashore, you do it all over again. Three years of it. Three years of heat, smells, weather, copra, silk and tea alone in there somewhere. The owners decided to transfer the ship's registry to the Siamese flag. Don't ask me why that. They just did, that's all. Anyway, I can tell you I didn't like it. When you grow up under the Union Jack, you figure to go on sailing under it. Not that the skipper, of course, could understand that kind of a feeling. Oh, no, not old stupid McWhirt.

[Captain McWhirr]

Aye. What is that, Mr. Jukes?

[Mr. Jukes]

They just sent the new flag out from shore, sir. Here it is.

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, fine, fine. Unroll it. Let's have a look. Ah, yes.

[Mr. Jukes]

In my opinion, sir, it's a queer kind of flag for a man to sail under. Oh?

[Captain McWhirr]

And what's the matter with it?

[Mr. Jukes]

Well, it just looks queer to me, that's all.

[Captain McWhirr]

Well, now, let's see. A white elephant on a red field. Just a minute. I'll look it up in the book. Here we are. Siam white elephant on a field of bright red length, exactly twice the breadth. So there's nothing wrong with this flag, Mr. Jukes.

[Mr. Jukes]

Oh, isn't there?

[Captain McWhirr]

Not a thing. I hardly thought there could be. After all, these people ought to know how to make their own flag. It stands to reason.

[Mr. Jukes]

Does it, now?

[Captain McWhirr]

You must have it confused with some other flag, Mr. Jukes.

[Mr. Jukes]

Well, all I can say is, of

[Captain McWhirr]

course, you'll have to take care of the seamen, don't hoist the elephant upside down. I that is, before they're quite used to it. I, I I presume it might be taken for a signal of distress. And in that case, well, the way I see it, that elephant stands for something like the nature of a Union Jack in the British flag.

[Mr. Jukes]

Oh, you think so? Well, it's like a bloom of Noah's Ark, that's what it is, Mr. Jukes. I'm sorry, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

I can't see where the color of a flag could any wise affects the navigation of a ship.

[Mr. Jukes]

I. All right, sir. I'll instruct the hands. It'd certainly be a most distressful sight to see that elephant hoisted upside down. Well, that was Captain McWhir. Couldn't get a thing through his head if you drew him a picture. And that's the skipper we had to sail under on the maddest, wildest trip that any coaster ever took. We were loading out in Singapore. Half the cargo had already come aboard. The sun was blazing and the smoke from our stacks hung over the decks like a blanket. Dan Anshan's winches puffed away aft. The cargo chains creaked and clattered across the combings. I was in the way supervising The Loading When Mr. Rout, the chief engineer, came up. Hey there, Jokes. What's going on down there on the dock? Looks like a blooming army. I don't know, Mr. Ronald. Must be a mob of coolies on the move. Here comes the captain. Could be some of his daughter.

[Captain McWhirr]

Mr. Dukes.

[Mr. Jukes]

Aye, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Keep the forward queen deck clear of Cargo. There'll be 200 coolies coming aboard and we'll plan to bunk them down there.

[Mr. Jukes]

Good Lord. Where are they bound?

[Captain McWhirr]

Fu Chow. We'll have to put in there this trip.

[Mr. Jukes]

Yeah, but we're not fixed to handle passengers, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, they'll bring supplies aboard with them. Every man's got a camphor wood chest, so you'll have to nail deck battens down there to keep them from sliding.

[Mr. Jukes]

Yes, sir. I'll see to it.

[Captain McWhirr]

They've all been working on a plantation north somewhere. Two year contract. They're dying to get home. It wouldn't have been quite right to turn them down. You may as well start them coming aboard, Mr. Jokes.

[Mr. Jukes]

All right, sir. Ollie. Number one boy, all is same. Listen, you savvy? Huh? Ollie, fellow, catch him here. Top side. Catch him. Step, step, bottom side. Olly time. Chop, chop. Single file now. One fellow, one time, all the time. What do you suppose they carry in those boxes?

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, I suppose their personal belongings, Mr. Jukes and of course, their two years pay in silver dollars.

[Mr. Jukes]

Well, they're as vicious a looking a bunch of murderers as I've ever seen.

[Captain McWhirr]

Murderers? Oh, plum. Now, Mr. Jukes. One or two of them maybe, but in the main, I'd say they're honest workmen. Have to be to stick out a two year contract on one of these plantations.

[Mr. Jukes]

Just the same, sir, we'd better not take any chances.

[Captain McWhirr]

No, I checked the lading weights carefully, Mr. Jukes. We can carry them without any overloading at all.

[Mr. Jukes]

I mean that. All right, sir. I'd better go hide the silverware in the officer's mess.

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Hmm.

[Captain McWhirr]

He's a hard lad to understand sometimes.

[Mr. Jukes]

I could say I had a premonition right then and I wouldn't be lying. Anyway, that's how it started.

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[Mr. Jukes]

Two hundred half civilized coolies aboard. A captain with no more imagination than you could stick in your ear. We steamed out from Singapore and laid a course for the port of Foochow. I tell you, Jukes, I don't like it. I don't like it a bit. What don't you like about it, Mr. Rum, by the looks of things. Something ominous about it. Oh, there's a bit of a swell running, all right. There's not a breath of wind. It's uncommonly hot, that's all. Gives a man the jumps. You're as bad as the second mate. He's been groaning around like the voice of doom all day. Mr. Jukes.

[Captain McWhirr]

Mr. Jukes.

[Mr. Jukes]

Ah, that's the old man. I'll see you later. Keep your esteem up, Mr. Rout. Were you calling me Captain?

[Captain McWhirr]

I was, Mr. Jukes. What was all the long conversation with Mr. Rout?

[Mr. Jukes]

Oh, why, nothing much, sir. I didn't see any harm in talking a bit. I'm not on watch, you know.

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, no, no. Nothing wrong with it. Nothing at all. I just wondered what you could find to talk about.

[Mr. Jukes]

Well, different things. I don't know.

[Captain McWhirr]

I've seen people on shore sit around the table and talk for two or three hours. I never could understand it.

[Mr. Jukes]

It's just conversation, that's all. About nothing in particular.

[Captain McWhirr]

Seems pretty silly. Well, you've noticed the barometer, no doubt.

[Mr. Jukes]

Yes, sir. It's traveling.

[Captain McWhirr]

Falling fast. Quite low now. Take a look.

[Mr. Jukes]

I'll say it's drumming.

[Captain McWhirr]

Bad time of the year for that sort of thing. Very bad.

[Mr. Jukes]

Anything you want me to do, sir?

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, no, no. Must be some uncommonly dirty weather knocking about somewhere, eh, Mr. Jukes?

[Mr. Jukes]

Yes, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Well, that's all. Just thought you ought to know about it, that's all. Carry on, sir. Carry.

[Mr. Jukes]

Oh, there's a heavy one. All right, mate. Them coolies must be having a time of it down below. Lucky for them. The old girl rolls easier than any ship I've ever seen. Hey, you just wait. Oh, you think we may be in for it, huh? Oh, no, I don't think anything. You're not gonna make a fool out of me that way, Mr. Jukes.

[Captain McWhirr]

I didn't say a word.

[Mr. Jukes]

What's the matter with you? Second, why shouldn't you say what you think if you reminder. Oh, no, you don't Catch me. Whoa. There's another one that's pretty rough. Now, whatever is about, we're steaming right into it.

[Captain McWhirr]

Ha.

[Mr. Jukes]

You just try telling the old man that. And why shouldn't I? Matter of fact, I think I'll ask him about this cross swell. It's getting worse all the time. I've known skippers to break some right good men for saying a whole lot less. Uh, Captain McWhirter.

[Captain McWhirr]

Ah, yes, Mr. Jukes, what is it?

[Mr. Jukes]

The swell is getting a good deal worse, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Yes, I noticed that in here. Anything wrong?

[Mr. Jukes]

Well, I. I was thinking about the passengers.

[Captain McWhirr]

What passengers?

[Mr. Jukes]

Why, the coolies, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Then if you mean coolies, say coolies, Mr. Jukes. A man ought to say what he means. What about the coolies?

[Mr. Jukes]

She's rolling her decks full of water, sir. I thought you might want to put her head at the swell for a bit until this goes down. Of course.

[Captain McWhirr]

So that's it, eh? Put her head at the swell four points off the course.

[Mr. Jukes]

Well, it's just for a while, sir. A swell as high as this can't last long. That stands to reason, Mr. Joobs.

[Captain McWhirr]

Take a look at the barometer.

[Mr. Jukes]

Good Lord.

[Captain McWhirr]

Yes, exactly. It's a dead calm outside, isn't it?

[Mr. Jukes]

There's not a breath of air stirring, sir. Only that cross swell.

[Captain McWhirr]

I've been reading in the book here about storms. Funny thing. If a man believed everything written down here, he'd spend half his life running to get behind the weather. If I was to go by what this fellow says, I'd alter my course and come booming into Fu Chow from the north. Four days late, 300 extra miles in distance, and a pretty bill for coal on top of it. I tell you, Mr. Jukes, if I knew every word in here was gospel true, I couldn't bring myself to do that.

[Mr. Jukes]

No, sir, I guess not.

[Captain McWhirr]

And how's a man to know if the book is right? If you dodge around a spot of dirty weather? How do you ever find out it was there in the first place? Answer me that. No, Mr. Jukes. There's things that a man can't get from books. I've thought it all out this afternoon. We'll hold her steady as she goes.

[Mr. Jukes]

Whatever you say, sir. You're the captain. I guess I'd better write up the log. I'm going on watch. Good.

[Captain McWhirr]

I dare say we're heading into something a bit out of the ordinary. Call me at once if anything shows up in the night, Mr. Jukes.

[Mr. Jukes]

All right, sir. I'll see to it.

[Captain McWhirr]

And Mr. Jukes, yes, sir. If you're going into the chart room, please close that blinking door. I can't stand here a door banging.

[Mr. Jukes]

Yes, sir. 8pm Swell increasing. Ship laboring heavily and taking water on all decks. Still a dead calm and very hot. Batten down the coolies for the night. The barometer is still falling. All appearances indicate an approaching typhoon. All right, Hackett. Hold her steady as she goes. That's all we can do.

[Captain McWhirr]

Aye, sir. I'll sure try to.

[Mr. Jukes]

Well, do the best you can.

[Captain McWhirr]

Aye, aye, sir. Mr. Dukes. Mr. Dukes.

[Mr. Jukes]

Aye, Captain. I'm coming. Stand by.

[Captain McWhirr]

Over here, Mr. Dukes. Starboard bridge rail right, sir.

[Mr. Jukes]

Coming over.

[Captain McWhirr]

Mr. Dukes. Why didn't you call me?

[Mr. Jukes]

There was no warning, sir. It is all of a sudden. About five minutes ago. Blasted right out of a dead car.

[Captain McWhirr]

The book was right in some parts, anyhow. How's it going? The wheelhouse.

[Mr. Jukes]

Hackett is. Look out, sir. Hang on.

[Captain McWhirr]

What about Hackett?

[Mr. Jukes]

He's on the wheel. Second is putting up shutters. The window glass will go if she starts breaking any higher.

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, she'll break higher, Mr. Jukes, much higher.

[Mr. Jukes]

It's a happy thought.

[Captain McWhirr]

You haven't altered her course?

[Mr. Jukes]

No, sir. Heading straight at the wind.

[Captain McWhirr]

Good. Nothing else we can do, Mr. Jokes, understand?

[Mr. Jukes]

Yes, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Some things a man can't find in books. Just keep her at it, that's all.

[Mr. Jukes]

Captain, our boats are starting to break away. That's all right. But the boats, the two of them are gone now.

[Captain McWhirr]

It can't be helped, Mr. Jukes. Hammering through a mess like this. You're bound to leave something behind. Stands to reason, old heart. Ah, she's still rising, all right. That one broke over the wheelhouse.

[Mr. Jukes]

We're done for for sure.

[Captain McWhirr]

What's that, Mr. Jukes? You say something?

[Mr. Jukes]

I said, is there any chance at all, sir? Can she live through it? She may.

[Captain McWhirr]

We can hope. Sola, at least she's a good ship. That's all a man can ask. What's that somebody yelling?

[Mr. Jukes]

It's below us on the foredeck, sir. Up here. Starboard bridge.

[Captain McWhirr]

Man shouldn't be on that deck, lest he has to. It's a bit dangerous. Captain McClure, are you there, sir? Over here. What's the trouble, boatswain? In Chinese, sir.

[Mr. Jukes]

Wait, hang on.

[Captain McWhirr]

The Chinese. What about them? They've all fetched away, sir. One big lump. It's horrible. Yeah. Now, what do you mean, fetched away? Rolling around in the hold in one big lump, screaming like bloomin maniacs, sir. All adrift, Mr. Dukes?

[Mr. Jukes]

Yes, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

I can't make head nor tail of This. I guess you'd better go below and see to it. Put things in order.

[Mr. Jukes]

What shall I do, sir?

[Captain McWhirr]

I can't tell you up here. Find out what's wrong. Straighten it out, that's all.

[Mr. Jukes]

That's all.

[Captain McWhirr]

Take the boatswain with you. I'm going to try for the wheelhouse.

[Mr. Jukes]

All right, sir. Come on, boatswain. Just straighten it out. That's all.

[Captain McWhirr]

Well, how's the wheel stand? Haggard?

[Mr. Jukes]

Yes, steady as she goes, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

You realize, of course, we've hit a typhoon.

[Mr. Jukes]

Ay, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Sorry I can't give you relief. Can you manage a while longer?

[Mr. Jukes]

I'll hold her to the course, sir, as long as there's a ship beneath her care. That won't be long. Oh.

[Captain McWhirr]

Anything wrong? Second wrong.

[Mr. Jukes]

We're all as good as dead men, that's what's wrong.

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, now, I wouldn't say that. She's still afloat. And we've got it lucky here on deck. Plenty of chance to see what's coming before it hits us. A man always feels better when he can see what's coming. But it's a different story down below there. Not having knowledge of what's going on. Not knowing if we're afloat or sinking. Now, there's the lads that's got it tough. The ones down there in the engine room.

[Mr. Jukes]

Come on, now. Swing to it. Keep it moving. No time now for the steam to drop. Here, Ride that throttle, Bill. Can't let her rip her shaft out when she breaks clear of those wells. Hello, bridge. Hello, bridge. Count Fonald. Why don't they answer the speaking to them? Can't tell if they're dead or alive up there. Hello? Hello?

[Captain McWhirr]

Yes, Mr. Rout, Captain.

[Mr. Jukes]

How is it on deck?

[Captain McWhirr]

Bad enough. It depends mostly on you.

[Mr. Jukes]

Well, so far so good. We're holding a full head of steam.

[Captain McWhirr]

Good.

[Mr. Jukes]

We'll need it. Don't let me drive her under, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Have to take a chance. Can't see 20ft up here. Got to keep moving enough to steer.

[Mr. Jukes]

I understand, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Count on us getting smashed about a good deal, but doing fairly well as long as the wheelhouse stands. Wait. Wait. Hold on.

[Mr. Jukes]

Hello? Hello. Is that the captain, Mr. Ron? I've got to talk to him right away. Wait a minute, Jukes. Something's happened up there. Hello? Hello, Bridge?

[Captain McWhirr]

You still there, Mr. Rout?

[Mr. Jukes]

Right. Anything wrong, sir?

[Captain McWhirr]

No, not now. The second mate's lost, though.

[Mr. Jukes]

Overboard. Oh, no.

[Captain McWhirr]

Lost his nerve. Awkward circumstance. Had to knock him out, too. Too bad.

[Mr. Jukes]

You hear that, Jukes? Yes. Let me talk to him. Captain Jukes here. Caboson and I just took a look at the tween deck. It's them Blument boxes, sir. They've all broke loose and smashed to bits. And the coolies are fighting like crazy men for them silver dollars that's rolling around.

[Captain McWhirr]

Fighting? We can't have fighting on board, Mr. Dukes.

[Mr. Jukes]

There are 200 of them, sir. They're all trying to kill each other.

[Captain McWhirr]

I can't have it. Mr. Dukes, put a stop doing at once, do you hear?

[Mr. Jukes]

Put a stop to it? How? They're crazy mad. They'll kill anybody that came on that deck.

[Captain McWhirr]

You're second in command, Mr. Dukes. Use your authority. Make it clear to them we simply can't have fighting.

[Mr. Jukes]

Make it clear to them.

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, yes, sir. After that, you'd better gather up all the money. I can't have it lying about on the deck. Get the boson to help you.

[Mr. Jukes]

Wait.

[Captain McWhirr]

Here it comes.

[Mr. Jukes]

Gee hasat. There's the one that does it. That. That must have swept the deck from stem to stern. Hello, hello, Captain McGuire. You all right up there?

[Captain McWhirr]

Everything's all right, mister. Rout all the boats and half the starboard rail carried away. Nothing serious. There's nothing to worry about, Mr. Ralph. Carry on.

[Mr. Jukes]

Nothing to worry about. Carry on. You're all right, Captain. As you say, sir. Carry on. Carry on. Hey, now.

[Captain McWhirr]

Hey, now.

[Mr. Jukes]

Where you going? Where you going, eh? Where do you think I'm going, you loud mouse old windbag? Out on that deck to get myself murdered. Nothing serious, Jukes. Nothing to worry about. The whole blooming world's falling apart and I'm out picking up silver dollars. Captain's orders. Come on, Folsom. Don't whistle the old Jukes. Carry on, boy. Carry on.

[Captain McWhirr]

Whammies. Look at him.

[Mr. Jukes]

No help for it. Our gallant skipper says to stop the fighting. Use our authority. All right, then. Quiet down. Come on, Bo'. Sun. Aye, sir. Stow it there, you fools. Cut it out now. Do you hear me? Authority, huh? Get clean out of their heads. We gotta drive him with the bulkhead. Back up, though. Hey, none of that. Stay to it, Bo'.

[Captain McWhirr]

Sun.

[Mr. Jukes]

You gotta show him what for. Nothing else to do. Back up there. Captain's orders, you know. Follow me, Bosie.

[Captain McWhirr]

I do.

[Mr. Jukes]

You, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Don't. I was just thinking, sir.

[Mr. Jukes]

Yeah? What about back there? No fighting allowed. Skipper's orders.

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, yeah? Don't. What if me old lady could see me now?

[Mr. Jukes]

Ah, she'd say. Oh, you jolly sailor lad. Keep over there. Jam him up post and enter the bulkhead. Captain, where are you captain.

[Captain McWhirr]

Over here, Mr. Dupes. You got everything cleared up down below?

[Mr. Jukes]

Oh. Oh, yes, we. We took care of everything, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

I thought you would. The wind fell all at once. Stopped cold. It's been like this for 10 minutes now.

[Mr. Jukes]

If you think it was an easy job to bring that mob under control.

[Captain McWhirr]

The coolies? Oh, I dare say it wasn't. Had to do what's fair by them, though. Mr. Jukes, that barometer in there stands at the lowest point I've ever seen a glass in my life.

[Mr. Jukes]

You mean there'll be more of it?

[Captain McWhirr]

The worst yet, according to the book. It'll break sudden now, any minute, a puff or two of wind and then it hits.

[Mr. Jukes]

She's taken a horrible beating, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

She has indeed. And she's in for a worse one.

[Mr. Jukes]

We haven't much chance, have we, sir?

[Captain McWhirr]

She may come through it. She's a good ship.

[Mr. Jukes]

Here's the first puff.

[Captain McWhirr]

It'll hit us hard when it comes. You left them pretty safe, did you?

[Mr. Jukes]

The coolies? We strung lifelines. Gives them something to hold onto.

[Captain McWhirr]

Good. I'd like to give them all the chance we can, whatever happens.

[Mr. Jukes]

Oh, they'll be all right, sir. I broke out rifles for aid of the crew. Put them to guarding all the companionways leading off the chain deck.

[Captain McWhirr]

You armed the crew, Mr. Jukes?

[Mr. Jukes]

Oh, sure. We won't have any trouble with them now, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Mr. Jukes, please have those rifles returned to the magazines at once. What? There'll be work for every man aboard in a few minutes. I can't spare seamen to stand around and hold rifles when it isn't necessary.

[Mr. Jukes]

Is it necessary? Don't you realize those savages will think we stole our money, but they'll tear us to bits if they ever get out of that deck.

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, I think they'll understand we're dealing fair by them. Collect the rifles, Mr. Jukes.

[Mr. Jukes]

Captain, it's suicide. The best thing we can do is turn the whole mess over to the authorities in Fu Chow. If we ever get there.

[Captain McWhirr]

Well, I don't know. I figured that when anything happens on shipboard, it's up to me to settle it on shipboard? Part of the duties of commanding a vessel, Mr. Jukes. I've no doubt here I'll be able to reach an understanding with these men later.

[Mr. Jukes]

Understanding? You ought to seen him a while ago. And me and the bosun was down there, lost the.

[Captain McWhirr]

No wonder at that when here she comes. Pick up those rifles, Mr. Jukes. And something else.

[Mr. Jukes]

Yes, captain?

[Captain McWhirr]

If anything happens to me, you'll be in Charge. Only advice keep for facing it. Best way to get through facing it. That's enough for any man.

[Mr. Jukes]

All right, Captain. I'll remember.

[Captain McWhirr]

One thing more, Mr. Jokes.

[Mr. Jukes]

Yes, sir.

[Captain McWhirr]

Something I've always had to tea is to keep a cool head. Just keep a cool head.

[Mr. Jukes]

Oh, no. Keep a cool head. A stitch in time saves nine. A rolling stone. What in the name of heaven are you doing with a man like that? There was a clear blue sky and bright sunshine the morning we steamed into fu Chow Harbor. Mr. Rout was leaning on a hatch combing, smoking a pipe. The boatswain lounged on the foredeck, waiting to pick up a line from the wharf. And the captain, well, he was engaged in the most unusual occupation. He was sitting at a table on the foredeck, handing out silver dollars to them blinking coolies, all divided up. Even the same amount to each one. Craziest thing you ever heard of in your life. You see, the way the captain figured it, since those blighters had all worked for two years at the same rate of pay, then their savings ought to all be about equal, as you can see. Of course, that wasn't necessarily true by any means. Wasn't even legal. But you couldn't tell him anything.

[Captain McWhirr]

Well, that's that. Uh, Mr. Jukes.

[Mr. Jukes]

Yes, sir. Coming, Captain.

[Captain McWhirr]

Well, Mr. Jukes, I've disposed of our little collection of silver dollars.

[Mr. Jukes]

Now, that's great. Only wait till those boys get ashore and file claims against us.

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, no, they won't do that. As a matter of fact, they were quite pleased at having it arranged that way. Figured it might avoid a lot of arguments later. They. They sent a spokesman to thank me.

[Mr. Jukes]

Well, I'll be.

[Captain McWhirr]

Mr. Jukes, you may as well give all the hands six hours leave before we start working the cargo.

[Mr. Jukes]

Whatever you say, Captain.

[Captain McWhirr]

Oh, yes, and before the carpenter leaves, I wish you'd have him fix the lock on that port cabin door.

[Mr. Jukes]

What?

[Captain McWhirr]

That seems to have got broken somehow during the storm, I suppose. I can't stand to hear a door banging. Mr. Jokes.

[Mr. Jukes]

Aye, sir. I. I don't suppose it matters that the ship is battered from stem to stern, half her topside, carried away and smashed till she looks like a bloomin Tinson freighter.

[Captain McWhirr]

Mr. Jokes, I don't understand you.

[Mr. Jukes]

You don't understand me, sir. Do you understand that we've come through the worst typhoon on the China seas in 20 years? We're the only ship that got through.

[Captain McWhirr]

It's true. I suppose we were a bit lucky.

[Mr. Jukes]

Lucky, sir? With 200 murdering cutthroats running loose Aboard in the very heavens doing their worst.

[Captain McWhirr]

We had a job to do, and we did it. That's all, Mr. Jokes. That's the important thing.

[Mr. Jukes]

Yes, sir. That's. That's all. That's all, he says. A job to do. A bit lucky. What can you do with a man as thick as that? But then, as I started to turn away, Captain McWhirter said something else that surprised me. With emotion wrung from the very bottom of his soul, he. He uttered words I never thought I'd hear coming from so. So stupid a man.

[Captain McWhirr]

But I'm glad we brought her through, Mr. Jokes. Truly I am. She's a good ship, Mr. Jukes. A good ship. I should have hated to lose her. I. I should have hated to lose her.

[Mr. Jukes]

Typhoon by Joseph Conrad was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield and produced and directed by William N. Robeson. With Frank Lovejoy as Jukes, Raymond Lawrence as Captain McQueer and Cy Kendall as Ralph the engineer. The special musical score was conceived and conducted by.

[Captain McWhirr]

Cyber.

[Mr. Jukes]

Escape is presented by the Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stations. Each week at this time next week, we invite you to escape to Paris of 500 years ago in Robert Louis Stevenson's story of a fascinating adventure, the Sire de Maltroit's d'. Or. And so, good night until next week at this time, when again it will be time to escape. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Lemonade Multi Pet discounts are way better than Multi pet group chats.

[Captain McWhirr]

Hey, it's Bubbles, your cat.

[She's Birdie Advertiser]

Your idiot dog, Jingles just barfed up a sock puppet.

[Mr. Jukes]

Hey, it's Jingles. I'm fine.

[Captain McWhirr]

Just that stupid sock was looking at me fun. Oh, he's doing it again.

[Mr. Jukes]

Jingles.

[She's Birdie Advertiser]

He ate it again and puked it up again.

[Captain McWhirr]

He might need a vet. Yeah, I might need a vet with Lemonade Pet insurance.

[Mr. Jukes]

You save 10% per policy when you protect multiple pets. Get a'@lemonade.com pet. Best thing that's ever happened to you.

[She's Birdie Advertiser]

Financially.

[Captain McWhirr]

Go easy. Sold my car on Carvana. Amazing offer, really.

[Mr. Jukes]

I hit 200 on the scratcher.

[Captain McWhirr]

Did the scratcher come to your house

[Mr. Jukes]

and hand you a check?

[Captain McWhirr]

No. How many scratchers did you hit to get that?

[Mr. Jukes]

I hit a button on Carvana.com once. Okay, that's fair.

[Captain McWhirr]

It's like the lottery, except you always win.

[Mr. Jukes]

Not like the lottery at all, actually.

[Captain McWhirr]

Exactly.

[Mr. Jukes]

Inexplicably good offers worth bragging about. Sell your car today on Carvana.

[Captain McWhirr]

Pick up fees may apply.