Counterspy 42-06-08 (004) Washington Woman Spy aka Cherchez la Femme

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Counterspy 42-06-08 (004) Washington Woman Spy aka Cherchez la Femme"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: August 19, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Show Originally Aired: June 8, 1942
Episode: Counterspy – Washington Woman Spy (aka Cherchez la Femme)

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Overview

This episode of Counterspy, from the classic "Golden Age of Radio," plunges listeners into the shadowy world of American counter-espionage during World War II. Chief Counterspy David Harding investigates the suspicious suicide of prominent Washington bachelor William R. Terriss and uncovers a cunning female spy ring leveraging romance and manipulation to target key figures in the U.S. war effort. The episode explores themes of espionage, trust, betrayal, and sacrifice, all set in a high-stakes wartime atmosphere.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. A Suspicious Suicide in Washington

• William R. Terriss, a wealthy bachelor, is found dead, apparently by suicide with a note blaming ill health. David Harding, however, suspects foul play, given the potential for enemy agents to cover up murders as suicides, especially during wartime.

  • Quote:
    • Harding: "The Gestapo are experts at making a murder appear to be a suicide." (04:00)

• Initial investigation rules out ill health and financial troubles as suicide motives.

  • A doctor's testimony: "From everything I know, Mr. Terriss was in perfect health." (04:30)
  • Bank inquiry: "Mr. Terriss's finances were in perfect condition." (04:45)

2. The Search for the 'Woman' Motive

• Because Terriss had no documented romantic entanglements, Harding orders a meticulous search for any woman who might have been close to him.

• Investigation into Terriss’s absences and spending reveals he traveled four times, each with an unknown, attractive, dark-haired woman; an $8,000 jewelry purchase (a large diamond ring) further suggests a clandestine relationship.

  • Quote:
    • Harding: "When a man commits suicide and it isn't his health and it isn't finances, look for the woman." (05:00)

• Insurance records point to Ms. Avery Rollins—a prominent, sophisticated high-society woman—but discrepancies in physical descriptions hint something is amiss.

3. Trap for a Spy

• Harding hatches a plan involving Colonel Reynolds, a respected and eligible Washington bachelor, to attract and surveil the mysterious Ms. Rollins.

• Colonel Reynolds is hesitant:

  • Quote:
    • Reynolds: "Oh no, Harding, that's a little too much. I don't wish to get mixed up with women." (09:40)
  • Harding persuades him: "You could be the principal factor in exposing one of the most cunning spy rings in this country today." (09:55)

• Reynolds and Rollins begin a relationship under the watchful eyes of Harding’s agents; evidence mounts that Rollins is disguising herself, using wigs and makeup, to pose as the 'dark' woman previously seen with Terriss.

4. The Classic Honey Trap: Espionage through Romance

• The relationship between Reynolds and Rollins intensifies. Reynolds shares intimate moments and even considers trusting her with sensitive government keys, further showing her skill in manipulation.
  • Quote:
    • Reynolds: "I love her...But I do. I think she’s innocent. She never tried to ask me questions about secret government affairs." (18:15)

5. Climax: The Reveal and Confrontation

(22:00 - 28:00)

• Harding arranges for Rollins to visit Reynolds’ apartment for a staged dinner, intending to catch her in the act.

• The butler, Martin, is exposed as Herr Franz Bergmann, a notorious Austrian spy—her accomplice and husband.

  • Quote:
    • Harding: "Your butler, Colonel Reynolds, is Herr Franz Bergman, one of the cleverest Austrian spies." (25:47)

• A secretly recorded conversation between Rollins and Bergmann reveals their contempt for their marks and their chilling intent to obtain classified information and force Reynolds’ suicide, replayed for maximum dramatic impact.

  • Memorable Moment / Quote:
    • Rollins (recorded, sneering): "That old fool. I want to spit in his face every time I get near him. I can't stand to touch him... I would have made him kill himself, just like I made Terriss. Kill him!" (27:05-27:23)

• Harding reveals Rollins' real identity as Marie Schmitz of Hungary, a mercenary spy, and states that “Franz Bergmann” is both her accomplice and husband.

6. Aftermath: The Emotional Toll

• Harding consoles the devastated Reynolds, emphasizing the sacrifices made by those safeguarding the nation.
  • Quote:
    • Harding: "You may have saved the lives, Colonel, of thousands of our boys. Every one of us has got to sacrifice. Some one way, some another, I guess." (29:22)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Harding: "When a man commits suicide and it isn't his health and it isn't finances, look for the woman." (05:00)
• Harding: "You could be the principal factor in possibly exposing one of the most cunning spy rings in this country today." (09:55)
• Reynolds (anguished): "I love her. But I do. I think she's innocent. She didn't try to copy the key. She never tried to ask me questions about secret government affairs." (18:15)
• Harding (re: butler): "Your butler, Colonel Reynolds, is Herr Franz Bergman, one of the cleverest Austrian spies." (25:47)
• Rollins/Schmitz (secret recording): "I want to spit in his face every time I get near him. I can’t stand to touch him." (27:01)
• Rollins/Schmitz: "I would have made him kill himself, just like I made Terriss. Kill him!" (27:18)
• Harding: "This woman is one of the cleverest, if not the cleverest, paid woman spy in this country... And that butler of yours, Franz Bergman, is her husband." (28:02)
• Harding: “You may have saved the lives, Colonel, of thousands of our boys. Every one of us has got to sacrifice. Some one way, some another, I guess.” (29:22)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:29–01:12 — Opening, introduction of David Harding and the counterspy concept
• 01:54–04:30 — Discovery of Terriss's suicide, initial investigation
• 05:00–08:00 — The hunt for the mysterious woman; the jewelry clue
• 09:40–13:20 — The plan to ensnare Ms. Rollins; Reynolds recruited as bait
• 14:44–16:54 — Reynolds grows attached to Rollins; evidence of manipulation
• 18:15–19:30 — Reynolds admits his feelings, conflict of duty and emotion
• 22:00–28:00 — Dinner setup, revelation of the butler’s true identity, exposure of the spy ring
• 27:00–27:40 — Secret recording exposes Rollins/Schmitz’s true nature
• 28:00–29:40 — Harding and Reynolds discuss sacrifice after the case is closed

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Tone & Style

This suspenseful episode combines patriotic fervor, wartime urgency, and noir-tinged psychological drama. The dialogue is earnest and direct, often carrying the gravitas of its era. The characters speak with clipped certainty, and there's a dramatic candor, especially in the emotional conversations between Harding and Reynolds.

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Closing

"Counterspy" dramatizes the often-unseen emotional sacrifices made by those serving on the intelligence front lines. Through the unraveling of a sophisticated honey trap operation, this episode paints an evocative picture of the silent war waged at home during times of conflict—a relentless battle where trust, loyalty, and love can be potent weapons or fatal vulnerabilities.

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For listeners who missed the episode:
This summary captures the full arc, tension, and dramatic payoff of a thrilling piece of vintage radio storytelling—a tale as gripping now as it was during the war years.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Washington calling Counter Spy Washington calling Counter Spy. Washington calling Counterspy.

[A]

Harding Counterspy calling Washington Harding Counterspy calling Washington.

[B]

The Blue Network presents Phillips H. Lord's Counter Spy. Backing our great army and navy at the front is our invisible army of United States counter spies who work quietly, effectively and swiftly against the enemies in our midst. They are the dread of the German Gestapo, the Italian Oebra and the Japanese Black Dragons. Imagine the ace counterspy of them all as David Harding, specially appointed with authority to work however or wherever he will.

[A]

Three weeks ago in Washington, a very.

[B]

Prominent bachelor by the name of William R. Terriss stood in the center of his expensive apartment.

[A]

The time 11:25.

[B]

At night, a dim light burned on a little ebony side table. Mr. Terrace stood there. His face was ash and white.

[A]

Great beads of perspiration stood out on his forehead. Go on.

[C]

You betrayed your country. Go on.

[A]

Go on.

[C]

Pull the trigger, you coward. Go on.

[A]

Tell the editor to hold the press. William R. Terris has just committed suicide in his living room. He left a note saying it was because of ill health. It's a clear cut case of suicide. Mr. Harding. You're the chief and what you say goes. But it's just the case of a wealthy bachelor in poor health. I admit, Mark, William Terrace probably did commit suicide. But remember this, we're at war. The Gestapo are experts at making a murder appear to be a suicide. Then you're really going to investigate it? I think I'll at least ask a few questions. Yes, sir. Now, the note Terrace left. Mark said he was committing suicide because of ill health. I think I'll drop in on his doctor and see how bad his health really was. You would know, doctor, if Mr. Terras was in poor health. I was shocked at his suicide, Mr. Harding. From everything I know, Mr. Terrace was in perfect health. That's quite interesting. I think I'll go over to Mr. Terrace's bank and see if finances were worrying him. No, Mr. Harding. Mr. Terrace's finances were in perfect condition. He was worth nearly three quarters of a million. He had many government bonds and securities. Thank you, Mark. When a man commits suicide and it isn't his health and it isn't finances, look for the woman. Exactly. That's what I want you to do, Mark. Yes, Sir. Now, pick six men, cover Washington from head to foot. And find out what woman William Terrace paid special attention to. Yes, Mr. Harding. I've just completed that investigation. Man in question was spotless. Described as congenial, social friendly, but never escorted any particular woman. Was known to be very proper and old fashioned in ideals. All right, Mark, that ends that lead. Meet me later. I'm going to take a long chance and visit the accounting firm which checked Terrace's books.

[B]

Why, yes, Mr. Harding. We've been the accountants for Mr. Terrace's.

[A]

Firm for nine years. I want you to go to Mr. Terris office and get his office pad of appointments for the past year. Now, check that appointment list for lapses of time. Then check those dates against his personal checks and see what checks were made out during those periods of absences. This should tell us where Mr. Terrace was during those absences.

[B]

Mr. Harding? We went over Mr. Terrace's office pet and found he was absent from his business during the past year on four different occasions a week at each time.

[A]

Good. Now, during those absences, did he make out any checks?

[B]

His first absence corresponds with a check he made out at the Saratoga Hotel, Saratoga Springs. During Mr. Terrace's second absence, he made out a check at the clubhouse, Pine Hill, South Carolina. This third check was made out at a clubhouse, Atlanta, Georgia.

[A]

Fine. Thank you. Proceed. This is G6 calling from Saratoga Springs. Man in question spent week here in company of woman. Dark complexion, about 31, expensively dressed, unusually attractive. Full report follows. Fine. Proceed. G8 reporting from Pine Hill, South Carolina. Man in question stayed here accompanied by unknown woman in early 30s. Most attractive, expensively gowned, dark. Report follows. This is beginning to get very interesting, Mr. Hardy. Yet we may still be on a wild goose chase. Mark, we have no idea who that girl was. She may have been perfectly all right, but how can we ever find her? She may be anywhere. Well, here's a little something I dug up. April 2. William Terrace made out a check to the Washington jewelry company for $8,000. Hmm. Say, that's a pretty sizable amount for a bachelor to be making out to send to a jewelry house. That's what I thought. Mark, I'm going to check that jewelry house. I wonder just what William Terrace bought with that $8,000. Mr. Terrace bought a solitaire diamond ring, 10 and 1/2 carats, platinum setting. A woman's ring. We have no record that he said.

[B]

Whom he was buying it for.

[A]

That is all. Thank you. Well, Mark, now We know that Mr. Terrace bought a ring for some woman. Who is she? Where is she? That's a tough question, Mr. Harding. Well, let's put two and two together and try to make five. Check all insurance companies, Mark. Yes. And see if within a few days after April 2nd any woman insured a ring for approximately $8,000. Say, that's clever reason. You win, Harding. We're getting hot. Here's the insurance report. April 5, the solitaire, diamond ring, platinum setting was insured for $8,000 by a Ms. Avery Rollins of 1370 Lincoln Boulevard, Northwest Washington. Rollins. Avery Rollins, that name's very familiar. She's high society, Mr. Harding. Lives with her uncle and aunt. Now, I got a report on her age. 32, height 5ft 5, light hair, light complexion, very social. Educated at the Sorbonne, Paris. Above reproach. But the woman seen with William Terrace at the resorts was dark. Dark hair. The weights are approximately the same. Both apparently wealthy, both smart dressers. Mark, there's something wrong. Something very wrong. It's a problem that's got to be approached from some unusual angle. You have a very luxurious apartment here, Colonel Reynolds. Thank you, Mr. Harding. I'm pretty proud of it. Especially this library den. I'm here to make a very unusual request, Colonel. As you may know, I'm a United States counterspy. Yes, I do. Now, Colonel, you knew William Terrace personally, didn't you? Oh, yes. Was his suicide a bona fide suicide, Mr. Harding? Well, to be perfectly frank, Colonel Reynolds, I don't know. That's why I've come to you. I need the aid of a citizen, Colonel Prominent, who has some government responsibility. You're 48. That's correct. A bachelor. A confirmed one. You're a very handsome man. Oh, come now, come. Yes, and very fascinating to women. Now, wait a minute. This is very serious business. You're chairman on the board for the new airplane formations and armor. Yeah. That makes you a very interesting person to certain other persons. Colonel, do you happen to know a Ms. Avery Rollins? A very gorgeous woman, but I've never happened to meet her. She's usually surrounded by any number of admirers. Well, I'm going to arrange for you to meet her, Colonel Reynolds. And I'm going to ask you to make yourself just as interesting to her as possible. In fact, I'm going to ask you to try and make it even. A constant attachment for a time. What? Oh, no, Harding, that's a little too much. I don't wish to get mixed up with women. Colonel Reynolds, you could be the principal factor in possibly exposing one of the most cunning spy rings in this country today. You don't think Avery Rollins was in any way connected with Terrace's suicide. You don't think she's acting as a spy? That's what I want to find out, Colonel. Good Lord, Harking. I've arranged with Lady Keston to give a formal ball next Friday evening. I've given her a list of guests she's to include. Ms. Rawlins will be one and I'd appreciate your being another and casually meeting her, naturally. Rollins. Mr. Harding, under these circumstances, no man could refute. I thought you'd feel that way, sir. Now, after you meet her, please don't try to contact me in any way. Leave it up to me to find out what you're doing. Three weeks later, March 23, G6, the colonel boarded train at Washington after hour, was joined by women already on train. She is of dark complexion, expensively dressed, very attractive. Black hair, height approximately 5ft 5. Ticket reads palm Springs. That is all that's strange. That's not the description of Avery Rollins. April 6, 4:20pm the Colonel in question boarded train at Washington. Our later joined woman already on train, dark complexion, expensively dressed, very beautiful and exotic. Weight 110 lbs. Tickets read Atlanta, Georgia. Who is meeting Colonel Reynolds on these trips, or who is it? Come in. Oh, Hello, Mark. Hello, Mr. Harding. I just got the facts from that dark girl who's been meeting the Colonel. Good. What did you find out? You were right, sir. After the girl got off the train with the Colonel, I went to her compartment. There were unmistakable signs of dark colored powder. Blonde hair and black hair which showed at the end of the hair as if it had come out of a wig. Now she must get on the train, get a compartment and change her appearance before she comes out and meets the Colonel. Then it is Avery Rollins because she's been absent from Washington at the same time as the Colonel has. He's probably explained to the Colonel that because of their prominent standing in Washington, she must disguise herself then. The way I see it, this Avery Rollins must have been the mysterious dark woman with whom William Terrace went off on trips before he was murdered. Without a doubt. And she's connected with his murder in some manner. And I've got to make sure the Colonel isn't killed the same way. She's off now down at Virginia beach with him. What a sunset.

[C]

Avery beautiful. I love to lie on the beach after all the others have gone in.

[A]

Look at those breakers on the sea, John.

[C]

Sometimes I see a look come over your face. A look of pain. Anything troubling you?

[A]

No, dear. Nothing.

[D]

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[C]

Kelly, perhaps you're worrying about your responsibilities. Those new war plans or something.

[A]

No, I don't think I am.

[C]

Oh, I wish we didn't have to go back to Washington tomorrow.

[A]

We must, though. I've got some important conferences. Here. Put these in your bag, will you, Avery? I'm afraid I lose them in the sand.

[C]

Oh, but why bring keys down to the beach?

[A]

I don't dare leave them in the hotel room. The flat one is the key to the secret cabinet in my library. It has the government plans we're drawing up.

[C]

Oh, no, no, John, don't give me the keys. It's too big a responsibility.

[A]

Well, all right. I'll hide them next time under the rug at the hotel.

[C]

Let's go in the water. Come on.

[A]

All right. I'll beat you to it.

[C]

Oh, you just try.

[A]

Oh, I was looking for you, Harding. Well, hello, Colonel Reynolds. Glad to see you. Sit down. Now, I thought it might be better for us to meet openly at the hotel here rather than for me to go again to your apartment. A good many things have happened since we last talked, Harding. Yes, and you've proved yourself a veteran, a professional. Counterspy. Couldn't have done better. Anything the matter, Harding? Well, I think the big moment's here. It's now or never. What shall I do? I'd like to have you invite Ms. Rollins up to your apartment Tuesday night for a formal dinner, just you two. I'll try. You don't think, do you, Harding? Ms. Rollins really is a spy. Yes, colonel, I do. But I kept the key to my secret file where she could get it. Called her attention to it. Harding, tell me the truth. You don't think Ms. Rollins was the girl who was with Terrace on those trips before he committed suicide? Yes. His blood is on her hands, Colonel, and probably the blood of a dozen other men. Now, Tuesday night, after you've had dinner, I wish you'd go with her into your library den for coffee. But under no conditions, Colonel. Drink the coffee now. I'll casually drop in a little later. Hmm. You intend to break her Tuesday night? If I can. And I hope I can. What's the matter, Colonel? White as a sheet? I. I'm all right. Can I get you something? No. What is it, Colonel? You can tell me, Harding. I love her. You don't mean that. Yes. Yes, I do mean it. I love her. But. Good heavens, man, you can't. But I do. I think she's innocent. She didn't try to copy the key. She. She never tried to ask me questions about secret government affairs. But she's a murderess, Colonel. Take my word for it. The blood of terrorists is on her. She'd double cross you in a second. I didn't realize how lonely I've been. She's so clever, smart, beautiful. Everything about her. I can't stand it. You're not thinking of doing what William Terrace did? No, no, not that. I guess I can see it through. I'm sorry, Colonel. Terribly sorry. I guess there's no more to be said. You'll go through with it tomorrow night as planned? Yes. Now remember, do not drink any coffee that's poured. I wish I could say something. Colonel Reynolds, I. I feel for you from the bottom of my heart. But this is bigger than you or me. I know, but still, I think she's innocent. Some more champagne, Avery?

[C]

Please.

[A]

John, that's a stunning evening gown that blends right with your skin.

[C]

Oh, flatter.

[A]

Some more champagne for you, sir? Yes. And Martin. Yes, sir? Ms. Avery and I will have our brandy and coffee in the library tonight. Yes, sir. And I'd like to have you remain this evening. Very good, sir. Oh, by the way, Avery, did you ever know William R. Terror Terrace?

[C]

Wasn't he the man who committed suicide about four months ago? Yes, I've seen him, but I've never met him.

[A]

Oh. Awful thing, wasn't it?

[C]

I've heard some people say wasn't suicide.

[A]

Yes, but you can't tell from rumors. Like the silverware.

[C]

You caught me looking at it, John. Yes, I do like it. Everything about this place, it's. It's so tasteful.

[A]

I had thought I was perfectly contented but now it all seems so insignificant. To have something really worthwhile, you've got to have someone to share it with.

[C]

I found the same thing true, John. Closeness and comradeship mean more than anything.

[A]

Shall I have Martin serve the coffee and brandy in the library?

[C]

Yes. Do I finish?

[A]

Let me help you.

[C]

But I'd rather sit on the divan with you.

[A]

Avery, you look like the most sophisticated woman in the world. Like one of those gorgeous paintings. And then you say something so tender.

[C]

Oh, but a woman should be a mystery to a man.

[A]

There, Avery.

[C]

I know.

[A]

But you don't know how much.

[C]

Yes, I do, John. My heart's pitter pattering the same way it has been ever since that last trip.

[A]

Do you love me, Avery?

[C]

Yes, John. Very deeply.

[A]

Avery. Pardon me, sir, but Mr. Harding and his friend have called. Oh, yes? Yes, Martin, show them in.

[C]

Why did they have to come at just this moment?

[A]

Well, Harding's a very good friend. I guess he's just dropping in. We were just on our way to the club. We thought we'd stop in. Colonel. Hello, Harding. Glad to see you. Have you met Miss Rollins? I don't believe I've had that Privilege. Good evening, Ms. Rollins.

[C]

Good evening, Mr. Harding.

[A]

Ms. Rollins is a friend of mine. Mr. Mark.

[C]

Good evening, Mr. Mark.

[A]

It's a pleasure, Col. Reynolds. Mark. Good Evening, Mr. Mark. Won't you join us in the brandy and coffee? No, thank you. We've just finished dinner. Sit down, gentlemen, and make yourselves comfortable.

[C]

Oh, while you men chat, I think I'll go and freshen up a bit. We just finished dinner. A delicious dinner, Mr. Harding, but fried chicken, and you know what that does to the hand.

[A]

I've always maintained the only real place to really enjoy fried chicken was in the bath.

[C]

Well, you men chat and I'll be back in just a few moments.

[A]

If you.

[C]

If you'll excuse me.

[A]

Harding, it's all right to talk in front of Mr. Moff? Yes, Colonel. He's a counter spy in active service. Harding, it can't be true. She's too decent. I'm going crazy. Colonel Reynolds, I'm going to have to be brutal tonight. Ordinarily, I wouldn't operate this way, but I'm going to do everything I can to expose this right here in front of you. I believe I owe it to you. Tell me, Harding. She's really one of your agents working with you. Tell me that you suspected me and really did this so she could check on me. Tell me that he's my man. The only way, Colonel, is to let this Unfold. Would you ring for your butler, please? Why, yes. Yes, Harding. Is it the butler you're really after? Tell me it's he and not Avery, isn't it? Colonel, I know how upset you are. I sympathize, but I can't change the facts. Now, don't say anything for a minute. Did you ring for me, sir? I believe the colonel wanted you to pour some brandy for me. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. This is a gun in your stomach. Don't move, Harding. Quiet, please. Colonel, cup his hands behind him, Mark. Tight. I've got him. Then he's the man you're after, Not Avery, I believe. Hey, you. Martin there. Without his wig he looks more natural, like his pictures. Your butler, Colonel Reynolds, is Herr Franz Backman, one of the cleverest Austrian spies. I am not him. I do not know whom you are talking about. Colonel, when your butler was hurt by a car six weeks ago, you might be interested to know it was a plot. The man at the wheel of the car which ran down your butler was this man standing here. He wanted to pose as a butler so he could get in your house. Here. We've been checking on him for weeks. Here, drink the coffee you serve the colonel. Drink it. You don't like doped coffee, huh? Bergman, please. Harding, Avery is coming back. Watch her when she comes in. I think she'll be pretty surprised.

[C]

There's something the matter in here. Is that your butler? His hair?

[A]

Yes, Ms. Rollins. We removed his wig.

[C]

Why?

[A]

For the reason that he happens not to be a butler, but Herr Franz Bergmann, a very noted Austrian spy.

[C]

A spy? He's a spy?

[A]

Yes, quite a catch.

[C]

Oh, I'm so glad you caught him.

[A]

Mark, take Beckmann over to the other side of the room. Come on, Hitler, or I'll lead you by the nose.

[C]

Oh, John, you must feel terribly about this taking place in your apartment. Here, take this brandy. You look like a ghost.

[A]

Thank you. Thank you, Avery. Thanks. Now, Colonel Reynolds, I have a record I'd like to play for you. Would you mind my using your machine? Why, no, no. The switch is right on the side of the radio. It's just a short recording. I. I feel a little dizzy. I guess I'll sit here by you, Avery.

[C]

Good. What kind of a record is it, Mr. Harding? What's the purpose of it?

[A]

I believe that it'll be self explanatory. It was made last night. There. The lines were spoken rather softly at the time. But I'll turn on the full volume so we won't miss anything. Yeah. Quick get the camera ready. I can't find anything but personal papers.

[C]

They must be there. The colonel told me himself he kept them in the wall safe in his library.

[A]

But if we don't find them, you just have to keep on playing him.

[C]

That old fool. I want a spit in his face every time I get near him. I can't stand to touch him.

[A]

The plants are not here.

[C]

Yeah, he has picked them, but they must be there.

[A]

We have failed tonight, but he'll probably put them in here tomorrow night. I hope.

[C]

Tonight would be the last. Then I could break him and force him to commit suicide like terrorists. If he won't, we'll poison his coffee.

[A]

Not so quick.

[C]

Dogs. Vermin. I'll spit at you. I'll kill you.

[A]

Avery. You know what you'll say.

[C]

You pig. You twine. Let go of me.

[A]

Fortunately, Colonel Reynolds, the plans weren't there. But if they had been, you wouldn't be alive tonight. She'd have worked on you till she'd gotten you to commit suicide.

[C]

I would have made him kill himself just like I made Terrace. Kill him.

[A]

Shut up, you fool. Don't talk. She'd have told you she'd gotten a plan, that you'd be disgraced. She'd have broken your heart. You'd have done what all the other men have done. She's worked on.

[C]

And I would have laughed at the stupid dog.

[A]

Colonel, her real name is Marie Schmitz of Hungary. A paid spy. She goes to the biggest bidder. This woman is one of the cleverest, if not the cleverest, paid woman spy in this country. And that buffer of yours, Franz Bergman, is her husband. Take them away. Mark. The other agents are out in the front hall. Yes, sir.

[C]

Keep your heads up.

[A]

Come on, now. Come on. Come on. I'm sorry, Colonel, but I had to strip it all down before you. So you never have any doubt. I didn't know a person could be hurt quite this much. You may have saved the lives, Colonel, of thousands of our boys. I hope so. Come over here by the window for a minute, would you? Colonel, why couldn't she have been what I hoped she was? Look at those Marines. Swing along. You've done them and the boys like them a great service, Colonel Reynolds. No one will probably ever know about it. But you will. And I will. Let's open the window. Doesn't that send a thrill through you? It does, yes. I'm glad I was able to help. Harding. Every one of us has got to sacrifice. Some one way, some another, I guess. This way.

[B]

All over this country tonight is spread a great army of counter spies, men working to protect you and our boys at the front, special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, of the Secret Service, of the treasury and State departments, of the intelligence bureaus of the army and the Navy, Men who are constantly on the alert, diligently protecting our home front. These men beg of you not to talk concerning troop movements, armaments, defense plants and wartime plans. There are many leeches, enemy agents just waiting to pounce on every little scrap of information so their experts can piece it together into a big, compact picture.

[A]

Of our war efforts.

[B]

Next Monday evening, counterspy David Harding will be on the air. Tell your friends. Invite them to listen in to these exciting dramatized cases portrayed weekly at this.

[A]

Time.

[B]

Counterspy is a Phillips H. Lord production, which has originated from New York. This is the Blue Network.