Christopher London 1950-09-08 Price Of Sugar

Summary

Christopher London: "Price Of Sugar" (1950-09-08)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Air Date: September 8, 1950
Summary Episode Date: December 1, 2025
Starring: Glenn Ford
Created by: Earl Stanley Gardner

---

Overview

In this classic "Christopher London" radio drama, private investigator Christopher London is drawn into an international mystery surrounding a murder, a mysterious rival sugar company, and the dark secret enabling their success. The story unfolds across a luxurious ocean voyage from San Francisco to Manila and deep into the oppressive jungle plantations of the Philippines. The episode weaves intrigue, romance, betrayal, and social commentary on forced labor and freedom.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Setting the Stage: The Case Begins (00:32–03:15)

• Opening Crime:
  • A Filipino man dies, found with a knife in his back and the address of Mr. Anders, president of the San Francisco Sugar Company, raising suspicions (00:44).
• The Assignment:
  • Mr. Anders hires London ostensibly for the murder, but truly because mysterious competitor Southern Cross is underselling his company’s sugar (02:00).
• Accompanying Characters:
  • Linda Anders, Anders' niece, is to sail to Manila with London. She is presented as charming and quick-witted, with deep knowledge of the sugar business.

Christopher London: "You want me to find out how a company named Southern Cross is able to go on underselling your product, and that's all." (02:52)

---

The Voyage: Suspicion, Friendship, and Romance (03:29–11:34)

• Getting Acquainted:
  • Linda and London develop camaraderie, with playful banter and subtle flirtation. Linda admits her significant involvement in her uncle’s affairs (04:42).
• The Texan Interloper:
  • Jim Blake, a brash Texan and self-proclaimed investor in Southern Cross, joins the journey. His overbearing but affable persona both amuses and raises London’s suspicions (05:10).
• The Enigmatic Gift:
  • Linda entrusts London with a small, non-jewelry box, which he has X-rayed. It contains nothing, leading to a cryptic conversation where Linda admits it was a test of London’s cleverness (06:09–09:28).
• Mounting Tension:
  • London receives anonymous, threatening notes ("roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and you'll be a long time dead.") (09:28).

Linda Anders: "It was just a sort of a trial. My uncle and I wanted to be sure you were clever enough for this job. And you are clever, Christopher, really clever." (09:28)

---

Tragedy at Sea (11:34–13:04)

• Atmosphere Turns Ominous:
  • A dense fog descends. Linda’s coat is found abandoned at the rail, and it's feared she’s missing. It's revealed instead that her maid Maria (sent in Linda’s coat) is the victim—shot and thrown overboard.

Linda Anders: "Christopher, was it Maria?"
Christopher London: "I'm afraid so." (14:42–14:48)

---

In Manila: Motives Unravel (15:01–17:56)

• London Confronts Blake:
  • London probes Blake’s whereabouts and connections to the murder. Blake reveals his financial interest in Southern Cross and invites London and Linda to inspect their Negros Island plantation.
• True Allegiances Questioned:
  • London suspects Blake, believing Maria's death was intended for Linda. He warns Linda and insists she stay in Manila for safety, agreeing to visit the plantation with Blake alone (17:57).

Christopher London: "I think he's a killer. Yes. I think he tried to kill you and got Maria instead." (17:36)

---

The Southern Cross Plantation: Uncovering the Dark Secret (18:28–23:13)

• Plantation Tour:
  • London and Blake tour the sugar refinery, led by the cold Director, Juan Ibarra. It seems to be normal—until London witnesses the brutal whipping of a worker.
• Moral Outrage:
  • London challenges the plantation's use of violence, but his concerns are dismissed (19:46–19:54).
• Growing Suspicion:
  • The atmosphere grows oppressive, as the cruelty and rain intensify a sense of foreboding.

Christopher London: "Nobody could deserve punishment like that." (19:52)

---

The Web Tightens: Betrayals Revealed (21:10–26:44)

• Inside the Plantation House:
  • Dolores, a mysterious woman, tries to get close to London, presumably as a spy or honey-trap. Linda then unexpectedly arrives at the plantation, against London’s wishes.
• Direct Confrontation:
  • Linda reveals her uncle wants the investigation dropped, but London refuses to let the matter rest, knowing too much blood has been spilled.
• Discovery:
  • London sneaks out and finds a concentration-camp-like stockade filled with forced laborers—the secret to Southern Cross’s cheap sugar.

Christopher London: "Forced labor. Slavery. I returned to the house and cautiously opened the door." (24:48)

---

The Climax: Truth and Violence (24:51–28:33)

• Betrayal Unmasked:
  • Blake and Ibarra catch London. Blake drops his “Texas” persona, revealing the accent was a ruse and confirming his role in the murders.
• Confessions:
  • Linda admits to killing Maria to protect the conspiracy with Blake.
• Escape Attempt:
  • Amid a storm, London uses the chaos to escape with a broken arm and overpowers the guard at the labor camp, freeing the workers.
• Final Confrontations:
  • As the workers riot, Linda is killed by a gunshot—presumably by the freed laborers or in the chaos.

Christopher London: "Have you any idea how much actual slavery still exists in the world today? It's not a comforting thought, but one we can't afford not to think about. Freedom is still something to fight for." (28:43)

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Being Tested:

  Linda Anders: "My uncle and I wanted to be sure you were clever enough for this job... You're the only man I ever met who's smarter than I. Christopher. Would you consider kissing me good night?" (09:28–09:51)

• On Intimidation:

  Threatening note left for London:
  "Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and you'll be a long time dead." (09:28)

• On Cruelty:

  Doctor/Narrator (Ibarra): "It is the only thing the bad ones understand, Senor London." (19:54)

• On Conspiracies:

  Blake (dropping accent): "With that twang, you can talk to anybody and get away with practically anything." (25:33)

• Moral of the Story:

  Christopher London: "Freedom is still something to fight for." (28:43)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Case Introduction & Assignment: 00:32–03:15
• Voyage & Linda’s Test: 03:29–09:28
• Rising Threats & Anonymous Notes: 09:28–10:49
• Maria's Death in the Fog: 11:34–14:48
• Confronting Blake in Manila: 15:01–17:56
• First Glimpse of Plantation Brutality: 18:28–19:54
• London Discovers the Labor Camp: 23:46–24:51
• Showdown & Final Escape: 24:51–28:33
• London’s Closing Reflection: 28:43

---

Memorable Moments

• The playful yet sharp flirtation between London and Linda, lending levity to the suspenseful plot.
• Blake’s transition from a bumbling, accented Texan to cold-blooded conspirator—"I guess I'm just a big ham at heart." (25:29)
• Linda’s gradual shift from witty companion to self-confessed accomplice in murder: "Well, I had to, Christopher. She caught Jim and me together and guessed how it was... so I had to." (26:32)
• The harrowing confrontation with the reality of forced labor—the true "price of sugar"—leaves a chilling impact.

---

Episode Tone & Style

The episode blends hard-boiled detective narration (staunch, reflective, and sardonic) with atmospheric suspense and noir-style dialogue. Social commentary on labor exploitation and freedom is delivered with gravitas but remains in character with the period’s pulp heroism.

---

Final Thoughts

"Price Of Sugar" delivers a gripping investigation threaded with international intrigue, moral dilemmas, and stark revelations about human exploitation. It's a classic tale where charming facades hide sinister realities, and the quest for truth comes at a very real human cost. The episode concludes with a sobering warning about slavery and a call to vigilance for justice—a message as meaningful now as it was then.

Transcript

[SpinQuest Announcer]

I'm here with spinquest, where you can play and win from the comfort of your own home with hundreds of slot games and all of the table games you love with real cash prizes. Right now, $30 coin packs are on sale for $10. For new users, it's [e-mail] that's s p I n q U-E-T.com SpinQuest is.

[SpinQuest Legal]

A free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Doctor/Narrator]

With a knife in his back. A nameless Filipino in San Francisco with a bullet in her body.

[Christopher London]

A girl in mid Pacific. But there were others. There were so many others.

[Doctor/Narrator]

8,000 of them on an island in the Philippines.

[Program Announcer]

The National Broadcasting Company presents Christopher London. Created especially for radio by the world's foremost mystery writer, Earl Stanley Gardner. Produced and directed by William N. Robeson, and starring Mr. Glenn Ford.

[Christopher London]

I am Christopher London. The whole thing started with a vague conversation about the murder of an unknown Filipino. Mr. Anders, president of the San Francisco Sugar Company, either could not or would not say what, if anything, he suspected.

[Doctor/Narrator]

I'm sorry, Mr. London. I can't tell you what I think because I don't know what I think.

[Christopher London]

I get the impression that it's not the murder that worries you.

[Program Announcer]

Why should it?

[Doctor/Narrator]

I never saw the man.

[Program Announcer]

I have no idea who he was or why he tried to get to.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Me with a knife in his back. The doctors wonder how he ever made.

[Jim Blake]

It to my door.

[Christopher London]

A knife in his back with your name and address in his pocket. And his body terribly scarred as if he'd been beaten for years.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Yes, it's all very mysterious. But the police are investigating. I suppose they'll learn the truth in time. That's not what I wanted to see you about.

[Christopher London]

What else then?

[Doctor/Narrator]

The price of sugar.

[Christopher London]

The price of sugar.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Exactly. Now, this is all I can tell you.

[Linda Anders]

Uncle Ted, I wonder.

[Program Announcer]

Oh, come in, dear.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Oh, this is Christopher London. My niece, Linda.

[Linda Anders]

I've heard about you, Mr. London.

[Christopher London]

Now, whatever you've heard, I deny every word of it.

[Linda Anders]

Is Mr. London sailing with me, Uncle Ted?

[Doctor/Narrator]

Maybe on the same ship would be a better way to put it. Yes, my dear. I want him to go to Manila.

[Linda Anders]

Oh, then you better go, Mr. London, whether you want to or not. You're as good as a board ship already.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Well, I'd better get ashore, Mr. London.

[Christopher London]

Still a few minutes.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Yeah, I suppose. How do you like the stateroom?

[Christopher London]

It's very elegant.

[Jim Blake]

Good.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Now, is there anything else you want to know?

[Christopher London]

You want me to find out how a company named Southern Cross is able to go on underselling your product, and that's all.

[Doctor/Narrator]

That's all. Frankly, Mr. Anderson.

[Christopher London]

Frankly, Mr. Anders, I don't get the reason for all this outlay of money here in this stateroom.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Don't you? Maybe it's because if you don't come.

[Christopher London]

Back, I'd like to think you died at luxury. Let's go in the shower. Well, London, bon voyage.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Linda will be waiting for me at the gangway.

[Program Announcer]

Keep an eye on her, will you?

[Doctor/Narrator]

And look out for yourself, too.

[Christopher London]

The ship was beautiful. The night was dark and the sea was calm. Hawaii was a long way beyond the horizon in Manila, and the Philippines still farther. The girl beside me at the rail was very, very lovely. She sighed rather happily and said, my.

[Linda Anders]

Uncle said you'd probably ask me a lot of questions.

[Christopher London]

Did he, Ms. Anders?

[Linda Anders]

Won't Linda do?

[Christopher London]

Linda? Christopher, now that we've got that settled, let's get back to the questions your uncle said I would ask. Did he say what they'd be?

[Linda Anders]

Not exactly.

[Christopher London]

Well, did he say what your answers would be?

[Additional Narrator]

Not.

[Christopher London]

Not exactly. Yes.

[Linda Anders]

Shall we walk around the deck?

[Christopher London]

We walked once around the deck, and then we went into the cocktail lounge and had a coffee and brandy at a little table in a quiet corner.

[Linda Anders]

You know, Christopher, I think this is going to be a good voyage.

[Christopher London]

I hope it is. Have you ever been out to Manila before?

[Linda Anders]

Oh, lots of times. I've gone with my uncle every time he went, ever since I can remember. I. My parents died when I was a baby, if that explains anything.

[Christopher London]

It does, a little. I suppose you know a lot about your uncle's business, then.

[Linda Anders]

That's one of the questions he said you'd ask me.

[Christopher London]

And the answer?

[Linda Anders]

The answer is yes. I think I know as much about his business as he does.

[Christopher London]

You're a very interesting girl, Linda.

[Linda Anders]

You know, that's what I always say. I always say, linda, you're a very interesting girl.

[Additional Narrator]

Oh.

[Linda Anders]

Oh, don't look now. There's a man coming.

[Jim Blake]

You don't know me and I don't know you, but that ain't no reason why we can't yell at each other over the fence, now, is it? I'm Jim Blake from Texas, a Lone Star state, and where I go, I buy the drinks. Well, waiter.

[Program Announcer]

Coming, sir.

[Linda Anders]

Won't you sit down, Mr. Blake?

[Jim Blake]

I am sitting. Thank you, ma'.

[Additional Narrator]

Am.

[Jim Blake]

My name's Blake.

[Christopher London]

Yes, that's what I thought you said. One of the New Jersey Blakes, no doubt.

[Jim Blake]

Well, now, you know, that is real funny.

[Christopher London]

Oh. Oh, I'm sorry.

[Jim Blake]

People's always joking me about Texas. What'd you say your name was?

[Christopher London]

I didn't say. However, it's London. Christopher London.

[Jim Blake]

Well, I'm mighty glad to know you, Chris. What'll you and Mrs. London have.

[Christopher London]

15 or 20 years later? Linda and I pride ourselves out of the heart of Texas. She said she was tired, so I took her to her stateroom door. Good night, Linda. Sleep well.

[Linda Anders]

Oh, come in for a minute.

[Additional Narrator]

What?

[Linda Anders]

All right, just for a minute. There's something I want to give you. Sit down while I find it. Marie, are not finished yet?

[Christopher London]

No, ma', am, but pretty Linda's personal maid, a pretty girl from the islands, was still unpacking trunks. In a moment, Linda returned with a small decorated jewel case in her hand.

[Linda Anders]

Here it is, Christopher. Keep it for me, will you?

[Christopher London]

Oh, now, look, if this is jewelry, you'd better give it to the purser keeper.

[Linda Anders]

Save it's not jewelry.

[Christopher London]

And do you mind if I ask just what it.

[Linda Anders]

Well, it. It's nothing.

[Additional Narrator]

It.

[Linda Anders]

It's just that I'd rather you kept it.

[Christopher London]

All right. Good night, Linda.

[Linda Anders]

Until tomorrow, Christopher.

[Christopher London]

I took the jewel case back to my stateroom and found that somebody had shoved a note under my door. It read, take off that beard. We know you. The writer had a sense of humor. But in my experience, the most dangerous enemies are those that laugh. I took a closer look at the little jewel case. It had one of those intricate Chinese locks that are easy to break but not easy to open without the proper key. I put the box in a pillowcase and carried it to the office of the ship's doctor.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Now, what can I do for you, Mr. London?

[Christopher London]

Your laboratory is equipped with X ray, I suppose, Doctor?

[Doctor/Narrator]

Yes, of course.

[Christopher London]

Well, I know this sounds a little strange, but I wonder if you'd take a picture of this box here just as it is. It was exactly what I expected. I carried the box back to my stateroom, shoved it under the bunk and went to bed. I don't know how long I'd been asleep when suddenly there was a knock on the door. I was out of bed like a shot. Just a second. Yes?

[Linda Anders]

Ms. Anders? Ask if you will come at 1.

[Christopher London]

What? Oh, yes. It's all right. I'll be there in a minute. I put on a pair of pants and shirt, hurried into the corridor and collided with.

[Jim Blake]

Look where you're going, can't you? Oh, howdy, Lund.

[Christopher London]

Sorry. In a hurry.

[Linda Anders]

Come in, Christopher.

[Christopher London]

What's the matter?

[Linda Anders]

Well, nothing's the matter. I just couldn't Sleep. And I was lonely.

[Christopher London]

Oh, no. Look, look. Do you realize it's still 2:00am well.

[Linda Anders]

Of course, if you'd rather go back to bed.

[Christopher London]

All right, all right. What do you want to do?

[Linda Anders]

Would you like to play some gin rummy?

[Christopher London]

No, I wouldn't like to play some gin rummy.

[Linda Anders]

Oh, well, men love to talk about themselves. Let's talk about you.

[Christopher London]

Okay, get the cogs. We played a few hands in silence. And then Linda asked Christopher. What?

[Linda Anders]

What did you think of Mr. Blake, the lone Star stranger?

[Christopher London]

Have you ever been in Texas?

[Linda Anders]

No. Why?

[Christopher London]

Well, I wonder if he has.

[Linda Anders]

You mean, you think.

[Christopher London]

Oh, forget it. Yeah, I've got gin. And now if you think that I've been away from my cabin long enough, I'm going back.

[Linda Anders]

Away from your cabin long enough? I don't understand.

[Christopher London]

Well, I just wondered if that precious jewel box of yours would still be there, Christopher.

[Linda Anders]

You don't think somebody's taken it?

[Christopher London]

Would it make any difference?

[Linda Anders]

You opened it. But you had to break the lock off, didn't you?

[Additional Narrator]

Why?

[Christopher London]

What are you talking about?

[Linda Anders]

Because the lock was filled with solder. It couldn't be opened.

[Christopher London]

Well, I didn't open the case, Linda.

[Linda Anders]

Then why are you so casual about it?

[Christopher London]

Because it was filled to the top with just what you said was in it. Nothing But. No, I'll save you the trouble of asking. I had the thing X rayed. Oh, yes, you can say that again.

[Linda Anders]

Oh, forgive me, Christopher. It was just a sort of a trial. My uncle and I wanted to be sure you were clever enough for this job. And you are clever, Christopher, really clever. You're the only man I ever met who's smarter than I. Christopher. Would you consider kissing me good night?

[Christopher London]

Yeah, I'll consider it. When I finally got back to my stateroom, the jewel case was no longer under the bed where I'd put it. But I think that as I went to sleep again, I may have had a smile on my face. The days that followed were filled with shuffleboard and the nights were filled with dancing. Jim Blake, the Texas steer, was usually close by. But in time. Well, in time, he got used to him. As you would a bad head cold. Every night when I turned in, I could expect to find another humorous little message tucked under my door. Such as, roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and you'll be a long time dead. Meanwhile, in odd moments with Linda, I managed to get a little more information about sugar growing and refining. One moonlit night when we were together on the boat deck.

[Linda Anders]

Isn't it magic, darling? Isn't it simply magic? Christopher, I'm talking to you.

[Christopher London]

What? Oh, I'm sorry.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Sorry.

[Linda Anders]

What are you thinking about?

[Christopher London]

Oh, sugar, I guess.

[Additional Narrator]

Oh.

[Christopher London]

Now, you say this Southern Cross Company is selling sugar at a price that is actually below your cost?

[Linda Anders]

That's right.

[Christopher London]

Are your costs higher than they should be?

[Linda Anders]

They're as low as any in the industry. And I don't want to talk about it now, darling.

[Program Announcer]

Oh.

[Christopher London]

Perhaps they may have developed some new and better method of refining sugar.

[Linda Anders]

Possibly. That's what you're supposed to find out. Christopher, I'm cold.

[Christopher London]

A few days after leaving Honolulu, on the way to Manila, we entered the bank of fog like a damp, clinging shroud. And it was in the fog that tragedy struck. Suddenly and without warning. I was standing at the rail near the stern, looking out at nothing, listening to the foghorn and the beat of the ship's engines. When I couldn't see a thing, I ran in the direction of the sound. Groping through the fog, I found I found a white coat flapping emptily cotton of boat debit. It was Linda's coat.

[Program Announcer]

You are listening to Christopher London, starring Glenn Ford.

[Christopher London]

It was an apparently harmless mission that Anders had asked me to undertake simply to find out how it was possible for a rival sugar refining company to undersell his product. Mr. Anders had warned me that the job might be dangerous, and so it was. I stood on deck in the swirling fog, holding Linda's coat in my hands and feeling sick at heart. The liner's searchlights were vainly glaring through the mist, but it was useless and everybody knew it. I started for the radio room to send a message to Anders when a vague figure moved behind me.

[Linda Anders]

Christopher. Who was it?

[Christopher London]

Linda.

[Linda Anders]

What's the matter? And what are you doing with my coat, Linda? I told Maria to wear it when I sent her to look for you, and then I.

[Additional Narrator]

As the holidays approach, it's time to return to the classics. Flaky pie crusts, perfectly browned butter and cookies with just the right texture and one ingredient you cannot compromise on is kerrygold butter. Kerrygold butter is crafted with milk from grass fed cows that graze on lush green pastures across family farms in Ireland. The result? A rich, creamy butter with a high butter fat content that elevates every recipe. Whether you're making signature shortbread or browning butter for a nutty depth in your pecan pie, Kerrygold makes all the difference. The flavor is unmatched, and the texture it brings to baked goods is simply divine. So this holiday season, if you're baking for loved ones or just for yourself? Reach for Kerrygold, it's the butter of choice. And your pies, your cookies and your cakes will thank you.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Spinquest Social Casino the presents are open and you're over the in laws. It's a perfect time to grab your phone and and play spinquest.com with live dealer blackjack, craps and a ton of slots. And here's a great deal for the holiday. A $30 coin pack for $10. And if you're hearing this ad, you can play right now on spinquest.com Spin.

[SpinQuest Legal]

Quest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Linda Anders]

Christopher, Was it Maria?

[Christopher London]

I'm afraid so.

[Linda Anders]

Oh, poor Maria.

[Christopher London]

An hour or so later, I found Texas Jim Blake in the bar.

[Jim Blake]

Well, howdy, London. Double scotch and soda for my friend here.

[Christopher London]

Very good, sir.

[Jim Blake]

That was right nasty business about Ms. Anders maid, wasn't it? Understand you think you heard a shit?

[Christopher London]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I. I heard a shot.

[Jim Blake]

Real on me. Who do you think would have wanted to kill that poor girl? If I was in charge of this boat, I'd look for a gun that had been fired lately.

[Christopher London]

Well, I doubt if you'd find it at the bottom of the ocean.

[Jim Blake]

You think you'd throw it overboard?

[Christopher London]

Wouldn't you?

[Jim Blake]

Well, now, I suppose I would. That reminds me of a story I heard about a cowpoke back in Texas.

[Christopher London]

Seems Mr. Blake, do you ever get tired of that accent?

[Jim Blake]

How's that?

[Doctor/Narrator]

What?

[Jim Blake]

I just talk the way folks talk in Texas. This ain't no accent, son. That's Texas talk.

[Christopher London]

Yeah, okay, okay. Oh, by the way, were you in Dallas or Galveston when Maria was shot and pitched over the side?

[Jim Blake]

London, let me ask you a simple question. Why do you care where I was at when that shot was fired? You think I killed her?

[Christopher London]

Did you?

[Jim Blake]

In Texas?

[Christopher London]

Yes, yes, I know in Texas they shoot men for less than that.

[Jim Blake]

You're joking me again.

[Christopher London]

London.

[Jim Blake]

You know, London, I've been thinking. Now, naturally I know Ms. Lennon. Her uncle is interested in the sugar business in the Philippines. And just as it happens, I got an interest in sugar myself from starting a company named the Southern Cross.

[Christopher London]

You ever hear of it? Southern Cross Sugar. Yeah, sure, I've heard of it. They got a plantation of something like 50 square square miles on the island of Negro. 70.

[Jim Blake]

Yeah. 50 square miles of sugar cane. That's what they tell us poor stockholders. But I'm from Texas and I don't believe nothing that I don't see. Folks that Run this shindig. Say we can sell more sugar and cheaper than any other company in the world. Well, I got money in this proposition, Chris. Good Texas money. And I'm gonna see for myself. You and Ms. Linda wouldn't want to come along, would you? Sort of look over the plantation with me?

[Christopher London]

Why, Mr. Blake, I just bet Ms. Lindon, I would be charmed to look over the Southern Cross plantation with you.

[Jim Blake]

Oh, you always joking me, London. But I mean that invitation seriously.

[Christopher London]

And I mean it seriously.

[Jim Blake]

Well, Lynn, that is just wonderful. Tomorrow we'll be in Manila. I got me a boat waiting for me. And they tell me the trip to Negroes just ain't nothing. Have another, Dr.

[Christopher London]

A little later, I went down to Linda's stateroom to escort her to dinner.

[Linda Anders]

All right, Christopher, I'm ready.

[Christopher London]

Linda, I've been talking to Jim Blake.

[Linda Anders]

Oh, the Texas steer?

[Christopher London]

He's not funny. I think he's a killer. Yes. I think he tried to kill you and got Maria instead. Now he wants you and me to visit the Southern Cross plantation. Says he has Texas money in it.

[Linda Anders]

But why, Christopher? I don't understand. Why would he?

[Christopher London]

Either a trap or a showcase. I don't know.

[Linda Anders]

Well, I still don't understand.

[Christopher London]

Neither do I. Whatever it is, though, you're gonna stay in Manila while I take a look at it. There's no point in us both taking a chance. I left Linda in Manila at the local office of her uncle's company. Blake and I went on together to the island of Negros. In the huge Southern crossplane plantation. It rained constantly, and the growl of distant thunder was almost continuous. The director of the plantation was a suave, expressionless fellow named Juan Ibarra, who used words as if he were translating from another language.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Coming from the south is baduer senoris. Very bad storm.

[Jim Blake]

Well, if you haven't been in a Texas storm, you don't know what a storm is really like. What time is it quit?

[Christopher London]

It's about 4.

[Jim Blake]

Well, now, let me see. We done pretty well for one day's inspection. Gone through the refinery from top to bottom, saw the loading dock, drove through one of the fields of Sugar King. Well, what do you say we'd go back to house and have us drink?

[Christopher London]

Yes, I could use one. Blake. While we drove back to the director's house, I asked a few innocent questions. Ibarra chasing up. Tell me, how many. How many men does it take to do the work on a place this size?

[Doctor/Narrator]

We take 7, 8,000, maybe.

[Christopher London]

7, 8,000. Well, that's a lot. Of men. Where do you keep them?

[Doctor/Narrator]

Where do I keep them?

[Christopher London]

Yes. I mean, where do they live?

[Doctor/Narrator]

See, on the plantation here, they live.

[Christopher London]

Yes, I know that.

[Jim Blake]

Hey, Chris, I've been thinking about that refinery. Are you much of an engineer?

[Christopher London]

Enough to understand the simple process as refining sugar? It seemed like a good plant.

[Doctor/Narrator]

As you say, Senior London, the plant is good. But it is just the same like many others. No difference.

[Christopher London]

Yes. Yes, I suppose so. I was asking about the workers on the place.

[Doctor/Narrator]

What's that?

[Christopher London]

Now, wait a minute. Stop the car. Look. I said stop the car.

[Doctor/Narrator]

No, Senor London, it is not to be wise to interfere.

[Christopher London]

They're whipping that poor devil to death.

[Jim Blake]

Maybe he deserves it. Hi, Bar.

[Christopher London]

Nobody could deserve punishment like that.

[Doctor/Narrator]

It is the only thing the bad ones understand, Senor London.

[Christopher London]

And the subject was dropped just like that. A few moments later, Ibarra led Blake and me out in front of the plantation house and drove the Jeep away to the garage. For a moment, we stood together in the rain. He seemed a little subdued.

[Jim Blake]

Too bad about what we seen back there. I guess they ain't real human. Or they're more like animals.

[Christopher London]

Would you beat a horse or a dog?

[Jim Blake]

There's a stockholder in this here plantation. I'm gonna talk to you, Bar, about that. You coming in?

[Christopher London]

No, no, you go on ahead. I'll be right with you.

[Jim Blake]

Okay. I sure am sulking. Rain Ain't nothing like Texas rain.

[Christopher London]

There was something ominous about the place. Not just the steady rain or the thunder grumbling in the distance. Not just the cruelty I had glimpsed in the sodden jungle. No, it was something more. It was something worse than I was willing to let myself believe. As I entered the house, I saw that the living room was dark and apparently deserted. But there was a log blazing in the fireplace. So, feeling damp and cold, I went and held my hands to its warmth.

[Linda Anders]

Senor London.

[Program Announcer]

What?

[Christopher London]

Oh, well, hello.

[Linda Anders]

I am Dolores. Senor London.

[Christopher London]

Hello, Dolores.

[Linda Anders]

I was told you like scotch and soda.

[Christopher London]

Yes, yes.

[Linda Anders]

I have a drink all ready for you here by the fire. A drink for me too?

[Christopher London]

Well, you or somebody. Seems to think of everything. No, thanks. You're Mrs. Ibarra, I suppose.

[Linda Anders]

No, senor. I am just Dolores.

[Christopher London]

Oh.

[Linda Anders]

Is your drink as you would have it?

[Christopher London]

It's just right. Dolores, Senor. Yes, Dolores. Just.

[Linda Anders]

I. How can I say it? I had expected you to be the same like other friends of the Peaky Bar. But you are different. So very different.

[Christopher London]

Save it. I suppose you were told to get me to talk another time. It might Be kind of pleasant to play that game. But not tonight.

[Linda Anders]

I'm tired, senor.

[Christopher London]

There's something I want to ask you, though, even though I don't expect an answer. If I asked you to come away with me away from this plantation right now, tonight, would they let us go?

[Additional Narrator]

I.

[Linda Anders]

I do not know.

[Christopher London]

That's the answer I expected. Well, I'm gonna change her to some dry clothes. How long she'd been standing there in the doorway, I don't know. I hadn't heard a sound. But as I turned away from Dolores and started to my room.

[Linda Anders]

Hello, Christopher.

[Christopher London]

Linda, I told you not to come.

[Linda Anders]

Aren't you glad to see me?

[Christopher London]

Now, Linda, I wasn't hired to be your companion or your bodyguard. Now, I was hired to make one single investigation.

[Linda Anders]

Yes. How's the investigation going, Christopher?

[Christopher London]

Well, your uncle wants to know how Southern Cross is able to undersell him. I think I'm beginning to understand.

[Additional Narrator]

Christopher.

[Linda Anders]

I got a wire in Manila from my uncle. He's making some kind of a deal. He wants you to drop the whole thing.

[Christopher London]

And that was that. I was just to drop the whole thing. But the whole thing was something I couldn't drop. Too much blood had been shed. Late that night, when the others were asleep, I stole out of the house. The center of the storm had veered around to the east and seemed somewhat nearer by the flashes of lightning. I found the road I was looking for. The road Ibarra had avoided during our tour of inspection. The path wound through the jungle for perhaps a quarter of a mile and then came to what was unmistakably a concentration camp. The miserable clothes collection of shelters was completely surrounded by a high stockade of steel and barbed wire. The single gate was guarded by a sentry with a tommy gun. One look was enough. Now I knew the secret of the Southern Cross's success. Forced labor. Slavery. I returned to the house and cautiously opened the door.

[Jim Blake]

Well, howdy, Chris. Been out walking, have you? Take his gun, Bar.

[Doctor/Narrator]

It will be better you do not move, Senior Lando.

[Christopher London]

Gracias.

[Linda Anders]

Christopher. I told you to drop the whole thing. Now see what you've done? You've ruined everything.

[Jim Blake]

It's late, but I guess we don't feel much like sleeping now, do we? So let's just set down in front of the fire and swap yarn.

[Christopher London]

Isn't one of the mob missing? Where's Dolores?

[Jim Blake]

We don't need her for this little party. Come here, baby. Come here and sit down beside me.

[Linda Anders]

All right, Chief.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Now.

[Jim Blake]

Now, if we're all together, I'll call the meeting to order.

[Christopher London]

What happened to that Texas draw, partner?

[Jim Blake]

I guess I'm just a big ham at heart.

[Christopher London]

But it serves a purpose.

[Jim Blake]

With that twang, you can talk to anybody and get away with practically anything.

[Linda Anders]

Christopher saw through it, though, the night we sailed.

[Jim Blake]

Yeah, London's smart. He's a lot too smart for his own good. I kept telling him that on those notes I left for him under his cabin door.

[Christopher London]

Look, will I be interrupting if I ask a few questions?

[Jim Blake]

No, no, no. Go ahead.

[Christopher London]

Well, first, about me. I assume you have some kind of plan in mind. Oh, yes, yes. Yes, indeed. Yes, that's what I figured.

[Linda Anders]

If only you'd listen to me, Christopher, before it was too late.

[Doctor/Narrator]

This talk of answers.

[Christopher London]

Nothing.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Why can't we not dispose of sh. London without delay further?

[Jim Blake]

Take it easy. There's no hurry.

[Christopher London]

Yeah.

[Jim Blake]

Anything else you want to know, London?

[Christopher London]

I think I already know most of it. I suppose the Filipino who was killed in San Francisco came from here.

[Jim Blake]

Yes, that's right. Managed to sneak off the place somehow.

[Christopher London]

I see.

[Jim Blake]

Naturally, I had to kill him.

[Linda Anders]

That was close. I hate these stones.

[Christopher London]

I didn't know you scared so easily, Linda. Oh, by the way, was it you who killed your maid? Maria?

[Linda Anders]

Well, I had to, Christopher. She caught Jim and me together and guessed how it was. She said she was going to tell you, so. So I had to.

[Christopher London]

You know, Linda, for a nice girl, you're something out of a nightmare.

[Linda Anders]

Christopher, you shouldn't talk to me like that. After all, it. It wasn't as if.

[Jim Blake]

Think that hit the house.

[Doctor/Narrator]

Listen, he's notarish.

[Program Announcer]

I would go.

[Christopher London]

There was a split second of confusion. But a split second can be the difference between life and death. I threw myself at Blake, slamming my shoulder into his chest and crash on the floor myself. I got out of there with a broken left arm and a revolver. I don't know whether it was Blake's or Ibari's. I don't know how much damage I did, but at least there was nobody following me. As I retraced the road to the slave stockade. A sentry was standing at the gate holding a tommy gun cradled in his arm. I got as close to him as I could, sheltered by the trunk of a huge mahogany tree less than 15ft from the gate. And then he heard me. Who goes there? Now listen to me very carefully. I'm giving you a chance to save your life. Drop your gun and open that gate. Who are you? A friend. Open the gate and let those men out and I'll give you One more chance. I don't want to hurt you. Let those men out. Well, if that's the way it's got to be.

[Doctor/Narrator]

And Linda, she's got.

[Christopher London]

Yes, Mr. Anders. With the others. When the men streamed out of the stockade, well, there was no stopping them. But she died instantly with a bullet through her heart.

[Doctor/Narrator]

What she did sounds as impossible as all the rest of it. Then actual slavery sounds impossible, too.

[Christopher London]

Have you any idea how much actual slavery still exists in the world today? It's not a comforting thought, but one we can't afford not to think about. Freedom is still something to fight for.

[Program Announcer]

That was Christopher London starring Glenn Ford and created especially for radio by the world's most widely read mystery writer, Earl Stanley Gardner. Christopher London is produced and directed by William N. Robeson and was tonight written by Mind Writt Lord. Musical score was composed and conducted by Lynn Murray. Mr. Ford's supporting company included Joan Banks, Virginia Gregg, Barton Yarborough, Ted De Courcia and Alan Reed and Ben Wright. Mystery fans. You'll find two other great pulse packed adventure programs on most of these NBC stations every Monday night. Listen tomorrow night for Night Beat and Dangerous Assignment. In one hour of intrigue and adventure on NBC, on Night Beat you'll meet Randy Stone as portrayed by Frank Lovejoy. You'll travel the night beat of a newspaper with Randy as he searches the big city for a story to make good reading in the morning edition. Then it's time for Brian Donlevy and Dangerous Assignment. Wherever there's trouble brewing throughout the world, there you'll find Soldier of Fortune Don Levy chasing down the forces of evil to their very layers. These two programs, Night Beat and Dangerous Assignment, add up to one hour of the best in action packed adventure mystery. And you'll hear them both tomorrow night on NBC and be with us again next week at this time when Christopher London returns with another exciting excursion against crime. Stay tuned for the Phil Harris's and then Sam Spade on NBC.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Forget whatever plans you have this weekend because you're staying at home and playing on Spin Quest. And there's never been a better time to sign up than right now. New users get $30 coin packs for just $10. All the table games you love with hundreds of slot games and real cash Prizes. That's at spinquest.com S P-I-N Q U-E-T.com.

[SpinQuest Legal]

Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Linda Anders]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[SpinQuest Legal]

It's got to be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Linda Anders]

Could you be more specific?

[SpinQuest Legal]

When it's cray venient. Okay, like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at am, pm. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at am, pm.

[Linda Anders]

I'm seeing a pattern here.

[SpinQuest Legal]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.

[Linda Anders]

Crave, which is anything from am, pm.

[SpinQuest Legal]

What more could you want? Stop by AMPM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravinience. Am, pm Too much Good stuff.