(17) Escape - Taboo

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 17: Escape - Taboo
Release Date: August 7, 2026
Source Program: Escape (original air date c. 1947-1954)
Story Author: Geoffrey Household (“Taboo”)
Host Channel: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode features a dramatic performance of "Taboo" from the classic radio series Escape. Set in the mysterious Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe, the story delves into the fears, superstitions, and psychological undercurrents swirling around a series of disappearances in a remote village. Exploring ancient legends of werewolves, "Taboo" presents a tense game of suspicion, animal instinct, and human darkness.

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Main Storyline

Setting & Characters

• Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist): Of Slavic descent, visiting the Carpathian village out of kinship with the land—it is through his eyes we see the drama unfold.
• Kira Vaughan: A woman deeply in love with the wild freedom of the woods, married to Richard.
• Richard Vaughan: Kira's English husband, rational and skeptical, yet fearful of the forests.
• Josef Weiss: The game warden's "moronic" son, rumored to be odd, and eventually revealed to be the story's antagonist.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Events

1. Superstitions and Disappearances

• The narrative opens with three friends—Shiroviev, Kira, and Richard—discussing recent disappearances in the dark woods. The villagers attribute them to supernatural causes, namely werewolves.
• Shiroviev and Kira express an almost mystical kinship with the wild; Richard is dismissive and uneasy.

“Perhaps it is because you are frightened that you are afraid to believe them.” — Shiroviev, (06:02)

2. Village Tension and Suspicion

• Another man goes missing (08:09), causing panic. Searches are organized, yet the only traces are cryptic: no signs of struggle, little evidence.
• The peasants whisper tales of werewolves; suspicions quietly begin turning towards Kira due to her solitary walks and connection with the woods (16:52).

“The women in the village think she is possessed.” — Frida, the maid, (16:52)

3. Primal Instincts & The Wolf Inside

• Discussing with Josef Weiss, the group explores the idea of men wishing to become wolves—seeking freedom and wildness, not just violence.

“I don’t say a man can turn into a wolf. No. But I can understand why he’d want to.” — Josef Weiss, (14:42)

• Weiss describes the urge:

“Feels as if the woods had got under your skin and you want to walk wild and crouch at the knees.” — Josef Weiss, (15:01)

4. Rumors Against Kira

• Rumors implicate Kira as being “possessed” or possibly a werewolf.
• Richard and Shiroviev decide to catch the killer themselves, partly to protect Kira from suspicion.

5. The Trap and the Vigil (Baiting the Werewolf)

• Over several nights, Richard and Shiroviev use themselves as bait at the scene of the latest disappearance.
• Tension and creeping horror fill these scenes. A crucial near-miss occurs when Kira, dressed in white, unintentionally almost draws fire from the watcher thinking she’s the beast (24:03).

“My lips were dry. My finger felt numb on the trigger.” — Shiroviev, (24:29)

6. The Real Culprit Unmasked

• On the final night, Shiroviev is attacked and the truth is revealed: Josef Weiss, the game warden’s son, is responsible. The pursuit leads to a hot spring cave connected to the warden’s house (27:45–29:37).
• The murder weapon is found—a brutal animal killer.

“We found a murder weapon. It was a patented animal killer. A heavy iron muzzle...” — Shiroviev, (29:01)

• The cave provided the perfect means for Weiss to appear and vanish like a creature of legend.

7. Aftermath & Thematic Reflection

• The village’s fear was not of the supernatural but of the beast within men.
• Kira’s haunting final speech hints at empathy for the killer’s longing for animal freedom, blurring the line between man and beast.

“Is it murder when a wolf kills a dumb animal frightened of intruders? … You understand what I mean, don’t you, Shiravyev?” — Kira Vaughan, (30:21–30:44)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Primal Urges:

  “That primitive instinct is so deep within us all. A heritage of some dim, distant past.” — Shiroviev, (06:39)

• Villagers' Folklore:

  “Then he pounded a silver penguin and loaded his gun with it. One shot and the wolf disappeared. But next day...they found Heinrich the cobbler dying in his house with a beaten silver coin in his belly.” — Game Warden, (13:27)

• Community Suspicion:

  “The women in the village think she is possessed.” — Frida, the maid, (16:52)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|------------| | 02:09 | Opening narration: Belief in werewolves, setting established | | 04:43 | Kira and Shiroviev discuss primal connection to woods | | 07:43 | Village tension escalates, search for missing man | | 13:19 | Campfire stories—silver bullet legend, Josef’s skepticism | | 16:52 | Frida fuels rumor about Kira’s “possession” | | 18:00 | Vaughan and Shiroviev plot “bait” plan | | 24:03 | Kira almost accidentally shot—danger and suspicion collide | | 27:04 | The final vigil—the real killer attacks | | 28:14 | Pursuit into the hot spring cave—killer revealed | | 29:01 | Discovery of the weapon and the underground tunnel | | 30:21 | Kira’s final, deeply ambivalent reflection on the whole affair |

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Tone & Style Highlights

The episode’s storytelling perfectly balances suspense, folklore, and psychological depth. The dialogue is thoughtful, sometimes playful, but always edged with tension and dread reflective of both post-war anxieties and enduring primal fears.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio offers a true Golden Age radio experience—layered suspense, poetic dialogue, and credible human motivations cloaked in supernatural mystery. Listeners are reminded that the scariest monsters often live not in the woods, but within the hearts of men.

Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

You are alone in the dark forest and behind you somewhere, is the werewolf waiting to drink your blood. And you desperately desire the impossible to escape. Escape.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Produced and directed by William N. Robeson and carefully plotted to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tonight we escape to the backward world of Eastern Europe, where ancient superstitions still live in the minds of men. Tonight we escape with Jeffrey household's grim story. Taboo.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Among semi civilized peoples. There has always been widespread belief in werewolves, those fantastic creatures supposedly able to turn from man or woman into wolf and back again at will. This belief is still widespread among the simple folk of Eastern Hungary in the district around Zweibergen, high in the gloomy Carpathian Mountains. And I must admit, not without some reason. Before the late war, I often spent my vacations in that area, drawn to the dark loneliness by the pull of my Slavic blood. It was the same with her, perhaps, and our kindred ancestry no doubt drew us together. Her name was Kira Vaughan and she was there with her husband, a pleasant young Englishman. They were obviously much in love, and I felt almost like an intruder when I found myself the only other vacationer in the village. However, they made me welcome and invited me to dinner. It was an excellent dinner.

[Kira Vaughan]

Won't you have some more strawberries, Mr. Shirabi?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Thank you, no, Mrs. Von I. I've eaten far too much already. I cannot say when I've had so excellent a dinner.

[Kira Vaughan]

Thank you.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

I'm sure I shall get nothing like it at the Inn?

[Kira Vaughan]

I should hate to have to stay at the inn.

[Richard Vaughan]

You see, Shirovyev, my wife is one of those delightful creatures who cannot stand to be shut in. She must run free, preferably in the woods with her hair streaming in the wind. She's quite unusual.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Indeed she is, my dear one. And you may count yourself most fortunate.

[Richard Vaughan]

Oh, I do, I do. Where else should I find so good a cook?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Very true. I've never tasted venison quite like that tonight. Delightful.

[Kira Vaughan]

Thank you.

[Richard Vaughan]

Another of her little victories. She delights in outdoing the ordinary housewife. She disdains the village shop and gets her meat right off the hoof.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Oh, you do your own hunting?

[Richard Vaughan]

Oh, dear, no, not that. She's much too kind hearted and loving a person for that. She's found a new source. The district game warden brings fresh venison to our door.

[Kira Vaughan]

Oh, it's not he, but his son.

[Richard Vaughan]

True, the game warden's slightly moronic son, who is, I'm sure, in love with her.

[Kira Vaughan]

Oh, that's ridiculous.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Oh, not so. It's quite understandable. I'm beginning to fall in love with her myself.

[Richard Vaughan]

You see, my dear.

[Kira Vaughan]

Thank you, sir.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Seriously, though, I can understand this wild desire to be free. This wish to, as you put it, run in the woods with the wind in your hair. It is some legacy of our Slavic blood, no doubt. Yours and mine and the game wardens moronic son. Somehow we feel at home in these dark forests.

[Kira Vaughan]

Oh, you too?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Yes.

[Richard Vaughan]

And I don't. I confess it. I don't. There's something here that frightens me. Something strange and inhuman and taboo. Darling, I'll confess something, Kirovyev. I don't like Kira to go out into these forests alone. Maybe I'm afraid that someday this emotional impulse of hers will get the better of her and she'll just disappear like those two men last week.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Oh, what was that? Have I missed some exciting happening?

[Richard Vaughan]

No, not really. Though you'd think so, to hear the villagers talk. A fellow coming home through the woods after dark just disappeared. Probably got fed up with life here in the village and lit out for Budapest.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

And what about the other one?

[Richard Vaughan]

Oh, yes. Well, a search party went out the next day to look for the fellow. When they got back, they found one of their party was missing. Evidently, he'd taken the opportunity to skip out, too.

[Kira Vaughan]

Is that what you really think?

[Richard Vaughan]

Well, why not? My dear? If those men had been done away with, it might have been by something supernatural, and there's no such thing.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

But might it not have been some wild animal?

[Richard Vaughan]

Oh, the bears around here are harmless and the wolves are not in pack. At any rate. There would have been some sign. Some blood track, something. There was nothing. They simply disappeared. Vanished. Skipped out.

[Kira Vaughan]

Richard, how can you be so careless?

[Richard Vaughan]

You see the paradox? My wife, who loves the woods, believes the fantastic tales of the villagers. I, who confess to finding the woods strange and frightening, do not believe them.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Perhaps it is because you are frightened that you are afraid to believe them. What do the villagers say?

[Richard Vaughan]

Well, you know this district well enough. They're talking of werewolves and such Tommy rot. Oh, it's utterly fantastic.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Yes, to you, an Englishman, it would be. And it isn't to you fantastic? Yes, I suppose. But perhaps Mrs. Vaughan and I, who feel at home in this forest, can understand and believe such fantasy a little more easily than you.

[Kira Vaughan]

Yes. I remember many times as a child, I dreamt of being an animal. I thought then that I would love it. The freedom of the forest.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Exactly. That primitive instinct is so deep within us all. A heritage of some dim, distant past. In us Slavs, it lies closer to the surface. Takes very little to bring it to light.

[Kira Vaughan]

Yes, that is true.

[Richard Vaughan]

Well, you've placed my wife in a new life, Shiravyev. You'll have me suspecting her of changing into a wolf and running out to the forest to murder people.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Oh, please, Bourne, you take me too literally. And besides, it is a shame to spoil so delightful a dinner with so gloomy a conversation.

[Richard Vaughan]

Right, shall we go into the living room? There's a cheerful fire in there and. Oh, yes. What is it, Frida? Beg your pardon, sir, but a message just came from the village. Oh? What is it? They want you and Mr. Sheraviev to come down there now. They're organizing another search party. What? Yes, there's another man missing. Kira. Catch her, Shirawieff. She's fainte.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

It was only then I realized that these people were under a terrible tension. I was to learn very quickly that the whole village shared it. Every able bodied man in the district was at the inn when we arrived. The magistrate explained the situation.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He went into the forest late this afternoon, hoping to bag a black cock for his supper. A little after dusky, solitary shot was heard. That was three hours ago, and he's not returned.

[Richard Vaughan]

But only three hours. Isn't there a chance that he might still return?

[Narrator/Announcer]

A chance, perhaps. But the other two did not. It will do no harm to search for him. We may still be in time to save his life.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

we searched most of the night, and then next morning, Vaughan and I went out again. We climbed to my favorite spot for hunting, black cock, then followed the trail down to the village, the trail the missing grocer would have taken. I was beginning to be a little exasperated at Vaughn. He seemed to be so casual and uninterested, as if he were convinced that this one, too, had merely skipped out. But I underestimated him. He was a skilled tracker, and suddenly he did show some interest.

[Richard Vaughan]

Wait a minute. Someone has turned aside from the path. Here. He was in a hurry. I wonder why.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

I think you are right. There are some broken branches.

[Richard Vaughan]

Why? Why here?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

It's hardly likely anyone would go plunging into that thicket Unless he had a reason.

[Richard Vaughan]

Wait, wait. See that big white rock behind the thicket? When you're being followed, it's comforting to have a clear space around you. You'd feel safe up on top of that rock with a gun in your hands if you got there in time.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

You may be right. Let's go up. We forced our way through the underbrush to the rock. It was 30ft high on the downslope side, and a hot spring at the foot of it bubbled out of a cavity scarcely two feet wide. We made our way up to the slope around it and came out on top. There was nothing there except for some ivy in the cracks and one small stunted tree.

[Richard Vaughan]

Aha.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look.

[Richard Vaughan]

Look at that.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Where?

[Richard Vaughan]

The tree. The entire base has been shattered by a charge at close quarters. Perhaps that was the shot that was heard.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

You're right. It must be. They say. They say there is always a tree between you and it.

[Richard Vaughan]

What do you mean, it?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

The werewolf.

[Richard Vaughan]

Well, this must have been a baby one then. That mark is only 6 inches off the ground. No, I think the man's gun went off as he fell. Perhaps he was followed too close as he scrambled up. About here would be where his body would have fallen.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Do you see anything? I don't. No blood stain.

[Richard Vaughan]

Wait, wait. Look. Look here.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Oh, but it's just a tiny spot.

[Richard Vaughan]

It's enough. It's blood, all right. And something more. A tiny bit of tissue.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Let me see. Hmm. Brain tissue. Must have come from a deep wound in the skull made by something like an arrow or a bird's beak or maybe even a sharp tooth.

[Richard Vaughan]

But where's the body? There is absolutely no other sign. No evidence of its being dragged off anywhere?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

No, I can't see any either. It's very strange. But at least we know one thing, Vaughn. This man did not just skip out. This man was dead or dying. When we brought our information back, the excitement of the village mounted. The peasants crossed themselves, and at the inn the old tales were being told.

[Richard Vaughan]

That's Earl Weiss, the game warden, talking now. And Josef Weiss's son beside him.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

The moronic son.

[Richard Vaughan]

Yes, the old man is a character, too. Listen.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The biggest one my grandfather had seen. And it followed him in the forest. Time after time, he met at the twilight outside his cabin. And time after time, he fired at it point blank. But he couldn't hurt it. Then he pounded a silver penguin and loaded his gun with it. One shot and the wolf disappeared. But next day they found Heinrich the cobbler dying in his house with a beaten Silver coin in his belly. Fools. You believe such stupid talk, Joseph? My grandfather used to tell the same story. Only when he told it, it happened to his grandfather. Anyone can see it didn't happen at all. Such things can't happen, Joseph. You called your father a lion. I do.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Well, far from being a moron, Joseph seems to have more sense than the others.

[Richard Vaughan]

Perhaps. Joseph, you're not afraid of this werewolf then, eh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I. No.

[Richard Vaughan]

Why not? The whole village is frightened.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm used to walking alone in the woods at night. You've got to be a part of the forest and you'll not be afraid of it.

[Richard Vaughan]

You do believe in werewolves then, eh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I don't say a man can turn into a wolf. No. But I can understand why he'd want to.

[Richard Vaughan]

Your theory again, Charabiev?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Yes, I. I think I understand that too, Joseph. But what does it feel like?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Feels as if the woods had got under your skin and you want to walk wild and crouch at the knees.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Yes, I think he's perfectly right.

[Richard Vaughan]

And you, you explain it by some primitive urge?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Possibly. There may be many reasons. Physical hunger could be one. We sometimes forget that man was once a fleet footed hunting animal with all the necessary instincts.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hunger. Ah, yes, we all know about that. About what it can do to a man. I've been trapped in a cliff for five days. I know none of you have suffered hunger as we did in the prison camp during the war. None of you knows what it is to eat. Joseph, let's not talk about it.

[Kira Vaughan]

He.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He gets so upset remembering. Well, we'll have to go on searching for the body and for the werewolf. You'll not find it. Not until you arm yourselves with silver bullets. Perhaps it is gone now. Whatever it is, the search parties may have frightened it away. It wasn't frightened by the first search party. It simply took one of them. Now it is still here. And it will strike again, you may be sure of that.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

The whole village believed that Josef Weiss was right. They traveled in the woods by twos now. No one went alone for a week. Village life was disrupted. The men beat the forest. The women tried to comfort each other. Kira wore herself out trying to be useful. The village women could not help loving her. But there was something else. Something strange. One day I spoke to Frida, the maid about.

[Richard Vaughan]

Ah, yes. She is a strange one, Mr. Sharivia. Even I have seen her going out to walk alone in the woods at twilight. The women in the village think she is possessed.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

What do you mean, possessed?

[Richard Vaughan]

I. I hesitate to say, sir. Come, tell me they are beginning to say sometimes the werewolf can be.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

At first, the suggestion seemed so ridiculous to me. That I hesitated to speak of it. But then I decided to tell Vaughan. Before this rumor could reach Kira herself. He was naturally much upset.

[Richard Vaughan]

That settles it, Sharavib. We've got to do something.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Something, yes. But what?

[Richard Vaughan]

There's only one thing we can do. Track down this supposed werewolf.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

But that's what we've been trying to do for a week. How can we do?

[Richard Vaughan]

It's really very simple. We'll offer him bait.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Bait? Who will be this bait?

[Richard Vaughan]

You and I, Shoroviev. If you're game.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Yes, of course I'm game.

[Richard Vaughan]

Good.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

But how are you going to tie me to a tree and watch out? With a gun.

[Richard Vaughan]

That's about right. Only we needn't tie you up. And since it was my idea, you can have first turn with the gun. Are you a good shot?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Right.

[Richard Vaughan]

This is no time for false modesty.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Yes, I'm a good shot.

[Richard Vaughan]

Very well. It'll be night, and we'll have to shoot with only the moonlight.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Where do we go? To the rock.

[Richard Vaughan]

Exactly. And the sooner the better. Tonight.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Tonight.

[Richard Vaughan]

And say nothing. Absolutely nothing. To anybody. Especially to Kira.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

I understand. This is between us. Either we win or we simply disappear. It was difficult getting away without telling Kira what we were going to do. She seemed to sense that something was wrong. And she sat staring after us with strange, angry eyes. In the village, Vaughn and I parted and made our ways to the rock separately. I reached there first and settled myself on top of the rock, almost covered by the ivy. The gun across my knees. Presently, Von appeared on the path. And I gave the signal that I was there and ready. The track was set. In the eerie stillness of the dark forest, we waited. One paced slowly on the path. I kept the gunsight trained a yard in back of him as he walked. Minutes passed in silence. Hours went by. Nothing happened. It was almost midnight, the end of our vigil. Vaughan waved his hand and started off down the trail. He would go fast in case he was followed. Taking a shortcut down an old timber slide. He'd be in the village in 10 minutes. I was to follow presently. Then suddenly I got an intense feeling of dread. I was alone on the rock. My spine tingled. And then I heard a quick rustle in the ivy behind me. Something brushed my face. I. It was only a bird. A night bird had lit in the ivy. And now swooshed past me and flew away. My nerves were still tingling. When I got back to the Village. Next day, when I went to see Vaughn, he gave me a warning glance. Kira was suspicious. I could see the question in her eyes when she greeted.

[Kira Vaughan]

So here is the other culprit. Which of you is most to blame for keeping such late hours?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Why? I supposed to keep peace in the family? I should say. It is I.

[Kira Vaughan]

No, you can't get him off that easily.

[Richard Vaughan]

I'm the only culprit, my dear. You see, I've never hunted deer at night. I asked Shabieff to help me.

[Kira Vaughan]

I suppose you shoot the poor things while they sleep.

[Richard Vaughan]

Oh, no. While they're having a dinner, if possible.

[Kira Vaughan]

You're cruel and heartless, both of you.

[Richard Vaughan]

It's no use letting her start an argument. Charavief. I'll go get us a drink.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Oh, yes, thank you. I'd like that. Why? Why do you look at me like that?

[Kira Vaughan]

Was the hunting good last night?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

No, not very. We didn't get anything, as you see. I'm afraid you'll still have to depend upon Jose for your venison.

[Kira Vaughan]

Where did you hunt?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Why, simply in the forest. Nowhere in particular.

[Kira Vaughan]

You're not telling me the truth, are you, my dear?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

I don't know what you're thinking, but I assure you.

[Kira Vaughan]

Never mind. I suppose it is best I don't know. But take care of him, please. Of course I will, if anything should happen to him.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

But what could happen?

[Kira Vaughan]

You know, you understand these things.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

That night I was the baby, and I confess, walking there on the moonlit path, the dense undergrowth pressing close on both sides, the forest all around me, that I felt a strange terror. But nothing happened. Once a bear ambled across the path, paused, sniffed, and disappeared into the brush. Then a little later, I thought I saw a flicker of white in the clearing below. But it never reappeared. And I decided it must have been a ripple of grass in the moonlight. At midnight, we returned to the village and I was beginning to wonder if our trap would ever be sprung.

[Richard Vaughan]

We must keep on, Shoravyev. I have a feeling that tomorrow night, perhaps, or the next night, I'm game

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

as long as you are. But so far we've only lost sleep.

[Richard Vaughan]

I've got to keep on. Have you forgotten about Kira? The things they're saying about her?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

No, of course not. But surely these people would not do anything to her.

[Richard Vaughan]

It's not that. It's what it might do to her spirit if she were to hear those insane rumors. She's so sensitive. I. I don't like to think about it.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Then shall we go out again tomorrow night?

[Richard Vaughan]

Yes. You must come to dinner, though, first. Weiss is bringing down more venison. Kira will want you to come.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

All right. Till tomorrow night, then. After dinner, we went out for our third night on the rock. Von was the bait tonight, and I the watcher. The forest was alive with sound. A deer coughed. The bear came ambling back, as woolly and harmless as a dog. I was watching him when suddenly he paused and sniffed the air, then disappeared into the trees. The animal sounds quieted one by one, and a tense stillness fell over the forest. My hand tightened on the gun, and suddenly I saw it. That flicker of white moving fast through the trees. It was coming up the path toward Vaughan. A soft, bulky, white blur coming surprisingly fast. Vaughn's back was turned. He did not see it. My finger tightened on the trigger. It was only a few yards away. When he turned, I started to press the trigger.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No.

[Richard Vaughan]

Sheareff.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No.

[Kira Vaughan]

Richard.

[Richard Vaughan]

Hira. What are you doing here?

[Kira Vaughan]

Oh, darling, I was looking for you. I looked last night too. Horrid.

[Richard Vaughan]

You shouldn't have. It was foolish. Terribly foolish.

[Kira Vaughan]

Gerita. There was something after me. I know it. That's why I was running.

[Richard Vaughan]

Hira, you shouldn't be out here alone.

[Kira Vaughan]

What about you? Where's Geravia?

[Richard Vaughan]

He's up there on the rock, covering me with his rifle. I'm perfectly safe. I'll show you. I'll hold out my handkerchief like this. Now, Geraviev put a hole in that.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

I stared for a moment at the white square of handkerchief, then at the white of her coat. My lips were dry. My finger felt numb on the trigger.

[Richard Vaughan]

Come on, Charavief. The handkerchief.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Please. God, don't let me miss.

[Richard Vaughan]

There. You see, my dear? I'm perfectly safe.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

They went down the path together, and I followed after a moment, a hundred yards from the timber slide. I knew I was being followed even before I heard something in the brush behind me. I stopped. Stopped and turned around. Moved past me, cutting off my retreat. Now I stood alone in terror. But it was still in the brush before me. I could make the timber slide. I got down safely. I went straight to Vaughan. He came out of the house to talk to me. I told him what had happened. His reaction surprised me.

[Richard Vaughan]

I'm sorry I had to leave you up there to face it alone. But I had to bring her down.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Of course.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

I know that.

[Richard Vaughan]

And you must believe this. She never left me. We came down together, arm in arm. We came straight down. You must believe that.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

But of course. Why should I think differently?

[Richard Vaughan]

Then? Then you must realize, whoever it was up there in the brush, following you. It couldn't have been Kira.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Good heavens one do you think I believed that preposterous story?

[Richard Vaughan]

Well, didn't you? Even up there on the rock, when you hesitated about firing at the handkerchief, didn't you believe it might be Kira?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

No. Why, no, of course not. But I did. Von knew my thoughts almost better than I knew them myself. Yes, that was why my lips were dry and my finger numb when I pressed the trigger. I had refused to admit it, even to myself. And now was I sure. Even now, that night, Von was excited.

[Richard Vaughan]

We're going to get it tonight. After last night, it'll be there waiting for us.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Yes, I think you are right. But if you are, we wouldn't want anyone else to come walking in on us. It might cause confusion.

[Richard Vaughan]

Don't worry. Kira has promised to stay at home. She says we're doing our duty and she won't interfere. Do you think this is our duty?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

No.

[Richard Vaughan]

Neither do I. I never feel that anything I enjoy can be my duty. No, I really enjoy this. Tonight I'd like to be the bait.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

No, it's my turn. I won't give it up. Besides, if it's revenge you want, you have the gun.

[Richard Vaughan]

That's so. All right, then. Tonight you'll be the bait.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

That night, for the first time, I regretted ever getting into this mess. As I paced up and down the path, my nervousness grew. Tonight it would surely come. I felt it. But would Von shoot straight and quick enough? The hours went by. Clouds kept scudding over the moon, leaving me in deep darkness for minutes at a time. I was really beginning to be frightened. Then, a fraction of a second before it happened, I knew it was coming. There was a hot breath on my neck, a crushing weight on my shoulder, something hard against my skull. And the crack of all.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Vaughn.

[Richard Vaughan]

Von, are you all right?

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Yes, I think so. What was it?

[Richard Vaughan]

A man. Harina, Come on. I'm going in office.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

All right, I'm coming.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Vaughn.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Where did he go?

[Richard Vaughan]

I can hardly believe it. But he went right into this hot spring under the rock.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

But there's hardly opening enough for a ramp.

[Richard Vaughan]

He went under the water. Come on.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Wait, Von. I'm coming with you. We plunged into the spring, wriggling our way forward, not knowing what to expect. Vaughn held the rifle high above the water, but there wasn't room enough for our heads. We. We had to hold our breath and plunge forward. Luckily, it was only a few feet. I emerged and took a breath. Then I heard Von fire.

[Richard Vaughan]

Got him.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Where Shine the flashlight there.

[Richard Vaughan]

At the other side of the cave.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Yes. Who would have thought there would be a cave here?

[Richard Vaughan]

Not that anyone could have gotten through that spring.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

It was a perfect hiding place.

[Richard Vaughan]

Yes, but it does him no good now. Turn him over. Lets see who our werewolf is.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Wes. What? It's Weis. Joseph Weiss. The game warden's son.

[Richard Vaughan]

Why didn't we think of that? We all knew he was not quite sane.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

More than that. He almost told us. Remember? He said, I do not believe a man can turn himself into a wolf. But I know why he'd want to.

[Richard Vaughan]

Yes, and he described the feeling to walk wild and crouch at the knees.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

He knew that feeling. He knew it too well. Beside Joseph Weiss, we found a murder weapon. It was a patented animal killer. A heavy iron muzzle that gripped the scalp. A heavy spike that was released by a small. His hiding place was even more perfect than we had supposed. When the magistrate investigated, he found a passage from that cave which led underground for more than a mile. And finally to the game warden's house where a ladder led into his cellar.

[Richard Vaughan]

Undoubtedly, Vyse found that dry underground river one day and realized he could use it. Perhaps that is what caused his mind to snap.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Yes, it released a long pent up spring in him, like that weapon he used to. He saw that he could run in the woods like an animal, disappearing and reappearing with perfect safety. It even offered a place to bury his victims without a trace.

[Richard Vaughan]

And so your theory proved correct. That there's a murderous primitive instinct lurking in some people. Yes, well, it's all explained. Excepting what he did with the bodies.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

It would serve no useful purpose to speculate on that now.

[Richard Vaughan]

Yes, I suppose you're right. Kira, you haven't said anything.

[Kira Vaughan]

Why did you have to shoot him?

[Richard Vaughan]

Kira? He was a murderer. He tried to murder Charavief.

[Kira Vaughan]

Is it murder when a wolf kills a dumb animal frightened of intruders?

[Richard Vaughan]

Kira.

[Kira Vaughan]

You understand what I mean, don't you, Shiraviyev? You understood that night when you shot the handkerchief, just as I have. It might have happened to any of us.

[Richard Vaughan]

You see, Kira. What do you mean?

[Kira Vaughan]

Take me away from here, Richard. Just take me away quickly.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Escape is produced and directed by William N. Robeson and tonight brought you Taboo by Jeffrey Household. Adapted for radio by John Dunkle with Paul Fries as Shiroviev, Marta Mitrovich as Kira and Morgan Farley as Vaughn. The special musical score was conceived and conducted by Si Fuhrer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Next week you are standing on a bridge over Owl Creek with a noose around your neck. You have only a few seconds left to live, a few seconds left to plan your escape.

[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

Next week we escape with Ambrose Bierce's famous story, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge. Good night then, until the same time next week when we again offer you escape. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Now at McDonald's, everyone can get more of what they want when they want it. With McVowey, you can choose your wake up call, you can choose your study meal or even your drive through dinner.

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[Shiroviev (Narrator/Protagonist)]

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