Carling Country - SA xx-xx-xx (x) The Man From Oregon

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Carling Country - SA xx-xx-xx (x) The Man From Oregon"

Introduction

In this enthralling episode of Harold's Old Time Radio titled "The Man From Oregon," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a gripping tale of mystery, suspense, and human resilience. The story centers around Bert Lombard, a cowboy turned seaman, whose journey aboard a merchant ship during the tumultuous 1930s Depression era unfolds with intense drama and unexpected twists.

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Setting Sail: The Arrival of the Cowboy

The narrative begins with Bert Lombard's unexpected entry into the seafaring world. Described by a seasoned seaman, Bert is portrayed as an anomaly among sailors—tall, unorthodox in demeanor, and unmistakably a cowboy.

Seaman [00:42]: "The Cowboy, though, was just as big. And that first little clash on the nest egg didn't seem to show that he was scared of Clancy."

Bert arrives aboard the ship seeking employment, despite lacking traditional seafaring experience. His cowboy attire—a pair of blue dungarees and absence of a hat—sets him apart, earning him both curiosity and suspicion from the crew.

Bert Lombard [05:01]: "I need a job."

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Life on the Ship: Building Tensions

As Bert acclimates to life at sea, he faces skepticism from the crew, particularly from Clancy, the third engineer. The ship's multicultural crew, comprising Australians, English, and French sailors, quickly observes the friction between the rugged Cowboy and the authoritative Clancy.

Clancy [08:12]: "I seen your sort before. Can't earn an honest living. Ashore gets handled with the cops and reckon the way to get away and hop a ship for you."

Bert's determination to adapt contrasts sharply with Clancy's disdain, setting the stage for escalating tensions. Despite initial resistance, Bert begins to fit into the ship's routine, even earning a semblance of respect through his hard work.

Bert Lombard [06:43]: "Well, I'll catch on soon."

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Crossing the Equator: Rising Heat and Temperatures

As the ship ventures into the tropics, environmental challenges exacerbate the existing tensions. Approaching the doldrums—the notoriously calm equatorial waters known for stalling ships—leads to unbearable heat both on deck and in the engine room.

Seaman [10:05]: "Hawaii. All them girls, grass skirts."

The oppressive heat mirrors the mounting frustration among the crew, particularly between Bert and Clancy. Clancy's bullying behavior intensifies, culminating in a heated confrontation that foreshadows impending tragedy.

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Clash of Titans: The Fatal Confrontation

The boiling point arrives late one night when Bert, weary and visibly unsteady, faces off with Clancy. Accusations of drunkenness and poor work ethic flare into a physical altercation.

Clancy [12:10]: "You better watch yourself, cowboy. In my watch everybody works. Even a tramp on the run from the police works."

Amidst the chaos, Clancy assaults Bert with a lump of coal, triggering Bert's defensive rage. The ensuing fight leads to Clancy's accidental death, leaving Bert bewildered and desperate.

Clancy [14:45]: "I'm not drunk, I tell you. I, I, I'm sick."

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The Disappearance: A Mysterious Vanishing

Following the fatal altercation, Bert vanishes without a trace. The crew initiates a frantic search, scouring the ship but finding no evidence of Bert's whereabouts.

Boatswain [17:36]: "I think he's dead."

Reports suggest that Bert may have jumped overboard into the treacherous waters, now marred by the presence of sharks, making survival unlikely.

Seaman [20:06]: "And the nearest land was well over a hundred miles away. If he dived overboard, he would certainly never have made it."

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A Twist of Fate: Survival and Revelation

Contrary to the crew's grim assumptions, Bert's story takes an unexpected turn. After surviving the presumed fatal plunge, he encounters a small island community—the Tokalo Islands (formerly Union Islands). Here, Bert meets a native chief who reveals a deeper connection to his past.

Bert Lombard [24:22]: "I understand you need water."

The chief identifies Bert with a legend of a "white God" destined to appear from the sea, hinting at Bert's unlikely survival and his pivotal role within the island's lore.

Chief [24:49]: "Your father is dead now, huh?"

This revelation suggests that Bert's journey was not merely a tale of survival but intertwined with a mythic destiny, offering a poignant closure to his tumultuous voyage.

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Conclusion: Reflections and Legacy

"The Man From Oregon" masterfully blends themes of isolation, cultural clash, and destiny against the backdrop of a bygone era. Through Bert Lombard's harrowing experiences, the story explores the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity and the unforeseen paths life can take.

Seaman [25:55]: "Tonight."

As the episode closes, listeners are left contemplating the true fate of Bert Lombard—a cowboy who defied expectations and carved his own legend upon the high seas.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Seaman [00:42]: "The Cowboy, though, was just as big. And that first little clash on the nest egg didn't seem to show that he was scared of Clancy."
• Bert Lombard [05:01]: "I need a job."
• Clancy [08:12]: "I seen your sort before. Can't earn an honest living. Ashore gets handled with the cops and reckon the way to get away and hop a ship for you."
• Bert Lombard [06:43]: "Well, I'll catch on soon."
• Clancy [12:10]: "You better watch yourself, cowboy. In my watch everybody works. Even a tramp on the run from the police works."
• Bert Lombard [14:45]: "I'm not drunk, I tell you. I, I, I'm sick."
• Bert Lombard [24:22]: "I understand you need water."
• Seaman [25:55]: "Tonight."

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Final Thoughts

Harold's Old Time Radio delivers a captivating narrative in "The Man From Oregon," seamlessly blending dramatic storytelling with historical flavor. This episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of human interactions and the unforeseeable turns of fate.

Transcript

[Narrator]

And now, Kyling Country, Karling World brewers of the great American beer, present stories from America's foremost authors. Stories of trial and endeavor, of the courage of people. Stories from Carling Country.

[Bert Lombard]

Tonight we bring you a story of the sea and the men who sail on her in the man from Oregon, a fascinating tale of mystery and suspense from Carling Country.

[Narrator]

Started in the Transvaal, swept through the Orange Free State like a prairie fire, then setting a towel alight and glowing, now headed for the Cape Province. Like Haley's Comet is the beer that has won over the taste of man. America's lusty, lively Carling Black Label. Man, oh man. Wait till you pop your first easy to open ring pool can. Then you'll know what real beer is all about. Strong, husky, lusty to the last lively drop. This is the man Frame. America's own Carling Black Label beer, now brewing in the Eastern and Western Cape and on sale soon. Get to know it, you'll stay with.

[Seaman]

It sort of beer.

[Narrator]

Carling's X Strength Black Label Beer.

[Seaman]

Seamen are funny characters. Theirs is certainly a world apart. I mean, you just think of it for a moment. Would any guy who's absolutely normal spend his life on a boat, a ship, a thing that gets thrown around and bucketed about, cramped up, no room to raise an elbow. That's what sailors do. But then, like I say, sailors are funny guys. And superstitious too. Like the old sailing ship days when. When the wind died on them, they used to whistle. Did you know that? They'd whistle for the wind to come back again. All kinds of superstitions they got. Maybe they ain't superstitions. Who am I to say? I've been on the sea for 35 years and, well, I've seen some funny things, but I've never shoot an albatross. And I know guys who've seen Pelorus Jack lead ships through the straits off Australia. You heard of Pelorus Jack? He was a Porphyris and he used to lead the old tea clippers through the straits. Keep them clear of the rocks and that's true. How about Hannah and I've known Jonas Toot. No, you can laugh, but it's true. I've been on board ships when a guy's come aboard and right from the start we've known he's been a Jonah. But the funniest time was with Burt Lombard. Well, it wasn't funny really. Bert was an American. He came from the Middle west somewhere. He should never have been a seaman. He even walked like a cowboy. But I'm jumping the gun. This was in the 1930s. The Depression was on and any job was hard to come by. I was a young guy at the time and I was shipped on a merchantman. Our run was from Sydney to Portland in Oregon, across the Pacific. We were a mixed crew. Australians, English, French. In fact, I was the only Yank aboard until the Cowboy came along. Yeah, that's what we called him from the start, the Cowboy.

[Boatswain]

Well, what do you want?

[Bert Lombard]

I heard down the PEU was a man's foot.

[Engineer]

News travels fast.

[Boatswain]

Only half an hour since Williams went down with appendicitis.

[Bert Lombard]

So the ambulance take him away. Figured you'd need a man.

[Boatswain]

You don't look like a sailor.

[Bert Lombard]

I ain't, but I can learn.

[Boatswain]

What do you think this is, a training ship?

[Bert Lombard]

I know you was due to sail five minutes ago. And I know if you don't get underway in 15 minutes, you'll miss the tide. You need a man. I need a job.

[Boatswain]

This is a cow banner. You know what that means?

[Bert Lombard]

I should figure it meant you burn coal.

[Smith]

So?

[Boatswain]

So Williamson's a stoker. You ever shovel, cowl?

[Bert Lombard]

No, sir. But I herded mavericks and that's pretty tough.

[Boatswain]

Boatswain.

[Mac]

Yes, sir.

[Boatswain]

Hurry up. What's your name?

[Bert Lombard]

Lambert, sir. Bert Lambert.

[Boatswain]

Boatswain. This is the new stoker. Looks more like a cowboy to me. Take him below. He's taking William's place. Fix him up.

[Seaman]

From the start he was a likable guy. Tall, very tall, which is unusual for a seaman. And he walked with a roll on up. The roll that a long service sailor walks with. But with a roll like he wasn't used to walking. He was dressed in blue dungalees and didn't wear a hat. But like the captain said, he sure looked more like a cowboy than a sailor.

[Engineer]

So you want to be a sailor, eh, cowboy?

[Bert Lombard]

Not particularly. But I developed an unfortunate habit when I was a kid.

[Engineer]

Eating it.

[Bert Lombard]

I'd like to keep it up.

[Engineer]

Things tough on shore, Ham?

[Bert Lombard]

They're tough.

[Engineer]

Here you are down here. Your mess is along here. We're gonna sail pretty soon.

[Seaman]

Times now two o' clock.

[Engineer]

That's four bells in the afternoon watch. You go down the engine room for the first dog.

[Bert Lombard]

Well, how's that?

[Engineer]

First dog watch. That's from four to six, then you're off till eight, then on from eight till midnight. Except for the dog watches, you got four hours on and four hours off. Then off duty for 24 hours. Okay.

[Bert Lombard]

Well, I'll catch on soon.

[Engineer]

Okay.

[Bert Lombard]

What do I have to do down There.

[Engineer]

Keep the fires going, that's all. That's the first thing a stoker learns. Always keep the fires going.

[Seaman]

We were a mixed bunch, like I said, and tough that night. The starboard watch sat down to supper just after six. They just come off watch. The cowboy was among them. He dug his first two hour trick.

[Engineer]

Well, how'd it go, Cowboy?

[Bert Lombard]

Okay, I guess. Where do I sit? Williams used to sit there. You're taking his place.

[Seaman]

Oh.

[Bert Lombard]

Oh, well, thanks. Hey, pass a coffee, will you?

[Seaman]

It's tea.

[Bert Lombard]

We drink tea on board this tub. Oh. Oh, well. Well, that's okay, I guess. Pass the tea, will you?

[Engineer]

Hear? You are.

[Clancy]

Hurry with the tea, Will?

[Engineer]

Yes? Oh, yeah, sure.

[Bert Lombard]

Hey, well, you're a new boy, so.

[Clancy]

Maybe you didn't know. I'm Clancy. I'm third engineer. That means I get served before you.

[Bert Lombard]

Well, I. I'm sorry, I. I guess I didn't know.

[Clancy]

Well, remember, in future, things go by routine on board a ship, even a tub like this. We don't change the routine just because some lover has to dodge from the cops. Get it?

[Bert Lombard]

You talking about me? I. I didn't have to dodge no cops.

[Clancy]

I seen your sort before. Can't earn an honest living. Ashore gets handled with the cops and reckon the way to get away and hop a ship for you.

[Bert Lombard]

You got me wrong, mister. I got nothing to fear from no cops calling me a liar. I ain't calling you nothing. But don't you go calling me things, mister. I ain't done nothing wrong.

[Seaman]

That's good.

[Clancy]

If you want to keep your nose clean, keep it that way. I got no time for traps.

[Seaman]

Maybe I should have warned him about Clancy. You must have met that type of guy. Very conscious of a little bit of authority, which he has. And with a chip on his shoulder against the whole world. Nobody on board really liked Clancy, but, well, he was big and he was a bully. The Cowboy, though, was just as big. And that first little clash on the nest egg didn't seem to show that he was scared of Clancy. Maybe things would have turned out different if he had been. Anyway, I had other things to worry about. At the time, I didn't pay too much attention. The cowboy soon settled into the routine of the ship. And after a couple of days, he was even beginning to look like a deep water man. I was taking a stroll on the fork one morning. The forum watch is always a time for the hands to catch up on their doan or manding. And there was the cowboy making a pretty good job with a needle and thread.

[Engineer]

Well, how's it going, cowboy?

[Bert Lombard]

Oh, fine. Just, just fine. Say, this air is starting to smell real good, huh?

[Seaman]

Yeah.

[Engineer]

We're in the tropics now. Across the Tropic of cancer yesterday. About 100 miles off the starboard side is Hawaii. Honolulu.

[Bert Lombard]

Oh, that's a place I always wanted to see. Hawaii.

[Seaman]

Oh, yeah.

[Bert Lombard]

All them girls, grass skirts.

[Seaman]

We shall call in there on the.

[Engineer]

Way back, like as not.

[Bert Lombard]

What stops do we make before we reach Sydney?

[Engineer]

We refuel at the Fiji's, put in a tuba overnight.

[Bert Lombard]

I guess he never been out of the States before. You know, come to think of it, I've never been out of the west before now.

[Engineer]

You'll find Suva different. You watch your step. You go ashore.

[Bert Lombard]

Well, I didn't travel much, but I reckon I can handle myself if any trouble comes.

[Engineer]

I wasn't thinking of that. Sailors are always landing in fighting. Trouble? No, that's nothing. No, for a guy who's hardly set foot out of Oregon, Suva's gonna look mighty different. Just make sure you get back on board, that's all. Don't get carried away with a drink in the Danes.

[Seaman]

We steam southwest for another couple of days. And the weather got hotter. As we approached the equator. The weather got hotter, the air got heavier, the wind dropped to pretty near nothing. These were the doldrums that the old time sailing ships used to dread. They'd sit back in these waters for days at a time waiting for the wind to come up again. On deck it was hot, but down in the engine room it was almost unbearable. Tempers started to get ragged around the edges. And Clancy, never the sweetest of guys, he started to get impossible.

[Mac]

Hey, you.

[Clancy]

What do you think you are, a passenger? Stoke that fire, Lombard.

[Bert Lombard]

Yeah, yeah, sure. I just getting my breath back a minute, that's all.

[Clancy]

Don't give me that. I've been watching you for the past five minutes. That's the shovel you got in your hand, not a stick to Lena.

[Bert Lombard]

Hey, look, I'm working as hard as the next guy. Fellas entitled to a breather, ain't he?

[Clancy]

Not when I'm in charge of the engine room.

[Bert Lombard]

Okay, have it your way.

[Clancy]

You better watch yourself, cowboy. In my watch everybody works. Even a tramp on the run from the police works.

[Bert Lombard]

Why are you riding me, mister? I told you before, I've done nothing wrong.

[Clancy]

I know you're sort. Get on with your job and stop wasting time.

[Seaman]

Yeah, the temperature was getting higher and so were the tempers. I heard about the way things were going between Clancy and the Cowboy, But. Well, it wasn't up to me to interfere. Mac, the chief engineer, was in charge of things below decks and I didn't want to tread on his problems. It was about one bell on the first watch, half past eight in the evening, and a fine evening it was. The ship was throwing up a phosphorescent wake and the flying fishes were bouncing about like paper airplanes thrown by small kids.

[Engineer]

Mac was leaning on the rail aft.

[Seaman]

Puffing on his pipe and occasionally spitting into the water below.

[Engineer]

Well, evening there, Macin.

[Mac]

It's a fine night, isn't it?

[Engineer]

And how's the new hand shaping?

[Mac]

Who? The cowboy. Oh, fine. Just fine.

[Engineer]

I hear that he and Clancy don't hit it off so good.

[Mac]

Nobody hits it off. We Clancy. You know that.

[Engineer]

Yeah, I know. But by this time, a new man has usually accepted the fact that Clancy thinks he runs the world. I don't think Lombard has.

[Mac]

No, neither do I. But I don't think it's anything to worry about.

[Engineer]

I should hate it if those two came to blows, Mac.

[Mac]

Ah, for Pete's sake, Bob. This isn't a school for boys. You kind of go up to him and see. Look, Clancy's a nasty bully, but just accept it and keep your mouth shut.

[Engineer]

Yeah, I suppose not. But I think somebody should warn Lombard he's heading for trouble. If he don't keep quiet, I.

[Mac]

Well, don't look to me. Clancy's a good third engineer. It's more important to the smooth running of the ship to keep him happier than Lombard. You want to fill him a backy pub?

[Boatswain]

I got this from England.

[Seaman]

The trouble came sooner than I thought. The middle watch was about halfway through, but around 2 o' clock in the morning. Apparently Lombard had been complaining of a slight fear. According to the other guys in the watch, he was certainly flushed, and he seemed to be shaking a little and bit unsteady on his feet. He got worse since midnight when the watch had started, and around about 2 o' clock, Clancy spotted him sort of hunkered over in a corner.

[Clancy]

What do you think you're doing? Come on, get on with your work.

[Bert Lombard]

I. I don't feel so good. I. I think maybe I got a touch of fever.

[Clancy]

Favor, Come on. On your face.

[Bert Lombard]

Oh, gee, I. I feel plum bad.

[Clancy]

What are you staggering for, Favor? Well, I've heard some things in my time, but I never heard a guy trying to pretend the drunkenness was favor.

[Bert Lombard]

Well, I'm not drunk. What are you talking about? You're drunk.

[Clancy]

Being drunk on watch is a serious thing, Mr.

[Bert Lombard]

I'm not drunk, I tell you. I, I, I'm sick.

[Mac]

I know.

[Clancy]

You're a short tramp. You never make good or nothing. You're a drunk. I've taken you to the skipper right now. I can smell the liquor from here.

[Bert Lombard]

Look, I, I was feeling bad before I came down here. I did have a slut. One mouthful, I, I thought maybe to make me feel better that that's why you can smell. But I ain't drunk.

[Clancy]

You're coming with me. Come on. Take your hands off me. Oh, you think you're talking.

[Seaman]

You leave me alone.

[Mac]

Just leave me alone.

[Engineer]

Why, you lousy.

[Seaman]

You know the way eyewitnesses talk after a thing like that? They all had different stories to tell. But one thing they were all pretty sure of. There was a fight. Okay. Both of them must have lost their tempers completely. It had been boiling up for days. Clancy apparently grabbed a hunk of coal and tried to land the cowboy with it. And that did it for Lombard. He grabbed hold of a shovel and fetched Clancy's a wallop behind the left earth ear. Clancy dropped like a stone bombard. Stood for a second looking down at him, his chest heaving and his eyes wild. He gave a sort of a choking sob, threw down the shovel and ran. He was at the companion way before the spell was broke.

[Engineer]

All right, all right. Doing great, man.

[Mac]

Give him here. Oh, he sure give him a heck of a wallop. Hey, you better send for the boys. And I think he's dead.

[Seaman]

I was down there in a matter of minutes. He was dead, all right. His eyes had already got that glassy glazed overlook. He was dead and the cowboy was missing.

[Boatswain]

All right, men. He found a gun.

[Mac]

Fire.

[Boatswain]

Saint. The Aquitania Boson. You take half a dozen men and start from the stand.

[Engineer]

Aye, aye, sir.

[Boatswain]

Mac, take your men and start right for it. Work your way towards each other. Search everywhere. He's somewhere aboard this ship and I want him found.

[Clancy]

Nothing there, Bowser.

[Mac]

Hey. Hello, both. Any sign of him?

[Engineer]

No, nothing.

[Seaman]

You?

[Engineer]

The same.

[Mac]

I take it, from here forward. We're in the nuke. We're having a search. We better report back to the captain.

[Boatswain]

You mean to say he's nowhere?

[Mac]

Hey, he's not aboard, skipper.

[Boatswain]

What do you mean, not aboard? You're trying to tell me he's dived overboard under the miles from the nearest land?

[Engineer]

Well, that's his maybe, sir. He's certainly not aboard. Unless he climbed the smokestack and dropped in.

[Boatswain]

Is that possible, do you think Smith.

[Engineer]

Was on deck watch? He saw him come out of the hatch just above the smokestack. Let him tell you what he saw. He's just outside, sir.

[Boatswain]

All right.

[Engineer]

Okay, Smith.

[Mac]

Yes, sir.

[Engineer]

Come in, Smith.

[Boatswain]

Now, Smith, you were on deck watch when it happened? Yes, sir.

[Smith]

I didn't know what had gone wrong in the engine room, of course, so I didn't think too much of it when I. When I saw Lombard come staggering out of the hatchway.

[Boatswain]

What happened? Which way did he go?

[Smith]

Well, see, he sort of staggered to the. To the rail and he looking over. For a moment, I thought he was seasick. As a matter of fact, I shouted summer to him. I don't think he heard me. Anyway, he made no sign, just kept on leaning over. I started towards him, then he turned around. He still didn't seem to hear me. He looked wild, sir, like he wasn't all there. Then he ran to the smokestack. The ladder up the stack is a bar from where I was standing. So I lost sight of him.

[Boatswain]

Did he climb up?

[Smith]

Well, I couldn't say, sir. But by the time I'd run round so that I could see. See the ladder, he wasn't inside anywhere.

[Seaman]

I see.

[Boatswain]

So he must have climbed up and jumped down into the fire.

[Smith]

He must have done, sir. I didn't see nothing.

[Boatswain]

All right, Smith.

[Seaman]

That'll be all right, sir.

[Boatswain]

Well, gentlemen, if he did jump down, there'd be nothing left of him to prove it.

[Seaman]

He must have beat off his head.

[Clancy]

To do a thing like that.

[Boatswain]

We'll bury Clancy in the forenoon tomorrow till the sail maker get busy making a shroud.

[Seaman]

Aye, aye, too.

[Boatswain]

And my log entry will show that Lombard killed Clancy, then committed suicide by jumping down into the smokestack.

[Seaman]

Either way, that was obviously the end of Lombard.

[Engineer]

Cowboys.

[Seaman]

Ancient great shakes on swimming, anyway. And the nearest land was well over a hundred miles away. If he dived overboard, he would certainly never have made it.

[Engineer]

Even if he'd not been taken by.

[Seaman]

The sharks, which are plentiful in those waters. Clancy certainly wasn't miss much, though. The engine room did have to double up a bit until we reached Sydney and can take on another two men.

[Engineer]

And that, to all intents and purposes.

[Seaman]

Would have been that.

[Bert Lombard]

Except.

[Seaman]

Except for a funny thing that happened just a few years ago tonight was skipping a cattle boat. We were shipping a cargo, a live cargo of blood animals from the States to Australia. There was a knock at my cabin door.

[Clancy]

One point.

[Engineer]

Come in. Yeah, Bolson, what is it?

[Bert Lombard]

Oh, somebody's made a bit of a blue, sir.

[Seaman]

Yeah, or miscalculated.

[Bert Lombard]

Or something.

[Seaman]

What do you mean? The water, sir.

[Engineer]

Well, what about the water?

[Bert Lombard]

We ain't got enough to reach Silver, sir.

[Engineer]

Not enough?

[Bert Lombard]

No, sir.

[Engineer]

What kind of way is that to run a ship? You know how many animals there were on board? You should have made sure you had enough water.

[Bert Lombard]

Well, I thought I had, sir. There's been a miscalculation somewhere.

[Seaman]

Yeah?

[Engineer]

Well, there's no land nearer than the Fijis. So what do you suggest we do?

[Bert Lombard]

Well, sir, there is a small cluster of Islands about 70 miles southeast, sir.

[Seaman]

I don't know of any, and I.

[Engineer]

Know these waters pretty well. Oh, they were only charted a couple.

[Bert Lombard]

Of years ago, sir. I suggest we change course and put in there.

[Seaman]

Yeah.

[Engineer]

Is there any arbor?

[Bert Lombard]

I don't know, sir. If not, we'll have to send in boats with barrels.

[Engineer]

All right, Boson, make the arrangements. But I warn you, this isn't going to look nice in the log. Running out of water in this day and age.

[Seaman]

The Tokalo Islands, as they're now called, were known as the Union Islands in those days. Even today, their total population is under 2,000 people. And 30 years ago it was considerably less. I didn't want to take a chance on running the tub into the lagoon. So I anchored half a mile or so seawards of the reef and sent in the boats. The last minute, I decided to go along the south. I've always been curious, but new places and new faces. Maybe that's why I'm still a sailor. Anyway, we rolled into the lagoon and pulled towards the white beach. I don't suppose the natives had ever seen a ship the size of the Maryland before. Anyway, by the time we beached the boats, it looked as if the whole population had turned out to greet us. They were friendly, all right, and to my surprise, I had no difficulty in making myself understood.

[Engineer]

Now, look, I. I need water. Water.

[Bert Lombard]

Drink.

[Engineer]

See? You know, water.

[Mac]

You come with me.

[Seaman]

Hey, what do you know?

[Engineer]

They speak English.

[Seaman]

I walked behind the one who'd spoken to me. The rest of the population fell in behind me and my guy. So it was quite a procession that walked off the beach. In the middle of the village compound, which stood about half a mile away. I felt like a guy on Mars being taken to their leader. Once we entered the sort of compound, the population proceeded to seat themselves and I started to get a bit worried. Maybe they'd learn to speak English from all the missionaries that they boiled in the pot. My guy disappeared into a Hudson, reappeared a minute later with a young fellow who was obviously the chief. He came across to me and held out his hand in an unmistakable gesture.

[Bert Lombard]

I understand you need water.

[Seaman]

You could have knocked me down with a feather. He was tall, well built and vaguely familiar. He invited me into his hut and poured me a drink of coconut wine. I was intrigued, to say the least. We drank and he smiled.

[Bert Lombard]

You are the first white man I've seen since my father died. Who?

[Seaman]

Who was your father?

[Bert Lombard]

For a long time there had been a legend that a white God would come from the sea. I suppose my father filled the bill. That's how most of us speak English too. We don't see strangers from one year to the next. We are right off the shipping routes here.

[Engineer]

Your father is dead now, huh?

[Bert Lombard]

About five years ago.

[Engineer]

What was his name?

[Bert Lombard]

I don't know. He took my mother's name. But she had a pet name for him, though. Used to call him Cowboy.

[Seaman]

I don't know. Maybe it was Lombard. This canoe certainly picked up somebody miles from land and just about on his last gasp. For years, if I'd ever thought about the business of Clancy, I would have been certain in my own mind that Lombard had committed suicide by jumping down the smokestack. But.

[Bert Lombard]

Well, now.

[Seaman]

I don't know. Maybe I'm getting old. But I like to think think that the Cowboy made it. What do you think.

[Narrator]

You'Ve started in the Transvaal? Swept through the orange freestanding made like a prairie fire then set Natal alight and glowing now headed for the Cape Province like Haley's Comet is the beer that has won over the taste of men. America's lusty, lively Carling Black Label.

[Seaman]

Tonight.