(22) Escape - The Second Class Passenger

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: (22) Escape – The Second Class Passenger
Date: August 8, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

---

Episode Overview

This episode revisits the radio drama “The Second Class Passenger” from the classic series Escape, transporting listeners back to the “Golden Age” of radio. Listeners are catapulted into the perilous and exotic alleys of Portuguese East Africa, following an unassuming American tourist, Ronald A. Dawson, as his simple errand in Mozambique rapidly unfolds into an unforgettable night of crime, intrigue, and romance.

The story masterfully plays with themes of courage, class, adventure, and the blurred line between dream and reality for an ordinary man swept up in extraordinary circumstances.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Setting the Scene

• [01:05] The introduction creates an immersive backdrop: Mozambique, filled with danger and possibility.
• Quote: “You were trapped in the native quarter of Mozambique. Two dead men at your feet, the police closing in on you, and beside you, a sultry girl who offers you escape.”

Ronald A. Dawson – The Reluctant Hero

• Ronald A. Dawson, a humble second class passenger from Cedar Rapids, frames the story in a self-deprecating, humble tone, more concerned with what people at home will think than with the adventure at hand.
• Quote: “Oh, I could have afforded first class by pinching a little here and there, but nobody back at Ralston's department Store in Cedar Rapids will ever know.” [02:08]

The Catalyst: A Lost Idol

• The plot is set in motion when Ms. Patterson, a spirited fellow traveler, realizes she has left behind a prized bronze idol at a local Greek restaurant. Dawson is goaded into fetching it – his gateway into danger.
• Quote (Ms. Patterson): “Oh, dear. Mr. Dawson? Where’s my idol?” [04:52]

Into the Heart of Mozambique

• The initially dismissive, joking banter about dirty streets and sketchy native carriages underscores the contrast between the tourists’ expectations and the reality that soon engulfs Dawson.
• Quote (Dawson): “Somehow this main street of Mozambique looked different now. In the quick African twilight... I must confess I felt a little strange and unwanted.” [05:40]

Descent into Danger – The Night Adventure

Lost in the Alleys

• On the way back with the idol, Dawson is caught in a torrential African rain, becomes lost in labyrinthine alleys, and stumbles into an underworld far from his cruise-ship comfort.

Encounter in the Den

• [11:41] Dawson, desperate, enters a random door and is drawn into a room with three suspicious figures, including a sultry but world-weary woman (not the same Ms. Patterson from the ship).
• Tense dialogue reveals a tale of betrayal, desperate criminals, and mounting paranoia as Dawson becomes an unwitting participant in their drama.

Violence and Transformation

• [16:24] In a frenzied struggle, two men are killed—one by the woman’s knife, one by Dawson wielding the idol.

• This catalytic moment pushes Dawson from bumbling tourist to unlikely hero and accomplice.

• Quote (Dawson, shaken): “I've killed a man with this little curio. And you've killed another with your knife. Two men murdered. Oh. I must get back to the ship. You must come with me.” [16:43]

Flight and Escape

• [17:36] With the police in pursuit, the mysterious woman leads Dawson through rooftops, tents, and churches in a wild, urgent escape.
• Dawson’s everyman persona is shed as he throws himself into danger, winning admiration – and affection – from his companion.

Notable Moments

• Rooftop Escape [18:40–21:36]
  • The pair narrowly avoid sleeping locals, subdue an armed man, and share a passionate, adrenaline-fueled kiss.
  • Quote (Ms. Patterson): “I was wondering when you would kiss me. When you took offense at what the Russian said to me. I knew you would. But I wonder how soon.” [21:10]
• Ms. Patterson’s Admiration
  • Quote: “Your courage is of the lion. Your Strength is of the great bull of Swahili.” [21:36]

Reflection on Adventure

• With the ship now a mere afterthought, Dawson is swept up in the chaos and wild promise of adventure and romance, barely believing what's happened to him.

The Return – Reality or Dream?

• [28:15] Dawson reunites with his original shipboard companions, idol in hand. Their bland concern stands in stark contrast to the night’s wild events.
• He ponders aloud his surreal journey, met with disbelief.
• Quote (Dawson): “Twitchell, what would you say if I told you I had just killed a man, fled over the rooftops of the city, made love to a beautiful woman, fought the police, escaped through the lepers gate.”
  Twitchell: “Great heavens, Dawson. I'd say he had the wildest imagination I'd ever heard of. Nothing like that ever happens to a second class passenger.” [29:27–29:47]
• Dawson quietly accepts that his impossible night will be dismissed as fantasy.

---

Memorable Quotes

• On the power of travel and expectations:
  “Mozambique's not at all like what you would imagine Mozambique to be like. That's a one horse town hall. Right Main street and a couple of alleys.” – Narrator [03:44]
• On accidental heroics:
  “I must have surrendered completely to the wild spirit of the African coast...” – Dawson [23:40]
• The dreamlike quality of adventure:
  “No, I suppose you're right. Nothing like that ever happens to a second class passenger except in dreams.” – Dawson [29:47]

---

Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Noteworthy Event | |-----------|---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | 01:05 | Opening narration | Setting, adventure framed | | 02:08 | Dawson's introduction | Character established | | 05:08 | Idol is forgotten | Dawson spurred into action | | 11:41 | Dawson enters the den | Drama increases, meets the criminals | | 16:24 | Violent confrontation | Two men killed, Dawson's transformation | | 17:36 | Escape across the rooftops | Chase intensifies | | 21:10 | Kiss and romantic turning point | Emotional and character climax | | 27:18 | Escape through “door of the lepers” | Surreal, perilous moment | | 28:15 | Reunion with Ms. Patterson and others | Reality/dream line blurs | | 29:47 | Final reflection | Quest dismissed as mere fantasy |

---

Tone & Style

The episode blends dry wit, self-deprecation, and classic adventure dialogue. Dawson’s “aw-shucks” Midwest humility is playfully set against the sultry, dangerous romance of a lost night in Africa, amplified by period radio dramatics and stylish, florid narration. The dialogue is brisk, sometimes humorous, often breathless – keeping the suspense taut, and the atmosphere heady.

---

Takeaway

“The Second Class Passenger” delivers a potent mix of suspense, peril, and the aching human desire for escapade and transformation. The line between mere tourist and hero is humorously and movingly blurred, leaving us to wonder how much of our greatest adventures—even if only in dreams—might lurk just on the other side of an ordinary errand.

---

Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

This episode sponsored by She's Bertie. Every woman knows that feeling, and She's Bertie knows it too. The just in case feeling. Just in case I hear something. Just in case someone tries the door. Just in case I need to wake up fast. It's not fear. It's awareness. And Birdie Box from She's Birdie was made for exactly that. Birdie Box is a portable travel door alarm designed by She's Bertie for hotels, dorms, Airbnbs, and anywhere you're staying away from home. It installs in seconds on the door frame, and if the door is opened, it activates a loud siren and flashing strobe to help draw attention instantly. She's because peace of mind should check in with you. Birdie Box by she's birdie visit she'sbirdie.com that's S-H-E-S-B-I-R-I-E.com and order your Birdie box before your next day away from home,

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

You were trapped in the native quarter of Mozambique. Two dead men at your feet, the police closing in on you, and beside you, a sultry girl who offers you escape. Escape produced and directed by William N. Robeson and carefully contrived to free you from the four walls of today for a half hour of high adventure. Tonight we escape to Portuguese East Africa, to the fetid alleys and dangerous rooftops of Mozambique in the highly incredible, yet somehow thoroughly plausible adventure by Percival Gibbon entitled the Second Class Passenger.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

That's me, Ronald A. Dawson, Second class passenger. Oh, I could have afforded first class by pinching a little here and there, but nobody back at Ralston's department Store in Cedar Rapids will ever know. The important thing is they're saying Ronald Dawson in drapery is taking a cruise around the world. And then there's really very little difference in the accommodations. And the second class passengers are every bit as interesting as the first class crowd. Take Ms. Patterson, for instance. You'd look far to find a more charming, likable, altogether desirable young lady just the life of the party. We'd gotten to be quite good friends by the time our crew was put in at Mozambique. Although the competition was always stiff, I can tell you there were times I wish those other two, Jones and Twitchell, had missed the boat somewhere along the line.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Well, we've still a good couple of hours before we sail. How about a ride in one of these native carriages, Miss Patterson?

[Ms. Patterson]

Oh, dear. Do you think they'd be clean?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Personally, I doubt it.

[Ms. Patterson]

Although I don't know as I should care too much now that woozo made me so woozy.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Great stuff, Hoot. It would take a Greek to think of a drink like that.

[Ms. Patterson]

Oh, to drink it. American gentlemen like to buy pictures.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

No, no.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Very interesting pictures.

[Ms. Patterson]

Take a look.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Oh, no. Go away.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

You know, we might do the fort, though. The guidebook says it's the main point of interest. Now, let's see. Built by the Portuguese in 1600.

[Ms. Patterson]

Oh, dear. Never mind the statistics. I dare say the fort would be as dreary as the rest of the place.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Oh, y. Mozambique's not at all like what you would imagine Mozambique to be like. That's a one horse town hall. Right Main street and a couple of alleys.

[Ms. Patterson]

Oh, and it's so dirty, you know. You think they do something about it in this day and age?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

No field point.

[Ms. Patterson]

Look. All fine work. Him belong to big Tanganyika chief.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I said no.

[Ms. Patterson]

Maybe someday.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Bwana.

[Ms. Patterson]

Need fine sharp knife.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

No. Now get out. What did I need a knife for?

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

To protect yourself from the savage natives, old man.

[Ms. Patterson]

All you'd have to do is call a policeman. He isn't doing anything else. You see him? Look at him. Out in the center of the street directing traffic like he was at the corner of State and Madison.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Then the traffic consists of two donkeys and an ox car.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

It will be a relief to get back on board ship and have a nice hot bath.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Yes, and real American food. Instead of that greasy fried octopus we had for lunch at that Greek place.

[Ms. Patterson]

Oh, my, weren't they awful?

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

As part of the broadening experience of travel.

[Ms. Patterson]

Yes, yes, I suppose so. Like that cute idol that I bought. I can't wait to show that to the girls at the bank, you know. Oh, dear. Mr. Dawson?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes, Ms. Patterson?

[Ms. Patterson]

Where's my idol?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Why, I thought Jones had it over Twitchell.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Oh, not me, old man. You insisted on carrying it for Ms. Patterson. Don't you remember?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Oh, dear. I must have left it back at the Greek restaurant. I'm so sorry.

[Ms. Patterson]

Oh, I did so want that idol. Don't you think you could go back for it, Mr. Dawson?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Whoa.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes, of course. But I wonder if I'll have time before the boat sails.

[Ms. Patterson]

Oh, I'm sure you will if you hurry.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Certainly, old man. You got more than an hour yet.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

You're sure?

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Oh, yes. The steward told me.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Then I'll go at once.

[Ms. Patterson]

Oh, that's kind of you, my dear Mr. Dawson. Now, mind you don't miss the boat.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Well, I'll try not to. Why? Chances are I'll catch up with you before you've reached the landing stage.

[Ms. Patterson]

Fine. We'll wait for you till the very last.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I could have throttled that supercilious Jones, insisting I had time. I knew there was time, but I had no desire to run off after a heavy bronze curio and leave Jones and twitchell alone with Ms. Patterson. She was too nice a person, and they were such dreadful bores. Yes, and I suspected them of being phonies, too. But there was no helping it now. So I made my way back up the main street toward Lazarus Restaurant, where we'd head our indigestible Greek lunch. Somehow this main street of Mozambique looked different now. In the quick African twilight, the little saloons and the sidewalks were filling with men of every nationality and color. Many of them wore knives thrust through the belts of their thin white suits, knives that looked as sharp as the glances they threw at me. I must confess I felt a little strange and unwanted. Then, lounging toward me in the crowd, I saw a large woman clad in a sort of burnous, but her brown face unveiled. She had very wide lips, and they were painted scarlet, and from the corner of her mouth she dangled a cigarette. Her eyes were heavily mascaraed, and when she looked down at me, terror seized me. I was afraid she would speak to me. I didn't know what I should do or say, but she didn't. Instead, she laughed. And the way the loiterers responded, I was convinced that they were laughing with her, at me. I must say, I was relieved to reach the entrance of Lazarus Restaurant. Good evening, sir. A little dinner for the gentleman? No, no, thank you. As a matter of fact, I just lunched here today. Very good. Excellent meal. Thank you, sir. I. I left a curio here, probably under the table. Have you found it?

[Ms. Patterson]

A curio?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes, some sort of a brass God. It was wrapped in newspaper.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Oh, yes.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

We got him right here for you. Oh, that's good. That's fine. I'm in a hurry to get back to the boat.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Yes, you better hurry.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Pretty soon she rains. Rain? Why, there's not a cloud in the sky. You see, every night she rained in Mozambique. Well, you ought to know, but I still doubt it. Oh, here. Buy yourself a cigar. Thank you, sir.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Thank you.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

You hurry quick, before she rains. Don't worry about me. I'm not made of sugar, you know. In just the few moments I'd been inside the restaurant, night had fallen. That sudden nightfall of the tropics. I looked overhead and clearly saw the stars, thinking what a bad weather forecaster the Greek was. I tucked Ms. Patterson's silly bronze idol under my arm and started off for the waterfront. I hadn't gone 200 yards when a large warm drop of rain splattered on the back of my neck, then two more on my hat, and before I could take cover under an arch, it was raining like like Iowa in April. It didn't look like it would let up soon, and I wondered if there might not be a shorter way to the waterfront than the long walk down the main street and then the long way to the left along the docks. Surely one of these alleys that turned off to the left would lead me directly to the harbor and the landing stage. So I left the protection of the archway and turned into the alley at my left, four steps from the main street, and I I was engulfed in darkness, wading through filth and mud over my ankles. But I was certain that I was on the right track, so I walked on and ran straight into a blank wall. I turned to retrace my steps, but I could see no lights anywhere. I I felt along the wall and until it gave into another alley, followed it to another blank wall and thence into another one. And now I knew I was lost. And now it began to rain in earnest. It pelted, it stamped, it whipped, it stung, it clashed. In a moment I was drenched to the skin. If it was dark before, it was now black as a tomb. I struggled onward because it was too terrible to stand still and feel myself being beaten to the earth by the sheer weight of the rain.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

This episode sponsored by She's Birdie. You lock the hotel room door, then check it again. And maybe one more time, because even the nicest room can feel unfamiliar at night. That's why She's Birdie created Birdie Box with She's Birdie. You can bring peace of mind with you. Birdie Box is a portable travel door alarm for hotels, dorms, Airbnbs, and anywhere you stay away from home. Just attach it to the door frame, switch it on, and if someone opens the door, birdiebox blasts a loud siren and flashing alarm to alert you and everyone nearby. Because the best part of travel isn't worrying, it's sleeping soundly. Birdiebox from she's locking in peace of mind wherever you stay. For safer, more confident travel, visit she'sbirdie.com that's s h e s b I r d I e dot com there's

[Ronald A. Dawson]

nothing like the American Express Platinum card. Find out your welcome offer after you apply, which could be as high as 175,000 points learn more and find out your [e-mail] explorer Platinum terms apply. I don't know how far I walked through those foul and fetid passageways, nor for how long. But at last, feeling my way around a corner, I saw a slit of light, a horizontal flicker beckoning beneath the door, and I heard voices. I lifted the bronze idol and rapped on the door with it. And the voices stopped.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

What do you want?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I've lost my way. I'm wet through and I don't know where I am. Please let me in. Please let me in.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Of course you may come in. You aren't exactly who we expected, but come in. Come in.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I walked into a room that was unfurnished, save for a littered table and some chairs and a gaudy picture of the Virgin that hung on the wall. On each side of it was a sconce in which a slovenly candle guttered. A woman was perched on the corner of the table, a heavy shawl over her head. Under it, the dark face propped in the fork of her hand glowed sullenly, and her bare white arm was. Was like a menacing thing in a chair. Near her, a grossly fat man was huddled, scowling heavily under thick, fair brows, while the other man, he who had opened the door, stood smiling. The woman laughed softly and pointed to the image dangling in my hand.

[Ms. Patterson]

What is that?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I beg your pardon?

[Ms. Patterson]

That parcel you are carrying. Parcel?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Oh, it's a curio. An idol of some sort. A friend of mine left it with the restaurant this afternoon.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

And you, You're a tourist from the cruise boat?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes. Yes, that's right. How did you know?

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

What are you doing here so late and so wet? The boat sail soon.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I know. I was trying to take a shortcut to the landing stage. I got lost somehow. I came ashore with some friends from the second class. I. I left them to come back and fetch this idol. And here I am.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Give the young man the chair, Aegon.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Oh, thank you. Thank you very much. But I must go on as soon as the rain stops. If you can direct me to you.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Do not stop for a while yet. You may as well wait here. Yes, we may be able to provide some entertainment for a second class tourist. As soon as your friends arrive. My dear friends.

[Ms. Patterson]

The police are not my friends.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

You let them to us.

[Ms. Patterson]

Would you walk about with your knives forever while I take all the risks?

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Risks?

[Ms. Patterson]

7 months you have done what you willed untouched. I bought you freedom for seven months with smiles and love. Now you take your turn. One uses a knife One goes to prison. One month, three months, six months. Who knows?

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

You could have talked with the prefect

[Ms. Patterson]

of police again, again and again. And for what? Life is not spending money. One pays for living, my friend. With work, sometimes with jail. I have paid. Now is your turn.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

You could have helped us once more. Only once more and we could have been out of the sewer and on the coast to Lorenzo Marx or Cape Town. Why didn't you? Why didn't you help us once more?

[Ms. Patterson]

Yes, why always you say once more, Once more. Now there is no more.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

You are a sheep pig with the files and the botched.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I beg your pardon, sir. Well, that's no way to speak to a lady Want. I'm serious. I don't like to hear such language used to a lady. I must ask you to apologize.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

What the devil have you got to do with this? You just came in out of the rain from the second class.

[Ms. Patterson]

Please, please don't fight with him. There's trouble enough already.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

But what the devil right has he got to come in here and tell

[Ms. Patterson]

me the day you stabbed the Egyptian.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

What of it?

[Ms. Patterson]

Don't stab this one. You want the police to find you here with a corpse?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

A corpse.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

What does it matter how the police find us? We wait for them because we have no choice. You put them on us. We should do away with you.

[Ms. Patterson]

Why do you lie even to yourself? Why must you hide your own blame behind my skirts? Great mother of heaven, you are neither man nor beast. You are.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Don't go on. Don't you dare say it.

[Ms. Patterson]

Dare you. Are you just the Salma?

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

No one says that to me.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

And Liv, he's got a knife.

[Ms. Patterson]

Salmac.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Salma. No, you don't. Stand back or I'll brain you with this idol.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

You'll do what? You think I carry only a knife?

[Ms. Patterson]

Pig.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Dog.

[Ms. Patterson]

I waited for this. He forgot I carry a knife.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Oh. Oh. Look what I did to him with this bronze idol. Horrible, horrible.

[Ms. Patterson]

It makes a good weapon, your idol. It was a grand blow. A king's blow. You cannot help him now.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I've killed a man with this little curio. And you've killed another with your knife. Two men murdered. Oh. I must get back to the ship. You must come with me

[Ms. Patterson]

to the ship. Oh la la. You think I'd be welcome in this second class?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Well, I don't know.

[Ms. Patterson]

But we must go somewhere. The police will be here any minute.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

The police?

[Ms. Patterson]

Yes. Come. It's not raining so hard now. Quit. Oh, they have come for those two. They will be on both sides of us. Here, hold my hand. Stand perfectly still. I will tell you when it's safe to move. Now they are all around us, so they won't hear us. Come now.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Where are we going?

[Ms. Patterson]

We are escaping. But if you know from what we are escaping, you would not care where. Hurry. Hang on to my hand and hurry. They have found the bodies. Now they are after us.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

What will we do?

[Ms. Patterson]

There is a door nearby. We must find it. Or feel. Feel along the wall. Here. Her father. Father. It must be here.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes, here it is.

[Ms. Patterson]

Push. Push it in.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

It won't budge. It's bolted from inside.

[Ms. Patterson]

You must push it in. Is the only way.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Here. A hole. This idle for me.

[Ms. Patterson]

I have it now.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Not yet.

[Ms. Patterson]

Hit it again.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

It's giving Once more.

[Ms. Patterson]

Good. My friend. My great strong friend. Up the stairs now. Quickly.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Where are we going now?

[Ms. Patterson]

To the roof. Wait. The rain has stopped.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes, the stars are coming out.

[Ms. Patterson]

There Is your ship out in the harbor.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I must get to it.

[Ms. Patterson]

Listen. You hear them? We are not safe yet. Over the wall to the next roof. Hurry. Now. Over to the next party. Patch.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Up you go. Are you all right?

[Ms. Patterson]

Come up quietly.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes. What's that down there? A tent?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Yes.

[Ms. Patterson]

People are asleep. You must walk like a rat.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Who are they?

[Ms. Patterson]

Who knows? If they see us, they will think you have come after the women.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Oh, but we could say.

[Ms. Patterson]

There would be nothing to say.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Shh.

[Ms. Patterson]

Someone's crawling out of the tent.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

A man with a sheet wrapped around him. He's coming this way.

[Ms. Patterson]

Yes.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Why doesn't he see us?

[Ms. Patterson]

His eyes are clouded with sleep. Perhaps if he sees us, it will be too late.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Then he won't. There. And there. Well, that took the fight out of him.

[Ms. Patterson]

Take this. My little knife. Just a prick and he is quite safe.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Oh, no. He's still enough now. He won't harm us. I, I. I really did him in, didn't I?

[Ms. Patterson]

It was splendid. With only the bare hands to take an armed man.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Armed? I didn't know he was armed.

[Ms. Patterson]

Of course. Of that you may always be sure. Look there in his loincloth.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

A dagger at least six inches.

[Ms. Patterson]

Yes. You are truly magnificent, my friend. You are a man.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

You are a woman,

[Ms. Patterson]

then.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Wonderful woman.

[Ms. Patterson]

I was wondering when you would kiss me. When you took offense at what the Russian said to me. I knew you would. But I wonder how soon.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes. Yes, I suppose I knew too, in a way. At least I thought how much I'd like to. But I wouldn't have had the courage before all this, I suppose.

[Ms. Patterson]

Courage? Your courage is of the lion. Your Strength is of the great bull of Swahili.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Thank you. Thank you. I wonder if we're far from the landing stage now. I mustn't miss my boat, you know.

[Ms. Patterson]

You want to go back to the second class?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Well, naturally. That's what I was trying to do when I knocked on your door. Goodness. I've missed my dinner as it is.

[Ms. Patterson]

Missed your dinner? Yes, that is so. But haven't you gained something else?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

What?

[Ms. Patterson]

Me. Look. Look at me. Is it nothing, friend? That you have saved me for yourself?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yeah, but.

[Ms. Patterson]

You conquer men as though you were bred on the roofs of Mozambique. You fight like a hero. A rush, a blow, a tumble, and you have them lying at your feet. Are you not glad that it was all for this? For me? Kiss me.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I. I'd fight. I. I'd fight for you as long as. As long as there was anyone to fight.

[Ms. Patterson]

You would. I know you would.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

You lead on.

[Ms. Patterson]

Where?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Wherever you will

[Ms. Patterson]

come,

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Of course. I. I don't expect you to believe it. Looking back, I'm still unsure it really happened to me. It's. It's as though I dreamed it. Well, I. I don't know how many roofs we crossed after that. A dozen, perhaps. Maybe 20. It was mad, I know, but I must have surrendered completely to the wild spirit of the African coast. I didn't seem to see the great ship lying out in the harbor, her lights blinking with the comforts of civilization. All my senses were focused on this slim, breathtaking figure leading me across the rooftops to a shadowy destination in which only one thing was certain. She would be there. I suppose in that moment, armed only with the bloody bronze idol, I was invincible. At last she led me down a creaking wooden stair that hung precariously on the sheer side of a house. And once more, we were in the mud of a gloomy alley. Even the way she slid her arm along mine and softly grasped my hand filled me with greater power than I had ever known. Hand in hand, we made our way down the alley and out into a little square where a night breeze rustled in the palms and smelled of the sea. And across the way, a dim light showed through a big open door.

[Ms. Patterson]

The little church of San Sebastian.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Oh,

[Ms. Patterson]

the police.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

After all this?

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Vamos.

[Ms. Patterson]

Vamos. Capitao divia vero tramane. Ida de resolve.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

What's the matter with him? What's he want?

[Ms. Patterson]

He says he won't let me go.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

The devil he won't. What's he want you for?

[Ms. Patterson]

Oh, my friend, this little policeman. They always arrest me when they Get a chance. It is tiresome.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

They should have companion.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Listen, copper. Scram. See? Take it on the lamb. Take a powder.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Contrario. Serra. Preso tampem.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I said scram.

[Ms. Patterson]

Run. Run before he can get to his feet. No, not that way. Into the church. To sanctuary. My magnificent One. You fear no one. You fight for me. So long as there is anyone to fight.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes.

[Ms. Patterson]

Now there will always be someone to fight. They will never leave us alone.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Will they follow us in here?

[Ms. Patterson]

These police might do anything. But I know one door they will not dare follow us through.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

What is that?

[Ms. Patterson]

Come this way. Here. This door hurts. I must wrap my skirts close. Now, come cleanly through the middle. Do not. Please do not rub the walls as you come. There. We are safe for a while. They will not follow us through that door.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Why not?

[Ms. Patterson]

It was the door of the lepers.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

The door of the.

[Ms. Patterson]

It is all right. We didn't touch the portals. See? Down the alley at the lights of the waterfront.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes. Where do we go now?

[Ms. Patterson]

We have a little time now to breathe the clean air of the harbor. And then I know a little princess place where someone is coming. Step back in the shadow until they have passed.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

It certainly was something to write home about.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Listen.

[Ms. Patterson]

What is it?

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

I wonder what's happened to good old Dawson. Oh, drenched.

[Ms. Patterson]

I do hope he's found my idol.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

The idol. I must return the idol.

[Ms. Patterson]

No, don't, my friend. This is the greatest danger of all.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Goodbye.

[Ms. Patterson]

Don't go, magnificent one. Don't go.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I must. Goodbye. Hello there.

[Ms. Patterson]

Here's Mr. Dawson.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Got here before you, it appears.

[Ms. Patterson]

Yes. Did you find the idol?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes, but for a moment there I was afraid I should miss the boat.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Oh, I say, old man, you're a bit disheveled.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes, I got caught in the rain.

[Ms. Patterson]

Ah. And my idol. Oh, Mr. Dawson, you've got it all dirty.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes, it is a bit must. I dropped it once or twice, I feel.

[Ms. Patterson]

I think that was clumsy of you.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Oh, nothing a little soap and water won't put to rights, I dare say.

[Ms. Patterson]

Well, maybe. Well, we'd better hurry along. I'd hate to have to spend any more time in this dreadful place.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Oh, so should I.

[Ms. Patterson]

Yes. There, there. There's the whistle. Now, that's the last warning, no doubt. Come on, come on.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Everybody that's coming. Oh, Dawson. Don't stand there, Mr. Mooning. We'll miss the boat.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Yes, yes, in just a moment.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Is there someone standing there in the shadow of the alley?

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I'm not sure. I thought for a moment.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Funny, I could have sworn I saw you wave goodbye to someone.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Perhaps I did. Goodbye to Mozambique. To adventure and romance.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Oh, that's good. That's very good. Adventure. Romance in this pest hole.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Twitchell, what would you say if I told you I had just killed a man, fled over the rooftops of the city, made love to a beautiful woman, fought the police, escaped through the lepers gate.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Oh, great heavens, Dawson. I'd say he had the wildest imagination I'd ever heard of. Nothing like that ever happens to a second class passenger.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

No, No, I suppose you're right. Nothing like that ever happens to a second class passenger except in dreams. Come on, Twitchell. We'll miss the boat.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Escape, produced and directed by William N. Robeson, has tonight brought you the Second Class Passenger by Percival Gibbon. Adapted for radio by Mr. Robeson with Harry Bartel as Dawson, Jeanette Nolan as the woman and Kathy Lewis as Ms. Patterson. Original music conceived and conducted by Cy Fuhrer. Next week you are isolated on a remote plantation in the crawling Amazon jungle. And an immense army of ravenous ants is closing in on you, swarming in to eat you alive. A deadly black army from which there is no escape. Next week we escape with Carl Stevenson's terrifying story line, engine versus the Ants. Good night. Then until this same time next week, when again we offer you Escape. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. Hello.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

I'm here during the lunch rush with Janice, who owns her own food truck.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Best cheesesteaks in town.

[Ronald A. Dawson]

Janice traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for her food truck business. We're here where she needs us most. They sure are. We make it so easy for her to save with customized coverage that grows with her business. Sorry, I just get so emotional talking about saving folks money. Not this onion I'm chopping. It's just so beautiful.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Oh, yeah.

[Ms. Patterson]

Nice.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

The onion.

[Narrator/Supporting Male]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. It feels good. To Geico.